bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
En vækkelse på Als, der fostrede en salmedigter
Authors: Lyster Jens
Published: April 2020

Hidtil har det været almindeligt antaget, at gudelige vækkelser aldrig nåede frem til Als, i alt fald ikke før efter 1770. En bog, der i 1990’erne dukkede op på en containerplads, rykker ved dette billede. Den rummer tre opbyggelige skrifter med blandt andet 180 herrnhutiske sange fra årene 1745-1755 og stammer fra Landsbyen Blæsborg i Ketting Sogn på Als. Her skal det undersøges nærmere, hvad denne gamle bog kan fortælle os om forfatteren og hans religiøse liv, herunder hvordan han mødte ”den glade pietisme”, herrnhutismen, der forløste ham som digter.
De sønderjyske børn
Authors: Kristensen Mariann
Published: April 2020

Mariann Kristensen undersøger her Illustreret Børneblad for Nordslesvigs indhold samt bevarede stile, der i sin tid er blevet indsendt til bladet. Dette gøres med påstanden om, at man i dette forum har konstrueret en særlig dansk barndom som et ideal målrettet nordslesvigske børn. Et ideal, der også er formuleret i børnenes egne beskrivelser af dem selv som danske. Man kan med andre ordsige, at der var tale om en særlig dansk barndomskonstruktion i Nordslesvig, en barndom der udmøntede sig hos de sønderjyske børn. Men hvad ville det sige at være et dansk sønderjysk barn? Det vil den følgende artikel give svar på.
Deep Ecology and Nature: Naess, Spinoza, Schelling
Authors: Meurs Boris van
Published: April 2020

In this article I will critically engage with Arne Naess's Deep Ecological appropriation of Spinoza's concept of Nature. I will argue that Naess falsely opposes the creative and created aspects of Nature, rather than thinking these two in concord. Because of this, his concept of Nature falls apart into two realms, which makes it impossible to think of Nature as one united whole. I will discuss the problems this leads to then propose that Schelling's philosophy of Nature is more apt as a Deep Ecological philosophy. Schelling's concept of Nature explicitly defines Nature as the identity of productivity and product, so that the rift in Naess's conception is overcome.
Three Cheetah, One Guide, and the Setting Sun: Magic on McKenzies Koppie
Authors: Milton Martin
Published: April 2020

An encounter with cheetah on the plains of Botswana is described and used to consider the experience of being-in-the-(natural)-world. The importance of contact with nature is discussed alongside some of the issues we face both personally and globally.
Where Wildflowers Grow
Authors: Sell Jill
Published: April 2020

The author accompanies her friend, a woodland wildflower expert, on a mission to save native Ohio wildflowers from sites destined for development.
Do You Come Here Often?
Authors: Sell Jill
Published: April 2020

If ferns went to bars...
Considering Kingsolver’s “Great Barrier” for Beyond the Pastoral
Authors: Myers Madison
Published: April 2020

Looking at stories, we can begin imagining processes of reworlding, processes that involve un-learning and re-learning our relationships with the environment in a more-than-human world, and I wonder, too, if poetry can lead us to a similar place, poetry offering an approach toward a collaboration with the nonhuman in a more than human world. Barbara Kingsolver's poem, "Great Barrier," generally and broadly responds to climate change and the anxiety surrounding our limited amount of time to dramatically address climate change. I argue that she allows the potential for completely reimagining new practices and processes toward approaching the Anthropocene through the genre of poetry that does not return to something familiar.
Weighted gene correlation network analysis reveals novel biomarkers associated with mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation in early phase
Authors: Xiao Bin , Wang Guozhu , Li Weiwei
Published: April 2020

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem that is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and its prevalence is increasing as the world’s population ages. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of the disease is becoming a high priority. In this regard, studies have shown that an imbalance in adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is associated with osteoporosis. In this study, we conducted a Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis to identify gene modules associated with the differentiation of bone marrow MSCs. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome enrichment analysis showed that the most significant module, the brown module, was enriched with genes involved in cell cycle regulation, which is in line with the initial results published using these data. In addition, the Cytoscape platform was used to identify important hub genes and lncRNAs correlated with the gene modules. Furthermore, differential gene expression analysis identified 157 and 40 genes that were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, after 3 h of MSCs differentiation. Interestingly, regulatory network analysis, and comparison of the differentially expressed genes with those in the brown module identified potential novel biomarker genes, including two transcription factors (ZNF740, FOS) and two hub genes (FOXQ1, SGK1), which were further validated for differential expression in another data set of differentiation of MSCs. Finally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis suggested that the two most important candidate hub genes are involved in regulatory pathways, such as the JAK-STAT and RAS signaling pathways. In summary, we have revealed new molecular mechanisms of MSCs differentiation and identified novel genes that could be used as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Conservation detection dog is better than human searcher in finding bilby (Macrotis lagotis) scats
Authors: Thompson Scott A. , Thompson Graham G. , Withers Philip C. , Bennett Emma M.
Published: April 2020

