bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrational dynamics of confined supercooled water
Authors: Stefanutti E. , Bove L. E. , Alabarse F. G. , Lelong G. , Bruni F. , Ricci M. A.
Published: June 2019

The quest for a possible liquid-liquid coexistence line in supercooled water below its homogeneous nucleation temperature is faced by confining water within a porous silica substrate (MCM-41). This system is investigated by synchrotron radiation infrared spectroscopy, exploring both the intramolecular and the intermolecular vibrational dynamics, in the temperature range from ambient down to ∼120 K, along several isobaric paths between 0.7 kbar and 3.0 kbar. Upon lowering the temperature, the OH-stretching band shows that the intramolecular vibrational dynamics continuously evolves from predominantly liquidlike to predominantly icelike. An abrupt change in the line shape of the intermolecular vibrational band between 220 K and 240 K, depending on the pressure, is the signature of nucleation of ice within the MCM-41 pores. These findings do not support the presence of two liquid phases and provide evidence for the coexistence of liquid water and ice in water confined in MCM-41.
N-loss photodissociation dynamics of N2O+(B2Π) near the NO+(Σ+1) + N(2P) dissociation limit
Authors: Zhou Zhengfang , Liang Hao , Hua Zefeng , Feng Shaowen , Zhao Dongfeng , Chen Yang
Published: June 2019

Photodissociation dynamics of the N2O+ cation in its B2Π state has been experimentally studied in an energy region around the NO+(1Σ+) + N(2P) dissociation limit using a cryogenic cylindrical ion trap velocity map imaging spectrometer. The results show that the NO+(1Σ+) + N(2D) product channel dominates the dissociation dynamics and requires the NNO angle to change by 30°–50° prior to dissociation. The NO+(1Σ+) + N(2P) product channel, which directly correlates with the B2Π state but less competitive, opens immediately when the photon energy reaches the dissociation limits, indicating a flat dissociation pathway without bending on the B2Π state surface.
Two-dimensional MoS2 negative capacitor transistors for enhanced (super-Nernstian) signal-to-noise performance of next-generation nano biosensors
Authors: Zagni N. , Pavan P. , Alam M. A.
Published: June 2019

The detection of biomolecules by a Field Effect Transistor-based biosensor (BioFET) is dictated by the sensor's intrinsic Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The detection limit of a traditional BioFET is fundamentally limited by biomolecule diffusion, charge screening, linear charge to surface-potential transduction, and Flicker noise. In this letter, we show that the recently introduced class of transistors called negative capacitor field effect transistors offers nonlinear charge transduction and suppression of Flicker noise to dramatically improve the SNR over classical Boltzmann sensors. We quantify the SNR improvement (approximately two orders of magnitude higher than a classical Si-nanowire biosensor) by interpreting the experimental results associated with the signal and noise characteristics of 2D MoS2-based transistors. The proposed Negative Capacitor BioFET (NC-BioFET) will motivate experimentalists to combine two well-established technologies to achieve high SNR (and to improve the detection limit), fundamentally unachievable by any other sensor technology.
On the basic concepts of the direct simulation Monte Carlo method
Authors: Stefanov S. K.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the basic ideas underlying the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method are examined and a novel nonhomogeneous N-particle kinetic equation describing the randomized mathematical model of DSMC is derived. It is shown that different collision-partner selection schemes, including No-Time-Counter (NTC) and Bernoulli-trials schemes, are approximations of the general transition operator of the randomized model. The popular collision-partner selection schemes, represented by the standard NTC and Bernoulli-trials approximations of the general transition operator, represented by Simplified Bernoulli-trials and Generalized Bernoulli-trials schemes, are tested on the one-dimensional rarefied gas heat transfer problem against conditions of two approximation limits: first, leading to the Boltzmann equation and, second, leading to the novel N-particle kinetic one.
Image encryption based on the pseudo-orbits from 1D chaotic map
Authors: Nepomuceno Erivelton G. , Nardo Lucas G. , Arias-Garcia Janier , Butusov Denis N. , Tutueva Aleksandra
Published: June 2019

Chaotic systems have been extensively applied in image encryption as a source of randomness. However, dynamical degradation has been pointed out as an important limitation of this procedure. To overcome this limitation, this paper presents a novel image encryption scheme based on the pseudo-orbits of 1D chaotic maps. We use the difference of two pseudo-orbits to generate a random sequence. The generated sequence has been successful in all NIST tests, which implies it has adequate randomness to be employed in encryption process. Confusion and diffusion requirements are also effectively implemented. The usual low key space of 1D maps has been improved by a novelty procedure based on multiple perturbations in the transient time. A factor using the plain image is one of the perturbation conditions, which ensures a new and distinct secret key for each image to be encrypted. The proposed encryption scheme has been efficaciously verified using the Lena, Baboon, and Barbara test images.
Tri-layered van der Waals heterostructures based on graphene, gallium selenide and molybdenum selenide
Authors: Pham Khang D. , Bach Long G. , Amin Bin , Idrees M. , Hieu Nguyen Ngoc , Phuc Huynh V. , Bui H. D. , Nguyen Chuong V.
Published: June 2019

