bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of gas transport and other physical properties in relation to the bromination degree of polymers of intrinsic microporosity
Authors: Halder Karabi , Georgopanos Prokopios , Shishatskiy Sergey , Filiz Volkan , Abetz Volker
Published: November 2018

In this work, the synthesis of novel polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) with different degrees of bromine substitution by a free‐radical substitution reaction was performed. The synthesized polymers were thoroughly characterized and their bromination degree was verified via nuclear magnetic resonance. The brominated PIMs were investigated by infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and density measurements and correlated with their gas transport properties. It was found that with an increase in the bromination degree, the synthesized PIMs exhibited a significant increase in polymer chain packing density which led to reduced fractional free volume and consequent decrease in gas diffusion and permeability coefficients. The change in permeability coefficients caused an improvement in the CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and O2/N2 ideal permeability selectivities. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2752–2761
Temperature–Light Dual‐Responsive Au@PNIPAm Core‐Shell Microgel‐Based Optical Devices
Authors: Wei Menglian , Serpe Michael J.
Published: November 2018

Au nanoparticle (AuNP) core particles coated with a poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) shell (Au@pNIPAm) are synthesized by seed mediated free radical polymerization. Subsequently, a temperature–light‐responsive photonic device is fabricated by sandwiching the Au@pNIPAm particles between two thin layers of Au. The optical device exhibits visual color and characteristic multipeak reflectance spectra, where peak position is primarily determined by the distance between two Au layers. Dual responsivities of the photonic device are achieved by combining the photothermal effect of AuNPs core (localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect) and the temperature responsivity of the pNIPAm shell. That is, the pNIPAm shell collapses as the temperature is increased above pNIPAm's lower critical solution temperature, either by direct heat input or heat generated by AuNPs' LSPR effect. To investigate the effect of AuNPs distribution in the microgels on the devices' photothermal responsivity, the Au@pNIPAm microgel‐based etalon devices are compared with that fabricated by AuNP‐doped pNIPAm‐based microgels; in terms of response kinetics and optical spectrum homogeneity. The uniform Au@pNIPAm microgel‐based devices show a fast response and exhibit a comparatively homogeneous spectrum over the whole slide. These materials can potentially find use in drug delivery systems, active optics, and soft robotics.
Combined Chemo‐Photothermotherapy Using Gold Nanoshells on Drug‐Loaded Micellar Templates for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Authors: Lee Shin‐Yu , Peng Cheng‐Liang , Shieh Ming‐Jium
Published: November 2018

Combined chemo‐photothermotherapy is a novel strategy to improve the therapeutic outcome of cancer treatment by the synergistic effects of both photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy. Here, multifunctional gold nanoshells (GNS) that are synthesized using the 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN‐38)‐loaded micellar template are presented. The surface of positively charged SN‐38‐encapsulated poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]–poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PDMA–PCL) micelles is decorated with a gold layer by in situ reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4). The GNS display a broad surface plasmon resonance peak in the near‐infrared (NIR) wavelength region and high photothermal conversion ability. After PEGylation, the GNS are stable in biological media and appear highly biocompatible. Upon NIR laser irradiation, the PEGylated gold nanoshells on SN‐38‐encapsulated micelles (SN‐38@pGNS) convert incident energy to heat, which causes local temperature increase and facilitates the release of the encapsulated drug. Combined chemo‐photothermotherapy using SN‐38@pGNS with laser irradiation kills colorectal cancer cells with higher efficacy in vitro and demonstrates significant tumor suppression in vivo compared to using single therapy such as chemotherapy or PTT alone. This suggests that GNS on drug‐loaded micelles deliver SN‐38 and PTT synergistically and may be a potential candidate for future colorectal cancer therapy.
Oral administration of the selective GPR120/FFA4 agonist compound A is not effective in alleviating tissue inflammation in mouse models of prototypical autoimmune diseases
Authors: Wannick Melanie , Bezdek Siegfried , Guillen Nathalie , Thieme Markus , Meshrkey Fibi , Mousavi Sadegh , Seeling Michaela , Nimmerjahn Falk , Mócsai Attila , Zillikens Detlef , Sezin Tanya , Sadik Christian D.
Published: November 2018

