bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wildfire ignition from forestry machines in boreal Sweden
Authors: Sjöström Johan , Plathner Frida Vermina , Granström Anders
Published: July 2019

Several large Swedish wildfires during recent decades were caused by forestry machinery in operation, fires for which there is still no characterisation. We combined 18 years of data on dispatches, weather and fire danger and interviewed forestry workers to understand the spatial, temporal and weather distributions of these fires, and their underlying mechanisms. We estimate the average annual number of ignitions from forestry machinery in Sweden at 330–480 (2.0±0.4 ignitions per 1000ha clear-felling) of which 34.5 led to firefighter dispatches, constituting 2.2% of all forest fire dispatches and 40% of area burnt. Soil scarification causes the most ignitions and the main mechanism is likely high-inertia contact between discs and large stones, causing sparks igniting dry humus or moss, countering reports suggesting that such metal fragments cannot fulfil ignition requirements. We found a spatial relationship between forestry machine ignitions and abundance of large stones, represented by a Boulder Index generated from a nationwide dataset. Further, 75% of the dispatches occurred on days with relative humidity <45%, Duff Moisture Code (Canadian system) >26 and Fire Weather Index >12. 75% of the area burned when Fire Weather Index was >20. Results suggest machine-caused forest fires can be largely avoided by cancelling operations in stony terrain during high-risk weather.
Dendritic computations captured by an effective point neuron model
Authors: Li Songting , Liu Nan , Zhang Xiaohui , McLaughlin David W. , Zhou Douglas , Cai David
Published: July 2019

Complex dendrites in general present formidable challenges to understanding neuronal information processing. To circumvent the difficulty, a prevalent viewpoint simplifies the neuronal morphology as a point representing the soma, and the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents originated from the dendrites are treated as linearly summed at the soma. Despite its extensive applications, the validity of the synaptic current description remains unclear, and the existing point neuron framework fails to characterize the spatiotemporal aspects of dendritic integration supporting specific computations. Using electrophysiological experiments, realistic neuronal simulations, and theoretical analyses, we demonstrate that the traditional assumption of linear summation of synaptic currents is oversimplified and underestimates the inhibition effect. We then derive a form of synaptic integration current within the point neuron framework to capture dendritic effects. In the derived form, the interaction between each pair of synaptic inputs on the dendrites can be reliably parameterized by a single coefficient, suggesting the inherent low-dimensional structure of dendritic integration. We further generalize the form of synaptic integration current to capture the spatiotemporal interactions among multiple synaptic inputs and show that a point neuron model with the synaptic integration current incorporated possesses the computational ability of a spatial neuron with dendrites, including direction selectivity, coincidence detection, logical operation, and a bilinear dendritic integration rule discovered in experiment. Our work amends the modeling of synaptic inputs and improves the computational power of a modeling neuron within the point neuron framework.
Comment Clauses and mood choice in New York City Spanish
Authors: Viner Kevin Martillo
Published: July 2019

This paper focuses on Spanish grammatical mood variation in Comment Clauses (e.g.,es mejor que no vayas(subjunctive) /vas(indicative) ‘it’s better you not go’) in the speech of two generations in New York City. The data come from 36 participants, 18 from each of two generational cohorts. Carried out within the variationist-sociolinguistic research paradigm, we test grammatical mood against eight variables, four external (generation, region, speaker sex, language skill) and four internal (grammatical tense, clause type, lexical identity, negation). Statistical findings reveal that generation significantly conditions subjunctive use (the first generation has a significantly higher rate of use of subjunctive forms than does the second generation); English skill conditions first-generation subjunctive use (those with ‘good or excellent’ English skills have a higher subjunctive rate than those with ‘fair or poor’ English skills); clause type conditions both generations’ subjunctive use (impersonal constructions yield a higher subjunctive rate than personal constructions); lexical identity and negation in the matrix clause both condition first-generation use of mood (gustar‘to like’ favors the indicative;importar‘to be important’ andser+ impersonal expression ‘to be’ both favor the subjunctive). Generational differences are thus observed with respect to both social and linguistic conditioning factors.
‘Agreement of structural obliques’parameter
Authors: Manzini M. Rita , Franco Ludovico
Published: July 2019

We consider two sets of facts. The first is thatdomobjects may or may not agree with perfect participles in Indo-Aryan. The second is that (pseudo)partitive subjects may agree with the verb in the plural or not. We account for thedomparameter, basing on the assumption thatdomcorresponds to embedding of a DP under an oblique adposition: if P projects, thedomobject is labelled PP and does not agree; if D projects, it is labelled DP, projecting like any other DP. On the contrary, inherent datives, where P/K is lexically selected, must project P/K and are therefore not goals for Agree. We extend this labelling account to (pseudo)partitives, as well as to optionally agreeing oblique clitics in Romance.
Prolegomena to the study of object relations
Authors: Ormazabal Javier , Romero Juan
Published: July 2019

