bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact objects and the swampland
Authors: Herdeiro Carlos A. R. , Radu Eugen , Uzawa Kunihito
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Recently, two simple criteria were proposed to assess if vacua emerging from an effective scalar field theory are part of the string “landscape” or “swampland”. The former are the vacua that emerge from string compactifications; the latter are not obtained by any such compactification and hence may not survive in a UV completed theory of gravity. So far, these criteria have been applied to inflationary and dark energy models. Here we consider them in the context of solitonic compact objects made up of scalar fields: boson stars. Analysing several models (static, rotating, with and without self-interactions), we find that, in this context, the criteria are not independent. Furthermore, we find the universal behaviour that in the region wherein the boson stars are expected to be perturbatively stable, the compact objects may be part of the landscape. By contrast, in the region where they may be faithful black hole mimickers, in the sense they possess a light ring, the criteria fail (are obeyed) for static (rotating) ultracompact boson stars, which should thus be part of the swampland (landscape). We also consider hairy black holes interpolating between these boson stars and the Kerr solution and establish the part of the domain of existence where the swampland criteria are violated. In interpreting these results one should bear in mind, however, that the swampland criteria are not quantitatively strict.
Comparison of Preoperative and Postoperative MRI After Fistula‐in‐Ano Surgery: Lessons Learnt from An Audit of 1323 MRI At a Single Centre
Authors: Garg Pankaj
Published: January 2019

Aim

Several studies have evaluated the efficacy of preoperative MRI in fistula‐in‐ano. However, the evaluation of MRI after fistula‐in‐ano surgery has never been done. The aim was to evaluate the utility of MRI in postoperative period after fistula‐in‐ano surgery.

Methods

Preoperative MRI was done in all the patients presenting with fistula‐in‐ano. Postoperative MRI was done to check radiological healing in clinically healed fistulas or when postoperative complication/healing problem was seen. The postoperative MRI was compared with preoperative MRI and correlated with the clinical picture.

Results

A total of 1323 MRI were done in 1003 fistula‐in‐ano patients, out of which 702 patients underwent surgery. In 702 patients, there were 361 recurrent fistulas, 153 had associated abscess, 388 had multiple tracts, 146 had horseshoe tract, and 76 had supralevator fistula. In total, 320 postoperative MRI scans were done in 180/702 patients. The requirement of postoperative MRI was significantly higher in complex (grades III–V) than simple fistulas (grades I–II) [43.5% (136/313) vs. 11.3% (44/389), respectively, P < 0.0001]. In early postoperative period (8 weeks), healing (granulation) tissue was difficult to differentiate from active fistula tract/pus. The complete radiological healing took at least 10–12 weeks. So getting MRI scan for the assessment of healing was more accurate after 12 weeks. MRI was very accurate to identify postoperative complications like abscess, missed tract or non‐healing of a tract. MRI detected such complications even in apparently clinically healed tracts. Closure/healing of internal opening and intersphincteric tract was assessed accurately by MRI and correlated well with the fistula healing.

Conclusions

MRI is highly useful to assess healing and detect complications after fistula surgery.
Association of Medicaid Expansion Policy with Outcomes in Homeless Patients Requiring Emergency General Surgery
Authors: Manzano‐Nunez Ramiro , Zogg Cheryl K. , Bhulani Nizar , McCarty Justin C. , Herrera‐Escobar Juan P. , Lu Kaye , Andriotti Tomas , Uribe‐Leitz Tarsicio , de Jager Elzerie , Jarman Molly P. , Haider Adil H. , Ortega Gezzer
Published: January 2019

Background

Medicaid expansion has reduced obstacles faced in receiving care. Emergency general surgery (EGS) is a clinical event where delays in appropriate care impact outcomes. Therefore, we assessed the association between non‐Medicaid expansion policy and multiple outcomes in homeless patients requiring EGS.

Methods

We used 2014 State Inpatient Database to identify homeless individuals admitted with a primary EGS diagnosis who underwent an EGS procedure. States were divided into those that did and did not implement Medicaid expansion. Multivariable quantile regression was used to examine associations between non‐Medicaid expansion states and (1) length of stay and (2) total index hospital charges within the homeless population. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between non‐Medicaid expansion and (1) mortality, (2) surgical complications, (3) discharge against medical advice, and (4) home healthcare.

Results

A total of 6930 homeless patients were identified. Of these, 435 (6.2%) were in non‐expansion states. Non‐Medicaid expansion was associated with higher charges (coef: $46,264, 95% CI 40,388–52,139). There were non‐significant differences in mortality (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.79–2.62; p = 0.2) or surgical complications (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.7–1.8; p = 0.4). However, homeless individuals living in non‐expansion states did have higher odds of being discharged against medical advice (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.08–4.05; p = 0.02), and lower odds of receiving home healthcare (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.8; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Homeless patients living in Medicaid expansion states had lower odds of being discharged against medical advice, higher likelihood of receiving home healthcare and overall lower total index hospital charges.
DOXASTICISM: BELIEF AND THE INFORMATION-RESPONSIVENESS OF MIND
Authors: Audi Robert
Published: January 2019

