bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multisystem impairment in South African adolescents with Perinatally acquired HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART)
Authors: Frigati Lisa J , Brown Karryn , Mahtab Sana , Githinji Leah , Gray Diane , Zühlke Liesl , Nourse Peter , Stein Dan J , Hoare Jaqueline , Cotton Mark F , Myer Landon , Zar Heather J
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) are at risk of chronic disease due to long‐standing immune suppression, HIV disease and antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure. However, there are few data on multisystem disease in this population. We investigated the overlapping burden of neurocognitive, cardiovascular, respiratory and/or renal impairment among PHIV positive (PHIV+) adolescents.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional analysis, participants aged 9 to 14 years on ART for >6 months were recruited from seven sites across Cape Town from July 2013 through March 2015, together with age‐matched HIV‐negative (HIV‐) adolescents. Impairment at enrolment was assessed across neurocognitive functioning (using the youth‐International HIV Dementia Scale); cardiac function (echocardiogram abnormality); respiratory function (abnormal spirometry) and renal function (abnormal glomerular filtration rate).

Results and Discussion

Overall, 384 PHIV+ and 95 HIV‐ adolescents were included (mean age, 11.9 years; 49% female). Median age of ART initiation was 4.2 years (IQR: 1.7 to 7.6) and median CD4 count was 709 (IQR: 556 to 944) with 302 (79%) of PHIV+ adolescents virologically suppressed. Abacavir and Zidovudine were the most commonly used nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) with 60% of adolescents on non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) and 38% on a protease inhibitor (PI). Among PHIV+ adolescents, 167 (43.5%) had single system impairment only, 110 (28.6%) had two systems involved, and 39 (10.2%) had three or four systems involved. PHIV+ participants had more 2‐system and 3‐system impairment than HIV‐, 110 (28.6%) versus 17 (17.9%), p = 0.03 and 39 (10.2%) versus 3 (4.3%), p = 0.03. PHIV+ participants who had failed a year of school (73.8% vs. 46.4%, p = 0.00) and with a viral load >1000 copies/mL at enrolment (16.8% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.03) were more likely to have dual or multisystem impairment. Of those with cardiac impairment, 86.7% had an additional system impaired. Similarly, in those with neurocognitive impairment, almost 60% had additional systems impaired and of those with respiratory impairment, 74% had additional systems impaired.

Conclusions

Despite relatively early ART initiation, there is a substantial burden of multisystem chronic impairment among PHIV+ adolescents. This phenomenon needs to be further explored as this population ages and begins to engage in adult lifestyle factors that may compound these impairments.
Distinct impact of the Pacific multi‐decadal oscillation on precipitation in Northeast China during April in different Pacific multi‐decadal oscillation phases
Authors: Chen Dong , Sun Jianqi , Gao Ya
Published: August 2019

The impact of the Pacific multi‐decadal oscillation (PMO) on precipitation in April during the sowing season in Northeast China (NEC) was analysed. According to the results, there was a significant inter‐decadal change in the relationship between the PMO in December of the previous year and the precipitation in NEC in April of the following year during different PMO phases. Before 1980, when the PMO was in a negative phase, there was no significant correlation between the PMO and NEC April precipitation. After 1980, when the PMO changed to a positive phase, the relationship between the two variables became significant. Based on further analysis, the main reason for this relationship is that as the PMO changes from a negative phase to a positive phase, the northern North Pacific warms, and the north–south temperature gradient in the mid‐ to high latitudes of the North Pacific decreases, which weakens the mid‐ to high‐level westerlies, thus increasing the impact of North Pacific water vapour transport on the April precipitation in NEC. When the PMO changes from a negative phase to a positive phase, the increased sea surface temperature (SST) significantly strengthens the Aleutian low (AL), which can enhance the Alaska warm current and further increase the sea temperature in the PMO region. This air–sea interaction forms a positive feedback that maintains the SST signal from December of the previous year to April of the following year, which affects the circulation and water vapour conditions of NEC and ultimately affects NEC April precipitation. This positive feedback mechanism was further verified in the ECHAM5 model. When the positive anomalous SST appeared in the PMO region, as in the observations after 1980, the AL was significantly enhanced, which in turn affected the SST enhancement.
Early Enteral Administration of a Complex Lipid Emulsion Supplement Prevents Postnatal Deficits in Docosahexaenoic and Arachidonic Acids and Increases Tissue Accretion of Lipophilic Nutrients in Preterm Piglets
Authors: Akinsulire Olajumoke , Perides George , Anez‐Bustillos Lorenzo , Cluette‐Brown Joanne , Nedder Arthur , Pollack Elizabeth , Singh Pratibha , Liu Yan , Sanchez‐Fernandez Lady Leidy , Obregon Evelyn , Bicak Ece , Kiefer Savanna , Yakah William , Gutierrez Hilda V. , Dao Duy T. , Vurma Mustafa , Ehling Stefan , Gordon Douglas , DeMichele Stephen , Freedman Steven D. , Martin Camilia R.
Published: August 2019

Background

Preterm delivery and current nutrition strategies result in deficiencies of critical long‐chain fatty acids (FAs) and lipophilic nutrients, increasing the risk of preterm morbidities. We sought to determine the efficacy of preventing postnatal deficits in FAs and lipophilic nutrients using an enteral concentrated lipid supplement in preterm piglets.

