bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immigrants’ Feelings of Attachment to Switzerland: Does the Cantonal Context Matter?
Authors: Bennour Salomon , Manatschal Anita
Published: February 2019

This contribution investigates how cantonal norms of inclusion or exclusion, as expressed by cantonal integration policies and attitudes towards immigrants (xenophobia and right-wing voting), affect immigrants’ national identity in terms of their feelings of attachment to Switzerland. This chapter complements the emerging body of research emphasizing the relevance of studies “beyond and below” national policy frameworks by studying how cantonal integration policy affects immigrants’ national identity, which is a vital – but thus far understudied – factor contributing to social cohesion. The analyses are based on different data sources: the Migration-Mobility Survey, a dataset on cantonal integration policies, and cantonal statistics, e.g., on direct democratic vote results on immigration-related topics or right-wing voting rates. The results of our multilevel analyses show that cantonal reception contexts matter, however not directly but rather as catalysts. In line with assimilation theory, non-citizens’ feelings of attachment to Switzerland increase with time spent in Switzerland. Inclusive cantonal reception contexts and liberal cantonal integration policies in particular amplify this positive effect of years of residence on immigrants’ national identification, except in the most restrictive cantonal reception contexts.
Contention-aware prediction for performance impact of task co-running in multicore computers
Authors: Ren Shenyuan , He Ligang , Li Junyu , Chen Zhiyan , Jiang Peng , Li Chang-Tsun
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we investigate the influential factors that impact on the performance when the tasks are co-running on a multicore computers. Further, we propose the machine learning-based prediction framework to predict the performance of the co-running tasks. In particular, two prediction frameworks are developed for two types of task in our model: repetitive tasks (i.e., the tasks that arrive at the system repetitively) and new tasks (i.e., the task that are submitted to the system the first time).
The difference between which is that we have the historical running information of the repetitive tasks while we do not have the prior knowledge about new tasks. Given the limited information of the new tasks, an online prediction framework is developed to predict the performance of co-running new tasks by sampling the performance events on the fly for a short period and then feeding the sampled results to the prediction framework. We conducted extensive experiments with the SPEC2006 benchmark suite to compare the effectiveness of different machine learning methods considered in this paper. The results show that our prediction model can achieve the accuracy of 99.38% and 87.18% for repetitive tasks and new tasks, respectively.
Perpetration of sexual aggression among adolescents in South Africa
Authors: Kuo Caroline , Mathews Catherine , LoVette Ashleigh , Harrison Abigail , Orchowski Lindsay , Pellowski Jennifer A. , Atujuna Millicent , Stein Dan J. , Brown Larry K.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

In South Africa, one in three men have reported perpetrating rape. Adolescence presents a unique developmental period for primary prevention of violence. However, few studies characterize the epidemiology of sexual violence among adolescents in South Africa.

Method

We evaluated rates of sexual violence behaviors using a baseline survey of N = 200 South African adolescents, age 13–15, recruited for participation in an intervention trial. The intervention focused on preventing onset of depression and sexual risk behavior among adolescents. This sample of adolescents were at elevated risk for depression and recruited using house‐to‐house methods in the community. Sexual perpetration behaviors were assessed using the Sexual Experiences Survey ‐ Short Form Perpetration.

Results

Adolescents most frequently reported the use of coercion, incapacitation, force or threats of force to perpetrate oral sex (15%) followed by sexual touching (14%), anal sex (8%), and vaginal sex at (6%). Perpetration was more common among males compared to females with males perpetrating at a rate of 34.5% vs. 20.5% among females. Attempted perpetration was reported at alarming rates including: vaginal sex (8%), oral sex (8%), and anal sex (5%).

Conclusions

Primary prevention of sexual violence perpetration, including gender‐ and developmentally‐tailored approaches, are urgently needed for adolescents.
Surgical Technique for Complex Cases of Peyronie’s Disease With Implantation of Penile Prosthesis, Multiple Corporeal Incisions, and Grafting With Collagen Fleece
Authors: Fernández-Pascual Esaú , Gonzalez-García Francisco Javier , Rodríguez-Monsalve María , Turo Jorge , Martínez-Ballesteros Claudio , Carballido Joaquín , Martínez-Salamanca Juan Ignacio
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) concomitant with shortening or other malformations benefit from prosthesis implantation and penile lengthening procedures.

Aim

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a multi-incisional technique with penile prosthesis implantation with multiple corporeal incisions and collagen grafting for the surgical management of complex cases of PD with ED and severe penile shortening.

Methods

From February 2015–May 2018, 43 consecutive patients with complex PD were treated using this technique. Implantation of a penile prosthesis (malleable or inflatable [IPP]) together with multiple relaxing tunica albuginea incisions and grafting with a self-adhesive collagen-fibrin fleece (TachoSil, Baxter Healthcare) was performed in all patients by a single surgeon (J.I.M.S.).

Main Outcome Measure

Penile length and curvature correction, operative time, and incidence of postoperative complications were recorded as outcome measures. Functional outcomes were measured with questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function-5, Erection Hardness Score, modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire, PD Questionnaire) before and 3 and 6 months after surgery.

