bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flux approximation to the Aw-Rascle model of traffic flow
Authors: Liu Jinjing , Xiao Wanyi
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we analyze the phenomena of concentration and cavitation and the formation of delta-shocks and vacuum states in the limit of Riemann solutions to the Aw-Rascle model with a two-parameter flux approximation including pressure. It is proved that the limit of solutions tends to a special delta-shock rather than the classical one to the transport equations. In order to further study this problem, we consider a perturbed flux approximation system and proceed to investigate the limits of solutions. We rigorously proved that, as the flux approximation vanishes, any Riemann solution containing two shock waves tends to a delta-shock to the transport equations; any Riemann solution containing two rarefaction waves tends to a two-contact-discontinuity solution to the transport equations and the nonvacuum intermediate state in between tends to a vacuum state. Moreover, some representative numerical simulations are exhibited to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Phylogenetic relationships of Mediterranean black corals (Cnidaria : Anthozoa : Hexacorallia) and implications for classification within the order Antipatharia
Authors: Bo M. , Barucca M. , Biscotti M. A. , Brugler M. R. , Canapa A. , Canese S. , Lo Iacono C. , Bavestrello G.
Published: October 2018

The Mediterranean black coral fauna includes type species of four antipatharian genera belonging to four different families, therefore phylogenetic studies hold great potential for enhancing systematics within the order. The analysis of six Mediterranean antipatharian species by means of nuclear sequence data of internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) rDNA confirms the separation into different families, as was previously noted on a morphological basis, with a clear distinction of the family Leiopathidae, whose position is supported by a unique number of mesenteries and lack of spines on thicker ramifications. The position of a newly recorded black coral species for the Mediterranean basin belonging to the genus Phanopathes is discussed. Antipathes dichotoma, the type species of the genus Antipathes, on which the order Antipatharia was based, does not group with other members of the family Antipathidae. Supporting a recent finding based on mitochondrial markers, this suggests a critical need for revision of the families that will be impacted by reassignment of this nomenclaturally important taxon.
Trends in chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing and positivity in Western Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women 2001–2013: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Reekie Joanne , Donovan Basil , Guy Rebecca , Hocking Jane S. , Kaldor John M. , Mak Donna B. , Pearson Sallie , Preen David , Wand Handan , Ward James , Liu Bette ,   on behalf of the Chlamydia and Reproductive Health Outcome Investigators
Published: October 2018

Background: This study aimed to examine trends in chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing and positivity in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women of reproductive age. Methods: A cohort of 318002 women, born between 1974 and 1995, residing in Western Australia (WA) was determined from birth registrations and the 2014 electoral roll. This cohort was then probabilistically linked to all records of chlamydia and gonorrhoea nucleic acid amplification tests conducted by two large WA pathology laboratories between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2013. Trends in chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing and positivity were investigated over time and stratified by Aboriginality and age group. Results: The proportion of women tested annually for chlamydia increased significantly between 2001 and 2013 from 24.5% to 36.6% in Aboriginal and 4.0% to 8.5% in non-Aboriginal women (both P-values <0.001). Concurrent testing was high (>80%) and so patterns of gonorrhoea testing were similar. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea positivity were substantially higher in Aboriginal compared with non-Aboriginal women; age-, region- and year-adjusted incidence rate ratios were 1.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50–1.69, P < 0.001) and 11.80 (95% CI 10.77–12.91, P < 0.001) respectively. Chlamydia positivity increased significantly in non-Aboriginal women aged 15–19 peaking in 2011 at 13.3% (95% CI 12.5–14.2%); trends were less consistent among 15–19-year-old Aboriginal women but positivity also peaked in 2011 at 18.5% (95% CI 16.9–20.2%). Gonorrhoea positivity was 9.7% (95% CI 9.3–10.1%), 6.7% (95% CI 6.4–7.0%), 4.7% (4.4–5.0%), and 3.1% (2.8–3.4%) among Aboriginal women aged respectively 15–19, 20–24, 25–29 and ≥30 years, compared with <1% in all age groups in non-Aboriginal women. Over time, gonorrhoea positivity declined in all age groups among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women. Conclusion: Between 2001 and 2013 in WA chlamydia and gonorrhoea positivity remained highest in young Aboriginal women despite chlamydia positivity increasing among young non-Aboriginal women. More effective prevention strategies, particularly for young Aboriginal women, are needed to address these disparities.
Beyond pattern to process: current themes and future directions for the conservation of woodland birds through restoration plantings
Authors: Belder Donna J. , Pierson Jennifer C. , Ikin Karen , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: October 2018

