bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Patients With Insufficient Liver Enhancement in the Hepatobiliary Phase Before the Injection of Gadoxetic Acid: A Practical Approach Using the Bayesian Method
Authors: Mori Yuki , Motosugi Utaroh , Shimizu Tatsuya , Ichikawa Shintaro , Kromrey Marie‐Luise , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

Background

Gadoxetic acid‐enhanced hepatobiliary phase (HBP) is useful in liver MRI, but sometimes shows insufficient liver enhancement. There is no established method to predict insufficient liver enhancement before the contrast injection.

Purpose

To reveal the utility of the Bayesian method for predicting patients with insufficient liver enhancement in the gadoxetic acid‐enhanced HBP.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

In all, 576 patients with chronic liver disease.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/3D gradient‐echo T1‐weighted imaging and MR elastography (MRE).

Assessment

The patients were divided into two groups: insufficient and sufficient liver enhancement in HBP according to the liver‐to‐portal vein signal intensity ratio. Various parameters, including liver function tests and liver stiffness by MRE, were evaluated as predictors of insufficient liver enhancement.

Statistical Tests

We used Chi‐square/Student's t‐test/logistic regression analysis to determine independent associates, and Bayes' theorem to estimate the probability of insufficient (or sufficient) liver enhancement. The feasibility of Bayesian prediction of insufficient liver enhancement was tested by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation to calculate sensitivity and specificity for single variables and combinations of some variables in all patients and in a subpopulation showing a confidence level of >80%.

Results

Independent associates of insufficient liver enhancement in HBP included: serum albumin (odds ratio [OR] = 4.82, P < 0.001), total bilirubin (OR = 0.30, P < 0.00), platelet count (OR = 1.54, P < 0.00), and liver stiffness by MRE (OR = 0.59, P < 0.00). The accuracy of Bayesian prediction of insufficient liver enhancement was 80.9% (466/576) for the single parameter of albumin and 79.0% (455/576) for total bilirubin, and was increased to 85.2% (487/576) for a combination of albumin, total bilirubin, and liver stiffness. In patients who showed a confidence level of >80%, the accuracy was 89.0% (439/493) for the above combination.

Data Conclusion

Bayesian prediction was useful to predict patients with insufficient enhancement by combining serum liver function tests and liver stiffness by MRE.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:62–69.
Near‐surface mean wind in Switzerland: Climatology, climate model evaluation and future scenarios
Authors: Graf Michael , Scherrer Simon C. , Schwierz Cornelia , Begert Michael , Martius Olivia , Raible Christoph C. , Brönnimann Stefan
Published: April 2019

Near‐surface seasonal and annual mean wind speed in Switzerland is investigated using homogenized observations, Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CRv2c) data and raw model output of a 75 member EURO‐COoRdinated Downscaling EXperiment regional climate model (RCM) ensemble for present day and future scenarios. The wind speed observations show a significant decrease in the Alps and on the southern Alpine slopes in the period 1981–2010. However, the 20CRv2c data reveal that the recent trends lie well within the decadal variability over longer time periods and no clear signs of a systematic wind stilling can be found for Switzerland. The ensemble of RCMs shows large biases in the annual mean wind speed over the Jura mountains, and some members also show large biases in the Alps compared to station observations. The spatial distribution of the model biases varies strongly between the RCMs, while the resolution and the driving global model have less impact on the pattern of the model bias. The RCMs are mostly able to represent the seasonality of wind speed on the Plateau but miss important details in complex terrain related to local wind systems. Most models show no significant changes in near‐surface mean wind speed until the end of the 21st century. The model ensemble changes range from a 7% decrease to a 6% increase with an ensemble mean decrease of 1 to 2%. Due to model biases, the scale mismatch between model grid and station observations and the missing representation of local winds in the simulations, the changes need to be interpreted with utmost care. Future assessments might lead to major revisions even for the sign of the projected changes, in particular over complex terrain.
Projected changes in autumn rainfall over West China: Results from an ensemble of dynamical downscaling simulations
Authors: Zhou Botao , Wu Jia , Xu Ying , Han Zhenyu , Shi Ying
Published: April 2019

Autumn rainfall in West China, the last rainy season of China, exerts profound impacts on the economic society, therefore, researches on its changes in the context of a warmer world are crucial for better adaptation to climate change. Using the dynamical downscaling performed by the regional climate model RegCM4 from four global climate models, this study firstly evaluated the fidelity of the RegCM4 simulations on the mean and extreme aspects of autumn rainfall in West China, and then projected their changes during the middle and the end of the 21st century under the RCP4.5 scenario. The evaluations indicate a good performance of the RegCM4 downscaling simulations in reproducing the observed spatial distribution of autumn rainfall amount, wet days, maximum consecutive 5‐day precipitation (RX5day), total extremely wet‐day precipitation (R95p), and consecutive dry days (CDD). Under the RCP4.5 scenario, relative to 1986–2005, the amount of autumn rainfall and the frequency of wet days are projected to increase in the northwestern part of West China and to decrease in its southeastern flank, concurrent with greater changes by the end of the 21st century than by the middle of the 21st century. Such an increase is closely associated with the enhancement of zonal water vapour transport and atmospheric unstable stratification, while the projected decrease is largely related to the reduction of moisture supply. Similar changes are also projected for the precipitation extremes Rx5day and R95p. Corresponding to the changing pattern of autumn rainfall, the CDD is projected to decrease in the northwestern part and to increase in the southeastern part of West China.
Identification of a complex genomic rearrangement in TMPRSS3 by massively parallel sequencing in Chinese cases with prelingual hearing loss
Authors: Li Xinlei , Tan Bo , Wang Xiaoqian , Xu Xiaofei , Wang Cuicui , Zhong Mingjun , Zhao Qiuling , Bao Zhongwei , Peng Weihua , Zhang Lei , Cheng Jing , Lu Yu , Wu Peina , Yuan Huijun
Published: April 2019