Conservation detection dogs have been widely used for finding scats, retreat sites and specific plant and animal species for a variety of purposes, including monitoring, management, biosecurity and eradication programs. Their cost-effectiveness appears well established in finding cryptic and rare animals, yet they are not included in the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ published search protocol for bilbies. In this study a human searcher located six of 90 scats (6.7%) compared to the conservation detection dog that located 89 of 90 bilby scats (98.9%). The dog’s time to locate the first scat in a 25m × 25m site with a ground cover of leaves, sticks and grasses was 72.8 sec (± se 8.10, n = 60) and, when a second scat was present, the mean time to locate the second scat was 186.5 sec (± se 186.517, n = 29). We strongly recommend that conservation detection dogs are incorporated into the State government’s search protocol for bilbies, as they are more accurate and faster than human searchers, and provide development proponents with greater confidence in searches undertaken as part of an environmental impact assessment.
Study of the Optical Properties of Cobalt Ferrite Magnetic Liquids
Authors: Lamai Nandiguim , Nanimina Alexis Mouangué , Bongo Djimako , Danoumbe Bonaventure , Jonas Togdjim
Published: April 2020

In this study, we discussed the optical properties (Faraday rotation, transmittance and Merit factor) of two samples of magnetic liquids synthesized by co-precipitation and an additional hydrothermal synthesis of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) developed according to the protocol developed by R. Massart at the PHENIX laboratory at Pierre and Marie Curie University in the form of ferrofluids. The measurements were carried out using the spectral polarimetric bench (400-1600 nm). The materials did not meet the standard and did not allow a good Faraday rotation due to their preparation conditions. Cobalt ferrite is a hard ferrimagnetic material, having many important applications in the field of magnetic storage and spintronics. The results show a very high spectral Faraday rotation in the Telecom range (1550 nm) with good transparency in the infrared of the transmittance spectra and a strong merit factor around 1550 nm, with a value of the order of 11°. For a cobalt ferrite magnetic liquid obtained hydrothermally.
Defect Engineering in Carbon‐Based Electrocatalysts: Insight into Intrinsic Carbon Defects
Authors: Zhu Jiawei , Mu Shichun
Published: April 2020

Functionalized carbon nanomaterials, as significant options for renewable energy systems, are widely utilized in diversified electrochemical reactions in virtue of property advantages. The inevitable defect sites in architectures greatly affect physicochemical properties of carbon nanomaterials, thus defect engineering has recently become a vital research orientation of carbon‐based electrocatalysts. The intentionally introduced intrinsic carbon defect sites in the frameworks can directly serve as the potential active sites owing to the altered surface charge state, modulated adsorption free energy of key intermediates, as well as diminished bandgap. Furthermore, the synergistic sites between intrinsic defects and heteroatom dopants/captured atomic metal species can further optimize the electronic structure and adsorption/desorption behavior, making carbon‐based catalysts comparable to commercial precious metal catalysts in electrocatalysis. With pressing research demands, the common configurations, construction strategies, structure–activity relationships, and characterization methods for intrinsic carbon defect‐involved catalytic centers are systematically summarized. Such theoretical and experimental evidences of intrinsic defect‐induced activity can reveal the active centers and relevant catalytic mechanism, thereby providing necessary guidance for the design and construction of highly efficient carbon‐based electrocatalysts and promoting their commercial applications.
Chalcogenides by Design: Functionality through Metavalent Bonding and Confinement
Authors: Kooi Bart J. , Wuttig Matthias
Published: April 2020

A unified picture of different application areas for incipient metals is presented. This unconventional material class includes several main‐group chalcogenides, such as GeTe, PbTe, Sb2Te3, Bi2Se3, AgSbTe2 and Ge2Sb2Te5. These compounds and related materials show a unique portfolio of physical properties. A novel map is discussed, which helps to explain these properties and separates the different fundamental bonding mechanisms (e.g., ionic, metallic, and covalent). The map also provides evidence for an unconventional, new bonding mechanism, coined metavalent bonding (MVB). Incipient metals, employing this bonding mechanism, also show a special bond breaking mechanism. MVB differs considerably from resonant bonding encountered in benzene or graphite. The concept of MVB is employed to explain the unique properties of materials utilizing it. Then, the link is made from fundamental insights to application‐relevant properties, crucial for the use of these materials as thermoelectrics, phase change materials, topological insulators or as active photonic components. The close relationship of the materials' properties and their application potential provides optimization schemes for different applications. Finally, evidence will be presented that for metavalently bonded materials interesting effects arise in reduced dimensions. In particular, the consequences for the crystallization kinetics of thin films and nanoparticles will be discussed in detail.
Is There a Cult of Statistical Significance in Agricultural Economics?
Authors: Rommel Jens , Weltin Meike
Published: April 2020

