bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning with the hierarchy‐of‐hypotheses (HoH) approach discovers novel pattern in studies on biological invasions
Authors: Ryo Masahiro , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Rillig Matthias C. , Heger Tina
Published: June 2019

Research synthesis on simple yet general hypotheses and ideas is challenging in scientific disciplines studying highly context‐dependent systems such as medical, social, and biological sciences. This study shows that machine learning, equation‐free statistical modeling of artificial intelligence, is a promising synthesis tool for discovering novel patterns and the source of controversy in a general hypothesis. We apply a decision tree algorithm, assuming that evidence from various contexts can be adequately integrated in a hierarchically nested structure. As a case study, we analyzed 163 articles that studied a prominent hypothesis in invasion biology, the enemy release hypothesis. We explored if any of the nine attributes that classify each study can differentiate conclusions as classification problem. Results corroborated that machine learning can be useful for research synthesis, as the algorithm could detect patterns that had been already focused in previous narrative reviews. Compared with the previous synthesis study that assessed the same evidence collection based on experts' judgement, the algorithm has newly proposed that the studies focusing on Asian regions mostly supported the hypothesis, suggesting that more detailed investigations in these regions can enhance our understanding of the hypothesis. We suggest that machine learning algorithms can be a promising synthesis tool especially where studies (a) reformulate a general hypothesis from different perspectives, (b) use different methods or variables, or (c) report insufficient information for conducting meta‐analyses.
Wideband balun filtering quasi‐Yagi antenna with high selectivity
Authors: Song Lei , Wu Bian , Xu Mei , Su Tao , Lin Lei
Published: June 2019

A compact wideband balun filtering quasi‐Yagi antenna with high selectivity is proposed. It consists of a quasi‐Yagi antenna integrated with a multilayer balun filter. The quasi‐Yagi antenna is composed of a bow‐tie driver coupled with a director on the top layer, and a ground reflector on the bottom layer. The fourth‐order balun filter has two stepped impedance resonators (SIRs) on the top layer, and two SIRs on the middle layer, which helps improve the frequency selectivity and bandwidth. Moreover, it has two differential ports to feed the quasi‐Yagi antenna. The filtering antenna centered at 2.5 GHz with a wide bandwidth of 22.8% and a pair of transmission zeros is designed and fabricated, which shows a stable radiation pattern with maximum gain of 5.5 dBi and high selectivity.
Magnetically reconfigurable pixelated antenna
Authors: Pal Jitendra , Donzelli Francesco , Piazza Daniele , Bain James A. , Piazza Gianluca
Published: June 2019

In this article, a total of 70 movable nickel (Ni) patches are monolithically integrated with fixed copper (Cu) elements to form a reconfigurable patch antenna. The Ni patches are magnetically actuated by means of an array of permanent magnets (PM) placed behind the ground plane of the antenna. The Ni patches establish low resistance mechanical contact between two fixed Cu patches due to the high contact force generated by the PM. Since the Ni patch is itself part of the radiating element, this approach eliminates the need to insert an external switch on the antenna plane. The PMs, which could be replaced by electronically controlled PMs, are placed behind the ground plane, therefore eliminating losses associated with bias lines generally used in pixelated antennas. The 70 movable element pixelated antenna is capable of reconfiguration in frequency, bandwidth, polarization, and beam steering. Herein, we demonstrate frequency and bandwidth reconfiguration.
Technical Note: Improving VMAT delivery efficiency by optimizing the dynamic collimator trajectory
Authors: Bokrantz Rasmus , van Amerongen Jacobus H.M. , Craft David
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To provide a method for optimizing the multileaf collimator angle trajectory in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in order to make VMAT delivery and planning more efficient.

Methods

Static fluence maps are optimized at a 10‐degree spacing around the patient. Sliding window delivery time of each of these fields is computed for a large set of possible collimator orientations. An optimal trajectory, which selects a collimator angle for each field and assures that the collimator angles do not differ excessively between adjacent fields, is computed by solving a network flow model of a shortest path problem.

Results

For four clinical cases (two brains, an anal, and a spine), we demonstrate time reductions from 6% to 32% (average: 24%) for the optimal static angle vs the worst static angle. Further reductions from 3% to 17% (average 9%) are achievable when dynamic collimator trajectories are allowed.

Conclusions

Dynamic collimator trajectories, which can be computed with an efficient linear programming formulation, can improve the efficiency of VMAT delivery.
Optimal control policies in service systems with limited information on the downstream stage
Authors: Ansari Sina , Iravani Seyed M. R. , Shao Qifeng
Published: June 2019

Existing models in multistage service systems assume full information on the state of downstream stages. In this paper, we investigate how much the lack of such information impacts jobs' waiting time in a two‐stage system with two types of jobs at the first stage. The goal is to find the optimal control policy for the server at the first stage to switch between type‐1 and type‐2 jobs, while minimizing the long‐run average number of jobs in the system. We identify control policies and corresponding conditions under which having no or partial information, the system can still capture the most benefit of having full information.
Stronger path‐based extended formulation for the Steiner tree problem
Authors: Filipecki Bartosz , Van Vyve Mathieu
Published: June 2019