Background

Genetic variants in TMPRSS3 have been causally linked to autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (HL) at the DFNB8 and DFNB10 loci. These variants include both single nucleotide and copy number variations (CNVs). In this study, we aim to identify the genetic cause in three Chinese subjects with prelingual profound sensorineural HL.

Methods

We applied targeted genomic enrichment and massively parallel sequencing to screen 110 genes associated with nonsyndromic HL in the three affected subjects. CNVplex® analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed for CNV detection.

Results

We identified biallelic variations in TMPRSS3 including a novel complex genomic rearrangement and a novel missense mutation, c.551T>C. We have mapped the breakpoints of the genomic rearrangement and showed that it consisted of two deletions and an inversion encompassing exon 3 to exon 9 of TMPRSS3.

Conclusion

Our study expanded the mutational spectrum of TMPRSS3 to include complex genomic rearrangements. It showcased the importance of an integrative approach to investigate CNVs and their contribution to HL.
Changes in mandibular ramus shape from the Neolithic to modern periods in Korea
Authors: Jung Hyunwoo , Woo Eun Jin
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study is to assess the mandibular ramus shape using geometric morphometrics, in order to examine secular changes in the shape from the Neolithic to modern period Koreans. Morphological data were collected from 151 adult mandibles representing four temporally different populations. Five landmarks on the mandibular ramus were subjected to a generalized Procrustes analysis. For statistical analysis, canonical variate analysis was conducted using shape coordinates. The Neolithic skeletal group had broader and shorter mandibular ramus shape, whereas the other archaeological and modern skeletal groups showed gracilization in mandibular ramus morphology. Possible causes for the observed secular changes are function‐induced variation and/or morphological integration in skull elements due to brachycephalization. This study can contribute to the discussion on temporal changes in mandibular morphology in relation to masticatory stress and/or morphological integration in skull elements.
Robust solvent‐free fabrication and characterization of (polydimethylsiloxane‐co‐2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate)/poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PDMS‐HEMA)/PEGMA hydrogels
Authors: Kalulu Mulenga , Oderinde Olayinka , Wei Ying‐Ying , Zhang Chuan , Hussain Imtiaz , Han Xue‐Lian , Jiang Yong
Published: April 2019

Combining hydrophobic materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a natural hydrophobic material with typical hydrophilic monomers without using organic solvent remains a big challenge due to their extreme different properties; hence, fabricating a class of silicone hydrogels with two extremes without use of organic solvents could bring us a novel class of silicone hydrogels. Herein, a range of PDMS‐HEMA‐PEGMA hydrogels was prepared from hydroxyl‐terminated PDMS, 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA), and isophorone diisocyanate via condensation and radical copolymerization reactions. The infrared results confirmed the PDMS‐HEMA‐PEGMA network formation, while the hydrophilicity of the as‐prepared block copolymer was dependent on (PDMS‐HEMA)/PEGMA ratio. Increasing the PEGMA content resulted in increased equilibrium water content, phase separation, surface roughness, and tensile strength, while the tensile modulus, elongation at break, optical transmittance, water contact angle, and oxygen permeability (Dk) were decreasing. At PEGMA content of 28.3%, the relative protein adsorption ratio decreased to 20% and 36% for bovine serum albumin and lysozyme, respectively, compared with that of the control (PDMS‐HEMA), suggesting antiprotein adsorption ability. In overall, the results showed that the PDMS‐HEMA‐PEGMA hydrogels not only exhibited remarkable hydrophilicity and suppressed protein adsorption but also maintained higher optical transparency and oxygen permeability (Dk).
Effect of screw configuration on the dispersion and properties of polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite
Authors: Ezat Gulstan S. , Kelly Adrian L. , Youseffi Mansour , Coates Phil D.
Published: April 2019

The effect of extruder screw configuration on the dispersion and properties of compatibilised polypropylene (PP)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MCNT) composite is investigated. Three principle screw designs with mainly conveying elements (medium intensity), kneading elements (high intensity), and folding elements (chaotic mixing) were used to prepare polypropylene nanocomposites containing 4wt% of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH‐g‐PP) compatibilizer and different nanotube loadings. The effect of each screw configuration and nanotube loading on the tensile, rheological, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were studied. The screw configurations were found to have a strong influence on the electrical resistivity while only slightly affected the tensile properties of the nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy examinations showed that the use of screw configuration consisting of kneading elements promoted the dispersion of nanotubes and resulted in a low electrical percolation at 2wt% of MCNT.
Surface reactions of aminosilane precursors during N2 plasma‐assisted atomic layer deposition of SiNx
Authors: Leick Noemi , Huijs Jochem M.M. , Ovanesyan Rafaiel A. , Hausmann Dennis M. , Agarwal Sumit
Published: April 2019

