bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Citizenship as Literacy: A Critical Reflection for Teaching Multilingual Writers
Authors: Alvarez Sara P. , Wan Amy J.
Published: August 2019

This department explores how teachers can sustain students’ multilingual literacies and reimagine literacy learning across multiple contexts in conversation with researchers, practitioners, and communities.
Traveling With Integrity: Translating Face‐to‐Face Teacher Professional Learning to Online and Blended Spaces
Authors: Katz Mira‐Lisa , Stump Mary , Charney‐Sirott Irisa , Howlett Heather
Published: August 2019

This department focuses on literacy leaders, including school and instructional leaders, teachers, and external partners, who are working to improve outcomes for adolescent and adult learners in a wide range of education settings. Columns investigate the challenges and complexities inherent in such work and share lessons learned, impactful strategies and approaches, and promising pathways forward.
Preparation and preliminary bioevaluation studies of 68Ga‐NOTA‐rituximab fragments as radioimmunoscintigraphic agents for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Suman Shishu Kant , Kameswaran Mythili , Pandey Usha , Sarma Haladhar Dev , Dash Ashutosh
Published: August 2019

Rituximab is used for the treatment of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This study focuses on development of 68Ga‐labeled rituximab fragments, (68Ga‐NOTA‐F (ab′)‐rituximab and 68Ga‐NOTA‐F (ab′)2‐rituximab, as PET‐imaging agents for NHL. Rituximab was digested with immobilized pepsin and papain to yield F (ab′)2 and Fab fragments respectively that were characterized by size exclusion HPLC (SE‐HPLC) and SDS‐PAGE. They were conjugated with p‐SCN‐Bn‐NOTA, labeled with 68Ga and characterized by SE‐HPLC. Intact rituximab was labeled with gallium‐68 for comparison. Specificity of 68Ga‐labeled immunoconjugates was ascertained by immunoreactivity and cell binding studies in Raji cells, while biodistribution studies were performed in normal Swiss mice. Gradient SDS‐PAGE under nonreducing condition showed molecular weights of F (ab′)2‐rituximab and F (ab′)‐rituximab as approximately 100 and 40 Kd, respectively. Radiochemical purity (RCP) of 68Ga‐NOTA‐F (ab′)2‐rituximab and 68Ga‐NOTA‐F (ab′)‐rituximab were 98.2 ± 0.5% and 98.8 ± 0.2% respectively with retention times of 17.1 ± 0.1 min and 19.3 ± 0.1 min in SE‐HPLC. 68Ga‐labeled rituximab fragments were stable in saline and serum up to 2‐hour post preparation and exhibited specificity to CD20 antigen. Immunoreactivity of 68Ga‐labeled immunoconjugates was greater than 80%. Clearance of the fragmented radioimmunoconjugates was predominantly through renal route. Preliminary results from this study demonstrate the potential of 68Ga‐ NOTA‐F (ab′)2‐rituximab and 68Ga‐NOTA‐F (ab′)‐rituximab as PET imaging agents for NHL.
Imaging signatures of glioblastoma molecular characteristics: A radiogenomics review
Authors: Fathi Kazerooni Anahita , Bakas Spyridon , Saligheh Rad Hamidreza , Davatzikos Christos
Published: August 2019

Over the past few decades, the advent and development of genomic assessment methods and computational approaches have raised the hopes for identifying therapeutic targets that may aid in the treatment of glioblastoma. However, the targeted therapies have barely been successful in their effort to cure glioblastoma patients, leaving them with a grim prognosis. Glioblastoma exhibits high heterogeneity, both spatially and temporally. The existence of different genetic subpopulations in glioblastoma allows this tumor to adapt itself to environmental forces. Therefore, patients with glioblastoma respond poorly to the prescribed therapies, as treatments are directed towards the whole tumor and not to the specific genetic subregions. Genomic alterations within the tumor develop distinct radiographic phenotypes. In this regard, MRI plays a key role in characterizing molecular signatures of glioblastoma, based on regional variations and phenotypic presentation of the tumor. Radiogenomics has emerged as a (relatively) new field of research to explore the connections between genetic alterations and imaging features. Radiogenomics offers numerous advantages, including noninvasive and global assessment of the tumor and its response to therapies. In this review, we summarize the potential role of radiogenomic techniques to stratify patients according to their specific tumor characteristics with the goal of designing patient‐specific therapies.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:54–69.
Synthesis of mesoporous silica for adsorption of chlordiazepoxide and its determination by HPLC: Experimental design
Authors: Momtazan Fatemeh , Khodadoust Saeid , Zeraatpisheh Fatemeh , Behbahani Mohammad
Published: August 2019

