bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and bioactivity studies of sex pheromone analogs of the diamond back moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Wang An‐jia , Zhang Kai‐Xin , Gao Yu‐lin , Weng Ai‐zhen , Wang Liu‐yang , Zhang Yun‐hui , Zhang Zhi , She Dong‐mei , Ning Jun , Mei Xiang‐dong
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., is a very important pest of cruciferous vegetables causing excessive economic losses worldwide. Bioactivities of halo‐, diazo‐, and cyclopropane acetates of P. xylostella sex pheromone have been evaluated using electrophysiology and enzyme inhibition assays.

RESULTS

A total of 23 sex pheromone analogs of P. xylostella were designed and synthesized and the result shows that (11Z)‐hexadec‐11‐en‐1‐yl 2,2,2‐trifluoroacetate, (11Z)‐hexadec‐11‐en‐1‐yl 2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropanoate, and (11Z)‐hexadec‐11‐en‐1‐yl trifluoromethanesulfonate elicited potential inhibitory effects at all doses tested in the electrophysiology and enzyme inhibition assays. Interference of locating the sex pheromone source was found strongest when these three analogs were mixed with the sex pheromone at a 10:1 ratio. In addition, field test showed that the rate of mating disruption was over 90% when (11Z)‐hexadec‐11‐en‐1‐yl 2,2,2‐trifluoroacetate or (11Z)‐hexadec‐11‐en‐1‐yl 2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropanoate was mixed with the sex pheromone at a 10:1 ratio.

CONCLUSION

Two sex pheromone antagonists were screen out by electrophysiology, enzyme inhibition assays, wind tunnel and field tests. We believe that these antagonists could be used to establish a novel eco‐friendly measure to control P. xylostella and provide evidence for clarifying the specific functions and molecular mechanisms of sex pheromone antagonists. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Discovery of highly insecticidal synthetic spinosyn mimics – CAMD enabled de novo design simplifying a complex natural product
Authors: Sparks Thomas C , Crouse Gary D , Demeter David A , Samaritoni Geno , McLeod Casandra L
Published: September 2018

Simplifying complex natural products: Computer modeling‐based design leads to highly insecticidal, chemically simpler synthetic mimics of the spinosyn natural products that are active in the field. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Fitness costs of Vip3A resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda on different hosts
Authors: Chen Xuan , Head Graham P , Price Paula , Kerns David L , Rice Marlin E , Huang Fangneng , Gilreath Ryan T , Yang Fei
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major target pest of the Vip3A protein. The fitness of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)‐resistant insects on refuges is an important factor in determining the speed of resistance development. Fitness costs associated with Bt resistance can vary among host plants. Here, we provide the first experimental evaluation of the interactions between non‐Bt hosts and fitness costs of Vip3A resistance in S. frugiperda.

RESULTS

Laboratory bioassays showed that survivorship, pupal weight, sex ratio, developmental time, fecundity, net reproductive rate, and intrinsic rate were not different among Vip3A‐resistant (RR), ‐susceptible (SS) and ‐heterozygous (R♂S♀ and R♀S♂) strains of S. frugiperda on non‐Bt corn, non‐Bt cotton, and non‐Bt diet. R♂S♀ and R♀S♂ also showed no differences on sorghum relative to SS. However, compared to SS, RR on sorghum showed significant reduction in pupal weight, and took longer time to develop to pupa and adult.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that recessive fitness costs of reduced pupal weight and growth rate were detected at the individual level in the Vip3A resistant populations of S. frugiperda on sorghum. However, at the population level in terms of net reproductive rate and intrinsic rate, fitness costs of Vip3A resistance was not evident in S. frugiperda. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of Self‐Trapped Holes on the Responses of Fluorine‐Doped Multimode Optical Fibers Exposed to Low Fluences of Protons
Authors: Girard Sylvain , Paillet Philippe , Trinzcek Michael , Marcandella Claude , Alessi Antonino , Morana Adriana , De Michele Vincenzo , Boukenter Aziz , Ouerdane Youcef
Published: September 2018

The radiation vulnerability of various classes of multimode silica‐based optical fibers is investigated for space applications operating from the ultraviolet up to near‐infrared spectral domains. For this, radiation‐induced attenuation (RIA) levels and kinetics in the 300 ÷ 1100 nm wavelength range are monitored during and after steady state 105 MeV proton exposure at room temperature (RT, equivalent dose of ∼250 Gy(SiO2)). The responses of three types of “radiation hardened” optical fibers with either a pure‐silica core (PSC) or fluorine‐doped cores are compared to the one of a Telecom‐grade germanosilicate optical fiber. RIA growth during irradiation and decay after irradiation (recovery phase) reveal that the highly fluorine (2 wt.%)‐doped optical fiber, manufactured by axial vapor deposition process, presents higher RIA levels above 600 nm than other tested optical fibers. Indeed, if the high F‐doping level reduces the UV‐RIA related to SiE’, NBOHC or chlorine‐related centers this composition appears as associated with a strong RIA increase in the visible‐near‐IR through the more efficient generation of RT unstable strain‐assisted or inherent self‐trapped holes.
MOVPE‐Growth of InGaSb/AlP/GaP(001) Quantum Dots for Nanoscale Memory Applications
Authors: Sala Elisa M. , Arikan Ismail F. , Bonato Leo , Bertram Frank , Veit Peter , Christen Jürgen , Strittmatter André , Bimberg Dieter
Published: September 2018

