bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ligand Concentration on the Thermal Properties, Structure, and Digestibility of Maize Starch Inclusion Complexes with Ascorbyl Palmitate
Authors: Zhou Dingpeng , Liu Shaowei , Liu Xue , Tang Xiaozhi
Published: December 2019

The alkaline method is used to form the complex between starch and ascorbyl palmitate (AP) in this study. Normal maize starch (NMS) and high amylose maize starch (HAMS) are screened to investigate the effects of AP concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 10.0%, 20.0%) on the properties of complexes at 60 °C. HAMS can bind more AP than NMS because of more amylose content. Comparing the endothermic peaks in DSC analysis, 5% and 10% AP levels are sufficient to interact with NMS and HAMS, respectively. The disappeared or weakened AP characteristic absorption peaks in FTIR spectra prove the formation of V‐amylose structure. The XRD analyses reveal that the inclusion complexes are formed with AP with six glucose units per turn due to the steric hindrance of AP, and the self‐aggregation of AP in the complexes is also detected. The self‐aggregation of AP do not affect the indigested ordered helical chain segments of starch in in vitro digestion. The 5% and 10% AP levels are enough to decrease the rate and extent of starch digestion in NMS and HAMS complexes, respectively. The formation of starch‐AP inclusion complexes also appear to enhance the stability of AP against light, heat, and oxidation.
Preparation and Properties of Compatible Starch‐PCL Composites: Effects of the NCO Functionality in Compatibilizer
Authors: Weng Fangqing , Zhang Peirui , Guo Duyu , Koranteng Ernest , Wu Zhengshun , Wu Qiangxian
Published: December 2019

As is well known, poor interfacial interactions between hydrophilic corn starch (CS) and hydrophobic thermoplastic matrices have been an obstacle in application of the quality biomass material like CS. The addition of compatibilizers is an effective method to improve the interface interaction. In this work, a special interficial structure using polyurethane crosslinked layer as compatible interface is designed and compatibilizers with different NCO functionality are also applied. The purpose of this work is to investigate the effects of compatibilizers with different NCO functionality (f,f= 0, 1, 2, 3) on the compatibility of corn starch‐polycaprolactone (CS‐PCL) composites. Subsequently, various CS‐PCL composites are prepared using compatiblizers with different NCO functionality (f= 0, 1, 2, 3) via melting process. The structural analysis, mechanical properties, and water absorption capability as well as the thermal stability of the composites reveal that the properties of the composites are only enhanced significantly when the NCO functionality is no less than 2. In short, whenf≥ 2, a crosslinked layer could be formed at the interface of the composite to afford a compatible CS‐PCL composite.
Simulation of temperature field of basin insulator and optimization of oven structure
Authors: Kan Chaohao , Ruan Zhiwei , Yuan Duanpeng , Hao Liucheng
Published: December 2019

Due to the 'filler' effect, the pot insulators need to be solidified from bottom to top during the curing process, which requires the epoxy to have a reasonable temperature gradient during curing. To improve the curing quality of the basin insulator in the oven, this study uses the SolidWorks modeling software to establish the physical model and simulates the whole process of the curing process of the ultra high voltage (UHV) basin insulator by computer simulation technology and the finite element principle. For the case in which the temperature difference between the concave side and the convex side of the section of the basin insulator is too large during the curing process, the existing oven structure is improved, and the temperature difference between the concave side and the convex side of the front and rear basin insulator sections is compared. The simulation results show that the optimized oven structure has a better temperature field distribution of the basin insulator during the curing process. The correctness of the simulation was verified by testing the temperature and strain during the curing process of the basin insulator. Compared with the old oven, the new oven structure reduces strain on the insulator during curing by about 10%, indicating the superiority of the new oven. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Shallows? The Nature and Properties of Digital/Screen Reading
Authors: McLean Cheryl A.
Published: December 2019

Young students must become proficient in the new literacies of 21st‐century technologies to be considered literate. This department explores how literacy educators can integrate information and communication technologies into the curriculum.
Observables and amplitudes for spinning particles and black holes
Authors: Maybee Ben , O’Connell Donal , Vines Justin
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We develop a general formalism for computing classical observables for relativistic scattering of spinning particles, directly from on-shell amplitudes. We then apply this formalism to minimally coupled Einstein-gravity amplitudes for the scattering of massive spin 1/2 and spin 1 particles with a massive scalar, constructed using the double copy. In doing so we reproduce recent results at first post-Minkowskian order for the scattering of spinning black holes, through quadrupolar order in the spin-multipole expansion.
Scan–rescan and inter-vendor reproducibility of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging metrics
Authors: Andica Christina , Kamagata Koji , Hayashi Takuya , Hagiwara Akifumi , Uchida Wataru , Saito Yuya , Kamiya Kouhei , Fujita Shohei , Akashi Toshiaki , Wada Akihiko , Abe Masahiro , Kusahara Hiroshi , Hori Masaaki , Aoki Shigeki
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The reproducibility of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) metrics in the human brain has not been explored across different magnetic resonance (MR) scanners from different vendors. This study aimed to evaluate the scan–rescan and inter-vendor reproducibility of NODDI metrics in white and gray matter of healthy subjects using two 3-T MR scanners from two vendors.