The Steiner tree problem (STP) is a classical NP‐hard combinatorial optimization problem with applications in computational biology and network wiring. The objective of this problem is to find a minimum cost subgraph of a given undirected graph G with edge costs, that spans a subset of vertices called terminals. We present currently used linear programming formulations of the problem based on two different approaches—the bidirected cut relaxation (BCR) and the hypergraphic formulations (HYP), the former offering better computational performance, and the latter better bounds on the integrality gap. As our contribution, we propose a new hierarchy of path‐based extended formulations for STP. We show that this hierarchy provides better integrality gaps on graph instances used to define the worst‐case lower bounds on the integrality gap for both BCR and HYP. We prove that each consecutive level of our hierarchy is at least as strong as the previous one. Additionally, we also present numerical results showing that several difficult STP instances can be solved to integer optimality by using this hierarchy. Our approach can be adapted to variants of STP or applied to hypergraphic formulations for further potential improvement on the integrality gap bounds, in exchange for additional computational effort.
A sensitivity‐based approach to solving the inverse eigenvalue problem for linear structures carrying lumped attachments
Authors: Dawson Charles B. , Cha Philip D.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents an efficient algorithm for designing dynamical systems to exhibit a desired spectrum of eigenvalues. Focusing on combined systems of linear structures carrying various lumped element attachments, we apply the assumed‐modes method and the implicit function theorem to derive analytical expressions for eigenvalue sensitivities, which are used to efficiently determine the minimal set of structural modifications needed to achieve a set of desired eigenvalues. The proposed algorithm employs an adaptive step size, performs significantly better than existing approaches, and can be easily applied to a broad range of structures. Convergence properties and limitations on achievable eigenvalues are also discussed, and a number of case studies demonstrating the performance of the algorithm in a wide variety of different applications are also included.
Transverse failure of carbon fiber composites: Analytical sensitivity to the distribution of fiber/matrix interface properties
Authors: Shakiba Maryam , Brandyberry David R. , Zacek Scott , Geubelle Philippe H.
Published: June 2019

An analytic differentiation method is presented to calculate the sensitivity of the transverse failure response of carbon fiber composite laminates to the distribution parameters of the fiber/matrix interface properties. The method starts with the evaluation of the sensitivities of the transverse failure response with respect to the interface properties of each fiber, ie, the cohesive failure strength and the critical displacement jump. These individual sensitivities are then used to calculate the sensitivities with respect to the mean and standard deviation of the interface properties. The derived sensitivities are implemented in a nonlinear interface‐enriched generalized finite element method solver specially developed for this application. The interface‐enriched generalized finite element method solver combines a cohesive modeling of the fiber/matrix interface failure with finite element meshes that do not conform to the composite microstructure. The approach is first demonstrated on a model material involving a one‐dimensional domain containing N cohesive interfaces described by randomly selected cohesive failure properties. The method is then applied to the more complex problem of a composite laminate involving a large number of fibers.
Study and optimization of alternative MBE‐deposited metallic precursors for highly efficient kesterite CZTSe:Ge solar cells
Authors: Giraldo Sergio , Kim Shinho , Andrade‐Arvizu Jacob Antonio , Alcobé Xavier , Malerba Claudia , Valentini Matteo , Tampo Hitoshi , Shibata Hajime , Izquierdo‐Roca Victor , Pérez‐Rodríguez Alejandro , Saucedo Edgardo
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, most of the best efficiencies of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells are obtained from absorber layers fabricated using sequential processes, including the deposition of metallic stack precursors, typically by sputtering, and followed by reactive annealing under chalcogen atmosphere. The sputtering technique is widely known for the easy growth of metallic layers, although the deposition rates, growth morphology and nucleation, or the roughness can sometimes be an issue leading to inhomogeneities in the final layers. Nevertheless, MBE (molecular beam epitaxy) technique could have some advantages to obtain high‐quality metallic layers, with accurate control of the growth due to ultra‐high vacuum conditions and high purity. In this work, we study the use of advanced MBE systems to grow metallic stack precursors, alternatively to sputtering or thermal evaporation techniques, to obtain high‐quality CZTSe:Ge absorbers. Due to differences in the nature of each type of precursor, thermal annealing optimizations are presented by modifying some critical selenization parameters, such as the temperature or the selenium amount in order to obtain well‐crystallized absorbers. Detailed morphological, compositional, and structural characterizations show relevant features of each precursor, mainly related to the formation of MoSe2 at the back interface, and Se and Sn composition after selenization in different conditions. Regarding the solar cell devices, main efficiency limitations come from VOC and FF, which could be tentatively related to a noncontrolled selenization; different precursor reactivity, porosity, or composition; and different alkali diffusion during the reactive annealing. Finally, in the first optimization, a 9.2% efficiency device has been achieved with promising perspectives for future improvements.
Random copolymerization of l‐lactide and ε‐caprolactone by aluminum alkoxide complexes supported by N2O2 bis(phenolate)‐amine ligands
Authors: Chumsaeng Phongnarin , Haesuwannakij Setsiri , Virachotikul Arnut , Phomphrai Khamphee
Published: June 2019

