bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WorldForestID: Addressing the need for standardized wood reference collections to support authentication analysis technologies; a way forward for checking the origin and identity of traded timber
Authors: Gasson Peter E. , Lancaster Cady A. , Young Roger , Redstone Sara , Miles‐Bunch Isabella A. , Rees Gareth , Guillery R. Philip , Parker‐Forney Meaghan , Lebow Elizabeth T.
Published: November 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Forest products are the most used inedible renewable resource, but supplies are finite. It is difficult to know which tree species are in wood products or where they come from. Scientific evidence is needed to support or refute origin and species claims in traded products. We describe the building of a geo‐referenced wood reference collection (xylarium) supported by herbarium voucher specimens. The WorldForest ID program, hereinafter referred to as WFID (www.worldforestid.org), is embarking on large‐scale field collections of wood samples suitable for science‐based authentication technologies. By coordinating with regulatory and enforcement authorities in both producer and consumer countries the WFID xylarium is legally robust and commercially relevant.

We describe a program called WorldForestID which is being developed to monitor and support authentication and compliance in international trade of timber products. The program is being run by a consortium of government and non‐government organizations: US Forest Service International Programs (USFS IP), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Agroisolab, and World Resources Institute (WRI). Initial funding has come from the US Department of State, USFS IP, US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Forest Stewardship Council, and the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The aim is to build a comprehensive collection of internationally traded timber species. The collection is used as reference material to validate forest products. Although there are a large number of xylaria (wood collections, Index Xylariorum IV) around the world, many of the specimens do not provide geo‐locations suitable as reference material for pinpointing provenance, many lack‐associated herbarium vouchers and some are misidentified. The samples being collected in this program address these issues and include bark, sapwood, and heartwood, ensuring that the material collected is suitable for current and future scientific analysis. We describe the process of collection and validation from field to laboratory and the advantages and disadvantages of the main techniques used to ascertain/verify identity and provenance. Ultimately, we envisage the day that scientific methods will be used routinely and successfully by timber traders, manufacturers, retailers, and law enforcement to accept or reject identity and provenance claims on internationally traded timber and forest products and, where necessary, to support prosecutions when laws such as EU Timber Regulations, Lacey Act and CITES are infringed.
Community health worker case‐detection of asthma or reactive airways disease in a resource‐poor community in Nicaragua
Authors: Crocker Mary , Loughlin Ceila E. , Esther Charles R. , Noah Terry , Fernández Sonia Picado , Woo Gabriela , Parajón Laura Chanchien , Parajón David , Becker‐Dreps Sylvia
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Asthma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, but many cases may remain undiagnosed. Community health worker (CHW) programs have improved detection of other diseases such as childhood pneumonia, but none have been validated for detection of asthma in resource‐poor settings. We hypothesized that a CHW administered questionnaire would be effective in case‐detection of asthma in a poor Nicaraguan community.

Methods

We enrolled children aged 2–17 from a small semiurban Nicaraguan community. A trained CHW administered a questionnaire based on a previously validated school‐based screening questionnaire, which was compared to pediatric pulmonologist evaluation as a reference standard. We determined the questionnaire's sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios at different score cut‐points.

Results

A total of 199 out of 218 eligible children were enrolled. Total asthma prevalence based on physician diagnosis was 33%. Mean scores on the CHW questionnaire were 3.6 points out of 22 (SD = 4.3) for nonasthmatics and 11.0 points (SD = 5.3) for children with asthma (p < .001). Area under the curve was 0.87. Multivariable analysis showed increased association of asthma/reactive airways disease with respiratory infection in the first 3 months of life and with family history of asthma.

Conclusions

Prevalence of asthma in this community was high compared to previously reported national prevalence (15.2%), possibly due to increased exposure to risk factors. The questionnaire had a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, making it an excellent screening tool. This questionnaire could greatly increase the detection of asthma, allowing for education and referral for ongoing care.
Pan‐cancer population pharmacokinetics and exposure‐safety and ‐efficacy analyses of atezolizumab in patients with high tumor mutational burden
Authors: Shemesh Colby S. , Chan Phyllis , Legrand Fatema A. , Shames David S. , Das Thakur Meghna , Shi Jane , Bailey Lorna , Vadhavkar Shweta , He Xian , Zhang Wei , Bruno René
Published: November 2020

