bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Method to Diagnose Cyclone–Cyclone Interaction and Its Influences on Precipitation
Authors: Cao Zuohao , Xu Qin , Zhang Da-Lin
Published: June 2019

Unlike the classical point vortex model, a new method is developed to extract flows induced not only by vorticity but also by divergence in a well-defined vortex core area of a cyclone. This new method is applied to diagnosing the interactions of three midlatitude cyclones (called A, B, and C) that account for a missed summer severe rainfall forecast, in which the daily precipitation predicted by the Canadian operational model is an order of magnitude smaller than the rain gauge and radar measurements. In this event, cyclone B, responsible for the severe rainfall occurrence, was advected largely by flows induced by two neighboring cyclones: A and C to the west and east, respectively. This work attempts to assess whether and to what degree the vertical tilt of the observed cyclone versus that of the forecast cyclone B is caused by advections of the environmental flows (including A- and C-induced flows) at 500 and 1000 hPa. Results show that the observed cyclone B was advected mainly by the cyclone A–induced flow at 500 hPa into a vertically tilted structure that was northwestward against the vertical shear of the environmental flow and thus favorable for upward motion and cyclone intensification around the time of severe rainfall. However, the forecast cyclone B was advected largely by the cyclone A–induced flow at 500 hPa and the cyclone C–induced flow at 1000 hPa into an increasingly northward-tilted structure that was along the vertical shear of the environmental flow and thus unfavorable for upward motion and cyclone intensification, leading to the missed forecast of severe rainfall. Suggestions are made for future improvements of model forecasts.
Insights into Decadal North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature and Ocean Heat Content Variability from an Eddy-Permitting Coupled Climate Model
Authors: Moat B. I. , Sinha B. , Josey S. A. , Robson J. , Ortega P. , Sévellec F. , Holliday N. P. , McCarthy G. D. , New A. L. , Hirschi J. J.-M.
Published: June 2019

An ocean mixed layer heat budget methodology is used to investigate the physical processes determining subpolar North Atlantic (SPNA) sea surface temperature (SST) and ocean heat content (OHC) variability on decadal to multidecadal time scales using the state-of-the-art climate model HadGEM3-GC2. New elements include development of an equation for evolution of anomalous SST for interannual and longer time scales in a form analogous to that for OHC, parameterization of the diffusive heat flux at the base of the mixed layer, and analysis of a composite Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) event. Contributions to OHC and SST variability from two sources are evaluated: 1) net ocean–atmosphere heat flux and 2) all other processes, including advection, diffusion, and entrainment for SST. Anomalies in OHC tendency propagate anticlockwise around the SPNA on multidecadal time scales with a clear relationship to the phase of the AMOC. AMOC anomalies lead SST tendencies, which in turn lead OHC tendencies in both the eastern and western SPNA. OHC and SST variations in the SPNA on decadal time scales are dominated by AMOC variability because it controls variability of advection, which is shown to be the dominant term in the OHC budget. Lags between OHC and SST are traced to differences between the advection term for OHC and the advection–entrainment term for SST. The new results have implications for interpretation of variations in Atlantic heat uptake in the CMIP6 climate model assessment.
Role of Sea Surface Salinity Feedback in MJO Predictability: A Study with CFSv2
Authors: Zhu Jieshun , Kumar Arun
Published: June 2019

While previous studies suggested that salinity could feed back onto MJO variability via modulating upper ocean stratification and further on SST, there is no direct evidence yet proving (or disproving) the importance of this feedback in MJO evolution and its predictability. This study is an initial attempt to quantify the role of SSS feedback on MJO predictability, based on a “perfect model” framework with the CFSv2. Specifically, the SSS feedback is isolated by nudging model SSS to climatological states during forecasts. For comparison, two more experiments were done, one as a benchmark experiment by estimating MJO predictability in CFSv2 and another one for estimating the role of SST feedback. Analyses of these experiments indicate that SSS feedback exerts negligible influences on MJO predictability within the constraints of the model, in contrast to significant impacts from SST feedback. Further analysis showed that a lack of SSS influence in MJO predictability can be attributed to marginal changes in SST associated with the SSS nudging. However, there is a caveat to the conclusion about SSS feedback. Because the barrier layer (BL) acts as a “bridge” for possible SSS influences on SST over the tropical Indian and western Pacific oceans, its simulation in CFSv2 is further explored. Analyses indicate that, in spite of realistic simulations of the MJO and intraseasonal SSS variability in CFSv2, significant BL simulation biases are present in the tropical oceans, including too thin a climatological thickness, too small intraseasonal variations, and an unrealistic intraseasonal BL–SST relationship. Thus, our predictability experiments cannot reject the hypothesis that SSS does play a role in MJO predictability; it is possible that biases in CFSv2 influence its ability to capture such signals.
A Changing Climatology of Precipitation Persistence across the United States Using Information-Based Measures
Authors: Goodwell Allison E. , Kumar Praveen
Published: June 2019

