bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homogeneity Evaluation of Historical Rainfall and Temperature Series in Mato Grosso
Authors: Silva Elizangela Selma da , Campelo Júnior José Holanda , Lobo Francisco De Almeida , Amorim Ricardo Santos Silva
Published: April 2019

The homogeneity investigation of a series can be performed through several nonparametric statistical tests, which serve to detect artificial changes or non-homogeneities in climatic variables. The objective of this work was to evaluate two methodologies to verify the homogeneity of the historical climatological series of precipitation and temperature in Mato Grosso state. The series homogeneity evaluation was performed using the following non-parametric tests: Wald-Wolfowitz (for series with one or no interruption), Kruskal-Wallis (for series with two or more interruptions), and Mann-Kendall (for time series trend analysis). The results of the precipitation series homogeneity analysis from the National Waters Agency stations, analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Wald-Wolfowitz tests, presented 61.54% of homogeneous stations, being well distributed throughout Mato Grosso state, whereas those of the trend analysis allowed to identify that 87.57% of the rainfall-gauging stations showed a concentrated positive trend, mainly in the rainy season. Out of the conventional stations of the National Institute of Meteorology of Mato Grosso, seven were homogeneous for the precipitation variable, five for maximum temperature and four stations were homogeneous for minimum temperature. For the trend analysis in the 11 stations, positive trends of random nature were observed, suggesting increasing alterations in the analyzed variables. Therefore, the trend analysis performed by the Mann-Kendall test in the precipitation, and maximum and minimum temperature climate series, indicated that several data series showed increasing trends, suggesting a possible increase in precipitation and temperature values over the years. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis and Wald-Wolfowitz tests for homogeneity presented more than 87% of homogeneous stations.
A new split‐luciferase complementation assay identifies pentachlorophenol as an inhibitor of apoptosome formation
Authors: Tashakor Amin , H‐Dehkordi Mahshid , O'Connell Enda , Gomez Ganau Sergi , Gozalbes Rafael , Eriksson Leif A. , Hosseinkhani Saman , Fearnhead Howard O.
Published: April 2019

The expense and time required for in vivo reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have driven the development of in vitro alternatives. Here, we used a new in vitro split luciferase‐based assay to screen a library of 177 toxicants for inhibitors of apoptosome formation. The apoptosome contains seven Apoptotic Protease‐Activating Factor‐1 (Apaf‐1) molecules and induces cell death by activating caspase‐9. Apaf‐1‐dependent caspase activation also plays an important role in CNS development and spermatogenesis. In the in vitro assay, Apaf‐1 fused to an N‐terminal fragment of luciferase binds to Apaf‐1 fused to a C‐terminal fragment of luciferase and reconstitutes luciferase activity. Our assay indicated that pentachlorophenol (PCP) inhibits apoptosome formation, and further investigation revealed that PCP binds to cytochrome c. PCP is a wood preservative that reduces male fertility by ill‐defined mechanisms. Although the data show that PCP inhibited apoptosome formation, the concentration required suggests that other mechanisms may be more important for PCP's effects on spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, the data demonstrate the utility of the new assay in identifying apoptosome inhibitors, and we suggest that the assay may be useful in screening for reproductive and developmental toxicants.
Field Theory and Journalistic Capital
Authors: Vos Tim P.
Published: April 2019

Field theory was first developed by Kurt Lewin and later by Pierre Bourdieu to account for the forces that shape journalistic work. This entry describes how the concepts of field theory —ranging from poles to doxa to illusio to habitus—account for phenomena that shape journalism. It also examines the concept of capital, as developed by Bourdieu, and adapted by others to explore the distinctive character of journalism relative to other fields. The entry accounts for how field theory has been used to explore themes of social stasis and change and how it has been a means for comparative journalism research.
A Helical tomotherapy as a robust low‐dose treatment alternative for total skin irradiation
Authors: Haraldsson André , Engleson Jens , Bäck Sven Å. J. , Engelholm Silke , Engström Per E.
Published: April 2019

Mycosis fungoides is a disease with manifestation of the skin that has traditionally been treated with electron therapy. In this paper, we present a method of treating the entire skin with megavoltage photons using helical tomotherapy (HT), verified through a phantom study and clinical dosimetric data from our first two treated patients. A whole body phantom was fitted with a wetsuit as bolus, and scanned with computer tomography. We accounted for variations in daily setup using virtual bolus in the treatment plan optimization. Positioning robustness was tested by moving the phantom, and recalculating the dose at different positions. Patient treatments were verified with in vivo film dosimetry and dose reconstruction from daily imaging. Reconstruction of the actual delivered dose to the patients showed similar target dose as the robustness test of the phantom shifted 10 mm in all directions, indicating an appropriate approximation of the anticipated setup variation. In vivo film measurements agreed well with the calculated dose confirming the choice of both virtual and physical bolus parameters. Despite the complexity of the treatment, HT was shown to be a robust and feasible technique for total skin irradiation. We believe that this technique can provide a viable option for Tomotherapy centers without electron beam capability.
Low‐Load Resistance Training With Blood‐Flow Restriction in Relation to Muscle Function, Mass, and Functionality in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Rodrigues Reynaldo , Ferraz Rodrigo B. , Kurimori Ceci O. , Guedes Lissiane K. , Lima Fernanda R. , de Sá‐Pinto Ana L. , Gualano Bruno , Roschel Hamilton
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate the effects of a low‐load resistance training program associated with partial blood‐flow restriction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Forty‐eight women with RA were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: high‐load resistance training (HL‐RT; 70% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), low‐load resistance training (30% 1RM) with partial blood‐flow restriction training (BFRT), and a control group. Patients completed a 12‐week supervised training program and were assessed for lower‐extremity 1RM, quadriceps cross‐sectional area (CSA), physical function (timed‐stands test [TST], timed‐up‐and‐go test [TUG], and Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]), and quality of life (Short Form 36 health survey [SF‐36]) at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

