bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gait variability as digital biomarker of disease severity in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Gaßner Heiko , Jensen Dennis , Marxreiter F. , Kletsch Anja , Bohlen Stefan , Schubert Robin , Muratori Lisa M. , Eskofier Bjoern , Klucken Jochen , Winkler Jürgen , Reilmann Ralf , Kohl Zacharias
Published: February 2020

Background

Impaired gait plays an important role for quality of life in patients with Huntington’s disease (HD). Measuring objective gait parameters in HD might provide an unbiased assessment of motor deficits in order to determine potential beneficial effects of future treatments.

Objective

To objectively identify characteristic features of gait in HD patients using sensor-based gait analysis. Particularly, gait parameters were correlated to the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale, total motor score (TMS), and total functional capacity (TFC).

Methods

Patients with manifest HD at two German sites (n = 43) were included and clinically assessed during their annual ENROLL-HD visit. In addition, patients with HD and a cohort of age- and gender-matched controls performed a defined gait test (4 × 10 m walk). Gait patterns were recorded by inertial sensors attached to both shoes. Machine learning algorithms were applied to calculate spatio-temporal gait parameters and gait variability expressed as coefficient of variance (CV).

Results

Stride length (− 15%) and gait velocity (− 19%) were reduced, while stride (+ 7%) and stance time (+ 2%) were increased in patients with HD. However, parameters reflecting gait variability were substantially altered in HD patients (+ 17% stride length CV up to + 41% stride time CV with largest effect size) and showed strong correlations to TMS and TFC (0.416 ≤ rSp ≤ 0.690). Objective gait variability parameters correlated with disease stage based upon TFC.

Conclusions

Sensor-based gait variability parameters were identified as clinically most relevant digital biomarker for gait impairment in HD. Altered gait variability represents characteristic irregularity of gait in HD and reflects disease severity.
A spatio-temporal hierarchical Markov switching model for the early detection of influenza outbreaks
Authors: Amorós Rubén , Conesa David , López-Quílez Antonio , Martinez-Beneito Miguel-Angel
Published: February 2020

Rapidly detecting the beginning of influenza outbreaks helps health authorities to reduce their impact. Accounting for the spatial distribution of the data can greatly improve the performance of an outbreak detection method by promptly detecting the first foci of infection. The use of Hidden Markov chains in temporal models has shown to be great tools for classifying the epidemic or endemic state of influenza data, though their use in spatio-temporal models for outbreak detection is scarce. In this work, we present a spatio-temporal Bayesian Markov switching model over the differentiated incidence rates for the rapid detection of influenza outbreaks. This model focuses its attention on the incidence variations to better detect the higher increases of early epidemic rates even when the rates themselves are relatively low. The differentiated rates are modelled by a Gaussian distribution with different mean and variance according to the epidemic or endemic state. A temporal autoregressive term and a spatial conditional autoregressive model are added to capture the spatio-temporal structure of the epidemic mean. The proposed model has been tested over the USA Google Flu Trends database to assess the relevance of the whole structure.
The Caregiver Health Effects of Caring for Young Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Masefield Sarah C. , Prady Stephanie L. , Sheldon Trevor A. , Small Neil , Jarvis Stuart , Pickett Kate E.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Mothers of school age and older children with developmental disabilities experience poorer health than mothers of typically developing children. This review assesses the evidence for the effect on mothers’ health of caring for young children with developmental disabilities, and the influence of different disability diagnoses and socioeconomic status.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched. Studies measuring at least one symptom, using a quantitative scale, in mothers of preschool children (0–5 years) with and without a diagnosed developmental disability were selected. Random effects meta-analysis was performed, and predictive intervals reported due to high expected heterogeneity.

Results

The meta-analysis included 23 estimates of association from 14 retrospective studies for the outcomes of stress (n = 11), depressive symptoms (n = 9), general health (n = 2) and fatigue (n = 1). Caring for a child with a developmental disability was associated with greater ill health (standardised mean difference 0.87; 95% predictive interval − 0.47, 2.22). The largest association was for mixed developmental disabilities (1.36; − 0.64, 3.36) and smallest for Down syndrome (0.38; − 2.17, 2.92). There was insufficient socioeconomic information to perform subgroup analysis. The small number of studies and data heterogeneity limited the precision of the estimates of association and generalizability of the findings.

