bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gromov–Witten Invariants of Calabi–Yau Manifolds With Two Kähler Parameters
Authors: Lho Hyenho
Published: March 2019

We study the Gromov–Witten theory of $K_{{{\mathbb{P}}}^1\times{{\mathbb{P}}}^1}$ and some Calabi–Yau hypersurfaces in toric varieties. We give a direct geometric proof of the holomorphic anomaly equation for $K_{{{\mathbb{P}}}^1\times{{\mathbb{P}}}^1}$ in the form predicted by B-model physics. We also calculate the closed formula of genus one quasimap invariants of Calabi–Yau hypersurfaces in ${{\mathbb{P}}}^{m-1}\times{{\mathbb{P}}}^{n-1}$ after restricting the 2nd Kähler parameter to zero. By the wall-crossing theorem between Gromov–Witten and quasimap invariants, we thus obtain their genus one Gromov–Witten invariants.
Factors associated with skilled attendants at birth among married adolescent girls in Nigeria: evidence from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2016/2017
Authors: Olakunde Babayemi O , Adeyinka Daniel A , Mavegam Bertille O , Olakunde Olubunmi A , Yahaya Hidayat B , Ajiboye Oluwatosin A , Ogundipe Temitayo , Ezeanolue Echezona E
Published: March 2019

Background

This study examines the factors associated with skilled birth attendants at delivery among married adolescent girls in Nigeria.

Methods

The study was a secondary data analysis of the fifth round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey conducted between September 2016 and January 2017. Married adolescent girls aged 15–19 y who had live births in the last 2 y preceding the survey were included in the analysis. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with a skilled birth attendant (doctor, nurse or midwife) at delivery as the outcome variable and sociodemographic, male partner- and maternal health-related factors as explanatory variables.

Results

Of the 789 married adolescent girls, 387 (27% [95% CI=22.8–30.7]) had a skilled birth attendant at delivery. In the adjusted model, adolescent girls who were aged ≥18 y (ref: <18 y), primiparous (ref: multiparous), had antenatal care (ANC) provided by skilled healthcare providers (ref: no ANC), belonged to at least the poor and middle wealth index quintiles (ref: poorest), and resided in the south west zone (ref: north central), independently had a significantly higher likelihood of having a skilled birth attendant at delivery.

Conclusions

Interventions that will reduce pregnancy in younger adolescent girls, poverty, and increase ANC provided by skilled attendants, are likely to improve deliveries assisted by skilled birth attendants among married adolescent girls in Nigeria.
How to rebuild the kidney: recent advances in kidney organoids
Authors: Islam Mazharul , Nishinakamura Ryuichi
Published: March 2019

It is difficult to restore kidney function once it has become severely impaired. Although kidney transplantation is a curative therapy, donor numbers remain limited. Thus, the generation of kidney organoids (mainly comprising glomeruli and renal tubules) from multipotent stem cells represents an important advance in regenerative medicine of the kidney. Recently, a protocol that can generate the higher-order structure of the mouse embryonic kidney was reported. Kidney organoids are now being used for disease modelling, and may eventually be applicable for clinical transplantation. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in kidney organoid research, and discuss the issues to be resolved toward kidney reconstruction.
Susceptibility of Cotton Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to Spinosyns
Authors: Rolim Guilherme G , Arruda Lucas S , Torres Jorge B , Barros Eduardo M , Fernandes Marcos G
Published: March 2019

The control of boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boh., relies primarily on synthetic insecticides. Although insecticides are registered to spray cotton fields against boll weevils, only a few offer satisfactory control and most have broad-spectrum action. Alternatively, spinosyns have been recommended against lepidopteran pest species in cotton and are considered comparatively of reduced risk to nontargets. The susceptibility of nine populations of boll weevil to spinosad and spinetoram was determined through dried residue on squares and cotton leaves. Furthermore, control efficacy of spinosad and spinetoram compared with the standard organophosphate malathion was determined for caged adults at two different positions within the plant canopy or treated cotton leaves after different spray intervals. Boll weevil susceptibility varied across the nine populations and tested spinosyns. The lethal concentrations (LC50s and LC90s) varied from 8.62 to 32.25 and 49.86 to 281.70 mg a.i./l for spinosad and from 2.17 to 15.36 and 8.58 to 69.36 mg a.i./l for spinetoram. The location of boll weevil within the plant canopy affected the insecticide efficacy with higher mortality when caged on upper parts rather than on lower parts of cotton plants (>85% vs <45% of control) across all three insecticides. In addition, dried residues of spinosyns resulted in adult mortality >80% until the end of the evaluation period (8 d), while the standard malathion caused only 10% at this last evaluation time. Thus, we can conclude that both spinosyns promoted prolonged adult mortality using recommended field rates compared with the standard malathion.
Latent Lyme Disease Resulting in Chronic Arthritis and Early Career Termination in a United States Army Officer
Authors: Weiss Thomas , Zhu Peter , White Hannah , Posner Matthew , Wickiser J Kenneth , Washington Michael A , Barnhill Jason
Published: March 2019