In this work, we propose ultrathin trilayered heterostructures (TL-HTSs) of graphene (G), gallium selenide (GaSe), and molybdenum selenide (MoSe2) monolayers and investigate their structural and electronic properties in the framework of first-principles calculations. By calculating the binding energies and interlayer distances and comparing them with those of the typical vdW HTSs, we find that the systems we consider are energetically stable and are characterized by weak vdW interactions. The formation of G, GaSe, and MoSe2 monolayers to form G/GaSe/MoSe2, GaSe/G/MoSe2, and G/MoSe2/GaSe HTSs leads to the opening of a sizable bandgap in graphene at the Dirac point and shows the p-type Schottky contact. Among these kinds of TL-HTSs, the G/GaSe/MoSe2 has many more advantages than the others due to the lowest binding energy of −29.47meV/Å2, the biggest bandgap opening in G of 84.7 meV, and the smallest Schottky barrier height of 0.63 eV. Furthermore, we find that the p-type Schottky contact of G/GaSe/MoSe2 HTS can be turned into an n-type one or into an Ohmic contact when vertical strain or electric field is applied. These results show a potential candidate of the combined HTSs of G, GaSe, and MoSe2 monolayers for developing high speed nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.
Ti-Ti σ bond at oxygen vacancy inducing the deep defect level in anatase TiO2 (101) surface
Authors: Hao Ya-nan , Chen Tingwei , Zhang Xiao , Zhou He , Ma Yuchen
Published: June 2019

Using the GW method within many-body perturbation theory, we investigate the quasiparticle structures of defects, including oxygen vacancy, Ti interstitial, and hydroxyl groups, in the anatase TiO2 (101) surface. We find that the deep defect state in this surface observed experimentally, which is 1 eV below the Fermi level, originates from the σ bond formed between 3d orbitals of the two under-coordinated Ti atoms at the surface oxygen vacancy. Different from the density functional theory modified with on-site Coulomb terms (DFT + U), the GW method predicts that the localized polaron in anatase (101) is a shallow defect state close to the conduction band bottom. Polaronic states play the role in pinning the Fermi level of anatase near the conduction band bottom. Our GW calculations can explain satisfactorily the coexistence of shallow and deep defect states in anatase as observed in experiments. We also find that the conduction band edge of anatase is drawn down greatly after the filling of original empty Ti 3d orbitals by excess electrons, making the calculated bandgap of the reduced anatase agree well with the experiments. This significant difference in the bandgap between the intact and the reduced anatase is missed in DFT + U.
Inositol polyphosphates promote T cell-independent humoral immunity via the regulation of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase
Authors: Kim Wooseob , Kim Eunha , Min Hyungyu , Kim Min Gyu , Eisenbeis Verena B. , Dutta Amit K. , Pavlovic Igor , Jessen Henning J. , Kim Seyun , Seong Rho Hyun
Published: June 2019

Significance

T cell-independent (TI) immune response is crucial in generation of intense and rapid humoral immunity for defense against microbial infection. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) is critical for the TI immune response, and signaling components controlling its activity during B cell receptor (BCR) signaling is known. However, some mutant forms of Btk observed in X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) patients suggest that there may be other mechanisms tightly regulating its activity, particularly in TI immune response. Here, we show that inositol polyphosphates are key metabolites modulating the activity of Btk in BCR signaling. Our results provide insights on the role of inositol polyphosphates in B cell immunity.
Two-dimensional photonic crystals for engineering atom–light interactions
Authors: Yu Su-Peng , Muniz Juan A. , Hung Chen-Lung , Kimble H. J.
Published: June 2019

Significance

Specialized 2D photonic crystals have been developed to interact with ultracold atoms, which are identical particles demonstrating quantum behavior both in their interaction with photons and in their motional degrees of freedom. In the system presented here, the quantum nature of atoms is complemented with capabilities of 2D photonic crystals to engineer optical dispersion, light emission patterns, and photon-mediated coherent interactions. The combined system enables atom–atom interactions mediated by photons in the guided modes of the photonic crystals to provide additional tools to engineer quantum many-body systems and create exotic quantum matter.
Apelin protects against abdominal aortic aneurysm and the therapeutic role of neutral endopeptidase resistant apelin analogs
Authors: Wang Wang , Shen Mengcheng , Fischer Conrad , Basu Ratnadeep , Hazra Saugata , Couvineau Pierre , Paul Manish , Wang Faqi , Toth Sandra , Mix Doran S. , Poglitsch Marko , Gerard Norma P. , Bouvier Michel , Vederas John C. , Penninger Josef M. , Kassiri Zamaneh , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: June 2019

