bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A coleção Matemática para cursos técnicos industriais: a matemática da Escola Técnica Nacional (1942-1965)
Authors: Castor Maciel Paulo Roberto , Levy Cardoso Tereza Fachada
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo investigou uma coleção de livros de Matemática destinada para os cursos técnicos ofertados no ensino industrial, produto das aulas e materiais utilizados na Escola Técnica Nacional, entre 1942 a 1965. A pesquisa teve aporte teórico-metodológico na História Cultural e na História das Disciplinas Escolares. Apresentamos aspectos da coleção e analisamos a exposição de conteúdos e os exercícios, itens constituintes do material didático adotado pela Escola, que nos mostraram que a Matemática presente no material didático era diferente daquela apresentada para o ensino secundário, especialmente dos cursos clássico e científico.
The Managing Director's Report on the Fund's Medium-Term Strategy
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper brings together the many formal and informal discussions over the past year between the staff, management, and the Executive Board on the strategic direction of the Fund. Some ideas have also been discussed with country authorities and with outside observers, as part of the Fund’s normal outreach and consultation. While not comprehensive in scope, the paper does aim for a shared vision that could inform the day-to-day work and decisions of the Fund.
The Macroeconomics of Managing Increased Aid Inflows - Experiences of Low-Income Countries and Policy Implications
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Investigates the macroeconomic challenges for low-income countries created by a surge in aid inflows. It develops an analytical framework for examining possible policy responses to increased aid, and then applies this framework to the experience of five relatively well-governed countries that experienced a recent surge in aid inflows: Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda. Each country’s policies were supported by a PRGF arrangement during most of the period under review.
Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This guide gives a framework that covers the resource-specific issues to be considered in a fiscal transparency assessment, for example as part of a fiscal Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSCs). Equally importantly, it provides a summary overview of generally recognized good or best practices for transparency of resource revenue management that can be used by countries themselves, as well as by the IMF, the World Bank, and others providing technical support.
The Implications of the Global Financial Crisis for Low-Income Countries—An Update
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Low-income countries are being hit hard by the global financial crisis. They are facing a sharp contraction in export growth, FDI inflows, and remittances, and lower-than-committed aid. But a marked recovery is in prospect for 2010 helped by rising world demand and supported by short-term domestic policies.

Countries are using fiscal and other policies to respond to the crisis and should continue to do so, where appropriate, until the economic recovery is clearly underway. However, the risks to debt sustainability are rising and countries should begin preparing to realign policies toward medium-term sustainability once the recovery is clearly on the move. Additional highly concessional donor support is needed to ensure that countries are not forced to make these adjustments prematurely, and to facilitate a smooth return to a sustainable debt path, with strong growth, over the medium term.
Macro-Fiscal Implications of Health Care Reform in Advanced and Emerging Economies
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper provides an analysis of the developments in public health spending over the past 40 years, as well as projections of public health spending for 50 advanced and emerging countries over 2011–50. The paper also quantifies the effects of specific health reforms on the growth of public health spending in advanced economies by drawing on a range of analytical approaches, including country case studies. The challenges facing emerging economies as they seek to expand coverage of health care in a fiscally sustainable manner are also examined
The IMF-FSB Early Warning Exercise - Design and Methodological Toolkit
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

The Early Warning Exercise (EWE) draws together a combination of analytical techniques, practical experience, seasoned judgment and unique databases in order to assess the potential consequences associated with economic and financial tail risks. There are several key features of the exercise. First, the exercise aims to help prevent the occurrence of financial crises and to limit their potential damage, not to predict the timing of crises. Second, coverage is fairly comprehensive, including both advanced and emerging economies. Third, the EWE is based on rigorous analysis and cutting-edge techniques, but it uses a holistic approach, drawing also various other tools rather than relying on a single crisis model. Fourth, it combines empirical analysis with forward-looking thinking, based on inputs from key policymakers and academics, in-depth real-world knowledge from practitioners, and seasoned judgment from IMF experts. The primary purpose of the EWE is to identify as early as possible the buildup of underlying vulnerabilities that predispose a system to a crisis, so that corrective policies can be implemented and contingency plans put in place.
Anoxic monimolimnia: Nutrients devious feeders
Authors: Gianni Areti , Zacharias Ierotheos
Published: September 2019

Abstract. This study focuses on the role of the meromictic anoxic basins' internal load: (a) during storm events and (b) under the environments' typical stratification conditions. Measurements of physicochemical parameters, nutrients, chlorophyll and hydrogen sulfide, four days after an anoxic crisis in Aitoliko basin as well as data obtained from a biennial basin's monitoring, were used. The relationships between temporal nutrient variations in the surface layer of an anoxic basin with the changes on its water column physicochemical characteristics, the changes on the bottom water phosphorus and nitrogen concentration and their effect on the basin's primary productivity, were studied. In coastal environments, storm events could result in water column total mixing. This disturbance affects almost all the ecosystem's physical, chemical and biological parameters. The basin becomes anoxic, massive fish kills occur and H2S, PO43− and NH4+ release from bottom waters to the interface and surface waters promoting algal blooms. Bottom layer can supply the surface waters with nutrients, even during periods of high water column stratification. Small scale, usually subtle, changes in physicochemical and hydrological basin's characteristics promote this supply, affecting the ecosystem's primary production and shifting its quality character.
Youth suicide in New South Wales: urban‐rural trends
Authors: Dudley Michael , Waters Brent , Kelk Norman , Howard John
Published: September 2019

