bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Optimal Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance and Investment Problem with Delay and Dependent Risks
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhao Peibiao
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates a robust optimal excess-of-loss reinsurance and investment problem with delay and dependent risks for an ambiguity-averse insurer (AAI). The AAI’s wealth process is assumed to be two dependent classes of insurance business. He/she can purchase excess-of-loss reinsurance from the reinsurer and invest in a risk-free asset and a risky asset whose price follows Heston model. We obtain the explicit expressions of the optimal excess-of-loss reinsurance and investment strategy by maximizing the expected exponential utility of AAI’s terminal wealth. Finally, we give the proof of the verification theorem. Our models and results posed here can be regarded as a generalization of the existing results in the literature.
Analysis and Experimental Study on Pressure Characteristics of Supporting Roller Group of Pipe Belt Conveyor
Authors: Wang Shuang , Li Deyong , Hu Kun
Published: August 2019

Aiming at the problem in measuring the nonuniformly distributed pressure generated by the pipe belt conveyor when conveying raw coals, a hexagonal adjustable pressure measuring device for the idler group is proposed. The dynamic model of the pipe belt conveyor clamping‐type roller group is established. In order to simplify the calculation process of mechanical analysis, the modal analysis is carried out to determine the factors which will influence the pressure. The pipe diameter and filling rate are selected as the key control factors by the sensitive analysis of pressure of the pipe belt conveyor clamping type roller group. An adjustable diameter‐type supporting roller group experiment device is self‐designed, and the dynamic pressure change of the roller group and each roller pressure are tested. The results show that the average error between the simulated and tested values of the pressure of the idler group at different filling rates is 7.3%; the theoretical and simulated values of the pressure of the idler group are in good agreement with the experimental values. The study provides a theoretical basis and experimental reference for the design and application of pipe belt conveyors.
A Comparison of Sparse Partial Least Squares and Elastic Net in Wavelength Selection on NIR Spectroscopy Data
Authors: Fu Guang-Hui , Zong Min-Jie , Wang Feng-Hua , Yi Lun-Zhao
Published: August 2019

Elastic net (Enet) and sparse partial least squares (SPLS) are frequently employed for wavelength selection and model calibration in analysis of near infrared spectroscopy data. Enet and SPLS can perform variable selection and model calibration simultaneously. And they also tend to select wavelength intervals rather than individual wavelengths when the predictors are multicollinear. In this paper, we focus on comparison of Enet and SPLS in interval wavelength selection and model calibration for near infrared spectroscopy data. The results from both simulation and real spectroscopy data show that Enet method tends to select less predictors as key variables than SPLS; thus it gets more parsimony model and brings advantages for model interpretation. SPLS can obtain much lower mean square of prediction error (MSE) than Enet. So SPLS is more suitable when the attention is to get better model fitting accuracy. The above conclusion is still held when coming to performing the strongly correlated NIR spectroscopy data whose predictors present group structures, Enet exhibits more sparse property than SPLS, and the selected predictors (wavelengths) are segmentally successive.
Effect of Rosa Mosqueta Husk Extract (Rosa rubiginosa) on Thermooxidation of Grape Seed Oil
Authors: Flores Marcos , Ortiz-Viedma Jaime , Romero Nalda , Masson Lilia , Robert Paz , Garcia Patricia
Published: August 2019

There is a growing interest in lipid behavior with nutritional contribution. In this sense, it is necessary to determine the behavior of the grape seed oil during a thermooxidation process at 180°C. The induction period (OSI), together with the formation of polar compounds (CP) by HPSEC and the retention of alpha-tocopherol (AT) by HPLC, was the main parameter studied during this deterioration process. The behavior of 4 systems of oils, natural oil (a), refined oil (b), and refined oil with addition of rosa mosqueta husk extract (SGO + C) and alpha-tocopherol (SGO + AT), was compared. The results indicate that the system (a) shows a high retention of the AT content during heating. On the contrary, both systems (SGO + C and SGO + AT) presented a discrete but significant CP inhibition in relation to the values presented in purified grape seed oil (SGO). When comparing the thermooxidative behavior of the SGO + C and SGO + AT systems, it indicates better results for the first system, attributable to the combination of carotenes and AT present in C.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes and Signaling Pathways in Acute Myocardial Infarction Based on Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Chen Da-Qiu , Kong Xiang-Sheng , Shen Xue-Bin , Huang Mao-Zhi , Zheng Jian-Ping , Sun Jing , Xu Shang-Hua
Published: August 2019

