bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translocation of Precision Polymers through Biological Nanopores
Authors: Boukhet Mordjane , König Niklas Felix , Ouahabi Abdelaziz Al , Baaken Gerhard , Lutz Jean‐François , Behrends Jan C.
Published: November 2017

Nanopore analysis, which is, currently, chiefly used for DNA sequencing, is also an appealing technique for characterizing abiotic polymers. As a first step toward this goal, nanopore detection of non‐natural monodispersed poly(phosphodiester)s as candidate backbone structures is reported herein. Two model homopolymers containing phosphopropyl repeat units (i.e., 56 or 104 r.u.) and a short thymidine nucleotide sequence are analyzed in the present work. They are tested in two different biological nanopores, α‐hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus, and aerolysin from Aeromonas hydrophila. These recordings are performed in aqueous medium at different KCl concentrations and various driving voltages. The data show a complex interaction with evidence for voltage dependence and threading, and underline the influence of the molecular structure and orientation of the precision poly(phosphodiester)s on the observed residual current signal as well as on the translocation dynamics. In particular, they suggest a dominant entropic contribution due to the high flexibility of the phosphodiester homopolymer.
Development of localized damaging wind gusts associated with a frontal wave and mesoscale vortex across south Wales on 18 May 2015
Authors: Young Martin V. , Clark Matthew R.
Published: November 2017

On 18 May 2015 there were reports of localized wind damage just north of Swansea in south Wales. Observations indicated the development of a mesoscale cyclonic circulation at the tip of a frontal wave which first formed just west of south Wales. This mesoscale circulation subsequently ran eastwards across south Wales around the time of the reported damage, accompanied by gale force gusts on its southern flank. The resulting system then evolved into a pronounced shallow cold frontal zone that propagated eastwards into southern England over the next few hours, bringing further gale force gusts. Observational data, including Doppler radar and 1 min surface observations, are combined to investigate the causes of this mesoscale circulation and synthesize the results into a conceptual model. The mesoscale development was found to share some of the characteristics of larger scale cyclonic systems that sometimes produce more widespread and sometimes severe wind‐related impacts. Recognition of the precursor synoptic environment may enable identification of similar features which, combined with Doppler radar data, may assist nowcasting of small areas of damaging winds.
Response of Red Blood Cell Folate to Supplementation in Nonpregnant Women is Predictable: A Proposal for Personalized Supplementation
Authors: Obeid Rima , Schön Christiane , Wilhelm Manfred , Shrestha Rajiv P. , Pilz Stefan , Pietrzik Klaus
Published: November 2017

Scope

We modeled red blood cell (RBC)‐folate response to supplementation and developed personalized folate supplementation concepts.

Methods and results

The changes of RBC‐folate were modeled in a time‐ (4 or 8 weeks) and dose‐ (400 or 800 μg d−1 folate) dependent manner. Post‐supplementation RBC‐folate levels were predicted from folate‐loading capacities (= measured RBC‐folate – [baseline RBC‐folate × RBC‐survival]). The prediction equations were validated in 119 participants. The median increase of RBC‐folate was higher in the 800 μg d−1 than in the 400 μg d−1 group (275 vs 169 nmol L−1 after 4 weeks, and 551 vs 346 nmol L−1 after 8 weeks). Medians (interquartile range) of RBC‐folate loading were (4 weeks: 299 (160) vs 409 (237) nmol L−1) and (8 weeks: 630 (134) versus 795 (187) nmol L−1) in the 400 and 800 μg d−1 group, respectively. The individual measured and predicted RBC‐folate values (after 4 weeks/400 μg d−1 = 25 + 1.27 × baseline RBC‐folate) and (after 4 weeks/800 μg d−1 = 65 + 1.41 × baseline RBC‐folate) did not differ significantly. The measured and predicted concentrations showed high agreement in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The models can guide nutritional recommendations in women when baseline RBC‐folate concentrations are measured and the time to pregnancy between 4 and 8 weeks.
Impact of volumetric muscle loss injury on persistent motoneuron axotomy
Authors: Corona Benjamin T. , Flanagan Kate E. , Brininger Christian M. , Goldman Stephen M. , Call Jarrod A. , Greising Sarah M.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) occurs following significant traumatic injury or surgical removal of skeletal muscle, resulting in nonrecoverable loss of tissue and long‐term dysfunction. Perhaps less recognized is that VML injuries inherently disrupt the neuromuscular unit, resulting in fiber denervation and presumptive motor unit rearrangement, expansion, and/or loss. To characterize neural dysfunction we quantified motoneuron axotomy, in efforts to understand how this relates to the temporal coordination of neuromuscular and morphological alterations due to injury.

Methods

In an established rat tibialis anterior (TA) VML injury model, we examined the motoneuron, skeletal muscle, and maximal isometric torque at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days postinjury.

Results

Significant axotomy of 57–79% of all TA muscle motoneurons was observed through 21 days postinjury, which was coupled with a 45–90% TA maximal torque deficit.

