bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract WP71: Real-world Outcomes After Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Syed Maryam , Rajamani Kumar , Zutshi Deepti , Malik Azeem , Hamzehloo Ali , Khawaja Ayaz
Published: February 2022

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) for carotid stenosis (CS) is widely performed. Randomized trials may not be reflective of real-world outcomes. We used the 2012-19 ACS-NSQIP CAS Procedure Targeted Dataset to identify the incidence and risk factors associated with periprocedural 30-day adverse events (AE). AE were categorized as follows: vascular (embolization - proximal and distal thrombosis, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, restenosis, and TIA)
,
stroke/TIA alone, major (organ-space surgical site infection [SSI]), pneumonia, intubation, pulmonary embolism, post-operative ventilator use, blood transfusion, deep venous thrombosis, sepsis), minor (urinary tract infections, acute renal failure, superficial SSI). Other outcome variables were readmissions, reoperations, mortality, and non-home discharges. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, using backward stepwise model with entry and removal probabilities of p=0.05 and p=0.1. 1552 patients (median age=70 IQR 62-76) were included. 64% were male. 49% of CAS procedures were in asymptomatic patients, whereas 24% were following stroke, 16% to TIA and 8% for amaurosis fugax. 2.1% were mild (<50%) carotid stenosis, 26.6% were moderate (50%-79%) stenosis and 65.6% were severe (80%-99%) stenosis, while 2.7% were complete occlusions. Perioperative mortality was 1.9% and 10.6% were non-home discharges. 6.2% experienced vascular AE; 2.8% patients had perioperative strokes, 0.9% had TIA, 2.3% had MI, 0.7% had thrombosis, 0.4% had proximal embolization, 0.5% were restenosis, and 0.6% had distal embolization. Risks for major AE were COPD (OR 2.37; p=0.004), BUN>21 (OR 1.68; p=0.043), hypoalbuminemia (OR 3.00; p=0.002), and operative time >77mins (OR 1.92; p=0.013). Pre-procedural aspirin lowered odds of experiencing major AE (OR 0.43; p=0.035). Risk factors of 30-day readmissions were contralateral severe (OR 2.73; p=0.002) or complete (OR 3.07; p=0.001) stenosis, COPD (OR 2.01; p=0.003) and congestive heart failure (OR 2.85; p=0.004). In conclusion, almost half of CAS procedures were performed in asymptomatic patients. Periprocedural complications were higher than those reported in randomized trials. Physicians should use the findings for risk stratification.
Abstract WP80: Stroke Outcomes Among English And Spanish Speaking Mexican Americans
Authors: Vargas Alejandro , Zhang Guanghao , Shi Xu , Lisabeth Lynda D , Morgenstern Lewis B
Published: February 2022

Introduction:
We examined if language preference was associated with differences in neurological, functional, and cognitive stroke outcomes among Mexican Americans (MAs).

Methods:
Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke patients identified from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) Project (2009-2018). Poststroke outcomes at 90 days included neurological [National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) range 0-44, higher worse], functional [activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/iADL) range 1-4, higher worse], and cognitive [modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) range 0-100, lower worse]. Language was determined by which language participant preferred to complete outcome interview in. Differences in stroke outcomes by language were analyzed by weighted Tobit regression. Weights (baseline and outcome interview participation) were created by logistic regression to account for attrition. Age, education, initial NIHSS score, smoking status, BMI, insurance status, sex, and comorbidities were included in weighted Tobit regression models.

Results:
Of 1,096 patients, 1,001 preferred English and 95 Spanish. Spanish speakers were older (72 versus 66 years; p < 0.01), received less education (p < 0.01), and had higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.02) than English speakers. No other significant differences in baseline demographics or clinical factors were found. In fully adjusted models (Table 1) Spanish speakers had significantly better neurological and functional but worse cognitive outcomes compared with English speakers.

Conclusion:
This population-based study found better neurologic and functional stroke outcomes among Spanish speaking versus English speaking MAs. The difference in the cognitive outcome may be explained, at least in part, to lack of cultural equivalence of the test instrument. These data suggest further research into the resilience observed among Spanish speakers.
Abstract WP87: Statewide Availability Of Acute Stroke Treatment And Services In North Carolina Hospitals
Authors: Patel Mehul D , Brown Anna Bess , Kebede Essete S ,   North Carolina Stroke Advisory Council Survey WorkGroup
Published: February 2022

Introduction:
With recent advancements in acute stroke treatments, evidence-based care capabilities among hospitals are believed to vary widely; however, current data are limited. Therefore, we conducted a statewide assessment of hospital-based stroke care capabilities in North Carolina (NC).

Methods:
An online survey was emailed to each licensed hospital in NC. Based on prior surveys and current stroke care guidelines, questions asked about diagnostic testing, acute stroke treatments and protocols, and post-acute management. All 112 hospitals responded (100% response rate) between October 2020 and April 2021. Descriptive statistics were computed from responses for 109 hospitals that reported providing acute stroke care.

