bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphazene Bases as Organocatalysts for Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Esters
Authors: Liu Shaofeng , Ren Chuanli , Zhao Na , Shen Yong , Li Zhibo
Published: October 2018

Over the past several years, organocatalyzed polymerization reactions have attracted considerable attention, and these efforts have led to major advances. A large number of organic compounds have been proven active for the polymerization of a large variety of monomers. In particular, phosphazene bases (PBs) are a family of extremely strong, non‐nucleophilic, and uncharged auxiliary bases, and have shown their remarkable potential as organocatalysts for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic monomers. By deprotonation of weak acids or in combination with lithium cation, PBs significantly enhance the nucleophilicity of the initiator/chain‐end, thus allowing fast and usually controlled anionic polymerization. In this feature article, the recent advances in phosphazene‐catalyzed ROP of cyclic esters are summarized. This review is divided into three sections, including general features, design and synthesis, and catalytic applications. It aims to provide a critical analysis of PB‐mediated ROP systems and a useful guide for the further design of organocatalysts applied to polymer synthesis. An outlook is given at the end.
Cryptococcal antigenemia and associated risk factors among ART‐naïve and ART‐experienced HIV‐infected peoples at selected health institutions of Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Kibra , Niguse Selam , Hagos Kiflom , Abdulkader Mahmud
Published: October 2018

Cryptococcal infection is a major cause of opportunistic infection in HIV/AID‐infected peoples. We determined cryptococcal antigenemia and cryptococcal meningitis among antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiated and ART‐naive HIV‐infected peoples. A cross‐sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Mekelle, Ethiopia. Blood was collected to determine CD4 and plasma cryptococcal antigen (CrAg). CSF CrAg and CSF culture and urease tests were also done. Socio‐demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical chart review. From the enrolled study participants, 267 study participants had complete data, of which, 137 (51%) were females. From the study participants, 140 (52%) and 127 (48%) were ART experienced and ART naïve, respectively. The prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 9 (3.4%). All the study participants, except one (CD4 = 120 cells/mm3), had CD4 count less than 100 cells/mm3. From CrAg‐positive peoples, 6 (4.7%) were ART naïve. Five CrAg‐positive peoples had cryptococcal meningitis. Being male, rural residence, and being hospitalized were associated with cryptococcal antigenemia. Cryptococcal infection poses a substantial risk of HIV‐positive peoples. This study provides relevant data for CrAg screening interventions in patients with low CD4 cell counts.
Multicenter reproducibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping in a gadolinium phantom using MEDI+0 automatic zero referencing
Authors: Deh Kofi , Kawaji Keigo , Bulk Marjolein , Van Der Weerd Louise , Lind Emelie , Spincemaille Pascal , McCabe Gillen Kelly , Van Auderkerke Johan , Wang Yi , Nguyen Thanh D.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To determine the reproducibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping at multiple sites on clinical and preclinical scanners (1.5 T, 3 T, 7 T, and 9.4 T) from different vendors (Siemens, GE, Philips, and Bruker) for standardization of multicenter studies.

Methods

Seven phantoms distributed from the core site, each containing 5 compartments with gadolinium solutions with fixed concentrations between 0.625 mM and 10 mM. Multi‐echo gradient echo scans were performed at 1.5 T, 3 T, 7 T, and 9.4 T on 12 clinical and 3 preclinical scanners. DICOM images from the scans were processed into quantitative susceptibility maps using the Laplacian boundary value (LBV) and MEDI+0 automatic uniform reference algorithm. Region of interest (ROI) analyses were performed by a physicist to determine agreement between results from all sites. Measurement reproducibility was assessed using regression, Bland‐Altman plots, and the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) from all scanners had similar, artifact‐free visual appearance. Regression analysis showed a linear relationship between gadolinium concentrations and average QSM measurements for all phantoms (y = 350x – 0.0346, r2>0.99). The SD of measurements increased almost linearly from 32 ppb to 230 ppb as the measured susceptibility increased from 0.26 ppm to 3.56 ppm. A Bland‐Altman plot showed the bias, upper, and lower limits of agreement for all comparisons were −10, −210, and 200 ppb, respectively. The ICC was 0.991 with a 95% CI (0.973, 0.99).

Conclusions

QSM shows excellent multicenter reproducibility for a large range of susceptibility values encountered in cranial and extra‐cranial applications on a diverse set of scanner platforms.
An isogeometric collocation method for efficient random field discretization
Authors: Jahanbin Ramin , Rahman Sharif
Published: October 2018

This paper presents an isogeometric collocation method for a computationally expedient random field discretization by means of the Karhunen‐Loève expansion. The method involves a collocation projection onto a finite‐dimensional subspace of continuous functions over a bounded domain, basis splines (B‐splines) and nonuniform rational B‐splines (NURBS) spanning the subspace, and standard methods of eigensolutions. Similar to the existing Galerkin isogeometric method, the isogeometric collocation method preserves an exact geometrical representation of many commonly used physical or computational domains and exploits the regularity of isogeometric basis functions delivering globally smooth eigensolutions. However, in the collocation method, the construction of the system matrices for a d‐dimensional eigenvalue problem asks for at most d‐dimensional domain integrations, as compared with 2d‐dimensional integrations required in the Galerkin method. Therefore, the introduction of the collocation method for random field discretization offers a huge computational advantage over the existing Galerkin method. Three numerical examples, including a three‐dimensional random field discretization problem, illustrate the accuracy and convergence properties of the collocation method for obtaining eigensolutions.
Stop Costly Water Main Breaks Before They Happen
Authors: Leishear Robert A.
Published: October 2018

