bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positioning and stiffening of an articulated/continuum manipulator for implant delivery in minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Tamadon Izadyar , Huan Yu , de Groot Antonius G. , Menciassi Arianna , Sinibaldi Edoardo
Published: December 2019

Background

Hollow, bendable manipulators can advance implant delivery in minimally invasive surgery, by circumventing the drawbacks of straight‐line delivery and fostering single‐port approaches. Variable stiffness manipulators are sought to be safe and effective.

Methods

We designed and experimentally assessed a cable‐driven articulated/continuum manipulator, devised for cardiac valve delivery. Positioning and stiffening were teleoperated, based on cable shortening. Stiffening was parameterized by using the leading tension (LT, ie, tension of the cables driving bending). We assessed positioning (repeatability/reversibility along eight/two bending directions) and stiffening (eight bent configurations).

Results

We achieved good repeatability and reversibility (mean errors <1% and 1.5%, respectively, of the workspace characteristic length). Stiffening was effective (up to 9‐fold increase, depending on pose). Stiffening was linearly correlated (R2 = 0.92) with LT for all the considered configurations.

Conclusion

We accurately positioned and effectively stiffened the manipulator in several bent configurations. The proposed stiffness modulation strategy can be extended to other manipulators.
Totally robotic vs hybrid abdominoperineal resection: A retrospective multicenter analysis
Authors: Douissard Jonathan , Obias Vincent , Johnson Craig S , Hagen Monika E , Keller Deborah , Ouellette James R , Hellan Minia
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR) for low rectal cancers is technically demanding. Robotic assistance may be of help and can be hybrid (HAPR) or totally robotic (RAPR). The present study describes outcomes of robotic APR and compares both approaches.

Material and methods

A multicentric retrospective analysis of rectal cancer patients undergoing either HAPR or RAPR was conducted. Patients' demographics, surgeons' experience, oncologic results, and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were collected.

Results

One hundred twenty‐five patients were included, 48 in HAPR group and 77 in RAPR group. Demographics and comorbidities were comparable. Operative time was reduced in RAPR group (266.9 ± 107.8 min vs 318.9 ± 75.1 min, P = .001). RAPR patients were discharged home more frequently (91.18% vs 66.67%, P = .001), and experienced fewer parastomal hernias (3.71% vs 9.86%, P = .001).

Conclusion

RAPR is safe and feasible with appropriate oncologic outcomes. Totally robotic approach reduces operative time and may improve functional outcomes.
Quantifying the habitat and zoogeomorphic capabilities of spawning European barbelBarbus barbus, a lithophilous cyprinid
Authors: Gutmann Roberts Catherine , Bašić Tea , Britton J. Robert , Rice Stephen , Pledger Andrew G.
Published: December 2019

Suitable gravel availability is critical for the spawning success of lithophilous fishes, including redd builders. Redd construction during spawning can alter substrate characteristics, thereby influencing hydraulic conditions and sediment transport, highlighting the importance of spawning as a zoogeomorphic activity. Here, interactions between redd‐building fish and their spawning environment were investigated for European barbelBarbus barbuswith a comparative approach across three English rivers: Teme (western), Great Ouse (eastern) and Idle (central). Sediment characteristics of spawning habitats were similar across the rivers, including subsurface fine sediment (<2 mm) content (≈20% dry weight), but elevated subsurface silt content and coarser surface sediments were found in the river Teme. Water velocities were similar at spawning sites despite differences in channel width and depth. Redds were characterized by a pit and tailspill, with no differences in surface grain‐size characteristics between these and the surrounding riverbed, but with topographic alteration (dimensions and tailspill amplitude) in line with those of salmonids. Estimates of the fraction of the bed that spawning barbel were capable of moving exceeded 97% in all rivers. Estimated reproductive potential varied significantly between the rivers Idle and Teme (3,098 to 9,715 eggs/m2), which was largely due to differences in barbel lengths affecting fecundity. Larger barbel, capable of producing and depositing more eggs, but in more spatially extensive redds, meaning fewer redds per given surface area of riverbed. Predictions of barbel egg mortality based on sand content were low across both rivers. The effects of silt on barbel egg and larvae development are unknown, but the levels detected here would significantly impact salmon egg mortality. Similarities in fish length to redd area and the size of moveable grains by spawning barbel and salmon suggest they have similar geomorphic effects on sediments, although fine sediment tolerance is highly divergent.
Influence of low‐intensity light on phototactic behaviour of Schizothorax oconnori Lloyd
Authors: Xu Jiawei , Lin Chenyu , Dai Huichao , Mao Jingqiao , Ke Senfan , Yin Rucheng , Zhang Ning , Liu Yan , Shi Xiaotao
Published: December 2019