ω3‐polyunsaturated free fatty acids (ω3‐PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are thought to exert health promoting effects in metabolic and in inflammatory diseases. The molecular mechanisms of these beneficial effects are only partially understood. DHA and EPA activate Free Fatty Acid receptor 4 (GPR120/FFA4). Recently, the first orally available, synthetic ligand of FFA4, 3‐[2‐chloro‐5‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]‐3‐azaspiro[5.5]undecane‐9‐acetic acid (“compound A”; cpd A) has been developed. Cpd A exhibits distinctly higher potency, efficiency, and selectivity at FFA4 than ω3‐PUFAs and ameliorates insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation in the mouse. With GPR120/FFA4 activation believed to also attenuate tissue inflammation in autoimmune diseases, cpd A may also have a beneficial effect in these diseases. We have therefore addressed the therapeutic potential of cpd A in mouse models of three prototypical autoimmune diseases, specifically psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bullous pemphigoid. The effect of cpd A on the course of Aldara™‐induced psoriasis‐like dermatitis, K/BxN serum transfer arthritis, and antibody transfer pemphigoid disease‐like dermatitis was scrutinized. Cpd A did not alter the course of Aldara‐induced psoriasis‐like dermatitis, K/BxN serum transfer arthritis, or antibody transfer pemphigoid disease‐like dermatitis. Our results suggest that therapeutic regimens solely relying on FFA4 activation do not bear the potential to treat inflammatory diseases. With cpd A distinctly more potent in activating GPR120/FFA4 than ω3‐PUFAs, this also suggests that GPR120/FFA4 activation by ω3‐PUFAs does not significantly contribute to the health‐promoting effects of ω3‐PUFAs in autoimmune diseases.
Crystalline structure and morphology of biaxially oriented polypropylene film under the coexistence of organic silica particles and its influence on the adsorption diffusion of polar solvent molecules
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Dongli , Xu Wencai , Chang Huan , Liu Qing , Fu Yabo , Liao Ruijuan , Shi Jiazi , Wang Yajun , He Xiaohui
Published: November 2018

In this article, a silica/EVA/PP composite was prepared by melt‐blending nanosilica with polypropylene, and a surface‐modified BOPP film was prepared by using this as raw material. SEM studies have shown the special microscopic morphology of the surface and its cross section. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterized and analysed crystallinity, molecular orientation, and grain size in the modified film. Furthermore, the presence of microholes in the modified film was verified by positron annihilation spectroscopy. The results show that compared with the unmodified films, the modified BOPP films have higher crystallinity and smaller grain size. Its dense surface structure and reticular fibre bundle structure make the diffusion coefficient and solubility of ethyl acetate small in the film. The mechanical properties, barrier properties, heat resistance, and ink adhesion of this film have been significantly improved. Modified film can be used as the food packaging film which has high performance and low residue.
Terrain‐aided navigation for long‐endurance and deep‐rated autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Salavasidis Georgios , Munafò Andrea , Harris Catherine A. , Prampart Thomas , Templeton Robert , Smart Micheal , Roper Daniel T. , Pebody Miles , McPhail Stephen D. , Rogers Eric , Phillips Alexander B.
Published: November 2018

Terrain‐aided navigation (TAN) is a localisation method which uses bathymetric measurements for bounding the growth in inertial navigation error. The minimisation of navigation errors is of particular importance for long‐endurance autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This type of AUV requires simple and effective on‐board navigation solutions to undertake long‐range missions, operating for months rather than hours or days, without reliance on external support systems. Consequently, a suitable navigation solution has to fulfil two main requirements: (a) bounding the navigation error, and (b) conforming to energy constraints and conserving on‐board power. This study proposes a low‐complexity particle filter‐based TAN algorithm for Autosub Long Range, a long‐endurance deep‐rated AUV. This is a light and tractable filter that can be implemented on‐board in real time. The potential of the algorithm is investigated by evaluating its performance using field data from three deep (up to 3,700 m) and long‐range (up to 195 km in 77 hr) missions performed in the Southern Ocean during April 2017. The results obtained using TAN are compared to on‐board estimates, computed via dead reckoning, and ultrashort baseline (USBL) measurements, treated as baseline locations, sporadically recorded by a support ship. Results obtained through postprocessing demonstrate that TAN has the potential to prolong underwater missions to a range of hundreds of kilometres without the need for intermittent surfacing to obtain global positioning system fixes. During each of the missions, the system performed 20 Monte Carlo runs. Throughout each run, the algorithm maintained convergence and bounded error, with high estimation repeatability achieved between all runs, despite the limited suite of localisation sensors.
Effect of low‐energy ion impact on the structure of hexagonal boron nitride films studied in surface‐wave plasma
Authors: Torigoe M. , Kamimura Y. , Teii K. , Matsumoto S.
Published: November 2018

A high‐density surface‐wave plasma source is used to deposit hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) films in a gas mixture of He, H2, N2, Ar, and BF3 under a high ion flux condition using low‐energy ion irradiation. The ion energy is controlled between around zero and 100 eV by applying a negative or positive bias voltage to a substrate, while the ion flux is increased by locating a substrate upstream in the diffusive plasma. For ion energies above ∼37 eV, the structure of the films depends upon ion energy more than substrate temperature, typical of subplantation processes. As a result, the structural order and crystallinity of sp2‐bonded phase in the films characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction are increased with decreasing ion energy, while the mass density of the films characterized by X‐ray reflectivity is retained relatively high with a slight dependence upon ion energy.
Pd‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Two‐Step Synthesis of 2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐2‐phenylindolin‐3‐ones from 2‐Alkynyl Arylazides and Indoles
Authors: Yong Wanxiong , Li Ping , Sheng Rong , Rao Weidong , Zhang Xiaoxiang
Published: November 2018