Lyme disease is a continuing threat to military personnel operating in arboriferous and mountainous environments. Here we present the case of a 24-year-old Second Lieutenant, a recent graduate from the United States Military Academy, with a history of Lyme disease who developed recurrent knee effusions following surgery to correct a hip impingement. Although gonococcal arthritis was initially suspected from preliminary laboratory results, a comprehensive evaluation contradicted this diagnosis. Despite antibiotic therapy, aspiration of the effusions, and steroid treatment to control inflammation, the condition of the patient deteriorated to the point where he was found to be unfit for duty and subsequently discharged from active military service. This case illustrates the profound effect that latent Lyme disease can have on the quality of life and the career of an active duty military member. It highlights the need for increased surveillance for Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) in military training areas and for the early and aggressive diagnosis and treatment of military personnel who present with the symptoms of acute Lyme disease.
The Role of CT Angiography in Evaluating Lower Extremity Trauma: 157 Patient Case Series at a Military Treatment Facility
Authors: Kelly Sean P , Rambau Genevieve , Tennent David J , Osborn Patrick M
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Physical exam and angiography have important roles in the diagnosis of traumatic lower extremity vascular injury with similar reported high rates of sensitivity and specificity. It has been previously shown that CTA is not universally indicated in the setting of acute lower extremity trauma when a reliable physical examination is obtained. As such, the purpose of this study was to determine if obtaining a CTA following physical examination altered the clinical care of patients following high-energy lower extremity trauma and the generalizability to the military population.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review of all patients who underwent lower extremity CTA during the initial trauma evaluation at a Level 1 Trauma Center from 2007 to 2014.

Results

One hundred and fifty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. One hundred and seventeen patient’s initial physical exam excluded limb ischemia with 67 vascular injuries on CTA (9 underwent angiogram in the OR) with no reperfusions required. 40 patients had hard signs of ischemia or ABI’s <0.90, 29 had injuries on CTA, and fifteen underwent a vascular reperfusion procedure for acute vascular injury. Ten of 15 reperfusions required no further angiography after CTA. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of physical exam for needed reperfusion were both 100%. There were no instances of missed vascular injury or readmission and 53 patients were discharged directly from the emergency room after a negative CTA.

Conclusions

This study suggests that physical exam alone achieves a high sensitivity for vascular injury in lower extremity trauma. Physical exam excluded all lower extremity ischemia without the need for advanced imaging. While CTA was useful to confirm and localize the source of acute vascular injury, the majority of vascular injuries identified on CTA did not affect immediate clinical care and lead to additional unnecessary procedures. However, in patients with suspected vascular injury, a negative CTA was also used as rationale for immediate discharge from the emergency department without further clinical observation. When applied to the deployed military setting the results of this study support the use of physical exam to accurately diagnose limb threatening ischemia at the time of injury or Role 1 facilities with CTA reserved for diagnosing the level of the vascular injury and for potential patient clearance prior to prolonged evacuation.
Equine Assisted Therapy for Patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series Study
Authors: Shelef Assaf , Brafman Dorit , Rosing Thom , Weizman Abraham , Stryjer Rafael , Barak Yoram
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Equine assisted therapy (EAT) which includes therapeutic horseback riding (THR), grooming, horsemanship and ground level work with horses, has been studied as treatment for children with special needs and/or autistic spectrum disorder. Preliminary evidence indicates that EAT is also effective for improving self-efficacy and self-esteem in adults with psychiatric disorders. Empowerment, bonding and building trust with the horses, may promote functioning of patients struggling with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The authors performed a prospective, pilot open case series study to assess the effect of EAT on patients with PTSD in terms of symptoms and functioning in work, family and social interaction.

Methods

Patients with PTSD received EAT once a week for 3 consecutive hours for 6 months. The Short Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT) and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) were assessed at baseline, the SDS after 1 and 6 months, and the SPRINT after 6 months.

Results

Thirteen of 23 participants completed the study. Ten participants withdrew from the study for various reasons including discomfort from horses. Total SPRINT scores showed a statistically significant improvement in PTSD symptoms (baseline vs. 6 months: 24.38 ± 6.4 vs. 21.54 ± 7.94 points; p < 0.05). SPRINT scores indicated improvement in the ability to work and perform daily tasks (p < 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in the total SDS score was revealed following 1 month (p < 0.03) and after 6 months (p < 0.02) of EAT. There was also a significant decline in the days of inefficiency (baseline vs. 6 months: 4.15 ± 2.73 vs, 1.88 ± 2.18 days per week, p < 0.02).

