bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Mineral Compositions of Swell-Shrink Clays From Guangxi Province, China
Authors: ZENG ZHAOTIAN , LU HAIBO , ZHAO YANLIN , QIN YINGHONG
Published: May 2020

Swell-shrink clays are widely distributed in the Guangxi province of southern China in the form of expansive soils and lateritic clays. They have high particle dispersion, poor permeability, and significant swell-shrink properties. In recent decades, a series of problems closely related to the physical-mechanical properties of the swell-shrink clays have been encountered in various engineering projects. Mineral composition is a critical factor affecting the physical-mechanical properties of these clays. However, determining accurately their mineral compositions is difficult because the analytical methods available are expensive, time consuming, and have a high possibility of errors. Therefore, identifying a method suitable for quantitatively analyzing the mineral composition of the swell-shrink clays is necessary. In the current study several swell-shrink clays, including two expansive soils and four lateritic clays, from the Guangxi region were investigated. Qualitative analytical methods such as differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were conducted to identify the mineral composition of the soils. The results indicated that the expansive soils were composed mainly of quartz (Qz), montmorillonite (Mnt), illite (Ilt), and kaolinite (Kln). The Baise specimen also contained a certain amount of calcite (Cal), while the lateritic clays primarily contained Kln and goethite (Gth) as well as lesser amounts of Qz and gibbsite (Gbs). On the basis of the aforementioned results, rough quantitative analyses of the mineral compositions were conducted using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and the Bogue method. The results indicated that the lateritic clay samples from Wuming, Guilin, and Liuzhou contained 70–80% Kln, while the Laibin lateritic clay was 50% Kln. The lateritic clays contained ~10% Gth. The expansive soils were 30–40%, 25–30%, and 10–15% of Ilt, Qz, and Mnt, respectively. Finally, the relationships between the mineral compositions, zeta potentials, and free swelling ratios are discussed briefly. This investigation indicated that the zeta potential was mainly related to the type and content of clay minerals in the soil when neutral water was used as the free solution (pH = 7). The correlation between the swelling index and the zeta potential of the expansive soils was greater than that of the lateritic clays, which indicated that the swelling properties of expansive soils were more affected by the clay mineral composition than those of the lateritic clays. The results provide a systematic method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the mineral composition of swell-shrink clays and primary data for studying how mineral composition affects the physical properties of swell-shrink clays in the study area.
Australian high school students and their Internet use: perceptions of opportunities versus ‘problematic situations’
Authors: gaspard luke
Published: May 2020

The Internet has, for varied reasons, emerged as a critical mediating tool in the everyday experience for many young people. Opportunities for access and participation are vast and well-documented. There are, however, risks, or more accurately ‘problematic situations’, associated with these online experiences. From a digital youth’s perspective, real and perceived threats, primarily related to content, contact and conduct, all play to policy agendas, and adult fears of how best to protect youth within virtual space where the boundaries of private and public are easily blurred and compromised. Drawing upon a purposive sample of four high schools, in greater Melbourne, Australia, frequency analysis is performed on questionnaire data from 770 students aged 12–18. Adapting the research taxonomy from the EU Kids Online (2014, EU Kids Online: findings, methods, recommendations (deliverable D1.6)) project, this paper extends that work by developing a more comprehensive coding structure to reflect the complex attitudes high school students of this study exhibit with their online practice. In doing so, this research, via a more nuanced classification, supports the ongoing validity of previous research that points to navigation of the Internet as a continuing contestation between balancing opportunity and risk.
The influence of culture on maternal attachment behaviours: a South African case study
Authors: Zaidman-Mograbi Rachel , le Roux Liana (MP) , Hall Herna
Published: May 2020

It is widely accepted that culture is a contextual factor that can affect mother–infant attachment. Cultural beliefs are translated into child-rearing patterns that influence maternal responsiveness to infant attachment behaviours and could thus affect sensitive caregiving that lies at the heart of secure attachment. This article reports on the findings of a study that explored the influence of culture on maternal caregiving behaviours in the multi-cultural South African context. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews conducted with participants from three study samples to ascertain their perceptions of socio-cultural influences on attachment. Two samples consisted of mothers and mental health professionals, respectively, who represented different South African cultures (Xhosa, Sotho, Zulu, Coloured, Indian and White). The third sample consisted of experts in the field of attachment. The research findings indicate that culture could influence maternal caregiving behaviours. Although all the participants valued good caregiving, some maternal responses to infant attachment behaviours varied among participants from different cultures. The research emphasises the importance of considering local contexts in understanding attachment and maternal sensitivity.
Detecting Subtle Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Charest Kim , Tremblay Alexandra , Langlois Roxane , Roger Élaine , Duquette Pierre , Rouleau Isabelle
Published: May 2020

Background:

Although cognitive deficits are frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS), screening for them with tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test is usually not performed unless there is a subjective complaint. The Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) is among the instruments most commonly used to assess self-reported subjective complaints in MS. Nonetheless, it does not always accurately reflect cognitive status; many patients with cognitive deficits thus fail to receive appropriate referral for detailed neuropsychological evaluation. The objective of this study was to examine the validity of the MoCA test to detect the presence of objective cognitive deficits among patients with MS without subjective complaints using the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) as the gold standard.

