bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for heteroscedasticity and censoring in chromosome partitioning analyses
Authors: Kemppainen Petri , Husby Arild
Published: November 2018

A fundamental assumption in quantitative genetics is that traits are controlled by many loci of small effect. Using genomic data, this assumption can be tested using chromosome partitioning analyses, where the proportion of genetic variance for a trait explained by each chromosome (h2c), is regressed on its size. However, as h2c-estimates are necessarily positive (censoring) and the variance increases with chromosome size (heteroscedasticity), two fundamental assumptions of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression are violated. Using simulated and empirical data we demonstrate that these violations lead to incorrect inference of genetic architecture. The degree of bias depends mainly on the number of chromosomes and their size distribution and is therefore specific to the species; using published data across many different species we estimate that not accounting for this effect overall resulted in 28% false positives. We introduce a new and computationally efficient resampling method that corrects for inflation caused by heteroscedasticity and censoring and that works under a large range of dataset sizes and genetic architectures in empirical datasets. Our new method substantially improves the robustness of inferences from chromosome partitioning analyses.
17‐Beta Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 13 Is a Hepatic Retinol Dehydrogenase Associated With Histological Features of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Ma Yanling , Belyaeva Olga V. , Brown Philip M. , Fujita Koji , Valles Katherine , Karki Suman , de Boer Ynto S. , Koh Christopher , Chen Yanhua , Du Xiaomeng , Handelman Samuel K. , Chen Vincent , Speliotes Elizabeth K. , Nestlerode Cara , Thomas Emmanuel , Kleiner David E. , Zmuda Joseph M. , Sanyal Arun J. ,   (for the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network), Kedishvili Natalia Y. , Liang T. Jake , Rotman Yaron
Published: November 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs6834314, was associated with serum liver enzymes in the general population, presumably reflecting liver fat or injury. We studied rs6834314 and its nearest gene, 17‐beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13), to identify associations with histological features of NAFLD and to characterize the functional role of HSD17B13 in NAFLD pathogenesis. The minor allele of rs6834314 was significantly associated with increased steatosis but decreased inflammation, ballooning, Mallory‐Denk bodies, and liver enzyme levels in 768 adult Caucasians with biopsy‐proven NAFLD and with cirrhosis in the general population. We found two plausible causative variants in the HSD17B13 gene. rs72613567, a splice‐site SNP in high linkage with rs6834314 (r
2 = 0.94) generates splice variants and shows a similar pattern of association with NAFLD histology. Its minor allele generates simultaneous expression of exon 6‐skipping and G‐nucleotide insertion variants. Another SNP, rs62305723 (encoding a P260S mutation), is significantly associated with decreased ballooning and inflammation. Hepatic expression of HSD17B13 is 5.9‐fold higher (P = 0.003) in patients with NAFLD. HSD17B13 is targeted to lipid droplets, requiring the conserved amino acid 22‐28 sequence and amino acid 71‐106 region. The protein has retinol dehydrogenase (RDH) activity, with enzymatic activity dependent on lipid droplet targeting and cofactor binding site. The exon 6 deletion, G insertion, and naturally occurring P260S mutation all confer loss of enzymatic activity. Conclusion: We demonstrate the association of variants in HSD17B13 with specific features of NAFLD histology and identify the enzyme as a lipid droplet–associated RDH; our data suggest that HSD17B13 plays a role in NAFLD through its enzymatic activity.
Upregulation of mtSSB by interleukin‐6 promotes cell growth through mitochondrial biogenesis‐mediated telomerase activation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Qian , Huang Qichao , Chen Yibing , Sun Xiacheng , He Linjie , Zhan Lei , Guo Xu , Yin Chun , Fang Yujiang , He Xianli , Xing Jinliang
Published: November 2018

It is now widely accepted that mitochondrial biogenesis is inhibited in most cancer cells. Interestingly, one of the possible exceptions is colorectal cancer (CRC), in which the content of mitochondria has been found to be higher than in normal colon mucosa. However, to date, the causes and effects of this phenomenon are still unclear. In the present study, we systematically investigated the functional role of mitochondrial single‐strand DNA binding protein (mtSSB), a key molecule in the regulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, in the mitochondrial biogenesis and CRC cell growth. Our results demonstrated that mtSSB was frequently upregulated in CRC tissues and that upregulated mtSSB was associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. Furthermore, overexpression of mtSSB promoted CRC cell growth in vitro by regulating cell proliferation. The in vivo assay confirmed these results, indicating that the forced expression of mtSSB significantly increases the growth capacity of xenograft tumors. Mechanistically, the survival advantage conferred by mtSSB was primarily caused by increased mitochondrial biogenesis and subsequent ROS production, which induced telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression and telomere elongation via Akt/mTOR pathway in CRC cells. In addition, FOXP1, a member of the forkhead box family, was identified as a new transcription factor for mtSSB. Moreover, our results also demonstrate that proinflammatory IL‐6/STAT3 signaling facilitates mtSSB expression and CRC cell proliferation via inducing FOXP1 expression. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that mtSSB induced by inflammation plays a critical role in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, telomerase activation, and subsequent CRC proliferation, providing a strong evidence for mtSSB as drug target in CRC treatment.
Widefield multifrequency fluorescence lifetime imaging using a two‐tap complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor camera with lateral electric field charge modulators
Authors: Chen Hongtao , Ma Ning , Kagawa Keiichiro , Kawahito Shoji , Digman Michelle , Gratton Enrico
Published: November 2018

