bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with women's desire for control of healthcare during childbirth: Psychometric analysis and construct validation
Authors: Stevens Natalie R. , Adams Natasia , Wallston Kenneth A. , Hamilton Nancy A.
Published: April 2019

The desire for control of healthcare is a significant moderator of outcomes related to childbirth. Researchers have shown that a sense of control of healthcare during childbirth is strongly correlated with postpartum maternal well‐being. The aims of this study were to examine (a) the psychometric characteristics of an instrument to assess women's desire for control of healthcare during childbirth, and (b) examine desire for control in relation to parity, medical complications of pregnancy, and women's choices of childbirth providers and setting. The study design was cross‐sectional using two different samples totaling 385 pregnant women. In Sample 1, (n = 193) we conducted an exploratory factor analysis to reduce the initial item pool. In Sample 2, (n = 192) we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the final 12‐item instrument and examined factors related to the desire for control. Results of the analysis in Sample 1 were supportive of a single‐factor structure reflecting women's desire to influence the childbirth healthcare environment and decision‐making. The final 12‐item instrument had high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93). CFA in Sample 2 was supportive of the single‐factor structure with good model fit. The desire for control was directly correlated with an internal locus of control. Nulliparous women reported a lower desire for control compared with multiparous women. The desire for control among women with self‐reported medical complications of pregnancy was comparable to that among women without pregnancy complications. The desire for control was a predictor of choosing midwives (vs. obstetricians), home or birth center (vs. hospitals), and professional labor support (e.g., doulas). Implications for future research on the impact of desire for control on maternal health outcomes are discussed.
Fundraising efficiency in Buddhist temples in Thailand: An application of the stochastic frontier analysis model
Authors: Phairoon Natchanon , Pholphirul Piriya
Published: April 2019

Nonprofit religious organizations play an important role in enhancing social welfare in Buddhist countries. In Thailand, people are typically involved in Buddhist temples at many levels ranging from personal to communal to social. As a result, Buddhist temples in Thailand can conduct fund‐raising activities from donations or merit‐making activities from Thai Buddhists. This study examines the fundraising efficiency of Buddhist temples in Thailand by applying the stochastic frontier analysis model. Our results show that fundraising efficiency of Buddhist temples in Thailand is relatively low. In addition, the results show that government grants have a negative impact (the so‐called the crowding‐out effect) on fundraising efficiency. On the other hand, the use of information and communication technology improves fundraising efficiency of Buddhist temples in Thailand.
How old are you now? A new ageing method for nonadults based on dental wear
Authors: Bartholdy Bjørn Peare , Hoogland Menno L.P. , Waters‐Rist Andrea
Published: April 2019

The main aim of this study is to present a novel method of nonadult (ca. 1–19 years) age‐at‐death estimation using the dental wear of deciduous, mixed deciduous‐permanent, and permanent dentitions, including the incisors, canines, premolars, and first and second molars. The stage‐based method is derived from degrees of dental wear in known‐age (n = 39) and estimated‐age (n = 11) nonadults containing 951 teeth from the predominately 19th century cemetery of Middenbeemster, The Netherlands. The need for such a method is warranted in cases where dental development and/or eruption cannot be assessed for age‐at‐death estimation. As well, by establishing a baseline for normal age‐related nonadult tooth wear, users may better document wear that could be due to extramasticatory behaviours. The regression analysis reveals a strong quadratic correlation—F(2, 47) = 555.1, p < .001, R2 = .95, standard error of the estimate = 1.14, residual sum of squares (RSS) = 68.89, predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) = 77.67—between age and wear and multivariate adaptive regression splines (R2 = .95, generalised cross validation = 1.67, RSS = 67.68, PRESS = 89.34), which are used to develop an R‐package that users may employ to estimate age‐at‐death from dental wear. The accuracy of this method (78–98%) is evaluated using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation. Analyses of males versus females, deciduous versus permanent, upper versus lower, and anterior versus posterior teeth revealed no apparent reason to warrant separate methods for these groups of separated dentitions. This method fills a disciplinary gap in the understudied area of deciduous and nonadult dental wear and hopes to stimulate much future research. With the R‐package, we also provide the foundation and framework for the development of additional reference populations across different spatiotemporal contexts, to make the method more widely applicable.
Multifunctional flexible and stretchable polyurethane/carbon nanotube strain sensor for human breath monitoring
Authors: Slobodian Petr , Danova Romana , Olejnik Robert , Matyas Jiří , Münster Lukas
Published: April 2019

Flexible and stretchable polyurethane/carbon nanotube composite with strain detection ability was used for human breath monitoring. The composite material consisted of a network of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and thermoplastic high elastic polyurethane. It was found that elongation of the composite led to a macroscopic increase in electrical resistance, which can be used as a principle for applied strain detection. This detection was reversible, durable, and sensitive with gauge factor reaching very promising value, as, for example, ~46 at applied deformation of 8.7%. Further, the composite could be elongated to very large extend of deformation without discontinuity in measured resistance change reaching gauge factor ~ 450 at composite mechanical break at ~300% of strain. Sensor durability was also confirmed by sine wave deformation cycling when any decrease in the sensor properties for more than 103 cycles was observed. Simultaneously, the prepared composite possessed other utility properties also and was considered as multifunctional when it was tested as an organic solvent vapor sensor, an element for Joule heating and finally as a microstrip antenna.
Electrically conductive epoxy‐based nanocomposite adhesives loaded with silver‐coated copper and silver‐coated reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Peighambardoust Seyed Jamaleddin , Rikhtegar Hamed , Mohammadzadeh Pakdel Parisa , Mirmohseni Abdolreza
Published: April 2019

