bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of syphilitic proctitis mimicking ulcerative colitis—A case report
Authors: Tian Ming‐Hung , Chang Chen‐Wang , Wu Pao‐Shu , Chen Ming‐Jen
Published: November 2019

Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. Syphilitic lesions may coexist with other sexually transmitted diseases, and their endoscopic features often overlap with those of inflammatory bowel disease, other infection types, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug enteropathy. Thus, correctly diagnosing these lesions may be difficult, increasing the risk of inappropriate treatment. Here, we report a case of syphilitic proctitis that presented with diffuse rectal ulceration mimicking ulcerative colitis. A 24‐year‐old man presented with diffuse ulceration, observed during colonoscopy, in the region between his anus and rectum. The ulceration mimicked that associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The patient was successfully treated with intramuscular injections of benzylpenicillin (2.4 MU)/week for 3 weeks, resulting in improvements in proctitis. Syphilitic proctitis is rarely reported but is being recognized more frequently because of the increased incidence of syphilis among men who have sex with men. Therefore, clinicians should consider the possibility of syphilitic proctitis in high‐risk patients.
Muscle Size and Quality of the Gluteal Muscles and Tensor Fasciae Latae in Women with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Authors: Cowan Rachael Mary , Semciw Adam Ivan , Pizzari Tania , Cook Jill , Rixon Melissa Kate , Gupta Gaurav , Plass Lindsey Marie , Ganderton Charlotte Louise
Published: November 2019

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is prevalent in women and severely impacts quality of life. A key muscle group demonstrating reduced strength are the hip abductors. An understanding of specific muscles affected will help guide targeted rehabilitation. Objectives of this case–control study were to compare gluteal and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle size and quality (fatty infiltration) in women with symptomatic GTPS to asymptomatic age‐matched female controls. Magnetic resonance imaging of 16 women with GTPS (mean age 55.75 years, range 23–69) and 15 asymptomatic controls (mean age 55.60 years, range 31–66) was undertaken. Muscle volumes of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and TFL were calculated. Fatty infiltration was rated using the Goutallier classification system for all muscles in their entirety, as well as anterior and posterior segments of gluteus medius and minimus. Muscle volumes and fatty infiltration were compared between groups. Significantly smaller muscle volumes were identified in the symptomatic group for the upper (P = 0.01) and lower (P = 0.04) portions of gluteus maximus, gluteus medius (P = 0.03), and gluteus minimus (P = 0.02). There was no difference in TFL (P = 0.18). Symptomatic participants displayed significantly greater fatty infiltration in gluteus maximus upper (P = 0.021) and lower (P = 0.049) when adjusted for BMI, and gluteus minimus (P = 0.018), particularly in the posterior portion (P = 0.04). Anterior gluteus minimus demonstrated high amounts of fatty infiltration in both groups. Gluteal muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration in women with GTPS suggests gluteus maximus and minimus may be an important target for rehabilitation. Clin. Anat., 33:1082‐1090, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐Dimensional Reconstruction of the Genial Spinal Canal
Authors: Passia Nicole , Oberbillig Franziska , Goulioumis Vlasios , Naumova Ella A. , Kern Matthias , Arnold Wolfgang
Published: November 2019

The aim of this anatomical study was to investigate the genial spinal canal histologically and to reconstruct it three‐dimensionally to improve understanding of its anatomy and to reveal any differences between dentate and edentulous specimens. Two tissue blocks from the mandible between the left and right second incisors, one dentate and one edentulous, were fixed in 4.5% formaldehyde, decalcified and embedded in paraffin. Serial histological sections were prepared, stained with Azan and examined microscopically. Additionally, three‐dimensional models of the blocks were reconstructed using microphotographs of the sections. The genial spinal canal in the dentate specimen contained a neurovascular bundle, which branched into a nerve innervating the incisor and a neurovascular bundle, whereas that in the edentulous specimen contained some nerves for vestibular gingival innervation and a vascular bundle. The results suggest differences in the genial spinal canal between dentate and edentulous mandibles. Further research is needed to confirm this finding. Clin. Anat., 33:1102–1108, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Membranes for CO2 /CH4 and CO2/N2 Gas Separation
Authors: Chawla Muhammad , Saulat Hammad , Masood Khan Muhammad , Mahmood Khan Muhammad , Rafiq Sikander , Cheng Linjuan , Iqbal Tanveer , Rasheed M. Imran , Farooq Muhammad Zohaib , Saeed Muhammad , Ahmad Nasir M. , Khan Niazi Muhammad Bilal , Saqib Sidra , Jamil Farrukh , Mukhtar Ahmad , Muhammad Nawshad
Published: November 2019

