bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root capacitance measurements allow non-intrusive in-situ monitoring of the seasonal dynamics and drought response of root activity in two grassland species
Authors: Cseresnyés Imre , Rajkai Kálmán , Szitár Katalin , Radimszky László , Ónodi Gábor , Kröel-Dulay György
Published: March 2020

Background and aims

In this study, the potential of non-intrusive root electrical capacitance (CR) measurements for monitoring the seasonal changes and drought response of root activity was tested on two grassland species in a climate change experiment.

Methods

CR was detected between a ground electrode inserted into the soil and a plant electrode attached to the stem of the perennial grass Stipa borysthenica and the biennial herb Crepis rhoeadifolia in control and drought plots throughout two growing seasons. A pilot study revealed that CR was strongly correlated with root biomass for a given time and soil water content. The effect of changing soil water content on the measured CR value was accounted for by means of species-specific experimental calibrations.

Results

Root activity (CR) was found to peak at the flowering stage in late spring (S. borysthenica) or early summer (C. rhoeadifolia). Both the natural shortage of rainfall and the experimental summer drought reduced root activity in both species. Stipa borysthenica displayed great plasticity in root activity, including quick post-treatment recovery during the rainy autumn. The changes observed in root activity were similar to those previously recorded using conventional root investigation techniques (i.e. destructive, minirhizotron, ingrowth core) in temperate grasslands.

Conclusions

Root capacitance measurements proved to be adequate for monitoring root activity in situ in natural grassland. The method could be particularly useful in studies where plant injury or soil disturbance need to be avoided.
Evaluation of a rapid turn-over, fully-automated ADAMTS13 activity assay: a method comparison study
Authors: Stratmann Jan , Ward Josephine-Nana , Miesbach Wolfgang
Published: March 2020

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy caused by severely reduced activity of the von-Willebrand factor-cleaving protease ADAMTS13, mainly caused by anti-ADAMTS-13 antibodies. Although several test systems for ADAMTS13 measurement exist, long turn-around times hamper the usability in daily practice. We performed a method comparison study for two commercially available ADAMTS13 assays and evaluated the agreement between the fully-automated rapid turn-over HemosIL AcuStar ADAMTS13 Activity assay and the manually performed TECHNOZYM ADAMTS-13 Activity assay. Twenty-four paired test samples derived from 10 consecutively recruited patients (n = 8, acquired TTP; n = 1, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome; n = 1, control), of which nine test samples were collected in case of clinically apparent TTP and 13 samples were collected from TTP patients in clinical remission were included. Overall correlation between the TECHNOZYM and AcuStar assay was good with a Pearson R of 0.93 (p < 0.001). Agreement between the assays assessed with the Passing–Bablok analysis showed high agreement with an Intercept of  − 2.56 (95% confidence interval [CI], − 5.07 to  − 0.86) and Slope of 1.04 (95% CI 0.84–1.17). The absolute mean bias was 2.54% (standard difference [SD], 6.38%; 95% CI to 10.0–15.05%). Intra-method reliability was high with an absolute mean bias of − 0.13% (SD 3.21%; 95% CI to 6.42–6.16%). The observer agreement for categorial thresholds (> or < 10% ADAMTS3 activity) was kappa = 0.82 (95% CI 0.59–1.0). Conclusively, overall agreement between the testing methods was sufficient and we support previously published data suggesting the AcuStar assay being a valuable and accurate tool for ADAMTS13 activity testing and TTP diagnostics.
Soluble platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (sPECAM-1) improves diagnostic accuracy of D-Dimer in patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Authors: Kellermair Joerg , Fellner Alexander , Bittinger Alexander , Schneider Stephanie , Akbari Kaveh , Kammler Juergen , Lambert Thomas , Steinwender Clemens
Published: March 2020

D-Dimer has a high sensitivity but a low specificity for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which limits its implementation as a general screening parameter. There is a demand for additional biomarkers to improve its diagnostic accuracy. Soluble platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (sPECAM-1) is generated at the site of venous thrombosis, thus, represents a promising biomarker. Patients with clinically suspected DVT (N = 159) were prospectively recruited and underwent manual compression ultrasonography (CCUS) to confirm or exclude DVT. The diagnostic value of D-Dimer, sPECAM-1 and the combination of both was assessed. sPECAM-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with DVT (N = 44) compared to patients without DVT (N = 115) (85.9 [76.1/98.0] ng/mL versus 68.0 [50.1/86.0] ng/mL; p < 0.001) with a diagnostic sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 28.7% at the cut point > 50.2 ng/mL. sPECAM-1 improved the diagnostic accuracy of D-Dimer: the combination of both biomarkers yielded a ROC-AUC of 0.925 compared to 0.905 for D-Dimer alone and 0.721 for sPECAM-1 alone with a reduction of false-positive D-Dimer cases 72- > 43 (Δ =  − 31.9%). The discrimination mainly occurred in a subgroup of patients characterized by an inflammatory background (defined by c-reactive protein level > 1 mg/mL). sPECAM-1 represents a novel diagnostic biomarker for venous thrombosis. It does not qualify as a diagnostic biomarker alone but improves the diagnostic accuracy of D-Dimer in patients with suspected DVT.
Der Hippo-Signalweg in der Regeneration und im Krebs
Authors: Tollot Marie , Vranesic Anita Cindric , von Eyss Björn
Published: March 2020

