bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Option-implied information: What’s the vol surface got to do with it?
Authors: Ulrich Maxim , Walther Simon
Published: May 2020

We find that option-implied information such as forward-looking variance, skewness and the variance risk premium are sensitive to the way the volatility surface is constructed. For some state-of-the-art volatility surfaces, the differences are economically surprisingly large and lead to systematic biases, especially for out-of-the-money put options. Estimates for risk-neutral variance differ across volatility surfaces by more than 10% on average, leading to variance risk premium estimates that differ by 60% on average. The variations are even larger for risk-neutral skewness. To overcome this problem, we propose a volatility surface that is built with a one-dimensional kernel regression. We assess its statistical accuracy relative to existing state-of-the-art parametric, semi- and non-parametric volatility surfaces by means of leave-one-out cross-validation, including the volatility surface of OptionMetrics. Based on 14 years of end-of-day and intraday S&P 500 and Euro Stoxx 50 option data we conclude that the proposed one-dimensional kernel regression represents option market information more accurately than existing approaches of the literature.
Gesundheit in der Stadt und auf dem Land
Authors: Schneider Sven , Holzwarth Bärbel
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund

Ein Erklärungsmodell gesundheitlicher Ungleichheiten zwischen Stadt und Land fehlt bis dato.

Fragestellung

In dem vorliegenden Beitrag werden gesundheitsrelevante Unterschiede zwischen städtischen und ländlichen Umwelten identifiziert und erstmals in einem interdisziplinären Modell systematisiert.

Methodik

Es werden gesundheitsrelevante Determinanten auf Mikro‑, Meso- und Makroebene aus der bundesdeutschen Literatur gesichtet und vorgestellt. Dabei werden städtische und ländliche Umwelten auf der Mesoebene verortet und diese weiter in natürliche, physisch gebaute sowie psychosoziale und ökonomische Umwelteinflüsse differenziert.

Ergebnisse

Bezüglich Mikroklima, Lärmexposition und Luftschadstoffbelastung finden sich auf dem Land günstigere Lebensbedingungen. Dagegen ist dort die Pollen- und Ozonbelastung im Vergleich zur Stadt höher. Hinsichtlich der natürlichen Umwelteinflüsse sind außerdem im innerstädtischen Vergleich zentrale Wohnlagen am stärksten belastet. Die physisch gebaute Umwelt zeichnet sich auf dem Land einerseits durch geringere Verkehrsunfallrisiken und andererseits durch Defizite bei gesundheitsrelevanten Infrastrukturen aus. Bezüglich der psychosozialen Umwelt finden sich auf dem Land zum einen dichtere soziale Netzwerke und zum anderen geringere Kriminalitätsrisiken. Dagegen stehen ländlichen Regionen geringere ökonomische Ressourcen zur Verfügung.

Schlussfolgerung

Innerhalb aller berücksichtigten Dimensionen, der natürlichen Umwelt, der physisch gebauten sowie der psychosozialen und ökonomischen Umwelt, finden sich einige auf dem Land und einige in der Stadt tendenziell günstigere Verhältnisse. Darüber hinaus unterscheiden sich die innerstädtischen Rand- und Zentrumslagen in Bezug auf gesundheitsrelevante Belastungen und Ressourcen.
Template attacks on nano-scale CMOS devices
Authors: Richter Bastian , Moradi Amir
Published: May 2020

Profiled attacks are widely considered to be the most powerful form of side-channel analysis attacks. A common form is known as Gaussian template attacks which fit a Gaussian distribution to better model the behavior of the target device. Since profiled attacks build the model based on a device identical to the target device, manufacturing variances are an important factor for the success of such attacks. With shrinking the feature size, the influence of manufacturing variation on the power consumption of integrated circuits increases. It has been warned that this issue might render template attacks less effective. We evaluate this assumption on an ASIC design manufactured in 40 nm technology. We characterize the introduced variation and show that these can be easily mitigated. By performing attacks on multiple samples of the same ASIC, we show that template attacks on small technology sizes are still successful.
On metrizable subspaces and quotients of non-Archimedean spaces $$C_p(X, {\mathbb {K}})$$
Authors: Ka̧kol Jerzy , Śliwa Wiesław
Published: May 2020

