bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newborn Care and "Lethal" Prenatal Diagnoses
Authors: Winsor Tracy , Mora Bridget ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: October 2020

Recent research indicates that lethal language such as fatal fetal anomaly, lethal or terminal prenatal diagnosis, and incompatible with life is used so that parents have an easier time coming to terms with the decision to abort their child, not because doctors can predict with any certainty whether a baby will die at birth. Once lethal language is attached to a baby, care at birth may also be limited. To this extent, lethal language has potential ethical implications, as it may trigger different obstetric management for women who carry to term. This essay asserts the moral and medical necessity of treating babies with so-called lethal prenatal diagnoses just like every other baby. Case studies and research demonstrate the different outcomes experienced by babies who are labeled as lethal, compared with those who are stabilized and evaluated at birth, enabling their parents to make informed decisions about medical care.
Triage in the Perspective of Catholic Bioethics
Authors: Ethicists NCBC ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: October 2020

The appearance of COVID-19 has brought renewed attention to the practice of triage. This is an important means of best utilizing limited available resources during periods of medical crisis, whatever its source. The ethicists of The National Catholic Bioethics Center offer a set of ethical considerations for triage and rationing founded on long-standing principles of Catholic moral teaching. These include the dignity of human life, the objective criterion of justice, the duty to care, and the needs of human stewardship. The authors also offer observations on the process of implementing triage protocols, which must be consistent, accountable, and transparent and undergo regular review. The human dimension of illness and suffering requires prayer and patient support, sound prudential judgment, and the regular exercise of the virtue of charity.
Sacraments and the Pandemic
Authors: Hilliard Marie ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: October 2020

It is the right of the Catholic faithful to receive the sacraments when appropriate. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges in dispensing the sacraments, particularly to the sick who often need them most. Canon law dictates who can dispense the sacraments as well as where this can happen. Many dioceses have sought to find creative ways to reach those in need of the sacraments while keeping to the guidelines laid out by Canon law and public health authorities. Anointing of the Sick presents particular challenges while also being vitally important to Catholics who suffer from a life-threatening illness. Special precautions must be taken to ensure that communicable diseases are not spread during the administering of this sacrament, but it is essential that it be administered at the appropriate time.
Biopharma licensing and M&A trends in the 21st-century landscape
Authors: Khetan Rahul
Published: October 2020

The declining in-house R&D productivity has compelled the biopharmaceutical firms to supplement their innovation pipelines with well-managed licensing or acquisition deals. The reliance on licensed products and acquired technologies continues to increase across the industry to support pipeline expansion and technological diversification. In this article, Licensing and M&A trends across the biopharmaceutical industry are explored by examining the partnering activities of major biopharmaceutical companies and analyzing the trends in the business development transactions of the biotechnology companies worldwide. The information has been extracted from public and proprietary sources such as company annual reports, Industry reports and press releases from biopharmaceutical companies. The transactions data and partnership information has been analyzed over a contiguous twenty-year time period of 2000–2020 to understand the change in strategic focus in dealmaking and trends over the past two decades.
The influence of posttranscription silensing protein-suppressor P19 on the transient gfp gene expression level in aztec tobacco plants (Nicotiana rustica L.)
Authors: Varchenko O. I. , Dzuh M. S. , Parii M. F. , Symonenko Yu. V.
Published: October 2020

Aim. Genetic constructs creation for studying the influence effect of the viral posttranscriptional silencing protein suppressor p19 on transient reporter green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression and accumulation. Methods. The Golden Gate molecular cloning method was used to create the genetic constructs; the leafy tissues of the Aztec tobacco plants (Nicotiana rustica L.) were infiltrated with a suspension of Agrobacterium tumefaciens L.; the gfp gene expression level was determined by spectrofluorometric and quantitative protein (Bradford method) assays. Results. As a result of the work, the pSPV2324 genetic construct was created, which contained the reporter gene for the green fluorescent protein gfp and the gene for the synthesis of the viral posttranscriptional silencing protein suppressor p19 and its effect on the accumulation of the recombinant GFP protein was determined. A comparative analysis of the gfp gene expression level without and with the suppressor protein synthesis gene in the genetic vector showed that the fluorescence level of GFP protein in Aztec tobacco tissues was 1.3 times higher during spectrofluorimetric analysis using the p19 suppressor gene construct. Conclusions. The positive effect of the viral suppressor silencing P19 gene on the accumulation of recombinant GFP protein in tissues plants of N. rustica L. was shown for the first time. The increase in GFP protein fluorescence when using the p19 suppressor protein construct in spectrofluorimetric analysis coincides with an increase in the total concentration of total water-soluble proteins and the level fluorescence of GFP protein in their native electrophoretic separation. Keywords: cloning, genetic constructs, transient expression, silencing protein suppressor p19, green fluorescent protein (GFP).
SOGI 1 2 3 et son lecteur idéal : une analyse du discours social
Authors: Hakeem Hasheem
Published: October 2020

