bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of the Morphology and Crystal Phase in Ensembles of Self‐Catalyzed GaAs Nanowires
Authors: Dubrovskii Vladimir G.
Published: July 2019

Recent experimental data reveal the two stable contact angles of gallium droplets promoting the vapor–liquid–solid growth of GaAs nanowires, around 90° and 130°, with the critical angle of developing the truncated growth interface being smaller, but very close to 130°. Herein, a model is presented for the time evolution of the nanowire radii and preferred crystal structures in large ensembles of self‐catalyzed GaAs nanowires. The model qualitatively explains earlier experimental observations and even contradictory results. It is shown that all nanowires stabilize to a stationary radius and pure zincblende phase within the optimal range of V/III flux ratios. Lower V/III flux ratios yield pure zincblende phase without any radius stabilization, whereas higher V/III ratios lead to a limited focusing of the radius, polytypism, or even pure wurtzite phase of GaAs nanowires.
Processes determining heat waves across different European climates
Authors: Zschenderlein Philipp , Fink Andreas H. , Pfahl Stephan , Wernli Heini
Published: July 2019

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of processes determining heat waves across different climates in Europe for the period 1979–2016. Heat waves are defined using a percentile‐based index and the main processes quantified along trajectories are adiabatic compression by subsidence and local and remote diabatic processes in the upper and lower troposphere. This Lagrangian analysis is complemented by an Eulerian calculation of horizontal temperature advection. During typical summers in Europe, one or two heat waves occur, with an average duration of five days. Whereas high near‐surface temperatures over Scandinavia are accompanied by omega‐like blocking structures at 500 hPa, heat waves over the Mediterranean are connected to comparably flat ridges. Tracing air masses backwards from the heat waves, we identify three trajectory clusters with coherent thermodynamic characteristics, vertical motions, and geographic origins. In all regions, horizontal temperature advection is almost negligible. In two of the three clusters, subsidence in the free atmosphere is very important in establishing high temperatures near the surface, while the air masses in the third cluster are warmed primarily due to diabatic heating near the surface. Large interregional differences occur between the British Isles and western Russia. Over the latter region, near‐surface transport and diabatic heating appear to be very important in determining the intensity of the heat waves, whereas subsidence and adiabatic warming are of first‐order importance for the British Isles. Although the large‐scale pattern is quasistationary during heat wave days, new air masses are entrained steadily into the lower troposphere during the life cycle of a heat wave. Overall, the results of the present study provide a guideline as to which processes and diagnostics weather and climate studies should focus on to understand the severity of heat waves.
Relationship between atmospheric blocking and warm‐season thunderstorms over western and central Europe
Authors: Mohr Susanna , Wandel Jan , Lenggenhager Sina , Martius Olivia
Published: July 2019

A statistically significant link is presented between atmospheric blocking located over the eastern North Atlantic and northern Europe and warm‐season thunderstorm activity over western and central Europe. Lightning data from 2001 to 2014 were used to identify thunderstorm days and blocking events were extracted from the ERA‐Interim reanalysis using an objective identification algorithm. The statistical link between the two phenomena is established through odds ratio analysis. Two areas – one over the eastern part of the North Atlantic and one over the Baltic Sea – were identified as locations where blocking influences the occurrence of deep moist convection in parts of western and central Europe. Based on the mean ambient conditions on days with blocking in these two areas, well‐known dynamic and thermodynamic mechanisms supporting or suppressing the development of thunderstorms were confirmed. The anticyclonic circulation of a block over the eastern part of the North Atlantic leads to a northerly to northwesterly advection of dry and stable air masses into Europe on the eastern flank of the block. In addition, these environmental conditions are on average associated with large‐scale subsidence of air masses (convection‐inhibiting conditions). In contrast, the southerly to southwesterly advection of warm, moist and unstable air masses on the western flank of a block over the Baltic Sea results in convection‐favouring conditions over western and central Europe. Both blocking situations are on average associated with weak wind speeds at mid‐tropospheric levels and with weak wind shear. As a consequence, thunderstorms related to atmospheric blocking over the Baltic Sea tend to be on average less organised.
Targeted Gold Nanocluster‐Enhanced Radiotherapy of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Luo Dong , Wang Xinning , Zeng Sophia , Ramamurthy Gopalakrishnan , Burda Clemens , Basilion James P.
Published: July 2019

For over a hundred years, X‐rays have been a main component of the radiotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Yet, to date, no radiosensitizer has been developed to selectively target prostate cancer. Gold has excellent X‐ray absorptivity and is used as a radiotherapy enhancing material. In this work, ultrasmall Au25 nanoclusters (NCs) are developed for selective prostate cancer targeting, radiotherapy enhancement, and rapid clearance from the body. Targeted‐Au25 NCs are rapidly and selectively taken up by prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo and also have fast renal clearance. When combined with X‐ray irradiation of the targeted cancer tissues, radiotherapy is significantly enhanced. The selective targeting and rapid clearance of the nanoclusters may allow reductions in radiation dose, decreasing exposure to healthy tissue and making them highly attractive for clinical translation.
Application of a Tetra‐TPD‐Type Hole‐Transporting Material Fused by a Tröger's Base Core in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Braukyla Titas , Xia Rui , Malinauskas Tadas , Daskeviciene Maryte , Magomedov Artiom , Kamarauskas Egidijus , Jankauskas Vygintas , Fei Zhaofu , Roldán-Carmona Cristina , Momblona Cristina , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Dyson Paul J. , Getautis Vytautas
Published: July 2019

