bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of pneumonia and malaria in Nigerian hospitals: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Graham Hamish , Bakare Ayobami A. , Ayede Adejumoke I. , Oyewole Oladapo B. , Gray Amy , Neal Eleanor , Qazi Shamim A. , Duke Trevor , Falade Adegoke G.
Published: February 2020

Background

Pneumonia and malaria are the leading causes of global childhood mortality. We describe the clinical presentation of children diagnosed with pneumonia and/or malaria, and identify possible missed cases and diagnostic predictors.

Methods

Prospective cohort study involving children (aged 28 days to 15 years) admitted to 12 secondary‐level hospitals in south‐west Nigeria, from November 2015 to October 2017. We described children diagnosed with malaria and/or pneumonia on admission and identified potential missed cases using WHO criteria. We used logistic regression models to identify associations between clinical features and severe pneumonia and malaria diagnoses.

Results

Of 16 432 admitted children, 16 184 (98.5%) had adequate data for analysis. Two‐thirds (10 561, 65.4%) of children were diagnosed with malaria and/or pneumonia by the admitting doctor; 31.5% (567/1799) of those with pneumonia were also diagnosed with malaria. Of 1345 (8.3%) children who met WHO severe pneumonia criteria, 557 (41.4%) lacked a pneumonia diagnosis. Compared with “potential missed” diagnoses of severe pneumonia, children with “detected” severe pneumonia were more likely to receive antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 4.03; 2.63‐6.16, P < .001), and less likely to die (OR, 0.72; 0.51‐1.02, P = .067). Of 2299 (14.2%) children who met WHO severe malaria criteria, 365 (15.9%) lacked a malaria diagnosis. Compared with “potential missed” diagnoses of severe malaria, children with “detected” severe malaria were less likely to die (OR, 0.59; 0.38‐0.91, P = 0.017), with no observed difference in antimalarial administration (OR, 0.29; 0.87‐1.93, P = .374). We identified predictors of severe pneumonia and malaria diagnosis.

Conclusion

Pneumonia should be considered in all severely unwell children with respiratory signs, regardless of treatment for malaria or other conditions.
Restricted mean survival time as a summary measure of time‐to‐event outcome
Authors: Hasegawa Takahiro , Misawa Saori , Nakagawa Shintaro , Tanaka Shinichi , Tanase Takanori , Ugai Hiroyuki , Wakana Akira , Yodo Yasuhide , Tsuchiya Satoru , Suganami Hideki ,   for the JPMA Task Force Members
Published: February 2020

Many clinical research studies evaluate a time‐to‐event outcome, illustrate survival functions, and conventionally report estimated hazard ratios to express the magnitude of the treatment effect when comparing between groups. However, it may not be straightforward to interpret the hazard ratio clinically and statistically when the proportional hazards assumption is invalid. In some recent papers published in clinical journals, the use of restricted mean survival time (RMST) or
τ‐year mean survival time is discussed as one of the alternative summary measures for the time‐to‐event outcome. The RMST is defined as the expected value of time to event limited to a specific time point corresponding to the area under the survival curve up to the specific time point. This article summarizes the necessary information to conduct statistical analysis using the RMST, including the definition and statistical properties of the RMST, adjusted analysis methods, sample size calculation, information fraction for the RMST difference, and clinical and statistical meaning and interpretation. Additionally, we discuss how to set the specific time point to define the RMST from two main points of view. We also provide developed SAS codes to determine the sample size required to detect an expected RMST difference with appropriate power and reconstruct individual survival data to estimate an RMST reference value from a reported survival curve.
Two‐dimensional confined hydrogen: An entropy and complexity approach
Authors: Estañón Carlos R. , Aquino Norberto , Puertas‐Centeno David , Dehesa Jesus S.
Published: February 2020

The position and momentum spreading of the electron distribution of the two‐dimensional confined hydrogenic atom, which is a basic prototype of the general multidimensional confined quantum systems, is numerically studied in terms of the confinement radius for the 1s, 2s, 2p, and 3d quantum states by means of the main entropy and complexity information‐theoretical measures. First, the Shannon entropy and the Fisher information, as well as the associated uncertainty relations, are computed and discussed. Then, the Fisher‐Shannon, lopezruiz‐mancini‐alvet, and LMC‐Rényi complexity measures are examined and mutually compared. We have found that these entropy and complexity quantities reflect the rich properties of the electron confinement extent in the two conjugated spaces.
Generating a high‐resolution map of labile soil phosphorus using ferrous oxide–impregnated paper combined with scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Li Qianqian , Erel Ran
Published: February 2020