Let$${\mathbb {K}}$$Kbe a non-trivially valued non-Archimedean complete field. Let$$\ell _{\infty }({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})$$ℓ∞(N,K)[$$\ell _c({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}});$$ℓc(N,K);$$c_0({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})$$c0(N,K)] be the space of all sequences in$${\mathbb {K}}$$Kthat are bounded [relatively compact; convergent to 0] with the topology of pointwise convergence (i.e. with the topology induced from$${\mathbb {K}}^{{\mathbb {N}}}$$KN). LetXbe an infinite ultraregular space and let$$C_p(X,{\mathbb {K}})$$Cp(X,K)be the space of all continuous functions fromXto$${\mathbb {K}}$$Kendowed with the topology of pointwise convergence. It is easy to see that$$C_p(X,{\mathbb {K}})$$Cp(X,K)is metrizable if and only ifXis countable. We show that for anyX[with an infinite compact subset] the space$$C_p(X,{\mathbb {K}})$$Cp(X,K)has an infinite-dimensional [closed] metrizable subspace isomorphic to$$c_0({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})$$c0(N,K). Next we prove that$$C_p(X,{\mathbb {K}})$$Cp(X,K)has a quotient isomorphic to$$c_0({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})$$c0(N,K)if and only if it has a complemented subspace isomorphic to$$c_0({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})$$c0(N,K). It follows that for any extremally disconnected compact spaceXthe space$$C_p(X,{\mathbb {K}})$$Cp(X,K)has no quotient isomorphic to the space$$c_0({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})$$c0(N,K); in particular, for any infinite discrete spaceDthe space$$C_p(\beta D, {\mathbb {K}})$$Cp(βD,K)has no quotient isomorphic$$c_0({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})$$c0(N,K). Finally we investigate the question for whichXthe space$$C_p(X,{\mathbb {K}})$$Cp(X,K)has an infinite-dimensional metrizable quotient. We show that for any infinite discrete spaceDthe space$$C_p(\beta D, {\mathbb {K}})$$Cp(βD,K)has an infinite-dimensional metrizable quotient isomorphic to some subspace$$\ell _c^0({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})$$ℓc0(N,K)of$${\mathbb {K}}^{{\mathbb {N}}}$$KN. If$${\mathbb {K}}$$Kis locally compact then$$\ell _c^0({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})=\ell _{\infty }({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})$$ℓc0(N,K)=ℓ∞(N,K). If$$|n1_{{\mathbb {K}}}|\ne 1$$|n1K|≠1for some$$n\in {\mathbb {N}}$$n∈N, then$$\ell _c^0({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}})=\ell _c ({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {K}}).$$ℓc0(N,K)=ℓc(N,K).In particular,$$C_p(\beta D, {\mathbb {Q}}_q)$$Cp(βD,Qq)has a quotient isomorphic to$$\ell _{\infty }({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {Q}}_q)$$ℓ∞(N,Qq)and$$C_p(\beta D, {\mathbb {C}}_q)$$Cp(βD,Cq)has a quotient isomorphic to$$\ell _c({\mathbb {N}}, {\mathbb {C}}_q)$$ℓc(N,Cq)for any prime numberq.
Making the transition: A perspective from two PhDs in the US
Authors: Wyatt Tasha R. , Larsen Kelsey
Published: May 2020

None
A value-theoretic approach to economic dynamics and evolution—synthesizing different Marxian modules in a simulation model
Authors: Beckenbach Frank
Published: May 2020

This part is devoted to simulation experiments based on the simulation model developed in part I from the value-theoretic reconstruction of the main parts of Marx’s critique of Political Economy. After introducing the main parameters and the range of their variation (Section 1), a singular run as well as a sensitivity analysis for the chosen standard configuration (‘moderation regime’) is presented in Section 2. This is accomplished by configurations depicting characteristics of the capitalist development emphasized by Marx, i.e. the social conflict regime (Section 3) and the crisis regime (Section 4). Finally, an assessment of the simulation results (Section 4) is given, and conclusions as well as research requirements are discussed (Section 5).
CAEP Position Statement – Sick notes for minor illness
Authors: McLaren Jesse , Hayman Kate , Sheikh Hasan
Published: May 2020

Employer- and school-mandated verification of minor illness leads patients to use healthcare resources solely to obtain a “sick note.” This puts unnecessary strain on the patient and the emergency department (ED), and threatens to spread communicable diseases in our community.
Delayed Primary and Specialty Care: The Coronavirus Disease–2019 Pandemic Second Wave
Authors: Weinstein Eric , Ragazzoni Luca , Burkle Frederick , Allen Mea , Hogan David , Della Corte Francesco
Published: May 2020

Time is of the essence to continue the pandemic disaster cycle with a comprehensive post-COVID-19 health care delivery system RECOVERY analysis, plan and operation at the local, regional and state level.The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic response are not the ripples of acute COVID-19 patient clusters that will persist until a vaccine strategy is designed and implemented to effect herd immunity. The COVID-19 second wave are the patients that have had their primary and specialty care delayed. This exponential wave of patients requires prompt health care delivery system planning and response.
Understanding Local Barriers to Inclusion for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Through an Employment Conference
Authors: Heron Laura M. , Agarwal Rumi , Gonzalez Ingrid , Li Tan , Garcia Stephanie , Maddux Marlaina , Attong Nicole , Burke Shanna L.
Published: May 2020

Employment is a crucial part of adult life and is associated with improved health outcomes. However, despite the several advantages of hiring individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD), the employment rate for this population is still low. An employment conference was organised to inform participants of successful employment initiatives, and to increase our understanding of local employer challenges regarding the recruitment, hire, and retention of employees with IDD. Descriptive statistics were used to assess common methods of recruitment, potential helpful hiring strategies, and recruitment, hire, and retention challenges, and an ordinal logistic regression was conducted to examine whether responses differed based on demographic variables. The conference was evaluated by gathering data on several facets of participant satisfaction. Findings brought to light several key challenges that can be used to create more targeted interventions and supports. Responses to several questions differed by demographics (such as company size and industry type), which represent important areas for future research to examine. Participants reported being satisfied with the conference, and many indicated that their attitudes had changed towards disability and that they were more likely to employ individuals with IDD in the future. Systematically addressing barriers to employment is essential in order to reduce the employment gap and improve outcomes for individuals with IDD. Ultimately, conferences that aim to educate participants about successful programs and strategies represent a promising practice that can increase employment opportunities for individuals with IDD.
Avitograptus species (Graptolithina) from the Hirnantian (uppermost Ordovician) Anji Biota of South China and the evolution of Akidograptus and Parakidograptus
Authors: Muir Lucy A. , Zhang Yuandong , Botting Joseph P. , Ma Xuan
Published: May 2020

