bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Clinical Trials and Administrative Claims to Identify Stroke Among Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Strom Jordan B. , Zhao Yuansong , Faridi Kamil F. , Tamez Hector , Butala Neel M. , Valsdottir Linda R. , Curtis Jeptha , Brennan J. Matthew , Shen Changyu , Boulware Mike , Popma Jeffrey J. , Yeh Robert W.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Cerebrovascular events (CVEs) are devastating complications after aortic valve replacement. We assessed whether billing claims accurately identify CVEs in place of clinical event adjudication in structural heart disease trials.

Methods:

Adult participants in the US CoreValve High Risk and SURTAVI trials (Surgical or Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement in Intermediate-Risk Patients) were linked to Medicare inpatient claims from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016. Claims consistent with CVEs within 14 days of a similar trial-adjudicated CVE were considered a match. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of
International Classification of Diseases,
Ninth and
Tenth
Revisions, Clinical Modification
billing codes for cerebrovascular disease were determined against trial-defined CVEs as the criterion standard. Kaplan-Meier estimates of claims-defined versus trial-defined CVEs were compared.

Results:

Among 4230 linked trial participants (linkage rate 79.8%), 550 (13.0%) sustained 630 adjudicated CVEs over a 5-year follow-up period. Linked and nonlinked individuals were similar. An algorithm using 4
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
codes (434.91, 434.11, 433.11, and 997.02) had a sensitivity of 60.9%, specificity of 99.0%, positive predictive value of 86.5%, and negative predictive value of 95.8% for identifying a trial-adjudicated ischemic stroke. An algorithm using 3
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification
codes (I63.9, I63.40, I63.49) had a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 99.4%, positive predictive value of 88.9%, and negative predictive value of 97.6%.

Conclusions:

In linked clinical trial and Medicare claims data, 4
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
and 3
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification
billing codes identified half of trial-adjudicated CVEs during follow-up with high specificity and predictive value, but imperfect sensitivity. Although low sensitivity may limit the use of claims to substitute for traditional trial outcomes to identify CVEs, high specificity suggests claims could be used to trigger evaluation of neurological events, potentially improving the efficiency of the evaluation of techniques and devices designed to reduce such events.
Discretionary Thrombophilia Test Acquisition and Outcomes in Patients With Venous Thromboembolism in a Real‐World Clinical Setting
Authors: Kozak Patrick M. , Xu Meng , Farber‐Eger Eric , Gailani David , Wells Quinn S. , Beckman Joshua A.
Published: November 2019

Background

The value of thrombophilia test acquisition in improving risk prediction beyond clinical presentation remains unknown. We investigated the effect of thrombophilia test acquisition on venous thromboembolism (
VTE
) outcomes.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients over a 15‐year period (September 2001 and May 2016) with first diagnosis of
VTE
in a single academic medical center. Participants were identified by
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
(
ICD‐9
),
Current Procedural Terminology
(
CPT
) codes and medication history. Participants with thrombophilia testing were matched to control participants without thrombophilia testing using a propensity model. Primary outcomes included recurrent
VTE
, anticoagulant use 12 months after the index
VTE
event, bleeding‐related hospitalization, and death. From 3590 unique patients who met the inclusion criteria, 747 participants with
VTE
who underwent thrombophilia testing were matched to a control participant without testing. Tested participants were more likely to have a recurrent event (46.1% versus 28.5%;
P
<0.001) and an anticoagulant prescription 12 months from the index event (53.9% versus 37.1%;
P
<0.001) but had no significant difference in bleeding‐related hospitalization (11.4% versus 11.8%;
P
=0.81) compared with untested participants. An abnormal thrombophilia test result, per se, did not predict recurrent
VTE
(47.8% versus 44.1%;
P
=0.13), longer duration anticoagulation (53.2% versus 54.8%;
P
=0.51), bleeding (11.5% versus 11.3%;
P
=0.70), or mortality (12.2% versus 16.1%;
P
=0.18) compared with participants who had normal test results.

Conclusions

The decision to perform thrombophilia testing, but not the test result, is associated with a high risk of recurrent
VTE
despite a greater likelihood of long‐duration anticoagulation.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Adipose Tissue Do not Improve Functional Recovery After Ischemic Stroke in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Diekhorst Luke , Gómez-de Frutos Mari Carmen , Laso-García Fernando , Otero-Ortega Laura , Fuentes Blanca , Jolkkonen Jukka , Detante Olivier , Moisan Anaick , Leyva Laura , Martínez-Arroyo Arturo , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio , Gutiérrez-Fernández María ,   on behalf of RESSTORE Consortium
Published: November 2019

Background and Purpose—

Hypertension is the most frequent comorbidity in stroke.The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether hypertension alters the response to treatment with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) after an ischemic stroke in rats.

Methods—

Ischemic stroke was induced in male normotensive or hypertensive rats. Either vehicle or 1×10
6
ADMSC was intravenously administered at 48 hours poststroke. Functional outcome, lesion size and volume, and markers of brain repair (GFAP [glial fibrillary acidic protein], doublecortin, CD-31, α-smooth muscle actin) were evaluated.