In this work, mesoporous silica (SBA‐15‐NH2) was used as an efficient adsorbent for extraction of chlordiazepoxide from different samples based on dispersive nanomaterial‐ultrasound assisted microextraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The prepared sorbent was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, low‐angle X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and N2 adsorption‐desorption surface area measurement. Several variables affecting the extraction efficiency of the chlordiazepoxide, including the amounts of adsorbent, time of adsorption, pH and volume of desorption solvent were optimized by central composite design combined with desirability function. The values of variables were set as 10 mg of SBA‐15‐NH2, 15 min adsorption time, pH = 7.3 and 1 mL methanol. The linear response (0.998) was obtained in the range of 0.006–10 µgmL−1 with detection limit 0.0014 µg/mL and extraction recovery was in the range of 91–96% with relative standard deviation < 6%.
Defect repair with fibrin glue/polyglycolic acid after endoscopic laryngopharyngeal cancer resection
Authors: Watanabe Yoshiki , Tanaka Shinzo , Hiratsuka Yasuyuki , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Yoshida Takao , Kusano Junko , Matsunaga Momoko , Kitano Masayuki , Nakahira Mai , Oe Kengo
Published: August 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

In 2013, we introduced a modified technique for mucosal/muscle layer defect coverage with fibrin glue and polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets (mMCFP technique) in patients undergoing endoscopic transoral surgeries for laryngopharyngeal cancers. This technique allows easy and convenient coverage of the wound surface, even when it involves the laryngopharyngeal lumen. To our knowledge, use of the MCFP technique for coverage of postoperative mucosal and/or muscle layer defects involving the laryngopharyngeal lumen has not been reported. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety of our mMCFP technique used simultaneously with endoscopic transoral resection of Tis, T1, T2, and select T3 pharyngeal and supraglottic cancers.

Study Design

A single centre retrospective study.

Methods

Between June 2013 and February 2019, 102 patients underwent simultaneous end‐flexible‐rigidscopic transoral surgery and wound coverage using our mMCFP technique. All patients required mucosal and/or muscle layer resection. For all patients, we recorded the incidence of postoperative complications and the time period for which the PGA sheets could be observed after surgery.

Results

In 41%, 35%, and 8% patients, the PGA sheets could be observed on the wound surface for 2, 3, and 4 weeks, respectively. Other than postoperative bleeding in two patients (2%), no postoperative complications were recorded.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that our mMCFP technique is a safe and simple method for the repair of mucosal and/or muscle layer defects after endoscopic transoral surgery for laryngopharyngeal cancers.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1740–1745, 2020
On unstable and unoptimal prediction
Authors: Kalociński Dariusz , Steifer Tomasz
Published: August 2019

We consider the notion of prediction functions (or predictors) studied before in the context of randomness and stochasticity by Ko, and later by Ambos‐Spies and others. Predictor is a total computable function which tries to predict bits of some infinite binary sequence. The prediction error is defined as the limit of the number of incorrect answers divided by the number of answers given so far. We discuss indefiniteness of prediction errors for weak 1‐generics and show that this phenomenon affects certain c.e. sequences as well. On the other hand, a notion of optimal predictor is considered. It is shown that there is a sequence for which increasingly better predictors exist but for which no predictor is optimal.
A many‐objective evolutionary algorithm incorporating decision maker's preference and its application to management of the electricity distribution network
Authors: Sekizaki Shinya , Nishizaki Ichiro , Hayashida Tomohiro
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a step‐by‐step decision making approach that incorporates preferences of a decision maker into a many‐objective evolutionary algorithm. The algorithm is applied to a challenging many‐objective optimization problem (MaOP) involving integer objective values, tight constraints, heavy computational burden, and limited knowledge about the true Pareto front. The proposed method consists of five steps. (a) The entire Pareto front with high dimensions is roughly approximated by a small set of nondominated solutions. (b) On the basis of the approximated Pareto front, the decision maker specifies a preference. (c) Reference points are distributed through part of the objective space using the preference information. (d) The approximation accuracy of the Pareto front in the region of interest is improved by local search using the reference points. (e) The most preferred solution from a set of the nondominated solutions is chosen. The evolutionary algorithms employed in Steps (a) and (d) have an improved normalization procedure and selection mechanism for the MaOP involving integer objective value(s) and the tight constraints. Steps (b) and (e) use a graphical‐user‐interface‐based interactive tool we developed to efficiently narrow down to the preferred solution(s) among the high‐dimensional, nondominated solutions. This alleviates the cognitive burden on the decision maker and therefore aids the decision maker in handling MaOPs. In the computational experiment, we choose the real‐world application of reconfiguring an electricity distribution network. We demonstrate that the proposed approach can provide satisfying solutions to a decision maker.
Mathematical analysis of a continuous version of statistical model for criminal behavior
Authors: Shen Jieqiong , Li Bin
Published: August 2019

This paper is concerned with a reaction‐advection‐diffusion system, which is a continuous version of statistical model for criminal activity proposed by Short et al (Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci., 8 (2008), 1249‐1267). From very recently results, it is known that the classical solution of the corresponding initial‐boundary value problem exists globally. On the other hand, Rodriguez (Phys. D, 260 (2013), 191‐200) asserted the uniform‐in‐time boundedness of classical solution; however, there is a gap in the proof. In this work, we first solve this open problem by establishing some crucial a priori estimates. Then, invoking the uniform boundedness, we present that the classical solution converges exponentially to the steady state. Our results are consistent with the experiment observation and numerical simulation in the existing literatures.
A new miniaturized frequency selective surface designed for Ku‐band absorption and low‐frequency bandpass
Authors: Hu Diwei , Zhai Huiqing , Liu Longhua , Shi Junhao , Nie Zhenghang
Published: August 2019

