bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small changes in timing of breeding among subarctic passerines over a 32‐year period
Authors: Ram Dafne , Nyholm NILS ERIK INGEMAR , Arlt Debora , Lindström Åke
Published: October 2018

Many bird populations in temperate regions have advanced their timing of breeding in response to a warming climate in recent decades. However, long‐term trends in temperature differ geographically and between seasons, and so do responses of local breeding populations. Data on breeding bird phenology from subarctic and arctic passerine populations are scarce, and relatively little data has been recorded in open‐nesting species. We investigated the timing of breeding and its relationship to spring temperature of 14 mainly open‐nesting passerine species in subarctic Swedish Lapland over a period of 32 years (1984–2015). We estimated timing of breeding from the progress of post‐juvenile moult in mist‐netted birds, a new method exploring the fact that the progress of post‐juvenile moult correlates with age. Although there was a numerical tendency for earlier breeding in most species (on average −0.09 days/year), changes were statistically significant in only three species (by −0.16 to −0.23 days/year). These figures are relatively low compared with what has been found in other long‐term studies but are similar to a few other studies in subarctic areas. Generally, annual hatching dates were negatively correlated with mean temperature in May. This correlation was stronger in long‐distance than in short‐distance migrants. Although annual temperatures at high northern latitudes have increased over recent decades, there was no long‐term increase in mean temperature in May over the study period at this subarctic site. This is probably the main reason why there were only small long‐term changes in hatching dates.
Measuring and reporting obligations of social security retirement systems: Actuarial perspectives
Authors: D’Ambrogi‐Ola Barbara , Brown Robert L.
Published: October 2018

The article is based on the International Actuarial Association (IAA) Social Security Committee's principles‐based paper with commentary on measurement and reporting obligations of social security retirement systems (SSRSs) and proposals for appropriate disclosure requirements, for consideration by national and international organizations when developing reporting standards in respect to SSRSs. The article argues that the method of measuring and reporting obligations should be consistent with the financing basis of the SSRS. In particular, SSRSs financed on a pay‐as‐you‐go (PAYG) or partially funded basis should use an open‐group method for measuring and reporting actuarial obligations. Only SSRSs that purport to be fully funded should use a closed‐group basis, since SSRSs are not analogous to large private‐sector pension plans. For most PAYG and partially funded SSRSs, accounting for obligations on a closed‐group basis would indicate huge actuarial unfunded liabilities, which might not be understood by the general public and could inappropriately create pressure to move towards fully‐funded systems. The methodologies used for accounting and/or statistical reporting should enable the accurate assessment of the long‐term financial sustainability of any SSRS without a bias for or against a particular financing approach. The article prefers measures of sustainability of an SSRS to measures of its funding level. A system that is fully funded currently may not be sustainable while a pure PAYG SSRS may be sustainable. In the case where there is a requirement to disclose obligations on a closed‐group basis, such disclosures should be supplemented by an open‐group analysis, with appropriate reconciliations and explanations (i.e. a multiple disclosure approach).
Reporting the pension obligations of social security schemes: An EU perspective
Authors: Stavrakis Costas
Published: October 2018

European Union (EU) Member States have very diverse social security pension systems with respect to the types of schemes/benefits offered, their redistributive features, as well as the method and sources of financing adopted. Also, the role of the state in securing retirement in old age varies considerably across the EU. According to the European System of National and Regional Accounts 2010 framework, the pension obligations of EU social security pension schemes are now reported in the supplementary Table 29, based on the accrued‐to‐date liability method. Such a method does not allow the assessment of the financial sustainability of social security schemes, which are typically financed on a pay‐as‐you‐go/partially funded basis, as well as the sustainability of public finances. In addition, while contributory social security pension schemes, with or without non‐contributory components, are included in Table 29, non‐contributory social security schemes are in principle excluded. This article aims to suggest how to enhance the transparency and cross‐country comparability of Table 29 results at EU level, by disclosing additional information suitable for evaluating the financial status of contributory social security pension schemes, which would take into account not only the financing method adopted but also the type of benefits offered. From a policy perspective, such additional information would ensure that no certain types of social security schemes are promoted in the EU, and that the clarity and effectiveness of the role of the state in financing a social security pension scheme is enhanced.
Audit quality and properties of analysts’ information environment
Authors: He Wen , Sidhu Baljit , Taylor Stephen
Published: October 2018

We consider how audit quality impacts sell‐side analysts’ information environment. Using the method outlined by Barron et al., we examine whether higher audit quality is associated with differences in the weight analysts place on common information relative to private information, as well as the extent to which audit quality separately impacts the precision of analysts’ private and common information. Our results show that, in instances where analysts revise their earnings forecasts for year t+1 shortly after the release of year t earnings, higher audit quality results in analysts placing more weight on public information. The precision of private (as well as public) information is improved. These results extend our understanding of how audit quality impacts on attributes of analysts’ forecasts and provides support for the argument that audit quality has important capital market implications.
Integrative approach reveals a new species of Nematocharax (Teleostei: Characidae)
Authors: Barreto Silvia B. , Silva André T. , Batalha‐Filho Henrique , Affonso Paulo Roberto A. M. , Zanata Angela M.
Published: October 2018