A trillion dollars in US water main breaks are expected in the next 25 years. This number can be reduced by controlling water hammer, but that entails changing water system valve, fire hydrant, and pump operating methods.
Trenching: Don't Dig Into Trouble!
Authors:   AWWA Staff
Published: October 2018

If you're involved with water utility maintenance or construction, sooner or later you're going to be involved in trenching operations. And despite all the classic slapstick movie routines you may have seen through the years, safely excavating and working in an open trench is serious business.
Psychosocial distress and utilization of professional psychological care in cancer patients: An observational study in National Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs) in Germany
Authors: Weis Joachim , Hönig Klaus , Bergelt Corinna , Faller Hermann , Brechtel Anette , Hornemann Beate , Stein Barbara , Teufel Martin , Goerling Ute , Erim Yesim , Geiser Franziska , Niecke Alexander , Senf Bianca , Wickert Martin , Schmoor Claudia , Gerlach Angelika , Schellberg Dieter , Büttner‐Teleaga Antje , Schieber Katharina
Published: October 2018

Objective

The study aimed to assess cancer patients' use of psychological care and its correlates in a large sample of cancer patients in Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs) in Germany.

Methods

In a multicenter study in Germany, cancer patients with various diagnoses were evaluated for self‐reported use of psychological support. We measured psychological distress, depression and anxiety, quality of life, and social support with standardized questionnaires and analyzed its association with the utilization of psychological care using multivariable logistic regression. This paper focuses on a cross‐sectional analysis of the data assessed during inpatient care.

Results

Three thousand fifty‐four (50%) of hospitalized patients were asked for participation, and n = 1632 (53.6%) participated. We were able to analyze n = 1,398 (45.9%) patients. Three hundred ninety‐seven (28.4%) of the sample utilized psychological support. Users of psychological care were significantly younger than nonusers (odds ratio [OR]: 0.967, P < 0.001) and were more often female (OR: 1.878, P < 0.001), whereas educational level was not associated with the use of psychological care. In the multivariable analysis, effects on the use of psychological care were observed for Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety (OR: 1.106, P = 0.001) and both subscales of the 12‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) quality of life measure (mental, OR: 0.97, P = 0.002; physical, OR: 0.97, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Psychological distress and anxiety are higher, and quality of life is lower in users of psychological care in comparison with nonusers during inpatient cancer treatment. Although psychooncological services should be provided to all patients who need them, special efforts should be made to reach populations that report low utilization.
Risk‐based metrics for performance evaluation of control charts
Authors: Weiß Christian H. , Testik Murat Caner
Published: October 2018

Control charts are commonly evaluated in terms of their average run length (ARL). However, since run length distributions are typically strongly skewed, the ARL gives a very limited impression about the actual run length performance. In this study, it is proposed to evaluate a control chart's performance using risk metrics, specifically the value at risk and the tail conditional expectation. When a control chart is evaluated for an in‐control performance, the risk is an early occurrence of a false alarm, whereas in an out‐of‐control state, there is a risk of a delayed detection. For these situations, risk metric computations are derived and exemplified for diverse types of control charts. It is demonstrated that the use of such risk metrics leads to important new insights into a control chart's performance. In addition to the cases of known process parameters for control chart design, these risk metrics are further used to analyze the estimation uncertainty in evaluating a control chart's performance if the design parameters rely on a phase 1 analysis. Benefits of the risk‐based metrics are discussed thoroughly, and these are recommended as supplements to the traditional ARL metric.
Reliability assessment of high‐quality and long‐life products based on zero‐failure data
Authors: Li Haiyang , Xie Liyang , Li Ming , Ren Jungang , Zhao Bingfeng , Zhang Shijian
Published: October 2018

For a period of mission time, only zero‐failure data can be obtained for high‐quality long‐life products. In the case of zero‐failure data reliability assessment, the point estimates and confidence interval estimates of distribution parameters cannot be obtained simultaneously by the current reliability assessment models, and the credibility of the assessment results may be reduced if they are obtained at the same time. A new model is proposed for consistency problem in this paper. In the proposed model, the point estimates of reliability can be obtained by the lifetime probability distribution derived from matching distribution curve method, while the confidence interval estimates of reliability can be obtained by using new samples generated from the lifetime probability distribution according to parameter bootstrap method. By analyzing the zero‐failure data of the torque motors after real operation, the results show that the new model not only meets the requirements of reliability assessment but also improves the accuracy of reliability interval estimation.
The Role of Current Collector in Enabling the High Performance of Li/S Battery
Authors: Benítez Almudena , Caballero Álvaro , Rodríguez‐Castellón Enrique , Morales Julián , Hassoun Jusef
Published: October 2018

