bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Preparations (Probiotics) for the Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults and Children: An Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis of 6,851 Participants
Authors: Johnston Bradley C. , Lytvyn Lyubov , Lo Calvin Ka-Fung , Allen Stephen J. , Wang Duolao , Szajewska Hania , Miller Mark , Ehrhardt Stephan , Sampalis John , Duman Deniz G. , Pozzoni Pietro , Colli Agostino , Lönnermark Elisabet , Selinger Christian P. , Wong Samford , Plummer Susan , Hickson Mary , Pancheva Ruzha , Hirsch Sandra , Klarin Bengt , Goldenberg Joshua Z , Wang Li , Mbuagbauw Lawrence , Foster Gary , Maw Anna , Sadeghirad Behnam , Thabane Lehana , Mertz Dominik
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether probiotic prophylaxes reduce the odds ofClostridium difficileinfection (CDI) in adults and children.

DESIGN

Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), adjusting for risk factors.

METHODS

We searched 6 databases and 11 grey literature sources from inception to April 2016. We identified 32 RCTs (n=8,713); among them, 18 RCTs provided IPD (n=6,851 participants) comparing probiotic prophylaxis to placebo or no treatment (standard care). One reviewer prepared the IPD, and 2 reviewers extracted data, rated study quality, and graded evidence quality.

RESULTS

Probiotics reduced CDI odds in the unadjusted model (n=6,645; odds ratio [OR] 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–0.55) and the adjusted model (n=5,074; OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.23–0.55). Using 2 or more antibiotics increased the odds of CDI (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.11–4.37), whereas age, sex, hospitalization status, and high-risk antibiotic exposure did not. Adjusted subgroup analyses suggested that, compared to no probiotics, multispecies probiotics were more beneficial than single-species probiotics, as was using probiotics in clinical settings where the CDI risk is ≥5%. Of 18 studies, 14 reported adverse events. In 11 of these 14 studies, the adverse events were retained in the adjusted model. Odds for serious adverse events were similar for both groups in the unadjusted analyses (n=4,990; OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.89–1.26) and adjusted analyses (n=4,718; OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.89–1.28). Missing outcome data for CDI ranged from 0% to 25.8%. Our analyses were robust to a sensitivity analysis for missingness.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate quality (ie, certainty) evidence suggests that probiotic prophylaxis may be a useful and safe CDI prevention strategy, particularly among participants taking 2 or more antibiotics and in hospital settings where the risk of CDI is ≥5%.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO 2015 identifier: CRD42015015701

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2018;771–781
The influence of spanwise confinement on round fountains
Authors: Debugne Antoine L. R. , Hunt Gary R.
Published: April 2018

We study experimentally the effects of spanwise confinement on turbulent miscible fountains issuing from a round source of radius $r_{0}$. A dense saline solution is ejected vertically upwards into a fresh-water environment between two parallel plates, separated by a gap of width $W$, which provide restraint in the spanwise direction. The resulting fountain, if sufficiently forced, rapidly attaches to the side plates as it rises and is therefore ‘confined’. We report on experiments for five confinement ratios $W/r_{0}$, spanning from strongly confined ($W/r_{0}\rightarrow 2$) to weakly confined ($W/r_{0}\approx 24$), and for source Froude numbers $Fr_{0}$ ranging between $0.5\leqslant Fr_{0}\leqslant 96$. Four distinct flow regimes are observed across which the relative importance of confinement, as manifested by the formation and growth of quasi-two-dimensional structures, varies. The onset of each regime is established as a function of both $W/r_{0}$ and $Fr_{0}$. From our analysis of the time-averaged rise heights, we introduce a ‘confined’ Froude number $Fr_{c}\equiv Fr_{0}(W/r_{0})^{-5/4}$, which encompasses the effects of confinement and acts as the governing parameter for confined fountains. First-order statistics extracted from the flow visualisation, such as the time-averaged rise height and lateral excursions, lend further insight into the flow and support the proposed classification into regimes. For highly confined fountains, the flow becomes quasi-two-dimensional and, akin to quasi-two-dimensional jets and plumes, flaps (or meanders). The characteristic frequency of this flapping motion, identified through an ‘eddy counting’ approach, is non-dimensionalised to a Strouhal number of $St=0.12{-}0.16$, consistent with frequencies found in quasi-two-dimensional jets and plumes.
Using High-Leverage Practices in Teacher Preparation to Reduce the Research-to-Practice Gap in Inclusive Settings
Authors: McLeskey James , Billingsley Bonnie , Ziegler Deborah
Published: April 2018

Although researchers have developed evidence-based practices and identified other effective practices that show promise for improving outcomes for students with disabilities, these practices are all too frequently not used in inclusive classrooms. Some have posited that this research-to-practice gap may result because teachers lack confidence in these practices and do not find them feasible for use in their classrooms. More recently, researchers have begun to examine whether teacher education may contribute to this research-to-practice gap. We contend that teacher preparation is an important contributor to the research-to-practice gap, and discuss how teacher preparation might be changed to better prepare teachers to use effective practices in inclusive classrooms. Primary changes that are needed include identifying a set of high-leverage practices that serve as the core curriculum of teacher education and using a practice-based approach to systematically prepare future teachers to use these practices.
Estimating the population size of migrating Tibetan antelopesPantholops hodgsoniiwith unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Hu Jianbo , Wu Xiaomin , Dai Mingxing
Published: April 2018

