bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Final Report of COOMET.M.H-S5
Authors: Skliarov V , Dovshenko J , Menelao F , Borovský J , Kamkova N , Obozny E , Zhamanbalin M
Published: September 2020

This report describes the results of comparison COOMET.M.H-S5. The comparison measurements between the five participants NSC "IM" (pilot laboratory), PTB, CMI, BelGIM, RSE "KazInMetr" were started in November 2013 and ended in May 2015.

In the RMO SC, one set of hardness reference blocks were used consisting of 5 (five) blocks of the Rockwell scales and hardness levels 80-86 HRA, 80-100 HRBW, 20-30 HRC, 40-50 HRC, 60-70 HRC.

Agreement between results of participants is good.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Leak-free integrated microfluidic channel fabrication for surface plasmon resonance applications
Authors: Bakouche M-T , Ganesan S , Guérin D , Hourlier D , Bouazaoui M , Vilcot J-P , Maricot S
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we describe a novel fabrication method of a microfluidic integrated surface plasmon resonance (SPR) gold chip based on a (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxy silane (MPTMS) self-assembled monolayer. This monolayer was formed at the surface of a microfluidic chip made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Its presence was confirmed by contact angle and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements on the modified PDMS surface. A basic, but nevertheless appropriate, 4-channel microfluidic system was made on PDMS and reported on a gold SPR sensor. Sealing tests were carried-out by injecting continuous flows of solutions under gradient pressure up to 1.8 bar. Bonding strength of chemical and corona binding were measured and compared. The test of the integrated microfluidic SPR sensor on an SPR bench validated its functionality and proved as well that no leakage is observed between the different microfluidic channels.
The wide-angle broadband absorption and polarization separation in the one-dimensional magnetized ferrite photonic crystals arranged by the Dodecanacci sequence under the transverse magnetization configuration
Authors: Guo Sijia , Mao Mingyu , Zhou Ziwei , Zhang Dan , Zhang Haifeng
Published: September 2020

Utilizing the transfer matrix method, a multifunctional infrared device possessing the properties of the wide-angle broadband absorption and the polarization separation based on the one-dimensional (1-D) magnetized ferrite photonic crystals (MFPCs) arranged by the Dodecanacci sequence is designed theoretically under the modulation of the external magnetic field. The magneto-optical effect generated in the proposed MFPCs gives birth to the ultra-broadband absorption regions under the transverse electric (TE) mode, one runs at 16.22 THz –30.89 THz and the other covers at 33.52 THz–70.00 THz. The mechanism of the wide-angle (at most 80.89° for TE mode) absorption is analyzed by the interference cancellation condition. Moreover, owing to the different effective permeabilities of the MFPCs under the two polarization modes, the propagation behaviors of the electromagnetic (EM) wave are diverse which present the absorption features under the TE mode and show the transmission properties under the transverse magnetic (TM) mode in the structure. Compared with the periodic and Thue-Morse structures, the complex symmetry of the Dodecanacci sequence makes the absorption features of the MFPCs superior to that of the former. Besides, the influences of the magnetic field intensity and the dielectrics’ thicknesses on the angle-insensitive absorption and polarization separation characteristics are discussed explicitly. This research provides meaningful guidance for the modulation and absorption of the infrared light wave and the design of the multifunctional magnetically tunable optoelectric device.
Parameter estimation for pattern formation induced by ion bombardment of solid surfaces using deep learning
Authors: Loew Kevin M , Bradley R Mark
Published: September 2020

The nanostructures produced by oblique-incidence broad beam ion bombardment of a solid surface are usually modelled by the anisotropic Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation. This equation has five parameters, each of which depend on the target material and the ion species, energy, and angle of incidence. We have developed a deep learning model that uses a single image of the surface to estimate all five parameters in the equation of motion with root-mean-square errors that are under 3% of the parameter ranges used for training. This provides a tool that will allow experimentalists to quickly ascertain the parameters for a given sputtering experiment. It could also provide an independent check on other methods of estimating parameters such as atomistic simulations combined with the crater function formalism.
Design and analysis of high-frequency fiber Bragg grating vibration sensor
Authors: Wu Hao , Lin Qijing , Han Feng , Zhao Libo , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: September 2020

The fiber Bragg grating vibration sensor has received a lot of attention due to its unique performance. However, the natural frequency of the sensor limits its development and application. This paper presents an acceleration sensor with an isosceles triangular cantilever and mass block structure, which has high natural frequency and high sensitivity. The optical fiber sensing system consists of two fiber gratings. One section of the fiber grating is pasted on the cantilever and serves as an accelerometer; the other is used as a reference grating. The first-order natural frequency of the accelerometer is 8356 Hz, and its sensitivity is 0.46 pm g−1. A vibration test confirms the reliability of the sensor, and the resonant frequency of the sensor is 8193 Hz. The principle of light intensity demodulation is adopted in the sensor system and its sensitivity is 45.82 mV g−1 with a linearity of 0.997. The sensor has the advantages of high frequency and sensitivity, and thus can be applied to the rail transit bearing systems
Experimental and theoretical inquiry into optical properties of graphene derivatives
Authors: Valimukhametova Alina , Ryan Conor , Paz Thomas , Grote Fabian , Naumov Anton V
Published: September 2020

