bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applications of Bayesian statistical methodology to clinical trial design: A case study of a phase 2 trial with an interim futility assessment in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Smith Claire L. , Jin Yan , Raddad Eyas , McNearney Terry A. , Ni Xiao , Monteith David , Brown Roger , Deeg Mark A. , Schnitzer Thomas
Published: October 2018

Development of new pharmacological treatments for osteoarthritis that address unmet medical needs in a competitive market place is challenging. Bayesian approaches to trial design offer advantages in defining treatment benefits by addressing clinically relevant magnitude of effects relative to comparators and in optimizing efficiency in analysis. Such advantages are illustrated by a motivating case study, a proof of concept, and dose finding study in patients with osteoarthritis. Patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive placebo, celecoxib, or 1 of 4 doses of galcanezumab. Primary outcome measure was change from baseline WOMAC pain after 8 weeks of treatment. Literature review of clinical trials with targeted comparator therapies quantified treatment effects versus placebo. Two success criteria were defined: one to address superiority to placebo with adequate precision and another to ensure a clinically relevant treatment effect. Trial simulations used a Bayesian dose response and longitudinal model. An interim analysis for futility was incorporated. Simulations indicated the study had ≥85% power to detect a 14‐mm improvement and ≤1% risk for a placebo‐like drug to pass. The addition of the second success criterion substantially reduced the risk of an inadequate, weakly efficacious drug proceeding to future development. The study was terminated at the interim analysis due to inadequate analgesic efficacy. A Bayesian approach using probabilistic statements enables clear understanding of success criteria, leading to informed decisions for study conduct. Incorporating an interim analysis can effectively reduce sample size, save resources, and minimize exposure of patients to an inadequate treatment.
Analysis of economic model predictive control with terminal penalty functions on generalized optimal regimes of operation
Authors: Dong Zihang , Angeli David
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we propose the novel concept of “control storage function” and introduce upper and lower bounds to the best asymptotic average performance for nonlinear control systems based on suitable notions of dissipativity and controlled dissipativity. This allows to extend and unify the formulation and analysis of economic model predictive control for general optimal operation regimes, including, in particular, steady‐state or periodic operation. A closed‐loop economic performance and stability analysis are carried out within this generalized framework. As a special case, when the optimal operation is periodic, we present a new approach to formulate terminal cost functions. Finally, several examples and counterexamples are proposed and discussed to show the merits of the proposed approach.
An off‐policy iteration algorithm for robust stabilization of constrained‐input uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Yang Xiong , Wei Qinglai
Published: October 2018

This paper studies the robust stabilization problem of constrained‐input nonlinear systems with mismatched uncertainties. Initially, the robust stabilization problem is converted into a constrainedH2optimal control problem by providing a proper infinite‐horizon cost function for the auxiliary system. It is demonstrated that the solution of the constrainedH2optimal control problem can force the original system to be stable in the sense of uniform ultimate boundedness. Then, under the framework of reinforcement learning, an off‐policy iteration algorithm is proposed to solve the constrainedH2optimal control problem. The off‐policy iteration algorithm is implemented by using two kinds of approximators. That is, the critic approximator is applied to approximate the optimal cost function and the actor approximator is used to approximate the augmented optimal control. The method of weighted residuals together with the Monte‐Carlo integration technique is employed to determine the weight parameters of critic and actor approximators. Finally, two examples, including a pendulum system, are presented to validate the proposed control algorithm.
Finite‐time trajectory tracking control for entry guidance
Authors: Shen Ganghui , Xia Yuanqing , Zhang Jinhui , Cui Bing
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the trajectory tracking guidance problem is investigated for entry vehicle in the presence of uncertainty. First, a robust nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control law is designed to guarantee the finite‐time tracking performance under uncertainty. Then, to eliminate the need of prior information about uncertainty and mitigate the chattering, a novel adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control is proposed by employing adaptive parameter tuning law. Furthermore, with the help of designed adaptation mechanism, the proposed adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control can achieve finite‐time convergence of both tracking errors and parameter estimation errors simultaneously. Finally, numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and high‐precision tracking performance of the proposed controllers.
Feedback law with probabilistic certification for Propofol‐based control of BIS during anesthesia
Authors: Alamir Mazen , Fiacchini Mirko , Queinnec Isabelle , Tarbouriech Sophie , Mazerolles Michel
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a new control strategy for Propofol injection during anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery and where the Bispectral Index (BIS) is considered to be the regulated variable. The proposed control shows the nice feature of being completely independent of the knowledge of the pharmacokinetics that govern the diffusion of the drug. This paper also proposes a certification framework that gives a probabilistic guarantee regarding the containment of the BIS inside the desired interval as well as for the time needed for the BIS to be steered to this interval. Moreover, this certification is given for realistic (and hence very high) level of uncertainties on the parameters that define the unknown‐to‐the‐controller dynamics. This last feature is checked using a widely employed model.
Latent trait shared‐parameter mixed models for missing ecological momentary assessment data
Authors: Cursio John F. , Mermelstein Robin J. , Hedeker Donald
Published: October 2018