Background. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common disease with high morbidity and mortality around the world. The aim of this research was to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which may serve as potential therapeutic targets or new biomarkers in AMI. Methods. From the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, three gene expression profiles (GSE775, GSE19322, and GSE97494) were downloaded. To identify the DEGs, integrated bioinformatics analysis and robust rank aggregation (RRA) method were applied. These DEGs were performed through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses by using Clusterprofiler package. In order to explore the correlation between these DEGs, the interaction network of protein-protein internet (PPI) was constructed using the STRING database. Utilizing the MCODE plug-in of Cytoscape, the module analysis was performed. Utilizing the cytoHubba plug-in, the hub genes were screened out. Results. 57 DEGs in total were identified, including 2 down- and 55 upregulated genes. These DEGs were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and so on. The module analysis filtered out 18 key genes, including Cxcl5, Arg1, Cxcl1, Spp1, Selp, Ptx3, Tnfaip6, Mmp8, Serpine1, Ptgs2, Il6, Il1r2, Il1b, Ccl3, Ccr1, Hmox1, Cxcl2, and Ccl2. Ccr1 was the most fundamental gene in PPI network. 4 hub genes in total were identified, including Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl5, and Mmp8. Conclusion. This study may provide credible molecular biomarkers in terms of screening, diagnosis, and prognosis for AMI. Meanwhile, it also serves as a basis for exploring new therapeutic target for AMI.
TGV Upsampling: A Making-Up Operation for Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Yin Xu , Li Yan , Shin Byeong-Seok
Published: August 2019

With the widespread use of deep learning methods, semantic segmentation has achieved great improvements in recent years. However, many researchers have pointed out that with multiple uses of convolution and pooling operations, great information loss would occur in the extraction processes. To solve this problem, various operations or network architectures have been suggested to make up for the loss of information. We observed a trend in many studies to design a network as a symmetric type, with both parts representing the “encoding” and “decoding” stages. By “upsampling” operations in the “decoding” stage, feature maps are constructed in a certain way that would more or less make up for the losses in previous layers. In this paper, we focus on upsampling operations, make a detailed analysis, and compare current methods used in several famous neural networks. We also combine the knowledge on image restoration and design a new upsampled layer (or operation) named the TGV upsampling algorithm. We successfully replaced upsampling layers in the previous research with our new method. We found that our model can better preserve detailed textures and edges of feature maps and can, on average, achieve 1.4–2.3% improved accuracy compared to the original models.
PPAR-γLigand Inhibits Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Metastasis by Regulating E2F2
Authors: Yang Ping-Li , Wang Jia-Shun , Cheng Xiao-Mei , Chen Jing-Cai , Zhu Hui , Li Xiao-Lan , Cao Li , Tang Wei
Published: August 2019

Purpose. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ(PPAR-γ) is a nuclear hormone receptor with a key role in lipid metabolism. Previous studies have identified various roles of PPAR-γin cell cycle progression, cellular proliferation, and tumor progression. However, no report has described a role for PPAR-γin human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Notably, some studies have reported a relationship between PPAR-γand E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2), which has been identified as a regulator of cell cycle, apoptosis, and the DNA damage response. Notably, E2F2 has also been reported to correlate with a poor prognosis in patients with various malignancies.Methods. We used immunohistochemical (IHC) and western blot methods to evaluate PPAR-γand E2F2 expression and function in nonkeratinizing NPC and nasopharyngitis (NPG) tissue samples, as well as western blotting and CCK8 analyses in the NPC cell lines, CNE1 and CNE2.Results. We observed lower levels of PPAR-γexpression in nonkeratinizing NPC tissues compared with NPG tissues and determined an association between a low level of PPAR-γexpression with a more advanced tumor stage. Furthermore, strong E2F2 expression was detected in nonkeratinizing NPC tissues. We further demonstrated that rosiglitazone, a PPAR-γagonist, reduced E2F2 expression and proliferation in NPC cell lines.Conclusions. Our study results revealed a novel role for the PPAR-γ–E2F2 pathway in controlling NPC cell proliferation and metastasis.
Design of Wideband Slot Antenna Array with Stereoscopic Differentially Fed Structures
Authors: Sun Guang , Gao Ge , Liu Tingting , Liu Yi , Yang Hu
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a wideband slot antenna element and its array with stereoscopic differentially fed structures are proposed for the radar system. Firstly, a series of slots and a stereoscopic differentially fed structure are designed for the antenna element, which makes it possess a wide bandwidth, stable radiation characteristics, and rather high gain. Moreover, the stereoscopic feeding structure can firmly support the antenna’s radiation structure and reduce the influence of feeding connectors on radiating performance. Secondly, a 4 × 4 array is designed using the proposed antenna element. And a hierarchical feeding network is designed for the array on the basis of the stereoscopic differentially fed structure. For validation, the antenna element and 4 × 4 array are both fabricated and measured: (1) the measured −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the antenna element is 62% (6.8–12.9 GHz) and the gain within the entire band is 5–9.7 dBi and (2) the measured −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the array is approximately 50% (7 to 12 GHz) with its gain being 14–19.75 dBi within the entire band. Notably, measured results agree well with simulations and show great advantages over other similar antennas on bandwidth and gain.
On the Solutions of a Porous Medium Equation with Exponent Variable
Authors: Zhan Huashui
Published: August 2019

The paper studies the initial-boundary value problem of a porous medium equation with exponent variable. How to deal with nonlinear term with the exponent variable is the main dedication of this paper. The existence of the weak solution is proved by the monotone convergent method. Moreover, according to the different boundary value conditions, the stability of weak solutions is studied. In some special cases, the stability of weak solutions can be proved without any boundary value condition.
Short-Term Trends in Economic Burden and Catastrophic Costs of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Rural Southwest China
Authors: Li Hui-fang , Cai Le , Golden Allison Rabkin
Published: August 2019

