bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steelhead Overshoot and Fallback Rates in the Columbia–Snake River Basin and the Influence of Hatchery and Hydrosystem Operations
Authors: Richins Shelby M. , Skalski John R.
Published: August 2018

Tributary overshoot occurs when adult salmonids homing to natal sites continue upstream past the mouth of their natal stream. Although overshooting is a common behavior by steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in the Columbia River basin, it has not been adequately quantified or explained. Using multistate release–recapture models, we examined the prevalence of overshooting and fallback to natal tributaries by 37,806 PIT-tagged steelhead from 14 tributaries of the Columbia River basin during 2005–2015. Eight populations had overshooting rates exceeding 50% in at least 1 year. Source of hatchery stock, rearing location, and release practices were found to have appreciable effects on overshoot rates. Overshooting was elevated in hatchery stocks reared upstream of release sites, but this effect may be lessened by utilizing endemic broodstocks and acclimating juveniles within the release basin. For one population of hatchery steelhead, acclimation within the release basin was found to decrease overshooting from 81% to 40%. Across both hatchery and wild populations, successful homing was found to decline 4 percentage points for every 5-percentage-point increase in overshoot rate. Average annual fallback probabilities ranged from 0.18 for Walla Walla River hatchery steelhead to 0.75 for Umatilla River wild steelhead. Fish stocks with the greatest fallback probabilities also had the greatest interannual variability in fallback rates. For John Day River wild steelhead and Tucannon River hatchery steelhead, the interannual range in fallback probabilities exceeded 0.50. We found evidence that spill at dams during March may enhance the fallback of overshooting steelhead and contribute to increased homing to natal tributaries. Therefore, additional attention should be paid to facilitating downstream dam passage of adult salmon.
Validation and Adaptation of the Spanish Version of the STRONGkids Nutrition Screening Tool
Authors: Ortíz‐Gutiérrez Salvador , Pérez‐Cruz Elizabeth , Lara‐Pompa Nara Elizabeth , Serralde‐Zúñiga Aurora E. , Fewtrell Mary , Peralta‐Pedrero María Luisa , Medina‐Vera Isabel , Christlieb‐Zaldívar Claudia María , Damasco‐Avila Erika , Guevara‐Cruz Martha
Published: August 2018

Background

The use of malnutrition screening tools (MSTs) among hospitalized pediatric patients is a simple practice that may allow the identification of patients at nutrition risk. There are different tools developed in the English language, but there are limited data available on their validity when translated into other languages. The aim of this study was to construct a Spanish version (SV) of the STRONGkids MST and determine its validity and reliability in a pediatric population.

Methods

The translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the tool was performed, followed by the reliability, feasibility, and validity of the SV of the STRONGkids MST. Anthropometric assessment was used as the reference standard to evaluate the criterion validity of the MST. The length of hospital stay was used to determine predictive validity.

Results

A total 400 children were included in the study, 90 of whom took part in the reliability phase. The interrater agreement between dietitians and nursing staff was kappa (κ) = 0.67, while the intrarater agreement among dietitians was κ = 0.82. The feasibility of the MST was adequate for clinical use. The results for criterion validity between STRONGkids and anthropometric assessment was κ = 0.56, and the criterion validity between STRONGkids and length of hospital stay was κ = 0.20. The sensitivity of the MST was 86% and the specificity was 72%.

Conclusions

The SV of the MST showed good reliability and feasibility. The validity is moderate, and the MST could be considered a useful resource for early detection of malnutrition risk.
The Effect of R&D Investment on Graduate Student Productivity: Evidence From the Life Sciences
Authors: Graddy‐Reed Alexandra , Lanahan Lauren , Ross Nicole M. V.
Published: August 2018

This study examines the role of graduate training and R&D investments on research productivity by focusing on the effect of federal funding for early‐career graduate students. We employ a difference‐in‐differences research design drawing upon a sample of high‐quality life science graduate students who either are award recipients or honorable mentions of the prestigious U.S. National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program. We find that a $91,000 grant over three years has a limited, yet positive impact on the awardee's productivity. These effects are driven by the sample of graduate students without publications prior to applying for the fellowship.
Clinical features of children, adolescents, and adults with coexisting hypermobility syndromes and von Willebrand disease
Authors: Hall Sarah A. , Meier Emily Riehm , Gupta Sweta , Nakar Charles , Rampersad Angeli , Bakeer Nihal , Hardesty Brandon , Kumar Manjusha
Published: August 2018

We present five patients with coexistent von Willebrand disease (VWD) and Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome and 21 with VWD and joint hypermobility. Females outnumbered males ten to three, Beighton scores were documented in 58% (15 of 26 patients), and several patients experienced moderately severe bleeding. We believe coexistent hypermobility disorder with VWD potentially affects bleeding severity and want to raise awareness among hematologists. Evaluation by geneticists is recommended because of the varying complexities observed across the disease spectrum, and the availability of new genetic tests should lead to more accurate diagnoses for the various hypermobility disorders.
Impact of the Interdisciplinary Tumor Board of the Cooperative Ewing Sarcoma Study Group on local therapy and overall survival of Ewing sarcoma patients after induction therapy
Authors: Kreyer Justus , Ranft Andreas , Timmermann Beate , Juergens Heribert , Jung Susanne , Wiebe Karsten , Boelling Tobias , Schuck Andreas , Vieth Volker , Streitbuerger Arne , Hardes Jendrik , Heinemann Melina , Dirksen Uta
Published: August 2018