The sequencing, or persistence, of daily precipitation influences variability in streamflow, soil moisture, and vegetation states. As these factors influence water availability and ecosystem health, it is important to identify spatial and temporal trends in precipitation persistence and predictability. We take an information theoretic perspective to address regional and temporal trends in daily patterns, based on the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) gridded gauge-based dataset of daily precipitation over the continental United States from 1948 to 2018. We apply information measures to binary sequences of precipitation occurrence to quantify uncertainty, predictability in the form of lagged mutual information between the current state and two time-lagged histories, and associated dominant time scales. We find that this information-based predictability is highest in the western United States, but the relative influence of longer lagged histories in comparison to a 1-day history is highest in the east. Information characteristics and time scales vary seasonally and regionally and constitute an information climatology that can be compared with traditional indices of precipitation and climate. Trend analyses over the 70-yr time period also show varying regional characteristics that differ between seasons. In addition to increasing precipitation frequency over most of the country, we detect increasing and decreasing predictability in western and eastern regions, respectively, with average trend magnitudes corresponding to shifts in predictability ranging from −50% to 110%. This new perspective on precipitation persistence has broad potential to link shifts in climate and weather to patterns and predictability of related environmental factors.
Spatiotemporal Variability of the Global Ocean Internal Processes Inferred from Satellite Observations
Authors: Yang Yang , San Liang X.
Published: June 2019

Using a new analysis tool, namely, multiscale window transform (MWT), and the MWT-based theory of canonical transfer, this study investigates the spatiotemporal variations of the nonlinear interactions among the mean flows, interannual variabilities, quasi-annual fluctuations, and eddies in the global ocean. It is found that the canonical kinetic energy (KE) transfers are highly inhomogeneous in space, maximized in the western boundary current (WBC), Southern Ocean, and equatorial regions. In contrast to the equatorial and WBC regions where the temporal KE cascades are mainly forward, the Southern Ocean is the very place where coherent large-scale patterns of inverse KE cascade take place. The canonical transfers are also found to be highly variable in time. Specifically, in the Kuroshio Extension, the transfer from the mean flow to the interannual variability is in pace with the external winds from the eastern North Pacific; in the subtropical gyre, the mean flow-to-eddy transfer is responsible for the variability of the eddy kinetic energies (EKE) at both interannual and seasonal scales; in the tropics, the downscale transfers to the eddies from the other three scales all contribute to the interannual modulation of the EKE, and these transfers tend to decrease (increase) during El Niño (La Niña) events. In the Southern Ocean, the high-frequency eddies are found to feed KE to the low-frequency variability through temporal inverse cascade processes, which have been strengthened due to the enhanced eddy activities in the recent decade. Also discussed here is the relation between the seasonal EKE variability and the eddy–quasi-annual fluctuation interaction.
Indirect Compellence and Institutional Change: U.S. Extraterritorial Law Enforcement and the Erosion of Swiss Banking Secrecy
Authors: Überbacher Florian , Scherer Andreas Georg
Published: June 2019

Based on an in-depth, qualitative case study about a conflict between governmental authorities from the United States and Switzerland over the regulation of Swiss banks, we introduce indirect compellence as a novel triadic and indirect mechanism through which coercion leads to institutional change. Hostage-taking being a prototypical example, indirect compellence is typified by a coercive actor who takes a third party hostage to gain influence over a targeted actor. In our case, it meant that U.S. authorities (coercers) compelled Swiss policy makers (targets) to erode the famed Swiss banking secrecy rules by threatening the targets to otherwise enforce U.S. law extraterritorially against Swiss banks and bankers (hostages). Our constructivist and target-centered perspective explains this type of coercive pressure in detail, and it also suggests that targeted policy makers judge and respond to it contingent on their political ideologies. Our study contributes to research on power and influence in institutional environments and to research on global business regulation and transnational governance. Most generally, it also expands scholarly understanding of triadic relationships. In contrast to Simmelian perspectives’ focus on triads in which the third party is in a powerful brokerage position and frequently benefits as a tertius gaudens, our study suggests that the third party can also become a rather powerless tertius miserabilis who suffers rather than benefits from others’ conflict.
Minimum Wage Policy and Community College Enrollment Patterns
Authors: Lee Chang Hyung
Published: June 2019

In this article, the author studies the effect of the minimum wage on community college enrollment using cross-border variation in state minimum wages. To address spatial correlation in local labor market conditions, schools are paired on either side of state borders based on geographic proximity using the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Comparing paired schools, the author finds a substantial reduction in enrollment at community colleges in areas with a higher minimum wage. This effect is observed only among part-time students, which suggests that the minimum wage primarily affects students at the margin between work and postsecondary education.
Microstructural, mechanical and corrosion behaviour of Al–Si alloy reinforced with SiC metal matrix composite
Authors: Bandil Kapil , Vashisth Himanshu , Kumar Sourav , Verma Lokesh , Jamwal Anbesh , Kumar Devendra , Singh Neera , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Gupta Pallav
Published: June 2019

