bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colloidal Crystals of NaYF4 Upconversion Nanocrystals Studied by Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering (SAXS)
Authors: Homann Christian , Bolze Joerg , Haase Markus
Published: December 2018

Spherical NaYF4 upconversion nanocrystals with mean radii of about 5 and 11 nm are observed to form colloidal crystals, i.e., 3D assemblies of the particles with long‐range order. The colloidal crystals of the larger particles form directly in solution when dispersions of the particles in toluene are stored at room temperature for several weeks. Crystallization of the smaller particles takes place when their dispersions in hexane are slowly dried at elevated temperatures. The formation and the structure of the colloidal crystals are studied by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). SAXS measurements show that the smaller as well as the larger particles assemble into a face‐centered cubic lattice with unit cell dimensions of a = 18.7 nm and a = 35.5 nm, respectively. The SAXS data also show that the particles in the colloidal crystals still bear a layer of oleic acid on their surfaces. The thickness of this layer is 1.5–1.8 nm, as determined by comparing the unit cell dimensions of the colloidal crystals with the mean particle sizes. The latter could be very precisely determined from the distinct oscillations observed in the SAXS data of dilute colloidal dispersions of the nanocrystals.
EPSPS duplication and mutation involved in glyphosate resistance in the allotetraploid weed species Poa annua L.
Authors: Brunharo Caio Augusto De Castro Grossi , Morran Sarah , Martin Katie , Moretti Marcelo L , Hanson Bradley D
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Poa annua is a widespread winter annual weed species in California. Recently, poor control of this species with glyphosate was reported by growers in an almond orchard in California with a history of repetitive glyphosate use. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the level of glyphosate resistance in a developed S4 P. annua line (R) and identify the mechanisms of resistance involved.

RESULTS

Whole‐plant dose–response experiments confirmed glyphosate resistance in R, which required 18‐fold more glyphosate to achieve a 50% growth reduction compared with a susceptible line (S), results that were supported by the lower shikimate accumulation observed in R compared with S. No differences in glyphosate absorption, translocation, or metabolism were observed, suggesting that non‐target‐site mechanisms of resistance are not involved in the resistance phenotype. A missense single nucleotide polymorphism was observed in EPSPS coding position 106 in R, resulting in a leucine to proline substitution. This polymorphism was observed exclusively in P. supina EPSPS homeologs. A seven‐fold increase in the number of copies of EPSPS alleles was observed in R compared with S.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first case of glyphosate resistance associated with both EPSPS duplication and target‐site mutation at position 106, leading to high levels of glyphosate resistance in the allotetraploid weed species Poa annua L. Data obtained in this research will be useful for the development of diagnostic tools for rapid glyphosate resistance identification, monitoring and containment. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene/Binary Metal Molybdate (Graphene/Zn1−xNixMoO4) Nanocomposite for Supercapacitors
Authors: Reddy B. Joji , Vickraman Palanisamy , Justin A. Simon
Published: December 2018

A novel graphene/binary metal molybdate (Zn1‐xNixMoO4) is synthesized via a facile and simple microwave synthesis route (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8). Electrochemical studies are performed for all the samples to study their charge storage mechanism and frequency dependence in a three‐electrode set up with 2m KOH electrolyte solution. Among the samples, Zn0.6Ni0.4MoO4 shows better electrochemical performance which is combined with graphene so as to obtain graphene/Zn1‐xNixMoO4 (x = 0.4) nanocomposite. XRD and Raman analyses have confirmed formation of complexation of graphene/binary metal molybdate nanocomposite. TEM morphological profile illustrates little aggregation and interconnected layers of graphene interspersed with rice‐like grains of binary metal molybdate. Graphene/Zn1‐xNixMoO4 (x = 0.4) exhibits good energy density and power density of 62.3 Wh kg−1 and 448.5 W kg−1 respectively with a specific capacitance of 555.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. The electrode material with good cyclic stability of 85% even after 5000 charge/discharge cycles may be explored as a novel option for supercapacitors.
Different Deformation Mechanisms Leading to Auxetic Behavior Exhibited by Missing Rib Square Grid Structures
Authors: Farrugia Pierre‐Sandre , Gatt Ruben , Zammit Lonardelli Enrico , Grima Joseph N. , Evans Ken E.
Published: December 2018

An extensive investigation is carried out on the missing rib square grid structure using finite element simulations. This showed that, in the cases considered in this study, the type of deformation is primarily dependent on the ratio of the thickness of different ribs with the structure behaving like an anti‐tetrachiral at particular ratios. The analysis also showed that the ability of the structure to deform predominantly through the bending of the ligament allows it to achieve much more negative values of the Poisson's ratio than previously reported. Confirmation of the numerical results is obtained through experimental methods involving the 3D printing of representative structures which are subsequently subjected to compression.
Anti‐acne properties of hydrophobic fraction of red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and its active components
Authors: Hou Joon Hyuk , Shin Hyunjung , Jang Kyoung Hwa , Park Chae Kyu , Koo Bonsuk , Shin Hyeji , Yuk Soon Hong , Lee Ki Yong
Published: December 2018

