bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoliberalism(s) as a Guide to Post‐Wall Urban Change: Explanation Out of the Blue?
Authors: Gentile Michael , Sjöberg Örjan
Published: August 2019

Concerns have been raised that neoliberalism has become the favoured, yet uncritically applied lens used to approach and explain societal developments. This contribution assesses research on an area where this concern has been pronounced, namely the formerly centrally planned economies of Europe. Examining a sample of more than 200 articles published in twelve geography, area and urban studies journals over the period 2000–2014, findings suggest that while neoliberalism is not generally used as a blanket explanation for patterns of change following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, it is occasionally afforded explanatory power. Moreover, when it does assume this role it is rarely defined and more rarely still validated empirically. Thus, in about one tenth of the sampled literature, the importance of neoliberalism is asserted rather than shown.
MORALITY THROUGH INQUIRY, MOTIVE THROUGH RHETORIC: THE POLITICS OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION IN THE EPOCH OF THE ANTHROPOCENE
Authors: Crick Nathan
Published: August 2019

In an epoch marked by the threat of global warming, the conflicts between science and religion are no longer simply matters that concern only intellectual elites and armchair philosophers; they are in many ways matters that will determine the degree to which we can meet the challenges of our times. John H. Evans'sMorals Not Knowledgerepresents an important provocation for those committed not only to using scientific method as a resource for making moral judgments but also to creating political alliances with religious constituencies. In this important work, Evans argues that most conflicts between science and religion do not concern a clash between two contradictory ways of knowing, but rather a clash over our moral responsibilities and ultimate values. In my response to his work, I suggest that integrating both John Dewey's pragmatic understanding of the moral situation and Kenneth Burke's rhetorical interpretation of motives helps bolster Evans's cause and provides support for a political movement that aims to bridge the divide between science and religion in the epoch of the Anthropocene.
Anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities of Anthurium plowmaniileaves extracts
Authors: Ramadhania Nurina Rizka , Harun Fajriah , Purnomo Adi Setyo , Fatmawati Sri
Published: August 2019

Different solvent extracts of Anthurium plowmanii leaves were assayed for antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Methanol extract had the highest inhibition of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities among extracts. Concentrations of methanol extract required for 50% inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging effect were recorded as 231,59 μg/mL. The IC50 of methanol and water extracts on ABTS were 57,23 μg/mL and 73,35 μg/mL, respectively. The lower IC50 values denotes a more potent antioxidant.   Dichloromethane and n-hexane extracts showed faint antibacterial activity against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis was evaluated by broth dilution method. The results demonstrated great potential of the A. plowmanii leaves as a new source of new antioxidant agents.
Effect of particle size and amount of nonmetallic PCB materials on the mechanical properties of rHDPE/PCB composites
Authors: Sohaili Johan , Muniyandi Shantha Kumari , Mohamad Siti Suhaila , Ariffin Azreen
Published: August 2019

Composites based on recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) and nonmetallic printed circuit board (PCB)  waste were made through melt compounding and compression molding. In this study, the chemical compositions of the nonmetallic PCB material were determined via XRF and it was confirmed that it contains predominantly  72.7% of glass fiber materials which improve the mechanical performances of the rHDPE matrix. The main aim of this study is to determine the effect of different particle sizes and loadings of nonmetallic PCB on mechanical properties of rHDPE/PCB composite. The results indicated that mechanical properties of composites were excellent when nonmetallic materials with particle size from 0.09 to 0.15 mm and adding amount was 30 wt%. Microscopic images revealed that nonmetallic particles with the size of 0.07-0.09 mm and 0.09 -0.15 mm contained majority of single glass fibers whereas, bigger particle sizes of 0.15-0.3 mm and 0.3-0.5 mm, contained glass fibers in the form of bundles and large resin sheet.
Heat distribution modeling of the subsurface of Wapsalit geothermal area based on land surface temperature from Landsat-8 thermal infrared sensor imagery
Authors: Sampurno Joko , Apriansyah Apriansyah , Adriat Riza
Published: August 2019

In this research, models of heat distribution of the subsurface of the Wapsalit geothermal area were built, which their structures were known before, using finite different method. Rock thermal diffusivity was used as the model parameter, which controlled the heat flow. The result showed that the heat flow was adjusted the model parameters effectively. Land surface temperature (LST) as the result of the model was compared to LST from Landsat-8 Thermal Infrared Sensor Imagery and produced absolute error 6.8% and 3.6% for cross-section 1 and 2, respectively. This error percentage confirmed that the model was successfully depicted the actual heat distribution of the subsurface of the study area.
Activation of zeolite-Y templated carbon with KOH to enhance the CO2 adsorption capacity
Authors: Widiastuti Nurul , Susanti Indri
Published: August 2019

