bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemo‐Enzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Symmetric and Non‐Symmetric α‐Hydroxy Ketones for Industrial Application
Authors: Petrenz‐Beck Annika , Kühn Jasmin , Zuhse Ralf , Ansorge‐Schumacher Marion B.
Published: June 2019

α‐Hydroxy ketones are important intermediates in various drugs and fine chemicals. Stereoselective synthesis of both symmetric and asymmetric compounds is demonstrated involving benzoin, 2–2’‐furoin, phenylacetyl carbinol (PAC) and 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one (HPP) as representatives. Dynamic kinetic resolution of the racemic preparations was achieved in one‐pot combining transesterification catalyzed by immobilized lipases from Pseudomonas stutzeri and Pseudozyma antarctica, respectively, and racemization mediated by the heterogeneous chemo‐catalyst Zr‐TUD‐1 in water‐free organic solvent. (S)‐benzoin, (S)‐2,2’‐furoin, (S)‐PAC and (R)‐HPP were obtained with both high efficiency and high enantiomeric excess. Within 90 minutes, 2,45 g (S)‐PAC butyrate (ee 88%) yielded from a 130 mL batch reaction demonstrating both technical feasibility and relevance for application.
Cascade Reaction of Diethyl‐(2‐Phenylacetyl) Phosphonate with Benzylidene‐Malononitrile: Access to Functionalized and Fully Substituted 4H‐Pyrans Containing Phosphonate Motif
Authors: Xie Ya‐Sa , Ma Cong‐Cong , Wei Qiang‐Qiang , Wang Yan‐Bo , Zhu Jun‐Yan , Fu Ji‐Ya , Yuan Jin‐Fang
Published: June 2019

An efficient DBU‐catalyzed Michael‐Pinner‐isomerization cascade reaction of diethyl‐(2‐phenylacetyl) phosphonate with 2‐benzylidenemalononitrile was developed, and a series of structurally diverse 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4H‐pyrans containing phosphonate functional groups were firstly obtained in up to 98% yields. Moreover, a gram‐scale experiment was conducted to demonstrate the synthetic value of this protocol. Also, one‐pot three‐component cascade reactions of diethyl‐(2‐phenylacetyl) phosphonates, malononitrile and benzaldehydes were achieved.
Hierarchical Nanoporous Carbon Templated and Catalyzed by the Bicontinuous Nanoporous Copper for High Performance Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Li Xuequan , Xing Yufeng , Xu Yingdong , Deng Qibo , Zhang Kai , Shao Li‐Hua
Published: June 2019

To enhance the performance of electrochemical capacitor, the nanostructured carbon materials with large surface area, appropriate pore distributions, suitable electronic conductivity and perfect chemical stability are pursued. Herein, the highly graphitized hierarchical porous carbon with well‐defined porosity are fabricated. For the first time, the novel bicontinuous nanoporous copper is used as both the template and the catalyst to synthesize the porous carbon materials. The as‐prepared porous carbon demonstrates a high specific surface area of 1826 m2 g−1 benefitting from the bicontinuous nanoporous copper template and KOH activation. By electrochemical test, the nanoporous carbon material displays a specific capacitance of 210 F g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 within 6 M KOH aqueous solution. The material demonstrates excellent cycling stability with a 95.4% capacity retention for 10 000 cycles with a current density of 1  A g−1. The present work provides a facile approach for fabrication of carbon‐based electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors.
In Situ Fabrication of Branched TiO2/C Nanofibers as Binder‐Free and Free‐Standing Anodes for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Ling , Yang Guorui , Wang Jianan , Wang Silan , Wang Caiyun , Peng Shengjie , Yan Wei , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: June 2019

Herein, 1D free‐standing and binder‐free hierarchically branched TiO2/C nanofibers (denoted as BT/C NFs) based on an in situ fabrication method as an anode for sodium‐ion batteries are reported. The in situ fabrication endows this material with large surface area and strong structural stability, providing this material with abundant active sites and smooth channels for fast ion transportation. As a result, BT/C NFs with the character of free‐standing membranes are directly used as binder‐free anode for sodium‐ion batteries, delivering a capacity of 284 mA h g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles. Even at a high current density of 2000 mA g−1, the reversible capacity can still achieve as high as 204 mA h g−1. By means of kinetic analysis, it is demonstrated that the remarkable surface pseudocapacitive behavior is also a major factor to achieve excellent performance. The rationally designed structure coupled with the inherent pseudocapacitive behavior gives this material potential for sodium‐ion batteries.
A Multiwell Microfluidic Device for Analyzing and Screening Nonhormonal Contraceptive Agents
Authors: Li Hui , Garner Tyler , Diaz Francisco , Wong Pak Kin
Published: June 2019

