bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
d‐glucose weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (glucoCEST)‐based dynamic glucose enhanced (DGE) MRI at 3T: early experience in healthy volunteers and brain tumor patients
Authors: Xu Xiang , Sehgal Akansha Ashvani , Yadav Nirbhay N. , Laterra John , Blair Lindsay , Blakeley Jaishri , Seidemo Anina , Coughlin Jennifer M. , Pomper Martin G. , Knutsson Linda , van Zijl Peter C. M.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Dynamic glucose enhanced (DGE) MRI has shown potential for imaging glucose delivery and blood–brain barrier permeability at fields of 7T and higher. Here, we evaluated issues involved with translatingd‐glucose weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (glucoCEST) experiments to the clinical field strength of 3T.

Methods

Exchange rates of the different hydroxyl proton pools and the field‐dependentT2relaxivity of water ind‐glucose solution were used to simulate the water saturation spectra (Z‐spectra) and DGE signal differences as a function of static field strengthB0, radiofrequency field strengthB1, and saturation timetsat. Multislice DGE experiments were performed at 3T on 5 healthy volunteers and 3 glioma patients.

Results

Simulations showed that DGE signal decreases withB0, because of decreased contributions of glucoCEST and transverse relaxivity, as well as coalescence of the hydroxyl and water proton signals in the Z‐spectrum. At 3T, because of this coalescence and increased interference of direct water saturation and magnetization transfer contrast, the DGE effect can be assessed over a broad range of saturation frequencies. Multislice DGE experiments were performed in vivo using aB1of 1.6 µT and atsatof 1 second, leading to a small glucoCEST DGE effect at an offset frequency of 2 ppm from the water resonance. Motion correction was essential to detect DGE effects reliably.

Conclusion

Multislice glucoCEST‐based DGE experiments can be performed at 3T with sufficient temporal resolution. However, the effects are small and prone to motion influence. Therefore, motion correction should be used when performing DGE experiments at clinical field strengths.
Reduction of vibration‐induced signal loss by matching mechanical vibrational states: Application in high b‐value diffusion‐weighted MRS
Authors: Weidlich Dominik , Zamskiy Mark , Maeder Marcus , Ruschke Stefan , Marburg Steffen , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Diffusion encoding gradients are known to yield vibrations of the typical clinical MR scanner hardware with a frequency of 20 to 30 Hz, which may lead to signal loss in diffusion‐weighted MR measurements. This work proposes to mitigate vibration‐induced signal loss by introducing a vibration‐matching gradient (VMG) to match vibrational states during the 2 diffusion gradient pulses.

Theory and Methods

A theoretical description of displacements induced by gradient switching was introduced and modeled by a 2‐mass‐spring‐damper system. An additional preceding VMG mimicking timing and properties of the diffusion encoding gradients was added to a high b‐value diffusion‐weighted MR spectroscopy sequence. Laser interferometry was employed to measure 3D displacements of a phantom surface. Lipid ADC was assessed in water–fat phantoms and in vivo in the tibial bone marrow of 3 volunteers.

Results

The modeling and the laser interferometer measurements revealed that the displacement curves are more similar during the 2 diffusion gradients with the VMG compared to the standard sequence, resulting in less signal loss of the diffusion‐weighted signal. Phantom results showed lipid ADC overestimation up to 119% with the standard sequence and an error of 5.5% with the VMG. An 18% to 35% lower coefficient of variation was obtained for in vivo lipid ADC measurement when employing the VMG.

Conclusion

The application of the VMG reduces the signal loss introduced by hardware vibrations in a high b‐value diffusion‐weighted MRS sequence in phantoms and in vivo. Reference measurements based on laser interferometry and mechanical modelling confirmed the findings.
Improved real‐time tagged MRI using REALTAG
Authors: Chen Weiyi , Lee Nam Gyun , Byrd Dani , Narayanan Shrikanth , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To evaluate a novel method for real‐time tagged MRI with increased tag persistence using phase sensitive tagging (REALTAG), demonstrated for speech imaging.

Methods

Tagging is applied as a brief interruption to a continuous real‐time spiral acquisition. REALTAG is implemented using a total tagging flip angle of 180° and a novel frame‐by‐frame phase sensitive reconstruction to remove smooth background phase while preserving the sign of the tag lines. Tag contrast‐to‐noise ratio of REALTAG and conventional tagging (total flip angle of 90°) is simulated and evaluated in vivo. The ability to extend tag persistence is tested during the production of vowel‐to‐vowel transitions by American English speakers.

Results

REALTAG resulted in a doubling of contrast‐to‐noise ratio at each time point and increased tag persistence by more than 1.9‐fold. The tag persistence was 1150 ms with contrast‐to‐noise ratio >6 at 1.5T, providing 2 mm in‐plane resolution, 179 frames/s, with 72.6 ms temporal window width, and phase sensitive reconstruction. The new imaging window is able to capture internal tongue deformation over word‐to‐word transitions in natural speech production.