An integrative approach based on morphological and multilocus genetic data was used to describe a new species of Nematocharax from the headwaters of the upper Contas River on the Diamantina Plateau, north‐eastern Brazil and to infer the relationships among evolutionary lineages within this fish genus. Multispecies coalescent inference using three mitochondrial and five nuclear loci strongly supports a basal split between Nematocharax venustus and the new species, whose distinctive morphological characters include absence of filamentous rays on pelvic fins of maturing and mature males, reduced anal‐fin lobe length and lower body depth. The unique morphological and genetic traits of the population from the upper Contas River were supported by previous reports based on cytogenetics, DNA barcode and geometric morphometrics, reinforcing the validation of the new species. The conservation status of this new species is discussed.
Early Implant Failures in Edentulous Patients: A Multivariable Regression Analysis of 4615 Consecutively Treated Jaws. A Retrospective Study
Authors: Malm Malin Olsson , Jemt Torsten , Stenport Victoria
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To study the incidence of early implant failures in edentulous jaws and to describe the effects of some patient‐ and implant‐related factors on the risk for early implant failures.

Materials and Methods

The study retrospectively analyzed 4615 edentulous jaws (4067 patients), consecutively treated with dental implants at one referral clinic from 1986 to 2013. Implant failures that occurred from implant surgery up to the first recall examination 1 year after prosthesis insertion were recorded and defined as early implant failures. All removed implants were included as failures. Features of the study group and early implant failure rates were reported. A multivariable logistic regression model was used for analyzing possible associations between clinical factors, and the risk for early implant failures. Implant surfaces were categorized by means of roughness: turned (Sa0.5‐1.0 μm) and moderately rough (Sa1.0‐2.0 μm).

Results

Three hundred twenty‐seven patients (344 jaws) were lost to follow‐up. Early implant failures occurred in 8.6% of the jaws. In the maxilla there was a significantly higher incidence of early failures compared to the mandible both with turned implants, OR 5.93 (95% CI 4.21; 8.36), and moderately rough implants, OR 2.52 (95% CI 1.19; 5.34). The impact of implant surface roughness was significant in the maxilla with higher incidence of early failures with turned implants, OR 3.51 (95% CI 2.27; 5.42). There was a significant interaction between implant surface and jaw type on early failures (p = 0.034). Older age was associated with lower risk for early implant failures, OR 0.9 (95%CI 0.82; 0.99). In total, 63% of the jaws with failure could proceed with the prosthetic treatment without further implant insertions. Twenty‐six percent of the early failures occurred after prosthesis insertion and 59% of those could maintain the same prosthesis after implant loss with or without adjustments.

Conclusions

Changing the implant surface from turned to moderately rough decreased the incidence of early implant failures significantly in the maxilla, but not in the mandible. Older age at implant insertion was associated with lower risk for early implant failures in edentulous patients.
Demographic risk factors for lymphoma in Australian dogs: 6201 cases
Authors: Bennett Peter F. , Taylor Rosanne , Williamson Peter
Published: October 2018

Background

Lymphoma is common in the dog. Studies of population risk factors primarily have been derived from referral institution or insurance data.

Objective

To identify and quantify the host risk factors for lymphoma in a broad population of Australian dogs.

Animals

Data on 6201 client owned dogs were retrieved from a commercial veterinary laboratory, a general practice group and 2 referral hospitals.

Methods

Data collected included breed, sex, and neuter status. A reference population of 640 105 dogs was generated from the referral hospitals and from council registration data. The risk of lymphoma by sex and neuter status was calculated as odds ratios (OR).

Results

The study identified 30 breeds at increased risk of lymphoma, 15 that have not been reported previously, and 26 breeds at decreased risk, 18 that have not been reported previously. Males were over represented compared to females with an OR of 1.1 (95% CI, 1.1–1.2; P < .001). Neutered animals were at higher risk compared to intact animals with an OR of 3.2 (95% CI, 2.9–3.5) which was found in both males (OR, 2.8; 95% CI; 2.5–3.2) and females (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 3.5–5.1).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Breed, sex, and neuter status alter the risk of lymphoma in dogs. These 3 factors must be considered when evaluating lymphoma risk as potential markers of underlying differences in disease etiology. Comparison of breeds at increased and decreased risk could be advantageous when evaluating specific etiological factors.
Democracy's Unique Advantage in Promoting Economic Growth: Quantitative Evidence for a New Institutional Theory
Authors: Tang Rui , Tang Shiping
Published: October 2018

