bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trait means, trait plasticity and trait differences to other species jointly explain species performances in grasslands of varying diversity
Authors: Roscher Christiane , Gubsch Marlén , Lipowsky Annett , Schumacher Jens , Weigelt Alexandra , Buchmann Nina , Schulze Ernst‐Detlef , Schmid Bernhard
Published: November 2017

Functional traits may help to explain the great variety of species performances in plant communities, but it is not clear whether the magnitude of trait values of a focal species or trait differences to co‐occurring species are key for trait‐based predictions. In addition, trait expression within species is often plastic, but this variation has been widely neglected in trait‐based analyses. We studied functional traits and plant biomass of 59 species in 66 experimental grassland mixtures of varying species richness (Jena Experiment). We related mean species performances (species biomass and relative yield RY) and their plasticities along the diversity gradient to trait‐based pedictors involving mean species traits (Tmean), trait plasticities along the diversity gradient (Tslope), extents of trait variation across communities (TCV; coefficient of variation) and hierarchical differences (Tdiff) and trait distances (absolute values of trait differences Tdist) between focal and co‐occurring species. Tmean (30–55%) and Tdiff (30–33%) explained most variation in mean species performances and their plasticities, but Tslope (20–25%) was also important in explaining mean species performances. The mean species traits and the trait differences between focal species and neighbors with the greatest explanatory power were related to plant size and stature (shoot length, mass:height ratios) and leaf photosynthetic capacity (specific leaf area, stable carbon isotopes and leaf nitrogen concentration). The contribution of trait plasticities in explaining species performances varied in direction (positive or negative) and involved traits related to photosynthetic capacity, nitrogen acquisition (nitrogen concentrations and stable isotopes) as well as structural stability (shoot carbon concentrations). Our results suggest that incorporating plasticity in trait expression as well as trait differences to co‐occurring species is critical for extending trait‐based analyses to understand the assembly of plant communities and the contribution of individual species in structuring plant communities.
Current state and future of pediatric allergology in Europe: A road map
Authors: Tsilochristou Olympia , Maggina Paraskevi , Zolkipli Zaraquiza , Sanchez Garcia Silvia , Uysal Pinar , Alvaro Lozano Montserrat , Atanaskovic‐Markovic Marina , Baghdasaryan Astghik , Beyer Kirsten , DuToit George , Gerth van Wijk Roy , Høst Arne , O'Hourihane Jonathan , Ingemann Lars , Kivistö Juho E. , Lopes dos Santos Jose Manuel , Melén Erik , Muraro Antonella , Nieto Antonio , Pajno Giovanni , Rose Klaus , Réthy Lagos A. , Sackesen Cansin , Schmid Grendelmeier Peter , Valovirta Erkka , Wickman Magnus , Eigenmann Philippe A. , Wahn Ulrich , van der Poel Lauri‐Ann
Published: November 2017

The history of pediatric allergology (PA) in Europe is relatively youthful, dating back to 1984, when a small group of pediatricians founded the European Working Group on Pediatric Allergy and Immunology—later giving rise to ESPACI (European Society on Pediatric Allergology and Clinical Immunology). In 1990, the first dedicated journal, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (PAI), was founded. There are striking differences across Europe, and even within European countries, in relation to the training pathways for doctors seeing children with allergic disease(s). In 2016, the EAACIClemens von Pirquet Foundation (CvP) organized and sponsored a workshop with the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Pediatric Section. This collaboration focussed on the future of PA and specifically on education, research, and networking/ advocacy. The delegates representing many countries across Europe have endorsed the concept that optimal care of children with allergic diseases is delivered by pediatricians who have received dedicated training in allergy, or allergists who have received dedicated training in pediatrics. In order to meet the needs of children and families with allergic disease(s), the pediatric allergist is highly encouraged to develop several networks. Our challenge is to reinforce a clear strategic approach to scientific excellence to across our member base and to ensure and enhance the relevance of European pediatric research in allergy. With research opportunities in basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiologic trials, more trainees and trained specialists are needed and it is an exciting time to be a pediatric allergologist.
Association of prenatal folate status with early childhood wheeze and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Roy A. , Kocak M. , Hartman T. J. , Vereen S. , Adgent M. , Piyathilake C. , Tylavsky F. A. , Carroll K. N.
Published: November 2017

Background

Prenatal folic acid supplementation is recommended to prevent birth defects. Some foods are fortified in the USA to ensure sufficient intake among reproductive‐aged women. However, high prenatal folate exposure may be a risk factor for childhood atopic diseases. We investigated associations between prenatal folate and early childhood wheeze and atopic dermatitis in a US cohort.

Methods

We studied 858 mother‐child dyads, enrolled prenatally. Folate was measured in 2nd and 3rd trimester maternal plasma. Parents reported current wheeze (previous 12 months) and healthcare provider diagnosis of atopic dermatitis at 3 years. We examined associations using logistic regression, modeling folate continuously and dichotomously (< or ≥20 ng/mL), a level often considered supraphysiologic.

Results

Over half of women were African American and on Medicaid. Median (interquartile range) folate levels were 22.6 (15.9‐30.0) and 23.1 (16.1‐30.0) ng/mL for 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively. Current wheeze and atopic dermatitis were reported for 20.4% and 26.8% of children, respectively. Second trimester folate as a continuous exposure was not significantly associated with outcomes. Decreased odds of current wheeze were observed in children born to mothers who had 2nd trimester folate ≥20 ng/mL (adjusted odds ratios = 0.67, 95% confidence interval = 0.46, 0.97) compared to children with maternal levels <20 ng/mL. Third trimester folate was not associated with outcomes.