McCloskey and Ziliak analyzed two decades of econometric practice in the American Economic Review (AER). We review the arguments and develop a questionnaire, applying it to three Agricultural Economics journals and the AER. Statistical practice improved over time, but a greater focus on economic significance is still needed. Considering the power of tests and discussing the economic consequences of type I and type II error were rarely practiced. The AER and the American Journal of Agricultural Economics did not substantially differ in their performance. We discuss examples of statistical practice and conclude with implications for the publication process and teaching.
Parallel Operation of Self‐Limited Analog Programming for Fast Array‐Level Weight Programming and Update
Authors: Song Hanchan , An Jangho , Son Seoil , Kim Young Seok , Park Juseong , Jeon Jae Bum , Kim Geunyoung , Kim Kyung Min
Published: April 2020

Memristive neural networks perform vector matrix multiplication efficiently, which is used for the accelerator of neuromorphic computing. To train the memristor cells in a memristive neural network, the analog conductance state of the memristor should be programmed in parallel; otherwise, the resulting long training time can limit the size of the neural network. Herein, a novel parallel programming method using the self‐limited analog switching behavior of the memristor is proposed. A Pt/Ti:NbOx/NbOx/TiN charge trap memristor device for the programming demonstration is utilized, and a convolutional neural network is emulated to train the MNIST dataset, based on the device characteristics. In the simulation, the proposed programming method is able to reduce programming time to as low as 1/130, compared with the sequential programming method. The simulation suggests that the programming time required by the proposed method is not affected by array size, which makes it very promising in a high‐density neural network.
Transplant eligibility in elderly multiple myeloma patients: Prospective external validation of the international myeloma working group frailty score and comparison with clinical judgment and other comorbidity scores in unselected patients aged 65‐75 years
Authors: Belotti Angelo , Ribolla Rossella , Cancelli Valeria , Crippa Claudia , Bianchetti Nicola , Ferrari Samantha , Bottelli Chiara , Cattaneo Chiara , Tucci Alessandra , De La Fuente Barrigon Carmen , Rossi Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is feasible and effective in selected older patients with Multiple Myeloma, but specific criteria for evaluating ASCT eligibility in elderly patients are lacking. We evaluated 131 patients aged 65‐75 considered for ASCT at our center: The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Hematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCT‐CI) and IMWG frailty score were obtained at diagnosis, but the intensity of treatment was left to physician's choice. The scores and age's impact on outcome was analyzed: 85 patients were judged transplant eligible, whereas 46 patients received a less intensive treatment (median follow up 27 months). No patients classified as frail had been considered eligible to ASCT with a worse outcome compared to fit and unfit patients (median PFS (progression free survival): 7.9 vs 32.9 and 29.6 months; P < .001). PFS was superior in the ASCT group (35.6 vs 19.9 months, P .013). In the ASCT group, PFS was better in patients aged 65‐69 years than in patients ≥70 (51.5 vs 27.7 months, P.004). Indeed, in unfit patients aged ≥70 the PFS of the ASCT group was comparable to NO ASCT group (18 vs 27 months, P = .33) whereas in unfit patients aged 65‐69 PFS was superior in the ASCT group: 43.3 vs 18.4 months, P .01. ISS III and impaired functional status independently affected PFS in a multivariate analysis (P .011 and P .006). While CCI and HCT‐CI did not predict different outcome in ASCT patients, the IMWG frailty score would be of help in identifying unfit patients aged 70‐75, whose outcome with ASCT selected by clinical judgment was no better than with less intensive treatments.
Effect of high ligation on survival of patients undergoing surgery for primary colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases
Authors: Matsui S , Okabayashi K , Hasegawa H , Tsuruta M , Shigeta K , Ishida T , Yamada T , Kondo T , Yamauchi S , Sugihara K , Kitagawa Y
Published: April 2020

Background

Although R0 surgery is recommended for stage IV colorectal cancer, the degree of required lymphadenectomy has not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of high ligation (HL) of the feeding artery and the number of retrieved lymph nodes after R0 surgery for colorectal cancer and synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM).

Methods

This was a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous CRLM who had R0 surgery between January 1997 and December 2007. Clinical and pathological features were compared in patients who underwent HL and those who had a low ligation (LL). Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to estimate the effect of HL on overall survival (OS). The impact of several risk factors on survival was analysed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Of 549 patients, 409 (74·5 per cent) had HL. Median follow-up was 51·4 months. HL significantly improved the 5-year OS rate (58·2 per cent versus 49·3 per cent for LL; P = 0·017). Multivariable analysis revealed HL to be a significant prognostic factor compared with LL (5-year mortality: hazard ratio (HR) 0·68, 95 per cent c.i. 0·51 to 0·90; P = 0·007). In subgroup analysis, the positive effect of HL on OS was greatest in patients with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

HL of the feeding artery was associated with improved OS in patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous CRLM after R0 surgery.
Dynamic Transactional Transformation
Authors: LaBorde Pierre , Lebanoff Lance , Peterson Christina , Zhang Deli , Dechev Damian
Published: April 2020

