bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Talking the talk: Exploring teacher learning and their use of discourse strategies
Authors: Edmondson Elizabeth , Choudhry Fahima
Published: October 2018

This study investigates whether elementary science teachers participating in a four‐week professional development workshop develop new understandings about classroom discourse and whether they are able to implement strategies toward teaching science as student‐to‐student discourse. Perspectives and the extent of teacher use of discourse strategies were examined. Hundred and twenty teachers in grades 4 through 6 from 29 schools participated in the professional development at four public, research‐intensive universities situated in a Mid‐Atlantic state. Teacher reflections indicate an understanding of the strategies and a belief that they were important. Analysis of program transcripts exposed that elementary teachers were implementing the strategies learned during the professional development. However, they continued to control the conversation and continued to use more traditional talk moves. They tried to use questions to probe student thinking and to have students build on one another. The teachers wrestled with how to ask open‐ended questions and guide the discussion to elicit deeper understanding. The professional development model proved effective for raising awareness and reflection, but the model did not result in a significant change in teacher practice. Analysis of classroom practice after this institute may show change toward a more student‐centered discourse.
CPs Move Rightward, Not Leftward
Authors: Bruening Benjamin
Published: October 2018

Several recent proposals hold that CP complements appear rightmost in many languages as the result of a two‐step leftward‐movement process: first the CP moves leftward, then a remnant phrase carries all other material to the left of that moved position. I show here that the arguments that have been given in favor of this approach do not go through. In contrast, a rightward‐movement analysis explains all the facts in a much simpler and less ad hoc derivation. These facts include (i) a left‐right asymmetry in syntactic category; (ii) binding facts; (iii) preposition stranding; and (iv) extraction. Importantly, binding must depend on precede‐and‐command rather than c‐command (Bruening ) and there is never reconstruction for Binding Condition C. Regarding preposition stranding, the results of a large‐scale survey reveal that there is actually significant speaker variability in whether prepositions can be stranded when CPs move to the right. I spell out a nongrammatical account of this variability within the rightward‐movement analysis. With many of these phenomena, rightward movement of CPs does not pattern with remnant‐VP fronting, as it should in the leftward‐movement analysis.
Servicification in global value chains: Comparative analysis of selected Asian countries with OECD
Authors: Thangavelu Shandre M. , Wang Wenxiao , Oum Sothea
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the trend of servicification in global value chains (GVCs). The degree of servicification is measured as the share of service value added in manufacturing exports. Service inputs are either from domestic market or from foreign countries, which are measured by the domestic servicification and the foreign servicification, respectively. Using the international input–output tables from 1995 to 2011, we estimate the degree of servicification across 61 countries with a focus on Asian nations which have been rarely studied in previous research. We observed an evident trend of servicification in manufacturing in the Asian countries, especially in the 16 countries associated with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Asian countries tend to have a lower level of domestic servicification but a higher level of foreign servicification than OECD countries. We also identified five key factors in driving the trend of servicification. Countries with broader participation and lower positions in GVCs tend to have higher levels of foreign servicification in manufacturing. Improvements in information and communication technology (ICT) also raise the level of foreign servicification. However, countries with a larger supply of service workers, better regulation quality and less government governance have a higher level of domestic servicification in manufacturing.
Estimation of human T‐lymphotropic virus incidence in blood donors from observed prevalence
Authors: Styles Claire E. , Hoad Veronica C. , Seed Clive R.
Published: October 2018

Repeat donors in Australia will shortly cease to be tested for human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV), removing the ability to measure repeat donor incidence. A risk threshold for repeat donors was investigated based on previous modelling and a conservative ratio between prevalent and incident infections. It was estimated that 26 infections per 100 000 new‐donor donations would be associated with an incidence in repeat donors approaching the tolerable risk threshold if sustained over several years. We propose to trigger formal risk assessment at this point, and believe this solution may be useful for other blood services that reduce their HTLV testing requirements.
Do Bedside Handovers Reduce Handover Duration? An Observational Study With Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Malfait Simon , Van Hecke Ann , Van Biesen Wim , Eeckloo Kristof
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Bedside handover is increasingly used and studied in nursing due to the method's acclaimed positive effects on patient safety, patient participation, communication, and efficiency. Still, reported results about its impact on handover duration are ambiguous. Revealing the root cause of these ambiguous effects is important, as increased duration could lead to overtime, lower job satisfaction, and failure in implementation. In contrast, decreased handover duration could lead to more efficient nursing care and facilitate implementation.

Aim

To explore the effects of bedside handovers on the handover duration by comparing wards before and after the implementation of bedside handovers.

Methods

As part of a multicentered longitudinal study, observations (N = 638) with time measurement were performed. Approximately 22% of the observations were performed by two researchers to check reliability. These time measurements were compared to the handover duration before the implementation of bedside handover, determined through interviews (n = 105), unstructured observations (n = 40), and a review of time schedules (n = 12). A descriptive, comparative research design was used.