Habitat loss as a result of land conversion for agriculture is a leading cause of global biodiversity loss and altered ecosystem processes. Restoration plantings are an increasingly common strategy to address habitat loss in fragmented agricultural landscapes. However, the capacity of restoration plantings to support reproducing populations of native plants and animals is rarely measured or monitored. This review focuses on avifaunal response to revegetation in Australian temperate woodlands, one of the world’s most heavily altered biomes. Woodland birds are a species assemblage of conservation concern, but only limited research to date has gone beyond pattern data and occupancy trends to examine whether they persist and breed in restoration plantings. Moreover, habitat quality and resource availability, including food, nesting sites and adequate protection from predation, remain largely unquantified. Several studies have found that some bird species, including species of conservation concern, will preferentially occupy restoration plantings relative to remnant woodland patches. However, detailed empirical research to verify long-term population growth, colonisation and extinction dynamics is lacking. If restoration plantings are preferentially occupied but fail to provide sufficient quality habitat for woodland birds to form breeding populations, they may act as ecological traps, exacerbating population declines. Monitoring breeding success and site fidelity are under-utilised pathways to understanding which, if any, bird species are being supported by restoration plantings in the long term. There has been limited research on these topics internationally, and almost none in Australian temperate woodland systems. Key knowledge gaps centre on provision of food resources, formation of optimal foraging patterns, nest-predation levels and the prevalence of primary predators, the role of brood parasitism, and the effects of patch size and isolation on resource availability and population dynamics in a restoration context. To ensure that restoration plantings benefit woodland birds and are cost-effective as conservation strategies, the knowledge gaps identified by this review should be investigated as priorities in future research.
Climate-driven declines in arthropod abundance restructure a rainforest food web
Authors: Lister Bradford C. , Garcia Andres
Published: October 2018

Significance

Arthropods, invertebrates including insects that have external skeletons, are declining at an alarming rate. While the tropics harbor the majority of arthropod species, little is known about trends in their abundance. We compared arthropod biomass in Puerto Rico’s Luquillo rainforest with data taken during the 1970s and found that biomass had fallen 10 to 60 times. Our analyses revealed synchronous declines in the lizards, frogs, and birds that eat arthropods. Over the past 30 years, forest temperatures have risen 2.0 °C, and our study indicates that climate warming is the driving force behind the collapse of the forest’s food web. If supported by further research, the impact of climate change on tropical ecosystems may be much greater than currently anticipated.
Density-dependent adult recruitment in a low-density tropical tree
Authors: Kellner James R. , Hubbell Stephen P.
Published: October 2018

Significance

An important class of negative feedbacks in population dynamics is the activity of host-specific enemies that disproportionately kill individuals in locations where they are common. This mechanism, called the Janzen–Connell hypothesis, has been proposed as a determinant of the large number of species in tropical forests. A critical but untested assumption of the hypothesis is that density-dependent mortality among juvenile trees reduces the probability of adult recruitment. Here, we show that adult recruitment is negatively density dependent in a low-density tree population using time series from high-resolution remote sensing. However, this density dependence was not strong enough to stabilize the size of the adult population, which increased significantly in size.
Potential downside of high initial visual acuity
Authors: Vogelsang Lukas , Gilad-Gutnick Sharon , Ehrenberg Evan , Yonas Albert , Diamond Sidney , Held Richard , Sinha Pawan
Published: October 2018

Significance

As newborns, we start with poor visual acuity, attributable to retinal and cortical immaturities. This has been considered to be a limitation of early visual processing. We propose that initially poor retinal acuity may, in fact, have adaptive value. It may help set up processing strategies and receptive fields in the cortex that facilitate spatial analysis over extended areas. Observations from children who started their visual journeys with abnormally high visual acuity, and computational simulations with deep neural networks trained on high-resolution or blurred images, corroborate this proposal. The results have implications for understanding normal visual development; identifying causal roots of, and interventions for, important visual processing impairments; and creating better training procedures for computational vision systems.
Facebook language predicts depression in medical records
Authors: Eichstaedt Johannes C. , Smith Robert J. , Merchant Raina M. , Ungar Lyle H. , Crutchley Patrick , Preoţiuc-Pietro Daniel , Asch David A. , Schwartz H. Andrew
Published: October 2018

Significance

Depression is disabling and treatable, but underdiagnosed. In this study, we show that the content shared by consenting users on Facebook can predict a future occurrence of depression in their medical records. Language predictive of depression includes references to typical symptoms, including sadness, loneliness, hostility, rumination, and increased self-reference. This study suggests that an analysis of social media data could be used to screen consenting individuals for depression. Further, social media content may point clinicians to specific symptoms of depression.
Color opponency with a single kind of bistable opsin in the zebrafish pineal organ
Authors: Wada Seiji , Shen Baoguo , Kawano-Yamashita Emi , Nagata Takashi , Hibi Masahiko , Tamotsu Satoshi , Koyanagi Mitsumasa , Terakita Akihisa
Published: October 2018

Significance

Color discrimination in animals is considered to require opponent processing of signals from two or more opsins sensitive to different parts of the spectrum. We previously reported that lower vertebrate pineal organs, which discriminate between UV and visible light, employ a bistable opsin called parapinopsin that has two stable photointerconvertible states, a signaling-inactive state maximally sensitive to UV and a visible light-sensitive signaling-active photoproduct. Here, we present evidence that the photoequilibrium between these two states in the zebrafish pineal organ is dependent on the spectral composition of incident light, setting the opsin’s signaling activity according to color to allow parapinopsin alone to generate color opponency between UV and visible light at the level of single pineal photoreceptor cells.
Pathological transitions in myelin membranes driven by environmental and multiple sclerosis conditions
Authors: Shaharabani Rona , Ram-On Maor , Talmon Yeshayahu , Beck Roy
Published: October 2018

