bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolving estimation uncertainties of chemical shift encoded fat‐water imaging using magnetization transfer effect
Authors: Samsonov Alexey , Liu Fang , Velikina Julia V.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

B0 field inhomogeneity may cause significant errors in chemical shift encoding‐based fat‐water (F/W) separation. We describe a new approach to improve its robustness using novel B0 field map pre‐estimation.

Methods

Our method exploits insensitivity of fat to magnetization transfer effect, which allows generating fat‐insensitive B0 field priors with full or partial spatial support using a low‐resolution magnetization transfer‐weighted scan. The full prior can be employed by most F/W separation methods for initialization or data demodulation. We also propose a modified region‐growing algorithm in which the partial prior is utilized for its initial seeding.

Results

The magnetization transfer‐based B0 priors significantly reduced F/W errors of three representative F/W separation methods in all cases. In cases with moderate B0 inhomogeneity, the full prior allowed error‐free separation even with basic, voxel‐independent processing. When coupled with methods exploiting B0 field smoothness, it significantly improved separation accuracy even in the presence of strong inhomogeneities. Seeding the region‐growing with the partial prior significantly improved performance of F/W separation, including cases with spatially disconnected tissues.

Conclusion

Magnetization transfer‐based B0 field pre‐estimation provides valuable prior information for F/W separation, which may significantly improve its robustness at the expense of nominal (< 5%‐10%) scan time increase.
Three‐dimensional ultrashort echo time imaging with tricomponent analysis for human cortical bone
Authors: Lu Xing , Jerban Saeed , Wan Lidi , Ma Yajun , Jang Hyungseok , Le Nicole , Yang Wenhui , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To investigate tricomponent analysis of human cortical bone using a multipeak fat signal model with 3D ultrashort TE Cones sequences on a clinical 3T scanner.

Methods

Tricomponent fitting of bound water, pore water, and fat content using a multipeak fat spectra model was proposed for 3D ultrashort TE imaging of cortical bone. Three‐dimensional ultrashort TE Cones acquisitions combined with tricomponent analysis were used to investigate bound and pore water and fractions, as well as fat and fraction in cortical bone. Feasibility studies were performed on 9 human cortical bone specimens with regions of interest selected from the endosteum to the periosteum in 4 circumferential regions. Microcomputed tomography studies were performed to measure bone porosity and bone mineral density for comparison and validation of the bound and pore water analyses.

Results

The oscillation of the signal decay was well‐fitted with the proposed tricomponent model. The sum of the pore water and fat fractions from tricomponent analysis showed a high correlation with microcomputed tomography porosity (R = 0.74, P < 0.01). Estimated bound‐water fraction also demonstrated a high correlation with bone mineral density (R = 0.70, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Tricomponent analysis significantly improves the estimation of bound‐water and pore‐water fractions in human cortical bone.
Ultrasound imaging of brachial plexus trauma in gunshot injury
Authors: Nwawka O. Kenechi , Casaletto Emily , Wolfe Scott W. , Feinberg Joseph H.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Brachial plexus trauma related to gunshot (GS) injury requires early examination and characterization to ensure appropriate treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be contraindicated when there are metal fragments in a patient's body. Ultrasound (US) may present an alternative to imaging GS‐related brachial plexus injury.

Methods

Three patients with GS‐related brachial plexus injury who underwent US imaging evaluation at our institution were identified. A retrospective review of the patients’ medical records was performed.

Results

US characterization of nerve abnormalities after GS injury to the brachial plexus was in agreement with electrodiagnostic and intraoperative findings.

Discussion

Information from the US reports was useful in preparation for brachial plexus reconstruction surgery. As such, US has unique utility when MRI cannot be performed. US imaging can provide useful characterization of the brachial plexus after GS injury when performed by an experienced operator. Muscle Nerve 59:707–711, 2019
Critical time step for DEM simulations of dynamic systems using a Hertzian contact model
Authors: Burns Shane J. , Piiroinen Petri T. , Hanley Kevin J.
Published: March 2019

The discrete element method (DEM) typically uses an explicit numerical integration scheme to solve the equations of motion. However, like all explicit schemes, the scheme is only conditionally stable, with the stability determined by the size of the time step. Currently, there are no comprehensive techniques for estimating appropriate DEM time steps when a nonlinear contact interaction is used. It is common practice to apply a large factor of safety to these estimates to ensure stability, which unnecessarily increases the computational cost of these simulations. This work introduces an alternative framework for selecting a stable time step for nonlinear contact laws, specifically for the Hertz‐Mindlin contact law. This approach uses the fact that the discretised equations of motion take the form of a nonlinear map and can be analysed as such. Using this framework, we analyse the effects of both system damping and the initial relative velocity of collision on the critical time step for a Hertz‐Mindlin contact event between spherical particles.
Certainty equivalence principle in stochastic differential games: An inverse problem approach
Authors: Josa‐Fombellida Ricardo , Rincón‐Zapatero Juan Pablo
Published: March 2019