Significance

Vascular diseases remain a major health burden, and AAAs lack effective medical therapy. We demonstrate a seminal role for APLN in AAA pathogenesis based on loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches and included human vascular SMCs and AA tissue obtained from patients. We identified NEP as a dominant inactivating enzyme for native APLN-17. This allowed us to design and synthesize a stable and bioactive APLN analog resistant to NEP degradation that showed profound therapeutic effects against AAA. Our study clearly defines the APLN pathway as a central node in the pathogenesis of AAA and elucidate a therapeutic strategy of enhancing the APLN pathway by using a stable APLN analog to treat AAA.
Neutralization of rhesus cytomegalovirus IL-10 reduces horizontal transmission and alters long-term immunity
Authors: Deere Jesse D. , Chang W. L. William , Villalobos Andradi , Schmidt Kimberli A. , Deshpande Ashlesha , Castillo Luis D. , Fike Joseph , Walter Mark R. , Barry Peter A. , Hartigan-O’Connor Dennis J.
Published: June 2019

Significance

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpesvirus that causes severe disease in infants and immunocompromised people. Development of a vaccine to control the spread of CMV has been a decades-long goal. Most vaccine strategies target glycoprotein B (gB), a viral glycoprotein used for entry into host cells. We have instead targeted viral interleukin-10 (vIL-10), an immunomodulatory protein. We investigated whether these two approaches combined are capable of controlling horizontal transmission of CMV in a nonhuman primate model. Our results demonstrated that, while vaccination against gB was not protective, neutralizing antibodies against vIL-10 significantly reduced CMV transmission and disrupted host immunity when infection did occur. These results demonstrate that vIL-10 is an important target for prevention of CMV disease.
Looking-glass game or the semiotics of otherness in Andalucía contra Berbería by Emilio García Gómez
Authors: Gil-Bardají Anna
Published: June 2019

This article analyses the semiotic construction of the Other in the peritexts of three Medieval Arabic chronicles from al-Andalus (the Arabic name for the Iberian Peninsula governed by Muslims from 711 to 1492), published under the title Andalucía contra Berbería by the outstanding Spanish Arabist Emilio García Gómez. Few studies have dealt, from a critical perspective, with the discourse (or discourses) concerning Arabic cultures and societies constructed by European academic Orientalism in general, or by the Spanish Arabism in particular. Assuming that translation, given its hybrid nature, plays a crucial role in the construction of othering discourses, this article attempts to analyse the identification and othering strategies used by García Gómez on the basis of a methodological approach that combines Genette’s notion of paratext (1987), the notions of text, context and pretext proposed by Widdowson (2004 and 2007) and the “Model of semiotic construction of the Other” developed by Carbonell (2003 and 2004), all within the general framework of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The results of this analysis show a significant othering of Berber and/or African references. This is further reinforced by García Gómez’ identification with al-Andalus, which pivots between his own identification with the medieval authors of the three chronicles, and the parallels he establishes between medieval al-Andalus and the Spain of the first half of the 20th century.
Expecto Patronin for slow and persistent minus end microtubule growth in dendrites
Authors: Broihier Heather T.
Published: June 2019

Microtubule plus ends are highly dynamic in neurons, while minus ends are often capped and stable. In this issue, Feng et al. (2019. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201810155) demonstrate that in dendrites, free minus ends undergo slow and processive growth mediated by the minus end–binding protein Patronin.
The regular representation of 𝑈_{𝜐}(𝔤𝔩_{𝔪|𝔫})
Authors: Du Jie , Zhou Zhongguo
Published: June 2019

Using quantum differential operators, we construct a super representation of

U

υ

(

g
l

m

|

n

)

U_{\boldsymbol {\upsilon }}(\mathfrak {gl}_{m|n})

on a certain polynomial superalgebra. We then extend the representation to its formal power series algebra which contains a

U

υ

(

g
l

m

|

n

)

U_{\boldsymbol {\upsilon }}(\mathfrak {gl}_{m|n})

-submodule isomorphic to the regular representation of

U

υ

(

g
l

m

|

n

)

U_{\boldsymbol {\upsilon }}(\mathfrak {gl}_{m|n})

. In this way, we obtain a presentation of

U

υ

(

g
l

m

|

n

)

U_{\boldsymbol {\upsilon }}(\mathfrak {gl}_{m|n})

by a basis together with explicit multiplication formulas of the basis elements by generators.
A statistical view on the conjecture of Lang about the canonical height on elliptic curves
Authors: Le Boudec Pierre
Published: June 2019

We adopt a statistical point of view on the conjecture of Lang which predicts a lower bound for the canonical height of nontorsion rational points on elliptic curves defined over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

. More specifically, we prove that among the family of all elliptic curves defined over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

and having positive rank, there is a density one subfamily of curves which satisfy a strong form of Lang’s conjecture.
Suffering and the primacy of virtue
Authors: James Simon P
Published: June 2019

