bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Same‐day delivery with heterogeneous fleets of drones and vehicles
Authors: Ulmer Marlin W. , Thomas Barrett W.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we analyze how drones can be combined with regular delivery vehicles to improve same‐day delivery performance. To this end, we present a dynamic vehicle routing problem with heterogeneous fleets. Customers order goods over the course of the day. These goods are delivered either by a drone or by a regular transportation vehicle within a delivery deadline. Drones are faster, but have a limited capacity as well as require charging after use. In the same‐day context, vehicle capacity is not a constraint, but vehicles are slow due to urban traffic. To decide whether an order is delivered by a drone or by a vehicle, we present a policy function approximation based on geographical districting. Our computational study reveals two major implications. First, geographical districting is highly effective increasing the expected number of same‐day deliveries. Second, a combination of drone and vehicle fleets may significantly reduce the required delivery resources.
BMI and Mortality in UK Biobank: Revised Estimates Using Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Wade Kaitlin H. , Carslake David , Sattar Naveed , Davey Smith George , Timpson Nicholas J.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to obtain estimates of the causal relationship between BMI and mortality.

Methods

Mendelian randomization (MR) with BMI‐associated genotypic variation was used to test the causal effect of BMI on all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in UK Biobank participants of White British ancestry.

Results

MR analyses supported a causal association between higher BMI and greater risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 kg/m2: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.99‐1.07) and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01‐1.19), specifically coronary heart disease (HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.00‐1.25) and those excluding coronary heart disease/stroke/aortic aneurysm (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.48), stomach cancer (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.87‐1.62), and esophageal cancer (HR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.98‐1.53), and a decreased risk of lung cancer mortality (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.85‐1.08). Sex stratification supported the causal role of higher BMI increasing bladder cancer mortality risk (males) but decreasing respiratory disease mortality risk (males). The J‐shaped observational association between BMI and mortality was visible with MR analyses, but the BMI at which mortality was minimized was lower and the association was flatter over a larger BMI range.

Conclusions

Results support a causal role of higher BMI in increasing the risk of all‐cause mortality and mortality from several specific causes.
L‐Arginine Increases Postprandial Circulating GLP‐1 and PYY Levels in Humans
Authors: Amin Anjali , Neophytou Christina , Thein Shermaine , Martin Niamh M , Alamshah Amin , Spreckley Eleanor , Bloom Stephen R. , Murphy Kevin G.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The satiating effect of protein compared with other nutrients has been well described and is thought to be mediated, in part, by gut hormone release. Previously, it has been shown that oral L‐arginine acts as a GLP‐1 secretagogue both in vitro and in vivo in rodents. Here, the effect of L‐arginine on gut hormone release in humans was investigated.

Methods

The hypothesis was tested in two separate studies. The first study assessed the tolerability of oral L‐arginine in healthy human subjects. The second study assessed the effect of oral L‐arginine on gut hormone release following an ad libitum meal. Subjects were given L‐arginine, glycine (control amino acid), or vehicle control in a randomized double‐blind fashion.

Results

At a dose of 17.1 mmol, L‐arginine was well tolerated and stimulated the release of plasma GLP‐1 (P < 0.05) and PYY (P < 0.001) following an ad libitum meal. Food diaries showed a trend toward lower energy intake and particularly fat intake following L‐arginine treatment.

Conclusions

L‐arginine can significantly elevate GLP‐1 and PYY in healthy human volunteers in combination with a meal. Further work is required to investigate whether L‐arginine may have utility in the suppression of appetite and food intake.
Tumor and endothelial cells collaborate via transcellular receptor complexes
Authors: Sarabipour Sarvenaz , Mac Gabhann Feilim
Published: October 2018

Many cellular signaling pathways are initiated by cell‐surface ligand‐sensing complexes that incorporate not just one but multiple receptors. Most studies focus on receptors coexpressed on a single cell (cis interactions), but complexes containing receptors on adjacent cells (trans interactions) are also possible. Recent work by Morin et al published in this journal provides critical evidence for such trans interactions between Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) expressed on human tumor cells and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expressed on adjacent endothelial cells, with the ligand VEGFA binding and bridging the two receptors. They show that the formation of these complexes is correlated with reduced tumor proliferation and increased patient survival. They also observe trans NRP1‐VEGFA‐VEGFR2 repressing angiogenesis and cis NRP1‐VEGFA‐VEGFR2 increasing angiogenesis in selected cancers. The distinct molecular signature of each tumor and each patient will determine which type of complexes dominate and will influence prognosis and treatment. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discordant roles for FGF ligands in lung branching morphogenesis between human and mouse
Authors: Danopoulos Soula , Thornton Matthew E , Grubbs Brendan H , Frey Mark R , Warburton David , Bellusci Saverio , Al Alam Denise
Published: October 2018