Slow diffusion and high fixation of phosphorus (P) in soils are major factors limiting its availability to plants. To develop efficient P management, monitoring the dynamics of P movement and availability is essential. However, most soil P tests are destructive, with coarse resolution. We developed a semi‐quantitative nondestructive approach for determining labile soil P using ferrous oxide (FeO)‐impregnated paper coupled with high‐resolution imaging by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FeO paper was immersed in solutions containing different P concentrations and subjected to SEM equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results showed high agreement between P extracted from the FeO papers and the SEM‐EDS measurements (R2 = 0.96), indicating the approach's feasibility. Different SEM‐EDS operational conditions were tested, and optimal conditions are described. We then applied the FeO‐paper method to calcareous soil with added P and found good agreement with Olsen (R2 = 0.99) and FeO‐gel (R2 = 0.96) extraction results. Finally, we created a high‐resolution (sub‐centimeter) map of labile P diffusing from P granules into calcareous, sandy, and acidic soils. The four repetitions (per soil) showed good agreement, with maximal percent deviation of <16%. Diffusion of P was limited to 10 mm from its point of application in calcareous soil, whereas it extended to ∼20 mm in the sandy and acidic soils. After 20 d, P lability dropped considerably in all soils, but the P‐diffusion front extended further in the acidic and sandy soils than in calcareous soil. The study illustrates the feasibility of using FeO paper with SEM to generate 2D maps of P lability at sub‐centimeter resolution.
GARP is a key molecule for mesenchymal stromal cell responses to TGF-β and fundamental to control mitochondrial ROS levels
Authors: Carrillo-Gálvez Ana Belén , Gálvez-Peisl Sheyla , González-Correa Juan Elías , Haro-Carrillo Marina , Ayllón Verónica , Carmona-Sáez Pedro , Ramos-Mejía Verónica , Galindo-Moreno Pablo , Cara Francisca E. , Granados-Principal Sergio , Muñoz Pilar , Martin Francisco , Anderson Per
Published: February 2020

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising cell therapy in regenerative medicine and for autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. However, a main hurdle for MSCs-based therapies is the loss of their proliferative potential in vitro. Here we report that glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) is required for the proliferation and survival of adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) via its regulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activation. Silencing of GARP in human ASCs increased their activation of TGF-β which augmented the levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), resulting in DNA damage, a block in proliferation and apoptosis. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling reduced the levels of mtROS and DNA damage and restored the ability of GARP−/lowASCs to proliferate. In contrast, overexpression of GARP in ASCs increased their proliferative capacity and rendered them more resistant to etoposide-induced DNA damage and apoptosis, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. In summary, our data show that the presence or absence of GARP on ASCs gives rise to distinct TGF-β responses with diametrically opposing effects on ASC proliferation and survival.

Significance statement The expansion of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in vitro is associated with a decrease in their proliferative and therapeutic capacity making basic research on factors regulating MSC proliferation of fundamental importance for their successful translation into clinical applications. It is shown that glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) is critical for the proliferation and survival of adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) in vitro. GARP prevents an aberrant transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) response in ASCs, characterized by oxidative DNA damage and cell death, while inducing a productive TGF-β response that increases their proliferation and resistance to DNA damage. The data highlight the importance of GARP in controlling TGF-β activation/signaling in ASCs during in vitro expansion.
Zwitterionic Conjugated Surfactant Functionalization of Graphene with pH‐Independent Dispersibility: An Efficient Electron Mediator for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acidic Media
Authors: Kim Ungsoo , Cho Yongjoon , Jeon Dasom , Kim Yongchul , Park Sanghyeon , Seo Jihyung , Lee Junghyun , Oh Nam Khen , Lee Geunsik , Ryu Jungki , Yang Changduk , Park Hyesung
Published: February 2020

The functionalization of graphene has been extensively used as an effective route for modulating the surface property of graphene, and enhancing the dispersion stability of graphene in aqueous solutions via functionalization has been widely investigated to expand its use for various applications across a range of fields. Herein, an effective approach is described for enhancing the dispersibility of graphene in aqueous solutions at different pH levels via non‐covalent zwitterion functionalization. The results show that a surfactant with electron‐deficient carbon atoms in its backbone structure and large π–π interactive area enables strong interactions with graphene, and the zwitterionic side terminal groups of the molecule support the dispersibility of graphene in various pH conditions. Experimental and computational studies confirm that perylene diimide amino N‐oxide (PDI–NO) allows efficient functionalization and pH‐independent dispersion of graphene enabled by hydration repulsion effects induced by PDI–NO. The PDI–NO functionalized graphene is successfully used in the oxygen evolution reaction as an electron mediator for boosting the electrocatalytic activity of a Ru‐based polyoxometalate catalyst in an acidic medium. The proposed strategy is expected to bring significant advances in producing highly dispersible graphene in aqueous medium with pH‐independent stability, thus broadening the application range of graphene.
Realization of Nanolene: A Planar Array of Perfectly Aligned, Air‐Suspended Nanowires
Authors: Lee Jae‐Shin , Choi Kwang‐Wook , Yoo Jae‐Young , Jo Min‐Seung , Yoon Jun‐Bo
Published: February 2020

