bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a Mechanistic Model to Develop Management Strategies to Cool Apache Trout Streams under the Threat of Climate Change
Authors: Baker Joy Price , Bonar Scott A.
Published: September 2019

User-friendly stream temperature models populated with on-site data may help in developing strategies to manage temperatures of individual stream reaches that are subject to climate change. We used the field-tested Stream Segment Temperature model (U.S. Geological Survey) to simulate how altering discharge, groundwater input, channel wetted width, and shade prevents the temperatures of White Mountain, Arizona, stream reaches from exceeding the thermal tolerance of Apache Trout Oncorhynchus apache, both under existing conditions and under a climate change scenario. Simulations suggested increasing shade, either through streamside planting of specific numbers and species of plants or by other means, would be most effective and feasible for cooling the stream reaches we studied. Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa and Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii provided the most shade followed in order by Engelman spruce Picea engelmannii, Bebb's willow Salix bebbiana, Arizona alder Alnus oblongifolia, and finally coyote willow Salix exigua. Vegetation survival depends on the appropriateness of site conditions at present and under climate change, and planting in buffer strips minimizes additional water removal from the watershed through evapotranspiration. Alternative shading options, including thick sedge growth, shade cloth, or felled woody vegetation, may be considered when environmental conditions do not support plantings. Increasing groundwater input can cool streams, but additional sources are scarce in the region. Decreasing the width-to-depth ratio would succeed best on reaches with widths greater than 2.0 m. Increasing discharge from upstream may lower water temperature on reaches with an initial discharge greater than 0.5 m3/s. Existing models provide suggestions to cool stream reaches. Further development of accessible software packages that incorporate evaporation, fragmentation, and other projected climate change effects into their routines will provide additional tools to help manage climate change effects.
A Comparison of Private Recreational Fishing Harvest and Effort for Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper during Derby and Extended Federal Seasons and Implications for Future Management
Authors: Topping Tara S. , Streich Matthew K. , Fisher Mark R. , Stunz Gregory W.
Published: September 2019

Fisheries managers often use regulations such as bag, size, and season limits to manage recreational anglers and prevent overharvest, and this has been the case for the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus fishery, which has been highly regulated for over 20 years. During this period, the federal season for private recreational anglers has decreased from year-round in 1996 to only 3 d in 2017. However, in 2017 the private recreational season was reopened for an additional 39 d. This scenario allowed us to examine a very short, derby-style initial season with an unexpected extended season and make comparisons with longer-term data sets from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's angler-intercept program, where we hypothesized that harvest and effort may not be directly related to season length. Our data indicated that there were higher harvest and effort rates during the initial season than during the extended season, and these differences were a function of extended season length (i.e., future access) and weather. The harvest and effort rates of the extended season were not proportional to the initial season, suggesting that recreational anglers compensated for reductions in season length by compressing their effort into the shortened season. While our results suggest that an extended season results in a reduction of daily harvest and effort rates, it is important to have programs in place to closely monitor the total harvest in a timely manner to prevent overharvest.
A finite element reduced‐order model based on adaptive mesh refinement and artificial neural networks
Authors: Baiges Joan , Codina Ramon , Castañar Inocencio , Castillo Ernesto
Published: September 2019

In this work, a reduced‐order model based on adaptive finite element meshes and a correction term obtained by using an artificial neural network (FAN‐ROM) is presented. The idea is to run a high‐fidelity simulation by using an adaptively refined finite element mesh and compare the results obtained with those of a coarse mesh finite element model. From this comparison, a correction forcing term can be computed for each training configuration. A model for the correction term is built by using an artificial neural network, and the final reduced‐order model is obtained by putting together the coarse mesh finite element model, plus the artificial neural network model for the correction forcing term.

The methodology is applied to nonlinear solid mechanics problems, transient quasi‐incompressible flows, and a fluid‐structure interaction problem. The results of the numerical examples show that the FAN‐ROM is capable of improving the simulation results obtained in coarse finite element meshes at a reduced computational cost.
The impact of Illicit Financial Flows on the South African political economy under Jacob Zuma, 2009–2018
Authors: Rapanyane Makhura Benjamin , Ngoepe Chuene Cedric
Published: September 2019

South Africa has also fallen a victim of a greater major concern over the scale and negative impact of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) on the country's governance and developmental agenda. However, there is an unjustified observation that as one of Africa's biggest economies, South Africa is not a victim of IFFs. This observation shows that scholars and academic practitioners have not yet uniformly come to a cul‐de‐sac on this subject, and as such, this confusion constitutes a huge dichotomy on the subject matter. Based on Afrocentricity as the alternative lens, this article argues that there are after effects of the practice of IFFs in South Africa and that IFFs need to be given a special attention in order to curb them from destabilising South Africa's economic and political stability. Although this article discusses IFFs in general and how they come about, the central focus of this article is to unpack the impacts of IFFs under the Zuma administration and provide possible solutions. Methodically, this article relied on the prevailing continental and South African discourse circulating and thematic content analysis on conversations.
Cross‐border analysis of China– Pakistan Economic Corridor development project and local residence quality of life
Authors: Kanwal Shamsa , Pitafi Abdul Hameed , Ahmad Mudaser , Khan Naseer Abbas , Ali Syed Muhammad , Surahio Muhammad Kashan
Published: September 2019