The latest Ordovician to earliest Silurian graptolite Avitograptus avitus is important in the biostratigraphy of the Ordovician–Silurian boundary interval. Two additional species of Avitograptus are described from the sponge-dominated Anji Biota of the Upper Ordovician Wenchang Formation (Metabolograptus persculptus Biozone) of Zhejiang Province, South China. One species, Avitograptus akidomorphus new species, is new; the other, Avitograptus acanthocystus new combination, which was previously placed in Climacograptus, is herein assigned to Avitograptus. The former species may represent the ancestral akidograptid because it is identical in thecal form to Akidograptus, but differs in the development of the proximal end. The evolutionary changes from Avitograptus avitus to Akidograptus and Parakidograptus involved distal movement of the origins of th11 and th12, thecal elongation, and greater outward inclination of the thecal walls.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/81c433a0-9069-48d2-ae72-1267400cbf77.
New data and synthesis of ΔR estimates from the northern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Khasanov Bulat F. , Fitzhugh Ben , Nakamura Toshio , Okuno Mitsuru , Hatfield Virginia , Krylovich Olga A. , Vasyukov Dmitry , West Dixie L. , Zendler Ekaterina , Savinetsky Arkady B.
Published: May 2020

We present new data on regional correction factor (ΔR) conducted for Chukotka, the Commander Islands, and the western Aleutian Islands and summarize data previously published for the other parts of the region. Paired radiocarbon dates of coeval marine and terrestrial materials from the archaeological site Kaniskak were obtained in Chukotka, and one such pair was analyzed from Shemya Island (western Aleutians). Three samples of sea otter (Enhydra lutris) bones of known collection date were used for the Commander Islands. In conjunction with previously published data, the new results showed that ΔR estimates conducted for the five regions of the northern Pacific do not differ statistically. ΔR assessments combined for archaeological sites resulted in probability density curves of the same shape as that of marine organisms. Comparison of ΔR estimates made with various species of marine animals showed that sea otters and small fishes residing within coastal waters throughout their life histories are better suited for ΔR measurements than migrating seals, on the one hand, and the shells of sedentary organisms, on the other. The study provides additional support to the hypothesis that the northern Pacific is characterized by the same reservoir offset, which we estimate as 525 ± 75 yr.
Predictors of decline in vitamin D status in middle-aged and elderly individuals: a 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Nakamura Kazutoshi , Kitamura Kaori , Watanabe Yumi , Saito Toshiko , Takahashi Akemi , Kobayashi Ryosaku , Oshiki Rieko , Kabasawa Keiko , Takachi Ribeka , Tsugane Shoichiro , Iki Masayuki , Sasaki Ayako , Watanabe Kei
Published: May 2020

Little is known about predictors of decline in vitamin D status (vitamin D decline) over time. We aimed to determine demographic and lifestyle variables associated with vitamin D decline by sufficiently controlling for seasonal effects of vitamin D uptake in a middle-aged to elderly population. Using a longitudinal study design within the larger framework of the Murakami Cohort Study, we examined 1044 individuals aged between 40 and 74 years, who provided blood samples at baseline and at 5-year follow-up, the latter of which were taken on a date near the baseline examination (±14 d). Blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were determined with the Liaison® 25OH Vitamin D Total Assay. A self-administered questionnaire collected demographic, body size and lifestyle information. Vitamin D decline was defined as the lowest tertile of 5-year changes in blood 25(OH)D (Δ25(OH)D) concentration (<6·7 nmol/l). Proportions of those with vitamin D decline were 182/438 (41·6 %) in men and 166/606 (27·4 %) in women (P < 0·0001). In men, risk of vitamin D decline was significantly lower in those with an outdoor occupation (P = 0·0099) and those with the highest quartile of metabolic equivalent score (OR 0·34; 95 % CI 0·14, 0·83), and higher in those with ‘university or higher’ levels of education (OR 2·92; 95 % CI 1·04, 8·19). In women, risk of vitamin D decline tended to be lower with higher levels of vitamin D intake (Pfor trend = 0·0651) and green tea consumption (Pfor trend = 0·0025). Predictors of vitamin D decline differ by sex, suggesting that a sex-dependent intervention may help to maintain long-term vitamin D levels.
On topological approaches to the Jacobian conjecture in ℂn
Authors: Braun Francisco , Dias Luis Renato Gonçalves , Venato-Santos Jean
Published: May 2020

We obtain a new theorem for the non-properness set $S_f$ of a non-singular polynomial mapping $f:\mathbb C^n \to \mathbb C^n$. In particular, our result shows that if f is a counterexample to the Jacobian conjecture, then $S_f\cap Z \neq \emptyset $, for every hypersurface Z dominated by $\mathbb C^{n-1}$ on which some non-singular polynomial $h: \mathbb C^{n}\to \mathbb C$ is constant. Also, we present topological approaches to the Jacobian conjecture in $\mathbb C^n$. As applications, we extend bidimensional results of Rabier, Lê and Weber to higher dimensions.
Association between age at menarche and age at menopause among women of an indigenous population of North Bengal, India
Authors: Sinha Isita , Tigga Pushpalata , Mondal Nitish , Sen Jaydip
Published: May 2020