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling plays an important role in lung organogenesis. Over recent decades, FGF signaling in lung development has been extensively studied in animal models. However, little is known about the expression, localization, and functional roles of FGF ligands during human fetal lung development. Therefore, we aimed to determine the expression and function of several FGF ligands and receptors in human lung development. Using in situ hybridization (ISH) and RNA sequencing, we assessed their expression and distribution in native human fetal lung. Human fetal lung explants were treated with recombinant FGF7, FGF9, or FGF10 in air–liquid interface culture. Explants were analyzed grossly to observe differences in branching pattern as well as at the cellular and molecular level. ISH demonstrated that FGF7 is expressed in both the epithelium and mesenchyme; FGF9 is mainly localized in the distal epithelium, whereas FGF10 demonstrated diffuse expression throughout the parenchyma, with some expression in the smooth muscle cells (SMCs). FGFR2 expression was high in both proximal and distal epithelial cells as well as the SMCs. FGFR3 was expressed mostly in the epithelial cells, with lower expression in the mesenchyme, while FGFR4 was highly expressed throughout the mesenchyme and in the distal epithelium. Using recombinant FGFs, we demonstrated that FGF7 and FGF9 had similar effects on human fetal lung as on mouse fetal lung; however, FGF10 caused the human explants to expand and form cysts as opposed to inducing epithelial branching as seen in the mouse. In conjunction with decreased branching, treatment with recombinant FGF7, FGF9, and FGF10 also resulted in decreased double‐positive SOX2/SOX9 progenitor cells, which are exclusively present in the distal epithelial tips in early human fetal lung. Although FGF ligand localization may be somewhat comparable between developing mouse and human lungs, their functional roles may differ substantially. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioreducible poly(amido amine) copolymers derived from histamine and agmatine for highly efficient gene delivery
Authors: Sun Yanping , Liu Hui , Xing Haonan , Lang Lang , Cheng Lin , Yang Tianzhi , Yang Li , Ding Pingtian
Published: October 2018

Histamine (HIS) can facilitate the endosomal escape of polyplexes via the ‘proton sponge effect’ because of its imidazole groups. Agmatine (AGM) can improve the transmembrane process of polyplexes as a result of its guanidinium groups. Therefore, HIS and AGM were used as amino monomers to react with cystamine bisacrylamide (CBA) through Michael addition. The synthesized peptide‐mimicking poly(CBA‐HIS/AGM)s showed high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity, indicating their great potential as gene carriers. The results also demonstrated that the effects of HIS and AGM on the properties of poly(CBA‐HIS/AGM)s were different: HIS could increase their buffering capacities and bioreducibility, but AGM could facilitate their plasmid DNA packaging and condensing abilities. In addition, the results of transfection mechanism studies indicated that poly(CBA‐HIS/AGM) polyplexes entered into cells mainly via clathrin‐dependent endocytosis and they could efficiently escape the endosome, indicating endosomal escape was not the limiting step for gene delivery based on these polymers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
How does the type of counterion influence the polymerization rate and thermal properties of tailored choline‐based linear‐ and star‐shaped poly(ionic liquid)s PILs?
Authors: Maksym Paulina , Tarnacka Magdalena , Wolnica Kamila , Dzienia Andrzej , Zięba Andrzej , Kaminski Kamil , Paluch Marian
Published: October 2018

The synthesis of tailored [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]‐trimethylammonium chloride (ChMA/Cl−) and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) imide (ChMA/NTf2−)‐based ionic homopolymers by sustainable activators generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method has been demonstrated. Linear and four‐arm star‐shaped macromolecules were obtained with the use of two synthetic strategies: (a) direct polymerization of ionic monomers with counterions differing in hydrophilicity (prepolymerization) and (2) modification by ion exchange from Cl− to NTf2− (postpolymerization) using both classical ATRP initiator and pentaerythritol‐based initiator. The effect of counterions on the polymerization kinetics and the physicochemical and thermodynamical properties of resulted poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) has been investigated. Results showed that polymerizations of ChMA/NTf2− proceeded with higher rate in comparison to ChMA/Cl− one independently on the predetermined topologies (linear and four‐arm star‐shaped). From thermodynamical point of view, the glass transition temperature Tg increased with molecular weight Mn for linear‐ and star‐shaped PILs for both types of counterion. In addition, star‐shaped polymers of comparable Mn to linear ones were characterized by slightly higher Tg values. The resulting polyelectrolytes, after modification via exchange of Cl− anions to NTf2− ones were characterized by much higher Tg in comparison to those produced by direct polymerization of ionic monomer, indicating the crucial role of postpolymerization modification on thermodynamical properties of PILs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2681–2691
Deep Ultraviolet Emitting Scintillators for Biomedical Applications: The Hard Way of Downsizing LuPO4:Pr3+
Authors: Espinoza Sara , Volhard Max‐Fabian , Kätker Heike , Jenneboer Heike , Uckelmann Anne , Haase Markus , Müller Matthias , Purschke Martin , Jüstel Thomas
Published: October 2018

