bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Readmissions Related to Short Bowel Syndrome: A Study from a National Database
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi Kwabena Oware , Pant Chaitanya , Deshpande Abhishek , Olyaee Mojtaba
Published: August 2019

While short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of intestinal failure in children, little objective data are available regarding hospital readmissions for children with SBS. This study sought to investigate rehospitalizations related to SBS in young children. Data for study were obtained from the 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). Using data from the 2013 NRD, we identified a total of 1898 hospitalizations in children with SBS aged 1–4 years. A total of 901 index cases and 997 rehospitalizations were noted. Of these, 425 children (47.2%) underwent rehospitalizations. The most frequent diagnoses and procedures associated with readmission of children with SBS were related to infections and intravenous catheter placement. This is the first study to use US nationwide data to report on the incidence of readmissions in children with SBS. The results from this study indicate that improving central line care and providing home healthcare resources to families at discharge may help in preventing SBS-related rehospitalizations.
Predicting symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage after mechanical thrombectomy: the TAG score
Authors: Montalvo Mayra , Mistry Eva , Chang Andrew Davey , Yakhkind Aleksandra , Dakay Katarina , Azher Idrees , Kaushal Ashutosh , Mistry Akshitkumar , Chitale Rohan , Cutting Shawna , Burton Tina , Mac Grory Brian , Reznik Michael , Mahta Ali , Thompson Bradford B , Ishida Koto , Frontera Jennifer , Riina Howard A , Gordon David , Parella David , Scher Erica , Farkas Jeffrey , McTaggart Ryan , Khatri Pooja , Furie Karen L , Jayaraman Mahesh , Yaghi Shadi
Published: August 2019

Background

There is limited data on predictors of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) in patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. In this study, we aim to determine those predictors with external validation.

Methods

We evaluated mechanical thrombectomy in a derivation cohort of patients at a comprehensive stroke centre over a 30-month period. Clinical and radiographic data on these patients were obtained from the prospective quality improvement database. sICH was defined using the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III. We compared clinical and radiographic characteristics between patients with and without sICH using χ2 and t tests to identify independent predictors of sICH with p<0.1. Significant variables were then combined in a multivariate logistic regression model to derive an sICH prediction score. This score was then validated using data from the Blood Pressure After Endovascular Treatment multicentre prospective registry.

Results

We identified 578 patients with acute ischaemic stroke who received thrombectomy, 19 had sICH (3.3%). Predictive factors of sICH were: thrombolysis in cerebral ischaemia (TICI) score, Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS), and glucose level, and from these predictors, we derived the weighted TICI-ASPECTS-glucose (TAG) score, which was associated with sICH in the derivation (OR per unit increase 1.98, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.66, p<0.001, area under curve ((AUC)=0.79) and validation (OR per unit increase 1.48, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.79, p<0.001, AUC=0.69) cohorts.

Conclusion

High TAG scores are associated with sICH in patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy. Larger studies are needed to validate this scoring system and test strategies to reduce sICH risk and make thrombectomy safer in patients with elevated TAG scores.
MT-DRAGON score for outcome prediction in acute ischemic stroke treated by mechanical thrombectomy within 8 hours
Authors: Ben Hassen Wagih , Raynaud Nicolas , Bricout Nicolas , Boulouis Gregoire , Legrand Laurence , Ferrigno Marc , Kazemi Apolline , Bretzner Martin , Soize Sebastien , Farhat Wassim , Seners Pierre , Turc Guillaume , Zuber Mathieu , Oppenheim Catherine , Cordonnier Charlotte , Naggara Olivier , Henon Hilde
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The MRI-DRAGON score includes clinical and MRI parameters and demonstrates a high specificity in predicting 3 month outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA). The aim of this study was to adapt this score to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in a large multicenter cohort.

Methods

Consecutive cases of AIS treated by MT between January 2015 and December 2017 from three stroke centers were reviewed (n=1077). We derived the MT-DRAGON score by keeping all variables of the MRI-DRAGON score (age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, glucose level, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, diffusion weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score ≤5) and considering the following variables: time to groin puncture instead of onset to IV tPA time and occlusion site. Unfavorable 3 month outcome was defined as a mRS score >2. Score performance was evaluated by c statistics and an external validation was performed.

Results

Among 679 included patients (derivation and validation cohorts, n=431 and 248, respectively), an unfavorable outcome was similar between the derivation (51.5%) and validation (58.1%, P=0.7) cohorts, and was significantly associated with all MT-DRAGON parameters in the multivariable analysis. The c statistics for unfavorable outcome prediction was 0.83 (95%CI 0.79 to 0.88) in the derivation and 0.8 (95%CI 0.75 to 0.86) in the validation cohort. All patients (n=55) with an MT-DRAGONscore ≥11 had an unfavorable outcome and 60/63 (95%) patients with an MT-DRAGON score ≤2 points had a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

The MT-DRAGON score is a simple tool, combining admission clinical and radiological parameters that can reliably predict 3 month outcome after MT.
Self-Stabilising Byzantine Clock Synchronisation Is Almost as Easy as Consensus
Authors: Lenzen Christoph , Rybicki Joel
Published: August 2019

We give fault-tolerant algorithms for establishing synchrony in distributed systems in which each of the
n
nodes has its own clock. Our algorithms operate in a very strong fault model: we require self-stabilisation, i.e., the initial state of the system may be arbitrary, and there can be up to
f
<
n
/3 ongoing Byzantine faults, i.e., nodes that deviate from the protocol in an arbitrary manner. Furthermore, we assume that the local clocks of the nodes may progress at different speeds (clock drift) and communication has bounded delay. In this model, we study the pulse synchronisation problem, where the task is to guarantee that eventually all correct nodes generate well-separated local pulse events (i.e., unlabelled logical clock ticks) in a synchronised manner.