Bringing together the classic defense of liberty and democracy, the political economy of hierarchy, endogenous growth theory, and the new institutional economics on growth, we propose a new institutional theory that identifies democracy's unique advantage in prompting economic growth. We contend that the channel of liberty‐to‐innovation is the most critical channel in which democracy holds a unique advantage over autocracy in promoting growth, especially during the stage of growth via innovation. Our theory thus predicts that democracy holds a positive but indirect effect upon growth via the channel of liberty‐to‐innovation, conditioned by the level of economic development. We then present quantitative evidence for our theory. To our best knowledge, we are the first to propose such an indirect and conditional effect of democracy upon economic development and provide systematic evidence. Our study promises to integrate and reconcile many seemingly unrelated and often contradictory theories and evidence regarding regime and growth, including providing a possible explanation for the inconclusive results from regressing overall regime score against the rate of economic growth or change in level of GDP per capita.
ELF18‐INDUCED LONG NONCODING RNA 1 evicts fibrillarin from mediator subunit to enhance PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED GENE 1 (PR1) expression
Authors: Seo Jun Sung , Diloknawarit Piyarut , Park Bong Soo , Chua Nam‐Hai
Published: October 2018

Plant immune response is initiated upon the recognition of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns such as elf18. Previously, we identified an Arabidopsis ELF18‐INDUCED LONG NONCODING RNA 1 (ELENA1), as a positive transcriptional regulator of immune responsive genes. ELENA1 associated with Mediator subunit 19a (MED19a) to enhance enrichment of the complex on PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED GENE 1 (PR1) promoter.

In vitro and in vivo RNA–protein interaction experiments showed that ELENA1 can also interact with FIBRILLARIN 2 (FIB2). Co‐immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay showed that FIB2 directly interacts with MED19a in nucleoplasm and nucleolus. Analysis of fib2 mutant showed that FIB2 functions as a negative transcriptional regulator for immune responsive genes, including PR1.

Genetic and biochemical analyses demonstrated that ELENA1 can dissociate the FIB2/MED19a complex and release FIB2 from PR1 promoter to enhance PR1 expression.

ELENA1 increases PR1 expression by evicting the repressor (FIB2) from the activator (MED19a). Our findings uncover an additional layer of complexity in the transcriptional regulation of plant immune responsive genes by long noncoding RNA.
Heavy metals in domestic wastewater with respect to urban population in Ostrava, Czech Republic
Authors: Drozdova Jarmila , Raclavska Helena , Raclavsky Konstantin , Skrobankova Hana
Published: October 2018

During dry weather periods, domestic wastewater is a major component of urban wastewater influent to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). For this reason, the quantity and quality of domestic wastewater have a considerable effect on the resultant contamination of urban wastewater and on the subsequent selection of appropriate WWTP technology. The aim of this study was to quantify the amount of hazardous elements in domestic wastewater to determine the average daily production of domestic wastewater and risk elements per inhabitant and quantify the proportion of households in the total load of urban wastewater. Wastewater samples were collected from nine local sewer systems in Ostrava, the Kravare WWTP and the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant of Ostrava (Czech Republic). We found that the average production of wastewater from households is approximately 135 L per person per day. The results also show that the share of households in urban wastewater is approximately 60% in the case of Cd, 35–21% in the case of Zn, Cu, As and less than 15% for Pb, Cr, Fe, Ni and Mn.
Characterizing the plasma metabolome during 14 days of live‐high, train‐low simulated altitude: A metabolomic approach
Authors: Lawler Nathan G. , Abbiss Chris R. , Gummer Joel P. A. , Broadhurst David I. , Govus Andrew D. , Fairchild Timothy J. , Thompson Kevin G. , Garvican‐Lewis Laura A. , Gore Christopher J. , Maker Garth L. , Trengove Robert D. , Peiffer Jeremiah J.
Published: October 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does 14 days of live‐high, train‐low simulated altitude alter an individual's metabolomic/metabolic profile?

What is the main finding and its importance?

This study demonstrated that ∼200 h of moderate simulated altitude exposure resulted in greater variance in measured metabolites between subject than within subject, which indicates individual variability during the adaptive phase to altitude exposure. In addition, metabolomics results indicate that altitude alters multiple metabolic pathways, and the time course of these pathways is different over 14 days of altitude exposure. These findings support previous literature and provide new information on the acute adaptation response to altitude.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of 14 days of normobaric hypoxic simulated altitude exposure at 3000 m on the human plasma metabolomic profile. For 14 days, 10 well‐trained endurance runners (six men and four women; 29 ± 7 years of age) lived at 3000 m simulated altitude, accumulating 196.4 ± 25.6 h of hypoxic exposure, and trained at ∼600 m. Resting plasma samples were collected at baseline and on days 3 and 14 of altitude exposure and stored at −80°C. Plasma samples were analysed using liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry to construct a metabolite profile of altitude exposure. Mass spectrometry of plasma identified 36 metabolites, of which eight were statistically significant (false discovery rate probability 0.1) from baseline to either day 3 or day 14. Specifically, changes in plasma metabolites relating to amino acid metabolism (tyrosine and proline), glycolysis (adenosine) and purine metabolism (adenosine) were observed during altitude exposure. Principal component canonical variate analysis showed significant discrimination between group means (P < 0.05), with canonical variate 1 describing a non‐linear recovery trajectory from baseline to day 3 and then back to baseline by day 14. Conversely, canonical variate 2 described a weaker non‐recovery trajectory and increase from baseline to day 3, with a further increase from day 3 to 14. The present study demonstrates that metabolomics can be a useful tool to monitor metabolic changes associated with altitude exposure. Furthermore, it is apparent that altitude exposure alters multiple metabolic pathways, and the time course of these changes is different over 14 days of altitude exposure.
Serelaxin attenuates renal inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Giam Beverly , Chu Po‐Yin , Kuruppu Sanjaya , Smith A. Ian , Horlock Duncan , Murali Aishwarya , Kiriazis Helen , Du Xiao‐Jun , Kaye David M. , Rajapakse Niwanthi W.
Published: October 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim was to determine the renoprotective effects of serelaxin in the setting of chronic heart failure.