Conclusion

This preliminary pilot open case series study suggests that EAT may be a beneficial treatment for patients suffering from PTSD. The study demonstrated improved ability to work and perform daily tasks and reduction in the number of days of inefficiency. Further large-scale long-term studies are warranted to substantiate our observation.
Constraining the stellar mass function from the deficiency of tidal disruption flares in the nuclei of massive galaxies
Authors: D’Orazio Daniel J , Loeb Abraham , Guillochon James
Published: March 2019

The rate of tidal disruption flares (TDFs) per mass of the disrupting black hole encodes information on the present-day mass function (PDMF) of stars in the clusters surrounding super massive black holes. We explore how the shape of the TDF rate with black hole mass can constrain the PDMF, with only weak dependence on black hole spin. We show that existing data can marginally constrain the minimum and maximum masses of stars in the cluster, and the high-mass end of the PDMF slope, as well as the overall TDF rate. With $\mathcal {O}(100)$ TDFs expected to be identified with the Zwicky Transient Facility, the overall rate can be highly constrained, but still with only marginal constraints on the PDMF. However, if ${\lesssim } 10 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the TDFs expected to be found by LSST over a decade ($\mathcal {O}(10^3)$ TDFs) are identified, then precise and accurate estimates can be made for the minimum stellar mass (within a factor of 2) and the average slope of the high-mass PDMF (to within $\mathcal {O}(10{{\ \rm per\ cent}})$) in nuclear star clusters. This technique could be adapted in the future to probe, in addition to the PDMF, the local black hole mass function and possibly the massive black hole binary population.
MOVES – II. Tuning in to the radio environment of HD189733b
Authors: Kavanagh R D , Vidotto A A , Ó. Fionnagáin D , Bourrier V , Fares R , Jardine M , Helling Ch , Moutou C , Llama J , Wheatley P J
Published: March 2019

We present stellar wind modelling of the hot Jupiter host HD189733, and predict radio emission from the stellar wind and the planet, the latter arising from the interaction of the stellar wind with the planetary magnetosphere. Our stellar wind models incorporate surface stellar magnetic field maps at the epochs 2013 June/July, 2014 September, and 2015 July as boundary conditions. We find that the mass-loss rate, angular momentum loss rate, and open magnetic flux of HD189733 vary by 9 per cent, 40 per cent, and 19 per cent over these three epochs. Solving the equations of radiative transfer, we find that from 10 MHz–100 GHz the stellar wind emits fluxes in the range of 10−3–5 μJy, and becomes optically thin above 10 GHz. Our planetary radio emission model uses the radiometric Bode’s law, and neglects the presence of a planetary atmosphere. For assumed planetary magnetic fields of 1–10 G, we estimate that the planet emits at frequencies of 2–25 MHz, with peak flux densities of 102 mJy. We find that the planet orbits through regions of the stellar wind that are optically thick to the emitted frequency from the planet. As a result, unattenuated planetary radio emission can only propagate out of the system and reach the observer for 67 per cent of the orbit for a 10 G planetary field, corresponding to when the planet is approaching and leaving primary transit. We also find that the plasma frequency of the stellar wind is too high to allow propagation of the planetary radio emission below 21 MHz. This means a planetary field of at least 8 G is required to produce detectable radio emission.
Non-linear evolution of the resonant drag instability in magnetized gas
Authors: Seligman Darryl , Hopkins Philip F , Squire Jonathan
Published: March 2019

We investigate, for the first time, the non-linear evolution of the magnetized ‘resonant drag instabilities’ (RDIs). We explore magnetohydrodynamic simulations of gas mixed with (uniform) dust grains subject to Lorentz and drag forces, using the gizmo code. The magnetized RDIs exhibit fundamentally different behaviour than purely acoustic RDIs. The dust organizes into coherent structures and the system exhibits strong dust–gas separation. In the linear and early non-linear regime, the growth rates agree with linear theory and the dust self-organizes into 2D planes or ‘sheets.’ Eventually the gas develops fully non-linear, saturated Alfvénic, and compressible fast-mode turbulence, which fills the underdense regions with a small amount of dust, and drives a dynamo that saturates at equipartition of kinetic and magnetic energy. The dust density fluctuations exhibit significant non-Gaussianity, and the power spectrum is strongly weighted towards the largest (box scale) modes. The saturation level can be understood via quasi-linear theory, as the forcing and energy input via the instabilities become comparable to saturated tension forces and dissipation in turbulence. The magnetized simulation presented here is just one case; it is likely that the magnetic RDIs can take many forms in different parts of parameter space.
Intraoperative Ultrasound Navigation with Doppler Function to Guide Arteriovenous Malformation Resection: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Dellaretti Marcos , Ronconi Daniel Espindola
Published: March 2019

Intraoperative ultrasound navigation was initially introduced in the neurosurgical field for brain tumor surgery and was then extended to arteriovenous malformation surgery with good success. This tool provides real-time intraoperative images.
1
Moreover, Doppler ultrasound permits early identification of feeding arteries and supplies the surgeon with a global impression of the flow dynamics.
2
A further use of doppler is to check for residual nidus. Other advantages are the capacity to identify intracerebral hemorrhage.
2

In this video, we demonstrate the case of a 15-yr-old patient who presented intracranial hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of left frontoparietal hematoma associated with an image suggestive of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Arteriography confirmed the diagnosis of AVM fed by branches of the anterior cerebral and superficial drainage for the superior sagittal sinus.

The patient was placed in dorsal decubitus with his head turned to the right and a left parietal-frontal craniotomy was performed. After the dura mater was opened, cortical mapping was performed to locate the motor and sensory cortex. After the mapping, ultrasound with doppler was performed to locate the AVM and the hematoma and determine its relation to the motor and sensory cortex. At the end of the surgery, doppler ultrasound was used again to ensure complete resection of the AVM.

