bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating a combined bowel preparation for small-bowel capsule endoscopy: a prospective randomized–controlled study
Authors: Hansel Stephanie L , Murray Joseph A , Alexander Jeffrey A , Bruining David H , Larson Mark V , Mangan Thomas F , Dierkhising Ross A , Almazar Ann E , Rajan Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

Background

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is frequently hindered by intra-luminal debris. Our aim was to determine whether a combination bowel preparation would improve small-bowel visualization, diagnostic yield, and the completion rate of CE.

Methods

Single-blind, prospective randomized–controlled study of outpatients scheduled for CE. Bowel-preparation subjects ingested 2 L of polyethylene glycol solution the night prior to CE, 5 mL simethicone and 5 mg metoclopramide 20 minutes prior to CE and laid in the right lateral position 30 minutes after swallowing CE. Controls had no solid food after 7 p.m. the night prior to CE and no liquids 4 hours prior to CE. Participants completed a satisfaction survey. Capsule readers completed a small-bowel-visualization assessment.

Results

Fifty patients were prospectively enrolled (56% female) with a median age of 54.4 years and 44 completed the study (23 patients in the control group and 21 in the preparation group). There was no significant difference between groups on quartile-based small-bowel visualization (all P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in diagnostic yield (P = 0.69), mean gastric (P = 0.10) or small-bowel transit time (P = 0.89). The small-bowel completion rate was significantly higher in the preparation group (100% vs 78%; P = 0.02). Bowel-preparation subjects reported significantly more discomfort than controls (62% vs 17%; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Combined bowel preparation did not improve small-bowel visualization but did significantly increase patient discomfort. The CE completion rate improved in the preparation group but the diagnostic yield was unaffected. Based on our findings, a bowel preparation prior to CE does not appear to improve CE performance and results in decreased patient satisfaction (ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT01243736).
Regional crustal and lithospheric thickness model for Alaska, the Chukchi shelf, and the inner and outer bering shelves
Authors: Torne Montserrat , Jiménez–Munt Ivone , Vergés Jaume , Fernàndez Manel , Carballo Alberto , Jadamec Margarete
Published: October 2019

This study presents for the first time an integrated image of the crust and lithospheric mantle of Alaska and its adjacent western shelves of the Chukchi and Bering seas based on joint modelling of potential field data constrained by thermal analysis and seismic data. We also perform 3-D forward modelling and inversion of Bouguer anomalies to analyse density heterogeneities at the crustal level. The obtained crustal model shows northwest-directed long wavelength thickening (32–36 km), with additional localized trends of thicker crust in the Brooks Range (40 km) and in the Alaska and St Elias ranges (50 km). Offshore, 28–30-km-thick crust is predicted near the Bearing slope break and 36–38 km in the northern Chukchi Shelf. In interior Alaska, the crustal thickness changes abruptly across the Denali fault, from 34–36 to the north to above 30 km to the south. This sharp crustal thickness gradient agrees with the presence of a crustal tectonic buttress guiding block motion west and south towards the subduction zone. The average crustal density is 2810 kg m−3. The denser crust, up to 2910 kg m−3, is found south of the Denali Fault likely related to the oceanic nature of the Wrangellia Composite Terrane rocks. Offshore, less dense crust (<2800 kg m−3) is found along the sedimentary basins of the Chukchi and Beaufort shelves. At LAB levels, there is a regional SE–NW trend that coincides with the current Pacific Plate motion, with a lithospheric root underneath the Brooks Range, Northern Slope, and Chuckchi Sea, that may correspond to a relic of the Chukotka-Artic Alaska microplate. The obtained lithospheric root (above 180 km) agrees with the presence of a boundary of cold, strong lithosphere that deflects the strain towards the South. South of the Denali Fault the LAB topography is quite complex. East of 150°W, below Wrangellia and the eastern side of Chugach terranes, the LAB is much shallower than it is west of this meridian. The NW trending limit separating thinner lithosphere in the east and thicker in the west agrees with the two-tiered slab shape of the subducting Pacific Plate.
Accuracy of the moment-tensor inversion of far-field P waves
Authors: Kong Yue , Li Min , Chen Weimin , Kang Boqi
Published: October 2019

The far-field assumption is widely used and suitable for the moment-tensor inversion in which the source–receiver distance is quite long. However, the description of far field is uncertain and an explicit far-field range is missing. In this study, the explicit far-field range is determined and the errors of moment-tensor solutions produced by the far-field approximation are analysed. The distance, for which the far-field assumption is satisfied and the effect of the near-field term can be ignored, is directionally dependent. For the shear dislocation, in the directions near the nodal lines of the far-field P waves, the far-field distance is heavily dependent on the displacement component used to invert moment tensors. The radial component of displacement, which is parallel to the wave propagation direction, is recommended for the inversion and the corresponding far-field distance is quite short. In the directions far from the nodal lines, the selection of displacement components has little influence on the far-field distance. The maximum far-field distance appears in the directions of the pressure and tensile axes of the source and the value is about 30 wavelengths of radiated waves. Using more receivers (>6) in the moment-tensor inversion can shorten the far-field distance. The effect of the near-field term on the moment-tensor inversion for tensile dislocations and isotropic sources (explosion or implosion) can be ignored. The conclusions obtained in this study are helpful for determining the positions of receivers and evaluating the accuracy of moment-tensor solutions, with far-field assumption being applied in the inversion.
Energy Counterexamples in Two Weight Calderón–Zygmund Theory
Authors: Sawyer Eric T , Shen Chun-Yen , Uriarte-Tuero Ignacio
Published: October 2019

