bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What's retinoic acid got to do with it? Retinoic acid regulation of the neural crest in craniofacial and ocular development
Authors: Williams Antionette L. , Bohnsack Brenda L.
Published: June 2019

Retinoic acid (RA), the active derivative of vitamin A (retinol), is an essential morphogen signaling molecule and major regulator of embryonic development. The dysregulation of RA levels during embryogenesis has been associated with numerous congenital anomalies, including craniofacial, auditory, and ocular defects. These anomalies result from disruptions in the cranial neural crest, a vertebrate‐specific transient population of stem cells that contribute to the formation of diverse cell lineages and embryonic structures during development. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the RA‐mediated regulation of cranial neural crest induction at the edge of the neural tube and the migration of these cells into the craniofacial region. Further, we discuss the role of RA in the regulation of cranial neural crest cells found within the frontonasal process, periocular mesenchyme, and pharyngeal arches, which eventually form the bones and connective tissues of the head and neck and contribute to structures in the anterior segment of the eye. We then review our understanding of the mechanisms underlying congenital craniofacial and ocular diseases caused by either the genetic or toxic disruption of RA signaling. Finally, we discuss the role of RA in maintaining neural crest‐derived structures in postembryonic tissues and the implications of these studies in creating new treatments for degenerative craniofacial and ocular diseases.
The Insertion of Ruthenium into Porphyrins Revisited and Improved: Proof of Concept Results with a Ruthenium(II) Monocarbonyl Compound, and the Spectacular Effect of Propionic Acid
Authors: Vidal Alessio , Battistin Federica , Iengo Elisabetta , Milani Barbara , Alessio Enzo
Published: June 2019

This contribution, that readdresses the insertion of the RuII–CO fragment into model porphyrins (i.e. ruthenation), has a Janus character, with one speculative and one practical side. As a proof of concept we demonstrate that ruthenation of a porphyrin can be performed under relatively mild conditions using the RuII monocarbonyl complex [Ru(CO)(dmso)5][PF6]2 that – besides CO – features exclusively labile dmso ligands. Even though this finding might seem trivial, it is only the second example that uses a RuII carbonyl for porphyrin ruthenation, the first one having been reported almost 50 years ago and then neglected. From a practical point of view, we show the spectacular effect of propionic acid as solvent for performing the ruthenation of neutral and anionic model porphyrins with Ru3(CO)12 (1). This process turned out to be extremely efficient and advantageous in terms of both reaction rates and yields (e.g. 100 % ruthenation of TPP in 30 min at 140 °C) compared to the procedures described in the literature.
C4‐Selective Synthesis of Vinyl Thiocyanates and Selenocyanates Through 3,4‐Dihalo‐2(5H)‐furanones
Authors: Wu Han‐Qing , Yang Kai , Luo Shi‐He , Wu Xin‐Yan , Wang Neng , Chen Si‐Hong , Wang Zhao‐Yang
Published: June 2019

In the absence of a metal catalyst and under the promotion of sodium bicarbonate, an eco‐friendly and practical protocol for the synthesis of vinyl thiocyanate derivatives through the reaction of 3,4‐dihalo‐2(5H)‐furanones with KSCN at room temperature has been developed. This method has a broad substrate scope and is suitable for gram‐scale synthesis (up to 5 g). Importantly, it can also be used to synthesize vinyl selenocyanate derivatives.
When pets become pests: the role of the exotic pet trade in producing invasive vertebrate animals
Authors: Lockwood Julie L , Welbourne Dustin J , Romagosa Christina M , Cassey Phillip , Mandrak Nicholas E , Strecker Angela , Leung Brian , Stringham Oliver C , Udell Bradley , Episcopio‐Sturgeon Diane J , Tlusty Michael F , Sinclair James , Springborn Michael R , Pienaar Elizabeth F , Rhyne Andrew L , Keller Reuben
Published: June 2019

The annual trade in exotic vertebrates as pets is a multi‐billion‐dollar global business. Thousands of species, and tens of millions of individual animals, are shipped both internationally and within countries to satisfy this demand. Most research on the exotic pet trade has focused on its contribution to native biodiversity loss and disease spread. Here, we synthesize information across taxa and research disciplines to document the exotic pet trade's contribution to vertebrate biological invasions. We show recent and substantial worldwide growth in the number of non‐native animal populations introduced via this invasion pathway, which demonstrates a strong potential to increase the number of invasive animals in the future. Key to addressing the invasion threat of exotic pets is learning more about the socioeconomic forces that drive the massive growth in the exotic pet market and the socioecological factors that underlie pet release by owners. These factors likely vary according to cultural pet‐keeping traditions across regions and whether purchases were legal or illegal. These gaps in our understanding of the exotic pet trade must be addressed in order to implement effective policy solutions.
Acute hypotension induced by suction of cystic fluid containing extremely high concentrations of catecholamines during resection of giant pheochromocytoma
Authors: Samejima Mio , Taguchi Satoru , Miyagawa Shogo , Matsumoto Ryuki , Omura Shota , Ninomiya Naoki , Nakamura Yu , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Kinjo Manami , Tambo Mitsuhiro , Okegawa Takatsugu , Koba Tsuyuha , Matsuki Ryota , Jimbo Ippei , Motoyasu Akira , Tsumura Tetsuro , Shimoyamada Hiroaki , Shibahara Junji , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Fukuhara Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Since pheochromocytomas present with various complications due to catecholamine hypersecretion, their perioperative management needs special attention.

