bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptide‐modified, hyaluronic acid‐based hydrogels as a 3D culture platform for neural stem/progenitor cell engineering
Authors: Seidlits Stephanie K. , Liang Jesse , Bierman Rebecca D. , Sohrabi Alireza , Karam Joshua , Holley Sandra M. , Cepeda Carlos , Walthers Christopher M.
Published: January 2019

Neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC)‐based therapies have shown exciting potential for regeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) and NS/PC cultures represent an important resource for disease modeling and drug screening. However, significant challenges limiting clinical translation remain, such as generating large numbers of cells required for model cultures or transplantation, maintaining physiologically representative phenotypesex vivoand directing NS/PC differentiation into specific fates. Here, we report that culture of human NS/PCs in 3D, hyaluronic acid (HA)‐rich biomaterial microenvironments increased differentiation toward oligodendrocytes and neurons over 2D cultures on laminin‐coated glass. Moreover, NS/PCs in 3D culture exhibited a significant reduction in differentiation into reactive astrocytes. Many NS/PC‐derived neurons in 3D, HA‐based hydrogels expressed synaptophysin, indicating synapse formation, and displayed electrophysiological characteristics of immature neurons. While inclusion of integrin‐binding, RGD peptides into hydrogels resulted in a modest increase in numbers of viable NS/PCs, no combination of laminin‐derived, adhesive peptides affected differentiation outcomes. Notably, 3D cultures of differentiating NS/PCs were maintained for at least 70 days in medium with minimal growth factor supplementation. In sum, results demonstrate the use of 3D, HA‐based biomaterials for long‐term expansion and differentiation of NS/PCs toward oligodendroglial and neuronal fates, while inhibiting astroglial fates. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 704–718, 2019.
Efficacy of a selective imaging paradigm prior to pediatric cochlear implantation
Authors: Siu Jennifer M. , Blaser Susan I. , Gordon Karen A. , Papsin Blake C. , Cushing Sharon L.
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

There is no consensus on the necessary preoperative imaging in children being evaluated for cochlear implantation (CI). Dual‐imaging protocols that implement both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) create diagnostic redundancy in the face of potentially unnecessary radiation and anaesthetic exposure. The objectives of the current study were to examine the efficacy of an MRI‐predominant with selective HRCT imaging protocol.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

The protocol was implemented over a 4‐year period, during which HRCT was obtained in addition to MRI only if specific risk factors on clinical assessment were identified or if imaging findings in need of further evaluation were detected on initial MRI evaluation. Retrospective review of operative reports and prospective review of imaging were performed; anesthetic exposure and costing information were also obtained.

Results

Of the 240 patients who underwent assessment, seven (2.9%) had combined HRCT and MRI performed concurrently based on initial clinical assessment, 15 (6.3%) underwent HRCT based on imaging anomalies found on MRI, and MRI alone was ordered for the remaining 218 (90.1%). All patients were implanted without complication. Overall, radiation exposure, general anesthesia (GA), and healthcare costs were reduced.

Conclusions

MRI alone can be used in the vast majority of cases for preoperative evaluation of pediatric CI candidates resulting in a significant reduction in healthcare costs, radiation, and GA exposure in children. The additional need for HRCT occurs in a small proportion and can be predicted up front on clinical assessment or on initial MRI.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:2627–2633, 2019
Lubricin/proteoglycan 4 detected in vocal folds of humans and five other mammals
Authors: Kobler James B. , Tynan Monica A. , Zeitels Steven M. , Liss Andrew S. , Gianatasio Maria T. , Morin Alyssa A. , Schmidt Tannin A.
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Lubricin/proteoglycan‐4 (PRG4) lubricates connective tissues such as joints and tendon sheaths, enabling them to better withstand shearing and frictional forces during motion. We wondered whether PRG4 might play a role in phonation, as normal vocal folds withstand repetitive, high‐velocity deformations remarkably well. As a first step, we tested whether PRG4 is expressed in vocal folds.

Study Design

Laboratory study.

Methods

Anatomical and molecular methods were applied to 47 larynges from humans, macaque (Macaca fascicularis), canines, pigs, calves, and rats. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) methods were used to test for the presence of PRG4.

Results

In all species, the true vocal fold lamina propria (TVF‐LP) was positive for PRG4 by IHC, whereas immunoreactivity of the false vocal fold was weak or absent, depending on the species. Human TVF‐LP was strongly stained across all layers. Immunoreactivity was seen variably on the vocal fold surface and within the vocal fold epithelium, in the conus elasticus and thyroglottic ligament, and at the tip of vocal process. Western blots of four humans and six pigs demonstrated immunoreactivity at appropriate molecular weight. qRT‐PCR of pig tissues confirmed PRG4 mRNA expression, which was highest in the TVF‐LP.

Conclusions

PRG4 was found in phonatory tissues of six mammals. We suggest it might act as a lubricant within the lamina propria and possibly on the vocal fold surface, limiting phonation‐related damage to vocal fold extracellular matrix and epithelium, and enhancing vocal efficiency by reducing internal friction (viscosity) within the vocal fold.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:E229–E237, 2019
Control of speech and voice in cochlear implant patients
Authors: Gautam Anirudh , Naples James G. , Eliades Steven J.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Hearing plays an important role in the learning and production of speech, but the benefits of cochlear implantation for such vocal control are unclear. Here, we present a perspective and review of recent work on the control of speech and voice following cochlear implantation. We further discuss insights provided on the mechanisms of normal vocal control and implications for future rehabilitative approaches.