Conclusion

Tag persistence is substantially increased in intermittently tagged real‐time MRI by using the improved REALTAG method. This makes it possible to capture longer motion patterns in the tongue, such as cross‐word vowel‐to‐vowel transitions, and provides a powerful new window to study tongue biomechanics.
High‐resolution seismic velocity field estimation techniques and their application to geohazard, lithology and porosity prediction
Authors: Kalashnikova Vita , Meisingset Ivar , Øverås Rune , Krasova Daria
Published: December 2019

Seismic velocity is an attractive parameter for geohazard interpretation, pore pressure analysis, play and prospect evaluations, and other geological studies, but ordinary seismic processing velocities often do not have a good enough resolution. We adapt a dynamic time warping algorithm to estimate geologically reasonable high‐resolution velocities from average‐quality seismic data that can be used for geohazard analysis based on 3D seismic data. To predict free gas and/or excess pore water pressure in thin shallow layers, we use velocity inversion. It is a method for simultaneous inversion of velocity data to geological attributes. It runs in the depth domain, uses a background velocity model for balancing of input velocities to wells and a normal compaction trend model to simultaneously estimate lithology, pore pressure and net apparent erosion attributes, while porosity is calculated from a sandstone–porosity relationship. The overall workflow is applied for geohazard analysis at two marine sites. The first example is a deep‐water one from the Norwegian Sea, where thin and possibly overpressured or gas‐filled layers are identified in the Pleistocene section. The second example is in a region with limestone‐dominated lithology, where thin overpressured shales can cause severe drilling problems. In both examples, the thicknesses of the layers prone to geohazards are estimated to be about half of the wavelength. Dedicated high‐resolution velocity estimations, such as those obtained through the proposed workflow with dynamic time warping, applied to standard 3D seismic data and followed by dedicated velocity inversion routines, are, therefore, a necessity for proper geohazard assessment.
Comparative Proteomic Profiling of Methicillin‐Susceptible and Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Xu Zhen , Chen Jiazhen , Vougas Kostas , Shah Ajit , Shah Haroun , Misra Raju , Mkrtchyan Hermine V.
Published: December 2019

Staphylococcus aureus is a highly successful human pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections. This study provides insights into the virulence, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance determinants of methicillin‐susceptible and methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MSSA; MRSA) recovered from non‐healthcare environments. Three environmental MSSA and three environmental MRSA are selected for proteomic profiling using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation tandem mass spectrometry (iTRAQ MS/MS). Gene Ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway annotation are applied to interpret the functions of the proteins detected. 792 proteins are identified in MSSA and MRSA. Comparative analysis of MRSA and MSSA reveals that 8 of out 792 proteins are upregulated and 156 are downregulated. Proteins that have differences in abundance are predominantly involved in catalytic and binding activity. Among 164 differently abundant proteins, 29 are involved in pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, stress response, mismatch repair, and cell wall synthesis. Twenty‐two proteins associated with pathogenicity including SPA, SBI, CLFA, and DLT are upregulated in MRSA. Moreover, the upregulated pathogenic protein ENTC2 in MSSA is determined to be a super antigen, potentially capable of triggering toxic shock syndrome in the host. Enhanced pathogenicity, antimicrobial resistance, and stress response are observed in MRSA compared to MSSA.
Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Using Proteomics and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database: A Case Study
Authors: Chen Chih‐yu , Clark Clifford G. , Langner Stacie , Boyd David A. , Bharat Amrita , McCorrister Stuart J. , McArthur Andrew G. , Graham Morag R. , Westmacott Garrett R. , Van Domselaar Gary
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially multidrug resistance, is one of the most serious global threats facing public health. The authors proof‐of‐concept study assessing the suitability of shotgun proteomics as an additional approach to whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) for detecting AMR determinants.

Experimental Design

Previously published shotgun proteomics and WGS data on four isolates of Campylobacter jejuni are used to perform AMR detection by searching the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database, and their detection ability relative to genomics screening and traditional phenotypic testing measured by minimum inhibitory concentration is assessed.

Results

Both genomic and proteomic approaches identify the wild‐type and variant molecular determinants responsible for resistance to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, in agreement with phenotypic testing. In contrast, the genomic method identifies the presence of the β‐lactamase gene, blaOXA‐61, in three isolates. However, its corresponding protein product is detected in only a single isolate, consistent with results obtained from phenotypic testing.
Analysis of Antireflection Performance of V‐Ring Groove Structures for Photovoltaic Crystal Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Yao Longxu , Zhang Lei , Ge Peiqi , Gao Yufei , Wang Hui
Published: December 2019