This research was aimed to activate zeolite-Y templated carbon (ZTC-Y) with potassium hydroxide (KOH) at variation weight ratios of KOH(g)/KTZ-Y(g) at 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2, in order to enhance the carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption capacity on the material. ZTC-Y was synthesized via impregnation method by carbonization. The activation was performed by heating of impregnated ZTC-Y with KOH at 800°C for 1 hour, followed by acid washing to remove inorganic salt. ZTC-Y before and after activation were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) methods. The surface area and average pore size of activated ZTC-Y were 557.41 m2/g and 2.36 nm, respectively. The CO2 adsorption capacity was determined by gravimetric method. The result showed that activation of ZTC-Y with KOH could increase CO2 adsorption capacity on ZTC-Y. CO2 adsorption capacity was enhanced from 1.07% (wt) to 2.72% (wt) for ZTC-Y after activation with KOH at weight ratio of KOH(g)/ ZTC-Y(g) 1.5.
Water-soluble chitosan from shrimp and mussel shells as corrosion inhibitor on tinplate in 2% NaCl
Authors: Harmami Harmami , Ulfin Ita , Sakinah Arina Hidayatus , Ni’mah Yatim Lailun
Published: August 2019

Water-Soluble Chitosan (WSC) was synthesized form shrimp and mussel shells wastes and used as corrosion inhibitor on tinplate in 2% NaCl. Chitin was extracted from shrimp and mussel shells wastes by demineralization and deproteinization reactions.Chitin was deacetylated to crude chitosan. WSC was obtained by shortening the crude chitosan polymer chain using H2O2. WSC was characterized by FTIR. WSC performance as corrosion inhibitor on tinplate in 2% NaCl was studied by weightloss and potentiodynamic polarization methods. WSC inhibition efficiency was studied in various concentrations from 10-1500 mg/L. Maximum inhibition efficiencies of WSC from shrimp shells waste were 72,73% (weightloss method) and 91,41% (potentiodynamic polarization method), while maximum inhibition efficiency of WSC from mussel shells waste was 54,55% (weightloss method) with the addition of 1300 mg/L WSC concentration. Weightloss studies revealed that WSC acted as mixed type of inhibitor and obeyed Freundlich adsorption isoterm.
Noda-Like RNA Viruses InfectingCaenorhabditisNematodes: Sympatry, Diversity, and Reassortment
Authors: Frézal Lise , Jung Hyeim , Tahan Stephen , Wang David , Félix Marie-Anne
Published: August 2019

The roundwormCaenorhabditis elegansis a laboratory model organism in biology. We study natural populations of this small animal and its relative,C. briggsae, and the viruses that infect them. We previously discovered three RNA viruses related to nodaviruses and here describe a fourth one, called the Mělník virus. These viruses have a genome composed of two RNA molecules. We find that two viruses may infect the same animal and the same cell. The two RNA molecules may be exchanged between variants of a given viral species. We study the diversity of each viral species and devise an assay of their infectivity and competitive ability. Using this assay, we show that the outcome of the competition also depends on the host.
Melt equilibration depths as sensors of lithospheric thickness during Eurasia-Arabia collision and the uplift of the Anatolian Plateau
Authors: Reid M.R. , Delph J.R. , Cosca M.A. , Schleiffarth W.K. , Gençalioğlu Kuşcu G.
Published: August 2019

A co-investigation of mantle melting conditions and seismic structure revealed an evolutionary record of mantle dynamics accompanying the transition from subduction to collision along the Africa-Eurasia margin and the >1 km uplift of the Anatolian Plateau. New 40Ar/39Ar dates of volcanic rocks from the Eastern Taurides (southeast Turkey) considerably expand the known spatial extent of Miocene-aged mafic volcanism following a magmatic lull over much of Anatolia that ended at ca. 20 Ma. Mantle equilibration depths for these chemically diverse basalts are interpreted to indicate that early to middle Miocene lithospheric thickness in the region varied from ∼50 km or less near the Bitlis suture zone to ∼80 km near the Inner Tauride suture zone. This southward-tapering lithospheric base could be a vestige of the former interface between the subducted (and now detached) portion of the Arabian plate and the overriding Eurasian plate, and/or a reflection of mantle weakening associated with greater mantle hydration trenchward prior to collision. Asthenospheric upwelling driven by slab tearing and foundering along this former interface, possibly accompanied by convective removal of the lithosphere, could have led to renewed volcanic activity after 20 Ma. Melt equilibration depths for late Miocene and Pliocene basalts together with seismic imaging of the present lithosphere indicate that relatively invariant lithospheric thicknesses of 60–70 km have persisted since the middle Miocene. Thus, no evidence is found for large-scale (tens of kilometers) Miocene delamination of the lower lithosphere from the overriding plate, which has been proposed elsewhere to account for late Miocene and younger uplift of Anatolia.
To sink, swim, twin, or nucleate: A critical appraisal of crystal aggregation processes
Authors: Wieser Penny E. , Vukmanovic Zoja , Kilian Rüdiger , Ringe Emilie , Holness Marian B. , Maclennan John , Edmonds Marie
Published: August 2019

Crystal aggregates in igneous rocks have been variously ascribed to growth processes (e.g., twinning, heterogeneous nucleation, epitaxial growth, dendritic growth), or dynamical processes (e.g., synneusis, accumulation during settling). We tested these hypotheses by quantifying the relative orientation of adjacent crystals using electron backscatter diffraction. Both olivine aggregates from Kīlauea volcano (Hawaiʻi, USA) and chromite aggregates from the Bushveld Complex (South Africa) show diverse attachment geometries inconsistent with growth processes. Near-random attachments in chromite aggregates are consistent with accumulation by settling of individual crystals. Attachment geometries and prominent geochemical differences across grain boundaries in olivine aggregates are indicative of synneusis.
End-of-life communication: a nationwide study of bereaved parents’ perceptions
Authors: Lykke Camilla , Ekholm Ola , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Olsen Marianne , Sjøgren Per
Published: August 2019

Objective

To investigate bereaved parents’ perception of end-of-life communication with healthcare professionals after losing a child due to life-limiting diagnoses.