Background

The Interdisciplinary Tumor Board (ITB) of the Cooperative Ewing Sarcoma Study (CESS) Group was investigated to assess its impact on the overall survival (OAS) of Ewing sarcoma (EwS) patients. The ITB functions as a reference center for the international institutions participating in the clinical trials of the CESS group, but is also available internationally to patients who have not been treated within an appropriate clinical trial. The value of tumor boards in terms of benefit for the patients and the health care system in general is not well documented and is also the subject of controversial discussions. A review of the representative literature is included.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 481 patients who had been registered into the European Ewing Tumor Working Initiative of National Groups (EURO E.W.I.N.G.‐99) clinical trial via the CESS data center between 2006 and 2009; this included 331 patients with localized disease and another 150 individuals with metastases at diagnosis. Median follow‐up time was 3.2 years.

Results

Improved OAS was observed for patients with metastases who had received recommendations from the ITB compared with those who had not received recommendations. In patients with localized disease, a recommendation from the ITB had no influence on OAS.

Conclusion

As a reference center for a rare disease, recommendations from our ITB impacted local therapy and led to higher OAS in patients with metastatic disease. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis that examines the value of a reference tumor board on a rare disease.
A mathematical model for predicting conductivity of polymer composites with a forced assembly network obtained bySCFNAmethod
Authors: Kormakov S. , He Xiaoxiang , Huang Yao , Liu Ying , Sun Jingyao , Zheng Xiuting , Skopincev I. , Gao Xiaolong , Wu Daming
Published: August 2018

The Spatial Confining Forced Network Assembly, SCFNA, is a promising method for the preparation of high performance electrical conductive polymer composites, CPCs, by constructing a forced assembly conductive network in the polymer matrix. Because the present mathematical models for predicting electrical conductivities of CPCs were derived based on the free assembly of a conductive network, they were not suitable for predicting the electrical conductivities of the CPCs by SCFNA. A mathematical model for predicting the electrical conductivities of CPCs prepared by SCFNA was proposed in this article by introducing a compression ratio based on experimental data of the CPCs of PP/CF fabricated by SCFNA. The proposed model showed a good agreement with the experimental data of electrical conductivities prepared by SCFNA method. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1819–1827, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Conductive polymer containing graphene aerogel composites as sensor for CO2
Authors: Sahiner Nurettin
Published: August 2018

Graphene oxides (GO) prepared from graphite was used in the preparation of three‐dimensional (3D) super porous graphene aerogel (GA) by chemical reduction of GOs with l‐Ascorbic acid (l‐AA) via freeze drying. Then, the conductive polymers such as poly(aniline) (PANi), and poly(pyrrole) (PPy) within the superpores of 3D GA were prepared as GA/PANi and GA/PPy interpenetrating composites (IPC). The electrical conductivity of GA was measured as 4.17 × 10−2 ± 6.40 × 10−3 S/cm, whereas the electrical conductivity of GA/PANi was decreased to a half value and increased 3‐fold for GA/PPy IPC. Moreover, bare GA, GA/PANi, and GA/PPy IPCs were exposed to CO2 gas at room temperature, 20°C ± 2°C for potential sensor application by comparing the change in their electrical conductivities. Interestingly, it was found that the electrical conductivity of GA/PANi IPC composites was decreased 4,000 times upon 60 min CO2 gas exposure at ambient temperature and pressure suggesting potential CO2 gas sensor application of the prepared materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1208–E1218, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Silanization of Silica Nanoparticles and Their Processing as Nanostructured Micro‐Raspberry Powders—A Route to Control the Mechanical Properties of Isoprene Rubber Composites
Authors: Stauch Claudia , Ballweg Thomas , Haas Karl‐Heinz , Jaeger Raimund , Stiller Stefan , Shmeliov Aleksey , Nicolosi Valeria , Malebennur Sriharish , Wötzel Jacqueline , Beiner Mario , Luxenhofer Robert , Mandel Karl
Published: August 2018

Depending on interparticle structure and chemical behavior, fillers greatly influence the mechanical properties in rubber compounds. In this work, the influence of the filler–matrix versus filler–filler interaction on the mechanical properties of a silica nanoparticle–rubber composite was investigated. For this purpose, nanostructured microraspberry particles with different surface properties were designed and prepared using colloidal silica and two different kinds of silane agents, one coating agent (triethoxyoctylsilane, OCTEO) and one coupling agent (bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide, Si69™). In addition, the degree of silane coverage of the nanoparticles was adjusted in a precisely controlled way. This sophisticated particle system allowed for straightforward integration into the composite formation process while ensuring that a redispersion of the nanoparticles in the rubber matrix occurred during compounding. With this microraspberry particle system, it was possible to influence the mechanical properties by the degree of silane surface coverage on the nanoparticles while the filler content could be kept constant. The two silane systems were carefully compared and the impact of the particle/particle and the particle/rubber interactions with respect to the mechanical properties of the composite was studied. Ultimately, an overall picture of the influence of the type and the amount of silane on mechanical properties in silica–rubber composites could be obtained. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E732–E743, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ar(1s5) absolute radial densities in a ns‐pulsed argon plasma jet impinging on dielectric targets at floating potential – plasma action on organic molecules
Authors: Gazeli Kristaq , Vazquez Thomas , Al‐Homsi Sara , Bauville Gérard , Blin‐Simiand Nicole , Bournonville Blandine , Fleury Michel , Jeanney Pascal , Neveu Olivier , Pasquiers Stéphane , Santos Sousa João
Published: August 2018