Latent trait shared‐parameter mixed models for ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data containing missing values are developed in which data are collected in an intermittent manner. In such studies, data are often missing due to unanswered prompts. Using item response theory models, a latent trait is used to represent the missing prompts and modeled jointly with a mixed model for bivariate longitudinal outcomes. Both one‐ and two‐parameter latent trait shared‐parameter mixed models are presented. These new models offer a unique way to analyze missing EMA data with many response patterns. Here, the proposed models represent missingness via a latent trait that corresponds to the students' “ability” to respond to the prompting device. Data containing more than 10 300 observations from an EMA study involving high school students' positive and negative affects are presented. The latent trait representing missingness was a significant predictor of both positive affect and negative affect outcomes. The models are compared to a missing at random mixed model. A simulation study indicates that the proposed models can provide lower bias and increased efficiency compared to the standard missing at random approach commonly used with intermittent missing longitudinal data.
Quantifying the association between progression‐free survival and overall survival in oncology trials using Kendall's τ
Authors: Weber Enya M. , Titman Andrew C.
Published: October 2018

This paper considers methods for estimating the association between progression‐free and overall survival in oncology trials. Copula‐based, nonparametric, and illness‐death model–based methods are reviewed. In addition, the approach based on an underlying illness‐death model is generalized to allow general parametric models. The performance of these methods, in terms of bias and efficiency, is investigated through simulation and also illustrated using data from a clinical trial of treatments for colon cancer. The simulations suggest that the illness‐death model–based method provides good estimates of Kendall's τ across several scenarios. In some situations, copula‐based methods perform well but their performance is sensitive to the choice of copula. The Clayton copula is most appropriate in scenarios, which might realistically reflect an oncology trial, but the use of copula models in practice is questionable.
Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activities of Ag‐Doped g‐C3N4 Nanocomposites
Authors: Zi‐ya LIU , Man‐ying ZHANG , Jing‐ling WU
Published: October 2018

The silver modified graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4/Ag) was prepared by the photo‐deposition method. The crystal structures, chemical structures, morphology, recombination rate and surface charge were characterized by X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence spectra (PL), and zeta potential, respectively. The effects of silver content on the photocatalytic and antibacterial performance were studied. The photocatalytic mechanism of the g‐C3N4/Ag was revealed by free radical capture. The results showed that the prepared catalysts had layered stack structure. The photocatalytic property and antibacterial activity of g‐C3N4/Ag nanocomposites were significantly promoted by the modification of silver nanoparticles.
Neighborhood stressors and psychological distress among U.S. Latinos: Measuring the protective effects of social support from family and friends
Authors: Bostean Georgiana , Andrade Flavia Cristina Drumond , Viruell‐Fuentes Edna A.
Published: October 2018

We examined whether social support from family and friends, separately, reduce the deleterious effect of neighborhood stressors on psychological distress among Latinos by subgroup. Utilizing data from a nationally representative sample of 2,524 Latinos (National Latino and Asian American Survey), we found that neighborhood stressors were associated with higher distress among people with low and average levels of family support, although there was no significant association between neighborhood stressors and distress among those with high levels of family support. Although both family and friend support reduced the deleterious mental health impact of neighborhood stressors, when mutually adjusted, only family support remained statistically significant as a stress buffer and only for Mexicans and Cubans.
Graphene‐Based Transparent Conductive Films: Material Systems, Preparation and Applications
Authors: Ma Yingjie , Zhi Linjie
Published: October 2018

The rising demands of optoelectronic devices, such as flexibility, stretchability, and energy efficiency, urgently require alternative transparent conductive films (TCFs) for indium tin oxide. Among all the candidates such as carbon nanomaterials, metal nanomaterials, conductive polymers, and other nanocomposites, graphene is highly promising because of its distinct properties, such as outstanding conductivity, impressive optical transparency, remarkable mechanical flexibility, and chemical/thermal stability. However, the practical application of graphene‐based TCFs (G‐TCFs) is still challenging due to the difficulty for preparing large‐area crystalline graphene with few defects for TCFs. Many efforts have been made to solve these problems, and several kinds of optoelectronic devices have been successfully fabricated with G‐TCFs. This review presents the recent development in this area made by the authors and others, including the material systems and synthetic strategies of G‐TCFs, as well as their applications as transparent electrodes in optoelectronic devices such as field effect transistors, organic light‐emitting diodes, organic solar cells, and other devices. The current major challenges in this area and the potential practical solutions are identified.
Review on Nanoarchitectured Current Collectors for Pseudocapacitors
Authors: Liu Long , Zhao Huaping , Lei Yong
Published: October 2018

Supercapacitors are of high importance as electrochemical energy storage devices attributing to their outstanding power performance, excellent reversibility and long cycle life. But meanwhile, they suffer from low energy when compared with batteries. Pseudocapacitive materials with a high theoretical capacitance hold a great promise in boosting the energy storage capability for supercapacitors. The emergence of nanoarchitectured current collectors aims to reach their full potentials in charge storage by addressing the challenging issues such as the intrinsically low electrical conductivity, and the sluggish charging–discharging behavior of most pseudocapacitive materials. This review pays particular attention to the advances of nanoarchitectured current collectors for pseudocapacitors. It first gives an introductory background on the design philosophy for nanoarchitectured current collectors based on the charge storage mechanism in pseudocapacitors and also outlines the consequent design considerations, then summarizes the recent achievements in design, fabrication, and utilization of nanoarchitectured current collectors for pseudocapacitors with representative results presented. A comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of nanoarchitectured current collectors for pseudocapacitors is also highlighted. At the end, future trends and opportunities associated with nanoarchitectured current collectors for pseudocapacitors are discussed.
Do Negative Random Shocks Affect Trust and Trustworthiness?
Authors: Bejarano Hernán , Gillet Joris , Rodriguez‐Lara Ismael
Published: October 2018