Conclusions for Practice

Mothers of young children with developmental disabilities may have poorer health than those with typically developing children. Research is needed to identify whether the relationship is causal and, if so, interventions that could reduce the negative effect of caregiving.
Design of an All-Semiconductor Selective Metamaterial Emitter in the Mid-IR Regime with Larger Feature Sizes for Thermophotovoltaic Energy Conversion Applications
Authors: Oh Minsu , Carlson Emily , Vandervelde Thomas E.
Published: February 2020

A thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system converts heat that is absorbed via conduction, convection, and/or radiation to electricity. The efficiency of TPV energy conversion can be improved with a narrowband selective emitter that emits photons at just above the bandgap energy towards the TPV photodiode. We numerically report a selective metamaterial (MM) emitter design with a single layer of cylindrical structures of p-type silicon (boron-doped). Our design (substrate-free) features a peak absorbance of 94.8% at the wavelength of 3.47 μm with the smallest lateral dimension of 0.8 μm. The absorption is found to be due to the resonance of electric and magnetic fields in the structure. The larger dimensions of our selective MM emitter design make it significantly easier to pattern than many of previously reported selective MM emitters operating at similar wavelengths to that of our work. We believe that our work demonstrates a path forward for future research on larger-area all-semiconductor selective MM emitters with a variety of peak absorbance wavelengths for TPV applications.
Relationship between pre-service mathematics teachers’ knowledge, beliefs and instructional practices in China
Authors: Yang Xinrong , Kaiser Gabriele , König Johannes , Blömeke Sigrid
Published: February 2020

In this paper we examine the relationship between teachers’ knowledge, beliefs and instructional practices based on a study with 495 Chinese pre-service mathematics teachers. The results indicate that Chinese pre-service mathematics teachers tend to hold mixed beliefs about the nature of mathematics, and a constructivist view about mathematics teaching and learning, and that they are inclined to report that their teaching is inquiry-oriented. Mathematical content knowledge (MCK) and mathematics pedagogical content knowledge (MPCK) were found not to correlate with the teachers’ self-reported instructional practice, in contrast to pre-service mathematics teachers’ beliefs, which showed a stronger association with their self-reported inquiry-oriented instructional practice. Moreover, pre-service teachers’ dynamic beliefs about the nature of mathematics, and constructivist beliefs about mathematics teaching and learning, acted as mediators between pre-service mathematics teachers’ MCK, MPCK and instructional practice respectively.
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in Its Niche: the Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Ladikou E. E. , Sivaloganathan H. , Pepper A. , Chevassut T.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of Review

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous malignancy for which treatment options remain suboptimal. It is clear that a greater understanding of the biology of the AML niche will enable new therapeutic strategies to be developed in order to improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Recent Findings

Recent evidence has highlighted the importance of the bone marrow microenvironment in protecting leukaemia cells, and in particular leukaemic stem cells from chemotherapy-induced cell death. This includes mesenchymal stem cells supporting growth and preventing apoptosis, and altered action and secretion profiles of other niche components including adipocytes, endothelial cells and T cells.

Here, we provide a detailed overview of the current understanding of the AML bone marrow microenvironment. Clinical trials of agents that mobilise leukaemic stem cells from the bone marrow are currently ongoing and show early promise. Future challenges will involve combining these novel therapies targeted at the AML niche with conventional chemotherapy treatment.
Strategic trade policy with socially concerned firms
Authors: Fanti Luciano , Buccella Domenico
Published: February 2020

In the light of the recent adoption of social responsible activities by large exporters, this paper sets up a strategic trade policy model in which two national champions compete à la Cournot in a third country and both governments can tax or subsidise the production of its local champion and reconsiders the well-known result of the Prisoner’s Dilemma game structure in which governments set subsidies for their exporters. We show that (1) multiple sub-game perfect equilibria emerge in which one government taxes, while the other one allows free trade, provided that firms’ social concerns are sufficiently large and (2) the social welfare of both countries in the latter asymmetric equilibrium is higher than that under free trade. Our findings suggest that a free-trade regime is always the less efficient policy in industries characterised by large social concerns. Moreover, we analyse the impact of the firms’ social concerns interacting with strategic trade policies on welfare effects, showing that the welfares of consumers and the world as a whole (resp., total welfare of producing countries) are a U-shaped (resp., an inverted U-shaped) function of the intensity of social concerns: this suggests that in some cases, rather unexpectedly, producing countries (resp. consumers) benefit (resp. are harmed) by raising firms’ social concerns.
Assessment of potability of spring water and its health implication in a hilly village of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Chauhan Jaspal Singh , Badwal Tarun , Badola Neha
Published: February 2020

Water quality assessment of different sources of water in a village was carried out by taking selected significant parameters, namely temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), free carbon dioxide (free CO2), alkalinity, hardness, calcium, phosphate, nitrate, chloride and coliform count. All these parameters were analyzed as per the standard protocol of American Public Health Association. Further, seven parameters (pH, TDS, alkalinity, hardness, calcium, nitrates and chloride) were used to calculate water quality index for assessing overall drinking water status of sampling sites. A survey of health status of population of the village was also conducted with the help of questionnaire and interview method to draw the relationship of water quality and health. All selected physicochemical parameters were found under prescribed limits as stated by Indian Standard 10500 and Central Pollution Control Board guidelines. The values for most probable number count were found above the permissible limit of drinking water indicating contamination of coliform at all sites. Further, water quality index for SN1, SN2, SN3, SN4 and SN5 was 17.61, 30.11, 69.73, 25.60 and 47.15, respectively. As per the water quality index, the water samples of natural springs which were away from village were classified under ‘excellent’ category as compared to supply water samples. The result of survey recorded 38% population suffered from dysentery, 23% from diarrhea and 17% from typhoid. The report of the survey and the presence of coliform suggest that drinking water contamination is leading to waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery and typhoid. It is also suggested that water quality of all sites except SN3 was suitable for drinking purpose, but disinfection of coliform before use is warranted.
Post-Brexit UK Fund Regulation: Equivalence, Divergence or Convergence?
Authors: Howell Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