This paper aims to characterize a class of stochastic differential games, which satisfy the certainty equivalence principle beyond the cases with quadratic, linear, or logarithmic value functions. We focus on scalar games with linear dynamics in the players' strategies and with separable payoff functionals. Our results are based on the resolution of an inverse problem that determines strictly concave utility functions of the players so that the game satisfies the certainty equivalence principle. Besides establishing necessary and sufficient conditions, the results obtained in this paper are also a tool for discovering new closed‐form solutions, as we show in two specific applications: in a generalization of a dynamic advertising model and in a game of noncooperative exploitation of a productive asset.
Farnesoid X receptor ‐ a molecular predictor of weight loss after vertical sleeve gastrectomy?
Authors: Scott F. , Elahi S. , Adebibe M. , Parampalli U. , Mannur K. , Góralczyk A. , Sanger G. J.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To determine the expression of the bile acid receptor, farnesoid X (FXR), in human gastric mucosa and investigate correlations between expression and body‐mass index (BMI) and in patients with obesity, with changes in weight and BMI following vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).

Methods

Human gastric mucosa was obtained from normal/overweight individuals (macroscopically‐normal tissue following surgery for malignancy) or from patients with obesity (VSG). The expression of FXR and its isoforms (FXRα, FXRβ) were examined by quantitative PCR and compared with the G protein‐coupled bile acid receptor, GPBA. In patients with obesity, changes in BMI and weight loss were determined following VSG.

Results

FXRα was the predominant isoform in normal/overweight individuals. FXR expression was higher in patients with obesity but GPBA receptor expression was unchanged. For those with obesity (n = 19), no correlation was found between FXR expression and change in Body‐Mass Index (BMI)/month or weight loss/month, taken 3 ± 1 months after surgery, or in BMI or weight at surgery.

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with increased FXR expression in the gastric mucosa. The findings are preliminary but suggest that this increase in FXR expression is a consequence of obesity, rather than its cause.
No evidence that G6PD deficiency affects the efficacy or safety of daunorubicin in acute lymphoblastic leukemia induction therapy
Authors: Robinson Katherine M. , Yang Wenjian , Karol Seth E. , Kornegay Nancy , Jay Dennis , Cheng Cheng , Choi John K. , Campana Dario , Pui Ching‐Hon , Wood Brent , Borowitz Michael J. , Gastier‐Foster Julie , Larsen Eric C. , Winick Naomi , Carroll William L. , Loh Mignon L. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Hunger Stephen P. , Devidas Meenakshi , Mardis Elaine R. , Fulton Robert S. , Relling Mary V. , Jeha Sima
Published: March 2019

Background/Objectives

Anthracyclines are used in induction therapy of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and are known to generate oxidative stress; whether this translates into enhanced antileukemic activity or hemolytic effects in patients with glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is unknown.

Design/Methods

Among 726 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed ALL treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 22 had deficient G6PD activity. We compared the prevalence of positive minimal residual disease (MRD) ≥1% at Day 15/Day 19 of induction or ≥0.01% at Day 42/Day 46 (end of induction) and the number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions after daunorubicin in induction between patients with or without G6PD deficiency, adjusting for ALL risk group, treatment protocol, age, and gender.

Results

There was no difference in Day 15/19 (P = 1) or end of induction MRD (P = 0.76) nor in the number of RBC transfusions (P = 0.73); the lack of association with MRD was confirmed in a dataset of 1192 newly diagnosed male patients enrolled in a Children's Oncology Group trial (P = 0.78).

Conclusion

We found no evidence that G6PD deficiency affects daunorubicin activity during induction treatment for ALL.
Abnormal submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise parameters predict impaired peak exercise performance in sickle cell anemia patients
Authors: Powell Adam W. , Alsaied Tarek , Niss Omar , Fleck Robert J. , Malik Punam , Quinn Charles T. , Mays Wayne A. , Taylor Michael D. , Chin Clifford
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients frequently have many comorbidities, including diastolic dysfunction (DD) and exercise intolerance. SCA patients often cannot reach maximal effort on exercise testing; little is known regarding whether submaximal exercise parameters can predict abnormal maximal exercise results in SCA patients and if there are any possible associations with DD.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was performed in SCA patients. All patients had a resting cardiac MRI (CMR), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with cycle ergometry using a ramp protocol, and an echocardiogram. Exercise data were compared with age‐, gender‐, and size‐matched normal controls.