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of Si and SiC addition on the microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Al matrix-based composites. Al–Si (2 wt% fixed) alloy reinforced SiC composites were prepared by stir-casting process using SiC reinforcement contents from 0 to 20 wt% at an interval of 5%. A uniform dispersion of SiC particles in the Al matrix was observed from the scanning electron microscopic analysis. Maximum hardness is found for composites having 15 wt% reinforcement content. Pin-on-disc wear test reveals that SiC particles increase the wear resistance of composites. Corrosion test reveals that composites reinforced with 20% reinforcement content shows the minimum i corr among all the compositions, attributing to the maximum corrosion resistance. Tribological and corrosion behaviour were found to be dependent on the reinforcement content. However, they were not interdependent on each other. It is expected that the present study would be helpful in the development of lightweight composites for aerospace and shipping industries applications.
Using Music to Encourage Joint Attention for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Attention as a Reciprocal Relationship
Authors: Scholtens Mary Crum
Published: June 2019

This article describes effective ways for elementary general music educators to serve their special education students with autism spectrum disorder in the self-contained music classroom. It includes educational, social, and scientific rationales for selecting musical repertoire to support the development of joint attention communication skills for students on the more profoundly affected end of the autism spectrum. Many song titles are included, along with ideas for encouraging and eliciting vocal responses from the students. Resources, including a bibliography of related books and websites for source materials, are also provided.
Task-based Pedagogies in Iran: The Relationship between Oracy and Literacy
Authors: Shakhsi Dastgahian Elahe , Turner Marianne , Scull Janet
Published: June 2019

Despite the recent emphasis on oral English language proficiency in the Iranian education system, the teaching of oral communication remains a challenge for secondary school English language teachers. In this article, we suggest that this, in part, relates to the continued emphasis on literacy practices. The article explores the approach taken by three Iranian junior high school English language teachers to teaching oracy during a summer school task-based intervention. Data were gathered through observations and interviews, and third generation activity theory from Engeström (1996; Engeström 2001) was used to analyse teachers’ practices. Findings revealed that, while trialling aspects of task-based pedagogies, the teachers’ attention to oracy increased. However, they retained a strong traditional focus on literacy teaching, which had an effect on their approach to oracy and also appeared to constrain their movement towards less-controlled spoken language. This small-scale study offers insights into approaches to oracy teaching while employing task-based pedagogies in foreign language contexts like Iran. In this context, English literacy has been the historical focus, the Roman alphabet is new for the students, and there is often limited exposure to oracy practices outside the classroom context (Sadeghi and Richards, 2015).
Effect of a weft yarn spinning system on the shear characteristics of plain woven fabrics
Authors: Shanbeh Mohsen , Johari Majid Safar , Zarrebini Mohammad , Barburski Marcin , Komisarczyk Agnieszka , Urbaniak Mariusz
Published: June 2019

Spun yarns are almost entirely produced using ring, rotor and relatively new air vortex spinning systems. In this study, shear properties of fabrics woven with cotton, viscose, and polyester yarns spun using ring, rotor, and vortex spinning systems were investigated. Experimentally determined shear characteristic-related factors, such as initial shear rigidity, shear rigidity, shear hysteresis at a 0.5 degree shear angle, and shear hysteresis at a 5 degree shear angle along the principle directions, were statistically analyzed. In addition, differences between the shear behaviors of the woven fabric samples were identified using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. While our analyses confirm the statistically significant difference between the shear behavior of samples woven with ring-spun yarns and samples woven with rotor and vortex yarns in the weft direction, no significant difference in shear behavior between the samples woven with rotor and vortex yarns was observed. It was found that the yarn spinning system has no significant effect on fabric shear characteristics in the warp direction. It also was concluded that the DIC technique can successfully be used to analyze the differences in shear characteristics of fabrics woven by various type of spun yarns.
Nationalism, nations and the crisis of world order
Authors: Cox Michael
Published: June 2019

One hundred years ago, the first Department of International Politics was established at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, with the express purpose of seeking in Arnold Toynbee’s prophetic words (uttered many years later) – of breaking decisively with the ‘habit of nationalism’. As David Davies in the founding statement put it, by moving beyond ‘insular and vested prejudices … the shattered family of nations’ could be brought back together again and a new world order established. Yet as the history of the twentieth century showed – and the new century looks to be no nearer to realizing that original dream – nationalism has throughout continued to retain its power of mobilizing peoples and setting nation against nation. How and why this happened and with what consequences is the subject of this article.
Continuity and change in international relations 1919–2019
Authors: Bain William
Published: June 2019