This paper argues that there is nothing “differential” in the licensing conditions of Differential Object Marking and outlines an analysis that unifiesdomwith dative object marking and with a broader set of “derived object”-marking configurations. We show that neither morphological nor syntactic distinctiveness can be the driving force fordom: accounts ofdomas a morphological distinctiveness device are inadequate diachronically and very unefficient functionally. Syntactic analyses that postulate DP-internal differences or construction-specific double-licensing conditions fail to capture the basic fact thatdomis a relation between the objects and the predicates selecting them. Precisely, the burden of our unified explanation falls on the checking requirements imposed to the DP complements by the structural heads selecting them.
Investigation of structural transformations of long-chain molecular crystals during phase transitions by IR-spectroscopy
Authors: Gureva S A , Marikhin V A
Published: July 2019

The dependence of IR absorption spectrum on the type of symmetry of crystallographic cells allows us to investigate the kinetics of the development of phase transitions. Using the proposed technique, confirmations of the structural first order phase transition are obtained and the existence of conformational defects is proved.
High-frequency relief holographic gratings created by exposing dichromated gelatin to short-wave UV radiation
Authors: Khazvalieva D R , Ganzherli N M , Gulyaev S N , Maurer I A
Published: July 2019

The possibility of creating effective relief holographic gratings with a high spatial frequency of 1500 mm−1 on the layers of dichromated gelatin (DCG) using the destructive effect of short-wave UV radiation on gelatin is shown for the first time.
Using the novel capable of SHS-reaction multilayer nanostructured material for soldering of lead-zirconate-titanate piezoceramic elements
Authors: Kvashenkina O E , Gabdullin P G , Osipov V S
Published: July 2019

A novel integrated approach of solving the problem of the high-quality electrically conductive fastening of lead-zirconate-titanate piezoelectric elements is proposed. The essence of the method is that the specially created reactive multilayer material is used both as an electrode and as a solder. The mentioned reactive material is deposited directly onto the piezoelements surfaces by means of vacuum magnetron sputtering.
Development of the gyrotron collector system with multistage energy recovery
Authors: Trofimov P A , Louksha O I
Published: July 2019

A collector system with 4-stage energy recovery for the 4-mm experimental gyrotron of SPbPU was developed. The utilized principles of spatial separation of the beam are described, as well as the main features of suggested collector system design. Feasibility study of the developed multistage energy recovery system was performed on the basis of electron beam trajectory analysis and simulation of electric and magnetic field distributions. This study proved that the suggested scheme is efficient and that the designed system is capable of successful operation. The possible problems associated with local magnetic field fluctuations and the method of their solution are discussed.
Phase portraits of a special class of dynamic systems in a Poincare circle
Authors: Andreeva I A , Efimova T O
Published: July 2019

In this paper, authors present results of the original investigation of a special class of dynamic systems with the reciprocal polynomial –cubic and square – right parts on a real plane. The global task was to construct all topologically different phase portraits in a Poincare circle with criteria of them. For such an aim a Poincare method of a central and orthogonal mappings has been used. Eventually above the two hundred of different phase portraits were constructed. Each and every portrait has been described in a table. Each line of a table describes one invariant cell of the phase portrait under consideration, its boundary, a source of its phase flow and a sink of it.
Pseudo-three-dimensional model for hydraulic fracturing with foams
Authors: Antonov I D
Published: July 2019

Pseudo-three-dimensional cell-based model for hydraulic fracturing with foams is presented. Accounting for compressibility and non-Newtonian rheology of the foam the obtained model introduces a simple and efficient method to compute the fracture growth in a layered rock formation for such complex fluids. Numerical results reveal an influence of the foam properties on the fracture propagation and predict the difference in proppant transport for the foam fracturing comparing to fracturing with ordinary fluids.
Methods for photoelastic determination of the stress intensity factors
Authors: Korihin N V
Published: July 2019

Methodologies for the stress intensity factors (SIF) photoelastic determination are described. Practical recommendations are given for correct SIF determination.
A heterostructure for resonant-cavity GaAs p-i-n photodiode with 840-860 nm wavelength
Authors: Rochas S S , Kolodeznyi E S , Kozyreva O A , Voropaev K O , Sudas D P , Novikov I I , Egorov A Yu
Published: July 2019

A heterostructure for resonant-cavity p-i-n photodiode was grown by molecular beam epitaxy and consists of light-absorbing GaAs i-layer between p- and n-emitter layers of AlGaAs. The heterostructure employs Bragg reflector with more than 95 % reflection coefficient at 840-860 nm wavelength. Photolithographic masks for chip fabrication were designed using optoelectronic and thermal phenomena simulation. Fabricated chips exhibit a bandwidth of 10 GHz and low dark current.
Cattle production in Southern Amazonia: implications for land and water management
Authors: Lathuillière Michael J , Solvik Kylen , Macedo Marcia N , Graesser Jordan , Miranda Eduardo J , Couto Eduardo G , Johnson Mark S
Published: July 2019

