bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of discharge coefficient of side weirs placed on convergent canals using modern self-adaptive extreme learning machine
Authors: Gharib Reza , Heydari Majeid , Kardar Saeid , Shabanlou Saeid
Published: January 2020

Side weirs are broadly used in irrigation channels, drainage systems and sewage disposal canals for controlling and adjusting the flow in main channels. In this study, a new artificial intelligence model entitled “self-adaptive extreme learning machine” (SAELM) is developed for simulating the discharge coefficient of side weirs located upon rectangular channels. Also, the Monte Carlo simulations are implemented for assessing the abilities of the numerical models. It should be noted that the k-fold cross-validation approach is used for validating the results obtained from the numerical models. Based on the parameters affecting the discharge coefficient, six artificial intelligence models are defined. The examination of the numerical models exhibits that such models simulate the discharge coefficient valued with acceptable accuracy. For instance, mean absolute error and root mean square error for the superior model are computed 0.022 and 0.027, respectively. The best SAELM model predicts the discharge coefficient values in terms of Froude number (Fd), ratio of the side weir height to the downstream depth (w/hd), ratio of the channel width at downstream to the downstream depth (bd/hd) and ratio of the side weir length to the downstream depth (L/hd). Based on the sensitivity analysis results, the Froude number of the side weir downstream is identified as the most influencing input parameter. Lastly, a matrix is presented to estimate the discharge coefficient of side weirs on convergent channels.
Interpreting englacial layer deformation in the presence of complex ice flow history with synthetic radargrams
Authors: Elsworth Cooper W. , Schroeder Dustin M. , Siegfried Matthew R.
Published: January 2020

Fast ice flow on the Antarctic continent constitutes much of the mass loss from the ice sheet. However, geophysical methods struggle to constrain ice flow history at depth, or separate the signatures of topography, ice dynamics and basal conditions on layer structure. We develop and demonstrate a methodology to compare layer signatures in multiple airborne radar transects in order to characterize ice flow at depth, or improve coverage of existing radar surveys. We apply this technique to generate synthetic, along-flow radargrams and compare different deformation regimes to observed radargram structure. Specifically, we investigate flow around the central sticky spot of Whillans Ice Stream, West Antarctica. Our study suggests that present-day velocity flowlines are insufficient to characterize flow at depth as expressed in layer geometry, and streaklines provide a better characterization of flow around a basal sticky spot. For Whillans Ice Stream, this suggests that ice flow wraps around the central sticky spot, supported by idealized flow simulations. While tracking isochrone translation and rotation across survey lines is complex, we demonstrate that our approach to combine radargram interpretation and modeling can reveal critical details of past ice flow.
Early parasitic drilling in a rhynchonelliform brachiopodRongatrypa xichuanensisfrom the Katian (Upper Ordovician) of central China
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Luan Xiaocong , Zhan Renbin , Sproat Colin D. , Huang Bing
Published: January 2020

An example of parasitic drilling in a rhynchonelliform brachiopod is described from the Shiyanhe Formation (Katian, Upper Ordovician) of Henan, central China. The boring extends into the shell almost perpendicular to the surface. The shell has been serially sectioned, and the trace (including boring and bioclaustration) has been modeled in three dimensions. Healing of the shell evident in serial sections supports a long-term relationship between the brachiopod and borer that we interpret as parasitic. Platyceratid gastropods, found at the same locality as these brachiopods, are the most likely drilling organism. Previous reports of Paleozoic brachiopod parasitic traces can be classified into two main groups, constructive association and destructive association, depending on whether parasites damage brachiopod shells. The example in this study belongs to the second type as the brachiopod shell has been partly damaged by the borer.
Effect of time-restricted feeding on metabolic risk and circadian rhythm associated with gut microbiome in healthy males
Authors: Zeb Falak , Wu Xiaoyue , Chen Lijun , Fatima Sadia , Haq Ijaz-ul , Chen Aochang , Majeed Fatima , Feng Qing , Li Min
Published: January 2020

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) confers protection against nutritional challenges that predispose obesity and metabolic risks through involvement of circadian locomotor output cycles protein kaput genes and gut microbiome, but the underlying mechanism is not clearly understood. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of TRF on metabolic markers and circadian rhythm associated with gut microbiota in healthy males. Two groups (TRF, n 56; non-TRF, n 24) of male adults were enrolled. The TRF group provided blood at pre-TRF and post-TRF, while non-TRF one time after 25 d of trial. Serum lipid and liver profiles were determined. Real time-PCR was applied for circadian and inflammatory gene expression. The 16S rRNA genes were sequenced on the Illumina Miseq v3 platform to comprehensively catalogue the composition and abundance of bacteria in stool. We showed that TRF ameliorated the serum lipid and liver profiles of the individuals. In the TRF group, gut microbial richness was significantly enhanced, with enrichment of Prevotellaceae and Bacteroideaceae. TRF enhanced circadian gene expression probably by activation of sirtuin-1, which is positively associated with gut microbiome richness. TRF could be a safe remedy for the prevention of metabolic diseases related to dyslipidaemia, as it regulates circadian rhythm associated with gut microbiome modulation.
Is unintended birth associated with physical intimate partner violence? Evidence from India
Authors: Goli Srinivas , Gautam Abhishek , Rana Md Juel , Ram Harchand , Ganguly Dibyasree , Reja Tamal , Nanda Priya , Datta Nitin , Verma Ravi
Published: January 2020

