bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mentoring Multi-College Bystander Efficacy Evaluation – an Approach to Growing the Next Generation of Gender-Based Interpersonal Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Researchers
Authors: Coker Ann L. , Davidov Danielle , Bush Heather M. , Clear Emily R.
Published: January 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided funding (U01 CE002668) to evaluate bystander program efficacy to reduce gender-based violence on college campuses (Aim 1) and to create a mentoring network (Aim 2) for young campus-based researchers interested in violence intervention or prevention (VIP). While an evaluation of this mentoring program is ongoing, our purpose here was to document the strategies used to create, implement, and begin evaluation of this national multi-college mentoring network. As each public college was recruited into this evaluation named multi-college Bystander Efficacy Evaluation (mcBEE), each college was invited to nominate a researcher interested in receiving mentorship as a mcBEE fellow. Senior faculty with active VIP research careers were recruited as mentors. Mentorship occurred through annual meetings over time (2015–2019), weekly to bimonthly calls or video conferencing with 2–3 other fellows, and a mentor forming a group with 3–4 mentees, termed a hive. The initial focus of hive meetings was 1) creating and maintaining an active daily writing practice and 2) developing productivity plans, to include research, personal, and professional goals. Manuscript and grant writing feedback was provided throughout the network electronically or ‘live’ workshops. Annual surveys were implemented to investigate program efficacy. Our mcBEE team was able to successfully assemble a national network of VIP fellows and provide small group and individualized mentoring. Our ultimate goal was that of supporting our fellows’ own trajectories in gender-based VIP research, teaching, administration, or service. Evaluation of our fellow and mentor cohort is ongoing (2015–2019).
Vowel nasalisation in Scottish Gaelic: No evidence for incomplete neutralisation in initial mutation
Authors: Morrison Donald Alasdair
Published: January 2020

The existence of incomplete neutralisation in connection with processes like final devoicing is well-known, but little work exists on typologically more uncommon morphological processes such as Celtic initial mutation. This paper reviews the small existing literature on incomplete neutralisation in initial mutation, showing that no convincing evidence has been found so far, and presents a new nasal airflow study on four speakers of Scottish Gaelic that adds to these negative results.

Radical initial /p/ and /m/ in Scottish Gaelic are neutralised to [v] under the lenition mutation. Vowels following radical initial /m/ in Scottish Gaelic may display either categorical phonological nasalisation or gradient phonetic nasalisation. Nasal airflow in items with radical initial /p/ and /m/ is measured in order to determine whether the degree of vowel nasalisation after [v] in lenited forms is sensitive to the identity of the corresponding radical consonant. LME model comparison finds that only categorical phonological nasalisation, and not gradient phonetic nasalisation, may be subject to morphological conditioning. This is at odds with widespread existing findings for processes such as final devoicing, where the gradient phonetic properties of neutralised segments display sensitivity to paradigmatic effects.

The absence of incomplete neutralisation in initial mutation is consistent with recent proposals that restrict the types of morphophonological processes that may bring about incomplete neutralisation to highly transparent, phonetically natural processes involving conflict between word-specific morphological pressures and language-wide phonotactic constraints. These findings can inform us about the structure of the mental lexicon and the derivation of morphologically complex forms.
Shape Factor Effect on Inclusion Sedimentation in Aluminum Melts
Authors: Gökelma Mertol , Einarsrud Kristian Etienne , Tranell Gabriella , Friedrich Bernd
Published: January 2020

The quality requirements of aluminum products are steadily increasing, and the presence of non-metallic inclusions have a large impact on the quality of aluminum products. Sedimentation is a widely applied technique to remove inclusions and the settling characteristic of particles is one of the most important parameters determining the removal efficiency. The settling characteristics can be modeled analytically through different approaches. A comparison of settling according to the Stokes and Schiller and Naumann drag force formulations was investigated and showed that Stokes drag is relevant for inclusions in aluminum melts. The settling of particles is analytically and experimentally investigated in this study by using a shape factor “K” based on Stokes law and online particle tracking by LiMCA (Liquid Metal Cleanliness Analyzer), respectively. The effect of the shape factor on settling velocities was observed clearly and the measured data show considerably slower settling than traditional models, indicating the effect of melt flow due to thermal convection.
Ecological responses of semi-natural grasslands to abandonment: case studies in three mountain regions in the Eastern Alps
Authors: Bohner Andreas , Karrer Johannes , Walcher Ronnie , Brandl David , Michel Kerstin , Arnberger Arne , Frank Thomas , Zaller Johann G.
Published: January 2020

