bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multizentrischer Vergleich von Komplikationen nach roboterassistierter und offen chirurgischer Prostataadenomenukleation
Authors: Hamann C. , Naumann C.-M. , Addali M. , Witt J. H. , Kollitsch L. , Wagner C. , Hamann M. , Jünemann K. P. , Osmonov D.
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Die roboterassistierte Prostataadenomenukleation (RAPAE) ist ein minimal-invasives Verfahren zur operativen Behandlung der Prostatahyperplasie mit Volumina >80 cm3. An der vorliegenden Analyse wurde retrospektiv die postoperative (postop.) Morbidität der RAPAE gegenüber der offenen Prostataadenomenukleation (PAE) anhand der Clavien-Dindo-Klassifikation sowie hämatologischer Parameter untersucht.

Patienten und Methoden

In die retrospektive Analyse wurden 78 Patienten multizentrisch eingeschlossen, wovon jeweils die Hälfte eine RAPAE und eine PAE erhielten. Folgende Parameter wurden zwischen beiden Gruppen untersucht: Alter, PSA-Wert, Prostatavolumen, ASA-Score, Krankenhausaufenthaltsdauer, Operationsdauer, Hb-Wert Abfall am 1. Tag und innerhalb der ersten 5 postop. Tage, CRP-Peak innerhalb der ersten 5 postop. Tage und die Transfusionsrate.

Ergebnisse

Im Vergleich der RAPAE zur PAE zeigten sich keine Unterschiede im Alter, PSA-Wert, ASA-Score und Volumina. Die RAPAE-Gruppe hatte eine erhöhte Operationsdauer (178 vs. 110 min.; p =<0,01) bei weniger Hb-Abfall am ersten postop. Tag (1,9 vs. 3,3 g/dl; p =<0,01) und innerhalb der 5 postop. Tage (2,4 vs. 4,2 g/dl; p =<0,01), eine niedrigere Transfusionsrate (3 vs. 26 %; p =0,01) und Blutkonservenmenge pro Patient (0,1 vs. 1,3; p =0,01), einen niedrigeren Clavien-Dindo Score (0,44 vs. 1,23; p =0,003) und niedrigere CRP-Werte (52 vs. 104 mg/l; p =<0,01) innerhalb der 5 postop. Tage. Die Krankenhausliegezeit war in der RAPAE-Gruppe niedriger (8,7 ±3,8 vs. 10,6 ±5,9 Tage; p =<0,05).

Schlussfolgerung

Aufgrund der minimal-invasiven Operationstechnik ist die RAPAE ein sicheres Verfahren mit weniger Blutverlust, Transfusionsrate und geringeren Komplikationen im Vergleich zur PAE. Im PAE-Kollektiv traten häufiger Komplikationen aufgrund von Blutungen auf. Dies hatte eine verlängerte Liegezeit und einen deutlich erhöhten Transfusionsbedarf zur Folge.
Patient advice regarding participation in sport in children with disorders of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation: a national survey of British paediatric neurosurgeons
Authors: Zaben M. , Manivannan S. , Petralia C. , Bhatti I. , Patel C. , Leach P.
Published: February 2020

Background

Management of children with disorders of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation is a common aspect of paediatric neurosurgical practice. Sport and physical activity play an integral role in the lives of patients in this age group. However, there is little evidence to support the dissemination of appropriate advice to children regarding such activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of clinicians across the UK regarding the participation of children with disorders of CSF circulation in sports.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed to Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeons practising across the UK via the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS). Five different patient scenarios were supplied, and participants were asked to choose whether they would advise participation in the following sports: Taekwondo, rugby, skiing, and football.

Results

An overall response rate of 66.7% (36 out of 54 paediatric neurosurgeons) was achieved. The following percentages of clinicians advocated football, rugby, Taekwondo, and skiing across all scenarios: 96%, 75%, 77%, and 97%, respectively. The majority of responders (91.2%) relied on personal experience when providing advice, whilst 50% used available literature and 19.4% used available guidelines.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of evidence in the literature to support the dissemination of appropriate advice to children with disorders of CSF circulation regarding participation in sports. Our findings demonstrate that the majority of clinicians rely on personal experience to make such decisions, emphasizing the necessity of larger scale studies to inform evidence-based guidelines.
Chile – Exportrekorde im Obstbau im Schatten der Anden
Authors: Blanke M. , Yuri A.
Published: February 2020

Chile ist der größte Fruchtexporteur der südlichen Halbkugel. Exportiert wurden in der Saison 2017/18 780.000 t Äpfel, 751.000 t Weintrauben, 166.000 t Süßkirschen, 155.000 t Avocados, 105.000 t Heidelbeeren und 180.000 t Kiwi. Chile ist – nach China, Italien und Neuseeland – im Moment der viergrößte Kiwiproduzent.

Der Obstbau in Chile konzentriert sich auf die vier mittleren, klimatisch gemäßigten Zonen Valparaiso, Metropolitana, O’Higgings und Maule am 34–36°S Breitengrad des langestreckten Landes.

