bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain volumes and dual-task performance correlates among individuals with cognitive impairment: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Longhurst Jason K. , Wise Morgan A. , Krist Daniel J. , Moreland Caitlin A. , Basterrechea Jon A. , Landers Merrill R.
Published: April 2020

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a prevalent condition characterized by loss of brain volume and changes in cognition, motor function, and dual-tasking ability. To examine associations between brain volumes, dual-task performance, and gait and balance in those with CI to elucidate the mechanisms underlying loss of function. We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with CI and compared brain volumes, dual-task performance, and measures of gait and balance. Greater cognitive and combined dual-task effects (DTE) are associated with smaller brain volumes. In contrast, motor DTE is not associated with distinct pattern of brain volumes. As brain volumes decrease, dual-task performance becomes more motor prioritized. Cognitive DTE is more strongly associated with decreased performance on measures of gait and balance than motor DTE. Decreased gait and balance performance are also associated with increased motor task prioritization. Cognitive DTE appears to be more strongly associated with decreased automaticity and gait and balance ability than motor DTE and should be utilized as a clinical and research outcome measure in this population. The increased motor task prioritization associated with decreased brain volume and function indicates a potential for accommodative strategies to maximize function in those with CI. Counterintuitive correlations between motor brain volumes and motor DTE in our study suggest a complicated interaction between brain pathology and function.
A New Analytic pdf for Simulations of Premixed Turbulent Combustion
Authors: Pfitzner Michael
Published: April 2020

A new reaction rate source term$$\omega _m(c)$$ωm(c)for modelling of premixed combustion with a single progress variablecis proposed.$$\omega _m(c)$$ωm(c)mimics closely the Arrhenius source term$$\omega _A(c)$$ωA(c)for a large range of activation energies and density ratios while admitting analytic evaluation of many quantities of interest. The analytic flame profile$$c_m(\xi )$$cm(ξ)very closely approximates the numerically integrated Arrhenius flame profiles$$c_A(\xi )$$cA(ξ). An important feature of$$c_m(\xi )$$cm(ξ)is that it is analytically invertible into a$$\xi _m(c)$$ξm(c). Analytic estimates of the laminar flame Eigenvalue$$\Lambda$$Λand of theLedependence of the laminar flame speed$$s_L$$sLare derived, which are more accurate than classic results based on asymptotic analyses. The flamelet pdf$$p(c)=1/(\Delta *c*(1-c^m))$$p(c)=1/(Δ∗c∗(1-cm))for a flat laminar flame front in a LES cell of width$$\Delta$$Δis derived. The exact mean of the reaction rate$$\overline{\omega (c)}$$ω(c)¯is compared to a beta pdf result, which is shown to be inaccurate for large ratios of filter width to flame thickness$$\Delta /\delta _f$$Δ/δfand particularly for high activation energy flames. For multidimensional flame wrinkling we derive the exact relationship$$p(c)=p_{1D}(c)I(c)\Xi (c)$$p(c)=p1D(c)I(c)Ξ(c)between the 3D pdfp(c), the 1D flat flame pdf$$p_{1D}(c)$$p1D(c), a correction factorI(c) for change of inner flame structure and a geometrical wrinkling factor$$\Xi (c)$$Ξ(c). We show that thecdependence of these quantities cannot be neglected for small$$\Delta /\delta _f$$Δ/δf. A simple model of a sinusoidally wrinkled flame front qualitatively demonstrates the effect of flame wrinkling onp(c). We show that for large$$\Delta /\delta _f$$Δ/δf, a wrinkling of the reaction zone almost constantly increasesp(c) in the reaction zone by a wrinkling factor$$\Xi ^*$$Ξ∗(defined for the surface of the isosurface of maximum heat release) while reducing it near$$c=0,1$$c=0,1as required for normalisation ofp(c). The 1Dp(c) evaluated using a reduced filter width$$\Delta '=\Delta /\Xi ^*$$Δ′=Δ/Ξ∗may be a good approximation of the wrinkled flame pdf for evaluation of$$\overline{\omega (c)}$$ω(c)¯for such cases.
Analytical solution of the Colombo top problem
Authors: Haponiak J. , Breiter S. , Vokrouhlický D.
Published: April 2020

The Colombo top is a basic model in the rotation dynamics of a celestial body moving on a precessing orbit and perturbed by a gravitational torque. The paper presents a detailed study of analytical solution to this problem. By solving algebraic equations of degree 4, we provide the expressions for the extreme points of trajectories as functions of their energy. The location of stationary points (known as the Cassini states) is found as the function of the two parameters of the problem. Analytical solution in terms of the Weierstrass and the Jacobi elliptic functions is given for regular trajectories. Some trajectories are expressible through elementary functions: not only the homoclinic orbits, as expected, but also a special periodic solution whose energy is equal to that of the first Cassini state (unnoticed in previous studies).
The Pontryagin maximum principle for solving Fokker–Planck optimal control problems
Authors: Breitenbach Tim , Borzì Alfio
Published: April 2020