Results

On average, a bedside handover takes 146 s for one patient (83 s–204 s). Depending on the previously used handover model, the number of patients allocated to each nurse, and the use of a structured handover content, time gain or loss as a result of introducing the bedside handover can be expected.

Linking Evidence to Action

The effect on time depends on the organizational changes necessary for the implementation of bedside handovers, most importantly the use of a decentralized handover model and structured handover content. Implementing bedside handover will therefore not always lead to a decrease in time use. A matrix for estimating the effects of bedside handover on time use is presented. While using bedside handovers will not always lead to decreased handover time, it will increase direct patient contact, increasing the possibilities for patient participation and enhancing patient safety.
An Integrative Review of Interventions for Enhancing Leadership in the Implementation of Evidence‐Based Nursing
Authors: Välimäki Tarja , Partanen Pirjo , Häggman‐Laitila Arja
Published: October 2018

Background

The most common barriers to evidence‐based nursing (EBN) are related to nurse leadership and to organizational characteristics. Scientific evidence is needed regarding interventions that support nurse leadership.

Aims

The aim was to gather, assess, and synthesize the current empirical evidence regarding interventions for enhancing nursing leadership in EBN implementation.

Methods

We conducted an integrative review of interventions that enhance the roles of nurse leaders in EBN implementation using reporting guidance according to the PRISMA statement.

Results

The search identified five studies, which described two intervention types: interventions improving nurse leaders’ capabilities for EBN implementation and supporting the activities for EBN implementing. The interventions focused on strategic, teamwork, and individual levels. All interventions produced positive outcomes on primary outcomes, however all not statistically significant.

Linking Evidence to Action

The studies mainly had descriptive designs and short follow‐up times, so it was not possible to propose evidence‐based recommendations for effective interventions. The certainty of evidence was very low due to the study designs and the risk of bias. Structured clinical education might promote new innovations in evidence‐based leadership in nursing. Conclusions about the impact of the interventions must be drawn with caution. They might be useful for promoting the abilities of nurse leaders to implement EBN, but further studies are needed to provide more reliable recommendations.
The Association Between Maternal Factors and Preadolescent Breakfast Skipping: The Mediating Role of Preadolescent Attitudes Toward Breakfast
Authors: Ali Reem A. , Abdel Razeq Nadin M. , Alzoubi Fatmeh A. , Alnuaimi Karimeh M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Although skipping breakfast is common among children and adolescents, daily breakfast consumption is a healthy habit that is particularly important in childhood. There is a link between children's attitudes toward breakfast, breakfast‐skipping behaviors, and maternal factors. Evidence demonstrating a clear relationship between maternal factors and preadolescent attitudes and behaviors toward breakfast skipping is scarce.

Aims

This study aims to examine the mediation effect of preadolescent attitudes toward breakfast on the associations between maternal involvement (encouragement and control of breakfast eating) and preadolescent breakfast skipping.

Methods

A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted across Jordan in public and private primary schools in 2015. A sample of 1,915 preadolescent students (10–11 years) and their mothers (N = 1,299) was generated through proportional cluster stratification sampling. The interrelationships were examined among the participants’ demographics, the number of preadolescent skipped breakfasts during a given week, self‐reported attitudes toward breakfast, and perceived maternal encouragement and control of breakfast‐eating variables.

Results

Analysis revealed that preadolescent attitudes toward breakfast and mothers’ involvement in preadolescent breakfast were negatively correlated with preadolescent breakfast skipping. Linear regressions revealed that maternal involvement (i.e., encouragement and control of breakfast eating, and educational attainment levels) was predictive of preadolescent attitudes toward breakfast consumption. Multiple regressions using bootstrapping analysis showed that preadolescent attitudes partially mediated the effect of mothers’ control and encouragement of breakfast consumption over preadolescent breakfast‐skipping behavior.

Linking Evidence to Action

Results suggest that preadolescent attitudes, maternal encouragement, and control of breakfast eating influenced preadolescent breakfast skipping. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully assessing preadolescent attitudes toward breakfast, maternal encouragement, and control of breakfast consumption when developing interventions aimed at reducing breakfast‐skipping behavior.
On exercise thermoregulation in females: interaction of endogenous and exogenous ovarian hormones
Authors: Lei Tze‐Huan , Cotter James D. , Schlader Zachary J. , Stannard Stephen R. , Perry Blake G. , Barnes Matthew J. , Mündel Toby
Published: October 2018

Key points

One in two female athletes chronically take a combined, monophasic oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Previous thermoregulatory investigations proposed that an endogenous rhythm of the menstrual cycle still occurs with OCP usage.

Forthcoming large international sporting events will expose female athletes to hot environments differing in their thermal profile, yet few data exist on how trained women will respond from both a thermoregulatory and performance stand‐point.