Methods

A national register identified the causes of death of 951 children aged 0–18 years during the period 2012–2014. A previously described classification of life-limiting diagnoses identified 402 children. A modified version of the self-administered questionnaire 'To Lose a Child' was distributed to the parents of these 402 children, capturing their perceptions of communication with the healthcare professionals throughout the child’s disease trajectory and imminent death.

Results

A total of 193 bereaved parents, representing 38% of the identified children, participated in the study. Overall, 98% of the parents expressed the view that physicians should immediately disclose when curatively intended treatment options were exhausted. Some 79% of parents reported that information about their child’s incurable illness was given in an appropriate manner; however, 42% said that information about the child's imminent death was given too late. Finally, 31% felt deprived of the option to say goodbye to their child in their preferred manner, and 56% said that their child’s death was “a shock”.

Conclusions

Parents request accurate and timely information. However, a substantial number of the parents surveyed reported that healthcare professionals communicated too late about palliative care and end-of-life issues. Even though healthcare professionals strive to communicate effectively with dying children and their parents, barriers were identified that may hinder even the best of intentions. National guidelines addressing communication issues and improved education of healthcare professionals should form part of any future agenda.
Long-term impact of plain packaging of cigarettes with larger graphic health warnings: findings from cross-sectional surveys of Australian adolescents between 2011 and 2017
Authors: White Victoria M , Guerin Nicola , Williams Tahlia , Wakefield Melanie A
Published: August 2019

Objective

To assess the long-term impact of plain packaging (PP) of cigarettes with larger graphic health warnings (HW) introduced in December 2012 on adolescents’ relevant tobacco-related perceptions.

Methods

Cross-sectional school-based surveys of 12 to 17 year olds in 2011 (n=4413), 2013 (n=4423), 2014 (n=4576) and 2017 (n=4266). Students rated the character of four popular cigarette brands, indicated their agreement regarding brand differences in smoking ease, quitting, addictiveness, harmfulness and pack attractiveness and positive/negative perceptions of pack image. The frequency of students reading, attending to, thinking and talking about HW was assessed. Responses of students seeing cigarette packs in the previous 6 months (2011: 63%; 2013: 67%, 2014: 56%, 2017: 56%) were examined.

Results

Smoking prevalence declined from 2011 to 2017. Among students who had recently seen packs, cigarette packs were rated less positively and more negatively in 2017 than in 2011 (p<0.001) with ratings similar between 2013 and 2017. Positive character ratings for each brand reduced between 2011 and 2013 (ps<0.05) with further reductions between 2013 and 2017 (ps<0.05). Fewer students agreed, and more were uncertain, that brands differed in their smoking ease, addictiveness, harmfulness and pack attractiveness in 2017 than 2011. The frequency of students reading, attending, talking or thinking about HW did not change between 2011 and 2017.

Conclusions

PP’s initial impact in reducing adolescent’s positive perceptions of cigarette packs and brand differences continued in the following years with tobacco packaging less appealing to young people in 2017 than 2011 and students more uncertain about brand differences.
MOND and natural scales of distance and mass
Authors: Żenczykowski Piotr
Published: August 2019

We describe a MOND-related approach to natural scales of distance and mass, viewing it as a logical step following Planck’s modification of the Stoney system of units. The MOND-induced scales are not based on the strength of any physical interaction (electromagnetic, gravitational, or otherwise). Instead, they are specified by three physical constants of a general nature that define the scales of action, speed, and acceleration, i.e. [Formula: see text] — the Planck constant, [Formula: see text] — the speed of light and [Formula: see text] — the MOND acceleration constant. When the gravitational constant [Formula: see text] is added, two further distance scales (apart from the size of the Universe) appear: the Planck scale and a nanometer scale that fits the typical borderline between the classical and the quantum descriptions.
Application of Amorphous Nanoparticle Fe-B Magnetic Fluid in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Yang Chuncheng , Yu Mengchun , Cao Xiuling , Bian Xiufang
Published: August 2019

Amorphous magnetic particles demonstrate excellent comprehensive properties and outstanding characteristics for numerous applications. In this report, magnetic crystalline Fe3O4 and amorphous Fe-B nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and introduced to prepare water-based magnetic fluids. The Fe3O4 and Fe-B particles are homogeneous nanoparticles with an average particle size of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm. The shape of Fe-B amorphous nanoparticles is regular. The saturation magnetizations of Fe-B and Fe3O4 particles are 74 emu/g and 69 emu/g. The use of crystalline Fe3O4 magnetic fluid and amorphous Fe-B magnetic fluid in advanced treatment of high concentration organic wastewater was presented. The removal rate of chemical oxygen demand by using the amorphous Fe-B magnetic fluid reached 96%, about 16% higher than that by using the Fe3O4 magnetic fluid. Moreover, compared with Fe3O4 magnetic fluid, the treatment results demonstrate that the decolorizing effect by using the amorphous Fe-B magnetic fluid was 20% higher. It has been found that the nano-size Fe-B particles in magnetic fluid with amorphous structure led to high efficiency of wastewater treatment due to the catalytic activity.
Vitrification of Human In-Vitro Matured Oocytes: Effects on Mitochondrial Ultrastructure and Oxygen Consumption
Authors: Han Shubiao , Han Wei , Zhang Xiaodong , Liu Junxia , Huang Guoning
Published: August 2019

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of vitrification on mitochondrial of human IVM oocytes.