Results

With a median follow-up of 21 months (range 10–31), mean postsurgical penile lengthening was 2.5 (range 1–5) cm, with an improvement in the Bother domain of the PD Questionnaire of 4.4 (range 2–5) points. The average operative time was 86.7 and 71.6 minutes for the IPP and malleable penile prosthesis procedure, respectively. No glans ischemia was recorded; however, 1 IPP infection and 1 delayed distal corporeal erosion were recorded. Hematoma or bruising was observed in 23.2% of patients. The modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire was completed by 39 (90.7%) patients. Overall, 89.7% would recommend this surgery. Patient satisfaction with straightness and length was 94.9% and 82.1%, respectively.

Clinical Implications

The described technique helps restoration of penile length and erectile function in patients with complex PD.

Strengths & Limitations

The strength of the study is that it offers a simple, easy-to-apply technique for surgeons to correct shortening and other malformations in patients with ED and complex PD. The study is limited by the small number of patients, the short follow-up period and the performance of the technique by a single high-volume implanter.

Conclusion

The implantation of a penile prosthesis (malleable or inflatable) together with multiple incisions of the plaque/tunica albuginea and grafting with a collagen fleece is a safe and efficient treatment for patients with complex PD in addition to ED and significant shortening.
Trans-Fascial Placement of a High, Sub Muscular Reservoir in Patients Following Radical Cystectomy: Safety, Efficacy, and Predictability of Final Reservoir Location Verified With Abdominal Imaging
Authors: Kava Bruce R. , Lopategui Diana M. , Levine Amanda , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: February 2019

Introduction

With the increasing utilization of ectopic reservoir placement during multicomponent penile implant surgery, safety concerns have been raised about whether passing the reservoir through the floor of the inguinal canal consistently results in placement of the reservoir within the correct location.

Aim

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction associated with direct-vision, trans-fascial sub muscular reservoir placement in consecutive patients who had previously undergone radical cystectomy.

Methods

Perioperative data, complications, and follow up for the 12 cystectomy patients were evaluated using a comprehensive database of consecutive patients undergoing penile prosthesis placement at our center. Efficacy and patient satisfaction were based upon responses to the Erectile Function and Satisfaction Domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Taking advantage of the need for post cystectomy imaging in monitoring for cancer recurrence, we reviewed post- implant imaging with the purpose of ascertaining the final reservoir location.

Main Outcome Measure

Using intraoperative photographs, we describe the technique of trans-fascial sub muscular reservoir placement. Perioperative complications, device efficacy and satisfaction, and the accuracy of reservoir placement are also evaluated.

Results

Average patient age was 65 ± 7 years old and the mean time between cystectomy and implant placement was 41 ± 29 months. With a mean follow up of 26 ± 21 months, complications included: 1 reservoir herniation and 1 high riding pump requiring repositioning. Mean IIEF-EF domain was 29.8 ± 0.5 and mean IIEF-satisfaction domain was 17.7 ± 4.5. Other than the herniated reservoir, imaging confirmed accurate reservoir placement in 8 of 9 cases. In 3 patients a small cephalad portion of the reservoir extends posteriorly into the peritoneal or preperitoneal space, with no clinical consequences.

Clinical Implications

Ectopic reservoir placement using a trans-fascial submuscular approach seems to be a safe method for multicomponent penile implant surgery in patients who have undergone radical cystectomy. Post-implant imaging confirms that the device is consistently placed in the correct sub muscular location.

Strengths & Limitations

This is a novel approach to performing the procedure and a practical manner to ascertain the reservoir position. The limited number of patients prevents generalization of our findings.

Conclusion

Trans-fascial, sub muscular reservoir placement is a safe means of ectopically placing the reservoir of a multicomponent penile implant following radical cystectomy. Post implant IIEF scores indicate high device efficacy and patient satisfaction. Post implant imaging confirms that the reservoir is almost always in the desired location.
Education for Sustainability in Western Australian Secondary Schools: Are We Doing It?
Authors: Prabawa-Sear Kelsie , Dow Vanessa
Published: February 2019

This research was commissioned by the (then) Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) to provide recommendations on how to best support Western Australian (WA) secondary schools to engage in education for sustainability (EfS). The research aims were to identify barriers and benefits to being involved in EfS, the support systems required for schools to participate in EfS at secondary school level, and the difficulties that secondary schools experience when implementing EfS programs. A variety of research methods were utilised: semi-structured interviews with non-teaching stakeholders; online questionnaires for teachers, school administrators and students; focus groups and semi-structured interviews with teachers and school administrators; and an expert panel workshop to discuss data and recommendations prior to completion of a final report. Data were collected from 29 schools, 45 teachers and school administrators, 186 students, and various EfS external providers and stakeholders across metropolitan and regional WA. This article focuses on three issues identified in the data that we consider important and under-represented in discourses of EfS in Australia: lack of understanding about what EfS means among educators; lack of meaningful student involvement in EfS in secondary schools; and differing quality in EfS programs offered by external providers. We conclude this article by offering ways to improve EfS in WA secondary schools.
Community Participation for People with Trauma Injuries: A Study Protocol of a Crossover Randomised Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of a Community Mobility Group Intervention (CarFreeMe TI)
Authors: George Stacey , Barr Christopher , Berndt Angela , Crotty Maria , Milte Rachel , Nussio Amy , Liddle Jacki
Published: February 2019

Background: Following traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, maximising community participation leads to better physical and mental health outcomes.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness and health system resource use of a group intervention (CarFreeMe TI) on community participation in people with complex trauma injuries.