Data Sources

Peer‐reviewed articles on speech and voice production in cochlear implant patients were identified from PUBMED. Relevant articles were supplemented with selected publications describing normal vocal control mechanisms and behaviors.

Review Methods

Publications that discussed speech and voice outcomes following cochlear implantation were chosen, with a focus on those presenting measurements of specific speech or voice parameters.

Results

Recent studies demonstrate that hearing restoration by cochlear implantation has significant effects on many aspects of voice and speech production. These include changes in vocal pitch and loudness, as well as improved control of both vowels and consonants. Despite these improvements, however, the speech of many implant recipients remains abnormal as compared to normal hearing individuals. Such differences likely result from the impoverished auditory feedback provided by the implant.

Conclusions

Cochlear implants provide valuable insights into the role of hearing in vocal production. Although implants improve vocal production for most patients, there remains considerable room for future study and therapeutic improvement.

Laryngoscope, 129:2158–2163, 2019
Sinkhole susceptibility mapping: A comparison between Bayes‐based machine learning algorithms
Authors: Taheri Kamal , Shahabi Himan , Chapi Kamran , Shirzadi Ataollah , Gutiérrez Francisco , Khosravi Khabat
Published: January 2019

Land degradation has been recognized as one of the most adverse environmental impacts during the last century. The occurrence of sinkholes is increasing dramatically in many regions worldwide contributing to land degradation. The rise in the sinkhole frequency is largely due to human‐induced hydrological alterations that favour dissolution and subsidence processes. Mitigating detrimental impacts associated with sinkholes requires understanding different aspects of this phenomenon such as the controlling factors and the spatial distribution patterns. This research illustrates the development and validation of sinkhole susceptibility models in Hamadan Province, Iran, where a large number of sinkholes are occurring under poorly understood circumstances. Several susceptibility models were developed with a training sample of sinkholes, a number of conditioning factors, and four different statistical approaches: naïve Bayes, Bayes net (BN), logistic regression, and Bayesian logistic regression. Ten conditioning factors were initially considered. Factors with negligible contribution to the quality of predictions, according to the information gain ratio technique, were discarded for the development of the final models. The validation of susceptibility models, performed using different statistical indices and receiver operating characteristic curves, revealed that the BN model has the highest prediction capability in the study area. This model provides reliable predictions on the future distribution of sinkholes, which can be used by watershed and land use managers for designing hazard and land‐degradation mitigation plans.
A survey on blockchain cybersecurity vulnerabilities and possible countermeasures
Authors: Hasanova Huru , Baek Ui‐jun , Shin Mu‐gon , Cho Kyunghee , Kim Myung‐Sup
Published: January 2019

Blockchain technology has attracted considerable attention owing to its wide range of potential applications. It first appeared as a cryptocurrency, called Bitcoin, but has since been used in many other business and nonbusiness applications. Unlike most existing systems that are based on centralized frameworks, this new technology utilizes peer‐to‐peer networks and distributed systems which includes blockchain registers to store transactions. Its structure is designed as a digital log file and stored as a series of linked groups, called blocks. Each individual block is locked cryptographically with the previous block. Once a block has been added, it cannot be altered. Many security experts speculate that the inherent cryptographic nature of the blockchain system is sufficient to withstand constant hacking and security threats. However, previous studies on the security and privacy of blockchain technology have shown that many applications have fallen victim to successful cyberattacks. Owing to the increasing demand for cryptocurrency and its current security challenges, previous studies have not focused on blockchain technology cybersecurity vulnerabilities extensively. Here, our study extends upon the previous studies on vulnerabilities and investigates the types of potential attacks. Our study then provides further direction to highlight possible countermeasures against blockchain technology vulnerability to cybersecurity.
Hydrophobic Functionalization of ZnO Nanosheets by In Situ Center‐Substituted Synthesis for Selective Photocatalysis under Visible Irradiation
Authors: Xu Yuanjie , Li Chaochao , Huang Huihan , Huang Lei , Peng Luming , Pan Haibo
Published: January 2019

