bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of dry period body condition score on some trace minerals, oxidative, and inflammatory indicators in transition dairy cows
Authors: Dehghan Shahreza Fatemeh , Seifi Hesam A. , Mohri Mehrdad
Published: December 2019

Context
Body condition score (BCS) management throughout the dry period to calving is one of the strategies that can ensure optimal overall health and high milk yield after parturition.

Aim
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BCS during the dry period on serum concentrations of some trace elements, oxidative, and inflammatory indices during the transition period of Holstein cows.

Methods
Fifty multiparous cows were classified based on their dry BCS (scale of 1 to 5) at the beginning of dry period as non-fat (NFC) (BCS <3.75; BCS minimum: 3; BCS maximum: 3.5, BCS means: 3.36; n = 25), and fat (FC) (BCS ≥ 3.75; BCS maximum: 4.25, means: 3.87; n = 25) groups, and received similar diet and kept under same management condition. Sampling was performed at 14 ± 2 days before expected calving date and 10, 20 and 30 days after calving.

Key results
FC had lower zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn) concentrations. Furthermore, iron (Fe) concentrations were significantly higher in FC in comparison with NFC –14 days before parturition. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and haptoglobin (Hp) elevated significantly in FC 20 days after calving, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in NFC on day 14 before calving. Its activities increased significantly in FC on day30thof lactation. In addition, the highest serum ferric reducing antioxidants power (FRAP) and copper (Cu) and the lowest serum paraoxonase 1(PON1) and iron (Fe) concentrations were observed on day 20th of lactation.

Conclusion
Serum Zn, Mn, and Cr amounts were significantly affected by BCS. Furthermore, fat cows had more extensively endogenous antioxidant and inflammatory responses.

Implication
Our data highlights the fact that although all cellular metabolic, oxidative and inflammatory processes varied at different times of transition period, fat cows are more susceptible to metabolic and health disorders than non-fat animals.
Effectiveness of a Web-Based Tobacco Product use Prevention Videogame Intervention on Young Adolescents’ Beliefs and Knowledge
Authors: Hieftje Kimberly D. , Fernandes Claudia-Santi F. , Lin I-Hsin , Fiellin Lynn E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Preventing tobacco product initiation in youth is a critical need. While cigarette smoking among youth has been on the decline, tobacco use in other forms, such as e-cigarettes and vaping, continue to be a major concern. The purpose of this study was to conduct a real-world, quasi-experimental test of the effectiveness of a web-based videogame, smokeSCREEN, aimed at developing healthy beliefs and knowledge associated with tobacco product use prevention, including electronic cigarettes.

Methods

Adolescents ( N = 560) aged 10–16 years were enrolled from schools and afterschool programs in a single-group pre–post study. Measures included a pre- and post-survey of beliefs and knowledge about tobacco product use. At post-survey, participants were asked questions regarding their gameplay experience. Paired responses for the tobacco product use in the beliefs and knowledge survey before and after the smokeSCREEN videogame intervention were compared using McNemar's test. Descriptive statistics were generated to assess overall participant gameplay experience.

Results

McNemar's test showed significant differences in the proportions of correct answers before (pre-survey) and after (post-survey) the intervention in seven out of eight belief questions ( p < . 0001). It also suggested significant differences in the proportions of correct answers before (pre-survey) and after (post-survey) the intervention in all six knowledge questions ( p < . 0001). Several gender and age differences were noted for belief and knowledge questions related to e-cigarettes and vaping. There was no association between gameplay duration at post-survey or to the answers of the beliefs or knowledge questions. Overall, participants reported that they enjoyed playing the game.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the videogame intervention, smokeSCREEN, has a promising effect on participants’ beliefs and knowledge about tobacco product use, including electronic cigarettes and vaping, and is well accepted by adolescents.
Single trajectory characterization via machine learning
Authors: Muñoz-Gil Gorka , Garcia-March Miguel Angel , Manzo Carlo , Martín-Guerrero José D , Lewenstein Maciej
Published: December 2019

In order to study transport in complex environments, it is extremely important to determine the physical mechanism underlying diffusion and precisely characterize its nature and parameters. Often, this task is strongly impacted by data consisting of trajectories with short length (either due to brief recordings or previous trajectory segmentation) and limited localization precision. In this paper, we propose a machine learning method based on a random forest architecture, which is able to associate single trajectories to the underlying diffusion mechanism with high accuracy. In addition, the algorithm is able to determine the anomalous exponent with a small error, thus inherently providing a classification of the motion as normal or anomalous (sub- or super-diffusion). The method provides highly accurate outputs even when working with very short trajectories and in the presence of experimental noise. We further demonstrate the application of transfer learning to experimental and simulated data not included in the training/test dataset. This allows for a full, high-accuracy characterization of experimental trajectories without the need of any prior information.
Total phase shift of terahertz wave in a rectangular waveguide with zero-refractive index metamaterial
Authors: Ghaffari Amir Hosein , Zandi Hesam
Published: December 2019