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a megaproject, which directly and indirectly benefits the local community of two countries, namely, Peoples' Republic of China and Pakistan. The purpose of current research is to investigate the impact of CPEC development on the quality of life of local residents in China and Pakistan. We intend to investigate the perceptions of local community related to CPEC development, as policymakers of both countries argue the CPEC to be equally beneficial for the people of China and Pakistan. To test the proposed hypotheses, we collected primary data through a research survey conducted in Pakistan and China. In total, 410 Chinese respondents and 480 Pakistani respondents were included in the study. Most of the hypotheses were supported in both studies showing the positive attitude of the people of both communities towards CPEC project. Specifically, the perceived impact of CPEC has shown a significant effect on employment and quality of life in both samples. This research provides important suggestions and recommendations.
Rhizobacterial treatment of bermudagrass increases tolerance to damage from tawny mole crickets (Neoscapteriscus vicinus Scudder)
Authors: Coy Richard Murphey , Held David W , Kloepper Joseph W
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Inoculation of bermudagrass with rhizobacterial biostimulants can increase plant growth and influence relationships with grass‐feeding herbivores. Tunneling and root‐feeding behaviors of tawny mole crickets cause severe damage to grass in pastures, golf courses, and lawns. The goal of this study was to determine if inoculation of bermudagrass by a rhizobacteria blend (plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria, PGPR) increases the tolerance of hybrid bermudagrass to tawny mole crickets in captivity and under field conditions.

RESULTS

Bermudagrass in arenas treated with a rhizobacteria blend then infested with tawny mole crickets produced significantly greater root lengths compared to bermudagrass that was either fertilized and infested with mole crickets, or bermudagrass without mole crickets. Bermudagrass treated with either the rhizobacteria blend or fertilizer produce similar top growth, and both treatments in the presence of mole crickets produced greater top growth than bermudagrass without mole crickets. Bermudagrass field plots infested naturally with mole crickets and treated twice with the rhizobacteria blend, or the rhizobacteria blend mixed with bifenthrin produced similar damage ratings as plots treated twice with bifenthrin. The rhizobacteria blend mixed with bifenthrin provided more consistent reductions in the surface activity of mole crickets relative to non‐treated plots.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced growth of bermudagrass from fertilizer or rhizobacteria increased tolerance of bermudagrass to damage from tawny mole crickets. Application of PGPR or a PGPR‐bifenthrin mixture to turfgrass damaged by mole crickets provided comparable reductions to a short residual, synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. Rhizobacterial products have potential utility for IPM of root herbivores. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of Nitrogen Adsorption of Doped Ta on Characteristics of SiNx‐Based Resistive Random Access Memory
Authors: Guo Jingshu , Gao Haixia , Jiang Pengfei , Yang Mei , Jiang Xinzi , Zhang Zhenfei , Ma Xiaohua , Yang Yintang
Published: September 2019

The characteristics and conductive mechanism of Ta/SiNx/Ta:SiNx/SiNx/Pt resistive random access memory (RRAM) are investigated. Compared with Pt‐doped devices with the same structure, the Ta‐doped devices produce lower operation current in a high resistance state and a larger on/off radio. Furthermore, reliability tests show that the Ta‐doped RRAM has good data retention ability and endurance. Ta clusters are observed in the Ta‐doped SiNx layer through the transmission electron microscope. Also, the X‐ray photoelectron spectra indicate that additional Si dangling bonds and tantalum nitride are present in the Ta‐doped SiNx film. Based on the structure of the device, material analysis, and electrical characteristics, a model is proposed to explain the influence of the doped Ta on resistive switching behavior of the device.
Phytochemicals based chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic strategies and modern technologies to overcome limitations for better clinical applications
Authors: Singh Vipendra Kumar , Arora Deepika , Ansari Mohammad Imran , Sharma Pradeep Kumar
Published: September 2019

Naturally occurring phytochemicals or plant derivatives are now being explored extensively for their health's benefits and medicinal uses. The therapeutic effect of phytochemicals has been reported in several pathophysiological settings such as inflammatory disorders, metabolic disorders, liver dysfunction, neurodegenerative disorders, and nephropathies. However, the most warranted therapeutic effects of phytochemicals were mapped to their anticancerous and chemopreventive action. Moreover, combining phytochemicals with standard chemotherapy has shown promising results in cancer therapy with minimal side effects and better efficacy. Many phytochemicals, like curcumin, resveratrol, and epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate, have been extensively investigated for their chemopreventive as well as chemotherapeutic effects. However, poor bioavailability, low solubility, hydrophobicity, and obscure target specificity restrict their therapeutic applications in the clinic. There has been a continually increasing interest to formulate nanoformulations of phytochemicals by using various nanocarriers, such as liposomes, micelles, nanoemulsions, and nanoparticles, to improve their bioavailability and target specificity, thereby maximizing the therapeutic potential. In the present review, we have summarized chemopreventive as well as chemotherapeutic action of some common phytochemicals and their major limitations in clinical application. Also, we have given an overview of strategies that can improve the efficacy of phytochemicals for their chemotherapeutic value in clinical settings.
A novel Gymnema sylvestre extract protects pancreatic beta‐cells from cytokine‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Al‐Romaiyan Altaf , Liu Bo , Persaud Shanta , Jones Peter
Published: September 2019