Objective

The study tested the hypotheses that (i) the rate of suicide by firearms among youth (aged 10‐19 years) is increasing at a greater rate than rates of suicide by other methods; (ii) the rate of youth suicide in rural New South Wales is significantly higher than those in urban areas; and (iii) the increase in youth suicide by means of firearms is occurring at a greater rate in rural males aged 15‐19 years than in other groups.

Design

Data were obtained from the NSW Office of the Australian Bureau of Statistics concerning 735 youth suicides in NSW between 1964 and 1988. These were reviewed for information concerning residential area and method of death. Five five‐year periods were used, and rates were calculated with population figures obtained in the census years for the same age and sex group.

Results

From 1964 to 1988, suicide by firearms has risen most substantially, from 3.4 to 5.6 per 100 000 per year in 15‐19‐year‐old males. There has also been a substantial increase in 15‐19‐year‐old male suicides by hanging (0.7 to 3.4 per 100 000 per year). Poisoning suicides have declined among females and males in the past 15 years. Suicide rates in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong have remained stable. In rural cities, they have increased from 1.5 to 4.7 per 100 000 per year (F = 4.9, P< 0.02) while in rural municipalities and shires they have increased from 1.3 to 6.4 (F = 14.6, P<0.0001). The suicide rate of 15‐19‐year‐old males has shown a modest increase in Sydney and no change in Newcastle or Wollongong, but the rate for 15‐19‐year‐old males in rural cities has more than doubled, from 5.1 to 12.5 (F = 7.7, P< 0.003), while in rural municipalities and shires, the rate has increased more than fivefold, from 3.9 to 20.7 (F = 9.3, P< 0.001). There has been no significant change in the suicide rates of 15‐19‐year‐old females, or in 10‐14‐year‐olds. The rate of suicide by firearms among 15‐19‐year‐old males has not risen significantly in rural cities, but in rural municipalities and shires the rates have risen fivefold from 2.8 to 14.8 (F = 5.6, P<0.01).

Conclusions

Each hypothesis was confirmed. An increase of this magnitude is not an artefact of coroners' verdicts. The findings are believed to be due to ready access to firearms, the use of alcohol and drugs (particularly in firearms suicides) and increasing socioeconomic, health, and identity problems for rural youth, especially males.
Percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty
Authors: Alcaino Milton E , Smith Robert , Allan Roger M , Clappison Helen , McCredie R Michael , McGilchrist Clyde A
Published: September 2019

Objective

To determine the short‐term and long‐term results of percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty.

Design

A retrospective follow‐up study.

Setting

The Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory and Cardiovascular Medicine Unit of a teaching hospital.

Patients

Eighteen patients with severe aortic stenosis who were not accepted for surgery; there were 11 men and 7 women, mean age 79 ±4.5 years.

Interventions

Percutaneous transluminal aortic valvuloplasty (PTAV) by means of balloon catheter techniques.

Main outcome measures

Patient survival and symptomatic status.

Results

PTAV resulted in a significant decrease in the aortic valve pressure gradient from 64.8 ±23.2 mmHg to 38 ±14.7 mmHg (mean±SD) (P<0.00001) in the 18 patients and a significant increase in the mean aortic valve area from 0.4±0.16 cm1 to 0.6±0.18 cm2 (P<0.0001) in 14 patients. Complications occurred in seven patients; two of them, who had been in terminal heart failure with a low output state before PTAV, died. Fifteen patients improved in at least one New York Heart Association functional class early after PTAV and one patient had an aortic valve replacement. In follow‐up of between 5 and 32 months (mean, 13.3 ±7.7 months) six patients are in a better functional class than before PTAV, one patient is in Class IV, one patient had an aortic valve replacement and seven patients died (three died of cardiac failure and four of non‐cardiac causes).

Conclusions

PTAV has a place as a palliative procedure in selected patients with aortic stenosis in whom another condition precludes aortic valve replacement.
Globale Wertschöpfungsketten und nationale Institutionen
Authors: Teipen Christina
Published: September 2019

Along with only a small handful of European industries, video game development typifies creative knowledge work under high-risk employment conditions. Data on the global video game market indicate that the industry is expanding worldwide and will only continue to gain in relevance for European economies in the future. In this context, the author of this study analyses the interaction between macro-institutional and industry-specific conditions as well as work and employment systems at company level in three countries. At the micro-level, the author focuses on interest representation, employment flexibility and the role of worker qualifications and skills. At the macro-institutional level, she focuses on analysing labour regulation as well as on educational and financial systems. The author, Christina Teipen, conducts research and teaches in the areas of comparative institutional analysis and global value chains.
How maternal adversity impacts offspring
Authors: Thayer Zaneta M , Sweetman Chlöe A
Published: September 2019

