bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of a SNP (F51S) found in human alpha 1‐antitrypsin
Authors: Trinh Hong‐Nhung , Jang Sei‐Heon , Lee ChangWoo
Published: June 2019

Background

Alpha 1‐antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is related to lung and liver diseases, including pulmonary emphysema and liver cirrhosis in humans. Genetic variations including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SERPINA1 are responsible for A1AT deficiency, but the characteristics of the SNPs are not well‐understood. Here, we investigated the features of a rare SNP (F51S) of A1AT, which introduces an additional N‐glycosylation site in the N‐terminal region of A1AT.

Methods

We evaluated the F51S variant compared with the wild‐type (WT) A1AT with regard to expression in CHO‐K1 cells, trypsin inhibitory activity, polymerization, and thermal stability.

Results

The recombinant F51S protein expressed in CHO‐K1 cells was mostly retained inside cells. The F51S variant had trypsin inhibitory activity, but reduced thermal stability compared with the WT A1AT. The native acrylamide gel data showed that F51S tended to prevent polymerization of A1AT.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that Phe51 and the surrounding hydrophobic residue cluster plays an important role in the conformation and secretion of A1AT and suggest the harmful effects of a rare F51S SNP in human health.
In vivo validation of T2‐ and susceptibility‐based SvO2 measurements with jugular vein catheterization under hypoxia and hypercapnia
Authors: Miao Xin , Nayak Krishna S. , Wood John C.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To investigate the mutual agreement of T2‐based and susceptibility‐based methods as well as their agreement with jugular catheterization, for quantifying venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) at a broad range of brain oxygenation levels.

Methods

SvO2 measurements using T2‐relaxation‐under‐spin‐tagging (TRUST) and susceptibility‐based oximetry (SBO) were performed in 13 healthy subjects under room air, hypoxia, and hypercapnia conditions. Agreement between TRUST and SBO was quantitatively evaluated. In two of the subjects, TRUST and SBO were compared against the clinical gold standard, co‐oximeter measurement via internal jugular vein catheterization.

Results

Absolute SvO2 measurements using TRUST and SBO were highly correlated across a range of saturations from 45% to 84% (Pearson r = 0.91, P < .0001). SvO2‐TRUST was significantly lower than SvO2‐SBO under hypoxia and room air conditions, but the two were comparable under hypercapnia. TRUST demonstrated a larger SvO2 increase under hypercapnia than SBO and had good agreement with jugular catheterization under hypercapnia but significantly underestimated SvO2 under room air and hypoxia. The agreement between SvO2‐SBO and the reference did not depend on the physiological state.

Conclusion

A systematic bias was observed between T2‐based and susceptibility‐based methods that depended on the oxygenation state. In vivo validation with jugular catheterization indicated potential underestimation of TRUST under room air and hypoxia conditions. Our findings suggested that caution should be employed in comparison of absolute SvO2 measurements using either TRUST or SBO.
Association between pulmonary function and left ventricular volume and function in duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Khokhar Arshjot , Nair Athira , Midya Vishal , Kumar Ashutosh , Sinharoy Ankita , Ahmad Tariq Ali , Abu‐Hasan Mutasim , Mondal Pritish
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by absence of the subsarcolemmal protein dystrophin, present in skeletal muscles and cardiomyocytes. We hypothesized that progressive respiratory and left ventricular (LV) insufficiencies in DMD could be parallel and interrelated phenomena. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 27 patients with DMD. Our primary objective was to compare the rates of decline between pulmonary function test (PFT) measures (forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow rate, maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressure) and echocardiographic estimates of LV end‐diastolic volume and LV ejection fraction. Results: The rates of decline/year of PFTs and LV estimates were not significantly different. Pulmonary function test measures of ventilatory efficiency and strength had strong intercorrelations. Pulmonary function tests and LV estimates had weak but statistically significant correlations. Discussion: A comparable rate of decline in PFTs and LV indices in DMD provides evidence for concurrently progressive deterioration in respiratory and LV functions. Muscle Nerve, 2019
Predictors of mortality after admission to pediatric intensive care unit in oncohematologic patients without history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Pillon Marta , Sperotto Francesca , Zattarin Emma , Cattelan Manuela , Carraro Elisa , Contin Anna E. , Massano Davide , Pece Federico , Putti Maria C. , Messina Chiara , Pettenazzo Andrea , Amigoni Angela
Published: June 2019

Background

Pediatric oncohematologic patients are a high‐risk population for clinical deterioration that might require pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. Several studies have described outcomes and mortality predictors for patients post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but fewer data exist regarding the category of non‐HSCT patients.

Procedure

All oncohematologic non‐HSCT patients ≤18 years requiring PICU admission from 1998 to 2015 in our tertiary‐care academic hospital were retrospectively evaluated by means of the pediatric hematology‐oncology unit database and the Italian PICUs data network database. We assessed the relation between demographic and clinical characteristics and 90‐day mortality after PICU admission.