This article designs a new miniaturized frequency selective surface (FSS) for Ku‐band absorption and low‐frequency bandpass. The miniaturized frequency selective surface (MFSS) consists of a periodically arranged unit structure, each unit consisting of an upper three‐dimensional absorbing structure and a bottom two‐dimensional FSS. The upper layer is a bent‐closed structure that mainly provides over 90% absorption in the Ku‐band. The underlying structure is a FSS in which it acts as a bandpass filter in the transmission band (2.9‐3.9 GHz). The unit‐cell dimension of the MFSS is 0.091λ0 × 0.091λ0 × 0.054λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength at the resonant frequency). Due to its small size, MFSS can effectively avoid grating lobes and maintain good angular stability. Finally, the actual measurement verified that the MFSS has good characteristics.
Accurate, precise, simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping using a radial sequence with inversion recovery and T2 preparation
Authors: Shao Jiaxin , Zhou Ziwu , Nguyen Kim‐Lien , Finn J. Paul , Hu Peng
Published: August 2019

We propose a simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping technique using a radial sequence with inversion recovery and T2 preparation, which achieves high accuracy and precision, with T1 and T2 reproducibility similar to the Modified Look‐Locker Inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequence and the conventional bright blood T2 mapping technique, respectively. The sequence was developed by incorporating gold angle radial fast low angle shot (FLASH) readout combined with an inversion pulse and T2prep pulses. The extended Bloch equation simulation with slice profile correction (BLESSPC) algorithm was proposed to reconstruct T1 and T2 maps at the same time in a few seconds, while maintaining good T1 and T2 estimation accuracy. Accuracy and precision were compared among the proposed technique, MOLLI and conventional T2 mapping techniques using phantom studies, 10 healthy volunteers and three patients. In phantom studies, the proposed technique was more accurate than MOLLI (P < 0.05) while achieving similar precision (P = 0.3) in T1 estimation, and was more accurate (P < 0.05) and precise (P < 0.001) than conventional T2 mapping (two‐parameter fitting) in T2 estimation. In vivo, the proposed technique achieved significantly higher T1 values (P < 0.001) and similar reproducibility (P = 0.3) compared with MOLLI, with significantly lower T2 values (P < 0.001) and similar reproducibility (P = 0.6) compared with the conventional T2 mapping technique. Thus, the proposed radial T1‐T2 mapping technique allows for accurate, precise, simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping in an 11‐heartbeat single breath‐hold acquisition.
On the stationary Schrödinger equation in the semi‐classical limit: Asymptotic blow‐up at a turning point
Authors: Döpfner Kirian , Arnold Anton
Published: August 2019

We consider a model for the wave function of an electron, injected at a fixed energy E into an electronic device with stationary potential V(x). This wave function is the solution of the stationary 1D Schrödinger equation. The scattering problem is modeled on an interval where the potential varies. Moreover, V(x) is assumed constant in the exterior, i.e. in the leads of the device. Here we are interested in including turning points – points

where the potential and the energy of the particle coincide, i.e.

. We show that including a turning point lets the wave function blow‐up asymptotically as the scaled Planck constant ε → 0. This is an essential difference to the uniformly bounded wave function if turning points are excluded.
Dielectric properties of epoxy resin impregnated paper insulation in different stages of partial discharge development
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Luo Yu , Guan Jie , Ding Renjie
Published: August 2019

To investigate the variation of dielectric properties of epoxy resin impregnated paper insulation in different stages of partial discharge (PD) development, a PD experimental platform was established and epoxy resin impregnated paper insulation samples were prepared. According to the discharge amount, the number of discharges and discharge phenomena during the PD process, the PD process is divided into an initial stage, development stage, burst stage, and near‐breakdown stage. The variations of dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor of the sample during different PD development stages were measured by frequency domain dielectric spectrum tester. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the microscopic morphological changes of the samples at different stages of PD development. The surface characteristic functional groups at different stages of PD development of the sample were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that: as the PD progresses, the insulation performance deteriorates; under continuous bombardment by high‐speed electrons, the network structure of the fiber surface and the epoxy molecular chain are destroyed, causing the weakening of the binding force between the molecular chains, and the short‐chain structure formed by cracking has a stronger steering ability. Under the continuous action of PD, the inside of the long‐chain molecule breaks and oxidizes, and a large number of small molecules, such as free radicals and monoglucose, are formed. The decrease in the molecular weight of the polymer leads to the weakening of the interaction between the molecules, resulting in an increase in polarization, a large dielectric constant, and an increase in the dielectric loss factor.
Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aberrations by chromosomal microarray analysis in fetuses with ultrasound anomalies in the urinary system
Authors: Hu Ting , Zhang Zhu , Wang Jiamin , Li Qinqin , Zhu Hongmei , Lai Yi , Wang He , Liu Shanling
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the relationships between urinary anomalies and copy number variations (CNVs) in fetuses and provide information for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for parents.

Methods

Three hundred seventeen fetuses with urinary system anomalies detected by prenatal ultrasound were enrolled; 251 had isolated urinary system anomalies, and 66 had nonisolated system anomalies. CMA was performed on the Affymetrix 750K platform.