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that occurs when bacteria abnormally grow in hair follicles. The most common treatment is antibiotics, but they are limited due to antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study was to identify the active ingredients of the antimicrobial effects of red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), compare it to existing antibacterial substances, and determine its potential efficacy as a natural drug product. The hydrophobic fraction in red ginseng ethanol extract (RGEF) showed the same or better antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes than benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid. In addition, the antimicrobial component derived from red ginseng selectively showed a high antimicrobial effect on P. acnes. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis showed that the active antimicrobial substance in this fraction was panaxynol and panaxydol. Twenty subjects who had acne symptoms were treated with cream containing 3 mg/g of RGEF for 4 weeks. It was found that oxidized sebum contents and redness of the skin were reduced, and symptoms of the early to middle stage of acne were effectively improved. This study showed that red ginseng extract containing panaxynol and panaxydol can effectively control the symptoms of acne.
Radar quantification, temporal analysis and influence of atmospheric conditions on a roost of American Robins (Turdus migratorius) in Oklahoma
Authors: Van Den Broeke Matthew S.
Published: November 2018

Radar observations present a way to monitor large, mobile populations across long temporal scales, and are especially valuable when individual scatterers are challenging to count visually. The focus of this study is a large and relatively homogeneous wintertime roost of American Robins (Turdus migratorius) in central Oklahoma. Radar observations are used to estimate the roost population through winter 2010–2011, and the population time series is related to weather variables and radar beam propagation. Radar‐estimated roost population gradually increased to an estimated peak of 1.5–2 million individuals from November 2010 to January 2011, and then decreased in a more stepwise manner through the spring until roost dispersal in early March. Weather conditions did not definitively explain these population decreases leading toward roost dispersal. Birds from the roost were often observed to travel >50 km away during the daytime. About 25–30% of the variability in the radar‐derived roost population estimate could be explained by atmospheric variables. This work provides an example of how radar methods may be used to estimate populations and monitor their temporal trends, which may be valuable to conservation efforts by facilitating estimates of population change through time.
Tension‐Induced Raman Enhancement of Graphene Membranes in the Stretched State
Authors: Hu Kai‐Ming , Xue Zhong‐Ying , Liu Yun‐Qi , Long Hu , Peng Bo , Yan Han , Di Zeng‐Feng , Wang Xi , Lin Liwei , Zhang Wen‐Ming
Published: December 2018

The intensity ratio of the 2D band to the G band, I2D/IG, is a good criterion in selecting high quality monolayer graphene samples; however, the evaluation of the ultimate value of I2D/IG for intrinsic monolayer graphene is a challenging yet interesting issue. Here, an interesting tension‐induced Raman enhancement phenomenon is reported in supported graphene membranes, which show a transition from the corrugated state to the stretched state in the vicinity of wells. The I2D/IG of substrate‐supported graphene membranes near wells are significantly enhanced up to 16.74, which is the highest experimental value to the best of knowledge, increasing by more than 600% when the testing points approach the well edges.The macroscopic origin of this phenomenon is that corrugated graphene membranes are stretched by built‐in tensions. A lattice dynamic model is proposed to successfully reveal the microscopic mechanism of this phenomenon. The theoretical results agree well with the experimental data, demonstrating that tensile stresses can depress the amplitude of in‐plane vibration of sp2‐bonded carbon atoms and result in the decrease in the G band intensity. This work can be helpful in furthering the development of the method of suppressing small ripples in graphene and acquiring ultraflat 2D materials.
Collapse analysis of wind turbine tower under the coupled effects of wind and near‐field earthquake
Authors: Fan Jian , Li Qian , Zhang Yanping
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the pattern of wind turbine tower collapse as a result of the coupled effects of wind and an intense, near‐field earthquake is investigated. The constitutive relation of the tower cylinder steel is simulated via a nonlinear kinematic hardening model, and the specific value of each parameter in the constitutive model is provided. A precise model of the tower structure coupled with the blade is created using a nonlinear, finite element method. This method is compared with the results from a static pushover test of a small cylindrical tower to validate the finite element modeling method in this research. Two earthquake wave sets are selected as inputs. One contains 20 near‐field velocity pulse‐like ground motion waves with various pulse periods; the other contains 20 ordinary far‐field ground motion waves. A wind turbine tower with a hub height of 60 m is selected as an example for analysis. The dynamic response of this tower as a result of the coupled effects of the two ground motion wave sets and a transient wind load is calculated using nonlinear time‐history analysis. The calculation results shows that the average horizontal displacement of the tower top as a result of the near‐field velocity pulse‐like ground motion is 33% larger than the case with far‐field ground motion. Finally, the seismic collapse vulnerability curve of this wind turbine tower is calculated. The seismic collapse capacity of the tower is evaluated, and the seismic collapse pattern of the tower is analyzed.
In situ Monitoring of the Formation of [Bis(acetylacetonato)manganese(II)] Complexes
Authors: Pienack Nicole , Lindenberg Patric , Doungmo Giscard , Heidenreich Niclas , Bertram Florian , Etter Martin , Wharmby Michael T. , Terraschke Huayna
Published: November 2018

