bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The temperature‐dependent ballistic performance and the ductile‐to‐brittle transition in polymer networks
Authors: Masser Kevin A. , Long Tyler R. , Yu Jian H. , Knorr Daniel B. , Hindenlang Mark D. , Taylor Terrence , Harris Doug , Lenhart Joseph L.
Published: March 2019

The temperature dependence of the ballistic impact performance of a series of transparent polymer networks is evaluated. A systematic series of homogeneous epoxy/propylene‐oxide‐based thermosets, a nanoscale phase‐separated epoxy/dual amine thermoset, and two homogeneous, completely aliphatic materials synthesized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization are examined. The Vogel temperature (To) and the Kauzmann temperature (TK) are critical parameters for scaling the temperature‐dependent ballistic impact performance of each class of materials. The ductile‐to‐brittle transition temperature in a series of propylene‐oxide amine‐cured epoxies occurs at the material TK, corresponding to a sharp drop in fracture toughness and ballistic impact performance. Two aliphatic, ring‐opening metathesis polymerized materials are found to exhibit no clear transition from purely ductile to purely brittle behavior, but the temperature dependence is still scaled to a single curve when normalized by To. The cooperatively rearranging region (CRR) or the volume of this region is related to the breadth of temperatures over which these materials exhibit purely ductile deformation both quasi‐statically and at higher rates. The temperature‐dependent performance is discussed in the context of the configurational entropy. The breadth of the ductility window is related to the size of the CRR, calculated from calorimetric measurements at the resin Tg. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domainin the USA. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 511–523
Superwettable antibacterial textiles for versatile oil/water separation
Authors: Vaidulych Mykhailo , Shelemin Artem , Hanuš Jan , Khalakhan Ivan , Krakovsky Ivan , Kočová Pavlína , Mašková Hana , Kratochvíl Jiří , Pleskunov Pavel , Štěrba Jan , Kylián Ondrej , Choukourov Andrei , Biederman Hynek
Published: March 2019

A gas‐phase deposition process based on the combination of nanoparticles (NPs) and thin films is developed to obtain either superhydrophobic or superamphiphilic nanocomposite coatings on filtration membranes. Superhydrophobic membranes are produced on nonwoven viscose fabric and they demonstrate selective absorption of nonpolar organic solvents from oil/water mixtures. Superamphiphilic membranes are produced on carbon cloth and found suitable for smart separation of light oil or heavy oil from water, with the efficiency above 99.97%. Incorporation of Cu NPs endow both types of the membranes with antibacterial properties. A twofold reduction in the metabolic activity of
Escherichia coli is achieved after 24 hr of the incubation, which proves this environmentally friendly approach to be perspective for the development of multifunctional porous substrates.
The vexing complexity of the amyloidogenic pathway
Authors: Castro Manuel A. , Hadziselimovic Arina , Sanders Charles R.
Published: March 2019

The role of the amyloidogenic pathway in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly the common sporadic late onset forms of the disease, is controversial. To some degree, this is a consequence of the failure of drug and therapeutic antibody trials based either on targeting the proteases in this pathway or its amyloid end products. Here, we explore the formidable complexity of the biochemistry and cell biology associated with this pathway. For example, we review evidence that the immediate precursor of amyloid‐β, the C99 domain of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), may itself be toxic. We also review important new results that appear to finally establish a direct genetic link between mutations in APP and the sporadic forms of AD. Based on the complexity of amyloidogenesis, it seems possible that a major contributor to the failure of related drug trials is that we have an incomplete understanding of this pathway and how it is linked to Alzheimer's pathogenesis. If so, this highlights a need for further characterization of this pathway, not its abandonment.
Fault estimation observer design for a class of nonlinear multiagent systems in finite‐frequency domain
Authors: Chen Jianliang , Chu Hongjun , Fan Qian , Cao Yong‐Yan
Published: March 2019

This paper focuses on the fault estimation observer design problem in the finite‐frequency domain for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear multiagent systems subject to system components or actuator fault. First, the relative output estimation error is defined based on the directed communication topology of multiagent systems, and an observer error system is obtained by connecting adaptive fault estimation observer and the state equation of the original system. Then, sufficient conditions for the existence of the fault estimation observer are obtained by using a generalized Kalman‐Yakubovich‐Popov lemma and properties of the matrix trace, which guarantee that the observer error system satisfies robustness performance in the finite‐frequency domain. Meanwhile, the pole assignment method is used to configure the poles of the observer error system in a certain area. Finally, the simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Dynamic average consensus with topology balancing under a directed graph
Authors: Li Chaoyong , Xin Huanhai , Wang Jianan , Yu Miao , Gao Xing
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the distributed average tracking problem is studied on the premise of a strongly connected directed graph. To this end, we propose a weight balance strategy that could potentially make the adjacency matrix doubly stochastic for any strongly connected directed graph. The proposed scheme is fully distributive with finite time convergence and we again prove that network connectivity (described by the first left eigenvector) is instrumental in networked control systems. Then, a discrete‐time average tracking observer is introduced to ensure that all networked systems can track the average of the reference signals with bounded error. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Incorporating single‐arm evidence into a network meta‐analysis using aggregate level matching: Assessing the impact
Authors: Leahy Joy , Thom Howard , Jansen Jeroen P. , Gray Emma , O'Leary Aisling , White Arthur , Walsh Cathal
Published: March 2019