Methods

Ten healthy subjects (7 males; mean age 30 ± 7 years, range 23–37 years) were included in the study. Whole-brain diffusion-weighted imaging was performed with b-values of 1000 and 2000 s/mm2 using two 3-T MR scanners from two different vendors. Automatic extraction of the region of interest was performed to obtain NODDI metrics for whole and localized areas of white and gray matter. The coefficient of variation (CoV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess the scan–rescan and inter-vendor reproducibilities of NODDI metrics.

Results

The scan–rescan and inter-vendor reproducibility of NODDI metrics (intracellular volume fraction and orientation dispersion index) were comparable with those of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics. However, the inter-vendor reproducibilities of NODDI (CoV = 2.3–14%) were lower than the scan–rescan reproducibility (CoV: scanner A = 0.8–3.8%; scanner B = 0.8–2.6%). Compared with the finding of DTI metrics, the reproducibility of NODDI metrics was lower in white matter and higher in gray matter.

Conclusion

The lower inter-vendor reproducibility of NODDI in some brain regions indicates that data acquired from different MRI scanners should be carefully interpreted.
Regions of white matter abnormalities in the arcuate fasciculus in veterans with anger and aggression problems
Authors: David Szabolcs , Heesink Lieke , Geuze Elbert , Gladwin Thomas , van Honk Jack , Kleber Rolf , Leemans Alexander
Published: December 2019

Aggression after military deployment is a common occurrence in veterans. Neurobiological research has shown that aggression is associated with a dysfunction in a network connecting brain regions implicated in threat processing and emotion regulation. However, aggression may also be related to deficits in networks underlying communication and social cognition. The uncinate and arcuate fasciculi are integral to these networks, thus studying potential abnormalities in these white matter connections can further our understanding of anger and aggression problems in military veterans. Here, we use diffusion tensor imaging tractography to investigate white matter microstructural properties of the uncinate fasciculus and the arcuate fasciculus in veterans with and without anger and aggression problems. A control tract, the parahippocampal cingulum was also included in the analyses. More specifically, fractional anisotropy (FA) estimates are derived along the trajectory from all fiber pathways and compared between both groups. No between-group FA differences are observed for the uncinate fasciculus and the cingulum, however parts of the arcuate fasciculus show a significantly lower FA in the group of veterans with aggression and anger problems. Our data suggest that abnormalities in arcuate fasciculus white matter connectivity that are related to self-regulation may play an important role in the etiology of anger and aggression in military veterans.
Evolutionary dataset optimisation: learning algorithm quality through evolution
Authors: Wilde Henry , Knight Vincent , Gillard Jonathan
Published: December 2019

In this paper we propose a novel method for learning how algorithms perform. Classically, algorithms are compared on a finite number of existing (or newly simulated) benchmark datasets based on some fixed metrics. The algorithm(s) with the smallest value of this metric are chosen to be the ‘best performing’. We offer a new approach to flip this paradigm. We instead aim to gain a richer picture of the performance of an algorithm by generating artificial data through genetic evolution, the purpose of which is to create populations of datasets for which a particular algorithm performs well on a given metric. These datasets can be studied so as to learn what attributes lead to a particular progression of a given algorithm. Following a detailed description of the algorithm as well as a brief description of an open source implementation, a case study in clustering is presented. This case study demonstrates the performance and nuances of the method which we call Evolutionary Dataset Optimisation. In this study, a number of known properties about preferable datasets for the clustering algorithms known ask-means and DBSCAN are realised in the generated datasets.
Contemporary Artists’ Books and the Intimate Aesthetics of Illness
Authors: Bolaki Stella
Published: December 2019

This essay brings together critical perspectives from the discrete traditions of artists’ books and the medical humanities to examine artists’ books by three contemporary artists – Penny Alexander, Martha A. Hall and Amanda Watson-Will – that treat experiences of illness and wellbeing. Through its focus on a multimodal and multisensory art form that has allegiances with, but is not reduced to, narrative, the essay adds to recent calls to rethink key assumptions of illness narrative study and to challenge utilitarian approaches. In particular, it draws attention to the aesthetic and imaginative elements of illness communication by exploring how artists’ books represent lived experiences in a distinctively palpable way and offer an “intimate authority” that extends beyond narrative legitimacy or a form of struggle against the medical gaze. By interrogating narrative’s dominance in medical humanities research, the essay further expands awareness of illness experiences that resist conventional forms of representation (such as chronic illness), and of alternative reflective practices within healthcare education that encourage engagement with both mind and body.
Prolonged Amphetamine Treatments Cause Long-Term Decrease of Dopamine Uptake in Cultured Cells
Authors: Ferdous Nafisa , Kudumala Sirisha , Sossi Serena , Carvelli Lucia
Published: December 2019