The structural and optical properties of InGaSb/GaP(001) type‐II quantum dots (QDs) grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) are studied. Growth strategies as growth interruption (GRI) after deposition of InGaSb and Sb‐flush prior to QD growth are used to tune the structural and optical properties of InGaSb QDs. The Sb‐flush affects the surface diffusion leading to more homogeneous QDs and to a reduction of defects. A ripening process during GRI occurs, where QD size is increased and QD‐luminescence remarkably improved. InGaSb QDs are embedded in GaP n + p‐diodes, employing an additional AlP barrier, and characterized electrically. A localization energy of 1.15 eV for holes in QDs is measured by using deep‐level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The use of Sb in QD growth is found to decrease the associated QD capture cross‐section by one order of magnitude with respect to the one of In0.5Ga0.5As/GaP QDs. This leads to a hole storage time of almost 1 h at room temperature, which represents to date the record value for MOVPE‐grown QDs, making MOVPE of InGaSb/GaP related QDs a promising technology for QD‐based nano‐memories.
Theoretical assessment of the nuclear quantum effects on polymer crystallinity via perturbation theory and dynamics
Authors: Jakowski Jacek , Huang Jingsong , Sumpter Bobby G. , Garashchuk Sophya
Published: September 2018

As seen in experiments with poly(3‐hexylthiophene), substitution of hydrogen with deuterium on the main chain alone decreases crystallinity. To understand this effect, a general formalism for analysis of the dipole moments and polarizabilities incorporating quantum nuclei, is developed. The formalism, based on quantum dynamics of the proton/deuteron and on the perturbative analysis of the dipole interaction energy, accounts for the anharmonicity of a potential energy surface and for the anisotropy of molecular dipole moments. The formalism is implemented within the Discrete Variable Representation and the Density Functional Theory describing, respectively, the quantum proton/deuteron on the thiophene ring and the electronic structure of the 27‐atom model polymer chain, embedded into a larger crystalline environment. The isotope effect is mainly attributed to the differences in the zero‐point energy of the CH/CD bonds and to the isotope‐dependence of the dipole‐dipole inter‐chain interactions.
Exploiting low complex digital predistortion to improve wideband nonlinear satellite downlinks
Authors: Hu Xin , Liu Zhijun , Liu Ting , Wang Weidong
Published: September 2018

With the increasing demand for higher data rate, increasing throughput requires wider bandwidth. Due to the nonlinear effect of power amplifier, severe nonlinear distortion effects will appear onboard satellite. Digital predistortion (DPD) scheme is usually employed to compensate for the distortions and memory effects introduced by traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) and output multiplexing filter (OMUX). In conventional predistorter, the signal loss of band‐limited feedback signal output through OMUX is usually ignored. Actually, it will affect the linear effect of TWTA. In order to solve the problem as to improve wideband nonlinear satellite downlink, this paper introduces a novel spectral extrapolation method based on deep neural network to recover the band‐limited feedback signal. On this basis, an advanced orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm is adopted in the nonlinear TWTA model construction to further reduce the DPD complexity. The proposed setup effectively compensates the distortions and is well suited for systems that generate data bits on satellites.
Electrochemical Properties of the Graphite Electrode after Electrochemical Exfoliation and its Application as a Substrate for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Gao Mingming , Wang Xiaodan , Zaheer Afzal Muhammad , Wang Shuguang , Wang Xin‐hua
Published: September 2018

Electrochemical exfoliation is an environmentally friendly method to obtained high quality graphene, while the graphite after exfoliation could also behave as a graphene modified graphite electrode. In this study, a graphene layer/graphite plate (GL/GP) electrode obtained by electrochemical exfoliation provided a special surface with enhanced hydrophilicity, improved electron transfer rate, and more electrochemical active sites. The surface characteristics of GL/GP electrodes were visually investigated with the formation and distribution of polyaniline (PANI). When the GL/GP electrode was used as a supporter to fabricate a Pt modified GL/GP electrode (Pt‐GL/GP electrode), it favored the HER activity of modified Pt. The surface density of Pt loading on the Pt‐GL/GP electrode was lower than commercial Pt/C (wt. 20%) by one order of magnitude. In addition, the enhanced hydrophilicity of the GL/GP electrode was beneficial for hydrogen bubbles escaping from its surface. GL/GP electrodes could potentially be an environmentally friendly and commercially attractive substrate to fabricating new electrocatalysts.
Co3O4 Nanoparticles Anchored on Selectively Oxidized Graphene Flakes as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reactions
Authors: Araújo Mariana P. , Nunes Marta , Rocha Inês M. , Pereira M. F. R. , Freire Cristina
Published: September 2018

