bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a community‐based hypertension self‐management model with general practitioners
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Liu Shanshan , Sheng Xinchun , Lou Jiquan , Fu Hua , Sun Xiaoming
Published: August 2019

Background

Preventive interventions of hypertension and health care activities are often performed in the community and at home. Studies have shown that self‐management plays an indispensable role in the management of chronic diseases. This study aimed to explore an innovative community‐based hypertension self‐management model and to evaluate its effects.

Methods

The study involved qualitative and quantitative research methods. A community‐based hypertension self‐management model was developed using consultation with experts and qualitative interviews. The intervention was executed in the communities of Pudong New Area in Shanghai, China. We enrolled 1080 patients with hypertension in the intervention group and 588 similar patients in the control group. A questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention to collect information on patients' health status, self‐management skills, and disease management abilities. Analyses were conducted to evaluate changes in the health‐related outcomes.

Results

There was a significant difference in general health and health literacy after the intervention for the intervention patients group (P < .05). Furthermore, the proportion of health literacy was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (71.6% vs 59.6%). The significant differences were demonstrated in the comparison of the disease management ability data between the intervention and control group, especially in drug compliance, physical activity, regulate diet, and smoking. In addition, there is other evidence of the successful applicability and effectiveness of the community‐based hypertension self‐management program in 2007‐2013, such as self‐management teams formation and blood pressure control rate.

Conclusions

The community‐based self‐management hypertension model, which involved the participation of general practitioners, is suitable for the management of hypertension disease in Pudong of Shanghai and could provide a reference for its large‐scale promotion and application.
Evaluation of the implementation and effect of the healthcare cloud information platform for diabetes self‐management: A case study in Shanghai
Authors: Cheng Chen , Xin Gong , Xiaoli Wang , Chuanwei Cao , Xiaoming Sun , Yimin Zhang , Limei Jing , Ning Chen , Qian Liu , Hui Wang , Lan Tang , Zhaoxin Wang
Published: August 2019

With the high prevalence of diabetes, its long‐term treatment, and many complications, there is a need for a new diabetes self‐management model in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the implementation and effect of a new diabetes self‐management model, known as the healthcare cloud information platform, in Shanghai, China. The implementation of the new model was evaluated in terms of the equipment coverage in community health service centres and the services provided. The effect was assessed according to the treatment rate and control rate from 2012 to 2017. Their correlations with the self‐management rate were analysed using Spearman's test. It was found that the Shanghai healthcare cloud information platform had covered a total of 237 community health service centres in all of the 16 administrative districts, equipping them with 2489 health stations, by 2017. An average of 8966 people uploaded data to the healthcare cloud information platform every day, with the accumulated service up to 12 043 508 person‐times and an average daily increase of 13 227.9. The treatment rate of diabetes patients in Shanghai increased from 42.9% in 2012 to 78.0% in 2017, and the control rate increased to 72% in 2017, compared with 63% in 2012. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the treatment rate, control rate, and self‐management rate. The findings indicate that it is feasible to implement the new healthcare cloud information platform for diabetes self‐management and that it is effective.
A Three‐Tiered Framework for Proactive Critical Evaluation During Online Inquiry
Authors: Forzani Elena
Published: August 2019

Recently, many have released calls for the need to help students evaluate online information. Additionally, many have offered strategies, lists, and other heuristics for helping students evaluate. However, educators lack a method for organizing these various practices into a systematic framework that captures the complex (occurring within online inquiry) and multifaceted (having multiple components) nature of evaluation. Such a framework can guide students as they evaluate information online. The author proposes such a framework that positions readers as proactive judges engaging in iterative evaluation of relevancy and credibility within and across three tiers (content, source, and context) and multiple texts while researching a topic of interest during online research and comprehension. The author also offers three instructional practices for engaging students in the framework, as well as an example of one student using the framework with support from his teacher.
Glucosamine‐grafted methacrylated gelatin hydrogels as potential biomaterials for cartilage repair
Authors: Suo Hairui , Li Liang , Zhang Chuanxin , Yin Jun , Xu Kedi , Liu Jingyi , Fu Jianzhong
Published: August 2019