One of the obstacles to the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is the high price and morphological instability of the most common hole‐transporting material (HTM) Spiro‐OMeTAD. Herein, a novel HTM, termed V1160, based on four N,N′‐bis(3‐methylphenyl)‐N,N′‐diphenylbenzidine (TPD)‐type fragments, fused by a Tröger's base core, is synthesized and successfully applied in PSCs. Investigation of the optical, thermal, and photoelectrical properties shows that V1160 is a suitable candidate for application as an HTM in PSCs. A promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 18% is demonstrated, which is only slightly lower than that of Spiro‐OMeTAD. Moreover, V1160‐based devices exhibit improved performances in dopant‐free configurations and superior stability. Favorable morphological properties in combination with a simple synthesis make V1160 and related materials promising for HTM applications.
Chitinozoan biostratigraphy of the Rheidol Gorge Section, Central Wales, UK: a GSSP replacement candidate for the Rhuddanian–Aeronian boundary
Authors: De Weirdt Julie , Vandenbroucke Thijs R. A. , Cocq Justine , Russell Catherine , Davies Jeremy R. , Melchin Michael , Zalasiewicz Jan
Published: July 2019

As part of an international effort to evaluate potential replacement sections for the current Aeronian GSSP, the stratigraphy of the Rheidol Gorge section (central Wales, UK) is being restudied. A total of 28 samples from the Rhuddanian–Aeronian boundary interval at Rheidol Gorge were studied for chitinozoans. This famous Welsh Basin section, its stratigraphy rooted in the work of O.T. Jones and M. Sudbury, comprises a series of laminated black shales with abundant graptolites, alternating with grey mudstone intervals, deposited in anoxic to dysoxic/oxic seafloor conditions, respectively. The exposed section of c. 20 m spans the middle part of the upper Rhuddanian Pernerograptus revolutus Biozone through the lower Aeronian Neodiplograptus magnus Biozone of the lower to mid‐Llandovery Series (Cwmere and Derwenlas formations). Our chitinozoan analysis yielded an assemblage of over 2300 specimens distributed approximately uniformly throughout the entire succession. A total of 16 different taxa are identified, of which 12 remain in open nomenclature, reflecting the poor to moderately intact preservation of the specimens. Based on the presence of key species such as Spinachitina maennili and Conochitina iklaensis, the Rheidol Gorge section is referred to the Spinachitina maennili Biozone. This observation is in perfect alignment with the typical signature of other Rhuddanian–Aeronian boundary successions in the Welsh Basin and in other parts of the world.
Physicomechanical properties of irradiated SBR latex polymer‐modified cement mortar composites
Authors: Yassene Ali. A. M. , Ismail Mohammed R. , Afify Mahmoud S.
Published: July 2019

This study investigated the effect of styrene–butadiene‐rubber (SBR) latex/cement ratio as well as γ‐irradiation dose on physicomechanical properties of cement mortar. Specimens were prepared with a different SBR/cement mass ratio of 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20. Two curing methods were used: wet cure and dry cure. The best specimens were irradiated to doses of 10, 30, and 50 kGy. The compressive strength, total porosity, and bulk density were studied. The result indicated that the compressive strength, total porosity, and the bulk densities of the composites decrease with increase in the polymer cement ratios. In addition, it was observed that the compressive strength of irradiated polymer‐modified cement mortar composites was improved with the increase in the γ‐irradiation dose, and the compressive strength of mix‐cured samples was higher than those wet‐cured samples at any irradiation dose. X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, acid attack, and microstructure of SBR‐modified cement mortar were characterized. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:144–154, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Alcohol, its analysis in blood and breath for forensic purposes, impairment effects, and acute toxicity
Authors: Jones Alan W.
Published: July 2019

Alcohol (ethanol) is man's favorite recreational drug and the psychoactive substance most often encountered in forensic toxicology casework; impaired driving cases, sexual assaults, and drug intoxication deaths. Because of the legal consequences of a person's blood– or breath–alcohol concentration (BAC or BrAC), the analytical methods used must be accurate, precise, and fit for purpose. The gold standard method for determination of ethanol in blood and other biological specimens is gas–liquid chromatography with flame ionization detector, although some laboratories also use a mass spectrometric detector. Also widely used for legal purposes are breath–alcohol analyzers; at the roadside as screening tests and also as evidence for prosecution of traffic offenders. Evidential instruments determine ethanol in exhaled breath by infrared spectrometry at wavelengths of 3.4 and/or 9.5 μm or by electrochemical oxidation with a fuel‐cell detector. The impairment of body functions after drinking alcohol depend on the amount consumed (the dose), the speed of drinking and the BAC reaching the brain. After drinking 1–2 units of alcohol (~16 g ethanol) people become more talkative and feel less inhibited (BAC <50 mg%). Cognitive and psychomotor functions are impaired as BAC reaches 80 mg% and at 150 mg% the signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication are much more obvious including slurred speech, lack of coordination, confusion, and combativeness. On reaching BACs of 300–400 mg% most people are incapacitated and/or unconscious with slow and shallow breathing and at risk of death from paralysis of respiratory centers in the brain stem.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > Alcohol

