bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory cutaneous papillae in the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus L.): I. Neuroanatomy and physiology
Authors: Daghfous Gheylen , Auclair François , Blumenthal Felix , Suntres Tina , Lamarre‐Bourret Jessica , Mansouri Masoud , Zielinski Barbara , Dubuc Réjean
Published: October 2019

Molecules present in an animal's environment can indicate the presence of predators, food, or sexual partners and consequently, induce migratory, reproductive, foraging, or escape behaviors. Three sensory systems, the olfactory, gustatory, and solitary chemosensory cell (SCC) systems detect chemical stimuli in vertebrates. While a great deal of research has focused on the olfactory and gustatory system over the years, it is only recently that significant attention has been devoted to the SCC system. The SCCs are microvillous cells that were first discovered on the skin of fish, and later in amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Lampreys also possess SCCs that are particularly numerous on cutaneous papillae. However, little is known regarding their precise distribution, innervation, and function. Here, we show that sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus L.) have cutaneous papillae located around the oral disk, nostril, gill pores, and on the dorsal fins and that SCCs are particularly numerous on these papillae. Tract‐tracing experiments demonstrated that the oral and nasal papillae are innervated by the trigeminal nerve, the gill pore papillae are innervated by branchial nerves, and the dorsal fin papillae are innervated by spinal nerves. We also characterized the response profile of gill pore papillae to some chemicals and showed that trout‐derived chemicals, amino acids, and a bile acid produced potent responses. Together with a companion study (Suntres et al., Journal of Comparative Neurology, this issue), our results provide new insights on the function and evolution of the SCC system in vertebrates.
Low‐Temperature Reverse Water–Gas Shift Process and Transformation of Renewable Carbon Resources to Value‐Added Chemicals
Authors: Shen Xiaojun , Meng Qinglei , Dong Minghua , Xiang Junfeng , Li Shaopeng , Liu Huizhen , Han Buxing
Published: October 2019

The use of CO2 instead of toxic CO in the production of important chemicals has attracted widespread interest, and the reverse water–gas shift reaction (RWGSR) is the key step for this kind of processes. Although the thermodynamic limitations are overcome by the reaction of CO with other compounds, the temperature of most reactions involving RWGSR is usually very high owing to the inertness of CO2. Herein, it was found that Ru3(CO)12 could catalyze the RWGSR in the ionic liquid HMimBF4 without ligand or promoter, and CO could be produced at 80 °C, which was much lower than the temperatures reported to date. Detailed studies showed that the BF4− in the ionic liquid played a crucial role in the low‐temperature RWGSR. Based on the low‐temperature RWGSR, three important routes to transform CO2 into valuable chemicals were developed, including synthesis of xanthone from CO2 and diaryl ethers, synthesis of phenol and acetic acid from CO2 and anisole, and production of acetic acid from CO2 and lignin. The reactions could occur at temperature as low as 80 °C, and low‐temperature RWGSR was essential for the reactions under mild conditions. The strategy opens the way to produce value‐added chemicals by using CO2 and H2 as feedstocks under low temperature.
Host tolerance and resistance to parasitic nest flies differs between two wild bird species
Authors: Grab Kirstine M. , Hiller Brian J. , Hurlbert John H. , Ingram McKenzie E. , Parker Alexandra B. , Pokutnaya Darya Y. , Knutie Sarah A.
Published: October 2019

Hosts have developed and evolved defense strategies to limit parasite damage. Hosts can reduce the damage that parasites cause by decreasing parasite fitness (resistance) or without affecting parasite fitness (tolerance). Because a parasite species can infect multiple host species, determining the effect of the parasite on these hosts and identifying host defense strategies can have important implications for multi‐host–parasite dynamics.

Over 2 years, we experimentally manipulated parasitic flies (Protocalliphora sialia) in the nests of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis). We then determined the effects of the parasites on the survival of nestlings and compared defense strategies between host species. We compared resistance between host species by quantifying parasite densities (number of parasites per gram of host) and measured nestling antibody levels as a mechanism of resistance. We quantified tolerance by determining the relationship between parasite density and nestling survival and blood loss by measuring hemoglobin levels (as a proxy of blood recovery) and nestling provisioning rates (as a proxy of parental compensation for resources lost to the parasite) as potential mechanisms of tolerance.

For bluebirds, parasite density was twice as high as for swallows. Both host species were tolerant to the effects of P. sialia on nestling survival at their respective parasite loads but neither species were tolerant to the blood loss to the parasite. However, swallows were more resistant to P. sialia compared to bluebirds, which was likely related to the higher antibody‐mediated immune response in swallow nestlings. Neither blood recovery nor parental compensation were mechanisms of tolerance.