Conclusions

High plasma folate in mid‐pregnancy was associated with decreased odds of current wheeze at age 3. Our findings do not support harmful effects of high prenatal folate levels on childhood atopic diseases in this setting.
Trajectory of spirometric and exhaled nitric oxide measurements in Chinese schoolchildren with asthma
Authors: Leung Ting F. , Tang Man F. , Leung Agnes S. Y. , Tam Wilson W. S. , Sy Hing Y. , Wong Gary W. K.
Published: November 2017

Background

Lung function growth occurs in most asthmatic children. A subgroup has subnormal lung function trajectory, but such data are limited in children. This prospective study characterized longitudinal changes of spirometric indices and fractional exhaled nitric oxide level (FeNO) among asthmatic children and identified their genetic and environmental determinants.

Methods

Chinese asthmatic children recruited from pediatric clinics underwent 5‐year follow‐up for pre‐bronchodilator spirometric indices and FeNO. Fourteen asthma‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. Generalized estimating equation was used to analyze longitudinal changes of spirometric indices and FeNO.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐three asthmatic children, aged 9.7 (1.9) years, had significant annual decline of 1.3% for forced vital capacity (FVC) and annual increase of 1.2% and 3.6% for FEV1/FVC and FEF25‐75, respectively. Patients who received inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) had 2.4% lower baseline FEV1/FVC but 0.81% higher annual increase in FEV1. Body mass index (BMI) was associated inversely with FEV1/FVC but positively with FEV1% and FVC% changes. Asthma exacerbation was associated with lower FEV1% and FVC% but not their longitudinal changes. When classified by FEV1 curve, one‐quarter of patients had reduced lung function growth which was associated with female gender and lower spirometric and higher FeNO values at baseline. IL33_rs1342326 was associated with spirometric indices and FeNO, whereas GSDMB_rs2305480 was significantly associated with FEV1/FVC change.

Conclusion

Asthmatic children have annual decline in FVC and increase in FEV1/FVC and FEF25‐75. Their lung function trajectory is influenced by gender, ICS treatment, BMI, and asthma exacerbations. IL33 and GSDMB may be candidate genes for their lung function growth.
Causal discovery algorithms: A practical guide
Authors: Malinsky Daniel , Danks David
Published: November 2017

Many investigations into the world, including philosophical ones, aim to discover causal knowledge, and many experimental methods have been developed to assist in causal discovery. More recently, algorithms have emerged that can also learn causal structure from purely or mostly observational data, as well as experimental data. These methods have started to be applied in various philosophical contexts, such as debates about our concepts of free will and determinism. This paper provides a “user's guide” to these methods, though not in the sense of specifying exact button presses in a software package. Instead, we explain the larger “pipeline” within which these methods are used and discuss key steps in moving from initial research idea to validated causal structure.
Managed grazing is an effective strategy to restore habitat for the endangered autumn buttercup (Ranunculus aestivalis)
Authors: Skopec Michele M. , Lewinsohn Jennifer , Sandoval Tyson , Wirick Clint , Murray Sheila , Pence Valerie , Whitham Linda
Published: November 2017

The only protected habitat of the endangered autumn buttercup is a small, overgrown, wet meadow that no longer supports the species. We used an experimentally driven reintroduction to examine the role of rodent herbivory in limiting the survival and establishment of autumn buttercup at the site. We evaluated the effectiveness of livestock grazing and cages to exclude rodents by comparing survival of caged and uncaged transplants under two pasture management treatments (grazed vs. ungrazed). We found that transplant survival was greatest for caged plants in grazed pasture with 50% of plants surviving to the end of the second growing season. Grazing increased the species richness in the plant community and decreased the amount of cover for small mammals. Accordingly, rodent density and vole herbivory in late summer were significantly lower on grazed pasture. Our results indicate that rodent herbivores represent a major threat to the survival and reestablishment of autumn buttercup and livestock grazing and protective caging are effective strategies to reduce rodent populations and vole herbivory.
Radial and stand‐level thinning treatments: 15‐year growth response of legacy ponderosa and Jeffrey pine trees
Authors: Hood Sharon M. , Cluck Daniel R. , Jones Bobette E. , Pinnell Sean
Published: November 2017

Restoration efforts to improve vigor of large, old trees and decrease risk to high‐intensity wildland fire and drought‐mediated insect mortality often include reductions in stand density. We examined 15‐year growth response of old ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) trees in northeastern California, U.S.A. to two levels of thinning treatments compared to an untreated (control) area. Density reductions involved radial thinning (thinning 9.1 m around individual trees) and stand thinning. Annual tree growth in the stand thinning increased immediately following treatment and was sustained over the 15 years. In contrast, radial thinning did not increase growth, but slowed decline compared to control trees. Available soil moisture was higher in the stand thinning than the control for 5 years post‐treatment and likely extended seasonal tree growth. Our results show that large, old trees can respond to restoration thinning treatments, but that the level of thinning impacts this response. Stand thinning must be sufficiently intensive to improve old tree growth and health, in part due to increasing available soil moisture. Importantly, focusing stand density reductions around the immediate neighborhood of legacy trees was insufficient to elicit a growth response, calling into question treatments attempting to increase vigor of legacy trees while still maintaining closed canopies in dry, coniferous forest types. Although radial thinning did not affect tree growth rates, this treatment may still achieve other resource objectives not studied here, such as protecting wildlife habitat, reducing the risk of severe fire injury, and decreasing susceptibility to bark beetle attacks.
Playing papal politics: senatorial and monastic allies in early modern Bologna
Authors: Callegari Danielle , McHugh Shannon
Published: November 2017