The selective degradation of specific substances in mixed contaminants is quite challenging. And a general approach for sensitized oxide semiconductor relies on dip‐coating method with sensitizer. Here, hydrophilic 2D, nest‐like architecture ZnO (ZnO NA) was hydrophobicly functioned by monomolecular–layer tetraphenylporphyrin zinc (ZnTPP), where ZnTPP was synthesized by means of an in situ center‐substituted (ISCS) process., i.e., the hydrogen atoms in the core of metal‐free tetraphenylporphyrin (H2TPP) are substituted by the unsaturated zinc ions in ZnO NAs. ZnTPP/ZnO NA was exhibited with significant hydrophobicity, benefitting to absorb hydrophobic phenol (PL). Further, it is realized to selectively photodegradate PL in the mixture by ZnTPP/ZnO NAs under visible irradiation. Note that the rate of degradation to hydrophobic PL by ZnTPP/ZnO NA is 9.17 times of that for ZnO NA within 150 min; on the contrary, the degradation rate of hydrophilic rhodamine B (RhB) by ZnTPP/ZnO is reduced by 40%. Radiative lifetime of photogenerated charges is obviously increased by ZnTPP/ZnO NA compared with that of ZnTPP, indicating the effective charge separation for ZnTPP/ZnO NAs. In addition, ZnTPP/ZnO NA produced more superoxide radicals (·O2−) in comparison to ZnO NA. With surface functionalization, the feasibility of selective photocatalysis under visible irradiation is demonstrated.
Interleukin‐4 ‐590C/T gene polymorphism in Egyptian children with acute lower respiratory infection: A multicenter study
Authors: Emam Ahmed A. , Shehab Mohamed M. M. , Allah Mayy A. N. , Elkoumi Mohamed A. , Abdelaal NourEldin M. , Mosabah Amira A. A. , Zakaria Mervat T. , Sherif Ashraf M. , Soliman Mohammed M. , El‐Kaffas Rania M. H. , Abouzeid Heba , Abdou Mohammed A. , Abdalmonem Nermin , Abdelbaset Heba R. , Mohamed Soma A. , Soliman Attia A. , Elashkar Shaimaa S. A. , Hegab Mohamed S. , Khalil Atef M. , Abdel‐Aziz Alsayed , Anany Heba G. , Salah Hossam E. , Abdou Adel M. , Elshehawy Naglaa A. , Elbasyouni Hany A. A. , Hafez Sahbaa F. M. , Abo‐Alella Doaa A. , Fawzi Maggie M. , Morsi Samar S.
Published: January 2019

Background

Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is the leading cause of child mortality, especially in the developing world. Polymorphisms in the interleukin 4 (IL‐4) gene have been linked to a variety of human diseases.

Objectives

To investigate whether the IL‐4 ‐590C/T (rs2243250) polymorphism could be a genetic marker for susceptibility to ALRIs in young Egyptian children.

Methods

This was a multicenter study conducted on 480 children diagnosed with pneumonia or bronchiolitis, and 480 well‐matched healthy control children. Using PCR‐RFLP analysis, we genotyped a ‐590C/T (rs2243250) single nucleotide polymorphism of the IL‐4 gene promoter, meanwhile the serum IL‐4concentration was measured by ELISA.

Results

The frequency of the IL‐4 ‐590 T/T genotype and T allele were overrepresented in patients with ALRIs in comparison to the control group (OR = 2.0; [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38‐2.96]; for the T/T genotype) and (OR: 1.3; [95%CI: 1.07‐1.56]; for the T allele; P < 0.01). The IL‐4 ‐590 T/T genotype was associated with significantly higher mean serum IL‐4 concentration (58.7 ± 13.4 pg/mL) compared to the C/T genotype (47.6 ± 11 pg/mL) and the C/C genotype (34.8 ± 9.6 pg/mL); P < 0.01.

Conclusion

The IL‐4 −590C/T (rs2243250) polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to ALRIs in young Egyptian children.
3D GaN Fins as a Versatile Platform for a‐Plane‐Based Devices
Authors: Hartmann Jana , Manglano Clavero Irene , Nicolai Lars , Margenfeld Christoph , Spende Hendrik , Ledig Johannes , Zhou Hao , Steib Frederik , Jaros Angelina , Avramescu Adrian , Strassburg Martin , Trampert Achim , Wehmann Hergo‐Heinrich , Lugauer Hans‐Jürgen , Voss Tobias , Waag Andreas
Published: January 2019

GaN fins on GaN‐on‐sapphire templates are fabricated by continuous mode selective area metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. The fins exhibit high aspect ratios and smooth nonpolar a‐plane sidewalls with an ultra‐low threading dislocation density of a few 105 cm−2 making them ideally suited for optoelectronic to electronic applications. A detailed analysis of the inner structure of GaN fins is provided by the help of marker layer experiments and correlation of results from fins fabricated under different growth conditions, leading to the development of a growth model to explain the final geometry and optical as well as electrical properties of these high aspect ratio fins. Distinctly different material properties for the central and outer parts of the fins are detected. Whereas the outer sidewalls represent high quality GaN surfaces with very low defect densities, a strong quenching of near band edge emission (NBE) in the central part of the fins is accompanied by heavy compensation of free electrons. A possible explanation is the incorporation of excessive point defects, like intrinsic defects or carbon impurity. The sidewall regions, however, prove to be highly suitable for device applications due to their strong NBE emission, low dislocation density, and high free carrier concentration.
All‐sky satellite data assimilation of microwave temperature sounding channels at the Met Office
Authors: Migliorini Stefano , Candy Brett
Published: January 2019