Adversities experienced by female baboons early in life can affect the survival of their offspring years later.
Phosphorous Catalytic‐Doping of Silicon Alloys for the Use in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Yong , Pomaska Manuel , Duan Weiyuan , Kim Do Yun , Köhler Malte , Breuer Uwe , Ding Kaining
Published: September 2019

Herein, the effectiveness of post‐deposition catalytic‐doping (cat‐doping) on various doped silicon alloys, i.e., microcrystalline silicon (μc‐Si:H), nanocrystalline silicon oxide (nc‐SiOx:H), and microcrystalline silicon carbide (μc‐SiC:H), for the use in silicon heterojunction solar cells is investigated. Phosphorous (P) profiles by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) reveal the P distribution and its difference in these three silicon alloy films. Conductivity and effective charge carrier lifetime of different samples are found to increase to different extents after cat‐doping process. Coexistence of thermal annealing, hydrogenation, and phosphorus doping is confirmed by using different gases during the cat‐doping process.
Rear‐Passivated Ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Films by Al2O3 Nanostructures Using Glancing Angle Deposition Toward Photovoltaic Devices with Enhanced Efficiency
Authors: Chen Chia‐Wei , Tsai Hung‐Wei , Wang Yi‐Chung , Shih Yu‐Chuan , Su Teng‐Yu , Yang Chen‐Hua , Lin Wei‐Sheng , Shen Chang‐Hong , Shieh Jia‐Ming , Chueh Yu‐Lun
Published: September 2019

In this work, for the first time, the addition of aluminum oxide nanostructures (Al2O3 NSs) grown by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) is investigated on an ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 device (400 nm) fabricated using a sequential process, i.e., post‐selenization of the metallic precursor layer. The most striking observation to emerge from this study is the alleviation of phase separation after adding the Al2O3 NSs with improved Se diffusion into the non‐uniformed metallic precursor due to the surface roughness resulting from the Al2O3 NSs. In addition, the raised Na concentration at the rear surface can be attributed to the increased diffusion of Na ion facilitated by Al2O3 NSs. The coverage and thickness of the Al2O3 NSs significantly affects the cell performance because of an increase in shunt resistance associated with the formation of Na2SeX and phase separation. The passivation effect attributed to the Al2O3 NSs is well studied using the bias‐EQE measurement and J–V characteristics under dark and illuminated conditions. With the optimization of the Al2O3 NSs, the remarkable enhancement in the cell performance occurs, exhibiting a power conversion efficiency increase from 2.83% to 5.33%, demonstrating a promising method for improving ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 devices, and providing significant opportunities for further applications.
Stretchable and Flexible Buckypaper‐Based Lactate Biofuel Cell for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Yin Lu , Lv Jian , Gross Andrew J. , Le Minh , Gutierrez Nathaniel Georg , Li Yang , Jeerapan Itthipon , Giroud Fabien , Berezovska Anastasiia , O'Reilly Rachel K. , Xu Sheng , Cosnier Serge , Wang Joseph
Published: September 2019

This work demonstrates a stretchable and flexible lactate/O2 biofuel cell (BFC) using buckypaper (BP) composed of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes as the electrode material. Free‐standing BP, functionalized with a pyrene‐polynorbornene homopolymer, is fabricated as the immobilization matrix for lactate oxidase (LOx) at the anode and bilirubin oxidase at the cathode. This biofuel cell delivers an open circuit voltage of 0.74 V and a high‐power density of 520 µW cm−2. The functionalized BP electrodes are assembled onto a stretchable screen‐printed current collector with an “island–bridge” configuration, which ensures conformal contact between the wearable BFC and the human body and endows the BFC with excellent performance stability under stretching condition. When applied to the arm of the volunteer, the BFC can generate a maximum power of 450 µW. When connected with a voltage booster, the on‐body BFC is able to power a light emitting diode under both pulse discharge and continuous discharge modes during exercise. This demonstrates the promising potential of the flexible BP‐based BFC as a self‐sustained power source for next‐generation wearable electronics.
New Light on Molecule–Nanotube Hybrids
Authors: Chen Yani , Marty Laëtitia , Bendiab Nedjma
Published: September 2019

Optoelectronics benefits from outstanding new nanomaterials that provide emission and detection in the visible and near‐infrared range, photoswitches, two level systems for single photon emission, etc. Among these, carbon nanotubes are envisioned as game changers despite difficult handling and control over chirality burdening their use. However, recent breakthroughs on hybrid carbon nanotubes have established nanotubes as pioneers for a new family of building blocks for optics and quantum optics. Functionalization of carbon nanotubes with molecules or polymers not only preserves the nanotube properties from the environment, but also promotes new performance abilities to the resulting hybrids. Photoluminescence and Raman signals are enhanced in the hybrids, which questions the nature of the electronic coupling between nanotube and molecules. Furthermore, coupling to optical cavities dramatically enhances single photon emission, which operates up to room temperature. This new light on nanotube hybrids shows their potential to push optoelectronics a step forward.
An Examination of the Role of Mentees’ Social Skills and Relationship Quality in a School‐Based Mentoring Program
Authors: Schenk Loïs , Sentse Miranda , Lenkens Margriet , Nagelhout Gera E. , Engbersen Godfried , Severiens Sabine
Published: September 2019