Results—

Hypertensive rats had larger lesions, higher apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) and worse functional outcomes than normotensive rats. Hypertension increased GFAP and vascular markers (CD-31 and α-smooth muscle actin). The hypertensive rats treated with ADMSC did not show any significant improvement in functional recovery, lesion size, ADC values, or histological markers compared with those which received the vehicle.

Conclusions—

ADMSC did not reverse the hypertension-induced increase in lesion severity or functional impairment. Gliosis, neurogenesis, or vascular markers were not affected by ADMSC in hypertensive rats. Hypertension has a negative impact on the therapeutic effect of ADMSC after an ischemic stroke.
Circular Causation, Circular Cognition: A Tour Around Some Common Confusions
Authors: Harvey Inman
Published: November 2019

Life and cognition are inherently circular dynamical processes, and people have difficulty understanding circular causation. I give case studies illustrating some resulting confusions, and propose that the problems may lie in failing to properly distinguish between similar concepts used to describe both local and global features of a system. I analyze how explanations in terms of circular causation work and how they rely on principles of normal settlement. Even though they typically will not explain the origins of phenomena (that is the province of linear causal explanation), circular explanations have predictive power for any persisting (i.e., stable or metastable) phenomena.
Annotated catalogue of type specimens of flatfishes (Osteichthyes: Pleuronectiformes) in the Zoological Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia
Authors: VORONINA ELENA P. , VOLKOVA GALINA A.
Published: November 2019

A complete catalogue is provided for the type specimens of flatfishes curated in the ichthyological collection of the Zoological Institute, St. Petersburg. The collection contains a total of 138 type specimens, representing 25 species and one subspecies of eight different flatfish families. The catalogue includes: photographs of type specimens, radiographs of holotypes or largest syntypes, number of specimens, original sampling data (locality, coordinates, depth, collection date and collector), and select morphometric characters for each specimen.
Description of two related new species of Miroculis Edmunds, 1963 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Brazil and Colombia
Authors: COSTA VINICIUS , ALMEIDA TAIS B. , SALLES FREDERICO F.
Published: November 2019

Two new species of Miroculis Edmunds, 1963 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) are described, diagnosed and illustrated based on adults and/or nymphs collected in Brazil and Colombia. Both species share an uncommon genitalia morphology, which includes a long penis that is curved at base and a long styliger plate. In the case of the species from Brazil, which is also described based on nymphs, gills are devoid of the characteristic lateral lobes found in the other species of the genus.
A new species of spectacular spider wasp mimic from Thailand is the first representative of the genus Melanosphecia Le Cerf 1916 (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Osminiini) to be filmed in the wild
Authors: VOLPONI MARTA A. SKOWRON
Published: November 2019

A metallic blue, new species of clearwing moth from Thailand is described and shown on video. With its spectacular colouration, long hind legs and an incredible illusion of a wasp-waist, complemented by behavioural imitations, this sesiid is a striking spider wasp mimic. Notes on possible mimicry models, behaviour and conditions of occurrence are given. COI DNA barcode sequence is provided. This is the first country record of Melanosphecia Le Cerf 1916 for Thailand and the first representative of this genus to be filmed in its natural habitat.
Ephedra-Cinnamomi Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Neuroinflammation via TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Xu Liangkui , Wang Xiaoming , Luo Jiabo
Published: November 2019

Ephedra-cinnamomi, composed of ephedra (stems of Ephedra sinica) and cinnamomi (twig of Cinnamomum cassia), can attenuate the symptoms of colds by inducing sweat and relieving cough, asthma, headache, and arthralgia. The study was aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity
of the prescription of ephedra-cinnamomi on the cerebral ischemia-induced neuroinflammation. Ephedra-cinnamomi down-regulating the inflammatory mediators including Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α, Interleukins (IL) IL-6. Moreover, Ephedra-cinnamomi significantly induced
reduction of TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA level, consistent with the RT-qPCR results, Ephedra-cinnamomi decreased TLR4 expression and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in concentration-dependent manners. The results revealed that Ephedra-cinnamomi may effectively inhibit ischemia-induced
neuroinflammation through TLR4/NF-κB pathway. We have provided evidence indicating that Ephedra-cinnamomi induces suppression of inflammatory mediators and possesses therapeutic effect on neuroinflammation.
Antibacterial Activity of a Novel Titanium–Copper (Ti–Cu) Sintered Alloy in Preventing Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Rabbit Model
Authors: Yu Bin , Wen Jiu-Quan , Jiang Yue , Chen Yan , Yu Guo-Ning , Ren Hong-Fei , Ge Da-Zhuang , Wang Zhen-Yu
Published: November 2019