Birth control and family planning play pivotal roles in the economic growth and reduction of maternal, infant, and child mortality. Current contraceptives, such as hormonal agents and intrauterine devices, target only a small subset of reproductive processes and can have serious side effects on the health of women. To develop novel contraceptive agents, a scalable microfluidic device is established for analyzing and screening the effects of potential contraceptive agents on the maturation of the cumulus–oocyte complex. The microfluidic device performs on‐chip incubation for studying oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion and isolates the microwells by oil–water interfaces to avoid crosstalk between the wells. A filter membrane is incorporated in the device to simplify incubation, medium exchange, washing, and fluorescence staining of oocytes. Cumulus expansion can be monitored directly in the device and oocyte maturation can be examined after enzymatic removal of cumulus cells and on‐chip fluorescence staining. The performance of the device is evaluated by studying the influence of three drugs known to block oocyte maturation and/or cumulus expansion.
Alkali Salts as Interface Modifiers in n‐i‐p Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Dagar Janardan , Hirselandt Katrin , Merdasa Aboma , Czudek Aniela , Munir Rahim , Zu Fengshuo , Koch Norbert , Dittrich Thomas , Unger Eva L.
Published: June 2019

After demonstration of a 23% power conversion efficiency, a high operational stability is the next most important scientific and technological challenge in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A potential failure mechanism is tied to a bias‐induced ion migration, which causes current–voltage hysteresis and a decay in the device performance over time. Herein, alkali salts are shown to mitigate hysteresis and stabilize device performance in n‐i‐p hybrid planar PSCs. Different alkali salts of potassium chloride, iodide, and nitrate as well as sodium chloride and iodide are deposited from aqueous solution onto the n‐type contact, based on SnO2, prior to deposition of the perovskite absorber Cs0.05(FA0.83MA0.17)0.95Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3. Introduction of potassium‐based alkali salts suppresses the current–voltage hysteresis and stabilizes the operational device stability at the maximum power point. This is attributed to the suppression of hole trapping at the n‐type selective transport layer (SnO2)/perovskite interface observed by surface photovoltage spectroscopy, which is interpreted to reduce interfacial recombination and improve charge carrier extraction. The best and most stable performance of 19% is achieved using potassium nitrate as the interface modifier. Devices with higher and more stable performance exhibit substantially lower current transients, analyzed during maximum power point tracking.
To Pursue or Not to Pursue a Terminal Degree
Authors: Dunn Merrily , Kniess Dena R.
Published: June 2019

In this chapter, the authors examine considerations necessary for seeking a terminal degree. Information on program types, pros/cons of full‐time and part‐time enrollment, and funding opportunities are explored.
Moving into a Faculty Role from Student Affairs Administration
Authors: Kniess Dena R.
Published: June 2019

This chapter explores the issues of transition from an administrator to faculty. This exploration includes considerations of various types of faculty positions available in higher education, institutional culture, and tenure and promotion expectations.
Considerations for Retirement and Late Career Changes
Authors: Armitage Daniel , Staten Shannon Deaton , Davis Rosie Phillips
Published: June 2019

This chapter addresses retirement planning, the impact of late career moves, adjusting to retirement, financial planning, and work options after retirement.
Reflections and Resources to Support Navigating Transitions
Authors: Boettcher Michelle L. , Walker‐Donnelly Kristin , Nunamaker Troy
Published: June 2019

This chapter provides resources to support individuals navigating career transitions.
Shaking table test and numerical analysis of an asymmetrical twin‐tower super high‐rise building connected with long‐span steel truss
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhai Zhipeng , Wang Hanfeng , Liu Qiongxiang , Xu Kai , Yu Zhiwu
Published: June 2019

The asymmetrical high‐rise building investigated in this paper is composed of a 299.1‐m‐high tower and a 235.2‐m‐high tower, which are diagonally and rigidly connected by two steel truss systems with the maximum span of 65.43 m. Given the great structural irregularities and complexities, the structural seismic performance is necessary to be investigated. A shaking table test of a 1/45 scaled model is conducted in this study, by which the structural damage pattern and dynamic responses are analyzed. The results show that the connecting trusses and rigid connection joints behave well during strong seismic excitations. The damages concentrate on the connecting floors, and the whole structural damage is slight. Most of the lateral resistance components remain elastic. The structure presents high seismic resistance against strong ground motions. Subsequently, a three‐dimensional finite element model of prototype structure is established and validated by the experimental results. The analyses indicate that performance of the connecting trusses is capable of coordinating translational and torsional deformation of the two towers and making them resist lateral seismic force together even subjected to maximum considered earthquakes. And this performance is still reliable although the high torsional modes are triggered.
Typification of the Himalayan endemic conifer Abies spectabilis (Pinaceae) revisited
Authors: Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh , Mazumdar Jaideep , Wiersema John H.
Published: June 2019

Status of original material of Abies spectabilis (Pinaceae) is re‐evaluated. The previous attempted lectotypification was found to be contradictory and ineffective, and a new lectotype for A. spectabilis is designated.
Bridge modular switched‐capacitor DC‐DC converter with soft switching operation and multilevel voltage‐gain range
Authors: Zeng Tao , Wu Zhen , He Liangzong
Published: June 2019