Compared to prior work, we achieve
exponential
improvements in stabilisation time and the number of communicated bits, and give the first sublinear-time algorithm for the problem:

• In the deterministic setting, the state-of-the-art solutions stabilise in time Θ (
f
) and have each node broadcast Θ(
f
log
f
) bits per time unit. We exponentially reduce the number of bits broadcasted per time unit to Θ (log
f
) while retaining the same stabilisation time.

• In the randomised setting, the state-of-the-art solutions stabilise in time Θ(
f
) and have each node broadcast
O
(1) bits per time unit. We exponentially reduce the stabilisation time to polylog
f
while each node broadcasts polylog
f
bits per time unit.

These results are obtained by means of a recursive approach reducing the above task of
self-stabilising
pulse synchronisation in the
bounded-delay
model to
non-self-stabilising
binary consensus in the
synchronous
model. In general, our approach introduces at most logarithmic overheads in terms of stabilisation time and broadcasted bits over the underlying consensus routine.
Liquid-State Dewetting of Pulsed-Laser-Heated Nanoscale Metal Films and Other Geometries
Authors: Kondic Lou , González Alejandro G. , Diez Javier A. , Fowlkes Jason D. , Rack Philip
Published: August 2019

Metal films of nanoscale thickness, deposited on substrates and exposed to laser heating, provide systems that involve several interesting multiphysics effects. In addition to fluid mechanical aspects associated with a free boundary setup, other relevant physical effects include phase change, thermal flow, and liquid–solid interactions. Such films are challenging to model, in particular because inertial effects may be relevant, and large contact angles require care when considering the long-wave formulation. Applications of nanoscale metal films are numerous, and the materials science community is actively pursuing more complex setups involving templated films and substrates, bimetallic films and alloys, and a variety of elemental film geometries. The goal of this review is to discuss our current understanding of thin metal film systems, while also providing an overview of the challenges in this research area, which stands at the intersection of fluid mechanics, materials science, and thermal physics.
Natural Viruses of Caenorhabditis Nematodes
Authors: Félix Marie-Anne , Wang David
Published: August 2019

Caenorhabditis elegans has long been a laboratory model organism with no known natural pathogens. In the past ten years, however, natural viruses have been isolated from wild-caught C. elegans (Orsay virus) and its relative Caenorhabditis briggsae (Santeuil virus, Le Blanc virus, and Melnik virus). All are RNA positive-sense viruses related to Nodaviridae; they infect intestinal cells and are horizontally transmitted. The Orsay virus capsid structure has been determined and the virus can be reconstituted by transgenesis of the host. Recent use of the Orsay virus has enabled researchers to identify evolutionarily conserved proviral and antiviral genes that function in nematodes and mammals. These pathways include endocytosis through SID-3 and WASP; a uridylyltransferase that destabilizes viral RNAs by uridylation of their 3′ end; ubiquitin protein modifications and turnover; and the RNA interference pathway, which recognizes and degrades viral RNA.
Microcomputed Tomography Studies of the Effectiveness of XP-endo Shaper in Root Canal Preparation: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Velozo Christianne , Albuquerque Diana
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to undertake a literature review on the use of XP-endo Shaper (FKG Dentaire SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) for root canal preparation evaluated using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) technology, with emphasis on the analysis of untouched canal walls. We searched the PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO, and MEDLINE databases for articles published from 2017 to 2019 using the following keywords: micro-CT, untouched walls, XP shaper, and XP endo. Articles without an abstract were excluded. Five papers were selected. Few studies on this topic are available. The studies published so far show that the XP-endo® Shaper system performs well in terms of canal preparation but leaves untouched walls.
Modification Research of the Internal Substructure Method for Seismic Wave Input in Deep Underground Structure‐Soil Systems
Authors: Bao Xin , Liu Jingbo , Wang Dongyang , Li Shutao , Wang Fei , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: August 2019