Kiwi- und Birnenanbau gingen stark zurück von 12.000 ha auf nur 6000 ha bzw. von 17.000 ha auf heute ca. 9000 ha und Avocado von 39.000 ha auf 29.300 ha. Die Heidelbeerfläche beträgt 15.600 ha und die Apfelfläche über Jahre konstant 36.000 ha. Bei Süßkirschen wird die Fläche von 25.000 ha (2500 ha unter Folie) nach Süden in die Regionen Bio-Bio und Araucania ausgeweitet.

Der Apfelanbau ist geprägt durch Frost- und eine hohe Sonnenbrandgefahr, genügend Niederschläge und ausreichend Kältereiz, die zu Erträgen von 60–110 t Äpfel/ha bzw. 10–15 t/ha bei Süßkirschen führen. Ziel ist – bei nur 18 Mio. Einwohnern Chiles – einen hohen Anteil Premiumfrüchte für den Export im Winter auf der nördlichen Hemisphäre zu erzielen – China, USA und Europa sind die Hauptabnehmer.
Simulation of ground motion in a polish coal mine using spectral-element method
Authors: Chodacki Jacek
Published: February 2020

Mining seismic events have been associated with the mining of hard coal in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland for many years. These seismic events pose a threat to people working underground and cause damage to construction facilities on the surface. It is possible to predict seismic vibrations from mining seismic events using numerical calculations. One such method is the spectral element method (SEM). In this method, synthetic seismograms that enable the imaging of the full waveform are calculated. A complex mechanism of the source is assumed by applying the seismic moment tensor, which best reflects the balance of forces in the source. This paper presents the results of SEM modeling of ground motions of a seismic event which occurred on November 8, 2018, in the Budryk mine with a magnitude of 3.8 on the Richter scale. The modeling results show that even if the calculated synthetic seismograms do not fully correlate with real vibration registrations, it is possible to determine the peak values of seismic vibrations at any point in the model. This method can be a good complement to the analytical methods used to assess seismic hazard caused by mining seismic events.
The political imaginaries of blockchain projects: discerning the expressions of an emerging ecosystem
Authors: Husain Syed Omer , Franklin Alex , Roep Dirk
Published: February 2020

There is a wealth of information, hype around, and research into blockchain’s ‘disruptive’ and ‘transformative’ potential concerning every industry. However, there is an absence of scholarly attention given to identifying and analyzing the political premises and consequences of blockchain projects. Through digital ethnography and participatory action research, this article shows how blockchain experiments personify ‘prefigurative politics’ by design: they embody the politics and power structures which they want to enable in society. By showing how these prefigurative embodiments are informed and determined by the underlying political imaginaries, the article proposes a basic typology of blockchain projects. Furthermore, it outlines a frame to question, cluster, and analyze the expressions of political imaginaries intrinsic to the design and operationalization of blockchain projects on three analytic levels: users, intermediaries, and institutions.
Evaluation of Ultrasound Pretreatment for Enhanced Anaerobic Digestion of Sida hermaphrodita
Authors: Marta Kisielewska , Paulina Rusanowska , Magda Dudek , Anna Nowicka , Aleksandra Krzywik , Marcin Dębowski , Kazimierowicz Joanna , Marcin Zieliński
Published: February 2020

The influence of ultrasonic pretreatment with specific energy input ranging from 25 to 550 kJ/kg volatile solids on the mixture of Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby mixed with cattle manure disintegration and subsequent anaerobic digestion was assessed. The pretreatment process led to significant increase in the biomass solubility by 21.9% as chemical oxygen demand and enhanced biogas yield by 157% (567.1 L biogas/kg volatile solids) when the specific energy input was from 200 to 550 kJ/kg. However, only pretreatments where ultrasound was applied at 25–50 kJ/kg led to positive net energy gain, indicating that the biomass processing with this method does not always compensate the energy consumption for irradiation.
Probabilistic assessment of API casing strength in serviceability limit state
Authors: Gouveia L. P. , Lima Junior E. T. , Santos J. P. L. , Lira W. W. M. , Anjos J. L. R. , Oliveira F. L.
Published: February 2020

This paper addresses the probabilistic analysis of casing tubulars, regarding the failure modes defined in API 5C3 code, which refers to the violation of elastic regime due to internal and external pressures, and axial force. The casing system performs important structural and isolation functions, ensuring the well integrity through its life cycle. The reliability-based casing design handles rigorously the uncertainties associated with the tube manufacturing, as variations in geometrical and mechanical properties, allowing to evaluate the probability of failure. It is presented a parametric analysis over different steel grades and tube slenderness, besides the application to a design scenario, by using Monte Carlo simulation and first-order reliability method. The results indicate that: collapse is the dominant failure mode; wall thickness and the yield limit govern the probabilistic response; the triaxial envelopes, revisited in a probabilistic framework, consist in a powerful tool, supporting the decision-making process in casing design.
Evaluation of the clinical impact of repeat application of hydrogel-forming microneedle array patches
Authors: Al-Kasasbeh Rehan , Brady Aaron J. , Courtenay Aaron J. , Larrañeta Eneko , McCrudden Maelíosa T.C. , O’Kane Donal , Liggett Stephen , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: February 2020