Research on youth mentoring highlights the importance of the relationship quality between mentor and mentee; mentoring results in more positive outcomes when the mentee perceives the relationship as satisfying and trustworthy. Research on relationship quality shows that social skills are important for constructing new relationships. However, whereas improved social skills are often one of the main goals of youth mentoring, little is known about the importance of social skills for relationship quality in youth mentoring relations. In this study, we examined whether mentee's pre‐intervention social skills were related to mentor–mentee relationship quality as perceived by the mentee, and in turn, if relationship quality was associated with post‐intervention social skills. We additionally examined possible gender and age differences in these associations. Data were used from a two‐wave study that assessed relationship quality and social skills before and after one semester of mentoring of 390 secondary school students in a school‐based mentoring program. Results indicated that relationship quality was positively associated with post‐intervention social skills. However, only for young mentees pre‐intervention social skills were associated with better relationship quality. Moreover, only for young mentees, relationship quality mediated the association between pre‐ and post‐intervention social skills.
Crystalline Divinyldiarsene Radical Cations and Dications
Authors: Sharma Mahendra K. , Blomeyer Sebastian , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , van Gastel Maurice , Hinz Alexander , Ghadwal Rajendra S.
Published: September 2019

The divinyldiarsene radical cations [{(NHC)C(Ph)}As]2(GaCl4) (NHC=IPr: C{(NDipp)CH}2 3; SIPr: C{(NDipp)CH2}2 4; Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) and dications [{(NHC)C(Ph)}As]2(GaCl4)2 (NHC=IPr 5; SIPr 6) are readily accessible as crystalline solids on sequential one‐electron oxidation of the corresponding divinyldiarsenes [{(NHC)C(Ph)}As]2 (NHC=IPr 1; SIPr 2) with GaCl3. Compounds 3–6 have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, EPR/NMR spectroscopy, and UV/vis absorption spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations. The sequential removal of one electron from the HOMO, that is mainly the As−As π‐bond, of 1 and 2 leads to successive elongation of the As=As bond and contraction of the C−As bonds from 1/2→3/4→5/6. The UV/vis spectrum of 3 and 4 each exhibits a strong absorption in the visible region associated with SOMO‐related transitions. The EPR spectrum of 3 and 4 each shows a broadened septet owing to coupling of the unpaired electron with two 75As (I=3/2) nuclei.
Direct Conversion of Methane with Carbon Dioxide Mediated by RhVO3−Cluster Anions
Authors: Yang Yuan , Yang Bin , Zhao Yan‐Xia , Jiang Li‐Xue , Li Zi‐Yu , Ren Yi , Xu Hong‐Guang , Zheng Wei‐Jun , He Sheng‐Gui
Published: September 2019

Direct conversion of methane with carbon dioxide to value‐added chemicals is attractive but extremely challenging because of the thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of both molecules. Herein, the first dinuclear cluster species, RhVO3−, has been designed to mediate the co‐conversion of CH4and CO2to oxygenated products, CH3OH and CH2O, in the temperature range of 393–600 K. The resulting cluster ions RhVO3CO−after CH3OH formation can further desorb the [CO] unit to regenerate the RhVO3−cluster, leading to the successful establishment of a catalytic cycle for methanol production from CH4and CO2(CH4+CO2→CH3OH+CO). The exceptional activity of Rh‐V dinuclear oxide cluster (RhVO3−) identified herein provides a new mechanism for co‐conversion of two very stable molecules CH4and CO2.
Covalent Organic Framework (COF‐1) under High Pressure
Authors: Sun Jinhua , Iakunkov Artem , Baburin Igor A. , Joseph Boby , Palermo Vincenzo , Talyzin Alexandr V.
Published: September 2019

COF‐1 has a structure with rigid 2D layers composed of benzene and B3O3 rings and weak van der Waals bonding between the layers. The as‐synthesized COF‐1 structure contains pores occupied by solvent molecules. A high surface area empty‐pore structure is obtained after vacuum annealing. High‐pressure XRD and Raman experiments with mesitylene‐filled (COF‐1‐M) and empty‐pore COF‐1 demonstrate partial amorphization and collapse of the framework structure above 12–15 GPa. The ambient pressure structure of COF‐1‐M can be reversibly recovered after compression up to 10–15 GPa. Remarkable stability of highly porous COF‐1 structure at pressures at least up to 10 GPa is found even for the empty‐pore structure. The bulk modulus of the COF‐1 structure (11.2(5) GPa) and linear incompressibilities (k[100]=111(5) GPa, k[001]=15.0(5) GPa) were evaluated from the analysis of XRD data and cross‐checked against first‐principles calculations.
Asymmetric Alkenyl C−H Functionalization by CpxRhIII forms 2H‐Pyrrol‐2‐ones through [4+1]‐Annulation of Acryl Amides and Allenes
Authors: Wang Shou‐Guo , Liu Yang , Cramer Nicolai
Published: September 2019

