bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The verb and noun test for peri-operative testing (VAN-POP): standardized language tests for navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation and direct electrical stimulation
Authors: Ohlerth Ann-Katrin , Valentin Antonio , Vergani Francesco , Ashkan Keyoumars , Bastiaanse Roelien
Published: December 2019

Background

Protocols for intraoperative language mapping with direct electrical stimulation (DES) often include various language tasks triggering both nouns and verbs in sentences. Such protocols are not readily available for navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS), where only single word object naming is generally used. Here, we present the development, norming, and standardization of the verb and noun test for peri-operative testing (VAN-POP) that measures language skills more extensively.

Methods

The VAN-POP tests noun and verb retrieval in sentence context. Items are marked and balanced for several linguistic factors known to influence word retrieval. The VAN-POP was administered in English, German, and Dutch under conditions that are used for nTMS and DES paradigms. For each language, 30 speakers were tested.

Results

At least 50 items per task per language were named fluently and reached a high naming agreement.

Conclusion

The protocol proved to be suitable for pre- and intraoperative language mapping with nTMS and DES.
The “Salcher” landslide observatory—experimental long-term monitoring in the Flysch Zone of Lower Austria
Authors: Stumvoll M. J. , Canli E. , Engels A. , Thiebes B. , Groiss B. , Glade T. , Schweigl J. , Bertagnoli M.
Published: December 2019

Shallow landslide processes in geologically prone areas are recognised to pose threat to both human life and property. As precipitation is one of the main triggers for landslides, hydro-meteorological interrelationships and related future changes regarding frequency and magnitude of landslide processes in particular are of major interest. Long-term monitoring investigations of active landslide sites can provide a better understanding of the kinematic behaviour and triggering conditions of slope instabilities induced by hydro-meteorological patterns. In this study, we present the installation and first results of a long-term monitoring setup in the Flysch Zone of Lower Austria equipped with a large variety of combined hydrological and geotechnical measuring techniques. The geological unit of the Flysch Zone, characterised by high contents of clay and the corresponding weathering products, is exceptionally prone to earth and debris slides which are mostly triggered by heavy precipitation events or snow melting. The landslide under investigation is situated in the heterogeneous lithology of Flysch deposits, surrounded by private property and without any agricultural usage. There is evidence of landslide activity since the 1950s. As it is showing only moderate displacement velocities (max. 20 cm in 2009), it represents a predestined study site for a long-term monitoring and the testing of new monitoring techniques. One of the main aims of this study is to characterise the internal structure, assess the current landslide dynamics and to analyse recent process activity by means of surface and subsurface monitoring installations. Surface methods currently include terrestrial laser scanning, GNSS and total station measurements. With these, surface movement rates of approx. 12 cm/6 months have been detected in the most active part of the landslide. Inclinometer measurements together with results from core drillings and penetrations tests suggest a complex, rotational landslide system with different shear zones, consisting of a more active part in the upper 3 m underlain by a less active part down to 9-m depth. As this monitoring site is designed to be operated for at least 10 years, information about its structure and high-resolution, multi-temporal data about its dynamics can be correlated with hydrological cause variables in the future. These insights and the exemplary nature of the study site regarding shallow landslide processes in Flysch deposits will be useful for the development of novel analysis methods for both Lower Austria as well as study sites with similar initial conditions.
Efficacy of modified FOLFOX6 chemotherapy for patients with unresectable pseudomyxoma peritonei
Authors: Hiraide Sakura , Komine Keigo , Sato Yuko , Ouchi Kota , Imai Hiroo , Saijo Ken , Takahashi Masahiro , Takahashi Shin , Shirota Hidekazu , Takahashi Masanobu , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: December 2019

Background

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignancy, and there is insufficient evidence about systemic chemotherapy for this disease.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of a chemotherapeutic regimen with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (modified FOLFOX6, mFOLFOX6) for patients with unresectable pseudomyxoma peritonei. Patients who received the therapy between April 2000 and February 2019 at the Department of Medical Oncology, Tohoku University Hospital, were enrolled in this study.

Results

Eight patients were treated with mFOLFOX6. The sites of primary tumor were appendix in six patients, ovary in a patient, and urachus in a patient. Six patients received surgery. Seven patients had histologically high-grade PMP, and one patient had low-grade PMP. The median follow-up duration was 27.2 months. All the patients had non-measurable regions as the targets of tumor response. Non-complete response or non-progressive disease was observed in seven patients, with a disease control rate of 87.5%. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 13.0 months and 27.9 months, respectively. An obvious reduction in the symptoms was observed in two patients. Five patients experienced decline in the serum tumor markers, CEA or CA19-9. The grade 3/4 toxicity that was observed was grade 4 neutropenia in one patient and grade 3 neutropenia in two patients.