Methods: A total of 401 immature oocytes were obtained from ovarian stimulated cycles, which were randomly divided into fresh and vitrification groups after IVM. According to the cultured time after thawing, the vitrification groups were divided into 0 hours (0 h), 2 hours (2 h), or 4 hours (4 h) subgroups. Mitochondrial morphology and oxygen consumption were compared among the four groups. After fertilization by ICSI, normal fertilization, cleaved embryos, and blastocyst formation rate were also calculated.

Results: The mean gray value of mitochondria structure was significantly decreased in 0 h and 2 h groups when compared to control group (0.48 ± 0.09, 0.50 ± 0.36 vs. 0.61 ± 0.12, respectively; P [Formula: see text] 0.05), and recovered (0.61 ± 0.24 vs. 0.61 ± 0.12, P [Formula: see text] 0.05) in 4 h group. In addition, oxygen consumption was also significantly decreased in 0 h and 2 h groups compared to fresh (2.91 ± 0.77 fmol/s, 3.26 ± 1.34 fmol/s vs. 3.96 ± 1.44 fmol/s, respectively; P [Formula: see text] 0.05), and recovered after 4 h culture (3.96 ± 1.44 fmol/s vs. 4.41 ± 1.38 fmol/s, respectively; P [Formula: see text] 0.05). The percentage of normal fertilization and cleaved embryos were no differences among the four groups, however, blastocyst development rate was significantly lower in 0 h group.

Conclusion: These results indicate that during the vitrification process, the oxygen consumption and mitochondrial structure of oocytes may undergo temporary dynamic changes, but appear to recover by 4 hours.
CSIP
Authors: Aoki Shunsuke , Rajkumar Ragunathan (Raj)
Published: August 2019

Intersection management is one of the main challenging issues in road safety because intersections are a leading cause of traffic congestion and accidents. In fact, more than 44% of all reported crashes in the U.S. occur around intersection areas, which, in turn, has led to 8,500 fatalities and approximately 1 million injuries every year. With vehicles expected to become self-driving, the question is whether high throughput can be obtained through intersections while keeping them safe. A spatio-temporal intersection protocol named the Ballroom Intersection Protocol (BRIP) [8] was recently proposed in the literature to address this situation. Under this protocol, automated and connected vehicles arrive at and go through an intersection in a cooperative fashion with no vehicle needing to stop, while maximizing the intersection throughput. Though no vehicles run into one another under ideal environments with BRIP, vehicle accidents can occur when the self-driving vehicles have location errors and/or control system failure. In this article, we present a safe and practical intersection protocol named the Configurable Synchronous Intersection Protocol (CSIP). CSIP is a more general and resilient version of BRIP. CSIP utilizes a certain inter-vehicular distance to meet safety requirements in the presence of GPS inaccuracies and control failure. The inter-vehicular distances under CSIP are much more acceptable and comfortable to human passengers due to longer inter-vehicular distances that do not cause fear. With CSIP, the inter-vehicular distances can also be changed at each intersection to account for different traffic volumes, GPS accuracy levels, and geographical layout of intersections. Our simulation results show that CSIP never leads to traffic accidents even when the system has typical location errors, and that CSIP increases the traffic throughput of the intersections compared to common signalized intersections.
Investigating Characteristics of Internet Paths
Authors: Bakhshaliyev Khalid , Canbaz Muhammed Abdullah , Gunes Mehmet Hadi
Published: August 2019

Interactive and multimedia applications depend on the stability of end-to-end paths for predictable performance and good quality of service. On the other hand, network providers depend on multiple paths to ensure fault tolerance and use load balancing between these paths to enhance the overall network throughput. In this study, we analyze path dynamics for both end-to-end paths and path segments within service providers’ networks using 2 months of measurement data from the RIPE Atlas platform, which collects path traces between a fixed set of source and destination pairs every 15 minutes. We observe that 78% of the end-to-end routes have at least two alternative Autonomous System (AS) paths with some end-to-end routes going through hundreds of different AS paths during the 2 months of analysis. While AS level paths are often prevalent for a day, there are considerable changes in the routing of the trace packets over the ASes for a longer duration of a month or longer. Analyzing end-to-end paths for routing anomalies, we observe that 4.4% of the path traces (involving 18% of the ASes) contain routing loops indicating misconfiguration of routers. Some of the ASes had over 100 routers involved in loops in path traces through their networks. We observe a much higher rate of anomalies in the AS level, with 45% of path traces containing an AS loop. Additionally, we discovered that few of the ASes bounce-back packets where some traces through their network traverse routers in both forward and backward directions. Determining path segments belonging to each AS, we further explore ingress to egress paths of ASes in addition to the source to destination paths within the AS. Analyzing trace segments between ingresses and egresses of an AS, we realized more than half of the ASes have the same router level path between any ingress-egress pair for the 2 months, but others implement load balancing. These results are different from earlier studies that indicated a high level of path dynamism. Our results indicate that the end-to-end path dynamism is due to the Border Gateway Protocol level rather than the router level within ASes.
Review of Passive Electromagnetic Devices for Vibration Damping and Isolation
Authors: Diez-Jimenez Efren , Rizzo Rocco , Gómez-García Maria-Jesus , Corral-Abad Eduardo
Published: August 2019