Results:
Among 109 hospitals, 10 (9%) were Comprehensive Stroke Centers, 2 (2%) were Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers, 35 (32%) were Primary Stroke Centers, 16 (15%) were Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals, and 46 (42%) had no stroke certification. Ninety-eight (90%) had an acute stroke clinical care pathway, and 92 (84%) had pre-written stroke care orders. All 109 (100%) reported non-contrast CT imaging capability. Further, hospitals reported the following: CT angiography (104, 95%), CT perfusion (55, 50%), and diffusion-weighted MRI (63, 58%) . Almost all (108, 99%) administered intravenous alteplase for stroke, whereas only 16 (15%) had capabilities to provide endovascular thrombectomy for stroke. Ninety-five (87%) hospitals reported transferring stroke patients treated with alteplase or transferring those in need of endovascular treatment. Eighty-nine (82%) used telestroke services for the treatment and management of acute stroke patients, of which 78 (72%) relied on telestroke exclusively 24/7; and 80 (73%) used telestroke to decide when and where to transfer stroke patients.

Conclusions:
Among NC hospitals, basic capabilities, such as CT imaging and acute stroke care protocols, were widely available. However, advanced imaging and endovascular capabilities were less common. Most hospitals used telestroke services for treatment as well as transfer decisions. This statewide assessment is an important first step in improving access to evidence-based stroke care and developing stroke systems of care.
Abstract WP96: Computed Tomography Identifies Patients At High Risk For Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack Or Non Disabling Stroke. A Prospective, Multicenter Validation Study
Authors: Ferguson Emma , Yadav Krishan , Sharma Mukul A , Sivilotti Marco L , Emond Marcel , STIELL Ian , Stotts Grant , Lee Jacques , Worster Andrew , Morris Judy , Cheung Ka Wai , Jin Albert Y , Oczkowski Wieslaw J , Sahlas Demetrios , Murray Heather , Mackey Ariane , Verreault Steve , Camden Marie-Christine , Yip Samuel , Teal Philip A , GLADSTONE David J , Boulos Mark I , Chagnon Nicholas , Shouldice Elizabeth , Atzema Clare , Slaoui Tarik , Teitelbaum Jeanne S , Nemnom Marie-Joe , Wells George , Nath Avik , Perry Jeffrey J
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives:
CT findings of acute and chronic ischemia are associated with stroke risk. We sought to validate these associations in a large prospective cohort of patients with TIA or minor stroke.

Methods:
We included prospectively enrolled emergency department patients from 13 centers with a final ED diagnosis of TIA or non-disabling stroke who had a computed tomography (CT) within 24 hours. Primary outcome was stroke within 90 days. Secondary outcomes were stroke within 2 or 7 days. CT findings were abstracted from the radiology report and classified for the presence of acute ischemia, chronic ischemia or microangiopathy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test associations with primary and secondary endpoints.

Results:
In total 8,670 patients were enrolled between May 2010 to May 2017 and 8,382 had a CT within 24 hours. 4,547 patients had evidence of acute ischemia, chronic ischemia, or microangiopathy on CT imaging, of whom 175 had a subsequent stroke within 90 days (3.8% subsequent stroke rate; OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.62-3.36; P<0.001). Findings associated with an increased risk of stroke at 90 days were acute ischemia alone (6.0%; OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.03-5.66; P=0.04), acute ischemia with microangiopathy (10.7%; OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.57-7.14; P=0.002), chronic ischemia with microangiopathy (5.2%; OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.34-2.50; P<0.001), and acute ischemia with chronic ischemia and microangiopathy (10.9%; OR; 3.49; 95% CI, 1.54-7.91; P=0.003). ). Acute ischemia with chronic ischemia and microangiopathy were most strongly associated with increased risk of subsequent stroke within 2 days (OR, 4.36; 95% CI 1.31-14.54), and 7 days (OR, 4.50; 95%CI, 1.73-11.69).

Conclusion:
In patients with TIA or non-disabling stroke, CT evidence of acute ischemia with chronic ischemia and/or microangiopathy significantly increases the risk of subsequent stroke within 90 days of index visit. The combination of all 3 findings results in the greatest early risk.
Abstract WP97: Automated Analysis For Detecting Large Vessel Occlusion On Non Contrast Ct In Acute Stroke
Authors: Giurgiutiu Dan-victor , Filly Anthony , Honce Justin , kwok keith , kwok keith , Mitchell Bradford , Copeland Karen
Published: February 2022

Background and Purpose:
Rapid detection of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is essential for rapid triage for thrombectomy to salvage at-risk tissue. Early detection of LVO on noncontrast CT head (NCCT) could facilitate triage before advanced imaging is obtained. RAPID hyperdense vessel sign (HVS), a new fully automated software- tool for HVS detection is compared to experienced radiologists, for early LVO detection on NCCT, and validated with CTA.

Methods:
Scans were selected from a database of 335 scans, of which 166 were selected by stratified random selection. Images were evaluated by the Rapid automated software, and six readers, two radiologists, and four neuroradiologists. The Rapid algorithm returns a score between zero and one, and a threshold of 0.5 was applied of HVS. Radiologists read each scan twice, 30 days apart. A scan rating confidence scale was used, from “very confident of absence,” to “very confident of HVS,” and a separate “technically inadequate” rating, and this was compared to the Rapid HVS score. “Very Confident,” or “Confident” rated scans were considered HVS positive.