Methods

Preterm piglets were fed a baseline diet devoid of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and randomized to enteral supplementation as follows: (1) Intralipid (IL), (2) complex lipid supplement 1 (CLS1) with an AA:DHA ratio of 0.25, or (3) CLS2 with an AA:DHA ratio of 1.2. On day 8, plasma and tissue levels of FAs and lipophilic nutrients were measured and ileum histology performed.

Results

Plasma DHA levels decreased in the IL group by day 2. In contrast, DHA increased by day 2 compared with birth levels in both CLS1 and CLS2 groups. The IL and CLS1 groups demonstrated a continued decline in AA levels during the 8‐day protocol, whereas AA levels in the CLS2 group on day 8 were comparable to birth levels. Preserving AA levels in the CLS2 group was associated with greater ileal villus height and muscular layer thickness. Lipophilic nutrients were effectively absorbed in plasma and tissues.

Conclusions

Enteral administration of CLS1 and CLS2 demonstrated similar increases in DHA levels compared with birth levels. Only CLS2 maintained AA birth levels. Providing a concentrated complex lipid emulsion with an AA:DHA ratio > 1 is important in preventing postnatal AA deficits.
Sustaining cultural tourism through higher female participation in Nigeria: The role of corporate social responsibility in oil host communities
Authors: Uduji Joseph I. , Okolo‐Obasi Elda N. , Asongu Simplice A.
Published: August 2019

This paper adds to the gender discourse in sustainable African tourism development from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) perspective. Specifically, we examine the impact of CSR on the development of rural women in cultural tourism. A total of 600 rural women were sampled across the Niger Delta. Results from the use of a logit model indicate a significant relationship between CSR and cultural tourism development in oil host communities in Nigeria. This implies that CSR of a multinational oil company is a critical factor for sustaining cultural tourism. The findings suggest increased female participation in General Memorandum of Understanding interventions of multinational oil company and the need to pay close attention to which extent the participation of rural women in the General Memorandum of Understanding projects may be limited by cultural and traditional obstacles.
Average proportional consecutive interval difference accurately differentiates spontaneous activity from motor unit potentials
Authors: Robbins Gregory T. , Tucker Bradley G. , Stashuk Daniel W. , Dillingham Timothy R.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

An objective method is required to detect spontaneous activity (SA) for prevalence studies in needle electromyography (EMG). Because of frequent similarities in the morphology of SA and motor unit potentials (MUP), identification of SA depends on assessment of firing regularity, which has not yet been quantitated through a modern interface.

Methods

Prospective recordings obtained from patients referred for electrodiagnostic evaluation were analyzed by using decomposition‐based quantitative EMG (DQEMG) customized to calculate descriptive statistics.

Results

Forty‐four MUP recordings (39 participants) and 80 SA recordings (62 participants) were analyzed. One hundred one of 124 recordings successfully interfaced with DQEMG. The remaining recordings were analyzed in Audacity. Average proportional consecutive interval differences differentiated SA from MUPs with 97.5% sensitivity (confidence interval [CI] 91.3%‐99.7%) and 100.0% specificity (CI 92%‐100%). There was substantial overlap, however, for SD and mean consecutive differences.

Discussion

Average proportional consecutive interval difference accurately differentiates SA from MUPs and may be useful in future prevalence studies of SA.
Gait speed and overactive bladder in the healthy community‐dwelling super elderly: The Sukagawa Study
Authors: Omae Kenji , Yamamoto Yosuke , Kurita Noriaki , Takeshima Taro , Naganuma Toru , Takahashi Sei , Ohnishi Tsuyoshi , Ito Fumihito , Yoshioka Takashi , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: August 2019

Aim

The objective of this study is to assess the association of muscle mass, grip strength, and gait speed with overactive bladder (OAB) in community‐dwelling elderly adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was based on the data collected from 350 Japanese healthy community‐dwelling elderly individuals aged 75 years or older from the Sukagawa Study. Muscle mass (kg) was measured by bioelectrical impedance, whereas grip strength (kg) and gait speed (m/s) were measured by performance testing. Muscle mass and grip strength were corrected for body mass index (BMI). The primary outcome was the presence of OAB, evaluated using the OAB symptom score.

Results

Of the 314 participants analyzed, 146 (47%) were men and 88 (28%) presented with OAB. The mean (SD) BMI, muscle mass, grip strength, and gait speed were 23.2 (3.2) kg/m
2, 38.4 (7.5) kg, 26.6 (8.1) kg, and 1.2 (0.2) m/s, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that slower gait speed was associated with a greater likelihood of OAB (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per −1 SD, 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11‐1.95). No significant associations between muscle mass or grip strength and OAB were noted (aOR per −1 SD, 0.75, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.41‐1.37, 0.62‐1.72, respectively). Slower gait speed was also associated with higher likelihood of urgency and urgency incontinence (aOR per −1 SD, 1.35, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.74, 1.06‐1.84, respectively).

