bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Delayed Discharge and Reoperation of Gastric Bypass Patients with Psychiatric Comorbidity—a Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lagerros Ylva Trolle , Brandt Lena , Sundbom Magnus , Hedberg Jakob , Bodén Robert
Published: March 2020

Background

Gastric bypass (GBP) surgery is considered a safe and effective treatment for obesity. However, there is uncertainty regarding the impact of preexisting psychiatric comorbidity on GBP complications. We have investigated whether a psychiatric diagnosis before GBP surgery is associated with delayed discharge (the odds of being in the 90th percentile of length of stay) and rate of reoperation in a nationwide Swedish cohort.

Methods

Patients undergoing GBP surgery during 2008–2012 were identified and followed up through the National Patient Register and the Prescribed Drug Register. Logistic regression models were fitted to the studied outcomes.

Results

Among the 22,539 patients identified, a prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, neurotic disorders, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), substance use disorder, eating disorder, personality disorder, or self-harm since 1997 (n = 9480) was found to be associated with delayed discharge after GBP surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, confidence interval [CI] 1.34–1.62), especially in patients with psychiatric hospitalization exceeding 1 week in the 2 years preceding GBP surgery (OR = 2.06, CI 1.30–3.28), compared with those not hospitalized within psychiatry. Likewise, patients with a prior psychiatric diagnosis were more likely to be reoperated within 30 days (OR = 1.25, CI 1.11–1.41), with twice the likelihood OR 2.23 (CI 1.26–3.92) for patients with psychiatric hospitalization of up to a week in the 2 years preceding GBP surgery, compared with patients who had not been hospitalized within psychiatry.

Conclusions

A psychiatric diagnosis before GBP surgery was associated with delayed discharge and increased likelihood of reoperation within 30 days. Patients with a prior psychiatric diagnosis may, therefore, need additional attention and support.
Good overall behavioural adjustment in children and adolescents with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Messina Valeria , Hirvikoski Tatja , Karlsson Leif , Vissani Sophia , Wallensteen Lena , Ortolano Rita , Balsamo Antonio , Nordenström Anna , Lajic Svetlana
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated postnatally with life-long glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy. Although prolonged exposure to GCs may have a negative impact on behaviour, few studies have studied this issue. We therefore investigated behavioural outcomes in male and female children and adolescents with CAH.

Methods

An observational study in which Swedish and Italian children and adolescents with CAH identified through neonatal screening for CAH (n = 57, age range 7–17 years) were compared with healthy population controls matched for age and sex (n = 72, age range 7–17 years). Thirteen (eight females) of the fifty-seven children and adolescents with CAH had been treated prenatally with dexamethasone (DEX). Standardised questionnaires for parents and self-report scales for children/adolescents were used to assess behavioural and emotional problems, social anxiety, temperament and scholastic competence.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between CAH patients (not prenatally treated with DEX) and controls on most of the scales measuring adaptive functioning or behavioural problems. However, children with CAH were rated by their parents to have more social problems than controls (Child Behaviour Checklist, CBCL social problems, p = 0.032). In the small group (n = 13) of prenatally DEX-treated cases parents rated their children/adolescents to have more mood problems compared with non-DEX-treated children/adolescents with CAH (CBCL-withdrawn/depressed, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Children/adolescents with CAH showed good overall adjustment. The clinical significance of the parentally perceived increase in social problems in children/adolescents with CAH requires further investigation. The findings underline the importance of psychological support for children/adolescents with a chronic condition.
Multiple impact pathways of the 2015–2016 El Niño in coastal Kenya
Authors: Fortnam Matt , Atkins Molly , Brown Katrina , Chaigneau Tomas , Frouws Ankje , Gwaro Kemyline , Huxham Mark , Kairo James , Kimeli Amon , Kirui Bernard , Sheen Katy
Published: March 2020

The 2015–2016 El Niño had large impacts globally. The effects were not as great as anticipated in Kenya, however, leading some commentators to call it a ‘non-event’. Our study uses a novel combination of participatory Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis tools, and new and existing social and biophysical data, to analyse vulnerability to, and the multidimensional impacts of, the 2015–2016 El Niño episode in southern coastal Kenya. Using a social-ecological systems lens and a unique dataset, our study reveals impacts overlooked by conventional analysis. We show how El Niño stressors interact with and amplify existing vulnerabilities to differentially impact local ecosystems and people. The policy significance of this finding is that the development of specific national capacities to deal with El Niño events is insufficient; it will be necessary to also address local vulnerabilities to everyday and recurrent stressors and shocks to build resilience to the effects of El Niño and other extremes in climate and weather.
Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalyst of Mesoporous Ni/NiO Nanosheets for Flexible Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Peitao , Ran Jiaqi , Xia Baorui , Xi Shibo , Gao Daqiang , Wang John
Published: March 2020

