bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biased measurements by stationary turbidity‐fluorescence instruments due to phototactic zooplankton behavior
Authors: Tanaka Mamoru , Genin Amatzia , Lopes Rubens M. , Strickler J. Rudi , Yamazaki Hidekatsu
Published: August 2019

Submersible fluorescence and turbidity sensors are widely used in studies of oceans and lakes. To reduce the instrument size, an overlapping interrogation volume is commonly used for the two sensors. Fluorescence sensors emit blue light for excitation and measure the red light emitted by excited chlorophyll pigments. However, during the night, many phototactic zooplankters are attracted to the blue light. If the instrument is fixed in place (e.g., on a mooring), the aggregation of the attracted animals may bias both the fluorescence and turbidity readings. To examine this potential bias, we carried out experiments with natural assemblages of zooplankton and Artemia nauplii in tanks equipped with a commercially available fluorescence‐turbidity sensor. Our findings indicate that zooplankters were attracted by the blue light emitted from a fluorometer during the dark, biasing the reading of both sensors. The bias in fluorescence was likely due to phytoplankton in the guts of the aggregated zooplankton. The induction of turbulence in the tank greatly reduced the bias, likely due to the inability of the zooplankton to counteract the resulting flow and swim toward the light. Field observations carried out with a similar instrument in a coastal station off Japan were consistent with the laboratory experiments. Our findings indicate a need to redesign coupled fluorescence‐turbidity sensors and to reevaluate the results of past studies where they had been used with stationary observing systems.
Rigidity‐Dependent Placental Cells Uptake of Silk‐Based Microcapsules
Authors: Li Xiaoqin , Tang Hongbo , Huang Xiaoli , Li Min , Jiang Ziwen , He Haibo , Zhou Zhimin
Published: August 2019

Polymeric microcapsules have begun to attract significant interest in biomedical fields. As the interactions between cells and materials are influenced by both cell type and elasticity, silk‐based microcapsules are synthesized with desirable mechanical features using layer‐by‐layer assembly and then the uptake of these microcapsules by BeWo b30 placental cells is investigated. Cellular uptake is enhanced with increasing of elastic modulus of the silk‐based microcapsules. More importantly, the distinct microvilli of these cells behaves in a diverse manner when exposed to microcapsules with different mechanical features, including grabbing (rigidity) or random touching (soft) behavior; these factors affect the final uptake. Inspired by oocyte pickup, the grabbing behavior of the microvilli may provide valuable information with which to elucidate the specific characteristics of uptake between cells and man‐made particles, particularly in the reproductive system.
Bio‐Inspired Multiple Cycle Healing and Damage Sensing in Elastomer–Magnet Nanocomposites
Authors: Panigrahi Ritwik , Zarek Matt , Sharma Vinay , Cohn Daniel , Ramanujan Raju V.
Published: August 2019

Damage‐sensing and healing are biological functions which are urgently required in structural health monitoring and remediation of engineering structures. The development of a bio‐inspired multiple cycle damage sensing and triggered healing magnet–polymer nanocomposite (Magpol) is reported. Magpol is comprised of an acrylonitrile butadiene co‐polymer (NBR) matrix and a magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) filler. Magpol nanocomposites in a range of MNP filler concentrations are studied. NBR is selected as the matrix due to its extensive use in industrial coatings, for example, in the automotive industry. Mn‐Zn ferrite MNP is chosen due to its appropriate Curie temperature and good specific absorption rate. Exposure of damaged Magpol to a remote external alternating magnetic field results in MNP heating. The MNP heats the surrounding NBR matrix, resulting in triggered healing. Fractured Magpol samples are successfully healed over several cycles. Incorporation of rhodamine b mechano‐chromophore in Magpol results in multicycle damage sensing by photo‐luminescent absorption. Thus, the developed Magpol is attractive for structural health monitoring and remediation application.
Improved Electret Properties of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)/Lithium Niobate Nanocomposites for Applications in Air Filters
Authors: Yuan Yali , Zhao Jun , Dong Chenglei , Shao Yiqin , Liu Yaoyi , Li Jinzhen , Zhong Chen , Ye Lin , Song Rui , Zhang Hui , Zhang Zhong
Published: August 2019

In this work, the electret properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/lithium niobate (LiNbO3, LN) nanocomposites are systematically studied. The LN nanoparticles are fabricated by hydrothermal synthesis followed by melt‐reaction. Their morphology and crystalline structures are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The PVDF/LN nanocomposite films are prepared by solution casting with N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent or melt molding. The crystalline phases of PVDF in both pure samples and nanocomposites are checked by XRD and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The measurements of the dielectric and electret properties show that the LN nanoparticles significantly increase the dielectric permittivity (ε) and the thermally stimulated discharge current (TSDC) of the samples. Such materials have potential applications including for air filters and power generators. A demonstration shows that after the same charging process, the PVDF/LN nanocomposites can absorb larger amount of polystyrene (PS) foam microparticles or micrometer size test dusts than the pure PVDF.
Preparation of free‐standing silicone particles in aqueous heterogeneous system
Authors: Mitsui Hiroki , Mukai Ken , Ikubo Satoshi , Suzuki Toyoko , Minami Hideto
Published: August 2019

