bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Some Amines on Ignition Delay Time of Dimethyl Amino Ethyl Azide (DMAZ) and White Fuming Nitric Acid (WFNA)
Authors: Pakdehi Shahram G. , Shirzadi Bahman
Published: November 2017

Dimethyl amino ethyl azide (DMAZ), as a non‐carcinogen liquid fuel, is a good fuel in space programs. However, it suffers from high ignition delay (ID) time with liquid oxidizer white fuming nitric acid (WFNA). DMAZ were blended with amines in order to reduce the ID time of bipropellant DMAZ‐WFNA. A drop‐on‐pool impingement set‐up, coupled with a high‐speed camera, was applied to investigate the ID time at ambient pressure and temperature. It was found that using of amines had dissimilar effects on the ID time of the bipropellant DMAZ‐WFNA. Results showed that among the amines, pyrrole, tert‐butylamine, n‐octylamine reduced the ID time significantly. This study identified pyrrole as the most efficient “additive” for decreasing ID time (from 90 milliseconds to 20 milliseconds). Finally, a quantum molecular dynamics simulation was conducted to probe how the additive affects on the ID time.
Further on the controllability of networked MIMO LTI systems
Authors: Hao Yuqing , Duan Zhisheng , Chen Guanrong
Published: November 2017

Further on the controllability of networked multiple‐input–multiple‐output systems, an efficient, necessary, and sufficient condition is derived, where the network topology is directed and weighted and the nodes are higher‐dimensional linear time‐invariant systems. The new condition is easier to verify, which explicitly shows the effects of the network topology, node‐system dynamics, external control inputs, and inner interactions on the controllability of the whole networked system. For networked multiple‐input–multiple‐output systems in several specific topologies, the corresponding conditions are expressed more precisely. The effectiveness of the conditions is demonstrated through several examples.
An analytical framework for remote sensing satellite networks based on the model predictive control with convex optimization
Authors: Zheng Yongxing , Zhao Shanghong , Tan Qinggui , Li YongJun , Jiang Yong , Xin Ning
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we consider the problem of maximizing the throughput of remote sensing satellite networks. In such networks, the link capacities and routing matrices are varying over time. We propose a convex optimization‐based analytical framework for the problem. To maximize the network throughput under the premise of satisfying the delay constraint, we formulate the data transmission schedule into an optimization problem aiming at maximizing the delay‐constrained throughput. Considering the fact that the future link capacities cannot be accurately known in the actual situation, we propose a heuristic and distributed framework on the basis of model predictive control for approximately solving the problem. This framework can be used to design remote sensing data transmission schedules under various scenarios. We adopt a generic example to simulate and analyze the framework. The simulation results show that the proposed analytic framework can obtain the approximate solution that is very close to the optimal solution by solving the convex optimization problem step‐by‐step. The heuristic algorithm based on model predictive control can obtain the approximate solution, which is very close to the optimal solution in distributed scenario.
Emotional practices: how masking negative emotions impacts the post‐acquisition integration process
Authors: Vuori Natalia , Vuori Timo O. , Huy Quy N.
Published: November 2017

Research Summary:We conducted a real‐time field study of a post‐acquisition integration process. We identified two practices that contributed to integration failure. First, the practice of masking negative emotions caused members of both firms to perceive that the partner firm's members were satisfied with the integration process, even though they were not. These false perceptions of satisfaction resulted in minimal corrective actions, the escalation of the situation, and ultimately, integration failure. Second, efficiency‐driven communication practices used in inter‐firm communication exacerbated the effect of masking negative emotions on false perceptions of satisfaction by shielding both firms’ members from the other firm's members’ spontaneous emotional reactions. Our research invites scholars to consider more deeply the emotional consequences of various common organizational practices.

Managerial Summary:Do you disagree with your employee, manager, or business partner? Does this disagreement make you annoyed or even angry? Yet, you decide to mask your negative emotions and discuss the disagreement with a neutral or happy face. Wrong. We find that masking negative emotions in the work environment can prevent corrective actions, escalate disagreement, and make people to develop long‐lasting negative sentiments toward the counterpart that ultimately result in dysfunctional behaviors. Our findings further reveal that commonly used organizational practices such as communicating via email may contribute to the deliberate masking of negative emotions. We suggest that managers should carefully review if and how their organization's practices prevent or enable people to share their emotions authentically to ensure timely corrective actions and proactive development of business operations.
The interplay of competitive and cooperative behavior and differential benefits in alliances
Authors: Arslan Birgul
Published: November 2017

Research Summary: Building on game theory and the transaction costs paradigm, this paper systematically examines the interplay between competitive and cooperative behavior and its effect on differential benefits in alliances. Cooperative behavior leads to joint value creation that yields common benefits, while competitive behavior is linked with value appropriation resulting in private benefits. Differential benefits arise when partners extract private benefits. Yet, private benefit extraction depends on the associated reduction in the common benefit potential of the alliance. This paper demonstrates that differential benefits decrease as partners refrain from private benefit extraction when the common benefit potential is high and common benefits are equally distributed. Differential benefits increase when a partner holds dominant operational control under high levels of task interdependence.

