bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing stable isotope relationships between green turtle (Chelonia mydas) skin and unhatched eggs
Authors: Chabot Ryan M. , Ceriani Simona A. , Seminoff Jeffrey A. , Mills Kali A. , Mansfield Katherine L.
Published: May 2019

Rationale

Stable isotope analysis is used to understand the foraging habits and movements of a diverse set of organisms. Variability in stable isotope ratios among tissues derived from the same animal makes it difficult to compare data among study results in which different tissue types are evaluated. Isotopic relationships between two green turtle (Chelonia mydas) tissue types, skin and unhatched egg contents are unknown. Similarly, few data exist to evaluate the influence of time elapsed after oviposition (as a proxy for decomposition) on isotopic variability among unhatched eggs within the same nest.

Methods

Skin and unhatched egg contents were collected from 69 adult female green turtles and associated nests at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, USA. Values of δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S were measured for both tissue types using a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Standardized major‐axis (SMA) regression was used to generate conversion equations of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios between the two tissue types. Model selection frameworks consisting of single‐factor linear models were employed per isotope ratio to assess how egg time‐in‐nest affected intraclutch isotopic variability.

Results

Conversion equations for all three isotope ratios indicated significant relationships between skin and unhatched egg values, although model fits were lower than found in some studies examining similar patterns in other marine turtle species. The probability of increased intraclutch variability was significantly higher among eggs collected at longer intervals after deposition.

Conclusions

This study reports the first‐ever δ13C and δ15N conversion equations between skin and unhatched eggs for green turtles, and the first δ34S conversion equation for any marine turtle species. SMA regression was used to directly convert tissue values bidirectionally, unlike equations generated using ordinary least‐squares regression. Issues with increased intraclutch variability at later excavation dates highlight the importance of collecting unhatched eggs as soon as possible after hatchling emergence.
Bronchiectasis in the setting of aplasia of the epiglottis
Authors: Weerasinghe Puwakdandawe , Thomas Rahul , Masters Brent , Kapur Nitin
Published: May 2019

Aplasia of the epiglottis is a rare airway abnormality requiring airway and feeding interventions. We report a case of bronchiectasis in the setting of congenital aplasia of the epiglottis, secondary to early‐life aspiration events. Compensatory mechanisms for airway protection likely develop later in life.
Survival outcomes of robotic radical hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer: A 9‐year study
Authors: Siesto Gabriele , Finco Andrea , Portuesi Rosa Alba Valentina , Romano Fabrizio , Ieda’ Nicoletta Palma , Vitobello Domenico
Published: May 2019

Background

Recently, the results of a RCT have raised concerns on the management of cervical cancer through a minimally invasive approach. This study reports on the outcomes of patients with early stage cervical cancer submitted to robotics.

Methods

Retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients with an early cervical cancer treated with robotics at a single Institution over a 9‐year period.

Results

A total of 91 women were managed; 39 (41.1%) had cervical adenocarcinoma. One (1.1%) conversion to laparotomy and one (1.1%) intraoperative complication occurred. Five (5.5%) patients experienced postoperative (>G2) complications; 24 (26.4%) patients required further adjuvant therapies. After a median follow‐up of 40.7 (3.8‐96.6) months, the DFS and OS were 90.4 (95%CI 85.3‐95.6)% and 94.5 (95%CI 91.8‐97.2)%, respectively.

Conclusions

According to the available literature, the survival outcomes of this series of RRH for ECC are not inferior to what recorded in the past by an open approach.
Robotic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Magistri Paolo , Tarantino Giuseppe , Assirati Giacomo , Olivieri Tiziana , Catellani Barbara , Guerrini Gian Piero , Ballarin Roberto , Di Benedetto Fabrizio
Published: May 2019

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. This review attempts to clarify the role of robotic surgery for HCC in terms of oncologic outcomes.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was performed according to the PRISMA statement including papers comparing open, robotic, and laparoscopic approach for liver surgery. If more than one study was reported by the same institute, only the most recent or the highest quality study was included.

Results

The literature search yielded 302 articles; titles and abstracts were reviewed for inclusion. Ten papers were finally included in this review for a total of 307 patients who underwent robotic resection for HCC.

Conclusions

Robotic liver resection for HCC is effective in terms of oncological results as compared with open and laparoscopic approach when performed in experienced centers and is accurate in terms of R0 rates and disease‐free surgical margin.
Novel design for a customized, 3D‐printed surgical template for thoracic spinal arthrodesis
Authors: Naddeo Francesco , Fontana Carlotta , Naddeo Alessandro , Cataldo Emilio , Cappetti Nicola , Narciso Nicola
Published: May 2019

Background

The integration of computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) tools and medicine is rapidly developing for designing medical devices. A novel design for a 3D‐printed patient‐specific surgical template for thoracic pedicle screw insertion, using a procedure based on reverse engineering, is presented.

Methods

The surgeon chooses the entry point on the vertebra. The optimal insertion direction and the size of the screws are defined via an algorithm on the basis of a patient‐specific vertebra CAD model. The template features an innovative shape for a comfortable and univocal placement and a novel disengaging device.

