bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Version 05 Level 2 precipitation products from the GPM Core Observatory and constellation satellite sensors
Authors: Kidd Christopher , Tan Jackson , Kirstetter Pierre‐Emmanuel , Petersen Walter A.
Published: October 2017

The accurate measurement of precipitation, an essential source of fresh water, is key for assessing water resources and precipitation‐related hazards across the globe. The measurement of global precipitation is hampered by the inadequate spatial distribution of ground‐based observations such as gauges and weather radars. However, satellite instruments can provide global observations from which precipitation estimates may be generated. The satellites of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) constellation carry passive microwave sensors that provide an essential set of observations from which the Goddard PROFiling (GPROF 2017v1) scheme is used to retrieve precipitation. The regional consistency and differences in the satellite retrievals need to be documented in order to refine and improve global precipitation estimates which form the basis of widely used gridded precipitation products. Here the Level 2 instantaneous swath‐based precipitation products generated by the GPROF scheme are evaluated using standard descriptive and statistical scores against national/international surface radar and dense gauge datasets, over the United States and western Europe. Results show that over Europe the current GPROF retrieval technique tends to overestimate the occurrence of light precipitation, leading to an overestimation of the volumetric contribution by light precipitation intensities, while it underestimates moderate to heavy precipitation. Over the USA the overestimation of light precipitation is reduced, with a more pronounced overestimation of moderate precipitation intensities, and an underestimation of heavier precipitation intensities.
Strontium isotope measurement of basaltic glasses by laser ablation multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry based on a linear relationship between analytical bias and Rb/Sr ratios
Authors: Zhang Le , Ren Zhong‐Yuan , Wu Ya‐Dong , Li Nan
Published: October 2017

Rationale

In situ strontium (Sr) isotope analysis of geological samples by laser ablation multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS) provides useful information about magma mixing, crustal contamination and crystal residence time. Without chemical separation, during Sr isotope analysis with laser ablation, many kinds of interference ions (such as Rb+ and Kr+) are on the Sr isotope spectrum. Most previous in situ Sr isotope studies only focused on Sr‐enriched minerals (e.g. plagioclase, calcite). Here we established a simple method for in situ Sr isotope analysis of basaltic glass with Rb/Sr ratio less than 0.14 by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS.

Methods

Seven Faraday cups, on a Neptune Plus MC‐ICP‐MS instrument, were used to receive the signals on m/z 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 and 88 simultaneously for the Sr isotope analysis of basaltic glass. The isobaric interference of 87Rb was corrected by the peak stripping method. The instrumental mass fractionation of 87Sr/86Sr was corrected to 86Sr/88Sr = 0.1194 with an exponential law. Finally, the residual analytical biases of 87Sr/86Sr were corrected with a relationship between the deviation of 87Sr/86Sr from the reference values and the measured 87Rb/86Sr. The validity of the protocol present here was demonstrated by measuring the Sr isotopes of four basaltic glasses, a plagioclase crystal and a piece of modern coral.

Results

The measured 87Sr/86Sr ratios of all these samples agree within 100 ppm with the reference values. In addition, the Sr isotopes of olivine‐hosted melt inclusions from the Emeishan large igneous province (LIP) were measured to show the application of our method to real geological samples.

Conclusions

A simple but accurate approach for in situ Sr isotope measurement by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS has been established, which should greatly facilitate the wider application of in situ Sr isotope geochemistry, especially to volcanic rock studies.
A master manipulator with a remote‐center‐of‐motion kinematic structure for a minimally invasive robotic surgical system
Authors: Lee Hyunyoung , Cheon Byungsik , Hwang Minho , Kang Donghoon , Kwon Dong‐Soo
Published: October 2017

Background

In robotic surgical systems, commercial master devices have limitations owing to insufficient workspace and lack of intuitiveness. To overcome these limitations, a remote‐center‐of‐motion (RCM) master manipulator was proposed.

Methods

The feasibility of the proposed RCM structure was evaluated through kinematic analysis using a conventional serial structure. Two performance comparison experiments (peg transfer task and objective transfer task) were conducted for the developed master and Phantom Omni.

Results

The kinematic analysis results showed that compared with the serial structure, the proposed RCM structure has better performance in terms of design efficiency (19%) and workspace quality (59.08%). Further, in comparison with Phantom Omni, the developed master significantly increased task efficiency and significantly decreased workload in both experiments.

Conclusions

The comparatively better performance in terms of intuitiveness, design efficiency, and operability of the proposed master for a robotic system for minimally invasive surgery was confirmed through kinematic and experimental analysis.
Robotic‐assisted versus open radical cystectomy in bladder cancer: A meta‐analysis of four randomized controlled trails
Authors: Tang Jin‐Qiu , Zhao Zhihong , Liang Yiwen , Liao Guixiang
Published: October 2017

Background

Robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is increasing annually for treatment of bladder cancer. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to compare the safety and efficacy of RARC and open radical cystectomy (ORC) for bladder cancer.