A growing number of studies have tested the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and the unintendedness of pregnancy or birth, and most have suggested that unintendedness of pregnancy is a cause of IPV. However, about nine in every ten women face violence after delivering their first baby. This study examined the effects of the intendedness of births on physical IPV using data from the National Family Health Survey (2015–16). The multivariate logistic regression model analysis found that, compared with women with no unwanted births (2.9%), physical IPV was higher among those women who had unwanted births (6.9%, p<0.001), followed by those who had mistimed births (4.4 %, p<0.001), even after adjusting for several women’s individual and socioeconomic characteristics. Thus, the reduction of women with mistimed and unwanted births could reduce physical IPV in India. The study highlights the unfinished agenda of family planning in the country and argues for the need to integrate family planning and Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Care (RMNCH) services to yield multi-sectoral outcomes, including the elimination of IPV.
Expert Testimony in the Social Sciences: A Historical Overview of Contemporary Issues
Authors: Rosen Lawrence
Published: January 2020

In this brief reconsideration of the roles experts may play in legal proceedings - and concentrating on the role of social scientists in particular - it may, therefore, be useful to revisit some very familiar issues and to address some seemingly peripheral matters that are nevertheless quite central to the way we think about the involvement of experts in legal cases. For purposes of introducing some of these issues it may be helpful to focus on three interrelated concerns: the ascertaining of expert qualifications, the role of evidentiary procedure, and the extra-judicial use of social information.
Cardiovascular risk factors in offspring exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus in utero: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pathirana Maleesa M. , Lassi Zohra S. , Roberts Claire T. , Andraweera Prabha H.
Published: January 2020

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy complication that affects one in seven pregnancies. Emerging evidence demonstrates that children born of pregnancies complicated by GDM may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine cardiovascular risk factors in offspring exposed to GDM in utero. PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were searched. Information was extracted on established CVD risk factors including blood pressure, lipids, blood glucose, fasting insulin, body mass index (BMI), and endothelial/microvascular function. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018094983). Prospective and retrospective studies comparing offspring exposed to GDM compared to controls (non-GDM pregnancies) were considered. We included studies that defined GDM based on the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) definition, or prior definitions. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting this systematic review. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were done by two independent reviewers. The data were pooled using a random-effects model. Of 59 eligible studies, 24 were included in the meta-analysis. Offspring exposed to GDM had higher systolic blood pressure (mean difference (MD): 1.75 mmHg, 95% CI 0.57–2.94; eight studies, 7264 participants), BMI z-score (MD 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.20; nine studies, 8759 participants), and glucose (standard MD 0.43, 95% CI 0.08–0.77; 11 studies, 6423 participants) than control participants. In conclusion, offspring exposed to GDM have elevated systolic blood pressure, BMI, and glucose. Those exposed to GDM in utero may benefit from early childhood blood pressure measurements.
Quantifying Europe's biodiversity footprints and the role of urbanization and income
Authors: Koslowski Maximilian , Moran Daniel D. , Tisserant Alexandre , Verones Francesca , Wood Richard
Published: January 2020

Non-technical abstract

Biodiversity footprinting links consumers to the biodiversity pressure their consumption induces, thereby informing choices and enabling participation in remediation measures. In order for countries, cities and households to reduce their impacts it is useful to know more precisely what the various drivers of their footprints are. Here we ask: do urban or rural areas in Europe exert higher biodiversity footprints? And how strongly coupled are income and biodiversity losses? Studying urban versus rural households at the country level in Europe, we found both have generally similar footprints, but that higher income households clearly drive higher footprints.
Bayesian Selection of Atmospheric Profiles from an Ensemble Data Assimilation System using Infrasonic Observations of May 2016 Mount Etna Eruptions
Authors: Vanderbecken P. J. , Mahfouf J.‐F. , Millet C.
Published: January 2020

Observed infrasound arrivals are considered as a way to provide additional knowledge of the middle atmosphere for numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. To do so, a Bayesian approach, based on the discrepancies between predicted and observed infrasound arrival characteristics, is adopted for selecting the most likely atmospheric states, in terms of temperature and wind velocity profiles, among an ensemble of NWP model analyses. The predicted characteristics, in terms of trace velocity and the back azimuth angle, are computed using a three‐dimensional ray‐tracing model and atmospheric profiles extracted once a day from ensemble of analyses produced by the Météo‐France global NWP model. The performance of the method is demonstrated using a set of thousands of volcanic eruptions that correspond to an upsurge in volcanic activity of Mount Etna (Sicily) during May 2016. It is shown that the Bayesian approach allows the identification of the most likely members and hence provides additional knowledge on the atmosphere truly probed by the infrasound. When the atmospheric temperature and wind profiles are reasonably meeting the effective sound speed assumption requirements, the members retrieved are similar in terms of effective sound speed but not in terms of wind and temperature. For improving both temperature and wind velocity profile selection, additional infrasound arrival characteristics are then required (e.g., travel time, amplitude, etc.). The confidence on the retrieved profiles is also sensitive to the time of validity of the meteorological analyses and on the definition of the surface conditions involved in the estimation of the predicted trace velocities.
The genome sequence of celery (Apium graveolens L.), an important leaf vegetable crop rich in apigenin in the Apiaceae family
Authors: Li Meng-Yao , Feng Kai , Hou Xi-Lin , Jiang Qian , Xu Zhi-Sheng , Wang Guang-Long , Liu Jie-Xia , Wang Feng , Xiong Ai-Sheng
Published: January 2020