An efficient CpxRhIII‐catalyzed enantioselective alkenyl C−H functionalization/[4+1] annulation of acryl amides and allenes is reported. The described transformation provides straightforward access to enantioenriched α,β‐unsaturated‐γ‐lactams bearing a quaternary stereocenter. The reaction operates under mild conditions, displays a broad functional‐group tolerance, and provides 2H‐pyrrol‐2‐ones with excellent selectivity of up to 97:3 er. Such scaffolds are frequently found in natural products and synthetic bioactive compounds and are of significant synthetic value. It is noteworthy that the allene serves as a one‐carbon unit in the [4+1]‐annulation.
Small‐Molecule Inhibition of Glucose Transporters GLUT‐1–4
Authors: Reckzeh Elena S. , Waldmann Herbert
Published: September 2019

Glucose addiction is observed in cancer and other diseases that are associated with hyperproliferation. The development of compounds that restrict glucose supply and decrease glycolysis has great potential for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Addressing facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs), which are often upregulated in glucose‐dependent cells, is therefore of particular interest. This article reviews a selection of potent, isoform‐selective GLUT inhibitors and their biological characterization. Potential therapeutic applications of GLUT inhibitors in oncology and other diseases that are linked to glucose addiction are discussed.
Mechanistic Studies on Trichoacorenol Synthase from Amycolatopsis benzoatilytica
Authors: Rinkel Jan , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: September 2019

Isotopic labeling experiments performed with a newly identified bacterial trichoacorenol synthase established a 1,5‐hydride shift occurring in the cyclization mechanism. During EI‐MS analysis, major fragments of the sesquiterpenoid were shown to arise via cryptic hydrogen movements. Therefore, the interpretation of earlier results regarding the cyclization mechanism obtained by feeding experiments in Trichoderma is revised.
Catalytic Hydrocyanation of Activated Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Tejedor David , Delgado‐Hernández Samuel , Colella Lucía , García‐Tellado Fernando
Published: September 2019

A universal, practical and scalable organocatalytic hydrocyanation manifold to provide β‐substituted acrylonitriles bearing an electron‐withdrawing functionality has been implemented. The catalytic manifold operates under the reactivity generation principle “a good nucleophile generates a strong base”, and it uses 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as the catalyst, activated terminal alkynes as substrates and acetone cyanohydrin as the cyanide source. The acrylonitriles obtained as E,Z mixtures are straightforwardly resolved by simple flash chromatography delivering the pure isomers in preparative amounts.
Computer‐Assisted Recombination (CompassR) Teaches us How to Recombine Beneficial Substitutions from Directed Evolution Campaigns
Authors: Cui Haiyang , Cao Hao , Cai Haiying , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Davari Mehdi D. , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: September 2019

A main remaining challenge in protein engineering is how to recombine beneficial substitutions. Systematic recombination studies show that poorly performing variants are usually obtained after recombination of 3 to 4 beneficial substitutions. This limits researchers in exploiting nature's potential in generating better enzymes. The Computer‐assisted Recombination (CompassR) strategy provides a selection guide for beneficial substitutions that can be recombined to gradually improve enzyme performance by analysis of the relative free energy of folding (ΔΔGfold). The performance of CompassR was evaluated by analysis of 84 recombinants located on 13 positions of Bacillus subtilis lipase A. The finally obtained variant F17S/V54K/D64N/D91E had a 2.7‐fold improved specific activity in 18.3 % (v/v) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM][Cl]). In essence, the deducted CompassR rule allows recombination of beneficial substitutions in an iterative manner and empowers researchers to generate better enzymes in a time‐efficient manner.
Behavioral changes and nutritional consequences to elk (Cervus canadensis) avoiding perceived risk from human hunters
Authors: Spitz Derek B. , Rowland Mary M. , Clark Darren A. , Wisdom Michael J. , Smith Joshua B. , Brown Casey L. , Levi Taal
Published: September 2019

