bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When do informed traders acquire and trade on informational advantage? Evidence from Federal Reserve stress tests
Authors: Fung Scott , Loveland Robert
Published: July 2020

Using Federal Reserve bank stress test announcements, we examine when option traders acquire informational advantage and when they exploit it. We find consistent evidence of informed options trading around announcements. However, when test results are announced in successive weeks we find high abnormal option volume, considerably positive abnormal returns and significant return predictability in the first week, but not the following week. This suggests that informed option traders are able to anticipate upcoming news events and skillfully process public information but it also suggests that trading on acquired information is conditioned on the level of information asymmetry in the market.
Numerical investigation of conjugate heat transfer in the presence of two fluid separated by a rigid wall
Authors: Koulali Aimad , Meziani Bachir , Sadaoui Djamel , Sahi Adel , Adnani Massinissa
Published: July 2020

This study presents a series of numerical simulations of conjugate heat transfer within square cavity horizontally divided into two regions by a conductive wall. The two fluids are subjected to different boundary conditions. Cold fluid (Pr1) enters the upper part through an inlet (h1) and exits it via an outlet (h2), while the lower part has been heated from bellow and filled with another fluid (Pr2 = 7). The finite volume method has been used to predict thermal and hydrodynamic mechanisms in both fluid regions of cavity and at partition wall. Effect of inlet/outlet location has been considered according to two configurations. Influence of Reynolds number (50 ≤ Re ≤ 1000), Grashof number (Gr = 104 and Gr = 5 × 105), fluid‐1 Prandtl number (Pr1), and thermal conductivity ratio () has been investigated. Analysis of results was done based on isotherms, streamlines, local, and average Nusselt number. The results show that one of two configurations guarantee a higher Nusselt number. Higher heat transfer rate was obtained by increasing Reynolds and Grashof numbers. Also, it has been found that the effect of upper fluid flow regime on lower fluid flow is more pronounced with a very low thermal conductivity ratio.
Gabapentinoids for treatment of alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheng Ying‐Chih , Huang Yu‐Chen , Huang Wei‐Lieh
Published: July 2020

Objective

Gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGB) have been used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol withdrawal, but with inconsistent results. In this meta‐analysis, we explored the effects of GBP/PGB treatment on AUD and their effects on withdrawal, craving, depression, and sleep disturbance in AUD patients.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of GBP/PGB on AUD with those of a placebo or control treatment. Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published before September 2019. The primary outcome was defined as the efficacy measure on achieving abstinence or reducing alcohol consumption in a hierarchical order. We included 16 studies in our meta‐analysis.

Results

Overall, GBP had no significant benefit comparing to placebo or control treatment (Hedges' g = 0.0725, p = 0.6743). For specific alcohol‐related outcome, GBP had significant effect on percentage of heavy drink (Hedges' g = 0.5478, p = 0.0441) and alcohol withdrawal symptoms (Hedges' g = 0.2475, p = 0.0425). GBP/PGB did not have significant beneficial effect on craving, depressive symptoms, or sleep disturbance. Instability was shown in sensitivity analyses of some above results.

Conclusions

GBP may be helpful to reduce AUD patients' heavy drinking behavior and withdrawal, but more studies are needed for drawing conclusions.
Groundwater pollution containing ammonium, iron and manganese in a riverbank filtration system: Effects of dynamic geochemical conditions and microbial responses
Authors: Meng Li , Zuo Rui , Brusseau Mark L. , Wang Jin‐sheng , Liu Xin , Du Can , Zhai Yuanzheng , Teng Yanguo
Published: July 2020

Bench‐scale experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of hydraulic loadings and influent concentration on the migration and biotransformation behaviour of three groundwater pollutants: ammonium (NH4+), iron (Fe2+) and manganese (Mn2+). Columns packed with aquifer media collected from a riverbank filtration (RBF) site in Harbin City, NE China were introduced synthetic groundwater (SGW) or real groundwater (RGW) were at two different constant flow rates and initial contaminant concentrations to determine the impact of system conditions on the fate of the target pollutants biotransformation. The results showed that the biotransformation rate of Fe2+ Mn2+ and NH4+ decreased by 8%, 39% and 15% under high flow rate (50 L d−1) compared to low flow rate (25 L d−1), which was consistent with the residence‐time effect. While the biotransformation rate of Fe2+ Mn2+ and NH4+ decreased by 7%, 14% and 9% under high influent concentration comparing with original groundwater. The 16S rRNA analysis of the aquifer media at different depths after experiments completion demonstrated that the relative abundance of major functional microbes iron‐oxidizing bacteria and manganese‐oxidizing bacteria under higher flow rate and higher influent concentration decreased 13%, 14% and 25%, 24%, respectively, whereas the ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria and nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria exhibited minimal change, compared to the lower flow rate. Above all results indicated that both high flow rate and high concentration inhibit the biotransformation of NH4+, Fe2+ and Mn2+. The biotransformation of Fe2+ and Mn2+ occurs primarily in the 0–40 cm and 20–60 cm depth intervals, respectively, whereas the NH4+ biotransformation appears to occur relatively uniformly throughout the whole 110 cm column. The biotransformation kinetics of NH4+ in RGW and SGW, Mn2+ in RGW at different depths accords with the first order kinetics model, while Fe2+ in RGW and SGW, Mn2+ in SGW presented more complicated biotransformation process. The results should improve understanding of the transport and fate of common groundwater pollutants in RBF and other groundwater recharge environments.
Refinement of the channel response system by considering time‐varying parameters for flood prediction
Authors: Huang Pin‐Chun , Lee Kwan Tun
Published: July 2020