One of the main avenues to improve the skill of a numerical weather prediction system is to increase the accuracy of the initial conditions for prediction through the assimilation of a larger number of observations. This article discusses our work on assimilating cloud‐affected radiances from microwave temperature sounding channels of the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit A (AMSU‐A) satellite sensor, which are currently underused by the Met Office operational data assimilation system. Despite their importance, as measured by impact indicators such as the Forecast Sensitivity to Observations Impact (FSOI), most cloud‐affected microwave data are discarded so as to avoid detrimental effects, as they are much more difficult to predict than clear‐sky radiances. This is due to shortcomings in parametrization schemes (for example, large‐scale cloud and precipitation, convection) in both nonlinear and linearized prognostic models, as well as radiative transfer models. As first demonstrated at the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), these difficulties can be eased when observation uncertainties for cloud‐affected radiances are inflated prior to assimilation as a function of cloud amount present in a given observed or predicted scene. Our results show that cloud‐dependent observation uncertainty inflation for cloud‐affected radiances provides beneficial effects on forecast skill over two three‐month‐long “all‐sky” (nonprecipitating) data assimilation trials. In particular, root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) reductions in 500‐hPa geopotential height forecasts of about 1% up to day 2 and in 10‐m wind and 2‐m temperature forecasts up to day 6 have been demonstrated. Also, our experiments show evidence of significant improvements in the fit between observations and short‐range forecasts for lower‐peaking humidity‐ and temperature‐sensitive channels.
Synergy Effect of Both 2,2,2‐Trifluoroethylamine Hydrochloride and SnF2 for Highly Stable FASnI3−xClx Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Bin‐Bin , Xu Leiming , Liao Min , Wu Yinghui , Liu Fangzhou , He Zhenfei , Ding Jie , Chen Wei , Tu Bao , Lin Yi , Zhu Yudong , Zhang Xusheng , Yao Weitang , Djurišić Aleksandra B. , Hu Jin‐Song , He Zhubing
Published: January 2019

The environmentally friendly additive 2,2,2‐trifluoroethylamine hydrochloride (TFEACl) is used in synergy with SnF2 to enhance the efficiency and stability of FASnI3‐based solar cells. Both TFEA+ and Cl− are present in the films, but only Cl− is incorporated into the crystal lattice of the perovskite. The addition of TFEACl suppresses the segregation of SnF2, resulting in improvements in film morphology, in addition to a more favorable energy band alignment, and improved suppression of the formation of Sn4+. Consequently, reduced charge recombination and improved charge collection result in an efficiency enhancement from 3.63 to 5.30%. The stability of the devices is also significantly enhanced, with devices with TFEACl retaining over 60% of initial PCE after 350 h of light soaking in ambient, while devices without TFEACl experience failure in 120 h under the same testing condition.
SnO2‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells: Configuration Design and Performance Improvement
Authors: Liu Detao , Wang Yafei , Xu Hao , Zheng Hualin , Zhang Ting , Zhang Peng , Wang Feng , Wu Jiang , Wang Zhiming , Chen Zhi , Li Shibin
Published: January 2019

Organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have developed rapidly in recent years owing to the low cost and high power conversion efficiency achieved. The excellent performance of PSCs is attributed to the superior electrical properties of each layer, including the electron transport layer (ETL), light‐harvest layer, hole transport layer. As one of the most promising ETL materials for PSCs, SnO2shows excellent transmission, an appropriate energy band gap, a deep conduction band level, and high electron mobility, leading to efficient electron extraction and transport. Here, recent advancements in the PSCs with SnO2ETLs and endeavors aimed at improving the performance of this photovoltaic device are reviewed. Several typical configurations of SnO2based PSCs are discussed, including the planar structure, mesoporous structure, inverted structure and flexible PSCs. The efforts of modification and composite SnO2with other metal oxides are also assessed. Finally, an overview of the perspectives and challenges for the future of SnO2 based PSCs is provided.
Reweighting a parton shower using a neural network: the final-state case
Authors: Bothmann Enrico , Del Debbio Luigi
Published: January 2019

Abstract

The use of QCD calculations that include the resummation of soft-collinear logarithms via parton-shower algorithms is currently not possible in PDF fits due to the high computational cost of evaluating observables for each variation of the PDFs. Unfortunately the interpolation methods that are otherwise applied to overcome this issue are not readily generalised to all-order parton-shower contributions. Instead, we propose an approximation based on training a neural network to predict the effect of varying the input parameters of a parton shower on the cross section in a given observable bin, interpolating between the variations of a training data set. This first publication focuses on providing a proof-of-principle for the method, by varying the shower dependence on αS for both a simplified shower model and a complete shower implementation for three different observables, the leading emission scale, the number of emissions and the Thrust event shape. The extension to the PDF dependence of the initial-state shower evolution that is needed for the application to PDF fits is left to a forthcoming publication.
System identification of a low-density jet via its noise-induced dynamics
Authors: Lee Minwoo , Zhu Yuanhang , Li Larry K. B. , Gupta Vikrant
Published: January 2019

Low-density jets are central to many natural and industrial processes. Under certain conditions, they can develop global oscillations at a limit cycle, behaving as a prototypical example of a self-excited hydrodynamic oscillator. In this study, we perform system identification of a low-density jet using measurements of its noise-induced dynamics in the unconditionally stable regime, prior to both the Hopf and saddle-node points. We show that this approach can enable prediction of (i) the order of nonlinearity, (ii) the locations and types of the bifurcation points (and hence the stability boundaries) and (iii) the resulting limit-cycle oscillations. The only assumption made about the system is that it obeys a Stuart–Landau equation in the vicinity of the Hopf point, thus making the method applicable to a variety of hydrodynamic systems. This study constitutes the first experimental demonstration of system identification using the noise-induced dynamics in only the unconditionally stable regime, i.e. away from the regimes where limit-cycle oscillations may occur. This opens up new possibilities for the prediction and analysis of the stability and nonlinear behaviour of hydrodynamic systems.
Jurisdictional Crisis in the Kashmir Novel
Authors: Saikumar Rajgopal
Published: January 2019