The present work is devoted to the precise spatiotemporal mapping of the absolute density of Ar(1s5) in a ns‐pulsed argon plasma jet. The plasma impinges on glass and alumina targets at floating potential placed 5 mm away from the reactor's nozzle. Under these conditions, diffuse discharges are established in the small gas gap. As so, the line‐of‐sight absolute density of Ar(1s5) is effectively evaluated via laser absorption spectroscopy. The application of the Abel‐inversion is also demonstrated for different operating conditions leading to the precise radial mapping of the Ar(1s5) absolute density. The influence of each target is studied for two gas flow rates, 0.3 and 0.4 l min−1. The temporal density profiles over a voltage pulse period reveal two maxima related with the Ar(1s5) production in the streamer head and in the residual diffuse plasma channel. Furthermore, the maximum Ar(1s5) axial/radial density (∼1013 − 3.5 × 1014 cm−3) depends on the target material and gas flow rate. Finally, the plasma is proved to be very effective for the fast desorption of organic molecules (bibenzyl) deposited on both targets. The results obtained suggest that the desorption of bibenzyl is due to the production of high Ar(1s5) densities at the close vicinity of the targets.
Noncommutative Gauge Theory and Gravity in Three Dimensions
Authors: Chatzistavrakidis Athanasios , Jonke Larisa , Jurman Danijel , Manolakos George , Manousselis Pantelis , Zoupanos George
Published: August 2018

The Einstein‐Hilbert action in three dimensions and the transformation rules for the dreibein and spin connection can be naturally described in terms of gauge theory. In this spirit, we use covariant coordinates in noncommutative gauge theory in order to describe 3D gravity in the framework of noncommutative geometry. We consider 3D noncommutative spaces based on SU(2) and SU(1,1), as foliations of fuzzy 2‐spheres and fuzzy 2‐hyperboloids respectively. Then we construct a U(2) × U(2) and a GL(2,) gauge theory on them, identifying the corresponding noncommutative vielbein and spin connection. We determine the transformations of the fields and an action in terms of a matrix model and discuss its relation to 3D gravity.
Carfentrazone‐ethyl and glyphosate drift inhibits uredinial formation of Austropuccinia psidii on Eucalyptus grandis leaves
Authors: Santos Samuel Alves dos , Tuffi‐Santos Leonardo David , Tanaka Francisco André Ossamu , Sant'Anna‐Santos Bruno Francisco , Rodrigues Fabrício de Ávila , Alfenas Acelino Couto
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The response to infection of Austropuccinia psidii in resistant (CLR‐383) and susceptible (CLR‐384) Eucalyptus grandis clones, exposed to herbicide drift of carfentrazone‐ethyl, glyphosate and a mixture of these two herbicides, was evaluated at microscopic and physiological levels.

RESULTS

Plants of the two clones showed symptoms of phytotoxicity caused by herbicide drift. However, net CO2 assimilation rate, height and shoot dry matter were lower in CLR‐384 than in CLR‐383. At the ultrastructure level, the leaves of both clones exposed to the herbicides showed thylakoid disorganization and accumulation of starch grains in the chloroplasts. Only plants of CLR‐384 were infected by A. psidii, but when exposed to herbicide drift, rust severity was lower than in control plants. Six days after inoculation (dai), plants of this clone exposed to the herbicides had smaller uredinia than control plants. At 12 dai, non‐herbicide treated plants showed normal uredinia, containing abundant urediniospores. By contrast, plants exposed to the herbicides were less colonized by the fungus, and the uredinia were smaller with reduced production of urediniospores, which were sometimes not even detected.

CONCLUSION

Glyphosate and carfentrazone‐ethyl herbicide drift reduce infection and uredinial formation of A. psidii and to some extent induce basal resistance in a susceptible clone of E. grandis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of Doping Levels of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized by Arc‐Discharge and Chemical Vapor Deposition Methods by Encapsulated Silver Chloride
Authors: Kharlamova Marianna V. , Kramberger Christian , Domanov Oleg , Mittelberger Andreas , Saito Takeshi , Yanagi Kazuhiro , Pichler Thomas , Eder Dominik
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we have performed the filling of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with mean diameters of 1.4 and 1.9 nm synthesized by the arc‐discharge and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, respectively, with silver chloride. The doping effect of the encapsulated compound on SWCNTs is studied by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is shown that the filling of nanotubes with silver chloride leads to p‐doping of SWCNTs accompanied by charge transfer from the SWCNTs to the salt and downshift of their Fermi level. It is found that the filling of SWCNTs synthesized by different methods results in different doping levels of nanotubes. The arc‐discharge 1.4 nm‐diameter SWCNTs have larger doping level than CVD 1.9 nm‐diameter nanotubes. The obtained information about the influence of the filler on the electronic properties of SWCNTs synthesized by different methods is elemental for applications of nanotubes in nanoelectronic devices.
The high reactive site and the unusually short Sc‐C bond of the scandium phosphinoalkylidene complex, an explanation from first‐principles calculation
Authors: Xu Jing , Cheng Xiyue , Deng Shuiquan
Published: August 2018