[Bis(acetylacetonato)manganese(II)] complexes are important precursors for the synthesis of catalytic MnO nanoparticles. However, the mechanism of the formation of these materials still remains unknown. In this work, a combination of ex situ and synchrotron‐based in situ powder X‐ray diffraction with in situ pH, conductivity, and turbidity measurements was applied to investigate the concentration‐dependent formation of [Mn(acac)2(H2O)2]; interestingly [Mn(acac)2(H2O)2] undergoes an expansion of the unit cell during the synthesis as well as upon heating. Increasing the temperature to 80 °C caused the conversion of solid [Mn(acac)2(H2O)2] to the trimer compound [Mn(acac)2]3, which occurs ex situ (in solid state), but is hindered in solution. [Mn(acac)2(H2O)2] emits light in the blue‐green spectral range with emission maximum at 520 nm, measured in situ under real reaction conditions during its formation due to the instability of this compound.
A Deeper Insight in Solutions Containing the Hypothetical Labile Complex Species “Fe(CO)4THF”
Authors: Böttcher Hans‐Christian , Beck Wolfgang
Published: November 2018

In the literature it was proposed that the treatment of [Fe2(CO)9] in THF resulted, during dissolution, in deep red solutions which should presumably contain labile complexes “Fe(CO)4THF”. This was supported by the fact that such solutions afforded, in the presence of N‐donor ligands like pyridine (py) or pyrazine (pz), metal carbonyl complexes of the formula [Fe(CO)4(py)] and [Fe(CO)4(pz)], respectively. Herein we describe how the true nature of these solutions can be better explained by a valence‐disproportionation reaction of the diiron nonacarbonyl, induced by the donor solvent THF, resulting in the compound [Fe(THF)6][Fe3(CO)11]. The formation of the undecacarbonyl‐triferrate(2–) in such solutions was unambiguously confirmed by IR spectroscopy and by the isolation and crystallization of the corresponding salt (PPN)2[Fe3(CO)11]; its molecular structure was determined, however, already described in the literature.
Ergebnisse einer Umfrage zur Weiterbildungssituation in der Humangenetik in Deutschland
Authors: Scholz Christine
Published: December 2018

Zielsetzung

Bisher existieren nur Vermutungen darüber, wie viele Assistenzärzte sich gegenwärtig in der Weiterbildung zum Facharzt für Humangenetik befinden. Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Humangenetik (GfH) hat daher unter den weiterbildungsbefugten Fachärzten für Humangenetik eine Umfrage dazu durchgeführt. Es wurde ebenfalls gefragt, wie die Weiterbildung an den humangenetischen Einrichtungen organisiert und finanziert wird, wie die weiterbildungsberechtigten Fachärzte die momentane Situation einschätzen und welche Möglichkeiten sie sehen, um die Zahl der weiterzubildenden Ärzte substanziell zu erhöhen.

Methodik

Um die Weiterbildungssituation in der Humangenetik in Deutschland zu erfassen, wurde ein Online-Fragebogen mit insgesamt 15 Fragen zu den Themenblöcken Weiterbildungskandidaten, Einrichtung und Befugnis sowie Bedeutung der Weiterbildung entwickelt.

Ergebnisse

Die Umfrage brachte wichtige Erkenntnisse über die Zahl der Weiterbildungsassistenten (WBA), die Organisation und Finanzierung der Weiterbildung sowie zu den Einschätzungen der weiterbildenden Fachärzte. Es wurde die Zahl von gegenwärtig 90 beschäftigten WBA ermittelt. Die Umfrageteilnehmer begrüßten die Initiative der GfH und zeigten eine große Bereitschaft, die Situation verbessern zu wollen und konstruktive Kritik zu äußern.
From Dataset to Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)—Challenges and Tricky Points: A Research Note on Contrarian Case Analysis and Data Calibration
Authors: Russo Ivan , Confente Ilenia
Published: December 2018

This research note provides technical aspects of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) for scholars seeking to better understanding the potentiality of the method. The note answers a few frequently asked questions about contrarian case analysis and data calibration and show how to implement these two relevant steps technically and appropriately. This study provides useful details and technical explanations on why and how to turn case data by using contrarian case analysis and how to calibrate data into fuzzy sets.
Intratunical Injection of Human Adipose Tissue–Derived Stem Cells Restores Collagen III/I Ratio in a Rat Model of Chronic Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Castiglione Fabio , Hedlund Petter , Weyne Emanuel , Hakim Lukman , Montorsi Francesco , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , De Ridder Dirk , Milenkovic Uros , Ralph David , Garaffa Giulio , Muneer Asif , Joniau Steven , Albersen Maarten
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that the injection of adipose tissue–derived stem cells (ADSCs) into the tunica albuginea (TA) during the active phase of Peyronie’s disease (PD) prevents the development of fibrosis.

Aim

To investigate, using an animal model, whether local injection of human ADSCs (hADSCs) can alter the degree of fibrosis in the chronic phase of PD.

Methods

27 male, 12-week-old rats were divided into 3 equal groups: sham, PD without treatment, and PD treated with hADSCs 1 month after disease induction. Sham rats underwent 2 injections of vehicle into the TA 1 month apart. PD rats underwent transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) injection and injection of vehicle 1 month later. PD-hADSC rats underwent TGFβ1 injection followed by 1 million hADSCs 1 month later. 1 week after treatment, n = 3 animals/group were euthanized, and the penises were harvested for quantitative polymerase chain reaction. 1 month after treatment, the other animals, n = 6 per group, underwent measurement of intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve. After euthanasia, penises were again harvested for histology and Western blot.