In this research, a conductive adhesive based on epoxy resin as the polymer matrix and silver‐coated copper powder and silver‐coated reduced graphene oxide as conductive fillers was synthesized. Graphene oxide was synthesized by modified Hummer's method. It was reduced and modified by silver powder. Copper particles were coated with silver using the electroless plating method. Finally, conductive nanocomposite adhesives were prepared using conductive fillers with different weight fractions. The structural properties of fillers were identified by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and induced coupled plasma (ICP) analysis and the morphology of the samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, conductive properties, lap shear strength, and thermal stability of adhesive were evaluated. The conductive adhesive prepared with optimized properties have 70% weight percentage silver‐coated copper powder and 1% weight percentage silver‐coated reduced graphene oxide. The bulk resistivity of the optimum sample was 1.6 × 10‐2 Ω.cm, and the lap shear strength was 7.10 MPa. Also, thermogravimetric analysis showed that the weight loss of adhesive decreased from 88.72% to 30.55% during heating, which showed the addition of fillers improves the thermal stability of adhesive.
Damage recovery and low‐damage etching of ITO in H2/CO plasma: Effects of hydrogen or oxygen
Authors: Hirata Akiko , Fukasawa Masanaga , Kugimiya Katsuhisa , Karahashi Kazuhiro , Hamaguchi Satoshi , Nagaoka Kojiro
Published: April 2019

Hydrogen‐containing plasma etching of tin‐doped indium oxide (ITO) causes surface reduction damage induced by the plasma itself. Damage recovery by using O‐containing plasma and low‐damage etching in plasma with hydrogen and oxygen were investigated. While recovery was possible with O2 plasma after H‐containing plasma exposure, O
2 plasma caused excess oxidation of the ITO surface, which can degrade device properties. Simultaneous injection of hydrogen and oxygen recovered the reduced ITO to its initial state. The etching performance was also investigated; low‐damage etching was achieved with hydrogen and oxygen‐mixed plasma by controlling the balance between surface reduction and oxidation.
Nobiletin exhibits potent inhibition on tumor necrosis factor alpha‐induced calcification of human aortic valve interstitial cells via targeting ABCG2 and AKR1B1
Authors: Xu Kang , Huang Yuming , Zhou Tingwen , Wang Chunli , Chi Qingjia , Shi Jiawei , Zhu Peng , Dong Nianguo
Published: April 2019

Inflammation is considered to be one of the initial critical factors in the occurrence of calcific heart valve disease. This study was to prove Nobiletin (NBT) inhibits inflammation‐caused calcification of human valve interstitial cells (hVICs) and to elucidate the involved molecular mechanisms. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐induced hVICs were treated with or without NBT. Cell growth and calcification of hVICs were assessed. RNA sequencing was utilized to investigate the gene expression changes. Molecular target prediction and docking assay were further performed. NBT interfered with hVIC growth under TNF‐α condition in a dose‐dependent manner also presented a gradual decrease of positive Alizarin Red S staining, down‐regulation of BMP2, and RUNX2 gene expression. Based on the global gene expression cluster, control and TNF‐α plus NBT group showed a high similarity versus TNF‐α only group. After Venn interaction of differential expression genes (DEGs), 2,236 common DEGs were identified to display different biological functions and signaling pathways. ABCG2 and AKR1B1 were further selected as prediction targets of NBT involved in RELA, TNF, BMP2, RUNX2, etc. interactions in mediating hVIC calcification. The results show that NBT is a natural product to prevent the occurrence of heart valve calcification.
Efficient Quantum Algorithms for GHZ and W States, and Implementation on the IBM Quantum Computer
Authors: Cruz Diogo , Fournier Romain , Gremion Fabien , Jeannerot Alix , Komagata Kenichi , Tosic Tara , Thiesbrummel Jarla , Chan Chun Lam , Macris Nicolas , Dupertuis Marc‐André , Javerzac‐Galy Clément
Published: April 2019

Efficient deterministic algorithms are proposed with logarithmic step complexities for the generation of entangled and states useful for quantum networks, and an implementation on the IBM quantum computer up to is demonstrated. Improved quality is then investigated using full quantum tomography for low‐N GHZ and W states. This is completed by parity oscillations and histogram distance for large‐N GHZ and W states, respectively. Robust states are built with about twice the number of quantum bits which were previously achieved.
Priming Dental Pulp Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth with Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Enhances Mineralization Within Tissue-Engineered Constructs Implanted in Craniofacial Bone Defects
Authors: Novais Anita , Lesieur Julie , Sadoine Jérémy , Slimani Lotfi , Baroukh Brigitte , Saubaméa Bruno , Schmitt Alain , Vital Sibylle , Poliard Anne , Hélary Christophe , Rochefort Gaël Y. , Chaussain Catherine , Gorin Caroline
Published: April 2019