An efficient palladium‐catalyzed one‐pot two‐step reaction of 2‐alkynyl arylazides and indoles has been developed. The reaction proceeded well under mild reaction conditions and provided the 2‐(1H‐indole‐3‐yl)‐2‐phenylindolin‐3‐ones in good to excellent yields.This transformation involves a rearrangement of 1H‐indole‐3‐sulfonates generated in situ and Mannich‐type addition of indoline‐3‐ones.
Association of psychosocial factors with leukocyte telomere length among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Jordan Christina D. , Glover LáShauntá M. , Gao Yan , Musani Solomon K. , Mwasongwe Stanford , Wilson James G. , Reiner Alex , Diez‐Roux Ana , Sims Mario
Published: November 2018

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a biomarker of cellular aging. African Americans report more stress than other groups; however, the association of psychosocial stressors with biological aging among African Americans remains unclear. The current study evaluated the association of psychosocial factors (negative affect and stressors) with LTL in a large sample of African American men and women (n = 2,516) from the Jackson Heart Study. Using multivariable linear regression, we examined the sex‐specific associations of psychosocial factors (cynical distrust, anger in and out, depressive symptoms, negative affect summary scores, global stress, weekly stress, major life events, and stress summary scores) with LTL. Model 1 adjusted for demographics and education. Model 2 adjusted for model 1, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, diabetes, hypertension, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein. Among women, high (vs. low) cynical distrust was associated with shorter mean LTL in model 1 (b = −0.12; p = 0.039). Additionally, high (vs. low) anger out and expressed negative affect summary scores were associated with shorter LTL among women after full adjustment (b = −0.13; p = 0.011; b = −0.12, p = 0.031, respectively). High levels of cynical distrust, anger out, and negative affect summary scores may be risk factors for shorter LTL, particularly among African‐American women.
High‐Pressure Behavior of Lead Cyanamide PbNCN
Authors: Möller Andreas , Konze Philipp M. , Dronskowski Richard
Published: November 2018

The high‐pressure behavior of lead cyanamide, PbNCN, was studied using the diamond anvil cell technique and in situ X‐ray powder diffraction at room temperature. By employing a third‐order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state, a zero‐pressure bulk modulus of K0 = 19(2) GPa was determined, characterizing PbNCN as a very soft material. Additionally, the first linear compression moduli for the inorganic cyanamide were determined to be Ka0 = 145(7) GPa, Kb0 = 37.7(7) GPa, and Kc0 = 15.5(2) GPa. DFT total‐energy calculations targeting on the Pb2+ coordination indicate a transition from a typical compression behavior of a two‐dimensional layered structure to a more complex one, which was furthermore analyzed by chemical‐bonding analysis. Instead of a changing shape of the soft cyanamide unit, we observe an unexpected flattening of the corrugated double layers.
Ba6(MN4)N2–x (M = MoVI/TaV), a Subvalent Nitridometalate with Perovskite‐like Crystal Structure
Authors: Wörsching Matthias , Fricke Sarah‐Kristin , Minár Ján , Niklaus Robin , Hoch Constantin
Published: November 2018

The subvalent nitridometalate Ba6[(Mo1–xTax)N4]N0.86 was prepared from mixtures of Mo powder with Ba, Na, and Ba2N at 600 °C in Ta ampoules. It crystallizes in space group Cmcm with a = 11.672(3), b = 10.177(2) and c = 10.8729(19) Å. Its crystal structure exhibits an orthorhombically distorted Perovskite topology with [Ba6N] building units forming the ReO3‐type lattice via common vertices, and the nitridometalate anions occupying half of the available distorted cuboctahedral interstices. [MN4] anions show statistically mixed occupancy of M by MoVI and TaV. They show no notable deviation from nitridometalate anions in known ionic nitridomolybdates and ‐tantalates, and the metrics of the [Ba6N] octahedra correspond to those found in similar subvalent compounds. The nitrogen atom position centering the [Ba6N] octahedra is underoccupied. Band structure calculations corroborate the subvalent character of the compound and the two individual anionic structural building units.
BPS operators in $$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$ SO(N) super Yang-Mills theory: plethysms, dominoes and words
Authors: Lewis-Brown Christopher , Ramgoolam Sanjaye
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Permutations and associated algebras allow the construction of half and quarter BPS operators in maximally supersymmetric Yang Mills theory with U(N), SO(N) and Sp(N) gauge groups. The construction leads to bases for the operators, labelled by Young diagrams and associated group theory data, which have been shown to be orthogonal under the inner product defined by the free field two-point functions. In this paper, we study in detail the orientifold projection map between the Young diagram basis for U(N) theories and the Young diagram basis for SO(N) (and Sp(N)) half-BPS operators. We find a simple connection between this map and the plethystic refinement of the Littlewood Richardson coefficients which couple triples of Young diagrams where two of them are identical. This plethystic refinement is known to be computable using an algorithm based on domino tilings of Young diagrams. We discuss the domino combinatorics of the orientifold projection map in terms of giant graviton branes. The permutation construction of SO(N) operators is used to find large N generating functions for both the half and quarter BPS sectors. The structure of these generating functions is elucidated using the combinatorics of words, organised according to the number of periods. Aperiodic words in the U(N) theory are Lyndon words and an SO(N) analogue of Lyndon words is defined using a minimally periodic condition. We calculate the normalization factor for the orthogonal basis of Young diagram operators in the baryonic sector of SO(N).
Siegel paramodular forms and sparseness in AdS3/CFT2
Authors: Belin Alexandre , Castro Alejandra , Gomes João , Keller Christoph A.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We discuss the application of Siegel paramodular forms to the counting of polar states in symmetric product orbifold CFTs. We present five special examples and provide exact analytic counting formulas for their polar states. The first example reproduces the known result for type IIB supergravity on AdS3 ×S
3 ×K3, whereas the other four examples give new counting formulas. Their crucial feature is that the low energy spectrum is very sparse, which suggests the existence of a suitable dual supergravity theory. These examples open a path to novel realizations of AdS3/CFT2.
Effective-field theory analysis of the τ− → π−π0ντ decays
Authors: Miranda J. A. , Roig P.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We perform an effective field theory analysis of the τ
− → π
−
π
0
ν