We show that the energy conditions are not necessary for boundedness of Riesz transforms in dimension $n\geq 2$. In dimension $n=1$, we construct an elliptic singular integral operator $H_{\flat } $ for which the energy conditions are not necessary for boundedness of $H_{\flat }$. The convolution kernel $K_{\flat }\left ( x\right ) $ of the operator $H_{\flat }$ is a smooth flattened version of the Hilbert transform kernel $K\left ( x\right ) =\frac{1}{x}$ that satisfies ellipticity $ \vert K_{\flat }\left ( x\right ) \vert \gtrsim \frac{1}{\left \vert x\right \vert }$, but not gradient ellipticity $ \vert K_{\flat }^{\prime }\left ( x\right ) \vert \gtrsim \frac{1}{ \vert x \vert ^{2}}$. Indeed the kernel has flat spots where $K_{\flat }^{\prime }\left ( x\right ) =0$ on a family of intervals, but $K_{\flat }^{\prime }\left ( x\right ) $ is otherwise negative on $\mathbb{R}\setminus \left \{ 0\right \} $. On the other hand, if a one-dimensional kernel $K\left ( x,y\right ) $ is both elliptic and gradient elliptic, then the energy conditions are necessary, and so by our theorem in [30], the $T1$ theorem holds for such kernels on the line. This paper includes results from arXiv:16079.06071v3 and arXiv:1801.03706v2.
Endpoint Sobolev Continuity of the Fractional Maximal Function in Higher Dimensions
Authors: Beltran David , Madrid José
Published: October 2019

We establish continuity mapping properties of the noncentered fractional maximal operator $M_{\beta }$ in the endpoint input space $W^{1,1}({\mathbb R}^d)$ for $d \geq 2$ in the cases for which its boundedness is known. More precisely, we prove that for $q=d/(d-\beta )$ the map $f \mapsto |\nabla M_\beta f|$ is continuous from $W^{1,1}({\mathbb R}^d)$ to $L^{q}({\mathbb R}^d)$ for $ 0 < \beta < 1$ if $f$ is radial and for $1 \leq \beta < d$ for general $f$. The results for $1\leq \beta < d$ extend to the centered counterpart $M_\beta ^c$. Moreover, if $d=1$, we show that the conjectured boundedness of that map for $M_\beta ^c$ implies its continuity.
False-Positive Enzymatic Alcohol Results in Perimortem Specimens
Authors: Bishop-Freeman Sandra C , Bertholf Roger L , Powers Robert H , Mayhew Lisa C , Winecker Ruth E
Published: October 2019

Herein, we present 2 cases referred to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (NC OCME) in which ethanol results reported by different hospital laboratories, using alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)–based assays, were positive, whereas results of headspace gas chromatography testing performed in the NC OCME laboratory were negative. Literature reports suggest that false-positive ethanol measurements from ADH-based assays can occur when a combination of elevated lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) are present in the specimen. The results were reported in perimortem specimens collected from 2 children with unrelated medical conditions. The cases and associated clinical parameters are considered based on the lactate/LD explanation for the false-positive results, to facilitate the recognition of circumstances that can produce erroneous serum ethanol results.
Introduction
Authors: Allen Stephen , Costelloe Daniel , Fitzmaurice Malgosia , Gragl Paul , Guntrip Edward
Published: October 2019

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the role of jurisdiction in international law. Jurisdiction becomes an issue in international law once a state adopts laws that govern matters which are not purely of domestic concern. In this case, the extension of jurisdiction to regulate the activities of a state’s nationals abroad under the so-called active personality principle draws on the conception of a state as more than just territory, namely as a group of persons, wherever located, who are subject to a common authority that accompanies nationality. This type of jurisdiction is exercised to protect a state’s reputation from being tarnished by the conduct of its nationals abroad. Meanwhile, the question of nationality is determined by domestic law, although international law ascertains whether such a claim of nationality by one state must be accepted by another on the basis of the ‘genuine link’ test.
The Beginnings of State Jurisdiction in International Law until 1648
Authors: Tuori Kaius
Published: October 2019