Herein, the purpose is to study the antireflection performance of the silicon surface with a V‐ring groove texture. Based on the principle of geometrical optics, a numerical model of 3D ray tracing is established to calculate the weighted reflectance of the textured silicon surface with V‐ring groove structures, and the calculated results are in good agreement with the measured reflectance results by a mechanical processing experiment. Then, the reflectance of the V‐ring groove textured silicon surface with different parameters is simulated and analyzed through the established model, and better parameters of the V‐ring groove structure for antireflection are determined by considering actual processing conditions. Finally, the weighted reflectance and reflectance spectra of the V‐ring groove textured silicon surface with better parameters are calculated. It is found that the lowest weighted reflectance of the silicon surface with improved V‐ring groove texture is 5.53%, and the lowest weighted reflectance is reduced by about 5%, compared with the chemically etched pyramid texture of which the weighted reflectance is 10.54%. In addition, when the incident angle is less than 50°, the weighted reflectance of the silicon surface with an improved V‐ring groove texture remains less than 10%.
Highly Crystalline Nickel Silicon Sheets on Silicon Substrates Using Hydrogen Plasma Treatment
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad , Joharifar Mahdieh , Vakili-Tabatabaei Mojdeh , Etghani S. Ahmad , Gharooni Milad , Rajabali Mona , Mohajerzadeh Shams
Published: December 2019

Herein, the evolution of nickel silicide and silicon nanosheets on silicon substrates using CH4 plasma followed by hydrogen plasma treatment is reported. A 2–5 nm nickel layer is deposited on (100) silicon substrates using e‐beam evaporation at 150 °C. Hydrogen plasma treatment is the most critical step for the oriented diffusion of nickel atoms through [111] planes of silicon. Moreover, the incorporation of trace values of carbon on silicon is found to be crucial to achieve the oriented diffusion of nickel and formation of nanosheets. The presence of carbon is important to induce strain on [111] planes of silicon and expedite the nickel diffusion between such planes. Although for (100) silicon wafers, an in‐depth diffusion of nickel is observed, for (111) substrates, a planar sheet is formed. Unique nanochannels with a depth of 500 nm and width of 50–100 nm are realized on (100) silicon wafers and their length is extended to 100 μm. A thorough examination of the sheets using a transmission electron microscope reveals the presence of quantum dots of nickel, placed within silicon nanostructures. These films are investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Self‐compassion in mindfulness‐based stress reduction: An examination of prediction and mediation of intervention effects
Authors: Sevel Landrew S. , Finn Micheal T.M. , Smith Rachel M. , Ryden Anna M. , McKernan Lindsey C.
Published: December 2019

The current investigation sought to clarify mechanisms of treatment effects in mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR). Self‐compassion and mindful awareness were assessed first as dispositional influences and then as mediators of outcome in unique models. One hundred thirty individuals participating in the 8‐week MBSR intervention were recruited (73.08% female, mean age = 46.97, SD = 14.07). Measures of psychosocial well‐being (Brief Stress Inventory [BSI], Perceived Stress Scale‐10 [PSS]), mindful awareness (Mindful Awareness and Attention Scale [MAAS]), and self‐compassion (Self‐Compassion Scale [SCS]) were collected at preintervention and postintervention. Regression was conducted to examine the influence of baseline MAAS and SCS on change in PSS and BSI scores. Serial multiple mediator models were conducted separately with pre/postintervention BSI and PSS values as criterion, and preintervention/postintervention MAAS and SCS values as mediators. Higher levels of baseline self‐compassion were predictive of greater reductions in PSS scores (β = 0.16). Reductions in BSI scores were serially mediated by change in self‐compassion both directly (MBSR → ΔSCS → ΔBSI β = 0.06) and indirectly through mindful awareness (MBSR → ΔMAAS → ΔSCS → ΔBSI β = 0.09). Results provide support for the role of self‐compassion as both a predictor of treatment effect and a process through which MBSR operates. Mechanisms underlying MBSR effects appear to be unique to the outcome of interest.
Vaginal Implant Transmitters as a Tool for Pronghorn Fawn Capture
Authors: Conant Emily R. , Conway Warren C. , Wallace Mark C. , Tatman Nicole M.
Published: December 2019