Glucosamine (GlcN) has been widely used to reduce joint pain and osteoarthritis progression, but the efficacy of GlcN remains controversial because of the low GlcN concentration reaching the articular cavity. The aim of this study is to provide an effective approach of GlcN delivery to a target site using photocrosslinkable methacrylated gelatin (GelMA)‐based hydrogels, where GlcN could be gradually released during the degradation of the GelMA hydrogel. Herein, GlcN was acrylated as the acryloyl glucosamine (AGA) and covalently grafted to GelMA, and more than 87.7% of 15% (w/v) GelMA hydrogel was grafted with AGA. Moreover, in vitro outgrowth and apoptosis assay of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) demonstrated that the GelMA–AGA hydrogels had better biocompatibility, larger cell attachment, and higher cell viability than pure GlcN and AGA materials. Also, 15% (w/v) GelMA–AGA hydrogel was injected into the defect site for in vivo rabbit cartilage repair. Compared with oral administration of pure GlcN and injection of pure GelMA, the repaired cartilages using GelMA–AGA hydrogels had the smoothest surface of the defect site, filling more than 95% defect bulk. The similar content of glycosaminoglycans to the native tissue and the maximum amount of type II collagen was found in the repaired cartilage using GelMA–AGA hydrogels, indicating the outgrowth of hyaline cartilage.
Urethroplasty with a bilayered poly‐D,L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone scaffold seeded with allogenic mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yudintceva Natalia M. , Nashchekina Yulia A. , Mikhailova Nataliya A. , Vinogradova Tatiana I. , Yablonsky Petr K. , Gorelova Anna A. , Muraviov Alexandr N. , Gorelov Andrey V. , Samusenko Igor A. , Nikolaev Boris P. , Yakovleva Ludmila Y. , Shevtsov Maxim A.
Published: August 2019

Reconstructive surgery for urethral defects employing tissue‐engineered scaffolds represents an alternative treatment for urethroplasty. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of the bilayer poly‐D,L‐lactide/poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PL‐PC) scaffold seeded with allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for urethra reconstruction in a rabbit model with conventional urethroplasty employing an autologous buccal mucosa graft (BG). The inner layer of the scaffold based on poly‐D,L‐lactic acid (PL) was seeded with MSCs, while the outer layer, prepared from poly‐ε‐caprolactone, protected the surrounding tissues from urine. To track the MSCs in vivo, the latter were labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. In rabbits, a dorsal penile defect was reconstructed employing a BG or a PL‐PC graft seeded with nanoparticle‐labeled MSCs. In the 12‐week follow‐up period, no complications were detected. Subsequent histological analysis demonstrated biointegration of the PL‐PC graft with surrounding urethral tissues. Less fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the experimental group as compared with the BG group. Nanoparticle‐labeled MSCs were detected in the urothelium and muscular layer, co‐localizing with the urothelium cytokeratin marker AE1/AE3, indicating the possibility of MSC differentiation into neo‐urothelium. Our results suggest that a bilayer MSCs‐seeded scaffold could be efficiently employed for urethroplasty.
Commercial Laboratory Reproducibility of Serum CTX in Clinical Practice
Authors: Hindi Sahar M , Vittinghoff Eric , Schafer Anne L , Silverman Stuart , Bauer Douglas C
Published: August 2019

In 2011, the International Osteoporosis Foundation and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine selected serum collagen type‐I crosslinked C‐peptide (s‐CTX) as the reference standard for bone resorption. This study aimed to determine the within and between laboratory reproducibility for s‐CTX assays. To create standardized pools, serum was collected from 10 premenopausal and 10 postmenopausal women. Premenopausal sera were pooled to approximate a population with normal bone turnover; postmenopausal sera were pooled to approximate a population with high bone turnover; and a third pool was created from an equal proportion of the pre‐ and postmenopausal pools. Multiple identical aliquots from each pool were created and frozen; all were labeled as routine clinical specimens. To evaluate longitudinal laboratory reproducibility, an identical aliquot from each of the three pools was sent to four US commercial laboratories on five dates over a 6‐month period. To evaluate within‐run reproducibility, each lab received five identical aliquots from each pool on the fifth date. Three labs (Mayo, ARUP, and Quest) used the Roche Diagnostics Elecsys assay, and one (Esoterix/LabCorp) used the IDS‐iSYS assay. Reproducibility was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Labs were unaware of the investigation. Across labs, mean s‐CTX values were 423, 533, and 480 pg/mL for the premenopausal, postmenopausal, and mixed pools, respectively, but the means differed between labs (p < 0.001). The premenopausal pool longitudinal CVs ranged from 5.0% to 14.9%; the postmenopausal pool CVs ranged from 3.4% to 19.3%; and the mixed pool CVs ranged from 3.3% to 16.0%. The longitudinal reproducibility for Esoterix/LabCorp was higher (CV 13.9%; 95% CI, 10.1% to 22.2%) than for the other labs. Within‐run CVs were also higher for Esoterix/LabCorp (CV 8.6%; 95% CI, 6.3% to 13.6%) compared with the other labs (CVs 2.1% to 6.2%). In conclusion, the reproducibility of s‐CTX varied across US commercial labs, and was poorer for Esoterix/LabCorp, which used the IDS assay, compared with the other three labs, which used the Roche assay. © 2019 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Adverse events in a large‐scale VMMC programme in Tanzania: findings from a case series analysis
Authors: Hellar Augustino , Plotkin Marya , Lija Gissenge , Mwanamsangu Amasha , Mkungume Saidi , Christensen Alice , Mushi Jeremiah , Machaku Michael , Maokola Thomas , Mlanga Eric , Curran Kelly
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Adverse events (AEs) rates in voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) are critical measures of service quality and safety. While these indicators are key, monitoring AEs in large‐scale VMMC programmes is not without challenges. This study presents findings on AEs that occurred in eight years of providing VMMC services in three regions of Tanzania, to provide discussion both on these events and the structural issues around maintaining safety and quality in scaled‐up VMMC services.