The surface reactions during atomic layer deposition (ALD) of SiNx were studied using in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Specifically, di(sec‐butylamino)silane (DSBAS) and bis(diethylamino)silane (BDEAS) were used as the silicon precursors with N
2 plasma as the nitrogen source for SiN
x ALD over a temperature range of 225–375°C. The infrared spectra recorded during each ALD half‐cycle provide unambiguous experimental evidence that surface secondary amines (>NH) are the primary reactive sites for chemisorption of DSBAS and BDEAS on a SiN
x surface that was exposed to an N
2 plasma. Based on these observations, we predict that most aminosilane precursors will primarily react with surface >NH groups: This observation is contrary to most atomistic‐level simulations for this reaction that predict a high activation energy barrier.
Heterointerface‐Driven Band Alignment Engineering and its Impact on Macro‐Performance in Semiconductor Multilayer Nanostructures
Authors: Cai Chenyuan , Zhao Yunhao , Xie Shengwen , Zhao Xuebing , Zhang Yu , Xu Yingqiang , Liang Chongyun , Niu Zhichuan , Shi Yi , Li Yuesheng , Che Renchao
Published: April 2019

Interfaces in semiconductor heterostructures is of continuously greater significance in the trend of scaling materials down to the atomic limit. Since atoms tend to behave more irregularly around interfaces than in internal materials, accurate energy band alignment becomes a major challenge, which determines the ultimate performance of devices. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between heterointerface, energy band, and macro‐performance is desiderated. Here, such interplay is explored by investigating asymmetric heterointerfaces with identical fabrication parameters in multiple‐quantum‐well lasers. The unexpected asymmetry derives from the atomic discrepancy around heterointerfaces, which ultimately improves the optical property through altered valence band offsets. Strain and charge distribution around heterointerfaces are characterized via geometric phase analysis and in situ bias electron holography, respectively. Combining experiments with theories, arsenic‐enrichment at one of the interfaces is considered the origin of asymmetry. To reveal actual band alignment, valence band model is modified focusing on the transition around heterojunctions. The enhanced photoluminescence intensity reflects the alleviation of hole confinement insufficiency and the enlargement of valence band offset. The results help to advance the understanding of the general problem of interface in nanostructures and provide guidance applicable to various scenarios for micro–macro correlation.
“They Look at You like You're Nothing”: Stigma and Shame in the Child Support System
Authors: Battle Brittany Pearl
Published: April 2019

More than 22 million or 1 in 4 children in the United States are currently served by the child support program. This program, the third largest used to address childhood poverty, regulates non‐custodial parents' financial support of their children through federal, state, and municipal legislation and policies. The collateral consequences, particularly those related to economic stability and criminal justice involvement, associated with child support system participation have been widely studied. However, many of the interpersonal interactions between those who have cases in the system and those who work in the system have been largely ignored. In this article, I use courtroom observations, in‐depth interviews, and cultural artifacts to explore the practices of stigmatization and shaming in this important legal and bureaucratic process. I explore stigma and shame in three thematic areas: (1) shame in social interactions, (2) shame as a tool of social control, and (3) the social consequences of shame. I ultimately suggest that stigma and shame in the child support system, resembling that in the welfare and criminal justice systems, reinforces cognitive boundaries between parents perceived as “responsible” and those perceived as “deadbeats.”
Essential contributions of enhancer genomic regulatory elements to microglial cell identity and functions
Authors: Machado Xavier André , Belhocine Sarah , Gosselin David
Published: April 2019

Microglia are the specialized macrophages of the brain and play essential roles in ensuring its proper functioning. Accumulating evidence suggests that these cells coordinate the inflammatory response that accompanies various clinical brain conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, investigating the functions of these cells and how these are regulated have become important areas of research in neuroscience over the past decade. In this regards, recent efforts to characterize the epigenomic mechanisms underlying microglial gene transcription have provided significant insights into the mechanisms that control the ontogeny and the cellular competences of microglia. In particular, these studies have established that a substantial proportion of the microglial repertoire of promoter‐distal genomic regulatory elements, or enhancers, is relatively specific to these cells compared to other tissue‐resident macrophages. Notably, this specificity is under the regulation of factors present in the brain that modulate activity of target axes of signaling pathways—transcription factors in microglia. Thus, the microglial enhancer repertoire is highly responsive to perturbations in the cerebral tissue microenvironment and this responsiveness has profound implications on the activity of these cells in brain diseases.