The craniofacial area is prone to trauma or pathologies often resulting in large bone damages. One potential treatment option is the grafting of a tissue-engineered construct seeded with adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The dental pulp appears as a relevant source of MSCs, as dental pulp stem cells display strong osteogenic properties and are efficient at bone formation and repair. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and/or hypoxia primings were shown to boost the angiogenesis potential of dental pulp stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Based on these findings, we hypothesized here that these primings would also improve bone formation in the context of craniofacial bone repair. We found that both hypoxic and FGF-2 primings enhanced SHED proliferation and osteogenic differentiation into plastically compressed collagen hydrogels, with a much stronger effect observed with the FGF-2 priming. After implantation in immunodeficient mice, the tissue-engineered constructs seeded with FGF-2 primed SHED mediated faster intramembranous bone formation into critical size calvarial defects than the other groups (no priming and hypoxia priming). The results of this study highlight the interest of FGF-2 priming in tissue engineering for craniofacial bone repair. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:844–857
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Capping on ECM‐Anchored Caspase Inhibitor–Loaded PLGA Microspheres for Intraperitoneal Injection in DSS‐Induced Murine Colitis
Authors: Pathak Shiva , Regmi Shobha , Shrestha Prakash , Choi Inho , Doh Kyoung‐Oh , Jeong Jee‐Heon
Published: April 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as a promising alternative for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. However, poor viability and engraftment of MSCs after transplantation are major hurdles in mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Extracellular matrix (ECM)‐coated scaffolds provide better cell attachment and mechanical support for MSCs after transplantation. A single‐step method for ECM functionalization on poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres using a novel compound, dopamine‐conjugated poly(ethylene‐alt‐maleic acid), as a stabilizer during the preparation of microspheres is reported. The dopamine molecules on the surface of microspheres provide active sites for the conjugation of ECM in an aqueous solution. The results reveal that the viability of MSCs improves when they are coated over the ECM‐functionalized PLGA microspheres (eMs). In addition, the incorporation of a broad‐spectrum caspase inhibitor (IDN6556) into the eMs synergistically increases the viability of MSCs under in vitro conditions. Intraperitoneal injection of the MSC–microsphere hybrid alleviates experimental colitis in a murine model via inhibiting Th1 and Th17 differentiation of CD4+ T cells in colon‐draining mesenteric lymph nodes. Therefore, drug‐loaded ECM‐coated surfaces may be considered as attractive tools for improving viability, proliferation, and functionality of MSCs following transplantation.
Implikationen für die Studiengangentwicklung und Akkreditierung
Authors: Buß Imke
Published: April 2019

Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit können im Kontext der Studiengangentwicklung von den Hochschulen aktiv genutzt werden. Dabei findet Studiengangentwicklung in der Regel aus zwei Anlässen statt: entweder durch anstehende hochschulexterne (Re-)Akkreditierungen oder im Rahmen des internen Qualitätsmanagements (Pietzonka 2013, S. 54). Der Ansatz der strukturellen Studierbarkeit eignet sich besonders dafür, dass Verantwortliche im Studiengang, im Fachbereich oder in der Hochschule eine proaktive und bewusste Analyse der Studienstrukturen anstoßen, um die Studiengänge anhand der Bedarfe von aktuellen und zukünftigen Studierenden unter Berücksichtigung der Rahmenbedingungen der Hochschule weiterzuentwickeln.
Elemente struktureller Studierbarkeit
Authors: Buß Imke
Published: April 2019

In diesem Kapitel stehen die Elemente struktureller Studierbarkeit im Mittelpunkt, welche die Studierbarkeit für die in Kapitel 3 genannten Studierendengruppen beeinflussen können. Durch die Elemente innerhalb eines Studienganges können Hochschulen steuern, wann und wo Lehrveranstaltungen stattfinden und wie die Studierenden ihr Selbststudium gestalten. Die Elemente werden in verschiedenen Studienformaten (z. B. Teilzeitstudium, Fernstudium) unterschiedlich eingesetzt. Die Studienformate steuern dabei, wie viel Zeit Studierende für das Absolvieren des Studiums zur Verfügung haben und an welchem Lernort sie primär studieren.
Methodik
Authors: Buß Imke
Published: April 2019

Die in den vorangehenden Kapiteln aufgestellten Hypothesen werden anhand von Daten aus einer im Jahr 2015 durchgeführten quantitativen Umfrage sowie einer Dokumentenanalyse an den Hochschulen Ludwigshafen und Worms geprüft. Dieses Kapitel stellt zunächst die Entwicklung des Erhebungsinstruments der quantitativen Erhebung dar, betrachtet die Durchführung der Erhebung sowie die Datenqualität und gibt einen Überblick über die Stichprobe. Im Anschluss werden die Auswertungsmethoden näher dargestellt. Das Kapitel schließt mit einem Überblick über die Dokumentenanalyse.
Prüfung des Modells struktureller Studierbarkeit
Authors: Buß Imke
Published: April 2019