Methods:

The sample included 98 patients who were recruited from a university hospital MS clinic. The MSNQ was used to select patients without subjective cognitive complaints who also completed the MACFIMS, MoCA test and MSQOL-54.

Results:

23.5% of patients without subjective cognitive complaints had evidence of objective cognitive impairment on the MACFIMS (z score < -1.5 on two or more tests). The MoCA had a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 68% for detecting objective cognitive impairment in this patient population using a cut-off score of 27.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of patients without self-reported cognitive impairment do have evidence of cognitive deficits on more exhaustive cognitive assessment. The MoCA is a rapid screening test that could be used to target patients for whom a more detailed neuropsychological assessment would be recommended.
Access to Allied Health Care Services in Canadian Interdisciplinary Complex Nerve Injury Programs
Authors: Chapman Kristine M. , Doherty Chris , Bristol Sean G. , O’Connor Russell , Berger Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Nerve transfer surgery for patients with nerve and spinal cord injuries can result in dramatic functional improvements. As a result, interdisciplinary complex nerve injury programs (CNIPs) have been established in many Canadian centers, providing electrodiagnostic and surgical consultations in a single encounter. We sought to determine which allied health care services are included in Canadian CNIPs, at the 3rd Annual Canadian Peripheral Nerve Symposium. Twenty CNIPs responded to a brief survey and reported access as follows: occupational therapy = 60%, physiotherapy = 40%, social work = 20%, and mental health = 10%. Access to allied health services is variable in CNIPs across Canada, possibly resulting in heterogeneity in patient care.
Reduced dynamical systems
Authors: BOC THALER LUKA , KUZMAN UROŠ
Published: May 2020

We consider the dynamics of complex rational maps on $\widehat{\mathbb{C}}$. We prove that, after reducing their orbits to a fixed number of positive values representing the Fubini–Study distances between finitely many initial elements of the orbit and the origin, ergodic properties of the rational map are preserved.
Relative bifurcation sets and the local dimension of univoque bases
Authors: ALLAART PIETER , KONG DERONG
Published: May 2020

Fix an alphabet$A=\{0,1,\ldots ,M\}$with$M\in \mathbb{N}$. The univoque set$\mathscr{U}$of bases$q\in (1,M+1)$in which the number$1$has a unique expansion over the alphabet$A$has been well studied. It has Lebesgue measure zero but Hausdorff dimension one. This paper describes how the points in the set$\mathscr{U}$are distributed over the interval$(1,M+1)$by determining the limit$$\begin{eqnarray}f(q):=\lim _{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}\rightarrow 0}\dim _{\text{H}}(\mathscr{U}\cap (q-\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF},q+\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}))\end{eqnarray}$$for all$q\in (1,M+1)$. We show in particular that$f(q)>0$if and only if$q\in \overline{\mathscr{U}}\backslash \mathscr{C}$, where$\mathscr{C}$is an uncountable set of Hausdorff dimension zero, and$f$is continuous at those (and only those) points where it vanishes. Furthermore, we introduce a countable family of pairwise disjoint subsets of$\mathscr{U}$called relative bifurcation sets, and use them to give an explicit expression for the Hausdorff dimension of the intersection of$\mathscr{U}$with any interval, answering a question of Kalleet al [On the bifurcation set of unique expansions. Acta Arith.188(2019), 367–399]. Finally, the methods developed in this paper are used to give a complete answer to a question of the first author [On univoque and strongly univoque sets.Adv. Math.308(2017), 575–598] on strongly univoque sets.
Soundscapes in English and Spanish: a corpus investigation of verb constructions
Authors: CABALLERO ROSARIO , PARADIS CARITA
Published: May 2020

This corpus study explores howsoundevents are communicated in English and Spanish. The aims are to (i) contribute production data for a better understanding of the couplings of meanings and their realizations, (ii) account for typological differences between the languages, and (iii) further the theoretical discussion of howsoundis conceptualized through the window of language. We found that, while there are significant differences between the languages with respect to howsoundevents are communicated, they are similar with respect to what domains the sound descriptions are instantiated in, namelyperception,motion,manipulation,emotion-reaction,consumption, andcognition. One striking difference has to do with the conflation ofsound for action, e.g.,creak,squeak, andsound for motion, e.g.,slam,crash.This finding supports the received view of English as a language that may lexicalizemannerin those kinds of verbs, while Spanish expressesmannerthrough qualifiers outside the verb. Moreover, both languages employ three different perspectives on the soundscapes: Producer-, Experiencer-, and Phenomenon-based. While English favours the Producer perspective, Spanish features an even distribution between Producer and Experiencer. Phenomenon-based descriptions are relatively few in both languages.
Contrasting responses of land-terminating glaciers to recent climate variations in King George Island, Antarctica
Authors: Rosa Kátia Kellem da , Perondi Cleiva , Veettil Bijeesh Kozhikkodan , Auger Jeffrey D. , Simões Jefferson Cardia
Published: May 2020

