bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Church leaders and parishioners speak out about the role of the church in advance care planning and end-of-life care
Authors: Sloan Danetta Hendricks , Gray Tamryn F. , Harris Darriel , Peters Theodora , Belcher Anne , Aslakson Rebecca , Bowie Janice 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveDespite the increased focus on improving advance care planning (ACP) in African Americans through community partnerships, little published research focused on the role of the African American church in this effort. This study examines parishioner perceptions and beliefs about the role of the church in ACP and end-of-life care (EOLC).MethodQualitative interviews were completed with 25 church members (parishioners n = 15, church leader n = 10). The coding of data entailed a direct content analysis approach incorporating team experts for final themes.ResultsSeven themes emerged: (1) church role on end-of-life, (2) advocacy for health and well-being, (3) health literacy in EOLC, (4) lay health training on ACP and EOLC, (5) church recognized as a trusted source, (6) use of church ministries to sustain programs related to ACP and EOLC, and (7) community resources for EOLC needs.Significance of resultsThe church has a central role in the African American Community. These findings suggest that involving African American churches in ACP and EOLC training can have a positive effect on facilitating planning and care during illness, dying, and death for their congregants.
Expression of existential suffering in two patients with advanced cancer in an acute palliative care unit
Authors: Tang Michael , Nguyen Nhu-Nhu , Bruera Eduardo , Tanco Kimberson , Delgado-Guay Marvin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecognizing and managing existential suffering remains challenging. We present two cases demonstrating how existential suffering manifests in patients and how to manage it to alleviate suffering.Case descriptionCase 1: A 69-year-old man with renal cell carcinoma receiving end-of-life care expressed fear of lying down “as he may not wake up.” He also expressed concerns of not being a good Christian. Supportive psychotherapy and chaplain support were provided, with anxiolytic medications as needed. He was able to express his fear of dying and concern about his family, and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System scores improved. He died peacefully with family at bedside. Case 2: A 71-year-old woman presented with follicular lymphoma and colonic obstruction requiring nasogastric drain of fecaloid matter. Initially, she felt that focusing on comfort rather than cure symbolized giving up but eventually felt at peace. Physical symptoms were well-controlled but emotionally she became more distressed, repeatedly asking angrily, “Why is it taking so long to die?.” She was supported by her family through Bible readings and prayers, but she was distressed about being a burden to them. An interdisciplinary approach involving expressive supportive counseling, spiritual care, and integrative medicine resulted in limited distress relief. Owing to increasing agitation, the patient and family agreed to titrate chlorpromazine to sedation. Her family was appreciative that she was restful until her death.ConclusionExistential suffering manifests through multiple domains in each patient. A combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic techniques may be needed to relieve end-of-life suffering.
Nitrate in Streams During Winter Low‐Flow Conditions as an Indicator of Legacy Nitrate
Authors: Johnson H. M. , Stets E. G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWinter low‐flow (LF) conditions in streams provide a potential opportunity to evaluate the importance of legacy nitrate in catchments due to the dominance of slow‐flow transport pathways and lowered biotic activity. In this study, the concentration, flux, and trend of nitrate in streams during winter low‐flow conditions were analyzed at 320 sites in the conterminous United States. LF flow‐normalized nitrate concentrations varied from <0.1 to >20 mg‐N L−1 and LF conditions contributed between 2% and 98% of the winter nitrate flux. LF nitrate concentrations generally exceeded 2.5 mg‐N L−1 in the upper Midwest, with smaller regions of high LF nitrate concentrations in eastern Texas and along the northern mid‐Atlantic coast. Groundwater was inferred to be the primary or sole contributor of nitrate to streams during winter LF conditions at 140 of our 320 sites. Among these 140 sites, nitrate from groundwater comprised 45% or more of the winter nitrate flux at a quarter of the sites. Among the same 140 sites, concentrations of nitrate in streams during winter LF conditions generally increased between 2002 and 2012 at sites where 40% or more of the winter flux was from groundwater, suggesting that concentrations of nitrate in the contributing groundwater system were increasing. Using metrics developed herein, we characterize the potential importance of legacy nitrate at sites in this study and discuss methods to characterize sites with fewer samples than required by our models or at sites without continuous stream discharge measurements.