To prepare cross‐linked silicone (silicone rubber) particles in an aqueous medium, we investigated two synthesis methods involving a miniemulsion system. The first method was based on cationic ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic siloxane, which is a common synthetic route for linear silicone oil and uses octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) as the monomer and dimeric D4 (bis‐D4) as the cross‐linker. Although this method produces silicone particles, the particles do not remain in the particulate state after drying because of low cross‐linking density. The polymerization mechanism of this method was also investigated, which proceeds under the ring‐opening reaction of D4 in monomer droplets and upon polycondensation of hydrolyzed D4, which occurs in the water phase (ie, outside the monomer droplets). This mechanism implied that introducing the cross‐linking structure into particles is difficult because of the low solubility of bis‐D4 in water. To overcome these difficulties, we demonstrated a second method of preparing silicone particles based on the thiol‐Michael addition reaction between thiol‐terminated silicone oil and triacrylate in miniemulsion systems. Transmission electron microscopy images indicated that the silicone particles obtained in the particulate state upon drying and the aggregates of these particles showed elasticity.
Deep recurrent neural network‐based residual control chart for autocorrelated processes
Authors: Chen Shumei , Yu Jianbo
Published: August 2019

With the growth of automation in process industries, there is correlation in the process variables. Deep learning has achieved many great successes in image and visual analysis. This paper concentrates on developing a deep recurrent neural network (RNN) model to characterize process variables at vary time lags, and then a residual chart is developed to detect mean shifts in autocorrelated processes. The experiment results indicate that the RNN‐based residual chart outperforms other typical methods (eg, autoregressive [AR]‐based control chart, back propagation network [BPN]‐based residual chart). This paper provides guideline for deep learning technique employed as an effective tool in autocorrelated process control.
Comment on “The consequences of neglecting permutation symmetry in the description of many‐electrons systems”
Authors: Fernández Francisco M.
Published: August 2019

In this article, we analyze a recently proposed approach for the construction of antisymmetric functions for atomic and molecular systems. It is based on the assumption that the main problems with Hartree‐Fock wavefunctions stem from their lack of proper permutation symmetry. This alternative building approach is based on products of a space times a spin function with opposite permutation symmetry. The main argument for devising such factors is that the eigenfunctions of the nonrelativistic Hamiltonian are either symmetric or antisymmetric with respect to the transposition of the variables of a pair of electrons. However, since the eigenfunctions of the nonrelativistic Hamiltonian are basis for the irreducible representations of the symmetric group, they are not necessarily symmetric or antisymmetric, except in the trivial case of two electrons. We carry out a simple and straightforward general analysis of the symmetry of the eigenfunctions of the nonrelativistic Hamiltonian and illustrate our conclusions by means of two exactly solvable models of N = 2 and N = 3 identical interacting particles.

RELATED ARTICLE

Nascimento M. A. C. The consequences of neglecting permutation symmetry in the description of many‐electrons systems. Int J Quantum Chem. 2019;119:e25765. https://doi.org/10.1002/qua.25765
Interactions of hydrosiloxane and vinylsiloxane groups with aluminum oxide surfaces
Authors: Kochanke Artur , Üffing Christoph , Hartwig Andreas
Published: August 2019

Silicone‐based materials often contain vinylsiloxane and hydrosiloxane groups for cross‐linking by a radical or addition reaction. Such functional groups can influence the interactions with fillers or with surfaces of substrates when used as adhesives. This work examined how these functional groups interact with aluminum oxide surfaces. For this purpose, aluminum oxide powders with large surface areas of 150 m2/g and different acid‐base properties were examined. Siloxanes were applied as thin layers to mainly obtain information from the interphase by vibrational spectroscopy. It was observed that vinyl groups show low interactions with aluminum oxide surfaces even at elevated temperatures. In contrast to this, hydrosiloxanes undergo strong interactions and reactions with aluminum oxides already at room temperature. Activated Si─H species were observed as an intermediate state. On the one hand, interactions and reactions might contribute to adhesion, but on the other hand, the cross‐linking reaction can be influenced near the surface, leading to lower mechanical strength.
Synthesis, Characterization and DFT Study of Bioactive 2‐[(2‐Methylpropanoyl)amino]propanoic Acid and Its Polymeric Tributyltin(IV) Derivative
Authors: Raheel Ahmad , Imtiaz‐ud‐Din  , Taj Muhammad Babar , Ayub Rabia , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Raftery James , Al‐Shakban M.
Published: August 2019

