bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amendments to improve plant response under simulated water-limited conditions in diamond mine Anthroposols
Authors: Miller Valerie S. , Naeth M. Anne
Published: July 2020

Development of Anthroposols for land reclamation requires consideration of a variety of factors to support plant establishment and growth. Water limitation is a key challenge when using mine waste as a growth medium, and these materials also have poor structure and lack organic matter and nutrients. These greenhouse experiments assessed effectiveness of treatments composed of hydrogel and organic amendments to increase plant establishment and growth under water-limited conditions in mine waste materials (crushed rock, lakebed sediment, and processed kimberlite) from a diamond mine in northern Canada. Amendments were hydrogel, peat, sewage, and soil, mixed with waste materials (substrates) at four application rates, and seeded with slender wheat grass (Elymus trachycaulus). One experiment assessed germination response with limited watering during germination, and the other experiment assessed growth response with adequate water during germination followed by restricted water. Substrate had the greatest effect on germination, with processed kimberlite and crushed rock being most successful, at least 10% higher than lakebed sediment. Sewage amendment resulted in the largest plants (mean 0.22 g in lakebed sediment, 0.40 g in crushed rock and processed kimberlite, 0.05 g no amendment); sewage had a limited effect on germination. Highest organic amendment application generally improved plant response. Hydrogel did not improve plant growth, although it increased germination up to 63% in processed kimberlite. Type of mine waste, amendment, and rate of application impacted germination and plant growth and can be altered to build a suitable Anthroposol for reclamation.
Quasinormal modes of three-dimensional rotating Hořava AdS black hole and the approach to thermal equilibrium
Authors: Bécar Ramón , González P. A. , Papantonopoulos Eleftherios , Vásquez Yerko
Published: July 2020

We compute the quasinormal modes (QNMs) of a massive scalar field in the background of a rotating three-dimensional Hořava AdS black hole, and we analyze the effect of the breaking of Lorentz invariance on the QNMs. Imposing on the horizon the requirements that there are only ingoing waves and at infinity the Dirichlet boundary conditions and the Neumann boundary condition hold, we calculate the oscillatory and the decay modes of the QNMs. We find that the propagation of the scalar field is stable in this background and employing the holographic principle we find the different times of the perturbed system to reach thermal equilibrium for the various branches of solutions.
Jet transition values for the anti-$$k_{\bot }$$ algorithm
Authors: Szőr Zoltán
Published: July 2020

We define jet transition values for the anti-$$k_{\bot }$$k⊥ algorithm for both hadron and $$e^+e^-$$e+e- colliders. We show how these transition values can be computed and how they can be used to improve the performance of clusterization when jet resolution parameters are varied over a larger set of values. Finally we present a simple performance test to illustrate the behavior of the new method compared to the original one.
On generalized Lax equation of the Lax triple of mKP hierarchy
Authors: Li Chong , Shi Lin-Jie , Wang Xiao-Li , Wang Na , Chen Min-Ru
Published: July 2020

Based on the Lax pair [Formula: see text] of the mKP hierarchy and the operator Nambu 3-bracket, we propose the generalized Lax equation with respect to the Lax triple [Formula: see text]. For different pairs [Formula: see text] in the generalized Lax equation, a generalized hierarchy including the mKP hierarchy is derived.
A new formula for conserved charges of Lovelock gravity in AdS space–times and its generalization
Authors: Peng Jun-Jin , Liu Hui-Fa
Published: July 2020

Within the framework of the Lovelock gravity theory, we propose a new rank-four divergenceless tensor consisting of the Riemann curvature tensor and inheriting its algebraic symmetry characters. Such a tensor can be adopted to define conserved charges of the Lovelock gravity theory in asymptotically anti-de Sitter (AdS) space–times. Besides, inspired with the case of the Lovelock gravity, we put forward another general fourth-rank tensor in the context of an arbitrary diffeomorphism invariant theory of gravity described by the Lagrangian constructed out of the curvature tensor. On basis of the newly-constructed tensor, we further suggest a Komar-like formula for the conserved charges of this generic gravity theory.
The probability that ideals in a number ring are k-wise relatively r-prime
Authors: Sittinger Brian D. , DeMoss Ryan D.
Published: July 2020

We say that [Formula: see text] nonzero ideals of algebraic integers in a fixed number ring are [Formula: see text]-wise relatively [Formula: see text]-prime if any [Formula: see text] of them are relatively [Formula: see text]-prime. In this paper, we provide an exact formula for the probability that [Formula: see text] nonzero ideals of algebraic integers in a fixed number ring are [Formula: see text]-wise relatively [Formula: see text]-prime.
Thermoelectric Properties of Semiconducting Polymers
Authors: Peterson Kelly A. , Thomas Elayne M. , Chabinyc Michael L.
Published: July 2020

