bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyphosphonates as ionic conducting polymers
Authors: Totsch Timothy R. , Popov Ivan , Stanford Victoria L. , Lucius Aaron L. , Foulger Stephen H. , Gray Gary M.
Published: December 2020

Polyphosphonates, a class of polymers with the generic formula –[P(R)(X)–OR'O]n–, exhibit a high degree of modularity due to the range of R, R', and X groups that can be incorporated. As such, these polymers may be designed with a polyethylene oxide (PEO) backbone (R' group) and employed as solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). Two PEO‐containing polyphosphonate analogs (R = Ph; X = S or Se) were doped with LiPF6 and their conductivities were measured. Conductivities were similar (X = S) to or exceeding (X = Se) those of standard PEO systems (just below 10−4 S/cm at 100°C). Binding models for Li+ were generated using 31P{1H}NMR titration experiments. Binding of Li+ by these polyphosphonates followed a positive cooperativity model, and varying the X group (S or Se) affected the observed cooperativity (Hill coefficient = 1.73 and 4.16, respectively). The presence of Se also leads to an increase in conductivity as temperature is raised above the Tg, which is likely an effect of reduced Columbic interactions. Because of their modularity and ease with which cation binding can be evaluated using 31P{1H} NMR titration experiments, polyphosphonates offer a unique approach for the modification of Li+ ion battery technology.
Patients receiving a high burden of antibiotics in the community in Spain: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fernández‐Urrusuno Rocío , Meseguer Barros Carmen Marina , Anaya‐Ordóñez Sonia , Borrego Izquierdo Yolanda , Lallana‐Álvarez María Jesús , Madridejos Rosa , Tejón Esther Marco , Sánchez Raquel Prieto , Pérez Rodríguez Olatz , García Gil María , Escudero Vilaplana Belén , Riádigos Genma M. Silva , López‐Fando M. Sagrario Pardo , Olmo Quintana Vicente , Pina Gadea M. Belén , García Alvarez Angel , Martorell M. Llüisa Sastre , Jiménez Arce Jorge I. , Aguilella Vizcaíno Rafael , Pérez Martín Joaquín , Alzueta Isturiz Natalia ,   the Infectious Diseases SEFAP team
Published: December 2020

Some patients in the community receive a high burden of antibiotics. We aimed at describing the characteristics of these patients, antibiotics used, and conditions for which they received antibiotics. We carried out a cross‐sectional study. Setting: Thirty Health Primary Care Areas from 12 regions in Spain, covering 5,960,191 inhabitants. Patients having at least 30 packages of antibacterials for systemic use dispensed in 2017 were considered. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of antibiotic use, conditions for which antibiotics were prescribed, clinical characteristics of patients, comorbidities, concomitant treatments, and microbiological isolates. Patient’s average age was 70 years; 52% were men; 60% smokers/ex‐smokers; 54% obese. Overall, 93% of patients had, at least, one chronic condition, and four comorbidities on average. Most common comorbidities were cardiovascular and/or hypertension (67%), respiratory diseases (62%), neurological/mental conditions (32%), diabetes (23%), and urological diseases (21%); 29% were immunosuppressed, 10% were dead at the time of data collection. Patients received three antibiotic treatments per year, mainly fluoroquinolones (28%), macrolides (21%), penicillins (19%), or cephalosporins (12%). Most frequently treated conditions were lower respiratory tract (infections or prophylaxis) (48%), urinary (27%), and skin/soft tissue infections (11%). Thirty‐five percent have been guided by a microbiological diagnosis, being Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30%) and Escherichia coli (16%) the most frequent isolates. In conclusion, high antibiotic consumers in the community were basically elder, with multimorbidity and polymedication. They frequently received broad‐spectrum antibiotics for long periods of time. The approach to infections in high consumers should be differentiated from healthy patients receiving antibiotics occasionally.
Uncommonly accurate energies for the general quartic oscillator
Authors: Okun Pavel , Burke Kieron
Published: December 2020

Recent advances in the asymptotic analysis of energy levels of potentials produce relative errors in eigenvalue sums of order 10−34, but few non‐trivial potentials have been solved numerically to such accuracy. We solve the general quartic potential (arbitrary linear combination of x2 and x4) beyond this level of accuracy using a basis of several hundred oscillator states. We list the lowest 20 eigenvalues for 9 such potentials. We confirm the known asymptotic expansion for the levels of the pure quartic oscillator, and extract the next two terms in the asymptotic expansion. We give analytic formulas for expansion in up to three even basis states. We confirm the virial theorem for the various energy components to similar accuracy. The sextic oscillator levels are also given. These benchmark results should be useful for extreme tests of approximations in several areas of chemical physics and beyond.
Comparison of concentrated fresh mononuclear cells and cultured mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow for bone regeneration
Authors: Du Fengzhou , Wang Qian , Ouyang Long , Wu Huanhuan , Yang Zhigang , Fu Xin , Liu Xia , Yan Li , Cao Yilin , Xiao Ran
Published: December 2020

Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) transplantation has been widely studied in recent years. The fresh cell cocktail in BMMNCs, without going through the in vitro culture process, helps to establish a stable microenvironment for osteogenesis, and each cell type may play a unique role in bone regeneration. Our study compared the efficacy of concentrated fresh BMMNCs and cultured bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in Beagle dogs for the first time. Fifteen-millimeter segmental bone defects were created in the animals' tibia bones. In BMMNCs group, the defects were repaired with concentrated fresh BMMNCs combined with β-TCP (n = 5); in cultured BMSC group, with in vitro cultured and osteo-induced BMSCs combined with β-TCP (n = 5); in scaffold-only group, with a β-TCP graft alone (n = 5); and in blank group, nothing was grafted (n = 3). The healing process was monitored by X-rays and single photon emission computed tomography. The animals were sacrificed 12 months after surgery and their tibias were harvested and analyzed by microcomputed tomography and hard tissue histology. Moreover, the microstructure, chemical components, and microbiomechanical properties of the regenerated bone tissue were explored by multiphoton microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation. The results showed that BMMNCs group promoted much more bone regeneration than cultured BMSC group. The grafts in BMMNCs group were better mineralized, and they had collagen arrangement and microbiomechanical properties similar to the contralateral native tibia bone. These results indicate that concentrated fresh bone marrow mononuclear cells may be superior to in vitro expanded stem cells in segmental bone defect repair.
R&D investment around the world: Effects of ownership and performance‐based cultural contexts
Authors: Lewellyn Krista B. , Bao Rosey ‘Shuji’
Published: December 2020

This study examines how ownership by different types of shareholders affects firm‐level research and development (R&D) investment. Integrating agency and resource dependence theories, we predict that up to a certain level, firm ownership by banks, corporations, governments, and insiders will positively relate to R&D investment. However, as ownership continues to increase, these shareholders shift their focus to personal wealth concerns, which makes owners more conservative towards R&D investment, resulting in reductions of R&D investment. Applying an institution‐based view, we expect the norms associated with performance‐based national cultures to moderate the curvilinear relationships between ownership and R&D investment. We test our hypotheses with a sample of 11,262 firms from 35 countries and find that ownership by banks, corporations, and governments has a curvilinear inverted U‐shaped relationship with R&D investment. Further, operating in a performance‐based culture enhances the effects for corporation and government ownership. Our findings contribute unique insights about what drives the important strategic activity of investing in R&D.
Hydraulic structures engineering: An evolving science in a changing world
Authors: Erpicum Sebastien , Crookston Brian M. , Bombardelli Fabian , Bung Daniel B. , Felder Stefan , Mulligan Sean , Oertel Mario , Palermo Michele
Published: December 2020

Hydraulic structures are critical for water management. Yet many structures continue to be neglected, in poor condition, and inadequate in adapting to evolving societal challenges associated with shifting climatic events and population growth. In this context, hydraulic structures engineering should be moving from traditional design considerations toward sustainability, that is, continuing to meet current and future social, environmental, and economic needs. This requires this community to embrace and help advance global and multidisciplinary perspectives. Therefore, this article presents the authors' point of view on current trends, concerns, and needs related to hydraulic structures engineering. Furthermore, the authors propose a new, forward‐looking framework for the consideration of the hydraulic structures community that is grounded on the evolution of interconnected research tools and methodologies in addition to emphasizing and bolstering strong links between academia and industry. The evolution of this framework has naturally originated from the pervasive challenge of validating the design and operation of hydraulic structures in the field for frequent and extreme conditions. The authors suggest that future developments of hydraulic structures engineering require (a) continuous updating of complementary tools and methodologies following technological developments, (b) addressing the lack of detailed field observations, (c) increasing interactions of hydraulic specialists with other scientific disciplines and water experts, and (d) restoring a strong collaboration between academia and industry. It is anticipated that in this way the hydraulic structures community, and all of society, will make a new step toward more sustainable and resilient interactions with nature and between communities in water management.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Engineering Water
The Ncoa7 locus regulates V-ATPase formation and function, neurodevelopment and behaviour
Authors: Castroflorio Enrico , den Hoed Joery , Svistunova Daria , Finelli Mattéa J. , Cebrian-Serrano Alberto , Corrochano Silvia , Bassett Andrew R. , Davies Benjamin , Oliver Peter L.
Published: December 2020

Members of the Tre2/Bub2/Cdc16 (TBC), lysin motif (LysM), domain catalytic (TLDc) protein family are associated with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, although their exact roles in disease remain unclear. For example, nuclear receptor coactivator 7 (NCOA7) has been associated with autism, although almost nothing is known regarding the mode-of-action of this TLDc protein in the nervous system. Here we investigated the molecular function of NCOA7 in neurons and generated a novel mouse model to determine the consequences of deleting this locus in vivo. We show that NCOA7 interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of the vacuolar (V)-ATPase in the brain and demonstrate that this protein is required for normal assembly and activity of this critical proton pump. Neurons lacking Ncoa7 exhibit altered development alongside defective lysosomal formation and function; accordingly, Ncoa7 deletion animals exhibited abnormal neuronal patterning defects and a reduced expression of lysosomal markers. Furthermore, behavioural assessment revealed anxiety and social defects in mice lacking Ncoa7. In summary, we demonstrate that NCOA7 is an important V-ATPase regulatory protein in the brain, modulating lysosomal function, neuronal connectivity and behaviour; thus our study reveals a molecular mechanism controlling endolysosomal homeostasis that is essential for neurodevelopment.