Method: Randomised crossover trial of 54 participants, recruited from rehabilitation services in Adelaide, Australia. Inclusion criteria is a trauma injury, unable to return to full driving, aged over 18 years of age, adequate cognition/behavioural/communication abilities to participate in sessions and mobile. Exclusion criterion is living in setting where alternative transport is provided. Participants will be randomly assigned on a 1:1 allocation basis, to receiving Phase 1 CarFreeMe TI-group-based intervention or Phase 2 information related to transport options. Then, crossover to Phase 1 or 2 will occur. Primary outcome measure is community participation using a Global Positioning System. Secondary outcome measures include Community Mobility Self-efficacy Scale; CarFreeMe TI Transport Questionnaire, AQOL, EQ-5D-5L; Carer's Community Mobility Self-efficacy Scale and Modified Carer Strain Index for carers of participants. Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation. All analyses will be on an intention to treat basis with difference in community participation between the groups determined via a GLM ANOVA and the significance between groups on other measures using independent samplet-tests. It is hypothesised that the community mobility intervention (CarFreeMeTI) will result in increased community participation.

Discussion: The results will provide proof of concept information on the feasibility and inform allocation of resources for people with complex trauma injuries.

Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12616001254482.
Third-Wave Therapies for Long-Term Neurological Conditions: A Systematic Review to Evaluate the Status and Quality of Evidence
Authors: Robinson Paula L. , Russell Ailsa , Dysch Leon
Published: February 2019

Background: Adults with long-term neurological conditions can face complex challenges including anxiety and depression. Emerging research suggests the utility of third-wave approaches (the third development of psychotherapies) in working transdiagnostically with these difficulties.

Aims: This systematic review sought to summarise and appraise the quality of published empirical studies using third-wave therapies such as Compassion Focused Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Method: Review procedures followed PRISMA guidelines, with 437 abstracts screened, 24 full-text articles retrieved and 19 studies found to meet inclusion criteria. Six out of seven randomised studies had unclear or high risk of bias, whilst the majority of non-randomised studies were considered moderate quality.

Results: Overall, studies reported a statistically significant reduction in emotional distress. Of the 13 studies that used model-specific process measures, 10 found statistically significant improvements in transdiagnostic factors.

Discussion: The findings indicate that third-wave therapies show promise in addressing transdiagnostic difficulties within neurological conditions. A number of methodological and conceptual issues for the included studies were highlighted during the quality appraisal process. Clinical implications include consideration of intervention length and use of outcome measures. Research implications are discussed by considering the progressive stages of development for behavioural treatments.
EMBEDDING OF METRIC GRAPHS ON HYPERBOLIC SURFACES
Authors: SANKI BIDYUT
Published: February 2019

An embedding of a metric graph
$(G,d)$
on a closed hyperbolic surface is essential if each complementary region has a negative Euler characteristic. We show, by construction, that given any metric graph, its metric can be rescaled so that it admits an essential and isometric embedding on a closed hyperbolic surface. The essential genus
$g_{e}(G)$
of
$(G,d)$
is the lowest genus of a surface on which such an embedding is possible. We establish a formula to compute
$g_{e}(G)$
and show that, for every integer
$g\geq g_{e}(G)$
, there is an embedding of
$(G,d)$
(possibly after a rescaling of
$d$
) on a surface of genus
$g$
. Next, we study minimal embeddings where each complementary region has Euler characteristic
$-1$
. The maximum essential genus
$g_{e}^{\max }(G)$
of
$(G,d)$
is the largest genus of a surface on which the graph is minimally embedded. We describe a method for an essential embedding of
$(G,d)$
, where
$g_{e}(G)$
and
$g_{e}^{\max }(G)$
are realised.
A BRIEF NOTE ON SOME INFINITE FAMILIES OF MONOGENIC POLYNOMIALS
Authors: JONES LENNY
Published: February 2019