Results

The frequency of chromosomal aberrations in fetuses with urinary system anomalies was 11.04%, including 6.31% with pathogenic CNVs (pCNVs). The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities was significantly higher for the fetuses with nonisolated urinary system anomalies than for those with isolated urinary system anomalies. Seven fetuses (25.93%) with echogenic kidneys were identified with pCNVs; this detection rate was significantly higher than that for fetuses with other urinary anomalies. A 17q12 deletion was detected in eight fetuses with urinary anomalies, accounting for 40% of pCNVs.

Conclusion

CMA is especially valuable in the prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with urinary system anomalies. The pCNV rates differed between the isolated and nonisolated subgroups of urinary anomalies. Fetuses with echogenic kidneys had the highest rate of pCNVs. The 17q12 deletion was the most frequent pCNV in fetuses with urinary anomalies.
Incidence of gastro‐intestinal anomalies and surgical outcome of fetuses diagnosed with echogenic bowel and bowel dilatation
Authors: Laird Ashleigh , Shekleton Paul , Nataraja Ramesh M. , Kimber Christopher , Pacilli Maurizio
Published: August 2019

Background

We aimed to evaluate the incidence of gastro‐intestinal (GI) anomalies and surgical outcome in fetuses diagnosed with either echogenic bowel (EB) or EB plus bowel dilatation (BD) but no associated chromosomal, DNA and/or additional structural defects.

Methods

A 10‐year (2008‐2018) retrospective review was performed on all fetuses diagnosed with EB and EB+BD (RES‐18‐0000‐072Q). Results are reported as number of cases (%) and mean ±SD. Fisher's exact test, Mann‐Whitney U test and logistic regression were used to identify differences between groups and predisposing factors for gastro‐intestinal anomalies.

Results

We identified 41 fetuses with EB and 14 fetuses with EB+BD. Post‐natal surgical intervention was required in no patient of the EB group and in 7/14 (50%) of the EB+BD group, p<0.001. The risk of having a GI anomaly was higher in the EB+BD group (RR 42.0 [2.5‐691.6]; p=0.009). Advanced maternal age (p=0.04), ascites (p=0.006) and polyhydramnios (p=0.007) were associated with a higher incidence of GI pathology.

Conclusions

In fetuses with no associated chromosomal, DNA and/or additional structural defects, the finding of EB+BD is associated with 50% incidence of GI anomalies at birth. Advanced maternal age, ascites and polyhydramnios are also associated with higher incidence of GI pathology at birth.
The rhg1‐a (Rhg1 low‐copy) nematode resistance source harbors a copia‐family retrotransposon within the Rhg1‐encoded α‐SNAP gene
Authors: Bayless Adam M. , Zapotocny Ryan W. , Han Shaojie , Grunwald Derrick J. , Amundson Kaela K. , Bent Andrew F.
Published: August 2019

Soybean growers widely use the Resistance to Heterodera glycines 1 (Rhg1) locus to reduce yield losses caused by soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Rhg1 is a tandemly repeated four gene block. Two classes of SCN resistance‐conferring Rhg1 haplotypes are recognized: rhg1‐a (“Peking‐type,” low‐copy number, three or fewer Rhg1 repeats) and rhg1‐b (“PI 88788‐type,” high‐copy number, four or more Rhg1 repeats). The rhg1‐a and rhg1‐b haplotypes encode α‐SNAP (alpha‐Soluble NSF Attachment Protein) variants α‐SNAPRhg1LC and α‐SNAPRhg1HC, respectively, with differing atypical C‐terminal domains, that contribute to SCN resistance. Here we report that rhg1‐a soybean accessions harbor a copia retrotransposon within their Rhg1 Glyma.18G022500 (α‐SNAP‐encoding) gene. We termed this retrotransposon “RAC,” for Rhg1 alpha‐SNAP copia. Soybean carries multiple RAC‐like retrotransposon sequences. The Rhg1 RAC insertion is in the Glyma.18G022500 genes of all true rhg1‐a haplotypes we tested and was not detected in any examined rhg1‐b or Rhg1WT (single‐copy) soybeans. RAC is an intact element residing within intron 1, anti‐sense to the rhg1‐a α‐SNAP open reading frame. RAC has intrinsic promoter activities, but overt impacts of RAC on transgenic α‐SNAPRhg1LC mRNA and protein abundance were not detected. From the native rhg1‐a RAC+ genomic context, elevated α‐SNAPRhg1LC protein abundance was observed in syncytium cells, as was previously observed for α‐SNAPRhg1HC (whose rhg1‐b does not carry RAC). Using a SoySNP50K SNP corresponding with RAC presence, just ~42% of USDA accessions bearing previously identified rhg1‐a SoySNP50K SNP signatures harbor the RAC insertion. Subsequent analysis of several of these putative rhg1‐a accessions lacking RAC revealed that none encoded α‐SNAPRhg1LC, and thus, they are not rhg1‐a. rhg1‐a haplotypes are of rising interest, with Rhg4, for combating SCN populations that exhibit increased virulence against the widely used rhg1‐b resistance. The present study reveals another unexpected structural feature of many Rhg1 loci, and a selectable feature that is predictive of rhg1‐a haplotypes.
Can plants help us avoid seeding a human‐made climate catastrophe?
Authors: Beerling David J.
Published: August 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Human‐made climate change places the future of the planet in peril. Rapid greenhouse gas emissions over the past few decades already commit Earth to a warmer climate state and lock‐in future extinctions. I consider what steps might be taken to protect the climate and the future of the biosphere by drawing on our understanding of the Devonian rise of forests. At stake is nothing less than the future of humanity and the fate of species we are fortunate enough to share the planet with.