This chapter examines the evolution of sovereignty, universal jurisdiction, and state authority prior to the existence of the Westphalian international legal order, studying three cases from the Roman and medieval practice. The first case is a reply by Roman emperor Antoninus Pius on the limits of his jurisdiction with regards to the high seas. The second case revolves around the Constitutio Antoniniana, a disputed legal rule that gave citizenship to all inhabitants of the Roman Empire, for the first time invoking the territoriality principle. The third case relates to the principle of universal jurisdiction and the pope’s universal authority and its implications for the development of international jurisdiction. These cases highlight that the traditional image given in the literature of the history of the world being divided into a premodern world based on the personality principle and the ‘post-Westphalian’ world dominated by nation states and the territorial principle is misleading.
Jurisdictional Pluralism
Authors: Berman Paul Schiff
Published: October 2019

This chapter offers a theoretical framework for the reconceptualization of jurisdiction, one which recognizes the extent to which contemporary social conditions—which are increasingly experienced across different jurisdictions—and changes in regulatory authority are visibly supplanting the exclusive notion of jurisdiction favoured by classical international law, with its preoccupation with sovereignty and territory. Viewing the concept of jurisdiction through the lens of legal pluralism opens up a wide range of inquiries that tend to be ignored or suppressed in most legal discussions of jurisdiction. Indeed, jurisdictional pluralism is both a descriptive reality, a theoretical framework, and a potentially productive institutional design choice. The chapter then argues that jurisdictional contestation is an inherent feature of living in a world with multiple overlapping communities.
Private Interests and Private Law Regulation in Public International Law Jurisdiction
Authors: Mills Alex
Published: October 2019

This chapter focuses on private interests and private law regulation in public international law jurisdiction, and discusses how questions of private law are generally marginalized in favour of a focus on public law, particularly criminal law. This is surprising and unfortunate for two main reasons. The first is that private law issues played a central role in the development of public international law jurisdictional principles. The second is that public international lawyers have, in a range of other contexts, increasingly recognized the significance of private law regulation, and the ‘public’ function which it can play in pursuing particular state interests. Recognizing the significance of private law jurisdiction presents, however, some important challenges to the way in which public international law jurisdiction has become to be understood.
Jurisdiction and State Responsibility
Authors: Trapp Kimberley N.
Published: October 2019

This chapter examines state responsibility issues in respect of a state’s exercise of jurisdiction through the prism of several themes, including shifting approaches to sovereignty and the increasing pluralism of the international community. These competing paradigms are, in some respects, reflected in the substantive law of jurisdiction, or might help to navigate between possible approaches to jurisdiction where positive law does not settle the matter. These paradigms may also have implications for the way in which the secondary rules of state responsibility do or should apply to internationally wrongful acts in respect of jurisdiction, and in turn the practice of state responsibility may support or provide evidence for the governing paradigm. The chapter then considers the law of criminal jurisdiction through the prism of state responsibility, particularly regarding the practice of state responsibility for excessive jurisdiction and the implications of the competing paradigms of international law in respect thereof.
International Investment Law, Hybrid Authority, and Jurisdiction
Authors: Guntrip Edward
Published: October 2019

This chapter discusses the extent to which contemporary approaches to jurisdiction can be applied to hybrid exercises of state and non-state authority in international investment law. Relying on theories of relative authority and transnational law, it demonstrates that jurisdiction needs to be reformulated to capture exercises of hybrid authority in international law. If jurisdiction cannot address hybrid authority, it will continue to overlook significant exercises of authority within international investment law. Based on how hybrid authority functions in international investment law, the chapter then highlights that the role of the state in international law has altered from being a welfare state to a competition state. Yet, the jurisdictional framework has not adapted to the altered function of the state. Hence, despite the common use of hybrid authority in international investment law, it cannot be accommodated within the jurisdictional framework.
International Criminal Jurisdiction
Authors: Schmalenbach Kirsten
Published: October 2019

This chapter examines the theoretical foundations and the genealogy of international criminal jurisdiction in international law. While it is clear that international criminal jurisdiction cuts into national jurisdiction to a certain extent, the question concerning the proper foundation of international criminal jurisdiction—whether it rests on state consent or a mandate by the international community—remains more nuanced and more debated. The chapter also explores judicial perspectives on the jurisdiction of international courts and tribunals. It argues that, where the Security Council has been involved in establishing a court or tribunal, jurisprudence supports the position that international criminal jurisdiction is exercised on behalf of the international community. In the case of the International Criminal Court (ICC), however, the picture becomes more complex, due to the role of domestic criminal jurisdiction and the difficulty in identifying a single international community.
Asia’s Ambivalence about International Law
Authors: Chesterman Simon
Published: October 2019

This chapter traces the broad history of Asia’s engagement with international law, focusing on three aspects that continue to have resonance today. First is the experience of colonialism by India and many other countries across the continent. Second, the unequal treaties of the nineteenth century and the failure to recognize the People’s Republic of China for much of the twentieth century encouraged a perception that international law was primarily an instrument of political power. Third, the trials that followed World War II left a legacy of suspicion that international law deals only selectively with alleged misconduct, leaving unresolved many of the larger political challenges of that conflict with ongoing ramifications today. The chapter then argues that Asian states’ ongoing ambivalence towards international law and institutions can also be attributed to the diversity of the region, power disparities among states, and the absence of ‘push’ factors driving greater integration.
Regional Organizations
Authors: Hsien-Li Tan
Published: October 2019