Results

Compared with normal controls, the SCA group (n = 19) had lower mean max oxygen consumption (VO2; 1378 ± 412 mL/min vs 2237 ± 580, P < 0.01) and workload (117 ± 37.6 watts vs 175 ± 50.5 watts, P = 0.0003). When evaluating the submaximal exercise parameters, there was lower VO2 at the anaerobic threshold (AT; 950 ± 311.7 vs 1460 ± 409.9, P < 0.01) and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) at AT (1512 ± 426.2 vs 2080 ± 339, P < 0.01). The max VO2 strongly correlated with VO2 at AT (r = 0.9, P < 0.01) and OUES (r = 0.83, P < 0.01) at AT. The VO2 at AT correlated with hematocrit (r = 0.77, P < 0.05). The OUES correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction by CMR (r = 0.55, P = 0.01), hematocrit (r = 0.52, P = 0.02), and lateral E/e’ (r = −0.54, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

SCA patients have abnormal submaximal exercise measures compared with controls, which is strongly associated with abnormal maximal exercise results. The degree of submaximal abnormality correlates with DD abnormalities by echocardiography. These data expand the scope of functional cardiovascular abnormalities in SCA.
Proton‐pump inhibitors and the risk of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea in high‐risk antibiotics users: A population‐based case‐crossover study
Authors: Hong Sung‐Hyun , Lee Eui‐Kyung , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Given the severity and high‐costs demand of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD), management of risk factors is very important. Although the association between proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) and CDAD has been established, little is known among high‐risk antibiotics users. This study aimed to identify the association between PPIs and CDAD in high‐risk antibiotics users by using a case‐crossover design.

Methods

We conducted a case‐crossover study using a nationwide population‐based cohort in South Korea. Participants who developed CDAD from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2013 and had prior prescription records of both PPIs and high‐risk antibiotics were included. The hazard period was 49 days, and the three prior control periods had the same duration as the hazard period. The status of exposure to PPIs was assessed during the hazard and control periods in each patient and discordant pairs of exposure were used to estimate the matched odds ratio (OR).

Results

In total, 200 participants with CDAD who had histories of both PPIs and high‐risk antibiotics use were included. A twofold increased risk for CDAD due to PPI use was observed (OR = 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2‐3.2). The time‐invariant variables including age group, sex, and comorbidities were proven not to modify the association between PPIs and CDAD.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that PPIs increase the risk of developing CDAD in high‐risk antibiotics users. Thus, PPIs should be used cautiously in patients requiring high‐risk antibiotics in the situation of medical treatment to prevent further incidence of CDAD.
Personalized benefit‐risk assessments combining clinical trial and real‐world data provide further insights into which patients may benefit most from therapy: Demonstration for a new oral antiplatelet therapy
Authors: Pinto Cathy Anne , Tervonen Tommi , Marsh Kevin , Lambrelli Dimitra , Schultze Anna , Tershakovec Andrew , Hyacinthe Johanna , Prawitz Thibaud , Hammad Tarek A.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Quantitative benefit‐risk (B‐R) assessments are used to characterize treatment by combining key benefits and risks into a single metric but have historically been done for the “average” patient. Our aim was to conduct an individualized assessment for the oral antiplatelet vorapaxar by combining trial and real‐world data to further personalize the treatment profiles.

Methods

Using linked UK health care databases, we developed risk prediction equations for key ischemic and bleeding events using Cox proportional hazards models. Trial hazard ratios, relative to placebo, were applied to baseline risk estimates to compute expected attributable risks, summed to derive a per‐patient net clinical benefit (NCB). High risk subgroups were defined a priori, and Gaussian mixture models (GMM) were fit to characterize the NCB distribution and identify subgroups with similar NCBs.

Results

NCB was consistently positive for all subgroups, likely due to the outcome correlation, and would remain positive with a 12‐fold increase in bleeding risk. GMMs identified three distinct NCB subgroups. Compared with the middle/lower NCB subgroups, those with a higher NCB tended to be older, female, and have higher CV disease burden.

Conclusions

Personalized B‐R assessments are feasible and clinically valuable and can be used to better predict who would benefit most from therapy.
Availability of drug at convenient stores is not associated with an increased incidence of their poisoning
Authors: Jung Kwang Yul , Kim Taerim , Hwang Sung Yeon , Yoon Hee , Shin Tae Gun , Sim Min Seob , Jo Ik Joon , Cha Won Chul
Published: March 2019

Purpose

In late 2012, South Korea revised the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act to make selected medications including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and cold medications available in nonpharmacy outlets, including the 24‐hour convenient stores (CVS). The objective of this study was to identify whether the characteristics and trend of self‐poisonings associated with these medications were altered after the legislative change.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed using national data from the Emergency Department (ED)‐based Injury In‐depth Surveillance database. The patients diagnosed with poisoning were sorted from 2011 to 2016 and included in the study. As the Act was implemented from 2013, the demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared before and after January 2013. A piecewise regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the monthly use of acetaminophen, medication for cold, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the incidence of total poisonings before and after the January 2013.

Results

Among 1 536 277 patients included in the database, 17 523 patients diagnosed with poisoning were enrolled. After the legislative change, the etiology of poisoning did not change, although the frequency of hospitalization from ED was significantly increased. The monthly trend for poisoning due to acetaminophen, cold medications, and NSAIDs showed no significant slope change between before and after the legislative change. The proportional use of acetaminophen and cold medications was significantly decreased, while that of NSAIDs was unchanged before and after the legislative change.