In the present study, colour selection and phototaxis experiments were performed on wild subadult Schizothorax oconnori Lloyd. The experimental variables included: five light colours: red, yellow, green, blue, and dark (no light conditions—control), and two flow rates of 0 and 0.3 m/s. Colour selection experiments were conducted to study the preference of S. oconnori to different colours of light in still water and at 10 lx of light intensity. The results showed that the distribution time of S. oconnori in the yellow and green light areas were significantly longer than those in the red and blue light areas (p < .05), and the order of preference for the five colours was: green > yellow > black > blue > red. In the phototaxis experiment, the phototactic behaviour of S. oconnori was studied when the light intensity was at 20 lx and the water velocity was at 0 and 0.3 m/s, respectively. The results showed that in both still and dynamic water conditions, S. oconnori displayed positive phototaxis for yellow and green light, and negative phototaxis for red and blue light. S. oconnori displayed weak phototaxis with a light intensity threshold of 0.65 lx–0.80 lx and 1.50 lx–3.05 lx for yellow and green light, respectively. The results suggest that low‐intensity green light could be used for light trapping of S. oconnori. The research may be helpful in the management of fish passage facilities and fisheries.
Consistency of spatio‐temporal patterns of avian migration across the Swiss lowlands
Authors: Tschanz Philippe , Pellissier Loïc , Shi Xu , Liechti Felix , Schmid Baptiste
Published: December 2019

Each year, billions of birds migrate across the continents by day and night through airspaces increasingly altered by human activity, resulting in the deaths of millions of birds every year through collisions with man‐made structures. To reduce these negative impacts on wildlife, forecasts of high migration intensities are needed to apply mitigation actions. While existing weather radar networks offer a unique possibility to monitor and forecast bird migration at large spatial scales, forecasts at the fine spatial scale within a complex terrain, such as the mountainous Swiss landscape, require a small‐scale network of ornithological radars. Before attempting to build such a network, it is crucial to first investigate the consistency of the migratory flow across space and time. In this study, we simultaneously operated three ornithological radar systems across the Swiss lowlands to assess the spatio‐temporal consistency of diurnal and nocturnal bird movements during the spring and autumn migration season. The relative temporal course of migration intensities was generally consistent between sites during peak migration, in particular for nocturnal movements in autumn, but absolute intensities differed greatly between sites. Outside peak migration, bird movement patterns were much less consistent and, unexpectedly, some presumably non‐migratory bird activity achieved intensities close to peak migration intensities, but without spatial correlations. Only nocturnal migration intensity in autumn could be predicted with consistently high accuracy, but including parameters of atmospheric conditions in the model improved predictability of diurnal movements considerably. Predictions for spring were less reliable, probably because we missed an important part of the migration season. Our results show that reliable forecasts of bird movements within a complex terrain call for a network of year‐round bird monitoring systems, whereas accurate information of atmospheric conditions can help to limit the number of measurement points.
On the use of AES data analysis to determine local enrichments of conversion coating elements at intermetallic particles on rolled Al
Authors: Bouckenooge Pieter , Bauer Oliver , Eckhard Kathrin , Terryn Herman
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the behaviour of the industrial applied Ti/Zr conversion coating (CC) pretreatment on rolled automotive aluminium samples (AA5182) is analysed. Due to its nanometre lateral and depth resolution, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) is used to analyse the CC distribution at surface cathodic intermetallic particles. As a result of its high surface sensitivity, the AES technique is very susceptible to differences in the top contamination layer thickness. It is demonstrated that AES point measurements performed on aluminium model samples coated with 1.5 and 3 nm of Ti (oxide) layer cannot differentiate the two‐layer thicknesses if a difference in the top contamination thickness is not taken into account. A data analysis methodology is introduced, based on the ratio of normalized peak areas (enrichment ratios), to eliminate the effect of the contamination layer thickness. The experimental validation of the methodology is performed on the model samples, demonstrating errors of 2% on the enrichment ratios on similar samples with different contamination layer thicknesses, while the conventional spectra quantification results in errors of 49%. The methodology is also theoretically substantiated within certain constraints. By the use of the AES methodology, an enriched Ti and Zr deposition is confirmed at the cathodic intermetallic particles at the surface of the industrial no‐rinse CC sprayed automotive aluminium sheet samples.
Novel methods for the analysis of stepped wedge cluster randomized trials
Authors: Kennedy‐Shaffer Lee , de Gruttola Victor , Lipsitch Marc
Published: December 2019