We retrospectively investigated the pharmacokinetics and exposure‐efficacy/safety relationships of single‐agent atezolizumab based on tissue tumor mutational burden (tTMB) status (high vs low [≥16 vs <16 mutations/megabase]) in a pan‐tumor population from seven clinical trials. Data sources included the OAK, POPLAR, BIRCH, FIR, IMvigor210, IMvigor211, and PCD4989g studies; 986 of 2894 treated patients (34%) had TMB data. Exposure metrics were obtained using a prior two‐compartment intravenous‐infusion population‐pharmacokinetics model, merged with prognostic, biomarker, efficacy, and safety variables. Baseline demographic/clinical characteristics and prognostic factors were well balanced between patients with high (n = 175) and low (n = 811) tTMB. Exposure was similar in the high‐ and low‐tTMB subgroups, with no difference seen in the evaluable vs total treated populations. The objective response rate (ORR) was 29.7% vs 13.4%, complete response rate was 6.9% vs 3.2%, and median duration of response (95% CI) was 29.0 (18.6‐NE) months vs 15.9 (12.5‐20.5) months for patients with high‐tTMB vs low‐tTMB tumors, respectively. A flat exposure‐efficacy relationship was seen for ORR in patients with high‐tTMB based on the cycle 1 minimum atezolizumab concentration and area under the serum concentration time curve (AUC). A nonsignificant exposure‐safety profile was seen for grade 3/4 adverse events and adverse events of special interest based on the AUC of atezolizumab in the high‐tTMB population. tTMB is an additional predictive biological factor affecting response to atezolizumab, and quantitative investigations of atezolizumab exposure and relationships of exposure with safety and efficacy support the use of a 1200‐mg, every 3‐week regimen in a tumor‐agnostic high‐tTMB population.
Next waves in veridical network embedding*
Authors: Ward Owen G. , Huang Zhen , Davison Andrew , Zheng Tian
Published: November 2020

Embedding nodes of a large network into a metric (e.g., Euclidean) space has become an area of active research in statistical machine learning, which has found applications in natural and social sciences. Generally, a representation of a network object is learned in a Euclidean geometry and is then used for subsequent tasks regarding the nodes and/or edges of the network, such as community detection, node classification and link prediction. Network embedding algorithms have been proposed in multiple disciplines, often with domain‐specific notations and details. In addition, different measures and tools have been adopted to evaluate and compare the methods proposed under different settings, often dependent of the downstream tasks. As a result, it is challenging to study these algorithms in the literature systematically. Motivated by the recently proposed PCS framework for Veridical Data Science, we propose a framework for network embedding algorithms and discuss how the principles of predictability, computability, and stability (PCS) apply in this context. The utilization of this framework in network embedding holds the potential to motivate and point to new directions for future research.
A Sustainable and Efficient Artificial Microgel System: Toward Creating a Configurable Synthetic Cell
Authors: Wang Chen , Geng Yuhao , Sun Qi , Xu Jianhong , Lu Yuan
Published: November 2020

Artificial cells are a powerful platform in the study of synthetic biology and other valuable fields. They share a great potential in defining and utilizing the superiority of the living system. Here, a protein synthesis system based on thermal responsive hydrogels with porous structure is reported. The hydrogels can immobilize plasmids on the surface inside their porous structure through a volume phase transition upon 34 °C, forming an aggregation state of DNAs as in nature conditions. The artificial microgels can carry out bioreactions in cell‐free systems and exhibit a sustainable and efficient performance for protein translation. The protein synthesis level reaches a maximum of twice more than that in a conventional solution system when the plasmid concentration is 10–20 ng µL−1, along with a doubled effective interval. This is perhaps attributed to confined transcription and translation processes in the near‐surface area of hydrogels. Summarily, the research provides an easy‐handling approach in fabricating effective microgels for cell‐free synthesis and also inspirations for constructing a configurable artificial cell.
World Flora Online: Placing taxonomists at the heart of a definitive and comprehensive global resource on the world's plants
Authors: Borsch Thomas , Berendsohn Walter , Dalcin Eduardo , Delmas Maïté , Demissew Sebsebe , Elliott Alan , Fritsch Peter , Fuchs Anne , Geltman Dmitry , Güner Adil , Haevermans Thomas , Knapp Sandra , le Roux M. Marianne , Loizeau Pierre‐André , Miller Chuck , Miller James , Miller Joseph T. , Palese Raoul , Paton Alan , Parnell John , Pendry Colin , Qin Hai‐Ning , Sosa Victoria , Sosef Marc , von Raab‐Straube Eckhard , Ranwashe Fhatani , Raz Lauren , Salimov Rashad , Smets Erik , Thiers Barbara , Thomas Wayt , Tulig Melissa , Ulate William , Ung Visotheary , Watson Mark , Jackson Peter Wyse , Zamora Nelson
Published: November 2020

It is time to synthesize the knowledge that has been generated through more than 260 years of botanical exploration, taxonomic and, more recently, phylogenetic research throughout the world. The adoption of an updated Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) in 2011 provided the essential impetus for the development of the World Flora Online (WFO) project. The project represents an international, coordinated effort by the botanical community to achieve GSPC Target 1, an electronic Flora of all plants. It will be a first‐ever unique and authoritative global source of information on the world's plant diversity, compiled, curated, moderated and updated by an expert and specialist‐based community (Taxonomic Expert Networks – “TENs” – covering a taxonomic group such as family or order) and actively managed by those who have compiled and contributed the data it includes. Full credit and acknowledgement will be given to the original sources, allowing users to refer back to the primary data. A strength of the project is that it is led and endorsed by a global consortium of more than 40 leading botanical institutions worldwide. A first milestone for producing the World Flora Online is to be accomplished by the end of 2020, but the WFO Consortium is committed to continuing the WFO programme beyond 2020 when it will develop its full impact as the authoritative source of information on the world's plant biodiversity.
FeynOnium: using FeynCalc for automatic calculations in Nonrelativistic Effective Field Theories
Authors: Brambilla Nora , Chung Hee Sok , Shtabovenko Vladyslav , Vairo Antonio
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We present new results on FeynOnium, an ongoing project to develop a general purpose software toolkit for semi-automatic symbolic calculations in nonrelativistic Effective Field Theories (EFTs). Building upon FeynCalc, an existing Mathematicapackage for symbolic evaluation of Feynman diagrams, we have created a powerful framework for automatizing calculations in nonrelativistic EFTs (NREFTs) at tree- and 1-loop level. This is achieved by exploiting the novel features of FeynCalcthat support manipulations of Cartesian tensors, Pauli matrices and nonstandard loop integrals. Additional operations that are common in nonrelativistic EFT calculations are implemented in a dedicated add-on called FeynOnium. While our current focus is on EFTs for strong interactions of heavy quarks, extensions to other systems that admit a nonrelativistic EFT description are planned for the future. All our codes are open-source and publicly available. Furthermore, we provide several example calculations that demonstrate how FeynOniumcan be employed to reproduce known results from the literature.
Wechselwirkungen in der dermatologischen Systemtherapie
Authors: Krause Kristina , Jahn Katharina , Homey Bernhard
Published: November 2020