Projected Changes in Reference Evapotranspiration in California and Nevada: Implications for Drought and Wildland Fire Danger
Authors: McEvoy Daniel J. , Pierce David W. , Kalansky Julie F. , Cayan Daniel R. , Abatzoglou John T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRecent high impact wildfires and droughts in California and Nevada have been linked to extremes in the Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), respectively. Both indices are dependent on reference evapotranspiration (ET0). Future changes in ET0 for California and Nevada are examined, calculated from global climate model simulations downscaled by Localized Constructed Analogs (LOCA). ET0 increases of 13–18% at seasonal timescales are projected by late century (2070–2099), with greatest relative increases in winter and spring. Seasonal ET0 increases are most strongly driven by warmer temperatures, with increasing specific humidity having a smaller, but noteworthy, counter tendency. Extreme (95th percentile) EDDI values on the 2‐week timescale have coincided with recent large wildfires in the area. Two‐week EDDI extremes are projected to increase by 6–10 times during summer and 4–6 times during autumn by the end of the century. On multiyear timescales, the occurrence of extreme droughts based on 3‐year SPEI below the historical fifth percentile, similar to that experienced during the 2012–2016 drought across the region, is projected to increase 3–15 times by late century. Positive trends in extreme multiyear droughts will further increase seasonal fire potential through degraded forests and increased fuel loads and flammability. Understanding how these drought metrics change on various climate timescales at the local level can provide fundamental information to support the development of long‐term adaptation strategies for wildland fire and water resource management.
Why Do Equatorial Plasma Bubbles Bifurcate?
Authors: Carrasco A. J. , Pimenta A. A. , Wrasse C. M. , Batista I. S. , Takahashi H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIonospheric plasma bubble observations using all‐sky airglow imagers in the OI 630‐nm emission show bifurcations with complex patterns. Bifurcation is the division of one channel of the plasma bubble into two that grow vertically in the magnetic equator. Several theories have been suggested to explain the bifurcation mechanism. In this work we use a plasma bubble simulation code to examine these theories. The model used shows that the height where the bifurcation occurs is conditioned by the polarization electric fields inside the bubble. The numerical simulation produced plasma bubbles with complex ramifications which agree with the observations taken at São João do Cariri (7.4°S, 36.5°W).
Tree Ring‐Based Historic Hydroclimatic Variability of the Baja California Peninsula
Authors: Gutierrez‐Garcia Genaro , Leavitt Steven W. , Trouet Valerie , Carriquiry Jose D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Baja California Peninsula is one of the most arid regions in Mexico, receiving an average of only 168 mm of precipitation annually. Climate change scenarios project drier and warmer conditions in the region at the end of this century driven by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. The growing demand for limited water supplies and the impacts of climate change pose a challenge to manage the already scarce water resources in the Peninsula. Analysis of historical hydroclimatic variability in the Peninsula is limited because most of the early instrumental climate data collection started only in the 1950s. In this study, we reconstruct past precipitation variability for the Peninsula using two tree ring chronologies from northern (Pinus monophylla) and southern (Pinus lagunae) Baja California. Our two reconstructions document multicentury hydroclimatic variability in the Peninsula, including events that turned out to be more extreme than those captured by modern instrumental records. Drought episodes are longer, more frequent, and more intense in the northern peninsula compared to the southern region. Multiyear dry and wet events in our two reconstructions exhibit broad spatial extent, affecting most of northwest Mexico and the western United States, which are mainly caused by broad‐scale atmospheric circulation patterns such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). The results of this study allow framing current and projected droughts in a longer‐term context, thus providing a better understanding of past climate variability and a basis for robust water resource management in the region.
Influence of Elevated Nd Fluxes on the Northern Nd Isotope End Member of the Atlantic During the Early Holocene
Authors: Pöppelmeier Frerk , Scheen Jeemijn , Blaser Patrick , Lippold Jörg , Gutjahr Marcus , Stocker Thomas F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe neodymium (Nd) isotopic composition of seawater is a valuable tool for the reconstruction of past water mass provenance and hence deep water geometry. A meaningful interpretation of Nd isotope down‐core records requires knowledge of potential variations of water mass end member characteristics. While often assumed temporally constant, recent investigations revealed glacial‐interglacial variability of the northern and southern Nd isotope end members in the Atlantic. These new constraints have a strong influence on the interpretation of the Atlantic deep water mass evolution, yet the processes responsible for the end member shifts remain uncertain. Here we combine a new compilation of Atlantic Nd isotope reconstructions of the early Holocene with the Nd‐enabled Bern3D model to quantify the recently proposed hypothesis of a northern Nd isotope end member shift during the early Holocene. We achieve the best model‐data fit with a strong increase of the Nd flux in the northern high latitudes by a factor of 3 to 4, which lowers the northern end member signature by about 1 ε‐unit. Our findings thus agree with the rationale that glacially weathered material entered the northern Northwest Atlantic after the ice sheets retreated late in the deglaciation and released substantial amounts of unradiogenic Nd as suggested previously. Further, we find that variations in the strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) cannot reproduce the observed Nd isotope excursions of the compiled data, ruling out an early Holocene AMOC “overshoot.”