Stepped wedge cluster randomized trials (SW‐CRTs) have become increasingly popular and are used for a variety of interventions and outcomes, often chosen for their feasibility advantages. SW‐CRTs must account for time trends in the outcome because of the staggered rollout of the intervention. Robust inference procedures and nonparametric analysis methods have recently been proposed to handle such trends without requiring strong parametric modeling assumptions, but these are less powerful than model‐based approaches. We propose several novel analysis methods that reduce reliance on modeling assumptions while preserving some of the increased power provided by the use of mixed effects models. In one method, we use the synthetic control approach to find the best matching clusters for a given intervention cluster. Another method makes use of within‐cluster crossover information to construct an overall estimator. We also consider methods that combine these approaches to further improve power. We test these methods on simulated SW‐CRTs, describing scenarios in which these methods have increased power compared with existing nonparametric methods while preserving nominal validity when mixed effects models are misspecified. We also demonstrate theoretical properties of these estimators with less restrictive assumptions than mixed effects models. Finally, we propose avenues for future research on the use of these methods; motivation for such research arises from their flexibility, which allows the identification of specific causal contrasts of interest, their robustness, and the potential for incorporating covariates to further increase power. Investigators conducting SW‐CRTs might well consider such methods when common modeling assumptions may not hold.
Influence of metakaolin on strength and durability characteristics of ground granulated blast furnace slag based geopolymer concrete
Authors: Praveen Kumar Vemu Venkata , Naga Prasad  , Dey Subhashish
Published: December 2019

This paper highlights the strength and durability characteristics of geopolymer concrete (GPC) developed with ground‐granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and metakaolin (MK) as binders. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) were used as alkaline activators of GPC. The variable parameters considered in this research work were proportions of GGBS and MK. The optimum mix was obtained by varying the proportions in the binder content of GPC. The influence of recycled coarse aggregates (RCAs) was also assessed on the arrived optimum GPC mix and compared with natural coarse aggregates. The replacement of RCA was done at 25, 50, and 100%. The durability studies were performed on the arrived optimum mix for natural and RCA concrete. The durability properties of GPC were studied by exposing the concrete specimens to HCl and H2SO4 at 5% concentration for 7, 28, and 56 days. Acid mass loss factor and acid strength loss factor were determined at all ages. From the results, it is observed that the usage of supplementary cementitious material as a partial replacement of GGBS in GPC is improving the strength as well as durability properties of blended GPC. The comparisons of these parameters were examined for the usage of RCA proportions also. The results indicated that the inclusion of RCA up to certain proportions is showing satisfactory results compared to that of GPC with natural aggregates.
Seismic performance of Y‐type eccentrically braced frames combined with high‐strength steel based on performance‐based seismic design
Authors: Li Shen , Wang Qian‐ru , Li Xiao‐lei , Tian Jian‐bo
Published: December 2019

In the Y‐type eccentrically braced frame structures, the links as fuses are generally located outside the beams; the links can be easily repairable or replaceable after earthquake without obvious damage in the slab and beam. The non‐dissipative member (beams, braces, and columns) in the Y‐type eccentrically braced frames are overestimated designed to ensure adequate plastic deformation of links with dissipating sufficient energy. However, the traditionally code design not only wastes steel but also limits the application of eccentrically braced frames. In this paper, Y‐type eccentrically braced steel frames with high‐strength steel is proposed; links and braces are fabricated with Q345 steel (the nominal yield stress is 345 MPa); the beams and columns are fabricated with high‐strength steel. The usage of high‐strength steel effectively decreases the cross sections of structural members as well as reduces the construction cost. The performance‐based seismic design of eccentrically braced frames was proposed to achieve the ideal failure mode and the same objective. Based on this method, four groups Y‐type eccentrically braced frames of 5‐story, 10‐story, 15‐story, and 20‐story models with ideal failure modes were designed, and each group includes Y‐type eccentrically braced frames with ordinary steel and Y‐type eccentrically braced frames with high‐strength steel. Nonlinear pushover and nonlinear dynamic analyses were performed on all prototypes, and the near‐fault and far‐fault ground motions are considered. The bearing capacity, lateral stiffness, story drift, link rotations, and failure modes were compared. The results indicated that Y‐type eccentrically braced frames with high‐strength steel have a similar bearing capacity to ordinary steel; however, the lateral stiffness of Y‐type eccentrically braced frames with high‐strength steel is smaller. Similar failure modes and story drift distribution of the prototype structures designed using the performance‐based seismic design method are performed under rare earthquake conditions.
Projected changes in wind speed and its energy potential in China using a high‐resolution regional climate model
Authors: Guo Junhong , Huang Guohe , Wang Xiuquan , Xu Ye , Li Yongping
Published: December 2019