Pr3+‐doped LuPO4 emits UV radiation between 225 and 280 nm, where DNA shows strong absorption bands. Therefore, a systematic study of the luminescence of Pr3+ doped LuPO4 is performed: Different doping concentrations, particles sizes, and excitation schemes (vacuum UV at 160 nm and X‐rays 50 kV, 2 mA, tungsten target) are compared. The emission spectra in the UV range depends on the excitation energy and the particle size. Microcrystalline particles (6 µm) comprising 1% Pr3+ display the highest emission intensity at 234 nm upon vacuum UV as well as X‐ray excitation. Sub‐microscale particles (20–50 nm) of LuPO4:Pr3+ (1%) show the same UV emission under X‐ray excitation as the larger particles but do not emit under vacuum UV excitation. Colloidal nanoscale particles (5 nm) do not show emission in the UV‐C range. Based on the high‐density and strong X‐ray absorption of LuPO4, the implementation of Pr3+ doped LuPO4 particles of suitable size (20–50 nm) could improve the well‐established radiation therapy. Owing to the strong absorption and low penetration depth of UV‐C radiation in biological tissue, Pr3+‐doped LuPO4 particles located directly in cancerous tumors could allow for additional treatment with cell‐damaging UV‐C radiation.
Photothermal Disintegration of 3T3 Derived Fat Droplets by Irradiated Silica Coated Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Gupta Akash , Lam Cheang Weng , Wu Chien Ting , Yang De‐Ming , Chattopadhyay Surojit
Published: October 2018

Excessive accumulation of fat cells leads to obesity—a predominantly urban public health concern. Photothermal therapy (PTT) can be a novel strategy to control the fat droplets using deep penetrating infra‐red light absorption in upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). First, silica (SiO2) coated UCNPs embedded in commercial butter is shown to demonstrate photothermal heating (with photothermal conversion efficiency ≈60%) to gain a maximum temperature rise of ≈26 ºC (to 50 ºC) when exposed to 980 nm laser (5 min, 1 W) irradiation that melts the butter. The same UCNPs @SiO2 are used to study the PTT effect in mouse 3T3 cell derived fat cells in vitro. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on differentiated 3T3 cells reveals low cytotoxicity (cell viability >70%) up to 400 ppm concentration of the UCNP@SiO2. Absorption studies on Oil Red O stained fat droplets, in 3T3 cells incubated with 50 ppm (50 μL) of UCNP@SiO2, shows 50% (untreated control = 100%) decrease of the 510 nm band post irradiation indicating ≈50% of droplet disintegration by PTT. Time lapse videography shows severe droplet agitation resulting in cytoskeletal re‐arrangement in the irradiated, as well as only resistively heated cells with the UCNPs confirming a thermal effect.
Mathematical Biology Models of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Bakshi Suruchi , Chelliah Vijayalakshmi , Chen Chao , van der Graaf Piet H.
Published: October 2018

Parkinsons disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with substantial and growing socio‐economic burden. In this multifactorial disease, aging, environmental, and genetic factors contribute to neurodegeneration and dopamine (DA) deficiency in the brain. Treatments aimed at DA restoration provide symptomatic relief, however, no disease modifying treatments are available, and PD remains incurable to date. Mathematical modeling can help understand such complex multifactorial neurological diseases. We review mathematical modeling efforts in PD with a focus on mechanistic models of pathogenic processes. We consider models of α‐synuclein (Asyn) aggregation, feedbacks among Asyn, DA, and mitochondria and proteolytic systems, as well as pathology propagation through the brain. We hope that critical understanding of existing literature will pave the way to the development of quantitative systems pharmacology models to aid PD drug discovery and development.
Negative Compressibility of 3D Cellular Models Constructed by Hinging Hexagonal Truss Mechanism
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqin , Yang Lu , Ma Meng , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2018

Three 3D models with negative compressibility have been presented in our previous paper [X. Q. Zhou et al., Phys. Status Solidi B 2016, 253, 1977]. However, the 2D mechanism (i.e., wine‐rack mechanism) which we used to design 3D models is so symmetrical that the axial properties of it are equivalent, so we have only focused on geometry features. In this work, an extended study is conducted in order to find a more efficient method to design 3D structures with evident negative compressibility. Through theoretical modeling, the compressibility properties of three 3D models made from hinging hexagonal truss mechanism are analyzed and the conditions for negative compressibility to be exhibited are discussed. The study shows that in addition to the geometry features, negative compressibility effects can also be significantly affected by the arrangement of the framework and layout orientations of 2D mechanism.
Coexistence of safety and security: Synchronized redundant system with security enhancements
Authors: Valdivia Leonardo J. , Adin Iñigo , Añorga Javier , Arrizabalaga Saioa , Mendizabal Jaizki
Published: October 2018

A malicious attack on a safety‐critical system can derive in an undesired behavior of the system that may result in a failure. In this case, the reliability of the device is decreased, and it might affect directly to safety. Therefore, the security is also an essential issue to consider in the design of safety‐critical systems. The main problem when safety and security are considered is to make them work together without interfering each other. A safety‐critical device needs to be certified following standards like IEC‐61508, and any security mechanisms must not affect this certification. This paper describes a system that integrates safety and security mechanisms to improve reliability without affecting safety certification. With the aim of reaching the required safety level, a redundant system is considered. This system is an n out of m distributed and synchronized voter. The synchronization method is based on the precision time protocol (IEEE‐1588) allowing that all devices on a local network have the same time.
Density functional theory and ab initio studies on hyperfine coupling constants of phosphinyl radicals
Authors: Witwicki Maciej
Published: October 2018

