bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextual effects in processing OVS constructions in Spanish
Authors: Isabelli Casilde A.
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the contextual constraint principle in input processing, which states that learners may rely less on a first-noun-as-subject/agent strategy if preceding context constrains the interpretation of a clause or sentence. Second language learners of Spanish (N = 39) completed a sentence interpretation task in which they heard OVS sentences in various context conditions: neutral versus constraining context appearing prior to and after OVS clauses. Results revealed greater accuracy on OVS sentence interpretation when constraining context was available, particularly when it appeared prior to the target OVS clause. The results suggest that first noun reliance is significantly weakened when constraining context is available, and that the contextual constraint principle should be expanded to include context in post target-clause position.
Multilevel input processing
Authors: Barcroft Joe
Published: October 2020

Research on input processing (IP) to date has focused largely on sentences and acquisition of morphosyntax. Other research has addressed IP at the lexical level for different aspects of vocabulary acquisition. This chapter clarifies how understanding multilevel IP can improve our understanding of IP across the board. Section 1 defines multilevel IP and clarifies its overarching role when learners are exposed to input. Section 2 summarizes research on sentence-level IP and identifies areas in which research on lexical IP can be informative. Section 3 summarizes research on lexical IP, noting areas in which research on sentence-level IP can be informative. Finally, Section 4 discusses challenges to be met in new efforts to investigate and advance theory related to multilevel IP.
Trials-to-criterion as a methodological option to measure language processing in processing instruction
Authors: Fernández Claudia
Published: October 2020

Trials-to-criterion – a method commonly used in applied behavior analysis as an alternative to the pre-/post-test study design – has been used to observe and assess input processing in processing instruction (PI) research. The results from trials-to-criterion studies have made important contributions to our understanding of the effects of PI in input processing, particularly regarding the role of explicit information. In order to promote trials-to-criterion as a method in PI research, this chapter reviews and discusses studies that have used trials-to-criterion data to investigate the effects of PI on second language processing. It also examines crucial design choices in the implementation of trials-to-criterion as a measure of language processing. Finally, it discusses future considerations for trials-to-criterion research.
PI and the French causative and passive constructions
Authors: Wong Wynne , Ito Kiwako , Glimois Laurene
Published: October 2020

We examined whether French L2 learners trained with processing instruction (PI) or traditional instruction (TI) on the French causative, would transfer training effects to the passive construction. Experiment 2 included explicit information (EI) but not Experiment 1. Accuracy results and eye movement patterns showed PI had a positive impact on participants’ processing of the causative, but neither treatment had any effect on the passive. The null effect could be attributed to the low number of tokens used and to the nature of the passive structure. Furthermore, PI training on the causative might have trained learners to rely on the necessary cues to process causative sentences correctly, but this might not have been sufficient to decrease reliance on the first noun principle.
Giant Spin Transfer Torque in Atomically Thin Magnetic Bilayers*
Authors: Cao Weihao , Wei-Yuan Tu Matisse , Xiao Jiang , Yao Wang
Published: October 2020

In cavity quantum electrodynamics, the multiple reflections of a photon between two mirrors defining a cavity is exploited to enhance the light-coupling of an intra-cavity atom. We show that this paradigm for enhancing the interaction of a flying particle with a localized object can be generalized to spintronics based on van der Waals 2D magnets. Upon tunneling through a magnetic bilayer, we find that the spin transfer torques per electron incidence can become orders of magnitude larger than ℏ/2, made possible by electron’s multi-reflection path through the ferromagnetic monolayers as an intermediate of their angular momentum transfer. Over a broad energy range around the tunneling resonances, the damping-like spin transfer torque per electron tunneling features a universal value of (ℏ/2)tan (θ/2), depending only on the angle θ between the magnetizations. These findings expand the scope of magnetization manipulations for high-performance and high-density storage based on van der Waals magnets.
A new way to classify 2D higher order quantum superintegrable systems
Authors: Berntson Bjorn K , Marquette Ian , Miller Willard
Published: October 2020