Methods

We look at trends over time, demographic characteristics, model of VMMC and type and timing of AEs for 1307 males who experienced AEs among all males circumcised in Tabora, Njombe and Iringa regions from 2009 to 2017. We analysed deidentified client data from a VMMC programme database and performed multivariable logistic regression with district clustering to determine factors associated with intraoperative and postoperative AEs among VMMC clients.

Results and discussion

Among 741,146 VMMC clients, 0.18% (1307/741,146) experienced a moderate or severe AE. The intraoperative AE rate was 2.02 per 100,000 clients, and postoperative rate was 2.29 per 1000 return clients. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older age (20 to 29 years) was significantly associated with intraoperative AEs (aOR: 3.51, 95% CI: 1.17 to 10.6). There was no statistical significant difference in AE rates by surgical method. Mobile VMMC service delivery was associated with the lowest risk of experiencing postoperative AEs (aOR:0.64, 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.98). AE rates peaked in the first one to three  years of the programme and then steadily declined.

Conclusions

In a programme with robust AE monitoring methodologies, AE rates reported in these three regions were very low and declined over time. While these findings support the safety of VMMC services, challenges in reporting of AEs in a large‐scale VMMC programme are acknowledged. International and national standards of AE reporting in VMMC programmes are clear. As VMMC programmes transition to national ownership, challenges, strengths and learning from AE reporting systems are needed to support safety and quality of services.
Future projection of summer surface air temperature trend over central India: Role of external forcing and internal variability
Authors: Nath Reshmita , Luo Yong , Chen Wen
Published: August 2019

This study investigates the relative contribution of internal variability and external forcings on summer (June–August) surface air temperature (SAT) over the central Indian landmass. Here we use Community Earth System Model Large Ensemble (CESM‐LE) data to assess the historical (1966–2005) and future (2010–2060) climate change in presence of internal climate variability. The summer SAT trend during the historical period exhibits an amplified cooling (<−3°C), whereas a warming trend (≥4°C) is projected in all the ensemble members under RCP8.5 scenario. The total trend is then partitioned into contributions from the externally forced response and internal climatic variability. Over the Indian region, the external forcing displays a strong cooling trend during the historical period and warming trend under RCP8.5 scenario. On the other hand, natural variability displays mainly cooling trends and it introduces a wide range of uncertainty to the future projection in climate models. In historical period, the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), that is, ratio of external forcings and internal variability, is less than 1, which indicates that the internal climatic variability dominates over the forced response. But in future decades the SNR is much higher than 1, that is, external forcing overrides the internal variability. However, to a greater extent natural variability will mask the warming trend over the Indian region, even under RCP8.5 scenario.
Enhancement of Creativity: Semantic Priming Through Naming Objects Loosens Functional Fixedness within Idea Generation
Authors: Yagolkovskiy Sergey R. , Medvedev Bogdan P.
Published: August 2019

Functional fixedness is related to excessive focusing on a specific functional property of an object. We assumed that the naming of other objects which possess the same functional property to a lesser extent than a given object can reduce the excessive focusing on this functional property for this object. It can help to loosen functional fixedness and improve individual creative performance. We tested the effectiveness of this method with 302 participants aged between 17 and 22 (256 female and 46 male). The study consisted of two experiments with 110 and 192 participants, respectively. Prior to performing a creative activity (story writing in Experiment 1 and thinking up unusual uses of a given object in Experiment 2), participants from different groups were asked to name objects which possess the main functional property of the given object to the same extent, to a lesser extent, and to a greater extent, respectively. In both phases of the study, we found a significant effect on the extent of the target property possession on originality. Results showed that participants named objects with the lesser manifestation of a target property outperformed their counterparts from other groups.
Effects of pulsed laser and plasma interaction on Fe, Ni, Ti, and their oxides for LIBS Raman analysis in extraterrestrial environments
Authors: Schröder Susanne , Rammelkamp Kristin , Hanke Franziska , Weber Iris , Vogt David Sebastian , Frohmann Sven , Kubitza Simon , Böttger Ute , Hübers Heinz‐Wilhelm
Published: August 2019

Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy have a high potential for in situ geochemical and mineralogical analyses for planetary exploration, in particular in combination. The SuperCam instrument onboard NASA's Mars 2020 rover will use both techniques together on another planet for the first time. The high‐power pulsed LIBS laser ablates material, and a small luminous plasma is produced for spectral analysis. The laser–matter interaction and the plasma shock wave can alter the sample surface, and new molecules can be produced, which deposit close to the LIBS ablation crater. Subsequent Raman analysis might then not sample the original structure. Here, we investigated pure metals (Fe, Ni, and Ti), the iron‐containing oxides hematite and ilmenite, and a fragment of the Gibeon meteorite in terrestrial ambient conditions, in simulated Martian atmospheric conditions, and in vacuum. LIBS ablation craters and their close proximity were studied with subsequent Raman analysis. Our analysis shows that Earth and Mars atmosphere provide enough oxygen in the LIBS plasma to produce oxides with metals from the sample. These can then be observed in the Raman data. Also, carbon was seen in some of the Raman data from the sample after the LIBS measurement. On hematite, a reduction of the mineral, that is, the presence of magnetite, was observed inside the LIBS crater for terrestrial and Martian atmospheric conditions and in vacuum. For the analysis and correct interpretation of Raman data it is important to be aware that alteration could have occurred by a preceding LIBS measurement. Raman analysis of several positions close to the LIBS ablation crater can help to infer the original and a possibly altered structure.
Effects of grassland management on overwintering bird communities
Authors: Johnson Amy E. M. , Sillett T. Scott , Luther David , Herrmann Valentine , Akre Thomas A. , McShea William J.
Published: August 2019

Birds that depend on grassland and successional‐scrub vegetation communities are experiencing a greater decline than any other avian assemblage in North America. Habitat loss and degradation on breeding and wintering grounds are among the leading causes of these declines. We used public and private lands in northern Virginia, USA, to explore benefits of grassland management and associated field structure on supporting overwintering bird species from 2013 to 2016. Specifically, we used non‐metric multidimensional scaling and multispecies occupancy models to compare species richness and habitat associations of grassland‐obligate and successional‐scrub species during winter in fields comprised of native warm‐season grasses (WSG) or non‐native cool‐season grasses (CSG) that were managed at different times of the year. Results demonstrated positive correlations of grassland‐obligate species with decreased vegetation structure and a higher percentage of grass cover, whereas successional‐scrub species positively correlated with increased vegetation structure and height and increased percentages of woody stems, forb cover, and bare ground. Fields of WSG supported higher estimated total and target species richness compared to fields of CSG. Estimated species richness was also influenced by management timing, with fields managed during the previous winter or left unmanaged exhibiting higher estimated richness than fields managed in summer or fall. Warm‐season grass fields managed in the previous winter or left unmanaged had higher estimated species richness than any other treatment group. This study identifies important winter habitat associations (e.g., vegetation height and field openness) with species abundance and richness and can be used to make inferences about optimal management practices for overwintering avian species in eastern grasslands of North America. © 2019 The Authors.Journal of Wildlife ManagementPublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Prevention of Vascular Inflammation by Pterostilbene via Trimethylamine‐N‐Oxide Reduction and Mechanism of Microbiota Regulation
Authors: Koh Yen‐Chun , Li Shiming , Chen Pei‐Yu , Wu Jia‐Ching , Kalyanam Nagabhushanam , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: August 2019

Scope

A gut‐microbiota‐dependent metabolite of L‐carnitine, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), has been recently discovered as an independent and dose‐dependent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to investigate the effects of pterostilbene on reducing TMAO formation and on decreasing vascular inflammation in carnitine‐feeding mice.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 mice are treated with 1.3% carnitine in drinking water with or without pterostilbene supplementation. Using LC‐MS/MS, the result shows that mice treated with 1.3% carnitine only significantly increased the plasma TMAO and pterostilbene supplementation group can reverse it. Additionally, pterostilbene decreases hepatic flavin monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) mRNA levels compared to carnitine only group. It appears that pterostilbene can alter host physiology and create an intestinal microenvironment favorable for certain gut microbiota. Gut microbiota analysis reveals that pterostilbene increases the abundance of Bacteroides. Further, pterostilbene decreases mRNA levels of vascular inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1), and E‐selectin).

Conclusion

These data suggest that amelioration of carnitine‐induced vascular inflammation after consumption of pterostilbene is partially mediated via modulation of gut microbiota composition and hepatic enzyme FMO3 gene expression.
Pru p 3‐Glycodendropeptides Based on Mannoses Promote Changes in the Immunological Properties of Dendritic and T‐Cells from LTP‐Allergic Patients
Authors: Palomares Francisca , Ramos‐Soriano Javier , Gomez Francisca , Mascaraque Ainhoa , Bogas Gador , Perkins James Richard , Gonzalez Miguel , Torres Maria Jose , Diaz‐Perales Araceli , Rojo Javier , Mayorga Cristobalina
Published: August 2019

Scope

Glycodendropeptides (GDPs) functionalized with mannose can enhance allergen interaction with dendritic cells (DCs) via C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs), modulating the immune response. They can present multiple peptides and have potential applications for diagnosis and treatment of food allergy (FA). The immune response induced by GDPs with mannose and Pru p 3 peptides (mono/tetravalent) with ester (D1ManPrup3/D4ManPrup3) or ether linkers (D1Man‐O‐Prup3/D4Man‐O‐Prup3) in lipid‐transfer‐protein‐allergic patients and tolerant controls is analyzed.

