bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An algorithmic approach to single‐probe Cherenkov removal in pulsed x‐ray beams
Authors: Archer James , Madden Levi , Li Enbang , Wilkinson Dean , Rosenfeld Anatoly B.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The removal of Cherenkov light in an optical dosimetry system is an important process to ensure accurate dosimetry without compromising spatial resolution. Many solutions have been presented in the literature, each with advantages and disadvantages. We present a methodology to remove Cherenkov light from a scintillator fiber optic dosimeter in a pulsed megavoltage x‐ray beam using the temporal waveform across the pulse.

Methods

A sample waveform of Cherenkov light can be measured by exposing only the fiber to the beam. By assuming that the Cherenkov waveform closely matches the intensity of incident radiation, this waveform can be convoluted with the instantaneous scintillation response function to generate an expected scintillation signal. By finding the least‐squares fit between these two functions and the experimental data, the estimated Cherenkov contribution can be subtracted off the net signal. This can be applied for arbitrarily complex Cherenkov waveforms (within the 2 ns timing resolution of the data acquisition), and in fact, the results suggest more fluctuations in the waveforms provide a better fit to data.

Results

Four beam profiles for different field sizes and energies were found with this method. They closely matched references data measured with ionization chamber with average differences across the beam no more than 4%. Noisy waveforms are assumed to be the primary cause of differences between the analyzed scintillator and IC results. We propose methods for improving the results and optimizing the data acquisition and analysis processes.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that it is possible and effective with a single probe to use function fitting of expected data to experimental to remove a complicated Cherenkov signal from the net light signal in pulsed‐beam optical dosimetry.
Reflections on 2018: Reheating ‘leftover’ marketing topics
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: January 2019

Sometimes, we look back and think about all that we wanted to do but just never had the time — the items on the to‐do list that never got checked off, the brainstorms that might still be scribbled on the office whiteboard.
Review tips for supporting student‐veterans with disabilities
Authors: O'Connor Loren
Published: January 2019

When you work with student‐veterans, keep the following advice in mind:
Extreme restriction design as a method for reducing confounding by indication in pharmacoepidemiologic research
Authors: Secrest Matthew H. , Platt Robert W. , Dormuth Colin R. , Chateau Dan , Targownik Laura , Nie Rui , Doyle Carla M. , Dell'Aniello Sophie , Filion Kristian B.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Confounding by indication is a concern in observational pharmacoepidemiologic studies, including those that use active comparator, new user (ACNU) designs. Here, we present a method of restriction to an indication, which we call “extreme restriction,” to reduce confounding in such studies.

Methods

As a case study, we evaluated the effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on hospitalization for community‐acquired pneumonia (HCAP). PPI use has been associated with increased HCAP risk, but this association likely results from confounding by indication due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Using the UK's Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we compared the risk of HCAP within 180 days between PPI users and histamine‐2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) users in an ACNU cohort using Cox proportional hazard models with a time‐fixed exposure definition adjusted for high‐dimensional propensity score deciles. We then performed the same analysis on an “extremely‐restricted” cohort of incident nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) users, some of whom received PPIs for prophylaxis. Because PPIs were given as prophylaxis in this population, confounding due to GERD should be limited. We compared effect estimates between ACNU and restricted cohorts to evaluate confounding in both analyses.

Results

In the ACNU cohort, PPIs were associated with an increased risk of HCAP (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 1.47), but this association was not present in the restricted cohort (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.49).

Conclusions

Restriction to a single indication for treatment may reduce confounding by indication in studies conducted in distributed data networks and other large databases.
Ecotypic and genotypic effects on regrowth and heading date in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Authors: Jiang Qingzhen , Webb Stephen L. , Bhandari Hem S. , Bouton Joe H. , Saha Malay C.
Published: January 2019

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a native perennial grass species with great potential for bioenergy and forage. However, knowledge about its genetics and biology related to breeding is still in its infancy. Studying the diversity of switchgrass germplasm will shed light on variability, response to environmental conditions, adaptability, breeding, etc. Thirty‐six switchgrass accessions/cultivars were used to study the ecotypic and genotypic effects on regrowth, heading date, and vegetative growth period. The R‐360 honeycomb design was used for planting these accessions in 2007. Data on regrowth and heading dates were recorded in 2008, 2010, and 2011. Vegetative growth period was calculated by subtracting the regrowth date from the heading date. It was found that the lowland started regrowing earlier (77 ± 0.4 days of the year, DOY) than the upland ecotype (82 ± 0.3 DOY). The upland had earlier heading date (160 ± 0.4 DOY) than the lowland ecotype (173 ± 0.5 DOY). Vegetative growth period was about 18 days longer in the lowland (89 ± 0.6 days) than the upland ecotype (71 ± 0.4 days). For switchgrass (i.e., all accessions), biomass yield was related positively to growth period and heading date; however, biomass was only weakly related to regrowth. Therefore, when targeting biomass in the breeding program, growth period may be a quick and reliable reference in both ecotypes to quickly estimate biomass potential while regrowth and heading date may be better used as a parameter for accessions within an ecotype.
Large‐Scale Analysis of Redox‐Sensitive Conditionally Disordered Protein Regions Reveals Their Widespread Nature and Key Roles in High‐Level Eukaryotic Processes
Authors: Erdős Gábor , Mészáros Bálint , Reichmann Dana , Dosztányi Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2019