We revise a method by Kalnins, Kress and Miller (2010) for constructing a canonical form for symmetry operators of arbitrary order for the Schrödinger eigenvalue equation HΨ ≡ (Δ2 + V)Ψ = EΨ on any 2D Riemannian manifold, real or complex, that admits a separation of variables in some orthogonal coordinate system. We apply the method, as an example, to revisit the Tremblay and Winternitz (2010) derivation of the Painlevé VI potential for a 3rd order superintegrable flat space system that separates in polar coordinates and, as new results, we give a listing of the possible potentials on the two-sphere that separate in spherical coordinates and all two-hyperbolic (two-sheet) potentials separating in horocyclic coordinates. In particular, we show that the Painlevé VI potential also appears for a 3rd order superintegrable system on the two-sphere that separates in spherical coordinates, as well as a 3rd order superintegrable system on the two-hyperboloid that separates in spherical coordinates and one that separates in horocyclic coordinates. Our aim is to develop tools for analysis and classification of higher order superintegrable systems on any 2D Riemannian space, not just Euclidean space.
Model for deformation of cells from external electric fields at or near resonant frequencies
Authors: Martinez Luis , Dhruv Akash , Lin Li , Balaras Elias , Keidar Michael
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a numerical model to investigate the deformation of biological cells by applying external electric fields operating at or near cell resonant frequencies. Cells are represented as pseudo solids with high viscosity suspended in liquid media. The electric field source is an atmospheric plasma jet developed inhouse, for which the emitted energy distribution has been measured. Viscoelastic response is resolved in the entire cell structure by solving a deformation matrix assuming an isotropic material with a prescribed modulus of elasticity. To investigate cell deformation at resonant frequencies, one mode of natural cell oscillation is considered in which the cell membrane is made to radially move about its eigenfrequency. An electromagnetic wave source interacts with the cell and induces oscillation and viscoelastic response. The source carries energy in the form of a distribution function which couples a range of oscillating frequencies with electric field amplitudes. Results show that cell response may be increased by the external electric field operating at or near resonance. In the elastic regime, response increases until a steady threshold value, and the structure moves as a damped oscillator. Generally, this response is a function of both frequency and magnitude of the source, with a maximum effect found at resonance. To understand the full effect of the source energy spectrum, the system is solved by considering five frequency-amplitude couplings. Results show that the total solution is a nonlinear combination of the individual solutions. Additionally, sources with different signal phases are simulated to determine the effect of initial conditions on the evolution of the system, and the result suggests that there may be multiple solutions within the same order of magnitude for elastic response and velocity. Cell rupture from electric stress may occur during application given a high energy source.
Aesthetic Experience and the Unfathomable: A Pragmatist Critique of Hermeneutic Aesthetics
Authors: Gilks Mark
Published: October 2020

In his attack on the notion of immediate experience (Erlebnis), Hans-Georg Gadamer argues that aesthetic experience should be absorbed into hermeneutics because alone it cannot account for the historical nature of experience (Erfahrung); predicated on an ontological theory of art, the unfathomable, therefore, is the sense we have of these infinite hermeneutic depths. I argue that this account is methodologically and existentially unacceptable: methodologically because it is overly speculative, and existentially because it betrays authentic existence. I critique Gadamer from the perspective of William James’ Pragmatism and argue, inverting Gadamer’s main thesis, that hermeneutics should be reduced to aesthetic experience. The meaning that emerges in aesthetic experience does not ‘rise up’ from the depths but is immanent in what James calls ‘pure experience’. The unfathomable, therefore, is not a glimpse into the metaphysical abyss but a phenomenological insight into the immanent structure of experience.
Forest Restoration and Fuels Reduction: Convergent or Divergent?
Authors: Stephens Scott L , Battaglia Mike A , Churchill Derek J , Collins Brandon M , Coppoletta Michelle , Hoffman Chad M , Lydersen Jamie M , North Malcolm P , Parsons Russell A , Ritter Scott M , Stevens Jens T
Published: October 2020

For over 20 years, forest fuel reduction has been the dominant management action in western US forests. These same actions have also been associated with the restoration of highly altered frequent-fire forests. Perhaps the vital element in the compatibility of these treatments is that both need to incorporate the salient characteristics that frequent fire produced—variability in vegetation structure and composition across landscapes and the inability to support large patches of high-severity fire. These characteristics can be achieved with both fire and mechanical treatments. The possible key to convergence of fuel reduction and forest restoration strategies is integrated planning that permits treatment design flexibility and a longer-term focus on fire reintroduction for maintenance. With changing climate conditions, long-term forest conservation will probably need to be focused on keeping tree density low enough (i.e., in the lower range of historic variation) for forest conditions to adapt to emerging disturbance patterns and novel ecological processes.
Atrial nitroso-redox balance and refractoriness following on-pump cardiac surgery: a randomized trial of atorvastatin
Authors: Jayaram Raja , Jones Michael , Reilly Svetlana , Crabtree Mark J , Pal Nikhil , Goodfellow Nicola , Nahar Keshav , Simon Jillian , Carnicer Ricardo , DeSilva Ravi , Ratnatunga Chandana , Petrou Mario , Sayeed Rana , Roalfe Andrea , Channon Keith M , Bashir Yaver , Betts Timothy , Hill Michael , Casadei Barbara
Published: October 2020

Aims

Systemic inflammation and increased activity of atrial NOX2-containing NADPH oxidases have been associated with the new onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery. In addition to lowering LDL-cholesterol, statins exert rapid anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, the clinical significance of which remains controversial.

