bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Digital Elevation and Bathymetry Model for Tsunami Run-Up and Inundation Simulation in Penang
Authors: Teh Su Yean , Koh Hock Lye , Lim Yong Hui
Published: May 2019

Many beaches in Penang island were severely inundated by the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean mega tsunami with 57 deaths recorded. It is anticipated that the next big tsunami will cause even more damages to beaches in Penang. Hence, developing community resilience against the risks of the next tsunami is essential. Resilience entails many interlinked components, beginning with a good understanding of the inundation scenarios critical to community evacuation and resilience preparation. Inundation scenarios are developed from tsunami simulations involving all three phases of tsunami generation, propagation and run-up. Accurate and high-resolution bathymetric–topographic maps are essential for simulations of tsunami wave inundation along beaches. Bathymetric maps contain information on the depths of landforms below sea level while topographic maps reveal the elevation of landforms above sea level. Bathymetric and topographic datasets for Malaysia are, however, currently not integrated and are available separately and in different formats, not suitable for inundation simulations. Bathymetric data are controlled by the National Hydrographic Centre (NHC) of the Royal Malaysian Navy while topographic data are serviced by the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM). It is highly desirable to have seamless integration of high-resolution bathymetric and topographic data for tsunami simulations and for other scientific studies. In this paper, we develop a robust method for integrating the NHC bathymetric and JUPEM topographic data into a regularly-spaced grid system essential for tsunami simulation. A primary objective of this paper is to develop the best Digital Elevation and Bathymetry Model (DEBM) for Penang based upon the most suitable and accurate interpolation method for integrating bathymetric and topographic data with minimal interpolation errors. We analyze four commonly used interpolation methods for generating gridded topographic and bathymetric surfaces, namely (i) Kriging, (ii) Multiquadric (MQ), (iii) Thin Plate Spline (TPS) and (iv) Inverse Distance to Power (IDP). The study illustrated that the Kriging interpolation method produces an integrated bathymetric and topographic surface that best approximates the admiralty nautical chart of Penang essential for tsunami run-up and inundation simulations. Tsunami inundation scenarios critical to risk analysis and mitigation could then be developed using this DEBM for various earthquake scenarios, as presented in this paper for the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Riemannian metrics and Laplacians for generalized smooth distributions
Authors: Androulidakis Iakovos , Kordyukov Yuri
Published: May 2019

We show that any generalized smooth distribution on a smooth manifold, possibly of non-constant rank, admits a Riemannian metric. Using such a metric, we attach a Laplace operator to any smooth distribution as such. When the underlying manifold is compact, we show that it is essentially self-adjoint. Viewing this Laplacian in the longitudinal pseudodifferential calculus of the smallest singular foliation which includes the distribution, we prove hypoellipticity.
Fair Division in the Internet Age
Authors: Moulin Hervé
Published: May 2019

Fair division, a key concern in the design of many social institutions, has for 70 years been the subject of interdisciplinary research at the interface of mathematics, economics, and game theory. Motivated by the proliferation of moneyless transactions on the internet, the computer science community has recently taken a deep interest in fairness principles and practical division rules. The resulting literature brings a fresh concern for computational simplicity (scalable rules) and realistic implementation. In this review of the most salient fair division results of the past 30 years, I concentrate on division rules with the best potential for practical implementation. The critical design parameter is the message space that the agents must use to report their individual preferences. A simple preference domain is key both to realistic implementation and to the existence of division rules with strong normative and incentive properties. I discuss successively the one-dimensional single-peaked domain, Leontief utilities, ordinal ranking, dichotomous preferences, and additive utilities. Some of the theoretical results in the latter domain are already implemented in the user-friendly SPLIDDIT platform ( http://spliddit.org ).
Bootstrap Methods in Econometrics
Authors: Horowitz Joel L.
Published: May 2019

The bootstrap is a method for estimating the distribution of an estimator or test statistic by resampling one's data or a model estimated from the data. Under conditions that hold in a wide variety of econometric applications, the bootstrap provides approximations to distributions of statistics, coverage probabilities of confidence intervals, and rejection probabilities of hypothesis tests that are more accurate than the approximations of first-order asymptotic distribution theory. The reductions in the differences between true and nominal coverage or rejection probabilities can be very large. In addition, the bootstrap provides a way to carry out inference in certain settings where obtaining analytic distributional approximations is difficult or impossible. This article explains the usefulness and limitations of the bootstrap in contexts of interest in econometrics. The presentation is informal and expository. It provides an intuitive understanding of how the bootstrap works. Mathematical details are available in the references that are cited.
Experiments and Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries
Authors: Quinn Simon , Woodruff Christopher
Published: May 2019