This chapter examines the relationship that Asia-Pacific regional and sub-regional organizations have with international law, looking at seven international organizations that span the region. It is commonly believed that the member states of Asia-Pacific regional organizations prefer less formalized institutions and fewer binding commitments. Conventional reasons for this include their history of colonialism, less legalistic and formalized cultures, and a preference for stricter conceptions of sovereignty. As such, their organizations are often perceived as less effective. However, the effectiveness of Asia-Pacific regional institutions should not be judged by one uniform standard. Instead they should be judged on their own definition of effectiveness. There should be a broader understanding that Asia-Pacific states consciously use and participate in their regional organizations differently than in other regions, and they may prefer less institutionalized models as these serve their purposes better and can still be successful.
Law of the Sea and Asian States
Authors: Beckman Robert
Published: October 2019

This chapter describes Asia’s active participation in the law of the sea. The modern law of the sea is set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS), as modified by the Agreement relating to the Implementation of the Convention 1994. UNCLOS establishes a legal order for all use of the oceans, has been universally accepted, and has been described as a ‘constitution’ for the oceans. Indeed, one of the major achievements of UNCLOS was the establishment of a clear demarcation of rights and jurisdiction in the oceans. The chapter then looks at how Asian states have contributed to, participated in, and implemented the UNCLOS regime. The term Asian states is used rather loosely, but includes states in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the western Pacific.
International Economic Law and Asia
Authors: Jiangyu Wang
Published: October 2019

This chapter explores the development of international economic law in Asia and the Pacific. International economic law (IEL), which is based on liberal economic theories, holds a special meaning for Asia because it has been associated with colonization, modernization, and globalization ever since it was first encountered by countries in the region. Asian countries’ subscription to IEL is thus a historical journey. Generally, Asia’s participation in the making of IEL has been rather limited, but a number of Asian countries—including China, India, Japan, Korea, and certain Southeast Asian countries—have benefited from the Western-dominated international economic order by making use of its rules, though at different times of history. The chapter then turns to several recent IEL related initiatives in Asia, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the New Development Bank, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Indonesia
Authors: Juwana Hikmahanto
Published: October 2019

This chapter looks at international law in Indonesia. From the beginning of its establishment as a state, alongside the formation of the Indonesian government, Indonesia has committed itself to participating on the international stage. Paragraph 4 of the Preamble of the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia 1945 shows such commitment. Indonesia’s role in the Bandung Conference of 1955 is another pivotal point to consider since Indonesia was one of the initiators of the Conference. Nevertheless, the development of international law in Indonesia is not merely about the 1945 Constitution and the Bandung Conference. It is also about Indonesia advancing its interests at the international level and making its voice count. In doing so, however, Indonesia has not been free from politics. Indonesia uses international law as a political instrument to pursue its interests; and other countries likewise use international law to advance their interests towards Indonesia.
Malaysia
Authors: Ghafur Hamid @ Khin Maung Sein Abdul
Published: October 2019

This chapter describes international law in Malaysia. Malaysia is unique in the sense that it amalgamates multiple characteristics: a federal state, a constitutional monarchy, and a state with a dual legal system. It is a multilateral player with active involvement in many intergovernmental organizations. In relation to international conventions, Malaysia has a policy of respecting them and complying with them. What is surprising, however, is that Malaysia rejects outright the doctrine of incorporation in respect of customary international law, deviating from the practice of the UK and other common law countries. Despite the fact that customary international law is binding on all states, and that a state will be responsible under international law for its breach, customary international law appears to be an alien law to the Malaysian courts. It appears that Malaysia is not only a dualist country, but also more dualist compared to any other common law counterparts.
India
Authors: Chimni B. S.
Published: October 2019

This chapter examines international law in India, offering an overview of India’s engagement with international law in the colonial and postcolonial periods. Whether it is the fact of the East India Company becoming an empire, or British India becoming an original member of both the League of Nations and the United Nations, India’s relationship with international law has been somewhat unusual. The review in this chapter encompasses the following sub-themes: the development of international law in the colonial era, 1600–1947; the place of international law in the Constitution of India 1949; the approach of Indian courts to international law, 1950–2017; and India’s multilevel engagement and contribution to international law, 1947–2017.
Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Kamal , Bhuiyan Sharif
Published: October 2019

This chapter focuses on international law in Bangladesh. Neither the Constitution of Bangladesh nor any statute contains any specific provision on domestic application of international law rules. However, it is well settled by various judicial decisions that in respect of domestic application of international treaties, Bangladesh is a dualist country. In order to be applied by national courts, it is necessary for the treaty to be incorporated into Bangladesh’s legal system by an act of incorporation. In respect of customary international law, there is no clear judicial decision on whether customary law automatically forms part of Bangladesh law or whether, like treaties, such law is required to be made a part of Bangladesh law by a legislative, judicial, or other measure. It is likely that Bangladesh courts will adhere to the English and common law tradition of treating customary international law as automatically forming part of Bangladesh law as long as there is no inconsistent domestic legal provision.
Afghanistan
Authors: Taylor Veronica L.
Published: October 2019

