bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Click chemical assembly and validation of bio-functionalized superparamagnetic hybrid microspheres
Authors: Saladino Giovanni M. , Hamawandi Bejan , Vogt Carmen , Rajarao Gunaratna K. , Toprak Muhammet S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSurface derivatized magnetic nanoparticles have been commonly used for magnetic separation. Facile mechanisms are needed to be developed for the design of bio-functionalized magnetic hybrid materials, where the surfaces can be re-generated for the re-use of the developed platforms. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with a diameter below 10 nm were synthesized via a novel microwave-assisted hydrothermal method in the presence of citrate ions, which allowed to obtain uniform and negatively charged nanoparticles. These were then coupled with Poly-l-lysine (PLL), forming micrometer-sized self-assembled spherical entities. Cross-linking the PLL within these microspheres with glutaraldehyde stabilized them chemically and mechanically. The active bio-functionality was introduced by a protein grafting methodology, using m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide ester (SMBS). The Moringa oleifera Coagulant Protein (MOCP) from a seed extract was employed for its characteristic coagulation activity. The performance of the MOCP functionalized microspheres was evaluated as a function of turbidity removal of problematic colloidal clay from water via magnetic separation, resulting in over 80% of activity within 15 min. Surface of these hybrid materials can be re-generated by treatment with alcohol, allowing their easy magnetic separation and re-use. The rapid and strong response with tunable magnetic property makes these hybrid microspheres a powerful tool for many potential applications, due to the general applicability of the developed methodology.
Trajectories of physical performance in nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Sverdrup Karen , Bergh Sverre , Selbæk Geir , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Røen Irene M. , Husebo Bettina , Tangen Gro G. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
In nursing homes (NH) the prevalence of dementia ranges from 50 to 84% and most residents have extensive physical-performance impairments. However, from time of admission, development of physical performance in NH residents with dementia remains unexplored.

Aims
To explore the overall trend in physical performance, associated characteristics, and groups following distinct trajectories from time of admission, in NH residents with dementia.

Methods
We followed newly admitted NH residents diagnosed with dementia (N = 583) from 47 NHs across Norway for 3 years. Individual assessments were conducted biannually, and main outcome measure was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Facility-level characteristics included unit size, staff-to-resident ratio, and quality of the physical environment (Special Care Unit Environmental Quality Scale, SCUEQS).

Results
From time of admission, NH residents with dementia showed a significant overall decline in physical performance. Further, we identified three distinct trajectory groups with significantly different baseline physical-performance status (“good,” “moderate,” and “poor”), differences between groups maintained and all declined across time. Younger age, good general medical health, less-severe dementia, and less musculoskeletal pain were associated with both an average higher overall trend and better baseline group-belonging. Additionally, less apathy and more psychosis were associated with a higher overall trend, and agitation was associated with poorer baseline group-belonging.

Conclusions
To prevent excessive decline in physical performance in this population, NH clinicians should focus efforts specifically on assessment of physical performance at admission and on identification and management of musculoskeletal pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Kafkas Erzählung In der Strafkolonie und ihre »unverwischbaren Fehler«
Authors: Seiler Bernd W. 
Published: February 2020

ZusammenfassungNoch nie ist genauer bedacht worden, auf welche »Fehler« Kafka in seiner Strafkolonie-Erzählung aufmerksam geworden ist. Geht man der Frage nach, erkennt man, dass ein »unverwischbarer« Widerspruch die gesamte Handlung durchzieht: Einerseits ist das Hinrichtungsverfahren in der Strafkolonie allgemein bekannt, andererseits dürfen die Verurteilten nichts darüber wissen, wenn es seinen Zweck erfüllen soll. Woher kommen dann die vielen ahnungslosen Delinquenten, die der Offizier mit seinem »Apparat« hinrichtet? Diese im Text nie berührte Unklarheit hat weitere Widersprüche zur Folge und lässt überdies erkennen, dass man sich auch auf den Reisenden als Beurteiler nicht verlassen kann. Eine befriedigende Auflösung der Unstimmigkeiten findet sich nicht. Es gibt da tatsächlich einen »Wurm, der selbst das Volle der Geschichte hohl macht«, wie Kafka selbst festgestellt hat.