Graphene oxide (GO), a functional derivative of graphene, is a promising nanomaterial for a variety of optoelectronic applications as it exhibits fluorescence and maintains many of graphene’s beneficial physical properties. although other graphene derivatives are chemically plausible and may serve to the benefit of the aforementioned applications, GO remains the one heavily used. the nature of optical behavior of other graphene derivatives has yet to be fully understood and studied. in this work we develop a variety of graphene derivatives and characterize their optical properties concomitantly suggesting a unified model for optical emission in graphene derivatives. in this process we examine the influence of different functional groups on the surface of graphene on its optoelectronic properties. mildly oxidized graphene (oxo-g1), nitrated graphene, arylated graphene, brominated graphene, and fluorinated graphene are obtained and characterized via TEM and EDX, FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopies with the latter indicating a potential band gap-derived fluorescence from each of the materials. this suggests that optical properties of graphene derivatives have minimal functional group dependence and are manifested by the localized environments within the flakes. this is confirmed by the hyperchem theoretical modeling of all aforementioned graphene derivatives indicating a similar electronic configuration for all, assessed by the pm3 semi-empirical approach. this work can further serve to describe and predict optical properties of similar graphene-based structures and promote graphene derivatives other than GO for utilization in research and industry.
Ultrafast humidity sensor based on liquid phase exfoliated graphene
Authors: Andrić Stevan , Tomašević-Ilić Tijana , Bošković Marko V , Sarajlić Milija , Vasiljević-Radović Dana , Smiljanić Milče M , Spasenović Marko
Published: September 2020

Humidity sensing is important to a variety of technologies and industries, ranging from environmental and industrial monitoring to medical applications. Although humidity sensors abound, few available solutions are thin, transparent, compatible with large-area sensor production and flexible, and almost none are fast enough to perform human respiration monitoring through breath detection or real-time finger proximity monitoring via skin humidity sensing. This work describes chemiresistive graphene-based humidity sensors produced in few steps with facile liquid phase exfoliation followed by Langmuir–Blodgett assembly that enables active areas of practically any size. The graphene sensors provide a unique mix of performance parameters, exhibiting resistance changes up to 10% with varying humidity, linear performance over relative humidity (RH) levels between 8% and 95%, weak response to other constituents of air, flexibility, transparency of nearly 80%, and response times of 30 ms. The fast response to humidity is shown to be useful for respiration monitoring and real-time finger proximity detection, with potential applications in flexible touchless interactive panels.
Characteristics of silicon nitride deposited by very high frequency (162 MHz)-plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition using bis(diethylamino)silane
Authors: Byun J Y , Ji Y J , Kim K H , Kim K S , Tak H W , Ellingboe A R , Yeom G Y
Published: September 2020

Silicon nitrides, deposited by capacitively coupled plasma (CCP)-type plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), are generally applied to today’s nanoscale semiconductor devices, and are currently being investigated in terms of their potential applications in the context of flexible displays, etc. During the PEALD process, 13.56 MHz rf power is generally employed for the generation of reactive gas plasma. In this study, the effects of a higher plasma generation frequency of 162 MHz on both plasma and silicon nitride film characteristics are investigated for the purpose of silicon nitride PEALD, using bis(diethylamino)silane (BDEAS) as the silicon precursor, and N2 plasma as the reactant gas. The PEALD silicon nitride film deposited using the 162 MHz CCP exhibited improved film characteristics, such as reduced surface roughness, a lower carbon percentage, a higher N/Si ratio, a lower wet etch rate in a diluted HF solution, lower leakage current, and higher electric breakdown field, and more uniform step coverage of the silicon nitride film deposited in a high aspect ratio trench, as compared to silicon nitride PEALD using 13.56 MHz CCP. These improved PEALD silicon nitride film characteristics are believed to be related to the higher ion density, higher reactive gas dissociation, and lower ion bombardment energy to the substrate observed in N2 plasma with a 162 MHz CCP.
Interpretative transport modeling of the WEST boundary plasma: main plasma and light impurities
Authors: Gallo A. , Sepetys A. , Marandet Y. , Bufferand H. , Ciraolo G. , Fedorczak N. , Brezinsek S. , Bucalossi J. , Coenen J. , Clairet F. , Corre Y. , Desgranges C. , Devynck P. , Gaspar J. , Guirlet R. , Gunn J. , Klepper C.C. , Pascal J.-Y. , Tamain P. , Tsitrone E. , Unterberg E.A. , WEST team the
Published: September 2020