Suppose that $f(x)=x^{n}+A(Bx+C)^{m}\in \mathbb{Z}[x]$, with $n\geq 3$ and $1\leq m<n$, is irreducible over $\mathbb{Q}$. By explicitly calculating the discriminant of $f(x)$, we prove that, when $\gcd (n,mB)=C=1$, there exist infinitely many values of $A$ such that the set $\{1,\unicode[STIX]{x1D703},\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}^{2},\ldots ,\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}^{n-1}\}$ is an integral basis for the ring of integers of $\mathbb{Q}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D703})$, where $f(\unicode[STIX]{x1D703})=0$.
The impact of organic vs. inorganic selenium on dairy goat productivity and expression of selected genes in milk somatic cells
Authors: Reczyńska Daria , Witek Bożena , Jarczak Justyna , Czopowicz Michał , Mickiewicz Marcin , Kaba Jarosław , Zwierzchowski Lech , Bagnicka Emilia
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of diet supplemented with selenized yeast (Se-yeast) on milk yield and milk composition of goats and expression of casein and mammary-gland-immune system genes in milk somatic cells (MSC). Twenty-four dairy goats in their second to fourth lactations were divided into control and experimental groups, balanced according to lactation number and breed (Polish White or Fawn Improved). Morning milk and blood samples were collected four times during lactation (on the 21st, 70th, 120th, 180th day after kidding). The control and experimental groups were fed diets with 0.7 mg inorganic Se/goat/day (sodium selenite) or 0.6 mg organic Se/goat/day (selenized yeast), respectively. Milk, fat and protein yields during lactation as well as average somatic cell count, fat, protein and lactose contents in milk were evaluated. Microelements in milk and blood serum and biochemical parameters in blood serum were determined at the beginning and the end of the experiment. The expression levels of the genes encoding αS1-casein (CSN1S1), αS2-casein (CSN1S2), κ-casein (CSN3), interleukin 8 (IL-8), serum amyloid A3 (SAA3), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), bactenecin 7.5 (BAC7.5), bactenecin 5 (BAC5), β2-defensin (GBD2), hepcidin (HAMP), chemokine 4 (CCL4), tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), cathelicidin-7 (MAP34) and cathelicidin-6 (MAP28) were determined in MSC. Milk, fat, and protein yields were higher and somatic cell count (SCC expressed as natural logarithm) was lower in the milk of goats fed organic Se. The Se concentration in milk was twice as high in the organic vs. inorganic treatment groups at the end of the experiment, while there were no differences in studied biochemical parameters between groups. The transcript levels of CSN1S2 and BAC7.5 were higher and IL-8 was lower in MSC of Se-yeast treated groups. Such results may indicate better health status of mammary glands of goats treated with organic Se as well as positive impact of selenized yeast on the goat's milk composition. Differences in the IL-1β and IL-8 transcript levels were also noted between the stages of lactation, with the highest expression at the peak of lactation (day 70), highlighting the metabolic burden at this time. We concluded that the Se-yeast supplementation improved the productivity and health status of goats and could have significant economic impact on farmer's income.
Zhou Xicheng's “Guizhou Auto Dollar”: Commemorating the Building of Roads for Famine Relief
Authors: BEVAN PAUL
Published: February 2019

In 1926 Zhou Xicheng, Governor of Guizhou, China, obtained a new car from an American Motor Company, the first car ever to find its way to this remote Chinese province. Road construction in Guizhou was well underway when the American engineer O. J. Todd, a member of the China International Famine Relief Committee, was invited that year to assist in its continued development. Governor Zhou had his own methods for the speedy and effective building of roads and recruited local people, the army, and even large teams of school children to assist in construction. It is likely that his work methods had taken their inspiration from Sun Yat-sen's plans as outlined in his book The International Development of China of 1920; plans that Sun Yat-sen further promoted in the writing of a letter to Henry Ford in which he requested the industrialist's assistance in the improvement of the motor industry in China. In 1928, in an effort to commemorate his own role in China's road construction projects, Zhou Xicheng had a coin struck. Instead of showing an image of his own head or that of another luminary such as Sun Yat-sen or Yuan Shikai - as had been common with coins of the first decades of the twentieth-century - this one yuan silver coin shows an image of his beloved motor car.
Bilingual versus monolingual infants’ novel word-action mapping before and after first-word production: Influence of developing noun-dominance on perceptual narrowing
Authors: Gogate Lakshmi , Maganti Madhavilatha
Published: February 2019

This experimental study examined bilingual (English and another noun-dominant language) and monolingual (English) preverbal (10.5-month-old) and postverbal (12.5-month-old) infants’ word-action mapping. Sixteen infants in each group were habituated to dynamic video-displays of novel word-action pairings during infant-controlled habituation. They received two words, /wem/ and /bæf/, spoken synchronously with an adult shaking or looming an object, and were tested with switched versus same word-action pairings. Results revealed that for the preverbal bilingual infants, word-action mapping is intensified relative to postverbal bilingual infants. For the postverbal bilingual infants, word-action mapping is attenuated and inversely correlated with noun learning. No such differences were observed in the monolingual infants. These findings illustrate a perceptual protraction prior to word production, and accelerated perceptual narrowing to nouns after word production in bilingual infants learning two noun-dominant languages.
A qualitative exploration of parents’, youths’ and food establishment managers’ perceptions of beverage industry self-regulation for obesity prevention
Authors: Bogart Laura M , Castro Gabriela , Cohen Deborah A
Published: February 2019

Objective

We aimed to explore the range of stakeholders’ perceptions of the Balance Calories Initiative (BCI), under which the American Beverage Association pledged to decrease per capita US consumption of beverage energy by 20 % by 2025.