As has been well established, Bologna and Rome maintained a contentious relationship during the early modern period. Though technically under the sovereignty of the Church, Bologna clung obdurately to its republican past, enabled by both cultural tradition and legal loophole, leading historians to label it a ‘republic by contract’. However, scholars have yet to grapple with the ways Bolognese women, especially women religious, participated in this pro‐civic, anti‐papal network. At the same time that the senators of Bologna, though often divided by factionalism, were unified in their disdain for the tightening of the papal collar, cloistered women found themselves under assault by a Church endeavoring to limit their autonomy in the tense decades following the Council of Trent (1545–63). This environment set the stage for a natural, if unexpected, alliance between the city's senate and its nuns. The two groups perceived the encroaching papal power as a threat to their sovereignty, and both recognized the strength that could be derived from a united Bolognese front. A batch of previously unstudied archival letters in Bologna's Archivio di Stato documents this partnership, revealing senatorial and monastic parties negotiating fruitfully – and with surprising parity – in the public sphere.
What Is Local Food Entrepreneurship? Variations in the Commercially and Socially Oriented Features of Entrepreneurship in the Southeastern Arizona Local Food System
Authors: Mars Matthew M. , Schau Hope Jensen
Published: November 2017

Entrepreneurial activities are sometimes framed as market‐based strategies that compromise the integrity of the movement against the global agrifood system. Other times, scholars have argued that entrepreneurship is a critical component of local food system viability. This study helps reconcile these conflicting views through a qualitative exploration of the variations in the commercially and socially oriented features of local food entrepreneurship in the southeastern Arizona local food system. Researchers gathered data between August 2014 and December 2016 through semistructured interviews with and direct observations of 36 southeastern Arizona local food entrepreneurs. A conceptual continuum that articulates the variations between commercial and social entrepreneurship according to market condition, mission, resource mobilization, and performance measurement guides the exploration. The findings reveal commercial and social variations in local food entrepreneurship to be assorted, yet synergistic enactments of the economic, environmental, and social conditions and principles that characterize the southeastern Arizona local food system. The findings push the local food entrepreneurship narrative beyond the limitations of a rigid activist‐market dichotomy by illuminating the synergistic complexities that influence the form and function of local food systems. The article discusses implications for both local food practitioners and scholars.
Healing of self‐inflicted thermal injury of palatal mucosa by low‐level laser therapy
Authors: Ahad Abdul , Tasneem Shazra , Lamba Arundeep Kaur , Khan Saif
Published: November 2017

Self‐inflicted injury to oral mucosa is a rare entity. These injuries can be premeditated, accidental, or can result from an abnormal habit. These uncommon gingival injuries can sometimes test the clinician's diagnostic abilities as well as treatment planning skills. In conventional treatment, removal of etiology and application of topical drugs is usually sufficient for healing. However, some cases require alternative or adjunctive wound healing methods. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has been reported to be effective in pain management and improvement in wound healing through promotion, fortification, and commissioning of cellular cycle to generate productive and substitute cells. This report presents a case of 25‐year‐old female with complaints of a painful, nonhealing wound on the palate for last 6 months. She had an unusual habit of keeping burning matchsticks in her mouth. Although she had quit the habit 2 months ago after psychiatric counseling, the wound on her palate did not show any improvement in symptoms. Based on the history and clinical findings, diagnosis of chronic wound by self‐inflicted thermal injury was made. LLLT was administered on the wound every 48 hours for next 10 days. The burn wound healed completely after five applications of LLLT.
Anderson’s Restriction of Deontic Modalities to Contingent Propositions
Authors: Pascucci Matteo
Published: November 2017

The deontic status of tautologies and contradictions is one of the major puzzles for authors of early works on deontic logic. It is well‐known that von Wright (1951) addresses this problem by adopting a Principle of Deontic Contingency, which says that tautologies are not necessarily obligatory and contradictions are not necessarily forbidden. A more radical solution is proposed by Anderson (1956) within a reductionist approach to deontic logic and consists in restricting the range of application of deontic modalities to contingent propositions. Anderson’s solution has not received much attention in the literature, despite reflecting a typical feature of ordinary deontic reasoning, where non‐contingent propositions are rarely, if ever, taken into account. In the present article we explore some of its formal consequences, providing a taxonomy of the properties of the Andersonian operators of obligation and permission for contingent propositions, O′ and P′, in the class of normal alethic systems.
Genomewide association study of HLA alloimmunization in previously pregnant blood donors
Authors: Seielstad Mark , Page Grier P. , Gaddis Nathan , Lanteri Marion , Lee Tzong‐Hae , Kakaiya Ram , Barcellos Lisa F. , Criswell Lindsey A. , Triulzi Darrell , Norris Philip J. , Busch Michael P. ,   for the NHLBI REDS‐III Study Investigators
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Alloimmunization through blood transfusion, transplantation, or circulating fetal cells during pregnancy is a significant concern. Some exposed individuals make alloantibodies while others do not, implying variation in genetic risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a genomewide association study (GWAS) of 9,427,497 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify genetic variants for HLA alloimmunization in previously pregnant blood donors with (n = 752) and without (n = 753) HLA Class I or II alloantibodies.