Objectives. This study is aimed at gaining insights on the changing prevalence, economic burden, and catastrophic costs of diabetes in rural southwest China. Materials and Methods. Data were collected from two cross-sectional health interviews and examination surveys among individuals aged≥35 years in rural Yunnan Province. A prevalence-based cost-of-illness method was used to estimate the cost of diabetes. Information about the participants’ demographic characteristics and economic consequences of diabetes was obtained using a standard questionnaire. Fasting blood sugar levels were recorded for each study participant. Results. During the study period, the overall prevalence of diabetes increased from 7.7% to 9.5% (P<0.01) and the economic cost of diabetes increased 1.52-fold. The largest increases were observed in hospital costs (1.77-fold increase), while unit medication costs fell by 18.6%. Both in 2009 and in 2016, males had higher overall direct and indirect costs of diabetes than females (P<0.05). Direct costs represented the largest component of economic cost of diabetes while hospital costs were the main drivers of direct medical expenditures, accounting for 66.2% of the total direct costs in 2009 and 75.9% in 2016. The incidence of household catastrophic health payment and household impoverishment due to diabetes was 24.0% and 17.9% in 2009 and 23.6% and 17.6% in 2016, respectively. These rates did not differ between the two survey years (P>0.05). Conclusions. The prevalence and economic burden of diabetes increased substantially from 2009 to 2016 in rural southwest China. The findings underscore an urgent need for the government to invest more financial resources in the prevention of diabetes and improvement of access to affordable medication in rural southwest China.
Modeling and Analysis of Photo-Voltaic Solar Panel under Constant Electric Load
Authors: Salilih Elias M. , Birhane Yilma T.
Published: August 2019

This paper presents modelling electrical performance of a typical PV panel/module (which is Kyocera 200GT) for constant electric loads (which are 2Ω, 4Ω, 6Ω, and 8Ω) under weather condition of a tropical region. The specific case of the city Jigjiga (9.35°N,42.8°E), located in the Eastern region of Ethiopia is considered. Electrical characteristics of the PV module are determined on the basis of detailed numerical algorithm, which was designed based on tested numerical technique from reviewed articles. The overall evaluation of the hourly variation in the electrical performance of the PV module is done by means of graphical technique, which determines the operating point of the PV module on voltage vs. current plane for each load, and the performance of the PV panel is compared for each load. The 4Ω electric load resulted in highest daily energy output of the PV panel on a daily basis for 11 days of the month of January (out of 12 considered days), but in the last day it resulted in a poorer performance with respect to the other two electrical loads (i.e., 6Ω and 8Ω electric loads).
A Study on Generalized Multivariable Mittag-Leffler Function via Generalized Fractional Calculus Operators
Authors: Suthar D. L. , Andualem Mitku , Debalkie Belete
Published: August 2019

We study some properties of generalized multivariable Mittag-Leffler function. Also we establish two theorems, which give the images of this function under the generalized fractional integral operators involving Fox’s H-function as kernel. Relating affirmations in terms of Saigo, Erdélyi-Kober, Riemann-Liouville, and Weyl type of fractional integrals are also presented. Some known special cases have also been mentioned in the concluding section.
STING (or SRC) Like an ICB: Priming the Immune Response in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Gutiontov Stanley I. , Weichselbaum Ralph R.
Published: August 2019

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is associated with a poor prognosis and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. Zhang and colleagues demonstrate that inhibiting DNA repair by pharmacologic blockade or siRNA silencing of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) increases type I IFN release via a cGAS/STING-independent, SRC-dependent mechanism in models of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, combining ATM inhibition and radiotherapy amplifies type I IFN signaling, increases programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, tumor CD8+ T cells, and proinflammatory tumor macrophages. Finally, the combination of ATM silencing, radiotherapy, and PD-L1 blockade markedly improves in vivo murine tumor responses, supporting further investigation of this promising approach in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

See related article by Zhang et al., p. 3940
Serine-Glycine-One-Carbon Metabolism: The Hidden Achilles Heel of MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma?
Authors: Garcia Aida Rodriguez , Arsenian-Henriksson Marie
Published: August 2019

In this issue of Cancer Research, Xia and colleagues show that MYC-induced metabolic reprograming results in dependency on the serine-glycine-one-carbon (SGOC) metabolic pathway in neuroblastoma. This occurs through MYCN and ATF4 activation of the SGOC biosynthetic pathway in MYCN-amplified cells. Furthermore, inhibition of de novo serine synthesis generates metabolic stress in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells, causing cell-cycle arrest and autophagy. Together, these data suggest that the SGOC pathway is an attractive therapy target in neuroblastoma.