Semi-natural, extensively managed, grasslands are among the most species-rich agroecosystems in Europe. However, they are threatened by abandonment. We investigated the response of semi-natural grasslands to cessation of mowing at ten sites in three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Switzerland and Austria. We assessed vegetation characteristics, topsoil properties and microbially mediated soil processes by comparing once-a-year mowed with adjacent long-term abandoned grasslands on semi-dry, nutrient-poor, base-rich soils. Plant litter decomposition was determined using standardized substrates (Tea Bag Index). Soil microbial community composition was assessed by phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Abandonment altered floristic composition by replacing shade-intolerant or low-growing grassland species, in particular character species of the alliance Bromion erecti, with medium- to tall-sized grasses (e.g. Brachypodium pinnatum) and tall herbs (e.g. Laserpitium latifolium). Time since abandonment had an influence on the magnitude of successional changes after abandonment. Cessation of mowing increased above-ground phytomass but decreased plant species richness and evenness. Abandonment increased soil microbial biomass, promoted litter decomposition and led to an increased soil organic carbon, C:N ratio, and inorganic N supply. Our findings also showed that abandoned grasslands dominated by grasses remained shrub- and treeless for several decades.
Old well sidetracking selection standards: Sulige low-permeability gas field, China
Authors: Yuan Yingzhong , Qi Zhilin , Yan Wende , Zhang Ji , Chen Cen
Published: January 2020

The old well sidetracking technology is an effective means to stabilize production and increase recovery in later stage of gas field development. Based on economical and reservoir geologic parameters of Sulige low-permeability gas field in China, method and procedure of old well sidetracking selection standards are established, which can effectively improve the sidetracking effect and adequately develop remaining gas. Comprehensively considering corresponding economic parameters including sidetracking drilling cost, operating cost, management cost, gas production rate and gas price, recoverable reserve standard of sidetracking well is determined first. According to gas recovery, gas-bearing area, porosity and gas saturation, standards of remaining geological reserve, reserve abundance and gas pay thickness of sidetracking well are obtained. According to extension direction and distribution characteristics of the sand body in research area, numerical simulation conceptual model of typical sidetracking horizontal well is established, and then standards of old gas well production rate and gas cumulative production rate for sidetracking are obtained. According to the standards, well Su 36-6-9CH is selected to be sidetracked as a horizontal well and its development effect is good. The method has important value of popularization and application in similar low-permeability gas reservoir.
Pathways to Low Fertility: 50 Years of Limitation, Curtailment, and Postponement of Childbearing
Authors: Timæus Ian M. , Moultrie Tom A.
Published: January 2020

This study applies survival analysis to the birth histories from 317 national surveys to model pathways to low fertility in 83 less-developed countries between 1965 and 2014. It presents period measures of parity progression, the length of birth intervals and total fertility that have been standardized fully for age, parity, and interval duration. It also examines parity-specific trends in the proportion of women who want no more children. Outside sub-Saharan Africa, fertility transition was dominated by parity-specific family size limitation. As the transition progressed, women also began to postpone their next birth for lengthy periods in many countries. During the first half of the fertility transition in much of sub-Saharan Africa and in some other countries, however, women stopped childbearing without targeting particular family sizes. Moreover, birth intervals in sub-Saharan Africa have been lengthening since the onset of the transition. Birth control is not restricted to a dichotomy between limitation and spacing. Other reasons for curtailing childbearing and postponing having another birth also shape countries’ pathways through fertility transition.
Trade-offs between economic profitability, erosion risk mitigation and biodiversity in the management of uneven-aged Abies alba Mill. stands
Authors: Selkimäki Mari , González-Olabarria José Ramón , Trasobares Antoni , Pukkala Timo
Published: January 2020

Key message

Multi-objective forest planning methods were used to assess the trade-offs between three ecosystem services: timber production, erosion protection and biodiversity. The use of trade-off analysis helps to define proper weights for the management objectives and evaluate the feasibility of obtaining economic profit from timber while controlling the erosion risk and maintaining biodiversity ofAbies albaMill.

Context

Forests provide several ecosystem services (ES), many of which are in trade-off. The assessment of relationships between ES helps to optimize forest management.

Aims

This study analyses the trade-offs between timber production, erosion protection and biodiversity in uneven-aged mountain forest of Abies alba Mill.

Methods

Multi-functional forest management was optimized using a simulation-optimization software. Timber production was measured with present value, erosion risk was modelled as a function of stand structure, and biodiversity was dealt with by setting a minimum number of 10 large trees (dbh > 60cm) per hectare as a requirement. Optimizations were conducted for slopes of 10%, 45% and 80% and cutting cycles of 10, 30 and 50 years. Discount rate 2% was used in all optimizations. Trade-offs were evaluated with production possibility boundaries.

Results

We found relevant trade-offs between timber production and erosion protection, which depended on the slope steepness and the length of the cutting cycle. Trade-offs were marginal on 10% slope (50-year cycle) and large on 80% slope (10-year cycle). Biodiversity constraint reduced both economic profits and erosion protection values.