The characterization and numerical solution of two non-smooth optimal control problems governed by a Fokker–Planck (FP) equation are investigated in the framework of the Pontryagin maximum principle (PMP). The two FP control problems are related to the problem of determining open- and closed-loop controls for a stochastic process whose probability density function is modelled by the FP equation. In both cases, existence and PMP characterisation of optimal controls are proved, and PMP-based numerical optimization schemes are implemented that solve the PMP optimality conditions to determine the controls sought. Results of experiments are presented that successfully validate the proposed computational framework and allow to compare the two control strategies.
Embracing Digital Technology in Science Classrooms—Secondary School Teachers’ Enacted Teaching and Reflections on Practice
Authors: Walan Susanne
Published: April 2020

The aim of this case study was to investigate what happens in science classrooms when teaching is almost entirely based on the use of digital technology. Two secondary school science teachers participated, together with their seventh grade classes. Data were collected through eight observation sessions (altogether about 9.5 h) and 9 h of interviews with the teachers. For analysis, a modified version of the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge framework was used. The results showed the science teachers’ general approach in the classroom and revealed that they were self-confident in using digital technology, and utilised predetermined digital study material and, when it was felt necessary, supplemental materials. The teachers were positive about using digital technology since they thought it motivated their students and made assessment easier. The teachers claimed that digital technology had improved their teaching, providing more breadth because of access to varied digital tools; teaching had also become more individualised. Few differences were identified between different lessons, whether in physics, chemistry or biology, and unfortunately the identified relationship between the use of digital technology and content knowledge was limited. The teachers also reflected on the challenges they faced, especially in supporting low-achieving students and effectively using inquiry-based teaching through digital technology. Despite some acknowledged limitations, the study enhances our knowledge about how the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework can be used as an analytical tool in authentic teaching, with specific contexts and, above all, when education is largely based on the comprehensive use of digital technology rather than its occasional integration.
Too hot to handle: summer space use shift in a cold-adapted ungulate at the edge of its range
Authors: Borowik Tomasz , Ratkiewicz Mirosław , Maślanko Weronika , Duda Norbert , Kowalczyk Rafał
Published: April 2020

Context

Global warming has been exerting an increasing stress on mammal populations occurring at the bioclimatic edges of their ranges. Moose, as heat-sensitive ungulates, are expected to be increasingly susceptible to thermal stress; however, the behavioral responses of animals could mitigate unfavorable weather conditions.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the temperature-mediated behavioral changes in moose occurring at the southwestern edge of the species’ range in Europe. We predicted that increasing temperature in summer would modify the daily activity pattern of animal and fine-scale utilization of thermal cover.

Methods

We analysed data from 36 moose, who were fitted with GPS collars from two study sites located in Eastern Poland. The distance between moose locations served for assessing moose activity. We applied additive modelling to test the effect of the daily temperature on daily activity patterns and landscape use of moose.

Results

Moose, when exposed to temperatures exceeding thermal comfort, increased their activity during cooler twilight hours. On the hottest days, moose were more likely to use tree canopy cover, especially during midday hours. Finally, with increased temperatures and the risk of thermal stress, at that part of the day, moose utilized denser forest stands which could have provided extra protection against solar radiation.

Conclusions

Our observations suggested that under a scenario of further climate warming, moose at the southwestern periphery of their range will be forced to make further behavioral alterations. However, it is not clear whether they will be able to compensate for the negative effects of on-going climate change.
Systemic treatment of breast cancer with leptomeningeal metastases using bevacizumab, etoposide and cisplatin (BEEP regimen) significantly improves overall survival
Authors: Chen Tom Wei-Wu , Jan I-Shiow , Chang Dwang-Ying , Lin Ching-Hung , Chen I-Chun , Chen Ho-Min , Cheng Ann-Lii , Lu Yen-Shen
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) has dismal survival. We aim to determine if modern systemic therapy, especially the bevacizumab, cisplatin, and etoposide (BEEP) regimen, is beneficial to MBC LM patients.

Methods

We excerpted data from a prospectively collected cytopathology database for MBC patients who were diagnosed with LM by positive cerebrospinal fluid cytology. The primary outcome was OS from cytologically confirmed LM until death. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to elucidate prognostic factors.

Results

We identified 34 patients with cytologically confirmed LM. Treatments after LM diagnosis included: intrathecal methotrexate (82.4%), systemic chemotherapy (68%; BEEP n = 19, others n = 4), and whole brain radiotherapy (n = 5, 14.7%). Three of seven HER2-positive patients (43%) also received intrathecal trastuzumab. OS was improved in 2014–2016 compared with 2011–2013 (13.57 vs 3.20 months, p = 0.004), when 12/17 (71%) versus 7/17 (41%) patients received BEEP, respectively. In the multivariate model including all treatments, BEEP (HR 0.24, p = 0.003) and intrathecal trastuzumab (HR 0.22, p = 0.035), but not intrathecal methotrexate (HR 0.86, p = 0.78), remained significant prognostic factors.