Among several factors, the nature of the current collector plays a significant role in determining the performance of Li/S battery. Carbon‐based substrates gained recently increasing interest as alternative to conventional aluminum substrate. We show herein that cells based on sulfur‐graphene composite reveal higher reversible capacity and lower polarization using carbon‐based support rather than the typical aluminum current collector. The enhancement of cell performances is attributed to a decrease of electrode‐electrolyte interphase resistance promoted by the use of carbon‐support, as detected by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) upon cyclic voltammetry (CV). This beneficial effect is ascribed to an improved contact of the active material particles with the support, and to increased electrode/electrolyte wetting due to its porosity and chemical nature, which are detected by Hg porosimetry, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, SEM and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Therefore, the results reported in this work may be of interest for setting‐up the most suitable condition for achieving high performance Li/S battery.
Laser Direct Writing of Heteroatom (N and S)‐Doped Graphene from a Polybenzimidazole Ink Donor on Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer and Glass Substrates
Authors: Huang Yihe , Zeng Lei , Liu Chongguang , Zeng Desen , Liu Zhu , Liu Xuqing , Zhong Xiangli , Guo Wei , Li Lin
Published: October 2018

In this paper, for the first time, a laser direct writing technique is reported to form S‐ and N‐doped graphene patterns on thin (0.3 mm thickness) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and glass substrates from a specially formulated organic polybenzimidazole (PBI) ink, without thermally affecting the substrates and without the need for a metallic precursor. Unlike standard graphene ink printing, postcuring at high temperatures is not needed here, thus avoiding potential substrate distortion and damages. A UV laser beam of 355 nm wavelength is used to generate photochemical reactions to break the CS bond (2.8 eV) from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, a component of the PBI ink) and the CN bond (3.14 eV) of PBI and form N‐ and S‐doped graphene on the substrates. The sheet resistance of the laser‐induced graphene is as low as 12 Ω sq−1 on PET, matching that of indium–tin oxide (ITO). The laser‐written doped graphene shows hydrophilic characteristics, unlike pristine graphene. The S‐ and N‐doped graphene allows the tailoring of bandgaps and thus controlling electrical and chemical properties. The optical transparency of the written graphene is below 10% which could be improved in the future. Potential applications include printing of flexible circuits and sensors, and smart wearables.
Microwave Flow Chemistry as a Methodology in Organic Syntheses, Enzymatic Reactions, and Nanoparticle Syntheses
Authors: Horikoshi Satoshi , Serpone Nick
Published: October 2018

Several studies have used microwaves as a heat source for carrying out various types of reactions employing circulation reaction vessels. The microwave flow chemical synthesis methodology is most appropriate in the use of microwaves in chemical syntheses. It can attenuate the problem of microwave heating (non‐uniform heating and penetration depth) and maximize the benefits (rapid heating and first temperature adjustments). In this brief review, we examine and explain some of the relevant features of microwave heating with applicative examples of the usage of microwave flow chemistry equipment in carrying out organic syntheses, enzymatic reactions, and (not least) nanoparticle syntheses.
Contributions of regulated transcription and mRNA decay to the dynamics of gene expression
Authors: Yamada Toshimichi , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi
Published: October 2018

Organisms have acquired sophisticated regulatory networks that control gene expression in response to cellular perturbations. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying the coordinated changes in gene expression in response to external and internal stimuli is a fundamental issue in biology. Recent advances in high‐throughput technologies have enabled the measurement of diverse biological information, including gene expression levels, kinetics of gene expression, and interactions among gene expression regulatory molecules. By coupling these technologies with quantitative modeling, we can now uncover the biological roles and mechanisms of gene regulation at the system level. This review consists of two parts. First, we focus on the methods using uridine analogs that measure synthesis and decay rates of RNAs, which demonstrate how cells dynamically change the regulation of gene expression in response to both internal and external cues. Second, we discuss the underlying mechanisms of these changes in kinetics, including the functions of transcription factors and RNA‐binding proteins. Overall, this review will help to clarify a system‐level view of gene expression programs in cells.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in vitro and In Silico
Characterization of the mistura alloy used for Venetian sesino coins: 16th century
Authors: Martorelli D. , Bortolotti M. , Lutterotti L. , Pepponi G. , Gialanella S.
Published: October 2018

The information provided by material investigations on ancient coins is interesting in many respects, as concerns the archaeological and historical research. In this study a set of Venetian sesino coins, minted over a period ranging from 1554 until 1605, have been investigated in order to shed light on some aspects of the so‐called mistura (mixture) alloy. The widespread diffusion of these relatively low‐value coins of the Venetian Republic, commonly used in commercial transactions in the second half of 16th century, also outside the territories of the Republic, makes them an important proxy to be used in the reconstruction of the political and historical events of the period. The specific issue of the actual composition of the mistura alloy is herewith addressed for the first time, using a combined approach based on X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ray diffraction nondestructively applied to the analysis of the samples. It turns out that the mistura alloy, traditionally regarded as a Cu‐Ag two phase alloy, over the latest period of circulation of the sesino coins, was actually made of copper only, still containing minor concentrations of lead, to be regarded as an impurity of the alloy and not as an intentional addition.
A Metal‐Containing N‐Heterocyclic Germylene Based on an Oxalamidine Framework
Authors: Moos Eric M. B. , Feuerstein Wolfram , Krämer Felix , Breher Frank
Published: October 2018