Impulse response functions derived from different types of flood wave equations (simplified shallow water equations) are continuously developed to conduct the linear channel routing (LCR), which is based on the linearized Saint Venant equation and has been widely applied to avoid any possibility of numerical instability. The impulse response function proposed by Dooge, Napiórkowski, and Strupczewski (1987) and derived from the dynamic wave equation with complete force terms has been acknowledged as a classic work to establish a good physical interpretation for the LCR model; however, the flexibility of altering the shape of impulse response still needs to be improved. Based on the concept of this work, this study intends to introduce the time‐varying parameters in the model, so the values of parameters can be adjusted according to the inflow condition, flood stage, and the cross‐sectional shape. Moreover, an integrated routing procedure is proposed to formulate the impulse response function for lateral‐flow inputs and then to connect multiple inputs from subwatersheds or alongside the main channel with the impulse response function of each channel segment to reflect the spatial variation of hydraulic characteristics among different segments. In the discussion of this article, the impulse response function is analysed to show its sensitivity to hydraulic variables with spatial and temporary variations. Flood‐event simulations of a studied watershed are also provided to verify the applicability of the proposed channel routing system.
Rather complements than substitutes: Firm value effects of capital structure and financial hedging decisions
Authors: Hang Markus , Geyer‐Klingeberg Jerome , Rathgeber Andreas W. , Stöckl Stefan
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study is to analyze the interaction between capital structure decisions and risk management decisions as well as the channels through which they add value to firms. Competing theories are considered in an integrated path model, which we test by means of meta‐analytic structural equation modelling (MASEM). This meta‐analysis is based on 6,312 reported results, which are manually collected from 411 empirical studies. We find that capital structure mediates the relation between corporate financial hedging and firm value. In this regard, active risk management positively affects leverage by providing greater debt capacities. Furthermore, leverage has a negative impact on firm value. Hence, capital structure and financial hedging decisions appear rather as complements instead of substitutes. This implies that managers should leave additional debt capacities unused and instead use additional internal funds arising from active risk management to carry out profitable projects and research and development activities. Overall, corporate hedging is found to especially add value to a firm by lowering bankruptcy risks and underinvestment risks.
Does financial development reduce the level of corruption? Evidence from a global sample of 140 countries
Authors: Sharma Chandan , Paramati Sudharshan Reddy
Published: July 2020

The current research explores the role of financial sector development on the control of corruption in a global sample of 140 countries. Using annual data from 1996 to 2015, this study makes use of system generalized method of moments technique to identify the determinants of corruption across the full sample, low and lower middle‐income countries and, upper middle and high‐income countries. Our empirical findings show that financial development plays an important role in controlling the growth of corruption across the full sample, low and lower middle‐income countries and upper middle and high‐income countries. Similarly, per capita income has a significant positive impact on control of corruption in upper middle and high‐income countries, while education plays a similar role in low and lower middle‐income countries. On the contrary, the per capita income, trade openness, government expenditure, political rights and civil liberty are the major factors, which promote the growth of corruption in low and lower middle‐income countries, whereas trade and civil liberty play the same role in high‐income countries. Given these findings, our study makes number policy recommendations and adds new knowledge to the empirical literature.
Ceftriaxone pretreatment confers neuroprotection in rats with acute glaucoma and reduces the score of seizures induced by pentylenotetrazole in mice
Authors: Fachim Helene A. , Guizzo Renato , Cunha Alexandra O. S. , Pereira Adriana C. , dos Anjos Lilian C. , Mortari Márcia R. , dos Santos Wagner F.
Published: July 2020

β‐Lactam antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, are potent stimulators of the expression of l‐glutamate transporter GLT‐1 and may exert neuroprotective effects when chronically used in rats and mice. In this study, we used two animal models to test the neurological effect of subchronic treatment with ceftriaxone: experimental acute glaucoma in Wistar rats and induction of acute seizures with pentylenetetrazole in mice. We also assessed the performance of mice in the rotarod to calculate therapeutic indexes and exploratory activity in the open field. Our results showed that subchronic use of ceftriaxone was neuroprotective in both models, reducing injury in acute ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion in specific layers of retina and leading to a decrease in the seizure severity score. In behavioral experiments, we observed that ceftriaxone increased hyperactivity followed by a decrease in exploratory behavior in the open field, and there was no motor impairment in the rotarod test. We conclude that ceftriaxone may be useful as a tool in the development of new neuroprotective drugs targeting diseases which present a possible dysfunction in the balance of glutamatergic neurotransmission.
Interleukin‐12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of ulcerative colitis development in Chinese Han population: A case‐control study
Authors: Zhao Hui , Qian Yun‐Zhi , Qian Hai‐Hua
Published: July 2020

