bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the mechanical performance of extruded wheat starch loose fill
Authors: Lamb Matthew , Rouillard Vincent , Milverton Justin
Published: June 2019

During the distribution process, products are continuously exposed to dynamic forces resulting from vehicle vibrations as well as drops and shocks from various types of handling. In order to reduce the adverse effects of such loads, protective packaging or cushioning materials are used. Engineered packaging materials are generally petroleum based (plastics) and present significant environmental concerns after their disposal. The use of environmentally friendly, bio‐compostable, alternatives is a logical development; however, if the salient protective characteristics of these materials are not well established, their use may lead to greater losses and a larger environmental impact through product loss. This paper introduces a comprehensive approach for the mechanical characterisation of alternative cushioning materials, which includes the effects of environmental conditions. The procedure is used to compare the performance of loose fill starch beads with a commonly used engineering cushioning material, namely medium density, closed cell polyethylene. The results show that the starch beads can offer a viable alternative to the engineered cushioning materials as they provide reasonable overall cushioning character, albeit over a narrower stress range when compared with the polyethylene cushions. The loose fill was also shown to perform in terms of vibration damping and resistance to sustained dynamic loads for low static stress levels.
A pragmatic strategy for implementing spatially correlated observation errors in an operational system: An application to Doppler radial winds
Authors: Simonin David , Waller Joanne A. , Ballard Susan P. , Dance Sarah L. , Nichols Nancy K.
Published: June 2019

Recent research has shown that high‐resolution observations, such as Doppler radar radial winds, exhibit spatial correlations. High‐resolution observations are routinely assimilated into convection‐permitting numerical weather prediction models assuming their errors are uncorrelated. To avoid violating this assumption, observation density is severely reduced. To improve the quantity of observations used and the impact that they have on the forecast requires the introduction of full, correlated, error statistics. Some operational centres have introduced satellite inter‐channel observation‐error correlations and obtained improved analysis accuracy and forecast skill scores. Here we present a strategy for implementing spatially correlated observation errors in an operational system. We then provide the first demonstration of the practical feasibility of incorporating spatially correlated Doppler radial wind error statistics in the Met Office numerical weather prediction system.

Inclusion of correlated Doppler radial winds error statistics has little impact on the computation cost of the data assimilation system, even with a fourfold increase in the number of Doppler radial winds observations assimilated. Using the correlated observation‐error statistics with denser observations produces increments with shorter length‐scales than the control. Initial forecast trials show a neutral to positive impact on forecast skill overall, notably for quantitative precipitation forecasts. There is potential to improve forecast skill by optimizing the use of Doppler radial winds and applying the technique to other observation types.
Community‐Oriented Risk Communication in Recovery Efforts after Radiological Contamination/Accidents
Authors: Lyamzina Yuliya , Slovic Paul
Published: June 2019

The high levels of public worry and distrust of authorities, especially as associated with nuclear energy and radioactive waste, are well established in the literature and in the experience of risk communicators dealing with the general public. Though much of the experience with the heightened sense of worry that accompanies planned exposure situations associated with proposed radioactive/nuclear facilities (e.g., radioactive waste repositories, nuclear power plants, yet to be approved or built), there are also examples of existing exposure situations such as those following radiological accidents (e.g., Chernobyl or Fukushima). Some risk perception factors (e.g., trust, dread) are common to both planned and existing exposure situations, whereas others (e.g., volition, controllability) may be more prevalent in post‐accident exposure situations. Specific risk perceptions held by a given population and its various subgroups must be acknowledged and incorporated into successful risk communication and public engagement strategies. Post‐accident recovery programs and remediation projects, while in many countries requiring stakeholder and public acceptance to proceed, often fail to incorporate the specific risk perceptions held by the various affected groups in their risk communication and public involvement strategies. Such failures can foster a skeptical or angry public reaction, and hamper recovery in terms of both primary measures (radiological risk reduction interventions) and secondary measures (aiming at “return to normal life,” removal of stigmatization, health and well‐being, etc.). Existing exposure situations and the corresponding mitigations are often approached as local or national scale issues, but by their nature of following radiological emergencies or nuclear accidents, issues of multinational risk perceptions may also arise. Confronting risk perceptions featuring high levels of uncertainty, issue complexity, distrust, information asymmetry, and so forth, requires more interactive forms of governance and adaptive approaches to securing public acceptance. A suggestion is made to deploy an iterative continuous improvement model for incorporating specific risk perceptions into risk communication programs in concert with mutual‐gains‐based public engagement mechanisms.
Nickel Nitride Particles Supported on 2D Activated Graphene–Black Phosphorus Heterostructure: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Xiao , Li Qiaoxia , Shi Penghui , Fan Jinchen , Min Yulin , Xu Qunjie
Published: June 2019