Some people claim that some instances of suffering are intrinsically bad in an impersonal way. If it were true, that claim might seem to count against virtue ethics and for consequentialism. Drawing on the works of Jason Kawall, Christine Swanton and Nietzsche, I consider some reasons for thinking that it is, however, false. I argue, moreover, that even if it were true, a virtue ethicist could consistently acknowledge its truth.
Reversible jump MCMC for multi-model inference in Metabolic Flux Analysis
Authors: Theorell Axel , Nöh Katharina
Published: June 2019

Motivation

The validity of model based inference, as used in systems biology, depends on the underlying model formulation. Often, a vast number of competing models is available, that are built on different assumptions, all consistent with the existing knowledge about the studied biological phenomenon. As a remedy for this, Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) facilitates parameter and structural inferences based on multiple models simultaneously. However, in fields where a vast number of alternative, high-dimensional and non-linear models are involved, the BMA-based inference task is computationally very challenging.

Results

Here we use BMA in the complex setting of Metabolic Flux Analysis (MFA) to infer whether potentially reversible reactions proceed uni- or bidirectionally, using 13C labeling data and metabolic networks. BMA is applied on a large set of candidate models with differing directionality settings, using a tailored multi-model Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach. The applicability of our algorithm is shown by inferring the in vivo probability of reaction bidirectionalities in a realistic network setup, thereby extending the scope of 13C MFA from parameter to structural inference.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Chromatographic Determination of Thermodynamic Acid Dissociation Constants of Tetracycline Antibiotics and Their Epimers
Authors: Konçe İlkay , Demiralay Ebru Çubuk , Ortak Hülya Yılmaz
Published: June 2019

The presented study describes the development of reversed-phase liquid chromatography method using a core-shell particle column with a pentafluorophenyl stationary phase for the dissociation constant (pKa) determination of the tetracycline group antibiotics (tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline) and their epimers (4-epitetracycline, 4-epioxytetracycline, 4-epichlortetracycline). The pH values were measured in the acetonitrile (ACN)–water binary mixtures, used as mobile phases, instead of in water and take into account the effect of the activity coefficients. Thermodynamic acid dissociation constant (pKa1) values of studied antibiotics and their epimers were calculated using retention factor (k) at different mobile phase pH values in studied binary mixtures with ACN percentages of 20, 25, 30 and 35% (v/v). Experimental data were analyzed by using an Origin 7.0 program to fit experimental data to the nonlinear expression derived. From calculated pKa1 values, the aqueous pKa values of studied compounds were calculated by different approaches and these values were compared.
Impact of 10-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Bacterial Meningitis in Madagascar
Authors: Andriatahirintsoa Emilson Jean P R , Raboba Julia Liliane , Rahajamanana Vonintsoa Lalaina , Rakotozanany Ando Lalaina , Nimpa Mengouom M , Vuo Masembe Yolande , Weldegebriel Goitom , De Gouveia Linda , Mwenda Jason M , Robinson Annick Lalaina
Published: June 2019

Background

The 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) was introduced in Madagascar in 2012. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of PCV10 on bacterial meningitis in hospitalized children <5 years of age.

Methods

During 2010–2017, data from the hospital admission logbook were recorded for bacterial meningitis and pneumonia hospitalizations in children <5 years of age. Between April 2011 and December 2017, 3312 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from children who fulfilled the World Health Organization case definition of suspected bacterial meningitis were analyzed at the sentinel site laboratory (SSL) by microscopy, culture, and antigen detection tests. A total of 2065 CSF samples were referred to the regional reference laboratory for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. 2010–2011 was defined as the prevaccine period, 2012 as vaccine introduction year, and 2013–2017 the postvaccine period. The number of cases, causative agent, and pneumonia hospitalizations were compared before and after PCV10 introduction.

Results

In the prevaccine period, bacterial meningitis and pneumonia hospitalizations accounted for 4.5% and 24.5% of all hospitalizations while there were 2.6% and 19%, respectively, in the postvaccine period (P < .001). In samples tested at the SSL, 154 were positive with 80% Streptococcus pneumoniae and 20% other bacteria. Pneumococcal meningitis diagnosed by RT-PCR declined from 14% in 2012 to 3% in 2017. Also, 14% of children with pneumococcal meningitis died.

Conclusions

Following PCV10 introduction, pneumococcal meningitis, bacterial meningitis, and pneumonia hospitalizations declined. Surveillance should continue to monitor the impact of PCV10.
Ventricular tachycardia in patients with type 1 myotonic dystrophy: a case series
Authors: Nikhanj Anish , Sivakumaran Soori , Miskew-Nichols Bailey , Siddiqi Zaeem A , Oudit Gavin Y
Published: June 2019

Background

Type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1) is associated with a variety of cardiac conduction abnormalities and the frequent need for permanent pacing. However, the role of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and the implied risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is poorly understood.

Case summary

This study examined a 56-patient DM1 cohort of men and women, and identified five patients (two females and three males) with ventricular arrhythmias (8.9%). Patients were reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with their clinical presentation and management of VT and the associated cardiomyopathy indicated. Patient cardiac function was determined by 12-lead electrocardiogram, 48-h Holter monitor, and transthoracic echocardiography. These patients were therefore suitable candidates for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and received these devices; four of the five patients also received cardiac resynchronization therapy. Medical therapies included angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and following device implantation, beta-blocker therapy was initiated.