Managerial Summary: While alliances create synergy potential unavailable to individual firms, they may also lead to differential benefits to the partners. Since differential benefits may hurt a partner both within and outside the scope of the alliance, it is important to understand how they arise. A key source of differential benefits is private benefit extraction through the misappropriation of partner resources. Overall, private benefit extraction depends on the associated reduction in the common benefit potential of the alliance. The findings suggest that partners may refrain from private benefit extraction when the common benefit potential is high and when the expected common benefits are equally distributed among partners. In contrast, private benefits increase when one partner holds dominant operational control under high levels of task interdependence.
Long Noncoding RNA RP11-380D23.2 Drives Distal-Proximal Patterning of the Lung by Regulating PITX2 Expression
Authors: Banerjee Poulomi , Surendran Harshini , Bharti Kapil , Morishita Kaoru , Varshney Anurag , Pal Rajarshi
Published: November 2017

Early lung development is a tightly orchestrated process encompassing (a) formation of definitive endoderm, (b) anteriorization of definitive endoderm, followed by (c) specification and maturation of both proximal and distal lung precursors. Several reports detailing the interaction of genes and proteins during lung development are available; however, studies reporting the role(s) of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) in lung morphogenesis are limited. To investigate this, we tailored a protocol for differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells into distal and proximal lung progenitors to mimic in vivo lung development. The authenticity of differentiated cells was confirmed by expression of key lung markers such as FoxA2, Sox-17, Nkx2.1, Pitx2, FoxJ1, CC10, SPC, and via scanning as well as transmission electron microscopy. We employed next generation sequencing to identify lncRNAs and categorized them based on their proximity to genes essential for lung morphogenesis. In-depth bioinformatical analysis of the sequencing data enabled identification of a novel lncRNA, RP11-380D23.2, which is located upstream of PITX2 and includes a binding site for PARP1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and other relevant studies revealed that PARP1 is a repressor for PITX2. Whole genome microarray analysis of RP11-380D23.2/PITX2 knockdown populations of progenitors demonstrated enrichment in proximal progenitors and indicated altered distal-proximal patterning. Dysregulation of WNT effectors in both knockdowns highlighted direct modulation of PITX2 by RP11-380D23.2. Most of these results were validated in four independent hiPSC lines (including a patient-specific CFTR mutant line). Taken together, these findings offer a mechanistic explanation underpinning the role of RP11-380D23.2 during lung morphogenesis via WNT signaling.
Structural concrete based on alkali‐activated binders: Terminology, reaction mechanisms, mix designs and performance
Authors: Herrmann Annemarie , Koenig Andreas , Dehn Frank
Published: November 2017

The interest in concretes based on alkali‐activated binders (AABs) is increasing significantly along with the continued research into and development of these novel construction materials from lab scale to practical application. The paper summarizes current knowledge about concretes based on AABs to address the following questions: What are structural concretes based on AABs? What are the specific characteristics with regard to the chemical binder reaction? What has to be considered for the mix designs of AACs? And which material performances can be expected?
Genetic Diagnosis before Surgery has an Impact on Surgical Decision in BRCA Mutation Carriers with Breast Cancer
Authors: Park Sungmin , Lee Jeong Eon , Ryu Jai Min , Kim Issac , Bae Soo Youn , Lee Se Kyung , Yu Jonghan , Kim Seok Won , Nam Seok Jin
Published: November 2017

Background

The first aim of our study was to evaluate surgical decision‐making by BRCA mutation carriers with breast cancer based on the timing of knowledge of their BRCA mutation status. The second aim was to evaluate breast cancer outcome following surgical treatment.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 164 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, tested for BRCA mutation, and treated with primary surgery between 2004 and 2015 at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea. We reviewed types of surgery and timing of the BRCA test result. We compared surgical decision‐ making of BRCA carriers with breast cancer based on the timing of knowledge of their BRCA mutation status.

Results

Only 15 (9.1%) patients knew their BRCA test results before their surgery, and 149 (90.9%) knew the results after surgery. In patients with unilateral cancer, there was a significant difference between groups whose BRCA mutation status known before surgery and groups whose BRCA status unknown before surgery regarding the choice of surgery (p = 0.017). No significant difference was observed across surgery types of risk of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (p = 0.765) and contralateral breast cancer (p = 0.69).

Conclusion

Genetic diagnosis before surgery has an impact on surgical decision choosing unilateral mastectomy or bilateral mastectomy in BRCA mutation carriers with breast cancer. Knowledge about BRCA mutation status after initial surgery led to additional surgeries for patients with BCS. Thus, providing genetic counseling and genetic testing before surgical choice and developing treatment strategies for patients with a high risk of breast cancer are important.
Vacuum‐Assisted Wound Closure with Mesh‐Mediated Fascial Traction Achieves Better Outcomes than Vacuum‐Assisted Wound Closure Alone: A Comparative Study
Authors: Salamone Giuseppe , Licari Leo , Guercio Giovanni , Comelli Albert , Mangiapane Mirko , Falco Nicolò , Tutino Roberta , Bagarella Noemi , Campanella Sofia , Porrello Calogero , Gullo Roberto , Cocorullo Gianfranco , Gulotta Gaspare
Published: November 2017

Background

Open abdomen (OA) permits the application of damage control surgery principles when abdominal trauma, sepsis, severe acute peritonitis and abdominal compartmental syndrome (ACS) occur.