Conclusions

The change in the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act was not associated with any change in the monthly frequency of medication‐related poisoning.
Baicalin reverse depressive‐like behaviors through regulation SIRT1‐NF‐kB signaling pathway in olfactory bulbectomized rats
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Zhang Fangfang , Guan Xidong
Published: March 2019

Depression is a common and detrimental illness that affects up to 120 million people worldwide.

The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant‐like effects and mechanisms of baicalin on olfactory bulbectomized model of depression.

Baicalin treatment (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly reversed the abnormal levels of sucrose consumption, open field test, and forced swimming test. Treatments with baicalin reversed the olfactory bulbectomized‐induced alterations of serum corticosterone levels to a great extent. Our results further demonstrated that baicalin administration negatively regulated the expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Furthermore, baicalin regulated Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and decreased the levels of p65 acetylation (ac‐p65) in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Moreover, in lipopolysaccharides‐induced BV‐2 cells, the levels of inflammatory factors (IL‐1β), p65 acetylation at lysine 310, and SIRT1 expression were different in the group treated with both baicalin and nicotinamide compared with the group treated with baicalin, which suggests that baicalin regulates SIRT1 and thereby inhibits p65 acetylation.

In summary, administration of baicalin reduces the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, possibly through regulation of SIRT1‐NF‐kB pathway. Our findings suggest a support into the potential of baicalin in therapeutic effect for depression.
Mechanistic study on iron(II)‐mediated direct arylation of benzene with chlorobenzene
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Geng Caiyun , Li Jilai
Published: March 2019

Density functional theory calculations on the reaction mechanisms of the direct arylation of benzene with chlorobenzene mediated by a series of low‐valent iron complexes, in which the Fe(II) center is surrounded by different electron‐donor ligands (acetate anion (OAc), baphophenanthroline (baph), 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), and redox active ligand amidophenolate (ap)) using density functional theory. Fe(II) models, 1b FeII(baph), 1p FeII(phen), 1d FeII(diimine), 2o FeII(OAc)2, 2po FeII(OAc)(phen), 2p FeII(phen)2 as well as 2a FeII(ap)2 were established. According to our calculations, 1b and 2a are promising candidates for the direct arylation transformation. The complexes under different ligands show their unique mechanism characteristics. Furthermore, a correlation has been established among the activation barriers, the energy gaps of frontier orbitals, the distortion energies, as well as the reaction enthalpies. The knowledge obtained herein not only deepens our mechanistic understanding of iron‐mediated direct arylation but may also provide guidance for the rational design of catalysts.
A rapid method for determination of the hydrogen isotopes of H2O in micro‐inclusions by chromium‐filled elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Hongwei , Feng Lianjun
Published: March 2019

Rationale

The study of hydrogen isotopes in fluid inclusions is of great significance in the evolution of ore deposits, speleothem research and fluid migration. Conventional analysis methods are based on off‐line thermal decrepitation or mechanical crushing followed by dual‐inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometry (DI‐IRMS). Because a large sample size (at least 1 g) is required for the conventional methods, the hydrogen isotope analysis of small‐sized quartz samples is challenging.

Methods

A method for the hydrogen isotope analysis of H2O from fluid inclusions in minerals using a Cr‐EA/IRMS method (a single‐oven, chromium‐filled elemental analyzer coupled to IRMS) is presented. The reactor is filled with chromium reagent instead of glassy carbon chips, which allows quantitative conversion of the H2O in quartz inclusions into H2 for the first time. The hydrogen isotope ratio is then determined by continuous‐flow IRMS.

Results

Eight quartz samples were analyzed using the Cr‐EA/IRMS method. The hydrogen isotope ratios obtained using this method were consistent with those obtained using the off‐line method. For small samples of less than 20 mg, the δ2H values showed large variance (6–15‰), suggesting that the results were significantly influenced by the background. In contrast, the reproducibility of the δ2H values for samples of more than 20 mg was better than 3‰.

Conclusions

The proposed Cr‐EA/IRMS method greatly reduces the minimum sample size (to ca 20 mg) and the laboratory time (30 samples each day) without compromising precision compared with the off‐line method. The method offers a reliable and economic approach for measuring the δ2H values of geological samples.
Ecohydraulic modelling of anabranching rivers
Authors: Entwistle Neil , Heritage George , Milan David
Published: March 2019

In this paper we provide the first quantitative evidence of the spatial complexity of habitat diversity across the flow regime for locally anabranching channels and their potential increased biodiversity value in comparison to managed single‐thread rivers. Ecohydraulic modelling is used to provide evidence for the potential ecological value of anabranching channels. Hydraulic habitat (biotopes) of an anabranched reach of the River Wear at Wolsingham, UK, is compared with an adjacent artificially straightened single‐thread reach downstream. Two‐dimensional hydraulic modelling was undertaken across the flow regime. Simulated depth and velocity data were used to calculate Froude number index, known to be closely associated with biotope type, allowing biotope maps to be produced for each flow simulation using published Froude number limits. The gross morphology of the anabranched reach appears to be controlling flow hydraulics, creating a complex and diverse biotope distribution at low and intermediate flows. This contrasts markedly with the near uniform biotope pattern modelled for the heavily modified single‐thread reach. As discharge increases the pattern of biotopes altered to reflect a generally higher energy system, interestingly however, a number of low energy biotopes were activated through the anabranched reach as new subchannels became inundated and this process creates valuable refugia for macroinvertebrates and fish, during times of flood. In contrast, these low energy areas were not seen in the straightened single‐thread reach. Model results suggest that anabranched channels have a vital role to play in regulating flood energy on river systems and in creating and maintaining hydraulic habitat diversity.
Measuring the Behavior of Reading Comprehension Test Takers: What Do They Do, and Should They Do It?
Authors: Ardoin Scott P. , Binder Katherine S. , Zawoyski Andrea M. , Nimocks Eloise , Foster Tori E.
Published: March 2019