Toxicology > Analytical Toxicology

Toxicology > Drug‐Impaired Driving
Fracture analysis of a 3D rectangular permeable crack and two 3D rectangular permeable cracks in the orthotropic piezoelectric media
Authors: Liu Hai‐Tao , Wu Wen‐Juan , Tian Hong‐Yan
Published: July 2019

Fracture analysis of a rectangular permeable crack and two 3D rectangular permeable cracks in the orthotropic piezoelectric media (OPM) is investigated by using the generalized Almansi's theorem and the Schmidt method. Utilizing the 2D Fourier transform, the problems reduce to the solution of three pairs of dual integral equations, which the unknown variables are the jumps of displacements across the crack surfaces. To solve the dual integral equations, the jumps of displacements across the crack surfaces are directly expanded as a series of Jacobi polynomials. Finally, the effects of the geometric shape of the rectangular crack and the distance between two rectangular cracks on the stress intensity factors (SIFs) and electric displacement intensity factors (EDIFs) in the OPM are analyzed.
Early Chemical Thromboprophylaxis Does not Increase the Risk of Intracranial Hematoma Progression in Patients with Isolated Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Störmann Philipp , Osinloye William , Freiman Thomas M. , Seifert Volker , Marzi Ingo , Lustenberger Thomas
Published: July 2019

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is recognized as a factor of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients suffering from severe blunt traumatic brain injury (TBI). The administration of pharmacological prophylaxis is broadly accepted as an effective therapy to prevent VTE events in trauma patients. Regardless of its ascertained efficacy, the risk of hematoma progression complicates the therapy in patients suffering from TBI: therefore, the optimal time to start prophylactic anticoagulation in these patients remains controversial.

Methods

All primary admissions to our level‐1‐trauma center between January 2012 and December 2016 were screened for severe blunt TBI with a head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≥ 3. Patients who died within the first 24 h were excluded. Basic demographic results, thromboembolic events and progression of the intracranial hematoma were extracted from the patient's records. The patients were categorized into 4 groups according to start of VTE chemoprophylaxis: early ( < 24 h after hospitalization), intermediate (24–48 h), late ( > 48 h) and no therapy (no prophylactic anticoagulation within the first five days of hospitalization). A total of 292 patients with severe TBI were analyzed (early: n = 93, intermediate: n = 90, late: n = 74, no therapy: n = 35). The overall rate of intracranial bleeding progression was 13.6% after prophylactic anticoagulation was started.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of intracranial bleeding progression comparing the different time groups (early 12.9% vs. intermediate 11.1% vs. late 17.6%; adj. p = 0.13). In patients with VTE chemoprophylaxis, no thromboembolic events were recorded. Male gender, age, head AIS and subarachnoidal hemorrhage were identified as independent risk factors associated with intracranial hematoma progression.

Conclusion

The early administration of VTE chemoprophylaxis within 24 h after admission in patients with severe TBI did not increase the risk of intracranial bleeding progression.
The Explanatory Role of Concepts
Authors: Taylor Samuel D. , Vosgerau Gottfried
Published: July 2019

Machery (Doing without concepts, Oxford University Press, New York, 2009) and Weiskopf (Synthese 169:145–173, 2009) argue that the kindconceptis a natural kind if and only if it plays an explanatory role in cognitive scientific explanations. In this paper, we argue against this explanationist approach to determining the natural kind-hood ofconcept. We first demonstrate that hybrid, pluralist, and eliminativist theories of concepts afford the kindconceptdifferent explanatory roles. Then, we argue that we cannot decide between hybrid, pluralist, and eliminativist theories of concepts, because each endorses a different, but equally viable, specification of the explananda of cognitive science. It follows that an explanationist approach to determining the natural kind-hood ofconceptfails, because there is no consensus about whether or notconceptshould be afforded an explanatory role in our best cognitive scientific explanations. We conclude by considering what our critique of explanationism could imply for further discussions about the explanatory role of concepts in cognitive science.
Young Children’s Narrations of Relational Recovery: a School-Based Group for Children Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence
Authors: Beetham Tanya , Gabriel Lynne , James Hazel
Published: July 2019