Methods

Our meta‐analysis searches were conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the two techniques.

Results

Four RCT studies were identified, including 239 cases. Our studies indicated that RARC was associated with longer operative time (WMD: 69.69, 95% CI:17.25 to122.12; P= 0.009), lower estimated blood loss (WMD: –299.83, 95% CI:–414.66to −184.99; P<0.00001). The two groups had no significant difference in overall perioperative complications, length of hospital stay, lymph node yield and positive surgical margins.

Conclusions

RARC is mini‐invasive alternative to ORC for bladder cancer. The advantage of RARC was reduced estimated blood loss. More studies are needed to compare the two techniques.
Hepatitis in AIDS patients
Authors: Qadir Muhammad Imran
Published: October 2017

The individuals with HIV infection are more susceptible to develop coinfections with infectious pathogens such as HCV and HBV. The routes of transmission of these pathogens are the same including sexual contact, injection drug use, or at birth from mother to an infant. The main reason of morbidity and mortality in HIV infected individuals is a liver disease in the context of antiretroviral therapy, and coinfection such as HCV and HBV complicates this condition. Nucleos(t)ide analogues are used for HBV infection management, and treatment of HCV infection is done by PegIFN and ribavirin combination and protease inhibitors. In this review, we focused on hepatitis B and C infections in HIV patients along with their therapies.
Transdermal Delivery of Anti‐Obesity Compounds to Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue with Polymeric Microneedle Patches
Authors: Than Aung , Liang Ke , Xu Shaohai , Sun Lei , Duan Hongwei , Xi Fengna , Xu Chenjie , Chen Peng
Published: October 2017

Excess white adipose tissue (WAT), or obesity, is the leading cause of many diseases. Combating obesity is, however, challenging due to the fact that laboratory‐proven anti‐obesity compounds lose effectiveness or/and cause severe side‐effects while being delivered via conventional routes. Here, a new strategy is reported using disposable transdermal patches equipped with detachable polymeric microneedle (MN) arrays for painless and bloodless drug delivery to subcutaneous WAT. In contrast to the current methods to reduce energy intake, MN‐patches are used to deliver anti‐obesity compounds to increase energy expenditure by transforming calorie‐storing white fat into calorie‐burning brown fat. Specifically, prominent WAT browning and reduction effects are demonstrated by β3‐adrenoceptor agonist and thyroid hormone T3 transdermally delivered from rapidly dissolving MNs on mice. Furthermore, using a diet‐induced obese mouse model, it is shown that β3‐adrenoceptor agonist released by slowly dissolving MNs can effectively promote WAT browning and suppress gaining of body fat and weight, without the need of daily administration. Such an MN approach can achieve a much lower effective dose as compared to systemic administration and enables long‐term home‐based treatment.
Subtle Deregulation of the Wnt-Signaling Pathway Through Loss of Apc2 Reduces the Fitness of Intestinal Stem Cells
Authors: Young Madeleine A. , Daly Carl S. , Taylor Elaine , James Rhiannon , Clarke Alan Richard , Reed Karen Ruth
Published: October 2017

The importance of the Wnt-signaling pathway on the regulation and maintenance of the intestinal stem cell (ISC) population is well recognized. However, our current knowledge base is founded on models using systems of gross deregulation of the Wnt-signaling pathway. Given the importance of this signaling pathway on intestinal homeostasis, there is a need to explore the role of more subtle alterations in Wnt-signaling levels within this tissue. Herein, we have used a model of Apc2 loss to meet this aim. Apc2 is a homolog of Apc which can also form a destruction complex capable of binding β-catenin, albeit less efficiently than Apc. We show that systemic loss of Apc2 results in an increase in the number of cells displaying nuclear β-catenin at the base of the intestinal crypt. This subsequently impacts the expression levels of several ISC markers and the fitness of ISCs as assessed by organoid formation efficiency. This work provides the first evidence that the function and fitness of ISCs can be altered by even minor misregulation of the Wnt-signaling pathway. Our data highlights the importance of correct maintenance of this crucial signaling pathway in the maintenance and function of the ISC population.
Young children's near and far transfer of the basic theory of natural selection: An analogical storybook intervention
Authors: Emmons Natalie , Lees Kristin , Kelemen Deborah
Published: October 2017

Misconceptions about adaptation by natural selection are widespread among adults and likely stem, in part, from cognitive biases and intuitive theories observable in early childhood. Current educational guidelines that recommend delaying comprehensive instruction on the topic of adaptation until adolescence, therefore, raise concerns because children's scientifically inaccurate theories about species may be left unchallenged for many years, allowing them to entrench and become difficult to overcome. In consequence, this investigation sought to explore whether classrooms of kindergartners and second graders could acquire a basic but comprehensive understanding of adaptation from an intervention constructed around two picture storybooks that mechanistically explain natural selection. Learning was assessed in near and far transfer contexts both immediately and a month later. Kindergartners and second graders demonstrated substantial learning of biological information; however, second graders showed pronounced abilities to near and far generalize, immediately and over time. Results suggest that causally cohesive interventions with an emphasis on mechanistic explanation facilitate children's classroom learning of complex counterintuitive scientific ideas.
What If All Value Were Conferred?
Authors: Soto Carlos ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2017

