bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐time fabrication of well‐mixed high‐density polyethylene/ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene blends under elongational flow: morphology, mechanical properties and mechanism
Authors: Lin Wangyang , Yang Zhi‐Tao , Qu Jin‐Ping
Published: January 2019

As linear polyethylenes, ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) have the same molecular structure, but the large difference in viscosity between them makes it difficult to obtain well‐mixed blends. An innovative eccentric rotor extruder (ERE) generating an elongational flow was used to prepare HDPE/UHMWPE blends within short processing times. Compared with the obvious two‐phase morphology of a sample from a twin‐screw extruder observed with a scanning electron microscope, few small UHMWPE particles were observed in the HDPE matrix for a sample from the ERE, indicating the good mixing on a molecular level of HDPE/UHMWPE blends achieved by the ERE during short processing times. The morphological changes of blends prepared using the ERE evidenced the good integration of HDPE and UHMWPE even though the UHMWPE content is up to 50 wt% in the blends. Moreover, all blends retained most of the intrinsic molecular weight. The good mixing was further confirmed from the thermal, crystallization and rheological behaviors determined using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheological measurements. Importantly, the 50/50 blend presented improved mechanical properties, especially super‐impact strength of 151.9 kJ m−2with incomplete‐break fracture state. The strengthening and great toughening effects of UHMWPE on the blends were attributed to the addition of unwrapped UHMWPE long molecular chains. The effective disentanglement mechanism of UHMWPE chains under elongational flow was explained schematically by a non‐parallel three‐plate model. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of high‐modulus thermoset materials based on bioglycerol
Authors: Gómez Claudia L , Echeverri David A , Inciarte Helen C , Rios Luis A
Published: January 2019

A high‐value application of crude bioglycerol in polymers was developed. In this application, bioglycerol was first transformed into a highly polyunsaturated resin (MAGLYMA) through maleinization–methacrylation reactions, under mild conditions (80–90 °C, 1–2 h). The resin was copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) (20%–50%) at room temperature over 8 h, affording rigid materials. The effect of MMA content on the mechanical and thermal properties was evaluated. The flexural modulus, flexural strength and surface hardness of the materials were around 3800 MPa, 130–180 MPa and 77 (Shore D), respectively. Tg values were in the range 92–105 °C. It is remarkable that excellent mechanical and thermal properties were obtained using a low concentration of MMA (20%). In particular, the mechanical properties of this material were better than those obtained for a commercial unsaturated polyester thermoset. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Chaperone‐like activity of the N‐terminal region of a human small heat shock protein and chaperone‐functionalized nanoparticles
Authors: Gliniewicz Emily F. , Chambers Kelly M. , De Leon Elizabeth R. , Sibai Diana , Campbell Helen C. , McMenimen Kathryn A.
Published: January 2019

Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) are molecular chaperones employed to interact with a diverse range of substrates as the first line of defense against cellular protein aggregation. The N‐terminal region (NTR) is implicated in defining features of sHsps; notably in their ability to form dynamic and polydisperse oligomers, and chaperone activity. The physiological relevance of oligomerization and chemical‐scale mode(s) of chaperone function remain undefined. We present novel chemical tools to investigate chaperone activity and substrate specificity of human HspB1 (B1NTR), through isolation of B1NTR and development of peptide‐conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). We demonstrate that B1NTR exhibits chaperone capacity for some substrates, determined by anti‐aggregation assays and size‐exclusion chromatography. The importance of protein dynamics and multivalency on chaperone capacity was investigated using B1NTR‐conjugated AuNPs, which exhibit concentration‐dependent chaperone activity for some substrates. Our results implicate sHsp NTRs in chaperone activity, and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of sHsp‐AuNPs in rescuing aberrant protein aggregation.
Recent advances in allelopathy for weed control: from knowledge to applications
Authors: Macías Francisco A , Mejías Francisco JR , Molinillo José MG
Published: January 2019

Allelopathy is the biological phenomenon of chemical interactions between living organisms in the ecosystem, and must be taken into account in addressing pest and weed problems in future sustainable agriculture. Allelopathy is a multidisciplinary science, but in some cases, aspects of its chemistry are overlooked, despite the need for a deep knowledge of the chemical structural characteristics of allelochemicals to facilitate the design of new herbicides. This review is focused on the most important advances in allelopathy, paying particular attention to the design and development of phenolic compounds, terpenoids and alkaloids as herbicides. The isolation of allelochemicals is mainly addressed, but other aspects such as the analysis and activities of derivatives or analogs are also covered. Furthermore, the use of allelopathy in the fight against parasitic plants is included. The past 12 years have been a prolific period for publications on allelopathy. This critical review discusses future research areas in this field and the state of the art is analyzed from the chemist's perspective. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Problems of implementing compulsory integrated pest management
Authors: Matyjaszczyk Ewa
Published: January 2019