Summary

Drastic phase down of our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels within decades will likely be insufficient to avoid seeding catastrophic human‐caused climate change. We have to also start removing CO2 from the atmosphere, safely, affordably and within decades. Technological approaches for large‐scale carbon removal and storage hold great promise but are far from the gigaton‐scale required. Enhanced chemical weathering of crushed silicate rocks and afforestation are proposed CO2 removal approaches mimicking events during the Devonian rise of forests that triggered massive CO2 drawdown and the great late Palaeozoic cooling. Evidence from Earth's history suggests that if undertaken at scale, these strategies may represent key elements of a climate restoration plan but will still be far from sufficient. Climate protests by the world's youth are justified. They recognize the urgency of the situation and the intergenerational injustice of our time: current and future generations footing the immense economic and ecological bill for damaging carbon emissions they had no part in and which world leaders are failing to limit.
MD simulations reveal alternate conformations of the oxyanion hole in the Zika virus NS2B/NS3 protease
Authors: Ren Jinhong , Lee Hyun , Kotak Alpa , Johnson Michael E.
Published: August 2019

Recent crystallography studies have shown that the binding site oxyanion hole plays an important role in inhibitor binding, but can exist in two conformations (active/inactive). We have undertaken molecular dynamics (MD) calculations to better understand oxyanion hole dynamics and thermodynamics. We find that the Zika virus (ZIKV) NS2B/NS3 protease maintains a stable closed conformation over multiple 100‐ns conventional MD simulations in both the presence and absence of inhibitors. The S1, S2, and S3 pockets are stable as well. However, in two of eight simulations, the A132‐G133 peptide bond in the binding pocket of S1' spontaneously flips to form a 310‐helix that corresponds to the inactive conformation of the oxyanion hole, and then maintains this conformation until the end of the 100‐ns conventional MD simulations without inversion of the flip. This conformational change affects the S1' pocket in ZIKV NS2B/NS3 protease active site, which is important for small molecule binding. The simulation results provide evidence at the atomic level that the inactive conformation of the oxyanion hole is more favored energetically when no specific interactions are formed between substrate/inhibitor and oxyanion hole residues. Interestingly, however, transition between the active and inactive conformation of the oxyanion hole can be observed by boosting the valley potential in accelerated MD simulations. This supports a proposed induced‐fit mechanism of ZIKV NS2B/NS3 protease from computational methods and provides useful direction to enhance inhibitor binding predictions in structure‐based drug design.
Historical changes in hydrology, geomorphology, and floodplain vegetation of the Willamette River, Oregon
Authors: Gregory Stan , Wildman Randall , Hulse David , Ashkenas Linda , Boyer Kathryn
Published: August 2019

Historical trends in hydrology, geomorphology, and floodplain vegetation provide fundamental contexts for designing future management of large rivers, an area of fluvial research extensively informed by studies of historical channel dynamics. Changes in hydrology, channel structure, floodplain forests, and large wood were documented for the 273‐km main stem of the Willamette River from 1850 to present. Reduced sediment supply and frequency and magnitude of floods have decreased channel mobility and incised channels, leading to fewer gravel bars, islands, and side channels. Human alteration of channel morphology, vegetation, and bank hardening has exacerbated channel simplification caused by reductions in floods, sediment supply, and inputs of wood. A substantial number of floodplain channels reoccupied remnants of previous active channels inundated during recent floods, demonstrating functional but often forgotten role of historical geomorphic structure in modern floodplains and flood processes. In most reaches, area of floodplain forests in 1990 was only 10% to 25% of the area of forests in 1850. Abundance of wood in the wetted channel was generally greater in reaches with higher abundances of floodplain forests. Future trajectories will be influenced by legacies of the historical river but increasingly will reflect evolution of a new river shaped by human development, changing climate, and emerging hydrogeomorphic and vegetation processes. Understanding historical characteristics and anticipating future rates and patterns of ecosystem change provide fundamental contexts for restoring biophysical processes and structure in a large floodplain river.
Analysis of the rebound effects of fossil and nonfossil energy in China based on sustainable development
Authors: Chen Jiandong , Gao Ming , Li Ding , Song Malin
Published: August 2019