Results

Of 3750 hospitalized oncohematologic patients, 3238 were non‐HSCT and 63 (2%) of them were admitted to the PICU. Patients were mainly affected by hematological malignancies (70%) and mostly were in the induction‐therapy phase. The main reasons for admission were respiratory failure (40%), sepsis (25%), and seizures (16%). The median PICU stay was 5 days (range 1‐107). The mortality rate at PICU discharge was 30%, and at 90 days it was 35%. Fifty‐five percent of deaths happened in the first 2 days of the PICU stay. Cardiac arrest (P = .007), presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC, P = .007), and acute kidney injury (AKI) at PICU admission (P < .001) and during PICU stay (P = .021) were significant predictors of mortality in the multivariate analysis. Respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation were not associated with mortality.

Conclusions

A relatively small percentage of non‐HSCT patients required PICU admission, but the mortality rate was still high. Hemodynamic instability, DIC, and AKI, but not respiratory failure, were significant predictors of mortality.
Targeted therapy and disease monitoring in CNTRL‐FGFR1‐driven leukaemia
Authors: Brown Lauren M. , Bartolo Ray C. , Davidson Nadia M. , Schmidt Breon , Brooks Ian , Challis Jackie , Petrovic Vida , Khuong‐Quang Dong‐Anh , Mechinaud Francoise , Khaw Seong L. , Majewski Ian J. , Oshlack Alicia , Ekert Paul G.
Published: June 2019

We report two patients with leukaemia driven by the rare CNTRL‐FGFR1 fusion oncogene. This fusion arises from a t(8;9)(p12;q33) translocation, and is a rare driver of biphenotypic leukaemia in children. We used RNA sequencing to report novel features of expressed CNTRL‐FGFR1, including CNTRL‐FGFR1 fusion alternative splicing. From this knowledge, we designed and tested a Droplet Digital PCR assay that detects CNTRL‐FGFR1 expression to approximately one cell in 100 000 using fusion breakpoint‐specific primers and probes. We also utilised cell‐line models to show that effective tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which may be included in treatment regimens for this disease, are only those that block FGFR1 phosphorylation.
Association between Anticholinergic Medication Use and Risk of Dementia among Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sheu Jau‐Jiuan , Tsai Meng‐Ting , Erickson Steven R. , Wu Chung‐Hsuen
Published: June 2019

Study Objectives

To evaluate the association between anticholinergic medication use, categorized by anticholinergic cognitive burden (primary objective) and cumulative dose (secondary objective), and the risk of developing dementia among patients with Parkinson's disease.

Design

Retrospective cohort study with an active comparator design.

Data Source

National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan (2001–2011).

Patients

A total of 1232 adults with Parkinson's disease who were diagnosed between 2002 and 2004 and taking at least one antiparkinson medication during this period were included. Of these patients, 694 were exposed to anticholinergic medications categorized as mild (reference group), and 538 were exposed to anticholinergic medications categorized as moderate or severe (exposure group).

Measurements and Main Results

Exposure to different types of anticholinergic medications was categorized by using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale, and cumulative doses of anticholinergic medications were measured by using the cumulative minimum doses (cMD) method. Associations between anticholinergic medication use and risk of dementia were assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. The type of anticholinergics used (moderate or severe vs mild ACB) was not significantly associated with an increased risk of developing dementia (hazard ratio [HR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72–1.27). After adjusting for confounders, a high cumulative dose of anticholinergic drug (> 1095 cumulative minimum doses [cMDs]) was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of developing dementia when compared with a low cumulative dose of anticholinergic drug (≤ 90 cMDs) (HR 3.06, 95% CI 1.35–6.97).

Conclusion

Among patients with Parkinson's disease in Taiwan, those with a high cumulative dose of anticholinergics had an increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia. Physicians should consider prescribing the lowest therapeutic dose of anticholinergic medication when making treatment decisions for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Advances in insect phototaxis and application to pest management: a review
Authors: Kim Kil‐Nam , Huang Qiu‐Ying , Lei Chao‐Liang
Published: June 2019

Many insects, especially nocturnal insects, exhibit positive phototaxis to artificial lights. Light traps are currently used to monitor and manage insect pest populations, and play a crucial role in physical pest control. Efficient use of light traps to attract target insect pests is an important topic in the application of integrated pest management (IPM). Phototactic responses of insects vary among species, light characteristics and the physiological status of the insects. In addition, light can cause several biological responses, including biochemical, physiological, molecular and fitness changes in insects. In this review, we discuss several hypotheses on insect phototaxis, factors affecting insect phototaxis, insect‐sensitive wavelengths, biological responses of insects to light, and countermeasures for conserving beneficial insects and increasing the effect of trapping. In addition, we provide information on the different sensitivities to wavelengths causing positive phototactic behavior in > 70 insect pest and beneficial insect species. The use of advanced light traps equipped with superior light sources, such as light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), will make physical pest control in IPM more efficient. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Spin Transport in Armchair Silicene Nanoribbon on the Substrate: The Role of Charged Impurity
Authors: Babaee Touski Shoeib
Published: June 2019