This paper concerns a problem that has received insufficient analysis in the philosophical literature so far: the conditions under which an information-bearing state – say a perception or recollection – yields belief. The paper distinguishes between belief and a psychological property easily conflated with belief, illustrates the tendency of philosophers to overlook this distinction, and offers a positive conception of the mind's information-responsiveness that requires far less belief-formation – and far less formation of other propositional attitudes – than has been commonly supposed to be produced by perception and other experiences. This conception is clarified by a partial sketch of the natural economy of mind. The paper then considers two important questions the conception raises. Does it force us to abandon the venerable belief-desire conception of intentional action, and does it require expanding the domain of intellectual responsibility and thereby our conception of epistemic virtue?
Equalizing Resources vs. Retaining Black Political Power: Paradoxes of an Urban-Suburban School District Merger in Durham, North Carolina, 1958–1996
Authors: Cyna Esther
Published: January 2019

Two separate school districts—a city one and a county one—operated independently in Durham, North Carolina, until the early 1990s. The two districts merged relatively late compared to other North Carolina cities, such as Raleigh and Charlotte. In Durham, residents in both the county and city systems vehemently opposed the merger until the county commissioners ultimately bypassed a popular vote. African American advocates in the city school district, in particular, faced an impossible trade-off: city schools increasingly struggled financially because of an inequitable funding structure, but a merger would significantly threaten fair racial representation on the consolidated school board. This article explores this core tension in historical context by looking at several failed merger attempts from 1958 to 1988, as well as the 1991 merger implementation, against the backdrop of desegregation, economic transition, profound metropolitan changes, and protracted political battles in Durham.
Performance of cultivated indica rice (Oryza Sativa L.) as affected by weedy rice
Authors: Munda Sushmita , Saha Sanjoy , Adak Totan , Jambhulkar Nitiprasad , Sanghamitra Priyadarsini , Patra Bhaskar Chandra
Published: January 2019

Weedy rice species exhibit differential competitive ability and cause significant losses to rice yield. The present study was conducted to evaluate the competing ability of weedy rice accessions collected from foothills of eastern Himalayas and coastal Odisha grown in the presence of cultivated indica rice var. Swarna. The competitive ability of Swarna and weedy rices were estimated on the basis of (i) Swarna yield reduction under different durations of competition with weedy rice; and (ii) nutrient uptake by Swarna and weedy rice in competitive environment. There was significant yield reduction (18%) when competition was allowed until 6 weeks after emergence (WAE) compared to competition until 2 WAE, which was due to vigorous growth of weedy rice at early vegetative stage. The biomass accumulation and tiller number of weedy rice were significantly higher compared to Swarna. Odisha weedy rice accession recorded about 18, 57 and 24% higher N, P and K uptake, respectively, than Swarna. The highest yield reduction (22%) in Swarna was recorded when grown with OA1 and the lowest impact (7.7%) was recorded with AA2. As conclusion, management practices should be implemented within 2–4 weeks of emergence considering 5–10% acceptable yield loss of Swarna, and grain yield of cultivated rice was reduced significantly by high N and K uptake by weedy rice under a competitive environment.
Robust Output-Feedback Formation Control Design for Nonholonomic Mobile Robot (NMRs)
Authors: Yousuf Bilal M.
Published: January 2019

This paper addresses the systematic approach to design formation control for kinematic model of unicycle-type nonholonomic mobile robots. These robots are difficult to stabilize and control due to their nonintegrable constraints. The difficulty of control increases when there is a requirement to control a cluster of nonholonomic mobile robots in specific formation. In this paper, the design of the control scheme is presented in a three-step process. First, a robust state-feedback point-to-point stabilization control is designed using sliding mode control. In the second step, the controller is modified so as to address the tracking problem for time-varying reference trajectories. The proposed control scheme is shown to provide the desired robustness properties in the presence of the parameter variation, in the region of interest. Finally, in third step, tracking problem of a single nonholonomic mobile robot extends to formation control for a group of mobile robots in the leader–follower scenario using integral terminal- based sliding mode control augmented with stabilizing control. Starting with the transformation of the mathematical model of robots, the proposed controller ensures that the robots maintain a constant distance between each other to avoid collision. The main problem with the proposed controller is that it requires all states specially velocities. Therefore, the state-feedback control scheme is then extended to output feedback by incorporating a highgain observer. With the help of Lyapunov analysis and appropriate simulations, it is shown that the proposed output-feedback control scheme achieves the required control objectives. Furthermore, the closed loop system trajectories reach to desired equilibrium point in finite time while maintaining the special pattern.
Analysis and Evaluation on Unloading Ratio of Zero-g Simulation System Based on Torques of Space Manipulator
Authors: Tian Sihui , Tang Xiaoqiang , Li Yuqi
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a dynamic model of a seven-joints manipulator operated in a zero-g simulation system is established. The errors of the friction, the suspension force, and the flexible deformation of arms are considered. Furthermore, the unloading ratio, which can evaluate the performance of the simulation system, is presented. It can reflect the level of similarity between the system and the space environment directly and effectively. The results of experimental and theoretical analyses verify the correctness of the model. It helps us to get the joint torques when the actual space manipulator without the torque sensor operates in this system and guarantees the safety of the experiments.
Evaluation of visual function in Royal College of Surgeon rats using a depth perception visual cliff test
Authors: Tzameret Adi , Sher Ifat , Edelstain Victoria , Belkin Michael , Kalter-Leibovici Ofra , Solomon Arieh S. , Rotenstreich Ygal
Published: January 2019