Following its commitment to Paris Agreement in 2015, China has started to explore potential renewable energy solutions with low carbon emissions to mitigate global warming. Though wind energy is one of the most cost‐effective solutions and has been favored for climate policy development around the world, its high sensitivity to climate change raises some critical issues for the long‐term effectiveness in providing sustainable energy supply. Particularly, how wind speed and its energy potential in China will change in the context of global warming is still not well understood. In this paper, we simulate the near‐surface wind speed over China using the PRECIS regional climate modeling system under different RCP emission scenarios for assessing the possible changes in wind speed and wind energy availability over China throughout the 21st century. Overall, the PRECIS model can reasonably reproduce the mesoscale climatological near‐surface wind speed and directions as documented in reanalysis data across most regions of China, while some local discrepancies are reported in the southwestern regions. In the future, the annual mean wind speed would be decreasing in most regions of China, except for a slightly increase in the southeast. The expected changes in wind speed are characterized with different amplitudes and rates under different RCP emission scenarios. The changes in the spatial distribution of wind speed seem to be sensitive for RCP climate emission scenarios, especially in the late 21st century. The spatiotemporal changes in wind energy potential exhibit a similar behavior to those in near‐surface wind speed, but the magnitudes of these changes are larger. In general, the wind power density is expected to increase by over 5% in winter in the major wind fields in China (ie, Northwest, Northcentral and Northeast), while significant decreases (by about 6% on average) are projected for other seasons (ie, spring, summer and autumn). By contrast, the wind energy potential in the northeast would increase over most months in the year, especially in winter and summer. The results of this research are of great importance for understanding where and to what extent the wind energy can be utilized to contribute renewable energy system development in China in support of its long‐term climate change mitigation commitment.
The evolution of genomic imprinting: Epigenetic control of mammary gland development and postnatal resource control
Authors: Hanin Geula , Ferguson‐Smith Anne C.
Published: December 2019

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetically regulated process leading to gene expression according to its parental origin. Imprinting is essential for prenatal growth and development, regulating nutritional resources to offspring, and contributing to a favored theory about the evolution of imprinting being due to a conflict between maternal and paternal genomes for the control of prenatal resources—the so‐called kinship hypothesis. Genomic imprinting has been mainly studied during embryonic and placental development; however, maternal nutrient provisioning is not restricted to the prenatal period. In this context, the mammary gland acts at the maternal‐offspring interface providing milk to the newborn. Maternal care including lactation supports the offspring, delivering nutrients and bioactive molecules protecting against infections and contributing to healthy organ development and immune maturation. The normal developmental cycle of the mammary gland—pregnancy, lactation, involution—is vital for this process, raising the question of whether genomic imprinting might also play a role in postnatal nutrient transfer by controlling mammary gland development. Characterizing the function and epigenetic regulation of imprinted genes in the mammary gland cycle may therefore provide novel insights into the evolution of imprinting since the offspring's paternal genome is absent from the mammary gland, in addition to increasing our knowledge of postnatal nutrition and its relation to life‐long health.

This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease
The bound on chaos for closed strings in Anti-de Sitter black hole backgrounds
Authors: Čubrović Mihailo
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We perform a systematic study of the maximum Lyapunov exponent values λ for the motion of classical closed strings in Anti-de Sitter black hole geometries with spherical, planar and hyperbolic horizons. Analytical estimates from the linearized varia- tional equations together with numerical integrations predict the bulk Lyapunov exponent value as λ ≈ 2πTn, where n is the winding number of the string. The celebrated bound on chaos stating that λ ≤ 2πT is thus systematically modified for winding strings in the bulk. Within gauge/string duality, such strings apparently correspond to complicated operators which either do not move on Regge trajectories, or move on subleading trajectories with an unusual slope. Depending on the energy scale, the out-of-time-ordered correlation functions of these operators may still obey the bound 2πT, or they may violate it like the bulk exponent. We do not know exactly why the bound on chaos can be modified but the indication from the gauge/string dual viewpoint is that the correlation functions of the dual gauge operators never factorize and thus the original derivation of the bound on chaos does not apply.
Evaluation of lipid coverage and high spatial resolution MALDI-imaging capabilities of oversampling combined with laser post-ionisation
Authors: Bowman Andrew P. , Bogie Jeroen F. J. , Hendriks Jerome J. A. , Haidar Mansour , Belov Mikhail , Heeren Ron M. A. , Ellis Shane R.
Published: December 2019

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) is a powerful technique for visualising the spatial locations of lipids in biological tissues. However, a major challenge in interpreting the biological significance of local lipid compositions and distributions detected using MALDI-MSI is the difficulty in associating spectra with cellular lipid metabolism within the tissue. By-and-large this is due to the typically limited spatial resolution of MALDI-MSI (30–100 μm) meaning individual spectra represent the average spectrum acquired from multiple adjacent cells, each potentially possessing a unique lipid composition and biological function. The use of oversampling is one promising approach to decrease the sampling area and improve the spatial resolution in MALDI-MSI, but it can suffer from a dramatically decreased sensitivity. In this work we overcome these challenges through the coupling of oversampling MALDI-MSI with laser post-ionisation (MALDI-2). We demonstrate the ability to acquire rich lipid spectra from pixels as small as 6 μm, equivalent to or smaller than the size of typical mammalian cells. Coupled with an approach for automated lipid identification, it is shown that MALDI-2 combined with oversampling at 6 μm pixel size can detect up to three times more lipids and many more lipid classes than even conventional MALDI at 20 μm resolution in the positive-ion mode. Applying this to mouse kidney and human brain tissue containing active multiple sclerosis lesions, where 74 and 147 unique lipids are identified, respectively, the localisation of lipid signals to individual tubuli within the kidney and lipid droplets with lesion-specific macrophages is demonstrated.
Boat disturbance effects on moulting common eiders Somateria mollissima
Authors: Dehnhard Nina , Skei Jørgen , Christensen-Dalsgaard Signe , May Roel , Halley Duncan , Ringsby Thor Harald , Lorentsen Svein-Håkon
Published: December 2019