Schwere Arzneimittelnebenwirkungen stellen mit 5–7 % einen häufigen Grund für eine Krankenhauseinweisung dar. Die Prävalenz von unerwünschten Arzneimittelwirkungen (UAW) während eines stationären Aufenthaltes liegt sogar bei etwa 11,5 %. Die Ursache sind oftmals Medikamentenwechselwirkungen, bedingt durch die Polypharmazie der multimorbiden älteren Patienten. So nimmt ein 65-jähriger Patient im Durchschnitt 5 Medikamente gleichzeitig ein. Aufgrund des zunehmenden Einsatzes von Systemtherapeutika in der Dermatologie und der gleichzeitig zunehmenden Polypharmazie ist das Wissen um Medikamenteninteraktionen für den Dermatologen zur Vermeidung schwerer Arzneimittelnebenwirkungen wesentlich. Dieser Beitrag soll eine Hilfestellung bieten, Patienten und Medikamente mit einem hohen Risiko für schwerwiegende Interaktionen zu identifizieren und dadurch das Auftreten unerwünschter Wirkungen oder auch die Verminderung des therapeutischen Effektes von Wirkstoffen zu vermeiden. Wir möchten darauf hinweisen, dass die folgende Arbeit einzelne Aspekte behandelt und nicht von der Überprüfung einzelner Arzneimittelinteraktionen mittels Interaktionsprogrammen entbindet. Nicht außer Acht gelassen werden sollte, dass neben verschreibungspflichtigen Medikamenten auch Nahrungsmittel, Nahrungsergänzungsmittel und Kräuter zu Interaktionen mit Medikamenten führen können.
Altered hormonal and autonomic nerve responses to hypo- and hyperglycaemia are found in overweight and insulin-resistant individuals and may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lundqvist Martin H. , Almby Kristina , Wiklund Urban , Abrahamsson Niclas , Kamble Prasad G. , Pereira Maria J. , Eriksson Jan W.
Published: November 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Results from animal models and some clinical work suggest a role for the central nervous system (CNS) in glucose regulation and type 2 diabetes pathogenesis by modulation of glucoregulatory hormones and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The aim of this study was to characterise the neuroendocrine response to various glucose concentrations in overweight and insulin-resistant individuals compared with lean individuals.

Methods

Overweight/obese (HI, n = 15, BMI ≥27.0 kg/m2) and lean (LO, n = 15, BMI <27.0 kg/m2) individuals without diabetes underwent hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic–hypoglycaemic clamps and hyperglycaemic clamps on two separate occasions with measurements of hormones, Edinburgh Hypoglycaemic Symptom Scale (ESS) score and heart rate variability (HRV). Statistical methods included groupwise comparisons with Mann–Whitney U tests, multilinear regressions and linear mixed models between neuroendocrine responses and continuous metabolic variables.

Results

During hypoglycaemic clamps, there was an elevated cortisol response in HI vs LO (median ΔAUC 12,383 vs 4793 nmol/l × min; p = 0.050) and a significantly elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) response in HI vs LO (median ΔAUC 437.3 vs 162.0 nmol/l × min; p = 0.021). When adjusting for clamp glucose levels, obesity (p = 0.033) and insulin resistance (p = 0.009) were associated with elevated glucagon levels. By contrast, parasympathetic activity was less suppressed in overweight individuals at the last stage of hypoglycaemia compared with euglycaemia (high-frequency power of HRV, p = 0.024). M value was the strongest predictor for the ACTH and PHF responses, independent of BMI and other variables. There was a BMI-independent association between the cortisol response and ESS score response (p = 0.024). During hyperglycaemic clamps, overweight individuals displayed less suppression of glucagon levels (median ΔAUC −63.4% vs −73.0%; p = 0.010) and more suppression of sympathetic relative to parasympathetic activity (low-frequency/high-frequency power, p = 0.011).