See related article by Xia et al., p. 3837
Anti-OX40 Antibody Directly Enhances The Function of Tumor-Reactive CD8+ T Cells and Synergizes with PI3Kβ Inhibition in PTEN Loss Melanoma
Authors: Peng Weiyi , Williams Leila J. , Xu Chunyu , Melendez Brenda , McKenzie Jodi A. , Chen Yuan , Jackson Heather L. , Voo Kui S. , Mbofung Rina M. , Leahey Sara Elizabeth , Wang Jian , Lizee Gregory , Tawbi Hussein A. , Davies Michael A. , Hoos Axel , Smothers James , Srinivasan Roopa , Paul Elaine M. , Yanamandra Niranjan , Hwu Patrick
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

OX40 agonist–based combinations are emerging as a novel avenue to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. To better guide its clinical development, we characterized the role of the OX40 pathway in tumor-reactive immune cells. We also evaluated combining OX40 agonists with targeted therapy to combat resistance to cancer immunotherapy.

Experimental Design: We utilized patient-derived tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and multiple preclinical models to determine the direct effect of anti-OX40 agonistic antibodies on tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. We also evaluated the antitumor activity of an anti-OX40 antibody plus PI3Kβ inhibition in a transgenic murine melanoma model (Braf mutant, PTEN null), which spontaneously develops immunotherapy-resistant melanomas.

Results:

We observed elevated expression of OX40 in tumor-reactive CD8+ TILs upon encountering tumors; activation of OX40 signaling enhanced their cytotoxic function. OX40 agonist antibody improved the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells and the generation of tumor-specific T-cell memory in vivo. Furthermore, combining anti-OX40 with GSK2636771, a PI3Kβ-selective inhibitor, delayed tumor growth and extended the survival of mice with PTEN-null melanomas. This combination treatment did not increase the number of TILs, but it instead significantly enhanced proliferation of CD8+ TILs and elevated the serum levels of CCL4, CXCL10, and IFNγ, which are mainly produced by memory and/or effector T cells.

Conclusions:

These results highlight a critical role of OX40 activation in potentiating the effector function of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells and suggest further evaluation of OX40 agonist–based combinations in patients with immune-resistant tumors.
Ly6C
+
Inflammatory Monocyte Differentiation Partially Mediates Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced Vascular Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice
Authors: Fang Pu , Li Xinyuan , Shan Huimin , Saredy Jason J. , Cueto Ramon , Xia Jixiang , Jiang Xiaohua , Yang Xiao-Feng , Wang Hong
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a potent risk factor for diabetic cardiovascular diseases. We have previously reported that hyperhomocysteinemia potentiates type 1 diabetes mellitus-induced inflammatory monocyte differentiation, vascular dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. However, the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on vascular inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the underlying mechanism are unknown.

Approach and Results:

Here, we demonstrate that hyperhomocysteinemia was induced by a high methionine diet in control mice (homocysteine 129 µmol/L), which was further worsened in T2DM db/db mice (homocysteine 180 µmol/L) with aggravated insulin intolerance. Hyperhomocysteinemia potentiated T2DM-induced mononuclear cell, monocyte, inflammatory monocyte (CD11b
+
Ly6C
+
), and M1 macrophage differentiation in periphery and aorta, which were rescued by folic acid-based homocysteine-lowering therapy. Moreover, hyperhomocysteinemia exacerbated T2DM-impaired endothelial-dependent aortic relaxation to acetylcholine. Finally, transfusion of bone marrow cells depleted for Ly6C by
Ly6c
shRNA transduction improved insulin intolerance and endothelial-dependent aortic relaxation in hyperhomocysteinemia+T2DM mice.

Conclusions:

Hyperhomocysteinemia potentiated systemic and vessel wall inflammation and vascular dysfunction partially via inflammatory monocyte subset induction in T2DM. Inflammatory monocyte may be a novel therapeutic target for insulin resistance, inflammation, and cardiovascular complications in hyperhomocysteinemia+T2DM.
Variation in a Left Ventricle–Specific
Hand1
Enhancer Impairs GATA Transcription Factor Binding and Disrupts Conduction System Development and Function
Authors: Vincentz Joshua W. , Firulli Beth A. , Toolan Kevin P. , Arking Dan E. , Sotoodehnia Nona , Wan Juyi , Chen Peng-Sheng , de Gier-de Vries Corrie , Christoffels Vincent M. , Rubart-von der Lohe Michael , Firulli Anthony B.
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

The ventricular conduction system (VCS) rapidly propagates electrical impulses through the working myocardium of the ventricles to coordinate chamber contraction. GWAS (Genome-wide association studies) have associated nucleotide polymorphisms, most are located within regulatory intergenic or intronic sequences, with variation in VCS function. Two highly correlated polymorphisms (r
2
>0.99) associated with VCS functional variation (rs13165478 and rs13185595) occur 5′ to the gene encoding the basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor HAND1 (heart- and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 1).

Objective:

Here, we test the hypothesis that these polymorphisms influence
HAND1
transcription thereby influencing VCS development and function.