One approach to accelerate the stagnant kinetics of both the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER) is to develop a rationally designed multiphase nanocomposite, where the functions arising from each of the constituent phases, their interfaces, and the overall structure are properly controlled. Herein, we successfully synthesized an oxygen electrocatalyst consisting of Ni nanoparticles purposely interpenetrated into mesoporous NiO nanosheets (porous Ni/NiO). Benefiting from the contributions of the Ni and NiO phases, the well-established pore channels for charge transport at the interface between the phases, and the enhanced conductivity due to oxygen-deficiency at the pore edges, the porous Ni/NiO nanosheets show a potential of 1.49 V (10 mA cm−2) for the OER and a half-wave potential of 0.76 V for the ORR, outperforming their noble metal counterparts. More significantly, a Zn–air battery employing the porous Ni/NiO nanosheets exhibits an initial charging–discharging voltage gap of 0.83 V (2 mA cm−2), specific capacity of 853 mAh g
Zn
−1
at 20 mA cm−2, and long-time cycling stability (120 h). In addition, the porous Ni/NiO-based solid-like Zn–air battery shows excellent electrochemical performance and flexibility, illustrating its great potential as a next-generation rechargeable power source for flexible electronics.
Markov’s Inequality and $$C^{\infty }$$ Functions on Certain Algebraic Hypersurfaces
Authors: Beberok Tomasz
Published: March 2020

It is known that if E is a $$C^{\infty }$$

C
∞

determining set, then E is a Markov set if and only if it has Bernstein’s property. This article provides the equivalent of this result for compact subsets of some algebraic varieties.
Electromyographic Evaluation of the Pelvic Muscles Activity After High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Procedure and Electrical Stimulation in Women With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Authors: Elena Silantyeva , Dragana Zarkovic , Ramina Soldatskaia , Evgeniia Astafeva , Orazov Mekan
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Impaired coordination, relaxation, and atrophy of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) may cause various health issues referred to as pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). In recent years, electromagnetic noninvasive stimulation of the pelvic floor was successfully used to treat PFD symptoms.

Aim

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of electrical and magnetic noninvasive stimulation for the treatment of PFD in postpartum women.

Methods

2 intervention groups treated with high-intensity focused electromagnetic ([HIFEM]; G1) procedure and electrical stimulation (G2) were established along with the control group (G3). Patients received 10 therapies delivered at the hospital (G1; 2–3 times per week) or self-administered at home (G2; every other day) after initial training. The protocol was identical for both modalities. Functionality of the PFM was examined by surface electromyography measurements (maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]; mean MVC; muscle activity at rest; endurance of contraction) while patient’s subjective perception of pelvic floor functionality was assessed by Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire–Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7) standardized questionnaire. Changes in electromyography values and PFIQ-7 scores were statistically evaluated from baseline to after all treatments.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measure was enhancement of PFM activity.

Results

In total, 95 patients (G1 = 50; G2 = 25; G3 = 20) participated in the study. The MVC, mean MVC, and endurance were lowered in symptomatic patients. After the treatments, these parameters significantly increased (P < .001) and moved toward the values of healthy population. Electrogenesis at relaxation revealed divergent tendencies in the G1 and G2 groups. PFIQ-7 scores significantly improved in treated patients (P < .001). In general, superior results were documented in the HIFEM group as it reached improvement of electromyography parameters from 48% to 59% (electrical stimulation from 7% to 36%) and similarly the improvement of PFIQ-7 score by 57% (electrical stimulation by 32%).

Conclusion

This study documented that the HIFEM procedure was significantly more effective than electrical stimulation in treatment of PFD in postpartum women. Both the objective and subjective evaluation indicates more profound effects of magnetic stimulation.
Metop-C deployment and start of three-satellite operations
Authors: Righetti P.L. , de Juana Gamo J.M. , Sancho F.
Published: March 2020

Metop is the space segment of the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS), which provides real-time data to several European meteorological services as well as to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other international agencies. The third Metop satellite, Metop-C, was launched on 7 November 2018 and shall enter in operations in few months, once the on-going commissioning of the meteorological products is completed. Each Metop satellite was designed to operate at least five years. A sequential deployment of the satellites was foreseen to achieve the target mission duration of 15 years, replacing an old one at end of life with a newer one; thanks to the excellent performances of the launchers and of the platform itself, and to continuous improvements to the fuel management, it was possible to extend the operational life of each satellite by a factor of three, still maintaining enough fuel to perform safe de-orbiting operations (foreseen for Metop-A, launched in 2006, at the end of 2021). This provided the opportunity to develop in 2012 (after Metop-B launch) dual-satellite products, which now, with the arrival of Metop-C, can evolve to tri-satellite; several decisions, concerning the selection of launch date and time as well as commissioning and operational locations, had to be been taken to achieve the target configuration; the analyses leading to these decisions are discussed here.
Fault-tolerant control of hypersonic vehicles based on fast fault observer under actuator gain loss fault or stuck fault
Authors: Zhu P. , Jiang J. , Yu C.
Published: March 2020