Significance

In demyelination diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, the structure of the axons’ protective sheaths is disrupted. Due to the proximity of cytoplasmic myelin membrane to structural phase transition, minor alterations in the local environmental conditions can have devastating results. Using small-angle X-ray scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, we show that drastic structural reorganization and instabilities of myelin membrane are linked to specific environmental conditions and molecular composition in healthy and diseased states. These instabilities involve phase transition from the healthy lamellar membranes to pathological inverted hexagonal phase. These results highlight that local environmental conditions are critical for myelin function and should be considered as alternative routes for early pathology and as a means to avoid the initiation of demyelination.
Mammal diversity will take millions of years to recover from the current biodiversity crisis
Authors: Davis Matt , Faurby Søren , Svenning Jens-Christian
Published: October 2018

Significance

Biodiversity is more than the number of species on Earth. It is also the amount of unique evolutionary history in the tree of life. We find that losses of this phylogenetic diversity (PD) are disproportionally large in mammals compared with the number of species that have recently gone extinct. This lost PD can only be restored with time as lineages evolve and create new evolutionary history. Without coordinated conservation, it will likely take millions of years for mammals to naturally recover from the biodiversity losses they are predicted to endure over the next 50 y. However, by prioritizing PD in conservation, we could potentially save billions of years of unique evolutionary history and the important ecological functions they may represent.
Prevalent reliance of bacterioplankton on exogenous vitamin B1 and precursor availability
Authors: Paerl Ryan W. , Sundh John , Tan Demeng , Svenningsen Sine L. , Hylander Samuel , Pinhassi Jarone , Andersson Anders F. , Riemann Lasse
Published: October 2018

Significance

Virtually all organisms require vitamin B1, including bacterioplankton that impact nutrient cycling and productivity in aquatic systems and Earth’s climate. Here, we show that B1 auxotrophy, the need for exogenous B1 or precursors for survival, is widespread among wild bacterioplankton. Genetic analyses of wild bacterioplankton revealed that most are B1 auxotrophs and the abundance of several B1-related genotypes changes temporally at an estuarine monitoring station, suggesting that B1/precursor availability influences bacterioplankton succession. Complementarily, in-field nutrient-amendment experiments and bioassays indicate that B1/precursor bioavailability periodically limits bulk growth of bacterioplankton. Together the presented data highlight the prevalent reliance of bacterioplankton upon exogenous B1/precursors and suggest a hitherto overlooked influence of B1/precursor availability on aquatic biochemical cycling.
Lawful tracking of visual motion in humans, macaques, and marmosets in a naturalistic, continuous, and untrained behavioral context
Authors: Knöll Jonas , Pillow Jonathan W. , Huk Alexander C.
Published: October 2018

Significance

We characterize spatiotemporal integration of naturalistic, continuous visual motion of three primate species (humans, macaques, and marmosets). All three species volitionally, but naturally, track the center of expansion of a dynamic optic flow field. Detailed analysis of this flow-tracking behavior reveals lawful and repeatable dependencies of the behavior on nuances in the stimulus, revealing that even unconstrained and continuous behavior can exhibit the sort of precise dependencies typically studied only in artificial and constrained tasks.
Frequent monoallelic or skewed expression for developmental genes in CNS-derived cells and evidence for balancing selection
Authors: Branciamore Sergio , Valo Zuzana , Li Min , Wang Jinhui , Riggs Arthur D. , Singer-Sam Judith
Published: October 2018

Significance

While most mammalian genes are expressed from both chromosomal copies, many autosomal genes randomly express only one allele in a given cell, resulting in somatic cellular mosaicism. To better understand the mechanisms, developmental aspects, and evolution of autosomal monoallelic expression (MAE), we used nucleotide polymorphism differences between hybrid mice to analyze MAE of clonal neural stem cell lines as they differentiated to astrocytes. We found that genes showing MAE are highly enriched among developmental stage-specific genes. Genes showing strong skewed expression are similarly enriched. We also found evidence suggestive of balancing selection not just for genes with MAE but also, for developmental stage-specific genes.
Prolonging healthy aging: Longevity vitamins and proteins
Authors: Ames Bruce N.
Published: October 2018

It is proposed that proteins/enzymes be classified into two classes according to their essentiality for immediate survival/reproduction and their function in long-term health: that is, survival proteins versus longevity proteins. As proposed by the triage theory, a modest deficiency of one of the nutrients/cofactors triggers a built-in rationing mechanism that favors the proteins needed for immediate survival and reproduction (survival proteins) while sacrificing those needed to protect against future damage (longevity proteins). Impairment of the function of longevity proteins results in an insidious acceleration of the risk of diseases associated with aging. I also propose that nutrients required for the function of longevity proteins constitute a class of vitamins that are here named “longevity vitamins.” I suggest that many such nutrients play a dual role for both survival and longevity. The evidence for classifying taurine as a conditional vitamin, and the following 10 compounds as putative longevity vitamins, is reviewed: the fungal antioxidant ergothioneine; the bacterial metabolites pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and queuine; and the plant antioxidant carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, α- and β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and the marine carotenoid astaxanthin. Because nutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in the United States (and elsewhere), appropriate supplementation and/or an improved diet could reduce much of the consequent risk of chronic disease and premature aging.
Highly bioavailable dust-borne iron delivered to the Southern Ocean during glacial periods
Authors: Shoenfelt Elizabeth M. , Winckler Gisela , Lamy Frank , Anderson Robert F. , Bostick Benjamin C.
Published: October 2018