Case presentation

A 45‐year‐old man visited our hospital with a complaint of abdominal swelling. Radiological and endocrinological assessments determined the tumor as a giant (>20 cm) cystic pheochromocytoma. After administration of doxazosin, the patient underwent radical surgery. Since the tumor was extremely large and fixed to surrounding structures, we punctured it and aspirated cystic fluid to improve the tumor's mobility. However, during the aspiration, the patient developed acute hypotension, which could be reversed by suction withdrawal and vasopressor administration. A similar event occurred during a second aspiration. Eventually, the tumor was successfully excised with negative surgical margin. The cystic fluid proved to contain extremely high concentrations of catecholamines, which might result in the hypotension.

Conclusion

We report the first case who developed acute hypotension due to aspiration of cystic fluid from giant pheochromocytoma.
Early detection of brain cancer using association allotment hierarchical clustering
Authors: Tamilmani G. , Sivakumari S.
Published: June 2019

Medical applications uses the computer assisted diagnosis system for recognizing the enormous amount of diseases, but cancer is one of the major challenge to the doctors because it is difficult to recognize in earlier stage with accurate manner. To overcome these issues, in this article, an early detection of brain cancer using Association Allotment Hierarchical Clustering technique is proposed. The proposed automatic detection process includes various processing steps such as preprocessing, image segmentation, feature extraction, selection, and cancer identification process. Initially the microscopic images are captured which contaminated several noises that have been removed by applying the mutual piece‐wise linear transformation filtering approach. The method successfully eliminates irrelevant information and enhances the quality of the captured biopsy image. After that affected cancer cell region has been segmented with the help of Association Allotment Hierarchical Clustering method which examines the cell, tissues, and relevant border while segmenting the cancer cell. From the segmented region, different textures, statistical features are extracted depending on the tissue level, cell level, region, and contour level. Then to improve the performance of classification, the optimum features are selected using gray wolf optimization. The novelty of the proposed method is to give a better performance and the accuracy is obtained nearly 100%. Finally, the selected features are classified using neural network. Experimental result demonstrates that the performance of proposed method in terms of segmentation and computation time is better when compared with state‐of‐art approaches.
1064‐nm‐resonant gold nanorods for photoacoustic theranostics within permissible exposure limits
Authors: Cavigli Lucia , Centi Sonia , Borri Claudia , Tortoli Paolo , Panettieri Ilaria , Streit Ingolf , Ciofini Daniele , Magni Giada , Rossi Francesca , Siano Salvatore , Ratto Fulvio , Pini Roberto
Published: June 2019

Therapeutic and diagnostic methods based on photomechanical effects are attracting much current attention in contexts as oncology, cardiology and vascular surgery, for such applications as photoacoustic imaging or microsurgery. Their underlying mechanism is the generation of ultrasound or cavitation from the interaction of short optical pulses with endogenous dyes or targeted contrast agents. Among the latter, gold nanorods are outstanding candidates, but their use has mainly been reported for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal treatments. Conversely, much less is still known about their value as a precision tool for photomechanical manipulations, such as to impart local damage with high spatial resolution through the expansion and collapse of microbubbles. Here, we address the feasibility of gold nanorods exhibiting a distribution of surface plasmon resonances between about 900 to above 1100 nm as a contrast agent for photoacoustic theranostics. After testing their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake, we discuss their photostability and use to mediate cavitation and the photomechanical destruction of targeted cells. We find that the choice of a plasmonic band peaking around 1064 nm is key to enhance the translational potential of this approach. With respect to the standard alternative of 800 nm, at 1064 nm, relevant regulations on optical exposure are less restrictive and the photonic technology is more mature.
Alternative Magnesium Sulfate Dosing Regimens for Women With Preeclampsia: A Population Pharmacokinetic Exposure‐Response Modeling and Simulation Study
Authors: Du Lihong , Wenning Larissa A. , Carvalho Brendan , Duley Lelia , Brookfield Kathleen F. , Witjes Han , de Greef Rik , Lumbiganon Pisake , Titapant Vitaya , Kongwattanakul Kiattisak , Long Qian , Sangkomkamhang Ussanee S. , Gülmezoglu Ahmet M. , Oladapo Olufemi T.
Published: June 2019