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) was the leading cause of artificial joint replacement failure. The aim was to determine antibacterial activity of a novel titanium–copper (Ti–Cu) sintered alloy in vivo. S. aureus suspension was used to construct
rabbit models with PJI. The inflammation and infection condition was evaluated by animal survey, bacteria number radiographic examination and histological examination. The levels of white blood cell (WBC), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured to evaluate inflammation.
After implantation, serious inflammation with purulent exudate was found in Group II (Ti/Ba), and mild infection was found in Group I (Ci–Ti/Ba). The WBC, IL-6 and CRP levels in Group I were significant higher compared with Group II after implantation. Bacterial incubation results showed
that the amounts of S. aureus in Group I were lower compared with Group II after implantation. Radiographic and histological examination also showed that obvious bone destruction was observed in Group II, while not in Group I. Overall, this novel Ti–Cu sintered alloy presented
strong antibacterial activity than traditional Ti-based orthopedic materials, suggesting that it has potential to become an ideal antibacterial material for orthopaedic implantation to reduce PJI or implant-related inflammation.
Study on the Protective Effect of Sevoflurane on H2O2-Induced HK-2 Cells
Authors: Guo Cheng , Zhu Jinyue , Wu Shuang , Li Xia , Ding Ying , Shu Yang , Long Junpeng
Published: November 2019

Background: Renal ischemia reperfusion injury (RIRI) is the main cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to investigate whether sevoflurane could protect HK-2 cells treated by H2O2 by improving apoptosis and oxidative stress through
TLR4/MyD88/NF-κb signaling pathway. Methods: HK-2 cells was treated with H2O2 to construct the oxidative damage model happened in renal ischemia reperfusion injury (RIRI). CCK-8 assay was performed to analyze the viability of HK-2 cells. The reactive
oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdelyde (MDA) testing kits were used for the detection of oxidative stress related factors. TUNEL assay and Western blot were applied to analyze the apoptosis of HK-2 cells. And, proteins of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κb
signaling pathway were also detected by western blot. Results: The viability of H2O2-induced HK-2 cells was decreased compared with the control group. The ROS, SOD and MDA levels were increased and LDH level was decreased in H2O2-induced HK-2
cells. The apoptosis of H2O2-induced HK-2 cells was increased. The expression of Bax was decreased and the expression of Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3 were increased in the H2O2-induced HK-2 cells. The expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κb signaling
pathway was increased in the H2O2-induced HK-2 cells. All these changes were reversed by pretreatment with sevoflurane to some extent in HK-2 cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, sevoflurane pretreatment protects HK-2 cells treated by H2O2 by
improving apoptosis and oxidative stress through inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κb signaling pathway.
Downregulation of Prdx2 Protects Osteoporosis Rats by Regulating Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B/Osteoprotegerin Pathway
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Guo Weiwei , Zhao Xin , Li Peng
Published: November 2019

Osteoporosis (OP) is a bone disease caused by various causes and can be found in various stages, such as juvenile, adult, menopausal and old age. OP has the systemic, degenerative, and metabolic characteristics, which leads to loss of bone mass, structural changes, and biomechanical
properties degeneration. Prdx2 is a member of the peroxiredoxase family with antioxidant effects and involved in the regulation of bone and joint diseases. However, the role of Prdx2 in OP and related mechanisms has not been elucidated. SD rats were randomly divided into 2 groups, OP group
in which OP rat model was prepared by ovariectomy and sham operation group. Prdx2 siRNA was transfected into OP rats followed by analysis of the expression of Prdx2, Opn, and Osterix by real-time PCR, bone density changes by dual energy line bone densitometer, formation of mineralized nodules
by Alizarin red staining, Serum osteocalcin (OC) activity by ELISA as well as RANK and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expressions by real-time PCR and Western blot. Prdx2 expression was significantly increased, bone mineral density (BMD) was reduced, mineralized nodule formation was attenuated, Opn
and Osterix levels were downregulated, together with decreased serum OC activity, increased RANK expression, and declined OPG expression apparently in OP rats compared with sham group (P < 0.05). Prdx2 siRNA transfection downregulated Prdx2 and RANK levels, increased BMD, mineralized
nodule formation, Opn, OPG, and Osterix levels, as well as serum OC activity in OP rats (P < 0.05). Prdx2 expression is elevated in osteoporotic rats, which is associated with decreased osteogenic differentiation and BMD, leading to osteoporosis. Downregulation of Prdx2 expression
can improve osteoporosis by regulating the RANK/OPG pathway.
The Application Study of Specific Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Stroke Patients by 3D Printing Somos NeXt
Authors: Liu Zhen , Zhang Pande , Yan Ming , Ren Xin , Xie Yimin , Huang Guozhi
Published: November 2019

