bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classifying T cell activity in autofluorescence intensity images with convolutional neural networks
Authors: Wang Zijie J. , Walsh Alex J. , Skala Melissa C. , Gitter Anthony
Published: October 2019

The importance of T cells in immunotherapy has motivated developing technologies to improve therapeutic efficacy. One objective is assessing antigen‐induced T cell activation because only functionally active T cells are capable of killing the desired targets. Autofluorescence imaging can distinguish T cell activity states in a non‐destructive manner by detecting endogenous changes in metabolic co‐enzymes such as NAD(P)H. However, recognizing robust activity patterns is computationally challenging in the absence of exogenous labels. We demonstrate machine learning methods that can accurately classify T cell activity across human donors from NAD(P)H intensity images. Using 8260 cropped single‐cell images from six donors, we evaluate classifiers ranging from traditional models that use previously‐extracted image features to convolutional neural networks (CNNs) pre‐trained on general non‐biological images. Adapting pre‐trained CNNs for the T cell activity classification task provides substantially better performance than traditional models or a simple CNN trained with the autofluorescence images alone. Visualizing the images with dimension reduction provides intuition into why the CNNs achieve higher accuracy than other approaches. Our image processing and classifier training software is available at https://github.com/gitter‐lab/t‐cell‐classification.
Ultrasound (US) Changes in the Median Nerve Cross‐Sectional Area After Microinvasive US‐Guided Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Chappell Craig D. , Beckman John P. , Baird Brian C. , Takke Amanda V.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To document changes in the median nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) in the proximal carpal tunnel region after ultrasound (US)‐guided carpal tunnel release (CTR).

Methods

Prospective data were collected on 23 consecutive patients (37 wrists) treated with US‐guided CTR by the primary author using the same office‐based microinvasive technique. Ultrasound was used to measure the largest CSA of the median nerve in the proximal carpal tunnel region both preoperatively and postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was the change in the preoperative versus 6‐ to 10‐week postoperative median nerve CSA.

Results

The mean CSA of the median nerve decreased from 16.08 to 12.75 mm2 at 6 to 10 weeks after US‐guided CTR (P < .001). During the same period, the mean Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) symptom score decreased from 3.23 to 1.67 (P < .001), and mean BCTQ functional score decreased from 2.49 to 1.47 (P < .001), both exceeding minimal clinically important differences. Although the primary end point was the median nerve CSA at 6 to 10 weeks, statistically significant reductions in the median nerve CSA, as well as BCTQ scores, were also observed as early as 2 to 4 weeks after US‐guided CTR (median nerve CSA, 12.40 mm2; BCTQ symptom score, 2.00; BCTQ functional score, 1.75; all P ≤ .03).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this investigation was the largest to date examining changes in the proximal median nerve CSA after US‐guided CTR. Statistically significant reductions in the proximal median nerve CSA were observed within 6 to 10 weeks after ultrasound‐guided CTR. These reductions were similar to those previously reported for open and endoscopic CTR and validate the ability of US‐guided CTR to relieve median nerve compression.
Transoral neck surgery prevents attentional bias towards the neck compared to open neck surgery
Authors: Liao David , Ishii Lisa E. , Chen Lena W. , Chen Jonlin , Juarez Michelle , Darrach Halley M. , Kumar Anisha R. , Russell Jonathon O. , Tufano Ralph P. , Ishii Masaru
Published: October 2019

Objective

Measure attentional distraction of neck scars after open neck surgery compared to transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via a vestibular approach (TOETVA) or transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy via a vestibular approach (TOEPVA) using eye‐tracking technology.

Methods

Casual observers viewed facial images of patients who underwent open neck surgery, TOETVA/TOEPVA, or no surgery (controls). An eye‐tracking monitor recorded eye fixations in real time. Multivariate Hotelling's analysis followed by post‐hypothesis testing compared fixation durations for predefined regions of interest, including the eyes, nose, mouth, neck, and remaining face between open neck surgery patients, transoral neck surgery patients, and controls.

Results

One hundred forty observers completed the experiment. The majority of their attention was directed towards the central triangle (eyes, nose, mouth). On multivariate analysis, distribution of attention was significantly different on the faces of those who underwent open neck surgery versus TOETVA/TOEPVA (T2 = 43.66; F[32,131] = 14.5389, P < .0001). Observers attended significantly more to the neck (0.20 seconds, P < .0001; 95% CI, 0.13, 0.26 s) and less to the peripheral face (−0.24 seconds, P = .0031; 95% CI, −0.39, −0.08 s) of open neck surgery patients. In patients who followed up months after surgery, significant differences persisted (T2 = 13.97; F[3451] = 4.6377, P = .0033). By contrast, fixation patterns for TOETVA/TOEPVA patients were not significantly different from controls (T2 = 5.59, F[31,186] = 1.8602, P = .1345). Observer race and gender did not significantly affect attention to neck scars.