Hydrogen is regarded as the most promising green clean energy in the 21st century. Developing the highly efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great concern for the hydrogen industry. In the water electrolyzed reaction, the overpotential and the kinetics are the main hurdles for OER. Therefore, an efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst is required. In this study, an activated graphene (AG)–black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets hybrid is fabricated for supporting Ni3N particles (Ni3N/BP‐AG) in the application of OER. The Ni3N particles are combined with the BP‐AG heterostructure via facile mechanical ball milling under argon protection. The synthesized Ni3N/BP‐AG shows excellent catalytic performance toward the OER, demanding the overpotential of 233 mV for a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 42 mV dec−1. The Ni3N/BP‐AG catalysts also show remarkable stability with a retention rate of the current density of about 86.4% after measuring for 10 000 s in potentiostatic mode.
Impact of anaerobically digested biosolids characteristics and handling conditions on dewatering performance at multiple facilities
Authors: Bicudo José R. , Parker Wayne J. , Higgins Matthew J. , Morris Samantha , Gerber Jordan , Crowley Brett , Celmer‐Repin Dominika
Published: June 2019

Anaerobically digested biosolids (ABD) characteristics that affect dewatering were assessed at three water resource recovery facilities (WRRF) with different handling practices. Dewatering performance at the three sites corresponded to different levels of soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia (NH4–N), and mono‐ and divalent cation concentrations in ADB. Capillary suction time (CST) and a modified centrifugal technique were used to determine optimum polymer doses and to assess the impact of handling conditions on dewatering performance. Both techniques indicated that polymer dosing between 15 and 20 kg/dry tonne was optimal for all facilities and that biosolids mixing and pumping did not significantly impact dewaterability. The CST values of anaerobically digested biosolids decreased as temperature increased, but no significant difference was found for either temperature or location of dewatering facilities. Sludge viscosity and rheological properties that vary with temperature appeared to have influenced CST values. Modified centrifugal technique results indicated cake solids were not affected by polymer make‐up water or ADB temperature when emulsion polymer was used. This study shows the value of laboratory testing of biosolids under controlled conditions to identify and correct potential problems in full‐scale operations.

Practitioner points

Capillary suction time and a modified centrifugal technique were used to assess the impact of different process‐related and environmental factors on dewatering.

Higher concentrations of soluble COD (potentially extracellular polymeric substances ‐ EPS) and low calcium (Ca) in anaerobically digested biosolids align with reduced dewaterability.

Cell disruption and break down of floc structures due to storage/mixing and pumping of biosolids did not appear to negatively impact dewatering.

Modified centrifugal test results did not provide conclusive evidence of whether dewatering of anaerobically digested biosolids could be significantly impacted by temperature over the range 15–30°C, especially when emulsion polymer is used.

This study shows the value of laboratory testing of biosolids under controlled conditions to identify potential problems in the full‐scale operations.
Thick branes in extra dimensions and suppressed dark couplings
Authors: Landim Ricardo G. , Rizzo Thomas G.
Published: June 2019

Abstract

The nature of dark matter (DM) and how it may interact with the various fields of the Standard Model (SM) remains a mystery. In this paper we show that the interaction between new light dark matter mediators and the SM particles can be naturally suppressed if one employs a single, flat extra dimension (ED). In this setup, the SM fields are localized in a finite width ‘fat’ brane, similar to models of Universal Extra Dimensions (UED), while DM, in turn, is confined to a thin brane at the opposite end of the ED interval. Including brane localized kinetic terms on the fat brane for the mediator fields, the resulting coupling between the SM and these light mediators can be several orders of magnitude smaller than the corresponding ones between the mediators and DM which we assume to be a typical gauge coupling. We investigate the implications of this scenario for both vector (i.e, dark photon, DP) and scalar mediator fields in the 5-D bulk. In this setup kinetic mixing, which is usually employed to suppress light mediator couplings, is not required. Here we assume that the SM particles couple to the DP via their B − L charges while the DP couples to the DM via a dark charge. Both the vector DP couplings and the corresponding Higgs portal couplings with the SM are shown to be natural small in magnitude with a size dependent on ratio of the 5-D compactification radius, R
−1 ∼ 0.1-1 GeV, and the SM brane thickness, L
−1 ∼ 2-10 TeV, a range chosen to avoid LHC and other experimental constraints. In this framework one can obtain the observed value of the DM relic abundance for a wide range of parameter choices, while the constrains due to direct DM detection and the invisible width of the Higgs do not impose significant challenges to the model. Finally, this mechanism can lead to distinct signatures in both present and upcoming experiments as it combines some common features of UED and DP models in a single ED setup.
Detection of circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA before and after mammographic breast compression in a cohort of breast cancer patients scheduled for neoadjuvant treatment
Authors: Förnvik Daniel , Aaltonen Kristina E. , Chen Yilun , George Anthony M. , Brueffer Christian , Rigo Robert , Loman Niklas , Saal Lao H. , Rydén Lisa
Published: June 2019

Purpose

It is not known if mammographic breast compression of a primary tumor causes shedding of tumor cells into the circulatory system. Little is known about how the detection of circulating biomarkers such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is affected by breast compression intervention.

Methods

CTCs and ctDNA were analyzed in blood samples collected before and after breast compression in 31 patients with primary breast cancer scheduled for neoadjuvant therapy. All patients had a central venous access to allow administration of intravenous neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which enabled blood collection from superior vena cava, draining the breasts, in addition to sampling from a peripheral vein.