Crystallization Variations in Clay Minerals with Latitude in Jilin Province, China: A Climate Perspective
Authors: Chen Yating , Wang Qing , Han Yan , Han Mengxia , Shen Jiejie , Kong Yuanyuan , Zhang Xudong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the soils of western Jilin Province in northeastern China, some significant gaps have been observed between the fraction of the soil existing as clay-size particles (<0.002 mm) and the amount attributable to crystalline clay minerals, and that the relative proportions of crystalline clay minerals to the total clay-size fraction (CP) apparently varies with latitude. The purpose of the present study was to identify the reason for this discrepancy and to explain the dependence on latitude. The grain sizes and mineral compositions of the whole soils from western Jilin Province, China, were analyzed by laser particle-size analysis (LPSA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the <0.002 mm particle-size fraction was analyzed by XRD and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results confirmed that the percentage gaps between the clay fraction and clay minerals increased with increasing latitude. The theoretical illite percentage calculated from K2O content was compared with the illite percentage measured by XRD, and the results suggested that the measured illite accounted for only a small proportion of the theoretical illite. Structures of some special minerals below the identification threshold of XRD was suggested to be the reason for the percent gaps. The grain size and mineral crystallization both changed with latitude: the soil particle size and the CP decreased. In addition, clay minerals were more sensitive to climate than particle sizes were, and the CP of clay minerals in the soils within 0~180 cm depth all decreased with increasing latitude; however, the grain size showed patterns with latitude only in relatively shallow soil layers. The present study provides a reference and error analysis for the testing of clay minerals in alpine regions, and more suitable methods may be considered for development of clay-mineral testing in future studies.
Luteinizing Hormone Action in Human Oocyte Maturation and Quality: Signaling Pathways, Regulation, and Clinical Impact
Authors: Arroyo Armando , Kim Beomsu , Yeh John 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe ovarian follicle luteinizing hormone (LH) signaling molecules that regulate oocyte meiotic maturation have recently been identified. The LH signal reduces preovulatory follicle cyclic nucleotide levels which releases oocytes from the first meiotic arrest. In the ovarian follicle, the LH signal reduces cyclic nucleotide levels via the CNP/NPR2 system, the EGF/EGF receptor network, and follicle/oocyte gap junctions. In the oocyte, reduced cyclic nucleotide levels activate the maturation promoting factor (MPF). The activated MPF induces chromosome segregation and completion of the first and second meiotic divisions. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the current understanding of human LH signaling regulation of oocyte meiotic maturation by identifying and integrating the human studies on this topic. We found 89 human studies in the literature that identified 24 LH follicle/oocyte signaling proteins. These studies show that human oocyte meiotic maturation is regulated by the same proteins that regulate animal oocyte meiotic maturation. We also found that these LH signaling pathway molecules regulate human oocyte quality and subsequent embryo quality. Remarkably, in vitro maturation (IVM) prematuration culture (PMC) protocols that manipulate the LH signaling pathway improve human oocyte quality of cultured human oocytes. This knowledge has improved clinical human IVM efficiency which may become a routine alternative ART for some infertile patients.
Establishing the Effectiveness of Interventions Provided to First Responders to Prevent and/or Treat Mental Health Effects of Response to a Disaster: A Systematic Review
Authors: Winders W. Tyler , Bustamante Nirma D. , Garbern Stephanie Chow , Bills Corey , Coker Amin , Trehan Indi , Osei-Ampofo Maxwell , Levine Adam C. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTObjectives:This review systematically explores the current available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions provided to first responders to prevent and/or treat the mental health effects of responding to a disaster.Methods:A systematic review of Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, and gray literature was conducted. Studies describing the effectiveness of interventions provided to first responders to prevent and/or treat the mental health effects of responding to a disaster were included. Quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.Results:Manuscripts totaling 3869 met the initial search criteria; 25 studies met the criteria for in-depth analysis, including 22 quantitative and 3 qualitative studies; 6 were performed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); 18 studies evaluated a psychological intervention; of these, 13 found positive impact, 4 found no impact, and 1 demonstrated worsened symptoms after the intervention. Pre-event trainings decreased psychiatric symptoms in each of the 3 studies evaluating its effectiveness.Conclusions:This review demonstrates that there are likely effective interventions to both prevent and treat psychiatric symptoms in first responders in high-, medium-, and low-income countries.