Results

Three spinal fusions were performed to test the template. Excellent results were achieved in terms of the accuracy of the screw positioning, reduction in surgery duration, and number of X‐rays.

Conclusions

A novel design for a customized, 3D‐printed surgical template for thoracic spinal arthrodesis was presented, and improvements in terms of precision, duration, and safety were achieved without changing the standard procedure.
Event‐based distributed robust synchronization control for multiple Euler‐Lagrange systems without relative velocity measurements
Authors: Xu Tao , Duan Zhisheng , Sun Zhiyong
Published: May 2019

This paper focuses on the event‐based distributed robust leaderless synchronization control for multiple Euler‐Lagrange systems with directed communication topology that contains a directed spanning tree. Update frequency of the system is reduced by taking advantages of the event‐triggered approach, which can help extend the service life of the controller. Robust control theory is employed to guarantee the synchronization stability of the networked Euler‐Lagrange systems when unmodeled dynamics occur. The cost on the distributed synchronization protocol design can be saved due to the relaxation of the requirement on relative velocity measurements. Furthermore, our results are more practical because unknown disturbance is taken into consideration. In addition, it can be rigorously analyzed that each agent can exclude the undesired Zeno behavior. Some simulation examples are provided in the end to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed event‐based distributed robust control algorithm.
Computation of discriminating kernel and robust capture basin with regulation map by interval methods
Authors: Peng Bowen , Stancu Alexandru , Dang Shuping
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a novel algorithm that characterizes the robust capture basin and the discriminating kernel for constrained nonlinear systems with uncertainties based on viability theory. For nonlinear systems with constrained inputs and bounded uncertainties, the viability kernel is the largest set of states possessing a possibility to be viable in a set, and the capture basin is the largest set of states possessing a possibility to reach a target in a finite time, and keeping viable in a set before reaching the target. However, in the viability theory, both control and uncertainty in a parameterized system are considered as parameters: the discriminating kernel and the proposed robust capture basin link viability theory with robust control, which take both control and uncertainties into account. For the constrained uncertain nonlinear systems, the discriminating kernel is the largest set of states that is robust invariant in a set with proper control, and the robust capture basin is the largest set of states reaching their target in finite time with proper control despite of uncertainties and keeping viable in a set before reaching the target. Furthermore, we map all the states to optimal regulatory control such that the systems are regulated by a regulation map. To compute the robust capture basin and the discriminating kernel, we use interval methods to provide guaranteed solutions. The proposed algorithms in this paper approximate an outer approximation of the minimum reachable target and inner approximations of the robust capture basin and the discriminating kernel in a guaranteed way.
On the threshold problem for Latin boxes
Authors: Luria Zur , Simkin Michael
Published: May 2019

Let m ≤ n ≤ k. An m × n × k 0‐1 array is a Latin box
if it contains exactly m n ones, and has at most one 1 in each line. As a special case, Latin boxes in which m = n = k are equivalent to Latin squares. Let be the distribution on m × n × k 0‐1 arrays where each entry is 1 with probability p, independently of the other entries. The threshold question for Latin squares asks when contains a Latin square with high probability. More generally, when does support a Latin box with high probability? Let ε > 0. We give an asymptotically tight answer to this question in the special cases where n = k and , and where n = m and . In both cases, the threshold probability is . This implies threshold results for Latin rectangles and proper edge‐colorings of Kn,n.
Human Platelet Lysate Improves Bone Forming Potential of Human Progenitor Cells Expanded in Microcarrier-Based Dynamic Culture
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Hall Gabriella Nilsson , Geris Liesbet , Luyten Frank P. , Papantoniou Ioannis
Published: May 2019

Xenogeneic-free media are required for translating advanced therapeutic medicinal products to the clinics. In addition, process efficiency is crucial for ensuring cost efficiency, especially when considering large-scale production of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Human platelet lysate (HPL) has been increasingly adopted as an alternative for fetal bovine serum (FBS) for MSCs. However, its therapeutic and regenerative potential in vivo is largely unexplored. Herein, we compare the effects of FBS and HPL supplementation for a scalable, microcarrier-based dynamic expansion of human periosteum-derived cells (hPDCs) while assessing their bone forming capacity by subcutaneous implantation in small animal model. We observed that HPL resulted in faster cell proliferation with a total fold increase of 5.2 ± 0.61 in comparison to 2.7 ± 02.22-fold in FBS. Cell viability and trilineage differentiation capability were maintained by HPL, although a suppression of adipogenic differentiation potential was observed. Differences in mRNA expression profiles were also observed between the two on several markers. When implanted, we observed a significant difference between the bone forming capacity of cells expanded in FBS and HPL, with HPL supplementation resulting in almost three times more mineralized tissue within calcium phosphate scaffolds. FBS-expanded cells resulted in a fibrous tissue structure, whereas HPL resulted in mineralized tissue formation, which can be classified as newly formed bone, verified by μCT and histological analysis. We also observed the presence of blood vessels in our explants. In conclusion, we suggest that replacing FBS with HPL in bioreactor-based expansion of hPDCs is an optimal solution that increases expansion efficiency along with promoting bone forming capacity of these cells. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:810–821
Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Müller Glia Isolated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids: Improvement of Retinal Ganglion Cell Function upon Transplantation
Authors: Eastlake Karen , Wang Weixin , Jayaram Hari , Murray-Dunning Celia , Carr Amanda J. F. , Ramsden Conor M. , Vugler Anthony , Gore Katrina , Clemo Nadine , Stewart Mark , Coffey Pete , Khaw Peng T. , Limb G. Astrid
Published: May 2019