Overall, these results suggest that bluebirds and swallows are both tolerant of their respective parasite loads but swallows are more resistant to the parasites. These results demonstrate that different host species have evolved similar and different defenses against the same species of parasite.
Modelling long‐distance floating seed dispersal in salt marsh tidal channels
Authors: Shi Wei , Shao Dongdong , Gualtieri Carlo , Purnama Anton , Cui Baoshan
Published: October 2019

Seed dispersal is a primary factor influencing plant community development in salt‐marshes. However, studies on seed dispersal in marsh‐channel system are relatively scarce, and relevant mathematical modelling is particularly lacking. In this study, we developed a one‐dimensional advection–dispersion model to explore the patterns of long‐distance floating seed dispersal in tidal channels. Oscillatory tidal current velocity and water depth were assumed to represent the tidal effects. An exponential decay coefficient was introduced to account for the loss of floating seeds due to water‐logged deposition and retention by trapping agents along the channel banks. An analytical solution in integral form was derived using the method of Green's function. The developed model was applied to simulate floating Spartina densiflora seed dispersal in a real tidal channel. Seed floating duration and seed collection data reported in the literature were used for model calibration and validation. The leptokurtic seed dispersal kernel in the marsh‐channel system was quantified for the first time using the predicted spatio‐temporal distribution of deposited and retained seeds. The range of the long‐distance floating seed dispersal and its distribution concentration that have important implications for salt marsh protection and restoration activities were evaluated through statistical parameters such as the centroid displacement and the variance of the floating seed cloud and floating seed concentration contours. The developed model provides a useful tool for ecological management of tidal marshes, as data on the long‐distance floating seed dispersal are rarely available and hard to gather.
Correlative climatic niche models predict real and virtual species distributions equally well
Authors: Journé Valentin , Barnagaud Jean‐Yves , Bernard Cyril , Crochet Pierre‐André , Morin Xavier
Published: October 2019

Climate is one of the main factors driving species distributions and global biodiversity patterns. Obtaining accurate predictions of species’ range shifts in response to ongoing climate change has thus become a key issue in ecology and conservation. Correlative species distribution models (cSDMs) have become a prominent tool to this aim in the last decade and have demonstrated good predictive abilities with current conditions, irrespective of the studied taxon. However,cSDMs rely on statistical association between species’ presence and environmental conditions and have rarely been challenged on their actual capacity to reflect causal relationships between species and climate. In this study, we question whethercSDMs can accurately identify if climate and species distributions are causally linked, a prerequisite for accurate prediction of range shift in relation to climate change. We compared the performance ofcSDMs in predicting the distributions of 132 European terrestrial species, chosen randomly within five taxonomic groups (three vertebrate groups and two plant groups), and of 1,320 virtual species whose distribution is causally fully independent from climate. We found that (1) for real species, the performance ofcSDMs varied principally with range size, rather than with taxonomic groups and (2)cSDMs did not predict the distributions of real species with a greater accuracy than the virtual ones. Our results unambiguously show that the high predictive power ofcSDMs can be driven by spatial autocorrelation in climatic and distributional data and does not necessarily reflect causal relationships between climate and species distributions. Thus, high predictive performance ofcSDMs does not ensure that they accurately depict the role of climate in shaping species distributions. Our findings therefore call for strong caution when usingcSDMs to provide predictions on future range shifts in response to climate change.
Oxidative sp3 C–H Functionalization of Methyl Substituted Aza‐Aromatics: An Easy Access to N‐Fused Polyheterocycles
Authors: Sridevi Bhima , Reddy Kandimalla Satheeshkumar , Subba Reddy B. V.
Published: October 2019

An efficient metal‐free, one‐pot strategy has been developed for the synthesis of diverse N‐fused polyheterocycles such as pyrido‐/thiazolo‐/benzthiazolo‐imidazo[4,5‐c]quinolines and indolo‐/pyrrolo‐[1,2‐a]quinoxalines mediated by I2/DMSO in the presence of 10 mol‐% TBHP. This protocol involves a cascade sequence of oxidative imination/cyclization/aromatization reactions through sp3 C–H functionalization of methyl‐substituted aza‐aromatics with a variety of arylamine conjugated heterocycles by means of modified Pictet–Spengler type cyclization. The advantage of the present method includes environmentally benign, atom economy, and mild reaction conditions resulting in various N‐fused polyheterocycles.
Enantioselective γ‐Alkylation of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes Using New Cinchona‐Based Primary Amine Catalyst
Authors: Huang Yong‐Shuang , Song Shuang‐Gui , Ren Lei , Li You‐Gui , Wu Xiang
Published: October 2019

New cinchona‐based primary amine catalysts were prepared and screened as organocatalysts for the γ‐alkylation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes with bis(4‐dimethylaminophenyl)methanol. Catalyst C3 containing acetic acid group yielded γ‐alkylated products in good yields (up to 94 %) with up to 90 % ee. This new primary aminocatalyst provide new opportunities to explore novel asymmetric transformations.
Familial implications of autoimmune disease: Recurrence risks of alopecia areata and associated conditions in first‐degree relatives
Authors: Agre Katherine , McCarthy Veach Patricia , Bemmels Heather , Wiens Katie , LeRoy Bonnie S. , Hordinsky Maria
Published: October 2019

