bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apparent absence of the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in frogs in Malaita Province, Solomon Islands
Authors: Alabai Maasafi , Esau Tommy , Kekeubata Esau , Esau Dorothy , Waneagea Jackson , Lobotalau Lamanai'a , Alick James , Silas John , Solome Ledison , Waneagea Jimson , Mousisi Kwai'ikwala , Cutajar Timothy P. , Portway Christopher D. , MacLaren David J. , Rowley Jodi J. L.
Published: November 2020

A major driver of global biodiversity loss is disease. One of the most devastating wildlife diseases known is chytridiomycosis, which is caused by the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, and is implicated in population declines in over 500 frog species. Thought to originate in Asia, B. dendrobatidis now has a global distribution, likely due to human movement and trade. The pathogen has yet to be detected in Melanesia, but there have been few surveys for B. dendrobatidis in the region, and none in the Solomon Islands archipelago, a biogeographic region with a unique and culturally important frog fauna. We swabbed 200 frogs of eight species in three genera in lowland and highland sites in East Kwaio on the island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands. All frogs tested negative for the pathogen but it is possible that the pathogen is present despite non-detection, so further surveys for the pathogen are needed throughout the country. Despite this, it is safest to take a precautionary approach and assume that B. dendrobatidis has not yet been introduced to the Solomon Islands, and that naïve native amphibian populations may be at risk of decline if the pathogen is introduced. Protocols are needed to prevent the accidental import of infected frogs via tourism or in logging or mining equipment. Monitoring of frog populations near areas of high risk such as ports is also recommended. The frogs of the Solomon Islands archipelago are biologically unique and culturally significant, and protecting them from the potentially devastating impacts of B. dendrobatidis is vital.
Binary Darboux transformation and multi-dark solitons for a higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the inhomogeneous optical fiber
Authors: Yang Chong , Xie Xi-Yang
Published: November 2020

Dark solitons in the inhomogeneous optical fiber are studied in this manuscript via a higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation, since dark solitons can be applied in waveguide optics as dynamic switches and junctions or optical logic devices. Based on the Lax pair, the binary Darboux transformation is constructed under certain constraints, thus the multi-dark soliton solutions are presented. Soliton propagation and collision are graphically discussed with the group-velocity dispersion, third- and fourth-order dispersions, which can affect the solitons’ velocities but have no effect on the shapes. Elastic collisions between the two dark solitons and among the three dark solitons are displayed, while the elasticity cannot be influenced by the above three coefficients.
Surface active agents stabilize nanodroplets and enhance haze formation*
Authors: Ma Yunqing , Chen Changsheng , Zhang Xianren
Published: November 2020

Although many organic molecules found commonly in the atmosphere are known to be surface-active in aqueous solutions, their effects on the mechanisms underlying haze formation remain unclear. In this paper, based on a simple thermodynamic analysis, we report that the adsorption of amphiphilic organics alone not only lowers the surface tension, but also unexpectedly stabilizes nanodroplets of specific size under water vapor supersaturation. Then we determine how various factors, including relative humidity, water activity effect due to dissolution of inorganic components as well as surface tension effect due to surface adsorption of organic components, cooperatively induce the stability of nanodroplets. The nanodroplet stability behaviors not captured in the current theory would change the formation mechanism of haze droplets, from the hygroscopic growth pathway to a nonclassical two-step nucleation pathway.
Effect of strain on electrochemical performance of Janus MoSSe monolayer anode material for Li-ion batteries: First-principles study*
Authors: Wang Guoqing , Qin Wenjing , Shi Jing
Published: November 2020

First-principles calculations are performed to investigate the effect of strain on the electrochemical performance of Janus MoSSe monolayer. The calculation focuses on the specific capacity, intercalation potential, electronic structure, and migration behavior of Li-ion under various strains by using the climbing-image nudged elastic band method. The result shows that the specific capacity is nearly unchanged under strain. But interestingly, the tensile strain can cause the intercalation potential and Li-ion migration energy barrier increase in MoSSe monolayer, whereas the compressive strain can lead to the intercalation potential and energy barrier decreasing. Thus, the rate performance of the MoSSe anode is improved. By analyzing the potential energy surface of MoSSe surface and equilibrium adsorption distance of Li-ion, we explain the physical origin of the change in the intercalation potential and migration energy barrier. The increase of MoSSe potential energy surface and the decrease of adsorption distance caused by tensile strain are the main reason that hinders Li-ion migration.
Exact soliton solutions in anisotropic ferromagnetic wires with Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction*
Authors: Li Qiu-Yan , Dun-Zhao 敦 , Li Zai-Dong
Published: November 2020

We theoretically investigate the exact soliton solutions of anisotropic ferromagnetic wires with Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. For example, we give the bright and black soliton solutions. From these results we find that the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction affects the existence region of soliton, spin-wave transport, and soliton dynamic properties. As the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction grows, the soliton width is widened, which provides a way to control the soliton dynamics.
Time resolution and power consumption of a monolithic silicon pixel prototype in SiGe BiCMOS technology
Authors: Paolozzi L. , Cardarelli R. , Débieux S. , Favre Y. , Ferrère D. , Gonzalez-Sevilla S. , Iacobucci G. , Kaynak M. , Martinelli F. , Nessi M. , Rücker H. , Sanna I. , Sultan D.M.S. , Valerio P. , Zaffaroni E.
Published: November 2020