We discuss the value of experiments in illuminating constraints on the growth of firms in developing countries. Experiments have provided insight into both the value and the difficulty of alleviating capital constraints in small firms. They suggest that urban, low-skilled labor markets appear to work reasonably well for firms, although there is a suggestion that frictions in markets for skilled workers may have more effect on firms. While observational data suggest that managerial training is important, experiments have shown that the traditional methods of delivering this training to small enterprises, at least, are not effective. Finally, while most work has focused on alleviating supply constraints, recent experiments have shown that positive demand shocks can be sufficient to generate firm growth. Experiments have been particularly illuminating in uncovering patterns in individual decision making, showing how agents respond to the specific changes in circumstances or incentives generated by the experiment. They are most valuable when they complement insight driven by theory.
Social Networks in Policy Making
Authors: Battaglini Marco , Patacchini Eleonora
Published: May 2019

Recent advances in data collection, computing power, and theoretical modeling have stimulated a growing literature in economics and political science studying how social networks affect policy making. We survey this literature focusing on two main aspects. First, we discuss the literature studying how (and if) social connections in Congress affect legislative behavior. We then discuss how social connections affect the relationship between policy makers and the outside world, focusing on lobbying; the importance of family, caste, and ethnic networks; and social media and public activism. In our discussion, we highlight the key methodological challenges in this literature, how they have been addressed, and the prospects for future research.
Markets for Information: An Introduction
Authors: Bergemann Dirk , Bonatti Alessandro
Published: May 2019

We survey a recent and growing literature on markets for information. We offer a comprehensive view of information markets through an integrated model of consumers, information intermediaries, and firms. The model embeds a large set of applications ranging from sponsored-search advertising to credit scores to information sharing among competitors. We then zoom in to one of the critical elements in the markets for information: the design of the information. We distinguish between ex ante sales of information (the buyer acquires an information structure) and ex post sales (the buyer pays for specific realizations). We relate this distinction to the different products that brokers, advertisers, and publishers use to trade consumer information online. We discuss the endogenous limits to the trade of information that derive from the potential adverse use of information to the consumers. Finally, we discuss recommender systems and other information filtering systems that use artificial intelligence to predict ratings or preferences in markets for indirect information.
Moringa oleifera Seeds Improve Aging-Related Endothelial Dysfunction in Wistar Rats
Authors: Randriamboavonjy Joseph Iharinjaka , Heurtebise Sandrine , Pacaud Pierre , Loirand Gervaise , Tesse Angela
Published: May 2019

Vascular aging is characterized by functional and structural changes of the vessel wall, including endothelial dysfunction, with decreased endothelial NO⋅ bioavailability and elevated vasoconstrictor and inflammatory mediator production, vascular rigidity, and tone impairment. Moringa oleifera (MOI) is a little tree, and different parts of which are used in traditional medicine in tropical Africa, America, and Asia for therapeutic applications in several disorders including cardiovascular disease. The present study is aimed at assessing the effect of MOI on aging-associated alteration of the endothelial function in Wistar rats. Middle-aged Wistar rats (46-week-old males) have been fed with food containing or not 750 mg/kg/day of MOI seed powder for 4 weeks. A group of young Wistar rats (16-week-old) was used as control. Measurement of isometric contraction, western blot analysis, and immunostaining has then been performed in the aortas and mesenteric arteries to assess the endothelium function. MOI treatment improved carbachol-induced relaxation in both aortas and mesenteric arteries of middle-aged rats. In the aortas, this was associated with an increased Akt signalling and endothelial NO synthase activation and a downregulation of arginase-1. In the mesenteric arteries, the improvement of the endothelial-dependent relaxation was related to an EDHF-dependent mechanism. These results suggest a vascular protective effect of MOI seeds against the vascular dysfunction that develops during aging through different mechanisms in conductance and resistance arteries.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Biginelli Dihydropyrimidinone Derivatives Containing Imidazole Moiety
Authors: Bhat Mashooq Ahmad , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Naglah Ahmed M. , Kalmouch Atef , Al-Dhfyan Abdullah
Published: May 2019

Enaminone, (2E)-1-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) phenyl]-4-methylpent-2-en-1-one (II) was synthesized by refluxing 1-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) phenyl] ethan-1-one (I) with dimethylforamide dimethylacetal (DMF–DMA) under solvent-free condition for 12 hours. Finally, the dihydropyrimidinone derivatives containing imidazole moiety (1–15) were obtained by reacting enaminone, (2E)-1-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) phenyl]-4-methylpent-2-en-1-one (II) with urea and different substituted benzaldehydes in the presence of glacial acetic acid. Dihydropyrimidinone derivatives containing imidazole moiety were synthesized in excellent yield by means of a simple and efficient method. All the compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis. The structures of all the compounds were confirmed by modern spectroscopic methods.
Anchor-Less Producer Mobility Management in Named Data Networking for Real-Time Multimedia
Authors: Ali Inayat , Lim Huhnkuk
Published: May 2019