Methods

Non‐traumatic patients treated with OA between January 2010 and December 2015 were identified in a prospective database, and the data collected were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ records were collected from charts and the surgical and intensive care unit (ICU) registries. The Acosta “modified” technique was used to achieve fascial closure in vacuum‐assisted wound closure and mesh‐mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) patients. Sex, age, simplified acute physiology score II (SAPS II), abdominal compartmental syndrome (ACS), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and surgical technique performed were evaluated in a multivariate analysis for mortality and fascial closure prediction.

Results

Ninety‐six patients with a median age of 69 (40–78) years were included in the study. Sixty‐nine patients (72%) underwent VAWCM. Forty‐one patients (68%) achieved primary fascia closure: two patients (5%) were treated with VAWC (37 median days) versus 39 patients (95%) who were treated with VAWCM (10 median days) (p = 0.0003). Forty‐eight patients underwent OA treatment due to ACS, and 24 patients (50%) survived compared to 36 patients (75%) from the “other reasons” group (p = 0.01). The ACS group required longer mechanical ventilator support (p = 0.006), length of stay in hospital (p = 0.005) and in ICU (p = 0.04) and had higher SAPS II scores (p = 0.0002).

Conclusions

The survival rate was 62%. ACS (p = 0.01), SAPS II (p = 0.004), sex (p = 0.01), pre‐existing CVD (p = 0.0007) and surgical technique (VAWC vs VAWCM) (p = 0.0009) were determined to be predictors of mortality. Primary fascial closure was obtained in 68% of cases. VAWCM was found to grant higher survival and primary fascial closure rate.
Routine Virtual Ileostomy Following Restorative Proctocolectomy for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Authors: Ambe Peter C. , Zirngibl Hubert , Möslein Gabriela
Published: November 2017

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the most feared complication in colorectal surgery. A diverting ileostomy is routinely used to prevent or reduce morbidity and mortality following AL. However, a diverting ileostomy cannot prevent AL. Besides, diverting ileostomy might be associated with relevant complications. Herein, we introduce the virtual ileostomy as an alternative to diverting ileostomy in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

Materials and methods

The results of eight patients, five females and three males with a median age of 19.5 ± 6.0 years (range 16.0–31.0 years), undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA and virtual ileostomy for FAP are presented.

Results

All cases were laparoscopically managed. The virtual ileostomy was released between postoperative day 7 and 9. No AL was registered. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all cases.

Conclusion

A diverting ileostomy was prevented via the use of virtual ileostomy in all cases. Thus, virtual ileostomy is a good alternative to diverting ileostomy in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA for FAP.
Olfactory discrimination of anal sac secretions in the domestic cat and the chemical profiles of the volatile compounds
Authors: Miyazaki Tamako , Nishimura Takashi , Yamashita Tetsuro , Miyazaki Masao
Published: November 2017

Scent emitted from anal sac secretions provides important signals for most Carnivora. Their secretions emit a variety of volatile compounds, some of which function as chemical signals with information about the scent owners. The domestic cat has a pair of anal sac glands to secrete a pungent liquid. Their anal sac secretions may give information about sex, reproductive state, and recognition of individuals. However, little is known about the volatile compounds emitted from anal sac secretions and their biological functions in cats. In this study, we examined the volatile chemical profiles of anal sac secretions in cats and their olfactory ability to discriminate intraspecific anal sac secretions. Analysis with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that the major volatile compounds were short-chain free fatty acids, whose contents varied among individuals, as well as other carnivores. There was no sex difference in the volatile profiles. In temporal analyses of individual anal sac secretions performed 2 months apart, the profiles were highly conserved within individuals. Habituation–dishabituation tests showed that cats can distinguish individual differences in the odor of anal sac secretions. These results suggest that cats utilize short-chain free fatty acids emitted from anal sac secretions to obtain scent information for individual recognition rather than species or sex recognition.
Plant–soil interactions maintain biodiversity and functions of tropical forest ecosystems
Authors: Fujii Kazumichi , Shibata Makoto , Kitajima Kaoru , Ichie Tomoaki , Kitayama Kanehiro , Turner Benjamin L.
Published: November 2017