Semiconducting polymers have the potential to be used in thermoelectric devices that are lightweight, flexible, and fabricated using solution processing. Because of the structural and energetic disorder of these polymers, the relationship between their structure and thermoelectric properties is complex. We review how interrelated processing routes and doping methods affect the thermoelectric properties of polymers. The studies highlighted here have led to correlations between thermopower and electrical conductivity that can be described by theories under investigation. With greater understanding of the materials properties behind their performance, semiconducting polymers can be used in future power generation or cooling devices.
Noble Metal Nanomaterials with Nontraditional Crystal Structures
Authors: Sow Chaitali , P Suchithra , Mettela Gangaiah , Kulkarni Giridhar U.
Published: July 2020

Noble metals (Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Ag, and Au) are known for their extraordinary oxidant-resistant behavior, good electrical and thermal conductivity, high work function, and brilliant luster. All occur in close-packed crystal structures: Ru and Os in hexagonal close-packed (hcp) and the rest in face-centered cubic (fcc) structures, both possessing high-symmetry structures and, therefore, a high degree of stabilization. Numerous studies in the literature have attempted to stabilize these metals away from their conventional crystal structures with the aim of realizing new properties. While obtaining conventional fcc metals in hcp structure or vice versa has been the subject of most studies, there are also examples of fcc metals crystallizing in lower-symmetry structures such as monoclinic. The nonnative crystal structures are generally realized during the crystallite growth itself, with a few exceptions in which a posttreatment was required for lattice transformation. In most cases, the new crystal structures pertain to the nanometer-length scale in the form of nanoparticles, nanoplates, nanoribbons, and nanowires, but there are good examples from microcrystallites as well. In this article, we review this active area of research, focusing on ambient stable crystal systems with some account of their interesting properties as reported in recent literature.
Kappa-Carrageenan/Graphene Oxide Carbon Composite Film for Electrochemical Sensing of Dopamine
Authors: Hummel Matthew , Lu Shun , Nelson Zebadiah , Jia Hongxing , Pathak Rajesh , Zhou Yue , Gu Zhengrong
Published: July 2020

A novel electrochemical dopamine sensor was fabricated based on a composite film solely consisting of kappa-carrageenan and hierarchical porous carbon drop-casted onto a glassy carbon electrode in a conventional three electrode system. Graphene oxide was synthesized in a one-step thermal conversion from base-catalyzed alkali lignin. Five ratios by mass of a novel hierarchical porous activated carbon and kappa-carrageenan were studied for dopamine quantification without synthetic binders such as polytetrafluoroethylene. Various tests were performed to explicate structure and electrochemical properties of the films. Utilizing differential pulse voltammetry for detection, the optimized 10:1 ratio system elicited a linear range of 1–250 μmol l−1 and a limit of detection of 0.14 μmol l−1 (S/N = 3). Results suggested an effective new combination of materials for non-enzymatic dopamine sensing.
(ECS 236th) Pulsed Electrodeposition of Carbon Dioxide Reduction Electrocatalysts for Space Applications
Authors: Skinn Brian , Sen Sujat , Leonard McLain , WANG DAN , Brushett Fikile R. , Taylor Jennings E.
Published: July 2020

Space programs around the globe have begun to consider the logistical demands of missions beyond the orbital neighborhood of Earth. Unlike local installations such as the International Space Station, long-range missions will not have the option to resupply critical materials from Earth. Thus, the development of capabilities for what is often termed “In-Situ Resource Utilization” (ISRU) have been a continuing focus of research through NASA and other agencies. One particular long-range mission of interest is to place human astronauts on Mars; the major component of the thin Martian atmosphere is carbon dioxide, making CO2 a natural input to ISRU technologies for production of carbon-containing materials. Production of mission consumables from in-situ Mars resources will be critical to enabling human exploration of Mars, in part by minimizing the number and size of descent/ascent vehicles. Potential ISRU products from CO2 include that seem likely to provide significant mission benefits with minimal infrastructure required are propellants (e.g., hydrocarbons), fuel cell reactants (e.g., formic acid, methanol, carbon monoxide), and life support consumables (e.g., oxygen). The first portion of this talk will comprise a high-level overview of the chemical transformations that can be imparted to CO2 via electrocatalysis on gas-diffusion electrodes (GDEs), in the form of a summary of literature reports on the catalytic performance of a wide variety of single-metallic and metal-alloy systems. The remainder will encompass an exposition of the electrocatalytic performance of tin and copper single-metal GDE electrocatalysts prepared by pulsed electrodeposition. These metals are well known for their ability to reduce carbon dioxide to formic acid and hydrocarbons/carbon monoxide, respectively, and are under active development in numerous academic research groups and industrial entities to this end. These experimental results clearly demonstrate the power and flexibility of the pulse/pulse-reverse electrodeposition approach to catalyst fabrication, as evidenced by the appreciable effects of the pulsed-waveform electrodeposition parameters on CO2 electroreduction product distribution and total current density.
Ventilation heterogeneity in smokers: role of unequal lung expansion and peripheral lung structure
Authors: Verbanck Sylvia A.B. , Polfliet Mathias , Schuermans Daniel , Ilsen Bart , de Mey Johan , Vanderhelst Eef , Vandemeulebroucke Jef
Published: July 2020