RESULTS

A SNP in the neurexophilin 2 (NXPH2) gene surpassed genome‐wide significance (p = 2.06 × 10−8), with multiple adjacent markers p < 10−6, for women with anti‐Class I alloantibodies only. Little is currently known about the function of NXPH2, although gene family members have been shown to impact immunity. SNPs in the E2F7 gene, a transcription factor related to cell cycle control and cellular proliferation, also approached genomewide significance (p = 2.5 × 10−7).

CONCLUSION

Further work to extend the GWAS approach and to characterize variants in NXPH2 and E2F7 in the context of alloantibody formation is warranted.
TRIBOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF PALM KERNEL OIL WITH ADDITION OF POUR POINT DEPRESSANTS AS A LUBRICANT USING FOUR-BALL TRIBOTESTER UNDER VARIABLE LOAD TEST
Authors: Y. Aiman, , S. Syahrullail, , Yahya W. J.
Published: November 2017

The growing of worldwide trend for promoting the use of the renewable material such as vegetable oil is due to the increasing concern about environmental damage that caused by the use of mineral oil which is not biodegradable. Vegetable oil has a potential to replace mineral oil as a lubricant because of its specific properties that is non-toxic and biodegradable. The main problem in using vegetable oil is having poor low temperature performance. In this research palm kernel oil (PKO) that behave a semi solid phase is used as a bio lubricant mixing with different weightage percentage of poor point depressant (PPD) to investigate the low temperature behaviour performance and also to determine the effect of lubricity performance when blended with different percentage of PPD (5w%, 10wt%, 20wt% and 30wt %). The experiment is according to ASTM D4172 with variation load test. The result of the experiment show that for low temperature performance, PKO with 20wt%PPD (A2-20%) and 30wt%PPD (A2-30%) show great performance which can withstand 15℃. The sample A2-20% shows good lubricity performance in terms of coefficient of friction compare to the other sample. The lubricity performance in terms of wear scar diameter (WSD) it can see that the different percentage PPD do not affect the WSD properties of the pure palm kernel oil. The most consistent and the desired value of the sample in terms of surface roughness is A2-5% and A2-10% where the surface roughness value is stable through the entire load test.
THE EFFECT OF VORTEX GENERATOR BASE LENGTH ON THERMAL HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE ACROSS FIN-AND-TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER
Authors: Md Salleh Mohd Fahmi , Abdul Wahid Mazlan , Ghazanfari Seyed Alireza
Published: November 2017

Heat transfer enhancement is believed can be achieved by using vortex generator. In the past decades, many researches have been performed to investigate the effect of various vortex generator geometry and parameters including vortex generator angle of attack and height. However, less study has been conducted to investigate the influence of vortex generator length at different arrangement towards the heat transfer performance across the fin-and-tube heat exchanger (FTHE). Therefore, the effects of different strategy on the rectangular winglet vortex generator (RWVG) base length towards the thermal hydraulic performance across the FTHE were numerically investigated in this study. Two types of RWVG arrangement known as common flow down (CFD) or common flow up (CFU) arrangement were used and placed behind four rows of tube in inline arrangement. Total of 7 cases were investigated including the default RWVG, extended front and extended back for both RWVG in CFD and CFU arrangement together with FTHE without vortex generator which was set as the baseline case. The Reynolds number ranged from 500 to 900. It was found that the size of the wake region behind the RWVG contributed to the additional pressure drop penalty across the FTHE. Meanwhile, different thermal characteristics were found for different base length strategy in CFD and CFU arrangement. For RWVG arranged in CFD and CFU arrangement, the extended back case shows the highest heat transfer enhancement with 5 – 25 % and 5 – 15 % increment compared to the baseline case respectively. Based on JF factor evaluation, default RWVG in CFU arrangement provide better heat transfer enhancement than the pressure drop penalty compared to other RWVG cases with average JF factor value is 0.8. Nonetheless, none of the tested cases shows higher JF factor value than the baseline case.
EFFECT OF HEAT TREATMENT ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTROLESS ACTIVATED CARBON-NICKEL OXIDE NANOCOMPOSITES
Authors: Moshood Abioye Adekunle , Faraji Soheila , Ani Farid Nasir
Published: November 2017

Over the years, different experimental techniques have been employed to prepared activated carbon-metal oxide composite materials. However, some of these methods entail cutting-edge equipment and long processing time which may result in the destruction of the carbon structure. Electroless plating, which is a simple and efficient method, have been used to deposit nickel oxide nanoparticles on activated carbon prepared from oil palm shell (OPS) using microwave –assisted CO2 activation. The nanocomposites have been heated at various temperatures (300, 400 and 500 oC) for 1 and 2 h. The prepared activated carbon has BET surface area and total pore volume of 574.37 m2 g-1 and 0.244 cm3 g-1, respectively. The optimum heat treatment temperature has been found to be 400 oC. Also, the weight percent composition of nickel has been shown to increase with increase in treatment time.
Investor Sentiment: Too Contagious to Ignore?
Authors: Soebhag Amar
Published: November 2017