Methods and results

We first assessed the impact of cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on atrial nitroso-redox balance by measuring NO synthase (NOS) and GTP cyclohydrolase-1 (GCH-1) activity, biopterin content, and superoxide production in paired samples of the right atrial appendage obtained before (PRE) and after CPB and reperfusion (POST) in 116 patients. The effect of perioperative treatment with atorvastatin (80 mg once daily) on these parameters, blood biomarkers, and the post-operative atrial effective refractory period (AERP) was then evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 80 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on CPB. CPB and reperfusion led to a significant increase in atrial superoxide production (74% CI 71–76%, n = 46 paired samples, P < 0.0001) and a reduction in atrial tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) (34% CI 33–35%, n = 36 paired samples, P < 0.01), and in GCH-1 (56% CI 55–58%, n = 26 paired samples, P < 0.001) and NOS activity (58% CI 52–67%, n = 20 paired samples, P < 0.001). Perioperative atorvastatin treatment prevented the effect of CPB and reperfusion on all parameters but had no significant effect on the postoperative right AERP, troponin release, or NT-proBNP after cardiac surgery.

Conclusion

Perioperative statin therapy prevents post-reperfusion atrial nitroso-redox imbalance in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery but has no significant impact on postoperative atrial refractoriness, perioperative myocardial injury, or markers of postoperative LV function.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01780740
Forecasting using cross-section average–augmented time series regressions
Authors: Karabiyik Hande , Westerlund Joakim
Published: October 2020

There is a large and growing body of literature concerned with forecasting time series variables by the use of factor-augmented regression models. The workhorse of this literature is a two-step approach in which the factors are first estimated by applying the principal components method to a large panel of variables, and the forecast regression is then estimated, conditional on the first-step factor estimates. Another stream of research that has attracted much attention is concerned with the use of cross-section averages as common factor estimates in interactive effects panel regression models. The main justification for this second development is the simplicity and good performance of the cross-section averages when compared with estimated principal component factors. In view of this, it is quite surprising that no one has yet considered the use of cross-section averages for forecasting. Indeed, given the purpose to forecast the conditional mean, the use of the cross-sectional average to estimate the factors is only natural. The present paper can be seen as a reaction to this. The purpose is to investigate the asymptotic and small-sample properties of forecasts based on cross-section average–augmented regressions. In contrast to most existing studies, the investigation is carried out while allowing the number of factors to be unknown.
COVID-19 Pandemic’s Effects on Disease and Psychological Outcomes of People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Portugal: A Preliminary Research
Authors: Trindade Inês A , Ferreira Nuno B
Published: October 2020

Aims

No empirical research on the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people living with IBD, a population known to typically present high levels of anxiety and depression and to be potentially vulnerable to COVID-19, has yet been conducted. This study aimed to explore the links between contextual variables related to the COVID-19 pandemic and disease and psychological outcomes.

Methods

The sample included 124 Portuguese patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (85.48% women) who completed self-reported measures in an online survey during April 2020.

Results

Fear of contracting COVID-19 and medication adherence were both high and unrelated. About half of the sample presented moderate (37.10%) to severe (14.50%) anxiety. Normal and mild anxiety levels were at 29.80% and 18.50%, respectively. Regarding depressive symptoms, 51.60% of the sample presented normal levels, 27.40% mild severity, 16.10% moderate, and 4.8% severe. No differences were found between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients. Regression analyses showed that anxiety explained IBD symptom perception (β = 0.29; P = 0.022); fear of contracting COVID-19 (β = 0.35; P < 0.001) and IBD symptom perception (β = −0.22; P = 0.009) explained depressive symptoms; and fear of contracting COVID-19 (β = 0.41; P < 0.001), IBD symptom perception (β = 0.26, P < 0.001), and being in isolation (β = −0.16, P = 0.041) explained anxiety. Type of medication was not linked to these outcomes.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to be affecting adherence to medication but seems to present relevant effects on psychological well-being. Inflammatory bowel disease health care professionals should be attentive of patients’ psychological response to this pandemic and of its possible consequences on disease expression. This study additionally provided a psychometrically sound measure of fear of contracting COVID-19.
Comparative study of snake lateral undulation kinematics in model heterogeneous terrain
Authors: Schiebel Perrin E , Hubbard Alex M , Goldman Daniel I
Published: October 2020