Although the rebound effect caused by technological progress has been widely accepted, few studies have estimated and compared the rebound effects of fossil and nonfossil energy separately, because fossil and nonfossil energy consumption have different effects on sustainable development. We use the data envelopment analysis–Malmquist index, logarithmic mean Divisia index, and Jacobian matrix methods to estimate and compare the rebound effects of China's fossil and nonfossil energy during 2006–2014. Empirical results show that nonfossil energy had a higher rebound effect than fossil energy and that technological progress was helpful in decreasing the proportion of fossil energy consumption. Furthermore, we found that technological progress contributed to increases in the relative price of fossil energy, causing nonfossil energy to be more favored. Simultaneously, nonfossil energy produced a substitution effect on fossil energy over the long term. On the basis of the empirical analysis, we also present some environmental policy implications.
Improving the monitoring of suicide incidence by estimating the probability of news reporting
Authors: Zeng X. Y. , Chau P. H. , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: August 2019

A timely estimate of suicide incidence is important for surveillance and monitoring but always difficult if not possible. The delay in reporting suicide cases between the time of occurrence of the deaths and them being registered is unavoidable. There is at least one year if not more of the delay time in the latest WHO website reporting the suicide statistics of most countries. Based on the daily newspaper reporting on suicide incidence, this study proposes a method to estimate the unknown incidence in a timely manner. It is shown that demographic characteristics such as age, suicide methods, and the districts of the deceased were significantly associated with the probability of the newspapers reporting the suicides. By incorporating this information on the daily suicide news reports into estimating the probability of the newspapers reporting the suicides, the daily number of suicide cases can be estimated. The proposed method is applied to estimate the number of suicides in Hong Kong where there is the Coroner's Court to investigate into suicide deaths, but it takes at least six months to deliver a verdict. The present method can generate timely and accurate estimations on the daily count of suicide deaths with only a one day lag. In a threefold nested cross‐validation, the proposed approach has achieved an average RMSE of 1.38, MAE of 1.10, and R2 of 0.24. It can also serve as a surveillance system in providing estimations of temporal clusters of suicides with certain characteristics timelessly and accurately.
NH3‐SCR Performance Enhancement of LDHs‐Based NiMnFe‐Mixed Oxides by Two‐Phase Coexistence and Cooperation
Authors: Liu Xuezhen , Du Yali , Zou Chunlei , Liu Lili , Yang Baoshuan , Wu Xu
Published: August 2019

Mixed oxides with NiMnFe‐LDHs as precursors were synthesized and evaluated as catalysts in selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 (NH3‐SCR). Appropriate calcination temperature was identified to achieve optimal catalyst. The results pronouncedly affirmed that the catalytic performances of the as‐acquired catalysts were vulnerable to calcination temperature, where Ni3Mn1Fe1‐600 presented preferable DeNOx activity with above 90% NO conversion and 98% N2 selectivity in the range of 150‐360 °C. Multiple characterizations exhibited that the outstanding DeNOx activity was determined by the coexistence as well as cooperation of NiFe2O4 spinel and Ni6MnO8 phase, which could contribute more surface active sites, and synergetic effect arising from the electron transfer between Ni, Mn ions and Ni, Fe ions. Furthermore, a more rapid redox cycle and optimal DeNOx performance were resultantly accomplished.
Impredicativity and Paradox
Authors: Uzquiano Gabriel ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2019

Michael Dummett famously asked how the serpent of inconsistency entered Frege’s paradise. He himself blamed the impredicative nature of second-order quantification, while many others focused on the inflationary nature of the axiom. Axiom V is, after all, the denial of a higher-order generalization of Cantor’s theorem. Predicativists do not deny this, but they block the derivation of the relevant generalization in predicative fragments of second-order logic. Unfortunately, there is more than one higher-order generalization of Cantor’s theorem, and one of them remains a theorem in predicative fragments of higher-order logic. Our recommendation to predicativists is to respond that only one of them supports the cardinality gloss we associate with Cantor’s theorem and that it is, in fact, false. The other remains a theorem of predicative fragments of higher-order logic but its derivability seemsmore closely related to the Grelling’s paradox than to cardinality considerations.
Effects of phenanthrene on oxidative stress and inflammation in lung and liver of female rats
Authors: Ma Haitao , Wang Huiling , Zhang Haojun , Guo Huizhen , Zhang Wenwen , Hu Fengjing , Yao Yueli , Wang Dong , Li Chengyun , Wang Junling
Published: August 2019

Phenanthrene (Phe) female rat model was established to explore the effects of Phe on oxidative stress and inflammation. The rats were randomly divided into three groups including control (C), low (L), and high (H) group. Phe was supplied to L and H groups at the dosage of 180 mg/kg and 900 mg/kg orally at first day, and with the dose 90 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection at the last 2 days. The C group was enriched with the same volume of corn oil. The blood, lung, and liver tissues were collected. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) were detected to evaluate oxidative stress. The protein and mRNA expressions of interleukin 6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) were detected to evaluate inflammation. Further, the forkhead box transcription factor 3 (Foxp3) was analyzed to hint the injury mechanism of inflammation. The results showed SOD and MDA in lung and liver, and serum 8‐OHdG elevated significantly in H groups (P < .05). Meanwhile, there were significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in lung and liver of H groups (P < .05). In addition, the protein and mRNA expressions of TGF‐β and Foxp3 were all decreased significantly in both lung and liver of H groups (P < .05). Results demonstrated that an obvious change of Phe exposure could induce oxidative stress and inflammation in female rats. This is a first pilot study to explore the association between Phe exposure and oxidative stress and inflammation using a female rat model.
Tattoos and tattoo inks: Forensic considerations
Authors: Miranda Michelle D.
Published: August 2019