Background

The association of the interleukin (IL)‐12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms with ulcerative colitis (UC) risk has been extensively investigated, but results are conflicting. In this study, we investigated potential link between the IL‐12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms and UC development in Chinese Han population.

Material and Methods

Genotyping was performed in 367 patients and 456 controls through polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Plasma levels of IL‐12B were tested using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We found that the IL‐12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms were related to a significantly increased risk of UC. Subgroup analyses revealed significant associations of the IL‐12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms with UC risk among females, consumers of alcohol, and those aged <40 years. Additionally, the rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms were associated with lesion location and UC treatment. Last, we found that these two polymorphisms were associated with IL‐12B levels.

Conclusions

The IL‐12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms were associated with a higher risk, and the clinical characteristics, of UC.
Analysis of public policy formulation and its effect on the technical and professional work of the community psychologist: A case study
Authors: Alfaro Jaime , de Rota José María Fernández , Gamonal Paris , Martin María Pía , Verdugo Ignacia
Published: July 2020

The academic and professional relationship between Community Psychology and public policy is increasing, especially as pertaining to social issues. An important discussion is to be had regarding the complexity, degrees of complementarity, and contributions of this link, as well as its risks for the discipline of Community Psychology. In this context, this study asks the following question: What are the dynamics of public policy formulation for extreme poverty in Chile and its effect on the technical definition of the psychologists’ work, and what alternatives this opens up for a discussion on the relationship between Community Psychology and public policies? A qualitative and idiographic methodological approach is used, based on Grounded Theory by Strauss & Corbin (2002) and the Case Study by Coller (2000), to analyze semistructured interviews with 10 policymakers of the Chile Seguridades y Oportunidades policy and nine legislative and technical documents that support this policy. The results show that the technical work of the psychologist who participates in public policy towards extreme poverty is affected and configured by the mechanisms and dynamics of the connection between the various frameworks of meaning of policy formulation. These frames of meaning affect the configuration of technical norms that, in a dynamic of reciprocal influence between notions of reference, notions of problem and notions of solution, affect and configure the professional tasks of the psychologists, in terms of the focus of their work, their objectives, levels of intervention and interdisciplinary work.
Measurement of parental executive function in early childhood settings: Instrument reliability and validity in community‐led research projects
Authors: Black Caroline F. D. , Barker Tyson V. , Fisher Philip
Published: July 2020

A growing number of early childhood (EC) parenting programs target adult executive function (EF) to build responsive parenting behaviors and to promote positive child development. Although measurement of EF is well understood in academic research, little work has examined EF measurement in community settings. The present study examined psychometric properties of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Adult Version among 203 parents whose children were enrolled in EC programs serving under‐resourced communities. We calculated Cronbach's α and mean‐item correlations to test internal consistency reliability. To test factor structure, we conducted exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analyses. Results suggest adequate internal consistency and that factor structures, beyond the original proposed, are appropriate for our community sample. Together, findings indicate that self‐report measures of adult EF may perform differently for families experiencing adversity, raising questions about the acceptability of clinical EF tools in in underserved communities.
A novel variant of ST3GAL3 causes non‐syndromic autosomal recessive intellectual disability in Iranian patients
Authors: Farajollahi Zahra , Razmara Ehsan , Heidari Erfan , Jafarinia Ehsan , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: July 2020

Background

The number of reported genes causing non‐syndromic autosomal recessive intellectual disability (NS‐ARID) is increasing. For example, mutations in the ST3GAL3 gene have been reported to be associated with NS‐ARID. In the present study, we aimed to determine the genetic cause of the NS‐ARID in a five‐generation consanguineous Iranian family.

Methods

We subjected four patients with an initial diagnosis of NS‐ID in an Iranian family. To identify the possible genetic cause(s), whole‐exome sequencing was performed on the proband and Sanger sequencing was applied to investigate co‐segregation analysis. Using in silico predictive tools, the possible impacts of the variant on the structure and function of ST3Gal‐III were predicted.

Results

The common clinical features were detected in all affected members who were suffering from a severe ID. Using whole‐exome sequencing, a novel variant, c.704C>T or p.(Thr235Met), in exon 9 of the ST3GAL3 gene (NM_001270461.2, OMIM# 606494) was identified and verified by Sanger sequencing. This variant is located next to the VS motif of ST3Gal‐III, which is a vital part of the catalytical domains.