A new internal substructure method for seismic wave input in soil‐structure systems was recently proposed. This method simplifies the calculation of equivalent input seismic loads and avoids the participation of artificial boundaries in the process of seismic wave input. However, in previous research and applications, the internal substructures are usually intercepted down from the free surface, which forms large substructures and increases the computational effort for data management on the substructure nodes, especially for deep underground structures. In this study, the internal substructure method is modified by intercepting the internal substructures entirely beneath the free surface and adjacently around the underground structures. Then, the equivalent input seismic loads are obtained through the dynamic analysis of the internal substructures and applied to the corresponding positions of the total soil‐structure models. Thus, the earthquake energy can be more efficiently input into the region near the underground structures without losing computational accuracy. We provide the detailed implementation procedures of this modified method and validate its applicability and accuracy through the scattered problems of underground cavities in homogeneous and layered half‐space sites.
Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Karadaban Bimodal Volcanic Rocks in the Altyn Area, Xinjiang: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the Altyn Ocean
Authors: Jia Wen-Bin , Yan Guang-Sheng , Yu Xiao-Fei , Li Yong-Sheng , Conticelli Sandro , Du Ze-Zhong
Published: August 2019

Detailed geochronological, geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data are presented for early Paleozoic volcanic rocks in the Karadaban area from the northern Altyn region, NW China, with the aim to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. The Karadaban volcanic rocks show a bimodal distribution in composition, with rhyolite and basalt. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age indicates that the volcanic rocks were erupted at 512 Ma. The mafic rocks are calc-alkaline, enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILE; Ba and U) and depleted in high-field strength elements (HFSE; Nb and Ta). These features together with their depleted isotopic signature (initial87Sr/86Sr=0.70413–0.70817,εNdt=2.7to 3.7) suggest that they were likely derived from a depleted mantle source but mixed with crustal components while upwelling. The felsic rocks show an A-type affinity, with high alkalis and Rb/Sr and Ga/Al ratios; enriched in LILE (e.g., Rb, K, Th, U, and REE) and depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, P, and Ti; and with fractionated REE patterns with strong negative Eu anomalies. The combination of the decoupling ofεNdtvalues (−2.5 to −6.3) andεHftvalues (+5.5 to +14.7) in the setting of subduction indicates that the felsic rocks were generated by partial melting of the juvenile crustal as a result of magma upwelling. The geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic characteristics, coupled with regional geology, indicate that the formation of the Karadaban bimodal volcanic rocks involves an extensional regime associated with a subduction-related environment. The rifting of the back arc in response to the retreat of the subducting northern Altyn oceanic lithosphere may account for the Karadaban bimodal volcanic rocks.
A Comparison between Primary and Secondary Flap Coverage in Ridge Preservation Procedures: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Aladmawy Majdi A. , Natto Zuhair S. , Steffensen Bjorn , Levi Paul , Cheung Wai , Finkelman Matthew , Ogata Yumi , Hur Yong
Published: August 2019

Aims. To assess the bone dimensional changes after extraction and alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) using primary coverage (closed flap technique, CFT) or healing by secondary intention (open flap technique, OFT). Materials and Methods. Ten patients (split mouth design) were planned for extraction and ARP. All sites received ARP with freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and nonresorbable membrane after extraction. Clinical standardized measurements were used to assess the dimensional alterations of the alveolar ridge. Results. All patients completed the study, and a total of 20 sites were randomized to CFT or OFT group. Center height (mean difference of 8.1 mm, SD =1.9 CFT, and 7.5 mm, SD= 1.8 OFT) and buccal height (mean difference of 0.8 mm, SD =1.0 CFT, and 0.3 mm, SD= 1.1 OFT) were significantly different within the same group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. In the OFT group, the keratinized tissue width was higher and the pain VAS scores at 24 hours were lower compared with the CFT (p = 0.004 and p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions. Leaving the flap open did not have any effects on the dimensional changes of bone height or width. However, there was a wider band of keratinized tissue and less pain with the CFT compared with the OFT. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT03136913.
Association among Blink Rate, Changes in Ocular Surface Temperature, Tear Film Stability, and Functional Visual Acuity in Patients after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Itokawa Takashi , Okajima Yukinobu , Suzuki Takashi , Kobayashi Tatsuhiko , Tei Yuto , Kakisu Koji , Hori Yuichi
Published: August 2019

Purpose. To investigate the association among the ocular surface temperature (OST), tear film stability, functional visual acuity (FVA), and blink rate in patients after cataract surgery. Methods. We recruited 98 eyes of 69 patients (mean age, 73.7 ± 5.2 years) 1 month after phacoemulsification with implantation of acrylic intraocular lenses and assessed slit-lamp microscopy, corrected distance VA, FVA, noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), and OST. We defined the changes in the OST from 0 to 10 seconds after eye opening as the ΔOST. We measured the FVA and blink rate using the FVA measurement system. We divided the patients into two groups based on tear film stability: stable tear film (NIBUT, >5.0 seconds) and unstable tear film (NIBUT, ≤5.0 seconds). We evaluated the differences between the two groups and the association between the blink rate and other clinical parameters. Results. The unstable tear film group (56 eyes) had significantly (p<0.0001, unpaired t-test) shorter NIBUTs than the stable tear film group (42 eyes). The ΔOSTs and blink rates were significantly (p<0.0001) higher in the unstable tear film group than in the stable group. Linear single regression analysis showed that the ΔOST (r = −0.430, p<0.0001), NIBUT (r = −0.392, p<0.0001), and gender (r = −0.370, p=0.0002) were correlated significantly with the blink rate. Multiple regression analysis showed that the ΔOST independently contributed to the blink rate. Conclusions. The frequency of blinks is associated with tear film stability in patients after cataract surgery. The blink rate may be useful for evaluating the tear film stability in clinical practice. The ΔOST should be an important contributing factor to the blink rate. [This trial is registered with UMIN000026970].
Betulinic Acid Suppresses Breast Cancer Metastasis by Targeting GRP78-Mediated Glycolysis and ER Stress Apoptotic Pathway
Authors: Zheng Yifeng , Liu Pengxi , Wang Neng , Wang Shengqi , Yang Bowen , Li Min , Chen Jianping , Situ Honglin , Xie Meiqi , Lin Yi , Wang Zhiyu
Published: August 2019