Conclusions/interpretation

This study supports the hypothesis that altered responses of insulin-antagonistic hormones and the ANS to glucose fluctuations occur in overweight and insulin-resistant individuals, and that these responses are probably partly mediated by the CNS. Their potential role in development of type 2 diabetes needs to be addressed in future research.
Do chief sustainability officers and CSR committees influence CSR-related outcomes? A structured literature review based on empirical-quantitative research findings
Authors: Velte Patrick , Stawinoga Martin
Published: November 2020

Although an increasing amount of empirical research has been linked to the impact of management control and governance on corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues since the financial crisis of 2008/09, heterogeneous results have characterised this research field. Regarding the group level of corporate governance, the efficacy of board committees (e.g., audit, compensation or CSR committees) has been included in recent research designs. However, analyses of corporate governance at the individual level are related to the effects of top management members [e.g., chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO) or chief sustainability officer (CSO)] on CSR outcomes. This paper aims to convey a detailed understanding of sustainable management control’s impact as CSR-related board expertise. In more detail, we focus on the influence of both CSR committees and CSOs on three CSR measures mainly analysed in empirical-quantitative research: (1) CSR reporting; (2) CSR assurance (CSRA); and (3) CSR performance. We motivate our analysis with increased relevance from practical, regulatory and research perspectives, and we employ a systematic literature review of the symbolic vs. substantive effects of sustainability-related board composition. Based on our theoretical model (legitimacy theory, stakeholder theory and upper-echelons theory), we selected 48 quantitative peer-reviewed empirical studies on this research topic. Our analysis shows that CSR committees positively influence CSR reporting and performance. Thus, there are indications that the implementation of a CSR committee is not a symbolic act, but instead substantively contributes to CSR activities. However, in light of inconclusive empirical research results and a lack of studies that have analysed CSO-related effects, a notable research gap has been identified. Moreover, we note the main limitations of prior research in this review and develop an agenda with useful recommendations for future studies.
Implementation and management outcomes of pharmacogenetic CYP2C19 testing for clopidogrel therapy in clinical practice
Authors: Russmann Stefan , Rahmany Ali , Niedrig David , Hatz Karl-Dietrich , Ludin Katja , Burden Andrea M. , Englberger Lars , Backhaus Roland , Serra Andreas , Béchir Markus
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The antiplatelet prodrug clopidogrel is bioactivated by the polymorphic enzyme CYP2C19. Prospective clinical studies demonstrated an association between CYP2C19 loss of function (LoF) variants and an increased risk of thrombotic events under clopidogrel, but pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing is not frequently implemented in clinical practice. We report our experience with PGx-guided clopidogrel therapy with particular regard to clinically relevant patient management changes.

Methods

We conducted an observational study analyzing patients that underwent PGx testing for clopidogrel therapy at two Swiss hospitals. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients with clinically relevant PGx-based management recommendations and their implementation. The association of recurrent ischemic events under clopidogrel with CYP2C19 LoF variants and other factors was explored in a multivariate case-control analysis.

Results

Among 56 patients undergoing PGx testing, 18 (32.1%) were classified as CYP2C19 intermediate or poor metabolizers. This resulted in 17 recommendations for a change of antiplatelet therapy, which were implemented in 12 patients (70.1%). In the remaining five patients, specific reasons for non-implementation could be identified. Recurrent ischemic events under clopidogrel were associated with LoF variants (OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.3–14.4) and several cardiovascular risk factors. Associations were not statistically significant in our small study, but plausible and in line with estimates from large prospective studies.

Conclusion

PGx-guided clopidogrel therapy can identify patients with an elevated risk of ischemic events and offer evidence-based alternative treatments. Successful implementation in clinical practice requires a personalized interdisciplinary service that evaluates indications and additional risk factors, provides specific recommendations, and proactively follows their implementation.
Tumor suppression, dose-limiting toxicity and wellbeing with the fetal estrogen estetrol in patients with advanced breast cancer
Authors: Schmidt Marcus , Lenhard Hans , Hoenig Arnd , Zimmerman Yvette , Krijgh Jan , Jansen Monique , Coelingh Bennink Herjan J. T.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study (the ABCE4 study) was to assess dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of high doses of the fetal estrogen estetrol (E4) in postmenopausal patients with heavily pretreated, locally advanced and/or metastatic ER+/HER2−breast cancer, resistant to anti-estrogens.

Methods

This was a multicenter, open-label, phase IB/IIA, dose-escalation study with a 3 + 3 cohort design, whereby successive cohorts of three patients received 20 mg, 40 mg or 60 mg E4 per day for 12 weeks by oral administration. DLTs, safety and wellbeing were evaluated after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. Anti-tumor effects were investigated by computer tomography scanning and evaluated according to RECIST criteria before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Wellbeing was judged weekly by the investigator and by quality-of-life questionnaires by the patients. In view of the small number of patients, no statistical testing was performed.

Results

All 12 patients enrolled had progressive, heavily pre-treated advanced breast cancer. No treatment-related serious adverse events or DLTs occurred during the first 4 weeks of E4 treatment allowing the investigation of all three doses. Five of nine patients completing 12 weeks of E4 treatment showed objective anti-tumor effects and six of nine patients reported improved wellbeing.