Das Ziel dieses Kapitels ist es, das in Kapitel 2.1 entwickelte Modell der strukturellen Studierbarkeit zu prüfen. Zunächst wird der Index zeitlicher Restriktionen skizziert. Im zweiten Teil steht der mögliche Zusammenhang zwischen zeitlichen Restriktionen und Studierverhalten im Mittelpunkt. Des Weiteren wird die Frage untersucht, inwieweit Vollzeitstudiengänge der befragten Hochschulen für Studierende mit zeitlichen Restriktionen geeignet sind und ob flexible Studienstrukturen mögliche Probleme dieser Studierenden abschwächen können. Im dritten Teil des Kapitels werden Zusammenhänge zwischen dem Studierverhalten und den Ergebnisindikatoren struktureller Studierbarkeit geprüft.
Studienstrukturelle Präferenzen
Authors: Buß Imke
Published: April 2019

Im vorangehenden Kapitel wurde geprüft, ob die Studiengänge für Studierende mit zeitlichen Restriktionen schlechter studierbar sind und ob flexible Studienstrukturen die Studierbarkeit für diese Studierendengruppen erhöhen können. Da sich beide Annahmen bestätigt haben, wird im nächsten Schritt untersucht, welche spezifischen Studienstrukturen Studierende mit zeitlichen Restriktionen präferieren. Es werden Präferenzen von Studierenden abgefragt, damit wird ein Auswahlprozess zwischen mindestens zwei Studienstrukturen angeregt (siehe auch Kapitel 2.4). In diesem Kapitel wird die Hypothese H1.2 geprüft, ob Studierende mit zeitlichen Restriktionen Studienstrukturen und Studienformate präferieren, die ihnen zeitliche und örtliche Flexibilität ermöglichen.
A unified approach to holomorphic anomaly equations and quantum spectral curves
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan , Zhou Jian
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We present a unified approach to holomorphic anomaly equations and some well-known quantum spectral curves. We develop a formalism of abstract quantum field theory based on the diagrammatics of the Deligne-Mumford moduli spaces

$$ {\overline{\mathrm{\mathcal{M}}}}_{g,n} $$

ℳ
¯

g
,
n

and derive a quadratic recursion relation for the abstract free energies in terms of the edge-cutting operators. This abstract quantum field theory can be realized by various choices of a sequence of holomorphic functions or formal power series and suitable propagators, and the realized quantum field theory can be represented by formal Gaussian integrals. Various applications are given.
Spontaneously broken symmetry restoration of quantum fields in the vicinity of neutral and electrically charged black holes
Authors: Quinta Gonçalo M. , Flachi Antonino , Lemos José P. S.
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We consider the restoration of a spontaneously broken symmetry of an interacting quantum scalar field around neutral, i.e., Schwarzschild, and electrically charged, i.e., Reissner-Nordström, black holes in four dimensions. This is done through a semi-classical self-consistent procedure, by solving the system of non-linear coupled equations describing the dynamics of the background field and the vacuum polarization. The black hole at its own horizon generates an indefinitely high temperature which decreases to the Hawking temperature at infinity. Due to the high temperature in its vicinity, there forms a bubble around the black hole in which the scalar field can only assume a value equal to zero, a minimum of energy. Thus, in this region the symmetry of the energy and the field is preserved. At the bubble radius, there is a phase transition in the value of the scalar field due to a spontaneous symmetry breaking mechanism. Indeed, outside the bubble radius the temperature is low enough such that the scalar field settles with a nonzero value in a new energy minimum, indicating a breaking of the symmetry in this outer region. Conversely, there is symmetry restoration from the outer region to the inner bubble close to the horizon. Specific properties that emerge from different black hole electric charges are also noteworthy. It is found that colder black holes, i.e., more charged ones, have a smaller bubble length of restored symmetry. In the extremal case the bubble has zero length, i.e., there is no bubble. Additionally, for colder black holes, it becomes harder to excite the quantum field modes, so the vacuum polarization has smaller values. In the extremal case, the black hole temperature is zero and the vacuum polarization is never excited.
Quorum sensing inhibition as a promising method to control biofilm growth in metalworking fluids
Authors: Özcan Safiye Selen , Dieser Markus , Parker Albert E , Balasubramanian Narayanaganesh , Foreman Christine M
Published: April 2019

Microbial contamination in metalworking systems is a critical problem. This study determined the microbial communities in metalworking fluids (MWFs) from two machining shops and investigated the effect of quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) on biofilm growth. In both operations, biofilm-associated and planktonic microbial communities were dominated by Pseudomonadales (60.2–99.7%). Rapid recolonization was observed even after dumping spent MWFs and meticulous cleaning. Using Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 as a model biofilm organism, patulin (40 µM) and furanone C-30 (75 µM) were identified as effective QSI agents. Both agents had a substantially higher efficacy compared to α-amylase (extracellular polymeric substance degrading enzyme) and reduced biofilm formation by 63% and 76%, respectively, in MWF when compared to untreated controls. Reduced production of putatively identified homoserine lactones and quinoline in MWF treated with QS inhibitors support the effect of QSI on biofilm formation. The results highlight the effectiveness of QSI as a potential strategy to eradicate biofilms in MWFs.
Using response times to measure ability on a cognitive task
Authors: Alekseev Aleksandr
Published: April 2019