This paper proposes a fault-tolerant control (FTC) method based on fast fault observer (FFO) to solve the problem of actuator gain loss fault and stuck fault for hypersonic vehicles. Firstly, an input-output feedback linearisation model is presented that considers parametric uncertainties, control input saturation, disturbances and actuator faults. Secondly, the above factors are defined as an integrated fault item, and an improved fast fault observer is designed to estimate the integrated fault in real time. Finally, the fault-tolerant controller is constructed based on the sliding mode and fault estimation. In case of unknown faults, the effects of gain loss fault or stuck fault happen on elevators and the engine can be quickly processed, Also, the asymptotically stable tracking of the flight output reference command is completed to achieve fault-tolerant control. The final simulation experiment verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
An Active Shooter in Your Hospital: A Novel Method to Develop a Response Policy Using In Situ Simulation and Video Framework Analysis
Authors: Argintaru Niran , Li Winny , Hicks Christopher , White Kari , McGowan Melissa , Gray Sara , Petrosoniak Andrew
Published: March 2020

Hospital shootings (Code Silver) are events that pose extreme risk to staff, patients, and visitors. Hospitals are faced with unique challenges to train staff and develop protocols to manage these high-risk events. In situ simulation is an innovative technique that can evaluate institutional responses to emergent situations. This study highlights the design of an active shooter in situ simulation conducted at a Canadian level-1 trauma center to test a Code Silver active shooter protocol response. We further apply a modified framework analysis to extract latent safety threats (LSTs) from the simulation using ethnographic observation of the response by law enforcement, hospital security, logistics, and medical personnel.

The video-based framework analysis identified 110 LSTs, which were assigned hazard scores, highlighting 3 high-risk LSTs that did not have effective control measures or were not easily discoverable. These included lack of security during patient transport, inadequate situational awareness outside the clinical area, and poor coordination of critical tasks among interprofessional team members. In situ simulation is a novel approach to support the design and implementation of similar events at other institutions. Findings from ethnographic observations and a video-based analysis form a structured framework to address safety, logistical, and medical response considerations.
Odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis patients undergoing tooth extraction: oral surgeon and otolaryngologist viewpoints and appropriate management
Authors: Tsuzuki K , Kuroda K , Hashimoto K , Okazaki K , Noguchi K , Kishimoto H , Nishikawa H , Sakagami M
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study aimed to propose appropriate management for odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Method

Thirty-one adult patients with odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing maxillary extraction were retrospectively analysed. Patients with (n = 21) and without (n = 10) oroantral fistula on computed tomography were classified. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed when sinusitis did not improve after extraction. The critical indicators for surgical requirement in the management of odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis were analysed.

Results

Sinusitis significantly improved after extraction in both groups. Patients without oroantral fistula had significantly more severe remnant sinusitis than those with oroantral fistula after extraction on computed tomography (p = 0.0037). The requirement for functional endoscopic sinus surgery was statistically significant for patients without orofacial fistula over those with orofacial fistula (p < 0.0001). The surgical improvement ratio was 93 per cent.

Conclusion

The absence of oroantral fistula and severe sinusitis can be critical indicators for the requirement of functional endoscopic sinus surgery after extraction in the management of odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis.
Versions of Varro
Authors: Volk Katharina
Published: March 2020

Is this the Varronian moment? After decades of comparative neglect, especially in Anglophone scholarship, the late republican polymath is suddenly everywhere. There are conferences and conference panels dedicated to his work, some subsequently published as edited volumes. Varro is the subject of dissertations and monographs, either on his own or as a prime exhibit in discussions of such diverse subjects as ancient agricultural writing and late republican religious scholarship. Much needed new editions of his work have appeared or are in preparation. Thus we can look forward to Robert Rodgers' OCT ofDe re rustica, Giorgio Piras’ Teubner ofDe lingua Latinaand a Loeb edition of Varronian fragments by Joseph McAlhany.
Who passes restrictive labour policy? A view from the States
Authors: Bucci Laura C. , Jansa Joshua M.
Published: March 2020

What leads states to adopt more restrictive labour policies? The conventional wisdom is that unified Republican states, with help from conservative political networks, are more likely to adopt restrictions on labour unions. We argue that party control of government matters but is constrained by voter preferences and the power of organised labour. We create new estimates of state-level public support for unions by income thirds using dynamic multilevel regression and poststratification. Using this measure, we predict the adoption of restrictive labour policies, such as right-to-work and minimum wage preemption laws. We find that Republican governments are less likely to adopt restrictive policies when unions are strong and when union support among middle- and low-income earners is high. Interestingly, these results run contrary to much of the literature on the unequal representation of the wealthy in public policy.
A combination theorem for combinatorially non-positively curved complexes of hyperbolic groups
Authors: MARTIN ALEXANDRE , OSAJDA DAMIAN
Published: March 2020

We prove a combination theorem for hyperbolic groups, in the case of groups acting on complexes displaying combinatorial features reminiscent of non-positive curvature. Such complexes include for instance weakly systolic complexes and C'(1/6) small cancellation polygonal complexes. Our proof involves constructing a potential Gromov boundary for the resulting groups and analyzing the dynamics of the action on the boundary in order to use Bowditch’s characterisation of hyperbolicity. A key ingredient is the introduction of a combinatorial property that implies a weak form of non-positive curvature, and which holds for large classes of complexes.