Air suspension and alignment are fundamental requirements to make the best use of nanowires' unique properties; however, satisfying both requirements is very challenging due to the mechanical instability of air‐suspended nanowires. Here, a perfectly aligned air‐suspended nanowire array called “nanolene” is demonstrated, which has a high mechanical stability owing to a C‐channel‐shaped cross‐section of the nanowires. The excellent mechanical stability is provided through geometrical modeling and finite element method simulations. The C‐channel cross‐section can be realized by top‐down fabrication procedures, resulting in reliable demonstrations of the nanolenes with various materials and geometric parameters. The fabrication process provides large‐area uniformity; therefore, nanolene can be considered as a 2D planar platform for 1D nanowire arrays. Thanks to the high mechanical stability of the proposed nanolene, perfectly aligned air‐suspended nanowire arrays with an unprecedented length of 1 mm (aspect ratio ≈5100) are demonstrated. Since the nanolene can be used in an energy‐efficient nanoheater, two energy‐stringent sensors, namely, an air‐flow sensor and a carbon monoxide gas sensor, are demonstrated. In particular, the gas sensor achieves sub‐10 mW operations, which is a requirement for application in mobile phones. The proposed nanolene will pave the way to accelerate nanowire research and industrialization by providing reliable, high‐performance nanowire devices.
Silver(I) Clusters Stabilized by the Carba‐closo‐dodecaboranylethynyl Ligand with O‐Donor Coligands and Template Ions
Authors: Hailmann Michael , Radacki Krzysztof , Finze Maik
Published: February 2020

Large silver(I) clusters stabilized by the dianionic carba‐closo‐dodecaboranylethynyl ligand were obtained. Crystallization of polymeric {Ag2(12‐C≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11)}n from dimethyl sulfoxide afforded [Ag14(12‐C≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11)7(DMSO)12]·DMSO that contained an AgI10 cage augmented by four AgI ions. Crystals of [Ag16(12‐C≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11)8(THF)12]·2THF were obtained from anhydrous THF and {Ag2(12‐C≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11)}n. In the presence of moisture the similar but water‐containing complex [Ag16(12‐C≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11)8(THF)12(H2O)2]·2.5THF was identified. Both silver(I) clusters are composed of a central octahedral AgI6 unit and ten further silver(I) ions bonded via argentophilic interactions. [Ag14(12‐C≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11)7(DMSO)12]·DMSO and [Ag16(12‐C≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11)8(THF)12]·2THF were characterized by elemental analysis and vibrational (IR and Raman) as well as NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the crystal structures of [Ag25(12‐C≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11)12(CH3CN)13.5(OH)]·0.5CH3CN and [Ag25(12‐C≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11)12{(CH3)2CO}13.5(H2O)Cl]·15(CH3)2CO were determined. Both compounds contain AgI14 rhombic dodecahedrons augmented by eleven silver(I) ions. A hydroxide or a chloride template ion is present in the center of the rhombic dodecahedron, respectively.
Compact Equivalent Inverse of the Electric Field Integral Operator on Screens
Authors: Hiptmair R. , Urzúa-Torres C.
Published: February 2020

We construct inverses of the variational electric field boundary integral operator up to compact perturbations on orientable topologically simple screens. We describe them as solution operators of variational problems set in low-regularity standard trace spaces. On flat disks these variational problems do not involve the inversion of any non-local operators. This result lays the foundation for operator preconditioning for the discretized electric field integral equation.
Tranexamic acid in traumatic brain injury: an explanatory study nested within the CRASH-3 trial
Authors:   The CRASH-3 Intracranial Bleeding Mechanistic Study Collaborators
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The CRASH-3 trial is a randomised trial of tranexamic acid (TXA) on death and disability in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is based on the hypothesis that early TXA treatment can prevent deaths from post-traumatic intracranial bleeding. The results showed that timely TXA treatment reduces head injury deaths in patients with reactive pupils and those with a mild to moderate GCS at baseline. We examined routinely collected CT scans in a sample of 1767 CRASH-3 trial patients to explore if, why, and how patients are affected by TXA.

Methods

The CRASH-3 IBMS is an explanatory study nested within the CRASH-3 trial. We measured the volume of intracranial bleeding on CT scans using established methods (e.g. ABC/2).

Results

Patients with any un-reactive pupil had a median intracranial bleeding volume of 60 ml (IQR 18–101 ml) and patients with reactive pupils had a median volume of 26 ml (IQR 1–55 ml). Patients with severe GCS had median intracranial bleeding volume of 37 ml (IQR 3–75 ml) and patients with moderate to mild GCS had a median volume of 26 ml (IQR 0.4–50 ml). For every hour increase from injury to the baseline scan, the risk of new bleeding on a further scan decreased by 12% (adjusted RR = 0.88 [95% CI 0.80–0.96], p = 0.0047).