Alopecia areata (AA), a complex autoimmune hair loss condition, affects approximately 2.1% of the population. Individuals with AA have increased susceptibility to diseases such as atopy and autoimmune disorders, but little is known about first‐degree relatives' risk to develop AA and associated conditions. Genetic counseling for multifactorial conditions, including autoimmune disease is complex, but potentially valuable. Anecdotally we know patients with AA ask medical providers about recurrence risk for family members as well as question whether they and their relatives are at risk for other conditions. Data on AA recurrence risks and comorbid conditions among relatives of affected individuals comprise valuable information that may guide clinical management by genetic counselors. This study investigated the recurrence risk of AA and compared the prevalence of associated conditions among first‐degree relatives to the general population. The study also assessed the validity of self‐reported conditions for a subset of participants. Relatives of individuals with AA (N = 155), recruited from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Registry, completed telephone surveys about their personal medical history for 70 medical conditions associated with AA. Medical records for 60 participants were compared to self‐reported responses. One‐sided proportional tests, in which it is assumed the disease prevalence in first‐degree relatives is higher than for those in the general population, yielded a 7.8% estimated risk of AA versus the general population prevalence of 2.1%. Furthermore, there are increased risks of 33 associated conditions, including atopy and other autoimmune conditions. Comparison of medical reports to self‐reported conditions indicated only 12% was incongruent. The findings may help genetic counselors better serve patients and their families by informing them of lifetime risk estimates of developing AA and comorbid conditions, resulting in early diagnosis of autoimmune diseases in AA families. Findings also provide evidence supporting the validity of self‐report data in AA families.
MRI cine‐tagging of cardiac‐induced motion for noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis
Authors: Lefebvre Thierry , Petitclerc Léonie , Hébert Mélanie , Bilodeau Laurent , Sebastiani Giada , Olivié Damien , Gao Zu‐Hua , Sylvestre Marie‐Pierre , Cloutier Guy , Nguyen Bich N. , Gilbert Guillaume , Tang An
Published: October 2019

Background

MR elastography is a noninvasive technique that provides high diagnostic accuracy for the staging of liver fibrosis; however, it requires external hardware and mainly assesses the right lobe.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MRI cine‐tagging for staging fibrosis in the left liver lobe, using biopsy as the reference standard.

Study Type

Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved two‐center prospective study.

Population

Seventy‐six patients with chronic liver disease who underwent an MRI cine‐tagging examination and a liver biopsy within a 6‐week interval.

Field Strength/Sequence

2D‐GRE multislice sequence at 3.0T with spatial modulation of the magnetization preparation sequence and peripheral pulse‐wave triggering on two coronal slices chosen underneath the heart apex to capture maximal deformation with consecutive breath‐holds adapted to patient cardiac frequency.

Assessment

A region of interest was selected in the liver close to the heart apex. Maximal strain was evaluated with the harmonic phase (HARP) technique.

Statistical Tests

Spearman's correlation, Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed.

Results

Liver strain measured on tagged images decreased with higher histological fibrosis stage (ρ = –0.68, P < 0.0001). Strain values were significantly different between all fibrosis stages (P < 0.0001), and between groups of fibrosis stages ≤F3 vs. F4 (P < 0.05). Areas under the ROC curves were 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.89–1.00) to distinguish fibrosis stages F0 vs. F4, 0.81 (0.70–0.92) for stages F0 vs. ≥F1, 0.84 (0.76–0.93) for stages ≤F1 vs. ≥F2, 0.86 (0.78–0.94) for stages ≤F2 vs. ≥F3, and 0.87 (0.77–0.96) for stages ≤F3 vs. F4.

Data Conclusion

MRI cine‐tagging is a promising technique for measuring liver strain without additional elastography hardware. It could be used to assess the left liver lobe as a complement to current techniques assessing the right lobe.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1570–1580.
Sensory properties of aqueous dispersions of protein‐rich extracts from Chlorella protothecoides at neutral and acidic pH
Authors: Grossmann Lutz , Wörner Vera , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Water‐soluble proteins extracted from the heterotrophically cultivated microalga Chlorella protothecoides have been shown to have a good solubility over a broad pH range, which makes them a promising candidate for beverage formulations. This study investigated the sensory properties of dispersions of a protein‐rich extract from C. protothecoides at neutral and pH 3.

RESULTS

Sensory acceptance tests of the pure extract revealed an overall low acceptance at pH 7 without sucrose addition. Sensory acceptance was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased by lowering the pH to 3 with citric acid, and the addition of 50 g kg−1 sucrose. Here, overall positive sensory acceptance ratings were achieved up to a protein extract concentration of 40 g kg−1. Basic taste evaluations showed only low bitterness scores and no significant (P > 0.05) increase in bitterness with decreasing pH.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that protein‐rich extracts from C. protothecoides have promising sensory properties in beverage formulations. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
An exact method for a class of robust shortest path problems with scenarios
Authors: Duque Daniel , Medaglia Andrés L.
Published: October 2019

In this variant of the robust shortest path problem, the cost of traversing an arc is given by a discrete set of scenarios. The problem is then to find a (robust) path that takes into account the information arising from the multiple cost realizations of the possible scenarios. To account for a robust path, we adopt the bw‐robustness criterion, which ameliorates the dramatic role played by worst‐case approaches. Under this criterion, the parameter b represents a desirable upper bound for the cost that the decision maker wants for most of the scenarios; while parameter w strictly bounds the cost and represents a value that the decision maker is not willing to exceed in any scenario. To solve the problem, we extend the pulse algorithm, a general‐purpose solution strategy that has been used on shortest path problems with side constraints. The proposed algorithm compares favorably against an integer programming approach both in terms of speed and scalability on networks with up to 39 377 nodes and 192 094 arcs.
Permeability estimation from induced polarization: an evaluation of geophysical length scales using an effective hydraulic radius concept
Authors: Weller Andreas , Slater Lee
Published: October 2019