Significance

Dust-borne iron fertilization of Southern Ocean phytoplankton contributes to lower glacial atmospheric CO
2
. Previous studies evaluating the impact of dust on climate estimate bioavailable iron using total iron fluxes in sediment cores. Thus, all iron is considered equally bioavailable over geologic time, despite evidence that glaciers mobilize highly bioavailable iron from bedrock, which winds can deliver to the Southern Ocean. Here we reconstruct dust-borne iron speciation over the last glacial cycle, showing that highly bioavailable iron(II) silicate minerals are a greater fraction of total iron reaching the Southern Ocean during glacial periods. The abundance of iron(II) silicates likely controls the bioavailable iron supply to the Southern Ocean and contributes to the previously observed increase in glacial productivity and CO
2
drawdown.
Birth delivery mode alters perinatal cell death in the mouse brain
Authors: Castillo-Ruiz Alexandra , Mosley Morgan , Jacobs Andrew J. , Hoffiz Yarely C. , Forger Nancy G.
Published: October 2018

Significance

The rate of cesarean section (C-section) delivery worldwide far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended rate. C-section delivery has been linked to behavioral effects in the offspring. This suggests effects on the brain, but human studies are confounded by the medical complications, altered birth timing, and maternal factors associated with C-section delivery. We addressed these limitations in a carefully controlled study in mice. Vaginally-born offspring exhibited an acute decrease in cell death across the brain that was absent in C-section–born mice. C-section delivery also was associated with softer vocalizations, as well as with a reduction in at least one neuronal cell type and increased body weight at weaning. Thus, birth mode has acute effects on neurodevelopment that may lead to lasting changes in the brain and behavior.
Herpesvirus trigger accelerates neuroinflammation in a nonhuman primate model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Leibovitch Emily C. , Caruso Breanna , Ha Seung Kwon , Schindler Matthew K. , Lee Nathanael J. , Luciano Nicholas J. , Billioux Bridgette J. , Guy Joseph R. , Yen Cecil , Sati Pascal , Silva Afonso C. , Reich Daniel S. , Jacobson Steven
Published: October 2018

Significance

Inflammatory processes drive the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS). However, what triggers this inflammation remains unknown. Several herpesviruses (HHVs), such as HHV-6 typically acquired during childhood, are associated with MS. The temporal separation between HHV-6 acquisition and MS development complicates its study as a disease trigger. Because rodents are not susceptible to HHV-6 infection, we utilized nonhuman primates to examine the impact of HHV-6 infection on an experimental MS-like disease. The viral infections were asymptomatic; however, the MS-like disease was significantly accelerated in all virally inoculated animals. Our data support the hypothesis that viruses may act as triggers to lower the threshold for autoimmunity, and warrant trials of antiviral interventions in early disease stages.
A relational account of intellectual autonomy
Authors: Elzinga Benjamin
Published: October 2018

According to relational views of autonomy, some social relations or forms of dependence are necessary for autonomous agency. Recent relational theorists have primarily focused on autonomy of action or practical autonomy, and the result has been a shift away from individualistic conceptions of autonomy in the practical realm. Despite these trends, individualistic conceptions are still the default when it comes to autonomy of belief or intellectual autonomy. In this paper, I argue for a relational account of intellectual autonomy. Specifically, I claim that intellectual autonomy requires a sense of one’s standing as an equal member of the epistemic community.
The gut microbiome: Relationships with disease and opportunities for therapy
Authors: Durack Juliana , Lynch Susan V.
Published: October 2018

Over the past decade, our view of human-associated microbes has expanded beyond that of a few species toward an appreciation of the diverse and niche-specialized microbial communities that develop in the human host with chronological age. The largest reservoir of microbes exists in the distal gastrointestinal tract, both in the lumen, where microbes facilitate primary and secondary metabolism, and on mucosal surfaces, where they interact with host immune cell populations. While local microbial-driven immunomodulation in the gut is well described, more recent studies have demonstrated a role for the gut microbiome in influencing remote organs and mucosal and hematopoietic immune function. Unsurprisingly, therefore, perturbation to the composition and function of the gut microbiota has been associated with chronic diseases ranging from gastrointestinal inflammatory and metabolic conditions to neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory illnesses. Considerable effort is currently focused on understanding the natural history of microbiome development in humans in the context of health outcomes, in parallel with improving our knowledge of microbiome–host molecular interactions. These efforts ultimately aim to develop effective approaches to rehabilitate perturbed human microbial ecosystems as a means to restore health or prevent disease. This review details the role of the gut microbiome in modulating host health with a focus on immunomodulation and discusses strategies for manipulating the gut microbiome for the management or prevention of chronic inflammatory conditions.
A clearer image of the structure and regulation of bestrophin
Authors: Stockbridge Randy B.
Published: October 2018