During a pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) translocation study in New Mexico, USA, in 2014, we outfitted 26 pregnant female pronghorn with vaginal implant transmitters (VITs) to better understand cause‐specific fawn mortality. All VITs were equipped with both temperature and photo (i.e., light) sensors. Partial expulsions were detected from VITs in April 2014, at least 2 weeks prior to fawn observations. In these instances, VITs were exposed to ambient daylight activating the photo sensor, which was “reset” daily after sunset. These false signals likely compromised both battery life as well as detection of actual fawn births as a result of time spent tracking false expulsions rather than focusing efforts on fawn capture. We tracked VITs of 19 females (n = 16 confirmed expelled). Expelled VITs assisted with fawn captures (n = 12) from 8 females. We were unable to capture fawns from some females with VITs because fawns were too old to capture or VIT signal failure limited our ability to correctly determine whether a birth occurred. Failure here is defined as a signal we were unable to hear due either to battery failure or geographic location of the VIT post‐expulsion. We also opportunistically captured fawns, either by monitoring and observing females outfitted with very‐high‐frequency (VHF) collars or using long‐range observations of unmarked females. Opportunistic captures resulted in fawn captures (n = 4) from 3 females with only VHF collars, and 13 fawns from 13 unmarked females. Fawn capture success from females whose VIT expelled was greater because fawns were smaller and less likely to flee. To minimize false expulsion signals in VITs, we recommend 1) modification of VIT wings to maintain position inside the vaginal canal until parturition, and 2) change VIT design to specifically fit pronghorn (i.e., design VITs using specific pronghorn vaginal canal measurement to ensure better VIT fit) to prevent premature partial or total expulsion. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
A new scenario for stability of nonlinear Bresse‐Timoshenko type systems with time dependent delay
Authors: Feng B. , Almeida D. S. , dos Santos M. J. , Rosário Miranda L. G.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior for a Bresse‐Timoshenko type system with time‐dependent delay terms. Our results follow a recent approach given by Almeida Júnior and Ramos (Zeitschrift fr angewandte Mathematik und Physik. 68, 1‐31. 2017) where they showed that the viscous damping acting on angle rotation of the classical Bresse‐Timoshenko model eliminates the damage consequences of the so called second spectrum of frequency. Moreover, for Bresse‐Timoshenko type systems which are free of these consequences the assumption of equal wave speeds is not necessary anymore to get the exponential stability. Here, by introducing an appropriate Lyapunov functional we prove the exponential stability for time dependent delay cases regardless of any relationship between wave propagation velocities.
Fast optical method for characterizing plasmonic nanoparticle adhesion on functionalized surfaces
Authors: Mérai László , Janovák László , Kovács Dániel Sándor , Szenti Imre , Vásárhelyi Lívia , Kukovecz Ákos , Dékány Imre , Kónya Zoltán , Sebők Dániel
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a rapid optical method for characterizing plasmonic (gold) nanoparticle (AuNP) adhesion is presented. Two different methods were used for AuNP preparation: the well-known Turkevich method resulted in particles with negative surface charge; for preparing AuNPs with positive surface charge, stainless steel was used as reducing agent. The solid surface for adhesion was provided by a column packed with pristine or surface-modified glass beads. The size of the nanoparticles was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS); the surface charge of the components was determined by streaming potential measurements. The characterization of adhesion was performed in a flow system by UV-Vis spectroscopy. During the adhesion experiments, the role of the surface charge, the particle size, and the pH were studied, as well as the adhered amount of gold nanoparticles and the surface coverage values. The latter was estimated by theoretical calculations and defined by the quotient of the measured and the maximal adhered amount of nanoparticles, which could be determined by the cross-sectional area of the NPs and the specific surface area of the glass beads. The results are verified by the polarization reflectometric interference spectroscopy (PRIfS) method: silica nanoparticles with diameters of a few hundred (d~450) nanometers were immobilized on the surface of glass substrate by the Langmuir–Blodgett method, the surface was modified similar to the 3D (continuous flow packed column) system, and gold nanoparticles from different pH solutions were adhered during the measurements. These kinds of modified surfaces allow the investigation of biomolecule adsorption in the same reflectometric setup.
Spiking time-dependent plasticity leads to efficient coding of predictions
Authors: Vilimelis Aceituno Pau , Ehsani Masud , Jost Jürgen
Published: December 2019

Latency reduction in postsynaptic spikes is a well-known effect of spiking time-dependent plasticity. We expand this notion for long postsynaptic spike trains on single neurons, showing that, for a fixed input spike train, STDP reduces the number of postsynaptic spikes and concentrates the remaining ones. Then, we study the consequences of this phenomena in terms of coding, finding that this mechanism improves the neural code by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and lowering the metabolic costs of frequent stimuli. Finally, we illustrate that the reduction in postsynaptic latencies can lead to the emergence of predictions.
Pupillary light reflex circuits in the macaque monkey: the preganglionic Edinger–Westphal nucleus
Authors: May Paul J. , Sun Wensi , Wright Nicholas F. , Erichsen Jonathan T.
Published: December 2019

The motor outflow for the pupillary light reflex originates in the preganglionic motoneuron subdivision of the Edinger–Westphal nucleus (EWpg), which also mediates lens accommodation. Despite their importance for vision, the morphology, ultrastructure and luminance-related inputs of these motoneurons have not been fully described in primates. In macaque monkeys, we labeled EWpg motoneurons from ciliary ganglion and orbital injections. Both approaches indicated preganglionic motoneurons occupy an EWpg organized as a unitary, ipsilateral cell column. When tracers were placed in the pretectal complex, labeled terminals targeted the ipsilateral EWpg and reached contralateral EWpg by crossing both above and below the cerebral aqueduct. They also terminated in the lateral visceral column, a ventrolateral periaqueductal gray region containing neurons projecting to the contralateral pretectum. Combining olivary pretectal and ciliary ganglion injections to determine whether a direct pupillary light reflex projection is present revealed a labeled motoneuron subpopulation that displayed close associations with labeled pretectal terminal boutons. Ultrastructurally, this subpopulation received synaptic contacts from labeled pretectal terminals that contained numerous clear spherical vesicles, suggesting excitation, and scattered dense-core vesicles, suggesting peptidergic co-transmitters. A variety of axon terminal classes, some of which may serve the near response, synapsed on preganglionic motoneurons. Quantitative analysis indicated that pupillary motoneurons receive more inhibitory inputs than lens motoneurons. To summarize, the pupillary light reflex circuit utilizes a monosynaptic, excitatory, bilateral pretectal projection to a distinct subpopulation of EWpg motoneurons. Furthermore, the interconnections between the lateral visceral column and olivary pretectal nucleus may provide pretectal cells with bilateral retinal fields.
The X chromosome and male infertility
Authors: Vockel Matthias , Riera-Escamilla Antoni , Tüttelmann Frank , Krausz Csilla
Published: December 2019