Discussion

A ∼20% partial ablation of the TA muscle causes disproportionate damage across the motor unit acutely postinjury. Muscle Nerve 57: 799–807, 2018
Atmospheric plasma oxidative polymerization of ethylene dioxythiophene (EDOT) for the large‐scale preparation of highly transparent conducting thin films
Authors: Abessolo Ondo Dominique , Loyer François , Chemin Jean‐Baptiste , Bulou Simon , Choquet Patrick , Boscher Nicolas D.
Published: November 2017

A simple and easily scalable approach toward the simultaneous synthesis and deposition of conducting plasma‐polymerized 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (ppEDOT) coatings is reported. Our atmospheric‐pressure dielectric barrier discharge (AP‐DBD) approach, operating at room‐temperature and atmospheric‐pressure, does not involve the use of oxidants other than the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed by the open air Ar/O2 dielectric barrier discharge. The oxidative polymerization of EDOT is confirmed using UV‐visible (UV‐vis), Raman, and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. High‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) investigations highlight the discrepancies between the synthesized ppEDOT and conventional PEDOT. Finally, highly transparent (i.e., 98% transmittance) and durable conducting thin films are deposited on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) foils.
Performance feedback as a cooperation “switch”: A behavioral perspective on the success of venture capital syndicates among competitors
Authors: Makarevich Alex
Published: November 2017

Research Summary: This study draws on the performance feedback theory to advance a behavioral perspective on the dynamics of cooperation among competitors in venture capital (VC) syndicates. Analyzing VC syndicates over a 33‐year period, I find that firms’ performance relative to historical and social aspirations acts as a switch in firms’ behavior with respect to dual goals of cooperation and competition in syndicates with competitors. Competition among firms in a syndicate negatively affects the probability of an IPO, but syndicates composed of firms underperforming their aspirations have a better chance of an IPO than syndicates of firms outperforming their aspirations, ceteris paribus. This effect is stronger when firms’ goals in a syndicate are symmetrical or when firms’ motivations based on both historical and social aspirations are aligned.

Managerial Summary: Competition among VC syndicate members negatively affects a syndicate’s prospects of achieving an IPO because syndicate members hold back resources for fear of their appropriation by competing partners. However, firms underperforming their track record or peer firms shift their priorities toward syndicate success and allocate more resources to their syndicates, thereby reducing the negative effect of competition. These results suggest that start‐up companies seeking VC investors, VC firms seeking co‐investors, and limited partners providing funds to VC firms all need to look beyond the capabilities of VC firms in a syndicate or their complementarity and also consider firms’ relative performance. VC syndicates comprised of firms striving to correct temporary underperformance are likely to show superior results due to those firms’ added motivation.
Give it to us straight (most of the time): Top managers’ use of concrete language and its effect on investor reactions
Authors: Pan Lingling , McNamara Gerry , Lee Jennifer J. , Haleblian Jerayr (John) , Devers Cynthia E.
Published: November 2017

Research Summary: Building on the communications and linguistics literatures, we explore the language attributes managers use in interactions with investors and the subsequent reactions of investors. Specifically, we hypothesize that top managers’ use of concrete language attributes in communication with investors broadly associates with positive investor reactions. We further posit that this relationship will be moderated by the level of firm risk. Our results support our hypotheses and, thus, offer important insights to the impression management literature. First, subtle elements of managerial communication can have significant impression management consequences. More specifically, language concreteness is a key language attribute that generally induces positive investor responses. Finally, the effectiveness of language concreteness is conditional on the informational environment of the firm.

Managerial Summary: How can managers communicate in a way that presents the firm more positively or reduces the negativity associated with perceived firm risks? Our findings indicate that choosing appropriate persuasive language features in interactions with investors can help a firm manage its impressions. Specifically, we find that top managers’ use of concrete language that provides details and specific information in communication with investors, in general, garners positive investor reactions. Further, the effectiveness of top managers’ use of concrete language depends on investor concerns. More specifically, we find that when a firm is seen as having a riskier profile, using concrete language helps induce a more positive investor response; while when a firm is seen as low risk, using abstract language may be more beneficial.
Experimental and theoretical evaluation of punching strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Gouveia Nuno D. , Lapi Massimo , Orlando Maurizio , Faria Duarte M. V. , Ramos António M. P
Published: November 2017

This paper deals with the experimental and theoretical evaluation of punching shear capacity of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) slab–column connections. Five experimental specimens with a thickness of 160 mm, different fiber volume contents (0, 1.0, and 1.5%) and different flexural reinforcement ratios (0.75 and 1.5%) have been tested. The experimental results were evaluated using a physical–mechanical model based on the critical shear crack theory (CSCT). The model has given a good approximation of experimental punching shear strengths. In general, tests have highlighted a significant increase in load and deformation capacity of fiber reinforced concrete slab–column connections in comparison with reinforced concrete connections.
How to measure size of tubal ectopic pregnancy on ultrasound
Authors: Rajah K. , Goodhart V. , Zamora K. P. , Amin T. , Jauniaux E. , Jurkovic D.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To identify the preoperative ultrasound parameters for assessing the size of tubal ectopic pregnancy that correlate best with findings at surgery.