Amphetamine (AMPH) is a systemic stimulant used to treat a variety of diseases including Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, narcolepsy and obesity. Previous data showed that by binding to catecholamine transporters, AMPH prevents the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). Because AMPH, either used therapeutically at final concentrations of 1–10 µM or abused as recreational drug (50–200 µM), is taken over long periods of time, we investigated the prolonged effects of this drug on the uptake of DA. We found that, in LLC-PK1 cells stably expressing the human DA transporter (hDAT), pretreatments with 1 or 50 µM AMPH caused significant reduction in DA uptake right after the 15-h pretreatment. Remarkably, after 50 but not 1 µM AMPH pretreatment, we observed a significant reduction in DA uptake also after one, two or three cell divisions. To test whether these long-term effects induced by AMPH where conserved in a model comparable to primordial neuronal cells and native neurons, we used the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y cells, which were reported to endogenously express both hDAT and the NE transporter. Pretreatments with 50 µM AMPH caused a significant reduction of DA uptake both right after 15 h and 3 cell divisions followed by neuro-differentiation with retinoic acid (RA) for 5 days. Under these same conditions, AMPH did not change the intracellular concentrations of ATP, ROS and cell viability suggesting, therefore, that the reduction in DA uptake was not cause by AMPH-induced toxicity. Interestingly, while 1 µM AMPH did not cause long-term effects in the LLC-PK1 cells, in the SH-SY5Y cells, it decreased the DA uptake after one, two, but not three, cell divisions and 5-day RA differentiation. These data show that besides the well-known acute effects, AMPH can also produce long-term effects in vitro that are maintained during cell division and transmitted to the daughter cells.
Characteristics that affect preference of decision models for asset selection: an industrial questionnaire survey
Authors: Alégroth Emil , Gorschek Tony , Petersen Kai , Mattsson Michael
Published: December 2019

Modern software development relies on a combination of development and re-use of technical asset, e.g., software components, libraries, and APIs. In the past, re-use was mostly conducted with internal assets but today external; open source, customer off-the-shelf (COTS), and assets developed through outsourcing are also common. This access to more asset alternatives presents new challenges regarding what assets to optimally chose and how to make this decision. To support decision-makers, decision theory has been used to develop decision models for asset selection. However, very little industrial data has been presented in literature about the usefulness, or even perceived usefulness, of these models. Additionally, only limited information has been presented about what model characteristics determine practitioner preference toward one model over another. The objective of this work is to evaluate what characteristics of decision models for asset selection determine industrial practitioner preference of a model when given the choice of a decision model of high precision or a model with high speed. An industrial questionnaire survey is performed where a total of 33 practitioners, of varying roles, from 18 companies are tasked to compare two decision models for asset selection. Textual analysis and formal and descriptive statistics are then applied on the survey responses to answer the study’s research questions. The study shows that the practitioners had clear preference toward the decision model that emphasized speed over the one that emphasized decision precision. This conclusion was determined to be because one of the models was perceived faster, had lower complexity, was more flexible in use for different decisions, and was more agile on how it could be used in operation, its emphasis on people, its emphasis on “good enough” precision and ability to fail fast if a decision was a failure. Hence, we found seven characteristics that the practitioners considered important for their acceptance of the model. Industrial practitioner preference, which relates to acceptance, of decision models for asset selection is dependent on multiple characteristics that must be considered when developing a model for different types of decisions such as operational day-to-day decisions as well as more critical tactical or strategic decisions. The main contribution of this work are the seven identified characteristics that can serve as industrial requirements for future research on decision models for asset selection.
Die Entwicklung fachlicher Basiskonzepte im Chemieunterricht – Findet ein kumulativer Aufbau im Kompetenzbereich Fachwissen statt?
Authors: Bernholt Sascha , Höft Lars , Parchmann Ilka
Published: December 2019