We report data from a variation of the trust game aimed at determining whether (and how) inequality and random shocks that affect wealth influence the levels of trust and trustworthiness. To tease apart the effect of the shock and the inequality, we compare behavior in a trust game where the inequality is initially given and one where it is the result of a random shock that reduces the second mover's endowment. We find that first‐movers send less to second‐movers but only when the inequality results from a random shock. As for the amount returned, second‐movers return less when they are endowed less than first‐movers, regardless of whether the difference in endowments was initially given or occurred after a random shock.
The Kinetics of Dynamic Recrystallization of Fe–16Cr–xMn–4Ni–0.05C–0.17N Steel
Authors: Nam Alexander , Turdimatov Murodjon , Kawalla Rudolf , Prahl Ulrich
Published: October 2018

The paper studies the dynamic recrystallization of nitrogen‐alloyed low‐nickel Fe–16Cr–xMn–4Ni–0.05C–0.17N stainless steel in dependence of Mn with different contents from 2 to 6 wt% by isothermal compression tests. The tests are performed at three temperatures 970, 1050, 1150 °C and three strain rates 0.1, 1, and 10 s−1 on a Gleeble HDS V40. By means of the experimental results, it could be shown that various Mn content has only a slight effect on the peak stress and peak strain. The critical stress indicating the onset of dynamic recrystallization is determined by second derivative of the third‐order polynomial. The dynamic recrystallization is modeled based on the JMAK equations, which is expanded by means of including the linear dependency of material constants of the Mn content. The predicted DRX curves exhibit good agreement with the experimental ones.
Highly Efficient Organic Blue Electroluminescent Materials and Devices with Mesoscopic Structures
Authors: Bian Mengying , Chen Zhijian , Qu Bo , Xiao Lixin
Published: October 2018

Due to the difficulty in achieving high efficiency and high color purity simultaneously, blue emission is the limiting factor for the performance and stability of OLEDs. Since 2003, we have been working on organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), especially on blue light. After a series of molecular designs, novel strategies have been proposed from different aspects. At first, highly efficient deep blue emission could be achieved through molecular design with highly twisted structure to suppress fluorescence quenching and redshift. Deep blue emitters with high efficiency in solid state, a twisted structure with aggregation induced emission (AIE) characteristics was incorporated to inhibit molecular aggregation, and triplet‐triplet fusion (TTF) and hybridized localized charge transfer (HLCT) were adopted to increase the ratio of triplet exciton used. Secondly, a highly efficient blue OLED could be achieved through improving charge transport. New electron transport materials (ETMs) with wide band gap were developed to control charge transport balance in devices. Thirdly, a highly efficient deep blue emission could be achieved through a mesoscopic structure of out‐coupling layer. A mesoscopic photonic structured organic thin film was fabricated on the top of metal electrode by self‐aggregation in order to improve the light out‐coupling efficiency.
Cover Image, Volume 9, Issue 6
Authors: Cruz‐Reyes Jorge , Mooers Blaine H. M. , Doharey Pawan K. , Meehan Joshua , Gulati Shelly
Published: October 2018

The cover image is based on the Advanced Review Dynamic RNA holo‐editosomes with subcomplex variants: Insights into the control of trypanosome editing by Jorge Cruz‐Reyes et al., DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1502.

image
Tetraglymes as Prochiral Host Reagents for Ammonia Borane
Authors: Shelyganov Pavel A. , Virovets Alexander , Peresypkina Eugenia , Scheer Manfred , Timoshkin Alexey Y.
Published: October 2018