The expansion of cattle in central western Brazil has been under scrutiny because of the region’s historic reliance on Amazon and Cerrado deforestation for cropland and pastureland expansion. In this study, we determined the volumetric water footprint (VWF) and the land footprint (LF) of cattle in Mato Grosso state for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2014 using official statistics and remote sensing imagery. We found the average VWF of cattle for the time period to be 265–270 l kg−1 LW−1 (LW as live weight of cattle) and a LF which decreased from 71 to 47 m2 kg−1 LW−1. The largest contribution to VWF came from farm impoundments whose total area increased from roughly 46 000 to 51 000 ha between 2000 and 2014, leading to a total evaporation as high as 7.31 × 1011 l yr−1 in 2014. Analysis at the municipality level showed a tendency towards greater density of cattle with respect to both pasture area and impoundments. While cattle intensification on current pastureland is commonly viewed as a means to prevent further deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, we stress the need to also consider the increasing demand for water associated with a growing cattle herd and the potential appropriation of additional resources for feed for feedlot finishing. Land and water resource management need to be considered together for future planning of cattle intensification at the Brazilian agricultural frontier as illustrated by the footprints reported here.
Formation mechanism of a smooth, defect-free surface of fused silica optics using rapid CO2 laser polishing
Authors: Zhao Linjie , Cheng Jian , Chen Mingjun , Yuan Xiaodong , Liao Wei , Liu Qi , Yang Hao , Wang Haijun
Published: July 2019

Surface defects introduced by conventional mechanical processing methods can induce irreversible damage and reduce the service life of optics applied in high-power lasers. Compared to mechanical processing, laser polishing with moving beam spot is a noncontact processing method, which is able to form a defect-free surface. This work aims to explore the mechanism of forming a smooth, defect-free fused silica surface by high-power density laser polishing with coupled multiple beams. The underlying mechanisms of laser polishing was revealed by numerical simulations and the theoretical results were verified by experiments. The simulated polishing depth and machined surface morphology were in close agreement with the experimental results. To obtain the optimized polishing quality, the effects of laser polishing parameters (e.g. overlap rate, pulse width and polishing times) on the polishing quality were experimentally investigated. It was found that the processing efficiency of fused silica materials by carbon dioxide (CO2) laser polishing could reach 8.68 mm2 s−1, and the surface roughness (Ra) was better than 25 nm. Besides, the cracks on pristine fused silica surfaces introduced by initial grinding process were completely removed by laser polishing to achieve a defect-free surface. The maximum laser polishing rate can reach 3.88 μm s−1, much higher than that of the traditional mechanical polishing methods. The rapid CO2 laser polishing can effectively achieve smooth, defect-free surface, which is of great significance to improve the surface quality of fused silica optics applied in high-power laser facilities.
Towards scaling elementary flux mode computation
Authors: Ullah Ehsan , Yosafshahi Mona , Hassoun Soha
Published: July 2019

While elementary flux mode (EFM) analysis is now recognized as a cornerstone computational technique for cellular pathway analysis and engineering, EFM application to genome-scale models remains computationally prohibitive. This article provides a review of aspects of EFM computation that elucidates bottlenecks in scaling EFM computation. First, algorithms for computing EFMs are reviewed. Next, the impact of redundant constraints, sensitivity to constraint ordering and network compression are evaluated. Then, the advantages and limitations of recent parallelization and GPU-based efforts are highlighted. The article then reviews alternative pathway analysis approaches that aim to reduce the EFM solution space. Despite advances in EFM computation, our review concludes that continued scaling of EFM computation is necessary to apply EFM to genome-scale models. Further, our review concludes that pathway analysis methods that target specific pathway properties can provide powerful alternatives to EFM analysis.
Increased miRNA-518b inhibits trophoblast migration and angiogenesis by targeting EGR1 in early embryonic arrest†
Authors: Yang Wenmei , Lu Zhaoyi , Zhi Zhifu , Liu Liling , Deng Lingjie , Jiang Xiaoli , Pang Lihong
Published: July 2019

Evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in early embryonic development. The miRNA-518 family is a special biomarker of the placenta, and miRNA-518b is abnormally expressed in placental tissue in preeclampsia. Early growth response protein 1 (EGR1), a zinc finger transcriptional factor, plays an essential role in regulating cell differentiation, angiogenesis, and migration. Moreover, earlier studies have shown that EGR1 protein plays a key role in implantation. However, little is known about the role of miR-518b and EGR1 on early embryonic arrest (EEA) in humans. In our study, increased miR-518b along with decreased EGR1 was found in human villus tissues with EEA. Furthermore, we demonstrated by luciferase assay that miR-518b is a direct regulator of EGR1. After comparing the effect of silencing EGR1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) individually, and EGR1/VEGF in combination, we found that EGR1 can inhibit migration and angiogenesis of HTR-8 SVneo cells by decreasing the VEGF expression. Hypoxia plays an initial role in early embryonic development, and we found that hypoxia reduces the expression of miR-518b and increases the expression of EGR1 and VEGF to facilitate migration and angiogenesis in a hypoxic model of HTR-8/SVneo cell line. Our findings provide new insights into the role of miR-518b in EEA and implicate the potential application of miR-518b in the diagnosis and development of intervention for EEA.
Liquid Chromatographic Separation and Thermodynamic Investigation of Ethyl Nipecotate Enantiomers on Immobilized Amylose-Based Chiral Stationary Phase
Authors: Rane Vipul P , Ahirrao Vinod K , Patil Kiran R , Jadhav Arjun B , More Kiran B , Yeole Ravindra D
Published: July 2019