Conclusions

In the present study, we identified a novel missense variant, c.704C>T or p.(Thr235Met), in the ST3GAL3. To our knowledge, is the third variant in this gene to be associated with NS‐ARID. Our findings highlight the need for further investigations into the mechanisms by which variants in ST3GAL3 contribute to neurological dysfunction.
Extraction optimization for combined metabolomics, peptidomics, and proteomics analysis of gut microbiota samples
Authors: Keller Caitlin , Wei Pingli , Wancewicz Benjamin , Cross Tzu‐Wen L. , Rey Federico E. , Li Lingjun
Published: July 2020

Multiomic studies are increasingly performed to gain a deeper understanding of molecular processes occurring in a biological system, such as the complex microbial communities (i.e., microbiota) that reside the distal gut. While a combination of metabolomics and proteomics is more commonly used, multiomics studies including peptidomcis characterization are less frequently undertaken. Here, we investigated three different extraction methods, chosen for their previous use in extracting metabolites, peptides, and proteins, and compared their ability to perform metabolomic, peptidomic, and proteomic analysis of mouse cecum content. The methanol/chloroform/water extraction performed the best for metabolomic and peptidomic analysis as it detected the largest number of small molecules and identified the largest number of peptides, but the acidified methanol extraction performed best for proteomics analysis as it had the highest number of protein identifications. The methanol/chloroform/water extraction was further analyzed by identifying metabolites with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis and by gene ontology analysis for the peptide and protein results to provide a multiomics analysis of the gut microbiota.
Formation process of joint contracture after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in rats
Authors: Kaneguchi Akinori , Ozawa Junya , Minamimoto Kengo , Yamaoka Kaoru
Published: July 2020

Knee joint contracture is often induced by anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, the temporal and spatial arthrofibrotic changes following inflammatory events, which occur in parallel with the formation of joint contractures after ACLR, are unknown. This study aimed to reveal: (a) time‐dependent changes in myogenic and arthrogenic contractures; and (b) the process of arthrofibrosis development after ACLR. ACLR was performed on knees of rats unilaterally. Passive ranges of motions (ROMs) before and after myotomy, as well as inflammatory and fibrotic reactions, were examined before and after the surgery at various periods up to 56 days. Both ROMs before and after myotomy exhibited their lowest value on day 7 and increased thereafter in a time‐dependent manner; nevertheless, significant restrictions remained by day 56. Myotomy partially increased ROMs at all time points, indicating contribution of the myogenic component to ACLR‐induced contracture. Inflammatory and fibrotic reactions peaked on day 7. Arthrofibrosis, characterized by the thickening of the joint capsule and the shortening of the synovial length, was established by day 7 and was not completely resolved by day 56. Our results indicate that: (a) both myogenic and arthrogenic contractures generated through ACLR develop maximally by day 7 after surgery and subside thereafter, but persist at least until day 56; and (b) arthrofibrosis is established by day 7 after surgery and is not completely resolved by day 56. These findings suggest that treatment and intervention for preventing joint contracture after ACLR should be performed within the first 7 days after surgery.
Lesional therapies for in‐transit melanoma
Authors: Nadler Ashlie , Look Hong Nicole J. , Alavi Nasrin , Abadir Wadid , Wright Frances C.
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

To describe the outcomes of lesional therapy of in‐transit melanoma (ITM) with interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), diphencyprone (DPCP), combination lesional therapy (IL‐2, retinoid, and imiquimod; CLT), and imiquimod.

Methods

Data was collected for consecutive patients with ITM receiving lesional therapies from 2008 to 2018 in a retrospective review. Included patients did not have metastatic disease at time of starting on lesional therapy and were not on systemic therapy. The primary outcome was complete pathologic response (pCR).

Results

Of 83 patients, 57 (69%) started treatment with IL‐2, 10 (12%) with DPCP, 12 (14%) with CLT, and 4 (5%) with imiquimod. pCR was achieved in 34 patients (41%) overall, including 44% starting on IL‐2, 20% on DPCP, 58% on CLT, and none on imiquimod (P = .024). With a median follow‐up of 45 months, cumulative one‐year overall survival was 86%, with the best survival in the CLT group. Forty‐eight percent experienced common terminology criteria for adverse events grade 1 or 2 toxicity. A quarter of patients on DPCP discontinued therapy due to toxicity (P = .002).