Terrestrial organisms that use traveling waves to locomote must leverage heterogeneities to overcome drag on the elongate body. While previous studies illuminated how habitat generalist snakes self-deform to use rigid obstacles in the surroundings, control strategies for multi-component terrain are largely unknown. We compared the sand-specialist Chionactis occipitalis to a habitat generalist, Pantherophis guttatus, navigating a model terrestrial terrain–rigid post arrays on a low-friction substrate. We found the waveshapes used by the generalist were more variable than the specialist. Principal component analysis revealed that while the specialized sand-swimming waveform was always present on C. occipitalis, the generalist did not have a similarly pervasive low-dimensional waveshape. We expected the generalist to thus outperform the specialist in the arrays, but body slip of both species was comparable on level ground and in all trials the snakes successfully traversed the arena. When we further challenged the snakes to ascend an inclined lattice, the sand-specialist had difficulty maintaining contact with the obstacles and was unable to progress up the steepest inclines in the largest lattice spacings. Our results suggest that species adapted to different habitats use different control modalities—the specialist is primarily controlling its kinematics to achieve a target shape while, consistent with previous research, the generalist is using force control and self-deforms in response to terrain contacts. While both strategies allowed progress on the uninclined low-friction terrain with posts, the more variable waveshapes of the generalist may be necessary when faced with more challenging locomotor tasks like climbing inclines.
Activity of imipenem/relebactam against Pseudomonas aeruginosa producing ESBLs and carbapenemases
Authors: Mushtaq Shazad , Meunier Danièle , Vickers Anna , Woodford Neil , Livermore David M
Published: October 2020

Background

ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa are prevalent in, for example, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America, though rarer elsewhere. Because P. aeruginosa readily mutate to become carbapenem resistant via loss of OprD, isolates producing ESBLs are often as broadly resistant as those producing carbapenemases. We hypothesized that: (i) relebactam might overcome class A carbapenemases directly in P. aeruginosa; and (ii) relebactam’s inhibition of AmpC, which gives a generalized potentiation of imipenem against the species, might restore imipenem susceptibility in OprD-deficient ESBL producers.

Methods

MICs were determined using CLSI agar dilution for P. aeruginosa isolates producing ESBLs, principally VEB types, and for those producing GES-5, KPC and other carbapenemases.

Results

Relebactam potentiated imipenem by around 4–8-fold for most P. aeruginosa isolates producing VEB and other ESBLs; however, MICs were typically only reduced to 4–16 mg/L, thus mostly remaining above EUCAST’s susceptible range and only partly overlapping CLSI’s intermediate range. Strong (approx. 64-fold) potentiation was seen for isolates producing KPC carbapenemases, but only 2-fold synergy for those with GES-5. Predictably, potentiation was not seen for isolates with class B or D carbapenemase activity.

Conclusions

Relebactam did potentiate imipenem against ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa, which are mostly imipenem resistant via OprD loss, but this potentiation was generally insufficient to reduce imipenem MICs to the clinical range. Imipenem resistance owing to KPC carbapenemases was reversed by relebactam in P. aeruginosa, just as for Enterobacterales.
The Role of State Amici Curiae in the Article 19(3) ICC Statute Proceedings
Authors: Williams Sarah , Woolaver Hannah
Published: October 2020

An unprecedented number of states have sought to act as amici curiae in the proceedings before the Pre-Trial Chamber of International Criminal Court (ICC) considering the Court’s jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed in Palestine. Given the centrality of the issue of Palestinian statehood to this jurisdictional question, these proceedings raise complex and novel questions of international law — and politics. The high number of states seeking to participate as amici either individually or through international organizations reflects the controversial nature of the questions at hand. Conversely, Israel has refused to participate in the proceedings, despite an invitation from the Chamber. In this submission, we consider the challenges raised by state participation as amici curiae, including the role(s) played by state amici, and the impact — if any — such extensive participation has on the legitimacy of the proceedings and its outcome(s) and for the ICC as an institution.
Brigatinib and lorlatinib: their effect on ALK inhibitors in NSCLC focusing on resistant mutations and central nervous system metastases
Authors: Naito Tomoyuki , Shiraishi Hideaki , Fujiwara Yutaka
Published: October 2020

Major issues in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma are acquired resistance against anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors and control of central nervous system metastasis. The development of these inhibitors has changed therapeutic strategy in patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma. Brigatinib and lorlatinib were designed to penetrate the blood–brain barrier and to inhibit resistant mutations against anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors. We review the clinical data supporting treatment of advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma with brigatinib and lorlatinib. Brigatinib has shown promising antitumour activity, including substantial activity against central nervous system metastases, in crizotinib-treated (ALTA trial) patients and crizotinib-naïve (ALTA-1L trial) patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma. In addition, brigatinib improved progression-free survival compared with crizotinib in anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor-naïve patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma. Lorlatinib has demonstrated clinical antitumour activity against both intracranial and extracranial lesions in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase- or c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1)-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma. Ongoing trials and further studies of these agents’ biological and clinical properties would provide insight into the optimal therapeutic strategy for administering them to achieve the best survival benefit.
Focusing on Specific Rights
Authors: Albanese Francesca P , Takkenberg Lex
Published: October 2020