Main Outcome Measure

The primary outcome measures included (a) gene expression at one week post-injection; (b) measurement of ICP/MAP upon cavernous nerve stimulation as a measure of erectile function; (c) elastin, collagen I and III protein expression; and (d) Histomorphometric analysis of the penis. Means where compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Student-Newman-Keuls test for post hoc comparisons or Mann-Whitney test when applicable.

Results

No significant difference was noted in ICP or ICP/MAP in response to cavernous nerve electrostimulation between the 3 groups at 2.5, 5, and 7.5 V (P > .05 for all voltages). PD animals developed tunical and subtunical areas of fibrosis with a significant upregulation of collagen III protein. The collagen III/I ratio was higher in the PD (4.6 ± 0.92) group compared with sham (0.66 ± 0.18) and PD-hADSC (0.86 ± 0.06) groups (P < .05) These fibrotic changes were prevented when treated with hADSCs. Compared with PD rats, PD-hADSC rats demonstrated a decreased expression of several fibrosis-related genes.

Conclusion

Injection of hADSCs reduces collagen III expression in a rat model of chronic PD.
Return to Work After Long-Term Sick Leave: Stories of Employed Women With Common Mental Disorders
Authors: Wall Erika , Selander John
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of female employees on long-term sickness absence due to common mental disorders (CMDs), in relation to what they perceive would best help them to return to work. Data were collected through a survey answered by employees at a municipality in Sweden on long-term sick leave. Results of the current study are based on a part of that material, namely from 56 women with CMDs who responded to the final open question. The analysis involves two steps. Initially, we explored themes that form the accounts in the findings. Secondly, based on the themes, collective narratives, storylines were identified. Three different storylines were found to be prominent in the findings. The storylines describe how the participants collectively expressed themselves in relation to the possibilities for return to work, and the following storylines were derived:It feels like too much, Things are moving too fast,andI have to get out of here!. The findings are related to perceived demands, control and support. From a disability management perspective, we have learned the importance of restoring the balance between demands, control and support — not only to prevent absence from work, but also to facilitate return to work after a period of long-term sickness.
A novel non-reflecting boundary condition for fluid dynamics solved by smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Wang Pingping , Zhang A-Man , Ming Furen , Sun Pengnan , Cheng Han
Published: December 2018

Non-reflecting boundary conditions (NRBCs) play an important role in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A novel NRBC based on the method of characteristics using timeline interpolations is proposed for fluid dynamics solved by smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). It is performed by four layers of particles whose pressures and velocities are obtained through the Lagrange interpolation in the time domain which is derived from the propagation of characteristic waves between particles. The proposed NRBC can allow outward travelling pressure and velocity messages to pass through the boundary without obvious reflection. That is, with the implementation of the NRBC, the solution in a finite computational domain of interest is close to that in an infinite domain. Several numerical tests show that this NRBC is robust and applicable for a broad variety of hydrodynamics ranging from low to high speed.
Slug generation processes in co-current turbulent-gas/laminar-liquid flows in horizontal channels
Authors: Miao Sha , Hendrickson Kelli , Liu Yuming
Published: December 2018

We theoretically and computationally investigate the physical processes of slug-flow development in concurrent two-phase turbulent-gas/laminar-liquid flows in horizontal channels. The objective is to understand the fundamental mechanisms governing the initial growth and subsequent nonlinear evolution of interfacial waves, starting from a smooth stratified flow of two fluids with disparity in density and viscosity and ultimately leading to the formation of intermittent slug flow. We numerically simulate the entire slug development by means of a fully coupled immersed flow (FCIF) solver that couples the two disparate flow dynamics through an immersed boundary (IB) method. From the analysis of spatial/temporal interface evolution, we find that slugs develop through three major cascading processes: (I) stratified-to-wavy transition; (II) development and coalescence of long solitary waves; and (III) rapid channel bridging leading to slugging. In Process I, relatively short interfacial waves form on the smooth interface, whose growth is governed by the Orr–Sommerfeld instability. In Process II, interfacial waves evolve into long solitary waves through multiple resonant and near-resonant wave–wave interactions. From instability analysis of periodic solitary waves, we show that these waves are unstable to their subharmonic disturbances and grow in amplitude and primary wavelength through wave coalescence. The interfacial forcing from the turbulent gas–laminar liquid interactions significantly precipitates the growth of instability of solitary waves and enhances coalescence of solitary waves. In Process III, we show by an asymptotic analysis that interfacial waves achieve multiple-exponential growth right before bridging the channel, consistent with observations in existing experiments. The present study provides important insights for effective modelling of slug-flow dynamics and the prediction of slug frequency and length, important for design and operation of (heavy-oil/gas) pipelines and production facilities.
ECT in schizophrenia: a review of the evidence
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Sahoo Swapnajeet , Rabha Anjumoni , Koirala Raman
Published: December 2018