Die Vermittlung von Wissen über chemische Phänomene und eines Verständnisses grundlegender Begriffe, Gesetzmäßigkeiten und Prinzipien der Chemie zählen zu den zentralen Zielen des Chemieunterrichts. Zu diesem Zweck sind bildungsadministrative Vorgaben zunehmend durch zentrale fachliche Konzepte bzw. Denk- und Arbeitsweisen strukturiert, die entsprechend den Fokus der unterrichtlichen Aktivitäten bilden sollen. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurde den Fragen nachgegangen, inwieweit ein Kompetenzzuwachs bezüglich der Basiskonzepte des Fachs Chemie (Chemische Reaktion, Energie sowie Materie als Zusammenführung der beiden Basiskonzepte Stoff-Teilchen und Struktur-Eigenschaftsbeziehungen) über die Schuljahre 9 bis 12 festgestellt werden kann und inwieweit mit diesem Zuwachs auch ansteigende Zusammenhänge zwischen den Konzepten über Schuljahre hinweg einhergehen. Die erhaltenen Befunde werden dabei als Indiz gedeutet, inwieweit kohärente und kumulative Lerngelegenheiten vorliegen, die letztlich zu einem systematischen Kompetenzaufbau bzgl. der einzelnen Konzepte führen sollten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sowohl hinsichtlich des Kompetenzzuwachses als auch hinsichtlich der Zusammenhänge zwischen den drei erhobenen Konzeptbereichen eher geringe Effekte vorliegen. Zudem lässt sich nur bedingt eine systematische Kompetenzentwicklung aller drei Konzeptbereiche festhalten, sondern das Befundmuster deutet vielmehr an, dass es zu einer Verschiebung des Fokus vom Konzept Materie zum Konzept Chemische Reaktion über den Verlauf der Jahrgänge 9 bis 12 kommt, während der Konzeptbereich Energie kaum im Fokus des Unterrichts zu stehen scheint.
Air conditioning systems for aeronautical applications: a review
Authors: Merzvinskas M. , Bringhenti C. , Tomita J.T. , de Andrade C.R.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a review of the various aeronautical air conditioning systems that are currently available and discusses possible system configurations in the context of the aeronautical environmental control systems. Descriptions of the standard vapor compression cycle and air cycles are provided. The latter includes, simple-cycle, bootstrap-cycle, simple-bootstrap cycle (3-wheel) and condensing cycle (4-wheel). Water separation and air recirculation systems are also explored. A comparison between vapor compression cycles and air cycles is provided, as well as a comparison between different air cycles. Air cycle units are far less efficient than vapor compression cycle units, but they are lighter and more reliable for an equivalent cooling capacity. Details regarding the aircraft conceptual design phase along with general criteria for the selection of an air conditioning system are provided. Additionally, industry trends and technological advances are examined. Conclusions are compiled to guide the systems engineer in the search for the most appropriate design for a particular application.
Corporate Philanthropy After Fraud Punishment: An Institutional Perspective
Authors: Zhang Lin , Xu Yuehua , Chen Honghui , Jing Runtian
Published: December 2019

This study examines corporate philanthropy in the context of corporate wrongdoing punishment in emerging markets. Building on institutional theory, we propose that in emerging markets, after being punished for fraudulent behavior by the government, which is collectively the largest institution, convicted firms tend to use corporate philanthropy as an institutional strategy to regain legitimacy. Using data of Chinese-listed firms that were punished for financial fraud in the ten years from 2004 to 2013, our findings show the subsequent growth of corporate philanthropy to be positively related to punishment severity. Furthermore, convicted firms’ media visibility, dominant state ownership, and national political appointment strengthen the effect of punishment severity on corporate philanthropy increase. Our institutional perspective offers new insights into why firms engage in corporate philanthropy after fraud punishment.
Pre- and Post-Accident 14C Activities in tree rings near the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Matsunaka Tetsuya , Sasa Kimikazu , Takahashi Tsutomu , Matsumura Masumi , Satou Yukihiko , Shen Hongtao , Sueki Keisuke , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki
Published: December 2019

Areas affected by routine radiocarbon (14C) discharges from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) and accidental releases in March 2011 were investigated by analysis of cores from Japanese cypress and cedar trees growing at sites 9 and 24 km northwest of the plant. 14C concentrations in tree rings from 2008–2014 (before and after the accident) were determined by accelerator mass spectrometry, with 14C activities in the range 231–256 Bq kg−1 C. Activities during the period 2012–2014, after FDNPP shutdown, represent background levels, while the significantly higher levels recorded during 2008–2010, before the accident, indicate uptake of 14C from routine FDNPP operations. The mean excess 14C activity for the pre-accident period at the sites 9 and 24 km northwest of the plant were 21 and 12 Bq kg−1 C, respectively, indicating that the area of influence during routine FDNPP operations extended at least 24 km northwest. The mean excess tree-ring 14C activities in 2011 were 10 and 5.8 Bq kg−1 C at 9 and 24 km northwest, respectively, documenting possible impact of the FDNPP accident on 14C levels in trees.
The Hindu Cosmopolitanism of Sister Nivedita (Margaret Elizabeth Noble): An Irish Self in Imperial Currents
Authors: Barua Ankur
Published: December 2019

Sister Nivedita (Margaret Elizabeth Noble), a prominent disciple of the Hindu guru Swami Vivekananda, creatively reconfigured some traditional Vedantic vocabularies to present the “cosmo-national” individual as one who is not antithetical to but is deeply immersed in the densities of national locations. As we situate Nivedita’s “vernacular cosmopolitanism” in post-Saidian academic cultures, one of the most striking features of her reiteration of the theme that Indians should seek the universal in and through the particularities of their national histories, cultural norms, and religious systems is that it is grounded in an East-West binary, where specific values, sensibilities, and themes are attributed to each pole—primarily material to the Western and spiritual to the Eastern. The locations of her life and thought within this binary generate a complex combination of certain highly perceptive readings of Eastern styles of living; spiritual idealizations and ahistorical romanticizations of some traditional Hindu beliefs, traditions, and customs; global visions of internationalist exchanges across humanity; and pointed critiques of the operations of empire—while, occasionally, she can herself challenge the binary as an inexact classification.
Beauty, Wisdom, and Handiwork in Proverbs 31:10–31
Authors: Vayntrub Jacqueline
Published: December 2019