As an application, we study the hyperbolicity of groups obtained by small cancellation over a graph of hyperbolic groups.
Computable analysis with applications to dynamic systems
Authors: Collins Pieter
Published: March 2020

Numerical computation is traditionally performed using floating-point arithmetic and truncated forms of infinite series, a methodology which allows for efficient computation at the cost of some accuracy. For most applications, these errors are entirely acceptable and the numerical results are considered trustworthy, but for some operations, we may want to have guarantees that the numerical results are correct, or explicit bounds on the errors. To obtain rigorous calculations, floating-point arithmetic is usually replaced by interval arithmetic and truncation errors are explicitly contained in the result. We may then ask the question of which mathematical operations can be implemented in a way in which the exact result can be approximated to arbitrary known accuracy by a numerical algorithm. This is the subject ofcomputable analysisand forms a theoretical underpinning of rigorous numerical computation. The aim of this article is to provide a straightforward introduction to this subject that is powerful enough to answer questions arising in dynamic system theory.
Identifying and assessing factors affecting farmers’ markets Electronic Benefit Transfer sales in Hawai‘i
Authors: Wolff G , Nelson-Hurwitz DC , Buchthal OV
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) placement at farmers’ markets can reduce access disparities for low-income consumers. However, resources needed to operate EBT programs may challenge markets’ business models. A conceptual model of factors impacting EBT program success was developed from literature, and an exploratory study conducted to assess the impact of model variables on market EBT sales.

Design:

Annual EBT sales data were obtained for all Hawai‘i farmers’ markets with EBT programs (n 22). Key informant interviews (n 19), along with records review, were performed to gather data on model variables. Exploratory analysis was conducted to estimate the impact of individual model variables on EBT sales.

Setting:

Farmers’ markets accepting EBT in the state of Hawai‘i.

Participants:

Market managers and EBT program partners (n 19).

Results:

Markets engaging in community partnerships $\left( {{\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} \Delta \overline x = \$ 852} \right)$, consumer education $\left( {{\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} \Delta \overline x = \$ {\rm{598}}} \right)$, social media promotion $\left( {{\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} \Delta \overline x = \$ {\rm{732}}} \right)$ or EBT incentives $\left( {{\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} \Delta \overline x = \$ {\rm{5}}0{\rm{9}}} \right)$ averaged higher sales than markets not reporting these practices. Sales increased by $3 for every ten additional SNAP-participating households and decreased by $35 for each competing EBT-accepting supermarket, grocery or farmers’ market within the market’s access area. Sales increased by $137/vendor for each additional hour/week the market was open.

Conclusion:

Factors suggested by the model, particularly community engagement and partnership, marketing methods, consumer base and competition for EBT sales in the market area substantively affected EBT sales. Assessing these factors may identify markets with the greatest chance of EBT success and suggest ways to strengthen struggling EBT programs.
Malnutrition prevalence among children and women of reproductive age in Mexico by wealth, education level, urban/rural area and indigenous ethnicity
Authors: Batis Carolina , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Estrada-Velasco Bárbara I , Rivera Juan
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To compare the prevalence of malnutrition (undernutrition and excess weight) by wealth, education level, ethnicity and urban/rural areas in Mexican children and women of reproductive age.

Design:

We compared the prevalence of overweight, obesity, wasting/underweight, stunting/short stature and anaemia by socioeconomic and ethnic indicators. For each indicator, we estimated prevalence ratios (PR) adjusted by all other socioeconomic and ethnic indicators. We analysed if results differed by urban/rural areas.

Setting:

Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012.

Participants:

Children <5 years, non-pregnant women 11–19 years and non-pregnant women 20–49 years (n 33 244).

Results:

In most age groups, belonging to non-indigenous households, with high wealth, high education and in urban areas were inversely associated with stunting or short stature (PR ranging from 0·40 to 0·83), and wealth and education were inversely associated with anaemia (PR ranging from 0·53 to 0·78). The prevalence of overweight was similar across subgroups among children <5 years; however, among women 11–19 years, wealth, non-indigenous household and urban areas were positively associated (PR ranging from 1·16 to 1·33); and among women 20–49 years, education was inversely associated (PR 0·83).

Conclusions:

Socially disadvantaged populations have a higher prevalence of undernutrition, whereas the prevalence of excess weight is either equal (children <5 years), slightly lower (women 11–19 years) or even higher (women 20–49 years) with lower education. These results highlight the need for specific actions to address social inequalities in malnutrition in the Mexican population.
Acceleration of amino acid racemization by isovaline: possible implications for homochirality and biosignature search
Authors: Fox Stefan , Gspandl Annika , Wenng Franziska M.
Published: March 2020