Intraoperative Ultrasound navigation with doppler is an inexpensive technology that can be used in the treatment of AVMs, especially in the subcortex, as it assists in locating the nidus and confirms its complete resection.
Calprotectin discriminates septic arthritis from pseudogout and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Baillet Athan , Trocmé Candice , Romand Xavier , Nguyen Chuong M.V. , Courtier Anais , Toussaint Bertrand , Gaudin Philippe , Epaulard Olivier
Published: March 2019

Objective

We aimed to determine whether calprotectin and α-defensins could discriminate septic from other inflammatory arthritides.

Methods

Synovial fluids with a predominance of neutrophils from patients with septic arthritis, pseudogout and RA were prospectively collected. Neutrophil-related proteins calprotectin and human neutrophil α-defensins levels were assessed in synovial fluids. Demographic parameters and biomarkers with P-value ⩽0.05 for differentiating septic from non-septic arthritis were included in a multivariable model. Multivariable logistic regression with stepwise selection was performed to build the final combined model.

Results

A total of 74 patients were included: septic arthritis (n = 26), pseudogout (n = 28) and RA (n = 20). Patients with septic arthritis were more likely to be male and young, and to display higher synovial neutrophil count. Calprotectin was significantly increased in patients with septic arthritis. The multivariable model included calprotectin, synovial fluid neutrophil count and gender. Calprotectin was the only biomarker that discriminated septic arthritis from non-septic inflammatory arthritides, with 76% sensitivity, 94% specificity and a positive likelihood ratio = 12.2 at the threshold for calprotectin of 150 mg/l.

Conclusion

Synovial fluid calprotectin is a relevant biomarker to discriminate septic arthritis from other inflammatory arthritides. This biomarker should be tested in an independent cohort.
BLT-Immune Humanized Mice as a Model for Nivolumab-Induced Immune-Mediated Adverse Events: Comparison of the NOG and NOG-EXL Strains
Authors: Weaver James L , Zadrozny Leah M , Gabrielson Kathleen , Semple Kenrick M , Shea Katherine I , Howard Kristina E
Published: March 2019

Checkpoint inhibitors represent a new class of therapeutics in the treatment of cancer that has demonstrated remarkable clinical effectiveness. However, some patients have experienced serious immune-mediated adverse effects including pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, nephritis, dermatitis, encephalitis, and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency. These adverse events were not predicted by nonclinical studies. To determine if bone marrow-liver-thymus (BLT) immune humanized mice could demonstrate these adverse effects, we studied the effect of nivolumab on 2 strains of BLT-humanized mice, NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Sug/JicTac (NOG) and NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Sug Tg(SV40/HTLV-IL3, CSF2)10-7Jic/JicTac (NOG-EXL). Mice were treated with 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg nivolumab or saline twice weekly for 28 days. BLT-NOG mice had significantly reduced survival compared with BLT-NOG-EXL mice. In spite of the difference in survival, both BLT-humanized strains showed adverse reactions similar to those reported in humans, including pneumonitis and hepatitis, with nephritis, dermatitis and adrenalitis also noted in some individuals. Additional histopathologic findings included pancreatic atrophy, myositis, and osteomyelitis in some animals. T-cell activation increased with concomitant loss of PD-1 detection. These findings show that BLT immune humanized mice can demonstrate immune-mediated adverse effects of antiPD1 therapy, and may represent a model that can be used to better understand toxicity of this class of drugs.
The Impact of Environmental Context on Intern Sign-Out Quality
Authors: Lee Soo-Hoon , Terndrup Christopher , Phan Phillip H. , Zaeh Sandra E. , Atsina Kwame , Minkove Nicole , Desai Sanjay V.
Published: March 2019

Background

Resident duty-hour restrictions have led to more sign-out transitions, increasing the potential for preventable harm. An unfavorable environment is expected to exacerbate sign-out risks to patient safety.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of noise, interruptions, long sign-outs, and sign-outs exceeding allotted time on sign-out quality.

Methods

Eight trained observers evaluated 620 evening patient sign-outs between interns for 40 weeknights between February and April 2015 at a large internal medicine training program. Quality of sign-out was measured three ways: information quality, scores from the Handoff CEX Tool, and peer evaluations.

Results

Noise had no impact on information quality. Interruptions negatively affected information quality (−0.10 < r < −0.15, P < 0.001) and Handoff CEX quality scores (−0.11 < r < −0.26, P < 0.001). Long sign-outs taking more than 1 hour negatively affected sign-out quality (−0.09 < r < −0.23, P < 0.05). Sign-outs exceeding allotted time negatively impacted peer evaluations (−0.11 < r < −0.22, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Interruptions, long sign-outs, and sign-outs exceeding allotted time were related to lower sign-out quality. Improving the environment to reduce interruptions and training interns to manage their time during sign-outs may improve sign-out quality.
Sino-Nasal Anatomical Variations in Rhinogenic Headache Pathogenesis
Authors: Sollini Giacomo , Mazzola Francesco , Iandelli Andrea , Carobbio Andrea , Barbieri Andrea , Mora Renzo , Peretti Giorgio
Published: March 2019

Rhinogenic headache (RH) is a widespread pain syndrome but its pathogenesis and treatment are still unclear. Some authors recognize a correlation between RH and mucosal contact points or some other sinonasal anatomical variations. The authors conducted a retrospective case–control study to analyze the correlation between radiological findings and clinical symptoms.