A bridge modular switched‐capacitor (BMSC) DC‐DC converter with soft switching operation and multilevel voltage‐gain range is proposed in this article. It is mainly composed of an interleaved booster and a switched‐capacitor circuit. The symmetrical interleaved structure is applied in the interleaved booster to obtain the ripple‐free of the input current, and the interleaved pulse width modulation control scheme is employed to achieve zero‐voltage‐switching operation of all power switches. The BMSC is employed in the switched‐capacitor circuit to achieve high step‐up gain without having to use a transformer with a high turns ratio, and it can be expanded to obtain a multilevel voltage‐gain range. In addition, the zero‐current‐switching operation of rectifier diodes can be obtained when the resonant frequency is above the operating frequency of the interleaved booster. A 400‐W prototype converter was constructed with an input voltage of 25 V. The analyses are validated by the simulation and experimental results. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Art of Conversation: Is It Lost Forever?
Authors: Ferguson Melissa A.
Published: June 2019

Voices From the Classroom essays share readers’ reflections on teaching experiences, advice for new teachers, and perspectives on current issues.
Rainfall trends in the African Sahel: Characteristics, processes, and causes
Authors: Biasutti Michela
Published: June 2019

Sahel rainfall is dynamically linked to the global Hadley cell and to the regional monsoon circulation. It is therefore susceptible to forcings from remote oceans and regional land alike. Warming of the oceans enhances the stability of the tropical atmosphere and weakens deep ascent in the Hadley circulation. Warming of the Sahara and of the nearby oceans changes the structure and position of the regional shallow circulation and allows more of the intense convective systems that determine seasonal rain accumulation. These processes can explain the observed interannual to multidecadal variability. Sea surface temperature anomalies were the dominant forcing of the drought of the 1970s and 1980s. In most recent decades, seasonal rainfall amounts have partially recovered, but rainy season characteristics have changed: rainfall is more intense and intermittent and wetting is concentrated in the late rainy season and away from the west coast. Similar subseasonal and subregional differences in rainfall trends characterize the simulated response to increased greenhouse gases, suggesting an anthropogenic influence. While uncertainty in future projections remains, confidence in them is encouraged by the recognition that seasonal mean rainfall depends on large‐scale drivers of atmospheric circulations that are well resolved by current climate models. Nevertheless, observational and modeling efforts are needed to provide more refined projections of rainfall changes, expanding beyond total accumulation to metrics of intraseasonal characteristics and risk of extreme events, and coordination between climate scientists and stakeholders is needed to generate relevant information that is useful even under deep uncertainty.

This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Modern Climate Change
Stereo‐dynamical ion‐pair formation in collisions of highly‐charged ions with argon dimers
Authors: Ohyama‐Yamaguchi Tomoko , Ichimura Atsushi
Published: June 2019

Multiple ionization process of a rare gas dimer BC collided with a slow highly charged ion Aq+ is investigated with the three‐center Coulombic over‐barrier model previously developed by the present authors. To reveal stereodynamical effects, we calculate asymmetric ion‐pair formation cross sections σ(QB,QC) as a function of the orientation angle. We introduce a pair of atomic impact parameters bB and bC with which we distinguish the near and far sites. Furthermore, we distinguish the forward and backward emitted ions produced as a result of Coulomb explosion. Partial screening effects are also considered.
Improved production of clavulanic acid by reverse engineering and overexpression of the regulatory genes in an industrial Streptomyces clavuligerus strain
Authors: Cho Hang Soo , Jo Jin Chul , Shin Chang-Hun , Lee Namil , Choi Joon-Sun , Cho Byung-Kwan , Roe Jung-Hye , Kim Chan-Wha , Kwon Ho Jeong , Yoon Yeo Joon
Published: June 2019

Genomic analysis of the clavulanic acid (CA)-high-producing Streptomyces clavuligerus strains, OL13 and OR, developed through random mutagenesis revealed a frameshift mutation in the cas1 gene-encoding clavaminate synthase 1. Overexpression of the intact cas1 in S. clavuligerus OR enhanced the CA titer by approximately 25%, producing ~ 4.95 g/L of CA, over the OR strain in the flask culture. Moreover, overexpression of the pathway-specific positive regulatory genes, ccaR and claR, in the OR strain improved CA yield by approximately 43% (~ 5.66 g/L) in the flask. However, co-expression of the intact cas1 with ccaR-claR did not further improve CA production. In the 7 L fermenter culture, maximum CA production by the OR strain expressing the wild-type cas1 and ccaR-claR reached approximately 5.52 g/L and 6.01 g/L, respectively, demonstrating that reverse engineering or simple rational metabolic engineering is an efficient method for further improvement of industrial strains.
In vitro investigation of chemical properties and biocompatibility of neurovascular braided implants
Authors: Cattaneo Giorgio , Bräuner Chris , Siekmeyer Gerd , Ding Andreas , Bauer Sabina , Wohlschlögel Markus , Lang Lisa , Hierlemann Teresa , Akimov Maria , Schlensak Christian , Schüßler Andreas , Wendel Hans-Peter , Krajewski Stefanie
Published: June 2019