Objective: To investigate the effects of specific ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) fabricated by 3D printing Somos NeXt on patients with stroke. Method: The ankle and foot were scanned by Artec 3D scanner. The model was performed with finite element analysis (FEA) using the
software Abaqus to optimize the structure. Based on the structural optimization, AFOs were fabricated by 3D printing technique of Somos NeXt. Gait parameters were measured using the Gait Watch system. Seven sensors were bound to the sacrum, anterior side in the middle segment of the bilateral
femoral femur, the median side at the proximal end of the bilateral tibia, and dorsal part of the bilateral foot. Results: The AFOs fabricated by 3D printing Somos NeXt significantly improved the temporalspatial parameters including velocity (20.75 vs. 17.38 cm/s) and stride length
(47.88 vs. 43.63 cm), as well as increased cadence (52.5 vs. 48.75 times/min), while slightly decreased gait cycle (2.57 vs. 2.80 cm) and double limb support phase (34.00 vs. 37.13%). The AFOs also improved symmetry parameters such as the step length difference (9.75 vs. 15.25 cm), step length
ratio (1.87 vs. 3.98), and swing phase ratio (0.99 vs. 0.75). Conclusion: The AFOs fabricated by 3D printing Somos NeXt have a significant effect on the improvement of velocity and stride length in patients with stroke.
The Effect of POSS-COOH/Silicone Rubber (SR) on the Adipogenesis Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Du Yichen , Shi Xiaohua , Zhou Xin , Chen Yao , Wang Hailin , Zhang Yiming , Fan Dongli
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to prepare an engraving silicone rubber (SR) material with good biocompatibility and functionality. SR with different POSS-COOH proportions was produced by mixing POSS-COOH nanoparticles in medical liquid silicone. The viability, adhesion and differentiation
of MSCs on the surface of the modified materials were examined. Compared with virgin SR, the hydrophilic property of the composites was obviously increased and hardness was decreased; however, there was no obvious change in the surface morphology of the POSS-COOH/SR. The results of MTT showed
that the viability of MSCs on POSS-COOH/SR was significantly suppressed (P < 0.05). Furthermore, POSS-COOH/SR was able to induce significant adipogenesis differentiation of MSCs. Our results demonstrated POSS-COOH/SR not only improves cell compatibility, it promotes the adipogenic
differentiation of MSCs. It may be used as a new soft tissue-filling material in the field of plastic surgery.
An Improved Strategy for Predicting Diagnosis, Survivability, and Recurrence of Breast Cancer
Authors: Marie-Sainte Souad Larabi , Saba Tanzila , Alsaleh Deem , Alamir Alotaibi Mashael Bin
Published: November 2019

Breast Cancer is a common disease among females. Early detection of the Breast Cancer aids in an easier efficient treatment. The application of Machine Learning algorithms can help in the diagnosis of this disease. There are three main problems related to Breast Cancer. The existing
works focused only on one problem. In addition, the resulted accuracy still needs improvement. This research paper aims to identify the Breast Cancer diagnosis, predict the recurrence of the disease, and predict the survivability of its patients. This is achieved by using the Feedforward Neural
Network (FFN) on the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) dataset by using different attributes and preprocessing of data for each problem. The obtained FFN classification accuracy resulted in 99.8% for the Breast Cancer diagnosis, 88.1% for the Breast Cancer recurrence, and
97.3% for the survivability.
Air Passenger Demand Forecasting Using Particle Swarm Optimization and Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Marie-Sainte Souad Larabi , Saba Tanzila , Alotaibi Sihaam
Published: November 2019

Air travel demand is a crucial part of planning for airlines and airports. It helps in elaborating decisions and recognizing risks and opportunities. Forecasting air passenger demand is an interesting research study that deserves investigation. This problem requires prediction techniques
such that Linear Regression and Neural Network. These techniques are efficient, but they have several parameters that necessitate appropriate values to provide the least error rate of prediction. Some recent air travel demand studies investigated Genetic Algorithms to provide optimal values
for these parameters. In this article, we propose to explore the Firefly Algorithm (FA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to find the optimal values for Linear Regression (LR) coefficients. This study presents two new hybrid prediction techniques (PSO based LR and FA based LR) to handle
airline demand forecasting, which researchers have not previously covered. The results of PSO based LR, FA-based LR and LR are compared to find the best model with the lowest prediction error rate. The results showed that PSO based LR achieved the best prediction results with a lower error
rate compared to FA based LR and LR alone. This study is performed using the data of Los Angeles International airport.
Challenges and Issues in Test Process Management
Authors: Naresh E. , Vijaya Kumar B. P. , Niranjanamurthy M. , Nigam Bhawna
Published: November 2019

This paper identifies the issues and challenges faced during various activities of test management. The main emphasis of this work is to determine the optimum point of testing, Causes and obstacles faced during the selection of a test optimum point. This work also emphases usage of
cause-effect graphing and to reduce the cost of overall testing process.
Developing a Medical Ontology for Diabetes Treatment
Authors: Alrumaih Hala , Alawairdhi Mohammed
Published: November 2019

A great wave of diabetes is sweeping the world and it does not exclude continent, country or society and this has led international organizations such as the World Health Organization to sound the alarm after the high rates of deaths from complications of this epidemic. In this regard,
the University Diabetes Center (UDC) was established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide medical care for people with diabetes among other medical issues. As part of UDC, an ontology center has been constructed to explain the domain of the UDC using Protégé. The discussion
herein will center on how emerging diabetes centers can benefit from the UDC experiment in diabetes treatment.
Improving Client-Perceived Performance Based on Efficient Distribution of Contents in Content Delivery Network
Authors: Gupta Meenakshi , Garg Atul
Published: November 2019