Herein, we report the preparation of Co3O4 nanoparticles anchored on the surface of selectively oxidized graphene flakes with KMnO4 and O3 ‐ Co3O4@GF_KMnO4 and Co3O4@GF_O3 nanocomposites ‐ and the study of their electrocatalytic performance towards the oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER). Both nanocomposites displayed ORR and OER electrocatalytic activity in alkaline medium. For ORR, onset potentials of 0.79 V and 0.82 V vs. RHE were achieved for Co3O4@GF_ KMnO4 and Co3O4@GF_O3, respectively. Both nanocomposites presented excellent tolerance to methanol and, in the case of Co3O4@GF_O3, a superior long‐term stability with a current retention of 96.8% after 20 000 s. For OER, the overpotential was 0.44 and 0.45 V for Co3O4@GF_KMnO4 and Co3O4@GF_O3, respectively. Additionally, Co3O4@GF_O3 presented higher current densities, Faradaic efficiencies, and long‐term stability (current loss of 32% after 15 000 s). The superior bifunctional ORR/OER electrocatalytic activity displayed by Co3O4@GF_O3 arises from the stronger chemical coupling between Co3O4 nanoparticles and specific oxygen surface groups of GF_O3 flakes.
A Smart and Efficient One‐Pot Green Synthesis of Novel 1, 2, 3‐Triazolyl Pyrazoline‐/Indazolyl‐Carbothioamide Hybrids under Solvent‐Free Grinding Strategy at Room Temperature
Authors: Ranganathan Raja , Archana Sivasubramaniyan , Dinesh Murugan , Jaabil George , Nagarajan Sangaraiah , Ponnuswamy Alagusundaram , Saranya Kanagarajan , Murugavel Saminathan
Published: September 2018

A smart and straightforward route has been developed for the green synthesis of novel 1,2,3‐triazolyl pyrazoline‐/indazolyl‐carbothioamide hybrids from easily accessible starting materials for the first time via one‐pot sequential four component reaction under solvent‐free grinding protocol at room temperature. Notably, this protocol is meritorious in the sense that it is inexpensive, expeditious, devoid of tedious separation methods, environmentally benign and it involves mild reaction conditions affording good to excellent yields (84‐97%) of the products.
Towards the Definition of a Dynamic and Systemic Assessment for Cybersecurity Risks
Authors: Armenia Stefano , Ferreira Franco Eduardo , Nonino Fabio , Spagnoli Emanuele , Medaglia Carlo M.
Published: September 2018

Nowadays, our society is increasingly becoming economically and socially dependent on the cyberspace. However, the cyberspace is exposed to numerous risks, and there is a constant threat of exploitable vulnerabilities, which could cause significant reputational and economic damages. For addressing these threats, the Italian National Cyber Security Framework was developed to offer an approach to assessing cyber risks into organizations, as well as to help improve the related security through focused investments. Still, this evaluation is not a straightforward endeavour. Using the principles of the Systems Thinking paradigm, this work puts into causal relationships the self‐assessment risk‐categories by associating them to the various aspects of an organization structure used as a case study (composed of business areas and process). Finally, it presents a systemic causal‐effect relationship map capable of evidencing how a change in one or more categories could impact other security‐related elements of the company. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Roles of Vocabulary Knowledge for Success in English‐Medium Instruction: Self‐Perceptions and Academic Outcomes of Japanese Undergraduates
Authors: Uchihara Takumi , Harada Tetsuo
Published: September 2018

This study investigated the relationship between vocabulary knowledge (written and aural receptive vocabulary size and self‐rating of vocabulary knowledge) and self‐perceptions of four language skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking) targeting undergraduate students in English‐medium instruction (EMI) courses in Japan. The students’ academic performance (course grades and quiz scores) was also compared to their vocabulary knowledge. Results showed that learners with larger aural vocabulary sizes were more confident in spoken language use, and those who self‐rated higher on their vocabulary knowledge were more likely to perceive themselves as proficient in productive language skills. Interestingly, learners with larger written vocabulary sizes tended to perceive themselves as less proficient in performing EMI tasks. Results also showed that none of the vocabulary measures were significantly associated with academic outcomes. Interview data suggest that EMI students’ performance could be affected by the complex interplay of various factors, though not necessarily a large vocabulary size alone. Based on these findings, implications are discussed in terms of teaching and assessing vocabulary knowledge in EMI courses.
Assessing English‐Medium Instruction Lecturer Language Proficiency Across Disciplines
Authors: Dimova Slobodanka , Kling Joyce
Published: September 2018

The rapid increase of English‐medium instruction (EMI) programs across Europe has raised concerns regarding the oral competencies of nonnative English speaking lecturers and the implications for the quality of teaching. Consequently, lecturers’ English proficiency is under scrutiny and universities are implementing internal assessment procedures. Given the complexity of the local teaching and learning contexts in which these assessments are administered and used, answering the questions about whether and how to address the interface between language, disciplinary content, and pedagogy in the assessment procedure has been a struggle. This study is based on an oral English certification test for universityEMIlecturers. Holistic scores and formative feedback reports (N= 400) from six raters, and interviews with lecturers (N= 10) were used to analyze questions related to (1) rater bias, (2) references to pedagogy, (3) reported lexical content, and (4)EMIlecturers’ perceptions about their disciplinary knowledge and vocabulary use. Rating data were examined using multifacet Rasch measurement (MFRM), while formative feedback reports and interview data were analyzed inNVivo10.MFRMresults suggested no significant bias, or interaction, between raters and departments. In the written formative feedback, raters referred to linguistic aspects of pedagogy (e.g., “utilization of stress and intonation to convey pragmatic meaning”) rather than to lecturers’ classroom behavior. As for vocabulary references, results suggest that the identified problems align with general rather than domain‐specific vocabulary. Interview findings suggest that, despite awareness of their lack of nuanced vocabulary, lecturers’ content knowledge and teaching experience facilitate their language performance.
Speaking Anxiety and Strategy Use for Learning English as a Foreign Language in Full and Partial English‐Medium Instruction Contexts
Authors: Chou Mu‐Hsuan
Published: September 2018