In many applications, appropriate spatial phase shifts in propagation of a THz wave are desired. Serving this purpose, a rectangular waveguide with two-dimensional photonic crystal zero-refractive index metamaterial is studied. In this structure, additional phase shift is computed in a numerical method in comparison with the same waveguide without zero-refractive index metamaterial. Modelling the characteristics of this waveguide, relations are presented which are shown to be compatible with numerical results. Then getting in inverse direction, a procedure is introduced in which, equivalent photonic crystals can be designed in terms of an arbitrary given phase shift with estimated errors of less than 1 degree. We also have calculated the sensitivity of additional phase difference with respect to the refractive index of rods, which showed relatively high dependence.
Self-powered, flexible and room temperature operated solution processed hybrid metal halide p-type sensing element for efficient hydrogen detection
Authors: Gagaoudakis E , Panagiotopoulos A , Maksudov T , Moschogiannaki M , Katerinopoulou D , Kakavelakis G , Kiriakidis G , Binas V , Kymakis E , Petridis K
Published: December 2019

Hydrogen (H2) is a well-known reduction gas and for safety reasons is very important to be detected. The most common systems employed along its detection are metal oxide-based elements. However, the latter demand complex and expensive manufacturing techniques, while they also need high temperatures or UV light to operate effectively. In this work, we first report a solution processed hybrid mixed halide spin coated perovskite films (CH3NH3PbI3−x
Cl
x
) that have been successfully applied as portable, flexible, self-powered, fast and sensitive hydrogen sensing elements, operating at room temperature. The minimum concentrations of H2 gas that could be detected was down to 10 ppm. This work provides a new pathway on gases interaction with perovskite materials, poses new questions that must be addressed regarding the sensing mechanisms involved. The utilization of halide perovskite sensing elements demonstrates their potential beyond solar cell applications.
Operational stability of perovskite light emitting diodes
Authors: Dong Qi , Lei Lei , Mendes Juliana , So Franky
Published: December 2019

Organometal halide perovskite light emitting diodes (LEDs) have attracted a lot of attention in recent years, owing to the rapid progress in device efficiency. However, their short operational lifetime severely impedes the practical uses of these devices. The operating stability of perovskite LEDs are due to degradation due to ambient environment and degradation during operation. The former can be suppressed by encapsulation while the latter one is the intrinsic degradation due to the electrochemical stability of the perovskite materials. In addition, perovskites also suffer from ion migration which is a major degradation mechanism in perovskite LEDs. In this review, we specifically focus on the operational stability of perovskite LEDs. The review is divided into two parts: the first part contains a summary of various degradation mechanisms and some insight on the degradation behavior and the second part is the strategies how to improve the operational stability, especially the strategies to suppress ion migration. Based on the current advances in the literature, we finally present our perspectives to improve the device stability.
All optical fiber thermal vacuum gauge
Authors: Mironov Andrey E , Yu Nanjie , Park Sehyun , Tuggle Matthew , Gragg Jane , Kucera Courtney , Hawkins Thomas , Ballato John , Eden J Gary , Dragic Peter
Published: December 2019

A new concept of an all optical, dual-fiber-based Pirani thermal vacuum gauge is proposed and demonstrated. The configuration utilizes two fibers: one that produces heat, and one that responds to the resultant thermal exchange. The temperature of the latter fiber is a function of the heat transfer through the gas in which it resides. The active heat-generating fiber is a luminescence-quenched, heavily Yb3+-doped optical fiber that efficiently produces thermal energy when optically pumped. The temperature sensor is implemented with a conventional commercial fiber Bragg grating. Both fibers are inserted into a custom vacuum chamber whose internal pressure can be carefully controlled. Performance of the system is characterized with pressures ranging from 20 mTorr to Standard Pressure. The proposed system may also be used as a sensitive flow rate sensor.
Periodic solutions of the generalized KdV equation
Authors: Sun Yingnan
Published: December 2019

This paper concerns the existence and linear stability of periodic solutions of the generalized KdV equation. The proof is based on an abstract KAM theorem for infinite dimensional Hamiltonian systems.
Roots of unity in 𝐾(𝑛)-local rings
Authors: Devalapurkar Sanath
Published: December 2019

The goal of this paper is to address the following question: if

A
A

is an

E

k

\mathbf {E}_{k}

-ring for some

k
≥
1

k\geq 1

and

f
:

π
0

A
→
B

f\colon \pi _0 A \to B

is a map of commutative rings, when can we find an

E

k

\mathbf {E}_{k}

-ring

R
R

with an

E

k

\mathbf {E}_{k}

-ring map

g
:
A
→
R

g\colon A \to R

such that

π
0

g
=
f

\pi _0 g = f

? A classical result in the theory of realizing

E

∞

\mathbf {E}_\infty

-rings, due to Goerss–Hopkins, gives an affirmative answer to this question if

f
f

is étale. The goal of this paper is to provide answers to this question when

f
f

is ramified. We prove a non-realizability result in the

K
(
n
)

K(n)

-local setting for every

n
≥
1

n\geq 1

for

H
∞

H_\infty

-rings containing primitive

p
p

th roots of unity. As an application, we give a proof of the folk result that the Lubin–Tate tower from arithmetic geometry does not lift to a tower of