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was initially used for the treatment of schizophrenia, but over the years with the advent of antipsychotics, its use in schizophrenia has been limited. Treatment guidelines vary in their recommendations for the use of ECT in schizophrenia. The usual indications of its use among patients with schizophrenia include treatment resistance, to augment pharmacotherapy, to manage catatonia, suicidal behaviour, severe agitation and clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. Available literature, including meta-analysis and systematic reviews, suggest that ECT is a safe and effective treatment in patients with schizophrenia. However, despite the available evidence, it is highly underutilised and is often used as one of the last resort among patients with schizophrenia. This review focuses on the indications of use of ECT in schizophrenia, studies evaluating its effectiveness, efficacy in certain special situations like first episode schizophrenia, adolescents, catatonia etc., predictors of response to ECT in schizophrenia and influence of various ECT-related parameters on efficacy/effectiveness among patients with schizophrenia. From the review, it can be concluded that ECT is not only is beneficial as an augmenting strategy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia but also can be used effectively in patients with schizophrenia in various other situations.
Low-linoleic acid diet and oestrogen enhance the conversion ofα-linolenic acid into DHA through modification of conversion enzymes and transcription factors
Authors: Kim Donghee , Choi Jeong-Eun , Park Yongsoon
Published: December 2018

Conversion ofα-linolenic acid (ALA) into the longer chainn-3 PUFA has been suggested to be affected by the dietary intake of linoleic acid (LA), but the mechanism is not well known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a low-LA diet with and without oestrogen on the fatty acid conversion enzymes and transcription factors. Rats were fed a modified American Institute of Nutrition-93G diet with 0%n-3 PUFA or ALA, containing low or high amounts of LA for 12 weeks. At 8 weeks, the rats were injected with maize oil with or without 17β-oestradiol-3-benzoate (E) at constant intervals for the remaining 3 weeks. Both the low-LA diet and E significantly increased the hepatic expressions of PPAR-α, fatty acid desaturase (FADS) 2, elongase of very long chain fatty acids 2 (ELOVL2) and ELOVL5 but decreased sterol regulatory element binding protein 1. The low-LA diet, but not E, increased the hepatic expression of FADS1, and E increased the hepatic expression of oestrogen receptor-αandβ. The low-LA diet and E had synergic effects on serum and liver levels of DHA and on the hepatic expression of PPAR-α. In conclusion, the low-LA diet and oestrogen increased the conversion of ALA into DHA by upregulating the elongases and desaturases of fatty acids through regulating the expression of transcription factors. The low-LA diet and E had a synergic effect on serum and liver levels of DHA through increasing the expression of PPAR-α.
A new xandarellid euarthropod from the Cambrian Chengjiang biota, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Hou Xianguang , Williams Mark , Sansom Robert , Siveter Derek J. , Siveter David J. , Gabbott Sarah , Harvey Thomas H. P. , Cong Peiyun , Liu Yu
Published: December 2018

The euarthropodLuohuilinella deletressp. nov. is described from rare material from the Chengjiang biota, Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3, of Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetic analysis recovers a xandarellid affinity forL. deletres, representing only the fifth described species of this clade.L. deletrespossesses a head shield that is about one-fifth of the total body length and a trunk with 30 tergites, the reduced anterior-most tergite and terminal three tergites lacking pleural elongations. Anteriorly situated notches in the head shield are associated with stalked eyes, in contrast to the more posterior, enclosed eye slits present inXandarella. Posterior to the antennae there are at least 11 pairs of biramous appendages preserved, including three pairs in the head. The morphology of the midline gut ofL. deletres, in which lateral, unbranched diverticula are wider towards the front of the body, is a characteristic also found in various trilobites. The dorsoventrally flattened exoskeleton suggests a benthic or nektobenthic mode of life forL. deletres, as for other trilobitomorphs, and it likely used its well-developed anteriorly positioned eyes for searching out food, either to scavenge or to find prey.
Short Selling and Price Discovery in Corporate Bonds
Authors: Hendershott Terrence , Kozhan Roman , Raman Vikas
Published: December 2018

We show short selling in corporate bonds forecasts future bond returns. Short selling predicts bond returns where private information is more likely, in high-yield bonds, particularly after Lehman Brothers’ collapse of 2008. Short selling predicts returns following both high and low past bond returns. This, together with short selling increasing following past buying order imbalances, suggests short sellers trade against price pressures as well as trade on information. Short selling predicts bond returns both in the individual bonds that are shorted and in other bonds by the same issuer. Past stock returns and short selling in stocks predict bond returns but do not eliminate bond short selling predicting bond returns. Bond short selling does not predict the issuer’s stock returns. These results show bond short sellers contribute to efficient bond prices and that short sellers’ information flows from stocks to bonds but not from bonds to stocks.
Using questionnaire surveys and occupancy modelling to identify conservation priorities for the Critically Endangered Balkan lynxLynx lynx balcanicus
Authors: Melovski Dime , von Arx Manuela , Avukatov Vasko , Breitenmoser-Würsten Christine , Đurović Marina , Elezi Rafet , Gimenez Olivier , Hoxha Bledi , Hristovski Slavcho , Ivanov Gjorgje , Karamanlidis Alexandros A. , Lanz Tabea , Mersini Kujtim , Perović Aleksandar , Ramadani Azem , Sanaja Bardh , Sanaja Parsim , Schwaderer Gabriel , Spangenberg Annette , Stojanov Aleksandar , Trajçe Aleksandër , Breitenmoser Urs
Published: December 2018