Ship and boat traffic are increasing sources of disturbance to marine wildlife. During moult, sea ducks are flightless and rely on productive and shallow feeding areas. However, this period coincides with the peak of the recreational boating season. This is the first study to investigate the escape behaviour of moulting common eiders (Somateria mollissima) to the approach of small boats. We quantified flight initiation distances (flock-to-boat distance at which an energy-demanding escape occurred), displacement distances (distance between the pre- and post-disturbance position of the flock) and the time it took flocks to return to pre-disturbance (foraging- or resting-) behaviour. Moulting common eiders showed average flight initiation distances of 177 m and displacement distances of 771 m. Displacement distances decreased with flock size, under higher wind speeds and when previous foraging habitat was shallower. Time-to-return to pre-disturbance behaviour decreased with flock size but increased with wind speed and accessibility of foraging habitat at the previous location. Most (75%) of flocks returned to pre-disturbance behaviour within 10 min after the disturbance, while three flocks kept disturbed even 45 min after the approach. Finally, flocks encountered less accessible (deeper) habitats after disturbance than before. Our results suggest that approaching boats imply considerable disturbance effects for moulting common eiders through increased locomotion costs, displacement from accessible foraging habitat and/or time lost for foraging or resting. We provide valuable information for policy makers and marine spatial planning and highlight the need for awareness among recreational boat drivers on their impact on wildlife.
Percutaneous endoscopic debridement with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis: a preliminary study
Authors: Duan Kaidi , Qin Yi , Ye Jichao , Zhang Wei , Hu Xumin , Zhou Jinlang , Gao Liangbin , Tang Yong
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To access the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic debridement (PED) combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) in the treatment of lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

Methods

Forty-five patients diagnosed as pyogenic spondylodiscitis underwent PPSF followed by PED. A drainage catheter was left in place for negative pressure drainage. Adequate systematic antibiotics were administered empirically or based on bacterial culture results. Clinical outcomes were assessed by physical examination, regular serologic testing, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and imaging studies.

Results

The mean operative time was 110.1 ± 21.2 minutes (range 80–165 minutes), with intra-operative blood loss 47.8 ± 21.0 ml (range 20–120 ml). All patients reported relief of back pain, able to sit up, and partially ambulate the next day. Causative pathogens were identified in 32 of 45 biopsy specimens, staphylococcal bacteria being the most prevalent strain. However, there were 13 patients with post-operative complications. During 6–12 months’ follow-up, inflammatory markers showed infection controlled. VAS and ODI values were significantly improved.

Discussion

Satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes were achieved in our patients post-operatively. It is recommended that PED plus PPSF can be another alternative for spondylodiscitis.

Conclusion

PED supplementing PPSF offers a valid option in treating spondylodiscitis, as it is minimally invasive, shortens hospital stay, and avoids prolonged bed rest with an optimistic outcome.
Coping styles in capital breeders modulate behavioural trade-offs in time allocation: assessing fine-scale activity budgets in lactating grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) using accelerometry and heart rate variability
Authors: Shuert Courtney R. , Pomeroy Patrick P. , Twiss Sean D.
Published: December 2019

Balancing time allocation among competing behaviours is an essential part of energy management for all animals. However, trade-offs in time allocation may vary according to the sex of the individual, their age, and even underlying physiology. During reproduction, higher energetic demands and constrained internal resources place greater demand on optimizing these trade-offs insofar that small adjustments in time-activity may lead to substantial effects on an individual’s limited energy budget. The most extreme case is found in animals that undergo capital breeding, where individuals fast for the duration of each reproductive episode. We investigated potential underlying drivers of time-activity and describe aspects of trade-offs in time-activity in a wild, capital breeding pinniped, the grey seal Halichoerus grypus, during the lactation period. For the first time, we were able to access full 24-h activity budgets across the core duration of lactation as well as characterize how aspects of stress-coping styles influence time allocation through the use of animal-borne accelerometers and heart rate monitors in situ. We found that there was a distinct trade-off in time activity between time spent Resting and Alert (vigilance). This trade-off varied with the pup’s development, date, and maternal stress-coping style as indicated by a measure of heart rate variability, rMSSD. In contrast, time spent Presenting/Nursing did not vary across the duration of lactation given the variables tested. We suggest that while mothers balance time spent conserving resources (Resting) against time expending energy (Alert), they are also influenced by the inherent physiological drivers of stress-coping styles.