Conclusions

MBC with LM is treatable—systemic BEEP are efficacious and may improve survival.
Optimizing precision irrigation of a vineyard to improve water use efficiency and profitability by using a decision-oriented vine water consumption model
Authors: Bellvert J. , Mata M. , Vallverdú X. , Paris C. , Marsal J.
Published: April 2020

While the agronomic and economic benefits of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies have long been established in red wine grape varieties, spatial variability in water requirements across a vineyard limits their practical application. This study aims to evaluate the performance of an integrated methodology—based on a vine water consumption model and remote sensing data—to optimize the precision irrigation (PI) of a 100-ha commercial vineyard during two consecutive growing seasons. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted of the tested strategy. Using an NDVI generated map, a vineyard with 52 irrigation sectors and the varietiesTempranillo,CabernetandSyrahwas classified in three categories (Low,MediumandHigh). The proposed methodology allowed viticulturists to adopt a precise RDI strategy, and, despite differences in water requirement between irrigation sectors, pre-defined stem water potential thresholds were not exceeded. In both years, the difference between maximum and minimum water applied in the different irrigation sectors varied by as much as 25.6%. Annual transpiration simulations showed ranges of 240.1–340.8 mm for 2016 and 298.6–366.9 mm for 2017. According to the CBA, total savings of 7090.00 € (2016) and 9960.00 € (2017) were obtained in the 100-ha vineyard with the PI strategy compared to not PI. After factoring in PI technology and labor costs of 5090 €, the net benefit was 20.0 € ha−1in 2016 and 48.7 € ha−1in 2017. The water consumption model adopted here to optimize PI is shown to enhance vineyard profitability, water use efficiency and yield.
The predictive strength of MBS yield spreads during asset bubbles
Authors: Deku Solomon Y. , Kara Alper , Semeyutin Artur
Published: April 2020

We examine whether the predictive power of initial yield spreads of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) vary with the financial cycle. Using a cross-country sample of 4203 MBS, we find that initial yield spreads of MBS incorporate more information than credit ratings and predict future downgrades, even after conditioning on initial credit ratings. Predictive power of spreads is higher during credit and housing bubbles and for the least risky AAA-rated MBS. We find that initial yield spreads capture the magnitude of rating downgrades, especially during asset bubble periods. As a novel approach in this literature, we also utilise machine learning techniques (regression trees, naïve Bayes, support vector machines and random forests) to confirm our results.
New combinations in Guilandina (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae)
Authors: Lewis G. P.
Published: April 2020

TheCaesalpiniaGroup (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) and the genusCaesalpiniasensu lato were recently reclassified resulting in a reduction in the number of species inCaesalpiniasensu stricto to nine. Of the genera now accepted as distinct fromCaesalpinia, the pantropical genusGuilandinalacks any recent global taxonomic account and estimates of the number of species in the genus range from seven to as many as 20. Seven putative species are currently known only underCaesalpiniabinomials and have no published combination inGuilandina. This inconvenience is rectified here. Putting these binomials into the correct genus will ensure that they are not overlooked in any future revision ofGuilandina, a genus of taxonomic complexity and including some nomenclatural conundrums.
Child labor, sex and mental health outcomes amongst adolescent refugees
Authors: Meyer Sarah R. , Yu Gary , Rieders Eliana , Stark Lindsay
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Refugee adolescents living in camps and settlements in low and middle‐income countries are a vulnerable population who face protection and psychosocial risks. This study explores prevalence of child labor amongst adolescent refugees from South Sudan in two refugee settlements in Uganda, to understand impacts of child labor on mental health outcomes, and examines the influence of sex on these impacts.

Methods

Surveys were conducted in Adjumani and Kiryandongo refugee settlements, Uganda, with 470 adolescents between 13 and 17 interviewed between December 2014–February 2015. Univariate finite mixture modeling identified a two‐cluster model of child labor. Logistic regression models assessed the association of child labor and mental health.

Results

A two‐cluster solution for child labor activity was determined among the 332 adolescents who self‐reported engaging in any child labor (Significant child labor: n = 174, 37%; moderate child labor cluster: n = 158, 34%; no child labor cluster: n = 138, 29%. Odds of depression amongst adolescents exposed to significant vs. no child labor was 4.15 (95% CI: 2.01–8.56), in a model examining interaction of sex and child labor and controlling for socio‐demographic variables. For the anxiety outcome, girls exposed to significant vs. no child labor are less likely to report higher levels of anxiety (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.90).

Conclusions

Adolescents living in refugee settlements in Uganda report high levels of participation in child labor. Protection of adolescents from the risks involved with child labor in refugee contexts is an important and often over‐looked area of child protection in humanitarian settings.
The existence of a giant cluster for percolation on large Crump–Mode–Jagers trees
Authors: Berzunza G.
Published: April 2020

In this paper we consider random trees associated with the genealogy of Crump–Mode–Jagers processes and perform Bernoulli bond-percolation whose parameter depends on the size of the tree. Our purpose is to show the existence of a giant percolation cluster for appropriate regimes as the size grows. We stress that the family trees of Crump–Mode–Jagers processes include random recursive trees, preferential attachment trees, binary search trees for which this question has been answered by Bertoin [7], as well as (more general) m-ary search trees, fragmentation trees, and median-of-(
$2\ell+1$
) binary search trees, to name a few, where to our knowledge percolation has not yet been studied.
What is diatomite?
Authors: Zahajská Petra , Opfergelt Sophie , Fritz Sherilyn C. , Stadmark Johanna , Conley Daniel J.
Published: April 2020

