bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-traditional Approach to the Evaluation of the Freeze-thaw Resistance of Concrete based on the Fracture Tests
Authors: Kucharczyková Barbara , Šimonová Hana , Kocáb Dalibor , Fernandes Gabriela R.
Published: October 2020

The paper deals with a pilot study focused on the freeze-thaw (F-T) resistance of concrete. A non-traditional approach to the evaluation of the F-T resistance of concrete based on the determination of the fracture parameters is presented in the paper. Three types of specimens were used in the experimental program – prisms with edge and Chevron notch, and cylinders with the Chevron notch. Three sets of specimens of each shape were tested in total. The reference set was stored in the water until the time of testing. Another two sets of specimens were subjected to 50 and 100 freeze-thaw tests, respectively. One F-T cycle consisted of 4 hours freezing in the air at temperature -18 °C and 2 hours thawing in the water at temperature +20 °C. Based on the results, it can be stated that the values of fracture energy are proportional to the area of the ligament. This finding was observed for all tested sets – non-frost and frost attacked. The values of modulus of elasticity and fracture toughness are influenced more by the geometry and also by the changes of the specimens’ stiffness due to the exposition to the F-T cycles.
Assessment of long-lived residual radioisotopes in cement induced by neutron radiation
Authors: Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka Daria , Gméling Katalin , Harsányi Ildikó , Dziedzic Kinga , Glinicki Michał A.
Published: October 2020

During the decommissioning of nuclear power plants, a significant amount of cement based composites should be disposed as radioactive waste. The use of material with low-activation constituents could effectively reduce radioactivity of concrete. The subject of the paper is the content of trace elements with large activation cross section in concrete constituents due to their ability to be activated in radiation shielding structures. Various Portland cement specimens were subjected to elemental analysis by neutron activation analysis and prompt gamma activation analysis to assess the dominant long-lived residual radioisotopes. Concentrations of the radionuclides, such as Europium-152, Cobalt-60 and Caesium-134 were assessed. Their half-life time is 13.5, 5.27, and 2.07 years, respectively. On the basis of the obtained results, recommendations for cement selection for low-activation concrete are proposed in order to economize decommissioning cost by reducing a radioactive concrete waste.
Abrasive water jet machining of fly ash and metakaolin based geo-polymers
Authors: Uthayakumar Marimuthu , Balamurugan Ponnambalam , Korniejenko Kinga , Gądek Szymon , Mierzwiński Dariusz
Published: October 2020

In the present study, the abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) of geopolymers prepared from fly ash, metakaolin and sand is discussed. The samples were prepared from sodium promoter, fly ash / metakaolin and sand. The process of activation was made using a 10M sodium hydroxide solution combined with a sodium silicate solution (the ratio of liquid glass - 1:2.5). To produce geopolymers, flakes of technical sodium hydroxide were used and an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (R-145) with a molar module of 2.5 and a density of around 1.45 g/cm3 the tap water. The alkaline solution was prepared by means of pouring the aqueous solution of sodium silicate over the solid sodium hydroxide. The solution was mixed and left until its temperature stablised and the concentrations equalised, which took around 2 hours. The fly ash, sand and alkaline solution were mixed for around 10 minutes using a low-speed mixing machine (in order to obtain a homogeneous paste). The paste was allowed to dry in the shade. The paper investigates the AWJM studies on the prepared geopolymer specimens with varyied input parameters such as standoff distance (1.2 and 3 mm), water pressure (120, 140 and 160 MPa) and feed rate (5, 10 and 15 mm/min). The output parameters such as kerf angle and material removal rate (MRR) were studied with the varying combination of input parameters. From the results, the optimal parameters for machining the geopolymer composites were interpreted.
The application of optical methods for the assessment of the aesthetic compatibility of architectural concrete
Authors: Benedysiuk Tomasz , Jackiewicz-Rek Wioletta
Published: October 2020

Architectural concrete is usually defined as concrete for with the requirements regarding aesthetics of its surface are formulated. The currently applied requirements regarding aesthetics compatibility are mostly based on subjective methods of concrete surface assessment. While it is relatively easy to apply quantitative criteria for components of surface analysis such as porosity, the quantitative assessment of colour compatibility could be problematic. In this paper, an optical method for the assessment of concrete surface colour is presented. The main goal of the investigation was to assess the effect of modifications of the aggregate used for preparation of architectural concrete mix on the surface colour. Optical test methods using a self-made DARK-BOX device were used. The obtained results confirmed the usefulness of the method used to assess the colour compatibility of architectural concrete surfaces.
Hybrid imaging-AI approach for handling critical situations in a fast-changing environment: preliminary study
Authors: Surówka Adam
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of using selected imaging technologies in automated video surveillance systems. The main goal of this project is to handle events that may lead to security risks, injuries, etc in various environments without relaying on more conventional sensors such as infrared photocells. For this purpose it is necessary to perform a thorough analysis of the events to be interpreted as situations of interest. It is also important to consider the hardware requirements and restrictions for developing such system. The project requires defining a hardware as well as software platform(s) and their integration into an automated tool. This paper describes the implementation of the famous Microsoft Kinect 2.0 depth sensor (well known in gaming and recreational applications) for shape/skeleton detection, and its integration into an artificial intelligence based platform utilizing selected machine learning methods. The author reveals the system implementation details, and then demonstrates its shape detection capabilities while in operation.
Prähospitale Strategien zur Minimierung des Blutverlustes
Authors: Josse Florent , Stöhr Andreas , Lechner Raimund , Helm Matthias , Hossfeld Björn
Published: October 2020