Compulsory integrated pest management poses a number of challenges and issues for debate. Some of are discussed with reference to European Union requirements set out in Annex III of Directive 128/2009. Requirements on the use of plant protection products bring with them problems with dose reduction in the light of a resistance prevention strategy, the lack of threshold levels, the necessity of chemical treatments and the limited availability of effective products of biological origin. Use of preventive measures of pest control faces barriers related to profitability and a lack of knowledge on the part of farmers. Challenges to control the system, as well as the fact that some legally enforced rules are not suitable for all crops, seem also to be an issue. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Spatio‐temporal variability of rainfall in a high tropical island: Patterns and large‐scale drivers in Réunion Island
Authors: Réchou Anne , Flores Olivier , Jumaux Guillaume , Duflot Valentin , Bousquet Olivier , Pouppeville Chloé , Bonnardot Francois
Published: January 2019

Weather forecasting is challenging because of the complex interplay between local conditions and regional atmospheric forcings. In this article, we analyse the relationships between local daily rainfall and large‐scale synoptic patterns in the geographical context of Réunion Island, a high volcanic island in the southwestern Indian Ocean basin. Given the critical role of trade winds on weather conditions at island scale, we analyse those relationships across seasons defined with respect to yearly trade‐wind regimes. The analysis of the distribution of inversion events' elevation and frequency allows us to characterize the trade‐wind inversion layer (TWIL) and identify four seasons with homogeneous distributions. We characterize the spatio‐temporal variability of rainfall measured at island scale by a dense network of rain‐gauges over 37 years and relate it to large‐scale weather regimes identified using geopotential height meteorological data. After seasonal signal removal using Fourier transforms and dimension reduction via Principal Component Analysis, we perform Canonical Correlation Analysis to identify canonical variables relating rainfall and geopotential height patterns at the two different studied spatial scales. We then combine Ascending Hierarchical Classification and partitioning k‐means methods to identify homogeneous large‐scale synoptic conditions within each season. From this information, we build composite maps of geopotential height that characterize weather regimes and further analyse rainfall patterns at island scale in each regime. Elevation and orientation are used as descriptive variables at island scale as they strongly structure the patterns. Overall, four homogeneous seasons were identified based on trade‐wind regimes, within which six large‐scale weather regimes were identified for summer, the most variable season, and four for the others. Finally, rainfall patterns at island scale are described in relation to the highlighted synoptic regimes and local descriptive variables.
Atmospheric sensitivity to marginal‐ice‐zone drag: Local and global responses
Authors: Renfrew Ian A. , Elvidge Andrew D. , Edwards John M.
Published: January 2019

The impact of a physically based parametrization of atmospheric drag over the marginal ice zone (MIZ) is evaluated through a series of regional and global atmospheric model simulations. The sea‐ice drag parametrization has recently been validated and tuned based on a large set of observations of surface momentum flux from the Barents Sea and Fram Strait. The regional simulations are from March 2013 and make use of a collection of cold‐air outbreak observations in the vicinity of the MIZ for validation. The global model analysis uses multiple 48 h forecasts taken from a standard test suite of simulations. Our focus is on the response of the modelled atmosphere to changes in the drag coefficient over the MIZ. We find that the parametrization of drag has a significant impact on the simulated atmospheric boundary layer; for example, changing the surface momentum flux by typically 0.1–0.2 N m−2 (comparable to the mean) and low‐level temperatures by 2–3 K in the vicinity of the MIZ. Comparisons against aircraft observations over and downwind of the MIZ show that simulations with the new sea‐ice drag scheme generally have the lowest bias and lowest root‐mean‐square errors. The wind speed and temperature biases are reduced by up to 0.5 m s−1 and 2 K respectively, compared to simulations with two settings of the previous drag scheme. In the global simulations the atmospheric response is widespread – impacting most of the Arctic and Antarctic sea‐ice areas – with the largest changes in the vicinity of the MIZ and affecting the entire atmospheric boundary layer.
Analytic combinatorics of connected graphs
Authors: Panafieu Élie
Published: January 2019

We enumerate the connected graphs that contain a number of edges growing linearly with respect to the number of vertices. So far, only the first term of the asymptotics and a bound on the error were known. Using analytic combinatorics, that is, generating function manipulations, we derive a formula for the coefficients of the complete asymptotic expansion. The same result is derived for connected multigraphs.
Exploring how adolescents with ADHD use and interact with technology
Authors: Dawson Anne E. , Wymbs Brian T. , Evans Steven W. , DuPaul George J.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The ubiquity of technology is reshaping the way teens express themselves and interact with peers. Considering that teens with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience a range of social impairments and that risk behaviors have the potential to be more widespread and damaging online, understanding how teens with ADHD use the Internet is important.

Methods

The current study included 58 teens (72.4% boys; 13–16 years old) from the United States of America with ADHD. Study aims were to examine these teens' Internet use frequency, preferred online activities, Facebook interactions, and online risk behaviors (i.e., cyberbullying and sexting). Associations between online behaviors and offline symptoms and behaviors were explored to identify potential risk and protective factors.