τ
decays, that includes the most general interactions between Standard Model fields up to dimension six, assuming left-handed neutrinos. We constrain as much as possible the necessary Standard Model hadronic input using chiral symmetry, dispersion relations, data and asymptotic QCD properties. As a result, we show that it is possible to set precise (competitive with low-energy and LHC measurements) bounds on (non-standard) charged current tensor interactions, finding a very small preference for their presence, according to Belle data. Belle-II near future measurements can thus be very useful in either confirming or further restricting new physics tensor current contributions to these decays. For this, the spectrum in the di-pion invariant mass turns out to be particularly promising. Distributions in the angle defined by the τ
− and π
− momenta can also be helpful if measured with less than 10% accuracy, both for non-standard scalar and tensor interactions.
Gravity Anomalies and Crustal Thickness Variations over the Western Ghats
Authors: Dubey C. P. , Tiwari V. M.
Published: November 2018

The Western Ghats (WG), a topographic scarp facing towards the west coast of India and extending over diverse geological terranes – Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP), Dharwar Craton (DC) and Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT), is an enigmatic geomorphic feature. WG is characterized by low gravity anomalies. In order to decipher the sources of gravity anomalies, we have decomposed the gravity anomalies using wavelength filter and have obtained estimates of the depth to crust-mantle boundary (CMB) under WG and surrounding regions from the inversion of gravity data, which is compared with seismically determined CMB estimates. Overall, the CMB depth varies from 33 to 50 km, which is consistent with seismically determined values, except in the region of shear zones between DC and SGT probably indicating a different density contrast at CMB. The major source of gravity low is found to be the deepening of CMB under the WG compared to adjacent regions regardless of surface lithology. The CMB depths under WG and surrounding region generally approximate the CMB depths estimated for low strength flexural isostatic models, which suggests that flexural compensation of uplifted topography, later modified by tectonic and denudation processes, is a likely development model for the Western Ghats.
Crustal Thickness and Composition Variation along the Western Ghats of India through Teleseismic Receiver Function Analysis
Authors: Gupta Sandeep , Kanna Nagaraju , Kumar Sudesh , Sivaram K.
Published: November 2018

The crustal thickness and composition variation along the Western Ghats using analysis of the teleseismic receiver functions calculated on the 36 broadband seismic stations in and around the Western Ghats is presented. The results show that the crustal thickness is mostly 36 – 40 km beneath the Western Ghats. The seismic stations falling in the Western Ghats however, imaging the mid-Archean Nucleus of the Western Dharwar Craton and Nilgiri hills (ca. 2.2 km elevation) show a crustal thickness of 45 – 50 km beneath these regions. In general, the calculated Vp/Vs ratio is varying between 1.66 and 1.82 all along the Western Ghats. Most of the seismic stations show higher Vp/Vs ratio (> 1.8), an indicative of mafic composition, may be due to magmatic underplating below the Western Ghats. The lower value of Vp/Vs ratio (< 1.70) at few stations can be due to local heterogeneity beneath those stations. Based on calculated crustal properties, the portion of the Western Ghats falling in the Deccan Volcanic region is different from the remaining; and we believe that the portion of the Western Ghats falling in the Deccan Volcanic Province was probably modified by the crust-mantle interaction during tectono-magmatic event related with the Deccan volcanism.
Some Insights into the Lithospheric Electrical Structure in the Western Ghat Region from Magnetotelluric Studies
Authors: Patro Prasanta K. , Raju Khasi , Sarma S. V. S.
Published: November 2018

Magnetotelluric (MT) studies along a few traverses, some cutting across the Western Ghats, during the last few years have provided basic insights into the shallow as well as the deeper electrical structure in the regions near and east of the Western Ghat belt. The MT models broadly show a two layered lithospheric electrical structure with an upper high resistive layer (several thousands of Ωm) and a lower moderately conductive layer (a few tens to a few hundred Ωm). The depth of the interface between the two layers is found to vary from about 120-160 km in the south in the SGT to around 80 km in the north in the northern DVP. Another impressive feature that could be noticed in these electrical models is the presence of well-defined major near vertical crustal conductive feature associated with the region of Western Ghat belt, presumably associated with the tectonic evolution of the Western Ghats. Further, these models also brought out several other well-defined conductors that might be linked to structural features like faults, shear zones, etc., in the region. These conductors pierce through the crustal column and some of these, particularly those oriented in NW-SE direction, i.e., oriented transversely with respect to the ambient compressive stress direction of the Indian shield, assume significance in understanding the seismicity of the region.
A Hybrid Multistage Model of Evolution of the Western Ghats at the Passive Western Continental Margin of India
Authors: Sinha-Roy S.
Published: November 2018