Increasingly, single‐armed evidence is included in health technology assessment submissions when companies are seeking reimbursement for new drugs. While it is recognized that randomized controlled trials provide a higher standard of evidence, these are not available for many new agents that have been granted licenses in recent years. Therefore, it is important to examine whether alternative strategies for assessing this evidence may be used.

In this work, we examine approaches to incorporating single‐armed evidence formally in the evaluation process. We consider matching aggregate level covariates to comparator arms or trials and including this evidence in a network meta‐analysis. We consider two methods of matching: (i) we include the chosen matched arm in the data set itself as a comparator for the single‐arm trial; (ii) we use the baseline odds of an event in a chosen matched trial to use as a plug‐in estimator for the single‐arm trial.

We illustrate that the synthesis of evidence resulting from such a setup is sensitive to the between‐study variability, formulation of the prior for the between‐design effect, weight given to the single‐arm evidence, and extent of the bias in single‐armed evidence. We provide a flowchart for the process involved in such a synthesis and highlight additional sensitivity analyses that should be carried out. This work was motivated by a hepatitis C data set, where many agents have only been examined in single‐arm studies. We present the results of our methods applied to this data set.
Launch vehicle systems engineering life‐cycle evolution and comparison
Authors: Gibson Denton
Published: March 2019

Historically, through extensive government involvement, most orbital rocket companies have adopted the government's systems engineering approach. However, over the past decade, the Federal government has been less involved in the development of new launch vehicles. The diminishing involvement by the Federal government has given way to the rise of nontraditional systems engineering life‐cycle approaches for launch vehicle development. This paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of the different system engineering life‐cycle approaches in the launch vehicle industry.
Partial discharge detection method for vacuum leakage diagnosis of a vacuum interrupter
Authors: Nakano Yusuke , Kozako Masahiro , Hikita Masayuki , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Masato
Published: March 2019

Vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) have been widely used in the medium distribution voltage range of 12–38 kV for more than half a century. Recent interest for them is because of the loss of vacuum in a vacuum interrupter (VI). Generally, the leakage is an improbable event during the expected lifetime of typically 20–30 years, while there are some reports that VIs beyond their expected lifetime have a significantly higher leakage rate. To keep the high reliability of middle voltage VCB, even for the high voltage VCB, it is necessary to develop the earlier detection method of vacuum leakage from VI. In the present study, an experimental setup with a partial discharge (PD) detecting system for detecting vacuum leakage from a test VI was constructed. The internal pressure of VI was arbitrarily regulated in the range of 0.02–100 Pa through an insulating tube using several valves. A detecting resistor of 1 kΩ was connected to a plane electrode located outside 115 mm away from VI to measure the PD current due to discharges inside the VI. A current transformer (CT) was also placed below the plane electrode. Sensors with different specification for PD detection, such as a transient earth voltage sensor, a horn antenna, and an acoustic emission sensor, were investigated and characterized. As a result of pressure dependence of PD inception voltage, it follows the left side of Paschen's Law in the pressure range more than 2.0 Pa, while no discharges occurred below 2.0 Pa. To analyze the PD charge and rise time from measured waveforms, the PD mechanism in the medium voltage range inside the VI was discussed. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: A Literature Review
Authors: Piane Gina Marie
Published: March 2019

One hundred forty‐five Nigerian women die in childbirth every day. This review was conducted to evaluate the influences on maternal mortality in Nigeria. It is an analysis and synthesis of the professional literature surrounding maternal mortality in Nigeria and a review of articles in CINAHL, Health Source, Medline in EBSCO, including PubMed, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, 2000–2015, analyzed and sorted into themes. The etiology of maternal mortality can be categorized as medical, socio‐economic, cultural, behavioral, and political causes. While some of the occurrences are predicted during routine prenatal care, most occur spontaneously without warning signs. Only one‐third of births in Nigeria occur in a health facility. To provide Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) in Nigeria, the community health centers and referral hospitals need to be upgraded to provide supplies, equipment, essential drugs, and blood transfusions delivered by knowledgeable staff at all hours. The vision of is that all pregnant women in Nigeria regardless of their income have access to woman‐centered obstetric care that provides a safety net in case of obstetric emergency.
Splicing and neurodegeneration: Insights and mechanisms
Authors: Nik Sara , Bowman Teresa V.
Published: March 2019