This chapter addresses international law in Afghanistan. States where the ‘post-conflict’ period is, in fact, a series of continuing sub-national conflicts, are often coded as ‘failed’ or ‘fragile’ and are also criticized as failing in their embrace of international law. In the case of Afghanistan, such ‘discourses of deficiency’ also erase some important legal history. For most of its history, Afghanistan has been contingent as a Westphalian state. This means that it has also had a fluid relationship with the institutions and norms of international law, including the normative discourse and practice of the international rule of law. Although Afghanistan has been a member of the United Nations since 1946, and thus a contributor to international law in the twentieth century, it is seen more as a subject of international law. After considering these issues, the chapter then highlights the complexity of Afghan’s location within, as well as its relationship with, international law, international legal institutions, and international legal norms.
Local activity of comets: an indicator of non-uniform composition
Authors: Kossacki Konrad J , Czechowski L
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we investigate the conditions for the local ejection of a metamorphosed surface layer of material from a comet. We have calculated the strengthening of the material of the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko and the increase of gas pressure in pores. We are interested in the boundary between the regions Anhur and Bes, where an active pit has been identified. We show that material rich in ice can be exposed as a result of the local ejection of the strengthened layer of material several metres thick. This process does not require locally increased concentrations of very volatile components, such as carbon monoxide. A sufficient condition is the heterogeneity of material granulation.
The cosmological distribution of compact object mergers from dynamical interactions with SMBH binaries
Authors: Wang Yi-Han , Leigh Nathan W C , Sesana Alberto , Perna Rosalba
Published: October 2019

We combine sophisticated high-precision scattering experiments, together with results from the Millenium-II simulation, to compute the cosmic merger rate of bound compact object (CO) binaries dynamically interacting with supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs). We consider binaries composed of white dwarfs (WDs), neutron stars (NSs), and black holes (BHs). The overall merger rates for WD–WD, NS–NS, BH–BH, BH–NS binaries, and EBBH (eccentric binaries of BHs) from redshift ∼5 are found to be $4.32\times 10^3\, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}(5.93\times 10^2\, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ for Type Ia SNe), $82.7\, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$, $96.3\, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$, $13.1\, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$, and $148\, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$, respectively, for a nominal CO binary fraction in the Galactic centre of 0.1. We calculate the distance (R) distribution of the merger sites with respect to the host galaxies of the binaries. The distribution shows a wide range of distances up to ∼Mpc; this tail is produced by escaped hypervelocity CO binaries. Due to the differences in the matter density of the surrounding environment, merger events with different R are expected to display significantly different signatures in their EM counterparts. In particular, merger events (and especially NS–NS) producing a relativistic jet but occurring in the intergalactic medium will have very weak afterglow radiation relative to their prompt emission. These events, which we call ‘off-centre’, can only be produced from a close encounter between CO binaries and SMBHBs; hence the detection of such merger events would indicate the existence of nearby SMBHBs, and in particular with high mass ratio, produced in the aftermath of a major galaxy merger.
Astroinformatics-based search for globular clusters in the Fornax Deep Survey
Authors: Angora G , Brescia M , Cavuoti S , Paolillo M , Longo G , Cantiello M , Capaccioli M , D’Abrusco R , D’Ago G , Hilker M , Iodice E , Mieske S , Napolitano N , Peletier R , Pota V , Puzia T , Riccio G , Spavone M
Published: October 2019

In the last years, Astroinformatics has become a well-defined paradigm for many fields of Astronomy. In this work, we demonstrate the potential of a multidisciplinary approach to identify globular clusters (GCs) in the Fornax cluster of galaxies taking advantage of multiband photometry produced by the VLT Survey Telescope using automatic self-adaptive methodologies. The data analysed in this work consist of deep, multiband, partially overlapping images centred on the core of the Fornax cluster. In this work, we use a Neural Gas model, a pure clustering machine learning methodology, to approach the GC detection, while a novel feature selection method (ΦLAB) is exploited to perform the parameter space analysis and optimization. We demonstrate that the use of an Astroinformatics-based methodology is able to provide GC samples that are comparable, in terms of purity and completeness with those obtained using single-band HST data and two approaches based, respectively, on a morpho-photometric and a Principal Component Analysis using the same data discussed in this work.
Dark Energy Survey year 1 results: the relationship between mass and light around cosmic voids
Authors: Fang Y , Hamaus N , Jain B , Pandey S , Pollina G , Sánchez C , Kovács A , Chang C , Carretero J , Castander F J , Choi A , Crocce M , DeRose J , Fosalba P , Gatti M , Gaztañaga E , Gruen D , Hartley W G , Hoyle B , MacCrann N , Prat J , Rau M M , Rykoff E S , Samuroff S , Sheldon E , Troxel M A , Vielzeuf P , Zuntz J , Annis J , Avila S , Bertin E , Brooks D , Burke D L , Carnero Rosell A , Carrasco Kind M , Cawthon R , da Costa L N , De Vicente J , Desai S , Diehl H T , Dietrich J P , Doel P , Everett S , Evrard A E , Flaugher B , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gerdes D W , Gruendl R A , Gutierrez G , Hollowood D L , James D J , Jarvis M , Kuropatkin N , Lahav O , Maia M A G , Marshall J L , Melchior P , Menanteau F , Miquel R , Palmese A , Plazas A A , Romer A K , Roodman A , Sanchez E , Serrano S , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Smith M , Soares-Santos M , Sobreira F , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , Thomas D , Vikram V , Walker A R , Weller J ,   (The DES Collaboration)
Published: October 2019