The life‐and‐death stakes of predator–prey encounters justify the high price of many anti‐predator behaviors. In adopting these behaviors, prey incur substantial non‐consumptive costs that can have population‐level consequences. Because prey knowledge of risk is imperfect, individuals may even adopt these costly behaviors in the absence of a real threat. For example, rather than only avoid hunters, many species categorically avoid all anthropogenic activity. Although hunting seasons only increase risk for specific individuals (e.g., males), non‐target individuals may still perceive human hunters as a source of risk and respond accordingly. Here, we used a large‐scale experiment including 89 animal‐years of location data from 62 unique individuals over 6 yr to quantify the duration, magnitude, and energetic consequences of changes to movement and resource selection behavior adopted by non‐target female elk (Cervus canadensis) in response to human hunters during three separate experimental 5‐d hunts (elk archery, deer rifle (Odocoileus hemionus or Odocoileus virginianus), and elk rifle). We predicted that elk response to hunters would be brief, but that strong behavioral responses to hunters (e.g., strengthened avoidance of roads and trails) would carry nutritional costs. We measured the duration of hunt‐related changes in elk speed using quantile regression, further quantified the strength of elk behavioral responses to hunters using population‐level resource selection functions, and evaluated whether anti‐predator resource selection behavior translated to measurable metabolic costs in the form of reduced body fat heading into winter. Elk responses to human hunters were stronger in the day than at night and were generally more pronounced during the elk hunts than during deer hunts. During hunts, elk shifted their diurnal behavior to avoid forage and intensified their avoidance of roads and trails. The combination of these changes in behavior led to a predicted pattern of distribution during the hunt that differed substantially from the distribution prior to the hunt. Lactating females that more strongly avoided roads entered winter in poorer nutritional condition, suggesting that the changes in resource selection we describe carry corresponding nutritional costs that have the potential to impact subsequent population performance.
The intestinal expansion of TCRγδ+ and disappearance of IL4+ T cells suggest their involvement in the evolution from potential to overt celiac disease
Authors: Vitale Serena , Santarlasci Veronica , Camarca Alessandra , Picascia Stefania , Pasquale Angela Di , Maglio Mariantonia , Maggi Enrico , Cosmi Lorenzo , Annunziato Francesco , Troncone Riccardo , Auricchio Renata , Gianfrani Carmen
Published: September 2019

Celiac disease (CD) is characterized by a spectrum of intestinal inflammatory lesions. Most patients have villous atrophy (overt‐CD), while others have a morphologically normal mucosa, despite the presence of CD‐specific autoantibodies (potential‐CD). As the mechanism responsible for villous atrophy is not completely elucidated, we investigated biomarkers specific for the different celiac lesions. Phenotype and cytokine production of intestinal mucosa cells were analyzed by flow cytometry in gut biopsies of children with overt‐ or potential‐CD and in healthy controls. Density of TCRγδ+ T cells was found markedly enhanced in intestinal mucosa of children with overt‐CD compared to potential‐CD or controls. By contrast, very few IL4+ T cells infiltrated the mucosa with villous atrophy compared to morphologically normal mucosa. IL4+ T cells were classical CD4+ T‐helper cells (CD161−), producing or not IFN‐γ, and negative for IL17A. Our study demonstrated that the transition to villous atrophy in CD patients is characterized by increased density of TCRγδ+ T cells, and concomitant disappearance of IL4+ cells. These findings suggest that immunomodulatory mechanisms are active in potential‐CD to counteract the inflammatory cascade responsible of villous atrophy. Further studies are required to validate the use of IL4+ and TCRγδ+ T cells as biomarkers of the different CD forms.
Superhydrophilic Al‐Doped NiP2 Nanosheets as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Tian Hao , Wang Xiaodeng , Li Haiyun , Pi Mingyu , Zhang Dingke , Chen Shijian
Published: September 2019

The surface wettability of an electrocatalyst plays an important role in electrocatalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction from water splitting. Herein, Al‐doped NiP2 nanosheets are synthesized on carbon fiber paper (Al–NiP2 NSs/CFP) with a superhydrophilic and aerophobic surface as a hydrogen evolution reaction electrode. The Al–NiP2 NSs/CFP electrode exhibits superior hydrogen evolution activity with a low overpotential of 58 mV to achieve 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 m H2SO4. In particular, it even exhibits better electrochemical performance than commercial Pt/C electrodes at high current densities. Theoretical calculations indicate that Al dopants can alter the electronic structures and optimize the hydrogen adsorption free energy of NiP2. The superhydrophilic and aerophobic surface favors the H2 bubbles release from the electrocatalyst surface and promotes the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance at high current densities. Potential ways to fabricate efficient non‐noble metal electrocatalyts for large‐scale industrial hydrogen production applications are provided through electronic structure engineering and surface constructing.
HOXC10 promotes cell migration, invasion, and tumor growth in gastric carcinoma cells through upregulating proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Li Jingzhang , Tong Gangling , Huang Cheng , Luo Yunsheng , Wang Shubin , Zhang Ying , Cheng Boran , Zhang Zhihong , Wu Xuan , Liu Qiumei , Li Min , Li Laiqing , Ni Bingqiang
Published: September 2019

HOXC10 plays a critical role in many cellular processes, such as proliferation, migration, and invasion, but the function of HOXC10 in gastric carcinoma is not clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression profile of HOXC10 and its role in gastric carcinoma cells and in vivo experiments. HOXC10 expression patterns were detected in clinical samples and gastric cancer cells lines by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays, and then, we focused on its role in regulating cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion after transfection of silencing and overexpression plasmids in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we confirmed the correlation between HOXC10 and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and epidermal growth factor receptor expression. We found that HOXC10 expression increased in clinical samples, especially in poorly differentiated (PD) gastric cancer cells. Silencing HOXC10 suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis in vivo. Overexpression of HOXC10 showed the opposite effect on PD gastric cancer cells. In addition, silencing HOXC10 inhibited the expression of interleukin‐6, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and epidermal growth factor, and overexpressing HOXC10 induced their expression both in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that HOXC10 may activate the NF‐κB signaling pathway through regulation of P65 transcriptional activity by binding to the P65 promoter. HOXC10 may play an important role in PD gastric carcinoma cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, and metastasis through upregulating proinflammatory cytokines via NF‐κB pathway, suggesting HOXC10 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for PD gastric cancer.
Patients' willingness to reconsider cancer genetic testing after initially declining: Mention it again
Authors: Halverson Colin M. E. , Wessinger Bronson C. , Clayton Ellen W. , Wiesner Georgia L.
Published: September 2019