Results:
Demographics: 54% were men. Ages ranged 23 - 94 with a median of 65. GE, Philips, Siemens, and Toshiba scanners are represented. Agreement with RAPID for HVS detection was 75% to 84%. Below a HVS score of 0.4 the proportion of LVO positive scans was 46% (indeterminate), between 0.4 and 0.6 the proportion was 62.5% (probable), and above 0.6 the proportion was 90% (likely). The scan rating confidence grade correlated with the Rapid HVS score. The software identified 53% of the LVOs, comparable to human readers (26-57%) A clinical practice simulation of RAPID followed by a reader identified 61.3% (p=0.02 vs readers alone). Among the 61 patients with no LVO on CTA, readers had a false positive rate of less than 7% as compared to 15% for the software. Median software processing time was 54 seconds.

Conclusions:
Expert readers, and the Rapid software, detect an HVS in about 50% of CT head images with LVO on CTA. When Rapid software is used in tandem with an experienced reader, HVS can be detected in up to two thirds of patients with LVO on CTA. This high percentage of early LVO detection would facilitate faster triage of patients for more advanced imaging and/or therapeutic interventions.
Abstract WP99: One-stop Stroke Mangement: Core And Hypoperfusion Maps From Multiphase Flat-panel Ct
Authors: Narsinh Kazim H , Mueller Kerstin , Manhart Michael , Kilbride Bridget , Moore Teri , Hetts Steven , Cooke Daniel L
Published: February 2022

Introduction:
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients transferred directly to the interventional suite can undergo flat-panel CT (FPCT) to bypass multidetector CT (MDCT) and eliminate delays to reperfusion therapy. However, the diagnostic adequacy of FPCT needs to be corroborated prior to eliminating MDCT from stroke care pathways. CT perfusion (CTP) maps played an important role in assessing infarcted vs. hypoperfused cerebral tissue in the 6-24 hour time window in the DAWN and DEFUSE-3 trials. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of FPCTP to identify infarcted vs. hypoperfused tissue using MDCTP as a reference.

Materials and Methods:
Between Oct. 19 and Nov. 21, 16 AIS patients at a tertiary urban hospital underwent FPCT and FPCTP. IRB approval and informed written consent was obtained. Ten patients underwent CTP in the ED. FPCTP was obtained using a Siemens Artis Q Biplane system. Data was post-processed on a separate prototype workstation, allowing visualization of ten 3D volumes in different phases of contrast enhancement (colored), and perfusion maps (CBF, CBV, MTT, TTP, T
max
, and TTD) (Figure 1). The CBF and T
max
, volumes have been further processed to generate color-coded hypoperfusion and core maps.

Results:
Eight FPCTP acquisitions were excluded due to technical problems, no available CTP, or severe motion artifacts. The infarcted and hypoperfused regions identified on FPCTP qualitatively agree with the regions identified on MDCTP. The time between CTP and FPCTP scans was a mean of 1h 2min (± 34min, 40- 2h30min). Three patients were under GA, the remaining 5 patients were scanned under moderate sedation. Three patients received IV-rtPA.

Conclusion:
FPCTP can be acquired to generate CBF, CBV, MTT, TTP, T
max
, and TTD maps in the interventional suite, potentially bypassing MDCTP and eliminating delays to reperfusion therapy. Quantitative results require advanced post-processing, particularly for artifact mitigation. The study is limited by the small sample size.
Effectiveness and Safety of Anticoagulation Therapy in Frail Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kim Daehoon , Yang Pil-Sung , Sung Jung-Hoon , Jang Eunsun , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Kim Jong-Youn , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Joung Boyoung
Published: February 2022

Background:

Frail patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are less likely to receive anticoagulation than nonfrail patients with AF despite frailty being associated with poorer clinical outcomes including stroke. Using a population-based cohort, we sought to assess the effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in frail patients with AF.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 83 635 patients aged at least 65 years with AF and frailty (≥5 Hospital Frailty Risk Score) between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. To account for the differences between patients receiving OAC or not and across different OAC regimens, propensity score–weighting was used. Net adverse clinical event, defined as the first event of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, or cardiovascular death, was compared. In addition, each individual outcome was examined separately.

Results:

In the study population (57.1% women; mean age, 78.5±7.2 years), a total of 14 968 net adverse clinical event, 3718 ischemic stroke, 5536 major bleeding, and 6188 cardiovascular death occurred. In comparison with no OAC use, OAC use was associated with lower risks of net adverse clinical event (hazard ratio, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.75–0.82]), ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.86–0.97]), and cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.49–0.55]), but no difference was observed for major bleeding (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.95–1.10]). Compared with warfarin, all four individual direct OAC were associated with decreased risks of net adverse clinical event, ischemic stroke, major bleeding, and cardiovascular death. The associations for OAC use (compared to no OAC use) or direct OAC use (compared to warfarin) with favorable outcomes were more prominent in individuals with a higher CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score of at least 3.

