bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of free chlorine application on microbial quality of drinking water in chloraminated distribution systems
Authors: Rosenfeldt Erik J. , Baeza Carolina , Knappe Detlef R.U.
Published: February 2018

The potential for bacterial regrowth and the formation of disinfection by‐products in distribution systems are issues of concern for many drinking water utilities. The principal objective of this study was to examine bacterial growth/regrowth in two chloraminated distribution systems before, during, and after a free chlorine flush. Raw water for both systems was of similar quality, but treatment trains differed, primarily in their use of ozone. To avoid culture‐based technique biases, cell counts were measured directly by nucleic acid staining and subsequent analysis by flow cytometry. During the free chlorine flush period, lower cell counts were obtained at all sampled locations in one distribution system, but only at long detention times in the second distribution system. Assimilable organic carbon levels were generally greater in the second distribution system, where ozonation was used in the treatment train. At an intermittent‐use facility, nitrification was mitigated after hydrant flushing led to the appearance of a free chlorine residual. However, without additional hydrant flushing, the free chlorine residual decayed and led to elevated levels of chloroform. In comparing tap water from both distribution systems with several commercially available bottled waters, bacteria levels were found to be higher in more than half of the bottled waters tested.
Accelerated chloramine decay and microbial growth by nitrification in premise plumbing
Authors: Zhang Yan , Edwards Marc
Published: February 2018

Chloramine decay rates are accelerated by nitrifier colonization of premise plumbing, which compromises the effectiveness of secondary disinfection. As expected, in the absence of nitrification, chloramine was more stable than chlorine; but in the presence of nitrification, the relative stability (and efficacy) of the two disinfectants could be reversed. The net result with chloramination can be higher levels of heterotrophic bacteria in the bulk water and pipe biofilms than would be found with free chlorine. These experimental trends were confirmed using field data collected from homes in systems with active nitrification.
A review of perchlorate occurrence in public drinking water systems
Authors: Brandhuber Philip , Clark Sarah , Morley Kevin
Published: February 2018

The national occurrence of perchlorate in drinking water was analyzed and mapped by compiling data from existing perchlorate occurrence surveys. The existing surveys included studies conducted by utilities for the first Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule and by the states of Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and Texas. Perchlorate was detected in 26 states, Puerto Rico, and the Mariana Islands and was found in at least one source of approximately 5% of the nation—s large (> 10,000 population) public water systems. When found, perchlorate was typically present at concentrations of < 12 μg/L. Some water utilities that detected perchlorate have discontinued the use of perchlorate‐contaminated sources. On the basis of the results of a 2007 phone survey, it is estimated that at least 50 mgd of potable water production has been taken off line as a result of perchlorate contamination.
Ecosystem Services and Water Funds: Conservation Approaches that Benefit People and Biodiversity
Authors: Conservancy Nature , Goldman Rebecca L.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses water‐related ecosystem services which are the benefits people derive from ecosystems. By advancing ecosystem services as a justification for nature conservation, people's well‐being becomes central to the conservation discussion, thereby enhancing the potential to expand conservation efforts into landscapes that otherwise might be excluded (Goldman et al, 2008). The Nature Conservancy, with partners, is advancing a strategy that tries to capture regulation and purification service values and use the values to advance conservation in priority watersheds, particularly in Latin America. These projects, called water funds, invest voluntary financial contributions by water users into a fund to be used for watershed conservation for securing protected areas and for managing the landscape. The article discusses the suitability of a region in the northern part of South America that spans much of Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela for establishing water fund projects.
Cross‐sector emergency planning for water providers and healthcare facilities
Authors: Welter Gregory , Bieber Steven , Bonnaffon Heidi , Deguida Nicholas , Socher Myra
Published: February 2018

Interruption of water supply during natural disasters or other emergencies can severely compromise operation of healthcare facilities, as demonstrated by hospitals’ experiences in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Although accredited and equipped with emergency plans, many hospitals are ill‐prepared to meet their water supply needs during a crisis. A first step in effective planning for emergency water supplies is an audit of the healthcare facility to quantify water use and classify individual uses as essential for critical functions versus those needed for normal operation. The hospital will then have a better understanding of its core water requirements during an emergency. This work, part of a larger study to develop implementable operational plans should the public water distribution network fail, underscores the key role played by water utilities in these efforts. Water professionals can best serve their communities by reaching out to their local emergency management agencies and hospital associations and work with them to create successful and cost‐effective emergency plans.
Methods for evaluating water distribution network early warning systems
Authors: Kroll Dan , King Karl
Published: February 2018