Splicing is the global cellular process whereby intervening sequences (introns) in precursor messenger RNA (pre‐mRNA) are removed and expressed regions (exons) are ligated together, resulting in a mature mRNA transcript that is exported and translated in the cytoplasm. The tightly regulated splicing cycle is also flexible allowing for the inclusion or exclusion of some sequences depending on the specific cellular context. Alternative splicing allows for the generation of many transcripts from a single gene, thereby expanding the proteome. Although all cells require the function of the spliceosome, neurons are highly sensitive to splicing perturbations with numerous neurological diseases linked to splicing defects. The sensitivity of neurons to splicing alterations is largely due to the complex neuronal cell types and functions in the nervous system that require specific splice isoforms to maintain cellular homeostasis. In the past several years, the relationship between RNA splicing and the nervous system has been the source of significant investigation. Here, we review the current knowledge on RNA splicing in neurobiology and discuss its potential role and impact in neurodegenerative diseases. We will examine the impact of alternative splicing and the role of splicing regulatory proteins on neurodegeneration, highlighting novel animal models including mouse and zebrafish. We will also examine emerging technologies and therapeutic interventions that aim to “drug” the spliceosome.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Do T asymmetries for neutrino oscillations in uniform matter have a CP-even component?
Authors: Bernabéu José , Segarra Alejandro
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Observables of neutrino oscillations in matter have, in general, contributions from the effective matter potential. It contaminates the CP violation asymmetry adding a fake effect that has been recently disentangled from the genuine one by their different behavior under T and CPT. Is the genuine T-odd CPT-invariant component of the CP asymmetry coincident with the T asymmetry? Contrary to CP, matter effects in uniform matter cannot induce by themselves a non-vanishing T asymmetry; however, the question of the title remained open. We demonstrate that, in the presence of genuine CP violation, there is a new non-vanishing CP-even, and so CPT-odd, component in the T asymmetry in matter, which is of odd-parity in both the phase δ of the flavor mixing and the matter parameter a. The two disentangled components, genuine A

αβ

T;CP
and fake A

αβ

T;CPT
, could be experimentally separated by the measurement of the two T asymmetries in matter (ν

α
↔ ν

β
) and (

$$ {\overline{\nu}}_{\alpha}\leftrightarrow {\overline{\nu}}_{\beta } $$

ν
¯

α

↔

ν
¯

β

). For the (ν

μ
↔ ν

β
) transitions, the energy dependence of the new A

μe

T;CPT
component is like the matter-induced term A

μe

CP;CPT
of the CP asymmetry which is odd under a change of the neutrino mass hierarchy. We have thus completed the physics involved in all observable asymmetries in matter by means of their disentanglement into the three independent components, genuine A

αβ

CP;T
and fake A

αβ

CP;CPT
and A

αβ

T;CPT
.
Unambiguous phase spaces for subregions
Authors: Kirklin Josh
Published: March 2019

Abstract

The covariant phase space technique is a powerful formalism for understanding the Hamiltonian description of covariant field theories. However, applications of this technique to problems involving subregions, such as the exterior of a black hole, have heretofore been plagued by ambiguities arising at the boundary. We provide a resolution of these ambiguities by directly computing the symplectic structure from the path integral, showing that it may be written as a contour integral around a partial Cauchy surface. We comment on the implications for gauge symmetry and entanglement.
The field and landscape of affordances: Koffka’s two environments revisited
Authors: Kiverstein Julian , van Dijk Ludger , Rietveld Erik
Published: March 2019

The smooth integration of the natural sciences with everyday lived experience is an important ambition of radical embodied cognitive science. In this paper we start from Koffka’s recommendation in his Principles of Gestalt Psychology that to realize this ambition psychology should be a “science of molar behaviour”. Molar behavior refers to the purposeful behaviour of the whole organism directed at an environment that is meaningfully structured for the animal. Koffka made a sharp distinction between the “behavioural environment” and the “geographical environment”. We show how this distinction picks out the difference between the environment as perceived by an individual organism, and the shared publicly available environment. The ecological psychologist James Gibson was later critical of Koffka for inserting a private phenomenal reality in between animals and the shared environment. Gibson tried to make do with just the concept of affordances in his explanation of molar behaviour. We argue however that psychology as a science of molar behaviour will need to make appeal both to the concepts of shared publicly available affordances, and of the multiplicity of relevant affordances that invite an individual to act. A version of Koffka’s distinction between the two environments remains alive today in a distinction we have made between the field and landscape of affordances. Having distinguished the two environments, we go on to provide an account of how the two environments are related. Koffka suggested that the behavioural environment forms out of the causal interaction of the individual with a pre-existing, ready-made geographical environment. We argue that such an account of the relation between the two environments fails to do justice to the complex entanglement of the social with the material aspects of the geographical environment. To better account for this sociomaterial reality of the geographical environment, we propose a process-perspective on our distinction between the landscape and field of affordances. While the two environments can be conceptually distinguished, we argue they should also be viewed as standing in a relation of reciprocal and mutual dependence.
Exact and statistical computations of radiated flow of nano and Casson fluids under heat and mass flux conditions
Authors: Mackolil Joby , Mahanthesh Basavarajappa
Published: March 2019