Graphic abstract
Autophagy and the endolysosomal system in presynaptic function
Authors: Andres-Alonso Maria , Kreutz Michael R. , Karpova Anna
Published: December 2020

The complex morphology of neurons, the specific requirements of synaptic neurotransmission and the accompanying metabolic demands create a unique challenge for proteostasis. The main machineries for neuronal protein synthesis and degradation are localized in the soma, while synaptic junctions are found at vast distances from the cell body. Sophisticated mechanisms must, therefore, ensure efficient delivery of newly synthesized proteins and removal of faulty proteins. These requirements are exacerbated at presynaptic sites, where the demands for protein turnover are especially high due to synaptic vesicle release and recycling that induces protein damage in an intricate molecular machinery, and where replacement of material is hampered by the extreme length of the axon. In this review, we will discuss the contribution of the two major pathways in place, autophagy and the endolysosomal system, to presynaptic protein turnover and presynaptic function. Although clearly different in their biogenesis, both pathways are characterized by cargo collection and transport into distinct membrane-bound organelles that eventually fuse with lysosomes for cargo degradation. We summarize the available evidence with regard to their degradative function, their regulation by presynaptic machinery and the cargo for each pathway. Finally, we will discuss the interplay of both pathways in neurons and very recent findings that suggest non-canonical functions of degradative organelles in synaptic signalling and plasticity.
Role and function of Chondrostereum purpureum in biocontrol of trees
Authors: Hamberg Leena , Saksa Timo , Hantula Jarkko
Published: December 2020

A decay fungus, Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers. Ex Fr.) Pouzar, has been investigated in Europe, Northern America and New Zealand for its ability to decay hardwood stumps and thus prevent sprouting. The aim of these investigations has been to find an alternative to mechanical (cutting only) and chemical sprout control (cutting and applying chemicals to stumps in order to prevent sprouting). Mechanical sprout control is not an efficient option due to hardwood tree species’ ability to re-sprout efficiently after cutting, and therefore management costs are high. Chemicals would be efficient but due to their harmful effects on the environment, alternatives are needed. The fungal treatment, i.e., cutting accompanied with C. purpureum inoculum is an environmentally friendly and efficient option for sprout control. This mini-review comprises the role and function of C. purpureum in biocontrol of trees: the ecology of C. purpureum, its sprout control efficacy, factors affecting sprout control efficacy, devices in biological sprout control, potential risks, and the future perspectives of biological sprout control.

Key points

• A fungus Chondrostereum purpureum is efficient in preventing sprouting of hardwoods

• C. purpureum is not sensitive to environmental conditions

• Devices should be developed for cost-efficient biological sprout control
A juvenile Tristan albatross (Diomedea dabbenena) on land at the Crozet Islands
Authors: Bond Alexander L. , Taylor Christopher , Kinchin-Smith David , Fox Derren , Witcutt Emma , Ryan Peter G. , Loader Simon P. , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: December 2020

Albatrosses and other seabirds are generally highly philopatric, returning to natal colonies when they achieve breeding age. This is not universal, however, and cases of extraordinary vagrancy are rare. The Tristan Albatross (Diomedea dabbenena) breeds on Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean, with a small population on Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha, ca 380 km away. In 2015, we observed an adult male albatross in Gonydale, Gough Island, which had been ringed on Ile de la Possession, Crozet Islands in 2009 when it was assumed to be an immature Wandering Albatross (D. exulans). We sequenced 1109 bp of the cytochrome b mitochondrial gene from this bird, and confirmed it to be a Tristan Albatross, meaning its presence on Crozet 6 years previous, and nearly 5000 km away, was a case of prospecting behaviour in a heterospecific colony. Given the challenges in identifying immatureDiomedeaalbatrosses, such dispersal events may be more common than thought previously.
Mortality after mechanical thrombectomy in anterior circulation stroke may be higher at nighttime and on weekends
Authors: Zaeske C. , Goertz L. , Kottlors J. , Schlamann M. , Onur O. A. , Maus V. , Mpotsaris A. , Liebig T. , Forbrig R. , Kabbasch C. , Abdullayev N.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcome and procedural differences of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) during on-call with regular operating hours. We particularly focused on dosimetric data which may serve as potential surrogates for patient outcome.

Methods

A total of 246 consecutive patients who underwent MT in acute anterior circulation stroke between November 2017 and March 2020 were retrospectively included. Patients treated (1) during standard operational hours (n = 102), (2) daytime on-call duty (n = 38) and (3) nighttime on-call duty (n = 106) were compared with respect to their pre-interventional status, procedural specifics, including dosimetrics (dose area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time and procedural time), and outcome.