In recent years, Taiwan and other East Asian countries have begun to promote English‐medium instruction (EMI) at the tertiary level. Communicating through English in EMI classrooms is a basic requirement for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, but it can be a challenge. Speaking a foreign language is a complex process that involves linguistic competence, speaking skills, and strategy use. Speaking strategies have been viewed as first aid devices used for interaction and communication, to address problems or breakdowns, and to remain active in communication. The purpose of this article is to investigate university students’ anxiety, strategy use, and difficulties when speaking English in full and partial EMI contexts. This research involved a large‐scale questionnaire survey of 638 students. The quantitative analyses were conducted through a multivariate analysis of variance, a hierarchical multiple regression, and chi‐square tests of independence. The results indicated that students receiving partial EMI exhibited high speech anxiety, a lack of confidence, and negative feelings toward English learning. Additionally, students in the partial EMI context were found to use rehearsal and paraphrasing strategies less frequently than those in full EMI contexts. Furthermore, a relationship was observed between the EMI context and difficulties in speaking reported by students.
Oral administration of alcalase potato protein hydrolysate‐APPH attenuates high fat diet‐induced cardiac complications via TGF‐β/GSN axis in aging rats
Authors: Hu Wei Syun , Ting Wei Jen , Tamilselvi Shanmugam , Day Cecilia Hsuan , Wang Ting , Chiang Wen‐Dee , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Yeh Yu Lan , Lin Wan Teng , Huang Chih Yang
Published: September 2018

Consumption of high fat diet (HFD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors among elderly people. Aging and obesity induced‐cardiac remodeling includes hypertrophy and fibrosis. Gelsolin (GSN) induces cardiac hypertrophy and TGF‐β, a key cytokine, which induces fibrosis. The relationship between TGF‐β and GSN in aging induced cardiac remodeling is still unknown. We evaluated the expressions of TGF‐β and GSN in HFD fed 22 months old aging SD rats, followed by the administration of either probucol or alcalase potato protein hydrolysate (APPH). Western blotting and Masson trichrome staining showed that APPH (45 and 75 mg/kg/day) and probucol (500 mg/kg/day) treatments significantly reduced the aging and HFD‐induced hypertrophy and fibrosis. Echocardiograph showed that the performance of the hearts was improved in APPH, and probucol treated HFD aging rats. Serum from all rats was collected and H9c2 cells were cultured with collected serums separately. The GSN dependent hypertrophy was inhibited with an exogenous TGF‐β in H9c2 cells cultured in HFD+ APPH treated serum. Thus, we propose that along with its role in cardiac fibrosis, TGF‐β also acts as an upstream activator of GSN dependent hypertrophy. Hence, TGF‐β in serum could be a promising therapeutic target for cardiac remodeling in aging and/or obese subjects.
Effects of low doses Trichlorfon exposure on Rana chensinensis tadpoles
Authors: Ma Yu , Li Bo , Ke Yang , Zhang YuHui
Published: September 2018

Trichlorfon is an organophosphate insecticide widely used in aquaculture and agriculture. Little is known about the effects of long‐term of low doses trichlorfon exposure on amphibians. In this study, we investigated the effects of low doses trichlorfon on Rana chensinensis tadpoles after exposure to 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/L trichlorfon for 2 and 4 weeks. Survival, growth, development and mortality were monitored regularly over the course of exposure. The results showed that trichlorfon led to a decrease in tadpole survival. Reductions in growth and disruptions to the development of tadpoles were observed in trichlorfon treatments. Morphological abnormalities of affected tadpoles included axial flexures, skeletal malformations and lateral kinks. Trichlorfon increased the frequency of micronucleus (MN) formation in circulating erythrocytes of tadpoles exposed for 2 weeks to 0.1 and 1.0 mg/L trichlorfon. At all concentrations, an enhanced frequency of MN formation was observed in tadpoles exposed for 4 weeks. Exposure to trichlorfon induced other nuclear abnormalities such as lobed and notched nuclei only in tadpoles exposed to 1.0 mg/L trichlorfon for 4 weeks. In addition, exposure to trichlorfon within the 0.01‐1.0 mg/L range increased the genetic damage index in hepatic tissues in all treatments. Apoptosis‐associated DNA fragmentation in hepatic tissues occurred in a weak ladder‐like pattern. This study presents evidence of low doses trichlorfon effects on amphibians, highlighting the properties of this organophosphate insecticide that jeopardize nontarget species exposed to trichlorfon.
FERPA's legitimate educational interest: Some examples, part 2
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: September 2018