Geophysical length scales defined from induced‐polarization measurements can be used in models of permeability (k) prediction. We explore the relative merit of different induced‐polarization parameters as proxies of an effective hydraulic radius (reff) that can be used to predict permeability from a modified Hagen–Poiseuille equation. Whereas geometrical measures of the hydraulic radius are good proxies of reff, the induced‐polarization measures are not well correlated with reff. However, a new proxy of reff that considers both imaginary conductivity and formation factor shows an improved correlation with reff. The resulting model enables a better quality of permeability prediction compared with the other geophysical length scales, but does not reach the predictive quality of the models based on geometrical length scales. The specific polarizability defined when incorporating the effect of the formation factor on imaginary conductivity appears to be independent of pore geometry, indicating that it is the correct parameter representing the role of the surface electrochemistry on the induced‐polarization effect. However, the joint dependence of induced‐polarization measurements on both the pore radius and the tortuosity and porosity of the interconnected pore network is a limitation to the widely explored use of induced‐polarization measurements to isolate surface properties from volumetric properties of the interconnected pore network.
Puberty in the Bronze Age: First application of a puberty estimation method to a prehistoric population
Authors: Doe Danielle M. , Molina Moreno María , Rascón Pérez Josefina , Candelas González Nieves , Cambra‐Moo Oscar , Campo Martín Manuel , González Martín Armando
Published: October 2019

Puberty and adolescence represent a significant period of physical growth and maturation and a critical life stage in which children transition into adults within their societies. Numerous studies have observed a secular trend and have determined that puberty is now occurring earlier than in the past. This investigation represents the first application of a methodology for assessing the pubertal status of osteological remains to a prehistoric skeletal sample. Six Bronze Age adolescent skeletons from the Cerro de La Encantada archaeological site (Ciudad Real, Spain) were analysed. Prepubescence was observed at age 9 and the transition phase of the pubertal growth spurt at 15 years of age. These results were similar to those obtained from medieval, Industrial Revolution, and modern populations, both within and outside of the Iberian Peninsula. The similarity in the development of the Bronze Age adolescents to that of other past and contemporary populations suggests that the pubertal process has remained essentially unchanged across millennia until recent times. However, other interpretations, including the influence of a subpar developmental environment and potential methodological artefacts, are possible. Nevertheless, studies of this type provide important information about a crucial transitory period in human development.
Bio‐inspired low dielectric phenol formaldehyde laminates for electrical insulation applications
Authors: Nimanpure Subhash , Hashmi Syed Azhar Rasheed , Kumar Rajnish , Naik Ajay
Published: October 2019

In this research work, the effect of individual and hybridized reinforcement of sisal fibrils with randomly distributed short sisal fibers has been investigated. The sisal fibrils (SP) and sisal fibers (SF) were reinforced with phenol formaldehyde matrix using hot stage compression molding technique. Composite laminates were prepared keeping the total wt% of the fibrils/fibers to be 40. The mechanical strength of SP reinforced phenol formaldehyde laminates was found to be superior as compared to sisal fiber and sisal fibril/fiber hybrid reinforced laminates. The 40 wt% sisal fibril reinforced composite laminates (SP40PF60) showed 73% and 25% increase in tensile strength, 78% and 23% increase in flexural strength, and 174% and 44% increase in impact strength as compared to 40 wt% sisal fiber reinforced laminates (SF40PF60) and 40 wt% hybrid reinforced (having equal proportion of fibrils and fibers) laminates (SF20SP20PF60). The dielectric properties of SP40PF60 increased by 14% and 9% as compared to SF40PF60 and SF20SP20PF60 laminates. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis analysis also showed higher thermal stability for sisal fibril phenol formaldehyde laminates than pure fiber and fibril/fiber hybrid laminates. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to understand the nature of fibril/fiber/matrix interface. These laminates have been specially designed for press boards used in transformer assembly as environment friendly high mechanical strength and electrical insulating material. Additionally, these laminates can be useful for various fields such as electrical and aerospace industry.
Molecular Beam Epitaxy of Transition Metal Nitrides for Superconducting Device Applications
Authors: Katzer D. Scott , Nepal Neeraj , Hardy Matthew T. , Downey Brian P. , Storm David F. , Jin Eric N. , Yan Rusen , Khalsa Guru , Wright John , Lang Andrew C. , Growden Tyler A. , Gokhale Vikrant , Wheeler Virginia D. , Kramer Alan R. , Yater Joan E. , Xing Huili Grace , Jena Debdeep , Meyer David J.
Published: October 2019