Methods

This was a prospective study of all women attending our center who had a conclusive transvaginal ultrasound diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy over a 10‐month period. In each case, the total size of the ectopic pregnancy was measured by placing the calipers on the outer edges of the visible trophoblastic tissue. In ectopic pregnancies presenting with a well‐defined gestational sac, the size of the celomic (chorionic) cavity was also measured using the inner borders of the trophoblastic ring as reference points. In women with signs of intra‐abdominal bleeding, the size of the hematosalpinx and/or hemoperitoneum was measured. Surgeons were blinded to the ultrasound measurements and were asked to estimate the size of the ectopic pregnancy and the amount of hemoperitoneum intraoperatively.

Results

A total of 105 women were diagnosed with a tubal ectopic pregnancy on ultrasound examination, of whom 71 (67.6%) were managed surgically. A significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation was found between all ultrasound measurements and the size of the tubal ectopic pregnancy as reported during surgery. In the absence of hematosalpinx, the mean total outer diameter of the ectopic pregnancy had the highest positive correlation with the size of the tubal ectopic pregnancy at surgery (r = 0.65, P < 0.001). In cases complicated by hematosalpinx, the mean diameter of the tube was the only variable that correlated significantly with the estimated size of the ectopic pregnancy at surgery (P < 0.001). There was a significant positive association between the amount of hemoperitoneum on ultrasound and the estimated volume of intraperitoneal blood at surgery (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The mean size of a hematosalpinx and the total outer mean diameter of an ectopic pregnancy on ultrasound correlate better with the surgical findings than does the size of the celomic cavity. Our findings show that the standard approach of measuring the size of an intrauterine pregnancy on ultrasound should be adapted to include these additional measurements in women diagnosed with a tubal ectopic pregnancy. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Potential pollution risks of historic landfills on low‐lying coasts and estuaries
Authors: Brand James H. , Spencer Kate L. , O'shea Francis T. , Lindsay John E.
Published: November 2017

Historically, it was common practice to dispose of landfill waste in low‐lying estuarine and coastal areas where land had limited value due to flood risk. Such ‘historic landfills’ are frequently unlined with no leachate management and inadequate records of the waste they contain. Globally, there are 100,000s such landfills, for example, in England there are >1200 historic landfills in low‐lying coastal areas with many in close proximity to designated environmental sites or in/near areas influencing bathing water quality; yet, there is a very limited understanding of the environmental risk posed. Hence, coastal managers are more likely to select conservative management policies, for example, hold‐the‐line, when alternative more sustainable policies, for example, managed realignment, may be preferred. Some historic coastal landfills have already started to erode and release waste, and with the anticipated effects of climate change, erosion events are likely to become more frequent. Strategies to mitigate the risk of contaminant release from historic landfills such as excavation and relocation or incineration of waste would be prohibitively expensive for many countries. Therefore, it will be necessary to identify which sites pose the greatest pollution risk in order that resources can be prioritized, and to develop alternative management strategies based on site specific risk. Before such management strategies can be achieved there remain many unknowns to be addressed including the extent of legacy pollution in coastal sediments, impacts of saline flooding on contaminant release and the nature, behavior and environmental impact of solid waste release in the coastal zone. WIREs Water 2018, 5:e1264. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1264

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Minimal flavor violation with axion-like particles
Authors: Choi Kiwoon , Im Sang Hui , Park Chan Beom , Yun Seokhoon
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We revisit the flavor-changing processes involving an axion-like particle (ALP) in the context of generic ALP effective lagrangian with a discussion of possible UV completions providing the origin of the relevant bare ALP couplings. We focus on the minimal scenario that ALP has flavor-conserving couplings at tree level, and the leading flavor-changing couplings arise from the loops involving the Yukawa couplings of the Standard Model fermions. We note that such radiatively generated flavor-changing ALP couplings can be easily suppressed in field theoretic ALP models with sensible UV completion. We discuss also the implication of our result for string theoretic ALP originating from higher-dimensional p-form gauge fields, for instance for ALP in large volume string compactification scenario.
Non-geometric Calabi-Yau backgrounds and K3 automorphisms
Authors: Hull C. M. , Israël D. , Sarti A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We consider compactifications of type IIA superstring theory on mirror-folds obtained as K3 fibrations over two-tori with non-geometric monodromies involving mirror symmetries. At special points in the moduli space these are asymmetric Gepner models. The compactifications are constructed from non-geometric automorphisms that arise from the diagonal action of an automorphism of the K3 surface and of an automorphism of the mirror surface. We identify the corresponding gaugings of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 supergravity in four dimensions, and show that the minima of the potential describe the same four-dimensional low-energy physics as the worldsheet formulation in terms of asymmetric Gepner models. In this way, we obtain a class of Minkowski vacua of type II string theory which preserve