This article empirically investigates the role of investor sentiment as a determinant of financial contagion during crises periods. The focus is on developed equity markets as well as emerging equity markets during 1990-2015. By using a multivariate GARCH methodology, cross-equity market correlations are documented to be substantially increasing during financial crises. Investor sentiment is negatively related cross-equity market correlation. This inverse relationship becomes even stronger during times of financial crises, indicating the existence of financial contagion. This finding can be motivated by loss-averse and ambiguity-averse investors in equity markets. The relationship between investor sentiment and cross-equity market correlation persists after controlling for trade linkages, financial linkages, and other macroeconomic similarities between countries. The findings are robust to changes in crises definition.
Analytical Procedures Phase of PCAOB Audits: A Note of Caution in Selecting the Forecasting Model
Authors: Gaber Mohamed , Lusk Edward J.
Published: November 2017

The best-practices execution of PCAOB audits requires the use of Analytical Procedures at the Planning and the Substantive Phases. This often finds the auditor using the standard OLS two-parameter linear regression forecasting model [OLSR] to project account-values from the Planning Phase to balances expected at Year-End so as to effect a variance analysis at the Substantive Phase. This is the point of departure of our study. We examine the practical effect of using the OLSR model in a time-series context of the audit. Specifically, this research report provides information on the use of the OLSR model as the model of choice in the audit context compared to the ARIMA(0,2,2)/Holt model which is usually the standard choice for an exponential smoothing model in the presence of autocorrelation of data in the time-stream; autocorrelation is the usual case for longitudinal series taken in the audit. Results: We find that there are reasons to condition the selection of the forecasting model in the Analytical Procedures context based upon autocorrelation in the data-stream. When the time-stream of data exhibits autocorrelation the OLSR model fails in a statistically significant manner to capture the next or one-period ahead client value at the same rate as does the ARIMA/Holt model. This then has implications for the False Negative Investigation Error.
Respiratory regulation by steroids in newborn rats: a sex‐specific balance between allopregnanolone and progesterone receptors
Authors: Joseph Vincent , Uppari NagaPraveena , Kouchi Hayet , De Bruyn Celia , Boukari Ryma , Bairam Aida
Published: November 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the contributions of allopregnanolone, the neuroactive metabolite of progesterone, and nuclear (nPR) and membrane (mPR) progesterone receptors to the respiratory effect of progesterone in newborn rats?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Acute progesterone injection increases the apnoea frequency, whereas finasteride (which blocks the conversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone) reduces apnoea frequency. An nPR agonist decreases apnoea frequency in males and an mPR agonist decreases apnoea frequency in males and females. Chronic injection of progesterone decreases the frequency of apnoea more efficiently in males than in females.

We tested the hypothesis that the effects of progesterone on apnoea frequency in newborn rats are the result of a balance between its neuroactive metabolite, allopregnanolone (GABAA receptor modulator), and progesterone receptors. We used male and female rats between 10 and 12 days of age and recorded respiratory and metabolic parameters (whole‐body plethysmography), and assessed the frequency and duration of apnoeas in normoxia. We tested the effects of a single injection of progesterone (4 mg kg−1, i.p.), finasteride (10 mg kg−1, i.p.; a 5α‐reductase antagonist, which blocks the conversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone), finasteride plus progesterone, or agonists of the nuclear or membrane progesterone receptors (R5020 or Org‐od‐02‐0, 4 mg kg−1). To test the hypothesis that chronic exposure to progesterone reduces the frequency of apnoeas, we used male and female rats treated daily with progesterone between postnatal days 3 and 12. The acute injection of progesterone reduced minute ventilation and metabolic rate and increased the frequency of apnoeas. Finasteride decreased the frequency of apnoeas, and finasteride plus progesterone did not increase apnoea frequency but decreased minute ventilation in female rats. Although R5020 decreased apnoea frequency only in males, Org‐od‐02‐0 decreased apnoea frequency in males and females and decreased respiratory frequency in females. Chronic progesterone treatment reduced apnoea frequency more efficiently in males than in females, but in females (not in males) an acute injection of caffeine (the gold standard for the treatment of apnoea in preterm neonates) further reduced apnoea frequency. Apnoea frequency in newborn rats is, in part, determined by a sex‐specific balance between allopregnanolone, GABAA receptors and progesterone receptors.
Drag Reducing Flows by Polymer Solutions in Annular Spaces
Authors: Luiz Costalonga Michell , Venturini Loureiro Bruno , Soares Edson J.
Published: November 2017

We analyze the use of water solutions of Xanthan Gum (XG) for drag reduction (DR) in annular spaces. We provide a direct quantitative comparison between the DR in an annulus and that in straight tubes. We can fairly compare the data from the two geometries by using the general definition of the Reynolds number, which is independent of the geometry. With such a definition, the product of the friction factor by Re is a constant in laminar flows. Moreover, the friction factor for a turbulent flow of Newtonian fluids in an annulus fits Colebrook's correlation. Our main results show that the DR is more pronounced in annular pipes than tubes. We believe this is due to the relative increase of the buffer zone in an annular geometry.
Experimental Study of the Francis Turbine Pressure Fluctuations and the Pressure Fluctuations Superposition Phenomenon Inside the Runner
Authors: Gao Zhongxin , Zhu Wenruo , Meng Long , Zhang Jianguang , Zhang Fei , Pan Luoping , Lu Li
Published: November 2017