Conclusions

IL‐2 may be considered for the treatment of ITM with multiple or rapidly developing lesions where there would otherwise be significant morbidity with surgery, given pCR rates and toxicity.
Heavy metal sensors and sequestrating agents based on polyaromatic copolymers and hydrogels
Authors: Alwattar Aula A , Haddad Athir , Moore Joshua , Alshareef Mubark , Bartlam Cian , Woodward Adam W , Natrajan Louise S , Yeates Stephen G , Quayle Peter
Published: July 2020

A series of readily available, amphiphilic pyrene‐ and perylene‐containing fluorescent materials, derived from the co‐polymerisation of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid with acrylate esters, can be used to detect heavy metal ions in the micromolar concentration range in aqueous solutions. The incorporation of these amphiphilic copolymers into semi‐interpenetrating hydrogels also resulted in the irreversible removal of divalent Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions at neutral pH.
Black Phosphorus Nanosheets for Killing Bacteria through Nanoknife Effect
Authors: Guo Tao , Zhuang Shihao , Qiu Honglong , Guo Yating , Wang Lili , Jin Guixiao , Lin Weiwen , Huang Guoming , Yang Huanghao
Published: July 2020

Black phosphorus (BP) has emerged as a rapidly rising star in the field of biomedical science. In this work, BP nanosheets (BPNSs) are synthesized and their potential as a nano‐antibacterial agent is investigated. The concentration and time‐dependent antibacterial activities are evaluated by cell viability assays together with scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscope, and the measurement of efflux of RNA release assay. The experimental results show that BPNSs have a strong killing effect on both representatives of gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), and exhibit concentration and time‐dependent antibacterial activity. The sharp edges of BPNSs in the interaction with bacteria can cause physical damage to the bacterial membrane and RNA leakage, resulting in bacterial death. The results demonstrate that the BPNSs show great promise as new nano‐antibacterial materials.
Communicating statistical conclusions of experiments to scientists
Authors: Otava Martin , Mylona Kalliopi
Published: July 2020

The manuscript introduces a framework for presenting the results of the statistical analysis of experiments with multiple responses and multiple factors. We propose a utilisation of factors scaling to enable a transformation that combines main effects, quadratic effects and interactions into a meaningful summary that allows the scientist/experimenter to immediately recognise the most influential factors for a given response. The framework does not replace the thorough evaluation of the results but provides a clear high‐level summary of the relative importance of findings. The visualisation of such factor importance, using intensity heatmaps, allows the immediate understanding of the results across multiple responses that efficiently guides a following detailed analysis of certain responses and factors and contributes in designing subsequent experiments. The methodology is applied to a real industrial experiment and to a simulated data set with a larger number of responses and factors.
Integrated observer based fault estimation for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear systems
Authors: Li Jing , Huang Sheng‐Juan
Published: July 2020

The fault estimation for a class of nonlinear systems with Lipschitzian nonlinearities and faults is studied in this article. An integrated estimation observer that covers the robust estimation observer (REO) and adaptive estimation observer (AEO) is proposed to improve the accuracy of fault estimation. Compared with the traditional AEO, the designed observer does not involve the output derivatives and can be more suitable for practical applications. Furthermore, based on the designed observer, the coupling term emerging in the obtained error dynamics can be eliminated reasonably and less conservative stability conditions for the error dynamics can be obtained, whereas the case is hard to be achieved based on the existing intermediate estimator approach in the literature. Compared with the traditional REO and AEO, the fault can be estimated with a good accuracy by using the proposed integrated estimation observer. Numerical examples test the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Photoreactivity of Oil and Alcoholic Diterpenic Varnishes: Key Role of the Polymerization Process
Authors: Azemard Clara , Ménager Matthieu , Sarakha Mohamed , Vieillescazes Cathy
Published: July 2020

The conservation of artworks is a key issue in cultural heritage. The alterations of the varnish could be linked mainly to the photopolymerization of the natural resin. The photodegradation of sandarac and rosin under simulated solar light was studied using a multianalytical approach using a second derivative FT‐IR spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy. In all resins, main terpene molecules underwent esterification and perestererifications via the formation of hydroperoxides preferentially formed on tertiary carbons. This polymerization could be associated with the advice of important art manuals and treatises recommending exposing varnishes to the sunlight while drying. In a second step, these esters and perester bonds underwent photoscissions by Norrish I and II reactions, leading to the production of free terpenes in the varnishes. In sandarac varnishes, the vinyl bonds showed a strong reactivity associated with the formation oftransandcissecondary alkenes. These photochemical reactions could explain an important part of the problem of conservation of the varnish layers experienced by museums all over the world.
Muskellunge Spatial Ecology in the St. Louis River Estuary and Southwestern Lake Superior
Authors: Schaeffer Erin M. , Pinkerton Jeramy J. , Venturelli Paul A. , Miller Loren M.
Published: July 2020