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, and there is an ongoing need for new therapies. Recent studies indicate that cell transplantation using Müller glia may be beneficial, but there is a need for novel sources of cells to provide therapeutic benefit. In this study, we have isolated Müller glia from retinal organoids formed by human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in vitro and have shown their ability to partially restore visual function in rats depleted of retinal ganglion cells by NMDA. Based on the present results, we suggest that Müller glia derived from retinal organoids formed by hiPSC may provide an attractive source of cells for human retinal therapies, to prevent and treat vision loss caused by retinal degenerative conditions. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:775–784
Negatively Charged Carbon Nanodots with Bacteria Resistance Ability for High‐Performance Antibiofilm Formation and Anticorrosion Coating Design
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Li Hao , Wang Huibo , Yao Bowen , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: May 2019

Multifunctional coatings, especially those with simultaneous antibiofilm formation and anticorrosion properties are of great significance for the marine industry. Inspired by the function of fish mucus of blackhead fish, a biological epidermal secretion with negative surface potential that protects blackhead fish from colonization of microorganisms, a concept is introduced to use negatively charged carbon nanodots (CDs) as a secure and economical dual‐functional additive to prepare protective coatings. The prepared CDs with strong negative surface potential initiate robust antibiofilm formation (antiadhesion and antibacteria) and anticorrosion properties (about 60 days' durability in seawater) of polymeric coatings. The incorporated CDs with negative surface potential take effect in the following ways: 1) suppressing bacterial adhesion by virtue of strong electrostatic repulsion; 2) sterilizing anchored bacteria via destroying bacterial cell walls; 3) impeding electron ejection from the metallic surface; and 4) blocking aggressive species (H2O and O2) by narrowing the microchannels. This work provides a new train of thought propelling the development of potential materials for industrial and engineering applications.
The unity of (social systems) science: The legacy of Bertalanffy
Authors: Cadenas Hugo
Published: May 2019

The article discusses Bertalanffy's project for the unity of science in the particular field of social sciences. The aim is to analyse shortcomings and to sketch new approaches to this matter. We identify two main obstacles, namely, the inner differentiation of social systems science and the threat of methodological nativism to Bertalanffy's project. Furthermore, the article examines the concepts of scientific system and cosmopolitanism as opposites to such obstacles and as legacies of Bertalanffy's view of science as well. The conclusion resumes the arguments and proposes new paths for general systems theory.
Evaluation of Fish Passage at a Nature‐Like Rock Ramp Fishway on a Large Coastal River
Authors: Raabe Joshua K. , Hightower Joseph E. , Ellis Timothy A. , Facendola Joseph J.
Published: May 2019

Nature‐like fishways are engineered to be low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing, and able to pass a diversity of species. However, evaluations of nature‐like fishways are limited, especially on large rivers and for anadromous species. Therefore, we studied a nature‐like “rock arch rapids” rock ramp fishway constructed in 2012 at the most downstream of three locks and dams (LDs) on the Cape Fear River, North Carolina. We evaluated upstream fish passage effectiveness and time until passage through the LD‐1 (river kilometer [rkm] 97) fishway and via locking procedures at LD‐2 (rkm 149) and LD‐3 (rkm 186) from March to early July for three consecutive years, 2013–2015. We used stationary acoustic telemetry receivers to evaluate tagged anadromous American Shad Alosa sapidissima and Striped Bass Morone saxatilis and introduced potamodromous Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris. For American Shad, raw upstream passage efficiency at the LD‐1 fishway was similar to that for LD passage via locking procedures in this and previous studies (53–65%), but passage rates were considerably lower for Striped Bass (19–25%). Duration downstream prior to upstream passage averaged 14.7 d for American Shad (SD = 10.2) and 11.6 d for Striped Bass (SD = 17.1). The raw upstream passage efficiency of Flathead Catfish at LD‐1 was variable (13–80%), and certain individuals passed multiple times in a season and spent extended durations downstream prior to passage (mean = 17.4 d; SD = 20.8), potentially foraging. The rock arch rapids LD‐1 fishway passed each species upstream in all years, but anadromous fish passage was delayed for some individuals and the fishway did not meet predetermined success criteria (80% passage efficiency), indicating that design modifications may be necessary to improve overall effectiveness.
Coho Salmon Growth in Relation to Natural Turbidity Regimes in a Coastal Stream of Northern California
Authors: Martin Douglas J. , Shelly Alice A. , Danehy Robert J. , Lang Emily D. , Hvozda Jonathon
Published: May 2019