The Hippo signalling pathway is a highly conserved regulator of tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Numerous studies in mouse and human have associated aberrant Hippo pathway activity with cancer development. YAP — the main downstream Hippo pathway effector — can function both as an oncoprotein and a tumor suppressor depending on the cellular context. We recently identified TRPS1 as a novel repressor of YAP activity.
A Scoping Review of School-Based Efforts to Support Students Who Have Experienced Trauma
Authors: Stratford Brandon , Cook Elizabeth , Hanneke Rosie , Katz Emily , Seok Deborah , Steed Heather , Fulks Emily , Lessans Alexis , Temkin Deborah
Published: March 2020

The current review sought to describe the published literature relative to addressing trauma in schools. Through a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications as well as gray literature, we identified a total of 91 publications that were coded for study rigor as well as a number of intervention characteristics. Publications included in the review mentioned a variety of intervention components, most notably an emphasis on counseling services, skill development, psychoeducation related to trauma, and parent engagement. We identified a relative lack of empirical evaluation of whole-school approaches and interventions intended to be delivered by non-clinical staff. We also found that less rigorous publications were more likely to highlight the needs of particularly vulnerable groups of youth and to emphasize cultural competence and community engagement in efforts to address trauma in schools. We call for more rigorous evaluation of practices and policies that take a whole-school approach and can be implemented by non-clinical staff. In particular, we highlight the need to evaluate professional development strategies that can help school staff acquire knowledge and skills that can translate into improved outcomes for students—especially students from historically marginalized groups. We also emphasize the importance of ensuring that high-quality research be made accessible to policymakers and school staff to ensure that clear, evidence-based guidance is available to avoid programs, practices, and policies that may inadvertently traumatize students or exacerbate symptoms among students who have already experienced trauma.
Skill-Based Contextual Sorting: How Parental Cognition and Residential Mobility Produce Unequal Environments for Children
Authors: Schachner Jared N. , Sampson Robert J.
Published: March 2020

Highly skilled parents deploy distinct strategies to cultivate their children’s development, but little is known about how parental cognitive skills interact with metropolitan opportunity structures and residential mobility to shape a major domain of inequality in children’s lives: the neighborhood. We integrate multiple literatures to develop hypotheses on parental skill-based sorting by neighborhood socioeconomic status and public school test scores, which we test using an original follow-up of the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey. These data include more than a decade’s worth of residential histories for households with children that are linked to census, geographic information system, and educational administrative data. We construct discrete-choice models of neighborhood selection that account for heterogeneity among household types, incorporate the unique spatial structure of Los Angeles County, and include a wide range of neighborhood factors. The results show that parents’ cognitive skills interact with neighborhood socioeconomic status to predict residential selection after accounting for, and confirming, the expected influences of race, income, education, housing market conditions, and spatial proximity. Among parents in the upper/upper-middle class, cognitive skills predict sorting on average public school test scores rather than neighborhood socioeconomic status. Overall, we reveal skill-based contextual sorting as an overlooked driver of urban stratification.
Ruddlesden-Popper phase A2BO4 oxides: Recent studies on structure, electrical, dielectric, and optical properties
Authors: Nirala Gurudeo , Yadav Dharmendra , Upadhyay Shail
Published: March 2020

In the last two decades, structure and properties of Ruddlesden–Popper phase (RP) A2BO4oxides with K2NiF4structure, have been widely investigated. But to the best of our knowledge, no review article is available in the literature on recent studies on these oxides. Therefore, in this article, recent studies on structure, electrical, dielectric, and optical properties of these oxides have been reviewed. Special attention is put on to highlight the effect of doping and oxygen stoichiometry on the structure and properties of these oxides. Further, important applications of these oxides have also been mentioned in this article.
Modified graphene as novel lubricating additive with high dispersion stability in oil
Authors: Wu Pu , Chen Xinchun , Zhang Chenhui , Zhang Jiping , Luo Jianbin , Zhang Jiyang
Published: March 2020

Graphene is a promising material as a lubricant additive for reducing friction and wear. Here, a dispersing method which combines chemical modification of graphene by octadecylamine and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide with a kind of effective dispersant has been successfully developed to achieve the remarkable dispersion stability of graphene in base oil. The stable dispersion time of modified graphene (0.5 wt%) with dispersant (1 wt%) in PAO-6 could be up to about 120 days, which was the longest time reported so far. At the same time, the lubricant exhibits a significant improvement of tribological performance for a steel ball to plate tribo-system with a normal load of 2 N. The coefficient of friction between sliding surfaces was ~0.10 and the depth of wear track on plate was ~21 nm, which decreased by about 44% and 90% when compared to pure PAO-6, respectively. Furthermore, the analysis of the lubricating mechanisms in regard to the sliding-induced formation of nanostructured tribo-film has been contacted by using Raman spectra and TEM.
Process-related predictors of readmissions and mortality following hip fracture surgery: a population-based analysis
Authors: Sarimo Simo , Pajulammi Hanna , Jämsen Esa
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Readmissions are common and complicate recovery after hip fracture. The objective of this study was to study readmission rates, factors associated with readmissions and effects of orthogeriatric liaison service in a setting where patients are discharged typically on the first postoperative day from the operating tertiary care hospital to lower-level health care units.