This article reflects on themes of continuity and change over the past century of international relations. In 1919 the victors of the First World War endeavoured to remake international relations by abolishing war and erecting institutional structures that were intended to promote a more just world order. The achievements and failures of this project can be discerned in overlapping patterns of continuity and change that portray a world that is at once old and new. The discourse of change tends to dominate thinking about international relations. Technological innovation, globalisation, and human rights, among other factors, cultivate the progressive ‘one-worldism’ of an interconnected global community of nations and peoples. But, evidence of change notwithstanding, much of contemporary international relations would be intelligible to persons who lived a century ago. International relations is still fundamentally about order and security, power and restraint, and freedom and equality. These patterns provide an important reminder that progress is possible but that international relations involves an open-ended project of continuous renovation and conservation.
Putting Proverbs to the Test: An Engaging Approach for Developing Students’ Hypothesis Testing Skills
Authors: Gamble Tim , Turner-Cobb Julie M. , Walker Ian , Holt Nigel
Published: June 2019

Integral to most undergraduate psychology degree programs are research methods courses. Students learn about theory, study design and hypothesis testing, and gain knowledge that is assessed by laboratory reports. We describe a problem-based learning approach with an emphasis on acquisition of study design skills. Working in small groups, students took well-known falsifiable proverbs, developed hypotheses to test them, recruited and assessed participants, analyzed the data, and presented their findings in a poster format. This approach allowed students to develop key skills to systematically experiment with an idea using proverbs as a proxy for theory. We suggest proverb testing as a useful technique to engage student-centered active learning in psychology and in the behavioral sciences more broadly.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Instruments: Reliability and Validity in Veterans Following Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Hadlandsmyth Katherine , Dindo Lilian N. , St. Marie Barbara J. , Wajid Roohina , Embree Jennie L. , Noiseux Nicolas O. , Tripp-Reimer Toni , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Rakel Barbara A.
Published: June 2019

The patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) offers standardized assessment measures of clinically relevant patient-reported outcomes. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of select PROMIS measures with U.S. military veterans following orthopedic surgery. Data for the current study were collected as part of a pilot randomized control trial assessing the efficacy of a 1-day Acceptance and Commitment Therapy workshop on persistent postsurgical pain in at-risk veterans undergoing orthopedic surgery. Sixty-seven participants completed surveys 3 months after surgery. Participants completed the following PROMIS instruments: PROMIS Anxiety Short Form 8a, PROMIS Depression Short Form 8b, and PROMIS Pain Interference Short Form 8a. PROMIS measures were compared to the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-Item Scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory Pain Interference subscale, respectively. All three PROMIS measures demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s αs ranged from .93 to .96) and each loaded onto a single factor. The PROMIS measures were moderately correlated with their respective comparison measures ( r = .69 to .76). The PROMIS anxiety and PROMIS depression measures were highly correlated to one another ( r = .91). Findings highlight the potential utility of these PROMIS measures in veterans following orthopedic surgery and the overlap between the PROMIS depression and anxiety measures in this sample.
Streamlined Approach to Identify Projects That Are Not of Air Quality Concern for PM10 Hot-Spot Analysis
Authors: Farzaneh Reza , Gu Chaoyi , Vallamsundar Suriya , Venugopal Madhusudhan
Published: June 2019

Project-level particulate matter (PM) analysis, also known as hot-spot analysis, is required in non-attainment and maintenance areas for transportation projects that are identified as projects of air quality concern (POAQC). The only PM non-attainment area in Texas is El Paso which is currently designated as non-attainment for PM10. This paper presents an analytical methodology that was developed to determine the thresholds for highway activity parameters that would streamline the identification of projects that are not POAQCs, and minimize the risk that the project is misclassified. Researchers used the example provided by EPA, that is, 125,000 annual average daily traffic (AADT) and 8% heavy-duty trucks, as the baseline for the analysis. They then established combinations of AADT and truck percentage that would result in the same amount of PM10 emissions as the baseline scenario. Researchers used a set of conservative assumptions to achieve a very conservative/low-risk determination. The most important assumption among them was to not use a fixed baseline analysis year. Researchers used the proposed methodology to establish traffic activity thresholds for highway projects in El Paso, TX. Researchers established a baseline traffic activity (AADT and truck percentage) threshold curve which is a conservative representative of the lower boundary of POAQCs. Any combination of truck percentage and AADT that falls below this curve can be confidently excluded from POAQC consideration. Researchers developed an easy-to-use spreadsheet tool that would use user-provided AADT and truck percentages to identify whether a project could be confidently classified as not of air quality concern.
Findings from the California Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey
Authors: Khan Mobashwir , Komanduri Anurag , Pacheco Kalin , Ayvalik Cemal , Proussaloglou Kimon , Brogan James J. , McCourt Mark , Mak Ryan
Published: June 2019