Epitaxial integration of superconductors with semiconductors is expected to enable new device architectures and to increase electronic circuit and system functionality and performance in diverse fields, including sensing and quantum computing. Herein, radiofrequency plasma molecular‐beam epitaxy is used to epitaxially grow 3–200 nm‐thick metallic NbNx and TaNx thin films on hexagonal SiC substrates. Single‐phase cubic δ‐NbN and hexagonal TaNx films are obtained when the starting substrate temperature is ≈800 and ≈900 °C, respectively, and the active N to Nb or Ta ratio is ≈2.5–3. The films are characterized using in‐situ reflection high‐energy electron diffraction and ex‐situ atomic force microscopy, contactless sheet resistance, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion‐mass spectrometry, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy, and low‐temperature electrical measurements. Smooth, epitaxial, low‐resistivity films of cubic δ‐NbN and hexagonal TaNx on SiC are demonstrated for films at least ≈50 nm‐thick, and their superconducting properties are reported. Epitaxy of AlN and GaN on δ‐NbN is also demonstrated, as well as integration of an epitaxial NbNx superconducting electrode layer under GaN high‐electron mobility transistors. These early demonstrations show the promise of direct epitaxial integration of superconducting transition metal nitrides with group III‐N semiconductors.
Does maternal autoantibody that transfer to newborn cause disease?
Authors: Ichiwata Toshio , Ishida Manabu , Itoh Yuko , Kitamura Nobutaka , Nakata Koh
Published: October 2019

Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) is associated with excess amount of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) autoantibody (GMAb) in the lung and blood. We experienced a female case with severe aPAP who could continue her pregnancy under home oxygen therapy and delivered a newborn by caesarean section. Maternal serum GMAb remained high level for up to one year after the delivery, although aPAP entered remission by whole lung lavage. While the newborn oxygen saturation as well as serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 and surfactant protein‐D levels had been normal until one year. As GMAb likely transfer to the newborn and might cause the same disease, we carefully monitored both maternal and the newborn serum GMAb levels after the birth for up to one year. We confirmed that GMAb passively transferred to the newborn circulation but rapidly decreased exponentially to the cut‐off level. It is suggested that this rapid decrease might prevent the newborn from developing aPAP.
A Synthesis of a Dust Suppressant Using the Cellulose Extracted from Maize Straw
Authors: Wang Hongkun , Nie Wen , Zhang Haihan , Jin Hu , Bao Qiu , Yan Jiayi , Liu Qiang
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a cellulose‐based dust suppressant is synthesized using common maize straw as the raw material. In order to obtain high‐quality cellulose, a chemical, acid‐based treatment is employed for the extraction of cellulose and the removal of hemicellulose and lignin. By using polyvinyl alcohol (PVC) as a monomer, potassium persulfate (K2S2O4) as an initiator, aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) as a crosslinker, and glycerol (C3H8O3) as a plasticizer (mass ratios of 28.5%, 1.0%, 0.5%, and 19.0%, respectively), the polyvinyl alcohol grafted cellulose dust suppressant is fabricated in a water bath of 70 ˚C after 5 h. The characteristics of the dust suppressant are measured using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analyzer, universal testing machine, and wind tunnel simulation platform. At a concentration of 5%, the dust suppressant demonstrates some excellent functionality, such as economic rationality, film‐forming capability, compression resistance, temperature adaptability, and wind erosion resistance. As the raw material is easy to obtain and pollution‐free, this new dust suppressant has promising market prospects.
Exact charges from heterotic black holes
Authors: Faedo Federico , Ramírez Pedro F.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We derive exact relations to all orders in the α

′
expansion for the charges of a bound system of heterotic strings, solitonic 5-branes and, optionally, a Kaluza-Klein monopole. The expressions, which differ from those of the zeroth-order supergravity approximation, coincide with the values obtained when only the corrections of quadratic order in curvature are included. Our computation relies on the consistency of string theory as a quantum theory of gravity; the relations follow from the matching of the Wald entropy with the microscopic degeneracy. In the heterotic frame, the higher-curvature terms behave as delocalized sources that introduce a shift between near-horizon and asymptotic charges. On the other hand, when described in terms of lower-dimensional effective fields, the solution carries constant charges over space which coincide with those of the asymptotic heterotic fields. In addition, we describe why the Gauss-Bonnet term, which only captures a subset of the relevant corrections of quadratic order in curvature, in some cases succeeds to reproduce the correct value for the Wald entropy, while fails in others.
Relationship between oxidative stress and sexual coloration of
lizards depends on thermal habitat
Authors: Mészáros Boglárka , Jordán Lilla , Bajer Katalin , Martín José , Török János , Molnár Orsolya
Published: October 2019