Magnesium sulfate is the anticonvulsant of choice for eclampsia prophylaxis and treatment; however, the recommended dosing regimens are costly and cumbersome and can be administered only by skilled health professionals. The objectives of this study were to develop a robust exposure‐response model for the relationship between serum magnesium exposure and eclampsia using data from large studies of women with preeclampsia who received magnesium sulfate, and to predict eclampsia probabilities for standard and alternative (shorter treatment duration and/or fewer intramuscular injections) regimens. Exposure‐response modeling and simulation were applied to existing data. A total of 10 280 women with preeclampsia who received magnesium sulfate or placebo were evaluated. An existing population pharmacokinetic model was used to estimate individual serum magnesium exposure. Logistic regression was applied to quantify the serum magnesium area under the curve‐eclampsia rate relationship. Our exposure‐response model‐estimated eclampsia rates were comparable to observed rates. Several alternative regimens predicted magnesium peak concentration < 3.5 mmol/L (empiric safety threshold) and eclampsia rate ≤ 0.7% (observed response threshold), including 4 g intravenously plus 10 g intramuscularly followed by either 8 g intramuscularly every 6 hours × 3 doses or 10 g intramuscularly every 8 hours × 2 doses and 10 g intramuscularly every 8 hours × 3 doses. Several alternative magnesium sulfate regimens with comparable model‐predicted efficacy and safety were identified that merit evaluation in confirmatory clinical trials.
Heterostructured Ag/g‐C3N4/TiO2 with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performances
Authors: Zhou Bo , Hong Haitao , Zhang Haifeng , Yu Shansheng , Tian Hongwei
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is considered as one of the most potential photocatalysts among various oxide semiconductor photocatalysts. In order to improve the photocatalytic performance of TiO2‐based photocatalysts, it is pivotal to explore an efficient method to promote the separation of photoexcited charges, accelerate the carrier transmission efficiency and enhance visible‐light absorption.

RESULTS

In this study, heterostructured Ag/g‐C3N4/TiO2 ternary photocatalysts were successfully constructed using a facile accessible route. The structures, morphologies, chemical compositions and optical properties of the obtained composites were characterized by various analytical methods. The performance of the ternary photocatalysts was then tested for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The specimen prepared by loading 2% silver (Ag) nanoparticles onto the composites showed the best photocatalytic activity towards RhB degradation (99.7%) with satisfactory stability. The degradation rate using ternary photocatalyst reached 0.0179 min−1, almost 20‐ and 2.3‐folds higher than those of pure TiO2 and binary sample. To gain better insights, a possible photocatalytic enhancement mechanism was also proposed.

CONCLUSION

The improved photocatalytic properties were attributed to the heterostructure between TiO2 and graphite carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) as well as the loading Ag nanoparticles. The formation of the heterostructure between TiO2 and g‐C3N4, combined with the load of Ag nanoparticles created a synergistic effect, leading to the enhanced photocatalytic performance. Overall, these findings look promising for future photodegradation of organic pollutants. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Linguistic differences between well‐established and predatory journals: a keyword analysis of two journals in political science
Authors: Soler Josep , Wang Ying
Published: June 2019

Predatory publishing has become a much‐discussed and highly visible phenomenon over the past few years. One widespread, but hardly tested, assumption is the idea that articles published in predatory journals deviate substantially from those published in traditional journals. In this paper, we address this assumption by utilizing corpus linguistic tools. We compare the ‘academic‐like’ nature of articles from two different journals in political science, one top‐ranking and one alleged predatory. Our findings indicate that there is significant linguistic variation between the two corpora along the dimensions that we test. The articles display notable differences in the types and usage of keywords in the two journals. We conclude that articles published in so‐called predatory journals do not conform to linguistic norms used in higher‐quality journals. These findings may demonstrate a lack of quality control in predatory journals but may also indicate a lack of awareness and use of such linguistic norms by their authors. We also suggest that there is a need for the education of authors in science writing as this may enable them to publish in higher‐ranked and quality‐assured outlets.
Association between K469E polymorphism of ICAM‐1 gene and susceptibility of ischemic stroke: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Nepal Gaurav , Yadav Jayant Kumar , Kong YuHui
Published: June 2019

Background

The intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1)/leukocyte function associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1) adhesion system regulates leukocyte interactions, migration, and adhesion, and appears to play an important role in atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Therefore, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ICAM‐1 gene may strongly influence the expression and biological activity of ICAM‐1 and play a potentially important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. In the current meta‐analysis, we investigated the relationship between the ICAM‐1 gene K469E SNP and the risk of ischemic stroke.

Methods

Two investigators independently searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, WANFANG, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and J‐STAGE for studies published from January 2000 to February 2019 without language restriction. The association of K469E polymorphism and ischemic stroke in three genetic models (allelic, recessive, and dominant) were evaluated using Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Our study included 20 studies from four continents and four different countries, including 3,137 cases and 15,382 controls. Meta‐analysis results did not show a significant association between K469E polymorphism of ICAM‐1 gene and ischemic stroke when assuming allelic model (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.55;p = 0.51;I2 = 93%) or recessive model (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.84;p = 0.18;I2 = 82%) or dominant model (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.56;p = 0.17;I2 = 85%). However, in all three genetic models, subgroup analysis revealed that the K469E polymorphism of the ICAM‐1 gene is associated with ischemic stroke in the Caucasian population.