Methods

A regionally representative cohort of 763 surgically treated hip fracture patients aged ≥ 50 years was included in this retrospective study, based on hospital discharge records. Primary outcome was a 30-day readmission, while the secondary outcome was a composite outcome, defined as readmission or death with a follow-up of 1 year at maximum.

Results

The 30-day readmission rate was 8.3% and 1-year mortality was 22.1%. Short length of stay did not lead to poorer outcomes. Delay from admission to surgery of ≥ 4 days and discharge to primary health care wards were associated with an increased 30-day readmission rate. Age ≥ 90 years, delay to surgery, postoperative length of stay of ≥ 2 days and discharge on a Saturday were associated with higher risk for the composite outcome. Use of orthogeriatric liaison service at the operating hospital was associated with a lower risk of 30-day readmissions (11.8% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.012) whereas in longer follow-up readmissions seemed to cumulate similarly independent of orthogeriatric contribution. Patients living in the largest community in the area were discharged to a secondary care orthogeriatric ward and had a lower risk of 30-day readmissions than other patients (4.8% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Use of orthogeriatric liaison service and later care at secondary care orthogeriatric ward seem to be beneficial for hip fracture patients in terms of reducing readmissions and mortality. Of the other care-related factors, short delay from admission to surgery and short total length of stay in the operating hospital was also associated with these outcomes, which, however, may relate to the effects of patient characteristics rather than the care process.
Potential antipsychotic action of the selective agonist of adenosine A1 receptors, 5′-Cl-5′-deoxy-ENBA, in amphetamine and MK-801 rat models
Authors: Ossowska Krystyna , Kosmowska Barbara , Wardas Jadwiga
Published: March 2020

Background

Disturbances of dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmissions have been suggested to be involved in the pathomechanisms underlying psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. In line with this concept, hyperlocomotion induced by the dopaminomimetic amphetamine and the uncompetitive antagonist of NMDA receptors MK-801 (dizocilpine) in rodents is a generally established model for screening of new potential antipsychotic drugs. Since recent studies have indicated that receptors for adenosine may be targets for antipsychotic therapy, the aim of the present study was to investigate an influence of 5′-Cl-5′-deoxy-ENBA, a potent and selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist, on hyperlocomotion induced by amphetamine and MK-801.

Methods

Locomotor activity was measured by Force Plate Actimeters where four force transducers located below the corners of the floor of the cage tracked the animal position on a Cartesian plane at each time point.

Results

Hyperlocomotion induced by either amphetamine (1 mg/kg sc) or MK-801 (0.3 mg/kg ip) was inhibited by 5′-Cl-5′-deoxy-ENBA (0.1 mg/kg ip). The effect of 5′-Cl-5′-deoxy-ENBA on the amphetamine- and MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion was antagonized by the selective antagonist of adenosine A1 receptor DPCPX at doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg ip, respectively.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that stimulation of adenosine A1 receptors may produce antipsychotic effects.
Tung Tree (Vernicia Fordii) Genome Provides A Resource for Understanding Genome Evolution and Improved Oil Production
Authors: Zhang Lin , Liu Meilan , Long Hongxu , Dong Wei , Pasha Asher , Esteban Eddi , Li Wenying , Yang Xiaoming , Li Ze , Song Aixia , Ran Duo , Zhao Guang , Zeng Yanling , Chen Hao , Zou Ming , Li Jingjing , Liang Fan , Xie Meili , Hu Jiang , Wang Depeng , Cao Heping , Provart Nicholas J. , Zhang Liangsheng , Tan Xiaofeng
Published: March 2020

Tung tree (Vernicia fordii) is an economically important woody oil plant that produces tung oil rich in eleostearic acid. Here, we report a high-quality chromosome-scale genome sequence of tung tree. The genome sequence was assembled by combining Illumina short reads, Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time long reads, and Hi-C sequencing data. The size of tung tree genome is 1.12 Gb, with 28,422 predicted genes and over 73% repeat sequences. The V. fordii underwent an ancient genome triplication event shared by core eudicots but no further whole-genome duplication in the subsequent ca. 34.55 million years of evolutionary history of the tung tree lineage. Insertion time analysis revealed that repeat-driven genome expansion might have arisen as a result of long-standing long terminal repeat retrotransposon bursts and lack of efficient DNA deletion mechanisms. The genome harbors 88 resistance genes encoding nucleotide-binding sites; 17 of these genes may be involved in early-infection stage of Fusarium wilt resistance. Further, 651 oil-related genes were identified, 88 of which are predicted to be directly involved in tung oil biosynthesis. Relatively few phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase genes, and synergistic effects between transcription factors and oil biosynthesis-related genes might contribute to the high oil content of tung seed. The tung tree genome constitutes a valuable resource for understanding genome evolution, as well as for molecular breeding and genetic improvements for oil production.
Advanced malicious beaconing detection through AI
Authors: Borchani Yessine
Published: March 2020

As efforts to more securely protect the world's privacy and data continue to improve, with the introduction of stricter compliance regulations and the deployment of increasingly complex network infrastructures, so too has enterprise adoption of and reliance on encryption. Cryptographic encryption protocols, namely secure sockets layer (SSL) and its successor, transport layer security (TLS), were estimated by Gartner to be implemented across 80% of enterprise web traffic in 2019, and the Ponemon Institute found that 43% of organisations had a consistent, enterprise-wide encryption strategy in place in 2018. 1,2

As efforts to more securely protect the world's privacy and data continue to improve, so too has enterprise adoption of and reliance on encryption.