Recently developed quantitative redox proteomic studies enable the direct identification of redox‐sensing cysteine residues that regulate the functional behavior of target proteins in response to changing levels of reactive oxygen species. At the molecular level, redox regulation can directly modify the active sites of enzymes, although a growing number of examples indicate the importance of an additional underlying mechanism that involves conditionally disordered proteins. These proteins alter their functional behavior by undergoing a disorder‐to‐order transition in response to changing redox conditions. However, the extent to which this mechanism is used in various proteomes is currently unknown. Here, a recently developed sequence‐based prediction tool incorporated into the IUPred2A web server is used to estimate redox‐sensitive conditionally disordered regions at a large scale. It is shown that redox‐sensitive conditional disorder is fairly widespread in various proteomes and that its presence strongly correlates with the expansion of specific domains in multicellular organisms that largely rely on extra stability provided by disulfide bonds or zinc ion binding. The analyses of yeast redox proteomes and human disease data further underlie the significance of this phenomenon in the regulation of a wide range of biological processes, as well as its biomedical importance.
Scalable synthesis of an architectural library of well‐defined poly(acrylic acid) derivatives: Role of structure on dispersant performance
Authors: Lunn David J. , Seo Sungbaek , Lee Sang‐Ho , Zerdan Raghida Bou , Mattson Kaila M. , Treat Nicolas J. , McGrath Alaina J. , Gutekunst Will R. , Lawrence Jimmy , Abdilla Allison , Anastasaki Athina , Knight Abigail S. , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J. , Bates Morgan W. , Clark Paul G. , DeRocher Jonathan P. , Van Dyk Antony K. , Hawker Craig J.
Published: January 2019

The synthesis and systematic comparison of a comprehensive library of well‐defined polymer architectures based on poly(acrylic acid) is reported. Through the development of new synthetic methodologies, linear, single branched, precision‐branched comb, and star polymers were prepared and their performance as dispersants was evaluated. The ability to accurately control chain lengths and branch points allows the subtle interplay between structure and dispersant performance to be defined and affords critical insights into the design of improved polymeric additives for coating formulations. The general industrial relevance of ionic polymers and branched macromolecular architectures supports these design rules for a wide range of other applications and materials, including as additives for personal care products and in water treatment. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 716–725
Efficient enhancement of the thermoelectric performance of vapor phase polymerized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) films with poly(ethyleneimine)
Authors: Jia Yanhua , Liu Cheng , Liu Jing , Liu Congcong , Xu Jingkun , Li Xuejing , Shen Lanlan , Jiang Qinglin , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Jin , Jiang Fengxing
Published: January 2019

Tuning the molecular rearrangement and oxidation level has been proven to be effective strategies for optimizing the thermoelectric (TE) performance of PEDOT. It is difficult to achieve these effects simultaneously via a one‐step process, however. In this work, we combined vapor phase polymerization (VPP) and H2SO4 post‐treatment to obtain a highly conductive PEDOT film. A novel strategy using polyethylenemine (PEI) as an effective reducing agent was employed to enhance the thermopower of the PEDOT film. Grazing‐Incidence Wide‐Angle X‐ray Scattering analysis and the changes in the oxidation level allow us to elucidate the role of PEI and its transport mechanism. It is demonstrated that the thermopower of well‐ordered crystallites in the PEDOT film significantly increases more than five times (from 11 to 59 μV K−1) by the PEI‐DMF solution immersion process, while the electrical conductivity is maintained at 100 S cm−1. The promising method connecting VPP, H2SO4, and PEI shows great potential for effectively tuning the thermopower of organic TE materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 257–265
Adaptive output‐feedback tracking for nonlinear systems with rather general control coefficients
Authors: Yan Xuehua , Zheng Wei Xing , Liu Yungang
Published: January 2019