A metal‐containing N‐heterocyclic germylene based on a N‐mesityl (Mes)‐substituted oxalamidine framework is reported. The precursor (MesN=)2C–C(–N(H)Mes)2 (1H2) was converted into its rhodium complex [Rh(κ2N‐1H2)(cod)][OTf] (2) (cod = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene; OTf = triflate) in 62 % isolated yield. Subsequent reaction of 2 with Ge{N(SiMe3)2}2 gave the crystalline N‐heterocyclic germylene [Rh(cod)(μ‐1)Ge][OTf] (3) in 50 % yield. The compounds under study were fully characterized by various methods, also including X‐ray crystallographic studies on single crystals of 2 and 3. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that π conjugation in the bridging oxalamidine framework is increased and n(N)–p(Ge) π bonding is decreased upon κ2N metal coordination; a further weakening of the Ge–N bond occurs through triflate coordination to the GeII atom. Nevertheless, preliminary coordination studies revealed that 3 behaves as 2‐electron (L‐type) germylene donor ligand. Treatment of 3 with [Ir(cod)Cl]2 furnished the heterobimetallic complex [Rh(cod)(μ‐1)Ge‐Ir(cod)Cl][OTf] (4), as evidenced by NMR spectroscopic investigations and DFT calculations.
Silver Salts of the Weakly Coordinating Anion [Me3NB12Cl11]–
Authors: Jenne Carsten , Wegener Bianca
Published: October 2018

Silver(I) salts of weakly coordinating anions (WCA) are commonly applied as oxidizing agents or halide abstracting reagents. The feasibility of a particular silver salt for such applications strongly depends on the “nakedness“ of the silver cation. In this study the reactivity of Ag[Me3NB12Cl11] in different solvents was investigated. Crystal structures of a variety of complexes were obtained. In several crystal structures two boron clusters are bridged by Ag–Cl contacts. This leads to polymeric structures (e.g. for Ag[Me3NB12Cl11]·0.5CH2Cl2 and Ag[Me3NB12Cl11]·SO2). Sterically demanding aromatics like mesitylene, pyrene, and acenaphthene are η1‐ or η2‐bonded to the silver atom and also form coordination polymers, whereas benzene as a ligand leads to a molecular structure, in which two benzene molecules are η2‐coordinated to the silver cation. In contrast, strong σ donor ligands like pyridine and triphenylphosphine give homoleptic silver complexes and thus cation and anion are separated. Furthermore, the ability of Ag[Me3NB12Cl11] for performing metathesis reactions was investigated. The reaction with AuICl gave the [Au(NCMe)2]+ cation.
Introduction: Indigenous Peoples, Extractivism, and Turbulences in South America
Authors: Rivera Andía Juan Javier , Vindal Ødegaard Cecilie
Published: October 2018

The introduction lays the groundwork for the volume’s explorations of indigenous life-making projects in encounters with extractivism in South America. It discusses how people’s contestations of extractive endeavours have opened up questions of alternative ‘politics of nature’, bringing entities of the landscape into the political sphere. Examining ways in which current turbulences actualise questions of indigeneity, difference, and ontological dynamics, the introduction considers the contributions and problems of a ‘turn to ontology’ in anthropology. It argues for an ethnographic exploration of indigenous life projects and for the significance of ontological and cosmological dimensions of indigenous responses and creativities. Amerindian experiences of loss and suffering are discussed as a function of an inflicted inability to realise their life projects in situations saturated by extractivism. We revisit debates on continuities and transformations regarding indigeneity, capitalism, representation, and land, trying to avoid conceptual imperialism while addressing extractivism on a broad front.
Broadening dark matter searches at the LHC: mono-X versus darkonium channels
Authors: Krovi Anirudh , Low Ian , Zhang Yue
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Current searches for dark matter at the LHC focus on mono-X signatures: the production of dark matter in association with a Standard Model (SM) particle. The simplest benchmark introduces a massive spin-1 mediator, the Z
′ boson, between the dark matter χ and the SM. Limits derived from mono-X channels are most effective when the mediator can decay into two on-shell dark matter particles: M

Z

′ ≳ 2M

χ
. We broaden the experimental reach into the complementary region, where the Z

′
mediator is much lighter than the dark matter. In this scenario the Z
′ mediates an effective long-range force between the dark matter, thereby facilitating the formation of darkonium bound states, as is common in many dark sector models. The darkonium becomes active when M