Results

Findings suggested that teens with ADHD use technology in similar ways as do the general population of teens described in previous research but appeared at unique risk of cyberbullying behaviors. Offline risks were associated with online risk behaviors. Using Facebook was associated with online risks (e.g., weak online connections) and offline risks (e.g., poorer social skills and more internalizing symptoms).

Conclusions

Online social platforms permit the exploration of social behaviors via naturalistic observation. It is imperative researchers gain understanding of the increasingly prevalent online social worlds of teens. Such an understanding may enable researchers to formulate effective social interventions for teens with ADHD.
Financial volatility and public scrutiny as institutional determinants of financial industry firms' CSR
Authors: Chalmers Adam William , van den Broek Onna Malou
Published: January 2019

This article examines the relationship between the global financial crisis and Corporate Social Responsibility reporting of financial services firms. We challenge the view in existing studies that firms, when faced with economic hardship, tend to jettison CSR commitments. Instead, and building on insights regarding the institutional determinants of CSR, we argue that firms are constrained in their ability to abandon CSR by the extent to which they are subject to intense public scrutiny by regulators and the news media. We test this argument in the context of the European sovereign debt crisis drawing on a unique dataset of 170 firms in 15 different countries over a six-year period. Controlling for a battery of alternative explanations and comparing financial service providers to firms operating in other economic sectors, we find considerable evidence supporting our argument. Rather than abandoning CSR during times of economic hardship, financial industry firms ramp up their CSR commitments in order to manage their public image and foster public trust in light of intense public scrutiny.
Accounting for Timing when Assessing Health-Related Policies
Authors: Claxton Karl , Asaria Miqdad , Chansa Collins , Jamison Julian , Lomas James , Ochalek Jessica , Paulden Mike
Published: January 2019

The primary focus of this paper is to offer guidance on the analysis of time streams of effects that a project may have so that they can be discounted appropriately. This requires a framework that identifies the common parameters that need to be assessed, whether conducting cost-effectiveness or benefit-cost analysis. The quantification and conversion of the time streams of different effects into their equivalent health, health care cost or consumption effects avoids embedding multiple arguments in discounting policies. This helps to identify where parameters are likely to differ in particular contexts, what type of evidence would be relevant, what is currently known and how this evidence might be strengthened. The current evidence available to support the assessment of the key parameters is discussed and possible estimates and default assumptions are suggested. Reporting the results in an extensive way is recommended. This makes the assessments required explicit so the impact of alternative assumptions can be explored and analysis updated as better estimates evolve. Some projects will have effects across different countries where some or all of these parameters will differ. Therefore, the net present value of a project will be the sum of the country specific net present values rather than the sum of effects across countries discounted at some common rate.
Potential kernel, hitting probabilities and distributional asymptotics
Authors: PÈNE FRANÇOISE , THOMINE DAMIEN
Published: January 2019

$\mathbb{Z}^{d}$-extensions of probability-preserving dynamical systems are themselves dynamical systems preserving an infinite measure, and generalize random walks. Using the method of moments, we prove a generalized central limit theorem for additive functionals of the extension of integral zero, under spectral assumptions. As a corollary, we get the fact that Green–Kubo’s formula is invariant under induction. This allows us to relate the hitting probability of sites with the symmetrized potential kernel, giving an alternative proof and generalizing a theorem of Spitzer. Finally, this relation is used to improve, in turn, the assumptions of the generalized central limit theorem. Applications to Lorentz gases in finite horizon and to the geodesic flow on Abelian covers of compact manifolds of negative curvature are discussed.
A note on a positive solution of a null mass nonlinear field equation in exterior domains
Authors: Khatib Alireza , Maia Liliane A.
Published: January 2019

We consider the Null Mass nonlinear field equation
(𝒫)$$\left\{ {\matrix{ {-\Delta u = f(u){\rm in}\;\;\Omega } \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \cr {u > 0} \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \hfill \cr {u \vert_{\partial \Omega } = 0} \cr } } \right.$$
where ${\open R}^N \setminus \Omega $ is a bounded regular domain. The existence of a bound state solution is established in situations where this problem does not have a ground state.
A new test for asphericity and diagrammatic reducibility of group presentations
Authors: Barmak Jonathan Ariel , Minian Elias Gabriel
Published: January 2019