Widefield frequency‐domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FD‐FLIM) measures the fluorescence lifetime of entire images in a fast and efficient manner. We report a widefield FD‐FLIM system based on a complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor camera equipped with two‐tap true correlated double sampling lock‐in pixels and lateral electric field charge modulators. Owing to the fast intrinsic response and modulation of the camera, our system allows parallel multifrequency FLIM in one measurement via fast Fourier transform. We demonstrate that at a fundamental frequency of 20 MHz, 31‐harmonics can be measured with 64 phase images per laser repetition period. As a proof of principle, we analyzed cells transfected with Cerulean and with a construct of Cerulean‐Venus that shows Förster Resonance Energy Transfer at different modulation frequencies. We also tracked the temperature change of living cells via the fluorescence lifetime of Rhodamine B at different frequencies. These results indicate that our widefield multifrequency FD‐FLIM system is a valuable tool in the biomedical field.
On heteroclinic solutions for BVPs involving ‐Laplacian operators without asymptotic or growth assumptions
Authors: Minhós Feliz
Published: November 2018

In this paper we consider the second order discontinuous equation in the real line,
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700470:mana201700470-math-0002with ϕ an increasing homeomorphism such that and , with , for , a L1‐Carathéodory function and verifying an adequate relation. We remark that the existence of heteroclinic solutions is obtained without asymptotic or growth assumptions on the nonlinearities ϕ and f. Moreover, as far as we know, our main result is even new when , that is, for the equation
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700470:mana201700470-math-0011
Whole exome sequencing identifies novel predisposing genes in neural tube defects
Authors: Lemay Philippe , De Marco Patrizia , Traverso Monica , Merello Elisa , Dionne‐Laporte Alexandre , Spiegelman Dan , Henrion Édouard , Diallo Ousmane , Audibert François , Michaud Jacques L. , Cama Armando , Rouleau Guy A. , Kibar Zoha , Capra Valeria
Published: November 2018

Background

Neural tube defects (NTD) are among the most common defects affecting 1:1000 births. They are caused by a failure of neural tube closure during development. Their clinical presentation is diverse and dependent on the site and severity of the original defect on the embryonic axis. The etiology of NTD is multifactorial involving environmental factors and genetic variants that remain largely unknown.

Methods

We have conducted a whole exome sequencing (WES) study in five new NTD families and pooled the results with WES data from three NTD families and 43 trios that were previously investigated by our group. We analyzed the data using biased candidate gene and unbiased gene burden approaches.

Results

We identified four novel loss‐of‐function variants in three genes, MTHFR, DLC1, and ITGB1, previously associated with NTD. Notably, DLC1 carried two protein truncating variants in two independent cases. We also demonstrated an enrichment of variants in MYO1E involved in cytoskeletal remodeling. This enrichment reached borderline significance in a replication cohort supporting the association of this new candidate gene to NTD.

Conclusion

These data provide some key insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of human NTD and demonstrate the power of next‐generation sequencing in deciphering the genetics of this complex trait.
Return of secondary findings in genomic sequencing: Military implications
Authors: Hellwig Lydia D. , Turner Clesson , Manolio Teri A. , Haigney Mark , James Cynthia A. , Murray Brittney , Szpisjak Dale F. , Muldoon Sheila , Estrada‐Veras Juvianee , Krokosky Alyson , De Castro Mauricio J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Genomic sequencing has become a widely used tool in clinical and research settings in both civilian and military healthcare systems.

Methods

In this paper, we consider potential military‐specific implications of returning genomic sequencing secondary findings to ensure the proper protections, policies, and processes are in place for the use of this information.

Results

We specifically use two examples to highlight potential military implications of the return of secondary findings.

Conclusion

Clinicians and researchers are strongly encouraged to consider the military implications of the return of results for informed consent of service members or their families undergoing clinical or research genomic sequencing.
National survey reveals college‐student mental health diagnosis increase
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2018

Mental health diagnoses have increased substantially for college students, as well as treatment, while mental health stigma has decreased, according to researchers of a new study that documented population‐level trends in mental health service use by students over 10 years.
Government urged to consider MH needs of immigrant children
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2018

Access to trauma‐informed mental health care is critical to ensure that both adult and child survivors of trauma heal and ultimately achieve self‐sufficiency, the CEO of the American Psychological Association wrote in response to a proposed rule that would allow the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to detain immigrant children and their families indefinitely.
Computational models and tools
Authors: Schuemann Jan , Bassler Niels , Inaniwa Taku
Published: November 2018