Recent years have seen the arrival of an array of early warning systems for the continuous on‐line detection of anomalies relating to water security and quality. Numerous methodologies and criteria have been suggested to determine the efficacy of these methods in real‐world scenarios. The authors contend that many of these evaluation techniques are deficient in evaluating all of the factors that would be essential in defining a system for deployment for the protection of key installations such as military bases. They suggest specific criteria as a means of comparing various technologies and propose a new method for determining receiver operating characteristic curves. Similar considerations should come into play in the evaluation of systems for civilian uses.
Improving urban irrigation efficiency by using weather‐based “smart” controllers
Authors: Mayer Peter W. , Deoreo William B.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses two large‐scale regional efforts, funded by the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR), to effect urban irrigation efficiency and reduce runoff through the installation of smart controllers. California's smart controller programs represent the largest effort to date to distribute and evaluate the effects of weather‐based irrigation‐control technology. The current study reviewed evaluation results from weather‐based irrigation‐controller programs in Northern and Southern California and offers empirical data on the performance of smart‐controller products distributed and installed through different methodologies in an array of residential and nonresidential settings.
Treatment alternatives for compliance with the Stage 2 D/DBPR: An economic update
Authors: Roy Alan J.
Published: February 2018

A concise review of the standard treatment technologies used to achieve compliance with the Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule (D/DBPR), along with their respective advantages and disadvantages, is presented in this article. Capital and operating cost estimates for D/DBPR compliance, first released in 2005 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are updated. As many utilities have found, switching to a disinfectant other than chlorine may be effective in limiting regulated disinfection byproducts, but it can also create new DBPs whose effects are not well known or understood. Treatment technologies that remove the source of the byproducts, although more expensive, may prove to be the better alternative ‐ especially when the additional contaminant removal often required in addition to the reduction of DBPs is factored into the equation. By implementing organic matter removal technologies, a water utility can best achieve Stage 2 D/DBPR compliance without creating additional problems in the treated water and will likely achieve additional benefits in terms of improved water quality. This article can help utilities prepare for technology selection as well as future treatment needs and budgeting of expenses.
Water conditioning for LCR compliance and control of metals release in San Francisco's water system
Authors: Wilczak Andrzej , Hokanson David R. , Trussell R. Rhodes , Boozarpour Manouchehr , Degraca Andrew F.
Published: February 2018

The experience of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) demonstrates that maintaining high pH (target pH 9.4 for Hetch Hetchy water and pH 8.6 and 8.9 for other water supplies) is an appropriate corrosion control treatment to comply with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) and to control metals release in low‐alkalinity water and is more effective than adjusting the Langelier saturation index or augmenting alkalinity. A survey of corrosion control treatment for utilities treating soft, low‐alkalinity waters found that high pH has been successful in minimizing the release of lead and copper from plumbing. The combination of water quality and distribution system conditions at SFPUC is such that a switch from free to combined chlorine had no effect on lead and copper release and LCR compliance. The analysis presented here was originally developed as part of a project and compliance report to the California Department of Public Health to evaluate corrosion control treatment at SFPUC following systemwide chloramination and fluoridation. Additional historical information and more recent water quality data are provided to complement the analysis.
Is E. Coli an appropriate surrogate for Cryptosporidium occurrence in water?
Authors: Nieminski Eva , Durrant Gary C. , Hoyt Monica B. , Owens Marie E. , Peterson Leon , Peterson Scott , Tanner Windy D. , Rosen Jeffrey , Clancy Jennifer L.
Published: February 2018

This study evaluated the validity of monitoring for Escherichia coli in lieu of Cryptosporidium to assess the vulnerability of source waters to the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Over a period of seven years, four large water systems in Utah collected Cryptosporidium, E. coli, and turbidity data from seven water treatment plants that treat both reservoir and stream sources. The data represented analyses completed by two US Environmental Protection Agency‐approved protozoan laboratories and local state‐certified laboratories for E. coli. Results of the statistical analyses indicated poor correlation between Crypto sporidium and E. coli and between Cryptosporidium and turbidity in all monitored water sources throughout the entire monitoring period. The analyses indicate that elevated concentrations of E. coli are not indicative of the presence of Cryptosporidium in surface water. Both E. coli and turbidity are poor surrogates for occurrence of Cryptosporidium at treatment plant intakes. Further investigation is needed to establish appropriate surrogates for Cryptosporidium occurrence.
Effective management of large‐diameter pressure pipes
Authors: Marlow David , Desilva Dhammika , Beale David , Marney Donovan
Published: February 2018

The management of large‐diameter pressurized pipe assets poses a challenge for many water utilities. Condition assessments can be done as part of the management effort, but such an undertaking may prove an expensive endeavor that does not always provide the desired information. The research described here used an approach based on case studies to investigate condition assessment practices in Australia and New Zealand. The article provides an overview of the research and a synthesis of the case studies. Most of the condition assessments reviewed involved discrete inspections of short sections of pipe or used inference techniques such as measurement of soil corrosivity. Drawing on the results of the case studies, the authors propose a riskbased management framework, which provides insights into the development of an appropriate management strategy for these assets.
Water Pyramids: Innovative Design Provides Sustainable Water Delivery
Authors: Tukker Jan Jaap , Anema Kim , Nitzsche Martijn
Published: February 2018