In the UK, domestic violence (DV) is one of the most common safeguarding concerns children and young people report (CAADA, 2014). However, little is known about how children experience participation in interventions that aim to support their recovery if they have been affected by DV. This study aims to understand children’s experiences of participating in a group programme facilitated by a DV organisation in the UK. Interviews were conducted with four children (aged 7–10) using a flexible, creative and child-led approach. A thematic narrative analysis was used, using a small story approach to narrative data. Results indicate that issues of children’s agency, choice and intersecting identities are central to not only how children experience DV but also how they experience recovery. Findings highlight the experiential and relational aspect of therapeutic spaces that can enable children to form relationships and construct meaningful identities. Conclusions suggest that children need to be consulted in inclusive ways in order to contribute to the development and accessibility of services designed to support them when they have been affected by DV.
Effect of Powder Recycling in Electron Beam Melting on the Surface Chemistry of Alloy 718 Powder
Authors: Gruber Hans , Henriksson Mikael , Hryha Eduard , Nyborg Lars
Published: July 2019

Process-induced degradation of the powder feedstock in additive manufacturing may have a negative influence on the final properties of built components. Consequently, it may lower the cost-effectiveness of powder bed additive manufacturing, which relies on recycling of the nonconsumed powder. This is especially the case for production of high-performance aero engine components where high material and process reliability is required. This study comprises a detailed investigation on the degradation of Alloy 718 powder during multicycle electron beam melting (EBM). The surface-sensitive analysis methods, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), were combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to depict the differences in surface morphology, and surface composition of powder samples exposed to varying numbers of re-use cycles. The results show a significant change in surface characteristics after exposing the powder to the process and the environment in the build chamber. The virgin powder is covered mainly by a relatively thin and homogeneous oxide layer. The re-used powder, however, has undergone transformation to a heterogeneous oxide layer, rich in thermodynamically stable Al-rich oxide particulates, which started already during the first build cycle. Significant growth of the Al-rich oxide occurs via selective oxidation of Al under the conditions in the build chamber, including both pick-up of oxygen from the process atmosphere and redistribution of initial surface-bound oxygen from less-stable products like Ni-oxide and/or hydroxide.
Pediatric appendectomy in developing countries
Authors: Akkary Rezkalla , Zeidan Smart , Matta Reva , Lakis Chantal , Diab Nabil
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

A review of the English literature indicates the faint superiority of laparoscopic (LA) over open appendectomy (OA) in the pediatric population; however, a developing-country's experience in the field is not available yet. This study presents our experience in LA versus OA over the last 7 years in one university hospital in Lebanon and compares our results to the international ones.

Method:

A single center retrospective study was done including all patients aged less than 15 years who underwent appendectomy. A description of each operative technique is presented. Patients' characteristics, intraoperative finding, operative timing (OT), length of stay (LOS) and short term postoperative complications including surgical site infection (SSI) rate, intra-abdominal abscess formation (IAA) rate and reoperation rate were all studied. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, as for continuous, Student's t test was used or one-way ANOVA in case of more than 2 categories.

Result:

Appendectomy was performed in 84 patients. 52 patients underwent OA through a Rocky Davis incision, and 32 patients underwent a LA. We found an advantage of LA over OA in reducing SSI, otherwise both approaches were similar.

Conclusion:

In accordance with international results, in our experience, LA is superior to OA only with regards to SSI.
UNCOUNTABLE TREES AND COHEN -REALS
Authors: LAGUZZI GIORGIO
Published: July 2019

We investigate some versions of amoeba for tree-forcings in the generalized Cantor and Baire spaces. This answers [10, Question 3.20] and generalizes a line of research that in the standard case has been studied in [11], [13], and [7]. Moreover, we also answer questions posed in [3] by Friedman, Khomskii, and Kulikov, about the relationships between regularity properties at uncountable cardinals. We show ${\bf{\Sigma }}_1^1$-counterexamples to some regularity properties related to trees without club splitting. In particular we prove a strong relationship between the Ramsey and the Baire properties, in slight contrast with the standard case.
Thermal Decomposition of Lead White for Radiocarbon Dating of Paintings
Authors: Beck Lucile , Messager Cyrielle , Coelho Stéphanie , Caffy Ingrid , Delqué-Količ Emmanuelle , Perron Marion , Mussard Solène , Dumoulin Jean-Pascal , Moreau Christophe , Gonzalez Victor , Foy Eddy , Miserque Frédéric , Bonnot-Diconne Céline
Published: July 2019

Lead carbonates were used as cosmetic and pigment since Antiquity. The pigment, known as lead white, was generally composed of cerussite and hydrocerussite. Unlike most ancient pigments, lead white was obtained by a synthetic route involving metallic lead, vinegar and organic matter. Fermentation of organic matter produces heat and CO2 emission, leading to the formation of carbonates. As lead white is formed by trapping CO2, radiocarbon (14C) dating can thus be considered. We have developed a protocol to prepare lead white. We selected modern pigments for the experiment implementation and ancient cosmetic and paintings for dating. After characterization of the samples by XRD, thermal decomposition of cerussite at various temperatures was explored in order to select the appropriate conditions for painting samples. CO2 extraction yield, SEM and XPS were used to characterize the process. Thermal decomposition at 400°C was successfully applied to mixtures of lead white with other paint components (oil as binder, calcite as filler/extender) and to historical samples. We obtained radiocarbon measurements in agreement with the expected dates, demonstrating that thermal decomposition at 400°C is efficient for a selective decomposition of lead white and that paintings can be directly 14C-dated by dating lead white pigment.
Why Did the Nazis Sterilize the Blind? Genetics and the Shaping of the Sterilization Law of 1933
Authors: Teicher Amir
Published: July 2019