In this study, we aim to analyse the glacier dynamics of land-terminating glaciers in King George Island (Antarctica) between 1956 and 2018. Glacial fluctuations are estimated using space-borne remote sensing data (SPOT, Landsat, PlanetScope, Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, WorldView-2 and TanDEM-X). The eastern sector of Warszawa Icefield witnessed continuous glacier retreat during 1979–2018 (surface loss of 30%). The decreases in the ice-covered areas of the Tower, Windy, Ecology, Baranowski and Sphinx glaciers were 70%, 31%, 25%, 25% and 21%, respectively, with their accumulation area ratios (AARs) exhibiting negative mass balances. The winter air temperature was cooler during the 1970s with warming trends in the 1980s and early 2000s followed by a cooling trend until the present day. However, the annual time series has shown high interannual variability in air temperature during these periods. We show that the AAR, dimensions, length, frontal elevation, maximum elevation, slope and changes in the terminus position influence the glacier response to climate change at various timescales. Furthermore, three geomorphic activity intensity zones and a complete paraglacial sequence are identified while contrasting the proglacial systems. Overall, subglacial deposits predominate and indicate that meltwater flows on the bed, producing wet-based thermal regimes.
Camouflaging: psychopathological meanings and clinical relevance in autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Dell’Osso Liliana , Lorenzi Primo , Carpita Barbara
Published: May 2020

In the last decade, increasing literature focused on camouflaging as a strategy adopted to cope with social environment by patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A better understanding of this phenomenon may shed more light on cognitive mechanisms and coping strategies of patients in the autism continuum, eventually leading to reconsider some previous “dogmas” in this field, such as the gender discrepancy in ASD diagnosis. Moreover, shared features can be observed in the camouflaging strategies adopted among the general population, among patients of the autism spectrum, and among patients with different kinds of psychiatric disorders, further challenging our perspectives. Camouflaging behaviors might be considered as a transdiagnostic element, closely associated with the continuous distribution of the autism spectrum among the general and the clinical population.
Effectiveness of a culturally adapted cognitive behavioural therapy-based guided self-help (CACBT-GSH) intervention to reduce social anxiety and enhance self-esteem in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial from Pakistan
Authors: Amin Rizwana , Iqbal Amna , Naeem Farooq , Irfan Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Background:

Social anxiety is common among adolescents in Pakistan and is associated with low self-esteem. Among the recommended treatments, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective, and self-help approaches are encouraged.

Aim:

To determine the effectiveness of culturally adapted CBT-based guided self-help (CACBT-GSH) intervention, using a manual ‘Khushi aur Khatoon’, for treating social anxiety when added to treatment as usual (TAU) compared with TAU only.

Method:

A total of 76 adolescents with social anxiety aged 13–16 years from six schools in Multan, Pakistan were recruited into this randomized controlled trial. Participants were divided into intervention and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. Social anxiety, self-esteem and fear of negative evaluation were assessed through the Liebowtiz Social Anxiety Scale for children and adolescents, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation, respectively, at baseline and at the end of the study. Guided self-help using culturally adapted CBT (CACBT)-based self-help manual (eight sessions, one session per week) was provided to the intervention group. The effect of the CACBT-GSH intervention was analysed with ANCOVA.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and the control groups in favour of intervention. Participants in the intervention group showed reduced symptoms of social anxiety (p < .001), fear of negative evaluation (p < .001) and enhanced self-esteem (p < .001).

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated the effectiveness of CACBT-based guided self-help intervention in treating social anxiety and addressing the symptoms associated with it.
Determination of saliva epigenetic age in infancy, and its association with parental socio-economic characteristics and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Popovic Maja , Fiano Valentina , Isaevska Elena , Moccia Chiara , Trevisan Morena , Rusconi Franca , De Marco Laura , Polidoro Silvia , Merletti Franco , Pizzi Costanza , Richiardi Lorenzo
Published: May 2020

Epigenetic age acceleration (AA) has been associated with adverse environmental exposures and many chronic conditions. We estimated, in the NINFEA birth cohort, infant saliva epigenetic age, and investigated whether parental socio-economic position (SEP) and pregnancy outcomes are associated with infant epigenetic AA. A total of 139 saliva samples collected at on average 10.8 (range 7–17) months were used to estimate Horvath’s DNA methylation age. Epigenetic AA was defined as the residual from a linear regression of epigenetic age on chronological age. Linear regression models were used to test the associations of parental SEP and pregnancy outcomes with saliva epigenetic AA. A moderate positive association was found between DNA methylation age and chronological age, with the median absolute difference of 6.8 months (standard deviation [SD] 3.9). The evidence of the association between the indicators of low SEP and epigenetic AA was weak; infants born to unemployed mothers or with low education had on average 1 month higher epigenetic age than infants of mothers with high education and employment (coefficient 0.78 months, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: −0.79 to 2.34 for low/medium education; 0.96, 95% CI: −1.81 to 3.73 for unemployment). There was no evidence for association of gestational age, birthweight or caesarean section with infant epigenetic AA. Using the Horvath’s method, DNA methylation age can be fairly accurately predicted from saliva samples already in the first months of life. This study did not reveal clear associations between either pregnancy outcomes or parental socio-economic characteristics and infant saliva epigenetic AA.
Feasibility of Group Problem Management Plus (PM+) to improve mental health and functioning of adults in earthquake-affected communities in Nepal
Authors: Sangraula M. , Turner E. L. , Luitel N. P. , van ‘t Hof E. , Shrestha P. , Ghimire R. , Bryant R. , Marahatta K. , van Ommeren M. , Kohrt B. A. , Jordans M. J. D.
Published: May 2020

Aims

Psychological interventions that are brief, acceptable, effective and can be delivered by non-specialists are especially necessary in low- and middle-income countries, where mental health systems are unable to address the high level of psychosocial needs. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a five-session intervention designed for those impaired by psychological distress while living in communities affected by adversity. Individual PM+ has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing distress in Kenya and Pakistan, and a group version of PM+ (Group PM+) was effective for conflict-affected women in Pakistan. This paper describes a feasibility and acceptability trial of locally adapted Group PM+ for women and men in an earthquake-affected region of rural Nepal.