The recently synthesized first scandium phosphinoalkylidene complex has attracted extensive attentions for its high chemical activity around the unusually short Sc‐C bond. Here, we report our studies on this issue by using the first‐principles method. Our analyses establish a triple‐bond picture, d‐p (π, σ, σ), for the short Sc‐C bonding interactions. The calculated valence Bader charge shows that the specific C atom on the Sc‐C bond is highly charged, which makes the C atom on the Sc‐C bond an active nucleophilic site for the attack of Lewis acids. On the other hand, the Sc atom is shown to be an electrophilic site and thus vulnerable to the attack of Lewis bases due to the empty Sc‐3d yz/xz orbitals on the LUMO band. Our studies reveal the origin for the short Sc‐C bond and the high reactivity occurring around the Sc‐C bond. Our molecular calculations give consistent results with the solid calculations.
Functional Profiling of Chondrogenically Induced Multipotent Stromal Cell Aggregates Reveals Transcriptomic and Emergent Morphological Phenotypes Predictive of Differentiation Capacity
Authors: Lam Johnny , Bellayr Ian H. , Marklein Ross A. , Bauer Steven R. , Puri Raj K. , Sung Kyung E.
Published: August 2018

Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell source for bone and cartilage tissue repair strategies. However, the functional heterogeneity of MSCs derived from different donors and manufacturing conditions has limited clinical translation, emphasizing the need for improved methods to assess MSC chondrogenic capacity. We used functionally relevant morphological profiling to dynamically monitor emergent morphological phenotypes of chondrogenically induced MSC aggregates to identify morphological features indicative of MSC chondrogenesis. Toward this goal, we characterized the morphology of chondrogenically stimulated MSC aggregates from eight different human cell-lines at multiple passages and demonstrated that MSC aggregates exhibited unique morphological dynamics that were both cell line- and passage-dependent. This variation in 3D morphology was shown to be informative of long-term MSC chondrogenesis based on multiple quantitative functional assays. We found that the specific morphological features of spheroid area, radius, minimum feret diameter, and minor axis length to be strongly correlated with MSC chondrogenic synthetic activity but not gene expression as early as day 4 in 3D culture. Our high-throughput, nondestructive approach could potentially serve as a tool to identify MSC lines with desired chondrogenic capacity toward improving manufacturing strategies for MSC-based cellular products for cartilage tissue repair.
First-In-Human Administration of Allogeneic Amnion Cells in Premature Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Safety Study
Authors: Lim Rebecca , Malhotra Atul , Tan Jean , Chan Siow Teng , Lau Sinnee , Zhu Dandan , Mockler Joanne C. , Wallace Euan M.
Published: August 2018

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that mainly affects premature babies who require ventilator support. The pathogenesis of BPD is complex but includes vascular maldevelopment, alveolarization arrest, and lung inflammation. There is no cure for BPD. Clinical care is limited to supportive respiratory measures. A population of stem-like cells derived from placental membranes, human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs), has shown therapeutic promise in preclinical models of BPD. With a view to future efficacy trials, we undertook a first-in-human clinical trial of hAECs in babies with BPD to assess the safety of these cells. In a single-center, open-label phase I trial, we administered allogeneic hAECs (1 × 106 per kilogram bodyweight) by intravenous infusion to six premature babies with BPD. The primary outcomes of the study were focused on safety, including local site reaction, anaphylaxis, infection, features of rejection, or tumor formation. Outcomes to discharge from neonatal unit were studied. The hAECs were well tolerated. In the first baby, there was transient cardiorespiratory compromise during cell administration consistent with a pulmonary embolic event. Following changes to cell administration methods, including introduction of an inline filter, and reducing the cell concentration and the rate of cell infusion, no such events were observed in the subsequent five babies. We did not see evidence of any other adverse events related to cell administration. Allogeneic hAECs can be safely infused into babies with established BPD. Future randomized clinical trials to assess efficacy in this patient population are justified.
Recent Advances in Synthesis and Applications of 2D Junctions
Authors: Ma Yang , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Yang Shubin , Gong Yongji
Published: August 2018

Recent progress in the methods of integration of 2D materials is reviewed. Integrated 2D circuits are one of the most promising candidates for advanced electronics and flexible devices. Specifically, methods such as mechanical transfer, chemical vapor deposition growth, high temperature conversion, phase engineering, surface doping, electrostatic doping, and so on to fabricate 2D heterostructures are discussed in detail. Applications of these integrated 2D heterostructures in p–n junctions, ohmic contact, high‐performance transistors, and phototransistors are also highlighted. Finally, challenges and opportunities of methods to integrate 2D materials are proposed.
Study of the Na Storage Mechanism in Silicon Oxycarbide—Evidence for Reversible Silicon Redox Activity
Authors: Dou Xinwei , Buchholz Daniel , Weinberger Manuel , Diemant Thomas , Kaus Maximilian , Indris Sylvio , Behm Rolf J. , Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens Margret , Passerini Stefano
Published: August 2018