In this chapter, we describe two different methods, analytical (pencil beam) algorithms and Monte Carlo simulations, used to obtain the intended dose distributions in patients and evaluate their strengths and shortcomings. We discuss the difference between the prescribed physical dose and the biologically effective dose, the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) between ions and photons and the dependence of RBE on the linear energy transfer (LET). Lastly, we show how LET‐ or RBE‐based optimization can be used to improve treatment plans and explore how the availability of multimodality ion beam facilities can be used to design a tumor‐specific optimal treatment.
Replacement of Menhaden Fish Meal by Poultry By-Product Meal in the Diet of Juvenile Red Porgy
Authors: Hill James C , Alam Md Shah , Watanabe Wade O , Carroll Patrick M , Seaton Pamela J , Bourdelais Andrea J
Published: November 2018

Poultry by-product meal (PBM) was tested as a substitute for fish meal (FM) in the diet of juvenile Red Porgy Pagrus pagrus. Eight diets (50% crude protein, 13% crude lipid) were formulated to replace FM protein with PBM protein at 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70%. Juvenile Red Porgy were fed the diets twice daily to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. Fish were held in 75-L rectangular tanks with 15 fish/tank using a recirculating seawater (34 g/L) system maintained at 22°C. No significant differences in body weight gain (BWG; 318–387%), final weight (17.4–20.4 g), specific growth rate (2.55–2.77% per day), feed conversion ratio (0.85–1.18), protein efficiency ratio (0.45–0.61), or survival (84–98%) were observed among fish fed diets replacing 0–70% of FM protein with PBM protein. After the feeding trial, the survival, growth, feed utilization, fish whole-body protein, lipid, docosahexaenoic acid content, and apparent digestibility of protein were not significantly different for fish fed diets with up to 70% of FM protein replaced by PBM compared to a 100% FM-protein-based control diet. Broken-line regression analysis with BWG indicated that PBM protein can replace FM protein in Red Porgy diets at levels as high as 54.0% with no reduction in fish growth performance. Poultry by-product meal is a cheaper and more sustainable ingredient than FM and is an excellent alternative protein source for Red Porgy.
Volitional Spawning of Captive-Reared Age-4 Alligator Gars
Authors: Patterson Joshua T , DiMaggio Matthew A , Green Christopher C , Watson Craig A
Published: November 2018

Alligator Gars Atractosteus spatula are being cultured to restore populations in areas of their historical occurrence or abundance. This phylogenetically ancient species can be long-lived and reach a large body size. Broodfish development has been considered an obstacle for aquaculture because of the species’ advanced age at maturity and unpredictable volitional spawning, requiring large animals to be injected with spawning-inducing hormones. This species has been the focus of a collaborative conservation program involving universities in the southeastern United States and Mexico. Alligator Gars from eggs fertilized in Louisiana on May 2, 2013, were brought to Florida, where they matured, spawned without hormone induction, and produced viable larvae before April 25, 2017. A rapid change in osmotic environment directly preceded this spawning event. Data on Alligator Gar life history are limited, and this fundamental observation provides novel information on the age of sexual maturity. Ovarian development indicating sexual maturity in similar-aged fish previously has been described from dissections of otolith-aged specimens, but this article describes the earliest reported spawning of known-age fish.
A qualitative study of experiences of health and social care in home mechanical ventilation
Authors: MacLaren Jessica , Smith Pam , Rodgers Sheila , Bateman Anthony P. , Ramsay Pam
Published: November 2018

Aim

To contribute insight into health and social care integration through an exploration of the care experiences of adults with degenerative neuromuscular conditions who use a mechanical ventilator at home.

Design

Descriptive qualitative research.

Methods

Seventeen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with patients and family carers living in Scotland during 2015–2016 and thematically analysed.

Results

To achieve a satisfying life, home ventilated participants required help from a variety of health and social care services, as well as care from family. Examples of successful care were identified, but there were also serious failures and conflict with services. Identifying how care fails or succeeds for this patient population and their families requires an understanding of the interdependency of health and social care. This was achieved by examining health and social care provision from the experiential perspective of care‐users to provide insights into how disconnected provision has an impact on users’ lives in numerous, idiosyncratic ways.
Analysis of high melt‐strength poly(ethylene terephthalate) produced by reactive processing by shear and elongational rheology
Authors: Kruse Matthias , Wang Peng , Shah Rajas Sudhir , Wagner Manfred H.
Published: November 2018

Three grades of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) produced by different synthesis routes and with different molar masses were reactively extruded with two tetra‐functional chain extenders, i.e., pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and tetraglycidyl diamino diphenyl methane (TGDDM). The preferred reactivity of the coupling agents led to different long‐chain branched (LCB) structures, which can be related to different hydroxyl and carboxyl end group concentrations of the PET grades investigated. The complex viscosity and the transient elongational viscosity increased by up to two decades. Both the activation energy of flow and the loss angle indicate long‐chain branching. A more quantitative assessment of the extent of strain hardening was achieved by application of the molecular stress function (MSF) model. The two material parameters of the model revealed different behaviors depending on the chain extender used. The initial molar mass of PET and the concentration of end groups, i.e., hydroxyl and carboxyl, determine the structure of the polymer molecules. PMDA proved to be an excellent coupling agent for industrial processing which induces reproducibly either a star‐like, comb‐like, or randomly branched structure depending on the concentration of coupling agent added and the hydroxyl concentration of the PET employed. TGDDM led to a hyperbranched structure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:396–410, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quadruple hydrogen bonding containing supramolecular thermoplastic elastomers: Mechanical and morphological correlations
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Keren , Talley Samantha J. , Orsino Christina M. , Moore Robert B. , Long Timothy E.
Published: November 2018

