bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An adapted vector autoregressive expectation maximization imputation algorithm for climate data networks
Authors: Washington Benjamin J. , Seymour Lynne
Published: December 2019

Missingness in historical climate data networks is a pervasive phenomenon due to the conditions under which these measurements are made. Accurate estimation of these data is a critical issue as projections of future climate depend on a reliable historical climate record. After all, how can the impact of climate change be reliably forecasted when a large proportion of historical climate records are permeated with missing data? We propose an iterative multivariate infilling algorithm and explore its effectiveness on three United States temperature networks of varying densities (number of stations per unit area). Although other multivariate data are not explored here, the application of this infilling procedure is not restricted to climate networks exclusively. We also explore its utility as a function of the type of missing data (i.e., whether or not there is a mechanism or pattern behind the missing observations themselves) and the proportion of missing data within the network. As one may expect, we observe a slightly smaller root mean square error (RMSE) for temperature networks with more stations and less missingness. Somewhat surprisingly, the RMSE tends to be lower for data which is missing at random (there is some mechanism behind the missing data) rather than for data that is missing completely at random (no mechanism behind the missing data). Not surprisingly, the RMSE is largest for data which is missing not at random (missing data are directly related to the values of the observations themselves). Perhaps the most surprising result observed in these networks is that the inclusion of lagged temperature data does not necessarily improve the accuracy of data imputation. The typical RMSE for monthly minimum temperature networks varies from around 1.5 to 2.5°C.

This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Massive Data

Data: Types and Structure > Image and Spatial Data

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational Climate Change and Numerical Weather Forecasting
Single‐cell analysis of CD8 T lymphocyte diversity during adaptive immunity
Authors: Arsenio Janilyn
Published: December 2019

An effective adaptive immune response to microbial infection relies on the generation of heterogeneous T lymphocyte fates and functions. CD8 T lymphocytes play a pivotal role in mediating immediate and long‐term protective immune responses to intracellular pathogen infection. Systems‐based analysis of the immune response to infection has begun to identify cell fate determinants and the molecular mechanisms underpinning CD8 T lymphocyte diversity at single‐cell resolution. Resolving CD8 T lymphocyte heterogeneity during adaptive immunity highlights the advantages of single‐cell technologies and computational approaches to better understand the ontogeny of CD8 T cellular diversity following infection. Future directions of integrating single‐cell multiplex approaches capitalize on the importance of systems biology in the understanding of immune CD8 T cell differentiation and functional diversity.

This article is categorized under:

Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Fates
Visualization and Functional Analysis of Spindle Actin and Chromosome Segregation in Mammalian Oocytes
Authors: Mogessie Binyam
Published: December 2019

Chromosome segregation is conserved throughout eukaryotes. In most systems, it is solely driven by a spindle machinery that is assembled from microtubules. We have recently discovered that actin filaments that are embedded inside meiotic spindles (spindle actin) are needed for accurate chromosome segregation in mammalian oocytes. To understand the function of spindle actin in oocyte meiosis, we have developed high-resolution and super-resolution live and immunofluorescence microscopy assays that are described in this chapter.
Detecting dark matter with Aharonov-Bohm
Authors: Terning John , Verhaaren Christopher B.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

While the evidence for dark matter continues to grow, the nature of dark matter remains a mystery. A dark U(1)
D
gauge theory can have a small kinetic mixing with the visible photon which provides a portal to the dark sector. Magnetic monopoles of the dark U(1)
D
can obtain small magnetic couplings to our photon through this kinetic mixing. This coupling is only manifest below the mass of the dark photon; at these scales the monopoles are bound together by tubes of dark magnetic flux. These flux tubes can produce phase shifts in Aharonov-Bohm type experiments. We outline how this scenario might be realized, examine the existing constraints, and quantify the experimental sensitivity required to detect magnetic dipole dark matter in this novel way.
Aspects of massive ABJM models with inhomogeneous mass parameters
Authors: Kim Kyung Kiu , Kim Yoonbai , Kwon O-Kab , Kim Chanju
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Recently,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 3 mass-deformed ABJM model with arbitrary mass-function depending on a spatial coordinate was constructed. In addition to the

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 3 case, we construct lower supersymmetric

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 and

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 inhomogeneously mass-deformed ABJM (ImABJM) models, which require three and two arbitrary mass-functions, respectively. We also construct general vacuum solutions of the

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 3 ImABJM model for any periodic mass-function. There are two classes of vacua, which are diagonal type and GRVV type according to reference value of mass-functions. We provide explicit examples of the vacuum solutions and discuss related operators.
Anthropometric correlation with hamstring graft size in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction among males
Authors: Moghamis Isam , Abuodeh Yousef , Darwiche Ali , Ibrahim Talal , Al Ateeq Al Dosari Mohammad , Ahmed Ghalib
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Pre-operative knowledge of hamstring graft size for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL) is of clinical importance and useful in making appropriate decisions about graft choice. This study investigated if there is any correlation between anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, body mass index, thigh length, and circumference with the size of hamstring tendon graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Methods

The anthropometric data of 50 consecutive adult males, who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using quadruple hamstring autograft, were collected prospectively. Data analysis using Pearson’s correlation test was performed and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate any correlation not detected by Pearson’s test and to eliminate confounders.