The UK’s collective investment scheme (‘CIS’) sector is a key aspect of UK financial services. With the UK’s departure from the EU, it has also become a politically salient topic, with various Member States competing to lure business to their financial centres in the light of Brexit. Brexit prompts hard choices and a key question arising for the CIS industry is whether the UK should continue to shadow EU law or whether elements of regulatory divergence could be envisaged. The paper suggests that, over the short to medium term, the UK should ensure it is likely to be deemed equivalent under EU law. Be that as it may, the paper also suggests that there may be areas within UK CIS regulation where some limited divergence can be considered. This would be provided that the UK remains in line with international standards, and (ideally) continues to be recognisably similar to remain equivalent. This certainly holds true in the event that equivalence is interpreted as more of a holistic assessment that could extend to embrace an element of regulatory competition. Any such divergence could also be framed as being of an optional nature, in order to grant CIS businesses full flexibility with respect to which regime they wish to comply. Writ large, Brexit may also help to stimulate broader conversations about the longer-term challenges the CIS industry faces in today’s world. Viewed in this light, leaving the union could also inspire innovative and proportionate solutions to support and strengthen this pivotal sector.
Challenges in Construction of Secant Bored Piles in Sandy Soil and Within a Railway Protection Zone
Authors: Mittal Nancy , Ho Arthur Yew Chai , Tay Edwin Sze Beng
Published: February 2020

The continuing growth of population density in urban areas around the world has placed greater emphasis on the utilisation and development of underground space to meet the increasing demands of the city. Due to limited land space available in downtown areas, many cities in the world are also embarking on integration of major construction projects of metro infrastructure, commercial developments and residential estates, etc., to meet the growing demand of infrastructure In land-scarce Singapore, the development of a comprehensive and well-integrated public transport network is important to achieve a people-centric, world-class transport system. To enhance the connectivity of a rail network, interchange stations and underground linkways are constructed to connect the various lines so that transfers between mass rapid transit (MRT) lines can be seamless. Hence, it is becoming more challenging to construct a new MRT line in the vicinity of existing MRT lines without impacting the operations of existing MRT lines. The prime aim of this study is to present the ways to overcome the challenges in construction of secant bored piles (SBPs) above the existing underground MRT linkway (15 m below ground) and adjacent to the existing underground MRT East West Line station. The paper presents four different techniques applied to construct the SBP wall in the sandy soil since the conventional method of construction was not applicable to the site condition. The new techniques were successful as the SBP wall was constructed while keeping the vibrations and movement to the existing MRT structures within the allowable limits. From this venture, it can be concluded that it is possible to install SBPs in sandy soils without any significant impact on adjacent structures and construction timeline. The experience gained from this endeavour will be invaluable and can serve as lessons learnt for SBP works in the densely populated area and in the vicinity of existing sensitive structures which is increasingly becoming unavoidable.
Applying conditional process modelling to investigate factors influencing the adoption of water pollution mitigation behaviours
Authors: Okumah Murat , Ankomah-Hackman Priscilla
Published: February 2020

Given that much of water resource pollution is behavioural in nature, understanding pro-environmental behaviour as well as the complex determinants of such behaviours is key to designing effective policies aimed at addressing the problem. The limited studies that attempt to explore the topic rely typically on first-generation statistical procedures, often failing to address the complexities of pro-environmental behaviour. We apply conditional process modelling to investigate potential determinants of behaviours aimed at mitigating  water pollution—using an extended attitude-behaviour-context model. Results show that knowledge of the sources of water pollution has an effect on attitude towards water resources management. Additionally, situational factors—such as the availability of waste collection bins—influence behaviour in relation to water pollution. These findings suggest the need to deepen awareness on water pollution and to consider situational factors in policy design and implementation.
Question Tags in Philippine English
Authors: Westphal Michael
Published: February 2020