Conclusion

Scars following open neck surgery draw attention in casual observers. This attentional distraction is prevented in TOETVA/TOEPVA patients due to the absence of a scar, even months after surgery. Moreover, visual processing of TOETVA/TOEPVA patients' faces is similar to that of controls. These data support the effectiveness of transoral neck surgery in giving patients a cosmetic result that does not distract the attention of observers.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:1603–1608, 2020
Ascent trajectory optimization for air‐breathing vehicles in consideration of launch window
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , Wang Xiaogang , Cui Naigang
Published: October 2019

This paper studies the optimal ascent trajectory for a one‐stage‐to‐orbit, air‐breathing vehicle. This kind of vehicle allows endoatmospheric lateral maneuver and thus can extend the launch window. To obtain the optimal orbit‐insertion trajectory in consideration of launch time, a novel optimization model is proposed by designing longitudinal and lateral profiles separately. The longitudinal flight aims to meet the orbital shape that contains the eccentricity and the angular momentum, which are transformed to boundary constrains in altitude, path angle, and velocity. For lateral motion, the orbit inclination and right ascension of ascending node are designed to vary simultaneously as the range. By designing an altitude profile, the terminal altitude and path angle are naturally met and removed from the constraints and accurate orbit insertion is realized by searching the total range and the initial azimuth. Then, the original problem is converted to a parameter optimization problem and solved by a hybrid optimization algorithm, in which the solution is first searched by a particle swarm optimization method and then refined by a modified golden section method. Simulation tests the proposed method with various scenarios. Compared to traditional launch vehicles, a launch window over 1.5 hours is derived without consuming the propellant in the upper stage.
The Generalizability of Personality Effects in Politics
Authors: Vitriol Joseph A. , Larsen Erik Gahner , Ludeke Steven G.
Published: October 2019

A burgeoning line of research examining the relation between personality traits and political variables relies extensively on convenience samples. However, our understanding of the extent to which using convenience samples challenges the generalizability of these findings to target populations remains limited. We address this question by testing whether associations between personality and political characteristics observed in representative samples diverged from those observed in the sub–populations most commonly studied in convenience samples, namely, students and Internet users. We leverage 10 high–quality representative datasets to compare the representative samples with the two subsamples. We did not find any systematic differences in the relationship between personality traits and a broad range of political variables. Instead, results from the subsamples generalized well to those observed in the broader and more diverse representative sample.
A prospective study of psychological distress after prostate cancer surgery
Authors: Occhipinti Stefano , Zajdlewicz Leah , Coughlin Geoffrey D. , Yaxley John W. , Dunglison Nigel , Gardiner Robert A. , Chambers Suzanne K.
Published: October 2019

Background

Men treated for prostate cancer experience heightened psychological distress and have an increased risk of suicide. Management of this distress and risk is crucial for quality urological care.

Objective

To identify risk indicators for poorer trajectories of psychological adjustment and health‐related quality of life (QoL) after surgery for localised prostate cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Patients were newly diagnosed with localised prostate cancer scheduled for surgical treatment. Patients were assessed at baseline (pre‐surgery) and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post–surgery.

Measurements

Assessment measures included sociodemographics, domain‐specific and health‐related QoL, and psychological distress. Mixed effects regression models were used to analyse the data.

Results and Limitations

A total of 233 patients provided data for this analysis (Mage = 60 years, standard deviation [SD] = 4.02; MPSA = 7.37 ng/mL). At baseline, the prevalence of high psychological distress was 28% reducing to 21% at 24 months. Before treatment, younger age, more comorbidities, and worse bowel function were related to greater psychological distress; and younger age and better urinary, sexual, and bowel function were related to better health‐related QoL. By contrast, for changes over time, only bowel function was important with better bowel function predicting decreasing psychological distress for men.

Conclusions

Regular distress screening is indicated over the 24 months after surgery for localised prostate cancer. Care pathways for men with prostate cancer need also to respond to age‐specific concerns and health problems associated with comorbidities in aging men. Focussed symptom control for bowel bother should be a priority.
Azelastine potentiates antiasthmatic dexamethasone effect on a murine asthma model
Authors: Zappia Carlos D. , Soto Ariadna , Granja‐Galeano Gina , Fenoy Ignacio , Fernandez Natalia , Davio Carlos A. , Shayo Carina , Fitzsimons Carlos P. , Goldman Alejandra , Monczor Federico
Published: October 2019