Significance statement

How animals apportion their time among different behaviours is key to their success. These trade-offs should be finely balanced to avoid unnecessary energy expenditure. Here, we examine how grey seal mothers balance their activity patterns during the short, but energetically demanding, period of pup-rearing. Animal-borne accelerometers provided a uniquely detailed and continuous record of activity during pup-rearing for 38 mothers. We also used heart rate monitors to provide measures of each individual’s stress-coping style. We found that mothers balance time Resting against remaining Alert while time Presenting/Nursing was largely independent of all factors measured. Stress-coping styles were found to drive the balancing and variation of all behaviours. This novel indication that differences in personality-like traits may drive whole activity budgets should be considered when assessing trade-offs in time allocation across a much wider variety of species.
Effect of rifampin and itraconazole on the pharmacokinetics of zanubrutinib (a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor) in Asian and non-Asian healthy subjects
Authors: Mu Song , Tang Zhiyu , Novotny William , Tawashi Manal , Li Ta-Kai , Ou Ying , Sahasranaman Srikumar
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Zanubrutinib (BGB-3111) is a potent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor with promising clinical activity in B-cell malignancies. Zanubrutinib was shown to be mainly metabolized through cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) in vitro. We evaluated the effect of steady-state rifampin (a strong CYP3A inducer) and steady-state itraconazole (a strong CYP3A inhibitor) on the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and tolerability of zanubrutinib in healthy Asian and non-Asian subjects.

Methods

In this open-label, two-part clinical study, 20 participants received a single oral dose of zanubrutinib (320 mg) and oral rifampin (600 mg) in Part A, and 18 participants received a single oral dose of zanubrutinib (20 mg) and oral itraconazole (200 mg) in Part B. Serial blood samples were collected after administration of zanubrutinib alone and zanubrutinib in combination with rifampin or itraconazole for the measurement of PK parameters.

Results

Coadministration with rifampin decreased AUC0–∞ of zanubrutinib by 13.5-fold and Cmax by 12.6-fold. Coadministration with itraconazole increased the AUC0–∞ of zanubrutinib by 3.8-fold and Cmax by 2.6-fold. The PK of zanubrutinib was consistent between Asian and non-Asian subjects, and  zanubrutinib was well tolerated in this study.

Conclusions

These results confirm that zanubrutinib is primarily metabolized by CYP3A in humans. The PK of zanubrutinib was comparable between Asian and non-Asian subjects and, therefore, no dose modifications are necessary for zanubrutinib in these ethnic populations.
Impact of Arctic amplification on declining spring dust events in East Asia
Authors: Liu Jun , Wu Dongyou , Liu Guangjing , Mao Rui , Chen Siyu , Ji Mingxia , Fu Pingqing , Sun Yele , Pan Xiaole , Jin Hongchun , Zhou Yubin , Wang Xin
Published: December 2019

Dust aerosols play key roles in affecting regional and global climate through their direct, indirect, and semi-direct effects. Dust events have decreased rapidly since the 1980s in East Asia, particularly over northern China, primarily because of changes in meteorological parameters (e.g. surface wind speed and precipitation). In this study, we found that winter (December–January–February) Arctic amplification associated with weakened temperature gradients along with decreased zonal winds is primarily responsible for the large decline in following spring (March–April–May) dust event occurrences over northern China since the mid-1980s. A dust index was developed for northern China by combining the daily frequency of three types of dust event (dust storm, blowing dust, and floating dust). Using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, the first pattern of dust events was obtained for spring dust index anomalies, which accounts for 56.2% of the variability during 1961–2014. Moreover, the enhanced Arctic amplification and stronger Northern Hemisphere annular mode (NAM) in winter can result in the anticyclonic anomalies over Siberia and Mongolia, while cyclonic anomalies over East Europe in spring. These results are significantly correlated with the weakened temperature gradients, increased precipitation and soil moisture, and decreased snow cover extent in the mid-latitude over Northern Hemisphere. Based on the future predictions obtained from the Fifth Climate Models Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), we found that the dust event occurrences may continually decrease over northern China due to the enhanced Arctic amplification in future climate.
Mechanical complications in adult spinal deformity and the effect of restoring the spinal shapes according to the Roussouly classification: a multicentric study
Authors: Sebaaly Amer , Gehrchen Martin , Silvestre Clément , Kharrat Khalil , Bari Tanvir Johanning , Kreichati Gabi , Rizkallah Maroun , Roussouly Pierre
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence of mechanical complications in patients with adult spine deformity (ASD) treated by restoring the normal shape according to the Roussouly classification.

Methods

This is a retrospective multicentric study with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients operated on with fusion for ASD (minimum performed fusion: L2 to sacrum) were included. Patients with a history of previous spinal fusion of more than three levels were excluded. Spinal and pelvic parameters were measured on the preoperative and the immediate postoperative follow-up. All mechanical complications were recorded.