In the present study, we have demonstrated that a small endogenous rhythm of the menstrual cycle still affects Tcore and also that chronic OCP use attenuates the sweating response, whereas behavioural thermoregulation is maintained.

Furthermore, humid heat affects both performance and thermoregulatory responses to a greater extent than OCP usage and the menstrual cycle does.

We studied thermoregulatory responses of ten well‐trained (, 57 ± 7 mL min−1 kg−1) women taking a combined, monophasic oral contraceptive pill (OCP) (≥12 months) during exercise in dry and humid heat, across their active OCP cycle. They completed four trials, each of resting and cycling at fixed intensities (125 and 150 W), aiming to assess autonomic regulation, and then a self‐paced intensity (30‐min work trial) to assess behavioural regulation. Trials were conducted in quasi‐follicular (qF) and quasi‐luteal (qL) phases in dry (DRY) and humid (HUM) heat matched for wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) (27°C). During rest and exercise at 125 W, rectal temperature was 0.15°C higher in qL than qF (P = 0.05) independent of environment (P = 0.17). The onset threshold and thermosensitivity of local sweat rate and forearm blood flow relative to mean body temperature was unaffected by the OCP cycle (both P > 0.30). Exercise performance did not differ between quasi‐phases (qF: 268 ± 31 kJ, qL: 263 ± 26 kJ, P = 0.31) but was 5 ± 7% higher during DRY than during HUM (273 ± 29 kJ, 258 ± 28 kJ; P = 0.03). Compared to matched eumenorrhoeic athletes, chronic OCP use impaired the sweating onset threshold and thermosensitivity (both P < 0.01). In well‐trained, OCP‐using women exercising in the heat: (i) a performance‐thermoregulatory trade‐off occurred that required behavioural adjustment; (ii) humidity impaired performance as a result of reduced evaporative power despite matched WBGT; and (iii) the sudomotor but not behavioural thermoregulatory responses were impaired compared to matched eumenorrhoeic athletes.
Shape oscillation and stability of an encapsulated microbubble translating in an acoustic wave
Authors: Liu Yunqiao , Calvisi Michael L. , Wang Qianxi
Published: October 2018

Encapsulated microbubbles (EMBs) are associated with a wide variety of important medical applications, including sonography, drug delivery, and sonoporation. The nonspherical oscillations, or shape modes, of EMBs strongly affect their stability and acoustic signature, and thus are an important factor to consider in the design and utilization of EMBs. Under acoustic forcing, EMBs often translate with significant velocity, which can excite shape modes, yet few studies have addressed the effect of translation on the shape stability of EMBs. In this work, the shape stability of an EMB subject to translation is investigated through development of an axisymmetric model for the case of small deformations. The potential flow in the bulk volume of the external flow is modeled using an asymptotic analysis. Viscous effects within the thin boundary layer at the interface are included, owing to the no-slip boundary condition, using Prosperetti's theory [Q. Appl. Math. 34, 339 (1977)]. In-plane stress and bending moment due to the encapsulation are incorporated into the model through the dynamic boundary condition at the interface. The evolution equations for radial oscillation, translation, and shape oscillation of an EMB are derived, which can be reduced to model an uncoated gas bubble by neglecting the encapsulation properties. These equations are solved numerically to analyze the shape mode stability of an EMB and a gas bubble subject to an acoustic, traveling plane wave. The findings demonstrate the counterintuitive result that translation has a more destabilizing effect on an EMB than on a gas bubble. The no-slip condition at the encapsulating membrane is the main factor responsible for mediating this interfacial instability due to translation.
Mutations in the MAB_2299c TetR Regulator Confer Cross-Resistance to Clofazimine and Bedaquiline in
Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Richard Matthias , Gutiérrez Ana Victoria , Viljoen Albertus , Rodriguez-Rincon Daniela , Roquet-Baneres Françoise , Blaise Mickael , Everall Isobel , Parkhill Julian , Floto R. Andres , Kremer Laurent
Published: October 2018

New therapeutic approaches are needed against
Mycobacterium abscessus
, a respiratory mycobacterial pathogen that evades efforts to successfully treat infected patients. Clofazimine and bedaquiline, two drugs used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, are being considered as alternatives for the treatment of lung diseases caused by
M. abscessus
.
Efflux Transporter ArsK Is Responsible for Bacterial Resistance to Arsenite, Antimonite, Trivalent Roxarsone, and Methylarsenite
Authors: Shi Kaixiang , Li Chan , Rensing Christopher , Dai Xingli , Fan Xia , Wang Gejiao
Published: October 2018

The metalloid extrusion systems are very important bacterial resistance mechanisms. Each of the previously reported ArsB, Acr3, ArsP, ArsJ, and MSF1 transport proteins conferred only inorganic or organic arsenic/antimony resistance. In contrast, ArsK confers resistance to several inorganic and organic trivalent arsenicals and antimonials. The identification of the novel efflux transporter ArsK enriches our understanding of bacterial resistance to trivalent arsenite [As(III)], antimonite [Sb(III)], trivalent roxarsone [Rox(III)], and methylarsenite [MAs(III)].
Laboratory-associated infections and biosafety
Authors: Sewell D L
Published: October 2018