Conclusion

Patients with reactive pupils and/or mild to moderate GCS may have benefited from TXA in the CRASH-3 trial because they had less intracranial bleeding at baseline. However, because bleeding occurs soon after injury, treatment delay reduces the benefit of TXA.
The Drivers of Child Mortality During the 2012–2016 Drought in La Guajira, Colombia
Authors: Contreras Diana , Voets Alex , Junghardt Jana , Bhamidipati Srirama , Contreras Sandra
Published: February 2020

During the 2012–2016 drought in La Guajira, Colombia, child mortality rates rose to 23.4 out of 1000. Most of these children belonged to the Wayuu indigenous community, the largest and one of the most vulnerable in Colombia. At the municipal level, this study found a significant positive correlation between the average child mortality rate and households with a monthly income of less than USD 100, the number of people without access to health insurance, being part of the indigenous population, being illiterate, lacking sewage systems, living in rural areas, and large households with members younger than 5 years old and older than 65 years old. No correlation was found with households without access to a water source. The stepwise regression analysis showed that households with a monthly income of less than USD 100, no members older than 65 years old, but several children younger than 5 years old, account for 90.4% of the child mortality rate. This study concludes that, if inhabitants had had better incomes or assets, as well as an adequate infrastructure, they could have faced the drought without the observed increase in child mortality.
Preconditioning of Human Decidua Basalis Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells with Glucose Increased Their Engraftment and Anti-diabetic Properties
Authors: Basmaeil Yasser , Rashid Manar Al , Khatlani Tanvir , AlShabibi Manal , Bahattab Eman , Abdullah Meshan L. , Abumary Fawaz , Kalionis Bill , Massoudi Safia , AbuMaree Mohammad
Published: February 2020

Background:

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) from the decidua basalis (DBMSCs) of the human placenta have important functions that make them potential candidates for cellular therapy. Previously, we showed that DBMSC functions do not change significantly in a high oxidative stress environment, which was induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and immune cells. Here, we studied the consequences of glucose, another oxidative stress inducer, on the phenotypic and functional changes in DBMSCs.

Methods:

DBMSCs were exposed to a high level of glucose, and its effect on DBMSC phenotypic and functional properties was determined. DBMSC expression of oxidative stress and immune molecules after exposure to glucose were also identified.

Results:

Conditioning of DBMSCs with glucose improved their adhesion and invasion. Glucose also increased DBMSC expression of genes with survival, proliferation, migration, invasion, anti-inflammatory, anti-chemoattractant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, DBMSC expression of B7H4, an inhibitor of T cell proliferation was also enhanced by glucose. Interestingly, glucose modulated DBMSC expression of genes involved in insulin secretion and prevention of diabetes.

Conclusion:

These data show the potentially beneficial effects of glucose on DBMSC functions. Preconditioning of DBMSCs with glucose may therefore be a rational strategy for increasing their therapeutic potential by enhancing their engraftment efficiency. In addition, glucose may program DBMSCs into insulin producing cells with ability to counteract inflammation and infection associated with diabetes. However, future in vitro and in vivo studies are essential to investigate the findings of this study further.
MoS2 Nanosheets Sensitized with Quantum Dots for Room-Temperature Gas Sensors
Authors: Liu Jingyao , Hu Zhixiang , Zhang Yuzhu , Li Hua-Yao , Gao Naibo , Tian Zhilai , Zhou Licheng , Zhang Baohui , Tang Jiang , Zhang Jianbing , Yi Fei , Liu Huan
Published: February 2020

The Internet of things for environment monitoring requires high performance with low power-consumption gas sensors which could be easily integrated into large-scale sensor network. While semiconductor gas sensors have many advantages such as excellent sensitivity and low cost, their application is limited by their high operating temperature. Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials, typically molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets, are emerging as promising gas-sensing materials candidates owing to their abundant edge sites and high in-plane carrier mobility. This work aims to overcome the sluggish and weak response as well as incomplete recovery of MoS2 gas sensors at room temperature by sensitizing MoS2 nanosheets with PbS quantum dots (QDs). The huge amount of surface dangling bonds of QDs enables them to be ideal receptors for gas molecules. The sensitized MoS2 gas sensor exhibited fast and recoverable response when operated at room temperature, and the limit of NO2 detection was estimated to be 94 ppb. The strategy of sensitizing 2D nanosheets with sensitive QD receptors may enhance receptor and transducer functions as well as the utility factor that determine the sensor performance, offering a powerful new degree of freedom to the surface and interface engineering of semiconductor gas sensors.
Partial Ownership for Outer Space Resources
Authors: Beauvois Erwan , Thirion Guillaume
Published: February 2020

The most widely adopted agreement on space law, the Outer Space Treaty (OST) (1967), actively promotes international partnerships and peaceful uses of outer space. It also forbids any claims of sovereignty or private property on celestial bodies; however, nothing is explicitly written about the use of resources that can be found there. Other texts, like the Moon Agreement (1979), attempted to extend provisions on this regard, but only 18 nations ratified this agreement, probably because it also contains obligations that remove all incentives for the private industry to participate in the exploitation of outer space resources, such as the obligation to disclose all discoveries and share the benefits between all state parties. Today, most missions are scientific, so there is no need to compete for using space resources. If tomorrow society wants to incentivize participation, and leverage the available funds, from the private sector to explore and exploit outer space, an allocation mechanism that allows to dispute the use of resources needs to be set up. On Earth, this is achieved by the private property system and commercial competition. However, private property is not allowed by the OST, because it has a right of exclusion, and everyone shall be free to use space resources if it does not interfere with activities of other nations. An exclusivity of use for the first nation to exploit a given resource is not desired either and is precisely why the OST was established in the first place. In full compliance with the OST, this paper introduces the concept of Partial Ownership of Outer Space Resources (POOSR). This system allows to compete for the use of resources, without granting monopoly, as it always keeps the competition for ownership open. It is based on the introduction of a Harberger tax and a Partial Ownership system, that allows to expose commonly-owned resources (such as outer space asteroids, or planetary surface areas) to the efficiency of allocation provided by market dynamics, while preserving the incentives for investment to the current owners and preventing resource locking. This paper shows how such system would foster investments from private entities, as well as how it would benefit to all the international entities or nations participating to it. The synergy between such system, international regulations, and national laws, to establish a regulation for space mining and other outer space activities is also discussed.
Dissecting .NET ransomware: key generation, encryption and operation
Authors: Bajpai Pranshu , Enbody Richard
Published: February 2020