Ethyl nipecotate enantiomers are widely used as chiral building blocks in the synthesis of drug substances. An efficient and economic chiral high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of enantiomeric purity of ethyl nipecotate is developed and validated. Chiral separation was achieved on immobilized amylose-based stationary phase using a mixture of n-hexane: ethanol: diethylamine (80:20:0.1, v/v/v) as mobile phase. Resolution between R-(-)-ethyl nipecotate (REN) and S-(+)-ethyl nipecotate (SEN) peaks was found to be 3.59. The detector response of SEN exhibited an excellent linearity over the concentration range of 4.5–120 μg mL−1. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for SEN were 0.016 and 0.045 μg and REN were 0.015 and 0.043 μg, respectively. The influence of column oven temperatures on chiral retention and separation was studied in the range of 25°C to 50°C; the thermodynamic parameters ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG° were evaluated from van’t Hoff plots and used to explain the strength of interaction between analyte and stationary phase.
A priori power considerations in orthodontic research: a 3 year meta-epidemiologic study
Authors: Gratsia Sophia , Koletsi Despina , Fleming Padhraig S , Pandis Nikolaos
Published: July 2019

Aim

To assess the prevalence of a priori power calculations in orthodontic literature and to identify potential associations with a number of study characteristics, including journal, year of publication and statistical significance of the outcome.

Materials and methods

The electronic archives of four leading orthodontic journals with the highest impact factor (American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, AJODO; European Journal of Orthodontics, EJO; Angle Orthodontist, ANGLE; Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research, OCR) were assessed over a 3 year period until December 2018. The proportion of articles reporting a priori power calculations were recorded, and the association with journal, year of publication, study design, continent of authorship, number of centres and researchers, statistical significance of results and reporting of confidence intervals (CIs) was assessed. Univariable and multivariable regression were used to identify significant predictors.

Results

Overall, 654 eligible articles were retrieved, with the majority published in the AJODO (n = 246, 37.6%), followed by ANGLE (n = 222, 33.9%) and EJO (n = 139, 21.3%). A total of 233 studies (35.6%) presented power considerations a priori along with sample size calculations. Study design was a very strong predictor with interventional design presenting 3.02 times higher odds for a priori power assumptions compared to observational research [odds ratio (OR): 3.02; 95% CIs: 2.06, 4.42; P < 0.001].

Conclusions

Presentation of a priori power considerations for sample size calculations was not universal in contemporary orthodontic literature, while specific study designs such as observational or animal and in vitro studies were less likely to report such considerations.
Anisotropic energy and ultrasonic characteristics of black shale under triaxial deformation revealed utilizing real-time ultrasonic detection and post-test CT imaging
Authors: Wang Y , Feng W K , Zhao Z H , Zhang D
Published: July 2019

For evaluating the fracturing-related activities in a deep shale formation, it is important to investigate the effect of anisotropy on its geomechanical properties. Many effects have been performed to reveal the strength and deformation anisotropy of shale, however, the influence of bedding planes on the anisotropic energy evolution and velocity-energy dependency are still not well understood, especially under high confinement condition. In this study, triaxial compression tests with a high confining pressure of 60 MPa in combination with real-time ultrasonic detection and post-test CT scanning were performed to the shale samples cored along an angle of 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° with respect to bedding planes. The effect of the bedding orientation on the shale geomechanical, ultrasonic, energy dissipation and energy release characteristics are explored. The experimental results show that shale structural features highly affect the total energy, elastic energy and dissipated energy. The increasing trend of elastic energy shows a slow, fast and slow mode, and the dissipate energy increases rapidly near sample failure. Good correlations have been found among the P- and S-wave velocities and the elastic and dissipated strain energy. The mesostructural changes during deformation are considered to be the primary factor controlling the energy sensitivity to the velocities. CT images further reveal the anisotropic fracture pattern which is in good agreement with energy release and dissipation analysis. The analysis of the strain energy and velocities suggests that the strain energy evolution and fracture anisotropy are bedding orientation dependent.
Assessment of Mumps Virus-Specific Antibodies: Comparison of Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Estimates
Authors: Ravault Stéphanie , Friel Damien , Di Paolo Emmanuel , Caplanusi Adrian , Gillard Paul , Povey Michael , Carryn Stephane
Published: July 2019

Background

The plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), which measures a subset of immunoglobulin antibodies (functional neutralizing antibodies), and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which measures total immunoglobulin (neutralizing and nonneutralizing antibodies), characterize different aspects of the anti–mumps virus antibody response after vaccination.