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1β, TNF‐α, and interferon‐γ are known to be involved in mediating β‐cells death in diabetes mellitus (DM). Thus, protecting from β‐cells death in patients with DM may be a useful target in alleviating symptoms of hyperglycemia. Traditional plant‐based remedies have been used to treat DM for many centuries and may play a role in protecting β‐cell from death. An example of these remedies is Gymnema sylvestre (GS) extract. In this study, we investigated the effect of this plant extract on β‐cells apoptosis. Om Santal Adivasi (OSA®) maintained cell membrane integrity in MIN6 cells and mouse islets. Om Santal Adivasi significantly protected MIN6 cells and mouse islets from cytokine‐induced apoptosis. In the presence of cytokines, OSA® significantly reduced the expression and activity of caspase‐3. The antiapoptotic effect of OSA® as shown by microarray analysis is largely mediated by activating pathways involved in cell survival (mainly casein kinase II pathway) and the free radical scavenger system (specifically superoxide dismutase and catalase). This study indicates that the GS isolate OSA® protects against cytokine‐induced apoptosis of β‐cells by increasing the expression of cell survival pathways and free radical scavenger system.
Coriolus versicolor‐derived protein‐bound polysaccharides trigger the caspase‐independent cell death pathway in amelanotic but not melanotic melanoma cells
Authors: Pawlikowska Małgorzata , Piotrowski Jakub , Jędrzejewski Tomasz , Kozak Wiesław , Slominski Andrzej T. , Brożyna Anna A.
Published: September 2019

We have investigated the potential cell death mechanism promoted by Coriolus versicolor fungus‐derived protein‐bound polysaccharides (PBPs) in melanoma cells. Knowing that melanogenesis has the potential to affect the tumor behavior and melanoma therapy outcome, the cytotoxic effects of PBPs were evaluated in human SKMel‐188 melanoma cell line, whose phenotype, amelanotic versus pigmented, depends on the concentration of melanin precursors in the culture medium. Our results showed that inhibitory effect of PBPs (100 and 200 μg/ml) towards melanoma cells is inversely associated with the pigmentation level. This cytotoxicity induced in nonpigmented melanoma cells by PBPs was caspase‐independent; however, it was accompanied by an increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The ROS production was controlled by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) because SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, significantly reduced ROS generation and protected cells against PBPs‐induced death. We also found that PBPs‐induced lactate dehydrogenase release in amelanotic melanoma cells was abolished by co‐treatment with receptor‐interacting serine/threonine‐protein kinase 1 inhibitor, implying engagement of this kinase in PBPs‐induced death pathway. The results suggest that PBPs induce an alternative programmed cell death, regulated by receptor‐interacting protein‐1 and ROS and that this process is modified by melanin content in melanoma cells. These findings are remarkable when considering the use of commercially available Coriolus versicolor by patients who suffer from melanoma cancer.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry quantification method for 14 cytotoxic drugs in environmental samples
Authors: Acramel Alexandre , Chouquet Thibaut , Plé Alain , Sauvageon Hélène , Mourah Samia , Jouenne Fanélie , Goldwirt Lauriane
Published: September 2019

Rationale

Cytotoxic drug preparation in hospital pharmacies is associated with chronic occupational exposure leading to a risk of adverse effects. The objective was to develop and validate a quantification method for the following cytotoxic drugs in environmental wipe samples: cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, cytarabine, dacarbazine, docetaxel, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, epirubicin, etoposide, 5‐fluorouracil, gemcitabine, irinotecan, methotrexate and pemetrexed.

Methods

The quantification method was developed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and a wiping technique using viscose swabs. Linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of quantification, specificity and stability were assessed, from swab desorbed solution, to validate the analytical method, with respect to ICH guidelines. Environmental samples were collected by wiping five work surfaces of 225 cm2 with viscose swabs, during three days.

Results

The quantification method was linear over the calibration range with a lower limit of quantification ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 ng mL−1 depending on the cytotoxic drug. The intra‐day and inter‐day relative biases were below 1.5% and 13.5%, respectively. This method was successfully applied to surface‐wipe sampling and environmental contaminations ranged from 0.7 to 1840.0 ng cm−2 for the most contaminated areas.