Data on the distribution and population size of the Near Threatened Tibetan antelopePantholops hodgsoniiare necessary to protect this species. Ground-based count surveys are usually carried out from a long distance to avoid disturbing the sensitive animals, and on calving grounds or along migration routes where they are seasonally concentrated. This can result in underestimation of population sizes if terrain features obstruct the view and high concentrations of animals make estimating numbers difficult. Here we test the efficacy of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for gathering population data for the Tibetan antelope. We conducted the study south of a known calving ground, at the foot of Sewu Snow Mountain, in the Chang Tang National Nature Reserve, China. The UAV did not appear to disturb the animals and resulted in more accurate counts than ground-based observations. A total of 23,063 Tibetan antelopes were identified in twelve orthoimages derived from c. 4,000 aerial photographs. In the first flight area 7,671 females and 4,353 calves were identified (proportion of calves: 36.2%). In the second flight area 7,989 females and 3,050 calves were identified (proportion of calves: 27.6%). Two flights over the same area revealed the direction and speed of moving Tibetan antelope groups. Image resolution, which can be controlled with flight planning, was an important factor in determining the animals’ visibility in the photos. We found that UAV-based surveys outperformed ground-based surveys, and that larger UAVs are preferable for this application.
Immigrant Integration Through Volunteering: The Importance of Contextual Factors
Authors: GREENSPAN ITAY , WALK MARLENE , HANDY FEMIDA
Published: April 2018

Volunteering is an under-studied yet potentially beneficial avenue for immigrant integration. Whereas past research has provided important insights into the benefits of immigrant volunteering, it has been frequently based on convenience samples. This paper contributes to the literature on immigrant volunteering on two levels. First, we test less explored questions: the differences between immigrant and native-born volunteers on several volunteer indicators, and the contextual factors (cultural, social, and organisational) associated with immigrants’ proclivity to volunteer. Second, we rely on a representative sample of the German population, and use propensity score matching to strengthen the robustness of our analysis. Findings suggest that, although native-born individuals display higher rates of volunteering than immigrants, they do not significantly differ on most indicators once immigrants become volunteers. Furthermore, time since migration, social networks and organisational membership are significant drivers of immigrant volunteering. Our findings are a signal for policymakers because social policies could better address contextual and organisational barriers.
Prime decomposition and the Iwasawa MU-invariant
Authors: HAJIR FARSHID , MAIRE CHRISTIAN
Published: April 2018

For Γ = ℤp, Iwasawa was the first to construct Γ-extensions over number fields with arbitrarily large μ-invariants. In this work, we investigate other uniform pro-p groups which are realisable as Galois groups of towers of number fields with arbitrarily large μ-invariant. For instance, we prove that this is the case if p is a regular prime and Γ is a uniform pro-p group admitting a fixed-point-free automorphism of odd order dividing p−1. Both in Iwasawa's work, and in the present one, the size of the μ-invariant appears to be intimately related to the existence of primes that split completely in the tower.
Incidence of pneumonia in nursing home residents in Germany: results of a claims data analysis
Authors: Fassmer A. M. , Spreckelsen O. , Hoffmann F.
Published: April 2018

Pneumonia is one of the most common infectious diseases with a high mortality, especially in the elderly population. To date, there have been only a few population-based studies dealing with the incidence of pneumonia in nursing homes (NHs). We conducted a cohort study using data from a large German statutory health insurance fund. Between 2010 and 2014, 127 227 NH residents 65 years and older were analysed. For the calculation of incidences per 100 person-years (PY) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), we assessed the first diagnosis of pneumonia during the time in NH. We compared the rates between sexes, age groups, care levels, and comorbidities and we performed a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The mean age in the cohort was 84.0 years (74.6% female). A total of 19 183 incident cases led to an overall 5-year-incidence of 11.8 per 100 PY (95% CI 11.7–12.0). The incidence in men was substantially higher than in women. Rates were highest in the first month after NH placement. Our study revealed that the incidence of pneumonia is high in German NH residents and especially in males. Due to demographic changes, pneumonia will likely be increasingly relevant in the health care of the elderly and institutionalised population.
An examination of father vulnerability and coercive family process after the birth of a sibling: A spillover cascade model
Authors: Stevenson Matthew M. , Volling Brenda L. , Gonzalez Richard
Published: April 2018

Fathers are a crucial source of support for children following the birth of an infant sibling. This study examined whether fathers were more vulnerable to the effects of interparental conflict than mothers, and whether there was a subsequent spillover cascade from interparental conflict to children's externalizing behavior problems. We followed 241 families after the birth of a second child. Mothers and fathers reported on interparental conflict and parental efficacy at 1 and 4 months postpartum and punitive discipline and firstborn children's externalizing behavior problems across a longitudinal investigation (prenatal and 4, 8, and 12 months postpartum). For both mothers and fathers, interparental conflict prenatally predicted decreased parental efficacy following the birth. Fathers’ lower parental efficacy was significantly associated with increased punitive discipline toward the older sibling at 4 months, whereas mothers’ lower parental efficacy was not. Coercive family processes were present between mothers’ and fathers’ punitive discipline and older siblings’ externalizing behavior problems. Results were inconsistent with the father vulnerability hypothesis in that both mothers and fathers were vulnerable to interparental conflict, which in turn spilled over to create coercive family processes that exacerbated children's externalizing behavior problems in the year following the birth of a second child.
Dispatcher CPR Instructions Across the Age Continuum
Authors: Weinmeister Kristi L. , Lerner E. Brooke , Guse Clare E. , Ateyyah Khalid A. , Pirrallo Ronald G.
Published: April 2018

Background

Survival rates following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) increase two to three times when cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is started by bystanders, as compared to starting CPR when Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives. Municipalities that have implemented dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR programs have seen increased rates of bystander CPR. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions are given for victims of all ages, but it is unknown if offering instructions results in similar rates of EMS-documented bystander CPR across the age continuum in these municipalities.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in EMS-documented bystander CPR rates based on the age group of the OHCA victim when dispatcher CPR instructions are available in the community.