Understanding impurity transport in tokamak plasmas is crucial to control radiative losses and material migration in future magnetic fusion reactors. In this work we deploy the SolEdge2D-EIRENE code to model the boundary plasma in a WEST discharge, satisfactorily reproducing measurements of both upstream and divertor plasma conditions. The spatial distribution of oxygen, studied here as a representative light impurity, is compared to vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy measurements acquired with an oscillating line of sight. The simulation captures a key feature of the experiment, namely a factor of ≃2 higher oxygen brightness in the inner divertor region compared to the outer one. This spatial asymmetry in oxygen concentration is interpreted by analyzing the balance of friction forces and thermal gradient forces that the light impurity exchanges with the main plasma.
Benchmarking of codes for plasma burn-through in tokamaks
Authors: Kim Hyun-Tae , Mineev A. , Ricci D. , Lee Jeong-Won , Na Yong-Su
Published: September 2020

For the first time, there was an extensive comparison between the plasma burn-through modelling codes presently available—DYON, SCENPLINT, and BKD0. The code benchmarking was carried out over three cases, adding more complexities in the modelling for each step. The first benchmarking was to revisit the mathematical models in the three codes. The simulation results were compared with the simplified settings, where ohmic burn-through of a pure hydrogen plasma was modelled with the ITER-relevant constant parameters. Without any reconciliation work, the three codes already predicted the same threshold prefill gas pressure for the hydrogen burn-through in ITER. However, the three codes produced different time-evolution of plasma parameters. The code developers identified differences in the mathematical models, which resulted in the different time-evolution. This enabled the codes to use the same mathematical models in the second benchmarking, which simulates an ohmic plasma burn-through discharge in a presently operating device. In the second benchmarking, the time-evolution of plasma parameters and impurities was simulated together with time-evolving experimental data from a JET discharge. It was found in this exercise that the time-evolving plasma volume and the electromagnetic modelling of eddy current in the passive structure could significantly change the simulation results, and thus their models need to be improved. For the third benchmarking, stand-alone simulations of the ECH modules in the three codes were compared. The calculated ECH absorption efficiency is identical in DYON and SCENPLINT, while it is about 20% higher in BKD0. Coupling the ECH modules, DYON and SCENPLINT simulated an ECH-assisted plasma burn-through discharge in KSTAR. In the early plasma burn-through phase, similar time-evolution of plasma parameters was reproduced. However, Te
evolution starts to deviate from one another at about 100 ms. This is attributed to the sensitivity of ECH power absorption to the small initial difference in Te
, which possibly resulted from the different atomic data in the two codes.
Time-efficient physical activity interventions to reduce blood pressure in older adults: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Herrod Philip J J , Lund Jonathan N , Phillips Bethan E
Published: September 2020

Background

Hypertension is a risk factor for both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, with an increasing incidence with advancing patient age. Exercise interventions have the potential to reduce blood pressure in older adults, however, rates of exercise uptake and adherence are low, with ‘lack of time’ a commonly cited reason. As such, there remains the need for time-efficient physical activity interventions to reduce blood pressure in older adults.

Objective

To compare the effect of three, novel time-efficient physical activity interventions on resting blood pressure in older adults.

Methods

Forty-eight, healthy, community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 71 years) were recruited to a 6-week randomised control trial. Resting blood pressure was measured before and after one of three supervised, time-efficient interventions: high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a cycle ergometer; isometric handgrip training (IHG); unilateral, upper limb remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) or non-intervention control.

Results

Both HIIT and IHG led to a statistically significant reduction in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 9 mmHg, with no significant change in the RIPC or control groups. There was no change in diastolic blood pressure or pulse pressure in any group.

Conclusions

Supervised HIIT or IHG using the protocols described in this study can lead to statistically significant and clinically relevant reductions in resting SBP in healthy older adults in just 6 weeks.
Inpatient hypoglycaemia in older people is associated with a doubling in the increased length of stay compared with the younger population
Authors: Ruan Yue , Moysova Zuzana , Tan Garry D , Lumb Alistair , Davies Jim , Rea Rustam
Published: September 2020

Background

Hypoglycaemia during hospital admission is associated with poor outcomes including increased length of stay. In this study, we compared the incidence of inpatient hypoglycaemia and length of stays among people of three age groups: ≤65 years, 65–80 years and >80 years old.

Methods

The study was conducted using a 4-year electronic patient record dataset from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The dataset contains hospital admission data for people with diabetes. We analysed the blood glucose (BG) measurements and identified all level 1 (BG <4 mmol/l) and level 2 (BG <3 mmol/l) hypoglycaemic episodes. We compared the length of stays between different age groups and with different levels of hypoglycaemia.

Results

We analysed data obtained from 17,658 inpatients with diabetes who underwent 32,758 hospital admissions. The length of stays for admissions with no hypoglycaemia were 3[1,6], 3[1,8] and 4[2,11] (median[interquartile range]) days for age groups ≤65 years, 65–80 years and >80 years, respectively. These were statistically significantly lower (P < 0.01 for all pairwise comparisons) than the length of stays for admissions with level 1 hypoglycaemia, which were 6[3,13], 10[5,20] and 12[6,22] days, and level 2 hypoglycaemia, which were 7[3,14], 11[5,24] and 13[6,24] days.

