bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On a question of D. Serre
Authors: De Rosa Luigi , Tione Riccardo
Published: April 2020

In this paper we give a negative answer to the question posed in D. Serre (Ann. Inst. Henri Poincaré C Anal. Non linéaire 35 (2018) 1209–1234, Open Question 2.1) about possible gains of integrability of determinants of divergence-free, non-negative definite matrix-fields. We also analyze the case in which the matrix-field is given by the Hessian of a convex function.
Electrical and thermal conductivity of heavily doped n-type silicon
Authors: Gebru Mulugeta Habte
Published: April 2020

In this paper electrical and thermal conductivity coefficients of heavily doped n-Silicon have been derived based on parabolic and modified density of states having band tails. The derivation uses Boltzmann transport equation with relaxation time arising from ionized impurity scattering mechanism as a dominant scattering mechanism compared to the phonon scattering mechanism where the calculations are made at room temperature. Note that semi-classical and quantum mechanics treatments are employed during discussion of scattering mechanisms and calculation of transport coefficients for parabolic and modified density of states having band tails considerations. There is significant variation of electrical and thermal conductivity as well as Weidman-Franz ratio as much as 30%, 101.86%, and 0.66% respectively.
Praxisbeispiel Rhizarthrose
Authors: Rudolf Sylvia
Published: April 2020

Frau M. ist 54 Jahre alt und hat beidseitig Rhizarthrose. Als sie sich in der handtherapeutischen Praxis vorstellt, ist ihr Leidensdruck sehr hoch. Die starken Schmerzen machen es unmöglich, ihrem Beruf als Servicekraft in einer Reha-Klinik weiter nachzugehen. Ihre Handtherapeutin, Sylvia Rudolf, beschreibt die Behandlung von Frau M. von der Aufnahme bis zum Abschlussbefund.
Register und Studien in der Gesellschaft für
Pädiatrische Onkologie und Hämatologie (GPOH) – Welchen
Beitrag leisten sie zum Fortschritt?
Authors: Klingebiel Thomas , Jürgens Heribert , Glauche Ingmar , Gnekow Astrid , Kandels Daniela , Woessmann Willi , Schneider Dominik T. , Suttorp Meinolf
Published: April 2020

Krebserkrankungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen unter 18 Jahren sind selten; im
Jahr 2017 wurden ca. 2220 Neuerkrankungen in Deutschland an das Deutsche
Kinderkrebsregister gemeldet. Ziel der GPOH war es immer, möglichst alle
betroffenen Patienten standardisiert, am besten in prospektiven, kontrollierten
Studien, zu behandeln. Diese Vorgabe hat auch der Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss in
der Kinderonkologierichtlinie festgeschrieben. In einer Umfrage unter den
Studienleitern der GPOH wurde ermittelt, wie sich nach der geänderten
Arzneimittelgesetzgebung, die Zahl der klinischen Studien verändert hat.
Im Jahr 2002 waren 33 Therapieoptimierungs-studien (TOS) der GPOH
geöffnet. Insgesamt ist ein Rückgang der TOS von 33 im Jahre
2002 auf 2 im Jahre 2017 zu verzeichnen. Die Zahl der Arzneimittelstudien hat
sich bis zum Jahr 2017 auf 16 erhöht (knapp 1100 erfasste Patienten).
Zeitgleich hat sich die Zahl der klinischen Register auf 28 erhöht mit
insgesamt mehr als 1800 dort erfassten Patienten. Diese Beobachtung zeigt, dass
die klinischen Register eine neue Bedeutung in der pädiatrischen
Onkologie bekommen haben. An 3 Beispielen wird dargelegt, welche
Beiträge Register im Verhältnis zu Studien zur Behandlung der
Patienten und zum wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt leisten können.
Zusammengefasst verdeutlichen die bisherigen Erfahrungen aus den diskutierten
Beispielen, dass Studien und Register wechselseitig eine sinnvolle und
notwendige Ergänzung der Studiengruppenstruktur in der Kinderonkologie
darstellen.
Zink und Lebererkrankungen
Authors: Grüngreiff Kurt , Gottstein Thomas
Published: April 2020