Transactional data structures support threads executing a sequence of operations atomically. Dynamic transactions allow operands to be generated on the fly and allows threads to execute code in between the operations of a transaction, in contrast to static transactions which need to know the operands in advance. A framework called lock‐free transactional transformation (LFTT) allows data structures to run high‐performance transactions, but it only supports static transactions. We present dynamic transactional transformation, an extension to LFTT to add support for dynamic transactions and wait‐free progress while retaining its speed. The thread‐helping scheme of LFTT presents a unique challenge to dynamic transactions. We overcome this challenge by changing the input of LFTT from a list of operations to a function, forcing helping threads to always start at the beginning of the transaction, and allowing threads to skip completed operations through the use of a list of return values. We thoroughly evaluate the performance impact of support for dynamic transactions and wait‐free progress and find that these features do not hurt the performance of LFTT for our test cases.
Smart Fluorescence Materials that Are Controllable by Hydrostatic Pressure: Peptide−Pyrene Conjugates
Authors: Mizuno Hiroaki , Kitamatsu Mizuki , Imai Yoshitane , Fukuhara Gaku
Published: April 2020

Fluorogens or luminescence materials that show manipulatable emissive responses toward various external stimuli, such as, temperature, solvent, salt, and pH, hold great promise for some applications. Hydrostatic pressure, as one external stimulus, can manipulate conformational changes in the ground state and subsequent photophysical properties in the excited state of an appropriately designed material. In this study, we controlled not only the chiroptical but also the emissive properties of smart fluorescence materials, namely peptide−pyrene conjugates, and also examined the origins of the optical properties by means of several spectroscopic techniques under high pressure. The location of the chromophores and the appended bulky substituent on the peptide scaffold play pivotal roles in influencing the pressure‐induced properties. The present work gives new perspectives for energy‐related luminescent materials which respond to hydrostatic pressure, providing an attractive alternative to other common external stimuli.
Climatic variables influence the temporal dynamics of an anuran metacommunity in a nonstationary way
Authors: Ceron Karoline , Santana Diego J. , Lucas Elaine M. , Zocche Jairo José , Provete Diogo B.
Published: April 2020

Understanding the temporal dynamics of communities is crucial to predict how communities respond to climate change. Several factors can promote variation in phenology among species, including tracking of seasonal resources, adaptive responses to other species, demographic stochasticity, and physiological constraints. The activities of ectothermic vertebrates are sensitive to climatic variations due to the effect of temperature and humidity on species physiology. However, most studies on temporal dynamics have analyzed multi‐year data and do not have resolution to discriminate within‐year patterns that can determine community assembly cycles. Here, we tested the temporal stability and synchrony of calling activity and also how climatic variables influence anuran species composition throughout the year in a metacommunity in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. Using a multivariate method, we described how the relationship between species composition and climatic variables changes through time. The metacommunity showed a weak synchronous spatial pattern, meaning that species responded independently to environmental variation. Interestingly, species composition exhibited a nonstationary response to climate, suggesting that climate affects species composition differently depending on the season. The species‐climate relationship was stronger during the spring, summer, and winter, mainly influenced by temperature, rainfall, and humidity. Thus, temporal community dynamics seem to be mediated by species life‐history traits, in which independent fluctuations promote community stability in temporally varying environments.
Generation of niche tuned antifibrotic fibroblasts and non‐viral mediated endothelial commitment using adipose stem cells for dermal graft development
Authors: Ajit Amita , Ramakrishnan Rashmi , Retnabai Santhoshkumar T. , Senan Manesh , Krishnan Lissy K.
Published: April 2020

Cell‐based skin substitute generation has seen considerable development. Combining synthetic scaffolds with biomimetic fibrin does direct both exogenous and endogenous stem cell differentiation, addressing needs for reliable tissue engineering. However, lack of immediate vasculature within implantable grafts remains critical for its sustenance and integration. Multipotency, high proliferation potential, ability to release multiple growth factors (GFs), and autologous availability highlight the use of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) in tissue‐engineered dermal grafts (TEDG) construction. However, hADMSCs' insufficiency to independently establish angiogenesis within tissue constructs demands improvement of stem cell application for dermal graft survival. Approaches to harness microenvironmentally sensitive paracrine interactions could improve the angiogenic efficiency of hADMSCs within TEDG. This study conceptualized a fibrin‐based niche, to direct hADMSCs toward a nonfibrotic fibroblast commitment and incorporation of bioengineered hADMSCs, specifically releasing potent angiogenic factors within TEDG. Coexistence of tuned fibroblast and endothelial lineage committed cells contributed to well‐regulated extracellular matrix formation and prevascularization. Adequate cell proliferation; sustained transient release of angiogenic GFs till 20 days; directed dermal, endothelial, fibroblast, and vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation; and favored elastin and collagen deposition were achieved in vitro. In conclusion, specific niche composition and employment of bioengineered hADMSCs favor implantable TEDG construction.
The causal nexus of interest rate policy and gold market: The case of Turkey
Authors: Yildirim Hakan , Alola Andrew A. , Sengelen Hakan Eren
Published: April 2020