Sexual signals serve as an honest indicator of individual quality,
reflecting either developmental and/or maintenance costs. A possible underlying
physiological mechanism is oxidative stress, which could mediate energy trade-offs
between sexual signals and other quality traits. In ectotherms, thermal performance
acts as a key indicator of individual quality and influence signal intensity. We
investigated how oxidative state is reflected in visual signals of lizards from
different thermal habitats. According to our hypothesis, efficient thermoregulation
requires different strategies in different thermal environments. In a habitat with
predictable temperature changes, animals are less exposed to suboptimal temperature
ranges and selection will, therefore, be stronger on the maximum oxidative damage at
optimal body temperature. Contrarily, in a habitat with rather stochastic thermal
shifts, individuals are often constricted by suboptimal thermal conditions, and
oxidative damage can be limiting on a wide temperature range. We used Iberolacerta cyreni and Psammodromus algirus inhabiting stochastic and predictable thermal
environments respectively. We examined two aspects of oxidative stress: the level of
reactive oxygen metabolites at the preferred temperature (maximal ROM) and the
temperature range in which animals produce at least 80% of the maximum level of
reactive oxygen metabolites (effective ROM range). In I.
cyreni, we found that duller coloration was related to a wider
effective ROM range, while expression of coloration in P.
algirus was negatively correlated with the maximal ROM. Our results
suggest that different thermal constraints affect different aspects of oxidative
damage which can indicate individual quality and are, therefore, represented in
sexual ornaments.
Do Vitamin D Level and Dietary Calcium Intake Modify the Association Between Loop Diuretics and Bone Health?
Authors: Oliai Araghi Sadaf , Kiefte-de Jong Jessica C. , Trajanoska Katerina , Koromani Fjorda , Rivadeneira Fernando , Zillikens M. Carola , van Schoor Natasja M. , de Groot Lisette C. P. G. M. , Ikram M. Arfan , Uitterlinden André G. , Stricker Bruno H. , van der Velde Nathalie
Published: October 2019

Loop diuretics (LD) may affect bone health by inhibiting renal calcium reuptake. However, whether vitamin D status and dietary calcium intake modify the association between LD and bone outcome is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether vitamin D level or calcium intake modify the association between LD and various indices of bone health including bone mineral density (BMD) and Trabecular Bone Score (TBS). From The Rotterdam Study, a prospective population-based cohort study, we used data from 6990 participants aged > 45 year with a DXA scan (2002–2008), 6908 participants with femoral neck (FN)-BMD, 6677 participants with lumbar spine (LS)-BMD and 6476 participants with LS-TBS measurements. Use of LD was available from pharmacy dispensing records. Vitamin D (25(OH)D) level was measured in serum, and dietary calcium intake was measured with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Almost eight percent of the participants used LD. The association between LD (past-users compared to never-users) and LS-TBS was significantly different by 25(OH)D concentrations (P for interaction = 0.04). A significantly lower LS-TBS among LD past-users was observed for 25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/l compared to ≤ 20 and 20–50 nmol/l (β = − 0.036, 95% CI − 0.060; − 0.013 vs. β = − 0.012, 95% CI − 0.036; 0.013 and β = − 0.031, 95% CI − 0.096; 0.034, respectively). However, no other significant effect modification by 25(OH)D and dietary calcium intake was found in the associations between LD use and bone health outcomes (P-interaction > 0.13). This study suggests that the association between LD use and indices of bone health is not consistently modified by vitamin D or dietary calcium intake.
Impact of continuous predator threat on telomere dynamics in parent and nestling pied flycatchers
Authors: Kärkkäinen Tiia , Teerikorpi Pauliina , Panda Bineet , Helle Samuli , Stier Antoine , Laaksonen Toni
Published: October 2019

In addition to direct mortality, predators can have indirect effects on prey populations by affecting prey behaviour or physiology. For example, predator presence can increase stress hormone levels, which can have physiological costs. Stress exposure accelerates the shortening of telomeres (i.e. the protective caps of chromosomes) and shorter telomeres have been linked to increased mortality risk. However, the effect of perceived predation risk on telomeres is not known. We investigated the effects of continuous predator threat (nesting Eurasian pygmy owl Glaucidium passerinum) on telomere dynamics of both adult and partially cross-fostered nestling pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) in the wild. Females nesting at owl-inhabited sites showed impaired telomere maintenance between incubation and chick rearing compared to controls, and both males and females ended up with shorter telomeres at owl-inhabited sites in the end of chick rearing. On the contrary, both original and cross-fostered chicks reared in owl sites had consistently longer telomeres during growth than chicks reared at control sites. Thus, predation risk may cause a long-term cost in terms of telomeres for parents but not for their offspring. Predators may therefore affect telomere dynamics of their preys, which could have implications for their ageing rate and consequently for population dynamics.
Reduction mammoplasty and back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mian Shan , Dyson Edward , Ulbricht Christian
Published: October 2019

Purpose

There is anecdotal evidence that many patients who undergo reduction mammoplasty (RM) procedures, to relieve symptoms of large breasts, also report improvement in existing back pain. Given how important back pain is as a healthcare burden, the literature which explores the relationship between RM and back pain is sparse. Thus, we aimed to appraise whether such a correlation exists, through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Method

Adhering to PRISMA methodology, we used the OVID engine to search the MEDLINE and Embase databases with predefined search terms and inclusion criteria. MeSH terms were not exploded. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3, employing a Mantell–Haenszel method and a fixed-effect model suitable for dichotomous data.

Results

The review yielded 13 articles after exclusions, eight of which were suitable for quantitative analysis. The results of the analysis suggested an improvement in back pain following RM across all studies (OR 40.37 [8.09, 201.53] 95% CI, n = 1008). Heterogeneity was high (τ2 = 5.14, χ2 = 230.37, df = 7 (p < 0.00001) i2 = 97%).