BFRT and HL‐RT were similarly effective in increasing maximum dynamic strength in both leg press (22.8% and 24.2%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all) and knee extension (19.7% and 23.8%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all). Quadriceps CSA was also significantly increased in both BFRT and HL‐RT (9.5% and 10.8%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all). Comparable improvements in TST (11.2% and 14.7%; P < 0.0001 for all) and TUG (–6.8% [P < 0.0053] and –8.7% [P < 0.0001]) were also observed in BFRT and HL‐RT, respectively. Improvements in both groups were significantly greater than those of the control group (P < 0.05 for all). SF‐36 role physical and bodily pain and HAQ scores were improved only in BFRT (45.7%, 22.5%, and –55.9%, respectively; P < 0.05 for all). HL‐RT resulted in 1 case of withdrawal and several cases of exercise‐induced pain, which did not occur in BFRT.

Conclusion

BFRT was effective in improving muscle strength, mass, function, and health‐related quality of life in patients with RA, emerging as a viable therapeutic modality in RA management.
Loss in services precedes high school exit for teens with autism spectrum disorder: A longitudinal study
Authors: Laxman Daniel J. , Taylor Julie Lounds , DaWalt Leann S. , Greenberg Jan S. , Mailick Marsha R.
Published: April 2019

The present longitudinal study investigated changes in service receipt and unmet service needs spanning 14 years before and after high school exit in a large community‐based sample of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n = 204), of whom 59% had co‐occurring intellectual disability (ID). Using multilevel models, potential discontinuity of service patterns at the point of high school exit was examined, as well as the rate of change in services received and needed during the high school years and into the post‐high school period. Differences between those with and without ID were probed. Study findings indicated that overall, sample members experienced a reduction in receipt of services during high school, particularly for those without co‐occurring ID. After high school exit, sample members experienced a decline in services received; for those without ID, there was a continuous rate of loss of services after leaving high school but for those with ID, there was a sharp decline in services received. Unmet service needs increased right after high school exit for both those with and without ID. These patterns reflect loss of entitlement for services that accompanies high school exit, and the limited availability of adult services for individuals with ASD. This study documented not only the post‐high school service cliff that has been the subject of much concern, but also that the loss of services begins long before high school exit and that subgroups of the population with ASD are particularly vulnerable. Autism Res 2019, 12: 911–921. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

In this research, we studied changes in the number of services received before and after high school exit in a large sample of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With each passing year during high school, individuals with ASD received fewer services. At the time of high school exit, there was a sharp drop in the number of services received, particularly for those with co‐occurring intellectual disability. This study found not only that there is a post‐high school service cliff, but also that the loss of services begins long before high school exit.
The social‐psychological bases of far‐right support in Europe and the United States
Authors: Van Assche Jasper , Dhont Kristof , Pettigrew Thomas F.
Published: April 2019

The roles of authoritarianism, social dominance orientation (SDO), and prejudice in the prediction of far‐right support were examined in Europe and the United States. A meta‐analysis shows remarkably similar, positive, and strong associations of far‐right support with these three variables in previous studies conducted in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Results from two cross‐sectional studies in the United States further indicated that higher levels of authoritarianism and SDO related to higher voting intentions and support for Trump, via increased prejudice. In a three‐wave longitudinal study in the United Kingdom, authoritarianism and SDO predicted pro‐Brexit attitudes and support for the U.K. Independence Party, again via prejudice. These results shed a new light on the widely held beliefs in “American and British exceptionalism,” as Trump and Brexit adherents share the same social‐psychological underpinnings as far‐right supporters observed in several European countries.
A Ball‐Milling‐Enabled Reformatsky Reaction
Authors: Cao Qun , Stark Roderick T. , Fallis Ian A. , Browne Duncan L.
Published: April 2019

An operationally simple one‐jar one‐step mechanochemical Reformatsky reaction using in situ generated organozinc intermediates under neat grinding conditions has been developed. Notable features of this reaction protocol are that it requires no solvent, no inert gases, and no pre‐activation of the bulk zinc source. The developed process is demonstrated to have good substrate scope (39–82 % yield) and is effective irrespective of the initial morphology of the zinc source.
Multiparameter flow cytometry applications in the diagnosis of mixed phenotype acute leukemia
Authors: Porwit Anna , Béné Marie C.
Published: April 2019