This study investigates the use of question tags (QTs) in a subcorpus of dialogues from the Philippine component of the International Corpus of English. It takes into account the full range of QT forms used in Philippine English, including English variant QTs as well as English and Tagalog invariant forms. The analysis investigates the effects of text type and pragmatic function on the selection of particular forms. The results show that Filipino speakers use English and Tagalog forms to almost equal proportions, but invariant forms dominate by far over variant ones. Text type has a strong effect on the overall frequency of QTs and on the distribution of individual forms. In addition, function is shown to be a significant factor that influences QT use: speakers preferentially use specific QTs over others for particular functions in specific contexts. The results show that it is beneficial to analyze the full range of QTs to describe the characteristics of Philippine English and to illustrate variety-internal variation. Furthermore, the analysis of English and Tagalog QTs shows that variation in discourse-pragmatic features can provide valuable insights into language contact situations. In conclusion, the study highlights the benefits of small diverse corpora for corpus-pragmatic research as they allow studying pragmatic phenomena in a range of different contexts.
Adverse Childhood Experiences in Infancy: a Latent Class Approach Exploring Interrelatedness of Risks
Authors: McKelvey Lorraine M. , Whiteside-Mansell Leanne , Zhang Dong , Selig James P.
Published: February 2020

Researchers have documented the ways in which children’s parenting and home environments impact their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. There is scientific consensus that certain adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), particularly in the absence of a nurturing caregiver, decrease the likelihood that children will develop optimally. Many ACEs co-occur, thereby increasing the number of adversities children experience. This study examined the interrelatedness of ACEs for 14-month-old children from the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (N = 2361). Using latent class analysis, three classes were identified: ACEs-low (N = 1431, 60.6%), ACEs-parent maltreatment (N = 636, 26.9%), and ACEs-household dysfunction (N = 294, 12.5%). Class membership was significantly associated with related parenting constructs. Children in families with greater household dysfunction (ACEs-household dysfunction) had parents with the highest levels of parenting stress and the lowest levels of self-efficacy, but who were knowledgeable of infant development and were observed to be moderately supportive in play with their child. Parents at risk for child maltreatment (ACEs-parent maltreatment) had moderate levels of stress and self-efficacy, but the least knowledge of development and were observed to be the least supportiveness in play. Our study suggests that infants experience constellations of ACEs, which are differentially associated with parenting characteristics and behaviors. Results lend credibility to ACE screening in infancy and could be used to inform intervention efforts and the development of more efficient, sensitive screening methods.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma immune microenvironment and immunotherapy prospects
Authors: Li Ke‐Yu , Yuan Jia‐Long , Trafton Diego , Wang Jian‐Xin , Niu Nan , Yuan Chun‐Hui , Liu Xu‐Bao , Zheng Lei
Published: February 2020

The tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is non‐immunogenic, which consists of the stellate cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and some other immune suppressive molecules. This low tumor perfusion microenvironment with physical dense fibrotic stroma shields PDAC from traditional antitumor therapies like chemotherapy and various strategies that have been proven successful in other types of cancer. Immunotherapy has the potential to treat minimal and residual diseases and prevent recurrence with minimal toxicity, and studies in patients with metastatic and nonresectable disease have shown some efficacy. In this review, we highlighted the main components of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, and meanwhile, summarized the advances of some promising immunotherapies for PDAC, including checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptors T cells, and cancer vaccines. Based on our previous researches, we specifically discussed how granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor based pancreatic cancer vaccine prime the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, and introduced some novel immunoadjuvants, like the stimulator of interferon genes.
Did Tlingit Ancestors Eat Sea Otters? Addressing Intellectual Property and Cultural Heritage through Zooarchaeology
Authors: Moss Madonna L.
Published: February 2020

The maritime fur trade caused the extirpation of sea otters from southeast Alaska. In the 1960s, sea otters were reintroduced, and their numbers have increased. Now, sea otters are competing with people for what have become commercially important invertebrates. After having been absent for more than a century, the reentry of this keystone species has unsettled people. Although some communities perceive sea otters as a threat to their livelihoods, others view their return as restoration of the marine ecosystem. The federal Marine Mammal Protection Act authorizes any Alaska Native to harvest sea otters for subsistence provided that the harvest is not wasteful. Some people are seeking to define “traditional” Tlingit use of sea otters as not only using their pelts but consuming them as food, but some Tlingit maintain they never ate sea otters. This project analyzes the largest precontact archaeological assemblage of sea otter bones in southeast Alaska, with the benefit of insights gained from observing a Tlingit hunter skin a sea otter to infer that Tlingit ancestors hunted sea otters primarily for pelts. The extent to which other Indigenous peoples of the North Pacific consumed sea otters as food deserves investigation, especially as sea otters recolonize their historic range.
An endocrine hypothesis to explain obesity-related lactation insufficiency in breastfeeding mothers
Authors: Knight Christopher H.
Published: February 2020

In this Research Reflection I shall develop and validate the hypothesis that lactation insufficiency in obese breastfeeding mothers has an endocrine explanation. I shall not present data, but I shall review pertinent literature to show that obesity is associated with a partial or sometimes complete failure to initiate and maintain lactation, and critically examine the belief that this is due to psychosocial factors, a failure of prolactin secretion or both. Since progesterone is inhibitory to lactogenesis and oestrogens are inhibitory to milk secretion, I shall then explore the possibility that these steroids are linked to lactation failure, through sequestration of progesterone and aromatization of oestrogen in mammary adipose tissue. I shall conclude by describing experimental approaches in animal models that could be used to test this hypothesis.
Geodetic Evidence of Time‐Dependent Viscoelastic Interseismic Deformation Driven by Megathrust Locking in the Southwest Japan Subduction Zone
Authors: Li Shaoyang , Fukuda Jun'ichi , Oncken Onno
Published: February 2020