We report the design of bioinspired, reversible supramolecular thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) functionalized with ureido‐cytosine (UCyt) complementary quadruple hydrogen bonding (QHB) sites. The polymer contained a soft poly(n‐butyl acrylate) central block that imparted flexibility and two external, hard nucleobase‐containing blocks that contributed to structural integrity. In addition, the hard block with pendant QHB motifs served as efficient physical crosslinks to further enhance the thermomechanical performance, where the polymer service window extended up to 30 °C higher compared to the controls that bear dimeric hydrogen bonding units. The resulting UCyt copolymers also exhibited improved surface and bulk morphology, which self‐assembled into well‐ordered lamellar microstructures. Moreover, the polymer displayed an unexpected moisture‐resistant property with less than 1 wt % equilibrium moisture uptake even at 95% relatively humidity, which presumably correlated with its well‐ordered and densely‐packed morphology facilitated by strong hydrogen bonding. Variable temperature Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy experiments further confirmed the thermoreversibility of hydrogen bonding, indicating melt‐processablility and recyclability of the polymer. These physical properties verified quadruple bonding dominated behavior, and structure–property–morphology relationships suggest key design parameters for future TPEs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 13–23
Fabrication of Graphene‐Oxide (GO)‐Supported Sheet‐Like CuO Nanostructures Derived from a Metal‐Organic‐Framework Template for High‐Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Islam Dewan Azharul , Chakraborty Anindita , Roy Atanu , Das Sachindranath , Acharya Himadri
Published: November 2018

In this report, graphene oxide (GO)‐supported sheet‐like CuO nanostructures have been fabricated through a novel room temperature method using copper‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐anchored graphene oxides. Copper terephthalate metal‐organic framework (Cu‐(BDC)‐MOF) crystals were synthesized onto the surfaces of exfoliated graphene layers via coordination of the metallic centers with the oxygen functionalities of graphene oxides and terephthalate linkers. The alkaline ageing of the MOF supported graphene oxides in NaOH at ambient temperature leads to the GO/CuO hybrid nanostructures. The morphology and structure of the synthesized materials are examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The well‐dispersed sheet‐like CuO nanostructures on graphene oxides show excellent performance in supercapacitor applications.The GO/CuO hybrid nanostructures are capable of delivering a high specific capacitance of 606 F g−1 at scan rate of 2 mV s‐1 with excellent cycling stability over 93% retention of initial capacitance.
Argyrodite‐Type Cu8GeSe6–xTex (0 ≤ x ≤ 2): Temperature‐Dependent Crystal Structure and Thermoelectric Properties
Authors: Schwarzmüller Stefan , Souchay Daniel , Günther Daniel , Gocke Alex , Dovgaliuk Iurii , Miller Samuel A. , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Oeckler Oliver
Published: November 2018

Substitution of Se by Te in argyrodite‐like Cu8GeSe6 leads to compounds Cu8GeSe6–xTex (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) and involves a structure change from the Cu8GeSe6 type to the Ag8GeTe6 type. The crystal structure of Cu8GeSe4.25Te1.75 between 50 °C and 500 °C reveals pronounced disorder of Cu atoms that is best described by anharmonic atomic displacement parameters using the Gram‐Charlier expansion. Diffusion pathways are visualized by isosurfaces of joint probability density functions. The lattice parameter a increases with temperature in two linear regimes from 10.4682(18) Å to 10.609(3) Å with a superionic transition at 400 °C. The potential barrier for Cu is about 90 meV at 50 °C, which is in the range of typical ion conductors. Cu8GeSe4Te2 exhibits a higher thermoelectric figure of merit (zT = 0.65 at 350 °C) than Cu8GeSe6 (zT = 0.2 at 350 °C). The application of an effective mass model reveals that the charge carrier concentration of 6 × 1020 cm–3 is close to optimum. In addition, argyrodite‐type precipitates form heterostructures with a Cu‐ and Se‐doped matrix of germanium antimony tellurides in the quinary system Cu/Ge/Sb/Se/Te, whose transport properties were characterized.
Retinal ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness is nonlinearly associated with cognitive impairment in the community‐dwelling elderly
Authors: Liu Yao‐Lin , Hsieh Yi‐Ting , Chen Ta‐Fu , Chiou Jeng‐Min , Tsai Min‐Kuang , Chen Jen‐Hau , Chen Yen‐Ching
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Thinning of optical coherence tomography–measured retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GC‐IPL) thickness has been found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, the association of these retinal markers and cognition in nondemented elders may not be linear.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 227 community‐dwelling elders (age 65+ years). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between retinal nerve fiber layer/GC‐IPL and global/domain‐specific cognition.