We present a new test for studying asphericity and diagrammatic reducibility of group presentations. Our test can be applied to prove diagrammatic reducibility in cases where the classical weight test fails. We use this criterion to generalize results of J. Howie and S.M. Gersten on asphericity of LOTs and of Adian presentations, and derive new results on solvability of equations over groups. We also use our methods to investigate a conjecture of S.V. Ivanov related to Kaplansky's problem on zero divisors: we strengthen Ivanov's result for locally indicable groups and prove a weak version of the conjecture.
On the generalized Hardy-Rellich inequalities
Authors: Anoop T.V. , Das Ujjal , Sarkar Abhishek
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we look for the weight functions (sayg) that admit the following generalized Hardy-Rellich type inequality:$$\int_\Omega g (x)u^2 dx \les C\int_\Omega \vert \Delta u \vert ^2 dx,\quad \forall u\in {\rm {\cal D}}_0^{2,2} (\Omega ),$$for some constantC> 0, whereΩis an open set in ℝNwithN⩾ 1. We find various classes of such weight functions, depending on the dimensionNand the geometry of Ω. Firstly, we use the Muckenhoupt condition for the one-dimensional weighted Hardy inequalities and a symmetrization inequality to obtain admissible weights in certain Lorentz-Zygmund spaces. Secondly, using the fundamental theorem of integration we obtain the weight functions in certain weighted Lebesgue spaces. As a consequence of our results, we obtain simple proofs for the embeddings of${\cal D}_0^{2,2} $into certain Lorentz-Zygmund spaces proved by Hansson and later by Brezis and Wainger.
Existence of solutions for critical Choquard equations via the concentration-compactness method
Authors: Gao Fashun , da Silva Edcarlos D. , Yang Minbo , Zhou Jiazheng
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we consider the nonlinear Choquard equation$$-\Delta u + V(x)u = \left( {\int_{{\open R}^N} {\displaystyle{{G(u)} \over { \vert x-y \vert ^\mu }}} \,{\rm d}y} \right)g(u)\quad {\rm in}\;{\open R}^N, $$where 0 < μ <N,N⩾ 3,g(u) is of critical growth due to the Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev inequality and$G(u)=\int ^u_0g(s)\,{\rm d}s$. Firstly, by assuming that the potentialV(x) might be sign-changing, we study the existence of Mountain-Pass solution via a nonlocal version of the second concentration- compactness principle. Secondly, under the conditions introduced by Benci and Cerami , we also study the existence of high energy solution by using a nonlocal version of global compactness lemma.
Estimates for the order of Nevanlinna matrices and a Berezanskii-type theorem
Authors: Pruckner Raphael , Woracek Harald
Published: January 2019

We give an upper estimate for the order of the entire functions in the Nevanlinna parameterization of the solutions of an indeterminate Hamburger moment problem. Under a regularity condition this estimate becomes explicit and takes the form of a convergence exponent. Proofs are based on transformations of canonical systems and I.S.Kac' formula for the spectral asymptotics of a string. Combining with a lower estimate from previous work, we obtain a class of moment problems for which order can be computed. This generalizes a theorem of Yu.M.Berezanskii about spectral asymptotics of a Jacobi matrix (in the case that order is ⩽ 1/2).
Boardman–Vogt tensor products of absolutely free operads
Authors: Bremner Murray , Dotsenko Vladimir
Published: January 2019

To the memory of Trevor Evans (1925–1991),

the pioneer of interchange laws in universal algebra

We establish a combinatorial model for the Boardman–Vogt tensor product of several absolutely free operads, that is, free symmetric operads that are also free as 𝕊-modules. Our results imply that such a tensor product is always a free 𝕊-module, in contrast with the results of Kock and Bremner–Madariaga on hidden commutativity for the Boardman–Vogt tensor square of the operad of non-unital associative algebras.
Multi-clustered solutions for a singularly perturbed forced pendulum equation
Authors: Martínez Salomé , Salazar Dora
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we are concerned with unbounded solutions of the singularly perturbed forced pendulum equation in the presence of friction, namely
$$\varepsilon ^2u_\varepsilon ^{{\prime}{\prime}} + \sin u_\varepsilon = \varepsilon ^2\alpha (t)u_\varepsilon + \varepsilon ^2\beta (t)u_\varepsilon ^{\prime} \quad {\rm in}\;(-L,L).{\rm }$$Using a limiting energy function, we describe the behaviour of the solutions as the parameter ε approaches zero. We also prove the existence of a family of solutions having a prescribed asymptotic profile and exhibiting a highly rotatory behaviour alternated with a highly oscillatory behaviour in some open subsets of the domain. The proof relies on a combination of the Nehari finite dimensional reduction with the topological degree theory.
On higher differentiability of solutions of parabolic systems with discontinuous coefficients and (p,q)-growth
Authors: Giannetti Flavia , Passarelli di Napoli Antonia , Scheven Christoph
Published: January 2019

We consider weak solutions$u:\Omega _T\to {\open R}^N$to parabolic systems of the type$$u_t-{\rm div}\;a(x,t,Du) = 0\quad {\rm in}\;\Omega _T = \Omega \times (0,T),$$where the functiona(x,t,ξ) satisfies (p,q)-growth conditions. We give an a priori estimate for weak solutions in the case of possibly discontinuous coefficients. More precisely, the partial maps$x\mapsto a(x,t,\xi )$under consideration may not be continuous, but may only possess a Sobolev-type regularity. In a certain sense, our assumption means that the weak derivatives$D_xa(\cdot ,\cdot ,\xi )$are contained in the class$L^\alpha (0,T;L^\beta (\Omega ))$, where the integrability exponents$\alpha ,\beta $are coupled by$$\displaystyle{{p(n + 2)-2n} \over {2\alpha }} + \displaystyle{n \over \beta } = 1-\kappa $$for someκ∈ (0,1). For the gap between the two growth exponents we assume$$2 \les p < q \les p + \displaystyle{{2\kappa } \over {n + 2}}.$$Under further assumptions on the integrability of the spatial gradient, we prove a result on higher differentiability in space as well as the existence of a weak time derivative$u_t\in L^{p/(q-1)}_{{\rm loc}}(\Omega _T)$. We use the corresponding a priori estimate to deduce the existence of solutions of Cauchy–Dirichlet problems with the mentioned higher differentiability property.
Spectral transitions for Aharonov-Bohm Laplacians on conical layers
Authors: Krejčiřík D. , Lotoreichik V. , Ourmières-Bonafos T.
Published: January 2019