However, threat actors have also started to leverage encryption and are hiding their nefarious activities among regular encrypted traffic, making malicious packets nearly impossible to detect. Fortunately, by using AI, enterprises can achieve a quicker and more accurate analysis of all traffic on their network to check for beaconing behaviour, explains Yessine Borchani of Barac.
Maintaining a balance between agility and security in the cloud
Authors: Dyess Colby
Published: March 2020

In order to be more responsive to ever-changing consumer needs, the modern enterprise is built with agility at its core. As traditional security tools and processes were designed for a less-dynamic landscape, organisations were led to trade security for agility. In this era of increasingly aggressive cyberthreats and ever more costly regulatory fines, this is a grave mistake. To protect the enterprise in 2020, IT leaders need to restore and maintain the balance between agility and security.

The modern enterprise is built with agility at its core. But most security tools and processes were designed for a less-dynamic landscape and so organisations have traded security for agility.

IT leaders need to restore the balance between agility and security. However, it is arguably more difficult to do this than ever before, in part due to a tectonic shift towards the cloud. However, by adopting cloud-native and DevOps practices, and placing a focus on security policy, IT security can help the enterprise achieve that necessary balance, argues Colby Dyess at Tufin.
How worried should you be about nation-state attacks?
Authors: Geenens Pascal
Published: March 2020

In our line of work, bad news is an occupational hazard. The continual onslaught of threats to the network makes you hardy. However, there's no room for complacency. You can't assume you know what will hit you. Indeed, according to our recent survey, more companies in the last year experienced a nation-state attack than the year before. 1 It was up 42%. That's quite an uptick when you are fighting other actors already.
Editorial
Authors: Barrett Steve
Published: March 2020

Coronavirus (Covid-19) is wreaking havoc around the world, with many countries putting their populations in lockdown, and it is currently very difficult to picture what the world will look like when we eventually come out the other side.
Intermittent structural weakening and acceleration of the Thwaites Glacier Tongue between 2000 and 2018
Authors: Miles B. W. J. , Stokes C. R. , Jenkins A. , Jordan J. R. , Jamieson S. S. R. , Gudmundsson G. H.
Published: March 2020

Evolving conditions at the terminus of Thwaites Glacier will be important in determining the rate of its future sea-level contribution over the coming decades. Here, we use remote-sensing observations to investigate recent changes (2000–2018) in the structure and velocity of Thwaites Glacier and its floating tongue. We show that the main trunk of Thwaites Glacier has accelerated by 38% over this period, while its previously intact floating tongue has transitioned to a weaker mélange of fractured icebergs bounded by sea ice. However, the rate of structural weakening and acceleration was not uniform across the observational period and we identify two periods of rapid acceleration and structural weakening (2006–2012; 2016–2018), separated by a period of deceleration and re-advance of the structurally-intact shear margin boundary (2012–2015). The timing of these accelerations/decelerations strongly suggests a link to variable ocean forcing. The weakened tongue now has some dependency on landfast sea ice for structural integrity and is vulnerable to changes in landfast ice persistency. Future reductions in landfast sea ice could manifest from changes in climate and/or the imminent removal of the B-22A iceberg from the Thwaites embayment. Such changes could have important implications for the integrity of the ice tongue and future glacier discharge.
Plasma magnesium and the risk of new-onset hyperuricaemia in hypertensive patients
Authors: Cao Jingjing , Zhang Jingping , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Huan , Jiang Chongfei , Lin Tengfei , Zhou Ziyi , Song Yun , Liu Chengzhang , Liu Lishun , Wang Binyan , Li Jianping , Zhang Yan , Cui Yimin , Huo Yong , Wang Xiaobin , Zhang Hao , Qin Xianhui , Xu Xiping
Published: March 2020

We aimed to evaluate the relationship of plasma Mg with the risk of new-onset hyperuricaemia and examine any possible effect modifiers in hypertensive patients. This is a post hoc analysis of the Uric acid (UA) Sub-study of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). A total of 1685 participants were included in the present study. The main outcome was new-onset hyperuricaemia defined as a UA concentration ≥417 μmol/l in men or ≥357 μmol/l in women. The secondary outcome was a change in UA concentration defined as UA at the exit visit minus that at baseline. During a median follow-up duration of 4·3 years, new-onset hyperuricaemia occurred in 290 (17·2 %) participants. There was a significantly inverse relation of plasma Mg with the risk of new-onset hyperuricaemia (per sd increment; OR 0·85; 95 % CI 0·74, 0·99) and change in UA levels (per sd increment; β −3·96 μmol/l; 95 % CI −7·14, −0·79). Consistently, when plasma Mg was analysed as tertiles, a significantly lower risk of new-onset hyperuricaemia (OR 0·67; 95 % CI 0·48, 0·95) and less increase in UA levels (β −8·35 μmol/l; 95 % CI −16·12, −0·58) were found among participants in tertile 3 (≥885·5 μmol/l) compared with those in tertile 1 (<818·9 μmol/l). Similar trends were found in males and females. Higher plasma Mg levels were associated with a decreased risk of new-onset hyperuricaemia in hypertensive adults.
Has Russia heard about the European Union’s Arcticness? The EU’s Arctic steps as seen from Russia
Authors: Skripnikova Natalia , Raspotnik Andreas
Published: March 2020