Conclusions

This quantification method for 14 cytotoxic drugs was successfully applied to environmental contamination monitoring and could therefore be a useful tool for monitoring and toxicological studies.
Horizontal Collaboration in Crisis Management: An Experimental Study of the Duty Officer Function in Three Public Agencies
Authors: Deverell Edward , Alvinius Aida , Hede Susanne
Published: September 2019

Lately, scholars have been engaging in studies on the crossroads between collaborative public management and crisis management, but our knowledge on how organizations work together with interorganizational goals in times of crisis or in relation to the threat that crises pose, is still limited. This study aims to illuminate how interagency horizontal collaboration plays out in practice. An interview study with twenty‐three Swedish duty officers in three organizations with critical tasks in the institutional crisis management system is carried out to unearth impediments to interagency collaboration that emerge when organizations from different policy subsystems engage in crisis collaboration. Empirically, the study contributes with new knowledge on how a crucial function in crisis management carries out work and deals with challenges. Theoretically, it contributes to the literature on crisis management collaboration by shedding light on processes of horizontal collaboration in the area of crisis management.
Orange‐Emissive Carbon Quantum Dots: Toward Application in Wound pH Monitoring Based on Colorimetric and Fluorescent Changing
Authors: Yang Pei , Zhu Ziqi , Zhang Tao , Zhang Wei , Chen Weimin , Cao Yizhong , Chen Minzhi , Zhou Xiaoyan
Published: September 2019

Monitoring of wound pH is critical for interpreting wound status, because early identification of wound infection or nonhealing wounds is conducive to administion of therapies at the right time. Here, novel orange‐emissive carbon quantum dots (O‐CDs) are synthesized via microwave‐assisted heating of 1,2,4‐triaminobenzene and urea aqueous solution. The as‐prepared O‐CDs exhibit distinctive colorimetric response to pH changing, and also display pH‐sensitive fluorescence. Benefiting from the response of O‐CDs over a wound‐relevant pH range (5–9), medical cotton cloth is selected to immobilize O‐CDs through hydrogen bond interactions, the resultant O‐CDs‐coated cloth with emission at 560 nm shows a high response to pH variation in the range of 5–9 via both fluorescence and visible colorimetric changes. Moreover, the sensitivity of fluorescence to pH is capable of establishing an analytical mode for determining pH value. Further, the O‐CDs‐based pH indicator possesses not only superior biocompatibility and drug compatibility but also excellent resistance leachability and high reversibility. Importantly, the usage of O‐CDs‐coated cloth to detect pH is free from the interference of blood contamination and long‐term storage, thus providing a valuable strategy for wound pH monitoring through visual response and quantitative determination.
Raspberry‐Shaped Thermochromic Energy Storage Nanocapsule with Tunable Sunlight Absorption Based on Color Change for Temperature Regulation
Authors: Zhang Wan , Wang Chaoxia , Chen Kunlin , Yin Yunjie
Published: September 2019

A novel raspberry‐shaped thermochromic energy storage nanocapsule (RTESN) is successfully designed and fabricated with switchable sunlight absorption capacity based on color change for temperature regulation. The RTESN is developed by grafting amino‐modified silica shell thermochromic nanoparticles (amino‐TLD@SiO2) on the surface of epoxy‐functionalized energy storage nanocapsules (paraffin@PSG), with a total particle size about 450 nm. RTESN exhibits a deep color under low temperatures, which can absorb sunlight for heating. During the continuous thermal energy supply, paraffin@PSG is capable of storing thermal energy owing to its large latent heat capacity of 118.7 J g–1, thereby maintaining the slow temperature increase. When the temperature is higher than the phase change temperature of paraffin@PSG, the color of amino‐TLD@SiO2 turns to white with more reflection of sunlight so that it reduces the absorption of thermal energy and prevents the further increase of temperature. The thermal regulation behavior is confirmed by setting up a wooden house with the surface covered with RTESN. Compared with the blank wooden house, the RTESN covered wooden house (RTESN‐H) displays thermal insulation performances during heating and cooling with a maximum temperature difference of 7 °C.
The Effect of Imagery and On‐Screen Text on Foreign Language Vocabulary Learning From Audiovisual Input
Authors: Peters Elke
Published: September 2019

In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on learning vocabulary from audiovisual input. They have shown that learners can pick up new words incidentally when watching TV (Peters & Webb, 2018; Rodgers & Webb, 2019). Research has also shown that on‐screen text (first language or foreign language subtitles) might increase learning gains (Montero Perez, Peters, Clarebout, & Desmet, 2014; Winke, Gass, & Sydorenko, 2010). Learning is sometimes explained in terms of the beneficial role of on‐screen imagery in audiovisual input (Rodgers, 2018). However, little is known about imagery’s effect on word learning and how it interacts with L1 subtitles and captions. This study investigates the effect of imagery in three TV viewing conditions: with L1 subtitles, with captions, and without subtitles. Data were collected with 142 Dutch‐speaking learners of English as a foreign language. A pretest‐posttest design was adopted in which learners watched a 12‐minute excerpt from a documentary. The findings show that the captions group made the most vocabulary learning gains. Moreover, imagery was positively related to word learning. This means that words that were shown in close proximity to the aural occurrence of the words were more likely to be learned.
The Monster in the Classroom: Assessing Language to Inform Instruction
Authors: Goodwin Amanda P. , Petscher Yaacov , Jones Sara , McFadden Sara , Reynolds Dan , Lantos Tess
Published: September 2019