Methods

In this feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial, participants in the experimental arm were offered five sessions of Group PM+ and participants in the control arm received enhanced usual care (EUC), which entailed brief psycho-education and providing referral options to primary care services with health workers trained in the mental health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG). A mixed-methods design was used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of Group PM+. Feasibility was assessed with criteria including fidelity and retention of participants. Acceptability was assessed through in-depth interviews with participants, family members, programme staff and other stakeholders. The primary clinical outcome was depression symptoms assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) administered at baseline and 8–8.5 weeks post-baseline (i.e. after completion of Group PM+ or EUC).

Results

We recruited 121 participants (83% women and 17% men), with equal allocation to the Group PM+ and EUC arms (1:1). Group PM+ was delivered over five 2.5–3 hour sessions by trained and supervised gender-matched local non-specialists, with an average attendance of four out of five sessions. The quantitative and qualitative results demonstrated feasibility and acceptability for non-specialists to deliver Group PM+. Though the study was not powered to assess for effectiveness, for all five key outcome measures, including the primary clinical outcome, the estimated mean improvement was larger in the Group PM+ arm than the EUC arm.

Conclusion

The intervention and trial procedures were acceptable to participants, family members, and programme staff. The communities and participants found the intervention to be beneficial. Because feasibility and acceptability were established in this trial, a fully powered randomised controlled trial will be conducted for larger scale implementation to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in Nepal.
Susceptibility of Arkansas Palmer amaranth accessions to common herbicide sites of action
Authors: González-Torralva Fidel , Norsworthy Jason K. , Piveta Leonard B. , Varanasi Vijay K. , Barber Tom , Brabham Chad
Published: May 2020

Palmer amaranth is one of the most difficult-to-control weeds in row crop systems and has evolved resistance to several herbicide sites of action (SOAs). A late-season weed-escape survey had been conducted earlier to determine the distribution of protoporphyrinogen oxidase–inhibitor resistant Palmer Amaranth in Arkansas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of Arkansas Palmer amaranth accessions to commonly used herbicide SOAs. The SOAs evaluated were group 2 + 9, 3, 4, 5, 10, 14, 15, and 27, and the representative herbicide from each group was imazethapyr + glyphosate (79 + 860 g ha−1), trifluralin (1,120 g ha−1), dicamba (280 and 560 g ha−1), atrazine (560 g ha−1), glufosinate (594 g ha−1), fomesafen (395 g ha−1), S-metolachlor (1,064 g ha−1), and tembotrione (92 g ha−1), respectively. Palmer amaranth mortality varied among accessions across SOAs. Averaged across accessions, the mortality rates, by treatment in order from lowest to highest, were as follows: glyphosate + imazethapyr (16%), tembotrione (51%), dicamba at 280 g ha−1 (51%), fomesafen (76%), dicamba at 560 g ha−1 (82%), atrazine (85%), trifluralin (87%), S-metolachlor (96%), and glufosinate (99.5%). This study provides evidence that Palmer amaranth accessions with low susceptibility to glyphosate + imazethapyr, fomesafen, and tembotrione are widespread throughout Arkansas. Of the remaining SOAs, most Palmer amaranth accessions were sensitive; however, within each herbicide SOA, except glufosinate, control of some accessions was less than expected and resistance is suspected.
P Wave Anisotropy Caused by Partial Eclogitization of Descending Crust Demonstrated by Modeling Effective Petrophysical Properties
Authors: Zertani Sascha , Vrijmoed Johannes C. , Tilmann Frederik , John Timm , Andersen Torgeir B. , Labrousse Loic
Published: May 2020