Tropical forests are characterized by high biodiversity and aboveground biomass growing on strongly weathered soils. However, the distribution of plant species and soils are highly variable even within a tropical region. This paper reviews existing and novel knowledge on soil genesis, plant and microbial physiology, and biogeochemistry. Typically, forests in Southeast Asia are dominated by dipterocarps growing on acidic Ultisols from relatively young parent material. In the Neotropics and Africa, forests contain abundant legume trees growing on Oxisols developed in the older parent materials on stable continental shields. In Southeast Asia, the removal of base cations from the surface soil due to leaching and uptake by dipterocarp trees result in intensive acidification and accumulation of exchangeable Al3+, which is toxic to most plants. Nutrient mining by ectomycorrhizal fungi and efficient allocation within tree organs can supply phosphorus (P) for reproduction (e.g., mast fruiting) even on P‐limited soils. In the Neotropics and Africa, nitrogen (N) fixation by legume trees can ameliorate N or P limitation but excess N can promote acidification through nitrification. Biological weathering [e.g., plant silicon (Si) cycling] and leaching can lead to loss of Si from soil. The resulting accumulation of Al and Fe oxides in Oxisols that can reduce P solubility through sorption and lead to limitation of P relative to N. Thus, geographical variation in geology and plant species drives patterns of soil weathering and niche differentiation at the global scale in tropical forests.
Erratum zu: Neue Systeme zur Antikörperherstellung
Authors: Stech Marlitt , Nikolaeva Olga , Kubick Stefan
Published: November 2017

Der Artikel „Neue Systeme zur Antikörperherstellung“, von Marlitt Stech, Olga Nikolaeva und Stefan Kubick, wurde ursprünglich am 30. September 2017 ohne Open Access online auf SpringerLink publiziert. Die Autoren haben sich jedoch nachträglich für eine Open Access-Veröffentlichung entschieden. Das Copyright des Artikels wurde deshalb im November 2017 in © Der/die Autor(en) 2017 geändert und der Artikel wird nun unter der Creative Commons Namensnennung 4.0 Interna tional Lizenz (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/deed.de) veröffentlicht, welche die Nutzung, Vervielfältigung, Bearbeitung, Verbreitung und Wiedergabe in jeglichem Medium und Format erlaubt, sofern Sie den/die ursprünglichen Autor(en) und die Quelle ordnungsgemäß nennen, einen Link zur Creative Commons Lizenz beifügen und angeben, ob Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.
The limits of guilt
Authors: Balafoutas Loukas , Fornwagner Helena
Published: November 2017

According to the theory of guilt aversion, agents suffer a psychological cost whenever they fall short of other people’s expectations. In this paper, we suggest that there may be limits to this kind of motivation. We present evidence from an experimental dictator game showing that behavior is consistent with guilt aversion for relatively low levels of recipient expectations, roughly up to the point where the recipient expects half of the available surplus. Beyond that point the relationship between expectations and transfers becomes negative. Moreover, we examine this relationship at the individual level and establish a typology of subjects depending on how and whether they condition their behavior on recipient expectations.
Uniform convergence for the incompressible limit of a tumor growth model
Authors: Kim Inwon , Turanova Olga
Published: November 2017

We study a model introduced by Perthame and Vauchelet [19] that describes the growth of a tumor governed by Brinkman's Law, which takes into account friction between the tumor cells. We adopt the viscosity solution approach to establish an optimal uniform convergence result of the tumor density as well as the pressure in the incompressible limit. The system lacks standard maximum principle, and thus modification of the usual approach is necessary.
STABLE OXYGEN ISOTOPE SOURCING OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FAUNA FROM CHACO CANYON, NEW MEXICO
Authors: Hamilton Marian I. , Drake B. Lee , Wills W. H. , Jones Emily Lena , Conrad Cyler , Crown Patricia L.
Published: November 2017

Modern datasets provide the context necessary for accurate interpretations of isotopic data from archaeological faunal assemblages. In this study, we use the oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) of modern small mammals from Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, to quantify expected isotopic variation in a local population. The δ18O values of local, modern small mammals encompass a broad range (−6.0‰ to 4.8‰ VPDB), which is expected given the extreme seasonal variation in the δ18O of precipitation on the Colorado Plateau (−11‰ to −3‰ VPDB). Isotopic ratios of small mammals obtained from excavated archaeological sites in Chaco Canyon (ca. AD 800 to 1200) show no significant differences with their modern counterparts, suggesting that there is no difference in the origins of the archaeological small-mammal collection and the modern, local Chaco Canyon small-mammal collection. In contrast, δ18O values of large mammals from Chaco archaeological sites are significantly different from those of modern specimens, reflecting a nonlocal, but also nonspecific, source in the past.
Neglecting the Proactive Aspect of Human Rights Due Diligence? A Critical Appraisal of the EU’s Non-Financial Reporting Directive as a Pillar One Avenue for Promoting Pillar Two Action
Authors: BUHMANN Karin
Published: November 2017

Firms’ human rights due diligence (HRDD) and communication on their human rights impacts are not only elements in the Corporate Responsibility to Respect human rights (Pillar Two), but also to be promoted by States as part of their State Duty to Protect (Pillar One) through regulatory strategies aiming at shaping business conduct. Analysing the EU’s 2014 Non-Financial Reporting Directive as an example of governmental regulation for promoting responsible business conduct, the article discusses conditions for HRDD and reporting as a communication process to stimulate organizational change in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles to avoid harm, including through affected-stakeholder engagement. Applying socio-legal regulatory theory along with organizational and accounting literature, the article finds that the Directive’s predominant focus on ex-post measures appears to be a neglected opportunity to induce ex-ante organizational learning and changed business conduct to prevent adverse human rights impact. It offers recommendations for regulators and stakeholders for stronger regulation.
Children Protection, Politics and Procrastination: The Discourse of Deferral
Authors: Schulz Pamela D.
Published: November 2017