Information-centric networking (ICN) is one of the promising solutions that cater to the challenges of IP-based networking. ICN shifts the IP-based access model to a data-centric model. Named Data Networking (NDN) is a flexible ICN architecture, which is based on content distribution considering data as the core entity rather than IP-based hosts. User-generated mobile contents for real-time multimedia communication such as Internet telephony are very common these days and are increasing both in quality and quantity. In NDN, producer mobility is one of the challenging problems to support uninterrupted real-time multimedia communication and needs to be resolved for the adoption of NDN as future Internet architecture. We assert that mobile node’s future location prediction can aid in designing efficient anchor-less mobility management techniques. In this article, we show how location prediction techniques can be used to provide an anchor-less mobility management solution in order to ensure seamless handover of the producer during real-time multimedia communication. The results indicate that with a low level of location prediction accuracy, our proposed methodology still profoundly reduces the total handover latency and round trip time without creating network overhead.
Multiobjective Optimization Model for Sustainable Waste Management Network Design
Authors: Olapiriyakul Sun , Pannakkong Warut , Kachapanya Warith , Starita Stefano
Published: May 2019

Inefficient or poorly planned waste management systems are a burden to society and economy. For example, excessively long waste transportation routes can have a negative impact on a large share of the population. This is exacerbated by the rapid urbanization happening worldwide and in developing countries. Sustainability issues should be accounted for at every stage of decision making, from strategic to daily operations. In this paper, we propose a multiobjective optimization model to design a cost-effective waste management supply chain, while considering sustainability issues such as land-use and public health impacts. The model is applied to a case study in Pathum Thani (Thailand) to provide managerial insights.
Simulating Environmental Innovation Behavior of Private Enterprise with Innovation Subsidies
Authors: Guan Hongjun , Zhang Zhen , Zhao Aiwu , Guan Shuang
Published: May 2019

By reducing innovation costs, innovation subsidies can help private enterprises convert their production modes to green production. Based on method of computational experiment in social science, we construct a dynamic model for environmental innovation behaviors of private enterprises to simulate their evolution process in different market mechanisms, product competitions, and innovation subsidies and explore the impact of different subsidy modes on environmental technological innovation behaviors. The experimental results show that, under actions of multiagents, the combination of market subsidy and technology transformation subsidy can achieve the highest utilization efficiency of subsidy funds. However, when level of innovation technology is low, the innovation process should be subsidized at the same time to improve the competitiveness of innovative products. Besides, according to the level of innovation technology, flexible innovation subsidy combinations can be adopted to optimize subsidy in the different stages. The experimental results are of great significance for increasing efficiency of innovation subsidy funds and promoting green sustainable development of private enterprises.
Complications during the Management of Dislocated Tracheostomy Cannula
Authors: Krogh Kristian , Fedder Anette Marianne
Published: May 2019

We describe an acute complication to a tracheostomy cannula in the form of a dislocated cannula after a surgical tracheostomy in a 65-year-old male patient. The case illustrates the development of progressing subcutaneous emphysema resulting in a cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate (CICO) situation and the airway management of the patient with respiratory distress. Early recognition and situational awareness are essential in the management of patients with acute airway complications. Consequently, deliberate practice and continuing professional development should be encouraged so that we can best manage acute situations when they occur.
Multiscale Composites: Assessment of a Feasible Manufacturing Process
Authors: Volponi R. , Spena P. , De Nicola F. , Guadagno L.
Published: May 2019

A very interesting field of research on advanced composite materials is the possibility to integrate new functionalities and specific improvements acting on the matrix of the composite by means of a nanocharged resin. In this way, the composite becomes a so-called “multiscale composite” in which the different phases change from nano to macro scale. For example, the incorporation of nanoscale conductive fillers with intrinsically high electrical conductivity could allow a tailoring of this property for the final material. The properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) make them an effective candidate as fillers in polymer composite systems to obtain ultralight structural materials with advanced electrical and thermal characteristics. Nevertheless, several problems are related to the distribution in the matrix and to the processability of the systems filled with CNT. Existing liquid molding processes such as resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) can be adapted to produce carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) impregnated with CNT nanofilled resins. Unfortunately, the loading of more than 0.3-0.5% of CNT can lead to high resin viscosities that are unacceptable for such kind of processes. In addition to the viscosity issues that are related to the high CNT content, a filtration effect of the nanofillers caused by the fibrous medium may also lead to inadequate final component quality. This work describes the development of an effective manufacturing process of a fiber-reinforced multiscale composite panel, with a tetra-functional epoxy matrix loaded with carbon nanotubes to increase its electrical properties and with GPOSS to increase its resistance to fire. A first approach has been attempted with a traditional liquid infusion process. As already anticipated, this technique has shown considerable difficulties related both to the low level of impregnation achieved, due to the high viscosity of the resin, and to the filtration effects of the dispersed nanocharges. To overcome these problems, an opportunely modified process based on a sort of film infusion has been proposed. This modification has given an acceptable result in terms of impregnation and morphological arrangement of CNTs in nanofilled CFRP. Finally, the developed infiltration technique has been tested for the manufacture of a carbon fiber-reinforced panel with a more complex shape.
Antimicrobial Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma againstPorphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Pham Thuy Anh Vu , Tran Thao Thi Phuong , Luong Ngan Thi My
Published: May 2019