Die „kritische“ Blutung ist definiert durch ihr lebensbedrohliches Ausmaß und stellt die häufigste prähospital vermeidbare Todesursache dar. Für äußere Blutungen existieren adäquate prähospitale Therapiestrategien – sie müssen aber stets in ein Gesamtkonzept entsprechend dem ABCDE-Algorithmus ( für „critical bleeding“) eingebettet sein. In diesem Beitrag wird auf lokale manuelle Maßnahmen zur prähospitalen Blutungskontrolle fokussiert.
Spezielle Schmerztherapie bei rheumatischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Pongratz Georg
Published: October 2020

Schmerz als Hauptsymptom vieler chronisch-entzündlicher Erkrankungen stellt für den Patienten, aber auch für den behandelnden Arzt besonders in seiner chronifizierten Form eine große Herausforderung dar. Es gibt leider keine „Wunderpille“ mit der man Schmerzen für jeden gleich zuverlässig beseitigen kann. Es gibt aber viele Ansätze pharmakologischer als auch nicht-pharmakologischer Art und deren Kombination, um für den einzelnen Patienten wirksame Behandlungsstrategien zu finden. Um diese Strategien für jeden Patienten individuell optimal festzulegen, bedarf es zum einen eines fundamentierten Wissens über das Spektrum zur Verfügung stehender Mittel, zum anderen aber auch Erkenntnis darüber, wie diese sinnvoll nach Art der vorliegenden Schmerzformen einzusetzen sind. In dieser Übersicht wird beides behandelt, mit einem Fokus auf die medikamentöse Therapie von Schmerzen bei entzündlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen. Dabei wird herausgearbeitet, dass es für die in diesem Zusammenhang relevantesten Formen des Schmerzes, akut-entzündlich nozizeptiv, neuropathisch und durch periphere und zentrale Sensibilisierung chronifizierte Schmerzen, jeweils andere wirksame Konzepte gibt.
Pain and Neuropathic Pain in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Seifert Olga , Baerwald Christoph
Published: October 2020

Pain is a challenge to rheumatologists. Not only patients with active arthritis
but also patients with a good therapeutic response and even in remission
complain of persistent joint pain. It has been proposed that a chronic pain
stimulus may have a greater impact in a chronic inflammatory state, and the
process towards a pain condition may be influenced by individual predisposition
for development of chronic pain. In addition, features of peripheral pain
processing may be exacerbated by inflammation, and disturbed pain processing may
be a feature contributing to widespread pain. Furthermore, a neuropathic
component may be part of the total pain experience of our patients. There are
many different strategies of pain therapy in patients with rheumatic diseases,
such as pharmacological and non- pharmacological modalities.
Das Flavonoid Quercetin
Authors: Gröber Uwe
Published: October 2020

Quercetin gehört zur Gruppe der Flavonoide, die v. a. in Obst, Blatt- und Wurzelgemüse sowie einigen Getreidesorten enthalten sind. Sie weisen antioxidative, antiinflammatorische, antikanzerogene, endothelprotektive sowie immunmodulierende Eigenschaften auf.

Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen in vitro und in vivo weisen auf präventive und therapeutische Wirkungen von Quercetin hin: u. a. zur Kardioprotektion, bei chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen, Allergien und Entzündungen, zur Tumorprotektion, bei Diabetes, venösen Erkrankungen sowie viralen Atemwegserkrankungen.
Automated tool takes guesswork out of interpreting global structural change in proteins
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: October 2020

A script detects and correlates electron density changes in a protein from time-resolved crystallography data.
Modelling Chinese grassland systems to improve herder livelihoods and grassland sustainability
Authors: Behrendt Karl , Takahashi Taro , Kemp David R. , Han Guodong , Li Zhiguo , Wang Zhongwu , Badgery Warwick , Liu Haibo
Published: October 2020

