bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is a CSO Good For?
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: September 2020

The CSO is not a security engineer, so let’s contrast the two jobs to create a picture of what we should and should not see.
DAML: The Contract Language of Distributed Ledgers
Authors: Kfir Shaul , Fournier Camille
Published: September 2020

We’ll see the same kind of Cambrian explosion we witnessed in the web world once we started using mutualized infrastructure in public clouds and frameworks. It took only three weeks to learn enough Ruby on Rails and Heroku to push out the first version of a management system for that brokerage. And that’s because I had to think only about the models, the views, and the controllers. The hardest part, of course, had to do with building a secure wallet.
Koding Academies
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: September 2020

Encourage your friend to pick a course that will introduce concepts that can be used into the future, rather than just a specific set of buzzword technologies that are hot this year. Most courses are based around Python. Encourage your friend to study that as a first computer language, as the concepts learned in Python can be applied in other languages and other fields. And make sure to be very direct in explaining that the certificate effectively makes its holder a front-end plumber, able to unclog the series of pipes that run between businesses and consumers’ wallets, and that becoming a software engineer will take quite a bit more study and practice.
Undergraduates from underrepresented groups gain research skills and career aspirations through summer research fellowship
Authors: Bruthers C. Brooke , Matyas Marsha Lakes
Published: September 2020

Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) have proven to be one of the most valuable approaches to increasing the number of underrepresented students earning degrees in STEM fields. However, there are many questions about how these impacts occur. Improving grades, experiencing laboratory work, and working with research staff are important components, but developing a “science identity” is integral to this process. In this qualitative study, interviews with 25 past summer research fellows who are members of groups underrepresented in STEM (underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, first-generation college, and persons with financial or social disadvantages) provide insights into this process. The conversations validate that their summer research experiences helped them attain each of the program objectives, but their experiences differed, in part, based on their prior research experiences. Their narratives emphasized the strong impact that the program had on skills (e.g., research design, data analysis and presentation, time management/organization, writing, speaking, network development, math/statistics), confidence, motivation, and research career aspirations. As fellows learned more about research, they saw its relationship to medicine, and many integrated basic or clinical research into their career plans. Three central themes resulted from the discussions: the need to customize program goals for diverse participants, the pivotal role of the research mentor-student relationship, and the powerful impact of participating in a national scientific meeting. Recommendations for URE programs are proposed.
Opportunistic physiology: inserting physiology and pathophysiology content into virtually delivered clinical rotations
Authors: Wilson Thad E. , Mulye Minal , Akbar Samina
Published: September 2020

It is important to reinforce physiology and pathophysiology concepts during clinical rotations, which traditionally occur after the foundational sciences in the US medical school system. We took an opportunistic approach when the COVID-19 pandemic forced our content into virtual delivery mode, as clinical medical education required a shift to nonpatient contact. We describe our experience in building a 2-wk course that consisted of online small groups during week 1 and panels and cases during week 2. The physiology content involved faculty-vetted resources, along with both discrete and open-ended focus questions for each learning objective. The course also included mechanical ventilation, and the physiologist utilized discussion points and developed a formative quiz to emphasize the physiology correlates, in addition to the very clinical aspects of mechanical ventilation. There were pathophysiology opportunities with pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and multiple-organ system dysfunction among the clinical correlates. Review and recall of the foundational sciences occurred, allowing links between the pre-clerkship and clerkship years that were previously undiscovered in our institution. This virtually delivered medical curriculum related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19 is timely, carries high student interest, and can benefit medical students and the communities they serve.
The effect of long-term ultra-endurance exercise and SOD2 genotype on telomere shortening with age
Authors: Hernando Barbara , Gil-Barrachina Marta , Tomás-Bort Elena , Martinez-Navarro Ignacio , Collado-Boira Eladio , Hernando Carlos
Published: September 2020

Habitual ultra-endurance exercise seems to promote telomere length maintenance, especially at older ages. In addition, the beneficial effect of ultra-endurance training on biological aging is higher in ultra-trail runners who have been engaged to ultra-endurance training during many years. Finally, and for the first time, this study shows that the SOD2 rs4880 polymorphism has a significant impact on telomere length, as well as on acute inflammatory response to a 107-km trail race.
Study on the Annual Reduction Rate of Vehicle Emission Factors for Carbon Monoxide: A Case Study of Urban Road Tunnels in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Chen Jianxun , Luo Yanbin , Shi Zhou , Ji Xiang , Zhu Haoyang
Published: September 2020