Conclusions

mFOLFOX6 might be an effective and tolerable treatment option for patients with unresectable PMP. To our knowledge, this is the first case series of mFOLFOX6 in patients with unresectable PMP and the first case series of systemic chemotherapy for Asian patients with unresectable PMP.
Effects of mild and moderate renal dysfunction on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of dotinurad: a novel selective urate reabsorption inhibitor
Authors: Fukase Hiroyuki , Okui Daisuke , Sasaki Tomomitsu , Fushimi Masahiko , Ohashi Tetsuo , Hosoya Tatsuo
Published: December 2019

Background

Dotinurad, a novel selective urate reabsorption inhibitor, exerts a serum uric acid-lowering effect by selectively inhibiting urate transporter 1 (URAT1) in patients with hyperuricemia. It is generally known that the progression of renal dysfunction is associated with a reduction in the serum uric acid-lowering effects of uricosuric drugs. We, therefore, investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of dotinurad in subjects with renal dysfunction.

Methods

This was a parallel-group, open-label, single-dose clinical pharmacology study. Dotinurad (1 mg) was administered once, orally to subjects with mild (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], ≥ 60 to < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) or moderate (eGFR, ≥ 30 to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) renal dysfunction or normal (eGFR, ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) renal function.

Results

The time-course of mean plasma concentration of dotinurad had similar profiles across the groups. Regarding PK, there was no significant difference between the renal dysfunction groups and normal renal function group. Regarding PD, the maximum reduction rate in serum uric acid levels and the fractional uric acid excretion (FE) ratio (FE0–24/FE−24–0) were significantly lower in the moderate renal dysfunction group than in the normal renal function group. However, other PD parameters were not significantly different among the groups. No notable adverse events or adverse drug reactions were observed in this study.

Conclusion

These results suggested that no dose adjustment might be necessary when administering dotinurad to patients with mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02347046.
Soil nitrogen cycle unresponsive to decadal long climate change in a Tasmanian grassland
Authors: Rütting Tobias , Hovenden Mark J.
Published: December 2019

Increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and global air temperature affect all terrestrial ecosystems and often lead to enhanced ecosystem productivity, which in turn dampens the rise in atmospheric CO2 by removing CO2 from the atmosphere. As most terrestrial ecosystems are limited in their productivity by the availability of nitrogen (N), there is concern about the persistence of this terrestrial carbon sink, as these ecosystems might develop a progressive N limitation (PNL). An increase in the gross soil N turnover may alleviate PNL, as more mineral N is made available for plant uptake. So far, climate change experiments have mainly manipulated one climatic factor only, but there is evidence that single-factor experiments usually overestimate the effects of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we investigated how simultaneous, decadal-long increases in CO2 and temperature affect the soil gross N dynamics in a native Tasmanian grassland under C3 and C4 vegetation. Our laboratory 15N labeling experiment showed that average gross N mineralization ranged from 4.9 to 11.3 µg N g−1 day−1 across the treatment combinations, while gross nitrification was about ten-times lower. Considering all treatment combinations, no significant effect of climatic treatments or vegetation type (C3 versus C4 grasses) on soil N cycling was observed.
Effects of learning addition and subtraction in preschool by making the first ten numbers and their relations visible with finger patterns
Authors: Kullberg Angelika , Björklund Camilla , Brkovic Irma , Runesson Kempe Ulla
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we report how 5-year-olds’ arithmetic skills developed through participation in an 8-month-long intervention. The intervention program aimed to enhance the children’s ways of experiencing numbers’ part-part-whole relations as a basis for arithmetic skills and was built on principles from the variation theory of learning. The report is based on an analysis of assessments with 103 children (intervention groupn = 65 and control groupn = 38) before and after the intervention and a follow-up assessment 1 year after the intervention. Our findings show that the learning outcomes of the intervention group were significantly higher compared to those of the control group after the intervention and that differences between the groups remained even 1 year after the intervention. In particular, the results show that children participating in the intervention group learned to recognize and use part-part-whole relations in novel arithmetic tasks.
Parameter identification for symbolic regression using nonlinear least squares
Authors: Kommenda Michael , Burlacu Bogdan , Kronberger Gabriel , Affenzeller Michael
Published: December 2019

In this paper we analyze the effects of using nonlinear least squares for parameter identification of symbolic regression models and integrate it as local search mechanism in tree-based genetic programming. We employ the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm for parameter optimization and calculate gradients via automatic differentiation. We provide examples where the parameter identification succeeds and fails and highlight its computational overhead. Using an extensive suite of symbolic regression benchmark problems we demonstrate the increased performance when incorporating nonlinear least squares within genetic programming. Our results are compared with recently published results obtained by several genetic programming variants and state of the art machine learning algorithms. Genetic programming with nonlinear least squares performs among the best on the defined benchmark suite and the local search can be easily integrated in different genetic programming algorithms as long as only differentiable functions are used within the models.
NUCLEUS: Exploring Coherent Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering with Cryogenic Detectors
Authors:   The NUCLEUS Collaboration, Rothe J. , Angloher G. , Ardellier-Desages F. , Bento A. , Canonica L. , Erhart A. , Ferreiro N. , Friedl M. , Ghete V. M. , Hauff D. , Kluck H. , Lasserre T. , Lhuillier D. , Kinast A. , Mancuso M. , Rubiales J. Molina , Mondragon-Cortes E. , Munch G. , Nones C. , Oberauer L. , Ortmann T. , Pattavina L. , Petricca F. , Potzel W. , Pröbst F. , Reindl F. , Schieck J. , Schönert S. , Schwertner C. , Scola L. , Stodolsky L. , Strauss R. , Vivier M. , Wagner V. , Zolotarova A.
Published: December 2019