Tributyltin(IV) derivative (1) was synthesized by reacting the ligand (A1) {2‐[(2‐methylpropanoyl)amino]propanoic acid} with tributyltin(IV)chloride in presence of potassium hydroxide. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR and multinuclear (1H, 13C and 119Sn) NMR spectroscopy. The 119Sn NMR data for (1) suggest that tin is five coordinated having trigonal bipyramidal molecular geometry. Molecular structures for (1) and (A1) were determined by single crystal X‐ray analysis. Some new and novel structural features of the compounds, are reported first time. Tributyltin(IV) complex has distorted trigonal bipyramidal molecular geometry around tin in the solid state exhibiting single chain tetramer which may be ascribed as tetra‐nuclear cage structure that is constructed from four tributyltin units and four ligand moieties. The tributyltin(IV) entities are bridged by one oxygen of the carboxylic group of one ligand and another oxygen of the amidic carbonyl of next ligand. The nature of Sn…O bond was analyzed with the help of natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The compounds were also screened in vitro for their anti‐microbial and urease inhibition activities, and found some encouraging results.
Fabrication and Structural Properties of LaNb1‐xAsxO4 Ceramics
Authors: Wachowski Sebastian L. , Kamecki Bartosz , Winiarz Piotr , Dzierzgowski Kacper , Jurkowski Michał , Dzisevič Jaroslav , Mielewczyk‐Gryń Aleksandra , Gazda Maria
Published: August 2019

Lanthanum niobate substituted with arsenic was synthesized by three methods: solid state reaction from binary oxides and two different methods combining co‐precipitation and solid‐state reaction. In the first of the combined methods LaNb1‐xAsxO4 was synthesized from LaAsO4, obtained from co‐precipitation method, and lanthanum and niobium oxides. In the second LaNbO4 was first synthesized from binary oxides and then mixed with LaAsO4 and fired in the second step to obtain the final material. Single phase materials could not be synthesized via solid‐state synthesis, whilst it was possible with both of the combined methods. Structural parameters of the materials obtained with both methods were similar what shows that they do not relate to the synthesis method. Ceramics obtained with both combined methods were dense, however, the density of the ceramics formed from LaAsO4 and LaNbO4 was higher.
Rose Bengal Catalyzed Coupling of 1, 2 ‐ Dicarbonyls and Phenylene 1, 2 ‐Diamines: Visible‐Light Mediated Synthesis of Quinoxalines
Authors: Jaiswal Deepali , Tiwari Jyoti , Singh Shailesh , Sharma Amit Kumar , Singh Jaya , Singh Jagdamba
Published: August 2019

A new approach for the formation of quinoxaline derivatives (indolo [2, 3‐b] quinoxaline or 2, 3‐Diphenyl‐quinoxaline derivatives) from several phenylene 1, 2‐diamines and 1, 2‐dicarbonyls has been developed by utilizing Rose Bengal as an organo‐ photoredox catalyst. The reported method focuses on the utilization of visible light photoredox catalysis for the formation of C−N bond in quinoxalines via radical chemistry. The developed strategy is simple, mild, exhibits excellent atom economy and is more viable toward the synthesis of biologically interesting quinoxaline frame work without the involvement of any transition metal or strong oxidant.
Stahlbau unter Nutzung von BIM in einem heterogenen Softwareumfeld
Authors: Bartenbach Jochen , Schindler Steffen , Schulze Frank , Kulzer Wolfgang
Published: August 2019

Der (homogene) Softwareeinsatz im Stahlbau hat gegenüber anderen Disziplinen des Bauwesens eine lange Tradition. Der „BIM‐Gedanke”, wenn auch nicht unter diesem Begriff, wurde bereits in den 1980er‐Jahren durch die Verknüpfung der CAD‐Dateien der Planung und der CNC‐Maschinen der Fertigung gelebt [1]. Die Prozesse resp. der Datenaustausch waren abgestimmt und frei von Schnittstellenproblemen. Heute findet sich der Stahlbau in einem heterogenen und „BIM‐geprägten” Softwareumfeld wieder und muss mit anderen Gewerken wie Architektur, Massivbau und der Technischen Gebäudeausrüstung interagieren. Die damit verbundenen Herausforderungen werden in diesem Beitrag diskutiert und an Praxisbeispielen illustriert. Dabei wird die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette des Stahlbaus von der Planung bis zur Montage sowohl in einem homogenen als auch heterogenen Softwareumfeld analysiert. Grundlage ist die BIM‐Methode, welche heute digitale Plattformen bereitstellt und mit BIM‐Managern sowie BIM‐Koordinatoren das neue Miteinander im Bauwesen ermöglicht. Ein Vortrag mit gleichlautender Thematik wurde bereits am 2. steelday am 31. Okt. 2018 in Bern, Schweiz präsentiert [2].
Wind turbine load validation using lidar‐based wind retrievals
Authors: Dimitrov Nikolay , Borraccino Antoine , Peña Alfredo , Natarajan Anand , Mann Jakob
Published: August 2019

We define and demonstrate a procedure for carrying out wind turbine load validation based on measurements from nacelle‐mounted scanning lidars. Two coherent Doppler lidar systems, a pulsed lidar and a continuous‐wave lidar, are mounted on a 2.3‐MW wind turbine equipped with load measurement sensors. Wind measurements from a meteorological mast mounted at 2.5 rotor diameters distance are used as reference. The study shows how lidar measurements are processed and applied as inputs to aeroelastic load simulations, and the results are then compared with simulations where the wind inputs have been determined using the meteorological mast data in compliance with the IEC61400‐13 standard. For the majority of simulation cases considered, the use of nacelle‐mounted lidar measurements results in load estimation uncertainties lower or equal to those that are based on measurements from cup anemometers on the mast. These results demonstrate the usefulness of nacelle‐mounted lidars as tools for carrying out load validation without the need of meteorological masts.
Ecological and human health risk assessment
Authors: Choudri B. S. , Charabi Yassine , Ahmed Mushtaque
Published: August 2019

