bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projected Changes in the Annual Range of Precipitation Under Stabilized 1.5°C and 2.0°C Warming Futures
Authors: Chen Ziming , Zhou Tianjun , Zhang Wenxia , Li Puxi , Zhao Siyao
Published: August 2020

Changes in hydrological cycle under 1.5°C and 2.0°C warming are of great concern on the post‐Paris Agreement agenda. In particular, the annual range of precipitation, that is, the difference between the wet and dry seasons, is important to society and ecosystem. This study examines the changes in precipitation annual range using the Community Earth System Model low‐warming (CESM‐LW) experiment, designed to assess climate change at stabilized 1.5°C and 2.0°C warming levels. To reflect the exact annual range in different regions, wet and dry seasons are defined for each grid point and year. Based on this metric, the precipitation annual range would increase by 3.90% (5.27%) under 1.5°C (2.0°C) warming. The additional 0.5°C of warming would increase annual range of precipitation by 1.37%. The enhancement is seen globally, except in some regions around the subtropics. Under the additional 0.5°C of warming, a significant increase in the annual range occurs over 15% (22%) of the ocean (land) regions. The increase is associated with the enhanced precipitation during wet season. Moisture budget analysis shows that the enhancement in annual range is dominated by vertical moisture advection, which includes thermodynamic (TH, moisture) and climate dynamic (CD, circulation changes) terms. The TH term plays a dominant role, while the CD term partly offsets the effects of the TH term. The TH term dominates over most regions except for part of the tropical ocean and some of the land regions, where the CD term is also remarkable. Thus, the enhancement of the annual range of precipitation is mainly caused by the increase in moisture.
Microstructure and Mooring Observations of Enhanced Mixing in the Kerama Gap
Authors: Inoue Ryuichiro , Tanaka Takahiro , Nakamura Hirohiko , Yanagimoto Daigo , Fujio Shinzou , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: August 2020

Microstructure and mooring observations were conducted around the Kerama Gap, near the midpoint of the Ryukyu Island chain, in December 2016. We observed enhanced mixing near raised seafloor topography with vertical diffusivity from 10−2 to 10−1 m2 s−1 in the bottom water and found that tides were important drivers of enhanced mixing above sills. Two‐dimensional numerical simulations of a vertical cross section of the Kerama Gap indicated that breaking internal tides play an important role in the enhanced mixing behind the sill near the entrance to the gap. In addition, M2 internal tides radiating from the sills at the gap's entrance and exit may correspond to the observed enhanced vertical shear and mixing around the salinity minimum layer of the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) in the Kerama Gap. Simple quantitative arguments based on the observed turbulence data suggest that the enhanced mixing at the sill may influence the renewal of the bottom water and the NPIW in the Okinawa Trough, about 10% of required fluxes in the Kerama Gap estimated in past studies, indicating its importance on the distributions of water masses and water properties in the North Pacific.
A New 1D/2D Coupled Modeling Approach for a Riverine‐Estuarine System Under Storm Events: Application to Delaware River Basin
Authors: Bakhtyar R. , Maitaria K. , Velissariou P. , Trimble B. , Mashriqui H. , Moghimi S. , Abdolali A. , Van der Westhuysen A. J. , Ma Z. , Clark E. P. , Flowers T.
Published: August 2020

Numerical simulations of three of the most severe historical tropical cyclones to affect the Delaware River Basin (DRB) are used to evaluate a new numerical approach that is a candidate model for the inland‐coastal compound flood forecast. This study includes simulating interactions of tides/surges, freshwater streamflows, winds, and atmospheric pressure for the DRB. One‐way coupling between the hydrologic (National Water Model [NWM]) and the ocean/wave (ADvanced CIRCulation model/WAVEWATCH III [ADCIRC/WW3]) models for the Delaware river‐estuarine system is developed. The links between the coastal processes and the NWM are provided by two different hydraulic and hydrodynamic models: (i) a well‐calibrated public‐domain 1D hydraulic solver model (Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System [HEC‐RAS]) and (ii) 1D/2D open‐sourced hydrodynamic model (D‐Flow Flexible Mesh [D‐Flow FM]). First, the modeling system is tested to confirm model verification and stability when the system is forced with only tidal forcing. Then, the relative performance of each modeling approach (NWM/D‐Flow FM/ADCIRC/WW3 and NWM/HEC‐RAS/ADCIRC/WW3) is evaluated using observational data from Hurricanes Isabel (2003), Irene (2011), and Sandy (2012). Furthermore, the sensitivity of water level prediction to the streamflows, different wind products, and bed roughness are examined. Results show that the D‐Flow FM is generally accurate for water levels: the water levels near the peak of the storms have a skill ranging from 0.79 to 0.91 with a negligible phase error. Simulations show that water level predictions depend on an accurate representation of the wind conditions and bottom roughness. The work shows that hydrodynamic predictions, especially upstream, are highly dependent on the streamflow discharges.
Tidal Evolution of the Evection Resonance/Quasi‐Resonance and the Angular Momentum of the Earth‐Moon System
Authors: Rufu R. , Canup R. M.
Published: August 2020