Results

The performance of global cognition decreased as mean GC‐IPL of bilateral eyes deviated from the sample mean (77.5 μm) (quadratic GC‐IPL: β = –0.49 × 10−2; 95% confidence interval: −0.74 × 10−2 to −0.23 × 10−2). Similar associations were also found for logical memory. No significant association was observed between retinal nerve fiber layer and cognition.

Discussion

Either thinning or thickening of GC‐IPL was associated with poor cognition in nondemented elderly (a U‐shaped association). GC‐IPL may serve as a noninvasive preclinical predictor of Alzheimer's disease.
Anal dysplasia among solid organ transplant recipients; a cross sectional study
Authors: Khan Aimal , Obaid Thaer , Cetrulo Lawrence , Force Luanne , Bhattacharya Roshmi , Greenberg Richard H.
Published: November 2018

Introduction The incidence of anal cancer in United States has increased over of the last few decades impacting immunosuppressed populations like solid organ transplant recipients, in particular. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anal dysplasia among solid organ transplant patients. We also attempted to identify factors that predispose solid organ transplant recipients to developing anal dysplasia.

Methods and materials Patients presenting to transplant office for routine care were recruited to participate in the study. All anal cytology specimens were collected using standard anal pap technique. The results were assessed using Bethesda classification. Information on perceived risk factors for development of anal dysplasia among our subjects was obtained.

Results Among 80 patients approached, 47 agreed to participate in the study. Of all the samples 19.1% had an inadequate amount of specimen to perform any analysis. Dysplastic cells were found in 10.5% of the specimens available for analysis. We were not able to identify any risk factors including age, gender distribution, smoking, and duration of immunosuppression that were statistically significant different between patients with anal dysplasia versus those without anal dysplasia.

Conclusions The rate of anal dysplasia detectable on cytology is high enough to warrant anal dysplasia screening in transplant recipients, which can then be followed up with high-resolution anoscopy with biopsy. Defining a cohort of patients among solid organ transplant recipients who are at an increased risk for the development of anal dysplasia mandating screening continues to be a challenge.
ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTION WITH SWINE OPERATIONS
Authors: COWLEY CORTNEY A. , BRORSEN B. WADE , HAMILTON DOUGLAS W.
Published: November 2018

Anaerobic digestion systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while turning waste products into energy. Past U.S. economic research on anaerobic digesters has studied dairy farms, but limited economic information is available on anaerobic digestion systems for swine. Net present values (NPVs) were calculated for biodigesters and covered lagoons under different coproduct and policy scenarios. With no government intervention, covered lagoons are more promising for swine operations than more capital-intensive biodigesters. As there is interest in subsidizing anaerobic digestion systems, subsidies equal to a $38/t social cost of carbon would provide positive NPVs.
SOCIAL ATTITUDES AND SPEECH RATINGS
Authors: Reid Kym Taylor , Trofimovich Pavel , O’Brien Mary Grantham
Published: November 2018

This study examined whether social bias manipulation can influence how naïve multiage listeners evaluate second language (L2) speech. Sixty native English-speaking listeners (Montreal residents) rated audio recordings of 40 Quebec French speakers of L2 English for five dimensions of oral performance (accentedness, comprehensibility, segmental accuracy, intonation, flow) using 1,000-point continuous scales. Immediately before rating, 20 listeners heard critical comments about Quebec French speakers’ English language skills, while 20 heard positive comments. Twenty listeners (baseline group) received no manipulation. Compared to baseline listeners, positively oriented listeners (younger and older) rated four of five dimensions more favorably. However, listeners’ behavior diverged under negative bias. Compared to age-matched baseline listeners, younger listeners upgraded speakers while older listeners downgraded speakers for all targeted measures. Findings cast doubt on the relative stability of L2 speech ratings and point to the importance of social context and generational differences in untrained rater assessments of L2 speaking performance.
What's Epistemically Wrong with Conspiracy Theorising?
Authors: Harris Keith
Published: November 2018

Belief in conspiracy theories is often taken to be a paradigm of epistemic irrationality. Yet, as I argue in the first half of this paper, standard criticisms of conspiracy theorising fail to demonstrate that the practice is invariably irrational. Perhaps for this reason, many scholars have taken a relatively charitable attitude toward conspiracy theorists and conspiracy theorising in recent years. Still, it would be a mistake to conclude from the defence of conspiracy theorising offered here that belief in conspiracy theories is on an epistemic par with belief in other theories. I argue that a range of epistemic errors are pervasive among conspiracy theorists. First, the refusal of conspiracy theorists to accept the official account of some target event often seems to be due to the exercise of a probabilistic, and fallacious, extension ofmodus tollens. Additionally, conspiracy theorists tend to be inconsistent in their intellectual attention insofar as the effort they expend on uncovering the truth excludes attention to their own capacities for biased or otherwise erroneous reasoning. Finally, the scepticism with which conspiracy theorists tend to view common sources of information leaves little room for conspiracy theorists to attain positive warrant for their preferred explanations of target events.
The Law and Violence against Women in Politics
Authors: Restrepo Sanín Juliana
Published: November 2018