We examined how the growth rate and food consumption of juvenile Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch varied in relation to natural turbidity regimes in a coastal stream of northern California. Instream sensors were used to continuously monitor the location, turbidity, and temperature exposure of juvenile Coho Salmon fitted with passive integrated transponder tags. We observed that overwinter growth rate and food consumption varied in relation to the duration and magnitude of turbidity and temperature exposure. Growth rate and food consumption were positively associated with low‐to‐moderate turbidity exposures that ranged from >3 NTU to >20 NTU and negatively associated with elevated turbidity exposures that ranged from > 55 NTU to >150 NTU. This shift to negative associations for fish that experienced long exposures at turbidity levels > 55 NTU suggests a threshold for assessing potential risk of impairment. However, our analyses show that the influence of turbidity on consumption and growth rate is complicated by a fish's temperature exposure history, which varies among fish depending on individual movement patterns and duration of residency within different stream reaches. Consequently, Coho Salmon growth reflects the net effect of turbidity, temperature, and other environmental factors that are associated with specific life history patterns. These findings advance our understanding of how natural turbidity regimes may influence Coho Salmon growth and offer insight for assessing biological impairment in streams. Moreover, our findings indicate how knowledge of environmental context is crucial for understanding the applicability of laboratory‐derived turbidity thresholds for fish populations in streams. Such findings corroborate other field‐based studies and add to evidence that laboratory‐derived turbidity thresholds alone may be inadequate predictors of biological impairment to stream fish populations.
Viral modulation of cellular RNA alternative splicing: A new key player in virus–host interactions?
Authors: Boudreault Simon , Roy Patricia , Lemay Guy , Bisaillon Martin
Published: May 2019

Upon viral infection, a tug of war is triggered between host cells and viruses to maintain/gain control of vital cellular functions, the result of which will ultimately dictate the fate of the host cell. Among these essential cellular functions, alternative splicing (AS) is an important RNA maturation step that allows exons, or parts of exons, and introns to be retained in mature transcripts, thereby expanding proteome diversity and function. AS is widespread in higher eukaryotes, as it is estimated that nearly all genes in humans are alternatively spliced. Recent evidence has shown that upon infection by numerous viruses, the AS landscape of host‐cells is affected. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of how virus infection impacts the AS of cellular transcripts. We also present various molecular mechanisms allowing viruses to modulate cellular AS. Finally, the functional consequences of these changes in the RNA splicing signatures during virus–host interactions are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Potassium uptake systems of Candida krusei
Authors: Elicharova Hana , Herynkova Pavla , Zimmermannova Olga , Sychrova Hana
Published: May 2019

Candida krusei is a pathogenic yeast species that is phylogenetically outside both of the well‐studied yeast groups, whole genome duplication and CUG. Like all other yeast species, it needs to accumulate high amounts of potassium cations, which are needed for proliferation and many other cell functions. A search in the sequenced genomes of nine C. krusei strains revealed the existence of two highly conserved genes encoding putative potassium uptake systems. Both of them belong to the TRK family, whose members have been found in all the sequenced genomes of species from the Saccharomycetales subclade. Analysis and comparison of the two C. krusei Trk sequences revealed all the typical features of yeast Trk proteins but also an unusual extension of the CkTrk2 hydrophilic N‐terminus. The expression of both putative CkTRK genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking its own potassium importers showed that only CkTrk1 is able to complement the absence of S. cerevisiae's own transporters and provide cells with a sufficient amount of potassium. Interestingly, a portion of the CkTrk1 molecules were localized to the vacuolar membrane. The presence of CkTrk2 had no evident phenotype, due to the fact that this protein was not correctly targeted to the S. cerevisiae plasma membrane. Thus, CkTrk2 is the first studied yeast Trk protein to date that was not properly recognized and targeted to the plasma membrane upon heterologous expression in S. cerevisiae.
Virulence and antifungal susceptibility of microsatellite genotypes of Candida albicans from superficial and deep locations
Authors: Wang Meizhu , Cao Yu , Xia Maoning , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M.S. , Ou Weizheng , Wang Yanyan , Sibirny Andriy A. , Zhao Liang , Zou Chenggang , Liao Wanqing , Bai Fengyan , Zhi Xie , de Hoog Sybren , Kang Yingqian
Published: May 2019