Tattoos and tattoo inks play a critical role in forensic investigations, and have done so for centuries. Tattoos are most useful as a means of identification for both the living and deceased. From their continued discovery on mummified remains dating from antiquity to their utilization in modern day investigations and prosecutions, tattoos demonstrate persistence and clues to cultural practices and identity. The tools and techniques of tattooing, as well as the phenomena of visualization of pigments according to the interaction of light radiation in human tissue is presented. An overview of the history of tattoos is provided, with a specific focus on tattoos in criminological, medicolegal and forensic investigations—from the characterization of criminals in the 19th century to the introduction of tattoo evidence in criminal trials of present day. Finally, an overview of the scientific study of tattoos and tattoo inks is presented, including the visualization of obscured tattoos, the chemical analysis of modern tattoo inks, and trends towards understanding the migration, retention, and photodecomposition of pigment particles. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the importance and utilization of tattoos and tattoo inks in a forensic context—specifically highlighting that tattoos can prove critical to providing investigatory leads in criminal investigations and tattoos and tattoo inks should have an increased use in forensic endeavors moving forward, both in casework and scholarly research.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Ink and Paper Analysis

Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Documentation and Visualization

Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Special Situations and Investigations

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Emerging Technologies and Methods
Strong Law of Large Numbers for a Function of the Local Times of a Transient Random Walk in $${\mathbb {Z}}^d$$
Authors: Asymont Inna M. , Korshunov Dmitry
Published: August 2019

For an arbitrary transient random walk$$(S_n)_{n\ge 0}$$(Sn)n≥0in$${\mathbb {Z}}^d$$Zd,$$d\ge 1$$d≥1, we prove a strong law of large numbers for the spatial sum$$\sum _{x\in {\mathbb {Z}}^d}f(l(n,x))$$∑x∈Zdf(l(n,x))of a functionfof the local times$$l(n,x)=\sum _{i=0}^n{\mathbb {I}}\{S_i=x\}$$l(n,x)=∑i=0nI{Si=x}. Particular cases are the number of

visited sites [first considered by Dvoretzky and Erdős (Proceedings of the Second Berkeley Symposium on Mathematical Statistics and Probability, pp 353–367, 1951)], which corresponds to the function$$f(i)={\mathbb {I}}\{i\ge 1\}$$f(i)=I{i≥1};

$$\alpha $$α-fold self-intersections of the random walk [studied by Becker and König (J Theor Probab 22:365–374, 2009)], which corresponds to$$f(i)=i^\alpha $$f(i)=iα;

sites visited by the random walk exactlyjtimes [considered by Erdős and Taylor (Acta Math Acad Sci Hung 11:137–162, 1960) and Pitt (Proc Am Math Soc 43:195–199, 1974)], where$$f(i)={\mathbb {I}}\{i=j\}$$f(i)=I{i=j}.
Case Series: Redefining Severe Grade 5 Vaginismus
Authors: Pacik Peter T. , Babb Corey R. , Polio Andrew , Nelson Craig E. , Goekeler Carlie E. , Holmes Lauren N.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Vaginismus is poorly understood and relatively unknown among health care providers. For those who understand and treat vaginismus, few make an assessment of the severity of this condition. The importance of classifying the severity of vaginismus impacts the clinician’s ability to diagnose and treat vaginismus, and understanding of the patient’s experience.

Aim

The aims of this paper are to identify the distinguishing features of severe grade 5 vaginismus, determine if vaginal spasm is present in severe grade vaginismus, and to establish qualifications for the Pacik grade 5 classification.

Methods

Assessment of 553 referred or self-referred women who were unable to tolerate intercourse completed a comprehensive pretreatment questionnaire. Of those women, 391 underwent a vaginal examination in a certified surgicenter using sedation and anesthesia as needed.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measures were to detect the presence of a visceral reaction with an intended or actual gynecologic examination in Grade 5 patients, and to identify vaginal spasm on examination.

Results

A visceral response reaction to routine gynecologic examinations, as well as spasm of the bulbocavernosum, occurred in patients with severe vaginismus.

Conclusion

Severe vaginismus with visceral response manifestations to routine gynecologic examinations, inability to have intercourse, and spasm of the bulbocavernosum is newly defined as severe grade 5 vaginismus.
Effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and economic impact of a multi-specialty charitable surgical center in Honduras
Authors: Eblovi Darren , Antúnez Merlin , Clitheroe Kate , Meeks Monica , Balmert Lauren , Thornton Hollie , West David , Waldvogel Nicholas , Daly Peter
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Despite significant demand and evidence indicating cost-effectiveness, surgical care is neglected in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Research indicates complex charitable surgical interventions are more effective in specialty hospitals than in short-term mission trips. This study aims to determine the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and economic impact of a multi-specialty charitable ambulatory surgical center in a LMIC.

Materials and methods:

Surgeries performed at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in rural Honduras in six specialties were evaluated for a one-year period for complications, infections, and patient satisfaction. Each patient's decrease in disability was determined by the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), and these data were used to estimate the cost per Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) averted. Economic benefit was calculated by the human capital approach and the value of a statistical life (VSL) approach.