Aim. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether there was a difference in antimicrobial effect between the PRP of healthy volunteers and that of patients with chronic periodontitis againstP. gingivalis,which was fresh cultured from subgingival plaque.Methods. Subgingival plaque of patients with moderate and severe chronic periodontitis was collected to isolateP. gingivalis. The PRP of four individuals with healthy periodontium and four patients with moderate and severe periodontitis were collected with a specific kit using a two-centrifuge procedure, and then, the antibacterial properties againstP. gingivaliswere tested, through their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), adhesion resistance assay, and biofilm susceptibility assay.Results.P. gingivaliswas successfully isolated from the subgingival plaque of the 21st patient. The round, smooth, and black colony appeared in the agar disk after 7–10 days of incubation under anaerobic conditions. Bacterial identification was performed by MALDI-TOF and confirmed by PCR. All PRP samples tested showed the ability to inhibitP. gingivalisgrowth. The MIC value (expressed as fraction of PRP) was 1/2, and PRP preventedP. gingivalisattachment on the disk surface. However, PRP did not have a strong effect on the suppression ofP. gingivalisbiofilm.Conclusion. PRP of individuals with healthy periodontium and chronic periodontitis patients showed antibacterial properties againstP. gingivalis.This material can become an adjunct to periodontal treatment.
A New Approach for Construction of Geodemographic Segmentation Model and Prediction Analysis
Authors: Long Hoang Viet , Son Le Hoang , Khari Manju , Arora Kanika , Chopra Siddharth , Kumar Raghvendra , Le Tuong , Baik Sung Wook
Published: May 2019

Customer retention is invariably the top priority of all consumer businesses, and certainly it is one of the most critical challenges as well. Identifying and gaining insights into the most probable cause of churn can save from five to ten times in terms of cost for the company compared with finding new customers. Therefore, this study introduces a full-fledged geodemographic segmentation model, assessing it, testing it, and deriving insights from it. A bank dataset consisting 11,000 instances, which consists of 10,000 instances for training and 10,000 instances for testing, with 14 attributes, has been used, and the likelihood of a person staying with the bank or leaving the bank is computed with the help of logistic regression. Base on the proposed model, insights are drawn and recommendations are provided. Stepwise logistic regression methods, namely, backward elimination method, forward selection method, and bidirectional model are constructed and contrasted to choose the best among them. Future forecasting of the models has been done by using cumulative accuracy profile (CAP) curve analysis.
Percepções Sobre o Turismo em Áreas Rurais: limitações e possibilidades na APA Caverna do Maroaga, Presidente Figueiredo/AM
Authors: Reis João Rodrigo Leitão dos , Tello Julio César Rodríguez , Fischer Christina
Published: May 2019

O turismo em unidades de conservação é uma alternativa para sua sustentabilidade financeira e ambiental, com envolvimento da população local. No intuito de conhecer esse processo na área de proteção ambiental (APA) Caverna do Maroaga, realizamos uma investigação exploratória em três comunidades do local, analisando a situação atual, as expectativas de melhoria dessa atividade, a percepção, o interesse e a motivação dos comunitários. As informações foram coletadas a partir de 87 entrevistas com adultos da região. Constatando-se que o turismo dessas comunidades se direciona aos atrativos naturais, mas sem um uma organização adequada, percebe-se que os comunitários têm interesse e motivação para iniciar uma diretriz de gestão, mas não estão preparados para empreender ou desenvolver programas e desconhecem uma possível oferta de cursos de capacitação necessários para tal.
Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Scientific Statement From the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the American Heart Association, and the American College of Cardiology
Authors: Thomas Randal J. , Beatty Alexis L. , Beckie Theresa M. , Brewer LaPrincess C. , Brown Todd M. , Forman Daniel E. , Franklin Barry A. , Keteyian Steven J. , Kitzman Dalane W. , Regensteiner Judith G. , Sanderson Bonnie K. , Whooley Mary A.
Published: May 2019