An estimated 500,000 laboratory workers in the United States are at risk of exposure to infectious agents that cause disease ranging from inapparent to life-threatening infections, but the precise risk to a given worker unknown. The emergence of human immunodeficiency virus and hantavirus, the continuing problem of hepatitis B virus, and the reemergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have renewed interest in biosafety for the employees of laboratories and health care facilities. This review examines the history, the causes, and the methods for prevention of laboratory-associated infections. The initial step in a biosafety program is the assessment of risk to the employee. Risk assessment guidelines include the pathogenicity of the infectious agent, the method of transmission, worker-related risk factors, the source and route of infection, and the design of the laboratory facility. Strategies for the prevention and management of laboratory-associated infections are based on the containment of the infectious agent by physical separation from the laboratory worker and the environment, employee education about the occupational risks, and availability of an employee health program. Adherence to the biosafety guidelines mandated or proposed by various governmental and accrediting agencies reduces the risk of an occupational exposure to infectious agents handled in the workplace.
The Effect of Cellular Redox Status on the Evolvability of New Catabolic Pathways
Authors: Kivisaar Maia
Published: October 2018

Oxidation of aromatic compounds can be mutagenic due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bacterial cells and thereby facilitate evolution of corresponding catabolic pathways. To examine the effect of the background biochemical network on the evolvability of environmental bacteria hosting a new catabolic pathway, Akkaya and colleagues (mBio 9:e01512-18, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01512-18
) introduced the still-evolving 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) pathway genes from the original environmental
Burkholderia
sp.
Rotational carotid insufficiency: an unusual cause of bow hunter’s syndrome
Authors: Kan Peter , Srivatsan Aditya , Johnnson Jeremiah N , Chen Stephen R
Published: October 2018

We report an unusual case in which physiologic neck rotation impeded perfusion through the internal carotid artery. The patient had a history of prior radical neck surgery and radiation for malignancy. He presented withbow hunter’s-like symptoms with transient loss of consciousness and right-sided weakness with left lateral neck rotation. A self-expanding peripheral stent was successfully used to treat the patient by preventing rotatory carotid compression. In select patients with prior neck surgery and radiation, carotid injections should be part of a dynamic cerebral angiogram if the vertebral arteries are unremarkable.
Disseminated tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis presenting as a tongue base mass
Authors: Pratt Sarah , Henderson Arthur , Gillett Stuart
Published: October 2018

An 80-year-old woman presented with dysphagia, odynophagia and progressive weight loss. Initial investigations suggested a large base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. At panendoscopy, biopsies were taken which revealed granulomatous inflammation with multinucleated giant cells and areas of caseous necrosis. Acid-fast bacilli were identified on Ziehl-Neelsen stain and the appearances were consistent with Mycobacterium bovis. Closer inspection of the patient’s medical history revealed that she had previously undergone right hemicolectomy for an ascending colon stricture. The histology had shown granulomatous inflammation consistent with intestinal tuberculosis but no systemic treatment had been instigated at the time. This case highlights the importance of taking a detailed clinical history as well as the need to be cognisant of tuberculosis masquerading as cancer in the head and neck.
Novel pharmacist-led intervention secures the minimally important difference (MID) in Asthma Control Test (ACT) score: better outcomes for patients and the healthcare provider
Authors: Tinelli Michela , White John , Manfrin Andrea
Published: October 2018

Introduction

A key priority in asthma management is achieving control. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a validated tool showing a numerical indicator which has the potential to provide a target to drive management. A novel pharmacist-led intervention recently evaluated and introduced in the Italian setting with a cluster randomised controlled trial (C-RCT) showed effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. This paper evaluates whether the intervention is successful in securing the minimally important difference (MID) in the ACT score and provides better health outcomes and economic savings.

Methods

Clinical data were sourced from 816 adult patients with asthma participating in the C-RCT. The success of the intervention was measured looking at the proportion of patients reaching MID in the ACT score. Different levels of asthma control were grouped according to international guidelines and graded using thetraffic lightrating system. Asthma control levels were linked to economic (National Health Service (NHS) costs) and quality-adjusted life years outcomes using published data.

Results

The median ACT score was 19 (partially controlled) at baseline, and 20 and 21 (controlled) at 3-month and 6-month-follow up, respectively (p<0.01). The percentage of patients reaching MID at 3 and 6 months was 15.8% (129) and 19.9% (162), respectively. The overall annual NHS cost savings per 1000 patients attached to the shift towards the MID target were equal to €346 012 at 3 months and increased to €425 483 at 6 months. Health utility gains were equal to 35.42 and 45.12 years in full health gained, respectively.