The bowl‐shaped aluminum alkoxide complexes bearing N2O2 bis(phenolate)‐amine ligands having different side arms as pyridine (1), dimethyl amine (2), and diethyl amine (3) were shown to be highly efficient and well behaved in the homopolymerization and copolymerization of l‐lactide (LA) and ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) at 100 °C. The rates of copolymerization are similar for Complexes 1–3 where nearly full conversions were achieved in 60 h for [LA]:[CL]:[Al] ratio of 50:50:1. The minor adjustment of the side arms of the Catalysts 1–3 gave profound differences in the LA/ε‐CL copolymer sequences where tapered, gradient, and highly random structures were obtained in one system, respectively. The chelation of LA to Al metal after ring‐opening process and suitable steric hindrance of the side arms were believed to participate and saturate the aluminum metal centers giving different copolymer structures. The random LA/ε‐CL copolymer structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1635–1644
Zr(IV)‐Crosslinked Polyacrylamide/Polyanionic Cellulose Composite Hydrogels with High Strength and Unique Acid Resistance
Authors: Dai Xiaofu , Wang Jianquan , Teng Fei , Shao Ziqiang , Huang Xiaonan
Published: June 2019

Recently, metal coordination has been widely utilized to fabricate high‐performance hydrogels, but conventional metal‐based hydrogels face some drawbacks, such as staining or acid lability. In the present study, a novel kind of colorless Zr(IV)‐crosslinked polyacrylamide/polyanionic cellulose (PAM/PAC) composite hydrogel with unique acid resistance was constructed via acrylamide polymerization in a PAC solution, followed by posttreatment in a zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2) solution. The prepared gels were characterized in terms of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile and compressive mechanics, as well as acid resistance. Inside the gels, the synergistic action of hydrogen bonding and Zr(IV) coordination is responsible for their improved mechanical properties and good energy dissipation ability. One hydrogel with nearly 90 wt % of water content can sustain approximately 5 MPa of compression stress at 90% strain without damage. Both microscopic network structures and macroscopic mechanics demonstrate facile adjustability via changing the PAC dosages in polymerization and/or ZrOCl2 concentrations in posttreatment. Moreover, the gels present unexpected acid resistance due to the strong Zr(IV) coordination with PAC, demonstrating their potential application as hydrogel electrolytes in supercapacitors. The current work provides a new approach to fabricate metal coordination‐based high strength, colorless hydrogels with acid resistance. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 981–991
Database analysis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and treatment flow in early and advanced stages
Authors: Akada Keishi , Koyama Noriyuki , Taniguchi Shigeru , Miura Yuji , Aoshima Ken
Published: June 2019

Despite recent developments in treatment modalities and diagnosis, the prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unsatisfactory. To gain insight into treatment decisions for HCC patients, their characteristics and treatment flow in the early and advanced stages were examined. HCC patients' characteristics and treatment flow were retrospectively analyzed using the Japanese medical claims database. The 8999 patients' mean age at HCC diagnosis was 71.1 years, with no difference between early (Stage I/II) and advanced (Stage III/IV) stages. The mean observation period was 26.2 months, shorter in advanced than in early stages. HCV hepatitis was reported in 52.0% of HCC patients, with concomitant hypertension in 53.4%, type 2 diabetes in 45.8%, cirrhosis in 39.3%, and hyperlipidemia in 15.5%. The rates of HCV hepatitis, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia decreased with stage progression. Analysis of treatment flow showed that, at all disease stages, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) was the most common first to fourth‐line treatment. Epirubicin was the most frequently (44.1%) used chemotherapeutic agent for first‐line TACE, followed by miriplatin (23.6%) and cisplatin (12.3%). With stage progression, cisplatin use increased. Sorafenib was used concomitantly for first‐line TACE in 3.2% of patients, and its use increased significantly in advanced stages. Clear differences in baseline characteristics and treatment flow between early and advanced stages were identified. Continuous analysis of the database with longer follow‐up may provide useful information about treatment selection and prediction of outcome such as survival.
A practical guide to chronic heart failure management
Authors: Wereski Ryan , Beggs Simon AS , Jackson Colette E , Gardner Roy S
Published: June 2019

Despite significant recent advances, heart failure remains a challenging condition to both diagnose and treat. This article discusses the recommended investigations to aid diagnosis and the role of pharmacotherapy in the management of chronic heart failure.
Influence of Mg‐to‐Ce Concentration Ratio on Cathodoluminescence in LuAG and LuGAGG Single‐Crystalline Films
Authors: Lalinsky Ondrej , Schauer Petr , Kucera Miroslav
Published: June 2019