Preserving of vision is the main goal in vision research. The presented research evaluates the preservation of visual function in Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rats using a depth perception test. Rats were placed on a stage with one side containing an illusory steep drop (“cliff”) and another side with a minimal drop (“table”). Latency of stage dismounting and the percentage of rats that set their first foot on the “cliff” side were determined. Nondystrophic Long–Evans (LE) rats were tested as control. Electroretinogram and histology analysis were used to determine retinal function and structure. Four-week-old RCS rats presented a significantly shorter mean latency to dismount the stage compared with 6-week-old rats (mean ± standard error, 13.7 ± 1.68 vs. 20.85 ± 6.5 s, P = 0.018). Longer latencies were recorded as rats aged, reaching 45.72 s in 15-week-old rats (P < 0.00001 compared with 4-week-old rats). All rats at the age of 4 weeks placed their first foot on the table side. By contrast, at the age of 8 weeks, 28.6% rats dismounted on the cliff side and at the age of 10 and 15 weeks, rats randomly dismounted the stage to either table or cliff side. LE rats dismounted the stage faster than 4-week-old RCS rats, but the difference was not statistically significant (7 ± 1.58 s, P = 0.057) and all LE rats dismounted on the table side. The latency to dismount the stage in RCS rats correlated with maximal electroretinogram b-wave under dark and light adaptation (Spearman’s rho test = −0.603 and −0.534, respectively, all P < 0.0001), outer nuclear layer thickness (Spearman’s rho test = −0.764, P = 0.002), and number of S- and M-cones (Spearman’s rho test = −0.763 [P = 0.002], and −0.733 [P = 0.004], respectively). The cliff avoidance test is an objective, quick, and readily available method for the determination of RCS rats’ visual function.
A Gender Gap in Party Congruence and Responsiveness?
Authors: Ferland Benjamin
Published: January 2019

Congruence and responsiveness between the policy preferences of citizens and elites are considered key characteristics of democracy. Although these relationships between citizens and elites have been thoroughly examined, little attention has been devoted to differences in the representation of women and men in studies of congruence and responsiveness. Herein, I evaluate the presence of a gender gap both in terms of party congruence and party responsiveness with respect to the relationship between female and male supporters and the party they voted for. In addition, I examine whether the presence of elected women in parties decreases the gender gap in party congruence and responsiveness. My analyses of the data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems and several national elections studies indicate that parties are generally as close and as responsive to the preferences of male supporters as to those of female supporters on the left–right ideological scale. However, the presence of elected women in parties favors women's representation and may thus reduce inequality in gender representation.
Conservative Women in Germany and Japan: Chancellors versus Madonnas
Authors: Gaunder Alisa , Wiliarty Sarah
Published: January 2019

Despite many similarities between them, the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have represented women in parliament at different rates. This article argues that differences in party organization, electoral system rules, and left party strength interact to explain the varying levels of representation of conservative women in parliament. The CDU's corporatist structure allowed it to represent diverse interests and successfully respond to challenges for female support from the left. As a result of a weaker left party challenge and a classic catch-all party organization, the LDP's attempts to incorporate women have been less extensive and largely symbolic.
Should performance-based incentives be used to motivate health care providers? Views of health sector managers in Cambodia, China and Pakistan
Authors: Khan Mishal , Roychowdhury Imara , Meghani Ankita , Hashmani Farah , Borghi Josephine , Liverani Marco
Published: January 2019

This study qualitatively investigates what factors apart from or in addition to financial incentives can encourage better performance of frontline health care providers. We interviewed health sector managers in Pakistan, Cambodia and China, and they highlighted many potential limitations in the applicability of financial incentives in their contexts. There was a consistent view that providers are not always primarily driven by monetary rewards and that non-monetary rewards – such as recognition from direct supervisors and career development – could have a greater influence on performance. Managers also highlighted several challenges related to the design and implementation of performance management schemes: supervisors may not have performance information necessary to determine which agents to reward; when performance information is available, organisational culture may value other attributes such as social ties or years of experience; finally, concentration of power at higher levels of the health system can reduce supervisors’ ability to manage performance, rewards and accountability. Although health sector managers were enthusiastic about measures to improve performance of providers, our study indicated that specific social, cultural and health system factors may mean that non-monetary rewards and structural changes to support a more transparent and meritocratic working environment should also be considered.
Die Rolle des Exposoms in der Entstehung von chronisch entzündlichen Darmkrankheiten
Authors: Niess Jan Hendrik , Kaymak Tanay , Hruz Petr
Published: January 2019