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a vegetable crop in the Apiaceae family that is widely cultivated and consumed because it contains necessary nutrients and multiple biologically active ingredients, such as apigenin and terpenoids. Here, we report the genome sequence of celery based on the use of HiSeq 2000 sequencing technology to obtain 600.8 Gb of data, achieving ~189-fold genome coverage, from 68 sequencing libraries with different insert sizes ranging from 180 bp to 10 kb in length. The assembled genome has a total sequence length of 2.21 Gb and consists of 34,277 predicted genes. Repetitive DNA sequences represent 68.88% of the genome sequences, and LTR retrotransposons are the main components of the repetitive sequences. Evolutionary analysis showed that a recent whole-genome duplication event may have occurred in celery, which could have contributed to its large genome size. The genome sequence of celery allowed us to identify agronomically important genes involved in disease resistance, flavonoid biosynthesis, terpenoid metabolism, and other important cellular processes. The comparative analysis of apigenin biosynthesis genes among species might explain the high apigenin content of celery. The whole-genome sequences of celery have been deposited at CeleryDB (http://apiaceae.njau.edu.cn/celerydb). The availability of the celery genome data advances our knowledge of the genetic evolution of celery and will contribute to further biological research and breeding in celery as well as other Apiaceae plants.
Machine learning enabled autonomous microstructural characterization in 3D samples
Authors: Chan Henry , Cherukara Mathew , Loeffler Troy D. , Narayanan Badri , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian K. R. S.
Published: January 2020

We introduce an unsupervised machine learning (ML) based technique for the identification and characterization of microstructures in three-dimensional (3D) samples obtained from molecular dynamics simulations, particle tracking data, or experiments. Our technique combines topology classification, image processing, and clustering algorithms, and can handle a wide range of microstructure types including grains in polycrystalline materials, voids in porous systems, and structures from self/directed assembly in soft-matter complex solutions. Our technique does not require a priori microstructure description of the target system and is insensitive to disorder such as extended defects in polycrystals arising from line and plane defects. We demonstrate quantitively that our technique provides unbiased microstructural information such as precise quantification of grains and their size distributions in 3D polycrystalline samples, characterizes features such as voids and porosity in 3D polymeric samples and micellar size distribution in 3D complex fluids. To demonstrate the efficacy of our ML approach, we benchmark it against a diverse set of synthetic data samples representing nanocrystalline metals, polymers and complex fluids as well as experimentally published characterization data. Our technique is computationally efficient and provides a way to quickly identify, track, and quantify complex microstructural features that impact the observed material behavior.
A global view of isotopic effects on ro-vibrational spectra of six-atomic molecules: a case study of eleven ethylene species
Authors: Viglaska-Aflalo Dominika , Rey Michaël , Nikitin Andrei , Delahaye Thibault
Published: January 2020

Complete theoretical description of isotopic effects on the rotationally resolved spectra of 11 ethylene isotopologues.
Structure-based design and analysis of SuFEx chemical probes
Authors: Jones Lyn H. , Kelly Jeffery W.
Published: January 2020

Binding site microenvironments determine the context-dependent reactivity of sulfur(vi) fluoride-containing probes.
Efficient solvent- and temperature-tuned access to aldoxime ethers and phenolic functions by Pd-catalyzed C–O cross-coupling of aldoximes with aryl bromides and bromo-chalcones
Authors: Reeta Reeta , Rangarajan T. M. , Kaushik Kumar , Singh Rishi Pal , Singh Manjula , Singh Raj Pal
Published: January 2020

A single method with a functionality switching option, to access oxime ethers and phenols, was developed for the first time for the Pd-catalyzed C–O cross-coupling of aryl bromides and bromo-chalcones with aldoximes.
Colorimetric detection of Cs+ based on the nonmorphological transition mechanism of gold nanoparticles in the presence of Prussian blue
Authors: Qiu Jiaoyan , Fu Ling , Wang Hongsen , Zou Ruifen , Zhang Yujie , Li Xing , Wu Aiguo
Published: January 2020

A colorimetric method for the detection of Cs+ using Au NPs and Prussian blue based on a nonmorphological transition mechanism.
Dynamic characterization of intestinal metaplasia in the gastric corpus mucosa of Atp4a-deficient mice
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Liang-jun , Liu Yuan-liang , Yuan Dong-sheng , Zhao Zi-ming , Wang Qi , Yan Yan , Pan Hua-feng
Published: January 2020