With an estimated < 50 adult individuals remaining, the Critically Endangered Balkan lynxLynx lynx balcanicusis one of the rarest, most threatened and least-studied large carnivores. To identify priority conservation areas and actions for the subspecies, during 2006–2014 we conducted 1,374 questionnaire surveys throughout the potential range of the Balkan lynx to (1) evaluate human–lynx interactions and identify potential threats, and (2) determine the probability of site use in 207 grid cells through occupancy modelling. Human–lynx interactions were related mainly to poaching of lynx, and damage to livestock by lynx. Poaching was intense throughout the potential range of the subspecies, apparently having affected 50–100% of the total estimated extant population. Damage to livestock was recorded only in relation to sheep, mainly in the southern part of the lynx's potential range. Occupancy modelling indicated 108 grid cells with high probability of site use, which was affected mainly by increased terrain ruggedness and reduced forest cover. Based on the combined results of our study we identified five priority areas for conservation, as well as in situ habitat protection, community participation in the conservation of the subspecies, and the improvement and implementation of the existing legal framework as the priority conservation actions for the Balkan lynx.
Taking Politics Seriously
Authors: Blattberg Charles
Published: December 2018

John Rawls’ gamification of justice leads him – along with many other monist political philosophers, not least Ronald Dworkin – to fail to take politics seriously enough. I begin with why we consider games frivolous and then show how Rawls’ theory of justice is not merely analogous to a game, as he himself seems to claim, but is in fact a kind of game. As such, it is harmful to political practice in two ways: one as regards the citizens who participate directly in it, and the other as regards those who do no more than follow it.
Self-reported risk factors for having Escherichia coli sequence type 131 or its H30 subclone among US Veterans with a clinical E. coli isolate
Authors: Manges Amee R. , Thuras Paul , Porter Stephen , Johnson James R.
Published: December 2018

Among 469 US military veterans with an Escherichia coli clinical isolate (2012–2013), we explored healthcare and non-healthcare risk factors for having E. coli sequence type 131 and its H30 subclone (ST131-H30). Overall, 66 (14%) isolates were ST131; 51 (77%) of these were ST131-H30. After adjustment for healthcare-associated factors, ST131 remained positively associated with medical lines and nursing home residence. After adjustment for environmental factors, ST131 remained associated with wild animal contact (positive), meat consumption (negative) and pet cat exposure (negative). Thus, ST131 was associated predominantly with healthcare-associated exposures, while non-ST131 E. coli were associated with some environmental exposures.
Micronutrient-rich food consumption, intra-household food allocation and child stunting in rural Nigeria
Authors: Fadare Olusegun , Mavrotas George , Akerele Dare , Oyeyemi Motunrayo
Published: December 2018

Objective

Children from rural households are often deprived of adequate micronutrient intakes either from food or supplementation. The present study examines: (i) the determinants of households’ micronutrient-rich food consumption; and (ii) the combined effect of vitamin A supplementation and micronutrient-rich food consumption on child stunting in households with different food allocation patterns.

Design

Cross-sectional study. Households’ micronutrient-rich food consumption frequency and vitamin A supplementation were used as a proxy measure for child micronutrient intakes. Intra-household food allocation patterns were assessed from caregivers’ perception of the disparity in food distribution within the household. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed in analysing the study’s objectives.

Setting

Rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria.

Participants

Included 419 children aged 6–59 months and 413 households.

Results

Owning small livestock and a refrigerator, knowledge of micronutrient-rich foods and higher parental education had strong associations with households’ micronutrient-rich food consumption. Children from households that consumed micronutrient-rich foods and received more diverse diets were less likely to experience stunting. The combined effect of micronutrient-rich food consumption and vitamin A supplementation was stronger on the likelihood of stunting reduction than the separate effect of each.

Conclusions

Assets ownership, human capital and knowledge of micronutrient-rich foods improve consumption of micronutrient-rich foods among the study population. Micronutrient supplementation to children with poor access to micronutrient-rich foods may not substantially enhance child growth unless reinforced through consumption of micronutrient-rich foods. Fruit and vegetable gardening, livestock holdings and nutrition education to parents should be integral parts of community nutrition programming.
NEW ADAPTIVE BARZILAI–BORWEIN STEP SIZE AND ITS APPLICATION IN SOLVING LARGE-SCALE OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS
Authors: LI TING , WAN ZHONG
Published: December 2018

We propose a new adaptive and composite Barzilai–Borwein (BB) step size by integrating the advantages of such existing step sizes. Particularly, the proposed step size is an optimal weighted mean of two classical BB step sizes and the weights are updated at each iteration in accordance with the quality of the classical BB step sizes. Combined with the steepest descent direction, the adaptive and composite BB step size is incorporated into the development of an algorithm such that it is efficient to solve large-scale optimization problems. We prove that the developed algorithm is globally convergent and it R-linearly converges when applied to solve strictly convex quadratic minimization problems. Compared with the state-of-the-art algorithms available in the literature, the proposed step size is more efficient in solving ill-posed or large-scale benchmark test problems.
A compact planar diplexer based on via-free CRLH TL for WiMAX and WLAN applications
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Upadhyay Dileep Kumar
Published: December 2018