Methods and Results:

We employed transgenic mouse models to identify an enhancer that is sufficient for left ventricle (LV)
cis
-regulatory activity. Two evolutionarily conserved GATA transcription factor
cis
-binding elements within this enhancer are bound by GATA4 and are necessary for
cis
-regulatory activity, as shown by in vitro DNA binding assays. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9-mediated deletion of this enhancer dramatically reduces
Hand1
expression solely within the LV but does not phenocopy previously published mouse models of cardiac
Hand1
loss-of-function. Electrophysiological and morphological analyses reveals that mice homozygous for this deleted enhancer display a morphologically abnormal VCS and a conduction system phenotype consistent with right bundle branch block. Using 1000 Genomes Project data, we identify 3 additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), located within the
Hand1
LV enhancer, that compose a haplotype with rs13165478 and rs13185595. One of these SNPs, rs10054375, overlaps with a critical GATA
cis
-regulatory element within the
Hand1
LV enhancer. This SNP, when tested in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, disrupts GATA4 DNA-binding. Modeling 2 of these SNPs in mice causes diminished
Hand1
expression and mice present with abnormal VCS function.

Conclusions:

Together, these findings reveal that SNP rs10054375, which is located within a necessary and sufficient LV-specific
Hand1
enhancer, exhibits reduces GATA DNA-binding in electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and this enhancer in total, is required for VCS development and function in mice and perhaps humans.
Effects of Hormone Therapy on Heart Fat and Coronary Artery Calcification Progression: Secondary Analysis From the KEEPS Trial
Authors: El Khoudary Samar R. , Zhao Qian , Venugopal Vidya , Manson JoAnn E. , Brooks Maria M. , Santoro Nanette , Black Dennis M. , Harman S. Mitchell , Cedars Marcelle I. , Hopkins Paul N. , Kearns Ann E. , Miller Virginia M. , Taylor Hugh S. , Budoff Matthew J.
Published: August 2019

Background

Heart fats (epicardial and paracardial adipose tissue [PAT]) are greater after menopause. Endogenous estrogen may regulate these fat depots. We evaluated the differential effects of hormone therapy formulations on heart fat accumulations and their associations with coronary artery calcification (
CAC
) progression in recently menopausal women from KEEPS (Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study).

Methods and Results

KEEPS
was a multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of the effects of 0.45 mg/d oral conjugated equine estrogens and 50 µg/d transdermal 17β‐estradiol, compared with placebo, on 48‐month progression of subclinical atherosclerosis among 727 early menopausal women.
CAC
progression was defined if baseline
CAC
score was 0 and 48‐month
CAC
score was >0 or if baseline
CAC
score was >0 and <100 and annualized change in
CAC
score was ≥10. Of 727
KEEPS
participants, 474 (mean age: 52.7 [SD: 2.6]; 78.1% white) had computed tomography–based heart fat and
CAC
measures at both baseline and 48 months. Compared with women on placebo, women on oral conjugated equine estrogens were less likely to have any increase in epicardial adipose tissue (odds ratio for oral conjugated equine estrogens versus placebo: 0.62 [95% CI, 0.40–0.97];
P
=0.03).
PAT
did not change in any group. Changes in epicardial adipose tissue and
PAT
did not differ by treatment group.
CAC
increased in 14% of participants. The assigned treatment modified the association between
PAT
changes and
CAC
progression (
P
=0.02) such that
PAT
increases were associated with
CAC
increases only in the transdermal 17β‐estradiol group.

Conclusions

In recently menopausal women, oral conjugated equine estrogens may slow epicardial adipose tissue accumulation, whereas transdermal 17β‐estradiol may increase progression of
CAC
associated with
PAT
accumulation.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00154180.
How College Credit in High School Impacts Postsecondary
Course-Taking: The Role of Advanced Placement Exams
Authors: Gurantz Oded
Published: August 2019

This paper uses Advanced Placement (AP) exams to examine how receiving college credit in high school alters students’ subsequent human capital investment. Using data from one large state, I link high school students to postsecondary transcripts from in-state, public institutions. I estimate causal impacts using a regression discontinuity that compares students with essentially identical AP performance but who receive different offers of college credit. I find that female students who earn credit from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exams take higher level STEM courses, significantly increasing their depth of study, with no observed impacts for male students. As a result, the male–female gap in STEM courses taken shrinks by roughly one third to two thirds, depending on the outcome studied. Earning non-STEM AP credit increases overall coursework in non-STEM courses and increases the breadth of study across departments. Early credit policies help assist colleges to produce graduates whose skills aligns with commonly cited social or economic priorities, such as developing STEM graduates with stronger skills, particularly among traditionally underrepresented groups.
Tool Use Modulates Somatosensory Cortical Processing in Humans
Authors: Miller Luke E. , Longo Matthew R. , Saygin Ayse P.
Published: August 2019