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based intervention that uses patient education, health behavior modification, and exercise training to improve secondary prevention outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. CR programs reduce morbidity and mortality rates in adults with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or cardiac surgery but are significantly underused, with only a minority of eligible patients participating in CR in the United States. New delivery strategies are urgently needed to improve participation. One potential strategy is home-based CR (HBCR). In contrast to center-based CR services, which are provided in a medically supervised facility, HBCR relies on remote coaching with indirect exercise supervision and is provided mostly or entirely outside of the traditional center-based setting. Although HBCR has been successfully deployed in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries, most US healthcare organizations have little to no experience with such programs. The purpose of this scientific statement is to identify the core components, efficacy, strengths, limitations, evidence gaps, and research necessary to guide the future delivery of HBCR in the United States. Previous randomized trials have generated low- to moderate-strength evidence that HBCR and center-based CR can achieve similar improvements in 3- to 12-month clinical outcomes. Although HBCR appears to hold promise in expanding the use of CR to eligible patients, additional research and demonstration projects are needed to clarify, strengthen, and extend the HBCR evidence base for key subgroups, including older adults, women, underrepresented minority groups, and other higher-risk and understudied groups. In the interim, we conclude that HBCR may be a reasonable option for selected clinically stable low- to moderate-risk patients who are eligible for CR but cannot attend a traditional center-based CR program.
Recipient c-Kit Lineage Cells Repopulate Smooth Muscle Cells of Transplant Arteriosclerosis in Mouse Models
Authors: Ni Zhichao , Deng Jiacheng , Potter Claire M.F. , Nowak Witold N. , Gu Wenduo , Zhang Zhongyi , Chen Ting , Chen Qishan , Hu Yanhua , Zhou Bin , Xu Qingbo , Zhang Li
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

Transplantation-accelerated arteriosclerosis is one of the major challenges for long-term survival of patients with solid organ transplantation. Although stem/progenitor cells have been implicated to participate in this process, the cells of origin and underlying mechanisms have not been fully defined.

Objective:

The objective of our study was to investigate the role of c-Kit lineage cells in allograft-induced neointima formation and to explore the mechanisms underlying this process.

Methods and Results:

Using an inducible lineage tracing Kit-CreER;Rosa26-tdTomato mouse model, we observed that c-Kit is expressed in multiple cell types in the blood vessels, rather than a specific stem/progenitor cell marker. We performed allograft transplantation between different donor and recipient mice, as well as bone marrow transplantation experiments, demonstrating that recipient c-Kit
+
cells repopulate neointimal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and leukocytes, and contribute to neointima formation in an allograft transplantation model. c-Kit–derived SMCs originate from nonbone marrow tissues, whereas bone marrow-derived c-Kit
+
cells mainly generate CD45
+
leukocytes. However, the exact identity of c-Kit lineage cells contributing to neointimal SMCs remains unclear. ACK2 (anti-c-Kit antibody), which specifically binds and blocks c-Kit function, ameliorates allograft-induced arteriosclerosis. Stem cell factor and TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1 levels were significantly increased in blood and neointimal lesions after allograft transplantation, by which stem cell factor facilitated c-Kit
+
cell migration through the stem cell factor/c-Kit axis and downstream activation of small GTPases, MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase)/ERK (extracellular signal–regulated kinase)/MLC (myosin light chain), and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase)/c-Jun signaling pathways, whereas TGF-β1 induces c-Kit
+
cell differentiation into SMCs via HK (hexokinase)-1–dependent metabolic reprogramming and a possible downstream O-GlcNAcylation of myocardin and serum response factor.

Conclusions:

Our findings provide evidence that recipient c-Kit lineage cells contribute to vascular remodeling in an allograft transplantation model, in which the stem cell factor/c-Kit axis is responsible for cell migration and HK-1–dependent metabolic reprogramming for SMC differentiation.
Urinary Renin in Patients and Mice With Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tang Jeannette , Wysocki Jan , Ye Minghao , Vallés Patricia G. , Rein Johannes , Shirazi Mina , Bader Michael , Gomez Roberto Ariel , Sequeira-Lopez Maria-Luisa S. , Afkarian Maryam , Batlle Daniel
Published: May 2019

In patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), plasma renin activity is usually decreased, but there is limited information on urinary renin and its origin. Urinary renin was evaluated in samples from patients with longstanding type I diabetes mellitus and mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Renin-reporter mouse model (Ren1d-Cre;mT/mG) was made diabetic with streptozotocin to examine whether the distribution of cells of the renin lineage was altered in a chronic diabetic environment. Active renin was increased in urine samples from patients with DKD (n=36), compared with those without DKD (n=38; 3.2 versus 1.3 pg/mg creatinine;
P
<0.001). In mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus, urine renin was also increased compared with nondiabetic controls. By immunohistochemistry, in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus, juxtaglomerular apparatus and proximal tubular renin staining were reduced, whereas collecting tubule staining, by contrast, was increased. To examine the role of filtration and tubular reabsorption on urinary renin, mice were either infused with either mouse or human recombinant renin and lysine (a blocker of proximal tubular protein reabsorption). Infusion of either form of renin together with lysine markedly increased urinary renin such that it was no longer different between nondiabetic and diabetic mice. Megalin mRNA was reduced in the kidney cortex of streptozotocin-treated mice (0.70±0.09 versus 1.01±0.04 in controls,
P
=0.01) consistent with impaired tubular reabsorption. In Ren1d-Cre;mT/mG with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus, the distribution of renin lineage cells within the kidney was similar to nondiabetic renin-reporter mice. No evidence for migration of cells of renin linage to the collecting duct in diabetic mice could be found. Renin mRNA in microdissected collecting ducts from streptozotocin-treated mice, moreover, was not significantly different than in controls, whereas in kidney cortex, largely reflecting juxtaglomerular apparatus renin, it was significantly reduced. In conclusion, in urine from patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and DKD and from mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus, renin is elevated. This cannot be attributed to production from cells of the renin lineage migrating to the collecting duct in a chronic hyperglycemic environment. Rather, the elevated levels of urinary renin found in DKD are best attributed to altered glomerular filteration and impaired proximal tubular reabsorption.
Chinese Corporate Debt and Credit Misallocation
Authors: Zhong Ninghua , Xie Mi , Liu Zhikuo
Published: May 2019