Conclusion

In multifunctional mountain forest, defining proper weights for ecosystem services that are in trade-off is important for satisfying different management objectives in a sustainable way.
Characterization and classification of semantic image-text relations
Authors: Otto Christian , Springstein Matthias , Anand Avishek , Ewerth Ralph
Published: January 2020

The beneficial, complementary nature of visual and textual information to convey information is widely known, for example, in entertainment, news, advertisements, science, or education. While the complex interplay of image and text to form semantic meaning has been thoroughly studied in linguistics and communication sciences for several decades, computer vision and multimedia research remained on the surface of the problem more or less. An exception is previous work that introduced the two metricsCross-Modal Mutual InformationandSemantic Correlationin order to model complex image-text relations. In this paper, we motivate the necessity of an additional metric calledStatusin order to cover complex image-text relations more completely. This set of metrics enables us to derive a novel categorization of eight semantic image-text classes based on three dimensions. In addition, we demonstrate how to automatically gather and augment a dataset for these classes from the Web. Further, we present a deep learning system to automatically predict either of the three metrics, as well as a system to directly predict the eight image-text classes. Experimental results show the feasibility of the approach, whereby the predict-all approach outperforms the cascaded approach of the metric classifiers.
Pipe-to-pipe friction welding of dissimilar Al-SS joints for cryogenic applications
Authors: Vyas Hardik , Mehta Kush P. , Badheka Vishvesh , Doshi Bharat
Published: January 2020

In the present investigation, dissimilar materials such as AA6063 and SS304L having pipe dimensions of 60.33 mm outer diameter and 3.9 mm wall thickness were friction-welded with different conditions of process parameters. Nondestructive tests such as radiography test (RT) and liquid penetration test (LPT) were carried out on the welded pipes in order to qualify weld joint. Thermal shock test and helium leak tests were performed on the successful welded samples in order to check its ability to work with cryogenic application. The results revealed that the pipe-to-pipe configuration of dissimilar Al–SS joints was produced successfully by friction welding using continuous drive. There were no defects presented in the joint area as revealed by RT and LPT. Thermal shock test and helium leak tests have also confirmed the soundness of joints. Higher deformation of Al base material results in the huge flash formation of Al that results in the sleeve formation of Al pipe on SS pipe. The helium leak test has confirmed the soundness of joints without any defects after its testing at 1.2 psi pressure. More than 60% of joint efficiency was obtained from Al–SS friction-welded joints.
European Collaborative and Interprofessional Capability Framework for Prevention and Management of Frailty—a consensus process supported by the Joint Action for Frailty Prevention (ADVANTAGE) and the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS)
Authors: Roller-Wirnsberger Regina , Lindner Sonja , Liew Aaron , O’Caoimh Ronan , Koula Maria-Lamprini , Moody Dawn , Espinosa Juan Manuel , van Durme Thérèse , Dimitrov Plamen , Benjak Tomislav , Nicolaidou Elena , Hammar Teija , Vanhecke Eliane , Junius-Walker Ulrike , Csizmadia Péter , Galluzzo Lucia , Macijauskienė Jūratė , Salem Mohamed , Rietman Liset , Ranhoff Anette Hylen , Targowski Tomasz , de Arriaga Miguel Telo , Bozdog Elena , Gabrovec Branko , Hendry Anne , Martin Finbarr C. , Rodriguez-Mañas Leocadio
Published: January 2020

Background

Interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP) is currently recommended for the delivery of high-quality integrated care for older people. Frailty prevention and management are key elements to be tackled on a multi-professional level.

Aim

This study aims to develop a consensus-based European multi-professional capability framework for frailty prevention and management.

Methods

Using a modified Delphi technique, a consensus-based framework of knowledge, skills and attitudes for all professions involved in the care pathway of older people was developed within two consultation rounds. The template for the process was derived from competency frameworks collected in a comprehensive approach from EU-funded projects of the European Commission (EC) supported best practice models for health workforce development.

Results

The agreed framework consists of 25 items structured in 4 domains of capabilities. Content covers the understanding about frailty, skills for screening and assessment as well as management procedures for every profession involved. The majority of items focused on interprofessional collaboration, communication and person-centred care planning.

Discussion

This framework facilitates clarification of professionals’ roles and standardizes procedures for cross-sectional care processes. Despite a lack of evidence for educational interventions, health workforce development remains an important aspect of quality assurance in health care systems.

Conclusions

The multi-professional capability framework for frailty prevention and management incorporated interprofessional collaborative practice, consistent with current recommendations by the World Health Organization, Science Advice for Policy by European Academies and the European Commission.
Patient-reported measures of well-being in older multiple myeloma patients: use of secondary data source
Authors: Cenzer Irena , Berger Karin , Rodriguez Annette M. , Ostermann Helmut , Covinsky Kenneth E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Changes in well-being of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) before and after diagnosis have not been quantified.

Aims

Explore the use of secondary data to examine the changes in the well-being of older patients with MM.

Methods

We used the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), linked to Medicare claims to identify older MM patients. We compared patient-reported measures (PRM), including physical impairment, sensory impairment, and patient experience (significant pain, self-rated health, depression) in the interviews before and after MM diagnosis using McNemar’s test. We propensity-matched each MM patient to five HRS participants without MM diagnosis based on baseline characteristics. We compared the change in PRM between the MM patients and their matches.

Results

We identified 92 HRS patients with MM diagnosis (mean age = 74.6, SD = 8.4). Among the surviving patients, there was a decline in well-being across most measures, including ADL difficulty (23% to 40%, p value = 0.016), poor or fair self-rated health (38% to 61%, p value = 0.004), and depression (15% to 30%, p value = 0.021). Surviving patients reported worse health than participants without MM across most measures, including ADL difficulty (40% vs. 27%, p value = 0.04), significant pain (38% vs. 22%, p value = 0.01), and depression (29% vs. 11%, p value = 0.003).