This paper studies the problem of global practical tracking by output feedback for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with unmeasured state‐dependent growth and unknown time‐varying control coefficients. Compared with the closely related works, the remarkableness of this paper is that the upper and lower bounds of unknown control coefficients are not required to be known a priori. Motivated by our recent works, by combining the methods of universal control and deadzone with the backstepping technique and skillfully constructing a novel Lyapunov function, we propose a new adaptive tracking control scheme with appropriate design parameters. The new scheme guarantees that the state of the resulting closed‐loop system is globally bounded while the tracking error converges to a prescribed arbitrarily small neighborhood of the origin after a finite time. Two examples, including a practical example, are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Influences of valley form and land use on large river and floodplain habitats in Puget Sound
Authors: Stefankiv Oleksandr , Beechie Timothy J. , Hall Jason E. , Pess George R. , Timpane‐Padgham Britta
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we use a system‐wide census of large river and floodplain habitat features to evaluate influences of valley form and land use on salmon habitats along 2,237 km of river in the Puget Sound region of Washington State, USA. We classified the study area by geomorphic process domains to examine differences in natural potential to form floodplain habitats among valley types, and by dominant land cover to examine land use influences on habitat abundance and complexity. We evaluated differences in aquatic habitat among strata in terms of metrics that quantify the length of main channels, side channels, braid channels, and area of wood jams. Among geomorphic process domains, habitat metrics standardized by main channel length were lowest in canyons where there is limited channel migration and less potential to create side channels or braids, and highest in post‐glacial and mountain valleys where island‐braided channels tend to form. Habitat complexity was lower in glacial valleys (generally meandering channels) than in post‐glacial valleys. Habitat abundance and complexity decreased with increasing degree of human influence, with all metrics being highest in areas classified as forested and lowest in areas classified as developed. Using multiple‐year aerial photography, we assessed the ability of our methods to measure habitat changes through time in the Cedar and Elwha Rivers, both of which have recent habitat restoration activity. We were able to parse out sources of habitat improvement or degradation through time, including natural processes, restoration, or development. Our investigation indicates that aerial photography can be an effective and practical method for regional monitoring of status and trends in numerous habitats.
A modified CUSUM test to control postoutbreak false alarms
Authors: Hall Lauren M. , French Joshua P.
Published: January 2019

The cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart is a method for detecting whether the mean of a time series process has shifted beyond some tolerance (ie, is out of control). Originally developed in an industrial process control setting, the CUSUM statistic is typically reset to zero once a process is discovered to be out of control since the industrial process is then recalibrated to be in control. The CUSUM method is also used to detect disease outbreaks in prospective disease surveillance, with a disease outbreak coinciding with an out‐of‐control process. In a disease surveillance setting, resetting the CUSUM statistic is unrealistic, and a nonrestarting CUSUM chart is used instead. In practice, the nonrestarting CUSUM provides more information but suffers from a high false alarm rate following the end of an outbreak. In this paper, we propose a modified hypothesis test for use with the nonrestarting CUSUM when testing whether a process is out of control. By simulating statistics conditional on the presence of an out‐of‐control process in recent time periods, we are able to retain the CUSUM's power to detect an out‐of‐control process while controlling the post–out‐of‐control false alarm rate at the desired level. We demonstrate this method using data on aSalmonellaNewport outbreak that occurred in Germany in 2011. We find that in 7 out of 8 states where the outbreak was detected, the outbreak was detected at the same speed as an unmodified nonrestarting CUSUM while controlling the postoutbreak rate of false alarms at the desired level.
Hypoxia Prevents Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Senescence in Human c-Kit+ Cardiac Progenitor Cells
Authors: Korski Kelli I. , Kubli Dieter A. , Wang Bingyan J. , Khalafalla Farid G. , Monsanto Megan M. , Firouzi Fareheh , Echeagaray Oscar H. , Kim Taeyong , Adamson Robert M. , Dembitsky Walter P. , Gustafsson Åsa B. , Sussman Mark A.
Published: January 2019

Senescence-associated dysfunction deleteriously affects biological activities of human c-Kit+ cardiac progenitor cells (hCPCs), particularly under conditions of in vitro culture. In comparison, preservation of self-renewal and decreases in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) are characteristics of murine CPCs in vivo that reside within hypoxic niches. Recapitulating hypoxic niche oxygen tension conditions of ~1% O2 in vitro for expansion of hCPCs rather than typical normoxic cell culture conditions (21% O2) could provide significant improvement of functional and biological activities of hCPCs. hCPCs were isolated and expanded under permanent hypoxic (hCPC-1%) or normoxic (hCPC-21%) conditions from left ventricular tissue explants collected during left ventricular assist device implantation. hCPC-1% exhibit increased self-renewal and suppression of senescence characteristics relative to hCPC-21%. Oxidative stress contributed to higher susceptibility to apoptosis, as well as decreased mitochondrial function in hCPC-21%. Hypoxia prevented accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, supporting higher oxygen consumption rates and mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondrial ROS was an upstream mediator of senescence since treatment of hCPC-1% with mitochondrial inhibitor antimycin A recapitulated mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence observed in hCPC-21%. NAD+/NADH ratio and autophagic flux, which are key factors for mitochondrial function, were higher in hCPC-1%, but hCPC-21% were highly dependent on BNIP3/NIX-mediated mitophagy to maintain mitochondrial function. Overall, results demonstrate that supraphysiological oxygen tension during in vitro expansion initiates a downward spiral of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular energy imbalance culminating in early proliferation arrest of hCPCs. Senescence is inhibited by preventing ROS through hypoxic culture of hCPCs. Stem Cells  2019;37:555–567
Concise Review: Human-Animal Neurological Chimeras: Humanized Animals or Human Cells in an Animal?
Authors: Crane Andrew T. , Voth Joseph P. , Shen Francis X. , Low Walter C.
Published: January 2019