Conclusion

K469E polymorphism of ICAM‐1 gene might be a risk factor for ischemic stroke in Caucasians, which suggested that K469E polymorphism might help in early identification of those at risk and help in primary prevention of ischemic stroke.
Washington state‐of‐the‐art facility to address MH crisis, workforce needs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2019

In a bid to create a safety net for Washington state consumers struggling with mental health issues and address a critical need to grow the behavioral health workforce, the governor, state legislature and health leaders are working to build a state‐of‐the‐art facility and mobilizing to rebuild the state's behavioral health system.
Janssen research reveals need for improved interventions
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2019

New research based on real‐world data presented at the American Psychiatric Association's annual meeting May 18–22 in San Francisco found a need to increase and improve interventions to deliver better outcomes for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) or who have been diagnosed with suicide ideation or an attempt.
The Punjab National Bank scam: Ethics versus robust processes
Authors: Hanumantu Kaushik Dora , Worlikar Vidula , Narayanaswami Sundaravalli
Published: June 2019

With the rising incidents of corporate scams, it has become imperative to lift the corporate veil to unearth the reasons behind them. As a result, it is of paramount importance to examine the formation of the companies entering into the contract—the executives, directors, and top management. A large‐scale scam hit the Punjab National Bank (PNB) in India recently with huge implications on its financial position and credibility. It is inferred through this work that violation of checks and balances led to the huge scam. Following this scam, several banks have initiated measures to prevent and early detect such manipulative practices. Banks have incorporated stringent verification of all stakeholders involved in any transaction and do not completely rely anymore on the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications system. The Reserve Bank of India, as the apex governing body of all banking agencies in India, has also started taking measures to ensure that monitoring and control mechanisms are strong and robust. Finally, we present the way forward to prevent malpractices in the corporate world and the ethical implications in the society. Although any organization, especially, a public service organization does not allow any perpetrators into its systems, loopholes might exist that its internal or external stakeholders take advantage of. While emphasizing the needs for robust monitoring and audit processes to prevent violation by perpetrators, it is interesting to note that the same monitoring processes have brought out the scam to open for legal scrutiny, specifically at PNB.
Preparation and properties of multilayer assembled polymer gel microsphere profile control agents
Authors: Zhang Dingjun , Zhao Wenjin , Wu Yanfei , Chen Zhenbin , Li Xianru
Published: June 2019

A polymer gel microsphere profile control agent [P(AA‐AM‐C18DMAAC)@SiO2] with a multilayer assembled structure was prepared by combining multiple assembly and nanocomposite technology via inverse emulsion polymerization and precipitation polymerization using silicon dioxide (SiO2), acrylamide (AM), and acrylic acid (AA). The structure of the gel microsphere was characterized by SEM, FTIR, and TGA. The results indicated that the multilayer assembled polymer gel microsphere was successfully prepared. The introduction of SiO2 enhanced the strength of the profile control agent, and the outer hydrophobic association polymer octadecyl dimethyl allylammonium chloride (C18DMAAC) changed the temperature resistance and salt resistance of the polymer by adjusting the polymer composition. Further, the influences of C18DMAAC dosage in P(AA‐AM‐C18DMAAC)@SiO2 at different temperatures on the water absorption ratio of the gel microsphere was studied and concluded that at C18DMAAC to P(AA‐AM)@SiO2 mass ratio of 1.25:1, the water absorption performance of the profile control agent was optimal. Moreover, the microsphere of the P(AA‐AM‐C18DMAAC)@SiO2 shows the characteristics of absorb water slowly at low temperatures and quickly at high temperatures. And the prepared microsphere has a certain salt tolerance, and the viscosity of the P(AA‐AM‐C18DMAAC)@SiO2 microsphere increases slowly, so it could be used as a promising profile control agent in future. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1507–1516 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Copper Sulfide Nanodisks and Nanoprisms for Photoacoustic Ovarian Tumor Imaging
Authors: Wang Junxin , Hsu Su‐wen , Gonzalez‐Pech Natalia , Jhunjhunwala Anamik , Chen Fang , Hariri Ali , Grassian Vicki , Tao Andrea , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: June 2019

Transvaginal ultrasound is widely used for ovarian cancer screening but has a high false‐positive rate. Photoacoustic imaging provides additional optical contrast to supplement ultrasound and might be able to improve the accuracy of screening. Two copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticle types (nanodisks and triangular nanoprisms) are reported as photoacoustic contrast agents for imaging ovarian cancer. Both CuS nanoprisms and nanodisks are ≈6 nm thick and ≈26 nm wide and are coated with poly(ethylene glycol) to make them colloidally stable in phosphate‐buffered saline for at least two weeks. The CuS nanodisks and nanoprisms reveal strong localized surface plasmon resonances with peak maxima at 1145 and 1098 nm, respectively. Both nanoparticle types have strong and stable photoacoustic intensity with detection limits below 120 pm. The circular CuS nanodisk remains in the circulation of nude mice (n = 4) and xenograft 2008 ovarian tumors (n = 4) 17.9‐fold and 1.8‐fold more than the triangular nanoprisms, respectively. Finally, the photoacoustic intensity of the tumors from the mice (n = 3) treated with CuS nanodisks is threefold higher than the baseline. The tumors treated with nanodisks have a characteristic peak at 920 nm in their spectrum to potentially differentiate the tumor from adjacent tissues.
Characterization and Catalytic Properties of Ni‐Fe Spinel Catalysts for Total Oxidation of Ethanol
Authors: Benrabaa Rafik , Benadda Amel , Hammiche‐Bellal Yasmina , Boukhlouf Hamza , Trentesaux Martine , Rubbens Annick , Vannier Rose‐Noëlle , Löfberg Axel
Published: June 2019