Conclusion

High doses of estetrol seem to be safe and are well tolerated during 12 weeks of treatment without dose-limiting toxicity and with anti-tumor effects in five of nine heavily treated patients with progressive, anti-estrogen resistant, advanced breast cancer.
Comparison of bone regenerative capacity of donor-matched human adipose–derived and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Mohamed-Ahmed Samih , Yassin Mohammed A. , Rashad Ahmad , Espedal Heidi , Idris Shaza B. , Finne-Wistrand Anna , Mustafa Kamal , Vindenes Hallvard , Fristad Inge
Published: November 2020

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) have been used as an alternative to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) for bone tissue engineering. However, the efficacy of ASC in bone regeneration in comparison with BMSC remains debatable, since inconsistent results have been reported. Comparing ASC with BMSC obtained from different individuals might contribute to this inconsistency in results. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the bone regenerative capacity of donor-matched human ASC and BMSC seeded onto poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) scaffolds using calvarial bone defects in nude rats. First, donor-matched ASC and BMSC were seeded onto the co-polymer scaffolds to evaluate their in vitro osteogenic differentiation. Seeded scaffolds and scaffolds without cells (control) were then implanted in calvarial defects in nude rats. The expression of osteogenesis-related genes was examined after 4 weeks. Cellular activity was investigated after 4 and 12 weeks. Bone formation was evaluated radiographically and histologically after 4, 12, and 24 weeks. In vitro, ASC and BMSC demonstrated mineralization. However, BMSC showed higher alkaline phosphatase activity than ASC. In vivo, human osteogenesis–related genes Runx2 and collagen type I were expressed in defects with scaffold/cells. Defects with scaffold/BMSC had higher cellular activity than defects with scaffold/ASC. Moreover, bone formation in defects with scaffold/BMSC was greater than in defects with scaffold/ASC, especially at the early time-point. These results suggest that although ASC have the potential to regenerate bone, the rate of bone regeneration with ASC may be slower than with BMSC. Accordingly, BMSC are more suitable for bone regenerative applications.
The evolution of biogeochemistry: revisited
Authors: Bianchi Thomas S.
Published: November 2020

The evolution of biogeochemistry, retraces the important historical steps in part, covered by Gorham (Biogeochemistry 13:199–239, 1991) in the 18–19th centuries—with new emergent linkages and trends in 20–21st centuries. In the post-phlogiston period, key synthetic connections are made between weathering, atmospheric chemistry, carbon cycling, and climate change. Early work in the 19th century, focused on weathering and the importance of organisms in the exchange of carbon dioxide between the rocks and the atmosphere, provided foundations for new analytical approaches. The role microbes in connecting abiotic and biotic processes begins to emerge, based largely on the existing knowledge of stoichiometry in agricultural soils and plants. This in part, leads to the founding of ecology and its linkages with evolution and biogeography. Verandsky boldly emerges in the 20th century, with his concepts of a biosphere and a noosphere, as concerns begin to arise about human impacts on nature. The development of organic geochemistry as a discipline, allowed for new roots to develop in the evolution of biogeochemistry through linkages between short and long-term carbon cycles. In the 20th century, a new interesting stoichiometry emerges in biogeochemistry—as related to the Green Revolution, human population growth, and eutrophication problems. The advent of long-term and large-scale experiments help to constrain the complexity of non-linearity and regional differences in fluxes and rates in biogeochemical work. A new age begins in the 21st century whereby molecular approaches (e.g. omics) combined with large-scale satellite, monitoring, survey, observatory approaches are combined in the development of Earth System models. These new connections with ecological/evolutionary genetics are one of the more dramatic and important aspects of biogeochemistry in modern times.
Impacts of climate change on hurricane flood hazards in Jamaica Bay, New York
Authors: Marsooli Reza , Lin Ning
Published: November 2020

Sea level rise (SLR) and tropical cyclone (TC) climatology change could impact future flood hazards in Jamaica Bay—an urbanized back-barrier bay in New York—yet their compound impacts are not well understood. This study estimates the compound effects of SLR and TC climatology change on flood hazards in Jamaica Bay from a historical period in the late twentieth century (1980–2000) to future periods in the mid- and late-twenty-first century (2030–2050 and 2080–2100, under RCP8.5 greenhouse gas concentration scenario). Flood return periods are estimated based on probabilistic projections of SLR and peak storm tides simulated by a hydrodynamic model for large numbers of synthetic TCs. We find a substantial increase in the future flood hazards, e.g., the historical 100-year flood level would become a 9- and 1-year flood level in the mid- and late-twenty-first century and the 500-year flood level would become a 143- and 4-year flood level. These increases are mainly induced by SLR. However, TC climatology change would considerably contribute to the future increase in low-probability, high-consequence flood levels (with a return period greater than 100 year), likely due to an increase in the probability of occurrence of slow-moving but intense TCs by the end of twenty-first century. We further conduct high-resolution coastal flood simulations for a series of SLR and TC scenarios. Due to the SLR projected with a 5% exceedance probability, 125- and 1300-year flood events in the late-twentieth century would become 74- and 515-year flood events, respectively, in the late-twenty-first century, and the spatial extent of flooding over coastal floodplains of Jamaica Bay would increase by nearly 10 and 4 times, respectively. In addition, SLR leads to larger surface waves induced by TCs in the bay, suggesting a potential increase in hazards associated with wave runup, erosion, and damage to coastal infrastructure.
Trace elements fingerprint of feathers differs between breeding and non-breeding areas in an Afro-Palearctic migratory bird, the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Authors: Parolini Marco , Sturini Michela , Maraschi Federica , Profumo Antonella , Costanzo Alessandra , Caprioli Manuela , Rubolini Diego , Ambrosini Roberto , Canova Luca
Published: November 2020