What are the mass and galaxy profiles of cosmic voids? In this paper, we use two methods to extract voids in the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Year 1 redMaGiC galaxy sample to address this question. We use either 2D slices in projection, or the 3D distribution of galaxies based on photometric redshifts to identify voids. For the mass profile, we measure the tangential shear profiles of background galaxies to infer the excess surface mass density. The signal-to-noise ratio for our lensing measurement ranges between 10.7 and 14.0 for the two void samples. We infer their 3D density profiles by fitting models based on N-body simulations and find good agreement for void radii in the range 15–85 Mpc. Comparison with their galaxy profiles then allows us to test the relation between mass and light at the 10 per cent level, the most stringent test to date. We find very similar shapes for the two profiles, consistent with a linear relationship between mass and light both within and outside the void radius. We validate our analysis with the help of simulated mock catalogues and estimate the impact of photometric redshift uncertainties on the measurement. Our methodology can be used for cosmological applications, including tests of gravity with voids. This is especially promising when the lensing profiles are combined with spectroscopic measurements of void dynamics via redshift-space distortions.
UV regulated star formation in high-redshift galaxies
Authors: Latif Muhammad A , Khochfar Sadegh
Published: October 2019

The first galaxies forming a few hundred million years after the big bang are the key drivers of cosmic evolution and ideal laboratories to study theories of galaxy formation. We here study the role of UV radiation in suppressing star formation in primordial galaxies by destroying molecular hydrogen, the main coolant in primordial gas, and provide estimates of cold dense gas at the onset of star formation. To accomplish this goal, we perform three-dimensional cosmological simulations of minihaloes in different environments forming at z ∼ 25 by varying strength of background UV flux below the Lyman limit between 0.01–1000 in units of $\rm J_{21}=10^{-21}\, erg \,cm^{-2} \,s^{-1} \,Hz^{-1} \,sr^{-1}$. Particularly, we include photodetachment of $\rm H^-$, the self-shielding of $\rm H_2$, which both were neglected in previous studies and use updated reaction rates. Our results show that depending on the background level $\rm H_2$ formation is suppressed, delaying gravitational collapse until haloes reach the atomic cooling limit. We find that the formation of cold dense molecular gas and subsequently star formation gets delayed by 100–230 Myr depending on the level of the background radiation and the growth history of the dark matter haloes. The fraction of dense self-shielded gas is a strong function of the background flux and exponentially declines with the strength of incident UV flux above $\rm J_{21} \ge 1$. We find that taking into account $\rm H_2$ self-shielding is crucial for accurately estimating the amount of cold dense gas available for star formation.
Galaxy Zoo: probabilistic morphology through Bayesian CNNs and active learning
Authors: Walmsley Mike , Smith Lewis , Lintott Chris , Gal Yarin , Bamford Steven , Dickinson Hugh , Fortson Lucy , Kruk Sandor , Masters Karen , Scarlata Claudia , Simmons Brooke , Smethurst Rebecca , Wright Darryl
Published: October 2019

We use Bayesian convolutional neural networks and a novel generative model of Galaxy Zoo volunteer responses to infer posteriors for the visual morphology of galaxies. Bayesian CNN can learn from galaxy images with uncertain labels and then, for previously unlabelled galaxies, predict the probability of each possible label. Our posteriors are well-calibrated (e.g. for predicting bars, we achieve coverage errors of 11.8 per cent within a vote fraction deviation of 0.2) and hence are reliable for practical use. Further, using our posteriors, we apply the active learning strategy BALD to request volunteer responses for the subset of galaxies which, if labelled, would be most informative for training our network. We show that training our Bayesian CNNs using active learning requires up to 35–60 per cent fewer labelled galaxies, depending on the morphological feature being classified. By combining human and machine intelligence, Galaxy zoo will be able to classify surveys of any conceivable scale on a time-scale of weeks, providing massive and detailed morphology catalogues to support research into galaxy evolution.
On the size of the CO-depletion radius in the IRDC G351.77−0.51
Authors: Sabatini G , Giannetti A , Bovino S , Brand J , Leurini S , Schisano E , Pillai T , Menten K M
Published: October 2019