The India-Pakistan relationship and its hold over Kashmir is often described by words such asdeadlock, intractability, andstalemate; conveying a geopolitics of “stuckness.” Within conditions of postcolonial era colonialism, and at the intersection of constitutional law and literature, this article explores this stuckness as a jurisdictional crisis. A constitution first and foremost constitutes jurisdictions. Appropriation of land by delimiting the earth, marking out territories, enclosures, boundaries, and visible divisions is the necessary condition for the very possibility of law. How does the Indian constitution constitute the jurisdictional conditions of Kashmir? And how does one read for these jurisdictional conditions in literature? This article is more specifically interested in literary representations of jurisdictional crisis in the contemporary Kashmir novel. It argues that the constitutional politics and history that created the jurisdictional conditions of Kashmir produce a “performance of stuckness” in Kashmir literature.
Friction and Expansion: Comparative Literary Studies as Chimerical Form
Authors: Rizzuto Nicole
Published: January 2019

By generating friction with the concept of expansion, Aarthi Vadde’sChimeras of Form: Modernist Internationalism Beyond Europe, 1914–2016intervenes in debates shaping comparative literature studies today. Analyzing the work that friction performs in this book sends us beyond the provocative and nuanced readings contained within its pages and sets it in conversation with critical and literary writings it does not address. Miming the ethos and using the practices ofChimeras of Formby expanding its trajectory, I show what frictions and itineraries of inquiry might emerge from its theorization of literature in a global age.
SNIFF AND TELL: THE FEASIBILITY OF USING BIO-DETECTION DOGS AS A MOBILE DIAGNOSTIC INTERVENTION FOR ASYMPTOMATIC MALARIA IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Kasstan Ben , Hampshire Kate , Guest Claire , Logan James G. , Pinder Margaret , Williams Kate , D’Alessandro Umberto , Lindsay Steve W.
Published: January 2019

Bio-Detection Dogs (BDDs) are used in some high-income countries as a diagnostic intervention, yet little is known about their potential in low/middle-income countries with limited diagnostic resources. This exploratory study investigated the opportunities and implications of deploying BDDs as a mobile diagnostic intervention to identify people with asymptomatic malaria, particularly at ports of entry, as an important step to malaria elimination in a population. A qualitative study design consisting of participant observation, five focus group discussions and informal conversations was employed in The Gambia in April–May 2017. A disciplined German Shepherd companion dog (not trained as a BDD) was introduced to research participants and their perceptions recorded. Field-notes and discussions were transcribed, translated and analysed thematically. Most research participants viewed positively the possibility of using BDDs to detect malaria, with the major advantage of being non-invasive. Some concerns, however, were raised regarding safety and efficacy, as well as cultural issues around the place of dogs within human society. The Gambia is a rabies-endemic country, and unfamiliar dogs are not usually approached, with implications for how research participants perceived BDDs. Understanding such concerns and working with local people to address such issues must be part of any successful strategy to deploy BDDs in new settings. Bio-Detection Dogs represent a potentially non-invasive diagnostic tool for the detection of asymptomatic or chronic malaria infections, particularly in areas with very low parasite rates. However, it is important to understand local concerns and work closely with communities to address those concerns. Wider deployment of BDDs will also require careful planning and sustained financial support.
Conservation gap analysis of crop wild relatives in Turkey
Authors: Tas Necla , West George , Kircalioglu Gun , Topaloglu S. Boyraz , Phillips Jade , Kell Shelagh , Maxted Nigel
Published: January 2019