The introduction of blindness into the Sterilization Law passed by the Nazis in July 1933, was exceptional, even by the standards of the time. Prior sterilization bills had focused on mental and nervous disorders, and they almost always excluded blindness as a category. The wish to sterilize the blind cannot be explained solely as stemming from the eugenic or economic threat that they allegedly posed to German society; such threats were acknowledged to be marginal, and they paled in comparison to the perceived menace attributed to the so-called feeble-minded and mentally ill. What made blindness of special significance for Nazi lawmakers was its disciplinary status among geneticists as an indisputable demonstration of the validity of the laws of heredity to human maladies. Together with two additional disease categories—deafness and Huntington's chorea—blindness provided Nazi legislators with scientific legitimization that helped pave the way for the sterilization of the mentally ill. For the blind, it was therefore not the fanaticism of the Nazis but rather their aspiration to ground their policy in biological teaching that ultimately proved fateful.
Probiotics and constipation: mechanisms of action, evidence for effectiveness and utilisation by patients and healthcare professionals
Authors: Dimidi Eirini , Mark Scott S. , Whelan Kevin
Published: July 2019

The aim of this narrative review is to assess and present evidence on the mechanisms of action of probiotics in constipation, their effectiveness and their utilisation by patients and healthcare professionals. Chronic constipation is a common bothersome disorder that has a considerable impact on patients' quality of life. Probiotics have been increasingly investigated for their effectiveness in various disorders, including chronic constipation. Probiotics may affect gut motility and constipation through their impact on the gut microbiota and fermentation, the central and enteric nervous system and the immune system. However, evidence for the effectiveness of probiotics in the management of constipation remains varied, with some strains demonstrating improvements, while others show no effect. Despite the uncertainty in evidence and the fact that the majority of healthcare professionals do not recommend probiotics for constipation, an increased prevalence of probiotic use by people with constipation has been shown. Therefore, there is a need for public health strategies to inform the public about where strong evidence of probiotic effectiveness exist, and where evidence is still weak. Education of healthcare professionals on the increased utilisation of probiotics for constipation by the public and on current evidence for the effectiveness of specific strains is also required.
Factors influencing physical activity participation among older people with low activity levels
Authors: Rai Rajni , Jongenelis Michelle I. , Jackson Ben , Newton Robert U. , Pettigrew Simone
Published: July 2019

Despite the well-documented health benefits of physical activity in older adults, participation levels remain low. With rapid global population ageing, intensive efforts are needed to encourage higher levels of participation to ameliorate the negative effects of physical inactivity for older individuals and society as a whole. The aim of this qualitative study was to inform future physical activity promotion interventions by examining factors contributing to low activity levels among older people undertaking less than half the recommended level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 102 (65% female) community-dwelling Western Australians aged 60+ years (mean = 71.52, standard deviation = 6.26) who engaged in ⩽75 minutes of MVPA per week as measured by accelerometers. Several modifiable and unmodifiable barriers were identified, of which poor health featured most prominently. Lifetime physical inactivity, caring duties, low motivation, misperceptions of physical activity and ageing, and a lack of affordable and attractive options were the other barriers identified. The results suggest that strategies are needed to raise awareness of current physical activity guidelines, normalise engagement in MVPA throughout the lifespan, develop initiatives to motivate participation, improve the availability of affordable physical activity programmes that are attractive to this population segment, and facilitate participation among those with intensive caring responsibilities.
TRADING IN AN EMERGING MARKET: E. JOHNSTON & CO AND THE BRAZILIAN COFFEE TRADE 1840-1880
Authors: Guimarães Carlos Gabriel , Greenhill Robert
Published: July 2019

The article analyses the development of the coffee export business of the British company Edward Johnston & Co. in the years 1840-1880. Established in 1842 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, the firm's senior partner was the English merchant Edward Johnston. The departure of partners and the crisis of 1847 made Edward Johnston reorganise the firm in Brazil. In the 1850s, the company established itself as a family business based in Liverpool and then in London in the 1860s. The expansion of the coffee market in the United States made Edward Johnston create a network of firms which consolidated the company as a major exporter of Brazilian coffee by the late 1870s.
Considerations in assessing pragmatic appropriateness in spoken language
Authors: Cohen Andrew D.
Published: July 2019