Design

Semi-structured cross-sectional interviews were conducted in 2017.

Setting

Participants were recruited from communities targeted by the BCI (Montgomery, AL; North Mississippi Delta, MS; Eastern Los Angeles, CA).

Participants

A total of thirty-three parents and thirty-eight youths aged 10–17 years were recruited through youth-serving organizations, street intercept and snowball sampling; sixteen store/restaurant managers were recruited at businesses. Participants were asked about their awareness of the BCI. Parents and youths were asked to ‘think aloud’ as they viewed BCI messages (e.g. ‘Balance What You Eat, Drink, and Do’) and managers were asked about beverage marketing.

Results

Twelve parents and twenty-four youths had seen BCI messages; only four managers were aware of the BCI. Many parents and youths showed some misunderstanding of BCI messages (e.g. that they should drink more sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) or they needed to equalize healthy and unhealthy beverage intake). Only one manager had communicated with beverage companies about the BCI.

Conclusions

We found mixed comprehension and low awareness of BCI messages in communities targeted by the American Beverage Association for reduced SSB consumption. Industry self-regulation attempts to reduce SSB consumption may have limited effectiveness if stakeholder input is not addressed. Public health practitioners should be aware of the need to address youths’ and parents’ misunderstandings about SSB consumption, especially in BCI-targeted communities.
Supporting decision-making in retirement planning: Do diagrams on Pension Benefit Statements help?
Authors: McGowan Féidhlim P. , Lunn Peter D.
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates whether exposure to explanatory diagrams can affect a major financial decision. In a controlled experiment, participants were given Pension Benefit Statements with or without one or two diagrams, before answering incentivised questions that measured recall, comprehension and choice of contribution rate. The diagrams had at best a marginal influence on recall or comprehension. Nevertheless, a diagram relating contributions to income projections prompted more participants to advocate higher contributions, while both diagrams influenced the rationale participants gave for decisions. The implication is that although pension products remain hard to understand, diagrams may alter decisions by reinforcing relevant causal thinking.
The Vitamins Involved in One-Carbon Metabolisms are Associated with Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer in Overall and Subtypes
Authors: Hatami Mahshid , Vahid Farhad , Esmaeil Akbari Mohammad , Sadeghi Mahya , Ameri Fatemeh , Eini-Zeinab Hassan , Jamshidi-Naeini Yasaman , Hossein Davoodi Sayed
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Background: Some micronutrients like folate, vitamin B12, B6, and B2 are the source of coenzymes, which participate in one-carbon metabolism. Any disruption in this metabolism can interfere with DNA replication, repair and regulation of gene expression and ultimately promote the likelihood of carcinogenesis. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between the intakes of micronutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism with breast cancer (BrCa) and its subtype’s odds. Methods: Nutrients’ intake from diet and supplements were collected through interviewing 151 cases and 154 controls by a 168-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between dietary and/or total intake of studied nutrients and odds of BrCa and its subtypes. Results: After adjusting the effects of confounding variables in the models, the odds of BrCa was significantly lower in the highest intake quartile compared with the lowest quartile for total intake of vitamin B2 (OR = 0.17, 95% CI, 0.07–0.39; Ptrend < 0.001), vitamin B6 (OR = 0.11, 95% CI, 0.05–0.27; Ptrend < 0.001), vitamin B12 (OR = 0.20, 95% CI, 0.09–0.43; Ptrend < 0.001) and folate (OR = 0.09, 95% CI, 0.04–0.21; Ptrend < 0.001). Also, those with the highest quartile of vitamin B6, B12, B2 and folate intake compared with the lowest quartile were less likely to develop estrogen receptor (ER)+ and progesterone receptor (PR)+ subtypes, ER- status, PR- and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ subtypes and HER2- status. Conclusion: High intakes of vitamins B2, B6 and folate are associated with reduced odds of BrCa in overall and all ER, PR and HER2 subtypes. Also, high intakes of vitamin B12 reduced the odds of all subtypes of BrCa except ER- subtype.
Inference on Water Content in the Mantle Transition Zone Near Subducted Slabs From Anisotropy Tomography
Authors: Chang Sung‐Joon , Ferreira Ana M. G.
Published: February 2019

We examine the patterns of radial anisotropy in global tomography images of the mantle transition zone near subducted slabs in the western Pacific. Fast SV velocity anomalies are observed in this region, which are compatible with anisotropy due to lattice‐preferred orientation in wadsleyite. Using mineral physics reports of the dependency of the strength of radial anisotropy on water content in wadsleyite, we estimate the water content in the transition zone near subducted slabs from the tomography images. We find that fast SV anisotropy anomalies over ~1.5% observed beneath subduction zones in the western Pacific are compatible with a low water content (smaller than ~3,000 ppm H/SI), notably beneath the Tonga‐Kermadec trenches, the Philippines, and the Sumatra trench.
Tsunami Data Assimilation Without a Dense Observation Network
Authors: Wang Y. , Maeda T. , Satake K. , Heidarzadeh M. , Su H. , Sheehan A. F. , Gusman A. R.
Published: February 2019