The literature review presented in this paper covers the risk assessment process that is important to human health as well as the health of ecology in the form of receptors. One of the important objectives of present review is to provide summary of the scientific studies published in the year 2018. The review starts with literature published on the assessment of health risks, which are valuable to human and ecology. Most of the literature in the entire article focuses on techniques used for the analysis of scientific data and methods. In addition, review also highlights data interpretation, uncertainty, policy, and regulatory guidance associated with the management of human and ecological risks. Particularly, the review on the risk assessment related to human health and ecology is divided into two main sections. These sections provide broad state of knowledge on the risk assessment process used to health of human and ecological systems focused on investigation of polluted sites, techniques of remediation, and tools required for natural resource management.
The reuse of biosolids on agricultural land: Critical issues and perspective
Authors: Collivignarelli Maria Cristina , Abbà Alessandro , Benigna Ilaria
Published: August 2019

The sludge management represents a considerable amount of operational costs for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Issues concerning the treatment and the recovery/disposal of biosolids are gaining importance especially in Lombardy region, where the biosolid landspreading on agricultural soils is a very common practice. The aim of this work was to evaluate the results obtained from a survey carried out on the biosolids/sludge, derived from WWTPs, ingoing to and outgoing from the STPs (sludge treatment plants—authorized for the treatment on behalf of third parties) located in Pavia Province. Moreover, the characterization of agricultural soils that receive the biosolids is carried out. Furthermore, the whole biosolid management chain, from production to landspreading on agricultural soils, was studied, highlighting the critical issues based on the survey results. The results obtained suggested the following actions: (a) the reduction of sludge production in WWTPs; (b) a more “controlled” production in terms of biosolid qualitative characteristics; (c) better “selection” of the sludge ingoing to STPs; and (d) more effective actions to control the “response” of the agricultural soils. Furthermore, full compliance with the best spreading practices on the soils is required, as well as a better use of agronomic skills to obtain a higher resource valorization.

Practitioner points

In this work, the characteristics of biosolid spread in agricultural soils in Pavia Province were analyzed.

The minimization of sludge production in WWTPs is encouraged in order to reduce critical issues related to biosolid management.

The stabilization process in WWTPs should improve in order to obtain a better quality sludge.

A better “selection” of the sludge ingoing to STPs and a more effective monitoring of the agricultural soils are encouraged.
Whitman Teaches the Movement: Bridging Campus and Community Through Dialogue
Authors: Leavitt Noah , Washington Cherokee , Higgins Michelle , Shuster Kate
Published: August 2019

This chapter showcases a program that involves college student leaders to teach about the civil rights movement to K‐12 students in local public schools. Voices of a student leader and high school teacher speak to the program's impact on them personally and professionally, and provide broader lessons for cultivating student leadership through the lived practice of community action.
Geospatial Analysis of Trauma Burden and Surgical Care Capacity in Teso Sub‐region of Eastern Uganda
Authors: Lin Nicole , Nwanna‐Nzewunwa Obieze , Carvalho Melissa , Wange Aaron , Ajiko Mary M. , Juillard Catherine , Dicker Rochelle A.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Over 90% of injury‐related deaths occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Relating spatial distribution of injury burden and trauma care capacity is crucial for effective resource allocation. Our study assesses trauma burden and emergency and essential surgical care (EESC) quality in Teso Sub‐region Eastern Uganda through a spatial analysis of trauma burden in relation to surgical capacity at the district level.

Methods

In this study, we surveyed trauma patients presenting at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH) and assessed EESC capacity of district hospitals. We used geospatial techniques to relate trauma burden and capacity and characterized delay using the three‐delay framework.

Results

We surveyed 131 trauma patients presenting to SRRH for trauma‐related injuries from June 1 to July 15, 2017. Almost all trauma incidents (n = 129, 98.4%) occurred within a 2‐h ideal drive time to SRRH. From time of injury to receiving care, median time totaled to approximately 9.25 h. District hospital exhibited decreased EESC capacity (personnel, infrastructure, procedures, equipment, and supplies (PIPES) score range 2.2–5.5, mean 4.2) compared to SRRH (PIPES score 8.1).

Conclusion

Trauma patients face delays in each step of the care‐seeking process from deciding to seek care, arriving at care site, and receiving treatment. Synergistic effects of a poor prehospital care, EESC deficiencies on district and regional levels, cost of seeking care contribute to delays that likely result in increased morbidity and mortality. Improved resource allocation, training at the district level, and strengthening system‐level organization of emergency medical services could avert preventable death and disability.
Future private car stock in China: current growth pattern and effects of car sales restriction
Authors: Gan Yu , Lu Zifeng , Cai Hao , Wang Michael , He Xin , Przesmitzki Steven
Published: August 2019