The pressure fluctuations in both the rotating runner and the other fixed components in a model Francis turbine under various loads were experimentally measured by means of onboard measuring equipment in the runner and data storage device on the shaft in this study. Large pressure fluctuations were observed under both small guide vane opening and large guide vane opening conditions. Flow separation at the blade suction surface led to large pressure fluctuations for small guide vane openings, the unsteady flow around the inlet on the blade pressure side led to large pressure fluctuations for large openings. The pressure fluctuations correlation between the runner and other components of the turbine, mainly the draft tube, was analyzed in detail for both small guide vane opening (12 deg) and large guide vane opening (30 deg). The results show that the pressure fluctuations in the runner space increased by the superposition of draft tube vortex rope pressure fluctuations and runner inter blade vortices pressure fluctuations, resulting in much larger pressure fluctuations in the runner space than in other components.
Climate change and water management in the biblical city of Dan
Authors: Kaniewski David , Marriner Nick , Ilan David , Morhange Christophe , Thareani Yifat , Van Campo Elise
Published: November 2017

Past climate shifts in water-stressed areas show that stagnant water could be a health threat in the context of global change.
Survey of archaea in the body reveals other microbial guests
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: November 2017

Methane producers in the gut may contribute to disease.
Ten-month-old infants infer the value of goals from the costs of actions
Authors: Liu Shari , Ullman Tomer D. , Tenenbaum Joshua B. , Spelke Elizabeth S.
Published: November 2017

Ranking valuations on the basis of observed choices

Obliged to make a choice between two goals, we evaluate the benefits of achieving the goals compared with the costs of the actions required before deciding what to do. This seems perfectly straightforward, and it is unsurprising to learn that we can also apply this reasoning to others; that is, someone that we see choosing a goal that requires a more costly action must value that goal more highly. What is remarkable, as Liu
et al.
report, is that preverbal children can reason in this same fashion.

Science
, this issue p.
1038
Structure-property relationships from universal signatures of plasticity in disordered solids
Authors: Cubuk E. D. , Ivancic R. J. S. , Schoenholz S. S. , Strickland D. J. , Basu A. , Davidson Z. S. , Fontaine J. , Hor J. L. , Huang Y.-R. , Jiang Y. , Keim N. C. , Koshigan K. D. , Lefever J. A. , Liu T. , Ma X.-G. , Magagnosc D. J. , Morrow E. , Ortiz C. P. , Rieser J. M. , Shavit A. , Still T. , Xu Y. , Zhang Y. , Nordstrom K. N. , Arratia P. E. , Carpick R. W. , Durian D. J. , Fakhraai Z. , Jerolmack D. J. , Lee Daeyeon , Li Ju , Riggleman R. , Turner K. T. , Yodh A. G. , Gianola D. S. , Liu Andrea J.
Published: November 2017

Behavioral universality across size scales

Glassy materials are characterized by a lack of long-range order, whether at the atomic level or at much larger length scales. But to what extent is their commonality in the behavior retained at these different scales? Cubuk
et al.
used experiments and simulations to show universality across seven orders of magnitude in length. Particle rearrangements in such systems are mediated by defects that are on the order of a few particle diameters. These rearrangements correlate with the material's softness and yielding behavior.

Science
, this issue p.
1033
Creation of a Bose-condensed gas of
87
Rb by laser cooling
Authors: Hu Jiazhong , Urvoy Alban , Vendeiro Zachary , Crépel Valentin , Chen Wenlan , Vuletić Vladan
Published: November 2017

Packing rubidium into quantum degeneracy

When atomic gases, such as those of alkali elements, are cooled to very low temperatures, they can reach a state of quantum degeneracy, where their quantum nature comes to the fore. In this process, the very last step is evaporative cooling, in which the hottest atoms are coaxed into leaving the gas. Hu
et al.
devised a protocol that evades the evaporative cooling step, is faster, and suffers less atom loss. The method rests on iteratively manipulating the laser beams of an optical lattice in which a gas of
87
Rb atoms is held so that the gas becomes progressively denser. The method should be widely applicable to other atomic species.

Science
, this issue p.
1078
A mitosis-specific and R loop–driven ATR pathway promotes faithful chromosome segregation
Authors: Kabeche Lilian , Nguyen Hai Dang , Buisson Rémi , Zou Lee
Published: November 2017

Mitosis-specific role of ATR

The ATR (ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related) kinase plays important roles in the S phase and during the DNA damage response to safeguard genome integrity. Kabeche
et al.
identified a distinct ATR activation pathway in mitosis that is also critical for suppressing genome instability (see the Perspective by Saldivar and Cimprich). ATR is recruited by Aurora A and activated by R loops at centromeres of mitotic chromosomes; this leads to Aurora B activation, which is necessary for accurate chromosome segregation. This mitotic, R loop–driven ATR signaling pathway could potentially be exploited in the search for cancer therapeutics.