Latin America has been at the vanguard in implementing diverse strategies to combat violence against women in politics (VAWIP). In 2012, Bolivia became the first country to criminalize “political violence and harassment against women” with Law 243. Soon, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, and Mexico followed with similar proposals (Krook and Restrepo Sanín 2016). Despite high levels of criminal impunity (Piscopo 2016), legislative measures have been the preferred strategy to combat VAWIP within the region. The Inter-American Commission on Women (CIM) recently published a model law, drawing on experiences in Bolivia, to serve as inspiration for other legislative measures in the region. What can these legislative definitions tell us about the phenomenon of VAWIP, its limits, and its challenges?
Violence against Women and Reactions to Gender Equality in Politics
Authors: Biroli Flávia
Published: November 2018

Violence against women is considered a systemic social practice. Aware of the presence of systemic violence “at the horizon of social imagination,” members of some groups, women in this case, learn that they might suffer it any time “simply because they are members of that group” (Young 1990, 62). This understanding encompasses physical attacks as well as humiliation, harassment, intimidation, and stigmatization. Systemic violence targets women because they are women, although they are differently affected and have gendered experiences that are also shaped by race, class, sexuality, generation, and nationality (Collins 2015).
Mercury, n-alkane and unresolved complex mixture hydrocarbon pollution in surface sediment across the rural–urban–estuarine continuum of the River Clyde, Scotland, UK
Authors: Vane Christopher H. , Moss-Hayes Vicky , Kim Alexander W. , Edgley Katherine E. , Cave Mark R. , Bearcock Jenny M.
Published: November 2018

Surface sediments (n=85) from a 160-km river-estuarine transect of the Clyde, UK, were analysed for total mercury (Hg), saturated hydrocarbons and unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs) of hydrocarbons. Results show that sediment-Hg concentration ranges from 0.01 to 1.38mgkg–1 (mean 0.20mgkg–1) and a spatial trend in Hg-content low–high–low–high, from freshwater source, to Glasgow, to estuary, is evident. In summary, sediment-Hg content is low in the upper Clyde (mean of 0.05Hg mgkg–1), whereas sediments from the Clyde in urbanised Glasgow have higher Hg concentrations (0.04 to 1.26mgkg–1; mean 0.45mgkg–1), and the inner estuary sediments contain less Hg (mean 0.06mgkg–1). The highest mean sediment Hg (0.65mgkg–1) found in the outer estuary is attributed to historical anthropogenic activities. A significant positive Spearman correlation between Hg and total organic carbon is observed throughout the river estuary (0.86; P<0.001). Comparison with Marine Scotland guidelines suggests that no sites exceed the 1.5mgkg–1 criterion (Action Level 2); 22 fall between 0.25 and 1.5mgkg–1 dry wt. (Action Level 1) and 63 are of no immediate concern (<0.25mgkg–1 dry wt.). Saturated (n-alkane) hydrocarbons in the upper Clyde are of natural terrestrial origin. By contrast, the urbanised Glasgow reaches and outer estuary are characterised by pronounced and potentially toxic UCM concentrations in sediments (380–914mg/kg and 103–247mgkg–1, respectively), suggesting anthropogenic inputs such as biodegraded crude oil, sewage discharge and/or urban run-off.
A microstrip antenna with reduced in-band and out-of-band radar cross-section
Authors: Zhang Jiakai , Xu Jiachen , Qu Yan , Ding Jun , Guo Chenjiang
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a microstrip antenna with reduced in-band and out-of-band radar cross-section (RCS) by subtracting the area of weak scattered current on the ground plane. Fourteen square slots were subtracted from the ground plane, reducing in-band and out-of-band RCS while maintaining radiation performance. Modified and reference antenna surface current distributions were simulated and analyzed in radiating and scattering modes. Two antenna prototypes were fabricated and measured to verify the simulation. The proposed antenna RCS was reduced compared with the reference antenna in the frequency range 1–4.4 GHz, including in-band and out-of-band frequency bands. Maximum in-band and out-of-band RCS reduction was 16.3 dBsm at the working frequency, and 19.3 dBsm at 3.4 GHz, respectively
Evolution of Elastic Wave Velocities and Amplitudes During Triaxial Deformation of Aji Granite Under Dry and Water‐Saturated Conditions
Authors: Zaima Kanta , Katayama Ikuo
Published: November 2018