This article is categorized under:

Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Fates

Developmental Biology > Lineages
Abelian M5-brane on S6
Authors: Gustavsson Andreas
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We study the abelian M5 brane on S
6. From the spectrum we extract a series expansion for the heat kernel. In particular we determine the normalization for the coefficient a in the M5 brane conformal anomaly. When we compare our result with what one gets by computing the Hadamard-Minakshisundaram-DeWitt-Seeley coefficients from local curvature invariants on S
6, we first find a mismatch of one unit. This mismatch is due to an overcounting of one zero mode. After subtracting this contribution, we finally find agreement. We perform dimensional reduction along a singular circle fiber to five dimensions where we find the conformal anomaly vanishes.
Nonlinear-Emission Photonic Glass Fiber and Waveguide Devices
Authors: Jiang Chun , Song Pei
Published: April 2019

This book presents a comprehensive introduction to the design of compact and broadband fiber and waveguide devices using active-ion-doped photonic glasses. Combining cutting-edge theory with new applications, it shows how the complementarity of emission spectra of different active ions can be used in broadband fiber amplifiers and optical fiber communication, and describes how the quantum cutting of active ions can improve the match between the solar spectrum and the responsiveness of silicon cells. Mathematical modeling is used to predict the performance of photonic fiber and waveguide devices, and experimental data from glass doped with rare-earth ions is included. Offering unique insights into the state-of-the-art of the field, this is an ideal reference for researchers and practitioners, and invaluable reading for students in optoelectronics, electrical engineering, and materials science.
-TYPE SUBGROUPS CONTAINING REGULAR UNIPOTENT ELEMENTS
Authors: BURNESS TIMOTHY C. , TESTERMAN DONNA M.
Published: April 2019

Let $G$ be a simple exceptional algebraic group of adjoint type over an algebraically closed field of characteristic $p>0$ and let $X=\text{PSL}_{2}(p)$ be a subgroup of $G$ containing a regular unipotent element $x$ of $G$. By a theorem of Testerman, $x$ is contained in a connected subgroup of $G$ of type $A_{1}$. In this paper we prove that with two exceptions, $X$ itself is contained in such a subgroup (the exceptions arise when $(G,p)=(E_{6},13)$ or $(E_{7},19)$). This extends earlier work of Seitz and Testerman, who established the containment under some additional conditions on $p$ and the embedding of $X$ in $G$. We discuss applications of our main result to the study of the subgroup structure of finite groups of Lie type.
Problem-solving intervention to prevent depression in non-professional caregivers: a randomized controlled trial with 8 years of follow-up
Authors: López Lara , Smit Filip , Cuijpers Pim , Otero Patricia , Blanco Vanessa , Torres Ángela , Vázquez Fernando L.
Published: April 2019

Background

Studies of psychological interventions for the prevention of depression have found significant effects in the short-term, but the long-term efficacy has yet to be determined. This study evaluated the 8-year effect of a randomized controlled trial for indicated prevention of depression in female caregivers.

Methods

A total of 173 non-professional female caregivers with subclinical depressive symptoms not meeting criteria for a major depressive episode (MDE) were randomized to either a brief problem-solving intervention (n = 89) or usual-care control group (n = 84). Blinded evaluators conducted an assessment at the 8-year follow-up. The primary outcome was Depression Status, defined by diagnoses of MDE since the 1-year follow-up using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Disorders of the DSM-5. The secondary outcome was current Depressive Symptom Severity. Regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of the intervention on the outcomes.

Results

There were no significant differences in the Depression Status between the problem-solving (30.3%) and control groups (26.2%) (adjusted OR 1.25, 95% CI −0.58 to 2.69). Depressive Symptom Severity, however, was significantly lower in the problem-solving group compared to the control group at this follow-up, amounting to a small effect size of Cohen's d = 0.39 (adjusted B = −3.32, p = 0.018).

Conclusions

This is the first study to assess such a long-term follow-up of intervention of indicated prevention of depression. Results seem to indicate that the protective effect of the intervention became smaller over time during follow-up. Future research should replicate these results.
Operatic Representations of Habsburg Ideology: Ottoman Themes and Viennese Variations
Authors: Wolff Larry
Published: April 2019

Forty years agoR. J. W. Evans, in his now classic study ofThe Making of the Habsburg Monarchy, observed that, in the absence of a coherent early modern central government, the Habsburg enterprise rested crucially upon the baroque court and Habsburg patronage of the arts. Evans especially noted that “two great synthetic achievements, alike commissioned by court, magnates, and Church, alike immortally associated with the age of baroque in the Habsburg lands: the dramatic extravagance of opera; and its physical counterpart, the monumental architecture of the years around 1700.” Evans argued further that baroque art, including opera, contributed to the ideological legitimacy of the court, and therefore the state. This became particularly important during the reign of Emperor Leopold I, who was himself a composer of some distinction and who sponsored one of the supremely monumental operatic productions of the seventeenth century, Antonio Cesti'sIl pomo d'oro, on Paris and the prize of the golden apple, staged with twenty-four sets over the course of two days, in honor of the birthday of Leopold's teenage empress, the Spanish Infanta Margarita, in 1668. As a child, she had appeared as the artistic focus of the Spanish court in the paintingLas Meninasby Diego Velázquez.
Treason in an Era of Regime Change: The Case of the Habsburg Monarchy
Authors: Cornwall Mark
Published: April 2019