We consider the Laplace operator in a tubular neighbourhood of a conical surface of revolution, subject to an Aharonov-Bohm magnetic field supported on the axis of symmetry and Dirichlet boundary conditions on the boundary of the domain. We show that there exists a critical total magnetic flux depending on the aperture of the conical surface for which the system undergoes an abrupt spectral transition from infinitely many eigenvalues below the essential spectrum to an empty discrete spectrum. For the critical flux, we establish a Hardy-type inequality. In the regime with an infinite discrete spectrum, we obtain sharp spectral asymptotics with a refined estimate of the remainder and investigate the dependence of the eigenvalues on the aperture of the surface and the flux of the magnetic field.
Characterization of fundamental networks
Authors: Aguiar Manuela A. D. , Dias Ana P. S. , Soares Pedro
Published: January 2019

In the framework of coupled cell systems, a coupled cell network describes graphically the dynamical dependencies between individual dynamical systems, the cells. The fundamental network of a network reveals the hidden symmetries of that network. Subspaces defined by equalities of coordinates which are flow-invariant for any coupled cell system consistent with a network structure are called the network synchrony subspaces. Moreover, for every synchrony subspace, each network admissible system restricted to that subspace is a dynamical system consistent with a smaller network called a quotient network. We characterize networks such that: the network is a subnetwork of its fundamental network, and the network is a fundamental network. Moreover, we prove that the fundamental network construction preserves the quotient relation and it transforms the subnetwork relation into the quotient relation. The size of cycles in a network and the distance of a cell to a cycle are two important properties concerning the description of the network architecture. In this paper, we relate these two architectural properties in a network and its fundamental network.
Nodal solutions for the fractional Yamabe problem on Heisenberg groups
Authors: Kristály Alexandru
Published: January 2019

We prove that the fractional Yamabe equation ${\rm {\cal L}}_\gamma u = \vert u \vert ^{((4\gamma )/(Q-2\gamma ))}u$ on the Heisenberg group ℍn has [n + 1/2] sequences of nodal (sign-changing) weak solutions whose elements have mutually different nodal properties, where ${\rm {\cal L}}_\gamma $ denotes the CR fractional sub-Laplacian operator on ℍn, Q = 2n + 2 is the homogeneous dimension of ℍn, and $\gamma \in \bigcup\nolimits_{k = 1}^n [k,((kQ)/Q-1)))$. Our argument is variational, based on a Ding-type conformal pulling-back transformation of the original problem into a problem on the CR sphere S2n + 1 combined with a suitable Hebey-Vaugon-type compactness result and group-theoretical constructions for special subgroups of the unitary group U(n + 1).
Asymptotically self-similar behaviour of global solutions for semilinear heat equations with algebraically decaying initial data
Authors: Naito Yūki
Published: January 2019

We consider the Cauchy problem$$\left\{ {\matrix{ {u_t = \Delta u + u^p,\quad } \hfill & {x\in {\bf R}^N,\;t \leq 0,} \hfill \cr {u(x,0) = u_0(x),\quad } \hfill & {x\in {\bf R}^N,} \hfill \cr } } \right.$$whereN> 2,p> 1, andu0is a bounded continuous non-negative function inRN. We study the case whereu0(x) decays at the rate |x|−2/(p−1)as |x| → ∞, and investigate the convergence property of the global solutions to the forward self-similar solutions. We first give the precise description of the relationship between the spatial decay of initial data and the large time behaviour of solutions, and then we show the existence of solutions with a time decay rate slower than the one of self-similar solutions. We also show the existence of solutions that behave in a complicated manner.
Hunter-gatherers subsistence and impact on fauna in the Islands of Four Mountains, Eastern Aleutians, Alaska, over 3000 yr
Authors: Krylovich Olga A. , Vasyukov Dmitry D. , Khasanov Bulat F. , Hatfield Virginia , West Dixie , Savinetsky Arkady A.
Published: January 2019