An estimate of the degree of CO-depletion (fD) provides information on the physical conditions occurring in the innermost and densest regions of molecular clouds. A key parameter in these studies is the size of the depletion radius, i.e. the radius within which the C-bearing species, and in particular CO, are largely frozen on to dust grains. A strong depletion state (i.e. fD > 10, as assumed in our models) is highly favoured in the innermost regions of dark clouds, where the temperature is <20 K and the number density of molecular hydrogen exceeds a few × 104 cm−3. In this work, we estimate the size of the depleted region by studying the Infrared Dark Cloud (IRDC) G351.77−0.51. Continuum observations performed with the Herschel Space Observatory and the LArge APEX BOlometer CAmera, together with APEX C18O and C17O J = 2→1 line observations, allowed us to recover the large-scale beam- and line-of-sight-averaged depletion map of the cloud. We built a simple model to investigate the depletion in the inner regions of the clumps in the filament and the filament itself. The model suggests that the depletion radius ranges from 0.02 to 0.15 pc, comparable with the typical filament width (i.e. ∼0.1 pc). At these radii, the number density of H2 reaches values between 0.2 and 5.5 × 105 cm−3. These results provide information on the approximate spatial scales on which different chemical processes operate in high-mass star-forming regions and also suggest caution when using CO for kinematical studies in IRDCs.
The glucocorticoid receptor interferes with progesterone receptor-dependent genomic regulation in breast cancer cells
Authors: Ogara Maria F , Rodríguez-Seguí Santiago A , Marini Melisa , Nacht Ana Silvina , Stortz Martin , Levi Valeria , Presman Diego M , Vicent Guillermo P , Pecci Adali
Published: October 2019

The glucocorticoid and progesterone receptors (GR and PR) are closely related members of the steroid receptor family. Despite sharing similar structural and functional characteristics; the cognate hormones display very distinct physiological responses. In mammary epithelial cells, PR activation is associated with the incidence and progression of breast cancer, whereas the GR is related to growth suppression and differentiation. Despite their pharmacological relevance, only a few studies have compared GR and PR activities in the same system. Using a PR+/GR+ breast cancer cell line, here we report that either glucocorticoid-free or dexamethasone (DEX)-activated GR inhibits progestin-dependent gene expression associated to epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and cell proliferation. When both receptors are activated with their cognate hormones, PR and GR can form part of the same complex according to co-immunoprecipitation, quantitative microscopy and sequential ChIP experiments. Moreover, genome-wide studies in cells treated with either DEX or R5020, revealed the presence of several regions co-bound by both receptors. Surprisingly, GR also binds novel genomic sites in cells treated with R5020 alone. This progestin-induced GR binding was enriched in REL DNA motifs and located close to genes coding for chromatin remodelers. Understanding GR behavior in the context of progestin-dependent breast cancer could provide new targets for tumor therapy.
CRISPRCasdb a successor of CRISPRdb containing CRISPR arrays and cas genes from complete genome sequences, and tools to download and query lists of repeats and spacers
Authors: Pourcel Christine , Touchon Marie , Villeriot Nicolas , Vernadet Jean-Philippe , Couvin David , Toffano-Nioche Claire , Vergnaud Gilles
Published: October 2019

In Archaea and Bacteria, the arrays called CRISPRs for ‘clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats’ and the CRISPR associated genes or cas provide adaptive immunity against viruses, plasmids and transposable elements. Short sequences called spacers, corresponding to fragments of invading DNA, are stored in-between repeated sequences. The CRISPR–Cas systems target sequences homologous to spacers leading to their degradation. To facilitate investigations of CRISPRs, we developed 12 years ago a website holding the CRISPRdb. We now propose CRISPRCasdb, a completely new version giving access to both CRISPRs and cas genes. We used CRISPRCasFinder, a program that identifies CRISPR arrays and cas genes and determine the system's type and subtype, to process public whole genome assemblies. Strains are displayed either in an alphabetic list or in taxonomic order. The database is part of the CRISPR-Cas++ website which also offers the possibility to analyse submitted sequences and to download programs. A BLAST search against lists of repeats and spacers extracted from the database is proposed. To date, 16 990 complete prokaryote genomes (16 650 bacteria from 2973 species and 340 archaea from 300 species) are included. CRISPR–Cas systems were found in 36% of Bacteria and 75% of Archaea strains. CRISPRCasdb is freely accessible at https://crisprcas.i2bc.paris-saclay.fr/.
Usefulness of Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test for Prediction of Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery
Authors: Komodikis Gregoris , Gannamani Vedavyas , Neppala Sivaram , Li Michael , Merli Geno J , Harrop James S
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Spine surgery rates have increased and the high postoperative morbidity in these patients result in increased costs. Consequently, it is essential to identify patients at risk of adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether preoperative Timed Up and Go (TUG) test performance can predict high-grade postoperative complications.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective thoracolumbar spine surgery in a tertiary care hospital between 2017 and 2018. Patients were assessed preoperatively and assigned to the slow-TUG group if unable to perform or test performance time was ≥18.4 s. Primary outcome: high-grade postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes: overall complications, length of stay (LOS), discharge to healthcare facility, readmission and emergency department (ED) presentation. Patients were followed-up until 6 wk after surgery.