This paper deals with the study of the reducibility of Ni−Fe spinel oxides prepared by co‐precipitation and hydrothermal methods with NaOH or ammonia and their behavior in ethanol combustion. The reducibility was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) after pretreatment under H2 at 400 °C. Depending on the synthesis method, structural properties (X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis), the surface area (BET), particle size (Rietveld refinement), as well as the surface Ni/Fe atomic ratio (XPS) and the behavior upon reduction varied. The best performances were obtained for hydrothermal conditions with a total conversion achieved at ∼ 300 °C. Ni2+ species seem to play a significant role in complete oxidation of ethanol; they were identified as the active species. A good correlation between structural, textural, reducibility and catalytic activity was established.
Trace evidence? The term trace from adjective to noun
Authors: Buzzini Patrick , Kammrath Brooke W. , De Forest Peter
Published: June 2019

Unfortunate inconsistency and confusion exists with respect to the term trace evidence. With the term trace evidence, “trace” is commonly used as an adjective to connote the small size of materials (often microscopic) that can be used to aid in an investigation by providing linkages, or associations, between potential suspects, victims, and scenes. This article proposes a resolution of the conflicting definitions of trace evidence. Rather than the widely held view of trace evidence having only associative value, we advocate for the historic and broader conceptualization of the physical traces produced during an event. In this concept, the term trace is a noun. Such traces address interrogatives to develop an understanding of the physical record and a reconstruction of the activities taking place during events under investigation. Additionally, it must be recognized that adherence to the scientific method during an investigation is imperative for the understanding of traces, and, at a minimum, input by educated and experienced scientists is required to maximize the value that traces contribute to investigations.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Epistemology and Method

Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Reconstruction

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace Evidence
A Model of Chronic Disease Management: Israeli Physicians' Approach to Cardiovascular Risk Factor Management
Authors: Bord Shiran , Zelber‐Sagi Shira , O'Brien Cherry Colleen , Yeshua Hanny , Matalon Andre , Schuster Richard J.
Published: June 2019

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death in Israel, a high‐income country that provides universal healthcare, is ~25 percent lower than in the United States. Is better disease management a factor? Primary care physicians answered a web‐based survey asking how they manage patients with CVD risk factors and about the health‐care system at the macro level. Most physicians (53.6 percent) spent 5–10  minutes managing CVD risks; 39.3 percent spent 10–20  minutes. Over 40 percent of physicians scheduled return visits in  less than  3 months. Their emphasis was on either balanced lifestyle and medication management or lifestyle (91 percent), while only 9 percent emphasized medication management. They believe that universal coverage and the motivation of both the doctor and patient are key in the successful outcomes. Israeli physicians provide resource‐intensive disease management, committing time, providing frequently repeated visits, and focusing on a balance of lifestyle and medication management. These practices may provide good chronic disease management and could contribute to reduced cardiovascular death.
Measurement and Conceptualization of Gaming Disorder According to the World Health Organization Framework: the Development of the Gaming Disorder Test
Authors: Pontes Halley M. , Schivinski Bruno , Sindermann Cornelia , Li Mei , Becker Benjamin , Zhou Min , Montag Christian
Published: June 2019

Previous research on gaming disorder (GD) has highlighted key methodological and conceptual hindrances stemming from the heterogeneity of nomenclature and the use of non-standardized psychometric tools to assess this phenomenon. The recent recognition of GD as an official mental health disorder and behavioral addiction by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) opens up new possibilities to investigate further the psychosocial and mental health implications due to excessive and disordered gaming. However, before further research on GD can be conducted in a reliable way and within a robust cross-cultural context, a valid and reliable standardized psychometric tool to assess the construct as defined by the WHO should be developed. The aim of this study was to develop The Gaming Disorder Test (GDT), a brief four-item measure to assess GD and to further explore its psychometric properties. A sample of 236 Chinese (47% male, mean age 19.22 years, SD = 1.57) and 324 British (49.4% male, mean age 26.74 years, SD = 7.88) gamers was recruited online. Construct validity of the GDT was examined via factorial validity, nomological validity, alongside convergent and discriminant validity. Concurrent validity was also examined using the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale—Short-Form (IGDS9-SF). Finally, reliability indicators involving the Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability coefficients were estimated. Overall, the results indicated that GDT is best conceptualized within a single-factor structure. Additionally, the four items of the GDT are valid, reliable, and proved to be highly suitable for measuring GD within a cross-cultural context.
Gendered Places and Depositional Histories: Reconstructing a Menstrual Lodge in the Interior Northwest
Authors: Carney Molly , d'Alpoim Guedes Jade , Lyons Kevin J. , Elgar Melissa Goodman
Published: June 2019