Whatever we call “treason”—Hochverrat, trahison, velezrada, veleizdaja, felségsértés—it has been a constant phenomenon in human history. The “traitor,” the individual who breaks a major bond of trust, has emerged in every era and is usually treated as a pariah in society. At the most significant treason trial of the late Habsburg monarchy, that of fifty-three Serbs in Zagreb in 1909, the main defense lawyer Hinko Hinković began his concluding speech with a typical legal adage: that treason was “the most loathsome thing” imaginable. Down the centuries, he said, humanity had singled out two types of traitors. First, there were those who betrayed God, best personified in Judas Iscariot. Second, there were traitors to the nation such as the Spartan Ephialtes who, according to Herodotus, fatally betrayed his homeland to the Persians at Thermopylae in 480 BCE. While both types were “repulsive and terrible,” Hinković quickly opined that the latter—the national traitor—was really the most terrible. However, with an eye on the Serbs he was defending, he added that some national treasons were not actually directed against the nation. For where national aspirations did not mesh with state aspirations, or where the state was not the same as the homeland (otačbina)—there, a deed that the state might consider treasonous could be viewed as a heroic, patriotic act by the nation. In other words, treason could be interpreted as liberation from oppression, and numerous examples might be cited in this regard from recent Habsburg history, not least the way that the Magyars were now able to celebrate and memorialize the traitor-liberator Lajos Kossuth.
“What is the efficacy of specialised early intervention in mental health targeting simultaneously adolescents and young adults?’’ An HTA
Authors: Ly Angela , Tremblay Gilbert A. , Beauchamp Sylvie
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Current service organization is not adapted for youth with or at risk of mental illness. Access, engagement and continuity of care are notorious challenges, particularly during transition from adolescence to adulthood, when youths are transferred to adult services. An HTA was initiated to evaluate the efficacy of programs for which admission is not a function of the legal age of majority.

Methods

A systematic review of systematic reviews identified literature published between 2000 and 2017 in 4 databases. To be selected, studies had to focus on specialised mental healthcare early intervention (EI) programs targeting both adolescents and young adults. Contextual and experiential data were collected through interviews with local leading experts. Article selection and quality assessment using ROBIS were conducted with inter rater agreement. The analytical framework developed includes 4 domains: access, engagement and continuity, recovery as well as meaningfulness and acceptability.

Results

1841 references were identified. Following inclusion/exclusion criteria, 5 studies were selected, 3 of which focused on EI for psyschosis. EI programs alone do not seem to decrease duration of untreated psychosis. EI including a multi focus campaign were more successful. EI does, however, seem to decrease hospitalisation for psychosis. The experience of service users and professionals with inter agency collaboration and person-centred care models were analysed to identify facilitating and inhibiting implementation factors.

Conclusions

Healthcare policies need to support further research and development of EI where admission is not a function of the legal age of majority and diagnostic, particularly for youths at risk.
How Do Smart Device Apps for Diabetes Self-Management Correspond with Theoretical Indicators of Empowerment? An Analysis of App Features
Authors: Brew-Sam Nicola , Chib Arul
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Smart device apps for diabetes have the potential to support patients in their daily disease management. However, uncertainty exists regarding their suitability for empowering patients to improve self-management behaviors. This paper addresses a general research gap regarding theoretically based examinations of empowerment in diabetes research, by examining how diabetes app features correspond with conceptual indicators of empowerment.

Methods

We examined features of 121 apps for diabetes self-management available in Singapore, with the second highest proportion of diabetes among developed nations, for psychological empowerment (feeling of empowerment) and for behavioral empowerment (social support).

Results

Diabetes apps studied offered a narrow range of features, with limited feature-sets corresponding to indicators of empowerment. Customization as a strategy to improve perceived relevance of diabetes self-management as an indicator of psychological empowerment was especially limited. Moreover, there was a lack of features supporting patients' communication with healthcare professionals and within their private social networks.

Conclusions

Mobile apps for diabetes self-management failed to provide relevant features for empowering patients. Specific practical recommendations target improved adoption, sustained usage, and effectiveness of diabetes self-management apps.
How Do Pharmaceutical Companies Model Survival of Cancer Patients? A Review of NICE Single Technology Appraisals in 2017
Authors: Gallacher Daniel , Auguste Peter , Connock Martin
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Before an intervention is publicly funded within the United Kingdom, the cost-effectiveness is assessed by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The efficacy of an intervention across the patients’ lifetime is often influential of the cost-effectiveness analyses, but is associated with large uncertainties. We reviewed committee documents containing company submissions and evidence review group (ERG) reports to establish the methods used when extrapolating survival data, whether these adhered to NICE Technical Support Document (TSD) 14, and how uncertainty was addressed.

Methods

A systematic search was completed on the NHS Evidence Search webpage limited to single technology appraisals of cancer interventions published in 2017, with information obtained from the NICE Web site.

