bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Schematic Two Overlapping-Band Model for Superconducting Sulfur Hydrides: The Isotope Mass Exponent
Authors: Méndez-Moreno R. M.
Published: October 2019

The high value of the isotope shift in sulfur hydrides supports a phonon-mediated pairing scenario of superconductivity for these high-temperature superconductors which are consistent with the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) framework. Knowing that a large electronic density of states enhances the critical temperature (Tc), generalized Fermi surface topologies are used to increase it. A multicomponent model within the BCS framework is proposed in this work for sulfur hydride superconductors. This model is used to evaluate some properties of the H3S superconductor. Strong and intermediate coupling effects are taken into account with the effective McMillan approximation, and the isotope coefficient is evaluated as a function of the coupling parameter as well as other relevant parameters of the model.
The Significance of an Increased Beta-Hydroxybutyrate at Presentation to the Emergency Department in Patients with Diabetes in the Absence of a Hyperglycemic Emergency
Authors: Depczynski Barbara , Lee Alexandra Tze Kiu , Varndell Wayne , Chiew Angela L.
Published: October 2019

The significance of hyperketonemia in adults with diabetes presenting to the emergency department with acute illness, not due to a diabetic hyperglycemic emergency, has not been well characterized. Adult patients with diabetes presenting to the emergency department who had venous blood gas and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels measured whilst in the emergency department were retrospectively evaluated for the relationship between BHB and clinical outcomes. Over 6 months, 404 patients with diabetes had at least one beta-hydroxybutyrate level measured in the emergency department. There were 23 admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar state. Of the remainder, 58 patients had a beta-hydroxybutyrate≥1 mmol/L; this group had a higher glucose at presentation (19.0 (8.8) versus 10.4 (9.9) mmol/L), higher HbA1c (8.8 (5.4) versus 8.0 (3.3)%), lower bicarbonate (22.6 (6.2) versus 24.8 (4.7) mmol/L), and higher anion gap (14.8 (6.1) versus 12.6 (4.2)) than had those with BHB<1 mmol/L. There was no association between the presence of ketosis and the length of stay (4.2 (7.3) versus (3.0) (7.2) days). Acute illness in those with diabetes associated with ketosis in the absence of DKA is associated with worse glycaemic control than in those without ketosis. Ketosis may represent an intermediate state of metabolic dysregulation rather than being associated with a more severe acute illness, as suggested by no relationship between BHB and length of stay.
Comparative Study on Aroma Volatiles, Organic Acids, and Sugars of Ambul Banana (Musa acuminata, AAB) Treated with Induced Ripening Agents
Authors: Maduwanthi S. D. T. , Marapana R. A. U. J.
Published: October 2019

The present study was conducted to investigate effect of induced ripening agents on aroma profile, organic acids and sugars of Ambul banana (Musa acuminata, AAB). Mature green bananas that are in same maturity stage were subjected to 1000 ppm ethephon and 1000 ppm acetylene and kept at 20°C, 80–85% RH for ripening. Aroma profile was analyzed by SPME-GC-MS, while organic acids and sugars were tested by HPLC. Naturally ripened banana was found to be more aromatic than acetylene- and ethephon-treated banana having highest number of volatile compounds (27) and high level of esters (65%). Malic acid, citric acid, and oxalic acids were significantly low in treated bananas compared to naturally ripened bananas. Glucose and fructose, which are major types of sugars in ripe banana flesh, were significantly low in acetylene-treated banana, while sucrose was not detected in both ethephon- and acetylene-treated samples at fully yellow stage. Although ethephon and acetylene trigger the ripening process, they lead to poor aroma profile and lower levels of organic acids and sugars in flesh of banana.
Defect Inspection in Display Panel Using Concentrated Auto Encoder
Authors: Ku DongHun
Published: October 2019

In this paper, concentrated auto encoder (CAE) is proposed for aligning photo spacer (PS) and for local inspection of PS. The CAE method has two characteristics. First, unaligned images can be moved to the same alignment position, which makes it possible to move the measured PS images to the same position in order to directly compare the images. Second, the characteristics of the abnormal PS are maintained even if the PS is aligned by the CAE method. The abnormal PS obtained through CAE has the same alignment as the reference PS and has its abnormal characteristics. The presence or absence of defects and the location of defects were identified without precisely measuring the height of the PS and critical dimension (CD). Also, alignment and defect inspection were performed simultaneously, which shortened the inspection time. Finally, inspection performance parameters and inspection time were analyzed to confirm the validity of the CAE method and were compared with the image similarity comparison methods used for defect inspection.
The Binding Affinity of Small Molecules with Yam Tyrosinase (Catechol Oxidase): A Biophysical Study
Authors: Mulla Tabassum , Patil Sushama , Sistla Srinivas , Jadhav Jyoti
Published: October 2019