Post hoc analysis of a randomised, placebo-controlled, active-reference 6-week study of brexpiprazole in acute schizophrenia
Authors: Marder Stephen R. , Eriksson Hans , Zhao Yudong , Hobart Mary 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjective:We provide a closer look at the result of a randomised, placebo-controlled, active-reference (quetiapine XR), flexible-dose, 6-week study of brexpiprazole in schizophrenia, which did not meet its primary endpoint – change from baseline in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score. We also investigate potential expectancy bias from the well-known side-effect profile of the active reference that could have affected the study outcome.Methods:Pre-specified sensitivity analyses of the primary end point were performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) last observation carried forward (LOCF) and observed cases (OC). Post hoc analyses of change from baseline in PANSS total score were performed using the mixed model for repeated measures approach with treatment groups split by having typical adverse events with potential for functional unblinding, for example, somnolence, increase in weight, dizziness, dry mouth and sedation.Results:Pre-specified sensitivity analyses showed separation from placebo for brexpiprazole at week 6: LOCF, ANCOVA: −4.3 [95% CI (−8.0, −0.5), p = 0.0254]. OC, ANCOVA: −3.9 [95% CI (−7.3, −0.5), p = 0.0260]. Patients treated with brexpiprazole experiencing typical adverse events with potential for functional unblinding before or at Week 2 had a least square (LS) mean PANSS change of −29.5 (improvement), with a difference in change from baseline to Week 6 in PANSS total score between brexpiprazole and placebo of −13.5 [95% CI (−23.1, −4.0), p = 0.0057], and those who did not had an LS mean change of −18.9 and a difference between brexpiprazole and placebo of −2.9 [95% CI (−7.2, 1.4), p = 0.1809].Conclusion:Pre-specified sensitivity analyses showed separation from placebo for brexpiprazole at Week 6. A post hoc analysis suggested a potential confounding of efficacy rating towards symptom improvement in patients who experience known side effects of quetiapine XR.
Delayed Hardening and Reactivation of Binder Calcite, Common Problems in Radiocarbon Dating of Lime Mortars
Authors: Lindroos Alf , Ringbom Åsa , Heinemeier Jan , Hajdas Irka , Olsen Jesper 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTWhen sampling mortars for radiocarbon (14C) dating it is crucial to ensure that the sample has hardened rapidly relative the resolution of the dating method. Soft and porous lime mortars usually fulfill this criterion if the samples are taken from an uncovered surface from less than a few centimeters deep. However, hard, concrete-like mortars may be impermeable for carbon dioxide and even the outermost centimeters may still contain uncarbonated calcium hydroxide. These mortars may harden very slowly and contain carbonate that formed centuries or even millennia after the original building phase, and they can still be alkaline and capture modern 14C, causing younger 14C ages than the actual construction age. Another problem is reactivation of the binder carbonate if it has been partly decarbonated during a fire later on in its history. It will be shown that these young carbonates dissolve rapidly in phosphoric acid and in many cases a reasonable 14C age can be read from 14C profiles in sequential dissolution if the measurements from initially formed carbon dioxide are disregarded. However, if a mortar was made waterproof deliberately by adding crushed or ground tile, as in Roman cocciopesto mortars, it may be very difficult to get a conclusive dating.