Parietal cells of the gastric mucosa contain a complex and extensive secretory membrane system that harbors gastric H+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), the enzyme primarily responsible for gastric lumen acidification. Here, we describe the characterization of mice deficient in the H+, K+-ATPase α subunit (Atp4a−/−) to determine the role of this protein in the biosynthesis of this membrane system and the biology of the gastric mucosa. Atp4a−/− mice were produced by gene targeting. Wild-type (WT) and Atp4a−/− mice, paired for age, were examined at 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks for histopathology, and the expression of mucin 2 (MUC2), α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), Ki-67 and p53 proteins was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. For further information, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-AKT), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) were detected by Western blotting. Compared with the WT mice, hypochlorhydric Atp4a−/− mice developed parietal cell atrophy and significant antral inflammation (lymphocyte infiltration) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) with elevated MUC2 expression. Areas of dysplasia in the Atp4a−/− mouse stomach showed increased AMACR and Ki-67 expression. Consistent with elevated antral proliferation, tissue isolated from Atp4a−/− mice showed elevated p53 expression. Next, we examined the mechanism by which the deficiency of the H+, K+-ATPase α subunit has an effect on the gastric mucosa. We found that the expression of phosphorylated-PI3K, p-AKT, phosphorylated-mTOR, HIF-1α, LDHA and SIRT6 was significantly higher in tissue from the Atp4a−/− mice compared with the WT mice (P<0.05). The H+, K+-ATPase α subunit is required for acid-secretory activity of parietal cells in vivo, the normal development and cellular homeostasis of the gastric mucosa, and attainment of the normal structure of the secretory membranes. Chronic achlorhydria and hypergastrinemia in aged Atp4a−/− mice produced progressive hyperplasia and mucolytic and IM, and activated the Warburg effect via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.
The Aarhus red giants challenge
Authors: Silva Aguirre V. , Christensen-Dalsgaard J. , Cassisi S. , Miller Bertolami M. , Serenelli A. , Stello D. , Weiss A. , Angelou G. , Jiang C. , Lebreton Y. , Spada F. , Bellinger E. P. , Deheuvels S. , Ouazzani R. M. , Pietrinferni A. , Mosumgaard J. R. , Townsend R. H. D. , Battich T. , Bossini D. , Constantino T. , Eggenberger P. , Hekker S. , Mazumdar A. , Miglio A. , Nielsen K. B. , Salaris M.
Published: January 2020

Context.With the advent of space-based asteroseismology, determining accurate properties of red-giant stars using their observed oscillations has become the focus of many investigations due to their implications in a variety of fields in astrophysics. Stellar models are fundamental in predicting quantities such as stellar age, and their reliability critically depends on the numerical implementation of the physics at play in this evolutionary phase.

Aims.We introduce the Aarhus red giants challenge, a series of detailed comparisons between widely used stellar evolution and oscillation codes that aim to establish the minimum level of uncertainties in properties of red giants arising solely from numerical implementations. We present the first set of results focusing on stellar evolution tracks and structures in the red-giant-branch (RGB) phase.

Methods.Using nine state-of-the-art stellar evolution codes, we defined a set of input physics and physical constants for our calculations and calibrated the convective efficiency to a specific point on the main sequence. We produced evolutionary tracks and stellar structure models at a fixed radius along the red-giant branch for masses of 1.0 M⊙, 1.5 M⊙, 2.0 M⊙, and 2.5 M⊙, and compared the predicted stellar properties.

Results.Once models have been calibrated on the main sequence, we find a residual spread in the predicted effective temperatures across all codes of ∼20 K at solar radius and ∼30–40 K in the RGB regardless of the considered stellar mass. The predicted ages show variations of 2–5% (increasing with stellar mass), which we attribute to differences in the numerical implementation of energy generation. The luminosity of the RGB-bump shows a spread of about 10% for the considered codes, which translates into magnitude differences of ∼0.1 mag in the opticalV-band. We also compare the predicted [C/N] abundance ratio and find a spread of 0.1 dex or more for all considered masses.

Conclusions.Our comparisons show that differences at the level of a few percent still remain in evolutionary calculations of red giants branch stars despite the use of the same input physics. These are mostly due to differences in the energy generation routines and interpolation across opacities, and they call for further investigation on these matters in the context of using properties of red giants as benchmarks for astrophysical studies.
Les anticorps monoclonaux anti-tumoraux
Authors: Deligne Claire , Gros Laurent
Published: January 2020

Les anticorps monoclonaux (AcM) ciblant les tumeurs sont aujourd’hui largement utilisés pour le traitement de patients atteints de cancer et leur nombre est en constante augmentation. Au cours de ces dix dernières années, de nombreuses études ont montré que l’action anti-tumorale de ces anticorps dépasse largement celle de simples thérapies passives comme cela avait été décrit initialement, avec non seulement le recrutement de cellules immunitaires innées pour favoriser l’activation des étapes précoces de la réponse immunitaire mais aussi avec la génération d’une réponse mémoire anti-tumorale protectrice sur le long-terme. La compréhension de ces mécanismes a récemment conduit au développement clinique d’une nouvelle génération d’AcM anti-tumoraux, modifiés afin d’augmenter leurs capacités à interagir avec les cellules immunitaires. Enfin, les premières études précliniques et cliniques ont démontré l’intérêt de développer des combinaisons thérapeutiques associant ces AcM anti-tumoraux à des immuno-, chimio- ou radiothérapies, afin de renforcer leur potentiel immunomodulateur et d’assurer une protection anti-tumorale efficace et durable.
Les cellules natural killer : des cibles prometteuses dans la thérapie contre le cancer
Authors: Cornen Stéphanie , André Pascale , Gauthier Laurent , Morel Yannis , Vivier Éric
Published: January 2020