The Western Ghats (WG) is one of the Great Escarpments of the world that developed and persisted for the last ~60 Ma at the passive Western Continental Margin of India (WCMI). Like many such escarpments, the origin and persistence of the WG cannot be explained by a single mechanism, either lithosphere-asthenosphere or surficial processes, and hence, these are debated. Here I suggest a unified multistage model for the evolution of WG based on the available geophysical and geological data, and link its origin and persistence through possible underplating and detachment-controlled mid-crustal ductile flow with the characteristics of the Deccan plateau and the offshore region. The implications of the model for lithosphere-asthenosphere dynamics of the Deccan plateau and Stable Continental Region (SCR) seismicity are discussed.
Signatures of Holocene Hydrological Processes from Sedimentary Archives in Southwestern India: Case Studies from Wetlands of Kerala Coast
Authors: Kumaran K. P. N. , Padmalal D. , Limaye Ruta B. , Mohan S. Vishnu
Published: November 2018

The subsurface sediments of the Kerala coast provided signatures of hydrological processes that have influenced in the modifications and conversion of larger part of the lowland and the forest cover into a major wetland system during the Holocene which in turn has transformed into one of the best carbon sinks in the Indian subcontinent. The most significant and well recognized signature is the paleoflood event during the Early to Middle Holocene coinciding with the Holocene Climate Optimum (HCO). The excessive rainfall seems to have flooded the entire forest area in the coastal plains and the forests that flourished in the abandoned river channels and other low-lying areas in the midland. Formation of peat and peat land development in the inland region, but not far away from the coast, towards the Middle Holocene has been another important imprint of the hydrological process. Occurrence of peat sequence of 1-3 m at shallower depths stands testimony to such episodes. The other recognized imprints include the erosion and reworking of older sediments that contain the Neogene pollen elements and development of bay head deltas and other alluvial deposits in the mouth of the rivers. The mangrove dynamics too provided sufficient evidence of their prevalence, stability and decreasing tendency depending up on the hydrological regimes during the Holocene. Though episodes related to mud bank formation, as of now, are restricted to recent times, sediment archives, dated as Late Holocene, revealed scope for decoding the signatures of hydrological and geological processes associated with the monsoon vicissitudes.
Identifying Water Storage Variation in Krishna Basin, India from in situ and Satellite based Hydrological Data
Authors: Munagapati H. , Yadav R. , Tiwari V. M.
Published: November 2018

Terrestrial water storage (TWS), a sum total of water stored on or beneath the earth’s surface, transits in response to hydro-climatic processes such as precipitation, evapo-transpiration, runoff etc. and serves an indicator of hydrological condition of a region. We analyse spatio-temporal variance of water storage in Krishna Basin, India, derived from in-situ groundwater data and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data in order to determine physical causes of variations, and compare the variance with climatic factors such as Cumulative Rainfall Departure (CRD) and drought index i.e. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). GRACE satellite based TWS is found to reflect in-situ groundwater changes and also shows a relationship with drought patterns as indicated by a good correlation with SPI. The largest part of TWS represents seasonal flux, and at an interannual scale, TWS depicts spatio-temporal variability in response to drought index viz. SPI. We infer that the groundwater storage derived from GRACE time-variable gravity solutions can be utilised to complement in-situ observations at basin scale and it reflects climatic forcing quite well.
The Coastal Springs of Southern Kerala, SW India – Hydrology and Water Quality Assessment
Authors: Maya K. , Das Prasenjit , Sreelash K. , Babu K. Narendra
Published: November 2018

Spring water is a reliable source of potable water in many parts of the world. Uplifted coasts of the Southern Kerala host many high yielding cold water springs which emerge from the sand - clay interface of the Neogene outcrops. Lack of adequate studies on the hydrological and water quality aspects of these springs is challenging the wise use and management of these springs. Therefore, an attempt has been made to map the locations and study the water quality of the free-falling type of springs emerging from the Neogene outcrops exposed on the cliffed coasts of Southern Kerala, especially falling within the jurisdiction of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. A total of 31 springs from four distinct geomorphic settings has been located in our survey conducted in 2008-2009 period. But, our recent survey carried out in March 2017 revealed that about 10 % of the springs were dried out due to various reasons. The total spring water discharge during 2017 was about 450 liters/minute against the total discharge of 800 liters/minute in 2007-08 period. In general, the hydrochemistry of spring waters is dominated by alkali and strong acids, i.e. alkali-chloride type. Most of the hydrochemical parameters exhibit a great degree of seasonal and spatial variations and are well within the permissible limits (with the exception of pH) for all four groups of springs. The low mineral contents may be attributed to minimal weathering from silicate-rich rocks and insignificant leaching from soil due to infiltration from anthropogenic activities. The spring water quality in all the four groups of the study area is bacteriologically contaminated and therefore proper disinfection is required before human consumption. Most of the spring water samples are classified to be “excellent to good” for irrigation and is not expected to cause any salinity hazard.
The prognostic significance of repeated prehospital shocks for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival
Authors: Cournoyer Alexis , Notebaert Éric , Cossette Sylvie , Londei-Leduc Luc , de Montigny Luc , Ross Dave , Lamarche Yoan , Potter Brian J. , Vadeboncoeur Alain , Daoust Raoul , Sokoloff Catalina , Albert Martin , Bernard Francis , Morris Judy , Paquet Jean , Chauny Jean-Marc , Iseppon Massimiliano , Marquis Martin , de Champlain François , Cavayas Yiorgos Alexandros , Denault André
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Patients suffering from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) associated with an initial shockable rhythm have a better prognosis than their counterparts. The implications of recurrent or refractory malignant arrhythmia in such context remain unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between the number of prehospital shocks delivered and survival to hospital discharge among patients in OHCA.