A head-on comparison between imaging and multiple breath washout in supine smokers shows that computer tomography-measured unequal local lung expansion accounts for 50% or less of smoking-induced increase in ventilation heterogeneity. The contributions from unequal lung expansion and peripheral structure to the two main washout indices also explain their respective association with parametric response mapping indices.
Steady-state cerebral autoregulation in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: linear mixed model analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Pasha Evan P. , Liu Jie , Xing Chang-Yang , Cardim Danilo , Tarumi Takashi , Womack Kyle , Hynan Linda S. , Cullum C. Munro , Zhang Rong
Published: July 2020

Cerebral autoregulation is a fundamental regulatory mechanism to protect brain perfusion against changes in blood pressure that, if impaired, may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Using a linear mixed model, we demonstrated that the efficacy of cerebral autoregulation, assessed during stepwise changes in arterial pressure, was reduced in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, a prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease. These findings support the hypothesis that cerebrovascular dysfunction may be an important underlying pathophysiological mechanism for the development of clinical Alzheimer’s disease.
Revisit Retinex Theory: Towards a Lightness-Aware Restorer for Underexposed Images
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhu Anqi , Shen Ying , Zhao Shengjie , Zhang Huijuan
Published: July 2020

We investigate how to correct exposure of underexposed images. The bottleneck of previous methods mainly lies in their naturalness and robustness when dealing with images with various exposure levels. When facing well-exposed or extremely underexposed images, they may produce over- or underenhanced outputs. In this paper, we propose a novel retinex-based approach, namely, LiAR (short for lightness-aware restorer). The word “lightness-aware” refers to that the estimated illumination not only is a component to be adjusted but also serves as a measure that reflects the brightness of the scene, determining the degree of adjustment. In this way, underexposed images can be restored adaptively according to their own brightness. Given an image, LiAR first estimates its illumination map using a specially designed loss function which can ensure the result’s color consistency and texture richness. Then adaptive correction is performed to get properly exposed output. LiAR is based on internal optimization of the single test image and does not need any prior training, implying that it can adapt itself to different settings per image. Additionally, LiAR can be easily extended to the video case due to its simplicity and stability. Experiments demonstrate that facing images/videos with various exposure levels, LiAR can achieve robust and real-time correction with high contrast and naturalness. The relevant code and collected data are publicly available at https://cslinzhang.github.io/LiAR-Homepage/.
Gastritis Stages in Monozygotic and Dizygotic Dyspeptic Twins
Authors: Urba Mindaugas , Skieceviciene Jurgita , Janciauskas Dainius , Jonaitis Laimas , Kupcinskas Limas , Fassan Matteo , Rugge Massimo , Kupcinskas Juozas
Published: July 2020

Background. The progression of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis towards atrophic gastritis is modulated by host-related and environmental factors. Studies that explore the possible involvement of host-related versus environmental factors in the development of gastritis phenotype induced by H. pylori are highly needed. Aims. Our study was aimed at investigating the phenotype of H. pylori-associated gastritis in two cohorts of monozygotic and dizygotic twins, using the OLGA/OLGIM gastritis staging system. Methods. Two cohorts of monozygotic (14 pairs) and dizygotic (15 pairs) dyspeptic twins prospectively underwent endoscopy with biopsy sampling based on Sydney protocol. H. pylori status and OLGA/OLGIM stages were assessed and compared. Results. The mean age of monozygotic and dizygotic twins was 40.4 and 38.6 years, respectively (p=0.623). The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 51.7%. Among the 14 monozygotic twin pairs, five pairs were H. pylori-positive, four were H. pylori-negative, and five were H. pylori-discordant. Among the 15 dizygotic twin pairs, five pairs were H. pylori-positive, five were H. pylori-negative, and five were H. pylori-discordant. Concordance for antrum atrophy in monozygotic twins was 78.6% (11/14 pairs) and in dizygotic twins 73.3% (11/15 pairs) (p=0.742). Concordance for corpus atrophy in monozygotic versus dizygotic twins was 92.9% (13/14 pairs) and 86.7% (13/15 pairs), respectively (p=0.584). Concordance for antrum intestinal metaplasia (IM) in monozygotic twins was 85.7% (12/14 pairs) and in dizygotic 73.3% (11/15 pairs) (p=0.411). Concordance for corpus IM in monozygotic twins was 85.7% (12/14 pairs) and in dizygotic 86.7% (13/15 pairs) (p=0.941). Among monozygotic and dizygotic subjects, the stage of gastritis was concordant in both H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative subjects. Conclusions. In conclusion, histological gastric mucosa alterations in monozygotic and dizygotic twins showed high rates of concordance. Furthermore, OLGA/OLGIM gastritis stages were not modulated by the zygosity of the twins.
Comprehensive Performance Analysis for the Rotating Detonation-Based Turboshaft Engine
Authors: Ji Zifei , Duan Ruize , Zhang Renshuai , Zhang Huiqiang , Wang Bing
Published: July 2020