Recent degradation of Chinese grasslands has contributed to declining herder productivity and profitability, increased incidence of dust storms and regionally reduced air quality. Overgrazing due to a doubling of stocking rates since the mid-1980s has been identified as a key contributing factor. Several pathways and strategies exist to improve grassland management; however, there remains uncertainty around the long-term sustainability of alternative systems. Nineteen years of grasslands research in China has produced a suite of models designed to improve understanding of grassland systems and investigate options for change. The StageTHREE Sustainable Grasslands Model was used to evaluate the ability of selected strategies to meet economic, production and environmental objectives. Sets of strategies that focussed on flock size, lambing and selling times, supplementary feeding rules and grazing management were simulated for a typical herder located in the desert steppe of Siziwang Banner, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. The results from the risk efficiency analysis indicated that no single strategy set clearly dominates across all objectives. Although the current practice of herders was found to be risk-efficient, it did not achieve the highest rate of grassland recovery, minimise soil erosion or minimise the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity for sheepmeat production. Targeting further improvements in these attributes could be at the detriment of herder livelihoods. The analysis indicated that if herders adopted biomass-based grazing management and improved supplementary feeding they would be able to improve grassland resilience and maintain positive long-term economic performance under reduced flock sizes. Individual decision-making units, however, would still need to trade off the importance of different attributes to identify the strategy set, or system, that best meets their objectives and attitude to risk.
3017
Authors: Regalski Adam J. , Wurm Lee H.
Published: October 2020

In this study we examined uses of the number 3017 as a neologism by members of an online forum. 3017 has a number
of factors working against its success as a neologism, but its use grew dramatically over the course of six years. Statistical
analyses showed that the growth data were very well modeled by both a quadratic and a sigmoid curve. The form was used primarily
as an adjective and to a lesser extent as a noun over the first 500 days, before verbal forms came to dominate. To understand the
structure of the 3017 concept in the mental lexicons of users, we examine attempts to define the term, and disagreements and
negotiations about what the term does and does not include. Finally, we include examples of users’ creativity and productivity
with the form, including readily-understood jokes.
Effective dynamics of the quantum falling particle
Authors: Chacón-Acosta Guillermo , Hernández-Hernández Héctor , Velázquez Mercedes
Published: October 2020

We analyze the problem of a quantum particle falling under the influence of a one-dimensional constant gravitational field, also known as the bouncing ball, employing a semiclassical approach for the effective equations of motion for the quantum system. In this formalism, the quantum evolution is described through a dynamical system of infinite dimensions for the position, the momentum, and all dispersions. Usually, the system is truncated to reduce it to a finite-dimensional one; however, in this case, equations of motion decouple and the system can be solved exactly. For a specific set of initial conditions, we find that the time-dependent dispersion in position follows the classical trajectory; however, for large times, it grows enough to allow a non-classical behavior for the rebounds. We also propose the study of an effective potential in terms of a pair of canonical variables for dispersions.
Refraction-corrected ray-based inversion for three-dimensional ultrasound tomography of the breast
Authors: Javaherian A , Lucka F , Cox B T
Published: October 2020

Ultrasound tomography (UST) has seen a revival of interest in the past decade, especially for breast imaging, due to improvements in both ultrasound and computing hardware. In particular, three-dimensional UST, a fully tomographic method in which the medium to be imaged is surrounded by ultrasound transducers, has become feasible. This has led to renewed attention on UST image reconstruction algorithms. In this paper, a comprehensive derivation and study of a robust framework for large-scale bent-ray UST in 3D for a hemispherical detector array is presented. Two ray-tracing approaches are derived and compared. More significantly, the problem of linking the rays between emitters and receivers, which is challenging in 3D due to the high number of degrees of freedom for the trajectory of rays, is analysed both as a minimisation and as a root-finding problem. The ray-linking problem is parameterised for a convex detection surface and two robust, accurate, and efficient derivative-free ray-linking algorithms are formulated and demonstrated and compared with a Jacobian-based benchmark approach. To stabilise these methods, novel adaptive-smoothing approaches are proposed that control the conditioning of the update matrices to ensure accurate linking. The nonlinear UST problem of estimating the sound speed was recast as a series of linearised subproblems, each solved using the above algorithms and within a steepest descent scheme. The whole imaging algorithm was demonstrated to be robust and accurate on realistic data simulated using a full-wave acoustic model and an anatomical breast phantom, and incorporating the errors due to time-of-flight (TOF) picking that would be present with measured data. This method can used to provide a low-artefact, quantitatively accurate, 3D sound speed maps. In addition to being useful in their own right, such 3D sound speed maps can be used to initialise full-wave inversion methods, or as an input to photoacoustic tomography reconstructions.
An ultrasonic flowmeter for liquid flow measurement in small pipes using AlN piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer arrays
Authors: Zhu Ke , Chen Xuying , Qu Mengjiao , Yang Dengfei , Hu Liang , Xu Jinghui , Xie Jin
Published: October 2020

This paper firstly proposes an ultrasonic liquid flowmeter based on AlN piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer arrays. By detecting the transit time of ultrasonic wave, the flowmeter can measure liquid flow in small pipes (8 mm), which is difficult for traditional bulk piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers. In the flowmeter, the acoustic path and flow path are overlapped, which greatly improves sensitivity compared with the typical structure. The cross-correlation method is used to determine the ultrasonic transit time, which can effectively reduce the influence of signal noise and amplitude change. The maximum measurement error of the flowmeter is less than 5% in the flow range of 0–3.36 l min−1.
Modulation of photon current through an oscillation device coupled with Majorana fermions
Authors: Zou Wei-Ke , Wang Qing , Zhao Hong-Kang
Published: October 2020

