bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Juvenile Chinook Salmon Survival When Exposed to Simulated Dam Passage after Being Implanted with a New Microacoustic Transmitter
Authors: Geist David R. , Liss Stephanie A. , Harnish Ryan A. , Deters Katherine A. , Brown Richard S. , Deng Zhiqun Daniel , Martinez Jayson J. , Mueller Robert P. , Stephenson John R.
Published: June 2018

The current minimum size for tagging Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Columbia River basin with acoustic transmitters is ≥95 mm FL. Using a newly developed cylindrical microacoustic transmitter (AT; weight in air, 0.22 g), our objective was to evaluate the minimum size of Chinook Salmon for tagging. We measured Chinook Salmon survival and the retention of transmitters and viscera after their exposure to rapid decompression (n = 399) or shear forces (n = 308) that simulated dam passage. Fish (69–107 mm FL) were implanted with an AT (AT-only) or an AT and a PIT tag (weight in air = 0.10 g; AT+PIT) through a 3-mm incision with no sutures, or did not receive an incision or tag (untagged control fish). Tag burden averaged 2.9% (range, 1.4–6.2%) in the AT-only group and 4.2% (range, 2.0–7.9%) in the AT+PIT group. Proportional survival and the retention of transmitters and viscera was significantly lower for AT-only (0.70) and AT+PIT (0.54) fish than for untagged fish (0.85) after their exposure to pressure change scenarios. No transmitters were fully expelled, but 9% of AT-only and 22% of AT+PIT salmon had protruding viscera or transmitters. Following shear exposure, the proportional survival and retention of transmitters and viscera was significantly lower for AT-only (0.70) and AT+PIT (0.61) fish than for untagged fish (0.98). Visceral expulsion was attributed to 90% and 93% of mortal injuries in AT-only and AT+PIT fish, respectively. In both tests the tagged fish suffered more mortal injuries and death than did untagged fish over the range of tag burdens tested, and no tag burden threshold below which tagged and untagged fish performed similarly was found. As such, a generalized linear model that included tag burden as a predictor variable provided the best fit to the survival data. Without a significant tag burden threshold, we recommend the minimum size for tagging Chinook Salmon using the transmitters and PIT tags evaluated, applied with a 3-mm incision and no sutures, should remain at 95 mm FL.
Dramatic bone remodeling following larotrectinib administration for bone metastasis in a patient with TRK fusion congenital mesoblastic nephroma
Authors: Halalsheh Hadeel , McCarville Mary Beth , Neel Michael , Reynolds Mark , Cox Michael C. , Pappo Alberto S.
Published: June 2018

Mesoblastic nephroma is the most frequent renal tumor in newborns and young infants, and the cellular type is characterized by an ETV6–NTRK fusion, which constitutively activates the tropomyosin‐related kinase (TRK) signaling pathway. Larotrectinib is a highly selective TRK inhibitor with activity in adult and pediatric patients who have TRK fusions. We present a rare case of a patient with mesoblastic nephroma metastatic to bone who had a dramatic response to larotrectinib.
Decoherence Dynamics of Localized States in a Single GaAs/AlGaAs Quantum Ring
Authors: Kim Minju , Park Seongho , Yamashita Yuma , Kyhm Kwangseuk , Ikezawa Michio , Bietti Sergio , Sanguinetti Stefano
Published: June 2018

Interferometric correlation spectroscopy is performed to investigate the decoherence dynamics of localized excited states in a single GaAs/AlGaAs quantum ring. For increasing temperature and excitation, we observe that the decay of interferometric envelope and the Fourier‐transformed spectrum remain exponential and Lorentzian, respectively. The linewidth broadening for temperature and excitation intensity can be attributed to enhanced acoustic phonon scattering and Auger scattering in the fast modulation limit through the barrier traps, where carriers are captured and escape randomly. Additionally, we suggest an internal scattering between the different vertical confinement states for the significantly short coherence time (<25 ps) compared to that observed in quantum dots.
Assessment of hydrologic alteration induced by the Three Gorges Dam in Dongting Lake, China
Authors: Cheng Junxiang , Xu Ligang , Wang Xiaolong , Jiang Jiahu , You Hailin
Published: June 2018

Water‐level variations are an internal aspect of lake ecosystems that play a key role in structuring aquatic diversity and providing ecosystem services. In this study, the hydrologic alteration of Dongting Lake induced by the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) was assessed using indicators of hydrologic alteration and range of variability approach. The results demonstrate a declining trend in autumn water level (0.52–2.26 m) and 5–35 days' advancement for date of minimum annual water level because of the impound of water by the TGD in early autumn. The spatial patterns in the degree of the indicators of hydrologic alteration were different among the sub‐lake regions. Annual minimum water level and timing of annual extreme water level suffered a high degree of alteration in the eastern part of the lake, whereas autumn water level, date of minimum water level, and number of reversals in the western part of the lake showed a high degree of alteration. The average integrated degree of hydrologic alteration (D0) for Dongting Lake was 50.40%, indicating that the hydrologic regime suffered a moderate alteration. The most ecologically relevant hydrologic indicators are critical for understanding eco‐hydrology. On the basis of principal component analysis, the five selected ecologically relevant hydrologic indicators were 90‐day minimum, date of minimum, high pulse duration, date of maximum, and May water level. Further studies are required to understand the impact of the TGD on water conditions in Dongting Lake, especially related to the response of the aquatic ecosystem.
In‐channel wood‐related hazards at bridges: A review
Authors: De Cicco Pina Nicoletta , Paris Enio , Ruiz‐Villanueva Virginia , Solari Luca , Stoffel Markus
Published: June 2018