Targeting aberrant metabolism is a promising strategy for inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis. Research is now geared towards investigating the inhibition of glycolysis for anticancer drug development. Betulinic acid (BA) has demonstrated potent anticancer activities in multiple malignancies. However, its regulatory effects on glycolysis and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. BA inhibited invasion and migration of highly aggressive breast cancer cells. Moreover, BA could suppress aerobic glycolysis of breast cancer cells presenting as a reduction of lactate production, quiescent energy phenotype transition, and downregulation of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins. In this study, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) was also identified as the molecular target of BA in inhibiting aerobic glycolysis. BA treatment led to GRP78 overexpression, and GRP78 knockdown abrogated the inhibitory effect of BA on glycolysis. Further studies demonstrated that overexpressed GRP78 activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor PERK. Subsequent phosphorylation of eIF2α led to the inhibition of β-catenin expression, which resulted in the inhibition of c-Myc-mediated glycolysis. Coimmunoprecipitation assay revealed that BA interrupted the binding between GRP78 and PERK, thereby initiating the glycolysis inhibition cascade. Finally, the lung colonization model validated that BA inhibited breast cancer metastasis in vivo, as well as suppressed the expression of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins. In conclusion, our study not only provided a promising drug for aerobic glycolysis inhibition but also revealed that GRP78 is a novel molecular link between glycolytic metabolism and ER stress during tumor metastasis.
A Ploidy Increase Promotes Sensitivity of Glioma Stem Cells to Aurora Kinases Inhibition
Authors: Cilibrasi Chiara , Guzzi Andrèe , Bazzoni Riccardo , Riva Gabriele , Cadamuro Massimiliano , Hochegger Helfrid , Bentivegna Angela
Published: August 2019

Glioma stem cells account for glioblastoma relapse and resistance to conventional therapies, and protein kinases, involved in the regulation of the mitotic machinery (i.e., Aurora kinases), have recently emerged as attractive therapeutic targets. In this study, we investigated the effect of Aurora kinases inhibition in five glioma stem cell lines isolated from glioblastoma patients. As expected, cell lines responded to the loss of Aurora kinases with cytokinesis failure and mitotic exit without cell division. Surprisingly, this resulted in a proliferative arrest in only two of the five cell lines. These sensitive cell lines entered a senescent/autophagic state following aberrant mitotic exit, while the non-sensitive cell lines continued to proliferate. This senescence response did not correlate with TP53 mutation status but only occurred in the cell lines with the highest chromosome content. Repeated rounds of Aurora kinases inhibition caused a gradual increase in chromosome content in the resistant cell lines and eventually caused a similar senescence response and proliferative arrest. Our results suggest that a ploidy threshold is the main determinant of Aurora kinases sensitivity in TP53 mutant glioma stem cells. Thus, ploidy could be used as a biomarker for treating glioma patients with Aurora kinases inhibitors.
Facts or Fables?
Authors: Modarressi Hossein
Published: August 2019

Muslim scholars maintain that the report of a text or event could be considered as indisputably true if it has been confirmed by the collective historical memory of the community throughout the ages and down the generations. Some suggested that if the authority of historical memory came into doubt, the entire edifice of religion and history would collapse as both were firmly based on historical memory. They were however aware of the possibility that an unconscious, spontaneous coordination of minds due to a shared feeling of a people might create a common assumption that turns a statement or event into a common knowledge for future generations and builds what we know as historical memory. They knew that stories are not fixed but can change over time, and that people might add additional material including their own interpretation of an event to their observation and thus form a collective memory that may have no truth embedded in it. They knew that the first hearing of an event or a report might influence the mind in such a way that the mind always remembered the event or report within that original understanding. So, how to prove that a piece of historical memory was really true and that it was not merely hearsay that people at the time happened to believe in, or wanted to believe in, and narrated to one another, passing it down from generation to generation? What is the line between fact and rumor and when does historical memory represent the truth, that is, the actual occurrence of an event or utterance of a statement? A number of requirements have been suggested in the Islamic tradition to narrow down the scope of error and increase the credibility of a piece of historical memory as representative of the actual occurrence of an alleged fact. This paper attempts to present those suggestions.
Polyclad fauna of Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, India: new records and description of two new species
Authors: DIXIT SUDHANSHU , BAYYANA SHARAD , MANJEBRAYAKATH HASHIM , SARAVANANE N. , SUDHAKAR M.
Published: August 2019