Environmental pollution and energy conservation in urban tunnels have become important issues that affect the scientific design and sustainable development of urban tunnels. The carbon monoxide (CO) concentration in urban road tunnels is regarded as a direct reflection and a useful tracer of the intensity of anthropogenic transportation activities. Previous studies in recent years have paid more attention to pollutant emission factors, but less to the calculation parameters of ventilation design for tunnels. This paper aims to study a reasonable annual reduction rate of CO base emission factors. Therefore, a detailed field measurement was carried out in the four typical urban road tunnels, Henglongshan Tunnel, Cejiexian Tunnel, Jiuweiling Tunnel, and Dameisha Tunnel in Shenzhen, China, from March 29 to September 16, 2014. Measurement results showed that the traffic flow of the four urban tunnels had been approaching the design value, or even beyond the limit. The average daily air velocities in the four tunnels were all within 5 m/s, whereas the maximum air velocity had exceeded the limit of 10 m/s. The CO concentrations in Henglongshan Tunnel, Cejiexian Tunnel, Jiuweiling Tunnel, and Dameisha Tunnel were 17 ppm, 7 ppm, 39 ppm, and 8 ppm, respectively. Moreover, it was found that the average CO emission factors of Henglongshan Tunnel, Cejiexian Tunnel, Jiuweiling Tunnel, and Dameisha Tunnel were 1.075 g/(km·veh), 1.245 g/(km·veh), 4.154 g/(km·veh), and 1.739 g/(km·veh), respectively. Based on the statistical data, the CO emission factors of mixed traffic and passenger cars decrease by an average of 16.4% and 33.3%, respectively, per year through the regression method and by an average of 17.4% and 29.0%, respectively, per year through the extremum method. Finally, when considering the safety factor of 20%, it is more reasonable for the CO base emission to adopt 4% as an annual reduction rate for ventilation design in urban tunnels.
Class Ratio Transform with an Application to Describing the Roughness Anisotropy of Natural Rock Joints
Authors: Yong Rui , Huang Lei , Hou Qinkuan , Du Shigui
Published: September 2020

In this study, we explore the potential of class ratio transform with an application to describing the roughness anisotropy of natural rock joints. Roughness smooth coefficient, used for suitably smoothing the roughness parameter values to realize an anisotropic model, is proposed to represent the apparent anisotropy of surface roughness. The geometric irregularities of roughness parameters in polar plots allow transforming to a regular roughness asperity pattern, which can be readily approximated by the ellipse function. The joint roughness coefficients in different orientations of natural rock joints were measured and revealed to be identical after applying the smoothing process using the class ratio transform method. The results show that the roughness smooth coefficient increases with sample size but decreases as azimuthal interval narrows. This method demonstrates the ability in describing the roughness anisotropy and inferring the roughness parameters Z2, Rp, and .
Research on Key Technologies of Floor Heave Control in Soft Rock Roadway
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhang Haidong , Wang Peng
Published: September 2020

Aiming at the floor heave of transportation concentrated roadway on the West Wing (TCRWW) of No. 1 Coal Seam in Danhou Mine, it affects underground coal transportation and mine safety production. First, the lithology and structure of the roadway floor were sampled and tested, and it was found that it contained clay minerals with high hydrophilicity. Secondly, starting from the mechanical mechanism of the roadway floor, a mechanical model of the roadway floor is established. By increasing the floor anchoring layer thickness m1, the floor deformation can be effectively controlled to guarantee the stability of the surrounding rock of the roadway. Thirdly, the FLAC3D numerical simulation analysis of the roadway deformation under the existing support scheme of the roadway is consistent with the measured deformation results on‐site, thereby revealing that the existing support scheme and parameters are not reasonable. Finally, the unreasonable support scheme and parameters of the existing roadway were disclosed, and an antifloor arch structure was proposed: “quicklime bottom paving + prestressed anchor cable + concrete arc beam + metal mesh + C20 high‐strength concrete filling.” This floor treatment plan is adopted for the industrial verification of the test section of TCRWW. Engineering practice shows that the optimized roadway support scheme has a better effect on the deformation control of the roof‐to‐floor and rib‐to‐rib, thereby effectively ensuring safe and efficient production in the mine.
Enhancing the Anti-Erosive Properties of Fluoride and Stannous with the Polymer Carbopol
Authors: Ávila Daniele Mara da Silva , Augusto Marina Gullo , Zanatta Rayssa Ferreira , Scaramucci Tais , Aoki Idalina Vieira , Torres Carlos Rocha Gomes , Borges Alessandra Bühler
Published: September 2020