Methods

This was a three-year, retrospective chart review of OHCA patients in two municipalities within a single county that provided dispatcher-assisted CPR instructions. Bystander CPR and patient age were determined based on EMS documentation. Age was stratified into three groups: child (0-12 years), adult (13-54 years), and geriatric (≥55 years). Chi square was used to compare the rate of bystander CPR in each age group.

Results

During the study period, 1,993 patients were identified as being in OHCA at the time of EMS arrival. The overall bystander CPR rate was 10%. The highest rate of bystander CPR was in the child age group (19%). The lowest rate of bystander CPR was in the geriatric age group (9%). There was a statistically significant difference between age groups (P≤.01).

Conclusions

The rate of EMS-documented bystander CPR was low, even though these municipalities provided dispatcher-assisted CPR instructions. The highest rates of bystander CPR were observed in children (0-12 years). Future investigations should determine why this occurs and if there are opportunities to modify dispatcher coaching based on patient age so that bystander CPR rates improve.

WeinmeisterKL, LernerEB, GuseCE, AteyyahKA, PirralloRG. Dispatcher CPR instructions across the age continuum. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(3):342–345.
UNIVERSAL COVERS OF COMMUTATIVE FINITE MORLEY RANK GROUPS
Authors: Bays Martin , Hart Bradd , Pillay Anand
Published: April 2018

We give an algebraic description of the structure of the analytic universal cover of a complex abelian variety which suffices to determine the structure up to isomorphism. More generally, we classify the models of theories of ‘universal covers’ of rigid divisible commutative finite Morley rank groups.
Gérard Grisey, Accordionist
Authors: GOLDMAN JONATHAN
Published: April 2018

It is tolerably well known that Gérard Grisey's first instrument was the accordion, but little has been written about the influence the pioneering spectral composer's main instrument had on his compositional language. The decade of the 1960s was marked by the centrality of the accordion and saw the completion of his first youthful compositional essays, most of which were scored for the accordion. It was also the period in which he studied at a school devoted to the accordion, in Trossingen. Later, when studying with Messiaen in Paris, Grisey distanced himself from the accordion, writing in 1969 that ‘I am not playing accordion anymore. My way is another one.’ After establishing the chronology of Grisey's engagement with the accordion, this article assesses the extent to which the spectral composer's training on the accordion left traces in his mature compositions and raises questions about the standard historiographies (and geographies) of French spectral music.
Broadband circularly polarized slot antenna arrays using linked elliptical slots forC- andX-band applications
Authors: Mohammadi-Asl Saeed , Nourinia Javad , Ghobadi Changiz , Majidzadeh Maryam
Published: April 2018

Compact broadband circularly polarized elliptical slot antenna arrays (CPESAAs) are devised based on 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 circularly polarized (CP) elliptical slot antennas and a sequential phase feed network. To realize the circular polarization, eight rectangular stubs are embedded in the feed structure to excite two orthogonal E vectors in 2 × 2 CPESAA configuration. Moreover, by taking four rectangular slots out from each array element, return loss and axial-ratio bandwidths are noticeably increased. The investigated simple array element has a compact size of 20 × 20 × 1 mm3. As well, 2 × 2 CPESAA occupies a compact size of 55 × 60 × 1 mm3, which operates within the frequency band 4.18–9.35 GHz. Thus, 76.4% of S11< −10 dB and 51.4% of CP bandwidth (4.43–7.5 GHz) are covered. Moreover, proposed 4 × 4 CPESAA is printed on 110 × 110 × 1 mm3FR4 substrate and covers the frequency band of 1.15–12.98 GHz with CP at 2.95–8.82 GHz. Throughout the study, the design process of the proposed antenna arrays are presented and discussed in detail.
Hygroscopicity of Organic Aerosols and Their Contributions to CCN Concentrations Over a Midlatitude Forest in Japan
Authors: Deng Yange , Kagami Sara , Ogawa Shuhei , Kawana Kaori , Nakayama Tomoki , Kubodera Ryo , Adachi Kouji , Hussein Tareq , Miyazaki Yuzo , Mochida Michihiro
Published: April 2018