L’immuno-oncologie est une approche d’immunothérapie novatrice qui change le traitement des cancers en stimulant la capacité du système immunitaire à reconnaître et éliminer les cellules tumorales. Cette approche a pour but de mettre en place une immuno-surveillance anti-tumorale durable chez des patients pour lesquels les thérapies conventionnelles ont échoué.
Les anticorps thérapeutiques en hémostase
Authors: Gruel Yves , Kizlik-Masson Claire , Lenting Peter
Published: January 2020

L’hémostase est un processus complexe qui implique de nombreux acteurs cellulaires et moléculaires. En pathologie, les thromboses d’une part, et les pathologies hémorragiques constitutionnelles dominées par l’hémophilie d’autre part, ont bénéficié ces dernières années du développement d’anticorps thérapeutiques qui révolutionnent aujourd’hui la prise en charge des malades.
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope evidence for the low biomagnification of mercury in marine fish from the South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Wenfeng , Huang Weixiong , Chen Xiao , Yang Xingfen , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: January 2020

The low biomagnification of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in commercially important marine fish from the south coast of China has been demonstrated through the analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes. In this study, levels of THg, MeHg and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were determined. Stable isotope signatures of carbon and nitrogen (13C/12C, 15N/14N) were used to trace the carbon flow and reconstruct trophic interactions. Levels of THg and MeHg in fish muscle samples were <220ngg–1. The trophic levels of sampled fish ranged from 2.31 to 5.03. The trophic magnification slopes were ~0.1 for both THg and MeHg, whereas the trophic magnification factor showed that the average biomagnification of THg and MeHg per trophic level was 3.02 and 2.87ngHgg–1 respectively along fish food chains, indicating low biomagnification potential of these mercury species. The low concentrations of MeHg and low biomagnification of mercury in marine fish may result from the trophic levels and habitats of these fish.
A new possibility for light-quark dark matter
Authors: Bashkanov M , Watts D P
Published: January 2020

Despite many decades of study the physical origin of ‘dark matter’ (DM) in the Universe remains elusive. In this letter we calculate the properties of a completely new DM candidate—Bose–Einstein condensates formed from a recently discovered bosonic particle in the light-quark sector, the

d

*

(

2380

)

hexaquark. In this first study, we show stable

d

∗

(

2380

)

Bose–Einstein condensates could form in the primordial early universe, with a production rate sufficiently large that they are a plausible new candidate for DM. Some possible astronomical signatures of such DM are also presented.
Nuclear spectrometry of 9.6 h 196Aum2 and the reaction of 197Au with fast neutrons
Authors: Moody K J , Gharibyan N , Shaughnessy D A , Grant P M , Gostic J M , Cerjan C J , Yeamans C B , Despotopulos J D , Faye S A
Published: January 2020

The neutron activation of gold is the basis of an implosion performance diagnostic at the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. In support of this diagnostic, a series of γ-ray spectrometric measurements of the decay of 196Au
m2 (J

π
 = 12−) was performed to improve the currently accepted literature values of the nuclear data associated with its half-life, γ-ray energies, and γ-ray intensities. It was determined that 196Au
m2 decays with a half-life of 9.603 h ± 0.23%. The relative intensities of the γ rays emitted during its decay were also measured, and an absolute decay branch of 0.3352 ± 2.9% was determined for the emission of the 188.2 keV photon, which arises from a nuclear transition whose multipolarity is predominantly M1. Properties of other products arising in the reaction of 197Au with fast neutrons were measured, as were selected production cross sections. The 196Au
m2/196Au
g
isomer ratio measured in the 197Au(n, 2n) reaction at 14.1 MeV was found to be 0.0731 ± 2.6%.
An empirical, Bayesian approach to modelling crop yield: Maize in USA
Authors: Shirley Raphael , Pope Edward , Bartlett Myles , Oliver Seb , Quadrianto Novi , Hurley Peter , Duivenvoorden Steven , Rooney Phil , Barrett Adam B , Kent Chris , Bacon James
Published: January 2020