This article discusses WaterPyramid technology, which addresses the need for clean drinking water in developing countries where access to clean water is limited and resources are scarce. WaterPyramids use sustainable technology to process clean water out of saline, brackish, and polluted water, and removes contaminants such as arsenic and fluoride. The article discusses supporting technology such as solar energy, desalination by evaporation and condensation, and rainwater harvesting, which are all used in WaterPyramid technology. The first WaterPyramid pilot projects were constructed in May 2005 in Gambia. In March 2009, the first project was initiated using two fully integrated WaterPyramids on Pamana Island, an Indonesian island near Flores. The article discusses the financial sustainability of this technology.
Comparison of ANN models for predicting water quality in distribution systems
Authors: D'Souza Celia D. , Kumar M.S. Mohan
Published: February 2018

Residual chlorine and biomass concentrations are two important indicators of water quality in water distribution systems. To assist in the supply of safe drinking water to consumers, several process‐based models have been developed for predicting chlorine residual attenuation and bacterial regrowth in distribution networks. However, calibration of these models requires extensive and accurate data regarding numerous water quality parameters. In this research, an alternative modeling procedure that incorporates an artificial neural network was used to predict temporal chlorine residual and biomass concentrations at different nodes for five water distribution systems. The authors considered three types of algorithms based on feed‐forward neural networks: resilient back propagation, Levenberg‐Marquardt, and general regression. The models developed were tested for unseen data, and comparisons were made on the basis of the mean absolute error and coefficient of correlation.
Behavior of trace inorganic contaminants in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Hill Andrew S. , Friedman Melinda J. , Reiber Steve H. , Korshin Gregory V. , Valentine Richard L.
Published: February 2018

Regulated trace metals and radiological contaminants can participate in a variety of reaction and transport mechanisms that contribute to their nonconservative behavior in drinking water distribution systems. As a result, toxic contaminants such as arsenic, lead, and radium have been measured in customer tap water at levels that are orders of magnitude greater than their levels at system entry points. A recently completed investigation of contaminant occurrence in distribution system deposits provided insight into accumulation trends and highlighted the complexity of the issue. However, the industry—s understanding of inorganics accumulation and release phenomena and associated exposure risks remains limited because of significant research voids. Furthermore, utilities generally are unaware of the scope of the issue and the potential consequences of routine system operations on contaminant occurrence and mobility. This article addresses these issues through a critical distillation of previous investigations, suggested strategies for future research direction, and practical considerations for water utilities.
Algae removal efficiencies of AS/PDMDAAC coagulants
Authors: Zhao Xiaolei , Zhang Yuejun , Li Xiaoxiao , Liu Cheng , Zhu Lingling
Published: February 2018

This research investigated the use of composite coagulants for enhanced coagulation of algae‐containing water from Taihu Lake in China. The composite coagulants comprised aluminum sulfate (AS) and poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDMDAAC) of different intrinsic viscosity values (0.55‐ .99 dL/g) and different mass percentages (5‐20%) in formulation. For algae‐containing water with a temperature of 29‐ 0oC and algal content of .52 × 104 cells/mL, algae removal rates of 81.11% and 85.89‐90.5 %, respectively, were realized using AS at a dose of 7.78 mg/L and AS/PDMDAAC at formulations of 0.55/5‐ .99/20% and doses of 6.55‐ .54 mg/L when 2‐ntu residual turbidity of effluent water after sedimentation was required. The removal rates of chemical oxygen demand and ammonia using AS/PDMDAAC in algae‐containing water were higher than those using AS alone. Composite coagulants could reduce required doses and decrease algal content in effluent water when 1‐ntu residual turbidity is required. When identical doses were used, 1.5 /10% AS/PDMDAAC outperformed AS combined with prechlorination.
State of the Industry Report 2010: How water professionals are meeting ongoing challenges and economic uncertainty
Authors: Mann John , Runge Jon
Published: February 2018

This year marked the seventh State of the Industry (SOTI) study, AWWA's annual survey of how water professionals perceive critical concerns confronting the industry today. Responses received in 2010 made it clear that repercussions from the economic downturn of the past two years continue to reverberate through the industry, affecting virtually every aspect of operations. Business factors continued to reign as the chief concern among the more than 2,000 respondents. Other top issues included infrastructure, source water supply, regulatory concerns, and workforce issues. Respondents rated the overall “soundness,” or health of the water industry, as about the same as last year. Data were broken out according to the five regions to gain a more localized perspective on industry soundness and critical issues. Utility capital spending for 2011 was projected to drop modestly by about 1% overall. Responses indicated that utility sources of capital have shifted dramatically as the hard realities of the economic downturn sink in. Working with its broad membership, AWWA is seeking solutions to all the issues identified in the report, with a particular focus on meeting the funding challenges.
Lead removal from tap water using POU devices
Authors: Deshommes Elise , Zhang Yan , Gendron Karine , Sauvé Sébastien , Edwards Marc , Nour Shokoufeh , Prévost Michelè
Published: February 2018