Conclusions

In all age groups, admissions with either level 1 or level 2 hypoglycaemia were associated with an increased length of stay. However, in both the older groups, the length of stay increments were much higher (double) than the younger counterparts. The clinical consequences of hypoglycaemia were more severe in older people compared with the younger population.
Our community meeting 2020
Authors: Bowler Sue
Published: September 2020

Sue Bowler summarizes the RAS Community Session 2020, usually part of the National Astronomy Meeting, but this year a successful stand-alone – and virtual – event.
Sociality and signaling activity modulate information flow in river otter communication networks
Authors: Barocas Adi , Golden Howard N , Dudenhoeffer Megan , Ben-David Merav
Published: September 2020

Animal communication networks are built from interactions between senders and receivers of signals. The drivers of signaling decisions, which are the building blocks of such networks, are not well understood. Theory predicts that conditions which ensure information spread to the largest possible number of receivers should be favored. Several carnivores use latrine sites for visual, olfactory, and auditory signaling. We tested the hypotheses that signaling behavior at latrine sites is influenced by social structure and locally acquired information on the presence of conspecifics, using coastal river otters (Lontra canadensis), in Alaska. River otters exhibit a flexible social system of mostly males that communicate through scent marking at latrines. During scent marking, river otters also perform feet stomping, which may add a visual component to their signal. Using trail camera footage, we found that solitary otters were more likely to perform both sniffing and scent marking compared with otters in groups. Feet stomping was more intense for solitary otters but less pronounced during overmarking. Signalers demonstrated a greater tendency to scent mark when in smaller groups at highly active latrines, whereas feet stomping was more intense in recently visited sites. When in groups, scent-marking frequency increased when other individuals were signaling, suggesting a positive feedback, possibly driven by feet stomping. In concert, our results suggest that in river otters, scent-marking decisions minimize signal dilution by being performed in small groups and maximize the receivers through preferential signaling at latrines with higher, more recent activity. Because signaling decisions in social animals are linked to key life-history events such as mating and group membership shifts, understanding their individual and population-level drivers can be crucial.
Structural and Functional Brain Abnormalities in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease Revealed by Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fusion: Association With Cognitive Function
Authors: Sui Jing , Li Xiang , Bell Ryan P , Towe Sheri L , Gadde Syam , Chen Nan-kuei , Meade Christina S
Published: September 2020

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–associated neurocognitive impairment remains a prevalent comorbidity that impacts daily functioning and increases morbidity. While HIV infection is known to cause widespread disruptions in the brain, different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities have not been effectively integrated. In this study, we applied 3-way supervised fusion to investigate how structural and functional coalterations affect cognitive function.

Methods

Participants (59 people living with HIV and 58 without HIV) completed comprehensive neuropsychological testing and multimodal MRI scanning to acquire high-resolution anatomical, diffusion-weighted, and resting-state functional images. Preprocessed data were reduced using voxel-based morphometry, probabilistic tractography, and regional homogeneity, respectively. We applied multimodal canonical correlation analysis with reference plus joint independent component analysis using global cognitive functioning as the reference.

Results

Compared with controls, participants living with HIV had lower global cognitive functioning. One joint component was both group discriminating and correlated with cognitive function. This component included the following covarying regions: fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum, short and long association fiber tracts, and corticopontine fibers; gray matter volume in the thalamus, prefrontal cortex, precuneus, posterior parietal regions, and occipital lobe; and functional connectivity in frontoparietal and visual processing regions. Component loadings for fractional anisotropy also correlated with immunosuppression.

Conclusions

These results suggest that coalterations in brain structure and function can distinguish people with and without HIV and may drive cognitive impairment. As MRI becomes more commonplace in HIV care, multimodal fusion may provide neural biomarkers to support diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment.
Feasibility, tolerability, and effects of exercise-based prehabilitation after neoadjuvant therapy in esophagogastric cancer patients undergoing surgery: an interventional pilot study
Authors: Argudo Núria , Rodó-Pin Anna , Martínez-Llorens Juana , Marco Ester , Visa Laura , Messaggi-Sartor Monique , Balañá-Corberó Anna , Ramón José M , Rodríguez-Chiaradía Diego A , Grande Luis , Pera Manuel
Published: September 2020