Results

The collectives treated outside the regular operational hours showed an increased in-hospital mortality (standard operational hours 7% (7/102), daytime on-call duty 16% (6/38), nighttime on-call duty 20% (21/106), p = 0.02). Neither the dosimetric parameters nor baseline characteristics other procedural specifics and outcome parameters differed significantly between groups (p > 0.05 each). In most cases (> 90%), a successful reperfusion was achieved (TICI ≥ 2b).

Conclusions

We found an increased in-hospital mortality in patients admitted at night and during weekends which was not explained by technical aspects of MT.

Key Points

• There is an increased mortality of stroke patients admitted at night and on weekends.

• This is not explained by technical aspects of mechanical thrombectomy.

• There were no statistical differences in the comparison of parameters linked to the radiation exposure, such as DAP, fluoroscopy time and procedure time.
European white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer
Authors: Baijens Laura W. J. , Walshe Margaret , Aaltonen Leena-Maija , Arens Christoph , Cordier Reinie , Cras Patrick , Crevier-Buchman Lise , Curtis Chris , Golusinski Wojciech , Govender Roganie , Eriksen Jesper Grau , Hansen Kevin , Heathcote Kate , Hess Markus M. , Hosal Sefik , Klussmann Jens Peter , Leemans C. René , MacCarthy Denise , Manduchi Beatrice , Marie Jean-Paul , Nouraei Reza , Parkes Claire , Pflug Christina , Pilz Walmari , Regan Julie , Rommel Nathalie , Schindler Antonio , Schols Annemie M. W. J. , Speyer Renee , Succo Giovanni , Wessel Irene , Willemsen Anna C. H. , Yilmaz Taner , Clavé Pere
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To develop a European White Paper document on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in head and neck cancer (HNC). There are wide variations in the management of OD associated with HNC across Europe.

Methods

Experts in the management of specific aspects of OD in HNC across Europe were delegated by their professional medical and multidisciplinary societies to contribute to this document. Evidence is based on systematic reviews, consensus-based position statements, and expert opinion.

Results

Twenty-four sections on HNC-specific OD topics.

Conclusion

This European White Paper summarizes current best practice on management of OD in HNC, providing recommendations to support patients and health professionals. The body of literature and its level of evidence on diagnostics and treatment for OD in HNC remain poor. This is in the context of an expected increase in the prevalence of OD due to HNC in the near future. Contributing factors to increased prevalence include aging of our European population (including HNC patients) and an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer, despite the introduction of HPV vaccination in various countries. We recommend timely implementation of OD screening in HNC patients while emphasizing the need for robust scientific research on the treatment of OD in HNC. Meanwhile, its management remains a challenge for European professional associations and policymakers.
Household electricity demand, the intrinsic flexibility index and UK wholesale electricity market prices
Authors: Torriti Jacopo
Published: December 2020

During peak electricity demand periods, prices in wholesale markets can be up to nine times higher than during off-peak periods. This is because if a vast number of users is consuming electricity at the same time, power plants with higher greenhouse gas emissions and higher system costs are typically activated. In the UK, the residential sector is responsible for about one third of overall electricity demand and up to 60% of peak demand. This paper presents an analysis of the 2014–2015 Office for National Statistics National Time Use Survey with a view to derive an intrinsic flexibility index based on timing of residential electricity demand. It analyses how the intrinsic flexibility varies compared with wholesale electricity market prices. Findings show that spot prices and intrinsic flexibility to shift activities vary harmoniously throughout the day. Reflections are also drawn on the application of this research to work on demand side flexibility.
Experimental evaluation of complete safe coordination of astrobots for Sloan Digital Sky Survey V
Authors: Macktoobian Matin , Araújo Ricardo , Grossen Loïc , Kronig Luzius , Bouri Mohamed , Gillet Denis , Kneib Jean-Paul
Published: December 2020