Forming the Moon by a high‐angular momentum impact may explain the Earth‐Moon isotopic similarities; however, the post‐impact angular momentum needs to be reduced by a factor of 2 or more to the current value (1 LEM) after the Moon forms. Capture into the evection resonance, occurring when the lunar perigee precession period equals 1 year, could remove the angular momentum excess. However the appropriate angular momentum removal appears sensitive to the tidal model and chosen tidal parameters. In this work, we use a constant‐time delay tidal model to explore the Moon's orbital evolution through evection. We find that exit from formal evection occurs early and that, subsequently, the Moon enters a quasi‐resonance regime, in which evection still regulates the lunar eccentricity even though the resonance angle is no longer librating. Although not in resonance proper, during quasi‐resonance angular momentum is continuously removed from the Earth‐Moon system and transferred to Earth's heliocentric orbit. The final angular momentum, set by the timing of quasi‐resonance escape, is a function of the ratio of tidal strength in the Moon and Earth and the absolute rate of tidal dissipation in the Earth. We consider a physically motivated model for tidal dissipation in the Earth as the mantle cools from a molten to a partially molten state. We find that as the mantle solidifies, increased terrestrial dissipation drives the Moon out of quasi‐resonance. For post‐impact systems that contain >2 LEM, final angular momentum values after quasi‐resonance escape remain significantly higher than the current Earth‐Moon value.
The Lasting Legacy of Phosphorus Buried in Lakes
Authors: Shultz David
Published: August 2020

Research at an experimental lake suggests that phosphorus inputs from runoff may affect the health of aquatic ecosystems long after external additions of the nutrient are reduced.
Typhoons Getting Stronger, Making Landfall More Often
Authors: Hornyak Tim
Published: August 2020

New research shows a growing threat from Pacific storms amid climate change.
Evergreen Needle Magnetization as a Proxy for Particulate Matter Pollution in Urban Environments
Authors: Rea‐Downing Grant , Quirk Brendon J. , Wagner Courtney L. , Lippert Peter C.
Published: August 2020

We test the use of magnetic measurements of evergreen needles as a proxy for particulate matter pollution in Salt Lake City, Utah. Measurements of saturation isothermal remanent magnetization indicate needle magnetization increases with increased air pollution. Needle magnetization shows a high degree of spatial variability with the largest increases in magnetization near roadways. Results from our magnetic measurements are corroborated by scanning electron microscopy of needle surfaces and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry of metal concentrations in residues collected from sampled needles. Low‐temperature magnetic analysis suggests the presence of small (<20 nm) partially oxidized magnetite particles on needles collected adjacent to a major roadway. Magnetization may be a low‐cost proxy for certain metal concentrations (including lead) during periods of increased particulate pollution. The spatial resolution of our method appears capable of resolving changes in ambient particulate matter pollution on the scale of tens to hundreds of meters. Questions remain regarding the timescales over which evergreen needles retain particulate matter accumulated during atmospheric inversion events in Salt Lake City. Results presented here corroborate previous studies that found needle magnetization is a fast, cost‐effective measure of particulate matter pollution. This method has the potential to provide high spatial resolution maps of biomagnetically monitored particulate matter in polluted urban environments year‐round.
New Critical Length for the Onset of Self‐Aggregation of Moist Convection
Authors: Yanase Tomoro , Nishizawa Seiya , Miura Hiroaki , Takemi Tetsuya , Tomita Hirofumi
Published: August 2020

Convective self‐aggregation (CSA) in an idealized modeling framework is key to understanding the role of clouds. To investigate the existence of characteristic length of CSA onset, we conducted systematic cloud‐resolving simulations, with a scope covering the horizontal domain size and resolution. In the high‐resolution simulation, CSA can occur with a square domain larger than ~500 km. Based on the competition between two near‐surface horizontal divergent flows, we discuss the characteristic length existence. While the flow induced by radiative cooling in the subsidence region acts as positive feedback for moisture perturbation and scales with the domain size, the other flow induced by evaporative cooling of falling rain in the convective region acts as negative feedback and does not scale. The study suggests characteristic length existence for the organization of moist convection, even in real‐world conditions.
Seismic Signatures of Fractured Porous Rocks: The Partially Saturated Case
Authors: Solazzi Santiago G. , Hunziker Jürg , Caspari Eva , Rubino J. Germán , Favino Marco , Holliger Klaus
Published: August 2020

Seismic attenuation and phase velocity dispersion due to mesoscopic fluid pressure diffusion (FPD) have received increasing attention due to their inherent sensitivity to the hydromechanical properties of monosaturated fractured porous media. While FPD processes are directly affected by key macroscopic properties of fractured rocks, such as fracture density and fracture connectivity, there is, as of yet, a lack of comprehension of the associated characteristics when multiple immiscible phases saturate the probed fractured medium. In this work, we analyze the variations experienced by P and S wave attenuation and phase velocity dispersion when CO2 percolates into an initially brine‐saturated fractured porous rock. We study such variations considering a simple model of a porous rock containing intersecting orthogonal fractures as well as a more complex model comprising a fracture network. In the latter, we simulate the flow of a CO2 plume into the medium using an invasion percolation procedure. Representative samples are subjected to numerical upscaling experiments, consisting of compression and shear tests, prior to and after the CO2 invasion process. Results show that fracture‐to‐background FPD is only sensitive to the presence of CO2, which decreases its effects. However, fracture‐to‐fracture FPD depends on both the overall CO2 saturation and the fluid distribution within the fracture network. While the former modulates the magnitude of the dissipation, the latter can give rise to a novel FPD process occurring between CO2‐saturated and brine‐saturated regions of the fracture network.
Quantifying Dynamical Proxy Potential Through Shared Adjustment Physics in the North Atlantic
Authors: Loose N. , Heimbach P. , Pillar H. R. , Nisancioglu K. H.
Published: August 2020