The threat of ransomware is ever growing. Not all ransomware types are created equal and the cryptosystems in some forms are more virulent than others. This article dissects eight real-world variants belonging to different families of .NET ransomware and provides insights into key generation, encryption and other aspects of the ransomware kill chain. We also summarise ransomware execution flow and dynamic library calls based on the collected evidence. While this analysis was carried out using .NET ransomware samples, the lessons learned from the empirical evidence apply to all modern forms of ransomware and can be used for building more effective ransomware solutions.

The threat of ransomware is ever-growing, but not all ransomware types are created equal. The cryptosystems in some forms are more virulent than others.

Pranshu Bajpai and Richard Enbody at Michigan State University dissect eight real-world variants belonging to different families of .NET ransomware and provide insights into key generation, encryption and other aspects of the ransomware kill chain. They also summarise ransomware execution flow and the use of dynamic library calls. The lessons learned apply to all forms of ransomware and can be used for building more effective ransomware solutions.
Keyloggers: silent cyber security weapons
Authors: Bhardwaj Akashdeep , Goundar Sam
Published: February 2020

Cyber attackers are always seeking to design and push malicious software programs to unsuspecting users, to intentionally steal or cause damage and exploit data on end user systems. Malware types include spyware, keyloggers, rootkits and adware. In the past, script kiddies hacked computers to show off their skills and have fun. Today, hacking computers has become a huge cybercrime industry. Even as systems have improved in terms of both hardware and software, cyber attacks continue unabated.

The privilege level at which keyloggers execute is higher than typical malware, which makes them almost impossible to detect and remove.

Dr Akashdeep Bhardwaj of the University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, and Dr Sam Goundar of the University of South Pacific, demonstrate how a keylogger can gather keystrokes and screenshots along with online transactions without a scanner being able to detect it. They also suggest a form of virtual keyboard that could defeat this kind of malware.
Seven Byzantine lead seals from the museum of Ödemiş in western Anatolia
Authors: Laflı Ergün , Seibt Werner
Published: February 2020

This short essay presents seven Byzantine lead seals, all of which originate from the local museum in Ödemiş in the province of Izmir in western Turkey. Almost all of them came as acquisition to Ödemiş by local antique dealers. All the pieces have been treated and interpreted here sigillographically for the first time. This small collection of seals is important regarding the administration of the theme of Thrakesion, especially about the offices of the seal owners, and the society of Cayster valley during the Byzantine period.
Agricultural production and installations in Byzantine Cappadocia: a case study focusing on Mavrucandere
Authors: Peker Nilüfer
Published: February 2020

While there has been extensive research conducted on Byzantine religious architecture in Cappadocia, little work has been done on agricultural installations there. The valley of Mavrucandere in Cappadocia contains a settlement which has a remarkable agrarian installation complex. Resembling a factory, this area highlights the architectural and the organizational structure of the wine-presses in Cappadocia. In the light of the new findings, this article aims to examine the organization of the wine-making process, the location of the installations in the settlement, and the importance of the installations for the region's trade activities during the Byzantine period.
Disappearing from Abolitionism's Heartland: The Legacy of Slavery and Emancipation in Boston
Authors: Hardesty Jared Ross
Published: February 2020

This article examines why Boston's slave and free black population consisted of more than 1,500 people in 1750, but by 1790 Boston was home to only 766 people of African descent. This disappearing act, where the town's black population declined by at least fifty per cent between 1763 and 1790, can only be explained by exploring slavery, abolition, and their legacies in Boston. Slaves were vital to the town's economy, filling skilled positions and providing labor for numerous industries. Using the skills acquired to challenge their enslavement, Afro-Bostonians found freedom during the American revolutionary era. Nevertheless, as New England's rural economy collapsed, young white men and women from all over the region flooded Boston looking for work, driving down wages, and competing with black people for menial employment. Forced out of the labor market, many former slaves and their descendants left the region entirely. Others joined the Continental or British armies and never returned home. Moreover, many slave owners, knowing that slavery was coming to an end in Massachusetts, sold their bondsmen and women to other colonies in the Americas where slavery was still legal and profitable. Thus, the long-term legacy of abolition for black Bostonians was that Boston's original enslaved population largely disappeared, while the city became a hub of abolitionism by the 1830s. Boston's abolitionist community – many the descendants of slaveholders – did not have to live with their forefathers’ sins. Instead, they crafted a narrative of a free Boston, making it an attractive destination for runaway slaves from across the Atlantic world.
Applying probability-weighted incubation period distributions to traditional wind rose methodology to improve public health investigations of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks
Authors: Bays D. , Bennett E. , Finnie T.
Published: February 2020