The time‐variable features of interseismic deformation in subduction zones are poorly understood and commonly ignored. Here, by incorporating century‐long leveling data and contemporary global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) velocities, we investigate the temporal evolution of interseismic deformation in southwest Japan using two‐dimensional viscoelastic earthquake‐cycle models. We find that a steady‐state continental mantle viscosity of 1019 Pa·s is required to explain these two geodetic data sets. Our preferred model predicts significant variations in the surface velocity field throughout the entire interseismic period due to viscous mantle flow driven by ongoing megathrust locking, indicating that the multiyear GNSS‐derived velocity field represents a snapshot of time‐varying interseismic deformation. The locking depth and locking time exert significant influences on the horizontal and vertical deformation patterns. Our findings highlight the importance of the interseismically relaxing mantle and the necessity of considering such an effect in determining the current locking state along the Nankai subduction zone.
Segmentation of the Main Himalayan Thrust Illuminated by Bayesian Inference of Interseismic Coupling
Authors: Dal Zilio Luca , Jolivet Romain , van Dinther Ylona
Published: February 2020

We use a recent compilation of geodetic data of surface displacements in a fully Bayesian approach to derive a probabilistic estimate of interseismic coupling along the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). Our probabilistic estimate of interseismic coupling highlights four large, highly coupled patches separated by three potential barriers of low coupling. Locked patches overlap with estimated rupture areas of historical large earthquakes over the past centuries. The coincident spatial variability in coupling, seismicity, and prominent active topography suggests a structural segmentation of the MHT imposed by inherited tectonic structures from the India‐Eurasia collision. This correlation implies that inherited tectonic structures may affect how stress builds up along the MHT, thereby influencing the location and size of large Himalayan earthquakes and the growth of the mountain range.
An Experimental Assessment of the Importance of S(IV) Oxidation by Hypohalous Acids in the Marine Atmosphere
Authors: Liu Tengyu , Abbatt Jonathan P.D.
Published: February 2020

Hypohalous acids (HOCl + HOBr) play an important but highly uncertain role in sulfate aerosol production in the marine atmosphere due to the unmeasured reaction rate constants (k) of HOCl/HOBr and HSO3−, the dominant S(IV) species in acidified sea salt aerosols and cloudwater. We directly determined
by investigating the kinetics of aqueous oxidation of dissolved SO2 by HOCl in low pH aerosol particles in a flow tube. Further, we predicted
using a novel kinetics model developed from the HOCl/HSO3− results.
and
were estimated to be 2 and 3 orders of magnitude lower, respectively, than the values used in atmospheric models. We assess the importance of halogen‐driven S(IV) oxidation in the marine atmosphere with this new fundamental understanding and find that in‐cloud sulfate production via HOBr oxidation remains an important atmospheric process, but the HOCl oxidation pathway in acidified sea salt aerosols is unlikely to be important.
Semiautomated Estimates of Directivity and Related Source Properties of Small to Moderate Southern California Earthquakes Using Second Seismic Moments
Authors: Meng Haoran , McGuire Jeffrey J. , Ben‐Zion Yehuda
Published: February 2020

We develop a semiautomated method for estimating with second seismic moments the directivity, rupture area, duration, and centroid velocity of earthquakes. The method is applied to 41 southern California earthquakes with magnitude in the range 3.5–5.2 and provides stable results for 28 events. Apparent source time functions (ASTFs) of P and S phases are derived using deconvolution with three stacked empirical Green's functions (seGf). The use of seGf suppresses nongeneric source effects, improves the focal mechanism correspondence to the analyzed earthquakes, and typically allows inclusion of 5 to 15 more ASTFs compared with analysis using a single eGf. Most analyzed earthquakes in the Trifurcation area of the San Jacinto Fault have directivities toward the northwest, while events around Cajon Pass and San Gabriel Mountain tend to propagate toward the southeast. These results are generally consistent with predictions for dynamic rupture on bimaterial interfaces associated with the imaged velocity contrasts in the area. The second moment inversions also provide constraints on the upper and lower bounds of rupture areas in our data set. Stress drops and uncertainties are estimated for elliptical ruptures using the derived characteristic rupture length and width. The semiautomated second moment method with seGfs can be used for routine application to moderate earthquakes in locations with good station coverage.
Eddy Surface Characteristics and Vertical Structure in the Gulf of Mexico from Satellite Observations and Model Simulations
Authors: Brokaw Richard J. , Subrahmanyam Bulusu , Trott Corinne B. , Chaigneau Alexis
Published: February 2020