What are the main findings and its importance?

Our data indicate that serelaxin can reduce renal fibrosis and inflammation in experimental heart failure. Currently, there are no effective treatments to rescue renal function in heart failure patients, and our data suggest that serelaxin might have the potential to reduce renal fibrosis and inflammation in heart failure.

Serelaxin has been demonstrated to attenuate renal fibrosis and inflammation in cardiorenal disease. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that serelaxin can prevent the decline in renal function in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by targeting renal fibrosis and inflammation. Male transgenic mice with DCM (n = 16) and their wild‐type littermates (WT; n = 20) were administered either vehicle or serelaxin (500 μg kg−1 day−1; subcutaneous minipumps; 8 weeks). Cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography before and during the eighth week of serelaxin treatment. Renal function and inflammation as well as cardiac and renal fibrosis were assessed at the end of the study. Serelaxin had minimal effect on cardiac function (P ≥ 0.99). Tubulointerstitial and glomerular fibrosis were ∼3‐fold greater in vehicle‐treated DCM mice compared with vehicle‐treated WT mice (P ≤ 0.001). Renal mRNA expression of Tnfα and Il1α were ∼4‐ and ∼3‐fold greater, respectively, in vehicle‐treated DCM mice compared with vehicle‐treated WT mice (P ≤ 0.05). Tubulointerstitial and glomerular fibrosis were 46 and 45% less, respectively, in serelaxin‐treated DCM mice than in vehicle‐treated DCM mice (P ≤ 0.01). Renal cortical mRNA expression of Tnfα and Il1α were 56 and 58% less, respectively, in the former group compared with the latter (P ≤ 0.05). The urinary albumin:creatinine ratio was ∼3‐fold greater in vehicle‐treated DCM mice compared with vehicle‐treated WT mice (P = 0.02). The urinary albumin:creatinine ratio was not significantly different between vehicle‐treated DCM mice and serelaxin‐treated DCM mice (P = 0.38). These data suggest that serelaxin can attenuate renal fibrosis and inflammation and has the potential to exert renoprotective effects in DCM.
A Mistuned Forced Response Analysis of an Embedded Compressor Blisk Using a Reduced-Order Model
Authors: Gutierrez Salas Mauricio , Petrie-Repar Paul , Kielb Robert E. , Key Nicole L.
Published: October 2018

Accuracy when assessing mistuned forced response analyses is still a major concern. Since a fully coupled analysis is still very computational expensive, several simplifications and reduced-order models (ROMs) are carried out. The use of a reduction method, the assumptions and simplifications, generate different uncertainties that challenge the accuracy of the results. Experimental data are needed for validation and also to understand the propagation of these uncertainties. This paper shows a detailed mistuned forced response analysis of a compressor blisk. The blisk belongs to the Purdue Three-Stage (P3S) Compressor Research Facility. Two different stator–rotor–stator configurations of 38 and 44 upstream stator vanes are taken into consideration. Several loading conditions are analyzed at three different speed lines. A ROM known as subset nominal mode (SNM), has been used for all the analyses. This reduction takes as a basis a set of modes within a selected frequency spectrum. It can consider a complete family of modes to study the disk–blade modal interaction. A detailed comparison between the predicted and measured results has been performed, showing a good agreement for the high loading (HL) conditions.
Signal Processing for Operational Modal Analysis of a Jacket-Type Offshore Platform: Sea Test Study
Authors: Bao Xingxian , Liu Zhihui , Shi Chen
Published: October 2018

Operational modal analysis (OMA) has been widely used for large structures. However, measured signals are inevitably contaminated with noise and may not be clean enough for identifying the modal parameters with proper accuracy. The traditional methods to estimate modal parameters in noisy situation are usually absorbing the “noise modes” first, and then using the stability diagrams to distinguish the true modes from the “noise modes.” However, it is still difficult to sort out true modes because the “noise modes” will also tend to be stable as the model order increases. This study develops a noise reduction procedure for polyreference complex exponential (PRCE) modal analysis based on ambient vibration responses. In the procedure, natural excitation technique (NExT) is first applied to get free decay responses from measured (noisy) ambient vibration data, and then the noise reduction method based on solving the partially described inverse singular value problem (PDISVP) is implemented to reconstruct a filtered data matrix from the measured data matrix. In our case, the measured data matrix is block Hankel structured, which is constructed based on the free decay responses. The filtered data matrix should maintain the block Hankel structure and be lowered in rank. When the filtered data matrix is obtained, the PRCE method is applied to estimate the modal parameters. The proposed NExT-PDISVP-PRCE scheme is applied to field test of a jacket type offshore platform. Results indicate that the proposed method can improve the accuracy of OMA.
Molecular detection of Moniezia spp. (Cestoda) in Pergalumna persica (Acari: Oribatida) in Iran
Authors: Akrami Mohammad Ali , MOSTOWFIZADEH-GHALAMFARSA Reza , Ebrahimi Forough , Moazeni Mohammad
Published: October 2018