Hydrogel-forming microneedle array patches (MAPs) have been proposed as viable clinical tools for patient monitoring purposes, providing an alternative to traditional methods of sample acquisition, such as venepuncture and intradermal sampling. They are also undergoing investigation in the management of non-melanoma skin cancers. In contrast to drug or vaccine delivery, when only a small number of MAP applications would be required, hydrogel MAPs utilised for sampling purposes or for tumour eradication would necessitate regular, repeat applications. Therefore, the current study was designed to address one of the key translational aspects of MAP development, namely patient safety. We demonstrate, for the first time in human volunteers, that repeat MAP application and wear does not lead to prolonged skin reactions or prolonged disruption of skin barrier function. Importantly, concentrations of specific systemic biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP); tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)); infection (interleukin-1β (IL-1β); allergy (immunoglobulin E (IgE)) and immunity (immunoglobulin G (IgG)) were all recorded over the course of this fixed study period. No biomarker concentrations above the normal, documented adult ranges were recorded over the course of the study, indicating that no systemic reactions had been initiated in volunteers. Building upon the results of this study, which serve to highlight the safety of our hydrogel MAP, we are actively working towards CE marking of our MAP technology as a medical device.
They do it with lasers
Authors: Nickels Liz
Published: February 2020

New high-speed PM laser deposition technology could dramatically improve the wear resistance of mechanical parts. Liz Nickels spoke to a German-based research institute about its innovative EHLA process.
On the Simulation of 3D Printing Process by a Novel Meshless Analysis Procedure
Authors: Mao Ying , Chen Wen-Hwa , Lee Ming-Hisao
Published: February 2020

To evaluate the thermal deformation induced by 3D Printing (Three Dimensional Printing) process, a novel meshless analysis procedure is established. To account for the heat transfer and solidification effects of each printing layer from liquid to solid phase transition, the layer temperature is measured by the implanted thermocouples. Based on the temperature variation measured, the printing layer temperature can be averaged and considered as uniform for thermal analysis. In addition, as observed by the deformation of the printed target through experiment, only linear thermal elastic analysis is performed.

A rigorous algorithm for simulating the 3D Printing process is presented herein. Since the interpolation functions are no longer polynomials, a simple integration scheme using uniform integration points is applied to calculate the global stiffness matrix. Thus, the density and location of the integration points can be easily adjusted to fulfill the required accuracy. Further, for practical implementation, the simulation is also carried out by the concept of equivalent layer.

Demonstrative cases of printing a rectangular PLA (Polylactic Acid) brick are tackled to prove the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed meshless analysis procedure. The effects of layer thickness, equivalent layer and slenderness ratio on the thermal deformation of the printed brick are also investigated.
Breakfast skipping is related to inadequacy of vitamin and mineral intakes among Japanese female junior high school students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Matsumoto Mai , Hatamoto Yoichi , Sakamoto Azusa , Masumoto Ayumi , Ikemoto Shinji
Published: February 2020

Breakfast skipping is a public health issue which affects nutrient intake among adolescents worldwide. However, there have been few reports comparing intake and reference values to assess the deficiency of nutrient intake between breakfast consumers and skippers. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between breakfast skipping and adequacy of total habitual nutrient intake among junior high school female students. The participants were 516 Japanese female junior high school students. Dietary habits during the preceding month were assessed using a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. Inadequacy of each nutrient intake was assessed by the cut-point method, based on the estimated average requirement for fourteen nutrients and on dietary goal values for five nutrients. The overall nutritional inadequacy in participants was assessed by the number of consumed nutrients which did not meet the requirements as per the dietary reference intakes for Japanese, 2015 version. The participants were classified into two groups according to the frequency of breakfast eating: breakfast consumers (seven times/week) and breakfast skippers (0–6 times/week). Adequacy of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, Ca, Fe, Zn and K was higher among breakfast consumers than among skippers. Breakfast consumers had more intakes of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Our findings suggest that breakfast skipping was related to deficiencies in vitamin and mineral intakes, and to an unfavourable dietary pattern, among Japanese female junior high school students.
Childhood dietary patterns and body composition at age 6 years: the Children of Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study
Authors: Flynn Angela C. , Thompson John M. D. , Dalrymple Kathryn V. , Wall Clare , Begum Shahina , Pallippadan Johny Jaijus , Cutfield Wayne S. , North Robyn , McCowan Lesley M. E. , Godfrey Keith M. , Mitchell Edwin A. , Poston Lucilla
Published: February 2020

Dietary patterns describe the combination of foods and beverages in a diet and the frequency of habitual consumption. Better understanding of childhood dietary patterns and antenatal influences could inform intervention strategies to prevent childhood obesity. We derived empirical dietary patterns in 1142 children (average age 6·0 (sd 0·2) years) in New Zealand, whose mothers had participated in the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) cohort study and explored associations with measures of body composition. Participants (Children of SCOPE) had their diet assessed by FFQ, and dietary patterns were extracted using factor analysis. Three distinct dietary patterns were identified: ‘Healthy’, ‘Traditional’ and ‘Junk’. Associations between dietary patterns and measures of childhood body composition (waist, hip, arm circumferences, BMI, bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived body fat % and sum of skinfold thicknesses (SST)) were assessed by linear regression, with adjustment for maternal influences. Children who had higher ‘Junk’ dietary pattern scores had 0·24 (sd 0·08; 95 % CI 0·04, 0·13) cm greater arm and 0·44 (sd 0·05; 95 % CI 0·01, 0·10) cm greater hip circumferences and 1·13 (sd 0·07; 95 % CI 0·03, 0·12) cm greater SST and were more likely to be obese (OR 1·74; 95 % CI 1·07, 2·82); those with higher ‘Healthy’ pattern scores were less likely to be obese (OR 0·62; 95 % CI 0·39, 1·00). In a large mother–child cohort, a dietary pattern characterised by high-sugar and -fat foods was associated with greater adiposity and obesity risk in children aged 6 years, while a ‘Healthy’ dietary pattern offered some protection against obesity. Targeting unhealthy dietary patterns could inform public health strategies to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity.
Short-term determination and long-term evaluation of the dietary methionine requirement in adult dogs
Authors: Harrison Matthew , Thomas Gaelle , Gilham Matthew , Gray Kerry , Colyer Alison , Allaway David
Published: February 2020