Seismological studies of large‐scale processes at convergent plate boundaries typically probe lower crustal structures with wavelengths of several kilometers, whereas field‐based studies typically sample the resulting structures at a much smaller scale. To bridge this gap between scales, we derive effective petrophysical properties on the 20‐m, 100‐m, and kilometer scales based on numerical modeling with the finite element method. Geometries representative of eclogitization of crustal material are extracted from the partially eclogitized exposures on Holsnøy (Norway). We find that the P wave velocity is controlled by the properties of the lithologies rather than their geometric arrangement. P wave anisotropy, however, is dependent on the fabric orientation of the associated rocks, as fabric variations cause changes in the orientation of the initial anisotropy. As a result, different structural associations can result in effective anisotropies ranging from ~0–4% for eclogites not associated with ductile deformation to up to 8% for those formed during ductile deformation. For the kilometer‐scale structures, a scale that in principle can be resolved by seismological studies, we obtained P wave velocities between 7.7 and 8.0 km s−1. The effective P wave anisotropy on the kilometer scale is ~3–4% and thus may explain the backazimuthal dependence of seismological images of, for example, the Indian lower crust currently underthrusting beneath the Himalaya. These results imply that seismic anisotropy could be the key to visualize structures in active subduction and collision zones that are currently invisible to geophysical methods and thus can be used to unravel the underlying processes active at depth.
Multitemporal Relationships Between the Hydroclimate and Exports of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus in a Small Agricultural Watershed
Authors: Strohmenger L. , Fovet O. , Akkal‐Corfini N. , Dupas R. , Durand P. , Faucheux M. , Gruau G. , Hamon Y. , Jaffrezic A. , Minaudo C. , Petitjean P. , Gascuel‐Odoux C.
Published: May 2020

Agriculture affects the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, leading to a deterioration of surface water quality. The increasing magnitude of climate change raises questions about potential additional or mitigating effects of climate change on this deterioration. One way to understand these potential effects is to cross‐analyze the dynamics of nutrient concentrations and hydroclimatic variables at multiple time scales. Here, we used a 16‐year data set, from a 5 km2 agricultural watershed in France with a temperate oceanic climate, that contains a daily record of nutrient concentrations and hydroclimatic variables from 2002–2017. We calculated Mann‐Kendall and Theil‐Sen tests, Fourier transforms, and daily hydroclimatic distributions associated with extreme stream concentrations to investigate long‐term trends, seasonal dynamics and their interannual variations, and the daily time scale, respectively. Dynamics of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrate (NO3) concentrations displayed opposite patterns at the three temporal scales, while soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations showed decoupled dynamics, related more to extreme hydrological events. Climate and past agricultural changes seem to have a synergetic effect that leads to long‐term NO3 decrease and DOC increase. Precipitation and, to a greater extent, watershed wetness controlled seasonal and event‐driven dynamics.
Spatial Variability in Bankfull Stage and Bank Elevations of Lowland Meandering Rivers: Relation to Rating Curves and Channel Planform Characteristics
Authors: Lindroth Evan M. , Rhoads Bruce L. , Castillo Cesar R. , Czuba Jonathan A. , Güneralp İnci , Edmonds Doug
Published: May 2020

Mutual adjustment between process and form shapes the morphology of alluvial river channels, including channel banks. The tops of banks define the transition between the channel and adjacent floodplain, which corresponds to the level of incipient flooding. Despite the geomorphological and hydrological importance of this transition, few, if any, studies have extensively examined spatial variability in bank elevations and its influence on bankfull stage. This study uses an objective method to explore this variability at two spatial resolutions along three alluvial lowland meandering rivers. Results show that variability in bankfull stage is inherent to all three rivers. The mean variability of bankfull stage about the average downstream gradient in this stage is 10% to 20% of mean bankfull depth. Elevations of channel banks exhibit similar variability, even after accounting for systematic variations in heights of inner and outer banks associated with river meandering. Two‐dimensional hydraulic simulations show that the elevation range of mean variability in bankfull stage overlaps considerably with the elevation range of high curvature on rating curves, confirming that variability in bankfull stage influences the shape of these curves. The simulations verify that breaks in channel banks allow flow to extend onto the floodplain at stages below the average bankfull stage. The findings provide fundamental insight into the variable nature of bankfull conditions along meandering rivers and the role of this variability in channel‐floodplain connectivity. The results also inform river‐restoration efforts that seek to re‐establish the natural configuration of channel banks.
Anthranilic acid from Ralstonia solanacearum plays dual roles in intraspecies signalling and inter-kingdom communication
Authors: Song Shihao , Yin Wenfang , Sun Xiuyun , Cui Binbin , Huang Lei , Li Peng , Yang Liang , Zhou Jianuan , Deng Yinyue
Published: May 2020

Quorum sensing (QS) signals are widely utilized by bacteria to regulate biological functions in response to cell population density. Previous studies have demonstrated that Ralstonia solanacearum employs two different types of QS systems. We report here that anthranilic acid controls important biological functions and the production of QS signals in R. solanacearum. It was demonstrated that the biosynthesis of anthranilic acid is mainly performed by TrpEG. The accumulation of anthranilic acid and the transcription of trpEG occur in a cell density-dependent manner in R. solanacearum. Both the anthranilic acid and TrpEG homologues are conserved in various bacterial species. Moreover, we show that Sporisorium scitamineum sexual mating and hypha formation are strongly inhibited by the addition of exogenous anthranilic acid. Our results suggest that anthranilic acid is important for the physiology of bacteria in addition to its role in inter-kingdom communication.
A novel bacterial thiosulfate oxidation pathway provides a new clue about the formation of zero-valent sulfur in deep sea
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Rui , Xi Shichuan , Cai Ruining , Zhang Xin , Sun Chaomin
Published: May 2020