Different types of biogenic remains, ranging from siliceous algae to carbonate precipitates, accumulate in the sediments of lakes and other aquatic ecosystems. Unicellular algae called diatoms, which form a siliceous test or frustule, are an ecologically and biogeochemically important group of organisms in aquatic environments and are often preserved in lake or marine sediments. When diatoms accumulate in large numbers in sediments, the fossilized remains can form diatomite. In sedimentological literature, “diatomite” is defined as a friable, light-coloured, sedimentary rock with a diatom content of at least 50%, however, in the Quaternary science literature diatomite is commonly used as a description of a sediment type that contains a “large” quantity of diatom frustules without a precise description of diatom abundance. Here we pose the question: What is diatomite? What quantity of diatoms define a sediment as diatomite? Is it an uncompacted sediment or a compacted sediment? We provide a short overview of prior practices and suggest that sediment with more than 50% of sediment weight comprised of diatom SiO2 and having high (>70%) porosity is diatomaceous ooze if unconsolidated and diatomite if consolidated. Greater burial depth and higher temperatures result in porosity loss and recrystallization into porcelanite, chert, and pure quartz.
Lowering the Voting Age to 16? A Comparative Study on the Political Competence and Engagement of Underage and Adult Youth
Authors: Mahéo Valérie-Anne , Bélanger Éric
Published: April 2020

One reform considered for increasing voter turnout rates is to lower the voting age to 16 years old. Advocates of such a reform argue that young people would vote for the first time while they are still in school and living with their parents, which would provide a social context that is supportive of their electoral participation. However, opponents argue that 16- and 17-year-olds are not mature enough to take part in elections. Using data from a 2018 Quebec election survey that included a subsample of individuals aged 16 and 17, this study provides mixed evidence for both arguments.
Diversity and age stereotypes in portrayals of older adults in popular American primetime television series
Authors: Markov Čedomir , Yoon Youngmin
Published: April 2020

To examine the prevalence and diversity of older adults on primetime television, and age stereotyping in these portrayals, we analysed the contents of 112 episodes of popular American television series aired between 2004 and 2018. We identified 6.6 per cent of characters as aged 65 and older – a slight improvement to the values reported in previous studies. However, older adult characters are still grossly under-represented, considering the actual proportion of older adults in the general population of the United States of America. Further, the typical older character was young-old, male, Caucasian, middle-class, able-bodied and straight – if his sexuality was referenced. Older women still face double discrimination in media representations. In addition, older adult characters with ethnicities other than Caucasian and African American are virtually invisible in primetime fiction series. Similarly, old-old characters, sexual minorities and persons with disabilities are particularly rare among older adult characters in this type of programming. Finally, portrayals of 51.9 per cent of characters included at least some elements of age stereotypes, most of which were positive. The most commonly applied positive and negative stereotypes were found to be the golden ager and the shrew, respectively. The findings are discussed in the context of the dominant discourse of ageing and the potential implications of how various social groups perceive ageing and older adults.
Agonising choices: Tragedy and International Relations – a tragic vision of humanitarian intervention in the Bosnian War
Authors: Van Offelen Catherine , Smith M. L. R.
Published: April 2020

Tragedy is one of the oldest metaphorical lenses of International Relations. The tragic vision of politics, from Thucydides to contemporary realist theorists, lies at the core of classical realism. However, it is striking how rarely the concept of tragedy has been applied to the discourse of humanitarian intervention. This lacuna is a weakness on both the intellectual and political levels, as nowhere are clashes between competing ethical perspectives more glaring. An examination of the concept of tragedy, as conceived from its Greek origins, can illuminate an understanding of the morally contradictory imperatives created by armed intervention. Using the Bosnian War as a case study, Greek classical tragedy provides a framework to grasp the agonising choices and insoluble ethical dilemmas brought about by humanitarian intervention, in contrast to mere narratives of salvation. The argument conveyed in this article seeks to reconcile a tragic vision with the idea of progress and political action. It concludes by suggesting that the fundamental lessons that lie at the heart of tragedy should be associated with another major concept in Greek culture, namely, the Aristotelian idea ofphronesisor ‘practical wisdom’.
Responding to measles outbreaks in underserved Roma and Romanian populations in England: the critical role of community understanding and engagement
Authors: Bell Sadie , Saliba Vanessa , Evans Gail , Flanagan Stephen , Ghebrehewet Sam , McAuslane Helen , Sibal Bharat , Mounier-Jack Sandra
Published: April 2020