Common point‐of‐use (POU) devices that met NSF/ANSI‐53 certification standards for lead removal before July 16, 2007, were evaluated for the reduction of lead and other trace metals in drinking water. Systematic testing and evaluation of various POUs focused on particulate and dissolved lead removal efficacy, under conditions different from those addressed in the NSF‐53 testing protocol (particle type, water tested, lead levels). Tap‐mounted and under‐the‐sink POUs showed, globally, adequate removal performance, although the NSF threshold value for lead of 10 pg/L was occasionally slightly exceeded. Pour‐through POUs failed to remove particulate lead, decreased pH, did not reduce turbidity, and were the least efficient for chlorine removal. Copper removal was effective for any concentration tested, and silver was detected in effluent water. Nitrification did not increase the dissolution of lead particles trapped in the filters.
Zinc content in brass and its influence on lead leaching
Authors: Zhang Yaofu , Edwards Marc
Published: February 2018

It has been speculated that lead leaching is related to dezincification, which is characterized by the preferential leaching of zinc from the alloy, leaving behind a porous residue of copper and corrosion products. This increasingly porous layer allows lead to detach and diffuse more rapidly from the brass surface into solution. High‐zinc brasses are usually more susceptible to dezincification attack; therefore, the high‐zinc brasses might be expected to experience more severe lead leaching. This article found that using dezincification‐ reduction (DZR) brasses that minimize dezincification might create increased problems with lead leaching. Therefore, to limit lead leaching, it is important to limit the amount of lead in all brasses or limit the use of leaded brasses. Given recent concerns about failures from dezincification, a forthcoming requirement to mandate DZR brass in some potable water applications (i.e., lower zinc content or DZR resistance from arsenic or other substances) is on the horizon. From the perspectives of public health protection and regulatory compliance, it may be important to limit the lead content of brasses.
Around the World in Eighty Ways
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Settle in to your favorite chair, get comfortable, and start turning the pages of this issue to traverse the globe and learn about the world of water. From the qanats of the Sahara to the gold‐rush‐inspired water systems of Australia, this month's articles provide a panoramic view into such issues as water delivery, management techniques, innovation, wastewater treatment, and wastewater operator training along the US‐Mexico border.
Save the Archbishop but Not the Dodo
Authors: McGuire Michael J.
Published: February 2018

One topic spans the dual themes of workforce and customer service for this month ‐ communications. If we are not properly communicating with our customers and our workforce, we are doomed ‐ doomed to mediocrity or worse.
Building Literacy Partnerships Across District and Institutional Boundaries
Authors: Ronan Briana , Bauer Julee , Iunker Laurie , Sanford Jesse , Berry Michelle
Published: February 2018

Often coauthored by university‐ and school‐based educators, preservice teachers, and youths, this department column considers how literacies are best developed through context‐crossing partnerships among university, school, and community constituents.
Using equivalence‐based instruction to teach piano skills to college students
Authors: Griffith Kristin R. , Ramos Amber L. , Hill Kelli E. , Miguel Caio F.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of equivalence‐based instruction (EBI) on the emergence of basic music reading and piano playing skills. Six female college students learned to identify three musical chord notations given their respective dictated names. Participants also learned to play chords on the piano following the dictated name of the chord, and to play the chords to a song on a keyboard. Results are consistent with past research, in that stimuli became substitutable for each other and acquired a common behavioral function. Data suggest that EBI was an effective and efficient procedure to teach adults to read musical notation, as well as play chords and a song on a piano keyboard.
Manipulating parameters of reinforcement to reduce problem behavior without extinction
Authors: Kunnavatana S. Shanun , Bloom Sarah E. , Samaha Andrew L. , Slocum Timothy A. , Clay Casey J.
Published: February 2018

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) most often includes extinction as a treatment component. However, extinction is not always feasible and it can be counter‐therapeutic if implemented without optimal treatment integrity. Researchers have successfully implemented DRA without extinction by manipulating various parameters of reinforcement such that alternative behavior is favored. We extended previous research by assessing three participants' sensitivities to quality, magnitude, and immediacy using arbitrary responses and reinforcers that maintain problem behavior. The results were used to implement an intervention for problem behavior using DRA without extinction. Our findings indicate that arbitrary responses can be used to identify individual and relative sensitivity to parameters of reinforcement for reinforcers that maintain problem behavior. Treatment was effective for all participants when we manipulated parameters of reinforcement to which they were most sensitive, and, for two participants, the treatment was less effective when we manipulated parameters to which they were least sensitive.
IFN-γ orchestrates tumor elimination, tumor dormancy, tumor escape, and progression
Authors: Aqbi Hussein F , Wallace Matthew , Sappal Samay , Payne Kyle K , Manjili Masoud H
Published: February 2018