Patients requiring surgery for locally advanced esophagogastric cancer often require neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), which may have a detrimental impact on cardiorespiratory reserve. The aims of this study were to investigate the feasibility and tolerability of a 5-week preoperative high-intensity interval training program after NAT, and to assess the potential effects of the training protocol on exercise capacity, muscle function, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). We prospectively studied consecutive patients with resectable locally advanced esophageal and gastric cancer in whom NAT was planned (chemo- or chemoradiotherapy). Feasibility was assessed with the TELOS (Technological, Economics, Legal, Operational, and Scheduling) components, and data on exercise tolerability (attendance and occurrence of adverse or unexpected events). Exercise capacity was assessed with peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in a cardiopulmonary exercise test at baseline, post-NAT, and following completion of a high-intensity interval exercise training (25 sessions). Changes in muscle strength and HRQL were also assessed. Of 33 recruited subjects (mean age 65 years), 17 received chemoradiotherapy and 16 chemotherapy. All the TELOS components were addressed before starting the intervention; from a total of 17 questions considered as relevant for a successful implementation, seven required specific actions to prevent potential concerns. Patients attended a mean of 19.4 (6.4) exercise sessions. The predefined level of attendance (≥15 sessions of scheduled sessions) was achieved in 27 out of 33 (81.8%) patients. Workload progression was adequate in 24 patients (72.7%). No major adverse events occurred. VO2peak decreased significantly between baseline and post-NAT (19.3 vs. 15.5 mL/Kg/min, P < 0.05). Exercise led to a significant improvement of VO2peak (15.5 vs. 19.6 mL/kg/min, P < 0.05). Exercise training was associated with clinically relevant improvements in some domains of HRQL, with the social and role function increasing by 10.5 and 11.6 points, respectively, and appetite loss and fatigue declining by 16 and 10.5, respectively. We conclude that a structured exercise training intervention is feasible and safe following NAT in patients with esophagogastric cancer, and it has positive effects to restore exercise capacity to baseline levels within 5 weeks with some improvements in HRQL.
Sticks, carrots, or a hybrid mechanism: The test case of refusal to divorce
Authors: Shmueli Benjamin
Published: September 2020

Various incentives may be used in order to cause a person to desist from creating negative externalities. Both carrots and sticks have advantages and disadvantages. Literature is familiar with various combinations between them. In most cases, the mechanism is “horizontal”: using carrots with respect to certain parts of the population, and sticks against others. The article presents a novel, vertical mechanism, in the form of a “game” played in two consecutive stages that trap the damager within the mechanism. At the center of the first stage of the mechanism stands a “carrot,” which is money offered for the damager in order for him/her to desist from the evil, combined with a type of a stick, which is a social sanction (shaming). At the center of the second stage, which is activated only if the first stage did not succeed, stands a “stick,” which is a civil action that can be brought against the damager if s/he does not take the carrot offered to him/her in the first stage. The objective: to incentivize a person to engage in fruitful negotiations to end harmful activity at the pre-mechanism stage. To illustrate this, the article draws on negative social behavior of one-sided refusal to give/accept the divorce bill (get) in the Jewish sector the world over. The mechanism will be built primarily on the basis of a few law and economics theories. A dialogue will thus be created with these theories in fields where they are rarely applied. The main argument is that the use of a vertical setup increases efficiency at a minimal additional cost, overcomes a moral problem, and optimally combines the resulting advantages by deploying sticks and carrots, and at the same time neutralizes most of the disadvantages of either of them.
Vertical Transmission: A Vector-Independent Transmission Pathway ofBabesia microtiin the Natural Reservoir HostPeromyscus leucopus
Authors: Tufts Danielle M , Diuk-Wasser Maria A
Published: September 2020

Background

Babesia microti, a malaria-like pathogen, is increasing in mammal and human populations in endemic areas and is unlikely to be the sole result of horizontal pathogen transmission.

Methods

Peromyscus leucopus mice, natural reservoir hosts, were infected via Ixodes scapularis nymphs. Infected parental females (n = 6) produced F1 offspring (n = 36) that were screened for B. microti using quantitative PCR. Xenodiagnostic larvae were fed on infected offspring to determine horizontal transmission and pathogen viability. Fifty engorged larvae were screened; the rest were allowed to molt and then screened to determine transstadial transmission. Infected F1 generation offspring were placed in breeding groups, producing 34 F2 offspring and screened for B. microti infection. Chronic infection was monitored in parental females since time of initial vector infection.

Results

Vertical transmission of B. microti was 74% efficient in offspring born in the first 6 months. Horizontal transmission occurred in larvae (61% prevalence) and molted nymphs (58% prevalence); these nymphs were able to infect susceptible hosts. F2 generation offspring infection prevalence was 38%. Chronic infection persisted for 1 year in some adults.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that vertical transmission is an important nonvector-mediated pathway of B. microti transmission in the natural reservoir host.
Reframing Climate-Induced Socio-Environmental Conflicts: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scartozzi Cesare M
Published: September 2020

This article draws a comprehensive map of conflict climate change scholarship. It uses visualizations and descriptive statistics to trace the temporal, spatial, and topical evolution of the field of study via a bibliometric analysis of more than six hundred publications. It then proceeds to summarize findings, theoretical explanations, and methodological approaches. Overall, this systematic review shows a remarkable inconsistency of evidence among publications. As a way forward, this article recommends future research to use computational models, informed by a social-ecological perspective, to better explore the link between climate change and conflict.

