bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape semaphore: Seeing mud and mangroves in the Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Davies Archie
Published: March 2021

This paper explores how the amphibious landscapes of mangroves and mudflats of Northeast Brazil have been seen and re‐seen. The spatial and political ecologies of mangroves and mud interact with political aesthetics in specific ways. Reading landscapes as aesthetic encounters] with nature means recognising that ways of seeing are as historically and geographically specific as what they represent and produce. Thinking through the history of landscape from the Northeast exposes the coloniality of landscape thought but can also show how landscape has been reinvented and reconceptualised. Using Marilena Chauí’s concept of semaphore, we can place landscape's symbolic force within the colonial encounter. This opens up not only the intellectual history of how geographers use landscape, but the relationship between aesthetics and nature, and between perception and territory, in a specific place. Putting these creative and intellectual practices together can draw out the rich specificity of responses to a singular, changing landscape, and multiply geographical ways of interpreting, representing, and conceptualising landscape. Seeing amphibiously allows us to revel in landscape’s flexibility and stickiness. In this paper I pursue this argument through an analysis of cultural representations of the coastal landscape of the Brazilian Northeast. The Northeast’s place within the emergence of European landscape histories reminds us of the under‐emphasised coloniality of landscape. More importantly, in 20th‐century representations of the territory of the estuarine Atlantic coast we find a re‐calibration of perspective that is foreshortened, embodied, and muddied. They unsettle the fixities of colonial ways of seeing space, nature, and territory and amount to a regionally specific, counter‐hegemonic political aesthetics of nature.
Approximate Lyapunov–Perron Transformations: Computation and Applications to Quasi-Periodic Systems
Authors: Sharma Ashu
Published: March 2021

A new technique for the analysis of dynamical equations with quasi-periodic coefficients (so-called quasi-periodic systems) is presented. The technique utilizes Lyapunov–Perron (L–P) transformation to reduce the linear part of a quasi-periodic system into the time-invariant form. A general approach for the construction of L–P transformations in the approximate form is suggested. First, the linear part of a quasi-periodic system is replaced by a periodic system with a “suitable” large principal period. Then, the state transition matrix (STM) of the periodic system is computed in the symbolic form using Floquet theory. Finally, Lyapunov–Floquet theorem is used to compute approximate L–P transformations. A two-frequency quasi-periodic system is studied and transformations are generated for stable, unstable, and critical cases. The effectiveness of these transformations is demonstrated by investigating three distinct quasi-periodic systems. They are applied to a forced linear quasi-periodic system to generate analytical solutions. It is found that the closeness of the analytical solutions to the exact solutions depends on the principal period of the periodic system. A general approach to obtain the stability bounds on linear quasi-periodic systems with stochastic perturbations is also discussed. Finally, the usefulness of approximate L–P transformations is presented by analyzing a nonlinear quasi-periodic system with cubic nonlinearity using time-dependent normal form (TDNF) theory. The closed-form solution generated is found to be in good agreement with the exact solution.
Influence of W content on microstructure and surface morphology of hard Ni-W films fabricated by magnetron co-sputtering
Authors: Esmaeili Amir R. , Mir Noshin , Mohammadi Reza
Published: March 2021

Due to their unique mechanical, tribological, thermal, and anticorrosion properties, nickel-tungsten (Ni-W) alloy films have become indispensable for many industrial applications. The present study investigates the impact of W content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni-W thin films. By co-sputtering of Ni and W on silicon wafers coated with a thin buffer layer (∼20 nm) of titanium (Ti), six Ni-W coatings were fabricated, ranging from pure Ni to pure W. The samples were characterized using energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and microindentation. The results show that hardness of the Ni-W films is primarily a function of the W content, which changes the microstructure and surface morphology of the samples. When W concentration is smaller than 40 at. %, the Ni-rich samples have a face-centered cubic structure and the hardness increases with the W content. For the samples having 40 < W < 55 at. %, the sensitivity of the hardness to the W content becomes markedly low, which could be due to the presence of an amorphous phase. Finally, the impact of W addition on the hardness of the samples containing 55–80 at. % W is two times greater than that of W < 40 at. %. The extra hardening effect could be attributed to the dominancy of a solid solution hardened body-centered cubic W phase and electronic interaction between two transition metals. This sharp increase in the hardness leads to obtaining a high hardness of 21.9 ± 2.0 GPa for the Ni-79 at. % W film. The findings of this study show that solid solution strengthening could be considered the main hardening mechanism of these films.
Frequency-dependent capacitors using paper
Authors: McGuyer Bart H.
Published: March 2021

Measurements of capacitors made with paper sheets reveal a significant decrease in capacitance with increasing frequency from 10 to 100,000 Hz, offering a simple demonstration of complex dielectric phenomena using common equipment.
The Persico equation for minimum uncertainty states
Authors: Barone Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

We present an important and forgotten result of fundamental quantum mechanics obtained in 1930 by Enrico Persico, consisting of an eigenvalue equation for minimum uncertainty states.
Acoustic levitation and the acoustic radiation force
Authors: Jackson David P. , Chang Ming-Hua
Published: March 2021