Conclusions

In the healthy community‐dwelling elderly, gait speed was associated with OAB, including urgency and urgency incontinence. Our findings may provide a new framework for OAB management with respect to functional mobility.
The effect of two‐dimensional d‐Ti3C2 on the mechanical and thermal conductivity properties of thermoplastic polyurethane composites
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Wang Libo , He Yan , Wu Meng , Zhou Aiguo
Published: August 2019

In this study, Ti3C2 was delaminated into monolayer or few‐layer d‐Ti3C2 nanosheets, followed by preparation of d‐Ti3C2/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The effects of d‐Ti3C2 loading on the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated and the fracture morphology was analyzed. Results showed that the prepared d‐Ti3C2 was a monolayer or few‐layer nanosheets and the monolayer thickness is about 1.2 nm. The two‐dimensional d‐Ti3C2 was uniformly dispersed in the TPU matrix. The addition of d‐Ti3C2 nanosheets increased the thermal conductivity of TPU and also improved the mechanical properties of the matrix. When d‐Ti3C2 loading was 1 wt%, the specific strength and specific elongation were improved by about 29% and 53%, meanwhile the dissipated energies increased by 0.3 kJ/m3.
Does Aid for Information and Communications Technology Help Reduce the Global Digital Divide?
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm
Published: August 2019

The Aid for Trade (AfT) initiative was launched at the 2005 World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference with the aim of helping developing countries develop their trade capacity and better integrate into the global trade system. This article examines the impact of Aid for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) (a component of AfT) on the global digital divide of recipient countries, measured by the Internet penetration rate (i.e., the proportion of individuals using the Internet in a given country) and the Internet penetration distance (i.e., the difference between a country's Internet penetration rate and the world average). The analysis was conducted on a sample of 119 countries, spanning the period 2004–2015. We find empirical evidence that higher AfT inflows for ICT are conducive to both higher Internet penetration rate and higher Internet penetration distance for recipient countries. However, more advanced AfT recipient‐countries experience a higher positive effect of AfT for ICT than do relatively less advanced countries. These findings suggest that scaling up of AfT for ICT for developing countries (but particularly the poorest countries) is necessary to help them build the Internet‐related infrastructure necessary to benefit from the growing digital economy.
The evolution of a near‐surface ground thermal regime and modeled active‐layer thickness on James Ross Island, Eastern Antarctic Peninsula, in 2006–2016
Authors: Hrbáček Filip , Uxa Tomáš
Published: August 2019

Thermal regime and thickness of the active layer respond rapidly to climate variations, and thus they are important measures of cryosphere changes in polar environments. We monitored air temperature and ground temperature at a depth of 5 cm and modeled active‐layer thickness using the Stefan and Kudryavtsev models at the Abernethy Flats site, James Ross Island, Eastern Antarctic Peninsula, in the period March 2006 to February 2016. The decadal average of air and ground temperature was −7.3 and −6.1°C, respectively, and the average modeled active‐layer thickness reached 60 cm. Mean annual air temperature increased by 0.10°C y−1 over the study period, while mean annual ground temperature showed the opposite tendency of −0.05°C y−1. The cooling took place mainly in summer and caused thawing season shortening and active‐layer thinning of 1.6 cm y−1. However, these trends need to be taken carefully because all were non‐significant at p < 0.05. The Stefan and Kudryavtsev models reproduced the active‐layer thickness with mean absolute errors of 2.6 cm (5.0%) and 3.4 cm (5.9%), respectively, which is better than in most previous studies, making them promising tools for active‐layer modeling over Antarctica.
Functional Multicomponent Metal Oxide Films Based on Sr, Sn, Fe, and Mo in the Anodic Alumina Matrices
Authors: Gorokh Gennady , Zakhlebayeva Anna , Lazavenka Andrei , Sobolev Nikolai , Zhylinski Valery , Bogomazova Nataliya , Yarmolich Marta , Kalanda Nikolai
Published: August 2019

Low‐profile anodic alumina matrices of 1 μm thick with pore sizes of 105 and 160 nm are formed by two‐step anodizing of Al layers and are used as templates for the deposition of multicomponent metal oxide films on their surfaces. The metal oxide systems of Sr2FeMoO6−δ, FexMoyOz, and SnxMoyOz composites with carbon nanotubes are synthesized by electrophoretic deposition, sol–gel method, and drop method using aqueous salt solutions and are annealed at 373–473 K for 1–2 h and at 773–1123 K for 2–10 h. The morphology, microstructure, and composition of the porous alumina matrices with multicomponent metal oxides films are examined by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis, and X‐ray phase analysis. The use of anodic alumina matrices allows reducing the grain dimensions and gives uniformity to the microstructure and properties of the metal oxide films. The carbon nanotubes increase the working surface of the functional layer and its electrical conductivity. The variation in the synthesis conditions of deposited films and anodic alumina matrices configuration allows forming of different complex composition compounds with reproducible structure and properties.
45‐1: Increasing the luminance at the off‐center field of view for VR display with LCD module
Authors: Jin Liangliang , Yang Zezhou , Ma Ruoyu , Sun Haiwei , Chen Ming
Published: August 2019

The ray propagation of backlight is modulated to match the ray path of the virtual reality system with VR lens. In this way, more light energy at the off‐center of LCD module can transmit into pupil and the luminance at the off‐center field of view will be increased.
Likelihood ratios for evaluating DNA matches obtained from a database search when there is substructure in the population
Authors: Spooner Max , Stockmarr Anders
Published: August 2019