This paper describes the findings from the California Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (CA-VIUS) which was administered between June 2016 and January 2018 and obtained data from a total of 11,118 fleets and 14,790 trucks. The surveys were segmented by registration, geography, vehicle type, and vehicle age, and the data collection effort exceeded sampling targets across almost all segments. The CA-VIUS is the largest statewide commercial vehicle data collection effort in the United States and will replace the 2002 National VIUS in transportation planning and emissions studies throughout California. Currently, the wealth of information provided by the survey is supporting the development of the California Statewide Freight Forecasting Model which is a fine-grained behavioral freight model. This model will allow California Department of Transportation and its partners to make more informed infrastructure and operational investment decisions. The CA-VIUS data will also be useful for researchers and practitioners hoping to understand the impacts and benefits of commercial vehicle movements on air quality, economic activity, safety, and vehicle usage. This paper documents key sampling and survey approaches, but mainly focuses on the key findings observed in the survey. This is a practical paper geared towards practitioners who are seeking to analyze a new VIUS survey and those who wish to implement one of their own.
Social Capital and Tobacco Retail Outlet Density: An Empirical Test of the Relationship
Authors: Gonzalez Mariaelena , Sanders-Jackson Ashley , Henriksen Lisa
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To examine the relationship between tobacco outlet density and social capital.

Participants:

Parents of at least one teen (N = 2734) in a representative sample of US households with teens (ages 13-16).

Design:

Population-based, cross-sectional survey of a web panel of adolescent–parent pairs matched with spatial data for address to characterize household neighborhoods.

Setting:

US households identified by latitude and longitude with a 50-ft random shift.

Measures:

Perceived social capital (trust and informal social control as reported by parents), tobacco outlet density (retailers per land area in 1/2-mile buffer around each household), neighborhood demographics (derived from American Community Survey), and parent demographics.

Analysis:

Multivariable regression examined the relationship between tobacco outlet density and social capital controlling for household buffer and individual-level covariates, including correlates of social capital.

Results:

Tobacco outlet density was inversely correlated with perceived trust in neighbors ( B = −1.12, P = .0004), but not social control ( B = 0.11, P = .731).

Conclusion:

This study is the first we are aware of to find that social capital is related to tobacco outlet density. The results imply that individuals with low social capital may benefit from policies regulating tobacco outlet density and may benefit from policies that address neighborhood inequality by increasing social capital and reducing poverty.
Environmental assessment of renewable energy scenarios for a sustainable future in Turkey
Authors: Saygın Hasan , Oral Hasan V , Kardaşlar Serkan
Published: June 2019

In this study, we aim to present the outcomes of the environmental impact assessment of renewable energy scenarios relevant with the sustainable perception in Turkey using energy modelling for the period 2014–2050. Therefore, we use the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System model and develop three scenarios as follows: Reference Scenario, Alternative Scenario-I, and Alternative Scenario-II. We find that the total social costs in Reference Scenario, Alternative Scenario-I and Alternative Scenario-II are $88.75 billion, $76.73 billion and $71.15 billion per annum, respectively. Self-sufficiency of the country as the political impact factor in Reference Scenario is expected to be 10.5% in 2050, while it is 41.4% in Alternative Scenario-I and 54% in Alternative Scenario-II. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, Reference Scenario leads to 736 million metric tons of CO2-eq per annum, which is calculated to be 77.4% and 99.5% higher than Alternative Scenario-I and Alternative Scenario-II, respectively. We conclude that it is a necessity for Turkey to employ its renewable energy potential that it possesses in abundance with efficiency measures. Otherwise, missing this paradigm shift process may stir up a hornet’s nest of harder sectoral challenges and externalities in the near future of the country.
Detection of Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis by Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MR Imaging in Subacute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Juan , Suo Shiteng , Zu Jinyan , Zhu Wanqiu , Pan Lijun , Song Shaoli , Li Yang , Li Lei , Chen Zengai , Xu Jianrong
Published: June 2019