Results

CTC and ctDNA positivity was seen in 26% and 65% of the patients, respectively. There was a significant increase of ctDNA after breast compression in central blood (p = 0.01), not observed in peripheral testing. No increase related with breast compression was observed for CTC. ctDNA positivity was associated with older age (p = 0.05), and ctDNA increase after breast compression was associated with high Ki67 proliferating tumors (p = 0.04). CTCs were more abundant in central compared to peripheral blood samples (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

There was no significant release of CTCs after mammographic breast compression but more CTCs were present in central compared to peripheral blood. No significant difference between central and peripheral levels of ctDNA was observed. The small average increase in ctDNA after breast compression is unlikely to be clinically relevant. The results give support for mammography as a safe procedure from the point of view of CTC and ctDNA shedding to the blood circulation. The results may have implications for the standardization of sampling procedures for circulating tumor markers.
Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program in elective colorectal surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mercedes Cabellos Olivares , María Labalde Martínez , Miguel Torralba , Ramón Rodríguez Fraile José , Carlos Atance Martínez Juan
Published: June 2019

Objective To evaluate the results of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol in elective colorectal surgery compared to the historical cohort of this hospital with standard care, in terms of hospital Length Of Stay (LOS), 30 days readmissions rate and 3–5 Clavien–Dindo Complications (CDC).

Methodology Data were collected from consecutive patients during 2 time periods, before (135 patients from hospital database) and after implementation of an ERAS protocol (121 with prospective follow up). Multivariate lineal or logistic regressions were used to assess the impact of ERAS program, adjusting by gender, age, laparoscopy and 3–5 CDC.

Results The two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic and surgery details, with the exception of the operative approach, with increased use of laparoscopy in the ERAS group. The ERAS protocol decreased LOS (9.8 ± 3.7 vs. 11 ± 3.8, p = 0.018) without increasing 30 days readmission rate or the number of severe CDC. In a multivariate analysis, age and 3–5 CDC were independently associated with a longer LOS while male gender, ERAS protocol and laparoscopic surgery with a decreased LOS. 3–5 CDC increased readmissions (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.2–10.2) while laparoscopic surgery decreased them (OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.8). ERAS improved compliance with secondary variables in a statistically significant way: more laparoscopic surgery; more regional analgesia in the intraoperative period; earlier adherence to ambulation; faster onset of oral liquid diet and analgesia by mouth; and lower requirements of opioids.

Conclusions ERAS protocol and laparoscopic surgery decreased LOS without increasing 30 days readmission rate. Severe CDC increased LOS and readmissions.
The Bumpy Road to a Meaningful International Law of Cyber Attribution
Authors: Banks William C.
Published: June 2019

Attributing computer network intrusions has grown in importance as cyber penetrations across sovereign borders have become commonplace. Although advances in technology and forensics have made machine attribution easier in recent years, identifying states or others responsible for cyber intrusions remains challenging. This essay provides an overview of the attribution problem and its international legal dimensions and argues that states must develop accountable attribution mechanisms for international law to have practical value in this sphere.
Rare Bilateral Caudate Infarction in a Patient with a Common Circle of Willis Variant
Authors: Anello Mimma G. , Miao Timothy L. , Pandey Sachin K. , Mandzia Jennifer L.
Published: June 2019

A 62-year-old male presented to hospital with acute aphasia. His past medical history was significant for a previous left middle cerebral artery stroke, from which he fully recovered, hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, one episode of atrial fibrillation postoperatively, and thalidomide exposure in utero. Although initially he was thought to be aphasic, on further examination, he demonstrated significant abulia. His level of consciousness was normal, and neurological examination was otherwise unremarkable. A CT angiogram of the head and neck was performed. The patient was not a candidate for acute therapy, as he had established stroke on imaging, and the time of onset was unclear.
Exposure to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Associated Resource Loss, and Long-Term Mental and Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Ramchand Rajeev , Seelam Rachana , Parks Vanessa , Ghosh-Dastidar Bonnie , Lee Matthew R. , Finucane Melissa
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to (1) assess the long-term mental and behavioral health outcomes of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of residents in the Gulf Coast and to (2) identify populations that may be particularly vulnerable to future disasters.

Methods:

The Survey of Trauma, Resilience, and Opportunity in Neighborhoods in the Gulf (STRONG) is a population-representative sample of 2520 coastal residents surveyed in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida in 2016. We present prevalence estimates for positive screens of depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse, as well as receipt of health care services. We examine differences in these outcomes across states, affected occupational groups, and demographic groups.

Results:

Resource loss attributed to the spill was associated with positive screens for depression and anxiety. Almost 50% of adults screened positive for depression, anxiety, or alcohol misuse, but less than 20% of these currently access mental health care. Black residents were less likely to have health insurance and a usual source of care but were more likely to have visited the emergency room in the past 12 months.