‘I try my best … I try to relieve the burden of my mum’: a narrative analysis of the everyday care-giving experiences for five intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families where one member has dementia
Authors: Koo May Yeok , Pusey Helen , Keady John 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSingapore is experiencing a rapid growth in its ageing population with most of the islands’ inhabitants living in high-rise apartments due to the scarcity of land. The Chinese community living in Singapore comprises the largest ethnic group and they are more likely to live together under one roof in an intergenerational family grouping. Currently, there are gaps in understanding intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families and their approach to caring at home for a family member with dementia. The aim of this longitudinal qualitative study was to understand better this everyday care-giving experience. Using semi-structured biographical interviews and digital photographs to elicit family stories, five intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families were visited at home for a period of between six and 15 months. Each recruited intergenerational family was treated as a ‘case’. Narrative analysis of the data was applied within and between cases and resulted in the emergence of three themes that represented various dynamics in the data. The three themes were identified as: (1) family values, which is about the cultural context in which everyday care takes place, the religious beliefs and practices of the intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families, and the practice of filial piety; (2) family support, which is about everyday access to family and service networks, including the contribution of the live-in maid in caring for the family member with dementia; and (3) family bonds, which is about the maintenance of intergenerational family relations in the Chinese family kinship system.
Epidemiological features and time-series analysis of influenza incidence in urban and rural areas of Shenyang, China, 2010–2018
Authors: Chen Ye , Leng Kunkun , Lu Ying , Wen Lihai , Qi Ying , Gao Wei , Chen Huijie , Bai Lina , An Xiangdong , Sun Baijun , Wang Ping , Dong Jing 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In recent years, there have been a significant influenza activity and emerging influenza strains in China, resulting in an increasing number of influenza virus infections and leading to public health concerns. The aims of this study were to identify the epidemiological and aetiological characteristics of influenza and establish seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models for forecasting the percentage of visits for influenza-like illness (ILI%) in urban and rural areas of Shenyang. Influenza surveillance data were obtained for ILI cases and influenza virus positivity from 18 sentinel hospitals. The SARIMA models were constructed to predict ILI% for January–December 2019. During 2010–2018, the influenza activity was higher in urban than in rural areas. The age distribution of ILI cases showed the highest rate in young children aged 0–4 years. Seasonal A/H3N2, influenza B virus and pandemic A/H1N1 continuously co-circulated in winter and spring seasons. In addition, the SARIMA (0, 1, 0) (0, 1, 2)12 model for the urban area and the SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 0)12 model for the rural area were appropriate for predicting influenza incidence. Our findings suggested that there were regional and seasonal distinctions of ILI activity in Shenyang. A co-epidemic pattern of influenza strains was evident in terms of seasonal influenza activity. Young children were more susceptible to influenza virus infection than adults. These results provide a reference for future influenza prevention and control strategies in the study area.
Tabletop Application of SALT Triage to 10, 100, and 1000 Pediatric Victims
Authors: McGlynn Nicholas , Claudius Ilene , Kaji Amy H. , Fisher Emilia H. , Shaban Alaa , Cicero Mark X. , Santillanes Genevieve , Gausche-Hill Marianne , Chang Todd P. , Donofrio-Odmann J. Joelle 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroduction:The Sort, Access, Life-saving interventions, Treatment and/or Triage (SALT) mass-casualty incident (MCI) algorithm is unique in that it includes two subjective questions during the triage process: “Is the victim likely to survive given the resources?” and “Is the injury minor?”Hypothesis/Problem:Given this subjectivity, it was hypothesized that as casualties increase, the inter-rater reliability (IRR) of the tool would decline, due to an increase in the number of patients triaged as Minor and Expectant.Methods:A pre-collected dataset of pediatric trauma patients age <14 years from a single Level 1 trauma center was used to generate “patients.” Three trained raters triaged each patient using SALT as if they were in each of the following scenarios: 10, 100, and 1,000 victim MCIs. Cohen’s kappa test was used to evaluate IRR between the raters in each of the scenarios.Results:A total of 247 patients were available for triage. The kappas were consistently “poor” to “fair:” 0.37 to 0.59 in the 10-victim scenario; 0.13 to 0.36 in the 100-victim scenario; and 0.05 to 0.36 in the 1,000-victim scenario. There was an increasing percentage of subjects triaged Minor as the number of estimated victims increased: 27.8% increase from 10- to 100-victim scenario and 7.0% increase from 100- to 1,000-victim scenario. Expectant triage categorization of patients remained stable as victim numbers increased.Conclusion:Overall, SALT demonstrated poor IRR in this study of increasing casualty counts while triaging pediatric patients. Increased casualty counts in the scenarios did lead to increased Minor but not Expectant categorizations.