Passive electromagnetic devices for vibration damping and isolation are becoming a real alternative to traditional mechanical vibration and isolation methods. These types of devices present good damping capacity, lower cost, null power consumption, and higher reliability. In this work, a state‐of‐the‐art review has been done highlighting advantages and drawbacks, application fields, and technology readiness level of most recent developments. In addition, a general introductory section relates presents key considerations that any engineer, electrical or mechanical, needs to know for a deep comprehension and correct design of these types of devices.
High Public-Health Impact in an Influenza-B-Mismatch Season in Southern Italy, 2017-2018
Authors: Loconsole Daniela , De Robertis Anna Lisa , Morea Anna , Casulli Daniele , Mallamaci Rosanna , Baldacci Simona , Centrone Francesca , Bruno Viviana , Quarto Michele , Accogli Marisa , Chironna Maria
Published: August 2019

Background. Yearly influenza epidemics have considerable effects on public health worldwide. The 2017-2018 influenza season in Italy was of greater severity than previous seasons. The aim of this study was to describe the 2017-2018 influenza season in Southern Italy and the molecular characteristics of the circulating viral strains. Methods. The incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) was analysed. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from patients with ILI from week 46/2017 to week 17/2018 were tested to identify influenza A viruses (IAV) and influenza B viruses (IBV). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of haemagglutinin genes were also performed on 73 positive samples (35 IBV, 36 IAV H1, and 2 IAV H3 strains). Results. During the 2017-2018 season, the peak incidence was 14.32 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. IBV strains were identified in 71.0% of cases. The 35 characterised IBV strains belonged to Yamagata lineage clade 3, the 36 A/H1N1pdm09 strains clustered with the genetic subgroup 6B.1, and the 2 A/H3N2 strains clustered with the genetic subgroup 3C.2a. Intensive-care unit (ICU) admission was required in 50 cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Among the >64-year age group, 18 out of 26 ICU-ARDS cases (69.2%) were caused by IBV, and 14 of these (77.8%) were B/Yamagata lineage. Conclusions. The 2017-2018 influenza season was one of the most severe in a decade in Southern Italy. IBV mismatch between the trivalent vaccine and the circulating strains occurred. The high number of ICU-ARDS cases caused by B/Yamagata strains in the >64-year age group suggests that further data on the effectiveness of the available influenza vaccines are needed to determine the best way to protect the elderly against both IBV lineages.
Clinical and Ultrastructural Studies of Gelatinous Drop-Like Corneal Dystrophy (GDLD) of a Patient with TACSTD2 Gene Mutation
Authors: Masmali Ali , Alkanaan Aljoharah , Alkatan Hind M. , Kirat Omar , Almutairi Abdullah Ayidh , Almubrad Turki , Akhtar Saeed
Published: August 2019

Purpose. To describe clinical, molecular genetics, histopathologic and ultrastructural findings of gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy (GDLD) (OMIM #204870) in a Sudanese patient. Method. An ocular examination revealed the onset of GDLD in a Sudanese patient (50 years old) at King Khalid Specialist Hospital, Riyadh. The 333 sequence variants in 13 GDLD genes of a DNA sample were screened by Asper Ophthalmics Ltd. It was further confirmed by sequencing. The patient had undergone a penetrating keratoplasty in the right eye. The corneal tissue was processed for histopathology and ultrastructural studies. Results. Slit-lamp observation showed grayish-white multiple superficial corneal nodules of various sizes in the left and right eye. Both corneas became clear after the surgery. The GDLD deposits in the subepithelial region and in the anterior stroma were confirmed by PAS staining and their apple-green birefringence under polarized light. Ultrastructurally, the amyloid fibrils were very thin and grouped in whorl-like structures, which caused splits between and within the stromal lamellae. Collagen fibrils (CFs) and keratocytes had degenerated. A homozygous c.355T > A mutation in exon 1 of the TACSTD2 (M1S1) gene was detected, and alteration of the amino acid (p.Cysl19Ser in NCBI entry NP_002344.2) was observed. Conclusion. In our patient with GDLD, a “c.355T > A” mutation in exon 1 of TACSTD2 was detected and believed to be responsible for the alteration of the amino acid leading to the formation of the amyloid deposits. The deposits caused the ultrastructural degeneration of epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma, and keratocytes of the GDLD cornea.
Comparison and Analysis of the Performances and Mechanisms of Recycled Asphalt Incorporating High‐Permeability Rejuvenating Agent
Authors: Tian Yanjuan , Zheng Mulian , Xu Hailei , Chen Chupeng , Zhang Jinhao
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study is to develop a highly permeable rejuvenating agent for the recycling of the asphalt pavement. The rheological properties and permeability of recycled asphalt after adding the self‐developed rejuvenating agent, as well as two other agents, were compared and evaluated. An improved softening point method was devised to evaluate the permeability. In addition, the recycled asphalt was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the self‐developed rejuvenating agent had high permeability, could effectively restore the performance of the aged asphalt, and could improve the aging‐resistant property of the recycled asphalt. FTIR analysis showed that the matrix asphalt experienced oxygen absorption and dehydrogenation during the aging process. The aging of the SBS‐modified asphalt was achieved via dual aging of the matrix asphalt and SBS‐modified components. In addition, the rejuvenating agent CA had an inhibitory effect on asphalt aging, and its recycling efficiency was better than that of the rejuvenating agent A for the aged SBS‐modified asphalt. Finally, a relationship between the microscopic functional group index and the macroscopic test index was established.
Bilateral Sterile Pyogranulomatous Keratitis in a Dog
Authors: Rahe Michael C. , Cordray Aubrey , Haynes Joseph
Published: August 2019