Stockbridge highlights new work revealing an allosteric inactivation mechanism for the bestrophin channel.
Circularly polarized thermal emission from chiral metasurface in the absence of magnetic field
Authors: Dyakov S.A. , Ignatov A.V. , Tikhodeev S.G. , Gippius N.A.
Published: October 2018

We report on the thermal radiation source which emits circularly polarized thermal radiation in the absence of an external magnetic field. The geometry of thermal source includes a photonic crystal slab waveguide with chiral morphology. We show that due to the absence of a mirror symmetry of such metasurface, the thermally generated electromagnetic waves are circularly polarized with the circular polarization degree of 0.87. Using the Fourier modal method we study the structure eigenmodes and analyze the field distributions in them.
On pro-𝑝-Iwahori invariants of 𝑅-representations of reductive 𝑝-adic groups
Authors: Abe N. , Henniart G. , Vignéras M.-F.
Published: October 2018

Let

F
F

be a locally compact field with residue characteristic

p
p

, and let

G

\mathbf {G}

be a connected reductive

F
F

-group. Let

U

\mathcal {U}

be a pro-

p
p

Iwahori subgroup of

G
=

G

(
F
)

G = \mathbf {G}(F)

. Fix a commutative ring

R
R

. If

π
\pi

is a smooth

R
[
G
]

R[G]

-representation, the space of invariants

π

U

\pi ^{\mathcal {U}}

is a right module over the Hecke algebra

H

\mathcal {H}

of

U

\mathcal {U}

in

G
G

.

Let

P
P

be a parabolic subgroup of

G
G

with a Levi decomposition

P
=
M
N

P = MN

adapted to

U

\mathcal {U}

. We complement a previous investigation of Ollivier-Vignéras on the relation between taking

U

\mathcal {U}

-invariants and various functor like

Ind
P
G

\operatorname {Ind}_P^G

and right and left adjoints. More precisely the authors’ previous work with Herzig introduced representations

I
G

(
P
,
σ
,
Q
)

I_G(P,\sigma ,Q)

where

σ
\sigma

is a smooth representation of

M
M

extending, trivially on

N
N

, to a larger parabolic subgroup

P
(
σ
)

P(\sigma )

, and

Q
Q

is a parabolic subgroup between

P
P

and

P
(
σ
)

P(\sigma )

. Here we relate

I
G

(
P
,
σ
,
Q

)

U

I_G(P,\sigma ,Q)^{\mathcal {U}}

to an analogously defined

H

\mathcal {H}

-module

I

H

(
P
,

σ

U

M

,
Q
)

I_\mathcal {H}(P,\sigma ^{\mathcal {U}_M},Q)

, where

U

M

=

U

∩
M

\mathcal {U}_M = \mathcal {U}\cap M

and

σ

U

M

\sigma ^{\mathcal {U}_M}

is seen as a module over the Hecke algebra

H

M

\mathcal {H}_M

of

U

M

\mathcal {U}_M

in

M
M

. In the reverse direction, if

V

\mathcal {V}

is a right

H

M

\mathcal {H}_M

-module, we relate
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper I Subscript script upper H Baseline left-parenthesis upper P comma script upper V comma upper Q right-parenthesis circled-times normal c hyphen normal upper I normal n normal d Subscript script upper U Superscript upper G Baseline bold 1">

I

H

(
P
,

V

,
Q
)
⊗

c
-
I
n
d

U

G

⁡

1

I_\mathcal {H}(P,\mathcal {V},Q)\otimes \operatorname {c-Ind}_\mathcal {U}^G\mathbf {1}

to
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper I Subscript upper G Baseline left-parenthesis upper P comma script upper V circled-times Subscript script upper H Sub Subscript upper M Subscript Baseline normal c hyphen normal upper I normal n normal d Subscript script upper U Sub Subscript upper M Subscript Superscript upper M Baseline bold 1 comma upper Q right-parenthesis">

I
G

(
P
,

V

⊗

H

M

c
-
I
n
d

U

M

M

⁡

1

,
Q
)

I_G(P,\mathcal {V}\otimes _{\mathcal {H}_M}\operatorname {c-Ind}_{\mathcal {U}_M}^M\mathbf {1},Q)

. As an application we prove that if

R
R

is an algebraically closed field of characteristic

p
p

, and

π
\pi

is an irreducible admissible representation of

G
G

, then the contragredient of

π
\pi

is

0
0

unless

π
\pi

has finite dimension.
On a degenerate problem in the calculus of variations
Authors: Bouchitté Guy , Bousquet Pierre
Published: October 2018

We establish the uniqueness of the solutions for a degenerate scalar problem in the multiple integrals calculus of variations. The proof requires as a preliminary step the study of the regularity properties of the solutions and of their level sets. We exploit the uniqueness and the regularity results to explore some of their qualitative properties. In particular, we emphasize the link between the supports of the solutions and the Cheeger problem.
An obstacle problem arising in large exponent limit of power mean curvature flow equation
Authors: Liu Qing , Yamada Naoki
Published: October 2018