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 supersymmetry. The massless sector consists of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 supergravity coupled to 3 vector multiplets, giving the STU model. In some cases there are additional massless hypermultiplets.
On expansions in neutrino effective field theory
Authors: Elgaard-Clausen Gitte , Trott Michael
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We match the seesaw model for generating neutrino masses onto the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). We perform this matching at tree level up to dimension seven in the operator expansion. We explain how some of the perturbations of the neutrino mass matrix due to operators of mass dimension greater than five are tied to integrating out the heavy Majorana mass eigenstates in sequence. We demonstrate that the low energy limit of seesaw models are well described by the SMEFT, particularly when constructed using a flavour space expansion. Flavour space expansions of seesaw models are of interest as the coupling of the heavy states to the Standard Model, that are integrated out to generate neutrino masses, are through flavour space vectors ∈

$$ {\mathbb{C}}^3 $$

ℂ
3

. We point out that neutrino phenomenology can be systematically developed as a perturbation around the unknown eigenvectors diagonalizing the charged lepton mass matrix using the fact that these eigenvectors also form a basis of

$$ {\mathbb{C}}^3 $$

ℂ
3

. This point holds in seesaw models and can also be applied to other models of neutrino mass generation to develop systematic expansions. We develop the algebra for this flavour space and discuss some phenomenology to illustrate this approach.
From 3d duality to 2d duality
Authors: Aharony Ofer , Razamat Shlomo S. , Willett Brian
Published: November 2017

Abstract

In this paper we discuss 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 supersymmetric gauge theories and their IR dualities when they are compactified on a circle of radius r, and when we take the 2d limit in which r → 0. The 2d limit depends on how the mass parameters are scaled as r → 0, and often vacua become infinitely distant in the 2d limit, leading to a direct sum of different 2d theories. For generic mass parameters, when we take the same limit on both sides of a duality, we obtain 2d dualities (between gauge theories and/or Landau-Ginzburg theories) that pass all the usual tests. However, when there are non-compact branches the discussion is subtle because the metric on the moduli space, which is not controlled by supersymmetry, plays an important role in the low-energy dynamics after compactification. Generally speaking, for IR dualities of gauge theories, we conjecture that dualities involving non-compact Higgs branches survive. On the other hand when there is a non-compact Coulomb branch on at least one side of the duality, the duality fails already when the 3d theories are compactified on a circle. Using the valid reductions we reproduce many known 2d IR dualities, giving further evidence for their validity, and we also find new 2d dualities.
Symmetries of the refined D1/D5 BPS spectrum
Authors: Benjamin Nathan , Harrison Sarah M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We examine the large N 1/4-BPS spectrum of the symmetric orbifold CFT Sym
N
(M ) deformed to the supergravity point in moduli space for M = K3 and T
4. We consider refinement under both left- and right-moving SU(2)
R
symmetries of the superconformal algebra, and decompose the spectrum into characters of the algebra. We find that at large N the character decomposition satisfies an unusual property, in which the degeneracy only depends on a certain linear combination of left- and right-moving quantum numbers, suggesting deeper symmetry structure. Furthermore, we consider the action of discrete symmetry groups on these degeneracies, where certain subgroups of the Conway group are known to play a role. We also comment on the potential for larger discrete symmetry groups to appear in the large N limit.
Charged composite scalar dark matter
Authors: Balkin Reuven , Ruhdorfer Maximilian , Salvioni Ennio , Weiler Andreas
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We consider a composite model where both the Higgs and a complex scalar χ, which is the dark matter (DM) candidate, arise as light pseudo Nambu-Goldstone bosons (pNGBs) from a strongly coupled sector with TeV scale confinement. The global symmetry structure is SO(7)/SO(6), and the DM is charged under an exact U(1)DM ⊂ SO(6) that ensures its stability. Depending on whether the χ shift symmetry is respected or broken by the coupling of the top quark to the strong sector, the DM can be much lighter than the Higgs or have a weak-scale mass. Here we focus primarily on the latter possibility. We introduce the lowest-lying composite resonances and impose calculability of the scalar potential via generalized Weinberg sum rules. Compared to previous analyses of pNGB DM, the computation of the relic density is improved by fully accounting for the effects of the fermionic top partners. This plays a crucial role in relaxing the tension with the current DM direct detection constraints. The spectrum of resonances contains exotic top partners charged under the U(1)DM, whose LHC phenomenology is analyzed. We identify a region of parameters with f = 1.4 TeV and 200 GeV ≲ m

χ
≲ 400 GeV that satisfies all existing bounds. This DM candidate will be tested by XENON1T in the near future.
Multi-Higgs doublet models: physical parametrization, sum rules and unitarity bounds
Authors: Bento Miguel P. , Haber Howard E. , Romão J. C. , Silva João P.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