Methods

Data from a recent phase 3 clinical trial (NCT01681992) of 2 measles-mumps-rubella vaccines were used to compare anti-mumps antibody responses measured using an unenhanced PRNT (GSK; seropositivity cutoff and threshold, 2.5 and 4 times the 50% end-point dilution, respectively) with those estimated using an ELISA (thresholds, 5 and 10 ELISA units/mL, respectively).

Results

Of 3990 initially seronegative samples, 3284 (82.3%) were seropositive after vaccination for anti-mumps antibodies in both assays. The Pearson correlation coefficient for double-positive samples was 0.57, indicative of a moderate correlation. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that an ELISA threshold of 51.7 ELISA units/mL best corresponded to the PRNT seroresponse threshold. There was no obvious vaccine brand effect on the correlation between assays.

Conclusions

The moderate correlation between the anti-mumps antibody measurements obtained with PRNT and ELISA reflects different aspects of the serological response. In the absence of a well-defined protective serological threshold, PRNT provides complementary information on the antibody response, whereas ELISA remains a critically useful measurement of vaccine immunogenicity.
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Luminal Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Panaccione Remo , Steinhart A Hillary , Bressler Brian , Khanna Reena , Marshall John K , Targownik Laura , Afif Waqqas , Bitton Alain , Borgaonkar Mark , Chauhan Usha , Halloran Brendan , Jones Jennifer , Kennedy Erin , Leontiadis Grigorios I , Loftus Edward V , Meddings Jonathan , Moayyedi Paul , Murthy Sanjay , Plamondon Sophie , Rosenfeld Greg , Schwartz David , Seow Cynthia H , Williams Chadwick , Bernstein Charles N
Published: July 2019

Background & Aims

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a lifelong illness with substantial morbidity, although new therapies and treatment paradigms have been developed. We provide guidance for treatment of ambulatory patients with mild to severe active luminal CD.

Methods

We performed a systematic review to identify published studies of the management of CD. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Statements were developed through an iterative online platform and then finalized and voted on by a group of specialists.

Results

The consensus includes 41 statements focused on 6 main drug classes: antibiotics, 5-aminosalicylate, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies, and other therapies. The group suggested against the use of antibiotics or 5-aminosalicylate as induction or maintenance therapies. Corticosteroid therapies (including budesonide) can be used as induction, but not maintenance therapies. Among immunosuppressants, thiopurines should not be used for induction, but can be used for maintenance therapy for selected low-risk patients. Parenteral methotrexate was proposed for induction and maintenance therapy in patients with corticosteroid-dependent CD. Biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor antagonists, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab, were recommended for patients failed by conventional induction therapies and as maintenance therapy. The consensus group was unable to clearly define the role of concomitant immunosuppressant therapies in initiation of treatment with a biologic agent.

Conclusions

Optimal management of CD requires careful patient assessment, acknowledgement of patient preferences, evidence-based use of existing therapies, and thorough assessment to define treatment success.
Towards Sustainability in Groundwater Use: An Exploration of Key Drivers Motivating the Adoption and Implementation of Policy and Regulation
Authors: Cuadrado-Quesada Gabriela , Rayfuse Rosemary
Published: July 2019

Groundwater resources have come under increasing pressure from overuse and pollution leading to declines in both quantity and quality. As a renewable resource, the continued availability of sufficient and clean groundwater depends on its sustainable use. However, groundwater use has often been unsustainable, and in many countries—both developing and developed—legal and policy frameworks for its sustainable use remain limited and their design and implementation are under-researched. This article examines the drivers that motivate the development and implementation of legal and policy frameworks capable of ensuring the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources. Case studies conducted in Australia and Costa Rica reveal four key drivers: (i) the existence of a water crisis, (ii) awareness—which leads to information, learning and monitoring, (iii) civic leadership to foster meaningful participation and, (iv) government research and funding in order to understand the complexity of groundwater.
Self-potential response characteristics of red sandstone samples under uniaxial compression
Authors: Yang Cai , Liu Shengdong , Yang Haiping
Published: July 2019