Crop wild relatives (CWR) are wild plant taxa relatively closely related to crops that can contribute beneficial traits for crop improvement, such as biotic and abiotic stress resistance. Turkey has a rich flora of approximately 11,000 higher plant taxa, has two Vavilov centres of crop diversity (i.e. the Mediterranean and the Near East), is recognized as the cradle of agriculture providing the northern boundary of the Fertile Crescent, and has recently been identified as the country with the highest concentration of CWR diversity. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a gap analysis of CWR genetic diversity in Turkey using existing data sources of 458 of the 764 priority CWR taxa with available georeferenced data. In total, 27,597 presence points were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Aegean Agricultural Research Institute in Menemen and Field Crops Central Research Institute, Ankara. Geographic Information System (GIS) software was used to identify taxon richness, sampling bias, future ex situ population collection and location where existing protected sites could form the basis of national network of in situ genetic reserves. CWR taxon richness was located along the Aegean Coast, Syrian border and southern Mediterranean coast. Current ex situ representation of CWR taxa is inadequate and further collection across the entire country is required. The highest priority in situ reserve location is found in Izmir, Sanliurfa and Antalya province, which reflects overall CWR richness.
Responsible gambling:The need for collaborative government, industry, community and consumer involvement
Authors: Blaszczynski Alexander
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Background: Tensions exist with various stakeholders facing competing interests in providing legal land-based and online regulated gambling products. Threats to revenue/taxation occur in response to harm minimisation and responsible gambling policies. Setting aside the concept of total prohibition, the objectives of responsible gambling are to encourage and/or restrict an individual’s gambling expenditure in terms of money and time to personally affordable limits. Stakeholder responsibilities: Governments craft the gambling environment through legislation, monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, and receive taxation revenue as a proportion of expenditure. Industry operators on the other hand, compete across market sectors through marketing and advertising, and through the development of commercially innovative products, reaping substantial financial rewards. Concurrently, governments are driven to respond to community pressures to minimize the range of negative gambling-related social, personal and economic harms and costs. Industry operators are exposed to the same pressures but additionally overlaid with the self-interest of avoiding the imposition of more stringent restrictive policies. Cooperation of stakeholders: The resulting tension between taxation revenue and profit making, harm minimization, and social impacts creates a climate of conflict between all involved parties. Data-driven policies become compromised by unsubstantiated claims of, and counter claims against, the nature and extent of gambling-related harms, effectiveness of policy strategies, with allegations of bias and influence associated with researchers supported by industry and government research funding sources. Conclusion: To effectively advance policies, it is argued that it is imperative that all parties collaborate in a cooperative manner to achieve the objectives of responsible gambling and harm minimization. This extends to and includes more transparent funding for researchers from both government and industry. Continued reliance on data collected from analogue populations or volunteers participating in simulated gambling tasks will not provide data capable of valid and reliable extrapolation to real gamblers in real venues risking their own funds. Failure to adhere to principles of corporate responsibility and consumer protection by both governments and industry will challenge the social licence to offer gambling products. Appropriate and transparent safeguards learnt from the tobacco and alcohol field, it is argued, can guide the conduct of gambling research.
Beyond Reno II: Who caresfor vulnerable gamblers?
Authors: Bühringer Gerhard , Kotter Roxana , Czernecka Robert , Kräplin Anja
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Background: Mill’s liberalism, the post-World War II German Social Market Economy (Rhine Capitalism) and modern consumer protection share the conviction that market participants have equal rights and responsibilities. Within this framework, governments and market providers are responsible for balancing the knowledge deficits of consumers in cases of “asymmetric information”. The widely discussed Reno Model for Responsible Gambling appears to be based on similar ideas by setting standards for informing participants of gambling features and procedures. Position: Based on recent research, we argue that such standard consumer protection may be adequate for social gamblers but not for vulnerable gamblers. These individuals may not benefit adequately from a rational informed choice approach to prevent harm and disordered gambling. Conclusion: Gambling providers should implement specific protections to address vulnerable gamblers, e. g., early detection procedures and limits for or exclusion from gambling.
Biomass Burning Markers and Residential Burning in the WINTER Aircraft Campaign
Authors: Sullivan A. P. , Guo H. , Schroder J. C. , Campuzano‐Jost P. , Jimenez J. L. , Campos T. , Shah V. , Jaeglé L. , Lee B. H. , Lopez‐Hilfiker F. D. , Thornton J. A. , Brown S. S. , Weber R. J.
Published: January 2019

As part of the WINTER (Wintertime Investigation of Transport, Emissions, and Reactivity) campaign, a Particle‐into‐Liquid Sampler with a fraction collector was flown aboard the National Center for Atmospheric Research C‐130 aircraft. Two‐minute integrated liquid samples containing dissolved fine particulate matter (PM1) species were collected and analyzed off‐line for the smoke marker levoglucosan using high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography‐pulsed amperometric detection to compare levoglucosan with aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) biomass burning markers and investigate the contribution from residential burning during the study. Levoglucosan was correlated with AMS organic aerosol (R2 = 0.49) and with carbon monoxide (CO; R2 = 0.51) for all flights. Levoglucosan was not correlated with the inorganic smoke marker water‐soluble potassium but was correlated with the AMS markers ∆C2H4O2+ (high resolution, R2 = 0.60) and ∆m/z 60 (unit mass resolution, R2 = 0.61). However, at low levoglucosan, AMS markers deviated potentially due to interferences from other sources or differences with the species captured by the AMS markers. Analysis of levoglucosan changes relative to carbon monoxide as plumes advected from source regions showed no systematic levoglucosan loss for plumes up to 20 hr old. Based on literature residential burning source ratios and measured levoglucosan, contributions of organic carbon (OC) due to residential burning were estimated. The contribution ranged from ~30 to 100% of the OC, with significant variability depending on the source ratio used; however, the results show that biomass burning was a significant PM1 OC source across the entire sampling region. A GEOS‐Chem model simulation predicted significantly less smoke contribution.
Laboratory Investigation on Effects of Flood Intermittency on Fan Delta Dynamics
Authors: Miller Kimberly Litwin , Kim Wonsuck , McElroy Brandon
Published: January 2019