The potential advantages of rotating detonation combustion are gradually approved, and it is becoming a stable and controllable energy conversion way adopted to the propulsion devices or ground-engines. This study focuses on the rotating detonation-based turboshaft engine, and the architecture is presented for this form of engine with compatibility between the turbomachinery and rotating detonation combustor being realized. The parametric performance simulation model for the rotating detonation-based turboshaft engine are developed. Further, the potential performance benefits as well as their generation mechanism are revealed, based on the comprehensive performance analysis of the rotating detonation-based turboshaft engine. Comparisons between the rotating detonation turboshaft engine and the conventional one reveal that the former holds significant improvements in specific power, thermal efficiency, and specific fuel consumption at lower compressor pressure ratios, and these improvements decrease with the increase of compressor pressure ratio and increase as turbine inlet temperature increases. The critical compressor pressure ratio corresponding to the disappearance of specific power improvement is higher than that corresponding to the disappearance of thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption. These critical compressor pressure ratios are positively correlated with flight altitude and negatively correlated with flight velocity. The conductive research conclusion is guidable for the design and engineering application of rotating detonation-based engines.
The Fire Within: NF-κB Involvement in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Foteinos-Ioannis D. , Kottorou Anastasia E. , Kalofonou Melpomeni , Kalofonos Haralabos P.
Published: July 2020

Thirty-four years since its discovery, NF-κB remains a transcription factor with great potential for cancer therapy. However, NF-κB–targeted therapies have yet to find a way to be clinically translatable. Here, we focus exclusively on the role of NF-κB in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and discuss its contributing effect on cancer hallmarks such as inflammation, proliferation, survival, apoptosis, angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, metastasis, stemness, metabolism, and therapy resistance. In addition, we present our current knowledge of the clinical significance of NF-κB and its involvement in the treatment of patients with NSCLC with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
COVID-19 Testing in Patients with Cancer: Does One Size Fit All?
Authors: Madariaga Ainhoa , McMullen Michelle , Sheikh Semira , Kumar Rajat , Liu Fei-Fei , Zimmermann Camilla , Husain Shahid , Zadeh Gelareh , Oza Amit M.
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 global pandemic has drastically impacted cancer care, posing challenges in treatment and diagnosis. There is increasing evidence that cancer patients, particularly those who have advanced age, significant comorbidities, metastatic disease, and/or are receiving active immunosuppressive therapy may be at higher risk of COVID-19 severe complications. Controlling viral spread from asymptomatic carriers in cancer centers is paramount, and appropriate screening methods need to be established. Universal testing of asymptomatic cancer patients may be key to ensure safe continuation of treatment and appropriate hospitalized patients cohorting during the pandemic. Here we perform a comprehensive review of the available evidence regarding SARS-CoV-2 testing in asymptomatic cancer patients, and describe the approach adopted at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, Canada) as a core component of COVID-19 control.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Prisoners: Increased Substance Use Disorder Severity and Psychiatric Comorbidity
Authors: Vélez-Pastrana María C. , González Rafael A. , Ramos-Fernández Alexandra , Ramírez Padilla Rafael R. , Levin Frances R. , Albizu García Carmen
Published: July 2020

Objectives: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders (SUD) are overrepresented among incarcerated populations. We examined whether ADHD was associated with increased severity of comorbid SUD and with increased psychiatric comorbidity among prisoners. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 500 randomly selected Latino male prisoners in the Puerto Rico Correctional System using validated diagnostic measures to assess Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) ADHD and SUD diagnosis, antisocial personality disorder (ASP) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). We defined SUD severity by symptom count and by presence of at least 2 current SUD diagnoses (polysubstance). Results: Participants with ADHD had increased risk for lifetime (p < 0.05) and current (p < 0.01) SUDs, all comorbid psychiatric disorders, and suicidality (p < 0.001). They had more severe SUD, both in number of symptoms and number of SUD (polysubstance) diagnoses (p < 0.01). ADHD was associated with increased psychiatric comorbidity, as participants with ADHD were more likely to have a second diagnosis, and a greater number of comorbid disorders (p < 0.001). ASP, BPD, major depression, and GAD, but not ADHD, were significant predictors of SUD severity in adjusted models. Conclusions: Findings highlight the complex mental health needs of incarcerated populations, where SUD, ADHD, and other psychiatric disorders are prevalent and interrelated.
Models of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Detjen Katharina , Hammerich Linda , Özdirik Burcin , Demir Münevver , Wiedenmann Bertram , Tacke Frank , Jann Henning , Roderburg Christoph
Published: July 2020