Zusammenfassung. Colitis ulcerosa und Morbus Crohn sind chronisch-entzündliche Darmerkrankungen (CED) mit einer komplexen Pathophysiologie. Eine Kombination von genetischen Faktoren und Umweltfaktoren beeinflussen die normale Interaktion zwischen dem mukosalen Immunsystem und der intestinalen Mikrobiota des Wirts. Bei beiden Erkrankungen spielt eine gestörte Mukosabarriere in genetisch prädisponierten Individuen und eine überschiessende Aktivierung des mukosalen Immunsystems auf im gastrointestinalen Trakt vorhandene Antigene, mikrobielle oder diätetische Produkte eine wichtige Rolle. Die zunehmende Prävalenz dieser Erkrankungen in industrialisierten Ländern lässt vermuten, dass neben genetischen Suszeptibiliätsfaktoren auch andere (Umwelt)Faktoren an der Krankheitsentstehung beteiligt sein müssen. Beim Konzept des Exposoms wird die Exposition gegenüber allen Umweltfaktoren, welchen man übers gesamte Leben ausgesetzt ist, erfasst. Die Kenntnisse sind in diesem Bereich zwar noch sehr limitiert, doch einige Umweltfaktoren konnten mit der Entstehung von CED oder der Auslösung eines Krankheitsschubes assoziiert werden.
Medikamentöse Behandlung der CED
Authors: Juillerat Pascal
Published: January 2019

Zusammenfassung. Seit der Einführung der biologischen Therapie mit monoklonalen Antikörpern hat sich das Management von entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen stark weiterentwickelt. Das Behandlungskonzept dieser beiden chronischen, schubförmigen Erkrankungen (Morbus Crohn und Colitis ulcerosa) bleibt jedoch gleich: Die Wahl des richtigen Medikaments zur Induktion der Remission, basierend auf der Aktivität und dem Ausmass der Erkrankung, und dann im Idealfall mit dem gleichen Medikament die Aufrechterhaltung der Remission. Dieser Artikel behandelt in einer praktischen (Algorithmus) und prägnanten Weise für den Allgemeinmediziner und den GI-Spezialisten das grundlegende und neuere Wissen auf diesem Gebiet.
Climate Change Suppresses Santa Ana Winds of Southern California and Sharpens Their Seasonality
Authors: Guzman‐Morales Janin , Gershunov Alexander
Published: January 2019

We downscale Santa Ana winds (SAWs) from eight global climate models (GCMs) and validate key aspects of their climatology over the historical period. We then assess SAW evolution and behavior through the 21st century, paying special attention to changes in their extreme occurrences. All GCMs project decreases in SAW activity, starting in the early 21st century, which are commensurate with decreases in the southwestward pressure gradient force that drives these winds. The trend is most pronounced in the early and late SAW season: fall and spring. It is mainly determined by changes in the frequency of SAW events, less so by changes in their intensity. The peak of the SAW season (November–December–January) is least affected by anthropogenic climate change in GCM projections.
Attribution of Global Soil Moisture Drying to Human Activities: A Quantitative Viewpoint
Authors: Gu Xihui , Zhang Qiang , Li Jianfeng , Singh Vijay P. , Liu Jianyu , Sun Peng , Cheng Changxiu
Published: January 2019

Anthropogenic impacts on widespread global soil moisture (SM) drying in the root zone layer during 1948–2005 were evaluated based on the Global Land Data Assimilation System version 2 (GLDAS‐2) and global climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 using trend analysis and optimal fingerprint methods. Both methods show agreement that natural forcing alone cannot drive significant SM drying. There is a high probability (≥90%) that the anthropogenic climate change signal is detectable in global SM drying. Specifically, anthropogenic greenhouse gas forcing can lead to global SM drying by 2.1 × 10−3 m3/m3, which is comparable to the drying trend seen in Global Land Data Assimilation System version 2 (2.4 × 10−3 m3/m3) over the past 58 years. Global SM drying is expected to continue in the future, given continuous greenhouse gas emissions.
The First Concurrent Observations of Thermospheric Na Layers From Two Nearby Central Midlatitude Lidar Stations
Authors: Xun Yuchang , Yang Guotao , She Chiao‐Yao , Wang Jihong , Du Lifang , Yan Zhaoai , Yang Yong , Cheng Xuewu , Li Faquan
Published: January 2019

In 2011, Chu et al. reported the observation of neutral Fe layers reaching 155 km. Since then, there are five additional reports of layers extending above 130 km to as high as 170 km, none from central middle latitudes (35°–55°), a large atmospheric region of considerable importance. Here we report the first concurrent observations of thermospheric Na layers from two nearby lidar stations so located, Yanqing (40.5°N, 116.0°E) and Pingquan (41.0°N, 118.7°E). From one‐year data set, we found four such layers, including an unprecedented one reaching 200 km with highest density of 35 cm−3 and fastest descending rate. While the main Na layers were comparable, in three nights, these thermospheric layers were observed only in one station (Yanqing), suggesting that these layers often occur locally with a horizontal scale less than ~250 km. We tabulate, compare, and discuss the principle characteristics of all the reported thermospheric layers.
Atlantic Deep‐Sea Cherts Associated With Eocene Hyperthermal Events
Authors: Penman Donald E. , Keller Allison , D'haenens Simon , Kirtland Turner Sandra , Hull Pincelli M.
Published: January 2019