One hundred-nineteen adults with Para-Nasal Sinuses Computed Tomography (PNS-CT) scans were included: 64 patients who have originally undergone PNS-CT scan as part of rhinogenic headache workup (Group A), and 55 controls in whom PNS-CT scans were obtained for other purposes (Group B). All subjects were asked to report their symptoms using a headache scoring system. PNS-CT scans of all subjects were analyzed for presence of mucosal contact points, middle turbinate concha bullosa (MTCB) and frontoethmoidal cells.

The most common anatomical abnormality found in our series was MTCB, reported in 60.9% of patients in Group A and 41.8% of those in Group B. A statistically significant prevalence was found in Group A compared to Group B regarding the presence of MTCB (P = 0.037) and Type II (P = 0.016) and Type III (P = 0.039) frontoethmoidal cells. No statistically significant difference (P >0.05) was found between Group A and Group B regarding the presence of mucosal contact points at each site.

Multiple anatomical variations in nasal and paranasal sinuses may cause a rhinogenic headache with different characteristics. Some of these, such as concha bullosa of middle turbinate or type II and III Kuhn cells, have shown a significant association with rhinogenic headache. No statistically significant association was found between presence of headache and mucosal contact points and type I and IV frontal cells. These findings can be very helpful for the surgeons that want to deal with the treatment of RH.
Parasite–offspring competition for female resources can explain male-biased parasitism in plants
Authors: Yule Kirsty J. , Burns Kevin C.
Published: March 2019

Male-biased susceptibility to parasites is common in dioecious plants. However, why males have higher parasite loads than females is unclear. Unlike males, females must subsidize post-fertilization costs of reproduction (e.g. seed and fruit development). As a result, females may have smaller pools of resources potentially available to parasites, thus leading to lower parasite loads. We tested this prediction in New Zealand's largest native moth (
Aenetus virescens
: Lepidoptera), whose larvae parasitize
Aristotelia serrata
(Elaeocarpaceae), an endemic species of dioecious tree. We measured parasite loads in male and female trees, as well as annual seed set in females. We then derived a technique to equate the energetic cost of seed set in females to an equivalent number of parasitic larvae. Our results showed evidence for male-biased parasitism: male trees harboured more larval parasites than female trees. However, when parasite loads in males were compared with parasite loads in females, plus the energetic cost of seed production calculated as an equivalent number of parasitic larvae, differences in parasitism between the sexes disappeared. We conclude that male-biased parasitism in plants could arise from parasite–offspring (i.e. herbivore–seed) competition for female resources.
Detecting past changes in vegetation resilience in the context of a changing climate
Authors: Calder W. John , Shuman Bryan
Published: March 2019

Anthropogenic climate change is continuously altering ecological responses to disturbance and must be accounted for when examining ecological resilience. One way to measure resilience in ecological datasets is by considering the amount and duration of change from a baseline created by perturbations, such as disturbances like wildfire. Recovery occurs when ecological conditions return to equilibrium, meaning that no subsequent changes can be attributed to the effects of the disturbance, but climate change often causes the recovered state to differ from the previous baseline. The palaeoecological record provides an opportunity to examine these expectations because palaeoclimates changed continuously; few periods existed when environmental conditions were stationary. Here we demonstrate a framework for examining resilience in palaeoecological records against the backdrop of a non-stationary climate by considering resilience as two components of (i) resistance (magnitude of change) and (ii) recovery (time required to return) to predicted equilibrium values. Measuring these components of resilience in palaeoecological records requires high-resolution fossil (e.g. pollen) records, local palaeoclimate reconstructions, a model to predict ecological change in response to climate change, and disturbance records measured at the same spatial scale as the ecological (e.g. vegetation history) record. Resistance following disturbance is measured as the deviation of the fossil record from the ecological state predicted by the palaeoclimate records, and recovery time is measured as the time required for the fossil record to return to predicted values. We show that some cases may involve nearly persistent equilibrium despite large climate changes, but that others can involve a shift to a new state without any complete recovery.
Dimensions of Blue Carbon and emerging perspectives
Authors: Lovelock Catherine E. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: March 2019