Mixed phenotype acute leukemias (MPALs) represent a rare subgroup of acute leukemias with a poor prognosis. Proper diagnosis and classification of MPAL is extremely important for patients' outcome. Morphology and flow cytometry recognize two types of MPAL: the “bilineal” MPAL with the coexistence of two blast populations of different lineage and truly “biphenotypic” MPAL coexpressing markers of more than one lineage in a homogenous blast population, respectively. The WHO 2008 classification further delineated three categories: associated with t(9;22)/BCR‐ABL1fusion gene, associated withKMT2A(mixed lineage leukemia) rearrangements, and nonotherwise specified. These categories remained unchanged in the WHO2016 update. Molecular studies have further underlined the heterogeneity of MPAL. In this review, rules for the correct assignment of acute leukemia to the MPAL category are discussed, including both flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry on bone marrow or other tissues biopsies. Comparison of the immunophenotypic classification proposals is provided outlining the explorations mandatory for definitive diagnosis. An extensive review of published data summarizes the reported cytogenetic and molecular anomalies. New developments in the understanding of the early stages of hematopoiesis provide clues to the possible etiopathology of these diseases. Finally, current treatment recommendations are summarized and referenced for clinical use, pointing out that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at an early stage should be considered (at least in adult patients). © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Synthesis and docking studies of N‐(5‐(alkylthio)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)methyl)benzamide analogues as potential alkaline phosphatase inhibitors
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Iqbal Ambreen , Ashraf Zaman , Latif Muhammad , Hassan Mubashir , Nadeem Humaira
Published: April 2019

A series of N‐(5‐(alkylthio)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)methyl)benzamides 6a–i were synthesized as alkaline phosphatase inhibitors. The intermediate 5‐substituted 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thione 4 was synthesized starting with hippuric acid. Hippuric acid in the first step was converted into corresponding methyl ester 2 which upon reaction with hydrazine hydrate furnished the formation of hydrazide 3. The hippuric acid hydrazide was then cyclized into 5‐substituted 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thione 4. The intermediate 4 was then reacted with alkyl or aryl halides 5a–5i to afford the title compounds N‐(5‐(methylthio)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)methyl)benzamides 6a–i. The bioassay results showed that compounds 6a–i exhibited good to excellent alkaline phosphatase inhibitory activity. The most potent activity was exhibited by the compound 6i having IC50 value 0.420 μM, whereas IC50 value of standard (KH2PO4) was 2.80 μM. Molecular docking studies was performed against alkaline phosphatase enzyme (PDBID 1EW2) to check binding affinity of the synthesized compounds 6a–i against target protein. The docking results showed that three compounds 6c, 6e, and 6i have maximum binding interactions with binding energy values of −8 kcal/mol. The compound 6i displayed the interactions of oxadiazole ring nitrogen with amino acid His265 having a binding distance 2.13 Ǻ. It was concluded from our results that synthesized compounds, especially compound 6i may serve as lead structure to design more potent inhibitors of human alkaline phosphatase.
Characterization of antimicrobial activity of three Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from Chinese traditional dairy food
Authors: Hu Chang‐Hui , Ren Li‐Quan , Zhou Ying , Ye Bang‐Ce
Published: April 2019

Many Lactobacillus plantarum strains can secrete some antimicrobial substances and be added to food as antimicrobial agents and preservatives. In this study, three L. plantarum strains (P1, S11, and M7) with strong antimicrobial activity against three pathogenic bacteria were isolated from Xinjiang traditional dairy products. Five common organic acids produced by fermentation of strains play a key role in inhibiting three pathogenic bacteria. At the same pH, the antimicrobial activity of the fermentation broth against Escherichia coli and Salmonella is stronger than that of the organic acid alone. Thus, three kinds of antimicrobial agents (P1‐1, M7‐1, and S11‐1) mixed with five common organic acids were produced. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity against Salmonella ASI.1174 of the antimicrobial agents was about 30% higher than that of the fermentation broth. In addition, organic acid antimicrobial agents combined in different proportions can inhibit different pathogenic bacteria. According to this result, it is a potential approach to develop novel antimicrobial agents used in food preservation by mixing different organic acids.
Neural response to stress and perceived stress differ in patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Goodman Adam M. , Allendorfer Jane B. , Heyse Heidi , Szaflarski Basia A. , Eliassen James C. , Nelson Erik B. , Storrs Judd M. , Szaflarski Jerzy P.
Published: April 2019