To simplify the complex hydrological variability of flow conditions, experiments on delta evolution are often conducted using a representative channel‐forming flood flow and results are related to field settings using an intermittency factor, defined as the fraction of time in flood. Although this factor provides an approximation of dominant flow conditions and makes modeling deltas easier by turning their complex hydraulics into a single representative value, little is known about how this generalization affects delta processes. We conducted experiments with periodic flow conditions to determine the effects of intermittent discharges on fan deltas. For each run, the magnitude of floods was held constant, but the duration changed, thus varying the intermittency factor, between 1 and 0.2. Floods consisted of higher water and sediment discharge, while base flow periods had lower water discharge and sediment input ceased, causing the system to become erosional during these periods. We find that as the duration of floods decreases, the delta topset is larger in area with a shallower slope due to reworking on the topset during base flow conditions. During base flows, the experimental system adjusts toward a new equilibrium state that in turn acts as the initial condition for subsequent flood periods. These results suggest that the adjustment timescale is a factor in determining the behavior of deltas and their channels. We conclude that both periods of flood when most of the sediment is supplied to the system and periods of base flow when topset sediment is reworked contribute to delta dynamics.
The Neoproterozoic “Blood Falls” in Tarim Craton and Their Possible Connection With Snowball Earth
Authors: Gao B. F. , Wu C. Z. , Yang T. , Santosh M. , Dong L. H. , Zhao T. Y. , Ye H. , Lei R. X. , Li W.
Published: January 2019

Blood Falls refers to the outflow of iron‐rich brine plumes under the Taylor Glacier in Antarctica, which have distinctive blood‐like red color. It was proposed that during the Cryogenian, Fe oxides of terrestrial origin accumulated under glaciers via a mechanism similar to the modern Blood Falls, although reports of iron deposits of such novel origin are lacking in literature. The Quruqsay iron formation is hosted in Neoproterozoic glacial sequences in the northern margin of the Tarim Craton in NW China and consist of 15 lenticular iron orebodies. The iron ores are mainly composed of fine Fe‐oxide aggregate and clastics, with the latter sometimes occurring as dropstones indicating glacial fluvial deposition. The hematite minerals show positive Ce and Y anomalies but lack positive Eu anomalies, with flat shale‐normalized rare Earth elements patterns. The hematite minerals also display remarkably negative εNd values and close‐to‐0 δ56Fe values, which collectively indicate that iron was sourced from continents rather than mid‐ocean ridge hydrothermal vents. Additionally, δ18O values of the hematite are consistent with the large ice‐volume during the Snowball Earth event. Evidence from the Quruqsay iron deposit suggest oxidation of terrestrial sub‐glacier iron‐bearing discharge in oceans of extensive glaciation, correlating with the predicted Blood Falls‐type iron deposits in the Neoproterozoic. The Quruqsay iron formation is a unique hematite‐rich iron deposit implying that subglacial lakes can be a significant repository for Fe2+ and that the volume of the Neoproterozoic glaciers may be much higher than the current glacier.
Effects of Climatic Change on Temperature and Thermal Structure of a Mountain Reservoir
Authors: Lewis William M. , McCutchan James H. , Roberson Jennifer
Published: January 2019

A 35‐year monitoring record for the water column of Lake Dillon, a reservoir of the southern Rocky Mountains, shows near‐surface warming of 0.76 °C/decade and warming at all greater depths (55 m); warming was progressively smaller with depth. Annual heat budget of the lake increased (67 cal·cm−2·year−1; 0.089 W/m2) as did Schmidt stability (41%). The mixed layer was affected by climatic conditions at the high elevation of the lake (2,750 m above mean sea level); heat fluxes were high during both the seasonal warming and cooling. Density gradients below the mixed layer were weak because of low water temperatures associated with high elevation. Annual cooling of the mixed layer was rapid following a brief initial stabilization and showed high interannual variability across years for a given month, which obscured any trend in mixed layer thickness that might have been caused by heat accumulation. The hypolimnion was warmed by advective heat exchange from tributary inflow and deep water withdrawal, not by carryover of fall or spring warming; advective warming by tributaries can be expected in many reservoirs.
Ant Nests Act as Carbon Dioxide Chimneys
Authors: Runwal Priyanka
Published: January 2019

Leaf-cutter ant nests emit thousands of times more carbon dioxide than the surrounding soils do, a new study has found.
Genetics of narcolepsy
Authors: Miyagawa Taku , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: January 2019

Narcolepsy is a term that was initially coined by Gélineáu in 1880 and is a chronic neurological sleep disorder that manifests as a difficulty in maintaining wakefulness and sleep for long periods. Currently, narcolepsy is subdivided into two types according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 3rd edition: narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and narcolepsy type 2 (NT2). NT1 is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis and is caused by a marked reduction in neurons in the hypothalamus that produce orexin (hypocretin), which is a wakefulness-associated neuropeptide. Except for cataplexy, NT2 exhibits most of the same symptoms as NT1. NT1 is a multifactorial disease, and genetic variations at multiple loci are associated with NT1. Almost all patients with NT1 carry the specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele HLA-DQB1*06:02. Genome-wide association studies have uncovered >10 genomic variations associated with NT1. Rare variants associated with NT1 have also been identified by DNA genome sequencing. NT2 is also a complex disorder, but its underlying genetic architecture is poorly understood. However, several studies have revealed loci that increase susceptibility to NT2. The currently identified loci cannot explain the heritability of narcolepsy (NT1 and NT2). We expect that future genomic research will provide important contributions to our understanding of the genetic basis and pathogenesis of narcolepsy.
Large-scale remediation of oil-contaminated water using floating treatment wetlands
Authors: Afzal Muhammad , Rehman Khadeeja , Shabir Ghulam , Tahseen Razia , Ijaz Amna , Hashmat Amer J. , Brix Hans
Published: January 2019