This paper analyzes various data, especially that of 4 million Chinese manufacturing company samples during the period of 1998 to 2013, to present detailed evidence regarding two questions of China's leverage issue. First, where is the leverage? We find that within the 16-year period, most sample firms have been significantly deleveraged, with the average leverage ratio declining from 65 percent in 1998 to 51 percent in 2013. In contrast, only several thousand companies have significantly leveraged, mostly large-scale, state-owned, listed firms. Second, has the change of leverage been supported by the firms’ fundamentals? We find that for private firms, changes of firm characteristics are consistent with their leverage changes, whereas firm-level factors can hardly explain the leverage of state-owned enterprises. We provide further evidence from aggregate-level data, which suggest that the huge amount of credit being allocated to the state sector is the reason for the declining credit efficiency in China.
Natural Disasters and International Financial Accessibility in Developing Countries
Authors: An Jiyoun , Park Bokyeong
Published: May 2019

This study examines the impact of natural disasters on affected countries’ accessibility to international financial resources. We find empirical evidence that natural disasters significantly downgrade the sovereign credit rating of an affected country, an indicator of international financial accessibility. This finding is robust in developing countries, implying that they are faced with additional difficulties in financing post-disaster recovery costs compared with developed countries. Among disasters, droughts and storms display a particularly significant downgrading effect. Further results show that foreign aid from the international community helps to improve the accessibility, implying a possible acceleration of the post-disaster recovery in recipient countries.
Fire Features at Akchakhan-kala and Tash-k’irman-tepe
Authors: Betts Alison V.G. , Khozhaniyazov Gairatdin , Weisskopf(†) Alison , Willcox George
Published: May 2019

Fire is an intrinsic aspect of Zoroastrian ritual and religious traditions. Akchakhan-kala can be conclusively linked with pre-Sasanian Zoroastrian practice through evidence from the recent discovery of murals depicting Avestan deities. Close similarities in apparently ritual features suggest that Tash-k’irman-tepe can also be linked to such traditions. Both sites also have a rich array of fire features which can be linked to respect for, and veneration of, fire in a variety of forms. This paper discusses these features, how they might fit into the wider picture of pre-Sasanian Zoroastrian development, and their significance for a deeper understanding of the history of Ancient Chorasmia.
Ramsès XI, le premier prophète d’Amon et l’ascension de Piankh à Thèbes pendant l’Aire de la Renaissance
Authors: Antoine Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2019

An analysis of P. Geneva D191, P. BM EA 75019+10302, P. Penn 49.11, and P. Turin 2097+2105 leads to a new interpretation on the political events at Thebes during the Renaissance Era. Ramesses XI played a major role in the restoration of order with the help of Libyan troops. He decreed the Renaissance Era with the will of restoring control in the South. Nesamun, at the death of his brother Amenhotep, was compelled to return to his former position of second prophet of Amun while that of first prophet was left vacant for at least two years. After year 4 or 5 of the Renaissance Era, Piankh, who arrived at Thebes with the king, progressively installed a system of power which will prevail throughout the 21st Dynasty. In this new structure a military family of probable Libyan background occupied all the Theban secular and religious functions while maintaining a fictitious allegiance to the northern king.
Some Observations on Name Rings: towards a Typology
Authors: Peirce Laura
Published: May 2019

Research to date on name rings, which form a singular component of topographical lists, has primarily focused on the toponyms enclosed in the rings and their subsequent relevance to military campaigns. This article aims to explore another valuable facet of this phenomenon. It details the results of an investigation into the development of the iconography of the personages attached to these name rings during the Eighteenth Dynasty and early Nineteenth Dynasty on Egyptian royal monuments. Clear trends were discernible, from accoutrements to coiffures, that may be able to assist in the dating of royal monuments within sacred spaces.
Questioning the Presence of the Past
Authors: Kriza Thomas
Published: May 2019