Purpose. To describe the clinicopathologic features of bilateral sterile pyogranulomatous keratitis in a 16-year-old spayed female rat terrier dog.Methods. The dog presented one year prior due to ulceration of the right and left corneas. The ulcers healed but plaques developed on both eyes which progressed, during the course of one year, to cover both the left and the right corneas. Due to the animal’s loss of sight and its painful condition, bilateral enucleation was performed with submission of the eyes for histopathology.Results. Microscopic examination revealed bilateral pyogranulomatous keratitis absent of etiological organisms.Conclusions. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented case of bilateral sterile pyogranulomatous keratitis in a dog.
Searching for Analytical Solutions of the (2+1)‐Dimensional KP Equation by Two Different Systematic Methods
Authors: Gu Yongyi , Meng Fanning
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we derive analytical solutions of the (2+1)‐dimensional Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili (KP) equation by two different systematic methods. Using the exp⁡(−ψ(z))‐expansion method, exact solutions of the mentioned equation including hyperbolic, exponential, trigonometric, and rational function solutions have been obtained. Based on the work of Yuan et al., we proposed the extended complex method to seek exact solutions of the (2+1)‐dimensional KP equation. The results demonstrate that the applied methods are efficient and direct methods to solve the complex nonlinear systems.
Effect of Chronic Consumption of Sweeteners on Microbiota and Immunity in the Small Intestine of Young Mice
Authors: Martínez-Carrillo B. E. , Rosales-Gómez C. A. , Ramírez-Durán N. , Reséndiz-Albor A. A. , Escoto-Herrera J. A. , Mondragón-Velásquez T. , Valdés-Ramos R. , Castillo-Cardiel A.
Published: August 2019

The consumption of sweeteners has increased as a measure to reduce the consumption of calories and thus combat obesity and diabetes. Sweeteners are found in a large number of products, so chronic consumption has been little explored. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of chronic sweetener consumption on the microbiota and immunity of the small intestine in young mice. We used 72 CD1 mice of 21 days old, divided into 3 groups: (i) No treatment, (ii) Group A (6 weeks of treatment), and (iii) Group B (12 weeks of treatment). Groups A and B were divided into 4 subgroups: Control (CL), Sucrose (Suc), Splenda® (Spl), and Svetia® (Sv). The following were determined: anthropometric parameters, percentage of lymphocytes of Peyer’s patches and lamina propria, IL-6, IL-17, leptin, resistin, C-peptide, and TNF-α. From feces, the microbiota of the small intestine was identified. The BMI was not modified; the mice preferred the consumption of Splenda® and Svetia®. The percentage of CD3+ lymphocytes in Peyer’s patches was increased. In the lamina propria, Svetia® increased the percentage of CD3+ lymphocytes, but Splenda® decreases it. The Splenda® and Svetia® subgroups elevate leptin, C-peptide, IL-6, and IL-17, with reduction of resistin. The predominant genus in all groups was Bacillus. The chronic consumption of sweeteners increases the population of lymphocytes in the mucosa of the small intestine. Maybe, Bacillus have the ability to adapt to sweeteners regardless of the origin or nutritional contribution of the same.
Chemotherapy-Induced Metastasis: Molecular Mechanisms, Clinical Manifestations, Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Karagiannis George S. , Condeelis John S. , Oktay Maja H.
Published: August 2019

Chemotherapy offers long-term clinical benefits to many patients with advanced cancer. However, recent evidence has linked the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy with the de novo elicitation of a prometastatic tumor microenvironment. This “modified” tumor microenvironment is triggered by a chemotherapy-driven cytokine storm or through direct effects of certain chemotherapeutics on stromal and/or immune cells, the most critical being tumor-associated macrophages. These chemotherapy-educated cells act as facilitators in tumor–host cell interactions promoting the establishment of distant metastasis. Certain clinical studies now offer substantial evidence that prometastatic changes are indeed identified in the tumor microenvironment of certain patient subpopulations, especially those that do not present with any pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Deciphering the exact contextual prerequisites for chemotherapy-driven metastasis will be paramount for designing novel mechanism–based treatments for circumventing chemotherapy-induced metastasis.
Clinical and Imaging Parameters Associated With Hyperacute Infarction Growth in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke
Authors: Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Tiedt Steffen , Rotkopf Lukas T. , Herzberg Moriz , Reidler Paul , Fabritius Matthias P. , Kazmierczak Philipp M. , Kellert Lars , Feil Katharina , Thierfelder Kolja M. , Dorn Franziska , Liebig Thomas , Wollenweber Frank A. , Kunz Wolfgang G.
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—

Large vessel occlusion stroke leads to highly variable hyperacute infarction growth. Our aim was to identify clinical and imaging parameters associated with hyperacute infarction growth in patients with an large vessel occlusion stroke of the anterior circulation.