Car stock projection is essential to evaluating the energy and environmental impacts of private cars in China. Since the private car ownership rate in China has not reached its saturation level, limited and outdated data used in previous studies has resulted in high uncertainties regarding the functions of car ownership and significantly reduced the robustness of the projection of private car stocks. In this work, we estimate China’s current growth pattern of private car ownership by analyzing more than 6300 pairs of private car ownership and income data collected from various official statistics at the national, provincial, and city levels in the period of 1997–2017. The dataset covers a much wider per-capita disposable income range than national-level data alone and allows us to make satisfactory projections of private car stocks in China up to 2040. We project that the private car stock in China could reach 403 million in 2040, if the current growth pattern of car ownership continues. Significant discrepancies in private car ownership curves are observed for cities with and without car sales restrictions. Without car sales restrictions, we estimate that the private car stock would be even higher at 455 million by 2040, demonstrating the effectiveness of the current restriction policy in controlling car stocks in China. We further quantify the potential impacts of car sales restrictions on future car stock levels by implementing hypothetical national car sales caps. Results show that, although the private car stocks would still continue to grow before 2030, the stock levels would be stable at ~ 280 and ~ 350 million by 2040 for scenarios of 20 and 25 million sales caps, respectively. The impact of private car stock growth on energy consumption in China is also examined. Pump-to-wheels energy consumption of the private car fleet is projected to be 131, 147, 90, and 113 million tonnes of oil equivalent by 2040 for scenarios of the current growth pattern, no sales restriction, the 20 million sales cap, and the 25 million sales cap, respectively. Analysis reveals that private car sales restriction and vehicle population growth control could be an effective strategy for energy consumption reduction (thus greenhouse gas emission mitigation) in China, although the development of the automotive industry may be restrained.
Thermodynamic Stability of Nano-grained Alloys Against Grain Coarsening and Precipitation of Macroscopic Phases
Authors: Kaptay George
Published: August 2019

Thermodynamic conditions are derived here for binary alloys to have their grain boundary (GB) energies negative, ensuring the stability of some nano-grained (NG) alloys. All binary alloys are found to belong to one of the following three types. Type 1 is the unstable NG alloy both against grain coarsening and precipitation of a macro-phase. Type 2 is the partly stable NG alloy, stable against coarsening but not against precipitation. Type 3 is the fully stable NG alloy, both against coarsening and precipitation. Alloys type 1 have negative, or low-positive interaction energies between the components. Alloys type 2 have medium-positive interaction energies, while alloys type 3 have high-positive interaction energies. Equations are derived for critical interaction energies separating alloys type 1 from type 2 and those from type 3, being functions of the molar excess GB energy of the solute, temperature (T) and composition of the alloy. The criterion to form a stable NG alloy is formulated through a new dimensionless number (Ng), defined as the ratio of the interaction energy to the excess molar GB energy of the solute, both taken at zero Kelvin. Systems with Ng number below 0.6 belong to alloy type 1, systems with Ng number between 0.6 and 1 belong to alloy type 2, while systems with Ng number above 1 belong to alloy type 3, at least at T = 0 K. The larger is the Ng number, the higher is the maximum T of stability of the NG alloy. By gradually increasing temperature alloys type 3 convert first into type 2 and further into type 1. The Ng number is used here to evaluate 16 binary tungsten-based (W-B) alloys. At T = 0 K type 3 NG alloys are formed with B = Cu, Ag, Mn, Ce, Y, Sc, Cr; type 2 is formed in the W-Ti system, while type 1 alloys are formed with B = Al, Ni, Co, Fe, Zr, Nb, Mo and Ta. For the W-Ag system the region of stability of the NG alloys is shown on a calculated phase diagram, indicating also the stable grain size.
Accuracy of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) in Disaster Settings: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Christine , Balk Daniel , Schafer Jesse , Welwarth Jeremy , Hardin John , Yarza Shaked , Novack Victor , Hoffmann Beatrice
Published: August 2019

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) has been incorporated into the initial evaluation of trauma for decades. It is an important screening tool in the detection of intra-abdominal fluid. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the use and accuracy of FAST as an imaging tool for blunt abdominal trauma in disaster/mass casualty settings. A systematic review of literature was conducted using key words and search terms. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts to determine inclusion using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS). For studies passing QUADAS, a meta-analysis was performed calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). FAST results were compared with the gold standard, which was a combination of CT scan results, operative findings, and medical records of the clinical course. Initial database screening resulted in 133 articles, of which 21 were selected for QUADAS evaluation. Five studies passed QUADAS and were selected in the final meta-analysis, with a total of 4263 patients. The sensitivity of FAST was 92.1% (87.8–95.6), specificity 98.7% (96.0–99.9), PPV 90.7% (70.0–98.0), and NPV 98.8% (98.1–99.5) for the detection of intra-abdominal injury. In our meta-analysis, FAST was both sensitive and specific in the evaluation of trauma in the disaster setting.
An Evaluation of the Literacy Demands of Online Natural Disaster Preparedness Materials for Families
Authors: So Marvin , Franks Jessica L. , Cree Robyn A. , Leeb Rebecca T.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Natural disasters are becoming increasingly common, but it is unclear whether families can comprehend and use available resources to prepare for such emergencies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the literacy demands of risk communication materials on natural disasters for US families with children.