Methionine, an essential sulphur-containing amino acid (SAA), plays an integral role in many metabolic processes. Evidence for the methionine requirements of adult dogs is limited, and we employed the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method to estimate dietary methionine requirements in Labrador retrievers (n21). Using semi-purified diets, the mean requirement was 0·55 (95 % CI 0·41, 0·71) g/4184 kJ. In a subsequent parallel design study, three groups of adult Labrador retrievers (n52) were fed semi-purified diets with 0·55 g/4184 kJ (test diet 1), 0·71 g/4184 kJ (test diet 2) or 1·37 g/4184 kJ (control diet) of methionine for 32 weeks to assess the long-term consequences of feeding. The total SAA content (2·68 g/4184 kJ) was maintained through dietary supplementation of cystine. Plasma methionine did not decrease in test group and increased significantly on test diet 1 in weeks 8 and 16 compared with control. Reducing dietary methionine did not have a significant effect on whole blood, plasma or urinary taurine or plasma N-terminalproB-type natriuretic peptide. Significant effects in both test diets were observed for cholesterol, betaine and dimethylglycine. In conclusion, feeding methionine at the IAAO-estimated mean was sufficient to maintain plasma methionine over 32 weeks when total SAA was maintained. However, choline oxidation may have increased to support plasma methionine and have additional consequences for lipid metabolism. While the IAAO can be employed to assess essential amino acid requirements, such as methionine in the dog using semi-purified diets, further work is required to establish safe levels for commercial diet formats.
Effects of a high-DHA multi-nutrient supplement and exercise on mobility and cognition in older women (MOBILE): a randomised semi-blinded placebo-controlled study
Authors: Fairbairn Paul , Tsofliou Fotini , Johnson Andrew , Dyall Simon C.
Published: February 2020

There is a complex interplay between mobility and cognition in older adults. We have previously shown that a high-DHA multi-nutrient supplement improves habitual walking speed, verbal memory and psychomotor response latency in older women. Exercise also improves mobility and cognition in older adults, andn-3 fatty acids and exercise share a range of overlapping biological effects. This study examined for the first time the effects of the high-DHA multi-nutrient supplement and aerobic exercise on mobility and cognition in older women. Women (mean age 67 (sd8) years) were assigned to the following groups: multi-nutrient (1 g DHA, 160 mg EPA, 240 mgGinkgo biloba, 60 mg phosphatidylserine, 20 mgd-αtocopherol, 1 mg folic acid and 20 µg vitamin B12per d,n13), multi-nutrient and exercise (spin class twice per week,n14), exercise and placebo (n12) or placebo (n12). The multi-nutrient was given for 24 weeks and exercise for 12 weeks. No treatment effects were observed for the primary outcome, habitual walking speed. Improvements in verbal memory and executive function were seen for all treatments groupsv. placebo (all,P< 0·05). Significant improvements in self-reported emotional well-being were seen with multi-nutrient and exercise groupsv. placebo (P= 0·03). The results suggest that the high-DHA multi-nutrient supplement produces similar improvements in cognitive function to aerobic exercise, offering the intriguing prospect that supplementation may be able to mitigate some of the effects of low physical activity on cognitive function in the elderly.
Effects of mycoprotein on glycaemic control and energy intake in humans: a systematic review
Authors: Cherta-Murillo Anna , Lett Aaron M. , Frampton James , Chambers Edward S. , Finnigan Tim J. A. , Frost Gary S.
Published: February 2020

Mycoprotein is a food high in both dietary fibre and non-animal-derived protein. Global mycoprotein consumption is increasing, although its effect on human health has not yet been systematically reviewed. This study aims to systematically review the effects of mycoprotein on glycaemic control and energy intake in humans. A literature search of randomised controlled trials was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and hand search. A total of twenty-one studies were identified of which only five studies, totalling 122 participants, met the inclusion criteria. All five studies were acute studies of which one reported outcomes on glycaemia and insulinaemia, two reported on energy intake and two reported on all of these outcomes. Data were extracted, and risk-of-bias assessment was then conducted. The results did not show a clear effect of acute mycoprotein on blood glucose levels, but it showed a decrease in insulin levels. Acute mycoprotein intake also showed to decrease energy intake at anad libitummeal and post-24 h in healthy lean, overweight and obese humans. In conclusion, the acute ingestion of mycoprotein reduces energy intake and insulinaemia, whereas its impact on glycaemia is currently unclear. However, evidence comes from a very limited number of heterogeneous studies. Further well-controlled studies are needed to elucidate the short- and long-term effects of mycoprotein intake on glycaemic control and energy intake, as well as the mechanisms underpinning these effects.
Recent increase of ulcerative lesions caused by Anisakis spp. in cetaceans from the north-east Atlantic
Authors: Pons-Bordas C. , Hazenberg A. , Hernandez-Gonzalez A. , Pool R.V. , Covelo P. , Sánchez-Hermosin P. , López A. , Saavedra C. , Fraija-Fernández N. , Fernández M. , Aznar F.J.
Published: February 2020