Content Delivery Network (CDN) system aims to upgrade the performance of content delivery to end-users of popular websites. It replicates the contents at different geographic locations to serve from the point closer to them. It supports to bring network and as a result web performance
to next level. For proper utilization of CDN resources, it is significant to efficiently distribute popular contents over surrogate servers. Most of the CDNs have a large number of surrogate servers. This requires coordination between the surrogate servers to improve overall capability of
a CDN system while limiting the cost. This paper suggests a technique to efficiently distribute contents over surrogate servers that cooperate with one another to improve quality of service (QoS) of web content delivery to clients (end-users) in terms of response time.
Cloud Load Balancing Algorithms: A Comparative Assessment
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , Gupta Deepali , Sharma Neha
Published: November 2019

Nowadays, Cloud computing is developing quickly and customers are requesting more administrations and superior outcomes. In the cloud domain, load balancing has turned into an extremely intriguing and crucial research area. Numbers of algorithms were recommended to give proficient mechanism
for distributing the cloud user’s requests for accessing pool cloud resources. Also load balancing in cloud should provide notable functional benefits to cloud users and at the same time should prove out to be eminent for cloud services providers. In this paper, the pre-existing load
balancing techniques are explored. The paper intends to provide landscape for classification of distinct load balancing algorithms based upon the several parameters and also address performance assessment bound to various load balancing algorithms. The comparative assessment of various load
balancing algorithms will helps in proposing a competent load balancing technique for intensify the performance of cloud data centers.
Study of Hot Spots Probing Based on Meta-Pillars Array
Authors: You Yisha , Huang Fujuan , Fu Yongqi , Zhu Shaoli
Published: November 2019

Inspired by imaging principle of near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM), meta-pillars array is designed and analyzed on the basis of microscopic imaging application with high resolution. Finely focused spots acting as tiny secondary sources for illumination at near-field can
be derived under supporting of the meta-pillars for the purpose of increasing imaging resolution. Numerical calculation is carried out on the basis of finite difference and time domain (FDTD) algorithm. Our calculation results demonstrate that the meta-pillars are capable of supporting the
microscopic imaging at sub-wavelength resolution.
Impact of Varying Wind Patterns on PM10 Concentrations in the Seoul Metropolitan Area in South Korea from 2012 to 2016
Authors: Jeon Wonbae , Lee Hwa Woon , Lee Tae-Jin , Yoo Jung-Woo , Mun Jeonghyeok , Lee Soon-Hwan , Choi Yunsoo
Published: November 2019

In this study, we classify wind patterns that impacted PM10 concentrations in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), South Korea, from 2012 to 2016 and analyze their contributions to annual variability in particulate matter smaller than 10 μm in diameter (PM10). Using a k-means clustering analysis, we identify major wind patterns affecting PM10 concentrations from 2002 to 2016. We confirm that the impact of wind pattern changes on PM10 variability in the SMA from 2012 to 2016 was relatively greater than the impact from 2002 to 2011. We find that PM10 from 2012 to 2016 was mainly affected by wind patterns that were 1) associated with the transport of foreign emissions (our clusters H2, H4, and H5) and 2) favorable for ventilation (our clusters L1 and L2). This finding shows that PM10 variability was determined by overall variations in the respective wind patterns particularly associated with high (over 80 μg m−3) and low (below 30 μg m−3) PM10 concentrations. The results from 2012 to 2016 CMAQ simulations indicate that the effects of meteorological conditions (e.g., wind, temperature, humidity, and so on) on PM10 vary from year to year. The calculated PM10 anomalies from 2012 to 2016 were −4.97, 3.55, 1.73, 0.15, and −0.46 μg m−3, suggesting that the wind patterns in 2012 produced the least PM10 and those in 2013 produced the most.
Equilibrium- and Transient-State Dependencies of Climate Sensitivity: Are They Important for Climate Projections?
Authors: Geoffroy Olivier , Saint-Martin David
Published: November 2019

The effective equilibrium climate sensitivity is generally assumed to be constant in climate change studies, whereas it may vary due to different mechanisms. This study assesses the importance of the different types of state dependencies of the radiative feedbacks for constraining climate projections from the historical record. In transition, the radiative feedbacks may vary with the changes in the warming pattern due to inhomogeneous ocean heat uptake. They may also vary in equilibrium due to their dependence on both temperature and CO2 concentration. A two-layer energy balance model (EBM) that accounts for these effects is shown to improve the representation of any CO2 pathway for the CMIP5 ensemble. Neglecting the nonlinear effects in constraint studies of climate projections from the historical record may induce errors in the estimated future warming. The EBM framework is used to study these errors for three characteristic CO2 pathways. The results show that the pattern effect of ocean heat uptake is not of major importance by inducing a median error of roughly −2% for a high-emission scenario. In contrast, assuming a log-linear CO2–ERF relationship and neglecting the equilibrium-state dependencies induce a larger median error of roughly −10%. This median error is likely due to the non-log-linear dependency of the instantaneous (nonadjusted) forcing, suggesting that the equilibrium-state dependencies do not induce any systematic error. However, they contribute to increasing uncertainties in future warming estimation.
The Efficiency of the Hadley Cell Response to Wide Variations in Ocean Heat Transport
Authors: Rencurrel M. Cameron , Rose Brian E. J.
Published: November 2019