The authors sought to further the understanding of reading processes and their links to comprehension using two reading tasks for elementary‐grade students. One hundred sixty‐six students in grades 2–5 were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: reading with questions presented concurrently with text or reading with questions presented after reading the text (with the text unavailable when answering questions). Eye movement data suggested different processes for each task: Rereading occurred and more time was spent on higher level processing measures in the with‐text condition, and in particular, those who did not reread had more accurate answers than those who engaged in rereading. Measurement of students’ precision in returning directly to the portion of the passage with information corresponding to a question also predicted students’ response accuracy.
3D Graphene Networks Encapsulated with Ultrathin SnS Nanosheets@Hollow Mesoporous Carbon Spheres Nanocomposite with Pseudocapacitance‐Enhanced Lithium and Sodium Storage Kinetics
Authors: Zhang Shipeng , Wang Gang , Zhang Zelei , Wang Beibei , Bai Jintao , Wang Hui
Published: March 2019

The lithium and sodium storage performances of SnS anode often undergo rapid capacity decay and poor rate capability owing to its huge volume fluctuation and structural instability upon the repeated charge/discharge processes. Herein, a novel and versatile method is described for in situ synthesis of ultrathin SnS nanosheets inside and outside hollow mesoporous carbon spheres crosslinked reduced graphene oxide networks. Thus, 3D honeycomb‐like network architecture is formed. Systematic electrochemical studies manifest that this nanocomposite as anode material for lithium‐ion batteries delivers a high charge capacity of 1027 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 100 cycles. Meanwhile, the as‐developed nanocomposite still retains a charge capacity of 524 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles for sodium‐ion batteries. In addition, the electrochemical kinetics analysis verifies the basic principles of enhanced rate capacity. The appealing electrochemical performance for both lithium‐ion batteries and sodium‐ion batteries can be mainly related to the porous 3D interconnected architecture, in which the nanoscale SnS nanosheets not only offer decreased ion diffusion pathways and fast Li+/Na+ transport kinetics, but also the 3D interconnected conductive networks constructed from the hollow mesoporous carbon spheres and reduced graphene oxide enhance the conductivity and ensure the structural integrity.
Climate Forecasts and Flood Mitigation
Authors: Sims Charles , Null Sarah E.
Published: March 2019

There is growing evidence that flood mitigation is often inefficient because individuals misestimate flood risk. The propensity to misestimate flood risk is expected to rise because climate change ensures the past will be a poor predictor of the future. Greater reliance on downscaled climatological and hydrological forecasts has been suggested to address these information failures. This article combines stochastic dynamic programming with historical data and climate‐driven streamflow projections to determine how changes in flood risk forecasts influence optimal investments in flood mitigation infrastructure. Using upgrades in California's levee system as an example, we show that climate change is causing benefit–cost analysis to become increasingly biased in favor of flood mitigation infrastructure projects. We also show that using downscaled hydroclimate forecasts to achieve more accurate estimates of flood risk can decrease the efficiency of flood mitigation infrastructure investments, if flood risk is currently overestimated.

JEL Classification: D81 Q25 Q54
Valorization of Oceanic Waste Biomass: A Catalytic Perspective
Authors: Lucas Nishita , Athawale Anjali A. , Rode Chandrashekhar V.
Published: March 2019

Efficacious waste utilization is vital in context of sustainability. The past decade has witnessed attempts of usage of land biomass and wastes for various applications, contributing towards a sustainable society. Exploitation of the marine biomass, which does not compete with habitation and food production like land biomass has been largely unnoticed and therefore not being utilized judiciously. Researchers have mainly exploited these resources as functional materials having significant potential applications. However, a catalytic perspective for the valorisation of these polymers arising from oceanic waste widens their scope and ameliorates its use. The objective of the present review is to demonstrate the effectiveness of chitin/chitosan as a catalyst and as a feedstock for deriving important fuels and chemicals. It displays all the reactions heterogeneously catalyzed by them along with the strategic methodology. Their important catalytic organic transformations attempted so far, have also been discussed. The future perspectives are also presented which if inculcated would improve the value addition of the waste, paving a way for greener and imperishable world.
Firms' use of organizational, personal, and intermediary networks to gain access to resources for internationalization
Authors: Andersson Svante , Sundermeier Janina
Published: March 2019