I argue that the claim that all value is conferred is incompatible with the view that the capacity to set ends is unconditionally valuable. While this objection has beenmade, I offer a rebuttal and then a counterexample to the rebuttal. I also argue that, if all value were conferred, then the Kantian notion that moral wrongness consists in a practical contradiction is undermined.
Teaching Literacy to a Student With Autism
Authors: Izrael Amber
Published: October 2017

A look at one student who began with challenging behaviors and was nonverbal and through intensive instruction was able to gain literacy skills in order to communicate her needs and wants through the dedication of the teacher.
Intergovernmental organizations and climate security: advancing the research agenda
Authors: Dellmuth Lisa M. , Gustafsson Maria‐Therese , Bremberg Niklas , Mobjörk Malin
Published: October 2017

Climate‐related security challenges are transnational in character, leading states to increasingly rely on intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)—such as the European Union and the North‐Atlantic Treaty Organization—for policy solutions. While climate security issues do not typically fit comfortably within the mandates of existing IGOs, recent decades have seen increasing efforts by IGOs to link climate change and security. This article reviews existing studies on IGOs’ responses to climate security challenges. It draws together research from several bodies of literature spanning political science, international relations, and environmental social science, identifying an emerging field of research revolving around IGOs and climate security. We observe significant advancement in this young field, with scholars extending and enriching our understanding of how and why IGOs address climate security challenges. Yet we still know little about the conditions under which IGOs respond to climate security challenges and when they do so effectively. This article discusses the main gaps in current work and makes some suggestions about how these gaps may be usefully addressed in future research. A better understanding of the conditions under which IGOs respond (effectively) to climate security challenges would contribute to broader debates on climate security, institutional change, and effectiveness in international relations and environmental social science, and may facilitate crafting effective global solutions to society's most intractable climate security challenges.WIREs Clim Change2018, 9:e496. doi: 10.1002/wcc.496

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
On Tungstates of Divalent Cations (I) – Structural Investigation and Spectroscopic Properties of Sr2[WO5] and Ba2[WO5]
Authors: Jantz Stephan G. , Pielnhofer Florian , Dialer Marwin , Höppe Henning A.
Published: October 2017

The crystal structures of Sr2[WO5] [Pna21, a = 7.2457(3) Å, b = 10.8867(5) Å, c = 5.5391(3) Å, Z = 4, Rint = 0.0671, R1 = 0.0495, wR2 = 0.0462] and Ba2[WO5] [Pnma, a = 7.3828(2) Å, b = 5.71420(10) Å, c = 11.4701(3) Å, Z = 4, Rint = 0.0294, R1 = 0.0146, wR2 = 0.0284] are revised, based on single‐crystal XRD data. Furthermore spectroscopic data (infrared, Raman, and UV/Vis) assisted by DFT calculations are discussed and first results on the luminescence properties of Sr2[WO5]:Eu3+ are presented.
On Tungstates of Divalent Cations (II) – Polymorphy of Pb2WO5
Authors: Jantz Stephan G. , Pielnhofer Florian , Dialer Marwin , Höppe Henning A.
Published: October 2017

The phase transition from the low temperature form Pb2[WO5] to its high temperature form Pb2O[WO4] was monitored by means of temperature dependent powder XRD. Single‐crystals of Pb2[WO5], suitable for a structure determination by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, were obtained by quenching a sample from 500 °C to room temperature. The low‐temperature phase Pb2[WO5] comprises the structural motive of infinite zigzag chains built by cornersharing WO6 octahedra, known from the tungstates M2[WO5] (M = Sr, Ba), but crystallizes in a new structure type [C2/c, a = 14.0996(4) Å, b = 5.8579(2) Å, c = 12.6877(4) Å, β = 114.3569(13)°, Z = 8, Rint = 0.042, R1 = 0.040, wR2 = 0.068]. The crystal structure of the high‐temperature phase Pb2O[WO4] [C2/m, a = 14.2126(4) Å, b = 5.80150(10) Å, c = 7.3477(2) Å, β = 113.9402(7)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.035, wR2 = 0.055] is revised, based on single‐crystal XRD data. Furthermore spectroscopic data (IR, Raman and UV/Vis spectra) are presented.
Clock‐Drawing Test as a Bedside Assessment of Post‐operative Delirium Risk in Elderly Patients with Accidental Hip Fracture
Authors: Vasilian Claudia C. , Tamasan Simona C. , Lungeanu Diana , Poenaru Dan V.
Published: October 2017

Background

Currently applied cognitive tests for assessing the risk of post‐operative delirium require time and specialised medical staff, in addition to the patients’ mental strain. We investigated the four‐point scoring Clock‐Drawing Test (CDT‐4) as a preoperative independent predictor for post‐operative delirium.