Patients with epilepsy are often able to predict seizure occurrence subsequent to an acute stress experience. However, neuroimaging investigations into the neural basis of this relationship or the potential influence of perceived life stress are limited. The current study assessed the relationship between perceived stress and the neurobehavioral response to stress in patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE) and healthy controls (HCs) using heart rate, salivary cortisol level, and functional magnetic resonance imaging and compared these effects between HCs and LTLE. Matched on perceived stress levels, groups of 36 patients with LTLE and 36 HCs completed the Montreal Imaging Stress Task, with control and stress math task conditions. Among LTLEs, 27 reported that prior (acute) stress affected their seizures (LTLES+), while nine did not (LTLES−). The results revealed that increased perceived stress was associated with seizure frequency in LTLE. Further, cortisol secretion was greater in LTLE, but did not vary with perceived stress as observed in HCs. A linear mixed‐effects analysis revealed that as perceived stress increased, activation in the hippocampal complex (parahippocampal gyrus and hippocampus) decreased during stressful math in the LTLES+, increased in HCs, but did not vary in the LTLES−. Task‐based functional connectivity analyses revealed LTLE differences in hippocampal functional connectivity with sensory cortex specific to stressor modalities. We argue that the current study demonstrates an inhibitory hippocampal mechanism underlying differences in resilience to stress between HCs and LTLE, as well as LTLE patients who report stress as a precipitant of seizures.
1064 nm Nd:YAG laser light affects transmembrane mitochondria respiratory chain complexes
Authors: Ravera Silvia , Ferrando Sara , Agas Dimitrios , De Angelis Nicola , Raffetto Mirco , Sabbieti Maria G. , Signore Antonio , Benedicenti Stefano , Amaroli Andrea
Published: April 2019

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non‐plant‐cell manipulation through a transfer of energy by means of light sources at the non‐ablative or thermal intensity. Authors showed that cytochrome‐c‐oxidase (complex IV) is the specific chromophore's target of PBM at the red (600‐700 nm) and NIR (760‐900 nm) wavelength regions. Recently, it was suggested that the infrared region of the spectrum could influence other chromospheres, despite the interaction by wavelengths higher than 900 nm with mitochondrial chromophores was not clearly demonstrated. We characterized the interaction between mitochondria respiratory chain, malate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme of Krebs cycle, and 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in the β‐oxidation (two mitochondrial matrix enzymes) with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG (100mps and 10 Hz frequency mode) irradiated at the average power density of 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25 and 1.50 W/cm2 to generate the respective fluences of 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 J/cm2. Our results show the effect of laser light on the transmembrane mitochondrial complexes I, III, IV and V (adenosine triphosphate synthase) (window effects), but not on the extrinsic mitochondrial membrane complex II and mitochondria matrix enzymes. The effect is not due to macroscopical thermal change. An interaction of this wavelength with the Fe‐S proteins and Cu‐centers of respiratory complexes and with the water molecules could be supposed.
The effects and mechanisms of myeloid differentiation protein 2 on intestinal mucosal permeability in mice with chronic colitis
Authors: Han Chenyang , Guan Qiaobing , Guo Li , Yang Yi , Ruan Shuiliang , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: April 2019

The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) on intestinal mucosa destruction in mice with chronic colitis. Briefly, a chronic colitis mouse model was established by the administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in transgenic mice of MD2 overexpression (Transgenic, MD2‐Tg) and C57BL/6 wild‐type mice (MD2‐WT). In addition, Caco‐2 cells were cultured to form a monolayer cell model in vitro. The small interfering RNA was utilized to silence the MD2 gene in Caco‐2 cells, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was used to establish the model of intestinal mucosal inflammation. After DSS induction, the intestinal mucosal tissue inflammation was more severe in MD2‐Tg mice than MD2‐WT. In addition, the intestinal mucosa was severely damaged, the intestinal mucosal permeability was increased, bacterial translocation was obvious, and the expression levels of MD2, MyD88, Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), and HMGB1 in mucosal tissues were significantly increased, while the expression levels of tight junction proteins, occludin, and claudin‐1 were significantly lower in MD2‐Tg mice compared with those in MD2‐WT mice. TNF‐α could induce inflammatory apoptosis in Caco‐2 cell models. After MD2 silencing, the apoptotic level was decreased, the value of transepithelial electrical resistance was increased, the permeability of intestinal mucosa was decreased, the cellular expression levels of MD2, MyD88, TLR4, and HMGB1 were decreased, while the expression levels of tight junction proteins, occludin and claudin‐1 were increased. MD2 could aggravate the destruction of intestinal mucosa in chronic colitis through the HMGB1‐TLR4‐MyD88 pathway.
Microbiome and Metabolome Profiles Associated With Different Types of Short Bowel Syndrome: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Budinska Eva , Gojda Jan , Heczkova Marie , Bratova Miriam , Dankova Helena , Wohl Petr , Bastova Hana , Lanska Vera , Kostovcik Martin , Dastych Milan , Senkyrik Michal , Krizova Jarmila , Mraz Milos , Hradecky Jaromir , Hajslova Jana , Lenicek Martin , Podzimkova Kateřina , Chalupsky Karel , Sedlacek Radislav , Cahova Monika
Published: April 2019

Background

The gut microbiome and metabolome may significantly influence clinical outcomes in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). The study aimed to describe specific metagenomic/metabolomics profiles of different SBS types and to identify possible therapeutic targets.