This project considered the deposition history of a burned structure located on the Kalispel Tribe of Indians ancestral lands at the Flying Goose site in northeastern Washington. Excavation of the structure revealed stratified deposits that do not conform to established Columbia Plateau architectural types. The small size, location, and absence of artifacts lead us to hypothesize that this site was once a non-domestic structure. We tested this hypothesis with paleoethnobotanical, bulk geoarchaeological, thin section, and experimental firing data to deduce the structural remains and the post-occupation sequence. The structure burned at a relatively low temperature, was buried soon afterward with imported rubified sediment, and was exposed to seasonal river inundation. Subsequently, a second fire consumed a unique assemblage of plant remains. Drawing on recent approaches to structured deposition and historic processes, we incorporate ethnography to argue that this structure was a menstrual lodge. These structures are common in ethnographic descriptions, although no menstrual lodges have been positively identified in the archaeological record of the North American Pacific Northwest. This interpretation is important to understanding the development and time depth of gendered practices of Interior Northwest groups.
Modeling pilot mental workload using information theory
Authors: Zhang X. , Qu X. , Xue H. , Zhao H. , Li T. , Tao D.
Published: June 2019

Predicting mental workload of pilots can provide cockpit designers with useful information to reduce the possibility of pilot error and cost of training, improve the safety and performance of systems, and increase operator satisfaction. We present a theoretical model of mental workload, using information theory, based on review investigations of how effectively task complexity, visual performance, and pilot experience predict mental workload. The validity of the model was confirmed based on data collected from pilot taxiing experiments. Experiments were performed on taxiing tasks in four different scenarios. Results showed that predicted values from the proposed mental workload model were highly correlated to actual mental workload ratings from the experiments. The findings indicate that the proposed mental workload model appears to be effective in the prediction of pilots’ mental workload over time.
Lowering the bucks for the bang: viewing pharmaceutical price negotiations through a behavioural lens
Authors: OLIVER ADAM
Published: June 2019

This article is a speculative perspective on the behavioural factors that may influence price negotiations between pharmaceutical ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’. It is contended that several behavioural economic-related phenomena may affect price negotiations, including anchoring, loss aversion, a tendency (or otherwise) to reciprocate and a concern for one's reputation. The most important influence, however, is likely to be anchoring, which will particularly benefit the seller of a product if they are allowed to set the initial anchor in a price negotiation. Consequently, it is argued that the most effective way in which to counter the seller's anchor is likely to be to regulate so that the buyer makes the first offer.
Fiscal rules and electoral turnout
Authors: Aaskoven Lasse
Published: June 2019

A growing literature has argued that electoral turnout decreases the more government policy constrained by economic and institutional factors. This paper investigates whether a certain type of policy constraint, fiscal rules, lowers turnout. Since fiscal rules set limits for government fiscal policy, they should lower the incentive for citizens to participate electorally. However, using parliamentary turnout data in a large panel of democratic countries, little robust evidence is found in favor of fiscal rules having a depressing effect on electoral turnout. Analysis of European individual-level data also suggests that national fiscal rules do not affect inequality in electoral turnout between income groups either. Difference-in-discontinuity evidence from Italian municipalities further suggests that the results are causally identified.
ESTIMATES OF THE SECOND DERIVATIVE OF BOUNDED ANALYTIC FUNCTIONS
Authors: CHEN GANGQIANG
Published: June 2019

Assume a point $z$ lies in the open unit disk $\mathbb{D}$ of the complex plane $\mathbb{C}$ and $f$ is an analytic self-map of $\mathbb{D}$ fixing 0. Then Schwarz’s lemma gives $|f(z)|\leq |z|$, and Dieudonné’s lemma asserts that $|f^{\prime }(z)|\leq \min \{1,(1+|z|^{2})/(4|z|(1-|z|^{2}))\}$. We prove a sharp upper bound for $|f^{\prime \prime }(z)|$ depending only on $|z|$.
Control of Crinkle-leaf of Coffee in Kenya
Authors: Wormer T. M. , Firman I. D.
Published: June 2019

Crinkle-leaf is an abnormal condition of the leaf of coffee in Kenya, the cause of which is unknown. Preliminary observations showed that its symptoms are suppressed by spraying with captan and experiments were carried out to investigate whether this material would provide an economic coivtrol. Spraying at the rate of 4 lb per acre, when symptoms of the condition first appeared, gave good control but lower quantities were less effective. Means of predicting the severity of the condition have not yet been evolved and the spray programme must therefore be adjusted each season to meet the local conditions. The spraying of nurseries and young suckers is recommended as soon as early symptoms are noted, since the cost is low, whereas the spraying of large areas of mature coffee requires a careful assessment of the possible economic advantages. Susceptibility to crinkle-leaf was found to differ between cultivars.
Evaporation from Lucerne Under Advective Conditions in the Sudan I. Factors Affecting Water Losses and Their Measurement
Authors: Hudson J. P.
Published: June 2019