Glucocorticoids are among the most effective drugs to treat asthma. However, the severe adverse effects associated generate the need for its therapeutic optimization. Conversely, though histamine is undoubtedly related to asthma development, there is a lack of efficacy of antihistamines in controlling its symptoms, which prevents their clinical application. We have reported that antihistamines potentiate glucocorticoids’ responses in vitro and recent observations have indicated that the coadministration of an antihistamine and a synthetic glucocorticoid has synergistic effects on a murine model of allergic rhinitis. Here, the aim of this work is to establish if this therapeutic combination could be beneficial in a murine model of asthma. We used an allergen‐induced model of asthma (employing ovalbumin) to evaluate the effects of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone combined with the antihistamine azelastine. Our results indicate that the cotreatment with azelastine and a suboptimal dose of dexamethasone can improve allergic lung inflammation as shown by a decrease in eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage, fewer peribronchial and perivascular infiltrates, and mucin‐producing cells. In addition, serum levels of allergen‐specific IgE and IgG1 were also reduced, as well as the expression of lung inflammatory‐related genes IL‐4, IL‐5, Muc5AC, and Arginase I. The potentiation of dexamethasone effects by azelastine could allow to reduce the effective glucocorticoid dose needed to achieve a therapeutic effect. These findings provide first new insights into the potential benefits of glucocorticoids and antihistamines combination for the treatment of asthma and grants further research to evaluate this approach in other related inflammatory conditions.
Soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) response to lambda‐cyhalothrin varies with its virulence status to aphid‐resistant soybean
Authors: Valmorbida Ivair , Muraro Dionei S , Hodgson Erin W , O'Neal Matthew E
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, is an invasive insect in North America, considered one of the most important pests of soybean. Their management relies heavily on foliar insecticides, but there is growing effort to expand these tools to include aphid‐resistant varieties. We explored if the LC50 and LC25 of lambda‐cyhalothrin varied between virulent (resistant to Aphis glycines (Rag) soybeans) and avirulent (susceptible to Rag‐genes soybeans) populations of soybean aphid with a leaf‐dip bioassay. We also investigated the response to the LC25 of lambda‐cyhalothrin on adults (F0) and their progeny (F1) for both avirulent and virulent soybean aphid.

RESULTS

The LC50 of the virulent aphid population was significantly higher compared with the LC50 of the avirulent population. The LC25 significantly reduced fecundity of the F0 generation of avirulent soybean aphid, but no significant effect was observed for virulent aphids. In addition, the LC25 significantly shortened the adult pre‐oviposition period (APOP) and lengthened the total pre‐oviposition period (TPOP) of avirulent aphids, while the mean generation time (T) was significantly increased. For the virulent aphid, sublethal exposure significantly lengthened development time of first and third instars, TPOP, and adult longevity. In addition, all demographic parameters of virulent soybean aphid were significantly affected when they were exposed to the LC25 of lambda‐cyhalothrin.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate lambda‐cyhalothrin is less toxic to virulent aphids and exposure to the LC25 can trigger hormesis, which may have implications for the long‐term management of this pest with this insecticide as well as with aphid‐resistant varieties of soybean. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel mechanism of thrips suppression by Cry51Aa2.834_16 Bt toxin expressed in cotton
Authors: Huseth Anders S , D′Ambrosio Damon A , Yorke Benjamin T , Head Graham P , Kennedy George G
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Genetically engineered (GE) crops that express insecticidal traits have improved the sustainability of insect pest management worldwide, but many important pest orders are not controlled by commercially available toxins. Development of the first transgenic thysanopteran‐ and hemipteran‐active Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry51Aa2.834_16 toxin expressed in MON 88702 cotton will significantly expand the diversity of pests controlled in the crop. Here, we examined MON 88702 cotton activity against two thrips species within the same genera, Frankliniella fusca and Frankliniella occidentalis. We used a multi‐component cotton tissue assay approach to understand effects on adult longevity, fecundity, and larval development.

RESULTS

We found that in no‐choice assays, cotton plants expressing MON 88702 suppress oviposition, when compared to a non‐Bt cotton. MON 88702 did not kill a large proportion of F. fusca larvae or adults but killed most F. occidentalis larvae. Time series experiments with F. occidentalis larvae documented significant developmental lags for MON 88702 exposed individuals. We also found that female thrips preferred to oviposit on non‐Bt cotton when provided a choice.

CONCLUSION

Together these results describe the activity of MON 88702 against thrips. They document clear differences in toxin performance between different thrips species and throughout the insects' life cycle. Most importantly, we show that MON 88702 was associated with reduced oviposition via behavioral avoidance to the toxin. This is a novel mechanism of action for pest control for a Bt crop plant. Together, these results provide a basis to describe the mechanism of population control for MON 88702 cotton. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance characteristics of the adjusted r2 algorithm for determining the start of the terminal disposition phase and comparison with a simple r2 algorithm and a visual inspection method
Authors: Noe Dennis A.
Published: October 2019

The adjusted r2 algorithm is a popular automated method for selecting the start time of the terminal disposition phase (tz) when conducting a noncompartmental pharmacokinetic data analysis. Using simulated data, the performance of the algorithm was assessed in relation to the ratio of the slopes of the preterminal and terminal disposition phases, the point of intercept of the terminal disposition phase with the preterminal disposition phase, the length of the terminal disposition phase captured in the concentration‐time profile, the number of data points present in the terminal disposition phase, and the level of variability in concentration measurement. The adjusted r2 algorithm was unable to identify tz accurately when there were more than three data points present in a profile's terminal disposition phase. The terminal disposition phase rate constant (λz) calculated based on the value of tz selected by the algorithm had a positive bias in all simulation data conditions. Tolerable levels of bias (median bias less than 5%) were achieved under conditions of low measurement variability. When measurement variability was high, tolerable levels of bias were attained only when the terminal phase time span was 4 multiples of t1/2 or longer. A comparison of the performance of the adjusted r2 algorithm, a simple r2 algorithm, and tz selection by visual inspection was conducted using a subset of the simulation data. In the comparison, the simple r2 algorithm performed as well as the adjusted r2 algorithm and the visual inspection method outperformed both algorithms. Recommendations concerning the use of the various tz selection methods are presented.
Robust and efficient estimation in the parametric proportional hazards model under random censoring
Authors: Ghosh Abhik , Basu Ayanendranath
Published: October 2019