Blue Carbon
is a term coined in 2009 to draw attention to the degradation of marine and coastal ecosystems and the need to conserve and restore them to mitigate climate change and for the other ecosystem services they provide. Blue Carbon has multiple meanings, which we aim to clarify here, which reflect the original descriptions of the concept including (1) all organic matter captured by marine organisms, and (2) how marine ecosystems could be managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thereby contribute to climate change mitigation and conservation. The multifaceted nature of the Blue Carbon concept has led to unprecedented collaboration across disciplines, where scientists, conservationists and policy makers have interacted intensely to advance shared goals. Some coastal ecosystems (mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrass) are established
Blue Carbon ecosystems
as they often have high carbon stocks, support long-term carbon storage, offer the potential to manage greenhouse gas emissions and support other adaptation policies. Some marine ecosystems do not meet key criteria for inclusion within the Blue Carbon framework (e.g. fish, bivalves and coral reefs). Others have gaps in scientific understanding of carbon stocks or greenhouse gas fluxes, or currently there is limited potential for management or accounting for carbon sequestration (macroalgae and phytoplankton), but may be considered Blue Carbon ecosystems in the future, once these gaps are addressed.
Assessment of physical strength from gait: data from the Maasai of Tanzania
Authors: Fink Bernhard , Butovskaya Marina L. , Shackelford Todd K.
Published: March 2019

In industrialized societies, male gait provides information about physical strength. Male physical strength may be used by men and women to assess the fighting ability of rivals and the quality of potential mates, respectively. Women more than men discriminate between strong and weak walkers when assessing gait attractiveness. We presented videos of British men's gait—pre-categorized into strong and weak walkers—to male and female members (n= 100) of the traditional Maasai in northern Tanzania in Africa. Maasai men and women judged the gaits of physically strong men less attractive than those of weak men and judged strong walkers to be weaker than weak walkers. These findings counter results from industrialized societies where participants accurately assessed strength from gait, thus arguing against a universal perception of physical strength from gait information.
Contrasting changes in space use induced by climate change in two Arctic marine mammal species
Authors: Hamilton Charmain D. , Vacquié-Garcia Jade , Kovacs Kit M. , Ims Rolf A. , Kohler Jack , Lydersen Christian
Published: March 2019

Global warming is inducing major environmental changes in the Arctic. These changes will differentially affect species owing to differences in climate sensitivity and behavioural plasticity. Arctic endemic marine mammals are expected to be impacted significantly by ongoing changes in their key habitats owing to their long life cycles and dependence on ice. Herein, unique biotelemetry datasets for ringed seals (RS;
Pusa hispida
) and white whales (WW;
Delphinapterus leucas
) from Svalbard, Norway, spanning two decades (1995–2016) are used to investigate how these species have responded to reduced sea-ice cover and increased Atlantic water influxes. Tidal glacier fronts were traditionally important foraging areas for both species. Following a period with dramatic environmental change, RS now spend significantly more time near tidal glaciers, where Arctic prey presumably still concentrate. Conversely, WW spend significantly less time near tidal glacier fronts and display spatial patterns that suggest that they are foraging on Atlantic fishes that are new to the region. Differences in levels of dietary specialization and overall behavioural plasticity are likely reasons for similar environmental pressures affecting these species differently. Climate change adjustments through behavioural plasticity will be vital for species survival in the Arctic, given the rapidity of change and limited dispersal options.
Targeting antibiotic resistant bacteria with phage reduces bacterial density in an insect host
Authors: Mikonranta Lauri , Buckling Angus , Jalasvuori Matti , Raymond Ben
Published: March 2019

Phage therapy is attracting growing interest among clinicians as antibiotic resistance continues becoming harder to control. However, clinical trials and animal model studies on bacteriophage treatment are still scarce and results on the efficacy vary. Recent research suggests that using traditional antimicrobials in concert with phage could have desirable synergistic effects that hinder the evolution of resistance. Here, we present a novel insect gut model to study phage–antibiotic interaction in a system where antibiotic resistance initially exists in very low frequency and phage specifically targets the resistance bearing cells. We demonstrate that while phage therapy could not reduce the frequency of target bacteria in the population during positive selection by antibiotics, it alleviated the antibiotic induced blooming by lowering the overall load of resistant cells. The highly structured gut environment had pharmacokinetic effects on both phage and antibiotic dynamics compared within vitro: antibiotics did not reduce the overall amount of bacteria, demonstrating a simple turnover of gut microbiota from non-resistant to resistant population with little cost. The results imply moderate potential for using phage as an aid to target antibiotic resistant gut infections, and question the usefulness ofin vitroinferences.
When to kill a cull: factors affecting the success of culling wildlife for disease control
Authors: Prentice Jamie C. , Fox Naomi J. , Hutchings Michael R. , White Piran C. L. , Davidson Ross S. , Marion Glenn
Published: March 2019

Culling wildlife to control disease can lead to both decreases and increases in disease levels, with apparently conflicting responses observed, even for the same wildlife–disease system. There is therefore a pressing need to understand how culling design and implementation influence culling's potential to achieve disease control. We address this gap in understanding using a spatial metapopulation model representing wildlife living in distinct groups with density-dependent dispersal and framed on the badger–bovine tuberculosis (bTB) system. We show that if population reduction is too low, or too few groups are targeted, a ‘perturbation effect’ is observed, whereby culling leads to increased movement and disease spread. We also demonstrate the importance of culling across appropriate time scales, with otherwise successful control strategies leading to increased disease if they are not implemented for long enough. These results potentially explain a number of observations of the dynamics of both successful and unsuccessful attempts to control TB in badgers including the Randomized Badger Culling Trial in the UK, and we highlight their policy implications. Additionally, for parametrizations reflecting a broad range of wildlife–disease systems, we characterize ‘Goldilocks zones’, where, for a restricted combination of culling intensity, coverage and duration, the disease can be reduced without driving hosts to extinction.
Jumping dynamics of aquatic animals
Authors: Chang Brian , Myeong Jihye , Virot Emmanuel , Clanet Christophe , Kim Ho-Young , Jung Sunghwan
Published: March 2019