The Gulf of Mexico exhibits strong circulation due to the Loop Current System, along with high mesoscale eddy activity. In order to investigate eddy characteristics, we apply an automatic eddy‐tracking algorithm to absolute dynamic topography maps and analyze the spatial distribution and evolution of eddy attributes including amplitude, radius, and eddy kinetic energy. The Loop Current region in the eastern Gulf of Mexico is an area of robust eddy generation for both cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies. Anticyclonic eddies were generally characterized by smaller amplitudes and larger radii when compared to their cyclonic counterparts. We also examine eddy surface properties including temperature and salinity anomalies as well as chlorophyll‐a concentration and observe how these properties vary between the eastern and western Gulf of Mexico. Persistent features such as the Loop Current System and coastal low‐salinity, highly biologically productive waters dominate eddy properties in the eastern side of the basin. We also apply the eddy‐tracking algorithm to a regional Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model validated using Argo floats. We find that this model accurately reflects surface characteristics in the mesoscale eddy field as well as the mean vertical eddy structure and use it to extend our analysis of eddy properties with depth. We find that subsurface characteristics of density, salinity, temperature, and velocities vary greatly between eddies in the eastern and western Gulf of Mexico. Through composite analysis of both surface and subsurface eddy properties, we gain a more complete picture of the mechanisms behind the observable characteristics of these eddies.
Fire Affects Asymbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Southern Amazon Forests
Authors: Bomfim Barbara , Silva Lucas C. R. , Marimon‐Júnior Ben H. , Marimon Beatriz S. , Doane Timothy A. , Horwath William R.
Published: February 2020

In this study, we investigate the biogeochemical consequences of fire in seasonally flooded Amazon forests, where recent declines in forest cover have been linked to increases in fire frequency and severity. Previous studies have hypothesized that a quasi‐permanent state‐shift transition from typical Amazon forests to open savannas can occur when fire results in further depletion of already impoverished soil nutrient pools. Asymbiotic N2 fixation (ANF) is an essential pathway for fire‐affected forests to acquire nitrogen (N) after disturbance, but ANF response to fire has yet to be quantified in Amazonia. Here, we quantify ANF through field sampling and laboratory incubations using 15N‐labeled dinitrogen (15N2) and measurement of 14 biogeochemical parameters in surface (0–10 cm) and subsurface (10–30 cm) soils. Our data represent burned and unburned replicated sampling sites, across five stands, spanning a gradient from infrequent (once in 13 years) to frequent (five times in 13 years) fire occurrences. ANF did not vary with fire frequency but was, on average, 24% lower in burned than in unburned surface soils across all stands. Burned and unburned subsurface soils had similar ANF rates. About 58% of ANF variance was explained by the joint effect of carbon (C):N ratio and available phosphorus (P) in burned and unburned soils. ANF increased linearly with C:N and P availability in unburned soils, but a highly non‐linear relationship was observed in burned soils. Our findings show that fire alters soil C‐to‐nutrient stoichiometry, which resulted in lower N inputs via ANF into burned relative to unburned tropical forest soils.
Community Composition and Photosynthetic Physiology of Phytoplankton in the Western Subarctic Pacific Near the Kuril Islands With Special Reference to Iron Availability
Authors: Yoshida Kazuhiro , Nakamura Suzu , Nishioka Jun , Hooker Stanford B. , Suzuki Koji
Published: February 2020

The western subarctic Pacific (WSP) is known as one of the most productive regions among the world's oceans in spring. However, its oceanic waters are also known as a high‐nutrient, low‐chlorophyll region during summer due to low iron (Fe) availability in seawater. Indeed, recent studies have demonstrated that the distribution of Fe in the WSP is complex and heterogeneous. This study thus investigated the effects of Fe availability on the community composition and photophysiology of surface phytoplankton from coastal to offshore waters in the WSP in the summer of 2014. Although relatively high concentrations (>2 mg/m3) of chlorophyll (chl)awere found in the Sea of Okhotsk and some coastal waters, low chlaconcentrations (<1 mg/m3) were commonly observed in offshore waters. Based on dissolved Fe and macronutrient concentrations, we deduced that low Fe availability limited phytoplankton growth in offshore waters, whereas low silicate and/or nitrate levels limited growth in the shelf areas. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed that the centric diatomChaetocerosexclusively dominated the diatom assemblages in the shelf and coexisted with pennate diatoms in offshore waters, respectively. Primary productivity in surface waters was negatively correlated with the bottom of the euphotic layer or the light saturation index of the photosynthesis‐irradiance curve, which indicates that the phytoplankton assemblages were well acclimated to in situ light conditions regardless of the water masses.
Current antimicrobial practice in febrile neutropenia across Europe and Asia: the EBMT Infectious Disease Working Party survey
Authors:   on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (IDWP) of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group (EBMT), Verlinden Anke , Mikulska Malgorzata , Knelange Nina Simone , Averbuch Dina , Styczynski Jan
Published: February 2020