Cox proportional hazard regression model is a popular tool to analyze the relationship between a censored lifetime variable with other relevant factors. The semiparametric Cox model is widely used to study different types of data arising from applied disciplines such as medical science, biology, and reliability studies. A fully parametric version of the Cox regression model, if properly specified, can yield more efficient parameter estimates, leading to better insight generation. However, the existing maximum likelihood approach of generating inference under the fully parametric proportional hazards model is highly nonrobust against data contamination (often manifested through outliers), which restricts its practical usage. In this paper, we develop a robust estimation procedure for the parametric proportional hazards model based on the minimum density power divergence approach. The proposed minimum density power divergence estimator is seen to produce highly robust estimates under data contamination with only a slight loss in efficiency under pure data. Further, it is always seen to generate more precise inference than the likelihood based estimates under the semiparametric Cox models or their existing robust versions. We also justify their robustness theoretically through the influence function analysis. The practical applicability and usefulness of the proposal are illustrated through simulations and real data examples.
Nanoparticle‐Embedded Electrospun Fiber–Covered Stent to Assist Intraluminal Photodynamic Treatment of Oesophageal Cancer
Authors: Xiao Junyuan , Cheng Liang , Fang Tonglei , Zhang Yiran , Zhou Jia , Cheng Ruoyu , Tang Wantao , Zhong Xiaoyan , Lu Yong , Deng Lianfu , Cheng Yingsheng , Zhu Yueqi , Liu Zhuang , Cui Wenguo
Published: October 2019

Drug‐eluting stents (DESs) are promising candidates for treating human oesophageal cancer. However, the use of DESs to assist photodynamic therapy (PDT) of orthotopic oesophageal tumors is not yet demonstrated to the best of current knowledge. Herein, through an electrospinning technology it is shown that oxygen‐producing manganese dioxide nanoparticles are embedded into elelctrospun fibers, which are subsequently covered onto stents. Upon implantation, the nanoparticles are gradually released from the fibers and then diffuse into the nearby tumor tissue. Then, the hypoxic microenvironment can be effectively alleviated by reaction of MnO2 with the endogenous H2O2 within the tumor. After demonstrating the excellent PDT efficacy of the stents in a conventional subcutaneous mouse tumor model, such stents are further used for PDT treatment in a rabbit orthotopic oesophageal cancer model by inserting an optical fiber into the tumor site. Greatly prolonged survival of rabbits is observed after such intraluminal PDT treatment. Taken together, this work shows that the fiber‐covered stent as a nanoparticle delivery platform can enable effective PDT as a noninvasive treatment method for patients with advanced‐stage oesophageal cancer.
Design of simply supported hot‐rolled steelshort‐to‐intermediate angle columns
Authors: Dinis Pedro Borges , Camotim Dinar , Landesmann Alexandre
Published: October 2019

Selected, extended paper from the SDSS 2019 special session ECCS/TC8 – Structural Stability

This work reports on the results of an ongoing investigation of the direct strength method (DSM) design of hot‐rolled steel equal‐leg angle columns with pinned (spherically hinged) supports and short‐to‐intermediate lengths, i.e. buckling in flexural‐torsional modes. It extends the scope of similar studies involving cold‐formed steel angle columns with the same characteristics (but higher leg width‐to‐thickness ratios). After collecting the experimental and numerical failure loads available in the literature concerning columns with several geometries, the paper addresses the mechanical reasoning behind a DSM‐based design approach proposed in the context of fixed‐end and cylindrically hinged cold‐formed and hot‐rolled steel short‐to‐intermediate angle columns, which must be modified to handle spherically hinged supports. After that, the failure loads gathered are used to assess the quality of their estimates using this design approach, namely, by determining LRFD resistance factors. It is shown that this approach can be successfully applied to predict hot‐rolled steel simply supported angle column failure loads, leading to LRFD resistance factors above 0.90.
An improved software reliability prediction model by using high precision error iterative analysis method
Authors: Jabeen Gul , Luo Ping , Afzal Wasif
Published: October 2019