Tool use leads to plastic changes in sensorimotor body representations underlying tactile perception. The neural correlates of this tool-induced plasticity in humans have not been adequately characterized. This study used ERPs to investigate the stage of sensory processing modulated by tool use. Somatosensory evoked potentials, elicited by median nerve stimulation, were recorded before and after two forms of object interaction: tool use and hand use. Compared with baseline, tool use—but not use of the hand alone—modulated the amplitude of the P100. The P100 is a mid-latency component that indexes the construction of multisensory models of the body and has generators in secondary somatosensory and posterior parietal cortices. These results mark one of the first demonstrations of the neural correlates of tool-induced plasticity in humans and suggest that tool use modulates relatively late stages of somatosensory processing outside primary somatosensory cortex. This finding is consistent with what has been observed in tool-trained monkeys and suggests that the mechanisms underlying tool-induced plasticity have been preserved across primate evolution.
Perceptual and Semantic Phases of Face Identification Processing: A Multivariate Electroencephalography Study
Authors: Shehzad Zarrar , McCarthy Gregory
Published: August 2019

Rapid identification of a familiar face requires an image-invariant representation of person identity. A varying sample of familiar faces is necessary to disentangle image-level from person-level processing. We investigated the time course of face identity processing using a multivariate electroencephalography analysis. Participants saw ambient exemplars of celebrity faces that differed in pose, lighting, hairstyle, and so forth. A name prime preceded a face on half of the trials to preactivate person-specific information, whereas a neutral prime was used on the remaining half. This manipulation helped dissociate perceptual- and semantic-based identification. Two time intervals within the post-face onset electroencephalography epoch were sensitive to person identity. The early perceptual phase spanned 110–228 msec and was not modulated by the name prime. The late semantic phase spanned 252–1000 msec and was sensitive to person knowledge activated by the name prime. Within this late phase, the identity response occurred earlier in time (300–600 msec) for the name prime with a scalp topography similar to the FN400 ERP. This may reflect a matching of the person primed in memory with the face on the screen. Following a neutral prime, the identity response occurred later in time (500–800 msec) with a scalp topography similar to the P600f ERP. This may reflect activation of semantic knowledge associated with the identity. Our results suggest that processing of identity begins early (110 msec), with some tolerance to image-level variations, and then progresses in stages sensitive to perceptual and then to semantic features.
Interdisciplinarities in Action: Cognitive Ethnography of Bioengineering Sciences Research Laboratories
Authors: Nersessian Nancy J.
Published: August 2019

The paper frames interdisciplinary research as creating complex, distributed cognitive-cultural systems. It introduces and elaborates on the method of cognitive ethnography as a primary means for investigating interdisciplinary cognitive and learning practices in situ. The analysis draws from findings of nearly 20 years of investigating such practices in research laboratories in pioneering bioengineering sciences. It examines goals and challenges of two quite different kinds of integrative problem-solving practices: biomedical engineering (hybridization) and integrative systems biology (collaborative interdependence). Practical lessons for facilitating research and learning in these specific fields are discussed and a preliminary set of interdisciplinary epistemic virtues are proposed as candidates for cultivation in interdisciplinary practices of these kinds more widely.
Interdisciplinarity in Historical Perspective
Authors: Ash Mitchell G.
Published: August 2019

This paper sketches a historical account of interdisciplinarity. A central claim advanced is that the modern array of scientific and humanistic disciplines and interdisciplinarity emerged together; both are moving targets, which must therefore be studied historically in relation to one another as institutionalized practices. A second claim is that of a steadily increasing complexity; new fields emerged on the boundaries of existing disciplines beginning in the late nineteenth century, followed by multi- and transdisciplinary initiatives in the twentieth, and finally transdisciplinary programmatic research in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. The latter two phases in this development have been driven primarily by funding agencies seeking to move the sciences in particular directions deemed socially or politically desirable (in dictatorships as well as democracies), while the existing disciplines remained in place and new ones came into being. Such policy initiatives have transformed both disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity in unanticipated ways. The question whether multi- or transdisciplinary arrangements produce epistemically better science or scholarship appears not to have been raised, let alone examined, by the policy actors driving their creation.
On a collection of caridean shrimps (Decapoda, Caridea) from St. Helena, south-central Atlantic, with further records from Ascension Island
Authors: De Grave Sammy , Brown Judith , Wirtz Peter , Anker Arthur
Published: August 2019

We report on a recent collection of caridean shrimps from St. Helena in the south-central Atlantic Ocean, raising the total number of species known from the island to 24. Six species are newly recorded for the area, with no endemic species present. Additional three species are recorded from Ascension Island. A close biogeographical connection between the caridean faunas of St. Helena and Ascension Island is evident.
Collisions of Common and Civil Law Approaches within the ICC’s Unique Procedural Framework – A Permanent Challenge Exposed by Recent Developments
Authors: Neumann Laura Katharina Sophia
Published: August 2019

Due to the different legal backgrounds of its judges, the International Criminal Court (icc) constantly faces the challenge of reconciling common and civil law approaches in its daily proceedings. At the same time, it must accommodate the special needs of international criminal justice and of the concrete trial in question. After elucidating the underlying problem of legal pluralism in international criminal procedure, the divergences of common and civil law procedural concepts and their interplay at the icc, the article faces this challenge by analysing two disputes that recently culminated in icc trials, concerning rulings on the admissibility of evidence and the admissibility of leading questions respectively. Based on these case studies, it develops practical guidelines on how civil and common law approaches could possibly be balanced within the icc’s unique procedural framework in the light of its own special needs.
Smuggling of Migrants is and Should be Established as an Autonomous Offence
Authors: Veas Javier Escobar
Published: August 2019

