bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient cubic B‐spline and bicubic B‐spline collocation method for numerical solutions of multidimensional nonlinear stochastic quadratic integral equations
Authors: Mirzaee Farshid , Alipour Sahar
Published: August 2019

This paper aims to develop a novel numerical approach on the basis of B‐spline collocation method to approximate the solution of one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional nonlinear stochastic quadratic integral equations. The proposed approach is based on the hybrid of collocation method, cubic B‐spline, and bi‐cubic B‐spline interpolation and Itô approximation. Using this method, the problem solving turns into a nonlinear system solution of equations that is solved by a suitable numerical method. Also, the convergence analysis of this numerical approach has been discussed. In the end, examples are given to test the accuracy and the implementation of the method. The results are compared with the results obtained by other methods to verify that this method is accurate and efficient.
Semi‐analytical analysis of Allen‐Cahn model with a new fractional derivative
Authors: Deniz Sinan
Published: August 2019

The Allen‐Cahn model equation is extended to the fractional form by using Atangana‐Baleanu derivative. The modified nonlinear equation is analyzed via optimal perturbation iteration technique and Laplace transform. Some new analytical approximate solutions are derived for different cases of order α. Absolute residual errors of different order of approximations are presented to check the effectiveness and power of the proposed method and new derivative.
Comparative Study of Growth, Feed Utilization, and Immunity of Hybrid Catfish and All-Male Yellow Catfish
Authors: Zhang Yun-Long , Zhang Cheng-Ming , Fan Qi-Xue , Shen Zhi-Gang
Published: August 2019

Hybridization is an alternative approach in aquaculture that can improve performance via heterosis. In this study, the growth performance, feed utilization, and immunity of hybrid catfish (female Yellow Catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco × male Darkbarbel Catfish P. vachelli) were compared with that of all-male Yellow Catfish. After a 45-d feeding trial, the final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate in hybrid catfish were significantly higher than these values in all-male Yellow Catfish. For feed utilization, a significantly higher protein efficiency ratio and lower feed conversion ratio and energy efficiency ratio were found in hybrid catfish. At the end of the experiment, the analyzed lysozyme activity in hybrid catfish was significantly higher than it was in all-male Yellow Catfish. Our results suggest that hybrid catfish display higher growth performance, feed utilization, and lysozyme activity than all-male Yellow Catfish under equal conditions. In conclusion, the hybrid catfish shows potential as an aquaculture species with fine production characteristics.
The youngest meningioma? A historic Maya adolescent from Tipu, Belize
Authors: Danforth Marie Elaine , Kramer Kelly , Cook Della Collins , Cohen Mark N.
Published: August 2019

Meningiomas are the most common tumours of the central nervous system. However, few well‐accepted cases have been reported in the palaeopathological literature and usually only when hyperostosis co‐occurs. We present a hyperostotic cranial lesion in an adolescent from the early historic population of Tipu in west central Belize. It fits most clinical and epidemiological patterns of meningeal expression in modern children, and differential diagnosis finds other possible conditions, including dietary deficiencies and genetic anaemias, unlikely. The often subtle characteristics of meningiomas, which can be both osteolytic and osteoblastic, need to be described in detail to differentiate them from other conditions, especially porotic hyperostosis. The Tipu case is the only nonadult example to correspond with published clinical and palaeopathological cases of the tumour.
Effect of acrylonitrile content of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber on mechanical and thermal properties of dynamically vulcanized poly(lactic acid) blends
Authors: Samthong Chavakorn , Kunanusont Nappaphan , Deetuam Chutimar , Wongkhan Tanchanok , Supannasud Thanapat , Somwangthanaroj Anongnat
Published: August 2019

We report here the morphology, thermal and tensile properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends composed of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) with different acrylonitrile contents with/without dynamic vulcanization by dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The interfacial tension of PLA and NBR measured by contact angle measurement decreased as the acrylonitrile content of NBR decreased. Likewise, SEM images showed that the rubber particle size reduced with decreasing acrylonitrile content owing to the stronger interfacial adhesion between the PLA matrix and NBR domains. Incorporation of DCP at 1.0 phr for dynamic vulcanization led to higher crosslink density and, in turn, optimal tensile strength and tensile toughness as a result of the action of PLA‐NBR copolymer as a reactive compatibilizer. The dynamic vulcanization of the blends containing low acrylonitrile NBR gave the most improved tensile properties because the free radicals from DCP decomposition preferentially attacked the allylic hydrogen atoms or double bonds of the butadiene backbone. Accordingly, more NBR macroradicals were generated and probably more PLA‐NBR copolymers were produced. Moreover, further addition of DCP at 2.0 phr provided a large amount of crosslinked NBR gel, which significantly degraded the tensile properties. From the DSC results, dynamic vulcanization lowered the cold crystallization temperature, implying an improvement of cold crystallization. Finally, TGA results showed a higher degradation temperature as a function of DCP content, which suggested that thermal stability increased due to stronger interfacial adhesion as well as higher gel content. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Risk estimation, anxiety, and breast cancer worry in women at risk for breast cancer: A single‐arm trial of personalized risk communication
Authors: Xie Zhuoer , Wenger Neil , Stanton Annette L. , Sepucha Karen , Kaplan Celia , Madlensky Lisa , Elashoff David , Trent Jacqueline , Petruse Antonia , Johansen Liliana , Layton Tracy , Naeim Arash
Published: August 2019