Silicon‐based compounds are interesting candidate anode materials but show only relatively low electrochemical performances with sodium. Controversial reports are available about the electrochemical interaction between Na and silicon, which encourage to investigate the mechanism in a silicon‐based material in detail. This study reports the results of a systematic investigation of the electrochemical sodium ion storage in silicon oxycarbide (SiCO) using ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Comparison of pristine and hydrofluoric acid‐etched silicon oxycarbide shows that the silicon oxycarbide is active itself, but not by an alloying process. Instead, results reveal an irreversible structural change and amorphization of SiCO upon the initial sodium uptake and support the existence of reversible insertion‐based reactions in the subsequent cycles.
Posthatch Development of Otoliths and Daily Ring Genesis in Age‐0 Spotted Gars
Authors: Long James M. , Snow Richard A.
Published: August 2018

Gars (Lepisosteidae) are increasingly being managed as top‐level predators that are important to overall ecosystem health. Given the paucity of information on early life history for many species, additional early life history data would aid in gar conservation and management. Daily rings in otoliths are useful for determining many early life history parameters, such as growth rates and the date of hatch, but properly interpreting these structures requires additional information on otolith formation. Gars represent an ancient lineage, and their otoliths are unlike those of most teleost fishes, having multiple nuclei and being covered on the surface with very small otoconia. We used computed tomography X‐ray scanning and oxytetracycline (OTC) marking of a series of known‐age fish from hatch through 10–12 d posthatch (dph) to understand the formation of otoliths in the Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus, a species that is of management concern in several parts of its range in North America. The sagittae and lapilli each began as loose associations of otoconia at hatch; they fused and hardened into single crystals by 4 dph, in concert with the transition from attached larvae to free‐swimming juveniles. Asteriscus otoliths were not observed in any of the individuals examined through 12 dph. The OTC marks were not observed on individuals treated at hatch, and variable marks were detected at 1–5 dph. By 6 dph, 100% of individuals exhibited OTC marks on sagittae and lapilli. Daily rings could not be discerned until fish were marked at 4 dph, after which daily age estimates increased linearly with fish age. Results of this study verify that in Spotted Gars, otoliths (sagittae and lapilli) and their daily rings form several days after hatch, in relation to the transition from sessile, attached larvae to free‐swimming juveniles.
Laser‐Induced Fluorometry for Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Kaneta Takashi
Published: August 2018

Laser‐induced fluorometry (LIF) has achieved the detection of single molecules, which ranks it among the most sensitive of detection techniques, whereas capillary electrophoresis (CE) is known as a powerful separation method with resolution that is beyond the reach of many other types of chromatography. Therefore, a coupling of LIF with CE has established an unrivaled analytical technique in terms of sensitivity and resolution. CE‐LIF has demonstrated excellent performance in bioanalytical chemistry for the high‐resolution separation and highly sensitive detection of DNAs, proteins, and small bioactive molecules. This review describes the CE‐LIF methods developed by the author's group that include indirect and direct detection using diode lasers, post‐column derivatization, and Hadamard transformation, as well as applications to the binding assays of specific DNA immunoassays of proteins and to the determination of anticancer drugs.
The nature and determinants of comovement between developed, emerging and frontier equity markets: Europe versus Asia‐Pacific
Authors: Thomas Nisha Mary , Kashiramka Smita , Yadav Surendra Singh
Published: August 2018

International investors are increasingly attracted towards emerging and frontier markets because of their potential to enhance diversification benefits of a global portfolio. This calls for a rigorous analysis of the nature and determinants of stock market comovement between developed, emerging, and frontier markets in Europe and Asia‐Pacific regions. The findings suggest that unlike their Asia‐Pacific counterparts, European developed, emerging, and frontier stock markets display a higher degree of comovement. Although Asia‐Pacific frontier markets provide good diversification opportunities, investors must be cautioned against their weak financial system. The volatility of returns, gross domestic product growth rate, and the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) are the key determinants of stock market comovement in Europe. The mechanisms by which comovement in the Asia‐Pacific region is strengthened differ across markets. Comparative analysis of comovement and its determinants across different classes of equity markets and geographies is expected to provide valuable perspectives to global investors, portfolio managers, and policymakers.
Impacts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from vehicular activities on the ambient air quality of Lagos mega city
Authors: Fakinle Bamidele Sunday , Odekanle Ebenezer Leke , Olalekan Abiodun Paul , Odunlami Olayemi Abosede , Sonibare Jacob Ademola
Published: August 2018

