bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevation‐dependent precipitation response to El Niño‐Southern oscillation revealed in headwater basins of the US central Rocky Mountains
Authors: Preece Jonathon R. , Shinker Jacqueline J. , Riebe Clifford S. , Minckley Thomas A.
Published: August 2020

We used nonparametric analyses of gridded precipitation data from the Parameter‐Elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) to examine teleconnections between the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and elevation‐related precipitation variability from 1950 to 2016 over the Snake‐Salt, Wind‐Bighorn, Green, and Platte basins, which span the North American continental divide. Our analyses parse data into three‐month‐long meteorological seasons and use the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) index to examine seasonal precipitation during El Niño and La Niña years. The results reveal statistically significant elevation‐related variability in seasonal precipitation response: ENSO‐related differences in precipitation were most widespread during winter, with below‐normal precipitation during El Niño and above‐normal precipitation during La Niña. These connections were particularly clear, with p‐values <.01, in analyses focused on high elevations, where most precipitation falls. Hence, the most apparent ENSO‐related impacts on precipitation were observed during months and at elevations that are crucial to snowpack growth. In addition, our analyses of low elevations of the Platte Basin reveal above‐normal spring and fall precipitation during El Niño and below‐normal fall precipitation during La Niña. Comparison of PRISM and North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) datasets for the period of overlap (1979–2016) suggest that the elevational response is robust. Together, our findings expand the scope of documented ENSO teleconnections in western North America and underscore the importance of parsing precipitation response over temporal and spatial scales that are relevant to the timing and location of dominant precipitation inputs in the topographically diverse western United States.
Laser‐assisted regenerative surgical therapy for peri‐implantitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wang Chin‐Wei , Ashnagar Sajjad , Gianfilippo Riccardo Di , Arnett Michelle , Kinney Janet , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: August 2020

Background

Different surgical approaches have been proposed to treat peri‐implantitis defects with limited effectiveness and predictability. Laser has been proposed as an effective tool to assist in bacterial decontamination and modulating peri‐implant tissue inflammation. The aim of this pilot clinical trial was to evaluate the adjunctive benefits of Er:YAG laser irradiation for regenerative surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis‐associated osseous defects.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients diagnosed with peri‐implantitis with a radiographic infrabony defect were randomized into two groups. Both test and control groups received the following treatment: open flap mechanical debridement, supracrestal implantoplasty, bone grafting using a mixture of human allograft with demineralized bone matrix human allograft putty, and then covered with acellular dermal matrix membrane. The only difference in the test group was the adjunctive use of Er:YAG laser to modulate and remove inflammatory tissue as well as to decontaminate the implant surface. Clinical assessments, including pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival index (GI) were performed by calibrated masked examiners for up to 6 months following surgery. Standardized radiographs were also taken to evaluate linear bone gain and defect bone fill. Student t‐tests were used to analyze those clinical parameters.

Results

Both groups showed significant reductions in PD, GI, and CAL gain overtime. The test group demonstrated significantly higher PD reductions at the site level compared to the control group (2.65 ± 2.14 versus 1.85 ± 1.71 mm; test versus control, P = 0.014). There were no statistical differences found in CAL gain (1.90 ± 2.28 versus 1.47 ± 1.76 mm; test versus control), GI reduction (‐1.14 ± 1.15 versus ‐1.04 ± 0.89; test versus control), radiographic linear bone gain (1.27 ± 1.14 versus 1.08 ± 1.04 mm; test versus control) or proportional defect size reduction (‐ 24.46 ± 19.00% versus ‐15.19 ± 23.56%; test versus control). There was a positive trend for test patients on PD reduction and CAL gain found in narrow infrabony defects. Major membrane exposure negatively impaired the overall treatment outcome of CAL gain (2.47 ± 1.84 versus 1.03 ± 1.48 mm; no/minor versus major exposure, P = 0.051) and PD reduction in the test group (‐3.63 ± 2.11 versus ‐1.66 ± 1.26 mm, P = 0.049).

Conclusion

This pilot study indicated using laser irradiation during peri‐implantitis regenerative therapy may aid in better probing PD reduction. Nonetheless, a larger sample size and longer follow‐up is needed to confirm if Er:YAG laser irradiation provides additional clinical benefits for peri‐implantitis regenerative therapy (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03127228)
Winter Versus Summer Habitat Selection in a Threatened Ground Squirrel
Authors: Goldberg Amanda R. , Conway Courtney J. , Mack Diane Evans , Burak Greg
Published: August 2020