Objective

Elevated anxiety and breast cancer worry can impede mammographic screening and early breast cancer detection. Genetic advances and risk models make personalized breast cancer risk assessment and communication feasible, but it is unknown whether such communication of risk affects anxiety and disease‐specific worry. We studied the effect of a personalized breast cancer screening intervention on risk perception, anxiety, and breast cancer worry.

Methods

Women with a normal mammogram but elevated risk for breast cancer (N = 122) enrolled in the Athena Breast Health risk communication program were surveyed before and after receiving a letter conveying their breast cancer risk and a breast health genetic counselor consultation. We compared breast cancer risk estimation, anxiety, and breast cancer worry before and after risk communication and evaluated the relationship of anxiety and breast cancer worry to risk estimation accuracy.

Results

Women substantially overestimated their lifetime breast cancer risk, and risk communication somewhat mitigated this overestimation (49% pre‐intervention, 42% post‐intervention, 13% Gail model risk estimate, P < .001). Both general anxiety and breast cancer worry declined significantly after risk communication in women with high baseline anxiety. Baseline anxiety and breast cancer worry were essentially unrelated to risk estimation accuracy, but risk communication increased alignment of worry with accuracy of risk assessment.

Conclusions

Personalized communication about breast cancer risk was associated with modestly improved risk estimation accuracy in women with relatively low anxiety and less anxiety and breast cancer worry in women with higher anxiety. We detected no negative consequences of informing women about elevated breast cancer risk.
Barriers to eliciting patient goals and values in shared decision‐making breast cancer surgery consultations: An ethnographic and interview study
Authors: Gruß Inga , McMullen Carmit K.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Previous research has demonstrated the importance of eliciting patients' goals and values during shared decision‐making (SDM), but this does not occur in most SDM conversations. Understanding challenges to eliciting patients' goals and values is crucial. This study assessed how clinicians balanced sharing medical information and considering patients' goals and values during breast cancer surgery consultation in an integrated health care system.

Methods

We conducted interviews with clinicians (n = 6) and patients (n = 11) and conducted naturalistic, ethnographic observations of eight surgical consultations in a multidisciplinary breast cancer clinic. We analyzed the data following the template method using the qualitative software NVivo 10.

Results

Clinicians prioritized sharing medical information. We identified four patient factors necessary to integrate patients' values and goals into the conversation in addition to sharing medical information: ability to process large quantities of information quickly, willingness to embrace swift decision‐making, ability to quickly formulate one's values, and prioritization of surgical choice as the goal of the conversation.

Conclusions

We found that SDM implementation results in practices that emphasize information and choice, with less focus on patient goals and values. More research is needed to explore factors that may encourage the elicitation of patients' goals and values.
Stability of Aβ‐fibril fragments in the presence of fatty acids
Authors: Xi Wenhui , Vanderford Elliott K. , Liao Qinxin , Hansmann Ulrich H. E.
Published: August 2019

We consider the effect of lauric acid on the stability of various fibril‐like assemblies of Aβ peptides. For this purpose, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations of these assemblies either in complex with lauric acid or without presence of the ligand. While we do not observe a stabilizing effect on Aβ40‐fibrils, we find that addition of lauric acid strengthens the stability of fibrils built from the triple‐stranded S‐shaped Aβ42‐peptides considered to be more toxic. Or results may help to understand how the specifics of the brain‐environment modulate amyloid formation and propagation.
Delivery of gene‐specific dsRNA by microinjection and feeding induces RNAi response in Sri Lanka weevil, Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus Marshall
Authors: Pinheiro Daniele H , Taylor Caitlin E , Wu Ke , Siegfried Blair D
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

RNA interference (RNAi) is widely used in entomological research for functional analysis of genes and is being considered as a new tool for insect pest management. Sri Lanka weevil (SLW) is a highly polyphagous pest of agronomically important plants, but currently only a few control methods are available for this insect.

RESULTS

In the present study, we evaluated the stability of candidate reference genes β‐ACT, α‐TUB, EF1‐α, RPL12 and GAPDH, and identified EF1‐α as the most reliable for gene expression normalization. Four target genes involved in different cellular processes, including Prosα2, RPS13, Snf7 and V‐ATPase A were selected to evaluate whether RNAi response in SLW adults can be triggered by microinjection and oral feeding of their double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). Three days after injection of the dsRNAs for the target genes, their transcript levels were significantly reduced (up to 91.4%) when compared to the control. Additionally, weevils fed with the target dsRNAs showed significant decreases in gene transcript levels and significant mortality was observed in insects treated with Prosα2 and Snf7 dsRNAs (78.6 to 92.7%).