Methods

A total of 100 consecutive patients aged over 65 years admitted for accidental hip fracture were assessed for delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method Scale. The cognitive function was rated with mini–mental state examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), and CDT‐4. Descriptive statistics were performed, and a logistic regression model for post‐operative delirium was applied.

Results

Out of the 100 enrolled patients 98 underwent hip repair surgery and 65 (66%) had post‐operative delirium, with 24 (42%) incident cases. The median (IQR) ages were 78 (72–83) and 84 (80–87) years for the non‐delirium and post‐operative delirium groups, respectively. The logistic regression concluded with age and CDT‐4 as independent preoperative predictors, while controlling for gender, pre‐surgery delirium, MoCA visual, and MoCA attention: OR 1.32 [95% CI (1.099–1.585); p = 0.003] for age; OR 0.153 [95% CI (0.033–0.719); p = 0.017] for CDT‐4.

Conclusions

Employing CDT‐4 as a bedside assessment of delirium risk may help to preoperatively stratify and prioritise the patients for preventive perioperative care in a timely manner.
Correction to: A Global Assessment of Access to and Use of Medical Information: The State of Evidence‐Based Surgery
Authors: LaGrone Lacey N. , Fuhs Amy K. , Egoavil Eduardo Huaman , Langdale Lorrie A. , Fuangworawong Phupit , Hamasaki Jose Luis , Gyedu Adam , Mock Charles N.
Published: October 2017

In the original article some funding information was inadvertently omitted. The complete funding information is as follows:
Bayesian Sensitivity Analysis of a Nonlinear Dynamic Factor Analysis Model with Nonparametric Prior and Possible Nonignorable Missingness
Authors: Tang Niansheng , Chow Sy-Miin , Ibrahim Joseph G. , Zhu Hongtu
Published: October 2017

Many psychological concepts are unobserved and usually represented as latent factors apprehended through multiple observed indicators. When multiple-subject multivariate time series data are available, dynamic factor analysis models with random effects offer one way of modeling patterns of within- and between-person variations by combining factor analysis and time series analysis at the factor level. Using the Dirichlet process (DP) as a nonparametric prior for individual-specific time series parameters further allows the distributional forms of these parameters to deviate from commonly imposed (e.g., normal or other symmetric) functional forms, arising as a result of these parameters’ restricted ranges. Given the complexity of such models, a thorough sensitivity analysis is critical but computationally prohibitive. We propose a Bayesian local influence method that allows for simultaneous sensitivity analysis of multiple modeling components within a single fitting of the model of choice. Five illustrations and an empirical example are provided to demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach in facilitating the detection of outlying cases and common sources of misspecification in dynamic factor analysis models, as well as identification of modeling components that are sensitive to changes in the DP prior specification.
Postoperative Myocardial Injury and Inflammation is Not Blunted by a Trial of Atorvastatin in Orthopedic Surgery Patients
Authors: Bass Anne R. , Szymonifka Jackie D. , Rondina Matthew T. , Bogardus Margaret , Scott Mitchell G. , Woller Scott C. , Stevens Scott M. , Eby Charles , Merritt Kerri , Valle Alejandro Gonzalez Della , Moskowitz Gerard , Flores Eva , Gage Brian F.
Published: October 2017

Background

Orthopedic patients are at risk for adverse postoperative cardiovascular outcomes.

Questions/Purposes

This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of atorvastatin vs. placebo in orthopedic surgery patients was performed in order to assess: (1) the prevalence of perioperative myocardial injury; (2) the effect of atorvastatin on perioperative inflammation; and (3) the feasibility of performing a large RCT of statin therapy in orthopedic patients.

Methods

Hip fracture (hip Fx) and total hip and knee replacement (THR and TKR) patients were randomized 1:1 to atorvastatin 40 mg daily vs. placebo, starting preoperatively and continuing until postoperative day (POD) 45. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured preoperatively and on POD 2. Patients were monitored for adverse events until POD 90.

Results

Five hundred fifty-six patients were screened, 22 were recruited (4 hip Fx, 11 THR, 7 TKR), and 2 withdrew. Most (80%) had detectable hs-cTnI (> 1.1 pg/mL) preoperatively. Twenty percent had a perioperative rise in hs-cTnI (≥ 10 pg/mL), which was not blunted by atorvastatin. Hs-CRP rose in 19/20 patients, and IL-6 rose in all patients. However, atorvastatin did not blunt the rise in these inflammatory biomarkers. On POD 2, IL-6 and hs-cTnI levels correlated ( ρ = 0.59, p = 0.02). Recruitment was limited by the high prevalence of statin use in the screened population and a high prevalence of exclusions among hip fracture patients.

Conclusion

Perioperative myocardial injury and inflammation are common in orthopedic patients and do not appear to be reduced in those randomized to atorvastatin.