Oceanic quantities of interest (QoIs), for example, ocean heat content or transports, are often inaccessible to direct observation, due to the high cost of instrument deployment and logistical challenges. Therefore, oceanographers seek proxies for undersampled or unobserved QoIs. Conventionally, proxy potential is assessed via statistical correlations, which measure covariability without establishing causality. This paper introduces an alternative method: quantifying dynamical proxy potential. Using an adjoint model, this method unambiguously identifies the physical origins of covariability. A North Atlantic case study illustrates our method within the ECCO (Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean) state estimation framework. We find that wind forcing along the eastern and northern boundaries of the Atlantic drives a basin‐wide response in North Atlantic circulation and temperature. Due to these large‐scale teleconnections, a single subsurface temperature observation in the Irminger Sea informs heat transport across the remote Iceland‐Scotland ridge (ISR), with a dynamical proxy potential of 19%. Dynamical proxy potential allows two equivalent interpretations: Irminger Sea subsurface temperature (i) shares 19% of its adjustment physics with ISR heat transport and (ii) reduces the uncertainty in ISR heat transport by 19% (independent of the measured temperature value), if the Irminger Sea observation is added without noise to the ECCO state estimate. With its two interpretations, dynamical proxy potential is simultaneously rooted in (i) ocean dynamics and (ii) uncertainty quantification and optimal observing system design, the latter being an emerging branch in computational science. The new method may therefore foster dynamics‐based, quantitative ocean observing system design in the coming years.
The Librations, Tides, and Interior Structure of Io
Authors: Van Hoolst Tim , Baland Rose‐Marie , Trinh Antony , Yseboodt Marie , Nimmo Francis
Published: August 2020

The melt zone in the volcanically active satellite Io plays a key role in diverse processes such as volcanism, heat transfer, tidal dissipation, and the orbital evolution of the Galilean satellites in the Laplace resonance. Information on the melt distribution, the degree of partial melt, and the possible existence of a global magma ocean has been derived from Galileo magnetic induction measurements, volcanic eruption temperatures, and Hubble Space Telescope auroral spot observations but is currently inconclusive. Here, we calculate the libration amplitude of Io for a diverse set of internal structure models and show that Io's libration can provide insight into the existence of a global magma ocean and into the thickness and rigidity of the crust above it. The diurnal libration amplitude of Io is several times larger if Io has a magma ocean instead of a partial melt asthenosphere and can reach values of above 1 km, making it easily observable for spacecraft flying close by Io on multiple occasions. It also strongly increases with decreasing crustal thickness and increases significantly with increasing rigidity. We demonstrate that the combination of observations of the libration amplitude and the tidal Love number k2 will allow estimating the rigidity and thickness of the crust separately, which is impossible with only one of the quantities observed.
Enabling and promoting walking rehabilitation by paired associative stimulation after incomplete paraplegia: a case report
Authors: Shulga A. , Savolainen S. , Kirveskari E. , Mäkelä J. P.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Paired associative stimulation (PAS) is a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and induces plastic changes in the human corticospinal tract. We have previously shown that PAS consisting of TMS pulses given at 100% of stimulator output and high-frequency PNS is beneficial for motor rehabilitation of patients with a chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The therapeutic possibilities of this PAS variant for walking rehabilitation of paraplegic patients are unexplored.

Case presentation

A 47-year old man with traumatic incomplete paraplegia (AIS D, neurological level T7) received PAS to his left leg for 3 months at 12 months post injury (PAS1) and for an additional 3 months at 24 months post injury (PAS2). The right leg had normal AIS scores and was not stimulated. Before PAS, the patient was nonambulatory, could not stand without weight support, and was consequently not eligible for conventional walking rehabilitation. After PAS1, the patient could stand for 1.5 min and take 13 steps (24 steps in follow up) on parallel bars without weight support and was enrolled into conventional walking rehabilitation. He achieved independent walking ability with a rollator. During PAS2, walking distance increased 2.4 times faster than during the preceding year. The left leg AIS score and spinal cord independence measure mobility subscore increased. No adverse effects were detected.