Discussion

Secondary data were used to identify patients with MM diagnosis, and examine changes across multiple measures of well-being. MM diagnosis negatively affects several aspects of patients’ well-being, and these declines are larger than those experienced by similar participants without MM.

Conclusion

The results of this study are valuable addition to understanding the experience of patients with MM, despite several data limitations.
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Waste: Mechano-hydrometallurgical Experimental Study on Recycling Aspects
Authors: Porvali Antti , Ojanen Severi , Wilson Benjamin P. , Serna-Guerrero Rodrigo , Lundström Mari
Published: January 2020

In this research, the recycling of industrially collected and crushed nickel metal hydride battery waste, rich in valuable metals such as Ni and rare earth elements (REE), was investigated. The crushed waste was characterized based on elemental distribution per particle size class and density. Although issues with sieving, such as agglomeration of shredded separator fibers, were observed, a good separation of Fe and plastics could be achieved by using a 1-mm sieve size. It was observed that, as the waste battery particles were washed with water, some organic compounds were dissolved. Acid consumption of 14 mol H+ ions per 1 kg of battery sample (sieve fraction—1 mm) was determined to be sufficient to achieve the desired final pH of < 1. Selectivity of the leaching at higher equilibrium pH was also investigated by using dilute H2SO4. Pregnant leach solution rich in Ni (46 g/L) and REEs (La: 9 g/L, Ce: 7.5 g/L, Pr: 1.4 g/L, Sm: 0.29 g/L, Y: 0.17 g/L) was obtained and REE precipitation was investigated as a function of dilute Na2SO4 solution concentration (0.01–0.5 M) at a temperature of 50 °C. The best precipitation efficiency was achieved with a Na:REE ratio of 9.1, which resulted in a > 99% precipitation efficiency for the REEs.
The Growing Importance of Secondary Market Activities for Open-end Real Estate Fund Shares in Germany
Authors: Gerlach Philipp , Maurer Raimond
Published: January 2020

Shares of open-end real estate funds are typically traded directly between the investor and the fund management company. However, we provide empirical evidence for the growth of secondary market activities, i.e., the trading of shares on stock exchanges. We find high trading levels in situations where the fund management company suspends the issue or redemption of shares. Shares trade at a discount when the fund management company suspends the redemption, whereas shares trade at a premium when the fund management company suspends the issue. We also find evidence that secondary market trading activity is increasing since German regulation introduced a minimum holding period and a mandatory notice period for open-end real estate funds.
Turn-Initial Discourse Markers in L2 Spanish Conversations: Insights from Conversation Analysis
Authors: García García Marta
Published: January 2020

Turn beginnings are the place in conversation where the connection (or otherwise) between a prior and a next turn is displayed. This crucial interactional task is usually fulfilled by turn-initial particles, specifically those known as discourse markers. Although the use of discourse markers by second or foreign language speakers has actually been largely discussed in the previous literature on interlanguage pragmatics, studies that focus on turn-initial discourse markers and that are conducted from a conversation analytical perspective are still scarce. The aim of this paper is therefore twofold. On the one hand, it makes a case for the use of conversation analysis as a research methodology for the study of discourse markers in a second or foreign language. On the other hand, and as a practical elaboration, this paper investigates the use of the discourse markers “y” and “sí” in the turn-initial position by foreign language speakers of Spanish. The results show that both discourse markers are part of an overall concern of signalling continuity and affiliation even in topic shifts and in non-aligned turns.
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Forage Grass Varieties to Mild Drought Stress Under Field Conditions
Authors: Fariaszewska A. , Aper J. , Van Huylenbroeck J. , De Swaef T. , Baert J. , Pecio Ł.
Published: January 2020

In view of the expected increase in drought periods, researchers and breeders are searching for forage grasses that are more tolerant to drought stress. This study wanted to examine the physiological and biochemical reactions of nine forage grass varieties belonging to Festuca, Lolium and Festulolium under mild drought stress conditions in a semi-controlled field experiment. A mild drought stress treatment was applied in the period between cut II and cut III using three large mobile rain-out shelters equipped with sprinkler irrigation systems. The experiment consisted of two soil moisture treatments: (1) control where a soil moisture level of around 20% v/v was maintained and (2) drought stress where the soil moisture level decreased to 7.5% v/v. The experiment was cut 5 times in 2014 and 4 times in 2015. A total of nine varieties from five species of forage grasses were evaluated: L. perenne, L. multiflorum, F. pratensis, F. arundinacea and F. braunii. Dry matter yield, gas exchange parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence were significantly lower in drought stress than under control conditions and the physiological parameters reacted within 2 weeks after the start of the drought treatment in all species. In contrast, drought stress significantly increased water use efficiency, the content of proline, phenolic acids, flavonoids, water soluble carbohydrates and decreased neutral and acid detergent fibre on both years. Based on total dry matter yield and tolerance indices the most drought tolerant species were L. multiflorum in the first and F. arundinacea in the second investigated year.
A construction of subshifts and a class of semigroups
Authors: HAMACHI TOSHIHIRO , KRIEGER WOLFGANG
Published: January 2020