The statistical and exact analysis of the unsteady radiative flow of Nano and Casson fluids past a vertical plate with Dufour effect is carried out. The heat transport phenomenon is studied under uniform heat flux (UHF) and uniform wall temperature (UWT) conditions. The exact solution to the problem is found using the Laplace transform method (LTM). The effects of various parameters on velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are examined via graphs. The heat transfer rate and skin friction are analyzed through statistical tools like probable error and regression. The Dufour effect enhances the velocity and temperature profiles. It is also observed that the velocity profile is slightly greater in the case of UWT than the UHF case for both nanofluid and Casson fluid. From the regression analysis, it is established that the Dufour number and nanoparticle volume fraction have a negative impact whereas the radiative heat parameter has a positive impact on the rate of heat transfer.

Highlights The statistical analysis of the unsteady radiated flow on a vertical plate with Dufour effect is performed. The uniform heat flux (UHF) and uniform wall temperature (UWT) conditions are accounted. The Nusselt number and friction factor are analysed through statistical tools. The velocity profile is greater for UWT case than the UHF case.
The transient force profile of low-speed droplet impact: measurements and model
Authors: Mitchell Benjamin R. , Klewicki Joseph C. , Korkolis Yannis P. , Kinsey Brad L.
Published: March 2019

The transient force exerted by a low-speed liquid droplet impinging onto a flat rigid surface is investigated experimentally. The measurements employ a high-sensitivity piezo-electric sensor, along with a high-speed camera, and cover four decades in droplet Reynolds number and greater than two decades in Weber number. Across these ranges, the peak of individual force profiles span from 3 mN to over 1300 mN. Once normalised, the force–time profiles support the existence of an inertially dominated self-similar regime. Within this regime, previous numerical and theoretical studies predict a$\sqrt{t}$dependence of impact normal force during the initial pre-peak rise. While our measurements confirm this finding, they also indicate that, after the peak force the profiles exhibit an exponential decay. This long-time decay law suggests treatment of the momentum transport from the droplet using a lumped model. An observed linear dependence between the force and force decay rate supports this approach. The reason for the efficacy of treating this system via a lumped model apparently connects to the physics right at the surface that limit the rate of momentum transport from the droplet to the surface. This is explored by estimating the momentum transfer by solely using the deforming droplet shape, but under the condition of negligible momentum gradients within the droplet. The short- and long-time solutions are combined and the resulting model equation is shown to accurately cover the entire force–time profile.
VANISHING COEFFICIENTS IN FOUR QUOTIENTS OF INFINITE PRODUCT EXPANSIONS
Authors: TANG DAZHAO
Published: March 2019

Motivated by Ramanujan’s continued fraction and the work of Richmond and Szekeres [‘The Taylor coefficients of certain infinite products’, Acta Sci. Math. (Szeged)40(3–4) (1978), 347–369], we investigate vanishing coefficients along arithmetic progressions in four quotients of infinite product expansions and obtain similar results. For example, $a_{1}(5n+4)=0$, where $a_{1}(n)$ is defined by $$\begin{eqnarray}\displaystyle {\displaystyle \frac{(q,q^{4};q^{5})_{\infty }^{3}}{(q^{2},q^{3};q^{5})_{\infty }^{2}}}=\mathop{\sum }_{n=0}^{\infty }a_{1}(n)q^{n}. & & \displaystyle \nonumber\end{eqnarray}$$
CICERO BELTS ARATUS: THE BILINGUAL ACROSTIC AT ARATEA 317–20
Authors: Rick Evelyn Patrick
Published: March 2019

That Cicero as a young didactic poet embraced the traditions of Hellenistic hexameter poetry is well recognized. Those traditions encompass various forms of wordplay, one of which is the acrostic. Cicero's engagement with this tradition, in the form of an unusual Greek-Latin acrostic at Aratea 317–20, prompts inquiry regarding both the use of the acrostic technique as textual commentary and Cicero's lifelong concerns regarding translation.
Regional difference of grain production potential change and its influencing factors: a case-study of Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Fei Li , Ya Li , Shuang Ma
Published: March 2019