The present paper critically analyses the European Union legislation on smuggling of migrants. According to the author’s opinion, the EU legislature and the majority of the European countries have confused this specific crime, regulated by international law in the Palermo Convention, with the offence of facilitating irregular immigration. This undue overlap between different types of crime generates multiple and complex problems. In first place, the paper studies the elements of smuggling of migrants in international law. In second place, it examines the reasons why is not convenient to conceive this crime and the offence of facilitating irregular immigration as functional equivalents. Finally, the paper proposes to clearly differentiate the elements of both crimes and their respective scopes of application.
Gastrodia amamiana (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Gastrodieae), a new completely cleistogamous species from Japan
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI
Published: August 2019

Gastrodia Brown (1810: 330; Gastrodieae, Epidendroideae) is a mycoheterotrophic leafless genus that is distributed throughout the temperate and tropical regions of Asia, Oceania, Madagascar and Africa (Cribb et al. 2010, Hsu & Kuo 2010, Suetsugu et al. 2018a) and characterized by fleshy tubers, united tepals and two mealy pollinia that lack caudicles (Cribb et al. 2010, Hsu & Kuo 2010, Suetsugu et al. 2018a,b). Several recent studies have re-examined the diversity of Gastrodia in many Asian countries (Hsu et al. 2012, 2016, Ong & O’Byrne 2012, Tan et al. 2012, Suetsugu 2013b, 2014, 2016, 2017, Huang et al. 2015, 2018, Tsukaya & Hidayat 2016, Metusala & Supriatna 2017, Pelser et al. 2016, Suetsugu et al. 2018a,b). As a result, the genus now comprises ca. 100 species, thereby making it the most diverse mycoheterotrophic genus (Hsu et al. 2016, Suetsugu 2017, Suetsugu et al. 2018a,b). However, it is likely that the distribution and diversity of Gastrodia species remain underestimated because plants are easily overlooked in the field due to their short flowering seasons and small size (Hsu et al. 2016, Suetsugu 2017, Suetsugu et al. 2018b).
Blast-Induced Cholesteatomas After Spontaneous Tympanic Membrane Healing
Authors: Ungar Omer J. , Shilo Shahaf , Anat Wengier , Cavel Oren , Handzel Ophir , Oron Yahav
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

To characterize blast-induced cholesteatomas (BIC) in terms of symptoms, presentation, and location within the middle ear cleft (MEC).

Design:

A search for all English language articles in “MEDLINE” via “PubMed” and “Google Scholar” was conducted.

Results:

A total of 67 ears with BIC were included. Fifty-eight ears in which the traumatic perforation failed to spontaneously close were excluded, leaving seven case reports (eight patients, nine ears) for statistical analysis. Time between blast exposure to spontaneous tympanic membrane (TM) closure was 16 days to 10 months. Time between blast exposure and cholesteatoma diagnosis was 5 months to 4 years. The cholesteatomas were diagnosed due to symptoms in two ears, as asymptomatic finding on physical examination in one ear and as asymptomatic finding in axial imaging in three ears.

Conclusions:

BICs can develop behind intact tympanic membrane or along with TM perforation. Based on the current review, when a TM perforation and spontaneous healing were documented, after blast exposure, MRI scan is an integral component of the follow-up. The optimal timing for MRI performance after blast exposure, is yet to be identified.
‘Composition of Place’ and ‘Application of the Senses’ in Ignatian Prayer
Authors: Almeida Juliano Ribeiro
Published: August 2019

This article intends to investigate two moments proposed by Ignatius of Loyola during the experience of the Spiritual Exercises: Composition of place and Application of the senses. The proposal is to research the true goal and importance of these two practices during the times of prayer, in order to find out if they are necessary or dispensable in Ignatian style of meditation and contemplation. Are they for beginners or for experienced retreatants? Are they supposed to be exclusively a human initiative or does divine grace have a role in it too? How is it possible to distinguish if the person is been touched by God or only imagining?
Learning From the Experiences and Development of Latina School Leaders
Authors: Martinez Melissa A. , Rivera Marialena , Marquez Jocabed
Published: August 2019

Purpose: With the rise of the Latinx student population in the United States and the urgency to meet the needs of this diverse community, there has been an increased concern and interest in preparing more Latinx educators and school leaders. This study contributes to this knowledge base by centering the voices and experiences of four Latina school leaders in the United States. All of the school leaders were current or former school principals and/or assistant principals at the time of the study, with three being from Texas and one from California. Research Approach: Drawing on the methodological tenets of testimonio, this study asked: What are Latina school leaders’ professional experiences like, both positive and negative, given the intersectionality of their social identities? Utilizing intersectionality as a theoretical framework provided the means to analyze and understand Latina school leaders’ multiple social identities and the role that such identities played in their professional roles and career trajectories as school leaders within the larger context of educational politics and systemic inequities. Findings: Testimonios of participants centered on four themes related to how they confronted gender roles and expectations of motherhood, the criticality of mentorship, how they confronted and addressed racism and sexism, and harnessed bilingualism to empower self and others. Implications: Findings help inform those seeking to meet the needs of our growing Latinx student population, including school district administrators, current and upcoming school leaders, and those working to prepare a more diverse school leadership pipeline.
A Cross-Cultural Evaluation of the Construct Validity of Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sharif Nia Hamid , Lehto Rebecca H. , Pahlevan Sharif Saeed , Mashrouteh Mahdieh , Goudarzian Amir Hossein , Rahmatpour Pardis , Torkmandi Hojjat , Yaghoobzadeh Ameneh
Published: August 2019