RESULTS

One hundred three patients (mean age 62.95 ± 10.97 yr) were enrolled. Slow-TUG group were more likely to be classified as American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) class 3 (74.1% vs 47.4%, P = .02), non-independent (25.9% vs 5.3%, P < .01), and frail (92.3% vs 42.1%, P < .01). TUG was an independent predictor of high-grade complications (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 4.97, 95% CI: 1.18-22.47), overall complications (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.33-11.81), discharge to a skilled-nursing facility (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.00-10.70), readmission within 6 wk of surgery (OR: 9.14, 95% CI: 2.39-41.26) and LOS (adjusted incident rate ratio (IRR): 1.45, 95% CI: 1.16-1.80).

CONCLUSION

Compared to traditional risk factors, TUG is an important predictor of adverse postoperative outcomes and may be used preoperatively to identify high-risk thoracolumbar surgery patients.
Connectedness Based on Shared Engagement Predicts Remote Biochemically Verified Quit Status Within Smoking Cessation Treatment Groups on Facebook
Authors: Meacham Meredith C , Liang Ou Stella , Zhao Mengnan , Yang Christopher C , Thrul Johannes , Ramo Danielle E
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Engagement with online content and online social network integration are associated with smoking behavior change, but less is known about social dynamics of shared engagement between participants in group-based social media interventions.

Methods

Participants were 251 young adult smokers aged 18 to 25 assigned to one of 29 secret Facebook groups tailored to their readiness to quit smoking (“pre-contemplation,” “contemplation,” and “preparation”). Groups varied in size and were randomly assigned to receive monetary incentives for engagement. All groups received daily posts for 90 days and were assessed for remote biochemically verified smoking abstinence at the end of the intervention. Across 29 groups, we examined associations between group features (group size, incentive condition, readiness to quit) with how connected members were within the group based on shared engagement with the same content (measured by density). At the individual level, we examined associations between 7-day biochemically verified smoking abstinence and how connected an individual was within the group (measured by degree centrality).

Results

After adjusting for comment volume, being in a contemplation group (vs. pre-contemplation group) was associated with a decrease in comment-based density. Individual degree centrality was significantly associated with biochemically verified smoking abstinence for both comments and likes.

Conclusions

Future group-based social media interventions for smoking cessation may want to focus on promoting connected engagement between participants, rather than simply quantity of engagement.

Implications

Participants in a smoking cessation intervention delivered through Facebook groups were more likely to have biochemically verified smoking abstinence if they were more connected to the rest of the group via shared engagement. Promoting shared engagement between participants may be more likely to promote behavior change than volume of engagement alone.
Changes in Body Mass Index and Atherosclerotic Disease Risk Score After Switching From Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate to Tenofovir Alafenamide
Authors: Schafer Jason J , Sassa Kaitlin N , O’Connor Jaclyn R , Shimada Ayako , Keith Scott W , DeSimone Joseph A
Published: October 2019

Background

Switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) can improve renal function and bone mineral density in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). The switch can also negatively influence cholesterol, but changes in body mass index (BMI) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk are unknown.

Methods

This retrospective observational study evaluated BMI and ASCVD risk score changes in virologically suppressed PWH who switched from TDF to TAF without switching other ART regimen components. Adults on TDF for ≥1 year with 2 consecutive HIV ribonucleic acid values <200 copies/mL before a TAF switch were included. Body weight, BMI, cholesterol, and ASCVD risk score were collected for the year before and after the switch. Pre- and postswitch values were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Changes in BMI and ASCVD scores were modeled using generalized estimating equations regression.

Results

One hundred ten patients were included. In unadjusted analyses, there were significant increases in weight, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and ASCVD risk score in the year after switching from TDF to TAF (each P ≤ .01). In regression models, switching from TDF to TAF was associated with a 0.45 kg/m2 increase in BMI (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–0.76) and a 13% increase in ASCVD risk score (95% CI, 4%–23%).

Conclusions

We observed significant BMI and ASCVD score increases in PWH 1 year after switching from TDF to TAF. The mechanism of changes is unclear and requires additional study.
Semiotics of Homonationalism
Authors: Lazar Michelle M.
Published: October 2019

This chapter discusses homonationalism as an analytical concept, which was developed originally to describe how queer identities get mobilized instrumentally to align with neoliberal agendas of nation-states. The chapter also discusses how this concept has been harnessed in newer ways to “do” a tactical politics of resistance by queer movements in illiberal contexts. Studies from the social sciences, broadly, and sociolinguistics, particularly, are presented, with a focus on how homonationalism as a discourse is semiotically construed in particular contexts. A detailed case study involving the Pink Dot movement in Singapore demonstrates the semiosis of homonationalism (in the sense of a resistive politics), through the multi- and inter-semiotic co-deployment of spoken and written language, color, visual images, photographic footages, symbols, music, and represented urban landscapes and embodiment cues. The chapter concludes by highlighting homonationalism as a complex analytical site at which queer politics can get done as well as undone.