Menarche and menopause are two major components of a woman’s reproductive life. Ages at menarche and menopause vary widely between and within populations and are influenced by various factors, both genetic and environmental. The present community-based cross-sectional investigation aimed to assess the association between ages at menarche and natural menopause among women belonging to the indigenous Rajbanshi population of North Bengal, India. The investigation was carried out from January 2015 to May 2015 among 510 Rajbanshi women aged between 45 and 55 years residing in the district of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. A structured schedule was used to collect data on ages at menarche and natural menopause, marital status, parity, education, age of first and last pregnancies, duration of breastfeeding, nature of occupation, health status, smoking and monthly family income. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were recorded and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. The statistical analyses, which included descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression (BLR), were done using SPSS. The women’s mean age of menarche and median age of natural menopause were 12.52 years and 50 years, respectively. The BLR analysis indicated that education, age at first pregnancy had significant effects on the age at natural menopause among women who experienced menarche at <12 years of age (p<0.05). In the case of women who attained menarche at ≥12 years of age, marital status, age at last pregnancy, parity, education, duration of breastfeeding, smoking, occupation, monthly income and BMI had a greater influence on age at natural menopause. There appears to be an indirect association between age at menarche and age at natural menopause, along with different predictor variables, among the Rajbanshi women.
Exploration of the visibility of patient input in final recommendation documentation for three health technology assessment bodies
Authors: Wale Janet L. , Sullivan Melissa
Published: May 2020

Health technology assessment (HTA) recommendations informed by patient concerns are seen to ensure democracy and legitimacy. We explored how written and oral patient involvement in two HTAs was reported on in publicly available final recommendations and discussion summaries of appraisal committees from three HTA bodies. We aimed to gain insights into how patient input was utilized by appraisal committees to better understand the goals of patient involvement and how these are being achieved. In each of the three HTA bodies, templated submission questionnaires provide a formal process for seeking written patient group input. Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) selects patient experts to provide a templated submission and attend appraisal committee meetings. For Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), a patient advocate and clinician combined meeting (PACE) discussed the cancer drug, referred to in the final recommendation. The discussion summaries of all appraisal committees contained references to patient involvement. Where two mechanisms for patient involvement were provided, oral input from the expert patients and PACE were more clearly documented than information from written patient group submissions. NICE reports focused on the perspective of the patient expert. The SMC report highlighted feedback from the PACE throughout. We suggest that the lack of clear reporting on the use of patient group input in deliberations and therefore accountability to patient groups limits progress in patient involvement in HTA. Patient groups may therefore not have a clear understanding of what information they can best provide to inform deliberations, and in reporting back to members.
Electoral Polarization, Class Politics and a New Welfare State in Brazil and Turkey
Authors: Yörük Erdem , Comin Alvaro
Published: May 2020

We explain why and how the governing parties, AKP of Turkey and PT of Brazil, converged on the same path of relying on the poor as the main strategy to stay in power. With the neoliberal reorganization and internationalization of their economies, the capacity of these governments to set up developmentalist alliances with big capital, the middle classes and the organized working classes was weakened. Based on a most-different-systems design and on descriptive statistical analysis, we argue that both PT and AKP failed to build multi-class bases and thus had to mobilize the poor by using various strategies, most importantly expanding social assistance policies, which accelerated the emergence of a new welfare state.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Parkinson’s Disease: Effects on Cognitive, Psychiatric, and Functional outcomes
Authors: Mahmood Zanjbeel , Van Patten Ryan , Nakhla Marina Z. , Twamley Elizabeth W. , Filoteo J. Vincent , Schiehser Dawn M.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) affects 33–46% of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may be a risk factor for neuropsychological and functional deficits. However, the role of RBD on neuropsychological functioning in PD has yet to be fully determined. We, therefore, examined differences in neurocognitive performance, functional capacity, and psychiatric symptoms among nondemented PD patients with probable RBD (PD/pRBD+) and without (PD/pRBD−), and healthy comparison participants (HC).

Methods:

Totally, 172 participants (58 PD/pRBD+; 65 PD/pRBD−; 49 HC) completed an RBD sleep questionnaire, psychiatric/clinical questionnaires, performance-based and self-reported functional capacity measures, and underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological battery assessing attention/working memory, language, visuospatial function, verbal and visual learning and memory, and executive function.

Results:

Controlling for psychiatric symptom severity, the PD/pRBD+ group had poorer executive functioning and learning performance than the PD/pRBD− group and poorer neuropsychological functioning across all individual cognitive domains than the HCs. In contrast, PD/pRBD− patients had significantly lower scores than HCs only in the language domain. Moreover, PD/pRBD+ patients demonstrated significantly poorer medication management skills compared to HCs. Both PD groups reported greater depressive and anxiety severity compared to HCs; PD/pRBD+ group also endorsed greater severity of apathy compared to HCs.