This chapter focuses on a number of specific rights and entitlements of Palestinian refugees under international law, including the rights to self-determination, return, and compensation, as well as a number of civic, cultural, economic, political, and social rights, relevant because of the protracted nature of Palestinians’ exile and the main vulnerabilities to protection threats, as discussed in Part II. Despite being firmly established in international law, and being reaffirmed multiple times by the United Nations, both the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and the right to return and compensation of the refugees, remain unmet. This is largely because of the lack of a solution in accordance with international law. The chapter argues that recognizing other fundamental rights of the Palestinians as refugees, stateless persons, and/or protected persons under international humanitarian law, and above all, as human beings, does not undermine the right to return and rather helps ensure human dignity while a just and lasting solution remains pending. These rights remain an important benchmark for assessing the treatment of Palestinian refugees in the MENA region and beyond, for as long as the more fundamental rights to self-determination, return, restitution, and compensation remain unrealized.
State Succession in Respect of Treaty
Relationships
Authors: Hafner Gerhard , Novak Gregor
Published: October 2020

This chapter returns to the international frame, asking how treaties apply in cases of disruption to the international legal order — State succession — a topic addressed by the 1978 Vienna Convention on Succession of States in respect of Treaties (VCSST). The present state of affairs relating to treaty succession suggests that only some of the VCSST’s provisions can serve as a reliable guide to the current State of customary international law (e.g. Article 11’s continuation of all boundary regimes, Article 15’s ‘moving treaty boundaries’ rule). Others constitute progressive development of international law (e.g. Article 31 in cases of incorporation; Article 34 in cases of separation). In any case, modern treaty succession distinguishes not only among the different cases of State succession, such as merger or dismemberment, but also among specific categories of treaties that are subject to different rules or principles. It is therefore difficult to identify a generally applicable legal regime of treaty succession.
Fundamental Guarantees
Authors: McLaughlin Robert
Published: October 2020

This chapter provides a background of the international humanitarian law (IHL) fundamental guarantees. The IHL fundamental guarantees is that body of rules, equally applicable in both forms of armed conflict, that deals with the treatment (and its consequences) of civilians, and of combatants/civilians who are not taking a direct part in hostilities (DPH)/organized armed groups (OAGs) who are hors de combat or otherwise under the control of an adversary belligerent party (and, in some cases, of their own party), when and whilst they remain under that control, and where no other more contextually specific rule of law of armed conflict (LOAC) applies to the treatment or consequence in question. The chapter then assesses a number of specific fundamental guarantees under two broad category headings. The first is humane treatment, which is itself an umbrella fundamental guarantee encompassing: violence to life; through other violent breaches of fundamental guarantees, such as torture and rape; to the proscriptions relating to degrading treatment. The second broad category is restriction of freedoms, focusing upon forced labour and slavery. Whilst this provides but a slim and selective assessment across the broad and still evolving concept of fundamental guarantees, it is hoped that it will nevertheless furnish some indication of the scope and content of this externally referencing, inclusive category of IHL rights and obligations.
War Crimes
Authors: Cryer Robert
Published: October 2020

This chapter focuses on the law of war crimes, which is a criminalized subset of violations of international humanitarian law (IHL). The law of war crimes is a controversial one, not least as states cannot be certain that their nationals will not commit them. Young soldiers in stressful situations, and who are highly armed, may well end up violating IHL (as well as their superiors), and thus be responsible for war crimes. This is not inappropriate, but leads to worry in states about their possible liability, both political and legal. This, in addition to nationalist sentiment that often accompanies armed conflicts, often makes the circumstances surrounding prosecution difficult. Whilst the deterrent effect of prosecutions is not clear, there are important retributive reasons for prosecuting war crimes, and, in addition, criminal law is only one means of enforcing IHL.
International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law
Authors: Sassòli Marco
Published: October 2020

This chapter assesses the relationship between international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL). While IHRL, unlike IHL, was not founded specifically to protect people affected by armed conflicts, both branches of international law apply simultaneously during such conflicts. This raises the question of how they interrelate and also how possible contradictions between them can be resolved. Today, genuine armed conflicts are mainly not of an international character. In such situations, the relationship between IHL and IHRL is particularly controversial and difficult to determine. Nevertheless, both IHL and IHRL lead, in most cases, to the same results. In the few instances where results differ, states could do a lot to harmonize their obligations under both branches, by resorting to derogations permitted under IHRL, one of the means offered by international law to harmonize their IHRL obligations with their IHL obligations. Beyond this, legal reasoning allows for differentiated solutions on when and on which issues one or the other branch prevails.
Escape and evolution of Titan’s N2 atmosphere constrained by 14N/15N isotope ratios
Authors: Erkaev N V , Scherf M , Thaller S E , Lammer H , Mezentsev A V , Ivanov V A , Mandt K E
Published: October 2020