If the scalar sector of the Standard Model is non-minimal, one might expect multiple generations of the hypercharge-1/2 scalar doublet analogous to the generational structure of the fermions. In this work, we examine the structure of a Higgs sector consisting ofNHiggs doublets (whereN≥ 2). It is particularly convenient to work in the so-calledcharged Higgs basis, in which the neutral Higgs vacuum expectation value resides entirely in the first Higgs doublet, and the charged components of remainingN− 1 Higgs doublets are mass-eigenstate fields. We elucidate the interactions of the gauge bosons with the physical Higgs scalars and the Goldstone bosons and show that they are determined by anN× 2Nmatrix. This matrix depends on (N− 1)(2N− 1) real parameters that are associated with the mixing of the neutral Higgs fields in the charged Higgs basis. Among these parameters,N− 1 are unphysical (and can be removed by rephasing the physical charged Higgs fields), and the remaining 2(N− 1)2parameters are physical. We also demonstrate a particularly simple form for the cubic interaction and some of the quartic interactions of the Goldstone bosons with the physical Higgs scalars. These results are applied in the derivation of Higgs coupling sum rules and tree-level unitarity bounds that restrict the size of the quartic scalar couplings. In particular, new applications to three Higgs doublet models with an order-4 CP symmetry and with a$$ {\mathbb{Z}}_3 $$ℤ3symmetry, respectively, are presented.
Imposed drought effects on carbon storage of moso bamboo ecosystem in southeast China: results from a field experiment
Authors: Ge Xiaogai , Zhou Benzhi , Wang Xiaoming , Li Qian , Cao Yonghui , Gu Lianhong
Published: November 2017

Drought can severely affect carbon dynamics in forest ecosystems through impacts on carbon storage, reduced carbon fixation, abatement of the carbon sink function, and alteration of carbon sink‐source relationships. Currently, little is known about the effects of drought on the productivity and spatial patterns of carbon in bamboo forests. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of imposed drought on the carbon storage and soil carbon dynamics of a bamboo forest ecosystem in subtropical area of China. Drought was imposed via throughfall exclusion in moso bamboo forest from July 2012 to April 2013. Results indicated that bamboo shoots, new culms, shoot height, and diameter at breast height were significantly lower in throughfall exclusion (TE) plots than in control check (CK) plots, with decrease of 64.6, 70.8, 10.6 and 11.3%, respectively. Annual carbon sequestration for TE plots was 58.1% lower than that for CK plots. Soil carbon storage in the 0–60‐cm layer in CK and TE plots decreased by 3.7 and 12.2%, respectively, indicating that drought can decrease soil respiration by altering substrate availability. Ecosystem carbon storage increased by 4.75 t ha−1 in CK plots but decreased by 13.71 t ha−1 in TE plots. Our findings highlight that drought can reduce carbon storage and alter the spatial pattern of carbon in moso bamboo forest ecosystems, particularly when drought occurs during the development bamboo shoot. Our findings should provide a better understanding of carbon sequestration potential and aid determination of how future climate change may impact carbon budgets.
Random expected utility and certainty equivalents: mimicry of probability weighting functions
Authors: Wilcox Nathaniel T.
Published: November 2017

For simple prospects routinely used for certainty equivalent elicitation, random expected utility preferences imply a conditional expectation function that can mimic deterministic rank-dependent preferences. That is, a subject with random expected utility preferences can have expected certainty equivalents exactly like those predicted by rank-dependent probability weighting functions of the inverse-s shape discussed by Quiggin (J Econ Behav Organ 3:323–343, 1982) and advocated by Tversky and Kahneman (J Risk Uncertainty 5:297–323, 1992), Prelec (Econometrica 66:497–527, 1998) and other scholars. Certainty equivalents may not nonparametrically identify preferences: Their conditional expectation (and critically, their interpretation) depends on assumptions concerning the source of their variability.
Supports and Impediments on the Way to Occupation, Employment and Workplace Integration for People With Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Studer Michaela , Lichtenauer Annette , Wyder Angela , Parpan-Blaser Anne
Published: November 2017

Purpose:This article focuses on occupation and employment after basic vocational training for people with cognitive disabilities. The aim is to reveal supporting and hindering factors of different forms of workplace integration as perceived by those with disabilities.Method:Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used, consisting of an easy-to-read questionnaire completed by 412 graduates of practical vocational training, and in-depth interviews with 27 graduates.Results:The key findings show that workplace integration of people with disabilities takes place through a combination of various factors and materialises in different ways in terms of workplace, employment status, activity and further perspectives. Our findings suggest that supporting and accompanying people with disabilities in their work activities should always take into account both their desire for self-determination and their dependence on structural conditions.
Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis Version 2.1: Construction, Observational Verification, and New Results
Authors: Eldridge J. J. , Stanway E. R. , Xiao L. , McClelland L. A. S. , Taylor G. , Ng M. , Greis S. M. L. , Bray J. C.
Published: November 2017

The Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis suite of binary stellar evolution models and synthetic stellar populations provides a framework for the physically motivated analysis of both the integrated light from distant stellar populations and the detailed properties of those nearby. We present a new version 2.1 data release of these models, detailing the methodology by which Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis incorporates binary mass transfer and its effect on stellar evolution pathways, as well as the construction of simple stellar populations. We demonstrate key tests of the latest Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis model suite demonstrating its ability to reproduce the colours and derived properties of resolved stellar populations, including well-constrained eclipsing binaries. We consider observational constraints on the ratio of massive star types and the distribution of stellar remnant masses. We describe the identification of supernova progenitors in our models, and demonstrate a good agreement to the properties of observed progenitors. We also test our models against photometric and spectroscopic observations of unresolved stellar populations, both in the local and distant Universe, finding that binary models provide a self-consistent explanation for observed galaxy properties across a broad redshift range. Finally, we carefully describe the limitations of our models, and areas where we expect to see significant improvement in future versions.
The Effects of Confucian Values on Interpersonal Trust, Justice, and Information Sharing of Korean Workers: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Yeo Kyunghwan , Wildman Jessica L. , Choi Suk Bong
Published: November 2017

This study examines the effect of supervisors’ Confucian values on interpersonal trust, interpersonal justice, and information sharing in the context of South Korean workers, using multilevel analysis. We also investigate the moderating roles of blood, regional, and school ties (BRST) among their relationships. A survey was conducted with 46 supervisors and 210 subordinates from South Korean manufacturing companies. Our empirical findings indicated that supervisors’ Confucian values were positively associated with the interpersonal trust, interpersonal justice, and information sharing of subordinates. Contrary to our expectation, the BRST had no significant moderating role in the relationship between supervisors’ Confucian values and interpersonal trust, interpersonal justice, and information sharing of subordinates. Our study contributes to organisational behaviour and psychology by highlighting the significance of societal values such as Confucian values in understanding an organisational member's attitude and behaviour in the East Asian region.
Current Performance and Preliminary Results of a New14C Extraction Line for Meteorites at the University of Bern
Authors: Mészáros Marianna , Leya Ingo , Hofmann Beda A , Szidat Sönke
Published: November 2017

Here, we introduce a new radiocarbon (14C) extraction line operating at the University of Bern, which was designed and built for the extraction of in situ14C from meteorites. With this system, we achieved two important developments compared to other systems. First, using the MICADAS gas-interface system,14C can directly be measured from the collected CO2gas, i.e., without graphitization of the sample. Second, meteorite sample masses as low as ~0.05 g can be used for high precision and reproducibility. Prior to extraction in an oxygen atmosphere held at a pressure of ~20–30 mbar in an iridium crucible at 1600°C for 40 min, samples were preheated for 1 h in a constant oxygen flow at 500°C and continuous pumping. Gas purification followed the method described previously (e.g., Hippe et al. 2009). While the blank levels for preheated samples are low (<2×104 14C atoms), the blanks for non-preheated samples are high, therefore those results cannot be used. We also report preliminary results for the L-chondrite JaH 073. The terrestrial age of 17.7±0.4 ka is in good agreement with previous results for the same sample of this meteorite, confirming that the extraction line, the gas purification system, and the AMS measurements are all reliable.
Activity of the Funai Fault and Radiocarbon Age Offsets of Shell and Plant Pairs from the Latest Pleistocene to Holocene Sediments Beneath the Oita Plain, Western Japan
Authors: Nakanishi Toshimichi , Takemura Keiji , Matsuyama Hisanori , Shimoyama Shoichi , Hong Wan , Okuno Mitsuru
Published: November 2017

Beppu Bay is located on east-central Kyushu, southwest Japan, and is characterized by hydrothermal activity, tectonic deformation, and recent volcanism under the influence of convergence of the Philippine Sea plate. This area, occupying the western portion of an arc-bisecting dextral fault system, is a tectonic depression that has existed since ca. 5 Ma. Sedimentary facies, mollusk assemblages, and radiocarbon (14C) ages of 25 terrestrial plant fragments and 16 marine carbonate shells from a 70-m drill core were determined to estimate the activity of the Funai Fault, which consists of normal faults along the southern margin of the tectonic basin. Based on the analysis, six sedimentary facies, namely braided river channel, estuary, prodelta, delta front, delta plain, and artificial soil, were identified. The vertical slip rate was calculated as 2.6–2.7 mm/yr based on displacements of the braided river channel sediments of the last glacial period and the base of Kikai-Akayoya tephra in the Holocene highstand sediments of this area. Reservoir ages during 6180–10,410 cal BP were determined from marine shell and terrestrial plant pairs from the sediments of the estuary, prodelta and delta front facies, and were correlated with values from a northern coast of Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula.
THE FEMINIST ORIGINS OF THE MIDLIFE CRISIS
Authors: SCHMIDT SUSANNE
Published: November 2017

This article tells the history of the midlife crisis, for the first time. Today, the idea of midlife crisis conjures up images of male indulgence and irresponsibility, but it was first successfully promoted as a feminist concept that applied to men and women equally and described the dissolution of gender roles at the onset of middle age. Although the term was coined by the psychologist Elliott Jaques in the 1950s, it only came into general use two decades later with journalist Gail Sheehy's bestselling Passages (1976), as a concept that relied on older understandings of middle age as a welcome ‘release’ from motherhood and domesticity. The feminist origins of the midlife crisis suggest, first, that journalistic publishing can be more significant for the history of an idea than specialists’ theories, even if those precede it. Secondly and more importantly, it sheds new light on Susan Sontag's classic analysis of the ‘double standard of aging’ by making visible how women used the notion of midlife change to undermine gender hierarchies.
THE ROYAL SOCIETY AND THE PREHISTORY OF PEER REVIEW, 1665–1965
Authors: MOXHAM NOAH , FYFE AILEEN
Published: November 2017