Deformation and rupture of rock mass under loading cause the variation of electric potential. Response characteristics of self-potential and stress during the complete stress-strain process of red sandstones play an important role in evaluating the stress state of sandstone on the basis of self-potential. Experimental results demonstrate that the stress of red sandstone under uniaxial compression is linearly correlated with the self-potential difference before the first inflection point in the initial stage of loading. The average variation rate of self-potential difference and stress is 0.1325 mV MPa−1. As the loading pressure gradually increases and enters the softening stage (before the maximum loading point), the catastrophic points of uniaxial loading stress correspond to the inflection point of self-potential. The self-potential of red sandstone varies in a range of 0–45.6 mV in that case and it fluctuates most significantly around the maximum loading point, with a range of 0.3–195.5 mV. In the end stage of loading, the macroscopic rupture of the red sandstone sample is complete, the self-potential of red sandstone fluctuates slightly around the maximum load point and then gradually stabilizes. Moreover, it is found that self-potentials change more significantly in the radial direction than in the axial direction in the uniaxial compression experiment, indicating that self-potentials generated by rock mass rupture are more sensitive in the radial direction. The rupture process of red sandstone can be dynamically represented by the tempo-spatial evolution profiles of self-potential.
Intrapuparial Development of Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Its Use in Forensic Entomology
Authors: da Silva Sabrina Machado , Moura Mauricio Osvaldo
Published: July 2019

In forensic entomology, the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimative is usually based on the oldest immature recovered from a local of death. The time spent by fly immatures in the intrapuparial period comprises more than 50% of their complete life cycles. An accurate estimate of the duration of this period will improve PMImin estimates. The blow fly Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani 1850) was found in six criminal cases in the city of Curitiba. Even though there is data on the morphology of the larval instars and developmental rate of H. semidiaphana, the intrapuparial period has not been investigated. Here, we provide a detailed description of the intrapuparial morphological changes of H. semidiaphana, which might be useful to estimate minimum PMI. Samples of H. semidiaphana in the intrapuparial period were obtained from immatures reared on an artificial diet in incubators adjusted to 25°C or 20°C temperature regimes. Blow fly puparia of H. semidiaphana were fixed at intervals of 3 and 6 h until emergence of the adult. The external morphological traits of sampled immatures were analyzed using light microscopy. Our analysis of the intrapuparial period of H. semidiaphana provided 21 traits from which nine were age informative. These nine characteristics divide the developmental time (144 h at 25°C and 192 h at 20°C) into smaller sections. The developmental data provided, together with the time line allows a practical way to make interspecific comparisons as well as to estimate the age of H. semidiaphana based on the intrapuparial development.
Comparison of the optical light curves of hydrogen-rich and hydrogen-poor type II supernovae
Authors: Pessi P J , Folatelli G , Anderson J P , Bersten M , Burns C , Contreras C , Davis S , Englert B , Hamuy M , Hsiao E Y , Martinez L , Morrell N , Phillips M M , Suntzeff N , Stritzinger M D
Published: July 2019

Type II supernovae (SNe II) show strong hydrogen features in their spectra throughout their whole evolution, while type IIb supernovae (SNe IIb) spectra evolve from dominant hydrogen lines at early times to increasingly strong helium features later on. However, it is currently unclear whether the progenitors of these SN types form a continuum in pre-SN hydrogen mass or whether they are physically distinct. SN light-curve morphology directly relates to progenitor and explosion properties such as the amount of hydrogen in the envelope, the pre-SN radius, the explosion energy, and the synthesized mass of radioactive material. In this work, we study the morphology of the optical-wavelength light curves of hydrogen-rich SNe II and hydrogen-poor SNe IIb to test whether an observational continuum exists between the two. Using a sample of 95 SNe (73 SNe II and 22 SNe IIb), we define a range of key observational parameters and present a comparative analysis between both types. We find a lack of events that bridge the observed properties of SNe II and IIb. Light-curve parameters such as rise times and post-maximum decline rates and curvatures clearly separate both SN types and we therefore conclude that there is no continuum, with the two SN types forming two observationally distinct families. In the V band a rise time of 17 d (SNe II lower and SNe IIb higher), and a magnitude difference between 30 and 40 d post-explosion of 0.4 mag (SNe II lower and SNe IIb higher) serve as approximate thresholds to differentiate both types.
Impact of foregrounds on H i intensity mapping cross-correlations with optical surveys
Authors: Cunnington Steven , Wolz Laura , Pourtsidou Alkistis , Bacon David
Published: July 2019

The future of precision cosmology could benefit from cross-correlations between intensity maps of unresolved neutral hydrogen (H i) and more conventional optical galaxy surveys. A major challenge that needs to be overcome is removing the 21cm foreground emission that contaminates the cosmological H i signal. Using N-body simulations, we simulate H i intensity maps and optical catalogues that share the same underlying cosmology. Adding simulated foreground contamination and using state-of-the-art reconstruction techniques, we investigate the impacts that 21cm foregrounds and other systematics have on these cross-correlations. We find that the impact a Fast Independent Component Analysis 21cm foreground clean has on the cross-correlations with spectroscopic optical surveys with well-constrained redshifts is minimal. However, problems arise when photometric surveys are considered: We find that a redshift uncertainty σz ≥ 0.04 causes significant degradation in the cross-power spectrum signal. We diagnose the main root of these problems, which relates to arbitrary amplitude changes along the line of sight in the intensity maps caused by the foreground clean and suggest solutions that should be applicable to real data. These solutions involve a reconstruction of the line-of-sight temperature means using the available overlapping optical data along with an artificial extension to the H i data through redshift to address edge effects. We then put these solutions through a further test in a mock experiment that uses a clustering-based redshift estimation technique to constrain the photometric redshifts of the optical sample. We find that with our suggested reconstruction, cross-correlations can be utilized to make an accurate prediction of the optical redshift distribution.
A statistically significant lack of debris discs in medium separation binary systems
Authors: Yelverton Ben , Kennedy Grant M , Su Kate Y L , Wyatt Mark C
Published: July 2019