Discussion

This is the first report of PAS with a high-frequency peripheral component that enabled and promoted walking rehabilitation. Together with previous reports on this technique, this result encourages further research into its therapeutic potential and mechanism.
Genetic consequences of social structure in the golden-crowned sifaka
Authors: Parreira Bárbara , Quéméré Erwan , Vanpé Cécile , Carvalho Inês , Chikhi Lounès
Published: August 2020

Many species are structured in social groups (SGs) where individuals exhibit complex mating strategies. Yet, most population genetic studies ignore SGs either treating them as small random-mating units or focusing on a higher hierarchical level (the population). Empirical studies acknowledging SGs have found an overall excess of heterozygotes within SGs and usually invoke inbreeding avoidance strategies to explain this finding. However, there is a lack of null models against which ecological theories can be tested and inbreeding avoidance quantified. Here, we investigate inbreeding (deviation from random mating) in an endangered forest-dwelling pair-living lemur species (Propithecus tattersalli). In particular, we measure the inbreeding coefficient (FIS) in empirical data at different scales: SGs, sampling sites and forest patches. We observe high excess of heterozygotes within SGs. The magnitude of this excess is highly dependent on the sampling scheme: while offspring are characterised by a high excess of heterozygotes (FIS < 0), the reproductive pair does not show dramatic departures from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Moreover, the heterozygosity excess disappears at larger geographic scales (sites and forests). We use a modelling framework that incorporates details of the sifaka mating system but does not include active inbreeding avoidance mechanisms. The simulated data show that, although apparent “random mating” or even inbreeding may occur at the “population” level, outbreeding is maintained within SGs. Altogether our results suggest that social structure leads to high levels of outbreeding without the need for active inbreeding avoidance mechanisms. Thus, demonstrating and measuring the existence of active inbreeding avoidance mechanisms may be more difficult than usually assumed.
Long-term anti-inflammatory diet in relation to improved breast cancer prognosis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Kang , Sun Jia-Zheng , Wu Qian-Xue , Li Zhu-Yue , Li Da-Xue , Xiong Yong-Fu , Zhong Guo-Chao , Shi Yang , Li Qing , Zheng Jiali , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Foukakis Theodoros , Zhang Xiang , Li Hong-Yuan , Xiang Ting-Xiu , Ren Guo-Sheng
Published: August 2020

Inflammation-modulating nutrients and inflammatory markers are established cancer risk factors, however, evidence regarding the association between post-diagnosis diet-associated inflammation and breast cancer survival is relatively sparse. We aimed to examine the association between post-diagnosis dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and risks of all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality. A total of 1064 female breast cancer survivors in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening (PLCO) Trial prospective cohort, were included in this analysis if they had completed the diet history questionnaire (DHQ). Energy-adjusted DII (E-DIITM) scores were calculated based on food and supplement intake. Cox regression and competing risk models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) by E-DII tertile (T) for all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality. With median follow-up of 14.6 years, there were 296 (27.8%) deaths from all causes and 100 (9.4%) breast cancer-specific death. The E-DII was associated with all-cause mortality (HR T3 vs T1, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01–1.81;Ptrend, 0.049, Table 2) and breast cancer mortality (HR T3 vs T1, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.89–2.43;Ptrend, 0.13; multivariable-adjusted HR for 1-unit increment: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00–1.22). Non-linear positive dose–response associations with mortality from all causes were identified for E-DII scores (Pnon-linearity < 0.05). The post-diagnosis E-DII was statistically significantly associated with mortality risk among breast cancer survivors. Long-term anti-inflammatory diet might be a means of improving survival of breast cancer survivors.
Machine learning for accelerating the discovery of high-performance donor/acceptor pairs in non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Wu Yao , Guo Jie , Sun Rui , Min Jie
Published: August 2020

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science together with current approaches in material synthesis and optimization will act as an effective approach for speeding up the discovery of high-performance photoactive materials in organic solar cells (OSCs). Yet, like model selection in statistics, the choice of appropriate machine learning (ML) algorithms plays a vital role in the process of new material discovery in databases. In this study, we constructed five common algorithms, and introduced 565 donor/acceptor (D/A) combinations as training data sets to evaluate the practicalities of these ML algorithms and their application potential when guiding material design and D/A pairs screening. Thus, the best predictive capabilities are provided by using the random forest (RF) and boosted regression trees (BRT) approaches beyond other ML algorithms in the data set. Furthermore, >32 million D/A pairs were screened and calculated by RF and BRT models, respectively. Among them, six photovoltaic D/A pairs are selected and synthesized to compare their predicted and experimental power conversion efficiencies. The outcome of ML and experiment verification demonstrates that the RF approach can be effectively applied to high-throughput virtual screening for opening new perspectives to design of materials and D/A pairs, thereby accelerating the development of OSCs.
Insights into a 429-million-year-old compound eye
Authors: Schoenemann Brigitte , Clarkson Euan N. K.
Published: August 2020

In all arthropods the plesiomorphic (ancestral character state) kind of visual system commonly is considered to be the compound eye. Here we are able to show the excellently preserved internal structures of the compound eye of a 429 Mya old Silurian trilobite, Aulacopleura koninckii (Barrande, 1846). It shows the characteristic elements of a modern apposition eye, consisting of 8 (visible) receptor cells, a rhabdom, a thick lens, screening pigment (cells), and in contrast to a modern type, putatively just a very thin crystalline cone. Functionally the latter underlines the idea of a primarily calcitic character of the lens because of its high refractive properties. Perhaps the trilobite was translucent. We show that this Palaeozoic trilobite in principle was equipped with a fully modern type of visual system, a compound eye comparable to that of living bees, dragonflies and many diurnal crustaceans. It is an example of excellent preservation, and we hope that this manuscript will be a starting point for more research work on fossil evidence, and to develop a deeper understanding of the evolution of vision.
Different functions of two putative Drosophila α2δ subunits in the same identified motoneurons
Authors: Heinrich Laurin , Ryglewski Stefanie
Published: August 2020

Voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) regulate neuronal excitability and translate activity into calcium dependent signaling. The α1 subunit of high voltage activated (HVA) VGCCs associates with α2δ accessory subunits, which may affect calcium channel biophysical properties, cell surface expression, localization and transport and are thus important players in calcium-dependent signaling. In vertebrates, the functions of the different combinations of the four α2δ and the seven HVA α1 subunits are incompletely understood, in particular with respect to partially redundant or separate functions in neurons. This study capitalizes on the relatively simpler situation in the Drosophila genetic model containing two neuronal putative α2δ subunits, straightjacket and CG4587, and one Cav1 and Cav2 homolog each, both with well-described functions in different compartments of identified motoneurons. Straightjacket is required for normal Cav1 and Cav2 current amplitudes and correct Cav2 channel function in all neuronal compartments. By contrast, CG4587 does not affect Cav1 or Cav2 current amplitudes or presynaptic function, but is required for correct Cav2 channel allocation to the axonal versus the dendritic domain. We suggest that the two different putative α2δ subunits are required in the same neurons to regulate different functions of VGCCs.
Male grey seal commits fatal sexual interaction with adult female harbour seals in the German Wadden Sea
Authors: Rohner Simon , Hülskötter Kirsten , Gross Stephanie , Wohlsein Peter , Abdulmawjood Amir , Plötz Madeleine , Verspohl Jutta , Haas Ludwig , Siebert Ursula
Published: August 2020

Males of several seal species are known to show aggressive copulating behaviour, which can lead to injuries to or suffocation of females. In the North Sea, grey seal predation on harbour seals including sexual harassment is documented and represents violent interspecific interaction. In this case series, we report pathological and molecular/genetic findings of 11 adult female harbour seals which were found dead in Schleswig–Holstein, Germany, within 41 days. Several organs of all animals showed haemorrhages and high loads of bacteria, indicating their septic spread. All females were pregnant or had recently been pregnant. Abortion was confirmed in three cases. Lacerations were seen in the uterus and vagina in six cases, in which histology of three individuals revealed severe suppurative inflammation with intralesional spermatozoa. Molecular analysis of vaginal swabs and paraffin-embedded samples of the vagina identified grey seal DNA, suggesting violent interspecific sexual interaction with fatal outcome due to septicaemia. This is the first report of female harbour seals dying after coercive copulation by a male grey seal in the Wadden Sea.
Design of uniform permanent magnet electronic optical system for 220 GHz sheet electron beam traveling wave tube
Authors: Liu Wenxin , Guo Jiaqi , Zhao Chao , Guo Xin , Wang Meng
Published: August 2020

The sheet electron beam (SEB), for which is the low current density and large current, is highly attractive in the region of millimeter wave and terahertz vacuum electronic devices (VEDs). A uniform permanent magnet (UPM) electronic optical system (EOS) driven by a SEB for 220 GHz traveling wave tube (TWT) is designed in present work, in which the voltage and current for SEB is 17 kV and 0.3 A, respectively. For obtaining the stable high transmission rate EOS, the characteristics of SEB in UPM EOS are studied, including the emittance, orbital angle, and beam trajectories, which are discussed through the CST simulation. The results show that the emittances in the x-direction are varied from 0.003 to 0.016 mm rad and in y-direction are various from 1 × 10−4 to 3 × 10−4 mm rad, respectively, keeping below than 2.5 × 10−4 mm rad during transmission, which guarantees the stability of SEB in y-direction. For the design of complete EOS, the normal rectangular collector is used, in which the SEB is uniformed scattering.
Clinical characteristics and corticosteroids application of different clinical types in patients with corona virus disease 2019
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Ji Chengcheng , Luo Jiajun , Wu Weiwei , Zhang Junchang , Zhong Zhiqiang , Lankford Seth , Huang Huang , Lin Fang , Wang Yonggang , Mo Guoxin , Hu Xingshuo , Jiang Tianjun , Shao Yanling , Ji Sumin , Zhang Yawei , Qin Enqiang , Mu Jinsong
Published: August 2020