The 31P hyperfine coupling constants for various phosphinyl radicals were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) as well as the ab initio orbital‐optimized spin‐component‐scaled MP2 (OO‐SCS‐MP2) and coupled cluster methods (with relaxed and unrelaxed density). However before that, electron correlation in phosphinyl radicals was investigated by means of the fractional occupation number weighted electron density (FOD). The isotropic hyperfine coupling constants for phosphinyl radicals posed a considerable challenge to DFT; among other issues, the well‐known functional B3LYP substantially underperformed, but TPSS0 provided highly accurate results. Two tested double hybrid functionals, namely B2PLYP and mPW2PLYP, and OO‐SCS‐MP2 were found to be reasonably accurate. The unbalanced description of spin polarization in the valance region was identified as the root of the problems of DFT methods with correct prediction of the isotropic hyperfine coupling constants. In calculations at the coupled cluster level, relaxed and unrelaxed density matrices were tested and both were proved to provide highly satisfactory results for phosphinyl radicals. This was confirmed for a set of small paramagnetic species.
Bronchobiliary fistula after radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma successfully treated by double drainage
Authors: Chang Yi Chen , Lin Yu Min
Published: October 2018

For hepatocellular carcinomas, radiofrequency ablation is extensively used to alleviate primary and metastatic hepatic tumours. Common complications of this procedure include bleeding, infection, and hollow organ perforation. We present the case of a patient with hepatoma who underwent radiofrequency ablation. He had intractable cough with yellowish sputum, particularly while lying down, three weeks after treatment. Chest computed tomography demonstrated a right middle lobe consolidation with pleural effusion and right subphrenic fluid collection. Thoracoscopic decortication was performed under the diagnosis of empyema. The attending anaesthesiologist noted bile‐like fluid aspirated from the endotracheal tube. Therefore, we suspected bronchobiliary fistula. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage of the subphrenic fluid and simultaneous cholangiography confirmed bronchobiliary fistula. The patient was successfully treated using percutaneous drainage combined with endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage. An imaging finding of subphrenic fluid collection with right lower lung consolidation after radiofrequency ablation for hepatic tumours should raise the suspicion of bronchobiliary fistula.
Addition of granulosa cells collected from differential follicle stages supports development of oocytes derived from porcine early antral follicles
Authors: Ishiguro Ai , Munakata Yasuhisa , Shirasuna Koumei , Kuwayama Takehito , Iwata Hisataka
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Improvement of in vitro oocyte growth by addition of granulosa cells derived from differential developmental stages of follicles.

Methods

Granulosa cells (GCs) collected from either early antral follicles (EAFs) or antral follicles (AFs) were added to oocyte‐granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) derived from EAFs, and the in vitro growth of the oocytes was evaluated.

Results

Granulosa cells were incorporated into OGCs to form new OGCs within 2 days of culture. After 14 days of culture, the number of GCs surrounding oocytes was similar among the three OGCs conditions (unmanipulated “natural OGCs,” “EAF‐GCs add OGCs,” and “AF‐GCs add OGCs”), whereas the survival rate of the GCs and diameter of oocytes grown in vitro were the greatest for “AF‐GCs added OGCs.” After parthenogenetic activation, developmental rate till the blastocyst stage tended to be higher for “AF‐GCs add OGCs” compared with other groups. Addition of AF‐GCs significantly increased a hypoxic marker (pimonidazole staining) and increased the lipid content in oocytes grown in vitro compared with unmanipulated OGCs.

Conclusion

Addition of GCs derived from more advanced stages of follicles to the OGCs changes the metabolism of oocytes and is beneficial for in vitro growth of oocytes derived from EAFs.
Going beyond serology for stratifying the risk of CMV infection in transplant recipients
Authors: Navarro David , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Aguado José María , Sandonís Virginia , Pérez‐Romero Pilar
Published: October 2018

Knowledge of donor and recipient (D/R) cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus is critical for risk stratification of CMV infection and disease in transplant recipients, particularly in the solid organ transplantation (SOT) setting. Despite its broad availability and the success of it use, the risk stratification based on the D/R serostatus is not free of limitations since there are a nondepreciable number of patients that are not accurately categorized by this approach. In fact, up to 20% of seropositive SOT recipients, classically considered at intermediate risk, develop episodes of CMV infection and disease after transplantation. Here, we provide an overview of additional donor and recipient factors that may have utility in identifying patients at risk for post‐transplant CMV infection. Specifically, we summarize our current understanding regarding the potential use of use CMV‐specific T‐cell‐mediated immunity, neutralizing antibodies and host genetics that may influence the risk of CMV infection and disease. We provide an overview of the benefits and limitations associated with using these immunological factors in risk stratification and propose specific variables that could be analyzed at the pretransplant evaluation to improve the identification of patients with increased individual susceptibility.
Bounded control of feedforward time‐delay systems with linearized systems consisting of chain of oscillators
Authors: Yang Xuefei , Zhou Bin , Lam James
Published: October 2018