Yam tyrosinase has become an economically essential enzyme due to its ease of purification and abundant availability of yam tubers. However, an efficient biochemical and biophysical characterization of yam tyrosinase has not been reported. In the present study, the interaction of yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) tyrosinase was studied with molecules such as crocin (Crocus sativus), hydroquinone, and kojic acid. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism techniques were employed to determine the binding affinities and the changes in secondary and tertiary structures of yam tyrosinase in the presence of four relevant small molecules. Hydroquinone and crocin exhibited very low binding affinities of 0.24 M and 0.0017 M. Due to their apparent weak interactions, competition experiments were used to determine more precisely the binding affinities. Structure-function interrelationships can be correlated in great detail by this study, and the results can be compared with other available tyrosinases.
HIMF (Hypoxia-Induced Mitogenic Factor) Signaling Mediates the HMGB1 (High Mobility Group Box 1)-Dependent Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cell Crosstalk in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Lin Qing , Fan Chunling , Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Van Raemdonck Katrien , Meuchel Lucas W. , Skinner John T. , Everett Allen D. , Fang Xia , Macdonald Andrew A. , Yamaji-Kegan Kazuyo , Johns Roger A.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

HIMF (hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor; also known as FIZZ1 [found in inflammatory zone-1] or RELM [resistin-like molecule-α]) is an etiological factor of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in rodents, but its underlying mechanism is unclear. We investigated the immunomodulatory properties of HIMF signaling in PH pathogenesis.

Approach and Results:

Gene-modified mice that lacked HIMF (KO [knockout]) or overexpressed HIMF human homolog resistin (hResistin) were used for in vivo experiments. The pro-PH role of HIMF was verified in HIMF-KO mice exposed to chronic hypoxia or sugen/hypoxia. Mechanistically, HIMF/hResistin activation triggered the HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1) pathway and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in pulmonary endothelial cells (ECs) of hypoxic mouse lungs in vivo and in human pulmonary microvascular ECs in vitro. Treatment with conditioned medium from hResistin-stimulated human pulmonary microvascular ECs induced an autophagic response, BMPR2 (bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2) defects, and subsequent apoptosis-resistant proliferation in human pulmonary artery (vascular) smooth muscle cells in an HMGB1-dependent manner. These effects were confirmed in ECs and smooth muscle cells isolated from pulmonary arteries of patients with idiopathic PH. HIMF/HMGB1/RAGE-mediated autophagy and BMPR2 impairment were also observed in pulmonary artery (vascular) smooth muscle cells of hypoxic mice, effects perhaps related to FoxO1 (forkhead box O1) dampening by HIMF. Experiments in EC-specific hResistin-overexpressing transgenic mice confirmed that EC-derived HMGB1 mediated the hResistin-driven pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH.

Conclusions:

In HIMF-induced PH, HMGB1-RAGE signaling is pivotal for mediating EC-smooth muscle cell crosstalk. The humanized mouse data further support clinical implications for the HIMF/HMGB1 signaling axis and indicate that hResistin and its downstream pathway may constitute targets for the development of novel anti-PH therapeutics in humans.
Myocardin-Dependent Kv1.5 Channel Expression Prevents Phenotypic Modulation of Human Vessels in Organ Culture
Authors: Arévalo-Martínez Marycarmen , Cidad Pilar , García-Mateo Nadia , Moreno-Estar Sara , Serna Julia , Fernández Mirella , Swärd Karl , Simarro María , de la Fuente Miguel A. , López-López José R. , Pérez-García M. Teresa
Published: October 2019

Objective:

We have previously described that changes in the expression of Kv channels associate to phenotypic modulation (PM), so that Kv1.3/Kv1.5 ratio is a landmark of vascular smooth muscle cells phenotype. Moreover, we demonstrated that the Kv1.3 functional expression is relevant for PM in several types of vascular lesions. Here, we explore the efficacy of Kv1.3 inhibition for the prevention of remodeling in human vessels, and the mechanisms linking the switch in Kv1.3 /Kv1.5 ratio to PM.

Approach and Results:

Vascular remodeling was explored using organ culture and primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells obtained from human vessels. We studied the effects of Kv1.3 inhibition on serum-induced remodeling, as well as the impact of viral vector-mediated overexpression of Kv channels or myocardin knock-down. Kv1.3 blockade prevented remodeling by inhibiting proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix secretion. PM activated Kv1.3 via downregulation of Kv1.5. Hence, both Kv1.3 blockers and Kv1.5 overexpression inhibited remodeling in a nonadditive fashion. Finally, myocardin knock-down induced vessel remodeling and Kv1.5 downregulation and myocardin overexpression increased Kv1.5, while Kv1.5 overexpression inhibited PM without changing myocardin expression.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate that Kv1.5 channel gene is a myocardin-regulated, vascular smooth muscle cells contractile marker. Kv1.5 downregulation upon PM leaves Kv1.3 as the dominant Kv1 channel expressed in dedifferentiated cells. We demonstrated that the inhibition of Kv1.3 channel function with selective blockers or by preventing Kv1.5 downregulation can represent an effective, novel strategy for the prevention of intimal hyperplasia and restenosis of the human vessels used for coronary angioplasty procedures.
Electrical Stimulation of the Greater Auricular Nerve to Reduce Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Andreas Martin , Arzl Philipp , Mitterbauer Andreas , Ballarini Nicolas M. , Kainz Frieda-Maria , Kocher Alfred , Laufer Guenther , Wolzt Michael
Published: October 2019