The present paper deals with the first study of polyclad fauna from Agatti Island, Lakshadweep. Through this study, Pseudobiceors apricus, Pseudobiceros hymanae and Pseudoceros bolool are recorded for the first time from Lakshadweep waters while Pseudoceros bicolor is recorded for the first time from Indian waters. Description of two new species, Pseudoceros agattiensis sp. nov. and Pseuodoceros stellans sp. nov. is also provided with good quality photographs of external and internal details. Pseudoceros agattiensis sp. nov. is characterized by a brown to black background colour, with minute white spots, marginal band thick and black with minute white spots present at very edge of the margin, three dorsal longitudinal white bands, out of which, two are laterally branched. Pseudoceros stellans sp. nov. displays a brown background colour with a black marginal band and completely covered with lighter microdots and a unique pattern of white dorsal blotches. This study adds to the knowledge of Indian polyclads, which are still an understudied group from Indian waters.
Revision of the Oriental and East Palaearctic genus Coryptilus Gibson (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Eupelmidae)
Authors: FUSU LUCIAN , KAWANO TAISUKE , PARK DUK-YOUNG
Published: August 2019

The previously monotypic genus Coryptilus Gibson (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is revised and two new species are described based on females: Coryptilus circalatus Fusu sp. nov. from the Oriental region and Coryptilus longicervix Kawano & Fusu sp. nov. from both the Oriental and far eastern Palaearctic regions. Coryptilus is known only from females and previously only from the Oriental region. An illustrated key to the three known species is provided.
Four new species of Rhyacophila Pictet, 1834 (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae) from Southeast Asia
Authors: SUWANNARAT NANNAPHAT , MALICKY HANS , MORSE JOHN C. , LAUDEE PONGSAK
Published: August 2019

Four new species of genus Rhyacophila are described and illustrated from Thailand and Myanmar, Southeast Asia. Rhyacophila longicaudata sp. n. is in the R. nigrocephala Group; the very long basal segment of each inferior appendage distinguishes it from other related species. Rhyacophila aksornkoaei sp. n. and R. limsakuli sp. n. are in the R. anatina Group: they can be differentiated from other species of the group by the brush-like parameres and presence of a ventral process of the aedeagus in R. aksornkoaei sp. n., and by the rectangular apical segment of each inferior appendage and the hooked parameres in R. limsakuli sp. n.. Rhyacophila kengtungensis is in the R. yishepa Group and is characterized by the subtriangular shape of the preanal appendages in dorsal view and by the very large dorsal appendages of the phallic apparatus.
Aphonopelma braunshausenii Tesmoingt, 1996 is a nomen dubium, with review of some historic morphological characters ineffective at species delineation (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
Authors: SHERWOOD DANNIELLA
Published: August 2019

Aphonopelma braunshausenii Tesmoingt, 1996 is regarded as a nomen dubium due to the lack of a deposited holotype, an inadequate description which gives no stable taxonomic features to differentiate it from any other species and the absence of an exact type locality. The instability of some morphological characters which were given weight for species delineation in many earlier works is discussed and illustrated.
Analytical Investigation of the Role of Lateral Mixing in the Evolution of Nonprecipitating Cumulus. Part I: Developing Clouds
Authors: Pinsky M. , Khain A.
Published: August 2019

Evolution of nonprecipitating cumulus clouds (Cu) at the developing stage under the influence of lateral entrainment and mixing is studied analytically using a minimalistic analytical model. We present a model of an ascending cloud volume (a model of developing Cu) whose structure is determined by the processes of droplet diffusion growth/evaporation and entrainment mixing in the horizontal direction. Spatial and time changes of liquid water content, the adiabatic fraction, droplet concentration, and the mean volume droplet radius are calculated. It is shown that the existence of a nondiluted core in a growing cumulus cloud significantly depends on the cloud width and vertical velocity. While at the updraft velocity of 2 m s−1 the core of a 400-m-wide cloud becomes diluted at distances of a few hundred meters above cloud base, the core of a cloud of 1000-m width remains nondiluted at distances up to 1500 m above cloud base. The explanation of this result is simple: the increase in cloud width and the decrease in the updraft velocity increase the time during which the cloud is diluted due to mixing. Since lateral mixing synchronously decreases both the cloud water content and droplet concentration, the variation of the mean volume droplet radius is low inside the cloud. The approximate quantitative condition for cloud formation in updraft is derived. It is shown that a cloud can arise when its vertical velocity exceeds a critical value. To produce clouds, narrow turbulent plumes should ascend at higher velocity as compared to wider plumes. High humidity of the environment air is favorable for formation of clouds from plumes. The comparison of the obtained results with previously published observational data indicates a reasonable agreement. The results can be useful for parameterization purposes.
Energetic Topographic Rossby Waves in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zeng Lili , Shu Yeqiang , Li Jian , Chen Ju , He Yunkai , Yao Jinglong , Wang Dongxiao , Zhou Weidong
Published: August 2019