Since 2016, the European Region has experienced large-scale measles outbreaks. Several measles outbreaks in England during 2017/18 specifically affected Romanian and Romanian Roma communities. In this qualitative interview study, we looked at the effectiveness of outbreak responses and efforts to promote vaccination uptake amongst these underserved communities in three English cities: Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 33 providers involved in vaccination delivery and outbreak management in these cities. Interviews were analysed thematically and factors that influenced the effectiveness of responses were categorised into five themes: (1) the ability to identify the communities, (2) provider knowledge and understanding of the communities, (3) the co-ordination of response efforts and partnership working, (4) links to communities and approaches to community engagement and (5) resource constraints. We found that effective partnership working and community engagement were key to the prevention and management of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in the communities. Effective engagement was found to be compromised by cuts to public health spending and services for underserved communities. To increase uptake in under-vaccinated communities, local knowledge and engagement are vital to build trust and relationships. Local partners must work proactively to identify, understand and build connections with communities.
Efficacy of triclopyr and synthetic auxin herbicide mixtures for common blue violet (Viola sororia) control
Authors: Patton Aaron J. , Weisenberger Daniel V. , Liu Wenwen
Published: April 2020

Common blue violet is a widely distributed, perennial broadleaf that is difficult to control in lawns. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of synthetic auxin herbicides and their mixtures or rate for common blue violet control. A herbicide comparison experiment was conducted with treatments including a nontreated check; 2,4-D dimethylamine; 2,4-D isooctyl ester (2,4-D ester); dichlorprop (2,4-DP) ethylhexyl ester, MCPA dimethylamine; mecoprop dimethylamine; triclopyr butoxyethyl ester; quinclorac; and mixtures of triclopyr + quinclorac; 2,4-D ester + 2,4-DP; 2,4-D ester + triclopyr; 2,4-D ester + 2,4-DP + triclopyr. All herbicides were applied at 1.12 kg ae ha−1except quinclorac (0.84 kg ha−1). Additionally, a triclopyr dose-response experiment was conducted using rates of 0, 0.14, 0.28, 0.56, 0.84, and 1.12 kg ha−1. Epinasty ranged from 80% to 99% at 21 d after application for triclopyr-containing treatments and no more than 28% for all other treatments. Plant mass from harvest and regrowth data from the comparison experiment indicated triclopyr-containing treatments provided the highest common blue violet control. Mixtures containing triclopyr did not differ from triclopyr alone, indicating there was no added effect between herbicide mixtures. The triclopyr dose-response experiment confirmed triclopyr efficacy across data collection types. As triclopyr dose increased, violet epinasty increased and chlorophyll content and dry weight decreased. Triclopyr applied at 0.81 kg ha−1or greater concentration provided 75% or greater control, as indicated by regrowth data. Many herbicides containing triclopyr are registered for use in turf, but most apply a concentration not greater than 0.56 kg ha−1triclopyr when applied at the high label rate. Thus, to achieve good (75%) common blue violet control, turf managers should select products that contain triclopyr and apply doses of at least 0.81 kg ha−1when used according to the label.
Rorschach Assessment of Complex Trauma in Youth
Authors: Ephraim David
Published: April 2020

Abstract. A history of complex trauma or exposure to multiple traumatic events of an interpersonal nature, such as abuse, neglect, and/or major attachment disruptions, is unfortunately common in youth referred for psychological assessment. The way these adolescents approach the Rorschach task and thematic contents they provide often reflect how such experiences have deeply affected their personality development. This article proposes a shift in perspective in the interpretation of protocols of adolescents who suffered complex trauma with reference to two aspects: (a) the diagnostic relevance of avoidant or emotionally constricted Rorschach protocols that may otherwise appear of little use, and (b) the importance of danger-related thematic contents reflecting the youth’s sense of threat, harm, and vulnerability. Regarding this last aspect, the article reintroduces the Preoccupation with Danger Index ( DI). Two cases are presented to illustrate the approach.
Study of Aerodynamic Grain Entrainment in Aeolian Transport
Authors: Li G. , Zhang J. , Herrmann H. J. , Shao Y. , Huang N.
Published: April 2020

Aeolian transport controls landform formations on Earth and other planets and crucially affects the atmospheric system. With elaborate wind tunnel measurements, we find that the aerodynamic entrainment rate follows a yet unreported exponential increase in the intermittent regime and only complies with the expected linear law for the condition of continuous entrainment. Subsequently, we propose a model accounting for the effects of turbulence on aerodynamic entrainment based on the distribution of local shear stress to describe the experimental results. We also provide evidence that aerodynamic entrainment can be an efficient way to directly induce a horizontal grain transport comparable to the steady and saturated saltation in unsaturated conditions and should not be ignored. Our findings substantially modify the present interpretation of surface erosion and bear thus important consequences on future soil protection techniques.
Precipitation Trends Over Mainland China From 1961–2016 After Removal of Measurement Biases
Authors: Zhang Yingxian , Ren Yuyu , Ren Guoyu , Wang Guofu
Published: April 2020