Jumping out of water is a phenomenon exhibited by a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic animals. Yet, there is no common groundwork that clarifies the physical constraints required to jump out of water. In this study, we elucidate the physical conditions required for an animal to jump out of water. More than 100 jumps are analysed over five taxonomic groups. By balancing the power produced by animals with drag-induced dissipation, we expect that maximum jumping height,H, scales with body length,L, asH/L∼L−1/3∼ Fr2, where the Froude number, Fr, is a ratio of inertia to gravity. To identify jumping regimes, simplified experiments are conducted by shooting axisymmetric bodies through the water surface. Here, we see a transition in which partial exits scale asH/L∼ Fr and complete exits scale asH/L∼ Fr2. A bioinspired robotic flapping mechanism was designed to mimic the fast motion of impulsive jumping animals. When exiting water, the robot carries a large volume of fluid referred to as an entrained mass. A theoretical model is developed to predict the jumping height of various water-exiting bodies, which shows that the mass of the entrained fluid relative to the mass of the body limits the maximum jumping height. We conclude that the lack of entrained fluid allows animals to reach extraordinary heights compared to our water-exiting robots.
Post-translational modification control of RNA-binding protein hnRNPK function
Authors: Xu Yongjie , Wu Wei , Han Qiu , Wang Yaling , Li Cencen , Zhang Pengpeng , Xu Haixia
Published: March 2019

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK), a ubiquitously occurring RNA-binding protein (RBP), can interact with numerous nucleic acids and various proteins and is involved in a number of cellular functions including transcription, translation, splicing, chromatin remodelling, etc. Through its abundant biological functions, hnRNPK has been implicated in cellular events including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, DNA damage repair and the stress and immune responses. Thus, it is critical to understand the mechanism of hnRNPK regulation and its downstream effects on cancer and other diseases. A number of recent studies have highlighted that several post-translational modifications (PTMs) possibly play an important role in modulating hnRNPK function. Phosphorylation is the most widely occurring PTM in hnRNPK. For example,
in vivo
analyses of sites such as S116 and S284 illustrate the purpose of PTM of hnRNPK in altering its subcellular localization and its ability to bind target nucleic acids or proteins. Other PTMs such as methylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, glycosylation and proteolytic cleavage are increasingly implicated in the regulation of DNA repair, cellular stresses and tumour growth. In this review, we describe the PTMs that impact upon hnRNPK function on gene expression programmes and different disease states. This knowledge is key in allowing us to better understand the mechanism of hnRNPK regulation.
Task instructions can accelerate the early preference for social features in naturalistic scenes
Authors: End Albert , Gamer Matthias
Published: March 2019

Previous research demonstrated that humans rapidly and reflexively prioritize social features (especially heads and faces) irrespective of their physical saliency when freely viewing naturalistic scenes. In the current study, we investigated whether this preference for social elements already occurs maximally fast during free exploration or whether it is possible to additionally accelerate it by means of top-down instructions. To examine this question, we presented participants with colour photographs of naturalistic scenes containing social features (e.g. heads and bodies) while recording their eye movements. For half of the stimuli, observers were instructed to freely view the images; for the other half of the stimuli, their task was to spot depicted people as fast as possible. We replicated that social elements (especially heads) were rapidly preferred over physically salient image parts. Moreover, we found the orienting towards social elements to be additionally enhanced and accelerated when participants were instructed to detect people quickly. Importantly, this effect was strongest for heads and already evident at the very first fixation. Thus, the present study not only corroborates that the prioritization of social features in naturalistic scenes partially relies on reflexive processes, but also demonstrates that these mechanisms can be additionally accelerated by top-down instructions.
Discovering place-informative scenes and objects using social media photos
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhou Bolei , Ratti Carlo , Liu Yu
Published: March 2019

Understanding the visual discrepancy and heterogeneity of different places is of great interest to architectural design, urban design and tourism planning. However, previous studies have been limited by the lack of adequate data and efficient methods to quantify the visual aspects of a place. This work proposes a data-driven framework to explore the place-informative scenes and objects by employing deep convolutional neural network to learn and measure the visual knowledge of place appearance automatically from a massive dataset of photos and imagery. Based on the proposed framework, we compare the visual similarity and visual distinctiveness of 18 cities worldwide using millions of geo-tagged photos obtained from social media. As a result, we identify the visual cues of each city that distinguish that city from others: other than landmarks, a large number of historical architecture, religious sites, unique urban scenes, along with some unusual natural landscapes have been identified as the most place-informative elements. In terms of the city-informative objects, taking vehicles as an example, we find that the taxis, police cars and ambulances are the most place-informative objects. The results of this work are inspiring for various fields—providing insights on what large-scale geo-tagged data can achieve in understanding place formalization and urban design.
A new method for evaluating the rock mass damage index based on the field point load strength
Authors: Wen Lei , Luo Zhou quan , Yang Shi jiao , Qin Ya guang , Ma Shao wei , Jiang Hong
Published: March 2019