This paper questions the contemporary turn towards horizons of existential meaning going back to antiquity especially in the shape of a turn to religion by pointing to crucial differences between antique conceptions of thought and their modern revivals. Pierre Hadot and Michel Foucault interpret antique thought as spiritual exercises to perfect human existence, exposing an inherent existential relevance and connection to a peculiar conception of truth. I argue that because of these ties to a truth claim deeply alien to the modern scientific world-view, antique horizons of existential meaning cannot be revived within modern frames of thought. Their contemporary presence is more likely the expression of the deeply ambivalent modern relationship to premodern horizons of existential meaning, rather than a genuine revival.
Diluted Liberalisms and Emaciated Neutralities
Authors: Freeden Michael
Published: May 2019

Laborde’s Liberalism’s Religion focuses on a philosophical understanding of liberalism infused with the constitutional and legal characteristics of the USA. It cannot, however, contain other weighty patterns of liberal thinking evident in actual and commonly prevalent thought-practices, irreducible to freedom and equality alone. The free development of individuality is also fundamental to a humanist liberal version, and it now entails the right of religious believers to protection from psychological and emotional harm in order to secure their flourishing. Emotional intensity, group identity and the power of religious rhetoric are factors to be considered both in regulating and protecting religious practices and discourse in a liberal society. I conclude with doubts on the viability of the liberal precept of neutrality.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Brookea (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: NEO LOUISE , HUURNE SUZANNE TER , ADEMA FRITS
Published: May 2019

The genus Brookea is revised and six species are recognised. Three species are endemic to Borneo, and two new species are here described that are only known from Sulawesi, B. celebica and B. linduensis. One species, B. albicans, was previously thought to be endemic to Borneo, but has now been newly recorded for Sulawesi. Two species are lectotypified, all species are described, and a key to the species is provided.
A review of the Margarodidae sensu Morrison (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) and some related taxa based on the morphology of adult males
Authors: HODGSON CHRIS , FOLDI IMRE
Published: May 2019

This paper outlines the history of the family name Margarodidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) and of the higher classification within Margarodidae sensu Morrison, and reviews the use of males in diagnosing the higher taxonomy within this group. An overview of the general morphology of adult males is provided as an introduction to the terms and structures used in the descriptive section that follows. The adult males of 31 species of Coccoidea are described, covering all the families in Margarodidae sensu Morrison plus some additional taxa which have either been included in Margarodidae sensu lato in the past or which show close affinities to it. Based on the structure of the adult males described here and also on an earlier cladistic analyses, these 31 taxa are divided into three groups: Ortheziidae (containing just ortheziids), a group here referred to as "margarodoid taxa" (which includes all the taxa in Margarodidae sensu Morrison (1928) except Steingelia; this group includes the following nine families: Matsucoccidae, Margarodidae, Xylococcidae; Stigmacoccidae fam. nov.; Kuwaniidae; Callipappidae; Marchalinidae; Monophlebidae and Coelostomidiidae); and a third group referred to here as "non-margarodoid taxa", which includes the remaining taxa considered in this paper (Steingelia, Stomacoccus, Phenacoleachia, Puto and Pityococcus). The present higher taxonomic status of each taxon is summarised in a Table and a key to identify each family based on adult male morphology is included; this key also diagnoses the above three groups based on adult male characters. Keys are also provided under each family to identify the species described herein.
A reexamination of adults and larval stages of Diogenes nitidimanus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Diogenidae)
Authors: KORN OLGA M. , KORNIENKO ELENA S. , KOMAI TOMOYUKI
Published: May 2019

A redescription of adult and larval stages of diogenid hermit crab Diogenes nitidimanus Terao, 1913 is presented. Morphological similarities suggest that D. nitidimanus is allied to D. avarus Heller, 1865, D. granulatus Miers, 1880, D. ovatus Miers, 1881, D. pugilator (Roux, 1838) and D. rectimanus Miers, 1884. Diogenes nitidimanus can be distinguished from the latter four species by different armature or ornamentation of the left chela and/or the shape of the ambulatory dactyli. Zoeal and megalopal stages of this species are described from laboratory-reared material hatched from parental individuals collected from Peter the Great Bay, Russian Far East. Larval development in the Russian population is compared with that described for a population of this species from southern Japan. The developmental morphology between the two populations is generally similar, but some minor differences, which might be attributable to variability, are found. Larvae of D. nitidimanus are morphologically closest to those of D. avarus among eight species of Diogenes for which larval descriptions are available.
Two new genera of Pacific Paraboloponina leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Drabescini) with description of three new species
Authors: LU LIN , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , WEBB M. D. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: May 2019

Two new genera, Malaysiapona gen. nov. and Chandrapona gen. nov. of Paraboloponina leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Drabescini) with their unusally developed aedeagal base are described from the Pacific (Malaysia). The following new species are also described with the new genera: Malaysiapona brevipenis sp. nov. from Sabah, M. filamenta sp. nov., from Sarawak and Chandrapona vespertilis sp. nov. from Sabah.
Decomposing Shortwave Top-of-Atmosphere and Surface Radiative Flux Variations in Terms of Surface and Atmospheric Contributions
Authors: Loeb Norman G. , Wang Hailan , Rose Fred G. , Kato Seiji , Smith William L. , Sun-Mack Sunny
Published: May 2019