We study limit behavior for the level-set power mean curvature flow equation as the exponent tends to infinity. Under Lipschitz continuity, quasiconvexity, and coercivity of the initial condition, we show that the limit of the viscosity solutions can be characterized as the minimal supersolution of an obstacle problem involving the

1
1

-Laplacian. Such behavior is closely related to applications of power mean curvature flow in image denoising. We also discuss analogous behavior for other evolution equations with related applications.
Global solvability of real analytic involutive systems on compact manifolds. Part 2
Authors: Hounie Jorge , Zugliani Giuliano
Published: October 2018

This work continues a previous study by Hounie and Zugliani on the global solvability of a locally integrable structure of tube type and a corank one, considering a linear partial differential operator

L

\mathbb L

associated with a real analytic closed

1
1

-form defined on a real analytic closed

n
n

-manifold. We deal now with a general complex form and complete the characterization of the global solvability of

L

.

\mathbb L.

In particular, we state a general theorem, encompassing the main result of Hounie and Zugliani.

As in Hounie and Zugliani’s work, we are also able to characterize the global hypoellipticity of

L

\mathbb L

and the global solvability of

L

n
−
1

\mathbb L^{n-1}

—the last nontrivial operator of the complex when

M
M

is orientable—which were previously considered by Bergamasco, Cordaro, Malagutti, and Petronilho in two separate papers, under an additional regularity assumption on the set of the characteristic points of

L

.

\mathbb L.
Evaluation of Exposure Assessment Tools under REACH: Part I—Tier 1 Tools
Authors: Lee Eun Gyung , Lamb Judith , Savic Nenad , Basinas Ioannis , Gasic Bojan , Jung Christian , Kashon Michael L , Kim Jongwoon , Tischer Martin , van Tongeren Martie , Vernez David , Harper Martin
Published: October 2018

Tier 1 occupational exposure assessment tools recommended for use under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and restriction of CHemicals (REACH) were evaluated using newly collected measurement data. Evaluated tools included the ECETOC TRAv2 and TRAv3, MEASEv1.02.01, and EMKG-EXPO-TOOL. Fifty-three exposure situations (ESs) based on tasks/chemicals were developed from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health field surveys. During the field surveys, high quality contextual information required for evaluating the tools was also collected. For each ES, applicable tools were then used to generate exposure estimates using a consensus approach. Among 53 ESs, only those related to an exposure category of liquids with vapor pressure (VP) > 10 Pa had sufficient numbers of exposure measurements (42 ESs with n = 251 for TRAv2 and TRAv3 and 40 ESs with n = 243 for EMKG-EXPO-TOOL) to be considered in detail. The results for other exposure categories (aqueous solutions, liquids with VP ≤ 10 Pa, metal processing, powders, and solid objects) had insufficient measurement to allow detailed analyses (results listed in the Supplementary File). Overall, EMKG-EXPO-TOOL generated more conservative results than TRAv2 and TRAv3 for liquids with high VP. This finding is at least partly due to the fact that the EMKG-EXPO-TOOL only considers pure substances and not mixtures of chemical agents. For 34 out of 40 ESs available for chemicals with VP > 10 Pa, the liquid was a mixture rather than a pure substance. TRAv3 was less conservative than TRAv2, probably due to additional refinement of some input parameters. The percentages of exposure measurement results exceeding the corresponding tool estimates for liquids with VP > 10 Pa by process category and by input parameters were always higher for TRAv3 compared to those for TRAv2. Although the conclusions of this study are limited to liquids with VP > 10 Pa and few process categories, this study utilized the most transparent contextual information compared to previous studies, reducing uncertainty from assumptions for unknown input parameters. A further validation is recommended by collecting sufficient exposure data covering other exposure categories and all process categories under REACH.
Potential Hazards Not Communicated in Safety Data Sheets of Flavoring Formulations, Including Diacetyl and 2,3-Pentanedione
Authors: LeBouf Ryan F , Hawley Brie , Cummings Kristin J
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Workers using flavoring formulations containing diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione may be at risk of inhalational exposure, as these volatile hazardous chemicals are emitted from the bulk material, especially at elevated temperatures. However, flavoring formulations that contain diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione might not list these ingredients because they are generally recognized as safe to ingest, may be part of a proprietary mixture deemed a trade secret, or may not be required to be listed if they are present at <1% composition. The objective of this study was to investigate whether potential inhalational hazards present in flavoring samples were reported as chemical ingredients on their corresponding safety data sheets (SDSs).

Methods

A convenience sample of 26 bulk liquid flavorings obtained from two coffee roasting and packaging facilities in the USA was analyzed for 20 volatile organic chemicals present in the headspaces of vials containing flavoring liquids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Flavoring samples were included in the study if headspace analysis results and SDSs were available. Flavoring samples included hazelnut, French vanilla, amaretto, chocolate, and caramel as well as some flavoring mixtures containing added fruit flavors such as cherry and raspberry. The presence of a chemical in the flavoring formulation was then compared to the ingredient list on the SDSs.

Results

All the flavoring SDSs contained trade secret designations. None of the SDSs listed diacetyl or 2,3-pentanedione. Headspace analyte concentrations revealed that diacetyl was present in 21 of 26 samples (81%) with a maximum concentration of 5.84 × 104 µg m−3 in flavor 18 (caramel). 2,3-Pentanedione was present in 15 flavors (58%) with a maximum concentration of 3.79 × 105 µg m−3 in flavor 24 (oatmeal cookies).