The relevance of gold to the financial market and global economies is responsible for the commodity's (gold) link with financial instruments such as the oil price, currency and gold price, stock index, and other commodities price. In this case, the causal analysis between the interest rate and the gold price has been examined in a novel approach. This study uses the standard Granger causality approach to test the relationship for the economy of Turkey over the period June 1, 2000–June 1, 2017. The results revealed that while gold price depends on daily announcements, demand, and supply, the interest rate depends on some factors such as the monetary policy of the central bank, inflation rate, and different macroeconomic parameters. Thus, the causality between the two financial instruments is observed to be significant. According to the conducted statistical analysis, the interest rate and gold price have interaction between each other. Because there is insufficient evidence in the extant literature that establishes a causality relationship between the two variables, the current study is believed to enhance policy directives and contribute to the financial literature. Considering the peculiar situation of the Turkish financial market, this novel approach presents significant policy directions.
Effects of Palmaria palmata on lipid metabolism and glycemic control in participants with hypercholesterolemia in a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Takase Takahiro , Nakamura Akinobu , Miyoshi Hideaki , Koga Minori , Toyomaki Atsuhito , Kusumi Ichiro , Kino Rikako , Konishi Yasuyuki , Kiso Yoshinobu , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: April 2020

Background

Red algae have been reported to improve lipid and glucose metabolism in rats. We investigated the effects of Palmaria palmata (P. palmata), a red alga from northern Japan, on lipid metabolism and glycemic control in participants with hypercholesterolemia.

Methods

We conducted an 8‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, and parallel‐group comparison trial. The study enrolled Japanese participants with a serum low‐density protein cholesterol (LDL‐C) ≥120 mg/dL. The participants were randomly assigned to take either capsules containing P. palmata (2 g/day) or placebo capsules. The primary endpoint was the change in LDL‐C from baseline to week 8 and the secondary endpoints were the changes in other lipid parameters and glycemic control.

Results

Of the 104 participants completed the study protocol. There were no significant differences in change in LDL‐C, body mass index, waist circumference, or glycemic control between the two groups. However, serum triglyceride showed significantly greater improvement in women in the P. palmata group (−9.0 [−25.0, +5.0]) vs. those in the placebo group (−1.0 [−11.0, +19.0]; p = .03).

Conclusions

The present study did not show that P. palmata had significant effect on serum LDL‐C nor glycemic control, but hypertriglyceridemia could be ameliorated by administration of P. palmata in women.
Characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus loss in runoff from Quercus acutissima Carr. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. under simulated rainfall
Authors: Wang Rongjia , Gao Peng , Li Cheng , Dong Xuede , Zhou Rui , Gao Yuemeng , Xu Jingwei , Dun Xingjian
Published: April 2020

Subsurface runoff is central to sloping land hydrology research. To explore the mechanism of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loss in surface and subsurface runoff in mountain forestland, we selected the typical tree species Quercus acutissima Carr. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. as our research objects and carried out simulated rainfall experiments to study the N and P loss characteristics of surface and subsurface runoff on different areas of slope land. Our results show that total N and total phosphorus P concentrations in surface runoff were initially high but tended to be stable as rainfall continued. Surface runoff accounted for most losses of both N and P, with a greater proportion found for forested land than for wasteland. Surface losses of N ranged from 70.8–88.8%, and those of P ranged from 82.2–87.5% of total losses in forest and wasteland, respectively. Our results show that the main pathway for N and P loss was surface runoff. However, N and P loss in subsurface runoff cannot be ignored in research on sloping land hydrology and the control by forestland of nonpoint source pollution in mountain forestland. Our research enriches sloping land hydrology research and provides a basis for the effective control of runoff, N, and P loss in forestland of the mountainous region of China and similar areas around the world.
An assessment of the environmental sustainability corridor: Investigating the non‐linear effects of environmental taxation on CO2 emissions
Authors: Ulucak Recep , Danish  , Kassouri Yacouba
Published: April 2020

The effectiveness of environmental taxes for achieving carbon abatement has been subject to important debates on the sustainable development pathway. Theoretically, it is expected that environmental taxation (ERT) can reduce carbon emissions by enhancing innovation and energy efficiency that are the main drivers of environmental sustainability. The purpose of the study is to investigate the non‐linear effects of ERT on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by controlling environmental technologies, patens and economic growth within the limitation of the available longest data set covering the period of 1994–2015. The study employs the panel smooth transition regression approach, which determines the threshold levels endogenously, by observing the lower and higher integration levels of countries through globalization as a transition variable. The empirical findings recommend that ERT decreases CO2 emissions at higher levels of globalization. The non‐linear effect of environmental‐related technologies and patents on CO2 emissions is also favourable at higher levels of globalization.
Genetic Evaluation of Population Structure in Tautog
Authors: Small Hamish J. , Song Jingwei , McDowell Jan R.
Published: April 2020