Membrane technology has emerged as a leading tool worldwide for effective CO2 separation because of its well‐known advantages, including high surface area, compact design, ease of maintenance, environmentally friendly nature, and cost‐effectiveness. Polymeric and inorganic membranes are generally utilized for the separation of gas mixtures. The mixed‐matrix membrane (MMM) utilizes the advantages of both polymeric and inorganic membranes to surpass the trade‐off limits. The high permeability and selectivity of MMMs by incorporating different types of fillers exhibit the best performance for CO2 separation from natural gas and other flue gases. The recent progress made in the field of MMMs having different types of fillers is emphasized. Specifically, CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separation from various types of MMMs are comprehensively reviewed that are closely relevant to natural gas purification and compositional flue gas treatment
Investigating the Integrity of Graphene towards the Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: García‐Miranda Ferrari Alejandro , Brownson Dale A. C. , Banks Craig E.
Published: November 2019

Mono‐, few‐ and multi‐ layer graphene is explored towards the electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER). Raman mapping characterisation is performed, revealing that the structure of basal plane graphene is damaged due to the electrochemical perturbation of the OER. Electrochemical perturbation, in the form of electrochemical potential scanning (linear sweep voltammetry), and a thorough comparison of the OER at different scan rates and chronoamperometry tests at different voltages, create active edge plane sites/defects upon the basal plane graphene surface in the case of the mono‐ and few‐ layer graphene electrodes. The electrochemical performance gradually decreases with consecutive OER scans upon a given graphene electrode, with the process damaging the basal plane graphene sheet, after which there is a loss in the electrochemical signal due to a loss in electrically conductive pathways. Importantly, the severity of these changes is dependent on the potential and chosen scan rate that is applied to the graphene electrode. In contrast, however, multilayer graphene's initial performance towards the OER process improves after the first few scans, which is likely due to an increase in the coverage of edge plane sites/defects and its underlying layers maintaining electrical contact. This work indicates the importance of the scan rate and potential limits applied to graphene electrodes in addition to the relationship between the number of layers and structural integrity. This new knowledge is of fundamental importance to be advantageously applied within the energy sector and beyond.
Successful use of a novel lux® i‐Amylose‐1 chiral column for enantioseparation of “legal highs” by HPLC
Authors: Kadkhodaei Kian , Kadisch Marlene , Schmid Martin G.
Published: November 2019

Bath salts, fumigations, cleaners and air fresheners, behind these terms substances are hidden, which count as “Legal Highs”. These fancy names are used to pretend Legal Highs as harmless compounds, to circumvent legal regulations for marketing as well as to increase the sales. Besides classic illicit drugs of synthetic origin such as amphetamines, cocaine and MDMA, the trade of these compounds, also known as new psychoactive substances (NPS), is not uncommon today. In many countries, NPS are still not subject to drug control. Among them, there are stimulants such as new amphetamine derivatives or cathinones, which possess a chiral centre. Little is known about the fact that the two possible enantiomers may differ in their pharmacological effect. The aim of this study was to test a novel HPLC column for the enantioseparation of a set of 112 NPS coming from different chemical groups and collected by internet purchases during the years 2010–2018. The CSP, namely Lux® 5 μm i‐Amylose‐1, LC Column 250 x 4.6 mm, was run in normal phase mode under isocratic conditions, UV detection was performed at 245 nm and 230 nm, injection volume was 10 μl and flow rate was 1 ml/min. With a mobile phase consisting of n‐hexane/isopropanol/diethylamine (90:10:0.1), herein, 79 NPS were resolved into their enantiomers successfully, for 37 of them baseline resolution was achieved. After increase of lipophily of the mobile phase to 99:1:0.1, another 27 compounds were baseline separated. It was found that all separated NPS are traded as racemic compounds.
Age‐related ultrastructural features of the tongue of the rock pigeon Columba livia dakhlae in different three age stages (young, mature, and adult) captured from Egypt
Authors: Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , Kandyel Ramadan M.
Published: November 2019

This study represents the first attempt to describe the ultra‐structural and histological features of different three age‐stages (young, mature, and adult) of rock pigeon Columba livia dakhlae captured from Egypt. The elongated tongue with round lingual apex carried a lingual nail rostrally on lingual tip. The current work gave a first record of numerous descriptions as in young and mature, small lingual nail formed from aggregation of lingual scales, but in adult, the nail formed from lingual membrane without any lingual scales. The current work gave full descriptive methods of shape, directions, and distribution of filiform‐like papillae with lingual scales among three age‐stages on dorsal surface and lateral border of apex and body. The taste buds present only on the tongue of mature and adult pigeon. The only one transverse row in young took the wide V‐shape but, wide U‐shape in mature and adult. The papillae on the papillary crest took triangular spoonful‐like shape in young and mature, but in adult take the shape of blunt tubercles. The current work was the first record of the presence of the openings of lingual glands on concave dorsal lingual surface of giant papillae and papillae of papillary crest in adult stage. The lingual membrane was thin one membrane in young and three to four layers in mature but, in adult it is well‐developed and formed from 10–11 layers. The supportive entoglossum cartilaginous was extended rostrally till the apical part.
Comprehensive analysis of the differential expression profile of microRNAs in missed abortion
Authors: Tian Qiao‐Xian , Xia Shu‐Hua , Wu Ya‐Hua , Zhang Jian‐Hong , Wang Ling‐Yun , Zhu Wei‐Pei
Published: November 2019