In this paper, design and development of a via-free composite right/left handed transmission line (CRLH TL)-based diplexer for WiMAX and WLAN bands is reported. The diplexer is having two channels, where each channel consists of a separate bandpass filter (BPF). The BPF of both channels are designed on via-free CRLH TLs based on a newly proposed right-angled corner-modified split ring resonator (RAC-MSRR) structure. The RAC-MSRR incorporates meander paths because of which working scope of frequencies is focused for measured center frequencies (f1) 3.5 GHz with −3 dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 21.21% (BPF1 channel) and (f2) 5.6 GHz with −3 dB FBW of 13.29% (BPF2 channel). For diplexer design, T-section is used for joining two BPFs which results in very good isolation of more than 32.5 dB over the frequency band of 2.5–8.0 GHz. The designed diplexer has passband insertion loss of −0.87 dB at f1 and −1.25 dB at f2. Overall size of the fabricated diplexer including 50 Ω feed line is 18 × 15 mm2. Equivalent lumped circuit model parameters of the diplexer are obtained from the pseudo-inverse matrix technique. Measured results show good concurrence with simulated results and subsequently approve the proposed model design.
Melt Impregnation of Mantle Peridotite Facilitates High‐Temperature Hydration and Mechanical Weakening: Implications for Oceanic Detachment Faults
Authors: Albers Elmar , Schroeder Timothy , Bach Wolfgang
Published: December 2018

The footwalls of oceanic detachment faults commonly expose shear zone rocks that appear to have compositions intermediate between those of mantle peridotite and magmatic rocks. These compositions either reflect metasomatic mass transfers or they relate to the impregnation of lithospheric mantle with basaltic or more evolved melts. We studied chlorite‐amphibole‐rich shear zone rocks from a detachment fault zone in the 15°20′N Fracture Zone area, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, to examine their origin and role in strain localization. Geochemical compositions of these rocks imply that they formed by mixing between peridotite and gabbro. Textural observations indicate a strong contrast between the deformation intensity of these hybrid peridotite‐gabbro rocks and the host serpentinized peridotite. Geothermometry data give formation temperatures of >500 °C for synkinematic amphibole, zircon, rutile, and titanite. Chlorite appears intergrown with these phases and likely grew at similar temperatures. These results are compliant to thermodynamic computations that predict comparable mechanically weak mineralogies when hydrating hybrid rocks at 500 to 600 °C, whereas secondary assemblages after pure peridotite or gabbro are considerably stronger. Consequently, metamorphic weakening takes place to a much greater extent in rocks with a hybrid ultramafic–mafic composition than in purely ultramafic or gabbroic lithologies. Deformation may enhance fluid flow, which will in turn increase the extent of hydration and mechanical weakening. A positive feedback loop between hydration and strain localization may hence develop and facilitate the concentration of extensional tectonics into long‐lived, high‐displacement faults. We suggest that hybrid lithologies may play a key role in detachment faulting at slow spreading ridges worldwide.
An Improved Method to Determine Coda‐Q, Earthquake Magnitude, and Site Amplification: Theory and Application to Southern California
Authors: Wang W. , Shearer P. M.
Published: December 2018

Seismic coda waves can be used to constrain attenuation, estimate earthquake magnitudes, and determine site amplification factors. We have developed a new multistation and multievent method to determine these three important seismic parameters simultaneously. We analyze 642 representative local (≤100 km) and shallow (≤20 km) earthquakes with catalog magnitudes between 1.8 and 5.4 in southern California at multiple frequency bands centered at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 Hz. We find that the length of the moving average time window can affect the measurement of coda attenuation QC, but our tests indicate that the optimal window length is about 15 times the dominant data period. We use linear regression to fit each coda section and use only those portions that agree with the model decay rate with a correlation coefficient larger than 0.9. For a frequency‐dependent coda‐QC model (QC = Q0fn) at 1‐Hz reference frequency, our results yield estimates for Q0 and n of 107–288 and 0.42–1.14, respectively. Our coda magnitude estimates are linearly correlated with catalog magnitudes, and our observed lateral variations in coda‐QC and our site amplification factors are in general agreement with previous results, although there are notable differences at some locations. This approach provides a unified, accurate, and stable method to measure coda‐QC, earthquake magnitude, and site amplification using coda waves of locally recorded earthquakes.
A New Parameterization of Volcanic Ash Complex Refractive Index Based on NBO/T and SiO2 Content
Authors: Prata G. S. , Ventress L. J. , Carboni E. , Mather T. A. , Grainger R. G. , Pyle D. M.
Published: November 2018

Radiative transfer models used in remote sensing and hazard assessment of volcanic ash require knowledge of ash optical parameters. Here we characterize the bulk and glass compositions of a representative suite of volcanic ash samples with known complex refractive indices (n + ik, where n is the real part and k is the imaginary part). Using a linear regression model, we develop a new parameterization allowing the complex refractive index of volcanic ash to be estimated from ash SiO2 content or ratio of nonbridging oxygens to tetrahedrally coordinated cations (NBO/T). At visible wavelengths, n correlates better with bulk than with glass composition (both SiO2 and NBO/T), and k correlates better with SiO2 content than with NBO/T. Over a broader spectral range (0.4–19 μm), bulk correlates better than glass composition, and NBO/T generally correlates better than SiO2 content for both parts of the refractive index. In order to understand the impacts of our new parameterization on satellite retrievals, we compared Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer satellite (wavelengths 3.62–15.5 μm) mass loading retrievals using our new approach with retrievals that assumed a generic (Eyjafjallajökull) ash refractive index. There are significant differences in mass loading using our calculated indices specific to ash type rather than a generic index. Where mass loadings increase, there is often improvement in retrieval quality (corresponding to cost function decrease). This new parameterization of refractive index variation with ash composition will help to improve remote‐sensing retrievals for the rapid identification of ash and quantitative analysis of mass loadings from satellite data on operational timescales.
Impact Ejecta and Gardening in the Lunar Polar Regions
Authors: Szalay J. R. , Pokorný P. , Sternovsky Z. , Kupihar Z. , Poppe A. R. , Horányi M.
Published: December 2018