I show how using response times as a proxy for effort can address a long-standing issue of how to separate the effect of cognitive ability on performance from the effect of motivation. My method is based on a dynamic stochastic model of optimal effort choice in which ability and motivation are the structural parameters. I show how to estimate these parameters from the data on outcomes and response times in a cognitive task. In a laboratory experiment, I find that performance on a digit-symbol test is a noisy and biased measure of cognitive ability. Ranking subjects by their performance leads to an incorrect ranking by their ability in a substantial number of cases. These results suggest that interpreting performance on a cognitive task as ability may be misleading.
A Tale of Two Liberalisms? Attitudes toward Minority Religious Symbols in Quebec and Canada
Authors: Turgeon Luc , Bilodeau Antoine , White Stephen E. , Henderson Ailsa
Published: April 2019

Proponents of restrictions on the wearing of religious symbols in public institutions in Quebec have often framed their support in the language of liberalism, with references to “gender equality”, “state neutrality” and “freedom of conscience”. However, efforts to account for support for restrictions on minority religious symbols rarely mention liberalism. In this article, we test the hypothesis that holding liberal values might have different attitudinal consequences in Quebec and the rest of Canada. Our findings demonstrate that holding liberal values is associated with support for restrictions on the wearing of minority religious symbols in Quebec, but it is associated with opposition to such restrictions in the rest of Canada. Moreover, this difference between Quebec and the rest of Canada in the relationship between liberal values and support for restrictions on minority religious symbols can explain Quebecers' greater support for restrictions.
Régimes de genre et Antiquité grecque classique (Ve-IVesiècles av. J.-C.)
Authors: Cuchet Violaine Sebillotte
Published: April 2019

Le genre désigne à la fois des normes de comportement, des ensembles de caractéristiques et la place relative que prend la différence des sexes dans les relations entre individus. Dans le champ de l’Antiquité, ces trois définitions convergent généralement pour isoler un régime de genre unique, la polaritéanêr(citoyen)/gunê(épouse de citoyen), lequel est étroitement articulé à la division mâle/femelle. Pourtant, diverses analyses, portant notamment sur la sexualité, ont montré que les sociétés grecques de l’Antiquité n’étaient pas systématiquement organisées en fonction de la différence des sexes. Ces conclusions isolées incitent à examiner les différents points de vue exprimés dans les documents élaborés dans les sociétés hellénophones de la Méditerranée antique. Contrairement à l’opinion commune, la division mâle/femelle apparaît bien moins structurante que celles qui distinguent les membres de la communauté des étrangers, les Grecs des Barbares, ou les mortels des immortels.
Deprivation and threat, emotion dysregulation, and psychopathology: Concurrent and longitudinal associations
Authors: Milojevich Helen M. , Norwalk Kate E. , Sheridan Margaret A.
Published: April 2019

Maltreatment increases risk for psychopathology in childhood and adulthood, thus identifying mechanisms that influence these associations is necessary for future prevention and intervention. Emotion dysregulation resulting from maltreatment is one potentially powerful mechanism explaining risk for psychopathology. This study tests a conceptual model that distinguishesdeprivationandthreatas distinct forms of exposure with different pathways to psychopathology. Here we operationalize threat as exposure to physical and/or sexual abuse and deprivation as exposure to neglect. We test the hypothesis that threat and deprivation differentially predict use of avoidant strategies and total regulation. Data were drawn from the Longitudinal Studies on Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN study;N= 866), which followed high-risk children from age 4 to 18. At age 6, children and their parents reported on adversity exposure. Case records documented exposure to abuse and neglect. At 18, adolescents reported on regulation strategies and psychopathology. Regression analyses indicated that greater exposure to threat, but not deprivation, predicted greater use of avoidant strategies in adolescence. Moreover, avoidance partially mediated the longitudinal association between exposure to threat in early childhood and symptoms of internalizing psychopathology in adolescence. Results suggest that abuse and neglect differentially predict regulation strategy use and that regulation strategy use predicts psychopathology.
What's Inside the Black Box? AI Challenges for Lawyers and Researchers
Authors: Yu Ronald , Alì Gabriele Spina
Published: April 2019

The Artificial intelligence revolution is happening and is going to drastically re-shape legal research in both the private sector and academia. AI research tools present several advantages over traditional research methods. They allow for the analysis and review of large datasets (‘Big Data’) and can identify patterns that are imperceptible to human researchers. However, the wonders of AI legal research are not without perils. Because of their complexity, AI systems can escape the control and understanding of their operators and programmers. Therefore, especially when run by researchers with insufficient IT background, computational AI research may skew analyses or result in flawed research. Premised thus, the main goals of this paper, written by Ronald Yu and Gabriele Spina Alì, are to analyse some of the factors that can jeopardize the reliability of AI-assisted legal research and to review some of the solutions to mitigate this situation.
The Justis International Law & Technology Writing Competition 2019
Authors: Terrell Matthew , Hand David
Published: April 2019