Chert, porcelainite, and other siliceous phases are exceptionally common in Atlantic sedimentary records of the early Eocene, but the origins of these facies remain enigmatic. The early Eocene was also the warmest interval of the entire Cenozoic Era, punctuated by numerous discrete warming events termed “hyperthermals,” the largest of which is termed the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (~56 Ma). Here we present new and published lithologic and carbon isotope records of silica‐bearing lower Eocene sediments and suggest a link between the ubiquitous Atlantic cherts of that time period and hyperthermal events. Our data demonstrate that many of these Atlantic siliceous horizons coincide with negative carbon isotope excursions (a hallmark of hyperthermal events), including a previously unrecognized record of the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum in the South Atlantic. Hyperthermal‐associated silica burial appears to be focused in the western middle to high latitudes of both the North and South Atlantic, with no association between siliceous facies and hyperthermal events found in the Pacific. We also present a new model of the coupled carbon and silica cycles (LOSiCAR) to demonstrate that enhanced silicate weathering during these events would require a rapid increase in total marine silica burial. Model experiments that include previously suggested transient reversals in the pattern of deep‐ocean circulation during hyperthermals demonstrate that such a mechanism can explain the apparent focusing of elevated silica burial into the Atlantic. This combination—a silicate weathering feedback in response to global warming along with a circulation‐driven focusing of silica burial—represents a new mechanism for the formation of deep‐sea cherts in lower Eocene Atlantic sedimentary records and may be relevant to understanding chert formation in other intervals of Earth history.
Effects of Ionospheric Conductivity and Ground Conductance on Geomagnetically Induced Currents During Geomagnetic Storms: Case Studies at Low‐Latitude and Equatorial Regions
Authors: Espinosa Karen V. , Padilha Antonio L. , Alves Livia R.
Published: January 2019

Geomagnetic field variations recorded by fluxgate magnetometers are used to evaluate geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) under the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA) during two geomagnetic storms in March and June 2015. Geomagnetic stations with information about the underground electrical conductivity structure and that can be approximated by unidimensional (1‐D) models for calculation of the geoelectric field are selected. GICs levels are estimated using a realistic local power grid model located in the central region of Brazil, artificially moved to the sites where the geomagnetic measurements are available. GIC magnitudes are not large during the storms, and a maximum amplitude of 3.8 A was estimated at an equatorial station positioned over high resistivity underground during the main phase of the June storm. Effects of the ionospheric currents over the measurement sites and of the conductivity distribution beneath these sites are also evaluated. It is observed that both (EEJ) and (SAMA) increase the GICs amplitudes, with the greatest effects associated with daytime (EEJ) currents. A cutoff frequency was identified for both the (EEJ) and (SAMA) so that signals with frequencies lower than 2 mHz (periods longer than 500 s) are not amplified by the ionospheric currents. In relation to the underlying conductivity structure, GIC magnitude is affected by variation of the surface impedance and the sampling rate of the geomagnetic field. In our case, differences in amplitude of the surface impedance at the Nyquist frequency control the relative effects of the ground conductance between the stations.
Structure of the Lithosphere Beneath the Barotse Basin, Western Zambia, From Magnetotelluric Data
Authors: Evans R. L. , Elsenbeck J. , Zhu J. , Abdelsalam M. G. , Sarafian E. , Mutamina D. , Chilongola F. , Atekwana E. A. , Jones A. G.
Published: January 2019

A magnetotelluric survey in the Barotse Basin of western Zambia shows clear evidence for thinned lithosphere beneath an orogenic belt. The uppermost asthenosphere, at a depth of 60–70 km, is highly conductive, suggestive of the presence of a small amount of partial melt, despite the fact that there is no surface expression of volcanism in the region. Although the data support the presence of thicker cratonic lithosphere to the southeast of the basin, the lithospheric thickness is not well resolved and models show variations ranging from ~80 to 150 km in this region. Similarly variable is the conductivity of the mantle beneath the basin and immediately beneath the cratonic lithosphere to the southeast, although the conductivity is required to be elevated compared to normal lithospheric mantle. In a general sense, two classes of model are compatible with the magnetotelluric data: one with a moderately conductive mantle and one with more elevated conductivities. This latter class would be consistent with the impingement of a stringer of plume‐fed melt beneath the cratonic lithosphere, with the melt migrating upslope to thermally erode lithosphere beneath the orogenic belt that is overlain by the Barotse Basin. Such processes are potentially important for intraplate volcanism and also for development or propagation of rifting as lithosphere is thinned and weakened by melt. Both models show clear evidence for thinning of the lithosphere beneath the orogenic belt, consistent with elevated heat flow data in the region.
Parental and early life stage environments drive establishment of bacterial and dinoflagellate communities in a common coral
Authors: Epstein Hannah E , Torda Gergely , Munday Philip L , van Oppen Madeleine J H
Published: January 2019