Species of Anisakis typically infect the stomach of cetaceans worldwide, often causing ulcerative lesions that may compromise the host's health. These nematodes also cause anisakiasis or allergic reactions in humans. To assess the risks of this emerging zoonosis, data on long-term changes in Anisakis infections in cetaceans are necessary. Here, we compare the prevalence and severity of ulcerative lesions caused by Anisakis spp. in five cetacean species stranded along the north-west Spanish coast in 2017–2018 with published data from 1991–1996. Open ulcers were found in 32/43 short-beaked common dolphins, Delphinus delphis; 3/5 striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba; 1/7 bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus; and 1/3 harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena meridionalis; a single individual of long-finned pilot whale, Globicephala melas, was found uninfected. In common dolphins, the mean abundance of open ulcers per host was 1.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.8–1.3), with a maximum diameter (mean ± standard deviation) of 25.4 ± 16.9 mm. Stomachs with scars or extensive fibrosis putatively associated with Anisakis were detected in 14 and five animals, respectively. A molecular analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase II gene using 18 worms from three cetacean species revealed single or mixed infections of Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and Anisakis pegreffii. Compared with the period 1991–1996, we found a strong increase of prevalence, abundance and extension of ulcerative lesions in most cetacean species. Anisakis populations could have increased in the study area over the last decades, although we cannot rule out that a higher environmental stress has also boosted the pathological effects of these parasites.
Ascaris lumbricoidesandAscaris suumvary in their larval burden in a mouse model
Authors: Deslyper G. , Sowemimo O.A. , Beresford J. , Holland C.V.
Published: February 2020

Ascariasis is a neglected tropical disease, caused byAscaris lumbricoides, affecting 800 million people worldwide. Studies focused on the early stage of parasite infection, occurring in the gut, liver and lungs, require the use of a mouse model. In these models, the porcine ascarid,Ascaris suum, is often used. The results obtained from these studies are then used to draw conclusions aboutA. lumbricoidesinfections in humans. In the present study, we sought to compare larval migration ofA. suumandA. lumbricoidesin mouse models. We used a previously developed mouse model of ascariasis, which consists of two mouse strains, where one mouse strain – C57BL/6J – is a model for relative susceptibility and the other – CBA/Ca – for relative resistance. Mice of both strains were infected with eitherA. suumorA. lumbricoides. The larval burden was assessed in two key organs, the liver and lungs, starting at 6 h post infection (p.i.) and ending on day 8 p.i. Additionally, we measured the larval size of each species (μm) at days 6, 7 and 8 p.i. in the lungs. We found that larval burden in the liver is significantly higher forA. lumbricoidesthan forA. suum. However, the inverse is true in the lungs. Additionally, our results showed a reduced larval size forA. lumbricoidescompared toA. suum.
Passengers' destinations from China: low risk of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) transmission into Africa and South America
Authors: Haider Najmul , Yavlinsky Alexei , Simons David , Osman Abdinasir Yusuf , Ntoumi Francine , Zumla Alimuddin , Kock Richard
Published: February 2020

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV [SARS-COV-2]) was detected in humans during the last week of December 2019 at Wuhan city in China, and caused 24 554 cases in 27 countries and territories as of 5 February 2020. The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of transmission of 2019-nCoV through human passenger air flight from four major cities of China (Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou) to the passengers' destination countries. We extracted the weekly simulated passengers' end destination data for the period of 1–31 January 2020 from FLIRT, an online air travel dataset that uses information from 800 airlines to show the direct flight and passengers' end destination. We estimated a risk index of 2019-nCoV transmission based on the number of travellers to destination countries, weighted by the number of confirmed cases of the departed city reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). We ranked each country based on the risk index in four quantiles (4th quantile being the highest risk and 1st quantile being the lowest risk). During the period, 388 287 passengers were destined for 1297 airports in 168 countries or territories across the world. The risk index of 2019-nCoV among the countries had a very high correlation with the WHO-reported confirmed cases (0.97). According to our risk score classification, of the countries that reported at least one Coronavirus-infected pneumonia (COVID-19) case as of 5 February 2020, 24 countries were in the 4th quantile of the risk index, two in the 3rd quantile, one in the 2nd quantile and none in the 1st quantile. Outside China, countries with a higher risk of 2019-nCoV transmission are Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Canada and the USA, all of which reported at least one case. In pan-Europe, UK, France, Russia, Germany and Italy; in North America, USA and Canada; in Oceania, Australia had high risk, all of them reported at least one case. In Africa and South America, the risk of transmission is very low with Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Mauritius and Brazil showing a similar risk of transmission compared to the risk of any of the countries where at least one case is detected. The risk of transmission on 31 January 2020 was very high in neighbouring Asian countries, followed by Europe (UK, France, Russia and Germany), Oceania (Australia) and North America (USA and Canada). Increased public health response including early case recognition, isolation of identified case, contract tracing and targeted airport screening, public awareness and vigilance of health workers will help mitigate the force of further spread to naïve countries.
THE RACIAL HISTORY OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN AMERICA
Authors: Thompson Heather Ann
Published: February 2020