The formation of biogenic secondary organic aerosols (BSOAs) in forest environments is potentially important to cloud formation via changes of the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of aerosols. In this study, the CCN activation of submicrometer aerosols and their chemical compositions and size distributions were measured at a midlatitude forest site in Japan during the summer of 2014 to assess the hygroscopicity of the organic aerosols and their contributions to the local CCN concentrations. The mean number concentrations of the condensation nuclei and CCN at supersaturation (SS) conditions of 0.11–0.80% were 1,238 and 166–740 cm−3, respectively. Organic aerosols and sulfate dominated the submicrometer aerosol mass concentrations. The particle hygroscopicity increased with increases in particle diameters. The hygroscopicity parameter for the organics, κorg, was positively correlated with the atomic O to C ratio. The product of κorg and the volume fraction of OA was 0.12, accounting for 38% of the water uptake by aerosol particles. The hygroscopicity parameter of the locally formed fresh BSOA was estimated to be 0.09. The contribution of OA to the CCN number concentration, which was assessed by subtracting the CCN concentration of the hypothetical inorganic aerosols from that of the ambient aerosols, was 50–182 cm−3 for the SS range of 0.11–0.80%. The increase of the CCN number concentrations per 1‐μg/m3 increase of the BSOA was 23–299 cm−3 at 0.11–0.80% SS. The contribution of the BSOA to the CCN number concentration can be enhanced by new particle formation.
The 20–22 February 2016 Mineral Dust Event in Tehran, Iran: Numerical Modeling, Remote Sensing, and In Situ Measurements
Authors: Najafpour Nategheh , Afshin Hossein , Firoozabadi Bahar
Published: April 2018

Wind erosion raises mineral dusts from dry and semidry lands and produces dust storms. Such dust masses have created numerous health and economic problems for the residents of southern, southwestern, and central parts of Iran. The main sources, movement, spread, and settlement of dust masses can be determined by solving the governing equations for aerosol transmission. Such information will be certainly useful in managerial decision‐making. In this study, the dust event in Tehran on 20–22 February 2016 was studied using numerical model, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite data, and data of ground‐based stations. A comparison between the numerical results and in situ measurements as well as satellite data confirmed that present modeling can predict dust mass formation and its development toward Tehran. However, the values of dust concentration and aerosol optical depth were underpredicted with regard to in situ measurements and satellite data, respectively. The results indicated that a low‐pressure system was formed in the central Iran on 19–20 February, which led to atmosphere instability, an increase in wind speed, and an increase in the planetary boundary layer height up to a height of 5 km. On the other hand, this low‐pressure system led to the transportation of dust mass created in the eastern Syria and central Iraq from the southwestern borders and cities like Ahwaz to the central parts of Iran such as Tehran. The study of the radiative forcing indicated that due to the absorption and scattering of radiation flux by aerosols, the atmosphere became stable and the height of the boundary layer decreased.
Inverse Estimation of an Annual Cycle of California's Nitrous Oxide Emissions
Authors: Jeong Seongeun , Newman Sally , Zhang Jingsong , Andrews Arlyn E. , Bianco Laura , Dlugokencky Ed , Bagley Justin , Cui Xinguang , Priest Chad , Campos‐Pineda Mixtli , Fischer Marc L.
Published: April 2018

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent long‐lived greenhouse gas (GHG) and the strongest current emissions of global anthropogenic stratospheric ozone depletion weighted by its ozone depletion potential. In California, N2O is the third largest contributor to the state's anthropogenic GHG emission inventory, though no study has quantified its statewide annual emissions through top‐down inverse modeling. Here we present the first annual (2013–2014) statewide top‐down estimates of anthropogenic N2O emissions. Utilizing continuous N2O observations from six sites across California in a hierarchical Bayesian inversion, we estimate that annual anthropogenic emissions are 1.5–2.5 times (at 95% confidence) the state inventory (41 Gg N2O in 2014). Without mitigation, this estimate represents 4–7% of total GHG emissions assuming that other reported GHG emissions are reasonably correct. This suggests that control of N2O could be an important component in meeting California's emission reduction goals of 40% and 80% below 1990 levels of the total GHG emissions (in CO2equivalent) by 2030 and 2050, respectively. Our seasonality analysis suggests that emissions are similar across seasons within posterior uncertainties. Future work is needed to provide source attribution for subregions and further characterization of seasonal variability.
Spring Land Surface and Subsurface Temperature Anomalies and Subsequent Downstream Late Spring‐Summer Droughts/Floods in North America and East Asia
Authors: Xue Yongkang , Diallo Ismaila , Li Wenkai , David Neelin J. , Chu Peter C. , Vasic Ratko , Guo Weidong , Li Qian , Robinson David A. , Zhu Yuejian , Fu Congbin , Oaida Catalina M.
Published: April 2018

Sea surface temperature (SST) variability has been shown to have predictive value for land precipitation, although SSTs are unable to fully predict intraseasonal to interannual hydrologic extremes. The possible remote effects of large‐scale land surface temperature (LST) and subsurface temperature (SUBT) anomalies in geographical areas upstream and closer to the areas of drought/flood have largely been ignored. Here evidence from climate observations and model simulations addresses these effects. Evaluation of observational data using Maximum Covariance Analysis identifies significant correlations between springtime 2‐m air temperature (T2 m) cold (warm) anomalies in both the western U.S. and the Tibetan Plateau and downstream drought (flood) events in late spring/summer. To support these observational findings, climate models are used in sensitivity studies, in which initial LST/SUBT anomaly is imposed to produce observed T2 m anomaly, to demonstrate a causal relationship for two important cases: between spring warm T2 m/LST/SUBT anomalies in western U.S. and the extraordinary 2015 flood in Southern Great Plains and adjacent regions and between spring cold T2 m/LST/SUBT anomalies in the Tibetan Plateau and the severe 2003 drought south of the Yangtze River region. The LST/SUBT downstream effects in North America are associated with a large‐scale atmospheric stationary wave extending eastward from the LST/SUBT anomaly region. The effects of SST in these cases are also tested and compared with the LST/SUBT effects. These results suggest that consideration of LST/SUBT anomalies has the potential to add value to intraseasonal prediction of dry and wet conditions, especially extreme drought/flood events. The results suggest the importance of developing land data and models capable of preserving observed soil memory.
Tidewater Glacier Surges Initiated at the Terminus
Authors: Sevestre Heïdi , Benn Douglas I. , Luckman Adrian , Nuth Christopher , Kohler Jack , Lindbäck Katrin , Pettersson Rickard
Published: April 2018