DNA database searches are frequently conducted to identify the suspects of crimes. When a match is obtained from such a database search, the evidence must be evaluated. Existing methods for assessment of the DNA evidence in this scenario require assumption of stochastic independence between the profiles in the database. However, when there is substructure in the population, this assumption is violated. The problem of how to account for population substructure in the database search scenario is analyzed and a solution in the form of a bounded estimate for the likelihood ratio is presented. The implications of these methods are investigated in a realistic scenario using published forensic allele frequencies to simulate ten‐locus DNA profiles. In the simulated example, it is observed that the strength of the evidence can be inflated by more than a factor of 10 in 11.6% of database search cases if mild population substructure is ignored. With these methods, the magnitude of the subpopulation effect in the database search scenario can be quantified and the weight of the evidence of a DNA match more accurately assessed.
Self‐Formulated Na‐Based Dual‐Ion Battery Using Nonflammable SO2‐Based Inorganic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Kim Ayoung , Jung Hojae , Song Juhye , Lee Jiwhan , Jeong Goojin , Kim Young‐Jun , Kim Hansu
Published: August 2019

Sodium secondary batteries have gained much attention as alternative power sources to replace lithium secondary batteries. However, some technical issues must be solved to ensure their success. Here, a highly safe and cost‐effective Na‐based dual‐ion battery system employing self‐formulated CuCl cathode material starting from a mixture of Cu and NaCl in conjunction with a nonflammable NaAlCl4·2SO2 inorganic liquid electrolyte is demonstrated. It is found that CuCl is spontaneously formed by redox coupling of Cu/Cu(I) and SO2/SO2− anion radical. In the proposed battery, Na+ and Cl− are employed as energy carriers for the anode and cathode, respectively, and it is further demonstrated that the Na‐metal‐free battery configuration is possible using a hard carbon anode. Owing to the use of cheap electrode materials and a highly conductive and safe electrolyte, the proposed batteries deserve to be regarded as a promising approach for next‐generation Na rechargeable batteries.
A Modulated Double‐Passivation Strategy Toward Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 21%
Authors: Dong Hang , Yue Man , Pang Shangzheng , Zhu Weidong , Chen Dazheng , Xi He , Lin Zhenhua , Chang Jingjing , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue , Zhang Chunfu
Published: August 2019

Material passivation is essential to enhance the quality of perovskite materials and boost the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, most of the previous reports only paid attention to improving the quality of perovskite films by adopting single passivation. Here, a facile strategy that can carry out double passivation to improve the performance of PSCs is demonstrated. By using the dilute halide salt PEABr solution to treat the perovskite film, PbI2 can precipitate from the perovskite. Both PEABr and PbI2 can passivate the perovskite film, and by combining PEABr and PbI2, the double passivation improves the performance of PSCs significantly. Very high short‐circuit current density of 24.30 mA cm−2, open‐circuit voltage of 1.10 V, and fill factor of 79.75% are achieved which lead to a surprising efficiency of 21.32% for the passivated device. The improved efficiency is mainly according to the available surface passivation of the perovskite material, leading to repressed nonradiative recombination and unhindered charge collection. In addition, the passivated device exhibits better power conversion efficiency stability relative to the control device.
Apoptotic effects of rhein through the mitochondrial pathways, two death receptor pathways, and reducing autophagy in human liver L02 cells
Authors: Li Yanglei , Shen Fang , Bao Yiqi , Chen Dongming , Lu Hong
Published: August 2019

Rhein (4,5‐dihydroxyanthraquinone‐2‐carboxylic acid) is a major component of many medicinal herbs such as Rheum palmatum L. and Polygonum multiflorum. Despite being widely used, intoxication cases associated with rhein‐containing herbs are often reported. Currently, there are no available reports addressing the effects of rhein on apoptosis in human liver L02 cells. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the cytotoxic effects and the underlying mechanism of rhein on human normal liver L02 cells. In the present study, the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay demonstrated that rhein decreased the viability of L02 cells in dose‐dependent and time‐dependent ways. Rhein was found to trigger apoptosis in L02 cells as shown by Annexin V‐fluoresceine isothiocyanate (FITC) apoptosis detection kit and cell mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay, with nuclear morphological changes demonstrated by Hoechst 33258 staining. Detection of intracellular superoxide dismutase activity, lipid oxidation (malondialdehyde) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels showed that apoptosis was associated with oxidative stress. Moreover, it was observed that the mechanism implicated in rhein‐induced apoptosis was presumably via the death receptor pathway and the mitochondrial pathway, as illustrated by upregulation of TNF‐α, TNFR1, TRADD, and cleaved caspase‐3, and downregulation of procaspase‐8, and it is suggested that rhein may increase hepatocyte apoptosis by activating the increase of TNF‐α level. Meanwhile, rhein upregulates the expression of Bax and downregulates the expression of procaspase‐9 and ‐3, and it is suggested that the mitochondrial pathway is activated and rhein‐induced apoptosis may be involved. In addition, we also want to explore whether rhein‐induced apoptosis is related to the autophagic changes induced by rhein. The results showed that rhein treatment increased P62 and decreased LC3‐II and beclin‐1, which means that autophagy was weakened. The results of our studies indicated that rhein induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis via both the Fas death pathway and the mitochondrial pathway by generating ROS, and meanwhile the autophagy tended to weaken.
Improving clinical outcomes of very low birth weight infants
Authors: Arora Sunaina , Yadav Pankaj , Bajaj Hanish , Thakur Anurag Singh , Mittal Manish , Gupta Meetu Rawat , Jose Abhilash , Arora Rohit
Published: August 2019

Background:

Standardized written guidelines and protocols in NICU are known to impact neonatal outcomes and improve survival.