In nature, abiotically formed amino acids are usually racemic. However, this is not true for the α,α-dialkyl amino acid isovaline (Iva), which has an L-enantiomeric excess in some specimens of carbonaceous meteorites. On the early Earth and Mars, such meteorites were sources of amino acids, including Iva. Therefore, a connection may exist between the possible chiral influence of non-racemic Iva and the origin of biological homochirality. On the surface of a young terrestrial planet, amino acids can be chemically altered in many ways. For example, high temperatures from geothermal heating can lead to racemization. Four billion years ago, active volcanism and volcanic islands provided suitable conditions for such reactions and perhaps even for early microbial life on Earth. In the current study, we investigated the influence of D- and L-Iva on the thermal racemization of L-alanine (L-Ala) and L-2-aminobutyric acid (L-Abu) in a simulated hot volcanic environment. The amino acids were intercalated in the clay mineral calcium montmorillonite (SAz-1). While Iva was resistant to racemization, partial racemization was observed for Ala and Abu after 8 weeks at 150°C. The experimental results – for example, accelerated racemization in the presence of Iva and different influences of the Iva enantiomers – suggest that the amino acid molecules interacted with each other, possibly in hydrogen-bonded dimers. Accelerated racemization of amino acids could have been an obstacle to the development of homochirality. Besides, it is also detrimental to the use of homochirality as a biosignature, for example, in the search for microbial life on Mars.
Musicology and Decolonial Analysis in the Age of Brexit
Authors: FOURIE WILLIAM
Published: March 2020

Where postcolonial studies often retain a focus on the imperial metropole, decolonial analysis takes as an imperative the re-location of the critical nexus into former colonies. Yet with this shift there emerges a recalcitrant question about the need for decolonial analysis in the centre: if decolonization is something that happens in the periphery, why, for instance, should we engage with it in the United Kingdom? While this question might have been less pressing in music studies in the 1990s when systematic approaches to decolonial analysis first started gaining traction, I argue that the amnesiac appeals to the Anglosphere which have accompanied the Brexit vote implore us to consider the possibilities of decolonial analysis in musicology anew. I suggest that decolonial analysis can be reconfigured through the notion of the coloniality/modernity bind to turn the decolonial gaze upon the musical subject in the metropole.
Clumped Isotopes Link Older Carbon Substrates With Slower Rates of Methanogenesis in Northern Lakes
Authors: Douglas Peter M. J. , Gonzalez Moguel Regina , Walter Anthony Katey M. , Wik Martin , Crill Patrick M. , Dawson Katherine S. , Smith Derek A. , Yanay Ella , Lloyd Max K. , Stolper Daniel A. , Eiler John M. , Sessions Alex L.
Published: March 2020

The release of long‐stored carbon from thawed permafrost could fuel increased methanogenesis in northern lakes, but it remains unclear whether old carbon substrates released from permafrost are metabolized as rapidly by methanogenic microbial communities as recently produced organic carbon. Here, we apply methane (CH4) clumped isotope (Δ18) and 14C measurements to test whether rates of methanogenesis are related to carbon substrate age. Results from culture experiments indicate that Δ18 values are negatively correlated with CH4 production rate. Measurements of ebullition samples from thermokarst lakes in Alaska and glacial lakes in Sweden indicate strong negative correlations between CH4 Δ18 and the fraction modern carbon. These correlations imply that CH4 derived from older carbon substrates is produced relatively slowly. Relative rates of methanogenesis, as inferred from Δ18 values, are not positively correlated with CH4 flux estimates, highlighting the likely importance of environmental variables other than CH4 production rates in controlling ebullition fluxes.
Martian Ionopause Boundary: Coincidence With Photoelectron Boundary and Response to Internal and External Drivers
Authors: Duru F. , Baker N. , De Boer M. , Chamberlain A. , Verchimak R. , Morgan D. D. , Chu F. , Girazian Z. , Gurnett D. A. , Halekas J. , Kopf A.
Published: March 2020

The Martian ionopause boundary detected as steep gradients in the local electron density profiles from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounder on Mars Express is studied individually and statistically and compared to the photoelectron boundary identified by the drop of photoelectron signature due to CO2 and O molecules. In ~90% of the cases where we have electron energy flux data, the ionopause coincides with the photoelectron boundary. The steep density gradients form at the border of the photoelectron region and above. The ionopause is observed in a wide range of latitude, longitude, and altitude. According to remote sounding investigations, the average thickness of the ionopause is ~30 km. The average altitude is between 500 and 700 km on the dayside. The altitude of the ionopause is inversely related to the solar wind dynamic pressure. Strong crustal magnetic fields increase the altitude of the boundary and they have a slight, negative effect on the occurrence only for high values. The ionopause occurs more frequently, and its altitude is higher during southern summer. The average altitude of the ionopause and solar irradiance are correlated with each other. The effect of the extreme ultraviolet flux on the occurrence rate is less noticeable.
Oxygen isotope effects during microbial sulfate reduction: applications to sediment cell abundances
Authors: Bertran E , Waldeck A , Wing B A , Halevy I , Leavitt W D , Bradley A S , Johnston D T
Published: March 2020

The majority of anaerobic biogeochemical cycling occurs within marine sediments. To understand these processes, quantifying the distribution of active cells and gross metabolic activity is essential. We present an isotope model rooted in thermodynamics to draw quantitative links between cell-specific sulfate reduction rates and active sedimentary cell abundances. This model is calibrated using data from a series of continuous culture experiments with two strains of sulfate reducing bacteria (freshwater bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris strain Hildenborough, and marine bacterium Desulfovibrio alaskensis strain G-20) grown on lactate across a range of metabolic rates and ambient sulfate concentrations. We use a combination of experimental sulfate oxygen isotope data and nonlinear regression fitting tools to solve for unknown kinetic, step-specific oxygen isotope effects. This approach enables identification of key isotopic reactions within the metabolic pathway, and defines a new, calibrated framework for understanding oxygen isotope variability in sulfate. This approach is then combined with porewater sulfate/sulfide concentration data and diagenetic modeling to reproduce measured 18O/16O in porewater sulfate. From here, we infer cell-specific sulfate reduction rates and predict abundance of active cells of sulfate reducing bacteria, the result of which is consistent with direct biological measurements.
Toward targeting inflammasomes: insights into their regulation and activation
Authors: Christgen Shelbi , Place David E. , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: March 2020