Discussion

Our case series demonstrates the prevalence of VT in patients with DM1 highlighting the associated risks of SCD in this patient population. The burden of ventricular arrhythmias, advanced conduction disease, and cardiomyopathy are best treated with a combination of device and medical therapies.
New Insight into the Evolution of Symbiotic Genes in Black Locust-Associated Rhizobia
Authors: Liu Zhenshan , Chen Weimin , Jiao Shuo , Wang Xinye , Fan Miaochun , Wang Entao , Wei Gehong
Published: June 2019

Nitrogen fixation in legumes occurs via symbiosis with rhizobia. This process involves packages of symbiotic genes on mobile genetic elements that are readily transferred within or between rhizobial species, furnishing the recipient with the ability to interact with plant hosts. However, it remains elusive whether plant host migration has played a role in shaping the current distribution of genetic variation in symbiotic genes. Herein, we examined the genetic structure and phylogeographic pattern of symbiotic genes in 286 symbiotic strains of Mesorhizobium nodulating black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), a cross-continental invasive legume species that is native to North America. We conducted detailed phylogeographic analysis and approximate Bayesian computation to unravel the complex demographic history of five key symbiotic genes. The sequencing results indicate an origin of symbiotic genes in Germany rather than North America. Our findings provide strong evidence of prehistoric lineage splitting and spatial expansion events resulting in multiple radiations of descendent clones from founding sequence types worldwide. Estimates of the timescale of divergence in North American and Chinese subclades suggest that black locust-specific symbiotic genes have been present in these continent many thousands of years before recent migration of plant host. Although numerous crop plants, including legumes, have found their centers of origin as centers of evolution and diversity, the number of legume-specific symbiotic genes with a known geographic origin is limited. This work sheds light on the coevolution of legumes and rhizobia.
Predictive value of intraoperative factors for complications after oesophagectomy
Authors: Xi Yong , Jin Chenghua , Wang Lijie , Shen Weiyu
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

Oesophagectomy for malignancy is a highly complex and difficult procedure associated with considerable postoperative complications. In this study, we aimed to identify the ability of an intraoperative factor (IPFs)-based classifier to predict complications after oesophagectomy.

METHODS

This retrospective review included 251 patients who underwent radical oesophagectomy from October 2015 to December 2017. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model, we extracted IPFs that were associated with postoperative morbidity and then built a classifier. Preoperative variables and the IPF-based classifier were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A nomogram to predict the risk of postoperative morbidity was constructed and validated using bootstrap resampling.

RESULTS

Following the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, we discovered that those 4 IPF (surgical approach, lowest heart rate, lowest mean arterial blood pressure and estimated blood loss) were associated with postoperative morbidity. After stratification into low-and high-risk groups with the IPF-based classifier, the differences in 30-day morbidity (7.2% vs 70.1%, P < 0.001, respectively) and mortality (0% vs 4.7%, P = 0.029, respectively) were found to be statistically significant. The multivariable analysis demonstrated that the IPF-based classifier was an independent risk factor for predicting postoperative morbidity for patients with oesophageal cancer. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated and proven to be clinically useful.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that an IPF-based nomogram could reliably predict the risk of postoperative morbidity. It has the potential to facilitate the individual perioperative management of patients with oesophageal cancer.
Annual case volume on mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting: a dose–response meta-analysis
Authors: Tie Hong-Tao , Shi Rui , Zhou Quan , Wang Kang , Zheng Xiao-Qing , Wu Qing-Chen
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effect of both hospital and surgeon annual case volumes on patient mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for clinical studies on CABG. The outcome was mortality, including operative mortality, in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies involving 3 492 101 participants and 143 951 deaths were included for hospital volume, and 4 studies involving 108 356 participants and 2811 deaths were included for surgeon volume. The pooled estimate revealed that both hospital and surgeon annual case volumes were inversely associated with mortality in patients after CABG [odds ratio (OR) for hospital: 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56–0.69; P < 0.001; OR for surgeon: 0.51, 95% CI 0.31– 0.83; P < 0.001] with high heterogeneity (hospital: I2 = 90.6%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001; surgeon: I2 = 86.8%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001). The relationship remained consistent and robust in most subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Our meta-regression analysis of time suggested that the strength of the negative associations between volume and mortality for both hospitals and surgeons remained unattenuated over time even though the CABG mortality gradually decreased over time. The dose–response analysis suggested a non-linear relationship between both hospital and surgeon annual case volumes and mortality (both Pnon-linearity = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both higher hospital and surgeon annual case volumes are associated with lower mortality in patients undergoing CABG, and the negative associations remain unattenuated over time.