Zink ist ein essenzielles Spurenelement mit vielfältigen biologischen Wirkungen. Die Leber ist das Hauptorgan des Zinkstoffwechsels und nimmt eine zentrale Stellung bei der Erhaltung der Zinkhomöostase des Körpers ein. Es bestehen enge Wechselbeziehungen zwischen der Leber und Zink. Während ein Zinkmangel zu einer Verschlechterung zahlreicher Leberfunktionen führen kann, finden sich bei Lebererkrankungen Zinkmangelzustände, die zu einer Beeinträchtigung verschiedener Leberfunktionen beitragen. Ein Zinkmangel ist weniger von der Genese, als viel mehr von der Schwere der Leberschädigung – Fibrose oder Zirrhose mit oder ohne portaler bzw. metabolischer Dekompensation – und dem Auftreten von Komplikationen (Aszites, hepatische Enzepalopathie, hepatozelluläres Karzinom, Infektionen) abhängig. Bei Nachweis eines Zinkmangels ist bei jeder Lebererkrankung eine gezielte Zinksubstitution unter Laborkontrolle angezeigt.
An Unusual Triazole Synthesis from Aurones
Authors: Handy Scott T. , Kafle Arjun , Bhattarai Shrijiana
Published: April 2020

Attempts to prepare azido-substituted aurones via a copper-catalyzed azidation failed to afford the desired product, but instead resulted in an unusual triazole formation reaction. Further efforts noted that copper was not required for this reaction, but simply thermal treatment with sodium azide in a polar aprotic solvent. A wide range of substitution patterns were tolerated in this reaction to afford the interesting salicyl-substituted triazoles in modest to excellent yield. While the mechanism is not yet clear, a simple elimination/cyclization pathway seems unlikely given the failure of the reaction on the corresponding thioaurones, which feature an even better thiol leaving group. Regardless, the potential utility of these easily accessible, multifunctional compounds should engender further interest and applications.
Comparative Distalization Effects Of Conventional Pendulum Appliance And Bone Anchored Pendulum Appliance
Authors: Soans Crystal Runa , Shetty Ashutosh , P.S Murali , Mohammed Azhar , Nayak U.S Krishna , Shashidhar Keerthan
Published: April 2020

Introduction: The introduction of intraosseous screws as temporary orthodontic anchorage devices has proved successful in achieving sufficient molar distalization without major anchorage loss in Class II malocclusions. Bone-anchored pendulum appliance is used to obtain an effective and compliance-free molar distalization without anchorage loss.

Aims And Objectives: This prospective study was designed to evaluate and compare the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects produced by 2 types of pendulum appliance with different anchorage modalities - the Bone anchored pendulum appliance (BAPA) and Conventional pendulum appliance (CPA) in subjects with Angle's ClassII malocclusion.

Materials and Methods: BAPA group consisted of 5 patients with mean age, 16.4±1.5 years. The CPA group consisted of 5 patients with mean age, 16.6±1.1 years. Lateral cephalograms & dental casts were obtained at pre-treatment stage & after achieving Class I molar relation. Dentoalveolar, skeletal, soft tissue measurements and dental cast measurement were recorded & compared between the groups.

Results and Conclusions: Successful distalization was achieved in both groups in a mean period of 6.2 months for BAPA and 5.2 months for CPA. It was concluded that, both theBAPA and CPA were effective for the distalization of maxillary molars. Though the distal molar movements obtained were similar between the BAPA and the CPA groups, anchorage loss was observed with the CPA in the form of premolar mesialization & incisor proclination, whereas absence of anchorage loss, significant spontaneous distal premolar movement, and distal incisor movement was observed with the BAPA, making it a viable choice compared to the CPA.
Knowledge on Health Consequences of Early and Late Marriage among Students at Selected College, East Sikkim
Authors: Shadap Arkierupaia , Devi Thoibi , Sharma Anjana , Sapkota Anu , Sharma Yamuna , Basnett Srijana , Sharma Ashma , Thapa Binita , Bhutia Kesang , Bhutia Pema D. , Bhutia Karma Doma , Bhutia Tashi Lamu , Bhutia Passang Kee , Subba Sunita , Rai Karishma , Sherpa Passang Dikki
Published: April 2020

Marriage is the blending together of two lives, two personalities of the opposite sex for as long as two shall live in this world. It is the building law of God and protects the mankind. But early and late marriage may have an adverse health consequence. A study was conducted to assess the knowledge on health consequences of early and late marriage among students at selected college of Sikkim. Investigators adopted the quantitative approach using the descriptive survey research design through convenient sampling technique. Structured knowledge questionnaire on health consequences of early and late marriage were developed and sent for validation to experts before collecting the data. Result shows that majority 84% and 49% has moderate knowledge, 12% and 47% has poor knowledge and 4% each has good knowledge on health consequences of early and late marriage respectively. The study reveals that there was no significant association of knowledge on health consequences of early and late marriage.
A Delphi Approach to Developing a Core Competency Framework for Registered Nurses in Karnataka, India
Authors: R. Hemalatha , Shakuntala B.S.
Published: April 2020