The X chromosome is a key player in germ cell development, as has been highlighted for males in previous studies revealing that the mammalian X chromosome is enriched in genes expressed in early spermatogenesis. In this review, we focus on the X chromosome’s unique biology as associated with human male infertility. Male infertility is most commonly caused by spermatogenic defects to which X chromosome dosage is closely linked; for example, any supernumerary X chromosome as in Klinefelter syndrome will lead to male infertility. Furthermore, because males normally only have a single X chromosome and because X-linked genetic anomalies are generally only present in a single copy in males, any loss-of-function mutations in single-copy X-chromosomal genes cannot be compensated by a normal allele. These features make X-linked genes particularly attractive for studying male spermatogenic failure. However, to date, only very few genetic causes have been identified as being definitively responsible for male infertility in humans. Although genetic studies of germ cell-enriched X-chromosomal genes in mice suggest a role of certain human orthologs in infertile men, these genes in mice and humans have striking evolutionary differences. Furthermore, the complexity and highly repetitive structure of the X chromosome hinder the mutational analysis of X-linked genes in humans. Therefore, we conclude that additional methodological approaches are urgently warranted to advance our understanding of the genetics of X-linked male infertility.
Envisioning a Democratic Culture of Difference: Feminist Ethics and the Politics of Dissent in Social Movements
Authors: Vachhani Sheena J.
Published: December 2019

Using two contemporary cases of the global #MeToo movement and UK-based collective Sisters Uncut, this paper argues that a more in-depth and critical concern with gendered difference is necessary for understanding radical democratic ethics, one that advances and develops current understandings of business ethics. It draws on practices of social activism and dissent through the context of Irigaray’s later writing on democratic politics and Ziarek’s analysis of dissensus and democracy that proceeds from an emphasis on alterity as the capacity to transform nonappropriative self-other relations. Therefore, the aims of the paper are: (i) to develop a deeper understanding of a culture of difference and to consider sexual difference as central to the development of a practical democratic ethics and politics of organizations; (ii) to explore two key cases of contemporary feminist social movements that demonstrate connected yet contrasting examples of how feminist politics develops through an appreciation of embodied, intercorporeal differences; and (iii) to extend insights from Irigaray and Ziarek to examine ways in which a practical democratic politics proceeding from an embodied ethics of difference forms an important advancement to theorising the connection between ethics, dissent and democracy.
Powerful Problems for Powerful Qualities
Authors: Taylor Henry
Published: December 2019

The powerful qualities view of properties is currently enjoying a surge in popularity. Recently, I have argued that the standard version of the view (associated with C.B. Martin and John Heil) is no different from a rival view: the pure powers position. I have also argued that the canonical version of the powerful qualities view faces the same problem as the pure powers view: the dreaded regress objection. Joaquim Giannotti disagrees. First, Giannotti thinks that the standard version of the powerful qualities view can be differentiated from the pure powers view. Second, Giannotti argues that the powerful qualities view is not susceptible to the regress objection. Third, he argues that there is another reasonable version of the powerful qualities view available, which makes use of the notion of ‘aspects’. In this note, I respond to Giannotti. I argue that all three of Giannotti’s arguments are unsuccessful.
An Assessment of Inter-Observer Agreement in Water Source Classification and Sanitary Risk Observations
Authors: Okotto-Okotto Joseph , Wanza Peggy , Kwoba Emmah , Yu Weiyu , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli , Thumbi S. M. , da Silva Diogo Gomes , Wright Jim A.
Published: December 2019

Sanitary risk inspection, an observation protocol for identifying contamination hazards around water sources, is promoted for managing rural water supply safety. However, it is unclear how far different observers consistently identify contamination hazards and consistently classify water source types using standard typologies. This study aimed to quantify inter-observer agreement in hazard identification and classification of rural water sources. Six observers separately visited 146 domestic water sources in Siaya County, Kenya, in wet and dry seasons. Each observer independently classified the source type and conducted a sanitary risk inspection using a standard protocol. Water source types assigned by an experienced observer were cross-tabulated against those of his colleagues, as were contamination hazards identified, and inter-observer agreement measures calculated. Agreement between hazards observed by the most experienced observer versus his colleagues was significant but low (intra-class correlation = 0.49), with inexperienced observers detecting fewer hazards. Inter-observer agreement in classifying water sources was strong (Cohen’s kappa = 0.84). However, some source types were frequently misclassified, such as sources adapted to cope with water insecurity (e.g. tanks drawing on both piped and rainwater). Observers with limited training and experience thus struggle to consistently identify hazards using existing protocols, suggesting observation protocols require revision and their implementation should be supported by comprehensive training. Findings also indicate that field survey teams struggle to differentiate some water source types based on a standard water source classification, particularly sources adapted to cope with water insecurity. These findings demonstrate uncertainties underpinning international monitoring and analyses of safe water access via household surveys.
Preparation of cationic surfactant-modified kaolin for enhanced adsorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution
Authors: Belachew Neway , Hinsene Hirpo
Published: December 2019