The St. Louis River estuary is a designated area of concern by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency due to severe environmental degradation. The spatial ecology of Muskellunge Esox masquinongy, an indicator species, is uncertain within the estuary and the large, connected water body, Lake Superior. We collected genetic samples and used passive acoustic telemetry to track 60 adult Muskellunge in the St. Louis River estuary and southwestern Lake Superior for 15 months. Genetic analysis revealed that the river is utilized by two genetic strains—Wisconsin (WI) and Minnesota (MN)—and their hybrids. These genetic strains were previously stocked to restore a nearly extirpated population. Muskellunge tended to move upstream in the spring, downstream and into Lake Superior throughout summer, and to the middle river during fall and winter. Males and females spent significantly more time in the upper and lower portions of the river, respectively. Movements were influenced by strain in that hybrids and the WI strain spent more time in the upper and middle river, and the MN strain spent more time in Lake Superior. A random forest model indicated that Lake Superior use was related to strain (the MN strain made up 80% of individuals using Lake Superior) but not sex or body length, highlighting the importance of understanding strain behavior when stocking different strains. Future research should include investigating Muskellunge habitat use (before, during, and after restoration), tracking juvenile Muskellunge, and connecting telemetry data with mark–recapture and stable isotope data. Our results provide new insight into Muskellunge spatial ecology and genetics that can inform management and restoration efforts within and beyond the Great Lakes.
Improving wind speed forecasts from the Weather Research and Forecasting model at a wind farm in the semiarid Coquimbo region in central Chile
Authors: Salfate Ignacio , Marin Julio C. , Cuevas Omar , Montecinos Sonia
Published: July 2020

Accurate predictions of the wind field are key for better wind power forecasts. Wind speed forecasts from numerical weather models present differences with observations, especially in places with complex topography, such as the north of Chile. The present study has two goals: (a) to find the WRF model boundary layer (PBL) scheme that best reproduces the observations at the Totoral Wind Farm, located in the semiarid Coquimbo region in north‐central Chile, and (b) to use an artificial neural network (ANN) to postprocess wind speed forecasts from different model domains to analyze the sensitivity to horizontal resolution. The WRF model was run with three different PBL schemes (MYNN, MYNN3, and QNSE) for 2013. The WRF simulation with the QNSE scheme showed the best agreement with observations at the wind farm, and its outputs were postprocessed using two ANNs with two algorithms: backpropagation (BP) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). These two ANNs were applied to the innermost WRF domains with 3‐km (d03) and 1‐km (d04) horizontal resolutions. The root‐mean‐square errors (RMSEs) between raw WRF forecasts and observations for d03 and d04 were 2.7 and 2.4 ms−1, respectively. When both ANN models (BP and PSO) were applied to Domains d03 and d04, the RMSE decreased to values lower than 1.7 ms−1, and they showed similar performances, supporting the use of an ANN to postprocess a three‐nested WRF domain configuration to provide more accurate forecasts in advance for the region.
Explainable Artificial Intelligence: What Do You Need to Know?
Authors: Hepenstal Sam , McNeish David
Published: July 2020

In domains which require high risk and high consequence decision making, such as defence and security, there is a clear requirement for artificial intelligence (AI) systems to be able to explain their reasoning. In this paper we examine what it means to provide explainable AI. We report on research findings to propose that explanations should be tailored, depending upon the role of the human interacting with the system and the individual system components, to reflect different needs. We demonstrate that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ explanation is insufficient to capture the complexity of needs. Thus, designing explainable AI systems involves careful consideration of context, and within that the nature of both the human and AI components.
Testing Yukawa unification at LHC Run-3 and HL-LHC
Authors: Gómez Mario E. , Shafi Qaisar , Ün Cem Salih
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We exploret-b-τYukawa unification (YU) in a supersymmetric SU(4)c×SU(2)L×SU(2)Rmodel without imposing a discrete left-right (L-R) symmetry. A number of interesting solutions that are compatible witht-b-τYU, LSP neutralino dark matter (DM), and LHC and other experimental constraints are identified. In particular, they include gluino-neutralino and stau-neutralino coannihilation scenarios, where the NLSP gluino mass can range from 1–3 TeV. Higgsino-like dark matter solutions are also identified for which gluino masses can approach 5 TeV or so. This scenario will be tested at LHC Run-3 and its future upgrades.
Association between sleep duration and mortality risk among adults with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yafeng , Huang Wentao , O’Neil Adrienne , Lan Yutao , Aune Dagfinn , Wang Wei , Yu Chuanhua , Chen Xiong
Published: July 2020

Aims/hypothesis

This study aimed to investigate whether the effects of sleep duration interacted with the presence of diabetes. We specifically sought to examine the relationship between sleep duration and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in people with type 2 diabetes across sex, age at diagnosis, duration of diabetes and treatment type.

Methods

The sample consisted of 273,029 adults, including 248,817 without diabetes and 24,212 with type 2 diabetes, who participated in the National Health Interview Survey from 2004 to 2013 and whose data were linked to a mortality database up to 31 December 2015. Sleep duration was measured using self-report, whereby participants were asked ‘on average how long do you sleep each day (≤5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or ≥10 h/day)?’ The relationship between sleep duration and mortality risk was investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression model, with adjustments for demographics, BMI, lifestyle behaviours and clinical variables.