Elastic wave velocities and amplitudes in fine‐grained Aji granite are measured during a series of deformation experiments under both dry and fluid‐saturated conditions, where compressional and shear waves traveled in a direction normal to the compressional axis, and shear wave was polarized normal to the compressional axis. In the early stages of deformation, both VP and VS increase slightly due to closure of preexisting cracks and then decrease due to nucleation and crack growth as the sample approaches failure. During deformation, the different sensitivities of compressional and shear waves to fluid‐filled cracks mean that the ratio VP/VS tends to increase for wet experiments and decrease for dry experiments prior to failure. The relative changes in elastic wave amplitudes are also related to deformation and fluid saturation: amplitude decreases at high differential stresses due to the opening of cracks oriented subparallel to the axis of maximum compression, whereas a relatively minor change in amplitude was observed under fluid‐saturated conditions. Thus, the changes in velocity and amplitude during the deformation experiments are linked to crack development and geometry. However, this sensitivity differs between dry and fluid‐saturated conditions. The monitoring of fluid injection volumes during fluid‐saturated experiments shows that decreasing elastic wave velocities and amplitudes coincide with increasing fluid injection. These systematic relationships among elastic wave velocity, amplitude, crack development, and fluid saturation suggest that understanding changes in seismic wave properties can offer significant insights into the temporal changes in the structure of fracture zones.
Chronic intake of 4-Methylimidazole induces Hyperinsulinemia and Hypoglycaemia via Pancreatic Beta Cell Hyperplasia and Glucose Dyshomeostasis
Authors: Rekha Balakrishnan , Velmurugan Ganesan , Freddy Allen J. , Anusha Sivakumar , Ramprasath Tharmarajan , Karthik Karuppusamy V. , Suresh Shanmugarajan , Kulshrestha Prerna , Mithieux Gilles , Lyon Alexander R. , Selvam Govindan Sadasivam , Ramasamy Subbiah
Published: November 2018

Caramel colours are the preferential food colouring agent globally, reaches wide age groups through eatables. Colas, a sweetened carbonated drink are most common caramel coloured beverage and its consumption is linked with diabetes, obesity, pancreatic cancer and other endocrine disorders. A major by-product produced during caramelization is 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) that is detected in noteworthy concentrations in colas and other beverages. Previous studies revealed the neurotoxic and carcinogenic potential of 4-MEI in animals at higher doses but the effect of 4-MEI at theoretical maximum daily intake dose on glucose homeostasis is unexplored. Here, mice treated with 4-MEI (32 µg/kg bodyweight/day) for seven weeks exhibited severe hypoglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia mediated by hyperplasia of pancreatic beta cells and induces metabolic alterations. On combinatorial treatment, 4-MEI suppressed the glucogenic potential of non-artificial sweeteners and promotes lipogenesis. Furthermore, increased levels of C-peptide, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in the humans with regular intake of 4-MEI containing beverages. In summary, 4-MEI induced pancreatic beta cell hyperplasia and leads to disruption of glucose and lipid homeostasis. This study suggests the need for further assessment and reconsideration of the wide usage of 4-MEI containing caramels as food additives.
EEG, behavioural and physiological recordings following a painful procedure in human neonates
Authors: Jones Laura , Laudiano-Dray Maria Pureza , Whitehead Kimberley , Verriotis Madeleine , Meek Judith , Fitzgerald Maria , Fabrizi Lorenzo
Published: November 2018

We present a dataset of cortical, behavioural, and physiological responses following a single, clinically required noxious stimulus in a neonatal sample. Cortical activity was recorded from 112 neonates (29–47 weeks gestational age at study) using a 20-channel electroencephalogram (EEG), which was time-locked to a heel lance. This data is linked to pain-related behaviour (facial expression), physiology (heart rate, oxygenation) and a composite clinical score (Premature Infant Pain Profile, PIPP). The dataset includes responses to non-noxious sham and auditory controls. The infants’ relevant medical and pain history was collected up to the day of the study and recorded in an extensive database of variables including clinical condition at birth, diagnoses, medications, previous painful procedures, injuries, and selected maternal information. This dataset can be used to investigate the cortical, physiological, and behavioural pain-related processing in human infants and to evaluate the impact of medical conditions and experiences upon the infant response to noxious stimuli. Furthermore, it provides information on the formation of individual pain phenotypes.
Synthesis of novel fluorescent copper nanomaterials and their application in detection of iodide ions and catalysis
Authors: Wang Ning , Ga Lu , Ai Jun
Published: November 2018

In this work, polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDDA) was used as a template and protective agent to synthesize high-fluorescence copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) at high temperature and high pressure.
CuO nanosheet as a recyclable Fenton-like catalyst prepared from simulated Cu(ii) waste effluents by alkaline H2O2 reaction
Authors: Fang Mengyuan , Zheng Ru , Wu Yunwen , Yue Dongting , Qian Xufang , Zhao Yixin , Bian Zhenfeng
Published: November 2018

A green approach was successfully developed to prepare CuO nanosheets (NSs) as a recyclable Fenton-like catalyst from simulated Cu(ii) waste effluents by alkaline H2O2 reaction.
Plant species-dependent transformation and translocation of ceria nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ma Yuhui , Xie Changjian , Guo Zhiling , He Xiao , Valsami-Jones Eugenia , Lynch Iseult , Luo Wenhe , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: November 2018

Different plant species respond differently to nCeO2 under different culturing conditions: for some, deficiency of P enhances the accumulation of Ce (mainly Ce3+) and phytotoxicity.
Multilayered inorganic–organic microdisks as ideal carriers for high magnetothermal actuation: assembling ferrimagnetic nanoparticles devoid of dipolar interactions
Authors: Castellanos-Rubio Idoia , Munshi Rahul , Qin Yueling , Eason David B. , Orue Iñaki , Insausti Maite , Pralle Arnd
Published: November 2018