Results

Patient’s height and thigh length demonstrated a positive correlation with gracilis graft length (r = .464, P = .001, r = .456, P = .001, respectively) and semitendinosus graft length (r = .541, P = 000, r = .578, P = .000, respectively). While the patient’s age was the only independent factor which had a positive correlation with the quadrupled hamstring graft diameter (r = .412, P = .004), multiple regression analysis showed abdominal girth had a significant negative correlation with gracilis (P = .04) and semitendinosus (P = .006) graft thickness.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that some anthropometric measurements had a positive correlation with the hamstring graft length and diameter in male patients. Hence, these results provide preliminary support for the use of some anthropometric measurements in the preoperative planning and prediction of the hamstring graft length and diameter in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Multi-domain Features of the Non-phase-locked Component of Interest Extracted from ERP Data by Tensor Decomposition
Authors: Zhang Guanghui , Zhang Chi , Cao Shuo , Xia Xue , Tan Xin , Si Lichengxi , Wang Chenxin , Wang Xiaochun , Zhou Chenglin , Ristaniemi Tapani , Cong Fengyu
Published: December 2019

The waveform in the time domain, spectrum in the frequency domain, and topography in the space domain of component(s) of interest are the fundamental indices in neuroscience research. Despite the application of time–frequency analysis (TFA) to extract the temporal and spectral characteristics of non-phase-locked component (NPLC) of interest simultaneously, the statistical results are not always expectedly satisfying, in that the spatial information is not considered. Complex Morlet wavelet transform is widely applied to TFA of event-related-potential (ERP) data, and mother wavelet (which should be firstly defined by center frequency and bandwidth (CFBW) before using the method to TFA of ERP data) influences the time–frequency results. In this study, an optimal set of CFBW was firstly selected from the number sets of CFBW, to further analyze for TFA of the ERP data in a cognitive experiment paradigm of emotion (Anger and Neutral) and task (Go and Nogo). Then tensor decomposition algorithm was introduced to investigate the NPLC of interest from the fourth-order tensor. Compared with the TFA results which only revealed a significant difference between Go and Nogo task condition, the tensor-based analysis showed significant interaction effect between emotion and task. Moreover, significant differences were found in both emotion and task conditions through tensor decomposition. In addition, the statistical results of TFA would be affected by the selected region of interest (ROI), whereas those of the proposed method were not subject to ROI. Hence, this study demonstrated that tensor decomposition method was effective in extracting NPLC, by considering spatial information simultaneously as the potential to explore the brain mechanisms related to experimental design.
Intending Recalcitrant Social Ends
Authors: Núñez Carlos
Published: December 2019

One can intend the actions of others, even when one believes such actions are not under one’s control. Call the objects of intentions “ends”; the ends that consist (partly or wholly) of other people’s actions “social”; and the ends that consist of things one believes one cannot control “recalcitrant”. The thesis, then, is that one can intend recalcitrant social ends. I present a positive argument in favor of this idea, and then argue against some purported conditions on the possible content of intentions that would rule out the possibility of intending such ends. The positive argument is the following: intentions are realized by a certain cluster of dispositions. One can come to be so disposed towards recalcitrant social ends. So one can come to be disposed toward such ends in the manner that realizes an intention. So one can intend recalcitrant social ends. The conditions against which I argue are known in the literature as the Own Action Condition, the Control Condition, and the Settle Condition. I present cases where, intuitively, agents genuinely intend ends that would be ruled out by these conditions.
Biosecurity policy and legislation for the global seaweed aquaculture industry
Authors: Campbell Iona , Kambey Cicilia S. B. , Mateo Jonalyn P. , Rusekwa Sadock B. , Hurtado Anicia Q. , Msuya Flower E. , Stentiford Grant D. , Cottier-Cook Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2019