The Hadley cell (HC) plays a key role in the climate response to variations in ocean heat transport (OHT). Increased OHT is characterized by both a robust slowdown of this overturning circulation, with consequent changes in cloudiness driving the climate response, and a compensating reduction in the atmospheric heat transport (AHT). Here a suite of slab-ocean aquaplanet GCM simulations is used to study the robustness of mechanisms driving changes in HC mass and energy transport across a wide range of idealized spatial patterns of OHT. The HC response is intrinsically related to both the spatial pattern of OHT and the dynamical mechanisms driving the slowdown of the cell. The reduced energy flux of the HC is associated with reductions in both the mass flux and the gross moist stability (GMS) of the cell in all cases. However, when OHT convergence patterns are confined to the subtropics and equatorward thereof (i.e., subtropical overturning cells), the circulation response is largely momentum-conserving in nature when compared to OHT convergence patterns that extend into the midlatitudes, resulting in a deformation of the anomalous streamfunction following angular momentum contours. The effects of this deformation are quantified through a simple, yet novel approach of splitting the streamfunction anomalies into their “speed” and “shape” components. The tilt of the outer branch of the streamfunction anomaly dampens the direct climate effects of the slowdown of the cell while enhancing the change in GMS, effectively decoupling the change in the energy flux from the slowdown.
Confucian Influence: The Place of Soft Power in China’s Strategy Towards Central Asia
Authors: Dadparvar Shabnam , Azizi Hamidreza
Published: November 2019

China has traditionally had close relations with Central Asia for quite a long time. The main reasons for this are probably their social, cultural, and demographic bonds, as well as geographical proximity, providing China with a different status in Central Asia from those of the other regions in the world. These bonds have also been strengthened by the ancient Silk Road, beginning in China and passing through Central Asia and Iran towards Europe. Cultural relations, in general, and China’s attempt to expand its means of soft power in the region, in particular, have been a significant aspect of the ties between China and the Central Asian countries. It has drawn attention, especially over the recent decade, and has manifested in various forms. By focussing on the dimension of relations between China and the Central Asian countries, this article addresses the question of what does China try to achieve by expanding its soft power in Central Asia? The article argues that China has focussed on the expansion of its soft power and the consolidation of cultural ties with the Central Asian countries to expand its influence in the region and, eventually, to rise as a new centre of power in the international system. Following a conceptual discussion on the definition of soft power, the article analyses the status of soft power in China’s foreign policy and then, the representations of China’s soft power in Central Asia. Finally, the essay discusses the effects of the soft power factor on the expansion of Chinese influence in the region.
The everyday at the border: Examining visual, material and spatial intersections of international politics along the ‘Balkan Route’
Authors: Obradovic-Wochnik Jelena , Bird Gemma
Published: November 2019

This article examines the intersections between the visual, spatial and material and considers how these interactions capture the border politics of everyday ‘banal’ objects. We do this by looking at some of the objects and things that constitute the ‘Balkan Route’ through Europe: posters, signs, directions, notices, flyers and maps produced by state authorities and volunteer-led aid networks. We use objects to reflect more broadly on how seemingly banal and everyday things become incorporated into the political work of states and become constitutive of fluid borders. We argue that everyday objects become visualisations of states and authorities, and help to make and regulate physical spaces. We show how each visual object encountered along the route gives us a broader insight into the macropolitics of European border regimes, specifically the effects of ‘closed borders’ and the criminalisation of aid networks. The article pushes forward the ‘aesthetic turn’ debate in international relations by bringing in insights from political geography and materialism, and suggests that a walking methodology can be a productive way of encountering the visual and understanding how its physical location creates political effects.
Relations Between Daily Events, Coping Strategies and Health During a British Army Ski Expedition Across Antarctica
Authors: Smith Nathan , Keatley David , Sandal Gro M. , Kjaergaard Anders , Stoten Ollie , Facer-Childs Jamie , Barrett Emma C.
Published: November 2019

Expedition teams operating in Polar environments are exposed to a range of environmental, psychological, and social challenges. How a person responds to these demands has implications for their physical and psychological health. In this study, we examined relations between the daily events encountered, coping strategies used, and markers of physical and psychological health in a team of six British Army soldiers (one serving and five reservists) completing a 68-day ski-traverse of the Antarctic continent. In general, daily reports indicated a largely adaptive response to the expedition. There were fluctuations in the events encountered, coping strategies used, and experiences of physical and psychological health throughout the endeavor. Reported daily events and coping strategies explained variability in the positive and negative fluctuations of physical and psychological health. Findings from this study can inform health decision-making of groups operating in Polar environments and others living and working under similar constraints.
“I Wanna Be Sedated”: A Closer Examination of Psychosocial Factors Associated With Past-Year Tranquilizer Use Among National Sample of Sexual Minority Adults
Authors: Yockey R. Andrew , King Keith A. , Vidourek Rebecca A.
Published: November 2019