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that microinjection and feeding of dsRNA produce a strong RNAi response in SLW, indicating that RNAi‐based strategies could be explored to develop a selective and environmentally safe control method against SLW. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of the temporal variability of thunderstorms in central and western Europe and the relation to large‐scale flow and teleconnection patterns
Authors: Piper David A. , Kunz Michael , Allen John T. , Mohr Susanna
Published: August 2019

The driving factors that influence the spatial and annual variability of thunderstorms across Europe are still poorly understood. Due to a lack of long‐term, reliable and consistent information about the occurrence of convective storms, a weather type classification has been developed that estimates thunderstorm probability from a combination of appropriate meteorological quantities on the mesoscale. Based on this approach, the temporal and spatial variability of convection‐favouring environments is investigated between 1958 and 2014 using a high‐resolution reanalysis dataset. To identify potential drivers for convective days, typical upper‐level flow patterns were deduced using a multivariate approach. Our results suggest a strong link between local‐scale thunderstorm activity and large‐scale flow and air mass properties, such as stability, moisture, or vertical lifting. For example, while all over central Europe the most prominent pattern is given by a southwesterly flow type over the respective area, distinct regional discrepancies regarding further favourable flow types are observed. The crucial role of large‐scale flow is further studied by assessing the relation between Northern Hemisphere teleconnection patterns and widespread convective activity. It is found that positive phases of the East Atlantic or Scandinavian patterns go along with a significant enhancement of convection‐favouring conditions in several European regions, which can be explained by anomalies in the large‐scale temperature and flow fields. Sea‐surface temperature over the Bay of Biscay likewise impacts the convective environment, with the largest positive effect over the western part of the study area.
Comparison of triel bonds with different chalcogen electron donors: Its dependence on triel donor and methyl substitution
Authors: Chi Zongqing , Li Qingzhong , Li Hai‐Bei
Published: August 2019

The complexes between R3Tr (Tr = B, Al, and Ga; R = H, F, Cl, and Br) and H2X (X = O, S, and Se) were theoretically studied. The interaction energies of R3Al⋯H2X and R3Ga⋯H2X are consistent with the electronegativity of the halogen atom R (R ≠ H), but an opposite dependence is found for R3B⋯H2X. The triel bond of R3Tr⋯H2X is weaker for the heavier chalcogen donor. The dependence of triel bonding strength on the triel atom is complicated, depending on the nature of R and X. The methyl substitution of H2X causes a substantial increase in the interaction energy from −5.74 kcal/mol to −22.88 kcal/mol, and its effect is relevant to the nature of Tr, X, and R groups. For the S and Se donors, the increased percentage of interaction energy is almost the same due to the methyl substitution, which is larger than that of the O analogue. In most triel‐bonded complexes, electrostatic dominates and polarization has comparable contribution. However, polarization plays a dominant role in R3B⋯ and R3B⋯ (R = Cl and Br; R′ = H and Me).
Rapid identification of organophosphorus pesticides on contaminated skin and confirmation of adequate decontamination by ambient mass spectrometry in emergency settings
Authors: Su Hung , Yeh I‐Jeng , Wu Yen‐Hung , Jiang Zong‐Han , Shiea Jentaie , Lee Chi‐Wei
Published: August 2019

Rationale

Dermal exposure to pesticides may cause severe intoxication and even result in a fatal outcome. To expedite rescue in the emergency department, it is mandatory to develop a point‐of‐care analytical method for immediate identification of pesticides on the skin of exposed personnel, and to perform immediate dermal decontamination to prevent further harm and optimize the chance for full clinical recovery.

Methods

Four of the most commonly used highly toxic pesticides that contaminate the skin were rapidly characterized by thermal desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The technique was also applied to confirm the completeness of pesticide decontamination from the skin. Pesticide sampling, desorption, ionization, and detection altogether took less than 30 s. In addition, different fabrics of protective garments worn by farmers were assessed with this efficient ambient mass spectrometric technique for their protective capabilities against dermal exposure to pesticides, and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe their different microstructures. The decontaminating efficacies of different cleansing agents for these skin contaminants were also evaluated by this technical platform.

Results

The repeatability of this method had a low relative standard deviation (<22%) for the detection of pesticides on the surface of swine skin. The detection limits of the pesticides in solution were found to be in the range of 3–20 ng/mL. Linearity was observed between the signal intensities and the concentrations of the four pesticides in solution within the range of 50 ng/mL to 50 μg/mL (R2 between 0.9921 and 0.9966). In addition, it was found that PVC fabric is optimal in preventing skin contamination by fenthion and detergent had the best efficiency for fenthion decontamination.