In‐channel wood is a key component in fluvial ecosystems; however, transport of in‐channel wood during floods can create hazards in urbanized areas. Among the main problems is wood accumulation at bridges, which reduces flow openings, causes blockage and inundation of nearby areas and, eventually, results in structures collapsing. Increasing awareness of the importance of the ecological role of wood in rivers calls for a compromise between the preservation of river ecosystems and management strategies for the prevention of wood‐related hazards. In recent years, knowledge related to in‐channel wood dynamics and hazards has notably increased, and a significant body of valuable information can be found in an extensive number of studies. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the most relevant advances regarding in‐channel wood‐bridge interactions. We review the factors controlling wood accumulation formation and summarize the different approaches used to analyse this process, namely, physical and numerical modelling. Finally, we conclude by highlighting the most important knowledge gaps, addressing particularly underresearched fields and stressing the remaining challenges.
Theoretical Insight into the Kinetics of H‐Abstraction Reaction of CHF2CH2OH with OH Radical, Atmospheric Lifetime and Global Warming Potential
Authors: Baidya Bidisha , Lily Makroni , Chandra Asit K.
Published: June 2018

The mechanistic, kinetic and thermochemical analysis of the reaction of CHF2CH2OH with OH radical have been carried out at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ//M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) level. The rate coefficients for all the reaction channels are evaluated using conventional transition state theory with Eckart's tunneling correction over a temperature range of 250–500 K. Our calculated rate coefficients agree reasonably well with those reported from the experiments. Heats of formation of CHF2CH2OH molecule and C•F2CH2OH, CHF2C•HOH and CHF2CH2O• radicals have been reported for the first time. Atmospheric lifetime, Global Warming Potential (GWP) and atmospheric degradation pathway of CHF2CH2OH have also been determined in the present study.
Catalytic and Enantioselective Direct α‐Alkylation of 3‐Aryl and 3‐Alkyl Oxindole Using Quinine‐Derived Urea Catalyst
Authors: Paderes Monissa C. , Siau Woon Yew , Rong Ziqiang , Zhao Yu
Published: June 2018

We report herein an enantioselective direct α‐alkylation of various substituted oxindole derivatives using simple alkyl bromide and a bifunctional quinine‐derived urea catalyst. The developed method catalyzes the α‐alkylation of both 3‐aryl and 3‐alkyl substituted oxindole. The alkylated oxindole products, which contain a chiral quaternary stereocenter were afforded in excellent yields (up to 99%) and moderate to good enantioselectivity (up to 83%).
K2S2O8‐Mediated Dioxygenation of Aryl Alkenes Using N‐Hydroxylamines and Air
Authors: Bag Raghunath , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: June 2018

The vicinal dioxygenation of aryl alkenes is reported using N‐hydroxylamines and air in the presence of potassium persulfate (K2S2O8). The alkene is first oxidized to β‐aminoxy alkyl hydroperoxide, which is in situ reduced to the diol using molybdenum hexacarbonyl [Mo(CO)6] and base. Metal‐free, aerobic conditions and the substrate scope are the important practical features.
Numerical simulation of arterial remodeling in pulmonary autografts
Authors: Famaey Nele , Vastmans Julie , Fehervary Heleen , Maes Lauranne , Vanderveken Emma , Rega Filip , Mousavi S. Jamaleddin , Avril Stéphane
Published: June 2018

The Ross procedure is a surgical procedure where a diseased aortic valve is replaced by the person's own pulmonary valve. The proximal segment of the pulmonary artery is thereby placed in aortic position and therefore suddenly exposed to a sevenfold increase in blood pressure. Excessive dilatation of this pulmonary autograft is a common complication and has excited interest about mechanobiological adaptation in such situations. Mathematical modelling of growth and remodelling is a relevant approach to improve insights into this phenomenon.

We introduced an algorithm that models the continuous degradation and deposition of extracellular matrix in an artery according to the constrained mixture theory. To compute temporal variations of collagen and elastin mass and to deduce related mechanical properties of the remodelled artery, we discretized time and defined a finite number of cohorts for each collagen fiber family. The degradation and production rates of each cohort were mediated by the difference between ambient and homeostatic stress within each fiber cohort.

We applied the algorithm to predict the adaptation of a pulmonary autograft over an extended period and compared the results to experimental data obtained in sheep. We were able to consistently reproduce the experimentally observed remodeling effects such as dilatation and delayed collagen fiber recruitment. Our simulations revealed how elastin takes up the excessive stress in overstretched regions of the tissue.