The Discourse of Child Protection and its ensuing political responses are discussed here following a 6 month analysis of media platforms in which child protection reforms were recommended following child abuse and neglect reports. The headlines, in social and other media were analysed to identify the significant aspects of reactions to horrifying tales, stories and reports of child deaths, injuries and other abuses. Clear evidence emerges of a disturbing discourse of deferral and political inaction that is only relieved when inquiries and Royal Commissions advocate strong and immediate changes. In addition, this study shows that lacunae (or what is missing in text or discourse) show that the voice of children is only heard after the event of horrific abuse and often relies on whistle-blowers or advocates. Despite the warnings and research of many distinguished child protection academics a cycle emerges which needs to reflect community desires to protect children via legislation and stronger regulations. Further, some inquiries have indicated stronger regulation and training of beleaguered child welfare staff.
All nurses need to be research nurses
Authors: Eckardt Patricia , Hammer Marilyn J. , Barton-Burke Margaret , McCabe Margaret , Kovner Christine T. , Behrens Liza , Reens Heather , Coller Barry S.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Nurses are critical to the research enterprise. However all nurses are not prepared to participate as members of the research team since education and training in clinical research nursing and nurse-specific Good Clinical Practice are not consistently included in nursing curricula. The lack of nurse education and training in clinical research and Good Clinical Practice leaves research participants vulnerable with a nursing workforce that is not prepared to balance fidelity to protocol and patient quality care and safety.

Methods

A collaborative network of nurses within Clinical and Translational Science Awards and beyond was established to address this education and training need. Over a 2-year period, using expert opinion, Delphi methods, and measures of validity and reliability the team constructed curriculum and knowledge test items.

Results

A pilot modular electronic curriculum, including knowledge pretest and post-tests, in clinical research nursing and nurse-specific Good Clinical Practice competencies was developed.

Conclusions

As the scope and setting of clinical research changes, it is likely that all practicing nurses, regardless of their practice setting or specialty, will care for patients on research protocol, making all nurses, in essence, clinical research nurses. The curriculum developed by this protocol will address that workforce education and training need.
The innovation scorecard for continuous improvement applied to translational science
Authors: Kotarba Joseph A. , Wooten Kevin
Published: November 2017

Introduction

This paper reports on the baseline stage of a qualitative evaluation of the application of the Innovative Scorecard (ISC) to the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. The ISC is adopted from the established Balanced Scorecard system for strategic planning and performance management. In formulating the evaluation, we focused on the organizational identity literature.

Methods

The initial evaluation consisted of a series of semi-structured interviews with 22 participants of the ISC Boot Camp conducted in July 2015.

Results

The logic of grounded theory pointed to the clustering of perceptions of the ISC around respondents’ occupational locations at UTMB. Administrators anticipate the expansion of planning activities to include a wider range of participants under the current CTSA award period (2015–2020) than under our first CTSA approval period (2009–2014). A common viewpoint among the senior scientists was that the scientific value of their work will continue to speak for itself without requiring the language of business. Junior scientists looked forward to the ISC’s emphasis on increasingly horizontal leadership that will give them more access to and more control over their work and resources. Postdocs and senior staff welcomed increased involvement in the total research process at UTMB.

Conclusion

The report concludes with strategies for future follow-up.
Galaxy Evolution Studies with the SPace IR Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics (SPICA): The Power of IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Spinoglio L. , Alonso-Herrero A. , Armus L. , Baes M. , Bernard-Salas J. , Bianchi S. , Bocchio M. , Bolatto A. , Bradford C. , Braine J. , Carrera F. J. , Ciesla L. , Clements D. L. , Dannerbauer H. , Doi Y. , Efstathiou A. , Egami E. , Fernández-Ontiveros J. A. , Ferrara A. , Fischer J. , Franceschini A. , Gallerani S. , Giard M. , González-Alfonso E. , Gruppioni C. , Guillard P. , Hatziminaoglou E. , Imanishi M. , Ishihara D. , Isobe N. , Kaneda H. , Kawada M. , Kohno K. , Kwon J. , Madden S. , Malkan M. A. , Marassi S. , Matsuhara H. , Matsuura M. , Miniutti G. , Nagamine K. , Nagao T. , Najarro F. , Nakagawa T. , Onaka T. , Oyabu S. , Pallottini A. , Piro L. , Pozzi F. , Rodighiero G. , Roelfsema P. , Sakon I. , Santini P. , Schaerer D. , Schneider R. , Scott D. , Serjeant S. , Shibai H. , Smith J.-D. T. , Sobacchi E. , Sturm E. , Suzuki T. , Vallini L. , van der Tak F. , Vignali C. , Yamada T. , Wada T. , Wang L.
Published: November 2017