Ensuring use of valid and reliable scales for evaluating death anxiety that are relevant to the cultural context where they are applied is essential. The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the psychometric properties of Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) across cultures. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, SID, and Magiran databases were systematically searched for studies published between 1970 and 2017 using Mesh terms. Two independent researchers used Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies and Checklist of Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy to evaluate study quality. Included studies were conducted in Iran, United States, Italy, China, Egypt, Spain, and Australia. Overall study quality was acceptable in 15 evaluated articles. However, findings demonstrated that two (one study), three (seven studies), four (four studies), and five factors (three studies) were extracted across the respective studies. Confirmatory concurrent validity was assessed in two studies. While Templer’s DAS has stood the test of time as a commonly used index of capturing the conscious experience of death anxiety, there are psychometric inconsistencies in identified factor solutions across cultures. Findings emphasize the need for continued evaluation of how the DAS is translated in specific countries with assessment in relation to other death construct tools.
Pathways to Recidivism for Women Released From Prison: A Mediated Model of Abuse, Mental Health Issues, and Substance Use
Authors: Tripodi Stephen , Pettus-Davis Carrie , Bender Kimberly , Fitzgerald Michael , Renn Tanya , Kennedy Stephanie
Published: August 2019

This study uses structural equation modeling to determine whether there are direct and indirect relationships between childhood trauma and recidivism for 230 women from two state prisons in North Carolina. The researchers obtained a random sample from all women scheduled to be released between 30 and 120 days from data collection. Findings indicated that childhood trauma was not significantly related to recidivism for this sample, but there was an indirect relationship with depression being the intervening variable accounting for the relationship between childhood trauma and recidivism. Results lend support to the importance of addressing incarcerated women’s trauma before release, while also assessing for depression and using empirically supported interventions to treat depression when applicable.
Teachers of Students With Learning Disabilities: Assistive Technology Knowledge, Perceptions, Interests, and Barriers
Authors: Atanga Comfort , Jones Beth A. , Krueger Lacy E. , Lu Shulan
Published: August 2019

Assistive technology (AT) helps bridge the gap between students with learning disabilities (LD) and their peers without LD. However, this implies a need for teachers to become well-trained and proficient in the use of AT. There are established AT competencies for educators, and AT services professionals must be knowledgeable about AT to select and recommend specific technology to individual education program teams. Professionals should also be well-versed with AT to be able to train students in its use. There is a significant need for research on teachers’ knowledge and perceptions of AT (i.e., interest in using it and barriers to incorporating it) as well as the best ways to provide AT training. To investigate these areas, a survey was administered to teachers of students with LD at the elementary and middle school levels. Our results indicated that completing an AT course in college along with self-reported AT proficiency in iPad reading apps were associated with higher ratings of AT knowledge. Additionally, higher AT proficiency ratings and completing AT college course work were associated with perceptions of college preparation of AT, but these factors did not predict perceptions of workplace preparation. Teachers were clearly interested in utilizing AT but felt their college did not adequately prepare them in AT, and funding issues were the most common barriers to implementing AT. Our findings suggest a need for an emphasis on AT training in college courses.
Keep score and punish: Brandom’s concept of responsibility
Authors: Vogelmann Frieder
Published: August 2019

Although seldom examined and not explained by Robert Brandom himself, the concept of responsibility is as important as the concept of inference for Brandom’s account of discursivity. Whereas ‘inference’ makes explicit the propositional content of concepts as the inferentially structured totality of their relations of material incompatibility, ‘responsibility’ makes explicit the normative force of these relations. ‘Responsibility’ thus becomes the paradigm of understanding normativity’s binding force – and my critical reading demonstrates that it fosters a moralizing, juridifying and economizing understanding of normativity’s binding force. Furthermore, a diagnostic interpretation of Nietzsche’s genealogy of ‘responsibility’ reveals that Brandom’s concept of ‘responsibility’ is not an exception but exemplary for how ‘responsibility’ is used in philosophy.
Restoring probation: A declaration of independence
Authors: Priestley Philip , Vanstone Maurice
Published: August 2019

In light of the 2019 announcement by the then Secretary of State for Justice, David Gauke, that the probation service is to be re-nationalised, this paper reflects on what forms a more radical restoration might take. In essence, the paper makes a case for probation to be re-constituted as a moral enterprise; an independent agency based in the community, staffed by skilled and idealistic but pragmatic practitioners and managers, and informed by evidence of what is most likely to help people lead offence-free lives.