This study explores which networks are beneficial for gaining resources for firms' internationalization. Little is known about firms' use of organizational, personal, and intermediary networks to gain access to resources for internationalization. Firms are seeking resources through their organization's relationships (organizational networks) and individuals' personal contacts (personal networks). Governmental and industry actors are implementing networks to promote international growth and act as an intermediary between business actors (intermediary networks). We conduct in‐depth interviews with firms and representatives for intermediary networks complemented with a survey. The findings reveal which resources are accessed through the different networks. We find organizational networks provide considerable access to most resources (except financial resources) that are beneficial for internationalization, whereas intermediary networks provide access to reputational, human, and market resources. Personal networks primarily provide access to human resources. This study contributes to theory by giving a more fine‐grained understanding of how different types of networks give access to different resources valuable for internationalization.
A prospective evaluation of rivaroxaban on haemostatic parameters in apparently healthy dogs
Authors: Evans Liam A. , Tansey Colleen , Wiebe Melissa , Sloan Caroline Q. , Patlogar Jeffrey E. , Northcutt Sarah , Murphy Lisa A. , Nakamura Reid K.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of rivaroxaban (RIV) on haemostatic parameters assessed by prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and kaolin‐activated thromboelastography (TEG) in apparently healthy dogs administered 1 mg kg−1 orally once daily for 1 week. Eleven dogs had a baseline complete blood count (CBC), fibrinogen, platelet count, serum chemistry profile, PT, aPTT, and TEG performed. Each dog was then administered approximately 1.0 mg kg−1 of RIV orally once daily for 1 week and the CBC, fibrinogen, platelet count, serum chemistry profile, PT, aPTT, and TEG was re‐evaluated. Any side effects attributed to RIV were noted at this time. One dog was excluded due to identification of a macrocytic thrombocytopenia on pre‐treatment blood work. The remaining 10 enrolled dogs completed the study. Dogs received a median dose of 1.02 mg kg−1 (range 0.94–1.17 mg kg−1) of RIV once daily and was associated with a significant increase in pulse, packed cell volume, total solids, platelet count, fibrinogen and a significant decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. There was no significant change in PT, aPTT or any TEG parameters. The RIV appeared well tolerated with one dog having one episode of vomiting on day 4 but otherwise no other side effects were identified clinically or on recheck blood work. The results of this study suggests that RIV at a dose of 1 mg kg−1 orally once daily is safe and well tolerated but does not cause a significant prolongation of PT, aPTT or TEG parameters.
Eribulin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab as first-line therapy for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: a phase II, multicenter, collaborative, open-label, single-arm clinical trial
Authors: Inoue Kenichi , Ninomiya Jun , Saito Tsuyoshi , Okubo Katsuhiko , Nakakuma Takashi , Yamada Hirofumi , Kimizuka Kei , Higuchi Tohru ,   for the SBCCSG-36 investigators
Published: March 2019

Purpose To examine the efficacy and safety of triple therapy with eribulin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who never received any prior therapy in the first-line metastatic/advanced setting. Methods Eribulin 1.4 mg/m2 (days 1 and 8), trastuzumab 8 mg/kg over 90 min and 6 mg/kg over 30 min, and pertuzumab 840 mg/body over 60 min and 420 mg/body over 30 min were administered intravenously in 21-day cycles. Results 25 women (median age, 57 years [range, 41–75 years]) received a median of 10 cycles (range, 0–34 cycles); 24 had performance status (PS) 0, 1 PS 1, 8 stage IV breast cancer, and 17 recurrence. Lung and liver metastases occurred in 9 and 9 patients, respectively. Median time to treatment failure with eribulin was 9.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3–13.9 months), and median progression-free survival was 23.1 months (95% CI, 14.4–31.8 months). The overall response rate (complete response [CR] + partial response [PR]) was 80.0% (95% CI, 59.3–93.2%), and the clinical benefit rate (CR + PR + stable disease ≥24 weeks) was 84.0% (95% CI, 63.9–95.5%). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were alopecia (92.0%), fatigue (68.0%), and sensory peripheral neuropathy (60.0%). Grade 3/4 TEAEs occurred in 11 patients (44.0%). The only grade 4 TEAE was neutrophil count decreased (16.0%). Neither grade 4 peripheral neuropathy nor febrile neutropenia occurred. Conclusions ETP therapy showed acceptable efficacy and safety and is a potential first-line therapy for patients with HER2-positive MBC.
The socialization of attitudes about sex and their role in adolescent pornography use
Authors: Hardy Sam A. , Hurst Jeffrey L. , Price Joseph , Denton Melinda L.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

This study examines the socialization of conservative attitudes about sex and pornography use in later adolescence. We tested a socialization model whereby we anticipated that parent conservative sex attitudes would more strongly predict teen conservative sex attitudes when more frequent and higher quality parent‐teen communication was present. We further hypothesized that teen conservative sex attitudes would mediate relations between parent conservative sex attitudes and teen pornography use over time.