IR spectroscopy in the range 12–230 μm with the SPace IR telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics (SPICA) will reveal the physical processes governing the formation and evolution of galaxies and black holes through cosmic time, bridging the gap between the James Webb Space Telescope and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescopes at shorter wavelengths and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array at longer wavelengths. The SPICA, with its 2.5-m telescope actively cooled to below 8 K, will obtain the first spectroscopic determination, in the mid-IR rest-frame, of both the star-formation rate and black hole accretion rate histories of galaxies, reaching lookback times of 12 Gyr, for large statistically significant samples. Densities, temperatures, radiation fields, and gas-phase metallicities will be measured in dust-obscured galaxies and active galactic nuclei, sampling a large range in mass and luminosity, from faint local dwarf galaxies to luminous quasars in the distant Universe. Active galactic nuclei and starburst feedback and feeding mechanisms in distant galaxies will be uncovered through detailed measurements of molecular and atomic line profiles. The SPICA’s large-area deep spectrophotometric surveys will provide mid-IR spectra and continuum fluxes for unbiased samples of tens of thousands of galaxies, out to redshifts of z ~ 6.
Insights into the provenance of the Chinese Loess Plateau from joint zircon U-Pb and garnet geochemical analysis of last glacial loess
Authors: Fenn Kaja , Stevens Thomas , Bird Anna , Limonta Mara , Rittner Martin , Vermeesch Pieter , Andò Sergio , Garzanti Eduardo , Lu Huayu , Zhang Hanzhi , Lin Zeng
Published: November 2017

The Chinese Loess Plateau, the world’s largest and oldest loess record, preserves evidence of Asia’s long-term dust source dynamics, but there is uncertainty over the source of the deposits. Recent single-grain detrital zircon U-Pb age analysis has progressed this issue, but debates remain about source changes, and the generation and interpretation of zircon data. To address this, we analyze different groupings of new and existing datasets from the Loess Plateau and potential sources. We also present the results of a first high resolution sampling, multi-proxy provenance analysis of Beiguoyuan loess using U-Pb dating of detrital zircons and detrital garnet geochemistry. The data shows that some small source differences seem to exist between different areas on the Loess Plateau. However, sediment source appears to be unchanging between loess and palaeosols, supporting a recent material recycling hypothesis. Our zircon and garnet data demonstrates, however, that Beiguoyuan experienced a temporary, abrupt source shift during the last glacial maximum, implying that local dust sources became periodically active during the Quaternary. Our results highlight that grouping data to achieve bigger datasets could cause identification of misleading trends. Additionally, we suggest that multi-proxy single-grain approaches are required to gain further insight into Chinese Loess Plateau dust sources.
Population Fluctuation and the Adoption of Food Production in Prehistoric Korea: Using Radiocarbon Dates as a Proxy for Population Change
Authors: Oh Yongje , Conte Matthew , Kang Seungho , Kim Jangsuk , Hwang Jaehoon
Published: November 2017

Population growth has been evoked both as a causal factor and consequence of the transition to agriculture. The use of radiocarbon (14C) dates as proxies for population allows for reevaluations of population as a variable in the transition to agriculture. In Korea, numerous rescue excavations during recent decades have offered a wealth of14C data for this application. A summed probability distribution (SPD) of14C dates is investigated to reconstruct population trends preceding and following adoptions of food production in prehistoric Korea. Important cultivars were introduced to Korea in two episodes: millets during the Chulmun Period (ca. 6000–1500 BCE) and rice during the Mumun Period (ca. 1500–300 BCE). The SPD suggests that while millet production had little impact on Chulmun populations, a prominent surge in population appears to have followed the introduction of rice. The case in prehistoric Korea demonstrates that the adoption of food production does not lead inevitably towards sustained population growth. Furthermore, the data suggest that the transition towards intensive agriculture need not occur under conditions of population pressure resulting from population growth. Rather, intensive rice farming in prehistoric Korea began during a period of population stagnation.
Standardisation of the Japanese diet for use in animal experiments
Authors: Sugawara Saeko , Mizowaki Yui , Iwagaki Yui , Sakamoto Yu , Yamamoto Kazushi , Tsuduki Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to develop a purified diet that mimics the characteristics of the Japanese diet using readily available materials with a simpler composition and a focus on quality, with the goal of facilitating performance of studies on the Japanese diet worldwide. The utility of the new diet was examined as a mimic of the standard Japanese diet for use in animal experiments. We examined whether a key characteristic of the Japanese diet of being less likely to cause obesity could be reproduced. The mimic diet had a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate based on the 1975 Japanese diet, which is the least likely to cause obesity, and materials chosen with reference to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS). To examine similarities of the mimic diet with the model 1975 Japanese diet, we created a menu of the 1975 diet based on the NHNS and prepared the freeze-dried and powdered diet. The mimic diet, the 1975 Japanese diet, a control AIN-93G diet and a Western diet were fed to mice for 4 weeks. As a result, the mimic diet and the 1975 diet resulted in less accumulation of visceral fat and liver fat. Mice given these two diets showed similar effects. This indicates that the mimic diet used in this study has characteristics of the 1975 Japanese diet and could be used as a standard Japanese diet in animal experiments.
Nonstate Actors and Compliance with International Agreements: An Empirical Analysis of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention
Authors: Jensen Nathan M. , Malesky Edmund J.
Published: November 2017