Calculation of GIC in the North Island of New Zealand Using MT Data and Thin‐Sheet Modeling
Authors: Mukhtar K. , Ingham M. , Rodger C. J. , Mac Manus D. H. , Divett T. , Heise W. , Bertrand E. , Dalzell M. , Petersen T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGeomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in the North Island New Zealand power transmission network during two large magnetic storms are calculated from both magnetotelluric (MT) data and a thin‐sheet conductance model of New Zealand previously used to study GIC in the South Island. We focus on the 2015 St. Patrick's Day magnetic storm and the storm of 20 November 2003. Lack of MT data in the northwestern part of the Island means that the transmission network in this region is represented by an equivalent circuit. Lack of GIC observations in the North Island means that results cannot be directly compared with measured GIC. However, our calculation of GIC shows that substations and individual transformers in the lower part of the Island with significant currents are generally the same as those where total harmonic distortion has been observed during periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity. MT data in the period range 2–30 min are used to predict GIC associated with the sudden storm commencement and rapid variations in the magnetic field. In contrast, the thin‐sheet modeling approach shows that GIC may be expected to occur in conjunction with longer‐period variations. Calculations for the 2003 storm suggest that at some locations GIC in excess of 10 A may persist for long periods of time and may produce significant harmonic distortion which could lead to localized transformer heating. It is concluded that despite its relatively low latitude the North Island power network is potentially at risk from significant GIC during extreme storms.
Mutualistic networks emerging from adaptive niche-based interactions
Authors: Cai Weiran , Snyder Jordan , Hastings Alan , D’Souza Raissa M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMutualistic networks are vital ecological and social systems shaped by adaptation and evolution. They involve bipartite cooperation via the exchange of goods or services between actors of different types. Empirical observations of mutualistic networks across genres and geographic conditions reveal correlated nested and modular patterns. Yet, the underlying mechanism for the network assembly remains unclear. We propose a niche-based adaptive mechanism where both nestedness and modularity emerge simultaneously as complementary facets of an optimal niche structure. Key dynamical properties are revealed at different timescales. Foremost, mutualism can either enhance or reduce the network stability, depending on competition intensity. Moreover, structural adaptations are asymmetric, exhibiting strong hysteresis in response to environmental change. Finally, at the evolutionary timescale we show that the adaptive mechanism plays a crucial role in preserving the distinctive patterns of mutualism under species invasions and extinctions.
Control of self-assembly pathways toward conglomerate and racemic supramolecular polymers
Authors: Wehner Marius , Röhr Merle Insa Silja , Stepanenko Vladimir , Würthner Frank 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHomo- and heterochiral aggregation during crystallization of organic molecules has significance both for fundamental questions related to the origin of life as well as for the separation of homochiral compounds from their racemates in industrial processes. Herein, we analyse these phenomena at the lowest level of hierarchy – that is the self-assembly of a racemic mixture of (R,R)- and (S,S)-PBI into 1D supramolecular polymers. By a combination of UV/vis and NMR spectroscopy as well as atomic force microscopy, we demonstrate that homochiral aggregation of the racemic mixture leads to the formation of two types of supramolecular conglomerates under kinetic control, while under thermodynamic control heterochiral aggregation is preferred, affording a racemic supramolecular polymer. FT-IR spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations reveal unique packing arrangements and hydrogen-bonding patterns within these supramolecular polymers. Time-, concentration- and temperature-dependent UV/vis experiments provide further insights into the kinetic and thermodynamic control of the conglomerate and racemic supramolecular polymer formation.
Antibiotic sensitivity in correlation to the origin of secondary peritonitis: a single center analysis
Authors: Grotelüschen Rainer , Heidelmann Lena M. , Lütgehetmann Marc , Melling Nathaniel , Reeh Matthias , Ghadban Tarik , Dupree Anna , Izbicki Jakob R. , Bachmann Kai A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDespite improvements in diagnosis, intensive-care medicine and surgical technique, the mortality of patients with secondary peritonitis is still high. Early and aggressive empiric antibiotic treatment has strong impact on the outcome. This retrospective study investigates bacterial and fungal pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity in patients with secondary peritonitis. All patients that underwent emergency laparotomy due to secondary peritonitis at the Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed and overall 414 patients were included. We correlated the intra-abdominal localization of the organ perforation with intraoperative microbiological findings and corresponding sensitivities to relevant antibiotics. Overall, the most common findings were Escherichia coli (39%) and other Enterobacterica (24%). Depending on the location of the perforation, Cefuroxime/Metronidazole and Cefutaxime/Metronidazole were effective (based on in vitro susceptibility testing) in only 55–73% of the patients, while Meropenem/Vancomycin was able to control the peritonitis in more than 98% of the patients; independent of the location. Besides early source control, appropriate empiric treatment plays a pivotal role in treatment of secondary peritonitis. We are able to show that the frequently used combinations of second or third generation Cephalosporins with Metronidazole are not always sufficient, which is due to the biological resistance of the bacteria. Further clinical studies are needed to determine whether calculated use of broad-spectrum antibiotics with a sensitivity rate > 99%, such as Carbapenem plus Vancomycin, can improve overall survival rates in critically ill patients with secondary peritonitis.