En este artículo se traza un mapa integral de la erudición conflictiva del cambio climático. Se utilizan visualizaciones y estadísticas descriptivas para rastrear la evolución temporal, espacial y temática del campo de estudio mediante un análisis bibliométrico de más de seiscientas publicaciones. Luego, continúa con un resumen de los hallazgos, las explicaciones teóricas y los enfoques metodológicos. En términos generales, esta revisión sistemática muestra una notable incoherencia de evidencias entre las publicaciones. En este artículo se recomiendan investigaciones a futuro para utilizar los modelos computacionales, informados con una perspectiva socioecológica, a fin de explorar mejor la conexión entre el cambio climático y los conflictos.

Extrait

Cet article offre une représentation complète des recherches portant sur les conflits liés au changement climatique. Il utilise des visualisations et des statistiques descriptives pour retracer l’évolution temporelle, spatiale et thématique de ce domaine d’étude via une analyse bibliométrique de plus de six cents publications. Il résume ensuite les constatations, explications théoriques et approches méthodologiques. Globalement, cette synthèse systématique montre une incohérence remarquable des preuves entre les publications. Pour aller de l'avant, cet article recommande que les recherches futures passent par des modèles informatiques éclairés par une perspective socio-écologique pour mieux explorer le lien entre le changement climatique et les conflits.
In vitro and in vivo activities of imipenem combined with BLI-489 against class D β-lactamase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Wang Yung-Chih , Huang Shu-Wei , Chiang Ming-Hsien , Lee I-Ming , Kuo Shu-Chen , Yang Ya-Sung , Chiu Chun-Hsiang , Su Ying-Shih , Chen Te-Li , Wang Fu-Der , Lee Yi-Tzu
Published: September 2020

Background

According to our preliminary study, BLI-489 has the potential to inhibit the hydrolysing activity of OXA-51-like β-lactamase produced by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb).

Objectives

In the present study, the in vitro and in vivo activities of imipenem combined with BLI-489 against CRAb producing carbapenem-hydrolysing class D β-lactamases (CHDLs), namely OXA-23, OXA-24, OXA-51 and OXA-58, were determined.

Methods

A chequerboard analysis of imipenem and BLI-489 was performed using 57 and 7 clinical CRAb isolates producing different CHDLs and MBLs, respectively. Four representative strains harbouring different CHDL genes were subjected to a time–kill assay to evaluate the synergistic effects. An in silico docking analysis was conducted to simulate the interactions between BLI-489 and the different families of CHDLs. The in vivo activities of this combination were assessed using a Caenorhabditis elegans survival assay and a mouse pneumonia model.

Results

Chequerboard analysis showed that imipenem and BLI-489 had a synergistic effect on 14.3, 92.9, 100, 16.7 and 100% of MBL-, OXA-23-, OXA-24-like-, OXA-51-like- and OXA-58-producing CRAb isolates, respectively. In the time–kill assay, imipenem and BLI-489 showed synergy against OXA-24-like-, OXA-51-like- and OXA-58-, but not OXA-23-producing CRAb isolates after 24 h. The in silico docking analysis showed that BLI-489 could bind to the active sites of OXA-24 and OXA-58 to confer strong inhibition activity. The combination of imipenem and BLI-489 exhibited synergistic effects for the rescue of CRAb-infected C. elegans and mice.

Conclusions

Imipenem combined with BLI-489 has synergistic effects against CHDL-producing CRAb isolates.
Proxy indicators to estimate the appropriateness of medications prescribed by paediatricians in infectious diseases: a cross-sectional observational study based on reimbursement data
Authors: Thilly N , Pereira O , Schouten J , Hulscher M E J L , Pulcini C
Published: September 2020

Background

We previously developed proxy indicators (PIs) that can be used to estimate the appropriateness of medications used for infectious diseases (in particular antibiotics) in primary care, based on routine reimbursement data that do not include clinical indications.

Objectives

To: (i) select the PIs that are relevant for children and estimate current appropriateness of medications used for infectious diseases by French paediatricians and its variability while using these PIs; (ii) assess the clinimetric properties of these PIs using a large regional reimbursement database; and (iii) compare performance scores for each PI between paediatricians and GPs in the paediatric population.

Methods

For all individuals living in north-eastern France, a cross-sectional observational study was performed analysing National Health Insurance data (available at prescriber and patient levels) regarding antibiotics prescribed by their paediatricians in 2017. We measured performance scores of the PIs, and we tested their clinimetric properties, i.e. measurability, applicability and room for improvement.

Results

We included 116 paediatricians who prescribed a total of 44 146 antibiotic treatments in 2017. For all four selected PIs (seasonal variation of total antibiotic use, amoxicillin/second-line antibiotics ratio, co-prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics), we found large variations between paediatricians. Regarding clinimetric properties, all PIs were measurable and applicable, and showed high improvement potential. Performance scores did not differ between these 116 paediatricians and 3087 GPs.