Braiding of Nitinol micro wires is an established technology for the manufacturing of fine-meshed neurovascular implants for tortuous vessel geometries. Electropolishing of wires before the braiding process has the potential to improve the in vitro behaviour in terms of thrombogenicity and endothelial cell proliferation. In this study, we present the first in vitro investigation of braided electropolished/blue oxide Nitinol samples in a blood flow loop, showing a significantly lower activation of the coagulation pathway (represented by the TAT III marker) and a tendency towards reduced platelet adhesion. Furthermore, we applied the same surface treatment on flat disks and measured protein adhesion as well as endothelial cell proliferation. We compared our results to non-electropolished samples with a native oxide surface. While platelet deposition was reduced on electropolished/blue oxide surface, a significant increase of endothelial cell seeding was observed. Investigation of inflammatory marker expression in endothelial cells provided divergent results depending on the marker tested, demanding closer investigation. Surface analysis using Auger electron spectroscopy revealed a thin layer mainly consisting of titanium oxynitride or titanium oxide + titanium nitride as a potential cause of the improved biological performance. Translated to the clinical field of intracranial aneurysm treatment, the improved biocompatibility has the potential to increase both safety (low thrombogenicity) and effectiveness (aneurysm neck reconstruction).
Uniaxial compressive strength of geopolymer cement for oil well cement
Authors: Suppiah Raja Rajeswary , Rahman Siti Humairah A. , Shafiq Nasir , Irawan Sonny
Published: June 2019

Ensuring oil-well-integrity is one of the challenging tasks when cementing is designed. It has been well established that cement tends to degrade when exposed to a corrosive environment and at elevated temperatures. This paper presents the results of the uniaxial compressive strength of the qualified mixes of geopolymer cement containing fly ash as the precursor. Geopolymer cement samples were cured in the potable water heated at 60 °C and 90 °C for 24 h before testing for uniaxial compressive strength. Uniaxial confined compressive strength test was performed for samples cured at a 60 °C, and results of the samples bearing density of 13, 15, and 17 ppg were obtained as 4.12, 9.21 and 17.68 kPa, respectively. For 90 °C, the compressive strengths were 4.43, 15.34 and 78.14 kPa, respectively, for the samples bearing the same density. Samples cured at 90 °C showed the higher value of UCS as compared to the samples cured at 60 °C, and it was because heat is required to stimulate the polymeric reaction.
Prediction of swelling characteristics of compacted GMZ bentonite in salt solution incorporating ion-exchange reactions
Authors: Xiang Guosheng , Xu Yongfu , Yu Feng , Fang Yuan , Wang Yi
Published: June 2019

Salt solutions have complex effects on the swelling characteristics of compacted bentonite; these effects are caused by the inhibitory action of salinity and the ion-exchange reaction between the solution and bentonite. In order to characterize the swelling properties of compacted bentonite in a salt solution, swelling deformation tests were carried out for Gao-Miao-Zi (GMZ) bentonite specimens in NaCl and CaCl2 solutions. Swelling characteristics decreased with increasing salt concentration. Swelling strains in NaCl solution were larger than those in CaCl2 solution, even though the ionic concentration of 1.0 mol/L (M) NaCl solution is larger than that of 0.5 M CaCl2. According to the exchangeable cations tests, cation exchange was different for specimens immersed in different salt solutions. The swelling fractal model was used to predict the swelling strains of compacted bentonite in a concentrated salt solution. In this model, the effective stress incorporating osmotic suction was applied to take the effect of salinity into consideration, and the swelling coefficient, K, was employed to describe the swelling properties affected by the variation in exchangeable cations. In the model, fractal dimension was measured by nitrogen adsorption, and the salt solution had little effect on fractal dimension. K was estimated by the diffuse double layer (DDL) model for osmotic swelling in distilled water. Comparison of fractal model estimations with experimental data demonstrated that the new model performed well in predicting swelling characteristics affected by a salt solution.
Critically Reviewing Literature: A Tutorial for New Researchers
Authors: Fernandez Karen V.
Published: June 2019

Critically reviewing the literature is an indispensible skill which is used throughout a research career. This demystifies the processes involved in systematically and critically reviewing the literature to demonstrate knowledge, identify research ideas and questions, position research and develop theory. A three stage model (assembling, arranging and assessing), each with two interrelated steps, is presented and discussed, along with practical tips and helpful examples. Although aimed primarily at research students, this information in this article will also be useful for research supervisors who wish to find ways to pass along their tacit knowledge related to this critical research skill.
Neuroglobin protects offspring rats from neuronal damage induced by sevoflurane exposure to pregnant rats by inhibiting endogenous apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Yongfang , Yang Fan , Gao Yan , Shan Yangyang , Dong Yunxia , Liu Hongtao
Published: June 2019

As a general anesthesia drug, sevoflurane has been found to be potentially neurotoxic to the developing brain. Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a novel oxygen‐carrying globulin that has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects in a variety of central nervous system disorders. However, it is unclear whether Ngb has a protective effect on nerve damage caused by sevoflurane. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect and related mechanisms of Ngb on neural injury induced by sevoflurane. Pregnant rats on gestational day 20 (G20) were exposed to 3.5% sevoflurane for two hours, which led to an increase of Ngb on the 0‐1st day after birth and decreased significantly on the 3rd day, while Cytochrome c increased from the 1 st day until the 7th day of offspring rats. Meanwhile, sevoflurane reduced Bcl‐2 and Hif‐1αand increased Bax and cleaved‐caspase 3 in the third day after birth. Hemin inhibits endogenous apoptosis by increasing Ngb and Hif‐1α. And increased Ngb improved the damage of long‐term learning and memory induced by sevoflurane and increased the number of neurons in the hippocampus. We concluded that Ngb can improve the neuronal injury induced by sevoflurane exposure by inhibiting apoptosis and increasing the number of neurons. And this protective effect of Ngb may be related to Hif‐1α signaling pathway. This finding may provide a novel therapeutic approach for sevoflurane ‐induced nerve damage.
Neuroimaging correlates with neuropathologic schemes in neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Lowe Val J. , Lundt Emily S. , Albertson Sabrina M. , Przybelski Scott A. , Senjem Matthew L. , Parisi Joseph E. , Kantarci Kejal , Boeve Bradley , Jones David T. , Knopman David , Jack Clifford R. , Dickson Dennis W. , Petersen Ronald C. , Murray Melissa E.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Neuroimaging biomarkers are important for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and comparing multimodality neuroimaging to autopsy data is essential.