In response to the growing concern about the contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from vehicular activities in Lagos mega city and their effect on air quality, PAH emissions were estimated using the emission factors approach. To make these estimates, PAH emission factors were calculated from the profile ratio of four PAHs emitted from vehicle sources obtained from the European Environment Agency's emission inventory guidebook, whereas the total number of registered vehicles based on the type of fuel they use for a period of 10 years was obtained from Lagos State Bureau of Statistics. Vehicle emissions were estimated using a combination of individual emission factors, the total number of vehicles in use based on fuel type, and the average mileage covered. The average highest level of emission of PAHs of 3.542 kilograms (kg) for gasoline‐powered vehicles was obtained in 2013, whereas the average lowest level of emission of 2.679 kg was recorded for diesel‐powered vehicles in 2007. In the same manner, 2013 had highest annual average total emission of 6.384 kg, whereas the lowest annual total PAHs emission of 5.727 kg was recorded in 2007. It is therefore advised that effective control measure should be put in place by regulatory agency to prevent personnel exposure to these hazardous substances.
Re: Differences in ultrasound features of papillations in unilocular‐solid adnexal cysts: a retrospective international multicenter study. C. Landolfo, L. Valentin, D. Franchi, C. Van Holsbeke, R. Fruscio, W. Froyman, P. Sladkevicius, J. Kaijser, L. Ameye, T. Bourne, L. Savelli, A. Coosemans, A. Testa and D. Timmerman. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 52: 269–278.
Authors: Czekierdowski A.
Published: August 2018

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 52: 269–278
Variation, race, and multiracial identity in linguistic research
Authors: Holliday Nicole R.
Published: August 2018

What is the relationship between ethnolinguistic communities and ways of speaking? Who is an authentic speaker of an ethnolinguistic variety? In a time where scholarly and public conceptualizations of race and ethnicity are variable and rapidly changing, potential effects on both self‐identification and ways of speaking present an area ripe for study. However, linguistics and allied fields have often overlooked individuals and communities that do not neatly conform to well‐defined racial categories. As multiracially identified individuals are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States, researchers will necessarily need to address the way that traditional methodologies have excluded individuals and groups who fall outside of these racial and ethnic categories. This presents a unique challenge for sociolinguistics in particular, since we are interested in how people draw on linguistic variation to perform aspects of their identities, including their races and ethnicities. This study examines the ways in which race and ethnicity have been traditionally conceptualized in linguistics and allied fields, and draws on research from other social sciences to see how they have begun to study individuals who fall outside of traditionally pre‐existing social categories. The study also briefly discusses the results of one of the first major sociolinguistic studies on multiracially identified participants, which found substantial effects of self‐conceptualization and self‐identification on linguistic behavior of these participants. Finally, it will address future questions and directions for research at the intersection of personal identity, race, and language.

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Evolution of Language

Linguistics > Linguistic Theory

Linguistics > Computational Models of Language

Linguistics > Language Acquisition
Impact of snow on sound propagating from wind turbines
Authors: Conrady Kristina , Sjöblom Anna , Larsson Conny
Published: August 2018

The impact of snow on sound propagating from a wind farm in northern Sweden has been investigated. Simultaneous acoustic and meteorological measurements, combined with daily snow observations, have been analysed for the snow season in 2013 to 2014. Such measurements are crucial since significant knowledge gaps exist, especially for conditions in cold climates, in the implementation of atmospheric boundary layer complexity in sound propagation models. The effect of snow on sound propagation is shown to be dependent on the snow quality. Moreover, snow on trees (upplega) also has an influence on sound propagation. Compared with conditions without snow on trees, the average sound level is approximately 2 dBA lower. The effect is more distinct for higher frequencies compared with lower frequencies.
A short climatological study of cold air pools and drainage flows in small valleys
Authors: Jemmett‐Smith Bradley , Ross Andrew N. , Sheridan Peter
Published: August 2018

This paper uses detailed observations from the COLd air Pooling EXperiment (COLPEX) to study the frequency and characteristics of cold air pooling in a small‐scale valley typical of much of the southern UK and other lowland regions of the world. The field experiment took place in and around the Clun Valley, Shropshire, England during July 2009–April 2010, which was a particularly cold winter with a record low in the NAO index. Cold pools, defined here as where the minimum valley temperature overnight is at least 1°C colder than the surrounding hilltops, occur on 45% of nights over the observational period, with strong cold pools (>4°C temperature difference) occurring on 12% of nights. As might be expected, cold pool formation is closely linked to conditions with clear skies and light winds, and is often associated with high pressure situations. Cold pools are also closely linked with weak down‐valley drainage flows. This contrasts with non‐cold pool nights or daytime conditions where several other mechanisms also contribute to the observed winds in the valley. The dataset highlights the importance of cold air pools and drainage flows, even in quite moderate terrain, and the impact this can have on local microclimates.
Antisense and yet sensitive: Copy number control of rolling circle‐replicating plasmids by small RNAs
Authors: Pluta Radoslaw , Espinosa Manuel
Published: August 2018