Grain production potential (GrPP) is the maximum production in 1 year that can be achieved by land use under the limitations of climate conditions and in the absence of pests and diseases and other factors. Regional GrPP can change over time and there is an urgent need to identify the main factors affecting regional differences in such changes. Therefore, changes in GrPP were studied for six geographical units in Shaanxi Province, with summer maize and winter wheat as the main grain crops. Changes of GrPP during 2000–2015 were simulated by the global aro-ecological zone model. Analysis of modelled GrPP driven by observed changes in climate and land use suggest that over this period GrPP increased to the north but declined to the south of the Qinling Mountains. This is driven mainly by past changes in climate, with modelled GrPP more sensitive to changes in precipitation than temperature in all geographical units except one. Climate change was the main factor affecting GrPP in all geographical units except one; however, model prediction suggests that land use changes had a clear yield-reducing effect in three of the units. It is the conversion from cultivated land to construction land, grassland and woodland that led to the greatest declines in GrPP in these three geographical units. In order to ensure the stable development of regional agriculture and food security, Shaanxi Province should focus on tapping GrPP north of the Qinling Mountains and increasing the conversion rate of GrPP to actual production.
Life-threating complication of parapharyngeal abscess and mediastinitis in a 10-year-old otherwise healthy girl following elective tonsillectomy – first reported paediatric case
Authors: Holm-Hansen C C , Thisted E , Kaltoft M
Published: March 2019

Background

Parapharyngeal abscess and mediastinitis are rare but very severe post-operative complications following an elective tonsillectomy. Parapharyngeal abscess as a complication to tonsilectomy is very seldom described in the literature and no cases in the paediatric population have been described.

Case report

This paper presents, to our knowledge, the first case of life-threatening parapharyngeal abscess and mediastinitis following elective adenotonsillectomy in an otherwise healthy, fully vaccinated 10-year-old girl.

Conclusion

Diagnosing parapharyngeal abscess and mediastinitis can be challenging, but should be suspected and ruled out in cases of post-operative odynophagia, fever, and/or neck swelling and thoracic pain. Diagnosis is made based on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings. Prompt broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment and surgical drainage should be initiated. Other severe complications such as meningitis should also be considered.
Pneumocephalus and orbital emphysema associated with the use of an autoinflation device: a unique case report and review of the literature
Authors: Millington A J , Perkins V , Salam M A
Published: March 2019

Background

Autoinflation devices are commonly used for otitis media with effusion and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Generally, these are very safe devices, with few or no complications.

Case report

This paper presents a case study of pneumocephalus and orbital emphysema, associated with the use of an autoinflation device, in a 73-year-old woman with Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion, and a history of extensive endoscopic sinus surgery 13 years previously.

Conclusion

A literature review showed autoinflation-related pneumocephalus in patients with skull base defects relating to cranial surgery or tumours; however, this has not been described previously with the Otovent system or its use in relation to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Given the theoretical risk of undetected bony abnormalities in post-operative functional endoscopic sinus surgery patients, it is suggested that autoinflation devices are used cautiously in patients with a history of sinus surgery.
Improving cellular migration in tissue-engineered laryngeal scaffolds
Authors: Wismayer K , Mehrban N , Bowen J , Birchall M
Published: March 2019

Objective

To modify the non-porous surface membrane of a tissue-engineered laryngeal scaffold to allow effective cell entry.

Methods

The mechanical properties, surface topography and chemistry of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane poly(carbonate-urea) urethane were characterised. A laser technique introduced surface perforations. Micro computed tomography generated porosity data. Scaffolds were seeded with cells, investigated histologically and proliferation studied. Incubation and time effects were assessed.

Results

Laser cutting perforated the polymer, connecting the substructure with the ex-scaffold environment and increasing porosity (porous, non-perforated = 87.9 per cent; porous, laser-perforated at intensities 3 = 96.4 per cent and 6 = 89.5 per cent). Cellular studies confirmed improved cell viability. Histology showed cells adherent to the scaffold surface and cells within perforations, and indicated that cells migrated into the scaffolds. After 15 days of incubation, scanning electron microscopy revealed an 11 per cent reduction in pore diameter, correlating with a decrease in Young's modulus.

Conclusion

Introducing surface perforations presents a viable method of improving polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane poly(carbonate-urea) urethane as a tissue-engineered scaffold.
Institutional sources of legitimacy for international organisations: Beyond procedure versus performance
Authors: Dellmuth Lisa Maria , Scholte Jan Aart , Tallberg Jonas
Published: March 2019