Clinical registration number

The study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42017067912.
Nine years of Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) spring migration behavior
Authors: Roby Piper L , Gumbert Mark W , Lacki Michael J
Published: June 2019

The endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) congregates in large hibernation groups in winter and travels after spring emergence to form summer maternity colonies, but information on migration behavior in this species remains limited to mostly band recovery observations. We tracked female Indiana bats in spring migration toward summer grounds using aerial radiotelemetry. Adult female Indiana bats were radiotagged in spring from 2009 through 2017, with 15 individuals successfully tracked to summer grounds and an additional 11 bats located in summer grounds via aerial telemetry after migration was complete. This resulted in the location of 17 previously unknown summer grounds for female Indiana bats, including adding Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the summer maternity range. Two of the colonies identified in this study were south of the previously known southernmost colony in Tennessee, expanding the summer maternity range for the species by 178 km. Time-stamped location fixes along the migration path provided information about nightly and overall distances traveled, duration of travel, migration speed, and weather-related influences on bat behavior. Bats traveled 164.6 ± 26.2 km (± SE) on average from hibernacula to summer grounds and were migrating for an average of 7.3 ± 1.4 calendar nights. Bats alternated between foraging and traveling throughout each night of their migration route. Nightly migration rate was 9.9 ± 0.8 km/h and bats were active on the landscape for an average of 6.1 ± 0.4 h/night. Lower nighttime temperatures and lower barometric pressure correlated with use of layover areas during a migration night. Understanding bat behavior during migration can provide pertinent information for land managers to consider in efforts to conserve potential migration corridors, foraging areas, and roosting habitats of species in decline.
Emergencies and Equivocality Under the Inherent Jurisdiction: A Local Authority v BF [2018] EWCA CIV 2962 and Southend-On-Sea Borough Council v Meyers [2019] EWHC 399 (FAM)
Authors: Pugh Amber
Published: June 2019

In A Local Authority v BF [2018] EWCA Civ 2962, the Court of Appeal refused to grant permission to appeal against an interim judgment that deprived a capacitous man, Mr Meyers, of his liberty. The deprivation of liberty was held to be justified on the basis that there was evidence suggesting that he was of unsound mind under Article 5(1)(e) of the European Convention on Human Rights and, in any event, it was an emergency which temporarily obviated the need to establish that he was of unsound mind. In this commentary, I argue that the decision was flawed in two respects. First, the need to establish ‘unsound mind’ could not be dispensed with because it was not an emergency and, secondly, the Court’s interpretation of ‘unsound mind’ was overly broad and cannot be reconciled with the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. Subsequently, in Southend-On-Sea Borough Council v Meyers [2019] EWHC 399 (Fam), which was the substantive hearing of Mr Meyers’ case, Hayden J made an order preventing Mr Meyers from living with his son, with the decision being framed as a restriction on movement rather than a deprivation of liberty. I contend that the restrictions placed on Mr Meyers may amount to a deprivation of liberty. On a broader level, I argue that the use of the inherent jurisdiction to deprive vulnerable adults of their liberty is incompatible with Article 5, and that these cases demonstrate the potential for draconian decisions to be made when using a jurisdiction with shifting parameters to protect adults who are deemed to be ‘vulnerable’, a concept that is equivocal in nature.
Phat ELVIS: The inevitable effect of the Milky Way’s disc on its dark matter subhaloes
Authors: Kelley Tyler , Bullock James S , Garrison-Kimmel Shea , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Pawlowski Marcel S , Graus Andrew S
Published: June 2019

We introduce an extension of the ELVIS project to account for the effects of the Milky Way galaxy on its subhalo population. Our simulation suite, Phat ELVIS, consists of 12 high-resolution cosmological dark matter-only (DMO) zoom simulations of Milky Way-size ΛCDM haloes [Mv = (0.7−2) × 1012 M⊙] along with 12 re-runs with embedded galaxy potentials grown to match the observed Milky Way disc and bulge today. The central galaxy potential destroys subhalos on orbits with small pericentres in every halo, regardless of the ratio of galaxy mass to halo mass. This has several important implications. (1) Most of the Disc runs have no subhaloes larger than Vmax = 4.5 km s−1 within 20 kpc and a significant lack of substructure going back ∼8 Gyr, suggesting that local stream-heating signals from dark substructure will be rare. (2) The pericentre distributions of Milky Way satellites derived from Gaia data are remarkably similar to the pericentre distributions of subhaloes in the Disc runs, while the DMO runs drastically overpredict galaxies with pericentres smaller than 20 kpc. (3) The enhanced destruction produces a tension opposite to that of the classic ‘missing satellites’ problem: in order to account for ultra-faint galaxies known within 30 kpc of the Galaxy, we must populate haloes with Vpeak ≃ 7 km s−1 (M ≃ 3 × 107 M⊙ at infall), well below the atomic cooling limit of $V_\mathrm{peak}\simeq 16 \,{\rm km} \, {\rm s}^{-1}$ (M ≃ 5 × 108M⊙ at infall). (4) If such tiny haloes do host ultra-faint dwarfs, this implies the existence of ∼1000 satellite galaxies within 300 kpc of the Milky Way.
Quantitative analysis of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline in F344 gpt delta transgenic rats
Authors: Gi Min , Fujioka Masaki , Totsuka Yukari , Matsumoto Michiharu , Masumura Kenichi , Kakehashi Anna , Yamaguchi Takashi , Fukushima Shoji , Wanibuchi Hideki
Published: June 2019