The NUCLEUS experiment aims for the detection of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering at a nuclear power reactor with gram-scale, ultra-low-threshold cryogenic detectors. This technology leads to a miniaturization of neutrino detectors and allows to probe physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. A 0.5 g NUCLEUS prototype detector, operated above ground in 2017, reached an energy threshold for nuclear recoils of below 20 eV. This sensitivity is achieved with tungsten transition edge sensors which are operating at temperatures of 15 mK and are mainly sensitive to non-thermal phonons. These small recoil energies become accessible for the first time with this technology, which allows collecting large-statistics neutrino event samples with a moderate detector mass. A first-phase cryogenic detector array with a total mass of 10 g enables a 5-sigma observation of coherent scattering within several weeks. We identified a suitable experimental site at the Chooz Nuclear Power Plant and performed muon and neutron background measurements there. The operation of a NUCLEUS cryogenic detector array at such a site requires highly efficient background suppression. NUCLEUS plans to use an innovative technique consisting of separate cryogenic anticoincidence detectors against surface backgrounds and penetrating (gamma, neutron) radiation. We present first results from prototypes of these veto detectors and their operation in coincidence with a NUCLEUS target detector.
Versatile mass excited impact oscillator
Authors: Wiercigroch Marian , Kovacs Stephane , Zhong Shun , Costa Dimitri , Vaziri Vahid , Kapitaniak Marcin , Pavlovskaia Ekaterina
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the design and the initial experimental results of a novel impact oscillator rig developed by the Centre of Applied Dynamic Research at the University of Aberdeen. In this rig, the excitation force is generated electromagnetically and it acts directly on the mass in contrast to the most of the experimental set-ups where the excitation passes through the structure. This significantly enhances flexibility of the system allowing to observe subtle phenomena. The evolution of the design from an initial concept to the finalised rig is discussed in details where a special attention is paid to the instrumentation and parameter identification which are important for the mathematical modelling. The initial experimental results demonstrate potentials of this rig to study fundamental impact phenomena, which have been observed in various engineering systems. They also indicate that this new rig can be a good platform for investigating nonlinear control methods.
Nonlinear Flow Behavior in Packed Beds of Natural and Variably Graded Granular Materials
Authors: van Lopik J. H. , Zazai L. , Hartog N. , Schotting R. J.
Published: December 2019

Under certain flow conditions, fluid flow through porous media starts to deviate from the linear relationship between flow rate and hydraulic gradient. At such flow conditions, Darcy’s law for laminar flow can no longer be assumed and nonlinear relationships are required to predict flow in the Forchheimer regime. To date, most of the nonlinear flow behavior data is obtained from flow experiments on packed beds of uniformly graded granular materials (Cu = d60/d10 < 2) with various average grain sizes, ranging from sands to cobbles. However, natural deposits of sand and gravel in the subsurface could have a wide variety of grain size distributions. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the impact of variable grain size distributions on the extent of nonlinear flow behavior through 18 different packed beds of natural sand and gravel deposits, as well as composite filter sand and gravel mixtures within the investigated range of uniformity (2.0 < Cu < 17.35) and porosity values (0.23 < n < 0.36). Increased flow resistance is observed for the sand and gravel with high Cu values and low porosity values. The present study shows that for granular material with wider grain size distributions (Cu > 2), the d10 instead of the average grain size (d50) as characteristic pore length should be used. Ergun constants A and B with values of 63.1 and 1.72, respectively, resulted in a reasonable prediction of the Forchheimer coefficients for the investigated granular materials.
Analysis of CT characteristics in the diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum associated appendicitis with clinical and pathological correlation: a diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Valluru Bimbadhar , Zhou Zhou , Sah Dineswar , Du Wei , Ali Mahamed O. , Adam Ahmed A. , Zhang Liang , Wang Juan J.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To clarify unique non-contrast CT (NCCT) characteristics for early recognition of Schistosomal associated appendicitis (SAA) differentiating from Non-schistosomal associated appendicitis (NSA).

Material and methods

Clinical and pathological data of 50 cases with SAA and 60 cases with NSA who underwent emergency appendectomy were retrospectively compared to pre-surgical NCCT features such as direct and indirect signs of acute appendicitis as well as appendicoliths, colon calcifications as diagnostic criteria. Statistical methods such as Chi-square (χ2), t-tests, Principal component analysis (PCA), Binary Logistic regression (LR) and Factor Analysis (FA) were utilized to observe differences and isolate recognizable CT features of SAA. Pre and post hoc diagnostic performance of all criteria was calculated as sensitivity, specificity, and the Odds Ratio (OR).

Results

Age > 50 years, diameter > 13 mm, pneumatosis, peri appendiceal abscess, focal wall defect, perforation; Orbital, linear and point types of appendicular wall calcifications; sigmoid colon and cecal curvilinear calcifications were observed as unique characteristics with a sensitivity of 84–95% and specificity of 91–98% in predicting SAA by OR of 6.2 times. Pre and post hoc hypothetical analysis did not show any significance for all other factors.