Conclusions:

The presence of pRBD is associated with poorer neuropsychological functioning in PD such that PD patients with pRBD have poorer cognitive, functional, and emotional outcomes compared to HC participants and/or PD patients without pRBD. Our findings underscore the importance of RBD assessment for improved detection and treatment of neuropsychological deficits (e.g., targeted cognitive interventions).
Impact analysis of potential glyphosate regulatory restrictions in the European Union on Turkish hazelnut production and economy
Authors: Mennan Husrev , Bozoğlu Mehmet , Başer Uğur , Brants Ivo , Belvaux Xavier , Kaya-Altop Emine , Zandstra Bernard H.
Published: May 2020

Hazelnut (Corylus avellanaL.) is a native shrub on the steep slopes of the mountains and on the plains in the Black Sea coast of Turkey. Turkey is the world’s largest hazelnut producer and exporter, followed by Italy, Spain, the United States, and Greece. Within the scope of this project, a number of surveys were conducted in Turkey to understand the impact of a glyphosate ban on hazelnut production and the economy. Sixty farm surveys were conducted within the Black Sea region, and those data were used as primary information sources. Databases of institutions, theses, academic reports, and published articles were used as secondary data sources to determine the possible effects of a glyphosate ban on Turkish hazelnut production and economy. One of the most important findings of the study was that agricultural business and employment sustained by hazelnut production constitute a significant part of the rural economy. Tillage and mechanical strategies remain as the most sustainable alternative methods for controlling weeds. A potential glyphosate restriction may increase the demand for labor due to a higher need for mechanical strategies. The cost of these alternative methods are 80% more compared with glyphosate weed control systems. The benefit–cost model predicted that, in the case of no glyphosate use, total hazelnut production would decrease by 12% to 21% due to inefficient weed control. A glyphosate ban would result in a reduction in Turkish gross domestic product. Yearly, an average of US$2 billion in revenue is obtained from hazelnut exports, and this number corresponds to 1.37% of Turkey’s annual export value. The glyphosate ban would cause a US$240 to US$420 million loss in hazelnut export value and reduce production by 66 to 115 million kg. Global demand for hazelnut is believed to be on the increase, and world production depends largely on Turkey.
Dynamics and Electrodynamics of an Ultra‐Fast Kelvin Wave (UFKW) Packet in the Ionosphere‐Thermosphere (IT)
Authors: Forbes Jeffrey M. , Maute Astrid , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: May 2020

Numerical experiments are performed using a suite of general circulation models that enable the interaction between a Kelvin wave packet and the ionosphere‐thermosphere (IT) to be elucidated. Focus is on an eastward‐propagating ultra‐fast Kelvin wave (UFKW) packet with periods between 2 and 4 days and zonal wavenumber s=−1 during day of year (DOY) 266–281, 2009. Dissipative processes modify the classic UFKW dynamics (equatorially trapped, small meridional wind component) in three ways: (1) molecular diffusion acts to spread the UFKW zonal (u) and meridional (v) wind fields meridionally, pole to pole, as u and v, respectively, decay and grow with increasing height; (2) due to molecular diffusion, the UFKW spectrum at longer periods and with shorter vertical wavelengths preferentially dissipates with height; and (3) interaction with the diurnally varying IT introduces a westward‐propagating s=+2 component to the wind field that significantly modifies its longitude‐UT structure to include a diurnal modulation. The F‐region ionosphere also responds with s=+2, which originates from the influence of diurnally varying E‐region conductivity on E×B drifts. Additional spectral peaks in v and ionospheric parameters arise due to longitude variations in the magnetic field. Maximum excursions in NmF2 (as compared with those from a simulation without UFKW forcing) achieve values as large as ±50% but more commonly occur in the range of ±20–30%. The combination of positive and negative responses, and their relative magnitudes, depends on the phasing of the UFKW as it moves zonally relative to the Sun‐synchronous diurnal variation of the ionosphere, in addition to its changing amplitude between DOY 266 and 282. Modifications of order 10 ms−1 and −7% to zonal‐mean zonal winds and NmF2, respectively, also result from dissipation of the UFKW packet.
Endo-microscopy beyond the Abbe and Nyquist limits
Authors: Amitonova Lyubov V. , de Boer Johannes F.
Published: May 2020

For several centuries, far-field optical microscopy has remained a key instrument in many scientific disciplines, including physical, chemical, and biomedical research. Nonetheless, far-field imaging has many limitations: the spatial resolution is controlled by the diffraction of light, and the imaging speed follows the Nyquist–Shannon sampling theorem. The recent development of super-resolution techniques has pushed the limits of spatial resolution. However, these methods typically require complicated setups and long acquisition times and are still not applicable to deep-tissue bioimaging. Here, we report imaging through an ultra-thin fibre probe with a spatial resolution beyond the Abbe limit and a temporal resolution beyond the Nyquist limit simultaneously in a simple and compact setup. We use the random nature of mode coupling in a multimode fibre, the sparsity constraint and compressive sensing reconstruction. The new approach of super-resolution endo-microscopy does not use any specific properties of the fluorescent label, such as depletion or stochastic activation of the molecular fluorescent state, and therefore can be used for label-free imaging. We demonstrate a spatial resolution more than 2 times better than the diffraction limit and an imaging speed 20 times faster than the Nyquist limit. The proposed approach can significantly expand the realm of the application of nanoscopy for bioimaging.
Role of feeding strategy bundle with acid-suppressive therapy in infants with esophageal acid reflux exposure: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jadcherla Sudarshan R. , Hasenstab Kathryn A. , Wei Lai , Osborn Erika K. , Viswanathan Sreekanth , Gulati Ish K. , Slaughter Jonathan L. , Di Lorenzo Carlo
Published: May 2020

Objective

To test the hypothesis that a feeding bundle concurrent with acid suppression is superior to acid suppression alone in improving gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) attributed-symptom scores and feeding outcomes in neonatal ICU infants.