Conclusions

Since the whole analytical process is extremely fast, this technique allows early point‐of‐care identification of contaminating pesticides on the skin of exposed patients in the emergency room, as well as rapid assessment of the adequacy of decontamination.
Acylative Kinetic Resolution of Racemic 2,2‐Dimethyl‐Substituted Nitroaldol (Henry) Adducts Using a Chiral Guanidine Catalyst: (R)‐(+)‐N‐Methylbenzoguanidine ((R)‐NMBG)
Authors: Ichimura Taiju , Kishida Ryota , Nakata Kenya
Published: August 2019

Non‐enzymatic acylative kinetic resolution of racemic 2,2‐dimethyl‐substituted nitroaldol (Henry) adducts was achieved using cyclohexanecarboxylic anhydride in the presence of chiral guanidine catalyst. The systematic evaluation of the substituents on the aromatic rings of the substrates were conducted to clarify the influence of the substituents. The reaction was smoothly proceeded with moderate to good s‐values, regardless of the kinds of the substituents. Based on the absolute configuration of the resulted product, the transition state of the reaction was predicted, and it was important the interaction between the nitro group on the substrate and the cation face of the acyl‐guanidium intermediate to determine the direction of the substrate.
The Crystallinity and Aspect Ratio of Cellulose Nanomaterials Determine Their Pro‐Inflammatory and Immune Adjuvant Effects In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Wang Xiang , Chang Chong Hyun , Jiang Jinhong , Liu Qi , Liao Yu‐Pei , Lu Jianqin , Li Linjiang , Liu Xiangsheng , Kim Joshua , Ahmed Ayman , Nel André E. , Xia Tian
Published: August 2019

Nanocellulose is increasingly considered for applications; however, the fibrillar nature, crystalline phase, and surface reactivity of these high aspect ratio nanomaterials need to be considered for safe biomedical use. Here a comprehensive analysis of the impact of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and nanocrystals (CNC) is performed using materials provided by the Nanomaterial Health Implications Research Consortium of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. An intermediary length of nanocrystals is also derived by acid hydrolysis. While all CNFs and CNCs are devoid of cytotoxicity, 210 and 280 nm fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled CNCs show higher cellular uptake than longer and shorter CNCs or CNFs. Moreover, CNCs in the 200–300 nm length scale are more likely to induce lysosomal damage, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and IL‐1β production than CNFs. The pro‐inflammatory effects of CNCs are correlated with higher crystallinity index, surface hydroxyl density, and reactive oxygen species generation. In addition, CNFs and CNCs can induce maturation of bone marrow–derived dendritic cells and CNCs (and to a lesser extent CNFs) are found to exert adjuvant effects in ovalbumin (OVA)‐injected mice, particularly for 210 and 280 nm CNCs. All considered, the data demonstrate the importance of length scale, crystallinity, and surface reactivity in shaping the innate immune response to nanocellulose.
Lithium Titanate Cuboid Arrays Grown on Carbon Fiber Cloth for High‐Rate Flexible Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Xianfen , Lin Chunfu , Zhao Xiu Song
Published: August 2019

High‐rate performance flexible lithium‐ion batteries are desirable for the realization of wearable electronics. The flexibility of the electrode in the battery is a key requirement for this technology. In the present work, spinel lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12, LTO) cuboid arrays are grown on flexible carbon fiber cloth (CFC) to fabricate a binder‐free composite electrode (LTO@CFC) for flexible lithium‐ion batteries. Experimental results show that the LTO@CFC electrode exhibits a remarkably high‐rate performance with a capacity of 105.8 mAh g−1 at 50C and an excellent electrochemical stability against cycling (only 2.2% capacity loss after 1000 cycles at 10C). A flexible full cell fabricated with the LTO@CFC as the anode and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 coated on Al foil as the cathode displays a reversible capacity of 109.1 mAh g−1 at 10C, an excellent stability against cycling and a great mechanical stability against bending. The observed high‐rate performance of the LTO@CFC electrode is due to its unique corn‐like architecture with LTO cuboid arrays (corn kernels) grown on CFC (corn cob). This work presents a new approach to preparing LTO‐based composite electrodes with an architecture favorable for ion and electron transport for flexible energy storage devices.
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli as a Major Regulator of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Self-Renewal
Authors: Preisler Livia , Ben-Yosef Dalit , Mayshar Yoav
Published: August 2019