In the event of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak, rapid location and control of the source of bacteria are crucial for outbreak management and regulation. In this paper, we describe an enhancement of the traditional wind rose for epidemiological use; shifting the focus of measurement from relative frequency of the winds speeds and directions to the relative volume of air carried, whilst also incorporating probability distributions of disease incubation periods to refine identification of the important wind directions during a cases window of exposure, i.e. from which direction contaminated aerosols most likely originated. The probability-weighted wind rose offers a potential improvement over the traditional wind rose by weighting the importance of wind measurements through incorporation of probability of exposure given an individual's time of symptom onset (obtained through knowledge of the incubation period), and by instead focusing on the volume of carrying air which offers better insight into the most probable direction of the source. This then provides a probabilistic distribution of which direction the wind was blowing around the time of infection. We discuss how the probability-weighted wind rose can be implemented during a Legionnaires' disease outbreak, and how outbreak control teams might use it as supportive evidence to identify the most likely direction of the contaminated source from the presumed site of exposure. In addition, this paper discusses how minor adjustments can be made to the method allowing the probability-weighted wind rose to be applied to other non-communicable airborne diseases, providing the disease's probability distribution for the incubation period distribution is well known.
Serum Copeptin Levels Predict the Return of Spontaneous Circulation and the Short-Term Prognosis of Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Cakmak Sümeyye , Sogut Ozgur , Albayrak Levent , Yildiz Ayla
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Early and accurate prediction of survival to hospital discharge following resuscitation after cardiac arrest (CA) is a major challenge. Biomarkers can be used for early and accurate prediction of survival and prognosis following resuscitation after CA, but none of those identified so far are sufficient by themselves.

Hypothesis/Problem:

The goal of this study was to investigate the predictive power of the serum copeptin level for determining the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and prognosis of patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Methods:

A total of 76 consecutive consenting adult patients who were diagnosed as non-traumatic OHCA and 63 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they had ROSC. The ROSC group was divided into two sub-groups according to whether death occurred within 24 hours or after 24 hours following ROSC. Serum copeptin, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnI), creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB), glucose, and blood gas values were compared between the groups.

Results:

Serum copeptin levels were significantly higher in the patient group than control group (P <.001). Receiving operator characteristic analysis revealed a cut-off copeptin level of 27.29pmol/L, with 98.7% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity, for distinguishing patients from controls. Serum copeptin levels were significantly lower in the ROSC group than non-ROSC group (P = .018). Additionally, the mean serum hs-cTnI level was significantly higher in the ROSC group than non-ROSC group (P = .032). However, there were no significant differences in the mean serum glucose level and CK-MB levels or arterial blood gas levels between the ROSC and non-ROSC groups (all P >.05).

Ten (38.5%) of the patients died within the first 24 hours after ROSC, whereas 16 (61.5%) survived longer than 24 hours. Serum copeptin levels were significantly lower in patients who survived longer than 24 hours compared with those who died within the first 24 hours. Moreover, the mean CPR duration was significantly lower in patients surviving more than 24 hours compared with less than 24 hours.

Conclusion:

The serum copeptin level may serve as a guide in diagnostic decision making to predict ROSC in patients undergoing CPR and determining the short-term prognosis of patients with ROSC.
The Haiti Humanitarian Response Course: A Novel Approach to Local Responder Training in International Humanitarian Response
Authors: Bustamante Nirma D. , Rouhani Shada A. , Kivlehan Sean , Checkett Keegan A. , Israel Kerling , Toussaint Sterman , Kayden Stephanie
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Countries most affected by disasters are often those with limited local capacity to respond. When local capacity is overwhelmed, international humanitarian response often provides needs-based emergency response. Despite global progress in education and the development of international humanitarian response standards, access to training and integration of local actors in response mechanisms remains limited. In May 2017, the Haiti Humanitarian Response Course (HHRC) was implemented in Mirebalais, Haiti to increase local capacity and allow for effective future engagement with international humanitarian actors in a country prone to disasters.

Report:

In collaboration with the Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais’ (HUM; Mirebalais, Haiti) Department of Medical Education and Emergency Medicine (EM) residency program, four physicians from the Division of Global Emergency Care and Humanitarian Studies at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts USA) facilitated the course, which included 53 local physicians and staff. Following 15 hours of online pre-course preparation, through didactics and practical small-group exercises, the course focused on key components of international humanitarian response, minimum standards for effective response, and the roles of key response players. The course was free to participants and taught in English and French.

Discussion:

The HHRC reduced the barriers often faced by local actors who seek training in international humanitarian response by offering free training in their own community. It presents a novel approach to narrow critical gaps in training local populations in international humanitarian response, especially in environments prone to crises and disasters. This approach can help local responders better access international humanitarian response mechanisms when the local response capacity is exhausted or overwhelmed.