Hibernation is a strategy many species employ to survive periods of thermal stress or resource shortage (e.g., harsh thermal conditions, food limitations) and habitat requirements of hibernating species may differ between summer (the active season) and winter (during hibernation). Accounting for seasonal differences in habitat affinities will help ensure that management actions are more beneficial and land‐use policies are more appropriate. The northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is a federally listed threatened species that is in decline and hibernates for approximately 8 months per year. We collared northern Idaho ground squirrels in Adams County, Idaho from 2013–2017. The majority of northern Idaho ground squirrels we collared selected hibernacula outside of the areas they used during the active season. Furthermore, habitat features of hibernacula locations differed from habitat features of active‐season areas. Hibernacula locations had greater canopy closure compared to active‐season locations (36.9% and 7.0% canopy closure, respectively) and hibernaculum habitat features (particularly distance to nearest log) influenced overwinter survival. Our results suggest that recovery efforts for northern Idaho ground squirrels should include protection and management for the full range of habitat conditions used throughout summer and winter. More broadly, we emphasize the need to identify and protect habitat during all seasons because habitat requirements can differ substantially during different portions of an animal's annual cycle and effective conservation will require management of year‐round habitat needs. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Photonic Perceptron Based on a Kerr Microcomb for High‐Speed, Scalable, Optical Neural Networks
Authors: Xu Xingyuan , Tan Mengxi , Corcoran Bill , Wu Jiayang , Nguyen Thach G. , Boes Andreas , Chu Sai T. , Little Brent E. , Morandotti Roberto , Mitchell Arnan , Hicks Damien G. , Moss David J.
Published: August 2020

Optical artificial neural networks (ONNs)—analog computing hardware tailored for machine learning—have significant potential for achieving ultra‐high computing speed and energy efficiency. A new approach to architectures for ONNs based on integrated Kerr microcomb sources that is programmable, highly scalable, and capable of reaching ultra‐high speeds is proposed here. The building block of the ONN—a single neuron perceptron—is experimentally demonstrated that reaches a high single‐unit throughput speed of 11.9 Giga‐FLOPS at 8 bits per FLOP, corresponding to 95.2 Gbps, achieved by mapping synapses onto 49 wavelengths of a microcomb. The perceptron is tested on simple standard benchmark datasets—handwritten‐digit recognition and cancer‐cell detection—achieving over 90% and 85% accuracy, respectively. This performance is a direct result of the record low wavelength spacing (49 GHz) for a coherent integrated microcomb source, which results in an unprecedented number of wavelengths for neuromorphic optics. Finally, an approach to scaling the perceptron to a deep learning network is proposed using the same single microcomb device and standard off‐the‐shelf telecommunications technology, for high‐throughput operation involving full matrix multiplication for applications such as real‐time massive data processing for unmanned vehicles and aircraft tracking.
The Effect of Plant Derived Bioactive Compounds on Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Poulsen Nikolaj Bech , Lambert Max Norman Tandrup , Jeppesen Per Bendix
Published: August 2020

A growing number of people worldwide are changing their lifestyle leading to an increasing number of overweight and obese individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). With obesity and MetS come an elevated inflammatory state resulting in increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, among other lifestyle diseases. Fruits and vegetables (FV) contain phytochemicals with health beneficial effects including anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to investigate the effects of diets high in FV, and plant‐based products on C‐reactive protein (CRP). A systematic search in PUBMED and EMBASE gave rise to 883 articles, 16 of which are included in the meta‐analysis. The effects of plant‐based products and diets are investigated in subgroups including overweight, obese, and diabetes; as wells as the effect of plant‐oils and anthocyanin on CRP. The analysis shows an overall significant reduction in CRP for all articles (p = 0.0006). A significant decrease in diabetic (p = 0.01), overweight (p = 0.005), and obese patients (p = 0.05) is observed, including significant effects of anthocyanins (p = 0.001) and plant‐oils (p < 0.00001) on CRP. These findings strongly support the recommendation for diets high in FV and plant‐oils to help attenuate elevated CRP.
NMR‐based clinical metabolomics revealed distinctive serum metabolic profiles in patients with spondyloarthritis
Authors: Gupta Latika , Guleria Anupam , Rawat Atul , Kumar Dinesh , Aggarwal Amita
Published: August 2020

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a common rheumatic disorder of the young, marred by delay in diagnosis, and paucity of biomarkers of disease activity. The present study aimed to explore the potential of serum metabolic profiling of patients with SpA to identify biomarker for the diagnosis and assessment of disease activity. The serum metabolic profiles of 81 patients with SpA were compared with that of 86 healthy controls (HCs) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics approach. Seventeen patients were followed up after 3 months of standard treatment, and paired sera were analyzed for effects of therapy. Comparisons were done using the multivariate partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), and the discriminatory metabolic entities were identified based on variable importance in projection (VIP) statistics and further evaluated for statistical significance (p value < 0.05). We found that the serum metabolic profiles differed significantly in SpA as compared with HCs. Compared with HC, the SpA patients were characterized by increased serum levels of amino acids, acetate, choline, N‐acetyl glycoproteins, Nα‐acetyl lysine, creatine/creatinine, and so forth and decreased levels of low‐/very low‐density lipoproteins and polyunsaturated lipids. PLS‐DA analysis also revealed metabolic differences between axial and peripheral SpA patients. Further metabolite profiles were found to differ with disease activity and treatment in responding patients. The results presented in this study demonstrate the potential of serum metabolic profiling of axial SpA as a useful tool for diagnosis, prediction of peripheral disease, assessment of disease activity, and treatment response.
Probing short and long‐range interactions in native collagen inside the bone matrix by BioSolids CryoProbe
Authors: Tiwari Nidhi , Wegner Sebastian , Hassan Alia , Dwivedi Navneet , Rai RamaNand , Sinha Neeraj
Published: August 2020

Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance is a promising technique to probe bone mineralization and interaction of collagen protein in the native state. However, many of the developments are hampered due to the low sensitivity of the technique. In this article, we report solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments using the newly developed BioSolids CryoProbe™ to access its applicability for elucidating the atomic‐level structural details of collagen protein in native state inside the bone. We report here approximately a fourfold sensitivity enhancement in the natural abundance 13C spectrum compared with the room temperature conventional solid‐state NMR probe. With the advantage of sensitivity enhancement, we have been able to perform natural abundance 15N cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) and two‐dimensional (2D) 1H–13C heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) experiments of native collagen within a reasonable timeframe. Due to high sensitivity, 2D 1H/13C HETCOR experiments have helped in detecting several short and long‐range interactions of native collagen assembly, thus significantly expanding the scope of the method to such challenging biomaterials.
First pregnancy after in vitro culture of early antral follicles in goats: Positive effects of anethole on follicle development and steroidogenesis
Authors: de Sá Naiza A. R. , Ferreira Anna C. A. , Sousa Francisca G. C. , Duarte Ana B. G. , Paes Victor. M. , Cadenas Jesús , Anjos Jefferson C. , Fernandes César C. L. , Rosseto Rafael , Cibin Francielli W. S. , Alves Benner G. , Rodrigues Ana P. R. , Rondina David , Gastal Eduardo L. , Figueiredo José R.
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the role of anethole during the in vitro culture of caprine early antral follicles. Early antral follicles were isolated from caprine ovaries and cultured for 18 days without (control) or with anethole (300 µg/ml). After culture, the cumulus–oocyte complexes were subjected to in vitro maturation, followed by parthenogenetic activation or in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo culture. Follicular walls were used for the quantification of messenger RNA (mRNA) of CYP19A1, CYP17, MMP‐9, TIMP‐2, Bax, and Bcl‐2 genes, and culture medium was used for evaluation of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and estradiol levels. After in vitro follicle culture (IVFC), anethole induced higher total antioxidant capacity, that is, it produced higher FRAP levels, reduced the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, and increased the levels of mRNA for CYP19A1 and CYP17, which was associated with a greater estradiol production (p < .05). Also, anethole improved the ability of oocytes to resume meiosis and reach metaphase II stage, as well as yielded higher (p < .05) embryo production (e.g., morulas and blastocysts) in both parthenogenetic activation and IVF techniques. One pregnancy (Day 30) was obtained from IVFC with anethole. In conclusion, anethole promoted in vitro growth and maturation of goat early antral follicles and oocytes and enabled embryo production. Furthermore, this study reports, for the first time in goats, a pregnancy after IVF using oocytes originated from early antral follicles grown in vitro.
Second‐order necessary optimality conditions for a discrete optimal control problem with nonlinear state equations
Authors: Toan N. T. , Thuy L. Q. , Ansari Q. H. , Yao J.‐C.
Published: August 2020

In this article, we study second‐order necessary optimality conditions for a discrete optimal control problem with a nonconvex cost function, nonlinear state equations and mixed constraints. In order to achieve these conditions, we first establish an abstract result on the second‐order necessary optimality conditions for a mathematical programming problem and then we derive the second‐order necessary optimality conditions for a discrete optimal control problem. The main result of this article is illustrated by two examples.
Childhood nature connection and constructive hope: A review of research on connecting with nature and coping with environmental loss
Authors: Chawla Louise
Published: August 2020

Within a generation, children's lives have largely moved indoors, with the loss of free‐ranging exploration of the nearby natural world, even as research indicates that direct experiences of nature in childhood contribute to care for nature across the life span.

In response, many conservation organizations advocate connecting children with nature, and there has been rising interest in measuring young people's connectedness with nature, understanding how it relates to their well‐being and stewardship behaviour and creating programs to increase connection.

This article reviews the literature on these topics, covering both quantitative and qualitative studies. It notes that this research emphasizes positive experiences and emotions, even as global environmental changes and biodiversity loss accelerate.

Young people's emotions of worry, frustration and sadness as they learn about environmental degradation also express their understanding that they are connected to the biosphere. Therefore this review includes research on how young people cope with information about large‐scale environmental problems, and it identifies practices to sustain hope.