The book of Proverbs concludes with an alphabetic acrostic that describes and praises its feminine subject (Prov 31:10–31). The poem’s praise closes with a generalized critique of beauty, its deceptiveness and short-lived nature (v. 30). What function does this critique of beauty serve in light of the praise of the woman and her deeds? How do the poem and, specifically, this critique of beauty function in the broader organization of the book of Proverbs? This study argues that the poem rejects innate beauty in favor of acquired wisdom, a message that can be found elsewhere in Proverbs. The poem rejects beauty through an appeal to a rhetorical device—the “totalizing description”—which is used elsewhere to argue for a subject’s beauty or perfection. Through the structure of the alphabetic acrostic, the poem carefully embeds its message of willed action and acquired wisdom; using a description of the woman’s successive deeds, the poem shows how each deed leads to the enduring success of the woman’s family, her community, and the subsequent generation.
Triclinium Trialectics: The Triclinium as Contested Space in Early Roman Palestine
Authors: Keddie G. Anthony
Published: December 2019

This study draws on critical spatial theory to analyze the earliest archaeological and literary evidence of the triclinium, or Roman dining room, in Early Roman Palestine. It begins by examining the archaeological evidence of triclinia and similar banqueting spaces in Palestine, addressing their dating, their differing settings, and how their appearance and diffusion reflects socioeconomic and cultural changes under Roman influence. Next, it examines literary constructions of banqueting spaces in the Parables of Enoch, Testament of Moses, and “Q Sayings Gospel.” It demonstrates that these sources all seem to envision a triclinium setting in which elites eat, drink, and engage in all sorts of revelry while reclining on couches. The final section is devoted to critical spatial analysis of both the archaeological and literary data. It argues that these sources all evince, in varying ways, the interpenetration of local and global spaces rather than the unilateral “Romanization” of provincial space.
The Religion of Confrontation: Concepts, Violence, and Scholarship
Authors: Levene Nancy
Published: December 2019

Jonathan Z. Smith's essay “Religion, Religions, Religious” discovers the invention of religion as a generic term in colonial adventure. The move is notable: religion is born in violence, but it can be repurposed as a term without determinate content by which to compare cases. Smith's origin story is to empower scholars to pick up “religion” as they do the terms “language” and “culture.” There are reasons, however, not only to revisit the story but also to ask whether it is not missing a move—whether the reclamation of a violent term requires more from the scholar than Smith's structuralist reversal, his reinvention of colonialist invention. I compare Smith's resourcefulness with the conquistadors to Edward Said's critique of Orientalism. Both thinkers are asking questions of violence, invention, and use. Said more squarely addresses problems of thinking with and beyond guilty concepts. Yet Smith's story is an important counterpoint. Together, these thinkers help the humanities lay ground for a more expansive and self-conscious theoretical future.
Introduction & overview
Authors: Galanakis Yannis , Shapland Andrew
Published: December 2019

This brief introduction presents the structure and contents of the current issue of Archaeology in Greece, linking the various contributions to events or very recent discoveries that were reported in the press in the period immediately before the completion of this issue in September. It also offers an overview (not meant to be exhaustive) of archaeological activity in Greece over the past 12 months, focusing on major exhibitions and important recent publications.
Newsround
Authors: Parikh Tulsi
Published: December 2019

‘Newsround’ offers a platform for new discoveries that do not appear within the specialist contributions of this year’s Archaeological Reports, but which nevertheless warrant emphasis, either as a result of their particular characteristics or for the contribution they make to broader archaeological narratives. This section is not intended to be exhaustive but rather an overview of archaeological research in Greece. It comprises largely preliminary reports (results of excavations that took place up to and including August 2019 where possible) that complement the digital content made available through Archaeology in Greece Online (https://chronique.efa.gr). Due to the diachronic nature of a number of the sites and for ease of reference, the material is organized within each section geographically in the first instance and then chronologically (earliest to latest), as far as possible.
Voice assistance in 2019
Authors: Dale Robert
Published: December 2019

The end of the calendar year always seems like a good time to pause for breath and reflect on what’s been happening over the last 12 months, and that’s as true in the world of commercial NLP as it is in any other domain. In particular, 2019 has been a busy year for voice assistance, thanks to the focus placed on this area by all the major technology players. So, we take this opportunity to review a number of key themes that have defined recent developments in the commercialization of voice technology.
Challenges to Implementing the New Homelessness Prevention Agenda in Wales
Authors: Ahmed Anya , Madoc-Jones Iolo , Gibbons Andrea , Jones Katy , Rogers Michaela , Wilding Mark
Published: December 2019