Tumor immunoediting consisting of three phases of elimination, equilibrium or dormancy, and escape has been supported by preclinical and clinical data. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which antitumor immune responses regulate these three phases are important for developing highly tailored immunotherapeutics that can control cancer. To this end, IFN-γ produced by Th1 cells, cytotoxic T cells, NK cells, and NKT cells is a pleiotropic cytokine that is involved in all three phases of tumor immunoediting, as well as during inflammation-mediated tumorigenesis processes. This essay presents a review of literature and suggests that overcoming tumor escape is feasible by driving tumor cells into a state of quiescent but not indolent dormancy in order for IFN-γ-producing tumor-specific T cells to prevent tumor relapse.
Validation of a dynamic joint contracture measuring device in a live rabbit model of arthrofibrosis
Authors: Reina Nicolas , Trousdale William H. , Salib Christopher G. , Evertz Loribeth Q. , Berglund Lawrence J. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Hewett Timothy E. , Berry Charlotte E. , Berry Daniel J. , Morrey Mark E. , Sanchez‐Sotelo Joaquin , Abdel Matthew P.
Published: February 2018

The current method of measuring arthrofibrosis in live rabbits is critically limited. Specifically, this method involves radioactive fluoroscopy, error‐prone goniometric measurements, and static joint angle outcomes that fail to approximate the compliance of tissues surrounding the joint. This study aims to validate a novel method of capturing the compliance of contracted tissues surrounding the joint without the use of fluoroscopy or animal sacrifice. Surgically induced contractures of one‐hundred and eight rabbits were measured using the current standard of contracture measurement (a pulley system) as well as a newly designed dynamic load cell (DLC) device. The DLC device was highly reliable when compared to the pulley system (r = 0.907, p < 0.001). Finally, the DLC device produced joint stiffness hysteresis curves capable of approximating the compliance of stiff joint tissues, ultimately calculating a mean joint stiffness of 1.57 ± 1.31 N · m · rad−1 (range, 0.33–6.37 N · m · rad−1). In conclusion, the DLC device represents a valid method for measuring joint contractures. Further, the DLC device notably improves current techniques by introducing the capacity to approximate the compliance of contracted tissues in living rabbits. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2186–2192, 2018.
Regional and intra‐annual stability of dissolved organic matter composition and biolability in high‐latitude Alaskan rivers
Authors: Mutschlecner Audrey E. , Guerard Jennifer J. , Jones Jeremy B. , Harms Tamara K.
Published: February 2018

Nutrient availability and molecular composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) determine whether the carbon (C) associated with DOM is respired during decomposition or exported from stream networks. High‐latitude ecosystems are changing rapidly due to permafrost thaw, shifts in vegetation, and increasing runoff, which alter sources of DOM and nutrients to rivers. To address how changes in the composition of riverine DOM and nutrients may influence C cycling, we quantified biolability of DOM across a latitudinal gradient in Alaska and assessed temporal patterns associated with intra‐annual variation in hydrology. We measured biolability under ambient and fertilized conditions and characterized optical and chemical properties of DOM to determine the relative influence of nutrients and molecular composition of DOM on its fate in rivers. Biolability was low, comprising 4% of the DOM pool on average and 0–42% across all sites and seasons. Optical indicators of the molecular composition of the DOM pool were more constant in space and time than bulk concentrations of dissolved C and nutrients, and described a DOM pool dominated by humic‐like functional groups. Phosphorus limited biolability at freshet, but biolability was not linked to DOM composition. Strong hydrologic connection of high‐latitude rivers to a large pool of soil organic matter likely results in export of recalcitrant DOM to receiving rivers and coasts in this region, contributing to stability of the high‐latitude C cycle. However, increased inputs of phosphorus or DOM of greater biolability will likely cause increased respiration of riverine DOM and flux of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Tribological evaluation of calcium‐copper‐titanate/cerium oxide‐based nanolubricants in sliding contact
Authors: Gupta Rajeev Nayan , Harsha A.P.
Published: February 2018

In the present work, calcium‐copper‐titanate (≈85 nm) and cerium oxide (≈90 nm) nanoparticles were blended in paraffin oil (PO) as an additive by varying the concentration from 0.1 to 1.0% w/v, and tribo‐performance was evaluated with four‐ball tester. The concentration 0.25% w/v of the nanoparticles in PO was found to be optimum in antiwear and antifriction property tests for both types of nanolubricants. At this particular concentration, the maximum reductions in the wear scar diameter were 38.4 and 26.1% for calcium‐copper‐titanate and cerium oxide‐based nanolubricants, respectively. Also, the mean coefficient of friction was reduced by 17.3 and 29.6% at this optimum concentration for both types of lubricants. For extreme‐pressure test, the load‐carrying capacity of the nanolubricants was improved from 126 to 160 kgf as compared with base PO. The worn surfaces were examined with scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope to study the physical phenomena that occurred during the sliding.
Deep feature classification of angiomyolipoma without visible fat and renal cell carcinoma in abdominal contrast‐enhanced CT images with texture image patches and hand‐crafted feature concatenation
Authors: Lee Hansang , Hong Helen , Kim Junmo , Jung Dae Chul
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To develop an automatic deep feature classification (DFC) method for distinguishing benign angiomyolipoma without visible fat (AMLwvf) from malignant clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) from abdominal contrast‐enhanced computer tomography (CE CT) images.