Dans le cadre de cet article, nous proposons une analyse du discours social autour de SOGI 1 2 3 (« Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity »), un programme élaboré en 2016 par le Ministère de l’Éducation de la Colombie-Britannique afin de promouvoir la valorisation, le respect et l’inclusion de la diversité sexuelle et de genre au sein des écoles publiques et privées. Cependant, bien que le ministère de l’Éducation ait développé SOGI 1 2 3 dans le but de protéger les droits et libertés des personnes LGBTQ2+ et de contrer l’homophobie et la transphobie, une analyse de son discours révèle plutôt qu’il vise d’abord et avant tout un destinataire hétéronormé et binaire. En nous appuyant sur la notion de communautés interprétatives développée par Stanley Fish, nous montrons que le ministère de l’Éducation tend à ménager les susceptibilités de ce lecteur idéal. Ce faisant, il ne s’attaque pas de front à l’homophobie et à la transphobie, ce qui constitue une contradiction entre son discours, qui se veut ouvert, et les lois canadiennes destinées à protéger les personnes LGBTQ2+.
Rossel Vien, énigmatique précurseur de la Révolution tranquille
Authors: Hébert Raymond-M.
Published: October 2020

Dans cet article, je mets en lumière le côté avant-gardiste de Rossel Vien, Métis (comme il se serait défini fièrement), mais officiellement Montagnais. Son esprit frondeur avait commencé avec son Histoire de Roberval et cet aspect rebelle de sa personnalité se poursuivit tout au long de sa vie, que ce soit dans ses nouvelles dans les Écrits du Canada français ou dans ses textes journalistiques. Je m’attache à montrer que notre jeune nouvelliste, en dépit de son écriture parfois déroutante, faisait partie des sommités littéraires québécoises des années 60 et 70, au même titre que des écrivains aussi connus que Jacques Ferron ou Gabrielle Roy. J’aborde la question du choix de l’anonymat par Rossel – Gilles Delaunière est son premier pseudonyme – et explique les raisons qui l’ont poussé dans cette voie qui a eu comme conséquence fâcheuse qu’il ne fut jamais un auteur reconnu de son vivant sous son nom réel, bien que sa véritable identité ait été sue dans les milieux prestigieux de l’édition montréalaise. La fuite faisait ainsi partie de l’existence même de Rossel Vien. Exilé en quelque sorte de manière permanente au Manitoba où il a passé une grande partie de sa vie adulte, c’est à Saint-Boniface qu’ont éclos les oeuvres de la maturité, sous un nouveau pseudonyme, Gilles Valais. J’analyse la réception partagée de ces textes ancrés dans une écriture post-moderne, mais qui s’inspirent grandement des expériences personnelles de Rossel Vien. Aussi est-ce par les liens inépuisables entre sa vie et son oeuvre que je termine.
Modes d’inclusion des étudiants internationaux francophones et incomplétude institutionnelle : le cas de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick
Authors: Sall Leyla
Published: October 2020

Cet article a pour objet l’évaluation de la capacité de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick à assurer l’intégration économique des étudiantes et étudiants internationaux francophones, considérés comme les meilleurs immigrants potentiels dans cette francophonie minoritaire qui revendique « sa part » d’immigrants d’expression française. Ces derniers bénéficient d’une transition facilitée vers la résidence permanente. Toutefois, ils sont confrontés à une incomplétude institutionnelle de leur communauté d’accueil en matière d’immigration, laquelle aurait des dimensions linguistique, géographique et plus généralement sociétale. Cela se traduit par des difficultés d’intégration économique et sociale de cette catégorie d’immigrants et par la difficile émergence d’un sentiment d’appartenance à l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick. Notons toutefois que ces étudiants internationaux trouvent des possibilités d’emploi dans une niche d’emplois structurelle souvent délaissée par les résidents locaux et dans une niche d’emplois conjoncturelle qui a émergé grâce à une politique volontariste de valorisation de la diversité ainsi qu’à une mise à l’essai réussie des premiers employés internationaux.
Le parti pris disciplinaire de la médiation de la musique. Orientations politiques, pratique, recherche et enseignement au Québec
Authors: Duchesneau Michel , Kirchberg Irina
Published: October 2020

Cet article est consacré aux conditions actuelles de développement de la médiation de la musique tant dans le milieu musical que dans les établissements supérieurs de formation à la musique. Les auteur·e·s appuient leurs propos sur l’analyse des conditions mises en place par les dernières politiques culturelles fédérale et provinciale au Canada, décryptent l’évolution récente du mouvement favorisant l’émergence des actions de médiation culturelle dans le milieu musical et s’interrogent sur les défis qui accompagnent l’apparition de formations à la médiation de la musique dans les cursus collégiaux (cégep) et universitaires au Québec.
Entre pédagogie et médiation : au coeur du partage des pratiques. Entretien avec Jérôme Thiébaux
Authors: Renaudin Sophie
Published: October 2020

Dans cet entretien, Jérôme Thiébaux, professeur agrégé d’éducation musicale, revient sur son parcours et évoque les différentes expériences qui l’ont conduit à côtoyer, à appréhender, ou encore à pratiquer, la médiation. Il s’agit ici de saisir les diverses formes – mais aussi les différents noms – que revêt la médiation, tout en réfléchissant à ce qui fait sa spécificité. Les réflexions menées par Jérôme Thiébaux nous permettent alors d’envisager la posture adoptée par celle ou celui qui pratique la médiation dans différents domaines, tant dans celui des actions culturelles des orchestres que dans celui de l’enseignement. Son point de vue original nous conduit ainsi à comprendre les rapports qui lient médiation et pédagogie et à repenser les relations qui se nouent au sein de la salle de classe.
Alfabetización digital para la juventud: una mirada hacia el futuro
Authors: Fernández de Castro Pedro
Published: October 2020