Results

A total of 290 patients met the criteria of inclusion with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Mechanical complications occurred in 30.4% of the cohort. The most common complication was PJK with an incidence of 18% while nonunion or instrumentation failure (rod breakage, implant failure) occurred in 12.4%. 66% of the patients were restored to the normal shape according to the Roussouly classification based on their PI and had a mechanical complication rate of 22.5%, whereas the remaining 34% of patients had a complication rate of 46.8% (p < 0.001). The relative risk for developing a mechanical complication if the algorithm was not met was 3 (CI 1.5–4.3; p < 0.001)

Conclusion

In the recent literature, there are no clear guidelines for ASD correction. Restoring the sagittal spinal contour to the normal shapes of Roussouly according to the PI could serve as a guideline for ASD treatment. Ignoring this algorithm has a threefold risk of increased mechanical complications. We recommend this algorithm for treatment of ASD.

Level of evidence

IV cross-sectional observational study.

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Evaluating the user experience of acoustic data transmission
Authors: Mehrabi Adib , Mazzoni Antonella , Jones Daniel , Steed Anthony
Published: December 2019

Users of smart devices frequently need to exchange data with people nearby to them. Yet despite the availability of various communication methods, data exchange between co-located devices is often complicated by technical and user experience barriers. A potential solution to these issues is the emerging technology of device-to-device acoustic data transmission. In this work, we investigate the medium-specific properties of sound as a data exchange mechanism, and question how these contribute to the user experience of sharing data. We present a user study comparing three wireless communication technologies (acoustic data transmission, QR codes and Bluetooth), when used for a common and familiar scenario: peer-to-peer sharing of contact information. Overall, the results show that acoustic data transmission provides a rapid means of transferring data (mean transaction time of 2.4 s), in contrast to Bluetooth (8.3 s) and QR (6.3 s), whilst requiring minimal physical effort and user coordination. All QR code transactions were successful on the first attempt; however, some acoustic (5.6%) and Bluetooth (16.7%) transactions required multiple attempts to successfully share a contact. Participants also provided feedback on their user experience via surveys and semi-structured interviews. Perceived transaction time, physical effort, and connectivity issues. Specifically, users expressed frustration with Bluetooth due to device selection issues, and with QR for the physical coordination required to scan codes. The findings indicate that acoustic data transmission has unique advantages in facilitating information sharing and interaction between co-located users.
Transparent experiments: releasing data from mechanical tests on three dimensional hydrogel sphere packings
Authors: Barés Jonathan , Brodu Nicolas , Zheng Hu , Dijksman Joshua A.
Published: December 2019

We describe here experiments on the mechanics of hydrogel particle packings from the Behringer lab, performed between 2012 and 2015. These experiments quantify the evolution of all contact forces inside soft particle packings exposed to compression, shear, and the intrusion of a large intruder. The experimental set-ups and processes are presented and the data are concomitantly published in a repository (Barés et al. in Dryad, Dataset 10.5061/dryad.6djh9w0x8, 2019).
The association between uric acid levels and renal function of CKD patients with hyperlipidemia: a sub-analysis of the ASUCA trial
Authors: Kuwabara Yoshihiro , Yasuno Shinji , Kasahara Masato , Ueshima Kenji , Nakao Kazuwa
Published: December 2019

Background

The influence of uric acid (UA) on renal function and the significance of UA-lowering therapy are unclear. The purpose of the sub-analysis of the Assessment of Clinical Usefulness in chronic kidney disease patients with Atorvastatin (ASUCA) trial was to evaluate the influence of serum UA levels on renal function in Japanese chronic kidney disease patients with hyperlipidemia.

Methods

Of 344 participants in the ASUCA trial, 279 participants whose UA levels at both baseline and 24 months were available were included. Based on UA level at baseline or mean UA level during the trial period, they were divided into four groups: < 5.0, 5.0–6.0, 6.0–7.0, or ≥ 7.0 mg/dL, irrespective of allocation. Changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after 24 months were compared among the groups in relation to baseline or mean UA levels.

Results

For baseline UA levels (< 5.0, 5.0–6.0, 6.0–7.0, or ≥ 7.0 mg/dL), the change in eGFR after 24 months was − 1.32 ± 10.3, − 1.74 ± 8.94, − 2.53 ± 7.34, and − 3.51 ± 9.10 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. A negative correlation between changes in eGFR after 24 months and baseline UA level was observed with adjustment for confounding factors. The relationship between changes in eGFR and mean UA levels during trial period showed a similar trend.