Conclusion

Factors such as elderly age, CT features such as larger appendicular diameter, appendicular wall calcifications along with sigmoid colon, and cecal calcifications, signs of perforation or abscess are characteristic for early recognition of SAA.
Incorporation of Biosolids as Water Replacement in a Two-Step Renewable Hydrocarbon Process: Hydrolysis of Brown Grease with Biosolids
Authors: Xia Lin , Chae Michael , Asomaning Justice , Omidghane Mehdi , Zhu Chengyong , Bressler David C.
Published: December 2019

The accumulating volumes of biosolids in lagoons worldwide have intensified the need to develop innovative wastewater treatment strategies. Here, we provide proof-of-concept for the incorporation of biosolids into the hydrolysis step of a two-step thermal conversion of lipids for production of renewable hydrocarbons, which can be utilized as renewable fuels. Brown grease was hydrolysed with biosolids or water at 260–280 °C for 60 min at a mass ratio of 1:1 feed to water or biosolids. The feedstock and products were characterized using various analytical techniques to compare the performance of biosolids to water. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the degree of hydrolysis of brown grease when biosolids was used as water replacement. The fatty acids composition after hydrolysis when biosolids was used as a water replacement also remained largely unchanged. Hydrolysis of brown grease with biosolids could be achieved at pH ranging from 3.3 to 8.9, and at a lower than previously established temperature. Significantly, the rapid settling of solid material in biosolids observed after thermal hydrolysis of brown grease may reduce the necessity of biosolids settling lagoons. Thus, incorporation of biosolids into a lipid hydrolysis-pyrolysis process may simultaneously benefit the biofuel and waste management sectors.

Graphic Abstract
Language as an including or excluding factor in mathematics teaching and learning
Authors: Robertson Sally-Ann , Graven Mellony
Published: December 2019

This article explores the power of language to either include or exclude certain groups of students from genuine opportunities for mathematical sense-making. The substantial increase worldwide in the number of students learning mathematics through a language other than their primary language makes this a particularly urgent issue. This paper focuses on the South African situation, where, because English is widely perceived as the language of opportunity, it is, by grade 4, overwhelmingly the chosen language of learning and teaching. The epistemological and pedagogical consequences of this choice are evidenced in the poor performance of the country’s students on national and international assessments of mathematical proficiency. Drawing on research literature around language immersion education models and the extent to which these align with certain key principles of second language acquisition, this position paper motivates for a stronger and more sustained commitment to providing students, particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable communities, with opportunities for becoming both bilingual and biliterate. Empirical data from two South African grade 4 mathematics classrooms are used to illuminate aspects of the mathematical sense-making challenges students and their teachers face without such commitment.
Molybdenum alloying in cast iron and steel
Authors: Chen Xiang-Ru , Zhai Qi-Jie , Dong Han , Dai Bao-Hua , Mohrbacher Hardy
Published: December 2019

Metal casting is an important manufacturing technology for efficiently producing massive components with complex shape. A large share of industrial castings is made from iron and steel alloys, combining attractive properties and low production cost. Upgrading of properties in cast iron and steel is mainly achieved by alloying and in fewer cases by heat treatment. Molybdenum is an important alloying element in that respect, increasing strength, hardness and toughness. It also facilitates particular heat treatments such as austempering. The paper describes the metallurgical functionality of molybdenum alloying in iron-based castings and demonstrates its effectiveness for applications in the automotive and mining industry.
Update on the Treatment of Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Authors: Schinkelshoek M. S. , Fronczek R. , Lammers G. J.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of Review

Idiopathic hypersomnia is an incapacitating disorder with a profound impact on daytime performance and quality of life. The most commonly used treatment modalities are lifestyle advice and pharmacological therapy. We present an update on the evidence concerning treatment options for idiopathic hypersomnia.

Recent Findings

Evidence for non-pharmacological interventions is lacking; improvement in symptoms on introducing these interventions is often less pronounced than in narcolepsy. Additional pharmacological treatment is therefore usually initiated. The few treatment studies that have been performed are hampered by small sample sizes and the use of variable and often insufficiently validated outcome parameters for the whole spectrum of idiopathic hypersomnia symptoms.