Methods

This cohort study included adult patients with an initial shockable rhythm over a 5-year period from a registry of OHCA in Montreal, Canada. The relationship between the number of prehospital shocks delivered and survival to discharge was described using dynamic probabilities. The association between the number of prehospital shocks delivered and survival to discharge was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 1,788 patients (78% male with a mean age of 64 years) were included in this analysis, of whom 536 (30%) received treatments from an advanced care paramedic. A third of the cohort (583 patients, 33%) survived to hospital discharge. The probability of survival was highest with the first shock (33% [95% confidence interval 30%-35%]), but decreased to 8% (95% confidence interval 4%-13%) following nine shocks. A higher number of prehospital shocks was independently associated with lower odds of survival (adjusted odds ratio=0.88 [95% confidence interval 0.85-0.92], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Survival remains possible even after a high number of shocks for patients suffering from an OHCA with an initial shockable rhythm. However, requiring more shocks is independently associated with worse survival.
Emergency overcrowding and access block: A smaller problem than we think
Authors: Innes Grant D. , Sivilotti Marco L.A. , Ovens Howard , McLelland Kirstie , Dukelow Adam , Kwok Edmund , Chopra Anil , Cheng Ivy , Kalla Dan , Mackinnon David , Kim Sing Chad , Barclay Neil , Ross Terry , Chochinov Alecs
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Emergency department (ED) access block, the inability to provide timely care for high acuity patients, is the leading safety concern in First World EDs. The main cause of ED access block ishospital access blockwith prolonged boarding of inpatients in emergency stretchers. Cumulative emergency access gap, the product of the number of arriving high acuity patients and their average delay to reach a care space, is a novel access measure that provides a facility-level estimate of total emergency care delays. Many health leaders believe these delays are too large to be solved without substantial increases in hospital capacity. Our objective was to quantify cumulative emergency access blocks (the problem) as a fraction of inpatient capacity (the potential solution) at a large sample of Canadian hospitals.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we collated 2015 administrative data from 25 Canadian hospitals summarizing patient inflow and delays to ED care space. Cumulative access gap for high acuity patients was calculated by multiplying the number of Canadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS) 1-3 patients by their average delay to reach a care space. We compared cumulative ED access gap to available inpatient bed hours to estimate fractional access gap.

Results

Study sites included 16 tertiary and 9 community EDs in 12 cities, representing 1.79 million patient visits. Median ED census (interquartile range) was 66,300 visits per year (58,700-80,600). High acuity patients accounted for 70.7% of visits (60.9%-79.0%). The mean (SD) cumulative ED access gap was 46,000 stretcher hours per site per year (± 19,900), which was 1.14% (± 0.45%) of inpatient capacity.

Conclusion

ED access gaps are large and jeopardize care for high acuity patients, but they are small relative to hospital operating capacity. If access block were viewed as a “whole hospital” problem, capacity or efficiency improvements in the range of 1% to 3% could profoundly mitigate emergency care delays.
CIRCUITS OF POWER: CHINA'S QUEST FOR CABLE TELEGRAPH RIGHTS 1912–1945
Authors: Wei Shuge
Published: November 2018

This article examines China’s efforts to restore cable telegraph rights from the establishment of the Republic of China to the end of World War II. Challenging the conventional dichotomy of “Chinese” and “Western” actors in rights recovery issues, this article explores the intricate power relations between foreign cable companies, international interests groups and various political factions in China. It analyses China’s reclaim of cable sovereignty in three phases, each characterised by a particular controversy—the intra-clique struggle of the Communications Clique during the early Republic and the warlord era; the rivalry between the Nationalist Party, military and the state during the Nanjing decade; and the direct Sino-Japanese conflict during wartime. The article presents the argument that for the various interest groups, ideologies such as imperialism and nationalism served as rhetoric in their respective pursuits. It was the daily political tensions that played a crucial role in shaping how cable policies were devised.
Emotional Arousal Predicts Voting on the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: Dietrich Bryce J. , Enos Ryan D. , Sen Maya
Published: November 2018