The authors describe Monster, P.I., which is an app‐based, gamified assessment that measures language skills (knowledge of morphology, vocabulary, and syntax) of students in grades 5–8 and provides teachers with interpretable score reports to drive instruction that improves vocabulary, reading, and writing ability. Specifically, the authors describe why an assessment of language is important to include, the components of language that are assessed by Monster, P.I., and how Monster, P.I., uses gamification to add enjoyment and motivation to the assessment experience. The authors then explain how to use Monster, P.I., to inform instructional decisions, specifically explaining the overall instructional framework, what each score means, and examples of instruction that link to each area assessed by the app. Links to Common Core State Standards are included. The authors conclude by sharing teachers’ feedback on the assessment and how they used it to support instruction in their classrooms.
Mass fluxes of nitrogen and phosphorus through water reclamation facilities: Case study of biological nutrient removal, aerobic sludge digestion, and sidestream recycle
Authors: Kassouf Hélène , García Parra Andrés , Mulford Luke , Iranipour Gita , Ergas Sarina J. , Cunningham Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2019

At water reclamation facilities, recycling of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from solids‐handling processes to the mainstream treatment process can have detrimental effects on biological nutrient removal systems. In this study, mass fluxes of nitrogen and phosphorus were quantified through the treatment trains at the Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility (NWRWRF) and the adjoining Biosolids Management Facility (BMF), which receives sludge from several water reclamation facilities in Hillsborough County, Florida. The driving objectives were to determine (a) whether the return stream from BMF to NWRWRF (i.e., the “sidestream”) represents a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus to NWRWRF, and (b) whether the sidestream return from BMF is interfering with biological nutrient removal processes at NWRWRF. We determined that nearly half of the overall phosphorus flux into NWRWRF is recycled from the BMF sidestream. This leads to an increased cost of treatment, for example, for alum used in phosphorus removal at NWRWRF. In contrast to phosphorus, the flux of nitrogen from BMF to NWRWRF is small (~3%) compared with the flux of nitrogen entering NWRWRF in raw wastewater. However, nitrogen in the sidestream is mostly in the form of nitrate, which prevents anaerobic conditions from developing in the fermentation basin at NWRWRF, and thereby interferes with the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process. Some measurements suggest that fermentation and release of phosphorus may occur in the return activated sludge line (despite the relatively short residence time in that line), which supports EBPR and may partially compensate for anoxic (denitrifying) conditions in the fermentation basin. Therefore, overall, NWRWRF is able to meet its permit limits for phosphorus through a combination of EBPR and alum addition. Although the fluxes measured here are particular to the treatment systems under consideration, the general trends observed are likely to apply to many similar facilities that employ biological nutrient removal, aerobic digestion, and sidestream recycle, particularly those with regional biosolids management facilities. We recommend that such facilities consider (a) removal or recovery of phosphorus from their sidestreams and (b) returning sidestreams downstream of fermentation basins to avoid inhibition of EBPR processes.

Practitioner points

Sidestreams from aerobic digestion can represent significant sources of phosphorus to mainstream wastewater treatment.

Recycle of nitrate in aerobic digestion sidestreams can interfere with enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) during mainstream treatment.

Fermentation of return activated sludge (RAS) can support EBPR, even under short average hydraulic residence times (minutes).
Use of passive radio frequency identification technologies to monitor nest usage in the northern carmine bee‐eater (Merops n. nubicus)
Authors: Alba Andrew C. , Breeding Shawnlei , Valuska Annie J. , Sky Christy , Dunn Megan , Schutz Paul J. , Leighty Katherine A. , Ferrie Gina M.
Published: September 2019

The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is common in animal‐monitoring applications in the wild and in zoological and agricultural settings. RFID is used to track animals and to collect information about movements and other behaviors, as well as to automate or improve husbandry. Disney's Animal Kingdom® uses passive RFID technology to monitor nest usage by a breeding colony of northern carmine bee‐eaters. We implemented RFID technologies in various equipment configurations, initially deploying low‐frequency (LF) 125 kHz RFID and later changing to high‐frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz RFID technology, to monitor breeding behavior in the flock. We installed antennas connected to RFID readers at the entrances of nest tunnels to detect RFID transponders attached to leg bands as birds entered and exited tunnels. Both LF‐RFID and HF‐RFID systems allowed the characterization of nest visitation, including the timing of nest activity, breeding pair formation, identification of egg‐laying females, participation by nonresidents, and detection of nest disruptions. However, we collected a substantially larger volume of data using the increased bandwidth and polling speed inherent with HF‐RFID, which permitted tag capture of multiple birds simultaneously and resulted in fewer missed nest visits in comparison to LF‐RFID. Herein, we describe the evolution of the RFID setups used to monitor nest usage for more than 7 years, the types of data that can be gained using RFID at nests, and how we used these data to gain insights into carmine bee‐eater breeding behavior and improve husbandry.
State Art, the Novel, and Architecture: Intersections
Authors: Billiani Francesca , Pennacchietti Laura
Published: September 2019