Each year a significant proportion of global food production is lost to pests and diseases, with concerted efforts by government and industry focussed on application of effective biosecurity policies which attempt to minimise their emergence and spread. In aquaculture the volume of seaweeds produced is second only to farmed fish and red algal carrageenophytes currently represent approximately 42% of global production of all seaweeds. Despite this importance, expansion of the seaweed sector is increasingly limited by the high prevalence of recalcitrant diseases and epiphytic pests with potential to emerge and with the demonstrated propensity to spread, particularly in the absence of effective national and international biosecurity policies. Developing biosecurity policy and legislation to manage biosecurity risk in seaweed aquaculture is urgently required to limit these impacts. To understand current international biosecurity frameworks and their efficacy, existing legislative frameworks were analysed quantitatively for the content of biosecurity measures, applicability to the seaweed industry, and inclusion of risks posed by diseases, pests and non-native species. Deficiencies in existing frameworks included the following: inconsistent terminology for inclusion of cultivated seaweeds, unclear designation of implementation responsibility, insufficient evidence-based information and limited alignment of biosecurity hazards and risks. Given the global importance of the cultivation of various seaweeds in alleviating poverty in low and middle income countries, it is crucial that the relatively low-unit value of the industry (i.e. as compared with other aquatic animal sectors) should not conflate with a perceived low risk of disease or pest transfer, nor the subsequent economic and environmental impact that disease transfer may impact on receiving nations (well beyond their seaweed operations). Developing a clear basis for development of robust international biosecurity policies related to the trade in seaweeds arising from the global aquaculture industry, by first addressing the gaps highlighted in this study, will be crucial in limiting impacts of pests and diseases on this valuable industry and on natural capital in locations where seaweeds are farmed.
Memristive-synapse spiking neural networks based on single-electron transistors
Authors: Long Keliu , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: December 2019

In recent decades, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies and bionic engineering, the spiking neural network (SNN), inspired by biological neural systems, has become one of the most promising research topics, enjoying numerous applications in various fields. Due to its complex structure, the simplification of SNN circuits requires serious consideration, along with their power consumption and space occupation. In this regard, the use of SSN circuits based on single-electron transistors (SETs) and modified memristor synapses is proposed herein. A prominent feature of SETs is Coulomb oscillation, which has characteristics similar to the pulses produced by spiking neurons. Here, a novel window function is used in the memristor model to improve the linearity of the memristor and solve the boundary and terminal lock problems. In addition, we modify the memristor synapse to achieve better weight control. Finally, to test the SNN constructed with SETs and memristor synapses, an associative memory learning process, including memory construction, loss, reconstruction, and change, is implemented in the circuit using the PSPICE simulator.
Phytochemical Shift from Condensed Tannins to Flavonoids in Transgenic Betula pendula Decreases Consumption and Growth but Improves Growth Efficiency of Epirrita autumnata Larvae
Authors: Thitz Paula , Mehtätalo Lauri , Välimäki Panu , Randriamanana Tendry , Lännenpää Mika , Hagerman Ann E. , Andersson Tommi , Julkunen-Tiitto Riitta , Nyman Tommi
Published: December 2019

Despite active research, antiherbivore activity of specific plant phenolics remains largely unresolved. We constructed silver birch (Betula pendula) lines with modified phenolic metabolism to study the effects of foliar flavonoids and condensed tannins on consumption and growth of larvae of a generalist herbivore, the autumnal moth (Epirrita autumnata). We conducted a feeding experiment using birch lines in which expression of dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) or anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) had been decreased by RNA interference. Modification-specific effects on plant phenolics, nutrients and phenotype, and on larval consumption and growth were analyzed using uni- and multivariate methods. Inhibiting DFR expression increased the concentration of flavonoids at the expense of condensed tannins, and silencing DFR and ANR decreased leaf and plant size. E. autumnata larvae consumed on average 82% less of DFRi plants than of unmodified controls, suggesting that flavonoids or glandular trichomes deter larval feeding. However, larval growth efficiency was highest on low-tannin DFRi plants, indicating that condensed tannins (or their monomers) are physiologically more harmful than non-tannin flavonoids for E. autumnata larvae. Our results show that genetic manipulation of the flavonoid pathway in plants can effectively be used to produce altered phenolic profiles required for elucidating the roles of low-molecular weight phenolics and condensed tannins in plant–herbivore relationships, and suggest that phenolic secondary metabolites participate in regulation of plant growth.
School Segregation Across the World: Has Any Progress Been Made in Reducing the Separation of the Rich from the Poor?
Authors: Gutiérrez Gabriel , Jerrim John , Torres Rodrigo
Published: December 2019

The segregation of secondary school students into different schools has important implications for educational inequality, social cohesion and intergenerational mobility. Previous research has demonstrated how between-school segregation varies significantly across countries, with high levels of segregation occurring in central European nations that ‘track’ children into different schools and much lower levels in Scandinavia. This paper contributes to this literature by examining whether industrialised countries have made any progress in reducing levels of between-school segregation over time. Using six waves of data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), this work shows how the segregation of rich and poor students has remained broadly unchanged across OECD countries. This is despite major economic and political events occurring during this period, along with the introduction of numerous policy initiatives designed to reduce socioeconomic gaps. Therefore, the conclusions indicate that structural factors are likely to be the main drivers of between-school segregation (e.g. neighbourhood segregation or long-standing school admission policies) and that education policymakers may need to be much more radical if they are to foster greater levels of integration between the rich and the poor.
Plasticity of barley in response to plant neighbors in cultivar mixtures
Authors: Dahlin Iris , Kiær Lars P. , Bergkvist Göran , Weih Martin , Ninkovic Velemir
Published: December 2019

Aims

Cultivar mixtures can increase productivity through complementarity in resource use, but reported results are often conflicting and the role of plasticity in shaping plant-plant interactions is poorly understood. We aim to determine if individual cultivars show different phenotypic responses when grown in a mixture, whether these responses depend on the neighboring cultivar identity, and how they contribute to variations in productivity and nitrogen (N) use.