We investigate acoustic levitation in a vertical standing wave in an attempt to understand the basic physical mechanism responsible for this phenomenon. We find that a description in terms of a simple pressure force leads to the prediction of stable equilibria that occur slightly below the anti-nodes of the standing pressure wave. We then demonstrate that such a prediction is at odds with experimental data, which show that levitating particles come to rest slightly below the nodes of the standing pressure wave. Finally, we outline a theoretical approach based on fluid dynamics that correctly predicts the locations of the levitating particles, which leads to a simple qualitative description for this fascinating phenomenon.
P- and S-wave simulation using a Cole–Cole model to incorporate thermoelastic attenuation and dispersion
Authors: Carcione José M. , Picotti Stefano , Ba Jing
Published: March 2021

In thermoelastic wave attenuation, such as that caused by heterogeneities much smaller than the wavelength, e.g., Savage theory of spherical pores, the shape of the relaxation peak differs from that of the Zener (or standard linear solid) mechanical model. In these effective homogeneous media, the anelastic behavior is better represented by a stress-strain relation based on fractional derivatives; particularly, P- and S-wave dispersion and attenuation is well described by a Cole–Cole equation. We propose a time-domain algorithm for wave propagation based on the Grünwald–Letnikov numerical derivative and the Fourier pseudospectral method to compute the spatial derivatives. As an example, we consider Savage theory and verify the algorithm by comparison with the analytical solution in homogeneous media based on the frequency-domain Green function. Moreover, we illustrate the modeling performance with wave propagation in a two half-space medium where one section is lossless and the other is a Cole–Cole medium. This apparently simple example, which does not have an analytical solution, shows the complexity of the wavefield that characterizes a single flat interface.
The science and medicine of human immunology
Authors: Pulendran Bali , Davis Mark M.
Published: March 2021

Immunology through a human lens

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the critical need to better understand the human immune system and how to unleash its power to develop vaccines and therapeutics. Much of our knowledge of the immune system has accrued from studies in mice, yet vaccines and drugs that work effectively in mice do not always translate into humans. Pulendran and Davis review recent technological advances that have facilitated the study of the immune system in humans. They discuss new insights and how these can affect the development of drugs and vaccines in the modern era.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay4014
A single-cell RNA-seq atlas of
Schistosoma mansoni
identifies a key regulator of blood feeding
Authors: Wendt George , Zhao Lu , Chen Rui , Liu Chenxi , O’Donoghue Anthony J. , Caffrey Conor R. , Reese Michael L. , Collins James J.
Published: March 2021

Schistosome biology illuminated

Schistosomiasis is caused by a parasitic flatworm about which little is known. Therefore, options to combat human disease caused by schistosome infection are limited. To aid in our quest to develop treatments, two studies undertook molecular investigations of the parasite
Schistosoma mansoni
. By generating a single-cell atlas, Wendt
et al.
identified the developmental trajectory of the flatworm, including the blood-feeding gut required for its survival in the host. From these data, they found a gene required for gut development that, when knocked out through RNA interference, confers reduced pathology in infected mice. Wang
et al.
performed a large-scale RNA interference survey of
S. mansoni
and identified an essential pair of protein kinases that can be targeted by approved pharmacological intervention (see the Perspective by Anderson and Duraisingh). These molecular investigations add to our understanding of the schistosome parasite and provide biological information that may help to combat this neglected tropical disease.

Science
, this issue p.
1644
, p.
1649
; see also p.
1562
Epiphytic Strains of Pseudomonas syringae Kill Diverse Aphid Species
Authors: Smee Melanie R. , Real-Ramirez Imperio , Zuluaga Arias Catalina , Hendry Tory A.
Published: March 2021

Sap-sucking aphids are insects of huge agricultural concern, not only because of direct damage caused by feeding but also because of their ability to transmit various plant pathogens. Some bacteria that grow on leaf surfaces, such as
Pseudomonas syringae
, can infect and kill aphids, making them potentially useful in the biological control of pest aphids.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gene Expression during Fermentation of Pinot Noir Wines at an Industrially Relevant Scale
Authors: Reiter Taylor , Montpetit Rachel , Byer Shelby , Frias Isadora , Leon Esmeralda , Viano Robert , Mcloughlin Michael , Halligan Thomas , Hernandez Desmon , Runnebaum Ron , Montpetit Ben
Published: March 2021

This study characterizedSaccharomyces cerevisiaeRC212 gene expression during Pinot noir fermentation at pilot scale (150 liters) using industry-relevant conditions. The reported gene expression patterns of RC212 are generally similar to those observed under laboratory fermentation conditions but also contain gene expression signatures related to yeast-environment interactions found in a production setting (e.g., the presence of non-Saccharomycesmicroorganisms).
Noncanonical Transmission of a Measles Virus Vaccine Strain from Neurons to Astrocytes
Authors: Poelaert Katrien C. K. , Williams Riley M. , Matullo Christine M. , Rall Glenn F.
Published: March 2021

Viruses are the most important cause of infectious encephalitis in mammals worldwide; several thousand people, primarily the very young and the elderly, are impacted annually, and few therapies are reliably successful once neuroinvasion has occurred. To understand how viruses contribute to neuropathology, and to develop tools to prevent or ameliorate such infections, it is crucial to define if and how viruses disseminate among the different cell populations within the highly complex central nervous system.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α (HIF1α) Suppresses Virus Replication in Human Cytomegalovirus Infection by Limiting Kynurenine Synthesis
Authors: Wise Lisa M. , Xi Yuecheng , Purdy John G.
Published: March 2021