Blastocyst complementation is an emerging methodology in which human stem cells are transferred into genetically engineered preimplantation animal embryos eventually giving rise to fully developed human tissues and organs within the animal host for use in regenerative medicine. The ethical issues surrounding this method have caused the National Institutes of Health to issue a moratorium on funding for blastocyst complementation citing the potential for human cells to substantially contribute to the brain of the chimeric animal. To address this concern, we performed an in-depth review of the neural transplantation literature to determine how the integration of human cells into the nonhuman neural circuitry has altered the behavior of the host. Despite reports of widespread integration of human cell transplants, our review of 150 transplantation studies found no evidence suggestive of humanization of the animal host, and we thus conclude that, at present, concerns over humanization should not prevent research on blastocyst complementation to continue. We suggest proceeding in a controlled and transparent manner, however, and include recommendations for future research with careful consideration for how human cells may contribute to the animal host nervous system. Stem Cells  2019;37:444–452
Comply with state directory information laws with consent forms, communication
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2019

Kristi Wold‐McCormick has been a registrar for the last 16 years, the last four and a half of them as the university registrar at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Before that, she worked in the Registrar's Office at North Dakota State in Fargo. At both institutions, she used PeopleSoft. “A few years ago, we really looked at leveraging the technology in PeopleSoft to modernize paper‐based processes,” Wold‐McCormick said.
Large N phase transition in $$ T\overline{T} $$ -deformed 2d Yang-Mills theory on the sphere
Authors: Santilli Leonardo , Tierz Miguel
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We study the partition function of a

$$ T\overline{T} $$

T

T
¯

-deformed version of Yang-Mills theory on the two-sphere. We show that the Douglas-Kazakov phase transition persists for a range of values of the deformation parameter, and that the critical area is lowered. The transition is of third order and also induced by instantons, whose contributions we characterize.
Holographic duals of five-dimensional SCFTs on a Riemann surface
Authors: Bah Ibrahima , Passias Achilleas , Weck Peter
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We study the twisted compactifications of five-dimensional Seiberg SCFTs, with

$$ {\mathrm{SU}}_{\mathrm{\mathcal{M}}}(2)\times {E}_{N_f}+1 $$

S
U

ℳ

2

×

E

N
f

+
1

flavor symmetry, on a generic Riemann surface that preserves four supercharges. The five-dimensional SCFTs are obtained from the decoupling limit of N D4-branes probing a geometry of N

f
< 8 D8-branes and an O8-plane. In addition to the R-symmetry, we can also twist the flavor symmetry by turning on background flux on the Riemann surface. In particular, in the string theory construction of the five-dimensional SCFTs, the background flux for the SUℳ(2) has a geometric origin, similar to the topological twist of the R-symmetry. We argue that the resulting low-energy three-dimensional theories describe the dynamics on the world-volume of the N D4-branes wrapped on the Riemann surface in the O8/D8 background. The Riemann surface can be described as a curve in a Calabi-Yau three-fold that is a sum of two line bundles over it. This allows for an explicit construction of AdS4 solutions in massive IIA supergravity dual to the world-volume theories, thereby providing strong evidence that the three-dimensional SCFTs exist in the low-energy limit of the compactification of the five-dimensional SCFTs. We compute observables such as the free energy and the scaling dimensions of operators dual to D2-brane probes; these have non-trivial dependence on the twist parameter for the U(1) in SUℳ(2). The free energy exhibits the N
5/2 scaling that is emblematic of five-dimensional SCFTs.
Dark matter bound states via emission of scalar mediators
Authors: Oncala Ruben , Petraki Kalliopi
Published: January 2019

Abstract

If dark matter (DM) couples to a force carrier that is much lighter than itself, then it may form bound states in the early universe and inside haloes. While bound-state formation via vector emission is known to be efficient and have a variety of phenomenological implications, the capture via scalar emission typically requires larger couplings and is relevant to more limited parameter space, due to cancellations in the radiative amplitude. However, this result takes into account only the trilinear DM-DM-mediator coupling. Theories with scalar mediators include also a scalar potential, whose couplings may participate in the radiative transitions. We compute the contributions of these couplings to the radiative capture, and determine the parameter space in which they are important.
Limits from BBN on light electromagnetic decays
Authors: Forestell Lindsay , Morrissey David E. , White Graham
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Injection of electromagnetic energy — photons, electrons, or positrons — into the plasma of the early universe can destroy light elements created by primordial Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN). The success of BBN at predicting primordial abundances has thus been used to impose stringent constraints on decay or annihilation processes with primary energies near or above the electroweak scale. In this work we investigate the constraints from BBN on electromagnetic decays that inject lower energies, between 1–100 MeV. We compute the electromagnetic cascade from such injections and we show that it can deviate significantly from the universal spectrum commonly used in BBN calculations. For electron injection below 100 MeV, we find that the final state radiation of photons can have a significant impact on the resulting spectrum relevant for BBN. We also apply our results on electromagnetic cascades to investigate the limits from BBN on light electromagnetic decays prior to recombination, and we compare them to other bounds on such decays.
Resummation at finite conformal spin
Authors: Cardona Carlos , Guha Sunny , Kanumilli Surya Kiran , Sen Kallol
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We generalize the computation of anomalous dimension and correction to OPE coefficients at finite conformal spin considered recently in [1, 2] to arbitrary space-time dimensions. By using the inversion formula of Caron-Huot and the integral (Mellin) representation of conformal blocks, we show that the contribution from individual exchanges to anomalous dimensions and corrections to the OPE coefficients for “double-twist” operators