Methods and results

The immunological response induced by GDPs is studied by assessing monocyte‐derived‐DC maturation, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine production, and basophil response by flow cytometry. DnManPrup3 was recognized by DCs via CLRs inducing DC maturation in all subjects. However, CCR7 expression is significantly upregulated in allergic patients compared to tolerant controls. These changes correlate with lymphocyte proliferation and specific production of Th2/Th1 cytokines in allergic patients. Moreover, D1ManPrup3 does not induce basophil activation.

Conclusion

DnManPrup3 induces changes in DC maturation and lymphocyte proliferation, indicating specific recognition via CLRs. Prup3‐GDPs are recognized by immune cells, inducing a specific immune response and modulating the immunological response in FA patients. The specific geometry of D1ManPrup3 in particular makes it a potential candidate for specific immunotherapy development.
On adaptive mesh for the initial boundary value singularly perturbed delay Sobolev problems
Authors: Chiyaneh Akbar Barati , Duru Hakki
Published: August 2019

A uniform finite difference method on a B‐mesh is applied to solve the initial‐boundary value problem for singularly perturbed delay Sobolev equations. To solve the foresold problem, finite difference scheme on a special nonuniform mesh, whose solution converges point‐wise independently of the singular perturbation parameter is constructed and analyzed. The present paper also aims at discussing the stability and convergence analysis of the method. An error analysis shows that the method is of second order convergent in the discrete maximum norm independent of the perturbation parameter. A numerical example and the simulation results show the effectiveness of our theoretical results.
Influence of hybrid system of nanofillers on the functional properties of postconsumer PET‐G–based nanocomposites
Authors: Paszkiewicz Sandra , Taraghi Iman , Pawlikowska Daria , Szymczyk Anna , Irska Izabela , Stanik Rafal , Linares Amelia , Ezquerra Tiberio A. , Piesowicz Elżbieta
Published: August 2019

In this article, postconsumer poly (ethylene glycol‐co‐1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) (PET‐G) foils have been modified with three types of carbon nanofillers that differ in size and shape, ie, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), and nanosized carbon black (nCB), thus enabling the reusage of recyclate in receiving new functional materials. The series of polymer hybrid nanocomposites have been prepared via a two‐stage polycondensation process, be means of glycolysis of postconsumer PET‐G foil, followed by polycondensation in the presence of carbon nanofillers. The scanning electron microscopy revealed that nanoadditives were uniformly dispersed into the whole volume of polymer matrix. The results present the synergistic effect of hybrid system of nanofillers in improving tensile properties of PET‐G. It has been found that the incorporation of three types of carbon nanofillers has not affected the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix. Moreover, the incorporation of carbon nanofillers, and the mixture of two, or even three of those, caused an improvement in thermal conductivity and thermal stability.
Ultrafast Fiber Lasers for Multiphoton Microscopy
Authors: Dupriez Pascal
Published: August 2019

Multiphoton excitation with ultrashort laser pulses has enabled high‐resolution imaging in biomedical applications, specifically for in‐vivo analyses in neurosciences. With the growth of microscopy techniques, laser technology has evolved. A new generation of femtosecond fiber lasers has recently emerged, outclassing conventional solid‐state lasers, owing to their remarkable high performance, small size, low cost, and high reliability. The attractive features have proved to be key benefits in a various number of imaging applications, particularly in neurosciences.
An integrated method for quantifying and managing extreme weather risks and liabilities for industrial infrastructure and operations
Authors: Kytomaa Harri K. , Boehm Paul , Osteraas John , Haddad Bob , Hacker Josh , Gilman Lindsey , Jampole Ezra , Murphy Patrick , Souri Shukri
Published: August 2019

The physical forces and environmental stressors that occur during extreme weather events place facilities at risk for infrastructure failures, loss of operation and production, and highly impactful chemical releases, all of which directly affect a company's bottom line. Hurricane Harvey (2017) resulted in over 100 such failures and chemical releases. There is a pressing need today for risk predictions that incorporate and account for evolving environmental factors such as continuous sea level rise. Such nonstatic (nonstationary) risk management approaches will allow us to more accurately predict storm surge flooding as a function of time and provide more realistic short‐term and long‐term (on the order of decades) predictions to assist in actionable planning. An integrated three‐part approach to assessing the risk of infrastructure damage and chemical releases and the resulting business and legal consequences are presented in this work. This approach consists of (a) temporally variant and spatially localized probabilistic predictions of flooding and forces related to flooding (FloodScore) with unprecedented resolution; (b) detailed impact predictions on facility infrastructure including structural, mechanical, and electrical elements based on the predictions from step (a); and (c) a quantitative means of scoring the environmental/financial risk and consequences of chemicals released as derived from step (b). This integrated approach, which assesses risk of losses in both the near term and out to 50 years in the future, includes the assessment of ecological and human impact levels and provides actionable information for resiliency and risk mitigation planning.
Rare but conceivable: Determining the likelihood of meteors and other infrequent events
Authors: Schmidt Michael S. , Vega‐Westhoff Maria
Published: August 2019