It is suggested that irrigation should ideally be based on two sets of measurements, i.e. of conditions in the leaf and of cumulative evaporation rates respectively, on the assumption that the question 'When to irrigate ? ’ can best be answered from a knowledge of leaf water potential and the daytime behaviour of stomata, and the question ‘How much water to apply?’ from a knowledge of the current soil water deficit. It is emphasized that there is no unique or fixed relation between leaf water potential and soil water deficit, and since neither can be deduced from the other it is advisable to measure both in critical experimental work on irrigation. Various methods of measuring leaf water potential and evaporation rates are discussed, and their value in experimental work assessed.
Effects of Organic Mulch on Fertility of a Latosolic Coffee Soil in Kenya
Authors: Robinson J. B. D. , Hosegood P. H.
Published: June 2019

Measurements are reported on the influence of mulch on the chemical and physical characteristics of the soil and the chemical composition of the crop, together with growth measurements on an indicator crop in the greenhouse and on mature coffee in the field. Mulch reduced soil acidity; increased organic carbon, Kjeldahl nitrogen, exchangeable potassium and available phosphorus; and decreased exchangeable calcium and manganese. It increased total pore space, free-draining pore space and rate of rainfall acceptance in the top soil. Effects on the coffee were to increase phosphorus, potassium and in some cases nitrogen in the leaf, but reduce magnesium and calcium levels. Potassium and calcium levels were increased in feeder roots, whereas in the ripe cherry the phosphorus level was increased but nitrogen, calcium and magnesium levels were reduced. The soil effects were reflected in increased growth of the indicator crop and mulch improved the growth of the coffee tree in a year of seasonal drought.
The Problems of a New Life Office
Authors: Crook G. C.
Published: June 2019

It might at first be thought that this paper is limited to the problems of those few who hope to establish a new office in a highly organized and competitive life assurance market. Yet all offices wishing to expand will be faced with problems of a similar nature. This is evident when contemplating a development overseas and was the subject of a paper to the Faculty in March 1960 by R. G. Mallett (T.F.A.26, 547).
The Selection and Maintenance of a Gilt-Edged Portfolio
Authors: Pepper G. T.
Published: June 2019

This paper is primarily concerned with investment by life offices and pension funds in British Government stocks with lives of more than 5 years, although there are important implications for all classes of investors. Investing in British Government stocks over the post-war period has become a highly technical process. The advent of the electronic computer has opened up an entirely new field of statistical data thus making some of the old methods obsolete. The paper illustrates some of the new techniques developed by the author and his colleagues. Other actuaries have also been developing new approaches and it is hoped that they will contribute to a lively and constructive discussion.
The Design, Application and Future Development of the Financial Times–Actuaries Index
Authors: Haycocks H. W. , Plymen J.
Published: June 2019

The original Actuaries Index was designed in 1929 and was maintained with broadly the same format and principles for more than thirty years, changes to constituents and groups being made in 1950 and 1957. Investment Policy and Index Numbers, submitted by the authors in 1956 (J.I.A. 83, 333), discussed the original index in some detail. This index was, of course, designed for manual calculation and it is remarkable that only eight years ago electronic computation was not even contemplated. In fact the word computer was never mentioned in the paper or in the discussion. With electronic facilities now so well developed the whole approach to indices is changed. The limitations, formerly imposed by manual calculation, on the size, the scope of the averaging procedures and the weighting methods, and the frequency of computation are no longer important.
The functional morphology of the scolex and the genitalia of Acanthobothrium coronatum (Rud.) (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea)
Authors: Rees Gwendolen , Williams H. Harford
Published: June 2019

The genus Acanthobothrium van Beneden, 1850, seems to be in a state of slight confusion due, possibly, to some inadequate descriptions which have led to subsequent misidentifications of some of the species. The type species A. coronatum was first recorded and very briefly described by Rudolphi (1819) as Bothriocephalus coronatus from ‘Squali stellaris, Squali squatinus and Torpedinis marmoratae“. Since then specimens have been assigned to this species which probably belong elsewhere; the list of synonyms and the host records are extensive. Baer (1948) divided the species of the genus into two groups, namely, those parasitic in sharks and those in rays. This seems to be a reasonable distinction as specificity is very marked in cestodes and especially in those of elasmobranchs. It was thought that a detailed study of the type species, presented here, would be a useful preliminary to a consideration of the genus as a whole.

Specimens of A. coronatum were obtained from the spiral valve of Scyliorhinus stellaris (L.) caught in Cardigan Bay in July 1956 and at Plymouth in August 1958 and August and September 1959. The number of worms, complete with scoleces varied from 6 to 10 per fish and in one instance 14. Many fragments of two to three proglottids and many individual proglottids were also present. The scoleces were attached in the first turn of the spiral valve and the strobila adhered feebly along the whole length, sometimes as far back as the rectal gland, leaving on removal a distinct groove in the mucosa.
The pin-worm parasites (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) of the Hapalidae (Mammalia: Primates)
Authors: Inglis William G. , Cosgrove G. E.
Published: June 2019

The Oxyuridae parasitic in Primates have a restricted host range with, in the wild, one species of parasite characteristic of one genus of host (Inglis, 1961). Under such conditions one would expect the hosts and their parasites to show parallel evolutionary trends. While this is not established in detail there is a broad correlation between the trends that can be established in the morphology of the parasites and the phylogenies of the hosts (Inglis, 1965).