We compile a sample of 341 binary and multiple star systems with the aim of searching for and characterizing Kuiper belt-like debris discs. The sample is assembled by combining several smaller samples studied in previously published work with targets from two unpublished Herschel surveys. We find that 38 systems show excess emission at 70 or 100 $\mu$m suggestive of a debris disc. While nine of the discs appear to be unstable to perturbations from their host binary based on a simple analysis of their inferred radii, we argue that the evidence for genuine instability is not strong, primarily because of uncertainty in the true disc radii, uncertainty in the boundaries of the unstable regions, and orbital projection effects. The binary separation distributions of the disc-bearing and disc-free systems are different at a confidence level of $99.4{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, indicating that binary separation strongly influences the presence of detectable levels of debris. No discs are detected for separations between ∼25 and 135 au; this is likely a result of binaries whose separations are comparable with typical disc radii clearing out their primordial circumstellar or circumbinary material via dynamical perturbations. The disc detection rate is $19^{+5}_{-3}{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for binaries wider than 135 au, similar to the published results for single stars. Only $8^{+2}_{-1}{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of systems with separations below 25 au host a detectable disc, which may suggest that planetesimal formation is inhibited in binaries closer than a few tens of au, similar to the conclusions of studies of known planet-hosting binaries.
Ultra-soft X-ray system for imaging the early cellular responses to X-ray induced DNA damage
Authors: Kochan Jakub A , van den Belt Matthias , von der Lippe Julia , Desclos Emilie C B , Steurer Barbara , Hoebe Ron A , Scutigliani Enzo M , Verhoeven Jan , Stap Jan , Bosch Ruben , Rijpkema Meindert , van Oven Carel , van Veen Henk A , Stellingwerf Irene , Vriend Lianne E M , Marteijn Jurgen A , Aten Jacob A , Krawczyk Przemek M
Published: July 2019

The majority of the proteins involved in processing of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) accumulate at the damage sites. Real-time imaging and analysis of these processes, triggered by the so-called microirradiation using UV lasers or heavy particle beams, yielded valuable insights into the underlying DSB repair mechanisms. To study the temporal organization of DSB repair responses triggered by a more clinically-relevant DNA damaging agent, we developed a system coined X-ray multi-microbeam microscope (XM3), capable of simultaneous high dose-rate (micro)irradiation of large numbers of cells with ultra-soft X-rays and imaging of the ensuing cellular responses. Using this setup, we analyzed the changes in real-time kinetics of MRE11, MDC1, RNF8, RNF168 and 53BP1—proteins involved in the signaling axis of mammalian DSB repair—in response to X-ray and UV laser-induced DNA damage, in non-cancerous and cancer cells and in the presence or absence of a photosensitizer. Our results reveal, for the first time, the kinetics of DSB signaling triggered by X-ray microirradiation and establish XM3 as a powerful platform for real-time analysis of cellular DSB repair responses.
Limited Access to On-Label Formulations of Buprenorphine for Chronic Pain as Compared with Conventional Opioids
Authors: Fishman Michael A , Scherer Ashley , Topfer Jacob , Kim Philip S H
Published: July 2019

Importance

Buprenorphine is a Schedule III analgesic that is recommended as the firstline long-acting opioid for the treatment of chronic pain due to its ceiling effect on respiratory depression, adverse effect profile, and analgesic efficacy. However, prescription drug coverage policies commonly require that patients try and fail multiple Schedule II conventional opioids before approval of on-label use of buprenorphine for chronic pain.

Design

A retrospective review was performed looking at coverage of buprenorphine in the forms of Butrans and Belbuca. Patient denial letters, web searches of insurance and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and an online tool (formularylookup.com) were used to assess the coverage and availability of buprenorphine for chronic pain.

Results

Unrestricted access to Butrans was reported for 42% of commercial lives and 11% of Medicare lives in all locations. Unrestricted access to Belbuca was reported for 53% of commercial lives and 23% of Medicare lives in all locations. Oxycodone immediate-release has unrestricted access for 84% of commercial plans and 97% of Medicare plans. Morphine extended-release has unrestricted access for 62% of commercial lives and 65% of Medicare lives.