The data throughput of massive spectroscopic surveys in the course of each observation is directly coordinated with the number of optical fibers which reach their target. In this paper, we evaluate the safety and the performance of the astrobots coordination in SDSS-V by conducting various experimental and simulated tests. We illustrate that our strategy provides a complete coordination condition which depends on the operational characteristics of astrobots, their configurations, and their targets. Namely, a coordination method based on the notion of cooperative artificial potential fields is used to generate safe and complete trajectories for astrobots. Optimal target assignment further improves the performance of the used algorithm in terms of faster convergences and less oscillatory movements. Both random targets and galaxy catalog targets are employed to observe the coordination success of the algorithm in various target distributions. The proposed method is capable of handling all potential collisions in the course of coordination. Once the completeness condition is fulfilled according to initial configuration of astrobots and their targets, the algorithm reaches full convergence of astrobots. Should one assign targets to astrobots using efficient strategies, convergence time as well as the number of oscillations decrease in the course of coordination. Rare incomplete scenarios are simply resolved by trivial modifications of astrobots swarms’ parameters.
Tribological Rehydration and Its Role on Frictional Behavior of PVA/GO Hydrogels for Cartilage Replacement Under Migrating and Stationary Contact Conditions
Authors: Shi Yan , Xiong Dangsheng , Li Jianliang , Li Long , Liu Qibin , Dini Daniele
Published: December 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel to improve its mechanical and tribological performances for potential articular cartilage replacement application. The compressive mechanical properties, creep resistance, and dynamic mechanical properties of PVA/GO hydrogels with varied GO content were studied. The frictional behavior of PVA/GO hydrogels under stationary and migrating contact configurations during reciprocal and unidirectional sliding movements were investigated. The effects of load, sliding speed, diameter of counterface, and counterface materials on the frictional coefficient of PVA/GO hydrogels were discussed. PVA/0.10wt%GO hydrogel show higher compressive modulus and creep resistance, but moderate friction coefficient. The friction coefficient of PVA/GO hydrogel under stationary and migratory contact configurations greatly depends on interstitial fluid pressurization and tribological rehydration. The friction behavior of PVA/GO hydrogels shows load, speed, and counterface diameter dependence similar to those observed in natural articular cartilage. A low friction coefficient (~ 0.03) was obtained from PVA/0.10wt%GO hydrogel natural cartilage counter pair.

Graphical Abstract
Adaptive Time Propagation for Time-dependent Schrödinger equations
Authors: Auzinger Winfried , Hofstätter Harald , Koch Othmar , Quell Michael
Published: December 2020

We compare adaptive time integrators for the numerical solution of linear Schrödinger equations where the Hamiltonian explicitly depends on time. The approximation methods considered are splitting methods, where the time variable is split off and advanced separately, and commutator-free Magnus-type methods. The time-steps are chosen adaptively based on asymptotically correct estimators of the local error in both cases. It is found that splitting methods are more efficient when the Hamiltonian naturally suggests a separation into kinetic and potential part, whereas Magnus-type integrators excel when the structure of the problem only allows to advance the time variable separately.
Use of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Patients with Concomitant Blunt Aortic and Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zambetti Benjamin R. , Huang Dih-Dih , Lewis Richard H. , Fischer Peter E. , Croce Martin A. , Magnotti Louis J.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

Blunt aortic injury (BAI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) represent the 2 leading causes of death after blunt trauma. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of TBI and use of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) on patients with BAI, using a large, national dataset.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patients with BAI were identified from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database over 10 years, ending in 2016. Patients with BAI were stratified by the presence of concomitant TBI and compared. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of mortality in BAI patients with and without TBI. Youden's index was used to identify the optimal time to TEVAR in these patients.

RESULTS:

17,040 patients with BAI were identified, with 4,748 (28%) having a TBI. Patients with BAI and TBI were predominantly male, with a higher injury burden and greater severity of shock at presentation, underwent fewer TEVAR procedures, and had increased mortality compared with BAI patients without TBI. The optimal time for TEVAR was 9 hours. Mortality was significantly increased in patients undergoing TEVAR before 9 hours (12.9% vs 6.5%, p = 0.003). For BAI patients with and without TBI, MLR identified use of TEVAR as the only modifiable risk factor significantly associated with reduced mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.41; 95%CI 0.32–0.54, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

TBI significantly increases mortality in BAI patients. TEVAR and delayed repair both significantly reduced mortality. So, for patients with both BAI and TBI, an endovascular repair performed in a delayed fashion should be the preferred approach.
Sense and Sensibility
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: December 2020

Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen's first published novel (1811), introduced its readers to many of the themes which would dominate Austen's future work. On one level it is a simple story of two sisters finding fulfilment within a society bounded by regulations and restrictions. But on another it is a comprehensive exploration of the moral dilemmas facing young women in the choices they have to make about their lives. Austen writes about everyday events of her own time with a subtlety and sensitivity unprecedented in the English novel. This edition, first published in 2006, takes as its copytext the second edition of 1813, which corrects some errors of the first edition. The volume provides comprehensive explanatory notes, an extensive critical introduction covering the context and publication history of the work, a chronology of Austen's life and an authoritative textual apparatus. This edition is an indispensable resource for all scholars and readers of Austen.
Defining Policy Analysis: A Journey that Never Ends
Authors: Radin Beryl A.
Published: December 2020

For much of its life, the field of policy analysis has lived with a wide range of definitions of its goals, work and significance in the society. This Element seeks to sort out these differences by describing the issues, players and developments that have played a role over the life of this field. As a result of the relationships that have developed an environment has emerged where both academics and practitioners who self identify as 'policy analysts' are not always recognized as such by others who use that same label. This Element explores the reasons why this conflictual situation has developed and whether the current status is a major departure from the past. While these developments may not be new or found only in policy analysis, they do have an impact on the status of the academics as well as the practitioners in the field.
From Crust to Core
Authors: Mitton Simon
Published: December 2020