Conclusion

Evidence on treatment is scarce. Since the efficacy of modafinil is consistently described and there is much experience with this substance, it is reasonable to start with modafinil as a first choice treatment. Methylphenidate and dexamphetamine are good alternatives. In the future, newer drugs such as sodium oxybate, pitolisant, and solriamfetol might be authorized for use in idiopathic hypersomnia.
More than five-twelfths of the zeros of $$\zeta $$ are on the critical line
Authors: Pratt Kyle , Robles Nicolas , Zaharescu Alexandru , Zeindler Dirk
Published: December 2019

The second moment of the Riemann zeta-function twisted by a normalized Dirichlet polynomial with coefficients of the form$$(\mu \star \Lambda _1^{\star k_1} \star \Lambda _2^{\star k_2} \star \cdots \star \Lambda _d^{\star k_d})$$(μ⋆Λ1⋆k1⋆Λ2⋆k2⋆⋯⋆Λd⋆kd)is computed unconditionally by means of the autocorrelation of ratios of$$\zeta $$ζtechniques from Conrey et al. (Proc Lond Math Soc (3) 91:33–104, 2005), Conrey et al. (Commun Number Theory Phys 2:593–636, 2008) as well as Conrey and Snaith (Proc Lond Math Soc 3(94):594–646, 2007). This in turn allows us to describe the combinatorial process behind the mollification of$$\begin{aligned} \zeta (s) + \lambda _1 \frac{\zeta '(s)}{\log T} + \lambda _2 \frac{\zeta ''(s)}{\log ^2 T} + \cdots + \lambda _d \frac{\zeta ^{(d)}(s)}{\log ^d T}, \end{aligned}$$ζ(s)+λ1ζ′(s)logT+λ2ζ′′(s)log2T+⋯+λdζ(d)(s)logdT,where$$\zeta ^{(k)}$$ζ(k)stands for thekth derivative of the Riemann zeta-function and$$\{\lambda _k\}_{k=1}^d$${λk}k=1dare real numbers. Improving on recent results on long mollifiers and sums of Kloosterman sums due to Pratt and Robles (Res Number Theory 4:9, 2018), as an application, we increase the current lower bound of critical zeros of the Riemann zeta-function to slightly over five-twelfths.
Towards a Critical Theory of the Technosystem
Authors: Wolff Raphaël
Published: December 2019

Feenberg’s new book,Technosystem: the social life of reason, makes an important intervention in the study of technological systems by showing that instrumental reason requires value judgement at the moment of its realization in this world. It fosters hope that technological development can be redirected towards the fulfilment of human needs through public interventions of nonexperts. However, Feenberg does not sufficiently engage with the political dilemmas that inevitably accompany these interventions as a result of the formal capitalist bias of the technosystem. The books by Bridle and Bucher underline the importance of confronting these dilemmas as they encounter them in various domains and provide possible ways for dealing with them.
Estrogen activates Alzheimer's disease genes
Authors: Ratnakumar Abhirami , Zimmerman Samuel E. , Jordan Bryen A. , Mar Jessica C.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Women are at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the reason why remains unknown. One hypothesis is that low estrogen levels at menopause increases vulnerability to AD, but this remains unproven.

Methods

We compared neuronal genes upregulated by estrogen in ovariectomized female rhesus macaques with a database of >17,000 diverse gene sets and applied a rare variant burden test to exome sequencing data from 1208 female AD patients with the age of onset < 75 years and 2162 female AD controls.

Results

We found a striking overlap between genes upregulated by estrogen in macaques and genes downregulated in the human postmortem AD brain, and we found that estrogen upregulates the APOE gene and that progesterone acts antagonistically to estrogen genome‐wide. We also found that female patients with AD have excess rare mutations in the early menopause gene MCM8.

Discussion

We show with genomic data that the menopausal loss of estrogen could underlie the increased risk for AD in women.
Data Collection Tools for Maternal and Child Health in Humanitarian Emergencies: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Constantino Juliana Lima , Romeiro Fernanda Dias , Diaz Theresa , Moran Allisyn C , Boschi-Pinto Cynthia
Published: December 2019

The worst rates of preventable mortality and morbidity among women and children occur in humanitarian settings. Reliable, easy-to-use, standardized, and efficient tools for data collection are needed to enable different organizations to plan and act in the most effective way. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned a review of tools for data collection on the health of women and children in humanitarian emergencies. An update of this review was conducted to investigate whether the recommendations made were taken forward and to identify newly developed tools. Fifty-three studies and 5 new tools were identified. Only 1 study used 1 of the tools identified in our search. Little has been done in terms of the previous recommendations. Authors may not be aware of the availability of such tools and of the importance of documenting their data using the same methods as other researchers. Currently used tools may not be suitable for use in humanitarian settings or may not include the domains of the authors’ interests. The development of standardized instruments should be done with all key workers in the area and could be coordinated by the WHO.
ON THE CONJECTURE OF VASCONCELOS FOR ARTINIAN ALMOST COMPLETE INTERSECTION MONOMIAL IDEALS
Authors: LIN KUEI-NUAN , SHEN YI-HUANG
Published: December 2019

In this short note, we confirm a conjecture of Vasconcelos which states that the Rees algebra of any Artinian almost complete intersection monomial ideal is almost Cohen–Macaulay.
Open-boundary spectral and flux-balance Vlasov simulation
Authors: Klimas Alexander J. , Viñas Adolfo F.
Published: December 2019

Simulations of one-dimensional Vlasov–Maxwell solutions with non-periodic boundary conditions are discussed. Results obtained using a recently developed filtered flux-balance simulation system are compared to those obtained using a filtered, Fourier–Fourier transformed system. Excellent agreement is confirmed except for the appearance of the Gibbs phenomenon on the discontinuous simulated solutions of the transformed system. Recovery of the flux-balance results from the Fourier transformed results using the inverse polynomial reconstruction method is demonstrated.
Telescope and Microscope. A micro-historical approach to global China in the eighteenth century
Authors: MENEGON EUGENIO
Published: December 2019

One of the challenges of global history is to bridge the particularities of individual lives and trajectories with the macro-historical patterns that develop over space and time. Italian micro-history, particularly popular in the 1980s–1990s, has excavated the lives of small communities or individuals to test the findings of serial history and macro-historical approaches. Micro-history in the Anglophone world has instead focused more on narrative itself, and has shown, with some exceptions, less interest for ampler historiographical conclusions.