By identifying the relationships between a set of intersecting narratives about the novel and architecture, this chapter brings together the main lines of argument we have developed so far. More specifically, it analyses the intersections between State art, architecture and the novel, which emerge from the debates taking place in literary and cultural journals, such as Occidente, Orpheus and Il Saggiatore. These journals expressed the voice of the cultural fringes of the youth culture fostered by the regime during the period of its maximum consensus amongst the Italian population (1932–1936), in particular producing a timely reflection on realism, which functioned as a theoretical foundation for the discourse on State art and also for the creation of intersections between the novel and architecture.
Kerr-NUT-de Sitter as an inhomogeneous non-singular bouncing cosmology
Authors: Anabalón Andrés , Bramberger Sebastian F. , Lehners Jean-Luc
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We present exact non-singular bounce solutions of general relativity in the presence of a positive cosmological constant and an electromagnetic field, without any exotic matter. The solutions are distinguished by being spatially inhomogeneous in one direction while they can also contain non-trivial electromagnetic field lines. The inhomogeneity may be substantial, for instance there can be one bounce in one region of the universe, and two bounces elsewhere. Since the bounces are followed by a phase of accelerated expansion, the metrics described here also permit the study of (geodesically complete) models of inflation with inhomogeneous “initial” conditions. Our solutions admit two Killing vectors, and may be re-interpreted as the pathology-free interior regions of Kerr-de Sitter black holes with non-trivial NUT charge. Remarkably enough, within this cosmological context the NUT parameter does not introduce any string singularity nor closed timelike curves but renders the geometry everywhere regular, eliminating the Big-Bang singularity by means of a bounce.
Black hole collisions, instabilities, and cosmic censorship violation at large D
Authors: Andrade Tomás , Emparan Roberto , Licht David , Luna Raimon
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We study the evolution of black hole collisions and ultraspinning black hole instabilities in higher dimensions. These processes can be efficiently solved numerically in an effective theory in the limit of large number of dimensions D. We present evidence that they lead to violations of cosmic censorship. The post-merger evolution of the collision of two black holes with total angular momentum above a certain value is governed by the properties of a resonance-like intermediate state: a long-lived, rotating black bar, which pinches off towards a naked singularity due to an instability akin to that of black strings. We compute the radiative loss of spin for a rotating bar using the quadrupole formula at finite D, and argue that at large enough D — very likely for D ≳ 8, but possibly down to D = 6 — the spin-down is too inefficient to quench this instability. We also study the instabilities of ultraspinning black holes by solving numerically the time evolution of axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric perturbations. We demonstrate the development of transient black rings in the former case, and of multi-pronged horizons in the latter, which then proceed to pinch and, arguably, fragment into smaller black holes.
Formaldehyde Adsorption–Desorption of Poplar Bark
Authors: Pásztory Zoltán , Halász Katalin , Börcsök Zoltán
Published: September 2019

This study investigated how the Populus × euramericana cv. Pannónia bark behaves in an environment containing formaldehyde. Prism shaped samples were formed from the bark and the prisms were kept in formaldehyde contaminated atmosphere for 1, 2, 5, 10, 18 and 36 days. After the contamination, the amount of the formaldehyde adsorbed and later the desorbed was measured. The formaldehyde content of the uncontaminated poplar bark was 0.0036 mg/g. The amount of bound formaldehyde showed a saturation curve as a function of time. The formaldehyde adsorption reached an equilibrium value of 0.9 mg HCHO/g bark. The emission of formaldehyde from contaminated bark samples showed an exponential curve as a function of time and some residual formaldehyde content was detected after the formaldehyde was released.
On existence and uniqueness of weak solutions for linear pantographic beam lattices models
Authors: Eremeyev Victor A. , Alzahrani Faris Saeed , Cazzani Antonio , dell’Isola Francesco , Hayat Tasawar , Turco Emilio , Konopińska-Zmysłowska Violetta
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we discuss well-posedness of the boundary-value problems arising in some “gradient-incomplete” strain-gradient elasticity models, which appear in the study of homogenized models for a large class of metamaterials whose microstructures can be regarded as beam lattices constrained with internal pivots. We use the attribute “gradient-incomplete” strain-gradient elasticity for a model in which the considered strain energy density depends on displacements and only on some specific partial derivatives among those constituting displacements first and second gradients. So, unlike to the models of strain-gradient elasticity considered up-to-now, the strain energy density which we consider here is in a sense degenerated, since it does not contain the full set of second derivatives of the displacement field. Such mathematical problem was motivated by a recently introduced new class of metamaterials (whose microstructure is constituted by the so-called pantographic beam lattices) and by woven fabrics. Indeed, as from the physical point of view such materials are strongly anisotropic, it is not surprising that the mathematical models to be introduced must reflect such property also by considering an expression for deformation energy involving only some among the higher partial derivatives of displacement fields. As a consequence, the differential operators considered here, in the framework of introduced models, are neither elliptic nor strong elliptic as, in general, they belong to the class so-called hypoelliptic operators. Following (Eremeyev et al. in J Elast 132:175–196, 2018.10.1007/s10659-017-9660-3) we present well-posedness results in the case of the boundary-value problems for small (linearized) spatial deformations of pantographic sheets, i.e., 2D continua, when deforming in 3D space. In order to prove the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions, we introduce a class of subsets of anisotropic Sobolev’s space defined as the energy space E relative to specifically assigned boundary conditions. As introduced by Sergey M. Nikolskii, an anisotropic Sobolev space consists of functions having different differential properties in different coordinate directions.
Surgical technique used in the UK for native tissue anterior pelvic organ prolapse repair (VaST)
Authors: Fairclough Emily , Segar Julia , Myers Jenny , Smith Anthony , Reid Fiona
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The PROSPECT study found that outcomes for native tissue and mesh prolapse repairs are similar but mesh repairs have a 10% risk of exposure. The current UK surgical mesh pause has led to renewed interest in native tissue surgery. Previous studies of native tissue anterior repair surgical techniques have been limited by the questionnaire study design. The objective of this study was to describe and categorise native tissue anterior repair surgical techniques.