The establishment of coral microbial communities in early developmental stages is fundamental to coral fitness, but its drivers are largely unknown, particularly for bacteria. Using an in situ reciprocal transplant experiment, we examined the influence of parental, planulation and early recruit environments on the microbiome of brooded offspring in the coral Pocillopora damicornis. 16S rRNA and ITS2 rDNA gene metabarcoding showed that bacterial and microalgal endosymbiont communities varied according to parental and planulation environments, but not with early recruit environment. Only a small number of bacterial strains were shared between offspring and their respective parents, revealing bacterial establishment as largely environmentally driven in very early life stages. Conversely, microalgal communities of recruits were highly similar to those of their respective parents, but also contained additional low abundance strains, suggesting both vertical transmission and novel (‘horizontal’) acquisition. Altogether, recruits harboured more variable microbiomes compared to their parents, indicating winnowing occurs as corals mature.
Chronic fluoxetine prevents fear memory generalization and enhances subsequent extinction by remodeling hippocampal dendritic spines and slowing down systems consolidation
Authors: Pedraza Lizeth K. , Sierra Rodrigo O. , Giachero Marcelo , Nunes-Souza Walquiria , Lotz Fernanda N. , de Oliveira Alvares Lucas
Published: January 2019

Fear memory overgeneralization contributes to the genesis and persistence of anxiety disorders and is a central hallmark in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent findings suggest that fear generalization is closely related to hippocampal dependency during retrieval. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine has been used as a first-line treatment for PTSD; however, how it exerts its therapeutic effect remains a matter of debate. Here, using contextual fear conditioning in rats, we show that chronic fluoxetine treatment prevents fear generalization and enhances subsequent extinction. Moreover, fluoxetine treatment after extinction prevents spontaneous recovery. The mechanism through which fluoxetine affects generalization and extinction seems to be through the postponement of systems consolidation, thereby maintaining hippocampal involvement during retrieval. Such an effect relies on a remodeling of dendritic spines in the hippocampus, as well as the number of mature, mushroom-type spines promoted by fluoxetine treatment. In order to further investigate whether fear generalization is a potential predictor of extinction effectiveness, we categorized a large naive population according to their generalization rate. We found that discriminator rats showed a better extinction profile compared to generalizers, suggesting that the generalization rate predicts extinction effectiveness. Hence, we propose that the therapeutic strategy of choice should take into account the extension of memory generalization, in which therapies based on extinction could induce a better outcome in patients who present less fear overgeneralization. These results open new avenues for the development of interventions that prevent fear generalization by maintaining memory dependency of the hippocampus.
Key role of gut microbiota in anhedonia-like phenotype in rodents with neuropathic pain
Authors: Yang Chun , Fang Xi , Zhan Gaofeng , Huang Niannian , Li Shan , Bi Jiangjiang , Jiang Riyue , Yang Ling , Miao Liying , Zhu Bin , Luo Ailin , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: January 2019

Patients with chronic neuropathic pain frequently suffer from symptoms of anhedonia, which is a core symptom of depression. Accumulating studies suggest that gut microbiota may play a role in depression via gut–microbiota–brain axis. However, it is unknown whether gut microbiota plays a role in neuropathic pain-associated anhedonia. Here, we used a rat model of spared nerve injury (SNI). Hierarchical cluster analysis of sucrose preference test (SPT) results was used to classify the SNI rats with or without anhedonia-like phenotype. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing analysis showed abnormal composition of gut microbiota in the anhedonia susceptible compared to sham-operated rats and resilient rats. Furthermore, antibiotics-treated mice showed pain as well as depression-like and anhedonia-like phenotypes, suggesting a role of gut microbiota in these abnormal behaviors. Transplantation of fecal microbiota from anhedonia susceptible rats into antibiotics-treated pseudo-germ-free mice significantly exaggerated pain and depression-like phenotypes, including anhedonia. In contrast, transplantation of fecal microbiota from resilient rats into antibiotics-treated pseudo-germ-free mice significantly improved pain and depression-like phenotypes, including anhedonia. In conclusion, this study suggests that abnormal composition of gut microbiota may contribute to anhedonia susceptibility post SNI surgery, and that gut microbiota also plays a role in the pain as well as depression-like phenotypes. Interestingly, fecal microbiota transplantation from SNI rats with or without anhedonia can alter pain, depression-like and anhedonia-like phenotypes in the pseudo-germ-free mice. Therefore, it is likely that gut microbiota plays a key role in the pain as well as depression-like phenotypes including anhedonia in rodents with neuropathic pain.
Computerized multi-domain cognitive training reduces brain atrophy in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Wang Zhijiang , Wang Jing , Lyu Xiaozhen , Wang Xiao , Liu Ying , Zeng Xiangzhu , Yuan Huishu , Wang Huali , Yu Xin
Published: January 2019