Conclusions:

Surveillance data from STRONG can help policy-makers and other stakeholders develop targeted approaches to foster resilience, particularly among vulnerable populations, and thereby mitigate the effects of future disasters.
“Tatprovokation” – The Legal Issue of Entrapment in Germany and Possible Solutions
Authors: Görlitz Franziska , Hubert Juliane , Kucher Jasmin , Scheffer Moritz , Wieser Patrick
Published: June 2019

Incitement by police officers is a well-known and often utilized police measure in the German investigation process. Yet, when it comes to prosecuting the perpetrators, a moral conflict arises. Should a State, bound by its own constitution and committed to protect its citizens, be allowed to incite or support a possible offender and afterwards judge on his or her wrongful actions? After Germany’s higher courts had to deal with multiple cases of entrapped perpetrators, there has been a strong debate about the admissibility, requirements, and consequences of entrapment within the German legal system. International and national courts as well as scholars represent different legal standpoints in this regard. In particular, the approaches of the European Court of Human Rights and the German Federal Court of Justice differ significantly in their results. As Germany ratified the European Convention on Human Rights and therefore has to adhere to the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling, an additional legal conflict arises. This article depicts and discusses the most relevant approaches to resolve this moral and legal conflict and satisfy both the need for effective prosecution and the procedural rights of the individual person subject to the act of entrapment. Additionally, recent legislative ambitions are presented.
Personality testing and the Americans With Disabilities Act: Cause for concern as normal and abnormal personality models are integrated
Authors: Melson-Silimon Arturia , Harris Alexandra M. , Shoenfelt Elizabeth L. , Miller Joshua D. , Carter Nathan T.
Published: June 2019

Applied psychologists commonly use personality tests in employee selection systems because of their advantages regarding incremental criterion-related validity and less adverse impact relative to cognitive ability tests. Although personality tests have seen limited legal challenges in the past, we posit that the use of personality tests might see increased challenges under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) due to emerging evidence that normative personality and personality disorders belong to common continua. This article aims to begin a discussion and offer initial insight regarding the possible implications of this research for personality testing under the ADA. We review past case law, scholarship in employment law, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance regarding “medical examinations,” and recent literature from various psychology disciplines—including clinical, neuropsychology, and applied personality psychology—regarding the relationship between normative personality and personality disorders. More importantly, we review suggestions proposing the five-factor model (FFM) be used to diagnose personality disorders (PDs) and recent changes in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM). Our review suggests that as scientific understanding of personality progresses, practitioners will need to exercise evermore caution when choosing personality measures for use in selection systems. We conclude with six recommendations for applied psychologists when developing or choosing personality measures.
Late Quaternary lake-level and climate changes in arid central Asia inferred from sediments of Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, northwestern China
Authors: Zhou Jianchao , Wu Jinglu , Ma Long , Qiang Mingrui
Published: June 2019

Arid central Asia plays an important role in global climate dynamics, but large uncertainties remain in our understanding of the region's hydroclimate variability during the Late Quaternary. Here we present a new, high-resolution record of lacustrine sediment grain-size and element chemistry from Ebinur Lake, which was used to infer lake conditions and related climate changes in the study region between ca. 39.2 and 3.6 ka. End-member modeling analysis of grain-size data and PCA of elemental data show that lake level fluctuated dramatically from 39.2 to 34.0 ka. Subsequently, Ebinur Lake experienced a high stand from 34.0 to 28.0 ka, under humid climate conditions. The subsequent period, from 28.0 to 12.0 ka, was characterized by lake regression under dry climate conditions, whereas afterward (12.0–3.6 ka), considerably higher lake levels and humid conditions again prevailed. Millennial-scale abrupt climate changes, such as Heinrich events (H3 and H1) and the Younger Dryas, which are documented in the North Atlantic region, are also detected in the sediment record from Ebinur Lake. Comparisons with other sediment records from arid central Asia generally support the claim that climate change in this region was influenced mainly by variations in North Atlantic sea surface temperatures, through the westerlies.
A case–control study on dietary quality indices and glioma
Authors: Sadeghi Omid , Shayanfar Mehdi , Mohammad-Shirazi Minoo , Sharifi Giuve , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: June 2019

No study is available that has assessed the association of dietary diversity score (DDS) and alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) with glioma. The present study aimed to assess this association in Iranian adults. Overall, 128 pathologically confirmed cases of glioma were enrolled from hospitals and 256 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited from other wards of the hospital between 2009 and 2011. Dietary assessment was done using a validated block-format 123-item semi-quantitative FFQ. Dietary indices including DDS and AHEI-2010 were constructed according to standard methods. After controlling for potential confounders, a significant inverse association was found between DDS and risk of glioma (OR 0·42, 95 % CI 0·19, 0·94). Such finding was also seen when further adjustment was made for BMI; such that participants in the highest quartile of DDS were 56 % less likely to have glioma compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR 0·44, 95 % CI, 0·20, 0·97). In addition, a significant inverse association was found between adherence to AHEI and glioma; such that in the fully adjusted model, participants in the fourth quartile of AHEI had 74 % lower risk of glioma compared with those in the first quartile (OR 0·26, 95 % CI 0·12, 0·56). In conclusion, we found that greater adherence to the healthy, as measured by AHEI, and diverse, as measured by DDS, diets was associated with decreased odds of glioma.
EMPIRE AND NATION IN BRITISH FUTURE-WAR AND INVASION-SCARE FICTION, 1871–1914
Authors: MELBY CHRISTIAN K.
Published: June 2019