Sino-Western interactions in the early modern period offer a particularly fruitful field of investigation, ripe for a synthesis of the global and the micro-historical. Cultural, social, and economic phenomena can be traced in economic and statistical series, unpublished correspondence, and other non-institutional sources, in part thanks to the survival of detailed records of the activities of East India companies and missionary agencies in China. Recent scholarship has started to offer new conclusions, based on such Western records and matching records in the Chinese historical archive.

In this article, I offer a methodological reflection on ‘global micro-history’, followed by four micro-historical ‘vignettes’ that focus on the economic and socio-religious activities of the Roman Catholic mission in Beijing in the long eighteenth century. These fragments uncover unexplored facets of Chinese life in global contexts from the point of view of European missionaries and Chinese Christians in the Qing capital—‘end users’ of the local and global networks of commerce and religion bridging Europe, Asia, Africa, and South and Central America.
Effects of acute transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on emotion recognition in adolescent depression
Authors: Koenig Julian , Parzer Peter , Haigis Niklas , Liebemann Jasmin , Jung Tamara , Resch Franz , Kaess Michael
Published: December 2019

Background

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a promising therapeutic option for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Alternative third-line treatments for MDD in adolescents are scarce. Here we aimed to assess the effects of acute tVNS on emotion recognition in adolescents with MDD.

Methods

Adolescents (14–17 years) with MDD (n = 33) and non-depressed controls (n = 30) received tVNS or sham-stimulation in a cross-sectional, case–control, within-subject cross-randomized controlled trial, while performing different tasks assessing emotion recognition. Correct responses, response times, and errors of omission and commission on three different computerized emotion recognition tasks were assessed as main outcomes. Simultaneous recordings of electrocardiography and electro dermal activity, as well as sampling of saliva for the determination of α-amylase, were used to quantify the effects on autonomic nervous system function.

Results

tVNS had no effect on the recognition of gradually or static expressed emotions but altered response inhibition on the emotional Go/NoGo-task. Specifically, tVNS increased the likelihood of omitting a response toward sad target-stimuli in adolescents with MDD, while decreasing errors (independent of the target emotion) in controls. Effects of acute tVNS on autonomic nervous system function were found in non-depressed controls only.

Conclusions

Acute tVNS alters the recognition of briefly presented facial expressions of negative valence in adolescents with MDD while generally increasing emotion recognition in controls. tVNS seems to specifically alter early visual processing of stimuli of negative emotional valence in MDD. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of tVNS in adolescent MDD that requires further evaluation within clinical trials.
Rethinking silence, gender, and power in insecure sites: Implications for feminist security studies in a postcolonial world
Authors: Parpart Jane
Published: December 2019

My current interest in silence, gender, and power owes much to discussions with Marysia Zalewski over the years. Much of my work has focused on masculinity, gender relations, and gender hierarchies with a focus on security and development in conflict zones. More recently, I have begun to explore silence not as a sign of disempowerment, but as a powerful force that can be used in many ways. This approach enables a more multi-levelled understanding of silence and voice and their many interactions. It has much to tell the Global North, where we prize voice and often underestimate the power of silence.
Uneven use of biodiversity indicators in 5th National Reports to the Convention on Biological Diversity
Authors: Bhatt Rashi , Gill Michael J. , Hamilton Healy , Han Xuemei , Linden Ellie , Young Bruce E.
Published: December 2019

Indicators are necessary to monitor national progress toward commitments made to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), but countries often struggle to mobilize quantitative indicators for many biodiversity targets. Assessing the extent to which countries are using measurable indicators from global and national sources by surveying 5th National Reports to the CBD, we found that nationally generated indicators were used 11 times more frequently than global indicators and only one-fifth of indicators matched those recommended by the CBD, suggesting that countries and indicator experts should work more closely to agree upon measurable, scalable, fit-for-purpose indicators for the next generation of CBD targets.
Assessing the sustainability of harvest of the European Turtle-dove along the European western flyway
Authors: LORMÉE HERVÉ , BARBRAUD CHRISTOPHE , PEACH WILL , CARBONERAS CARLES , LEBRETON JEAN DOMINIQUE , MORENO-ZARATE LARA , BACON LEO , ERAUD CYRIL
Published: December 2019