The present study aimed to explore the effect of computerized multi-domain cognitive training (MDCT) on brain gray matter volume and neuropsychological performance in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (amnestic MCI). Twenty-one patients with amnestic MCI participated in a computerized MDCT program. The program targeted a broad set of cognitive domains via programs focused on reasoning, memory, visuospatial, language, calculation, and attention. Seventeen Participants completed the intervention and all completed a battery of neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive function while 12 out of 17 underwent 3 T MRI scanning before and after the intervention to measure gray matter (GM) volume. We examined correlations between the changes in neuropsychological scores and GM volumes across participants after the intervention. After training, we observed significant increases in GM volume in the right angular gyrus (AG) and other parietal subareas near the intraparietal sulcus (p < 0.05, FWE-corrected, 10000 permutations). However, we found no significant changes in neuropsychological test scores (p > 0.05). A correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between the changes in GM volume in the right AG and scores in the immediate recall component of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) (r = 0.64, p = 0.024) and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised (BVMT-R) (r = 0.67, p = 0.016). Our findings indicate that a computerized MDCT program may protect patients with amnestic MCI against brain GM volume loss and has potential in preserving general cognition. Thus, our non-pharmacological intervention may slow the rate of disease progression.
The compound TB47 is highly bactericidal against Mycobacterium ulcerans in a Buruli ulcer mouse model
Authors: Liu Yang , Gao Yamin , Liu Jianxiong , Tan Yaoju , Liu Zhiyong , Chhotaray Chiranjibi , Jiang Huofeng , Lu Zhili , Chiwala Gift , Wang Shuai , Makafe Gaelle , Islam Md Mahmudul , Hameed H. M. Adnan , Cai Xingshan , Wang Changwei , Li Xinjie , Tan Shouyong , Zhang Tianyu
Published: January 2019

Buruli ulcer (BU) is an emerging infectious disease that causes disfiguring skin ulcers. The causative agent, Mycobacterium ulcerans, secretes toxin called mycolactone that triggers inflammation and immunopathology. Existing treatments are lengthy and consist of drugs developed for tuberculosis. Here, we report that a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-3-carboxamide, TB47, is highly bactericidal against M. ulcerans both in vitro and in vivo. In the validated mouse model of BU, TB47 alone reduces M. ulcerans burden in mouse footpads by more than 2.5 log10 CFU compared to the standard BU treatment regimen recommended by the WHO. We show that mutations of ubiquinol-cytochrome C reductase cytochrome subunit B confer resistance to TB47 and the dissimilarity of CydABs from different mycobacteria may account for their differences in susceptibility to TB47. TB47 is highly potent against M. ulcerans and possesses desirable pharmacological attributes and low toxicity that warrant further assessment of this agent for treatment of BU.
Observation of Skyrmions at Room Temperature in Co2FeAl Heusler Alloy Ultrathin Film Heterostructures
Authors: Husain Sajid , Sisodia Naveen , Chaurasiya Avinash Kumar , Kumar Ankit , Singh Jitendra Pal , Yadav Brajesh S. , Akansel Serkan , Chae Keun Hwa , Barman Anjan , Muduli P. K. , Svedlindh Peter , Chaudhary Sujeet
Published: January 2019

Magnetic skyrmions are topological spin-textures having immense potential for energy efficient spintronic devices. Here, we report the observation of stable skyrmions in unpatterned Ta/Co2FeAl(CFA)/MgO thin film heterostructures at room temperature in remnant state employing magnetic force microscopy. It is shown that these skyrmions consisting of ultrathin ferromagnetic CFA Heusler alloy result from strong interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (i-DMI) as evidenced by Brillouin light scattering measurements, in agreement with the results of micromagnetic simulations. We also emphasize on room temperature observation of multiple skyrmions which can be stabilized for suitable combinations of CFA layer thickness, perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and i-DMI. These results provide a significant step towards designing of room temperature spintronic devices based on skyrmions in full Heusler alloy based thin films.
Cardiovascular risk algorithms in primary care: Results from the DETECT study
Authors: Grammer Tanja B. , Dressel Alexander , Gergei Ingrid , Kleber Marcus E. , Laufs Ulrich , Scharnagl Hubert , Nixdorff Uwe , Klotsche Jens , Pieper Lars , Pittrow David , Silber Sigmund , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , März Winfried
Published: January 2019

Guidelines for prevention of cardiovascular diseases use risk scores to guide the intensity of treatment. A comparison of these scores in a German population has not been performed. We have evaluated the correlation, discrimination and calibration of ten commonly used risk equations in primary care in 4044 participants of the DETECT (Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation: Targets and Essential Data for Commitment of Treatment) study. The risk equations correlate well with each other. All risk equations have a similar discriminatory power. Absolute risks differ widely, in part due to the components of clinical endpoints predicted: The risk equations produced median risks between 8.4% and 2.0%. With three out of 10 risk scores calculated and observed risks well coincided. At a risk threshold of 10 percent in 10 years, the ACC/AHA atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) equation has a sensitivity to identify future CVD events of approximately 80%, with the highest specificity (69%) and positive predictive value (17%) among all the equations. Due to the most precise calibration over a wide range of risks, the large age range covered and the combined endpoint including non-fatal and fatal events, the ASCVD equation provides valid risk prediction for primary prevention in Germany.
Voltage-gated sodium channels from the bees Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris are differentially modulated by pyrethroid insecticides
Authors: Kadala Aklesso , Charreton Mercédès , Charnet Pierre , Cens Thierry , Rousset Mathieu , Chahine Mohamed , Vaissière Bernard E. , Collet Claude
Published: January 2019