A medida que las tecnologías digitales median cada vez más aspectos de nuestra vida, crece la urgencia de preguntarnos cómo las sociedades actuales se relacionarán con ellas en el futuro. Más aún teniendo en cuenta que la pandemia de la COVID-19 ha forzado y acelerado una digitalización de nuestros hábitos y actividades, así como que la crisis sociosanitaria obliga a resolver los múltiples problemas asociados, mientras que nuestra capacidad de planificar mirando al futuro se vuelve prácticamente nula.
On amendments to the Third Chapter of the Constitution of the Russian Federation: what is new?
Authors: Gorokhova Svetlana Sergeevna
Published: October 2020

The subject of this research is the novelties in constitutional legislation of the Russian Federation, namely legal provisions that supplemented the main law of the country in 2020. Alongside the renewed constitutional norms, the author analyzed the related articles of the current Russian legislation, as well as separate regulatory provisions of constitutional nature of the foreign countries. The scientific novelty of this work is substantiated by the objective factors associated with recent amendments to legal matter of the Constitution of the Russian Federation of 1993, and thus, practically full absence of scientific legal research on this topic. The author also notes the primary importance of studying the renewed basic constitutional provisions for academic community, as well as the entire Russian society.  In conclusion, it is noted that the Third Chapter of the Constitution of the Russian Federation dedicated to federative structure undergone significant changes. Despite the fact that there are certain questions to revision and location of some newly accepted constitutional norms, the results of the Russian Constitutional Referendum of July 1, 2020 give an overall positive assessment of the new version of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
A universal reading network and its modulation by writing system and reading ability in French and Chinese children
Authors: Feng Xiaoxia , Altarelli Irene , Monzalvo Karla , Ding Guosheng , Ramus Franck , Shu Hua , Dehaene Stanislas , Meng Xiangzhi , Dehaene-Lambertz Ghislaine
Published: October 2020

Are the brain mechanisms of reading acquisition similar across writing systems? And do similar brain anomalies underlie reading difficulties in alphabetic and ideographic reading systems? In a cross-cultural paradigm, we measured the fMRI responses to words, faces, and houses in 96 Chinese and French 10-year-old children, half of whom were struggling with reading. We observed a reading circuit which was strikingly similar across languages and consisting of the left fusiform gyrus, superior temporal gyrus/sulcus, precentral and middle frontal gyri. Activations in some of these areas were modulated either by language or by reading ability, but without interaction between those factors. In various regions previously associated with dyslexia, reading difficulty affected activation similarly in Chinese and French readers, including the middle frontal gyrus, a region previously described as specifically altered in Chinese. Our analyses reveal a large degree of cross-cultural invariance in the neural correlates of reading acquisition and reading impairment.
Construction of fibronectin conditional gene knock-out mice and the effect of fibronectin gene knockout on hematopoietic, biochemical and immune parameters in mice
Authors: Yuan Xiaohong , Yang Shu , Li Wen , Li Jinggang , Lin Jia , Wu Yong , Chen Yuanzhong
Published: October 2020

Fibronectin (FN) is a multi-functional glycoprotein that primarily acts as a cell adhesion molecule and tethers cells to the extra cellular matrix. In order to clarify the effect of FN deficiency on hematopoiesis, biochemical and immune parameters in mice. We constructed a tamoxifen-induced conditional (cre-loxp system) fibronectin knock-out (FnKO) mouse model on a C57BL/6 background, and monitored their behavior, fertility, histological, hematopoietic, biochemical and immunological indices. We found that the Fn KO mice had reduced fertility, high platelet counts, smaller bone marrow megakaryocytes and looser attachment between the hepatocyte and vascular endothelial junctions compared to the wild type (WT) mice. In contrast, the behavior, hematological counts, serum biochemical indices and vital organ histology were similar in both Fn KO and WT mice. This model will greatly help in elucidating the role of FN in immune-related diseases in future.
Polylactic acid as a suitable material for 3D printing of protective masks in times of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vaňková Eva , Kašparová Petra , Khun Josef , Machková Anna , Julák Jaroslav , Sláma Michal , Hodek Jan , Ulrychová Lucie , Weber Jan , Obrová Klára , Kosulin Karin , Lion Thomas , Scholtz Vladimír
Published: October 2020

