bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How a baby with classic galactosemia was nearly missed: When the test succeeds but system fails
Authors: Viall Sarah , Calhoun Amy , Mew Nicholas Ah , Tarini Beth A.
Published: April 2020

Newborn screening (NBS) is a well‐established state‐run public health program which has targeted the early identification of treatable diseases like classic galactosemia (CG) for over a decade. We describe the case of a symptomatic newborn with CG and an abnormal screen report, including positive DNA‐based test, who still managed to fall through the cracks in a sub‐optimally functioning NBS program, despite decades of screening experience. While much attention is paid to testing technology, this case illustrates basic minimum requirements a newborn screening program must fulfill to reliably identify and treat all affected individuals including minimum reporting requirements, case surveillance and a dedicated short‐term follow‐up program. In newborn screening, success is systematic.
Fruit‐feeding and activity patterns of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Authors: Ostrofsky Kelly R. , Robbins Martha M.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Availability of fruit is an important factor influencing variation in great ape foraging strategies and activity patterns. This study aims to quantify how frugivory influences activity budgets across age‐sex classes of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

Materials and methods

Daily proportions of fruit‐feeding and activity budgets were calculated using 6 years of observational data on four habituated groups. We fitted generalized linear mixed models to test for age‐sex differences in the amount of fruit‐feeding, and to test whether these factors influence the proportion of time spent feeding, resting, and traveling.

Results

Bwindi mountain gorillas spent on average 15% of feeding time consuming fruit, with monthly variation ranging from 0 to 70%. Greater amounts of fruit‐feeding were associated with more time feeding and traveling, and less time resting. Immatures tended to spend more feeding time on fruit than adults, but less overall time feeding and more time traveling. There were no significant differences in the amount of fruit‐feeding and overall feeding time between adult females and silverback males, despite differences in body size.

Discussion

This study confirms that gorillas are frugivorous, and only the Virunga mountain gorilla population can be characterized as highly folivorous. Along with other frugivorous great apes, Bwindi mountain gorillas alter their activity patterns in response to varying amounts of fruit in their diet. A better understanding of how variable ecological conditions can drive diversity even within a subspecies has important implications for understanding relationships between ecology, body size, and foraging strategies in great apes.
The Bronze and Iron Age populations of the Armenian Highland in the genetic history of Armenians
Authors: Movsesian Alla A. , Mkrtchyan Rusan A. , Simonyan Hasmik G.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To investigate the biological diversity of the late Bronze and Iron Age populations in the Armenian Highland by nonmetric cranial traits, evaluate the genetic continuity in the development of the modern Armenian gene pool, and compare the results obtained with genetic data.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐eight nonmetric cranial traits were scored on 498 adult crania from different late Bronze and Iron Age cemeteries, as well as from modern Armenians and other European populations. We carried out a biodistance analysis between populations using the mean measure of divergence (MMD) statistics, tested the spatial–temporal model of population structure, and assessed the diversity within the late Bronze and early Iron Ages by using the values of variability index (Fst).

Results

The biodistance analysis revealed a close relationship among different ancient Armenian populations and between the average frequencies of the three sequential periods (late Bronze Age, early Iron Age I and II) and modern Armenians. A gradual increase of variability (Fst) within the three successive periods was observed.

Discussion

The analysis of nonmetric trait data reflects deep roots and continuity in the formation of the Armenian population. Since at least the Late Bronze Age, owing to permanent isolation, no significant changes have occurred in the Armenian gene pool. An increase in variability over the successive periods reflects the process of population differentiation from a single gene pool while maintaining average trait frequencies. The congruence of the results obtained with the genetic data confirms, once more, the possibility of using nonmetric cranial traits as a proxy for genetic markers.
Fabrication and characterization of biorenewable plasma polymer films using sandalwood oil precursor
Authors: Hennekam Brent E. , Al‐Bataineh Sameer A. , Michelmore Andrew
Published: April 2020

Sandalwood oil is a natural, biorenewable oil which has many beneficial properties such as being anticarcinogenic and cytotoxic to some viruses, while being safe for human consumption. Therefore, thin films derived from sandalwood oil are of interest in the biomedical field. Here, thin films using sandalwood oil as the precursor are deposited via plasma polymerization with the aim of minimizing degradation of the precursor structure. The chemical properties of the plasma phase were measured by optical emission spectroscopy and the degradation pathways of the precursor molecules were elucidated via mass spectrometry. Combined with surface analysis of the thin films, partial structural retention of precursor molecules is demonstrated.
Solitary adult xanthogranuloma in external auditory canal: Cyto‐histopathological correlation of an uncommon entity at an uncommon site
Authors: Misra Sunayana , Gupta Kusum , Gupta Renu
Published: April 2020