Quantitative analysis of the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of the low doses of genotoxic carcinogens present in food is of pressing concern. The purpose of the present study was to determine the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of low doses of the dietary genotoxic carcinogen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ). Male F344 gpt delta transgenic rats were fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 ppm IQ for 4 weeks. The frequencies of gpt transgene mutations in the liver were significantly increased in the 10 and 100 ppm groups. In addition, the mutation spectra was altered in the 1, 10 and 100 ppm groups: frequencies of G:C to T:A transversion were significantly increased in groups administered 1, 10 and 100 ppm IQ in a dose-dependent manner, and the frequencies of G:C to A:T transitions, A:T to T:A transversions and A:T to C:G transversions were significantly increased in the 100 ppm group. Increased frequencies of single base pair deletions and Spi− mutants in the liver, and an increase in glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive foci, a preneoplastic lesion of the liver in rats, was also observed in the 100 ppm group. In contrast, neither mutations nor mutation spectra or GST-P-positive foci were statistically altered by administration of IQ at 0.1 ppm. We estimated the point of departure for the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of IQ using the no-observed-effect level approach and the Benchmark dose approach to characterise the dose–response relationship of low doses of IQ. Our findings demonstrate the existence of no effect levels of IQ for both in vivo mutagenicity and hepatocarcinogenicity. The findings of the present study will facilitate an understanding of the carcinogenic effects of low doses of IQ and help to determine a margin of exposure that may be useful for practical human risk assessment.
Pain Intensity in the First 96 Hours After Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cachemaille Matthieu , Grass Fabian , Fournier Nicolas , Suter Marc R , Demartines Nicolas , Hübner Martin , Blanc Catherine
Published: June 2019

Objective

Multimodal pain management strategies aim to improve postoperative pain control. The purpose of this study was to analyze pain scores and risk factors for acute postoperative pain after various abdominal surgery procedures.

Methods

Data on 11 different abdominal surgery procedures were prospectively recorded. Pain intensity (rest, mobilization) and patient satisfaction at discharge were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS; 0–10), and analgesic consumption was recorded until 96 hours postoperation. Demographic, surgery-related, and pain management–related univariate risk factors for insufficient pain control (VAS ≥ 4) were entered in a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 1,278 patients were included. Overall, mean VAS scores were <3 at all time points, and scores at mobilization were consistently higher than at rest (P < 0.05). Thirty percent of patients presented a prolonged VAS score ≥4 at mobilization at 24 hours, significantly higher than at rest (14%, P < 0.05). High pain scores correlated with high opioid consumption, whereas a variability of pain scores was observed in patients with low opioid consumption. The only independent risk factor for moderate and severe pain (VAS ≥ 4) was younger age (<70 years, P = 0.001). The mean satisfaction score was 8.18 ± 1.29.

Conclusions

Among 1,278 patients, pain was controlled adequately during the first four postoperative days, resulting in high levels of patient satisfaction. Pain levels were higher at mobilization. Younger age was the only independent risk factor for insufficient pain control. Preventive treatment in patients <70 years old and before mobilization could be evaluated for potential improvement.
Stuck in Place? A Field Experiment on the Effects of Reputational Information on Student Evaluations
Authors: Chu James , Li Guirong , Loyalka Prashant , Liu Chengfang , Rosa Leonardo , Li Yanyan
Published: June 2019

Studies suggest that students’ prior performance can shape subsequent teacher evaluations, but the magnitude of reputational effects and their implications for educational inequality remain unclear. Existing scholarship presents two major perspectives that exist in tension: do teachers primarily use reputational information as a temporary signal that is subsequently updated in response to actual student performance? Or do teachers primarily use reputational information as a filter that biases perception of subsequent evidence, thus crystallizing student reputations and keeping previously poor-performing students stuck in place? In a field experiment, we recruited a random sample of 832 junior high school teachers from the second-most populous province of China to grade a sequence of four essays written by the same student, and we randomly assign both the academic reputation of the student and the quality of the essays produced. We find that (1) reputational information influences how teachers grade, (2) teachers rely on negative information more heavily than positive information, and (3) negative reputations are crystallized by a single behavioral confirmation. These results suggest that students can escape their prior reputations, but to do so, they must contradict them immediately, with a single confirmation sufficient to crystallize a negative reputation.
Foundations in the wild west: the Wyoming Statutory Foundation Act
Authors: Chandler Jordan S , Cone Geoffrey , Panico Paolo , Staehr Amy M
Published: June 2019