In the current work, we have reported a cationic surfactant-modified Ethiopian kaolin for improved adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The raw kaolin was modified by treating with CTAB to enhance the adsorption properties. The crystal structure and vibrational analysis of CTAB–kaolin were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) techniques. The successful modification of kaolin by CTAB through intercalation and coating was investigated by XRD and FTIR. p-XRD confirms the raw kaolin obtained fromBelesa,Tigokebele is kaolinite mineral. The study has also focused on the application of kaolin–CTAB for adsorption of hexavalent chromium. The percent removal of Cr(VI) was investigated at different parameters such as pH, contact time, concentration of Cr(VI) and adsorbent dosage. CTAB–kaolin shows 99% removal of Cr(VI) at the adsorption equilibrium (time = 180 min, 100 mg CTAB–kaolin, 10 ppm/100 ml). The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to investigate the adsorption process of chromium onto kaolin–CTAB composites. The equilibrium data obeyed Langmuir model than Freundlich, which shows that the adsorption process proceeds through monolayer adsorption and maximum adsorption capacity was found to beQo = 22.72 mg/g. Thepseudo-second-order kinetics model is found to be well fitted thanPseudo-first-order kinetics, which implies that the adsorption mechanism more favors electrostatic interaction between chromium and kaolin–CTAB composites. In conclusion, CTAB–kaolin was found to be a promising adsorbent for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution.
Electro-Fenton method for the removal of Malachite Green: effect of operational parameters
Authors: Teymori Maryam , Khorsandi Hassan , Aghapour Ali Ahmad , Jafari Seyed Javad , Maleki Ramin
Published: December 2019

This study aims to evaluate the degradation and mineralization of Malachite Green (MG) in an electro-Fenton process (EFP). We studied the influence of several important parameters including solution pH (2–11), current density (0–20 mA/cm2), H2O2concentration (0–200 mg/L) and MG concentrations (200, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000 mg/L) at different reaction time (2.5–30 min). The intermediates produced during the degradation were determined by GC–MS. The optimum pH, current density and H2O2concentration were found to be approximately 3, 10 mA/cm2and 50 mg/L, respectively. It was concluded that acidic pH was required to increase the efficiency of the EFP. At optimum conditions and a reaction time of 15 min, MG was completely removed without any significant variation in the corresponding maximum wavelengths or new absorption bands. Due to formation of intermediates, almost all the organic compounds were completely mineralized (95.3%) to CO2and water at reaction time of 30 min. Results indicated the effect of hydroxyl radical (·OH) on MG degradation is greater than that of superoxide radical scavenger ($$ {\text{O}}_{2}^{ \cdot - } $$O2·-). The results showed that the degradation process of MG followed pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the treatment time required in EFP was 4.6 times lower than ECP. Furthermore, the results showed that EFP was an extremely efficient process for degradation and mineralization of a high concentration of MG (1000 mg/L) at a short reaction time (30 min).
What Is (Business) Management? Laying the Ground for a Philosophy of Management
Authors: Blok Vincent
Published: December 2019

In this article, we philosophically reflect on the nature of business management. We move beyond the political paradigm of the conceptualization of management in order to lay the ground for a philosophy of business management. First, we open-up the self-evident conceptualization of business management in contemporary management practices by comparing ancient and contemporary definitions of management. Second, we develop a framework with six dimensions of the nature of business management that can guide future philosophical and empirical work on the nature of business management: management control, people management, asset management and entrepreneurial action, management as participation, management as responsive action and management as constituting meaning.
Influence of major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A polymorphisms on cytomegalovirus disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Patel Sagar S. , Rybicki Lisa A. , Yurch Melissa , Thomas Dawn , Liu Hien , Dean Robert , Jagadeesh Deepa , Hill Brian , Pohlman Brad , Bolwell Brian , Hanna Rabi , Hamilton Betty K. , Kalaycio Matt , Gerds Aaron T. , Cober Eric , Mossad Sherif , Zhang Aiwen , Majhail Navneet S. , Askar Medhat , Sobecks Ronald
Published: December 2019

Objective/Background:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease are common infectious complications after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related gene A (MICA) is a ligand of the natural killer (NKG2D) receptor on immune effector cells that helps mediate NK cell alloreactivity. We hypothesized that MICA polymorphisms may influence CMV infection and disease incidence after alloHCT.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 423 adults at the Cleveland Clinic with hematologic malignancies treated with a matched related or unrelated donor alloHCT. CMV cases analyzed included a compositive of instances of viral copy replication above detection limits as well as any biopsy-proven tissue invasive disease episodes. Genotypes at the MICA-129 position have been categorized as weak (valine/valine; V/V), intermediate (methionine/-valine; M/V), or strong (methionine/methionine; M/M) receptor affinity.