Trace elements are widespread contaminants that can potentially threaten ecosystems and human health. Considering their distribution and toxicity, monitoring their presence in animals represents a priority in environmental risk assessment. Migratory birds have been suggested to be useful biomonitors for trace elements because they can provide information on contaminants even from remote areas that they may exploit during their life cycle. The aim of this study was to analyse the contamination fingerprint of trace elements of African non-breeding staging grounds and European breeding areas in a long-distance migratory passerine bird, the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). We collected feathers grown in the African non-breeding grounds and those grown in the breeding areas of Northern Italy and measured the levels of 12 trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) by DRC-ICP-MS. Multivariate analysis showed that elemental profiles of feathers grown in African non-breeding areas and in the Italian breeding ones clearly differed, with feathers grown in Africa showing higher concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn and Ni, but lower concentrations of As, Se and Zn, compared to those grown in Italy. In addition, levels of trace elements were age-dependent, with higher levels in older individuals than in younger ones. Our results add to the growing evidence that feathers of long-distance migratory birds are useful tools to monitor trace elements contamination profiles across continents.
Piecing together a new mosaic: Gravettian lithic resources and economic territories in the Western Pyrenees
Authors: Calvo Aitor , Arrizabalaga Alvaro
Published: November 2020

To palliate the current scarcity of information about lithic raw materials in the Western Pyrenees during the Gravettian, the study of ten assemblages has explored the flint procurement patterns and economic organisation of the territory. The study was based on the macro- and microscopic analysis of the different lithic remains. A wide range of flint varieties were used, including some excellent rocks for knapping and others of poorer quality. This diversified catchment pattern was defined by the criteria of quality and suitability for reduction. Although procurement took place mostly at the primary outcrops, there is some evidence of limited acquisition in secondary deposits. Within the economic territory of the Western Pyrenees, divergences in the connections between the outcrops on one side of the mountains and the archaeological sites on the other may indicate different territorial or economic roles for each side. In general terms, the northern side may have been more residential with more stable habitation, while the southern side was linked with logistic tasks and more seasonal occupation. The economic connections between this territory and surrounding areas revealed by the lithic resources are the reflection of inter-group contacts and an economic mosaic imbricated with a cultural or symbolic one.
Impact of deliberate practice on evidence-based medicine attitudes and behaviours of health care professionals
Authors: Draaisma Eelco , Maggio Lauren A. , Bekhof Jolita , Jaarsma A. Debbie C. , Brand Paul L. P.
Published: November 2020

Introduction Although evidence-based medicine (EBM) teaching activities may improve short-term EBM knowledge and skills, they have little long-term impact on learners’ EBM attitudes and behaviour. This study examined the effects of learning EBM through stand-alone workshops or various forms of deliberate EBM practice.

Methods We assessed EBM attitudes and behaviour with the evidence based practice inventory questionnaire, in paediatric health care professionals who had only participated in a stand-alone EBM workshop (controls), participants with a completed PhD in clinical research (PhDs), those who had completed part of their paediatric residency at a department (Isala Hospital) which systematically implemented EBM in its clinical and teaching activities (former Isala residents), and a reference group of paediatric professionals currently employed at Isala’s paediatric department (current Isala participants).

Results Compared to controls (n = 16), current Isala participants (n = 13) reported more positive EBM attitudes (p < 0.01), gave more priority to using EBM in decision making (p = 0.001) and reported more EBM behaviour (p = 0.007). PhDs (n = 20) gave more priority to using EBM in medical decision making (p < 0.001) and reported more EBM behaviour than controls (p = 0.016).

Discussion Health care professionals exposed to deliberate practice of EBM, either in the daily routines of their department or by completing a PhD in clinical research, view EBM as more useful and are more likely to use it in decision making than their peers who only followed a standard EBM workshop.
Kooperation zwischen Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Kinder- und Jugendhilfe mit speziellem Schwerpunkt auf die Unterbringung von Kindern und Jugendlichen in sozialpädagogischen Wohnformen
Authors: Noske Judith , Thun-Hohenstein Leonhard
Published: November 2020

Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Kinder- und Jugendhilfe betreuen viele gemeinsame Kinder und Jugendliche. Insbesondere bei den schwierigsten Kindern und Jugendlichen ist eine Kooperation am meisten gefordert. Viele dieser schwierigen Kinder und Jugendlichen kommen aus schwierigen Lebensverhältnissen, sind häufig traumatisiert und zeigen stark externalisierendes Verhalten. Die Unterbringung in einer extrafamilialen Wohnform stellt die Beteiligten aller Systeme häufig vor große Probleme.