The aim of this survey was to summarize the current antimicrobial practice in febrile neutropenia and the presence of key aspects of antimicrobial stewardship. A questionnaire was sent to 567 centers, and complete responses were obtained from 194 (34.2%). Fluoroquinolone and co-trimoxazole prophylaxis are used in 57.1% and 89.1%, respectively. In 66.4%, the first-line empirical therapy is piperacillin/tazobactam, whereas 10.9% use carbapenems. Empirical combination therapy is used in stable patients without history of resistant pathogens in 37.4%. De-escalation to monotherapy is performed within 3 days in 35.3% and after 10 days in 19.1%. Empirical addition of a glycopeptide is performed when fever persists more than 2–3 days in 60.8%. Empirical escalation to a broader spectrum agent is performed when fever persists more than 3–5 days in 71.4%. In case of positive blood cultures with a susceptible pathogen and uncomplicated presentation, 76.7% of centers de-escalate and 36.6% discontinue before neutrophil recovery. In fever of unknown origin with uncomplicated presentation, 54.1% of centers de-escalate and 49.5% discontinue before neutrophil recovery. Recommendations put forward in the ECIL guidelines are not widely implemented in clinical practice. Specific problems include overuse of carbapenems and combination therapy and unjustified addition of glycopeptides without further de-escalation or discontinuation.
Coherent spin control of s-, p-, d- and f-electrons in a silicon quantum dot
Authors: Leon R. C. C. , Yang C. H. , Hwang J. C. C. , Lemyre J. Camirand , Tanttu T. , Huang W. , Chan K. W. , Tan K. Y. , Hudson F. E. , Itoh K. M. , Morello A. , Laucht A. , Pioro-Ladrière M. , Saraiva A. , Dzurak A. S.
Published: February 2020

Once the periodic properties of elements were unveiled, chemical behaviour could be understood in terms of the valence of atoms. Ideally, this rationale would extend to quantum dots, and quantum computation could be performed by merely controlling the outer-shell electrons of dot-based qubits. Imperfections in semiconductor materials disrupt this analogy, so real devices seldom display a systematic many-electron arrangement. We demonstrate here an electrostatically confined quantum dot that reveals a well defined shell structure. We observe four shells (31 electrons) with multiplicities given by spin and valley degrees of freedom. Various fillings containing a single valence electron—namely 1, 5, 13 and 25 electrons—are found to be potential qubits. An integrated micromagnet allows us to perform electrically-driven spin resonance (EDSR), leading to faster Rabi rotations and higher fidelity single qubit gates at higher shell states. We investigate the impact of orbital excitations on single qubits as a function of the dot deformation and exploit it for faster qubit control.
First-in-human robotic supermicrosurgery using a dedicated microsurgical robot for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized pilot trial
Authors: van Mulken Tom J. M. , Schols Rutger M. , Scharmga Andrea M. J. , Winkens Bjorn , Cau Raimondo , Schoenmakers Ferry B. F. , Qiu Shan S. , van der Hulst René R. W. J. ,   MicroSurgical Robot Research Group, Keuter Xavier H. A. , Lauwers Thomas M. A. S. , Piatkowski Andrzej A. , Hommes Juliette E. , Deibel Dionne S. , Budo Jessie E. M. , Scheerhoorn Jai , Rijkx Maud E. P.
Published: February 2020

Advancements in reconstructive microsurgery have evolved into supermicrosurgery; connecting vessels with diameter between 0.3 and 0.8 mm for reconstruction of lymphatic flow and vascularized tissue transplantation. Supermicrosurgery is limited by the precision and dexterity of the surgeon’s hands. Robot assistance can help overcome these human limitations, thereby enabling a breakthrough in supermicrosurgery. We report the first-in-human study of robot-assisted supermicrosurgery using a dedicated microsurgical robotic platform. A prospective randomized pilot study is conducted comparing robot-assisted and manual supermicrosurgical lymphatico-venous anastomosis (LVA) in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema. We evaluate patient outcome at 1 and 3 months post surgery, duration of the surgery, and quality of the anastomosis. At 3 months, patient outcome improves. Furthermore, a steep decline in duration of time required to complete the anastomosis is observed in the robot-assisted group (33–16 min). Here, we report the feasibility of robot-assisted supermicrosurgical anastomosis in LVA, indicating promising results for the future of reconstructive supermicrosurgery.
Strong graphene oxide nanocomposites from aqueous hybrid liquid crystals
Authors: Hegde Maruti , Yang Lin , Vita Francesco , Fox Ryan J. , van de Watering Renee , Norder Ben , Lafont Ugo , Francescangeli Oriano , Madsen Louis A. , Picken Stephen J. , Samulski Edward T. , Dingemans Theo J.
Published: February 2020