Conclusions

A majority of the flavorings tested had diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, or both as volatile constituents in the headspace. These chemicals were not listed on the SDSs, but inclusion of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione on SDSs would serve to protect downstream users from unrecognized exposure and potential respiratory disease. The headspace technique presented here is a viable tool to rapidly screen for volatile hazardous chemicals that may be present in flavoring formulations. Facilities that use flavorings should be aware that constituents in flavorings may present a potential inhalational hazard even if not identified as such by the SDS. A precautionary approach is warranted when working with flavorings, including exposure monitoring and effective exposure control strategies such as containment and local exhaust ventilation.
Quantifying the Infectiousness of Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis Toward Sand Flies
Authors: Mondal Dinesh , Bern Caryn , Ghosh Debashis , Rashid Masud , Molina Ricardo , Chowdhury Rajashree , Nath Rupen , Ghosh Prakash , Chapman Lloyd A C , Alim Abdul , Bilbe Graeme , Alvar Jorge
Published: October 2018

Background

On the Indian subcontinent, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) incidence is on track to reach elimination goals by 2020 in nearly all endemic districts. Although not included in official targets, previous data suggest post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) patients can act as an infection reservoir.

Methods

We conducted xenodiagnosis on 47 PKDL patients and 15 VL patients using laboratory-reared Phlebotomus argentipes. In direct xenodiagnosis, flies were allowed to feed on the patient’s skin for 15 minutes. For indirect xenodiagnosis, flies were fed through a membrane on the patient’s blood. Five days later, blood-fed flies were dissected and examined by microscopy and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A 3-mm skin snip biopsy (PKDL) or venous blood (VL) was processed by quantitative PCR.

Results

Twenty-seven PKDL patients (57.4%) had positive results by direct and/or indirect xenodiagnosis. Direct was significantly more sensitive than indirect xenodiagnosis (55.3% vs 6.4%, P < .0001). Those with positive xenodiagnosis had median skin parasite loads >1 log10 unit higher than those with negative results (2.88 vs 1.66, P < .0001). In a multivariable model, parasite load, nodular lesions, and positive skin microscopy were significantly associated with positive xenodiagnosis. Blood parasite load was the strongest predictor for VL. Compared to VL, nodular PKDL was more likely and macular PKDL less likely to result in positive xenodiagnosis, but neither difference reached statistical significance.

Conclusions

Nodular and macular PKDL, and VL, can be infectious to sand flies. Active PKDL case detection and prompt treatment should be instituted and maintained as an integral part of VL control and elimination programs.
An Assessment of Potential Unintended Consequences Following a National Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in England: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Balinskaite Violeta , Bou-Antoun Sabine , Johnson Alan P , Holmes Alison , Aylin Paul
Published: October 2018

Background

The “Quality Premium” (QP) introduced in England in 2015 aimed to financially reward local healthcare commissioners for targeted reductions in primary care antibiotic prescribing. We aimed to evaluate possible unintended clinical outcomes related to this QP.

Methods

Using Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episode Statistics datasets, we examined general practitioner (GP) consultations (visits) and emergency hospital admissions related to a series of predefined conditions of unintended consequences of reduced prescribing. Monthly age- and sex-standardized rates were calculated using a direct method of standardization. We used segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series to evaluate the impact of the QP on seasonally adjusted outcome rates.

Results

We identified 27334 GP consultations and >5 million emergency hospital admissions with predefined conditions. There was no evidence that the QP was associated with changes in GP consultation and hospital admission rates for the selected conditions combined. However, when each condition was considered separately, a significant increase in hospital admission rates was noted for quinsy, and significant decreases were seen for hospital-acquired pneumonia, scarlet fever, pyelonephritis, and complicated urinary tract conditions. A significant decrease in GP consultation rates was estimated for empyema and scarlet fever. No significant changes were observed for other conditions.

Conclusions

Findings from this study show that overall there was no significant association between the intervention and unintended clinical consequences, with the exception of a few specific conditions, most of which could be explained through other parallel policy changes or should be interpreted with caution due to small numbers.
Analysis and finite element discretization for optimal control of a linear fluid–structure interaction problem with delay
Authors: Peralta Gilbert , Kunisch Karl
Published: October 2018

An optimal control problem for a linearized fluid–structure interaction model with a delay term in the structural damping is analyzed. A distributed control acting on the fluid domain, structure domain or both is considered. The necessary optimality conditions are derived both for rough and smooth initial data. A parabolic regularization of the problem and its convergence are investigated. Finite element discretization for the regularized problem and error estimates are provided. Piecewise linear elements with bubble functions for the fluid and a discontinuous Galerkin scheme for the spatial and temporal discretizations are utilized respectively. Numerical experiments illustrating the theoretical results are given.
P
1 finite element methods for an elliptic optimal control problem with pointwise state constraints
Authors: Brenner Susanne C , Sung Li-yeng , Gedicke Joscha
Published: October 2018

We present theoretical and numerical results for two $P_1$ finite element methods for an elliptic distributed optimal control problem on general polygonal/polyhedral domains with pointwise state constraints.
Explantation of Percutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulator Devices: A Retrospective Descriptive Analysis of a Single-Center 15-Year Experience
Authors: Simopoulos Thomas , Aner Moris , Sharma Sanjiv , Ghosh Priyanka , Gill Jatinder S
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aims of this study were to identify the reasons for explanation of spinal cord stimulator (SCS) devices and to further quantify the proportions and time lines of these causes of explantation in order to determine improvement opportunities for the development of best practices.