This article addresses a significant gap in the literature on legitimacy in global governance, exploring whether, in what ways, and to what extent institutional qualities of international organisations (IOs) matter for popular legitimacy beliefs towards these bodies. The study assesses the causal significance of procedure and performance as sources of legitimacy, unpacks these dimensions into specific institutional qualities, and offers a comparative analysis across IOs in three issue areas of global governance. Theoretically, the article disaggregates institutional sources of legitimacy to consider democratic, technocratic, and fair qualities of procedure and performance. Empirically, it examines the effects of these institutional qualities through a population-based survey experiment in four countries in different world regions with respect to IOs in economic, security, and climate governance. The findings demonstrate that both procedure- and performance-related aspects of IO policymaking matter for popular legitimacy beliefs. This result holds across democratic, technocratic, and fair qualities of IO procedure and performance. Disaggregating the results by issue area indicates that a broader scope of institutional qualities are important for legitimacy beliefs in economic governance compared to security governance and, especially, climate governance. These findings suggest that propositions to reduce the institutional sources of IO legitimacy to single specific qualities would be misguided.
Does the presence of elephant dung create hotspots of growth for existing seedlings?
Authors: Kalbitzer Urs , McInnis Victoria , Omeja Patrick A. , Bortolamiol Sarah , Chapman Colin A.
Published: March 2019

Megaherbivores play a central role in the evolution and functioning of ecosystems. In tropical forests elephant species are some of the few remaining megaherbivores. Through elephant foraging, nutrients that would be locked in leaves and stems, taking months or years to decay, are quickly liberated for use. In 10 experimental sites in Kibale National Park, Uganda, we set up 10 pairs of plots (4 × 4 m), each pair involved one treatment, elephant dung addition, and one control. After 1 y, we quantified growth (height and leaf number) and survival of young light-demanding (12) and shade-tolerant (19) plant species (439 stems in total). In general, the addition of elephant dung did not increase seedling growth, and it only increased the number of leaves in shade-tolerant plants with a large initial number of leaves. Researchers have speculated that the loss of elephants would shift the composition of African forests to slow-growing tree species. However, this is not supported by our finding that shows some slow-growing shade-tolerant plants grew more new leaves with additional nutrient input from elephant dung, a condition that would occur if elephant numbers increase.
Exposure and response prevention therapy augmented with naltrexone in kleptomania: a controlled case study using galvanic skin response for monitoring
Authors: Olbrich Sebastian , Jahn Ina , Stengler Katarina
Published: March 2019

Background:

Kleptomania is a disease that shares features with obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders (OCD) and with substance abuse disorders (SAD). This is underlined by therapeutic approaches in kleptomania ranging from cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are effective in OCD, and opioid antagonists that are currently being used in SAD. However, almost no literature exists about exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy in kleptomania. Furthermore, there is a clear lack of objective markers that would allow a therapeutic monitoring.

Aim:

To show the effectiveness of ERP therapy in kleptomania in a single case report.

Method:

An ERP therapy under real-world conditions and later augmentation with the opioid antagonist naltrexone is described. Continuous measurements of galvanic skin response (GSR) before, during and after therapy sessions are reported in association with changes of the Kleptomania Symptom Assessment Scale (KSAS) self-questionnaire.

Results:

While KSAS scores showed a clear treatment response to ERP sessions, the GSR was significantly lower during ERP treatment in comparison with baseline measures. However, during augmentation with naltrexone, GSR measures increased again and clinical severity did not further improve.

Conclusions:

This case shows the possible usefulness of ERP-like approaches and therapy monitoring using electrophysiological markers of arousal for individualized treatment in kleptomania.
Resource Nationalism in the Law and Policies of Indonesia: A Contest of State, Foreign Investors, and Indigenous Peoples
Authors: KADIR M.Y. Aiyub , MURRAY Alexander
Published: March 2019

This paper examines resource nationalism in the legal system of Indonesia under the interpretation of Articles 33(2), 33(3), and 18B(2) of the 1945 Constitution. It will describe the evolution of the meaning of resource nationalism since independence to the present day, in the context of foreign investment, to investigate the extent to which resource nationalism has benefited indigenous peoples. This paper argues that resource nationalism in the legal system of Indonesia has been driven by state-centric goals and has strayed far away from considerations of the benefits to the indigenous people (Masyarakat Hukum Adat/MHA), so as to dominantly benefit the elites of government and foreign investors. This paper will introduce a new conceptual framework in order to develop an effective argument about resource nationalism using International Human Rights Law.
Rotatorenmanschettenruptur: Wann ist die konservative und wann die operative Therapie indiziert?
Authors: Wieser Karl , Bouaicha Samy , Grubhofer Florian
Published: March 2019