With a decline exceeding 30% over three generations, the once-common European Turtle-dove is now considered globally threatened by IUCN. As a legal game species in 10 European countries, the recent International Single Species Action Plan for this species highlighted the need to carry out an assessment of the sustainability of current levels of hunting. In 2013–2014, the Western European population was estimated at 1.3–2.1 million pairs, and the hunting bag in the same region to be 1.1 million birds. Using the Demographic Invariant Method, we assessed whether current levels of hunting harvest within Europe constitute overexploitation of the western flyway European Turtle-dove population. We calculated the maximum growth rate λmax that a population might achieve in the absence of any additive mortality. Then we estimated the potential maximum harvestable population fraction (P) allowed by excess population growth. We explored a wide range of plausible scenarios relating to assumed demographic rates, geographic scope of the flyway and management objectives. λmax was estimated to lie between 1.551 and 1.869. Current levels of hunting along the western flyway are more than double the sustainable fraction (P) under all suitably conservative scenarios, and only fall below this threshold under the most restrictive assumptions. We conclude that current levels of legal hunting along the western flyway are unlikely to be sustainable. Reducing uncertainty associated with assessments of the sustainability of turtle dove hunting will require improved information on (in order of decreasing importance) current levels of hunting, adult survival, age structure and population size.
Antenatal Dads and First Year Families program: a qualitative study of fathers’ and program facilitators’ experiences of a community-based program in Australia
Authors: Parry Yvonne Karen , Ankers Matthew David , Abbott Shelly , Willis Lyall , Thorpe Lynne , O’Brien Teresa , Richards Curtis
Published: December 2019

Aim:

Currently, there is limited knowledge on the impact of father-only sessions or parenting programs supporting impending fatherhood. This research explored an antenatal dads program aimed at fathers to assess the benefits of such interventions.

Background:

Literature regarding parenting programs and early childhood education initiatives, especially those aimed at children and families in disadvantaged circumstance, have been demonstrated to act as a buffer to poorer health and lifestyle outcomes in later life.

Methods:

A qualitative research approach was used to explore the experiences of 16 fathers and 6 staff of a community-based parenting program with sessions focusing on fatherhood.

Findings:

Four main themes were identified from the data regarding the experiences of groups engaged with the Antenatal Dads and First Year Families program. The first theme ‘Knowledge and Capacity Building’ stated that the information provided in the program helped fathers to be better informed and prepared for their impending fatherhood. The second theme was ‘Mental Health Awareness’ and identified the importance of raising awareness of depression and suicide in fathers, including where and how to get help. The third theme was ‘Soft-Entry’ and highlighted how the attendance at one service helped participants to learn about additional services through word of mouth and targeted promotion. The final theme was ‘Feeling Connected’, which helped fathers to feel more connected with the process of childbirth and development including playing and engaging with their children. Overall, the fathers found that the male-only sessions assisted them by supporting frank discussions on fatherhood. Additionally, the study helped identify the advantages of fathers meeting other fathers through attendance in the program, or even other couples in similar situations that helped fathers to feel less lonely regarding their situation.
Wisconsin Twin Project Overview: Temperament and Affective Neuroscience
Authors: Schmidt Nicole L. , Lemery-Chalfant Kathryn , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: December 2019

The Wisconsin Twin Project encompasses nearly 30 years of longitudinal research that spans infancy to early adulthood. The twin sample was recruited from statewide birth records for birth cohorts 1989–2004. We summarize early recruitment, assessment, retention and recently completed twin neuroimaging studies. In addition to the focal twins, longitudinal data were also collected from two parents and nontwin siblings. Our adolescent and young adult neuroimaging sample (N = 600) completed several previous behavioral and environmental assessments, beginning shortly after birth. The extensive phenotyping is meant to support a range of empirical investigations with potentially differing theoretical perspectives.
Shallow Seafloor Gas emissions Near Heard and McDonald Islands on the Kerguelen Plateau, Southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Spain E. A. , Johnson S. C. , Hutton B. , Whittaker J. M. , Lucieer V. , Watson S. J. , Fox J. M. , Lupton J. , Arculus R. , Bradney A. , Coffin M. F.
Published: December 2019

Bubble emission mechanisms from submerged large igneous provinces remains enigmatic. The Kerguelen Plateau, a large igneous province in the southern Indian Ocean, has a long sustained history of active volcanism and glacial/interglacial cycles of sedimentation, both of which may cause seafloor bubble production. We present the results of hydroacoustic flare observations around the underexplored volcanically active Heard Island and McDonald Islands on the Central Kerguelen Plateau. Flares were observed with a split‐beam echosounder and characterized using multifrequency decibel differencing. Deep‐tow camera footage, water properties, water column δ3He, subbottom profile, and sediment δ13C and δ34S data were analyzed to consider flare mechanisms. Excess δ3He near McDonald Islands seeps, indicating mantle‐derived input, suggests proximal hydrothermal activity; McDonald Islands flares may thus indicate CO2, methane, and other minor gas bubbles associated with shallow diffuse hydrothermal venting. The Heard Island seep environment, with subbottom acoustic blanking in thick sediment, muted 3He signal, and δ13C and δ34S fractionation factors, suggest that Heard Island seeps may either be methane gas (possibly both shallow biogenic methane and deeper‐sourced thermogenic methane related to geothermal heat from onshore volcanism) or a combination of methane and CO2, such as seen in sediment‐hosted geothermal systems. These data provide the first evidence of submarine gas escape on the Central Kerguelen Plateau and expand our understanding of seafloor processes and carbon cycling in the data‐poor southern Indian Ocean. Extensive sedimentation of the Kerguelen Plateau and additional zones of submarine volcanic activity mean additional seeps or vents may lie outside the small survey area proximal to the islands.
Santa Ana Winds of Southern California Impact PM2.5With and Without Smoke From Wildfires
Authors: Aguilera Rosana , Gershunov Alexander , Ilango Sindana D. , Guzman‐Morales Janin , Benmarhnia Tarik
Published: December 2019