In conclusion, the algorithm yields very promising results regarding autograft adaptation in overstretched conditions. Future work will focus on other situations of vascular adaptation where growth‐related deformations will be considered.
The refined Swampland Distance Conjecture in Calabi-Yau moduli spaces
Authors: Blumenhagen Ralph , Klaewer Daniel , Schlechter Lorenz , Wolf Florian
Published: June 2018

Abstract

The Swampland Distance Conjecture claims that effective theories derived from a consistent theory of quantum gravity only have a finite range of validity. This will imply drastic consequences for string theory model building. The refined version of this conjecture says that this range is of the order of the naturally built in scale, namely the Planck scale. It is investigated whether the Refined Swampland Distance Conjecture is consistent with proper field distances arising in the well understood moduli spaces of Calabi-Yau compactification. Investigating in particular the non-geometric phases of Kähler moduli spaces of dimension h
11 ∈ {1, 2, 101}, we always find proper field distances that are smaller than the Planck-length.
Lepton flavorful fifth force and depth-dependent neutrino matter interactions
Authors: Wise Mark B. , Zhang Yue
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We consider a fifth force to be an interaction that couples to matter with a strength that grows with the number of atoms. In addition to competing with the strength of gravity a fifth force can give rise to violations of the equivalence principle. Current long range constraints on the strength and range of fifth forces are very impressive. Amongst possible fifth forces are those that couple to lepton flavorful charges L

e
− L

μ
or L

e
− L

τ
. They have the property that their range and strength are also constrained by neutrino interactions with matter. In this brief note we review the existing constraints on the allowed parameter space in gauged

$$ \mathrm{U}{(1)}_{L_e-{L}_{\mu },{L}_{\tau }} $$

U

1

L
e

−

L
μ

,

L
τ

. We find two regions where neutrino oscillation experiments are at the frontier of probing such a new force. In particular, there is an allowed range of parameter space where neutrino matter interactions relevant for long baseline oscillation experiments depend on the depth of the neutrino beam below the surface of the earth.
How testing helps to diagnose proof failures
Authors: Petiot Guillaume , Kosmatov Nikolai , Botella Bernard , Giorgetti Alain , Julliand Jacques
Published: June 2018

Applying deductive verification to formally prove that a program respects its formal specification is a very complex and time-consuming task due in particular to the lack of feedback in case of proof failures. Along with a non-compliance between the code and its specification (due to an error in at least one of them), possible reasons of a proof failure include a missing or too weak specification for a called function or a loop, and lack of time or simply incapacity of the prover to finish a particular proof. This work proposes a methodology where test generation helps to identify the reason of a proof failure and to exhibit a counterexample clearly illustrating the issue. We define the categories of proof failures, introduce two subcategories of contract weaknesses (single and global ones), and examine their properties. We describe how to transform a C program formally specified in an executable specification language into C code suitable for testing, and illustrate the benefits of the method on comprehensive examples. The method has been implemented in
StaDy
, a plugin of the software analysis platform
Frama
-C. Initial experiments show that detecting non-compliances and contract weaknesses allows to precisely diagnose most proof failures.
Effects of Solid Solution Strengthening Elements Mo, Re, Ru, and W on Transition Temperatures in Nickel-Based Superalloys with High γ′-Volume Fraction: Comparison of Experiment and CALPHAD Calculations
Authors: Ritter Nils C. , Sowa Roman , Schauer Jan C. , Gruber Daniel , Goehler Thomas , Rettig Ralf , Povoden-Karadeniz Erwin , Koerner Carolin , Singer Robert F.
Published: June 2018

We prepared 41 different superalloy compositions by an arc melting, casting, and heat treatment process. Alloy solid solution strengthening elements were added in graded amounts, and we measured the solidus, liquidus, and γ′-solvus temperatures of the samples by DSC. The γ′-phase fraction increased as the W, Mo, and Re contents were increased, and W showed the most pronounced effect. Ru decreased the γ′-phase fraction. Melting temperatures (i.e., solidus and liquidus) were increased by addition of Re, W, and Ru (the effect increased in that order). Addition of Mo decreased the melting temperature. W was effective as a strengthening element because it acted as a solid solution strengthener and increased the fraction of fine γ′-precipitates, thus improving precipitation strengthening. Experimentally determined values were compared with calculated values based on the CALPHAD software tools Thermo-Calc (databases: TTNI8 and TCNI6) and MatCalc (database ME-NI). The ME-NI database, which was specially adapted to the present investigation, showed good agreement. TTNI8 also showed good results. The TCNI6 database is suitable for computational design of complex nickel-based superalloys. However, a large deviation remained between the experiment results and calculations based on this database. It also erroneously predicted γ′-phase separations and failed to describe the Ru-effect on transition temperatures.
The script concordance test: an adequate tool to assess clinical reasoning?
Authors: Custers Eugène J. F. M.
Published: June 2018

None
#MedEd: exploring the relationship between altmetrics and traditional measures of dissemination in health professions education
Authors: Maggio Lauren A. , Leroux Todd C. , Meyer Holly S. , Artino Jr. Anthony R.
Published: June 2018

Introduction Researchers, funders, and institutions are interested in understanding and quantifying research dissemination and impact, particularly related to communicating with the public. Traditionally, citations have been a primary impact measure; however, citations can be slow to accrue and focus on academic use. Recently altmetrics, which track alternate dissemination forms (e. g., social media), have been suggested as a complement to citation-based metrics. This study examines the relationship between altmetrics and traditional measures: journal article citations and access counts.