On the 15th February 2019, the Overall Winner for the Justis International Law & Technology Writing Competition was announced alongside three Best in Category articles for each of the three topics of this year's competition. Dr Matthew Terrell and David Hand of Justis who organise this yearly student opportunity share insights from the latest competition alongside the winning articles.
Impact of health plan reforms in Washington on employment decisions
Authors: Coe Norma B.
Published: April 2019

The State of Washington, as part of a State Innovation Model (SIM) grant, is changing the payment model within state employee health insurance plans. The system is moving away from traditional fee-for-service reimbursement to value-based payment, through insurance design (the creation of accountable care network insurance products) and bundled payment strategies. New plans were rolled out January 2016 (enrollment occurred in late 2015), with the stated goal of getting 80% of state employees covered by plans that contain value-based purchasing within the next 5 years. The goal of payment reform is to improve member experience, member health, and cut costs. However, changing health insurance during employment can directly and indirectly change labor market outcomes. Decreasing costs of insurance could lead people to remain in the state-employment sector longer. However, it could also influence retirement timing, through changing the relative costs of insurance and through improving health.

This paper examines who switches to value-based insurance, where the insurance explicitly decreases premiums without changing out-of-pocket costs. We find that the peak age for switching insurance plans is 35–45, even among the subsample of individuals who would not need to change their usual sources of care. Second, we look at the labor market activity – both leaving the state-employee sector and retiring from state-employment – and find that younger workers with value-based insurance plans are less likely to leave state employment. Further, we find evidence of value-based insurance, available at a reduced cost to both employees and retirees, leads to a shifting downward in the distribution of retirement age. While these findings support the existence of both the price and income effects, the effect sizes are rather small.
Modeling Iron and Light Controls on the Summer Phaeocystis antarctica Bloom in the Amundsen Sea Polynya
Authors: Oliver Hilde , St‐Laurent Pierre , Sherrell Robert M. , Yager Patricia L.
Published: April 2019

Of all the Antarctic coastal polynyas, the Amundsen Sea Polynya is the most productive per unit area. Observations from the 2010–2011 Amundsen Sea Polynya International Research Expedition (ASPIRE) revealed that both light and iron can limit the growth of phytoplankton (Phaeocystis antarctica), but how these controls manifest over the bloom season is poorly understood, especially with respect to their climate sensitivity. Using a 1‐D biogeochemical model, we examine the influence of light and iron limitation on the phytoplankton bloom and vertical carbon flux at 12 stations representing different bloom stages within the polynya. Model parameters are determined by Bayesian optimization and assimilation of ASPIRE observations. The model‐data fit is most sensitive to phytoplankton physiological parameters, which among all model parameters are best constrained by the optimization. We find that the 1‐D model captures the basic elements of the bloom observed during ASPIRE, despite some discrepancies between modeled and observed dissolved iron distributions. With this model, we explore the way iron availability, in combination with light availability, controlled the rise, peak, and decline of the bloom at the 12 stations. Modeled light limitation by self‐shading is very strong, but iron is drawn down as the bloom rises, becoming limiting in combination with light as the bloom declines. These model results mechanistically confirm the importance of climate‐sensitive controls like stratification and meltwater on phytoplankton bloom development and carbon export in this region.
Trajectory of Topsoil Nitrogen Transformations Along a Thermo‐Erosion Gully on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Mao Chao , Kou Dan , Wang Guanqin , Peng Yunfeng , Yang Guibiao , Liu Futing , Zhang Jinbo , Yang Yuanhe
Published: April 2019

Permafrost thaw, especially thermokarst formation, that is, ground collapse due to thawing of ice‐rich permafrost, is expected to alter soil gross nitrogen (N) transformations, which can regulate plant productivity and ecosystem carbon cycle. However, it remains unclear how thermokarst formation modifies soil N processes in permafrost ecosystems. Here 15N pool dilution techniques were used to evaluate changes in topsoil gross N transformations during various thaw stages (early, middle, and late stages) along a thermo‐erosion gully on the Tibetan Plateau. Structural equation modeling was then conducted to explore the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors in affecting soil gross N transformations. The results showed that topsoil gross N mineralization (GNM) decreased at the three stages, reflecting declined inorganic N production after permafrost collapse. In contrast, topsoil gross nitrification increased only during the early stage. Additionally, the ratio of microbial N immobilization to GNM was enhanced during the middle and late stages, indicating a stronger microbial N limitation after thermokarst formation. The structural equation modeling analysis revealed that soil moisture played an important role in modulating gross N transformations. For GNM, decreased soil moisture had inhibiting effects via regulating the microbial biomass, microbial community, and enzyme activities along the thaw sequence. For gross nitrification, declined soil moisture exerted facilitating effects directly by improving oxygen availability and indirectly by modulating the abundances of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea and bacteria during the early stage. Overall, these results demonstrated that thermokarst formation altered soil N processes, potentially triggering interactions between ecosystem N and carbon cycles after permafrost thaw.
Southward Displacement of the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre Circulation System During North Atlantic Cold Spells
Authors: Reißig S. , Nürnberg D. , Bahr A. , Poggemann D.‐W. , Hoffmann J.
Published: April 2019