The cathodoluminescence (CL) characterizations of Lu3Al5O12:Ce,Mg (LuAG:Ce,Mg) and of multicomponent (Lu0.25Gd0.74)3(Ga2.48Al2.52)O12:Ce,Mg (LuGAGG:Ce,Mg) single‐crystalline garnet films are supported by the optical absorption spectroscopy. Using this approach, the influence of the Mg‐to‐Ce concentration ratio on the CL spectra and the CL decay is analyzed. The crucial role of stable Ce4+ centers in CL is shown in Mg‐rich film studies. Although the CL intensity is somewhat reduced, drastic improvements in timing performance are demonstrated, including the CL decay time as low as 4.2 ns and the afterglow as low as 0.015% at 500 ns after the e‐beam excitation cutoff. These results predetermine the utilization of the LuAG:Ce,Mg and LuGAGG:Ce,Mg single‐crystalline films in e‐beam detection systems, where especially fast scintillator response is crucial.
High‐Performance Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Thin‐Film Transistors with Interesting Synaptic Behaviors
Authors: Zhu Huichao , Mu Hongjian , Cai Zhaoyun , Chu Xuefeng , Yang Xiaotian
Published: June 2019

Herein, high‐performance electrochemical tungsten oxide (WO3) transistors based on electrolyte gating dielectric, which exhibit simultaneous optical and electrical modulation, are successfully fabricated by radio‐frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The amorphous WO3 layer enhances the electrochemical doping and de‐doping process, translating into excellent cyclic transfer characteristics. Superior properties, such as a positive threshold voltage of 0.8 V, an off‐state current on the order of 10−11 A, a large on/off drain current ratio of 2.82 × 108, a steep subthreshold swing of 86.4 mV dec−1, and a transconductance of 8.48 mS, are obtained from the transfer characteristics. Moreover, the modulation of the channel resistance induced by ion migration resembles the transmission process in biological synapses. In this case, the synaptic behavior is naturally emulated through the electrostatic and electrochemical effects in the novel electrolyte–gated WO3 transistor. The simple processing together with excellent device performance of the novel electrochemical transistors can open doors for a wide range of new applications in flexible display, artificial synapses, biosensors, supercapacitors, and electrochemical logic circuits.
A reliability allocation method of mechanism considering system performance reliability
Authors: Zhang Yugang , Yu Tianxiang , Song Bifeng
Published: June 2019

It is generally believed that the reliability of a mechanical system is determined by its composition. The system operates properly when all of its components do not fail. Based on this assumption, the reliability of the system can be represented by the reliability of its components. A problem arises when applying this hypothesis to a system containing motion mechanisms. There is a phenomenon in motion mechanism that the components do not happen structural failure (we call it “Type I failure”) and joint failure (we call it “Type II failure”), but the function of the mechanism cannot meet the requirements (we call it “Type III failure”). A reliability allocation method, which synthetically considers the composition and Type III failure modes of the motion mechanism, is proposed to solve this problem. A relative dispersion factor is introduced to describe the failure dependence of components and is proposed to calculate the complexity and criticality. A series system reliability allocation model considering three types of failure modes is established. Finally, using an airplane gear door lock mechanism as an example, a comparative analysis of the system reliability allocation results with and without considering Type III failure modes is made. The allocation results show the component reliability value without considering Type III failure modes is less than that when considering them, which will increase the system hazards. The result considering Type III failure modes is more reasonable than that from the traditional method.
Electronic factors determining the methane bond breaking process on small aluminum clusters
Authors: Alexandrou Eleni I. , Groß Axel , Bacalis Naoum C.
Published: June 2019

In order to understand the catalytic activity of small metal clusters as a function of their size, we have studied the interaction of CH4 with Al4 and Al5 neutral and charged clusters, as well as neutral thermally expanded clusters in the two lowest lying spin states, using density functional theory. These calculations, via extended search, are used to determine the stable positions of H and CH3 near the cluster, and the transition state to break the H─CH3 bond. In order to understand the factors underlying the reactivity of the clusters, we have analyzed the electronic structure at the transition state. By an analysis of the change of the electronic density of states close to the transition state, we identify the orbitals involved in the bond breaking process. In conjunction with our previous studies of Al2 and Al3 clusters, we find that the small Al clusters, except for Al5, lower the CH3─H dissociation barrier with respect to the gas‐phase value, although Al lacks occupied d‐orbitals. Still, Al5 does not catalyze methane bond breaking, which is attributed to the required interaction with low‐lying Al sp‐states. Furthermore, in all cases where stable methyl‐aluminum‐hydrides are possible, the recombinative desorption of methane is studied by vibrational analysis and application of transition state theory.
Automated continuous monitoring and response to toxic subsurface vapors entering overlying buildings—Selected observations, implications and considerations
Authors: Kram Mark L. , Hartman Blayne , Clite Nova
Published: June 2019