A critical lack of personal protective equipment has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Polylactic acid (PLA), a polyester made from renewable natural resources, can be exploited for 3D printing of protective face masks using the Fused Deposition Modelling technique. Since the possible high porosity of this material raised questions regarding its suitability for protection against viruses, we have investigated its microstructure using scanning electron microscopy and aerosol generator and photometer certified as the test system according to the standards EN 143 and EN 149. Moreover, the efficiency of decontaminating PLA surfaces by conventional chemical disinfectants including 96% ethanol, 70% isopropanol, and a commercial disinfectant containing 0.85% sodium hypochlorite has been determined. We confirmed that the structure of PLA protective masks is compact and can be considered a sufficient barrier protection against particles of a size corresponding to microorganisms including viruses. Complete decontamination of PLA surfaces from externally applied Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and SARS-CoV-2 was achieved using all disinfectants tested, and human adenovirus was completely inactivated by sodium hypochlorite-containing disinfectant. Natural contamination of PLA masks worn by test persons was decontaminated easily and efficiently by ethanol. No disinfectant caused major changes to the PLA surface properties, and the pore size did not change despite severe mechanical damage of the surface. Therefore, PLA may be regarded as a suitable material for 3D printing of protective masks during the current or future pandemic crises.
Entre la piedra, la madera y el campo, hombres y sus representaciones sociales sobre la salud y la enfermedad
Authors: Figueroa Ramírez Jacqueline , Galaz Llanos Carolina
Published: October 2020

La institucionalidad de salud se enfrenta a dos situaciones que se contraponen al desafío de incorporar la atención de los hombres en el sistema de salud, uno es la invisibilidad histórica de la salud masculina y el otro es la escasa adherencia de hombres a intervenciones preventivas y promocionales de salud. En consecuencia, el objetivo general del estudio fue caracterizar las representaciones sociales que hombres adultos entre 20 y 45 años, inscritos en el CESFAM Pelequén de la comuna de Malloa, le atribuyen al proceso salud enfermedad y las estrategias preventivas y curativas que implementan para enfrentar estos estados. La metodología contempló la aplicación de tres técnicas cualitativas para la producción de infor- mación: entrevista individual semiestructurada, grupo focal y revisión documental de historias clínicas. En general se concluye que los hombres han elaborado construcciones sociales dicotómicas en torno al estado de salud y enfermedad que no favorecen acciones promocionales y preventivas. Le otorgan significados al proceso salud enfermedad, que en algún caso los aproxima al cuidado de la salud, pero no los hace adherentes al sistema, dadas sus prioridades, donde es fundamental la inmediatez en la atención de salud y no la adherencia a tratamientos.
Mesenteric Cystic Lymphangioma “Intra-abdominal Catastrophe”
Authors: Kiran R. S. , Sarmukh S. , Azmi H.
Published: October 2020

Lymphangioma is a benign tumour of lymphatic origin. Lymphangioma in peritoneal cavity is extremely rare (5%), particularly in adults. Hereby, we are reporting a case of a Malay gentleman with no co morbidity presented with sign and symptoms of intestinal obstruction. We proceeded with exploratory laparotomy with small bowel resection with primary anastomosis. Intraoperatively, revealed soft mesenteric mass measuring around 5X5 cm and it was 80 cm from duodenum-jejunum flexure. Histopathological examination showed mesenteric cystic lymphangioma (MCL). Cystic intra-abdominal mass should be included MCL as a diagnosis although it’s rare. Surgical management is still a mainstay of treatment due to its potential to invade vital structures and develop life threatening complication such as intestinal obstruction and bleeding. The surgical outcome after a complete clear margin resection can avoid recurrence.
Professional Development Needs to Improve Teaching Science in Secondary Schools: Case Study of Mbeya, Tanzania
Authors: Kibona Charles Ephraim , Ndabi Joyce Sifa , Kibona Isack Ephraim
Published: October 2020

Aim: This study examined pedagogy and subject content needs for Professional Development (PD) to improve teachers’ skills in teaching science in secondary schools in Mbeya, Tanzania.

Study Design: The study employed a quantitative research approach and cross-sectional survey design.

Methodology: The main instrument used for the study was questionnaire. In this study, schools were randomly selected, and 256 respondents, science teachers were selected through stratified sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed quantitatively.

Results: Science teachers need Professional Development (PD) in Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), masterly of science subject contents and technological skills of modern teaching. There was no significant difference in the mean scores for components of pedagogy knowledge between teachers who teach math subject and those who teach physics, chemistry and biology at  using independent samples t-test. Teachers need of PD in subject content in topics were as follows: accounts (61.7%), genetics (46.2%), electromagnetism (44.2%), electronics (40.4%), circles and the Earth as a sphere (29.6%), statistics and probability (28.4%), inorganic chemistry (25%), and ionic theory and electrolysis (24.1%).

Conclusion: Science and mathematics teachers in Secondary schools need PD intervention in the subject content of science subjects.
Evaluation of Different Level of Vermicompost on Yield and Yield Components of Wheat at Vertisols of L/Machew District
Authors: Gebrehiwot Weldegebriel , Berhe Tewolde , Tadele Tsadik , Tekulu Kinfe , Kahsu Geberesemaeti , Mebrahtom Solomon , Mebrahtu Samrawit , Aregawi Goitom , Tasew Gidena , Gebremedhin Aklil
Published: October 2020