SiGe BiCMOS technology can be used to produce ultra-fast, low-power silicon pixel sensors that provide state-of-the-art time resolution even without internal gain. The development of such sensors requires the identification and control of the main factors that may degrade the timing performance as well as the characterisation of the dependance of the sensor time resolution on the amplifier power consumption. Measurements with a90Sr source of a prototype sensor produced in SG13G2 technology from IHP Microelectronics shows a time resolution of 140 ps at an amplifier current of 7 μA and 45 ps at a power consumption of 150 μA. The resolution on the measurement of the signal time-over-threshold, which is used to correct for time walk, is the main factor affecting the timing performance of this prototype.
Three-dimensionally two-photon lithography realized vascular grafts
Authors: Limongi T , Brigo L , Tirinato L , Pagliari F , Gandin A , Contessotto P , Giugni A , Brusatin G
Published: November 2020

Generation of artificial vascular grafts as blood vessel substitutes is a primary challenge in biomaterial and tissue-engineering research. Ideally, these grafts should be able to recapitulate physiological and mechanical properties of natural vessels and guide the assembly of an endothelial cell lining to ensure hemo-compatibility. In this paper, we advance on this challenging task by designing and fabricating 3D vessel analogues by two-photon laser lithography using a synthetic photoresist. These scaffolds guarantee human endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation, and proper elastic behavior to withstand the pressure exerted by blood flow.
Tuning the optical and magneto-optical properties in core-shell structured Fe@Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Jittabut Pongsak , Seehamart Kompichit , Chingsungnoen Artit , Dasri Thananchai
Published: November 2020

Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted a great deal of attention due to their possible uses in many biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery, sensing, and ultra-sensitive disease detection. In this work, theoretical calculations based on optical absorption and magneto-optical (MO) properties in core–shell structured Fe@Ag NPs embedded in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) host were investigated as a function of incident light wavelength. First, the optical absorption property of pure Ag NPs was investigated. For pure single spherical Ag nanoparticle with diameters in the range of 5–50 nm, the resonance absorption peak shows a slight redshift as the particle size increases. In terms of the optical absorption property for the two basic two-particle geometries of Ag NPs with varying Ag NPs interparticle distances ranging from 8–100 nm, when the particles were perpendicular to the direction propagation and parallel to the polarisation direction of an incident electric field, a blueshift of the absorption peak position was observed with increasing interparticle distance. On the other hand, a redshift of the absorption peak position with increasing interparticle distance was observed when the polarisation direction of the incident light was perpendicular to the particle axis. After coating plasmonic Ag on the Fe core called Fe@Ag core–shell NPs, the shifting and enhancement of the absorption and MO properties of Fe nanoparticles due to localised surface plasmon resonance excitation were observed to greatly exceed the calculated values for pure Fe NPs. The calculated results suggest that both interparticle distance and Ag shell thickness in a core–shell structured Fe@Ag NPs influence the tuning and enhancement of the spectra. These findings can be utilised as basic knowledge for the development of synthesis methods to obtain suitable Fe@Ag core–shell NPs for future applications.
Phonocardiography-based mitral valve prolapse detection with using fractional fourier transform
Authors: Mehrabbeik Mahtab , Rashidi Saeid , Fallah Ali , Rafiei Khoshnood Elaheh
Published: November 2020

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a common condition among people, which is often benign and does not need any serious treatment. However, this doesn’t mean that MVP can’t cause any problems. In malignant conditions, MVP can cause mitral failure and also heart failure. Early diagnosis of MVP is significantly important to control and reduce its complications. Since the phonocardiogram signal provides useful information about heart valves function, it can be used for MVP detection. To detect MVP, the signal was denoised and segmented into heart cycles and constant three-second pieces in the first and second approaches, respectively. Next, based on the Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT), the desired features were extracted. Then, the extracted features were windowed by a Moving Logarithmic Median Window (MLMW) and optimum features were selected using Mahalanobis, Bhattacharyya, Canberra, and Minkowski distance criteria. Finally, using the selected features, classification was performed by using the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and the Suppor Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers to find out whether a segment is prolapsed. The best results of the experiment on the collected database contain 15 prolapsed and 6 non-prolapsed subjects using the A-test method show 96.25 ± 2.43 accuracy, 98.5 ± 3.37 sensitivity, 94.0 ± 5.16 specificity, 96.0 ± 3.44 precision, 92.5 ± 4.86 kappa, and 96.6 ± 2.34 f-score with the SVM classifier.
VHEE beam dosimetry at CERN Linear Electron Accelerator for Research under ultra-high dose rate conditions
Authors: Poppinga Daniela , Kranzer Rafael , Farabolini Wilfrid , Gilardi Antonio , Corsini Roberto , Wyrwoll Vanessa , Looe Hui Khee , Delfs Björn , Gabrisch Lukas , Poppe Björn
Published: November 2020