The tsunami data assimilation method enables tsunami forecasting directly from observations, without the need of estimating tsunami sources. However, it requires a dense observation network to produce desirable results. Here we propose a modified method of tsunami data assimilation for regions with a sparse observation network. The method utilizes interpolated waveforms at virtual stations. The tsunami waveforms at the virtual stations between two existing observation stations are estimated by shifting arrival times with the linear interpolation of observed arrival times and by correcting the amplitudes for their water depths. In our new data assimilation approach, we employ the Optimal Interpolation algorithm to both the real observations and virtual stations, in order to construct a complete wavefront of tsunami propagation. The application to the 2004 Sumatra‐Andaman earthquake and the 2009 Dusky Sound, New Zealand, earthquake reveals that addition of virtual stations greatly helps improve the tsunami forecasting accuracy.
Strongest MJO on Record Triggers Extreme Atacama Rainfall and Warmth in Antarctica
Authors: Rondanelli R. , Hatchett B. , Rutllant J. , Bozkurt D. , Garreaud R.
Published: February 2019

Tropical perturbations have been shown theoretically and observationally to excite long‐range atmospheric responses in the form of Rossby wave teleconnections that result from the equator to pole gradient of planetary vorticity. An extreme teleconnection event occurred during March 2015 in the Southeastern Pacific. As a result, extreme high temperatures were observed in Southwestern South America and the Antarctic Peninsula simultaneously with an extreme rainfall and flood event in the hyperarid Atacama desert. We show that the origin of these seemingly disconnected extreme events can be traced to a Rossby wave response to the strongest Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) on record in the tropical central Pacific. A barotropic wave number 3 to 4 perturbation with group velocity between 15 and 30 m/s is consistent with the trajectory and timing followed by the upper‐level anomalies radiating away from the tropics after the MJO episode.
A Simulation Study on the Latitudinal Variations of Ionospheric Zonal Electric Fields Under Geomagnetically Quiet Conditions
Authors: Chen Junjie , Lei Jiuhou
Published: February 2019

The influence of zonal electric fields as well as E × B plasma drifts on the ionosphere has been widely investigated, but the latitudinal variations of zonal electric fields have not been well understood. In this study, we investigate the driving mechanisms responsible for the latitudinal variations of zonal electric fields under geomagnetically quiet conditions using the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM). A series of case‐controlled TIEGCM simulations were conducted to explore the effects of neutral wind and ionospheric conductivity on the latitudinal variations of zonal electric fields. The major results are given as follows: (1) The eastward electric field at noon increases with latitude, which is mainly associated with latitudinal changes of poleward neutral winds. (2) The prominent latitudinal variations of zonal electric fields at sunrise and sunset are attributed to the strong longitudinal gradients of zonal winds, that is, the curl‐free mechanism. (3) The changes of the zonal electric fields at a given location are affected by the dynamo effect globally, which also produces the latitudinal structure of zonal electric fields.
On the Potential Impact of Lake Erie Wind Farms on Water Temperatures and Mixed‐Layer Depths: Some Preliminary 1‐D Modeling Using COHERENS
Authors: Afsharian S. , Taylor P. A.
Published: February 2019

Lake Erie has a significant wind energy resource potential, with extensive areas of moderate water depth and proximity to major cities and industries with substantial electricity demands. The presence of significant numbers of large turbines in wind farms will lead to reduced wind speeds and wind stresses in the wakes within and downwind of the farms. This in turn will affect surface fluxes, currents, and mixing in lake waters, generally allowing increased surface temperatures and reduced summer time mixed‐layer depths. The potential magnitude of these impacts is investigated with a one dimensional application of the Coupled Hydrodynamical‐Ecological Model for Regional and Shelf Seas model for three different water depths using observed meteorological data as input.
Photoacclimation State of an Arctic Underice Phytoplankton Bloom
Authors: Kauko Hanna M. , Pavlov Alexey K. , Johnsen Geir , Granskog Mats A. , Peeken Ilka , Assmy Philipp
Published: February 2019

Recent reports on Arctic underice phytoplankton blooms have directed attention to primary production below the sea ice cover. Such underice blooms cannot be detected from space; thus, methods for autonomous underice measurements are critically needed to extend observations beyond ship‐based surveys. One central aspect of the ecology of these blooms is whether they were advected from open‐water areas or were able to develop below the ice cover under typically low light conditions. The photoacclimation state of the bloom can provide clues about the growth conditions and therefore its origin. Here we investigate the photoacclimation state of a Phaeocystis pouchetii‐dominated underice bloom in the Arctic Ocean using ratios of photoprotective carotenoids (PPC) to photosynthetic carotenoids (PSC) and chlorophyll a. The pigment proxies indicate local growth under the ice pack. Furthermore, a method using in situ light absorption measurements to estimate the PPC:PSC ratio was in agreement with the pigment data. The slope of in situ phytoplankton absorption between 488 and 532 nm, affected by both PPC and PSC, had a significant linear relationship to the PPC:PSC ratio, indicating that prediction of photoacclimation state can be obtained from absorption profiles. We also review, with regard to the pigment function, different ways of grouping pigments into PPC or PSC applied in previous studies. Although more validation data sets are needed to assess the impact of pigment packaging on the relationship between PPC:PSC and absorption measurement slopes, our study shows the potential for using in situ absorption measurements to collect information about phytoplankton physiology below sea ice.
Stability Conditions of Peat Plateaus and Palsas in Northern Norway
Authors: Martin L. C. P. , Nitzbon J. , Aas K. S. , Etzelmüller B. , Kristiansen H. , Westermann S.
Published: February 2019