Zusammenfassung. Patienten mit Rotatorenmanschettenrupturen können konservativ oder operativ behandelt werden. Welche Behandlung gewählt wird, hängt einerseits von patientenspezifischen Faktoren wie Leidensdruck, körperliche Einschränkung, Aktivitätsniveau und Funktionsanspruch ab und andererseits von morphologischen/radiologischen Gegebenheiten wie Grösse der Sehnenruptur, Degeneration und Verfettung der Rotatorenmanschettenmuskulatur sowie Begleitverletzungen. Dieser Artikel beleuchtet die Hintergründe der Indikationsstellung für die konservative und operative Behandlung von Patienten mit Rissen der Rotatorenmanschette unter Einbezug klinischer und radiologischer Kriterien.
Forced-Choice Versus Likert Responses on an Occupational Big Five Questionnaire
Authors: Watrin Luc , Geiger Mattis , Spengler Maik , Wilhelm Oliver
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Conventional self-report measures are prone to response biases, which distort measurement in any applied assessment. The forced-choice (FC) format was proposed as a potential remedy for these biases. The purpose of these studies was to develop and evaluate a FC questionnaire for the occupational context based on the five factor model of personality. A single-stimulus Likert questionnaire was contextualized for occupational settings and psychometrically optimized in Study 1 ( N = 401). Considering optimal design strategies, we subsequently used this questionnaire to construct and validate a FC questionnaire in Study 2 ( N = 517). Methodological add-ons to established approaches were applied to achieve decent confirmatory model fit. The new questionnaire shows good psychometric qualities and strong validity. We make suggestions for further applications and studies.
Are Face-Incongruent Voices Harder to Process?
Authors: Huestegge Sujata M. , Raettig Tim , Huestegge Lynn
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Based on current integration theories of face–voice processing, the present study had participants process 1,152 videos of faces uttering digits. Half of the videos contained face–voice gender-incongruent stimuli (vs. congruent stimuli in the other half). Participants indicated digit magnitude or parity. Tasks were presented in pure blocks (only 1 task) and in task switching blocks (using colored cues to specify task). The results indicate significant congruency effects in pure blocks, but partially reversed congruency effects in task switching, probably due to enhanced assignment of capacity toward resolving difficult situational demands. Congruency effects did not dissipate over time, ruling out that initial surprise associated with incongruent stimuli drove the effects. The results show that interference between two task-irrelevant person-related dimensions (face/voice gender) can affect processing of a third, task-relevant dimension (digit identity), suggesting greater processing ease associated with more authentic voices (i.e., voices that do not violate face-based expectancies).
Modeling Subgrid Variability of Snow Depth Using the Fokker‐Planck Equation Approach
Authors: He Siwei , Ohara Noriaki
Published: March 2019

A physically based subgrid variability model for snow process using the Fokker‐Planck equation (FPE) approach was proposed. This FPE can express the evolution of the probability density function (PDF) of snow depth within a finite area, possibly a grid cell of distributed models or a small basin, whose shape can be irregular. The main advantage of this approach is that it does not rely on a given PDF but dynamically computes the PDF through an advection‐diffusion‐type equation, the FPE, which was derived from point‐scale process‐based governing equations. Snow depth was treated as a random variable, while the snow redistribution and snowmelt rate were treated as the sources of stochasticity. The main challenge in solving this FPE is evaluating the time‐space covariances appearing in the diffusion coefficient. In this study, approximations to evaluate the covariance terms, accounting for snowmelt and snow redistribution, were proposed. The simulated results of the FPE model were validated by the measured time series of snow depth at one site and the spatial distributions of snow depth measured by ground penetrating radar and airborne light detection and ranging (Lidar). It was shown that the point‐observed snow depth fell within the simulated range during most of the 2‐year study period. The simulated PDFs of snow depth within the study area were similar to the observed PDFs of snow depth by ground penetrating radar and Lidar. In summary, these results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed FPE model representing the subgrid variability of snow depth.
Role of Large‐Scale Tectonic Forces in Intraplate Earthquakes of Central and Eastern North America
Authors: Ghosh Attreyee , Holt William E. , Bahadori Alireza
Published: March 2019

Central and eastern United States (CEUS) have experienced large intraplate earthquakes. Yet, at present there is no comprehensive model to explain stresses, strain, and seismicity in this intraplate setting. Models to explain the intraplate stresses in CEUS include glacio‐isostatic adjustment, ridge push effects, local stresses along preexisting fracture zones, and large‐scale convection. In this paper, we present a self‐consistent model of the dynamics of CEUS that explains the stress field responsible for these intraplate earthquakes. The earthquakes represent slow, ongoing deformation associated with forces arising from a combination of lithosphere topography and structure, together with the effects of density‐driven mantle flow. Using GPS data, we calculate strain rates that are likely to arise from tectonic effects and conclude that intraplate strain rates associated with tectonic effects are unlikely to exceed 1 × 10−9 year−1. We test several models of lateral viscosity variations by comparing model stress orientation output with earthquake moment tensors,
directions from stress inversion, and P axes of earthquakes. A model that satisfies stress and earthquake constraints and also strain rate magnitude constraints requires high viscosity (1025 Pa·s) craton and old oceanic lithosphere of the western Atlantic block and weaker (5 × 1024 Pa·s) accreted Appalachian terrane. Other strength contrasts within the lithosphere are likely present. Incorporation of these into future models using constraints from seismology, along with refined geodetic measurements and improved estimates of crust and upper mantle densities, is needed to further refine long‐term dynamic models and better evaluate the hazards associated with this very slow, ongoing permanent deformation within the eastern and central United States.
Spatiotemporal Prediction of Tidal Currents Using Gaussian Processes
Authors: Sarkar Dripta , Osborne Michael A. , Adcock Thomas A. A.
Published: March 2019