Software reliability deals with the probability that software will not cause the failure of a system in a specified time interval. Software reliability growth models (SRGMs) are used to predict future behaviour from known characteristics of software, like historical failures. With the increasing demand to deliver quality software, more accurate SRGMs are required to estimate the software release time and cost of the testing effort. Software failure predictions at early phases also provide an opportunity for investing in proper quality assurance and upfront resource planning. Up till now, many parametric software reliability growth models (PSRGMs) have been proposed. However, several limitations of them mean that their predictive capacities differ from one dataset to others. In this paper, to enhance the prediction accuracy of existing PSRGMs, a high precision error iterative analysis method (HPEIAM) has been proposed based on the residual errors. In HPEIAM, residual errors from the estimated results of SRGMs are considered as another source of data that can combine the residual error modification with artificial neural network sign estimator. The repeated computation of residual errors by SRGMs improves and corrects the prediction accuracy up to the expected level. The performance of HPEIAM is tested with several PSRGMs using two sets of real software failure data based on three performance criteria. Moreover, we have compared the estimated failures predicted by HPEIAM with genetic algorithm (GA)‐based prediction improvement. The results demonstrate that HPEIAM gives an improvement in goodness‐of‐fit and predictive performance for every PSRGM in initial few iterations.
Practice Makes Learning Permanent
Authors: Fisher Douglas , Frey Nancy
Published: October 2019

Literacy instruction does not just happen during the language arts block, as students can learn more about reading and writing during science, social studies, and mathematics. This department features examples of how teachers can teach literacy across various content areas.
Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis Techniques for Mapping High-Latitude Ionospheric Plasma Flow—Application to the Swarm Satellite Mission
Authors: Fiori Robyn A. D.
Published: October 2019

This chapter describes spherical cap harmonic analysis (SCHA) for mapping ionospheric plasma flows measured by the Swarm satellites. In Sect. 9.1, SCHA is introduced as a tool for mapping a variety of one, two, and three-dimensional parameters. Section 9.2 provides a detailed summary of the theory pertaining to SCHA including a discussion of the spherical cap coordinate system, boundary conditions and basis functions, calculation of non-integer degree, and practical considerations. Section 9.3 provides a practical example of SCHA mapping of ionospheric plasma flow for a ground-based data set, and Sect. 9.4 focuses on two-dimensional SCHA mapping of Swarm ion drift measurements both independently and in conjunction with measurements from other instruments.
How collections end: objects, meaning and loss in laboratories and museums
Authors: JARDINE BORIS , KOWAL EMMA , BANGHAM JENNY
Published: October 2019

Collections are made and maintained for pleasure, for status, for nation or empire building, for cultural capital, as a substrate for knowledge production and for everything in between. In asking how collections end, we shift the focus from acquisition and growth to erosion, loss and decay, and expose the intellectual, material and curatorial labour required to maintain collections. In this introductory essay, we draw together insights from the history of science and from science and technology studies to investigate the dispersal, destruction, absorption, repurposing and repatriation of the diverse scientific collections discussed in the papers that make up this issue of BJHS Themes, and many other collections besides. We develop a distinction first suggested by the curator and bibliographer John Willis Clark between ‘working’ collections of objects valued for the information they hold or produce, and ‘unique’ collections of objects valued for their historical singularity. We show that in many cases, the ‘end’ of an object or collection involves a shift in the dominant account of its cultural value from ‘working’ to ‘unique’ or vice versa. Moving between the laboratory, the museum and difficult-to-classify spaces in between, we argue that ‘ending’ is not anathema to ‘collecting’ but is always present as a threat, or as an everyday reality, or even as a necessary part of a collection's continued existence. A focus on ending draws attention not only to the complex internal dynamics and social contexts of collections, but also to their roles in producing scientific knowledge.
Population-based analysis of the effect of a comprehensive, systematic change in an emergency medical services resource allocation plan on 24-hour mortality
Authors: Tallon John M. , Zheng Lu , Wei Julie , Dick William , Papadopoulos George , Djurdjev Ognjenka
Published: October 2019

Background

Resource allocation planning for emergency medical services (EMS) systems determines appropriate resources including what paramedic qualification and how rapidly to respond to patients for optimal outcomes. The British Columbia Emergency Health Services implemented a revised response plan in 2013.

Methods

A pre- and post-methodology was used to evaluate the effect of the resource allocation plan revision on 24-hour mortality. All adult cases with evaluable outcome data (obtained through linked provincial health administrative data) were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for variations in other significant associated factors. Interrupted time series analysis was used to estimate immediate changes in level or trend of outcome after the start of the revised resource allocation plan implementation, while simultaneously controlling for pre-existing trends.

Results

The derived cohort comprised 562,546 cases (April 2012–March 2015). When adjusted for age, sex, urban/metro region, season, day, hour, and dispatch determinant, the probability of dying within 24 hours of an EMS call was 7% lower in the post-resource allocation plan-revision cohort (OR = 0.936; 95% CI: 0.886–0.989; p = 0.018). A subgroup analysis of immediately life-threatening cases demonstrated similar effect (OR = 0.890; 95% CI: 0.808–0.981; p = 0.019). Using time series analysis, the descending changes in overall 24-hour mortality trend and the 24-hour mortality trend in immediately life-threatening cases, were both statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Comprehensive, evidence-informed reconstruction of a provincial EMS resource allocation plan is feasible. Despite change in crew level response and resource allocation, there was significant decrease in 24-hour mortality in this pan-provincial population-based cohort.
Temporal Trends in the Unmet Health Care Needs of Canadian Stroke Survivors
Authors: Vyas Manav V. , Fang Jiming , Kapral Moira K.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Stroke survivors have higher unmet health care needs than the general population. However, it is unclear whether such needs have changed over time, and whether these have been affected by the introduction of integrated systems of stroke care.