This paper describes the results of a modified Delphi approach to gain consensus on a core competency framework for entry level nursing graduates in Karnataka. Based on extensive review of literature, A series of semi structured questionnaires were mailed to fifteen experts from nursing education and Practice and after refining and validating the competency statements consensus in core competency framework emerged consisting of nine distinct Domains - Valuing Human Beings, Professional Nursing Practice, Communication and Interpersonal Relationship, Professional, Legal and Ethical framework, Knowledge and application of knowledge, collaborative therapeutic Practice, Research Utilization , Management of Nursing Services, Professional Advancement with accompanying competency elements and Performance Criteria. . This core competency framework based on the Indian Nursing Council's Standards of Nursing Practice was developed as a benchmark to outline the minimum entry level competencies for new nursing graduates. This study finds potential value in standardising the Competencies to be acquired for nursing graduates and also setting the path forward for a Competency Based Assessment.
Protocol for a Systematic Review of Rationing of Nursing Care
Authors: Mandal Lata , Seethalakshmi A. , Babu Anitha Rajendra
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To identify and synthesize the findings of studies related to “rationing of nursing care”.

Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta analysis (PRISMA) guidelines will be followed in this review and literature searches will be conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Psyc Info, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. Only quantitative studies meeting the predetermined inclusion criteria, quality standards and credibility will be synthesised using narrative synthesis.

Results: A descriptive synthesis of the findings of the selected studies will be carried out which will be presented in narrative summary with statistical findings incorporated.

Conclusion: This review will provide a synthesis of up to date evidence regarding the rationing of care by nurses. It will also support the hypothesis that rationing of care has effects on patients and nurses and explore relationship of rationing of care with patients and nursing outcome.
Prevalence of Sleep-Related Disordered Breathing among Acromegaly Patients and its Correlation to Cephalometric Parameters: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Sreejith M , Ganie Mohd Ashraf , Goswami Ravinder , Tandon Nikhil , Guleria Randeep , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA) are quite common and are the leading causes of mortality in acromegaly. OSA in acromegaly is generally attributed to changes in oropharyngeal soft tissues. Data on OSA in Indian acromegaly are scant, especially cephalometric findings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the burden of SRBDs in acromegaly and its correlation to cephalometric parameters.

Materials and Methods

A total of 32 subjects (20 men and 12 women), diagnosed with acromegaly on the basis of standard clinical, biochemical, and hormonal measurements were recruited. In addition to the above parameters, polysomnography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pharynx were performed in all subjects.

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 42.66 ± 11.13 years (range = 26–66) and mean duration of study after first presentation was 7.6 ± 6.3 years (range = 0.25–32). A total of 28 of 32 (93.3%) subjects had sellar MRI documented macroadenomas while 20 (62.5%) patients were treatment naive at the time of assessment. Twenty-nine (90.6%) patients had evidence of SRBD and all of them had OSA subtype. The Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) indicating severity of OSA (mild 21.8%, moderate 34.4%, and severe 34.4%) correlated positively with tongue length, uvula length, and uvula thickness on MRI. However, AHI had no correlation with the severity of GH excess or disease activity or individual parameters such as weight, body mass index, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, serum human growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 level.

Conclusion

SRBD, the generally overlooked comorbidity, is highly prevalent in subjects with acromegaly and is almost always due to OSA, the severity of which correlates positively with tongue and uvula size. Well-designed, long-term follow-up study on a large cohort of acromegalic patients is required to improve our understanding on the subject.
Influence of aluminum substitution on microstructural, electrical, dielectric, and electromagnetic properties of sol-gel synthesized yttrium iron garnet (YIG)
Authors: Musa Makiyyu Abdullahi , Azis Raba’ah Syahidah , Dong Xiangting , Osman Nurul Huda , Hassan Jumiah , Muhammad Farah Diana , Mokhtar Nurhidayaty
Published: April 2020

Aluminum-substituted Yttrium iron garnet (Al-YIG) (Y3AlxFe5−xO12; x = 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0), samples were synthesized via an auto-combustion sol-gel technique. The obtained powder was heated at 950 °C, pressed into pellets, and sintered at 1200 °C. The sample microstructures were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The average grain size decreased from 0.46 μm at x = 0.4 to a minimum value of 0.33 μm at x = 2.0. The elemental composition of the samples was studied by energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), while the bulk density was measured by the Archimedes principle. Electrical and dielectric measurements were carried out using an Agilent impedance analyzer. Generally, the sample resistivity decreased with Al concentration. At 1 MHz frequency, the sample x = 0.4 has the highest resistivity of 2.19 × 105 Ωm, which decreases down to its minimum value of 1.75 × 104 Ωm at x = 2.0. The dielectric constant for all the samples decreased with frequency. For the sample x = 0.4, the ε′r decreased from 49.03 at 40 Hz to 8.08 at 1 MHz. The dielectric loss tangent, tan δ, decreased with increasing frequency, while it increased with Al substitution. Permeability values were calculated from permittivity data. The real permeability decreased from 1263.12 at x = 0.4 to 6.96 at x = 1.2 and decreased down to 11.74 at x = 2.0. The high dielectric constant, low resistivity, and low loss values of the samples indicate their suitability for miniaturization of radio frequency devices, antenna, and filter resonators.
Dynamics of reconfigurable artificial spin ice: Toward magnonic functional materials
Authors: Gliga Sebastian , Iacocca Ezio , Heinonen Olle G.
Published: April 2020