Peat plateaus and palsas are characteristic morphologies of sporadic permafrost, and the transition from permafrost to permafrost‐free ground typically occurs on spatial scales of meters. They are particularly vulnerable to climate change and are currently degrading in Fennoscandia. Here we present a spatially distributed data set of ground surface temperatures for two peat plateau sites in northern Norway for the year 2015–2016. Based on these data and thermal modeling, we investigate how the snow depth and water balance modulate the climate signal in the ground. We find that mean annual ground surface temperatures are centered around 2 to 2.5 °C for stable permafrost locations and 3.5 to 4.5 °C for permafrost‐free locations. The surface freezing degree days are characterized by a noticeable threshold around 200 °C.day, with most permafrost‐free locations ranging below this value and most stable permafrost ones above it. Freezing degree day values are well correlated to the March snow cover, although some variability is observed and attributed to the ground moisture level. Indeed, a zero curtain effect is observed on temperature time series for saturated soils during winter, while drained peat plateaus show early freezing surface temperatures. Complementarily, modeling experiments allow identifying adrainage effectthat can modify 1‐m ground temperatures by up to 2 °C between drained and water accumulating simulations for the same snow cover. This effect can set favorable or unfavorable conditions for permafrost stability under the same climate forcing.
Anthropogenic Nitrogen Deposition Increases Soil Carbon by Enhancing New Carbon of the Soil Aggregate Formation
Authors: Chang Ruiying , Zhou Wenjun , Fang Yunting , Bing Haijian , Sun Xiangyang , Wang Genxu
Published: February 2019

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition can most likely increase temperate forest soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. Increased SOC is usually suggested to be associated with the suppression of SOC decomposition, which has been hypothesized to be due to the decrease in the activity of lignin‐degrading extracellular enzymes and/or the decrease in soil acidity under N addition. However, the potential mechanism of SOC protection derived from N addition is less understood. Here in a low‐deposition temperate montane forest, short‐term N addition could increase SOC storage in the aggregate fraction but not in the bulk soil. N‐induced SOC accumulation was partly associated with the suppressed SOC decomposition (indicated by lower soil respiration) that resulted from the reduced microbial biomass rather than from decreased lignin‐degrading enzyme activity or from reduced soil acidity. In addition, N addition promoted soil aggregate formation, which could partly suppress SOC decomposition by protecting new carbon that originated from plant litter residue to a greater degree, while dissolved organic carbon retention in the mineral soils played a limited role in the SOC sequestration derived from N addition, at least in the short term. A conceptual model was proposed and highlighted a new underlying mechanism of new carbon protection by enhanced aggregate formation, other than the role of microbial suppression, to explain the positive effect of anthropogenic N deposition on forest SOC.
KDEL receptor regulates secretion by lysosome relocation- and autophagy-dependent modulation of lipid-droplet turnover
Authors: Tapia Diego , Jiménez Tomás , Zamora Constanza , Espinoza Javier , Rizzo Riccardo , González-Cárdenas Alexis , Fuentes Danitza , Hernández Sergio , Cavieres Viviana A. , Soza Andrea , Guzmán Fanny , Arriagada Gloria , Yuseff María Isabel , Mardones Gonzalo A. , Burgos Patricia V. , Luini Alberto , González Alfonso , Cancino Jorge
Published: February 2019

Inter-organelle signalling has essential roles in cell physiology encompassing cell metabolism, aging and temporal adaptation to external and internal perturbations. How such signalling coordinates different organelle functions within adaptive responses remains unknown. Membrane traffic is a fundamental process in which membrane fluxes need to be sensed for the adjustment of cellular requirements and homeostasis. Studying endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi trafficking, we found that Golgi-based, KDEL receptor-dependent signalling promotes lysosome repositioning to the perinuclear area, involving a complex process intertwined to autophagy, lipid-droplet turnover and Golgi-mediated secretion that engages the microtubule motor protein dynein-LRB1 and the autophagy cargo receptor p62/SQSTM1. This process, here named ‘traffic-induced degradation response for secretion’ (TIDeRS) discloses a cellular mechanism by which nutrient and membrane sensing machineries cooperate to sustain Golgi-dependent protein secretion.
Redox gated polymer memristive processing memory unit
Authors: Zhang Bin , Fan Fei , Xue Wuhong , Liu Gang , Fu Yubin , Zhuang Xiaodong , Xu Xiao-Hong , Gu Junwei , Li Run-Wei , Chen Yu
Published: February 2019