Devolution presented an opportunity for the Welsh Government to introduce changes to housing and homelessness policy, and the subsequent homelessness reforms are seen as one of the best examples to date of the Welsh Government using its powers. However, devolved governments in small countries face a number of challenges in terms of realising their housing policy ambitions. In this article we argue that there is inevitable dissonance between the policy behind the Welsh Government legislation (prevention) and practice (implementation) associated with structural challenges (for example, austerity and budget restrictions, Welfare Reform and the availability of affordable accommodation). In response we propose a number of actions the Welsh Government might undertake to attempt to mitigate such structural challenges which also resonate in the English context where welfare retrenchment and homelessness prevention policies operate simultaneously.
Tropospheric Water Vapor Long‐term Periodicities and ENSO Relation in European Territory of Russia
Authors: Khutorova O. G. , Khutorov V. E. , Teptin G. M.
Published: December 2019

The variability of time series of the surface partial pressure of water vapor for the European territory of Russia over a long period has been studied. It has been established that the contribution of fluctuations with time scales from 2 to 6 years is from 35% to 60% of the interannual variance. It can be concluded that the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation makes a significant contribution to the interannual variability of moisture content in the European territory of Russia. Several modes of coherent variations in the range of 2–6 years have been established. However, the coherence of variations of ENSO and the surface partial pressure of water vapor are irregular. It is shown that during periods of coherence, the energy of oscillations of ENSO is transferred from the equator to the middle and polar latitudes in the troposphere and the lower stratosphere. Planetary waves play a significant role in the mechanism of ENSO energy transfer. Their energy begins to in the winter year of El Niño, and the maximum is reached after a year.
A Simulation Study on the Relationship Between Field‐Aligned and Field‐Perpendicular Plasma Velocities in the Ionospheric F Region
Authors: Chen Junjie , Lei Jiuhou , Zhang Shunrong , Wang Wenbing , Dang Tong
Published: December 2019

This study addresses a long‐standing scientific puzzle regarding ionospheric F2 region dynamics. Incoherent scatter radar observations of F2 region plasma drifts showed a strong anticorrelation between temporal variations of field‐aligned upward plasma velocity (Vi‖) and field‐perpendicular poleward plasma drift (Vi ⊥ N) over time scales from a few hours to a day at middle latitudes. The underlying physical processes remain a highly controversial issue, despite a number of speculations and qualitative inspections. Previous studies lacked especially quantitative analysis that could lead to decisive conclusions. In this study, we provide a comprehensive modeling study to explore the physical processes relating Vi‖ with Vi ⊥ N variations using a self‐consistent Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model. It is found that the anticorrelation between Vi‖ and Vi ⊥ N has strong altitudinal and latitudinal dependences. The anticorrelation between the diurnal variations of Vi‖ and Vi ⊥ N is associated with the neutral wind dynamo. Poleward meridional winds result in downward Vi‖ and poleward Vi ⊥ N, and vice versa. The anticorrelation between short‐term temporal disturbances of Vi‖ and Vi ⊥ N is mainly caused by ion drag, in response to high‐latitude convection electric field forcing. This forcing penetrates to lower latitudes and affects poleward plasma drifts Vi ⊥ N, which drags poleward meridional winds and modulates downward Vi‖. As the enhanced convection electric fields subside, the anticorrelation is mainly associated with disturbance meridional wind dynamo. The storm time high‐latitude energy and momentum inputs change global meridional winds which modify zonal electric fields to induce Vi ⊥ N changes. Furthermore, ambipolar diffusion plays a significant role in modulating the relationship between Vi‖ and Vi ⊥ N.
CloudSat‐Inferred Vertical Structure of Snowfall Over the Antarctic Continent
Authors: Lemonnier F. , Madeleine J.‐B. , Claud C. , Palerme C. , Genthon C. , L'Ecuyer T. , Wood N. B.
Published: December 2019

Current global warming is causing significant changes in snowfall in polar regions, directly impacting the mass balance of the ice caps. The only water supply in Antarctica, precipitation, is poorly estimated from surface measurements. The onboard cloud‐profiling radar of the CloudSat satellite provided the first real opportunity to estimate solid precipitation at continental scale. Based on CloudSat observations, we propose to explore the vertical structure of precipitation in Antarctica over the 2007–2010 period. A first division of this data set following a topographical approach (continent vs. peripheral regions, with a 2,250 m topographical criterion) shows a high snowfall rate (275 mm
yr
at 1,200 m above ground level) with low relative seasonal variation (
) over the peripheral areas. Over the plateau, the snowfall rate is low (34 mm
yr
at 1,200 m above ground level) with a much larger relative seasonal variation (
). A second study that follows a geographical division highlights the average vertical structure of precipitation and temperature depending on the regions and their interactions with topography. In particular, over ice shelves, we see a strong dependence of the distribution of snowfall on the sea ice coverage. Finally, the relationship between precipitation and temperature is analyzed and compared with a simple analytical relationship. This study highlights that precipitation is largely dependent on the advection of air masses along the topographic slopes with an average vertical wind of 0.02 m
s
. This provides new diagnostics to evaluate climate models with a three‐dimensional approach of the atmospheric structure of precipitation.
Developing the LDi and LCi Geomagnetic Indices, an Example of Application of the AULs Framework
Authors: Cid C. , Guerrero A. , Saiz E. , Halford A. J. , Kellerman A. C.
Published: December 2019