Conclusion:

The HHRC demonstrates a potential new model for humanitarian and disaster training and offers a model for similar programs in other disaster-prone countries. Ultimately, local capacity building could lead to more efficient resource utilization, improved knowledge sharing, and better disaster response.
THE -SCHUR ALGEBRAS AND -SCHUR DUALITIES OF FINITE TYPE
Authors: Luo Li , Wang Weiqiang
Published: February 2020

We formulate a $q$-Schur algebra associated with an arbitrary $W$-invariant finite set $X_{\text{f}}$ of integral weights for a complex simple Lie algebra with Weyl group $W$. We establish a $q$-Schur duality between the $q$-Schur algebra and Hecke algebra associated with $W$. We then realize geometrically the $q$-Schur algebra and duality and construct a canonical basis for the $q$-Schur algebra with positivity. With suitable choices of $X_{\text{f}}$ in classical types, we recover the $q$-Schur algebras in the literature. Our $q$-Schur algebras are closely related to the category ${\mathcal{O}}$, where the type $G_{2}$ is studied in detail.
Mechanisms linking exposure to preeclampsia in utero and the risk for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Andraweera Prabha H. , Gatford Kathryn L. , Care Alison S. , Bianco-Miotto Tina , Lassi Zohra S. , Dekker Gus A. , Arstall Margaret , Roberts Claire T.
Published: February 2020

Preeclampsia (PE) is now recognised as a cardiovascular risk factor for women. Emerging evidence suggests that children exposed to PE in utero may also be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in later life. Individuals exposed to PE in utero have higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure and higher body mass index (BMI) compared to those not exposed to PE in utero. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential mechanisms driving the relationship between PE and offspring CVD. Exposure to an adverse intrauterine environment as a consequence of the pathophysiological changes that occur during a pregnancy complicated by PE is proposed as one mechanism that programs the fetus for future CVD risk. Consistent with this hypothesis, animal models of PE where progeny have been studied demonstrate causality for programming of offspring cardiovascular health by the preeclamptic environment. Shared alleles between mother and offspring, and shared lifestyle factors between mother and offspring provide alternate pathways explaining associations between PE and offspring CVD risk. In addition, adverse lifestyle habits can also act as second hits for those programmed for increased CVD risk. PE and CVD are both multifactorial diseases and, hence, identifying the relative contribution of PE to offspring risk for CVD is a very complex task. However, considering the emerging strong association between PE and CVD, those exposed to PE in utero may benefit from targeted primary CVD preventive strategies.
Local Source Vp and Vs Tomography in the Mount St. Helens Region With the iMUSH Broadband Array
Authors: Ulberg Carl W. , Creager Kenneth C. , Moran Seth C. , Abers Geoffrey A. , Thelen Weston A. , Levander Alan , Kiser Eric , Schmandt Brandon , Hansen Steven M. , Crosson Robert S.
Published: February 2020

We present new 3‐D P wave and S wave velocity models of the upper 20 km of the Mount St. Helens (MSH) region. These were obtained using local‐source arrival time tomography from earthquakes and explosions recorded at 70 broadband stations deployed as part of the imaging Magma Under St. Helens (iMUSH) project and augmented by several data sets. Principal features of our models include (1) low P wave and S wave velocities along the St. Helens seismic zone to depths of at least 20 km corresponding to high conductivity imaged by iMUSH magnetotelluric studies. This delineates a zone of weakness that magma can exploit at the location of MSH; (2) a 5‐ to 7‐km diameter, 6–15 km deep, 3–6% negative P wave and S wave velocity anomaly beneath MSH, consistent with previous estimates of the source region for recent eruptions. We interpret this as a magma storage region containing up to 15–20 km3 of partial melt, which is about 5 times more than the largest documented eruption at MSH; (3) a broad region of low P wave velocity below 10‐km depth extending between Mount Adams and Mount Rainier along and to the east of the main Cascade arc, which is likely due to high‐temperature arc crust and possible presence of fluids or melt; (4) several anomalies associated with surface‐mapped features, including high‐velocity igneous units such as the Spud Mountain and Spirit Lake plutons and low velocities in the Chehalis sedimentary basin and the Indian Heaven volcanic field. Our results place further constraints on the geometry of these features at depth.
Responses of the Thermosphere and Ionosphere System to Concurrent Solar Flares and Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Qian Liying , Wang Wenbin , Burns Alan G. , Chamberlin Phillip C. , Solomon Stanley C.
Published: February 2020