Background:

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs in up to 40% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Invasive stimulation of the vagal nerve previously demonstrated a reduced risk of POAF. Therefore, we examined the antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammatory effects of noninvasive low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation (LLTS) of the greater auricular nerve in a pilot trial including patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods:

Patients were randomized into a sham (n=20) or a treatment group (n=20) for LLTS. After cardiac surgery, electrodes were applied in the triangular fossa of the ear. Stimulation (amplitude 1 mA, frequency 1 Hz for 40 minutes, followed by a 20 minutes break) was performed for up to 2 weeks after cardiac surgery. Heart rhythm was recorded continuously using an ECG during the observation period. CRP (C-reactive protein) and IL (interleukin)-6 plasma concentrations were measured immediately after surgery as well as on day 2 and 7 postsurgery.

Results:

Patients receiving LLTS had a significantly reduced occurrence of POAF (4 of 20) when compared with controls (11 of 20,
P
=0.022) during a similar mean Holter recording period. The median duration of POAF was comparable between the treatment and the control group (878 [249; 1660] minutes versus 489 [148; 1775] minutes;
P
=0.661). No effect of LLTS on CRP or IL-6 levels was detectable.

Conclusions:

LLTS of the greater auricular nerve may be a potential therapy for POAF. We demonstrated the feasibility to conduct a randomized trial of neurostimulation as an outlay for a multisite clinical trial.
Survival Outcomes After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Moayedi Yasbanoo , Fan Chun Po S. , Cherikh Wida S. , Stehlik Josef , Teuteberg Jeffrey J. , Ross Heather J. , Khush Kiran K.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Currently, women represent <25% of heart transplant recipients. Reasons for this female underrepresentation have been attributed to selection and referral bias and potentially poorer outcomes in female recipients. The aim of this study was to compare long-term posttransplant survival between men and women, when matched for recipient and donor characteristics.

Methods and Results:

Using the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry, we performed descriptive analyses and estimated overall freedom from posttransplant death stratified by sex using Kaplan-Meier survival methods. Male and female recipients were matched according to the Index for Mortality Prediction After Cardiac Transplantation and Donor Risk Index score using 1:1 propensity score matching. The study cohort comprised 34 198 heart transplant recipients (76.3% men, 23.7% women) between 2004 and 2014. Compared with men, women were more likely younger (51 [39–59] versus 55 [46–61] years;
P
<0.001) and had a different distribution of heart failure etiology (
P
<0.001). In general, the prevalence of comorbidities was lower in women than in men. Women were less likely to have diabetes mellitus (19.1% versus 26.2%;
P
<0.001), hypertension (40.7% versus 47.9%;
P
<0.001), peripheral vascular disease (2.4% versus 3.3%;
P
=0.002), tobacco use (36.5% versus 52.3%;
P
<0.001), and prior cardiovascular surgery (38.6% versus 50.7%;
P
<0.001). Women were more likely to have a history of malignancy (10.5% versus 5.3%;
P
<0.001), require intravenous inotropes (41.4% versus 37.2%;
P
<0.001), and were less likely supported by an intra-aortic balloon pump (3.3% versus 3.8%;
P
=0.03) or durable ventricular assist device (22% versus 31.5%;
P
<0.001). Transplanted male recipients had a higher Index for Mortality Prediction After Cardiac Transplantation score (5 [2–7] versus 4 [1–6];
P
<0.001). When male and female heart transplant recipients were matched for recipient and donor characteristics, there was no significant survival difference (
P
=0.57).

Conclusions:

Overall survival does not differ between men and women after cardiac transplantation. Women who survive to heart transplantation appear to have lower risk features than male recipients but receive hearts from higher risk donors.
Supplementation With the Sialic Acid Precursor N-Acetyl-D-Mannosamine Breaks the Link Between Obesity and Hypertension
Authors: Peng Jun , Vongpatanasin Wanpen , Sacharidou Anastasia , Kifer Domagoj , Yuhanna Ivan S. , Banerjee Subhashis , Tanigaki Keiji , Polasek Ozren , Chu Haiyan , Sundgren Nathan C. , Rohatgi Anand , Chambliss Ken L. , Lauc Gordan , Mineo Chieko , Shaul Philip W.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Obesity-related hypertension is a common disorder, and attempts to combat the underlying obesity are often unsuccessful. We previously revealed that mice globally deficient in the inhibitory immunoglobulin G (IgG) receptor FcγRIIB are protected from obesity-induced hypertension. However, how FcγRIIB participates is unknown. Studies were designed to determine if alterations in IgG contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-induced hypertension.