Juvenile xanthogranulomas (JXG) are the most common type of self‐limiting non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) usually presenting in infancy and early childhood. Clinically, they present as solitary to multiple rounded cutaneous nodules which resolve over time. Adult type xanthogranulomas (AXG), though histologically similar to JXG, are usually single and do not regress spontaneously. AXG arising in the external auditory canal (EAC) is a rare occurrence with very few cases reported in literature. We present a case of AXG in a 48‐year‐old man, arising from the right EAC. This case is unique as it is the only case to be described with both cytology and histology correlation. On cytology, smears showed scattered foamy histiocytes, inflammatory cells and thick stromal fragments. Cytology differential diagnoses of xanthomatous lesion, benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) and ceruminous adenoma were given; final diagnosis was deferred to histopathology which confirmed it to be an AXG. Thus, it is important to keep the diagnosis of AXG in mind while dealing with solitary polypoidal lesions in EAC showing prominent foam cell component. Lipidised BFH forms a close differential diagnosis, however can be excluded by subtle points on cytology and on histopathology.
Regional palaeoenvironmental influence on organic matter sequestration and characteristics of carbon isotope segment C5 in a hemipelagic sequence, Organyà Basin, northeast Spain
Authors: Socorro Jander , Maurrasse Florentin J‐M. R.
Published: April 2020

The Cretaceous marine sedimentary record is punctuated by episodes of unusually high rates of organic carbon burial termed oceanic anoxic events. The El Pujal Section archives the response to perturbations of the global carbon cycle associated with Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a in a hemipelagic setting of the Organyà Basin. Here, the aim is to understand the lithological and geochemical responses to changing palaeoenviromental conditions associated with carbon isotope segment C5 of Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a. A multi‐proxy approach is applied to characterize how regional factors influenced the accumulation of organic‐rich sediments during this period of severe oceanic oxygen deficiency. Source specific biomarkers demonstrate that the bulk organic matter derives from in‐situ production, with lesser inputs from allochthonous sources. High‐resolution stable carbon isotope data (δ13Corg) were used to establish the refined details of segment C5. Pulses of fluvial fluxes associated with climate fluctuations supplied variable quantities of terrestrial organic matter with more negative isotopic values, which left their intrinsic signature superimposed on the global δ13Corg signal of segment C5 as minor negative spikes. Primary production sustained by fluvial inputs of biolimiting elements provided abundant labile organic matter conducive to oxygen‐deprived conditions as attested by concomitant peaks in total organic carbon, relatively lower benthic faunal counts, lower bioturbation index, higher concentration of pyrite and enrichments in redox sensitive trace elements. However, organic matter preservation was not chiefly controlled by redox conditions as physical encapsulation by clay minerals probably played a significant role. In addition, coincident inputs of terrestrial organic matter with more inert properties and prone to be bound to clay minerals supplemented the accumulation of organic matter, especially during intervals of enhanced terrigenous fluxes. The combined results underscore how despite sharing common global forcing factors, regional palaeoenvironmental conditions are more important in determining the sedimentary expression of Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a.
Telemedicine in Liver Disease and Beyond: Can the COVID‐19 Crisis Lead to Action?
Authors: Serper Marina , Cubell Allen W. , Deleener Mary Elisabeth , Casher Tara K. , Rosenberg Dale J. , Whitebloom Dale , Rosin Roy M.
Published: April 2020

Evidence strongly supports that access to specialty gastroenterology or hepatology care in cirrhosis is associated with higher adherence to guideline‐recommended care and improves clinical outcomes. Presently, only about one half of acute care hospitalizations for cirrhosis‐related complications result in inpatient specialty care, and the current hepatology workforce cannot meet the demand of patients with liver disease nationwide, particularly in less densely populated areas and in community‐based practices not affiliated with academic centers. Telemedicine, defined as the delivery of health care services at a distance using electronic means for diagnosis and treatment, holds tremendous promise to increase access to broadly specialty care. The technology is cheap and easy to use, although it is presently limited in scale by interstate licensing restrictions and reimbursement barriers. The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and coronavirus disease 2019 has, in the short term, accelerated the growth of telemedicine delivery as a public health and social distancing measure. Herein, we examine whether this public health crisis can accelerate the national conversation about broader adoption of telemedicine for routine medical care in non‐crisis situations, using a case series from our telehepatology program as a pragmatic example.
Men Against Violence: Engaging men and boys in prevention of family violence
Authors: Ringin Luke , Robinson Margie , Greville Heath , Papertalk Lennelle , Thompson Sandra
Published: April 2020

Issues addressed

Discussion of family violence is important but many men and boys struggle to engage with the topic. Primary prevention approaches focus on communicating with and educating the population, including men and boys, in the areas of healthy relationships, gender and violence. There can be both barriers to and also gains from these interventions. This paper describes a project implemented in Geraldton, Western Australia, and discusses what has been effective and ineffective during the project.

Methods

The ‘Men Against Violence’ project targeted men and boys through local sporting clubs in the City of Greater Geraldton, in the Midwest region of Western Australia, through the use of face to face education, community radio and television interviews and other appropriate engagement strategies. ‘Men Against Violence’ events were held to connect with local male community members and address the role men can have in family violence prevention.

Results

We describe the three key engagement activities, working with the local Australian Rules football league, state‐league basketball team and a local high school Aboriginal football academy. These strategies provided avenues for contact with and the education of men and boys aged 12 years and older.