A novel, versatile approach to assemble multi-layered microdisks, carrying defined arrangements of ferrimagnetic nano-particles, fluorophores and proteins to biological targets.
Cobalt and nitrogen co-doped hierarchically porous carbon nanostructure: a bifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Sanetuntikul Jakkid , Hyun Suyeon , Ganesan Pandian , Shanmugam Sangaraju
Published: November 2018

We present a rational approach to the fabrication of Co and N co-doped porous hierarchical carbon nanosheet catalysts (CoNPCs). The CoNPCs exhibit excellent performance as an efficient non-precious metal electrode in alkaline fuel cell and Zn–air battery devices.
Atomically manipulated proton transfer energizes water oxidation on silicon carbide photoanodes
Authors: Li Hao , Shang Huan , Shi Yuchen , Yakimova Rositsa , Syväjärvi Mikael , Zhang Lizhi , Sun Jianwu
Published: November 2018

Preferential exposure of Si-face of SiC will mechanistically shift the rate limiting step of water oxidation from sluggish proton-coupled electron transfer on C-face to a more energy-favorable electron transfer.
Study on systemic and reproductive toxicity of acetochlor in male mice
Authors: Song Xianping , Zhang Feng , Chen Dongya , Bian Qian , Zhang Hengdong , Liu Xin , Zhu Baoli
Published: November 2018

Acetochlor is one of the three most abundant herbicides used in China, which is a pre-emergence herbicide belonging to chloroacetanilides.
Antithrombotic Management during Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair with the Mitraclip System in a Patient with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Saia Francesco , Biagini Elena , Berardini Alessandra , Chiarabelli Matteo , Bertolino Emanuela , Compagnone Miriam , Rapezzi Claudio
Published: November 2018

Interventional cardiology procedures require full anticoagulation to prevent thrombus formation on catheters and devices with potential development of embolic complications. Bivalirudin, a short half-life direct thrombin inhibitor, has been largely used during percutaneous coronary interventions and represents the preferred alternative to heparin in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). However, few data are available about intraprocedural use of bivalirudin during transcatheter structural heart disease interventions. Activated clotting time (ACT) monitoring during bivalirudin infusion presents some limitations and it is not mandatory. We report a case of bivalirudin use in a patient with type-2 HIT during percutaneous mitral valve repair with the Mitraclip system (Abbott, Abbott Park, Illinois, United States). Despite use of standard bivalirudin dose (0.75 mg/kg bolus and 1.4 mg/kg/min infusion—reduced infusion rate was motivated by a glomerular filtration rate of 37 mL/min), the patient developed a large thrombus on the second clip during its orientation toward the mitral orifice. ACT was measured at that time and was suboptimal (240 seconds). The case was successfully managed with clip and thrombus retrieval, adjunctive 0.3 mg/kg bivalirudin bolus and increased infusion rate, and clip repositioning with ACT monitoring. This report makes the case for mandatory ACT checking and drug titration during high-risk catheter–based structural heart disease interventions, even when thromboprophylaxis is performed with bivalirudin. Additional coagulation tests may be useful to monitor bivalirudin response in similar cases.
Variables affecting laboratory diagnosis of acute rickettsial infection
Authors: Kato Cecilia
Published: November 2018

The reference standard for the confirmation of a recent rickettsial infection is by the observation of a four-fold or greater rise in antibody titres when testing paired acute and convalescent (two to four weeks after illness resolution) sera by serological assays (Figure 1). At the acute stage of illness, diagnosis is performed by molecular detection methods most effectively on DNA extracted from tissue biopsies (eschars, skin rash, and organs) or eschar swabs. Less invasive and more convenient samples such as blood and serum may also be used for detection; however, the low number of circulating bacteria raises the possibility of false negative results. Optimal sampling practices and enhanced sensitivity must therefore be considered in order to provide a more accurate laboratory diagnosis.
It's a catfish! Novel approaches are needed to study the effects of rapid decompression on benthic species
Authors: Silva Luiz G. M. , Beirão Bernardo V. , Falcão Ricardo C. , de Castro Andrey L. F. , Dias Edson W.
Published: November 2018

Barotrauma as a result of rapid decompression has been recorded as the most common injury among fish captured in the tailrace of hydropower dams in Brazil, with catfishes representing the majority of them. Nevertheless, studies investigating barotrauma on catfish are scarce, with the majority determining dose–response curves and thresholds of pressure changes for nektonic species, such as salmonids. Experiments conducted with Pimelodus pictus showed that the current hypo-hyperbaric chambers used to study barotrauma in nektonic species can have limitations when applied to benthic groups. The negative buoyancy showed by the catfish prevented the definition of the acclimation pressure of the fish before exposure to decompression and, therefore, the method had to be adapted to allow the calculation of the ratio of pressure change (RPC). The adaptation involved anaesthetising the fish, which added a potential bias to the experiments. Therefore, new approaches deemed to be needed to complement barotrauma studies with benthic fish. We aimed to discuss the limitations observed for studies with benthic species and present potential methods to overcome them. The diversification of approaches for barotrauma studies with benthic species is critical to provide information for the development of mitigation and new turbine designs that would improve protection of this group.