The review concludes by suggesting how research on connection with nature and coping with environmental change can benefit from integration.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Preparation of macroporous hybrid monoliths via iron‐based MOFs‐stabilized CO2‐in‐water HIPEs and use for β‐amylase immobilization
Authors: Ma Chao , Wang Jide , Cao Liqin
Published: August 2020

The current study reports the utilization of MIL‐100(Fe) as Pickering emulsifiers to stabilize CO2‐in‐water high internal phase emulsions, thereby synthesizing interconnected macroporous hybrid monoliths with adjustable pore sizes. During such a green synthesis procedure, the influences of Fe‐MOF type and content, carbon dioxide density, and the amount of crosslinker have been explored respectively. The as‐synthesized MOF‐containing poly(HIPE)s were characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, SEM, CLSM, and TGA. The morphology of the monoliths was mainly observed by EDS‐mapping and SEM, which showed that Fe‐MOFs were uniformly distributed into the monolithic matrix and the void sizes and interconnected pore sizes were 20 to 150 μm and 5 to 50 μm, respectively. Furthermore, the MIL‐100(Fe)‐containing monoliths exhibited an excellent elasticity and can quickly return to their original state when reaching up to 90% compressive strain without failing. To evaluate the adsorptive properties of the composite monoliths, the immobilization of β‐amylase on the obtained monoliths was studied. The results of immobilized enzymes showed that the highest protein adsorption rate can reach 55% and the immobilization efficiency can reach 89%. Since our synthetic route is clean and controllable, biocompatible monoliths with good elasticity and toughness were prepared, which presents a viable strategy to produce hybrid monoliths for bio‐medical applications.
Effects of seawater absorption and desorption on the long‐term creep performance of graphene oxide embedded glass fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Anand Abhijeet , Ghosh Sohan Kumar , Prusty Rajesh Kumar
Published: August 2020

This study is primarily focused on analyzing the consequences of sea water absorption and desorption on the long‐term durability of glass fiber/epoxy (GE) and 0.5 wt% graphene oxide (GO) dispersed glass fiber/epoxy (GO‐GE) composites. Both GE and GO‐GE composite specimens were initially exposed to natural seawater for a duration of 9 months. Desorption was also carried out for some of the seawater saturated samples. Before ageing, flexural test and dynamic mechanical analysis were carried out to understand the impact of GO incorporation on the characteristics of GE composite. Using gravimetric analysis, the seawater uptake kinetic curves were determined for both the composites. Long‐term durability was assessed by performing stepwise isothermal creep and recovery tests in 30°C to 120°C temperature range and analysis of the results involved the use of time‐temperature superposition principle for constructing the creep master isotherms in different conditions (before ageing or dry state, saturated state, and desorbed state).
Study of the synthesis of C:H coating by PECVD for protecting Mg‐based nano‐objects
Authors: Liang Hui , Panepinto Adriano , Prince Loic , Olivier Marjorie , Cossement Damien , Bousser Etienne , Geng Xi , Li Wenjiang , Chen Minfang , Snyders Rony , Thiry Damien
Published: August 2020

In the context of protecting Mg‐based nano‐objects for potential hydrogen storage applications, the potential of C:H layer as a barrier polymer material deposited by the plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition process is examined. Corrosion tests reveal (a) good barrier properties of the C:H layer and (b) suggest an increase in the internal stress with the power dissipated in the plasma. The latter is attributed to an increase in the cross‐linking density of the coatings accompanied by an increase in the stiffness as shown by nanoindentation measurements. Finally, for a given set of plasma parameters, Mg‐based nanowires were successfully enrobed by the C:H coatings as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy measurements.
Top‐down lignomics analysis of the French pine lignin by atmospheric pressure photoionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry: Identification of a novel series of lignin–carbohydrate complexes
Authors: Mikhael Abanoub , Fridgen Travis D. , Delmas Michel , Banoub Joseph
Published: August 2020

Rationale

We report the top‐down lignomics analysis of the virgin released lignin (VRL) extracted from French pine wood by using atmospheric pressure photoionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (APPI‐QqTOF‐MS) and low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (CID‐MS/MS).

Methods

We used APPI‐QqTOF‐MS (positive ion mode) for the analysis of the complex mixture of VRL oligomers extracted from French pine wood. Some of the major precursor ions were fished out from the complex VRL oligomeric mixture and subjected to low‐energy CID‐MS/MS analyses.

Results

Fourteen novel lignin–carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) were identified using APPI‐QqTOF‐MS/MS of the very complex mixture of virgin released lignins (VRLs), directly extracted from French pine wood without any kind of purification. The low‐energy CID‐MS/MS analyses allowed us to establish the fragmentation patterns of the precursor ions and to identify the complex structures of the identified LCC molecules. These novel identified series of LCCs were composed of one or two carbohydrate rings to which one, two, or three lignin units were covalently attached. In addition to the fourteen LCCs, acetyl eugenol was identified in the French pine VRL sample. The identification of acetyl eugenol indicates possible lignin degradation and modification (acetylation) during the mild extraction method developed by the Compagnie Industrielle de la Matière Végétale (CIMV).