Subshifts with property$(A)$are constructed from a class of directed graphs. As special cases the Markov–Dyck shifts are shown to have property$(A)$. The semigroups that are associated to${\mathcal{R}}$-graph shifts with Property$(A)$are determined.
On slow escaping and non-escaping points of quasimeromorphic mappings
Authors: WARREN LUKE
Published: January 2020

We show that for any quasimeromorphic mapping with an essential singularity at infinity, there exist points whose iterates tend to infinity arbitrarily slowly. This extends a result by Nicks for quasiregular mappings, and Rippon and Stallard for transcendental meromorphic functions on the complex plane. We further establish a new result for the growth rate of quasiregular mappings near an essential singularity, and briefly extend some results regarding the bounded orbit set and the bungee set to the quasimeromorphic setting.
The utility of anthopometric indicators to identify cardiovascular risk factors in Vietnamese children
Authors: Mai T. M. T. , Gallegos D. , Jones L. , Tran Q. C. , Tran T. M. H. , van der Pols J. C.
Published: January 2020

BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) can be used for discriminating children and adolescents at risk of CVD. However, consensus on how to use these anthropometric indicators is lacking for children and adolescents in Asia. Discrete criteria are promoted internationally, but continuous variables could be used. Data from a survey of 10 949 Vietnamese school-aged children (6–18 years) were used to evaluate the performance of anthropometric indicators to identify elevated blood pressure (BP), dyslipidaemia or at least three cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). Weight, height, WC and BP were measured using standardised protocols; 1009 participants who had blood lipids were analysed. AUC was used to assess the performance, and the Youden index to identify optimal cut-offs. The prevalence of elevated BP, dyslipidaemia and CVRF was 26·5, 49·3 and 12·2 %, respectively. BMI, WC and WHtR had low capacity to identify elevated BP and dyslipidaemia (AUC range 0·61–0·66) but moderate capacity to identify CVRF (0·72–0·74). Optimal BMIZ cut-offs to identify elevated BP, dyslipidaemia and CVRF were 0·40, 1·01 and 1·1 sd; for WC z-score, they were 0·06, 0·49 and 0·62 sd; for WHtR, optimal cut-offs were close to 0·5. A BMIZ cut-off of 1·0 sd and a WHtR cut-off of 0·5 would, therefore, be useful criteria to identify Vietnamese children who are likely to have CVRF. However, further validation of these criteria in other studies of Asian children and adolescents is needed.
Early energy restriction in premature infants and bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a cohort study
Authors: Uberos Jose , Jimenez-Montilla Sara , Molina-Oya Manuel , García-Serrano Jose Luis
Published: January 2020

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a multifactor pathology. Animal studies and cohort studies suggest that poor nutrient intake after birth increases the risk of BPD. The objective of the present study was to determine the existence of association between BPD in very low birth weight (VLBW) and energy intake during the first week of life. We recorded in a retrospective cohort study the intake of enteral and parenteral macronutrients during this period by examining the nutritional and clinical history of 450 VLBW newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. After applying the relevant exclusion criteria, data for 389 VLBW infants were analysed, of whom 159 developed some degree of BPD. Among the newborns with BPD, energy and lipid intake was significantly lower and fluid intake was significantly higher. The energy intake for the 25th percentile in the group without BPD was 1778·2 kJ/kg during the first week of life. An energy intake <1778·2 kJ/kg in this period was associated with a 2-fold increase in the adjusted risk of BPD (OR 2·63, 95 % CI 1·30, 5·34). The early nutrition and the increase of energy intake in the first week of life are associated in our sample with a lower risk of BPD developing.
The effect of topical xylometazoline on Eustachian tube function
Authors: Joshi K S , Ho V W Q , Smith M E , Tysome J R
Published: January 2020

Background

Topical nasal decongestants are frequently used as part of the medical management of symptoms related to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of topical xylometazoline hydrochloride sprayed in the anterior part of the nose on Eustachian tube active and passive opening in healthy ears.

Methods

Active and passive Eustachian tube function was assessed in healthy subjects before and after intranasal administration of xylometazoline spray, using tympanometry, video otoscopy, sonotubometry, tubo-tympano-aerodynamic-graphy and tubomanometry.

Results

Resting middle-ear pressures were not significantly different following decongestant application. Eustachian tube opening rate was not significantly different following the intervention, as measured by all function tests used. Sonotubometry data showed a significant increase in the duration of Eustachian tube opening following decongestant application.

Conclusion

There remains little or no evidence that topical nasal decongestants improve Eustachian tube function. Sonotubometry findings do suggest that further investigation with an obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction patient cohort is warranted.
Informant Reporting in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Sources of Discrepancy on the Functional Activities Questionnaire
Authors: Hackett Katherine , Mis Rachel , Drabick Deborah A.G. , Giovannetti Tania
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Relative to dementia, little is known about informant bias in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We investigated the influence of informant demographic and relational characteristics on reports of everyday functioning using the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ).