We apply a 1D upper atmosphere model to study thermal escape of nitrogen over Titan’s history. Significant thermal escape should have occurred very early for solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) fluxes 100–400 times higher than today with escape rates as high as ≈1.5 × 1028 s−1 and ≈4.5 × 1029 s−1, respectively, while today it is ≈7.5 × 1017 s−1. Depending on whether the Sun originated as a slow, moderate, or fast rotator, thermal escape was the dominant escape process for the first 100–1000 Myr after the formation of the Solar system. If Titan’s atmosphere originated that early, it could have lost between $\approx0.5\,\, \mathrm{ and}\,\, 16$ times its present atmospheric mass depending on the Sun’s rotational evolution. We also investigated the mass-balance parameter space for an outgassing of Titan’s nitrogen through decomposition of NH3-ices in its deep interior. Our study indicates that, if Titan’s atmosphere originated at the beginning, it could have only survived until today if the Sun was a slow rotator. In other cases, the escape would have been too strong for the degassed nitrogen to survive until present day, implying later outgassing or an additional nitrogen source. An endogenic origin of Titan’s nitrogen partially through NH3-ices is consistent with its initial fractionation of 14N/15N ≈ 166–172, or lower if photochemical removal was relevant for longer than the last ≈ 1000 Myr. Since this ratio is slightly above the ratio of cometary ammonia, some of Titan’s nitrogen might have originated from refractory organics.
Revisiting profile instability of PSR J1022+1001
Authors: Padmanabh Prajwal V , Barr Ewan D , Champion David J , Karuppusamy Ramesh , Kramer Michael , Jessner Axel , Lazarus Patrick
Published: October 2020

Millisecond pulsars in timing arrays can act as probes for gravitational wave detection and improving the Solar system ephemerides among several other applications. However, the stability of the integrated pulse profiles can limit the precision of the ephemeris parameters and in turn the applications derived from it. It is thus crucial for the pulsars in the array to have stable integrated pulse profiles. Here we present evidence for long-term profile instability in PSR J1022+1001 which is currently included in the European and Parkes pulsar timing arrays. We apply a new evaluation method to an expanded data set ranging from the Effelsberg Pulsar Observing System backend used in the 1990s to that of data from the current PSRIX backend at the Effelsberg Radio Telescope. We show that this intrinsic variability in the pulse shape persists over time-scales of years. We investigate if systematic instrumental effects like polarization calibration or signal propagation effects in the interstellar medium causes the observed profile instability. We find that the total variation cannot be fully accounted for by instrumental and propagation effects. This suggests additional intrinsic effects as the origin for the variation. We finally discuss several factors that could lead to the observed behaviour and comment on the consequent implications.
Kobus vardonii(Artiodactyla: Bovidae)
Authors: Rduch Vera
Published: October 2020

Kobus vardonii (Livingstone, 1857) is a bovid commonly known as the puku. It is a medium-sized antelope with a golden-yellow coat and white underparts, sexually dimorphic as only males carry lyre-shaped horns, and according to current taxonomy it is one of 12 extant species in the genus Kobus. Adult males defend territories, whereas females and young move around in unstable groups. Feeding on a great variety of grasses, K. vardonii occurs in grasslands along rivers and lakes in southern central Africa with Zambia being the center of its distribution and Tanzania holding the largest population. It is classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Survivors Achieving Stable Housing: Implementation, Challenges, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Messing Jill Theresa , Thomas Kristie A , Ward-Lasher Allison , Johnson Jessye
Published: October 2020

There is a movement toward permanent housing as an alternative to emergency shelter for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Through a case study, this article illuminates the challenges survivors encountered at multiple levels after being offered one of 25 permanent housing choice vouchers (HCVs) as part of the Survivors Achieving Stable Housing project. Obtaining an HCV is a complicated and lengthy process; survivors transitioning from emergency shelter may face time limits on shelter stays while awaiting this permanent housing option. This article identifies challenges, such as difficulties with landlords, moving costs, and a lack of affordable housing, similar to issues reported in previous research. However, specific to IPV survivors, intersecting U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S. 47) policies led to challenges in implementing and interpreting rules and guidance for IPV survivors. Survivor safety from an abusive partner and across other aspects of their lives is of particular concern to survivors as they consider housing options. Given the overlap of homelessness and IPV, social workers in both systems must be knowledgeable about the intersecting issues survivors face as well as the policies affecting them so they can advocate effectively for their clients.
A systematic review of weight-related communication trainings for physicians
Authors: Reading Jean M , Snell L Morgan , LaRose Jessica Gokee
Published: October 2020