To screen the key circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in missed abortion (MA) and explore their role in MA process. We examined the miRNA profile from the serum of three MA patients and three early pregnancy induced abortion patients (controls) by next‐generation sequencing. We analyzed the target genes of the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs to analyze the function and pathway enrichment using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, respectively. We validated five candidate miRNAs by real time‐qPCR. Integrated miRNA‐mRNA‐pathway network analysis was performed to show the interaction network of the candidate miRNAs and their target genes of interest with the involved pathways. It was observed that 227 miRNAs were differently expressed between the MA group and the early pregnancy control group, with 58 miRNAs downregulated and 169 miRNAs upregulated in the MA group. Real‐time qPCR results revealed that expression of the five candidate miRNAs, namely hsa‐miR‐22‐3p, hsa‐miR‐145‐3p, hsa‐miR‐107, hsa‐miR‐361‐3p, and hsa‐miR‐378c, was consistent with the miRNA data obtained by sequencing. Integrated miRNA‐mRNA‐pathway network analysis illustrated that target genes of the candidate miRNAs were mainly involved in the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, HIF‐1 signaling pathway, and VEGF signaling pathway, which would have potential significance in pregnancy and MA. We are the first to reveal the DE miRNAs involved in MA and illustrate their functional interaction network. These results might provide potential circulating biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for MA.
iQSPR in XenonPy: A Bayesian Molecular Design Algorithm
Authors: Wu Stephen , Lambard Guillaume , Liu Chang , Yamada Hironao , Yoshida Ryo
Published: November 2019

iQSPR is an inverse molecular design algorithm based on Bayesian inference that was developed in our previous study. Here, the algorithm is integrated in Python as a new module called iQSPR‐X in the all‐in‐one materials informatics platform XenonPy. Our new software provides a flexible, easy‐to‐use, and extensible platform for users to build customized molecular design algorithms using pre‐set modules and a pre‐trained model library in XenonPy. In this paper, we describe key features of iQSPR‐X and provide guidance on its use, illustrated by an application to a polymer design that targets a specific range of bandgap and dielectric constant.
Mobilization of Environmental Toxicants Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Brown Robert H. , Ng Derek K. , Steele Kimberley , Schweitzer Michael , Groopman John D.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are lipophilic environmental toxicants that accumulate in adipose tissue. Weight loss leads to mobilization and increased redistribution of these toxicants. Many are obesogens and endocrine disruptors. Increased exposure could pose long‐term health risks. The study objective was to measure the changes in serum concentrations of lipophilic POPs during significant weight loss.

Methods

This study enrolled 27 patients at a university hospital in a longitudinal, 6‐month, observational study examining changes in POP blood levels after bariatric surgery. The primary outcome was the changes in the concentrations of 24 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 9 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 11 polybrominated diphenyl ethers, 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′‐hexabromobiphenyl, and 4 perfluorochemicals (PFCs).

Results

Older adults (those born before 1976) had baseline levels of PCBs, OCPs, and PFCs that were two‐ to fivefold higher than younger adults (those born after 1976). Older adults had greater increases in PCBs, OCPs, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers associated with weight loss. Conversely, younger adults had greater increases in PFCs associated with weight loss. On average, blood POP levels increased as weight loss occurred.

Conclusions

Although weight loss is considered beneficial, the release and redistribution of POPs to other lipid‐rich organs such as the brain, kidneys, and liver warrant further investigation. Interventions should be considered to limit organ exposure to POPs when weight loss interventions are planned.
Progress of Catalytic Oxidation of Formaldehyde over Manganese Oxides
Authors: Zhu Silong , Wang Jie , Nie Longhui
Published: November 2019

Thermal catalytic oxidation is a promising and effective technique for the removal of harmful formaldehyde (HCHO) in indoor air. Manganese oxide is a mostly‐investigated non‐noble metal oxide catalyst and attracts much attention due to its better catalytic performance for formaldehyde oxidation at low temperature. In this review, the effect of manganese oxide crystal structure, surface morphology and microstructure, surface active oxygen species, reducibility as well as catalytic reaction conditions (temperature, relative humidity and HCHO initial concentration) on catalytic performance, and the catalytic mechanism over manganese oxide were summarized and discussed. The challenges and prospects for future development of manganese oxide in catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde are also covered.
Synthesis of 1H‐Thiopyrano[4,3‐c]quinoline Scaffold via One‐pot Three‐component Cyclization
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Rezaiyehraad Reza , Roosta Atefeh , Halvagar Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2019

A convenient and effective one‐pot synthetic method for functionalized 1H‐thiopyrano[4,3‐c]quinoline scaffold via three‐component cyclization is described. This procedure contains the reaction between 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde and 2 equivalents of phenacyl thiocyanate in the presence of triethylamine in absolute ethanol at room temperature with good yield. This eco‐friendly method has advantages such as reduction of waste, short synthetic procedure, and little amount of required reagents.
Brownian Thermometry Beyond Equilibrium
Authors: Geiß Daniel , Kroy Klaus
Published: November 2019