Conclusions

The top‐down lignomics analysis of the French pine VRLs using APPI‐QqTOF‐MS and low energy CID‐MS/MS allowed us to identify acetylated eugenol and a novel series of fourteen LCCs. These series of LCCs provide evidence that lignins are covalently linked to carbohydrates in the native wood network and act as cross‐linkers between cellulose and hemicellulose components of wood.
Enteroviruses in gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Rao C. Durga
Published: August 2020

Gastrointestinal diseases including diarrhoea constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and young children especially in developing countries. Worldwide deaths among all ages due to diarrhoea during 2015 were estimated to be about 1.31 million, diarrhoeal deaths in children below 5 years of age being 499 000. Rotavirus accounted for about 200 000 deaths. Although diarrhoeal deaths decreased significantly during the last two decades, they still represent the third largest cause of infantile deaths. Several bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal and non‐infectious diarrhoea causing agents have been identified, but 30% to 40% of diarrhoeal cases remain undiagnosed. Enteroviruses transmit by the faecal‐oral route and replicate first in intestinal cells before spreading to the target organ. They have been associated with diarrhoea in a few studies, but their causative role in diarrhoea in humans has not been systematically demonstrated. In view of the recent demonstration that enteroviruses cause diarrhoea in newborn mice pups, thus validating Koch's postulates, the purpose of this review is to emphasise the importance of recognising enteroviruses as major gastrointestinal pathogens associated with acute and persistent diarrhoea and non‐diarrhoeal increased frequency of bowel movements in infants, young children and adults. Our studies and several other subsequent studies reported from different countries should stimulate strategies to reduce the burden of infantile gastrointestinal disease, which has hitherto remained unaddressed.
Necessary conditions for a class of optimal multiprocess with state constraints
Authors: Cortez Karla , de Pinho Maria do Rosário , Matos Aníbal
Published: August 2020

In this article, we derive a maximum principle for a special class of free end time optimal control of multiprocesses involving a family of control systems acting in different regions defined by state constraints. We are mainly interested in problems with contiguous time intervals. The main feature of our maximum principle is that it covers the case where some of the regions considered may not be visited. This means that the intervals where the corresponding control systems are active may be reduced to a single point. The derivation of our maximum principle is done by reformulating the optimal multiprocess problem as an equivalent fixed time state constrained optimal control problem. This reformulated problem is also of interest since it provides the means to solve optimal multiprocess problems numerically via the direct method. We illustrate our findings with an example concerning the path planning of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) using a simple kinematic model derived for simulations. We use simplified point‐mass model for the motion of an AUV in a horizontal plane and we assume that the ocean currents are known. We recast this problem as the multiprocess optimal control problem of interest and we study it via simulations presenting computational results partially validated by the maximum principle.
Evaluation ofmulti‐sourceprecipitation data in a watershed with complex topography based on distributed hydrological modeling
Authors: Wang Weichen , Sun Lian , Cai Yanpeng , Yi Yujun , Yang Wei , Yang Zhifeng
Published: August 2020

Hydrological simulation in areas with complex topography and pronounced climatic heterogeneity has a certain degree of uncertainty, and how precipitation data from multiple types of sources influence hydrological simulation remains unclear. Performances of precipitation datasets based on multiple interpolation methods (i.e., inverse distance weighted [IDW], cokriging, and ANUSPLIN) and satellite remote sensing datasets (i.e., tropical rainfall measuring mission multi‐satellite precipitation analysis 3B42 version7 [TRMM 3B42V7], precipitation estimation from remote sensing information using artificial neural networks–climate data record [PERSIANN‐CDR], climate predication centre morphing technique, and sian precipitation–highly resolved observational data integration towards evaluation of water resources [APHRODITE]) were obtained for comparison. Hydrological responses from these precipitation datasets were evaluated through distributed hydrological model variable infiltration capacity. The Yalong river basin (YRB), located in the Hengduan Mountains region and characterized by the significant heterogeneity of precipitation in China, was focused. Four sub‐regions (i.e., sub‐region I to IV) were divided. The results indicated that: (a) TRMM 3B42V7 and APHRODITE data were superior in detection capability from daily to annual measurement than other satellite precipitation data sets generally; (b) under the scale of gauges, TRMM 3B42V7, APHRODITE, and cokriging performed well in sub‐regions I, II, and IV, respectively. In sub‐region III, performance of the interpolation methods was better than that of TRMM 3B42V7; (c) the interpolation datasets exhibited a poor capability to simulate peak runoff. The combination dataset COM could improve the overall runoff simulation in flood periods; and (d) the interpolation method has the problem of excessive smoothness. Whatever the interpolation dataset is, hydrological simulation tends to result in smaller runoff, which was related to that the measurements from meteorological stations in mountainous valleys are not necessarily representative of the entire region. In this paper, the applicability of multi‐source precipitation data in the hydrological simulation process of YRB was comprehensively analysed, which could provide effective references for improving the accuracy of precipitation data and the applicability of hydrological simulation.
Instream wood increases riverbed temperature variability in a lowland sandy stream
Authors: Klaar Megan J. , Shelley Felicity S. , Hannah David M. , Krause Stefan
Published: August 2020