This paper is a revised version of a plenary prompted by the upsurge of interest in the role of pragmatics in teaching, learning, and assessment, and has as its purpose to take a fresh look at recent developments in the assessment of target-language (TL) pragmatics in spoken language. The first issue considered is the question of whether to attempt to assess pragmatics as it unfolds naturally in interactions, and if so, how to do it. Next, micro-level and macro-level factors in the assessment of TL pragmatics are considered. Third, a close look is given to the specific elements of TL pragmatics to assess. Fourth, there is attention to the matter of which instruments are most appropriate for collecting the desired data in the given context. Fifth, issues relating to data analysis are discussed. Finally, matters pertaining to the assessment of classroom instruction are looked at. Recommendations are given as to potentially viable directions for dealing with these issues both in terms of research studies and for assessment of classroom instruction.
A User Requirement-driven Approach Incorporating TRIZ and QFD for Designing a Smart Vessel Alarm System to Reduce Alarm Fatigue
Authors: Li Fan , Chen Chun-Hsien , Lee Ching-Hung , Khoo Li-Pheng
Published: July 2019

Alarm fatigue is a critical safety issue, as it can increase workload and impair operators' situational awareness. This paper proposes a design methodology to enhance the interaction between alarm systems and operators. Through input from VTS personnel as the fundamental design requirements, a user requirement-driven design framework is proposed. It integrates quality function deployment, the theory of inventive problem solving, and software quality characteristics into three design phases. In Phase I, user requirements are obtained from the analysis of current working processes. Phase II investigates the specific non-functional design requirements of vessel alarm systems and the contradictions. In Phase III, the innovative principles generated with the contradiction matrix were analysed. A case study was conducted to verify and illustrate this framework, resulting in a conceptualisation design of a smart vessel alarm system.
Using enhanced regression calibration to combine dietary intake estimates from 24 h recall and FFQ reduces bias in diet–disease associations
Authors: Looman Moniek , Boshuizen Hendriek C , Feskens Edith JM , Geelen Anouk
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To illustrate the impact of combining 24 h recall (24hR) and FFQ estimates using regression calibration (RC) and enhanced regression calibration (ERC) on diet–disease associations.

Setting:

Wageningen area, the Netherlands, 2011–2013.

Design:

Five approaches for obtaining self-reported dietary intake estimates of protein and K were compared: (i) uncorrected FFQ intakes (FFQ); (ii) uncorrected average of two 24hR ($\overline {\rm R}$); (iii) average of FFQ and$\overline {\rm R}$(${\overline {\rm F}}\,\overline {\rm R}}$); (iv) RC from regression of 24hRv. FFQ; and (v) ERC by adding individual random effects to the RC approach. Empirical attenuation factors (AF) were derived by regression of urinary biomarker measurementsv. the resulting intake estimates.

Participants:

Data of 236 individuals collected within the National Dietary Assessment Reference Database.

Results:

Both FFQ and 24hR dietary intake estimates were measured with substantial error. Using statistical techniques to correct for measurement error (i.e. RC and ERC) reduced bias in diet–disease associations as indicated by their AF approaching 1 (RC 1·14, ERC 0·95 for protein; RC 1·28, ERC 1·34 for K). The largersdand narrower 95% CI of AF obtained with ERC compared with RC indicated that using ERC has more power than using RC. However, the difference in AF between RC and ERC was not statistically significant, indicating no significantly better de-attenuation by using ERC compared with RC. AF larger than 1, observed for the ERC for K, indicated possible overcorrection.

Conclusions:

Our study highlights the potential of combining FFQ and 24hR data. Using RC and ERC resulted in less biased associations for protein and K.
The Legitimacy of Dam Development in International Watercourses: A Case Study of the Harirud River Basin
Authors: Nagheeby Mohsen , Piri D. Mehdi , Faure Michael
Published: July 2019

This article examines the international legitimacy of unilateral dam development in an international watercourse from the perspective of international water law. Drawing upon technical analysis over the Harirud River Basin, the article discusses probable negative impacts of unilateral dam development in Afghanistan on downstream Iran and Turkmenistan. Competing claims are analyzed to assess emerging transboundary damage under customary international water law. Applying these insights to the case study, this article explores how legal norms and principles can contribute to transboundary water cooperation. It investigates how equitable and reasonable utilization, as required by the United Nations Watercourse Convention, could be reached and whether current activities are in conformity with international norms. Based on this analysis and in the light of international customary law, the article questions the compatibility of unilateral control and capture of water resources in Afghanistan, particularly through the Salma Dam, with ‘equitable and reasonable utilization’ and ‘no significant harm’ rules. The article also argues that building the Salma Dam results in significant transboundary harm to downstream states. Hence, such harm could be considered as significant transboundary damage. Conclusions point to an understanding of water law as a form of institutional guidance in order to provide a transparent setting for transboundary water cooperation among riparian states.
Unsustainable groundwater use for global food production and related international trade
Authors: Dalin Carole , Taniguchi Makoto , Green Timothy R.
Published: July 2019