H
∞

H_\infty

-rings over Morava

E
E

-theory.
Single-cell transcriptomics from human pancreatic islets: sample preparation matters
Authors: Bonnycastle Lori L , Gildea Derek E , Yan Tingfen , Narisu Narisu , Swift Amy J , Wolfsberg Tyra G , Erdos Michael R , Collins Francis S
Published: December 2019

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of human primary tissues is a rapidly emerging tool for investigating human health and disease at the molecular level. However, optimal processing of solid tissues presents a number of technical and logistical challenges, especially for tissues that are only available at autopsy, which includes pancreatic islets, a tissue that is highly relevant to diabetes. To assess the possible effects of different sample preparation protocols on fresh islet samples, we performed a detailed comparison of scRNA-seq data generated with islets isolated from a human donor but processed according to four treatment strategies, including fixation and cryopreservation. We found significant and reproducible differences in the proportion of cell types identified, and more minor effects on cell-specific patterns of gene expression. Fresh islets from a second donor confirmed gene expression signatures of alpha and beta subclusters. These findings may well apply to other tissues, emphasizing the need for careful consideration when choosing processing methods, comparing results between different studies, and/or interpreting data in the context of multiple cell types from preserved tissue.
Hemoglobin E, malaria and natural selection
Authors: Ha Jiwoo , Martinson Ryan , Iwamoto Sage K , Nishi Akihiro
Published: December 2019

It is known that there has been positive natural selection for hemoglobin S and C in humans despite negative health effects, due to its role in malaria resistance. However, it is not well understood, if there has been natural selection for hemoglobin E (HbE), which is a common variant in Southeast Asia. Therefore, we reviewed previous studies and discussed the potential role of natural selection in the prevalence of HbE. Our review shows that in vitro studies, evolutionary genetics studies and epidemiologic studies largely support an involvement of natural selection in the evolution of HbE and a protective role of HbE against malaria infection. However, the evidence is inconsistent, provided from different regions, and insufficient to perform an aggregated analysis such as a meta-analysis. In addition, few candidate gene, genome-wide association or epistasis studies, which have been made possible with the use of big data in the post-genomic era, have investigated HbE. The biological pathways linking HbE and malaria infection have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, further research is necessary before it can be concluded that there was positive natural selection for HbE due to protection against malaria.

Lay summary: Our review shows that evidence largely supports an involvement of natural selection in the evolution of HbE and a protective role of HbE against malaria. However, the evidence is not consistent. Further research is necessary before it is concluded.
A Galaxy-based training resource for single-cell RNA-sequencing quality control and analyses
Authors: Etherington Graham J , Soranzo Nicola , Mohammed Suhaib , Haerty Wilfried , Davey Robert P , Palma Federica Di
Published: December 2019

Background

It is not a trivial step to move from single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data production to data analysis. There is a lack of intuitive training materials and easy-to-use analysis tools, and researchers can find it difficult to master the basics of scRNA-seq quality control and the later analysis.

Results

We have developed a range of practical scripts, together with their corresponding Galaxy wrappers, that make scRNA-seq training and quality control accessible to researchers previously daunted by the prospect of scRNA-seq analysis. We implement a “visualize-filter-visualize” paradigm through simple command line tools that use the Loom format to exchange data between the tools. The point-and-click nature of Galaxy makes it easy to assess, visualize, and filter scRNA-seq data from short-read sequencing data.

Conclusion

We have developed a suite of scRNA-seq tools that can be used for both training and more in-depth analyses.
Simulation of site and topographic effects on ground motion in Los Alamos, NM mesas
Authors: Veeraraghavan Swetha , Coleman Justin L , Bielak Jacobo
Published: December 2019

Mesas, which consist of an elevated area of land with a flat top and steep cliffs at the sides, are one of the common geological formations present in the Los Alamos region. Previous research has shown that geological formations such as sedimentary canyons can amplify soil response during earthquakes. There have also been parametric studies to understand the response of an idealized and isolated mountain/canyon under inclined plane waves. In this study, a 2-D linear anelastic soil domain, with topography modelled after the Los Alamos region with many mesas and canyons, is considered to understand site-specific topographic effects in the presence of non-isolated topographical features. Various earthquake sources configurations ranging from point sources to finite faults with varying rupture length, dip angles and spatial slip distributions are considered. To isolate the effect of topography, three other soil domains—a homogeneous half-space, homogeneous half-space with mesas and canyons, and a computational domain with just the soil properties from the Los Alamos region on a flat soil domain is also considered. 2-D site-response analyses of these soil domains under earthquake excitation show that the free-field response of the soil can be amplified or de-amplified depending on the topography of the region and the location of the station relative to the fault. These studies also show that even relatively small mesas with height less than 100 m can significantly amplify the response (by a factor of 2 or more), which differ from the much smaller amplification factors (≤1.2) specified by standard building codes such as Eurocode-8 (2000) for topographical features with a similar slope. De-amplifications are also fairly common, especially close to the canyons. The results from this study agree qualitatively with those from the ambient vibration study conducted by Stolte et al. on a mesa from the Los Alamos region. Thus, such site-specific studies provide important insights into the variability of the topographic amplification factors within a region of interest. Such knowledge is important in the design of safety-related critical infrastructure located within that region.
Combining fisheries surveys to inform marine species distribution modelling
Authors: Moriarty Meadhbh , Sethi Suresh A , Pedreschi Debbi , Smeltz T Scott , McGonigle Chris , Harris Bradley P , Wolf Nathan , Greenstreet Simon P R
Published: December 2019