Conclusions:

Among frail patients with AF, OAC treatment was associated with a positive net clinical outcome. Direct OACs provided lower incidences of stroke, bleeding, and mortality, compared with warfarin.
The Tree, the Snake and the Goddess
Authors: Jones Dhivan Thomas
Published: February 2022

Some scholars have argued that early Buddhism offers little theoretical support for an environmental ethics because it regards nature as having no intrinsic value, since it is impermanent and unsatisfactory. I disagree, and argue that the mythic context of the Buddha’s life-story shows the Buddha in an intimate relationship with nature, and gaining Awakening while dependent on it. The Bodhi tree is not just a sacred tree but a symbol of the place of Awakening and a version of the Tree of Life. The mythical snakes or nāgas who support and encourage the Bodhisattva on his way to the Bodhi tree represent chthonic powers of living nature. The Earth Goddess who appears to witness the Bodhisattva’s practice of the perfections represents a culmination of this relationship. Her image derives historically from the Greek goddess Gaia. Nature therefore has an intrinsic value in relation to Awakening.
Christian Affections in Romans 8
Authors: Story J. Lyle
Published: February 2022

Emotions course through Romans 8 and Paul provides numerous reasons (cognitive content) for various emotions, e.g. hope. The Jesus-story and the Holy Spirit (21 references) support Christian affections. This article gives attention to the emotions of hope, freedom, and related joy, comfort, encouragement, security, love, peace, confidence, and gratitude – all leading to confession, adoration, and worship. The approach counters scholarly tendencies to dismiss human emotions. In Romans 8, Paul intends for a feeling response from his Roman readers.
First records of the subfamilies Ecliminae and Lomatiinae (Diptera, Bombyliidae) from China with description of two new species
Authors: YAO GANG , LUO JUN , LI XUANKUN , YANG DING
Published: February 2022

Two subfamilies of bee flies, Ecliminae and Lomatiinae, are first reported from China with the description of the following two new species: Lomatia shanguii sp. nov. and Thevenetimyia cingulata sp. nov. A key to the Chinese subfamilies of Bombyliidae and a key to the Palaearctic species of Thevenetimyia Bigot are also presented.
Reborn from ashes: a new species of Tunaima (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae) from Southeastern Brazil
Authors: MENEGHETTI JÉSSICA , PALADINI ANDRESSA
Published: February 2022

A new species of Tunaima Fennah, 1968 is described and illustrated from Southeastern Brazil (Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states) and a distribution map is provided. Tunaima mejdalanii sp. nov. is characterized by having tegmen brownish with two orange spots, spine-like process located between middle and apical third of dorsal margin of subgenital plate, paramere booth-shaped, dorsal margin irregular with a mountain-shape elevation. The type series of the new species belongs to the Museu Nacional (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro) collection. Fortunately, this series has been sent on loan to the second author before the tragic fire that destroyed the Quinta da Boa Vista Palace in 2018.
Design and Heating Simulation of Continuous Laser Welding Curing Device for Carbon Fiber Composite Repair
Authors: Wang Wen-Hao , Sui Lei , Jin Kai
Published: February 2022

Rapid repair of composite materials is a major challenge in composite applications. At present, the mainstream method is to use the heat repair instrument and the prefabricated patch bonding, but there are some problems, such as slow heating, uncontrolled temperature gradient and long
curing time. Laser curing is a new type of carbon fiber composite material with fast curing time and good curing effect. The laser heating technology curing equipment designed in this paper consists of laser heating device, mobile device, rotating device, etc. The specific curing method is
to use semiconductor fiber laser to cure the composite material when the laser and carbon fiber material are moving. Simulation software of laser heating process is simulated, and the resin base carbon fiber composite material as the research object, established three-dimensional physical
model of laser heating carbon fiber composite materials, simulation and calculate the temperature field distribution in the laser heating process of carbon fiber composite materials and rule, a preliminary analysis of the laser parameters on the influence law of temperature of carbon fiber
composite materials. As the laser power of the heating device laser increases, the average temperature and the maximum temperature achieved by the carbon fiber composite will be increased. With the acceleration of the laser moving speed of heating equipment, the maximum temperature that carbon
fiber composite material can achieve will decrease, but the average temperature will rise in a certain range, which can have a certain insulation effect. The research results can provide certain reference for the temperature field simulation in the process of laser carbon fiber composite material.
Crystal Plasticity Simulation of Grain Size Effect on Deformation Behavior in Face Center Cubic Polycrystal
Authors: Zhao Jipeng , Gu Sendong , Ma Tianju , Yu Bin , Ouyang Ruijie , Zhang Jianjun
Published: February 2022

A improved method is developed to model the effect of grain size on deformation behavior in polycrystalline pure copper. In this method, a grain size controlled polycrystalline geometry model based on the Voronoi tessellation is employed to generate virtual grain structures that are
statistically equivalent to metallographic measurements in terms of grain size distributions, and a crystal plasticity constitutive model considering size effect is proposed on the basis of Hall-Petch type relationship. Then, a set of crystal plasticity finite element models are developed
to simulate the tension flow stresses of polycrystalline pure copper with different mean grain size. The results show that the size constants τ0', k1, τs', k2 and ns in the crystal plasticity
constitutive model are determined as 13.754, 65.584, 152.653, −4.820 and 0.418, respectively, and the simulated data of flow stresses show good agreement with experimental ones. In comparison with the classical method, the shear strain distributions and the differences of their ranges
are remarkable, and more local shear strain concentrations can be observed in the transition zones between the larger grains and the smaller ones, when the improved method is applied.
Analysis of the Molecular Mechanism of Qiteng Tang Decoction in the Immune Function Regulation of Membranous Nephropathy Using Fe3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Liqi , Xue Piliang , Xu Meixiu , Gong Zhaoyong , Wang Dandan , Zhang Bihai
Published: February 2022