In the aftermath of a rare but devastating disaster, there is a tendency to overestimate how frequent such an event may be, hence a tendency to overestimate the risk associated with such an event. Those concerned with process safety will acknowledge that though rare, events like meteors, hurricanes, and airplane crashes that can impact chemical plants are conceivable. Typically, though, they have nothing more than feelings to decide whether these events are likely enough to be considered “credible.” This compiles data from the literature for several “meteors,” both natural and man‐made, that often become a cause of general concern after such an event occurs: meteors, earthquakes, and tsunamis; tornadoes and hurricanes; and airplane crashes, pipeline ruptures, train derailments, and truck crashes. It provides data and describes approaches to estimating the frequency of such events at a specific facility based on its location. With these frequencies, process risk analysts can then determine which, if any, of these events is sufficiently likely to warrant further attention.
A seasonal forecasting procedure for reservoir inflows in Central Asia
Authors: Dixon Samuel G. , Wilby Robert L.
Published: August 2019

This study develops a procedure for seasonal forecasting river discharge from headwaters above strategically important hydropower plants in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The El Niño Southern Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Indian Ocean Dipole indices were used as inputs. Predictability was evaluated for average summer inflows conditional on the tercile of the preceding winter climate mode. We find that the winter Niño 3.4 index was significantly positively correlated with following summer inflows to Nurek, Andijan, and Toktogul reservoirs during the period 1941–1980. Kruskal–Wallis and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests show significant differences in the distributions of summer inflows depending on previous winter Niño 3.4 for all three reservoirs. At Nurek, summer inflows were on average 19% greater following a winter El Niño. During 1941–2016, mean summer inflows to Nurek reservoir linked to previous November–December Niño 3.4 achieved a Heidke Hit Proportion of 51–59% (compared with 33% expected by chance). Acceptable predictions of summer inflow volume were made 44% of the time. Higher inflows are explained by a south‐westerly moisture flux that brings above average precipitation to Central Asia during winter El Niño conditions. Our procedure requires limited data, technical or computing resources—all considerations in data sparse, low capacity regions. Given planned developments of other large, headwater impoundments in Central Asia, early outlooks of discharge could contribute to improved dam safety, economic performance, and transboundary water sharing around such projects.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Direct C‐H Arylation of Thiophene in Aqueous Media via Potassium Peroxymonosulfate
Authors: Özenler Sezer , Kaya Hakan , Elmaci Nuran , Yildiz Umit Hakan
Published: August 2019

This study covers the use of potassium peroxymonosulfate (PPS) which, is a mild and inexpensive catalyst, for direct coupling of C–H/C–H for water soluble thiophene. The 3‐(4‐methyl‐3′‐ thienyloxy)propyltriethylammonium bromide (M1) has been selected as model monomer that reacted PPS in 2.0, 0.20 and 0.020 monomer to PPS ratio. The reaction has been monitored via NMR spectroscopy revealing the monomer consumption and formation of dimers to tetramers as well as completion of reaction within 15 minutes. Resultant product is easily collected without tedious work up steps. The computational calculation has optimized the regularity of the coupling as head to tail, tail to tail, head to tail (HT‐TT‐HT) for tetramer. The regularity of tetramer which is further satisfied via NMR analysis showing emergence of new peaks at 3.56 and 4.48. The shifts in the UV maximum of reactive species have been monitored by absorbance spectroscopy showing time dependent red shift corresponds to growing from monomer to tetramers. The reaction has self‐stopped due to low solubility of moderate condensates (higher than trimer), however further experiments have performed in water‐organic mixtures showed great promises to obtain higher condensates.
From Macroscopic to Nanoscopic Current Hysteresis Suppressed by Fullerene in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lu Chunyan , Hu Ziyang , Wang Yanyan , Gao Can , Yang Cheng , Zhang Jing , Zhu Yuejin
Published: August 2019

In perovskite solar cells (PSCs), hybrid perovskite:fullerene phases are proposed to suppress macroscopic current hysteresis behavior by alleviating ion migration. However, the understanding of how fullerenes exactly alleviate the current hysteresis and what is the influence of fullerenes in such hybrid phases are still unclear from a microscopic viewpoint. Herein, the intentional incorporation of fullerene into perovskite is used to examine how fullerene exactly reduces the macroscopic current hysteresis. The location and distribution of fullerenes in the hybrid phase are confirmedly visualized using conductive atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements. Fullerenes located at grain boundaries function as a source of beneficial effect on choking the channels of ion migration and also as the electron traps that compromise the photocarrier extraction. Macroscopic current hysteresis originating from the influxes of all nanoscopic grain boundary current signals is avoided in PSCs based on the hybrid perovskite:fullerene phases. These results not only provide a strong correlation between nanoscopic and macroscopic current hysteresis behaviors but also clearly clarify how fullerenes play a role in reducing the current hysteresis in hybrid phases and thus prototype devices.
Material and Interface Engineering for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells: A Personal Journey and Perspective
Authors: Qiu Jianhang , Yang Shihe
Published: August 2019