Methods

Five spring barley cultivars were field-grown in pure stands and in mixtures during 2 years. Plant traits related to development, growth, N use, and reproduction were measured to identify temporal patterns of plastic responses to neighboring plants.

Results

Plants in mixtures were shorter and developed slower early in the season, but later on they grew faster and produced more grain than the corresponding pure stands. Some cultivars showed complementary N accumulation only when grown together with specific neighbors. Mechanisms of improved productivity differed between the individual mixtures.

Conclusions

Plastic plant-plant interaction between cultivars is an important driver behind the variability in mixing effects. Results contribute to a better understanding of how productivity in cultivar mixtures is affected by plastic adaptation and differentiation of plant traits, depending on the environment created by neighboring genotypes.
The Efficacy of Inquiry-Based Instruction in Science: a Comparative Analysis of Six Countries Using PISA 2015
Authors: Oliver Mary , McConney Andrew , Woods-McConney Amanda
Published: December 2019

This study is a comparative analysis of 15-year-old students’ scientific literacy, and its association with the instructional strategies that students experience, across six OECD countries that participated in PISA 2015. Across the six countries, the study investigates the efficacy of inquiry-based instruction in science in contrast with two other instructional approaches to teaching secondary science: adaptive and teacher-directed teaching. The analysis shows that students who reported experiencing high frequencies of inquiry strategies in their classrooms consistently evidenced lower levels of scientific literacy across the six countries. Benchmark analysis also showed, common to all six countries, a strongly positive association between the frequency of teacher-directed and adaptive teaching strategies and students’ scientific literacy. Additionally, the study disaggregates PISA’s composite variable representing inquiry-based instruction and shows that different components of inquiry are differentially associated with students’ scientific literacy. We discuss the implications of these analyses for science teacher educators, science teachers, and educational policy makers. In doing so, we add nuance to our understanding of the efficacy of inquiry-based instruction in science, suggesting that some components, as conceptualised and assessed in PISA, seem to suggest greater attention and use, and others more moderated use.
Mechanical properties and stress–dilatancy relationships of unsaturated soil under various cyclic loading conditions
Authors: Tun Tun Win , Sato Tomotaka , Saito Hirotaka , Kohgo Yuji
Published: December 2019

Most studies investigating the effect of cyclic loading on soil properties have been conducted for saturated soils. Embankments such as fill dams, roads and railways are usually constructed by unsaturated geo-materials and retained under unsaturated conditions during their in-service periods. Then when the stabilities of the embankments against dynamic motions such as earthquakes and traffic loads are evaluated, it is necessary to account for the cyclic properties of unsaturated soils. However, there are few studies investigating mechanical properties of unsaturated soils under cyclic loadings. There are two objectives in this paper. One objective is to investigate cyclic properties of an unsaturated silt under various cyclic loading conditions, while the other is to investigate the stress–dilatancy relationships; the relation of plastic strain increment ratio,  − dεvp/dγp, versus stress ratio, q/p′; and to derive the plastic potential function of the unsaturated silt. Cyclic triaxial compression tests under various loading conditions were performed using the unsaturated silt. The material used is an artificial silty soil named DL clay. It was found from the series of the tests that the stiffness of the soil increased with an increase in suction and the number of cyclic loadings. The total volume reductions in the specimens decreased with an increase in suction. When the numbers of cyclic loadings and suction increased, the dilation also increased. Each unique stress–dilatancy relationship could be found in both loading and unloading processes. The relationships were similar to those of saturated soils under cyclic loadings. A unique plastic potential function could also be derived from the stress–dilatancy relationships.
Enlarging blood cyst with atrial septal defect causing tricuspid obstruction
Authors: Chang Yu-Lien , Liao Kuo-Sheng , Tseng Hsiu-Hsueh , Liu Yin-Tso
Published: December 2019

Blood cysts are benign tumors in nature and seldom need surgical removal. Herein, we report an 86-year-old patient with a blood cyst originating from the fossa ovalis accompanied by an atrial septal defect. The patient used the bizarre sleeping postures, including prostrating and worshiping, to relieve chest tightness. The septal base defect kept the tumor progressively enlarged with time, which contributed to a “ball-valve “effect and caused tricuspid flow obstruction. It was resolved after excision. This case report emphasizes that long-term follow-up and increased awareness are required for unpredictable intracardiac blood cyst development.
Influence of formation heterogeneity on foam flooding performance using 2D and 3D models: an experimental study
Authors: Hu Ling-Zhi , Sun Lin , Zhao Jin-Zhou , Wei Peng , Pu Wan-Fen
Published: December 2019