Inflammasomes are multi-component signaling complexes critical to the initiation of pyroptotic cell death in response to invading pathogens and cellular damage. A number of innate immune receptors have been reported to serve as inflammasome sensors. Activation of these sensors leads to the proteolytic activation of caspase-1, a proinflammatory caspase responsible for the cleavage of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 and the effector of pyroptotic cell death, gasdermin D. Though crucial to the innate immune response to infection, dysregulation of inflammasome activation can lead to the development of inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Therefore, clinical interest in the modulation of inflammasome activation is swiftly growing. As such, it is imperative to develop a mechanistic understanding of the regulation of these complexes. In this review, we divide the regulation of inflammasome activation into three parts. We discuss the transcriptional regulation of inflammasome components and related proteins, the post-translational mechanisms of inflammasome activation, and advances in the understanding of the structural basis of inflammasome activation.
Changes in global groundwater organic carbon driven by climate change and urbanization
Authors: McDonough Liza K. , Santos Isaac R. , Andersen Martin S. , O’Carroll Denis M. , Rutlidge Helen , Meredith Karina , Oudone Phetdala , Bridgeman John , Gooddy Daren C. , Sorensen James P. R. , Lapworth Dan J. , MacDonald Alan M. , Ward Jade , Baker Andy
Published: March 2020

Climate change and urbanization can increase pressures on groundwater resources, but little is known about how groundwater quality will change. Here, we use a global synthesis (n = 9,404) to reveal the drivers of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which is an important component of water chemistry and substrate for microorganisms that control biogeochemical reactions. Dissolved inorganic chemistry, local climate and land use explained ~ 31% of observed variability in groundwater DOC, whilst aquifer age explained an additional 16%. We identify a 19% increase in DOC associated with urban land cover. We predict major groundwater DOC increases following changes in precipitation and temperature in key areas relying on groundwater. Climate change and conversion of natural or agricultural areas to urban areas will decrease groundwater quality and increase water treatment costs, compounding existing constraints on groundwater resources.
Endophilin-A coordinates priming and fusion of neurosecretory vesicles via intersectin
Authors: Gowrisankaran Sindhuja , Houy Sébastien , del Castillo Johanna G. Peña , Steubler Vicky , Gelker Monika , Kroll Jana , Pinheiro Paulo S. , Schwitters Dirk , Halbsgut Nils , Pechstein Arndt , van Weering Jan R. T. , Maritzen Tanja , Haucke Volker , Raimundo Nuno , Sørensen Jakob B. , Milosevic Ira
Published: March 2020

Endophilins-A are conserved endocytic adaptors with membrane curvature-sensing and -inducing properties. We show here that, independently of their role in endocytosis, endophilin-A1 and endophilin-A2 regulate exocytosis of neurosecretory vesicles. The number and distribution of neurosecretory vesicles were not changed in chromaffin cells lacking endophilin-A, yet fast capacitance and amperometry measurements revealed reduced exocytosis, smaller vesicle pools and altered fusion kinetics. The levels and distributions of the main exocytic and endocytic factors were unchanged, and slow compensatory endocytosis was not robustly affected. Endophilin-A’s role in exocytosis is mediated through its SH3-domain, specifically via a direct interaction with intersectin-1, a coordinator of exocytic and endocytic traffic. Endophilin-A not able to bind intersectin-1, and intersectin-1 not able to bind endophilin-A, resulted in similar exocytic defects in chromaffin cells. Altogether, we report that two endocytic proteins, endophilin-A and intersectin-1, are enriched on neurosecretory vesicles and regulate exocytosis by coordinating neurosecretory vesicle priming and fusion.
Cytokinetic bridge triggers de novo lumen formation in vivo
Authors: Rathbun L. I. , Colicino E. G. , Manikas J. , O’Connell J. , Krishnan N. , Reilly N. S. , Coyne S. , Erdemci-Tandogan G. , Garrastegui A. , Freshour J. , Santra P. , Manning M. L. , Amack J. D. , Hehnly H.
Published: March 2020