$$ {\left[{\mathcal{O}}_1{\mathcal{O}}_2\right]}_{\Delta, J} $$

O
1

O
2

Δ
,
J

in s-channel can be written at finite conformal spin in terms of generalized Wilson polynomials. This approach is democratic with respect to space-time dimensions, thus generalizing the earlier findings to cases where closed form expressions of the conformal blocks are not available.
The Sudakov radiator for jet observables and the soft physical coupling
Authors: Banfi Andrea , El-Menoufi Basem Kamal , Monni Pier Francesco
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We present a procedure to calculate the Sudakov radiator for a generic recursive infrared and collinear (rIRC) safe observable whose distribution is characterised by two widely separated momentum scales. We give closed formulae for the radiator at next-to-next-to-leading-logarithmic (NNLL) accuracy, which completes the general NNLL resummation for this class of observables in the ARES method for processes with two emitters at the Born level. As a byproduct, we define a physical coupling in the soft limit, and we provide an explicit expression for its relation to the

$$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

M
S

¯

coupling up to

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^3\right) $$

O

α
s
3

. This physical coupling constitutes one of the ingredients for a NNLL accurate parton shower algorithm. As an application we obtain analytic NNLL results, of which several are new, for all angularities τ

x
defined with respect to both the thrust axis and the winner-take-all axis, and for the moments of energy-energy correlation FC

x
in e
+
e
− annihilation. For the latter observables we find that, for some values of x, an accurate prediction of the peak of the differential distribution requires a simultaneous resummation of the logarithmic terms originating from the two-jet limit and at the Sudakov shoulder.
Harmonization of neuroimaging biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases: A survey in the imaging community of perceived barriers and suggested actions
Authors: Jovicich Jorge , Barkhof Frederik , Babiloni Claudio , Herholz Karl , Mulert Christoph , van Berckel Bart N.M. , Frisoni Giovanni B. ,   SRA‐NED JPND Working Group
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Molecular, functional, and structural neuroimaging biomarkers are largely used to study neurodegenerative diseases, but their benefits to patients/science might be greatly enhanced by improving standardization and cross‐validation. In this EU Joint Programme‐Neurodegenerative Diseases Research–funded project, we surveyed the neuroimaging community to assess perceived barriers in multicentric neuroimaging harmonization and actions to overcome them.

Methods

An anonymous survey addressed researchers, clinicians, pharma industry, and professional associations, inquiring about both general and modality‐specific harmonization barriers.

Results

Survey participants (459) represented an international (37 countries) multidisciplinary community. We identified two sets of funding actions, one proposing the creation of an updated hub of documents to help researchers plan and execute multicentric neuroimaging studies capitalizing from previous studies, and the other focused on modality‐specific harmonization challenges in future neurodegenerative diseases clinical trials.

Discussion

This large survey of priorities and actions may help define harmonization calls launched by worldwide science funding agencies.
Sebastián Izquierdo's (1601–1681) Theory of Priority
Authors: EMBRY BRIAN
Published: January 2019

The Spanish philosopher Sebastián Izquierdo was a luminary of seventeenth-century scholasticism. In his main philosophical work,Pharus scientiarum, Izquierdo claims to be the first to provide a systematic analysis of the notion of priority. Izquierdo is not the first to attempt an analysis of priority, but his treatment is original and rigorous. Izquierdo distinguishes between accidental and essential priority. This distinction crosscuts his distinction between relative and absolute priority. Izquierdo also recognizes four types of absolute priority: priority of duration, priority of origin, priority of nonmutual connection, and priority of worth. In this article I explain Izquierdo's various priority relations, their formal properties, and how they all cohere in a general theory of priority.
Where There Is No Trauma System: A Successful Patient Evacuation in the Republic of Kiribati
Authors: Cueto Carmen A. , Tekanene John , Bangao Teraria , Toromon Baranika , Kushner Adam L. , Lam Lydia
Published: January 2019

Research is lacking around how best to approach trauma care in resource poor settings, particularly in remote areas such as the islands of the South Pacific. Without examples of successful treatment of high-risk cases in these settings, countries are unable to move forward with developing policies and standardized procedures for emergency care.