The formation heterogeneity is considered as one of the major factors limiting the application of foam flooding. In this paper, influences of formation properties, such as permeability, permeability distribution, interlayer, sedimentary rhythm and 3D heterogeneity, on the mobility control capability and oil displacement efficiency of foam flooding, were systematically investigated using 2D homogeneous and 2D/3D heterogeneous models under 120 °C and salinity of 20 × 104 mg/L. The flow resistance of foam was promoted as the permeability increased, which thus resulted in a considerable oil recovery behavior. In the scenario of the vertical heterogeneous formations, it was observed that the permeability of the high-permeable layer was crucial to foam mobility control, and the positive rhythm appeared favorable to improve the foam flooding performance. The additional oil recovery increased to about 40%. The interlayer was favorable for the increases in mobility reduction factor and oil recovery of foam flooding when the low permeability ratio was involved. For the 3D heterogeneous formations, foam could efficiently adjust the areal and vertical heterogeneity through mobility control and gravity segregation, and thus enhancing the oil recovery to 11%–14%. The results derived from this work may provide some insight for the field test designs of foam flooding.
Development of low-cost remote sensing tools and methods for supporting smallholder agriculture
Authors: Cucho-Padin Gonzalo , Loayza Hildo , Palacios Susan , Balcazar Mario , Carbajal Mariella , Quiroz Roberto
Published: December 2019

Agricultural UAV-based remote sensing tools to facilitate decision-making for increasing productivity in developing countries were developed and tested. Specifically, a high-quality multispectral sensor and sophisticated-yet-user-friendly data processing techniques (software) under an open-access policy were implemented. The multispectral sensor—IMAGRI-CIP—is a low-cost adaptable multi-sensor array that allows acquiring high-quality and low-SNR images from a UAV platform used to estimate vegetation indexes such as NDVI. Also, a set of software tools that included wavelet-based image alignment, image stitching, and crop classification have been implemented and made available to the remote sensing community. A validation field experiment carried out at the International Potato Center facilities (Lima, Peru) to test the developed tools is reported. A thorough comparison study with a wide-used commercial agricultural camera showed that IMAGRI-CIP provides highly correlated NDVI values (R2≥ 0.8). Additionally, an application field experiment was conducted in Kilosa, Tanzania, to test the tools in smallholder farm settings, featuring high-heterogeneous crop plots. Results showed high accuracy (> 82%) to identify 13 different crops either as mono-crop or as mixed-crops.
Country centrality in the international multiplex network
Authors: Bonaccorsi Giovanni , Riccaboni Massimo , Fagiolo Giorgio , Santoni Gianluca
Published: December 2019

In this work we introduce and analyze a new and comprehensive multilayer dataset covering a wide spectrum of international relationships between coutries. We select two cross sections of the dataset corresponding to years 2003 and 2010 with 19 layers and 112 nodes to study the structure and evolution of the network. Country centrality is measured by the multiplex PageRank (MultiRank) and the multiplex hub and authority scores (MultiHub and MultiAuth). We find that the MultiHub measure has the highest correlation to GDP per capita, with respect to the other multilayer measures and to their single layer analogues. Finally we analyze the differences in the ranking between GDP per capita and the multilayer centrality measures to evaluate them as measures of development.
A Consumer Health App Works Well. . . But, Diffusion Is Not So Easy
Authors: Evans Susan H. , Clarke Peter , Glovinsky Joanna
Published: December 2019

The number of mobile health apps is exploding, though few of these tools have been evaluated for effectiveness. Furthermore, even apps certified for their impact may not diffuse widely. App outreach efforts may lack “human touches,” when encouraging potential users to adopt. We (SHE and PC) built a nutrition app for low-income clients of community food pantries and confirmed its effectiveness in a randomized field trial. We then collaborated with a variety of community organizations in six diffusion efforts, inviting our sites to design interventions that incorporated human touches that they could sustain beyond our collaborations. We independently monitored the experiments’ impact. Collaborators’ diffusion efforts that deployed several human touches were judged more successful than trials that executed few. But, only half of our collaborating organizations embraced the most essential human touches, practices we judged were part of a User-Friendly Approach. A fundamental irony can stymie projects that create information technologies to help empower people, such as eating more healthily. The modern technology’s ultimate success may rest on ancient skills of nurturing users at the moment of downloading. In a high-tech world, it is the human touch that will make the difference between widespread adoption or not.
Primary care perspectives on implementation of clinical trial recruitment
Authors: Taft Teresa , Weir Charlene , Kramer Heidi , Facelli Julio C.
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Poor clinical trial (CT) recruitment is a significant barrier to translating basic science discoveries into medical practice. Improving support for primary care provider (PCP) referral of patients to CTs may be an important part of the solution. However, implementing CT referral support in primary care is not only technically challenging, but also presents challenges at the person and organization levels.