Intravoxel incoherent motion has received extensive attention in brain studies for its potential as a non-invasive magnetic resonance perfusion method. However, studies on intravoxel incoherent motion imaging and crossed cerebellar diaschisis detection are relatively scarce. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of using intravoxel incoherent motion imaging in crossed cerebellar diaschisis diagnosis in subacute ischemic stroke patients by comparing results from intravoxel incoherent motion imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography, and arterial spin-labeling perfusion methods. In total, 39 patients with subacute ischemic stroke who underwent intravoxel incoherent motion, arterial spin-labeling, and single-photon emission computed tomography scanning were enrolled. Intravoxel incoherent motion-derived perfusion-related parameters including fast diffusion coefficient, vascular volume fraction, arterial spin-labeling-derived cerebral blood flow as well as single-photon emission computed tomography-derived cerebral blood flow of bilateral cerebellum were measured. A crossed cerebellar diaschisis-positive result was considered present with an asymmetry index ≥10% of single-photon emission computed tomography. In the crossed cerebellar diaschisis-positive group, fast diffusion coefficient, arterial spin-labeling-derived cerebral blood flow, and computed tomography-derived cerebral blood flow of the contralateral cerebellum decreased compared with those of the ipsilesional cerebellum; whereas vascular volume fraction significantly increased. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and infarct volume in the crossed cerebellar diaschisis-positive group were significantly higher than those in the crossed cerebellar diaschisis-negative group. A positive correlation was detected between the fast diffusion coefficient-based asymmetry index and the single-photon emission computed tomography-based asymmetry index, fast diffusion coefficient-based asymmetry, and arterial spin-labeling based asymmetry index; whereas the vascular volume fraction -based asymmetry index value had a negative correlation with the single-photon emission computed tomography-based asymmetry index and arterial spin-labeling based asymmetry index. Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of the arterial spin-labeling-based asymmetry index was 0.923. The fast diffusion coefficient derived from the intravoxel incoherent motion could be valuable for the assessment of crossed cerebellar diaschisis in supratentorial stroke patients.
Cleft and Craniofacial Multidisciplinary Team Clinic: A Look at Attrition Rates for Patients With Complete Cleft Lip and Palate and Nonsyndromic Single-Suture Craniosynostosis
Authors: Cooper Danielle C. , Peterson Erin C. , Grellner Cheryl G. , Naidoo Sybill D. , Skolnick Gary B. , Pfeifauf Kristin D. , Smyth Matthew D. , Snyder-Warwick Alison K. , Patel Kamlesh B.
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To evaluate attrition rates prior to expected completion of team care for children with complete cleft lip and palate (cleft) or nonsyndromic single-suture craniosynostosis (synostosis).

Design:

A single-institution retrospective review of attendance data from 2002 to 2016.

Setting:

Single cleft and craniofacial center in the United States.

Patients/Participants:

A sample of 983 patients with either cleft or synostosis. Patients who were more than 2 to 3 years from their last visit were considered lost to follow-up. Patients with cleft older than 16 years or synostosis over 11 years were considered graduated from team care.

Results:

Survival analysis shows that in our patients with cleft, 25% leave before age 8 and over 60% are lost from team by age 16. In patients with synostosis, 25% leave before age 6 and 45% are lost by age 11. Cox regression showed underrepresented minorities being 1.7 times more likely to become lost in the cleft group (hazard ratio: 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.74).

Conclusions:

Overall, attrition rates were high at our institution. Many patients are lost to follow-up prior to receiving key medical interventions. Improved family education and personalized care are needed to help ensure continuity of care.
A new model of a hydraulic leveraged dynamic anti-resonance vibration isolator under base excitation: A theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Liu Niuniu , Jin Zeyu , Hua Hongxing
Published: June 2019

Two models have previously been commonly used to predict the isolation performance of a hydraulic leveraged dynamic anti-resonance vibration isolator. The models have deficiencies, however, in considering the volumetric stiffness of the isolator. In this paper, a new model is proposed to improve the accuracy by reasonably taking the volumetric stiffness into consideration. The model is validated by a carefully designed experiment. The influence of the volumetric stiffness on the isolation performance of the isolator is investigated by the validated model. The results indicate that the volumetric stiffness of the isolator and its location in a mathematical model have a significant influence on the isolation frequency and the second natural frequency of the isolator. The dependence of the volumetric stiffness on the isolation frequency, the attenuation capacity at the isolation frequency, and the bandgap of the isolator is presented. The investigation will enhance the understanding of the hydraulic leveraged dynamic anti-resonance vibration isolator, and facilitate the design and exploitation of this type of isolator in the field of vibration isolation.
Adaptive sliding mode control for asymptotic stabilization of underactuated mechanical systems via higher-order nonlinear disturbance observer
Authors: Majumder Kakoli , Patre B. M.
Published: June 2019

The development of a nonlinear controller of stabilization of underactuated mechanical systems (UMSs) is a challenging endeavor due to a larger number of output variables to be controlled than the control input space. This paper proposes an adaptive sliding mode control based on a higher-order nonlinear disturbance observer (HONDO) for stabilizing the rotational pendulum (RP) system falling under the class of UMSs. Firstly, the HONDO is designed in such a way that it can improve accuracy in estimations with its incremental order. As a result, the proposed controller obtained from the sliding surface which is developed with system’s states and estimations, forces the states attaining the sliding mode and hence keeps them to their origin forever against disturbances. To achieve this, the sliding coefficients are obtained using inertia matrix of the system. The zero dynamics is stabilized by the proposed controller. This alleviates the chattering problem in the control input. Finally, numerical performance on the underactuated RP model is analyzed to show the efficiency of the proposed controller and it is compared with the established control technique found in the literature.
Using Pseudoenzymes to Probe Evolutionary Design Principles of Enzymes
Authors: Sharir-Ivry Avital , Xia Yu
Published: June 2019