Viruses, including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), reprogram cellular metabolism using host metabolic regulators to support virus replication. Alternatively, in response to infection, the host can use metabolism to limit virus replication.
Adaptation by Ancient Horizontal Acquisition of Butyrate Metabolism Genes in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Moustafa Ahmed M. , Velusamy Senthil Kumar , Denu Lidiya , Narechania Apurva , Fine Daniel H. , Planet Paul J.
Published: March 2021

There has been considerable interest in the impact of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on inflammatory effects related to the microbiome. Here, we present evidence that SCFAs may also be important in disease by providing an energy source or disease-associated cue for colonizing pathogens.
The Sorghum bicolor Root Exudate Sorgoleone Shapes Bacterial Communities and Delays Network Formation
Authors: Wang Peng , Chai Yen Ning , Roston Rebecca , Dayan Franck E. , Schachtman Daniel P.
Published: March 2021

Plant roots exude a complex mixture of metabolites into the rhizosphere. Primary and secondary metabolites exuded from roots are key drivers of root-soil microbe interactions that contribute to the structure and function of microbial communities in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
New multicellular marine macroalgae from the early Tonian of northwestern Canada
Authors: Maloney Katie M. , Halverson Galen P. , Schiffbauer James D. , Xiao Shuhai , Gibson Timothy M. , Lechte Maxwell A. , Cumming Vivien M. , Millikin Alexie E.G. , Murphy Jack G. , Wallace Malcolm W. , Selby David , Laflamme Marc
Published: March 2021

Molecular phylogenetic data suggest that photosynthetic eukaryotes first evolved in freshwater environments in the early Proterozoic and diversified into marine environments by the Tonian Period, but early algal evolution is poorly reflected in the fossil record. Here, we report newly discovered, millimeter- to centimeter-scale macrofossils from outer-shelf marine facies of the ca. 950–900 Ma (Re-Os minimum age constraint = 898 ± 68 Ma) Dolores Creek Formation in the Wernecke Mountains, northwestern Canada. These fossils, variably preserved by iron oxides and clay minerals, represent two size classes. The larger forms feature unbranching thalli with uniform cells, differentiated cell walls, longitudinal striations, and probable holdfasts, whereas the smaller specimens display branching but no other diagnostic features. While the smaller population remains unresolved phylogenetically and may represent cyanobacteria, we interpret the larger fossils as multicellular eukaryotic macroalgae with a plausible green algal affinity based on their large size and presence of rib-like wall ornamentation. Considered as such, the latter are among the few green algae and some of the largest macroscopic eukaryotes yet recognized in the early Neoproterozoic. Together with other Tonian fossils, the Dolores Creek fossils indicate that eukaryotic algae, including green algae, colonized marine environments by the early Neoproterozoic Era.
Spatio-temporal patterns of Pyrenean exhumation revealed by inverse thermo-kinematic modeling of a large thermochronologic data set
Authors: Curry Magdalena Ellis , Beek Peter van der , Huismans Ritske S. , Wolf Sebastian G. , Fillon Charlotte , Muñoz Josep-Anton
Published: March 2021

Large thermochronologic data sets enable orogen-scale investigations into spatio-temporal patterns of erosion and deformation. We present the results of a thermo-kinematic modeling study that examines large-scale controls on spatio-temporal variations in exhumation as recorded by multiple low-temperature thermochronometers in the Pyrenees mountains (France/Spain). Using 264 compiled cooling ages spanning ∼200 km of the orogen, a recent model for its topographic evolution, and the thermo-kinematic modeling code Pecube, we evaluated two models for Axial Zone (AZ) exhumation: (1) thrust sheet–controlled (north-south) exhumation, and (2) along-strike (east-west) variable exhumation. We also measured the degree to which spatially variable post-orogenic erosion influenced the cooling ages. We found the best fit for a model of along-strike variable exhumation. In the eastern AZ, rock uplift rates peak at ≥1 mm/yr between 40 and 30 Ma, whereas in the western AZ, they peak between 30 and 20 Ma. The amount of post-orogenic (<20 Ma) erosion increases from <1.0 km in the eastern Pyrenees to >2.5 km in the west. The data reveal a pattern of exhumation that is primarily controlled by structural inheritance, with ancillary patterns reflecting growth and erosion of the antiformal stack and post-orogenic surface processes.
Pseudoaneurysm of uterine artery complicating caesarean section: a rare cause of intractable secondary postpartum haemorrhage managed with uterine artery embolisation
Authors: Gupta Aishvarya , Sagili Haritha , Krishnan Nagarajan , Dasari Papa
Published: March 2021