TautogTautoga onitissupports both recreational and growing commercial fisheries from Virginia to Massachusetts. Tautogs, which aggregate around structured habitats (wrecks, rocks, bridge pilings, etc.), are slow to mature and have a low reproductive rate relative to other teleosts. Slow growth and easy catchability result in Tautogs being extremely vulnerable to overexploitation, and their populations are slow to rebuild. At present, Tautogs are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission as four separate regions: Massachusetts–Rhode Island, Long Island Sound, New Jersey–New York Bight, and Delaware–Maryland–Virginia, despite a lack of genetic information to support this management scenario. The objective of the current study was to investigate the genetic connectivity of Tautogs throughout their management zone and provide stock structure information in support of fisheries management. We developed and used 18 variable microsatellite loci to evaluate the genetic structure of 789 Tautogs sampled across their effective U.S. East Coast range from Massachusetts to North Carolina. We also amplified and sequenced a 1,267 base pair portion of the mitochondrial DNA control region from Tautogs sampled from Massachusetts and Virginia. Comparison of pairwiseFSTvalues among samples collected from locations south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, were low and nonsignificant, suggesting that gene flow is sufficient to prevent the accumulation of genetic differences. The collection from Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, was genetically distinct from all other samples (FST= 0.021 to 0.046), indicating that Cape Cod is a significant barrier to dispersal for Tautogs and suggesting that Tautogs north and south of Cape Cod should be managed as separate stocks.
Chromosome evolution in the cosmopolitan genus Lycium (Solanaceae)
Authors: Stiefkens Laura , Las Peñas M. Laura , Levin Rachel A. , Miller Jill S. , Bernardello Gabriel
Published: April 2020

Lycium is the only member of tribe Lycieae (Solanoideae, Solanaceae), and it has a cosmopolitan distribution with its greatest diversity in southern South America, southern Africa, and southwestern North America. To date, there has been no attempt to synthesize and evaluate the significance of the available cytogenetical data from a phylogenetic perspective, which is the objective of this study. Firstly, new data on 27 taxa from all its range of distribution (FISH in all of them, banding in 23, Feulgen technique in 14) were provided to fill gaps in the information. The chromosome numbers of L. australe, L. humile, and L. repens were recorded for the first time. Species showed x = 12 with different ploidy levels (mostly diploid or tetraploid), small chromosomes, and symmetrical karyotypes. Lycium fremontii and L. repens were outstanding for having the highest numbers reported for the genus: 10x and 11x, respectively. North American species showed comparatively longer chromosomes. Secondly, cytogenetical traits were mapped on a phylogenetic tree, using character mapping and ancestral states reconstruction, to understand the dynamics of the evolutionary changes. The main cytotaxonomical features were included: chromosome number, presence of polyploidy, total length of the haploid chromosome set, mean chromosome length, karyotype formula, A1 and A2 asymmetry indices, percentage of heterochromatin, number of CMA+/DAPI− NORs bands, and number and position of 5S and 18S‐5.8S‐26S sites. The mean chromosome length, total haploid chromosome length, number of 18S‐5.8S‐26S loci, number of CMA+/DAPI− NORs bands underwent comparatively few transitions compared with the ploidy level and number of 5S loci. The mapping of the characters on the phylogenetic tree showed that the most probable ancestral chromosome number was 2n = 24 with several independent polyploidization events and one pair of each rDNA locus. The most likely ancestral condition for the genus would be: diploid, with small chromosomes, scarce heterochromatin, asynteny of rDNA loci, and one pair of both 18S‐5.8S‐26S and 5S loci.
Is atypical rhythm a risk factor for developmental speech and language disorders?
Authors: Ladányi Enikő , Persici Valentina , Fiveash Anna , Tillmann Barbara , Gordon Reyna L.
Published: April 2020

Although a growing literature points to substantial variation in speech/language abilities related to individual differences in musical abilities, mainstream models of communication sciences and disorders have not yet incorporated these individual differences into childhood speech/language development. This article reviews three sources of evidence in a comprehensive body of research aligning with three main themes: (a) associations between musical rhythm and speech/language processing, (b) musical rhythm in children with developmental speech/language disorders and common comorbid attentional and motor disorders, and (c) individual differences in mechanisms underlying rhythm processing in infants and their relationship with later speech/language development. In light of converging evidence on associations between musical rhythm and speech/language processing, we propose the Atypical Rhythm Risk Hypothesis, which posits that individuals with atypical rhythm are at higher risk for developmental speech/language disorders. The hypothesis is framed within the larger epidemiological literature in which recent methodological advances allow for large‐scale testing of shared underlying biology across clinically distinct disorders. A series of predictions for future work testing the Atypical Rhythm Risk Hypothesis are outlined. We suggest that if a significant body of evidence is found to support this hypothesis, we can envision new risk factor models that incorporate atypical rhythm to predict the risk of developing speech/language disorders. Given the high prevalence of speech/language disorders in the population and the negative long‐term social and economic consequences of gaps in identifying children at‐risk, these new lines of research could potentially positively impact access to early identification and treatment.