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate different rates of vermicompost, and inorganic NPS(Nitrogen-Phosphate Fertilizer With Sulphur) fertilizers for wheat production in 2015-2017 main cropping seasons at L/machew district of the Tigray Regional State. There were five systematically combined rates of vermicompost and one rate of NPS treatments during the study. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Surface soil samples were collected before planting to analyze selected soil properties. The textural class of the soil was clay. The pH of the soil was rated under moderately acidic. Available P was rated under medium in most of the experimental sites while total N was low in all experimental sites.  The treatments significantly affected crop phenology, yield and yield components of wheat. Thus tallest plant height was found from treatments that received 100kg/ha NPS, followed by 8.75t/ha vermicompost which resulted in (73.25cm) while the shortest plant (62.73cm) was obtained from control plots, respectively. Highest mean wheat grain yield (2642.8kg/ha) was obtained in response to 100kg NPS from inorganic fertilizer application followed by the second highest dose of vermicompost (7t/ha) with grain yield of 2620 kg/ha.  At the wheat plants grown in plot received vermicompost compost at 7t/ha of vermicompost increased the grain yield by 67.78% over the control. Though highest grain yield was obtained from highest dose of vermicompost the partial budget analysis shows that the highest marginal rate of return (456) was obtained from 3.5t/ha VC ha-1 plus 100kg/ha urea at the study area.
Anemia and Other Blood Symptoms Related Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis: An Internet Approach of Systematic Literature Study Reported Across Indonesia
Authors: Siagian Forman Erwin , Maryanti Esy
Published: October 2020

Background/Aim: Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) is still a global major problem, affecting billion vulnerable people of marginalized and unfortunate communities from low to middle level social economic countries. Poor personal hygiene and sanitary practice facilitates its transmission. Children and pregnant women are the most vulnerable group. It causes spectrum of clinical conditions from completely asymptomatic to severe, but anemia and nutritional derangement are the most prominent. Anemia related STH itself was already a huge problem, especially when affected susceptible individuals. In the internet, the data on Indonesia’s prevalence of anemia and other blood symptom related STH with its contributing factors are always considered sparse and incomplete. The aim of this systematic literature study was to provide that data by doing the internet literature searching on Indonesia’s electronic data regarding this condition.

Methods: A systematic review was done using popular search engine in the internet. All kind of research study, no matter the design (cross sectional, case control or prospective cohort), that fit with inclusion criteria which is anemia or other blood related symptoms (e.g. eosinophilia) related to  STH were included.

Result: There were 37 studies found on this issues, from 2001 until 2020. Most studies reported anemia that developed during the course of the disease with the clinical spectrum varies from asymptomatic to severe form.
Assessment of Building Vulnerability Curve Subjected to Debris-Flow
Authors: Choi Seung Hun , Ham Hee Jung , Lee Sungsu
Published: October 2020

In this study, the vulnerability curves for masonry and concrete frame buildings are assessed based on building fragility curves for the debris-flow caused by landslides on mountain slopes. The First-Order Second-Moment (FOSM) method is used to estimate the building fragility curve (expressed as probability of damage exceedance) subjected to debris-flow. In this method, the horizontal displacement of a building impacted by debris-flow and the statistics of resistance (i.e., building displacement) following four different damage states (i.e., slight, moderate, extensive, and complete) are utilized to estimate the building fragility curve. The building vulnerability curves (expressed as mean probability of damage) were evaluated based on the estimated building fragility curve and corresponding mean damage ratio for each damage state and were verified by calculating the root mean square error with datasets obtained from post-disaster damage assessment. In this study, the effects of structural material, type, and height on the building vulnerability curves were also studied. All vulnerability curves of buildings estimated in this study were fitted and databased using parameters of the log-normal cumulative distribution function and can be used to measure the performance of buildings in debris-flow prone areas as well as to provide information for risk and loss assessment.
Evaluation of Impact Resistance for Derailment Containment Provision Using Drop Weight Test
Authors: Kim NamHyuk , Kang YunSuk , Bae HyunUng , Kim KyungJu , Lim NamHyoung
Published: October 2020

In Korea, to prepare for unexpected accidents caused by human errors and natural disasters that cannot be completely prevented, a protective wall (a type of side-structure) against derailed trains has been installed on high-speed railway bridges as one of the physical measures to mitigate the associated damage. However, taking the geometric aspects of a domestic railway bridge's super structure into consideration, such a protective wall is not appropriate, and the corresponding protective performance does not provide adequate security. Hence, a protective wall named Derailment Containment Provision (DCP) was newly developed and installed in the track gauge. In this study, to evaluate the impact resistance of the newly developed DCP, a drop weight experiment was conducted, and the impact behavior corresponding to a specific impact energy was analyzed.
A Study on the Delineation of Flushing Sections and Simulation Method to Verify Appropriate Flushing Velocity for Applying Flushing
Authors: Kim Suri , Gim ARin , Ha Jeongtae , Kim Jinhyeok , Jun Hwandon
Published: October 2020