In this work, electrical and spin properties of armchair silicene nanoribbon (ASiNR) in the presence of charged impurity are studied. The non‐equilibrium Green's function along with multi‐orbital tight‐binding is applied to obtain the transmission probability. Different types of spin transmission probability in the ASiNR on a substrate are investigated. The charged impurities are located in the underlying substrate. Spin‐flip along the channel is calculated by using the spin transmission probability. The spin diffusion length in ASiNR for differently charged impurities is obtained and compared with the mean free path.
Investigation of unknown impurities of paromomycin in a 15% topical cream by liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry
Authors: Hertzler SuzAnn , Knuth Kim , Preston Ryan , Adams Ryan , Lawrence Kendra
Published: June 2019

Rationale

Characterization of unknown impurities in degraded paromomycin 15% topical cream samples by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) gas‐phase fragmentation is described.

Methods

A volatile reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography/charged aerosol detection (RP‐HPLC/CAD) method was developed and validated for fast and consistent analysis of the paromomycin potency and impurity values in drug substance and drug product samples. A Veo charged aerosol detector was chosen for routine analysis. The method shows separation of two paromomycin isomers as well as twelve unknown impurity peaks. The identity of the unknown impurities was investigated by LC/MS/MS using a quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer.

Results

Six of the HPLC/CAD impurity peaks met the ICH Q3B(R2) threshold for identification and were investigated by coupling the developed LC method with a QTOF instrument. Structures for the impurities were proposed based on gas‐phase fragmentation patterns of the paromomycin reference standard. Impurity fragmentation pathways were proposed based on literature of other structurally related aminoglycoside compounds.

Conclusions

Nine unknown paromomycin impurities were identified and the observed modifications included acetylation, carbamylation, gain of a hexose, and loss of glucosamine. The most abundant paromomycin modification was carbamylation by urea (a cream excipient) characterized by a 43 Da mass increase.
Optimal codesign of industrial networked control systems with state‐dependent correlated fading channels
Authors: Hu Bin , Tamba Tua A.
Published: June 2019

This paper examines a codesign problem in industrial networked control systems (NCS) whereby physical systems are controlled over wireless fading channels. The considered wireless channels are assumed to be stochastically dependent on the physical states of moving machineries in the industrial working space. In this paper, the moving machineries are modeled as Markov decision processes whereas the characteristics of the correlated fading channels are modeled as a binary random process whose probability measure depends on both the physical states of moving machineries and the transmission power of communication channels. Under such a state‐dependent fading channel model, sufficient conditions to ensure the stochastic safety of the NCS are first derived. Using the derived safety conditions, a codesign problem is then formulated as a constrained joint optimization problem that seeks for optimal control and transmission power policies which simultaneously minimize an infinite time cost on both communication resource and control effort. This paper shows that such optimal policies can be obtained in a computationally efficient manner using convex programming methods. Simulation results of an autonomous forklift truck and a networked DC motor system are presented to illustrate the advantage and efficacy of the proposed codesign framework for industrial NCS.
Water temperature drives variability in salmonfly abundance, emergence timing, and body size
Authors: Anderson Heidi E. , Albertson Lindsey K. , Walters David M.
Published: June 2019

Freshwater organisms are disproportionately impacted by climate change and human disturbance, resulting in shifts in species' distributions and life histories. We coupled contemporary and historical datasets documenting physical and ecological variables over four decades to quantify changes in the abundance, emergence timing, and body size of salmonflies (Pteronarcys californica) in the Madison River in southwest Montana. In contemporary surveys, water temperature was the main driver of salmonfly abundance, emergence timing, and body size. Salmonfly densities were negatively correlated with summer water temperature, which explained 60% of variation in larval density among sites, whereas substrate type played a negligible role. Emergence occurred 20 days earlier, and male and female exuvia length were 13.8% and 11.3% shorter, respectively, at the warmest site relative to the coolest site (4°C difference). These patterns were supported by historical data. For example, a 1.2°C increase in mean annual water temperature in the Madison River between 1977 and 2017 coincided with evidence for upstream range contraction. Between 1973 and 2017, emergence timing varied widely among years, occurring up to 41 days earlier in years when spring water temperatures were relatively warm. As climate change progresses, we predict that salmonflies could be extirpated from an additional 28 km of currently occupied habitat, representing a 22.6% reduction in suitable habitat along the Madison River. This study provides evidence of long‐term biological change of an aquatic insect and highlights the importance of combining spatial and historical datasets to better understand species' responses to environmental stressors across both space and time.
High Performance Li‐ion battery Anodes based on Si Nano core in an LATP Matrix with better Electrolyte Compatibility and Temperature Resistance
Authors: Augustine Chippy Alphons , Panoth Deepthi , Paravannoor Anjali
Published: June 2019