Despite being coined only in the early 1970s, ‘peer review’ has become a powerful rhetorical concept in modern academic discourse, tasked with ensuring the reliability and reputation of scholarly research. Its origins have commonly been dated to the foundation of the Philosophical Transactions in 1665, or to early learned societies more generally, with little consideration of the intervening historical development. It is clear from our analysis of the Royal Society's editorial practices from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries that the function of refereeing, and the social and intellectual meaning associated with scholarly publication, has historically been quite different from the function and meaning now associated with peer review. Refereeing emerged as part of the social practices associated with arranging the meetings and publications of gentlemanly learned societies in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Such societies had particular needs for processes that, at various times, could create collective editorial responsibility, protect institutional finances, and guard the award of prestige. The mismatch between that context and the world of modern, professional, international science, helps to explain some of the accusations now being levelled against peer review as not being ‘fit for purpose’.
Effect of digested slurry on the dry matter production and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of two genotypes of Zoysia grass
Authors: TOBISA M. , UCHIDA Y. , IWASA S. , TSUKIYAMA T. , ASANO Y. , KIRIMURA M. , SUGIMOTO Y.
Published: November 2017

The present study investigated the dry matter yield (DMY) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization (internal hyphae, arbuscules, and vesicles) of two genotypes of zoysia grass (Zoysia japonica strain Aso and cv. Asagake) at three rates (10, 20 and 40 g N/m2/year) of application of digested slurry (DS) or mineral fertilizer. Soil chemical properties (available phosphorus concentration, pH and electrical conductivity (EC)) were also measured as factors associated with AM colonization. The fertilizer type (DS v. mineral fertilizer) had an effect on DMY depending on the plant genotypes but had little or no effect on AM colonization, and soil chemical properties, indicating that DS can be used as a substitute for mineral fertilizer; however, it is necessary to apply it taking into account the ratio of inorganic nitrogen (N). However, heavy DS application decreased colonization by internal hyphae. Furthermore, even at the lowest rate, the continuous application of DS decreased colonization by arbuscules and vesicles in both genotypes, which were associated with decreasing soil pH and increasing EC. The results suggest that zoysia grass should be fertilized with DS at a rate of <10 g N/m2/year in order to achieve a continuous association with AM fungi, although this range of N application is sub-optimal for zoysia grass production.
A rare case of extra-nasopharyngeal angiofibroma of the septum in a female child
Authors: Singh G B , Shukla S , Kumari P , Shukla I
Published: November 2017

Background:

Extra-nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare but distinct clinical entity, different from juvenile angiofibroma.

Methods:

This clinical record elucidates the only case of extra-nasopharyngeal angiofibroma arising from the septum in a female child, who presented with epistaxis.

Results:

The histopathological diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, and the case was managed surgically with no recurrence.

Conclusion:

In a female paediatric patient presenting with epistaxis, extra-nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (of the inferior turbinate) is a rare albeit important differential diagnosis, as it challenges the hormonal theory of angiofibroma aetiopathogenesis.
Mechanisms of naturally acquired immunity toP. falciparumand approaches to identify merozoite antigen targets
Authors: Healer Julie , Chiu Chris Y. , Hansen Diana S.
Published: November 2017

Malaria is one the most serious infectious diseases with over 200 million clinical cases annually. Most cases of the severe disease are caused byPlasmodium falciparum. The blood stage ofPlasmodiumparasite is entirely responsible for malaria-associated pathology. The population most susceptible to severe malaria are children under the age of 5, with low levels of immunity. It is only after many years of repeated exposure that individuals living in endemic areas develop clinical immunity. This form of protection prevents clinical episodes by substantially reducing parasite burden. Naturally acquired immunity predominantly targets blood-stage parasites with antibody responses being the main mediators of protection. The targets of clinical immunity are the extracellular merozoite and the infected erythrocyte surface, with the extremely diverse PfEMP1 proteins the main target here. This observation provides a strong rationale that an effective anti-malaria vaccine targeting blood-stage parasites is achievable. Thus the identification of antigenic targets of naturally acquired immunity remains an important step towards the formulation of novel vaccine combinations before testing their efficacy in clinical trials. This review summarizes the main findings to date defining antigenic targets present on the extracellular merozoite associated with naturally acquired immunity toP. falciparummalaria.
Characterization of a glycine-rich protein from Rhipicephalus microplus: tissue expression, gene silencing and immune recognition
Authors: Leal B. F. , Alzugaray M. F. , Seixas A. , Da Silva Vaz I. , Ferreira C. A. S.
Published: November 2017