Some oribatid mites are intermediate hosts of anoplocephalid cestodes, where the cestodes complete their larval development in the bodies of these oribatid mites. In order to investigate the potential of oribatid mites as vectors of anoplocephalid cestodes, 64 species of these mites were collected from different pastures of Shiraz County (Fars Province, Iran) during 2010–12. Two predominant species, Pergalumna persica and Acrogalumna lanceolata, were selected for study of both laboratory and natural infections. For artificial infection, these two species were exposed separately to eggs of Moniezia expansa and Moniezia benedeni, which are the common anoplocephalid cestodes of sheep and cattle in the Shiraz region. In order to develop a PCR-based technique for identification and detection of these cestodes, species-specific primers were designed to amplify the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. We demonstrate that the mite P. persica can be infested by M. expansa and M. benedeni in the laboratory and it can be naturally infected by the former species; however cestodes were not detected in the mite A. lanceolata. This is the first record of P. persica as the intermediate host of anoplocephalid tapeworms.
Some biological and behavioral aspects of Amblyomma longirostre (Acari: Ixodidae) under laboratory and natural conditions
Authors: Luz Hermes Ribeiro , Martins Thiago F. , Teixeira Rodrigo H. F. , Terassini Flávio A. , Soares Herbert S. , Soares João F. , Faccini João L. H. , Labruna Marcelo B.
Published: October 2018

Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844) has been reported as one of the most common ticks parasitizing wild animals in Brazil; however, information about its life cycle is inexistent, as well as information on its behavior in nature. In order to determine some aspects of the life cycle of A. longirostre in the laboratory, we performed infestations of larvae and nymphs on Serinus canaria (Common Canary - Passeriformes), Calomys callosus (Vesper mouse), Sphiggurus villosus (Brazilian porcupine), and Gallus gallus (chicks - no Passeriformes); this later host species only for larvae. While the overall recovery rates of engorged larvae and nymphs were low (at most 11.1%), the highest rates were for ticks that had fed on S. canaria (Passerifomes). This result is supported by field data, which indicate Passeriformes as preferable hosts for larvae and nymphs of A. longirostre. Interestingly, the suitability of the porcupine S. villosus as host for larvae and nymphs was statistically similar to S. canaria, although the recovery rates on the later host species were slightly higher. The Cricetidae mouse C. callosus displayed the lowest recovery rates (0–0.5%) of engorged ticks, indicating that mice might not be suitable hosts for A. longirostre under natural conditions. We also report three  adult females of A. longirostre that were collected from two Bristle-spined porcupine Chaetomys subspinosus. Curiously, each of the three ticks was attached to the median third of a spine of the porcupines. The hypostome was surrounded by a cement-like structure at the spine external surface, but did not break through the external surface of the spine. Biological explanations for this behavior are discussed.
Deposition of ZrON thin films by reactive magnetron sputtering using a hollow cylindrical target
Authors: Iwata Hiroshi , Ishii Hiroki , Kato Daiki , Kawashima Shohei , Kodama Kakeru , Furusawa Masashi , Tanaka Masatoshi , Sekiya Takao
Published: October 2018

ZrON films were prepared on quartz glass and glassy carbon substrates by reactive sputtering using a hollow cylindrical cathode with a Zr target. In the cathode cylinder, the plasma density increased with increasing lateral distance from the axial center of the cylinder, whereas it decreased with increasing lateral distance from the cylinder. The damage to the substrates during film deposition was evaluated by the transmission spectra of Rhodamine B films before and after sputtering. The film deposition was performed in Ar and N2 gas flows with various O2 flow rates while heating the substrates with a ceramic heater. Scanning electron microscope observation indicated homogeneous thickness of the films. X-ray diffraction measurement showed that the ZrON films were a mixture of crystalline ZrN, Zr2ON2, Zr7O8N4, and ZrO2 phases. The fractions of these crystalline phases in the films depended on the O2 flow rate. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy measurement and its analysis revealed that the binding energy of the Zr 3d doublet corresponding to precipitated ZrON crystals in the films, such as Zr2ON2 and Zr7O8N4, increased with increasing oxygen flow rate. Electrochemical measurement revealed that the film deposited at an O2 flow rate of 0.6 sccm had the largest redox potential of 0.51 V (vs standard hydrogen electrode, −5 μA/cm2). The Zr7O8N4 crystals precipitated in the film play a key role in achieving the high redox potential.
Review Article: Review of electrohydrodynamical ion sources and their applications to focused ion beam technology
Authors: Gierak Jacques , Mazarov Paul , Bruchhaus Lars , Jede Ralf , Bischoff Lothar
Published: October 2018