Traditionally a civil law concept, the use of foundations as wealth management and succession planning vehicles is gaining popularity in common law jurisdictions. Wyoming is the second state in the USA to adopt common law foundation legislation that will allow for the formation and administration of statutory foundations. The Wyoming Statutory Foundation Act, effective 1 July 2019, combines elements of well-established trust and corporate law in Wyoming with classical elements of foundation legislation found in civil law jurisdictions, while also providing access to Wyoming’s privacy and asset preservation laws.
‘Race’, Black Majority Churches, and the Rise of Ecumenical Multiculturalism in the 1970s
Authors: Maiden John
Published: June 2019

At the beginning of the 1970s, relations between the historic British churches and the new black-led churches were usually non-existent or marked by prejudices or ambivalences. This article examines the emergence, development, and significance of a cross-cultural ecumenical dialogue sponsored by the British Council of Churches. It places this in a context of both growing white liberal interest in the ‘multi-racial’ society and the increasing public assertiveness of collective black Christian consciousness. In doing so, it contributes to our understandings of religious change in the twentieth century: both in terms of perceptions of ‘secularization’ and the complex relationship between Christianity and race relations in the decades after Windrush.
Artificial General Intelligence and Contract
Authors: Linarelli John
Published: June 2019

The aim of this article is to inquire whether contract law can operate in a state of affairs in which artificial general intelligence (AGI) exists and has the cognitive abilities to interact with humans to exchange promises or otherwise engage in the sorts of exchanges typically governed by contract law. AGI is a long way off, but its emergence may be sudden and come in the lifetimes of some people who are alive today. How might contract law adapt to a situation in which at least one of the contract parties could, from the standpoint of a capacity to engage in promising and exchange, be an AGI? This is not a situation in which artificial intelligence (AI) operates as an agent of a human or a firm, a frequent occurrence right now. Rather, the question is whether an AGI could constitute a principal—a contract party on its own. Contract law is a good place to start a discussion about adapting the law for an AGI future because it already incorporates a version of what is known as weak AI in its objective standard for contract formation and interpretation. Contract law, in some limited sense, takes on issues of relevance from the philosophy of the mind. AGI holds the potential to transform a solution to an epistemological problem of how to prove a contract exists into solution to an ontological problem about the capacity to contract. An objection might be that contract law presupposes the existence of a person who the law recognizes as possessing the capacity to contract. Contract law itself may not be able to answer the prior question of legally recognized personhood. The answer will be to focus on how AGI cognitive architecture could be designed for compatibility for human interaction. This article focuses on that question as well.
Transumbilical Vaginoplasty Through Fractionated Miniports
Authors: El Saman Ali M. , Abou-Taleb Hesham , Khalaf Mohamed , Salama Mohamed H. , Habib Dina M. , Bahlol Mostafa , Eleraky Alshymaa H. , El Saman Dina A. , Eldeen Sabaa Shogaa , Shazly Sherif A.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND:

Vaginal agenesis is a müllerian anomaly characterized by congenital absence of the vagina. In this case series, the authors describe a novel, minimally invasive technique using microport entry for treatment of complete vaginal agenesis.

TECHNIQUE:

A balloon catheter is passed through a fenestrated perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin–supporting platform, then tied by a silk suture over the caudal end of the inserter. Two 4-mm microports are created intraumbilically; one to insert the scope and the other to introduce the catheter inserter that is advanced under direct vision. The inserter loaded with a catheter is passed across the pelvic floor to position the balloon at the vaginal dimple. The balloon is inflated and tightly positioned against the dimple. The perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin piece is clamped at the umbilicus. Traction is applied to the catheter stem and increased progressively to achieve desired vaginal depth.

EXPERIENCE:

Twenty-two women aged 17–28 years with vaginal agenesis underwent microport vaginoplasty. Twenty-one women were diagnosed with müllerian agenesis and one patient with androgen insensitivity syndrome. Preoperative vaginal depth ranged between 0.5 and 3 cm. The procedure was well tolerated with no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Patients achieved neovaginal depth between 9 and 11 cm and penetrations scores increased to 80–90%.

CONCLUSION:

Microport vaginoplasty is a feasible and effective procedure for management of vaginal agenesis.
A Multispecialty Perspective on Physician Responsibility to Sexual Assault Survivors
Authors: Polite Florencia Greer , Acholonu Rhonda Graves , Harrison Nzinga
Published: June 2019

As physicians who represent differing specialties of obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and pediatrics, we have repeatedly experienced stories of sexual assault in the context of our various patient encounters. Although our individual specialties give detailed guidelines for physicians and cover the medical, legal, and mental health aspects, we propose that all physicians should use another category called social responsibility. The mainstay of our social responsibility is to provide the victim with the support and resources to overcome this trauma. We outline the tenets of social responsibility as prevention, trust, reassurance, and resource allocation. We hope to illustrate the importance of advocating for uniform adoption of a trauma-informed care approach to sexual assault survivors.