Trial Registration

NCT02197065
A Multi-stage Representation of Cell Proliferation as a Markov Process
Authors: Yates Christian A. , Ford Matthew J. , Mort Richard L.
Published: October 2017

The stochastic simulation algorithm commonly known as Gillespie’s algorithm (originally derived for modelling well-mixed systems of chemical reactions) is now used ubiquitously in the modelling of biological processes in which stochastic effects play an important role. In well-mixed scenarios at the sub-cellular level it is often reasonable to assume that times between successive reaction/interaction events are exponentially distributed and can be appropriately modelled as a Markov process and hence simulated by the Gillespie algorithm. However, Gillespie’s algorithm is routinely applied to model biological systems for which it was never intended. In particular, processes in which cell proliferation is important (e.g. embryonic development, cancer formation) should not be simulated naively using the Gillespie algorithm since the history-dependent nature of the cell cycle breaks the Markov process. The variance in experimentally measured cell cycle times is far less than in an exponential cell cycle time distribution with the same mean.

Here we suggest a method of modelling the cell cycle that restores the memoryless property to the system and is therefore consistent with simulation via the Gillespie algorithm. By breaking the cell cycle into a number of independent exponentially distributed stages, we can restore the Markov property at the same time as more accurately approximating the appropriate cell cycle time distributions. The consequences of our revised mathematical model are explored analytically as far as possible. We demonstrate the importance of employing the correct cell cycle time distribution by recapitulating the results from two models incorporating cellular proliferation (one spatial and one non-spatial) and demonstrating that changing the cell cycle time distribution makes quantitative and qualitative differences to the outcome of the models. Our adaptation will allow modellers and experimentalists alike to appropriately represent cellular proliferation—vital to the accurate modelling of many biological processes—whilst still being able to take advantage of the power and efficiency of the popular Gillespie algorithm.
Exploitation and Efficiency
Authors: Khalil Elias L.
Published: October 2017

Let us take any historical or contemporary economic society. Would economic efficiency become better if such society erects and enforces institutions that prohibit its members from the exploitation of excludable groups that can be defined by race, ethnicity, etc.? This question actually makes no sense. One must first identity the boundary of society, i.e., who make up the objective function. Irrespective of how one defines efficiency, one cannot assess the efficiency of institutions without determining who is covered and who is excluded. Efficiency judgments can make sense only when one defines the social boundary.
A Comprehensive Review of Hirudiniasis: From Historic Uses of Leeches to Modern Treatments of Their Bites
Authors: Joslin Jeremy , Biondich Amy , Walker Kara , Zanghi Nicole
Published: October 2017

Exposure to leeches in the wilderness setting is common. Leeches may attach themselves to exposed skin or pass through one of the body’s orifices and attach internally. The condition of leech attachment is known as hirudiniasis, which can result in serious morbidity and, rarely, mortality. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to detail the prevention of leech attachment, as well as both anecdotal and studied methods of removal. Complications from leech attachments include ongoing bleeding, wound infection, and poor wound healing. Although medicinal leeches are the most well-studied variety, this review examines all aspects of leech attachment, prevention, and management.
DLR transonic inverse design code, extensions and modifications to increase versatility and robustness
Authors: Streit T. , Hoffrogge C.
Published: October 2017

The DLR inverse design code computes the wing geometry for a prescribed target pressure distribution. It is based on the numerical solution of the integral inverse transonic small perturbation (TSP) equations. In this work, several extensions and modifications of the inverse design code are described. Results are validated with corresponding redesign test cases. The first modification concerns applications for high transonic Mach numbers or cases with strong shocks. The introduced modifications enable converged design solutions for cases where the original method failed. The second modification is the extension of the code to general non-planar wings. Previously, the design code was restricted to non-planar wing designs with small dihedral or to nacelle design. A third modification concerns aerofoil/wings designed for wind-tunnel design. In order to design a swept wing between two wind-tunnel walls, the solution method was extended to two symmetry planes. The introduced extensions and modifications have increased the robustness and range of applicability of the inverse design code.
A coupled Euler-Lagrange CFD modelling of droplets-to-film
Authors: Adeniyi A. A. , Morvan H. P. , Simmons K. A.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, a droplet to film interaction model technique is presented. In the proposed approach, the liquid and gas continua are modelled using an enhanced Volume-of-Fluid (VoF) technique while the droplets are tracked using a Lagrangian framework and are coupled to the Eulerian phases using source terms. The eventual target application is an aeroengine bearing chamber in which oil is found as droplets, shed from the bearings, splashing on impact, separated from wall surfaces at obstacles or simply re-entrained, and as a continuum oil film coating the bearing chamber outer walls which it also cools. In finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, a prohibitively large number of cells would be required to describe the details of the droplet impact phenomenon. Based on published correlations, the splashing droplets are created and tracked as Lagrangian particles. The flowing film and the gas continua are handled with an enhanced VoF technique.
Competency of peripheral health workers in detection & management of common syndromic conditions under surveillance, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, 2016: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Debnath F. , Bhatnagar T. , Sundaramoorthy L. , Ponnaiah M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Competency of peripheral health workers in the detection and management of common syndromic conditions is crucial as they are the first point of contact for the majority of the Indian population.