Since Albert Einstein's seminal 1905‐paper on Brownian motion, the temperature of fluids and gases of known viscosity can be deduced from observations of the fluctuations of small suspended probe particles. We summarize recent generalizations of this standard technique of Brownian thermometry to situations involving spatially heterogeneous temperature fields and other non‐equilibrium conditions in the solvent medium. The notion of effective temperatures is reviewed and its scope critically assessed. Our emphasis is on practically relevant real‐world applications, for which effective temperatures have been explicitly computed and experimentally confirmed. We also elucidate the relation to the more general concept of (effective) temperature spectra and their measurement by Brownian thermospectrometry. Finally, we highlight the conceptual importance of non‐equilibrium thermometry for active and biological matter, such as microswimmer suspensions or biological cells, which often play the role of non‐thermal (“active”) heat baths for embedded Brownian degrees of freedom.
Supervision training in healthcare: a realist synthesis
Authors: Rees Charlotte E. , Lee Sarah L. , Huang Eve , Denniston Charlotte , Edouard Vicki , Pope Kirsty , Sutton Keith , Waller Susan , Ward Bernadette , Palermo Claire
Published: November 2019

Supervision matters: it serves educational, supportive and management functions. Despite a plethora of evidence on the effectiveness of supervision, scant evidence for the impact of supervision training exists. While three previous literature reviews have begun to examine the effectiveness of supervision training, they fail to explore the extent to which supervision training works, for whom, and why. We adopted a realist approach to answer the question: to what extent do supervision training interventions work (or not), for whom and in what circumstances, and why? We conducted a team-based realist synthesis of the supervision training literature focusing on Pawson’s five stages: (1) clarifying the scope; (2) determining the search strategy; (3) study selection; (4) data extraction; and (5) data synthesis. We extracted contexts (C), mechanisms (M) and outcomes (O) and CMO configurations from 29 outputs including short (n = 19) and extended-duration (n = 10) supervision training interventions. Irrespective of duration, interventions including mixed pedagogies involving active and/or experiential learning, social learning and protected time served as mechanisms triggering multiple positive supervisor outcomes. Short-duration interventions also led to positive outcomes through mechanisms such as supervisor characteristics, whereas facilitator characteristics was a key mechanism triggering positive and negative outcomes for extended-duration interventions. Disciplinary and organisational contexts were not especially influential. While our realist synthesis builds on previous non-realist literature reviews, our findings extend previous work considerably. Our realist synthesis presents a broader array of outcomes and mechanisms than have been previously identified, and provides novel insights into the causal pathways in which short and extended-duration supervision training interventions produce their effects. Future realist evaluation should explore further any differences between short and extended-duration interventions. Educators are encouraged to prioritize mixed pedagogies, social learning and protected time to maximize the positive supervisor outcomes from training.
Lacisediminihabitans profunda gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Microbacteriaceae isolated from freshwater sediment
Authors: Zhuo Ye , Jin Chun-Zhi , Jin Feng-Jie , Li Taihua , Kang Dong Hyo , Oh Hee-Mock , Lee Hyung-Gwan , Jin Long
Published: November 2019

A novel Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain, CHu50b-6-2T, was isolated from a 67-cm-long sediment core collected from the Daechung Reservoir at a water depth of 17 m, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. The cells of strain CHu50b-6-2T were aerobic non-motile and formed yellow colonies on R2A agar. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the strain formed a separate lineage within the family Microbacteriaceae, exhibiting 98.0%, 97.7% and 97.6% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Glaciihabitans tibetensis KCTC 29148T, Frigoribacterium faeni KACC 20509T and Lysinibacter cavernae DSM 27960T, respectively. The phylogenetic trees revealed that strain CHu50b-6-2T did not show a clear affiliation to any genus within the family Microbacteriaceae. The chemotaxonomic results showed B1α type peptidoglacan containg 2, 4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) as the diagnostic diamino acid, MK-10 as the predominant respiratory menaquinone, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and an unidentified glycolipid as the major polar lipids, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and anteiso-C17:0 as the major fatty acids, and a DNA G + C content of 67.3 mol%. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain CHu50b-6-2T could be distinguished from all genera within the family Microbacteriaceae and represents a novel genus, Lacisediminihabitans gen. nov., with the name Lacisediminihabitans profunda sp. nov., in the family Microbacteriaceae. The type strain is CHu50b-6-2T (= KCTC 49081T = JCM 32673T).
An Online Survey of Pedestrian Evacuation Model Usage and Users
Authors: Lovreglio Ruggiero , Ronchi Enrico , Kinsey Michael J.
Published: November 2019