Die Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie kann auf allen Ebenen wertvolle Beiträge leisten. Einerseits im Rahmen der spezifischen Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrischen Diagnostik und Behandlung, ganz besonders im Konsiliar- und Liäsondienst und/oder in kooperativen Einrichtungen oder Betreuungsformaten. Dieses Angebot wird anhand der von der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe angebotenen Wohnformen diskutiert und konkrete Vorschläge zur Umsetzung diese Kooperation dargestellt.
Enhancing network modularity to mitigate catastrophic forgetting
Authors: Chen Lu , Murata Masayuki
Published: November 2020

Catastrophic forgetting occurs when learning algorithms change connections used to encode previously acquired skills to learn a new skill. Recently, a modular approach for neural networks was deemed necessary as learning problems grow in scale and complexity since it intuitively should reduce learning interference by separating functionality into physically distinct network modules. However, an algorithmic approach is difficult in practice since it involves expert design and trial and error. Kashtan et al. finds that evolution under an environment that changes in a modular fashion leads to the spontaneous evolution of a modular network structure. In this paper, we aim to solve the reverse problem of modularly varying goal (MVG) to obtain a highly modular structure that can mitigate catastrophic forgetting so that it can also apply to realistic data. First, we confirm that a configuration with a highly modular structure exists by applying an MVG against a realistic dataset and confirm that this neural network can mitigate catastrophic forgetting. Next, we solve the reverse problem, that is, we propose a method that can obtain a highly modular structure able to mitigate catastrophic forgetting. Since the MVG-obtained neural network can relatively maintain the intra-module elements while leaving the inter-module elements relatively variable, we propose a method to restrict the inter-module weight elements so that they can be relatively variable against the intra-module ones. From the results, the obtained neural network has a highly modular structure and can learn an unlearned goal faster than without this method.
Epidemic spreading and control strategies in spatial modular network
Authors: Gross Bnaya , Havlin Shlomo
Published: November 2020

Epidemic spread on networks is one of the most studied dynamics in network science and has important implications in real epidemic scenarios. Nonetheless, the dynamics of real epidemics and how it is affected by the underline structure of the infection channels are still not fully understood. Here we apply the susceptible-infected-recovered model and study analytically and numerically the epidemic spread on a recently developed spatial modular model imitating the structure of cities in a country. The model assumes that inside a city the infection channels connect many different locations, while the infection channels between cities are less and usually directly connect only a few nearest neighbor cities in a two-dimensional plane. We find that the model experience two epidemic transitions. The first lower threshold represents a local epidemic spread within a city but not to the entire country and the second higher threshold represents a global epidemic in the entire country. Based on our analytical solution we proposed several control strategies and how to optimize them. We also show that while control strategies can successfully control the disease, early actions are essentials to prevent the disease global spread.
Neutron star mergers and how to study them
Authors: Burns Eric
Published: November 2020

Neutron star mergers are the canonical multimessenger events: they have been observed through photons for half a century, gravitational waves since 2017, and are likely to be sources of neutrinos and cosmic rays. Studies of these events enable unique insights into astrophysics, particles in the ultrarelativistic regime, the heavy element enrichment history through cosmic time, cosmology, dense matter, and fundamental physics. Uncovering this science requires vast observational resources, unparalleled coordination, and advancements in theory and simulation, which are constrained by our current understanding of nuclear, atomic, and astroparticle physics. This review begins with a summary of our current knowledge of these events, the expected observational signatures, and estimated detection rates for the next decade. I then present the key observations necessary to advance our understanding of these sources, followed by the broad science this enables. I close with a discussion on the necessary future capabilities to fully utilize these enigmatic sources to understand our universe.
Hidden Liberalism
Authors: Banai Hussein
Published: November 2020

Compared to rival ideologies, liberalism has fared rather poorly in modern Iran. This is all the more remarkable given the essentially liberal substance of various social and political struggles – for liberal legality, individual rights and freedoms, and pluralism – in the century-long period since the demise of the Qajar dynasty and the subsequent transformation of the country into a modern nation-state. The deeply felt but largely invisible purchase of liberal political ideas in Iran challenges us to think more expansively about the trajectory of various intellectual developments since the emergence of a movement for reform and constitutionalism in the late nineteenth century. It complicates parsimonious accounts of Shi'ism, secularism, socialism, nationalism, and royalism as defining or representative ideologies of particular eras. Hidden Liberalism offers a critical examination of the reasons behind liberalism's invisible yet influential status, and its attendant ethical quandaries, in Iranian political and intellectual discourses.
Fertility, immigration, and lifetime wages under imperfect labor substitution
Authors: Guest Ross , Parr Nick
Published: November 2020

This paper provides new insights into the effect of birth cohort size on cohort lifetime wages and its sensitivity to the future trajectories of immigration and fertility. The main innovation is to relax the typical assumption of perfect substitution of labor by age. The effect of imperfect substitution of labor by age is to qualify the standard result that smaller birth cohorts are likely to enjoy relatively high wages since that result depends on the size of co-worker cohorts. The positive small cohort effect on lifetime wages therefore depends on demographic patterns, which are simulated here through low and high fertility and immigration projections. The analysis applies to actual and projected cohorts for Australia and tests the sensitivity to alternative demographic parameters, and the substitution and discount parameters. The effects of imperfect substitution can amount several percentage points of lifetime wages.
The Early Neolithic at the Muge Shellmiddens (Portugal): Analysis and Review of the Ceramic Evidence from Cabeço da Amoreira
Authors: Taylor Ruth , García-Rivero Daniel , Gonçalves Célia , Cascalheira João , Bicho Nuno
Published: November 2020