Carbon plays a fundamental role on Earth. It forms the chemical backbone for all essential organic molecules produced by living organisms. Carbon-based fuels supply most of society's energy, and atmospheric carbon dioxide has a huge impact on Earth's climate. This book provides a complete history of the emergence and development of the new interdisciplinary field of deep carbon science. It traces four centuries of history during which the inner workings of the dynamic Earth were discovered, and documents extraordinary scientific revolutions that changed our understanding of carbon on Earth forever: carbon's origin in exploding stars; the discovery of the internal heat source driving the Earth's carbon cycle; and the tectonic revolution. Written with an engaging narrative style and covering the scientific endeavours of more than a hundred pioneers of deep geoscience, this is a fascinating book for students and researchers working in Earth system science and deep carbon research.
Toward Retrieving Distributed Aquifer Hydraulic Parameters From Distributed Strain Sensing
Authors: Zhang Yi , Lei Xinglin , Hashimoto Tsutomu , Xue Ziqiu
Published: December 2020

Subtle elastic rock deformation during aquifer testing may bear hydraulic parameter (permeability and compressibility) information owing to the poroelastic hydromechanical coupling effect. Here we report that such in situ rock deformations (∼50 µε) during an aquifer pumping test are successfully measured along a vertical well by a high‐resolution fiber optic distributed strain sensing (DSS) tool with an accuracy of 0.5 µε. We investigate the feasibility of hydraulic parameter estimation at meter scale using DSS data through a coupled hydromechanical model. Both synthetic and field cases are tested with sensitivity analysis. The results indicate that the simultaneous estimation of permeability and compressibility using DSS data is possible at low noise levels. However, only non‐global near‐optimal solutions can be obtained using the applied gradient‐based inversion algorithm, because of parameter crosstalk and sensitivity problems when the data contain large noise. In particular, estimation is difficult for zones with relatively low permeability due to the low sensitivity to the strain changes. The estimated permeability/compressibility structures for the field test are largely consistent with other geological information from well logs. Our study suggests that DSS data can be quite useful in aquifer characterization and fluid flow profiling in addition to geomechanical monitoring. The obtained hydraulic information is beneficial for the optimized reservoir management of water and oil/gas storage.
Moho Interface Changes Beneath the Tibetan Plateau Based on GRACE Data
Authors: Rao Weilong , Sun Wenke
Published: December 2020

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) experiences complex mass transfer and redistribution due to the effects of the internal Earth dynamics and external climate change, such as land water changes, crustal uplift, surface denudation, and Moho interface changes. These phenomena are accompanied by changes in the gravity field and can be observed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). This study uses GRACE data to estimate the mass changes expressed by the equivalent water height (EWH) anomaly of the TP. In addition, we use ICESat data and hydrological models to estimate the effects of hydrological factors (lakes, glaciers, snow, soil moisture, and groundwater) and to separate them from the comprehensive mass field to obtain the tectonic information. We found that the total hydrological contribution to the average EWH change is −0.27 ± 0.21 cm/yr. We further estimated a mean rate of 0.78 ± 0.06 mm/yr by interpolating the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) velocities. Furthermore, large amounts of sediments have been accumulated on and around the TP because of TP's denudation, and the denudation and sedimentation rate were estimated in our study. By removing the effects of the hydrological changes, surface movements, and glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) from the GRACE, we obtained the EWH change of 0.18 ± 0.22 cm/yr contributed by the interior mass change. We estimated a mean Moho interface uplift rate of 4.20 ± 5.13 mm/yr, and the distribution of Moho interface changes indicates that the northern TP's Moho interface is upwelling and the southern interface is deepening.
Climate More Responsive to Marine Cloud Brightening Than Ocean Albedo Modification: A Model Study
Authors: Zhao Mengying , Cao Long , Duan Lei , Bala Govindasamy , Caldeira Ken
Published: December 2020

Solar radiation modification has been suggested as a backup option to reduce anthropogenic warming. Marine cloud brightening (MCB) and ocean albedo modification (OAM) are two proposed approaches to intentionally reflect sunlight back to space over oceanic regions. Using the NCAR Community Earth System Model, we compare climate response to MCB and OAM under the framework of fast adjustment and slow feedback. We implement MCB and OAM uniformly over the global ocean to offset CO2‐induced warming. We find that to offset 3.3 K global mean warming from a doubling of CO2, diagnosed effective radiative forcing is −4.8 and −3.6 W m−2 for OAM and MCB, respectively. Correspondingly, radiative forcing efficacy of OAM is about 70% of MCB. Fast climate adjustment differs in response to MCB and OAM forcing. MCB cools the lower atmosphere by reflecting sunlight from cloud, causing a reduction in sunlight absorption in the atmosphere. In contrast, OAM, by reflecting more sunlight from surface, increases shortwave heating of the lower atmosphere, leading to a decrease in low marine clouds and hence a positive cloudy‐sky shortwave forcing that partly compensates the negative clear‐sky shortwave forcing. The slow climate response and pattern of equilibrium climate change are similar between MCB and OAM. As for hydrological cycle, relative to the climate under a doubling of CO2, both MCB and OAM produce an increase in precipitation and runoff over tropical land.
Characteristics of Negative Leader Propagation Area of Lightning Flashes Initiated in the Stratiform Regions of Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Yijun , Dong Wansheng , Liu Hengyi , Li Feng , Yao Wen
Published: December 2020