Methods:

Involvement of IgG was studied using IgG μ heavy chain–null mice deficient in mature B cells and by IgG transfer. Participation of FcγRIIB was interrogated in mice with global or endothelial cell–specific deletion of the receptor. Obesity was induced by high-fat diet (HFD), and blood pressure (BP) was measured by radiotelemetry or tail cuff. The relative sialylation of the Fc glycan on mouse IgG, which influences IgG activation of Fc receptors, was evaluated by
Sambucus nigra
lectin blotting. Effects of IgG on endothelial NO synthase were assessed in human aortic endothelial cells. IgG Fc glycan sialylation was interrogated in 3442 human participants by mass spectrometry, and the relationship between sialylation and BP was evaluated. Effects of normalizing IgG sialylation were determined in HFD-fed mice administered the sialic acid precursor N-acetyl-D-mannosamine (ManNAc).

Results:

Mice deficient in B cells were protected from obesity-induced hypertension. Compared with IgG from control chow–fed mice, IgG from HFD-fed mice was hyposialylated, and it raised BP when transferred to recipients lacking IgG; the hypertensive response was absent if recipients were FcγRIIB-deficient. Neuraminidase-treated IgG lacking the Fc glycan terminal sialic acid also raised BP. In cultured endothelial cells, via FcγRIIB, IgG from HFD-fed mice and neuraminidase-treated IgG inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor activation of endothelial NO synthase by altering endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation. In humans, obesity was associated with lower IgG sialylation, and systolic BP was inversely related to IgG sialylation. Mice deficient in FcγRIIB in endothelium were protected from obesity-induced hypertension. Furthermore, in HFD-fed mice, ManNAc normalized IgG sialylation and prevented obesity-induced hypertension.

Conclusions:

Hyposialylated IgG and FcγRIIB in endothelium are critically involved in obesity-induced hypertension in mice, and supportive evidence was obtained in humans. Interventions targeting these mechanisms, such as ManNAc supplementation, may provide novel means to break the link between obesity and hypertension.
Work‐Family Conflict and Ideal Cardiovascular Health Score in the ELSA‐Brasil Baseline Assessment
Authors: Rocco Priscila T. P. , Bensenor Isabela M. , Griep Rosane H. , Barreto Sandhi M. , Moreno Arlinda B. , Alencar Airlane P. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Santos Itamar S.
Published: October 2019

Background

There are few data about the association between work‐related stress and the American Heart Association ideal cardiovascular health (
CVH
) metrics. We studied the association between work‐family conflict (
WFC
) and ideal
CVH
scores in the
ELSA
‐Brasil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health) baseline study.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data of active workers (5424 men and 5967 women), aged 35 to 74 years, from 2008 to 2010. Ideal
CVH
scores were calculated based on the lifestyle and health metrics proposed by the American Heart Association, using data from questionnaires and clinical and laboratory examinations from the
ELSA
‐Brasil study baseline. The
WFC
questionnaire was based on the Frone model, validated for Brazilian Portuguese.
WFC
domains (time and strain‐based work interference with family, family interference with work, and lack of time for personal care and leisure) and frequency (never to rarely, sometimes, or frequently) were self‐reported. Main models were adjusted for age, sex, race, educational level, income, and study site. Positive relative predicted score differences (
rPSDs
) indicate higher predicted scores. We found lower lifestyle ideal
CVH
scores among men (
rPSD
, −5.7%;
P
=0.002) and women (
rPSD,
−10.2%;
P
<0.001) with frequent lack of time for personal care and leisure. We found lower lifestyle ideal
CVH
scores among women with frequent strain‐based work interference with family (
rPSD,
−5.1%;
P
=0.002), and family interference with work (
rPSD
, −8.6%;
P
=0.001). We found higher health ideal
CVH
scores among men with frequent
WFC
, which may be attributable to reverse causation.

Conclusions

We found significant associations between
WFC
and ideal
CVH
scores. These associations were heterogeneous according to sex.
Short‐Term Changes in Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Response to Exercise Training and the Association with Long‐Term Cardiorespiratory Fitness Decline: The STRRIDE Reunion Study
Authors: Pandey Ambarish , Johnson Johanna L. , Slentz Cris A. , Ross Leanna M. , Agusala Vijay , Berry Jarett D. , Kraus William E.
Published: October 2019

Background

Substantial heterogeneity exists in the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) change in response to exercise training, and its long‐term prognostic implication is not well understood. We evaluated the association between the short‐term supervised training‐related changes in CRF and CRF levels 10 years later.