Method:

Four thousand two hundred eighty-four MCI participants and their informants from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set were included. Informants were stratified according to cohabitation, relationship, visit frequency, race/ethnicity, education, and sex. Informant-rated Mean FAQ score was compared across these groups using univariate general linear model analyses and post hoc tests. Interactions were tested between informant variables. The predictive contribution of informant variables to FAQ score was explored using hierarchical linear regression. Analyses covaried for participant cognition using a cognitive composite score, and for participant age, sex, and depression.

Results:

After controlling for participant cognition, depression, age, and sex, informant-rated FAQ scores varied significantly across all informant variables (p’s < .005, ηp2’s ≤ .033) except sex and visit frequency. FAQ scores were higher (more impaired) among informants who cohabitate with the participant, among paid caregivers, spouses, and adult children, and among informants with higher levels of education. Scores were lowest (less impaired) among Black/African American informants as compared to all other racial/ethnic groups.

Conclusions:

Demographic and relational characteristics of informants influence the perception and reporting of instrumental activities of daily living in adults with MCI. As everyday functioning is crucial for differential diagnosis and treatment outcome measurement, it is important to be aware of sources of informant report discrepancies.
North-South diffusion of climate-mitigation technologies: the crowding-out effect on relocation
Authors: Ing Julie , Nicolaï Jean-Philippe
Published: January 2020

The deployment of cleaner production technologies is supposed to be crucial to mitigate the effect of climate change. The diffusion of technology from developed to developing countries can be done through different channels. It can be a business decision such as firms' relocation, opening of a subsidiary or the adoption of technology by southern firms, or it may be decided at the government level. This paper investigates, in a two-country model (North and South), the relationship between the diffusion of mitigation technologies, firms' relocation and the environment. We assume that both countries implement a carbon tax and there are two kinds of production technology used: a relatively clean technology and a dirty one. This paper theoretically shows that the technology diffusion by technology adoption, public transfer or subsidiary creation induces a decrease in relocation, while technology diffusion via purchasing dirty southern firms may increase the number of relocated firms. The paper also demonstrates that technology diffusion may have perverse effects in the long run. Indeed, total emissions may increase with technology diffusion since southern firms become more competitive.
Recreating Giants Impacts in the Laboratory: Shock Compression of MgSiO3 Bridgmanite to 14 Mbar
Authors: Millot Marius , Zhang Shuai , Fratanduono Dayne E. , Coppari Federica , Hamel Sebastien , Militzer Burkhard , Simonova Dariia , Shcheka Svyatoslav , Dubrovinskaia Natalia , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Eggert Jon H.
Published: January 2020

Understanding giant impacts requires accurate description of how extreme pressures and temperatures affect the physical properties of the constituent materials. Here, we report shock experiments on two polymorphs of MgSiO
: enstatite and bridgmanite (perovskite) crystals. We obtain pressure‐density shock equation of state to 14 Mbar and more than 9 g/cm
, a 40% increase in density from previous data on MgSiO
. Density‐functional‐theory molecular dynamics (DFT‐MD) simulations provide predictions for the shock Hugoniot curves for bridgmanite and enstatite and suggest that the Grüneisen parameter decreases with increasing density. The good agreement between the simulations and the experimental data, including for the shock temperature along the enstatite Hugoniot reveals that DFT‐MD simulations reproduce well the behavior of dense fluid
. We also reveal a high optical reflectance indicative of a metal‐like electrical conductivity which supports the hypothesis that magma oceans may contribute to planetary magnetic field generation.
A New Method of 3‐D Magnetic Field Reconstruction
Authors: Torbert R. B. , Dors I. , Argall M. R. , Genestreti K. J. , Burch J. L. , Farrugia C. J. , Forbes T. G. , Giles B. L. , Strangeway R. J.
Published: January 2020

A method is described to model the magnetic field in the vicinity of three‐dimensional constellations of satellites (at least four) using field and plasma current measurements. This quadratic model matches the measured values of the magnetic field and its curl (current) at each spacecraft, with ∇ • B zero everywhere, and thus extends the linear curlometer method to second order. Near the spacecraft, it predicts the topology of magnetic structures, such as reconnecting regions or flux ropes, and allows a tracking of the motion of these structures relative to the spacecraft constellation. Comparisons to particle‐in‐cell simulations estimate the model accuracy. Reconstruction of two electron diffusion regions definitively confirms the expected field line structure. The model can be applied to other small‐scale phenomena (e.g., bow shocks) and can also be modified to reconstruct the electric field, allowing tracing of particle trajectories.
Lipid Biomarkers Quantify Holocene Summer Temperature and Ice Cap Sensitivity in Icelandic Lakes
Authors: Harning David J. , Curtin Lorelei , Geirsdóttir Áslaug , D'Andrea William J. , Miller Gifford H. , Sepúlveda Julio
Published: January 2020