The British wrote and read a large quantity of fictional depictions of future wars and invasions in the period between 1871 and 1914, imagining the various ways in which a great war might look before the real conflict broke out. This article outlines the ways in which this form of literature described a British world united across time and space. The stories have traditionally been read as indicative of a societal fear of invasion, of imperial decline, or of the dangers of revolutionary upheaval. The article argues that the stories’ popularity can instead be traced to the way they included their readers in the experience of invasion and conflict, and how they were well suited to the era of modern mass newspapers. The article therefore concludes that earlier interpretations of how readers engaged with such fiction has underestimated how a varied readership could view the stories as entertaining spectacles where they were invited to participate. As such, the article offers a new interpretation of an important literary genre as well as of British pre-war political culture.
Measuring dynamic Eustachian tube function using tympanometry in a pressure chamber: the effect of nasal betahistine application
Authors: Franz B K-H G , Patuzzi R , Wraight C J , Kay G , Ng A , Anderson C R
Published: June 2019

Objective

To assess the effect of topical betahistine on Eustachian tube function in subjectively abnormal subjects in a hyperbaric chamber.

Method

Active and passive Eustachian tube function was examined using tympanometry in a pressure chamber.

Results

Active Eustachian tube function was tested against the negative middle ear pressure induced by increasing the chamber pressure to +3 kPa. One voluntary swallow decreased middle-ear pressure by a mean of 1.36 kPa. Passive Eustachian tube function was tested by measuring spontaneous Eustachian tube openings as the chamber pressure dropped from +10 kPa to ambient. Four distinct patterns of Eustachian tube behaviour were seen, three of which indicated Eustachian tube dysfunction. Betahistine had no positive effect on Eustachian tube opening, although previous animal studies had suggested a beneficial effect.

Conclusion

Topical betahistine had no effect on Eustachian tube function. Combining a hyperbaric chamber with tympanometry proved ideal for evaluating Eustachian tube function.
Performance of Single- versus Multi-Species Recovery Plans in Brazil
Authors: Rejis Baptista Joyce , Giné Gaston Andrés Fernandez , Schiavetti Alexandre
Published: June 2019

In Brazil, 64 recovery plans are currently focused on single or multiple species. We aimed to evaluate whether there is a difference in effectiveness and efficiency in the implementation of the two types of animal protection plans. We selected 16 plans, eight of each type. In addition, we analysed which of the 12 operational attributes of elaboration and execution contributed to the effectiveness (percentage of completed actions and threat reduction assessment) and efficiency (cost per action completed and cost per threat reduction) of the Brazilian action plans. Some metrics were obtained using questionnaires, while others were from the monitoring data sheets. Mann–Whitney tests and selected generalized additive models indicated that the single-species plans completed a higher percentage of actions, but there were no differences in threat reduction or efficiency metrics between the two action plans. In general, the percentage of completed actions was positively influenced by the coordination centre, time of participation of articulators, number of monitoring meetings, number of articulators, articulators’ exchange rate and rate of exclusion of actions. The results of this plan performance assessment could help participants make adjustments and assist in the design of future plans.
Use It or Lose It? A 5-Year Follow-up Study of Goal Management Training in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Tornås Sveinung , Løvstad Marianne , Solbakk Anne-Kristin , Schanke Anne-Kristine , Stubberud Jan
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

To determine the perceived 5-year outcome of Goal Management Training (GMT) for individuals with chronic acquired brain injury and executive dysfunction, when compared to a nonspecific psychoeducational intervention (Brain Health Workshop, BHW).

Methods:

Of the 67 subjects in the initial randomized controlled trial [Tornås et al. (2016). Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 1–17], 50 (GMT, n = 21; BHW, n = 29) subjects returned written consent and questionnaires (54% male, age 45.8 ± 10.9 years). The 5-year follow-up consisted of two questionnaires, including the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function for daily life executive function (EF) and Quality of Life after Brain Injury to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Changes related to daily life EF and HRQoL were assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment, 6-month follow-up, and 5-year follow-up. Data were analyzed using a 2 × 4 mixed-design ANOVA.

Results:

The findings indicate that GMT is efficacious in improving EF and HRQoL 6-month post-treatment. However, these changes failed to remain significant at 5-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

Data from 50 participants receiving either GMT or BHW suggested that the significant GMT-related improvements on perceived EF and HRQoL observed at 6-month follow-up were no longer present at 5-year follow-up. These findings indicate a need to promote maintenance of interventions post-treatment.
Negotiating Female Authorship in Eighteenth-Century India: Gender and Multilingualism in a Persian Text
Authors: SHAH ZAHRA
Published: June 2019