Methods

Fecal microbiome (FM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and bile acid (BA) spectrum were analyzed in parenteral nutrition (PN)‐dependent SBS I, SBS II, and PN‐independent (non‐PN) SBS patients.

Results

FM in SBS I, SBS II, and non‐PN SBS shared characteristic features (depletion of beneficial anaerobes, high abundance of Lactobacilaceae and Enterobacteriaceae). SBS I patients were characterized by the abundance of oxygen‐tolerant microrganisms and depletion of strict anaerobes. Non‐PN SBS subjects showed markers of partial FM normalization. FM dysbiosis was translated into VOC and BA profiles characteristic for each SBS cohort. A typical signature of all SBS patients comprised high saturated aldehydes and medium‐chain fatty acids and reduced short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) content. Particularly, SBS I and II exhibited low protein metabolism intermediate (indole, p‐cresol) content despite the hypothetical presence of relevant metabolism pathways. Distinctive non‐PN SBS marker was high phenol content. SBS patients’ BA fecal spectrum was enriched by chenodeoxycholic and deoxycholic acids and depleted of lithocholic acid.

Conclusions

Environmental conditions in SBS gut significantly affect FM composition and metabolic activity. The common feature of diverse SBS subjects is the altered VOC/BA profile and the lack of important products of microbial metabolism. Strategies oriented on the microbiome/metabolome reconstitution and targeted delivery of key compounds may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in SBS patients.
Cognition in adults with Williams syndrome—A 20‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Sauna‐aho Oili , Bjelogrlic‐Laakso Nina , Sirén Auli , Kangasmäki Virpi , Arvio Maria
Published: April 2019

Background

Williams syndrome (WBS) is a genetic multisystem disorder. The main symptom is borderline (intelligence quotient, IQ 70–79) or abnormally low intelligence (IQ < 70). According to earlier studies young individuals with WBS demonstrate generally a slightly higher verbal IQ (VIQ) compared to performance/nonverbal IQ (PIQ). WBS was recognized as a distinct entity already about 60 years ago, but still cognition in adults with WBS is poorly known.

Methods

We followed 25 adults (age at baseline 19–68, median 38) with genetically confirmed WBS for about 20 years. The study subjects underwent medical and neuropsychological assessments at the baseline and at the end of follow‐up.

Results

The mean VIQ remained quite stable from early adulthood up to 40 years of age after which it declined. The mean PIQ kept on improving from early adulthood until 50 years of age after which it gradually declined. At the end of the study, all study subjects had at least two longstanding health problems out of which hypertension, psychiatric disorder, and scoliosis or kyphosis occurred most frequently. At end of the study, two patients suffered from vascular dementia. Seven patients died during the follow‐up.

Conclusions

In adults with WBS, the course of cognition is uneven across the cognitive profile. Their verbal functions both develop and deteriorate earlier than performance/nonverbal functions. Frequent somatic co‐morbidities may increase risk to shortened life span.
Size and shape of Nafion particles in water after high‐temperature treatment
Authors: Yamaguchi Makoto , Terao Takeshi , Ohira Akihiro , Hasegawa Naoki , Shinohara Kazuhiko
Published: April 2019

Perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers have been widely used as proton‐conducting materials in polymer‐electrolyte membrane fuel cells and their dispersions in polar solvents are used to prepare proton‐conducting membranes as well as catalyst layers. While it has been known that the dispersed particles become monodisperse after heating to 230 °C or above, their size and shape have not been fully characterized yet. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy images and small‐angle X‐ray scattering profiles of the dilute aqueous dispersions before and after heating to 240 °C have clearly shown that rod‐like particles became significantly shorter cylinders without changing their radii. Particle length distributions were lognormal and average molar mass and dispersity after heating to 240 °C were consistent with the values from size exclusion chromatography. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 813–818
Dissipativity and dissipative control for positive switched systems: A multiple linear copositive storage function method
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhao Jun
Published: April 2019

In this article, the problems of dissipativity analysis and dissipative control are investigated for positive switched linear systems in both continuous and discrete‐time domains. We aim at solving the problems via employing a multiple linear copositive storage function scheme. The solvability of the problems for individual subsystem is only on their active regions. Switching laws and a set of feedback controllers are jointly devised such that the associated closed‐loop switched systems are not only positive but also dissipative, which is from the exogenous input to the output. Asymptotic stability is derived if all subsystems are zero‐state detectable. Moreover, sufficient conditions guaranteeing dissipativity with positivity constraint are presented, which can be easily examined on the grounds of linear programming approach. Finally, an example is offered, illustrating that the proposed control strategy is successful.
Predictors of mortality and disability in stroke-associated pneumonia
Authors: Tinker Rory J. , Smith Craig J. , Heal Calvin , Bettencourt-Silva Joao H. , Metcalf Anthony K. , Potter John F. , Myint Phyo K.
Published: April 2019