Methods

We compared the pathologic findings from a prospective autopsy cohort (n = 100) to Pittsburgh compound B PET (PiB‐PET), 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET (FDG‐PET), and MRI. Correlations between neuroimaging biomarkers and neuropathologic schemes were assessed.

Results

PiB‐PET showed strong correlations with Thal amyloid phase and Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease score and categorized 44% of Thal phase 1 participants as positive. FDG‐PET and MRI correlated modestly with Braak tangle stage in Alzheimer's type pathology. A subset of participants with “none” or “sparse” neuritic plaque scores had elevated PiB‐PET signal due to diffuse amyloid plaque. Participants with findings characterized as “suspected non‐Alzheimer's pathophysiology” represented 15% of the group.

Discussion

PiB‐PET is associated with Alzheimer's disease, neuritic plaques, and diffuse plaques. FDG‐PET and MRI have modest correlation with neuropathologic schemes. Participants with findings characterized as suspected non‐Alzheimer's pathophysiology most commonly had primary age‐related tauopathy.
Incidence and characteristics of uncommon dementia subtypes: Results from 10 years of clinical surveillance by the Registry of Dementia of Girona
Authors: Calvó‐Perxas Laia , Belchí Olga , Turon‐Estrada Antoni , Van Eendenburg Cecile , Linares Marta , Viñas Marta , Manzano Anna , Turró‐Garriga Oriol , Vilalta‐Franch Joan , Garre‐Olmo Josep ,   Registry of Dementia of Girona Study Group (ReDeGi Study Group
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Age‐ and sex‐stratified incidence rates of uncommon dementia subtypes are imprecise and scarce.

Methods

We used data from 7357 newly diagnosed individuals aged between 30.6 and 101.0 years from the Registry of Dementia of Girona during 2007‐2016 to determine the incidence rates of uncommon dementia subtypes stratified by sex and age groups and to describe their clinical characteristics.

Results

Uncommon dementia subtypes were classified according to their etiology. The incidence rate of uncommon dementia subtypes was 27.8 cases per 100,000 person‐years for those aged 30 years and older, 3.7 cases per 100,000 person‐years for people aged less than 65 years, and 110.9 per 100,000 person‐years for those aged 65 years and older. Age, sex, dementia severity, and medical comorbidities were different depending on the dementia subtype.

Discussion

There are differences in the incidence rates and the demographic and clinical characteristics among uncommon dementia subtypes for age and sex groups.
“If I knew what I was doing on Twitter then I would use it more”: Twitter experiences and networks of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Authors: Brunner Melissa , Palmer Stuart , Togher Leanne , Dann Stephen , Hemsley Bronwyn
Published: June 2019

Aim:

of this study was to examine the Twitter experiences and networks of six adults with cognitive-communication disability after a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Method:

Using mixed methods, the study integrated: (a) quantitative analysis of Twitter networks using computational and manual coding of tweets; and (b) narrative analysis of in-depth interviews.

Results:

Diverse experiences were evident, with two experienced and four novice users of the platform. However, all reported feeling connected and included, and identified both positive and negative experiences in their use of Twitter. Developing a supportive network facilitated higher frequency of tweets and increased feelings of enjoyment and connectedness. All expressed a desire to continue using or learning to use Twitter but novices lacked support from rehabilitation professionals or experienced Twitter users, and relied instead on a “trial and error” approach.

Conclusion:

Proactive integration of Twitter use during rehabilitation after TBI is warranted to support safe, enjoyable, and meaningful use.
Scientific debate instead of beef; challenging misleading arguments about the efficacy of antidepressants
Authors: Hengartner Michael P.
Published: June 2019

In a recent commentary with the polemic title ‘Antidepressants; what’s the beef?’, Goodwin and Nutt argued that the benefit-risk ratio of antidepressants had been questioned inappropriately (Goodwin & Nutt, 2019). Personally I think it is a great achievement that our medical system can offer pharmacological treatments to people who suffer from serious clinical depression, and like Goodwin and Nutt I accept that antidepressants may be useful in some patients (Hengartner & Plöderl, 2018). Nevertheless, and this is where my position deviates from Goodwin and Nutt, I am also concerned about the overestimation of efficacy and the minimisation of harm (Hengartner, 2017). There are many misrepresentations in the commentary by Goodwin and Nutt, all of which systematically inflate the apparent benefits of antidepressants, and in this letter, I will discuss five of them.
Twisted Handaxes in Middle Pleistocene Britain and their Implications for Regional-scale Cultural Variation and the Deep History of Acheulean Hominin Groups
Authors: White Mark , Ashton Nick , Bridgland David
Published: June 2019