Photon current is investigated for the system with photon reservoirs intermediating a mesoscopic oscillation device possessing the oscillator energy ℏω
0 coupled with Majorana bound states (MBSs). The Landauer-like photon current formula is derived by employing the nonequilibrium Green’s function approach. MBSs play the role for modulating photon current, where the coupling constant λ for connecting MBSs with the central oscillation device, the coupling energy ɛ
M between two MBSs, as well as the magnetic flux Φ threading through the oscillation device contribute explicit effects to control the out-put photon current. The periodic oscillation behavior of photon current with respect to the magnetic flux is modulated sensitively by the coupled MBSs. The suppression of photon current is displayed in the region ɛ
M = 0 ∼ 1.0ℏω
0, and the suppression is strengthened when the coupling constant λ becomes larger. In the region as ɛ
M = 1.0ℏω
0 ∼ 2.0ℏω
0, the photon current increases firstly from its minimum value at ɛ
M = 1.0ℏω
0 to reach its maximum value as ɛ
M increases, and then it declines monotonously. Our investigated system can be taken as a photon modulator achieved by connecting a superconducting quantum interference device with coupled MBSs.
Role of tip apices in scanning force spectroscopy on alkali halides at room temperature—chemical nature of the tip apex and atomic-scale deformations
Authors: Wagner Philipp , Foster Adam , Yi Insook , Abe Masayuki , Sugimoto Yoshiaki , Hoffmann-Vogel Regina
Published: October 2020

We have revealed processes of the tip apex distortion in the measurements of non-contact scanning force microscopy. High-spatial-resolution two-dimensional force mapping on KCl(100) surfaces for a large number of tips, seven tips, enabled us to see the complex behavior of the tip apex distortion. The tips are from Si without additional coating, but are altered by the tip-sample interaction and show the behavior of different atomic species. On the KCl(001) surfaces, the tip apex, consisting of K and Cl atoms or of Si, distorted several times while changing the distance even in a weak attractive region. There are variations in rigidity of the tip apex, but all tips distorted in the small attractive region. This complex behavior was categorized in patterns by our analyses. We compare the experimental force–distance data to atomistic simulations using rigid KCl-terminated tips and KCl-terminated tips with an additional KCl-pair designed to perform atomic jumps. We also compare the experimental force–distance data to first principles simulations using Si tips. We mainly find K-terminated tips and Si-terminated tips. We find that Si tips show only one force minimum whereas KCl-terminated tips show two force minima in line with the stronger rigidity of Si compared to KCl. At room temperature, the tip apex atoms can perform atomic jumps that change the atomic configuration of the tip apex.
Novel 2D/2D BiOBr/UMOFNs direct Z-scheme photocatalyst for efficient phenol degradation
Authors: Lin Biyun , Chen Zhihong , Shui Lingling , Zhou Guofu , Wang Xin
Published: October 2020

A novel 2D/2D BiOBr/ultrathin metal-organic framework nanosheets (UMOFNs) direct Z-scheme photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by using a simple deposition-precipitation method. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated under light irradiation, which revealed that the 2D/2D BiOBr/UMOFNs Z-scheme photocatalyst exhibits higher photocatalytic degradation of phenol compared to pristine BiOBr and UMOFNs. A BiOBr/UMOFNs-40% (mass ratio for BiOBr and UMOFNs of 1:0.4) photocatalyst was found to show the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency and stability, reaching 99% phenol degradation under light irradiation of 270 min and maintaining 97% degradation after 5 recycling runs. Results obtained from a trapping experiment and electron paramagnetic resonance suggest that reactive ·OH and O2
·− play a major role in phenol degradation. Photoluminescence and photocurrent results reveal that the excellent photocatalytic activity of the 2D/2D BiOBr/UMOFNs photocatalyst can be ascribed to the efficient separation of photogenerated electron−hole pairs through a direct Z-scheme system. This article provides a possible reference for designing Z-scheme photocatalysts by using MOFs and semiconductors for practical organic pollutant treatment.
Implementation of a double scattering nozzle for Monte Carlo recalculation of proton plans with variable relative biological effectiveness
Authors: Fjæra Lars Fredrik , Indelicato Daniel J , Stokkevåg Camilla H , Muren Ludvig P , Hsi Wen C , Ytre-Hauge Kristian S
Published: October 2020