A 27-year-old woman presented 6 weeks after an uncomplicated lower segment caesarean section with excessive bleeding per vagina. On examination, she had mild pallor with a pulse rate of 86 beats per minute and blood pressure of 116/80 mm Hg, uterus well involuted with closed cervical os and bleeding demonstrated through the cervix. A transvaginal ultrasonography with colour Doppler revealed a normal size uterus with an empty cavity and a hypoechoic area with blood flow within it in the left side of the uterus with a prominent arterial feeder vessel. A CT angiogram confirmed the diagnosis of a 1.3×0.7 cm pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery near the left cornua of the uterus. After failed attempts to control the bleeding with antifibrinolytics, bilateral uterine arteries were embolised using gel foam. Post procedure, bleeding resolved immediately. A follow-up transvaginal ultrasound after a year revealed no evidence of the pseudoaneurysm and her fertility was preserved.
Rare case of pancrelipase therapy-induced neutropaenia
Authors: Amoateng Richard , Hardman Brent , Liu Catherine , Austin Scarlett
Published: March 2021

A 61-year-old man was transferred to our facility from an outside hospital due to refractory neutropaenia of unknown aetiology. The patient presented to the referring hospital with a 5-day history of worsening diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Initial lab results at presentation showed severe neutropaenia with an absolute neutrophil count of 0. Investigations included a bone marrow biopsy which showed slightly hypocellular marrow with near absence of granulocytic precursors. A CT without contrast showed evidence of chronic pancreatitis and acute colitis. The patient’s neutropaenia persisted despite granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy. The patient was, thus, transferred to our facility for a higher level of care. At our facility, the patient had rapid correction of neutropaenia after discontinuation of pancrelipase therapy. The patient’s abdominal pain and diarrhoea also improved while off pancrelipase. Neutropaenia has completely resolved 6 weeks after discharge without any further therapy.
Ocular manifestations of congenital insensitivity to pain: a long-term follow-up
Authors: Elsana Baker , Gradstein Libe , Imtirat Ahed , Yagev Ronit , Barrett Chiya , Ling Galina , Abu Tailakh Muhammad , Baidousi Amjad , Tsumi Erez
Published: March 2021

Aim

To describe ocular manifestations in children with congenital insensitivity to pain with and without anhidrosis (CIPA and CIP).

Methods

We reviewed records of eye examinations of 39 children diagnosed with CIPA or CIP. We collected clinical data, with particular attention to ocular surface findings. Corneal sensitivity was tested by presence of a blink reflex upon touching the cornea. Statistical analysis assessed differences in manifestations between the two conditions, and relationships among corneal sensitivity, presence of corneal opacities and visual acuity (VA).

Results

CIPA was diagnosed in 32 children and CIP in 7. The median follow-up periods were 50 months (CIPA group) and 94 months (CIP group). Corneal opacities were present in 23% of CIPA eyes and in 57% of CIP eyes. A blink reflex was positive in 52% of CIPA eyes and in 33% of CIP eyes. We recorded VA ≥20/25 in 36% of CIPA eyes, whereas all patients with CIP had VA ≤20/30. For the whole cohort, we found a negative correlation between a preserved blink reflex and the presence of corneal opacities, and a positive correlation between a preserved blink reflex and VA ≥20/25.

Conclusion

Children with congenital insensitivity to pain are prone to develop corneal scarring. Patients with CIP tend to have more severe ocular surface disease than those with CIPA, probably due to more prevalent loss of corneal sensation. In both groups, a preserved blink reflex correlated with good vision. Affected children should have close follow-up to promptly treat ocular surface disease and prevent vision loss.
COVID-19 illness in relation to sleep and burnout
Authors: Kim Hyunju , Hegde Sheila , LaFiura Christine , Raghavan Madhunika , Luong Eric , Cheng Susan , Rebholz Casey M , Seidelmann Sara B
Published: March 2021

Background

Sleep habits and burnout have been shown to be associated with increase in infectious diseases, but it is unknown if these factors are associated with risk of COVID-19. We assessed whether sleep and self-reported burnout may be risk factors for COVID-19 among high-risk healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods

From 17 July to 25 September 2020, a web-based survey was administered to HCWs in six countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, USA) with a high frequency of workplace exposure. Participants provided information on demographics, sleep (number of sleep hours at night, daytime napping hours, sleep problems), burnout from work and COVID-19 exposures. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to evaluate the associations between sleep, burnout and COVID-19.

Results

Among 2884 exposed HCWs, there were 568 COVID-19 cases and 2316 controls. After adjusting for confounders, 1-hour longer sleep duration at night was associated with 12% lower odds of COVID-19 (p=0.003). Daytime napping hours was associated with 6% higher odds, but the association varied by countries, with a non-significant inverse association in Spain. Compared with having no sleep problems, having three sleep problems was associated with 88% greater odds of COVID-19. Reporting burnout ‘every day’ was associated with greater odds of COVID-19 (OR: 2.60, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.31, p trend across categories=0.001), longer duration (OR: 2.98, 95% CI 1.10 to 8.05, p trend=0.02) and severity (OR: 3.26, 95% CI 1.25 to 8.48, p trend=0.02) compared with reporting no burnout. These associations remained significant after adjusting for frequency of COVID-19 exposures.