Results:

In multivariable analysis, V/V donor MICA-129 genotype was associated with CMV infection and disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.96; p = .05), but not MICA mismatch (HR = 1.38; 95% CI, 0.83–2.29; p = .22). There was no association of acute or chronic GVHD with MICA donor-recipient mismatch (HR = 1.05; 95% 95% CI, 0.66–1.68; p = .83 and HR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.51–1.76; p = .85, respectively) or V/V donor MICA-129 genotypes (HR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.79–1.31; p = .89 and HR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.651.22; p = .47, respectively).

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the donor MICA-129 V/V genotype with weak NKG2D receptor binding affinity is associated with an increased risk of CMV infection and disease after alloHCT.
Management of inflammatory bowel diseases in urgent and emergency scenario
Authors: Gomes Carlos Augusto , Podda Mauro , Veiga Sabrina Carpanez , Cabral Tayenne do Vale , Lima Luiza Verardo , Miron Lorena Costa , Oliveira Vanessa de Lucas , Aranha Gabriel Lunardi
Published: December 2019

Objective To review the main acute complications of inflammatory bowel disease in order to present the state of the art of their respective diagnosis and treatment.

Methods A bibliographic search was conducted in Medline database using the following keywords: “inflammatory bowel disease”, “Colitis Ulcerative”, “Crohn Disease”, “emergency” among others that had their variation evaluated by the MESH. Articles from the last 10 years conducted with humans, written in Portuguese or English, and published in journals with impact factor greater than 1 were selected.

Results After carrying out the search phrase and selecting the filters, 20 articles were selected to be included in the research. The most common acute complications were evaluated, focusing on their current propaedeutic and management aspects.

Conclusion Most emergencies related to inflammatory bowel disease should be treated non-operatively firstly, prioritizing patient hemodynamic state. In selected cases of life-threatening complications emergent operative treatment are mandatory. The timing of procedure is the most important aspect. As general rule, in Crohn’s Disease, operative treatment should be postponed as much as possible and the resection as small as possible. In case of ulcerative rectocolitis, if the hemodynamic state of the patient allows, proctocolectomy should be expedited with curative intention.
Reconstructing 150 Million Years of Arctic Ocean Climate
Authors: Shultz David
Published: December 2019

A new summary of past Arctic climate conditions gives insight into anthropogenic influences on today’s climate and on the need for future drilling studies to further improve our understanding of the past
Hackathon Speeds Progress Toward Climate Model Collaboration
Authors: Weijer Wilbert , Hoffman Forrest , Ullrich Paul , Wehner Michael , Liu Jialin
Published: December 2019

Climate scientists collaborated in a nationwide event to analyze and compare archived Earth system model simulations and to generate input for the IPCC's upcoming climate change report.
Benthic Filtering Reduces the Abundance of Primary Producers in the Bottom Water of an Open Sandy Beach System (Kashimanada Coast, Japan)
Authors: Seike Koji , Banno Masayuki , Watanabe Kenta , Kuwae Tomohiro , Arai Masahito , Sato Hajime
Published: December 2019

The effect of benthic filtering by the upogebiid shrimp Austinogebia narutensis on the abundance of primary producers in the water column was investigated on a wave‐dominated nearshore zone in central Japan facing the Pacific Ocean. Chlorophyll a concentration in the bottom layer of the water column decreased significantly with increasing population density of A. narutensis, suggesting that shrimp feeding reduces the abundance of phototrophic microorganisms in the bottom layer. Because the upogebiid shrimp commonly occur in the nearshore zone of sandy beaches, similar effects of their benthic filtering as reported in this study can be expected in areas where the shrimp is as densely present.
Can Barrier Islands Survive Sea‐Level Rise? Quantifying the Relative Role of Tidal Inlets and Overwash Deposition
Authors: Nienhuis Jaap H. , Lorenzo‐Trueba Jorge
Published: December 2019

Barrier island response to sea‐level rise depends on their ability to transgress and move sediment onto and behind the barrier, either through flood‐tidal delta deposition or via overwash. Our understanding of these processes over decadal or longer timescales, however, is limited. Here we use a recently developed barrier island model (BRIE) to better understand the interplay between tidal dynamics, overwash fluxes, and sea‐level rise on barrier coasts and barrier island stratigraphy. Model results suggest that in microtidal environments with large alongshore sediment transport fluxes, tidal inlets are ephemeral and migrate rapidly. These conditions lead to effective deposition of flood‐tidal deltas and allow inlets to constitute most of the landward sediment flux. Whether barrier islands can survive sea‐level rise depends on the combined landward sediment flux from overwash and flood‐tidal delta deposition, likely making barrier islands with artificially stabilized inlets (via jetty construction or maintenance dredging) more vulnerable to sea‐level rise.
Understanding Diatoms’ Past and Future Biogeochemical Role in High‐Latitude Seas
Authors: Krause Jeffrey W. , Lomas Michael W.
Published: December 2019