A set of 185 strains of Candida albicans from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and from non‐VVC clinical sources in southwest China was analysed. Strains were subjected to genotyping using CAI microsatellite typing and amplification of an intron‐containing region of the 25S rRNA gene. Microsatellite genotypes of strains from non‐VVC sources showed high polymorphism, whereas those of VVC were dominated by few, closely similar genotypes. However, among non‐VVC strains, two genotypes were particularly prevalent in patients with lung cancer. 25S rDNA genotype A was dominant in VVC sources (86.7%), whereas genotypes A, B, and C were rather evenly distributed among non‐VVC sources; known genotypes D and E were not found. In an experimental mouse model, isolates from lung cancer and AIDS patients proved to have higher virulence than VVC strains. Among 156 mice infected with C. albicans, 19 developed non‐invasive urothelial carcinoma. No correlation could be established between parameters of virulence, source of infection, and incidence of carcinoma. C. albicans strains from VVC were less susceptible to itraconazole than the strains from non‐VVC sources, whereas there was small difference in antifungal susceptibility between different 25S rDNA genotypes of C. albicans tested against amphotericin B, itraconazole, fluconazole, and flucytosine.
Symmetric forms for hyperbolic‐parabolic systems of multi‐gradient fluids
Authors: Gouin Henri
Published: May 2019

We consider multi‐gradient fluids endowed with a volume internal‐energy that is a function of mass density, volume entropy and their successive gradients. We obtain a thermodynamic form of the equation of motion and an equation of energy compatible with the two laws of thermodynamics. The equations of multi‐gradient fluids belong to the class of dispersive systems. In the conservative case, we can replace the set of equations by a quasi‐linear system written in a divergence form. Near an equilibrium position, we obtain a Hermitian‐symmetric system written in the form of Godunov's systems. Equilibrium positions are stable when the total volume energy of the fluid is a convex function of the conjugated variables ‐ called the main field ‐ of mass density, volume entropy, their successive gradients and velocity.
Singularity theorems for warped products and the stability of spatial extra dimensions
Authors: Cipriani Nastassja , Senovilla José M. M.
Published: May 2019

Abstract

New singularity theorems are derived for generic warped-product spacetimes of any dimension. The main purpose is to analyze the stability of (compact or large) extra dimensions against dynamical perturbations. To that end, the base of the warped product is assumed to be our visible 4-dimensional world, while the extra dimensions define the fiber, hence we considerextra-dimensional evolution. Explicit conditions on the warping function that lead to geodesic incompleteness are given. These conditions can be appropriately rewritten, given a warping function, as restrictions on the intrinsic geometry of the fiber — i.e. the extra dimensional space. To find the results, the conditions for parallel transportation in warped products in terms of their projections onto the base and the fibers have been solved, a result of independent mathematical interest that has been placed on an appendix.
Legacy effects of invasive grass impact soil microbes and native shrub growth
Authors: Pickett Brooke , Irvine Irina C. , Bullock Eric , Arogyaswamy Keshav , Aronson Emma
Published: May 2019

In California, invasive grasses have displaced native plants, transforming much of the endemic coastal sage scrub (CSS) to nonnative grasslands. This has occurred for several reasons, including increased competitive ability of invasive grasses and long-term alterations to the soil environment, called legacy effects. Despite the magnitude of this problem, however, it is not well understood how these legacy effects have altered the soil microbial community and, indirectly, native plant restoration. We assessed the microbial composition of soils collected from an uninvaded CSS community (uninvaded soil) and a nearby 10-ha site from which the invasive grass Harding grass (Phalaris aquaticaL.) was removed after 11 yr of growth (postinvasive soil). We also measured the survival rate, biomass, and length of three CSS species andP. aquaticagrown in both soil types (uninvaded and postinvasive). Our findings indicate thatP. aquaticamay create microbial legacy effects in the soil that likely cause soil conditions inhibitory to the survival rate, biomass, and length of coastal sagebrush, but not the other two native plant species. Specifically, coastal sagebrush growth was lower in the postinvasive soil, which had more Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria,Agrobacterium,Bradyrhizobium,Rhizobium(R. leguminosarum),Candidatus koribacter,Candidatus solibacter, and rhizophilic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and fewer Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria,Nitrospira, andRubrobactercompared with the uninvaded soil. Shifts in soil microbial community composition such as these can have important implications for restoration strategies in postinvasive sites.
Satellite patches, patch expansion, and doubling time as decision metrics for invasion control:Pennisetum ciliareexpansion in southwestern Arizona
Authors: Weston Jaron D. , McClaran Mitchel P. , Whittle Richard K. , Black Christian W. , Fehmi Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2019

Essential variables to consider for an efficient control strategy for invasive plants include dispersion pattern (i.e., satellite or invasion front) and patch expansion rate. These variables were demonstrated for buffelgrass [Pennisetum ciliare(L.) Link], a C4perennial grass introduced from Africa, which has invaded broadly around the world. The study site was along a roadway in southern Arizona (USA). TheP. ciliareplant distributions show the pattern of clumping associated with the satellite (nascent foci) colonization pattern (average nearest neighbor test,z-score −47.2, P<0.01). The distance between patches ranged from 0.743 to 12.8 km, with an average distance between patches of 5.6 km. Median patch expansion rate was 271% over the 3-yr monitoring period versus 136% found in other studies of establishedP. ciliarepatches. TargetingP. ciliaresatellite patches as a control strategy may exponentially reduce the areal doubling time, while targeting the largest patches may have less effect on the invasion speed.
Phylogeny, ancestors, and anagenesis in the hominin fossil record
Authors: Parins-Fukuchi Caroline , Greiner Elliot , MacLatchy Laura M. , Fisher Daniel C.
Published: May 2019