Methods and Results

STRRIDE (Studies of a Targeted Risk Reduction Intervention Through Defined Exercise) trial participants who were originally randomized to exercise training for 8 months and participated in the 10‐year follow‐up visit were included. CRF levels were measured at baseline, after training (8 months), and at 10‐year follow‐up as peak oxygen uptake (
vo
2
, mL/kg per min) using the maximal treadmill test. Participants were stratified into low, moderate, and high CRF response groups according to the training regimen–specific tertiles of CRF change. The study included 80 participants (age: 52 years; 35% female). At 10‐year follow‐up, the high‐response CRF group had the least decline in CRF compared with the moderate‐ and low‐response CRF groups (−0.35 versus −2.20 and −4.25 mL/kg per minute, respectively;
P
=0.02). This result was largely related to the differential age‐related changes in peak oxygen pulse across the 3 groups (0.58, −0.23, and −0.86 mL/beat, respectively;
P
=0.03) with no difference in the peak heart rate change. In adjusted linear regression analysis, high response was significantly associated with greater CRF at follow‐up independent of other baseline characteristics (high versus low [reference] CRF response: standard β=0.25;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions

Greater CRF improvement in response to short‐term training is associated with higher CRF levels 10 years later. Lack of CRF improvements in response to short‐term training may identify individuals at risk for exaggerated CRF decline with aging.
Mortality Benefit of Alirocumab: A Bayesian Perspective
Authors: Labos Christopher , Brophy James M. , Sniderman Allan , Thanassoulis George
Published: October 2019

Background

The ODYSSEY OUTCOMES (Alirocumab and Cardiovascular Outcomes after Acute Coronary Syndrome) trial demonstrated that alirocumab reduced major cardiovascular events. However, because of the hierarchical testing strategy used for the multiple outcomes examined, the observed reduction in all‐cause mortality was labeled “nominally significant” which has clouded its interpretation.

Methods and Results

We re‐analyzed data from
ODYSSEY
OUTCOMES using Bayesian methods and generated various prior probabilities by incorporating mortality data from previous similar
PCSK
9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin‐kexin type 9) inhibitor trials. We first used data from the
ODYSSEY
OUTCOMES trial with a non‐informative prior, then sequentially added data from
ODYSSEY
LONG TERM and the
FOURIER
trial, giving
FOURIER
full weight, 50% weight and 10%. The posterior probability of a mortality reduction using only the
ODYSSEY
OUTCOMES data was hazard ratio 0.85 (95% CI 0.74–0.99) which corresponded to a 98.4% probability of a mortality benefit. When the
ODYSSEY
LONG TERM data were added to the analysis, the posterior probability was hazard ratio 0.84 (95% CI 0.72–0.97) with a 99.9% probability of mortality reduction, and when the
FOURIER
data were added to the analysis the posterior probability was hazard ratio 0.94 (95% CI 0.85–1.04) with an 89.1% probability of a mortality reduction. When the
FOURIER
trial was given only 50% or 10% weight, the probability of a mortality reduction rose 95.4% and 98.7%, respectively. We estimate that the probability of >1% absolute risk reduction ranges from 8% to 24%, while the probability of >0.5% absolute risk reduction ranges from 66% to 89%.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrates a high likelihood that alirocumab confers a reduction in all‐cause mortality, despite the equivocal interpretation of the data in the original ODYSSEY OUTCOMES publication.
Implementing Caregiver Support Programs in a Regional Stroke System
Authors: Tseung Victrine , Jaglal Susan B. , Salbach Nancy M. , Cameron Jill I.
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—

Family caregivers play a central role in the recovery of people with stroke. They need support to optimize the care they provide and their own health and well-being. Despite support from the literature and best practice recommendations, healthcare systems are not formally adopting caregiver programs. This study aimed to describe system-level facilitators and barriers to caregiver support program implementation in a regional stroke system.

Methods—

Using a qualitative descriptive study design, focus groups were conducted with regional rehabilitation specialists, education coordinators, community and long-term care specialists, and regional/district program directors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with regional medical directors, health professionals providing stroke care in acute care, rehabilitation and community settings, regional health executives, and primary care leaders. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results—

Four focus groups (n=43) and 29 interviews were conducted. We identified 4 themes related to caregiver program implementation: (1) establishing the need for caregiver education and support in an integrated healthcare system; (2) incorporating caregiver programs into the system of care across the care continuum; (3) uncertainty regarding ownership and responsibility for implementation; and (4) addressing regional variations related to access, availability, and culture.

Conclusions—

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of organization and system-level considerations for implementing caregiver programs in a regional stroke system. Program implementation requires evidence to establish the need for caregiver programs, practical strategies, and establishing ownership to incorporate programs into existing healthcare systems, and consideration of regional variations across healthcare systems. Ultimately, adopting programs to support caregivers will improve recovery in people with stroke and caregiver well-being.
EvoComposer: An Evolutionary Algorithm for 4-Voice Music Compositions
Authors: De Prisco R. , Zaccagnino G. , Zaccagnino R.
Published: October 2019