In this article, the authors review, compare, and discuss the characteristics and applicative potential of a variety of nongallium ion liquid metal ion sources they have developed and successfully applied to nanopatterning. These sources allow generating on-demand ion beams and are promising for extending focused ion beams applications. They detail the operating characteristics of such sources capable to emit metal projectiles ranging from atomic ions with different charge states to polyatomic ions and to large metal clusters having sizes up to a few nanometers. They highlight their interest and relevance to current nanoscience challenges in terms of ultimate patterning or bottom-up nanofabrication capabilities.
Spectral directional cues captured by hearing device microphones in individual human ears
Authors: Denk Florian , Ewert Stephan D. , Kollmeier Birger
Published: October 2018

Spatial hearing abilities with hearing devices ultimately depend on how well acoustic directional cues are captured by the microphone(s) of the device. A comprehensive objective evaluation of monaural spectral directional cues captured at 9 microphone locations integrated in 5 hearing device styles is presented, utilizing a recent database of head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) that includes data from 16 human and 3 artificial ear pairs. Differences between HRTFs to the eardrum and hearing device microphones were assessed by descriptive analyses and quantitative metrics, and compared to differences between individual ears. Directional information exploited for vertical sound localization was evaluated by means of computational models. Directional information at microphone locations inside the pinna is significantly biased and qualitatively poorer compared to locations in the ear canal; behind-the-ear microphones capture almost no directional cues. These errors are expected to impair vertical sound localization, even if the new cues would be optimally mapped to locations. Differences between HRTFs to the eardrum and hearing device microphones are qualitatively different from between-subject differences and can be described as a partial destruction rather than an alteration of relevant cues, although spectral difference metrics produce similar results. Dummy heads do not fully reflect the results with individual subjects.
Infants use onset asynchrony cues in auditory scene analysis
Authors: Oster Monika-Maria , Werner Lynne A.
Published: October 2018

This experiment investigated the effect of onset asynchrony on the segregation of concurrent vowels in infants and adults. Two vowels, randomly chosen from seven American-English vowels, were superimposed. Each vowel pair contained one vowel by a male and one by a female talker. A train of such vowel pairs was presented to listeners, who were trained to respond to the male target vowel /i:/ or /u:/. The ability to identify the target vowel was compared among three conditions: synchronous onset, 100-, and 200-ms onset asynchrony. Experiment 1 measured performance, in d′, in 7-month-old infants and adults. Infants and adults performed better with asynchronous than synchronous vowel onset, regardless of asynchrony duration. Experiment 2 compared the proportion of 3-month-old infants achieving an 80% correct criterion with and without onset asynchrony. Significantly more infants reached criterion with asynchronous than with synchronous vowel onset. Asynchrony duration did not influence performance. These experiments show that infants, as young as 3 months old, benefit from onset asynchrony.
Integral identities for reflection, transmission, and scattering coefficients
Authors: Norris Andrew N.
Published: October 2018

Several integral identities related to acoustic scattering are presented. In each case the identity involves the integral over frequency of a physical quantity. For instance, the integrated transmission loss, a measure of the transmitted acoustic energy through an inhomogeneous layer, is shown to have a simple expression in terms of spatially averaged physical quantities. Known identities for the extinction cross section and for the acoustic energy loss in a slab with a rigid backing, are shown to be special cases of a general procedure for finding such integral identities.
A Novel Method to Characterize Walking and Running Energy Expenditure
Authors: Evans Alyssa , Collins Gavin Q. , Rosquist Parker G. , Tuttle Noelle J. , Morrin Steven J. , Tracy James B. , Jake Merrell A. , Christensen William F. , Fullwood David T. , Bowden Anton E. , Seeley Matthew K.
Published: October 2018