Key Points

Santa Ana winds have a predominant ventilation effect as background PM2.5is transported offshore from highly polluted areas

A polluting effect occurs when SAWs spread smoke PM2.5from wildfires inland toward the coastal region

Statistical approaches that relate surface wind and PM2.5over space and time can help in identifying wildfire PM2.5
Ozone Transport‐Radiation Feedbacks in the Tropical Tropopause Layer
Authors: Charlesworth Edward J. , Birner Thomas , Albers John R.
Published: December 2019

The tropical tropopause layer (TTL) temperature balance is of considerable interest for its control over the amount of water entering the stratosphere. The upwelling branch of the Brewer‐Dobson circulation (BDC) directly affects these temperatures through adiabatic cooling. BDC upwelling also indirectly affects TTL temperatures through the influence of ozone transport on radiative heating. We investigate this latter feedback using a single‐column radiative‐convective equilibrium model coupled with a model of simplified stratospheric ozone chemistry and vertical transport. We find that BDC ozone transport is of first‐order importance for TTL temperatures. Additionally, we estimate the effect of ozone transport on cold point tropopause temperature responses to changes in upwelling. We find that the feedback is responsible for approximately 20% of the response to perturbations on time scales longer than about half a year but that this contribution can be neglected for time scales shorter than about a week.
Generation and Characteristics of Unusual High Frequency EMIC Waves
Authors: Teng S. , Li W. , Tao X. , Ma Q. , Wu Y. , Capannolo L. , Shen X.‐C. , Gan L.
Published: December 2019

We report unusual Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves with a very narrow frequency bandwidth, closely following and approaching the proton gyrofrequency. One interesting case analysis shows that magnetosonic waves, anisotropic suprathermal proton distributions, and high frequency EMIC waves are closely related. Magnetosonic waves potentially cause the resonant heating of suprathermal protons and the temperature anisotropy of suprathermal protons (10–100 eV) likely provides free energy for the excitation of high frequency EMIC waves. The statistical analysis shows that this type of EMIC waves has a typical wave amplitude of ~100 pT, left‐handed polarization, and small wave normal angles. Moreover, these low frequency EMIC waves typically occur near the equator in the low‐density regions from dawn to dusk. These newly observed high frequency EMIC waves provide new insights into understanding the generation of EMIC waves and the energy transfer between magnetosonic waves and EMIC waves.
The Preseismic and Postseismic Phases of the 700‐km Deep M7.9 Bonin Islands Earthquake, Japan
Authors: Gardonio B. , Schubnel A. , Das S. , Lyon‐Caen H. , Marsan D. , Bouchon M. , Kato A.
Published: December 2019

The 30 May 2015 M
7.9 Bonin Islands earthquake, Japan, is one of the largest deep‐focus earthquakes ever recorded. Its occurrence, close to 700‐km depth, in an area without any known historical seismicity, along with its magnitude, was a surprise to scientists. Deep earthquakes are generally believed to have few aftershocks and no foreshocks. Here, we explore the earthquake productivity in the hypocentral surroundings and detect 49 not previously identified earthquakes, 28 of which occurred during an accelerating preseismic phase that started 3 months prior to the main shock. This is the first time that such foreshock activity has been observed for a deep earthquake. The preseismic and postseismic activity suggests transformational faulting within a metastable olivine wedge (MOW) inside the slab at depth as the triggering principal mechanism for this deep earthquake sequence, the seismicity starting where the backward bending of the subducting Pacific plate is maximum.
Quantifying Asynchronicity of Precipitation and Potential Evapotranspiration in Mediterranean Climates
Authors: Feng Xue , Thompson Sally E. , Woods Ross , Porporato Amilcare
Published: December 2019

Recent climate change has contributed to shifts in the seasonal interplay between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, which have in turn increased droughts and reduced freshwater availability in Mediterranean climate regions. To overcome limitations in existing indices for comparing these seasonal hydroclimatic drivers at the global scale, we introduce an information theory‐based, nonparametric asynchronicity index that captures both the temporal alignment and relative magnitudes of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. We use this asynchronicity index to first identify Mediterranean climates around the world. We then apply the asynchronicity index over two Mediterranean climate regions and show that their boundaries have shifted between 1960 and 2018, resulting in a regional expansion in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and a contraction in southwestern Australia. These results highlight the need for globally consistent measures of seasonal climatic water supply and demand for diagnosing potential changes in water resources and ecosystem responses within Mediterranean climate regions.