Topographic Rossby waves (TRWs) are reported to make a significant contribution to the deep-ocean current variability. On the northern South China Sea (NSCS) continental slope, TRWs with peak spectral energy at ~14.5 days are observed over about a year at deep moorings aligned east–west around the Dongsha Islands. The TRWs with a group velocity of O(10) cm s−1 contribute more than 40% of total bottom velocity fluctuations at the two mooring stations. The energy propagation and source are further identified using a ray-tracing model. The TRW energy mainly propagates westward along the NSCS continental slope with a slight downslope component. The possible energy source is upper-ocean 10–20-day fluctuations on the east side of the Dongsha Islands, which are transferred through the first baroclinic mode (i.e., the second EOF mode). These 10–20-day fluctuations in the upper ocean are associated with mesoscale eddies. However, to the west of the Dongsha Islands, the 10–20-day fluctuations in the upper ocean are too weak to effectively generate TRWs locally. This work provides an interesting insight toward understanding the NSCS deep current variability and the linkage between the upper- and deep-ocean currents.
Seawater ageing effect on the mechanical properties of composites with different fiber and matrix types
Authors: José-Trujillo E , Rubio-González C , Rodríguez-González JA
Published: August 2019

The use of fiber-reinforced composites in marine applications such as components of tidal turbines and wave energy converters is becoming attractive because of their reduced weight and improved corrosion resistance. However, when these polymer matrix composite structures are exposed to seawater environment, degradation of material properties is produced affecting reliability. A deep understating of seawater ageing effect on composite structures is essential to ensure long-term performance and durability. A systematic investigation was conducted in this work to evaluate the effect of seawater ageing on mechanical properties of five different composites manufactured with two types of fiber fabrics (unidirectional glass and carbon) and three types of resin systems (epoxy, vinylester and polyester). The behavior of samples with and without accelerated seawater ageing and subjected to tensile, compressive, flexural and shear loading was evaluated. A significant strength reduction due to seawater ageing was observed on composites with epoxy and polyester matrices. Low strength and stiffness values of composites with vinylester matrix are in general observed; however, seawater ageing makes these properties increase slightly. Fracture surface examination by scanning electron microscopy revealed delamination, fiber debonding and resin crumbling due to seawater effect.
Electrical impedance analysis of carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite-based piezoresistive strain sensors under uniaxial cyclic static tensile loading
Authors: Sanli Abdulkadir , Kanoun Olfa
Published: August 2019

Carbon nanotubes-based nanocomposites have gained a great amount of attraction and play a key role in the realization of strain sensors owing to their remarkable physical properties. In this study, the piezoresistivity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/epoxy-based nanocomposite-based strain sensor under static tensile load is examined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Morphological examinations show that MWCNTs are randomly and homogeneously distributed in the epoxy polymer matrix. A simplified resistance constant phase element model is proposed and validated by impedance spectrum to fit the impedance spectra and the equivalent circuit parameters are extracted under uniaxial static load. Impedance results suggest that depending on the frequency regions, the sensor exhibits different responses under loading. Moreover, the proposed sensor gives high sensitivity, linearity and low hysteresis under cyclic quasi-static loading and unloading that makes the sensor a promising candidate for practical strain sensor applications.
Accepting or Resisting? Citizen Responses to Corruption Across Varying Levels of Competence and Corruption Prevalence
Authors: Vera Sofia B
Published: August 2019

The literature studying citizen responses to exposed political corruption is rapidly growing. While some studies explore how information credibility and group identities can reduce the electoral impact of the exposure of corruption, this article addresses different mechanisms for weak electoral accountability for corruption: candidate competence in public works provision and corruption prevalence. It uses a vignette experiment embedded in a national survey in Peru to isolate the causal effect of political corruption on electoral support. The results suggest that even types of corruption with side benefits would be harshly punished when attributed to incompetent politicians. They also indicate that while voters punish corruption more leniently when a candidate is competent, they respond negatively to corruption regardless of the prevalence of corruption, which casts doubt on the idea that voters in highly corrupt environments are acceptant of corruption.
Public Health Management of Persons Under Investigation for Ebola Virus Disease in New York City, 2014-2016
Authors: Winters Ann , Iqbal Maryam , Benowitz Isaac , Baumgartner Jennifer , Vora Neil M. , Evans Laura , Link Nate , Munjal Iona , Ostrowsky Belinda , Ackelsberg Joel , Balter Sharon , Dentinger Catherine , Fine Anne D. , Harper Scott , Landman Keren , Laraque Fabienne , Layton Marcelle , Slavinski Sally , Weiss Don , Rakeman Jennifer L. , Hughes Scott , Varma Jay K. , Lee Ellen H.
Published: August 2019