Background: Physical activity and corresponding energy expenditure can improve health in various ways. Existing methods to directly measure energy expenditure are currently limited to laboratory settings and/or expensive instrumentation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate accuracy of energy expenditure characterization, during walking and running, using demographic data, as well as data collected via an accelerometer and novel piezoresponsive foam sensors. Methods: 30 individuals (14 females; mass = 67 ± 10 kg; height = 1.74 ± 0.08 m; age = 23 ± 3 yrs) walked and ran at five speeds (1.34, 2.23, 2.68, 3.13, and 3.58 m/s) on a force-instrumented treadmill while wearing a metabolic analyzer and standardized athletic shoes instrumented with an accelerometer, and four novel nanocomposite piezoresponsive force sensors. Various predictive models, including demographic data and data derived from the accelerometer and force sensors, were evaluated for each gait speed. Results: The predictive models varied in ability to accurately characterize energy expenditure. For walking, the most accurate model included acceleration and body weight, and resulted in an average absolute error of 0.07 ± 0.03 kcal/min. For running, the most accurate model included sensor and acceleration data, and resulted in an average absolute error of 0.45 ± 0.14 kcal/min. Conclusions: When combined with acceleration data and body weight, the novel foam sensors can be used to inexpensively and accurately measure walking and running energy expenditure. This can be done at various speeds, outside of a traditional research laboratory. These results have application within a wide range of diverse contexts.
Heart Rate Equivalency of the Fitbit Charge HR During Continuous Aerobic Exercise
Authors: Stock Joseph M. , Pohlig Ryan T. , Botieri Matthew J. , Edwards David G. , Dominick Gregory M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose: Consumer-grade wrist-worn activity monitors frequently include photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors for estimating heart rate (HR). The Fitbit Charge HR is marketed specifically for tracking fitness; therefore, HR accuracy is critical, especially during exercise. This study examined HR equivalency of the Fitbit Charge HR during continuous aerobic exercise. Method: Participants (N = 19) concurrently wore a Polar H1 and Fitbit Charge HR during a measurement visit that included seated rest (5 minutes), warm-up (5 minutes), continuous treadmill exercise (30 minutes), and cool-down (5–10 minutes). Mean HR differences were examined by protocol phase, total activity (i.e., warm-up, exercise, and cool-down combined), and the first, middle, and last 5 minutes of continuous exercise. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE), Bland-Altman plots, and 95% equivalence testing explained overall and individual HR agreement between devices. Results: The Fitbit Charge HR significantly underestimated HR for all measurement phases (all p ≤ .01) except cool-down (p > .33). HR agreement was notably weaker during warm-up (r = 0.66, d = 0.57) and differences were greatest for the first 5 minutes compared to the middle and end of exercise (6.94±2.16 beats per minute [bpm] vs. 1.76±0.59 bpm, and 1.74±0.58 bpm), F = 4.87, p = .04). Mean exercise HRs were equivalent between devices (±2.69 bpm, 95% CI: 1.41–3.97 bpm); MAPE was 1.96%. Conclusion: The Fitbit Charge HR is relatively accurate for measuring HR during continuous aerobic exercise. Whereas the accuracy of PPG-based HR appears limited at exercise onset, agreement improves throughout the exercise bout and HR differences are negligible.
Optically transparent, high-toughness elastomer using a polyrotaxane cross-linker as a molecular pulley
Authors: Gotoh Hiroaki , Liu Chang , Imran Abu Bin , Hara Mitsuo , Seki Takahiro , Mayumi Koichi , Ito Kohzo , Takeoka Yukikazu
Published: October 2018

We prepared a mechanically tough, highly transparent elastomer by using a polyrotaxane cross-linker acting as a molecular pulley.
Quantum interference mediated vertical molecular tunneling transistors
Authors: Jia Chuancheng , Famili Marjan , Carlotti Marco , Liu Yuan , Wang Peiqi , Grace Iain M. , Feng Ziying , Wang Yiliu , Zhao Zipeng , Ding Mengning , Xu Xiang , Wang Chen , Lee Sung-Joon , Huang Yu , Chiechi Ryan C. , Lambert Colin J. , Duan Xiangfeng
Published: October 2018

We report graphene/self-assembly monolayer vertical molecular transistors operating in the quantum tunneling regime.
Shaping nanoparticle fingerprints at the interface of cholesteric droplets
Authors: Tran Lisa , Kim Hye-Na , Li Ningwei , Yang Shu , Stebe Kathleen J. , Kamien Randall D. , Haase Martin F.
Published: October 2018

Nanoparticles are organized into tunable, periodic patterns by controlling interfacial assembly with cholesteric liquid crystals.
Switchable counterion gradients around charged metallic nanoparticles enable reception of radio waves
Authors: Zhao Xing , Tu Bin , Li Mengyao , Feng Xiaojing , Zhang Yuchun , Fang Qiaojun , Li Tiehu , Grzybowski Bartosz A. , Yan Yong
Published: October 2018

Stripping counterions from charged nanoparticles into a porous electrode enables current rectification at radio frequencies.
A common trick for transferring bacterial DNA
Authors: Davidson Alan R.
Published: October 2018

A known virus-mediated process spreads bacterial genes more than expected
Anti-CRISPRs on the march
Authors: Koonin Eugene V. , Makarova Kira S.
Published: October 2018

The diversity of anti-CRISPR proteins encoded by viruses is rapidly expanding
A Nobel laureate in exile
Salam: The First ****** Nobel Laureate
Anand Kamalakar, director
Kailoola Productions, 2018. 76 minutes.
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: October 2018

The life and legacy of Muhammad Abdus Salam come into focus in a new film
Taxonomic Changes for Human and Animal Viruses, 2016 to 2018
Authors: Loeffelholz Michael J. , Fenwick Bradley W.
Published: October 2018

The classification of viruses provides the structure necessary to appreciate their biological diversity. Herein, we provide an update to our previous review of changes in viral taxonomy, covering changes between 2016 and 2018.
Influenza A Virus Utilizes Low-Affinity, High-Avidity Interactions with the Nuclear Import Machinery To Ensure Infection and Immune Evasion
Authors: Tome-Amat Jaime , Ramos Irene , Amanor Ferdinand , Fernández-Sesma Ana , Ashour Joseph
Published: October 2018