Methods—

Seven hundred twenty-two consecutive patients with acute stroke were prospectively included in our monocentric stroke registry between 2009 and 2017. We selected all patients with a large vessel occlusion stroke of the anterior circulation, documented times from symptom onset, and CT perfusion on admission for our analysis (N=178). Ischemic core volume was determined with CT perfusion using automated thresholds. Hyperacute infarction growth was defined as ischemic core volume divided by times from symptom onset, assuming linear progression during times from symptom onset to imaging on admission. For collateral assessment, the regional leptomeningeal collateral score (rLMC) was used. Clinical data included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission and cardiovascular risk factors. Regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounders.

Results—

Median ischemic core volume was 34.4 mL, and median hyperacute infarction growth was 0.27 mL/min. In regression analysis including age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, clot burden score, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypercholesteremia, hypertension, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, and rLMC scores, only the rLMC score had a significant, independent association with hyperacute infarction growth (adjusted β=−0.35;
P
<0.001). Trichotomizing patients by rLMC scores yielded 65 patients with good (rLMC >15), 67 with intermediate (rLMC 11–15) and 46 with poor collaterals (rLMC <11) with an infarction growth of 0.17 mL/min, 0.26 mL/min, and 0.41 mL/min, respectively.

Conclusions—

Hyperacute infarction growth strongly depends on collaterals. In primary stroke centers, hyperacute infarction growth may be extrapolated to estimate the stroke progression during transfer times to thrombectomy centers and to support decisions on which patients to transfer.
Final instar larva of Franciscagrion longispinum Machado & Bedê, 2015 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), an endemic species from the springs of the São Francisco river
Authors: CEZÁRIO RODRIGO ROUCOURT , VILELA DIOGO SILVA , GUILLERMO-FERREIRA RHAINER
Published: August 2019

Franciscagrion longispinum Machado & Bedê larvae were collected in the São Francisco river historical springs at the Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil. Here, we describe and illustrate the final instar larvae of this rare and endemic species.
Taxonomy of Alpioniscus (Illyrionethes): A. magnus and three new species from the Dinaric Karst (Isopoda: Oniscidea: Trichoniscidae)
Authors: BEDEK JANA , GOTTSTEIN SANJA , TAITI STEFANO
Published: August 2019

Alpioniscus (Illyrionethes) is a widespread subgenus of Trichoniscidae in the Dinaric Karst with 15 nominal troglobiotic species. Here we redescribe Alpioniscus (Illyrionethes) magnus and describe three new species (A. lossinii n. sp., A. drazinai n. sp., and A. mandalinae n. sp.) restricted to coastal areas. As a result, 18 nominal Illyrionethes species are known from the Dinaric Karst.
An Implicit Algebraic Turbulence Closure Scheme for Atmospheric Boundary Layer Simulation
Authors: Shi Xiaoming , Enriquez Rica Mae , Street Robert L. , Bryan George H. , Chow Fotini Katopodes
Published: August 2019

Turbulence parameterization plays a critical role in the simulation of many weather regimes. For challenging cases such as the stratocumulus-capped boundary layer (SCBL), traditional schemes can produce unrealistic results even when a fine large-eddy-simulation (LES) resolution is used. Here we present an implicit generalized linear algebraic subfilter-scale model (iGLASS) to better represent unresolved turbulence in the simulation of the atmospheric boundary layer, at both standard LES and so-called terra incognita (TI) resolutions. The latter refers to a range of model resolutions where turbulent eddies are only partially resolved, and therefore the simulated processes are sensitive to the representation of unresolved turbulence. iGLASS is based on the truncated conservation equations of subfilter-scale (SFS) fluxes, but it integrates the full equations of the SFS turbulence kinetic energy and potential energy to retain “memory” of the SFS turbulence. Our evaluations suggest iGLASS can perform significantly better than traditional eddy-diffusivity models and exhibit skills comparable to the dynamic reconstruction model (DRM). For a neutral boundary layer case run at LES resolution, the simulation using iGLASS exhibits a wind profile that reasonably matches the similarity-theory solution. For an SCBL case with 5-m vertical resolution, iGLASS maintains more realistic cloud water profiles and boundary layer structure than traditional schemes. The SCBL case is also tested at TI resolution, and iGLASS also exhibits superior performance. iGLASS permits significant backscatter, whereas traditional models allow forward scatter (diffusion) only. As a physics-based approach, iGLASS appears to be a viable alternative for turbulence parameterization.
Impacts of Central Pacific El Niño on Southern China Spring Precipitation Controlled by its Longitudinal Position
Authors: Jiang Feng , Zhang Wenjun , Geng Xin , Stuecker Malte F. , Liu Chao
Published: August 2019