This first zooarchaeological analysis for the Islands of Four Mountains (IFM), Aleutian Islands, Alaska, provides data about local hunter-gatherer resource exploitation over three thousand yr. The majority of zooarchaeological material represents faunal resources that were harvested within several kilometers of villages. Our analysis shows that IFM subsistence system was shaped by the small size of these islands, which is mostly true for all of the Aleutian Islands. The archaeological middens indicate that Aleuts readily exploited new resources when they became available, expanding their dietary niche. Despite human harvesting, most faunal populations remained stable; however, Aleuts overexploited the storm-petrel colony on Carlisle Island.
Relationships between Cabernet Sauvignon phenology and climate in two Spanish viticultural regions: observations and predicted future changes
Authors: Ramos M. C. , Jones G. V.
Published: January 2019

The aim of the current research is to analyse potential changes in the phenology of Cabernet Sauvignon under future climate change scenarios. The study compares results from two areas with different climatic conditions in Spain: Ribera del Duero and Penedès. Phenology data for budbreak (BB), bloom (BL), veraison (V) and maturity (M) were analysed for the period 2004–2015 in Ribera del Duero and for 1996–2012 in Penedès. Thermal requirements to initiate the growing cycle and to reach each phenological event were evaluated. Simulated data of changes in climate from eight models provided by Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) of Spain, and for two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) (greenhouse gas concentration trajectories) – RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 by 2030, 2050 and 2070 were used. Differences of approximately 6 days for BL and about 12 days, on average, for V existed between the two areas. Based on the predicted changes of temperature and the accumulated degree days needed to reach each stage, future changes in phenology were modelled. The results indicate potentially greater changes in the warmer region (Penedès), particularly for the later growth stages, which is in agreement with greater temperature increases in Penedès. The advance of BB, BL, V and M by 2070 could be up to 5, 11, 17 and 24 days, respectively, under the RCP4.5 emission trajectory, and up to 50% higher in some stages under the RCP8.5 emission trajectory.
Translating a rodent measure of negative bias into humans: the impact of induced anxiety and unmedicated mood and anxiety disorders
Authors: Aylward Jessica , Hales Claire , Robinson Emma , Robinson Oliver J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Mood and anxiety disorders are ubiquitous but current treatment options are ineffective for many sufferers. Moreover, a number of promising pre-clinical interventions have failed to translate into clinical efficacy in humans. Improved treatments are unlikely without better animal–human translational pipelines. Here, we translate a rodent measure of negative affective bias into humans, exploring its relationship with (1) pathological mood and anxiety symptoms and (2) transient induced anxiety.

Methods

Adult participants (age = 29 ± 11) who met criteria for mood or anxiety disorder symptomatology according to a face-to-face neuropsychiatric interview were included in the symptomatic group. Study 1 includedN= 77 (47 = asymptomatic [female = 21]; 30 = symptomatic [female = 25]), study 2 includedN= 47 asymptomatic participants (25 = female). Outcome measures were choice ratios, reaction times and parameters recovered from a computational model of reaction time – the drift diffusion model (DDM) – from a two-alternative-forced-choice task in which ambiguous and unambiguous auditory stimuli were paired with high and low rewards.

Results

Both groups showed over 93% accuracy on unambiguous tones indicating intact discrimination, but symptomatic individuals demonstrated increased negative affective bias on ambiguous tones [proportion high reward = 0.42 (s.d.= 0.14)] relative to asymptomatic individuals [0.53 (s.d.= 0.17)] as well as a significantly reduced DDM drift rate. No significant effects were observed for the within-subjects anxiety-induction.

Conclusions

Humans with pathological anxiety symptoms directly mimic rodents undergoing anxiogenic manipulation. The lack of sensitivity to transient anxiety suggests the paradigm might be more sensitive to clinically relevant symptoms. Our results establish a direct translational pipeline (and candidate therapeutics screen) from negative affective bias in rodents to pathological mood and anxiety symptoms in humans.
Staminodes influence pollen removal and deposition rates in nectar-rewarding self-incompatible Phanera yunnanensis (Caesalpinioideae)
Authors: Wang Menglin , Huang Shuyin , Li Manru , McKey Doyle , Zhang Ling
Published: January 2019

Staminodes are sterile stamens that produce no pollen, exhibit diverse structures and perform various functions. Flowers of Phanera yunnanensis possess three fertile stamens with large anthers and long filaments, and seven staminodes with tiny anthers and short filaments. To investigate the adaptive significance of staminodes in this species, we studied effects of staminode removal on pollen removal and deposition, flower visitation rate and fruit set in Xishuangbanna, south-western China. Four species of nectar-foraging pollinators visited flowers, mostly Amegilla zonata and Apis cerana (2.80 ± 0.15 and 1.76 ± 0.41 visits h−1 per flower, respectively). Staminode removal did not affect fruit set, but increased visitation by A. cerana by 2.6-fold, reduced visitation by A. zonata by 68% and increased the pollen removal rate for both pollinators (all effects were significant). Staminode removal significantly reduced pollen deposition rate for A. zonata, but not for A. cerana. These results suggest that the staminodes of P. yunnanensis filter which insects act as pollinators and affect pollen removal and deposition rates. By reducing pollen removal rates, staminodes may implement a pollen-dispensing schedule that spreads pollen dispersal from individual flowers over multiple pollinators. By altering pollen deposition rates, staminodes may influence reproductive fitness in other ways.
COMPUTATIONAL METHOD FOR PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION ON RECURSIVE RELATIONSHIPS IN FINANCIAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: Park Jong Jun , Lee Kyungsub
Published: January 2019