Methods:

The objectives of this study were (1) to characterize provider and clinical supervisor attitudes and perceptions regarding CT research, recruitment, and referrals in primary care and (2) to identify perceived workflow strategies and facilitators relevant to designing a technology-supported primary care CT referral program. Focus groups were conducted with PCPs, directors, and supervisors.

Results:

Analysis indicated widespread support for the intrinsic scientific value of CTs, while at the same time deep concerns regarding protecting patient well-being, perceived loss of control when patients participate in trials, concern about the impact of point-of-care referrals on clinic workflow, the need for standard processes, and the need for CT information that enables referring providers to quickly confirm that the burdens are justified by the benefits at both patient and provider levels. PCP suggestions pertinent to implementing a CT referral decision support system are reported.

Conclusion:

The results from this work contribute to developing an implementation approach to support increased referral of patients to CTs.
Questions of Silence: On the Emancipatory Limits of Voice and the Coloniality of Silence
Authors: Ferrari Martina
Published: December 2019

This article begins at a (historical) crossroads; it straddles the difficult ground between the recent public outcry against sexual violence (a protest that, as championed by the #MeToo movement, seeks to break the “culture of silence” surrounding sexual violence) and concerns about the coloniality of voice made visible by the recent decolonial turn within feminist theory (Ruiz 2006; Lugones 2007; Lugones 2010; Veronelli 2016). Wary of concepts such as “visibility” or “transparency”—principles that continue to inform the call to “break the silence” by “speaking up” central to Western liberatory movements—in this article, I return to silence, laying the groundwork for the exploration of what a revised concept of silence could mean for the development of practices of cross-cultural communication that do not play into coloniality.
An SIR epidemic on a weighted network
Authors: Spricer Kristoffer , Britton Tom
Published: December 2019

We introduce a weighted configuration model graph, whereedge weightscorrespond to the probability of infection in an epidemic on the graph. On these graphs, we study the development of a Susceptible–Infectious–Recovered epidemic using both Reed–Frost and Markovian settings. For the special case of having two different edge types, we determine thebasic reproduction numberR0, theprobability of a major outbreak, and therelative final size of a major outbreak. Results are compared with those for a calibrated unweighted graph. The degree distributions are based on both theoretical constructs and empirical network data. In addition, bivariate standard normal copulas are used to model the dependence between the degrees of the two edge types, allowing for modeling the correlation between edge types over a wide range. Among the results are that the weighted graph produces much richer results than the unweighted graph. Also, whileR0always increases with increasing correlation between the two degrees, this is not necessarily true for the probability of a major outbreak nor for the relative final size of a major outbreak. When using copulas we see that these can produce results that are similar to those of the empirical degree distributions, indicating that in some cases a copula is a viable alternative to using the full empirical data.
Symmetry in cancer networks identified: Proposal for multicancer biomarkers
Authors: Shinde Pramod , Marrec Loïc , Rai Aparna , Yadav Alok , Kumar Rajesh , Ivanchenko Mikhail , Zaikin Alexey , Jalan Sarika
Published: December 2019

One of the most challenging problems in biomedicine and genomics is the identification of disease biomarkers. In this study, proteomics data from seven major cancers were used to construct two weighted protein–protein interaction networks, i.e., one for the normal and another for the cancer conditions. We developed rigorous, yet mathematically simple, methodology based on the degeneracy at –1 eigenvalues to identify structural symmetry or motif structures in network. Utilizing eigenvectors corresponding to degenerate eigenvalues in the weighted adjacency matrix, we identified structural symmetry in underlying weighted protein–protein interaction networks constructed using seven cancer data. Functional assessment of proteins forming these structural symmetry exhibited the property of cancer hallmarks. Survival analysis refined further this protein list proposing BMI, MAPK11, DDIT4, CDKN2A, and FYN as putative multicancer biomarkers. The combined framework of networks and spectral graph theory developed here can be applied to identify symmetrical patterns in other disease networks to predict proteins as potential disease biomarkers.
Crustal subsidence inferred from reconstruction of the Pleistocene–Holocene palaeogeography in the northern Lake Inba area, central Japan
Authors: Chiba Takashi , Sugihara Shigeo , Matsushima Yoshiaki , Arai Yusuke , Endo Kunihiko
Published: December 2019