Conclusion

In CKD patients with dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia was an independent risk factor for CKD progression. An ongoing clinical trial (TARGET-UA, UMIN-ID 000,026,741) may reveal the significance of strict UA-lowering therapy in CKD patients.
Prison Leave in Finland: Legal and Empirical Fundamentals of an Established Practice
Authors: Keinänen A. , Kilpeläinen M. , Pajuoja J. , Tyni S.
Published: December 2019

Prison leave was introduced into the Finnish legal system in 1971, with the aim to reduce negative effects of institutionalization and disadvantages caused by the length of the prison sentence. After the total reform of prison legislation in 2006, the role of the prison leave has become even more central; the number of prisoners has decreased, but the amount of prison leave has increased. Historically, the length of the sentence has been the most common ground for prison leave. A prisoner can be granted a prison leave when two thirds of the prison term has been served, for example, after 2 years if the length of the total sentence served in prison is 3 years. However, during the past 10 years, prison leave based on an important reason has grown into the most common type of prison leave. This indicates a structural change from the rigid legal rules to a more flexible practice. In 2018, there were about 17,000 prison leave applications, and over 13,000 of those were granted, i.e. 79%. The conditions were breached 466 times, which is 3.5% of all prison leaves. The most common breaches of prison leave conditions were returning from a prison leave after the set time limit or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The majority of prison leave applications are decided in the prisons. On the other hand, for example, the decision on the prison leave of a life-sentenced prisoner is made by the Criminal Sanctions Agency. There have been significant differences in the probability of granting prison leave, which are emphasized especially in the practices of closed prisons. Among those prisoners who serve longer than 1 year in prison, the application rate of prison leave rises over 90%. For the sentences under 3 months, it is less than 20%.
Underpricing of initial public offerings in experimental asset markets
Authors: Füllbrunn Sascha , Neugebauer Tibor , Nicklisch Andreas
Published: December 2019

The underpricing of initial public offerings (IPO) is a well-documented fact of empirical equity market research. Theories explain this underpricing with market imperfections. We study three empirically relevant IPO mechanisms under almost perfect market conditions in the laboratory: a stylized book building approach, a closed book auction, and an open book auction. We report underpricing in each of these IPO mechanisms. Uncertainty about the aftermarket behavior may partly explain IPO excess returns but underpricing persists even in the repeated setting where uncertainty is negligible and despite the equilibrium adjustment dynamics, that we observe in the data. The data reveal a market-wide impact of investors’ reluctance to sell in the aftermarket at a price below the offering price. We conclude that a behavioural bias similar to the disposition effect fosters IPO underpricing in our setting.
Challenge-Driven Innovation Policy: Towards a New Policy Toolkit
Authors: Mazzucato Mariana , Kattel Rainer , Ryan-Collins Josh
Published: December 2019

Policy makers are increasingly embracing the idea of using industrial and innovation policy to tackle the ‘grand challenges’ facing modern societies. This article argues that through well-defined goals, or more specifically ‘missions’, that are focused on solving important societal challenges, policymakers have the opportunity to determine thedirectionof growth by making strategic investments across many different sectors and nurturing new industrial landscapes, which the private sector can develop further, and as a result induce cross-sectoral learning and increase macroeconomic stability. This ‘mission-oriented’ approach to industrial policy is not about ‘top down’ planning by an overbearing state; it is about providing a direction for growth and increasing business expectations about future growth areas and catalysing activity that otherwise would not happen. It is not about de-risking and levelling the playing field, nor about supporting more competitive sectors over less since the market does not always ‘know best’ but tilting the playing field in the direction of the desired societal goals, such as the sustainable development goals. To achieve this requires a different policy framework, what we call the ‘ROAR’ framework, which involves strategic thinking about the desired direction of travel (Routes), the structure and capacity of public sectorOrganisations, the way in which policy isAssessedand the incentive structure for both private and public sectors (Risks and Rewards). The article argues that if we want to take grand challenges such as the SDGs seriously as policy goals, market shaping should become the over-arching approach followed in various policy fields.
Phosphorus loss assessment tools: a review of underlying concepts and applicability in cold climates
Authors: Habibiandehkordi Reza , Reid D. Keith , Goel Pradeep K. , Biswas Asim
Published: December 2019

Identifying critical source areas (CSAs) of a watershed by phosphorus (P) loss assessment tools is essential for optimal placement of beneficial management practices (BMPs) to address diffuse P pollution. However, lack of significant progress in tackling diffuse P pollution could be, in part, associated with inefficacy of P loss assessment tools for accurately identifying CSAs. Phosphorus loss assessment tools have been developed to simulate P loss from the landscape where runoff is mainly driven by rainfall events. Therefore, they may underperform in cold climates where the land is often frozen during winter and runoff is dominated by snowmelt. This paper (i) reviews the strengths and weaknesses of current P loss assessment tools and their underlying assumptions in simulating soil P dynamics and P transfer to runoff, and (ii) highlights a number of challenges associated with modeling P transfer from agricultural land to surface waters in cold climates. Current P loss assessment tools do not appear to fully represent hydrological and biogeochemical processes responsible for P loss from CSAs, particularly in cold climates. Effort should be made to develop P loss assessment tools that are capable of considering P dynamics through the landscape as a result of abiotic perturbations that are common in cold climates, predicting runoff and P movement over frozen/partially frozen soils, and considering material-P connectivity between landscape and surface waters. Evaluating P loss assessment tools with water quality data is necessary to ensure such modifications result in improved identification of CSAs.