To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Beijing. To analyze the application of corticosteroids in patients with severe pneumonia. We collected information on demographic characteristics, exposure history, clinical characteristics, corticosteroids use, and outcomes of the 65 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from Jan 20 to Feb 23, 2020. The final follow-up date observed was April 15th, 2020. The number of patients with mild, general, severe, and critical type were 10 (15.38%), 32 (49.23%), 8 (12.31%), and 15 (23.08%), respectively. The median incubation period was 6 days. Notable outliers were 1 patient at 16 days and 1 patient at 21 days. In lymphocyte subgroup analysis, decreases in total, T, CD4, and CD8 lymphocytes were more common as the disease worsened (All P < 0.05). Methylprednisolone (mPSL) was applied to 31 (47.69%) patients with pneumonia, including 10 (31.25%) general, 8 (100%) severe, and 13 (86.67%) critical patients, respectively. Corticosteroids inhibited Interleukin-6(IL-6) production (P = 0.0215) but did not affect T lymphocyte (P = 0.0796). There was no significant difference between patients using lower dose (≤ 2 mg/kg day) and higher dose (> 2 mg/kg day) mPSL in inhibiting IL-6 production (P = 0.5856). Thirty of 31 patients (96.77%) had stopped mPSL due to improvement of pneumonia. Virus RNA clearance time lengthened with disease progression (P = 0.0001). In general type, there was no significant difference in virus clearance time between patients with (15, 12–19 days) and without (14.5, 11–18 days) (P = 0.7372) mPSL use. Lymphocyte, especially T lymphocyte, in severe and critical patients showed a dramatic decrease. Application of lower dose corticosteroids (≤ 2 mg/kg day) could inhibit IL-6 production (a representative of cytokines) as effectively as a higher dose. Proper use corticosteroids in general type patients did not delay virus clearance.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of rechargeable pouch cell batteries: beating the skin depth by excitation and detection via the casing
Authors: Benders Stefan , Mohammadi Mohaddese , Klug Christopher A. , Jerschow Alexej
Published: August 2020

Rechargeable batteries are notoriously difficult to examine nondestructively, and the obscurity of many failure modes provides a strong motivation for developing efficient and detailed diagnostic techniques that can provide information during realistic operating conditions. In-situ NMR spectroscopy has become a powerful technique for the study of electrochemical processes, but has mostly been limited to laboratory cells. One significant challenge to applying this method to commercial cells has been that the radiofrequency, required for NMR excitation and detection, cannot easily penetrate the battery casing due to the skin depth. This complication has limited such studies to special research cell designs or to ‘inside-out’ measurement approaches. This article demonstrates that it is possible to use the battery cell as a resonator in a tuned circuit, thereby allowing signals to be excited inside the cell, and for them to subsequently be detected via the resonant circuit. Employing this approach, 7Li NMR signals from the electrolyte, as well as from intercalated and plated metallic lithium in a multilayer (rolled) commercial pouch cell battery were obtained. Therefore, it is anticipated that critical nondestructive device characterization can be performed with this technique in realistic and even commercial cell designs.
Cupid, a cell permeable peptide derived from amoeba, capable of delivering GFP into a diverse range of species
Authors: Fenton Daniel , Phillips Dylan , Maddison Anne , H. George Christopher , Ryves Jonathan , D. Jones Huw
Published: August 2020

Cell permeating peptides (CPPs) are attracting great interest for use as molecular delivery vehicles for the transport of biologically active cargo across the cell membrane. The sequence of a novel CPP sequence, termed ‘Cupid’, was identified from the genome of Dictyostelium discoideum. A Cupid-Green Fluorescent Protein (Cupid-GFP) fusion protein was tested on mammalian, whole plant cells, plant leaf protoplast and fungal cell cultures and observed using confocal microscopy. GFP fluorescence builds up within the cell cytosol in 60 min, demonstrating Cupid-GFP has permeated them and folded correctly into its fluorescent form. Our combined data suggest Cupid can act as a molecular vehicle capable of delivering proteins, such as GFP, into the cytosol of a variety of cells.
Comparison of modular and nonmodular tapered fluted titanium stems in femoral revision hip arthroplasty: a minimum 6-year follow-up study
Authors: Feng Shuo , Zhang Yu , Bao Yu-Hang , Yang Zhi , Zha Guo-Chun , Chen Xiang-Yang
Published: August 2020

Both modular and nonmodular tapered fluted titanium stems are commonly used in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, which type of femoral stem is superior remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of modular and nonmodular tapered fluted titanium. The clinical data of patients undergoing primary revision THA from January 2009 to January 2013 in two institutions were retrospectively analyzed. According to the type of prosthesis used on the femoral side, the patients were divided into the modular group (108 hips; Link MP modular stem in 73 hips and AK-MR modular stem in 35 hips) and nonmodular group (110 hips; Wagner SL stem in 78 hips and AK-SL stem in 32 hips). The operative time, hospital stay, blood loss, blood transfusion volume, hip function, hip pain, limb length discrepancy, imaging data, and complications were compared between the two groups.A total of 218 patients were followed up for 78–124 months, with an average of 101.5 months. The incidence of intraoperative fracture in the modular group (16.7%) was significantly higher than that in the nonmodular group (4.5%; (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the limb length difference in the modular group (2.3 ± 2.7 mm) was significantly lower than that in the nonmodular group (5.6 ± 3.5 mm; P < 0.05), and the postoperative prosthesis subsidence in the modular group (averaged 0.92 mm; 0–10.2 mm) was significantly less than that in the nonmodular group (averaged 2.20 mm; 0–14.7 mm; P < 0.05). Both modular and nonmodular tapered fluted titanium stems can achieve satisfactory mid-term clinical and imaging results in patients who underwent femoral revision. The modular stems have good control of lower limb length and low incidence of prosthesis subsidence.
Spatial clustering of food insecurity and its association with depression: a geospatial analysis of nationally representative South African data, 2008–2015
Authors: Tomita Andrew , Cuadros Diego F. , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Sartorius Benn , Ncama Busisiwe P. , Dangour Alan D. , Tanser Frank , Modi Albert T. , Slotow Rob , Burns Jonathan K.
Published: August 2020