Ecosystem-scale examination of fish communities typically involves creating spatio-temporally explicit relative abundance distribution maps using data from multiple fishery-independent surveys. However, sampling performance varies by vessel and sampling gear, which may influence estimated species distribution patterns. Using GAMMs, the effect of different gear–vessel combinations on relative abundance estimates at length was investigated using European fisheries-independent groundfish survey data. We constructed a modelling framework for evaluating relative efficiency of multiple gear–vessel combinations. 19 northeast Atlantic surveys for 254 species-length combinations were examined. Space-time variables explained most of the variation in catches for 181/254 species-length cases, indicating that for many species, models successfully characterized distribution patterns when combining data from disparate surveys. Variables controlling for gear efficiency explained substantial variation in catches for 127/254 species-length data sets. Models that fail to control for gear efficiencies across surveys can mask changes in the spatial distribution of species. Estimated relative differences in catch efficiencies grouped strongly by gear type, but did not exhibit a clear pattern across species’ functional forms, suggesting difficulty in predicting the potential impact of gear efficiency differences when combining survey data to assess species’ distributions and highlighting the importance of modelling approaches that can control for gear differences.
Operator System Structures and Extensions of Schur Multipliers
Authors: Lin Ying-Fen , Todorov Ivan G
Published: December 2019

For a given C*-algebra $\mathcal{A}$, we establish the existence of maximal and minimal operator $\mathcal{A}$-system structures on an AOU $\mathcal{A}$-space. In the case $\mathcal{A}$ is a W*-algebra, we provide an abstract characterisation of dual operator $\mathcal{A}$-systems and study the maximal and minimal dual operator $\mathcal{A}$-system structures on a dual AOU $\mathcal{A}$-space. We introduce operator-valued Schur multipliers and provide a Grothendieck-type characterisation. We study the positive extension problem for a partially defined operator-valued Schur multiplier $\varphi $ and, under some richness conditions, characterise its affirmative solution in terms of the equality between the canonical and the maximal dual operator $\mathcal{A}$-system structures on an operator system naturally associated with the domain of $\varphi $.
Analysis of Humoral Immune Responses in Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV)-Infected Patients and Individuals Vaccinated With a Candidate CHIKV Vaccine
Authors: Henss Lisa , Yue Constanze , Von Rhein Christine , Tschismarov Roland , Lewis-Ximenez Lia Laura , Dölle Albert , Baylis Sally A , Schnierle Barbara S
Published: December 2019

Background

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes severe flu-like symptoms. The acute symptoms disappear after 1 week, but chronic arthralgia can persist for years. In this study, humoral immune responses in CHIKV-infected patients and vaccinees were analyzed.

Methods

Alphavirus neutralization activity was analyzed with pseudotyped lentiviral vectors, and antibody epitope mapping was performed with a peptide array.

Results

The greatest CHIKV neutralization activity was observed 60–92 days after onset of symptoms. The amount of CHIKV-specific antibodies and their binding avidity and cross-reactivity with other alphaviruses increased over time. Chikungunya virus and o’nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) were both neutralized to a similar extent. Linear antibody binding epitopes were mainly found in E2 domain B and the acid-sensitive regions (ASRs). In addition, serum samples from healthy volunteers vaccinated with a measles-vectored chikungunya vaccine candidate, MV-CHIK, were analyzed. Neutralization activity in the samples from the vaccine cohort was 2- to 6-fold lower than in samples from CHIKV-infected patients. In contrast to infection, vaccination only induced cross-neutralization with ONNV, and the E2 ASR1 was the major antibody target.

Conclusions

These data could assist vaccine design and enable the identification of correlates of protection necessary for vaccine efficacy.
Hepatitis C Virus Incidence in a Cohort in Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in New York City
Authors: Jordan Ashly E , Cleland Charles M , Wyka Katarzyna , Schackman Bruce R , Perlman David C , Nash Denis
Published: December 2019

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence has increased in the worsening opioid epidemic. We examined the HCV preventive efficacy of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and geographic variation in HCV community viral load (CVL) and its association with HCV incidence.

Methods

HCV incidence was directly measured in an open cohort of patients in a MAT program in New York City between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016. Area-level HCV CVL was calculated. Associations of individual-level factors, and of HCV CVL, with HCV incidence were examined in separate analyses.

Results

Among 8352 patients, HCV prevalence was 48.7%. Among 2535 patients seronegative at first antibody test, HCV incidence was 2.25/100 person-years of observation (PYO). Incidence was 6.70/100 PYO among those reporting main drug use by injection. Female gender, drug injection, and lower MAT retention were significantly associated with higher incidence rate ratios. Female gender, drug injection, and methadone doses <60 mg were independently associated with shorter time to HCV seroconversion. HCV CVLs varied significantly by geographic area.