Discussion

The pharmacist-led intervention secured the MID in the ACT score and provided better outcomes for both patients and providers.
Removal of intrauterine contraception with non-visible threads: a case series
Authors: Stephens Elizabeth Ann
Published: October 2018

Objectives

(1) To review management of a series of women referred for removal of intrauterine contraception (IUC) with non-visible threads. (2) To establish whether the device was likely to have been placed at the fundus at insertion. (3) To document removal success rates in a community sexual health (CSH) setting.

Study design

A retrospective review of a series of 76 women seen by the author between April 2016 and October 2017 in a specialist CSH clinic for removal of IUC with non-visible threads.

Results

After ultrasound scan (USS) assessment 67 women underwent a removal procedure. Sixty-two devices (92.5%) were successfully removed. Uterine instrumentation beyond the internal os was required in 43 removals, enabling comparison of uterine cavity length with the length of IUC and threads. Such comparison suggested 39/43 (91%) devices were not fundal at insertion and that non-visible threads were likely to have been caused by the device moving to the fundus post-insertion under the influence of uterine contractions, leading to retraction of the threads.

Conclusions

Removal of IUC with non-visible threads can be successfully done in a CSH setting with ultrasound availability. Non-fundal placement of IUC at insertion is likely to be a significant cause of non-visible threads.
Are gluten-free food staples accessible to all patients with coeliac disease?
Authors: Hanci Ozan , Jeanes Yvonne M
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Within England the removal of prescribed gluten-free (GF) foods from many Clinical Commissioning Groups has resulted in a greater reliance on commercially available GF food by adults and children with coeliac disease (CD). High cost and limited availability of GF foods are associated with poorer dietary adherence in people with CD.

Aim

To assess if the rise in popularity of GF diets globally has improved the cost or availability of cereal-based GF foods over the past 6 years.

Design

Observational study where data were collected on cereal-based GF foods from 50 stores and 10 internet retailers. The number of GF foods within each food category and the cost per 100 g of GF and gluten-containing (GC) foods were compared by store type.

Results

GF food availability has increased in premium stores and online. The majority (82%) of GF food categories were significantly more expensive online compared with regular supermarkets. On average, GF breads were 400% more expensive compared with GC breads (p<0.001); no narrowing in cost difference over time observed. Convenience stores did not stock any GF bread nor GF pasta and only one of the budget supermarkets stocked them, similar to data reported 6 years ago.

Conclusions

GF food availability has increased, predominately in premium markets. The GF food desert within convenience and budget stores will continue to disproportionately impact poor socioeconomic cohorts, the elderly and physically disabled. A lack of accessibility to GF foods impacts GF dietary adherence, increasing related comorbidities and healthcare costs.
Consumer credit, chronic disease and risk behaviours
Authors: Dean Lorraine T , Knapp Emily A , Snguon Sevly , Ransome Yusuf , Qato Dima M , Visvanathan Kala
Published: October 2018

Background

Credit scores have been identified as a marker of disease burden. This study investigated credit scores’ association with chronic diseases and health behaviours that are associated with chronic diseases.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis included data on 2083 residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA in 2015. Nine-digit ZIP code level FICO credit scores were appended to individual self-reported chronic diseases (obesity, diabetes, hypertension) and related health behaviours (smoking, exercise, and salt intake and medication adherence among those with hypertension). Models adjusted for individual-level and area-level demographics and retail pharmacy accessibility.

Results

Median ZIP code credit score was 665 (SD=58). In adjusted models, each 50-point increase in ZIP code credit score was significantly associated with: 8% lower chronic disease risk; 6% lower overweight/obesity risk, 19% lower diabetes risk; 9% lower hypertension risk and 14% lower smoking risk. Other health behaviours were not significantly associated. Compared with high prime credit, subprime credit score was significantly associated with a 15%–70% increased risk of chronic disease, following a dose–response pattern with a prime rating.

Conclusion

Lower area level credit scores may be associated with greater chronic disease prevalence but not necessarily with related health behaviours. Area-level consumer credit may make a novel contribution to identifying chronic disease patterns.
Trust and all-cause mortality: a multilevel study of US General Social Survey data (1978–2010)
Authors: Giordano Giuseppe Nicola , Mewes Jan , Miething Alexander
Published: October 2018

Background

Within public health research, generalised trust has been considered an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality for over two decades. However, there are no population-based studies that have scrutinised both contextual-level and individual-level effects of generalised trust on all-cause mortality. We, therefore, aim to investigate such associations by using pooled nationally representative US General Social Survey (GSS) data linked to the National Death Register (NDI).

Methods

The combined GSS–NDI data from the USA have 90 contextual units. Our sample consisted of 25 270 respondents from 1972 to 2010, with 6424 recorded deaths by 2014. We used multilevel parametric Weibull survival models reporting HRs and 95% CI (credible intervals for Bayesian analysis). Individual-level and contextual-level generalised trust were the exposures of interest; covariates included age, race, gender, marital status, education and household income.