The study drew attention to the application of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in lymphocyte sorting and the effects of Qiteng Tang (QTT) (a decoction) on the immune function regulation of membranous nephropathy. Specifically, Au-encapsulated Fe3O4 MNPs (Au@Fe3O4
MNPs) were prepared and then characterized with 30 nm and 50 nm Fe3O4@Au MNPs used as controls. Subsequently, the polyacrylic acid (PAA) and streptavidin (SA) were used to modify the surface of MNPs to detect the changes in the carboxyl group content and coupling efficiency.
Wsitar rats were used as the research subjects, and cationized bovine serum albumin (c-BSA) was injected to acquire the rat model of membranous nephropathy, set as the model group, with healthy rats set as the control group, and rats given QTT by gavage set as the QTT group. The three groups
were compared for 24-h urine protein content, urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, blood creatinine, triglycerides, and albumin levels. The Au@Fe3O4 MNPs were used to sort CD4+ and CD8+ cells and count the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of each
group. Finally, Western blot was used to detect the relative expression of LBP, CD14, JNK, and P38 protein in rat kidney tissue. The outcomes revealed that the surface of Au@Fe3O4 MNPs was negatively charged, which had a good dispersion property and magnetization responsiveness.
The coupling rate of modified Au@Fe3O4 MNPs increased from 45.6±5.2% to 64.2±2.8%, and the sorting purity of CD+4 and CD8+ T cells was 96.3% and 96.8%, respectively. The animal experiment showed that the model group exhibited higher 24-h urine
protein content, blood urea nitrogen content, the CD3 and CD8 lymphocyte counts, the LBP and CD14 expression levels, and JNK and P38 phosphorylation levels versus the control group (P < 0.05), while it showed lower total cholesterol, blood creatinine, triglycerides, albumin content,
CD4 counts, and CD4/CD8 ratio (P < 0.05). However, it was not notably different from QTT group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, Au@Fe3O4 MNPs can effectively sort lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Furthermore, QTT can cure membranous nephropathy by inhibiting
the activation of LBP/CD14 signaling pathway.
Analysis of Nano-Silicon Dioxide Modified Waste Building Brick Materials in the Application of Adsorption and Removal of Water Pollutants
Authors: Chen Jing , Yang Wenjun
Published: February 2022

This study is to investigate the effect of nano-silicon dioxide (SiO2) modified waste building bricks (WBBs) in adsorbing pollutants in water. The Stober method is adopted to complete the preparation of nano-SiO2. Afterwards, the prepared SiO2 is modified
with 3-(methacryloyl chloride) propyltrimethoxysilane (MPS). The modified SiO2 (MPS-SiO2) is loaded on the surface of the construction waste bricks to analyze the characterization of the modified construction waste bricks and their adsorption to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus
(P) in wastewater. Both the energy spectrum and infrared spectrum of the MPS-SiO2 show the characteristic peaks of MPS. It shows that the modification of nano-SiO2 by MPS is feasible. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of MPS-SiO2 WBBs has not changed
much from before the treatment, but the infrared spectrum of MPS-SiO2 shows the characteristic peak of MPS. Such results indicate that MPS-SiO2 can be successfully loaded to the surface of waste building bricks. Temperature, initial concentration, and pH of waste liquid
have a great influence on the adsorption of MPS-SiO2 WBBs to P and N wastewater. MPS-SiO2 building waste bricks are most suitable for treating phosphorus wastewater with an initial pH of 2 and an initial concentration of 50~150 mg/L. The treatment effect of ammonia nitrogen
wastewater with a concentration greater than 50 mg/L is not good. The treatment effect of ammonia nitrogen wastewater with an initial pH of 4~7 is better. The waste building brick materials modified by nano-SiO2 have a good prospect in the treatment of water pollution, and are worthy
of further in-depth exploration.
Effects of Ternary Shielding Gas on Weld Characteristics of All-Position Welding for Pipelines
Authors: Yin Tie , Jin Hai-Cheng , Zhao Hong , Zhang Qian
Published: February 2022

As an efficient welding method, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) has the advantages of low thermal energy input and stable mechanical properties of ring weld joints. GMAW has now become the main welding method for large-diameter oil and gas pipelines. Narrow gap welding is widely needed
in pipeline manufacturing, yet lack of fusion on side walls is often produced in this process when conventional binary shielding gas (Ar–CO2) is used. Here, we use a ternary shielding gas (Ar–CO2–O2) to improve the weld formation of all-position
narrow gap welding of pipelines. The weld formation and weld penetration depth of the pipe welding at 0 o’clock (flat welding), 3 o’clock (vertical welding), 6 o’clock (overhead welding) are investigated. Macroscopic metallographic analysis on the melt width are carried out,
and feasibility of the ternary shielding gas is illustrated. Comparing to the binary shielding gas, the ternary shielding gas leads to better weld formation, weld width and weld penetration. Especially, the weld penetration depth can increase by 20%, which helps to reduce the lack of fusion.
Research on Inhibiting Action of miRNA-144 with Carrier of Liposome Nanoparticle on Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Osteogenesis
Authors: Mu Hongjie , Tang Zhifeng
Published: February 2022