Non-technical summary

Most of the water humans consume is for agriculture. Rapidly increasing water demand has led to overexploitation of water resources in many important food-producing regions. In particular, growing groundwater-based irrigation causes potentially damaging depletion. Food systems are increasingly globalized, leading to large export-oriented production. Much research has focused on quantifying the amount of water resources embedded in traded products, but less attention has been given to the role of groundwater use and the related sustainability of agriculture globally. We assess current knowledge of virtual water trade in light of groundwater use and sustainability and highlight remaining challenges in this field.
Atmospheric Water Demand Dominates Daily Variations in Water Use Efficiency in Alpine Meadows, Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wu Xiuchen , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Yunhao , Bai Yan , Tong Yaqin , Wang Pei , Liu Hongyan , Wang Mengjie , Shi Fangzhong , Zhang Cicheng , Huang Yongmei , Ma Yujun , Hu Xia , Shi Chunming
Published: July 2019

Ecosystem water use efficiency (WUE) acts as an integrated functional indicator for understanding land‐atmosphere interactions. The temporal patterns in the daily variations of WUE and their underlying drivers during different seasons in alpine meadow ecosystems, which are particularly vulnerable to changing climate, still remain poorly understood in spite of increasing efforts. In this study, we investigated the potential divergence in the response of WUE to climatic and biological drivers during different seasons at two alpine meadow ecosystems in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau using continuous eddy‐covariance measurements of carbon and water fluxes between 2013 and 2015. We found that variations in CO2 concentration exert significantly positive effects on variations in WUE in spring, but not in summer and autumn. Notably, vapor pressure deficit (VPD) overrode other factors playing a dominant role in regulating daily variations in WUE during all seasons in these alpine meadow ecosystems. Variations in VPD explained 29.5 to 52.3% of the variance in WUE between different seasons. We further showed that carbon gain and water loss processes responded divergently to different drivers; higher VPD significantly increased ecosystem evapotranspiration; whereas, variations in soil moisture and leaf area index significantly and positively affected gross primary productivity. Our findings highlighted the increasing importance of atmospheric drought in shaping land‐atmosphere interactions in alpine meadow ecosystems, particularly in a warming climate.
Spacecraft 107’s Big Trip
Authors: Goss Heather
Published: July 2019

This month we celebrate the spirit of adventure for AGU’s Centennial.
Mass Transport and Structural Properties of Binary Liquid Iron Alloys at High Pressure
Authors: Posner Esther S. , Steinle‐Neumann Gerd
Published: July 2019

We determine mass transport and structural properties of binary liquid iron alloys over a wide density (5.055–11.735 g·cm−3) and temperature range (2,500–6,500 K) using first‐principles molecular dynamics. Compositions consist of 96 at% Fe and 4 at% ϕ, where ϕ = H, C, N, O, Mg, Si, S, or Ni. Self‐diffusion coefficients (D) of Fe and ϕ range from 3.5·10−9 to 1.9·10−7 m2·s−1. Results show a relation between mean atomic radius and diffusivity ratio for the alloying element and iron: Si and Ni are “iron‐like” with similar atomic radii and D compared with those of Fe; H, C, N, O, and S are “small non‐iron‐like” with smaller atomic radii and larger D; and Mg transitions from “large non‐iron‐like” with a larger atomic radius and smaller D at low density to iron‐like under conditions of the Earth's core. The effect of pressure on D for C, N, and O is negligible for densities below ~8 g·cm−3, accompanied by an increase in average coordination numbers to ~6, and an increase in mean atomic radii. For densities above ~8 g·cm−3, diffusivities and atomic radii of these elements decrease monotonically with pressure, which is typical for the iron‐like alloying elements as well as for H, Mg, and S over the whole compression range. While atomic radius ratios move toward unity with compression, diffusivity ratios for the alloying element relative to iron tend to increase for the “non‐iron‐like” elements with density.
Large Spatial and Temporal Variability of Carbon Dioxide and Methane in a Eutrophic Lake
Authors: Loken Luke C. , Crawford John T. , Schramm Paul J. , Stadler Philipp , Desai Ankur R. , Stanley Emily H.
Published: July 2019

Lakes are conduits of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere; however, most efflux estimates for individual lakes are based on extrapolations from a limited number of locations. Within‐lake variability in carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) arises from differences in water sources, mixing, atmospheric exchange, and biogeochemical transformations, all of which vary across multiple temporal and spatial scales. We asked, how variable are CO2 and CH4 across the surface of a single lake, how do spatial patterns change seasonally, and how well does the typical sampling location represent the entire lake surface? During the 2016 ice‐free period, we mapped surface water concentrations of CO2 and CH4 approximately weekly in Lake Mendota (USA) and modeled diffusive gas exchange. During stratification, CO2 was generally lower than atmospheric saturation (mean 19.81 μM) and relatively homogenous (mean coefficient of variation 0.12), whereas CH4 was routinely extremely supersaturated (mean 0.29 μM) with greater spatial heterogeneity (mean coefficient of variation 0.65). During fall mixis, concentrations of both gases increased and became more spatially variable, but their spatial arrangements differed. In this system, samples collected from the lake center reasonably well represented the spatially weighted mean CO2 concentration but overestimated annual CO2 efflux by 21%. For CH4, the lake center underestimated annual diffusive efflux by only 8.6% but poorly represented lakewide concentrations and fluxes on any given day. Upscaling from a single site to the whole lake requires consideration of spatial variation to assess lakewide carbon dynamics due to heterogeneity in within‐lake processing, transport to the lake surface, and exchange with the atmosphere.
Author Correction: Soluble TREM2 ameliorates pathological phenotypes by modulating microglial functions in an Alzheimer’s disease model
Authors: Zhong Li , Xu Ying , Zhuo Rengong , Wang Tingting , Wang Kai , Huang Ruizhi , Wang Daxin , Gao Yue , Zhu Yifei , Sheng Xuan , Chen Kai , Wang Na , Zhu Lin , Can Dan , Marten Yuka , Shinohara Mitsuru , Liu Chia-Chen , Du Dan , Sun Hao , Wen Lei , Xu Huaxi , Bu Guojun , Chen Xiao-Fen
Published: July 2019