Sexual minorities are at increased risk of substance use disorders. Gaps in the research exist regarding tranquilizer use among sexual minorities. Identifying risk factors associated with tranquilizer use may assist public health professionals in developing specific interventions for this vulnerable population. The present study examined potential factors associated with past-year tranquilizer use among a national sample of sexual minorities. A secondary data analysis of the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was conducted. Results revealed that one in five (21.9%) sexual minorities used a tranquilizer within the past year. Associated risk factors included being female, 18 years of age or older, past-year use of illicit drugs, and having lost interest or pleasure in once pleasurable activities. Findings from the present study can assist prevention professionals in further developing and implementing initiatives to mitigate tranquilizer use among sexual minorities.
Experimental study of the width effects on self-induced buoyant blow off in upward flame spread over thin fabric fuels
Authors: Zhu Guoqing , Gao Yunji , Chai Guoqiang , Zhou Jinju , Gao Shuai
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a series of upward flame spreading experiments were conducted on thin flax fabric with various widths ranging from 3.0 to 8.0 cm and length of 1.6 m. Symmetric ignition at the entire bottom edge of samples led to two-sided upward flame growth initially. A very interesting behavior of flame blown off was observed in upward flame spreading and an explanation was provided based on the increased buoyancy-induced velocity at the flame base. When the sample width is 6 cm or less, the flame length increases to a critical value and, correspondingly, the buoyancy-induced velocity reaches the blow off velocity, which results in a flame being blown off on one side. The remaining flame on the other side would shrink in length and propagate to the end of the sample with an asymptotically constant length and steady spread rate. For samples wider than 6 cm, the two-sided flame continues to spread to the end of samples and the self-induced blow off phenomenon is not observed. Moreover, the width effects on the flame height, flame thickness and flame spread rate are analyzed and explained in this paper. The results of this study may help advance better understanding of flame blow off behaviors over solid surfaces and have implications concerning fire control of flame spread over solid fuels.
Fathers’ Cognitive Engagement and Preschoolers’ Literacy Skills in Three Ethnic Groups in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Roopnarine Jaipaul L. , Dede Yildirim Elif
Published: November 2019

Using the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, this study assessed the associations between fathers’ cognitive engagement and preschoolers’ literacy skills in African Caribbean, Indo-Caribbean, and mixed-ethnic Caribbean families in Trinidad and Tobago. The sample consisted of 476 fathers and their preschool-aged children. Multigroup structural equation modeling indicated that paternal cognitive engagement was associated with children’s literacy skills in mixed-ethnic Caribbean and Indo-Caribbean families above and beyond maternal cognitive engagement activities. Across all groups, children’s age, number of hours in preschool, and number of children’s books in the home were associated with children’s literacy skills. Fathers’ residential status was associated with children’s literacy skills differently across ethnic groups. Findings are interpreted in terms of the importance and consistency of paternal engagement in the home environment for the acquisition of early language skills in developing countries.
Developmental changes in mindful awareness during adolescence
Authors: Warren Michael T. , Wray-Lake Laura , Shubert Jennifer
Published: November 2019

Despite abundant research on the benefits of dispositional mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions, little is known about the naturally occurring developmental course of mindful awareness. Given dramatic strides during adolescence in competencies that may support mindfulness (e.g., emotion regulation), the high school years are a suitable window to study developmental changes in mindfulness. Using an accelerated cohort design to examine the longitudinal trajectory of mindfulness from 9th grade through 12th grade, we employed data from a 5-year study of 3,453 U.S. adolescents (55% female; 40% Latinx, 38% White, 13% Black, and 7% Asian) from high schools in three geographical regions in the U.S. Adolescents annually completed self-report surveys measuring mindful awareness and several internal and external factors. Latent growth curve analyses found that, after controlling for cohort, there was no average linear change in mindful awareness from grades 9 through 12, although there was significant interindividual variability in slopes. Within-person analyses found that in grades when needs-supportive climate was higher and discrimination was lower, adolescents reported greater mindful awareness. Unexpectedly, in grades when perspective taking and prosocial behaviors were higher, mindfulness was lower. These findings inform developmental understanding of mindful awareness and the ways that it naturally occurs and is supported during adolescence.
Writing About the Silence: Identifying the Language of Ostracism
Authors: Klauke Fabian , Müller-Frommeyer Lena C. , Kauffeld Simone
Published: November 2019