The molecular structure of the complex of ammonia borane (AB) with acyclic ether tetraglyme Me(OCH2CH2)4OMe (1), 1·(AB)2 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis for the first time. The crystal structure features two AB molecules, bonded by dihydrogen bonds, per one tetraglyme unit. The intermolecular BH···HN distances of 1.94 Å are shorter than those in the solid ammonia borane (2.02–2.32 Å). A comparison of the hydrogen and dihydrogen bonds in 1·(AB)2 and in the complexes of AB with crown‐ethers (CE) was carried out. The complex formation with both the CE and the acyclic polyether 1 activates the B–H bond in AB via N–H···O hydrogen bonds and therefore increases the reducing activity of AB. Supposedly, the structure of 1·(AB)2 is related to the initial steps of the AB activation in a polyether solution. The effect of the substituents on the complexation of the substituted derivatives of 1 comes down to a structural adjustment minimizing steric repulsion. Computations reveal that the complexation of diastereomeric disubstituted glymes with AB leads to the formation of diastereomeric complexes that differ noticeably in stability. This is a prerequisite for inducing stereoselectivity, which makes such complexes attractive for potential synthetic applications.
Dark matter, sparticle spectroscopy and muon (g − 2) in SU(4)c × SU(2)L × SU(2)R
Authors: Gómez M. E. , Lola S. , Ruiz de Austri R. , Shafi Q.
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We explore the sparticle mass spectra including LSP dark matter within the framework of supersymmetric SU(4)
c
× SU(2)
L
× SU(2)
R
(422) models, taking into account the constraints from extensive LHC and cold dark matter searches. The soft supersymmetry-breaking parameters at M
GUT can be non-universal, but consistent with the 422 symmetry. We identify a variety of coannihilation scenarios compatible with LSP dark matter, and study the implications for future supersymmetry searches and the ongoing muon g-2 experiment.
Phases of inflation
Authors: Shiu Gary , Staessens Wieland
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Motivated by the 4d effective field theories for closed string axions in Type II string compactifications with D-branes, we consider chiral gauge theories coupled to multiple axions. We discuss how well-known non-perturbative dynamical phenomena, such as gauge instantons, fermion confinement and Nambu-Jona-Lasinio interactions, give rise to non-trivial vacuum configurations in the IR. The fluctuations about the IR vacuum are captured by some remaining closed string axions and infladrons (scalar chiral condensate excitations), which acquire dynamical masses. By employing the full power of the effective field theory, we investigate the applicability of these IR theories as inflationary models (natural, monodromy, Starobinsky) and connect different types of inflationary scenarios to different phases of the non-Abelian gauge theory or the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio four-fermion couplings. The back-reaction of the infladrons flattens the axion potential in natural-like inflationary models, such that the tension with current CMB data with respect to the spectral index and the tensor-to-scalar ratio can be partially alleviated.
Vertex operators for the plane wave pure spinor string
Authors: Chandia Osvaldo , Vallilo Brenno Carlini
Published: October 2018

Abstract

In this work we give an explicit construction for the vertex operators of massless states in the pure spinor superstring in a plane wave background. The construction is based on the observation that the full action can be divided in two parts, where the simpler one is based on a smaller coset and closely resembles the gauge fixed Green-Schwarz action.
Small Fatigue Crack Growth Mechanisms and Interfacial Stability in Cold-Spray 6061 Aluminum Alloys and Coatings
Authors: Gavras Anastasios G. , Lados Diana A. , Champagne Victor K. , Warren Robert J. , Singh Dileep
Published: October 2018

Cold-spray-processed aluminum alloys have static mechanical properties superior to those of aerospace cast alloys, and similar to those of their wrought counterparts, making them good candidates for structural applications. However, their broad and confident use relies upon systematic fatigue crack growth studies to investigate and demonstrate the materials’ performance in critical high-integrity components. In this work, the fatigue crack growth behavior in early stages (small crack growth regime) was investigated for cold-spray processed 6061 aluminum alloys and coatings, at stress ratio R = 0.1, in room temperature laboratory air. The effects of the characteristic microstructure and initial flaw size on the fatigue crack growth response were systematically examined, and the crack growth mechanisms at the microstructural scale were established and compared to those of long cracks. The mechanical interfacial stability of coatings was examined in cold-spray 6061–rolled 6061-T6 couples. An original method of quantifying the deposition–substrate interfacial strength, and correlating it to the response under cyclic loading via crack-interface stability maps, was developed. The proposed methodology is based on combined scratch testing and fracture mechanics formulations, and failure at the coating–substrate interface can be predicted for any crack growth scenario under cyclic loading. The method can be broadly used for the design and optimization of cold-spray and other coatings, as well as in structural repair.
Elevated CSF GAP‐43 is Alzheimer's disease specific and associated with tau and amyloid pathology
Authors: Sandelius Åsa , Portelius Erik , Källén Åsa , Zetterberg Henrik , Rot Uros , Olsson Bob , Toledo Jon B. , Shaw Leslie M. , Lee Virginia M. Y. , Irwin David J. , Grossman Murray , Weintraub Daniel , Chen‐Plotkin Alice , Wolk David A. , McCluskey Leo , Elman Lauren , Kostanjevecki Vesna , Vandijck Manu , McBride Jennifer , Trojanowski John Q. , Blennow Kaj
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The level of the presynaptic protein growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP‐43) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has previously been shown to be increased in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and thus may serve as an outcome measure in clinical trials and facilitate earlier disease detection.

Methods

We developed an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for CSF GAP‐43 and measured healthy controls (n = 43), patients with AD (n = 275), or patients with other neurodegenerative diseases (n = 344). In a subpopulation (n = 93), CSF GAP‐43 concentrations from neuropathologically confirmed cases were related to Aβ plaques, tau, α‐synuclein, and TDP‐43 pathologies.

Results

GAP‐43 was significantly increased in AD compared to controls and most neurodegenerative diseases and correlated with the magnitude of neurofibrillary tangles and Aβ plaques in the hippocampus, amygdala, and cortex. GAP‐43 was not associated to α‐synuclein or TDP‐43 pathology.