Pedestrian evacuation models are often used to assess life safety in the performance-based design process within fire safety engineering. Within this paper, a summary of data collected via an international online survey regarding the models and users’ experiences and needs is presented. This survey consisted of 22 questions focusing on: the assessment of the pedestrian evacuation model user community; their stated importance of model features to select a model; usage/awareness of models; knowledge of model validation and verification; training; and usage of multiple models. As such, the survey allowed the collection of information useful for instructing future pedestrian evacuation model development. The survey represents an expanded version of a previous survey conducted by the authors in 2011. Results with the previous survey were compared to identify any changes in preference and usage by pedestrian evacuation model users. The survey was completed by 234 respondents from 41 countries. The respondents had a wide range of education and occupational backgrounds and use models for a variety of different purposes. The results identified a total of 72 pedestrian evacuation models currently in use and indicated the most known models. In addition, the most used models were identified, and the results highlighted that the three key factors used to select a pedestrian evacuation model are overall consistent with the results of the 2011 survey: verification and validation, documentation, and data output of the model.
Calibration of in situ chlorophyll fluorometers for organic matter
Authors: Kuha Jonna , Järvinen Marko , Salmi Pauliina , Karjalainen Juha
Published: November 2019

Organic matter (OM) other than living phytoplankton is known to affect fluorometric in situ assessments of chlorophyll in lakes. For this reason, calibrating fluorometric measurements for OM error is important. In this study, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence was measured in situ in multiple Finnish lakes using two sondes equipped with Chl fluorometers (ex.470/em.650–700 nm). OM absorbance (A420) was measured from water samples, and one of the two sondes was also equipped with in situ fluorometer for OM (ex.350/em.430 nm). The sonde with Chl and OM fluorometers was also deployed continuously on an automated water quality monitoring station on Lake Konnevesi. For data from multiple lakes, inclusion of water colour estimates into the calibration model improved the predictability of Chl assessments markedly. When OM absorbance or in situ OM fluorescence was used in the calibration model, predictability between the in situ Chl and laboratory Chl a assessments was also enhanced. However, correction was not superior to the one done with the water colour estimate. Our results demonstrated that correction with water colour assessments or in situ measurements of OM fluorescence offers practical means to overcome the variation due to OM when assessing Chl in humic lakes in situ.
Quality of life in older adults receiving hemodialysis: a qualitative study
Authors: Hall Rasheeda K. , Cary Michael P. , Washington Tiffany R. , Colón-Emeric Cathleen S.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Patient priorities for quality of life change with age. We conducted a qualitative study to identify quality of life themes of importance to older adults receiving dialysis and the extent to which these are represented in existing quality of life instruments.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 adults aged ≥ 75 years receiving hemodialysis to elicit participant perspectives on what matters most to them in life. We used framework analysis methodology to process interview transcripts (coding, charting, and mapping), identify major themes, and compare these themes by participant frailty status. We examined for representation of our study’s subthemes in the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life for Older Adults (WHOQOL-OLD) instruments.

Results

Among the 12 participants, average age was 81 (4.2) years, 7 African-American, 6 women, and 6 met frailty criteria. We identified two major quality of life themes: (1) having physical well-being (subthemes: being able to do things independently, having symptom control, maintaining physical health, and being alive) and (2) having social support (subthemes: having practical social support, emotional social support, and socialization). Perspectives on the subthemes often varied by frailty status. For example, being alive meant surviving from day-to-day for frail participants, but included a desire for new life experiences for non-frail participants. The majority of the subthemes did not correspond with domains in the KDQOL-36 and WHOQOL-OLD instruments.

Conclusion

Novel instruments are likely needed to elicit the dominant themes of having physical well-being and having social support identified by older adults receiving dialysis.
Spectral density-based and measure-preserving ABC for partially observed diffusion processes. An illustration on Hamiltonian SDEs
Authors: Buckwar Evelyn , Tamborrino Massimiliano , Tubikanec Irene
Published: November 2019

Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) has become one of the major tools of likelihood-free statistical inference in complex mathematical models. Simultaneously, stochastic differential equations (SDEs) have developed to an established tool for modelling time-dependent, real-world phenomena with underlying random effects. When applying ABC to stochastic models, two major difficulties arise: First, the derivation of effective summary statistics and proper distances is particularly challenging, since simulations from the stochastic process under the same parameter configuration result in different trajectories. Second, exact simulation schemes to generate trajectories from the stochastic model are rarely available, requiring the derivation of suitable numerical methods for the synthetic data generation. To obtain summaries that are less sensitive to the intrinsic stochasticity of the model, we propose to build up the statistical method (e.g. the choice of the summary statistics) on the underlying structural properties of the model. Here, we focus on the existence of an invariant measure and we map the data to their estimated invariant density and invariant spectral density. Then, to ensure that these model properties are kept in the synthetic data generation, we adopt measure-preserving numerical splitting schemes. The derived property-based and measure-preserving ABC method is illustrated on the broad class of partially observed Hamiltonian type SDEs, both with simulated data and with real electroencephalography data. The derived summaries are particularly robust to the model simulation, and this fact, combined with the proposed reliable numerical scheme, yields accurate ABC inference. In contrast, the inference returned using standard numerical methods (Euler–Maruyama discretisation) fails. The proposed ingredients can be incorporated into any type of ABC algorithm and directly applied to all SDEs that are characterised by an invariant distribution and for which a measure-preserving numerical method can be derived.
Developing a Public Health Monitoring System in a War-torn Region: A Field Report From Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Moramarco Stefania , Basa Faiq B. , Alsilefanee Haveen H. , Qadir Sivar A. , Emberti Gialloreti Leonardo
Published: November 2019