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are a rare, heterogeneous group of tumors that originate from the endocrine system of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. GEP-NENs are subdivided according to their differentiation into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Since GEP-NENs represent rare diseases, only limited data from large prospective, randomized clinical trials are available, and recommendations for treatment of GEP-NEN are in part based on data from retrospective analyses or case series. In this context, tractable disease models that reflect the situation in humans and that allow to recapitulate the different clinical aspects and disease stages of GEP-NET or GEP-NEC are urgently needed. In this review, we highlight available data on mouse models for GEP-NEN. We discuss how these models reflect tumor biology of human disease and whether these models could serve as a tool for understanding the pathogenesis of GEP-NEN and for disease modeling and pharmacosensitivity assays, facilitating prediction of treatment response in patients. In addition, open issues applicable for future developments will be discussed.
MYC Upregulation Confers Resistance to Everolimus and Establishes Vulnerability to Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm Cells
Authors: Terracciano Francesca , Capone Alessia , Montori Andrea , Rinzivillo Maria , Partelli Stefano , Panzuto Francesco , Pilozzi Emanuela , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Sette Claudio , Capurso Gabriele
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent pathways in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) underlies the introduction of the mTORC1 inhibitor everolimus as treatment of advanced progressive PanNENs. Although everolimus significantly increases progression-free survival, most patients acquire secondary resistance to the drug. This study aimed at identifying mechanisms involved in acquisition of resistance to everolimus. Methods: BON-1 and everolimus-resistant (ER) BON-1 cells were used as in vitro system of sensitivity and acquired resistance. Transcriptome changes occurring in BON-1 and ER-BON-1 were investigated by RNA sequencing and validated by quantitative PCR analysis. RNA extracted from patients’ biopsies was used to validate MYC upregulation. Drug screening and functional assays were performed using ER-BON-1 cells. Cell cycle progression was evaluated by FACS analysis. Results: Our results show that MYC overexpression is a key event in the development of secondary resistance to everolimus in PanNEN cell lines and in metastatic lesions from neuroendocrine neoplasm patients. MYC knockdown restored ER-BON-1 sensitivity to everolimus. Pharmacological inhibition of MYC mediated by the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor dinaciclib strongly reduced viability of ER-BON-1. Dinaciclib synergized with everolimus and inhibited ER-BON-1 cell cycle progression. Discussion: Our findings suggest that MYC upregulation drives the development of secondary resistance to everolimus in PanNENs and that its inhibition is an exploitable vulnerability. Indeed, our results indicate that combined treatments with cyclin-dependent kinase and mTOR inhibitors may counteract secondary resistance to everolimus in PanNENs and may pave the ground for new therapeutic regimens for these tumors.
Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Waldmann Victor , Jouven Xavier , Narayanan Kumar , Piot Olivier , Chugh Sumeet S. , Albert Christine M. , Marijon Eloi
Published: July 2020

Emerging evidence suggests that atrial fibrillation (AF) may be associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, AF shares risk factors with numerous cardiac conditions, including coronary heart disease and heart failure—the 2 most common substrates for SCD—making the AF-SCD relationship particularly challenging to address. A careful consideration of confounding factors is essential, since interventions for AF will be effective in reducing SCD only if there is a causal association between these 2 conditions. In this translational review, we detail the plausible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms through which AF may promote or lead to SCD, as well as the existing epidemiological evidence supporting an association between AF and SCD. While the role of AF in predicting SCD in the general population appears limited and not established, AF might be integrated to improve risk stratification in some specific phenotypes. Optimal AF management, including that of its associated conditions, appears to be of interest to prevent AF-related SCD, especially because the AF-SCD relationship is in part driven by heart failure.
Congenital Heart Disease After the Fukushima Nuclear Accident: The Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database Study
Authors: Hirata Yasutaka , Shimizu Hideyuki , Kumamaru Hiraku , Takamoto Shinichi , Motomura Noboru , Miyata Hiroaki , Okita Yutaka
Published: July 2020

Background

In March 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster inflicted radiation damage across the Tohoku region of Northern Japan. The consequent harm to pregnant mothers and newborns was a matter of concern. We performed a registry‐based analysis of the incidence of congenital heart disease during 2010 to 2013 using the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database.

Methods and Results

We selected patients who had complex congenital heart disease and who were born between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013 undergoing surgery, and assessed the trend in the number of first‐time surgeries performed for patients aged 2 years and younger by birth year over time. The numbers of first‐time surgeries for birth years 2010 to 2013 were 2978, 2924, 3077, and 2940, and no increasing trend was detected. Additionally, no increasing yearly trend was detected when the number of cases was divided by the total number of births in Japan in each birth month. The mortality of first‐time surgeries performed for complex diseases, which often involves multiple subsequent surgeries, decreased from 4.7% in 2010 to 2.2% in 2013.