χ

> M

Z

′/α

eff
, where α

eff
is the effective fine-structure constant in the dark sector. Moreover, the darkonium could decay back into SM quarks, without producing missing transverse momentum in the detector. Considering multijet final states, we reinterpret existing searches to constrain the simple Z
′ benchmark beyond the region probed by mono-X searches. Assuming a baryonic Z
′ mediator and a Dirac dark matter, direct detection bounds can be loosened by giving a small Majorana mass to the dark matter. We also consider the interplay between mono-X and darkonium channels at future high energy colliders, which is at the frontier of probing the model parameter space.
Relationships Between Expertise, Crew Familiarity and Surgical Workflow Disruptions: An Observational Study
Authors: Henaux Pierre‐Louis , Michinov Estelle , Rochat Julie , Hémon Brivael , Jannin Pierre , Riffaud Laurent
Published: October 2018

Background

Teamwork is an essential factor in reducing workflow disruption (WD) in the operating room. Team familiarity (TF) has been recognized as an antecedent to surgical quality and safety. To date, no study has examined the link between team members’ role and expertise, TF and WD in surgical setting. This study aimed to examine the relationships between expertise, surgeon–scrub nurse familiarity and WD.

Methods

We observed a convenience sample of 12 elective neurosurgical procedures carried out by 4 surgeons and 11 SN with different levels of expertise and different degrees of familiarity between surgeons and SN. We calculated the number of WD per unit of coding time to control for the duration of operation. We explored the type and frequency of WD, and the differences between the surgeons and SN. We examined the relationships between duration of WD, staff expertise and surgeon–scrub nurse familiarity.

Results

9.91% of the coded surgical time concerned WD. The most frequent causes of WD were distractions (29.7%) and colleagues’ interruptions (25.2%). This proportion was seen for SN, whereas teaching moments and colleagues’ interruptions were the most frequent WD for surgeons. The WD was less high among expert surgeons and less frequent when surgeon was familiar with SN.

Conclusions

The frequency of WD during surgical time can compromise surgical quality and patient safety. WD seems to decrease in teams with high levels of surgeon–scrub nurse familiarity and with development of surgical expertise. Favoring TF and giving feedback to the team about WD issues could be interesting ways to improve teamwork.
Intrahepatic Balloon Tamponade for Penetrating Liver Injury: Rarely Needed but Highly Effective
Authors: Kodadek Lisa M. , Efron David T. , Haut Elliott R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Severe penetrating liver injuries are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the 15‐year experience of a Level 1 US trauma center with use of intrahepatic balloon tamponade for penetrating liver injuries in adult patients.

Methods

Operative notes were used to identify cases employing intrahepatic balloon tamponade. Charts were reviewed for patient characteristics, injury characteristics, morbidity, and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Of the 4961 penetrating trauma patients admitted during the study period, 279 (5.6%) had liver injury and underwent exploratory laparotomy. Intrahepatic balloon tamponade was attempted in nine patients (3.2%). Two of the nine patients (22%) were in cardiac arrest at time of balloon placement and died during the index operation; both had retrohepatic IVC injury combined with cardiopulmonary injury. In patients who reached the operating room alive and had spontaneous circulation at the time of balloon placement, utilization of this technique was associated with 100% survival.

Conclusion

Although rarely needed, trauma surgeons must be prepared to use intrahepatic balloon tamponade as one surgical technique to control major hepatic injuries.
Portugal nutritional transition during the last 4 decades: 1974–2011
Authors: Bento Alexandra , Gonçalves Carla , Cordeiro Tânia , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To examine trends in food availability for Portugal during the last 4 decades (1974–2011) and analyze such changes in accordance with the nutritional transition theory.

Methods:

Food balance sheets from Portugal from 1974 to 2011 were analyzed for potential trends by linear regression to study the availability of protein, fat, carbohydrate, ethanol, and total energy and the availability of the following food groups: (i) cereals and tubers; (ii) vegetables; (iii) fruit; (iv) milk; (v) meat, fish, and eggs; (vi) fat; (vii) pulses; (viii) alcoholic beverages; and (ix) sugar and sweeteners. A comparison regarding protein, fat, and carbohydrate availability and WHO recommendation was also performed.

Results:

The data suggest that in Portugal food availability and consumption have changed throughout the analyzed period. The national availability of most food groups increased considerably, which also resulted in an increase in daily energy. The consumption of cereals and tubers, pulses, and alcohol diminished during this time. Energy availability increased by 406 kcal/person/day, a result from an increase in protein and fat. Protein availability was in accordance with WHO recommendations during the 4 decades analyzed, whereas carbohydrate have always been below the recommended level and fat has been above the recommended level since the second decade (1984).

Conclusion:

Portugal has crossed into a nutritional transition over the last 4 decades, revealing characteristics of a pattern of degenerative diseases. The country may experience a new nutritional transition that would involve positive changes of behavior, as observed in other developed countries, driven by community multisectorial strategies.
Hearing treatment for reducing cognitive decline: Design and methods of the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deal Jennifer A. , Goman Adele M. , Albert Marilyn S. , Arnold Michelle L. , Burgard Sheila , Chisolm Theresa , Couper David , Glynn Nancy W. , Gmelin Theresa , Hayden Kathleen M. , Mosley Thomas , Pankow James S. , Reed Nicholas , Sanchez Victoria A. , Richey Sharrett A. , Thomas Sonia D. , Coresh Josef , Lin Frank R. ,   ACHIEVE Investigators
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Hearing impairment is highly prevalent and independently associated with cognitive decline. The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders study is a multicenter randomized controlled trial to determine efficacy of hearing treatment in reducing cognitive decline in older adults. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03243422.