Science
, this issue p.
108
; see also p.
30
Comment on “Water harvesting from air with metal-organic frameworks powered by natural sunlight”
Authors: Meunier Francis
Published: November 2017

Kim
et al
. (Reports, 28 April 2017, p. 430) describe a method for harvesting water from air, using a metal-organic framework (MOF) as the adsorbent. The process as described in the paper is, however, inadequate, and the system cannot deliver the claimed amount of liquid water in an arid climate. A modification of the process design and the use of more suitable MOFs may be more likely to achieve the goals targeted by Kim
et al
.
Rapid hybrid speciation in Darwin’s finches
Authors: Lamichhaney Sangeet , Han Fan , Webster Matthew T. , Andersson Leif , Grant B. Rosemary , Grant Peter R.
Published: November 2017

Rapid hybrid speciation in Darwin's finches

Galapagos finches have driven hypotheses of how speciation occurs. Most commonly, it is assumed that natural selection separates species originating from a single population on the basis of variation in traits that confer advantages for survival and reproduction. Lamichhaney
et al.
document a case where cross-species hybridization established a reproductively isolated lineage, which demonstrates a process known as homoploid hybrid speciation in action (see the Perspective by Wagner). The authors used genetic markers and phenotypic analyses to create a pedigree that revealed how a cross-island migrant bred with a native species to form a self-perpetuating hybrid population that was reproductively isolated from both parental species.

Science
, this issue p.
224
; see also p.
157
Making the future
Designing Reality
Neil Gershenfeld, Alan Gershenfeld, and Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld
Basic Books, 2017. 297 pp.
Authors: Shapira Philip
Published: November 2017

Three brothers anticipate the rise of digital fabrication
Why do Earth's equatorial waves head east?
Authors: Biello Joseph A. , Dimofte Tudor
Published: November 2017

Topological effects may direct ocean and atmospheric waves near the equator
Enhancing the RNA engineering toolkit
Authors: Yang Li , Chen Ling-Ling
Published: November 2017

The CRISPR-Cas13 system can be used to engineer RNA
Complete Genome Sequences of Seven Vibrio cholerae Phages Isolated in China
Authors: Bhandare Sudhakar G. , Warry Andrew , Emes Richard D. , Su Jingliang , Barrow Paul A. , Atterbury Robert J.
Published: November 2017

The complete genome sequences of seven closely related
Vibrio cholerae
phages isolated from environmental sites in southeastern China are reported here. Phages QH, CJY, H1, H2, H3, J2, and J3 are members of the
Podoviridae
family and are highly similar to the previously sequenced
Vibrio
phages VP2, VP5, and phiVC8.
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of Australian
Tomato spotted wilt virus
Isolate TSWV-QLD2
Authors: Moyle Richard L. , Pretorius Lara , Carvalhais Lilia C. , Schenk Peer M.
Published: November 2017

The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of an Australian isolate of
Tomato spotted wilt virus
was determined by deep RNA sequencing and deep small RNA sequencing. The tripartite genome consists of an 8,914-nt L segment, a 4,851-nt M segment, and a 2,987-nt S segment.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Planktic Cyanobacterium Tychonema bourrellyi, Isolated from Alpine Lentic Freshwater
Authors: Pinto Federica , Tett Adrian , Armanini Federica , Asnicar Francesco , Boscaini Adriano , Pasolli Edoardo , Zolfo Moreno , Donati Claudio , Salmaso Nico , Segata Nicola
Published: November 2017

We describe here the draft genome sequence of the cyanobacterium
Tychonema bourrellyi
, assembled from a metagenome of a nonaxenic culture. The strain (FEM_GT703) was isolated from a freshwater sample taken from Lake Garda, Italy. The draft genome sequence represents the first assembled
T. bourrellyi
strain.
Complete Genome Sequence of Enterococcus thailandicus Strain a523 Isolated from Urban Raw Sewage
Authors: Ybazeta Gustavo , Douglas Laura , Graham Jenna , Fraleigh Nya L. , Murad Yanal , Perez Justo , Diaz-Mitoma Francisco , Tilbe Kim , Nokhbeh Reza
Published: November 2017

We report here the first complete circularly closed genome sequence of
Enterococcus thailandicus
strain a523 isolated from raw urban sewage. This genome contains 2,646,250 bp with a G+C content of 36.8%, 2,499 genes, 2,370 protein-coding sequences, 6 rRNA operons, 65 tRNAs, and 6 clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat arrays.
Draft Genome Sequence of Tepidibacter mesophilus Strain JCM 16806
T
Isolated from Soil Polluted by Crude Oil in China
Authors: Lee Chol Gyu , Yuki Masahiro , Iida Toshiya , Nakaho Kazuhiro , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: November 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Tepidibacter mesophilus
strain JCM 16806
T
, which was isolated from an oil field. It is composed of 3,310,272 bp and contains 3,160 protein-coding genes, 8 5S rRNAs, 3 16S rRNAs, and 69 tRNAs.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Mycobacterium
sp. Strain shizuoka-1, a Novel Mycobacterium Isolated from Groundwater of a Bathing Facility in Shizuoka, Japan
Authors: Yoshida Mitsunori , Izumiyama Shinji , Fukano Hanako , Sugiyama Kanji , Suzuki Masato , Shibayama Keigo , Hoshino Yoshihiko
Published: November 2017

Mycobacterium
sp. strain shizuoka-1 is a rapidly growing scotochromogenic mycobacterium and was isolated from well water for a bathing facility in Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. Here, we report the draft sequence of its genome, comprising a 6.5-Mb chromosome. This mycobacterium has 83.1% identity with
Mycobacterium rhodesiae
, a human pathogen.
Draft Genome Sequence of Sphingobium fuliginis OMI, a Bacterium That Degrades Alkylphenols and Bisphenols
Authors: Kuroda Masashi , Ogata Yuka , Yahara Tatsuya , Yokoyama Takashi , Ishizawa Hidehiro , Takada Kazuki , Inoue Daisuke , Sei Kazunari , Ike Michihiko
Published: November 2017