Methods

A dataset including 80 abdominal CT images of 39 AMLwvf and 41 ccRCC patients was used. We proposed a DFC method for differentiating the small renal masses (SRM) into AMLwvf and ccRCC using the combination of hand‐crafted and deep features, and machine learning classifiers. First, 71‐dimensional hand‐crafted features (HCF) of texture and shape were extracted from the SRM contours. Second, 1000–4000‐dimensional deep features (DF) were extracted from the ImageNet pretrained deep learning model with the SRM image patches. In DF extraction, we proposed the texture image patches (TIP) to emphasize the texture information inside the mass in DFs and reduce the mass size variability. Finally, the two features were concatenated and the random forest (RF) classifier was trained on these concatenated features to classify the types of SRMs. The proposed method was tested on our dataset using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation and evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). In experiments, the combinations of four deep learning models, AlexNet, VGGNet, GoogleNet, and ResNet, and four input image patches, including original, masked, mass‐size, and texture image patches, were compared and analyzed.

Results

In qualitative evaluation, we observed the change in feature distributions between the proposed and comparative methods using tSNE method. In quantitative evaluation, we evaluated and compared the classification results, and observed that (a) the proposed HCF + DF outperformed HCF‐only and DF‐only, (b) AlexNet showed generally the best performances among the CNN models, and (c) the proposed TIPs not only achieved the competitive performances among the input patches, but also steady performance regardless of CNN models. As a result, the proposed method achieved the accuracy of 76.6 ± 1.4% for the proposed HCF + DF with AlexNet and TIPs, which improved the accuracy by 6.6%p and 8.3%p compared to HCF‐only and DF‐only, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed shape features and TIPs improved the HCFs and DFs, respectively, and the feature concatenation further enhanced the quality of features for differentiating AMLwvf from ccRCC in abdominal CE CT images.
Measurements and simulation of RF heating of implanted stereo‐electroencephalography electrodes during MR scans
Authors: Bhusal Bhumi , Bhattacharyya Pallab , Baig Tanvir , Jones Stephen , Martens Michael
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To assess RF‐induced heating during MRI of patients with implanted stereo‐electroencephalography electrodes.

Methods

Simulations and experimental measurements using phantom and a head‐only transmit/receive coil on a 3T MR system were performed to evaluate temperature increases at the tip of an 8‐contact stereo‐electroencephalography electrode and an insulated wire partially immersed into the phantom. The lengths of wire producing maximum (resonant condition) and minimum (anti‐resonant condition) heating were evaluated for different entry modes and penetration depths.

Results

For both wire and stereo‐electroencephalography electrode, resonant lengths were close to odd integral multiples of RF quarter wavelength in air and antiresonant length close to even integral multiples of RF quarter wavelength, both being unaffected by the entry mode. In the resonant condition, temperature increased by as much as a factor of 10 higher than that at antiresonant condition. Larger penetration depths did not change resonant length, but did lead to increased RF heating.

Conclusion

For the partially immersed implants like stereo‐electroencephalography electrode, the resonant lengths were found to be independent of the penetration depths and entry modes, although the temperature increases may vary. Avoiding such lengths of cables can reduce the risk of tissue heating during in vivo MRI.
Establishing a culturally specific nursing home for Finnish‐speaking older persons in Sweden: A case study
Authors: Hadziabdic Emina , Hjelm Katarina
Published: February 2018

Aim

The study aims to describe the establishment of a culturally specific nursing home for Finnish‐speaking older persons in Sweden.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

A descriptive case study based on a review of 14 public documents and individual interviews with two experts in the area, analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

This study found that shared language, preservation of customs and habits and collaboration between the representatives of the municipality, Finnish‐speaking migrant associations and staff at the nursing home influenced the development of the culturally specific nursing home for older Finnish‐speaking people intended to avoid loneliness, isolation and misunderstandings among older Finnish‐speaking. Collaboration between healthcare service for older persons and minority people resulted in an optimal culturally specific nursing home, simultaneously encountering the majority culture. Nursing and healthcare services need to be aware of positive effects of collaboration with stakeholders to achieve optimal culturally specific nursing homes.
Applying the apprenticeship model to psychiatry: an evaluation
Authors: Nirodi Pratibha , El‐Sayeh Hany , Henfrey Helen
Published: February 2018

Working within the ‘firm’, long the bedrock of medical student clinical education, has been in recent demise. This article assesses the success of an apprenticeship scheme piloted within a mental health setting for fourth year medical students. The results show that it was possible and indeed successful in terms of fulfilling the basic tenets of the apprenticeship model. It was also found to be a novel method of increasing the likelihood of students considering psychiatry as a future career.
Excitation Transfer Engineering in Ce‐Doped Oxide Crystalline Scintillators by Codoping with Alkali‐Earth Ions
Authors: Auffray Etiennette , Augulis Ramūnas , Fedorov Andrei , Dosovitskiy Georgy , Grigorjeva Larisa , Gulbinas Vidmantas , Koschan Merry , Lucchini Marco , Melcher Charles , Nargelas Saulius , Tamulaitis Gintautas , Vaitkevičius Augustas , Zolotarjovs Aleksejs , Korzhik Mikhail
Published: February 2018