We apply an empirical, data-driven approach for describing crop yield as a function of monthly temperature and precipitation by employing generative probabilistic models with parameters determined through Bayesian inference. Our approach is applied to state-scale maize yield and meteorological data for the US Corn Belt from 1981 to 2014 as an exemplar, but would be readily transferable to other crops, locations and spatial scales. Experimentation with a number of models shows that maize growth rates can be characterised by a two-dimensional Gaussian function of temperature and precipitation with monthly contributions accumulated over the growing period. This approach accounts for non-linear growth responses to the individual meteorological variables, and allows for interactions between them. Our models correctly identify that temperature and precipitation have the largest impact on yield in the six months prior to the harvest, in agreement with the typical growing season for US maize (April to September). Maximal growth rates occur for monthly mean temperature 18 °C–19 °C, corresponding to a daily maximum temperature of 24 °C–25 °C (in broad agreement with previous work) and monthly total precipitation 115 mm. Our approach also provides a self-consistent way of investigating climate change impacts on current US maize varieties in the absence of adaptation measures. Keeping precipitation and growing area fixed, a temperature increase of 2 °C, relative to 1981–2014, results in the mean yield decreasing by 8%, while the yield variance increases by a factor of around 3. We thus provide a flexible, data-driven framework for exploring the impacts of natural climate variability and climate change on globally significant crops based on their observed behaviour. In concert with other approaches, this can help inform the development of adaptation strategies that will ensure food security under a changing climate.
Clinical frailty independently predicts early mortality after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Evans Nicholas R , Wall Jasmine , To Benjaman , Wallis Stephen J , Romero-Ortuno Roman , Warburton Elizabeth A
Published: January 2020

Background

Clinical frailty is an important syndrome for clinical care and research, independently predicting mortality and rates of institutionalisation in a range of medical conditions. However, there has been little research into the role of frailty in stroke.

Objective

This study investigates the effect of frailty on 28-day mortality following ischaemic stroke and outcomes following stroke thrombolysis.

Methods

Frailty was measured using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) for all ischaemic stroke admissions aged ≥75 years. Stroke severity was measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). 28-day mortality and clinical outcomes were collected retrospectively. Analysis included both dichotomised measures of frailty (non-frail: CFS 1–4, frail: 5–8) and CFS as a continuous ordinal scale.

Results

In 433 individuals with ischaemic stroke, 28-day mortality was higher in frail versus non-frail individuals (39 (16.7%) versus 10 (5%), P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, a one-point increase in CFS was independently associated with 28-day mortality (OR 1.03 (1.01–1.05)). In 63 thrombolysed individuals, median NIHSS reduced significantly in non-frail individuals (12.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 9.25) to 5 (IQR 10.5), P < 0.01) but not in frail individuals (15 (IQR 11.5) to 16 (IQR 16.5), P = 0.23). On multivariable analysis, a one-point increase in CFS was independently associated with a one-point reduction in post-thrombolysis NIHSS improvement (coefficient 1.07, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Clinical frailty is independently associated with 28-day mortality after ischaemic stroke and appears independently associated with attenuated improvement in NIHSS following stroke thrombolysis. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and how frailty may be utilised in clinical decision-making.
DNA sequencing reveals bacterial communities in midgut and other parts of the larvae of Spodoptera exigua Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Gao Xueke , Li Wendan , Luo Junyu , Zhang Lijuan , Ji Jichao , Zhu Xiangzhen , Wang Li , Zhang Kaixin , Zhang Shuai , Cui Jinjie
Published: January 2020

Gut microbiota has been suggested as an important component of host defense. However, microbiota in other parts of the body have rarely been characterized. In our present work, we give a detailed view of the body of Spodoptera exigua larvae, the midgut with intestinal contents (MG), midgut excluding intestinal contents (PM), intestinal contents (IC) and remaining parts excluding the MG (RM), with the objective of revealing the complexity of microorganisms and comparing the biodiversity of the S. exigua larvae-associated microbiota. Our results provide the first evidence that third and fifth larvae samples of S. exigua were dominated by members of the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. In addition, there were no obvious differences in relative abundances of microbiota among MG, PM and RM at the phylum level. MG3 and MG5 (nearly RM5) harbored the richest microbial community, with much higher abundance of Halomonas, Pseudomonas and Methylobacterium, respectively. Intestinal contents contained the lowest diversity and highest abundance of Enterococcus. Knowledge of the bacteria in a major herbivorous insect, such as S. exigua, can facilitate the acquisition of special biological resources for agricultural pest control.
A hybrid approach to record linkage using a combination of deterministic and probabilistic methodology
Authors: Ong Toan C , Duca Lindsey M , Kahn Michael G , Crume Tessa L
Published: January 2020

Objective

The disjointed healthcare system and the nonexistence of a universal patient identifier across systems necessitates accurate record linkage (RL). We aim to describe the implementation and evaluation of a hybrid record linkage method in a statewide surveillance system for congenital heart disease.

Materials and Methods

Clear-text personally identifiable information on individuals in the Colorado Congenital Heart Disease surveillance system was obtained from 5 electronic health record and medical claims data sources. Two deterministic methods and 1 probabilistic RL method using first name, last name, social security number, date of birth, and house number were initially implemented independently and then sequentially in a hybrid approach to assess RL performance.

Results

16 480 nonunique individuals with congenital heart disease were ascertained. Deterministic linkage methods, when performed independently, yielded 4505 linked pairs (consisting of 2 records linked together within or across data sources). Probabilistic RL, using 3 initial characters of last name and gender for blocking, yielded 6294 linked pairs when executed independently. Using a hybrid linkage routine resulted in 6451 linkages and an additional 18%–24% correct linked pairs as compared to the independent methods. A hybrid linkage routine resulted in higher recall and F-measure scores compared to probabilistic and deterministic methods performed independently.