During 2014-2016, the largest outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in history occurred in West Africa. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) worked with health care providers to prepare for persons under investigation (PUIs) for EVD in New York City. From July 1, 2014, through December 29, 2015, we classified as a PUI a person with EVD-compatible signs or symptoms and an epidemiologic risk factor within 21 days before illness onset. Of 112 persons who met PUI criteria, 74 (66%) sought medical care and 49 (44%) were hospitalized. The remaining 38 (34%) were isolated at home with daily contact by DOHMH staff members. Thirty-two (29%) PUIs received a diagnosis of malaria. Of 10 PUIs tested, 1 received a diagnosis of EVD. Home isolation minimized unnecessary hospitalization. This case study highlights the importance of developing competency among clinical and public health staff managing persons suspected to be infected with a high-consequence pathogen.
Adsorption and dyeing properties of acid dyes on fine denier silk fibers
Authors: Sun Sheng , Zhang Yuansong , Zou Yushan , Dai Fangyin , Yi Shixiong
Published: August 2019

In this work, the surface morphology and diameter distribution of fine denier silk fiber were observed and measured. The adsorption property of acid orange 7 on the fine denier silk fiber was studied. The pseudo-first-order model and pseudo-second-order model adsorption kinetic models were employed to evaluate the experimental data. The effects of pH values and reaction temperature on the dyeing property were investigated. The results indicated that the fine denier silk fiber exhibited a uniform fiber diameter (9 µm), which is smaller than that of conventional silk fiber (16 µm). The adsorption process of the dye could be described using pseudo-second-order kinetic equations. A higher the amount of dye adsorption at equilibrium and faster adsorption rate was obtained for the fine denier silk fiber. The color strength of fine denier silk fibers was improved for the decreased pH values and increased temperature, which exhibited an excellent dyeing property.
Well-Being Interventions for Correctional Officers in a Prison Setting: A Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Evers Trisha J. , Ogloff James R. P. , Trounson Justin S. , Pfeifer Jeffrey E.
Published: August 2019

This review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of well-being interventions offered to correctional officers within prison settings. A search strategy was developed and 11 databases were searched to identify eligible studies. Articles were screened against preset eligibility criteria, and quality was assessed using the Downs and Black Checklist. Nine studies were identified, including four single-group design and five quasi-experimental designed studies. Interventions comprised a mixture of crisis interventions, psychoeducational programs, and an exercise program. For those studies with sufficient data, a meta-analysis was conducted to examine intervention effects on stress and psychopathology. Fixed-effects meta-analysis showed that treatment had no effect on stress or psychopathology. Of those studies that could not be included in the meta-analysis, there were mixed outcomes. These findings highlight the need for more rigorous study designs and suggest further research is needed to examine the theoretical mechanisms in the development of interventions within correctional settings.
Market matters: interdependencies in the Indian media economy
Authors: Parthasarathi Vibodh , Athique Adrian
Published: August 2019

In the complex operations of the Indian media economy, the phrase ‘media markets’ requires careful consideration as an analytical concept. As a noun, ‘media markets’ is typically used to refer to a spread of media businesses and/or consumer sectors. Closer examination reveals that there tend to be multiple markets operating simultaneously within any media business (for products, capital, labour, audience, etc.). This implies an ‘economy of markets’, transacting both across media formats and with markets situated outside of the media production process. Both ‘media exchanges’ and ‘mediated exchanges’ shape the dynamics of the inter-locking markets that constitute the Indian media economy. Thus, at the categorical level, we ask several questions: What are the boundaries of media markets? Who are the key actors? How are these transactional relationships valued? With these questions in mind, this article seeks to identify points of distinction in form and geography along with critical relationships between overlapping markets and underlying interests. We propose a topology of Indian media markets, organised via three levels, with treatment of each taking into consideration the synergistic character of media markets and how interdependency shapes functional norms, rules of exchange, and the embedding of media transactions.
Policy windows and converging frames: a longitudinal study of digitalization and media policy change
Authors: Sundet Vilde Schanke , Ihlebæk Karoline Andrea , Steen-Johnsen Kari
Published: August 2019

This study analyzes how media industry players have influenced media political solutions to digitalization, using data from the daily press and policy documents in the period from 1998 to 2017 as sources. It concentrates on two specific areas of media policy: public service broadcasting (PSB) and press subsidies. Based on a media policy field approach, this study identifies key collective frames and the players that promote them, and shows how policy windows are created. The study finds that there is strong continuity in terms of the basic frames used to discuss media policy and in the actors involved in creating collective frames, which means that the incumbents maintain their positions. Converging frames that include several industry problems are activated to an increasing degree to initiate and influence media policy actions.
Networked political brands: consumption, community and political expression in contemporary brand culture
Authors: Billard Thomas J , Moran Rachel E
Published: August 2019

This article synthesises theory from the fields of marketing and communication to understand how the practices and outcomes of branding have evolved into systems of symbolic expression and community building. Through an exploration of parallel theoretical models of branding and mass communication, we posit a new theory of ‘networked branding’ that better takes into account how communicative power is distributed within a brand culture that is heavily mediated by networked communication technologies. Applying this theory of networked branding to the realm of politics we explore the ambivalent outcomes of branding in relation to capitalism and civic culture. Through an interrogation of two examples of networked branding from the political realm – the successful presidential campaign and subsequent administration of Donald Trump and the co-optation of the National Park Service’s brand by activists rallying against the Trump administration – this article explores how branding is utilised within politics as a platform for communication and social organisation. Drawing on the affective, interactive and social dynamics of modern mediatised branding, we interrogate the powers and limitations of consumer agency in contemporary brand culture.
Understanding the Efficiency of Splenic Hemangiosarcoma Diagnosis Using Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Herman Eric J. , Stern Adam W. , Fox Richard J. , Dark Michael J.
Published: August 2019