Autobiographical reports of episodes of ostracism and social inclusion were analyzed in two separate samples (German N = 93; English N = 243) using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software. Recalling ostracism was associated with the use of more first-person singular pronouns, fewer first-person plural pronouns, and more complex language. These findings could reflect ostracism inducing a self-focus and putting high cognitive load on its targets. This study provides a first step to establish linguistic analysis as a tool for the research of social exclusion.
A Nomenclature Coding System for Facial and Dental Midline
Authors: Ram R S V M Raghu , Inuganti Ranganayakulu , Arunachalam Sivakumar
Published: November 2019

Facial and dental midlines are an essential diagnostic feature in orthodontic treatment planning. Interpreting the deviation helps us to establish a proper treatment plan. This article describes an easy way to record and interpret a new nomenclature coding system for facial and dental midlines.
Clinical outcomes associated with sedation and analgesia in patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Skelton Paige A , Lillyblad Matthew P , Eckman Peter M , Samara Michael A , Williams David M , Wilson Kelly J , Stanberry Larissa I , Hryniewicz Katarzyna M
Published: November 2019

Sedatives and analgesics are frequently used in critically ill adult patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit, but optimal agent selection and dosing in patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation remain poorly defined. This retrospective study evaluated whether sedative and analgesic agent selection and dosing had any impact on clinical outcomes after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation. The primary endpoint of our study was the incidence of delirium within 48 h after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation in patients who received an empiric ⩾50% sedation reduction of benzodiazepines (N = 22, group 2) compared to those who did not (N = 10, group 1) and those who required no sedatives within 24 h prior to venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation (N = 21, group 3). Secondary endpoints included time to extubation after decannulation, need for tracheostomy after decannulation, intensive care unit length of stay after decannulation, total hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Delirium within 48 h after decannulation was observed in 47% of all patients and did not differ between the three groups (50% vs 50% vs 43%, p  =  0.9). No differences were observed in the secondary endpoints; though there was a trend toward shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit length of stay in patients who received an empiric ⩾50% sedation reduction. Our study suggests that we may need more than a 50% reduction in sedation but prospective studies with a larger sample size are warranted to evaluate how sedative/analgesic selection and dosing affect important clinical outcomes.
Improvements in Muller’s Muscle Resection Through the Use of Tenotomy Scissors and Dissolvable Suture
Authors: Paap Michael K. , Silkiss Rona Z.
Published: November 2019

Muller’s muscle resection is a straightforward and effective surgical treatment for acquired blepharoptosis. The authors describe a novel modification of this procedure that reduces risk of corneal complications using dissolvable suture and tenotomy scissors in place of scalpel excision. In all, 122 consecutive adult patients with mild to moderate acquired eyelid ptosis treated with this modified technique were identified through chart review. In this cohort, all patients were satisfied with the result, none required reoperation, and none sustained postoperative complications. This technique modification maintains procedural efficacy and efficiency while improving patient comfort and decreasing the risk of inadvertently cutting a suture and inducing a corneal abrasion or incision dehiscence.
Organizational Membership Negotiation of Boundary Spanners: Becoming a Competent Jack of All Trades and Master of . . . Interactional Expertise
Authors: Woo DaJung , Myers Karen K.
Published: November 2019

Organizations hire in-house communication professionals to maximize efficiency in managing information and stakeholder relationships across various internal and external boundaries. The boundary-spanning aspect of in-house communication professionals’ job has the potential to shape their membership negotiation (MN, that is, ongoing communication processes through which individuals develop meanings of their organizational participation) in important ways that differ from the experiences of those who become integrated into a workgroup or domain with a well-defined boundary. Drawing on 30 in-depth interviews with communication professionals employed at public sector organizations, this study explores key characteristics and challenges of their boundary-spanning roles and how they negotiated meanings of their membership as they navigated the challenges. Based on the findings, the authors propose a novel conceptual model of boundary spanners’ MN, future research directions, and pragmatic implications for employers of boundary-spanning members.
Numerical algorithm for predicting wheel flange wear in trams – Validation in a curved track
Authors: Łuczak Bartosz , Firlik Bartosz , Staśkiewicz Tomasz , Sumelka Wojciech
Published: November 2019

In tram operations, flange wear is predominant due to the low-radius curves and inappropriate technical conditions of the infrastructure; hence, investigations should be focused on the interaction between the wheel flange and the rail gauge corner. Moreover, the calculation methods based on the Hertzian model (elliptic contact patch) provide less accurate results due to the contact occurrence in the wheel flange region. This paper presents a methodology of a finite element method to predict the tram wheel wear in complex motions. The new procedure is based on the Abaqus software and several other sub-procedures written in Python and Fortran. Multibody simulations were used to determine the wheel–rail alignment. In this method, accuracy was chosen at the expense of the computational effort. The main steps are: preparation of models and ride scenarios, multibody simulation for calculating the wheel–rail alignment for different track scenarios and multiple runs of finite element method analysis to determine the wear magnitude. The proposed methodology presents a good agreement with the measurements and can be considered as guidelines for a proper configuration of the flange-designing experimental setup where the influence of the technical conditions of the infrastructure should be introduced adequately.