Methods

Infants (N = 76) between 34 and 60 weeks’ postmenstrual age with acid reflux index > 3% were randomly allocated to study (acid-suppressive therapy + feeding bundle) or conventional (acid-suppressive therapy only) arms for 4 weeks. Feeding bundle included: total fluid volume < 140 mL/kg/day, fed over 30 min in right lateral position, and supine postprandial position. Primary outcome was independent oral feeding and/or ≥6-point decrease in symptom score (I-GERQ-R). Secondary outcomes included growth (weight, length, head circumference), length of hospital stay (LOHS, days), airway (oxygen at discharge), and developmental (Bayley scores) milestones.

Results

Of 688 screened: 76 infants were randomized and used for the primary outcome as intent-to-treat, and secondary outcomes analyzed for 72 infants (N = 35 conventional, N = 37 study). For study vs. conventional groups, respectively: (a) 33% (95% CI, 19−49%) vs. 44% (95% CI, 28−62%), P = 0.28 achieved primary outcome success, and (b) secondary outcomes did not significantly differ (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Feeding strategy modifications concurrent with acid suppression are not superior to PPI alone in improving GERD symptoms or discharge feeding, short-term and long-term outcomes.

Impact

Conservative feeding therapies are thought to modify GERD symptoms and its consequences. However, in this randomized controlled trial in convalescing neonatal ICU infants with GERD symptoms, when controlling for preterm or full-term birth and severity of esophageal acid reflux index, the effectiveness of acid suppression plus a feeding modification bundle (volume restriction, intra- and postprandial body positions, and prolonged feeding periods) vs. acid suppression alone, administered over a 4-week period was not superior in improving symptom scores or feeding outcomes.

Restrictive feeding strategies are of no impact in modifying GERD symptoms or clinically meaningful outcomes. Further studies are needed to define true GERD and to identify effective therapies in modifying pathophysiology and outcomes.

The improvement in symptoms and feeding outcomes over time irrespective of feeding modifications may suggest a maturational effect. This study justifies the use of placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial among NICU infants with objectively defined GERD.
Potential through simplicity: thymidine kinase-1 as a biomarker for CDK4/6 inhibitors
Authors: McCartney Amelia , Malorni Luca
Published: May 2020

We describe a potential role for thymidine kinase-1, a general marker of cellular proliferation, to act as a prognostic biomarker in patients receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors for advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, with early data suggesting that it may also provide early indication of treatment response.
MUC15 inhibits cancer metastasis via PI3K/AKT signaling in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yue Yangyang , Hui Ke , Wu Shiqi , Zhang Mengzhao , Que Taotao , Gu Yanan , Wang Xinyang , Wu Kaijie , Fan Jinhai
Published: May 2020

Patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) often develop distant metastasis and the specific molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. In our study, we demonstrated that MUC15, a subtype of mucins family, could suppress the progression of RCC by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling. Firstly, we observed that MUC15 was notably decreased in RCC compared to normal tissue. Furthermore, we showed that MUC15 could negatively modulate the migration and invasion of RCC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that knocking-down of MUC15 could active the PI3K/AKT signaling by increasing the AKT phosphorylation and subsequently increase the mRNA and protein expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Interruption of the AKT pathway with the specific inhibitor LY294002 could reverse the expression of MMPs. Therefore, our study clarify the novel function of MUC15 in RCC, which may provide a new sight to diagnose and prevent RCC metastasis.
The HMGB1-RAGE axis modulates the growth of autophagy-deficient hepatic tumors
Authors: Khambu Bilon , Hong Honghai , Liu Sheng , Liu Gang , Chen Xiaoyun , Dong Zheng , Wan Jun , Yin Xiao-Ming
Published: May 2020

Autophagy is an intracellular lysosomal degradative pathway important for tumor surveillance. Autophagy deficiency can lead to tumorigenesis. Autophagy is also known to be important for the aggressive growth of tumors, yet the mechanism that sustains the growth of autophagy-deficient tumors is not unclear. We previously reported that progression of hepatic tumors developed in autophagy-deficient livers required high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which was released from autophagy-deficient hepatocytes. In this study we examined the pathological features of the hepatic tumors and the mechanism of HMGB1-mediated tumorigenesis. We found that in liver-specific autophagy-deficient (Atg7ΔHep) mice the tumors cells were still deficient in autophagy and could also release HMGB1. Histological analysis using cell-specific markers suggested that fibroblast and ductular cells were present only outside the tumor whereas macrophages were present both inside and outside the tumor. Genetic deletion of Hmgb1 or one of its receptors, receptor for advanced glycated end product (Rage), retarded liver tumor development. HMGB1 and RAGE enhanced the proliferation capability of the autophagy-deficient hepatocytes and tumors. However, RAGE expression was only found on ductual cells and Kupffer’s cells but not on hepatoctyes, suggesting that HMGB1 might promote hepatic tumor growth through a paracrine mode, which altered the tumor microenvironment. Finally, RNAseq analysis of the tumors indicated that HMGB1 induced a much broad changes in tumors. In particular, genes related to mitochondrial structures or functions were enriched among those differentially expressed in tumors in the presence or absence of HMGB1, revealing a potentially important role of mitochondria in sustaining the growth of autophagy-deficient liver tumors via HMGB1 stimulation.
Albumin fusion with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor acts as an immunotherapy against chronic tuberculosis
Authors: Chuang Yu-Min , He Liangmei , Pinn Michael L. , Tsai Ya-Chea , Cheng Max A. , Farmer Emily , Karakousis Petros C. , Hung Chien-Fu
Published: May 2020