Results

Twenty-eight appraisals were identified, covering twenty-two interventions across eighteen diseases. Every economic model used parametric curves to model survival. All submissions used goodness-of-fit statistics and plausibility of extrapolations when selecting a parametric curve. Twenty-five submissions considered alternate parametric curves in scenario analyses. Six submissions reported including the parameters of the survival curves in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis. ERGs agreed with the company's choice of parametric curve in nine appraisals, and agreed with all major survival-related assumptions in two appraisals.

Conclusions

TSD 14 on survival extrapolation was followed in all appraisals. Despite this, the choice of parametric curve remains subjective. Recent developments in Bayesian approaches to extrapolation are not implemented. More precise guidance on the selection of curves and modelling of uncertainty may reduce subjectivity, accelerating the appraisal process.
Femmes riches et captateurs d’héritage à Rome durant le Haut-Empire
Authors: Hartmann Elke
Published: April 2019

Cet article vise à repenser, à la lumière des textes poétiques comme lesÉpigrammesde Martial, la relation que ceux qu’on a nommécaptatores(captateurs d’héritages) entretenaient avec des femmes seules, (souvent) âgées et riches. En rapprochant les dispositions du droit privé en matière successorale et les formes courantes d’acquisition des richesses dans la société romaine des deux premiers siècles de notre ère, d’une part, et les comportements récurrents dans les textes poétiques, d’autre part, on montre que, loin d’être untoposlittéraire, le thème de la captation d’héritage éclaire des rôles sociaux réels liés au genre et à l’âge, et les valeurs morales qui y sont rattachées. Les femmes de l’élite sans mari et sans enfants pouvaient apparaître comme riches, et comme puissantes par leur capacité à établir un réseau de relations personnelles grâce à la transmission légale de leurs biens. La perception chez Martial des modes de communications et d’interactions entre les femmes testatrices et les hommes captateurs d’héritages peut être interprétée comme une réflexion sur les expériences masculines de rabaissement.
L’« Europe française », une domination culturelle ?: Kaunitz et le théâtre français à Vienne au XVIIIesiècle
Authors: Markovits Rahul
Published: April 2019

À partir de l’action menée par le chancelier Kaunitz en faveur de la présence d’un théâtre français à Vienne, effective de 1752 à 1765 puis de 1768 à 1772, l’article propose de reconsidérer le phénomène de l’« Europe française », entendu comme la domination culturelle de la France sur l’Europe des Lumières. Contre l’idée d’une diffusion par « rayonnement » de la culture française, le choix de l’observatoire viennois permet d’opérer un décentrement, en montrant que c’est depuis Vienne que le mouvement prend son impulsion. Le théâtre français y est soumis à un processus de sélection et d’adaptation en fonction des usages qui lui sont assignés à plusieurs échelles. Au-delà de sa dimension locale, le cas viennois permet de mettre en lumière les mécanismes de la circulation des comédiens français à l’échelle européenne. Alors que les circulations littéraires dites « transnationales » tendent à être décrites essentiellement en termes de flux, l’article propose une approche alternative, I V pragmatique et contextuelle, qui met en lumière les décisions politiques qui les encadrent.
Le marché du crédit privé, la bibliothèque des acquêts et les tâches publiques en Égypte romaine
Authors: Lerouxel François
Published: April 2019

Cet article est consacré à l’évolution historique du fonctionnement du marché du crédit privé en Égypte romaine entre 30 av. J.-C. et 170 apr. J.-C. environ. Après un examen historiographique de l’utilisation de la notion de marché et de l’économie néo-institutionnaliste en histoire économique de l’Antiquité, il met en évidence l’influence positive du système de rédaction et d’enregistrement des contrats privés sur le fonctionnement du marché du crédit privé et, plus particulièrement, de la bibliothèque des acquêts, une nouvelle institution créée par l’administration romaine entre 68 et 72. Il explique ensuite la création de la bibliothèque par le pouvoir romain en analysant l’interaction entre le marché du crédit privé et le financement des tâches publiques dans le monde romain.
Lettres de controverse: Religion, publication et espace public en France au XVIIesiècle
Authors: Gay Jean-Pascal
Published: April 2019

Cet article essaie de tisser des liens entre histoire religieuse et histoire des espaces publics. Il propose de relire la signification historique des controverses doctrinales à partir d’une analyse des rapports entre un régime de publicité et un régime d’ecclésialité. Dans le cas des controverses théologiques françaises de l’âge classique, le recours massif à la publication de lettres signale la force des interrogations autour de la légitimité religieuse des pratiques controversiales et apparaît comme une forme de réponse à la manière dont la dynamique controversiale contribue à l’instabilité de la grammaire des actions de publication. Il témoigne d’un refus religieux de la transformation de l’Église en espace public, mais aussi de l’impossibilité de clore les controverses doctrinales en raison de leur dimension ecclésiale. Le travail réciproque entre publicité et ecclésialité apparaît alors comme un objet d’étude pertinent tant pour l’historien du catholicisme moderne que pour celui de l’espace public.
Cutting Through the Noise: Revamping Current Awareness at Irwin Mitchell
Authors: Henderson Jill , Young Louise
Published: April 2019