Methods

The data come from three waves of the National Survey of Youth and Religion (N = 3290; ages 13 through 18; M age = 15.5).

Results

Path analyses found that teen sex attitudes mediated the negative link between parent sex attitudes and subsequent teen pornography use, but frequency and quality of parent‐teen communication extensiveness (operationalized as frequency) and quality (operationalized as comfort) did not moderate the association between parent and teen sex attitudes. However, communication extensiveness did moderate relations between parent sex attitudes and later teen pornography use. The model was largely consistent across teen gender.

Conclusions

In short, parent and teen conservative sex attitudes are developmentally linked and predictive of later teen pornography use, but the role of parent‐teen communication and teen gender are complex and in need of further research.
Ranking the Attributes of Effective Disaster Responders and Leaders
Authors: King Richard V. , Larkin Gregory Luke , Klein Kelly R. , Fowler Raymond L. , Downs Dana L. , North Carol S.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To investigate the relative importance of 10 attributes identified in prior studies as essential for effective disaster medical responders and leaders.

Methods

Emergency and disaster medical response personnel (N=220) ranked 10 categories of disaster worker attributes in order of their importance in contributing to the effectiveness of disaster responders and leaders.

Results

Attributes of disaster medical leaders and responders were rank ordered, and the rankings differed for leaders and responders. For leaders, problem-solving/decision-making and communication skills were the highest ranked, whereas teamwork/interpersonal skills and calm/cool were the highest ranked for responders.

Conclusions

The 10 previously identified attributes of effective disaster medical responders and leaders include personal characteristics and general skills in addition to knowledge of incident command and disaster medicine. The differences in rank orders of attributes for leaders and responders suggest that when applying these attributes in personnel recruitment, selection, and training, the proper emphasis and priority given to each attribute may vary by role. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:700–703)
The earliest fossil record of true crickets belonging to the Baissogryllidae (Insecta, Orthoptera, Grylloidea)
Authors: Wang H. , Fang Y. N. , Fang Y. , Jarzembowski E. A. , Wang B. , Zhang H. C.
Published: March 2019

Baissogryllidae is an extinct family of the insect superfamily Grylloidea, previously known from Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous time. A new genus and species, Sinagryllus xinjiangensis gen. et sp. nov., is described here based on a well-preserved forewing from the Lower Jurassic Sangonghe Formation of Xinjiang, northwestern China. It can be attributed to Baissogryllidae based on the combination of the following characteristics: a true mirror in the male tegminal stridulatory apparatus; and a distinct widening of the area between CuA2, lateral part of the diagonal vein, and proximal part of the proximal branch of MP+CuA1. This find represents not only the earliest record of Baissogryllidae, but also the first fossil wing of Grylloidea reported from China.
Assessing callous-unemotional traits: development of a brief, reliable measure in a large and diverse sample of preadolescent youth
Authors: Hawes Samuel W. , Waller Rebecca , Thompson Wesley K. , Hyde Luke W. , Byrd Amy L. , Burt S. Alexandra , Klump Kelly L. , Gonzalez Raul
Published: March 2019

Background

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are critical to developmental, diagnostic, and clinical models of antisocial behaviors (AB). However, assessments of CU traits within large-scale longitudinal and neurobiologically focused investigations remain remarkably sparse. We sought to develop a brief measure of CU traits using items from widely administered instruments that could be linked to neuroimaging, genetic, and environmental data within already existing datasets and future studies.

Methods

Data came from a large and diverse sample (n= 4525) of youth (ages~9–11) taking part in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Moderated nonlinear factor analysis was used to assess measurement invariance across sex, race, and age. We explored whether CU traits were distinct from other indicators of AB, investigated unique links with theoretically-relevant outcomes, and replicated findings in an independent sample.

Results

The brief CU traits measure demonstrated strong psychometric properties and evidence of measurement invariance across sex, race, and age. On average, boys endorsed higher levels of CU traits than girls and CU traits were related to, yet distinguishable from other indicators of AB. The CU traits construct also exhibited expected associations with theoretically important outcomes. Study findings were also replicated across an independent sample of youth.

Conclusions

In a large, multi-site study, a brief measure of CU traits can be measured distinctly from other dimensions of AB. This measure provides the scientific community with a method to assess CU traits in the ABCD sample, as well as in other studies that may benefit from a brief assessment of CU.
A Bridge Between East and West: The Universities Service Centre of the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Authors: Alford Duncan
Published: March 2019

Fragrant Harbor is the literal translation of the Chinese (pinyin Xiang Gang) for Hong Kong. Once a British colony and now a Special Administrative Region within the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong is also a global financial center. In June 2006 I had the privilege of conducting legal research as a visiting scholar at the Universities Service Centre of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. My research topic was the influence of Hong Kong banking law on banking reform in the People's Republic of China. The following is a brief summary of my research and experience there.
The Constitutional Assembly Database Project-Resurrecting a Database Ten Years On
Authors: Hofman Julien
Published: March 2019