Discussion

The presynaptic marker GAP‐43 is associated with both diagnosis and neuropathology of AD and thus may be useful as a sensitive and specific biomarker for clinical research.
Efficacy of Online Daily Behaviour Report Card to Decrease Off-Task Behaviour for Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Yeo Wendy , Goh Ailsa , Tan Carol
Published: October 2018

Facilitating the learning and engagement of students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in any classroom can be challenging. In this study, we examined the use of online daily behaviour report card (DBRC) to decrease off-task behaviour in students with ADHD who were studying at a public school for at-risk youths in Singapore. Using a multiple baseline design across participants, the study involved 3 adolescents with ADHD who exhibited a high level of off-task behaviour and had received numerous office discipline referrals. Aside from the involvement of classroom teachers, the online DBRC intervention was modified to involve an additional school mentor who supported the parents in monitoring and guiding the students. Results indicated that the online DBRC intervention had been effective in decreasing off-task behaviour in the 3 students. Implications of findings and directions for future studies are discussed.
Which way to turn? Is the Haua Fteah a Levantine site?
Authors: Reynolds Tim
Published: October 2018

Recent work has shown early modern human occupation at Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, dating as far back as MIS 9 (337–300 Ka). Such early dates double the period in which modern humans were present in North Africa, with implications for several key debates on modern human origins and subsequent spread. Routes across a ‘Green Sahara’ allowed population movement intermittently from sub-Saharan Africa and across the Saharan region in general. This has implications for the debate about the timing and routes of modern human expansion across and out of Africa, but also has the effect of focusing discussion on the archaeological record of sub-Saharan Africa and even Arabia for evidence of human behaviour and adaptations. This may be unfortunate as the record for much of the vast area of sub-Saharan Africa and Arabia is extremely limited and the more detailed record of the Levantine region is overlooked. Work at the Haua Fteah and in its surrounding region (Cyrenaican Libya) provides an opportunity to investigate how far the Palaeolithic record for this part of North Africa is, in fact, a product of trans-Saharan, North African or Levantine, influences. The genetic evidence suggests the process of modern human expansion out of Africa, and just as importantly within Africa itself, was a complex one that may have involved population movements into and out of North Africa from several different directions. A concentration upon the Green Sahara hypothesis may distract current research from this broader picture.
The periphery of Lepcis Magna: new data related to the ancient road network and land partition
Authors: Zocchi Andrea
Published: October 2018

This contribution offers a new reading of the ancient landscape of the periphery of Lepcis Magna thanks mainly to the data from the survey campaigns carried out by the Archaeological Mission of Roma Tre University (2007–13) together with new archival research and GIS analysis. The new data are related to the road network of the Lepcitanian territory and its inner suburban areas. They include both the already known routes (essentially the coastalvia publicaand thevia in mediterraneum) and new roads here presented merging the new information with the already published archaeological evidence. Beside the road network, a new topographic reading of the south-east suburb shows also traces of an ancient land partition based on Roman measurements. This latter discovery would represent, up to now, the first evidence of a cadastrian land partition in Tripolitania.
Recherches sur la résurgence du vocabulaire sémitique dans le langage religieux des provinces romaines d'Afrique : le cas du terme moctor
Authors: Naddari Lotfi , Hamrouni Mohamed Riadh
Published: October 2018

Among the members of a religious college revealed by a monumental Latin inscription recently discovered in the medina of Sousse (Hadrumetum, Proconsular Africa), there is a member in charge of moctor. This is in fact an unprecedented function among the clergy of the temples of the Roman-African cities. It seems to have been formed from the Semitic consonantal skeleton KTR or QTR, which we find in KTRT (incense) and QTRT (perfume) words. Thus, it is quite possible that moctor is a nominal Semitic form of the root KTR / QTR prefixed with M to designate in the Phoenicio-Punic etymology the ‘offering to incense’. This evidence of a function of Semitic origin in a Latin inscription is not unusual when one understands the privileged place occupied by incense in rituals of Punic and Oriental cults. Similarly, the presence of this function is not surprising in a city with a significant Phoenician-Punic foundation and heritage. If this comparison is plausible, we will have here additional evidence of the resurgence of the religious vocabulary of Semitic origin among the religious language of the Roman provinces of Africa.
The right to choose treatment-without-treatment: respecting civil rights or an unprecedented manifestation of ‘reverse stigma’?
Authors: Fountoulakis Konstantinos N , Souliotis Kyriakos
Published: October 2018

Recently the Norwegian Health Minister ordered the creation of medication-free treatment wards as a result of the lobbying by patients’ groups and activists. The idea behind this is that patients should have the right to choose their treatment, but for the first time, with this arrangement, the user/patient does not choose between treatment options; he literally determines by himself what efficacious treatment is. In our opinion this is another step towards a ‘reverse stigma’ which denies patients the right to be considered as such and eventually kicks them out of the health care system, deprives them of the right for proper treatment and care and instead puts them at the jurisdiction of the much cheaper and ineffective social services.
Impact of dietary macronutrient profile on feline body weight is not consistent with the protein leverage hypothesis
Authors: Allaway David , de Alvaro Carlos H. , Hewson-Hughes Adrian , Staunton Ruth , Morris Penelope , Alexander Janet
Published: October 2018