Methods:

We used data from the Canadian Community Health Surveys between 2000 and 2014. We developed multivariable log-binomial generalized estimating equations to obtain adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) of unmet health care needs in stroke survivors compared to the general population, and over time. We conducted a difference in differences analysis to determine the association between the implementation of integrated systems of stroke care and unmet health care needs.

Results:

Data from 350,084 respondents were included in the study; 8072 (2.3%) were stroke survivors. Compared to the general population, stroke survivors were more likely to report unmet health care needs (aRR 1.27; 95% CI, 1.22–1.32). The unmet health care needs reported by stroke survivors were lower after compared to before 2006 (15.8% vs. 31.9%, P < 0.001). After accounting for temporal trends, there was no association between the implementation of integrated systems of stroke care and change in unmet health care needs of stroke survivors. However, this requires cautious interpretation due to limitations in the data available for this study.

Conclusions:

Unmet health care needs of stroke survivors have reduced over time but remain higher than the general population. Future research should focus on identifying stroke- and policy-related factors to mitigate disparities in health care access for stroke survivors.
‘Enemies of the people’: Populism and the politics of (in)security
Authors: Wojczewski Thorsten
Published: October 2019

Populists are on the rise across the globe and claim to speak on behalf of ‘the people’ that are set against the establishment in the name of popular sovereignty. This article examines how populist discourses represent ‘the people’ as a referent object that is threatened and the form and implications of this populist securitisation process. Drawing on securitisation theory and poststructuralism, the article understands populist securitisation as a discursive practice that propagates a politics of fear, urgency, and exceptionality in order to mobilise ‘the people’ against a ‘dangerous’ elite and normalise this antagonistic divide of the social space. While the proposed theoretical framework aims to clarify the relationship between poststructuralist and securitisation theory and capture the nexus between populism and security, the case of populism broadens the scope of potential subjects of security and poses important challenges to existing theoretical assumptions about security as something designated by states’ representatives and ‘security experts’. The article develops and illustrates its arguments with a case study on the (de)securitisation moves in the populist discourse of Donald Trump.
Entangled Pasts: Land-Grant Colleges and American Indian Dispossession
Authors: Nash Margaret A.
Published: October 2019

Land-grant colleges were created in the mid-nineteenth century when the federal government sold off public lands and allowed states to use that money to create colleges. The land that was sold to support colleges was available because of a deliberate project to dispossess American Indians of land they inhabited. By encouraging westward migration, touting the “civilizing” influence of education, emphasizing agricultural and scientific education to establish international strength, and erasing Native rights and history, the land-grant colleges can be seen as an element of settler colonialism. Native American dispossession was not merely an unfortunate by-product of the establishment of land-grant colleges; rather, the colleges exist only because of a state-sponsored system of Native dispossession.
Plato’s Myth of Er and the Reconfiguration of Nature
Authors: KEUM TAE-YEOUN
Published: October 2019

Why did Plato conclude theRepublic, arguably his most celebrated work of political theory, with the Myth of Er, an obscure story of indeterminate political-theoretical significance? This paper advances a novel reading of the Myth of Er that attends to the common plot that it shares with two earlier narrative interludes in theRepublic. It suggests that Plato constructed the myth as an account of a search, akin to the sorting of potential philosopher-kings that underwrites thekallipolis’ educational curriculum, for natures that have successfully absorbed the cumulative effects of their philosophical upbringing. The model of nature presented in the myth, in turn, helps us approach the category of nature as a working concept: we can recognize contexts in which it is useful to assume in otherwise complex and fluid individuals a fixed, indelible nature, while granting that our sense of what that consists in is subject to revision.
Polyphenols in human nutrition: from thein vitroantioxidant capacity to the beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health and related inter-individual variability – an overview and perspective
Authors: Ruskovska T. , Maksimova V. , Milenkovic D.
Published: October 2019

Oxidative damage of cells and tissues is broadly implicated in human pathophysiology, including cardiometabolic diseases. Polyphenols, as important constituents of the human diet and potentin vitrofree radical scavengers, have been extensively studied for their beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health. However, it has been demonstrated that thein vivoantioxidant activity of polyphenols is distinct from theirin vitrofree radical-scavenging capacity. Indeed, bioavailability of nutritional polyphenols is low and conditioned by complex mechanisms of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Nowadays, it is commonly accepted that the cellular antioxidant activity of polyphenols is mainly carried out via modification of transcription of genes involved in antioxidant defence. Importantly, polyphenols also contribute to cardiometabolic health by modulation of a plethora of cellular processes that are not directly associated with antioxidant enzymes, through nutri(epi)genomic mechanisms. Numerous human intervention studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of polyphenols on the key cardiometabolic risk factors. However, inconsistency of the results of some studies led to identification of the inter-individual variability in response to consumption of polyphenols. In perspective, a detailed investigation of the determinants of this inter-individual variability will potentially lead us towards personalised dietary recommendations. The phenomenon of inter-individual variability is also of relevance for supplementation with antioxidant (pro)vitamins.
Selecting in or Selecting Out? Gender Gaps and Political Methodology in Europe
Authors: Gatto Malu A. C. , Gohdes Anita R. , Traber Denise , van der Velden Mariken A. C. G.
Published: October 2019