Results

We found a robust, significant impact of individual-level and contextual-level trust on mortality (HR=0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97; and HR=0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.98, respectively). There were no discernible gender differences. Neither did we observe any significant cross-level interactions.

Conclusion

High levels of individual and contextual generalised trust protect against mortality, even after considering numerous individual and aggregated socioeconomic conditions. Its robustness at both levels hints at the importance of psychosocial mechanisms, as well as a trustworthy environment. Declining trust levels across the USA should be of concern; decision makers should consider direct and indirect effects of policy on trust with the view to halting this decline.
Learning ability correlates with brain atrophy and disability progression in RRMS
Authors: Sormani Maria Pia , De Stefano Nicola , Giovannoni Gavin , Langdon Dawn , Piani-Meier Daniela , Haering Dieter A , Kappos Ludwig , Tomic Davorka
Published: October 2018

Objective

To assess the prognostic value of practice effect on Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) in multiple sclerosis.

Methods

We compared screening (day −14) and baseline (day 0) PASAT scores of 1009 patients from the FTY720 Research Evaluating Effects of Daily Oral therapy in Multiple Sclerosis (FREEDOMS) trial. We grouped patients into high and low learners if their PASAT score change was above or below the median change in their screening PASAT quartile group. We used Wilcoxon test to compare baseline disease characteristics between high and low learners, and multiple regression models to assess the respective impact of learning ability, baseline normalised brain volume and treatment on brain volume loss and 6-month confirmed disability progression over 2 years.

Results

The mean PASAT score at screening was 45.38, increasing on average by 3.18 from day −14 to day 0. High learners were younger (p=0.003), had lower Expanded Disability Status Scale score (p=0.031), higher brain volume (p<0.001) and lower T2 lesion volume (p=0.009) at baseline. Learning status was not significantly associated with disability progression (HR=0.953, p=0.779), when adjusting for baseline normalised brain volume, screening PASAT score and treatment arm. However, the effect of fingolimod on disability progression was more pronounced in high learners (HR=0.396, p<0.001) than in low learners (HR=0.798, p=0.351; p for interaction=0.05). Brain volume loss at month 24 tended to be higher in low learners (0.17%, p=0.058), after adjusting for the same covariates.

Conclusions

Short-term practice effects on PASAT are related to brain volume, disease severity and age and have clinically meaningful prognostic implications. High learners benefited more from fingolimod treatment.
Free oriented extensions of subfactor planar algebras
Authors: Ghosh Shamindra Kumar , Jones Corey , Reddy B. Madhav
Published: October 2018

We show that the restriction functor from oriented factor planar algebras to subfactor planar algebras admits a left adjoint, which we call the free oriented extension functor. We show that for any subfactor planar algebra realized as the standard invariant of a hyperfinite [Formula: see text] subfactor, the projection category of the free oriented extension admits a realization as bimodules of the hyperfinite [Formula: see text] factor.
Development of Deep Learning Framework for Mathematical Morphology
Authors: Shih Frank Y. , Shen Yucong , Zhong Xin
Published: October 2018

Mathematical morphology has been applied as a collection of nonlinear operations related to object features in images. In this paper, we present morphological layers in deep learning framework, namely MorphNet, to perform atomic morphological operations, such as dilation and erosion. For propagation of losses through the proposed deep learning framework, we approximate the dilation and erosion operations by differential and smooth multivariable functions of the softmax function, and therefore enable the neural network to be optimized. The proposed operations are analyzed by the derivative of approximation functions in the deep learning framework. Experimental results show that the output structuring element of a morphological neuron and the target structuring element are matched to confirm the efficiency and correctness of the proposed framework.
Pricing Longevity Bonds Under the Uncertainty Theory Framework
Authors: Gao Jianwei , Liu Huicheng
Published: October 2018

This paper aims to develop a new pricing approach for longevity bonds under the uncertainty theory framework. First, we describe the life expectancy by a canonical uncertain process and illustrate the dynamic of short interest rate via an uncertain Vasicek interest rate model. Then, based on these descriptions, we construct an uncertain survival index model and present its procedure for parameter estimation. By applying the chain rule, we derive a pricing formula of the uncertain zero-coupon bond. Considering that the financial market is incomplete, we put forward an uncertain distortion operator. Furthermore, based on the uncertain survival index, the uncertain zero-coupon bond pricing formula and the uncertain distortion operator, we develop a pricing formula of the uncertain longevity bond and its calculation algorithm. Finally, a numerical example is shown to illustrate the influence of parameters on the price of the uncertain longevity bond.
Various characteristics of transition energy for nearly symmetric colliding nuclei
Authors: Deepshikha  , Kumar Suneel
Published: October 2018