While food insecurity is a persistent public health challenge, its long-term association with depression at a national level is unknown. We investigated the spatial heterogeneity of food insecurity and its association with depression in South Africa (SA), using nationally-representative panel data from the South African National Income Dynamics Study (years 2008–2015). Geographical clusters (“hotpots”) of food insecurity were identified using Kulldorff spatial scan statistic in SaTScan. Regression models were fitted to assess association between residing in food insecure hotspot communities and depression. Surprisingly, we found food insecurity hotspots (p < 0.001) in high-suitability agricultural crop and livestock production areas with reliable rainfall and fertile soils. At baseline (N = 15,630), we found greater likelihood of depression in individuals residing in food insecure hotspot communities [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 1.13, 95% CI:1.01–1.27] using a generalized linear regression model. When the panel analysis was limited to 8,801 participants who were depression free at baseline, residing in a food insecure hotspot community was significantly associated with higher subsequent incidence of depression (aRR = 1.11, 95% CI:1.01–1.22) using a generalized estimating equation regression model. The association persisted even after controlling for multiple socioeconomic factors and household food insecurity. We identified spatial heterogeneity of food insecurity at a national scale in SA, with a demonstrated greater risk of incident depression in hotspots. More importantly, our finding points to the “Food Security Paradox”, food insecurity in areas with high food-producing potential. There is a need for place-based policy interventions that target communities vulnerable to food insecurity, to reduce the burden of depression.
Anandamide prevents the adhesion of filamentous Candida albicans to cervical epithelial cells
Authors: Sionov Ronit Vogt , Feldman Mark , Smoum Reem , Mechoulam Raphael , Steinberg Doron
Published: August 2020

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species that have formed a biofilm on epithelial linings of the body. The most frequently affected areas include the vagina, oral cavity and the intestine. In severe cases, the fungi penetrate the epithelium and cause systemic infections. One approach to combat candidiasis is to prevent the adhesion of the fungal hyphae to the epithelium. Here we demonstrate that the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and the endocannabinoid-like N-arachidonoyl serine (AraS) strongly prevent the adherence of C. albicans hyphae to cervical epithelial cells, while the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) has only a minor inhibitory effect. In addition, we observed that both AEA and AraS prevent the yeast-hypha transition and perturb hyphal growth. Real-time PCR analysis showed that AEA represses the expression of the HWP1 and ALS3 adhesins involved in Candida adhesion to epithelial cells and the HGC1, RAS1, EFG1 and ZAP1 regulators of hyphal morphogenesis and cell adherence. On the other hand, AEA increased the expression of NRG1, a transcriptional repressor of filamentous growth. Altogether, our data show that AEA and AraS have potential anti-fungal activities by inhibiting hyphal growth and preventing hyphal adherence to epithelial cells.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutation of the mtnr1a melatonin receptor gene causes rod photoreceptor degeneration in developing Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Wiechmann Allan F. , Martin Teryn A. , Horb Marko E.
Published: August 2020

Nighttime surges in melatonin levels activate melatonin receptors, which synchronize cellular activities with the natural light/dark cycle. Melatonin receptors are expressed in several cell types in the retina, including the photon-sensitive rods and cones. Previous studies suggest that long-term photoreceptor survival and retinal health is in part reliant on melatonin orchestration of circadian homeostatic activities. This scenario would accordingly envisage that disruption of melatonin receptor signaling is detrimental to photoreceptor health. Using in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 genomic editing, we discovered that a small deletion mutation of the Mel1a melatonin receptor (mtnr1a) gene causes a loss of rod photoreceptors in retinas of developing Xenopus tropicalis heterozygous, but not homozygous mutant tadpoles. Cones were relatively spared from degeneration, and the rod loss phenotype was not obvious after metamorphosis. Localization of Mel1a receptor protein appeared to be about the same in wild type and mutant retinas, suggesting that the mutant protein is expressed at some level in mutant retinal cells. The severe impact on early rod photoreceptor viability may signify a previously underestimated critical role in circadian influences on long-term retinal health and preservation of sight. These data offer evidence that disturbance of homeostatic, circadian signaling, conveyed through a mutated melatonin receptor, is incompatible with rod photoreceptor survival.
Early postoperative seizures (EPS) in patients undergoing brain tumour surgery
Authors: Ersoy Tunc Faik , Ridwan Sami , Grote Alexander , Coras Roland , Simon Matthias
Published: August 2020