In the last years of the eighteenth century, an Indian woman authored a work in Persian intended for the entertainment and guidance of students of that language. EntitledMiftāḥ-i Qulūb-i Mubtadiyān(‘The Key of the Hearts of Beginners’), the work comprised of stories from vernacular oral traditions as well as extracts from well-known Persian poetic, historical and ethical works. Although the work was translated into English in 1908 by Annette Beveridge, it has received no serious scholarly attention. Drawing upon recent scholarship offering new ways of thinking about India's multilingual literary past, this article examines the intersection of multiple vernacular and generic traditions as translated and manifested inMiftāḥ-i Qulūb al-Mubtadīyān. While vernacular languages followed different, and in relative terms, more limited routes of circulation and exchange in comparison with cosmopolitan languages such as Persian, their paths of movement were no less significant. Through a close reading of this work and its context, this article seeks to understand how Bībī Ḥashmat al-Daula crafted a distinct, cosmopolitan voice for herself through her deployment of both Persianate and regional Indian traditions.
Characterizing the Image Forming Particles of Modern Ungilded Daguerreotypes Using XRD and SEM
Authors: Ravines Patrick , Nazarenko Alexander Y.
Published: June 2019

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used to characterize the silver mercury amalgam particles resting on the surface that comprise the image of five daguerreotype plates that were not gilded and that were prepared by three different contemporary daguerreotype makers. The regions of interest of the surface that were examined were overexposed, solarized, and highlight (white) areas. The XRD portion of the study shows that the two main silver mercury amalgam particles identified using the International Center for Diffraction Data PF4 + database were the Schachnerite/ζ (zeta) phase amalgam, Ag1.1Hg0.9, and the mercury silver amalgam, Ag0.65Hg0.35. On one of the daguerreotypes a third silver mercury amalgam, Moschellandsbergite, Ag2Hg3, was also identified in small concentrations. High-resolution SEM images corroborate the diffraction data and show that the crystalline nature of the silver mercury amalgam particles on all five plates to be mostly hexagonal, which would correspond to the Schachnerite/ζ (zeta) phase amalgam, and fewer rectangular solid and cubic crystals corresponding to the mercury silver amalgam.
Dosimetric comparison between intensity-modulated radiotherapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy in hippocampus sparing in brain metastasis treated by whole-brain irradiation and simultaneous integrated boost
Authors: Saad Ehab , Elshahat Khaled , Metwally Hussein
Published: June 2019

Background:

While treating brain metastasis with whole-brain radiotherapy incorporating a simultaneous integrated boost (WBRT-SIB), the risk of hippocampus injury is high. The aim of this study is to compare dosimetrically between intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in sparing of hippocampus and organs at risk (OARs) and planning target volume (PTV) coverage.

Methods:

In total, 16 patients presenting with more than one brain metastases were previously treated and then retrospectively planned using VMAT and IMRT techniques. For each patient, a dual-arc VMAT and another IMRT (five beams) plans were created. For both techniques, 30 Gy in 10 fractions was prescribed to the whole brain (WB) minus the hippocampi and 45 Gy in 10 fractions to the tumour with 0·5 cm margin. Dose–volume histogram (DVH), conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) of PTV, hippocampus mean and maximum dose and other OARs for both techniques were calculated and compared.

Results:

A statistically significant advantage was found in WB-PTV CI and HI with VMAT, compared to IMRT. There were lower hippocampus mean and maximum doses in VMAT than IMRT. The maximum hippocampus dose ranged between 15·5 and 19·2 Gy and between 18·4 and 20·6 Gy in VMAT and IMRT, respectively. The mean dose of the hippocampus ranged between 11·5 and 17·7 Gy and between 13·2 and 18·3 Gy in VMAT and IMRT, respectively.

Conclusion:

Using WBRT-SIB technique, VMAT showed better PTV coverage with less mean and maximum doses to the hippocampus than IMRT. Clinical randomised studies are needed to confirm safety and clinical benefit of WBRT-SIB.
THE DYNAMICAL MORDELL–LANG CONJECTURE FOR ENDOMORPHISMS OF SEMIABELIAN VARIETIES DEFINED OVER FIELDS OF POSITIVE CHARACTERISTIC
Authors: Corvaja Pietro , Ghioca Dragos , Scanlon Thomas , Zannier Umberto
Published: June 2019

Let $K$ be an algebraically closed field of prime characteristic $p$, let $X$ be a semiabelian variety defined over a finite subfield of $K$, let $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F7}:X\longrightarrow X$ be a regular self-map defined over $K$, let $V\subset X$ be a subvariety defined over $K$, and let $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\in X(K)$. The dynamical Mordell–Lang conjecture in characteristic $p$ predicts that the set $S=\{n\in \mathbb{N}:\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F7}^{n}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC})\in V\}$ is a union of finitely many arithmetic progressions, along with finitely many $p$-sets, which are sets of the form $\{\sum _{i=1}^{m}c_{i}p^{k_{i}n_{i}}:n_{i}\in \mathbb{N}\}$ for some $m\in \mathbb{N}$, some rational numbers $c_{i}$ and some non-negative integers $k_{i}$. We prove that this conjecture is equivalent with some difficult diophantine problem in characteristic 0. In the case $X$ is an algebraic torus, we can prove the conjecture in two cases: either when $\dim (V)\leqslant 2$, or when no iterate of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F7}$ is a group endomorphism which induces the action of a power of the Frobenius on a positive dimensional algebraic subgroup of $X$. We end by proving that Vojta’s conjecture implies the dynamical Mordell–Lang conjecture for tori with no restriction.
Localization of unknown electromagnetic source using 3D-antenna arrays
Authors: Pala Sreenivasulu , Palliyani Srividhya , Himdi Mohamed , Lafond Olivier , Kurup Dhanesh G.
Published: June 2019