Conclusion

Through successful partnerships with a number of local organisations, the ‘Men Against Violence’ project saw a high level of engagement with local men. The project also gained strong community support, with pockets of resistance encountered and managed.

So what

The ‘Men Against Violence’ project experienced highlights and barriers throughout the pilot project that can guide and inform future family violence prevention programs.
Bisphosphonates inhibit surface‐mediated osteogenesis
Authors: Lotz Ethan M. , Lohmann Christoph H. , Boyan Barbara D. , Schwartz Zvi
Published: April 2020

Bisphosphonates (BPs) target osteoclasts, slowing bone resorption thus providing rationale to support osseointegration. However, BPs may negatively affect osteoblasts, impairing peri‐implant bone formation. The goal of this study was to assess the effects BPs have on surface‐mediated osteogenesis of osteoblasts. MG63 cells were cultured on 15‐mm grade 2 titanium disks: smooth, hydrophobic‐microrough, or hydrophilic‐microrough (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland). Tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) was used as a control. At confluence, cells were treated with 0, 10−8, 10−7, and 10−6 M of alendronate, zoledronate, or ibandronate for 24 hr. Sprague Dawley rats were also treated with 1 μg/kg/day ibandronate or phosphate‐buffered saline control for 5 weeks. Calvarial osteoblasts (rat osteoblasts [rOBs]) were isolated, characterized, and cultured on surfaces. Osteogenic markers in the media were quantified using ELISAs. BP treatment reduced osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, bone morphogenetic protein‐2, prostaglandin E2, transforming growth factor β1, interleukin 10, and vascular endothelial growth factor in MG63 cells. The effect was more robust on rough surfaces, and higher concentrations of BPs stunted production to TCPS/PT levels. Ibandronate conditioned rOBs produced less osteogenic markers similar to direct BP treatment. These results suggest that BP exposure jeopardizes the pro‐osteogenic response osteoblasts have to microstructured surfaces. Their effects persist in vivo and negatively condition osteoblast response in vitro. Clinically, BPs could compromise osseointegration.
Quantum chemical topology from tight augmented core densities
Authors: Pilmé Julien
Published: April 2020

Based on parametrized tight Gaussian functions, an efficient and robust methodology designed to restore the effective core potentials electron densities and the inner shells of the electron localization function is introduced and tested. Attention is focused on the underlying effects of augmented coreless electron densities on selected quantum topological descriptors computed for a test set of species containing heavy elements such as the emblematic uranyl cation. Also, this article shows how a proper topology of the electron density can be recovered from semi‐empirical Hückel calculations where core densities are missing.
Ultrasonographically‐guided stent placement at the vertebral artery origin without contrast medium: A case report
Authors: Kohta Masaaki , Fujita Atsushi , Yamashita Shunsuke , Imanishi Takamitsu , Kohmura Eiji
Published: April 2020

Although ultrasonographically‐guided carotid interventions without contrast medium have been reported in the literature, we found no report regarding stenting of the vertebral artery origin for treatment of stenosis. Here, we report the case of an iodine‐allergic patient in whom a stenosis at the origin of the vertebral artery was successfully treated with ultrasonographically‐guided stent placement without contrast medium. B‐mode longitudinal images were monitored during the insertion of the embolism‐protection device, when positioning the stent, and for the evaluation of the stent opening. This technique can be an alternative option in selected patients, especially those allergic to the contrast medium.
Inquiries to consumer lines manageable, but blitz from COVID‐19 may be coming
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2020

Operators of the many sources of telephone‐based mental health crisis support across the nation wonder whether a fairly busy March of fielding concerns about the novel coronavirus could transition to an unmanageable April.
On adaptation cost and tractability in robust adaptive radiation therapy optimization
Authors: Böck Michelle
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In this paper, a framework for online robust adaptive radiation therapy (ART) is discussed and evaluated. The purpose of the presented approach to ART is to: (a) handle interfractional geometric variations following a probability distribution different from the a priori hypothesis, (b) address adaptation cost, and (c) address computational tractability.

Methods

A novel framework for online robust ART using the concept of Bayesian inference and scenario reduction is introduced and evaluated in a series of simulated cases on a one‐dimensional phantom geometry. The initial robust plan is generated from a robust optimization problem based on either expected‐value or worst‐case optimization approach using the a priori hypothesis of the probability distribution governing the interfractional geometric variations. Throughout the course of treatment, the simulated interfractional variations are evaluated in terms of their likelihood with respect to the a priori hypothesis of their distribution and violation of user‐specified tolerance limits by the accumulated dose. If an adaptation is considered, the a posteriori distribution is computed from the actual variations using Bayesian inference. Then, the adapted plan is optimized to better suit the actual interfractional variations of the individual case. This adapted plan is used until the next adaptation is triggered. To address adaptation cost, the proposed framework provides an option for increased adaptation frequency. Computational tractability in robust planning and ART is addressed by an approximation algorithm to reduce the size of the optimization problem.