Results

Absolute mortality rate was higher in adults with diabetes and extremes of sleep duration (≤5 h/day, 215.0 per 10,000 person-years; ≥10 h/day, 363.5 per 10,000 person-years). There was a non-significant interaction between sleep duration and the presence of diabetes (p for interaction = 0.08). A J-shaped relationship existed between sleep duration and all-cause mortality risk in people with type 2 diabetes. Compared with the reference group (7 h/day), both shorter and longer sleep durations were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (≤5 h/day, HR 1.24 [95% CI 1.09, 1.40]; 6 h/day, HR 1.13 [1.01, 1.28]; 8 h/day, HR 1.17 [1.06, 1.30]; ≥10 h/day, HR 1.83 [1.61, 2.08]). Similar associations were also observed for mortality risk from CVD, cancer, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease and chronic lower respiratory diseases. Longer sleep duration in those with a younger age at diabetes onset was associated with greater risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Shorter sleep duration in individuals treated with both insulin and oral glucose-lowering medication was also associated with higher risks of all-cause and CVD mortality.

Conclusions/interpretation

The associations between sleep duration and mortality risk may be different between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. In people with type 2 diabetes, sleeping less or more than 7 h/day was associated with increased risk of all-cause and condition-specific mortality. The association was more prominent in those with a younger age at diabetes onset and receiving treatment with both oral glucose-lowering medication and insulin. This population may benefit from targeted sleep-related interventions to reduce the risks of adverse health outcomes.
COVID-19 pandemic: management of patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 in Rome COVID Hospital 2 Trauma Centre and safety of our surgical team
Authors: De Mauro Domenico , Rovere Giuseppe , Smimmo Alessandro , Meschini Cesare , Mocini Fabrizio , Maccauro Giulio , Falez Francesco , Liuzza Francesco , Ziranu Antonio
Published: July 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic left a deep mark in the health systems around the globe, leading to an important change in the way we intend the access to the healthcare and its fruition. Hospitals faced something unexpected, and they underwent a deep change and so did orthopaedic activity.

Materials and methods

In “A. Gemelli” University hospital new protocols were adopted for the safe management of patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. Among these patients, six had to be treated also for orthopaedic problems. The management of these patients, from the admission in the Emergency Room (E.R). to the operating room (O.R.), followed the protocols we developed for the coronavirus crisis.

Results

Four among the six patients underwent surgical treatments. Two of them showed a change of their clinical status, due to a worsening of COVID-19 symptoms, so the surgical option was postponed. All of them were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit, rather than the Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, in order to provide the best measures to prevent the spread of the contagion and to ensure the best treatment for COVID-19. No O.R. staff was infected by SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions

More studies are needed to provide a higher statistical significance to the safety measures taken in order to contrast the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the Surgical Room. Orthopaedic surgeons are more exposed to the contagion due to the particular tools set they use. A more sensible and specific quick test for novel Coronavirus is particularly needed, due to the lack of sensitivity of the serological rapid test.
Effects of mCry51Aa2-producing cotton on the non-target spider mite Tetranychus urticae and the predatory bug Orius majusculus
Authors: Kim Young-Joong , Kloos Stefanie , Romeis Jörg , Meissle Michael
Published: July 2020

Pierce-sucking insects, such as plant bugs or stink bugs, cause damage in cotton fields worldwide. A novel genetically engineered (GE) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is protected against hemipteran pests and thrips by producing the modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) mCry51Aa2 protein. Herbivores that consume insect-protected GE crops, and their natural enemies, can be exposed to plant-produced insecticidal proteins. We investigated tritrophic interactions to evaluate the potential impact of the novel Bt cotton on a non-target herbivore, the spider mite Tetranychus urticae, and on a generalist predator, the pirate bug Orius majusculus. Pirate bugs belong to the same insect order as the target pests and might thus be adversely affected by mCry51Aa2. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed that levels of mCry51Aa2 in T. urticae were one order of magnitude, and those in O. majusculus were three orders of magnitude lower than in Bt cotton leaves. O. majusculus nymphs fed with spider mites collected from Bt cotton had lower survival, increased developmental time, and reduced fecundity compared to nymphs fed spider mites from non-Bt near-isogenic cotton. Because Bt cotton did not affect the survival and growth of the spider mites, we conclude that indirect prey-quality mediated effects of the Bt cotton on the predatory bugs are unlikely and that O. majusculus are directly affected by the Bt protein. Follow-up studies are indicated to assess whether the effects observed under worst-case conditions are mitigated under more realistic exposure conditions where alternative prey with low Bt protein levels is available.
Tailoring structure, morphology and up-conversion properties of CaF2:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles by the route of synthesis
Authors: Przybylska Dominika , Grzyb Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Control of morphology and spectroscopic properties during the synthesis of up-converting nanoparticles (NPs) is a great challenge. One of the most popular ways of NPs synthesis is the hydrothermal method, which is relatively simple, effective, environmentally friendly and permits easy control of synthesis parameters. For these reasons, the hydrothermal method was applied for the synthesis of CaF2:Yb3+,Er3+ NPs and optimized. The effects of synthesis conditions on the properties of the product were carefully analysed. The tests were performed to check the impact of two surfactants: sodium citrate (NaCit) and ammonium citrate (NH4Cit), different excess of ammonium fluoride used as a precipitation agent and different volumes of solution with reactants. The type of co-reagent was found to influence the size of the obtained NPs and charge compensation, required after Yb3+ and Er3+ doping into Ca2+ sites. Depending on the synthesis conditions, the formation of Yb3+ clusters and alterations in the Yb3+ site symmetry were detected. The excitation and emission spectra revealed the importance of the presence of the Na+ ions on the energy transfer mechanism and the resulting emission intensity. The presented results show that applying stirring during the synthesis or changing the type of anti-agglomeration agent has a great influence on the luminescence intensity and colour as well as maximum of excitation when Yb3+ ions are used. Analysis of the excitation spectra and Yb3+ emission decays showed the complex structure of CaF2:Yb3+,Er3+ NPs, with Yb3+ ions in two different environments within the volume of NPs with different site symmetries. The samples prepared in the presence of Na+ ions were characterized by long Yb3+ emission rise times, revealing energy migration between Yb3+ at different symmetries and, at the same time, improved the overall luminescence intensity of NPs.
Predictive Extrinsic Factors in Multiple Victim Shootings
Authors: Ruderman Daniel , Cohn Ellen G.
Published: July 2020