International relations scholarship has made great progress on the study of compliance with international agreements. While persuasive, most of this work has focused on states’de jurecompliance decisions, largely excluding thede factobehavior of nonstate actors whose actions the agreement hopes to constrain. Of particular interest has been whether the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention (ABC) might reduce the propensity of multinational corporations (MNCs) to bribe officials in host countries through its mechanisms of extraterritoriality and extensive peer review. Unfortunately, research is hampered by reporting bias. Since the convention raises the probability of investors’ punishment for bribery in their home countries, it reduces both the incentives for bribery and willingness to admit to the activity. This generates uncertainty over which of these incentives drives any correlation between signing the convention and reductions in reported bribery. We address this problem by employing a specialized survey experiment that shields respondents and reduces reporting bias. We find that after the onset of Phase 3 in 2010, when the risk of noncompliance increased for firms subject to the OECD-ABC, those MNCs reduced their actual bribery relative to their nonsignatory competitors.
Optimum replications and locations for cotton cultivar trials under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: BAXEVANOS D. , TSIALTAS J. T. , VLACHOSTERGIOS D. , GOULAS C.
Published: November 2017

The number of replications and locations used in a cultivar evaluation scheme is an important factor affecting the trial heritability (H) and optimum resource allocation. The aim of the present study was to calculate the required number of replications and locations for realizing an optimumHof 0·75 and to identify the most effective test locations for cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) in Greece. The data for lint yield, plant height, verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliaeKleb.) and fibre quality were derived from an 8-year experiment (2000–2007) conducted under irrigated, Mediterranean conditions at 14 locations along the Greek mega-environment. Analysis of variance was performed to calculateHas well as genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis to determine the location's desirability. It was determined that the four replications currently used in the evaluation of lint yield were sufficient, whereas four locations were proposed as optimum in lieu of the current 8–14 locations used in the evaluation. Two locations excelled as the most effective for lint yield evaluation and one for selection of genotypes tolerant to verticillium wilt using as criteria: the high and consistent across yearsH(0·75), GGE biplot representativeness and discriminating ability. Moreover, one location was selected as a backup based on average trial failures. Plant height was sufficiently evaluated by four replications and two locations, while verticillium required four replications for realizing lowerH(0·60) and three locations for even lowerH(0·40). Regarding quality, an increase of replications from the two currently used to four was sufficient for evaluation of all the traits. The advantage of reducing the number of locations for evaluation of lint yield to just four casts no doubt on the evaluation precision of lint percentage, length, strength and elongation but does for micronaire, short fibre index and uniformity, which realized lowerH(0·60 or 0·50).
An ultrasound study of Connemara Irish palatalization and velarization
Authors: Bennett Ryan , Ní Chiosáin Máire , Padgett Jaye , McGuire Grant
Published: November 2017

We present the first ultrasound analysis of the secondary palatalization contrast in Irish, analyzing data from five speakers from the Connemara dialect group. Word-initial /pʲ(bʲ)pˠ(bˠ)tʲtˠkʲkˠfʲfˠsʲsˠxʲxˠ/ are analyzed in the context of /iːuː/. We find, first, that tongue body position robustly distinguishes palatalized from velarized consonants, across place of articulation, manner, and vowel place contexts, with palatalized consonants having fronter and/or higher tongue body realizations than their velarized counterparts. This conclusion holds equally for labial consonants, contrary to some previous descriptive claims. Second, the nature and degree of palatalization and velarization depend in systematic ways on consonant place and manner. In coronal consonants, for example, velarization is weaker or absent. Third, the Irish consonants examined resist coarticulation in backness with a following vowel. In all of these respects Irish palatalization is remarkably similar to that of Russian. Our results also support an independent role for pharyngeal cavity expansion/retraction in the production of the palatalization contrast. Finally, we discuss preliminary findings on the dynamics of the secondary articulation gestures. Our use of principal component analysis (PCA) in reaching these findings is also of interest, since PCA has not been employed a great deal in analyses of tongue body movement.
Timely trigger of caterpillar zombie behaviour: temporal requirements for light in baculovirus-induced tree-top disease
Authors: Han Yue , van Houte Stineke , van Oers Monique M. , Ros Vera I. D.
Published: November 2017

Host behavioural manipulation is a common strategy used by parasites to enhance their survival and/or transmission. Baculoviruses induce hyperactivity and tree-top disease (pre-death climbing behaviour) in their caterpillar hosts. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of this behavioural manipulation. A previous study showed that the baculovirus Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) induced tree-top disease at 3 days post infection in third instar S. exigua larvae and that light plays a key role in triggering this behaviour. Here we investigated the temporal requirements for the presence of light to trigger this behaviour and found that light from above was needed between 43 and 50 h post infection to induce tree-top disease. Infected larvae that were not exposed to light from above in this period finally died at low positions. Exposure to light prior to this period did not affect the final positions where larvae died. Overall we conclude that light in a particular time frame is needed to trigger SeMNPV-induced tree-top disease in S. exigua larvae.
Epidemiological investigation of a severe rumen fluke outbreak on an Irish dairy farm
Authors: O'Shaughnessy James , Garcia-Campos Andres , McAloon Conor G. , Fagan Seamus , de Waal Theo , McElroy Maire , Casey Micheal , Good Barbara , Mulcahy Grace , Fagan John , Murphy Denise , Zintl Annetta
Published: November 2017