Methods

We measured the competency of auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), and factors associated with inadequate competency, in the detection and management of common conditions-diarrhoea, acute respiratory tract infection, fever, malaria-through a cross-sectional study using condition specific validated clinical vignettes and structured questionnaires.

Results

Out of 272 selected ANMs, 68% (95% CI 62–74%) were adequately competent. Factors independently associated with inadequate competency were unavailability of essential drugs in preceding month [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.95; 95% CI 1.1–3.5] and ever trained in integrated management of childhood illness (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.4–4.1).

Conclusion

More than two third of the peripheral health workers were adequately competent to detect and manage common conditions. Ensuring uninterrupted drug availability and improved quality in service trainings might facilitate competency levels.
Exploring the dynamics of ‘2P’ wakes with reflective symmetry using point vortices
Authors: Basu Saikat , Stremler Mark A.
Published: October 2017

Wakes formed behind bluff bodies frequently reveal complex patterns of coherent vortical structures, with emergence of streamwise spatial periodicity particularly in the mid-wake region. In some cases, the vortex positions also maintain symmetry about the wake centreline. For the case in which two pairs of vortices are generated per shedding cycle, thereby constituting the so-called ‘2P’ mode wake, assumptions of spatial periodicity and symmetry allow for development of a mathematically tractable model using the point-vortex approximation. Our previous work (Basu & Stremler, Phys. Fluids, vol. 27 (10), 2015, 103603) considered staggered 2P wake configurations with two glide-reflective pairs of vortices shed in each period. Here we investigate the dynamics of a spatially periodic point-vortex street consisting of two pairs of vortices arranged with reflective symmetry about the streamwise centreline. Because of the symmetry, it is possible to model the spatially periodic point-vortex dynamics as an integrable Hamiltonian system. For a particular choice of initial condition, the topological structure of the Hamiltonian level curves is determined by location in a circulation–impulse parameter space. These Hamiltonian level curves delineate multiple regimes of motion, with all vortex motions within one regime being qualitatively identical. This approach thus enables identification and a full classification of all possible vortex motions in this constrained system. There also exist a limited number of equilibrium configurations with no relative vortex motion; some of these relative equilibria are neutrally stable to (appropriate) perturbations. Only one such neutrally stable equilibrium configuration continues to preserve the distinct four-vortex array, and numerical experiments indicate that these configurations are also neutrally stable to small perturbations that break the spatial symmetry. We apply this analysis to identify the parameter values necessary for co-existence of two closely spaced, neutrally stable Kármán vortex streets that preserve the assumed symmetry. Finally, comparison of the model dynamics to a wake pattern reported in the literature suggests that the classification of exotic wakes should be based on more details than just the number of vortices periodically shed by the body.
On the macroscopic modelling of dilute emulsions under flow
Authors: Mwasame Paul M. , Wagner Norman J. , Beris Antony N.
Published: October 2017

A new macroscopic model describing the rheology and microstructure of dilute emulsions with droplet morphology is developed based on an internal contravariant conformation tensor variable which is physically identified with the deformed ellipsoidal geometry of the dispersed phase. The model is consistent with existing first-order capillary number,$O(Ca)$, theory describing the microstructure as well as$O(Ca^{2})$theory describing the emulsion-contributed extra stress. These asymptotic solutions are also used to determine all of the model parameters, making it the only macroscopic emulsion model that is consistent with all available asymptotic theories in the limit of small$Ca$. The governing equations are obtained from the Poisson and dissipation brackets, as developed for an incompressible fluid system endowed with an internal contravariant second-order tensor, subject to the imposition of the constraint of a unit determinant. First proposed by Maffettone & Minale (J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech., vol. 78, 1998, pp. 227–241), this constraint physically corresponds to conservation of the volume of the dispersed phase in the emulsion. The Hamiltonian of the emulsion is expressed through the surface energy of the dispersed phase, in addition to the kinetic energy, following previous work by Grmelaet al.(J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech., vol. 212, 2014, pp. 1–12), but employing a more accurate evaluation of the surface area in terms of the internal contravariant conformation tensor. Structural predictions of the ellipsoid droplet morphology obtained with the new model are compared with classic experiments by Torzaet al.(J. Colloid Interface Sci., vol. 38, 1972, pp. 395–411), showing good agreement.
Complete Hamiltonian formalism for inertial waves in rotating fluids
Authors: Gelash A. A. , L’vov V. S. , Zakharov V. E.
Published: October 2017

A complete Hamiltonian formalism is suggested for inertial waves in rotating incompressible fluids. Resonance three-wave interaction processes – decay instability and confluence of two waves – are shown to play a key role in the weakly nonlinear dynamics and statistics of inertial waves in the rapid rotation case. Future applications of the Hamiltonian approach to inertial wave theory are investigated and discussed.
Direct numerical simulation of turbulence over anisotropic porous media
Authors: Kuwata Y. , Suga K.
Published: October 2017