To investigate the characteristics of extension areas (mainly the propagation areas of negative leaders in this study), the lightning location data of 254 lightning flashes initiated in the stratiform regions (stratiform lightning flashes) of 14 mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are analyzed. The results show that most of the flashes have a relatively small lightning area (LA) (≤100 km2), although they are initiated in the stratiform regions. In small or developing MCSs, most negative leaders of stratiform lightning flashes concentrate within the 9–12‐km altitude range. In other MCSs with a large‐sized and developed stratiform region, besides being in this high‐altitude range, the negative leaders are also found to propagate more frequently in a low‐altitude range of 5–7 km. Further analysis indicates that most of the stratiform lightning flashes with a large LA (>100 km2) propagate their negative leaders within the high‐altitude range, no matter where they are initiated. Moreover, the stratiform lightning flashes with or near the largest LA tend to be initiated 4–6 km below their negative leaders, while most of the stratiform lightning flashes usually propagate their negative leaders horizontally within ±1 km of the first detected very‐high‐frequency (VHF) radiation source. It is inferred that some in‐situ electrifications occurring before and during the formation of the high reflectivity layers in the low‐altitude range contribute to these flashes, although the influence of the advection charges from the convective regions still cannot be totally ruled out.
NO direct decomposition: progress, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Xie Pingping , Ji Wenxue , Li Yongdan , Zhang Cuijuan
Published: December 2020

The progress in catalyst R&D, challenges, and opportunities for NO direct decomposition are summarized.
Structure–property relationships in organic battery anode materials: exploring redox reactions in crystalline Na- and Li-benzene diacrylate using combined crystallography and density functional theory calculations
Authors: Carvalho Rodrigo P. , Marchiori Cleber F. N. , Oltean Viorica-Alina , Renault Stéven , Willhammar Tom , Pay Gómez Cesar , Araujo C. Moyses , Brandell Daniel
Published: December 2020

Organic-based battery electrode materials are explored using a joint effort of theoretical and experimental frameworks. Structural, electronic and electrochemical properties of Li- and Na-benzenediacrylate compounds are thereby unveiled.
Multifunctionality of F-rich nucleoporins
Authors: Heinß Nike , Sushkin Mikhail , Yu Miao , Lemke Edward A.
Published: December 2020

Nucleoporins (Nups) represent a range of proteins most known for composing the macromolecular assembly of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Among them, the family of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) phenylalanine-glycine (FG) rich Nups, form the permeability barrier and coordinate the high-speed nucleocytoplasmic transport in a selective way. Those FG-Nups have been demonstrated to participate in various biological processes besides nucleocytoplasmic transport. The high number of accessible hydrophobic motifs of FG-Nups potentially gives rise to this multifunctionality, enabling them to form unique microenvironments. In this review, we discuss the multifunctionality of disordered and F-rich Nups and the diversity of their localizations, emphasizing the important roles of those Nups in various regulatory and metabolic processes.
Plant cell divisions: variations from the shortest symmetric path
Authors: Serra Léo , Robinson Sarah
Published: December 2020

In plants, the spatial arrangement of cells within tissues and organs is a direct consequence of the positioning of the new cell walls during cell division. Since the nineteenth century, scientists have proposed rules to explain the orientation of plant cell divisions. Most of these rules predict the new wall will follow the shortest path passing through the cell centroid halving the cell into two equal volumes. However, in some developmental contexts, divisions deviate significantly from this rule. In these situations, mechanical stress, hormonal signalling, or cell polarity have been described to influence the division path. Here we discuss the mechanism and subcellular structure required to define the cell division placement then we provide an overview of the situations where division deviates from the shortest symmetric path.
Synthesis of a Tetraepoxy Nanobelt and Its Reductive Aromatization Attempts
Authors: Han Yi , Dong Shaoqiang , Liau Yuan Cheng , Chi Chunyan
Published: December 2020

Hydrocarbon nanobelts have recently attracted tremendous interest. Herein, we report our recent progress towards the synthesis of a newly designed hydrocarbon nanobelt tetrabenzo[10]cyclacene, which can be regarded as a sidewall fragment of the (10,0) carbon nanotube. The structures of both key intermediates — “U”-shape diepoxy building block and tetraepoxy nanobelt — were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Our preliminary reductive aromatization reactions revealed that a tetrahydrogenated species instead of tetrabenzo[10]cyclacene was formed during this process. Computational results further revealed that hydrogenation can lead to significant strain release of the backbone structure of tetrabenzo[10]cyclacene, which may attribute to the absence of the target compound during the reductive aromatization.
Rare Treatable Cause of Demyelinating Leukoencephalopathy That One Cannot Afford to Miss
Authors: Gowda Vykuntaraju K. , Vignesh Sukanya , Nagarajan Balamurugan , Srinivasan Varunvenkat M. , Battina Manojna , Bhat Maya , Christopher Rita
Published: December 2020