Following the removal of measurement biases from daily observed gauge records for the period 1961–2016 at 2,250 national stations over mainland China, the precipitation trends and causes were analyzed. Measured annual precipitation trends have been overestimated to varying degrees in most regions, with the exceptions of Northwest China and northern Tibet. On average, the annual precipitation trend over mainland China decreased from 3.98 to 2.04 mm/10 yr after bias adjustment. The dramatically precipitation‐increasing (wetting) zones in Northeast China and the lower reaches of the Yangtze River were found to be disappearing at a faster rate than what we observed. Meanwhile, the extent of markedly precipitation‐decreasing (drying) zones in the Yellow River Basin shrank more slowly than what was indicated by measured records. Adjusted annual light rain amounts exhibited a weaker increasing trend over mainland China; conversely, adjusted annual rainstorm amounts displayed stronger increasing trends than reported previously. The changes of trace precipitation days, precipitation days, mean wind speed on precipitation days, and observed precipitation amount comprehensively affected the trends of bias‐removed precipitation. The declines in measured wind speed and precipitation amount resulted in accelerated reductions in adjusted precipitation over Southwest and North China. In Southeast China, the increasing trend of bias‐adjusted precipitation was smaller than that indicated by original data due to the reduction in mean wind speed when precipitation occurred. In Northwest China and northern Tibet, however, the increases in measured precipitation amount and precipitation days mutually led to larger increasing trends in the adjusted data.
Groundwater Is the “Hidden Connection” Between Land and Sea
Authors: Sima Richard
Published: April 2020

The importance of fresh groundwater to coastal ecosystems is revealed using the first computer model at a global scale.
Motivated misremembering of selfish decisions
Authors: Carlson Ryan W. , Maréchal Michel André , Oud Bastiaan , Fehr Ernst , Crockett Molly J.
Published: April 2020

People often prioritize their own interests, but also like to see themselves as moral. How do individuals resolve this tension? One way to both pursue personal gain and preserve a moral self-image is to misremember the extent of one’s selfishness. Here, we test this possibility. Across five experiments (N = 3190), we find that people tend to recall being more generous in the past than they actually were, even when they are incentivized to recall their decisions accurately. Crucially, this motivated misremembering effect occurs chiefly for individuals whose choices violate their own fairness standards, irrespective of how high or low those standards are. Moreover, this effect disappears under conditions where people no longer perceive themselves as responsible for their fairness violations. Together, these findings suggest that when people’s actions fall short of their personal standards, they may misremember the extent of their selfishness, thereby potentially warding off threats to their moral self-image.
Tunable genetic devices through simultaneous control of transcription and translation
Authors: Bartoli Vittorio , Meaker Grace A. , di Bernardo Mario , Gorochowski Thomas E.
Published: April 2020

Synthetic genetic circuits allow us to modify the behavior of living cells. However, changes in environmental conditions and unforeseen interactions with the host cell can cause deviations from a desired function, resulting in the need for time-consuming reassembly to fix these issues. Here, we use a regulatory motif that controls transcription and translation to create genetic devices whose response functions can be dynamically tuned. This allows us, after construction, to shift the on and off states of a sensor by 4.5- and 28-fold, respectively, and modify genetic NOT and NOR logic gates to allow their transitions between states to be varied over a >6-fold range. In all cases, tuning leads to trade-offs in the fold-change and the ability to distinguish cellular states. This work lays the foundation for adaptive genetic circuits that can be tuned after their physical assembly to maintain functionality across diverse environments and design contexts.
Operando visualisation of battery chemistry in a sodium-ion battery by 23Na magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bray Joshua M. , Doswell Claire L. , Pavlovskaya Galina E. , Chen Lin , Kishore Brij , Au Heather , Alptekin Hande , Kendrick Emma , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Meersmann Thomas , Britton Melanie M.
Published: April 2020

Sodium-ion batteries are a promising battery technology for their cost and sustainability. This has led to increasing interest in the development of new sodium-ion batteries and new analytical methods to non-invasively, directly visualise battery chemistry. Here we report operando 1H and 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging experiments to observe the speciation and distribution of sodium in the electrode and electrolyte during sodiation and desodiation of hard carbon in a sodium metal cell and a sodium-ion full-cell configuration. The evolution of the hard carbon sodiation and subsequent formation and evolution of sodium dendrites, upon over-sodiation of the hard carbon, are observed and mapped by 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging, and their three-dimensional microstructure visualised by 1H magnetic resonance imaging. We also observe, for the first time, the formation of metallic sodium species on hard carbon upon first charge (formation) in a full-cell configuration.
Symmetry-controlled edge states in the type-II phase of Dirac photonic lattices
Authors: Pyrialakos Georgios G. , Schmitt Nora , Nye Nicholas S. , Heinrich Matthias , Kantartzis Nikolaos V. , Szameit Alexander , Christodoulides Demetrios N.
Published: April 2020

The exceptional properties exhibited by two-dimensional materials, such as graphene, are rooted in the underlying physics of the relativistic Dirac equation that describes the low energy excitations of such molecular systems. In this study, we explore a periodic lattice that provides access to the full solution spectrum of the extended Dirac Hamiltonian. Employing its photonic implementation of evanescently coupled waveguides, we indicate its ability to independently perturb the symmetries of the discrete model (breaking, also, the barrier towards the type-II phase) and arbitrarily define the location, anisotropy, and tilt of Dirac cones in the bulk. This unique aspect of topological control gives rise to highly versatile edge states, including an unusual class that emerges from the type-II degeneracies residing in the complex space of k. By probing these states, we investigate the topological nature of tilt and shed light on novel transport dynamics supported by Dirac configurations in two dimensions.
Neuromedin U signaling regulates retrieval of learned salt avoidance in a C. elegans gustatory circuit
Authors: Watteyne Jan , Peymen Katleen , Van der Auwera Petrus , Borghgraef Charline , Vandewyer Elke , Van Damme Sara , Rutten Iene , Lammertyn Jeroen , Jelier Rob , Schoofs Liliane , Beets Isabel
Published: April 2020