Evolutionary algorithms mimic evolutionary behaviors in order to solve problems. They have been successfully applied in many areas and appear to have a special relationship with creative problems; such a relationship, over the last two decades, has resulted in a long list of applications, including several in the field of music. In this article, we provide an evolutionary algorithm able to compose music. More specifically we consider the following 4-voice harmonization problem: one of the 4 voices (which are bass, tenor, alto, and soprano) is given as input and the composer has to write the other 3 voices in order to have a complete 4-voice piece of music with a 4-note chord for each input note. Solving such a problem means finding appropriate chords to use for each input note and also finding a placement of the notes within each chord so that melodic concerns are addressed. Such a problem is known as the unfigured harmonization problem. The proposed algorithm for the unfigured harmonization problem, named EvoComposer, uses a novel representation of the solutions in terms of chromosomes (that allows to handle both harmonic and nonharmonic tones), specialized operators (that exploit musical information to improve the quality of the produced individuals), and a novel hybrid multiobjective evaluation function (based on an original statistical analysis of a large corpus of Bach's music). Moreover EvoComposer is the first evolutionary algorithm for this specific problem. EvoComposer is a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm, based on the well-known NSGA-II strategy, and takes into consideration two objectives: the harmonic objective, that is finding appropriate chords, and the melodic objective, that is finding appropriate melodic lines. The composing process is totally automatic, without any human intervention. We also provide an evaluation study showing that EvoComposer outperforms other metaheuristics by producing better solutions in terms of both well-known measures of performance, such as hypervolume, [Formula: see text] index, coverage of two sets, and standard measures of music creativity. We conjecture that a similar approach can be useful also for similar musical problems.
Population dynamics and host range of Paratylenchus bukowinensis
Authors: Schmidt Jan H. , Seeger Judith N. , von Grafenstein Katharina , Wintzer Jenny , Finckh Maria R. , Hallmann Johannes
Published: October 2019

The plant-parasitic nematode, Paratylenchus bukowinensis, occurs ubiquitously in arable fields. Economic damage has been reported from, among others, cabbage, parsley, and celery, but other crops might be affected as well. Management of P. bukowinensis is difficult. Resistant cultivars are not available and chemical control is prohibited in most European countries. In addition, sustainable management is often hindered by a lack of information regarding the biology and host range of P. bukowinensis. To improve the management of P. bukowinensis in the future, a good understanding of the life cycle and host plant-nematode interactions is required. We investigated the host range, life cycle and natural decline of P. bukowinensis in five glasshouse experiments. A total of 26 plant genotypes comprising 22 plant species from eight plant families were studied. Plant species within the families Brassicaceae and Apiaceae were confirmed as good hosts, while plant species within the families Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Amaryllidaceae, Solanaceae, Amaranthaceae and Poaceae can be considered non-hosts or poor hosts. In roots of good hosts, P. bukowinensis completed its life cycle within 3-4 weeks. In the absence of a host plant, P. bukowinensis declined by 40% within the first 4 weeks, but then remained at this level until the experiment was terminated after 14 weeks. Overall, the host range of P. bukowinensis seems to be smaller than for other species within the genus Paratylenchus, such as P. projectus or P. similis. Control of P. bukowinensis using crop rotation should be feasible by rotating good hosts belonging to the families Brassicaceae and Apiaceae with non-hosts or poor hosts.
Use of Force in Somatic Treatment of Adults in Denmark
Authors: Adolphsen Caroline
Published: October 2019

The article provides a critical analysis of the new Danish Act on Use of Force in Somatic Treatment of Adults with a Permanently Impaired Ability to Give Consent (FTAC, Act no. 655 of 8 June 2017), which covers adults unable to give an informed consent. The rules in the Act are included in the legal framework governing medical treatment with and without consent in Denmark, and the article draws on international human rights in connection with the subject matter. The aim of the article is also to highlight the grey areas that still exist despite the new rules and to provide legal argumentation for solutions to the issues that can arise in these legal grey areas.
Antichresis: a comparative study of classical Roman law and the contractual praxis from Roman Egypt
Authors: Bobbink R. , Mauer Q.
Published: October 2019

The authors examine how papyrological sources from Roman Egypt written in Greek on antichresis relate to classical Roman law. Antichresis attested in papyrological antichretic contracts had a lot in common with antichresis emerging from Roman dispute resolutions. There was only one substantive difference: in classical Roman law, protection of the debtor was emphasized, whereas in the Greek papyrological antichretic contracts the position of the creditor was favoured. Given the similarities found, the authors conclude that antichretic loan both as an independent legal institution and as a pactum antichreticum was a pan-Mediterranean legal concept.
The Cross-Fertilization of UNCLOS, Custom and Principles Relating to Procedure in the Jurisprudence of UNCLOS Courts and Tribunals
Authors: Ivanova Elena
Published: October 2019

Cross-fertilization of international law entails interaction of norms in international law and can occur in the context of interaction between different sources of law; different branches of international law or different subject-matter areas; and interaction between a treaty norm belonging to a one area of international law and a customary norm arising from another area of international law. There are different avenues for cross-fertilization of international law: it can result from the application of Art. 31 (3) (c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT)1 in the process of interpreting a particular treaty, from the application of other rules of international law together with a particular treaty or from reference to the jurisprudence of other international courts or tribunals by adhering to the approach adopted in this jurisprudence.