Results

According to the simulations, the proposed framework may improve target coverage compared to the corresponding nonadaptive robust approach. In particular, Bayesian inference may be useful to individualize plans to the actual interfractional variations. Concerning adaptation cost, the results indicate that mathematical methods like Bayesian inference may have a greater impact on improving individual treatment quality than increased adaptation frequency. In addition, the simulations suggest that the concept of scenario reduction may be useful to address computational tractability in ART and robust planning in general.

Conclusions

The simulations indicate that the adapted plans may improve target coverage and OAR protection at manageable adaptation and computational cost within the novel framework. In particular, adaptive strategies using Bayesian inference appear to perform best among all strategies. This proof‐of‐concept study provides insights into the mathematical aspects of robustness, tractability, and ART, which are a useful guide for further development of frameworks for online robust ART.
Third trimester predictors of interventional timing and accuracy of fetal anticipatory guidance in tetralogy of Fallot: A multi‐center study
Authors: Rodenbarger Andrew , Thorsson Thor , Stiver Corey , Jantzen David , Chevenon Marie , Yu Sunkyung , Lowery Ray , Gelehrter Sarah
Published: April 2020

Objective

The objective was to evaluate and improve accuracy of anticipatory counseling regarding neonatal intervention for prenatally diagnosed tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) by assessing new and previously published predictors of neonatal intervention.

Methods

This is a multi‐center, retrospective study from three centers of 112 fetal TOF patients undergoing third trimester fetal echocardiograms from 2004 to 2017. Additional cardiac defects requiring neonatal intervention were excluded. Fetal echocardiographic, clinical, and consultation data were compared between neonatal and late intervention. Optimal echocardiographic values were determined.

Results

Twenty‐six infants (23%) required neonatal intervention. Those infants had significantly different pulmonary valve (PV) z‐scores, PV:aortic valve (AoV) ratios, PV:AoV z‐score differences (absolute difference between z‐scores), and increased likelihood of abnormal ductal flow. Counseling during fetal echocardiogram regarding interventional timing was accurate for 50% needing neonatal intervention and 86% undergoing late intervention (P = .002). The best neonatal intervention predictors were PV:AoV ratio of <0.6 and counseling for neonatal intervention. PV:AoV z‐score difference ≥5 provided 89% negative predictive value for excluding patients from neonatal repair.

Conclusions

Third trimester fetal echocardiograms can predict interventional timing. The best predictors of neonatal intervention are PV:AoV ratio <0.6, PV:AoV z‐score difference ≥5, and cardiologist counseling that neonatal intervention was likely.
Proline‐to‐cysteine cyclization for generating conformationally constrained cyclic peptides
Authors: Frost John R. , Essman Jake Z. , Huang Chunhui , Pierson Nicholas A. , Pissarnitski Natalya , Meng Tao
Published: April 2020

Macrocyclic peptides have received increasing attention throughout the pharmaceutical industry as attractive scaffolds for the development of new therapeutics. Here, we describe the development of a new proline‐to‐cysteine (PTC) peptide cyclization reaction. Peptide sequences flanked by an N‐terminal proline and a C‐terminal cysteine were reacted with α,α′‐dibromo‐m‐xylene to furnish cyclic peptides bearing a tertiary amine embedded within the macrocycle backbone. Macrocyclization proceeded efficiently in solution and on‐resin with peptides of different sequence lengths (5‐10 amino acids) and amino acid compositions. This approach was also applied for peptide bicyclization. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)/MS analysis of a fingerprint ion related to the PTC linkage that was present throughout the substrate scope expedited confirmation of the product cyclic topologies. Conformational studies by variable‐temperature NMR revealed PTC macrocycles can adopt a rigid structure and display an intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding pattern that differs significantly from their cysteine‐to‐cysteine linked counterparts, further highlighting the value of this alternative cyclization approach. Due to its compatibility with library‐based peptide display and selection technologies, the described approach could offer significant utility in drug discovery campaigns.
Updates and New Results in Models with Reduced Couplings
Authors: Heinemeyer S. , Mondragón M. , Patellis G. , Tracas N. , Zoupanos G.
Published: April 2020

The idea of reduction of couplings consists in searching for renormalization group invariant relations between parameters of a renormalizable theory that hold to all orders of perturbation theory. Based on the principle of the reduction of couplings, one can construct Finite Unified Theories which are supersymmetric Grand Unified Theories that can be made all‐order finite. The prediction of the top quark mass well in advance of its discovery and the prediction of the light Higgs boson mass in the range GeV much earlier than its discovery are among the celebrated successes of such models. Here, after a brief review of the reduction of couplings method and the properties of the resulting finiteness in supersymmetric theories, we analyse four phenomenologically favoured models: a minimal version of the , a finite , a finite model and a reduced version of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. A relevant update in the phenomenological evaluation has been the improved light Higgs‐boson mass prediction as provided by the latest version of FeynHiggs. All four models predict relatively heavy supersymmetric spectra that start just below or above the TeV scale, consistent with the non‐observation LHC results. Depending on the model, the lighter regions of the spectra could be accessible at CLIC, while the FCC‐hh will be able to test large parts of the predicted spectrum of each model. The lightest supersymmetric particle, a neutralino, is considered as a cold dark matter candidate and put to test using the latest MicrOMEGAs code.
Production of a Thermostable Pullulanase in Bacillus subtilis by Optimization of the Expression Elements
Authors: Pang Bo , Zhou Li , Cui Wenjing , Liu Zhongmei , Zhou Zhemin
Published: April 2020