Early postoperative seizures (EPS) are a common complication of brain tumour surgery. This paper investigates risk factors, management and clinical relevance of EPS. We retrospectively analysed the occurrence of EPS, clinical and laboratory parameters, imaging and histopathological findings in a cohort of 679 consecutive patients who underwent craniotomies for intracranial tumours between 2015 and 2017. EPS were observed in 34/679 cases (5.1%), with 14 suffering at least one generalized seizure. Patients with EPS had a worse postoperative Karnofsky performance index (KPI; with EPS, KPI < 70 vs. 70–100: 11/108, 10.2% vs. 23/571, 4.0%; p = 0.007). Preoperative seizure history was a predictor for EPS (none vs. 1 vs. ≥ 2 seizures: p = 0.037). Meningioma patients had the highest EPS incidence (10.1%, p < 0.001). Cranial imaging identified a plausible cause in most cases (78.8%). In 20.6%, EPS were associated with a persisting new neurological deficit that could not otherwise be explained. 34.6% of the EPS patients had recurrent seizures within one year. EPS require an emergency work-up. Multiple EPS and recurrent seizures are frequent, which indicates that EPS may also reflect a more chronic condition i.e. epilepsy. EPS are often associated with persisting neurological worsening.
Alterations in acid–base balance and high-intensity exercise performance after short-term and long-term exposure to acute normobaric hypoxic conditions
Authors: Limmer Mirjam , de Marées Markus , Platen Petra
Published: August 2020

This investigation assessed the course of renal compensation of hypoxia-induced respiratory alkalosis by elimination of bicarbonate ions and impairments in anaerobic exercise after different durations of hypoxic exposure. Study A: 16 participants underwent a resting 12-h exposure to normobaric hypoxia (3,000 m). Blood gas analysis was assessed hourly. While blood pH was significantly increased, PO2, PCO2, and SaO2 were decreased within the first hour of hypoxia, and changes remained consistent. A substantial reduction in [HCO3−] levels was observed after 12 h of hypoxic exposure (− 1.35 ± 0.29 mmol/L, p ≤ 0.05). Study B: 24 participants performed in a randomized, cross-over trial portable tethered sprint running (PTSR) tests under normoxia and after either 1 h (n = 12) or 12 h (n = 12) of normobaric hypoxia (3,000 m). No differences occurred for PTSR-related performance parameters, but the reduction in blood lactate levels was greater after 12 h compared with 1 h (− 1.9 ± 2.2 vs 0.0 ± 2.3 mmol/L, p ≤ 0.05). These results indicate uncompensated respiratory alkalosis after 12 h of hypoxia and similar impairment of high-intensity exercise after 1 and 12 h of hypoxic exposure, despite a greater reduction in blood lactate responses after 12 h compared with 1 h of hypoxic exposure.
Improved electroless platinum contacts on CdZnTe X- and γ-rays detectors
Authors: Bettelli Manuele , Sarzi Amadè Nicola , Zanettini Silvia , Nasi Lucia , Villani Marco , Abbene Leonardo , Principato Fabio , Santi Andrea , Pavesi Maura , Zappettini Andrea
Published: August 2020

Platinum is a promising candidate for the realization of blocking electrical contacts on cadmium-zinc-telluride (CdZnTe or CZT) radiation detectors. However, the poor mechanical adhesion of this metal often shortens the lifetime of the final device. In this work, a simple and effective procedure to obtain robust platinum contacts by electroless deposition is presented. Microscopical analysis revealed the final thickness and composition of the contact layer and its adhesion to the bulk crystal. The blocking nature of the Pt-CdZnTe junction, essential to obtain low noise devices, was confirmed by current–voltage measurements. The planar Pt-CdZnTe-Pt detectors showed good room temperature spectroscopic performance with energy resolution of 4% (2.4 keV) and 3% (3.7 keV) FWHM at 59.5 and 122.1 keV, respectively. Finally, we showed, for the first time, that platinum contacts allow the estimation of the carrier lifetime and mobility of both holes and electrons by using current transient measurements. This demonstrated the optimal hole extraction capability of such contacts.
Intraperitoneal and subcutaneous glucagon delivery in anaesthetized pigs: effects on circulating glucagon and glucose levels
Authors: Åm Marte Kierulf , Dirnena-Fusini Ilze , Fougner Anders Lyngvi , Carlsen Sven Magnus , Christiansen Sverre Christian
Published: August 2020

Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone and increases the blood glucose levels. It may be incorporated in a dual hormone artificial pancreas, a device to automatically and continuously control blood glucose levels of individuals with diabetes. Artificial pancreas systems have been developed for use in the subcutaneous tissue; however, the systems are not fully automated due to slow dynamics. The intraperitoneal space is therefore investigated as an alternative location for an artificial pancreas. Glucose dynamics after subcutaneous and intraperitoneal glucagon delivery in ten anaesthetized pigs were investigated. The pigs received intraperitoneal boluses of 0.3 µg/kg and 0.6 µg/kg and a subcutaneous bolus of 0.6 µg/kg in randomized order. They also received an intraperitoneal bolus of 1 mg given at the end of the experiments to test the remaining capacity of rapid glucose release. Six pigs were included in the statistical analysis. The intraperitoneal glucagon bolus of 0.6 µg/kg gave a significantly higher glucose response from 14 to 30 min compared with the subcutaneous bolus. The results indicate that glucagon induces a larger glucose response after intraperitoneal delivery compared with subcutaneous delivery and is encouraging for the incorporation of glucagon in an intraperitoneal artificial pancreas.