Ever since 2007/2008, the European Union (EU) and its various institutional actors have been developing a dedicated EU Arctic policy, setting common positions, stressing the EU’s Arctic credentials and prominently expressing its own “Arcticness”. These Arctic steps have been thoroughly scrutinised over the past decade. Yet, research has almost ignored one particular pillar of the EU’s Arctic endeavour: the “Arctic exception” in EU–Russia relations and the related lack of a distinct Russian dimension in the EU’s Arctic policy. Similarly, little is known of how the Russian side views the EU’s Arctic policy steps taken since 2008. The extensive transdisciplinary literature on EU–Russia relations has basically ignored how the EU has been represented in Russia ever since 1991. This article examines EU and Russian Arctic policies and their relations in the European North. In attempting to explore how the EU’s “Arcticness” has been presented, narrated and perceived in Russian media between 2008 and 2018, we draw upon an analysis of articles published on various Russian media platforms during that period. The study identified four core narratives of the EU’s engagement in the Arctic: the EU as player, as seeker, as prohibitor and as partner. These narratives provide evidence of the “Arctic exception” in EU–Russia relations, as well as offering some related explanations.
INFERENCE IN INSTRUMENTAL VARIABLE MODELS WITH HETEROSKEDASTICITY AND MANY INSTRUMENTS
Authors: Crudu Federico , Mellace Giovanni , Sándor Zsolt
Published: March 2020

This paper proposes novel inference procedures for instrumental variable models in the presence of many, potentially weak instruments that are robust to the presence of heteroskedasticity. First, we provide an Anderson–Rubin-type test for the entire parameter vector that is valid under assumptions weaker than previously proposed Anderson–Rubin-type tests. Second, we consider the case of testing a subset of parameters under the assumption that a consistent estimator for the parameters not under test exists. We show that under the null, the proposed statistics have Gaussian limiting distributions and derive alternative chi-square approximations. An extensive simulation study shows the competitive finite sample properties in terms of size and power of our procedures. Finally, we provide an empirical application using college proximity instruments to estimate the returns to education.
The American Workingmen's Parties, Universal Suffrage, and Marx's Democratic Communism
Authors: Monahan Sean F.
Published: March 2020

The American Workingmen's Parties in the 1828–32 period occupy a distinctive place within the history of socialism: they were the first to embrace a strategy of organizing a working-class political party and seizing the democratic state for their collective self-liberation. With universal suffrage, a working-class majority could take political power electorally and expropriate the rich. Karl Marx read about these workers’ parties through works by Thomas Hamilton and Thomas Cooper in the period of his early political development. Like the American workers, he was stringently in favor of robust political rights and conceived of socialism as a democratic mass movement. Unlike the antipolitical socialists predominant in his day, Marx saw the northern United States as uniquely situated for socialism precisely because it had already solved the basic political problem facing Europe: the workers could vote.
Moralisches Dilemma
Authors: Niesing Philip
Published: March 2020

Zusammenfassung. Mit der Rubrik „Übergabe!“ will der junge Krankenpfleger Philip Niesing einen erfrischenden Blick auf den pflegerischen Alltag werfen. Mit dem Ausscheiden des verdienten Kollegen Bruno Hemkendreis und seiner Kolumne „Brunos Universum“ wollen wir einen jungen und hoffentlich unverstellten Blick auf den pflegerischen Alltag werfen.
A Test of Three Sadism Measures
Authors: Dinić Bojana M. , Bulut Allred Tara , Petrović Boban , Wertag Anja
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of three sadism scales: Short Sadistic Impulse Scale (SSIS), Varieties of Sadistic Tendencies (VAST, which measures direct and vicarious sadism), and Assessment of Sadistic Personality (ASP). Sample included 443 participants (50.1% men) from the general population. Reliability based on internal consistency of all scales was good, and results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed that all three scales had acceptable fit indices for the proposed structure. Results of Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis showed that all three scales had higher measurement precision (information) in above-average scores. Validity of the scales was supported through moderate to high positive correlations with the Dark Triad traits, especially psychopathy, as well as positive correlations with aggressiveness and negative with Honesty-Humility. Moreover, results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that all three measures of direct, but not vicarious sadism, contributed significantly above and beyond other Dark Triad traits to the prediction of increased positive attitudes toward dangerous social groups. The profile similarity index showed that the SSIS and the ASP were highly overlapping, while vicarious sadism seems distinct from other sadism scales.
Personality Factors Predicting Disinhibited and Risky Online Behaviors
Authors: D’Agata Madeleine T. , Kwantes Peter J.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The current study examined how individual differences relate to one’s tendency to feel disinhibited in the online space. We conducted an online study for which we developed two short measures to assess online disinhibition and risky online behaviors. Specifically, we examined the relationship between feelings of anonymity and invisibility in the online environment and personality. Moreover, we hypothesized that feelings of disinhibition in the online realm would be strongly related to engaging in risky behaviors. We examined the relationship between our two measures and the HEXACO six-factor model of personality and three additional individual differences. Results indicated that lower Honesty-Humility, higher Emotionality, and higher stimulating risk-taking are predictors of both online disinhibition and risky online behaviors. Additionally, lower eXtraversion and lower Conscientiousness are predictors of online disinhibition, but not risky online behaviors. Implications for these findings are discussed.
Three‐to‐Six‐Day Air–Sea Oscillation in Models and Observations
Authors: Strobach Ehud , Molod Andrea , Trayanov Atanas , Forget Gael , Campin Jean‐Michel , Hill Chris , Menemenlis Dimitris
Published: March 2020