It wasn't too long ago that a registrar contacted me with a dilemma. He told me his college's math department had a policy of placing students into math classes based on the students' ACT scores. He then said the math department now felt that they needed more information. Department officials wanted to see each student's entire academic record, including the high school records, during the placement process. The department chair said this additional information was needed to determine whether the students were qualified to be in a particular math class or whether they should be placed into another math class more suitable to them.
Consider 8 apps you can use to streamline your professional and personal life
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “The device you hold in your hand is more powerful than the technology we used to place a man on the moon,” said Beth Ziesenis, writer, editor, and owner of the website Your Nerdy Best Friend. “And we're never more than 30 seconds away from our phones,” she added. At the annual conference for the Society for College and University Planning, Ziesenis shared some of the most interesting and helpful apps you can download to help organize and streamline your life, no matter your profession.
Guide students to on‐time graduation with cross‐enrollment opportunities
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2018

Damon Stevens came to California State University‐San Marcos for the first time as a transfer student from a local community college. By that time, he'd already served a full career in the Navy. With his military background, Stevens was asked to serve as student‐veteran peer mentor and tasked with assisting fellow student‐veterans with the transition from active duty to higher education. Stevens was then hired as a quality service representative in Enrollment Management Services, providing support to current students under the university registrar and support to prospective students under the director of admissions.
A selective overview of feature screening methods with applications to neuroimaging data
Authors: He Kevin , Xu Han , Kang Jian
Published: September 2018

In neuroimaging studies, regression models are frequently used to identify the association of the imaging features and clinical outcome, where the number of imaging features (e.g., hundreds of thousands of voxel‐level predictors) much outweighs the number of subjects in the studies. Classical best subset selection or penalized variable selection methods that perform well for low‐ or moderate‐dimensional data do not scale to ultrahigh‐dimensional neuroimaging data. To reduce the dimensionality, variable screening has emerged as a powerful tool for feature selection in neuroimaging studies. We present a selective review of the recent developments in ultrahigh‐dimensional variable screening, with a focus on their practical performance on the analysis of neuroimaging data with complex spatial correlation structures and high‐dimensionality. We conduct extensive simulation studies to compare the performance on selection accuracy and computational costs between the different methods. We present analyses of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data in the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange study.

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational and Molecular Biology

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Image Data Mining

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Analysis of High Dimensional Data
Maintaining momentum for conservation: Bighorn sheep as an example
Authors: Bleich Vernon C.
Published: September 2018

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and Dall's sheep (O. dalli) are among the iconic megafauna of North America. Both species generate great public interest and have received much attention from management agencies and conservation groups. Bighorn sheep, however, have suffered far more management setbacks than have their northern congeners and, as a result, have been the beneficiary of aggressive conservation programs. Nevertheless, both species face continuing challenges. Among those challenges are limited preparation of personnel, interagency competition, bureaucratic inertia, confounding legislation, public advocacy (or the lack thereof), political expediency, and interpersonal issues. To foster and maintain momentum for conserving wild sheep, I encourage managers to 1) enhance relationships with nongovernmental organizations, private enterprise, and the media; 2) work more closely with sister agencies to take advantage of opportunities or skillsets; 3) seize opportunities for enhancing conservation by working with agencies whose primary missions are other than wildlife conservation; 4) recognize the importance of private lands and role of private landowners; 5) take advantage of opportunities to involve academic institutions in conservation; 6) acknowledge skills and contributions of colleagues or coworkers, and fully use those talents; and 7) develop and maintain personal attitudes that enhance working relationships and build on past successes. Application of these recommendations likely will enhance the effectiveness of conservation of wild sheep, and for other species of North American wildlife as well. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Kapitel III Kritik Von Royces Voraussetzungen. Der Eigentliche Boden Einer Erkenntnistheorie. Die Reine Wesenslehre Des Bewusstseins
Authors: Husserl Edmund , Bell Winthrop
Published: September 2018

Erstens, ist es wahr, dass die einzigen unmittelbaren Erkenntnisobjekte, die wir haben, unsere Ideen sind? Dass Royce dieses annimmt – ja eigentlich als beinahe selbstverständlich voraussetzt –, daran kann jetzt kein Zweifel sein.
B-decay anomalies and scalar leptoquarks in unified Pati-Salam models from noncommutative geometry
Authors: Aydemir Ufuk , Minic Djordje , Sun Chen , Takeuchi Tatsu
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Motivated by possible scalar-leptoquark explanations of the recently reportedB-decay anomalies, we investigate whether the required leptoquarks can be accommodated within models based on noncommutative geometry (NCG). The models considered have the gauge structure of Pati-Salam models, SU(4) × SU(2)L× SU(2)R, with gauge coupling unification at a single scale. In one of the models, we find a unique scalar leptoquark with quantum numbers$$ {\left(3,1,-\frac{1}{3}\right)}_{321} $$3,1,−13321, originating from a complex multiplet (6,1,1)422, which can potentially explain theB-decay anomalies if its mass is on the order of a few TeV. The unification of couplings can be realized with the inclusion of a single step of intermediate symmetry breaking. The scalar leptoquark under consideration does not contribute to proton decay due to the absence of diquark couplings, as dictated by the underlying noncommutative geometry.
Ctrl+Alt+Delete: The changing landscape of the uncanny valley and the fear of second loss
Authors: Bassett Debra J
Published: September 2018