The protein leverage hypothesis proposes that the need to prioritise protein intake drives excess energy intake (EI) when the dietary ratio of protein to fat and carbohydrate is reduced. We hypothesised that cats may become prone to overconsuming energy content when moderate protein diets were offered, and considered the potential influence of fat and carbohydrate on intake. To determine the effect of dietary protein and macronutrient profile (MNP) on EI, weight and body composition, cats (1–4 years) were offered food in excess of energy requirements (ER). A total of six diets were formulated, containing moderate (approximately 7 % w/w; approximately 22 % metabolisable energy (ME)) or high (approximately 10 % w/w; approximately 46 % ME) protein and varying levels of carbohydrate and fat. For 4 weeks, 120 cats were offered 100 % of their individual ER of a diet at the MNP selected by adult cats (50:40:10 protein energy ratio:fat energy ratio:carbohydrate energy ratio). EI, body weight (BW), body composition, activity and palatability were measured. Subsequently, cats were offered one of the six diets at 200 % of their individual ER for 4 weeks when measurements were repeated. Cats offered excess high protein diets had higher EI (kJ/kg) throughout, but at 4 weeks BW was not significantly different to baseline. Cats offered excess moderate protein diets reduced EI and gradually lost weight (average loss of 0·358 (99 % CI 0·388, 0·328) kg), irrespective of fat:carbohydrate and initial palatability. The data do not support the protein leverage hypothesis. Furthermore, cats were able to adapt intake of a wet diet with high protein in an overfeeding environment within 28 d.
VANISHING OF (CO)HOMOLOGY OVER DEFORMATIONS OF COHEN-MACAULAY LOCAL RINGS OF MINIMAL MULTIPLICITY
Authors: GHOSH DIPANKAR , PUTHENPURAKAL TONY J.
Published: October 2018

Let R be a d-dimensional Cohen–Macaulay (CM) local ring of minimal multiplicity. Set S := R/(f), where f := f1,. . .,fc is an R-regular sequence. Suppose M and N are maximal CM S-modules. It is shown that if ExtSi(M, N) = 0 for some (d + c + 1) consecutive values of i ⩾ 2, then ExtSi(M, N) = 0 for all i ⩾ 1. Moreover, if this holds true, then either projdimR(M) or injdimR(N) is finite. In addition, a counterpart of this result for Tor-modules is provided. Furthermore, we give a number of necessary and sufficient conditions for a CM local ring of minimal multiplicity to be regular or Gorenstein. These conditions are based on vanishing of certain Exts or Tors involving homomorphic images of syzygy modules of the residue field.
Effects of crop rotation and sheep grazing management on the seedbank and emerged weed flora under a no-tillage integrated crop-livestock system
Authors: Schuster M. Z. , Harrison S. K. , de Moraes A. , Sulc R. M. , Carvalho P. C. F. , Lang C. R. , Anghinoni I. , Lustosa S. B. C. , Gastal F.
Published: October 2018

Effective integrated weed management in agricultural landscapes depends on the ability to identify and manage processes that drive weed dynamics. The current study reports the effects of grazing management and crop rotation strategies on the seedbank and emerged weed flora in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) experiment during a 12-year period under no-tillage in sub-tropical southern Brazil. During winter, Italian ryegrass cover crops were grazed by sheep: grazing management treatments included two stocking methods (continuous and rotational) and two forage allowances (10 and 20 kg of herbage dry matter available per 100 kg animal live weight). During summer, the crop rotation treatments involved either soybean-maize or soybean-soybean in succession with winter-grazed cover crops. The treatments were part of a factorial randomized complete block design. Treatment effects were evaluated on the weed seedbank and emerged weed flora populations during winter-grazed cover crop and summer crop growth as well as during the harvest phase. The current results demonstrate that crop rotation and grazing management exhibited interactive effects on the determination of weed outcomes in an ICLS. However, overall, compared with moderate forage allowance, high forage allowance during the winter-grazed cover crop caused lower emerged weed flora in subsequent crops (20% reduction during crop growth and 90% reduction at crop harvest) and 48% reduction in seedbank size. High forage allowance promoted more residue from winter-grazed cover crop biomass, which remained during the summer crop phases and probably resulted in a physical barrier to weed emergence.
Determiner omission in German prepositional phrases
Authors: KISS TIBOR
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present an analysis of so-called determinerless PPs in German, i.e. prepositional phrases that allow singular count nouns to occur without an accompanying determiner, despite other rules in the grammar requiring the presence of the determiner. The analysis is based on annotated corpus data, which are fed into a statistical classifier (applying logistic regression). Superficially, the syntax of bare prepositional phrases is difficult to capture, and intuitions cannot be easily elicited. The analysis is based on data sets for two pairs of German prepositions:mit‘with’ andohne‘without’, andüber‘over, above’ andunter‘under, below’. The results of the classifiers applied to annotated data indicate which syntactic, morphological and semantic features are responsible for determiner omission. We are able to detect common properties of all four prepositions, as well as preposition-specific, and idiosyncratic properties. The apparently unsystematic conditions for determiner omission can be discerned by tracing the interaction of these properties.
The alcohol dehydrogenase with a broad range of substrate specificity regulates vitality and reproduction of the plant-parasitic nematodeBursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Wang Linsong , Zhang Tingting , Pan Zhengsong , Lin Lulu , Dong Guoqing , Wang Min , Li Ronggui
Published: October 2018