Pullulanase is a debranching enzyme commonly used in the starch processing industry. Production of a thermostable pullulanase with high activity is desired due to the application of the enzyme to starch processing at high temperature. In this study, a thermostable pullulanase with high activity is overproduced in Bacillus subtilis. Via improvement of the plasmid backbones, promoters, and ribosome‐binding‐site (RBS) sequences, an optimal recombinant strain B. subtilis WB800/RBS7 is obtained with an extracellular pullulanase activity of 154.9 U mL−1 in a shake flask, which is 136.8 times higher than that of the wild type. When the strain is cultured in a 5‐L bioreactor, the pullulanase activity is significantly improved to 269.1 U mL−1 (2.74 mg mL−1). These results are expected to aid pullulanase production in industrial starch debranching applications.
Poisson-Lie U-duality in exceptional field theory
Authors: Malek Emanuel , Thompson Daniel C.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Poisson-Lie duality provides an algebraic extension of conventional Abelian and non-Abelian target space dualities of string theory and has seen recent applications in constructing quantum group deformations of holography. Here we demonstrate a natural upgrading of Poisson-Lie to the context of M-theory using the tools of exceptional field theory. In particular, we propose how the underlying idea of a Drinfeld double can be generalised to an algebra we call an exceptional Drinfeld algebra. These admit a notion of “maximally isotropic subalgebras” and we show how to define a generalised Scherk-Schwarz truncation on the associated group manifold to such a subalgebra. This allows us to define a notion of Poisson-Lie U-duality. Moreover, the closure conditions of the exceptional Drinfeld algebra define natural analogues of the cocycle and co-Jacobi conditions arising in Drinfeld double. We show that upon making a further coboundary restriction to the cocycle that an M-theoretic extension of Yang-Baxter deformations arise. We remark on the application of this construction as a solution-generating technique within supergravity.
Diffusion and partition coefficients of minor and trace elements in magnetite as a function of oxygen fugacity at 1150 ºC
Authors: Sievwright R. H. , O’Neill H. St. C. , Tolley J. , Wilkinson J. J. , Berry A. J.
Published: April 2020

Lattice diffusion coefficients and partition coefficients have been determined for Li, Mg, Al, Sc, Ti, Cr, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, In, Lu, Hf, Ta and U in single crystals of natural magnetite as a function of oxygen fugacity (fO2) at 1150 °C and 1 bar by equilibration with a synthetic silicate melt reservoir. Most experiments were run for twelve hours, which was sufficient to generate diffusion profiles from 25 to > 1000 µm in length. The results were checked at one condition with two additional experiments at 66.9 and 161 h. The profiles were analysed using scanning laser-ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass-spectrometry. Diffusion coefficients (D) were calculated by fitting data from individual element diffusion profiles to the conventional diffusion equation for one-dimensional diffusion into a semi−infinite slab with constant composition maintained in the melt at the interface. Equilibrium magnetite/melt partition coefficients are given by the ratio of the interface concentrations to those in the melt. Plots of log D as a function of log fO2 produce V-shaped trends for all the investigated elements, representing two different mechanisms of diffusion that depend on (fO2)−2/3 and (fO2)2/3. Diffusion coefficients at a given fO2 generally increase in the order: Cr < Mo ≈ Ta < V < Ti < Al < Hf ≈ Nb < Sc ≈ Zr ≈ Ga < In < Lu ≈ Y < Ni < U ≈ Zn < Mn ≈ Mg < Co < Li < Cu. Thus, Cu contents of magnetites are most susceptible to diffusive reequilibration, whereas the original content of Cr should be best preserved.
Usage of buildings in the life cycle of two endangered Rhinolophus species in the Mediterranean region: implications for roost protection
Authors: Winter Rebecca , Mantilla-Contreras Jasmin , Schmidt Sabine
Published: April 2020

Synanthropic roosting may allow cave-dwelling bats to cope with habitat fragmentation provided that suitable buildings are sustainably protected. This study on Asinara Island, Sardinia, focuses on roost requirements in synanthropy at different life stages of two endangered bat species,Rhinolophus hipposiderosandRhinolophus ferrumequinum. We rated the roost potential of 532 buildings and compared it with actual roost usage. Microclimate was compared across different roost types and between species, and bat composition and behaviour in nurseries ofR. hipposideroswere related to roost structure and microclimate. The two species occupied 25% of structures rated as “high potential”, versus 5% and 0% rated as “intermediate” and “low potential”. Concerning microclimate,R. hipposiderospreferred warmer and drier day roosts, with higher temperature fluctuations during summer, while winter, and night, roost microclimate was comparable between species. In larger, warmer, and drier nurseries, colony size and proportion of reproductive females were higher and parturition started earlier. Before parturition, roost temperatures were inversely correlated to clustering, supporting its thermoregulatory function. Mothers spent in total 50% of the night inside the nursery caring the pup. Roost microclimate, size, and location close to foraging areas may thus promote breeding success. We conclude that a structure-based rating of roost potential supplemented by species-specific microclimatic requirements constitutes a promising predictor of roost usage. Moreover, adequate buildings support the complete life cycle ofR. hipposiderosin the absence of suitable caves. Buildings thus deserve increased protection measures in fragmented Mediterranean landscapes to ensure sustainable bat conservation.
Integrated fate assessment of aromatic amines in aerobic sewage treatment plants
Authors: Zhou Lin Jun , Rong Zhi Yi , Gu Wen , Fan De Ling , Liu Ji Ning , Shi Li Li , Xu Yan Hua , Liu Zhi Ying
Published: April 2020