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provide an essential tool to investigate early human development, study disease pathogenesis, and examine therapeutic interventions. Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, implicated in the majority of sporadic colorectal cancers and in the autosomal dominant inherited syndrome familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Studies into the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hESCs arrived at conflicting results, due at least in part to variations in culture conditions and the use of external inhibitors and agonists. Here, we directly targeted APC in hESCs carrying a germline APC mutation, derived from affected blastocysts following preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for FAP, in order to answer open questions regarding the role of APC in regulating pluripotency and differentiation potential of hESCs. Using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9), we generated second hit APC mutations in FAP-hESCs. Despite high CRISPR/Cas9 targeting efficiency and the successful isolation of many clones, none of the isolated clones carried a loss of function mutation in the wild-type (WT) APC allele. Using a fluorescent β-catenin reporter and analysis of mutated-allele frequencies in the APC locus, we show that APC double mutant hESCs robustly activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling that results in rapid differentiation to endodermal and mesodermal lineages. Here, we provide direct evidence for a strict requirement for constant β-catenin degradation through the APC destruction complex in order to maintain pluripotency, highlighting a fundamental role for APC in self-renewal of hESCs. Stem Cells  2019;37:1505–1515
Tuning the size, shape and structure of RNA nanoparticles for favorable cancer targeting and immunostimulation
Authors: Guo Sijin , Xu Congcong , Yin Hongran , Hill Jordan , Pi Fengmei , Guo Peixuan
Published: August 2019

The past decade has shown exponential growth in the field of RNA nanotechnology. The rapid advances of using RNA nanoparticles for biomedical applications, especially targeted cancer therapy, suggest its potential as a new generation of drug. After the first milestone of small molecule drugs and the second milestone of antibody drugs, it was predicted that RNA drugs, either RNA itself or chemicals/ligands that target RNA, will be the third milestone in drug development. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of the current therapeutic RNA nanoparticles is urgently needed to meet the drug evaluation criteria. Specifically, the pharmacological and immunological profiles of RNA nanoparticles need to be systematically studied to provide insights in rational design of RNA‐based therapeutics. By virtue of its programmability and biocompatibility, RNA molecules can be designed to construct sophisticated nanoparticles with versatile functions/applications and highly tunable physicochemical properties. This intrinsic characteristic allows the systemic study of the effects of various properties of RNA nanoparticles on their in vivo behaviors such as cancer targeting and immune responses. This review will focus on the recent progress of RNA nanoparticles in cancer targeting, and summarize the effects of common physicochemical properties such as size and shape on the RNA nanoparticles' biodistribution and immunostimulation profiles.

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures

Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Modeling Differences Between Response Times of Correct and Incorrect Responses
Authors: Bolsinova Maria , Tijmstra Jesper
Published: August 2019

While standard joint models for response time and accuracy commonly assume the relationship between response time and accuracy to be fully explained by the latent variables of the model, this assumption of conditional independence is often violated in practice. If such violations are present, taking these residual dependencies between response time and accuracy into account may both improve the fit of the model to the data and improve our understanding of the response processes that led to the observed responses. In this paper, we propose a framework for the joint modeling of response time and accuracy data that allows for differences in the processes leading to correct and incorrect responses. Extensions of the standard hierarchical model (van der Linden in Psychometrika 72:287–308, 2007. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11336-006-1478-z) are considered that allow some or all item parameters in the measurement model of speed to differ depending on whether a correct or an incorrect response was obtained. The framework also allows one to consider models that include two speed latent variables, which explain the patterns observed in the responses times of correct and of incorrect responses, respectively. Model selection procedures are proposed and evaluated based on a simulation study, and a simulation study investigating parameter recovery is presented. An application of the modeling framework to empirical data from international large-scale assessment is considered to illustrate the relevance of modeling possible differences between the processes leading to correct and incorrect responses.
Polyculture affects biomass production of component species but not total standing biomass and soil carbon stocks in a temperate forest plantation
Authors: Ahmed Iftekhar U. , Smith Andrew R. , Godbold Douglas L.
Published: August 2019

Key message

Over-yielding of stand biomass did not occur in a tree polyculture comprised of Betula pendula, Alnus glutinosa and Fagus sylvatica selected for contrasting traits. This was due to antagonistic interactions between the component species. Fine root dynamics and soil C stocks were unaffected by species mixture.

Context

Increasing CO2 fixation in tree biomass through afforestation and forest management actions has potential for cost-effective climate mitigation. The influences of tree mixture on biomass production and subsequent soil C accumulation in polyculture still remain uncertain.

Aims

We studied the polyculture of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn, Betula pendula Roth and Fagus sylvatica L. in a plantation forest to examine the effectiveness of species mixtures as a tool for increased biomass production and soil C accumulation.

Methods

Tree biomass was estimated by developing species-specific allometric models and 3 years tree measurement. Fine root biomass and production were estimated by root coring and root-mesh methods. The ‘relative yield of mixture’ approach was used to examine the mixture effect.

Results

In mixture, an additive effect was observed in A. glutinosa (13% increase in basal diameter relative to the monoculture); however, there was no overall effect of mixture on total standing biomass due to the suppression of F. sylvatica (2.75 g m−2 reduction in woody biomass). Fine root biomass production showed no mixture effect. The quantity and quality of soil C (top 0.5 m) was not affected by tree mixture.