Time‐resolved spectroscopic study of the photoluminescence response to femtosecond pulse excitation and free carrier absorption at different wavelengths, thermally stimulated luminescence measurements and investigation of differential absorption are applied to amend the available data on excitation transfer in GAGG:Ce scintillators, and an electronic energy‐level diagram in this single crystal is suggested to explain the influence of codoping with divalent Mg on luminescence kinetics and light yield. The conclusions are generalized by comparison of the influence of aliovalent doping in garnets (GAGG:Ce) and oxyorthosilicates (LSO:Ce and YSO:Ce). In both cases, the codoping facilitates the energy transfer to radiative Ce3+ centers, while the light yield is increased in the LYSO:Ce system but reduced in GAGG:Ce.
Bayesian approach for assessing noninferiority in a three‐arm trial with binary endpoint
Authors: Ghosh Santu , Tiwari Ram C. , Ghosh Samiran
Published: February 2018

With the recent advancement in many therapeutic areas, quest for better and enhanced treatment options is ever increasing. While the “efficacy” metric plays the most important role in this development, emphasis on other important clinical factors such as less intensive side effects, lower toxicity, ease of delivery, and other less debilitating factors may result in the selection of treatment options, which may not beat current established treatment option in terms efficacy, yet prove to be desirable for subgroups of patients. The resultant clinical trial by means of which one establishes such slightly less efficacious treatment is known as noninferiority (NI) trial. Noninferiority trials often involve an active established comparator arm, along with a placebo and an experimental treatment arm, resulting into a 3‐arm trial. Most of the past developments in a 3‐arm NI trial consider defining a prespecified fraction of unknown effect size of reference drug, i.e., without directly specifying a fixed NI margin. However, in some recent developments, more direct approach is being considered with prespecified fixed margin, albeit in the frequentist setup. In this article, we consider Bayesian implementation of such trial when primary outcome of interest is binary. Bayesian paradigm is important, as it provides a path to integrate historical trials and current trial information via sequential learning. We use several approximation‐based and 2 exact fully Bayesian methods to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed approach. Finally, a clinical trial example is reanalyzed to demonstrate the benefit of the proposed approach.
Vertical gradient of stratiform radar reflectivity below the bright band from the Tropics to the extratropical latitudes seen by GPM
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuki , Shige Shoichi , Yamamoto Munehisa K.
Published: February 2018

This study examined the vertical gradient of radar reflectivity below the detected bright band in stratiform regions from the Tropics to the extratropical latitudes using data from the Ku‐band (13.6 GHz) precipitation radar on board the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory. Stratiform precipitation profiles with reflectivity decreasing (increasing) from the melting level toward the surface occur frequently in the tropical oceans (mid‐ and high‐latitude oceans). High fractions of downward increasing stratiform pixels are found over the North Pacific Ocean throughout the year and over East Asia except for winter. In contrast, the North American continent and the adjacent North Atlantic Ocean are characterized by low fractions of downward‐increasing pixels during summer. The difference is consistent with the dominant type of convection over East Asia (warm‐type clouds) and over the North American continent (cold‐type clouds). Even in the tropical oceans such as the Atlantic and eastern Pacific intertropical convergence zones, there are some areas with moderate fractions of downward‐increasing stratiform pixels where the warm rain process dominates. The downward reduction of reflectivity in the stratiform region of MCSs is obviously due to evaporation, which is a function of lower‐tropospheric relative humidity. The downward increase of reflectivity in stratiform regions over the midlatitude oceans appears the result of raindrop growth. This is achieved via the collection of cloud droplets while falling through low‐level clouds produced by large‐scale vertical motion in the lower troposphere due to large‐scale convergence associated with synoptic‐scale systems.
An overview of dynamic anomaly detection in social networks via control charts
Authors: Noorossana Rassoul , Hosseini Seyed Soheil , Heydarzade Ayoub
Published: February 2018

Detection of anomalies in social networks has always been a topic of interest in the realm of social network analysis. However, in recent years, researchers from industrial process monitoring area have applied their methods for monitoring social networks. In this review paper, we discuss social network monitoring approaches that apply control charts to detect anomalies in social networks. We mention the characteristics of the approaches and will shed some light on different topics that can be considered for further investigation by interested researchers.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma presenting with remitting–relapsing pleural effusions: report of two cases
Authors: Muruganandan Sanjeevan , Fitzgerald Deirdre Brigid , Lee Y C Gary
Published: February 2018