Vapor intrusion characterization and response efforts must consider four key interactive factors: background indoor air constituents, preferential vapor migration pathways, complex patterns of vapor distribution within buildings, and temporal concentration variability caused by pressure differentials within and exterior to structures. An additional challenge is found at sites contaminated by trichloroethylene (TCE), which in the United States has very low indoor air screening levels due to acute risk over short exposure durations for sensitive populations. Timely and accurate characterization of vapor intrusion has been constrained by traditional passive time‐averaging sampling methods. This article presents three case studies of a robust new methodology for vapor intrusion characterization particularly suited for sites where there is a critical need for rapid response to exposure exceedances to minimize health risks and liabilities. The new methodology comprises low‐detection‐level field analytical instrumentation with grab sample and continuous monitoring capabilities for key volatile constituents integrated with pressure differential measurements and web‐based reporting. The system also provides automated triggered alerts to project teams and capability for integration with engineered systems for vapor intrusion control. The three case studies illustrate key findings and lessons learned during system deployment at two sites undergoing characterization studies and one site undergoing thermal remediation of volatile contaminants.
Ex‐situ efficacy analysis of brine remediation products in clay loam soil
Authors: Sanchez Dustin , Rogers William J. , Baker Kimberly
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated the effectiveness of gypsum and three proprietary products to remediate brine‐contaminated soil. The research objective was to determine if additives could increase plant cover germination in soils without costly prior soil‐washing or dilution techniques. The soil was shredded using a soil shredder equipped with a spray bar to apply the individual treatments of DeSalt Plus, SoilTech, Chlor*rid, and calcium sulfate (gypsum). Treatments were placed in 40‐mm high‐density polyethylene cells and small drainage systems were installed to allow removal of excess water. An initial 10‐point soil composite was taken from bulk untreated soils at a depth of more than 2.5 cm. Five‐point composite samples were collected from the same depth at weekly intervals and analyzed for: electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, cation exchange capacity, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chlorides, and pH. The Gapon selectivity coefficient was calculated and utilized to quantify the affinity for binding between ionic alkali salt constituent groups Na+, Ca
++, and Mg
++. Soil analysis indicated product‐related improvements in and bioavailability of salts. The nature of the products requires some prior treatment such as soil washing or dilution using clean soil to lower electroconductivity levels and allow the site to vegetate.
On connectivity, conductance and bootstrap percolation for a random k‐out, age‐biased graph
Authors: Acan Hüseyin , Pittel Boris
Published: June 2019

A uniform attachment graph (with parameter k), denoted Gn,k in the paper, is a random graph on the vertex set [n], where each vertex v makes k selections from [v − 1] uniformly and independently, and these selections determine the edge set. We study several aspects of this graph. Our motivation comes from two similarly constructed, well‐studied random graphs: k‐out graphs and preferential attachment graphs. In this paper, we find the asymptotic distribution of its minimum degree and connectivity, and study the expansion properties of Gn,k to show that the conductance of Gn,k is of order . We also study the bootstrap percolation on Gn,k, where r infected neighbors infect a vertex, and show that if the probability of initial infection of a vertex is negligible compared to then with high probability (whp) the disease will not spread to the whole vertex set, and if this probability exceeds by a sub‐logarithmical factor then the disease whp will spread to the whole vertex set.
Learn how staying connected to online habits of today's students can help improve their behavior, decision‐making
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: June 2019

Student affairs professionals play a key role in guiding and educating students to help them make wise, safe decisions involving their online activity.
Develop an office staff with diverse experiences
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2019

Few administrators can claim to have charted the same career path as Hege Ferguson, who never would have imagined as an international student that working in Florida State University's admissions office would lead years later to becoming the school's director of admissions.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reconditioned in Their Own Serum Exhibit Augmented Therapeutic Properties in the Setting of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Xu Amy L. , Rodriguez Luis A. , Walker Kerfoot P. , Mohammadipoor Arezoo , Kamucheka Robin M. , Cancio Leopoldo C. , Batchinsky Andriy I. , Antebi Ben
Published: June 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising form of therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The objective of this study was twofold: (a) to characterize cytokine expression in serum from ARDS subjects receiving MSCs and (b) to determine MSC function following “preconditioning” with ARDS serum. In phase I, serum from three cohorts of animals (uninjured [no ARDS, n = 4], injured untreated [n = 5], and injured treated with approximately 6 million per kilogram MSCs [n = 7]) was analyzed for expression of inflammatory mediators. In phase II, the functional properties of bone marrow porcine MSCs were assessed following “preconditioning” with serum from the three cohorts. In phase III, the findings from the previous phases were validated using human bone marrow MSCs (hBM-MSCs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serum from injured treated animals had significantly lower levels of interferon-γ and significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) and IL-6. Similarly, upon exposure to the injured treated serum ex vivo, the MSCs secreted higher levels of IL-1RA and IL-10, dampened the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, exhibited upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genes, and triggered a strong immunomodulatory response via prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). hBM-MSCs demonstrated a similar augmented therapeutic function following reconditioning in a LPS milieu. Administration of MSCs modulated the inflammatory milieu following ARDS. Exposure to ARDS serum ex vivo paralleled the trends seen in vivo, which appear to be mediated, in part, through TLR-4 and VEGF and PGE2. Reconditioning MSCs in their own serum potentiates their immunotherapeutic function, a technique that can be used in clinical applications. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:1092–1106
Gaugino portal baryogenesis
Authors: Pierce Aaron , Shakya Bibhushan
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We study baryogenesis via a gaugino portal, the supersymmetric counterpart to the widely studied kinetic mixing portal, to a hidden sector. CP and baryon number violating decays of a hidden sector gaugino into the visible sector can produce the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe. The tiny portal coupling is crucial in producing late out-of-equilibrium decays, after washout processes that can erase the asymmetry have gone out of equilibrium. We study this mechanism within various scenarios, including freeze-in or freeze-out of the hidden gaugino, as well as extended frameworks where the hidden sector contains a weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter candidate. This mechanism can produce the desired asymmetry over a wide range of mass scales, including for hidden gaugino masses as low as 10 GeV. We also discuss possible related signals with direct collider searches, at low energy experiments, and in dark matter direct and indirect detection.
Stability, reheating, and leptogenesis
Authors: Croon Djuna , Fernandez Nicolas , McKeen David , White Graham
Published: June 2019