The United States today has the highest incarceration rate, as well as the largest number of people living under correctional control more broadly (including probation and parole), than any other country on the globe. The size of the American criminal justice system is not only internationally unparalleled, but it is also historically unprecedented. This apparatus is also deeply racialized. African Americans, Latinos, and indigenous populations (Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, Native American), are all represented in U. S. jails and prisons in numbers dramatically disproportionate to their representation in the population as a whole, and every non-White population is incarcerated at a rate far surpassing that of Whites. Notably, however, while the scale of today’s criminal justice system is unsurpassed and unprecedented, its severe racial disproportionality has always been a defining feature. Only by taking a close look at the long and deeply racialized history of the American criminal justice system, and more specifically at the regularly discriminatory application of the law as well as the consistent lack of equal justice under the law over time, can we fully understand not only why the American criminal justice system remains so unjust, but also why prison populations rose so dramatically when they did.
The Determinants of International Migration in Early Modern Europe: Evidence from the Maritime Sector, c. 1700–1800
Authors: Klein Alexander , van Lottum Jelle
Published: February 2020

This article offers the first multivariate regression study of international migration in early modern Europe. Using unique eighteenth-century data about maritime workers, we created a data set of migration flows among European countries to examine the role of factors related to geography, population, language, the market, and chain migration in explaining the migration of these workers across countries. We show that among all factors considered in our multivariate analysis, the geographical characteristics of the destination countries, size of port towns, and past migrations are among the most robust and quantitatively the most important factors influencing cross-country migration flows.
Boundary Layer Parameterizations to Simulate Fog Over Atlantic Canada Waters
Authors: Chen Changshuo , Zhang Minghong , Perrie William , Chang Rachel , Chen Xianyao , Duplessis Patrick , Wheeler Michael
Published: February 2020

In this study, a series of fog events that occurred near Halifax, Canada, during 20 June to 31 July 2016 are investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model Version 3.8.1 (WRF), in comparison with in situ and satellite remotely sensed observations from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. We evaluate five planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes available in WRF. Results show that these five PBL schemes lead to overestimates in liquid water content, especially the nonlocal schemes, and that they are biased early, in terms of the predicting the onset of fog, and late, in terms of fog dissipation, although their spatial patterns of fog are in good agreement with those suggested by Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer imagery. The Kunkel equation is used to calculate visibility, based on WRF modeling of liquid water content. Comparisons with observed visibility show that this methodology sometimes fails to predict fog dissipation. We present a modification of this formulation for visibility that shows improved agreement with observations and more accurate fog dissipation. Continued improvements in the PBL scheme and visibility parameterization are needed for more accurate fog prediction.
Quantifying the Probability and Causes of the Surprisingly Active 2018 North Atlantic Hurricane Season
Authors: Saunders M. A. , Klotzbach P. J. , Lea A. S. R. , Schreck C. J. , Bell M. M.
Published: February 2020

The 2018 North Atlantic hurricane season was a destructive season with hurricanes Florence and Michael causing significant damage in the southeastern United States. In keeping with most destructive hurricane seasons, basinwide tropical cyclone activity was above average in 2018—by ~25% for named storm numbers, hurricane numbers, and Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE). In contrast to this above‐normal activity, the August–September tropical environmental fields that explain ~50% of the variance in Atlantic basin hurricane activity between 1950 and 2017 anticipated a well below‐average 2018 hurricane season. The surprisingly large mismatch between the observed and replicated levels of hurricane activity in 2018 is an extreme example of the uncertainty inherent in seasonal hurricane outlooks and highlights the need for these outlooks to be issued in terms of probability of exceedance. Such probabilistic information would better clarify the uncertainty associated with hurricane outlooks to the benefit of users. With retrospective knowledge of the August–September 2018 key tropical environmental fields, the chance that the observed 2018 Atlantic hurricane activity would occur is about 5%. The reasons for the surprisingly high hurricane activity in 2018 are a hurricane outbreak in early September and, in particular, the occurrence of unusually high tropical cyclone activity in the subtropical North Atlantic. The hyperactive subtropical activity was not anticipated because contemporary statistical models of seasonal Atlantic hurricane activity lack skill in anticipating subtropical ACE compared to tropical ACE.
Cloud Characteristics and Radiation Forcing in the Global Land Monsoon Region From Multisource Satellite Data Sets
Authors: Zhang Baichao , Guo Zhun , Zhang Lixia , Zhou Tianjun , Hayasaka Tadahiro
Published: February 2020