Economics is not statistics (and vice versa)
Authors: Leeson Peter T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEconomic analysis is a theoretical approach, not an empirical one. It is a way of thinking, not a way of testing. An analysis that has an empirical component can be economic without being quantitative: economics is not statistics. An atheoretical analysis can never be economic, no matter how impressive its regressions: statistics is not economics.
Changing Rainfall Patterns Over the Western Lake Erie Basin (1975–2017): Effects on Tributary Discharge and Phosphorus Load
Authors: Williams Mark R. , King Kevin W. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn agricultural watersheds, shifting climate and hydrologic patterns present an immediate and future risk to both farm productivity and downstream aquatic ecosystems. Here, our objective was to evaluate long‐term spatiotemporal trends in rainfall amount and intensity within the Maumee River‐Lake Erie system and quantify the effects of rainfall patterns on streamflow and phosphorus loading. Across the watershed, annual rainfall increased by 102 ± 115 mm (11 ± 13%) from 1975–2017. Heavy (25.4–76.2 mm) and very heavy (>76.2 mm) rainfall accounted for most of the increase in total rainfall, with observed increases of 45 ± 32% that occurred primarily during spring and summer. Trends in streamflow for 12 monitored subwatersheds generally followed patterns in rainfall, as discharge increased by 19 ± 32%. Discharge‐to‐rainfall ratio increased in 9 of 12 subwatersheds despite no change or increases in watershed storage capacity, suggesting that increasing rainfall intensity that exceeds short‐term watershed storage capacity (i.e., during/immediately following the rainfall event) may control patterns of discharge more than long‐term gains in watershed storage (i.e., changes in soil water holding capacity). Long‐term trends in phosphorus (total phosphorus and soluble reactive phosphorus) load indicate that changes in rainfall amount and intensity have substantially contributed to increased loading through increased discharge volumes. Differences in total phosphorus and soluble reactive phosphorus concentration trends also highlight how concomitant changes in rainfall and land management practices have influenced loading. Findings therefore suggest that changing patterns in rainfall amount and intensity have and will likely continue to pose a significant challenge to conservation efforts in agricultural landscapes aiming to decrease phosphorus delivery to surface waters.
Numerical Study of Solute Transport in Heterogeneous Beach Aquifers Subjected to Tides
Authors: Geng Xiaolong , Boufadel Michel C. , Rajaram Harihar , Cui Fangda , Lee Kenneth , An Chunjiang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA numerical study, based on a variably saturated groundwater flow model within a Monto Carlo framework, was conducted to investigate flow and solute transport in a heterogeneous beach aquifer subjected to tides. The numerical simulations were conducted based on our previous tracer experiments performed in a laboratory beach. Heterogeneity is assumed to be multifractal generated using the Universal Multifractal model. Our results show that heterogeneity greatly alters temporal and spatial evolution of the tracer plume migrating in the beach. The spreading coefficient of the plume shows very dynamic response to tides; it increases as the tidally driven recirculation cell overlaps with the plume and decreases as the recirculation cell moves far from the plume with tides. Descriptive statistics suggests that heterogeneity enhances spreading of the plume in the beach in an ensemble sense along with significant spatial and temporal variation. Due to heterogeneity, high spots of the pore water velocity are formed within the recirculation cell, creating transient preferential flow paths in the beach in response to tides. Contours of the Okubo‐Weiss (OW) parameter show that coupling with tides, heterogeneity creates vorticity‐dominated flow regions and also expands strain‐dominated flow regions more downward, indicating complex local‐scale mixing in the beach, compared to corresponding homogeneous case. Geologic heterogeneity also alters the spatial extent of the recirculating cell and induces highly variable transit time along the recirculating flow paths. The results provide insights into effects of geologic heterogeneity on seawater‐groundwater mixing and associated solute transport processes in tidally influenced coastal aquifers.