This in vitro study investigated whether Carbopol 980 polymer could potentiate the anti-erosive effect of solutions containing sodium fluoride (F) and sodium fluoride associated with stannous chloride (FS). The dissolution of hydroxyapatite treated with the experimental solutions (F [500 ppm F–], F + Carbopol [0.1%], FS [500 ppm F– + 800 ppm Sn2+], FS + Carbopol) was evaluated. Deionized water was the negative control, and a commercial mouth rinse (AmF/NaF/SnCl2; 500 ppm F + 800 ppm Sn2+; Elmex® Erosion Protection) was the positive control. The solutions were also evaluated in an erosion-rehardening protocol, with two treatments per day, using bovine enamel specimens (n = 15) and human saliva. The acid challenge was performed using 0.3% citric acid (pH 2.6) for 2 min. Microhardness was measured at different times: baseline, after the first erosive challenge, after treatment, and after the second erosive challenge. Based on microhardness values, the demineralization, rehardening, and protective potentials were calculated. The alkali-soluble fluoride on enamel surfaces was also measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). Groups treated with FS + Carbopol showed the lowest hydroxyapatite dissolution and the highest rehardening and protective potentials. The measurement of alkali-soluble fluoride on enamel surfaces was also higher in the FS + Carbopol group. Carbopol was able to significantly increase the protective effect of the fluoridated solutions in addition to optimizing the adsorption of fluoride on the enamel surface.
How Long Is Otosclerosis Surgery Effective? Hearing Results after a 22-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Lucidi Daniela , Paludetti Gaetano , Settimi Stefano , De Corso Eugenio , Picciotti Pasqualina Maria , Sergi Bruno
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Stapes surgery is a safe procedure, with favourable hearing outcome. The objective of the study is to assess the long-term hearing results, addressing the bone conduction (BC) decay and the need for hearing aids in otosclerosis patients. Methods: We enrolled patients who underwent stapes surgery by means of stapedectomy or stapedotomy between 1991 and 2001. All enrolled patients underwent pure-tone audiometry (PTA) between September 2017 and June 2018. A set of questions was administered to record the prevalence of subjective symptoms and the need for hearing aids. Results: Seventy patients were enrolled for a long-term evaluation; 37 patients underwent bilateral surgery; therefore, 107 ears were included in the analysis. The average follow-up period was 22 years. No statistically significant difference was found between early and late post-operative air conduction (AC) PTA (41 vs. 49 dB; p > 0.05) nor between early and late post-operative BC-PTA (29 vs. 37 dB; p > 0.05). A significant difference was observed for AC at 8 kHz (65 vs. 78 dB; p < 0.05) and BC at 2 and 4 kHz (28 vs. 40 dB and 45 vs. 58 dB, respectively; p < 0.05). Conclusions: This is, to our knowledge, the longest mean follow-up time in the literature. A mild decrease in both AC and BC threshold can be expected and the sensorineural decay is more pronounced on the high frequencies. The subjective hearing symptoms and overall sound perception are satisfactory.
Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Dynamic Updating of Native Language
Authors: Sharer Kelly , Thothathiri Malathi
Published: September 2020

Language users encounter different sentence structures from different people in different contexts. Although syntactic variability and adults’ ability to adapt to it are both widely acknowledged, the relevant mechanisms and neural substrates are unknown. We hypothesized that syntactic updating might rely on cognitive control, which can help detect and resolve mismatch between prior linguistic expectations and new language experiences that countervail those expectations and thereby assist in accurately encoding new input. Using functional neuroimaging (fMRI), we investigated updating in garden-path sentence comprehension to test the prediction that regions within the left inferior frontal cortex might be relevant neural substrates, and additionally, explored the role of regions within the multiple demand network. Participants read ambiguous and unambiguous main-verb and relative-clause sentences. Ambiguous relative-clause sentences led to a garden-path effect in the left pars opercularis within the lateral frontal cortex and the left anterior insula/frontal operculum within the multiple demand network. This effect decreased upon repeated exposure to relative-clause sentences, consistent with updating. The two regions showed several contrastive patterns, including different activation relative to baseline, correlation with performance in a cognitive control task (the Stroop task), and verb-specificity versus generality in adaptation. Together, these results offer new insight into how the brain updates native language. They demonstrate the involvement of left frontal brain regions in helping the language system adjust to new experiences, with different areas playing distinct functional roles.
Scotland’s Named Person Scheme
Authors: Black Gillian
Published: September 2020

The Scottish Government’s proposal to introduce a “Named Person” scheme was intended to improve child protection and wellbeing in Scotland, by allocating an identified Named Person to every child in Scotland. The scheme was met by considerable concern from a range of parties, and was challenged in the courts on the basis that the data sharing provisions infringed the data protection and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (echr) privacy rights of children and parents. As a result of the complexities of introducing lawful data sharing provisions, the scheme has now been scrapped, without ever being introduced. However, at no point was there any sustained analysis of the impact of Article 5 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (uncrc) on the Named Person scheme: to what extent would the Scottish Government proposals have helped parents meet their obligations under Article 5? Or would they in fact have infringed parents’ and children’s rights? This article provides a case study of Article 5 in practice, by setting out the background to the now-defunct Named Person scheme, before going on to analyse its interaction – and compliance – with the State Party’s obligations under Article 5.
Allocybaeina littlewalteri (Araneae: Cybaeidae): a new genus and species endemic to northwestern California
Authors: BENNETT ROBB , COPLEY CLAUDIA , COPLEY DARREN
Published: September 2020