Although researchers have found support for a relationship between temperature and violence and evidence of temporal patterns in violent crime, research on homicide shows less consistent results and no research on mass murder has been conducted. We address this by examining predictive factors in multi-victim shootings (those with four or more victims, including injured), a more general crime category than mass murder, but one with likely similar predictive factors. We used data from the Gun Violence Archive to understand the relationship between multi-victim shootings and temperature as well as other extrinsic factors. To avoid the confound between season and temperature, we employed temperature anomaly (the difference between actual and expected temperature) as a predictor of daily shooting rate. Using a generalized linear model for the daily count of multi-victim shootings in the U.S., we found that these events are significantly more frequent on weekends, some major holidays, hotter seasons, and when the temperature is higher than usual. Like other crimes, rates of multi-victim shooting vary systematically.
Assessing potential aquatic toxicity of airport runoff using physicochemical parameters and Lemna gibba and Aliivibrio fischeri bioassays
Authors: Calvo Olga C. , Quaglia Gisela , Mohiley Anubhav , Cesarini Maria , Fangmeier Andreas
Published: July 2020

A critical problem derived from airport operations is the environmental impact of runoff water. Airport runoff includes a complex mixture of pollutants, e.g., from deicing agents, that may affect negatively natural water bodies. This study assesses the spatial and temporal aquatic ecotoxicity of runoff water and possible aeroplane drift in a German airport. Over winter 2012–2013, from November to May, water samples were collected within the airport and surrounding area. These samples were analyzed using traditional physicochemical analysis and biotests with two aquatic organisms from different trophic levels, Lemna gibba and Aliivibrio fischeri. Overall, the samples examined in this study were relatively non-toxic to the tested organisms. The physicochemical parameters were mainly influenced by the sampling period being higher in colder months. In contrast, the ecotoxicity was influenced by the sampling site. For sites within the airport, a high correlation between the physicochemical parameters (EC and TOC) and toxicity in L. gibba was found. These correlations were not evident in samples taken outside the airport or when A. fischeri was used as a bioindicator. However, a pronounced seasonality has been observed, linked to the coldest months with average inhibition values of 50% in L. gibba and 25% in A. fischeri, particularly in January. Both biotests yielded differing results; therefore, more biotests should be included. However, L. gibba showed a good response with this type of water samples to be included in future studies together with detailed chemical analysis. The present study provides data to assess the potential ecotoxicological effects of airport runoff affected by winter operations.
Current Review of Renal Autotransplantation in the UK
Authors: Vrakas Georgios , Sullivan Mark
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

Advances in preservation and transplantation techniques have made renal autotransplantation (RA) a modality that can be utilized in complex renovascular diseases (renal artery aneurysms), high ureteric injuries, chronic kidney pain, as well as conventionally unresectable renal tumours. In the current review, we present the Oxford experience, the only UK commissioned centre to perform RA for complex renal cell cancers, and review the published RA experience from other UK centres.

Recent Findings

The evidence and literature generated from the RA experience in the UK are largely limited to case reports. The main indications reported for performing RAs include renovascular disease, ureteral pathology and prophylaxis from radiation.

Renal autotransplantation is an option for a highly select group of patients. It has short-term and long-term complication rates comparable to those of other major operations. Extensive preoperative counselling in conjunction with multidisciplinary professionals is of utmost importance for informed decision making.