For the global stabilization of a family of feedforward nonlinear time‐delay systems whose linearized systems consist of a chain of identical oscillators, a saturated feedback control is established based on a special canonical form. The proposed control laws use not only the current states but also the delayed states for feedback, which helps maintain the decoupling property in the recursive design. Moreover, explicit conditions guaranteeing the stability of the closed‐loop system are provided. When the nonlinear terms vanish and even the oscillators are distinct, a modified saturated feedback control can still be established for the corresponding global stabilization problem. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Equivalence of several stability conditions for switched linear systems with dwell time
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Hongbin , Zhang Liangliang
Published: October 2018

In this paper, several equivalent stability conditions for switched linear systems with dwell time are presented. Both continuous‐time and discrete‐time cases are considered. For the continuous‐time case, the conditions that are convex in system matrices are presented in terms of infinite‐dimensional linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which are not numerically testable. Then, by adopting the sum of square (SOS) and piecewise linear approach, computable conditions are formulated in terms of SOS program and LMIs. Compared to the literature, less conservative results can be obtained through solving these conditions for the same polynomial degree or discretized order. For the discrete‐time case, the stability conditions, which are convex in system matrices, are numerically testable. The convexity comes at the price of increment of computational complexity. Furthermore, by adopting the convexification approach, sufficient stability conditions of switched linear systems with polytopic uncertainties are derived, both for continuous‐time and discrete‐time cases. At last, several examples are given to demonstrate the correctness and advantages of our results.
Suppressed Decomposition of Perovskite Film on ZnO Via a Self‐Assembly Monolayer of Methoxysilane
Authors: Liu Detao , Wang Yafei , She Zhen , Zheng Hualin , Zhang Peng , Wang Feng , Wu Jiang , Chen Zhi , Li Shibin
Published: October 2018

Although ZnO is an attractive electron transport layer (ETL) for high performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its suitable energy structure, high electron mobility, and low‐temperature process, perovskite films on ZnO are decomposed rapidly as the substrate is heated over 90 °C. However, the annealing temperature higher than 90 °C is mandatory to produce high quality perovskite films. Here, for the first time, the use of an ultra‐thin self‐assembly monolayer (SAM) of methoxysilane on ZnO ETL to suppress the decomposition of perovskite films is reported. A self‐form solvent annealing (SFSA) method is also carried out to improve the crystal quality of perovskite, and the champion device of SAM modified ZnO based PSCs yields a PCE of 18.34%. All these processes are conducted at low temperature and compatible with fabrication of flexible devices.
A global assessment of atoll island planform changes over the past decades
Authors: Duvat Virginie K. E.
Published: October 2018

Over the past decades, atoll islands exhibited no widespread sign of physical destabilization in the face of sea‐level rise. A reanalysis of available data, which cover 30 Pacific and Indian Ocean atolls including 709 islands, reveals that no atoll lost land area and that 88.6% of islands were either stable or increased in area, while only 11.4% contracted. Atoll islands affected by rapid sea‐level rise did not show a distinct behavior compared to islands on other atolls. Island behavior correlated with island size, and no island larger than 10 ha decreased in size. This threshold could be used to define the minimum island size required for human occupancy and to assess atoll countries and territories' vulnerability to climate change. Beyond emphasizing the major role of climate drivers in causing substantial changes in the configuration of islands, this reanalysis of available data indicates that these drivers explain subregional variations in atoll behavior and within‐atoll variations in island and shoreline (lagoon vs. ocean) behavior, following atoll‐specific patterns. Increasing human disturbances, especially land reclamation and human structure construction, operated on atoll‐to‐shoreline spatial scales, explaining marked within‐atoll variations in island and shoreline behavior. Collectively, these findings highlight the heterogeneity of atoll situations. Further research needs include addressing geographical gaps (Indian Ocean, Caribbean, north‐western Pacific atolls), using standardized protocols to allow comparative analyses of island and shoreline behavior across ocean regions, investigating the role of ecological drivers, and promoting interdisciplinary approaches. Such efforts would assist in anticipating potential future changes in the contributions and interactions of key drivers.

This article is categorized under:

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Observed Impacts of Climate Change

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Earth System Behavior
Perioperative Outcomes of Laparoscopic Repeat Liver Resection for Recurrent HCC: Comparison with Open Repeat Liver Resection for Recurrent HCC and Laparoscopic Resection for Primary HCC
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Syn Nicholas , Teo Jin‐Yao , Guo Yu‐Xin , Lee Ser‐Yee , Cheow Peng‐Chung , Chow Pierce K. H. , Ooi London L. P. J. , Chung Alexander Y. F. , Chan Chung‐Yip
Published: October 2018

Background

This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic repeat liver resection (LRLR) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC).

Methods

Twenty patients underwent LRLR for rHCC between 2015 and 2017. The control groups consisted of 79 open RLR (ORLR) for rHCC and 185 LLR for primary HCC. We undertook propensity score‐adjusted analyses (PSA) and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) for the comparison of LRLR versus ORLR. Comparison of LRLR versus LLR was done using multivariable regression models with adjustment for clinically relevant covariates.