Bacterial plasmids constitute a wealth of shared DNA amounting to about 20% of the total prokaryotic pangenome. Plasmids replicate autonomously and control their replication by maintaining a fairly constant number of copies within a given host. Plasmids should acquire a good fitness to their hosts so that they do not constitute a genetic load. Here we review some basic concepts in plasmid biology, pertaining to the control of replication and distribution of plasmid copies among daughter cells. A particular class of plasmids is constituted by those that replicate by the rolling circle mode (rolling circle‐replicating [RCR]‐plasmids). They are small double‐stranded DNA molecules, with a rather high number of copies in the original host. RCR‐plasmids control their replication by means of a small short‐lived antisense RNA, alone or in combination with a plasmid‐encoded transcriptional repressor protein. Two plasmid prototypes have been studied in depth, namely the staphylococcal plasmid pT181 and the streptococcal plasmid pMV158, each corresponding to the two types of replication control circuits, respectively. We further discuss possible applications of the plasmid‐encoded antisense RNAs and address some future directions that, in our opinion, should be pursued in the study of these small molecules.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems
Nest tree use by southern flying squirrels in fragmented midwestern landscapes
Authors: Zweep James S. , Jacques Christopher N. , Jenkins Sean E. , Klaver Robert W. , Dubay Shelli A.
Published: August 2018

Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans; SFS) nest in naturally formed cavities in snags and hardwoods found in mature, oak (Quercus spp.)–hickory (Carya spp.) forests. Intensive forest fragmentation of the Midwest United States limits the number of available nesting trees. We quantified annual nest‐site selection patterns by southern flying squirrels across fragmented landscapes of west‐central Illinois, USA. We used radiotelemetry to measure nest‐tree use by 55 SFS (30 males, 25 females) captured during 2014–2016. Of 105 nest trees used by SFS, live trees and snags comprised 75% and 25%, respectively. Probability of diurnal nest‐tree use increased 1.08/1.00‐cm increase in diameter‐breast‐height and by 1.50/1‐unit increase in the number of overstory mast trees between random and nest‐tree habitat areas (i.e., 300‐m2 circular plots). Similarly, probability of diurnal nest‐tree use increased 1.29/1‐unit increase in the number of snags between random and nest‐tree habitat areas. Our results revealed no intersexual differences in patterns of nest‐site selection, which may reflect the tendency for SFS to compensate for reduced availability of key structural attributes (i.e., snags, overstory trees) across fragmented forests by exhibiting similar intersexual patterns of nest‐tree use. Use of natural cavities for denning is encouraging, but also underscores the importance of unharvested oak–hickory forests in contributing essential habitat to SFS populations in fragmented Midwestern landscapes. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Regional Mobility and Spatial Inequality: Determinants of Spatial Labor Market Behavior Considering Firm- and Region-Specific Factors
Authors: Ganesch Franziska
Published: August 2018

Regional disparities exist between states as well as within countries. In the Federal Republic of Germany, as a result of reunification, there are still considerable regional differences in terms of economic conditions. Local economic and structural circumstances affect individual employment opportunities and can be a motive for migration. Based on rational-economic approaches, the article examines the spatial labor market behavior of full-time employees subject to social security contributions, taking into account individual, firm-specific and regional characteristics. Workplace mobility is analyzed as a job move between the macro regions of North, South and East Germany. For this purpose, a linked employer-employee dataset (LIAB) from the “Institute for Employment Research” is used, supplemented by regional structural indicators (INKAR) at the level of the spatial planning regions. The analyses using binary logistic regression models show that transregional mobility especially depends on individual characteristics such as age and qualifications. Regarding regional features, it can be seen that the emigration tendency of younger employees increases with the local level of unemployment. Overall, the results do not indicate that there is a single-track brain drain from structurally weak regions. Nevertheless, these regions face a problem in age-specific migration patterns. The outflow of young workers weakens structurally poor areas directly and permanently.
Ore-bearing fluids of the Eldorado gold deposit (Yenisei Ridge, Russia)
Authors: Gibsher N.A. , Tomilenko A.A. , Sazonov A.M. , Bul’bak T.A. , Khomenko M.O. , Ryabukha M.A. , Shaparenko E.O. , Sil’yanov S.A. , Nekrasova N.A.
Published: August 2018

The Eldorado low-sulfide gold–quartz deposit, with gold reserves of more than 60 tons, is located in the damage zone of the Ishimba Fault in the Yenisei Ridge and is hosted by Riphean epidote–amphibolite metamorphic rocks (Sukhoi Pit Group). Orebodies occur in four roughly parallel heavily fractured zones where rocks were subject to metamorphism under stress and heat impacts. They consist of sulfide-bearing schists with veins of gray or milky-white quartz varieties. Gray quartz predominating in gold-bearing orebodies contains graphite and amorphous carbon identified by Raman spectroscopy; the contents of gold and amorphous carbon are in positive correlation. As inferred from thermobarometry, gas chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and Raman spectroscopy of fluid inclusions in sulfides, carbonates, and gray and white quartz, gold mineralization formed under the effect of reduced H2O–CO2–HC fluids with temperatures of 180 to 490 °C, salinity of 9 to 22 wt.% NaCl equiv, and pressures of 0.1 to 2.3 kbar. Judging by the presence of 11% mantle helium (3He) in fluid inclusions from quartz and the sulfur isotope composition (7.1–17.4‰ δ34S) of sulfides, ore-bearing fluids ascended from a mantle source along shear zones, where they “boiled”. While the fluids were ascending, the metalliferous S- and N-bearing hydrocarbon (HC) compounds they carried broke down to produce crystalline sulfides, gold, and disseminated graphite and amorphous carbon (the latter imparts the gray color to quartz). Barren veins of milky-white quartz formed from oxidized mainly aqueous fluids with a salinity of < 15 wt.% NaCl equiv at 150–350 °C. Chloride brines (> 30 wt.% NaCl equiv) at 150–260 °C impregnated the gold-bearing quartz veins and produced the lower strata of the hydrothermal-granitoid section. The gold mineralization (795–710 Ma) was roughly coeval to local high-temperature stress metamorphism (836–745 Ma) and intrusion of the Kalama multiphase complex (880–752 Ma).
Processes of formation of fluorite–leucophane–melinophane–eudidymite ores of the Ermakovka F–Be deposit (western Transbaikalia)
Authors: Damdinova L.B. , Damdinov B.B. , Bryanskii N.V.
Published: August 2018