A better understood chronological framework for the Middle Pleistocene of Britain has enabled archaeologists to detect a number of temporally-restricted assemblage-types, based not on ‘culture historical’ schemes of typological progression but on independent dating methods and secure stratigraphic frameworks, especially river-terrace sequences. This includes a consistent pattern in the timing of Clactonian and Levalloisian industries, as well as a number of handaxe assemblage types that belong to different interglacial cycles. In other words, Derek Roe’s hunch that the apparent lack of coherent ‘cultural’ patterning was due to an inaccurate and inadequate chronological framework was correct. Some variation in handaxe shape is culturally significant. Here we focus on twisted ovate handaxes, which we have previously argued to belong predominantly to MIS 11. Recent discoveries have enabled us to refine our correlations. Twisted ovate assemblages are found in different regions of Britain in different substages of MIS 11 (East Anglia in MIS 11c and south of the Thames in MIS 11a), the Thames, and the MIS 11b cold interval separating the two occurrences. These patterns have the potential to reveal much about hominin settlement patterns, behaviour, and social networks during the Middle Pleistocene.
Existence of multiple periodic solutions to a semilinear wave equation with x-dependent coefficients
Authors: Wei Hui , Ji Shuguan
Published: June 2019

This paper is concerned with the periodic (in time) solutions to an one-dimensional semilinear wave equation with x-dependent coefficients. Such a model arises from the forced vibrations of a nonhomogeneous string and propagation of seismic waves in nonisotropic media. By combining variational methods with saddle point reduction technique, we obtain the existence of at least three periodic solutions whenever the period is a rational multiple of the length of the spatial interval. Our method is based on a delicate analysis for the asymptotic character of the spectrum of the wave operator with x-dependent coefficients, and the spectral properties play an essential role in the proof.
Latinos and American Catholicism: Examining Service Provision Amidst Demographic Change
Authors: Huckle K. E.
Published: June 2019

The Catholic Church currently sits at the forefront of U.S. demographic change as a prominent institution that is working on how to positively respond to a growing Latino population. Understanding the factors that either complicate or facilitate that endeavor may help other institutions in their future efforts to likewise integrate and serve Latino communities. Further, there may be broader implications for the success of Catholic churches to serve as research has found that participation in church activities is positively related to increased rates of civic and political engagement. However, these positive effects cannot be felt if churches fail to present the opportunity to participate in the first place. To that end, this study examines the relationship between Latino population density, the presence of a Latino minister, and the likelihood a church would offer Spanish mass or any other service relevant to the Latino community. I find these factors are useful in predicting service provision to a limited degree, and that individual leaders’ initiative and decision making also play a role in determining institutional responsiveness.
An Investigation Into the Mortality of Impaired Lives
Authors: Clarke R. D.
Published: June 2019

In 1947 the company with which the author is associated decided to institute an enquiry into the mortality of impaired lives. From the first the venture was both medical and actuarial, and a leading part in the planning of the investigation was undertaken by the company's Principal Medical Officer, T. W. Preston, M.D., who devised an impairment coding scheme and has since continued to supervise the coding of policies qualifying for inclusion in the data. While the present paper describes methods used in the statistical analysis of the results, the author wishes to place on record the major role played by Dr Preston in the carrying out of the investigation. The work has, in fact, involved the combination of medical and actuarial skills, and without the participation of the medical profession no actuarial investigation into the mortality of impaired lives would be practicable.
Factors in the Trend of Mortality
Authors: Pedoe Arthur
Published: June 2019

It may be affirmed, without great risk of exaggeration, that it is possible to reduce the annual deaths in England and Wales by 30,000, and to increase the vigour (may I not add the industry and wealth?) of the population in an equal proportion; for diseases are the iron index of misery, which recedes before strength, health and happiness, as the mortality declines.

William Farr in 1839—letter in first Registrar General's Report (1)

This quotation is from the first of that long series of letters addressed to the Registrar General on the Causes of Death in England. Dr Farr was in 1839 appointed ‘Compiler of Abstracts’ in the newly created General Register Office. The saving of 30,000 deaths a year represented about 10% of the current number of deaths. It took some forty years to make that reduction in the death rate, which coincided with Dr Farr's career with the General Register Office.

In the twenty-year period 1936–38 to 1956–58 the Standardized Mortality Ratio for England and Wales fell by 21 % for males and 31 % for females. Measured from a much lower rate of mortality, the rate of improvement has been from four to six times greater than in Farr's day. What of the future?
The concept of social service
Authors: Kaur Amrit
Published: June 2019

Man has always been a gregarious animal. It is contrary to his nature to live alone and hence has emerged in every part of the world, however backward or advanced, the concept of society which, because of man's innate desire for companionship, has developed from family life to the wider field of community and nation. No society, however, primitive or small in numbers, can prosper unless its members are united and aware of their duties and responsibilities. In order, therefore, to evolve a mode of life which contributes to the prosperity of the community, certain laws of behaviour had to be formulated and I feel that it would be interesting for us to turn our minds for a little while towards the earliest concepts of a social order. Coming as I do from a country whose civilisation stretches back to many milleniums, I should like to place before you the Indian concept of life which, though it may not be followed in action in modern India, does still sway the minds of our masses.
Etude de la nisinase produite parStreptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Alifax Par R. , Chevalier R.
Published: June 2019