The original version of this Article omitted the following from the end of the Acknowledgements: ‘X.C. also received funding from the Shenzhen Basic Research Program JCYJ20170818140904167.’ This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
High cloud coverage over melted areas dominates the impact of clouds on the albedo feedback in the Arctic
Authors: He Min , Hu Yongxiang , Chen Nan , Wang Donghai , Huang Jianping , Stamnes Knut
Published: July 2019

Warming in the Arctic is larger than the global average. A primary reason for this Arctic Amplification is the albedo feedback. The contrasting albedo of sea ice and dark melted surface areas is the key component of albedo feedback. Cloud coverage over the changing surface and the response of the clouds to the changing surface conditions will modify the change in planetary albedo when sea ice melts. Space-based lidar measurements provide a unique opportunity for cloud measurements in the Arctic. The response of clouds to the changing sea ice concentration was directly observed. Based on CALIPSO satellite observations of cloud properties, this study found that cloud coverage in ice-free regions in the Arctic linearly increased with the area of ice-free water during the melt seasons in the past 10 years, while sea ice coverage varies significantly year-to-year. The observations suggest that when sea-ice retreats, cloud fraction of the ice-free region remains fixed at nearly 81%. The high cloud coverage over melted areas significantly reduces the albedo feedback. These results indicate that space-based lidar cloud and surface observations of the Arctic can help constrain and improve climate models.
Aging effects on the mechanical energy transfer through the lower extremity joints during the swing phase of level walking
Authors: Chen Hung-Bin , Chang Liang-Wey , Cheng Chih-Hsiu
Published: July 2019

Age-related changes of gait performance have been evidenced by the altered kinetic coordination of the lower extremity. However, a systematic approach to explore the gait control in terms of the mechanical energy transfer across multiple segments throughout the gait phases is still not well documented. Ten healthy elderly and ten young adults were asked to walk along a 10-meter walkway at the self-selected and fast walking speeds. The visualized energy flow model of the swing leg was established and the factor analysis was then applied to extract the high-dimensional energy flow characteristics of the swing leg. The results showed that the young adults have similar energy flow characteristics of the swing leg for both fast and self-selected walking speeds, while the elderly showed an opposite energy flow pattern especially at the fast walking speed. The hip power and the knee power were also found to mainly correspond to the swing acceleration and deceleration, respectively. This study demonstrated a valuable tool to explore the change of the gait characteristics in the elderly and could help to facilitate the understanding of the neuromuscular adaptation due to aging.
A subset of topologically associating domains fold into mesoscale core-periphery networks
Authors: Huang Harvey , Chen Sunnia T. , Titus Katelyn R. , Emerson Daniel J. , Bassett Danielle S. , Phillips-Cremins Jennifer E.
Published: July 2019

Mammalian genomes are folded into a hierarchy of compartments, topologically associating domains (TADs), subTADs, and long-range looping interactions. The higher-order folding patterns of chromatin contacts within TADs and how they localize to disease-associated single nucleotide variants (daSNVs) remains an open area of investigation. Here, we analyze high-resolution Hi-C data with graph theory to understand possible mesoscale network architecture within chromatin domains. We identify a subset of TADs exhibiting strong core-periphery mesoscale structure in embryonic stem cells, neural progenitor cells, and cortical neurons. Hyper-connected core nodes co-localize with genomic segments engaged in multiple looping interactions and enriched for occupancy of the architectural protein CCCTC binding protein (CTCF). CTCF knockdown and in silico deletion of CTCF-bound core nodes disrupts core-periphery structure, whereas in silico mutation of cell type-specific enhancer or gene nodes has a negligible effect. Importantly, neuropsychiatric daSNVs are significantly more likely to localize with TADs folded into core-periphery networks compared to domains devoid of such structure. Together, our results reveal that a subset of TADs encompasses looping interactions connected into a core-periphery mesoscale network. We hypothesize that daSNVs in the periphery of genome folding networks might preserve global nuclear architecture but cause local topological and functional disruptions contributing to human disease. By contrast, daSNVs co-localized with hyper-connected core nodes might cause severe topological and functional disruptions. Overall, these findings shed new light into the mesoscale network structure of fine scale genome folding within chromatin domains and its link to common genetic variants in human disease.