Pine wilt disease, which is caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN),Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, has caused huge damage to pine forests around the world. In this study, we analysed the PWN transcriptome to investigate the expression of genes related to the associated bacterial speciesPseudomonas fluorescensand found that the geneadh-1 encoding alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was upregulated. The open reading frame ofadh-1, which encoded a protein of 352 amino acid residues, was cloned fromB. xylophilus. Recombinant ADH with a relative molecular weight of 39 kDa, was present mainly in inclusion bodies and was overexpressed inEscherichia coliBL21 (DE3) and purified after refolding. The biochemical assay revealed that recombinant ADH could catalyse the dehydrogen reaction of eight tested alcohols including ethanol in the presence of NAD+. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis indicated that ethanol upregulatedadh-1 expression in PWN. Results of RNA interference and inhibition of ADH treatment indicated that downregulating expression ofadh-1 or inhibition of ADH could reduce ethanol tolerance and the vitality and reproduction ability ofB. xylophilus, suggesting thatadh-1 is involved in pathogenicity of PWN.
Middle-aged women negotiating the ageing process through participation in outdoor adventure activities
Authors: Wharton C. Yvette
Published: October 2018

This study sought to examine the motivations middle-aged women give for belonging to an outdoor adventure group. As part of this, how the women were negotiating the ageing process was also examined. Fourteen women aged 36–64 (average age 51.4 years) were individually interviewed with the purpose of exploring their perceptions, values, motivations and the beliefs they attach to their participation. Findings highlight the women's belief that participation delays the ageing process, gives them confidence in their lives and offers social support from other group members. In addition, pride, satisfaction and pleasure were expressed in the belief that they challenged the cultural norms and expectations of older women. Whilst delaying the ageing process, they also highlighted that they thought about a time in the future when they would not be able to continue to participate. The study emphasises that more adventurous activities are becoming more normalised and can be undertaken by women in middle age. This may also suggest that more needs to be done to promote diverse activities such as outdoor adventurous activities to women.
THE WORLD BANK LENDING AND NON-LENDING TO LATIN AMERICA: THE CASE OF ARGENTINA, 1971-1976
Authors: Kedar Claudia
Published: October 2018

Through the analysis of Argentina-World Bank (WB) relations between 1971 and 1976, this article examines how democracies and dictatorships, as well as political and economic constraints did (or did not) impact WB lending to Latin America. This period is especially revealing. Between May 1971 and September 1976, the WB did not grant any new loans to Argentina, thereby generating an exceptional and unusually long break in WB lending to the country. Drawing on previously undisclosed files from the WB Archives and additional primary sources from Argentina and the United States, this article unveils the actual mechanisms, criteria and justification that stood behind the decision to lend or not to lend to Argentina. It maintains that the WB’s self-imposed principle of «neutrality» played a crucial role in facilitating the WB’s relations with Argentina during the politically and economically unstable early 1970s.
Kossoviella timanicaPetrosjan emend. from the Upper Devonian of North Timan: morphology and spore ultrastructure
Authors: Orlova Olga A. , Zavialova Natalia , Snigirevsky Sergey , Jurina Aleftina , Lidskaya Anna
Published: October 2018