The aim of this work is the dosimetric characterization of a plane parallel ionization chamber under defined beam setups at the CERN Linear Electron Accelerator for Research (CLEAR). A laser driven electron beam with energy of 200 MeV at two different field sizes of approximately 3.5 mm FWHM and approximately 7 mm FWHM were used at different pulse structures. Thereby the dose-per-pulse range varied between approximately 0.2 and 12 Gy per pulse. This range represents approximately conventional dose rate range beam conditions up to ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) beam conditions. The experiment was based on a water phantom which was integrated into the horizontal beamline and radiochromic films and an Advanced Markus ionization chamber was positioned in the water phantom. In addition, the experimental setup were modelled in the Monte Carlo simulation environment FLUKA. In a first step the radiochromic film measurements were used to verify the beamline setup. Depth dose distributions and dose profiles measured by radiochromic film were compared with Monte Carlo simulations to verify the experimental conditions. Second, the radiochromic films were used for reference dosimetry to characterize the ionization chamber. In particular, polarity effects and the ion collection efficiency of the ionization chamber were investigated for both field sizes and the complete dose rate range. As a result of the study, significant polarity effects and recombination loss of the ionization chamber were shown and characterized. However, the work shows that the behavior of the ionization chamber at the laser driven beam line at the CLEAR facility is comparable to classical high dose-per-pulse electron beams. This allows the use of ionization chambers on the CLEAR system and thus enables active dose measurement during the experiment. Compared to passive dose measurement with film, this is an important step forward in the experimental equipment of the facility.
Proposed Treatment Protocols for Facial Rejuvenation Using a Novel Absorbable Polydioxanone Monofilament Threadlift in Koreans: Empirical Perspectives of Aesthetic Physicians and Surgeons
Authors: Chang Doo-Yeoul , Kim Hyoung-Moon , Ahn Tae Hwan , Lee Sang Bong , Moon Hyoung-Jin
Published: November 2020

Background

Aesthetic physicians and surgeons should consider differences in anthropometric and anatomical characteristics between Asians and Caucasians in performing facial rejuvenation procedures using absorbable threadlifts in Koreans.

Objectives

This paper was prepared to propose empirical treatment protocols for Korean aesthetic physicians and surgeons.

Methods

A panel of 5 Korean experts on the aesthetic uses of an absorbable polydioxanone (PDO) monofilament threadlift (Mint Lift; HansBiomed Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea), thus termed as “the Mint Consensus Group,” was convened to recommend practical guidelines for empirical treatment with the Mint Lift.

Results

To summarize, our recommendations are as follows: First, the entry and exit points should be determined considering the anatomical characteristics of the face (level of evidence III). Second, treatment procedures may vary depending on indications (level of evidence III).

Conclusions

Here, the authors propose empirical treatment protocols for facial rejuvenation using a novel absorbable PDO monofilament threadlift in Koreans. But more evidence-based efforts should be made to update the current treatment protocols.

Level of Evidence: 4
News in Astronomy & Geophysics – December 2020
Authors: Bowler Sue
Published: November 2020

A digest of some of the big stories from the past two months
Let's visit Venus!
Authors: Bowler Sue
Published: November 2020

Fifty years since the first touchdown on Venus, researchers have potentially detected a biosignature in its atmosphere. Sue Bowler thinks we are overdue for another trip to our twin planet.
Deep learning in systems medicine
Authors: Wang Haiying , Pujos-Guillot Estelle , Comte Blandine , de Miranda Joao Luis , Spiwok Vojtech , Chorbev Ivan , Castiglione Filippo , Tieri Paolo , Watterson Steven , McAllister Roisin , de Melo Malaquias Tiago , Zanin Massimiliano , Rai Taranjit Singh , Zheng Huiru
Published: November 2020

Systems medicine (SM) has emerged as a powerful tool for studying the human body at the systems level with the aim of improving our understanding, prevention and treatment of complex diseases. Being able to automatically extract relevant features needed for a given task from high-dimensional, heterogeneous data, deep learning (DL) holds great promise in this endeavour. This review paper addresses the main developments of DL algorithms and a set of general topics where DL is decisive, namely, within the SM landscape. It discusses how DL can be applied to SM with an emphasis on the applications to predictive, preventive and precision medicine. Several key challenges have been highlighted including delivering clinical impact and improving interpretability. We used some prototypical examples to highlight the relevance and significance of the adoption of DL in SM, one of them is involving the creation of a model for personalized Parkinson’s disease. The review offers valuable insights and informs the research in DL and SM.
Data-Driven Classification of Spectral Profiles Reveals Brain Region-Specific Plasticity in Blindness
Authors: Lubinus Christina , Orpella Joan , Keitel Anne , Gudi-Mindermann Helene , Engel Andreas K , Roeder Brigitte , Rimmele Johanna M
Published: November 2020

Congenital blindness has been shown to result in behavioral adaptation and neuronal reorganization, but the underlying neuronal mechanisms are largely unknown. Brain rhythms are characteristic for anatomically defined brain regions and provide a putative mechanistic link to cognitive processes. In a novel approach, using magnetoencephalography resting state data of congenitally blind and sighted humans, deprivation-related changes in spectral profiles were mapped to the cortex using clustering and classification procedures. Altered spectral profiles in visual areas suggest changes in visual alpha-gamma band inhibitory-excitatory circuits. Remarkably, spectral profiles were also altered in auditory and right frontal areas showing increased power in theta-to-beta frequency bands in blind compared with sighted individuals, possibly related to adaptive auditory and higher cognitive processing. Moreover, occipital alpha correlated with microstructural white matter properties extending bilaterally across posterior parts of the brain. We provide evidence that visual deprivation selectively modulates spectral profiles, possibly reflecting structural and functional adaptation.
Foraging and Spatial Ecology of a Polydomous Carpenter Ant,Camponotus leydigi(Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in Tropical Cerrado Savanna: A Natural History Account
Authors: Soares Hélio , Oliveira Paulo S
Published: November 2020