Design

Retrospective, single academic center.

Materials and Methods

Patients who were implanted with percutaneous SCS devices from 2002 to 2015 and with follow-up available until the end of September 2017 were included in this retrospective chart analysis.

Results

Of the 356 patients trialed, 252 underwent implantation of an SCS device with a permanent to trial ratio of 71%. Of the patients who had a permanent implant, 50% had failed back surgery syndrome, 25% had complex regional pain syndrome, and 25% had other diagnoses. At the end of the study period, the explantation rate was 30%. The causes for explantation included biological complications (26.6%), paresthesia limitations or side effects (26.6%), hardware complications (13.3%), ineffective pain control (28%), and no further need for stimulation therapy (5.3%).

Conclusions

Device removal is not uncommon, and opportunities to enhance the long-term success of SCS devices do exist. These include modification of trialing methods, achieving better paresthesia overlay, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditional equipment, development of robust technologies and hardware to reduce equipment malfunction, and improving efficacy with new innovative wave forms.
“Forgive but Not Forget”: The Behavior of Relationship Banks When Firms Are in Distress*
Authors: Schäfer Larissa
Published: October 2018

Do relationship banks help firms in distress? Combining a survey-based measure of relationship lending with unique credit registry data, I examine the effect of relationship lending on loan performance. I find that the same firm in the same time period is more likely to become delinquent on a relationship-based loan relative to a transaction-based loan. Higher delinquencies do not, however, result in more defaults or less loan recoveries for relationship banks when loans mature relative to transactional banks. Conditional on past delinquencies, relationship banks are more likely to offer follow-up financing and extract rents. Consistent with theory, relationship banks tolerate temporarily bad results, yet extract rents and secure future business in return. The paper provides new empirical evidence for rent extraction by relationship banks that have been lenient to distressed firms in the past.
Estimating Correlated Rates of Trait Evolution with Uncertainty
Authors: Caetano D S , Harmon L J
Published: October 2018

Correlated evolution among traits, which can happen due to genetic constraints, ontogeny, and selection, can have an important impact on the trajectory of phenotypic evolution. For example, shifts in the pattern of evolutionary integration may allow the exploration of novel regions of the morphospace by lineages. Here, we use phylogenetic trees to study the pace of evolution of several traits and their pattern of evolutionary correlation across clades and over time. We use regimes mapped to the branches of the phylogeny to test for shifts in evolutionary integration while incorporating the uncertainty related to trait evolution and ancestral regimes with joint estimation of all parameters of the model using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo. We implemented the use of summary statistics to test for regime shifts based on a series of attributes of the model that can be directly relevant to biological hypotheses. In addition, we extend Felsenstein’s pruning algorithm to the case of multivariate Brownian motion models with multiple rate regimes. We performed extensive simulations to explore the performance of the method under a series of scenarios. Finally, we provide two test cases; the evolution of a novel buccal morphology in fishes of the family Centrarchidae and a shift in the trajectory of evolution of traits during the radiation of anole lizards to and from the Caribbean islands. [Anolis; Centrarchidae; comparative methods; evolutionary integration; evolutionary rates; modularity; pruning algorithm.]
Population Structure of Pythium ultimum from Greenhouse Floral Crops in Michigan
Authors: Del Castillo Múnera Johanna , Quesada-Ocampo Lina M. , Rojas Alejandro , Chilvers Martin I. , Hausbeck Mary K.
Published: October 2018

Pythium ultimum causes seedling damping-off and root and crown rot in greenhouse ornamental plants. To understand the population dynamics and assess population structure of P. ultimum in Michigan floriculture crops, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were developed using the previously published P. ultimum predicted transcriptome. A total of 166 isolates sampled from 2011 to 2013 from five, one, and three greenhouses in Kalamazoo, Kent, and Wayne Counties, respectively, were analyzed using six polymorphic and fluorescently labeled SSR markers. The average unbiased Simpson’s index (λu, 0.95), evenness (E5, 0.56), and recovery of 12 major clones out of the 65 multilocus genotypes obtained, suggests that P. ultimum is not a recent introduction into Michigan greenhouses. Analyses revealed a clonal population, with limited differentiation among seasons, hosts, and counties sampled. Results also indicated the presence of common genotypes among years, suggesting that sanitation measures should be enhanced to eradicate resident P. ultimum populations. Finally, the presence of common genotypes among counties suggests that there is an exchange of infected plant material among greenhouse facilities, or that there is a common source of inoculum coming to the region. Continued monitoring of pathogen populations will enhance our understanding of population dynamics of P. ultimum in Michigan and facilitate improvement of control strategies.