Novel core/matrix morphologies of Silicon nanostructures/ LATP ceramics are synthesized through a sol ‐ gel assisted method. The Li1.3 Al0.3 Ti1.7(PO4)3 powders were coated on Si nanoparticles as an artificial SEI layer selectively conducting Li cations, which also prevents the formation of the thick natural SEI layer formation, improving the cyclic stability. The composite anodes exhibited a specific capacity of discharge capacities of 1789 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C in the ionic liquid electrolyte LiTFSI‐Pyr14TFSI. They cycle 500 times with a capacity retention of more than 75%. It is assumed that the promising electrochemical characteristics of the composite anode films are due to the absence of direct contact between the Si nanoparticles and the electrolyte and the presence of LATP providing an efficient and quick pathway for lithium ion transport and acts as a Li ion reservoir. The electrodes also show promising results with suitable ionic liquid based electrolytes at high temperature. Hence the conclusions from the present study projects LATP−Si composite films as a promising anode material for LIBs, with high capacities and long cycling stabilities at room temperature as well as high temperature.
The Energy‐Alignment Engineering in Polytriphenylamines‐Based Hole Transport Polymers Realizes Low Energy Loss and High Efficiency for All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhou Yingzhi , Xue Qifan , Tian Jingjing , Yao Qin , Zang Yue , Wang Lei , Yang Wei , Yip Hin-Lap , Cao Yong
Published: June 2019

The energy loss (Eloss) control via interfacial engineering is a significant indispensible methodology to realize high‐performance all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). Herein, three novel polytriphenylamine‐based polymer derivatives (H‐Z1, H‐Z2, and H‐Z3) are synthesized, and the energy levels of these polymers are tuned feasibly through introducing the electron‐withdrawing group of trifluoromethyl in the triphenylamine (TPA) unit. These very deep HOMO energy levels are very beneficial for improving the open‐circuit voltages (Vocs) in PVSCs with the potentially decreased Elosss. Due to the gradual deepening of HOMO energy levels from H‐Z1, H‐Z2 to H‐Z3, the Vocs are elevated from 1.23, 1.28 to 1.30 V, respectively, where the Elosss are decreased from 0.69, 0.64, to 0.62 eV for H‐Z1, H‐Z2, and H‐Z3, respectively. Interestingly, both of the H‐Z1‐ and H‐Z2‐based devices show the highest PCEs, over 14%, in all‐inorganic PVSCs, which are effectively comparable to the results of reference device using Spiro‐OMeTAD as HTL. Thus, through the efficient atomic engineering and chemical modification in corresponding p‐typed polymers, excellent hole transport polymers are achieved for high‐performance and stable PVSCs with very low Eloss.
The Muensterelloidea: phylogeny and character evolution of Mesozoic stem octopods
Authors: Fuchs Dirk , Iba Yasuhiro , Heyng Alexander , Iijima Masaya , Klug Christian , Larson Neal L. , Schweigert Günter
Published: June 2019

The Muensterelloidea is a superfamily of teudopseid octobrachians with a posteriorly patella‐shaped gladius. A morphometric comparison based on 148 muensterelloid gladii has yielded five new species accommodated in three new genera:Engeseriteuthis arcuatusgen. et sp. nov.,Muensterella jillaesp. nov.,Muensterella spinosasp. nov.,Tyrionella fauserigen. et sp. nov. andMuensterellina johnjagtigen. et sp. nov. Cretaceous taxa ‘Tusoteuthis’cobbaniand ‘Muensterella’toniiare re‐combined and placed within the genusEnchoteuthis. We introduce categories for gladius proportions applicable for both muensterelloid and non‐muensterelloid octobrachian gladii. A 2D‐landmark analysis including 64 muensterelloid and non‐muensterelloid gladii statistically confirms that the Muensterelloidea possess the smallest median field sizes of all Mesozoic gladii. We consider the lateral field‐dominated ‘gladius’ of the family Patelloctopodidae (Patelloctopus,Pearceiteuthis) to be vestigial (i.e. shorter than the mantle length) suggesting that the Patelloctopodidae are the last shared ancestors of incirrate and cirrate octopods. According to a phylogenetic analysis based on 31 gladius characters, the Muensterelloidea mainly consists of the ‘Muensterella‐Enchoteuthidae’ and the ‘patelloctopodid’ clade. Ancestral character state reconstructions suggest that an increasing posterior growth front is accompanied by a continuous decrease of the median field length. This milestone in the evolution of the octopod gladius vestige occurred between the Early and Middle Jurassic. The benthic life style of incirrate octopods (including Cretaceous palaeoctopodids) was adopted by Jurassic Patelloctopodidae, which arose from nectonic to nectobenthic teudopseid ancestors. There is currently no evidence to suggest a pelagic origin for benthic octopods.
New biological insights into the Middle Triassic capitosaurs from India as deduced from limb bone anatomy and histology
Authors: Mukherjee Debarati , Sengupta Dhurjati P. , Rakshit Nibedita
Published: June 2019