Conclusions

Our analyses showed no increase in the number of patients with congenital heart disease during 2010 to 2013. The yearly increase in the total number of surgeries following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in a previous report can be explained by the decline in the mortality of first‐time surgeries for complex cases. Such use of only the increase in the total yearly number of surgeries to claim the effects of a nuclear disaster on the incidence of congenital heart disease is a far too simplistic and dangerous proposition.
Thekla’s Epic: Identity and Classicism in the Life and Miracles of Saint Thekla
Authors: Hylen Susan E.
Published: July 2020

In the fifth century, the author of the Life and Miracles of Saint Thekla transformed Thekla’s story from a simple Greek work into a grand epic. He collected stories and rewrote the Acts of Thekla using methods that were similar to other Christian and non-Christian works. The author employed classicizing language and allusions to Homer and other ancient writers in order to convey the high status he deemed appropriate to the story. Like other Christian works, the author rewrote scripture as a way of reinforcing and updating its importance. Through these stylistic features, the Life and Miracles conveys an appreciation for literary education and suggests a context in which reading, writing, and devotion were mutually reinforcing.
A Fragment of a Biblical Cento in the Duke Papyrus Archive (P.Duk. inv. 660)
Authors: Wagner Nicholas E.
Published: July 2020

Editio princeps of P.Duk. inv. 660, a possibly third- or fourth-century papyrus fragment containing a mixture or patchwork (i.e. a cento) of citations of and allusions to the Greek bible: Gen 27:28, Pss 26:2, 4, 41:2, 123:7, and 2 Cor 6:2 are present and a number of other scriptural references are likely. What remains of the papyrus indicates that it held some personal or devotional function.
Blotting Out the Name
Authors: Gordon Nehemia
Published: July 2020

Part 1 of this study considered how the rabbinic prohibition against erasing the Tetragrammaton led to scribes performing diverse procedures to resolve scribal errors. In part 2 it will be shown that special procedures were performed in Torah scrolls, namely, skiving, excision, and removing sheets. Washing off the divine name was not found in the corpus examined. Despite the rabbinic prohibition, medieval Jewish scribes occasionally marked the Tetragrammaton with a strikethrough or erased it through abrasion. This may have been the handiwork of Karaite scribes who did not see themselves bound by the midrashic interpretation of Deut 12:4. The scribes who wrote the Aleppo Codex may have abraded erroneous instances of the Tetragrammaton in order to create a model codex. Scribes in the isolated Jewish community of Kaifeng, who erased erroneous instances of the Tetragrammaton, may not have been familiar with rabbinic strictures.
The Legislative Effects of Campaign Personalization An Analysis on the Legislative Behavior of Successful German Constituency Candidates
Authors: Zittel Thomas , Nyhuis Dominic
Published: July 2020

Personalized campaign styles are of increasing importance in contemporary election campaigns at all levels of politics. Surprisingly, we know little about their implications for the behavior of successful candidates once they take public office. This paper aims to fill this gap in empirical and theoretical ways. It shows that campaign personalization results in legislative personalization. Legislators that ran personalized campaigns are found to be more likely to deviate in roll call votes and to take independent positions on the floor. These findings result from a novel dataset that matches survey evidence on candidates’ campaign styles in the 2009 German Federal Elections with the legislative behavior of successful candidates in the 17th German Bundestag (2009–2013). Combining data from the campaign and legislative arenas allows us to explore the wider consequences of campaign personalization.
What Is the Role of Emotions in Educational Leaders’ Decision Making? Proposing an Organizing Framework
Authors: Wang Yinying
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Emotions have a pervasive, predictable, sometimes deleterious but other times instrumental effect on decision making. Yet the influence of emotions on educational leaders’ decision making has been largely underexplored. To optimize educational leaders’ decision making, this article builds on the prevailing data-driven decision-making approach, and proposes an organizing framework of educational leaders’ emotions in decision making by drawing on converging empirical evidence from multiple disciplines (e.g., administrative science, psychology, behavioral economics, cognitive neuroscience, and neuroeconomics) intersecting emotions, decision making, and organizational behavior. Proposed Framework: The proposed organizing framework of educational leaders’ emotions in decision making includes four core propositions: (1) decisions are the outcomes of the interactions between emotions and cognition; (2) at the moment of decision making, emotions have a pervasive, predictable impact on decision making; (3) before making decisions, leaders’ individual differences (e.g., trait affect and power) and organizational contexts (e.g., organizational justice and emotional contagion) have a bearing on leaders’ emotions and decision making; and (4) postdecision behavioral responses trigger more emotions (e.g., regret, guilt, and shame) which, in turn, influence the next cycle of decision-making process. Implications: The proposed framework calls for not only an intensified scholarly inquiry into educational leaders’ emotions and decision making but also an adequate training on emotions in school leadership preparation programs and professional development.
Fuzzy adaptive nonlinear stochastic control for vehicle suspension with electromagnetic actuator
Authors: Cao Feng , Li Yongming
Published: July 2020