Methods:

In January 2018, we assessed 386 online self-directed learning resources related to emergency preparedness for natural disasters using 5 literacy assessment tools. Assessment scores were compared by information source, audience type, and disaster type.

Results:

One-in-three websites represented government institutions, and 3/4 were written for a general audience. Nearly 1-in-5 websites did not specify a disaster type. Assessment scores suggest a mismatch between the general population’s literacy levels and literacy demands of materials in the areas of readability, complexity, suitability, web usability, and overall audience appropriateness. Materials required more years of education beyond the grade level recommended by prominent health organizations. Resources for caregivers of children generally and children with special health care needs possessed lower literacy demands than materials overall, for most assessment tools.

Conclusions:

Risk communication and public health agencies could better align the literacy demands of emergency preparedness materials with the literacy capabilities of the general public.
Dementia Care in Canada: Nursing Recommendations
Authors: Boscart Veronique M. , McNeill Susan , Grinspun Doris
Published: August 2019

Au Canada, la prévention et la prise en charge des démences ont atteint un point tournant. Bien que le taux de diagnostic des démences soit encore bas, le nombre de personnes qui en sont atteintes continue d’augmenter. Les politiques canadiennes en matière de soins de santé ont fait en sorte qu’un plus grand nombre de personnes avec démence vivent à la maison, où les soins sont principalement assurés par la famille, des amis ou des proches. CetteNote de politiqueprésente un aperçu d’un document conjoint de l’Association canadienne des infirmières et infirmiers en gérontologie (AIIG) et de l’Association des infirmières et infirmiers autorisés de l’Ontario (AIIAO) devant le Comité sénatorial permanent des affaires sociales, des sciences et de la technologie. Le document expose le cadre contextuel et les recommandations pour les soins liés à la démence au Canada dans cinq domaines clés : les ressources du système de santé, la formation des prestataires de soins de santé, le logement, les partenaires de soins et l’intégration des soutiens offerts en services sociaux et de santé. Dans le cadre de ces cinq domaines clés, des interventions en matière de santé et de politiques sociales ont été examinées.
Pré-implantation de l’Accompagnement-citoyen personnalisé d’intégration communautaire (APIC): Adaptabilité, collaboration et financement, les déterminants d’une implantation réussie
Authors: Piché Laurie , Arsenault Sophie , Leblanc Mathilde , Croteau Nathalie , Levasseur Mélanie
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers to as well as the feasibility of Implementing Personalized Citizen Assistance for social participation (IPCA) in older adults with disabilities living in the community. The IPCA is a three-hour, weekly follow-up achieved by trained and supervised non-professional assistants that aims to increase engagement in social and leisure activities of people living with disabilities. An action research study was conducted with 16 people from the community. The adaptability of the IPCA, the presence of scientific evidence, the acknowledgement of a need for such an intervention, as well as expertise and collaboration, were the main facilitators in implementation of the IPCA. Meanwhile, funding, associated with an unfavorable political and economic context, was a barrier. Overall, the majority of the participants perceived that the IPCA could be offered in the community by volunteers. This new knowledge will facilitate the implementation of IPCA or other similar interventions.
Enhancing efficiency and scientific impact of a clinical trials network: the Pediatric Heart Network Integrated CARdiac Data and Outcomes (iCARD) Collaborative
Authors: Pasquali Sara K. , Kaltman Jonathan R. , Gaynor J. William , McCrindle Brian W. , Newburger Jane W. , Anderson Brett R. , Scheurer Mark A. , Pinto Nelangi M. , Anderson Jeffrey B. , Oster Matthew E. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Marino Bradley S. , Mery Carlos M. , Pearson Gail D.
Published: August 2019

Recent years have seen an exponential increase in the variety of healthcare data captured across numerous sources. However, mechanisms to leverage these data sources to support scientific investigation have remained limited. In 2013 the Pediatric Heart Network (PHN), funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, developed the Integrated CARdiac Data and Outcomes (iCARD) Collaborative with the goals of leveraging available data sources to aid in efficiently planning and conducting PHN studies; supporting integration of PHN data with other sources to foster novel research otherwise not possible; and mentoring young investigators in these areas. This review describes lessons learned through the development of iCARD, initial efforts and scientific output, challenges, and future directions. This information can aid in the use and optimisation of data integration methodologies across other research networks and organisations.
Aortic root replacement in a patient with unoperated tricuspid atresia
Authors: Koizumi Shintaroh , Matsuo Kozo , Kabasawa Masashi
Published: August 2019

A 42-year-old man was referred to our hospital with heart failure and unoperated tricuspid atresia with pulmonary valve stenosis. His condition was initially managed with medical therapy; however, he required repeat hospitalisations for congestive heart failure. We diagnosed the chief cause of his heart failure as aortic valve regurgitation secondary to aortic root dilatation. Aortic root replacement was performed and then his heart failure was controlled.
Does Internet usage inspire offline political participation? Analyzing the Taiwanese case
Authors: Chang Alex Chuan-hsien
Published: August 2019