Analysis of coupled ocean‐atmosphere numerical simulations revealed a widespread oscillation of sea surface temperature (SST) and surface wind anomalies with a cyclic nature characterized by a period of 3 to 6 days. Similar oscillations were also found in buoy data at different locations around the globe and in an atmospheric reanalysis, albeit the oscillations were noisier and stronger in the observations, and they were weaker and longer period in the atmospheric reanalysis. These oscillations did not, however, develop in an atmosphere‐only simulation, suggesting the importance of ocean–atmosphere coupling for simulating this phenomenon. We propose a mechanism for this interaction involving a feedback between SST and surface wind.
Detection of Extreme and Exceptional Langmuir Wave Packets in Solar Type III Radio Bursts
Authors: Thejappa G. , MacDowall R. J.
Published: March 2020

We report the STEREO observations of two extreme and exceptional Langmuir wave packets, which are the most intense wave packets ever detected in solar type III bursts; their peak intensities Et∼ 215 and ∼ 161 mVm−1 beat out the previous 107 mVm−1 record, reported by Thejappa and MacDowall (2018a; https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/aaca3b). These observations provide new evidence for (1) the four‐wave interaction called the oscillating two‐stream instability (OTSI), which is the coupling of two beam‐excited Langmuir waves with an ion sound wave yielding downshifted and upshifted side bands, and (2) Langmuir solitons formed as a result of OTSI, and (3) density cavities created by their ponderomotive forces. The fast Fourier transform spectra of these wave packets provide what is believed to be the first evidence for harmonics of the electron plasma frequency, fpe up to the order of 5 with peak intensities falling off with increasing harmonic number. The higher order spectral analysis indicates that these harmonics probably correspond to the electromagnetic waves excited as a result of various three‐wave interactions. We argue that although the observed characteristics also indicate that these wave packets could be collapsing wave packets formed as a result of nucleation instability, the observed evidence for OTSI and Langmuir solitons trapped inside the self‐generated density cavities strongly favor the OTSI as the route for the spatial collapse of Langmuir waves in the present case. The implication of these findings for theories of solar type III radio bursts is discussed.
Enabling High‐Performance Cloud Computing for Earth Science Modeling on Over a Thousand Cores: Application to the GEOS‐Chem Atmospheric Chemistry Model
Authors: Zhuang Jiawei , Jacob Daniel J. , Lin Haipeng , Lundgren Elizabeth W. , Yantosca Robert M. , Gaya Judit Flo , Sulprizio Melissa P. , Eastham Sebastian D.
Published: March 2020

Cloud computing platforms can facilitate the use of Earth science models by providing immediate access to fully configured software, massive computing power, and large input data sets. However, slow internode communication performance has previously discouraged the use of cloud platforms for massively parallel simulations. Here we show that recent advances in the network performance on the Amazon Web Services cloud enable efficient model simulations with over a thousand cores. The choices of Message Passing Interface library configuration and internode communication protocol are critical to this success. Application to the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS)‐Chem global 3‐D chemical transport model at 50‐km horizontal resolution shows efficient scaling up to at least 1,152 cores, with performance and cost comparable to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Pleiades supercomputing cluster.
Ultrasound of acquired posterior fossa abnormalities in the newborn
Authors:   eurUS.brain group, Fumagalli Monica , Parodi Alessandro , Ramenghi Luca , Limperopoulos Catherine , Steggerda Sylke
Published: March 2020

Neonatal brain sonography is part of routine clinical practice in neonatal intensive care units, but ultrasound imaging of the posterior fossa has gained increasing attention since the burden of perinatal acquired posterior fossa abnormalities and their impact on motor and cognitive neurodevelopmental outcome have been recognized. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often superior, posterior fossa abnormalities can be suspected or detected by optimized cranial ultrasound (CUS) scans, which allow an early and bed-side diagnosis and monitoring through sequential scans over a long period of time. Different ultrasound appearances and injury patterns of posterior fossa abnormalities are described according to gestational age at birth and characteristics of the pathogenetic insult. The aim of this review article is to describe options to improve posterior fossa sequential CUS image quality, including the use of supplemental acoustic windows, to show standard views and normal ultrasound anatomy of the posterior fossa, and to describe the ultrasound characteristics of acquired posterior fossa lesions in preterm and term infants with effect on long-term outcome. The limitations and pitfalls of CUS and the role of MRI are discussed.
Cranial ultrasound findings in preterm germinal matrix haemorrhage, sequelae and outcome
Authors:   eurUS.brain group, Parodi Alessandro , Govaert Paul , Horsch Sandra , Bravo Marìa Carmen , Ramenghi Luca A.
Published: March 2020