Conclusion

We conclude that the contrasting growth responses of the A. glutinosa, B. pendula and F. sylvatica in polyculture resulted in no over-yielding of standing biomass despite the complementary traits of the component species.
Building a comprehensive mentoring academy for schools of health
Authors: Schweitzer Julie B. , Rainwater Julie A. , Ton Hendry , Giacinto Rebeca E. , Sauder Candice A. M. , Meyers Frederick J.
Published: August 2019

Formal mentoring programs are increasingly recognized as critical for faculty career development. We describe a mentoring academy (MA) developed for faculty across tracks (i.e., researchers, clinicians, educators) within a “school of health” encompassing schools of medicine and nursing. The program is anchored dually in a clinical and translational science center and a school of health. The structure includes the involvement of departmental and center mentoring directors to achieve widespread uptake and oversight. A fundamental resource provided by the MA includes providing workshops to enhance mentoring skills. Initiatives for junior faculty emphasize establishing and maintaining strong mentoring relationships and implementing individual development plans (IDPs) for career planning. We present self-report data on competency improvement from mentor workshops and data on resources and barriers identified by junior faculty (n = 222) in their IDPs. Mentors reported statistically significantly improved mentoring competency after workshop participation. Junior faculty most frequently identified mentors (61%) and collaborators (23%) as resources for goal attainment. Top barriers included insufficient time and time-management issues (57%), funding limitations (18%), work–life balance issues (18%), including inadequate time for self-care and career development activities. Our MA can serve as a model and roadmap for providing resources to faculty across traditional tracks within medical schools.
Response of pale swallowwort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) to multiple years of mowing
Authors: Biazzo Jeromy , Milbrath Lindsey R.
Published: August 2019

Pale swallowwort (Vincetoxicum rossicum), as well as its congener, black swallowwort (Vincetoxicum nigrum), is a European viny milkweed that has become invasive in natural areas and perennial cropping systems in the northeastern and midwestern United States and southeastern Canada. Mechanical control over 1 to 2 yr has not been effective, but studies of a longer duration are needed. We measured effects of mowing (no mowing or three or six times per growing season) on stem and root crown densities, percent cover, and follicle (seed pod) production of V. rossicum and percent cover of other vegetation over a 7-yr period. Stem density, root crown density, and percent cover of V. rossicum were reduced after 3 to 5 yr of mowing regardless of mowing frequency. Cover of other, mostly nonnative, broadleaf species increased. Follicle production was eliminated in all years of the study. In our environment, mowing three times at monthly intervals during the growing season can prevent seed production. However, mowing must occur for at least 3 yr to reduce, but not eliminate, stands of V. rossicum.
Mavericks versus Party Insiders: A Survey Experiment on Candidate- and Partycentric Attitudes of Voters
Authors: Alcañiz Isabella , Calvo Ernesto , Escolar Marcelo
Published: August 2019

This study examines the extent to which priming voters on the trustworthiness of candidates or that of their parties elicits candidatecentric or partycentric attitudes. The analysis provides evidence of the trade-off for voters between mavericks and party insiders in presidential elections. It shows that voters are sensitized to the risks of electing a candidate with no party support, but in the particular case of Argentina, they still consider the candidates’ qualities to be more important than those of their parties. The results show that priming on the trustworthiness of candidates elicits stronger responses from low-income voters, who already have prior candidatecentric inclinations. The findings also reveal statistical differences in vote choice when respondents are primed with party- or candidatecentric frames.
AROUND THE NEARBY CYCLE FUNCTOR FOR ARITHMETIC -MODULES
Authors: ABE TOMOYUKI
Published: August 2019

We will establish a nearby and vanishing cycle formalism for the arithmetic $\mathscr{D}$-module theory following Beilinson’s philosophy. As an application, we define smooth objects in the framework of arithmetic $\mathscr{D}$-modules whose category is equivalent to the category of overconvergent isocrystals.
Partisan Learning or Racial Learning: Opinion Change on Sanctuary City Policy Preferences in CA and TX
Authors: Collingwood Loren , Gonzalez O'Brien Benjamin , Tafoya Joe R.
Published: August 2019

Significant research indicates that attitude change is often a product of partisan learning. However, as the party system continues to rearrange around issues of race and immigration, and as new racial policy issues thrust onto the agenda, it is unclear whether voters learn to adopt racial policy attitudes more based on race/ethnicity or on party identification. We evaluate the partisan-learning model versus a racial-learning model with regards to public opinion on sanctuary cities/policies among survey respondents in CA and TX. Given President Trump's public antipathy toward sanctuary cities, we argue and show that negative partisanship is the most plausible vehicle for sanctuary city attitude change between 2015 and 2017. In this particular case, we find no support for a racial/ethnic-learning model.
Effect of long-term nutrient management practices on soil micronutrient concentrations and uptake under a rice–wheat cropping system
Authors: Puniya Ramphool , Pandey P. C. , Bisht P. S. , Singh D. K. , Singh A. P.
Published: August 2019