Predicting fast tidal currents can be a challenging task. Unlike tidal water levels, currents can vary sharply over short distances. The classical approach of harmonic analysis can analyze data at point locations and there is a need for a method that can handle spatiotemporal data, as well as be robust to the uncertainty and noise inevitable in real‐world measurements. In this work, we present a Bayesian machine learning (ML) approach to tackle the problem. The method is based on Gaussian processes, a nonparametric ML technique that uses a kernel function to capture structures in the data. A case study is performed using data from a validated numerical model simulating the tidal dynamics in the Pentland Firth region, UK. Several sampling strategies are explored and the case where measurement location is changed after every sampling is found to produce the lowest average error in the predictions. We show that the presented methodology using data from just a single moving data source can provide a better spatiotemporal description than traditional techniques using continuous data from a large number of locations. The work can be useful to developers of tidal energy farms, navigation, and other purposes.
Modeling of the Effects of Wintertime Aerosols on Boundary Layer Properties Over the Indo Gangetic Plain
Authors: Bharali Chandrakala , Nair Vijayakumar S. , Chutia Lakhima , Babu S. Suresh
Published: March 2019

Wintertime fog and severe aerosol loading in the boundary layer over South Asia, especially Indo Gangetic Plain (IGP), causes disruptions in the day‐to‐day life of millions of people living in the region, and these heavy pollution episodes result in relentless effects on human health. Weather Research Forecasting model coupled with aerosol chemistry is used to investigate the radiative effects and feedbacks of aerosols on the evolution and structure of the planetary boundary layer over the region. In general, aerosols lead to cooling at the surface, which decreases the nonradiative fluxes (latent and sensible heat fluxes), weakens the turbulent diffusion, and inhibits/delays the growth of convective boundary layer. The impact was maximum over IGP where aerosol‐induced solar dimming (60–80 W/m2) led to a cooling of −0.6 to −2 ° C at the surface, which decreases the noontime boundary layer height by ∼200 m. This effect overwhelms the diabatic heating due to absorbing aerosols in the atmosphere. The significant decrease in sensible (∼11–23 W/m2) and latent heat flux (5–14 W/m2) was observed over IGP and western India. Aerosol boundary layer interaction increases the aerosol loading near the surface (PM2.5) by 3 to 30 μg/m3, which further deteriorate the air quality and visibility over the region. The aerosol forcing increases the relative humidity in the lower boundary layer and amplifies the aerosol forcing. The fog events over the Indian regions identified using INSAT‐3D observations coincide with the regions where aerosol‐boundary layer interactions are very significant. The aerosol‐boundary layer interaction has significance in forecasting fog events and planning mitigation strategies for improving the air quality over the region.
WaxPSM: A Forward Model of Leaf Wax Hydrogen Isotope Ratios to Bridge Proxy and Model Estimates of Past Climate
Authors: Konecky Bronwen , Dee Sylvia G. , Noone David C.
Published: March 2019

The D/H ratio of epicuticular plant waxes (δDwax) preserved in sedimentary archives is a powerful tool for paleoclimate reconstruction, but comparisons to other proxy records or to climate model simulations requires a proxy system model (PSM) that accounts for transformations between δDprecip and δDwax. Here we present a new, publicly available PSM for plant waxes, WaxPSM. WaxPSM predicts δDwax from observational data or any isotope‐enabled modern, paleo, or future climate model experiment. δD values of the C29 n‐alkane are calculated based on precipitation or soil water δD and observed apparent fractionation values, adjusted for plant‐type differences. Using WaxPSM, we assess three key uncertainties in δDwax records: the degree to which variations in δD may reflect changes in vegetation rather than climate, structural uncertainties that arise from limited water isotopic observations, and the impacts of land cover change on climate reconstructions during the Last Glacial Maximum and the Preindustrial period. Parametric and structural uncertainties can cause δDwax variations up to 50‰, but in most cases, the differences are ∼10–30‰. The drier subtropics are additionally impacted by the incorrect structural assumption that plants' source water, δDsoil, is isotopically similar to the climate variable of interest, δDprecip. We recommend a coordinated, systematic effort to elevate observational constraints on δDprecip, δDsoil, and the δD of multiple compound classes, which would dramatically reduce parametric and structural uncertainties and allow further complexity to be built into the model.