Conclusions

In six countries, longer sleep duration was associated with lower odds of COVID-19, but the association with daytime nap may not be consistent across countries. Greater sleep problems and high level of burnout were robustly associated with greater odds of COVID-19. Sleep and burnout may be risk factors for COVID-19 in high-risk HCWs.
FOOTPRINTS study protocol: rationale and methodology of a 3-year longitudinal observational study to phenotype patients with COPD
Authors: Crapo James , Gupta Abhya , Lynch David A , Vogel-Claussen Jens , Watz Henrik , Turner Alice M , Mroz Robert M , Janssens Wim , Ludwig-Sengpiel Andrea , Beck Markus , Langellier Bérengère , Ittrich Carina , Risse Frank , Diefenbach Claudia
Published: March 2021

Introduction

A better understanding is needed of the different phenotypes that exist for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), their relationship with the pathogenesis of COPD and how they may affect disease progression. Biomarkers, including those associated with emphysema, may assist in characterising patients and in predicting and monitoring the course of disease. The FOOTPRINTS study (study 352.2069) aims to identify biomarkers associated with emphysema, over a 3-year period.

Methods and analysis

The FOOTPRINTS study is a prospective, longitudinal, multinational (12 countries), multicentre (51 sites) biomarker study, which has enrolled a total of 463 ex-smokers, including subjects without airflow limitation (as defined by the 2015 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) strategy report), patients with COPD across the GOLD stages 1–3 and patients with COPD and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. The study has an observational period lasting 156 weeks that includes seven site visits and additional phone interviews. Biomarkers in blood and sputum, imaging data (CT and magnetic resonance), clinical parameters, medical events of special interest and safety are being assessed at regular visits. Disease progression based on biomarker values and COPD phenotypes are being assessed using multivariate statistical prediction models.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the authorities and ethics committees/institutional review boards of the respective institutions where applicable, which included study sites in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Korea, Poland, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA; written informed consent has been obtained from all study participants. Ethics committee approval was obtained for all participating sites prior to enrolment of the study participants. The study results will be reported in peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

NCT02719184.
Ultrasound and surgical inspection of plantaris tendon involvement in chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a case series
Authors: Alfredson Håkan , Masci Lorenzo , Spang Christoph
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy is known to be difficult to manage. The diagnosis is not always easy because multiple different tissues can be involved. The plantaris tendon has recently been described to frequently be involved in chronic painful mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. This study aimed to evaluate possible plantaris tendon involvement in patients with chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Methods

Ninety-nine consecutive patients (74 males, 25 females) with a mean age of 40 years (range 24–64) who were surgically treated for insertional Achilles tendinopathy, were included. Clinical examination, ultrasound (US)+Doppler examination, and surgical findings were used to evaluate plantaris tendon involvement.

Results

In 48/99 patients, there were clinical symptoms of plantaris tendon involvement with pain and tenderness located medially at the Achilles tendon insertion. In all these cases, surgical findings showed a thick and wide plantaris tendon together with a richly vascularised fatty infiltration between the plantaris and Achilles tendon. US examination suspected plantaris involvement in 32/48 patients.

Conclusion

Plantaris tendon involvement can potentially be part of the pathology in chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy and should be considered for diagnosis and treatment when there is distinct and focal medial pain and tenderness.

Level of evidence

IV case series.
Advance directives and real-world end-of-life clinical practice: a case–control study
Authors: Dalmau-Bueno Albert , Saura-Lazaro Anna , Busquets Josep Ma , Bullich-Marín Ingrid , García-Altés Anna
Published: March 2021

Background

Advance directives (ADs) have been legally regulated to promote autonomy over health decisions among patients who later lose decision-making capacity.

Aims and objectives

To analyse the differences in clinical practice at end of life among people who had completed an AD versus those who had not.

Methods

Retrospective case–control study (1:2), matched by age, sex, year, cause of death and region of residence. The data sources used were the ADs registry, central registry of insured persons, hospital discharge, pharmacy and billing databases, and the mortality registry. Conditional logistic regression models (crude and adjusted by socioeconomic level) were performed. The outcome variable was the frequency of medical procedures performed during the last year of life.

Results

1723 people with ADs who died in Catalonia during 2014–2015 were matched with 3446 dead controls (without ADs). Thoracentesis was the procedure with the greatest reduction among women with an AD (adjusted OR (ORadj) 0.54, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.89) in conjunction with artificial nutrition (ORadj0.54, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.95). Intubation was the procedure with the greatest reduction (ORadj0.56, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.94) among men. Slight differences could be seen in the case of cancer deaths. There were no relevant differences when adjusting by socioeconomic level.

Conclusions

ADs are an effective tool to adjust the realisation of some procedures at end of life. These results can help better plan for the treatment of patients with ADs, as well as increase the awareness among clinical personnel, families and the general population.
Bridging the language gap for simulation resources
Authors: Reeves Andrew , Auerbach Marc , Kou Maybelle , Sanseau Elizabeth , Hamann Magnus , Roland Damian
Published: March 2021