Eco friendly silver nanoparticles synthesis by Brassica oleracea and its antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant properties
Authors: Ansar Sabah , Tabassum Hajera , Aladwan Norah S. M. , Naiman Ali Mir , Almaarik Basmah , AlMahrouqi Salma , Abudawood Manal , Banu Naheed , Alsubki Roua 
Published: October 2020

AbstractProduction of environmentally amenable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has garnered the interest of the scientific community owing to their broad application primarily in the field of optronics, sensing and extensively in pharmaceuticals as promising antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer agents. The current study emphases on production of ecofriendly silver nanoparticles from Brassica oleracea (BO) and investigated their antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant activity. The characteristics of synthesized BO-AgNPs were studied by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, particle size analysis, electro kinetic/zeta potential analysis, and Transmission electron microscope (TEM). A distinctive absorption maximum at 400 nm confirmed the formation of BO-AgNPs and data on TEM analysis have shown that the synthesized nanoparticles were predominantly spherical in shape. The BO-AgNPs obtained were assessed for antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic ability in MCF-7 cells. The antibacterial activity expressed was maximum against Staphylococcus epidermidis (Gram positive) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram negative) with DIZ of 14.33 ± 0.57 and 12.0 ± 0.20 mm respectively. Furthermore, the ability of the synthesized green nanoparticles to scavenge free radicals revealed a strong antioxidant activity. The cytotoxicity increased proportionately with increasing concentration of the green synthesized BO-AgNPs with maximum effect at 100 μg/ml and IC50 of 55 μg/ml. In conclusion, the data obtained in the study is reflective of the role of BO-AgNPs as potential and promising antimicrobial agent against bacterial infections and potential anticancer agent in cancer therapy.
Biorheology of occlusive thrombi formation under high shear: in vitro growth and shrinkage
Authors: van Rooij Britt J. M. , Závodszky Gábor , Hoekstra Alfons G. , Ku David N. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOcclusive thrombi formed under high flow shear rates develop very rapidly in arteries and may lead to myocardial infarction or stroke. Rapid platelet accumulation (RPA) and occlusion of platelet-rich thrombi and clot shrinkage have been studied after flow arrest. However, the influence of margination and shear rate on occlusive clot formation is not fully understood yet. In this study, the influence of flow on the growth and shrinkage of a clot is investigated. Whole blood (WB) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were perfused at high shear rates (> 3,000 s−1) through two microfluidic systems with a stenotic section under constant pressure. The stenotic section of the two devices are different in stenotic length (1,000 vs 150 μm) and contraction angle of the stenosis (15° vs 80°). In all experiments, the flow chamber occluded in the stenotic section. Besides a significantly increased lag time and decreased RPA rate for PRP compared to WB (p < 0.01), the device with a shorter stenotic section and steeper contraction angle showed a shear-dependent occlusion and lag time for both PRP and WB. This shear-dependent behavior of the platelet aggregate formation might be caused by the stenotic geometry.
Photodetecting properties of single CuO–ZnO core–shell nanowires with p–n radial heterojunction
Authors: Costas Andreea , Florica Camelia , Preda Nicoleta , Kuncser Andrei , Enculescu Ionut 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCuO–ZnO core–shell radial heterojunction nanowire arrays were obtained by a simple route which implies two cost-effective methods: thermal oxidation in air for preparing CuO nanowire arrays, acting as a p-type core and RF magnetron sputtering for coating the surface of the CuO nanowires with a ZnO thin film, acting as a n-type shell. The morphological, structural, optical and compositional properties of the CuO–ZnO core–shell nanowire arrays were investigated. In order to analyse the electrical and photoelectrical properties of the metal oxide nanowires, single CuO and CuO–ZnO core–shell nanowires were contacted by employing electron beam lithography (EBL) and focused ion beam induced deposition (FIBID). The photoelectrical properties emphasize that the p–n radial heterojunction diodes based on single CuO–ZnO core–shell nanowires behave as photodetectors, evidencing a time-depending photoresponse under illumination at 520 nm and 405 nm wavelengths. The performance of the photodetector device was evaluated by assessing its key parameters: responsivity, external quantum efficiency and detectivity. The results highlighted that the obtained CuO–ZnO core–shell nanowires are emerging as potential building blocks for a next generation of photodetector devices.