Recently, water supply networks have experienced deterioration because of various factors, which result in the accumulation of a large amount of scale on the inside surface of pipes. The scale may enter houses when a surge occurs owing to abrupt velocity or flow direction change in pipes, and eventually, water quality accident such as red-water can occur. The scale should be removed by applying pipe-cleaning practices, such as flushing, to prevent this type of accident. Currently, most studies have suggested only the desirable flow velocity to remove the scale through flushing. In our opinion, it will be more critical to develop a method for determining whether it would be possible to achieve the desired flow velocity. Hence, we developed a method to delineate a flushing section and modify a water supply network in considering the minor loss on the hydrant using the head loss-flow rate curve for the hydrant. Next, we simulated a flow condition using the emitter coefficient to achieve the desired flow velocity for flushing each section. The proposed method was applied to a part of the water supply network of a city in Korea. From the results, the pressure head at the primary water source point of the network was sufficient such that each flushing section experienced the desired flow velocity to complete the flushing process. We lowered the pressure head by 20 m at the primary water source point and simulated a flow condition for insufficient pressure head. Under these conditions, some of the flushing sections could not experience the desired flow velocity, and hence, the scale could not be removed as desired. In this case, we believe that the utility authority should decide whether flushing is still a suitable option for cleaning the pipe, or whether other cleaning methods should be considered.
Evaluation of Dynamic Properties and Ground-Response Analysis of Soil Reinforced with Cement and Biopolymer
Authors: Ahn Seongnoh , Ahn Kwangkuk , Lee Changho , Lee Jun-Dae , Jung Jongwon
Published: October 2020

In Korea, earthquakes have continued to occur even after the occurrence of Gyeongju and Pohang earthquakes of 2016 and 2017, respectively, raising awareness of earthquakes. Because earthquakes cause damage to not only structures but also humans, it is essential to improve the seismic performance and design earthquake-resistant structures to minimize earthquake damages. If the seismic performance of a structure is improved through ground improvement and reinforcement, ground response analysis should be performed considering the dynamic properties of the site of the structure. In addition, cement has been widely used as a material for ground improvement, but recently, ground improvement methods in which biopolymers are utilized for ecofriendly construction have been investigated extensively. However, studies on the changes in the dynamic properties of ground improved using biopolymers, and the ground-response analysis has not been investigated in detail. In this study, resonant column tests were performed using samples mixed with cement and sodium alginate to evaluate the effects o f ground improvement using a biopolymer. In addition, the dynamic properties of the improved samples were adopted in performing the ground response analysis, which demonstrated confirmed the ground stability after ground improvement. From the results, the ground dynamic properties, shear modulus, and damping ratio were influenced when the biopolymer and cement were mixed with the soil. Furthermore, the ground response analysis confirmed that the maximum ground acceleration on the surface decreased.
Periostin+cancer‐associated fibroblasts promote lymph node metastasis by impairing the lymphatic endothelial barriers in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wei Wen‐Fei , Chen Xiao‐Jing , Liang Luo‐Jiao , Yu Lan , Wu Xiang‐Guang , Zhou Chen‐Fei , Wang Zi‐Ci , Fan Liang‐Sheng , Hu Zheng , Liang Li , Wang Wei
Published: October 2020

Lymph node metastasis (LNM), a critical prognostic determinant in cancer patients, is critically influenced by the presence of numerous heterogeneous cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment. However, the phenotypes and characteristics of the various pro‐metastatic CAF subsets in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) remain unknown. Here, we describe a CAF subpopulation with elevated periostin expression (periostin+CAFs), located in the primary tumor sites and metastatic lymph nodes, that positively correlated with LNM and poor survival in CSCC patients. Mechanistically, periostin+CAFs impaired lymphatic endothelial barriers by activating the integrin‐FAK/Src‐VE‐cadherin signaling pathway in lymphatic endothelial cells and consequently enhanced metastatic dissemination. In contrast, inhibition of the FAK/Src signaling pathway alleviated periostin‐induced lymphatic endothelial barrier dysfunction and its related effects. Notably, periostin‐CAFs were incapable of impairing endothelial barrier integrity, which may explain the occurrence of CAF‐enriched cases without LNM. In conclusion, we identified a specific periostin+CAF subset that promotes LNM in CSCC, mainly by impairing the lymphatic endothelial barriers, thus providing the basis for potential stromal fibroblast‐targeted interventions that block CAF‐dependent metastasis.
Genomics and addiction treatment: The wave of the future
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2020

It's no secret that addiction has a genetic component. But researchers have been focusing on ways to actually test people for propensity for addiction, for which medications might work best for them, and more. In the science of “prescription medicine,” the National Institutes of Health is working on what is sometimes called personalized medicine, sometimes called precision medicine and sometimes called personalized precision medicine in the field of addiction. This began in general medicine but has moved to include mental and substance use disorders.
Harm‐reduction groups in prime position to combat multiple epidemics locally
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2020

If policymakers don't consider the harm‐reduction workforce to be essential personnel as communities fight the dual scourges of rising drug overdoses and COVID‐19, a strong argument can be made that substance use treatment organizations will feel the negative effects as well. For individuals with a history of mistreatment in service systems, a referral to treatment that's made by a harm‐reduction organization that has earned their trust may be the only chance to get them into other effective care.
Residential treatment center for first responders, veterans opens
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2020