There have been numerous reports that surges of tidewater glaciers in Svalbard were initiated at the terminus and propagated up‐glacier, in contrast with downglacier‐propagating surges of land‐terminating glaciers. Most of these surges were poorly documented, and the cause of this behavior was unknown. We present detailed data on the recent surges of two tidewater glaciers, Aavatsmarkbreen and Wahlenbergbreen, in Svalbard. High‐resolution time series of glacier velocities and evolution of crevasse patterns show that both surges propagated up‐glacier in abrupt steps. Prior to the surges, both glaciers underwent retreat and steepening, and in the case of Aavatsmarkbreen, we demonstrate that this was accompanied by a large increase in driving stress in the terminal zone. The surges developed in response to two distinct processes. (1) During the late quiescent phase, internal thermodynamic processes and/or retreat from a pinning point caused acceleration of the glacier front, leading to the development of terminal crevasse fields. (2) Crevasses allowed surface meltwater and rainwater to access the bed, causing flow acceleration and development of new crevasses up‐glacier. Upward migration of the surge coincided with stepwise expansion of the crevasse field. Geometric changes near the terminus of these glaciers appear to have led to greater strain heating, water production, and storage at the glacier bed. Water routing via crevasses likely plays an important role in the evolution of surges. The distinction between internally triggered surges and externally triggered speedups may not be straightforward. The behavior of these glaciers can be understood in terms of the enthalpy cycle model.
Quantifying Debris Thickness of Debris‐Covered Glaciers in the Everest Region of Nepal Through Inversion of a Subdebris Melt Model
Authors: Rounce David R. , King Owen , McCarthy Michael , Shean David E. , Salerno Franco
Published: April 2018

Debris‐covered glaciers are ubiquitous in the Himalaya, and supraglacial debris significantly alters how glaciers respond to climate forcing. Estimating debris thickness at the glacier scale, however, remains a challenge. This study inverts a subdebris melt model to estimate debris thickness for three glaciers in the Everest region from digital elevation model difference‐derived elevation change. Flux divergences are estimated from ice thickness and surface velocity data. Monte Carlo simulations are used to incorporate the uncertainties associated with debris properties, flux divergence, and elevation change. On Ngozumpa Glacier, surface lowering data from 2010 to 2012 and 2012 to 2014 are used to calibrate and validate the method, respectively. The debris thickness estimates are consistent with existing in situ measurements. The method performs well over both actively flowing and stagnant parts of the glacier and is able to accurately estimate thicker debris (>0.5 m). Uncertainties associated with the thermal conductivity and elevation change contribute the most to uncertainties of the debris thickness estimates. The surface lowering associated with ice cliffs and supraglacial ponds was found to significantly reduce debris thickness, especially for thicker debris. The method is also applied to Khumbu and Imja‐Lhotse Shar Glaciers to highlight its potential for regional application.
Anthropogenic Modifications Can Significantly Influence the Local Mean Sea Level and Affect the Survival of Salt Marshes in Shallow Tidal Systems
Authors: Silvestri Sonia , D'Alpaos Andrea , Nordio Giovanna , Carniello Luca
Published: April 2018

In a shallow dissipative tidal system, interventions that modify the local morphology in one location of the basin may quickly affect the surrounding areas, promoting strong changes in their morphology. If the localized modification persists over time, it may produce far‐field morphological modifications at delayed times. These modifications may have an impact on the local mean sea level and on tidal range, affecting the fate of salt marshes with implications for their survival. In this study, we investigate the effect of two anthropic interventions performed between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century in the northern Venice lagoon (Italy): the construction of jetties at one inlet and the removal of reed barriers protecting a fish farm in the inner lagoon. Using a 2‐D numerical model to reproduce the hydrodynamics of different historical lagoon configurations and a zero dimensional model of marsh vertical accretion, we investigate the effect of these interventions on the salt marshes of the northern lagoon basin. Interestingly, our results show that the increased depth at the inlet induced by the jetties lowered the local mean sea level of nearby areas and increased the tidal range, producing a temporary positive feedback on the stability of the marshes in proximity of the inlet. On the contrary, in the inner lagoon areas characterized by extremely low marshes, the removal of reed barriers delimiting a fish farm may have reduced the sediment fluxes thus contributing to the drowning of large marsh surfaces.
Strong Associations Between Biogeochemical Factors and Sb Species in Sediments of the World's Largest Sb Mine (Xikuangshan) in China
Authors: Liang Zhi‐wei , Hua Zheng‐shuan , Jia Pu , Liu Jun , Luo Zhen‐hao , Chen Wen‐ce , Kuang Jia‐liang , Liao Bin , Shu Wen‐sheng , Li Jin‐tian
Published: April 2018