Conclusions

HCV incidence was higher among those with lower MAT retention and was lower among those receiving higher methadone doses, suggesting the need to ensure high MAT retention, adequate doses, and increased HCV prevention and treatment engagement. HCV CVLs vary geographically and merit further study as predictors of HCV incidence.
Comparative Analysis of ELISA Immunoassay and LC-QTOF for Opiate Screening
Authors: Kennedy Dickson , Dani Mata
Published: December 2019

A comparative analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) for the detection of opioids in blood samples is presented. The Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) was concerned that the opioid drug class was not accurately detected at low concentrations due to the use of LC-QTOF as a non-targeted screening method for multiple classes of drugs. In order to investigate this issue, 968 ante-mortem and postmortem blood samples were analyzed by ELISA for the presence of the following opioids: morphine, morphine-glucuronide, codeine, codeine-glucuronide, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, hydromorphone-glucuronide, oxycodone, oxymorphone and oxymorphone-glucuronide. All samples had been previously analyzed by LC-QTOF. Overall, 84 samples tested positive for opioids. Discrepant samples between ELISA and LC-QTOF were analyzed by a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry confirmation method in order to determine the true composition of the sample. Upon review of the discrepant samples, no forensically relevant concentration of opioids was missed by LC-QTOF. Thus, the ability of the OCCL’s LC-QTOF screening method was verified to detect opioids at low concentrations.
Abduction and comparative weighing of explanatory hypotheses: an argumentative approach
Authors: Olmos Paula
Published: December 2019

This paper makes use of the concepts and theoretical framework developed within the field of Argumentation Theory to account for the structure and characteristics of abduction and of the comparative processes of weighing explanatory hypothesis. It elaborates an analysis of abduction based on its consideration as a meta-explanatory argumentation scheme while elucidating its relations with abductive reasoning and inference. The conceptualization of comparative processes of weighing explanatory hypothesis as complex and varied argumentative structures is presented as an alternative to the idea of providing a formally rigid and supposedly universal account of ‘inference to the best explanation’.
Intratesticular Leiomyoma: A Case Report
Authors: Baker Benjamin H , Grossgold Erik T
Published: December 2019

The majority of intratesticular masses are malignant. Although uncommon, benign lesions can be found as an intratesticular mass. An extremely rare lesion in the testicle is a leiomyoma, which has only been reported a handful of times in the literature. We report here a case of intratesticular leiomyoma, the associated imaging, and pathologic findings.
The origin of slow Alfvénic solar wind at solar minimum
Authors: Stansby D , Matteini L , Horbury T S , Perrone D , D’Amicis R , Berčič L
Published: December 2019

Although the origins of slow solar wind are unclear, there is increasing evidence that at least some of it is released in a steady state on overexpanded coronal hole magnetic field lines. This type of slow wind has similar properties to the fast solar wind, including strongly Alfvénic fluctuations. In this study, a combination of proton, alpha particle, and electron measurements are used to investigate the kinetic properties of a single interval of slow Alfvénic wind at 0.35 au. It is shown that this slow Alfvénic interval is characterized by high alpha particle abundances, pronounced alpha–proton differential streaming, strong proton beams, and large alpha-to-proton temperature ratios. These are all features observed consistently in the fast solar wind, adding evidence that at least some Alfvénic slow solar wind also originates in coronal holes. Observed differences between speed, mass flux, and electron temperature between slow Alfvénic and fast winds are explained by differing magnetic field geometry in the lower corona.
Radio and X-ray monitoring of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17591−2342 in outburst
Authors: Gusinskaia N V , Russell T D , Hessels J W T , Bogdanov S , Degenaar N , Deller A T , van den Eijnden J , Jaodand A D , Miller-Jones J C A , Wijnands R
Published: December 2019

IGR J17591−2342 is a new accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar that was recently discovered in outburst in 2018. Early observations revealed that the source’s radio emission is brighter than that of any other known neutron star low-mass X-ray binary (NS–LMXB) at comparable X-ray luminosity, and assuming its likely ≳6 kpc distance. It is comparably radio bright to black hole LMXBs at similar X-ray luminosities. In this work, we present the results of our extensive radio and X-ray monitoring campaign of the 2018 outburst of IGR J17591−2342. In total, we collected 10 quasi-simultaneous radio (VLA, ATCA) and X-ray (Swift–XRT) observations, which make IGR J17591−2342 one of the best-sampled NS–LMXBs. We use these to fit a power-law correlation index $\beta = 0.37^{+0.42}_{-0.40}$ between observed radio and X-ray luminosities (LR ∝ LXβ). However, our monitoring revealed a large scatter in IGR J17591−2342’s radio luminosity (at a similar X-ray luminosity, LX ∼1036 erg s−1, and spectral state), with LR ∼ 4 × 1029 erg s−1 during the first three reported observations, and up to a factor of 4 lower LR during later radio observations. None the less, the average radio luminosity of IGR J17591−2342 is still one of the highest among NS–LMXBs, and we discuss possible reasons for the wide range of radio luminosities observed in such systems during outburst. We found no evidence for radio pulsations from IGR J17591−2342 in our Green Bank Telescope observations performed shortly after the source returned to quiescence. None the less, we cannot rule out that IGR J17591−2342 becomes a radio millisecond pulsar during quiescence.
A SkyMapper view of the Large Magellanic Cloud: the dynamics of stellar populations
Authors: Wan Zhen , Guglielmo Magda , Lewis Geraint F , Mackey Dougal , Ibata Rodrigo A
Published: December 2019