Zero-valent sulfur (ZVS) has been shown to be a major sulfur intermediate in the deep-sea cold seep of the South China Sea based on our previous work, however, the microbial contribution to the formation of ZVS in cold seep has remained unclear. Here, we describe a novel thiosulfate oxidation pathway discovered in the deep-sea cold seep bacterium Erythrobacter flavus 21–3, which provides a new clue about the formation of ZVS. Electronic microscopy, energy-dispersive, and Raman spectra were used to confirm that E. flavus 21–3 effectively converts thiosulfate to ZVS. We next used a combined proteomic and genetic method to identify thiosulfate dehydrogenase (TsdA) and thiosulfohydrolase (SoxB) playing key roles in the conversion of thiosulfate to ZVS. Stoichiometric results of different sulfur intermediates further clarify the function of TsdA in converting thiosulfate to tetrathionate (−O3S–S–S–SO3−), SoxB in liberating sulfone from tetrathionate to form ZVS and sulfur dioxygenases (SdoA/SdoB) in oxidizing ZVS to sulfite under some conditions. Notably, homologs of TsdA, SoxB, and SdoA/SdoB widely exist across the bacteria including in Erythrobacter species derived from different environments. This strongly indicates that this novel thiosulfate oxidation pathway might be frequently used by microbes and plays an important role in the biogeochemical sulfur cycle in nature.
A steeply-inclined trajectory for the Chicxulub impact
Authors: Collins G. S. , Patel N. , Davison T. M. , Rae A. S. P. , Morgan J. V. , Gulick S. P. S. ,   IODP-ICDP Expedition 364 Science Party, Christeson G. L. , Chenot E. , Claeys P. , Cockell C. S. , Coolen M. J. L. , Ferrière L. , Gebhardt C. , Goto K. , Jones H. , Kring D. A. , Lofi J. , Lowery C. M. , Ocampo-Torres R. , Perez-Cruz L. , Pickersgill A. E. , Poelchau M. H. , Rasmussen C. , Rebolledo-Vieyra M. , Riller U. , Sato H. , Smit J. , Tikoo S. M. , Tomioka N. , Urrutia-Fucugauchi J. , Whalen M. T. , Wittmann A. , Xiao L. , Yamaguchi K. E. ,   Third-Party Scientists, Artemieva N. , Bralower T. J.
Published: May 2020

The environmental severity of large impacts on Earth is influenced by their impact trajectory. Impact direction and angle to the target plane affect the volume and depth of origin of vaporized target, as well as the trajectories of ejected material. The asteroid impact that formed the 66 Ma Chicxulub crater had a profound and catastrophic effect on Earth’s environment, but the impact trajectory is debated. Here we show that impact angle and direction can be diagnosed by asymmetries in the subsurface structure of the Chicxulub crater. Comparison of 3D numerical simulations of Chicxulub-scale impacts with geophysical observations suggests that the Chicxulub crater was formed by a steeply-inclined (45–60° to horizontal) impact from the northeast; several lines of evidence rule out a low angle (<30°) impact. A steeply-inclined impact produces a nearly symmetric distribution of ejected rock and releases more climate-changing gases per impactor mass than either a very shallow or near-vertical impact.
Confidence drives a neural confirmation bias
Authors: Rollwage Max , Loosen Alisa , Hauser Tobias U. , Moran Rani , Dolan Raymond J. , Fleming Stephen M.
Published: May 2020

A prominent source of polarised and entrenched beliefs is confirmation bias, where evidence against one’s position is selectively disregarded. This effect is most starkly evident when opposing parties are highly confident in their decisions. Here we combine human magnetoencephalography (MEG) with behavioural and neural modelling to identify alterations in post-decisional processing that contribute to the phenomenon of confirmation bias. We show that holding high confidence in a decision leads to a striking modulation of post-decision neural processing, such that integration of confirmatory evidence is amplified while disconfirmatory evidence processing is abolished. We conclude that confidence shapes a selective neural gating for choice-consistent information, reducing the likelihood of changes of mind on the basis of new information. A central role for confidence in shaping the fidelity of evidence accumulation indicates that metacognitive interventions may help ameliorate this pervasive cognitive bias.
Structural basis for effector protein recognition by the Dot/Icm Type IVB coupling protein complex
Authors: Kim Hyunmin , Kubori Tomoko , Yamazaki Kohei , Kwak Mi-Jeong , Park Suk-Youl , Nagai Hiroki , Vogel Joseph P. , Oh Byung-Ha
Published: May 2020

The Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm type IVB secretion system (T4BSS) is extremely versatile, translocating ~300 effector proteins into host cells. This specialized secretion system employs the Dot/Icm type IVB coupling protein (T4CP) complex, which includes IcmS, IcmW and LvgA, that are known to selectively assist the export of a subclass of effectors. Herein, the crystal structure of a four-subunit T4CP subcomplex bound to the effector protein VpdB reveals an interaction between LvgA and a linear motif in the C-terminus of VpdB. The same binding interface of LvgA also interacts with the C-terminal region of three additional effectors, SidH, SetA and PieA. Mutational analyses identified a FxxxLxxxK binding motif that is shared by VpdB and SidH, but not by SetA and PieA, showing that LvgA recognizes more than one type of binding motif. Together, this work provides a structural basis for how the Dot/Icm T4CP complex recognizes effectors, and highlights the multiple substrate-binding specificities of its adaptor subunit.
Global priorities for conservation of reptilian phylogenetic diversity in the face of human impacts
Authors: Gumbs Rikki , Gray Claudia L. , Böhm Monika , Hoffmann Michael , Grenyer Richard , Jetz Walter , Meiri Shai , Roll Uri , Owen Nisha R. , Rosindell James
Published: May 2020