Objective:

To study and compare the morbidity and mortality outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates before and after introduction of structured approach to standardized management guidelines on four interventions in a tertiary care hospital in North India.

Methodology:

Structured approach to standardized management guidelines on four interventions were implemented for VLBW infants in NICU. a) Humidified and Heated High Flow Nasal Cannula (HHHFNC) as the initial mode of ventilator support in preterm VLBW babies. b) Expressed breast milk for feeding preterm VLBW babies and absolutely no formula milk. c) Hand washing and following “Bundle Care Approach” for Central lines as the cardinal cornerstones for maintaining strict asepsis. d) Development and supportive care to be regularly followed. Data was collected prospectively from July 2015 to December 2016 (Intervention Group) and compared with retrospective matched controls from the previous year (July 2014–June 2015) (Control Group).

Results:

There was a significant decrease in culture positive sepsis in the intervention group compared to control group (3 (2.97%) CI:0.006–0.08 vs 11 (19.64%) CI:0.10–0.32; P = .0004). There was no significant difference in the mortality (5.35% vs3.96% P = .74) amongst the two groups.

Conclusion:

Implementing structured approach to above mentioned interventions in the form of standardized management guidelines for preterm VLBW neonates was associated with significant reduction in culture proven sepsis and mechanical ventilation days without affecting mortality or other comorbidities.
Monoenergetic proton beam accelerated by single reflection mechanism only during hole-boring stage
Authors: Wang Wenpeng , Jiang Cheng , Li Shasha , Dong Hao , Shen Baifei , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin , Xu Zhizhan
Published: August 2019

Multidimensional instabilities always develop with time during the process of radiation pressure acceleration, and are detrimental to the generation of monoenergetic proton beams. In this paper, a sharp-front laser is proposed to irradiate a triple-layer target (the proton layer is set between two carbon ion layers) and studied in theory and simulations. It is found that the thin proton layer can be accelerated once to hundreds of MeV with monoenergetic spectra only during the hole-boring (HB) stage. The carbon ions move behind the proton layer in the light-sail (LS) stage, which can shield any further interaction between the rear part of the laser and the proton layer. In this way, proton beam instabilities can be reduced to a certain extent during the entire acceleration process. It is hoped such a mechanism can provide a feasible way to improve the beam quality for proton therapy and other applications.
A crossover trial comparing contamination of healthcare personnel during removal of a standard gown versus a modified gown with increased skin coverage at the hands and wrists
Authors: Hajar Zeina , Mana Thriveen S. C. , Tomas Myreen E. , Alhmidi Heba , Wilson Brigid M. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: August 2019

In a crossover trial, a gown designed to increase skin coverage at the hands and wrists significantly reduced contamination of personnel during personal protective equipment (PPE) removal, and education on donning and doffing technique further reduced contamination. Simple modifications of PPE and education can reduce contamination during PPE removal.
A restudy of the Sandbian to Katian (Upper Ordovician) graptolites from the East Qilianshan (Chilianshan), Northwest China
Authors: Chen Xu , Chen Zhongyang , Mitchell Charles E. , Chen Qing , Zhang Linna
Published: August 2019

The Upper Ordovician Sandbian to Katian strata from the East Qilianshan (northeastern Tibet Plateau) bear a graptolite fauna of moderately high diversity. Graptolites from theAmplexograptus maxwellibeds to theAppendispinograptus longispinusBiozone (Sa2–Ka4 intervals) proposed herein include 27 species of 13 genera. This important graptolite fauna is first described herein although it was initially reported in 1963. Most of them occur in theA. longispinusBiozone corresponding to theDicellograptus complexustoParaorthograptus pacificusbiozones of the Wufeng Formation in the Yangtze region.Alulagraptusnew genus is established based on the materials from the East Qiqiaogou section. The endemic species, e.g.,Alulagraptus ensiformis(Mu and Zhang in Mu et al., 1963),Dicellograptus sinicusMu and Zhang in Mu et al., 1963, andClimacograptus?papilioMu and Zhang in Mu et al., 1963, could indicate that East Qilianshan block was separated from South China.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/84ab69a2-0b56-4ec3-912e-730da08ab10a
Growth Options and Related Stock Market Anomalies: Profitability, Distress, Lotteryness, and Volatility
Authors: Bali Turan G. , Del Viva Luca , Lambertides Neophytos , Trigeorgis Lenos
Published: August 2019

We provide new evidence on the economic role of growth options behind the profitability, distress, lotteryness, and volatility anomalies. We use idiosyncratic skewness to measure growth options and estimate expected idiosyncratic skewness capturing investors’ expectations about the firm’s mix of growth options versus assets-in-place. We find that investors require a positive premium to hold stocks of inflexible firms with low growth options and negative expected skewness and that a newly proposed skewness factor based on growth options explains the aforementioned anomalies. Thus, the new measure of expected idiosyncratic skewness may serve to reduce the number of anomalies in the literature.
Impulsivity in patients with borderline personality disorder: a comprehensive profile compared with healthy people and patients with ADHD
Authors: Linhartová Pavla , Látalová Adéla , Barteček Richard , Širůček Jan , Theiner Pavel , Ejova Anastasia , Hlavatá Pavlína , Kóša Barbora , Jeřábková Barbora , Bareš Martin , Kašpárek Tomáš
Published: August 2019

Background

Impulsivity is a core symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Impulsivity is a heterogeneous concept, and a comprehensive evaluation of impulsivity dimensions is lacking in the literature. Moreover, it is unclear whether BPD patients manifest impaired cognitive functioning that might be associated with impulsivity in another patient group, such as ADHD, a frequent comorbidity of BPD.