Conclusions and Relevance

There are >17,000 prescription opioid–involved deaths each year in the United States. By substituting buprenorphine as the firstline treatment for chronic and even acute pain, there may be fewer prescribed conventional opioids in the United States. Schedule III buprenorphine formulations for chronic pain should be given unrestricted access for appropriate patients before considering a Schedule II opioid as a public health priority.
Validation of the PROFUND index to predict early post-hospital discharge mortality
Authors: Martín-Escalante M D , Quirós-López R , Martos-Pérez F , Olalla-Sierra J , Rivas-Ruiz F , Aguilar-García J A , Jiménez-Puente A , García-Alegría J
Published: July 2019

Background

The PROFUND index (PI) is a prognostic scale for polypathological patients at 12 months. The objective of the study was to validate the PI as a predictor of 1-year mortality in a current cohort of polypathological patients and analyse its prognostic usefulness in the short-term (1 month and 3 months) after discharge from Internal Medicine.

Design

We conducted a prospective observational study and all polypathological patients discharged from an Internal Medicine Department between 01 March 2016 and 28 February 2017 were enrolled.

Methods

The variables recorded for each patient were age, sex, diseases and diagnostic categories defining patients as polypathological patients, PI at discharge, number of hospital admissions, length of stay, vital status at 1 year, and date and place of death if applicable. Follow-up lasted 1 year from the time of enrolment.

Results

Six hundred and ten polypathological patients were enrolled. Mortality was 41% and the patients who died were older, their length of stay was longer and their PI was higher compared with those who survived. The discrimination of the PI for predicting mortality was good, with a C-statistic of 0.718 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–0.76]. In addition, a subgroup of patients with early mortality after discharge was identified, with a C-statistic of 0.74 (95% CI 0.67–0.80) at 30 days and 0.73 (95% CI 0.68–0.78) at 90 days.

Conclusions

The PI is a valid tool for predicting early and 1-year mortality in polypathological patients after discharge from Internal Medicine.
Integrating writing and mathematics: journaling to increase learning and enjoyment while reducing anxiety
Authors: McCarty Lindsey A , Faulkner Melissa S
Published: July 2019

The goal of our study is to take what previous research has reported as the benefit of pairing mathematics courses with writing across the curriculum initiatives and the inclusion of writing to learn activities, specifically journaling in calculus courses, and expand upon notions of student perceptions of the benefits of writing in math. Thus, the students in one of our Calculus 1 courses completed ten reflective journal entries, specifically summarizing topics learned and asking questions. Based on feedback in the last journal entry, we present results showing that student response to the journaling project was quite positive, with most the students indicating it helped them to learn calculus better, and about half indicating it made them enjoy the class more and/or have less anxiety. Last, journaling greatly increased communication between students and the professor, improving instruction and learning.
14Animal Studies
Authors: Iveson Richard
Published: July 2019

This chapter examines material published in the field of animal studies in 2018. Following on from concerns highlighted in last year’s account, we find an amplified urgency and pressure being brought to bear on the conservative ideological foundations of much of today’s pro-animal theory, along with increased emphasis being placed on guarding against an unwitting affirmation of certain normative functions as well as potential recuperation by incumbent power structures. Similarly, the pejorative charge of Kantian correlationism as reactionary and normative is coming under increasing pressure, with the indictment of conservative reaction being turned back against such scholars who employ the concept of correlationism in an attempt to bypass theory altogether. By way of contested conceptions of extinction and the diverse fables to which they give rise, I argue that animal studies has reached a point in its rapid evolution and growth whence it becomes imperative that we reconsider the directions and methodologies of the field as a whole, and as an academic discipline emerging from the era of high theory in Continental thought. In order to facilitate this, I have divided the chapter into four sections: Extinction (I), Extinction (II), Extinction 2.0, and Fragility.
The Role of a Host-Induced Arginase of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in Promoting Virulence on Rice
Authors: Zhang Yuqiang , Wu Guichun , Palmer Ian , Wang Bo , Qian Guoliang , Fu Zheng Qing , Liu Fengquan
Published: July 2019

The plant bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae causes bacterial blight of rice, which is one of the most destructive rice diseases prevalent in Asia and parts of Africa. Despite many years of research, how X. oryzae pv. oryzae causes bacterial blight of rice is still not completely understood. Here, we show that the loss of the rocF gene caused a significant decrease in the virulence of X. oryzae pv. oryzae in the susceptible rice cultivar IR24. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that rocF encodes arginase. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot assays revealed that rocF expression was significantly induced by rice and arginine. The rocF deletion mutant strain showed elevated sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide, reduced extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production, and reduced biofilm formation, all of which are important determinants for the full virulence of X. oryzae pv. oryzae, compared with the wild-type strain. Taken together, the results of this study revealed a mechanism by which a bacterial arginase is required for the full virulence of X. oryzae pv. oryzae on rice because of its contribution to tolerance to reactive oxygen species, EPS production, and biofilm formation.