Germinal matrix-intraventricular haemorrhage (GMH-IVH), periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PHI) and its complication, post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD), are still common neonatal morbidities in preterm infants that are highly associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Typical cranial ultrasound (CUS) findings of GMH-IVH, PHI and PHVD, their anatomical substrates and underlying mechanisms are discussed in this paper. Furthermore, we propose a detailed descriptive classification of GMH-IVH and PHI that may improve quality of CUS reporting and prediction of outcome in infants suffering from GMH-IVH/PHI.
The development and validation of a cerebral ultrasound scoring system for infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy
Authors: Annink Kim V. , de Vries Linda S. , Groenendaal Floris , Vijlbrief Daniel C. , Weeke Lauren C. , Roehr Charles C. , Lequin Maarten , Reiss Irwin , Govaert Paul , Benders Manon J. N. L. , Dudink Jeroen
Published: March 2020

Background

Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. When the gold standard MRI is not feasible, cerebral ultrasound (CUS) might offer an alternative. In this study, the association between a novel CUS scoring system and neurodevelopmental outcome in neonates with HIE was assessed.

Methods

(Near-)term infants with HIE and therapeutic hypothermia, a CUS on day 1 and day 3–7 after birth and available outcome data were retrospectively included in cohort I. CUS findings on day 1 and day 3–7 were related to adverse outcome in univariate and the CUS of day 3–7 also in multivariable logistic regression analyses. The resistance index, the sum of deep grey matter and of white matter involvement were included in multivariable logistic regression analyses. A comparable cohort from another hospital was used for validation (cohort II).

Results

Eighty-three infants were included in cohort I and 35 in cohort II. The final CUS scoring system contained the sum of white matter (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.5–4.7) and deep grey matter involvement (OR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.7–4.4). The CUS scoring system performed well in cohort I (AUC = 0.90) and II (AUC = 0.89).

Conclusion

This validated CUS scoring system is associated with neurodevelopmental outcome in neonates with HIE.
Spiking neurons from tunable Gaussian heterojunction transistors
Authors: Beck Megan E. , Shylendra Ahish , Sangwan Vinod K. , Guo Silu , Gaviria Rojas William A. , Yoo Hocheon , Bergeron Hadallia , Su Katherine , Trivedi Amit R. , Hersam Mark C.
Published: March 2020

Spiking neural networks exploit spatiotemporal processing, spiking sparsity, and high interneuron bandwidth to maximize the energy efficiency of neuromorphic computing. While conventional silicon-based technology can be used in this context, the resulting neuron-synapse circuits require multiple transistors and complicated layouts that limit integration density. Here, we demonstrate unprecedented electrostatic control of dual-gated Gaussian heterojunction transistors for simplified spiking neuron implementation. These devices employ wafer-scale mixed-dimensional van der Waals heterojunctions consisting of chemical vapor deposited monolayer molybdenum disulfide and solution-processed semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes to emulate the spike-generating ion channels in biological neurons. Circuits based on these dual-gated Gaussian devices enable a variety of biological spiking responses including phasic spiking, delayed spiking, and tonic bursting. In addition to neuromorphic computing, the tunable Gaussian response has significant implications for a range of other applications including telecommunications, computer vision, and natural language processing.
Structure and chemistry of graphene oxide in liquid water from first principles
Authors: Mouhat Félix , Coudert François-Xavier , Bocquet Marie-Laure
Published: March 2020

Graphene oxide is a rising star among 2D materials, yet its interaction with liquid water remains a fundamentally open question: experimental characterization at the atomic scale is difficult, and modeling by classical approaches cannot properly describe chemical reactivity. Here, we bridge the gap between simple computational models and complex experimental systems, by realistic first-principles molecular simulations of graphene oxide (GO) in liquid water. We construct chemically accurate GO models and study their behavior in water, showing that oxygen-bearing functional groups (hydroxyl and epoxides) are preferentially clustered on the graphene oxide layer. We demonstrated the specific properties of GO in water, an unusual combination of both hydrophilicity and fast water dynamics. Finally, we evidence that GO is chemically active in water, acquiring an average negative charge of the order of 10 mC m−2. The ab initio modeling highlights the uniqueness of GO structures for applications as innovative membranes for desalination and water purification.
Activity-dependent isomerization of Kv4.2 by Pin1 regulates cognitive flexibility
Authors: Hu Jia–Hua , Malloy Cole , Tabor G. Travis , Gutzmann Jakob J. , Liu Ying , Abebe Daniel , Karlsson Rose-Marie , Durell Stewart , Cameron Heather A. , Hoffman Dax A.
Published: March 2020