Methods The researchers queried Web of Science and Altmetric Explorer for articles published in HPE journals between 2013–2015. They identified 2,486 articles with altmetrics. Data were analyzed using negative binomial and linear regression models.

Results Blogging was associated with the greatest increase in citations (13% increase), whereas Tweets (1.2%) and Mendeley (1%) were associated with smaller increases. Journal impact factor (JIF) was associated with a 21% increase in citations. Publicly accessible articles were associated with a 19% decrease, but the interactive effect between accessible articles and JIF was associated with a 12% increase. When examining access counts, publicly accessible articles had an increase of 170 access counts whereas blogging was associated with a decrease of 87 accesses.

Discussion This study suggests that several altmetrics outlets are positively associated with citations, and that public accessibility, holding all other independent variables constant, is positively related to article access.
Lentiviral‐mediated microRNA‐26b up‐regulation inhibits proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Lin Chun‐Zhong , Ou Rong‐Wen , Hu Yu‐Hai
Published: June 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequently occurred malignancy worldwide with a high mortality. The treatment for HCC is still controversial. Emerging evidences have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRs) play a role in HCC. This study aims to investigate the effects of lentiviral‐mediated miRNA‐26b (miR‐26b) on the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. The normal hepatic cell line HL‐7702 and HCC cell lines HepG2 (without metastatic potential), SMMC‐7721 (with low metastatic potential) and MHCC97H (with high metastatic potential) were purchased for our experiment. The lentiviral‐mediated miR‐26b overexpression (miR‐26b‐LV) and low expression (sh‐miR‐26b) were constructed to transfect the cells. The miR‐26b expression and expressions of Karyopherin α‐2 (KPNA2), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1), MMP‐7 and MMP‐14 were determined by RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis. The proliferation and metastasis of transfected HCC cells were detected by MTT and Transwell assay respectively. The miR‐26b expressions were decreased significantly in MHCC97H cells. With lentiviral‐mediated miR‐26b overexpression, the proliferation and migration of HepG2, MHCC97H and SMMC‐7721 cells were decreased significantly. The RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis results revealed that the mRNA and protein expressions of KPNA2, MMP‐1, MMP‐7 and MMP‐14 were decreased by lentiviral‐mediated miR‐26b overexpression. All the above indexes in the HepG2, MHCC97H and SMMC‐7721 cells treated by sh‐miR‐26b exhibited opposite trends. These results show that overexpressed miR‐26b could inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells significantly, which provides a novel target and theoretical foundation for the treatment of HCC.
Fluid Handling Industry Update: M&A Activity
Authors: Haan Thomas E
Published: June 2018

Fluid handling industry M&A activity has started 2018 at near record pace. Through April 2018 there have been 30 transactions announced, 26 of those were in the first quarter of the year. The only other quarter that has had that level of volume in the last eight years was Q3 2014 when there were 27 transactions announced. That level of activity helped make 2014 a record year with 76 transactions. January was by far the most active month we have seen with 14 transactions. This could be an indication that there were some transactions that were held until after the close of 2017 to take advantage of the tax law change for 2018. The pace of activity has slowed with nine transactions in February and three each in March and April, so despite the fast start we may not be on the way to a record-breaking year.
WANTON GODDESSES TO UNSPOKEN WORTHIES: GENDERED HERMENEUTICS IN THECHU CI ZHANGJU
Authors: Zikpi Monica E. M.
Published: June 2018

The influentialChu ci zhangju楚辭章句, the earliest received edition of the foundational poetry anthologyChuci楚辭, performs a distinct gender bias in its exegesis of deities, and this bias accords with the Eastern Han ideology of the editor Wang Yi 王逸 (2nd c. CE) more than with immanent features of the original Warring States texts. The gender bias is an essential feature of Wang Yi’s canonization of theChuci, and it lays the groundwork of the allegorical tradition of interpreting theChuci. This paper analyzes thezhangjupresentation of archetypalChucitexts to elucidate the hermeneutic transformation of gender and religion in early China, comparing the Eastern Han exegeses with earlier and later interpretations, immanent textual features, and fresh perspectives on Warring States and Han culture that have emerged from archeological evidence. The analysis demonstrates that theChuci zhangjutreats the male deities more literally than the female deities, reflecting the reduction in status of goddesses in late Han discourse. The history of gender ideology is an essential critical lens for understanding theChuciand the tradition that emerged from it.
Rate of positive cultures necessitating definitive treatment in patients receiving empiric vancomycin therapy
Authors: Waters C. Dustin , Caraccio Joshua
Published: June 2018

Vancomycin is a commonly prescribed empiric antibiotic used when methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is suspected. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of culture-positive infection requiring vancomycin therapy.
The impact of political unrest in Ireland on Irish soldiers in the British army, 1914–18: a re-evaluation
Authors: Destenay Emmanuel
Published: June 2018