Here we investigate the response of boreal spring precipitation over southern China (SPSC) to central Pacific (CP) El Niño based on observational datasets. While there is enhanced precipitation over southern China during the decaying boreal spring of eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño events, so far no clear precipitation response has been detected during the same decaying stage for CP El Niño composites. Here we show that around half of the CP El Niño events coincide with enhanced SPSC (wet CP El Niño), while the other half are accompanied by reduced SPSC (dry CP El Niño). These two types of CP El Niño events bear dramatically different evolution features in their respective tropical sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) patterns. Wet CP El Niño events are characterized by an SSTA longitudinal position confined to the tropical central-eastern Pacific. In contrast, dry CP El Niño events exhibit a clear westward propagation of SSTAs during their evolution, with maximum SSTAs located to the west of the date line after their mature phase. These different longitudinal positions of positive SSTAs during their decaying phase result in distinct meridional structures of the tropical Pacific convection anomalies as well as the ENSO combination mode (C-mode) response. An anomalous low-level anticyclone is evident over the western North Pacific during wet CP El Niño events during their decaying phase, while an anomalous cyclonic circulation is found for dry CP El Niño events. We emphasize that the impacts of CP El Niño on the SPSC depend crucially on the simultaneous zonal location of warm SSTAs in the tropical Pacific.
Diurnal Variations of Low-Level Winds and Precipitation Response to Large-Scale Circulations during a Heavy Rainfall Event
Authors: Zeng Wenxin , Chen Guixing , Du Yu , Wen Zhiping
Published: August 2019

A succession of MCSs developed during the last week of October 2016 and produced extreme heavy rainfall in central China. The event underwent an evident shift from a mei-yu-like warm scenario to an autumn cold scenario. Diurnal cycles of rainfall and low-level winds may be modulated by the shifting of large-scale atmospheric conditions. We conducted observational analyses and numerical experiments to examine how large-scale circulations influenced rainfall systems through diurnally varying processes. The results show that, in the first half (warm) period of the event, intense rainfall mostly occurred in eastern-central China with an early morning peak. It was closely related to a nocturnal southwesterly low-level jet (NLLJ) on the flank of the western Pacific subtropical high. The NLLJ formed near midnight in southern China where ageostrophic wind rotated clockwise due to Blackadar’s inertial oscillation. The NLLJ extended downstream to central China during the predawn hours due to the horizontal advection of momentum. Both the formation and extension of the NLLJ were supported by an enhanced subtropical high that provided relatively warm conditions with surface heating for boundary layer inertial oscillation and strong background southwesterly winds for momentum transport. The NLLJ induced MCSs at its northern terminus where the low-level ascent, moisture flux convergence, and convective instability were enhanced during the predawn hours. In the second half period with an intrusion of cold air, the diurnal amplitude of low-level winds became small under relatively cold and cloudy conditions. Moderate rainfall tended to occur in western-central China with a peak after midnight, most likely due to frontogenetic processes, upslope lifting, and nighttime cloud-top cooling.
Commitment to Rebellion: Evidence from Syria
Authors: Mironova Vera , Mrie Loubna , Whitt Sam
Published: August 2019

What sustains commitment to rebel fighting during civil war? Using original survey data from the ongoing conflict in Syria, we examine whether self-ascribed rebel fighters, former fighters, civilians, and refugees can be clearly differentiated based on commitment to rebellion. We ask whether such groups are better characterized as a broadly holistic fighting community or a heterogeneous mix of actors with different levels of support for violence. Using a well-balanced sample of over 300 active and former rebel fighters, civilians from within the conflict zone, and externally displaced refugees, we observe that fighting commitment is greater among active combatants compared to other cohorts. To understand why, we examine underexplored psychological mechanisms and find that individuals with higher risk tolerance, optimism bias, and identity fusion with rebel forces display greater dedication to fighting. We discuss the implications of our results for understanding who participates in civil war violence and why.
Robust static output feedback H∞-controller design for three degree of freedom integrated bus lateral, yaw, roll dynamics model
Authors: Altork Basim , Yazici Hakan
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a three-degree-of freedom (3 DOF) integrated vehicle lateral, yaw, roll dynamics model with optimal control design have been proposed to improve the bus lateral stability and handling performance. First, a 3 DOF vehicle model for a passenger bus is introduced. The 3 DOF model dynamics include the vehicle steering wheel angle, forward speed, yaw motion, sideslip angle, lateral acceleration and the rolling motion. Then, the presented 3 DOF model is used to design the robust static output feedback [Formula: see text] controller for both nominal system and uncertain system. The proposed controller is designed to improve the bus lateral stability and handling performance by controlling the yaw rate during normal driving and maneuvers. For the robust static output feedback [Formula: see text] controller, the norm bounded uncertainty is considered to simulate the variation of vehicle forward velocity uncertainty. The robust controller is designed to check the lateral stability of the bus at different forward velocity and at different velocity uncertainty. The controllers are synthesized within the [Formula: see text] control approach and the controllers’ design conditions are given within the Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs) framework. Numerical simulations have been carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controllers. The obtained simulation results show that the designed nominal and robust controllers enhance the lateral stability of the bus by reducing the amplitude of the yaw rate, lateral acceleration and rolling motion. Hence, the improvements in bus lateral stability and handling performance are achieved.