Multicellular rosettes are transient epithelial structures that serve as intermediates during diverse organ formation. We have identified a unique contributor to rosette formation in zebrafish Kupffer’s vesicle (KV) that requires cell division, specifically the final stage of mitosis termed abscission. KV utilizes a rosette as a prerequisite before forming a lumen surrounded by ciliated epithelial cells. Our studies identify that KV-destined cells remain interconnected by cytokinetic bridges that position at the rosette’s center. These bridges act as a landmark for directed Rab11 vesicle motility to deliver an essential cargo for lumen formation, CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). Here we report that premature bridge cleavage through laser ablation or inhibiting abscission using optogenetic clustering of Rab11 result in disrupted lumen formation. We present a model in which KV mitotic cells strategically place their cytokinetic bridges at the rosette center, where Rab11-associated vesicles transport CFTR to aid in lumen establishment.
233U/236U signature allows to distinguish environmental emissions of civil nuclear industry from weapons fallout
Authors: Hain K. , Steier P. , Froehlich M. B. , Golser R. , Hou X. , Lachner J. , Nomura T. , Qiao J. , Quinto F. , Sakaguchi A.
Published: March 2020

Isotopic ratios of radioactive releases into the environment are useful signatures for contamination source assessment. Uranium is known to behave conservatively in sea water so that a ratio of uranium trace isotopes may serve as a superior oceanographic tracer. Here we present data on the atomic $$^{233}$$233U/$$^{236}$$236U ratio analyzed in representative environmental samples finding ratios of (0.1–3.7)$$\cdot$$⋅10$$^{-2}$$−2. The ratios detected in compartments of the environment affected by releases of nuclear power production or by weapons fallout differ by one order of magnitude. Significant amounts of $$^{233}$$233U were only released in nuclear weapons fallout, either produced by fast neutron reactions or directly by $$^{233}$$233U-fueled devices. This makes the $$^{233}$$233U/$$^{236}$$236U ratio a promising new fingerprint for radioactive emissions. Our findings indicate a higher release of $$^{233}$$233U by nuclear weapons tests before the maximum of global fallout in 1963, setting constraints on the design of the nuclear weapons employed.
TIGIT limits immune pathology during viral infections
Authors: Schorer Michelle , Rakebrandt Nikolas , Lambert Katharina , Hunziker Annika , Pallmer Katharina , Oxenius Annette , Kipar Anja , Stertz Silke , Joller Nicole
Published: March 2020

Co-inhibitory pathways have a fundamental function in regulating T cell responses and control the balance between promoting efficient effector functions and restricting immune pathology. The TIGIT pathway has been implicated in promoting T cell dysfunction in chronic viral infection. Importantly, TIGIT signaling is functionally linked to IL-10 expression, which has an effect on both virus control and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. However, whether TIGIT has a function in viral persistence or limiting tissue pathology is unclear. Here we report that TIGIT modulation effectively alters the phenotype and cytokine profile of T cells during influenza and chronic LCMV infection, but does not affect virus control in vivo. Instead, TIGIT has an important effect in limiting immune pathology in peripheral organs by inducing IL-10. Our data therefore identify a function of TIGIT in limiting immune pathology that is independent of viral clearance.
Functional hypoxia drives neuroplasticity and neurogenesis via brain erythropoietin
Authors: Wakhloo Debia , Scharkowski Franziska , Curto Yasmina , Javed Butt Umer , Bansal Vikas , Steixner-Kumar Agnes A. , Wüstefeld Liane , Rajput Ashish , Arinrad Sahab , Zillmann Matthias R. , Seelbach Anna , Hassouna Imam , Schneider Katharina , Qadir Ibrahim Abdul , Werner Hauke B. , Martens Henrik , Miskowiak Kamilla , Wojcik Sonja M. , Bonn Stefan , Nacher Juan , Nave Klaus-Armin , Ehrenreich Hannelore
Published: March 2020

Erythropoietin (EPO), named after its role in hematopoiesis, is also expressed in mammalian brain. In clinical settings, recombinant EPO treatment has revealed a remarkable improvement of cognition, but underlying mechanisms have remained obscure. Here, we show with a novel line of reporter mice that cognitive challenge induces local/endogenous hypoxia in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, hence enhancing expression of EPO and EPO receptor (EPOR). High-dose EPO administration, amplifying auto/paracrine EPO/EPOR signaling, prompts the emergence of new CA1 neurons and enhanced dendritic spine densities. Single-cell sequencing reveals rapid increase in newly differentiating neurons. Importantly, improved performance on complex running wheels after EPO is imitated by exposure to mild exogenous/inspiratory hypoxia. All these effects depend on neuronal expression of the Epor gene. This suggests a model of neuroplasticity in form of a fundamental regulatory circle, in which neuronal networks—challenged by cognitive tasks—drift into transient hypoxia, thereby triggering neuronal EPO/EPOR expression.
Author Correction: Anti-BCMA chimeric antigen receptors with fully human heavy-chain-only antigen recognition domains
Authors: Lam Norris , Trinklein Nathan D. , Buelow Benjamin , Patterson George H. , Ojha Namrata , Kochenderfer James N.
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
PhlG mediates the conversion of DAPG to MAPG in Pseudomonas fluorescens 2P24
Authors: Zhao Ming-Min , Lyu Ning , Wang Dong , Wu Xiao-Gang , Zhao Yuan-Zheng , Zhang Li-Qun , Zhou Hong-You
Published: March 2020