Liposome nanoparticles have inhibiting action on differentiation activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This our study was focused on liposome nanoparticle transfection system (liop-NPs) and its inhibiting action on differentiation of MSCs osteogenesis. Cellular morphology of C3H/10T1/2
was observed and content of ALP and BGP. The expressions of miRNA-144 and Cad-11 protein were detected. There was significant difference on cellular morphology in the liposome nanoparticle group compared with other two groups. The differentiated degree of osteogenesis was also low, and content
of ALP in the liposome nanoparticles group was (6.67±0.57) ng/mL, which was lower than in the other three groups notably (P < 0.05). The content of BGP in the liposome nanoparticles group was (2.56±0.25) ng/mL, which was lower than in the other three groups (P
< 0.05). The expression quantities of miRNA-144 in the liposome nanoparticles group at the 0, 7th and 14th days were (1.21±0.04), (1.63±0.06), and (2.04±0.03) respectively, which were higher than in the other three groups obviously (P < 0.05). The expression
quantity of Cad-11 in the liposome nanoparticles group at the 0, 7th and 14th days were (0.87±0.03), (0.99±0.04), and (2.26±0.05) respectively, which was obviously higher than in the other three groups (P < 0.05). The structure of lipo-NPs was similar with that
of phospholipid biomolecule. The lipo-NPs had the feature for nanoparticles, which had high efficiency and inoffensive transfection system with high specificity. The transfection efficiency of miRNA-144 was also increased, and its inhibiting action on differentiation of MSCs osteogenesis was
enhanced.
Cauliflower-Shaped ZnO Nanostructure for Enhanced NO2 Gas Sensor Application
Authors: Umar Ahmad , Singh Jay , Ibrahim Ahmad A. , Kumar R. , Rai Prabhakar , Rai Alok Kumar , Algadi Hasan , Alhamami Mohsen A. M. , Elsddig Majdolin M. E.
Published: February 2022

Herein, we report a facile synthesis of cauliflower-shaped ZnO structures through a hydrothermal method for efficient gas sensing applications. The ZnO structures were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy associated with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS),
X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. XRD analysis revealed hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO crystals with excellent crystallinity and mean particle size of 45.50 nm. FESEM analysis showed cauliflower-like morphology composed of a large number of hexagonal nanorods. Cauliflower-shaped ZnO
structures were used to device resistive sensor devices for NO2, NH3 and H2S gases. Gas responses for NH3 and H2S gases were not impressive even at high operating temperatures ranging from 200–450 °C. In contrast, for NO2
gas the responses were efficiently high even at very low operating temperatures. A maximum gas response of 431.36 was observed at very low operating temperature of 50 °C.
High-Flying Interns: NASA’s Student Airborne Research Program (SARP)
Authors: Schaller Emily L. , Bennett J. Ryan , Blake Donald R. , Kudela Raphael M. , Lefer Barry L. , Martin Melissa Yang , Roberts Dar A. , Shetter Richard E. , Tagg Bruce A. , Kaye Jack A.
Published: February 2022

NASA’s Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) has completed 13 years of airborne student research since its inception in 2009. The 8-week summer internship program provides students, typically rising undergraduate seniors, with an opportunity to get hands-on experience in making Earth system measurements using NASA’s airborne science platforms. Students also make complementary surface-based measurements, analyze airborne and surface data in the context of related data (e.g. coincident satellite measurements or prior-year SARP data), and present results to peers, program leadership, agency management, and the community. The program splits its time between the NASA Armstrong flight facility in Palmdale, California, and the University of California, Irvine. It is implemented with participation of faculty advisors (who provide many of the instruments used) and graduate student mentors, under the overall leadership of the NASA Earth Science Division. Disciplinary foci include atmospheric gases and aerosols, ocean biology, and terrestrial ecology using both in situ and remote sensing instruments. Students are also taken on site visits to nearby laboratories and facilities and attend lectures from visiting faculty and NASA agency personnel. The program engages approximately 30 students per year, with overall approximate gender balance. The program has a high rate of STEM retention, and its alumni are actively engaged in graduate and postgraduate programs in Earth system science and other disciplines. A summary of scientific and programmatic outcomes and a description of how the program has evolved will be presented.
Accuracy of Cirrus Detection by Surface-Based Human Observers
Authors: Kotarba Andrzej Z. , Huu Z˙aneta Nguyen
Published: February 2022