Methods

Eight hundred fifty participants without dementia aged 70 to 84 years with mild‐to‐moderate hearing impairment recruited from four United States field sites and randomized 1:1 to a best‐practices hearing intervention or health education control. Primary study outcome is 3‐year change in global cognitive function. Secondary outcomes include domain‐specific cognitive decline, incident dementia, brain structural changes on magnetic resonance imaging, health‐related quality of life, physical and social function, and physical activity.

Results

Trial enrollment began January 4, 2018 and is ongoing.

Discussion

When completed in 2022, Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders study should provide definitive evidence of the effect of hearing treatment versus education control on cognitive decline in community‐dwelling older adults with mild‐to‐moderate hearing impairment.
From Normative Pluralism to a Unified Legal System in Afghanistan?
Authors: RAHBARI Siavash
Published: October 2018

This paper suggests that Afghanistan’s fractured plural legal system is beginning to show some signs of cohesion and coherence. I briefly describe the aspiration set out in the Constitution of Afghanistan and its mandate to legislators and jurists to harmonize Islamic jurisprudence, the principles of justice, customary norms, and international treaty obligations. I then discuss some of the setbacks, obstacles, and more recent progress that have shaped the journey towards that aspiration. The paper specifically addresses the role of lawyers as they learn to navigate the more coherent landscape and the development and impact of a nascent adversarial system. Finally, the paper addresses the role of customary dispute resolution and the bifurcated legal-education system, and their impact on the development of a more unified legal system.
Evaluation of emergency department ultrasound machines for the presence of occult blood
Authors: Poonja Zafrina , Uppal Jasmene , Netherton Stuart J. , Bryce Rhonda , Lyon Andrew W. , Cload Bruce
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Bedside ultrasound in the emergency department is a common diagnostic tool, especially when evaluating trauma patients. Many trauma patients have blood on their chest and abdomen that may contact the probe during examination. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether occult blood contamination was present on the emergency department ultrasound machine, both after daily use and after use in trauma.

Methods

For a period of 31 days, the ultrasound machine at the trauma centre emergency department in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was tested once daily and following all Level 1 traumas. The ultrasound machine probes and keyboard were swabbed, and contamination was detected using a commercially available phenolphthalein blood testing kit. Any visible blood contamination was also noted. The machine was then cleaned following each positive test and re-tested to ensure the absence of contamination.

Results

Over the study period, the ultrasound machine tested positive for occult blood contamination on 10% of daily tests and on 43% of assessments after its use in trauma. The curvilinear probe was most frequently contaminated (daily, 6%; trauma, 26%), followed by the keyboard (daily, 3%; trauma, 26%), but both lacked visible contamination.

Conclusions

In this single centre study, there was evidence of occult blood on the emergency department ultrasound machine after both routine use and major trauma cases, highlighting the need for a standardized cleaning and disinfection protocol.
Onset of orbital motion in a trailing vortex from an oscillating wing
Authors: Fishman G. , Rockwell D.
Published: October 2018

The onset and development of orbital motion of a trailing vortex from a wing undergoing small amplitude heaving motion is investigated using stereo particle image velocimetry in conjunction with three-dimensional reconstruction techniques. The effect of Strouhal number is examined via space–time representations of axial and azimuthal vorticity, axial velocity deficit and swirl ratio. At low Strouhal number, the undulation of the vortex remains unidirectional with no amplification in the streamwise direction. In contrast, at high Strouhal number, the amplitude of vortex undulation can increase by up to a factor of ten in the streamwise direction. These large amplitudes occur during orbital motion of the vortex. Irrespective of the value of either the Strouhal number of excitation or the streamwise location along the undulating vortex, generic physical mechanisms occur. Changes in curvature along the vortex are closely related to changes in the axial velocity deficit, extreme values of axial vorticity and swirl ratio and the onset and attenuation of pronounced azimuthal vorticity.
The perception of status: How we infer the status of others from their social relationships
Authors: BETANCOURT NATHAN , KOVÁCS BALÁZS , OTNER SARAH M. G.
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates how we infer the status of others from their social relationships. In a series of experimental studies, we test the effects of a social relationship's type and direction on the status judgments of others. We demonstrate empirically, possibly for the first time, a widely-assumed connection between network structure and perceptions of status; that is, that observers do infer the status positions of group members from their relationships. Moreover, we find that observers' status judgments vary with the direction and type of social relationship. We theorize that underlying this variance in status judgments are two relational schemas which differentially influence the processing of the observed social ties. Our finding that only the linear-ordering schema leads to status inferences provides an important scope condition to prior research on network cognition, and specifically on the perceptions of social status.
Deforestation and Human Agency in the North Atlantic Region: Archaeological and Palaeoenvironmental Evidence from the Western Isles of Scotland
Authors: Bishop Rosie R. , Church Mike J. , Lawson Ian T. , Roucoux Katherine H. , O’Brien Charlotte , Ranner Helen , Heald Andrew J. , Flitcroft Catherine E.
Published: October 2018