Conclusions

Although cursory, the evidence gleaned suggests that RM reduces the prevalence of back pain in patients with large breasts. Furthermore, we highlight the scarcity of studies investigating whether RM is at the clinical threshold of efficacy in treating back pain. Although the evidence is insufficient for recommending RM as a management option aimed at treating back pain, this review does identify the need for prospective data looking at back pain metrics as a specific outcome measure before and after reduction mammoplasty.

Graphic abstract
Osseointegration effects of local release of strontium ranelate from implant surfaces in rats
Authors: Alenezi Ali , Galli Silvia , Atefyekta Saba , Andersson Martin , Wennerberg Ann
Published: October 2019

Background

Numerous studies have reported the beneficial effects of strontium on bone growth, particularly by stimulating osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Thus, strontium release around implants has been suggested as one possible strategy to enhance implant osseointegration.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate whether the local release of strontium ranelate (Sr-ranelate) from implants coated with mesoporous titania could improve bone formation around implants in an animal model.

Materials and methods

Mesoporous titania (MT) thin coatings were formed utilizing the evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) method using Pluronic (P123) with or without the addition of poly propylene glycol (PPG) to create materials with two different pore sizes. The MT was deposited on disks and mini-screws, both made of cp Ti grade IV. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to characterize the MT using a Leo Ultra55 FEG instrument (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). The MT was loaded with Sr-ranelate using soaking and the drug uptake and release kinetics to and from the surfaces were evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) utilizing a Q-sense E4 instrument. For the in vivo experiment, 24 adult rats were analyzed at two time points of implant healing (2 and 6 weeks). Titanium implants shaped as mini screws were coated with MT films and divided into two groups; supplied with Sr-ranelate (test group) and without Sr-ranelate (control group). Four implants (both test and control) were inserted in the tibia of each rat. The in vivo study was evaluated using histomorphometric analyses of the implant/bone interphase using optical microscopy.

Results

SEM images showed the successful formation of evenly distributed MT films covering the entire surface with pore sizes of 6 and 7.2 nm, respectively. The QCM-D analysis revealed an absorption of 3300 ng/cm2 of Sr-ranelate on the 7.2 nm MT, which was about 3 times more than the observed amount on the 6 nm MT (1200 ng/cm2). Both groups showed sustained release of Sr-ranelate from MT coated disks. The histomorphometric analysis revealed no significant differences in bone implant contact (BIC) and bone area (BA) between the implants with Sr-ranelate and implants in the control groups after 2 and 6 weeks of healing (BIC with a p-value of 0.43 after 2 weeks and 0.172 after 6 weeks; BA with a p-value of 0.503 after 2 weeks, and 0.088 after 6 weeks). The mean BIC and BA values within the same group showed significant increase among all groups between 2 and 6 weeks.

Conclusion

This study could not confirm any positive effects of Sr-ranelate on implant osseointegration.
Endoscopic transtympanic Eustachian tube dilatation: An overview of evaluation methods and dilatation technique
Authors: Kapadia Mustafa , Arsiwala Zainab , Tarabichi Muaaz
Published: October 2019

Endoscopic technique in patients undergoing chronic ear surgery allows visualization of protympanic (proximal) segment of the Eustachian tube (ET). The proximal cartilaginous ET is a common site of anatomical Obstruction in chronic otitis media and it is this proximal end of ET that is being observed, instrumented and dilated with transtympanic methods. The aim of this article is to discuss our approach to the assessment of the Eustachian tube using opening pressure measurement, endoscopic assessment of the protympanic segment of ET and Valsalva CT. And also to discuss detailed technique of transtympanic Eustachian tube dilatation.
LATINOS AND THE PRINCIPLES OF RACIAL DEMOGRAPHY
Authors: Lewis Christopher
Published: October 2019

U.S. federal agencies should treat Latinos as a racial or quasi-racial group in demographic data collection, rather than an ethnic or pan-ethnic group, as they do currently. Survey data must rely on self-reported racial and ethnic identification. But people often identify their own race differently from how others perceive them. In order for self-reported survey data to be useful for the enforcement of antidiscrimination law, it is important that it tracks how others perceive the respondents’ race and ethnicity, not just how they see themselves. To capture racial perceptions of Latinos, government surveys need to balance three subsidiary criteria: the promotion of self-reported racial identifications that are useful as a proxy for the perceptions of others; the ability to measure intra-group differences in how Latinos are racially perceived; and the extent to which Latinos are collectively perceived as a race. A survey format that treated Latinos as a racial group would likely be more amenable to these goals than the current format, but there are some areas, which this paper identifies, where further empirical research is needed in order to be sure.
Wireless sensor node remote supply using a compact stacked rectenna array with voltage multipliers at 2.45 GHz
Authors: Mahfoudi Hichem , Takhedmit Hakim , Tellache Mohamed , Boisseau Sebastien
Published: October 2019