Whilst stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is common and associated with poor outcomes, less is known about the determinants of these adverse clinical outcomes in SAP. To identify the factors that influence mortality and morbidity in SAP. Data for patients with SAP (n = 854) were extracted from a regional Hospital Stroke Register in Norfolk, UK (2003–2015). SAP was defined as pneumonia occurring within 7 days of admission by the treating clinicians. Mutlivariable regression models were constructed to assess factors influencing survival and the level of disability at discharge using modified Rankin Scale [mRS]. Mean (SD) age was 83.0 (8.7) years and ischaemic stroke occurred in 727 (85.0%). Mortality was 19.0% at 30 days and 44.0% at 6 months. Stroke severity assessment using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was not recorded in the data set although Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project was Classification. In the multivariable analyses, 30-day mortality was independently associated with age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, p = 0.01), haemorrhagic stroke (2.27, 1.07–4.78, p = 0.03) and pre-stroke disability (mRS 4–5 v 0–1: 6.45, 3.12–13.35, p < 0.001). 6-month mortality was independently associated with age (< 0.001), pre-stroke disability (p < 0.001) and certain comorbidities, including the following: dementia (6.53, 4.73–9.03, p < 0.001), lung cancer (2.07, 1.14–3.77, p = 0.017) and previous transient ischemic attack (1.94, 1.12–3.36, p = 0.019). Disability defined by mRS at discharge was independently associated with age (1.10, 1.05–1.16, p < 0.001) and plasma C-reactive protein (1.02, 1.01–1.03, p = 0.012). We have identified non-modifiable determinants of poor prognosis in patients with SAP. Further studies are required to identify modifiable factors which may guide areas for intervention to improve the prognosis in SAP in these patients.
Bioarchaeological Evidence for Social Maturation in the Mortuary Ritual of Ipiutak and Tigara Hunter-Gatherers: Lifespan Perspectives on the Emergence of Personhood at Point Hope, Alaska
Authors: Justice Lauryn C. , Temple Daniel H.
Published: April 2019

Identity is a concept that shifts over the lifespan in association with relational interactions. This study documents and interprets the cultural systems influencing shifts in identity during maturation in hunter-gatherers from Point Hope, Alaska through archaeological mortuary practices. Grave goods, body position, body orientation, and burial depth (underground versus surface) were recorded for Ipiutak (1500–1100 BP) and Tigara (800–400 BP) cultures. Age was estimated using tooth formation. No age differences in burial depth were found, likely reflecting environmental constraints. Changes in body orientation, body position, and grave-good allocation were found between three and four years with another increase in grave-good allocation after age six. A larger age range of individuals without grave goods was found at Tigara. Changes in bodily orientation and position likely reflect beliefs surrounding the soul. The initial presence of animal implements may represent gifting of amulets, while increases in these items at later ages indicate continued maturation. Differences in the age ranges of individuals without animal implements between the two sites may reflect stronger delineations of social prestige at Ipiutak. These findings hint at the complex relational pathways associated with the formation of identity in prehistoric hunter-gatherer communities.
Towards Intelligent Regulation of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: BUITEN Miriam C
Published: April 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a part of our daily lives at a fast pace, offering myriad benefits for society. At the same time, there is concern about the unpredictability and uncontrollability of AI. In response, legislators and scholars call for more transparency and explainability of AI. This article considers what it would mean to require transparency of AI. It advocates looking beyond the opaque concept of AI, focusing on the concrete risks and biases of its underlying technology: machine-learning algorithms. The article discusses the biases that algorithms may produce through the input data, the testing of the algorithm and the decision model. Any transparency requirement for algorithms should result in explanations of these biases that are both understandable for the prospective recipients, and technically feasible for producers. Before asking how much transparency the law should require from algorithms, we should therefore consider if the explanation that programmers could offer is useful in specific legal contexts.
Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with explicit data-driven Reynolds stress closure can be ill-conditioned
Authors: Wu Jinlong , Xiao Heng , Sun Rui , Wang Qiqi
Published: April 2019

Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations with turbulence closure models continue to play important roles in industrial flow simulations. However, the commonly used linear eddy-viscosity models are intrinsically unable to handle flows with non-equilibrium turbulence (e.g. flows with massive separation). Reynolds stress models, on the other hand, are plagued by their lack of robustness. Recent studies in plane channel flows found that even substituting Reynolds stresses with errors below 0.5 % from direct numerical simulation databases into RANS equations leads to velocities with large errors (up to 35 %). While such an observation may have only marginal relevance to traditional Reynolds stress models, it is disturbing for the recently emerging data-driven models that treat the Reynolds stress as an explicit source term in the RANS equations, as it suggests that the RANS equations with such models can be ill-conditioned. So far, a rigorous analysis of the condition of such models is still lacking. As such, in this work we propose a metric based on local condition number function for a priori evaluation of the conditioning of the RANS equations. We further show that the ill-conditioning cannot be explained by the global matrix condition number of the discretized RANS equations. Comprehensive numerical tests are performed on turbulent channel flows at various Reynolds numbers and additionally on two complex flows, i.e. flow over periodic hills, and flow in a square duct. Results suggest that the proposed metric can adequately explain observations in previous studies, i.e. deteriorated model conditioning with increasing Reynolds number and better conditioning of the implicit treatment of the Reynolds stress compared to the explicit treatment. This metric can play critical roles in the future development of data-driven turbulence models by enforcing the conditioning as a requirement on these models.
Measuring Polarization with Text Analysis: Evidence from the UK House of Commons, 1811–2015
Authors: Goet Niels D.
Published: April 2019