The Republic of Kiribati is a Pacific Island nation composed of 33 islands spanning over 2,000 miles in the central Pacific Ocean. With the only hospital located on Kiritimati Island and inadequate boat transportation, the government recently committed to providing an aircraft for patients to receive appropriate medical care. In 2016, a 20-year-old female, primigravida, on a neighboring island, failed to progress in labor for 24 hours and needed an emergency cesarean section. A radio call was made to Kiritimati, and a team consisting of a general surgeon, nurse, and a laboratory technician was dispatched. The patient was brought to the local clinic and flown to Kiritimati where a team was prepared to perform the cesarean section.

The successful patient evacuation emphasizes the importance of a dedicated health care team, government commitment, and the constant quality communication when approaching feasibility of trauma and emergency care. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:774–776).
Why Do Distilleries Produce Multiple Ages of Whisky?
Authors: Page Ian B.
Published: January 2019

Vintage goods are a unique set of goods that accrue value over time. Unlike producers for many other vintage goods, Scottish distilleries often mature their stocks to different ages and sell a product line that varies significantly in quality. This article develops a theoretical model to examine this maturation strategy and identify market conditions under which a distillery would produce multiple ages of whisky. An empirical analysis of distilleries’ product lines confirms results from the model and highlights the determinants of variety and substitutability between brands. (JEL Classifications: D43, L13, L66)
Shallow Lake Environments in the Hunter-Gatherer's Way of Life (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina)
Authors: Oría Jimena , Salemme Mónica
Published: January 2019

In the semiarid environment of the Fuegian steppe (Argentina), shallow lakes were intensively exploited by hunter-gatherers throughout the Holocene. The archaeological record concentrated along their shoreline frequently reports the first stages of the lithic reduction sequence. In this article, we consider rock availability at different coastal sectors in Lake Amalia. The data focus on the size and weight of the cobbles used as raw material (in Lake Amalia and nearby locations), aiming to compare transported material and that which is spatially located. We analyze information regarding the role played by shallow lakes in the exploitation of steppe environments and their importance in hunter-gatherers’ mobility. We suggest that raw material frequency, size, and spatial distribution have conditioned space-use patterns in the Fuegian steppe. The Amalia locality study case sheds light on recurrent visits to specific places in these landscapes.
Raw Material Selection and Stone Tool Production: Limestone Bifaces in the Mopan Valley, Belize
Authors: Horowitz Rachel A. , Cap Bernadette , Yaeger Jason , Peuramaki-Brown Meaghan , Eli Mark
Published: January 2019

Stone tool producers in the Maya Lowlands had several types of raw materials from which to choose. Limestone, chert, and obsidian are the most naturally abundant, whereas chert and obsidian outnumber limestone in archaeological contexts. The presence of flaked-stone tools made of limestone is typically attributed to the scarcity of more suitable raw materials. Nevertheless, in chert-rich areas, such as the upper Belize River valley, limestone bifaces and production debitage are present. To understand their presence, we examine limestone biface production and use at Buenavista del Cayo.
Assessing plain and intelligible language in the Consumer Rights Act: a role for reading scores?
Authors: Conklin Kathy , Hyde Richard , Parente Fabio
Published: January 2019

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 consumer contracts and consumer notices are required to be expressed in plain and intelligible language. This is a difficult concept to capture. Determining whether a contract is expressed in plain and intelligible language involves resource-intensive work by regulators and difficult adjudications by courts. This paper explores whether reading scores present a viable alternative. Can a simple computer program tell a consumer, a business, a regulator or the court that a particular contract is not expressed in plain and intelligible language? The paper begins by exploring the concept and role of plain and intelligible language in the Consumer Rights Act, before considering the ways that reading scores have developed and been used in legal contexts. We then report on the findings of an experimental examination of insurance contracts using a basket of reading scores, using our findings to draw conclusions about the utility of reading scores in determining whether a contract is expressed in plain and intelligible language. We find that reading scores can play a role in such determinations, but that further work is needed to provide appropriate tools for business, regulators and courts to use in assessing plain and intelligible language.
A 7600 yr vegetation and fire history from Anthony Lake, northeastern Oregon, USA, with linkages to modern synoptic climate patterns
Authors: Long Colin J. , Shinker Jaqueline J. , Minckley Thomas A. , Power Mitchell J. , Bartlein Patrick J.
Published: January 2019