Carpenter ants (genus Camponotus) are considered to be predominantly omnivorous, mixing several feeding habits that include predation, scavenging of animal matter, and plant-derived resources. Nitrogen acquisition is crucial for the nutritional ecology of ant colonies because growing larvae require sustainable protein provisioning. Here, we investigate the foraging ecology and the spatial nesting structure of the carpenter ant, Camponotus leydigi Forel, in Brazilian cerrado savanna. By marking workers from different nests with distinct colors, we revealed that C. leydigi occupies physically separated but socially connected nests (up to 30 m apart), a phenomenon known as polydomy. Observational data on aboveground internest movements in C. leydigi corroborate cooperative exchanges between nest units and confirm several types of social connections, including internest transfer of liquid and solid food, transport of colony members (brood, workers), movement of solitary workers, and internest recruitment. Polydomous C. leydigi allocate foragers throughout 1,700 m2, feeding mostly on termites and plant-derived exudates. Influx of exudates is threefold higher compared with solid food. Uric acid pellets excreted by lizards comprise 20% of the solid diet in C. leydigi, a rare quantitative assessment of this peculiar type of nitrogen complementation in ants. Based on video recordings, we hypothesize that nest decentralization in C. leydigi may reduce foraging constraints caused by overt interference by the aggressive ant, Ectatomma brunneum Smith, F. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), which regularly blocks nest entrances. Our field study enhances the importance of natural history data to clarify selective pressures underlying the evolution of particular behavioral patterns (nutritional and nesting habits) in ants.
The changing nature of gender selection into employment over the great recession
Authors: Dolado Juan J , García-Peñalosa Cecilia , Tarasonis Linas
Published: November 2020

The Great Recession has strongly influenced employment patterns across skill and gender groups in EU countries. We analyse how these changes in workforce composition might distort comparisons of conventional measures of gender wage gaps via non-random selection of workers into EU labour markets. We document that male selection (traditionally disregarded) has become positive during the recession, particularly in Southern Europe. As for female selection (traditionally positive), our findings are twofold. Following an increase in the labour-force participation of less-skilled women, due to an added-worker effect, these biases declined in some countries where new female entrants were able to find jobs, whereas they went up in other countries which suffered large female employment losses. Finally, we document that most of these changes in selection patterns were reversed during the subsequent recovery phase, confirming their cyclical nature.
Anomalous Phylogenetic Behavior of Ribosomal Proteins in Metagenome-Assembled Asgard Archaea
Authors: Garg Sriram G , Kapust Nils , Lin Weili , Knopp Michael , Tria Fernando D K , Nelson-Sathi Shijulal , Gould Sven B , Fan Lu , Zhu Ruixin , Zhang Chuanlun , Martin William F
Published: November 2020

Metagenomic studies permit the exploration of microbial diversity in a defined habitat, and binning procedures enable phylogenomic analyses, taxon description, and even phenotypic characterizations in the absence of morphological evidence. Such lineages include asgard archaea, which were initially reported to represent archaea with eukaryotic cell complexity, although the first images of such an archaeon show simple cells with prokaryotic characteristics. However, these metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) might suffer from data quality problems not encountered in sequences from cultured organisms due to two common analytical procedures of bioinformatics: assembly of metagenomic sequences and binning of assembled sequences on the basis of innate sequence properties and abundance across samples. Consequently, genomic sequences of distantly related taxa, or domains, can in principle be assigned to the same MAG and result in chimeric sequences. The impacts of low-quality or chimeric MAGs on phylogenomic and metabolic prediction remain unknown. Debates that asgard archaeal data are contaminated with eukaryotic sequences are overshadowed by the lack of evidence indicating that individual asgard MAGs stem from the same chromosome. Here, we show that universal proteins including ribosomal proteins of asgard archaeal MAGs fail to meet the basic phylogenetic criterion fulfilled by genome sequences of cultured archaea investigated to date: These proteins do not share common evolutionary histories to the same extent as pure culture genomes do, pointing to a chimeric nature of asgard archaeal MAGs. Our analysis suggests that some asgard archaeal MAGs represent unnatural constructs, genome-like patchworks of genes resulting from assembly and/or the binning process.
The Origin and Evolution of Antistasin-like Proteins in Leeches (Hirudinida, Clitellata)
Authors: Iwama Rafael Eiji , Tessler Michael , Siddall Mark E , Kvist Sebastian
Published: November 2020