Various undescribed Cybaeina Chamberlin & Ivie (Araneae: Dictynoidea: Cybaeidae) and Cybaeina-like taxa are known from forested habitats in the west coast of North America. Most have very restricted ranges within the northern portion of the Californian Floristic Province, a well-known biodiversity hotspot. Here we describe Allocybaeina Bennett gen. nov. and its single included species, Allocybaeina littlewalteri Bennett spec. nov. This infrequently collected species is restricted to forested habitat in a small area of the coastal watersheds of southern Humboldt and western Mendocino Counties in northwestern California, U.S.A. In addition to descriptions we provide diagnoses, illustrations, a distribution map, and discuss conservation implications for this distinctive new genus and species.
Heterotopic Ossification Following Decompression and Interspinous Dynamic Stabilization for Treating Lumbar Degenerative Disease Based on Minimum Follow-Up of Five Years and X-ray Imaging
Authors: Lu Haibo , Hai Yong , Zhang Yangpu , Guan Li , Liu Yuzeng , Yang Jincai
Published: September 2020

Objective: Hetertopic ossiofication (HO) was considered one of the main adverse events following lumbar decompression and could negatively affect these patients' daily activity. However, there is still a lack of evidence to assess the association between the incidence of HO at
surgical segment and clinical outcomes following the implantation of a Coflex™ device. The objective of this study is determine the association between the incidence of HO and clinical outcomes following implantation of a Coflex™ device based on X-ray imaging.
Methodology: One hundred sixty-nine consecutive patients who underwent decompression and implantation of a Coflex™ device from December 2007 to January 2014 were studied. A logistic regression analysis was used to analyze complications and development of HO. Spearman's
rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between clinical results and the incidence of HO based on X-ray imaging. Results: All patients showed improvement from baseline in clinical outcomes at all time points up to 5 years post-operation (all p = 0.000).
Preoperative range of motion (ROM) of operated segment had a positive relationship with the incidence of HO (r = 0.194, p = 0.012). No correlation exists between the incidence of HO and clinical outcomes. The odds ratio (OR) for development of complications in patients with Pfirrmann
disc degeneration classification grades III and IV compared to those with grades 0, I and II was 3.003 (p = 0.005, 95% confidence interval, 1.621–34.195). In addition, the OR for the incidence of HO in the large ROM of the surgical segment compared to that in the normal/small
ROM segment was 21.670 (p = 0.001, 95% confidence interval, 21.137–22.280). Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that high Pfirrmann disc degenerative classification grades and a large ROM of the surgical segment were the main risk factors for complications and development
of HO, respectively.
Comparison of Echocardiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Patients Diagnosed with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Wang Wei
Published: September 2020

Objective: The occurrence of ischemic cardiomyopathy poses a serious threat to the health of patients. At present, there are different treatments for ischemic cardiomyopathy. In the course of treatment, it is necessary to analyze the cause of the patient's disease and the actual
condition of the disease through accurate medical images. Methods: Echocardiography and cardiac MRI were performed on all patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, and the interval between the two tests was less than one week. In the ultrasound examination, the inner diameter of the atrioventricular
cavity and the inner diameter of the aorta were routinely measured, the left ventricular ejection fraction was estimated, and the wall motion was observed. During magnetic resonance examination, we performed the following: (1) cardiac morphology examination, (2) cardiac function examination,
(3) myocardial first perfusion, and (4) myocardial activity examination. Results: Our study found that echocardiography could not accurately detect ischemic myocardium, and magnetic resonance was significantly better than echocardiography. The number of infarcted myocardial segments
detected by conventional echocardiography and MRI was statistically significant. Conclusion: In medical practice, cardiac magnetic resonance examination can be used asan early clinical diagnosis and early intervention to treat ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Enhanced Recovery Concept in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Zhou Ying , Qian Rui , Xu Lijuan , Gao Jing , Liu Jingjing , Liu Yingqing , Zhang Jin , Hao Yang
Published: September 2020

Objective: The postoperative complications of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) should not be ignored. The aim of this study is to explore the application value of enhanced recovery (ER) concept in PCNL. Method: A retrospective analysis was made of
60 patients with renal and upper ureteral calculi admitted to our hospital from March 2019 to December 2019. According to different treatment measures, they were divided into two groups: ER group (n = 30) and traditional group (n = 30). All the time related to surgery and postoperative
recovery, incidence of postoperative diseases, and the anxiety and depression scores were compared between the two groups. Result: Ultrasonic examination showed that all the stones were discharged smoothly. Compared with traditional group, the rehydration time, the time of first exhaust
and first defecation were significantly shortened; the incidence of hypothermia and postoperative fever and bleeding were significantly reduced; the anxiety scores were significantly decreased. Conclusion: It is safe and effective to apply ER concept in PCNL operation, which can improve
the comfort, promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function and physical fitness, and do not increase the postoperative complications.
Intensive Care Unit Safety Management Procedures in Computed Tomography Examination of Tracheal Intubation Patients
Authors: Chen Qionghua , You Deyuan , Lai Qingquan , Liu Yuqi , Sun Xuri , Wan Zili , Xin Fupin
Published: September 2020