We used pollen and high-resolution charcoal analysis of lake sediment to reconstruct a 7600 yr vegetation and fire history from Anthony Lake, located in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon. From 7300 to 6300 cal yr BP, the forest was composed primarily of Populus, and fire was common, indicating warm, dry conditions. From 6300 to 3000 cal yr BP, Populus declined as Pinus and Picea increased in abundance and fire became less frequent, suggesting a shift to cooler, wetter conditions. From 3000 cal yr BP to present, modern-day forests composed of Pinus and Abies developed, and from 1650 cal yr BP to present, fires increased. We utilized the modern climate-analogue approach to explain the potential synoptic climatological processes associated with regional fire. The results indicate that years with high fire occurrence experience positive 500 mb height anomalies centered over the Great Basin, with anomalous southerly component of flow delivering dry air into the region and with associated sinking motions to further suppress precipitation. It is possible that such conditions became more common over the last 1650 cal yr BP, supporting an increase in fire despite the shift to more mesic conditions.
GEOMETRIC AND FIXED POINT PROPERTIES IN PRODUCTS OF NORMED SPACES
Authors: VEENA SANGEETHA M.
Published: January 2019

Given two (real) normed (linear) spaces $X$ and $Y$, let $X\otimes _{1}Y=(X\otimes Y,\Vert \cdot \Vert )$, where $\Vert (x,y)\Vert =\Vert x\Vert +\Vert y\Vert$. It is known that $X\otimes _{1}Y$ is $2$-UR if and only if both $X$ and $Y$ are UR (where we use UR as an abbreviation for uniformly rotund). We prove that if $X$ is $m$-dimensional and $Y$ is $k$-UR, then $X\otimes _{1}Y$ is $(m+k)$-UR. In the other direction, we observe that if $X\otimes _{1}Y$ is $k$-UR, then both $X$ and $Y$ are $(k-1)$-UR. Given a monotone norm $\Vert \cdot \Vert _{E}$ on $\mathbb{R}^{2}$, we let $X\otimes _{E}Y=(X\otimes Y,\Vert \cdot \Vert )$ where $\Vert (x,y)\Vert =\Vert (\Vert x\Vert _{X},\Vert y\Vert _{Y})\Vert _{E}$. It is known that if $X$ is uniformly rotund in every direction, $Y$ has the weak fixed point property for nonexpansive maps (WFPP) and $\Vert \cdot \Vert _{E}$ is strictly monotone, then $X\otimes _{E}Y$ has WFPP. Using the notion of $k$-uniform rotundity relative to every $k$-dimensional subspace we show that this result holds with a weaker condition on $X$.
Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor is linearly associated with dietary quality and predicts mortality
Authors: Törnkvist Peter B. S. , Haupt Thomas H. , Rasmussen Line J. H. , Ladelund Steen , Toft Ulla , Pisinger Charlotta , Eugen-Olsen Jesper
Published: January 2019

Chronic inflammation is associated with disease risk and mortality in the general population. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a stable marker of chronic inflammation, and a higher serum-concentration of suPAR is found in individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking. This article investigates the association between suPAR and dietary quality measured with the dietary quality score (DQS). The DQS is an index of the overall quality of an individual’s dietary habits assessed through a self-administered FFQ. Furthermore, this article investigates the association of both suPAR and the DQS with CVD risk and mortality in the general Danish population. We analysed 5347 individuals aged 30–60 years from the Danish Inter99 study cohort. Multiple linear regression analyses showed a linear inverse association between the DQS and suPAR (P=0·0005). Cox regression analyses showed an 18 (95 % CI 9, 26) % increase in the risk of death from any cause with each 1 ng/ml increase in suPAR. We found no significant association between the DQS and the mortality (hazard ratio: 1·16, 95 % CI 0·79, 1·69). All analyses were adjusted for demographics and lifestyle factors. The association between the DQS and suPAR on the one hand and suPAR and mortality on the other supports the argument that low dietary quality may constitute a health risk through its influence on chronic inflammation. Future research should examine whether suPAR is modifiable through changes in dietary habits.
Compactness of Commutators of One-Sided Singular Integrals in Weighted Lebesgue Spaces
Authors: García Víctor García , Ortega Salvador Pedro
Published: January 2019

We prove that if p > 1, $w\in A_p^ +$, b ∈ CMO and $C_b^ + $ is the commutator with symbol b of a Calderón–Zygmund convolution singular integral with kernel supported on (−∞, 0), then $C_b^ + $ is compact from Lp(w) into itself.
Transversality of smooth definable maps in O-minimal structures
Authors: NGUYEN NHAN , TRIVEDI SAURABH
Published: January 2019

We present a definable smooth version of the Thom transversality theorem. We show further that the set of non-transverse definable smooth maps is nowhere dense in the definable smooth topology. Finally, we prove a definable version of a theorem of Trotman which says that the Whitney (a)-regularity of a stratification is necessary and sufficient for the stability of transversality.
Strategic Public Shaming: Evidence from Chinese Antitrust Investigations
Authors: Zhang Angela Huyue
Published: January 2019