This work solves the stability problem of a vehicle suspension with stochastic disturbance by designing an adaptive controller. The model of a quarter vehicle subjected to noise excitation is considered. The stochastic perturbance is realized by the roughness of the road and the vehicle moving with constant velocity. In the control design procedure, fuzzy logic systems are used to approximate unknown nonlinear functions. Meanwhile, the mean value theorem is employed to ensure the existence of the affine virtual control variables and control input. The backstepping technique is applied to construct the ideal controller. On the basis of Lyapunov stability theory, the proposed control method proves that the displacement and speed of the vehicle is reduced to a level ascertained by a true “desired” conceptual suspension reference model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation of electromagnetic actuator servo system.
The Economic Burden of Brain Disability in Korea, 2008-2011
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jin , Ho Seung Hee , Lee Sol , Oh In-Hwan , Kim Ju Hee , Kim Eun Joo , Lee Seong Jae
Published: July 2020

This study estimated the economic burden of people with brain disability in Korea during 2008-2011 using nationally representative data and was conducted to use the results as an evidence for determining the resources allocation of people with brain disability. We used a prevalence-based approach to estimate the economic burden, classified by direct costs (medical costs and nonmedical costs) and indirect costs (productivity loss of morbidity and premature death). Data from the National Health Insurance Service, the National Disability Registry, the National survey on persons with disabilities, the Korea National Statistical Office’s records of causes of death, and the Labor Statistics were used to calculate direct and indirect costs. The treated prevalence of brain disability increased from 0.26% (2008) to 0.35% (2011). Total economic burden of brain-related diseases was US$1.88 billion in 2008 and increased to US$2.90 billion in 2011, with a 54% rate of increase. The economic burden of all diseases, which was 1.2 to 1.4 times higher than that of brain-related diseases, accounted for US$2.61 billion in 2008 and US$3.62 billion in 2011, increasing by 39%. Owing to the growing occurrence of brain disability, the annual prevalence and related costs are increasing. Health management programs are necessary to reduce the economic burden of brain disability in Korea.
Performance comparisons of distribution-free Shewhart-type Lepage and Cucconi schemes in monitoring complex process distributions
Authors: Chong Zhi Lin , Huang Shuo , Mukherjee Amitava , Yang Jun
Published: July 2020

In recent years, researchers introduced several distribution-free schemes for simultaneously monitoring the location and scale parameters of distribution in the literature related to process monitoring and control. To this end, the Shewhart-Lepage (SL) and Shewhart-Cucconi (SC) schemes are two fundamental distribution-free schemes. These schemes are primarily designed to monitor the location-scale family of densities. In practice, apart from the location and scale parameters, we often encounter the presence of a shape (or skewness) parameter. In this article, we investigate the performance of the SL and SC schemes in monitoring such models. We consider some skewed distributions in the location-scale family with one or two additional parameters, some three-parameter time-to-event processes, such as three-parameter Weibull and Gamma, which are very common in various measurement and control literature. First, we present the in-control performance of the two competing schemes and then carry out a comprehensive out-of-control performance study by considering different combinations of shifts. Several recent investigations showed that the SC scheme performs just as well or better than the SL scheme in joint monitoring of the location and scale parameters for a large number of process distributions. The current study shows that in the presence of an additional parameter, especially when the shift in the shape parameter is substantial, the SL scheme is better; for a small change in shape, the SC scheme is more competitive. In general, the SL scheme performs better in monitoring the three-parameter distributions for time-to-event processes. Finally, a real application and some concluding remarks are presented.
United we stand? Marketization, institutional change and employers’ associations in crisis
Authors: Voskeritsian Horen , Kornelakis Andreas , Kapotas Panos , Veliziotis Michail
Published: July 2020

The continuous process of marketization of employment relations in a variety of European countries has raised questions about the power of collective social actors and their legitimizing role in policy-making. The article examines the responses of employers’ associations to institutional changes towards marketization in the context of the Greek economic crisis. The analysis exposes the hidden fractures between and within the peak-level employers’ associations and unveils a variation in their strategic responses towards institutional changes. To explain this variation, the article advances a power-based explanation and argues that the institutional changes altered the associations’ interest representation and power resources, which, in turn, redefined their role and identities in the employment relations system.
Children’s verbal explanations of their visual representation of the music
Authors: Fortuna Sandra , Nijs Luc
Published: July 2020

Recent findings in music research are increasingly confirming the embodied nature of music cognition. Assuming that a bodily engagement with music may affect the children’s musical meaning formation, we investigated how young children’s interaction with music, based on verbal description after listening versus body movement description while listening, may be reflected in the verbal explanation of their own visual representations of the music they listened to. In this study, 47 children (aged 9–10) without any formal music education participated in a verbal-based versus movement-based intervention. Before and after the interventions, children created a visual representation of the music and provided a verbal explanation of their drawing. Thematic analysis and statistical tests on the verbal data revealed a significant change in semantic themes, time dimension, and the number of music parameters gathered by children involved in body movement description of the music. Our results offer interesting insights on the role of body movement on children’s pattern perception and musical meaning formation.
GIScience I: Social histories and disciplinary crucibles
Authors: Wilson Matthew W.
Published: July 2020