Memristors with enormous storage capacity and superior processing efficiency are of critical importance to overcome the Moore’s Law limitation and von Neumann bottleneck problems in the big data and artificial intelligence era. In particular, the integration of multifunctionalities into a single memristor promises an essential strategy of obtaining a high-performance electronic device that satisfies the nowadays increasing demands of data storage and processing. In this contribution, we report a proof-of-concept polymer memristive processing-memory unit that demonstrates programmable information storage and processing capabilities. By introducing redox active moieties of triphenylamine and ferrocene onto the pendants of fluorene skeletons, the conjugated polymer exhibits triple oxidation behavior and interesting memristive switching characteristics. Associated with the unique electrochemical and electrical behavior, the polymer device is capable of executing multilevel memory, decimal arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as simple Boolean logic operations.
Improvement of antibody functionality by structure-guided paratope engraftment
Authors: Liu Qingbo , Lai Yen-Ting , Zhang Peng , Louder Mark K. , Pegu Amarendra , Rawi Reda , Asokan Mangaiarkarasi , Chen Xuejun , Shen Chen-Hsiang , Chuang Gwo-Yu , Yang Eun Sung , Miao Huiyi , Wang Yuge , Fauci Anthony S. , Kwong Peter D. , Mascola John R. , Lusso Paolo
Published: February 2019

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) represent a promising alternative to antiretroviral drugs for HIV-1 prevention and treatment. Selected antibodies to the CD4-binding site bolster envelope trimer binding via quaternary contacts. Here, we rationally engraft a new paratope, i.e., the extended heavy-chain framework region 3 (FR3) loop of VRC03, which mediates quaternary interaction, onto several potent bNAbs, enabling them to reach an adjacent gp120 protomer. The interactive quaternary surface is delineated by solving the crystal structure of two FR3 loop-chimeric antibodies. Chimerization enhances the neutralizing activity of several potent bNAbs against a majority of global HIV-1 strains. Compared to unmodified antibodies, chimeric antibodies display lower autoreactivity and prolonged in vivo half-life in huFcRn mice and rhesus macaques. Thus, paratope engraftment may be used to expand the epitope repertory of natural antibodies, improving their functionality for disease prevention and treatment.
Whole-genome-based phylogeny of Bacillus cytotoxicus reveals different clades within the species and provides clues on ecology and evolution
Authors: Stevens Marc J. A. , Tasara Taurai , Klumpp Jochen , Stephan Roger , Ehling-Schulz Monika , Johler Sophia
Published: February 2019

Bacillus cytotoxicus is a member of the Bacillus cereus group linked to fatal cases of diarrheal disease. Information on B. cytotoxicus is very limited; in particular comprehensive genomic data is lacking. Thus, we applied a genomic approach to characterize B. cytotoxicus and decipher its population structure. To this end, complete genomes of ten B. cytotoxicus were sequenced and compared to the four publicly available full B. cytotoxicus genomes and genomes of other B. cereus group members. Average nucleotide identity, core genome, and pan genome clustering resulted in clear distinction of B. cytotoxicus strains from other strains of the B. cereus group. Genomic content analyses showed that a hydroxyphenylalanine operon is present in B. cytotoxicus, but absent in all other members of the B. cereus group. It enables degradation of aromatic compounds to succinate and pyruvate and was likely acquired from another Bacillus species. It allows for utilization of tyrosine and might have given a B. cytotoxicus ancestor an evolutionary advantage resulting in species differentiation. Plasmid content showed that B. cytotoxicus is flexible in exchanging genes, allowing for quick adaptation to the environment. Genome-based phylogenetic analyses divided the B. cytotoxicus strains into four clades that also differed in virulence gene content.
Noise-induced vocal plasticity in urban white-crowned sparrows does not involve adjustment of trill performance components
Authors: Gentry Katherine E. , Luther David A.
Published: February 2019

Background noise can interfere with acoustic communication and subsequently influence signaling behavior. Immediate signaling flexibility (ISF) is a context-dependent form of behavioral plasticity that allows animals to temporarily change their acoustic behavior in response to noise fluctuations and potentially improve the chances of successful communication in noisy environments. The adaptive value of ISF is ultimately contingent on the response of the intended receiver, and there are differential effects on receiver response depending on which signal component is modified. However, there is scant research on whether ISF involves modification of a signal component specifically linked to mate attraction or territory defense. Our study addresses this knowledge gap and provides important insight into whether males employ short-term signal modification in a manner that could affect mate pairing success in birds. Specifically, we explore the maladaptive potential of ISF in the San Francisco, California population of Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli by testing for changes in trill bandwidth and rate—the specific trill structure components known to influence the receiver’s perception of vocal performance in this species—before and during noise broadcast experiments. Although Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli are capable of ISF, we found no evidence that noise induces temporary adjustment of the trill structure traits used by receivers to assess vocal performance.