This paper considers the timing and mechanisms of deforestation in the Western Isles of Scotland, focusing in particular on the landscape around the Calanais stone circles, one of the best preserved late Neolithic/early Bronze Age monumental landscapes in north-west Europe. We present new archaeological and palaeoenvironmental evidence from a soil and peat sequence at the site of Aird Calanais, which spans the main period of use of the Calanais circles. We then draw on a new synthesis of archaeobotanical and palynological evidence from across the Western Isles and a review of comparable data from the wider North Atlantic zone, before assessing the role of early farming communities in clearing the wooded landscapes of the region. Pollen and radiocarbon dating at the site of Aird Calanais reveal that a layer of birch branches, dating to the late Neolithic (2912–2881 calbc), was contemporaneous with a decline in woodland at the site, as well as with the major phase of Neolithic activity at the Calanais stone circle complex. However, our synthesis of the pollen and plant macrofossil evidence from across the Western Isles suggests that the picture across these islands was altogether more complex: woodlands declined both before, as well as during, the Neolithic and deciduous woodlands remained sufficiently abundant for Neolithic fuel procurement. Finally, we consider the implications of the results for understanding the interactions between first farmers and woodlands in the wider North Atlantic region.
Age Estimates on the Deposition of the Cave Ice Block in the Saarhalle Dachstein-Mammoth Cave (Mammuthöhle, Austria) based on 3H and 14C
Authors: Kern Z , Palcsu L , Pavuza R , Molnár M
Published: October 2018

Measurements of the radiocarbon (14C) and tritium (3H) activity in a 5.8-m-long ice core from the Saarhalle, Dachstein-Mammoth Cave allowed a substantial revision of previous opinions concerning the age of the ice block, and provide useful experience that may be applied to future 14C dating of cave ice deposits. The stepped combustion technique results in a remarkably older radiocarbon age for the 800°C than for the 400°C fractions of the carbonaceous matter from ice layer samples. The highest tritium activity (37.2±1.2 TU) can be linked to the period of anthropogenically increased tritium activity of atmospheric precipitation at the mid-1960s, providing a well-dated radiochemical reference horizon. Compared the 3H-based extrapolated ages of two shallow samples to the expected atmospheric signal an average 14C reservoir bias of ~1500 BP was obtained for the insoluble organic fraction combusted at 400°C. The conventional 14C age measured for the 400°C fraction of the deeper samples has been corrected with the average reservoir bias. The median calibrated age of the deepest analyzed sample of the ice profile is ~1830 cal BC and a linear extrapolation to the bottom ice layer gave 2590 cal BC, making the Saarhalle ice block among the oldest dated cave ice deposits known in the Alpine domain.
Union Concessions following Asset Sales and Takeovers
Authors: Lie Erik , Que Tingting
Published: October 2018

We document that the likelihood of asset sales increases with union presence and union wages. Furthermore, acquiring firms gain significant concessions from the incumbent union following asset sales. Finally, the anticipation of union concessions helps explain the excess stock returns around asset sale announcements. We find no comparable effects for takeovers. We conclude that asset sales, but not takeovers, are partially motivated by the potential to extract concessions from unions.
EvoRDF: evolving the exploration of ontology evolution
Authors: Kondylakis Haridimos , Papadakis Nikos
Published: October 2018

Ontologies are constantly evolving as new requirements daily occur and the modeling choices of the past should be updated or adapted. Exploring this evolution will enhance the understanding, augmenting the exploitation potential of the available ontologies. However, recent research focuses mostly on detecting changes between ontology versions, overloading end-users with hundreds or even thousands of changes between ontology versions, making it impossible to explore this evolution. To this direction, in this paper, we present EvoRDF, a novel framework for exploring ontology evolution using provenance queries. Our approach uses a high-level language of changes and effectively answers queries about when a specific resource was introduced and how—by which change operations. Even more, why queries can identify the sequence of changes that led to the creation of a specific resource in the latest ontology version or track the evolution of a specific resource from a past ontology version. The evaluation performed shows the feasibility of our solution and the great advantages gained.
Context-aware tourism technologies
Authors: Leal Fátima , Malheiro Benedita , Burguillo Juan C.
Published: October 2018

Nowadays travellers can benefit from the computing capabilities, collection of on board sensors and ubiquitous Internet access provided by mobile devices. These are the three pillars of any tourist support system since they provide the power, means and data to establish the local user context, to access remote services and to provide value-added user-centred context-aware applications. However, making sense of the user context data is not straightforward, as it requires dedicated knowledge acquisition and knowledge representation solutions. Besides, the range and diversity of available data sources is huge, requiring appropriate knowledge processing techniques to provide addequated tourism services. This article presents an updated review, and a comparison of recent context-aware tourism applications (CATA), including supporting technologies; and considering four possible dimensions: knowledge acquisition, knowledge representation, knowledge processing and knowledge-based services. We propose and apply a CATA analysis framework, contemplating these four dimensions to the applications found in the literature. This survey constitutes, not only, a state of the art review on tourism mobile applications, but, also, anticipates the latest development trends in tourism-related applications.
Verb-based prediction during language processing: the case of Dutch and Turkish
Authors: BROUWER Susanne , ÖZKAN Deniz , KÜNTAY Aylin C.
Published: October 2018