Do judges telegraph their preferences during oral arguments? Using the U.S. Supreme Court as our example, we demonstrate that Justices implicitly reveal their leanings during oral arguments, even before arguments and deliberations have concluded. Specifically, we extract the emotional content of over 3,000 hours of audio recordings spanning 30 years of oral arguments before the Court. We then use the level of emotional arousal, as measured by vocal pitch, in each of the Justices’ voices during these arguments to accurately predict many of their eventual votes on these cases. Our approach yields predictions that are statistically and practically significant and robust to including a range of controls; in turn, this suggests that subconscious vocal inflections carry information that legal, political, and textual information do not.
Can nonexperts really emulate statistical learning methods? A comment on “The accuracy, fairness, and limits of predicting recidivism”
Authors: Bansak Kirk
Published: November 2018

Recent research has questioned the value of statistical learning methods for producing accurate predictions in the criminal justice context. Using results from respondents on Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurkers) who were asked to predict recidivism, Dressel and Farid (2018) argue that nonexperts can achieve predictive accuracy and fairness on par with algorithmic approaches that employ statistical learning models. Analyzing the same data from the original study, this comment employs additional techniques and compares the quality of the predicted probabilities output from statistical learning procedures versus the MTurkers’ evaluations. The metrics presented indicate that statistical approaches do, in fact, outperform the nonexperts in important ways. Based on these new analyses, it is difficult to accept the conclusion presented in Dressel and Farid (2018) that their results “cast significant doubt on the entire effort of algorithmic recidivism prediction.”
Effect of dietary interventions in mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review
Authors: McGrattan Andrea M. , McEvoy Claire T. , McGuinness Bernadette , McKinley Michelle C. , Woodside Jayne V.
Published: November 2018

Diet has been investigated in relation to its ability to promote cognitive function. However, evidence is currently limited and has rarely been systematically reviewed, particularly in a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) population. This review examined the effect of diet on cognitive outcomes in MCI patients. A total of five databases were searched to find randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies, with diet as the main focus, in MCI participants. The primary outcome was incident dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease (AD) and secondary outcomes included cognitive function across different domains using validated neuropsychological tests. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. There was a high degree of heterogeneity relating to the nature of the dietary intervention and cognitive outcomes measured, thus making study comparisons difficult. Supplementation with vitamin E (one study, n 516), ginkgo biloba (one study, n 482) or Fortasyn Connect (one study, n 311) had no significant effect on progression from MCI to dementia and/or AD. For cognitive function, the findings showed some improvements in performance, particularly in memory, with the most consistent results shown by B vitamins, including folic acid (one study, n 266), folic acid alone (one study, n 180), DHA and EPA (two studies, n 36 and n 86), DHA (one study, n 240) and flavonol supplementation (one study, n 90). The findings indicate that dietary factors may have a potential benefit for cognitive function in MCI patients. Further well-designed trials are needed, with standardised and robust measures of cognition to investigate the influence of diet on cognitive status.
Observant Memory and Propaganda in Johannes of Mainz'sVita fratrum predicatorum conventus Basiliensis(1442–1444)
Authors: Huijbers Anne
Published: November 2018

This article presents an unpublished and largely unexplored source written in Basel during the international church council, theVita fratrum predicatorum conventus Basiliensis(1442–1444). It deals with the reform of the Dominican friary, which was effectuated just before the start of the council to prevent scandals. Johannes of Mainz, its author, was the first lector of the reformed friary and wrote the text to corroborate the reformed religious identity of his community. He presented the reform of the Basel friary—which aroused fervent opposition of the original inhabitants—as a new episode in the history of salvation. A second part of theVita fratrumeulogized the characteristics that Observant friars have in common. By “othering” Conventual friars and by depicting their horrible deaths, Johannes tried both to convince the Observant Basel friars of their superiority over Conventuals and to exhort them to stick to an Observant lifestyle. Unfaithful friars, the narrative warned, were eradicated from the celestial vineyard. For the last part of theVita fratrum,which presents “the most fruitful plants” of the vineyard, Johannes of Mainz drew up personal and original biographies of contemporary Dominicans, such as Johannes Nider (d. 1438), who is presented as a “mirror of observance” and a “doctor of souls.”
DIODORUS SICULUS’ ‘SLAVE WAR’ NARRATIVES: WRITING SOCIAL COMMENTARY IN THEBIBLIOTHĒKĒ
Authors: Morton Peter
Published: November 2018

Diodorus Siculus has not enjoyed a positive reputation among historians of antiquity. Since the nineteenth century hisBibliothēkēhas been dismissed as a derivative work produced by an incompetent compiler, useful often only in so far as one can mine his text for lost and, evidently, far superior works of history. Diodorus’ own input into theBibliothēkēhas been dismissed as the clumsy intervention of ‘a small man with pretensions’. In one of the sharpest expressions of the traditional view, Diodorus is not a historian but ‘a mere epitomizer and an incompetent one at that’. In recent years voices of dissent have spoken up, determined to investigate Diodorus’ own contribution to ancient historiography. Their contributions have been notable for their desire to study and understand Diodorus on his own terms or to problematize his derivative use of his sources. Sacks, in particular, has argued that Diodorus’ voice can be heard in nearly every proem, a feature that occurs regularly in the text, and that Diodorus’ own views structure his analysis of historical events copied from other authors.
MARTIAL ‘IN CALLIMACHVM’ (10.4)
Authors: Cartlidge Ben
Published: November 2018