Objective: To explore the application effect and nursing strategy of comprehensive safety management process in CT examination of ICU patients with tracheal incubation and general tuberculosis. Methods: A total of 52 patients with tracheal incubation and general pulmonary
tuberculosis who underwent CT examination in our hospital were selected as the research objects, and they were divided into control group and observation group according to the random number table method, with 26 cases in each group. The control group adopted the traditional nursing mode,
and the observation group applied the integrated safety management process based on the control group. The general conditions, nursing satisfaction, comfort, compliance behavior, and anxiety scores of the two groups during the CT examination were compared. Results: The change rate of
CT vital signs in the observation group (19.23%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (46.15%), and the scan completion rate (100.00%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (84.62%). The satisfaction score and comfort score of the observation group after
inspection were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the anxiety scores between the two groups of patients before the examination (P > 0.05); the anxiety
scores of the two groups after the examination were significantly lower than those before the examination; the anxiety score of the observation group after the examination was significantly lower than that of the control group. There was statistical significance (P < 0.05). The Grade
1 coordination rate in the observation group (69.23%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (57.65%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The combined application of comprehensive safety management procedures in CT examination
of ICU tracheal intubation patients can effectively improve the patient's nursing satisfaction, comfort, safety and compliance behavior, and improve patient anxiety, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
X-ray and Computed Tomography Analysis of Spinal Joint Injuries
Authors: Zhang Hongyi , Feng Haoyu , Chen Chen , Zhang Li , Li Qiang , Zhao Haoliang
Published: September 2020

Objective: The X-ray and CT features of minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw for open reduction and internal fixation and traditional open reduction and internal fixation for thoracolumbar fractures were compared. Methods: Sixty-two patients with thoracolumbar
fractures were analyzed with single vertebral body injury without obvious osteoporosis. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group A, minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screws were used for open reduction and fixation. Group B was treated with thoracolumbar vertebral fracture
with traditional incision and reduction and internal fixation with posterolateral fusion. Both groups followed standard surgical methods and methods, the same postoperative treatment and functional exercise plan. Results: During a 9-month follow-up, X-ray and computed tomography were
used to analyze fracture joint motion injuries. The recovery rate of vertebral height in group A was significantly better than that in group B. At 9 months after operation, the recovery rate of vertebral height in group A increased. The neural function was similar, but the improvement rate
in group A was significantly better than that in group B. Conclusions: Minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screws for open reduction and internal fixation are compared with traditional open reduction and internal fixation for thoracolumbar fractures. Vertebral body height, symptom
improvement, and neurological recovery after a lumbar fracture. However, minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screws for open reduction and internal fixation can immediately increase the compression stability of the anterior spine and reduce complications such as nail and rod rupture due
to excessive fixation pressure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Manifestations of Brain Metastases in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Lijie
Published: September 2020

Objective: Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the clinical and imaging characteristics of brain metastases from lung cancer were analyzed to improve the early diagnosis rate. Computed tomography (CT) was used to confirm the existence of lung lesions. Methods: The
clinical and imaging data of 17 lung cancer brain metastases first diagnosed in neurology were retrospectively analyzed. Results: All patients were diagnosed with neurological symptoms. The main complaints were headache (n = 15), dizziness (n = 10), limb weakness or hemiplegia
(n = 7), sensory disorders (n = 5), and mental and emotional disorders (n = 3), Vision loss (n = 1), and epilepsy (n = 1). Brain metastases was imaged using MRI, and primary lung lesions were indicated by chest CT. The primary lesions were confirmed by puncture
biopsy or surgical pathology. 1 case of single metastases was diagnosed by surgery, 2 cases of single metastases, 15 cases of multiple cases, most common under the cortex, and most were accompanied by peritumoral edema, and 3 cases were cystic. In 2 cases with tumor stroke, the enhancement
was most circular. Conclusions: Lung cancer and brain metastases first diagnosed in neurology are mostly neurological symptoms. Pulmonary symptoms and signs are often lacking or mild. It is easy to miss misdiagnosis based on clinical symptoms. Timely craniocerebral and chest imaging
examinations help to accurately diagnose the condition presented in our study.
Chest X-ray Image Analysis and Penehyclidine Hydrochloride Postconditioning Influence of Lung Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Ma Jun
Published: September 2020