Methods

This prospective qualitative study used a purposive sampling strategy to recruit surgeons. Data were collected through video-recorded observations of surgery, audio-recorded interviews with surgeons and field notes. The study took place in urogynaecology theatres in 21 UK centres. Thematic analysis was performed using computer-based software and themes of surgical technique were developed.

Results

Thirty consultant surgeons were recruited. In all steps of the anterior repair procedure, infiltration, dissection, method of fascial repair, type and method of suturing and suture placement, surgical technique varied between surgeons. The filming of surgery followed by immediate validation with the surgeons gave greater insight. Surgeons’ terminology to describe techniques varied and the investigators' opinions of the techniques performed were not always consistent with the surgeons' descriptions. The concept of fascia in histological terms was not uniform amongst surgeons.

Conclusion

VaST has demonstrated significant variation in native tissue anterior repair surgical techniques and inconsistency in the terminology used to describe them. These inconsistencies may prevent future meaningful research of prolapse surgery. The variation in technique could affect surgical outcomes and this should be explored further.
Critical assessment and integration of separate lines of evidence for risk assessment of chemical mixtures
Authors: Hernandez Antonio F. , Buha Aleksandra , Constantin Carolina , Wallace David R. , Sarigiannis Dimosthenis , Neagu Monica , Antonijevic Biljana , Hayes A. Wallace , Wilks Martin F. , Tsatsakis Aristidis
Published: September 2019

Humans are exposed to multiple chemicals on a daily basis instead of to just a single chemical, yet the majority of existing toxicity data comes from single-chemical exposure. Multiple factors must be considered such as the route, concentration, duration, and the timing of exposure when determining toxicity to the organism. The need for adequate model systems (in vivo, in vitro, in silico and mathematical) is paramount for better understanding of chemical mixture toxicity. Currently, shortcomings plague each model system as investigators struggle to find the appropriate balance of rigor, reproducibility and appropriateness in mixture toxicity studies. Significant questions exist when comparing single-to mixture-chemical toxicity concerning additivity, synergism, potentiation, or antagonism. Dose/concentration relevance is a major consideration and should be subthreshold for better accuracy in toxicity assessment. Previous work was limited by the technology and methodology of the time, but recent advances have resulted in significant progress in the study of mixture toxicology. Novel technologies have added insight to data obtained from in vivo studies for predictive toxicity testing. These include new in vitro models: omics-related tools, organs-on-a-chip and 3D cell culture, and in silico methods. Taken together, all these modern methodologies improve the understanding of the multiple toxicity pathways associated with adverse outcomes (e.g., adverse outcome pathways), thus allowing investigators to better predict risks linked to exposure to chemical mixtures. As technology and knowledge advance, our ability to harness and integrate separate streams of evidence regarding outcomes associated with chemical mixture exposure improves. As many national and international organizations are currently stressing, studies on chemical mixture toxicity are of primary importance.
Appendectomy in Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: A Propensity Score Analysis of a 6‐Year Cohort Study Using Administrative Claims Data
Authors: Buitrago Giancarlo , Arevalo Kenndy , Moyano Juan Sebastian , Caycedo Ruben , Gaitan Hernando
Published: September 2019

Introduction

While there is evidence of obstetric and neonatal outcomes from non‐obstetric surgery during pregnancy, surgery during the third trimester of gestation has not been evaluated as a prognostic factor for those outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine whether appendectomies during the third trimester are associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, in comparison with appendectomies during the first two trimesters, based on national administrative data in Colombia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using administrative health records. It included all women who had live births and who underwent an appendectomy during any stage of pregnancy, between the years 2011 and 2016, and who belonged to Colombia's contributory health system. The main outcome was preterm birth. Birth weight and 1‐min and 5‐min Apgar scores were also measured, as well as outcomes used to identify neonatal near‐miss cases. Propensity score matching was used in order to balance baseline characteristics (age, weeks of gestation, obstetric comorbidity index, and region and year the procedure was performed). Relative risks were estimated with Poisson regressions.