A field experiment was conducted to study the long-term effects of nutrient management practices on micronutrient concentrations in soil and their uptake by crops under a long-term rice–wheat cropping system. The treatments comprised different combinations of N, P, K, Zn and farm yard manure (FYM), used as nutrient management practices. After 25 years of continuous cropping, the higher grain yields and uptake of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were obtained when FYM was applied along with mineral sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) when compared to mineral sources of NPK alone. The residual effect of FYM, applied to rice, on the yield of subsequent wheat was significant. The application of mineral NPK with FYM recorded higher diethylene triamine penta acetic acid extracted (DTPA)-Fe, Mn and Cu concentrations in the soil compared to any other treatment. The plots with Zn application showed higher DTPA-Zn concentration in the soil compared to any other treatments. The available Fe, Mn and Cu in the soil were higher than their critical limits and the soil was low in Zn where inorganic fertilizers were applied alone (without Zn). Integrated application of mineral NPK and FYM to the rice crop and mineral NPK to wheat was found to be the best nutrient management practice in producing higher yields of rice and wheat and improve long-term soil micronutrient concentrations.
Pine chemical volatiles promote dauer recovery of a pine parasitic nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Yongxia , Pan Long , Wang Xuan , Feng Yuqian , Zhang Xingyao
Published: August 2019

Pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a pine parasitic nematode, poses a serious threat to its host pine forests globally. When dispersal-stage larvae 4 (dauer, DL4) of B. xylophilus enters the new pine, it moults into propagative adult (dauer recovery) and reproduces quickly to kill the host pine. Here, we found pine chemical volatiles, rather than the common dauer recovery factors of nematodes (e.g. suitable temperatures, nutrient availability or density), promote B. xylophilus dauer recovery. The results showed that volatilization of chemicals in host pines could attract DL4 and promote DL4 recovery. To identify which chemicals promote this process, we determined the stimulated activity of the main volatiles of pines including six monoterpenes and two sesquiterpenes. Results showed that all the six monoterpenes promoted dauer recovery, especially β-pinene and β-myrcene, but the two sesquiterpenes have no effect on the transformation. Furthermore, β-pinene performed gradient effects on dauer recovery. We hypothesized that when DL4 infect pine trees, the pine volatiles released from the feeding wounds are used as chemical signals for DL4 transformation to adult to reproduce and rapidly kill the pines. Our study identified the B. xylophilus dauer recovery chemical signal and may contribute to preventing pine wilt disease.
Intersection of verbal memory and expressivity on cortical contrast and thickness in first episode psychosis
Authors: Makowski Carolina , Lewis John D. , Lepage Claude , Malla Ashok K. , Joober Ridha , Evans Alan C. , Lepage Martin
Published: August 2019

Background

Longitudinal studies of first episode of psychosis (FEP) patients are critical to understanding the dynamic clinical factors influencing functional outcomes; negative symptoms and verbal memory (VM) deficits are two such factors that remain a therapeutic challenge. This study uses white-gray matter contrast at the inner edge of the cortex, in addition to cortical thickness, to probe changes in microstructure and their relation with negative symptoms and possible intersections with verbal memory.

Methods

T1-weighted images and clinical data were collected longitudinally for patients (N= 88) over a two-year period. Cognitive data were also collected at baseline. Relationships between baseline VM (immediate/delayed recall) and rate of change in two negative symptom dimensions, amotivation and expressivity, were assessed at the behavioral level, as well as at the level of brain structure.

Results

VM, particularly immediate recall, was significantly and positively associated with a steeper rate of expressivity symptom decline (r= 0.32,q= 0.012). Significant interaction effects between baseline delayed recall and change in expressivity were uncovered in somatomotor regions bilaterally for both white-gray matter contrast and cortical thickness. Furthermore, interaction effects between immediate recall and change in expressivity on cortical thickness rates were uncovered across higher-order regions of the language processing network.

Conclusions

This study shows common neural correlates of language-related brain areas underlying expressivity and VM in FEP, suggesting deficits in these domains may be more linked to speech production rather than general cognitive capacity. Together, white-gray matter contrast and cortical thickness may optimally inform clinical investigations aiming to capture peri-cortical microstructural changes.
Timing of menarche and self-harm in adolescence and adulthood: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Roberts Elystan , Fraser Abigail , Gunnell David , Joinson Carol , Mars Becky
Published: August 2019

Background

Previous studies of pubertal timing and self-harm are limited by subjective measures of pubertal timing or by the conflation of self-harm with suicide attempts and ideation. The current study investigates the association between an objective measure of pubertal timing – age at menarche – and self-harm with and without suicidal intent in adolescence and adulthood in females.