We present the first SkyMapper stellar population analysis of the Large Magellanic Cloud (hereafter LMC), including the identification of 3578 candidate Carbon Stars through their extremely red g − r colours. Coupled with Gaia astrometry, we analyse the distribution and kinematics of this Carbon Star population, finding the LMC to be centred at (RA, Dec.) = (80.90° ± 0.29, −68.74° ± 0.12), with a bulk proper motion of $(\mu _{\alpha },\mu _{\delta }) = (1.878\pm 0.007,0.293\pm 0.018) \, \mathrm{mas \, yr^{-1}}$ and a disc inclination of i = 25.6° ± 1.1 at position angle θ = 135.6° ± 3.3°. We complement this study with the identification and analysis of additional stellar populations, finding that the dynamical centre for red giant branch stars is similar to that seen for the Carbon Stars, whereas for young stars the dynamical centre is significantly offset from the older populations. This potentially indicates that the young stars were formed as a consequence of a strong tidal interaction, probably with the Small Magellanic Cloud. In terms of internal dynamics, the tangential velocity profile increases linearly within $\sim \!3\ \, \mathrm{kpc}$, after which it maintains an approximately constant value of $V_{\mathrm{ rot}} = 83.6\pm 1.7 \, \mathrm{km \, s^{-1}}$ until $\sim \!7 \, \mathrm{kpc}$. With an asymmetric drift correction, we estimate the mass within $7\, \mathrm{kpc}$ to be $M_{\rm LMC}(\lt 7\, \mathrm{kpc}) = (2.5\pm 0.1)\times 10^{10}{\rm \, {\rm M}_{\odot }}$ and within the tidal radius ($\sim\! 30\ \, \mathrm{kpc}$) to be $M_{\rm LMC}(\lt 30\, \mathrm{kpc}) = (1.06 \pm 0.32)\times 10^{11}\ {\rm \, {\rm M}_{\odot }}$, consistent with other recent measurements.
Characterization of the ground layer of turbulence at Paranal using a robotic SLODAR system
Authors: Butterley T , Wilson R W , Sarazin M , Dubbeldam C M , Osborn J , Clark P
Published: December 2019

We describe the implementation of a robotic SLODAR instrument at the Cerro Paranal observatory. The instrument measures the vertical profile of the optical atmospheric turbulence strength, in 8 resolution elements, to a maximum altitude ranging between 100 and 500 m. We present statistical results of measurements of the turbulence profile on a total of 875 nights between 2014 and 2018. The vertical profile of the ground layer of turbulence is very varied, but in the median case most of the turbulence strength in the ground layer is concentrated within the first 50 m altitude, with relatively weak turbulence at higher altitudes up to 500 m. We find good agreement between measurements of the seeing angle from the SLODAR and from the Paranal DIMM seeing monitor, and also for seeing values extracted from the Shack–Hartmann active optics sensor of Very Large Telescope (VLT) Unit Telescope 1 (UT1), adjusting for the height of each instrument above ground level. The SLODAR data suggest that a median improvement in the seeing angle from 0.689 to 0.481 arcsec at wavelength 500 nm would be obtained by fully correcting the ground-layer turbulence between the height of the UTs (taken as 10 m) and altitude 500 m.
Structure of HhaI endonuclease with cognate DNA at an atomic resolution of 1.0 Å
Authors: Horton John R , Yang Jie , Zhang Xing , Petronzio Theresa , Fomenkov Alexey , Wilson Geoffrey G , Roberts Richard J , Cheng Xiaodong
Published: December 2019