Studies investigating gender gaps in the doctoral training of political science students have focused so far overwhelmingly on the US context. Although important research within this context has made strides in identifying the persistent challenges to women’s incorporation in political methodology, much remains unknown about whether women and men have different experiences in methods training during their PhD programs. We contribute to this debate by analyzing data from an original survey on the methods-training experiences of political science PhD students at different European universities. We assess whether gender gaps exist with respect to PhD students’ methods training and confidence in employing methods skills. Our findings show that women cover significantly fewer methods courses in their doctoral training. When women do participate in methods training, they show levels of method employment similar to their male colleagues. We discuss the implications of these findings in the context of European doctoral training.
Is confidence in major companies rooted in generalized social trust, or regulatory quality, or both?
Authors: Leibrecht Markus , Pitlik Hans
Published: October 2019

While confidence in the business sector is crucial for well-functioning markets, there is surprisingly little empirical work on its sources. Available research recognizes generalized social trust and macroeconomic performance (especially unemployment and economic growth) as major forces explaining confidence in institutions and organizations in general. By assuming that confidence in companies hinges on rules, formal procedures, and practices that shape how organizations function, economic regulation is frequently advocated to foster confidence in companies, not least as it is supposed to reduce the scope for opportunistic behavior. Based on individual-level data from World Values Survey/European Values studies and economic regulation data from the Economic Freedom of the World project we investigate statistical associations of confidence in major companies with generalized social trust and macroeconomic performance as well as the intensity and quality of business regulation. From an economic policy perspective our findings suggest that confidence in the business sector can be facilitated by an implicit guarantee from governments of fair and impartial treatment.
Forward Modeling and Optimization of Methane Emissions in the South Central United States Using Aircraft Transects Across Frontal Boundaries
Authors: Barkley Z. R. , Davis K. J. , Feng S. , Balashov N. , Fried A. , DiGangi J. , Choi Y. , Halliday H. S.
Published: October 2019

The South Central United States is a hot spot for anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions, with contributions from the oil/gas (O&G) and animal agriculture sectors. During frontal weather events, airflow combines enhancements from these emissions into a large plume. In this study, we take CH4 and ethane (C2H6) observations from the Atmospheric Carbon and Transport‐America campaign and adjust O&G and animal agriculture emissions such that modeled CH4 and C2H6 enhancements match the observed plume. Results from the joint CH4‐C2H6 optimization indicate that emissions from the O&G sector are 1.8 ± 0.7 (2σ) times larger than EPA inventory estimates. These results match synthesis work from recent literature and reject the possibility that this increase compared to inventories is due to a potential bias in daytime‐only measurements of these facilities. Successful modeling from this study raises the possibility of using trace gas measurements along frontal crossings to solve for emissions in other regions of the United States.
The Long Recurrence Intervals of Small Repeating Earthquakes May Be Due to the Slow Slip Rates of Small Fault Strands
Authors: Williams J. R. , Hawthorne J. C. , Lengliné O.
Published: October 2019

Observations since 1998 have revealed that repeating earthquakes, and particularly small repeating earthquakes, occur less often than expected given their seismically derived slip and the regional fault slip rate. Here we test the hypothesis that small repeaters occur infrequently because they occur on fault segments or strands with low slip rates. We analyze the recurrence interval‐moment scaling of earthquake sequences near Parkfield, California. We find that closely spaced sequences, which likely occur on the same fault strand and respond to the same slip rate, follow a
scaling consistent with seismic slip rates while widely spaced sequences, which likely occur on different strands, follow a
scaling consistent with the previous counterintuitive observations. These results suggest that spatially varying slip rates could create the
recurrence interval scaling, though we cannot exclude other explanations.
The Application of Convolutional Neural Networks to Detect Slow, Sustained Deformation in InSAR Time Series
Authors: Anantrasirichai N. , Biggs J. , Albino F. , Bull D.
Published: October 2019

Automated systems for detecting deformation in satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) imagery could be used to develop a global monitoring system for volcanic and urban environments. Here, we explore the limits of a convolutional neural networks for detecting slow, sustained deformations in wrapped interferograms. Using synthetic data, we estimate a detection threshold of 3.9 cm for deformation signals alone and 6.3 cm when atmospheric artifacts are considered. Overwrapping reduces this to 1.8 and 5.2 cm, respectively, as more fringes are generated without altering signal to noise ratio. We test the approach on time series of cumulative deformation from Campi Flegrei and Dallol, where overwrapping improves classification performance by up to 15%. We propose a mean‐filtering method for combining results of different wrap parameters to flag deformation. At Campi Flegrei, deformation of 8.5 cm/year was detected after 60 days and at Dallol, deformation of 3.5 cm/year was detected after 310 days. This corresponds to cumulative displacements of 3 and 4 cm consistent with estimates based on synthetic data.
Collisionless Electron Dynamics in the Magnetosheath of Mars
Authors: Schwartz S. J. , Andersson L. , Xu S. , Mitchell D. L. , Akbari H. , Ergun R. E. , Mazelle C. , Thaller S. A. , Sales A. R. N. , Horaites K. , DiBraccio G. A. , Meziane K.
Published: October 2019