Bloodfeeding is employed by many parasitic animals and requires specific innovations for efficient feeding. Some of these innovations are molecular features that are related to the inhibition of hemostasis. For example, bloodfeeding insects, bats, and leeches release proteins with anticoagulatory activity through their salivary secretions. The antistasin-like protein family, composed of serine protease inhibitors with one or more antistasin-like domains, is tightly linked to inhibition of hemostasis in leeches. However, this protein family has been recorded also in non-bloodfeeding invertebrates, such as cnidarians, mollusks, polychaetes, and oligochaetes. The present study aims to 1) root the antistasin-like gene tree and delimit the major orthologous groups, 2) identify potential independent origins of salivary proteins secreted by leeches, and 3) identify major changes in domain and/or motif structure within each orthologous group. Five clades containing leech antistasin-like proteins are distinguishable through rigorous phylogenetic analyses based on nine new transcriptomes and a diverse set of comparative data: the trypsin + leukocyte elastase inhibitors clade, the antistasin clade, the therostasin clade, and two additional, unnamed clades. The antistasin-like gene tree supports multiple origins of leech antistasin-like proteins due to the presence of both leech and non-leech sequences in one of the unnamed clades, but a single origin of factor Xa and trypsin + leukocyte elastase inhibitors. This is further supported by three sequence motifs that are exclusive to antistasins, the trypsin + leukocyte elastase inhibitor clade, and the therostasin clade, respectively. We discuss the implications of our findings for the evolution of this diverse family of leech anticoagulants.
Application of machine learning techniques to predict rupture propagation and arrest in 2-D dynamic earthquake simulations
Authors: Ahamed Sabber , Daub Eric G
Published: November 2020

Simulating dynamic earthquake rupture propagation is challenging due to uncertainties in the underlying physics of fault slip, stress conditions and the fault frictional properties. A trial and error approach is often used to determine the unknown parameters describing rupture, though running many simulations usually requires human review to determine how to adjust parameter values and is thus inefficient. We leverage machine learning approaches to reduce computational cost and improve the ability to determine reasonable stress and friction parameters. Two models have been developed using neural networks and the random forest to predict if a rupture can break 2-D geometrically complex fault. We train the models using a database of 1600 dynamic rupture simulations computed numerically. Fault geometry, stress conditions and friction parameters vary in each simulation. Both models distinguish the underlying complex data patterns that reflect the physics of the rupture. For example, our models identify in a quantitative fashion, how higher normal and shear stress components and low static and dynamic friction can be tied to the probability of rupture propagation. Both models are efficient in predicting rupture propagation such that 400 unseen examples are predicted in a fraction of a second, leading to potential applications of dynamic rupture that have previously not been possible due to the computational demands of physics-based rupture simulations.
A viscoelastic model for seismic attenuation using fractal mechanical networks
Authors: Xing Guangchi , Zhu Tieyuan
Published: November 2020

Seismic attenuation (quantified by the quality factor Q) has a significant impact on the seismic waveforms, especially in the fluid-saturated rocks. This dissipative process can be phenomenologically represented by viscoelastic models. Previous seismological studies show that the Q value of Earth media exhibits a nearly frequency-independent behaviour (often referred to as constant-Q in literature) in the seismic frequency range. Such attenuation can be described by the mathematical Kjartansson constant-Q model, which lacks of a physical representation in the viscoelastic sense. Inspired by the fractal nature of the pore fluid distribution in patchy-saturated rocks, here we propose two fractal mechanical network (FMN) models, that is, a fractal tree model and a quasi-fractal ladder model, to phenomenologically represent the frequency-independent Q behaviour. As with the classic viscoelastic models, the FMN models are composed of mechanical elements (spring and dashpots) arranged in different hierarchical patterns. A particular parametrization of each model can produce the same complex modulus as in the Kjartansson model, which leads to the constant-Q. Applying the theory to several typical rock samples, we find that the seismic attenuation signature of these rocks can be accurately represented by either one of the FMN models. Besides, we demonstrate that the ladder model in particular exhibits the realistic multiscale fractal structure of the saturated rocks. Therefore, the FMN models as a proxy could provide a new way to estimate the microscopic rock structure property from macroscopic seismic attenuation observation.
Heat-mortality risk and the population concentration of metropolitan areas in Japan: a nationwide time-series study
Authors: Lee Whanhee , Ebi Kristie L , Kim Yoonhee , Hashizume Masahiro , Honda Yasushi , Hideki Hashimoto , Choi Hayon Michelle , Choi Moonjung , Kim Ho
Published: November 2020

Background

The complex role of urbanisation in heat-mortality risk has not been fully studied. Japan has experienced a rapid population increase and densification in metropolitan areas since the 2000s; we investigated the effects of population concentration in metropolitan areas on heat-mortality risk using nationwide data.

Methods

We collected time-series data for mortality and weather variables for all 47 prefectures in Japan (1980–2015). The prefectures were classified into three sub-areas based on population size: lowest (<1 500 000), intermediate (1 500 000 to 3 000 000), and highest (>3 000 000; i.e. metropolitan areas). Regional indicators associated with the population concentration of metropolitan areas were obtained.

Results

Since the 2000s, the population concentration intensified in the metropolitan areas, with the highest heat-mortality risk in prefectures with the highest population. Higher population density and apartment % as well as lower forest area and medical services were associated with higher heat-mortality risk; these associations have generally become stronger since the 2000s.