Pleural effusions are common and are associated with malignancy in one sixth of cases. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is typically persistent and progressive, prompting further investigations if the initial tests are not diagnostic. A spontaneously remitting effusion is commonly presumed to be benign, and further investigations may not be performed. We present two cases in which the presenting pleural effusion spontaneously resolved but recurred (in one case, multiple times), leading to further investigations that revealed an underlying malignant pleural epithelioid mesothelioma. These cases demonstrate the need for clinicians to be aware that remitting effusions can occur in the context of pleural malignancy and should be kept under observation, with a low threshold for further investigation if relapse occurs.
Novel Supramolecular Assemblies of Co(III) & Cu(II) with Diethylenetriamine and Azide: Synthesis, Structure, Spectroscopic and Magnetic Studies
Authors: Pandey Priyanka , Cosquer Goulven , Yamashita Masahiro , Sunkari Sailaja S.
Published: February 2018

In exploring the role of increased ligand basicity as well as denticity on moving from ethylenediamine (en) or 1,3‐diaminopropane (1,3‐dap), on supramolecular solid formation, complexation involving diethylenetriamine (det) and azide with CoII and CuII afforded three new complexes [Co(det)2](N3)3 (1), [Co(det)(N3)3] (2) and [Cu2(det)2(N3)5(H2O)2Na] (3) under self assembling conditions and are characterized structurally and magnetically. Formation of 1 and 2 is sensitive to temperature of crystallization, while such a temperature influence could not be observed for CuII system due to lack of crystals at low temperatures. As expected with a tridentate ligand, strong chelation stabilizes 1 at LT and is a thermodynamically stable product, while isolation of 2 at RT conditions is under kinetic control. Decomposition of 2 at high temperatures (above 70 °C) as revealed through temperature dependent UV‐vis spectral studies also confirms its instability. Presence of three donor sites of det, leads to interesting structural pattern in Jahn‐Teller active CuII, resulting in cationic chains of [Cu(det)(N3)]n+ bridged by μ‐1,3 azido bridges to the neighboring [Na(H2O)2(N3)2]− units, thus leading to a 2‐D assembly of alternating layers of cationic and anionic chains in the unit cell of 3. Magnetic studies of 3 reveals anti‐ferromagnetic interaction between the copper ions (J=– 0.479 cm–1), in conformity with the bridge angle dependent magnetic behavior in azido bridged copper complexes.
Synthesis and Metal‐Complexation Ability of Cross‐Linking Materials Containing Noria‐Templated Cavities with Pendant Carboxylic Acid Groups
Authors: Kudo Hiroto , Miyamae Tsubasa , Kitagawa Kouta , Isoi Kohei , Murayama Norihiro , Hayashi Jun'ichi
Published: February 2018

We synthesized noria‐containing cross‐linking materials, Cross(Noria‐MA‐co‐DM[n]m), by radical polymerization of a noria derivative with pendant methacryloyl groups (noria‐MA) and α, ω‐alkanedimethacrylamides (DM[n], n=3, 6, 12) at feed ratios of noria‐MA/DM[n]=1/2.4, 1/12, and 1/24 (m=2.4, 12. and 24). Alkaline hydrolysis reaction of Cross(Noria‐MA‐co‐DM[n]m) removed the noria moieties to give corresponding cross‐linking materials, Cross‐COOH‐DM[n]m, containing noria‐templated fixed cavities with pendant carboxylic acid groups. Among the noria‐containing cross‐linking materials, Cross(Noria‐MA‐co‐DM[6]24) showed the greatest extent of removal of noria upon hydrolysis. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide absorption studies indicated that Cross(Noria‐MA‐co‐DM[6]24) contains fixed cavities, whereas Cross‐COOH‐DM[6]24 does not in the solid (unswollen) state. Examination of the inclusion‐complex‐forming ability of the synthesized cross‐linking materials using aqueous solutions of metal ions revealed that Cross‐COOH‐DM[6]24 has the greatest absorption capacity. These results indicate that Cross‐COOH‐DM[6]24 indeed contains noria‐templated cavities that can accommodate metal ions in aqueous solution.
Large‐Scale Direct‐Writing of Aligned Nanofibers for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Ye Dong , Ding Yajiang , Duan Yongqing , Su Jiangtao , Yin Zhouping , Huang Yong An
Published: February 2018

Nanofibers/nanowires usually exhibit exceptionally low flexural rigidities and remarkable tolerance against mechanical bending, showing superior advantages in flexible electronics applications. Electrospinning is regarded as a powerful process for this 1D nanostructure; however, it can only be able to produce chaotic fibers that are incompatible with the well‐patterned microstructures in flexible electronics. Electro‐hydrodynamic (EHD) direct‐writing technology enables large‐scale deposition of highly aligned nanofibers in an additive, noncontact, real‐time adjustment, and individual control manner on rigid or flexible, planar or curved substrates, making it rather attractive in the fabrication of flexible electronics. In this Review, the ground‐breaking research progress in the field of EHD direct‐writing technology is summarized, including a brief chronology of EHD direct‐writing techniques, basic principles and alignment strategies, and applications in flexible electronics. Finally, future prospects are suggested to advance flexible electronics based on orderly arranged EHD direct‐written fibers. This technology overcomes the limitations of the resolution of fabrication and viscosity of ink of conventional inkjet printing, and represents major advances in manufacturing of flexible electronics.