A long duration of treatment and emerging drug resistance pose significant challenges for global tuberculosis (TB) eradication efforts. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel strategies to shorten TB treatment regimens and to treat drug-resistant TB. Using an albumin-fusion strategy, we created a novel albumin-fused granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (albGM-CSF) molecule that harnesses albumin’s long half-life and targeting abilities to enhance the biostability of GM-CSF and direct it to the lymph nodes, where the effects of GM-CSF can increase dendritic cell populations crucial for eliciting a potent immune response. In this study, we demonstrate that albGM-CSF serves as a novel immunotherapy for chronicMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) infections by enhancing GM-CSF biostability in serum. Specifically, albumin is very safe, stable, and has a long half-life, thereby enhancing the biostability of GM-CSF. In the lungs and draining lymph nodes, albGM-CSF is able to increase the numbers of dendritic cells, which are crucial for the activation of naive T cells and for eliciting potent immune responses. Subcutaneous administration of albGM-CSF alone reduced the mean lung bacillary burden in mice with chronic tuberculosis infection. While GM-CSF administration was associated with IL-1β release fromMtb-infected dendritic cells and macrophages, higher IL-1β levels were observed in albGM-CSF-treated mice with chronic tuberculosis infection than in mice receiving GM-CSF. Albumin fusion with GM-CSF represents a promising strategy for the control of chronic lung tuberculosis infections and serves as a novel therapeutic vaccination platform for other infectious diseases and malignancies.
Photobiocatalytic synthesis of chiral secondary fatty alcohols from renewable unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Zhang Wuyuan , Lee Jeong-Hoo , Younes Sabry H. H. , Tonin Fabio , Hagedoorn Peter-Leon , Pichler Harald , Baeg Yoonjin , Park Jin-Byung , Kourist Robert , Hollmann Frank
Published: May 2020

En route to a bio-based chemical industry, the conversion of fatty acids into building blocks is of particular interest. Enzymatic routes, occurring under mild conditions and excelling by intrinsic selectivity, are particularly attractive. Here we report photoenzymatic cascade reactions to transform unsaturated fatty acids into enantiomerically pure secondary fatty alcohols. In a first step the C=C-double bond is stereoselectively hydrated using oleate hydratases from Lactobacillus reuteri or Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Also, dihydroxylation mediated by the 5,8-diol synthase from Aspergillus nidulans is demonstrated. The second step comprises decarboxylation of the intermediate hydroxy acids by the photoactivated decarboxylase from Chlorella variabilis NC64A. A broad range of (poly)unsaturated fatty acids can be transformed into enantiomerically pure fatty alcohols in a simple one-pot approach.
Perovskite neural trees
Authors: Zhang Hai-Tian , Park Tae Joon , Zaluzhnyy Ivan A. , Wang Qi , Wadekar Shakti Nagnath , Manna Sukriti , Andrawis Robert , Sprau Peter O. , Sun Yifei , Zhang Zhen , Huang Chengzi , Zhou Hua , Zhang Zhan , Narayanan Badri , Srinivasan Gopalakrishnan , Hua Nelson , Nazaretski Evgeny , Huang Xiaojing , Yan Hanfei , Ge Mingyuan , Chu Yong S. , Cherukara Mathew J. , Holt Martin V. , Krishnamurthy Muthu , Shpyrko Oleg G. , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian K.R.S. , Frano Alex , Roy Kaushik , Ramanathan Shriram
Published: May 2020

Trees are used by animals, humans and machines to classify information and make decisions. Natural tree structures displayed by synapses of the brain involves potentiation and depression capable of branching and is essential for survival and learning. Demonstration of such features in synthetic matter is challenging due to the need to host a complex energy landscape capable of learning, memory and electrical interrogation. We report experimental realization of tree-like conductance states at room temperature in strongly correlated perovskite nickelates by modulating proton distribution under high speed electric pulses. This demonstration represents physical realization of ultrametric trees, a concept from number theory applied to the study of spin glasses in physics that inspired early neural network theory dating almost forty years ago. We apply the tree-like memory features in spiking neural networks to demonstrate high fidelity object recognition, and in future can open new directions for neuromorphic computing and artificial intelligence.
Enhanced performance of in-plane transition metal dichalcogenides monolayers by configuring local atomic structures
Authors: Zhou Yao , Zhang Jing , Song Erhong , Lin Junhao , Zhou Jiadong , Suenaga Kazu , Zhou Wu , Liu Zheng , Liu Jianjun , Lou Jun , Fan Hong Jin
Published: May 2020