In order better to understand the impact of political unrest in Ireland on Irish troops fighting in the First World War, it is necessary to acknowledge that the role of the 1916 Rising has been significantly overestimated, while the influence of the 1914 home rule crisis and the repercussions of the anti-conscription movement have been underestimated. The 1914 home rule crisis significantly impacted on the Germans’ view of the Irish and conditioned the treatment of Irish P.O.W.s from December 1914 onwards. In addition, the post-1916 Rising executions and the conscription crisis had a severe impact on Irish front-line units, while also sapping the morale of other British combatants. The 1916 Rising might have been dismissed as a military operation conceived by a handful of republicans, with little support from the wider population, but the conscription crisis brought about widespread defiance towards British rule throughout the whole of nationalist Ireland. In line with British public opinion, British front-line officers and men strongly resented Ireland’s refusal to support the war effort at such a crucial moment. The consequence was the widespread targeting and stigmatisation of their Irish comrades-in-arms. Some British officers and men resorted to a form of psychological pressure, aimed at the public shaming of Irish troops. This article draws on new primary sources available at The National Archives in London, Dublin City Archives and University of Leeds Library to argue that the 1916 Rising was not the only political event in Ireland to have repercussions for Irish battalions fighting in the First World War.
Select document: W. E. Gladstone, ‘Parliamentary Doings with the Irish Church’
Authors: Kanter Douglas , Powell John
Published: June 2018

This article introduces a newly discovered essay by W. E. Gladstone, ‘Parliamentary Doings with the Irish Church’, originally published in the Dublin University Magazine in 1834. The introduction examines the context of the essay’s composition, relating it to the young Gladstone’s commitment to the confessional state, as well as to the contemporary debate over the appropriation of the revenues of the Church of Ireland. It then attempts to explain how – through a combination of political circumstances, Gladstone’s subtle reshaping of the historical record, and editorial confusion – a significant article, published in a major Irish journal, went virtually unnoticed for more than 180 years. ‘Parliamentary Doings with the Irish Church’, the text of which is reproduced here in full, constituted Gladstone’s first attempt to use the quarterly press to influence public opinion, anticipating his first book by four years, and what had previously been considered his first journal article by nine years.
‘Out in the cold’?: The children of the Irish Parliamentary Party and the Irish Free State
Authors: McConnel James
Published: June 2018

Drawing on the recent scholarly interest in ‘generationism’ and the revolutionary period, this article examines the life chances of the 247 children born to the last cohort of Irish Parliamentary Party M.P.s elected to Westminster between 1910 and 1918. It employs a prosopographical approach to reconstruct their lives at specific points (1910 and 1948) in order to assess the impact that independence had on their fortunes longitudinally. While it problematises the idea that the Edwardian children of nationalist M.P.s formed part of a privileged elite in waiting, it does conclude that they enjoyed a degree of cultural and political capital that positioned them advantageously in advance of home rule. The analysis advanced here suggests that despite experiencing some political disorientation, those scions of the old I.P.P. who lived through the revolutionary years reoriented themselves relatively quickly, regrouped, and experienced considerable political and professional success during the following decades. As for those children who were born or achieved adulthood after 1922, there is little evidence to suggest that they were socially or politically ostracised, or that, in turn, they felt a sense of fundamental alienation from the new state. Ultimately, unlike those who had fought for the republic but ended up feeling as if they were among the losers, what the children of the I.P.P lost after 1918 should not obscure the fact that many of them were among the winners in the new Ireland.
Associations between obesity candidate gene polymorphisms (fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO), melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR)) and dietary intake in pregnant women
Authors: Martins Maisa C. , Trujillo Janet , Freitas-Vilela Ana Amélia , Farias Dayana R. , Rosado Eliane L. , Struchiner Cláudio J. , Kac Gilberto
Published: June 2018

Genetic variants associated with dietary intake may be important as factors underlying the development of obesity. We investigated the associations between the obesity candidate genes (fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO), melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor) and total energy intake and percentage of energy from macronutrients and ultra-processed foods before and during pregnancy. A sample of 149 pregnant women was followed up in a prospective cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A FFQ was administered at 5–13 and 30–36 weeks of gestation. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. Associations between polymorphisms and the outcomes were investigated through multiple linear regression and ANCOVA having pre-pregnancy dietary intake as a covariate. The A-allele of FTO-rs9939609 was associated with a −6·5 % (95 % CI −12·3, −0·4) decrease in the percentage of energy from protein and positively associated with the percentage of energy from carbohydrates before pregnancy (β=2·6; 95 % CI 0·5, 4·8) and with a 13·3 % (95 % CI 0·7, 27·5) increase in the total energy intake during pregnancy. The C-allele of MC4R-rs17782313 was associated with a −7·6 % (95 % CI −13·8, −1·0) decrease in the percentage of energy from protein, and positively associated with the percentage of energy from ultra-processed foods (β=5·4; 95 % CI 1·1, 9·8) during pregnancy. ANCOVA results revealed changes in dietary intake from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy for FTO-rs9939609 (percentage of energy from ultra-processed foods, P=0·03), MC4R-rs17782313 (total energy intake, P=0·02) and LEP-rs7799039 (total energy intake, P=0·04; percentage of energy from protein, P=0·04). These findings suggest significant associations between FTO-rs9939609, MC4R-rs17782313 and LEP-rs7799039 genes and the components of dietary intake in pregnant women.
An alternative approach to mixed hearing loss in otosclerosis: stapes surgery combined with an active middle-ear implant
Authors: Powell H R F , Pai I , Ghulam H , Jiang D
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To report a novel management strategy for mixed hearing loss in advanced otosclerosis.