Uncovering the factors influencing antimony (Sb) species in sediments is crucial to understanding the biogeochemical behavior of Sb, given that sediments are an important sink for Sb in the environment. Such factors, however, have rarely been documented in natural sediments. In this study, we examined Sb species in 40 sediments of the world's largest Sb mine (Xikuangshan) located in southern China and tried to relate them to not only geochemical properties of the sediments but also their microbiological parameters obtained with the next‐generation DNA sequencing and metagenomics. We showed that Sb(III) accounted for <30% of inorganic Sb [Sb(III) + Sb(V)] in the sediments. Linear regression analysis revealed that the percentage of Sb(III) was negatively correlated to redox potential (Eh) but positively correlated to concentration of Fe(II), electrical conductivity, and the relative abundance of Sb(V)‐reducing microbes of the sediments, although the relative abundance of Sb(III)‐oxidizing microbes and the number of microbial genes responsible for Sb(III) oxidation were uncorrelated to the percentage of Sb(III). The observed strong associations indicated that Eh, concentration of Fe(II), electrical conductivity, and Sb(V)‐reducing microbes were involved in influencing Sb species in the sediments. On this basis, we further proposed a preliminary biogeochemical model for Sb speciation in water‐sediment systems affected by Sb‐mining activities. This study improved our understanding of the biogeochemical factors involved in influencing Sb species in natural sediments contaminated by Sb‐mining activities.
The novel hsa-miR-12528 regulates tumourigenesis and metastasis through hypo-phosphorylation of AKT cascade by targeting IGF-1R in human lung cancer
Authors: Jeon Seong Ho , Yoo Jung Ki , Kim Chang Min , Lim Eun Su , Lee So Jeong , Lee Ji Min , Oh Seung-Hun , Kim Jin Kyeoung
Published: April 2018

Lung cancer cases are increasing yearly; however, few novel therapeutic strategies for treating this disease have been developed. Here the dysregulation between microRNAs and oncogenes or tumour-suppressor genes forms a close connection-loop to the development or progression in human lung carcinogenesis. That is, the relationship between microRNAs and carcinogenic mechanism may find the critical clue to improve the treatment efficacy. Accordingly, we identified and characterised a novel microRNA, hsa-miR-12528, in A549 cells. The miR-12528 expression was aberrantly downregulated in cancer cell lines and in the patient tissues derived from human non-small cell lung cancer. In addition, we found that miR-12528 post-transcriptionally controls the translation of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) gene by directly targeting the 3′-untranslated region of IGF-1R mRNA. Notably, the IGF-1R gene is elevated in the majority of cancers and may be an attractive therapeutic target for anticancer therapy because elevated IGF-1R mediates the signalling amplification of a major oncogenic pathway in neoplasia. In A549 cells, miR-12528 overexpression epigenetically altered the downstream phosphorylation of the primary IGF-1R networks, negatively regulated proliferation, apoptosis and migratory activity, and consequently inhibited tumourigenesis and metastasis in vivo. Therefore, our discovery of hsa-miR-12528 may be able to be applied to the development of molecular-target therapeutic strategies and diagnosis-specific biomarkers for human lung cancer.
The human Vδ2+ T-cell compartment comprises distinct innate-like Vγ9+ and adaptive Vγ9- subsets
Authors: Davey Martin S. , Willcox Carrie R. , Hunter Stuart , Kasatskaya Sofya A. , Remmerswaal Ester B. M. , Salim Mahboob , Mohammed Fiyaz , Bemelman Frederike J. , Chudakov Dmitriy M. , Oo Ye H. , Willcox Benjamin E.
Published: April 2018

Vδ2+T cells form the predominant human γδ T-cell population in peripheral blood and mediate T-cell receptor (TCR)-dependent anti-microbial and anti-tumour immunity. Here we show that the Vδ2+compartment comprises both innate-like and adaptive subsets. Vγ9+Vδ2+T cells display semi-invariant TCR repertoires, featuring public Vγ9 TCR sequences equivalent in cord and adult blood. By contrast, we also identify a separate, Vγ9−Vδ2+T-cell subset that typically has a CD27hiCCR7+CD28+IL-7Rα+naive-like phenotype and a diverse TCR repertoire, however in response to viral infection, undergoes clonal expansion and differentiation to a CD27loCD45RA+CX3CR1+granzymeA/B+effector phenotype. Consistent with a function in solid tissue immunosurveillance, we detect human intrahepatic Vγ9−Vδ2+T cells featuring dominant clonal expansions and an effector phenotype. These findings redefine human γδ T-cell subsets by delineating the Vδ2+T-cell compartment into innate-like (Vγ9+) and adaptive (Vγ9−) subsets, which have distinct functions in microbial immunosurveillance.
Ultra-confined surface phonon polaritons in molecular layers of van der Waals dielectrics
Authors: Dubrovkin Alexander M. , Qiang Bo , Krishnamoorthy Harish N. S. , Zheludev Nikolay I. , Wang Qi Jie
Published: April 2018