Patients at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes sometimes decline clinically appropriate genetic testing. The purpose of the current study was to understand what preferences, concerns, and desires informed their refusal as well as their current level of interest in being tested. We interviewed patients who had been seen in a hereditary cancer clinic at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and had declined genetic testing. In all, 21 in‐depth, semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Although patients provided many reasons for declining testing, they most often cited their psychosocial state at the time of the initial invitation to participate in genetic testing as their reason for refusal. The majority (67%) said that they either would or had changed their mind about testing if/when their clinicians ‘mentioned it again'. Patients at risk for hereditary cancer who refuse testing at the time of genetic counseling may later change their mind. In particular, if a patient declines testing around the time of a major medical diagnosis or intervention, clinicians who are providing ongoing care may want to raise the topic afresh after the patient has had time to recover from initial distress related to diagnosis or treatment. Strategies to prompt clinicians to have these conversations are suggested.
Testing the Canyon Hypothesis: Evaluating light and nutrient controls of phytoplankton growth in penguin foraging hotspots along the West Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Carvalho Filipa , Fitzsimmons Jessica N. , Couto Nicole , Waite Nicole , Gorbunov Maxim , Kohut Josh , Oliver Matthew J. , Sherrell Robert M. , Schofield Oscar
Published: September 2019

Biological hotspots along the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) are characterized by high phytoplankton productivity and biomass as well as spatially focused penguin foraging activity. While unique physical concentrating processes were identified in one of these hotspots, understanding the mechanisms driving the blooms at these locations is of high importance. Factors posited to explain the blooms include the upwelling of macronutrient‐ and micronutrient‐enriched modified Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (mUCDW) and the depth of the mixed layer influencing overall light availability for phytoplankton. Using shipboard trace‐metal clean incubation experiments in three different coastal biological hotspots spanning a north‐south gradient along the WAP, we tested the Canyon Hypothesis (upwelling) for enhanced phytoplankton growth. Diatoms dominated the Southern region, while the Northern region was characterized by a combination of diatoms and cryptophytes. There was ample concentration of macronutrients at the surface and no phytoplankton growth response was detected with the addition of nutrient‐enriched mUCDW water or iron solution to surface waters. For all treatments, addition of mUCDW showed no enhancement in phytoplankton growth, suggesting that local upwelling of nutrient‐enriched deep water in these hotspots was not the main driver of high phytoplankton biomass. Furthermore, the dynamics in the photoprotective pigments were consistent with the light levels used during these incubations showing that phytoplankton are able to photoacclimate rapidly to higher irradiances and that in situ cells are low light adapted. Light availability appears to be the critical variable for the development of hotspot phytoplankton blooms, which in turn supports the highly productive regional food web.
Vertical stratification and stability of biogeochemical processes in the deep saline waters of Lake Vanda, Antarctica
Authors: Schutte Charles A. , Samarkin Vladimir A. , Peters Brian , Madigan Michael T. , Bowles Marshall , Morgan‐Kiss Rachael , Casciotti Karen , Joye Samantha
Published: September 2019

Lake Vanda is a permanently ice‐covered lake in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. Its bottom waters remain stratified year‐round because of a strong salinity‐driven density gradient. We have assessed spatial patterns in and relationships between major biogeochemical processes in the water column of Lake Vanda. Samples were collected in the austral summers of 2008 and 2011 to measure concentrations of metabolites associated with a suite of biogeochemical processes across the deep salinity gradient. The shapes of the resulting geochemical profiles were consistent between 2008 and 2011. Metabolite production and consumption rates were estimated using a reactive transport model based on the assumption that vertical diffusion was the only active physical transport process. We validated this model for nitrification by using stable isotope incubations to show that this process was only active at depths predicted by the model. No nitrification activity was observed at 68 m depth in spite of overlapping oxygen and ammonium gradients. We attribute this lack of activity to the competitive inhibition of ammonia monooxygenase by methane. Net nitrous oxide and nitrate consumption were observed in the oxic water column, providing evidence of aerobic denitrification. The depth of maximum net oxygen production did not coincide with the deep chlorophyll maxima (at 59.3, 63, and 68.2 m) measured in the same profile. Finally, the integrated sulfide oxidation rate was high compared with other oxidation processes, indicating that sulfide was an important electron donor for the water column microbial community.
Patient Perspectives of High‐Quality Care on the Liver Transplant Waiting List: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shen Nicole T. , Wu Ashley , Farrell Karen , Ivatorov Amanda , Dawod Enad , Raver Michael , Russo Nicholas , Robbins Laura , Safford Monika , Brown Robert S.
Published: September 2019