We conducted numerical simulations to examine dayside thermosphere and ionosphere responses to concurrent solar flares and a geomagnetic storm during 6–11 September 2017, as well as the interplay of flare and storm effects. We found that E‐region electron density response to the flares was much smaller inside the auroral oval than it was outside the auroral oval due to an extra source of ionization by auroral particle precipitation. During quiet times in this period, flare enhanced ionization, which decreased daytime eastward electric fields, caused an initial weakening of the vertical E × B drifts. This weakening of the vertical E × B drifts was on the order of ~20% for an X8.2 flare in this period. During storm times, flare‐induced initial changes of the vertical plasma drifts varied between being positive and being negative, depending on latitudes, due to storm‐time disturbance dynamo effects. Storm effects also overall weakened flare effects on geopotential height, ionospheric F2 peak height hmF2, and ionospheric F2 peak electron density NmF2. In addition, storm effects changed the latitudinal distributions of flare effects on hmF2, NmF2, vertical plasma drifts, and O/N2. On the other hand, no major X‐class flare occurred shortly before or during the storm. Model simulations indicate that the weaker C‐ and M‐class flares that occurred before and during the storm had a minor effect on the amplitude of the large‐scale traveling atmosphere disturbances generated by the storm.
Auroral Structure and Dynamics From GOLD
Authors: Michell R. G.
Published: February 2020

The Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission data contain significant quantitative information about the aurora on a global scale. Here we present techniques for quantifying such information, including the temporal development of the structure within the auroral oval using the GOLD images. These techniques are applied to auroral observations in the GOLD data, in particular showing an example of how the longitudinal structure within the aurora varies over the course of six consecutive days with differing levels of geomagnetic activity. A simple model of the solar‐induced airglow is presented that is used to remove the sunlight contamination from the dayside auroral observations. Comparisons to ground‐based auroral imaging are used for the overall auroral context and to make estimates of the proportionality between the intensities of the green line (557.7 nm) emission in the visible and the 135.6 nm emissions in the GOLD data. These observations are consistent with the intensity of the 135.6 nm auroral emission being on the same order as the intensity of the 557.7 nm auroral emission. They were both found to be around 1 kR for a stable auroral arc on a day with low geomagnetic activity (3 November 2018) and around 10 kR for an active auroral display on a day with higher levels of geomagnetic activity (5 November 2018). This could have important implications for making direct comparisons between space‐based ultraviolet auroral imaging and ground‐based visible‐light auroral imaging and the total energy input estimates that are derived from them.
Ice Shelf Basal Melt and Influence on Dense Water Outflow in the Southern Weddell Sea
Authors: Akhoudas Camille , Sallée Jean‐Baptiste , Reverdin Gilles , Aloisi Giovanni , Benetti Marion , Vignes Lucie , Gelado Maria
Published: February 2020

We use new observations of stable water isotopes from a research cruise in early 2017 to highlight ocean‐ice interactions occurring under Filchner‐Ronne Ice Shelf, the largest Antarctic ice shelf. In particular, we investigate the properties of Ice Shelf Water with temperature lower than the surface freezing point, in the Filchner Depression. We identify two main flavors of Ice Shelf Water emerging from beneath the Filchner Ice Shelf, which originate from High Salinity Shelf Water end members with distinct characteristics. Furthermore, these two High Salinity Shelf Water end members interact with areas of the ice shelves with different basal properties to produce different versions of Ice Shelf Water. These water masses are associated with different rates of basal melting and refreezing, which we quantify. Ice Shelf Water types that flow out of the ice shelf cavity are composed of 0.4% of mass from ice shelf (melt minus freeze) when sampled at the front of Filchner Ice Shelf. The slightly lighter Ice Shelf Water version mixes directly with ambient water masses as it flows northward on the continental shelf. The resulting Ice Shelf Water mixture with temperature below the surface freezing point ultimately sinks along the continental slope into the deep ocean, as a precursor of the Weddell Sea bottom waters.
Exhumation and Surface Evolution of the Western High Atlas and Surrounding Regions as Constrained by Low‐Temperature Thermochronology
Authors: Lanari R. , Fellin M. G. , Faccenna C. , Balestrieri M. L. , Pazzaglia F. J. , Youbi N. , Maden C.
Published: February 2020

The Moroccan High Atlas, the Anti‐Atlas belts, and the Siroua volcanic massif form an orographic system locally risen to elevations over 4 km. Topographic growth of this system occurred by Cenozoic transpressive inversion of Mesozoic rift structures concomitant with volcanic activity and related mantle processes. In order to constrain the topographic growth, we analyze the regional‐scale exhumation pattern, and we compare it to physiographic features. We contribute 35 new mean (U‐Th‐Sm)/He and 24 new fission track ages on apatite from the High Atlas and Anti‐Atlas, which all together range from 196 to 5 Ma. In the Anti‐Atlas, we find that the rate and amount of Cenozoic exhumation are <0.05 km/Ma and ~2 km, respectively. In the High Atlas, our new data together with previous ones show that the axial regions feature the highest topography, relief, channel steepness, and orographic precipitations together with the maximum rate and amount of Cenozoic exhumation, in the range of 0.2–0.3 km/Ma and 4–6 km, respectively. This region is bounded by high‐angle oblique‐slip faults, which display a Neogene vertical motion of a few kilometers. Moreover, the most deeply incised valley in the axial region of the High Atlas shows stepwise cooling and exhumation with a final acceleration after 6 Ma. We conclude that the location in the same region of high river channel steepness, topography, orographic precipitations, and rates and amount of exhumation, together with large vertical offsets along oblique‐slip faults, suggests that crustal deformation may exert a major control on the topographic growth of Atlas orographic swell.