Of several strains of lactic acid bacteria which produced nisinase,Streptococcus thermophilus, strain TJ, was the most active. The optimum pH for extraction of the nisinase from an acetone preparation of bacterial cells and for incubation of the solution containing nisin and nisinase was in the neighbourhood of 7·0. The proportions of nisin destroyed by the nisinase under various conditions were determined. Also, it has been shown that nisinase has no action on a number of antibiotics, including subtilin.
Measurement of the partition of some milk constituents between the dissolved and colloidal phases
Authors: deMan J. M.
Published: June 2019

The freezing point and pH of milk ultrafiltrate were different from the values obtained for the original milk. It was estimated that from 3·2 to 4·6% of the soluble material in milk was retained by the ultrafiltration membrane. Comparison of the composition of ultrafiltrate and rennet whey showed that the soluble material retained consisted mainly of calcium and citric acid. A similar effect was observed with dialysis, although the quantity of soluble material retained was much less. Rennet whey was considered more representative of milk serum than either ultrafiltrate or diffusate.
The composition of the milk of the reindeer
Authors: Aschaffenburg R. , Gregory Margaret E. , Kon S. K. , Rowland S. J. , Thompson S. Y.
Published: June 2019

For the past 10 years, a herd of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) has been kept in the Scottish Highlands under the auspices of the Reindeer Council of the United Kingdom. It was established in 1952 when the Reindeer Co. Ltd. imported two small consignments of reindeer from Arctic Sweden. By 1962 the herd numbered about thirty, of which twenty-one have been bred in Scotland.
Diagnostic accuracy of intra-operative assessment of de-epithelisation of the malleus by the surgeon in type 1 tympanoplasty compared to histopathological examination
Authors: Azeez A P , Letha V
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study was undertaken to determine the accuracy of the surgeon's assessment in detecting epithelial remnants over the malleus after de-epithelisation in tympanoplasty.

Methods

Intra-operatively, the umbo was assessed for epithelial remnants with the microscope. The umbo was then resected and sent for histopathological examination to detect epithelial remnants.

Results

Out of 42 cases, microscopic examination findings for epithelium were positive in 16 cases and negative in 26 cases. Histopathology findings were positive in 13 cases. The surgeons’ assessment was accurate only in two cases.

Conclusion

Residents, with their limited experience, are more likely to leave residual epithelium. When the chance of residual epithelium over the umbo is significant, the surgeon has two choices: to place the graft medial to the umbo or to resect the umbo. It is our opinion that the malleus exteriorisation should be incorporated into tympanoplasty training, with the aim of preventing epithelial entrapment in the middle ear.
Armand Tagoona and the Arctic Christian Fellowship: The first Inuit church in Canada
Authors: Laugrand Frédéric , Laneuville Pascale
Published: June 2019

Armand Tagoona (1926–1991) was born in Naujaat (Repulse Bay, Northwest Territories) in 1926, from an Inuk mother and a German father. Born as a Roman Catholic, he converted to Anglicanism. In 1969, he founded a new independent religious group affiliated to the Anglican Church in Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake, Northwest Territories): the Arctic Christian Fellowship (ACF). In this paper, we examine his life briefly as well as this very first “Inuit church” he created. We argue that Tagoona played the role of a mediator encompassing various religious traditions and various cultures at a time when solid boundaries separated all these institutions. In bridging them, Tagoona’s church turned to be very innovative and aimed at more religious autonomy, while being fundamentally guided by the words of God. Tagoona’s church carries conversionist, reformist and utopian aspects at the same time.
Robot Mission Planning using Co-evolutionary Optimization
Authors: Rahul Kala
Published: June 2019

Mission planning is a complex motion planning problem specified by using Temporal Logic constituting of Boolean and temporal operators, typically solved by model verification algorithms with an exponential complexity. The paper proposes co-evolutionary optimization thus building an iterative solution to the problem. The language for mission specification is generic enough to represent everyday missions, while specific enough to design heuristics. The mission is broken into components which cooperate with each other. The experiments confirm that the robot is able to outperform the search, evolutionary and model verification techniques. The results are demonstrated by using a Pioneer LX robot.
Sensability and Excitability Metrics Applied to Navigation Systems Assessment
Authors: España Martín , Carrizo Juan , Giribet Juan I.
Published: June 2019

To evaluate the aptness of a navigation system in a particular application, the designer needs to assess its performance over typical trajectories travelled by the vehicle itself. Moreover, he or she may be required to judge which components of the kinematics state may be better estimated (and which will not). The main contributions of this work are two novel and complementary performance measures that, in concert, allow for the assessment of a navigation system within the actual context of its application over specific trajectories. For a given on board instrumental configuration, the “excitability metric” permits the isolation of the contribution of the information conveyed by the vehicle's motion itself, while, the “sensability metric” measures the resultant overall quality of the kinematics state estimation. The same tools could help the designer planning appropriate vehicles manoeuvres in order to obtain a required precision for each estimated component. While emphasis is given on the mathematical justification of those metrics, their use is also illustrated with real flight data recorded from a sounding rocket.
Pre-trial ‘Protective Measures for the Purpose of Forfeiture’ at the International Criminal Court: Safeguarding and balancing competing rights and interests
Authors: Birkett Daley J.
Published: June 2019