Nuclear flow observable has been investigated systematically for the collision of nearly symmetric nuclei [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Both balance and transition energies are found to be dependent on various input parameters like composite mass of the colliding nuclei, incident energy and impact parameter bins of the reaction. In addition to this, it has been concluded that power law behavior is perceived in both the balance and transition energies. Transition energy is more suitable to study the behavior of compressed nuclear matter. In this paper, we found that squeeze out phenomenon is helpful to understand the reaction dynamics.
Solutions for ultra-broad beam propagation in a planar waveguide with Kerr-like nonlinearity
Authors: Jamal Sameerah
Published: October 2018

We consider nonlinear optical systems describing the propagation of beams in Kerr-type nonlinear media, experiencing diffraction in transverse and longitudinal directions. The first model investigated, under nonparaxial approximation, is the complex nonlinear Helmholtz equation, recast into a coupled, real system of partial differential equations. We construct and apply its conserved vectors to determine exact solutions. This approach of a double reduction combines a point symmetry with a particular conservation law to enact a reduction and derive solutions. A second model is also studied, that is related to the Maxwell’s equations under paraxial approximation — a version of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We show that when the paraxial effect vanishes, a number of additional exact solutions and conservation laws are admitted.
Dynamic Wave Propagation in Fiber Reinforced Piezoelectric Composites with Cracks
Authors: Wünsche Michael , Sladek Jan , Sladek Vladimir , Zhang Chuanzeng , Repka Miroslav
Published: October 2018

This paper presents the transient dynamic analysis of micro-cracks of arbitrary shape in two-dimensional, linear piezoelectric fiber reinforced composite materials. Interface cracks between fiber and matrix as well as cracks inside the matrix and fibers are investigated. For this purpose, a symmetric Galerkin time-domain boundary element method in conjunction with a multi-domain technique is developed. The time-domain fundamental solutions for linear piezoelectric materials are applied. The time discretization is performed by a collocation method. An explicit time-stepping scheme is obtained to compute the discrete boundary data including the generalized crack-opening-displacements (CODs). Iterative solution algorithms are implemented to solve the nonlinear semi-permeable electrical crack-face boundary conditions and for a crack-face contact analysis at time-steps when a physically unacceptable crack-face intersection occurs. Several numerical examples are presented to reveal the influences of the micro-cracks, the material combinations and the transient dynamic loading on the intensity factors and the scattered wave fields.
SPH Simulation of High-Volume Rapid Landslides Triggered by Earthquakes Based on a Unified Constitutive Model. Part II: Solid–Liquid-Like Phase Transition and Flow-Like Landslides
Authors: Bao Yangjuan , Huang Yu , Liu G. R. , Zeng Wei
Published: October 2018

High-volume fast-moving landslides undergo a solid–liquid-like phase transition. In this study we apply the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method to simulate the solid–liquid-like phase transition in earthquake-induced landslides based on a unified constitutive model. The feasibility analysis is carried out from two aspects: the governing equations in SPH and the unified constitutive model. A sand-collapse experiment simulating the fluidization motion is performed to verify the SPH model. Strong similarities between the SPH results and the experimental results are observed, confirming that the motion of geo-materials in different states can be simulated by the unified constitutive model. The entire process of the Tangjiashan landslide is reproduced. The SPH simulation shows that during the initiation process, the sliding-mass velocity was low as the geo-materials were in solid state. As shown in Part I of this study, a continuous slip surface formed at about 15[Formula: see text]s. The sliding body gains speed as it enters the fluid state. About 50[Formula: see text]s later, the mass gradually stops moving, reaches a steady state and returns to a solid phase. Besides, the SPH simulation based on elastic–plastic model clearly shows the advantage of the proposed model.
SPH Simulation of High-Volume Rapid Landslides Triggered by Earthquakes Based on a Unified Constitutive Model. Part I: Initiation Process and Slope Failure
Authors: Bao Yangjuan , Huang Yu , Liu G. R. , Wang Guangyu
Published: October 2018

Landslides triggered by seismic loading pose a great threat to human lives, property, and infrastructure. This paper embeds a unified constitutive model in the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method and analyzes the initiation process of landslides. A seismic wave is applied to bottom boundary particles by imposing velocities calculated using the seismic wave. The bottom boundary is set as a no-slip boundary and the free field boundary is chosen to reduce seismic wave reflection. The reliability of the developed SPH method is first validated by the simulation of a benchmark problem of thin plate oscillation and stability analysis of a homogenous slope. Initiation of the earthquake-induced Tangjiashan landslide is then simulated as a case study. Formation of a shear zone under the action of seismic loading is followed by the formation of a continuous slip surface at about 15[Formula: see text]s. The sliding surface formed in the SPH simulation agrees well with the speculative sliding surface based on field observations. The velocities of monitored points during the initiation process are also captured by the SPH method.
Neutron stars in frames of R2-gravity and gravitational waves
Authors: Astashenok Artyom V. , Baigashov Alexey S. , Lapin Sergey A.
Published: October 2018