In 1995 the Constitutional Assembly Database Project (the Project) began to publish the proceedings of South Africa's Constitutional Assembly on the Internet. The Project finished this work, the first of its kind anywhere in the world, in 1996, but the Database has not been available since a computer crash in 2000. This paper is the first account of the history of the Project. The paper argues that it is important to restore access to the Database, but in a way that will not repeat the mistakes made when setting up the database.
Exchanging Books in Western Europe: A Brief History of International Interlibrary Loan
Authors: Miguel Teresa M.
Published: March 2019

Interlibrary Loan is not a new concept. The practice of lending and borrowing materials occurred as far back as the 8th century in Western Europe. An 8th century copy of St. Augustine'sDe Trinitatein the Bodleian Library contains a page originally left blank at the end of the manuscript whereupon “an Anglo-Saxon hand of about the year 800 entered a small list of books.” Elias A. Lowe's translation and analysis of this list and adjacent annotations demonstrates that the list was likely a “catalog” of manuscripts in the ancient library of St. Kilian's at Würzburg, and that several books were loaned to Holzkirchen and to the monastery at Fulda. The three institutions were geographically close, with Holz church being a dependency of Fulda monastery. Fulda's library was the largest in Germany except, possibly, for St. Gall.
Indian Legal Literature
Authors: Malik Surendra
Published: March 2019

Indian Legal literature is comprehensive and exhaustive in that it fully encompasses the law prevailing in India in all its varied aspects. Statutory law, case law, and minor portions of customary and religion-based laws are well documented and readily accessible. Fortunately, from the point of view of a foreign reader, nearly all of the law currently prevalent in India is available in English.
Exploring the Human Rights Implications of Microfinance Initiatives
Authors: Farrer Rebecca
Published: March 2019

This Article explores Microfinance and microcredit (“MFI”) programs from several perspectives, with particular emphasis on human rights issues. These programs involve making small loans to people who would otherwise be unable to borrow money to facilitate them starting their own businesses: frequently, the programs focus on women borrowers in developing countries. The emphasis of MFI programs on women in developing countries makes it important to consider these programs in terms of both women's and indigenous rights, while MFI as an approach to poverty merits a discussion of economic rights. Part I of the article will explore the concept and scope of current MFI programs, describing key components of these programs and assessing comments from both fans and critics. The Grameen Bank, which has been studied extensively and has acted as a model for several other programs, will be examined in detail. Part II of this Article considers MFI in the context of human rights considerations, including economic, indigenous, and women's rights. One particular aspect of Grameen's program, namely the use of Sixteen Decisions, is also critiqued, applying organizational behavior theory. Part III will compare MFI with other approaches to poverty, inclu property rights initiatives, women's cooperatives and social enterprise approaches.
Chinese Law on Trade, Investment and Intellectual Property Rights: A Bibliography of Selected English-Language Materials
Authors: Liu Chenglin
Published: March 2019

This bibliography in nine topical sections includes selected English-language publications on Chinese law regarding trade, investment and intellectual property rights from 1990 to 2003. The objective of this compilation is to provide interested non-Chinese-speaking scholars and practitioners with an account of secondary materials in this field. Titles of primary Chinese law materials are not included.
Custodians of Memory: South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Authors: Burton Mary
Published: March 2019

South Africa is widely admired for its peaceful transition from a period of discrimination and oppression to a legitimate functioning democracy in which human rights are recognized and protected by the Constitution and the courts. Nevertheless, it is still a country traumatized by its recent past. There is a great need for building and strengthening processes of development, reparation, reconciliation and the healing of painful memories. The country has just celebrated National Heritage Day, and these memorial occasions are important in reminding us all of how far we have come, and the people and events which brought us to this point.
Judging the Judges: The State of Judicial Reform in Eastern Europe on the Eve of Accession
Authors: Dickerson Hollin K.
Published: March 2019

On May 1, 2004, ten new countries joined the European Union (EU), bringing the number of members from fifteen to a total of twenty-five. This expansion was the largest expansion ever undertaken by the EU, raising serious questions regarding the integration of different cultures, economies, political systems, and legal regimes into a very Westernized EU. These issues are further complicated by the fact that eight of the ten accession countries, namely Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are all Eastern European nations that have only been independent states since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991. Still coping with the transition from socialism to capitalism and from oppression to democracy, each of these nations encountered unique challenges as they approached the date of formal EU accession.
Vladimir Spasovich and the Development of the Legal Profession in Russia
Authors: Roudik Peter
Published: March 2019

Russian society is currently struggling on its road towards recognizing the rights and freedoms of the individual, as well as towards establishing the rule of law and institutions, norms and procedures of a civil society. The current poor state of the legal profession is due significantly to lawyers with substandard qualifications. This fact has delayed the speed of progressive social, political and spiritual reforms, and has complicated the quest for freedom and legal rights by the Russian people. An analysis of the previous Russian experience and a creative interpretation of state and legal traditions might be useful to solve current problems. One such lesson may be learned from studying the history of the Bar (Advokatura), which once used to influence the social and political life in Russia.