The (re)introduction of wood into rivers is becoming increasingly popular in river restoration and natural flood management schemes. While instream wood is known to promote geomorphic and hydraulic diversity, the impact of wood in driving surface water‐streambed exchange and subsequent streambed temperatures remains under‐researched, particularly in lowland rivers. We make use of the occurrence of three naturally occurring wood structures in a small, lowland sandy stream to determine how the presence of wood alters the geomorphic, hydraulic and thermal properties of the streambed. Our results show that instream wood plays an important role in promoting localized geomorphic complexity and thermal variation in the streambed. Locations within and immediately downstream of wood structures displayed the highest temperature range and daily variation. Locations upstream of wood structures were characterized by weaker daily temperature variation, while areas without wood displayed relatively stable streambed temperatures, with little diurnal fluctuation. Our study indicates that at this lowland site, instream wood increased seasonal temperature extremes (increased summer and decreased winter temperatures) at shallow depths by enhancing infiltration of warmer (summer) and colder (winter) surface water. This reduction in thermal buffering is likely to have significant implications to streambed‐dwelling communities and highlights that the thermal impacts of wood reintroduction in lowland rivers should be considered prior to river restoration.
Existence thresholds and Ramsey properties of random posets
Authors: Falgas‐Ravry Victor , Markström Klas , Treglown Andrew , Zhao Yi
Published: August 2020

Let denote the power set of [n], ordered by inclusion, and let denote the random poset obtained from by retaining each element from independently at random with probability p and discarding it otherwise. Given any fixed poset F we determine the threshold for the property that contains F as an induced subposet. We also asymptotically determine the number of copies of a fixed poset F in . Finally, we obtain a number of results on the Ramsey properties of the random poset .
Exosomes: Beyond stem cells for cardiac protection and repair
Authors: Balbi Carolina , Vassalli Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

The adult human heart has limited regenerative capacity; hence, stem cell therapy has been investigated as a potential approach for cardiac repair. However, a large part of the benefit of the injection of stem and progenitor cells into injured hearts is mediated by secreted factors. Exosomes—nano-sized secreted extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin—have emerged as key signaling organelles in intercellular communication, and are now viewed as the key regenerative constituent of the secretome of stem and progenitor cells. Exosomes released from mesenchymal stem cells, cardiac-derived progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes exhibit cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, and reparative abilities. This concise review discusses the therapeutic benefit of exosomes secreted by stem and progenitor cells in preclinical models of ischemic heart disease.
Radiative processes of entangled detectors in rotating frames
Authors: Picanço Gabriel , Svaiter Nami F. , Zarro Carlos A.D.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We investigate the radiative processes of accelerated entangled two-level systems. Using first-order perturbation theory, we evaluate transition rates of two entangled Unruh-DeWitt detectors rotating with the same angular velocity interacting with a massive scalar field. Decay processes for arbitrary radius, angular velocities, and energy gaps are analyzed. We discuss the mean-life of entangled states and entanglement harvesting and degradation.
Applicability of finger jointing to circular laminated veneer hollow sections for temporary soil nailing
Authors: Hirschmüller Sebastian , Marte Roman , Englberger Alexander
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the strength properties of circular laminated veneer lumber hollow sections made of beech wood and loaded in tension. These tubular, hollow wooden poles are intended for an innovative geotechnical approach, which utilizes the high tensile strength of beech wood and its limited durability as soil nails for temporary geotechnical slope stabilisation. Due to the standardized design approaches of soil nail walls that prevent a rigid soil body from sliding by using nails as reinforcement elements, primary tension loads will be aligned to the structural elements. Depending on the height of the soil nail wall, nails with a length up to 10 m may be necessary, demanding for high-performance longitudinal section joints due to the natural length limitations of the wood veneer. This paper discusses the applicability of finger jointing to tubular, laminated beech wood veneer poles and presents the results of large-scale tensile tests. Depending on the joint arrangement, the median tensile strength is reduced by 37–43% compared to the unjointed sections of a similar geometry. Thus, finger jointing has been found to be an efficient method of a longitudinal load-carrying connection in combination with a minimized cross section reduction at the joint. However, due to the low sample size of the tests, further improvements are necessary.
Proximal adductor avulsions are rarely isolated but usually involve injury to the PLAC and pectineus: descriptive MRI findings in 145 athletes
Authors: Schilders Ernest , Mitchell Adam W. M. , Johnson Rowena , Dimitrakopoulou Alexandra , Kartsonaki Christiana , Lee Justin Charles
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to review the MRI findings in a cohort of athletes who sustained acute traumatic avulsions of the adductor longus fibrocartilaginous entheses, and to investigate related injuries namely the pyramidalis–anterior pubic ligament–adductor longus complex (PLAC). Associated muscle and soft tissue injuries were also assessed.