Methods

We tested 39 patients with BPD without major psychiatric comorbidities and ADHD, 25 patients with ADHD, and 55 healthy controls (HC) using a test battery consisting of a self-report measure of impulsivity (UPPS-P questionnaire), behavioral measures of impulsivity – impulsive action (Go/NoGo task, stop signal task) and impulsive choice (delay discounting task, Iowa gambling task), and standardized measures of attention (d2 test), working memory (digit span), and executive functioning (Tower of London).

Results

Patients with BPD and ADHD, as compared with HC, manifested increased self-reported impulsivity except sensation seeking and increased impulsive choice; patients with ADHD but not BPD showed increased impulsive action and deficits in cognitive functioning. Negative urgency was increased in BPD as compared to both HC and ADHD groups and correlated with BPD severity.

Conclusions

Patients with BPD without ADHD comorbidity had increased self-reported impulsivity and impulsive choice, but intact impulsive action and cognitive functioning. Controlling for ADHD comorbidity in BPD samples is necessary. Negative urgency is the most diagnostically specific impulsivity dimension in BPD.
Further Improvement of Surface Flux Estimation in the Unstable Surface Layer Based on Large‐Eddy Simulation Data
Authors: Liu S. , Zeng X. , Dai Y. , Shao Y.
Published: August 2019

The Monin‐Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) is widely used for the surface turbulence flux‐gradient relations in modeling and data analysis. Here we quantify multiscale turbulence processes by applying our newly developed analysis technique to large‐eddy simulation data, and find that in the unstable surface layer, large convective eddies (with the scaling of boundary layer depth) and local free convection exist in addition to small eddies. An empirical MOST function (considering the last two processes only) is found to underestimate the surface friction velocity and heat flux both by about 30%. Much better results can be obtained using a function that explicitly considers all three processes. Generally, the nondimensional wind shear exhibits larger scatter and deviates more from the MOST than the temperature gradient. Based on these results, we propose the revised Sorbjan (1986, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120989) function (with coefficients determined from this study) for wind shear and MOST function for temperature gradient, for estimating surface fluxes in the unstable surface layer. The three‐dimensional multiscale analysis method we develop in this study is of general nature and can be of interest for problems of three‐dimensional multiscale process description in other disciplines.
Rainfall Kick-Starts Slow-Moving Landslides
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: August 2019

A census of hundreds of slow-moving landslides in Northern California reveals an uptick in the number and speed of landslides in 2017, the second-wettest year on record.
Goldilocks Meteors Carved into Cones
Authors: Morton Mary
Published: August 2019

Their “just right” shape lends some shooting stars flight stability and symmetry.
2019 AGU Union Medal, Award, and Prize Recipients Announced
Authors: Bell Robin , Holmes Mary
Published: August 2019

The world’s largest organization of Earth and space scientists honors 36 exceptional individuals.
Homogenized Water Vapor Absorption Band Radiances From International Geostationary Satellites
Authors: Li Zhenglong , Li Jun , Gunshor Mathew , Moeller Szu‐Chia , Schmit Timothy J. , Yu Fangfang , McCarty Will
Published: August 2019

In the past 20+ years, GEO Imagers with infrared 6.5‐μm bands have been observing the Earth's atmosphere, providing useful information of upper tropospheric moisture. Due to the instrumental differences and local viewing angles in GEO satellites, these observations are not consistent for generating climate data records (CDRs). In this study, a methodology has been developed to homogenize the 6.5‐μm radiances from the international GEO satellites, to generate a consistent CDR. Validations with Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer radiances from Metops for 2015–2017 for seven GEO Imager sensors show that the GEO radiances are homogenized well with small standard deviation and biases of the differences (smaller for newer sensors), temporally stable radiometric accuracy, and weak angle dependency (even weaker for sensors with two water vapor bands). The homogenized 20+ years of consistent 6.5‐μm radiance CDR can be used to evaluate reanalysis and climate models, especially the diurnal variation of the model simulation.
Heterotrophy of Oceanic Particulate Organic Matter Elevates Net Ecosystem Calcification
Authors: Kealoha Andrea K. , Shamberger Kathryn E.F. , Reid Emma C. , Davis Kristen A. , Lentz Steven J. , Brainard Russell E. , Oliver Thomas A. , Rappé Michael S. , Roark E. Brendan , Rii Yoshimi M.
Published: August 2019