Recent experimental and in-field evidence of the deleterious effects of insecticides on the domestic honey bee Apis mellifera have led to a tightening of the risk assessment requirements of these products, and now more attention is being paid to their sublethal effects on other bee species. In addition to traditional tests, in vitro and in silico approaches may become essential tools for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of insecticides on bee species. Here we present a study in which electrophysiology and a Markovian multi-state modelling of the voltage-gated sodium channel were used to measure the susceptibility of the antennal lobe neurons from Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris, to the pyrethroids tetramethrin and esfenvalerate. Voltage-gated sodium channels from Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris are differentially sensitive to pyrethroids. In both bee species, the level of neuronal activity played an important role in their relative sensitivity to pyrethroids. This work supports the notion that honey bees cannot unequivocally be considered as a surrogate for other bee species in assessing their neuronal susceptibility to insecticides.
Molecular cloning, expression, and functional analysis of the chitin synthase 1 gene and its two alternative splicing variants in the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Wang Zhao , Yang Hong , Zhou Cao , Yang Wen-Jia , Jin Dao-Chao , Long Gui-Yun
Published: January 2019

Chitin synthase is responsible for chitin synthesis in the cuticles and cuticular linings of other tissues in insects. We cloned two alternative splicing variants of the chitin synthase 1 gene (SfCHS1) from the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera. The full-length cDNA of the two variants (SfCHS1a and SfCHS1b) consists of 6408 bp, contains a 4719-bp open reading frame encoding 1572 amino acids, and has 5′ and 3′ non-coding regions of 283 and 1406 bp, respectively. The two splicing variants occur at the same position in the cDNA sequence between base pairs 4115 and 4291, and consist of 177 nucleotides that encode 59 amino acids but show 74.6% identity at the amino acid level. Analysis in different developmental stages showed that expression of SfCHS1 and SfCHS1a were highest just after molting, whereas SfCHS1b reached its highest expression level 2 days after molting. Further, SfCHS1 and SfCHS1a were mainly expressed in the integument, whereas SfCHS1b was predominately expressed in the gut and fat body. RNAi-based gene silencing inhibited transcript levels of the corresponding mRNAs in S. furcifera nymphs injected with double-stranded RNA of SfCHS1, SfCHS1a, and SfCHS1b, resulted in malformed phenotypes, and killed most of the treated nymphs. Our results indicate that SfCHS1 may be a potential target gene for RNAi-based S. furcifera control.
Joint Analysis of Multiple Phenotypes in Association Studies based on Cross-Validation Prediction Error
Authors: Yang Xinlan , Zhang Shuanglin , Sha Qiuying
Published: January 2019

In genome-wide association studies (GWAS), joint analysis of multiple phenotypes could have increased statistical power over analyzing each phenotype individually to identify genetic variants that are associated with complex diseases. With this motivation, several statistical methods that jointly analyze multiple phenotypes have been developed, such as O’Brien’s method, Trait-based Association Test that uses Extended Simes procedure (TATES), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and joint model of multiple phenotypes (MultiPhen). However, the performance of these methods under a wide range of scenarios is not consistent: one test may be powerful in some situations, but not in the others. Thus, one challenge in joint analysis of multiple phenotypes is to construct a test that could maintain good performance across different scenarios. In this article, we develop a novel statistical method to test associations between a genetic variant and Multiple Phenotypes based on cross-validation Prediction Error (MultP-PE). Extensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the type I error rates and to compare the power performance of MultP-PE with various existing methods. The simulation studies show that MultP-PE controls type I error rates very well and has consistently higher power than the tests we compared in all simulation scenarios. We conclude with the recommendation for the use of MultP-PE for its good performance in association studies with multiple phenotypes.
Axial Thorax-Pelvis Coordination During Gait is not Predictive of Apparent Trunk Stiffness
Authors: Prins Maarten R. , Bruijn Sjoerd M. , Meijer Onno G. , van der Wurff Peter , van Dieën Jaap H.
Published: January 2019

The coordination of axial thorax and pelvis rotations during gait has been shown to be affected by several pathologies. This has been interpreted as an indication of increased apparent axial trunk stiffness, but arm swing may also affect these rotations. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of trunk stiffness and arm swing on the relative timing (‘coordination’) between thorax and pelvis rotations, and to assess if apparent trunk stiffness can be inferred from thorax-pelvis kinematics. A forward dynamic model was constructed to estimate apparent trunk stiffness from observed thorax and pelvis rotations and arm swing moment around the longitudinal axis of the trunk of 30 subjects. The effect of independent manipulations of trunk stiffness and arm swing moment on thorax-pelvis coordination and gain of axial thorax-pelvis rotations were assessed using the same forward dynamic model. A linear regression model was constructed to evaluate whether forward dynamic model-based estimates of axial trunk stiffness could be inferred directly from thorax-pelvis rotations. The forward dynamic model revealed that axial trunk stiffness and arm swing moment have opposite effects on axial thorax-pelvis coordination. Apparent axial trunk stiffness could not be predicted from observed thorax-pelvis rotations.