Probabilistic approaches to phylogenetic inference have recently gained traction in paleontological studies. Because they directly model processes of evolutionary change, probabilistic methods facilitate a deeper assessment of variability in evolutionary patterns by weighing evidence for competing models. Although phylogenetic methods used in paleontological studies have generally assumed that evolution proceeds by splitting cladogenesis, extensions to previous models help explore the potential for morphological and temporal data to provide differential support for contrasting modes of evolutionary divergence. Recent methodological developments have integrated ancestral relationships into probabilistic phylogenetic methods. These new approaches rely on parameter-rich models and sophisticated inferential methods, potentially obscuring the respective contributions of data and models. In this study, we describe a simple likelihoodist approach that combines probabilistic models of morphological evolution and fossil preservation to reconstruct both cladogenetic and anagenetic relationships. By applying this approach to a data set of fossil hominins, we demonstrate the capability of existing models to unveil evidence for anagenesis presented by morphological and temporal data. This evidence was previously recognized by qualitative assessments, but largely ignored by quantitative phylogenetic analyses. For example, we find support for directly ancestral relationships in multiple lineages:Sahelanthropusis ancestral to later hominins;Australopithecus anamensisis ancestral toAustralopithecus afarensis;Australopithecus garhiis ancestral toHomo;Homo antecessoris ancestral toHomo heidelbergensis, which in turn is ancestral to bothHomo sapiensandHomo neanderthalensis. By accommodating direct ancestry in phylogenetics, quantitative results align more closely with previous qualitative expectations.
Nondiscrimination in Trade and Investment Treaties: Worlds Apart or Two Sides of the Same Coin?
Authors: DiMascio Nicholas , Pauwelyn Joost
Published: May 2019

For global business, international trade and investment are bound at the hip. When businesses trade internationally, goods or services cross borders; when they invest, it is capital and other factors of production that do so. Companies trade to supply their foreign investments; they invest to facilitate and diversify their trade. In contrast, international law addresses trade and investment separately and regulates them in ways that are dramatically different. First, trade has been governed multilaterally since 1947 through what today is the World Trade Organization (WTO), whereas close to 2,600 separate bilateral investment treaties (BITs), which mushroomed only in the 1980s and 1990s, now regulate foreign direct investment (FDI). Second, hundreds of increasingly sophisticated WTO rules discipline trade, whereas a mere handful of principles cover investment—many of which derive from customary international law. Third, trade agreements are enforced exclusively between states, with reciprocal trade sanctions as the remedy of last resort; under investment treaties, private companies have standing to claim monetary damages from host country governments.
History of geological mapping of the Holocene Rhine-Meuse delta, the Netherlands
Authors: Berendsent H.J.A.
Published: May 2019

A brief overview is given of the history of geological mapping of the Holocene Rhine-Meuse delta. The first accurate map of the delta, based on field observations, was made by Vink (1926). The geological map of the Netherlands, scale 1 : 50,000, made by the ‘Geologische Stichting’ (1927 – 1938) under the supervision of P. Tesch totally neglected Vink’s work, and was a step backwards with regard to the mapping of the Holocene delta. Between 1940 and 1965, the Wageningen group of soil scientists produced detailed regional soil maps, that had a strong ‘geogenetic’ component. In the 1960’s a revolutionary ‘profile type legend’ was introduced by the Netherlands’ Geological Survey. This allowed to map not only the outcropping sediments, but the whole Holocene succession, which gave more insight into the geological history. Over the past 30 years, the Rhine-Meuse delta has been studied extensively by students of physical geography at Utrecht University. More than 250,000 borehole descriptions, 150014C dates and over 36,000 archeological artifacts with associated ages (collected by the National Service for Archaeological Heritage) have accumulated, resulting in the largest database of a delta in the world. The production of detailed maps has been crucial to the solution of many scientific problems. The use of GIS has greatly enhanced geological and geomorphological mapping, and subsequently, understanding of the evolution of the Holocene Rhine-Meuse delta. A new detailed digital elevation map of the Netherlands, based on very accurate laser-altimetry data, will enable us to map larger areas in greater detail, with greater accuracy, and in a much shorter period of time.
Luminescence dating of Netherlands’ sediments
Authors: Wallinga J. , Davids F. , Dijkmans J.W.A.
Published: May 2019

Over the last decades luminescence dating techniques have been developed that allow earth scientists to determine the time of deposition of sediments. In this contribution we review: 1) the development of the methodology; 2) tests of the reliability of luminescence dating on Netherlands’ sediments; and 3) geological applications of the method in the Netherlands. Our review shows that optically stimulated luminescence dating of quartz grains using the single aliquot regenerative dose method yields results in agreement with independent age control for deposits ranging in age from a few years up to 125 ka. Optical dating of quartz has successfully been applied to sediments from a wide range of depositional environments such as coastal dunes, cover sands, fluvial channel deposits, colluvial deposits and fimic soils. These results demonstrate that optical dating is a powerful tool to explore the natural archive of the Netherlands’ subsurface.
Aeolian and fluviolacustrine landforms and prehistoric human occupation on a technically influenced floodplain margin, the Méma, central Mali
Authors: Makaske B. , de Vries E. , Tainter J.A. , Mclntosh R.J.
Published: May 2019