Multiple limb bones of different Middle Triassic capitosaurs from India including Cherninia denwai and Paracyclotosaurus crookshanki were examined to reveal differences in palaeobiology and lifestyle adaptations. Limb bone anatomy of Cherninia is characterized by distinct torsion and its absence in the fore and hindlimb bones, respectively. Substantial torsion is seen in all the limb bones of P. crookshanki. Woven fibred bone tissue, a very rapidly deposited tissue mostly seen in the embryos and very young individuals of higher vertebrates, is reported for the first time in a juvenile temnospondyl. Predominance of incipient fibrolamellar bone tissue is seen in a large bodied Middle Triassic temnospondyl suggesting that such tissues in non‐amniotes helped in achieving large body sizes rapidly. Highly vascularized woven fibred bone tissue in the early ontogeny, transforming to a more stable incipient fibrolamellar bone tissue associated with growth marks later in ontogeny characterizes C. denwai. This suggests rapid sustained growth slowed down and became punctuated later in ontogeny. A continuous slow growth throughout ontogeny is suggested for P. crookshanki as parallel fibred bone and azonal lamellar bone tissue are seen in all the examined limb bones. The growth of C. denwai and P. crookshanki had variable susceptibility to seasonal fluctuations. The onset of sexual maturity was at 55% adult size for Cherninia as implied from the change in tissue type. Cherninia inhabited the bottom of the water column and acted as a passive benthic predator whereas Paracyclotosaurus was a shallow water predator that retained a high level of terrestriality.
The DRIVE Model of Reading: Making the Complexity of Reading Accessible
Authors: Cartwright Kelly B. , Duke Nell K.
Published: June 2019

Reading involves and is influenced by many factors, which makes reading difficult to understand, teach, and explain to parents, policymakers, and other stakeholders. A metaphor of driving, which likens reading to an everyday practice, demystifies complexities inherent in reading. Both reading and driving are active, strategic processes. Just as drivers deploy multifaceted driving processes to reach destinations on different types of roads in varied contexts and conditions, readers deploy multifaceted reading processes to reach reading goals with different types of texts in varied reading contexts and conditions. The DRIVE (Deploying Reading in Varied Environments) model provides a view of reading that is accessible and actionable while preserving complexity.
Language, Race, and Critical Conversations in a Primary‐Grade Writers' Workshop
Authors: Hartman Paul , Machado Emily
Published: June 2019

Despite a wealth of scholarship documenting its linguistic complexity, students in the United States are rarely encouraged to speak or write in African American Language (AAL) in their primary classrooms. The authors documented how one teacher and his highly diverse second‐grade class examined, explored, and experimented withAALin an instructional unit focused on poetry. Using qualitative research methods, the authors look closely at one student‐initiated conversation about language and race in which students began to notice and name elements ofAAL. The authors then examine a classroom discussion focused on the contrastive elements of Dominant American English andAAL. Next, the authors showcase how students took up some ofAAL's phonological and grammatical features in their own poetry writing. The authors conclude by offering suggestions for teachers who wish to support an exploration of language diversity in their own classrooms.
Calibration of mathematical water quality modeling in a river basin under critical conditions
Authors: Nakamura Carolina Harue , Salla Marcio Ricardo , Oliveira de Jesus José Antônio , Ribeiro da Silva Gustavo Henrique
Published: June 2019

In order to assist with the management of water resources, this study aimed to calibrate the water quality model “Ottocoded Critical Basins Analysis” (ABaCO) in a section of the Lambari River, located in the city of Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and it is considered qualitatively critical by the “National Water Agency” (ANA). The calibration results, obtained automatically by the Microsoft Excel® tool Solver, showed good adjustments between the simulated and observed concentrations for the following parameters: total nitrogen, organic phosphorus, inorganic phosphorus, and total phosphorus, considering a visual interpretation of the graphics. The other calibrated parameters (BOD, DO, organic nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, and nitrate) obtained satisfactory adjustments. When evaluating the results by coefficient of determination, it was observed that all parameters showed negative values to one or more field campaigns. However, the calibrated values of the parameters can be incorporated into the model to obtain a first view of the river's qualitative situation, aiming to plan, control, and protect water resources to assist in decision‐making and to favor performance of intervention analyses of environmental control measures.

Practitioner points

Calibration of water quality model in a section of a river located in Brazil considered qualitatively critical;

The calibration occurred automatically and manually, when it was necessary, in an Excel® spreadsheet, generated from the water quality model;

The automation process was performed by the Excel® Solver tool through the objective function;

Through visual interpretation, it was noticed that the calibrated parameters were well adjusted to the data observed in the field;

Sensitivity analysis showed that the studied parameters did not show significant differences in relation to the values calibrated for parameters.
The Distribution of Vertical Cup-To-Disc Ratio and Its Determinants in the Iranian Adult Population
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Pakzad Reza , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Yekta Abbasali , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To determine the distribution of vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR) and its relationship with ocular biometric indices.