Phylogenetic diversity measures are increasingly used in conservation planning to represent aspects of biodiversity beyond that captured by species richness. Here we develop two new metrics that combine phylogenetic diversity and the extent of human pressure across the spatial distribution of species — one metric valuing regions and another prioritising species. We evaluate these metrics for reptiles, which have been largely neglected in previous studies, and contrast these results with equivalent calculations for all terrestrial vertebrate groups. We find that regions under high human pressure coincide with the most irreplaceable areas of reptilian diversity, and more than expected by chance. The highest priority reptile species score far above the top mammal and bird species, and reptiles include a disproportionate number of species with insufficient extinction risk data. Data Deficient species are, in terms of our species-level metric, comparable to Critically Endangered species and therefore may require urgent conservation attention.
Demonstration of X-ray Thomson scattering as diagnostics for miscibility in warm dense matter
Authors: Frydrych S. , Vorberger J. , Hartley N. J. , Schuster A. K. , Ramakrishna K. , Saunders A. M. , van Driel T. , Falcone R. W. , Fletcher L. B. , Galtier E. , Gamboa E. J. , Glenzer S. H. , Granados E. , MacDonald M. J. , MacKinnon A. J. , McBride E. E. , Nam I. , Neumayer P. , Pak A. , Voigt K. , Roth M. , Sun P. , Gericke D. O. , Döppner T. , Kraus D.
Published: May 2020

The gas and ice giants in our solar system can be seen as a natural laboratory for the physics of highly compressed matter at temperatures up to thousands of kelvins. In turn, our understanding of their structure and evolution depends critically on our ability to model such matter. One key aspect is the miscibility of the elements in their interiors. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of X-ray Thomson scattering to quantify the degree of species separation in a 1:1 carbon–hydrogen mixture at a pressure of ~150 GPa and a temperature of ~5000 K. Our measurements provide absolute values of the structure factor that encodes the microscopic arrangement of the particles. From these data, we find a lower limit of $$2{4}_{-7}^{+6}$$
2

4

−
7

+
6

% of the carbon atoms forming isolated carbon clusters. In principle, this procedure can be employed for investigating the miscibility behaviour of any binary mixture at the high-pressure environment of planetary interiors, in particular, for non-crystalline samples where it is difficult to obtain conclusive results from X-ray diffraction. Moreover, this method will enable unprecedented measurements of mixing/demixing kinetics in dense plasma environments, e.g., induced by chemistry or hydrodynamic instabilities.
Melatonin for Treatment-Seeking Alcohol Use Disorder patients with sleeping problems: A randomized clinical pilot trial
Authors: Gendy Marie N. S. , Lagzdins Dina , Schaman Jessika , Le Foll Bernard
Published: May 2020

A high percentage of subjects diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) suffer from sleeping difficulties. Lack of sleep could lead AUD patients to relapse or, sometimes, to suicide. Most of the currently prescribed medications to treat this complex problem retain a high risk of side effects and/or dependence. Therefore, the aim of the current clinical trial is to investigate the possibility of the use of a safer treatment, such as the natural health product melatonin, to treat alcohol-related sleeping problems. Sixty treatment-seeking AUD subjects were assigned to melatonin (5 mg) or placebo for 4 weeks of treatment. Change in sleeping quality which is the primary outcome of the study was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scale. Linear mixed models were used to statistically analyze the difference in scores before and after 4 weeks of treatment. There was a reduction in the global PSQI score in both groups with no significant drug effect between groups. In conclusion, the use of melatonin (5 mg)/day didn’t differ from placebo in decreasing sleeping problems in a sample of AUD subjects after 4 weeks of treatment. However, higher doses are worth exploring in future research.
Novel cultivated endophytic Verrucomicrobia reveal deep-rooting traits of bacteria to associate with plants
Authors: Bünger Wiebke , Jiang Xun , Müller Jana , Hurek Thomas , Reinhold-Hurek Barbara
Published: May 2020

Despite the relevance of complex root microbial communities for plant health, growth and productivity, the molecular basis of these plant-microbe interactions is not well understood. Verrucomicrobia are cosmopolitans in the rhizosphere, nevertheless their adaptations and functions are enigmatic since the proportion of cultured members is low. Here we report four cultivated Verrucomicrobia isolated from rice, putatively representing four novel species, and a novel subdivision. The aerobic strains were isolated from roots or rhizomes of Oryza sativa and O. longistaminata. Two of them are the first cultivated endophytes of Verrucomicrobia, as validated by confocal laser scanning microscopy inside rice roots after re-infection under sterile conditions. This extended known verrucomicrobial niche spaces. Two strains were promoting root growth of rice. Discovery of root compartment-specific Verrucomicrobia permitted an across-phylum comparison of the genomic conformance to life in soil, rhizoplane or inside roots. Genome-wide protein domain comparison with niche-specific reference bacteria from distant phyla revealed signature protein domains which differentiated lifestyles in these microhabitats. Our study enabled us to shed light into the dark microbial matter of root Verrucomicrobia, to define genetic drivers for niche adaptation of bacteria to plant roots, and provides cultured strains for revealing causal relationships in plant-microbe interactions by reductionist approaches.
Identification of chromosomes in Triticum aestivum possessing genes that confer tolerance to the synthetic auxin herbicide halauxifen-methyl
Authors: Obenland Olivia A. , Riechers Dean E.
Published: May 2020