Enzymes are governed by unique evolutionary design principles as their catalytic sites were shown to induce long-range evolutionary conservation gradients. We have recently used a comparative bioinformatics approach to disentangle structural determinants from other possible determinants of the evolutionary conservation gradients. The approach is based on comparing the evolutionary patterns of enzymes to those of pseudoenzymes with the same tertiary structure where the catalytic functionality is turned off. This approach provides a way to evaluate several hypotheses regarding the origin of the observed evolutionary conservation gradient in enzymes. The conclusions from such comparative analyses are important for a better understanding of the unique evolutionary design principles of enzymes, which can in turn potentially guide the design of new and improved enzymes.
Multivariate Index Assay Is Superior to CA125 and HE4 Testing in Detection of Ovarian Malignancy in African-American Women
Authors: Dunton Charles , Bullock Rowan G , Fritsche Herbert
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To review and analyze the serum values of risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) and multivariate index assay (MIA) in subgroups of women who underwent surgery for adnexal masses to determine sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the detection of malignancy in different ethnic populations.

Methods:

Serum samples from 2 prospective trials of 1029 women in which 274 women diagnosed with malignancy were analyzed for ROMA scores and MIA results. Biomarker data were obtained from the previous prospective studies that validated the MIA test. Of these, 250 women were Caucasian (C) and 24 were African-American (AA). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and confidence intervals for preoperative test results were calculated using DTComPair package of the R programming language. In premenopausal women, a ROMA value equal to or greater than 1.14 indicates a high risk of finding epithelial ovarian cancer. In premenopausal women, MIA values greater than 5.0 are associated with a greater risk of malignancy. In postmenopausal women, a ROMA value equal to or greater than 2.99 indicates a high risk of finding epithelial ovarian cancer. In postmenopausal women, MIA values greater than 4.4 are associated with a greater risk of malignancy.

Results:

Primary ovarian malignancy was diagnosed in 179 cases (167 C/12 AA) and metastatic disease to the ovary in an additional 27 cases (22 C/5 AA). Overall results are shown below.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that ROMA in AA women with adnexal masses have lower sensitivity for the detection of malignancy than does MIA. Implementation of MIA in the evaluation of adnexal masses will increase the sensitivity of the detection of malignancy compared with ROMA, with the most marked results in AA women.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Fertility Preservation: Clinical and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Sonigo Charlotte , Beau Isabelle , Binart Nadine , Grynberg Michael
Published: June 2019

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta family and a key regulator of sexual differentiation and folliculogenesis. While the serum AMH level has been used in reproductive medicine as a biomarker of quantitative ovarian reserve for more than 20 years, new potential therapeutic applications of recombinant AMH are emerging, notably in the field of oncofertility. Indeed, it is well known that chemotherapy, used to treat cancer, induces ovarian follicular depletion and subsequent infertility. Animal models have been used widely to understand the effects of different cytotoxic agents on ovarian function, and several hypotheses regarding chemotherapy gonadotoxicity have been proposed, that is, it might have a direct detrimental effect on the primordial follicles constituting the ovarian reserve and/or on the pool of growing follicles secreting AMH. Recently, a new mechanism of chemotherapy-induced follicular depletion, called the “burn-out effect,” has been proposed. According to this theory, chemotherapeutic agents may lead to a massive growth of dormant follicles which are then destroyed. As AMH is one of the factors regulating the recruitment of primordial follicles from the ovarian reserve, recombinant AMH administration concomitant with chemotherapy might limit follicular depletion, therefore representing a promising option for preserving fertility in women suffering from cancer. This review reports on the potential usefulness of AMH measurement as well as AMH’s role as a therapeutic agent in the field of female fertility preservation.
Understanding L2 word learning outcomes: The roles of semantic relations, input, and language dissimilarity
Authors: Malt Barbara C
Published: June 2019

Aims and objectives:

This study contributes to understanding L2 word learning and why “semantic accent” persists. It examines the impact of L1–L2 semantic relations, input conditions, and L1–L2 dissimilarity on learning outcomes.

Methodology:

Mandarin-speaking learners of English labeled actions in 26 brief videos, typically called carrying or holding by native speakers. The labeling pattern is simpler in English than in Mandarin but requires a shift to different semantic dimensions. Further, hold is a higher frequency term than carry. The learners were resident in either China (N = 34) or the United States (N = 25), with somewhat higher proficiency in the US sample. Twenty native English speakers in the United States also responded.

Data and analysis:

Learner groups’ name choices were compared to each other and those of native speakers.