In quantitative finance, it is often necessary to analyze the distribution of the sum of specific functions of observed values at discrete points of an underlying process. Examples include the probability density function, the hedging error, the Asian option, and statistical hypothesis testing. We propose a method to calculate such a distribution, utilizing a recursive method, and examine it using various examples. The results of the numerical experiment show that our proposed method has high accuracy.
EXPLORATION–EXPLOITATION POLICIES WITH ALMOST SURE, ARBITRARILY SLOW GROWING ASYMPTOTIC REGRET
Authors: Cowan Wesley , Katehakis Michael N.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to provide further understanding into the structure of the sequential allocation (“stochastic multi-armed bandit”) problem by establishing probability one finite horizon bounds and convergence rates for the sample regret associated with two simple classes of allocation policies. For any slowly increasing function g, subject to mild regularity constraints, we construct two policies (the g-Forcing, and the g-Inflated Sample Mean) that achieve a measure of regret of order O(g(n)) almost surely as n → ∞, bound from above and below. Additionally, almost sure upper and lower bounds on the remainder term are established. In the constructions herein, the function g effectively controls the “exploration” of the classical “exploration/exploitation” tradeoff.
Cognition, social cognition, and Self-assessment in schizophrenia: prediction of different elements of everyday functional outcomes
Authors: Silberstein Juliet , Harvey Philip D.
Published: January 2019

A growing body of research has shown that two domains of cognition, neurocognition and social cognition, predict different domains of real-world outcomes in people with schizophrenia. Social cognition has been shown to predict social outcomes but not non-social outcomes (e.g. living independently), and neurocognition provides minimal prediction of social outcomes (e.g. interpersonal relationships). The differing predictive value of neurocognition and social cognition has led to an exploration of potential factors that interact with cognition to influence everyday outcomes. Functional skills, negative symptoms, and self-assessment have shown particularly promising relationships with cognitive ability. Several consensus studies have pinpointed valid performance-based assessments. High-contact informant ratings have additionally been shown to be highly accurate. The emerging understanding of divergent patterns of predicting outcomes and reliable assessments present an opportunity to improve treatment targets and real-world outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia. In particular, a recently defined component of metacognition has shown particular promise. Introspective accuracy (IA) addresses how well individuals evaluate their own abilities. Emerging research has found that IA of neurocognitive ability better predicts everyday functional deficits than scores on performance-based measures of neurocognitive skills and has found that IA of social cognition accounts unique variance in real world disability above social cognitive abilities. Intriguingly, IA of neurocognition appears to preferentially predict non-social outcomes while IA of social cognition predicts social outcomes.
What are Clients Asking Their Therapist During Therapist-Assisted Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? A Content Analysis of Client Questions
Authors: Soucy Joelle N. , Hadjistavropoulos Heather D. , Pugh Nicole E. , Dear Blake F. , Titov Nickolai
Published: January 2019

Background: Although internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) yields large clinical outcomes when accompanied by therapeutic support, a portion of clients do not benefit from treatment. In ICBT, clients review treatment materials online typically on a weekly basis. A key component of therapist-assistance involves answering questions as clients review and work on assignments related to the treatment materials. Aims: The goal of this study was to enhance understanding of the nature of client questions posed during ICBT and examine potential associations between the number of questions asked and treatment outcomes in order to provide insight into how to improve ICBT for future users. Method: Content analysis was used to qualitatively analyse and identify questions that 80 clients asked their designated therapist over the course of an 8-week ICBT programme for anxiety and depression. Results: On average, clients sent six emails during the course of treatment, of which less than two questions were asked. Of the 137 questions posed by clients, 46.72% reflected questions designed to enhance understanding and apply the material and techniques reviewed in the programme. Additional questions were categorized as clarifying the therapeutic process (22.62%), addressing technical challenges (18.25%), and seeking assistance with problems outside the scope of ICBT (12.41%). Number of client questions asked was not significantly correlated with the number of lessons completed, symptom change, or perceptions of therapeutic alliance. Conclusions: Findings can inform future practitioners who deliver ICBT of what to expect with this treatment approach and also assist in the development of future ICBT programmes.
Parasitic fauna of Polish konik horses (Equus caballus gmelini Antonius) and their impact on breeding: a review
Authors: Slivinska K. , Karbowiak G. , Gawor J. , Wróblewski Z. , Jaworski Z. , Jastrzębska E. , Demeshkant V.
Published: January 2019