Combining polymers with small amounts of stiff carbon-based nanofillers such as graphene or graphene oxide is expected to yield low-density nanocomposites with exceptional mechanical properties. However, such nanocomposites have remained elusive because of incompatibilities between fillers and polymers that are further compounded by processing difficulties. Here we report a water-based process to obtain highly reinforced nanocomposite films by simple mixing of two liquid crystalline solutions: a colloidal nematic phase comprised of graphene oxide platelets and a nematic phase formed by a rod-like high-performance aramid. Upon drying the resulting hybrid biaxial nematic phase, we obtain robust, structural nanocomposites reinforced with graphene oxide.
Atomic structures of anthrax toxin protective antigen channels bound to partially unfolded lethal and edema factors
Authors: Hardenbrook Nathan J. , Liu Shiheng , Zhou Kang , Ghosal Koyel , Zhou Z. Hong , Krantz Bryan A.
Published: February 2020

Following assembly, the anthrax protective antigen (PA) forms an oligomeric translocon that unfolds and translocates either its lethal factor (LF) or edema factor (EF) into the host cell. Here, we report the cryo-EM structures of heptameric PA channels with partially unfolded LF and EF at 4.6 and 3.1-Å resolution, respectively. The first α helix and β strand of LF and EF unfold and dock into a deep amphipathic cleft, called the α clamp, which resides at the interface of two PA monomers. The α-clamp-helix interactions exhibit structural plasticity when comparing the structures of lethal and edema toxins. EF undergoes a largescale conformational rearrangement when forming the complex with the channel. A critical loop in the PA binding interface is displaced for about 4 Å, leading to the weakening of the binding interface prior to translocation. These structures provide key insights into the molecular mechanisms of translocation-coupled protein unfolding and translocation.
Hydraulic, wash-off and sediment transport experiments in a full-scale urban drainage physical model
Authors: Naves Juan , Anta Jose , Suárez Joaquín , Puertas Jerónimo
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a dataset obtained from hydraulic and sediment transport experiments performed in a full-scale urban drainage physical model of 36 m2. The study seeks to accurately measure sediment mobilization through the different parts of the model (surface, gully pots and pipe system), also obtaining a precise characterization of water flow and using realistic rainfall simulator to ensure the transferability of the results. Three different rain intensities and five sediment granulometries were tested in 6 hydraulic and 23 wash-off and sediment transport experiments. The following experimental data were produced: surface elevations and 2D runoff velocities measured by visualization techniques; surface and in-pipe water depths; flow discharges, total suspended solids concentrations and particle size distribution at the entrance of the gully pots and at the pipe system outlet; and sediment mass balances. This data is optimal for developing and validating wash-off and sediment transport formulations in urban drainage models, towards better treatment and management techniques for minimizing the impact of urban surface pollutants on the environments of towns and cities.
Three-dimensional assembly of multiwalled carbon nanotubes for creating a robust electron-conducting network in silicon-carbon microsphere-based electrodes
Authors: Kim Hyemin , Kim Dae-wook , Todoki Hitomi , Zettsu Nobuyuki , Teshima Katsuya
Published: February 2020

We present a strategic approach to improve the cycle performance of a polymeric binder-free anode based on nano-Si@C microspheres by incorporating a multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) network and performing carbodiimide-based condensation coupling to form a robust molecular-junction between MW-CNTs and nano-Si@C microspheres. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy reveals that one-dimensional MW-CNTs homogeneously wrapped the individual Si@C microspheres and they interwove through the intergranular nanospace. The incorporation of amide bonds at the junction primarily contributes to the stabilization and reinforcement of the hybrid electrodes. Their reversible capacity after 50 cycles with 0.5 A g−1 was significantly improved from 81 mAh·g−1 to 520 mAh·g−1. Such robustness associated with the supramolecularly assembled MW-CNTs is expected to facilitate electron conductivity and mass transfer kinetics, leading to enhanced electrochemical performance of the Si@C anode.
An association between air pollution and daily most frequently visits of eighteen outpatient diseases in an industrial city
Authors: Chau Tang-Tat , Wang Kuo-Ying
Published: February 2020

Toxic effects of air pollutants were individually identified in various organs of the body. However, the concurrent occurrences and the connection of diseases in multiple organs arise from air pollution has not been concurrently studied before. Here we hypothesize that there exist connected health effects arise from air pollution when diseases in various organs were considered together. We used medical data from hospital outpatient visits for various organs in the body with a disease-air pollution model that represents each of the diseases as a function of the environmental factors. Our results show that elevated air pollution risks (above 40%) concurrently occurred in diseases of spondylosis, cerebrovascular, pneumonia, accidents, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), influenza, osteoarthritis (OA), asthma, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), cancer, heart, hypertensive, diabetes, kidney, and rheumatism. Air pollutants that were associated with elevated health risks are particular matters with diameters equal or less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particular matters with diameters equal or less than 10 μm (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxide (NO). Concurrent occurrences of diseases in various organs indicate that the immune system tries to connectively defend the body from persistent and rising air pollution.