The longest cirrus time series are ground-based, visual observations captured by human observers [synoptic observations (SYNOP)]. However, their reliability is impacted by an unfavorable viewing geometry (cloud overlap) and misclassification due to low cloud optical thickness, especially at night. For the very first time, this study assigns a quantitative value to uncertainty. We validate 15 years of SYNOP observations (2006–20) against data from the cloud lidar flown on board the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder (CALIPSO) spacecraft. We develop a dedicated method to match SYNOP reports (with a hemispherical field of view) with lidar samples (along-track profiles). Our evaluation of the human eye’s sensitivity to cirrus revealed that it is moderate, at best. In perfect conditions (daytime with no mid/low-level clouds) the probability of correct detection was 44%–83% (Cohen’s kappa coefficient < 0.6), and this fell to 24%–42% (kappa < 0.3) at night. Lunar illumination improved detection, but only when the moon’s phase exceeded 50%. Cirrus optical depth had a clear impact on detection. When clouds at all levels were considered (i.e., real-life conditions), the reliability of the visual method was moderate to poor: it detected 47%–71% of cirrus (kappa < 0.45) during the day and 28%–43% (kappa < 0.2) at night and decreased with an increasing low/midlevel cloud fraction. These kappa coefficients suggest that agreement with CALIPSO data was close to random. Our findings can be directly applied to estimations of cirrus frequency/trends. Our reported probabilities of detection can serve as a benchmark for other ground-based cirrus detection methods.

Significance Statement

Cirrus clouds heat the atmosphere, so any increase in their frequency will contribute to climate warming. The longest cirrus time series (including the presatellite era) are surface-based detections by a human observer at a meteorological station. Our study is the first to quantitatively evaluate the reliability of these observations. Our results show that, because of the viewing geometry (cloud overlap) and human eye sensitivity, reliability ranges from moderate at best to very low. Nighttime detections are especially unreliable, as well as those in the presence of low/midlevel cloud. Cirrus frequencies and trends calculated from visual observations should, thus, be considered with caution.
Physical Drivers of Ocean Wave Attenuation in the Marginal Ice Zone
Authors: Montiel Fabien , Kohout Alison L. , Roach Lettie A.
Published: February 2022

Despite a recent resurgence of observational studies attempting to quantify the ice-induced attenuation of ocean waves in polar oceans, the physical processes governing this phenomenon are still poorly understood. Most analyses have attempted to relate the spatial rate of wave attenuation to wave frequency, but have not considered how this relationship depends on ice, wave, and atmospheric conditions. An in-depth analysis of the wave-buoy data collected during the 2017 Polynyas, Ice Production, and Seasonal Evolution in the Ross Sea (PIPERS) program in the Ross Sea is conducted. Standard techniques are used to estimate the spatial rate of wave attenuation α, and the influence of a number of potential physical drivers on its dependence on wave period T is investigated. A power law is shown to consistently describe the α(T) relationship, in line with other recent analyses. The two parameters describing this relationship are found to depend significantly on sea ice concentration, mean wave period, and wind direction, however. Looking at cross correlations between these physical drivers, three regimes of ice-induced wave attenuation are identified, which characterize different ice, wave, and wind conditions, and very possibly different processes causing this observed attenuation. This analysis suggests that parameterizations of ice-induced wave decay in spectral wave models should be piecewise, so as to include their dependence on local ice, wave, and wind conditions.

Significance Statement

This work attempts to quantify how ice, wave, and wind conditions in polar oceans affect the way that ocean waves decay as a result of their interactions with sea ice. In situ wave data collected in the Ross Sea are analyzed along with several freely available ice, wave, and wind datasets. A simple relationship is shown to describe how wave attenuation due to sea ice depends on the wave period consistently across all data analyzed. However, the parameters of this relationship are significantly affected by sea ice concentration, mean wave period, and wind direction. This finding suggests that large-scale wave models need to account for this dependence on ice, wave, and wind conditions to improve wave forecast in ice-covered oceans.
The Air-Launched Autonomous Micro Observer
Authors: Jayne Steven R. , Owens W. Brechner , Robbins Pelle E. , Ekholm Alexander K. , Bogue Neil M. , Sanabia Elizabeth R.
Published: February 2022

The Air-Launched Autonomous Micro Observer (ALAMO) is a versatile profiling float that can be launched from an aircraft to make temperature and salinity observations of the upper ocean for over a year with high temporal sampling. Similar in dimensions and weight to an airborne expendable bathythermograph (AXBT), but with the same capability as Argo profiling floats, ALAMOs can be deployed from an A-sized (sonobuoy) launch tube, the stern ramp of a cargo plane, or the door of a small aircraft. Unlike an AXBT, however, the ALAMO float directly measures pressure, can incorporate additional sensors, and is capable of performing hundreds of ocean profiles compared to the single temperature profile provided by an AXBT. Upon deployment, the float parachutes to the ocean, releases the air-deployment package, and immediately begins profiling. Ocean profile data along with position and engineering information are transmitted via the Iridium satellite network, automatically processed, and then distributed by the Global Telecommunications System for use by the operational forecasting community. The ALAMO profiling mission can be modified using the two-way Iridium communications to change the profiling frequency and depth. Example observations are included to demonstrate the ALAMO’s utility.
Buffering Climate Change with Nature
Authors: Hessen Dag O. , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: February 2022