Improvements in device density in photonic circuits can only be achieved with interconnects exploiting highly confined states of light. Recently this has brought interest to highly confined plasmon and phonon polaritons. While plasmonic structures have been extensively studied, the ultimate limits of phonon polariton squeezing, in particular enabling the confinement (the ratio between the excitation and polariton wavelengths) exceeding 102, is yet to be explored. Here, exploiting unique structure of 2D materials, we report for the first time that atomically thin van der Waals dielectrics (e.g., transition-metal dichalcogenides) on silicon carbide substrate demonstrate experimentally record-breaking propagating phonon polaritons confinement resulting in 190-times squeezed surface waves. The strongly dispersive confinement can be potentially tuned to greater than 103 near the phonon resonance of the substrate, and it scales with number of van der Waals layers. We argue that our findings are a substantial step towards infrared ultra-compact phonon polaritonic circuits and resonators, and would stimulate further investigations on nanophotonics in non-plasmonic atomically thin interface platforms.
De novo activating mutations drive clonal evolution and enhance clonal fitness in KMT2A-rearranged leukemia
Authors: Hyrenius-Wittsten Axel , Pilheden Mattias , Sturesson Helena , Hansson Jenny , Walsh Michael P. , Song Guangchun , Kazi Julhash U. , Liu Jian , Ramakrishan Ramprasad , Garcia-Ruiz Cristian , Nance Stephanie , Gupta Pankaj , Zhang Jinghui , Rönnstrand Lars , Hultquist Anne , Downing James R. , Lindkvist-Petersson Karin , Paulsson Kajsa , Järås Marcus , Gruber Tanja A. , Ma Jing , Hagström-Andersson Anna K.
Published: April 2018

Activating signaling mutations are common in acute leukemia with KMT2A (previously MLL) rearrangements (KMT2A-R). These mutations are often subclonal and their biological impact remains unclear. Using a retroviral acute myeloid mouse leukemia model, we demonstrate that FLT3
ITD
, FLT3
N676K
, and NRAS
G12D
accelerate KMT2A-MLLT3 leukemia onset. Further, also subclonal FLT3
N676K
mutations accelerate disease, possibly by providing stimulatory factors. Herein, we show that one such factor, MIF, promotes survival of mouse KMT2A-MLLT3 leukemia initiating cells. We identify acquired de novo mutations in Braf, Cbl, Kras, and Ptpn11 in KMT2A-MLLT3 leukemia cells that favored clonal expansion. During clonal evolution, we observe serial genetic changes at the Kras
G12D
locus, consistent with a strong selective advantage of additional Kras
G12D
. KMT2A-MLLT3 leukemias with signaling mutations enforce Myc and Myb transcriptional modules. Our results provide new insight into the biology of KMT2A-R leukemia with subclonal signaling mutations and highlight the importance of activated signaling as a contributing driver.
A silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor electron spin-orbit qubit
Authors: Jock Ryan M. , Jacobson N. Tobias , Harvey-Collard Patrick , Mounce Andrew M. , Srinivasa Vanita , Ward Dan R. , Anderson John , Manginell Ron , Wendt Joel R. , Rudolph Martin , Pluym Tammy , Gamble John King , Baczewski Andrew D. , Witzel Wayne M. , Carroll Malcolm S.
Published: April 2018

The silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) material system is a technologically important implementation of spin-based quantum information processing. However, the MOS interface is imperfect leading to concerns about 1/f trap noise and variability in the electron g-factor due to spin–orbit (SO) effects. Here we advantageously use interface–SO coupling for a critical control axis in a double-quantum-dot singlet–triplet qubit. The magnetic field-orientation dependence of the g-factors is consistent with Rashba and Dresselhaus interface–SO contributions. The resulting all-electrical, two-axis control is also used to probe the MOS interface noise. The measured inhomogeneous dephasing time, $$T_{{\mathrm{2m}}}^ \star$$

T

2m

⋆

, of 1.6 μs is consistent with 99.95% 28Si enrichment. Furthermore, when tuned to be sensitive to exchange fluctuations, a quasi-static charge noise detuning variance of 2 μeV is observed, competitive with low-noise reports in other semiconductor qubits. This work, therefore, demonstrates that the MOS interface inherently provides properties for two-axis qubit control, while not increasing noise relative to other material choices.
Persistent multi-scale fluctuations shift European hydroclimate to its millennial boundaries
Authors: Markonis Y. , Hanel M. , Máca P. , Kyselý J. , Cook E. R.
Published: April 2018

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the effect of global warming on water resources, especially at regional and continental scales. The last IPCC report on extremes states that there is medium confidence about an increase on European drought frequency during twentieth century. Here we use the Old World Drought Atlas palaeoclimatic reconstruction to show that when Europe’s hydroclimate is examined under a millennial, multi-scale perspective, a significant decrease in dryness can be observed since 1920 over most of central and northern Europe. On the contrary, in the south, drying conditions have prevailed, creating an intense north-to-south dipole. In both cases, hydroclimatic conditions have shifted to, and in some regions exceeded, their millennial boundaries, remaining at these extreme levels for the longest period of the 1000-year-long record.
The nanos1 gene was duplicated in early Vertebrates and the two paralogs show different gonadal expression profiles in a shark
Authors: Gribouval Laura , Sourdaine Pascal , Lareyre Jean-Jacques , Bellaiche Johanna , Le Gac Florence , Mazan Sylvie , Guiardiere Cécile , Auvray Pierrïck , Gautier Aude
Published: April 2018