To investigate which component of the anisotropic permeability tensor of porous media influences turbulence over porous walls, direct numerical simulation of anisotropic porous-walled channel flows is performed by the D3Q27 multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method. The presently considered anisotropic permeable walls have square pore arrays aligned with the Cartesian axes. Vertical, streamwise and spanwise pore arrays are systematically introduced to the walls to impose anisotropic permeability. Simulations are carried out at a friction Reynolds number of 111 and 230, which is based on the averaged friction velocity of the porous bottom and the smooth top walls. It is found that streamwise and spanwise permeabilities enhance turbulence whilst vertical permeability itself does not. In particular, the enhancement of turbulence is remarkable over porous walls with streamwise permeability. Over streamwise permeable walls, development of high- and low-speed streaks is prevented whilst large-scale intermittent patched patterns of ejection motions are induced. It is revealed by two-point correlation analysis that streamwise permeability allows the development of streamwise large-scale perturbations induced by Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. Spectral analysis reveals that this perturbation contributes to the enhancement of the Reynolds shear stress, leading to significant skin friction of the porous interface. Through the comparison between the two different Reynolds-number cases, it is found that, as the Reynolds number increases, the streamwise perturbation becomes larger and more organized. Consequently, owing to the enhancement of the large-scale perturbation, a significant Reynolds-number dependence of the skin friction of the porous interface can be observed over the streamwise permeable wall. It is also implied that the wavelength of the perturbation can be reasonably scaled by the outer-layer length scale.
Clean versus contaminated bubbles in a solid-body rotating flow
Authors: Rastello Marie , Marié Jean-Louis , Lance Michel
Published: October 2017

The behaviour of clean and contaminated bubbles in solid-body rotating flows is compared in terms of drag and lift forces. Both spherical and deformed bubbles are considered. For that comparison, we have completed the data published in Rastello et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 624, 2009, pp. 159–178; J. Fluid Mech., vol. 682, 2011, pp. 434–459) by a new series of measurements. When they are contaminated, bubbles are subject to an additional lift force due to the spinning of their surfaces, while the clean ones are not. A detailed description of this spinning motion is presented and an expression for the Magnus-like lift it induces is given in the light of the new information. The component of the lift induced by flow rotation depends on the Rossby number $Ro$, contrary to the case of clean bubbles. Including the ‘spin’ induced lift component in the dynamical equations provides a better prediction of the bubble’s trajectory in contaminated fluid. The presence of contaminants immobilizes the rear part of the bubble and reduces significantly the deformation. The laws of deformation according to the nature of the surface are presented. The way deformation influences the drag and lift coefficients in pure and contaminated fluids is quantified and discussed. Expressions for these various coefficients are proposed.
Supersonic flow fields resulting from axisymmetric internal surface curvature
Authors: Filippi Alessandro A. , Skews Beric W.
Published: October 2017

An experimental and numerical study was conducted to examine the effects of internal surface curvature and leading-edge angle on the shock waves and steady flow fields produced by axisymmetric ring wedges. Test models with leading-edge-radius-normalised internal radii of curvature of $R_{c}=\{1,1.5,2\}$ and leading-edge angles of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}=\{0^{\circ },4^{\circ },8^{\circ }\}$ were manufactured and tested. Experimental shadowgraph and schlieren results were obtained for Mach numbers ranging from 2.8 to 3.6 using a blowdown supersonic wind tunnel with accompanying numerical results for additional insight. The higher the internal surface curvature and leading-edge angle, the greater the flow fields were impacted. As a result, steeper compression waves were formed, thus curving the shock wave more noticeably. The internal surface curvature and leading-edge angle were both found to have an effect on the trailing-edge expansion fans. This altered the shape of downstream shock wave structures. The highest curvature models produced steady double reflection patterns due to the imposed internal surface curvature. The effects of conical and curved internal surfaces were explored for the presence of flow-normal curvature and the curving of the attached shock waves.
Sedimentation of inertia-less prolate spheroids in homogenous isotropic turbulence with application to non-motile phytoplankton
Authors: Niazi Ardekani M. , Sardina G. , Brandt L. , Karp-Boss L. , Bearon R. N. , Variano E. A.
Published: October 2017

Phytoplankton are the foundation of aquatic food webs. Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton draw down $\text{CO}_{2}$ at magnitudes equivalent to forests and other terrestrial plants and convert it to organic material that is then consumed by other planktonic organisms in higher trophic levels. Mechanisms that affect local concentrations and velocities are of primary significance to many encounter-based processes in the plankton, including prey–predator interactions, fertilization and aggregate formation. We report results from simulations of sinking phytoplankton, considered as elongated spheroids, in homogenous isotropic turbulence to answer the question of whether trajectories and velocities of sinking phytoplankton are altered by turbulence. We show in particular that settling spheroids with physical characteristics similar to those of diatoms weakly cluster and preferentially sample regions of downwelling flow, corresponding to an increase of the mean settling speed with respect to the mean settling speed in quiescent fluid. We explain how different parameters can affect the settling speed and what underlying mechanisms might be involved. Interestingly, we observe that the increase in the aspect ratio of the prolate spheroids can affect the clustering and the average settling speed of particles by two mechanisms: first is the effect of aspect ratio on the rotation rate of the particles, which saturates faster than the second mechanism of increasing drag anisotropy.
How we compute N matters to estimates of mixing in stratified flows
Authors: Arthur Robert S. , Venayagamoorthy Subhas K. , Koseff Jeffrey R. , Fringer Oliver B.
Published: October 2017