Results:

Of the 963 surgeries performed, four patients (0.4%) experienced surgical site infections and 16 (1.6%) experienced complications, comparable to rates at ASCs in high-income countries. Cost per DALY averted was $638.08. The economic benefit was $17.9 million using the human capital approach and $328.4 million using the VSL approach.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest a multi-specialty charitable surgical center in a low-middle income country can achieve similar outcomes to surgery centers in high-income countries. The operations were slightly less cost-effective than many short-term surgical missions, likely due to the investment in equipment and local labor which leads to the more favorable outcomes. This model of charitable surgical care provides a substantial benefit to the population.

Highlights:
Entitlement, Epistemic Risk, and Scepticism
Authors: Moretti Luca
Published: August 2019

Crispin Wright maintains that the architecture of perceptual justification is such that we can acquire justification for our perceptual beliefs only if we have antecedent justification for ruling out any sceptical alternative. Wright contends that this principle doesn't elicit scepticism, for we are non-evidentially entitled to accept the negation of any sceptical alternative. Sebastiano Moruzzi has challenged Wright's contention by arguing that since our non-evidential entitlements don't remove the epistemic risk of our perceptual beliefs, they don't actually enable us to acquire justification for these beliefs. In this paper I show that Wright's responses to Moruzzi are ineffective and that Moruzzi's argument is validated by probabilistic reasoning. I also suggest that Wright couldn't answer Moruzzi's challenge without weakening the support available for his conception of the architecture of perceptual justification.
Use of antibiotics among end-of-life hospitalized patients with advanced directives: Status examination and association with infectious disease consultation and physician burnout
Authors: Fedorowsky Rina , Bachner Yaacov G. , Borer Abraham , Ciobotaro Pnina , Kushnir Talma
Published: August 2019

Background:

Overuse of antibiotics in end-of-life patients with advanced directives increases bacterial resistance and causes morbidity and mortality. Consultations with infectious disease (ID) physicians and burnout, which can affect antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) prescribed by physicians, have not been examined so far.

Objectives:

To assess antibiotic use by physicians in end-of-life (EOL) patients with advanced directives and to investigate the association between ID consultations, physician burnout, and antibiotic DOT in those patients.

Design:

A descriptive correlational study.

Setting:

Acute-care and post–acute-care hospitals.

Participants:

The study included 213 physicians and 932 their hospitalized patients in the last 2 weeks of life

Methods:

We distributed questionnaires and analyzed the data collected regarding ID consultation, EOL antibiotics prescription with and without an advanced directive, and physician burnout to 278 physicians, and 213 were completed (response rate 76%).

Results:

Of the 932 deaths, 435 of 664 (>50%) were EOL patients with advanced directives. Of these patients, 74% received antibiotics, 29.9% had bacterial resistance cultures, and antibiotics were discontinued in only 5%. Half of the physicians lacked knowledge concerning antibiotics use issues and had significantly fewer consultations with ID physicians in EOL patients with advanced directives (mean rate, 0.27) than those without advanced directives (mean rate, 0.47). ID physicians reported significantly higher emotional exhaustion levels (mean rate, 29) than other medical specialties (mean rate, 19.2). Antibiotic DOT was significantly higher when patients had ID consultations (mean rate, 21.6) than in patients who did not (mean rate, 16.2). In post–acute-care hospitals and/or geriatric wards, antibiotic DOT was significantly higher than in other types of hospitals and/or wards. Depersonalization level was negatively related to antibiotic DOT (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Antibiotics are overused in EOL patients with advanced directives. ID physician burnout and impact of ID consultation should be further assessed.
EXTERNAL THREATS, INTERNAL CHALLENGES, AND STATE BUILDING IN EAST ASIA
Authors: Han Enze , Thies Cameron
Published: August 2019

This paper empirically tests bellicist theories of state building in the East Asian context, paying attention to the interplay between external threats and internal challenges and their implications for these states’ extractive power. How much variation in state building in the region can be attributed to war and war preparation as a result of both external threats and internal challenges? In particular, it provides more fine-grained analysis on the different types of internal challenges and their impact on state capacity building. The article argues that in the East Asia region, both external threats and internal challenges are crucial to explaining the variation in state capacity across the region. However, we also find that different types of internal challenges have different effects. Particularly, communist insurgencies seem to have both an immediate and long-term positive effect in compelling the state to respond with more extraction to engage in state-building efforts.
The Normative and Material Foundations of Judicial Confidence in Bolivia
Authors: Kaire José
Published: August 2019

What allows unpopular judiciaries to gain the trust of the public? Some suggest that judicial confidence depends on procedural integrity. Others emphasize the importance of ideological congruence between the court and the public. This article examines the explanatory power of these two leading hypotheses while also paying closer attention to the moderating effects of political and economic inclusion. It finds that confidence in the judiciary is driven by normative considerations when inclusion is high, but by ideological proximity when inclusion is low. The findings highlight that institutional support does not emerge from a single causal path. Instead, inequalities in the economic and political structure make people trust institutions for different—and sometimes contrasting—reasons.