Discussion

The hybrid approach resulted in increased linkage accuracy and identified pairs of linked record that would have otherwise been missed when using any independent linkage technique.

Conclusion

When performing RL within and across disparate data sources, the hybrid RL routine outperformed independent deterministic and probabilistic methods.
Greater Inequality and Household Borrowing: New Evidence from Household Data
Authors: Coibion Olivier , Gorodnichenko Yuriy , Kudlyak Marianna , Mondragon John
Published: January 2020

Using household-level debt data over 2000–2012 and local variation in inequality, we show that low-income households in high-inequality regions (zip codes, counties, states) accumulated less debt relative to their income than low-income households in lower inequality regions. We also find evidence that low-income households face higher credit prices and reduced access to credit as inequality increases. We argue that these patterns are consistent with inequality tilting credit supply away from low-income households and toward high-income households, which may have long-run implications for outcomes like homeownership or entrepreneurship.
External Imbalances, Gross Capital Flows, and Sovereign Debt Crises
Authors: de Ferra Sergio
Published: January 2020

The experience of the European monetary union has been characterized by current account imbalances, widening gross external positions, and a severe sovereign debt crisis. I argue that institutional features of the European Economic and Monetary Union have contributed to all three. I show in a model that subsidies on holdings of assets issued within the union contribute to current account imbalances, to gross capital flows, and to the severity of the crisis. In a quantitative model with heterogeneous countries, I show that the subsidies account for a substantial fraction of the widening of gross external positions in the euro area by inducing countries with high income and external assets to engage in intermediation of gross capital flows.
Effect of nitrate supply on the facilitation between two salt-marsh plants (Suaeda salsa and Scirpus planiculmis)
Authors: Ma Hua , Cui Li-Juan , Pan Xu , Li Wei , Ning Yu , Zhou Jian
Published: January 2020

Aims

In estuarine salt-marshes, nitrate supply and soil salinity, which are known as two main environmental drivers, simultaneously affect the interspecific interactions between plant species. However, to date, their interactive effects on interspecific interactions have not been closely examined for salt-marsh plant species.

Methods

Juvenile plants of Suaeda salsa L. (Chenopodiaceae) and Scirpus planiculmis Fr. (Cyperaceae) were grown in rinsed river sand to conduct a greenhouse experiment with three treatment categories: interspecific interaction (mixed culture or monoculture), three salinity levels (1, 50 and 100 mmol L−1) and three nitrate levels (0.5, 5 and 10 mmol L−1). First, height and biomass of all plants were measured. Then, the growth data, relative interaction index and competitive important index of the two species were analyzed.

Important Findings

The interspecific interactions between S. salsa and S. planiculmis were facilitation across the salinity gradients. The promotion of S. salsa growth with high nitrate supply did not enhance the facilitative effect of the species, especially at low salinity. However, high nitrate supply significantly shifted the interspecific interactions of S. planiculmis from facilitation to competition at high salinity. Our results suggest that excessive nitrate application changes the prediction of the stress-gradient hypothesis along a salinity gradient, leading to collapse of the two species coexistence in the salt-marshes. These findings make a contribution to the understanding of how S. salsa and S. planiculmis, as well as salt-marsh communities, respond to the human modification of estuarine nutritional levels.
Photoprotective compounds in zooplankton of two adjacent tropical high mountain lakes with contrasting underwater light climate and fish occurrence
Authors: Alcocer Javier , Delgado Clara N , Sommaruga Ruben
Published: January 2020

We compared temporal changes in the concentration of photoprotective compounds (PCs) in zooplankton of two adjacent (600 m apart) tropical high mountain lakes, El Sol and La Luna. The lakes have the same geological origin, age and drainage basin. However, they differ in underwater light and UV penetration and in the presence of Oncorhynchus mykiss, only found in El Sol. Whereas Daphnia ambigua from the clear La Luna had carotenoids and melanin, in El Sol, the same species lacked pigmentation. The copepod Leptodiaptomus cuauhtemoci was only found in El Sol and relied on accumulation of MAAs and carotenoids. The maximum concentration of PCs was found over the period with highest incident ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Our data suggest that tropical species of zooplankton respond to UVR by accumulating PCs that are too different in relation to exposure to UVR. However, we cannot discard the possibility that the presence of fish in Lake El Sol influences also their phenotypical and behavioral responses. Overall, zooplankton exhibited an ample phenotypic plasticity in the type and concentrations of PCs in response to the high and variable doses of UVR prevailing in low-latitude lakes, similar to the zooplankton of their high-latitude counterparts.
Health inequalities in timely antenatal care: audit of pre- and post-referral delays in antenatal bookings in London 2015–16
Authors: McDonald H , Moren C , Scarlett J
Published: January 2020

Background

Antenatal booking has potential to reduce infant and maternal health inequalities; yet, those most in need are least likely to access timely care. This audit describes late referral and antenatal booking across London in 2015–16, according to maternal characteristics.