The global land monsoon region has the highest land cloud amount in the world affecting two thirds of the world's population. Understanding the characteristics of cloud‐radiation relies heavily on satellite data set, while few studies have addressed the advantages and weaknesses of current existing satellite data sets in estimating the cloud‐radiation characteristics over global land monsoon regions. Multisource satellite data sets are used in this study to show the cloud characteristics in different monsoon regions. We find that all satellite data sets consistently show a peak of cloud fraction, cloud top height and cloud radiation forcing during summer over the global land monsoon regions. A regional difference in cloud characteristics is observed from multisource data sets. The seasonal cycle of cloud amount in the North American monsoon region is relatively smaller than that of the other monsoon regions. High‐level clouds dominate the North African monsoon, while Low‐level clouds dominate the Asian monsoon. The cloud properties and their radiative forcings revealed by four cloud‐parameter data sets with multispectral imagers, that is, International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP)‐D2, ISCCP‐H, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)‐MYD, and MODIS‐MOD, are similar to one another, except stronger short‐wave cloud radiative forcing in ISCCP‐FD. Multidata comparison confirmed the climate and seasonal cycles of cloud characteristics in this study, demonstrating a better representation of cloud vertical structure in CloudSat over global land monsoon region.
Seismic Moment Evolution During Hydraulic Stimulations
Authors: Bentz Stephan , Kwiatek Grzegorz , Martínez‐Garzón Patricia , Bohnhoff Marco , Dresen Georg
Published: February 2020

Analysis of past and present stimulation projects reveals that the temporal evolution and growth of maximum observed moment magnitudes may be linked directly to the injected fluid volume and hydraulic energy. Overall evolution of seismic moment seems independent of the tectonic stress regime and is most likely governed by reservoir specific parameters, such as the preexisting structural inventory. Data suggest that magnitudes can grow either in a stable way, indicating the constant propagation of self‐arrested ruptures, or unbound, for which the maximum magnitude is only limited by the size of tectonic faults and fault connectivity. Transition between the two states may occur at any time during injection or not at all. Monitoring and traffic light systems used during stimulations need to account for the possibility of unstable rupture propagation from the very beginning of injection by observing the entire seismicity evolution in near‐real time and at high resolution for an immediate reaction in injection strategy.
Tropical Rains Controlling Deposition of Saharan Dust Across the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: van der Does Michèlle , Brummer Geert‐Jan A. , van Crimpen Fleur C. J. , Korte Laura F. , Mahowald Natalie M. , Merkel Ute , Yu Hongbin , Zuidema Paquita , Stuut Jan‐Berend W.
Published: February 2020

Mineral dust plays an important role in the atmospheric radiation budget as well as in the ocean carbon cycle through fertilization and by ballasting of settling organic matter. However, observational records of open‐ocean dust deposition are sparse. Here, we present the spatial and temporal evolution of Saharan dust deposition over 2 years from marine sediment traps across the North Atlantic, directly below the core of the Saharan dust plume, with highest dust fluxes observed in summer. We combined the observed deposition fluxes with model simulations and satellite observations and argue that dust deposition in the Atlantic is predominantly controlled by summer rains. The dominant depositional pathway changes from wet deposition in summer to dry deposition in winter. Wet deposition has previously been suggested to increase the release of dust‐derived nutrients and their bioavailability, which may be a key contributor to surface‐ocean productivity in remote and oligotrophic parts of the oceans.
Comment on Two Papers About the Generalized Complementary Evaporation Relationships by Crago et al.
Authors: Liu Wenzhao , Zhou Haixiang , Han Xiaoyang , Li Zhi
Published: February 2020

Crago et al. published two papers in Water Resources Research in 2016 and 2018, respectively, which discussed recent generalized complementary evaporation relationships; they recommended that the lower boundary condition of the Generalized Nonlinear Advection‐Aridity (GNAA) model proposed by Brutsaert (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015WR017720) should be modified to y = 0 at x = xmin, where xmin∈[0,1]. First, it is shown herein that the rescaled complementary relationship (CR) y = X, proposed by Crago et al., does not advance the analysis forward, but that instead the rescaling is tantamount to a reversion to an earlier linear and more traditional asymmetric complementary model, in which the parameter b is a function of xmin. In fact, at xmin = 0, y = X the rescaled formulation becomes physically unrealistic. The second part of this comment deals with the extended quartic form of GNAA model. The nature of the adjustable parameter c in this extended formulation is further explored, and it is shown that while its lower limit is −1, calibration with actual data can result in values in excess of 2. Such calibration allows then the estimation of xmin as a function of c, that is, xmin = f (c). This way, in addition to satisfying the original four boundary conditions, the extended GNAA model also satisfies the boundary condition of y = 0 at x = xmin. The physical variables affecting the nature of the parameter c and its relationship with Epo/Epmax will require further investigation.
Faro Waste Rock Project: Characterizing Variably Saturated Flow Behavior Through Full‐Scale Waste‐Rock Dumps in the Continental Subarctic Region of Northern Canada Using Field Measurements and Stable Isotopes of Water
Authors: Bao Zhongwen , Blowes David W. , Ptacek Carol J. , Bain Jeff , Holland Steven P. , Wilson David , Wilson Ward , MacKenzie Peter
Published: February 2020