HhaI, a Type II restriction endonuclease, recognizes the symmetric sequence 5′-GCG↓C-3′ in duplex DNA and cleaves (‘↓’) to produce fragments with 2-base, 3′-overhangs. We determined the structure of HhaI in complex with cognate DNA at an ultra-high atomic resolution of 1.0 Å. Most restriction enzymes act as dimers with two catalytic sites, and cleave the two strands of duplex DNA simultaneously, in a single binding event. HhaI, in contrast, acts as a monomer with only one catalytic site, and cleaves the DNA strands sequentially, one after the other. HhaI comprises three domains, each consisting of a mixed five-stranded β sheet with a defined function. The first domain contains the catalytic-site; the second contains residues for sequence recognition; and the third contributes to non-specific DNA binding. The active-site belongs to the ‘PD-D/EXK’ superfamily of nucleases and contains the motif SD-X11-EAK. The first two domains are similar in structure to two other monomeric restriction enzymes, HinP1I (G↓CGC) and MspI (C↓CGG), which produce fragments with 5′-overhangs. The third domain, present only in HhaI, shifts the positions of the recognition residues relative to the catalytic site enabling this enzyme to cleave the recognition sequence at a different position. The structure of M.HhaI, the biological methyltransferase partner of HhaI, was determined earlier. Together, these two structures represent the first natural pair of restriction-modification enzymes to be characterized in atomic detail.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Examining the Effects of Instructions for Electronic Cigarette Use on Smoking-Related Behaviors and Biomarkers of Exposure
Authors: Hatsukami Dorothy K , Meier Ellen , Lindgren Bruce R , Anderson Amanda , Reisinger Sarah A , Norton Kaila J , Strayer Lori , Jensen Joni A , Dick Laura , Murphy Sharon E , Carmella Steven G , Tang Mei-Kuen , Chen Menglan , Hecht Stephen S , O’connor Richard J , Shields Peter G
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have the potential to significantly reduce exposure to harmful constituents associated with cigarette smoking when smokers completely substitute cigarettes with e-cigarettes. This study examined patterns of e-cigarette and cigarette use, and extent of toxicant exposure, if smokers were instructed and incentivized to completely switch to e-cigarettes compared to instructions to use the product ad libitum.

Aims and Methods

US adult daily smokers (n = 264; 49.2% female; Mage = 47.0), uninterested in quitting smoking immediately, were recruited from Minneapolis, MN, Columbus, OH, and Buffalo, NY. Participants were randomized to 8 weeks of instructions for (1) ad libitum use of e-cigarettes (AD-E), (2) complete substitution of cigarettes with e-cigarettes (CS-E), (3) complete substitution of cigarettes with nicotine gum or lozenge (CS-NRT), or (4) continue smoking of usual brand cigarettes (UB). Participants were incentivized for protocol compliance, including complete switching in the CS-E and CS-NRT groups. Outcome variables were cigarette smoking rate and tobacco-related biomarkers of exposure.

Results

Smokers in the CS-E and CS-NRT groups showed lower rates of smoking and lower exposure to carbon monoxide, tobacco carcinogens, and other toxicants than smokers in the AD-E group. In general, no significant differences were observed between CS-E versus CS-NRT or between AD-E versus UB for most biomarkers. Significantly higher 7-day point prevalence smoke-free rates were observed for CS-E versus CS-NRT.

Conclusions

Smokers instructed and incentivized to completely switch to e-cigarettes resulted in lower smoking rates and greater reductions in exposures to harmful chemicals than smokers instructed to use the product ad libitum.

Implications

Smokers instructed to completely substitute e-cigarettes for cigarettes displayed significantly lower levels of smoking and biomarkers of exposure to carcinogens and toxicants, compared to smokers instructed to use e-cigarettes ad libitum and similar levels as smokers instructed to completely substitute with nicotine replacement therapies. Furthermore, a higher rate of complete switching was achieved with e-cigarettes versus nicotine replacement therapies. Approaches to maximize complete substitution with e-cigarettes are an important area for future research.
Evaluation of the Impact of a Regional Educational Advertising Campaign on Harm Perceptions of E-Cigarettes, Prevalence of E-Cigarette Use, and Quit Attempts Among Smokers
Authors: Tattan-Birch Harry , Jackson Sarah E , Ide Charlotte , Bauld Linda , Shahab Lion
Published: December 2019

Introduction

We evaluated how effective an advertising campaign that was piloted by Cancer Research UK in January/February 2018 was at promoting quit attempts by increasing awareness of the relative harms of e-cigarettes compared with smoking.

Methods

Adults (≥16 years, n = 2217) living in Greater Manchester (campaign region), Yorkshire & Humber and the North East of England (control regions) completed cross-sectional surveys immediately before and after the campaign period. Surveys measured socio-demographics, perceptions and use of e-cigarettes, and motivation and attempts to quit smoking. We tested interactions between time (pre, post) and region (campaign, control).

Results

36.7% (95% CI 33.0%–40.6%) of those in the intervention region recognized the campaign. In the general population, interactions were nonsignificant for all outcomes except for perception of e-cigarettes as effective cessation aids, with smaller increases from pre- to post-campaign in the campaign (49.9% to 54.0%) compared with the control region (40.5% to 55.0%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.66, 95% CI .45–0.98). Among smokers, motivation to quit increased in the intervention region (44.0% to 48.0%) but decreased in the control region (40.5% to 21.5%; OR = 2.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–7.16), with no other significant differences between regions over time. Bayes factors confirmed that nonsignificant results were inconclusive.

Conclusions

Compared with the control region, the campaign was associated with an increase in smokers’ motivation to quit but a smaller increase in adults’ perception of e-cigarettes as an effective cessation aid. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether the campaign affected other outcomes.