We are living in a digital era where ubiquitous social media are becoming part of the everyday lives of many. These social media platforms were designed for the living; however an estimated 8000 Facebook members die daily. It is therefore no surprise that the phenomena of how social media platforms are adopted to discuss death dying and grieving have become a growing area of research across numerous disciplines. Using qualitative methods, this article adds to and moves beyond existing research by focusing on the creation and inheritance of Facebook pages, thanablogs, posthumous chatbots, posthumous messages and posthumous avatars, to explore whether digital afterlives enabled by the Internet affect how people grieve. In order to examine how these messages and memories are experienced this study used in-depth qualitative interviews with participants from 3 distinct areas: Digital Creators (DC), Digital Inheritors (DI) and Service Providers (SP) the findings presented here explore three emerging themes (1) the link between comfort and control (2) the changing landscape of the uncanny valley and (3) the fear of ‘second loss’.
Maternal support and deviance among rural adolescents: The mediating role of self‐esteem
Authors: Liu Dan , Ksinan Albert J. , Vazsonyi Alexander T.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Supportive mothering buffers against adolescent deviance, but the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood. The current investigation tested the extent to which self‐esteem mediated the maternal support‐deviance link and whether it varied by adolescent age and sex.

Methods

Data were collected from 911 middle and high school students in the rural South (53.6% female, Mage = 14.70 years). Main model tests were completed in SEM.

Results

Results indicated that maternal support and self‐esteem were positively associated and negatively to deviance, and that self‐esteem mediated the support‐deviance link. These associations did not differ by adolescent age. However, moderating effects by sex were significant, where maternal support had a greater effect on girls' self‐esteem, while self‐esteem had a greater effect on boys' deviance.

Conclusions

Findings provide some evidence of how maternal support is associated with a positive self‐concept that in turn decreases the likelihood of engaging in deviant behaviors.
Gadolinium Deposition in the Brain: A Systematic Review of Existing Guidelines and Policy Statement Issued by the Canadian Association of Radiologists
Authors: Costa Andreu F. , van der Pol Christian B. , Maralani Pejman Jabehdar , McInnes Matthew D.F. , Shewchuk Jason R. , Verma Raman , Hurrell Casey , Schieda Nicola
Published: September 2018

Emerging evidence has confirmed that, following administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA), very small amounts of gadolinium will deposit in the brain of humans with intact blood-brain barriers. The literature is evolving rapidly and the degree to which gadolinium will deposit for a particular GBCA or class of GBCAs remains undetermined. Several studies suggest that linear GBCAs deposit more gadolinium in the brain compared with macrocyclic GBCAs; however, our understanding of the molecular composition of deposited gadolinium is preliminary, and the clinical significance of gadolinium deposition remains unknown. To date, there is no conclusive evidence linking gadolinium deposition in the brain with any adverse patient outcome. A panel of radiologists representing the Canadian Association of Radiologists was assembled to assist the Canadian medical imaging community in making informed decisions regarding the issue of gadolinium deposition in the brain. The objectives of the working group were: 1) to review the evidence from animal and human studies; 2) to systematically review existing guidelines and position statements issued by other organizations and health agencies; and 3) to formulate an evidence-based position statement on behalf of the Canadian Association of Radiologists. Based on our appraisal of the evidence and systematic review of 9 guidelines issued by other organizations, the working group established the following consensus statement. GBCA administration should be considered carefully with respect to potential risks and benefits, and only used when required. Standard dosing should be used and repeat administrations should be avoided unless necessary. Gadolinium deposition is one of several issues to consider when prescribing a particular GBCA. Currently there is insufficient evidence to recommend one class of GBCA over another. The panel considered it inappropriate to withhold a linear GBCA if a macrocyclic agent is unavailable, if hepatobiliary phase imaging is required, or if there is a history of severe allergic reaction to a macrocyclic GBCA. Further study in this area is required, and the evidence should be monitored regularly with policy statements updated accordingly.
Radiation Dose Reduction with a Low-Tube Voltage Technique for Pediatric Chest Computed Tomographic Angiography Based on the Contrast-to-Noise Ratio Index
Authors: Masuda Takanori , Funama Yoshinori , Nakaura Takeshi , Tahara Masahiro , Yamashita Yukari , Kiguchi Masao , Imada Naoyuki , Sato Tomoyasu , Awai Kazuo
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiation dose and image quality at low tube-voltage pediatric chest computed tomographic angiography (CTA) that applies the same contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) index as the standard tube voltage technique.

Materials and Methods

Contrast-enhanced chest CTA scans of 100 infants were acquired on a 64-row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner. In the retrospective study, we evaluated 50 images acquired at 120 kVp; the image noise level was set at 25 Hounsfield units. In the prospective study, we used an 80-kVp protocol; the image noise level was 40 Hounsfield units because the iodine contrast was 1.6 times higher than on 120-kVp scans; the CNR was as in the 120-kVp protocol. We compared the CT number, image noise, CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), and the dose-length product on scans acquired with the 2 protocols. A diagnostic radiologist and a pediatric cardiologist visually evaluated all CTA images.