With the emergence of new information and communication technologies, scholars and politicians view the Internet as a means both to govern and to bring citizens, especially younger generations, closer to the political process. Given the tremendous impacts of the Sunflower Movement on Taiwanese politics, this paper sets out to dynamically examine whether and to what extent the Internet inspired offline electoral and non-electoral participations of Taiwanese young adults. While the younger generation's Internet usage for political causes significantly encouraged their voting turnout in the 2014 election, a similar effect was not detected in either the 2012 or 2016 presidential and legislative elections. The estimated statistics not only show the particular effect of the Sunflower Movement on young adults' voting turnout and participation in self-help activities in the 2014 election, but also reveal that the fast-changing and diverse Internet domain did not have a long-lasting influence on young citizens' political engagement in the offline world.
Superposition of Gobi Dust and Southeast Asian Biomass Burning: The Effect of Multisource Long‐Range Transport on Aerosol Optical Properties and Regional Meteorology Modification
Authors: Huang Kan , Fu Joshua S. , Lin Neng‐Huei , Wang Sheng‐Hsiang , Dong Xinyi , Wang Guochen
Published: August 2019

One unique long‐range transport event with multiple layers of aerosol plumes was observed over Taiwan during 29–31 March 2006. A synergy of ground‐based observation, remote sensing, and backward trajectory simulation collectively indicated the high‐altitude (above 3 km) plume originated from biomass burning in Southeast Asia while the midaltitude (around 0.8–2 km) plume was attributed to dust from the Gobi Desert. Aerosol optical properties measured at a low‐altitude site were characterized of abundant coarse mode particles and increased single scattering albedo as a function of increased wavelength, indicating the influence from dust particles. While at a high mountain site (elevation of ~3 km), aerosol optical depth was elevated by a factor of 3–4 compared to its background value and mainly comprised of fine particles. It was diagnosed that the high‐altitude aerosols were influenced by the transported smoke plumes but exempted from dust. Simulation of the meteorological conditions against a Taiwan‐wide meteorology network showed strong near surface temperature rise of more than 2° during this long‐range transport event as well as for the vertical temperature profiles. Both dust and biomass burning aerosol plumes via long‐range transport contributed significantly to the atmospheric warming, resulting in strong instantaneous aerosol radiative forcing of 46.0 W/m2 in the atmosphere. A “double dome” warming effect mechanism was proposed that both biomass burning and dust plumes above the boundary layer could efficiently reserve the solar energy and heat the lower troposphere.
Variations in Crustal and Uppermost Mantle Structures Across Eastern Tibet and Adjacent Regions: Implications of Crustal Flow and Asthenospheric Upwelling Combined for Expansions of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zheng Chen , Zhang Ruiqing , Wu Qingju , Li Yonghua , Zhang Fengxue , Shi Kexu , Ding Zhifeng
Published: August 2019

We present new, high‐resolution constraints on crustal and uppermost mantle structure of the southeastern, eastern, and northeastern Tibetan plateau and adjacent regions by combining extensive data from three regional‐scale dense seismic arrays. Our results show significant differences in the crustal and uppermost mantle structure within the Songpan‐Ganzi terrane. The southern part has a thick crust and high Poisson's ratio, while the crustal thickness becomes less and Poisson's ratio is nearly normal in the northeast. Prominent low‐velocity anomalies appear beneath both the southern and northeastern Songpan‐Ganzi terrane at depths of 20–40 km, but they are not interconnected. Seismic velocities of the uppermost mantle are slow in the northeastern Songpan‐Ganzi terrane relative to the south. We further find that the crust of the central Qilian orogen is thickened but with remarkable low Poisson's ratio. Low velocities are visible in both the mid‐lower crust and uppermost mantle, similar to the northeastern Songpan‐Ganzi terrane. For comparison, the crustal low velocities are less pronounced beneath the central Qilian orogen. High Poisson's ratio and the mid‐lower crustal anomaly of the southern Songpan‐Ganzi terrane strongly indicate partial melting of the crust. Localized asthenospheric upwelling, however, can account for the coincident anomalies in both the mid‐lower crust and uppermost mantle beneath the northeastern Songpan‐Ganzi terrane and central Qilian orogen. We conclude that outward expansion of the Tibetan plateau has evolved by a combination of crustal flow on its southeastern margin and mantle upwelling likely induced by removal of thickened lithosphere on its easternmost and northeastern edges.
Geodetic Evidence of High Compression Across Seismically Active Kachchh Paleorift, India
Authors: Gahalaut Vineet K. , Gahalaut Kalpna , Dumka Rakesh K. , Chaudhury Pallabi , Yadav Rajeev K.
Published: August 2019

In the past 200 years, the Kachchh paleorift in western India, a plate interior region, has witnessed unusually large number of strong earthquakes, namely, the 2001 Bhuj (Mw 7.6), 1956 Anjar (Mw 6.0), 1845 Lakhpat (Mw ~6), and 1819 Allah Bund (Mw ~7.7) earthquakes. We report continuous GPS measurements from the Kachchh and adjoining region. We find that the ongoing deformation during 2009–2016 is inconsistent with the models of postseismic deformation due to the 2001 Bhuj earthquake. The current widespread deformation pattern implies that the paleorift, bounded by the Kachchh Mainland fault and several other faults along its southern flank and the Allah Bund fault and Nagar Parker fault along its northern flank, is under long‐term compression from both sides at a rate of ~4–5 mm/year. We show that most of this compression is released seismically, making this one of the most seismically active paleorifts in the world.
Brainstem and spinal cord MRI identifies altered sensorimotor pathways post-stroke
Authors: Karbasforoushan Haleh , Cohen-Adad Julien , Dewald Julius P. A.
Published: August 2019