It is increasingly evident that climate sustainability depends not only on societal actions and responses, but also on ecosystem functioning and responses. The capacity of global ecosystems to provide services such as sequestering carbon and regulating hydrology is being strongly reduced both by climate change itself and by unprecedented rates of ecosystem degradation. These services rely on functional aspects of ecosystems that are causally linked—the same ecosystem components that efficiently sequester and store carbon also regulate hydrology by sequestering and storing water. This means that climate change adaptation and mitigation must involve not only preparing for a future with temperature and precipitation anomalies, but also actively minimizing climate hazards and risks by conserving and managing ecosystems and their fundamental supporting and regulating ecosystem services. We summarize general climate–nature feedback processes relating to carbon and water cycling on a broad global scale before focusing on Norway to exemplify the crucial role of ecosystem regulatory services for both carbon sequestration and hydrological processes and the common neglect of this ecosystem–climate link in policy and landscape management. We argue that a key instrument for both climate change mitigation and adaptation policy is to take advantage of the climate buffering and regulative abilities of a well-functioning natural ecosystem. This will enable shared benefits to nature, climate, and human well-being. To meet the global climate and nature crises, we must capitalize on the importance of nature for buffering climate change effects, combat short-term perspectives and the discounting of future costs, and maintain or even strengthen whole-ecosystem functioning at the landscape level.

Significance Statement

Natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and heaths are key for the cycling and storage of water and carbon. Preserving these systems is essential for climate mitigation and adaptation and will also secure biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. Systematic failure to recognize the links between nature and human well-being underlies the current trend of accelerating loss of nature and thereby nature’s ability to buffer climate changes and their impacts. Society needs a new perspective on spatial planning that values nature as a sink and store of carbon and a regulator of hydrological processes, as well as for its biodiversity. We need policies that fully encompass the role of nature in preventing climate-induced disasters, along with many other benefits for human well-being.
Homeownership regimes and class inequality among young adults
Authors: Cohen Raviv Or , Lewin-Epstein Noah
Published: February 2022

In this study, we merge the literature on homeownership regimes, which focuses to a lesser extent on the consequences of wealth and social inequality, with the literature on wealth and social stratification, which overlooks the importance of homeownership regimes in contributing to those inequalities. Within this framework, we examine to what extent homeownership regimes shape class inequality in homeownership among young adults and the mortgage debt burden that usually accompanies it. We first develop an updated typology of homeownership regimes that incorporates the role of the family via intergenerational wealth transfers (IWT) such as gifts and housing assets. This dimension was theoretically underdeveloped and empirically absent from previous homeownership typologies. Second, we employ this typology to investigate class-based gaps in homeownership and mortgage debt burden within and between homeownership regimes. This is done by pooling data for a total of 20 countries from two sources: the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) 2013–2014 (EuroStat) for EU countries, and the Household Expenditure Survey 2012–2013 (CBS) for Israel. Using multivariate modeling, we find that homeownership regimes in which IWT in the form of financial support is common practice increase class inequality in homeownership compared to regimes in which IWT of assets is common practice. Contrary to the literature suggesting that liberal mortgage markets advance inclusion, it appears that in the homeownership regime characterized by the most liberal housing finance system (which includes Northern European countries and the Netherlands), class inequality in mortgaged homeownership is the widest but class inequality in mortgage debt burden is the narrowest. Homeownership regimes characterized by IWT of assets (which include Southern and Central Eastern European countries) reveal the opposite patterns. We discuss the implications of our findings for the literature on homeownership regimes and wealth inequality, with a specific focus on young adults.
Causal Mediation Analysis in Single Case Experimental Designs: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Miočević Milica , Moeyaert Mariola , Mayer Axel , Montoya Amanda K.
Published: February 2022

This special issue of Evaluation and the Health Professions is dedicated to methods for causal mediation analysis in Single Case Experimental Designs (SCEDs). Mediation analysis is used to identify intermediate variables that transmit the effect of the independent variable on the outcome. Until recently, mediation analysis was mostly confined to between-subjects designs and panel studies with few exceptions. Consequently, most of the developments in causal mediation analysis have also been restricted to such designs. In applied health research, SCEDs have been used to evaluate total effects of treatments on outcomes of interest. Providing researchers with the methods for evaluating causal indirect effects for individual participants can lead to important improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This special issue includes articles that describe advanced quantitative methods for testing mediators in SCEDs, propose and test approaches that allow for relaxing statistical assumptions that may not hold in real data, and illustrate mediation analysis for a single participant in real and simulated SCEDs data.
The Double-Edged Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Chinese Family Relationships
Authors: Jiang Yongqiang , Tan Yuxin , Wu Dazhou , Yin Jinxiu , Lin Xiuyun
Published: February 2022

To comprehensively understand the Chinese family relationships (i.e., marital relationship, parent–child relationship, sibling relationship, and grandparent–grandchild relationship) during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigated the changes of family relationships and the individual differences related to knowledge of the COVID-19, personality traits (i.e., neuroticism and optimism), and emotional characteristics (i.e., emotion regulation and negative emotional reactions). From March 1 to April 5, 2020, 8821 participants were involved, including 3995 teenagers, 1146 unmarried young adults, 3571 married adults, and 109 grandparents. Results revealed a double-edged pattern that people experienced both positive changes and negative changes during the pandemic. Teenagers reported significant negative changes in the relationships with their parents. Peoples’ knowledge of the COVID-19, neuroticism, optimism, emotion regulation, and negative emotional reactions were in varying extents to which accounted for the individual differences in the changes of family relationships. These findings help recognize the overall Chinese family relationships during the hard period.