Results

The mean CTDIvol and the mean dose-length product were 0.5 mGy and 7.8 mGy-cm for 80- and 1.2 mGy and 20.8 mGy-cm for 120-kVp scans, respectively ( P < .001). The mean CTDIvol was 42% lower at 80 kVp than at 120 kVp, and there was no significant difference in the visual scores assigned to the CTA images ( P = .28).

Conclusions

With the CNR index being the same at 80-kVp and 120-kVp imaging, the radiation dose delivered to infants subjected to chest CTA can be reduced without degradation of the image quality.
Multimodal neuroimaging study of cerebrovascular disease, amyloid deposition, and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease progression
Authors: Lao Patrick J. , Brickman Adam M. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is not currently considered a core pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but mounting evidence suggests that concurrent CVD may exacerbate AD progression. The purpose of this study was first to examine the relationship among amyloid, CVD, and neurodegeneration and second to examine the extent to which amyloid and CVD pathology drive subsequent neurodegeneration over time.

Methods

Six hundred eight (224 normal controls, 291 mild cognitive impairment, 93 AD) subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative with longitudinal AV45 positron emission tomography imaging and MR imaging were investigated.

Results

Amyloid and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden increased across clinical diagnosis groups (normal control < mild cognitive impairment < AD). Amyloid pathology and WMH volume were related to lower cortical thickness, while WMH burden was associated with neurodegenerative/atrophic changes over time in key AD‐related brain regions.

Discussion

CVD and AD may be etiologically independent, but our findings suggest that CVD should be considered explicitly for its effect on AD progression.
On Bedload and Suspended Load Measurement Performances in Sheet Flows Using Acoustic and Conductivity Profilers
Authors: Fromant G. , Mieras R. S. , Revil‐Baudard T. , Puleo J. A. , Hurther D. , Chauchat J.
Published: September 2018

Intense sediment transport experiments were performed in a gravity‐driven open‐channel flow with two sizes of uniformly distributed nonspherical acrylic particles having median diameters of 1.0 and 3.0 mm and a maximum packing volumetric concentration (ϕ) of 0.55. The flow conditions were adapted to each particle size to ensure similar sediment transport flow regimes as sheet flow corresponding to Shields numbers slightly above unity and a suspension number, ratio of settling velocity to friction velocity, near unity for the two experiments. An acoustic scattering‐based system (Acoustic Concentration and Velocity Profiler) and conductivity probes (Conductivity Concentration Profiler [CCP]) with two different vertical resolutions, 1 mm (CCP1mm) and 2 mm (CCP2mm) were used to measure instantaneous concentration profiles across the bedload and suspension layers. Measured concentration profiles, bed interface position, and sheet flow layer thicknesses are compared between the two techniques. The capabilities and limitations of both technologies are outlined. Average volumetric sediment concentration profiles were overestimated by 10% with the Acoustic Concentration and Velocity Profiler in the dense sheet layer when ⟨ϕ(z)⟩≳ 0.35, and by 100% with the CCP in the more diluted region when ⟨ϕ(z)⟩≲ 0.015 and ⟨ϕ(z)⟩≲ 0.20 for CCP1mm and CCP2mm, respectively. Good agreement is found between the three systems in terms of average and time‐resolved bed level position and sheet layer thickness, validating the different bed interface detection methods on data from the two sensors.
Reconstructing Early Hydrologic Change in the California Delta and its Watersheds
Authors: MacVean Lissa J. , Thompson Sally , Hutton Paul , Sivapalan Murugesu
Published: September 2018

Regulatory goals for the California Delta attempt to restore natural ecosystems through various water management efforts. Defining management criteria for restoration is challenging, given that the earliest data describing the hydrology of the region follow many decades of change associated with agricultural development, channel modification, and flood control. This study explores the hydrology of the 1850–1920 period by synthesizing new reconstructed precipitation, basin inflows, land use change, and levee construction time series, in a semidistributed hydrologic model. The model demonstrated that it is impossible to simultaneously reproduce estimated historical flood extents, frequencies, and durations given contemporary topography. Bounding cases were constructed to span potential water budget partitioning and suggest that the state of this region by the 1920s was hydrologically similar to that of the natural regime (i.e., flow experienced was depressed due to drought, but within the bounds of variability of the natural Delta system), partly due to the flow augmentation provided by flood control infrastructure and enhanced channel conveyance. The model suggests that levee construction, rather than land use change, had the greatest impact on Delta hydrology. This and other reconstructions, however, suggest that decreases in annual Delta outflows accelerated after 1920. Future efforts to reconstruct Delta hydrology should focus on improving information about the historical topography and channel geometry of the Central Valley river network, with a view to refining understanding of the natural and historical flood regime.
Water and Oxygen Fugacity in the Lithospheric Mantle Wedge beneath the Northern Canadian Cordillera (Alligator Lake)
Authors: Kilgore McKensie L. , Peslier Anne H. , Brandon Alan D. , Lamb William M.
Published: September 2018