Methods:

This study was conducted in 4737 individuals aged 45-69 years living in Shahroud who participated in the second phase of Shahroud Eye Cohort Study in 2014. All participants underwent eye examinations including the measurement of visual acuity and refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, retinal examination, and fundoscopy. Normality index was used to describe data distribution, and a multiple beta regression, with adjustment for the effect of cluster sampling, was applied to explore the relationship between VCDR and the study variables.

Results:

The mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] VCDR was 0.297 (0.293-0.301) in all participants; 0.296 (0.291-0.302) in men and 0.297 (0.292-0.302) in women. The highest mean VCDR was seen in the age group 55-59 years (0.299, 95% CI: 0.292-0.307). The 97.5th percentile was 0.600. According to multiple beta regression analysis, VCDR had a positive association with the female sex (P = 0.028), spherical equivalent (P < 0.001), cigarette smoking (P = 0.020), and axial length (P < 0.001), and had a negative association with hypertension (P = 0.001), best corrected visual acuity (P < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.029) and anterior chamber depth (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The mean VCDR and the 97.5th percentile were lower than most other studies. Although ethnicity and race may play a role in this difference, this difference should be considered in clinical decisions in the current population.
Implementation and Evaluation of the Value of Improved and Sustained Information Access by Library Expertise (VISIBLE) Program
Authors: Rebmann Terri , Tao Donghua , Austin Turner James , Loux Travis M. , Srinivasan Sanath , Garza Alexander
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To increase knowledge of National Library of Medicine resources by using a train-the-trainer approach.

Methods:

Workshops were held in spring 2016 to increase knowledge of 4 National Library of Medicine tools. Data were collected before the workshop and immediately, 3 months, and 1 year after the workshop. Knowledge questions were scored as 1 point per question; an aggregated knowledge score could range from 0 to 16 points. A paired t test assessed the change in knowledge from before to after the workshop.

Results:

Four workshops were hosted, with a total of 74 attendees. The response rate for the surveys ranged from 50% to 100%. Knowledge scores changed significantly from 7.2 to 11.9 (t = 15, P < .001). One year after the workshop, more of the participants reported having informally trained others (56.8%) than reported providing 1 or more formal training session (8.1%)(P < .001).

Conclusion:

Objective measures of knowledge and information dissemination showed that the National Library of Medicine workshop was successful and resulted in both short- and long-term gains. This workshop could be repeated with other populations to further disseminate information regarding the National Library of Medicine tools, which could help improve disaster response.
An Historian’s Theory of Social Change
Authors: Mann Gregory
Published: June 2019

The article argues that the concept of “claims-making” has been an important and influential thread in the work of Frederick Cooper. It explores the utility and advantages – as well as the characteristic rigor – of this theory of social change and what it implies. It then turns to the potential limits of its adoption within Africanist historiography and African Studies more broadly.
Legal Consequences of the Separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965 (I.C.J.)
Authors: Allen Stephen
Published: June 2019

In its Chagos Advisory Opinion, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) addressed two questions posed in a request from the UN General Assembly. First, had Mauritius's decolonization been completed when it gained independence in 1968, after the excision of the Chagos Archipelago? Second, what were the legal consequences flowing from the United Kingdom's continued administration of the Archipelago? It was thought that the Court might shy away from giving an Opinion in this case as, arguably, it concerned a bilateral sovereignty dispute that the United Kingdom had not agreed to have resolved by judicial decision. However, as it turned out, the Court delivered surprisingly robust responses to the questions posed. The Opinion—and the numerous Separate Opinions that accompanied it—offer a thorough re-evaluation of the customary international law (CIL) concerning the right to self-determination in cases of decolonization.
E.S. v. Austria (Eur. Ct. H.R.)
Authors: Smet Stijn
Published: June 2019

In E.S. v. Austria, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that a criminal conviction for making disparaging comments about the Prophet Muhammad, intimating in particular that he was a pedophile, did not violate the speaker's right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Convective heat transfer along ratchet surfaces in vertical natural convection
Authors: Jiang Hechuan , Zhu Xiaojue , Mathai Varghese , Yang Xianjun , Verzicco Roberto , Lohse Detlef , Sun Chao
Published: June 2019

We report on a combined experimental and numerical study of convective heat transfer along ratchet surfaces in vertical natural convection (VC). Due to the asymmetry of the convection system caused by the asymmetric ratchet-like wall roughness, two distinct states exist, with markedly different orientations of the large-scale circulation roll (LSCR) and different heat transport efficiencies. Statistical analysis shows that the heat transport efficiency depends on the strength of the LSCR. When a large-scale wind flows along the ratchets in the direction of their smaller slopes, the convection roll is stronger and the heat transport is larger than the case in which the large-scale wind is directed towards the steeper slope side of the ratchets. Further analysis of the time-averaged temperature profiles indicates that the stronger LSCR in the former case triggers the formation of a secondary vortex inside the roughness cavity, which promotes fluid mixing and results in a higher heat transport efficiency. Remarkably, this result differs from classical Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RBC) with asymmetric ratchets (Jiang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 120, 2018, 044501), wherein the heat transfer is stronger when the large-scale wind faces the steeper side of the ratchets. We reveal that the reason for the reversed trend for VC as compared to RBC is that the flow is less turbulent in VC at the same $Ra$. Thus, in VC the heat transport is driven primarily by the coherent LSCR, while in RBC the ejected thermal plumes aided by gravity are the essential carrier of heat. The present work provides opportunities for control of heat transport in engineering and geophysical flows.
The Montessori method, Aboriginal students and Linnaean zoology taxonomy teaching: three-staged lesson
Authors: Rioux Joël , Ewing Bronwyn , Cooper Tom J.
Published: June 2019