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language in Mind and Brain

Neuroscience > Development

Linguistics > Language Acquisition
Statistical Behaviour and Modelling of Fuel Mass Fraction Dissipation Rate Transport in Turbulent Flame-Droplet Interaction: A Direct Numerical Simulation study
Authors: Malkeson Sean P. , Wacks Daniel H. , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: April 2020

Three-dimensional Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) data of statistically planar turbulent spray flames propagating into mono-disperse droplets for different values of droplet diameter ad and droplet equivalence ratio ϕd has been used to analyse the statistical behaviour of the fuel mass fraction dissipation rate $$ \overset{\sim }{\upvarepsilon_Y} $$εY~ and its transport in the context of Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations. Closures previously derived for high Damköhler number turbulent stratified mixture combustion have been shown not to capture the statistical behaviour of $$ \overset{\sim }{\upvarepsilon_Y} $$εY~ for turbulent spray flames, because the underlying assumptions behind the original modelling are invalid for the cases considered in this analysis. The modelling of the unclosed terms of the fuel mass fraction dissipation rate $$ \overset{\sim }{\upvarepsilon_Y} $$εY~ transport equation (i.e. the turbulent transport term T1, the density variation term T2, the scalar turbulence interaction term T3, the reaction rate term T4, the evaporation contribution terms T5 and T6, and the dissipation rate term −D2) has been analysed in the context of RANS simulations. The models previously proposed in the context of turbulent gaseous stratified flames have been considered here to assess their suitability for turbulent spray flames. Based on a-priori DNS analysis, suitable model expressions have been identified for T1, T2, T31, T32, T33, [T4 − D2 + f(D)] and [T5 + T6], which have been shown to perform generally satisfactorily for all cases considered here.
Working on and with Relationships: Relational Work and Spatial Understandings of Good Care in Community Mental Healthcare in Trieste
Authors: Muusse Christien , Kroon Hans , Mulder Cornelis L. , Pols Jeannette
Published: April 2020

Deinstitutionalization is often described as an organizational shift of moving care from the psychiatric hospital towards the community. This paper analyses deinstitutionalization as a daily care practice by adopting an empirical ethics approach instead. Deinstitutionalization of mental healthcare is seen as an important way of improving the quality of lives of people suffering from severe mental illness. But how is this done in practice and which different goods are strived for by those involved? We examine these questions by giving an ethnographic description of community mental health care in Trieste, a city that underwent a radical process of deinstitutionalization in the 1970s. We show that paying attention to the spatial metaphors used in daily care direct us to different notions of good care in which relationships are central. Addressing the question of how daily care practices of mental healthcare outside the hospital may be constituted and the importance of spatial metaphors used may inform other practices that want to shape community mental health care.
The explanation game: a formal framework for interpretable machine learning
Authors: Watson David S. , Floridi Luciano
Published: April 2020

We propose a formal framework for interpretable machine learning. Combining elements from statistical learning, causal interventionism, and decision theory, we design an idealisedexplanation gamein which players collaborate to find the best explanation(s) for a given algorithmic prediction. Through an iterative procedure of questions and answers, the players establish a three-dimensional Pareto frontier that describes the optimal trade-offs between explanatory accuracy, simplicity, and relevance. Multiple rounds are played at different levels of abstraction, allowing the players to explore overlapping causal patterns of variable granularity and scope. We characterise the conditions under which such a game is almost surely guaranteed to converge on a (conditionally) optimal explanation surface in polynomial time, and highlight obstacles that will tend to prevent the players from advancing beyond certain explanatory thresholds. The game serves a descriptive and a normative function, establishing a conceptual space in which to analyse and compare existing proposals, as well as design new and improved solutions.
The Effect of Co-feeding Methyl Acetate on the H-ZSM5 Catalysed Methanol-to-Hydrocarbons Reaction
Authors: Zachariou A. , Hawkins A. P. , Collier P. , Howe R. F. , Parker S. F. , Lennon D.
Published: April 2020

The reactivity of methanol and methyl acetate mixtures over a HZSM-5 catalyst is studied over a period of 6 h at 350 °C, with small molecular weight olefins and aromatic compounds observed as reaction products. Post-reaction analysis of the catalyst shows the coke content to increase with methyl acetate content. Vibrational spectra (DRIFTS and inelastic neutron scattering, INS) indicate the major hydrocarbon species present in the coked catalysts to be methylated aromatic molecules, with INS spectra indicating a greater degree of methylation in the catalysts used with higher methyl acetate content. The greater extent of deactivation at higher methyl acetate concentrations is tentatively attributed to a diminishment of water in the zeolite cavity, which would otherwise facilitate re-generation of the active sites.
Randomised comparison of a balloon-expandable and self-expandable valve with quantitative assessment of aortic regurgitation using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kooistra N. H. M. , Abawi M. , Voskuil M. , Urgel K. , Samim M. , Nijhoff F. , Nathoe H. M. , Doevendans P. A. F. M. , Chamuleau S. A. J. , Leenders G. E. H. , Leiner T. , Abrahams A. C. , van der Worp H. B. , Agostoni P. , Stella P. R.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a safe and effective treatment for inoperable, intermediate- or high-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and has been associated with excellent clinical outcomes. A clinically relevant remaining problem is aortic regurgitation (AR) post-TAVI, which is associated with increased mortality. Therefore, we conducted a prospective randomised trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a first-generation self-expandable valve (SEV; CoreValve) and a third-generation balloon-expandable valve (BEV; Sapien 3) with respect to clinical outcomes and AR as determined quantitatively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

The ELECT study was an investigator-initiated, single-centre trial involving patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and with a clinical indication for transfemoral TAVI. Fifty-six patients were randomly assigned to the BEV or SEV group.