Abstract

In a minimal model of leptogenesis, the observed baryon asymmetry is realized after high-scale reheating into the lightest sterile neutrino. We consider constraints on this scenario from the stability of the Higgs vacuum during pre-heating. Depending on the reheat temperature, the lightest sterile neutrino may be in or out of thermal equilibrium at production. Demanding stability of the Higgs vacuum during pre-heating, we find strong constraints which primarily impact the parameter space of thermal leptogenesis.
Sketching a proof of the Maldacena conjecture at small radius
Authors: Berkovits Nathan
Published: June 2019

Abstract

At small AdS radius, the superstring on AdS
5 × S
5 was conjectured by Maldacena to be equivalent to

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super-Yang-Mills at small ‘t Hooft coupling where thickened Feynman diagrams can be used to compute scattering amplitudes. It was previously shown that the pure spinor worldsheet action of the AdS
5 × S
5 superstring can be expressed as the sum of a BRST-trivial term and a “B-term” which is antisymmetric in worldsheet derivatives. Using the explicit form of the pure spinor vertex operators, it will be argued here that the free super-Yang-Mills Feynman diagrams are described by the BRST-trivial term where the thickened propagators are the regions of the string worldsheet near the AdS boundary and the holes are the regions near the AdS horizon. Evidence will then be presented that the antisymmetric B-term generates the super-Yang-Mills vertex so that, at small radius and arbitrary genus, the superstring amplitudes correctly reproduce the super-Yang-Mills Feynman diagram expansion.
Clinical Relevance of Reductive Hepatectomy for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stages B and C Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single‐Center Experience of 102 Patients
Authors: Komatsu Shohei , Kido Masahiro , Tanaka Motofumi , Kuramitsu Kaori , Tsugawa ·Daisuke , Awazu Masahide , Gon Hidetoshi , Toyama Hirochika , Ueno Kimihiko , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: June 2019

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of hepatectomy for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages B and C advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 314 patients (149 and 165 BCLC stages B and C, respectively) who underwent hepatectomy were included. Complete hepatectomy (without residual tumors after hepatectomy) and reductive hepatectomy (apparent residual tumors after hepatectomy) were performed for 212 and 102 patients, respectively. Short‐term operative and postoperative outcomes, as well as long‐term outcomes, were evaluated.

Results

The median survival times of patients with stage B disease undergoing complete hepatectomy and reductive hepatectomy were 48.9 and 20.1 months, respectively (p = 0.0075), whereas those of patients with stage C disease were 19.5 and 17.6 months, respectively (p = 0.0140). The 3‐year overall survival rates of patients with stage B disease undergoing reductive hepatectomy with and without subsequent local treatments after surgery were 47.5% and 0%, respectively, whereas those of patients with stage C diseases were 18.6% and 0%, respectively.

Conclusions

Survival benefits are obvious for both BCLC stages B and C HCC when complete hepatectomy can be performed safely. Reductive hepatectomy is also acceptable for BCLC stages B and C when subsequent local treatment for remnant liver tumors can be performed safely after reductive hepatectomy. Without subsequent local treatment, reductive hepatectomy has little clinical relevance. Thus, a cautious approach to patient selection is required for this aggressive strategy.
Choice of Future Location of Surgical Practice: A Survey of Surgical Trainees in Nigeria and Implications for Timely Access to Surgical Care
Authors: Seyi‐Olajide Justina Onyioza , Ameh Emmanuel Adoyi , Olajide Thomas Olagboyega , Awofeso Opeyemi
Published: June 2019

Background

There is inequity and maldistribution of the surgical workforce in Nigeria. Most specialists practice in second‐ and third‐level hospitals often located in urban or semi‐urban areas. A knowledge of the proposed choice of practice location of surgical trainees and the factors that influence the choice could provide insight into future surgical coverage and help in planning and policy‐making.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional survey of surgical trainees attending the mandatory integrated revision and update course of the West African College of Surgeons. Anonymous structured questionnaires were self‐administered to 200 trainees, of which 143 completed the questionnaires.