In this article, we propose three-dimensional antenna systems for determining the position of electromagnetic radiation source at an unknown location. Received signal power at different antennas and position of radiation source are used as training data for Artificial Neural Network (ANN). It is found that, a well-trained ANN is computationally efficient and capable of predicting the unknown location of the source, from the received power pattern. Two multi-antenna systems with geometry in three dimensions, namely the cube and frustum, are considered in this paper. Further, test results of the proposed method for random positions of electromagnetic source, spanning a hemisphere, are presented for the geometries considered.
Erblicher Darmkrebs: Klinik, Diagnostik und Management
Authors: Heinimann Karl
Published: June 2019

Zusammenfassung. Fünf Prozent aller kolorektalen Karzinome liegt eine durchschlagskräftige, autosomal-dominant oder -rezessiv erbliche Tumorveranlagung zugrunde. Die molekulargenetische Diagnostik erlaubt durch Einsatz moderner Hochdurchsatz-Sequenzierungstechnologien eine vergleichsweise kosteneffiziente, zeitnahe und umfassende Abklärung. Im Gegensatz zum sporadischen Darmkrebs gehen die hereditären Formen oft mit einem erhöhten Lebenszeit-Risiko für weitere, extrakolonische Tumorerkrankungen einher, was eine differenzierte, langfristige Vorsorge und ein interdisziplinäres Management notwendig macht. Weiter ermöglicht der molekulargenetische Nachweis nach erfolgter genetischer Beratung eine prädiktive Trägertestung gesunder Familienmitglieder. Dieser Artikel bietet einen aktuellen Überblick über Klinik, Diagnostik und Management einiger der am besten erforschten Kolorektalkarzinom-Veranlagungen.
Chirurgische Behandlung des Kolon- und Rektumkarzinoms
Authors: Galli Raffaele , Rosenberg Robert
Published: June 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die Einführung von Innovationen, Verbreitung von minimal-invasiven Operationstechniken und die Komplexität der mutimodalen Behandlung bei kolorektalen Karzinome erfordern ein breites Fachwissen und eine fundierte Ausbildung seitens der kolorektalen Chirurgen. Die chirurgische Behandlung des kolorektalen Karzinoms erfolgt durch standardisierte Verfahren, welche zu einer Verbesserung der onkologischen Ergebnisse geführt haben. Die totale mesorektale Exzision (TME) gilt seit Jahren als Standard für die radikale onkologische Chirurgie beim Rektumkarzinom. Analog wurde für die Behandlung von Kolonkarzinomen die sogenannte komplette mesokolische Exzision vorgestellt. Als wesentliche Entwicklung in der kolorektalen Chirurgie ist in erster Linie die Durchführung der Resektionen in minimal-invasiven Techniken zu nennen. Die Laparoskopie wird heutzutage in den meisten Zentren angeboten, für die Rektumchirurgie hat sich der Stellenwert der robotischen Chirurgie sowie der transanalen TME gestärkt. Die Grundprinzipien der radikalen onkologischen Resektion müssen unabhängig vom angewandten technischen Verfahren eingehalten werden. Die Erhaltung der Lebensqualität und der Organfunktion sind Faktoren, welche bei der Behandlung von Rektumkarzinomen zunehmend im Fokus sind. Die lokale Exzision bei den «Iow-risk-Rektumkarzinomen» gilt als anerkannte Option welche an selektionierte Patienten angeboten werden könnte.
Int໿erdisziplinäre Behandlung onkologischer Patienten in zertifizierten Darmkrebszentren – Netzwerke für Patienten
Authors: Keerl Andreas , Nocito Antonio
Published: June 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die moderne, leitliniengerechte Behandlung des kolorektalen Karzinoms setzt eine interdisziplinäre und interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit verschiedener Fachdisziplinen voraus. Das Zertifizierungssystem der Deutschen Krebsgesellschaft ist in einem Drei-Stufen-Modell, bestehend aus Organkrebszentren, Onkologischen Zentren und onkologischen Spitzenzentren, aufgebaut. Es resultiert ein Netzwerk für den Patienten, welches alle Phasen der Behandlung und Versorgung abdeckt. Die Zertifizierung eines onkologischen Versorgungsnetzwerkes dokumentiert die Behandlungsqualität aller beteiligten Partner mit Hilfe von Kennzahlen und Qualitätsindikatoren. Diese wird jährlich durch unabhängige Fachexperten im Rahmen eines Audits überprüft. Die Ergebnisse tragen zur internen Qualitätsverbesserung und Strukturierung eines Zentrums bei; sie ermöglichen zu dem ein Benchmarking. Der vorliegende Artikel soll einen Überblick über die historische Entwicklung und das Konzept der Zertifizierung als Qualitätsinstrument bieten und den Ablauf sowie die Vorteile darlegen.
Kolorektale Metastasen – Aktuelle Behandlungskonzepte
Authors: Breitenstein Stefan , Zehnder Adrian , Gelpke Hans , Soll Christopher , Adamina Michel , Grieder Felix , Schadde Erik , Grochola Lukasz Filip
Published: June 2019