Although recent research has made significant advances in characterizing Iceland's Holocene environmental history, the region still lacks reliable and continuous records of corresponding paleotemperature. Here we merge bacterial and algal lipid biomarkers (branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers and long‐chain alkenones, respectively) to quantify Holocene temperature change from a small lake in northwest Iceland. Our local proxy record shows that early Holocene and late Holocene temperatures ranged from 3.2 to −1.1 oC relative today, which are in close agreement with independent estimates from regional ice cap models. At 2.4 ka, we observe abrupt cooling across bacteria‐, algae‐, and glacier‐derived proxy records, which may have been initiated by extratropical volcanism and/or ocean/atmospheric climate variability of the North Atlantic region. Using early Holocene warmth and ice cap demise as an analog for modern climate change, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change temperature projections suggest that the local ice cap, Drangajökull, could vanish by ~2050 CE.
Complex Rupture of an Immature Fault Zone: A Simultaneous Kinematic Model of the 2019 Ridgecrest, CA Earthquakes
Authors: Goldberg D. E. , Melgar D. , Sahakian V. J. , Thomas A. M. , Xu X. , Crowell B. W. , Geng J.
Published: January 2020

The 4 July 2019 Mw6.4 and subsequent 6 July 2019 Mw7.1 Ridgecrest sequence earthquakes (CA, USA) ruptured orthogonal fault planes in a low slip rate (1 mm/year) dextral fault zone in the area linking the Eastern California Shear Zone and Walker Lane. This region accommodates nearly one fourth of plate boundary motion and has been proposed to be an incipient transform fault system that could eventually become the main tectonic boundary, replacing the San Andreas Fault. We investigate the rupture process of these events using a novel simultaneous kinematic slip method with joint inversion of high‐rate GNSS, strong motion, GNSS static offset, and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar data. We model the Coulomb stress change to evaluate how the Mw6.4 earthquake may have affected the subsequent Mw7.1 event. Our findings suggest complex interactions between several fault structures, including dynamic and static triggering, and provide important context for regional seismic source characterization and hazard models.
Targeting folate receptor β positive tumor-associated macrophages in lung cancer with a folate-modified liposomal complex
Authors: Tie Yan , Zheng Heng , He Zhiyao , Yang Jingyun , Shao Bin , Liu Li , Luo Min , Yuan Xia , Liu Yu , Zhang Xiangxian , Li Hongyi , Wu Min , Wei Xiawei
Published: January 2020

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) facilitate cancer progression by promoting tumor invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammatory responses, and immunosuppression. Folate receptor β (FRβ) is overexpressed in TAMs. However, the clinical significance of FRβ-positive macrophages in lung cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we verified that FRβ overexpression in lung cancer TAMs was associated with poor prognosis. We utilized a folate-modified lipoplex comprising a folate-modified liposome (F-PLP) delivering a BIM-S plasmid to target both lung cancer cells and FRβ-positive macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Transfection of LL/2 cells and MH-S cells with F-PLP/pBIM induced cell apoptosis. Injection of F-PLP/pBIM into LL/2 and A549 lung cancer models significantly depleted FRβ-positive macrophages and reduced tumor growth. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with F-PLP/pBIM significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo by inducing tumor cell and macrophage apoptosis, reducing tumor proliferation, and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. In addition, a preliminary safety evaluation demonstrated a good safety profile of F-PLP/pBIM as a gene therapy administered intravenously. This work describes a novel application of lipoplexes in lung cancer targeted therapy that influences the tumor microenvironment by targeting TAMs.
Circular RNA FAM114A2 suppresses progression of bladder cancer via regulating ∆NP63 by sponging miR-762
Authors: Liu Tianyao , Lu Qun , Liu Jin , Xie Shangxun , Feng Baofu , Zhu Wenjie , Liu Minghui , Liu Yanqing , Zhou Xinyan , Sun Wu , Zhang Yujing , Chen Xi , Fang Feng , Guo Hongqian , Yang Rong
Published: January 2020

Numerous evidences have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a key role in regulating the pathogenesis of cancer. However, the mechanism of circRNAs in urothelial carcinoma of bladder (UCB) remains largely unclear. In this study, we found circFAM114A2 was significantly downregulated both in UCB tissue specimens and cell lines, and the expression level was highly correlated with pathological TNM stage and grade. Functionally, overexpression of circFAM114A2 dramatically inhibited the migration, invasion and proliferation of UCB cells in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, we confirmed miR-762 was copiously pulled down by circFAM114A2 in 5637 and T24 cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) further indicated the cytoplasmic interactions between circFAM114A2 and miR-762. By using luciferase reporter assay, we found that miR-762 could directly target TP63. Subsequently, we found that circFAM114A2 might increase the expression of ∆NP63 (main isoform of TP63 in UCB) by sponging miR-762. Taken together, our results demonstrated that circFAM114A2 might serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-762 in regulating the expression of ∆NP63, thus suppressed UCB progression through circFAM114A2/miR-762/∆NP63 axis.
Genetic insights into the social organisation of the Avar period elite in the 7th century AD Carpathian Basin
Authors: Csáky Veronika , Gerber Dániel , Koncz István , Csiky Gergely , Mende Balázs G. , Szeifert Bea , Egyed Balázs , Pamjav Horolma , Marcsik Antónia , Molnár Erika , Pálfi György , Gulyás András , Kovacsóczy Bernadett , Lezsák Gabriella M. , Lőrinczy Gábor , Szécsényi-Nagy Anna , Vida Tivadar
Published: January 2020