Wars, terrorism, and embargos destroyed facilities and shattered the public health system of Iraq. Today, there is limited documented knowledge about the health situation of the Iraqi population, particularly because health data are not systematically collected. Therefore, the capacity of the health system to address the major health problems of the population is considerably reduced. This report describes the implementation, started in 2015, of an electronic system for epidemiological monitoring and health surveillance, designed to collect and manage health care data in Iraqi Kurdistan. The aim of the program is to network all of the main health centers and hospitals of the region, then of the whole country, and to train medical and administrative staff in the management and analysis of health data. In countries recovering from war, a functioning health monitoring system is essential in guiding the development of appropriate public health interventions, a key instrument to prepare the health system to respond to future emergencies.
The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) channel model of cyclic-buildup biofilm and traditional biofilm: The impact of friction, and detergent on cleaning and subsequent high-level disinfection
Authors: Ribeiro Maíra M. , Graziano Kazuko U. , Olson Nancy , França Rodrigo , Alfa Michelle J.
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of detergent and friction on removal of traditional biofilm and cyclic-buildup biofilm (CBB) from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) channels and to evaluate the efficacy of glutaraldehyde to kill residual bacteria after cleaning.

Methods:

PTFE channels were exposed to artificial test soil containing 108 CFU/mL of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis, followed by full cleaning and high-level disinfection (HLD) for five repeated rounds to establish CBB. For traditional biofilm, the HLD step was omitted. Cleaning with enzymatic and alkaline detergents, bristle brush, and Pull Thru channel cleaner were compared to a water flush only. Carbohydrate, protein, viable count, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were analyzed and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was performed.

Results:

In the absence of friction, cleaning of traditional biofilm and CBB was not effective compared to the positive control (Dunn-Bonferroni tests; P > .05) regardless of the detergent used. ATP, protein, and carbohydrate analyses were unable to detect traditional biofilm or CBB. The AFM analysis showed that fixation resulted in CBB being smoother and more compact than traditional biofilm.

Conclusion:

Friction during the cleaning process was a critical parameter regardless of the detergent used for removal of either traditional biofilm or CBB. Glutaraldehyde effectively killed the remaining microorganisms regardless of the cleaning method used.
Political advertising revisited: digital campaigning and protecting democratic discourse
Authors: Harker Michael
Published: November 2019

This paper is concerned with the legal and regulatory control of electoral campaigning online, in particular ‘microtargeting’. There has been a longstanding consensus in the UK on how to control political advertising, yet the shift of expenditure to the online environment, together with innovations in digital campaigning tools, are exposing tensions and gaps in the current regime. One central harm associated with microtargeting is its potential to undermine meaningful democratic deliberation. The paper interrogates the issues through the lens of electoral law and regulation, and questions the extent to which a recalibration is necessary to deal with the challenges of digital campaigning.
An overview of fault zone permeabilities and groundwater level steps in the Roer Valley Rift System
Authors: Lapperre Rimbaud E. , Kasse Cornelis , Bense Victor F. , Woolderink Hessel A.G. , Van Balen Ronald T.
Published: November 2019

Faults in the Roer Valley Rift System (RVRS) act as barriers to horizontal groundwater flow. This causes steep cross-fault groundwater level steps (hydraulic head differences). An overview of the size and distribution of fault-related groundwater level steps and associated fault zone permeabilities is thus far lacking. Such an overview would provide useful insights for nature restoration projects in areas with shallow groundwater levels (wijstgronden) on the foot wall of fault zones. In this review study, data on fault zone permeabilities and cross-fault hydraulic head differences were compiled from 39 sources of information, consisting of literature (starting from 1948), internal reports (e.g. from research institutes and drinking water companies), groundwater models, a geological database and new fieldwork. The data are unevenly distributed across the RVRS. Three-quarters of the data sources are related to the Peel Boundary Fault zone (PBFZ). This bias is probably caused by the visibility of fault scarps and fault-adjacent wet areas for the PBFZ, with the characteristic iron-rich groundwater seepage. Most data demonstrate a cross-fault phreatic groundwater level step of 1.0 to 2.5 m. Data for the Feldbiss Fault zone (FFZ) show phreatic cross-fault hydraulic head differences of 1.0 to 2.0 m.In situmeasured hydraulic conductivity data (K) are scarce. Values vary over three orders of magnitude, from 0.013 to 22.1 m d−1, are non-directional and do not take into account heterogeneity caused by fault zones. The hydraulic conductivity (and hydraulic resistance) values used in three different groundwater models are obtained by calibration using field measurements. They also cover a large range, from 0.001 to 32 m d−1and from 5 to 100,000 days. Heterogeneity is also not taken into account in these models. The overview only revealed locations with a clear cross-fault groundwater level step, and at many locations the faults are visible on aerial photographs as cropmarks or as soil moisture contrasts at the surface. Therefore, it seems likely that all faults have a reduced permeability, which determines the size of the groundwater level steps. In addition, our results show that cross-fault hydraulic head gradients also correlate with topographic, fault-induced offsets, for both the Peel Boundary and the Feldbiss fault zone.
Dualization, stratification, liberalization, or what? An attempt to clarify the conceptual underpinnings of the dualization debate
Authors: Busemeyer Marius , Kemmerling Achim
Published: November 2019