A constant relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1 is currently used in clinical proton therapy. However, the RBE varies with factors such as dose level, linear energy transfer (LET) and tissue type. Multiple RBE models have been developed to account for this biological variation. To enable recalculation of patients treated with double scattering (DS) proton therapy, including LET and variable RBE, we implemented and commissioned a Monte Carlo (MC) model of a DS treatment nozzle. The main components from the IBA nozzle were implemented in the FLUKA MC code. We calibrated and verified the following entities to experimental measurements: range of pristine Bragg peaks (PBPs) and spread-out Bragg peaks (SOBPs), energy spread, lateral profiles, compensator range degradation, and absolute dose. We recalculated two patients with different field setups, comparing FLUKA vs. treatment planning system (TPS) dose, also obtaining LET and variable RBE doses. We achieved good agreement between FLUKA and measurements. The range differences between FLUKA and measurements were for the PBPs within ±0.9 mm (83% ⩽ 0.5 mm), and for SOBPs ±1.6 mm (82% ⩽ 0.5 mm). The differences in modulation widths were below 5 mm (79% ⩽ 2 mm). The differences in the distal dose fall off (D80%–D20%) were below 0.5 mm for all PBPs and the lateral penumbras diverged from measurements by less than 1 mm. The mean dose difference (RBE = 1.1) in the target between the TPS and FLUKA were below 0.4% in a three-field plan and below 1.4% in a four-field plan. A dose increase of 9.9% and 7.2% occurred when using variable RBE for the two patients, respectively. We presented a method to recalculate DS proton plans in the FLUKA MC code. The implementation was used to obtain LET and variable RBE dose and can be used for investigating variable RBE for previously treated patients.
Mathematical approach to the validation of surface texture filtration software
Authors: Todhunter Luke , Leach Richard , Blateyron François
Published: October 2020

A novel method for the validation of surface texture filtration software is introduced. Mathematically traceable reference pairs for linear Gaussian filtration are developed, utilising Fourier series surface definitions in conjunction with the frequency dependent transmission characteristic of the linear Gaussian filter. The novel method is demonstrated using a library of reference pairs to validate the performance of five surface texture analysis software packages. Investigations into the effects of different surface properties are made in relation to the deviation of the software-obtained results from the traceable reference values. Analysis of variance tests are used to verify the statistical significance of the results.
Magnetic and structural properties of CoFeB thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Awana Geet , Cox Chris , Stuffins Laura , Venkat Guru , Morrison Kelly , Zhou Zhaoxia , Backes Dirk
Published: October 2020

The emergence of thin film CoFeB has driven research and industrial applications in the past decades, with the magnetic random access memory (MRAM) the most prominent example. Because of its beneficial properties, it fulfills multiple functionalities as information-storing, spin-filtering, and reference layer in magnetic tunnel junctions. In future, this versatility can be exploited beyond the traditional applications of spintronics by combining with advanced materials, such as oxide-based materials. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is their predominant growth-method, and thus the compatibility of CoFeB with this growth technique will be tested here. This encompasses a comprehensive investigation of the structural and magnetic propoperties. In particular, we find a substantial ‘dead’ magnetic layer and confirm that it is caused by oxidation employing the x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) effect. The low damping encountered in vector network analyzer-based ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR) renders them suitable for magnonics applications. These findings demonstrate that CoFeB thin films are compatible with emergent, PLD-grown materials, ensuring their relevance for future applications.
Effect of hydrothermal and chemical treatment on the optical and electrical properties of reduced graphene oxide deposited on ITO glass
Authors: Olumurewa K O , Olofinjana B , Fasakin O , Akhigbe G E , Eleruja M A , Ajayi E O B
Published: October 2020

In this work, the effect of hydrothermal and chemical treatment on the optical and electrical properties of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was investigated. Reduced graphene oxide was synthesized by both hydrothermal route using a locally fabricated Teflon lined autoclave and chemical method using hydrazine monohydrate. The thin film was obtained by depositing RGO on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) glass via spray pyrolysis technique. In RGO hydrothermal, the Raman spectroscopy analysis showed greater restoration of the conjugated networks in graphene sheet. The optical transmittance of RGO hydrothermal and RGO hydrazine decreased after the reduction methods unlike in highly oxidized graphene oxide (HOGO) where eighty percent transmittance was observed at 600 nm and above. For RGO hydrothermal and RGO hydrazine; the optical analysis gave an energy band gap value of 2.1 eV and 2.4 eV respectively, while the resistivity were calculated to be 0.3 Ω m and 0.09 Ω m respectively. This research showed a correlation between the band gap value of RGO and the electrical conductivity. This finding can improve the functionality of RGO as sensing materials. The improved electrical and optical properties of RGO hydrothermal makes it suitable in fiber-optic and opto-electronic applications.
A Systemic Lifecycle Approach to Social Policy Practice in Social Work: Illustrations from Irish Child Welfare and Parenting Research and Practice
Authors: McGregor Caroline , Millar Michelle
Published: October 2020

The aim of this article is to outline a systemic lifecycle approach to social policy practice in social work. Evidence from the field of parenting and child welfare within an Irish context will be used for illustration. We avail of the work of Nancy Fraser to provide the theoretical framework. Drawing from approaches used mostly in public policy education, we demonstrate how social workers can engage at different stages of that policy lifecycle. In the discussion, we outline possibilities for and challenges to embedding social policy practice in social work education by reflecting on the processes of mediating between recognition, redistribution and representation. We argue that social policy practice should be a constant in social work. This approach should favour parity of participation and collaborative leadership from social work with regard to networking and promotion of different levels of participation with multiple ‘public spheres’. We conclude that the development of social policy practice work as a constant in social work will lead to greater ability to mediate between policies and the individuals affected by them. This would, we believe, enhance greatly the potential for social work to achieve its laudable but still illusory aims of promoting social justice.
A walk on the dirt: soil microbial forensics from ecological theory to the crime lab
Authors: Jurkevitch Edouard , Pasternak Zohar
Published: October 2020