Abstract
This research article addresses an important issue related to how teachers can support Aboriginal secondary school students' learning of science. Drawn from a larger project that investigated the study of vertebrates using Queensland Indigenous knowledges and Montessori Linnaean materials to engage Indigenous secondary school students, this article focuses on the three-staged lessons from that study. Using an Action Research approach and working with participants from one secondary high school in regional Queensland with a high Indigenous population, there were several important findings. First, the materials and the three-staged lessons generated interest in learning Eurocentric science knowledge. Second, repetition, freedom and unhurried inclusion of foreign science knowledges strengthened students' Aboriginal personal identity as well as identities as science learners. Third, privileging of local Aboriginal knowledge and animal language gave rise to meaningful and contextualised Linnaean lessons and culturally responsive practices.
An experimentalist approach to equality: a case study of retirement in the UK university sector
Authors: Blackham Alysia
Published: June 2019

Experimentalism is a theory of regulation in which change is achieved via a process of ‘directly deliberative polyarchy’ within an experimentalist architecture. This paper argues that experimentalism offers a normatively desirable model for legal interventions relating to the ageing workforce, and age equality law in particular, and offers new insights into existing UK scholarship on reflexive law. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data from UK universities, this article considers the extent to which reforms to retirement ages have promoted a form of experimentalism among UK universities. This paper offers concrete suggestions and reforms for how an experimentalist framework could be adopted in this context to enhance regulatory reform.
UK post-Brexit trade agreements and devolution
Authors: Melo Araujo Billy A
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the role to be played by the devolved administrations in the negotiation, conclusion and implementation of trade agreements concluded by the UK post-Brexit. By examining, from a comparative perspective, examples of collaborative frameworks between sub-national entities and central governments established in federal jurisdictions, it proposes a significant reform of existing inter-governmental cooperation mechanisms to ensure that the devolved administrations are given a meaningful voice in the shaping of future trade agreements.
Radiocarbon Dating Cremated Bone: A Case Study Comparing Laboratory Methods
Authors: Agerskov Rose Helene , Meadows John , Palstra Sanne W L , Hamann Christian , Boudin Mathieu , Huels Matthias
Published: June 2019

Radiocarbon (14C) results on cremated bone are frequently published in high-ranking journals, but 14C laboratories employ different pretreatment methods as they have divergent perceptions of what sources of contaminants might be present. We found pretreatment protocols to vary significantly between three laboratories (Brussels [RICH], Kiel [KIA], and Groningen [CIO]), which all have a long history of dating cremated bone. We present a case study of 6 sets of replicate dates, to compare laboratory pretreatment protocols, and a further 16 sets of inter-laboratory replicate measurements, which compare specific steps of the conversion and measuring process. The 14C results showed dates to be reproducible between the laboratories and consistent with the expected archaeological chronology. We found that differences in pretreatment, conversion to CO2 and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurement to have no measurable influence on the majority of obtained results, suggesting that any possible diagenesis was probably restricted to the most soluble ≤5% of each sample, as this proportion of the sample mass was removed under all laboratory protocols.
Woodlands, Warlords, and Wasteful Nations: Transnational Networks and Conservation Science in 1920s China
Authors: Muscolino Micah S.
Published: June 2019

This article investigates the production of conservation science at nodes of transnational networks of encounter through an examination of field studies conducted during the mid-1920s in North China's Shanxi province by the American forester and soil conservation expert Walter C. Lowdermilk with his student, colleague, and collaborator Ren Chengtong. Even in the politically fragmented China of the 1920s, their research on deforestation, streamflow, and erosion benefited from alliances with Shanxi's regional powerholder, Yan Xishan, and produced environmental knowledge that furthered the agenda of harnessing natural resources to strengthen the state. By paying attention to two-way interactions between Chinese and foreign actors in the construction and transmission of knowledge about nature, the article speaks to the global context of the early twentieth-century conservation movement and adds to recent scholarship that recasts China's encounter with modern science as one of active appropriation, translation, and innovation rather than passive reception.
The Invention of Neo-Socialism: The Dynamics of Schism and Doctrinal Distinction in the French Socialist Party
Authors: Desan Mathieu Hikaru
Published: June 2019