This article by Jill Henderson and Louise Young is based on their ‘Lightning Talk’ at the 2018 BIALL Conference and describes the recent current awareness project at Irwin Mitchell. It outlines each stage of the project from recognising there was a need to change and choosing the right product to enable that, through to gathering requirements, building searches and launching the new alerts. It goes through each stage in detail and outlines the lessons learnt to help others who may be considering a similar project.
Cambridge Women and the Law
Authors: Faulkner Kate
Published: April 2019

In this article Kate Faulkner writes about the significant moments in the journey of women as they entered into the legal profession taking a perspective from the University of Cambridge. Her article is based around a recent exhibition that was held at the Squire Law Library as part of the Open Cambridge annual event. The aim of the exhibition was to mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 and the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 which finally allowed women into the professions.
Analysis of Unconfined Flow Induced by Constant Rate Pumping Based on the Lagging Theory
Authors: Lin Ye‐Chen , Huang Ching‐Sheng , Yeh Hund‐Der
Published: April 2019

This study proposes a new mathematical model for describing the drawdown distribution due to a constant rate pumping (CRP) in an unconfined aquifer considering the lagging theory. We introduce two lag times in Darcy's law and in turn in a free surface equation to reflect the effects of the capillary fringe and the capillary suction on the water table motion. The present free surface equation can reduce to those used in previous studies. The Laplace and Weber transform methods are used to derive the semianalytical solution to the model including the effect of wellbore storage. The algorithm of numerical Laplace inversion is applied to obtain the transient solution of the model. We find that the delay index, commonly used in the literature, is equivalent to the lag time associated with the effect of the capillary suction. The sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the drawdown behavior in response to the change in each aquifer parameter. The drawdown distributions predicted by the present solution agree fairly well to the field data taken from CRP tests at Cape Cod, Massachusetts; the Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario; and Saint Pardon de Conques, Gironde (France). The lag times determined by both CRP tests seem to decrease linearly with increasing distance on the logarithmic scale from the pumping well. The consideration of two lag times considerably improves the accuracy in estimated specific yields.
Effects of Reforestation of a Degraded Imperata Grassland on Dominant Flow Pathways and Streamflow Responses in Leyte, the Philippines
Authors: van Meerveld H. J. (Ilja) , Zhang Jun , Tripoli Roger , Bruijnzeel L. Adrian
Published: April 2019

Reforestation of degraded grasslands can increase the soil hydraulic conductivity and number of preferential flow pathways. However, it is not clear to what extent these changes affect streamflow responses and whether this depends on the event size. We, therefore, studied the hydrological response of two small catchments near Tacloban, Leyte (the Philippines): a degraded Imperata grassland catchment and a catchment that was reforested 23 years prior to our study. Precipitation, stream stage, and electrical conductivity were measured continuously from June to November 2013. Samples were taken from streamflow, precipitation, groundwater, and soil water for geochemical and stable isotope analyses. Streamflow and electrical conductivity changed rapidly during almost every event in the grassland catchment, but in the reforested catchment, these responses were much smaller and only occurred during large events. Streamflow was a mixture of groundwater and precipitation for both catchments, but the maximum event water contributions to streamflow were much larger for the degraded grassland than for the reforested catchment. The differences in the event water contributions and timing of the streamflow responses were observed across all event sizes, including a large tropical storm. Together with the low saturated hydraulic conductivity in the degraded catchment, these results suggest that overland flow occurred more frequently and was much more widespread in the degraded grassland than in the reforested catchment. We, therefore, conclude that reforestation of a degraded grassland can change the dominant flow pathways and restore the hydrological functioning if the forest soil is allowed to develop over a sufficiently long period.
Earth Science Is Ready for Preprints
Authors: Narock Tom , Goldstein Evan , Jackson Christopher , Bubeck Alodie , Enright Allison , Farquharson Jamie , Fern�ndez Alfonso , Fern�ndez-Blanco David , Girardclos St�phanie , Ibarra Daniel , Lengger Sabine , Mackay Anson , Venema Victor , Whitehead Brandon , Ampuero Jean-Paul
Published: April 2019

The EarthArXiv preprint archive, in operation for almost a year and a half, makes the latest Earth science research available to a wider community.
Isotopic Characteristics of Neogene‐Quaternary Tephra From IODP Site U1438: A Record of Explosive Volcanic Activity in the Kyushu‐Ryukyu Arc
Authors: McCarthy Anders , Yogodzinski Gene , Tepley Frank J. , Bizimis Michael , Arculus Richard , Ishizuka Osamu
Published: April 2019