After 568 AD the Avars settled in the Carpathian Basin and founded the Avar Qaganate that was an important power in Central Europe until the 9th century. Part of the Avar society was probably of Asian origin; however, the localisation of their homeland is hampered by the scarcity of historical and archaeological data. Here, we study mitogenome and Y chromosomal variability of twenty-six individuals, a number of them representing a well-characterised elite group buried at the centre of the Carpathian Basin more than a century after the Avar conquest. The studied group has maternal and paternal genetic affinities to several ancient and modern East-Central Asian populations. The majority of the mitochondrial DNA variability represents Asian haplogroups (C, D, F, M, R, Y and Z). The Y-STR variability of the analysed elite males belongs only to five lineages, three N-Tat with mostly Asian parallels and two Q haplotypes. The homogeneity of the Y chromosomes reveals paternal kinship as a cohesive force in the organisation of the Avar elite strata on both social and territorial level. Our results indicate that the Avar elite arrived in the Carpathian Basin as a group of families, and remained mostly endogamous for several generations after the conquest.
Full Dynamic Range Quantification using Loop-mediated Amplification (LAMP) by Combining Analysis of Amplification Timing and Variance between Replicates at Low Copy Number
Authors: Hardinge Patrick , Murray James A. H.
Published: January 2020

Quantification of nucleic acid targets at low copy number is problematic with the limit of detection at 95 percent confidence predicted to be 3 molecules or higher for quantitative PCR. Conversely the accuracy of digital PCR is diminished at higher concentrations of template approaching 100 percent positive partitions, with the Poisson distribution showing that an average of only 3 molecules per partition represents an amplification frequency of greater than 95 percent. Therefore a full range of template concentrations cannot be quantified accurately with these methods alone without dilution. Here we report the development of quantification metrics for use with loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) as a bridge between concentrated and dilute template concentrations. The basis for this is that real-time monitoring of LAMP reactions either by bioluminescent reporting (BART) or by fluorescent dye binding shows increasing variation in timings between replicates at low copy number due to the LAMP amplification mechanism. This effect increases with decreasing copy number, closely associated with the amplification frequency. The use of an artificial template showed that the increasing variation is not linked to the use of displacement primers during the initiation of amplification and is therefore a fundamental feature of the LAMP initiation event. Quantification between 1 and 10 copies of a template was successfully achieved with a number of methods with a low number of replicates with the strongest correlation to timing variance. These ultra-quantification methods for LAMP amplification either singularly or in combination have potential in a full dynamic range quantification strategy based on LAMP, in a closed tube, undiluted sample molecular diagnostic.
A chronology of landsliding based on archaeological and documentary data: Pavlovské vrchy Hills, Western Carpathian Flysch Belt
Authors: Bíl Michal , Krejčí Oldřich , Dolák Lukáš , Krejčí Vladimíra , Martínek Jan , Svoboda Jiří
Published: January 2020

Pavlovské vrchy Hills represent a distinctive elevation near the Czech-Austrian border where the active, dormant and relict landslides cover 12% of the area. Here we focused on the chronology of landsliding in this area using geological, archaeological and historical evidence. The earliest records of landsliding were determined in locations underlying the dated archaeological settlements. The Upper Paleolithic settlement complex dated between 37–24 ka cal BP, was originally deposited over these landslides. It was consequently destroyed in certain places by additional landslides preceding the last (Upper Pleniglacial) loess deposition (22 ka cal BP). These landslides took place before and after the Upper Paleolithic occupation of this area. This Pleistocene landslide event ranks among the oldest (albeit indirectly) dated landslide within the Czech part of the Western Carpathian Flysch Belt. The chronology of later, historical, landsliding was determined using written records (chronicles, official reports, archival evidence, etc.). Continuous records of landsliding were available as of the middle of the seventeenth century. The major concentration of landslides occurred at the beginning of the twentieth century (1910–1915). The 1663 landslide is currently the oldest landslide, in the Czech part of the Western Carpathian Flysch Belt, which was dated on the basis of documentary data.
Plant based production of myoglobin - a novel source of the muscle heme-protein
Authors: Carlsson Magnus L. R. , Kanagarajan Selvaraju , Bülow Leif , Zhu Li-Hua
Published: January 2020

Myoglobin is a heme-protein in the muscle of vertebrates with important functions in the oxygenation of tissues and as a regulator in nitric oxide signaling. Myoglobin from many species is also an important nutritional source of bioavailable iron. In this study, we have successfully produced human myoglobin in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana by transient expression using a viral vector delivered by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Analyses confirmed that heme was incorporated and the protein was functional, with observed properties consistent with those of native myoglobins. A relatively high degree of purity could be achieved with low cost methods. The results show the high potential of plants as a production platform for heme proteins, a group of proteins of interest for iron nutrition applications and possible future pharmaceutical development.