Results

The response rate was 71.5%. One hundred and six (74.1%) trainees preferred to work in a tertiary hospital on completion of training, 13 (9.1%) were in a Private Hospital, and 16 (11.2%) were undecided. Nearly all tertiary hospitals are in urban or semi‐urban towns. The commonest factors influencing choice of practice location were proximity to family 19 (13.3%), proximity to hometown 11 (7.6%), availability of working facilities 10 (6.9%), income 7 (4.9%) and underserved areas 7 (4.9%). Of 122 (85.3%) trainees who agreed to work for some period each year (ranging from 1 week to 6 months) in a rural setting, 42 (29.3%) would do it without additional financial incentive.

Conclusion

The choice of most surgical trainees not to work in a rural setting as specialists would exacerbate the ongoing surgical workforce maldistribution and inequity in Nigeria. However, the willingness of 85.3% to provide periodic rural surgical coverage could be leveraged in planning of initiatives to address the maldistribution.
Single-Cell Analysis of CAR-T Cell Activation Reveals A Mixed TH1/TH2 Response Independent of Differentiation
Authors: Xhangolli Iva , Dura Burak , Lee GeeHee , Kim Dongjoo , Xiao Yang , Fan Rong
Published: June 2019

The activation mechanism of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells may differ substantially from T cells carrying native T cell receptor, but this difference remains poorly understood. We present the first comprehensive portrait of single-cell level transcriptional and cytokine signatures of anti-CD19/4-1BB/CD28/CD3ζ CAR-T cells upon antigen-specific stimulation. Both CD4+ helper T (TH) cells and CD8+ cytotoxic CAR-T cells are equally effective in directly killing target tumor cells and their cytotoxic activity is associated with the elevation of a range of TH1 and TH2 signature cytokines, e.g., interferon γ, tumor necrotic factor α, interleukin 5 (IL5), and IL13, as confirmed by the expression of master transcription factor genes TBX21 and GATA3. However, rather than conforming to stringent TH1 or TH2 subtypes, single-cell analysis reveals that the predominant response is a highly mixed TH1/TH2 function in the same cell. The regulatory T cell activity, although observed in a small fraction of activated cells, emerges from this hybrid TH1/TH2 population. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is produced from the majority of cells regardless of the polarization states, further contrasting CAR-T to classic T cells. Surprisingly, the cytokine response is minimally associated with differentiation status, although all major differentiation subsets such as naïve, central memory, effector memory, and effector are detected. All these suggest that the activation of CAR-engineered T cells is a canonical process that leads to a highly mixed response combining both type 1 and type 2 cytokines together with GM-CSF, supporting the notion that polyfunctional CAR-T cells correlate with objective response of patients in clinical trials. This work provides new insights into the mechanism of CAR activation and implies the necessity for cellular function assays to characterize the quality of CAR-T infusion products and monitor therapeutic responses in patients.
Come from away: Best practices in mini-sabbaticals for the development of young investigators: a White Paper by the SEQUIN (mini-Sabbatical Evaluation and QUality ImprovemeNt) Group
Authors: Pillinger Michael H. , Lemon Stephenie C. , Zand Martin S. , Foster P. Jeffrey , Merchant Jeanne S. , Kimberly Robert , Allison Jeroan , Cronstein Bruce N. , Galeano Claudia , Holden-Wiltse Jeanne , Trayhan Melissa , White Robert J. , Davin Amanda , Saag Kenneth G.
Published: June 2019

Mini-sabbaticals are formal short-term training and educational experiences away from an investigator’s home research unit. These may include rotations with other research units and externships at government research or regulatory agencies, industry and non-profit programs, and training and/or intensive educational programs. The National Institutes of Health have been encouraging training institutions to consider offering mini-sabbaticals, but given the newness of the concept, limited data are available to guide the implementation of mini-sabbatical programs. In this paper, we review the history of sabbaticals and mini-sabbaticals, report the results of surveys we performed to ascertain the use of mini-sabbaticals at Clinical and Translational Science Award hubs, and consider best practice recommendations for institutions seeking to establish formal mini-sabbatical programs.
Retiring the Flip Phones: Exploring Social Media Use for Managing Public Health Incidents
Authors: Khan Yasmin , Tracey Shannon , O’Sullivan Tracey , Gournis Effie , Johnson Ian
Published: June 2019

Objective:

Communication is essential during public health emergencies and incidents. This research aimed to understand current uses and challenges for public health agencies using social media during these incidents.

Methods:

An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted using the structured interview matrix facilitation technique. Focus groups were held with professionals from local public health agencies across Ontario, Canada. Representation from different geographic regions was sought to capture differences in participant experience. An inductive approach to content analysis was used to identify emergent themes.

Results:

A diverse group of public health professionals (n = 36) participated. Six themes were identified. Social media is identified as a communication tool used to expand reach of messages, to engage in dialogue with the public, and to inform the scope of potential incidents. Barriers to its use include hesitancy to adapt, lack of trust and credibility, and organizational structure and capacity constraints. Key strategies proposed to promote social media use and address barriers resulted from participant discussions and are presented.