Coral reef calcification is expected to decline due to climate change stressors such as ocean acidification and warming. Projections of future coral reef health are based on our understanding of the environmental drivers that affect calcification and dissolution. One such driver that may impact coral reef health is heterotrophy of oceanic‐sourced particulate organic matter, but its link to calcification has not been directly investigated in the field. In this study, we estimated net ecosystem calcification and oceanic particulate organic carbon (POCoc) uptake across the Kāne'ohe Bay barrier reef in Hawai'i. We show that higher rates of POCoc uptake correspond to greater net ecosystem calcification rates, even under low aragonite saturation states (Ωar). Hence, reductions in offshore productivity may negatively impact coral reefs by decreasing the food supply required to sustain calcification. Alternatively, coral reefs that receive ample inputs of POCoc may maintain higher calcification rates, despite a global decline in Ωar.
Attributing Greenland Warming Patterns to Regional Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Pedersen Rasmus A. , Christensen Jens Hesselbjerg
Published: August 2019

Observed and model‐projected sea ice loss enhances warming in the Arctic. We investigate to what extent warming on Greenland can be attributed to changes in the sea ice cover in different parts of the Arctic. Using Climate Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 model projections of the future, we perform multilinear regressions to separate the simulated warming on Greenland in two parts; one following global warming and one following regional sea ice changes. This reveals the magnitude and spatial pattern of warming on Greenland, which can be attributed to sea ice loss in different Arctic regions. The results indicate that the impact of sea ice loss is largely confined to the coastal parts of Greenland. We find the strongest links to sea ice loss in adjacent regions; remote regions only have a limited impact. Overall, warming attributable to sea ice variability is a minor contribution but can be a dominant signal locally in coastal regions.
The Role of Management on Methane Emissions From Subtropical Wetlands Embedded in Agricultural Ecosystems
Authors: DeLucia Nicholas J. , Gomez‐Casanovas Nuria , Boughton Elizabeth H. , Bernacchi Carl J.
Published: August 2019

Wetlands are an important source of CH4 globally. However, uncertainty surrounding the impact of anthropogenic activities on CH4 emissions from wetlands limits understanding of how these ecosystems will respond to management changes. Furthermore, by neglecting the potential for management to influence CH4 emissions likely inflates error of CH4 emissions for regional and global CH4 models. This study employed a replicated factorial experimental design to investigate how management of the agricultural landscape, including grazing and/or management intensity, influences net CH4 emissions from embedded, seasonal subtropical wetlands. This research further determined key mechanisms by which management decisions at the landscape scale modulate CH4 emissions from the embedded wetlands. Net CH4 exchange was measured using a closed chamber system over two complete wet/dry seasonal cycles in 16 wetlands embedded in either agronomically improved pastures (improved wetlands) or less intensively grazed unfertilized seminative pastures (seminative wetlands), as well as in grazed and ungrazed wetlands in each treatment. Emissions of CH4 were higher from improved wetlands (2.82 μmol m−2 s−1) than seminative wetlands (0.75 μmol m−2 s−1), particularly during the wet season. Enhanced CH4 emissions in improved wetlands relative to seminative wetlands were caused by increased soil wetness and by higher biomass in improved seminative wetlands. Unlike subtropical flooded pastures, our results showed that grazers do not alter CH4 emissions from subtropical wetlands. Current and future changes in management intensity of pastures may cause shifts in net soil CH4 emissions from embedded subtropical wetlands, which could further enhance this emission source.
Blood plasma metabolic profiling of pregnant women with antenatal depressive symptoms
Authors: Henriksson Hanna E. , Malavaki Christina , Bränn Emma , Drainas Vasilis , Lager Susanne , Iliadis Stavros I. , Papadopoulos Fotios C. , Sundström Poromaa Inger , Chrousos George P. , Klapa Maria I. , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: August 2019

Antenatal depression affects ~9–19% of pregnant women and can exert persistent adverse effects on both mother and child. There is a need for a deeper understanding of antenatal depression mechanisms and the development of tools for reliable diagnosis and early identification of women at high risk. As the use of untargeted blood metabolomics in the investigation of psychiatric and neurological diseases has increased substantially, the main objective of this study was to investigate whether untargeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) plasma metabolomics in 45 women in late pregnancy, residing in Uppsala, Sweden, could indicate metabolic differences between women with and without depressive symptoms. Furthermore, seasonal differences in the metabolic profiles were explored. When comparing the profiles of cases with controls, independently of season, no differences were observed. However, seasonal differences were observed in the metabolic profiles of control samples, suggesting a favorable cardiometabolic profile in the summer vs. winter, as indicated by lower glucose and sugar acid concentrations and lactate to pyruvate ratio, and higher abundance of arginine and phosphate. Similar differences were identified between cases and controls among summer pregnancies, indicating an association between a stressed metabolism and depressive symptoms. No depression-specific differences were apparent among depressed and non-depressed women, in the winter pregnancies; this could be attributed to an already stressed metabolism due to the winter living conditions. Our results provide new insights into the pathophysiology of antenatal depression, and warrant further investigation of the use of metabolomics in antenatal depression in larger cohorts.
Quantifying the nonclassicality of pure dephasing
Authors: Chen Hong-Bin , Lo Ping-Yuan , Gneiting Clemens , Bae Joonwoo , Chen Yueh-Nan , Nori Franco
Published: August 2019