This article examines the question of cross-fertilization of international law in the context of the jurisprudence of the courts and tribunals operating within the dispute settlement system established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (hereinafter ‘UNCLOS’ or ‘Convention’).2 It will demonstrate how these adjudicatory bodies have employed Art. 31 (3) (c) VCLT, Art. 293 UNCLOS which explicitly enables them to apply other rules of international law not incompatible with the Convention, and the international jurisprudence in order to interpret and apply the UNCLOS while situating it the broader context of international law. Note will be taken of UNCLOS provisions incorporating or referring to other rules of international law which also contribute to the cross-fertilization of international law.
Case Comment: Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India: The Indian Supreme Court’s Decriminalization of Same-Sex Relations
Authors: Bhatia Gautam
Published: October 2019

The Indian Supreme Court’s judgment in Navtej Singh Johar, delivered in September 2018, decriminalizing same-sex relations in India, generated a storm of discussion and debate, in both India and in the world beyond. Apart from its clear and sharp verdict that held that the Indian Constitution protected the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, the decision was also noteworthy because it reversed the Court’s own prior judgment, delivered a mere five years before (in 2013), that had upheld the constitutional validity of the law that penalized same-sex relations.

In this case comment, we set out the chronology of judicial decisions that led to the final judgment in Navtej Singh Johar: the judgment of the High Court of Delhi in 2009, which first decriminalized same-sex relations, the 2013 judgment of the Indian Supreme Court that reversed it, and the various judicial proceedings that continued to rumble on in the Court—an additional round known as the ‘curative hearing’, and separate litigation on the constitutional status of the right to privacy. Within this context, the paper then discusses the multiple opinions that were delivered by the Bench in Navtej Singh Johar, and examines the reasons on the basis of which the Court held that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code—insofar as it criminalized same-sex relations between consenting adults—violated the fundamental rights to equality, nondiscrimination, freedom of expression, and life and personal liberty, guaranteed by the Constitution of India. The article will conclude by setting out some possibilities for the way forward, in light of the judgment.
The Nomadic Sense of Law in an International Constitutionalism
Authors: Conklin William E.
Published: October 2019

This article examines the place of Nomadic peoples in an international constitutionalism. The article claims that an important element of a Nomadic culture is its sense of law. Such a sense of law differs from a constitutionalism which has privileged fundamental principles aimed to constrain acts of the executive arm of the State. Such a constitutionalism is shared by many contemporary domestic legal orders. Public international law also takes such a constitutionalism for granted. In the focus upon rules to constrain the executive arm of the State, the sense of law in Nomadic communities has slipped through arguments which the jurist might consider inclusive of the protection of such communities. This problem is nested in a legacy which has weighted down the history of European legal thought.

The article initially identifies three forms of nomadism. The social phenomenon of nomadism has been the object of juristic commentary since the Greeks and Romans. The image of Nomadic peoples in such a legacy has imagined Nomadic peoples as lawless although the article argues that a sense of law has existed in such communities. Such a sense of law contradicts a State-centric international legal order. Public international law has reserved a special legal space relating to Nomadic peoples. The article identifies four arguments which might be rendered to protect Nomadic peoples in such a State-centric international community. Problems are raised with each such argument
The Control of Conventionality: Developments in the Case Law of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and Its Potential Expanding Effects in International Human Rights Law
Authors: Carmelina Londoño-Lázaro María , Carrillo-Santarelli Nicolás
Published: October 2019

The control of conventionality is a doctrine, developed by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in its case law, according to which State agents are required to strive to make sure that domestic norms and practices are consistent with what Inter-American and other human rights law standards require. The doctrine as it has been developed posits that not only judges, but also any other State authorities must take these standards into account. The Court has made clear that its own pronouncements are to be considered too, not only in contentious cases but also in advisory opinions. Some argue that the Court has gone too far; others contend that the doctrine simply reaffirms the States’ obligation to adjust domestic practices and norms to international obligations and make internationally recognized human rights effective. Moreover, as long as a multi-level dialogue is permitted and some risks of fragmentation or unreasonable impositions are avoided, the doctrine may help to achieve the objectives of preventing both the congestion of the regional system and repetitive violations, and the legitimacy of the Court may be further strengthened if it admits some latitude in State decisions. Finally, the doctrine requires State authorities to consider extra-American developments, UN developments included; and can help actors from other human rights systems identify developments and principles positively applied throughout the Americas, which may serve as examples.
Social Movements and the Legal Field: Becoming-Constituent
Authors: Chiaramonte Xenia
Published: October 2019

The relationship between social movements and the legal field is controversial and complex. This paper begins by recognizing that the concept of social movement does not belong to legal doctrine and then synthetically reconstruct the relevance of it for a legal understanding. In fact, even if this concept is not formally taken into account by constitutions or by legal codes, a socio-legal approach underscores the need for the comprehension and inclusion of collective phenomena into legal theory. First, the paper explores the way in which ‘social movement’ has been taken up and translated in the legal field through the concept of social change and constitutional change. Second, this research goes through various cases in which social movements use law strategically, from the phenomenon of cause lawyering to the litigation strategy. Finally, it stands for a theoretical understanding of the role of social movements in legal theory as a lively expression of ‘becoming-constituent’.
Russia’s Political System from March to October 1917: Basic Features and Stages of Development
Authors: Nikolaev Andrei Borisovich
Published: October 2019