Findings/conclusions:

The dissimilarity between Mandarin and English did not block importing L1 meanings to L2, but progress was seen across sub-groups. Input variables did impact progress: immersion (mediated by proficiency) was better than classroom learning, and use of the higher frequency term was greater than of the lower. Notably, however, many learners narrowed to domain-relevant vocabulary without using the words in native-like ways despite the simplicity of the target L2 system. They appeared to update knowledge at the level of word form-to-domain mappings without updating word form-to-meaning associations.

Originality:

Semantic accent has been documented previously, but the L2 word learning trajectory and factors that contribute to semantic accent have not been well understood. This study advances that understanding.

Significance/implications:

Imported meanings are difficult to reshape even for dissimilar languages and even with immersion. Enhanced learning may require sensitizing learners to L2 semantic content via either explicit instruction or intensive exposure to discrepancies between L1 and L2 meanings.
Endovascular Hybrid Repair of True Ascending Aortic Aneurysms Using Double Graft Wrapping to Prepare a Landing Zone for Ascending Aortic Stent-Graft Placement: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kolvenbach Ralf , Karmeli Ron , Rabin Assaf , Lica Raluca
Published: June 2019

Purpose: To describe a hybrid procedure that avoids cardiopulmonary bypass to treat patients with true ascending aortic aneurysms without a suitable proximal landing zone for endovascular repair. Material and Methods: Thirteen consecutive patients (mean age 75.9±6.5 years; 8 women) with true ascending aortic aneurysms were treated with the endovascular hybrid repair of true aortic aneurysms (EHTA) approach, which consists of a conventional sternotomy with double wrapping of the ascending aorta followed by staged stent-graft placement. Via sternotomy, a polypropylene mesh trimmed to downsize the aneurysm is placed around the dilated ascending aorta and sutured to the adventitia. A similarly trimmed polytetrafluoroethylene graft is placed loosely around the first wrap to avoid adhesions and secure the proximal landing zone. There is no need for cardiopulmonary bypass. A few days later, a standard thoracic stent-graft is deployed via either a transaxillary or transfemoral access; chimney or bypass grafts are used as needed to revascularize the supra-aortic vessels. Results: The ascending aortic diameter was reduced from a mean 5.7 cm (range 4.8–6.5) to 3.9 cm (range 3.2–4.3) after wrapping. The mean interval between surgery and stent-graft placement was 5 days. In this interval, 2 patients with significant reduction in the diameter of the ascending aorta elected to forego placement of a stent-graft. Of the 11 patients who underwent the full hybrid EHTA procedure, the ascending aortic stent-graft was combined with a chimney graft in the innominate artery in 4 cases. In 1 patient, a supra-aortic debranching procedure using a bifurcated Dacron graft to the innominate and left common carotid arteries was performed after wrapping with the polypropylene mesh. There was no mortality or neurological complication. A sternal wound infection required a prolonged hospital stay. At a mean follow-up of 13.8 months (range 3–24), there has been no death, type I endoleak, or sign of aneurysm enlargement on imaging. Conclusion: This technique permits complete endovascular exclusion of an ascending aortic aneurysm in a less invasive approach than standard open repair. Although this is only a small cohort of patients without long-term follow-up, it seems that this hybrid procedure is associated with low morbidity and mortality. It offers a beating-heart approach to treat true ascending aortic aneurysms in selected high-risk patients.
A Feminist and “Outsider” in the Field: Negotiating the Challenges of Researching Young Men
Authors: Vogels Christina
Published: June 2019

For a number of years, women scholars have documented the difficulties faced when conducting research with male participants. This article contributes to this scholarship by reflecting on fieldwork I conducted with young men from a rural high school in Aotearoa/New Zealand. While the primary aim of this project was to collect moments of young men’s talk that spoke to their understandings of gendered norms within (hetero)romantic relationships, I also ended up gathering other data in the form of how they interacted with me and each other during our discussions. What resulted were a range of challenges that appeared connected to my “outsider” status. This article exposes these challenges and offers my reflections on why they occurred, how I managed them at the time, and what I learnt in the process.
Boosting sparsity-induced autoencoder: A novel sparse feature ensemble learning for image classification
Authors: Shi Rui , Ji Jian , Zhang Chunhui , Miao Qiguang
Published: June 2019

As a kind of unsupervised learning model, the autoencoder is usually adopted to perform the pretraining to obtain the optimal initial value of parameter space, so as to avoid the local minimality that the nonconvex problem may fall into and gradient vanishment of the process of back propagation. However, the autoencoder and its variants have not taken the statistical characteristics and domain knowledge of the train set and also lost plenty of essential representaions learned from different levels when it comes to image processing and computer vision. In this article, we firstly add a sparsity-induced layer into the autoencoder to exploit and extract more representative and essential features exist in the input and then combining the ensemble learning mechanism, we propose a novel sparse feature ensemble learning method, named Boosting sparsity-induced autoencoder, which could make full use of hierarchical and diverse features, increase the accuracy and the stability of a single model. The classification results on different data sets illustrated the effectiveness of our proposed method.