Methods

Referral < 8 weeks’ gestation, booking < 2 weeks after referral and booking < 10 weeks’ gestation were audited against maternal and referral characteristics.

Results

Of 122 275 antenatal bookings, 27.1% were before 10 weeks’ gestation and 72.8% by 12 + 6 weeks. Characteristics associated with late booking were living in more deprived areas, age < 20 years, higher parity, Black or Minority ethnicity (particularly Bangladeshi or Black African), birth in Somalia, Jewish religion, first language other than English, unemployment of self or partner, lack of social support, or single parent families. Women living in more deprived areas, with first language other than English, of Jewish religion, Black and Minority ethnicity or who were unemployed, waited longer from referral to booking, despite later referral.

Conclusions

Post-referral delays can compound late referral for some women, exacerbating health inequalities, but should be amenable to provider interventions. Different patterns of pre- and post-referral delay suggest that a tailored approach is needed to address inequalities in access to antenatal care.
Predicting postoperative complications with the respiratory exchange ratio after high-risk noncardiac surgery
Authors: Bar Stéphane , Grenez Charles , Nguyen Maxime , de Broca Bruno , Bernard Eugénie , Abou-Arab Osama , Bouhemad Belaid , Lorne Emmanuel , Guinot Pierre-Grégoire
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The respiratory exchange ratio (RER), defined as the ratio of CO2 production (VCO2) to O2 consumption (VO2), is reported to be a noninvasive marker of anaerobic metabolism. The intubated, ventilated patient's inspired and expired fractions of O2 and CO2 (FiO2, FeO2, FiCO2 and FeCO2) are monitored in the operating room and can be used to calculate RER.

OBJECTIVE

To investigating the ability of the RER to predict postoperative complications.

DESIGN

An observational, prospective study.

SETTING

Two French university hospitals between March 2017 and September 2018.

PATIENTS

A total of 110 patients undergoing noncardiac high-risk surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The RER was calculated as (FeCO2 − FiCO2)/(FiO2 − FeO2) at five time points during the operation. The primary endpoint was at the end of the surgery. The secondary endpoints were systemic oxygenation indices (pCO2 gap, pCO2 gap/arteriovenous difference in O2 ratio, central venous oxygen saturation) and the arterial lactate level at the end of the surgery. Complications were classified according to the European Peri-operative Clinical Outcome definitions.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications occurred in 35 patients (34%). The median [interquartile range] RER at the end of surgery was significantly greater in the subgroup with complications, 1.06 [0.84 to 1.35] than in the subgroup without complications, 0.81 [0.75 to 0.91], and correlated significantly with the arterial lactate (r = 0.31, P < 0.001) and VO2 (r = −0.23, P = 0.001). Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the predictive value of RER for postoperative complications revealed a value of 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 0.88, P = 0.001]. The best cut-off for the RER was 0.94, with a sensitivity of 71% (95% CI 54 to 85) and a specificity of 79% (95% CI 68 to 88).

CONCLUSION

As a putative noninvasive marker of tissue hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism, the RER can be used to predict complications following high-risk surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03471962.
Evaluation of autologous retransfusion from a closed suction drainage system for patient blood management in elective total hip and knee replacement
Authors: Mayer-Rollnik Sebastian , Harms Christoph , Bernasconi Luca , Hammerer Angelika , Reiss Eric , Girard Thierry , Bolliger Daniel
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Postoperative autologous retransfusion of drainage blood might reduce the transfusion of red blood cell concentrates after major orthopaedic surgery.

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a blood collection and retransfusion system. Secondary objectives included safety issues and the quality of the drainage blood collected.

DESIGN

Combined retrospective and prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Swiss regional hospital, from 1 January to 31 December 2015 (retrospective cohort) and 1 January to 31 August 2018 (prospective cohort).

PATIENTS

The retrospective and prospective cohort included 216 and 46 patients, respectively, who underwent elective hip or knee replacement.

INTERVENTIONS

Use of a postoperative blood collection and retransfusion system.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the postoperative haemoglobin in patients with and without autotransfusion. Secondary outcomes were percentage of patients with transfusion of allogeneic blood products and with adverse events with and without autotransfusion. Tertiary outcomes were laboratory levels of specific inflammation and coagulation parameters in collected drain blood directly after surgery and 6 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

Autologous retransfusion was performed in 50 patients (23%) in the retrospective analysis. Postoperative haemoglobin level was increased by 5 g dl−1 (P = 0.017) in retransfused patients compared with those without retransfusion. However, there was no difference in the number of transfused allogeneic red blood cell concentrates. Mild adverse transfusion reactions were reported in 13 retransfused patients (26%). Laboratory analyses for the second prospective part detected massively elevated concentrations of myeloperoxidase and IL-6 in the drainage blood, but C-reactive protein and procalcitonin concentrations were within normal ranges at both time points. d-dimers levels were above the upper normal level in 37 and 24% at the two time points, respectively, and tended to decrease over time (P = 0.060).

CONCLUSION

Our study questions the effectiveness of postoperative autotransfusion as part of a patient blood management programme. In addition, the obvious signs of inflammatory reactions and coagulation activation raise safety concerns.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The cohort study was not registered in a trial registry.