Voltage-gated K+ channels function in macromolecular complexes with accessory subunits to regulate brain function. Here, we describe a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1)-dependent mechanism that regulates the association of the A-type K+ channel subunit Kv4.2 with its auxiliary subunit dipeptidyl peptidase 6 (DPP6), and thereby modulates neuronal excitability and cognitive flexibility. We show that activity-induced Kv4.2 phosphorylation triggers Pin1 binding to, and isomerization of, Kv4.2 at the pThr607-Pro motif, leading to the dissociation of the Kv4.2-DPP6 complex. We generated a novel mouse line harboring a knock-in Thr607 to Ala (Kv4.2TA) mutation that abolished dynamic Pin1 binding to Kv4.2. CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus from these mice exhibited altered Kv4.2-DPP6 interaction, increased A-type K+ current, and reduced neuronal excitability. Behaviorally, Kv4.2TA mice displayed normal initial learning but improved reversal learning in both Morris water maze and lever press paradigms. These findings reveal a Pin1-mediated mechanism regulating reversal learning and provide potential targets for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive inflexibility.
Lung function in adults and future burden of obstructive lung diseases in a long-term follow-up
Authors: Ørts Lene Maria , Bech Bodil Hammer , Lauritzen Torsten , Carlsen Anders Helles , Sandbæk Annelli , Løkke Anders
Published: March 2020

Spirometry is recommended in symptomatic smokers to identify obstructive lung diseases. However, it is unknown whether there are certain characteristics that can be used to identify the individual risk of developing obstructive lung diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the association between lung function in adults and burden of lung diseases throughout 27 years of follow-up. We performed a cohort study among individuals aged 30–49 years at baseline (1991). Spirometry measurements were divided into three groups: (1) FEV1/FVC < 70, (2) FEV1/FVC: 70–75, (3) FEV1/FVC > 75 (reference). Using negative binominal regression, the burden of lung diseases was measured by contacts to general practice, hospitalisations, redeemed respiratory medicine and socioeconomic parameters between 1991 and 2017. A total of 905 citizens were included; mean age of 40.3 years, 47.5% were males and 51.2% were smokers at baseline. The group with an FEV1/FVC: 70–75 received more respiratory medicine (IRR = 3.37 (95% CI: 2.69–4.23)), had lower income (IRR = 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93–0.98)), and had more contacts to general practice (IRR = 1.14 (95% CI: 1.07–1.21)) and hospitals for lung diseases (IRR = 2.39 (95% CI: 1.96–5.85)) compared to the reference group. We found an association between lung function and the future burden of lung diseases throughout 27 years of follow-up. In particular, adults with an FEV1/FVC: 70–75 need extra attention in the case finding.
Feeding biomechanics suggests progressive correlation of skull architecture and neck evolution in turtles
Authors: Ferreira Gabriel S. , Lautenschlager Stephan , Evers Serjoscha W. , Pfaff Cathrin , Kriwet Jürgen , Raselli Irena , Werneburg Ingmar
Published: March 2020

The origin of turtles is one of the most long-lasting debates in evolutionary research. During their evolution, a series of modifications changed their relatively kinetic and anapsid skull into an elongated akinetic structure with a unique pulley system redirecting jaw adductor musculature. These modifications were thought to be strongly correlated to functional adaptations, especially to bite performance. We conducted a series of Finite Element Analyses (FEAs) of several species, including that of the oldest fully shelled, Triassic stem-turtle Proganochelys, to evaluate the role of force distribution and to test existing hypotheses on the evolution of turtle skull architecture. We found no support for a relation between the akinetic nature of the skull or the trochlear mechanisms with increased bite forces. Yet, the FEAs show that those modifications changed the skull architecture into an optimized structure, more resistant to higher loads while allowing material reduction on specific regions. We propose that the skull of modern turtles is the result of a complex process of progressive correlation between their heads and highly flexible necks, initiated by the origin of the shell.
Linking soil microbial community dynamics to straw-carbon distribution in soil organic carbon
Authors: Su Yao , He Zhenchao , Yang Yanhua , Jia Shengqiang , Yu Man , Chen Xijing , Shen Alin
Published: March 2020

Returning crop residues is a possible practice for balancing soil carbon (C) loss. The turnover rate of organic C from crop residues to soil C is dependent on soil microbial community dynamics. However, the relationship between any temporal changes in the soil microbial community after crop straw inputs and the dynamics of straw-C distribution in the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool remains unclear. The present study investigated the allocation of straw-C into soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MaOC) using stable isotope probing, as well as the temporal changes in the soil bacterial and fungal communities using high-throughput sequencing. After the first 180 days of straw decomposition, approximately 3.93% and 19.82% of straw-C was transformed into soil MaOC and POC, respectively, while 0.02% and 2.25% of straw-C was transformed into soil DOC and MBC, respectively. The temporal change of the soil microbial community was positively correlated with the dynamics of straw-C distribution to SOC (R > 0.5, P < 0.05). The copiotrophic bacteria (e.g., Streptomyces, Massilia and Sphingobacterium), cellulolytic bacteria and fungi (e.g., Dyella and Fusarium, Talaromyces), acidophilic bacteria (e.g., Edaphobacter and unclassified Acidobacteriaceae), denitrifying and N-fixing microbes (e.g., Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia, Paraphaeosphaeria and Bradyrhizobium), and fungi unclassified Sordariomycetes were significantly correlated with straw-C distribution to specific SOC fractions (P < 0.05), which explained more than 90% of the variation of straw-C allocation into soils. Copiotrophic, certain cellulolytic and denitrifying microbes had positively correlated with DOC- and MaOC-derived from straw, and other cellulolytic fungi (e.g., Talaromyces) and specific bacteria (e.g. Bradyrhizobium) were positively correlated with POC-derived from straw. Our results highlight that the temporal change of soil microbial community structure well reflects the conversion and distribution process of straw-C to SOC fractions.