Obesity is a leading cause of preventable death in the USA. Given the high number of adults seeking routine health care services, physicians have an opportunity to address weight loss during routine clinical encounters. It’s often reported that physicians lack the training to address weight. Training programs are implemented in medical settings to prepare physicians to have conversations with patients. Yet, the degree of consistency among training programs and factors associated with better outcomes is unclear. The purpose of this study is to systematically review literature in physician communication trainings related to weight—to compare the content, outcomes, and implementation of existing studies examining weight-related communication training programs for physicians and determine factors associated with physician and patient outcomes. Articles were extracted from PubMed, Proquest, and Embase. Search terms included: health communication, physician training, weight, and obesity. Studies implementing a training program addressing weight among physicians were included. Trainings using either motivational interviewing (MI) or 5 As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) framework found improvements in physicians’ communication skills. A small number of trainings including experiential components were also associated with improvements in positive physician outcomes. Findings suggest trainings based in MI or 5 As framework improve physicians’ communication skills, but few programs affected patient outcomes. Gaps remain with trainings that can demonstrate weight loss in patients. While work is needed to enhance the effects of these trainings on patient outcomes, data suggest that trainings should be longer in duration and include an experiential component.
Twenty-five years of the National Institutes of Health Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Authors: Riley William T , Greene-Schloesser Dana , Blachman-Demner Dara R , Spittel Michael
Published: October 2020

Over its 25 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) has played a significant role in a number of behavioral and social science research advances that improve health.
First Draft Genome Resource for the Tomato Black Leaf Mold Pathogen Pseudocercospora fuligena
Authors: Zaccaron Alex Z. , Stergiopoulos Ioannis
Published: October 2020

Pseudocercospora fuligena is a fungus that causes black leaf mold, an important disease of tomato in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Despite its economic importance, genomic resources for this pathogen are scarce and no reference genome was available thus far. Here, we report a 50.6-Mb genome assembly for P. fuligena, consisting of 348 contigs with an N50 value of 0.407 Mb. In total, 13,764 protein-coding genes were predicted with an estimated BUSCO completeness of 98%. Among the predicted genes there were 179 candidate effectors, 445 carbohydrate-active enzymes, and 30 secondary metabolite gene clusters. The resources presented in this study will allow genome-wide comparative analyses and population genomic studies of this pathogen, ultimately improving management strategies for black leaf mold of tomato.
Effect of Kasugamycin, Oxytetracycline, and Streptomycin on In-orchard Population Dynamics of Erwinia amylovora on Apple Flower Stigmas
Authors: Slack Suzanne M. , Walters Kellie J. , Outwater Cory A. , Sundin George W.
Published: October 2020

We assessed the effect of three antibiotics (streptomycin, oxytetracycline, and kasugamycin) on populations of the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora on apple flower stigmas during three field seasons. Application timing relative to E. amylovora presence on flower stigmas had little impact on population dynamics and subsequent disease incidence. Although E. amylovora populations on water-treated flowers increased to 106–7 cfu flower−1 after 4 to 5 days during each experiment, the antibiotics streptomycin and kasugamycin caused statistically significant reductions in stigma populations by as many as 4 to 5 logs over a 4- to 5-day period during two of the three experiments. In contrast, the effect of oxytetracycline on E. amylovora populations on stigmas was more variable, with reductions in E. amylovora populations only observed during one of the three experiments. In agreement with the population data, the disease incidence was significantly higher for oxytetracycline-treated flowers compared with the other antibiotic treatments during 2 of 3 years. Statistical analyses of the effects of weather parameters on antibiotic activity revealed that solar radiation and temperature negatively impacted the activity of both kasugamycin and oxytetracycline. We further assessed the potential for photodegradation of formulated kasugamycin (Kasumin 2L) and found that Kasumin 2L was susceptible to degradation in vitro after exposure to a 16-h photoperiod of daily light integrals (DLIs) varying from 6 to 35 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1. We further determined that exposure to three consecutive 16-h photoperiods of DLIs of 23 or 35 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1 reduced the available concentration of Kasumin 2L (assessed using a bioassay) from 100 μg⋅ml−1 to 10 to 20 μg⋅ml−1. Our results correlate the superior blossom blight control efficacy of kasugamycin and streptomycin with significant population reductions in E. amylovora on apple flower stigmas but indicate that, similar to oxytetracycline, kasugamycin is vulnerable to photodegradation, which would suggest that further considerations are necessary when applying this antibiotic.
Biological Control of Collar Rot on Passion Fruits Via Induction of Apoptosis in the Collar Rot Pathogen by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsuan , Lee Pei-Chun , Huang Tzu-Pi
Published: October 2020