Zusammenfassung. Über 50 % der Patienten mit kolorektalem Karzinom sind im Verlaufe der Erkrankung von Fernmetastasen betroffen. Der häufigste Ort der Metastasierung ist hierbei die Leber, gefolgt vom Peritoneum und der Lunge. Die Prognose von Patienten mit kolorektalen Metastasen hat sich in den vergangenen Jahren deutlich verbessert. Moderne Behandlungskonzepte sind multimodal und werden interdisziplinär festgelegt. Die Indikation therapeutischer Massnahmen hat bei metastasierten Patienten eine besonders wichtige Bedeutung. Neben den technischen Möglichkeiten spielen auch die Komorbiditäten, das medizinische Outcome und die Prozessqualität wichtige Rollen. Die Prognose der Patienten mit Fernmetastasen wird in erster Linie vom Ausmass der Lebermetastasierung bestimmt. Hierbei hat die Resektion der Leberherde eine hohe prognostische Relevanz, da nur Patienten bei welchen eine Leberresektion möglich ist eine gute Chance auf ein Langzeitüberleben haben. Die Resektabilität richtet sich aus chirurgisch-technischer Sicht nach der Erhaltung einer ausreichenden Reserve von funktionellem, tumorfreiem Leberparenchym. Durch Manipulation des zurückbleibenden Lebervolumens und durch eine onkologische Behandlung der Metastasen kann bei ausgedehnter hepatischer Metastasierung die Resektabilität verbessert werden. Auch bei Lebereingriffen ermöglicht die Laparoskopie eine deutlich schnellere Genesung, reduzierte Schmerzintensität, sowie eine verkürzte Hospitalisation der Patienten. Die Resektion von Lungenmetastasen und auch die zytoreduktive Chirurgie bei peritonealer Metastasierung haben einen wichtigen Stellenwert in modernen onkologischen Behandlungskonzepten. Zur Quantifizierung der prognostischen Relevanz werden weitere klinische Studiendaten erwartet.
MESSENGER Observations of Disappearing Dayside Magnetosphere Events at Mercury
Authors: Slavin J. A. , Middleton H. R. , Raines J. M. , Jia Xianzhe , Zhong J. , Sun W.‐J. , Livi S. , Imber S. M. , Poh G.‐K. , Akhavan‐Tafti M. , Jasinski J. M. , DiBraccio G. A. , Dong C. , Dewey R. M. , Mays M. L.
Published: June 2019

MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) measurements taken during passes over Mercury's dayside hemisphere indicate that on four occasions the spacecraft remained in the magnetosheath even though it reached altitudes below 300 km. During these disappearing dayside magnetosphere (DDM) events, the spacecraft did not encounter the magnetopause until it was at very high magnetic latitudes, ~66 to 80°. These DDM events stand out with respect to their extremely high solar wind dynamic pressures, Psw ~140 to 290 nPa, and intense southward magnetic fields, Bz ~ −100 to −400 nT, measured in the magnetosheath. In addition, the bow shock was observed very close to the surface during these events with a subsolar altitude of ~1,200 km. It is suggested that DDM events, which are closely associated with coronal mass ejections, are due to solar wind compression and/or reconnection‐driven erosion of the dayside magnetosphere. The very low altitude of the bow shock during these events strongly suggests that the solar wind impacts much of Mercury's sunlit hemisphere during these events. More study of these disappearing dayside events is required, but it is likely that solar wind sputtering of neutrals from the surface into the exosphere maximizes during these intervals.
The potential of sedimentary ancient DNA for reconstructing past sea ice evolution
Authors: De Schepper Stijn , Ray Jessica L , Skaar Katrine Sandnes , Sadatzki Henrik , Ijaz Umer Z , Stein Ruediger , Larsen Aud
Published: June 2019

Sea ice is a crucial component of the Arctic climate system, yet the tools to document the evolution of sea ice conditions on historical and geological time scales are few and have limitations. Such records are essential for documenting and understanding the natural variations in Arctic sea ice extent. Here we explore sedimentary ancient DNA (aDNA), as a novel tool that unlocks and exploits the genetic (eukaryote) biodiversity preserved in marine sediments specifically for past sea ice reconstructions. Although use of sedimentary aDNA in paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic studies is still in its infancy, we use here metabarcoding and single-species quantitative DNA detection methods to document the sea ice conditions in a Greenland Sea marine sediment core. Metabarcoding has allowed identifying biodiversity changes in the geological record back to almost ~100,000 years ago that were related to changing sea ice conditions. Detailed bioinformatic analyses on the metabarcoding data revealed several sea-ice-associated taxa, most of which previously unknown from the fossil record. Finally, we quantitatively traced one known sea ice dinoflagellate in the sediment core. We show that aDNA can be recovered from deep-ocean sediments with generally oxic bottom waters and that past sea ice conditions can be documented beyond instrumental time scales. Our results corroborate sea ice reconstructions made by traditional tools, and thus demonstrate the potential of sedimentary aDNA, focusing primarily on microbial eukaryotes, as a new tool to better understand sea ice evolution in the climate system.