Sphingobium fuliginis
OMI is a bacterium that can degrade a variety of recalcitrant alkylphenols and bisphenols. This study reports the draft genome sequence of
S. fuliginis
OMI.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Strains of the Meat Spoilage Bacterium Brochothrix thermosphacta Isolated from Ground Chicken
Authors: Paoli George C. , Wijey Chandi , Nguyen Ly-Huong , Chen Chin-Yi , Yan Xianghe , Irwin Peter L.
Published: November 2017

Brochothrix thermosphacta
is an important meat spoilage bacterium. Here we report the genome sequences of two strains of
B. thermosphacta
isolated from ground chicken. The genome sequences were determined using long-read PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) technology and are the first complete genome sequences reported for
B. thermosphacta
.
Complete Circularized Genome Sequences of Four Strains of Elizabethkingia anophelis, Including Two Novel Strains Isolated from Wild-Caught
Anopheles sinensis
Authors: Pei Dong , Nicholson Ainsley C. , Jiang Jinjin , Chen Huiying , Whitney Anne M. , Villarma Aaron , Bell Melissa , Humrighouse Ben , Rowe Lori A. , Sheth Mili , Batra Dhwani , Juieng Phalasy , Loparev Vladimir N. , McQuiston John R. , Lan Yuhao , Ma Yajun , Xu Jiannong
Published: November 2017

We provide complete circularized genome sequences of two mosquito-derived
Elizabethkingia anophelis
strains with draft sequences currently in the public domain (R26 and Ag1), and two novel
E. anophelis
strains derived from a different mosquito species,
Anopheles sinensis
(AR4-6 and AR6-8). The genetic similarity of all four mosquito-derived strains is remarkable.
Comparative Profiling of Ubiquitin Proteasome System Interplay with Influenza A Virus PB2 Polymerase Protein Recapitulating Virus Evolution in Humans
Authors: Biquand Elise , Poirson Juline , Karim Marwah , Declercq Marion , Malausse Nicolas , Cassonnet Patricia , Barbezange Cyril , Straub Marie-Laure , Jones Louis , Munier Sandie , Naffakh Nadia , van der Werf Sylvie , Jacob Yves , Masson Murielle , Demeret Caroline
Published: November 2017

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are responsible for mild-to-severe seasonal respiratory illness of public health concern worldwide, and the risk of avian strain outbreaks in humans is a constant threat. Elucidating the requisites of IAV adaptation to humans is thus of prime importance. In this study, we explored how PB2 replication proteins of IAV strains with different levels of virulence in humans hijack a major protein modification pathway of the human host cell, the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). We found that the PB2 protein engages in an extended interplay with the UPS that evolved along with the virus’s adaptation to humans. This suggests that UPS hijacking underlies the efficient infection of humans and can be used as an indicator for evaluation of the potential of avian IAVs to infect humans. Several UPS factors were found to be necessary for infection with circulating IAV strains, pointing to potential targets for therapeutic approaches.
‘The more we change, the more we remain the same’: female feticide continues unabated in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudip , Singh Amarjeet
Published: November 2017

In North India, preference for sons has been blamed for repeated incidents of female feticide, despite the legislation in the form of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 2002. We describe how a team of local private doctors offer package deals to pregnant women and their families in rural areas. The fetal sex is determined at night using a portable ultrasonography machine.

If the fetus is a girl, an immediate induced abortion is offered in the clients’ home. If complications arise, women are advised to attend hospital. Such a patient visited us with a history of bleeding per vagina following incomplete induced abortion. This case study highlights the fact that female feticide continues to occur in India.
Twist on a classic: vitamin D and hypercalcaemia of malignancy
Authors: Osorio Juan C , Jones Masha G , Schatz-Siemers Nina , Tang Stephanie J
Published: November 2017

Malignancy is the most common cause of hypercalcaemia in the inpatient setting. Most cases are caused by tumour production of parathyroid hormone-related protein and osseous metastases. In less than 1% of cases, hypercalcaemia is driven by increased production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), a mechanism most commonly seen in haematological malignancies. Here, we describe a woman with metastatic small cell cervical carcinoma who developed hypercalcaemia secondary to paraneoplastic overproduction of 1,25(OH)2D, a finding that, to our knowledge, has not been previously associated with this cancer. We also review the current cases of solid tumours reported to have this mechanism of hypercalcaemia and the evidence behind multiple therapeutic approaches.
Dental implants in a patient with suspected leucocyte adhesion deficiency
Authors: Abu Karaky Ashraf , Sawair Faleh , Tamimi Zaid , Hassona Yazan
Published: November 2017

Aggressive periodontitis and premature tooth loss in leucocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) have adverse functional and psychological consequences on affected individuals. Dental implant rehabilitation might become necessary to overcome the functional and psychological adverse effects of LAD periodontitis, especially in patients with milder forms who are expected to have a relatively normal life expectancy. Outcome of dental implants in patients with LAD has not been previously reported; we describe the dental rehabilitation of a 24-year-old man with clinical features of LAD using endosseous dental implants.