Political scientists can rely on a long tradition of applying unsupervised measurement models to estimate ideology and preferences from texts. However, in practice the hope that the dominant source of variation in their data is the quantity of interest is often not realized. In this paper, I argue that in the messy world of speeches we have to rely on supervised approaches that include information on party affiliation in order to produce meaningful estimates of polarization. To substantiate this argument, I introduce a validation framework that may be used to comparatively assess supervised and unsupervised methods, and estimate polarization on the basis of 6.2 million records of parliamentary speeches from the UK House of Commons over the period 1811–2015. Beyond introducing several important adjustments to existing estimation approaches, the paper’s methodological contribution therefore consists of outlining the challenges of applying unsupervised estimation techniques to speech data, and arguing in detail why we should instead rely on supervised methods to measure polarization.
MALTHUS AND THE POOR LAW
Authors: WRIGLEY E. A. , SMITH RICHARD
Published: April 2019

Malthus was severely critical of the old poor law, especially when the payments paid to recipients were made in conformity to the principles adopted by the local magistrates in Speenhamland in 1795. He considered that it encouraged early and improvident marriage with unfortunate consequences. There have been a number of attempts to determine whether Malthus was justified in supposing that the old poor law had this effect, some concluding that he was correct in his assumption, others that he was mistaken. The information contained in the first four English censuses did not include a breakdown of the population by age, sex, and marital status, and therefore did not provide a basis for a definitive test of Malthus's assertion before the repeal of the old poor law in 1834. The 1851 census, however, did provide this breakdown for five-year age groups which makes it possible to compare marriage patterns in counties in which a large proportion of the male workforce were ‘peasants’ (Malthus's term for agricultural labourers), and the Speenhamland provisions were widely adopted, with other counties. The results show that Malthus was mistaken.
Unequal Social Protection under the Federalist System: Three Unemployment Insurance Approaches in the United States, 2007–2015
Authors: CHANG YU-LING
Published: April 2019

Despite the increased attention paid to federal-state unemployment insurance (UI) schemes after the Great Recession (2007–2009), research examining the policy characteristics and the underlying logic shaping the social protection provided by a federal-state UI system is limited. Integrating the perspectives of policy design theory, comparative welfare politics, and fiscal welfare, this paper examines the unequal social protection under the American UI system during and after the Great Recession. By using model-based cluster analysis and fixed-effect panel regression models, this paper identifies three distinct UI approaches, i.e. the limited social protection approach, the unbalanced social protection approach, and the balanced social protection approach. The policy choices made by those states that follow the three approaches reflect different mixtures of policy logic, including social protection, economic stabilization, work disincentives, and interstate competition. The overall downward trend in social protection signals that the American UI system is under-prepared for the next economic recession, thereby exposing unemployed workers to the risk of economic insecurity. These findings provide implications for future policy designs aiming to strengthen the social protection of the federal-state UI system.
EQUILIBRIUM BALKING STRATEGIES IN THE REPAIRABLE M/M/1 G-RETRIAL QUEUE WITH COMPLETE REMOVALS
Authors: Gao Shan , Zhang Deran , Dong Hua , Wang Xianchao
Published: April 2019

We consider an M/M/1 retrial queue subject to negative customers (called as G-retrial queue). The arrival of a negative customer forces all positive customers to leave the system and causes the server to fail. At a failure instant, the server is sent to be repaired immediately. Based on a natural reward-cost structure, all arriving positive customers decide whether to join the orbit or balk when they find the server is busy. All positive customers are selfish and want to maximize their own net benefit. Therefore, this system can be modeled as a symmetric noncooperative game among positive customers and the fundamental problem is to identify the Nash equilibrium balking strategy, which is a stable strategy in the sense that if all positive customers agree to follow it no one can benefit by deviating from it, that is, it is a strategy that is the best response against itself. In this paper, by using queueing theory and game theory, the Nash equilibrium mixed strategy in unobservable case and the Nash equilibrium pure strategy in observable case are considered. We also present some numerical examples to demonstrate the effect of the information together with some parameters on the equilibrium behaviors.
The Factor Structure of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, Third Edition
Authors: Fong Mandy W.M. , Van Patten Ryan , Fucetola Robert P.
Published: April 2019