The fate and exposure of chemicals in sewage treatment plants (STPs) are major considerations in risk assessment and environmental regulation. The biodegradability and removal of seven aromatic amines were systematically evaluated using a three-tiered integrated method: a standard ready biodegradability test, an aerobic sewage treatment simulation method, and model prediction. In tier 1, the seven aromatic amines were not readily biodegraded after 28 days. In adapted aerobic active sludge, 4-isopropyl aniline, 2,4-diaminotoluene, and 4-nitroaniline among them exhibited the degradation half-life time less than 20 h, the other four aromatic amines exhibited persistent with degradation half-life of > 60 h. In tier 2 of the aerobic sewage treatment simulation testing, 2,4-diaminotoluene, 4-nitroaniline, and 4-isopropylaniline demonstrated moderately to high overall removal. Hydraulic retention time (HRT) affects the removal with the optimum HRT was determined to be 12 h to 24. 2,6-Dimethyl aniline, 2-chloro-4-nitroaniline, 2,6-diethylaniline, and 3,4-dichloroaniline were not removed during the test, indicting these four aromatic amines will enter surface water and hence pose a potential risk to aquatic ecology. Considering the lack of an STP model in China for regulation purposes, in tier 3, we developed a Chinese STP (aerobic) (abbreviated as C-STP(O)) model that reflects a universal scenario for China to predict the fate. The predicted degradation, volatilization, and absorption showed a close relationship to the physicochemical properties of the chemicals, and had same tendency with tier 2 simulation test. The prediction showed that biodegradation rather than absorption or volatilization was the main removal process of aromatic amines in aerobic STP. With the combination of modified kinetics test with C-STP (O) model, the chemical fate can be more accurately predicted than using only the readily biodegradation result.
Irresolvable Disagreement, Objectivist Antirealism and Logical Revision
Authors: Harth Manfred
Published: April 2020

Meta-ethical realism faces the serious epistemological problem of how to explain our epistemic access to moral reality. In the face of this challenge many are sceptical about non-naturalist realism. Nonetheless, there is good reason to acknowledge moral objectivity: morality shows all the signs of a truth-apt discourse but doesn’t exhibit the typical relativity inducing features. This suggests a middle-ground position, a theory that embraces the virtues of realism but does avoid its vices: objectivist antirealism. In this paper, I’ll discuss, mainly following Crispin Wright’s account of moral truth as superassertibility, a promising version of objectivist antirealism and show how to cope with notorious problems, notably those arising from the thought that moral disagreement might be possible in which nobody is guilty of a cognitive shortcoming, which contradicts the antirealist claim that moral truth is not beyond our epistemic reach. The solution is to deny the possibility of cognitively faultless moral disagreement by arguing that cognitively blameless thinkers either agree or stay agnostic and, therefore, never disagree about any moral proposition. Since assuming an agnostic stance on the part of such thinkers contradicts the antirealist’s conception of truth—even within the limits of intuitionistic logic—I’ll propose an alternative logical revision for the moral discourse: a three-valued logic with epistemically construed truth-values.
Information exchange in laboratory markets: competition, transfer costs, and the emergence of reputation
Authors: Hoffmann Roman , Kittel Bernhard , Larsen Mattias
Published: April 2020

Public reputation mechanisms are an effective means to limit opportunistic behavior in markets suffering from moral hazard problems. While previous research was mostly concerned with the influence of exogenous feedback mechanisms, this study considers the endogenous emergence of reputation through deliberate information sharing among actors and the role of barriers in hindering information exchange. Using a repeated investment game, we analyze the effects of competition and transfer costs on players’ willingness to share information with each other. While transfer costs are a direct cost of the information exchange, competition costs represent an indirect cost that arises when the transfer of valuable information to competitors comes at the loss of a competitive advantage. We show that barriers to information exchange not only affect the behavior of the senders of information, but also affect the ones about whom the information is shared. While the possibility of sharing information about others significantly improves trust and market efficiency, both competition and direct transfer costs diminish the positive effect by substantially reducing the level of information exchange. Players about whom the information is shared anticipate and react to the changes in the costs by behaving more or less cooperatively. For reputation building, an environment is needed that fosters the sharing of information. Reciprocity is key to understanding information exchange. Even when it is costly, information sharing is used as a way to sanction others.
Investigating the Role of Cloud‐Radiation Interactions in Subseasonal Tropical Disturbances
Authors: Benedict James J. , Medeiros Brian , Clement Amy C. , Olson Jerry G.
Published: April 2020