Methods:

A 50-year-old male was referred to St Thomas’ Hearing Implant Centre with otosclerosis; he was no longer able to wear conventional hearing aids because of recurrent otitis externa. The patient underwent short process incus vibroplasty (using the Med-El Vibrant Soundbridge device), followed at a suitable interval (six weeks) by stapes surgery. The main outcome measures were: pure tone audiometry, functional gain and monosyllabic word recognition scores.

Results:

Post-operative pure tone audiometry showed a reduction of the mean air–bone gap from 55 dB HL to 20 dB HL. The residual mixed hearing loss was rehabilitated with the Vibrant Soundbridge, with an average device gain of 32 dB. The monosyllabic word recognition scores in quiet at 65 dB improved from 37 to 100 per cent when using the Vibrant Soundbridge at six months after switch-on of the device.

Conclusion:

Stapedotomy in conjunction with incus short process vibroplasty (i.e. inner-ear vibroplasty) is a safe and promising procedure for managing advanced otosclerosis with mixed hearing loss in selected patients.
Fronto-septal rostrum: prevalence, classification and clinical implications
Authors: Eviatar E , Golan Y , Gavriel H
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To describe a newly observed frontal sinus anatomical variant, the fronto-septal rostrum.

Methods:

Consecutive sinus computed tomography scans performed during 2013 were reviewed. The fronto-septal rostrum was defined as a mucosa-lined air space formed in the attachment of the most upper bony nasal septum and the central floor of the frontal sinuses.

Results:

The study included 400 computed tomography scans from 189 women (47.3 per cent) and 211 men (52.8 per cent), with a mean age of 46.8 years. A fronto-septal rostrum was observed in 122 patients (30.5 per cent), with a mean length of 10.63 mm, width of 4.52 mm, height of 2.18 mm and volume of 63.52 mm3. There was no statistically significant difference related to gender (p = 0.343), and no association between the side of the fronto-septal rostrum and age (p = 0.811) or volume (p = 0.203).

Conclusion:

The newly described fronto-septal rostrum has possible clinical and surgical implications. It is suggested that this aerated space is used in specific surgical indications and its presence evaluated in cases of septal infection.
Crafting a more integrated, specific, and community-sensitive approach to applied sociolinguistics
Authors: Rickford John R.
Published: June 2018

A sociolinguist's first reaction to Lewis’ critique of Labov's thirty-five-year-old principle of error correction (PEC) would likely be defensive or dismissive. While never formulated as the full-fledged ‘theory of social change’ Lewis portrays it to be, the PEC has indeed offered a valuable ‘theoretical starting place for diverse social-change efforts’ (Lewis, this issue, p. 326) by (socio)linguists over the years, repeatedly allowing us to use our technical training to provide more accurate diagnoses of language-related social issues than nonlinguists could, and thereby paving the way for their successful (re)solution. An early example is the 1985 trial of Paul Prinzivalli (see Labov 1988), who was rightfully found not guilty of making telephone bomb threats against Pan Am Airlines on the basis of Labov's careful phonetic evidence that his speech did not match the caller's recorded Boston accent. A more recent example is that of Voigt et al. (2017), whose computational analysis of police body-camera footage from 981 stops of Black and White drivers in Oakland, CA revealed that officers showed significantly more verbal respect to White than to Black drivers. This research is now being used to improve police training and police-community interactions in Oakland. In both cases, we could argue that, as in medicine, without an accurate diagnosis, a successful solution would elude us. And we might add that community beneficiaries of the (socio)linguist's on-the-ground ‘error correction and knowledge dissemination’ (Lewis, this issue, p. 339) might value this more than the critical race theorist's lofty theorizing.
Central European Missionaries in Sudan: Geopolitics and Alternative Colonialism in Mid-Nineteenth Century Africa
Authors: Wendt Helge
Published: June 2018

The article gives an example of how actors and processes should be differentiated from each other in an imperial context that concerns both a European and a non-European region. Some of the ‘Austrian’ missionaries who worked in the Catholic mission in southern Sudan were of Slavic or Italian origin. Their double identity shaped the way they conceived their pastoral work. Nevertheless, these missionaries were not the only group of people who were engaged in this Austrian colonial endeavour in mid-nineteenth century Sudan.
Determination of Cardinal Temperatures of Flax-leaf Alyssum (Alyssum linifolium) in Response to Salinity, pH, and Drought Stress
Authors: Mobli Ahmadreza , Ghanbari Ali , Rastgoo Mehdi
Published: June 2018

Flax-leaf alyssum (Alyssum linifoliumSteph. ex. Willd.) is a winter weed species in irrigated and dryland farming systems of Iran. Experiments were conducted to compare the cardinal temperatures ofA. linifoliumat different levels of drought, salt concentration, and pH. In all experiments, the dent-like model showed a better fit than the quadratic polynomial model.Alyssum linifoliumproduced the highest germination rates at pH 7 and a temperature of 20C in nonstress treatment. Minimum, optimum, and ceiling temperatures in the dent-like model were 4.1 (upper=26.8, lower=10.0) and 35C, and in the quadratic polynomial model were 3.3, 19.1, and 35.0C, respectively. At increased salinity and drought potential levels, the minimum temperature increased, while optimum and ceiling temperatures decreased. Seeds could germinate at up to 20 dS m−1and −1 MPa, respectively, but germination rate and percentage significantly decreased. The seeds of this weed germinated across a wide range of pH values (4≤pH≥8), but the temperature range at which seeds could germinate was reduced. These data serve as guidelines for species-specific propagation protocols and agricultural decision support systems.
Reconstruction of Plasmaspheric Density Distributions by Applying a Tomography Technique to Jason‐1 Plasmaspheric TEC Measurements
Authors: Kim E. , Kim Y. H. , Jee G. , Ssessanga N.
Published: June 2018