The Application Usability Level (AUL) framework has been recently introduced as an efficient and effective way to track progress toward the needs of a user for a specific application. This paper is an example of how the AUL framework facilitates communication between the industry users of space weather research and researchers for developing a product. The products are two new geomagnetic indices fully approved for on‐demand use: the LDi index, for nowcasting local geomagnetic disturbances, and the LCi index, as a proxy for the geomagnetically induced currents risk.
Mathematical modeling of self-contained CRISPR gene drive reversal systems
Authors: Heffel Matthew G. , Finnigan Gregory C.
Published: December 2019

There is a critical need for further research into methods to control biological populations. Numerous challenges to agriculture, ecological systems, and human health could be mitigated by the targeted reduction and management of key species (e.g. pests, parasites, and vectors for pathogens). The discovery and adaptation of the CRISPR/Cas editing platform co-opted from bacteria has provided a mechanism for a means to alter an entire population. A CRISPR-based gene drive system can allow for the forced propagation of a genetic element that bypasses Mendelian inheritance which can be used to bias sex determination, install exogenous information, or remove endogenous DNA within an entire species. Laboratory studies have demonstrated the potency by which gene drives can operate within insects and other organisms. However, continued research and eventual application face serious opposition regarding issues of policy, biosafety, effectiveness, and reversal. Previous mathematical work has suggested the use of modified gene drive designs that are limited in spread such as daisy chain or underdominance drives. However, no system has yet been proposed that allows for an inducible reversal mechanism without requiring the introduction of additional individuals. Here, we study gene drive effectiveness, fitness, and inducible drive systems that could respond to external stimuli expanding from a previous frequency-based population model. We find that programmed modification during gene drive propagation could serve as a potent safeguard to either slow or completely reverse drive systems and allow for a return to the original wild-type population.
Statin treatment prevents the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in a nonhuman primate model of HIV-associated PAH
Authors: Rabacal Whitney , Schweitzer Finja , Rayens Emily , Tarantelli Rebecca , Whang Patrick , Jimenez Viviana Cobos , Outwater Judy A. , Norris Karen A.
Published: December 2019

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, and right heart failure. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have a higher incidence of PAH than the non-HIV infected population and evidence suggests a role for systemic and pulmonary inflammation in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated PAH. Due to their pleiotropic effects, including immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have been considered for the treatment of PAH, with conflicting results. The effects of statins on HIV-associated PAH have not been specifically evaluated. We have developed a non-human primate (NHP) model of HIV-associated PAH that closely mimics HIV-PAH using simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We determined that treatment of healthy macaques with atorvastatin prior to and throughout SIV infection prevented the development of SIV-associated PAH. Additionally, SIV-infected macaques that initiated atorvastatin treatment during the early chronic disease stage had reduced incidence of PAH compared to untreated animals. Statin treatment reduced inflammatory mediators TGF-β, MIP-1α, and TNF-α and the numbers of CD14dimCD16+ non-classical monocytes, and CD14+CCR7−CD163−CD206+ alveolar macrophages previously shown to be associated with SIV-PAH. These results support the concept that statins reduce inflammatory processes that contribute to PAH and may provide a safe and effective prophylactic strategy for the prevention of PAH in HIV-infected individuals.
Identifying sequence variants contributing to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 negative breast and ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Jarhelle Elisabeth , Riise Stensland Hilde Monica Frostad , Hansen Geir Åsmund Myge , Skarsfjord Siri , Jonsrud Christoffer , Ingebrigtsen Monica , Strømsvik Nina , Van Ghelue Marijke
Published: December 2019

Families with breast and ovarian cancer are often tested for disease associated sequence variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Pathogenic sequence variants (PVs) in these two genes are known to increase breast and ovarian cancer risks in females. However, in most families no PVs are detected in these two genes. Currently, several studies have identified other genes involved in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). To identify genetic risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer in a Norwegian HBOC cohort, 101 breast and/or ovarian cancer patients negative for PVs and variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS) in BRCA1/2 were screened for PVs in 94 genes using next-generation sequencing. Sixteen genes were closely scrutinized. Nine different deleterious germline PVs/likely pathogenic variants (LPVs) were identified in seven genes in 12 patients: three in ATM, and one in CHEK2, ERCC5, FANCM, RAD51C, TP53 and WRN. Additionally, 32 different VUSs were identified and these require further characterization. For carriers of PV/LPV in many of these genes, there are no national clinical management programs in Norway. The diversity of genetic risk factors possibly involved in cancer development show the necessity for more knowledge to improve the clinical follow-up of this genetically diverse patient group.
Envelope Dyadic Green’s Function for Uniaxial Metamaterials
Authors: Maslovski Stanislav I. , Mariji Hodjat
Published: December 2019