Fluorite–leucophane–melinophane–eudidymite ores of zone XVIII of the Ermakovka F–Be deposit were studied by geological, mineralogical, and thermobarogeochemical methods. Contents of Be and impurity elements (Li, Na, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, K, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Nb, Mo, Ag, Sn, W, and Pb) in fluid inclusions in fluorite of this zone have been first determined by LA–ICP-MS. It is shown that fluorite–leucophane–melinophane–eudidymite ores were formed by alkaline high-F low-salt (6.0–12.5 wt.% NaCl equiv) solutions with a relatively low content of Be (0.0002–1.04 g/kg of solution). Fluorite and beryllium minerals were deposited in ores in a wide range of P–T conditions. The early fluorite–phenakite paragenesis formed at high temperatures (480–650 °C) and high pressures (> 3 kbar). At the late low-temperature stage, phenakite was replaced by Na–Be silicates (eudidymite and melinophane–leucophane) at < 220 °C and < 770 bars. The Be-ore deposition was due to the destruction of a predominant beryllium fluoride–carbonate complex as a result of the crystallization of fluorite during the metasomatic replacement of limestones. Eudidymite and melinophane–leucophane formed at low temperatures under high activity of Na and Ca and low activity of Be and F in highly alkaline solutions.
Design of urban electric bus systems
Authors: Göhlich Dietmar , Fay Tu-Anh , Jefferies Dominic , Lauth Enrico , Kunith Alexander , Zhang Xudong
Published: August 2018

Many public transport authorities have a great interest in introducing zero-emission electric buses. However, the transformation process from diesel to electric bus systems opens up a vast design space which seems prohibitive for a systematic decision making process. We present a holistic design methodology to identify the ‘most suitable system solution’ under given strategic and operational requirements. The relevant vehicle technologies and charging systems are analysed and structured using a morphological matrix. A modular simulation model is introduced which takes technical and operational aspects into account. The model can be used to determine a feasible electric bus system. The technology selection is based on a detailed economic analysis which is conducted by means of a total cost of ownership (TCO) model. To cope with uncertainties in forecasting, a stochastic modelling of critical input parameters is applied and three different future scenarios are evaluated. The applicability of the model was verified in a pilot project in Berlin and the methodology was applied to a realistic operational scenario. Our results indicate that electric bus systems are technically feasible and can become economically competitive from the year 2025 under the conditions examined.
Capillary processes increase salt precipitation during CO2 injection in saline formations
Authors: Kelly Helena L. , Mathias Simon A.
Published: August 2018

An important attraction of saline formations for CO2 storage is that their high salinity renders their associated brine unlikely to be identified as a potential water resource in the future. However, high salinity can lead to dissolved salt precipitating around injection wells, resulting in loss of injectivity and well deterioration. Earlier numerical simulations have revealed that salt precipitation becomes more problematic at lower injection rates. This article presents a new similarity solution, which is used to study the relationship between capillary pressure and salt precipitation around CO2 injection wells in saline formations. Mathematical analysis reveals that the process is strongly controlled by a dimensionless capillary number, which represents the ratio of the CO2 injection rate to the product of the CO2 mobility and air-entry pressure of the porous medium. Low injection rates lead to low capillary numbers, which in turn are found to lead to large volume fractions of precipitated salt around the injection well. For one example studied, reducing the CO2 injection rate by 94 % led to a tenfold increase in the volume fraction of precipitated salt around the injection well.
Between Presumption and Despair: Augustine's Hope for the Commonwealth
Authors: LAMB MICHAEL
Published: August 2018

Many political theorists dismiss Augustine as a pessimist about politics, assuming his “otherworldly” account of love precludes hope for this-worldly politics. This article challenges this pessimism by applying recent research on Augustine's “order of love” to reconstruct his implicit order of hope. Analyzing neglected sermons, letters, and treatises, I argue that Augustine encourages hope for temporal goods as long as that hope is rightly ordered and avoids the corresponding vices of presumption and despair. I then identify “civic peace” as a common object of hope that diverse citizens can share. By recovering hope as a virtue and reframing civic peace as a positive form of civic friendship, I argue that Augustine commends a hope for the commonwealth that avoids both presumption and despair. I conclude by analyzing how Augustine's vision of the commonwealth can inform contemporary political theory and practice.