To help characterise the palaeogeographic and lacustrine environmental changes that resulted from the Holocene transgression and residual subsidence in the eastern Kanto Plain of central Japan, we analysed four drill cores and reviewed other core data from the southern part of the Lake Inba area. Fossil diatom assemblages yielded evidence of centennial-scale palaeogeographic and salinity responses to sea-level changes since the late Pleistocene. We determined that the seawater incursion into the Lake Inba area during the Holocene transgression occurred at approximately 9000 yr. We also recognised a late Holocene regression event corresponding to the Yayoi regression, considered to have occurred from ca. 3000 to ca. 2000 yr, and a subsequent transgression. Our data clarify some of the palaeogeographic changes that occurred in the Lake Inba area and document an overall trend toward lower salinity in the lake during the regression. In particular, the environment in Lake Inba changed from brackish to freshwater no later than 1000 yr. From the detailed palaeogeographic and palaeo-sea-level reconstruction, we recognised that residual subsidence occurred during the Holocene in this area. Thus, comparison of sea-level reconstructions based on modelling and fossil diatom assemblages is effective in interpreting Holocene long-term subsidence.
Who Benefited from Industrialization? The Local Effects of Hydropower Technology Adoption in Norway
Authors: Leknes Stefan , Modalsli Jørgen
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the impact of the construction of hydropower facilities on labor market outcomes in Norway at the turn of the twentieth century (1891–1920). The sudden breakthrough in hydropower technology provides a quasi-experimental setting, as not all municipalities had suitable natural endowments and the possible production sites were often located in remote areas. We find that hydropower municipalities experienced faster structural transformation and displayed higher occupational mobility. We interpret this as evidence that this early twentieth-century technology was skill biased, as workers in the new skilled jobs were recruited from a broad segment of the population.
Use of the terminal complement inhibitor eculizumab in paediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Law Yuk M. , Nandi Deipanjan , Molina Kimberly , Gambetta Katheryn , Daly Kevin P. , Das Bibhuti
Published: December 2019

Antibody-mediated rejection is a major clinical challenge that limits graft survival. Various modalities of treatment have been reported in small studies in paediatric heart recipients. A novel approach is to use complement-inhibiting agents, such as eculizumab, which inhibits cleavage of C5 to C5a thereby limiting the formation of membrane attack complex and terminal complement-mediated injury of tissue-bound antibodies. This medical modality of treatment has theoretical advantages but the collective experience in its use in the solid organ transplant community remains small. We add to this experience by combining 14 cases from 6 paediatric heart centres in this descriptive study.
REGRESSIVE WELFARE EFFECTS OF HOUSING BUBBLES
Authors: Graczyk Andrew , Phan Toan
Published: December 2019

We analyze the welfare effects of asset bubbles in a model with income inequality and financial friction. We show that a bubble that emerges in the value of housing, a durable asset that is fundamentally useful for everyone, has regressive welfare effects. By raising the housing price, the bubble benefits high-income savers but negatively affects low-income borrowers. The key intuition is that, by creating a bubble in the market price, savers’ demand for the housing asset for investment purposes imposes a negative externality on borrowers, who only demand the housing asset for utility purposes. The model also implies a feedback loop: high-income inequality depresses the interest rates, facilitating the existence of housing bubbles, which in turn has regressive welfare effects.
Beyond the Policy Rhetoric: The Limitations of Gender Mainstreaming in South Korea Relating to Women and Childcare
Authors: Lee Sung-Hee
Published: December 2019

This article examines the limitations of the gender mainstreaming discourse regarding the issue of childcare by women in South Korea, an area of responsibility that was transferred from the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW) to the Ministry of Gender Equality (MGE)1 in 2003. Through employing a discursive institutionalism approach, this article articulates that whilst the gender mainstreaming discourse has been interpreted at the surface level of politics, it has been formulated differently behind the scenes due to various policy interests. I argue that the discourse has remained at the level of superficial political rhetoric with underdeveloped understanding about the relationship between childcare and gender, thus retaining a stereotypical view of women as caregivers.
Social Citizenship and Plural Values of Land: Land Acquisition Cases from India
Authors: Dey Biswas Sattwick
Published: December 2019

In the globalised economy, the value chains of production have crossed national boundaries. As a result, the demand has intensified for land acquisition in order to set up production facilities and infrastructure. This industrialisation proceeded rapidly, and, therefore, a vast area of land had to be acquired, both in the Global South and in the North. This development has led to many conflicts. These conflicts are the result of the inability to understand the plural values of land in the realisation of property rights in social citizenship. This article has considered two land expropriation case study areas in India, Salbani and Singur in West Bengal, as a source of empirical data. The empirical evidence suggests that the straitjacket of monorational property rights discourse, which heavily relies on the absolute ownership and control (via exclusion of others) ignores the different ways in which plural land values shape ideas of social citizenship. There is a need to rediscover the ‘social’ in citizenship to ensure the subordination of market price to the ideals of social justice.
HEURISTICS FOR -CLASS TOWERS OF REAL QUADRATIC FIELDS
Authors: Boston Nigel , Bush Michael R. , Hajir Farshid
Published: December 2019