Conclusions

This set of four proxy indicators might be used to estimate appropriateness of prescribing in children in an automated way within antibiotic stewardship programmes.
Informative presence and observation in routine health data: A review of methodology for clinical risk prediction
Authors: Sisk Rose , Lin Lijing , Sperrin Matthew , Barrett Jessica K , Tom Brian , Diaz-Ordaz Karla , Peek Niels , Martin Glen P
Published: September 2020

Objective

Informative presence (IP) is the phenomenon whereby the presence or absence of patient data is potentially informative with respect to their health condition, with informative observation (IO) being the longitudinal equivalent. These phenomena predominantly exist within routinely collected healthcare data, in which data collection is driven by the clinical requirements of patients and clinicians. The extent to which IP and IO are considered when using such data to develop clinical prediction models (CPMs) is unknown, as is the existing methodology aiming at handling these issues. This review aims to synthesize such existing methodology, thereby helping identify an agenda for future methodological work.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted by 2 independent reviewers using prespecified keywords.

Results

Thirty-six articles were included. We categorized the methods presented within as derived predictors (including some representation of the measurement process as a predictor in the model), modeling under IP, and latent structures. Including missing indicators or summary measures as predictors is the most commonly presented approach amongst the included studies (24 of 36 articles).

Discussion

This is the first review to collate the literature in this area under a prediction framework. A considerable body relevant of literature exists, and we present ways in which the described methods could be developed further. Guidance is required for specifying the conditions under which each method should be used to enable applied prediction modelers to use these methods.

Conclusions

A growing recognition of IP and IO exists within the literature, and methodology is increasingly becoming available to leverage these phenomena for prediction purposes. IP and IO should be approached differently in a prediction context than when the primary goal is explanation. The work included in this review has demonstrated theoretical and empirical benefits of incorporating IP and IO, and therefore we recommend that applied health researchers consider incorporating these methods in their work.
A Comparison of Late Mortality Among Survivors of Childhood Cancer in the United States and United Kingdom
Authors: Fidler-Benaoudia Miranda M , Oeffinger Kevin C , Yasui Yutaka , Robison Leslie L , Winter David L , Reulen Raoul C , Leisenring Wendy M , Chen Yan , Armstrong Gregory T , Hawkins Michael M
Published: September 2020

Background

It is unclear whether late-effect risks among childhood cancer survivors vary internationally. We compared late mortality in the North American Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) and British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (BCCSS).

Methods

Late mortality was assessed among 49 822 5-year survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed before 15 years of age from 1970 to 1999 (CCSS, n = 31 596; BCCSS, n = 18 226) using cumulative mortality probabilities (CM%) and adjusted ratios of the standardized mortality ratio.

Results

The all-cause CM% at 10 years from diagnosis was statistically significantly lower in the CCSS (4.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.5% to 5.0%) compared with the BCCSS (6.9%, 95% CI = 6.5% to 7.2%), attributable to a lower probability of death from recurrence or progression of the primary cancer, with statistically significant differences observed in survivors of leukemia, lymphoma, central nervous system tumors, and sarcoma. However, at 40 years from diagnosis, the CCSS had a greater CM% (22.3% vs 19.3%), attributable to a twofold higher risk of mortality from subsequent malignant neoplasms, cardiac and respiratory diseases, and other health-related causes. Differences increased when assessed by follow-up interval, with the CCSS faring worse as time-since-diagnosis increased. Finally, the gap in all-cause mortality widened more recently, with CCSS survivors diagnosed in 1990-1999 experiencing one-half the excess deaths observed in the BCCSS (ratios of the standardized mortality ratio = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.5 to 0.6).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that US survivors may have received more intensive regimens to achieve sustainable remission and cure, but the cost of this approach was a higher risk of death from late effects. Although the clinical impact of these differences is unclear, our results provide important evidence to aid the discussion of late effects management.
Breast Cancer Mortality Hot Spots Among Black Women With de Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Han Yunan , Langston Marvin , Fuzzell Lindsay , Khan Saira , Lewis-Thames Marquita W , Colditz Graham A , Moore Justin Xavier
Published: September 2020

Background

Black women living in southern states have the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the United States. The prognosis of de novo metastatic breast cancer is poor. Given these mortality rates, we are the first to link nationally representative data on breast cancer mortality hot spots (counties with high breast cancer mortality rates) with cancer mortality data in the United States and investigate the association of geographic breast cancer mortality hot spots with de novo metastatic breast cancer mortality among Black women.

Methods

We identified 7292 Black women diagnosed with de novo metastatic breast cancer in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). The county-level characteristics were obtained from 2014 County Health Rankings and linked to SEER. We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality between hot spot and non–hot spot counties.