Results

Twenty patients underwent LRLR with three open conversions (15%). Both PSA and 1:1‐PSM demonstrated that LRLR was significantly associated with a shorter stay, superior disease‐free survival (DFS) but longer operation time compared to ORLR. Comparison between LRLR versus LLR demonstrated that patients undergoing LRLR were significantly older, had smaller tumors, longer operation time and decreased frequency of Pringle’s maneuver applied. There was no difference in other key perioperative outcomes.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that in highly selected patients; LRLR for rHCC is feasible and safe. LRLR was associated with a shorter hospitalization but longer operation time compared to ORLR. Moreover, other than a longer operation time, LRLR was associated with similar perioperative outcomes compared to LLR for primary HCC.
East meets West: Shadow coaching to support online reflective practice
Authors: Byszewski Anna , Fraser Amy , Lochnan Heather
Published: October 2018

Objectives A structured, reflection-based electronic portfolio program (ePortfolio), with novel faculty development initiative, involving ‘shadow coaches’, was shared with the newly formed Ottawa-Shanghai Joint School of Medicine (OSJSM). OSJSM is a partnership between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Ottawa. As the world’s first Sino-Canadian Joint Medical School, OSJSM introduced North American undergraduate medical curriculum to China. ‘Shadow coaching’ involved trans-Pacific pairing of coaches, supplemented by local faculty development.

Framework (a) Pre-implementation: The well-established online ePortfolio platform at the University of Ottawa was mirrored at OSJSM. University of Ottawa ePortfolio coaches were recruited to serve as shadow coaches to their OSJSM counterparts. Shadow coaches provided mentoring and resources while maintaining awareness of cross-cultural issues. Faculty development consisted of face-to-face faculty development in Shanghai, several online synchronous sessions, and familiarization of University of Ottawa coaches with the Chinese medical education system. (b) Description/Components: This intervention, introduced in 2016–2017, involved five University of Ottawa shadow coaches paired with five OSJSM ePortfolio coaches. Student reflection encourages open frank discussion which is a new paradigm for Chinese students and faculty. Shadow coaches were encouraged to challenge new OSJSM coaches to widely explore physician roles and competencies.

Results Initial results indicate that the experience served to effectively develop OSJSM coaches’ skills as evidenced by shadow coaches’ review of anonymized OSJSM student reflective writing.

Conclusions Our project describes a novel tool using shadow coaching for faculty development for a cross-cultural partnership. Similar approaches can be utilized for culturally-sensitive long-distance faculty development.
A hybridization of differential evolution and monarch butterfly optimization for solving systems of nonlinear equations
Authors: Ibrahim Abdelmonem M. , Tawhid Mohamed A.
Published: October 2018

In this study, we propose a new hybrid algorithm consisting of two meta-heuristic algorithms; Differential Evolution (DE) and the Monarch Butterfly Optimization (MBO). This hybrid is called DEMBO. Both of the meta-heuristic algorithms are typically used to solve nonlinear systems and unconstrained optimization problems. DE is a common metaheuristic algorithm that searches large areas of candidate space. Unfortunately, it often requires more significant numbers of function evaluations to get the optimal solution. As for MBO, it is known for its time-consuming fitness functions, but it traps at the local minima. In order to overcome all of these disadvantages, we combine the DE with MBO and propose DEMBO which can obtain the optimal solutions for the majority of nonlinear systems as well as unconstrained optimization problems. We apply our proposed algorithm, DEMBO, on nine different, unconstrained optimization problems and eight well-known nonlinear systems. Our results, when compared with other existing algorithms in the literature, demonstrate that DEMBO gives the best results for the majority of the nonlinear systems and unconstrained optimization problems. As such, the experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of our hybrid algorithm in comparison to the known algorithms.

Highlights This paper proposes a new hybridization of differential evolution and monarch butterfly optimization. Solve system of nonlinear equations and unconstrained optimization problem. The efficiency and effectiveness of our algorithm are provided. Experimental results prove the superiority of our algorithm over the state-of-the-arts.
Reimagining pressure vessels in the 21st century
Authors: Mukherjee Rajarshi
Published: October 2018

Pressure vessels have been used for storing and transporting large amounts of energy across the globe. Driven by the ever-increasing demand for energy, shift toward cleaner sources of combustion, and the discovery of new composite materials – they have quickly adopted to the needs of the 21st century.
KURT GÖDEL’S FIRST STEPS IN LOGIC: FORMAL PROOFS IN ARITHMETIC AND SET THEORY THROUGH A SYSTEM OF NATURAL DEDUCTION
Authors: VON PLATO JAN
Published: October 2018

What seem to be Kurt Gödel’s first notes on logic, an exercise notebook of 84 pages, contains formal proofs in higher-order arithmetic and set theory. The choice of these topics is clearly suggested by their inclusion in Hilbert and Ackermann’s logic book of 1928, the Grundzüge der theoretischen Logik. Such proofs are notoriously hard to construct within axiomatic logic. Gödel takes without further ado into use a linear system of natural deduction for the full language of higher-order logic, with formal derivations closer to one hundred steps in length and up to four nested temporary assumptions with their scope indicated by vertical intermittent lines.
Communal Orientation Predicting Flourishing of Married Individuals: Mediation of Emotion Expressivity
Authors: Fahd Samar , Hanif Rubina
Published: October 2018