Hybrid organic‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a shining star in the photovoltaic field due to their spectacular increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 3.8 % to over 23 % in just few years, opening up the potential in addressing the important future energy and environment issues. The excellent photovoltaic performance can be attributed to the unique properties of the organometal halide perovskite materials, including high absorption coefficient, tunable bandgap, high defect tolerance, and excellent charge transport characteristics. The authors entered this field when pursuing research on dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) by leveraging nanorods arrays for vectorial transport of the extracted electrons. Soon after, we and others realized that while the organometal halide perovskite materials have excellent intrinsic properties for solar cells, interface engineering is at least equally important in the development of high‐performance PSCs, which includes surface defect passivation, band alignment, and heterojunction formation. Herein, we will address this topic by presenting the historical development and recent progress on the interface engineering of PSCs primarily of our own group. This review is mainly focused on the material and interface design of the conventional n‐i‐p, inverted p‐i‐n and carbon electrode‐based structure devices from our own experience and perspective. Finally, the challenges and prospects of this area for future development will also be discussed.
Realization of electromagnetic flux and thermal analyses of transformers by finite element method
Authors: Özüpak Yıldırım , Mamiş Mehmet Salih
Published: August 2019

When designing transformers, the system to which transformers are to be used, the electrical power to be transferred, and the continuity and safety of the system must be taken into consideration. Paired physical and mathematical models help to develop a system that is both accurate and easy to implement. In this study, a model was developed to determine the electromagnetic flux distribution, losses, and electromagnetic forces of the transformer. A thermal model was also developed to measure the heat generated and to determine the temperature distribution of the transformer. The performances of the proposed models were compared with the performance of the transformer, which was determined analytically, and the performance of the transformer was also determined experimentally and the results were confirmed. When the results were compared, it was seen that the proposed models gave more optimum results. In this way, electromagnetic flux, electromagnetic force, and thermal distribution at each point of the transformer can be easily determined. On the other hand, in this study, the windings and the core were optimized, the electromagnetic forces formed in the windings were calculated, the heat distribution in the winding and core was determined, the electrostatic field distributions were examined, and the problematic areas were determined. The thermal effects of the total losses of the transformer were investigated and optimum design parameters were determined. It was concluded that the methods proposed in this study were more practical than the methods reported in the literature. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Unification of the standard model and dark matter sectors in [SU(5) × U(1)]4
Authors: Kamada Ayuki , Yamada Masaki , Yanagida Tsutomu T.
Published: August 2019

Abstract

A simple model of dark matter contains a light Dirac field charged under a hidden U(1) gauge symmetry. When a chiral matter content in a strong dynamics satisfies the t’Hooft anomaly matching condition, a massless baryon is a natural candidate of the light Dirac field. One realization is the same matter content as the standard SU(5) × U(1)(B−L) grand unified theory. We propose a chiral [SU(5) × U(1)]4 gauge theory as a unified model of the SM and DM sectors. The low-energy dynamics, which was recently studied, is governed by the hidden U(1)4 gauge interaction and the third-family

$$ \mathrm{U}{(1)}_{{\left(B-L\right)}_3} $$

U

1

B
−
L

3

gauge interaction. This model can realize self-interacting dark matter and alleviate the small-scale crisis of collisionless cold dark matter in the cosmological structure formation. The model can also address the semi-leptonic B-decay anomaly reported by the LHCb experiment.
Challenging the osseous component of sphenoorbital meningiomas
Authors: Maschke Svenja , Martínez-Moreno Mauricio , Micko Alexander , Millesi Matthias , Minchev Georgi , Mallouhi Ammar , Knosp Engelbert , Wolfsberger Stefan
Published: August 2019

Background

Intraosseous growth is a unique feature of sphenoorbital meningiomas (SOM). Its close relation to neurovascular structures limits complete surgical resection and possibly contributes to the high recurrence rate.

Objective

To evaluate the growth behavior of intraosseous remnants and develop a protocol for precise intraoperative visualization of intraosseous SOM.

Methods

We included 31 patients operated for SOM from 2004 to 2017. The growth velocity of the intraosseous tumor component was volumetrically calculated in 20 cases. To improve accuracy of image guidance, we implemented a specialized bone surface-based registration algorithm. For intraoperative bone visualization, we included CT in multimodality continuous image guidance in 23 patients. The extent of resection (EOR) was compared with a standard MR-only navigation group (n = 8).