We have developed a tomography algorithm and applied it to a plasmaspheric total electron content data set from Jason‐1 satellite (~1,336 km), which has a Global Positioning System receiver onboard. To invert the measured plasmaspheric total electron content into vertical distribution of electron density, we adopted a multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique with an assumed initial density distribution. The reconstruction of the plasmaspheric density distribution was performed on Indian (70°E − 90°E), Pacific (200°E − 220°E), and Atlantic (320°E − 340°E) longitudinal planes during the periods of high solar activity (F10.7 > 100) and low geomagnetic activity (Ap < 12) from 2002 to 2005. The reconstructed density distribution displays general climatological characteristics of the plasmasphere. For all three longitudinal sectors, the reconstructed density distributions show weak diurnal variations being greater during daytime (09–15 LT) than nighttime (21–03 LT). In Atlantic sector, the reconstructed plasmaspheric density exhibits an annual anomaly (higher density in December than in June), which was not apparent in other longitude sectors. By fitting the reconstructed density profiles, we derived empirical functions of equatorial plasmaspheric density profiles for 4 months (March, June, September, and December) in the three longitude sectors. The parameters associated with these functions were found to exhibit diurnal variation and annual anomaly characteristics.
Recharge and Nitrate Transport Through the Deep Vadose Zone of the Loess Plateau: A Regional‐Scale Model Investigation
Authors: Turkeltaub Tuvia , Jia Xiaoxu , Zhu Yuanjun , Shao Ming‐An , Binley Andrew
Published: June 2018

The Loess Plateau of China (LPC) is suffering from the impacts of overexploitation of groundwater, leading to a decline in the regional water table. This is compounded by relatively recent large‐scale transformation of land use, which may impact groundwater recharge and threaten future water quality from intensive nitrogen fertilizer application. Understanding the regional unsaturated water flow and nitrate travel time in the deep vadose zone is crucial for the sustainable management of the LPC groundwater system. We develop here a regional‐scale model that exploits an extensive database of soil properties derived from recent intensive soil profile sampling over the LPC, together with climate, vadose zone thickness, and land use data. The model solves the Richards equation and a conservative solute transport model using a multiple 1D column approach. A comparison between model simulations and observations at five sites reveals good model performance. Application over the LPC indicates that areas with dense irrigated agricultural land use contribute significantly to groundwater recharge. By using land use cover information from 1975 to 2008, simulations reveal that the transition from agriculture to forest and grassland accounts for a small reduction of the total annual recharge (6.1%). Modeled nitrate travel times through the deep unsaturated zone range between decades and centuries; however, recent loading of anthropogenic nitrate is expected to reach the aquifer in the near future under irrigated areas or where the vadose zone is relatively thin. The model simulations provide valuable information for assessing future vulnerability of groundwater resources over a regional scale.
Linking Mantle Plumes to Volcanoes and Hot Spot Tracks
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: June 2018

Study bolsters hypothesis that volcanoes on China’s Hainan Island were formed by a hot spot.
An Evolving Framework for Advancing Climate Services in Norway
Authors: Mayer Stephanie , Bremer Scott , Sobolowski Stefan
Published: June 2018

Meeting of the Norwegian Centre for Climate Services; Geilo, Norway, 25–26 October 2017
Airborne Microbes Contribute to N2 Fixation in Surface Water of the Northern Red Sea
Authors: Rahav Eyal , Paytan Adina , Mescioglu Esra , Galletti Yuri , Rosenfeld Sahar , Raveh Ofrat , Santinelli Chiara , Ho Tung‐Yuan , Herut Barak
Published: June 2018

Desert dust storms are frequent in the Northern Red Sea region, providing nutrients (i.e., PO4) and trace‐metals (i.e., Fe) that may stimulate dinitrogen (N2) fixation. Dust also carries a high diversity of airborne microbes (bacteria and archaea), including diazotrophs, that may remain viable during transport and upon deposition. Here we evaluate the impact of atmospheric deposition and its associated airborne diazotrophs on N2 fixation in the surface water of the low‐nutrient Northern Red Sea, using mesocosm bioassay experiments. We compared the chemical (nutritional) and sole airborne microbial impact of aerosol additions on N2 fixation using “live‐dust” (release nutrients/trace metals and viable airborne microorganisms) and “UV‐killed dust” (release only chemicals). Airborne diazotrophy accounted for about one third of the measured N2 fixation (0.35 ± 0.06 nmol N · L−1 · day−1 and 0.29 ± 0.06 nmol N · L−1 · day−1, for “February 2017” and “May 2017,” “live‐dust” additions, respectively). Two nifH sequences related to cluster III diazotrophs were amplified from the dust samples, consistent with the N2 fixation measurement results. We postulate that the deposition of viable airborne diazotrophs may enhance N2 fixation, especially in marine provinces subjected to high aerosol loads. We speculate that the relative contribution of airborne N2 fixation may increase in the future with the predicted increase in dust deposition.
Disconnection Between Trends of Atmospheric Drying and Continental Runoff
Authors: Yang Yuting , Zhang Shulei , McVicar Tim R. , Beck Hylke E. , Zhang Yongqiang , Liu Bing
Published: June 2018