The antibiotic 2,4-diacetylphoroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), produced by the Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens 2P24, is active against various soil-borne bacterial and fungal pathogens that cause plant diseases. Biosynthesis of 2,4-DAPG is controlled by regulating expression of the phlACBD operon at the post-transcriptional level. The phlG gene is located between the phlF and phlH genes, upstream of the phlACBD biosynthetic operon. Herein, we cloned the phlG gene, generated a phlG deletion mutant, and investigated its regulatory role in 2,4-DAPG biosynthesis. The results showed that deletion of phlG had no effect on the biosynthesis of 2,4-DAPG, but it affected conversion of 2,4-DAPG to its precursor monoacetylphloroglucinol (MAPG). The global regulatory factor encoded by gacS positively regulated expression of phlG, while rsmE negatively regulated its expression. Deleting phlG did not alter the ability of the bacterium to colonise plants or promote plant growth. These results suggest that phlG collaborates with other factors to regulate production of the antibiotic 2,4-DAPG in P. fluorescens 2P24.
Topological dynamics of the 2015 South Korea MERS-CoV spread-on-contact networks
Authors: Yang Chang Hoon , Jung Hyejin
Published: March 2020

Network analysis to examine infectious contact relations provides an important means to uncover the topologies of individual infectious contact networks. This study aims to investigate the spread of diseases among individuals over contact networks by exploring the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak in Korea. We present several distinct features of MERS transmission by employing a comprehensive approach in network research to examine both the traced relationship matrix of infected individuals and their bipartite transmission routes among healthcare facilities visited for treatment. The results indicate that a few super-spreaders were more likely to hold certain structural advantages by linking to an exceptional number of other individuals, causing several ongoing transmission events in neighbourhoods without the aid of any intermediary. Thus, the infectious contact network exhibited small-world dynamics characterised by locally clustered contacts exposed to transmission paths via short path lengths. In addition, nosocomial infection analysis shows the pattern of a common-source outbreak followed by secondary person-to-person transmission of the disease. Based on the results, we suggest policy implications related to the redesign of prevention and control strategies against the spread of epidemics.
A caloritronics-based Mott neuristor
Authors: del Valle Javier , Salev Pavel , Kalcheim Yoav , Schuller Ivan K.
Published: March 2020

Machine learning imitates the basic features of biological neural networks at a software level. A strong effort is currently being made to mimic neurons and synapses with hardware components, an approach known as neuromorphic computing. While recent advances in resistive switching have provided a path to emulate synapses at the 10 nm scale, a scalable neuron analogue is yet to be found. Here, we show how heat transfer can be utilized to mimic neuron functionalities in Mott nanodevices. We use the Joule heating created by current spikes to trigger the insulator-to-metal transition in a biased VO2 nanogap. We show that thermal dynamics allow the implementation of the basic neuron functionalities: activity, leaky integrate-and-fire, volatility and rate coding. This approach could enable neuromorphic hardware to take full advantage of the rapid advances in memristive synapses, allowing for much denser and complex neural networks.
Organisational Social Influence on Directed Hierarchical Graphs, from Tyranny to Anarchy
Authors: Pilgrim Charlie , Guo Weisi , Johnson Samuel
Published: March 2020

Coordinated human behaviour takes place within a diverse range of social organisational structures, which can be thought of as power structures with “managers” who influence “subordinates”. A change in policy in one part of the organisation can cause cascades throughout the structure, which may or may not be desirable. As organisations change in size, complexity and structure, the system dynamics also change. Here, we consider majority rule dynamics on organisations modelled as hierarchical directed graphs, where the directed edges indicate influence. We utilise a topological measure called the trophic incoherence parameter, q, which effectively gauges the stratification of power structure in an organisation. We show that this measure bounds regimes of behaviour. There is fast consensus at low q (e.g. tyranny), slow consensus at mid q (e.g. democracy), and no consensus at high q (e.g. anarchy). These regimes are investigated analytically, numerically and empirically with diverse case studies in the Roman Army, US Government, and a healthcare organisation. Our work demonstrates the usefulness of the trophic incoherence parameter when considering models of social influence dynamics, with widespread consequences in the design and analysis of organisations.
Conjugated Polymer Controlled Morphology and Charge Transport of Small-Molecule Organic Semiconductors
Authors: He Zhengran , Zhang Ziyang , Bi Sheng , Chen Jihua , Li Dawen
Published: March 2020

In this study, we report an effective approach to tune the crystallization, microstructure and charge transport of solution-processed organic semiconductors by blending with a conjugated polymer additive poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). When 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS pentacene) was used as a model semiconductor material to mix with different amount of P3HT, their intermolecular interactions led to distinctive TIPS pentacene film morphologies, including randomly-oriented crystal ribbons, elongated needles with enhanced long-range order, and grass-like curved microwires with interlinkages. Each type of morphology was found to further correlate to considerably different charge transport and device performance. As compared to pristine TIPS pentacene devices, bottom-gate, top-contact OTFTs with 2% in weight P3HT additive showed a 2-fold and 5-fold improvement of average field-effect mobility and performance consistency (defined as the ratio of average mobility to the standard deviation), respectively. The improvement in transistor electrical performance can be attributed to the combined effect of enhanced crystal orientation and uniformity, as well as increased areal coverage. This work can be applied beyond the particular example demonstrated in this study and to tune the charge transport of other small-molecule organic semiconductors in general.