This month, Warriors Heart purchased Bandera Lodge in San Antonio, Texas, for sober living and intensive outpatient treatment for the military, veterans, first responders and EMTs. It will become the Warriors Heart Lodge, for people in long‐term recovery who struggled with addiction, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co‐occurring issues.
High‐Performance Unidirectional Manipulation of Microdroplets by Horizontal Vibration on Femtosecond Laser‐Induced Slant Microwall Arrays
Authors: Wu Dong , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Yiyuan , Jiao Yunlong , Jiang Shaojun , Wu Hao , Li Chuanzong , Zhang Chenchu , Li Jiawen , Hu Yanlei , Li Guoqiang , Chu Jiaru , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2020

The high‐performance unidirectional manipulation of microdroplets is crucial for many vital applications including water collection and bioanalysis. Among several actuation methods (e.g., electric, magnetic, light, and thermal actuation), mechanical vibration is pollution‐free and biocompatible. However, it suffers from limited droplet movement mode, small volume range (VMax/VMin < 3), and low transport velocity (≤11.5 mm s−1) because the droplet motion is a sliding state caused by the vertical vibration on the asymmetric hydrophobic microstructures. Here, an alternative strategy is proposed—horizontal vibration for multimode (rolling, bouncing/reverse bouncing, converging/diffusing, climbing, 90o turning, and sequential transport), large‐volume‐range (VMax/VMin ≈ 100), and high‐speed (≈22.86 mm s−1) unidirectional microdroplet manipulation, which is ascribed to the rolling state on superhydrophobic slant microwall arrays (SMWAs) fabricated by the one‐step femtosecond laser oblique ablation. The unidirectional transport mechanism relies on the variance of viscous resistance induced by the difference of contact area between the microdroplet and the slant microwalls. Furthermore, a circular, curved, and “L”‐shaped SMWA is designed and fabricated for droplet motion with particular paths. Finally, sequential transport of large‐volume‐range droplets and chemical mixing microreaction of water‐based droplets are demonstrated on the SMWA, which demonstrates the great potential in the field of microdroplet manipulation.
Ultra‐Broadband High‐Efficiency Airy Optical Beams Generated with All‐Silicon Metasurfaces
Authors: Ju Zezhao , Wen Jing , Shi Lina , Yu Binbin , Deng Ming , Zhang Dawei , Hao Weiming , Wang Jian , Chen Shuqi , Chen Lin
Published: October 2020

Conventional approaches for generating Airy beams rely upon bulky and costly systems, which impede the miniaturization of optical systems. Metasurfaces have provided a compact method to generate Airy optical beams, but the current schemes suffer from the issues of narrow bandwidths and/or low transmission efficiencies. Here, a design strategy of constructing broadband and high‐efficiency transmissive Airy optical beam generator by taking advantages of the high birefringence and transmission efficiency of dielectric metasurfaces is proposed. The local amplitude and phase of transmitted light can be simultaneously modulated to satisfy the Airy function by controlling the orientation angles of silicon nano‐pillars, regardless of the incidence wavelength. The resultant Airy beam generator is experimentally verified within an ultra‐wide operation bandwidth from 1.1 to 1.7 µm. The remarkable diffraction‐free, self‐accelerating, and self‐healing properties of Airy beams are also demonstrated. The results may power up viable opportunities for practical devices and applications of metasurface‐based Airy beams.
Photo‐Responsive Fluorescent Materials with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristics
Authors: Luo Weihua , Wang Guojie
Published: October 2020

Stimuli‐responsive fluorescent materials with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics have attracted increasing attention owing to their advantages of bright fluorescence in the solid state and the ability to tune the structures and physicochemical performances in response to various stimuli. Among all the available external stimuli, light stands out, and has rapidly become a focus of research, because it offers green and remote triggering, noninvasive manipulation, high spatiotemporal resolution, and convenient tunable properties. Consequently, photo‐responsive AIE materials provide a fascinating strategy for constructing functional fluorescent materials. This review summarizes the recent advances in the fabrication of photo‐responsive fluorescent materials with AIE characteristics by grafting AIE fluorogens (AIEgens) into photochromic molecules. State‐of‐the‐art photo‐responsive AIE materials based on the inherent photochemical reactions of AIEgens are highlighted, and are classified and discussed according to the photochemical pathways, including photocyclization, photo‐isomerization, photodimerization, photo‐removal, and multiple photoreactions. Following this, the corresponding applications of photo‐responsive AIE materials in bio‐imaging, anti‐counterfeiting, photo‐patterning, photo‐release of chemicals or drugs, and photo‐controlled assembly and disassembly are introduced. Finally, the most promising directions for development and applications of photo‐responsive AIE materials are outlined and discussed.
Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells with Polymer‐Blended InP/ZnSeS Quantum Dot Active Layer
Authors: Park Sangjun , Yang Jeehye , Kim Seunghan , Hahm Donghyo , Jo Hyunwoo , Bae Wan Ki , Kang Moon Sung
Published: October 2020