Understanding water flow through variably saturated waste‐rock dumps is important for determining the extent of sulfide‐mineral oxidation, contaminant loadings, and impacts of waste‐rock effluent on groundwater and surface‐water quality. To better understand water flow within full‐scale waste‐rock dumps in the continental subarctic region of Northern Canada, a field experiment was undertaken at the Main and Intermediate Dumps at the Faro Mine Complex, Yukon Territory. Here we present results from an investigation of the hydrological behavior and quantification of the factors controlling water flow through unsaturated waste‐rock dumps and the impacts on long‐term drainage water quality. The results suggest that flow through the fine matrix materials was the dominant flow mechanism, with possible preferential flow through macropores and ponding/runoff during intense infiltration events (i.e., snowmelt and intense rainfall). Cross δ18O‐δ2H plots of pore water collected from near‐surface waste‐rock samples suggested that evaporation at the surface of the dumps occurred during precipitation‐free periods in the summer. Depth profiles of δ18O and δ2H of pore water extracted from core samples provided indications of internal evaporation within the waste‐rock dumps and pore‐water displacement mainly in response to summer rainfall events (rather than snowmelt). Mixing calculations using δ18O and δ2H show that 76–95% of pore water present in the waste‐rock matrix was derived from summer rainfall, leading to lower concentrations of dissolved constituents in the summer effluent, and vice versa in winter. The results will inform cover design and remediation options for the waste‐rock dumps at the Faro Mine Complex.
Gastrointestinal tract modeling using organoids engineered with cellular and microbiota niches
Authors: Min Sungjin , Kim Suran , Cho Seung-Woo
Published: February 2020

The recent emergence of organoid technology has attracted great attention in gastroenterology because the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can be recapitulated in vitro using organoids, enabling disease modeling and mechanistic studies. However, to more precisely emulate the GI microenvironment in vivo, several neighboring cell types and types of microbiota need to be integrated into GI organoids. This article reviews the recent progress made in elucidating the crosstalk between GI organoids and components of their microenvironment. We outline the effects of stromal cells (such as fibroblasts, neural cells, immune cells, and vascular cells) on the gastric and intestinal epithelia of organoids. Because of the important roles that microbiota play in the physiology and function of the GI tract, we also highlight interactions between organoids and commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms and viruses. GI organoid models that contain niche components will provide new insight into gastroenterological pathophysiology and disease mechanisms.
Molecular elucidating of an unusual growth mechanism for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in confined space
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhi Yuchun , Wei Yingxu , Zhang Wenna , Liu Zhiqiang , Huang Jindou , Sun Tantan , Xu Shutao , Lin Shanfan , He Yanli , Zheng Anmin , Liu Zhongmin
Published: February 2020

Extension and clustering of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are key mechanistic steps for coking and deactivation in catalysis reactions. However, no unambiguous mechanistic picture exists on molecule-resolved PAHs speciation and evolution, due to the immense experimental challenges in deciphering the complex PAHs structures. Herein, we report an effective strategy through integrating a high resolution MALDI FT-ICR mass spectrometry with isotope labeling technique. With this strategy, a complete route for aromatic hydrocarbon evolution is unveiled for SAPO-34-catalyzed, industrially relevant methanol-to-olefins (MTO) as a model reaction. Notable is the elucidation of an unusual, previously unrecognized mechanistic step: cage-passing growth forming cross-linked multi-core PAHs with graphene-like structure. This mechanistic concept proves general on other cage-based molecule sieves. This preliminary work would provide a versatile means to decipher the key mechanistic step of molecular mass growth for PAHs involved in catalysis and combustion chemistry.
Pathogenic POGZ mutation causes impaired cortical development and reversible autism-like phenotypes
Authors: Matsumura Kensuke , Seiriki Kaoru , Okada Shota , Nagase Masashi , Ayabe Shinya , Yamada Ikuko , Furuse Tamio , Shibuya Hirotoshi , Yasuda Yuka , Yamamori Hidenaga , Fujimoto Michiko , Nagayasu Kazuki , Yamamoto Kana , Kitagawa Kohei , Miura Hiroki , Gotoda-Nishimura Nanaka , Igarashi Hisato , Hayashida Misuzu , Baba Masayuki , Kondo Momoka , Hasebe Shigeru , Ueshima Kosei , Kasai Atsushi , Ago Yukio , Hayata-Takano Atsuko , Shintani Norihito , Iguchi Tokuichi , Sato Makoto , Yamaguchi Shun , Tamura Masaru , Wakana Shigeharu , Yoshiki Atsushi , Watabe Ayako M. , Okano Hideyuki , Takuma Kazuhiro , Hashimoto Ryota , Hashimoto Hitoshi , Nakazawa Takanobu
Published: February 2020

Pogo transposable element derived with ZNF domain (POGZ) has been identified as one of the most recurrently de novo mutated genes in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability and White-Sutton syndrome; however, the neurobiological basis behind these disorders remains unknown. Here, we show that POGZ regulates neuronal development and that ASD-related de novo mutations impair neuronal development in the developing mouse brain and induced pluripotent cell lines from an ASD patient. We also develop the first mouse model heterozygous for a de novo POGZ mutation identified in a patient with ASD, and we identify ASD-like abnormalities in the mice. Importantly, social deficits can be treated by compensatory inhibition of elevated cell excitability in the mice. Our results provide insight into how de novo mutations on high-confidence ASD genes lead to impaired mature cortical network function, which underlies the cellular pathogenesis of NDDs, including ASD.