International Ocean Discovery program (IODP) Site U1438 is located within the Amami‐Sankaku Basin, ~50 km SW of the Kyushu‐Palau Ridge and ~500 km SE of the present‐day volcanic front of the Kyushu‐Ryukyu arc. Thirty‐eight rhyolitic tephra layers (1–15 cm thick) deposited over the last 4 Myr were recovered at this site. Representative ash layers dominated by unaltered, colorless glass shards reaching 100–300 μm in size, in association with rare pyroxene, amphibole, biotite, and zircon, were sampled for isotopic analysis. The isotopic compositions of the tephra have a narrow range in 87Sr/86Sr (0.704 to 0.706), 206Pb/204Pb (18.32 to 18.46), 207Pb/204Pb (15.57 to 15.62), and 208Pb/204Pb (38.46 to 38.75) and are more variable in εNd (−3.5 to +4.8) and εHf (+2.0 to +13.3). This record indicates the tephra were not sourced from the Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana arc or from Central Japan but derived from felsic volcanism from the Kyushu‐Ryukyu arc. The 4.8‐km‐deep Amami‐Sankaku Basin was located up to 600–900 km from the Kyushu‐Ryukyu arc over the last 4 Ma, which is significantly more distal than other drill sites from which extensive tephra layers sourced from SW Japan have been recovered. Site U1438 tephra are thus likely related to widely distributed (M > 6) rhyolitic eruptions. We propose the unique tephra record and high‐precision isotope analysis of recovered tephra from Site U1438 can be used as an important marker to identify submerged calderas within the Ryukyu arc and/or constrain the history of activity (>1 Ma) of major calderas‐forming eruptions within the Kyushu‐Ryukyu arc.
Seasonal Evolution of Oceanic Upper Layer Processes in the Northern Bay of Bengal Following a Single Argo Float
Authors: Shee Abhijit , Sil Sourav , Gangopadhyay Avijit , Gawarkiewicz Glen , Ravichandran M.
Published: April 2019

Seasonal evolution of the barrier layer (BL) and temperature inversion in the northern Bay of Bengal and their role on the mixed layer temperature (MLT) is examined using observations from a single Argo during December 2013 to July 2017. During fall, low salinity at surface generates BL in this region. It thickens to almost 80 m in winter enhanced by deepening of isothermal layer depth due to remote forcing. During winter, surface cooling lowers near‐surface temperature, and thus, the subsurface BL experiences a significant temperature inversion (~2.5 °C). This temperature inversion diffuses to distribute heat within ML and surface heating begins deep penetration of shortwave radiation through ML during spring. Hence, the ML becomes thermally well stratified, resulting in the warmest MLT. The Monin‐Obukhov length attains its highest value during summer indicating wind dominance in the ML. During spring and fall, upper ocean gains heat allowing buoyancy to dominate over wind mixing.
A Modeling Study of the Responses of Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere Winds to Geomagnetic Storms at Middle Latitudes
Authors: Li Jingyuan , Wang Wenbin , Lu Jianyong , Yue Jia , Burns Alan G. , Yuan Tao , Chen Xuetao , Dong Wenjun
Published: April 2019

Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIMEGCM) simulations are diagnostically analyzed to investigate the causes of mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) wind changes at middle latitudes during the 17 April 2002 storm. In the early phase of the storm, middle‐latitude upper thermospheric wind changes are greater and occur earlier than MLT wind changes. The horizontal wind changes cause downward vertical wind changes, which are transmitted to the MLT region. Adiabatic heating and heat advection associated with downward vertical winds cause MLT temperature increases. The pressure gradient produced by these temperature changes and the Coriolis force then drive strong equatorward meridional wind changes at night, which expand toward lower latitudes. Momentum advection is minor. As the storm evolves, the enhanced MLT temperatures produce upward vertical winds. These upward winds then lead to a decreased temperature, which alters the MLT horizontal wind pattern and causes poleward wind disturbances at higher latitudes.
Magnetic Mineralogical Approach for the Exploration of Gas Hydrates in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Badesab Firoz , Dewangan Pawan , Gaikwad Virsen , Kars Myriam , Kocherla Muralidhar , Krishna Kolluru S. , Sangode Satish J. , Deenadayalan Kannan , Kumar Pushpendra , Naikgaonkar Omkar , Ismaiel Mohammad , Khan Aarbaz
Published: April 2019

We evaluate the environmental magnetic, geochemical, and sedimentological records from three sediment cores from potential methane‐hydrate bearing sites to unravel linkages between sedimentation, shale tectonics, magnetite enrichment, diagenesis, and gas hydrate formation in the Krishna‐Godavari basin. Based on downcore rock magnetic variations, four sedimentary magnetic property zones (I–IV) are demarcated. A uniform band of enhanced magnetic susceptibility (zone III) appears to reflect a period of high‐sedimentation events in the Krishna‐Godavari basin. Highly pressurized sedimentary strata developed as a result of increased sedimentation that triggered the development of a fault system that provided conduits for upward methane migration to enter the gas hydrate stability zone, leading to the formation of gas hydrate deposits that potentially seal the fault system. Magnetic susceptibility fluctuations and the presence of iron sulfides in a magnetically enhanced zone suggest that fault system growth facilitated episodic methane venting from deeper sources that led to multiple methane seepage events. Pyrite formation along sediment fractures resulted in diagenetic depletion of magnetic signals and potentially indicates paleo sulfate‐methane transition zone positions. We demonstrate that a close correlation between magnetic susceptibility and chromium reducible sulfur concentration can be used as a proxy to constrain paleomethane seepage events. Our findings suggest that the interplay between higher sedimentation events and shale tectonism facilitated fluid/gas migration and trapping and the development of the gas hydrate system in the Krishna‐Godavari basin. The proposed magnetic mineralogical approach has wider scope to constrain the understanding of gas hydrate systems in marine sediments.