Although the rumen fluke,Calicophoron daubneyiis now very common and widespread throughout Western Europe, reports of clinical cases are still rare. This study explores the epidemiological background to a severe rumen fluke outbreak in 6-month-old heifers on a dairy farm in Ireland. Sequence analysis of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) gene of the rumen fluke metacercariae on pasture failed to identify predominant, possibly pathogenic subtypes. However, estimates of metacercarial load indicated that the animals were exposed to a daily dose of about 5334C. daubneyimetacercariae for a period of 3 weeks resulting in the build-up of very large numbers of immature worms in the small intestine. It is hypothesized that specific environmental conditions may favour this parasite over its competitor, the liver fluke,Fasciola hepatica, possibly by allowing it to emerge earlier. The possibility thatC. daubneyimay be better adapted to the Irish climate thanF. hepaticatogether with the fact that selective treatment againstF. hepaticaeffectively frees the niche forC. daubneyi, may result in the gradual replacement ofF. hepaticabyC. daubneyi.
White matter abnormalities in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients showing cognitive decline
Authors: Nuninga Jasper Olivier , Bohlken Marc Marijn , Koops Sanne , Fiksinski Ania M. , Mandl René C. W. , Breetvelt Elemi J. , Duijff Sasja N. , Kahn René S. , Sommer Iris E. C. , Vorstman Jacob A. S.
Published: November 2017

Background

Decline in cognitive functioning precedes the first psychotic episode in the course of schizophrenia and is considered a hallmark symptom of the disorder. Given the low incidence of schizophrenia, it remains a challenge to investigate whether cognitive decline coincides with disease-related changes in brain structure, such as white matter abnormalities. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is an appealing model in this context, as 25% of patients develop psychosis. Furthermore, we recently showed that cognitive decline also precedes the onset of psychosis in individuals with 22q11DS. Here, we investigate whether the early cognitive decline in patients with 22q11DS is associated with alterations in white matter microstructure.

Methods

We compared the fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter in 22q11DS patients with cognitive decline [n= 16; −18.34 (15.8) VIQ percentile points over 6.80 (2.39) years] to 22q11DS patients without cognitive decline [n= 18; 17.71 (20.17) VIQ percentile points over 5.27 (2.03) years] by applying an atlas-based approach to diffusion-weighted imaging data.

Results

FA was significantlyincreased(p< 0.05, FDR) in 22q11DS patients with a cognitive decline in the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus, the bilateral cingulum bundle, all subcomponents of the left internal capsule and the left superior frontal-occipital fasciculus as compared with 22q11DS patients without cognitive decline.

Conclusions

Within 22q11DS, the early cognitive decline is associated with microstructural differences in white matter. At the mean age of 17.8 years, these changes are reflected in increased FA in several tracts. We hypothesize that similar brain alterations associated with cognitive decline take place early in the trajectory of schizophrenia.
Digging deeper on “deep” learning: A computational ecology approach
Authors: Buscema Massimo , Sacco Pier Luigi
Published: November 2017

We propose an alternative approach to “deep” learning that is based on computational ecologies of structurally diverse artificial neural networks, and on dynamic associative memory responses to stimuli. Rather than focusing on massive computation of many different examples of a single situation, we opt for model-based learning and adaptive flexibility. Cross-fertilization of learning processes across multiple domains is the fundamental feature of human intelligence that must inform “new” artificial intelligence.
Children begin with the same start-up software, but their software updates are cultural
Authors: Clegg Jennifer M. , Corriveau Kathleen H.
Published: November 2017

We propose that early in ontogeny, children's core cognitive abilities are shaped by culturally dependent “software updates.” The role of sociocultural inputs in the development of children's learning is largely missing from Lake et al.'s discussion of the development of human-like artificial intelligence, but its inclusion would help move research even closer to machines that can learn and think like humans.
Causal generative models are just a start
Authors: Davis Ernest , Marcus Gary
Published: November 2017

Human reasoning is richer than Lake et al. acknowledge, and the emphasis on theories of how images and scenes are synthesized is misleading. For example, the world knowledge used in vision presumably involves a combination of geometric, physical, and other knowledge, rather than just a causal theory of how the image was produced. In physical reasoning, a model can be a set of constraints rather than a physics engine. In intuitive psychology, many inferences proceed without detailed causal generative models. How humans reliably perform such inferences, often in the face of radically incomplete information, remains a mystery.
Evidence from machines that learn and think like people
Authors: Forbus Kenneth D. , Gentner Dedre
Published: November 2017

We agree with Lake et al.'s trenchant analysis of deep learning systems, including that they are highly brittle and that they need vastly more examples than do people. We also agree that human cognition relies heavily on structured relational representations. However, we differ in our analysis of human cognitive processing. We argue that (1) analogical comparison processes are central to human cognition; and (2) intuitive physical knowledge is captured by qualitative representations, rather than quantitative simulations.