Implications

Past extended mass media tobacco control campaigns have been shown to change public attitudes towards smoking, improve motivation to quit smoking, and reduce smoking prevalence. Much less is known about shorter, targeted campaigns. Here we show that using mass media to communicate accurate information about the relative harms of e-cigarettes compared with smoking may be an effective strategy in increasing smokers’ motivation to quit. Moreover, even when only run for a month, such campaigns can reach a large proportion of the targeted population. Further research is needed to evaluate effects on quit attempts and success.
International Perspectives
Authors: McCarthy Marie
Published: December 2019

Music educators are united by a common purpose: To engage children and youth in music and to develop their artistic life and their humanity. To achieve that purpose, they advocate the values of music, develop instructional programs that are comprehensive and dynamic, and expand what is known about music teaching and learning through reflective practice and participation in research and inquiry. In these and other ways, music educators serve to build on past traditions and open the way to cultural transformation through the imaginative and creative contributions of a new generation of music-makers. The process of music education is manifest uniquely in each national context, based on political, social, and cultural histories; geographical location; and economic circumstances. This article provides a historical perspective on how music education has developed into a global community during the twentieth century. It examines trends and challenges that confront music educators at the beginning of the twenty-first century and makes projections about the future course of music education.
Music Education Philosophy
Authors: Elliott David J.
Published: December 2019

This article introduces the field called “the philosophy of music education,” or music education philosophy (MEP). The philosophy of music education is a relatively young field, with many music educators unaware of its existence, not to mention its nature and values. Indeed, specialized courses in MEP are still infrequent in undergraduate and graduate music education curricula in North America and most other nations. Nevertheless, there is a fairly sizeable and rapidly expanding international literature intended to (1) analyze, synthesize, debate, or “problematize” and “worry” all theoretical and practical aspects of music education and, thereby, to (2) inform teachers, university music education students, and scholars about fundamental concepts, conceptions, controversies, principles, and practices in school and community music education.
Commentary: Music Learning and Teaching During Adolescence: Ages 12–18
Authors: Spruce Gary , Odena Oscar
Published: December 2019

This article focuses on music teaching and learning during the adolescent years by identifying and exploring key issues, concepts, and debates that particularly impact on, or are significant for, the musical experiences and development of young people during this period of their lives. A number of key themes emerge from the discussions that cause us to question assumptions about the role of music in the lives of adolescents, including how young people use and relate to music, and the way music educators can best meet the challenges of addressing young people's musical and wider needs in the range of contexts in which their musical learning and experiences take place.
Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Content
Authors: Philpott Chris , Wright Ruth
Published: December 2019

This article, which addresses the interfaces between learning, teaching, and curriculum in classroom music teaching, presents a theoretical framework drawn from the work of the British sociologist Basil Bernstein that allows for the analysis of different curriculum and pedagogic models in music education. To elaborate on this, a number of different curriculum models are presented and analyzed. Finally, the article shares some thoughts concerning future music curricula, based on Bernstein's principles of democratic rights in education, which focus on the possibility of promoting social justice in the music classroom.
The Young Singer
Authors: Phillips Kenneth H. , Williams Jenevora , Edwin Robert
Published: December 2019

Development of the singing voice is especially important for the young. Those who learn to sing early reap a lifetime of benefits, which, in addition to developing aesthetic awareness, include personal, social, and educational outcomes. Singing is a skill that requires disciplined study if the singer is to develop his/her potential. While vocal music teachers agree that children can and should learn to sing, some have considered it inappropriate to teach singing to children via formal instruction. Fortunately, this opinion is changing. The authors agree that structured singing is a learned behavior and formal vocal instruction is appropriate for most young people. This article presents specific information for developing child and adolescent singers.
Voice Health and Vocal Education
Authors: Nix John , Roy Nelson
Published: December 2019

Vocal health is of paramount importance to educators and performers of all ages and genres. Whether selecting appropriate repertoire for soloists, adjusting spacing to provide ideal self-to-other ratios between choir singers, developing age-appropriate exercises for young singers, or managing medication side effects on older singers' voices, optimizing vocal health creates the conditions for singers to reach their full potential and to produce expressive performances. This article begins by considering some of the occupational hazards voice educators and performers face. It also provides an overview of evidence-based healthy practices for teaching and performing, and offers suggestions for teaching healthy voice use to students. Included in this discussion is information on integrating the function of the whole body with the voice. The article closes with information on developing healthy learning/teaching environments.
Pathways to Learning and Teaching indigenous and world music Ensembles
Authors: Burke Robert , Evans Sam
Published: December 2019

This article, which explores ensemble teaching models using the learning experiences of the Monash University World Music Orchestra (Australia) as an example, discusses both indigenous and world music in an ensemble setting. It also includes definitive processes for teaching both indigenous and world music ensembles, an investigation of teaching and learning challenges, and solutions for teachers. Learning and teaching principles and methods that facilitate multiple approaches toward the acquisition of skills and knowledge are discussed in an ordered teaching plan. Challenges, strategies, and solutions are central to the analysis, and use case studies as a guide.
Emotion in Music Education
Authors: Letts Richard
Published: December 2019

This article explores the reasons behind music instructors' failure to openly acknowledge the emotional aspect of music. Perhaps emotions are private matters, not to be discussed in public; or inappropriate subject matter for a university course unless presented in the context of medicine and illness. These issues are considered due to efforts currently underway around the world to revise a number of national curricula. The article also discusses how the emotional aspects of music can be included in a curriculum.