Results

In 11/20 cases (55%), a progressive regrowth of the intraosseous SOM remnant was noted during a mean follow-up of 52 months (range 20–132 months). We observed a mean increase of 6.2 cm3 (range 0.2–23.7 cm3) per patient and side during the follow-up period. Bone surface-based registration was significantly more accurate than skin surface-based registration (mean 0.7 ± 0.4 mm and 1.9 ± 0.7 mm, p < 0.001). The EOR of the intraosseous component was significantly higher using CT + MRI navigation compared with controls (96% vs. 81%, p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Quantitative assessment of the biological behavior of intraosseous remnants revealed a continuous slow growth rate independent of the soft tumor component of more than half of SOM. According to our data, application of a multimodal image guidance provided high accuracy and significantly increased the resection rate of the intraosseous component of SOM.
Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using a human dermal allograft in patients with and without preoperative pseudoparalysis
Authors: Eigenschink Martin , Pauzenberger Leo , Laky Brenda , Anderl Werner , Ostermann Roman C. , Heuberer Philipp R.
Published: August 2019

Background

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCT) may cause severe functional impairment and pain as a result of loss of superior humeral stability. Reconstruction of the superior capsule (SCR) has been reported to restore glenohumeral stability and function.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate short-term functional and radiological outcome after arthroscopic SCR with a human dermal allograft for irreparable RCT.

Methods

In total, 21 patients (mean age 65.9 years, 50–77), who underwent arthroscopic SCR were prospectively enrolled in the present study. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) were obtained before and 12 months after surgery to evaluate graft survival. Functional and subjective outcome including the Constant score (CS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), and the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) was evaluated preoperatively as well as 3–6 and 12 months postoperatively and was compared between patients with and without preoperative pseudoparalysis. Complications were recorded.

Results

The MRI evaluation revealed intact grafts in 71.4% of patients 1 year postoperatively; these patients showed significant improvements from baseline to follow-up time points regarding the total CS and its subgroups pain, activity of living, range of motion, strength, ASES, and SST (p < 0.01). Pseudoparalysis was present in 57.1% of cases preoperatively, but was reversed in 100% of cases with intact graft at the 1‑year follow-up. The outcome was similar between groups at final follow-up. Complications occurred in 29% (one infection, five graft failures) of patients and were indications for treatment with reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic SCR with a human dermal allograft in patients with irreparable RCT restored shoulder function and relieved pain in patients without and with preoperative pseudoparalysis.
Flexible Conductive Anodes Based on 3D Hierarchical Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO Network for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Luo Linqu , Song Jianjun , Song Longfei , Zhang Hongchao , Bi Yicheng , Liu Lei , Yin Longwei , Wang Fengyun , Wang Guoxiu
Published: August 2019

Metallic Sn has provoked tremendous progress as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, Sn anodes suffer from a dramatic capacity fading, owing to pulverization induced by drastic volume expansion during cycling. Herein, a flexible three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical conductive network electrode is designed by constructing Sn quantum dots (QDs) encapsulated in one-dimensional N,S co-doped carbon nanofibers (NS-CNFs) sheathed within two-dimensional (2D) reduced graphene oxide (rGO) scrolls. In this ingenious strategy, 1D NS-CNFs are regarded as building blocks to prevent the aggregation and pulverization of Sn QDs during sodiation/desodiation, 2D rGO acts as electrical roads and “bridges” among NS-CNFs to improve the conductivity of the electrode and enlarge the contact area with electrolyte. Because of the unique structural merits, the flexible 3D hierarchical conductive network was directly used as binder- and current collector-free anode for SIBs, exhibiting ultra-long cycling life (373 mAh g−1 after 5000 cycles at 1 A g−1), and excellent high-rate capability (189 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1). This work provides a facile and efficient engineering method to construct 3D hierarchical conductive electrodes for other flexible energy storage devices.
What do community paramedics assess? An environmental scan and content analysis of patient assessment in community paramedicine
Authors: Leyenaar Matthew S. , McLeod Brent , Penhearow Sarah , Strum Ryan , Brydges Madison , Mercier Eric , Brousseau Audrey-Anne , Besserer Floyd , Agarwal Gina , Tavares Walter , Costa Andrew P.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Patient assessment is a fundamental feature of community paramedicine, but the absence of a recognized standard for assessment practices contributes to uncertainty about what drives care planning and treatment decisions. Our objective was to summarize the content of assessment instruments and describe the state of current practice in community paramedicine home visit programs.

Methods

We performed an environmental scan of all community paramedicine programs in Ontario, Canada, and used content analysis to describe current assessment practices in home visit programs. The International Classification on Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was used to categorize and compare assessments. Each item within each assessment form was classified according to the ICF taxonomy.

Results

A total of 43 of 52 paramedic services in Ontario, Canada, participated in the environmental scan with 24 being eligible for further investigation through content analysis of intake assessment forms. Among the 24 services, 16 met inclusion criteria for content analysis. Assessment forms contained between 13 and 252 assessment items (median 116.5, IQR 134.5). Most assessments included some content from each of the domains outlined in the ICF. At the subdomain level, only assessment of impairments of the functions of the cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, and respiratory systems appeared in all assessments.

Conclusion

Although community paramedicine home visit programs may differ in design and aim, all complete multi-domain assessments as part of patient intake. If community paramedicine home visit programs share similar characteristics but assess patients differently, it is difficult to expect that the resulting referrals, care planning, treatments, or interventions will be similar.