Cloud locking, a method that prescribes cloud properties for radiative tendency calculations, is traditionally used to explore climate feedbacks, but here is applied novelly to investigate cloud‐radiation interaction (CRI) impacts on subseasonal tropical variability. The approach minimizes mean state differences between control (CRI active) and experimental simulations (CRI disabled) of the Community Earth System Model. Disabling CRI weakens amplitudes of the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) by 10–35% and equatorial Rossby waves by 10–30% yet strengthens Kelvin waves by 10–40%. MJO weakening results from suppressed radiation‐convection positive feedbacks and increased gross moist stability. Kelvin waves strengthen from reduced convective inhibition and reduced radiative damping on temperature variance. The results are compared to a recently proposed theory that describes a continuum of tropical disturbances. MJO survival, when its primary maintenance mechanism (CRI) is eliminated, stresses the importance of advection and surface flux processes.
On the Spatiotemporal Diversity of Atlantic Niño and Associated Rainfall Variability Over West Africa and South America
Authors: Vallès‐Casanova Ignasi , Lee Sang‐Ki , Foltz Gregory R. , Pelegrí Josep L.
Published: April 2020

The spatiotemporal evolutions of equatorial Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) during Atlantic Niño events and the associated climate impacts on the surrounding continents are extremely diverse. In this study, we construct longitude‐time maps of equatorial Atlantic SSTAs for each observed Atlantic Niño event during 1948–2019 and perform a spatiotemporal empirical orthogonal function analysis to identify the four most frequently recurring Atlantic Niño varieties. The first two contrast the timing of dissipation (early terminating vs. persistent) and the other two the timing of onset (early onset vs. late onset). Largely consistent with the differences in the timings of onset and dissipation, these four varieties display remarkable differences in rainfall response over West Africa and South America. Most of the varieties are subject to onset mechanisms that involve preconditioning in boreal spring by either the Atlantic meridional mode or Pacific El Niño, while for the late onset variability there is no clear source of external forcing.
Constraining Microfractures in Foliated Alpine Fault Rocks With Laser Ultrasonics
Authors: Simpson Jonathan , Adam Ludmila , van Wijk Kasper , Charoensawan Jirapat
Published: April 2020

Quantifying the amount and alignment of microfractures is important to understand the geomechanics, fluid flow, and seismic imaging of fault zones. At the Alpine Fault, New Zealand, the preferred alignment of minerals, foliation, and fractures results in elastic wave anisotropy. We have designed a unique laser‐ultrasonic laboratory setup to study Alpine Fault rock samples at upper crustal conditions. Combined with differential effective medium modeling, we distinguish microfracture porosity and orientation from mineral alignment, as a function of distance to the principal slip zone (PSZ). Nearest to the PSZ, the cataclasite has the lowest P wave anisotropy with the most (randomly oriented) fractures. Next, the ultramylonite exhibits the greatest P wave anisotropy (∼45%) with 40% of its fractures aligned with foliation. Further from the PSZ, P wave anisotropy is 14–19% on average, due to 20–30% of the fractures being oriented in the same direction as mineral alignment.
Molecular Orientation in a Variable-Focus Liquid Crystal Lens Induced by Ultrasound Vibration
Authors: Harada Yuki , Koyama Daisuke , Fukui Marina , Emoto Akira , Nakamura Kentaro , Matsukawa Mami
Published: April 2020

A method to estimate orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules three-dimensionally under ultrasound excitation was proposed and the relationship between the ultrasound vibration and the molecular orientation was discussed. Our group have reported a technique to control orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules using ultrasound vibration which could be applied to an optical variable-focus liquid crystal lens. The lens consisted of a liquid crystal layer sandwiched by two glass circular discs and a piezoelectric ring. Ultrasound vibration induces change in the refractive index of the lens, enabling the variable-focus function. The three-dimensional orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the lens was predicted from the transmitted light distributions under the crossed Nicol conditions. The liquid crystal molecules were inclined from vertical alignment by the ultrasound vibration, and larger ultrasound vibration gave larger inclination of the molecules. There was a strong correlation between the distributions of ultrasound vibration and the liquid crystal molecular orientation; the molecular orientation was changed remarkably between the antinodal and nodal parts of the ultrasound flexural vibration on the glass plate and the molecules aligned towards the antinode.
Author Correction: Apparent Power Law Scaling of Variable Range Hopping Conduction in Carbonized Polymer Nanofibers
Authors: Kim Kyung Ho , Lara-Avila Samuel , Kang Hojin , He Hans , Eklӧf Johnas , Hong Sung Ju , Park Min , Moth-Poulsen Kasper , Matsushita Satoshi , Akagi Kazuo , Kubatkin Sergey , Park Yung Woo
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The role of computational and subjective features in emotional body expressions
Authors: Poyo Solanas Marta , Vaessen Maarten J. , de Gelder Beatrice
Published: April 2020