This article has the aim of bringing some fresh observations to the interpretation of a Martial epigram. Beyond the individual poem, it seeks to read Martial's poetics more broadly, particularly with regard to the presence of Greek avatars, of various kinds, in his poetic production. The strategy will be an exact reading of the literary avatars in 10.4, with an attempt to specify the tone with which individual writers are associated. Once this strategy is developed in the case of well-recognized intertextual models, it will be used to explore an underrated intertext in 10.4.
Hospital Discharge Decisions Concerning Older Patients: Understanding the Underlying Process
Authors: Koskas Pierre , Pons-Peyneau Cécile , Romdhani Mouna , Houenou-Quenum Nadège , Galleron Sandrine , Drunat Olivier
Published: November 2018

L’hospitalisation des personnes âgées s’accompagnent d’un risque de déclin fonctionnel, et d’une grande fréquence de réadmission. Nous avons cherché à comprendre les processus de prise de décisions cliniques qui influencent l’orientation des patients âgés après leur sortie de l’hôpital. Les procédures déterminant l’orientation d’un patient âgé après une hospitalisation en service aigu ne sont pas claires. Nous avons comparé les décisions d’orientation (retour à domicile ou maison de retraite) réalisées par l’équipe avec celles d’un groupe d’experts; les décisions étaient prises de manière indépendante et aveugle. Cent deux (102) patients ont été inclus (âge moyen : 83,13 ± 6,74). Il existe une différence statistiquement significative entre les décisions des experts et de l’équipe (p <.001 ; coefficient kappa : 0,468). Les décisions du panel étaient plus étroitement associées à l’isolement (p = 0,018), aux aidants fiables (p = 0,004), aux problèmes sociaux (p = 0,001), et à la présence de comportements perçus comme agressifs (p = 0,001). Les deux processus de décision ont pris en compte le refus de soins (p = 0,025 et 0,016 respectivement) et les problèmes sociaux (p = 0,001 et < 0,001 respectivement). Les modalités de sortie des hôpitaux diffèrent selon les pays, les équipes et le type de patients, mais notre étude suggère la nécessité d’une évaluation plus précise des besoins du patient.
Using social media to assess the consumer nutrition environment: comparing Yelp reviews with a direct observation audit instrument for grocery stores
Authors: Shen Ying , Clarke Philippa , Gomez-Lopez Iris N , Hill Alex B , Romero Daniel M , Goodspeed Robert , Berrocal Veronica J , Vydiswaran VG Vinod , Veinot Tiffany C
Published: November 2018

Objective

To examine the feasibility of using social media to assess the consumer nutrition environment by comparing sentiment expressed in Yelp reviews with information obtained from a direct observation audit instrument for grocery stores.

Design

Trained raters used the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in Stores (NEMS-S) in 100 grocery stores from July 2015 to March 2016. Yelp reviews were available for sixty-nine of these stores and were retrieved in February 2017 using the Yelp Application Program Interface. A sentiment analysis was conducted to quantify the perceptions of the consumer nutrition environment in the review text. Pearson correlation coefficients (ρ) were used to compare NEMS-S scores with Yelp review text on food availability, quality, price and shopping experience.

Setting

Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Participants

None.

Results

Yelp reviews contained more comments about food availability and the overall shopping experience than food price and food quality. Negative sentiment about food prices in Yelp review text and the number of dollar signs on Yelp were positively correlated with observed food prices in stores (ρ=0·413 and 0·462, respectively). Stores with greater food availability were rated as more expensive on Yelp. Other aspects of the food store environment (e.g. overall quality and shopping experience) were captured only in Yelp.

Conclusions

While Yelp cannot replace in-person audits for collecting detailed information on the availability, quality and cost of specific food items, Yelp holds promise as a cost-effective means to gather information on the overall cost, quality and experience of food stores, which may be relevant for nutrition outcomes.
Patterns of practice in palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases in UK centres
Authors: Khan Nida , Green David
Published: November 2018

Background

There is abundant evidence of the comparative efficacy of single-fraction (SF) radiotherapy and multi-fraction (MF) radiotherapy when treating patients with bone metastases. Despite this, previous surveys have shown SF schedules to be underutilised.

Aim

To determine current patterns of practice in patients with bone metastasis and to investigate the factors that influence practice.

Method

An electronic audit was performed amongst 46 physicians, within 7 hospital trusts in the UK. The audit comprised of four hypothetical cases in which consultants and registrars chose which dose and fractionation they would recommend and their reasons for this recommendation.

Results

SF radiotherapy was the most common radiotherapy schedule in hypothetical cases 1, 3 and 4. SF radiotherapy was recommended by 65% of respondents in case 1, 47% in case 2, 89% in case 3 and 46% in case 4. For case 2, 50% proposed MF radiotherapy. For case 4, 22% of respondents recommended Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SABR). The following deciding factors were cited as influencing choice of an SF schedule: prognosis, published evidence, performance status and spinal cord compression.

Conclusion

The most common radiotherapy schedule selected was SF. However, there were inter-institution differences regarding the use of SF radiotherapy. Furthermore, the survey had shown that a third of respondents recommended an MF regime, despite evidence supporting the efficacy of an SF schedule.