Purpose: We analyze chest X-ray diagnosis results of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass heart surgery in intensive care unit (ICU). In our previous study, we found that penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) preconditioning pretects lung function and reduced the apoptosis.
Although preconditioning is effective, this clinical treatment is often given only when symptoms appear, when postconditioning is easier to administer. In this study, after confirming the lung condition via medical image analysis, we aimed to look the effect of high-dose penehyclidine hydrochloride
postconditioning in lung after I/R in rats, and the apoptosis mechanisms involved. Methods: Chest X-ray was taken in 256 adult patients under cardiopulmonary bypass with heart syurery. Medical image analysis was preliminarily performed, the diagnostic results were analyzed. Rats were
subjected to ischemia in left lung 45 min, and then 2 h reperfusion, and treated with PHC. We then observed the effects of PHC on the following: lung function, lung injury, oxidative stress, rate of apoptosis of lung cells, apoptosis-related proteins, and the p38 MAPK pathway. Results:
Analysis results of chest X-ray suggest multiple pulmonary complications after cardiopulmonary bypass heart surgery. The laboratory results showed that high-dose penehyclidine hydrochloride postconditioning significantly protected lung function, reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis of the
lungs caused by reperfusion, and inhibited activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. Conclusion: Analysis results of chest X-ray show multiple pulmonary complications after cardiopulmonary bypass heart surgery. This study suggests that high-dose penehyclidine hydrochloride can treat lung
I/R injury.
Regional Climate Responses in East Asia to the Black Carbon Aerosol Direct Effects from India and China in Summer
Authors: Chen Huimin , Zhuang Bingliang , Liu Jane , Li Shu , Wang Tijian , Xie Xiaodong , Xie Min , Li Mengmeng , Zhao Ming
Published: September 2020

Black carbon (BC) aerosol is a significant and short-lived climate forcing factor. Here, the direct effects of BC emissions from India (IDBC) and China (CNBC) are investigated in East Asia during summer using the state-of-the-art regional climate model RegCM4. In summer, IDBC and CNBC account for approximately 30% and 46% of the total BC emissions in Asia, respectively. The total BC column burden from the two countries and corresponding TOA effective radiative forcing are 1.58 mg m−2and +1.87 W m−2in East Asia, respectively. The regional air temperature increases over 0.3 K at maximum and precipitation decreases 0.028 mm day−1on average. Individually, IDBC and CNBC each can bring about rather different effects on regional climate. IDBC can result in a cooling perturbation accompanied by a substantially increased cloud amount and scattering aerosol loading, resulting in a complex response in the regional precipitation, while CNBC can lead to regional warming, and further induce a local flood in northern China or drought in southern China depending on the opposite but significant circulation anomalies. CNBC plays a dominant role in modulating the regional climate over East Asia due to its higher magnitude, wider coverage, and stronger climate feedback. The direct effect of the total BC from both countries is not a linear combination of that of IDBC and CNBC individually, suggesting that the regional climate responses are highly nonlinear to the emission intensity or aerosol loading, which may be greatly related to the influences of the perturbed atmospheric circulations and climate feedback.
A Regime-Oriented Approach to Observationally Constraining Extratropical Shortwave Cloud Feedbacks
Authors: McCoy Daniel T. , Field Paul , Bodas-Salcedo Alejandro , Elsaesser Gregory S. , Zelinka Mark D.
Published: September 2020

The extratropical shortwave (SW) cloud feedback is primarily due to increases in extratropical liquid cloud extent and optical depth. Here, we examine the response of extratropical (35°–75°) marine cloud liquid water path (LWP) to a uniform 4-K increase in sea surface temperature (SST) in global climate models (GCMs) from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and variants of the HadGEM3-GC3.1 GCM. Compositing is used to partition data into periods inside and out of cyclones. The response of extratropical LWP to a uniform SST increase and associated atmospheric response varies substantially among GCMs, but the sensitivity of LWP to cloud controlling factors (CCFs) is qualitatively similar. When all other predictors are held constant, increasing moisture flux drives an increase in LWP. Increasing SST, holding all other predictors fixed, leads to a decrease in LWP. The combinations of these changes lead to LWP, and by extension reflected SW, increasing with warming in both hemispheres. Observations predict an increase in reflected SW over oceans of 0.8–1.6 W m−2per kelvin SST increase (35°–75°N) and 1.2–1.9 W m−2per kelvin SST increase (35°–75°S). This increase in reflected SW is mainly due to increased moisture convergence into cyclones because of increasing available moisture. The efficiency at which converging moisture is converted into precipitation determines the amount of liquid cloud. Thus, cyclone precipitation processes are critical to constraining extratropical cloud feedbacks.
Assessing the Impact of Changes in Land Surface Conditions on WRF Predictions in Arid Regions
Authors: Temimi Marouane , Fonseca Ricardo , Nelli Narendra , Weston Michael , Thota Mohan , Valappil Vineeth , Branch Oliver , Wizemann Hans-Dieter , Kondapalli Niranjan Kumar , Wehbe Youssef , Al Hosary Taha , Shalaby Abdeltawab , Al Shamsi Noor , Al Naqbi Hajer
Published: September 2020