Assessing water contents of subduction zone mantle peridotites can gain insight into the compositions of slab‐derived fluids/melts and the active margin water cycle. Here eight mantle xenoliths from Alligator Lake (northern Canadian Cordillera) are examined to address these issues. The harzburgites have less water, on average, but are more oxidized (ΔFMQ ~ 0.1) than the lherzolites (ΔFMQ ~ −1.0). The lherzolites have major and trace element compositions close to primitive mantle, while the harzburgite major element and heavy rare earth element compositions are indicative of higher degrees of melt depletion but with light rare earth element‐enriched profiles. Correlations between lherzolite pyroxene water contents and bulk rock Ba/Nb and Ba/Yb ratios likely result from interaction with subduction related fluids. The trace element compositions of the harzburgite clinopyroxenes are successfully modeled by melting of a fertile mantle lithosphere and interaction with a carbonatite melt. Correlations between the harzburgite water contents and clinopyroxene Ca/Al ratios and Mg# are also consistent with the influence of carbonatite metasomatism. Metasomatism likely resulted from opening of a slab window beneath the region, detected as a low‐velocity seismic anomaly, which heated and mobilized a heterogeneous mantle lithosphere veined with carbonatite. This study confirms that subduction zone mantle lithosphere is not necessarily more water‐rich or more oxidized than oceanic lithosphere or other off‐cratonic settings. Moreover, local oxidation is not necessarily related to the ingress of subduction zone fluids but can also be related to melting of a heterogeneous lithosphere following heating above a slab window.
The Origin of Carbonate Veins Within the Sedimentary Cover and Igneous Rocks of the Cocos Ridge: Results From IODP Hole U1414A
Authors: Brandstätter Jennifer , Kurz Walter , Richoz Sylvain , Cooper Matthew J. , Teagle Damon A. H.
Published: September 2018

Carbonate veins in the igneous basement and in the lithified sedimentary cover of the Cocos Ridge at International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Hole 344‐U1414A reveal the hydrologic system and fluid‐rock interactions. IODP Hole 344‐U1414A was drilled on the northern flank of the Cocos Ridge and is situated 1 km seaward from the Middle America Trench offshore Costa Rica. Isotopic and elemental compositions were analyzed to constrain the fluid source of the carbonate veins and to reveal the thermal history of Hole 344‐U1414A. The formation temperatures (oxygen isotope thermometer) of the carbonate veins in the lithified sedimentary rocks range from 70 to 92 °C and in the basalt from 32 to 82 °C. 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the veins in the altered Cocos Ridge basalt range between 0.707307 and 0.708729. The higher ratios are similar to seawater strontium ratios in the Neogene. 87Sr/86Sr ratios lower 0.7084 indicate exchange of Sr with the igneous host rock. The calcite veins hosted by the sedimentary rocks are showing more primitive 87Sr/86Sr ratios <0.706396. The isotopic compositions indicate seawater, modified into a hydrothermal fluid by subsequent heating, as the main fluid source. Low‐temperature alteration and the presence of a high‐temperature fluid resulted in different carbonate precipitates forming up to several cm thick veins. The geochemical data combined with age data of the sedimentary rocks suggest intraplate seamount volcanism in the area between the Galapagos hot spot and the Cocos Island as an additional heating source, after the formation of the Cocos Ridge at the Galapagos hot spot.
VLF Signal Anomalies During Cyclone Activity in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: NaitAmor S. , Cohen M. B. , Kumar Sushil , Chanrion O. , Neubert T.
Published: September 2018

In this paper we present ionospheric disturbances during the simultaneous presence of two to three Large Meteorological Systems, classified as hurricanes and tropical storms, in the Atlantic Ocean from August to November 2016. The ionospheric disturbances were detected by very low frequency (3–30 kHz) signals from two North American transmitters observed in Algiers (36.75°N, 03.47°E). The results show clear anomalies in the amplitude both at nighttime and at daytime. At nighttime, the anomalies were observed in association with all Large Meteorological Systems even at low stage of storm intensity (tropical depression). The anomalies showed periodicities between 2 and 3 hr with a strong decrease in the signal amplitude. The wave‐like features were confirmed by the mother wavelet analysis of the normalized signal amplitude. These signal anomalies may result from traveling ionospheric disturbances generated by tropical storms and hurricanes associated gravity waves.
Yield Estimate (230 kt) for a Mueller‐Murphy Model of the 3 September 2017, North Korean Nuclear Test (mbNEIC = 6.3) From Teleseismic Broadband P Waves Assuming Extensive Near‐Source Damage
Authors: Chaves Esteban J. , Lay Thorne , Voytan Dimitri P.
Published: September 2018

The 3 September 2017 underground nuclear test (mbNEIC = 6.3) is the largest of six announced North Korean explosions. The event generated many P wave seismograms at global broadband seismic stations with good signal‐to‐noise ratio for periods less than ~5 s. Instrument deconvolution provides 435 stable broadband P wave ground displacement records in the period range 0.1 to 5.0 s. These are stacked in 26 azimuth/distance windows to average path and receiver effects. Waveform stacks and average amplitude of 4‐Hz ground displacements are modeled assuming a Mueller‐Murphy explosion source model for a granite source medium. Nonelastic pP delays consistent with burial depths in the mountainous source topography are considered, and explosion yield and an average constant‐Q attenuation operator are estimated by fitting the waveforms. For a source depth of 750 m in heavily damaged environment, the estimated yield = 230 ± 50 kt and t* = 0.78 ± 0.03 s.