This paper presents compact rectenna arrays for ambient RF energy harvesting on the 2.45 GHz ISM band. The arrays are based on four and nine series-connected rectenna cells. Each cell is composed of a stacked fractal antenna and an RF-to-dc conversion circuit. The antenna is a compact third Koch fractal shape, fed by a coaxial probe for more compactness. The conversion circuit is a full-wave rectifier with a differential output, each DC polarity is provided by a two-stage Dickson voltage multiplier. Measurement results show a significant increase of the output DC voltage for the one, four, and nine cells rectenna arrays. They provide, for power density of 1.7 μW/cm2, an output DC voltage of 0.9, 2.2, and 4.1 Volts, respectively. The 9 cells rectenna array is used in a remote supply experiment of a temperature and acceleration wireless sensor, where the data are transmitted via a Bluetooth low energy link to a distant smartphone every 1 min.
Thoughtfully Using Artificial Intelligence in Earth Science
Authors: Ebert-Uphoff Imme , Samarasinghe Savini , Barnes Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

Deriving scientific insights from artificial intelligence methods requires adhering to best practices and moving beyond off-the-shelf approaches.
Peak Tremor Rates Lead Peak Slip Rates During Propagation of Two Large Slow Earthquakes in Cascadia
Authors: Hall K. , Schmidt D. , Houston H.
Published: October 2019

We explore the evolution of slow slip on the Cascadia megathrust during two large episodic tremor and slip events and compare stress changes to the spatial evolution of tremor from Pacific Northwest Seismic Network tremor locations. We used displacement time series from ~72 GPS stations, along with the Extended Network Inversion Filter to solve for the time‐dependent fault slip. The 2010 (Mw 6.8) and 2012 (Mw 6.8) events propagated northward and southward, respectively, allowing us to assess directional effects on slip behavior. We observed that tremor occurs on the leading edge of propagating slipping regions, well ahead of the highest slip rates, independent of the along‐strike propagation direction. Resolution tests using the actual tremor distributions to generate synthetic data show that our result of peak tremor rates leading peak slip rates is not due to biases introduced by temporal smoothing. Calculated stress changes due to the time‐dependent slip distributions imply that tremor is sensitive to kilopascals of stress, consistent with studies of tidally triggered tremor. Within the resolution of our model, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that significant tremor is triggered by stresses ahead of the highest slip rates. We also observe ongoing slip continuing several days after tremor has passed. Our observations are consistent with some numerical models of tremor patches that suggest that this behavior can be explained by densely packed asperities resulting in somewhat crack‐like propagation rather than a slip pulse that is as concentrated as the tremor activity.
Atmospheric Effects of >30‐keV Energetic Electron Precipitation in the Southern Hemisphere Winter During 2003
Authors: Pettit J. M. , Randall C. E. , Peck E. D. , Marsh D. R. , van de Kamp M. , Fang X. , Harvey V. L. , Rodger C. J. , Funke B.
Published: October 2019

The atmospheric effects of precipitating electrons are not fully understood, and uncertainties are large for electrons with energies greater than ~30 keV. These electrons are underrepresented in modeling studies today, primarily because valid measurements of their precipitating spectral energy fluxes are lacking. This paper compares simulations from the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) that incorporated two different estimates of precipitating electron fluxes for electrons with energies greater than 30 keV. The estimates are both based on data from the Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellite Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detector (MEPED) instruments but differ in several significant ways. Most importantly, only one of the estimates includes both the 0° and 90° telescopes from the MEPED instrument. Comparisons are presented between the WACCM results and satellite observations poleward of 30°S during the austral winter of 2003, a period of significant energetic electron precipitation. Both of the model simulations forced with precipitating electrons with energies >30 keV match the observed descent of reactive odd nitrogen better than a baseline simulation that included auroral electrons, but no higher energy electrons. However, the simulation that included both telescopes shows substantially better agreement with observations, particularly at midlatitudes. The results indicate that including energies >30 keV and the full range of pitch angles to calculate precipitating electron fluxes is necessary for improving simulations of the atmospheric effects of energetic electron precipitation.
Signatures of Nonideal Plasma Evolution During Substorms Obtained by Mining Multimission Magnetometer Data
Authors: Sitnov M. I. , Stephens G. K. , Tsyganenko N. A. , Miyashita Y. , Merkin V. G. , Motoba T. , Ohtani S. , Genestreti K. J.
Published: October 2019

Substorm‐type evolution of the Earth's magnetosphere is investigated by mining more than two decades (1995–2017) of spaceborne magnetometer data from multiple missions including the first two years (2016‐2017) of the Magnetospheric MultiScale mission. This investigation reveals interesting features of plasma evolution distinct from ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) behavior: X‐lines, thin current sheets, and regions with the tailward gradient of the equatorial magnetic field Bz. X‐lines are found to form mainly beyond 20 RE, but for strong driving, with the solar wind electric field exceeding ∼5mV/m, they may come closer. For substorms with weaker driving, X‐lines may be preceded by redistribution of the magnetic flux in the tailward Bz gradient regions, similar to the magnetic flux release instability discovered earlier in PIC and MHD simulations as a precursor mechanism of the reconnection onset. Current sheets in the growth phase may be as thin as 0.2 RE, comparable to the thermal ions gyroradius, and at the same time, as long as 15 RE. Such an aspect ratio is inconsistent with the isotropic force balance for observed magnetic field configurations. These findings can help resolve kinetic mechanisms of substorm dipolarizations and adjust kinetic generalizations of global MHD models of the magnetosphere. They can also guide and complement microscale analysis of nonideal effects.