Let $p$ be an odd prime. For a number field $K$, we let $K_{\infty }$ be the maximal unramified pro-$p$ extension of $K$; we call the group $\text{Gal}(K_{\infty }/K)$ the $p$-class tower group of $K$. In a previous work, as a non-abelian generalization of the work of Cohen and Lenstra on ideal class groups, we studied how likely it is that a given finite $p$-group occurs as the $p$-class tower group of an imaginary quadratic field. Here we do the same for an arbitrary real quadratic field $K$ as base. As before, the action of $\text{Gal}(K/\mathbb{Q})$ on the $p$-class tower group of $K$ plays a crucial role; however, the presence of units of infinite order in the ground field significantly complicates the possibilities for the groups that can occur. We also sharpen our results in the imaginary quadratic field case by removing a certain hypothesis, using ideas of Boston and Wood. In the appendix, we show how the probabilities introduced for finite $p$-groups can be extended in a consistent way to the infinite pro-$p$ groups which can arise in both the real and imaginary quadratic settings.
A Life Course Study of Genetic and Environmental Influences on Work Incapacity
Authors: Seglem Karoline B. , Torvik Fartein A. , Røysamb Espen , Gjerde Line C. , Magnus Per , Reichborn-Kjennerud Ted , Svedberg Pia , Ørstavik Ragnhild
Published: December 2019

Work incapacity is a major public health challenge and an economic burden to both society and individuals. Understanding the underlying causes is becoming ever more relevant as many countries face an aging workforce. We examined stability and change in genetic and environmental factors influencing work incapacity from age 18 until retirement, and sex differences in these effects. The large population-based sample comprised information from 28,759 twins followed for up to 23 years combined with high-quality national registry data. We measured work incapacity as the total proportion of potential workdays lost due to sickness absence, rehabilitation and disability benefits. Structural equation modeling with twin data indicated moderate genetic influences on work incapacity throughout life in both men and women, with a high degree of genetic stability from young to old adulthood. Environmental influences were mainly age-specific. Our results indicate that largely the same genetic factors influence individual differences in work incapacity throughout young, middle and older adulthood, despite major differences in degree of work incapacity and probable underlying medical causes.
Relationships between soil, forage, and grazing parameter effects on weed incidence in Missouri pastures
Authors: Bunton Gatlin , Trower Zachary , Bradley Kevin W.
Published: December 2019

During the 2015, 2016, and 2017 growing seasons, a survey of 63 pastures in Missouri was conducted to determine the effects of selected soil and forage parameters on the density of common annual, biennial, and perennial weed species. Permanent sampling areas were established in each pasture at a frequency of one representative 20-m2 area per 4 ha of pasture, and weed species and density in each area were determined at 14-d intervals for a period from mid-April until late September. The parameters evaluated included soil pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) concentrations, as well as tall fescue density, forage groundcover density, and stocking rate. An increase of 1 unit in soil pH was associated with 146 fewer weeds per hectare, the largest reduction in weed density in response to any soil parameter. Increased soil pH was associated with the greatest reduction in perennial grass weed density, along with an average reduction of 1,410 brush weeds per hectare for each 1-unit increase in soil pH. Common ragweed, a widespread weed of pastures, could be reduced by 3,056 weeds ha−1 when soil pH was 1 unit greater. A 1-ppm increase in soil P was correlated with a decrease of 206 biennial broadleaf weeds per hectare. Perennial broadleaf weed density was reduced in soils with greater concentrations of P, K, and Ca. Additionally, for every 1% increase of tall fescue and forage groundcover, there was a decrease of 18 and 38 perennial broadleaf weeds per hectare. The results from this research indicate that the density of many common weed species can be reduced with higher soil pH and adjustments to soil macro- and micronutrient concentrations, especially P.
Droplet size impact on lactofen and acifluorfen efficacy for Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) control
Authors: Franca Lucas X. , Dodds Darrin M. , Butts Thomas R. , Kruger Greg R. , Reynolds Daniel B. , Mills J. Anthony , Bond Jason A. , Catchot Angus L. , Peterson Daniel G.
Published: December 2019

Herbicide applications performed with pulse width modulation (PWM) sprayers to deliver specific spray droplet sizes could maintain product efficacy, minimize potential off-target movement, and increase flexibility in field operations. Given the continuous expansion of herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth populations across the southern and midwestern United States, efficacious and cost-effective means of application are needed to maximize Palmer amaranth control. Experiments were conducted in two locations in Mississippi (2016, 2017, and 2018) and one location in Nebraska (2016 and 2017) for a total of 7 site-years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of a range of spray droplet sizes [150 (Fine) to 900 μm (Ultra Coarse)] on lactofen and acifluorfen efficacy for Palmer amaranth control. The results of this research indicated that spray droplet size did not influence lactofen efficacy on Palmer amaranth. Palmer amaranth control and percent dry-biomass reduction remained consistent with lactofen applied within the aforementioned droplet size range. Therefore, larger spray droplets should be used as part of a drift mitigation approach. In contrast, acifluorfen application with 300-μm (Medium) spray droplets provided the greatest Palmer amaranth control. Although percent biomass reduction was numerically greater with 300-μm (Medium) droplets, results did not differ with respect to spray droplet size, possibly as a result of initial plant injury, causing weight loss, followed by regrowth. Overall, 900-μm (Ultra Coarse) droplets could be used effectively without compromising lactofen efficacy on Palmer amaranth, and 300-μm (Medium) droplets should be used to achieve maximum Palmer amaranth control with acifluorfen.