This article examines strategic public shaming, a novel form of regulatory tactics employed by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) during its enforcement of the Anti-Monopoly Law. Based on analysis of media coverage and interview findings, the study finds that the way that the NDRC disclosed its investigation is highly strategic depending on the firm's co-operative attitude towards the investigation. Event studies further show that the NDRC's proactive disclosure resulted in significantly negative abnormal returns of the stock prices of the firm subject to the disclosure. For instance, Biostime, an infant-formula manufacturer investigated in 2013, experienced −22 per cent cumulative abnormal return in a three-day event window, resulting in a loss of market capitalization that is 27 times the antitrust fine that it ultimately received. The NDRC's strategic public shaming might therefore result in severe market sanctions that deter firms from defying the agency.
Ontario’s Retirement Homes and Long-Term Care Homes: A Comparison of Care Services and Funding Regimes
Authors: Roblin Blair , Deber Raisa , Kuluski Kerry , Silver Michelle Pannor
Published: January 2019

La demande croissante de lits en établissements publics subventionnés de soins de longue durée (ÉPSLD) occasionne de longues listes d’attentes en Ontario. Ces temps d’attente doivent être absorbés par les autres types d’hébergements, incluant les résidences non subventionnées (RNS). Cette étude compare les ÉPSLD et les RNS en termes de services fournis, de régimes de financement et des implications de ces sources de financement pour les personnes âgées. Des données descriptives pour les ÉPSLD et les RNS ont été collectées à partir de sources publiques et privées afin de représenter l’offre de services, leur disponibilité, leurs coûts et les sources de financement de ces types d’hébergement. Les services offerts par les ÉPSLD et les RNS se chevauchent en partie, particulièrement dans les niveaux de soins les plus élevés. Bien que les secteurs public et privé facturent des frais d’hébergement aux résidents, la plus grande partie des coûts en ÉPSLD sont couverts par des fonds publics, tandis que les résidents en RNS assument personnellement ces frais, en règle générale. Compte tenu des listes d’attente des ÉPSLD, plusieurs personnes âgées doivent se tourner vers d’autres établissements de soins, tels que les RNS. Plusieurs politiques alternatives existantes pourraient être considérées en vue d’améliorer l’équité dans l’accès aux soins en résidence pour les personnes âgées.
Theréseau opératoireof Urbanization: Craft Collaborations and Organization in an Early Medieval Workshop in Ribe, Denmark
Authors: Croix Sarah , Neiß Michael , Sindbæk Søren M.
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes that the organization of crafts may be a key catalyst in the emergence of urban communities. This is argued through a reassessment of finds from a non-ferrous metal workshop from the eighth century excavated in Ribe, Denmark. We analyse 3D laser scans in order to classify previously unidentified mould fragments, which show that the workshop produced a range of metal parts for composite products like wooden chests, belts and horse harnesses. Such production required an operational network, orréseau opératoire, to combine the necessary skills and expertise of several artisanal specializations. The need for collaboration between specialized craftspeople would have been a decisive incentive for the formation of permanent communities of an urban character. These observations point to a neglected bottom-up driver for the development of early urbanization.
How much influence does the paternal parent have on seed germination?
Authors: Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C.
Published: January 2019

It is well documented that the mother plant has much more influence than the father on seed dormancy/germination, especially of the F1offspring, primarily by providing all material (maternally derived tissue) to the diaspore coat(s); by maternal environmental effects and provisioning of nutrient resources, mRNA transcripts, protein, the hormone abscisic acid and nitrate to the seed during its development; and by determining progeny environment via dispersal and phenology. There is some evidence that the paternal influence on seed dormancy/germination of the offspring (seeds) can be mediated through multiple paternity (including mate number and diversity), non-nuclear (cytoplasmic) and nuclear (genotypic) inheritance and paternal environmental effects. Our primary aim was to determine via a literature review the influence (or not) of the paternal parent on seed germination. Altogether, 37 of 59 studies (62.7%) indicated a positive influence of the father on seed germination, although not all of them were statistically significant. In general, however, results of studies reported in the literature do not offer strong support for the paternal parent having a major role in seed germination (or seed size) of his F1offspring.
Use of Polarized Sunglasses During Video Laryngoscopy: A Cause of Difficult Prehospital Intubation
Authors: Smith Adam James , Jackimczyk Ken , Horwood Bruce , Christenson Daniel
Published: January 2019

Background

In the prehospital setting, many providers advocate for video laryngoscopy as the initial method of intubation to improve the likelihood of a successful first attempt. However, bright ambient light can worsen visualization of the video laryngoscope liquid crystal display (LCD).

Case Report

A patient involved in a motor vehicle accident was evaluated by an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew. Initial endotracheal intubation attempt using video laryngoscopy was aborted after the patient desaturated. The primary reason for the failure was poor visualization of the video laryngoscope LCD, despite attempts to block direct sunlight. Debriefing revealed that the intubating provider was wearing polarized sunglasses.

Discussion

Because LCDs emit polarized light, use of polarized sunglasses may cause the display to appear dark. Thus, the purpose of this Case Report is to raise awareness of a potential safety issue that is likely under-recognized by prehospital providers but can be easily avoided.

SmithAJ, JackimczykK, HorwoodB, ChristensonD. Use of polarized sunglasses during video laryngoscopy: a cause of difficult prehospital intubation.Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(1):104–107.