Methods

The MRIs were reviewed for a partial or complete avulsion of the adductor longus fibrocartilage, as well as continuity or separation of the adductor longus from the pyramidalis. The presence of a concurrent partial pectineus tear was noted. Demographic data were analysed. Linear and logistic regression was used to examine associations between injuries.

Results

The mean age was 32.5 (SD 10.9). The pyramidalis was absent in 3 of 145 patients. 85 of 145 athletes were professional and 52 competed in the football Premier League. 132 had complete avulsions and 13 partial. The adductor longus was in continuity with pyramidalis in 55 athletes, partially separated in seven and completely in 81 athletes. 48 athletes with a PLAC injury had a partial pectineus avulsion. Six types of PLAC injuries patterns were identified. Associated rectus abdominis injuries were rare and only occurred in five patients (3.5%).

Conclusion

The proximal adductor longus forms part of the PLAC and is rarely an isolated injury. The term PLAC injury is more appropriate term. MRI imaging should assess all the anatomical components of the PLAC post-injury, allowing recognition of the different patterns of injury.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Use of PerClot® in head and neck surgery: a Scottish centre experience
Authors: Rao Kanishka , Gomati Anas , Yuen Hao Tong Edwin , W Ah-See Kim , Shakeel Muhammad
Published: August 2020

Objective

PerClot® is a biocompatible, polysaccharide haemostatic system recommended for surgical procedures. It is an absorbable modified polymer that is non-pyrogenic and is derived from purified plant starch. Our goal was to evaluate the safety, efficacy and usefulness of PerClot® in head and neck surgery (H&N) in our department.

Methods

All patients who received PerClot® after their neck operation over 1-year period (2019–2020) were prospectively investigated. The information collected included demographics, admission and discharge dates, type of operation, operative details, postoperative complications and their management. The data were collected and analysed using Excel.

Results

A total of 57 patients (males = 26, females = 31) with mean age of 51 (range 19–83) were identified. None of the patients developed primary or secondary haemorrhage. Ten patients suffered from post-operative wound complications (18%). Wound infection was noticed in 9/57 (16%) of patients. 1/57 patients had seroma.

Conclusions

PerClot® is safe, effective in reducing the postoperative bleeding and would appear to be useful in head and neck surgery with minimal adverse effects.
Update on recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children
Authors: Miao Hongjun , Li Han , Yao Yinying , Wu Mingfu , Lu Chao , Wang Jun , Tian Man , Li Ying , Luo Peiliang , Gu Jianhui , Yuan Bin , Wang Shouchuan , Zhao Xia , Gan Weihua , Zhao Deyu
Published: August 2020

Since the outbreak of novel coronavirus infection pneumonia in Wuhan City, China, in late 2019, such cases have been gradually reported in other parts of China and abroad. Children have become susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) because of their immature immune function. As the outbreak has progressed, more cases of novel coronavirus infection/pneumonia in children have been reported. Compared with adults, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is less severe, with a lower incidence and susceptibility in children, which results in fewer children being tested, thereby underestimating the actual number of infections. Therefore, strengthening the diagnosis of the disease is particularly important for children, and early and clear diagnosis can determine treatment strategies and reduce the harm caused by the disease to children. According to the Novel Coronavirus Infection Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Standards (trial version 7) issued by National Health Committee and the latest diagnosis and treatment strategies for novel coronavirus infection pneumonia in children, this review summarizes current strategies on diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.
Reactions to infant death by wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: prolonged carrying, non-mother carrying, and partial maternal cannibalism
Authors: Botting Jennifer , van de Waal Erica
Published: August 2020

Observations of dead infant carrying have been reported for many primate species, and researchers have proposed several hypotheses to explain this behaviour. However, despite being a relatively well-studied species, reports of dead infant carrying in wild vervet monkeys(Chlorocebus pygerythrus)remain scarce. Here we report 14 observations of dead infant carrying by female vervet monkeys in a population at Mawana Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Most of the females carried the dead infant for a day or less, but one female carried her infant for at least 14 days. In one case the maternal sister of a dead infant carried it after the death of their mother. We also report a case of mother-infant cannibalism: a female consumed part of her deceased infant’s tail. Other post-mortem care-taking behaviours such as grooming, smelling and licking were also recorded. Of 97 recorded infant deaths in this study population since 2010, 14.4% are known to have elicited dead infant carrying, a proportion similar to that reported for other monkey species. We discuss our observations in relation to various hypotheses about this behaviour, including the post-parturition hormones hypothesis, learning to mother hypothesis, and unawareness of death hypothesis.
Past-Year Violence Victimization is Associated with Viral Load Failure Among HIV-Positive Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Merrill Katherine G. , Campbell Jacquelyn C. , Decker Michele R. , McGready John , Burke Virginia M. , Mwansa Jonathan K. , Miti Sam , Frimpong Christiana , Kennedy Caitlin E. , Denison Julie A.
Published: August 2020