Hemangiosarcoma is a common neoplasm of the spleen in older dogs. However, diagnosis is complicated by necrosis and hemorrhage, which can mimic a number of benign processes. Currently, there is no consensus about the number of sections pathologists should examine to rule out hemangiosarcoma. To answer this question, we examined 413 histopathologic sections from 50 cases of canine hemangiosarcoma (mean: 8.1 sections per case; range, 5–14). Each section had the presence or absence of hemangiosarcoma determined by 2 board-certified anatomic pathologists. Then, 100 Monte Carlo simulations were performed, randomly selecting sections from each case 10 000 times and the results averaged. These simulations suggest that examination of 5 sections from a spleen with hemangiosarcoma yields a 95.02% chance of diagnosing hemangiosarcoma, while examination of 10 sections yields a 98.59% chance of diagnosis when hemangiosarcoma is in fact present. The data emphasize the need to submit the entire spleen for histopathologic examination in suspected cases of hemangiosarcoma and suggest that 5 sections obtained by a trained individual are likely sufficient for diagnosis.
Role of playback videolaryngoscope footage in improved patient care
Authors: Aykanat Verna M , Graham Jon M
Published: August 2019

Despite the frequency of videolaryngoscope use, to the authors’ knowledge, there are no publications exploring the role of playback video recording in real time to improve patient care. We present a patient with a difficult airway complicated by trauma during GlideScope® (Verathon Inc., Bothell, WA, USA) intubation. The injury was not recognised by any of the anaesthetic staff observing the intubation, and was only identified when playback video footage was viewed. This provided the opportunity for early ear, nose and throat surgical review prior to extubation. Airway trauma can be missed by the anaesthetist. Reviewing video playback footage at an appropriate time during the case may enable more timely recognition of airway injuries and, ultimately, improved patient care.
Sexual Assault Survivors Who Exchange Sex: Identity, Stigma, and Informal Responses From Support Providers
Authors: Shepp Veronica , O’Callaghan Erin , Kirkner Anne , Lorenz Katherine , Ullman Sarah
Published: August 2019

It is well established in the literature that individuals who engage in sex work are more likely to experience sexual trauma/violence, but little research has examined experiences of sexual assault survivors who exchange sex from the survivor’s perspective. Sexual assault survivors and their informal support providers (SPs; e.g., family, friends, romantic partners) were interviewed separately about disclosure, social reactions, and help-seeking following assault. Sixteen survivors mentioned experiences exchanging sex, which comprise the sample for the current study as well as comments from twelve SPs. Qualitative analysis revealed several themes including violence experienced engaging in sex work, navigating stigma and the identity of both sexual assault survivor and sex worker, and how survivors’ social supports impact their recovery. Survivors endorsed their sex worker identities at varying levels, and others used their identity as a sexual assault survivor to explain why they engaged in sex work. Social work implications regarding service provision and advocacy work are discussed.
Pharmacist Survey: Pharmacist Perception of Vancomycin Area Under the Curve Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Gregory Eric R. , Burgess Donna R. , Cotner Sarah E. , VanHoose Jeremy D. , Flannery Alexander H. , Gardner Brian , Autry Elizabeth B. , Forster Derek W. , Burgess David S. , Wallace Katie L.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Evidence suggests the standard vancomycin trough goal of 15 to 20 mg/L for serious Staphylococcus aureus infections is associated with acute kidney injury, whereas appropriate monitoring of 24-hour area under the curve (AUC) may decrease nephrotoxicity. As a result, institutions have transitioned to AUC monitoring, the predictive pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameter of vancomycin to improve safety outcomes. However, this method may require increased pharmacist time and effort. Pharmacist perception of the practice change is largely unknown and warrants investigation.

Methods:

An electronic survey was disseminated via e-mail to pharmacists 5 months post-AUC implementation. Items of interest were focused on pharmacist perception, including quantity of patients monitored using AUC, justification of the practice change, differences in efficacy and safety, and changes in monitoring time requirements.

Results:

The pharmacist survey was distributed to 196 pharmacists and 84 responded (43% response rate). Eighty-one pharmacists had monitored patients using AUC methods. Sixty-nine percent of these respondents perceived the change to result in increased or slightly increased patient safety, 27% described no difference, and 4% stated safety was decreased or slightly decreased. Forty-two percent perceived the transition to result in increased or slightly increased efficacy, while 48% noted no difference and 10% responded that efficacy was decreased or slightly decreased. Pharmacists stated the creation of an institutional calculator decreased the time required to calculate AUC.

Conclusion:

After the change to AUC monitoring, pharmacists perceived improvements in safety outcomes while efficacy was at least similar if not increased.