Humans are experts at recognizing intent and emotion from other people’s body movements; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we computed quantitative features of body posture and kinematics and acquired behavioural ratings of these feature descriptors to investigate their role in affective whole-body movement perception. Representational similarity analyses and classification regression trees were used to investigate the relation of emotional categories to both the computed features and behavioural ratings. Overall, postural rather than kinematic features discriminated better between emotional movements for the computed as well as for the behavioural features. In particular, limb angles and symmetry appeared to be the most relevant ones. This was observed independently of whether or not the time-related information was preserved in the computed features. Interestingly, the behavioural ratings showed a clearer distinction between affective movements than the computed counterparts. Finally, the perceived directionality of the movement (i.e. towards or away from the observer) was found to be critical for the recognition of fear and anger.
Author Correction: Organic Power Electronics: Transistor Operation in the kA/cm2 Regime
Authors: Klinger Markus P. , Fischer Axel , Kaschura Felix , Widmer Johannes , Kheradmand-Boroujeni Bahman , Ellinger Frank , Leo Karl
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Complex nonlinear capacitance in outer hair cell macro-patches: effects of membrane tension
Authors: Santos-Sacchi Joseph , Tan Winston
Published: April 2020

Outer hair cell (OHC) nonlinear capacitance (NLC) represents voltage sensor charge movements of prestin (SLC26a5), the protein responsible for OHC electromotility. Previous measures of NLC frequency response have employed methods which did not assess the influence of dielectric loss (sensor charge movements out of phase with voltage) that may occur, and such loss conceivably may influence prestin’s frequency dependent activity. Here we evaluate prestin’s complex capacitance out to 30 kHz and find that prestin’s frequency response determined using this approach coincides with all previous estimates. We also show that membrane tension has no effect on prestin’s frequency response, despite substantial shifts in its voltage operating range, indicating that prestin transition rate alterations do not account for the shifts. The magnitude roll-off of prestin activity across frequency surpasses the reductions of NLC caused by salicylate treatments that are known to abolish cochlear amplification. Such roll-off likely limits the effectiveness of prestin in contributing to cochlear amplification at the very high acoustic frequencies processed by some mammals.
Species specific gene expression dynamics during harmful algal blooms
Authors: Metegnier Gabriel , Paulino Sauvann , Ramond Pierre , Siano Raffaele , Sourisseau Marc , Destombe Christophe , Le Gac Mickael
Published: April 2020

Harmful algal blooms are caused by specific members of microbial communities. Understanding the dynamics of these events requires comparing the strategies developed by the problematic species to cope with environmental fluctuations to the ones developed by the other members of the community. During three consecutive years, the meta-transcriptome of micro-eukaryote communities was sequenced during blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum. The dataset was analyzed to investigate species specific gene expression dynamics. Major shifts in gene expression were explained by the succession of different species within the community. Although expression patterns were strongly correlated with fluctuation of the abiotic environment, and more specifically with nutrient concentration, transcripts specifically involved in nutrient uptake and metabolism did not display extensive changes in gene expression. Compared to the other members of the community, A. minutum displayed a very specific expression pattern, with lower expression of photosynthesis transcripts and central metabolism genes (TCA cycle, glucose metabolism, glycolysis…) and contrasting expression pattern of ion transporters across environmental conditions. These results suggest the importance of mixotrophy, cell motility and cell-to-cell interactions during A. minutum blooms.
Efficient Biocatalytic Preparation of Rebaudioside KA: Highly Selective Glycosylation Coupled with UDPG Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Yunyun , Xu Shaohua , Jin Yue , Dai Yan , Chen Yijun , Wu Xuri
Published: April 2020

Rebaudioside KA is a diterpene natural sweetener isolated in a trace amount from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. Selective glycosylation of rubusoside, a natural product abundantly presented in various plants, is a feasible approach for the biosynthesis of rebaudioside KA. In this study, bacterial glycosyltransferase OleD was identified to selectively transfer glucose from UDPG to 2′-hydroxyl group with a β-1,2 linkage at 19-COO-β-D-glucosyl moiety of rubusoside for the biosynthesis of rebaudioside KA. To eliminate the use of UDPG and improve the productivity, a UDPG regeneration system was constructed as an engineered Escherichia coli strain to couple with the glycosyltransferase. Finally, rubusoside at 22.5 g/L (35.0 mM) was completely converted to rebaudioside KA by the whole cells without exogenous addition of UDPG. This study provides an efficient and scalable method for highly selective biosynthesis of rebaudioside KA.
Ultrabroadband red luminescence of Mn4+in MgAl2O4peaking at 651 nm
Authors: Ji Haipeng , Hou Xinghui , Molokeev Maxim S. , Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa , Brik Mikhail G. , Zhang Zongtao , Wang Yu , Chen Deliang
Published: April 2020

Mn4+ 2Eg→4A2gtransition exhibits thermally robust, ultrabroadband luminescence peaking at 651 nm in MgAl2O4underλex= 440 nm excitation.