This article, on the Early Neolithic pottery from the Cabeço da Amoreira shellmidden in the Muge region of central Portugal, presents a detailed review of the evidence to date and a systematic analysis of the decorative and mineralogical characteristics of the stratified and radiocarbon-dated ceramic assemblage. A homogenous pottery manufacturing tradition seems to be present right from the beginning, including both local and non-local ceramics. The authors formulate a working hypothesis on the geographic origin of the exogenous pottery, which contributes to the discussion of the dynamics of mobility and social networks in the Neolithization of south-western Europe.
Pediatric research priorities in healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Coffin Susan E. , Abanyie Francisca , Bryant Kristina , Cantey Joseph , Fiore Anthony , Fritz Stephanie , Guzman-Cottrill Judith , Hersh Adam L. , Huskins W. Charles , Kociolek Larry K. , Kronman Matthew , Lautenbach Ebbing , Lee Grace , Linam Matthew , Logan Latania K. , Milstone Aaron , Newland Jason , Nyquist A. Christine , Palazzi Debra L. , Patel Sameer , Puopolo Karen , Reddy Sujan C. , Saiman Lisa , Sandora Thomas , Shane Andi L. , Smith Michael , Tamma Pranita D. , Zaoutis Theoklis , Zerr Danielle , Gerber Jeffrey S. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To develop a pediatric research agenda focused on pediatric healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial stewardship topics that will yield the highest impact on child health.

Participants:

The study included 26 geographically diverse adult and pediatric infectious diseases clinicians with expertise in healthcare-associated infection prevention and/or antimicrobial stewardship (topic identification and ranking of priorities), as well as members of the Division of Healthcare Quality and Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (topic identification).

Methods:

Using a modified Delphi approach, expert recommendations were generated through an iterative process for identifying pediatric research priorities in healthcare associated infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship. The multistep, 7-month process included a literature review, interactive teleconferences, web-based surveys, and 2 in-person meetings.

Results:

A final list of 12 high-priority research topics were generated in the 2 domains. High-priority healthcare-associated infection topics included judicious testing for Clostridioides difficile infection, chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing, measuring and preventing hospital-onset bloodstream infection rates, surgical site infection prevention, surveillance and prevention of multidrug resistant gram-negative rod infections. Antimicrobial stewardship topics included β-lactam allergy de-labeling, judicious use of perioperative antibiotics, intravenous to oral conversion of antimicrobial therapy, developing a patient-level “harm index” for antibiotic exposure, and benchmarking and or peer comparison of antibiotic use for common inpatient conditions.

Conclusions:

We identified 6 healthcare-associated infection topics and 6 antimicrobial stewardship topics as potentially high-impact targets for pediatric research.
A Macaw (Ara sp.) in a Preceramic Site from the Sabana de Bogotá, Colombia, Dated to the Ninth Millennium cal BP
Authors: Zorro-Luján Catalina M. , Grouard Sandrine , Noè Leslie F. , Lefèvre Christine , Zazzo Antoine , Langebaek-Rueda Carl , Peña Germán , Correal-Urrego Gonzalo
Published: November 2020

The attribution of osteological remains of a bird discovered in Preceramic deposits at Nemocón IV rockshelter (Sabana de Bogotá, Colombia) to Ara sp. (macaws) is confirmed through osteological and morphometrical analyses. Thirteen bones were recovered from two adjacent, arbitrary excavation levels; and are considered the remains of a single individual because of the rarity of the taxon, their similar size and taphonomic alteration, and the presence of paired elements. Radiocarbon dating of the macaw reveals it comes from the ninth millennium cal BP, the oldest date recorded from Nemocón IV. Paleoenvironmental data suggest that, during the deposition of the Preceramic levels at Nemocón IV, climatic conditions were close to those of today. The modern range of the macaws is outside these climatic parameters, and all modern Ara species are allochthonous to the Sabana de Bogotá, indicating the archaeological macaw was also allochthonous in Preceramic times. Analysis of the remains shows the macaw was not dismembered, so it is unlikely that it was used as food. Early conquest records indicate macaws were traded and maintained outside their natural ranges as pets, as a source of feathers, for use in rituals, or for a combination of uses.
The identity G(D)f = F for a linear partial differential operator G(D). Lusin type and structure results in the non-integrable case
Authors: Delladio Silvano
Published: November 2020

We prove a Lusin type theorem for a certain class of linear partial differential operators G(D), reducing to [1, Theorem 1] when G(D) is the gradient. Moreover, we describe the structure of the set {G(D)f = F}, under assumptions of non-integrability on F, in terms of lower dimensional rectifiability and superdensity. Applications to Maxwell type system and to multivariable Cauchy–Riemann system are provided.