In this first report, I overview research on storytelling of the histories of GIS. I suggest that these efforts reveal important pathways for thinking the current moment and conditioning technoscience futures. I argue that these stories around technology illustrate various disciplinary crucibles around technical practices and knowledge work. To report on progress in GIScience is also to narrate the moments of change in the discipline, whether marked as quantitative, qualitative, radical, critical, black, feminist, Marxist, indigenous, environmental, postcolonial, queer, or minor, among others. I suggest ‘minor GISciences’ to encourage attentiveness to the historical conditions and social implications of geographic technologies.
Choosing Educational Resources to Build Interprofessional, Palliative Care Competency: A Replicable Review Methodology
Authors: Yue Kathleen , Tayler Carolyn
Published: July 2020

Aim/Objective:

The purpose of the project was to provide information to inform the choice of educational resources available in British Columbia to support palliative care competency development for 4 disciplines: nurses, physicians, health care assistants, and social workers/counsellors. This article will describe the process of resource review. Results of the review are available at https://www.bc-cpc.ca/cpc/education-resource-review/ . The objectives were to (1) identify gaps common to all educational resources, (2) provide information on content addressing competencies as well as logistics such as time required, cost, delivery method, and training requirements for instructors, and (3) develop a reproducible process for assessment of educational resources which is unbiased, transparent, and competency based.

Method:

Sixteen educational resources were assessed for the percentage of competencies that were addressed. Gaps common to all resources were identified.

Results:

The review process is described and can be replicated when assessing future versions of these and other palliative continuing education courses. This is a reproducible methodology for review of competency-based educational resources which could be applied for any practice-related subject.

Conclusion:

This review process provided information which can inform a provincial interprofessional palliative education plan. The methodology may be used by others to assess and choose between competency-based education resources with a palliative population focus and other patient population foci.
Short-Term Surgical Missions: Role of Pharmacist Volunteers
Authors: McDonnell Anne M. , Barra Megan E. , Abreu Luis Alcantara , Thornhill Thomas S. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Ghazinouri Roya
Published: July 2020

Health care professionals often participate in short-term surgical missions in underserved areas of the world. Surgical missions often rely on the use of medications to provide health care to these underserved areas in patients with multiple comorbid conditions. The direct role a pharmacist may have in surgical missions is not well described in the literature; however, numerous opportunities exist for pharmacist involvement to improve patient care and operational processes throughout medication planning and delivery of surgical missions. Pharmacists have specialized knowledge in medication acquisition, preparation, and distribution that result in a unique position to contribute positively to the mission’s clinical and operational dynamics. Pharmacists may assist in various activities such as medication ordering, accrual, purchasing and preparing during the surgical mission. Pharmacists may also provide clinical support and offer alternative medications in the setting of drug intolerance or allergies. In 2008, Operation Walk Boston, a short-term surgical mission was established to provide hip and knee joint replacements to patients in the Dominican Republic. Pharmacists and pharmacy residents play a crucial role as members of this surgical mission. Based on our experience, this article aims to describe the evolving role of pharmacists as a member of a surgical mission.
Confusing cases: Forrester, Stoller, Agnes, woman
Authors: Walsh Julie
Published: July 2020

This article pursues the hypothesis that there is a structural affinity between the case study as a genre of writing and the question of gendered subjectivity. With John Forrester’s chapter ‘Inventing Gender Identity: The Case of Agnes’ as my starting point, I ask how the case of ‘Agnes’ continues to inform our understanding of different disciplinary approaches (sociological and psychoanalytic) to theorizing gender. I establish a conversation between distinct, psychoanalytically informed feminisms (Simone de Beauvoir, Juliet Mitchell, Judith Butler, and Denise Riley) to move from the mid-20th century to contemporary cultural debate.
Material distribution method in discrete manufacturing systems and a case study from engine builders
Authors: Li Li , Chen Yujin , Lai Debin , Li Bo , Wei Xiangqing
Published: July 2020

In a discrete manufacturing enterprise, it is difficult to satisfy the fast matching and accurate supply of production materials or the demand of modern dynamic production systems using passive material supply. With a focus on engine builders, this study explores the active material configuration and systematic material distribution approaches. Due to the material characteristics and the granularity of logistics demand, the material distribution is arranged in reverse chronological order, and the corresponding mathematical modeling of the distributing period is proposed to achieve lean manufacturing. To ensure exact material distribution time, the allocation material configuration model that works best for the dynamic manufacturing system is presented by means of system modeling. Next, a production material distribution method for the general assembly line and the sub-assembly line with a closely related production sequence is proposed to achieve the exact match of manufacturing and material resources through the analysis of data fusion and logistics resource matching. Finally, a simulation is conducted using production data gathered from engine builders. The results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed active material configuration method. The outcome of this study can be used as a guide for the time planning of material flow in a dynamic manufacturing system and can provide a new research perspective on production logistics or distribution in a production line.