The influence of internal and external parasites on the health of Polish konik horses housed in different types of management strategies in Poland is discussed. This study includes consolidated data of different authors from the past 50 years, supplemented by results of more recent research. A total of 38 species of helminths (i.e., 37 Nematoda and one Cestoda) and five Diptera species were recorded from the horses. Protozoan parasites, Cryptosporidium spp. and Theileria equi, and the Rickettsiales, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, were observed for the first time in Poland.
Effects of selenium source and level in diet on glutathione peroxidase activity, tissue selenium distribution, and growth performance in poultry
Authors: Marković Radmila , Ćirić Jelena , Starčević Marija , Šefer Dragan , Baltić Milan Ž.
Published: January 2019

Today, a few differing sources of selenium (Se), i.e. inorganic, organic, and nano forms of Se, are used as feed supplements for poultry. Published research indicates that nano-Se and organic Se possess comparable efficiency to inorganic Se in increasing GSH-Px activity of plasma and various tissues, but they deposit at higher rates in various tissues. However, there are principal differences in absorption mechanisms, metabolism, and efficiency of these three forms of Se. The aim of this review was to analyze the available literature on the effects of different Se sources and levels in the diet on glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, tissue Se distribution and growth performance in poultry. Higher levels of Se increase GSH-Px activity in the body, but this reaches a plateau even if Se concentrations in diet increase further, while the deposition of Se in tissues increases as Se content in diet increases. In addition, many studies have shown the positive effects of adding Se to diet on growth performance in poultry. Optimal Se supplementation is necessary not only for good poultry health but also to ensure and preserve meat quality during storage and to provide human beings with this microelement.
Bovine-like coronaviruses in domestic and wild ruminants
Authors: Amer Haitham Mohamed
Published: January 2019

Coronaviruses (CoVs) produce a wide spectrum of disease syndromes in different mammalian and avian host species. These viruses are well-recognized for their ability to change tissue tropism, to hurdle the interspecies barriers and to adapt ecological variations. It is predicted that the inherent genetic diversity of CoVs caused by accumulation of point mutations and high frequency of homologous recombination is the principal determinant of these competences. Several CoVs (e.g. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV) have been recorded to cross the interspecies barrier, inducing different disease conditions in variable animal hosts. Bovine CoV (BCoV) is a primary cause of gastroenteritis and respiratory disease in cattle calves, winter dysentery in lactating cows and shipping fever pneumonia in feedlot cattle. Although it has long been known as a restrictive cattle pathogen, CoVs that are closely related to BCoV have been recognized in dogs, humans and in other ruminant species. Biologic, antigenic and genetic analyses of the so-called ‘bovine-like CoVs’ proposed classification of these viruses as host-range variants rather than distinct virus species. In this review, the different bovine-like CoVs that have been identified in domesticated ruminants (water buffalo, sheep, goat, dromedary camel, llama and alpaca) and wild ruminants (deer, wild cattle, antelopes, giraffes and wild goats) are discussed in terms of epidemiology, transmission and virus characteristics. The presented data denote the importance of these viruses in the persistence of BCoV in nature, spread to new geographical zones, and continuous emergence of disease epidemics in cattle farms.
An open trial of meaning-centered grief therapy: Rationale and preliminary evaluation
Authors: Lichtenthal Wendy G. , Catarozoli Corinne , Masterson Melissa , Slivjak Elizabeth , Schofield Elizabeth , Roberts Kailey E. , Neimeyer Robert A. , Wiener Lori , Prigerson Holly G. , Kissane David W. , Li Yuelin , Breitbart William
Published: January 2019

Objective

To determine the preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and effects of Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy (MCGT) for parents who lost a child to cancer.

Method

Parents who lost a child to cancer and who were between six months and six years after loss and reporting elevated levels of prolonged grief were enrolled in open trials of MCGT, a manualized, one-on-one cognitive-behavioral-existential intervention that used psychoeducation, experiential exercises, and structured discussion to explore themes related to meaning, identity, purpose, and legacy. Parents completed 16 weekly sessions, 60–90 minutes in length, either in person or through videoconferencing. Parents were administered measures of prolonged grief disorder symptoms, meaning in life, and other assessments of psychological adjustment preintervention, mid-intervention, postintervention, and at three months postintervention. Descriptive data from both the in-person and videoconferencing open trial were pooled.

Result

Eight of 11 (72%) enrolled parents started the MCGT intervention, and six of eight (75%) participants completed all 16 sessions. Participants provided positive feedback about MCGT. Results showed postintervention longitudinal improvements in prolonged grief (d = 1.70), sense of meaning (d = 2.11), depression (d = 0.84), hopelessness (d = 1.01), continuing bonds with their child (d = 1.26), posttraumatic growth (ds = 0.29–1.33), positive affect (d = 0.99), and various health-related quality of life domains (d = 0.46–0.71). Most treatment gains were either maintained or increased at the three-month follow-up assessment.

Significance of results

Overall, preliminary data suggest that this 16-session, manualized cognitive-behavioral-existential intervention is feasible, acceptable, and associated with transdiagnostic improvements in psychological functioning among parents who have lost a child to cancer. Future research should examine MCGT with a larger sample in a randomized controlled trial.