Forensics aims at using physical evidence to solve investigations with science-based principles, thus operating within a theoretical framework. This however is often rather weak, the exception being DNA-based human forensics that is well anchored in theory. Soil is a most commonly encountered, easily and unknowingly transferred evidence but it is seldom employed as soil analyses require extensive expertise. In contrast, comparative analyses of soil bacterial communities using nucleic acid technologies can efficiently and precisely locate the origin of forensic soil traces. However, this application is still in its infancy, and is very rarely used. We posit that understanding the theoretical bases and limitations of their uses is essential for soil microbial forensics to be judiciously implemented. Accordingly, we review the ecological theory and experimental evidence explaining differences between soil microbial communities, i.e. the generation of beta diversity, and propose to integrate a bottom-up approach of interactions at the microscale, reflecting historical contingencies with top-down mechanisms driven by the geographic template, providing a potential explanation as to why bacterial communities map according to soil types. Finally, we delimit the use of soil microbial forensics based on the present technologies and ecological knowledge, and propose possible venues to remove existing bottlenecks.
Newton Polygon Stratification of the Torelli Locus in Unitary Shimura Varieties
Authors: Li Wanlin , Mantovan Elena , Pries Rachel , Tang Yunqing
Published: October 2020

We study the intersection of the Torelli locus with the Newton polygon stratification of the modulo $p$ reduction of certain Shimura varieties. We develop a clutching method to show that the intersection of the open Torelli locus with some Newton polygon strata is non-empty. This allows us to give a positive answer, under some compatibility conditions, to a question of Oort about smooth curves in characteristic $p$ whose Newton polygons are an amalgamate sum. As an application, we produce infinitely many new examples of Newton polygons that occur for smooth curves that are cyclic covers of the projective line. Most of these arise in inductive systems that demonstrate unlikely intersections of the open Torelli locus with the Newton polygon stratification in Siegel modular varieties. In addition, for the 20 special Shimura varieties found in Moonen’s work, we prove that all Newton polygon strata intersect the open Torelli locus (if $p>>0$ in the supersingular cases).
Magma Mushes of the Fogo Island Batholith: a Study of Magmatic Processes at Multiple Scales
Authors: Graham B , Dunning G , Leitch A M
Published: October 2020

This field, petrographic, and geochemical study examines mingling of compositionally similar rocks at multiple scales. Evidence of complex magma interaction in a multi-component crystal mush reservoir is preserved within the Wild Unit, located along the NE shoreline of Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The irregular contacts and lack of chilled margins between units, the back-intrusion of younger units by older units, the similar composition of units, and an overlap in U–Pb zircon ages suggest that all units interacted as viscous crystal mushes at similar temperatures in the shallow crust. Abundant rounded to ellipsoidal magmatic enclaves, of which there are at least three populations based on composition and crystallinity, appear to represent separate magmas that were entrained either as earlier mush material or crystal-poor intrusions that experienced break-up. Evidence of changes in liquid environment at deeper levels is preserved both in the field and at the mineral scale, where it is highlighted by abrupt compositional spikes in traverses across early forming plagioclase and pyroxene crystals. Heterogeneity in textures and composition of both major minerals (plagioclase and pyroxene) and an accessory mineral (zircon) point to processes such as crystal exchange and capture affecting tonalite crystal mushes, magmatic enclaves, and other intrusions in the study area earlier in their histories at deeper levels.
Use of a Smart Pump and Dedicated Medication Line to Reduce Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Damage
Authors: Pritchett Deborah , Bjornson Tige , Randall Kristine , Walsh-Sunde Anita , Nygaard Carol , Jarman Ashley , Schumacher Bette
Published: October 2020

Background:

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants frequently require peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement for medication and nutrition. The occurrence of leaking catheters led to practice evaluation of manual intravenous (IV) flush and medication push technique in an upper Midwest NICU. A variation in unit practice was revealed.

Purpose:

To describe an evidence-based practice change that standardized medication administration, eliminating routine manual IV push medication and flush administration and reducing catheter malfunction. Emergency “code” medication administration was not addressed.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed. A unit practice investigation ensued to study medication administration techniques and syringe size utilization, understand syringe pressure generated by various sizes of syringes, select optimal IV tubing supplies, review the smart pump library, electronic order sets/documentation, and address staff knowledge and skills. Practice change eliminating IV push and recommendations incorporating best evidence occurred.

Results:

Moving from a traditional method of manual pushing/flushing medication to use of medication delivery via smart pump can decrease or eliminate PICC damage and potential harm to neonatal patients.

Implications for Practice:

Examination of IV push technique may identify opportunities for safer medication administration. Use of an infusion pump and a dedicated medication line can be a feasible option to deliver most IV medication doses in the NICU.