The intrinsic activity of in-plane chalcogen atoms plays a significant role in the catalytic performance of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). A rational modulation of the local configurations is essential to activating the in-plane chalcogen atoms but restricted by the high energy barrier to break the in-plane TM-X (X = chalcogen) bonds. Here, we theoretically design and experimentally realize the tuning of local configurations. The electron transfer capacity of local configurations is used to screen suitable TMDs materials for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Among various configurations, the triangular-shape cobalt atom cluster with a central sulfur vacancy (3CoMo-VS) renders the distinct electrocatalytic performance of MoS2 with much reduced overpotential and Tafel slope. The present study sheds light on deeper understanding of atomic-scale local configuration in TMDs and a methodology to boost the intrinsic activity of chalcogen atoms.
Author Correction: Structure of the human cation-chloride cotransporter NKCC1 determined by single-particle electron cryo-microscopy
Authors: Yang Xiaoyong , Wang Qinzhe , Cao Erhu
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Domain wall-localized phonons in BiFeO3: spectrum and selection rules
Authors: Chen Peng , Ponet Louis , Lai Keji , Cingolani Roberto , Artyukhin Sergey
Published: May 2020

Ferroelectric domain walls (DWs) are nanoscale topological defects that can be easily tailored to create nanoscale devices. Their excitations, recently discovered to be responsible for GHz DW conductivity, hold promise for faster signal transmission and processing compared to the existing technology. Here we find that DW phonons have unprecedented dispersion going from GHz all the way to THz frequencies, and resulting in a surprisingly broad GHz signature in DW conductivity. Puzzling activation of nominally forbidden DW sliding modes in BiFeO3 is traced back to DW tilting and resulting asymmetry in wall-localized phonons. The obtained phonon spectra and selection rules are used to simulate scanning impedance microscopy, emerging as a powerful probe in nanophononics. The results will guide the experimental discovery of the predicted phonon branches and design of DW-based nanodevices operating in the technologically important frequency range.
Prostate cancer screening research can benefit from network medicine: an emerging awareness
Authors: Panebianco Valeria , Pecoraro Martina , Fiscon Giulia , Paci Paola , Farina Lorenzo , Catalano Carlo
Published: May 2020

Up to date, screening for prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most appealing but also a very controversial topics in the urological community. PCa is the second most common cancer in men worldwide and it is universally acknowledged as a complex disease, with a multi-factorial etiology. The pathway of PCa diagnosis has changed dramatically in the last few years, with the multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI) playing a starring role with the introduction of the “MRI Pathway”. In this scenario the basic tenet of network medicine (NM) that sees the disease as perturbation of a network of interconnected molecules and pathways, seems to fit perfectly with the challenges that PCa early detection must face to advance towards a more reliable technique. Integration of tests on body fluids, tissue samples, grading/staging classification, physiological parameters, MR multiparametric imaging and molecular profiling technologies must be integrated in a broader vision of “disease” and its complexity with a focus on early signs. PCa screening research can greatly benefit from NM vision since it provides a sound interpretation of data and a common language, facilitating exchange of ideas between clinicians and data analysts for exploring new research pathways in a rational, highly reliable, and reproducible way.
A New Framework for Performing Cardiac Strain Analysis from Cine MRI Imaging in Mice
Authors: Hammouda K. , Khalifa F. , Abdeltawab H. , Elnakib A. , Giridharan G. A. , Zhu M. , Ng C. K. , Dassanayaka S. , Kong M. , Darwish H. E. , Mohamed T. M. A. , Jones S. P. , El-Baz A.
Published: May 2020

Cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is one of the most rigorous form of imaging to assess cardiac function in vivo. Strain analysis allows comprehensive assessment of diastolic myocardial function, which is not indicated by measuring systolic functional parameters using with a normal cine imaging module. Due to the small heart size in mice, it is not possible to perform proper tagged imaging to assess strain. Here, we developed a novel deep learning approach for automated quantification of strain from cardiac cine MR images. Our framework starts by an accurate localization of the LV blood pool center-point using a fully convolutional neural network (FCN) architecture. Then, a region of interest (ROI) that contains the LV is extracted from all heart sections. The extracted ROIs are used for the segmentation of the LV cavity and myocardium via a novel FCN architecture. For strain analysis, we developed a Laplace-based approach to track the LV wall points by solving the Laplace equation between the LV contours of each two successive image frames over the cardiac cycle. Following tracking, the strain estimation is performed using the Lagrangian-based approach. This new automated system for strain analysis was validated by comparing the outcome of these analysis with the tagged MR images from the same mice. There were no significant differences between the strain data obtained from our algorithm using cine compared to tagged MR imaging. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our new algorithm can determine the strain differences between normal and diseased hearts.
Publisher Correction: Unbalanced Expression of ICOS and PD-1 in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Xue Qun , Li Xiaoping , Gu Yanzheng , Wang Xiaozhu , Wang Mingyuan , Tian Jingluan , Duan Xiaoyu , Gao Hanqing , Ji Xiaopei , Yan Xiaoming , Dong Wanli , Fang Qi , Zhang Xueguang
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.