Damage to the corticospinal tract is widely studied following unilateral subcortical stroke, whereas less is known about changes to other sensorimotor pathways. This may be due to the fact that many studies investigated morphological changes in the brain, where the majority of descending and ascending brain pathways are overlapping, and did not investigate the brainstem where they separate. Moreover, these pathways continue passing through separate regions in the spinal cord. Here, using a high-resolution structural MRI of both the brainstem and the cervical spinal cord, we were able to identify a number of microstructurally altered pathways, in addition to the corticospinal tract, post stroke. Moreover, decreases in ipsi-lesional corticospinal tract integrity and increases in contra-lesional medial reticulospinal tract integrity were correlated with motor impairment severity in individuals with stroke.
Camouflaging bacteria by wrapping with cell membranes
Authors: Cao Zhenping , Cheng Shanshan , Wang Xinyue , Pang Yan , Liu Jinyao
Published: August 2019

Bacteria have been extensively utilized for bioimaging, diagnosis and therapy given their unique characteristics including genetic manipulation, rapid proliferation and disease site targeting specificity. However, clinical translation of bacteria for these applications has been largely restricted by their unavoidable side effects and low treatment efficacies. Engineered bacteria for biomedical applications ideally need to generate only a low inflammatory response, show slow elimination by macrophages, low accumulation in normal organs, and almost unchanged inherent bioactivities. Here we describe a set of stealth bacteria, cell membrane coated bacteria (CMCB), meeting these requirement. Our findings are supported by evaluation in multiple mice models and ultimately demonstrate the potential of CMCB to serve as efficient tumor imaging agents. Stealth bacteria wrapped up with cell membranes have the potential for a myriad of bacterial-mediated biomedical applications.
Employing antineutrino detectors to safeguard future nuclear reactors from diversions
Authors: Stewart Christopher , Abou-Jaoude Abdalla , Erickson Anna
Published: August 2019

The Non-Proliferation Treaty and other non-proliferation agreements are in place worldwide to ensure that nuclear material and facilities are used only for peaceful purposes. Antineutrino detectors, sensitive to reactor power and fuel changes, can complement the tools already at the disposal of international agencies to safeguard nuclear facilities and to verify the States’ compliance with the agreements. Recent advancement in these detectors has made it possible to leverage them to reduce the likelihood of an undetected diversion of irradiated nuclear material. Here we show the sensitivity of antineutrino monitors to fuel divergence from two reactor types: a traditional light-water reactor and an advanced sodium-cooled reactor design, a likely candidate for future deployment. The analysis demonstrates that a variety of potential diversion scenarios can be detected by such a system. We outline recent developments in monitoring capabilities and discuss their potential security implications to the international community.
Time-resolved XUV ARPES with tunable 24–33 eV laser pulses at 30 meV resolution
Authors: Sie Edbert J. , Rohwer Timm , Lee Changmin , Gedik Nuh
Published: August 2019

High harmonic generation of ultrafast laser pulses can be used to perform angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to map the electronic band structure of materials with femtosecond time resolution. However, currently it is difficult to reach high momenta with narrow energy resolution. Here, we combine a gas phase extreme ultraviolet (XUV) femtosecond light source, an XUV monochromator, and a time-of-flight electron analyzer to develop XUV-based time-resolved ARPES. Our technique can produce tunable photon energy between 24–33 eV with an unprecedented energy resolution of 30 meV and time resolution of 200 fs. This technique enables time-, energy- and momentum-resolved investigation of the nonequilibrium dynamics of electrons in materials with a full access to their first Brillouin zone. We evaluate the performance of this setup through exemplary measurements on various quantum materials, including WTe2, WSe2, TiSe2, and Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ.
Microporous methacrylated glycol chitosan-montmorillonite nanocomposite hydrogel for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Cui Zhong-Kai , Kim Soyon , Baljon Jessalyn J. , Wu Benjamin M. , Aghaloo Tara , Lee Min
Published: August 2019

Injectable hydrogels can fill irregular defects and promote in situ tissue regrowth and regeneration. The ability of directing stem cell differentiation in a three-dimensional microenvironment for bone regeneration remains a challenge. In this study, we successfully nanoengineer an interconnected microporous networked photocrosslinkable chitosan in situ-forming hydrogel by introducing two-dimensional nanoclay particles with intercalation chemistry. The presence of the nanosilicates increases the Young’s modulus and stalls the degradation rate of the resulting hydrogels. We demonstrate that the reinforced hydrogels promote the proliferation as well as the attachment and induced the differentiation of encapsulated mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Furthermore, we explore the effects of nanoengineered hydrogels in vivo with the critical-sized mouse calvarial defect model. Our results confirm that chitosan-montmorillonite hydrogels are able to recruit native cells and promote calvarial healing without delivery of additional therapeutic agents or stem cells, indicating their tissue engineering potential.