One of the central problems in quantum theory is to characterize, detect, and quantify quantumness in terms of classical strategies. Dephasing processes, caused by non-dissipative information exchange between quantum systems and environments, provides a natural platform for this purpose, as they control the quantum-to-classical transition. Recently, it has been shown that dephasing dynamics itself can exhibit (non)classical traits, depending on the nature of the system-environment correlations and the related (im)possibility to simulate these dynamics with Hamiltonian ensembles–the classical strategy. Here we establish the framework of detecting and quantifying the nonclassicality for pure dephasing dynamics. The uniqueness of the canonical representation of Hamiltonian ensembles is shown, and a constructive method to determine the latter is presented. We illustrate our method for qubit, qutrit, and qubit-pair pure dephasing and describe how to implement our approach with quantum process tomography experiments. Our work is readily applicable to present-day quantum experiments.
Tropical cyclones act to intensify El Niño
Authors: Wang Qiuyun , Li Jianping , Jin Fei-Fei , Chan Johnny C. L. , Wang Chunzai , Ding Ruiqiang , Sun Cheng , Zheng Fei , Feng Juan , Xie Fei , Li Yanjie , Li Fei , Xu Yidan
Published: August 2019

Tropical cyclones (TCs), some of the most influential weather events across the globe, are modulated by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). However, little is known about the feedback of TCs on ENSO. Here, observational and modelling evidence shows that TC activity in the southeastern western North Pacific can affect the Niño-3.4 index 3 months later. Increased TC activity in July–September can significantly contribute to the intensity of ENSO in October–December by weakening the Walker circulation and enhancing eastward-propagating oceanic Kelvin waves in the tropical Pacific. Thus, the greater the accumulated cyclone energy, the stronger (weaker) the El Niño (La Niña). A new physics-based empirical model for ENSO is constructed that significantly outperforms current models in predicting ENSO intensity from July to December and addressing the problem about the target period slippage of ENSO. Results suggest that TCs may provide significant cross-scale feedback to ENSO.
PPM1D mutations silence NAPRT gene expression and confer NAMPT inhibitor sensitivity in glioma
Authors: Fons Nathan R. , Sundaram Ranjini K. , Breuer Gregory A. , Peng Sen , McLean Ryan L. , Kalathil Aravind N. , Schmidt Mark S. , Carvalho Diana M. , Mackay Alan , Jones Chris , Carcaboso Ángel M. , Nazarian Javad , Berens Michael E. , Brenner Charles , Bindra Ranjit S.
Published: August 2019

Pediatric high-grade gliomas are among the deadliest of childhood cancers due to limited knowledge of early driving events in their gliomagenesis and the lack of effective therapies available. In this study, we investigate the oncogenic role of PPM1D, a protein phosphatase often found truncated in pediatric gliomas such as DIPG, and uncover a synthetic lethal interaction between PPM1D mutations and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibition. Specifically, we show that mutant PPM1D drives hypermethylation of CpG islands throughout the genome and promotes epigenetic silencing of nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRT), a key gene involved in NAD biosynthesis. Notably, PPM1D mutant cells are shown to be sensitive to NAMPT inhibitors in vitro and in vivo, within both engineered isogenic astrocytes and primary patient-derived model systems, suggesting the possible application of NAMPT inhibitors for the treatment of pediatric gliomas. Overall, our results reveal a promising approach for the targeting of PPM1D mutant tumors, and define a critical link between oncogenic driver mutations and NAD metabolism, which can be exploited for tumor-specific cell killing.
Arctic closure as a trigger for Atlantic overturning at the Eocene-Oligocene Transition
Authors: Hutchinson David K. , Coxall Helen K. , OʹRegan Matt , Nilsson Johan , Caballero Rodrigo , de Boer Agatha M.
Published: August 2019

The Eocene-Oligocene Transition (EOT), approximately 34 Ma ago, marks a period of major global cooling and inception of the Antarctic ice sheet. Proxies of deep circulation suggest a contemporaneous onset or strengthening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). Proxy evidence of gradual salinification of the North Atlantic and tectonically driven isolation of the Arctic suggest that closing the Arctic-Atlantic gateway could have triggered the AMOC at the EOT. We demonstrate this trigger of the AMOC using a new paleoclimate model with late Eocene boundary conditions. The control simulation reproduces Eocene observations of low Arctic salinities. Subsequent closure of the Arctic-Atlantic gateway triggers the AMOC by blocking freshwater inflow from the Arctic. Salt advection feedbacks then lead to cessation of overturning in the North Pacific. These circulation changes imply major warming of the North Atlantic Ocean, and simultaneous cooling of the North Pacific, but no interhemispheric change in temperatures.
RNA-Seq analysis and de novo transcriptome assembly of Cry toxin susceptible and tolerant Achaea janata larvae
Authors: Dhania Narender K. , Chauhan Vinod K. , Chaitanya R. K. , Dutta-Gupta Aparna
Published: August 2019

Larvae of most lepidopteran insect species are known to be voracious feeders and important agricultural pests throughout the world. Achaea janata larvae cause serious damage to Ricinus communis (Castor) in India resulting in significant economic losses. Microbial insecticides based on crystalline (Cry) toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been effective against the pest. Excessive and indiscriminate use of Bt-based biopesticides could be counter-productive and allow susceptible larvae to eventually develop resistance. Further, lack of adequate genome and transcriptome information for the pest limit our ability to determine the molecular mechanisms of altered physiological responses in Bt-exposed susceptible and tolerant insect strains. In order to facilitate biological, biochemical and molecular research of the pest species that would enable more efficient biocontrol, we report the midgut de novo transcriptome assembly and clustering of susceptible Cry toxin-exposed and Cry toxin tolerant Achaea janata larvae with appropriate age-matched and starvation controls.