Electron velocity distributions in Mars's magnetosheath show a systematic erosion of the energy spectrum with distance downstream from the bow shock. Previous attempts to model this erosion invoked assumptions to promote electron ionization impact collisions with Mars's neutral hydrogen exosphere. We show that the near collision‐free magnetosheath requires a kinetic description; the population of electrons at any location is a convolution of electrons arriving from more distant regions that ultimately map directly to the solar wind. We construct a simple model that captures all the essential physics. The model demonstrates how the erosion of the electron distributions is the result of the trapping, escape, and replacement of electrons that traverse the global bow shock; some are temporarily confined to the expanding cavity formed by the cross‐shock electrostatic potential. The model also has implications for the ability of solar wind electrons to reach altitudes below the pileup boundary.
Author Correction: Matrix-bound nanovesicles prevent ischemia-induced retinal ganglion cell axon degeneration and death and preserve visual function
Authors: van der Merwe Yolandi , Faust Anne E. , Sakalli Ecem T. , Westrick Caroline C. , Hussey George , Chan Kevin C. , Conner Ian P. , Fu Valeria L. N. , Badylak Stephen F. , Steketee Michael B.
Published: October 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A near-infrared laser and H2O2 activated bio-nanoreactor for enhanced photodynamic therapy of hypoxic tumors
Authors: Deng Liming , Sheng Danli , Liu Mingzhu , Yang Lu , Ran Haitao , Li Pan , Cai Xiaojun , Sun Yang , Wang Zhigang
Published: October 2019

Synergistic photodynamic therapy of mitochondria-targeting and O2 self-supply can be achieved in a sample near-infrared laser and H2O2 activated bio-nanoreactor.
A nanoscale metal–organic framework for combined photodynamic and starvation therapy in treating breast tumors
Authors: Guan Qun , Zhou Le-Le , Li Yan-An , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: October 2019

The valid combination of photodynamic and starvation therapy was achieved via the intracellular cascade reactions on a multifunctional MOF-nanoplatform.
A colorimetric and fluorescent dual-modal displacement probe based on host-assisted modulation of intramolecular charge transfer and deaggregation
Authors: Aryal Gyan H. , Lu Kunchao , Chen Guosong , Hunter Kenneth W. , Huang Liming
Published: October 2019

A new colorimetric and fluorescent dual-modal displacement probe based on a supramolecular host–guest complex involving macrocycle encapsulation that modulated intramolecular charge transfer and deaggregation.
Rational construction and remarkable gas adsorption properties of a HKUST-1-like tbo-type MOF based on a tetraisophthalate linker
Authors: Gao Xiaoxia , Xu Tingting , Jiang Zhenzhen , Yu Honggui , Wang Yingjie , He Yabing
Published: October 2019

A condensed version of tetraisophthalate MOF MFM-181 was rationally designed and synthesized based on ligand contraction and conformation preorganization strategy, exhibiting the promising potential for the separation of C2H2 and CO2 from CH4.
Using elemental analyses and multivariate statistics to identify the off-site dispersion from informal e-waste processing
Authors: Mudge Stephen M. , Pfaffhuber Katrine A. , Fobil Julius N. , Bouman Evert A. , Uggerud Hilde T. , Thorne Rebecca J.
Published: October 2019

Electronic waste (e-waste) is informally processed and recycled in Agbogbloshie in Accra (Ghana), which may be the largest such site in West Africa.
Current biochemical understanding regarding the metabolism of acinetobactin, the major siderophore of the human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii, and outlook for discovery of novel anti-infectious agents based thereon
Authors: Song Woon Young , Kim Hak Joong
Published: October 2019

This Highlight covers recently unveiled biochemical aspects the acinetobactin metabolism, a central iron acquisition mechanism of Acinetobacter baumannii, in addition to various efforts for therapeutic application of these findings.
Facile green synthesis and applications of silver nanoparticles: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Tarannum Nazia , Divya Divya , Gautam Yogendra K.
Published: October 2019

In order to overcome the challenges of conventional synthesis of NPs, natural sources such as plants, bacteria, fungi, biopolymers are used for the synthesis of AgNPs.
Efficient immobilization of ionic corrosion products by a silica-hydroxyapatite composite via a cold sintering route
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Hassan Muhmood ul , Ryu Ho Jin , Yun Jong-Il
Published: October 2019

We have successfully demonstrated a new method of radioactive waste immobilization by hosting a waste-bearing form in another waste matrix.