The seedlings and fresh fruits of passion fruits are of high value in local and global trade. Fusarium solani is a main disease-causing agent affecting passion fruits. The objectives of this study were to develop Bacillus-based biocontrol agents for the management of Fusarium diseases on passion fruits and to investigate their putative control mechanisms. Our studies indicated that B. subtilis YBC and 151B1 show antagonistic activity to F. solani PF7 from passion fruits and inhibited the conidial germination of strain PF7. The application of broth cultures from B. subtilis 151B1 and YBC in SYB medium reduced disease severity of Fusarium wilt on the leaves of passion fruits and enhanced the survival rates of passion fruit seedlings challenged with F. solani PF7. With regard to the putative mechanisms of disease control, the results indicated that treatments consisting of the respective culture filtrates from B. subtilis 151B1 and YBC broths caused aberrant conidial morphology and loss of cell membrane integrity. Additionally, the treatments caused reductions in mitochondrial membrane potential and interfered with the energy metabolism of F. solani PF7. The treatments also enhanced reactive oxygen species accumulation and resulted in the externalization of phosphatidylserine, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation, suggesting their function in triggering apoptotic-like cell death. In conclusion, B. subtilis 151B1 and YBC are potential biocontrol agents for passion fruit disease caused by F. solani. Their control efficacy may result from the surfactins produced to trigger apoptotic-like cell death, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and interfering with the energy metabolism of the pathogen.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
A Putative MAPK Kinase Kinase GeneSsos4is Involved in Mycelial Growth, Virulence, Osmotic Adaptation, and Sensitivity to Fludioxonil and is Essential for SsHog1 Phosphorylation inSclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Li Tao , Xiu Qian , Wang Jianxin , Duan Yabing , Zhou Mingguo
Published: October 2020

The high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway, comprising a two-component system and the Hog1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, plays a pivotal role in eukaryotic organisms. Previous studies suggested that the biological functions of some key genes in the HOG pathway varied in filamentous fungi. In this study, we characterized a putative MAPK kinase kinase gene, Ssos4, in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which encoded a phosphotransferase in the MAPK cascade. Compared with the wild-type progenitor HA61, the deletion mutant ∆Ssos4-63 exhibited impaired mycelial growth, sclerotia formation, increased hyphal branches, and decreased virulence. The deficiencies of the deletion mutant ∆Ssos4-63 were recovered when the full-length Ssos4 gene was complemented. Deletion of Ssos4 increased the sensitivity to osmotic stresses and cell wall agents and the resistance to fludioxonil and dimethachlon. Intracellular glycerol accumulation was not induced in the deletion mutant ∆Ssos4-63 when treated with fludioxonil and NaCl and the phosphorylation of SsHog1 was also cancelled by the deletion of Ssos4. Consistent with the glycerol accumulation and increased expression levels of SsglpA and Ssfps1, controlling glycerol synthesis and close of glycerol channel under hyperosmotic stress, respectively, were detected in the wild-type strain HA61 but not in the deletion mutant ∆Ssos4-63. Moreover, the relative expression level of Sshog1 significantly decreased, whereas the expression level of Ssos5 increased in the deletion mutant ∆Ssos4-63. These results indicated that Ssos4 played important roles in mycelial growth and differentiation, sclerotia formation, virulence, hyperosmotic adaptation, fungicide sensitivity, and the phosphorylation of SsHog1 in S. sclerotiorum.
Sickle cell anemia
Authors: Riley Kiernan , Evans Michael M. , Kowalchik Kaléi , Adams Lucy , Lucey Megan
Published: October 2020

What are the treatment recommendations for this disorder that predominantly affects Black Americans? Follow along with a case study to learn how to minimize barriers and optimize outcomes.
Rubella virus-associated chronic inflammation in primary immunodeficiency diseases
Authors: Perelygina Ludmila , Icenogle Joseph , Sullivan Kathleen E.
Published: October 2020

Purpose of the review

The aim of this article is to summarize recent data on rubella virus (RuV) vaccine in chronic inflammation focusing on granulomas in individuals with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs).

Recent findings

The live attenuated RuV vaccine has been recently associated with cutaneous and visceral granulomas in children with various PIDs. RuV vaccine strain can persist for decades subclinically in currently unknown body site(s) before emerging in granulomas. Histologically, RuV is predominately localized in M2 macrophages in the granuloma centers. Multiple mutations accumulate during persistence resulting in emergence of immunodeficiency-related vaccine-derived rubella viruses (iVDRVs) with altered immunological, replication, and persistence properties. Viral RNA was detected in granuloma biopsies and nasopharyngeal secretions and infectious virus were isolated from the granuloma lesions. The risk of iVDRV transmissibility to contacts needs to be evaluated. Several broad-spectrum antiviral drugs have been tested recently but did not provide significant clinical improvement. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only reliable option for curing chronic RuV-associated granulomas in PIDs.

Persistence of vaccine-derived RuVs appears to be a crucial factor in a significant proportion of granulomatous disease in PIDs. RuV testing of granulomas in PID individuals might help with case management.