Learning and memory are regulated by neuromodulatory pathways, but the contribution and temporal requirement of most neuromodulators in a learning circuit are unknown. Here we identify the evolutionarily conserved neuromedin U (NMU) neuropeptide family as a regulator of C. elegans gustatory aversive learning. The NMU homolog CAPA-1 and its receptor NMUR-1 are required for the retrieval of learned salt avoidance. Gustatory aversive learning requires the release of CAPA-1 neuropeptides from sensory ASG neurons that respond to salt stimuli in an experience-dependent manner. Optogenetic silencing of CAPA-1 neurons blocks the expression, but not the acquisition, of learned salt avoidance. CAPA-1 signals through NMUR-1 in AFD sensory neurons to modulate two navigational strategies for salt chemotaxis. Aversive conditioning thus recruits NMU signaling to modulate locomotor programs for expressing learned avoidance behavior. Because NMU signaling is conserved across bilaterian animals, our findings incite further research into its function in other learning circuits.
Assessing the impact of ETS trading profit on emission abatements based on firm-level transactions
Authors: Guo Jianfeng , Gu Fu , Liu Yinpeng , Liang Xi , Mo Jianlei , Fan Ying
Published: April 2020

The EU Emission Trading System (ETS) is the oldest and currently the largest carbon market in the world, but its purpose of stimulating carbon emissions via trading profits remains unexamined. Based on the complete firm-level transaction records of the EU ETS Phases I and II, here we show that the participating firms’ trading profits and their emission abatements are positively correlated, and the correlation becomes stronger in Phase II than Phase I. Specifically, we observe that non-linearity exists in the correlation; higher firm-level emission abatements can realize larger trading profits. This pattern affects the market fairness, though it may be helpful to incentivise emission abatements. The correlation is more regulated in Phase II than it is in Phase I, thereby indicating that the Phase II is more mature. We also observe that the state-level abatements are largely driven by industrial giants.
Astrovirus infects actively secreting goblet cells and alters the gut mucus barrier
Authors: Cortez Valerie , Boyd David F. , Crawford Jeremy Chase , Sharp Bridgett , Livingston Brandi , Rowe Hannah M. , Davis Amy , Alsallaq Ramzi , Robinson Camenzind G. , Vogel Peter , Rosch Jason W. , Margolis Elisa , Thomas Paul G. , Schultz-Cherry Stacey
Published: April 2020

Astroviruses are a global cause of pediatric diarrhea, but they are largely understudied, and it is unclear how and where they replicate in the gut. Using an in vivo model, here we report that murine astrovirus preferentially infects actively secreting small intestinal goblet cells, specialized epithelial cells that maintain the mucus barrier. Consequently, virus infection alters mucus production, leading to an increase in mucus-associated bacteria and resistance to enteropathogenic E. coli colonization. These studies establish the main target cell type and region of the gut for productive murine astrovirus infection. They further define a mechanism by which an enteric virus can regulate the mucus barrier, induce functional changes to commensal microbial communities, and alter host susceptibility to pathogenic bacteria.
Massively multiplexed nucleic acid detection with Cas13
Authors: Ackerman Cheri M. , Myhrvold Cameron , Thakku Sri Gowtham , Freije Catherine A. , Metsky Hayden C. , Yang David K. , Ye Simon H. , Boehm Chloe K. , Kosoko-Thoroddsen Tinna-Sólveig F. , Kehe Jared , Nguyen Tien G. , Carter Amber , Kulesa Anthony , Barnes John R. , Dugan Vivien G. , Hung Deborah T. , Blainey Paul C. , Sabeti Pardis C.
Published: April 2020

The great majority of globally circulating pathogens go undetected, undermining patient care and hindering outbreak preparedness and response. To enable routine surveillance and comprehensive diagnostic applications, there is a need for detection technologies that can scale to test many samples1–3 while simultaneously testing for many pathogens4–6. Here, we develop Combinatorial Arrayed Reactions for Multiplexed Evaluation of Nucleic acids (CARMEN), a platform for scalable, multiplexed pathogen detection. In the CARMEN platform, nanolitre droplets containing CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection reagents7 self-organize in a microwell array8 to pair with droplets of amplified samples, testing each sample against each CRISPR RNA (crRNA) in replicate. The combination of CARMEN and Cas13 detection (CARMEN–Cas13) enables robust testing of more than 4,500 crRNA–target pairs on a single array. Using CARMEN–Cas13, we developed a multiplexed assay that simultaneously differentiates all 169 human-associated viruses with at least 10 published genome sequences and rapidly incorporated an additional crRNA to detect the causative agent of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. CARMEN–Cas13 further enables comprehensive subtyping of influenza A strains and multiplexed identification of dozens of HIV drug-resistance mutations. The intrinsic multiplexing and throughput capabilities of CARMEN make it practical to scale, as miniaturization decreases reagent cost per test by more than 300-fold. Scalable, highly multiplexed CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection shifts diagnostic and surveillance efforts from targeted testing of high-priority samples to comprehensive testing of large sample sets, greatly benefiting patients and public health9–11.
Stereotypic behaviour predicts reproductive performance and litter sex ratio in giant pandas
Authors: Martin Meghan S. , Owen Megan , Wintle Nathan J. P. , Zhang Guiquan , Zhang Hemin , Swaisgood Ronald R.
Published: April 2020