Expression of emotions may arbitrate the connections between communal orientation and psychological flourishing of married individuals that may lead to optimal functioning within a marital relationship. By using cross-sectional research design, the present study measures multiple dimensions of psychological flourishing (relationship and individual) in conjunction with communal orientation and emotion expressivity. Among married individuals from Pakistan aged 20–80 years, the authors examined the mediating effect of each spouse's emotional expression (positive, negative, and impulse strength) on the association between communal orientation and psychological flourishing. Findings highlight that communal orientation significantly predicts psychological flourishing. Positive Communal Orientation positively predicts relationship dimension as well as the Individual dimension of psychological flourishing. On the other hand, Negative Communal Orientation negatively predicts the Relationship dimension of psychological flourishing. However, Negative Communal Orientation positively predicts the Individual dimension of psychological flourishing. Furthermore, positive expressivity, negative expressivity and impulse strength significantly mediate the relationship between communal orientation and psychological flourishing. Moreover, gender differences were also found in the exercise of communal orientation and level of flourishing among husbands and wives. The evidence from the present study can be utilised to design relationship measure that can capture all the ingredients of optimal functioning of marital relationship.
Dead Hand Proxy Puts and Hedge Fund Activism
Authors: Griffith Sean J. , Reisel Natalia
Published: October 2018

We investigate the Dead Hand Proxy Put, a contractual innovation in corporate debt agreements that may impact hedge fund activism. We find the provision principally in loans, not bonds, and provide evidence linking the adoption of the provision to hedge fund activism. Furthermore, controlling for endogeneity, we find that the provision significantly reduces the cost of loans. Bondholder wealth also increases. Moreover, cross-sectional analysis of share returns reveals that the provision is positively associated with repeat banking relationships and negatively associated with free cash flow problems, suggesting a cost-benefit tradeoff.
The impact of parenthood on risk of registration for alcohol use disorder in married individuals: a Swedish population-based analysis
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Larsson Lönn Sara , Salvatore Jessica E. , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: October 2018

Background

Although being married with children is associated with a reduced rate of alcohol use disorder (AUD), is this finding independent of a marital effect, different in mothers and fathers and potentially causal in effect.

Methods

Using Cox proportional hazards, we examined, in 1 252 237 married individuals, the association between a resident younger and older child and risk for AUD registration in national medical, criminal, and pharmacy registers. Using logistic regression, we analyzed, in 600 219 parents, within-person models comparing risk for AUD prior to first pregnancy v. with young children. We examined whether risk for AUD in 1302 parents after a first spousal AUD registration was reduced by having a young resident child.

Results

Compared with childless married individuals, resident younger children were associated with a reduced risk for AUD in mothers [hazard ratio (HR) 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.41] and fathers (HR 0.66, 0.60–0.73). The reduced risk was attenuated but still significant for older children. Within-person models confirmed the protective effect of young children in mothers [odds ratio (OR) 0.49, 0.30–0.80] but yielded inconclusive results in fathers (OR 0.85, 0.58–1.25). After a first spousal registration for AUD, a resident young child was associated with a substantial reduction in risk for mothers and a weaker marginal effect in fathers.

Conclusion

In married individuals, resident children are associated with a reduction in basal risk for AUD which is stronger in mothers than fathers and with younger v. older children. This effect is also evident during high-risk periods. In mothers, our results are consistent with a largely causal effect.
Bridging the divide: the adjustment and decision-making experiences of people with dementia living with a recent diagnosis of cancer and its impact on family carers
Authors: McWilliams Lorna , Swarbrick Caroline , Yorke Janelle , Burgess Lorraine , Farrell Carole , Grande Gunn , Bellhouse Sarah , Keady John
Published: October 2018

The risk of living with dementia and, separately, cancer, increases exponentially with age. However, to date, there is a paucity of research investigating the experiences of people living with both these conditions. This study used semi-structured interviews to explore the decision-making and treatment options for people who live with both dementia and cancer. In total, ten people living with both dementia and cancer (aged 39–93 years) and nine family carers were interviewed. Braun and Clarke's approach to thematic analysis was used together with framework matrices to organise the data. In this article four sequential and descriptive themes are presented. ‘Reaching a diagnosis of cancer’ describes the vital role that family carers play in encouraging the person with dementia to seek an explanation for their presenting (undiagnosed cancer) symptoms to their general practitioner. ‘Adjusting to the cancer diagnosis when living with dementia’ outlines a variety of emotional and practical responses to receiving news of the diagnosis. ‘Weighing up the cancer treatment options’ highlights the different decisions and circumstances that family carers and people living with both dementia and cancer are faced with post-diagnosis. ‘Undergoing cancer treatment’ shares the finding that cancer treatment decision-making was not straightforward and that people living with both dementia and cancer would often forget about their cancer and what procedures they had been through.
Plato, Aristotle, Paris and Helen at the Last Judgement: the legacy ofAudi tellus, audi magni maris limbus
Authors: BREWER CHARLES E.
Published: October 2018