Nanos are RNA-binding proteins playing crucial roles in germ cell development and maintenance. Based on phylogenetic and synteny analyses, this study reveals that nanos1 gene has undergone multiple duplications and gene copies losses in Vertebrates. Chondrichthyan species display two nanos1 genes (named nanos1A/1B), which were both retrieved in some Osteichthyes at basal positions in Sarcopterygii and Actinopterygii lineages. In contrast, Teleosts have lost nanos1A but duplicated nanos1B leading to the emergence of two ohnologs (nanos1Ba/1Bb), whereas Tetrapods have lost nanos1B gene. The two successive nanos gene duplications may result from the second and third whole genome duplication events at the basis of Vertebrates and Teleosts respectively. The expression profiles of nanos1A and nanos1B paralogs were characterized in the dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula. Nanos1A was strongly expressed in brain and also localized in all germ cell types in the polarized testis. In contrast, nanos1B was detected in testis with the highest expression in the germinative zone. In addition, Nanos1B protein was predominantly located in the nuclei of male germinal cells. In the ovary, both paralogs were detected in germinal and somatic cells. Our study opens new perspectives concerning the complex evolution of nanos1 paralogs and their potential distinct roles in Vertebrates gonads.
Prediction of Steam Burns Severity using Raman Spectroscopy on ex vivo Porcine Skin
Authors: Zhai Lina , Adlhart Christian , Spano Fabrizio , Innocenti Malini Riccardo , Piątek Agnieszka K. , Li Jun , Rossi René M.
Published: April 2018

Skin burns due to accidental exposure to hot steam have often been reported to be more severe than the ones occurring from dry heat. While skin burns due to flames or radiant heat have been thoroughly characterized, the mechanisms leading to steam burns are not well understood and a conundrum still exists: can second degree burns occur without destruction of the epidermis, i.e. even before first degree burns are detected? Skin permeability is dependent both on temperature and on the kinetic energy of incoming water molecules. To investigate the mechanism underlying the injuries related to steam exposure, we used porcine skin as anex vivomodel. This model was exposed to either steam or dry heat before measuring the skin hydration via confocal Raman microspectroscopy. The results show that during the first minute of exposure to steam, the water content in both the epidermis and dermis increases. By analyzing different mechanisms of steam diffusion through the multiple skin layers, as well as the moisture-assisted bio-heat transfer, we provide a novel model explaining why steam burns can be more severe, and why steam can penetrate deeper and much faster than an equivalent dry heat.
19F NMR studies provide insights into lipid membrane interactions of listeriolysin O, a pore forming toxin from Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Kozorog Mirijam , Sani Marc-Antoine , Lenarčič Živković Martina , Ilc Gregor , Hodnik Vesna , Separovic Frances , Plavec Janez , Anderluh Gregor
Published: April 2018

Listeria monocytogenes is a mammalian pathogen that causes gastroenteritis, miscarriages and infections of the central nervous system in immunocompromised individuals. Its main virulence factor is listeriolysin O (LLO), a pore-forming cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC), which enables bacterial escape from the phagolysosome and contributes to bacterial pathogenicity. Details of cholesterol (Chol) recognition and membrane binding mechanisms by LLO are still not known. Here we used 19F-NMR spectroscopy in order to assess LLO-Chol interactions in solution and in a Chol-rich membrane environment. LLO has six tryptophan residues located in the region of the molecule that is first in contact with lipid membranes. 19F-LLO, which contained 5-fluoro-tryptophans, was prepared by using isotopic labelling in an E. coli expression system. Signals in the 19F-NMR spectrum of 19F-LLO were unambiguously assigned by using a series of single Trp → Phe point mutations. The results employing various cholesterol preparations in solution indicate that tryptophan residues are not directly involved in Chol binding in solution. However, significant chemical shift changes were observed upon LLO binding to Chol-rich membranes, highlighting the role of tryptophan residues in membrane interactions (W512) and oligomerisation (W189 and W489).
Cytoglobin affects tumorigenesis and the expression of ulcerative colitis-associated genes under chemically induced colitis in mice
Authors: Yassin Mohammad , Kissow Hannelouise , Vainer Ben , Joseph Philomeena Daphne , Hay-Schmidt Anders , Olsen Jørgen , Pedersen Anders Elm
Published: April 2018

Cytoglobin (Cygb) is a member of the hemoglobin family and is thought to protect against cellular hypoxia and oxidative stress. These functions may be particularly important in inflammation-induced cancer, e.g., in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we investigated the development of inflammation and tumors in a murine model of inflammation-induced colorectal cancer using a combined treatment of azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium. A bioinformatics analysis of genome-wide expression data revealed increased colonic inflammation at the molecular level accompanied by enhanced macroscopic tumor development in Cygb-deficient mice. Moreover, the expression of the UC-associated gene neurexophilin and PC-esterase domain family member 4 (Nxpe4) depended on the presence of Cygb in the inflamed colonic mucosa. Compared to wild type mice, RT-qPCR confirmed a 14-fold (p = 0.0003) decrease in Nxpe4 expression in the inflamed colonic mucosa from Cygb-deficient mice. An analysis of Cygb protein expression suggested that Cygb is expressed in fibroblast-like cells surrounding the colonic crypts. Histological examinations of early induced lesions suggested that the effect of Cygb is primarily at the level of tumor promotion. In conclusion, in this model, Cygb primarily seemed to inhibit the development of established microadenomas.