Results

Among 7292 patients, 393 (5.4%) resided in breast cancer mortality hot spots. Women residing in hot spots had similar risks of breast cancer–specific mortality (aHR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.15) and all-cause mortality (aHR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.84 to 1.11) as women in non–hot spots after adjusting for individual and tumor-level factors and treatments. Additional adjustment for county-level characteristics did not impact mortality.

Conclusion

Living in a breast cancer mortality hot spot was not associated with de novo metastatic breast cancer mortality among Black women. Future research should begin to examine variation in both individual and population-level determinants, as well as in molecular and genetic determinants that underlie the aggressive nature of de novo metastatic breast cancer.
To Belabour The Points: Encoding Vowel Phonology in Syriac and Hebrew Vocalization
Authors: Posegay Nick
Published: September 2020

Medieval Hebrew and Syriac scribes both indicated vowels by placing dots above or below their consonantal writing. These vowel points were created in the Late Antique and early Islamic periods to disam-biguate the vocalization of important texts, especially the Bible. The earliest step in this process was the implementation of the Syriac ‘diacritic dot’ system, which used a single dot to distinguish pairs of homographs: a dot ‘above’ marked a word with relatively-backed vowels, and a dot ‘below’ marked its homograph with relatively-fronted vowels. This graphic depiction conveyed a phonological association of ‘height’ with ‘backness’, and that association then entered the Maso-retic Hebrew tradition in the form of mille'el (‘above’) and millera' (‘below’) homograph comparisons. In turn, this principle of backness as ‘height’ informed the later placement of both the Syriac and the Tiberian Hebrew vowel points.1
Family Formations in Contemporary South Africa: Does South African Marriage Law Protect Lived Realities?
Authors: Osman Fatima
Published: September 2020

In the 21st century, families are constituted differently to the typical Western Judeo-Christian nuclear family comprising of a mother, father, and children. While some individuals may marry, others may choose not to do so or, at the other end of the spectrum, marry several individuals. This article critically examines whether South African marriage law adequately protects contemporary family formations. The examination reveals that unfortunately – but perhaps not unsurprisingly – the heteronormative nuclear family continues to be positioned as the baseline for the conferral of rights with opposite-sex civil marriages often receiving the greatest protection in South African law. Despite the legislative recognition of civil unions and customary marriages, the realisation of rights by individuals in these fringe groups is hindered by the creation of a complex legislative framework and practical difficulties encountered in the implementation of the law. Furthermore, notwithstanding years of legislative deliberation on the matter, unmarried partners and those in religious marriages enjoy only ad hoc protection through case law and piecemeal legislative provisions. While judicial activism in this arena may be lauded, the limited nature of judgments has led to continuous litigation for the realisation of rights. Statutory reform is thus required to ensure the equal treatment of all marriages, reconcile and simplify existing statutory law, address practical difficulties in the implementation of the law, and govern social reality.
Equilibrium models of the Milky Way mass are biased high by the LMC
Authors: Erkal Denis , Belokurov Vasily A , Parkin Daniel L
Published: September 2020

Recent measurements suggest that the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) may weigh as much as 25 per cent of the Milky Way (MW). In this work, we explore how such a large satellite affects mass estimates of the MW based on equilibrium modelling of the stellar halo or other tracers. In particular, we show that if the LMC is ignored, the MW mass within 200 kpc is overestimated by as much as 50 per cent. This bias is due to the bulk motion in the outskirts of the Galaxy’s halo and can be, at least in part, accounted for with a simple modification to the equilibrium modelling. Finally, we show that the LMC has a substantial effect on the orbit Leo I which acts to increase its present-day speed relative to the MW. We estimate that accounting for a $1.5\times 10^{11} \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ LMC would lower the inferred MW mass to $\sim 10^{12} \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$.
NICER observations reveal that the X-ray transient MAXI J1348−630 is a black hole X-ray binary
Authors: Zhang L , Altamirano D , Cúneo V A , Alabarta K , Enoto T , Homan J , Remillard R A , Uttley P , Vincentelli F M , Arzoumanian Z , Bult P , Gendreau K C , Markwardt C , Sanna A , Strohmayer T E , Steiner J F , Basak A , Neilsen J , Tombesi F
Published: September 2020

We studied the outburst evolution and timing properties of the recently discovered X-ray transient MAXI J1348−630 as observed with NICER. We produced the fundamental diagrams commonly used to trace the spectral evolution, and power density spectra to study the fast X-ray variability. The main outburst evolution of MAXI J1348−630 is similar to that commonly observed in black hole transients. The source evolved from the hard state (HS), through hard- and soft-intermediate states, into the soft state in the outburst rise, and back to the HS in reverse during the outburst decay. At the end of the outburst, MAXI J1348−630 underwent two reflares with peak fluxes approximately one and two orders of magnitude fainter than the main outburst, respectively. During the reflares, the source remained in the HS only, without undergoing any state transitions, which is similar to the so-called ‘failed outbursts’. Different types of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are observed at different phases of the outburst. Based on our spectral-timing results, we conclude that MAXI J1348−630 is a black hole candidate.