During times of deglacial Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) perturbations, the tropical Atlantic experienced considerable warming at subsurface levels. Coupled ocean‐atmosphere simulations corroborate the tight teleconnection between the tropical Atlantic and climate change at high northern latitudes but still underestimate the relevance of the subsurface North Atlantic subtropical gyre (STG) for heat and salt storage and its sensitivity to rapid climatic change. We here reconstruct vertical and lateral temperature and salinity gradients in the tropical west Atlantic and the Caribbean over the last 30 kyr, based on planktic deep and shallow dwelling foraminiferal Mg/Ca and δ18O records. The rapid and large‐amplitude subsurface changes illustrate a dynamic STG associated with abrupt shifts of North Atlantic hydrographic and atmospheric regimes. During full glacial conditions, the STG has been shifted southward while intensified Ekman downwelling associated to strengthened trade winds fostered the formation of warm and saline salinity maximum water (SMW). The southward propagation of SMW was facilitated by the glacially eastward deflected North Brazil Current. During periods of significant AMOC perturbations (Heinrich Stadials 1 and the Younger Dryas), extreme subsurface warming by ~6 °C led to diminished lateral subsurface temperature gradients. Coevally, a deep thermocline suggests that SMW fully occupied the subsurface tropical west Atlantic and that the STG reached its southernmost position. During the Holocene, modern‐like conditions gradually developed with the northward retreat of SMW and the development of a strong thermocline ridge between the Subtropical Gyre and the tropical west Atlantic.
Fresh Submarine Groundwater Discharge to the Near‐Global Coast
Authors: Zhou YaoQuan , Sawyer Audrey H. , David Cédric H. , Famiglietti James S.
Published: April 2019

The flow of fresh groundwater to the ocean through the coast (fresh submarine groundwater discharge or fresh SGD) plays an important role in global biogeochemical cycles and coastal water quality. In addition to delivering dissolved elements from land to sea, fresh SGD forms a natural barrier against salinization of coastal aquifers. Here we estimate groundwater discharge rates through the near‐global coast (60°N to 60°S) at high resolution using a water budget approach. We find that tropical coasts export more than 56% of all fresh SGD, while midlatitude arid regions export only 10%. Fresh SGD rates from tectonically active margins (coastlines along tectonic plate boundaries) are also significantly greater than passive margins, where most field studies have been focused. Active margins combine rapid uplift and weathering with high rates of fresh SGD and may therefore host exceptionally large groundwater‐borne solute fluxes to the coast.
On the Origin of Perpendicular Ion Anisotropy Inside Dipolarizing Flux Bundles
Authors: Zhou Xu‐Zhi , Xu Yan , Runov Andrei , Liu Jiang , Artemyev Anton V. , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Birn Joachim , Yao Zhonghua , Pan Dong‐Xiao , Zong Qiu‐Gang
Published: April 2019

Perpendicular anisotropy of suprathermal ions, observed inside some of the dipolarizing flux bundles (DFBs) in the magnetotail plasma sheet, have been attributed to successive, betatron‐type accelerations during the DFB entry of ambient ions. It has been unclear, however, where and how these ions enter the DFBs. The proposed locations include the DFB flanks where cross‐tail drifting ions are picked up, and the DFB leading edge with sharp magnetic field gradient (the dipolarization front, DF). Here we examine the latter scenario, based on a simplistic, test particle approach, to predict the preferred conditions for the appearance of the DFB ion anisotropy. Our model predicts that the ion anisotropy would be stronger at locations closer to the neutral sheet and would appear preferentially in the DFB dawnside and central sectors rather than the duskside sector. We also predict that the ion anisotropy would more likely be observed in DFBs with higher propagation speeds. These properties can be understood in our model by the dawnward drift of ions during their DF penetration (attributed to the large magnetic gradient). To examine these predictions, we carry out a statistical survey based on observations from the THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) mission, to show a clear dependence of the ion anisotropy on spacecraft location and the DFB propagation speed. These findings, therefore, are consistent with the scenario that the perpendicular ion anisotropy originates from the ion acceleration and penetration across sharp DFs.
Intracellular Burkholderia Symbionts induce extracellular secondary infections; driving diverse host outcomes that vary by genotype and environment
Authors: Khojandi Niloufar , Haselkorn Tamara S , Eschbach Madison N , Naser Rana A , DiSalvo Susanne
Published: April 2019