Implications for Research:

Safe medication administration practices for the neonatal population and barriers to that practice.

Video Abstract available at
https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Pages/videogallery.aspx?autoPlay=false&videoId=41
Different Immunohistochemical Localization of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 in Actinic Keratosis Compared with That in Bowen's Disease: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ahn Bokyung , Kim Chul Hwan , Chae Yang-Seok , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Lee Youngseok , Ahn Hyo Hyun , Lee Yoo Jin
Published: October 2020

Actinic keratosis (AK) and Bowen's disease (BD) are common premalignant lesions of invasive squamous cell carcinoma that have different pathogenesis and clinical significance. Fatty acid–binding protein 5 (FABP5) is responsible for keratinocyte homeostasis and differentiation; however, no study has revealed its expression in AK and BD. Our study aimed to investigate the differential expression and significance of FABP5 in these lesions. Patients with pathologically confirmed cases of AK (n = 37) and BD (n = 12) were included in this study. FABP5 immunostaining pattern was assessed in the normal skin, AK and BD lesions, with a focus on the staining patterns of basal cells, atypical keratinocytes, and uninvolved epidermal keratinocytes. All patients with AK showed negative FABP5 expression in the atypical cells in the basal layer, whereas the uninvolved upper layers showed diffuse, strong FABP5 expression, regardless of the grade of AK. All patients with BD showed heterogeneous and diffuse FABP5 expression in atypical cells of all layers of the epidermis. This study is the first to investigate the role of FABP5 in premalignant skin lesions. The unique immunohistochemical localization of the FABP5 can be a helpful diagnostic marker, and altered fatty acid metabolism may be the key in understanding the different pathophysiology of AK and BD.
Substantial decline in heavily treated therapy-experienced persons with HIV with limited antiretroviral treatment options
Authors: Bajema Kristina L. , Nance Robin M. , Delaney Joseph A.C. , Eaton Ellen , Davy-Mendez Thibaut , Karris Maile Y. , Moore Richard D. , Eron Joseph J. , Rodriguez Benigno , Mayer Kenneth H. , Geng Elvin , Garris Cindy , Saag Michael S. , Crane Heidi M. , Kitahata Mari M.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Historically, a high burden of resistance to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in heavily treatment-experienced (HTE) persons with HIV (PWH) resulted in limited treatment options (LTOs). We evaluated the prevalence, risk factors, and virologic control of HTE PWH with LTO throughout the modern ART era.

Design:

We examined all ART-experienced PWH in care between 2000 and 2017 in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort.

Methods:

We computed the annual prevalence of HTE PWH with LTO defined as having two or less available classes with two or less active drugs per class based on genotypic data and cumulative antiretroviral resistance. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to examine risk of LTO by 3-year study entry periods adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results:

Among 27 133 ART-experienced PWH, 916 were classified as having LTO. The prevalence of PWH with LTO was 5.2–7.5% in 2000–2006, decreased to 1.8% in 2007, and remained less than 1% after 2012. Persons entering the study in 2009–2011 had an 80% lower risk of LTO compared with those entering in 2006–2008 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.20; 95% confidence interval: 0.09–0.42). We found a significant increase in undetectable HIV viral loads among PWH ever classified as having LTO from less than 30% in 2001 to more than 80% in 2011, comparable with persons who never had LTO.

Conclusion:

Results of this large multicenter study show a dramatic decline in the prevalence of PWH with LTO to less than 1% with the availability of more potent drugs and a marked increase in virologic suppression in the current ART era.
Endoscopic Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Efficacy in the Management of Periorbital Edema and Ecchymosis After Septorhinoplasty
Authors: Sari Neslihan , Uysal Ersin
Published: October 2020

Aim:

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) on postoperative edema and ecchymosis for the patients undergoing septorhinoplasty (SRP).

Methods:

In the study, a total number of 55 participant patients (40% male and 60% female, aged between 18 and 42 years) undergoing hump resection and osteotomies were allocated into 2 groups. The SPGB (+) group consisted of 27 patients who underwent SPGB, while the SPGB (–) group consisted of 28 patients who underwent SRP without SPGB. On the first, third, and seventh postoperative days (POD1, POD3, POD7), the score marks of periorbital edema and ecchymosis of the patients were evaluated. Additionally, postoperative upper eyelid edema and upper eyelid ecchymosis as well as lower eyelid edema, and lower eyelid ecchymosis on POD1, POD3, POD7 were evaluated. A comparison with regard to intraoperative bleeding, surgical field, and operation time between the 2 groups was also conducted.

Results:

Upper eyelid edema, upper eyelid ecchymosis, lower eyelid edema, lower eyelid ecchymosis on POD 1, 3, 7 were found to be significantly lower in SPGB (+) group in comparison to SPGB (–) group (P < 0.001). Intraoperative blood loss and surgical field were found to be significantly lower in SPGB group (+) than in SPGB (–) group (P < 0.00). The operation time was not found statistically significant between the 2 groups (P = 0.212).