Because cold‐water diatoms’ baseline elemental density (BED) is substantially higher than temperate diatoms, previous polar studies may have underestimated diatoms’ contribution to elemental standing stocks, contribution to particulate organic carbon (POC) export and incorrectly modeled their susceptibility to future warming. We apply cold‐water diatom allometry to Arctic field samples and derive diatom growth rates ranging from 0.01–0.68 day−1, versus unrealistically high rates estimated using temperate diatom allometry. Reanalysis of published Southern Ocean data (Antarctic Environment and Southern Ocean Process Study and European Iron Fertilization Experiment) shows that diatom POC was significantly underestimated and diatoms could have accounted for a majority of POC export. However, during some field programs (Kerguelen Plateau), temperate allometry properly accounted for diatom biomass. We also predict that warming sea surface temperature may alter high‐latitude diatom BED, suggesting that even if abundances do not change with warming, the reduced diatom BED will likely lower the trophic‐transfer efficiency and their total carbon flow to consumers.
Thermospheric Composition O/N Response to an Altered Meridional Mean Circulation During Sudden Stratospheric Warmings Observed by GOLD
Authors: Oberheide J. , Pedatella N. M. , Gan Q. , Kumari K. , Burns A. G. , Eastes R. W.
Published: December 2019

Observations from the recently launched Global‐Scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) instrument on the geostationary SES‐14 communications satellite reveal a substantial response of the mean state of the thermosphere to the Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event in early January 2019. The observed O/N
column density depletion of more than 10% starts at the onset of the SSW, maximizes at the time of the stratospheric wind reversal, and recovers toward the end of the SSW. A connection between SSW and thermospheric composition was previously predicted by model simulations but could not be observed before. The GOLD measurements support the scenario that enhanced global‐scale wave activity during SSWs causes an enhanced wave driving of the lower thermosphere zonal mean circulation that leads to a reduction in lower thermosphere atomic oxygen, which then propagates through molecular diffusion into the upper thermosphere.
Male morphological traits are heritable but do not predict reproductive success in a sexually-dimorphic primate
Authors: Kimock Clare M. , Dubuc Constance , Brent Lauren J. N. , Higham James P.
Published: December 2019

Sexual selection favours traits that increase reproductive success via increased competitive ability, attractiveness, or both. Male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) morphological traits are likely to reflect the effects of multiple sexual selection pressures. Here, we use a quantitative genetic approach to investigate the production and maintenance of variation in male rhesus macaque morphometric traits which may be subject to sexual selection. We collected measurements of body size, canine length, and fat, from 125 male and 21 female free-ranging rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago. We also collected testis volumes from males. We used a genetic pedigree to calculate trait heritability, to investigate potential trait trade-offs, and to estimate selection gradients. We found that variation in most male morphometric traits was heritable, but found no evidence of trait trade-offs nor that traits predicted reproductive success. Our results suggest that male rhesus macaque morphometric traits are either not under selection, or are under mechanisms of sexual selection that we could not test (e.g. balancing selection). In species subject to complex interacting mechanisms of selection, measures of body size, weaponry, and testis volume may not increase reproductive success via easily-testable mechanisms such as linear directional selection.
Feasting and Mobility in Iron Age Ireland: Multi-isotope analysis reveals the vast catchment of Navan Fort, Ulster
Authors: Madgwick Richard , Grimes Vaughan , Lamb Angela L. , Nederbragt Alexandra J. , Evans Jane A. , McCormick Finbar
Published: December 2019

Navan Fort is an iconic prehistoric Irish ceremonial centre and the legendary capital of Ulster. The fort has produced an exceptional pig-dominated faunal assemblage that also contained a barbary macaque skull. Dating from the 4th to 1st century BC, it is likely to be a ceremonial feasting centre that may have drawn people and their animals from across Ulster and beyond. This study uses a multi-isotope (87Sr/86Sr, δ34S, δ13C, δ15N) approach to identify non-local animals and reconstruct site catchment. New biosphere mapping means that isotope data can be more confidently interpreted and the combination of strontium and sulphur analysis has the potential to estimate origins. In the absence of human remains, fauna provide the best proxy for human movement. Results for the 35 analysed animals are wide-ranging, especially in terms of strontium (0.707–0.715), which has the largest range for an Irish site. Sulphur values are more restricted (13.1‰−17.1‰) but are high in the context of British and Irish data. Results provide clear evidence for animals (and thus people) coming from across Ulster and beyond, demonstrating the site’s wide catchment. Navan Fort was clearly a major ceremonial centre with far-reaching influence and hosted feasts that drew people and animals from afar.