With increasing use of open access platforms, simulation-based resources are being shared across geographical borders. There are benefits to designing resources with language and content which is understandable and applicable to learners in different countries. This report aims to assess the differences between scenarios from different groups and explore whether common terms can be used to make internationally relevant simulation resources in future. In collaboration between two groups producing Free Open Access Medical Education simulation resources in the UK and USA, we present observations of terms used in our simulation resources. The content within a series of simulation scenarios from both groups was reviewed, with notable differences in language collected. There are areas of overlap between the terms used in the UK and USA. Semantic, cultural and system differences were found which could prevent scenarios from being transferred between countries. The differences we describe highlight that language choice is important if simulation producers are intent on developing scenarios with international impact. There is work to be done to ensure that resources can be used internationally—embracing linguistics has the potential to aid this process, with the use of simplified language and feedback from local communities being key steps.
Long-term outcomes after endoscopic treatment for Barrett’s neoplasia with radiofrequency ablation ± endoscopic resection: results from the national Dutch database in a 10-year period
Authors: van Munster Sanne , Nieuwenhuis Esther , Weusten Bas L A M , Alvarez Herrero Lorenza , Bogte Auke , Alkhalaf Alaa , Schenk B E , Schoon Erik J , Curvers Wouter , Koch Arjun D , van de Ven Steffi Elisabeth Maria , de Jonge Pieter Jan Floris , Tang Tjon J , Nagengast Wouter B , Peters Frans T M , Westerhof Jessie , Houben Martin H M G , Bergman Jacques JGHM , Pouw Roos E
Published: March 2021

Objective

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)±endoscopic resection (ER) is the preferred treatment for early neoplasia in Barrett’s oesophagus (BE). We aimed to report short-term and long-term outcomes for all 1384 patients treated in the Netherlands (NL) from 2008 to 2018, with uniform treatment and follow-up (FU) in a centralised setting.

Design

Endoscopic therapy for early BE neoplasia in NL is centralised in nine expert centres with specifically trained endoscopists and pathologists that adhere to a joint protocol. Prospectively collected data are registered in a uniform database. Patients with low/high-grade dysplasia or low-risk cancer, were treated by ER of visible lesions followed by trimonthly RFA sessions of any residual BE until complete eradication of BE (CE-BE). Patients with ER alone were not included.

Results

After ER (62% of cases; 43% low-risk cancers) and median 1 circumferential and 2 focal RFA (p25-p75 0–1; 1–2) per patient, CE-BE was achieved in 94% (1270/1348). Adverse events occurred in 21% (268/1386), most commonly oesophageal stenosis (15%), all were managed endoscopically. A total of 1154 patients with CE-BE were analysed for long-term outcomes. During median 43 months (22–69) and 4 endoscopies (1–5), 38 patients developed dysplastic recurrence (3%, annual recurrence risk 1%), all were detected as endoscopically visible abnormalities. Random biopsies from a normal appearing cardia showed intestinal metaplasia (IM) in 14% and neoplasia in 0%. A finding of IM in the cardia was reproduced during further FU in only 33%, none progressed to neoplasia. Frequent FU visits in the first year of FU were not associated with recurrence risk.

Conclusion

In a setting of centralised care, RFA±ER is effective for eradication of Barrett’s related neoplasia and has remarkably low rates of dysplastic recurrence. Our data support more lenient FU intervals, with emphasis on careful endoscopic inspection. Random biopsies from neosquamous epithelium and cardia are of questionable value.

Netherlands trial register number

NL7039.
Nitrogen and phosphorus distribution in plant, soil, and leachate as affected by liquid hog manure and chemical fertilizers
Authors: Kokulan Vivekananthan , Wadu Mihiri C.W. Manimel , Akinremi Olalekan O. , Buckley K.E.
Published: March 2021

A 2 yr field study was conducted on a coarse-textured soil in Manitoba, Canada, to investigate the effects of liquid hog manure (LHM) and chemical fertilizer application on barley (2005) and red spring wheat (2006) yields, crop nutrient uptake, and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) movement to the environment. The treatments were LHM applied at two rates as 22 000 L·ha−1 (2500 gal·ac−1, abbreviated as M2500) and 43 000 L·ha−1 (5000 gal·ac−1, abbreviated as M5000) and two rates of chemical fertilizer to match total N and P in LHM treatments, F2500 and F5000, along with an unamended control. The M5000 and M2500 treatments showed similar grain yield and N and P uptake. However, M5000 and M2500 significantly increased grain yield by 67% and 78%, respectively, compared with the control in 2005. In 2006, wheat grain yields from M2500 and M5000 were 71% and 86% greater than the control. In 2005, leachate NO3-N concentrations and leaching loads were higher with chemical fertilizers than M2500. In 2005, the apparent recovery of applied N as leachate was 35% and 23% in F5000 and F2500 treatments, whereas it was 6% and 7% of applied N in M5000 and M2500 plots, respectively. However, the application of M5000 resulted in P accumulation near the surface and may increase the potential risk of P loss with runoff. Our results show that applying LHM at moderate rates (M2500) may ensure desirable crop yields comparable to higher rates of nutrient application with minimal potential losses relative to higher rates.
Asymptotic properties of quenching for the quasilinear electrostatic micro-electro-mechanical system
Authors: Zhu Liping , He Shujuan
Published: March 2021