Natural tolerance in hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to synthetic auxin herbicides is primarily due to rapid metabolic detoxification, but genes encoding these herbicide-detoxifying enzymes have yet to be identified. Herbicide safeners are commonly applied in wheat to achieve herbicide tolerance by inducing the expression and activity of herbicide-detoxifying enzymes. While safeners have been utilized for decades, knowledge of mechanisms that induce gene expression is limited. Our objective was to identify wheat chromosomes possessing genes that endow natural or safener-induced tolerance to halauxifen-methyl (HM), a postemergence (POST) wheat-selective synthetic auxin herbicide, using alien substitution (the S genome of Aegilops searsii) and aneuploid lines. Two POST rates of HM were applied to seedlings with 1-2 leaves (Zadoks stages 11-12), and the highest HM rate was also applied with the safener cloquintocet-mexyl (CM). Wheat chromosomes possessing genes associated only with natural HM tolerance were identified because Ae. searsii is HM-sensitive but CM-responsive. Lines with substitutions for 5A and 5B displayed sensitivity to HM, and experiments with nullisomic-tetrasomic (NT) lines further indicated major genes associated with HM tolerance are present on 5A and 5B chromosomes. However, the genes on 5A appear to play a larger role because lines lacking 5A chromosomes displayed more sensitivity than lines lacking 5B. Overall, these results can be utilized to guide future transcriptome analyses to identify candidate genes that confer HM tolerance in wheat.
Multi-element lenslet array for efficient solar collection at extreme angles of incidence
Authors: Alsaigh Rakan E. , Bauer Ralf , Lavery Martin P. J.
Published: May 2020

Photovoltaics (PV) are a versatile and compact route to harness solar power. One critical challenge with current PV is preserving the optimal panel orientation angle with respect to the sun for efficient energy conversion. We experimentally demonstrate a bespoke multi-element lenslet array that allows for an increased power collection over a wide field of view by increasing the effective optical interaction length by up to 13 times specifically at large angles of incidence. This design can potentially be retrofitted onto already deployed amorphous silicon solar panels to yield an increased daily power generation by a factor of 1.36 for solar equivalent illumination. We 3D printed an optical proof of concept multi-element lenslet array to confirm an increase in power density for optical rays incident between 40 and 80 degrees. Our design indicates a novel optical approach that could potentially enable increased efficient solar collection in extreme operating conditions such as on the body of planes or the side of buildings.
Inequalities in birth weight and maternal education: a time-series study from 1996 to 2013 in Brazil
Authors: Silvestrin Sonia , Hirakata Vânia Naomi , da Silva Clécio Homrich , Goldani Marcelo Zubaran
Published: May 2020

Maternal education represents one of the most important social determinants of inequality in birth weight (BW) in developing countries. The present study sought to investigate secular trends in health inequality considering the difference in mean BW between extremes of maternal educational attainment in Brazil. Using a time-series design, data from 6,452,551 live births which occurred in all Brazilian state capitals from 1996 to 2013 were obtained from the Information System on Live Births. Secular trends of the difference in mean birth weight between low (<8 years of schooling) and high (≥12 years of schooling) educational attainment were analyzed. The main finding was that differences in mean birth weight between the two extremes of maternal educational attainment decreased over time. There was a significant decrease in mean BW in neonates born to mothers with higher educational attainment, and a slight increase in those born to mothers with lower educational attainment. One of the key factors involved in decreasing inequality was an increase in the number of antenatal visits. In view of these results, we conclude, that despite a slight increase of mean birth weight among mothers with low education, the reduction of inequality in pregnancy outcomes over time in Brazil is attributable to a worsening scenario for mothers who are better off rather than to improvements for the most vulnerable group of mothers.
Even Bad Social Norms Promote Positive Interactions
Authors: Kamijo Yoshio , Kira Yosuke , Nitta Kohei
Published: May 2020

Social norms for cooperation are often supported by positive and negative sanctions. Simultaneously, positive interactions in human relationships via sanctions are promoted by positive social behavior. This study investigates the relationship between social behavior and sanctions based on economic laboratory experiments. Participants with unique IDs make decisions on the contribution to public goods, which is inefficient for society. After participating in the public goods game, they decide whether to use the sanctions. The type of sanctions are varied, such as no sanction, only punishable, only rewardable, and all of these are possible. We found that inefficient social behavior increases under conditions where participants can reward each other and that the level of social activity and rewards are positively correlated. To exclude the possibility of the participants misunderstanding inefficiency, we performed an additional experiment that emphasizes the meaning of inefficiency that the contribution toward public goods reduces profits in society as a whole. We found that even with this emphasis, the high level of contributions is sustained when sanctions are possible. A group-level comparison showed that the group that maintained bad norms used the reward option more. Our results suggest that people maintain bad norms in anticipation of positive interaction.