A thorough evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model is conducted over the United Arab Emirates, for the period September 2017–August 2018. Two simulations are performed: one with the default model settings (control run), and another one (experiment) with an improved representation of soil texture and land use land cover (LULC). The model predictions are evaluated against observations at 35 weather stations, radiosonde profiles at the coastal Abu Dhabi International Airport, and surface fluxes from eddy-covariance measurements at the inland city of Al Ain. It is found that WRF’s cold temperature bias, also present in the forcing data and seen almost exclusively at night, is reduced when the surface and soil properties are updated, by as much as 3.5 K. This arises from the expansion of the urban areas, and the replacement of loamy regions with sand, which has a higher thermal inertia. However, the model continues to overestimate the strength of the near-surface wind at all stations and seasons, typically by 0.5–1.5 m s−1. It is concluded that the albedo of barren/sparsely vegetated regions in WRF (0.380) is higher than that inferred from eddy-covariance observations (0.340), which can also explain the referred cold bias. At the Abu Dhabi site, even though soil texture and LULC are not changed, there is a small but positive effect on the predicted vertical profiles of temperature, humidity, and horizontal wind speed, mostly between 950 and 750 hPa, possibly because of differences in vertical mixing.
On the Nonlinear Mapping of an Ocean Wave Spectrum into a New Polarimetric SAR Image Spectrum
Authors: Zhang Yanmin , Wang Yunhua , Xu Qiaohui
Published: September 2020

A new nonlinear transformation relation is derived to describe the mapping of a two-dimensional ocean wave spectrum into a new polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image spectrum. It is a further expansion and improvement of Hasselmann’s work. First, the nonlinear mapping relation proposed is derived on the basis of a new polarimetric SAR image instead of the conventional single-polarization SAR image. Second, the nonlinear mapping relation no longer includes the complex hydrodynamic modulation transfer function (MTF). Third, the traditional tilt MTF, which is not accurate enough for the retrieval of sea wave spectrum, is replaced by an empirical tilt MTF derived on the basis of the C-band geophysical model function [i.e., C-band synthetic aperture radar (CSAR) normalized radar cross section (NRCS) model]. A sea wave spectrum retrieval algorithm is then proposed that is based on the new nonlinear mapping and the empirical tilt MTF. The retrieved spectra from C-band polarizedRADARSAT-2SAR images are compared with the results obtained by the ECMWF Ocean Wave Model (ECWAM) and buoy measurements.
Preschool Suspension and Expulsion for Young Children With Disabilities
Authors: Zeng Songtian , Pereira Brittany , Larson Anne , Corr Catherine P. , O’Grady Courtney , Stone-MacDonald Angi
Published: September 2020

Despite their negative effect, preschool suspension and expulsion are prevalent. Researchers have explored adverse childhood experiences and teachers’ racial bias that link to disproportionate suspension and expulsion in preschools, but little research has investigated disability status as a risk factor. This study investigates the extent to which preschool children with disabilities are related to exclusionary practices. We used weighted logistic regression to analyze data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health. Results indicated that 5.4% of young children with disabilities had been either suspended or expelled, compared to 1.2% of children without disabilities. Accounting for child- and family-level covariates, disability status was not a strong indicator of preschool suspension or expulsion. Instead, young children with attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or reported behavioral or conduct problems were much more likely to experience exclusionary practices. Implications for prevention and response efforts to address challenging behavior and promote inclusive practices in preschool settings for all children are discussed.
Effects of Union Certification on Workplace-Safety Enforcement: Regression-Discontinuity Evidence
Authors: Sojourner Aaron , Yang Jooyoung
Published: September 2020

The authors study how union certification affects the enforcement of workplace-safety laws. To generate credible causal estimates, a regression discontinuity design compares outcomes in establishments in which unions barely won representation elections to outcomes in establishments in which unions barely lost such elections. The study combines two main data sets: the census of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) representation elections and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) enforcement database since 1985. Evidence shows positive effects of union certification on establishment’s rate of OSHA inspection, the share of inspections carried out in the presence of a union representative, violations cited, and penalties assessed.
A simple and economical method for the synthesis of steel-reinforced copper composite
Authors: Kafiah Feras , Al-Haidary Jafar , Masadeh Sami , Abdelsalam Emad , Alkasrawi Malek
Published: September 2020