We used intracellular nanobodies to block influenza virus infection at the step prior to nuclear import of its ribonucleoproteins. By doing so, we were able to answer an important but outstanding question that could not be addressed with conventional tools: how many of the ∼500 available NLS motifs are needed to establish infection? Furthermore, by controlling the subcellular localization of the incoming viral ribonucleoproteins and measuring the cell’s antiviral response, we were able to provide direct evidence for the long-standing hypothesis that influenza virus exploits nuclear localization to delay activation of the innate immune response.
Genotypic and Mechanistic Characterization of Subtype-Specific HIV Adaptation to Host Cellular Immunity
Authors: Kinloch Natalie N. , Lee Guinevere Q. , Carlson Jonathan M. , Jin Steven W. , Brumme Chanson J. , Byakwaga Helen , Muzoora Conrad , Bwana Mwebesa B. , Cobarrubias Kyle D. , Hunt Peter W. , Martin Jeff N. , Carrington Mary , Bangsberg David R. , Harrigan P. Richard , Brockman Mark A. , Brumme Zabrina L.
Published: October 2018

The identification of HIV polymorphisms reproducibly selected under pressure by specific HLA alleles and the elucidation of their impact on viral function can help identify immunogenic viral regions where immune escape incurs a fitness cost. However, our knowledge of HLA-driven escape pathways and their functional costs is largely limited to HIV subtype B and, to a lesser extent, subtype C. Our study represents the first characterization of HLA-driven adaptation pathways in HIV subtypes A1 and D, which dominate in East Africa, and the first statistically rigorous characterization of differential HLA-driven escape across viral subtypes. The results support a considerable impact of viral genetic context on HIV adaptation to host HLA, where HIV subtype-specific sequence variation influences both epitope-HLA binding and the fitness costs of escape. Integrated bioinformatic and mechanistic characterization of these and other instances of differential escape could aid rational cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-based vaccine immunogen selection for both subtype-specific and universal HIV vaccines.
Multisectoral governance for health: challenges in implementing a total ban on chrysotile asbestos in Thailand
Authors: Kanchanachitra Churnrurtai , Tangcharoensathien Viroj , Patcharanarumol Walaiporn , Posayanonda Tipicha
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Interest in multisectoral governance for health has grown in recent years in response to the limitations of government-centric policy formulation and implementation. This study describes multisectoral governance associated with policy formulation and implementation of a total ban on chrysotile asbestos in Thailand.

Methods

Qualitative methods were applied, including analysis of related literature and media, and in-depth interviews with key informants. Consent was obtained for interview and tape recording; protection of confidentiality was fully assured.

Results

An agenda on total ban of chrysotile asbestos was proposed to the National Health Assembly, where a resolution was adopted in 2010. The resolution was endorsed by the Cabinet in 2011, which mandated the Ministry of Industry to implement the ban immediately. There was uneven interest and ownership by stakeholders in the policy formulation process. Long delays in implementation have been observed. Furthermore, while the policy is likely to affect relatively few industries there has been misinformation on the safe use of chrysotile, and delaying tactics and pressure from major chrysotile-exporting countries.

Conclusion

The National Health Assembly is a useful platform for policy formulation on complex policy issues requiring multisectoral action. However, policy implementation is challenging due to lack of clear policy across sectors. Success in protecting people’s health requires participatory policy-making and effective governance of multisectoral action throughout implementation. The Assembly is not designed to enforce implementation, especially when power and authority lie with state actors, but monitoring and public reporting would be powerful tools to drive this agenda.
Burden of seasonal influenza in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Sambala Evanson Zondani , Mdolo Aaron , Banda Richard , Phiri Arthur , Wiyeh Alison B , Wiysonge Charles Shey
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Measures of epidemiological burdens are an important contribution to estimating disease severity and determining the at-risk populations for seasonal influenza. In the absence of these data, it is extremely difficult for policy-makers to decide on how to distribute limited resources. This systematic review will synthesise the literature on reported burden of seasonal influenza (eg, morbidity and mortality) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Method and analysis

We will include published epidemiological studies that capture the burden estimation of seasonal influenza between 1 January 2000 and 31 August 2018. Studies that have reported disease burden estimates associated to influenza-like illness, acute respiratory illness, acute lower respiratory illness, severe acute respiratory illness and severe or very severe pneumonia using laboratory-confirmed influenza cases will be included. We will perform a multiple electronic database search in PubMed, Embase, African Journals Online, Cochrane, Web of science, CINAHL and Google scholar for eligible studies. The reference lists of relevant studies will also be hand-searched for potentially eligible studies. The titles and abstracts of identified records will be screened independently by two authors. The full-text articles of potentially eligible studies will be assessed independently by two authors. Discrepancies will be resolved by discussion, and by a third author if the first two authors fail to come to a consensus. The measures of the burden of influenza will be aggregated using a meta-analysis for homogeneous studies and narrative synthesis if the studies are heterogeneous. The strength of the evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will use publicly available data; and as such, no formal ethical review is required. Our findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and also disseminated through conferences and stakeholder meetings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017074091.