Conclusion:

Social media use is highly variable across public health agencies in Ontario. This study identifies and provides strategies to address barriers and practice gaps related to public health agencies’ use of social media during emergencies.
Reflecting on the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
Authors: Powell Michael
Published: June 2019

Professor Emeritus Michael Powell interviewed Mark Peters, former Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Coast Organising Committee (GOLDOC) for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on his reflections about the Games.
Nadia Jamal, 'Headstrong Daughters', Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2018, 261240 pp., ISBN 9 7817 6029 3314, A $29.99
Authors: Aftab Amira
Published: June 2019

Nadia Jamal, Headstrong Daughters, Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2018, 261240 pp., ISBN 9 7817 6029 3314, A$29.99
Melissa Fagan, 'What Will Be Worn: A McWhirters Story', Brisbane: Transit Lounge, 2018, 296 pp., ISBN 9 7819 2576 0095, A$29.99
Authors: White Jessica
Published: June 2019

Melissa Fagan, What Will Be Worn: A McWhirters Story, Brisbane: Transit Lounge, 2018, 296 pp., ISBN 9 7819 2576 0095, A$29.99
Commentary: The Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
Authors: Pankhurst Ned
Published: June 2019

Commentary
Enzymatic detoxification strategies for neurotoxic insecticides in adults of three tortricid pests
Authors: Navarro-Roldán M.A. , Bosch D. , Gemeno C. , Siegwart M.
Published: June 2019

We examined the role of the most important metabolic enzyme families in the detoxification of neurotoxic insecticides on adult males and females from susceptible populations ofCydia pomonella(L.),Grapholita molesta(Busck), andLobesia botrana(Denis & Schiffermüller). The interaction between the enzyme families – carboxylesterases (EST), glutathione-S-transferases (GST), and polysubstrate monooxygenases (PSMO) – with the insecticides – chlorpyrifos, λ-cyhalothrin, and thiacloprid – was studied. Insect mortality arising from the insecticides, with the application of enzyme inhibitors – S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF), diethyl maleate (DEM), and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) – was first determined. The inhibitors' influence on EST, GST, and PSMO activity was quantified. EST and PSMO (the phase-I enzymatic activities) were involved in the insecticide detoxification in the three species for both sexes, highlighting the role of EST, whereas GST (phase-II enzymes) was involved only inG. molestainsecticide detoxification.L. botranaexhibited, in general, the highest level of enzymatic activity, with a significantly higher EST activity compared with the other species. It was the only species with differences in the response between sexes, with higher GST and PSMO activity in females than in males, which can be explained as the lower susceptibility of the females to the tested insecticides. A positive correlation between PSMO activity and the thiacloprid LD50s in the different species-sex groups was observed explaining the species-specific differences in susceptibility to the product reported in a previous study.
A multiplier inclusion theorem on product domains
Authors: Bakas Odysseas
Published: June 2019

In this note it is shown that the class of all multipliers from thed-parameter Hardy space$H_{{\rm prod}}^1 ({\open T}^d)$toL2(𝕋d) is properly contained in the class of all multipliers fromLlogd/2L(𝕋d) toL2(𝕋d).
DISTORTED TERMINOLOGY: THE UK'S CLOSURE OF INVESTIGATIONS INTO ALLEGED TORTURE AND INHUMAN TREATMENT IN IRAQ
Authors: Bates Elizabeth Stubbins
Published: June 2019

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has closed hundreds of investigations into alleged ill-treatment of detainees by British troops in Iraq. This article probes one reason given for the closure of these investigations: the assertion (without further evidence) that the allegations were ‘less serious’, ‘lower-level’ or in the ‘middle’ range of severity. These terms usually appear without reference to international law, and are once defined with reference to the English criminal law of assault, so that investigations were closed if the alleged treatment resulted in less than grievous bodily harm. The MOD's terminology is wrong-headed and conceptually underinclusive: it fails to grasp the threshold of inhuman or degrading treatment in international human rights law (IHRL), and largely neglects the investigatory obligations in IHRL, international humanitarian law (IHL) and international criminal law (ICL).
Eastward Ho! Japanese Settler Colonialism in Hokkaido and the Making of Japanese Migration to the American West, 1869–1888
Authors: Lu Sidney Xu
Published: June 2019

This article examines how Japanese colonial migration to Hokkaido in the first two decades of the Meiji era paved the way for Japanese trans-Pacific migration to the United States in the 1880s. It elaborates how Japanese leaders carefully emulated the Anglo-American settler colonialism in Japan's own expansion in Hokkaido by focusing on the emergence of the overpopulation discourse and its political impact in early Meiji. This colonial imitation also inspired the Japanese expansionists to consider the American West an ideal destination for Japanese emigration in the late nineteenth century. This study thus challenges the nation-centered and territory-bound history of the Japanese empire by showing that Japan's colonial expansion in Northeast Asia and Japanese trans-Pacific migration to North America were intertwined since the very beginning of the Meiji era.