The contamination of water with hydrocarbons resulting from oil exploration and production highlights the need for efficient and environmentally friendly technology to mitigate this form of water pollution. Floating treatment wetlands are a sustainable approach for remediating contaminated water. In this large-scale study, we used four different plants, Phragmites australis, Typha domingensis, Leptochloa fusca, and Brachiaria mutica, to vegetate a floating mat with an area of 3058 m2 made from locally sourced materials. The floating treatment wetlands constructed in this manner were used to treat an oil-contaminated water stabilization pit resulting from oil and gas exploration activities in District Chakwal, Pakistan. The plants and the water in the pit were inoculated with a consortium of 10 different hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. The application of floating treatment wetlands to the pit reduced chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, hydrocarbon content, and heavy metals by 97.4%, 98.9%, 82.4%, 99.1%, and 80%, respectively, within 18 months. All plants survived and showed growth, but maximum development and biomass production were exhibited by P. australis. Moreover, the bacteria used for inoculation were able to persist and show degradation activity in the water as well as in the rhizoplane, roots, and shoots of the plants. We conclude that floating treatment wetlands can be applied to oil-contaminated water stabilization pits for affordable and effective water treatment.
Generating Dual-Mode Dual-Polarization OAM Based on Transmissive Metasurface
Authors: Qi Xin , Zhang Zheyuan , Zong Xianzheng , Que Xiaofeng , Nie Zaiping , Hu Jun
Published: January 2019

Recent advances in electromagnetic (EM) waves with helical phase wave-front carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) has drawn great attention, since it is believed to be a promising candidate for the next generation of wireless communication technology. To make the design more practical, here, a transmissive metasurface for generating dual-mode and dual-polarization OAM has been designed, manufactured and experimentally validated. To generate EM waves carrying OAM, the element structure is well-designed and can introduce additional phase to the incident wave. The employed four-layer cascaded metasurface demonstrates a high performance of transmission and complete phase control. Dual-mode operating characterization is realized by applying the polarization-dependent physical response. Moreover, experimental results including near-field and far-field properties are conducted to validate the numerical simulations. The proposed method in this paper promotes the practical design and realization of OAM vortex waves for the next generation of wireless communication technology.
Cancer prevention and screening: the next step in the era of precision medicine
Authors: Loomans-Kropp Holli A. , Umar Asad
Published: January 2019

A primary mode of cancer prevention and early detection in the United States is the widespread practice of screening. Although many strategies for early detection and prevention are available, adverse outcomes, such as overdiagnosis and overtreatment, are prevalent among those utilizing these approaches. Broad use of mammography and prostate cancer screening are key examples illustrating the potential harms stemming from the detection of indolent lesions and the subsequent overtreatment. Furthermore, there are several cancers for which prevention strategies do not currently exist. Clinical and experimental evidence have expanded our understanding of cancer initiation and progression, and have instructed the development of improved, precise modes of cancer prevention and early detection. Recent cancer prevention and early detection innovations have begun moving towards the integration of molecular knowledge and risk stratification profiles to allow for a more accurate representation of at-risk individuals. The future of cancer prevention and early detection efforts should emphasize the incorporation of precision cancer prevention integration where screening and cancer prevention regimens can be matched to one’s risk of cancer due to known genomic and environmental factors.
The sequence and de novo assembly of hog deer genome
Authors: Wang Wei , Yan Hui-Juan , Chen Shi-Yi , Li Zhen-Zhen , Yi Jun , Niu Li-Li , Deng Jia-Po , Chen Wei-Gang , Pu Yang , Jia Xianbo , Qu Yu , Chen Ang , Zhong Yan , Yu Xin-Ming , Pang Shuai , Huang Wan-Long , Han Yue , Liu Guang-Jian , Yu Jian-Qiu
Published: January 2019

Hog deer (Axis porcinus) is a small deer species in family Cervidae and has been undergoing a serious and global decline during the past decades. Chengdu Zoo currently holds a captive population of hog deer with sufficient genetic diversity in China. We sequenced andde novoassembled its genome sequence in the present study. A total of six different insert-size libraries were sequenced and generated 395 Gb of clean data in total. With aid of the linked reads of 10X Genomics, genome sequence was assembled to 2.72 Gb in length (contig N50, 66.04 Kb; scaffold N50, 20.55 Mb), in which 94.5% of expected genes were detected. We comprehensively annotated 22,473 protein-coding genes, 37,019 tRNAs, and 1,058 Mb repeated sequences. The newly generated reference genome is expected to significantly contribute to comparative analysis of genome biology and evolution within family Cervidae.
Metal-free difunctionalization of alkynes to access tetrasubstituted olefins through spontaneous selenosulfonylation of vinylidene ortho-quinone methide (VQM)
Authors: Huang Shengli , Chen Zhili , Mao Hui , Hu Fangli , Li Dongmei , Tan Yu , Yang Fengqing , Qin Wenling
Published: January 2019

A metal-free protocol for difunctionalization of alkynes through spontaneous selenosulfonylation of vinylidene ortho-quinone methide (VQM) was developed with good yields and excellent stereoselectivities.