Method

Birth cohort study based on 4042 females from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Age at menarche was assessed prospectively between ages 8 and 17 years. Lifetime history of self-harm was self-reported at ages 16 and 21 years. Associations between age at menarche and self-harm, both with and without suicidal intent, were examined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Later age at menarche was associated with a lower risk of lifetime self-harm at age 16 years (OR per-year increase in age at menarche 0.87; 95% CI 0.80–0.95). Compared with normative timing, early menarche (<11.5 years) was associated with an increased risk of self-harm (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04–1.64) and later menarche (>13.8 years) with a reduced risk (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.93). The pattern of association was similar at age 21 years (OR per-year increase in age at menarche 0.92, 95% CI 0.85–1.00). There was no strong evidence for a difference in associations with suicidal v. non-suicidal self-harm.

Conclusions

Risk of self-harm is higher in females with early menarche onset. Future research is needed to establish whether this association is causal and to identify potential mechanisms.
Can Transitional Justice Improve the Quality of Representation in New Democracies?
Authors: Ang Milena , Nalepa Monika
Published: August 2019

Can transitional justice enhance democratic representation in countries recovering from authoritarian rule? The authors argue that lustration, a policy that reveals secret collaboration with the authoritarian regime, can prevent former authoritarian elites from extorting policy concessions from past collaborators who have been elected as politicians in the new regime. Absent lustration, former elites can threaten to reveal information about past collaboration unless the politicians implement policies these elites desire. In this way, lustration policies enable politicians to avoid blackmail and to be responsive to their constituents, improving the quality of representation. The authors show that whether lustration enhances representation depends on its severity and the extent to which dissidents-turned-politicians would suffer if the skeletons in their closets were revealed. The authors also find that the potential to blackmail politicians increases as the ideological distance between authoritarian elites and politicians decreases. They test this theory with original data from the Global Transitional Justice Dataset, which spans eighty-four countries that transitioned to democracy since 1946.
Elaborating on premature adolescent autonomy: Linking variation in daily family processes to developmental risk
Authors: Fosco Gregory M. , LoBraico Emily J.
Published: August 2019

This study revisits the premature autonomy model by examining parents’ use of positive behavior support (PBS) practices on a daily timescale to better understand underlying processes in developmental changes in family disengagement and the implications for adolescent problem behavior and substance use. This study included 151 9th and 10th grade adolescents (61.5% female) and their caregivers, who participated in a baseline assessment, a 21-day daily diary burst, and a 1-year follow-up assessment. Four key findings emerged: (a) on days when parents used more PBS, adolescents felt more close and connected to their caregivers; (b) adolescents who exhibited a larger-magnitude of change in connectedness with caregivers in relation to variation in positive parenting (termedfragile connectedness) were at higher risk for antisocial behavior, deviant peer involvement, and substance use one year later; (c) individual differences in initial levels of antisocial behavior and effortful control accounted for between-person variation in fragile connectedness; and (d) day-level adolescent anger and parent–adolescent conflict predicted within-family variation in parents’ use of PBS. Implications for the premature autonomy model and intervention science are discussed.
Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Indigenous Australian children aged 0–3 years and association with sociodemographic, life circumstances and health factors
Authors: Thurber Katherine A , Long Johanna , Salmon Minette , Cuevas Adolfo G , Lovett Raymond
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To explore beverage intake and associations between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and sociodemographic, life circumstances, health and well-being factors in a national cohort of Indigenous children.

Design:

We calculated prevalence ratios for any SSB consumption across exposures, using multilevel Poisson regression (robust variance), adjusted for age group and remoteness. A key informant focus group contextualised these exploratory findings.

Setting:

Diverse settings across Australia.

Participants:

Families of Indigenous children aged 0–3 years, in the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children.

Results:

Half (50·7 %, n 473/933) of children had ever consumed SSB at survey, increasing from 29·3 % of 0–12-month-olds to 65·7 % of 18–36-month-olds. SSB consumption prevalence was significantly lower in urban and regional v. remote areas, and in families experiencing socio-economic advantage (area-level advantage, caregiver employed, financial security), better life circumstances (caregiver social support, limited exposure to stressors) and caregiver well-being (non-smoking, social and emotional well-being, physical health). SSB consumption prevalence was significantly lower among those engaged with health services (adequate health-service access, regular prenatal check-ups), except SSB consumption prevalence was higher among those who received home visits from an Aboriginal Health Worker compared with no home visits. Key informants highlighted the role of water quality/safety on SSB consumption.

Conclusions:

A substantial proportion of Indigenous children in this sample consumed SSB from an early age. Health provider information needs to be relevant to the context of families’ lives. Health system strategies must be paired with upstream strategies, such as holistic support programmes for families, reducing racism and improving water quality.