This study investigated whether cross-linguistic differences affect semantic prediction. We assessed this by looking at two languages, Dutch and Turkish, that differ in word order and thus vary in how words come together to create sentence meaning. In an eye-tracking task, Dutch and Turkish four-year-olds (N= 40), five-year-olds (N= 58), and adults (N= 40) were presented with a visual display containing two familiar objects (e.g., a cake and a tree). Participants heard semantically constraining (e.g., “The boy eats the big cake”) or neutral sentences (e.g., “The boy sees the big cake”) in their native language. The Dutch data revealed a prediction effect for children and adults; however, it was larger for the adults. The Turkish data revealed no prediction effect for the children but only for the adults. These findings reveal that experience with word order structures and/or automatization of language processing routines may lead to timecourse differences in semantic prediction.
Does a recent surge in Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis nesting population and establishment of new breeding colonies ensure long term conservation? Pragmatic assessment of recent augmentation in Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
Authors: KHAN SHAHID B. , JAVED SÁLIM , AHMED SHAKEEL , AL HAMMADI EISSA ALI , AL HAMMADI ABDULLAH ALI , AL DHAHERI SHAIKHA
Published: October 2018

United Arab Emirates is an important range country for the ‘Vulnerable’ Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis and Abu Dhabi Emirate holds most of the remaining breeding colonies. Emirate-wide monitoring of all breeding colonies was undertaken annually for 11 breeding seasons from 2006–2007 to 2016–2017 to monitor the status of breeding colonies and estimate the nesting population. Breeding was recorded in 10 colonies that were used intermittently with an average of four (± 1.3 SD) colonies active each year. The highest number of eight active colonies was recorded in 2016–2017. Establishment of two new breeding colonies on Butinah and Digala in 2016–2017 and recolonisation of three previously inactive colonies during the monitoring period emphasised the ability of the species to relocate and colonise suitable sites. Continued threats at some breeding colonies caused abandonment and subsequent relocation, resulting in a gradual shift of breeding colonies to safer areas. Presently, most of the breeding sites (62%) with an increased number of breeding birds are found in colonies with restricted access. The Emirate-wide nesting population witnessed a 10-fold increase in the last decade; after an initial decline in 2006–2007 it increased from about 5,000 pairs in 2007–2008 to nearly 52,000 nesting pairs in 2016–2017. Combined with the nesting population from the Siniya colony, the overall UAE nesting population is estimated at 60,000 to 70,000 pairs, nearly half of the global breeding population. Further augmentation of the current breeding numbers is possible if breeding colonies remain safe from human disturbance and invasive predators. For long-term conservation of Socotra Cormorant, protection of all remaining colony sites, including inactive ones, is important in addition to minimising disturbance along with widespread public awareness to change the people’s perception of the species as a competitor to commercial fisheries.
Morphological study of apoptosis in granulosa cells and ovulation in a model of atresia in rat preovulatory follicles
Authors: da Silva Bitecourt Frederico , Horta Carina Oliveira Dumont , Lima Karen Santos , Godoi Bruno Bastos , Bello Fernanda Luiza Menezes , Rodrigues Cíntia Maria , Schetino Luana Pereira Leite , Honorato-Sampaio Kinulpe
Published: October 2018

Previous studies have established a model of atresia in preovulatory follicles after stimulation of immature rats with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). This gonadotropin recruits a follicular pool and the deprivation of preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces the atresia in preovulatory follicles. The present study investigated the occurrence of ovulation and provided some morphological features of granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis of atretic follicles at 0, 48, 72 and 120 h after eCG stimulation. Histological sections of ovaries from untreated animals (0 h) showed primordial, primary, secondary and early antral follicles. After 48 h ovaries showed large antral follicles. Preovulatory follicles were observed at 72 h, and two out of five rats displayed cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) in the oviducts. All animals exhibited corpora lutea after 120 h. We observed increased estradiol (E2) levels 48 h after eCG treatment that might trigger an endogenous preovulatory gonadotropin surge. Higher progesterone (P4) level, which is the hallmark of a functional corpus luteum, was observed at 120 h. Atresia in secondary and antral follicles was observed by pyknotic granulosa cell nuclei in histology and positive immunolabelling for cleaved caspase 3. We also observed macrophages in secondary and antral follicles in atresia. Transmission electron microscopy revealed GCs with compacted chromatin against the nuclear envelope, nuclear fragmentation, cell shrinkage and fragmentation. No preovulatory follicles showed apoptosis of GCs. In conclusion, our results suggested the occurrence of an endogenous gonadotropin surge, promoting ovulation and preventing atresia of preovulatory follicles.