The morphology of sterile and fertile structures (terminal strobili) of the Upper Devonian heterosporous lycopsidKossoviella timanicaPetrosjan 1984 from northern Russia (North Timan) is re-described: the axes are dichotomously branched; sterile leaves are narrow with smooth margins; the transition from sterile axes to strobili is gradual; the strobili are narrow and cylindrical, occasionally dichotomously branched; sporophylls are long, lanceolate, with crenulated margins; megasporangia with thin, mostly destroyed, sporangium walls contain one or two tetrads of large megaspores without a gula; numerous microspore tetrads are present in the microsporangia; both mega- and microspores are cavate, with a two-layered sporoderm; the outer layer of the sporoderm of both mega- and microspores consists of a net of intertwined cylindrical elements; the inner layer of the megaspore sporoderm is a basal lamina; and the inner homogeneous layer of the microspore sporoderm is split into multilamellate zones near the arms of the proximal scar. A comparison between abortive and fertile megaspores, some of which apparently were not completely mature, allows us to hypothesise that the enlargement and lateral stretching of structural units of the sporoderm, and the spaces between them, took place during the final stages of ontogenesis of megaspores along with the additional accumulation of amorphous sporopollenin. Both layers of the megaspore sporoderm, as well as the cavity between them, developed early in the ontogenesis. AlthoughKossoviella timanicawas certainly a unique Late Devonian plant, it bears some resemblance to the Givetian heterosporous, bisporangiate lycopsidYuguangia ordinatain having dichotomously branching axes, sporophylls with spiny margins and strobili with proximal megasporangia and distal microsporangia.Kossoviella timanicais also similar to the Famennian bisporangiate lycopsidBisporangiostrobus harrisiiin lacking a ligula and in having dichotomously branching strobili with proximal megasporangia and distal microsporangia.
Einstellungsmuster pädagogischer Kräfte zum Thema Integration von Kindern mit Fluchterfahrung in eine Kindertageseinrichtung
Authors: Hoeft Maike , Abendroth Sonja , Piossek Anna-Maria , Albers Timm
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Gemäß dem Ziel inklusiver Frühpädagogik sollen Kinder in Bezug auf ihre individuellen Voraussetzungen, Ressourcen und Kompetenzen im Zusammenhang mit ihrer jeweiligen Lebenssituation wahrgenommen werden. Das beinhaltet eine wertschätzende und persönlichkeitsstärkende Grundhaltung gegenüber den Kindern mit ihren heterogenen Merkmalen. Eine Analyse von Zielformulierungen pädagogischer Kräfte 1 in niedrigschwelligen Angeboten für Kinder mit Fluchterfahrung zur Integration in eine Kindertageseinrichtung zeigte, dass dieses Diversitätsverständnis oftmals nicht explizit in den Zielen der pädagogischen Arbeit formuliert wurde. Unter Berücksichtigung dieser Ergebnisse ist es interessant zu erfahren, welche Einstellungen die pädagogischen Kräfte in Bezug auf die Integration von Kindern mit Fluchterfahrung in eine Kindertageseinrichtung haben. Dazu wurden 44 leitfadengestützte Interviews (28 Einzelinterviews und 16 Gruppeninterviews) mit den pädagogischen Kräften dieser Angebote durchgeführt, inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet und typisiert. Die Ergebnisse weisen auf vier unterschiedliche Typen von Einstellungsmustern hin: ein kind- und ressourcenorientierter Typ, ein assimilationstendenzieller Typ, ein ambivalenter Typ und ein Typ mit nicht zuordbaren Einstellungen.
Erkenntnisse aus der Implementation und Evaluation eines Curriculums zur Unterstützung der Kompetenzentwicklung von Kita-Teams in der Begegnung mit Kindern und Familien mit Fluchterfahrung
Authors: Döther Sabrina , Fröhlich-Gildhoff Klaus
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. In vielen Kindertageseinrichtungen stellen Kinder und Familien mit Fluchterfahrung für die Fachkräfte eine besondere, z. T. neue Herausforderung dar. Um pädagogische Fachkräfte in ihrer Kompetenzentwicklung zu unterstützen und in der Begegnung mit Kindern und Familien mit Fluchterfahrung zu stärken, wurde ein Curriculum von einem multidisziplinären Team ausgearbeitet, in einer Pilotphase erprobt und evaluiert. In weiteren Schritten wurden Multiplikator_innen geschult, die dann in der Breite Fortbildungen mit Kita-Teams durchführen. Die Ergebnisse der Evaluation in der Pilotphase zeigen einen signifikanten Zuwachs der selbst eingeschätzten Sicherheit im Umgang mit der Zielgruppe sowie einen bedeutsamen Zuwachs der selbst eingeschätzten Kompetenzen auf individueller wie auf Team-Ebene. Die Evaluation der Multiplikator_innen-Schulungen zeigt eine hohe Zufriedenheit mit der Schulung als solches und eine positive Einschätzung der Vorbereitung auf die spätere Rolle als Multiplikator_in. Die Evaluationsergebnisse der untersuchten „Realkitas“ zeigen ebenfalls positive Gesamtbewertung der Fortbildung. Besonders positiv wurden in diesen Einrichtungen die Referent_innen bewertet. Relevant für den Erfolg der Implementierung war die Anpassung des Curriculums an die Bedarfe und die Situation der unterschiedlichen Teams.
Der Einsatz von Sprachfördertechniken in unterschiedlichen Settings in Kindertageseinrichtungen
Authors: Beckerle Christine , Mackowiak Katja , Koch Katja , Löffler Cordula , Heil Julian , Pauer Ina , von Dapper-Saalfels Tina
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird im Rahmen des von der Bund-Länder-Initiative „Bildung durch Sprache und Schrift (BiSS)“ geförderten Projekts „Gelingensbedingungen alltagsintegrierter sprachlicher Bildung im Elementarbereich (allE)“ der Einsatz von Sprachfördertechniken durch pädagogische Fachkräfte in Kindertageseinrichtungen untersucht. Hierzu wurde eine Teilstichprobe von 30 pädagogischen Fachkräften per Zufall ausgewählt, die in drei unterschiedlichen Settings videografiert wurden: während einer dyadischen Bilderbuchbetrachtung, einer Freispiel- und einer Essensbegleitung. Ausgewertet wurde die Häufigkeit der von den Fachkräften eingesetzten Sprachfördertechniken (korrektives Feedback, Modellierungs- und Stimulierungstechniken). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass in der dyadischen Bilderbuchbetrachtung signifikant mehr Sprachfördertechniken genutzt werden als in der Freispielbegleitung und als in der Essensbegleitung in der Gruppe. Zudem konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass in allen drei Settings Stimulierungstechniken gegenüber korrektivem Feedback und Modellierungstechniken dominieren. Diese Befunde liefern erste Hinweise, dass spezifische Sprachfördertechniken (speziell korrigierende und modellierende Techniken) in bestimmten Situationen noch selten eingesetzt werden und daher in der Aus- und Weiterbildung zukünftig in vielfältigen, auch komplexeren Settings thematisiert und erprobt werden sollten.