This study focuses on the asymptotic properties of quenching solutions for the quasilinear parabolic electrostatic micro-electro-mechanical system with singular logarithm boundary flux. Under some assumptions on initial data, quenching in finite time, blowup phenomenon of a time derivative, lower and upper bounds of quenching rate are studied theoretically, and the asymptotic behaviors near quenching time are verified numerically.
Stochastic Bifurcations of Group-Invariant Solutions for a Generalized Stochastic Zakharov–Kuznetsov Equation
Authors: Li Changzhao , Fang Hui
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we introduce the concept of stochastic bifurcations of group-invariant solutions for stochastic nonlinear wave equations. The essence of this concept is to display bifurcation phenomena by investigating stochastic P-bifurcation and stochastic D-bifurcation of stochastic ordinary differential equations derived by Lie symmetry reductions of stochastic nonlinear wave equations. Stochastic bifurcations of group-invariant solutions can be considered as an indirect display of bifurcation phenomena of stochastic nonlinear wave equations. As a constructive example, we study stochastic bifurcations of group-invariant solutions for a generalized stochastic Zakharov–Kuznetsov equation.
Complex Dynamics in a Memristive Diode Bridge-Based MLC Circuit: Coexisting Attractors and Double-Transient Chaos
Authors: Chithra A. , Fozin T. Fonzin , Srinivasan K. , Kengne E. R. Mache , Kouanou A. Tchagna , Mohamed I. Raja
Published: March 2021

This paper uncovers some striking and new complex phenomena in a memristive diode bridge-based Murali–Lakshmanan–Chua (MLC) circuit. These striking dynamical behaviors include the coexistence of multiple attractors and double-transient chaos. Also, period-doubling, chaos, crisis scenarios are observed in the system when varying the amplitude of the external excitation. Numerical simulation tools like phase portrait, cross-section basin of attraction, Lyapunov spectrum, bifurcation diagrams and time series are used to highlight the complex dynamical behaviors in the memristive system. Further, practical realizations of the circuit both in PSpice and real-laboratory measurements match well with the observed numerical simulations.
Hudson Strait Platform and Basins Tectono-Sedimentary Element, Northeast Canada
Authors: Pinet Nicolas , Lavoie Denis , Zhang Shunxin
Published: March 2021

The Hudson Strait Platform and basins Tectono-Sedimentary Element (HSPB TSE) is part of a major topographical feature that connects Hudson Bay and Foxe Basin with the Labrador Sea in the Canadian Arctic. The Paleozoic succession (Ordovician–Silurian) unconformably overlies the Precambrian basement and reaches a maximum preserved thickness of less than 600 m on the islands. High-resolution marine seismic data indicate that the offshore part of the Hudson Strait is underlain by several fault-controlled sub-basins with a half-graben geometry. The sedimentary succession in the sub-basins is thicker than the one preserved in nearby islands, and includes an upper sedimentary package for which the nature and age remain poorly constrained. Upper Ordovician source rocks have been mapped onshore. Known potential reservoir rocks consist of Ordovician clastics and Ordovician–Silurian reefs and dolostones.
Palaeomycology: a modern mycological view of fungal palynomorphs
Authors: Nuñez Otaño Noelia B. , Bianchinotti M. Virginia , Saparrat Mario C. N.
Published: March 2021

Fungal spores are increasingly used as reliable proxies in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions; however, little attention is paid to the ecological tolerances of the fungi themselves and the signal the fungi provide. This chapter provides a much-needed background in fungal biology and ecology of monophyletic Dikarya (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota), as well as taphonomic considerations which could be included in any use as palaeoecological indicators. It is intended to help those who are interested in using fungal spores as palaeoecological indicators to make more informed interpretations. A recapitulation of spore dispersal strategies and distances is presented for a better understanding of the transport mechanisms of fungal spores. Likewise, pigmentation is discussed, as it results in significant taphonomic bias in fossil fungal assemblages and, as some dark-coloured pigmentation is authigenic while some develops during taphonomy. A key element of this chapter is discussion of the environmental role of fungi, including modern v. palaeo-approaches to fungal ecology, fungal assemblages, and diversity patterns as diagnostic tools to infer palaeoenvironments.
Parameterized Intractability of Even Set and Shortest Vector Problem
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arnab , Bonnet Édouard , Egri László , Ghoshal Suprovat , S. Karthik C. , Lin Bingkai , Manurangsi Pasin , Marx Dániel
Published: March 2021

The

-Even Set

problem is a parameterized variant of the
Minimum Distance Problem
of linear codes over

, which can be stated as follows: given a generator matrix

and an integer

, determine whether the code generated by

has distance at most

, or, in other words, whether there is a nonzero vector

such that

has at most

nonzero coordinates. The question of whether

-Even Set is fixed parameter tractable (FPT) parameterized by the distance

has been repeatedly raised in the literature; in fact, it is one of the few remaining open questions from the seminal book of Downey and Fellows [1999]. In this work, we show that

-Even Set is
W
[1]-hard under randomized reductions.

We also consider the parameterized

-Shortest Vector Problem (SVP)

, in which we are given a lattice whose basis vectors are integral and an integer

, and the goal is to determine whether the norm of the shortest vector (in the

norm for some fixed

) is at most

. Similar to

-Even Set, understanding the complexity of this problem is also a long-standing open question in the field of Parameterized Complexity. We show that, for any

,

-SVP is
W
[1]-hard to approximate (under randomized reductions) to some constant factor.
Evaluation of the Use of Real-time 3D Graphics to Augment Therapeutic Music Sessions for Young People on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Mcgowan John J. , Mcgregor Iain , Leplatre Gregory
Published: March 2021

The present research evaluates the effectiveness of CymaSense, a real-time 3D visualisation application developed by the authors, as a means of improving the communicative behaviours of autistic participants through the addition of a visual modality within therapeutic music sessions. Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people in a number of ways, commonly through difficulties in communication. A multi-sensory approach within music sessions encourages people with ASC to engage more with the act of creating music, and with the therapists, increasing their level of communication and social interaction beyond the sessions.