Recently some parasites were reported which suggested that the Hapalidae could be considered primitive monkeys of the superfamily Ceboidea rather than specialized (Inglis & Dunn, 1964), but it was then stressed that, because few parasite records were available, the suggestion must be tentative. However, two further samples of pin-worms from Hapalidae have now become available which also support this suggestion. One sample is from Oedipomidas oedipus (reported by Menschel & Stroh (1963) as Enterobius minutus) and the other is from Callimico goeldii. Both samples represent new species which are described below.

The specimens from C. goeldii are particularly interesting because they represent a species which is clearly con-generic with those from the Hapalidae that have been studied. This suggests that Callimico should be referred to the family Hapalidae rather than to the family Cebidae or even, as is suggested by some authors, to a distinct family Callimiconidae.

Both the new species are referable to the genus Trypanoxyuris and the opportunity is taken to publish an illustration of the lateral view of the male tail of Trypanoxyuris callithricis (Fig. 1).
Antidepressant-resistant depression is characterized by reduced short- and long-interval cortical inhibition
Authors: Jeng Jia-Shyun , Li Cheng-Ta , Lin Hui-Ching , Tsai Shih-Jen , Bai Ya-Mei , Su Tung-Ping , Chang Yu-Wen , Cheng Chih-Ming
Published: June 2019

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly heterogeneous and can be classified as treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or antidepressant-responsive depression (non-TRD) based on patients' responses to antidepressant treatment. Methods for distinguishing between TRD and non-TRD are critical clinical concerns. Deficits of cortical inhibition (CI) have been reported to play an influential role in the pathophysiology of MDD. Whether TRD patients' CI is more impaired than that of non-TRD patients remains unclear.

Methods

Paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (ppTMS) was used to measure cortical inhibitory function including GABAA- and GABAB-receptor-related CI and cortical excitatory function including glutamate-receptor-related intracortical facilitation (ICF). We recruited 36 healthy controls (HC) and 36 patients with MDD (non-TRD,n= 16; TRD,n= 20). All participants received evaluations for depression severity and ppTMS examinations. Non-TRD patients received an additional ppTMS examination after 3 months of treatment with the SSRI escitalopram.

Results

Patients with TRD exhibited reduced short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI), as shown by abnormally higher estimates, than those with non-TRD or HC (F= 11.030,p< 0.001;F= 10.309,p< 0.001, respectively). After an adequate trial of escitalopram treatment, the LICI of non-TRD reduced significantly (t= − 3.628,p< 0.001), whereas the ICF remained lower than that of HC and showed no difference from pretreatment non-TRD.

Conclusions

TRD was characterized by relatively reduced CI, including both GABAA- and GABAB-receptor-mediated neurons while non-TRD preserved partial CI. In non-TRD, SSRIs may mainly modulate GABAB-receptor-related LICI. Our findings revealed distinguishable features of CI in antidepressant-resistant and responsive major depression.
The field of current in a thin wire ring
Authors: Carter G. W. , Loh S. C. , Po C. Y. K.
Published: June 2019

A simple expression is derived for the magnetic vector potential of current in a thin ring, in terms of the first derivative of toroidal functions of zero order. The axial and radial field components and the mutual inductance between two wire rings are obtained. These expressions are evaluated on a digital computer and the results are summarized in a series of graphs.
Trait neuroticism and emotion neurocircuitry: Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence for a failure in emotion regulation
Authors: Silverman Merav H. , Wilson Sylia , Ramsay Ian S. , Hunt Ruskin H. , Thomas Kathleen M. , Krueger Robert F. , Iacono William G.
Published: June 2019

Though theory suggests that individual differences in neuroticism (a tendency to experience negative emotions) would be associated with altered functioning of the amygdala (which has been linked with emotionality and emotion dysregulation in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood), results of functional neuroimaging studies have been contradictory and inconclusive. We aimed to clarify the relationship between neuroticism and three hypothesized neural markers derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging during negative emotion face processing: amygdala activation, amygdala habituation, and amygdala-prefrontal connectivity, each of which plays an important role in the experience and regulation of emotions. We used general linear models to examine the relationship between trait neuroticism and the hypothesized neural markers in a large sample of over 500 young adults. Although neuroticism was not significantly associated with magnitude of amygdala activation or amygdala habituation, it was associated with amygdala–ventromedial prefrontal cortex connectivity, which has been implicated in emotion regulation. Results suggest that trait neuroticism may represent a failure in top-down control and regulation of emotional reactions, rather than overactive emotion generation processes, per se. These findings suggest that neuroticism, which has been associated with increased rates of transdiagnostic psychopathology, may represent a failure in the inhibitory neurocircuitry associated with emotion regulation.