Conclusions

Population concentration in metropolitan areas intensified interregional disparities in demography, living environments, and medical services in Japan; these disparities were associated with higher heat-mortality risk. Our results can contribute to policies to reduce vulnerability to high temperatures.
Buprenorphine Prevalence in DUID Cases in Southwestern Virginia: Case Studies and Observations
Authors: Kuhlman James J , Harris Chad , Wright Trista
Published: November 2020

Buprenorphine, a semisynthetic mixed agonist/antagonist opioid used primarily for the treatment of opioid use disorder, was reported in 194 driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) cases in Southwestern Virginia during the period from 2017 through 2019. Identifying and confirming buprenorphine in DUID cases is common in this region. Interpretation is complex due to the large range of concentrations of buprenorphine found in blood and frequent combinations with other therapeutic and abused drugs. Buprenorphine was identified by immunoassay and quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A sensitive method was necessary as one-third of concentrations of buprenorphine and/or norbuprenorphine were <1.0 µg/L. Concentrations of buprenorphine ranged from <0.5 to 11 µg/L (mean 2.5 µg/L, median 1.8 µg/L) and concentrations of norbuprenorphine ranged from <0.5 to >20 µg/L (mean 3.3 µg/L, median 2.2 µg/L). Buprenorphine polysubstance use was common. Only 10% of the cases examined did not contain other drugs confirmed in routine DUID screening tests. The most common drug groups confirmed were benzodiazepines, amphetamines and cannabinoids. The DUID case histories presented represent examples of buprenorphine abuse, buprenorphine with no other drug groups, buprenorphine combined with other drug groups, cases consistent with impairment and cases with minimal impairment. Central nervous system depressant and narcotic analgesic symptoms were commonly observed; however, some cases contained stimulant symptoms. Buprenorphine-to-norbuprenorphine (B/NB) ratios had a mean and median ratio of 1.1 and 0.8, respectively. B/NB ratios >3.0 were found in 4.7% of the cases. The finding of a higher B/NB ratio may indicate a more recent buprenorphine administration and a greater potential for impairment. No relationship between the concentration of buprenorphine and/or norbuprenorphine in blood and the performance on drug recognition expert evaluation or standardized field sobriety tests could be determined.
Iron deficiency-inducible peptide-coding genes OsIMA1 and OsIMA2 positively regulate a major pathway of iron uptake and translocation in rice
Authors: Kobayashi Takanori , Nagano Atsushi J , Nishizawa Naoko K
Published: November 2020

Under low iron (Fe) availability, plants transcriptionally induce various genes responsible for Fe uptake and translocation to obtain adequate amounts of Fe. Although transcription factors and ubiquitin ligases involved in these Fe deficiency responses have been identified, the mechanisms coordinating these pathways have not been clarified in rice. Recently identified Fe-deficiency-inducible IRON MAN (IMA)/FE UPTAKE-INDUCING PEPTIDE (FEP) positively regulates many Fe-deficiency-inducible genes for Fe uptake in Arabidopsis. Here, we report that the expression of two IMA/FEP genes in rice, OsIMA1 and OsIMA2, is strongly induced under Fe deficiency, positively regulated by the transcription factors IDEF1, OsbHLH058, and OsbHLH059, as well as OsIMA1 and OsIMA2 themselves, and negatively regulated by HRZ ubiquitin ligases. Overexpression of OsIMA1 or OsIMA2 in rice conferred tolerance to Fe deficiency and accumulation of Fe in leaves and seeds. These OsIMA-overexpressing rice exhibited enhanced expression of all of the known Fe-deficiency-inducible genes involved in Fe uptake and translocation, except for OsYSL2, a Fe–nicotianamine transporter gene, in roots but not in leaves. Knockdown of OsIMA1 or OsIMA2 caused minor effects, including repression of some Fe uptake- and translocation-related genes in OsIMA1 knockdown roots. These results indicate that OsIMA1 and OsIMA2 play key roles in enhancing the major pathway of the Fe deficiency response in rice.
Absolute Lymphocytes, Ferritin, C-Reactive Protein, and Lactate Dehydrogenase Predict Early Invasive Ventilation in Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Payán-Pernía Salvador , Gómez Pérez Lucía , Remacha Sevilla Ángel F , Sierra Gil Jordi , Novelli Canales Silvana
Published: November 2020

Objective

Early detection of patients with COVID-19 who will need mechanical invasive ventilation (MIV) may aid in delivering proper care and optimizing the use of limited resources.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective observational study, we aimed to identify simple laboratory parameters that in combination with ferritin (a surrogate marker of severe inflammation) may help predict early (first 48 hours) MIV. A total of 160 patients with COVID-19 in whom serum ferritin, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) had been analyzed at admission were included.

Results

We found that ferritin, LDH, ALC, and CRP predicted with 88% accuracy the probability of early MIV. Results indicated that LDH showed the greater area under the curve (AUC), with a value of 89.1%. Using the AUC, we established cutoff values for clinical application. Finally, we developed a classification tree based on LDH for its clinical use.