Symbiotic associations impact and are impacted by their surrounding ecosystem. The association between Burkholderia bacteria and the soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a tractable model to unravel the biology underlying symbiont-endowed phenotypes and their impacts. Several Burkholderia species stably associate with D. discoideum and typically reduce host fitness in food-rich environments while increasing fitness in food-scarce environments. Burkholderia symbionts are themselves inedible to their hosts but induce co-infections with secondary bacteria that can serve as a food source. Thus, Burkholderia hosts are “farmers” that carry food bacteria to new environments, providing a benefit when food is scarce. We examined the ability of specific Burkholderia genotypes to induce secondary co-infections and assessed host fitness under a range of co-infection conditions and environmental contexts. Although all Burkholderia symbionts intracellularly infected Dictyostelium, we found that co-infections are predominantly extracellular, suggesting that farming benefits are derived from extracellular infection of host structures. Furthermore, levels of secondary infection are linked to conditional host fitness; B. agricolaris infected hosts have the highest level of co-infection and have the highest fitness in food-scarce environments. This study illuminates the phenomenon of co-infection induction across Dictyostelium associated Burkholderia species and exemplifies the contextual complexity of these associations.
Connected partner-switches control the life style of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through RpoS regulation
Authors: Bouillet Sophie , Ba Moly , Houot Laetitia , Iobbi-Nivol Chantal , Bordi Christophe
Published: April 2019

Biofilm formation is a complex process resulting from the action of imbricated pathways in response to environmental cues. In this study, we showed that biofilm biogenesis in the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosadepends on the availability of RpoS, the sigma factor regulating the general stress response in bacteria. Moreover, it was demonstrated that RpoS is post-translationally regulated by the HsbR-HsbA partner switching system as has been demonstrated for its CrsR-CrsA homolog inShewanella oneidensis. Finally, it was established that HsbA, the anti-sigma factor antagonist, has a pivotal role depending on its phosphorylation state since it binds HsbR, the response regulator, when phosphorylated and FlgM, the anti-sigma factor of FliA, when non-phosphorylated. The phosphorylation state of HsbA thus drives the switch between the sessile and planktonic way of life ofP.aeruginosaby driving the release or the sequestration of one or the other of these two sigma factors.
Airway surface liquid acidification initiates host defense abnormalities in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Simonin Juliette , Bille Emmanuelle , Crambert Gilles , Noel Sabrina , Dreano Elise , Edwards Aurélie , Hatton Aurélie , Pranke Iwona , Villeret Bérengère , Cottart Charles-Henry , Vrel Jean-Patrick , Urbach Valérie , Baatallah Nesrine , Hinzpeter Alexandre , Golec Anita , Touqui Lhousseine , Nassif Xavier , Galietta Luis J. V , Planelles Gabrielle , Sallenave Jean-Michel , Edelman Aleksander , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle
Published: April 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by defective Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein. Morbidity is mainly due to early airway infection. We hypothesized that S. aureus clearance during the first hours of infection was impaired in CF human Airway Surface Liquid (ASL) because of a lowered pH. The ASL pH of human bronchial epithelial cell lines and primary respiratory cells from healthy controls (WT) and patients with CF was measured with a pH microelectrode. The antimicrobial capacity of airway cells was studied after S. aureus apical infection by counting surviving bacteria. ASL was significantly more acidic in CF than in WT respiratory cells. This was consistent with a defect in bicarbonate secretion involving CFTR and SLC26A4 (pendrin) and a persistent proton secretion by ATP12A. ASL demonstrated a defect in S. aureus clearance which was improved by pH normalization. Pendrin inhibition in WT airways recapitulated the CF airway defect and increased S. aureus proliferation. ATP12A inhibition by ouabain decreased bacterial proliferation. Antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and hBD1 demonstrated a pH-dependent activity. Normalizing ASL pH might improve innate airway defense in newborns with CF during onset of S. aureus infection. Pendrin activation and ATP12A inhibition could represent novel therapeutic strategies to normalize pH in CF airways.
Innovation in alternate mulch with straw and plastic management bolsters yield and water use efficiency in wheat-maize intercropping in arid conditions
Authors: Yin Wen , Fan Zhilong , Hu Falong , Yu Aizhong , Zhao Cai , Chai Qiang , Coulter Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2019

In arid regions, higher irrigation quota for conventional farming causes substantial conflict between water supply and demand for crop production. Innovations in cropping systems are needed to alleviate this issue. A field experiment was conducted in northwestern China to assess whether straw and plastic managements in wheat/maize intercropping could alleviate these issues. Integrating no tillage with two-year plastic and straw mulching (NTMI2) improved grain yields by 13.8–17.1%, compared to conventional tillage without straw residue and annual new plastic mulching (CTI). The NTMI2 treatment reduced soil evaporation by 9.0–17.3% and the proportion of evaporation to evapotranspiration (E/ET) by 8.6–17.5%, compared to CTI. The NTMI2 treatment weakened wheat competition of soil moisture from maize strip during wheat growth period, and enhanced wheat compensation of soil moisture for maize growth after wheat harvest, compared with CTI. Thus, soil water movement potential of NTMI2 was lowest during wheat growth period, but it was highest during maize-independent growth stage after wheat harvest. The NTMI2 treatment increased evapotranspiration before maize silking, decreased from maize silking to early-filling stage, and increased after the early-filling stage of maize, this effectively coordinated water demand contradiction of intercrops at early and late stages. The NTMI2 treatment improved WUE by 12.4–17.2%, compared with CTI. The improved crop yields and WUE was attributed to the coordinated water competition and compensation, and the decreased soil evaporation and E/ET.