This article analyzes the formula of authority that constituted the basis for the Provisional Government. The author labels this formula the Third of March system. The Third of March system began to dissolve during the political crisis of the “April days”, when the Provisional Government decided to jettison the formulation of its authority that had been so convenient to the Chairman of the State Duma, Mikhail Vladimirovich Rodzianko. The government had contemplated vesting sovereign authority in the Temporary Committee of the State Duma, thereby resurrecting the legislative function of the bicameral Russian parliament, and making the legislature responsible to the executive. The Third of March system finally disintegrated on 6 October 1917, when the Provisional Government dispersed the State Duma and recognized that the authority of members of the State Council had lost its force. The demolition of the Third of March political system led to the liquidation of the Provisional Government’s authority.
Introduction: The Russian Welfare State in a Time of Economic Stagnation
Authors: Cook Linda J. , Holm-Hansen Jørn , Kivinen Markku , Kuhnle Stein
Published: October 2019

This Special Issue is devoted to Russia’s welfare state during the years of economic stagnation that began in 2013. Twelve experts assess social conditions and reforms in poverty, labor market, pension, housing and education policies. They show that social mobility has stagnated in conditions of deep inequality and just-above-poverty incomes for many. Innovative labor market and anti-poverty policies are hampered by low productivity and wages, both features of an oligarchic economic model that blocks competition and development. Welfare commitments heavily burden the state budget, producing reforms that transfer costs to users. The authors find that popular protests have forced government to partially mitigate these reforms. Putin’s government appears trapped between oligarchic economic interests and popular expectations for welfare. The final article compares China’s comparatively successful welfare trajectories with those of Russia, and proposes an agenda for further research.
Scoparia pentapetala (Plantaginaceae), a new species from the grassland ecosystems of Río de La Plata

Authors: PAZ DEBLE LEONARDO , MOREIRA BÁRBARA PINHEIRO
Published: October 2019

Scoparia is a genus comprising ten species distributed mainly in the grasslands of southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. Based on field surveys, study of nomenclatural types and other specimens, and review of literature we found an interesting new species of Scoparia from southern region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and Department of Cerro Largo, northeast Uruguay. Described here as S. pentapetala. This work provides a detailed morphological description of the new species, information on geographic distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status and, discusses the main differences between S. pentapetala and the morphologically most similar species. Illustrations, images and a distribution map are also supplied.
The Awe of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge: The Significance of Awe for Theological Epistemology
Authors: Woznicki Christopher
Published: October 2019

The most common accounts of what constitutes theological knowledge emphasize the need to hold to true theological propositions. Such accounts ignore an important feature of knowledge, namely that the manner in which one comes to hold a particular belief is a significant factor in saying that the belief that one holds to actually counts as ‘knowledge’. Drawing upon T. F. Torrance’s theological epistemology as well as Jewish philosophical work on the topic of ‘awe,’ this essay argues that if a theologian is to accomplish her task, she must cultivate her sense of awe for God. The essay concludes with some recommendations for cultivating awe that justifies theological knowledge.
Coworkers, Networks, and Job-Search Outcomes among Displaced Workers
Authors: Saygin Perihan Ozge , Weber Andrea , Weynandt Michèle A.
Published: October 2019

This article examines the mechanisms by which social networks affect the labor market outcomes of displaced workers. The authors draw on administrative records for the universe of private-sector employment in Austria to identify work-related networks among former coworkers. They analyze the importance of social networks for both job seekers and hiring firms. For job seekers, results indicate that having a high share of former coworkers who are currently employed in expanding firms improves job-finding success. For firms seeking to hire new employees, the authors find that a firm is twice as likely to hire a displaced worker with a former-coworker link to one of their current employees than to hire a worker displaced from the same closing firm but without a link. These results suggest that information about job opportunities and demand-side conditions is transmitted in work-related networks between workers and firms.
Adaptive speed control method for electromagnetic direct drive vehicle robot driver based on fuzzy logic
Authors: Chen Gang , Zhang Weigong , Li Xu , Yu Bing
Published: October 2019

To solve the shortcomings of existing control methods for an electromagnetic direct drive vehicle robot driver, including large speed tracking error and large mileage deviation, a new adaptive speed control method for the electromagnetic direct drive vehicle robot driver based on fuzzy logic is proposed in this paper. The electromagnetic direct drive vehicle robot driver adapts an electromagnetic linear motor as its drive mechanism. The control system structure is designed. The coordinated controller for multiple manipulators is presented. Moreover, an adaptive speed controller for the electromagnetic direct drive vehicle robot driver is proposed to achieve the accurate tracking of desired speed. Experiments are conducted using a Ford FOCUS car. Performances of the proposed method, proportional–integral–derivative, and fuzzy neural network are compared and analyzed. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed control method can accurately track the target speed, and it can inhabit the change of speed caused by interference under different test conditions, and it has small mileage deviation, which can meet the requirements of national vehicle test standards.