Despite its many contributions, a central problem in the dualization debate is conceptual overstretching, as we will argue in this short comment. The term “dualization” has been used to describe different processes, which are often subsumed under this heading: the rise of atypical employment, increasing labor market stratification in general, or the partial deregulation of welfare state policies and institutions. This multitude of usages weakens the utility of dualization as a theoretical concept. In the next section, we briefly look at the evolution of the dualization debate on the micro level before we proceed to the macro level. In the concluding section, we speculate about the future of dualization as a concept for describing welfare state transformations.
Carbon Isotopic Research of Pinus Sylvestris L. Growing in the Southern Poland (near Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Dąbrowa GÓrnicza Katowice and Olesno)
Authors: Sensuła Barbara , Piotrowska Natalia
Published: November 2019

In this paper we present data from the measurements of carbon isotopes (Δ14C and δ13C) from α-cellulose extracted from pine tree-rings. The samples were collected in four forests located in the most industrialized part of Poland, where coal mining and coal-based energy are an important branch of industry. The investigated period of time (1975–2012) covers the period of development in coal mining and other industry sectors. Stable isotope composition has been determined with using IRMS and radiocarbon concentration was determinate by AMS.
Reconsidering Tolerance: Insights From Political Theory and Three Experiments
Authors: Jones Calvert W. , Bejan Teresa M.
Published: November 2019

Tolerance underlies many contemporary controversies, yet theorists and political scientists study it in strikingly different ways. This article bridges the gap by using recent developments in political theory to enrich empirical research and extend the study of tolerance to contexts beyond liberal democracies, such as authoritarian regimes. Our recommendations challenge dominant liberal-democratic frameworks by emphasizing variation across the (1) objects of tolerance; (2) possible responses to difference; and (3) sources of tolerance. We then illustrate the promise of our recommendations with three theoretically informed experiments inspired by historical debates about religious conversion. Our results suggest a marked ‘convert effect’ across not only contemporary religious but also secular political divides, with the same difference in terms of content viewed as less tolerable when resulting from conversion than when given or ascribed. The research demonstrates the benefits of greater dialogue across political theory and political science, while shedding light on a central question of tolerance today.
Decriminalization in action: lessons from the Los Angeles model
Authors: Ochoa Kristen , Appel Oona , Nguyen Viet , Kim Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

Los Angeles County’s Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR) has removed over 3800 people from the largest jail system in the country. Across various diversion programs, ODR’s fundamental goal is to provide permanent, lifetime care for each diverted person. This article describes ODR’s various diversion programs, and elucidates the types of elaborate clinical and court-related interventions that are necessary to remove persons with serious mental disorders from jail custody. As Los Angeles continues to build the necessary community-based continuum of mental health care, ODR’s model proves that thoughtfully removing persons with serious mental disorders from jail is possible and necessary for the health of both patients and community.
Health care and the future of economic growth: exploring alternative perspectives
Authors: Hensher Martin , Tisdell John , Canny Ben , Zimitat Craig
Published: November 2019

The strong and positive relationship between gross domestic product (GDP) and health expenditure is one of the most extensively explored topics in health economics. Since the global financial crisis, a variety of theories attempting to explain the slow recovery of the global economy have predicted that future economic growth will be slower than in the past. Others have increasingly questioned whether GDP growth is desirable or sustainable in the long term as evidence grows of humanity's impact on the natural environment. This paper reviews recent data on trends in global GDP growth and health expenditure. It examines a range of theories and scenarios concerning future global GDP growth prospects. It then considers the potential implications for health care systems and health financing policy of these different scenarios. In all cases, a core question concerns whether growth in GDP and/or growth in health expenditure in fact increases human health and well-being. Health care systems in low growth or ‘post-growth’ futures will need to be much more tightly focused on reducing overtreatment and low value care, reducing environmental impact, and on improving technical and allocative efficiency. This will require much more concerted policy and regulatory action to reduce industry rent-seeking behaviours.
Ego Depletion May Disappear by 2020
Authors: Vadillo Miguel A.
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Ego depletion has been successfully replicated in hundreds of studies. Yet the most recent large-scale Registered Replication Reports (RRR), comprising thousands of participants, have yielded disappointingly small effects, sometimes even failing to reach statistical significance. Although these results may seem surprising, in the present article I suggest that they are perfectly consistent with a long-term decline in the size of the depletion effects that can be traced back to at least 10 years ago, well before any of the RRR on ego depletion were conceived. The decline seems to be at least partly due to a parallel trend toward publishing better and less biased research.
The Perception of Available Resources Influences the After-Effect of	Cognitive Control on Cognitive Performance and Pain
Authors: Silvestrini Nicolas , Vuignier Elodie , Matthey Alain , Piguet Valérie
Published: November 2019