This article presents a study evaluating the use of CymaSense within a series of therapeutic music sessions, and a follow-up series of semi-structured interviews. Eight adults with ASC participated in 12 sessions using a single case experimental design approach over a total period of 19 weeks. Using qualitative and quantitative data, the results show an increase in communicative behaviour, for both verbal and non-verbal participants, resulting from the use of CymaSense. Qualitative feedback from interviews provided insight into the factors that contribute to the successful use of the application, as well as aspects that could be improved.
The best of NLP
Authors: Edwards Chris
Published: March 2021

Natural language processing delves more deeply into its knowledge gap.
Roulette Angel
Authors: Shasha Dennis
Published: March 2021

Where will the ball drop when the spinning roulette wheel stops?
When hackers were heroes
Authors: Haigh Thomas
Published: March 2021

The complex legacy of Steven Levy's obsessive programmers.
Ion Pairing, Clustering and Transport in a LiFSI-TMP Electrolyte as Functions of Salt Concentration using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Galvez-Aranda Diego E. , Seminario Jorge M.
Published: March 2021

Battery capacity is highly related to ion-pairing mechanisms in electrolytes, since a cluster formation can lead to dead Li formation, reducing the number of charge carriers and leading to capacity fading. We use molecular dynamics simulations to model an electrolyte comprising trimethyl phosphate (TMP) solvent and a lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) salt, exploring effects of salt concentration on solvation and ion-transport. We simulate the LiFSI-TMP electrolyte for salt concentrations of 0.7, 1.43 and 3.82 molar. A statistical analysis was performed to study ion-pairing, clustering, diffusivity, conductivity, and coordination of Li-ions, providing insights into relations between molecular structures and transport properties. Molecular structure of ionic components changes as concentration increases, from a predominant solvent separated ion pair (SSIP) and contact ion pair (CIP) to aggregate salt (AGG) and ionic cluster formation. Given the formation of the ionic cluster, the diffusion mechanism followed by Li-ions changes from a hopping/exchange to a vehicular mechanism as concentration increases; this is reflected in a decrease of ionic conductivities. Ionicity was also calculated to reveal how the ionic motion changes from an uncorrelated to a correlated one as the salt concentration increases. We also compared our results with experimental calculations performed for similar electrolyte systems.
Single-cell mRNA profiling reveals changes in solute carrier expression and suggests a metabolic switch during zebrafish pronephros development
Authors: Schoels Maximilian , Zhuang Mingyue , Fahrner Andreas , Küchlin Sebastian , Sagar  , Franz Henriette , Schmitt Annette , Walz Gerd , Yakulov Toma A.
Published: March 2021

The zebrafish embryonic kidney has high levels of glucose transporters during early development, which are replaced by monocarboxylate and amino acid transporters later on. Inhibition of Na+-glucose cotransporter-dependent glucose transport by sotagliflozin also increased slc2a1a expression, supporting the idea that the glucose transport capacity is dynamically adjusted during zebrafish pronephros development. Concurrent upregulation of mitochondrial SCL25 transporters at later stages supports the idea that the pronephros adjusts to changing substrate supplies and/or energy demands during embryonic development.
A Pilot Randomized Crossover Trial of Wet Suction and Conventional Techniques of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration for Upper Gastrointestinal Subepithelial Lesions
Authors: Takasumi Mika , Hikichi Takuto , Hashimoto Minami , Nakamura Jun , Kato Tsunetaka , Kikuchi Hitomi , Waragai Yuichi , Watanabe Ko , Takagi Tadayuki , Suzuki Rei , Sugimoto Mitsuru , Hayashi Manabu , Sato Yuki , Irie Hiroki , Kobashi Ryoichiro , Okubo Yoshinori , Kobayakawa Masao , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim. A wet suction technique (“wet” technique) has been developed to improve the quality of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for sampling various solid lesions. However, no studies have reported on the wet technique for EUS-FNA for gastrointestinal (GI) subepithelial lesions (SELs). We conducted a pilot randomized crossover trial to explore whether the wet technique could be useful with regard to tissue adequacy of upper GI-SELs (UGI-SELs) compared to the conventional EUS-FNA technique (“dry” technique). Methods. Twenty-six patients with UGI-SELs indicated for EUS-FNA were randomly assigned to the dry-first arm using the dry technique for the first two passes or the wet-first arm using the wet technique for the first two passes using a cross-over design with a ratio of 1 : 1. The primary endpoint was the cellularity score of the EUS-FNA specimens rated on a 4-point scale (0-3). The secondary endpoints were the factors influencing cellularity in each suction technique. Results. The mean cellularity score was

1.65
±
1.20

for the wet technique and

2.00
±
0.98

for the dry technique (

p
=
0.068

). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher cellularity may be related to the final diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the dry technique and the SEL location in the upper stomach in the wet technique. Conclusion. The wet EUS-FNA technique failed to show a potential for improved cellularity of specimens compared to the dry technique for UGI-SELs.