The present study explores a new method of steel particle-reinforced copper matrix composite synthesis. Steel reinforced copper was prepared by stir casting processing method at variable percentages between 10 wt% and 50 wt%. Characterization and mechanical testing were performed on these composites using a variety of techniques. The results showed that the microstructure of the composites has a uniform distribution of steel particles in the matrix with good interfacial integrity. Brinell hardness, tensile and yield strengths, impact energy and compressive yield strength of the composites increased with increasing steel particle contents. Vickers micro-hardness increased markedly at the interface region between particle and matrix evident by the hardness maps. The friction coefficient increased proportionally with increasing steel particle content in the composite, but the contrary was noticed for accumulative wear amount. A slight decrease in deformability is expected by increasing particle content. A ductile fracture was noticed in fractographs of fracture surfaces. Cracks are propagated in the Cu matrix up to the point of fracture, i.e. not through the interfacial boundaries.
Management of appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic; short-term outcomes
Authors: Ganesh Radhakrishnan , Lucocq James , Ekpete Neville Ogbonnia , Ain Noor Ul , Lim Su Kwan , Alwash Al , Bibi Saira , Alijani Afshin
Published: September 2020

Background and aim

COVID-19 pandemic has predisposed patients undergoing surgery to post-operative infection and resultant complications. Appendicitis is frequently managed by appendicectomy. After the onset of the pandemic, selected cases of appendicitis were managed with antibiotics which is a recognised treatment option. Our objective was to compare the management of appendicitis and post-operative outcomes between pre- and post-COVID-19.

Methods

Ninety-six patients were identified from before the onset of the pandemic (November 2019) to after the onset of the pandemic (May 2020). Data were collected retrospectively from electronic records including demographics, investigations, treatment, duration of inpatient stay, complications, readmissions and compared between pre- and post-COVID-19 groups.

Results

One hundred percent underwent surgical treatment before the onset of pandemic, compared with 56.3% from the onset of the pandemic. A greater percentage of patients were investigated with imaging post-COVID-19 (100% versus 60.9%; p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in the outcomes between the two groups.

Conclusion

CT/MRI scan was preferred to laparoscopy in diagnosing appendicitis and conservative management of uncomplicated appendicitis was common practice after the onset of pandemic. Health boards can adapt their management of surgical conditions during pandemics without adverse short-term consequences. Long term follow-up of this cohort will identify patients suitable for conservative management.
The Development of 21st-Century e-Learning Module Assessment Tool
Authors: Calamlam Jose Mari M.
Published: September 2020

The emergence of 21st-century skills convinced educational institutions in modifying teaching styles, which lead to the introduction of blended, flipped, and personalized learning. Studies demonstrated present-day best practices, but none provided a practical assessment procedure. Thus, this study aimed to develop a tool in evaluating learning modules—the 21st-century e-Learning Module Assessment Tool. Identification of components for the instrument revealed the interrelating nature of blended, flipped, and personalized learning; hence, it considered nine components of 21st-century teaching instead of assessing the teaching styles separately. Content validity is established through expert evaluation while reliability is established through pilot testing. 21st-Century e-Learning Module Assessment Tool uses a 5-point scale to rate learning modules based on its compliance to the nine components of 21st-century teaching. The developed assessment tool is recommended to be used as standard in evaluating existing learning modules and a guide for future 21st-century learning modules.
Monopoly versus Individual Welfare When a Local Public Good Is Used to Attract the Creative Class
Authors: Batabyal Amitrajeet A.
Published: September 2020

We study the decision problems faced by a city authority (CA) who focuses on two different objectives in her attempt to attract members of the creative class to her city by providing a local public good (LPG). First, we compute the maximum tax that a creative class member is willing to pay to enjoy the LPG on offer by living in the CA’s city. Second, assuming that the CA acts like a “monopolist” interested in maximizing the total benefit to her city, we determine the number of members N to attract to her city and the amount of the LPG L to provide so that the total benefit is maximized. Third, supposing that the CA maximizes the welfare of an individual member, we ascertain the values of N and L that maximize this individual welfare. Finally, we compare and contrast the outcomes that arise from the CA’s focus on these two distinct objectives.
The Covid-19 crisis and manufacturing: How should national and local industrial strategies respond?
Authors: Harris JL , Sunley P , Evenhuis E , Martin R , Pike A , Harris R
Published: September 2020

The ongoing Covid-19 crisis and recession represent one of the biggest shocks to the UK manufacturing ecosystem yet, and comes at a time when the ecosystem was already in a worrying situation after decades of deindustrialisation, a decade of austerity and an impending ‘Brexit’. The effects of this shock will also be unevenly felt due to the geography of the UK manufacturing ecosystem, amplifying the need for a successful response to ensure that places are not left (further) behind. This paper assesses the pre-Covid-19 ecosystem to ascertain the areas and industries likely to be particularly impacted by the crisis, and to understand existing issues. These issues are important to consider due to the implications for choosing strategies moving forward, for which two are appraised here. First, the reshoring of supply chains is considered in light of recent government comments, but difficulties in implementation may arise due to the highly fragmented nature of UK policy frameworks. Second, an acceleration of the ‘grand challenges’ approach is likely but limited by issues of connectivity in the ecosystem and small and medium-sized firm disengagement. We suggest that any strategy moving forward must strike a balance between such strategies