Breeding and welfare problems confront many conservation breeding programs. Stereotypies—repetitive, unvarying, functionless behaviours —are common abnormal behaviours that often arise in suboptimal conditions. While the role of stereotypies in welfare assessment is well studied, few investigations address the relationship between stereotypic behaviour and reproduction. We examined the correlation between stereotypic behaviour and reproductive performance in 101 giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). High stereotyping males copulated more and produced more cubs, suggesting that highly sexually motivated males were prone to stereotypy but also had high reproductive competence. Female stereotypies were negatively associated with all reproductive measures closely tied to behavioural competence: high stereotyping females were less likely to copulate, less likely to mother-rear cubs, and—probably a result of poor maternal care—had lower cub survival. However, females that exhibited stereotypies were more likely to produce a cub, suggesting stereotypies are tied to behavioural but not physiological competence. High stereotyping female pandas also displayed strong and consistent bias toward production of female offspring while paternal relationship to sex allocation was the reverse. These results are consistent with stress-mediated sex allocation theory. Our findings raise concern about differential reproductive success among high and low stereotyping pandas, and possible genetic adaptation to captivity.
Association of Newly Found Asymptomatic Intracranial Artery Stenosis and Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics in Chinese Community Population
Authors: Fan Changfeng , Zhang Qian , Zhang Shufeng , Wang Anxin , Bi Xinwei , Chen Shengyun , Li Zhaoxia , Wu Shouling , Zhao Xingquan
Published: April 2020

In the general population, there is a strong inverse relationship between the number of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and the total incidence of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. However, the prevalence of ideal CVH is extremely low and there are few studies on its association with newly found asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis (AICAS). Therefore, we performed this prospective study to assess the relationship between the newly found AICAS and ideal CVH metrics in the Chinese community population. Seven ideal CVH metrics of 3,475 participants in the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study (APAC) conducted in China (1,962 men and 1,513 women between the ages of 45 and 75 years) were collected. Based on the occurrence of newly found AICAS, all participants were divided into the AICAS group and non-ICAS group. Prevalence of ideal CVH metrics was compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association of newly found AICAS with ideal CVH metrics. The result was the number of ideal CVH metrics was strongly associated with age, gender, education levels and family income (each P < 0.0001). Among the seven CVH metrics total cholesterol (TC) was the only one showing significant difference between the newly found AICAS group and non-ICAS group in our 2 years observation. Participants with less ideal CVH metrics (≤3) were associated with significantly higher prevalence of AICAS than those with more (>3) ideal CVH metrics (OR, 1.27; P = 0.045). Furthermore, less (≤3) ideal CVH metrics was markedly associated with higher incidence of AICAS for all participants, younger participants (<60 years) (OR, 1.34; P = 0.046) and men participants (OR, 1.53; P = 0.032) after adjustment for gender, age, education level, family income and stroke history. Thus we conclude that participants with newly found AICAS have high prevalence of total cholesterol status, and Individuals with low ideal CVH metrics (≤3) are associated with significantly higher prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS, especially in high-risk population of young and men participants. Therefore, primordial prevention of stroke should also focus on those high-risk populations.
Bioprospecting of probiotics with antimicrobial activities against Salmonella Heidelberg and that produce B-complex vitamins as potential supplements in poultry nutrition
Authors: Sabo Sabrina da Silva , Mendes Maria Anita , Araújo Elias da Silva , Muradian Ligia Bicudo de Almeida , Makiyama Edson Naoto , LeBlanc Jean Guy , Borelli Primavera , Fock Ricardo Ambrósio , Knöbl Terezinha , Oliveira Ricardo Pinheiro de Souza
Published: April 2020

The demand for animal protein for human consumption has been risen exponentially. Modern animal production practices are associated with the regular use of antibiotics, potentially increasing the emerging multi-resistant bacteria, which may have a negative impact on public health. In poultry production, substances capable of maximizing the animals’ performance and displaying an antimicrobial activity against pathogens are very well desirable features. Probiotic can be an efficient solution for such a task. In the present work, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from chicken cecum and screened for their antagonistic effect towards many pathogens. Their capacity of producing the B-complex vitamins folate and riboflavin were also evaluated. From 314 isolates, three (C43, C175 and C195) produced Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS) against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zones of 18.9, 21.5, 19.5 mm, respectively) and also inhibited the growth of Salmonella Heidelberg. The isolate C43 was identified as Enterococcus faecium, while C173 and C195 were both identified as Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis. Moreover, the isolates L. lactis subsp. lactis strains C173 and C195 demonstrated high potential to be used as probiotic in poultry feed, in addition to their advantage of producing folate (58.0 and 595.5 ng/mL, respectively) and riboflavin (223.3 and 175.0 ng/mL, respectively).