Results

This study included a total of 2507 women in Colombia's contributory health system who underwent an appendectomy during pregnancy. Appendectomy was performed on 885 women (35.30%) in their first trimester, 1205 women (48.07%) in their second trimester, and 417 women (16.63%) in their third trimester. For the entire population, the preterm birth rate was 11.85 per 100 appendectomies. With the matched sample, this study found that women in their third trimester had a 1.65 greater risk of preterm birth [95% CI, 1.118–2.423], a 3.43 greater risk of birth at gestational ages < 33 weeks [95% CI, 1.363 to 8.625], 2.083 greater risk of weight under 1750 g [95% CI, 1.056–4.109], and a mean difference of − 0.247 [95% CI, − .382 to − .112] in the 1‐min Apgar score and − .168a [95% CI, − .276 to − .060] in the 5‐min Apgar. No differences were found in birth weight or Apgar scores < 7.

Conclusions

In Colombia's contributory health system, women who undergo appendectomies in their third trimester have a greater risk of preterm birth, birth weight under 1750 g, birth at gestational ages less than 33 weeks, and decreased 1‐min and 5‐min Apgar scores.
Impact of Polypharmacy and P-Glycoprotein- and CYP3A4-Modulating Drugs on Safety and Efficacy of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Harskamp Ralf E. , Teichert Martina , Lucassen Wim A. M. , van Weert Henk C. P. M. , Lopes Renato D.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To study whether polypharmacy or drug–drug interactions have differential effect on safety and efficacy in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus warfarin.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that randomized patients with atrial fibrillation to DOACs or warfarin stratified by the number of concomitant drugs. Outcomes included stroke or systemic embolism (SE), all-cause mortality, major bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated and Mantel-Haenszel random effects were applied.

Results

Two high-quality studies were eligible, including 32,465 participants who received apixaban, rivaroxaban, or warfarin, with a median follow-up of 1.9 years. Of participants, 29% used < 5 drugs, 55% used 5–9 drugs, and 16% used ≥ 10 drugs. Drugs interacting with DOACs (P-glycoprotein/CYP3A4) were used by 6460 (20%) of patients. Patients with higher number of drugs (0–4 vs 5–9 vs ≥ 10) had higher rates of mortality (5.8%, 7.9%, 10.0%) and major bleeding (3.4%, 4.8%, 7.7%). Comparative efficacy or safety of DOACs versus warfarin was not affected by polypharmacy status or P-glycoprotein/CYP3A4 inhibitor use. However, the presence of polypharmacy (p = 0.001) or glycoprotein/CYP3A4-modulating drugs (p = 0.03) was correlated with increased risk of major bleeding when compared with warfarin. Overall, DOAC use was associated with a lower risk of stroke/SE (RR, 0.84; 95%CI, 0.74–0.94), all-cause mortality (RR, 0.91; 95%CI, 0.84–0.98), and intracranial hemorrhage (RR, 0.51; 95%CI, 0.38–0.70) compared with warfarin.

Conclusions

DOACs were more effective than warfarin, and at least as safe. Polypharmacy was associated with adverse outcomes and attenuated the advantage in risk of major bleeding among rivaroxaban users, particularly in the presence of P-glycoprotein/CYP3A4-modulating drugs.
ROOTCLUS: Searching for “ROOT CLUSters” in Three-Way Proximity Data
Authors: Bocci Laura , Vicari Donatella
Published: September 2019

In the context of three-way proximity data, an INDCLUS-type model is presented to address the issue of subject heterogeneity regarding the perception of object pairwise similarity. A model, termed ROOTCLUS, is presented that allows for the detection of a subset of objects whose similarities are described in terms of non-overlapping clusters (ROOT CLUSters) common across all subjects. For the other objects, Individual partitions, which are subject specific, are allowed where clusters are linked one-to-one to the Root clusters. A sound ALS-type algorithm to fit the model to data is presented. The novel method is evaluated in an extensive simulation study and illustrated with empirical data sets.
Removal of organic pollutant (pyrene) from aqueous solution using coordination polymer of [Cu(Pic)2(H2O)2]·H2O (CP-1) as adsorbent
Authors: Tella Adedibu C. , Olawale Margaret D. , Obaleye Joshua A. , Adimula Vincent O. , Alimi Lukman O. , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: September 2019

Adsorptive removal of organic pollutant (pyrene) was carried out using coordination polymer [Cu(Pic)2(H2O)2]·H2O (CP-1) (where “Pic” represents picolinic acid), which was prepared from copper acetate monohydrate and picolinic acid. The compound was characterized by spectroscopic techniques, SEM, elemental and thermal analyses and X-ray crystallographic analysis. The crystal structure of CP-1 shows a centrosymmetric triclinic space group P-1 in which a = 5.0924 (4) Å, b = 7.5172 (6) Å, c = 9.0965 (8) Å. The Cu2+ ion is seen to have an octahedral geometry, which is bonded to oxygen atoms from the picolinic acid and nitrogen atoms from the pyridine rings. Pyrene adsorption from aqueous media was studied with the prepared adsorbent (CP-1). The kinetic model was observed to be second order, and the sorption data fitted best into the Langmuir model. The absorbent, CP-1, was shown to have a 90.91 mg/g adsorption capacity (maximum) for pyrene in this study at 25 °C. Compound CP-1 can thus be presented as a potential adsorbent in the treatment of pyrene-polluted water.