A diagnostic tool for determining surface and atmospheric contributions to interannual variations in top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflected shortwave (SW) and net downward SW surface radiative fluxes is introduced. The method requires only upward and downward radiative fluxes at the TOA and surface as input and therefore can readily be applied to both satellite-derived and model-generated radiative fluxes. Observations from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Energy Balanced and Filled (EBAF) Edition 4.0 product show that 81% of the monthly variability in global mean reflected SW TOA flux anomalies is associated with atmospheric variations (mainly clouds), 6% is from surface variations, and 13% is from atmosphere–surface covariability. Over the Arctic Ocean, most of the variability in both reflected SW TOA flux and net downward SW surface flux anomalies is explained by variations in sea ice and cloud fraction alone (r2 = 0.94). Compared to CERES, variability in two reanalyses—the ECMWF interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim) and NASA’s Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2)—show large differences in the regional distribution of variance for both the atmospheric and surface contributions to anomalies in net downward SW surface flux. For MERRA-2 the atmospheric contribution is 17% too large compared to CERES while ERA-Interim underestimates the variance by 15%. The difference is mainly due to how cloud variations are represented in the reanalyses. The overall surface contribution in both ERA-Interim and MERRA-2 is smaller than CERES EBAF by 15% for ERA-Interim and 58% for MERRA-2, highlighting limitations of the reanalyses in representing surface albedo variations and their influence on SW radiative fluxes.
On the Realism of the Rain Microphysics Representation of a Squall Line in the WRF Model. Part I: Evaluation with Multifrequency Cloud Radar Doppler Spectra Observations
Authors: Tridon Frédéric , Planche Céline , Mroz Kamil , Banson Sandra , Battaglia Alessandro , Van Baelen Joel , Wobrock Wolfram
Published: May 2019

This study investigates how multifrequency cloud radar observations can be used to evaluate the representation of rain microphysics in the WRF Model using two bulk microphysics schemes. A squall line observed over Oklahoma on 12 June 2011 is used as a case study. A recently developed retrieval technique combining observations of two vertically pointing cloud radars provides quantitative description of the drop size distribution (DSD) properties of the transition and stratiform regions of the squall-line system. For the first time, the results of this multifrequency cloud radar retrieval are compared to more conventional retrievals from a nearby polarimetric radar, and a supplementary result of this work is that this new methodology provides a much more detailed description of the DSD vertical and temporal variations. While the extent and evolution of the squall line is well reproduced by the model, the 1-h low-reflectivity transition region is not. In the stratiform region, simulations with both schemes are able to reproduce the observed downdraft and the associated significative subsaturation below the melting level, but with a slight overestimation of the relative humidity. Under this subsaturated air, the simulated rain mixing ratio continuously decreases toward the ground, in agreement with the observations. Conversely, the profiles of the mean volume diameter and the concentration parameter of the DSDs are not well reproduced. These discrepancies pinpoint at an issue in the representation of rain microphysics. The companion paper, investigates the sources of the biases in the microphysics processes in the rain layer by performing numerical sensitivity studies.
Perceived Preparedness of Facial Plastic Surgery Fellows Over Time: A Survey of AAFPRS Fellowship Directors
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-yen , O’Brien Daniel Columcille , Sykes Jonathan , Squires Lane Darwin
Published: May 2019

Objective:

Assess the effects of American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) resident work hour restrictions on the preparedness of incoming facial plastic surgery fellows as assessed by American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) fellowship directors.

Methods:

Observational survey study evaluating the perception of ACGME resident duty hour change on resident surgical and clinical skills from fellowship directors of AAFPRS fellowship programs in the US. A cross-sectional survey was sent to 47 fellowship directors of AAFPRS fellowship programs. Perceived change in resident clinical and surgical skills were measured using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = significantly improved, 2 = improved, 3 = neither improved nor worsened, 4 = worsened, 5 = significantly worsened) to evaluate 15 benchmarks.

Results:

Responses received from 36 fellowship directors. The results indicate no statistically significant perceived trend of ACGME duty hour reform on fellows for AAFPRS fellowships among fellowship directors. However, cohort analysis demonstrated that fellowship directors with more than 10 years of service perceived a more negative impact in 2 clinical benchmarks (assessment/planning and basic exposure) over time.

Conclusions:

The study results appear to show no significant perceived trend over time on the effect of duty hour reform on fellows for AAFPRS fellowships among fellowship directors. However, there are some apparent opinion differences between fellowship directors separated by years of service, with more negative perceptions noted in 2 clinical areas by those with more than 10 years of service. This study is in line with the more recent literature that suggests a trend toward a less negative perception of the duty hour change. This may suggest resident education is adapting to the ACGME duty hour regulations.