What is the relationship between schism and political identity? Existing scholarship has tended to focus on the determinants of schism while treating the ideational basis on which schisms are made as largely fixed. In this paper, I develop a new interpretation of the 1933 “neo-socialist schism” within the French Socialist Party to highlight how new political identities can be constituted in and through the process of schism itself. The 1933 schism is often understood as the convergence of a doctrinal revision called “neo-socialism” and a separate tactical challenge to the party's parliamentary practice. But a careful reading of the factional conflict within the party reveals that it was the preceding tactical debate over ministerial participation that was transformed over time into a debate over socialist doctrine. This distinction between “tactics” and “doctrine” performatively defined the limits of acceptable party discourse, and as such was both a weapon and a stake in the factional conflict. I trace the evolution of this conflict and show that, so long as the minority faction was weak, the issue of participation was widely considered “tactical” and thus safe for discussion. But when minority strength grew, the majority sought to redefine the conflict as doctrinal to delegitimate the challengers. Finally, only when a schism appeared inevitable did the challengers themselves adopt the label of “neo-socialism.” Neo-socialism was thus not a pre-constituted political heresy driving the schismatic process, but the contingent and emergent outcome of this very process.
Statutory Reform of the Doctrine of Uberrimae Fidei in Insurance Law: A Comparative Review
Authors: Anifalaje Kehinde
Published: June 2019

The common law doctrine of uberrimae fidei is pivotal to all contracts of insurance. It imposes a duty on the parties to act towards each other with utmost good faith by disclosing all material facts and not misrepresenting any fact, either before the contract is formed or while the contract subsists. This article examines the doctrine and its statutory reforms in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It argues that, before the statutory interventions, the iniquitous doctrine was a potent weapon, most often used by insurers to defeat just and legitimate claims by an insured. Although the legislation has brought some measure of relief to the insured in these jurisdictions, the article concludes that there are still some grey areas in the Nigerian law that need to be addressed to further the cause of justice between the contracting parties.
Dietary patterns and risk of cardiovascular diseases: a review of the evidence
Authors: Zampelas Antonis , Magriplis Emmanuella
Published: June 2019

CVD are the main cause of death especially in high-income countries. Previously, research focused on single nutrients including saturated and MUFA, sodium and dietary fibre, or specific foods such as fish, fruit and vegetables, and olive oil, in the aetiology of CVD. In recent years, however, the effects of complete dietary patterns on the prevention of CVD have gained interest, to account for diet heterogeneity and food–nutrient interactions. Several dietary patterns have been investigated, such as the Paleolithic diet, the vegetarian and vegan diets, the Diet Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), the Nordic and Mediterranean diets, with many contradictions remaining. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the effects of these dietary patterns on CVD risk, to discuss their overall nutrient adequacy and briefly discuss their environmental impact.
Mood fluctuation in Antarctic expeditioners: does one size fit all?
Authors: Hawkes Clare , Norris Kimberley , Ayton Jeff , Paton Douglas
Published: June 2019

It has long been argued that mood fluctuation patterns in Antarctic expeditioners are largely homogeneous. This research investigated mood fluctuation patterns throughout all the stages of Antarctic deployment using latent class growth analysis. Utilising advanced statistical methods, such as latent class growth analysis, can greatly help in identifying if mood fluctuation patterns experienced by Antarctic expeditioners are homogenous, and provide insight into mood fluctuation patterns, which was not possible with traditional group-based quantitative methods. Gaining a greater insight into mood fluctuation patterns in Antarctic expeditioners can assist with the development, and implementation of, strategies to assist with expeditioner well-being. The analysis was conducted on 423 expeditioner from the Australian Antarctic program between the 2005-2009 Antarctic deployment seasons. The results supported the notion that mood fluctuation patterns in expeditioners within the Australian-Antarctic programme were largely homogeneous, as a 1-class cubic latent class growth model was identified as being the optimal fit for the dataset. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in relation to research and prevention and intervention strategies.
Comparison of the epidemiological aspects of acute infectious diseases between foreign and native imported cases in the border counties of Southwest China, 2008–2017
Authors: Jiang Li , Huang Tian
Published: June 2019

This study analysed the epidemiological characteristics of imported cases of acute infectious diseases and compared these features by nationality in 25 border counties of Yunnan Province from 2008 to 2017 to inform prevention strategies. Surveillance data for the imported cases collected in the border counties were analysed to determine disease variety, seasonal patterns, infection site and personal demographics and these features were compared by patient nationality. A total of 12 820 imported cases were reported in the 25 border counties, with 5610 foreign cases and 7210 native cases. The disease spectrum was more diverse among foreign cases than among native cases. Both foreign and native cases were mostly imported from Myanmar. The shift in the number of foreign cases was greater than that of native cases after 2016. Ruili, a city, that shares a border with Myanmar, exhibited the greatest number of imported infections. Farmers, businessmen, women and preschool children were frequently diagnosed with infections. Multiple prevention strategies including disease screening at the border, health education before departure and health service provision to foreigners should be carried out to reduce the risk of autochthonous spreading and to avoid potential outbreaks. Furthermore, international collaboration in terms of sharing infectious disease data should be improved between China and neighbouring countries.