Salivary molecules, as glycine-rich proteins (GRPs), are essential to tick attachment and feeding on the host and are suggested to be involved in the host's immune system evasion, therefore representing natural candidates in the search for protective vaccine antigens. This work shows the molecular characterization of a GRP from Rhipicephalus microplus (RmGRP). The cDNA and putative amino acid sequences were analysed, as well as the transcription level in tick tissues/developmental stages, showing the highest levels of gene expression in 1-day-old larvae and salivary glands of fully engorged females. RmGRP gene silencing resulted in a lower hatching rate of larvae from treated females. In addition, recombinant RmGRP (rRmGRP) was recognized by sera from naturally and experimentally infested bovines, displaying considerable differences among the individuals tested. rRmGRP was recognized by anti-saliva and anti-salivary glands sera, while anti-rRmGRP serum recognized RmGRP in saliva and salivary glands, indicating its secretion into the host. The data collected indicate that RmGRP may present roles other than in the tick–host relationship, especially in embryo development. In addition, the high expression in adult females, antigenicity and presence of shared characteristics with other tick protective GRPs turns RmGRP a potential candidate to compose an anti-tick vaccine cocktail.
Are there distinct cognitive and motivational sub-groups of children with ADHD?
Authors: Lambek Rikke , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Tannock Rosemary , Sørensen Anne Virring , Damm Dorte , Thomsen Per Hove
Published: November 2017

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is proposed to be a neuropsychologically heterogeneous disorder that encompasses two distinct sub-groups, one with executive function (EF) deficits and one with delay aversion (DA). However, such claims have often been based on studies that have operationalized neuropsychological deficits using a categorical approach – using intuitive but rather arbitrary, clinical cut-offs. The current study applied an alternative empirical approach to sub-grouping in ADHD, latent profile analysis (LPA), and attempted to validate emerging subgroups through clinically relevant correlates.

Methods

One-hundred medication-naïve children with ADHD and 96 typically developing children (6–14 years) completed nine EF and three DA tasks as well as an odor identification test. Parents and teachers provided reports of the children's behavior (ADHD and EF). Models of the latent structure of scores on EF and DA tests were contrasted using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). LPA was carried out based on factor scores from the CFA and sub-groups were compared in terms of odor identification and behavior.

Results

A model with one DA and two EF factors best fit the data. LPA resulted in four sub-groups that differed in terms of general level of neuropsychological performance (ranging from high to very low), odor identification, and behavior. The sub-groups did not differ in terms of the relative EF and DA performance. Results in the ADHD group were replicated in the control group.

Conclusions

While EF and DA appear to be dissociable constructs; they do not yield distinct sub-groups when sub-grouping is based on a statistical approach such as LPA.
The architecture challenge: Future artificial-intelligence systems will require sophisticated architectures, and knowledge of the brain might guide their construction
Authors: Baldassarre Gianluca , Santucci Vieri Giuliano , Cartoni Emilio , Caligiore Daniele
Published: November 2017

In this commentary, we highlight a crucial challenge posed by the proposal of Lake et al. to introduce key elements of human cognition into deep neural networks and future artificial-intelligence systems: the need to design effective sophisticated architectures. We propose that looking at the brain is an important means of facing this great challenge.
Deep-learning networks and the functional architecture of executive control
Authors: Cooper Richard P.
Published: November 2017

Lake et al. underrate both the promise and the limitations of contemporary deep learning techniques. The promise lies in combining those techniques with broad multisensory training as experienced by infants and children. The limitations lie in the need for such systems to possess functional subsystems that generate, monitor, and switch goals and strategies in the absence of human intervention.
Building brains that communicate like machines
Authors: Graham Daniel
Published: November 2017

Reverse engineering human cognitive processes may improve artificial intelligence, but this approach implies we have little to learn regarding brains from human-engineered systems. On the contrary, engineered technologies of dynamic network communication have many features that highlight analogous, poorly understood, or ignored aspects of brain and cognitive function, and mechanisms fundamental to these technologies can be usefully investigated in brains.
Building on prior knowledge without building it in
Authors: Hansen Steven S. , Lampinen Andrew K. , Suri Gaurav , McClelland James L.
Published: November 2017

Lake et al. propose that people rely on “start-up software,” “causal models,” and “intuitive theories” built using compositional representations to learn new tasks more efficiently than some deep neural network models. We highlight the many drawbacks of a commitment to compositional representations and describe our continuing effort to explore how the ability to build on prior knowledge and to learn new tasks efficiently could arise through learning in deep neural networks.
Benefits of embodiment
Authors: MacLennan Bruce James
Published: November 2017

Physical competence is acquired through animals' embodied interaction with their physical environments, and psychological competence is acquired through situated interaction with other agents. The acquired neural models essential to these competencies are implicit and permit more fluent and nuanced behavior than explicit models. The challenge is to understand how such models are acquired and used to control behavior.
Social-motor experience and perception-action learning bring efficiency to machines
Authors: Marin Ludovic , Mostafaoui Ghiles
Published: November 2017

Lake et al. proposed a way to build machines that learn as fast as people do. This can be possible only if machines follow the human processes: the perception-action loop. People perceive and act to understand new objects or to promote specific behavior to their partners. In return, the object/person provides information that induces another reaction, and so on.