Conclusion:

Sphenopalatine ganglion block is a safe and effective way of reducing postoperative edema and ecchymosis after SRP. Besides, it provides a better surgical field and reduced bleeding intraoperatively.
Factors Influencing Received Social Support Among Emerging Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kamp Kendra , Holmstrom Amanda , Luo Zhehui , Wyatt Gwen , Given Barbara
Published: October 2020

The majority of research among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) focuses on perceived social support. A gap exists regarding the role of received social support in self-management enhancement. The purpose of this study was to examine specific contextual factors (individual, condition-specific, and emerging adulthood factors) that influence received social support (total, informational, emotional, and tangible) among emerging adults (ages 18–29 years) with IBD. A convenience sample of 61 emerging adults with a diagnosis of IBD was obtained. An association was found between high total received social support and several individual factors such as being closer to the younger end of the age range (ages 18–29 years), married, and fully employed. When controlling for time since diagnosis and symptom interference, high tangible received social support was associated with the use of immunomodulator and biological medications. Emerging adulthood factors were not associated with total or any types of received social support. Future research could examine differences between types of social support and self-management behaviors. These findings contribute a new direction for intervention development with a focus on individual and condition-specific factors to enhance received social support and ultimately health outcomes for individuals with IBD.
Review of Duodenoscope Infection Prevention Practices at the Medical University of South Carolina
Authors: Ellison Parker L. , Freeman Janice , Elmunzer B. Joseph , Cote Gregory A. , Brock Andrew S.
Published: October 2020

A rise in duodenoscope-associated infections, especially in regard to multidrug-resistant organisms, has led to an increase in scrutiny regarding duodenoscope reprocessing. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography scopes have a specialized elevator wire channel, allowing more flexible duct cannulation; however, this channel can be difficult to reprocess with standard techniques. Although strict adherence to manufacturer reprocessing protocols remains the primary means of infection prevention, periodic microbiological surveillance is a Food and Drug Administration-recommended practice that the Medical University of South Carolina has implemented to further prevent duodenoscope-associated infections. The Medical University of South Carolina obtains 2 separate cultures from 2 duodenoscopes every 2 months, which undergo standard speciation and sensitivity and are returned to use once negative at 48 hours. The initial results of the Medical University of South Carolina's surveillance cultures are negative for any multidrug-resistant organisms; however, other centers should consider implementing surveillance cultures into their reprocessing practices and closely monitoring for future endoscope infection prevention modalities.
Endothelial cells, neutrophils and platelets: getting to the bottom of an inflammatory triangle
Authors: Dehghani Tima , Panitch Alyssa
Published: October 2020

Severe fibrotic and thrombotic events permeate the healthcare system, causing suffering for millions of patients with inflammatory disorders. As late-state consequences of chronic inflammation, fibrosis and thrombosis are the culmination of pathological interactions of activated endothelium, neutrophils and platelets after vessel injury. Coupling of these three cell types ensures a pro-coagulant, cytokine-rich environment that promotes the capture, activation and proliferation of circulating immune cells and recruitment of key pro-fibrotic cell types such as myofibroblasts. As the first responders to sterile inflammatory injury, it is important to understand how endothelial cells, neutrophils and platelets help create this environment. There has been a growing interest in this intersection over the past decade that has helped shape the development of therapeutics to target these processes. Here, we review recent insights into how neutrophils, platelets and endothelial cells guide the development of pathological vessel repair that can also result in underlying tissue fibrosis. We further discuss recent efforts that have been made to translate this knowledge into therapeutics and provide perspective as to how a compound or combination therapeutics may be most efficacious when tackling fibrosis and thrombosis that is brought upon by chronic inflammation.
Release from cell cycle arrest with Cdk4/6 inhibitors generates highly synchronized cell cycle progression in human cell culture
Authors: Trotter Eleanor Wendy , Hagan Iain Michael
Published: October 2020

Each approach used to synchronize cell cycle progression of human cell lines presents a unique set of challenges. Induction synchrony with agents that transiently block progression through key cell cycle stages are popular, but change stoichiometries of cell cycle regulators, invoke compensatory changes in growth rate and, for DNA replication inhibitors, damage DNA. The production, replacement or manipulation of a target molecule must be exceptionally rapid if the interpretation of phenotypes in the cycle under study is to remain independent of impacts upon progression through the preceding cycle. We show how these challenges are avoided by exploiting the ability of the Cdk4/6 inhibitors, palbociclib, ribociclib and abemaciclib to arrest cell cycle progression at the natural control point for cell cycle commitment: the restriction point. After previous work found no change in the coupling of growth and division during recovery from CDK4/6 inhibition, we find high degrees of synchrony in cell cycle progression. Although we validate CDK4/6 induction synchronization with hTERT-RPE-1, A549, THP1 and H1299, it is effective in other lines and avoids the DNA damage that accompanies synchronization by thymidine block/release. Competence to return to cycle after 72 h arrest enables out of cycle target induction/manipulation, without impacting upon preceding cycles.