The Mema is a semi-arid region in central Mali with a rich archaeological heritage indicating the former existence of large urban settlements. The archaeological data suggest millennia of occupation history of the Méma preceding relatively sudden abandonment by the 14th or 15th century AD. Population numbers have remained low since then and today’s human presence in the area is sparse and largely mobile. Geomorphologically, the Méma can be characterized as a graben hosting various generations of aeolian landforms and (presently mostly dry) interdunal channels and lakes, linked to the neighbouring Inland Niger Delta floodplain. Given this setting, and the variability of the Sahelian climate, climatic contributions to the region’s sudden abandonment are likely. A geomorphological survey of the region, and interpretation of the observed geomorphological record in terms of climatic history, aimed at providing a basis for understanding the intensive occupation and subsequent abandonment of the Méma. The results of this study underscore dramatic Holocene climatic variability, leading to the region’s present geomorphological diversity, but also suggest that neotectonic movements constitute an important additional cause of regional desiccation. Both may have encouraged prehistoric people to abandon the Méma after a long period of occupation.
A Dutch geoscience perspective on the Katrina disaster
Authors: Törnqvist T.E.
Published: May 2019

A combination of geological and anthropogenic processes have rendered the U.S. Gulf Coast in general – and the Mississippi Delta in particular – extremely sensitive to coastal hazard. Thus, the Katrina disaster was not a question of ‘if’ but of ‘when’. This contribution outlines the geo-environmental context of the Mississippi Delta that evolved during the 20th century and set the stage for Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. This includes a brief discussion of the processes responsible for coastal erosion and wetland loss, the proposed measures to combat these problems, and the policy decisions (or, rather, the lack thereof) made so far. A connection is made with the 1953 storm surge that devastated the southwestern Netherlands and had a profound impact on Dutch science and engineering by providing the impetus for the widely known and highly praised Delta Plan, as well as for unprecedented studies of Holocene sea-level change. Whether a similar route will be followed for the Gulf Coast is primarily dependent on the amount of political will. Results are presented of recent studies of crustal movements in the Mississippi Delta that show surprising long-term stability of the Pleistocene basement, evidence that could prove critical for decision makers with regard to the rebuilding process. Finally, the neglect of the precarious situation along the Gulf Coast by the federal government is viewed as a possible metaphor for current U.S. policies with respect to science in general, and to global warming in particular.

“Land that sits below sea level. Levees and dams that stand against nature’s fury. Countryside that sinks more every year. New Orleans? No. Holland: a nation whose flood protections makes ours look primitive and slapdash”

John McQuaid, The Times-Picayune, November 13, 2005
Sounding Arabic: postvernacular modes of performing the Arabic language in popular music by Israeli Jews
Authors: Erez Oded , Karkabi Nadeem
Published: May 2019

Popular music in Israel has recently seen a surge in the use of Arabic in music made by Israeli-Jewish musicians. Most of these, although descendants of immigrants from Arab countries, never acquired Arabic at home or in school, owing to national ideology which sought to label Arabic as the language of the non-Jewish other. This article reveals and contextualises this recent trend, offering a typology of the ways in which musicians engage with Arabic, their motivations for doing so and the challenges that they face. Discussing musicians who approach Arabic as Jewish heritage, as an aesthetic repository, or even as mere sound, we identify these mobilisations of Arabic as postvernacular uses of language, which often privilege its non-semantic qualities. Observed in the context of Israeli–Arab enmity, this trend appears to have emerged surprisingly not in spite of, but partly because of, the decline in peace prospects.
A technology and its vicissitudes: playing the gramophone in Sweden 1903–1945
Authors: Volgsten Ulrik
Published: May 2019

This inquiry deals with the changing role of the technology and the use of phonographs and gramophones during the first half of the 20th century. Rather than looking at the UK or USA, which much previous research has done, the focus is on peripheral Sweden. More specifically the question is how phonography turned from being a scientific curiosity into becoming an everyday media technology, and how it thereby influenced culture and everyday musical communication. The findings show two distinct approaches to recorded music, which intermingle in today's unprecedented musicalisation of culture and everyday life around the globe – approaches respectively described as utilitarian and solipsistic.
Challenging authenticity: fakes and forgeries in rock music
Authors: Atton Chris
Published: May 2019