Results

AR determined quantitatively by MRI was lower in the BEV than in the SEV group [regurgitant fraction: 1.1% (0–8.0) vs 8.7% (3.0–14.8) for SEV; p = 0.01]. Secondary endpoints according to the criteria of the Second Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-2) showed BEV to have better early safety [0 (0%) vs 8 (30%); p = 0.002] at 30 days and a lower risk of stroke [0 (0%) vs 5 (21%); p = 0.01], major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [0 (0%) vs 10 (38%); p < 0.001] or death [0 (0%) vs 5 (19%); p = 0.02] in the 1st year compared with SEV.

Conclusions

The use of the latest generation of BEV was associated with less AR as quantitatively assessed by MRI. Although the use of MRI to quantify AR is not feasible in daily clinical practice, it should be considered as a surrogate endpoint for clinical outcomes in comparative studies of valves for TAVI.

ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01982032.
Molecular dynamics simulation on the effect of dislocation structures on the retention and distribution of helium ions implanted into silicon
Authors: Ji Li , Liu Lei , Xu Zongwei , Song Ying , Wu Jintong , Li Rongrong , Fang Fengzhou
Published: April 2020

To investigate the effect of dislocation structures on the initial formation stage of helium bubbles, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used in this study. The retention rate and distribution of helium ions with 2 keV energy implanted into silicon with dislocation structures were studied via MD simulation. Results show that the dislocation structures and their positions in the sample affect the helium ion retention rate. The analysis on the three-dimensional distribution of helium ions show that the implanted helium ions tend to accumulate near the dislocation structures. Raman spectroscopy results show that the silicon substrate surface after helium ion implantation displayed tensile stress as indicated by the blue shift of Raman peaks.
Assessing Immediate Bed Availability and Barriers to Discharge in a United States Children’s Hospital
Authors: Burgess M. Catherine , DeLorenzo Debbie , Eriksson Carl
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to quantify immediate bed availability (IBA) in a United States children’s hospital and treatment needs of hospitalized patients whose needs could be met outside a traditional hospital setting.

Methods:

Using a novel tool to capture census, scheduled discharges, and resource needs for hospitalized patients, we surveyed our hospital’s 5 non-neonatal inpatient pediatric units on 4 d over 1 y.

Results:

Median ward occupancy was 81% (range, 58-79), median intensive care unit occupancy was 80% (range, 7-19), and median IBA was 42% (range, 34-59). A median of 14 patients per day (13% of total capacity) had treatment needs that could be met by providing limited support in a nontraditional setting; the most common reason for requiring ongoing hospitalization in this group of patients was a safe discharge plan.

Conclusions:

Our median IBA of 42% exceeds federal recommendations, but varies widely between days surveyed. Even on days when IBA percentage is high, our total number of available beds is unlikely to meet pediatric population needs in a large-scale public health emergency.
Pricing Liquidity Risk with Heterogeneous Investment Horizons
Authors: Beber Alessandro , Driessen Joost , Neuberger Anthony , Tuijp Patrick
Published: April 2020

We develop an asset pricing model with stochastic transaction costs and investors with heterogeneous horizons. Depending on their horizon, investors hold different sets of assets in equilibrium. This generates segmentation and spillover effects for expected returns, where the liquidity (risk) premium of illiquid assets is determined by investor horizons and the correlation between liquid and illiquid asset returns. We estimate our model for the cross-section of U.S. stock returns and find that it generates a good fit, mainly due to a combination of a substantial expected liquidity premium and segmentation effects, while the liquidity risk premium is small.
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist triggering may improve central oocyte granularity and embryo quality
Authors: Lan Kuo-Chung , Chen Yu-Chen , Lin Yi-Chi , Tsai Yi-Ru
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to describe outcomes in four women aged 28–34 years with central cytoplasmic granulation (CCG) of the oocytes who underwentin vitrofertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist to replace human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) as a trigger of final oocyte maturation. The initial ICSI procedure showed that all four women had CCG of the ooplasm and poor quality embryos. Subsequent ICSI used an antagonist protocol with a GnRH agonist trigger replacing the agonist protocol, plus hCG triggered ovulation. Ooplasm and embryo quality were improved in all four patients. All four became pregnant and gave birth to live infants. This study provides GnRH agonist triggering that may improve ooplasm granularity and embryo quality.