A light‐emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) is an innovative device with a simple structure wherein a mixture of a luminophore and an electrolyte is sandwiched between electrodes. Here, LECs are presented which contain an active layer composed of green‐emitting InP/ZnSeS quantum dots (QDs) blended with polyvinyl carbozole p‐type polymer semiconductors and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid (IL). The blending of QDs with polymer semiconductors increases the density of holes reaching the QDs; this, in turn, leads to luminescence from QDs, which is unachievable without the presence of polyvinyl carbazole semiconductor. Moreover, the deposition of a zinc oxide nanoparticle layer onto the QD–polymer–IL active layer increases the density of electrons reaching the QDs. The composition of these materials is varied systematically for balancing the injection rates of electron versus hole into the QDs. A luminance of ≈632 cd m−2 and an efficiency of >1.3 cd A−1 are achieved.
Hierarchical amphiphilic high‐efficiency oil–water separation membranes from fermentation derived cellulose and recycled polystyrene
Authors: Raghavan Siju Cherikkattil , PV Anju , Khandelwal Mudrika
Published: October 2020

A high‐efficiency separation of oil and water can be achieved by using specially designed amphiphilic porous membrane. However, the preparation of such membranes often involves complex multistep chemical processes. Herein, we report an amphiphilic composite membrane (polystyrene [PS]/bacterial cellulose [BC] membrane) consisting of hydrophobic recycled PS and hydrophilic BC, fabricated by a facile in situ fermentation process. Not only these membranes exhibit a combination of contrasting wettability but also comprise of a hierarchical network of microfibers and nanofibers, which makes them ideal for oil–water separation. The structural and morphological properties of as‐produced BC, recycled PS membrane, and PS/BC composite membrane were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The ability of the membranes to separate oil and water was tested by using an emulsion of hexane‐in‐water as the feed and the collected filtrates were characterized by optical microscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy. PS membranes were unable to separate oil and water, while the PS/BC membrane efficiently separated water from the emulsion. PS/BC composite membranes showed a high water recovery of more than 90%, against only 57% recovery shown by BC. Mechanisms of oil–water separation for each membrane are discussed. The reusability of the PS/BC composite membrane was also demonstrated.
Gradient structure polyimide/graphene composite aerogels fabricated by layer‐by‐layer assembly and unidirectional freezing
Authors: Dai Tianwen , Yu Zhi , Yuan Shuaiwei , Zou Huawei , Liu Pengbo
Published: October 2020

In this work, gradient polyimide (PI)/graphene composite aerogels were prepared with poly(amic acid) ammonium salt/graphene aqueous solution through layer‐by‐layer assembly, unidirectional freezing, freezing drying, and thermal imidization process. Each layer of gradient PI aerogels was consisted of oriented channel‐like pores along the freezing direction. The gradient PI/graphene composite aerogels exhibited anisotropic conductivity and heat transfer property. The conductivity of composite aerogels in the perpendicular direction of oriented channel‐like pores was higher than that along the direction of oriented pores. The heat transfer from the high‐density end to the low‐density end of gradient density composite aerogels was faster. Compared with those of homogeneous composite aerogel with same density, the compression yield stress of gradient density composite aerogels obviously decreased, and their compression platform region also obviously shortened. Moreover, when the compressive strain exceeded 35%, the compressive strength of gradient composite aerogel with more layers was much higher.
Influence of modified ammonium polyphosphate on the fire behavior and mechanical properties of polyformaldehyde
Authors: Kang Xinglong , Liu Yan , Chen Ningxuan , Feng Weili , Liu Baoying , Xu Yuanqing , Li Jiantong , Ding Tao , Fang Xiaomin
Published: October 2020

In this work, three kinds of APP, coated with melamine (MF‐APP), silane (GW‐APP), epoxy (MC‐APP) were employed to compound with novolac resin (Novolac) and melamine (ME), aimed to study the effect of the modified APP on the flame‐retardant performance, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of polyformaldehyde (POM). The results showed that composites with modified APP exhibited better flame retardant and mechanical performance than that with unmodified APP. In contrast, GW‐APP had the best synergistic effect with Novolac and ME, and POM/GW‐APP composites reached UL‐94 V‐0 rating and its limit oxygen index (LOI) value was up to 34.0%. The morphology of the carbon layer showed that the silane coating material can promote the charring process in condensed phase better than epoxy and melamine coating materials in flame retardant POM system, leading to the formation of integrated char layers with more quantity and higher quality, which effectively delayed the mass and heat transfer during combustion.
3D‐Printed thermoplastic polyurethane/graphene composite with porous segregated structure: Toward ultralow percolation threshold and great strain sensitivity
Authors: Mei Shuxiang , Zhang Xiaomeng , Ding Bowen , Wang Jiqiang , Yang Pengfei , She Haibo , Cui Zhe , Liu Minying , Pang Xinchang , Fu Peng
Published: October 2020

Low‐percolation threshold and large deformation capacity are two critical attributes of the strain sensor, which determine its sensitivity and stability respectively. However, endowing these two attributes to the strain sensor simultaneously is still a great challenge in this field. In this work, the strain sensor with the three‐dimensional porous segregated structure constructed by graphene wrapped thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) particles was fabricated successfully through the selective laser sintering technology. Results demonstrated that the percolation threshold of the composite is only 0.2 wt% and the strain gage factor can reach as high as 668.3, which represents the excellent sensitivity of the strain sensor. Furthermore, after 10 circles of stretching at the 15% strain, resistance‐strain behavior of the strain sensor shows great repeatable, which represents the remarkable stability. Therefore, the highly sensible and stable strain sensor was fabricated successfully, which will provide the guidance for the manufacture of the high‐performance strain sensor.