The ratio of potential evapotranspiration (E0) over precipitation (P), known as the aridity index (AI), has been commonly used to stratify global aridity zones and widely adopted to assess changes in aridity globally. Anthropogenic climate change, in particular atmospheric warming, is projected to increase AI, which has in most cases been interpreted as increasing terrestrial aridity. In this study we demonstrate, for both past and future conditions, that such an interpretation requires reconsideration. Using catchment observations over the past 30 years and climate model projections for the 21st century, we show that increased AI does not ubiquitously lead to a decreased water availability over land, using surface runoff (Q) as an indicator. This is primarily caused by a higher Q sensitivity to changes in P (SP) and a lower Q sensitivity to changes in E0 (SE0), with the ratio of SP over SE0 being higher than the relative changes of E0 compared to P (i.e., |P × SP| > |E0 × SE0|). Assessment of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 model outputs indicates that both Q and AI change‐induced Q changes are increasing over the majority of the globe for the 21st century despite increasing AI (a drying atmosphere). Our findings demonstrate a disconnection between the atmospheric drying trends and surface runoff trends and call for caution when interpreting retrospective and future changes in terrestrial aridity based on AI and related measures.
High-resolution crossover mapping reveals similarities and differences of male and female recombination in maize
Authors: Kianian Penny M. A. , Wang Minghui , Simons Kristin , Ghavami Farhad , He Yan , Dukowic-Schulze Stefanie , Sundararajan Anitha , Sun Qi , Pillardy Jaroslaw , Mudge Joann , Chen Changbin , Kianian Shahryar F. , Pawlowski Wojciech P.
Published: June 2018

Meiotic crossovers (COs) are not uniformly distributed across the genome. Factors affecting this phenomenon are not well understood. Although many species exhibit large differences in CO numbers between sexes, sex-specific aspects of CO landscape are particularly poorly elucidated. Here, we conduct high-resolution CO mapping in maize. Our results show that CO numbers as well as their overall distribution are similar in male and female meioses. There are, nevertheless, dissimilarities at local scale. Male and female COs differ in their locations relative to transcription start sites in gene promoters and chromatin marks, including nucleosome occupancy and tri-methylation of lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4me3). Our data suggest that sex-specific factors not only affect male–female CO number disparities but also cause fine differences in CO positions. Differences between male and female CO landscapes indicate that recombination has distinct implications for population structure and gene evolution in male and in female meioses.
Conformational switching in the coiled-coil domains of a proteasomal ATPase regulates substrate processing
Authors: Snoberger Aaron , Brettrager Evan J. , Smith David M.
Published: June 2018

Protein degradation in all domains of life requires ATPases that unfold and inject proteins into compartmentalized proteolytic chambers. Proteasomal ATPases in eukaryotes and archaea contain poorly understood N-terminally conserved coiled-coil domains. In this study, we engineer disulfide crosslinks in the coiled-coils of the archaeal proteasomal ATPase (PAN) and report that its three identical coiled-coil domains can adopt three different conformations: (1) in-register and zipped, (2) in-register and partially unzipped, and (3) out-of-register. This conformational heterogeneity conflicts with PAN’s symmetrical OB-coiled-coil crystal structure but resembles the conformational heterogeneity of the 26S proteasomal ATPases’ coiled-coils. Furthermore, we find that one coiled-coil can be conformationally constrained even while unfolding substrates, and conformational changes in two of the coiled-coils regulate PAN switching between resting and active states. This switching functionally mimics similar states proposed for the 26S proteasome from cryo-EM. These findings thus build a mechanistic framework to understand regulation of proteasome activity.
Twinning in metastable high-entropy alloys
Authors: Huang Shuo , Huang He , Li Wei , Kim Dongyoo , Lu Song , Li Xiaoqing , Holmström Erik , Kwon Se Kyun , Vitos Levente
Published: June 2018

Twinning is a fundamental mechanism behind the simultaneous increase of strength and ductility in medium- and high-entropy alloys, but its operation is not yet well understood, which limits their exploitation. Since many high-entropy alloys showing outstanding mechanical properties are actually thermodynamically unstable at ambient and cryogenic conditions, the observed twinning challenges the existing phenomenological and theoretical plasticity models. Here, we adopt a transparent approach based on effective energy barriers in combination with first-principle calculations to shed light on the origin of twinning in high-entropy alloys. We demonstrate that twinning can be the primary deformation mode in metastable face-centered cubic alloys with a fraction that surpasses the previously established upper limit. The present advance in plasticity of metals opens opportunities for tailoring the mechanical response in engineering materials by optimizing metastable twinning in high-entropy alloys.