We introduce the concept of the envelope dyadic Green’s function (EDGF) and present a formalism to study the propagation of electromagnetic fields with slowly varying amplitude (EMFSVA) in dispersive anisotropic media with two dyadic constitutive parameters: the dielectric permittivity and the magnetic permeability. We find the matrix elements of the EDGFs by applying the formalism for uniaxial anisotropic metamaterials. We present the relations for the velocity of the EMFSVA envelopes which agree with the known definition of the group velocity in dispersive media. We consider examples of propagation of the EMFSVA passing through active and passive media with the Lorentz and the Drude type dispersions, demonstrating beam focusing in hyperbolic media and superluminal propagation in media with inverted population. The results of this paper are applicable to the propagation of modulated electromagnetic fields and slowly varying amplitude fluctuations of such fields through frequency dispersive and dissipative (or active) anisotropic metamaterials. The developed approach can be also used for the analysis of metamaterial-based waveguides, filters, and delay lines.
Behavioral evolution contributes to hindbrain diversification among Lake Malawi cichlid fish
Authors: York Ryan A. , Byrne Allie , Abdilleh Kawther , Patil Chinar , Streelman Todd , Finger Thomas E. , Fernald Russell D.
Published: December 2019

The evolutionary diversification of animal behavior is often associated with changes in the structure and function of nervous systems. Such evolutionary changes arise either through alterations of individual neural components (“mosaically”) or through scaling of the whole brain (“concertedly”). Here we show that the evolution of a courtship behavior in Malawi cichlid fish is associated with rapid, extensive, and specific diversification of orosensory, gustatory centers in the hindbrain. We find that hindbrain volume varies significantly between species that build pit (depression) compared to castle (mound) type bowers and that this trait is evolving rapidly among castle-building species. Molecular analyses of neural activity via immediate early gene expression indicate a functional role for hindbrain structures during bower building. Finally, comparisons of bower building species in neighboring Lake Tanganyika suggest parallel patterns of neural diversification to those in Lake Malawi. Our results suggest that mosaic brain evolution via alterations to individual brain structures is more extensive and predictable than previously appreciated.
Untargeted LC-HRMS-based metabolomics to identify novel biomarkers of metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Martín-Blázquez Ariadna , Díaz Caridad , González-Flores Encarnación , Franco-Rivas Daniel , Jiménez-Luna Cristina , Melguizo Consolación , Prados José , Genilloud Olga , Vicente Francisca , Caba Octavio , Pérez del Palacio José
Published: December 2019

Colorectal cancer is one of the main causes of cancer death worldwide, and novel biomarkers are urgently needed for its early diagnosis and treatment. The utilization of metabolomics to identify and quantify metabolites in body fluids may allow the detection of changes in their concentrations that could serve as diagnostic markers for colorectal cancer and may also represent new therapeutic targets. Metabolomics generates a pathophysiological ‘fingerprint’ that is unique to each individual. The purpose of our study was to identify a differential metabolomic signature for metastatic colorectal cancer. Serum samples from 60 healthy controls and 65 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were studied by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry in an untargeted metabolomic approach. Multivariate analysis revealed a separation between patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and healthy controls, who significantly differed in serum concentrations of one endocannabinoid, two glycerophospholipids, and two sphingolipids. These findings demonstrate that metabolomics using liquid-chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry offers a potent diagnostic tool for metastatic colorectal cancer.
The oldest freshwater crabs: claws on dinosaur bones
Authors: Robin Ninon , van Bakel Barry W. M. , Hyžný Matúš , Cincotta Aude , Garcia Géraldine , Charbonnier Sylvain , Godefroit Pascal , Valentin Xavier
Published: December 2019

With approximately 1,500 extant species, freshwater crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura) are among the most diverse decapod crustaceans. Nevertheless, their fossil record is extremely limited: only Potamidae, Potamonautidae and Trichodactylidae are reported up to the Eocene of the Neotropics so far. This work documents unusually large decapod claws from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) continental deposits of Velaux and vicinity (southern France), in close association with large vertebrate remains. In addition to (1) the systematic assignment of these claws, the study addresses (2) the salinity trends in the deposit environment from its faunal assemblage and the elementary chemical patterns of fossils, and (3) the likely scenario for their auto/allochthony in the Velaux fluvial system. These claws belong to a new taxon,Dinocarcinus velauciensisn. gen. n. sp., referred to as Portunoidea sensu lato, a group of “true” crabs nowadays linked to marine systems. However, the faunal assemblage, the claw taphonomy and the carbonates Y/Ho signatures support their ancient freshwater/terrestrial ecology, making them the oldest reported continental brachyurans and extending the presence of crabs in freshwater environments by 40 Ma. Either as primary or as secondary freshwater crabs, the occurrence of these portunoids in Velaux is an evidence for the independent colonizations of continental environments by multiple brachyuran clades over time, as early as the Campanian.