The damage index is a crucial controlling parameter for rock mass strength and deformation in civil, geological and mining engineering projects. In this study, a new method was proposed for computing the damage index of a rock mass based on the field point load strength. This method provides a strength ratio whose numerator is the point load strength (PLS) of splitting along the pre-existing joint and whose denominator is the PLS of intact rock failure. To validate this method, the authors derived a relationship between the damage index and the integrality coefficient using an empirical relation. Moreover, numerous experimental tests were conducted, including P-wave testing and on-site point load testing. Finally, linear regression analysis was performed to analyse the correlation between the new damage index
D

R

and the integrality coefficient
K

V

. This study demonstrates that the presented new method is sensitive to both plasticity and damage in estimating the damage degree of rock masses in underground excavation and tunnel engineering.
Transparent functional nanocomposite films based on octahedral metal clusters: synthesis by electrophoretic deposition process and characterization
Authors: Thi Kim Nguyen Ngan , Dubernet Marion , Matsui Yoshio , Wilmet Maxence , Shirahata Naoto , Rydzek Gaulthier , Dumait Noée , Amela-Cortes Maria , Renaud Adèle , Cordier Stéphane , Molard Yann , Grasset Fabien , Uchikoshi Tetsuo
Published: March 2019

Transparent optical thin films have recently attracted a growing interest for functional window applications. In this study, highly visible transparent nanocomposite films with ultraviolet (UV)-near-infrared (NIR)-blocking capabilities are reported. Such films, composed of Mo
6
and Nb
6
octahedral metal atom clusters (MC) and polymethylmethacrylate polymer (PMMA), were prepared by electrophoretic deposition on indium tin oxide-coated glass (ITO glass). PMMA was found to improve both the chemical and physical stability of Mo
6
and Nb
6
MCs, resulting in a relatively homogeneous distribution of the clusters within the PMMA matrix, as seen by microstructural observations. The optical absorption spectrum of these transparent MC@polymer nanocomposite films was marked by contributions from their Mo
6
and Nb
6
-based clusters (absorption in the UV range) and from the ITO layer on silica glass (absorption in the NIR range). Mo
6
@PMMA nanocomposite films also exhibited excellent photoluminescence properties, which were preserved even after exposure to 50°C at a relative humidity of 70% for one month. These films cumulate high transparency in the visible range with remarkable UV-NIR blocking properties and represent interesting candidates for functional glass application.
Dissipative particle dynamics simulation of critical pore size in a lipid bilayer membrane
Authors: Bowman Clark , Chaplain Mark , Matzavinos Anastasios
Published: March 2019

We investigate with computer simulations the critical radius of pores in a lipid bilayer membrane. Ilton
et al.
(Ilton
et al.
2016
Phys. Rev. Lett.
117
, 257801 (
doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.257801
)) recently showed that nucleated pores in a homopolymer film can increase or decrease in size, depending on whether they are larger or smaller than a critical size which scales linearly with film thickness. Using dissipative particle dynamics, a particle-based simulation method, we investigate the same scenario for a lipid bilayer membrane whose structure is determined by lipid–water interactions. We simulate a perforated membrane in which holes larger than a critical radius grow, while holes smaller than the critical radius close, as in the experiment of Ilton
et al.
(Ilton
et al.
2016
Phys. Rev. Lett.
117
, 257801 (
doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.257801
)). By altering key system parameters such as the number of particles per lipid and the periodicity, we also describe scenarios in which pores of any initial size can seal or even remain stable, showing a fundamental difference in the behaviour of lipid membranes from polymer films.
Temperature-dependent seminal recovery in the southern king crab
Lithodes santolla
Authors: Pretterebner Katrin , Pardo Luis Miguel , Paschke Kurt
Published: March 2019

Male-biased fishery management can provoke depletion of seminal reserves, which is the primary cause of sperm limitation. Therefore, identifying factors which contribute to the vulnerability to depletion of seminal reserves is a priority. The present study aimed to determine the effect of temperature on the recovery rate of sperm and seminal reserves after their depletion in
Lithodes santolla
, an important fishery resource in southern Chile. Sperm and seminal reserves were not fully recovered within 30 days. Temperature significantly affected seminal recovery: after 30 days the recovery index increased to 40% and 21% at 9°C and 12°C, respectively. The twice as fast seminal recovery at 9°C may be explained by the zone of origin of the individuals in this study (northern distributional limit), and 12°C may be close to the threshold of temperature tolerance.
Lithodes santolla
populations subject to intense male-only fisheries may be vulnerable to depletion of seminal reserves and a climate change scenario could additionally aggravate the risk of seminal depletion in
L. santolla
in its northern distributional limit.