Authenticity is a key concept in the evaluation of rock music by critics and fans. The production of fakes challenges the means by which listeners evaluate the authentic, by questioning central notions of integrity and sincerity. This article examines the nature and motives of faking in recorded music, such as inventing imaginary groups or passing off studio recordings as live performances. In addition to a survey of types of fakes and the motives of those responsible for them, the article presents two case studies, one of the ‘fake’ American group the Residents, the other of the Unknown Deutschland series of releases, purporting to be hitherto unknown recordings of German rock groups from the 1970s. By examining the critical reception of these cases and taking into account ethical and aesthetic considerations, the article argues that the relationship between the authentic (the ‘real’) and the inauthentic (the ‘fake’) is complex. It concludes that, to judge from fans’ responses at least, the fake can be judged as possessing cultural value and may even be considered as authentic.
Sexual violence and free speech in popular music
Authors: Hill Rosemary Lucy , Savigny Heather
Published: May 2019

This article re-examines the use of arguments in favour of free speech when faced with difficult subjects in music, such as sexual violence against women. We present a new perspective on the 1985 US Senate Hearing on Record Labeling and challenge the orthodoxy that the Hearing was only a matter of free speech. Using critical discourse analysis we argue that the sexist environment of the Hearing, the misogyny of the musicians, plus homosocial bonding resulted in the PMRC's arguments being unaddressed as attention turned to censorship. Subsequent academic work has continued to focus on censorship, neglecting to investigate how music can propagate dangerous representations. This article indicates the need for a shift in popular music studies towards careful consideration of those aspects which are difficult and dangerous for women. It therefore opens up popular music to important new areas for critical examination and feminist analysis.
Savoir thérapeutique et logique commercial
Authors: Sébastien Dalgalarrondo
Published: May 2019

Le développement de nouveaux médicaments nécessite la coopération d’acteurs aux intérêts parfois divergents. La recherche clinique est de ce fait un lieu d’observation privilégié de l’articulation entre connaissance et intérêts dans le domaine de la médecine. Notre texte s’appuie sur l’étude monographique d’une controverse opposant un laboratoire pharmaceutique à des cliniciens quant aux sens thérapeutiques qu’il convenait de donner aux résultats d’un essai majeur dans l’histoire des médicaments contre le virus du sida.
Qu’est-ce qu’un « enthousiasme civique » ? Sur l’historiographie des fêtes politiques en France après 1789
Authors: Mariot Nicolas
Published: May 2019

À partir d’une série chronologique d’ouvrages consacrés aux fêtes de souveraineté depuis 1789 en France, l’article questionne la fonction intégrative qui leur est ordinairement reconnue : le fait d’éprouver ensemble les mêmes émotions fabriquerait et/ou renforcerait le lien social. La démonstration suivie discute l’idée que les manifestations de liesse (applaudissements, acclamations) puissent représenter un bon indicateur de l’engagement militant, sinon des pensées politiques, des participants.À la question de savoir ce qu’est un enthousiasme civique, il répond simplement : un enthousiasme manifesté dans une situation civique reconnue comme telle par les participants eux-mêmes et/ou ainsi qualifiée par les organisateurs et commentateurs, profanes comme savants, de l’événement.
Les mystères rhétoriques de l’État médiéval. L’écriture du pouvoir en Europe occidentale (XIIIe-XVesiècle)
Authors: Grévin Benoît
Published: May 2019

L’analyse de la rhétorique solennelle du pouvoir au bas Moyen Âge (XIIIe-XVesiècle) pose des problèmes spécifiques liés à la coexistence de textes administratifs et politiques entièrement dépendants de formulaires figés avec une rhétorique d’apparat ménageant les possibilités d’une inventivité plus grande dans le respect des normes stylistiques en usage dans les diverses chancelleries. L’analyse des techniques de rédaction de ces derniers texts montre qu’ils dépendent de l’exploitation de recueils textuels d’un type particulier – lessumme dictaminis– en fonction de procédés de recréations textuelles sophistiqués permettant de recomposer un document en apparence original à partir d’un ou plusieurs modèles donnés. Cet art de la variation rhétorique est dépendant d’une mémorisation intensive du contenu dessummequi renvoie à une culture pratique du monde des chancelleries encore à explorer.
Sur la citoyenneté et le droit d’aubaine à l’époque moderne Réponse à Simona Cerutti
Authors: Sahlins Peter
Published: May 2019

Existait-il un « modèle français »de citoyenneté dans l’Ancien Régime fondé sur le droit d’aubaine, le droit du roi en tant que seigneur féodal de confisquer les biens des étrangers morts dans le royaume sans héritiers français de naissance ? L’État moderne est-il le cadre dans lequel l’étude de la nationalité se fait ? Cet article suggère que la récente critique deUnnaturally French: Foreign citizens in the Old Regime and afterpar Simona Cerutti dans lesAnnales, se fondant sur sa propre recherche sur le duché de Savoie, a mal interprété mon argument sur le lien entre la succession et la citoyenneté en France. L’étude de la citoyenneté pendant la période moderne est fondée sur la jurisprudence, l’administration et les pratiques stratégiques de naturalisation. Elle prend en compte à la fois le processus de création de l’État et aussi les stratégies de succession des étrangers ; elle esquisse l’expérience spécifique de la France par rapport à la Savoie et à l’Europe ; et enfin elle souligne la relation changeante entre la succession et la citoyenneté pendant le XVIIIesiècle.