The twenty-four stanzaabecedarium, beginningAudi tellus, audi magni maris limbus(Montpellier, Bibliothèque de la ville, 6), stands at the beginning of a long tradition of similar songs of judgement. A closer study of the sources provides for a deeper understanding of the transformation of the original song into a versicle to theLibera meand by the thirteenth century the first two lines of the song were transformed into the beginning of an unusual litany asking ‘Ubi sunt’, which was again most often described in the rubrics as a trope to theLibera me, particularly on All Souls Day. Here, however, an unusual and varying cast of characters enter the text of the song and the liturgy, including classical philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, historic figures, such as Paris and Helen, and even the biblical heroes Samson and King David. By the later Middle Ages, the trope had been further transformed into a devotional song and was especially prominent in sources associated with the cloisters of theDevotio modernaand later in polyphonic settings by Caspar Othmayr, Jacobus Gallus and Orlandus Lassus.
In conversation with Massimiliano Gioni
Authors: Tansella C.
Published: October 2018

Lately on these pages, a discussion is going on over the opportunity of the use of the definition ‘outsider’. Especially in the USA, it is judged as demeaning, discriminating and inappropriate, whilst in Europe, it is used in a much more unconcerned way. Mr Gioni curator of numerous international exhibitions including Manifesta 5 (2004), the 4th Berlin Biennale (2006), the 8th Gwangju Biennale (2010) and the 55th Venice Biennale (2013) shares his perspective on contemporary culture and self-taught art.
A proposal for using the ratio of attempted to completed suicides across several countries worldwide
Authors: Blasco-Fontecilla H. , Artieda-Urrutia P. , de Leon J.
Published: October 2018

Completed suicide (CS) is a leading cause of death worldwide and its rates are available for most developed countries. On the other hand, attempted suicide (AS) is a risk factor for CS but there are limited data on its rates in various countries. In constructing a ratio for AS/CS rates, most would agree that for CS, the denominator should be the annual suicide rate (per 100 000). As for the ratio's numerator (AS) per 100 000, there are three possible calculations: (1) annual prevalence from population surveys, (2) annual prevalence from national clinical registers or (3) lifetime prevalence from population surveys. We think that the first possibility would probably be the best choice but, unfortunately, surveys providing the annual prevalence of AS are lacking for most countries. Annual prevalence from national registers is also lacking for most countries and is contaminated by under-reporting. Therefore, in this editorial, we are left with only the last option, a ratio for lifetime prevalence of AS (per 100 000) divided by annual rate of CS (per 100 000). This ratio for AS/CS rates appears to differ substantially across countries worldwide but presents no big regional differences other than two remarkable exceptions, one per continent. In Europe, Spain and France had greater ratios (174.4 and 152.5, respectively) than Italy (64.1). In Asia/Pacific, New Zealand has a higher ratio (345.9) compared with China (75.8) and Japan (76.9). The ratio for AS/CS rates could be a good index for implementing evidence-informed decision-making regarding suicidal behaviour (SB) among health service managers, and for helping them in the allocation of health resources for the prevention of SB.
Abstract Construal Level and its Link to Self-Control and to Cross-Situational Consistency in Self-Concept: Predicting Health-Risk Behavioral Intentions
Authors: Fernández Itziar , Caballero Amparo , Muñoz Dolores , Aguilar Pilar , Carrera Pilar
Published: October 2018

From a dispositional perspective, we extend the action identification theory (Vallacher & Wegner, 1987) and construal level theory (Trope & Liberman, 2003) to cross-situational consistency of self and self-control. Two studies examined the relationships among the abstract mindset (Vallacher & Wegner, 1989), cross-situational consistency in self-concept (Vignoles et al., 2016), and self-control (Tangney, Baumeister, and Boone 2004). In Study 1, participants (N = 725) characterized by high cross-situational consistency showed more abstraction in their thinking (p < .001, ηp2 = .17). In Study 2 (N = 244) cross-situational consistency and self-control explained 10% of construal level, with self-control being a significant predictor (p < .001). Construal level and cross-situational consistency explained 17% of self-control; both were significant predictors (p < .001). Self-control explained 8% of cross-situational consistency (p < .001). Study 2 showed that participants with higher levels of abstraction, cross-situational consistency, and self-control reported a greater intention to control their future sugar intake (p < .001). Data supported relationships among abstract construal level, cross-situational consistency and self-control.
Why Women Protest: Insights from Ukraine's EuroMaidan
Authors: Nikolayenko Olena , DeCasper Maria
Published: October 2018

This article examines why Ukrainian women participated in the 2013–14 anti-government protests, widely known as the EuroMaidan. Based upon in-depth interviews with female protesters, the study uncovers a wide range of motivations for women's engagement in the revolution, including dissatisfaction with the government, solidarity with protesters, motherhood, civic duty, and professional service. Political discontent was the most cited reason for protesting. Solidarity with protesters was another major catalyst for political engagement. In addition, women who were mothers invoked the notion of mothering to provide a rationale for activism. The study contributes to the growing literature on women's participation in contentious politics in non-democracies.