Abstract. In two experiments, we investigated the impact of perceived available cognitive resources using a sequential-task paradigm. First, participants worked on an easy or difficult cognitive task. Then, they received a cue suggesting that their cognitive resources were still optimal or they did not receive any information on their resources. Subsequently, they worked on a second difficult cognitive task (Experiment 1) or received painful electrical stimulations (Experiment 2). We predicted that the cue on optimal resources would neutralize the effect of the first difficult task on subsequent cognitive performance and pain. Overall, results supported our predictions. We interpret these findings as showing an important role of perceived available resources in the after-effect induced by the sequential-task paradigm.
Impact of Distinct Origin Locations on the Life Cycles of Landfalling Atmospheric Rivers Over the U.S. West Coast
Authors: Zhou Yang , Kim Hyemi
Published: November 2019

An atmospheric river (AR) event represents strong poleward moisture transport and is defined as a series of spatiotemporally connected instantaneous AR objects. Utilizing an AR tracking algorithm with a depth‐first search (a widely used algorithm in computer science), we examine the life cycle characteristics of AR events that make landfall over the U.S. West Coast by their distinct origin locations. Landfalling AR events from the Northwest Pacific (120°E–170°W, WLAR events) temporally last longer (5.3 versus 3.6 days on average) and have stronger intensity of integrated vapor transport (508 versus 388 kg m−1 s−1 on average) than those originating from the Northeast Pacific (125°W–170°W, ELAR events). A persistent tripole geopotential height anomaly pattern over the North Pacific modulates the origin locations and propagation of landfalling AR events. WLAR events are associated with anomalous highs over northeastern Asia and the Northeast Pacific and an anomalous low over the central North Pacific. This pattern provides favorable conditions for WLAR events to start, propagate northeastward, and make landfall in the northwestern West Coast. WLAR events contribute approximately 25% of the total winter precipitation over Washington and British Columbia. ELAR events are associated with a similar tripole pattern to the WLAR events with an eastward shift. The anomalous low over the Northeast Pacific helps ELAR events to start, propagate northeastward, and make landfall in the southwestern West Coast. Precipitation induced by ELAR events contributes up to 30% of total winter precipitation over California.
Collagen turnover profiles in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Rasmussen Daniel Guldager Kring , Boesby Lene , Nielsen Signe Holm , Tepel Martin , Birot Sophie , Karsdal Morten Asser , Kamper Anne-Lise , Genovese Federica
Published: November 2019

Renal fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by an imbalance between formation and degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. We investigated the collagen turnover profile of 81 non-dialysis CKD stage 2–5 patients by measuring peptides reflecting formation and degradation of collagen type (COL) I, III, IV, and VI. Based on the collagen turnover profile, we identified four clusters of patients. Cluster 1 contained one patient with prostate cancer, who had a distinct collagen turnover. The other clusters generally had severe (Cluster 2), moderate (Cluster 4), or mild CKD (Cluster 3). Cluster 4 patients were characterized by higher levels of COL III, COL IV, and COL VI (all p < 0.001) degradation fragments in plasma, while patients in Clusters 2 and 4 had higher levels of COL VI formation (p < 0.05). COL IV fragments in plasma were lower in Cluster 2 (p < 0.01). Urinary COL III fragments decreased from Cluster 3 to 4, and from Cluster 4 to 2 (both p < 0.001). We show that patients with similar kidney function have a different collagen remodeling profile, suggesting that different phenotypes exist with different disease activity and potentially disease progression. Biomarkers of collagen remodeling could provide additional information to traditional markers of renal function.
Signal-to-background ratio and lateral resolution in deep tissue imaging by optical coherence microscopy in the 1700 nm spectral band
Authors: Yamanaka Masahito , Hayakawa Naoki , Nishizawa Norihiko
Published: November 2019

We quantitatively investigated the image quality in deep tissue imaging with optical coherence microscopy (OCM) in the 1700 nm spectral band, in terms of the signal-to-background ratio (SBR) and lateral resolution. In this work, to demonstrate the benefits of using the 1700 nm spectral band for OCM imaging of brain samples, we compared the imaging quality of OCM en-face images obtained at the same position by using a hybrid 1300 nm/1700 nm spectral domain (SD) OCM system with shared sample and reference arms. By observing a reflective resolution test target through a 1.5 mm-thick tissue phantom, which had a similar scattering coefficient to brain cortex tissue, we confirmed that 1700 nm OCM achieved an SBR about 6-times higher than 1300 nm OCM, although the lateral resolution of the both OCMs was similarly degraded with the increase of the imaging depth. Finally, we also demonstrated high-contrast deep tissue imaging of a mouse brain at a depth up to 1.8 mm by using high-resolution 1700 nm SD-OCM.