The prevalence of advanced liver disease and listing for liver transplantation is increasing. Prior assessments of quality of care neither incorporate nor emphasize the patient perspective on quality of care, which may impact clinical outcomes. Our aim was to identify patients’ perceptions on what constitutes high quality of care, comparing the findings to existing frameworks and assessments to determine if a patient‐derived tool assessing quality of care could facilitate efforts to improve health care. We conducted semistructured interviews of patients wait‐listed for liver transplantation, asking patients to describe the quality of their health care with a specific focus on how coordination, communication, office visits, hospitalizations, and cost affect their perceptions of the quality of their care. Data collection conducted concurrently with analyses determined emerging themes and saturation. Themes were mapped to an existing quality‐of‐care conceptual framework. Qualitative analysis revealed thematic saturation after 15 interviews, and an additional 15 interviews were analyzed that confirmed thematic saturation, maximizing the strength of the results. The 30 patients had a median age of 56 years (range, 32‐72 years) and included 15 (50%) men. Although patients believed they received a high quality of care, which was substantiated on current existing measures, a qualitative analysis suggested that patient priorities emphasized 5 themes not currently assessed: managing expectations, providing education, responding to patient needs, executing the care plan efficiently, and utilizing interdisciplinary communication and coordination of care. In conclusion, transplant candidates perceived 5 themes that constitute quality of care, and existing quality‐of‐care measures do not assess these domains, suggesting a role for creating a patient‐derived quality‐of‐care tool to improve health care and clinical outcomes.
3D Center Segregation Reconstruction of Steel Continuous Casting Slab
Authors: Xiao Ruoxiu , Wang Jiayu , Xie Xinyi , Guo Fujian , Li Xiucheng
Published: September 2019

The traditional detection method of the center segregation is limited to quantitatively evaluate the quality of steel casting slab, as it is observed in a 2D plane. Herein, a 3D reconstruction method of center segregation in steel slab is proposed. First, the ultrasonic scanning technology is used to scan the faults of layered and hot‐acid‐etched steel samples to obtain the sequence ultrasonic images. Second, the structures of segregation defects in each slice are segmented by an iterative threshold method. Then, image distortion is corrected and aligned to the same physical space. Finally, the 3D structure of segregation defects is reconstructed. A 70 mm × 30 mm × 2 mm sample of steel casting slab, which grinded with each 0.5 mm, is tested for evaluation, and experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately extract the structure of segregation defects. Based on the proposed method, its structure in 3D space is not only directly observed but also the volume (29.32 mm3) and surface area (649.48 mm2) of defects are calculated to measure the quality of steel slab more accurately. Therefore, it provides a new way to evaluate the steel‐slab quality.
Variations in HCBS Spending, Use, and Hospitalizations among Medicaid 1915(c) Waiver Enrollees
Authors: Segelman Micah , Intrator Orna , Li Yue , Mukamel Dana , Temkin‐Greener Helena
Published: September 2019

Medicaid home‐ and community‐based services (HCBS) waiver programs serve a population at high risk for hospitalization. We examined whether enrollees in HCBS programs, in 21 states representing all regions of the United States, with higher intensity of services, measured by HCBS spending per enrollee, have lower rates of hospitalization and potentially avoidable hospitalization (PAH). We found no statistically significant association with hospitalization. This suggests that HCBS programs that provide higher intensity services are not focusing effort on reducing hospitalization. We also found that HCBS waiver enrollees in programs with greater generosity in eligibility, measured by a higher proportion of HCBS receipt among long‐term services and supports (LTSS) users, had statistically significantly lower rates of hospitalization and PAH. This suggests that more generous programs serve waiver enrollees who are at lower risk of hospitalization, which may be relevant to policymakers in establishing the eligibility criteria.
Extreme Value Statistics
Authors: Jacob Maria , Neves Cláudia , Vukadinović Greetham Danica
Published: September 2019

When studying peaks in electricity demand, we may be interested in understanding the risk of a certain large level for demand being exceeded. For example, there is potential interest in finding the probability that the electricity demand of a business or household exceeds the contractual limit. An alternative, yet in principle equivalent way, involves assessment of maximal needs for electricity over a certain period of time, like a day, a week or a season within a year. This would stem from the potential interested in quantifying the largest electricity consumption for a substation, household or business.
Assembling a prehistory for formal methods: a personal view
Authors: Haigh Thomas
Published: September 2019

The history of formal methods has barely been written. Haigh recapitulates his own exposure to relevant material during three phases of his development as a scholar: as a student of computer science, as a graduate student in history, and as a professor researching the history of computing. Triangulating these perspectives suggests that formal methods is one of several strands emerging from a community of researchers that gathered around Algol, flirted with software engineering, and found an enduring home in the IFIP working group on programming methodologies. Yet the story of how a declared “formal methods” movement emerged fromthis group has remains unclear.Haigh explores some relevant ideas fromacademic history, sketches historical connections between formal methods and other areas of computer science, and concludes with some suggestion for and challenges to formal methods participants who aim to tell the story of their field. This, he suggests, may cheer up Donald Knuth.