Most commonly used models for turbulent mixing in the ocean rely on a background stratification against which turbulence must work to stir the fluid. While this background stratification is typically well defined in idealized numerical models, it is more difficult to capture in observations. Here, a potential discrepancy in ocean mixing estimates due to the chosen calculation of the background stratification is explored using direct numerical simulation data of breaking internal waves on slopes. Two different methods for computing the buoyancy frequency $N$, one based on a three-dimensionally sorted density field (often used in numerical models) and the other based on locally sorted vertical density profiles (often used in the field), are used to quantify the effect of $N$ on turbulence quantities. It is shown that how $N$ is calculated changes not only the flux Richardson number $R_{f}$, which is often used to parameterize turbulent mixing, but also the turbulence activity number or the Gibson number $Gi$, leading to potential errors in estimates of the mixing efficiency using $Gi$-based parameterizations.
New insights from XRF core scanning data into boreal lake ontogeny during the Eemian (Marine Isotope Stage 5e) at Sokli, northeast Finland
Authors: Kylander Malin E. , Plikk Anna , Rydberg Johan , Löwemark Ludvig , Salonen J. Sakari , Fernández-Fernández María , Helmens Karin
Published: October 2017

Biological proxies from the Sokli Eemian (Marine Isotope Stage 5e) paleolake sequence from northeast Finland have previously shown that, unlike many postglacial records from boreal sites, the lake becomes increasingly eutrophic over time. Here, principal components (PC) were extracted from a high resolution multi-element XRF core scanning dataset to describe minerogenic input from the wider catchment (PC1), the input of S, Fe, Mn, and Ca-rich detrital material from the surrounding Sokli Carbonatite Massif (PC2), and chemical weathering (PC3). Minerogenic inputs to the lake were elevated early in the record and during two abrupt cooling events when soils and vegetation in the catchment were poor. Chemical weathering in the catchment generally increased over time, coinciding with higher air temperatures, catchment productivity, and the presence of acidic conifer species. Abiotic edaphic processes play a key role in lake ontogeny at this site stemming from the base cation- and nutrient-rich bedrock, which supports lake alkalinity and productivity. The climate history at this site, and its integrated effects on the lake system, appear to override development processes and alters its long-term trajectory.
NMEs and the Double Remedy Problem
Authors: PRUSA THOMAS J.
Published: October 2017

In 2007, the US reversed its long-standing policy prohibiting the simultaneous imposition of anti-dumping duties (ADDs) and countervailing duties (CVDs) against non-market economies. The EU followed the US lead and also began imposing simultaneous ADDs and CVDs. The practice, however, leads to double remedies, which are when a domestic subsidy is offset by both an ADD and a CVD. The WTO Appellate Body recently ruled that double remedies were inconsistent with the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and that the burden was on the investigating authorities to ensure that double remedies were not being imposed.
The Treatment of Chinese SOEs in China's WTO Protocol of Accession
Authors: LEVY PHILIP I.
Published: October 2017

The two central issues in China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) were its economic size and the large role the state had played in economic decisions – the treatment of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as central to addressing the latter point. While the Protocol of Accession imposed obligations on China that went beyond what was required of other WTO members, it has not been effective at resolving concerns about Chinese SOEs. This demonstrates, in part, the limitations in using the WTO as a vehicle to promote economic reform.
China – Anti-dumping Measures on Imports of Cellulose Pulp from Canada (China–Cellulose Pulp), DS483
Authors: Kugler Kholofelo
Published: October 2017

This dispute concerns an anti-dumping measure imposed by China on imports of cellulose pulp form Canada. Canada specifically challenged the determination of injury made by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) in the anti-dumping investigation. MOFCOM applied an ad valorem duty on imports from producers in the investigated countries. It applied anti-dumping duties of 13% on cooperating Canadian producers and 23.7% on all other Canadian producers, except for one producer that was excluded from the investigation due to a de minimis dumping margin.
United States – Certain Methodologies and Their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China (US–Anti-Dumping Methodologies (China)), DS471
Authors: Kugler Kholofelo
Published: October 2017

This dispute concerns China's claims regarding three issues related to certain anti-dumping measures applied by the United States Department of Commerce (USDOC): the use of the weighted average-to-transaction (WA-T) method in dumping margin calculations, the treatment of multiple companies as a non-market economy-wide entity (NME-wide entity), and the way that USDOC determines anti-dumping duty rates for this type of entity and the level of these duty rates.