Conclusion

Ferritin, LDH, ALC, and CRP predict with 88% accuracy the probability of early MIV.
Cherokee Historical Fiction and Indigenous Science Fiction inRiding the Trail of Tears
Authors: Jackson Joshua , Vallowe Megan
Published: November 2020

Turning to Indigenous genre theory, this article interprets Blake M. Hausman's Riding the Trail of Tears (2011) as a work of both Indigenous science fiction and Cherokee historical fiction. By defying the temporal constraints of science fiction and historical fiction, as conventionally defined, the novel imagines Cherokee people effectively resisting Removal via digital, Cherokee-made technology and reclaiming Cherokee historical lands. To understand how historical and tribal specificity combine in the novel's imagination of these possibilities, the authors apply Cherokee literary history and definitions of Cherokee Beloved Path and Chickamauga consciousness to explain how the novel's science fictional framework and historical narrative enable characters to resist settler-colonial technologies of dominance and survive the novel's seemingly infinite loop of Removal. To describe how the novel uses Native-made technologies to connect elements of Cherokee historical fiction to elements of Indigenous science fiction, we combine Allison Adelle Hedge Coke's use of the term throughways with Grace L. Dillon's definition of the genre Native slipstream. The article concludes that discussions of genre, and specifically historical fiction, should pay careful attention to the way that multiple cultural contexts inform definitions of history, time, and space.
Polarized radiation transfer in neutron star surface layers
Authors: Barchas Joseph A , Hu Kun , Baring Matthew G
Published: November 2020

The study of polarized radiation transfer in the highly magnetized surface locales of neutron stars is of great interest to the understanding of accreting X-ray pulsars, rotation-powered pulsars, and magnetars. This paper explores scattering transport in the classical magnetic Thomson domain that is of broad applicability to these neutron star classes. The development of a Monte Carlo simulation for the polarized radiative transfer is detailed: it employs an electric field vector formalism to enable a breadth of utility in relating linear, circular, and elliptical polarizations. The simulation can be applied to any neutron star surface locale, and is adaptable to accretion column and magnetospheric problems. Validation of the code for both intensity and Stokes parameter determination is illustrated in a variety of ways. Representative results for emergent polarization signals from surface layers are presented for both polar and equatorial magnetic locales, exhibiting contrasting signatures between the two regions. There is also a strong dependence of these characteristics on the ratio of the frequency $\, \omega \,$ of a photon to the cyclotron frequency $\, \omega _{\mathrm{B}}=eB/mc\,$. Polarization signatures for high-opacity domains are presented, highlighting compact analytical approximations for the Stokes parameters and anisotropy relative to the local field direction for an extended range of frequencies. These are very useful in defining injection conditions deep in the simulation slab geometries, expediting the generation of emission signals from highly opaque stellar atmospheres. The results are interpreted throughout using the polarization characteristics of the magnetic Thomson differential cross-section.
Photospheric variability of the late B supergiant HD 199478
Authors: Ismailov N Z , Ismayilova Sh K
Published: November 2020

We present the results of spectral studies of the photospheric lines of the late B supergiant HD 199478 (B8 Iae) in the visual range. The radial velocities of photospheric lines, as well as the emission component of the Hα line, demonstrate synchronous variations. The variations in the equivalent widths of the photospheric lines and the emission component of the Нα line tend to be anticorrelated. The parameters of the spectral lines vary quasi-periodically and are characterized by extrema. The time-scales between the nearby extrema are about 25 d, and the full cycle of the quasi-period is about 45 ± 10 d. The D Na i line profiles often exhibit signs of accretion of matter on to the star. It is shown that the observed photometric variability of the star can also be explained by radial pulsations.
SN 2019muj – a well-observed Type Iax supernova that bridges the luminosity gap of the class
Authors: Barna Barnabás , Szalai Tamás , Jha Saurabh W , Camacho-Neves Yssavo , Kwok Lindsey , Foley Ryan J , Kilpatrick Charles D , Coulter David A , Dimitriadis Georgios , Rest Armin , Rojas-Bravo César , Siebert Matthew R , Brown Peter J , Burke Jamison , Padilla Gonzalez Estefania , Hiramatsu Daichi , Howell D Andrew , McCully Curtis , Pellegrino Craig , Dobson Matthew , Smartt Stephen J , Swift Jonathan J , Stacey Holland , Rahman Mohammed , Sand David J , Andrews Jennifer , Wyatt Samuel , Hsiao Eric Y , Anderson Joseph P , Chen Ting-Wan , Della Valle Massimo , Galbany Lluís , Gromadzki Mariusz , Inserra Cosimo , Lyman Joe , Magee Mark , Maguire Kate , Müller-Bravo Tomás E , Nicholl Matt , Srivastav Shubham , Williams Steven C
Published: November 2020

We present early-time (t < +50 d) observations of SN 2019muj (=ASASSN-19tr), one of the best-observed members of the peculiar SN Iax class. Ultraviolet and optical photometric and optical and near-infrared spectroscopic follow-up started from ∼5 d before maximum light [tmax(B) on $58707.8$ MJD] and covers the photospheric phase. The early observations allow us to estimate the physical properties of the ejecta and characterize the possible divergence from a uniform chemical abundance structure. The estimated bolometric light-curve peaks at 1.05 × 1042 erg s−1 and indicates that only 0.031 M⊙ of 56Ni was produced, making SN 2019muj a moderate luminosity object in the Iax class with peak absolute magnitude of $M_\rm {V} = -16.4$ mag. The estimated date of explosion is t0 = $58698.2$ MJD and implies a short rise time of trise = 9.6 d in B band. We fit of the spectroscopic data by synthetic spectra, calculated via the radiative transfer code tardis. Adopting the partially stratified abundance template based on brighter SNe Iax provides a good match with SN 2019muj. However, without earlier spectra, the need for stratification cannot be stated in most of the elements, except carbon, which is allowed to appear in the outer layers only. SN 2019muj provides a unique opportunity to link extremely low-luminosity SNe Iax to well-studied, brighter SNe Iax.
Long-term X-ray variability of the symbiotic system RT Cru based on Chandra spectroscopy
Authors: Danehkar A , Karovska M , Drake J J , Kashyap V L
Published: November 2020