The International Criminal Court is empowered by its constituent instrument to request its states parties to identify, trace, freeze, and seize assets ‘after a warrant of arrest or a summons has been issued … having due regard to the strength of the evidence and the rights of the parties concerned’. This article critically examines the approach adopted by the Court to requesting such protective measures at the pre-trial phase, reflecting on how the rights and interests of the primary stakeholders implicated by this process: (i) accused persons, (ii) the Prosecutor, (iii) victims, and (iv) bona fide third parties, are safeguarded and balanced.
Exceptional prosodification effects revisited in Gradient Harmonic Grammar
Authors: Hsu Brian
Published: June 2019

This paper presents an analysis of exceptional prosodification effects, in which exceptional lexical items appear to follow a regular pattern that is found in a different prosodic context. These patterns have been analysed as cases of prosodic prespecification, where morphemes select a non-default prosodic representation. I argue that prespecification approaches should be reconsidered, and that such patterns are predicted without morpheme-specific prosody in Gradient Harmonic Grammar, a weighted constraint system with gradiently active symbols. Exceptional prosodification effects result from the interaction of two influences on constraint penalties: (i) scaling of constraint violations by prosodic context and (ii) contrastive activity values in underlying forms. This interaction is illustrated with the distribution of French nasal vowels and linking [n]. This approach reduces the amount of structure posited for URs, and provides new arguments for a more uniform syntax–prosody mapping.
A near-exponential improvement of a bound of Erdős and Lovász on maximal intersecting families
Authors: Frankl Peter
Published: June 2019

Let m(k) denote the maximum number of edges in a non-extendable, intersecting k-graph. Erdős and Lovász proved that m(k) ≤ kk. For k ≥ 625 we prove m(k) < kk・e−k1/4/6.
Adverse events within 1 year after surgical and percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects in preterm children
Authors: Tanghöj Gustaf , Liuba Petru , Sjöberg Gunnar , Rydberg Annika , Naumburg Estelle
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Atrial septal defect is the third most common CHD. A hemodynamically significant atrial septal defect causes volume overload of the right side of the heart. Preterm children may suffer from both pulmonary and cardiac comorbidities, including altered myocardial function. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of adverse events following atrial septal defect closure in preterm- and term-born children.

Method:

We performed a retrospective cohort study including children born in Sweden, who had a surgical or percutaneous atrial septal defect closure at the children’s hospitals in Lund and Stockholm, between 2000 and 2014, assessing time to the first event within 1 month or 1 year. We analysed differences in the number of and the time to events between the preterm and term cohort using the Kaplan–Meier survival curve, a generalised model applying zero-inflated Poisson distribution and Gary-Anderson’s method.

Results:

Overall, 413 children were included in the study. Of these, 93 (22.5%) were born prematurely. The total number of adverse events was 178 (110 minor and 68 major). There was no difference between the cohorts in the number of events, whether within 1 month or within a year, between major (p = 0.69) and minor (p = 0.84) events or frequencies of multiple events (p = 0.92).

Conclusion:

Despite earlier procedural age, larger atrial septal defects, and higher comorbidity than term children, preterm children appear to have comparable risk for complications during the first year after surgical or percutaneous closure.
Continuous spinal anaesthesia for partial gastrectomy in an adult patient with unrepaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Corda Teixeira Joana S. , Correia Mariana J. D. , Haas Andrea , Tralhão António
Published: June 2019

Correction of tetralogy of Fallot during infancy usually eliminates the risks associated with general anaesthesia. In rare cases of uncorrected defects persisting into adulthood, anaesthetic management during non-cardiac surgery may therefore be challenging. We describe the use of continuous spinal anaesthesia to successfully circumvent the operative risk of major abdominal surgery in an adult patient with uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot.
Did Capital Market Development and Financial Depth Contribute to Growth? Evidence from European Financial Integration
Authors: Mahmood Mazhar , Rehman Kashif Ur
Published: June 2019

This study investigates the impact of financial depth and capital market development on the growth of European nations. Financial depth is important if the benefits of financial integration are to be realized. In fact, financial depth is a channel that promotes growth and risk sharing and curbs macroeconomic volatility. Panel data of 17 European nations from 1970 to 2013 were taken and results were obtained through the Pool Mean Group Estimation technique. Our results show that, for European nations, financial depth and stock market development contributed to long-term growth. However, the contribution of financial depth outweighs that of stock market development. Moreover, it was observed that in the case of Hungary and Ireland, capital market development and financial depth contributed to short-term growth. Trade openness was found to be significant for growth in the cases of Austria and Finland while financial depth and trade openness were found to be significant for Germany and Switzerland. In conclusion, in the short-run, financial depth contributed more to growth than stock market development. Therefore, the role of financial depth in enhancing growth can be said to be more persistent than that of stock market development.