The Moon is continually bombarded by interplanetary meteoroids. While many of the meteoroid sources are near the ecliptic plane, a significant population of high‐inclination meteoroids exists at 1 au that bombards the lunar polar regions. Building on previous measurements of the response of the lunar impact ejecta cloud to known meteoroid sources, we develop an ejecta model for the entire lunar surface by incorporating the high‐inclination sources. We find that the polar regions of the Moon experience similar quantities of impact ejecta production as the equator. Due to the enhanced impactor fluxes near the equator and at high latitudes on the dawn side, lunar regolith is preferentially distributed to the mid to high‐latitude regions over long timescales, providing a pathway to mix regolith from different regions. We find impact ejecta yields at the Moon to be significantly lower than the Galilean moons, suggesting meteoroids deliver more energy to the local regolith and can be an important driver in the evolution of volatiles near the lunar surface. Additionally, we find that a polar orbiting spacecraft equipped with a dust analyzer can measure appreciable quantities of lunar ejecta near the poles to constrain the water content in the polar regions.
Microbial Communities From the World's Largest Lithium Reserve, Salar de Atacama, Chile: Life at High LiCl Concentrations
Authors: Cubillos Carolina F. , Aguilar Pablo , Grágeda Mario , Dorador Cristina
Published: December 2018

Salar de Atacama is one of the largest global reservoirs of natural lithium brines (mean lithium concentration = 1,500 ppm), enabling Chile to be a leading producer of lithium products. This large salar (3,000 km2), located in the Atacama Desert at 2,300 m above sea level, is dominated by microorganisms; however, little is known about the microbes present in the brines associated with this economically important mining process. Here we study lithium as a modulator of microbial richness and diversity in brines representing natural conditions (34.7% salinity) and conditions prior to lithium production with a concentrated brine (55.6% salinity). Brines only supported a single archaeal family (Halobacteriaceae): natural brines included the archaeal genera Halovenus, Natronomonas, Haloarcula, and Halobacterium. Concentrated brines included the archaeal genera Halovenus, Halobacterium, and Halococcus. The most abundant bacterial families in natural brine were Rhodothermaceae and Staphylococcaceae; Xanthomonadaceae dominated the bacterial community in the concentrated brine. A comparison of entire microbial community (Archaea and Bacteria) revealed that only seven operational taxonomic units were shared between samples, all of which were Archaea. Further, our results showed that Bacteria were phylogenetically more diverse and rich in the concentrated brine, while archaeal diversity was maximized in the natural brine. The concentrated lithium brines of the Salar de Atacama represent one of the most saline environments described to date (dominated by LiCl). We suggest that elevated concentrations of lithium could greatly modulate microbial diversity and give insights into the adaptive biology of microorganisms required to cope with extremely high concentrations of salts that extend beyond that of NaCl, a far more commonly studied salt.
Ionospheric Weather During Five Extreme Geomagnetic Superstorms Since IGY Deduced With the Instantaneous Global Maps GIM‐foF2
Authors: Stanislawska Iwona , Gulyaeva Tamara L. , Grynyshyna‐Poliuga Oksana , Pustovalova Ljubov V.
Published: November 2018

An assessment of the ionosphere perturbations can be made through the construction of the global instantaneous maps of the foF2 critical frequency (GIM‐foF2) and the ionospheric weather index maps GIM‐Wf. These maps can offer a potentially useful tool to provide users with a proper selection of the best radio wave propagation conditions over a certain area and also be used to help mitigate the effects of the disturbances on HF (High Frequency) communication and Global Navigation Satellite System positioning. This paper presents results of reconstruction of the ionospheric weather during five of the most intense superstorms observed since International Geophysical Year, IGY (1957, 1958, 1959, 1989, and 2003) with the instantaneous global maps of the F2 layer critical frequency, GIM‐foF2, and the ionospheric weather index maps, GIM‐Wf. The intensity of the ionospheric superstorm is characterized by the planetary Wfp index derived from GIM‐Wf maps. Superposed epoch analysis of the extreme superstorms is made during 24 hr before the Wfp peak (time zero t0 = 0 hr) and 48 hr afterwards. Model relationship is established between mean Wfp profile and geomagnetic superstorm profiles demonstrating saturation of the ionospheric storm activity toward the peak of geomagnetic storm. Time lag of Wfpmax is found equal to 9 hr after AEmax, 6 hr after apmax and aamax, and 2 hr after Dstmin, which allows model forecast of ionospheric superstorm when geomagnetic superstorm is captured with one or more of geomagnetic indices.