We examined the relationship between past-year violence victimization and viral load (VL) failure among consecutively-sampled male and female adolescents and young adults, aged 15–24, in four HIV clinics in Ndola, Zambia. Measures of past-year physical violence, psychological abuse, and forced sex were adapted from the ICAST-C and WHO Multi-Country Study. Using logistic regression, we derived associations between VL failure (≥ 1000 copies/mL) and: any victimization; cumulative victimization; and types and perpetrators of violence. Among 272 youth (59.2% female, 72.8% perinatally infected), 73.5% (n = 200) experienced past-year violence and 36.8% (n = 100) had VL failure. Higher odds of VL failure were observed for participants who reported high frequency of any violence versus no violence victimization (adjusted OR, aOR: 3.58; 95% CI 1.14–11.27), high frequency of psychological abuse versus no psychological abuse (aOR: 3.32; 95% CI 1.26–8.70), any versus no violence from a family member other than a parent/caregiver for physical violence (aOR: 2.18, 95% CI 1.05–4.54) and psychological abuse (aOR: 2.50; 95% CI 1.37–4.54), and any versus no physical violence from a friend/peer (aOR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.05–4.36). Past-year violence victimization was associated with VL failure when considering the frequency, type, and perpetrator of violence. Programs addressing violence among youth living with HIV may be critical to improving viral suppression and preventing onward transmission.
Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: Ebelt Henning , Domagala Thomas , Offhaus Alexandra , Wiora Matthias , Schwenzky Andreas , Hoyme Matthias , Anacker Jelena , Röhl Peter
Published: August 2020

Background

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative treatment strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation who are at risk for thromboembolic events and considered not suitable for oral anticoagulation (OAC). LAAC is mainly performed under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. The study presented here should analyze whether fusion imaging (FI) of transesophageal echocardiography and X-ray performed during LAAC is feasible and can improve the results of the procedure.

Methods

The data presented here are from a retrospective single center study. Sample size was defined as 50 patients in which LAAC was performed without fusion imaging (control group) and 25 patients were the LAAC procedure was guided by fusion imaging (treatment group). Inclusion criteria were defined as age > 18 years and completion of an LAAC procedure defined as deployment of a WATCHMAN 2.5 LAA occluder. Study endpoints were procedure time, amount of used contrast medium, radiation dose, final position of the WATCHMAN in TEE (deviation from ideal positioning), and clinical endpoints, respectively.

Results

LAA closure was successfully performed in all patients. No case of device embolism was occurring, and none of the patients experienced a periprocedural stroke/TIA nor a systemic embolism, respectively. Mean procedure time was 15 min shorter in the group of patients where fusion imaging was applied (p < 0.001). Additionally, the use of fusion imaging was associated with a significant reduction of contrast medium (20.6 ml less than in control; p < 0.045). Regarding the final position of the WATCHMAN, no relevant differences were found between the groups.

The use of fusion imaging significantly reduced procedure time and the amount of contrast medium in patients undergoing LAAC.
Persuasion without polarization? Modelling persuasive argument communication in teams with strong faultlines
Authors: Feliciani Thomas , Flache Andreas , Mäs Michael
Published: August 2020

Strong demographic faultlines are a potential source of conflict in teams. To study conditions under which faultlines can result in between-group bi-polarization of opinions, a computational model of persuasive argument communication has been proposed. We identify two hitherto overlooked degrees of freedom in how researchers formalized the theory. First, are arguments agents communicate influencing each other’s opinions explicitly or implicitly represented in the model? Second, does similarity between agents increase chances of interaction or the persuasiveness of others’ arguments? Here we examine these degrees of freedom in order to assess their effect on the model’s predictions. We find that both degrees of freedom matter: in a team with strong demographic faultline, the model predicts more between-group bi-polarization when (1) arguments are represented explicitly, and (2) when homophily is modelled such that the interaction between similar agents are more likely (instead of more persuasive).
Learning Adaptive Regularization for Image Labeling Using Geometric Assignment
Authors: Hühnerbein Ruben , Savarino Fabrizio , Petra Stefania , Schnörr Christoph
Published: August 2020

We study the inverse problem of model parameter learning for pixelwise image labeling, using the linear assignment flow and training data with ground truth. This is accomplished by a Riemannian gradient flow on the manifold of parameters that determines the regularization properties of the assignment flow. Using the symplectic partitioned Runge–Kutta method for numerical integration, it is shown that deriving the sensitivity conditions of the parameter learning problem and its discretization commute. A convenient property of our approach is that learning is based on exact inference. Carefully designed experiments demonstrate the performance of our approach, the expressiveness of the mathematical model as well as its limitations, from the viewpoint of statistical learning and optimal control.