RT Cru belongs to the rare class of hard X-ray emitting symbiotics, whose origin is not yet fully understood. In this work, we have conducted a detailed spectroscopic analysis of X-ray emission from RT Cru based on observations taken by the Chandra Observatory using the Low Energy Transmission Grating (LETG) on the High-Resolution Camera Spectrometer (HRC-S) in 2015 and the High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) on the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer S-array (ACIS-S) in 2005. Our thermal plasma modelling of the time-averaged HRC-S/LETG spectrum suggests a mean temperature of kT ∼ 1.3 keV, whereas kT ∼ 9.6 keV according to the time-averaged ACIS-S/HETG. The soft thermal plasma emission component (∼1.3 keV) found in the HRC-S is heavily obscured by dense materials (>5 × 1023 cm−2). The aperiodic variability seen in its light curves could be due to changes in either absorbing material covering the hard X-ray source or intrinsic emission mechanism in the inner layers of the accretion disc. To understand the variability, we extracted the spectra in the ‘low/hard’ and ‘high/soft’ spectral states, which indicated higher plasma temperatures in the low/hard states of both the ACIS-S and HRC-S. The source also has a fluorescent iron emission line at 6.4 keV, likely emitted from reflection off an accretion disc or dense absorber, which was twice as bright in the HRC-S epoch compared to the ACIS-S. The soft thermal component identified in the HRC-S might be an indication of a jet that deserves further evaluations using high-resolution imaging observations.
4-Hydroxyestradiol improves mouse embryo quality, epidermal growth factor-binding capabilityin vitroand implantation rates
Authors: Hernández Nuria , López-Morató Marta , Perianes Mario J , Sánchez-Mateos Soledad , Casas-Rua Vanessa , Domínguez-Arroyo José Antonio , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco M , Álvarez Ignacio S
Published: November 2020

Embryo implantation in the uterus is a critical step to achieve success following ART. Despite favorable uterine conditions, a great number of good quality embryos fail to implant, often for reasons that are unknown. Hence, improving the implantation potential of embryos is a subject of great interest. 4-Hydroxyestradiol (4-OH-E2), a metabolic product of estradiol produced by endometrial cells, plays a key role in endometrial–embryonic interactions that are necessary for implantation. Nonetheless, the effects of 4-OH-E2 on embryos obtained in vitro have not been yet described. This study was designed to determine whether culture media enriched in 4-OH-E2 could improve the quality and implantation rate of embryos obtained in vitro, using both in vitro and in vivo models. We also analyzed its effects on the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-binding capability of the embryos. Our results showed that the presence of 4-OH-E2 in the culture media of embryos during the morula to blastocyst transition increases embryo quality and attachment to endometrial cells in vitro. 4-OH-E2 can also improve viable pregnancy rates of mouse embryos produced in vitro, reaching success rates that are similar to those from embryos obtained directly from the uterus. 4-OH-E2 improved the embryos’ ability to bind EGF, which could be responsible for the increased embryo implantation potential observed. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that 4-OH-E2 is a strong candidate molecule to supplement human IVF culture media in order to improve embryo implantation. However, further research is required before these findings can be translated with efficacy and safety to fertility clinics.
Frailty and the risk of kidney function decline in the elderly population: the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study
Authors: Wang Mengjing , Sun Xuehui , Zhang Weichen , Zhang Qian , Qian Jing , Chen Weisheng , Yao Shun , Jin Li , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Wang Xiaofeng , Chen Jing
Published: November 2020

Background

The diverse risk factors for kidney impairments suggest that kidney function decline is more likely to occur in individuals with a broadly constituted health deficit. Here we conducted a longitudinal cohort study to evaluate the association of baseline frailty status with the risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline.

Methods

Overall, 1269 participants aged 70–84 years from Rugao Longevity and Ageing cohort with 3-year follow-up were included. Frailty was measured using a modified Fried frailty assessment. GFR was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Associations between baseline frailty status and rapid eGFR decline were examined by multinomial logistic analysis. A linear mixed-effect model was used to determine eGFR decline in mL/min/1.73 m2 over the study period comparing those with frail or prefrail at baseline versus those with robust status.

Results

The mean (± standard deviation) age of participants was 75.1 ± 3.8 years. A total of 144 (11%) participants had rapid eGFR decline by at least 10% during the 3-year follow-up. Compared with robust status, baseline frail status was associated with a 2.48-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–4.95] increased risk of rapid eGFR decline after multiple adjustments. In multivariate linear mixed model analysis, subjects with frail status but not prefrail status at baseline had a significant coefficient of −1.70 (95% CI −3.35 to −0.04) for the frail × visit term, which indicates an accelerated eGFR decline compared with robust subjects over the study period (P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Frailty may serve as an independent biomarker to predict the decline of kidney function.