Biotinidase deficiency is a treatable neurometabolic disorder. It usually presents during the first year of life with seizures, ataxia, hypotonia, vision and hearing disturbance, alopecia, and skin rashes. It can have various neuroimaging findings but demyelinating leukoencephalopathy is an unusual finding in children with biotinidase deficiency that can cause diagnostic challenge as it can radiologically mimic perinatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy or other leukodystrophies. It reverses with early diagnosis and treatment with biotin supplementation and the outcome is rewarding.
Tubal Flushing Treatment for Unexplained Infertility
Authors: Welie Nienke van , Ludwin Artur , Martins Wellington P. , Mijatovic Velja , Dreyer Kim
Published: December 2020

Tubal patency testing was initially introduced as a diagnostic test. However, it has been observed that some tubal patency tests also have a therapeutic effect. This therapeutic effect can be influenced by the contrast medium used during tubal flushing. In this review, we discuss current evidence associated with different methods for tubal flushing and their potential impact on reproductive outcomes in women with unexplained infertility. Furthermore, we discuss their diagnostic accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Understanding adverse events of immunotherapy: A mechanistic perspective
Authors: Burke Kelly P. , Grebinoski Stephanie , Sharpe Arlene H. , Vignali Dario A.A.
Published: December 2020

The treatment of many cancers has been revolutionized by immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) as a standard-of-care therapeutic. Despite many successes, a large proportion of patients treated with ICB agents experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in the form of clinical autoimmunity, ranging from mild to life threatening, that can limit cancer treatment. A mechanistic understanding of these irAEs is required to better treat or prevent irAEs and to predict those patients who are susceptible to irAEs. We propose several mechanisms that may contribute to the generation of irAEs: (1) preexisting susceptibility to autoimmunity, (2) aberrant presentation of “self” by the tumor, and (3) loss of tolerance driven by the tumor or tissue microenvironment.
Chapter 4 the clergyman’s house at hogglestock
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

Mrs Crawley had walked from Hogglestock to Silverbridge on the occasion of her visit to Mr Walker, the attorney, and had been kindly sent back by that gentleman in his wife’s little open carriage. The tidings she brought home with her to...
Chapter 15 up in london
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

Some kind and attentive reader may perhaps remember that Miss Grace Crawley, in a letter written by her to her friend Miss Lily Dale, said a word or two of a certain John. ‘If it can only be as John wishes it!’...
Chapter 57 a double pledge
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

The archdeacon, as he walked across from the Court to the parsonage, was very thoughtful and his steps were very slow. This idea of seeing Miss Crawley herself had been suggested to him suddenly, and he had to determine how he would bear himself...
Chapter 60 the end of jael and sisera
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

There was to be one more sitting for the picture, as the reader will remember, and the day for that sitting had arrived. Conway Dalrymple had, in the mean time, called at Mrs Van Siever’s house, hoping that he might be able to see...
Chapter 66 requiescat in pace
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

Things were very gloomy at the palace. It has been already said that for many days after Dr Tempest’s visit to Barchester the intercourse between the bishop and Mrs Proudie had not been of a pleasant nature. He had become so silent, so sullen,...
The My Active and Healthy Aging ICT platform prevents quality of life decline in older adults: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Rainero Innocenzo , Summers Mathew J , Monter Michaela , Bazzani Marco , Giannouli Eleftheria , Aumayr Georg , Burin Dalila , Provero Paolo , Vercelli Alessandro E ,   for the My-AHA Consortium
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Prevention of frailty is paramount in older adults. We evaluated the efficacy of a tailored multidomain intervention, monitored with the My Active and Healthy Aging platform, in reducing conversion from a prefrail status to overt frailty and preventing decline in quality of life.

Methods

We performed a multicentre, multicultural, randomised control study. The effects of multidomain interventions on frailty parameters, quality of life, physical, cognitive, psychosocial function, nutrition and sleep were evaluated in a group of 101 prefrail older subjects and compared with 100 prefrail controls, receiving general health advice.

Results

At the 12-month assessment, controls showed a decline in quality of life that was absent in the active group. In addition, active participants showed an increase in mood and nutrition function. No effect on remaining parameter was observed.

Discussion

Our study supports the use of personalised multidomain intervention, monitored with an information and communication technology platform, in preventing quality of life decline in older adults.
Metaphors, Judicial Frames, and Fundamental Rights in Cyberspace
Authors: Morelli Alessandro , Pollicino Oreste
Published: December 2020

How do legal imagination, metaphors, and the “judicial frame” impact the degree of protection for free expression when the relevant (technological) playground is the world of bits? This Article analyzes the so-called judicial frame, focusing on legal disputes relating to freedom of expression on the Internet. The authors compare the European Court of Human Rights and the U.S. Supreme Court case law from a methodological perspective. The Article shows how the adoption by supreme courts of an internal or external point of view in relation to the Internet affects not only the use of different metaphors to describe the digital world, but also the balance struck between the fundamental rights at stake.