Objective: The Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) is one of the most commonly used aphasia batteries. The newest edition has undergone significant revisions since its original publication in 1972, but existing evidence for its validity is lacking. We examined the construct validity of BDAE-3 and identified the factor structure of this battery. Method: A total of 355 people with aphasia of various types and severity completed neuropsychological evaluations to assess their patterns of language impairment. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation was conducted to examine the components of BDAE-3 subtests. Results: Five components accounting for over 70% of the BDAE-3 total variance were found. The five language factors identified were auditory comprehension/ideomotor praxis, naming and reading, articulation-repetition, grammatical comprehension, and phonological processing. Conclusions: Our results show that the BDAE-3 demonstrates good construct validity, and certain language functions remain primary, distinct language domains (i.e., receptive vs. expressive language) across severities of aphasia. Overall, our findings inform clinical practice by outlining the inherent structure of language abilities in people with aphasia. Clinicians can utilize the findings to select core BDAE-3 tests that are most representative of their respective functions, thereby reducing the total testing time while preserving diagnostic sensitivity. (JINS, 2019, 25, 772–776)
Hollow Silver Nanostructures: The Role of Capping Agents in Tailoring the Shape, Structure, and Plasmonic Properties
Authors: Dadhich Bhavesh Kumar , Bhushan Bhavya , Priyam Amiya
Published: April 2019

The shape- and structure-directing ability of capping agents, namely, acetic acid (AA) and folic acid (FA), has been analyzed in the synthesis of hollow plasmonic nanostructures via the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. FA was found to possess both shape-directing and structure-directing abilities when spherical solid Ag2O nanoparticles were transformed into hollow silver nanocubes (HAgNCs). In contrast, AA acted only as a structure-directing agent in the transformation from solid Ag2O nanospheres to hollow Ag nanospheres (HAgNSs). FA capping leads to enhanced plasmon tunability range from 535 to 640 nm in the hollow silver nanostructures. The size and shape of nanostructures were analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). HRTEM revealed that the outer diameter of AA-capped HAgNSs is 50 ± 10 nm while edge-length for FA-capped HAgNCs is 100 ± 15 nm. The diameter of inner void space was found to be 30 ± 5 and 43 ± 5 nm for HAgNSs and HAgNCs, respectively. The phase purity of the hollow nanostructures was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray measurements. Due to unique structural and plasmonic features, FA-capped HAgNCs are well-suited for biomedical applications.
Downscaling GRACE Predictions of the Crustal Response to the Present‐Day Mass Changes in Greenland
Authors: Wang Linsong , Khan Shfaqat A. , Bevis Michael , van den Broeke Michiel R. , Kaban Mikhail K. , Thomas Maik , Chen Chao
Published: April 2019

The GRACE mission has had a revolutionary impact on the study of Earth system processes, but it provides a band‐limited representation of mass changes. This is particularly problematic when studying mass changes that tend to be concentrated in fairly narrow zones near the edges of the Greenland Ice Sheet. In this study, coarse‐resolution estimates of the mass change derived from GRACE have been enhanced by the introduction of heuristic scaling factors applied to model surface mass balance and observed surface elevation change. Corresponding results indicate large spatial heterogeneity in the gridded scaling factors at the 0.5° × 0.5° scale, reflecting significant mass losses concentrated along the ice sheet margin and relatively small internal ice sheet changes at higher elevations. The scaled GRACE‐derived vertical displacements are in the range from −2 to 14 mm/year from 2003 to 2015. The Greenland GPS network was used to examine the downscaling GRACE predictions of the crustal displacements. The results show consistency of scaled GRACE‐predicted and GPS‐observed seasonal and long‐term uplift in major drainage basins of Greenland. Our results indicate that GRACE predictions underestimate vertical displacements at sites located in regions characterized by concentrated loads, but perform well in other regions. Differences between predicted and observed uplift rates are mainly caused by the sensitivity kernels, because GPS and GRACE estimates are based on weighted averages of mass loss in different sensitivity ranges. Moreover, a large uncertainty in the glacial isostatic adjustment correction may also cause errors in the GPS‐to‐GRACE ratio.
High Contribution of Secondary Brown Carbon to Aerosol Light Absorption in the Southeastern Margin of Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Qiyuan , Han Yongming , Ye Jianhuai , Liu Suixin , Pongpiachan Siwatt , Zhang Ningning , Han Yuemei , Tian Jie , Wu Cheng , Long Xin , Zhang Qian , Zhang Wenyan , Zhao Zhuzi , Cao Junji
Published: April 2019

The optical properties of atmospheric secondary brown carbon (BrC) aerosol are poorly understood because of its chemical complexity, and this has hampered quantitative assessments of the impacts of this light‐absorbing material on glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau. For this study, a statistical approach was developed to investigate BrC light absorption over the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Secondary sources for BrC were more important for absorption than primary ones. A diurnal cycle in secondary BrC absorption was explained by the formation of light‐absorbing chromophores by photochemical oxidation after sunrise followed by photobleaching of the chromophores under the more oxidizing conditions as the day progressed. Multimethod analyses showed that biomass burning in northern Burma and along the Sino‐Burmese border was the most important source for the secondary BrC. The mean integrated simple forcing efficiency was 79 W/g, indicating that secondary BrC can cause substantial radiative effects.