The realistic models of neutron stars are considered for simple [Formula: see text] gravity and equivalent Brance–Dicke theory with dilaton field in Einsein frame. For negative values of [Formula: see text] we have no acceptable results from astrophysical viewpoint: the resulting solution for spherical stars doesn’t coincide with Schwarzschild solution on spatial infinity. The mass of star from viewpoint of distant observer tends to very large values. For [Formula: see text] it is possible to obtain solutions with required asymptotics and well-defined star mass. The mass confined by stellar surface decreases with increasing of [Formula: see text] but we have some contribution to mass from gravitational sphere appearing outside the star. The resulting effect is increasing of gravitational mass from viewpoint of distant observer. But another interpretation take place in a case of equivalent Brance–Dicke theory with massless dilaton field in Einstein frame. The mass of star increases due to contribution of dilaton field inside the star. We also considered the possible constraints on [Formula: see text] gravity from GW 170817 data. According to results of Bauswein et al. the lower limit on threshold mass is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. This allows to exclude some equations of state (EoS) for dense matter. But in [Formula: see text] gravity the threshold mass increases for given EoS with increasing of [Formula: see text]. In principle it can helps in future discriminate between General Relativity and square gravity (of course one need to know EoS with more accuracy rather than now).
Local index theory and the Riemann–Roch–Grothendieck theorem for complex flat vector bundles
Authors: Ho Man-Ho
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this paper is to give a proof of the real part of the Riemann–Roch–Grothendieck theorem for complex flat vector bundles at the differential form level in the even dimensional fiber case. The proof is, roughly speaking, an application of the local family index theorem for a perturbed twisted spin Dirac operator, a variational formula of the Bismut–Cheeger eta form without the kernel bundle assumption in the even dimensional fiber case, and some properties of the Cheeger–Chern–Simons class of complex flat vector bundle.
Preparation and magnetic properties for FeSex/Bi2Se3 bilayer films on silicon substrates by RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Zhang J. , Zhao K. , Yang X. S. , Zhao Y.
Published: October 2018

FeSex/Bi2Se3 bilayer thin films were grown by RF magnetron sputtering on silicon substrates with different thicknesses of Bi2Se3 and the structural, morphological and magnetic properties were investigated. FeSex/Bi2Se3 bilayer films had Bi2Se3 crystallites oriented with c-axis perpendicular to the film plane, and exhibited weak ferromagnetism at low temperature due to the ferromagnetic FeSe2. The thickness of Bi2Se3 layer affected both crystalline structure of Fe–Se layer and the magnetic property.
A numerical method for two-dimensional nonlinear modified time-fractional fourth-order diffusion equation
Authors: He Haiyan , Liang Kaijie , Yin Baoli
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we consider the finite element method for two-dimensional nonlinear modified time-fractional fourth-order diffusion equation. In order to avoid using higher order elements, we introduce an intermediate variable [Formula: see text] and translate the fourth-order derivative of the original problem into a second-order coupled system. We discretize the fractional time derivative terms by using the [Formula: see text]-approximation and discretize the first-order time derivative term by using the second-order backward differentiation formula. In the fully discrete scheme, we implement the finite element method for the spatial approximation. Unconditional stability of the fully discrete scheme is proven and its optimal convergence order is obtained. Numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate our theoretical analysis.
Global Heritage Stone: Belgian black ‘marbles’
Authors: Tourneur Francis
Published: October 2018

The appellation ‘Belgian black “marbles”’ usually designates dark fine-grained limestones present in the Paleozoic substrate of south Belgium. They have been extracted mostly in Frasnian (Upper Devonian) and Viséan (Lower Carboniferous) strata, in various different localities (Namur, Dinant, Theux, Basècles, Mazy-Golzinne among others). Nearly devoid of fossils and veins, they take a mirror-like polished finish, with a pure black colour. These limestones were already known during Antiquity but were only intensively exploited from the Middle Ages. Many different uses were made of these stones, for architecture, decoration or sculpture, in religious or civil contexts, following all the successive styles, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, baroque and so on. All these products, architectural, decorative and sculptural, were probably manufactured close to the quarries and were first exported to neighbouring countries (France and the Netherlands), then to all of Europe (Italy, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Baltic states, etc.) and, by the beginning of the nineteenth century, worldwide. They were always considered as high value-added objects, which allowed them to travel great distances from their origin. Thousands of references document the widespread use of these exceptional natural stones. They were employed, among other famous applications, as the black background of the
Pietre dure
marquetry of Florence. Some other lesser uses were either for musical instruments or lithographic stones. Today only one underground quarry exploits the black ‘marble’, at Golzinne (close to Namur). This prestigious material, with its dark aura, is suitable for recognition as a Global Heritage Stone Resource.