Over the past few years, the study of magnetization dynamics in artificial spin ices has become a vibrant field of study. Artificial spin ices are ensembles of geometrically arranged, interacting magnetic nanoislands, which display frustration by design. These were initially created to mimic the behavior in rare earth pyrochlore materials and to study emergent behavior and frustration using two-dimensional magnetic measurement techniques. Recently, it has become clear that it is possible to create artificial spin ices, which can potentially be used as functional materials. In this perspective, we review the resonant behavior of spin ices in the GHz frequency range, focusing on their potential application as magnonic crystals. In magnonic crystals, spin waves are functionalized for logic applications by means of band structure engineering. While it has been established that artificial spin ices can possess rich mode spectra, the applicability of spin ices to create magnonic crystals hinges upon their reconfigurability. Consequently, we describe recent work aiming to develop techniques and create geometries allowing full reconfigurability of the spin ice magnetic state. We also discuss experimental, theoretical, and numerical methods for determining the spectral response of artificial spin ices and give an outlook on new directions for reconfigurable spin ices.
Differential cross sections and collision-induced rotational alignment in inelastic scattering of NO(X) by Xe
Authors: Brouard Mark , Chadwick Helen , Gordon Sean D. S. , Heid Cornelia G. , Hornung Balazs , Nichols Bethan , Kłos Jacek , Jambrina Pablo G. , Aoiz F. Javier
Published: April 2020

Fully Λ-doublet resolved differential cross sections and collision-induced rotational alignment moments have been measured for the NO(X)–Xe collision system at a collision energy of 519 cm−1. The experiments combine initial quantum state selection, employing a hexapole inhomogeneous electric field, with quantum state resolved detection, using (1+1′) resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization and velocity map ion imaging. The differential cross sections and polarization dependent differential cross sections are shown to agree well with quantum mechanical scattering calculations performed on ab initio potential energy surfaces [J. Kłos et al. J. Chem. Phys. 137, 014312 (2012)]. By comparison with quasi-classical trajectory calculations, quantum mechanical scattering calculations on a hard-shell potential, and kinematic apse model calculations, the effects of the attractive part of the potential on the measured differential cross sections and collision-induced rotational alignment moments are assessed.
The emergent field of high entropy oxides: Design, prospects, challenges, and opportunities for tailoring material properties
Authors: Musicó Brianna L. , Gilbert Dustin , Ward Thomas Zac , Page Katharine , George Easo , Yan Jiaqiang , Mandrus David , Keppens Veerle
Published: April 2020

A new class of ceramics, called entropy stabilized oxides, High Entropy Oxides (HEOs), multicomponent oxides, compositionally complex oxides, or polycation oxides, has generated considerable research interest since the first report in 2015. This multicomponent approach has created new opportunities for materials design and discovery. This Perspective will highlight some current research developments and possible applications while also providing an overview of the many successfully synthesized HEO systems to date. The polycation approach to composition development will be discussed along with a few case studies, challenges, and future possibilities afforded by this novel class of materials.
Adhesive bonding strategies to fabricate high-strength and transparent 3D printed microfluidic device
Authors: Kecili Seren , Tekin H. Cumhur
Published: April 2020

Recently, the use of 3D printing technologies has become prevalent in microfluidic applications. Although these technologies enable low-cost, rapid, and easy fabrication of microfluidic devices, fabricated devices suffer from optical opaqueness that inhibits their use for microscopic imaging. This study investigates bonding strategies using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and printer resin as interlayer materials to fabricate high-strength optically transparent 3D-printed microfluidic devices. First, we fabricated microfluidic structures using a stereolithography 3D printer. We placed 3D-printed structures on interlayer materials coated surfaces. Then, we either let these 3D-printed structures rest on the coated slides or transferred them to new glass slides. We achieved bonding between 3D-printed structures and glass substrates with UV exposure for resin and with elevated temperature for PDMS interlayer materials. Bonding strength was investigated for different interlayer material thicknesses. We also analyzed the bright-field and fluorescence imaging capability of microfluidic devices fabricated using different bonding strategies. We achieve up to twofold (9.1 bar) improved bonding strength and comparable fluorescence sensitivity with respect to microfluidic devices fabricated using the traditional plasma activated PDMS-glass bonding method. Although stereolithography 3D printer allows fabrication of enclosed channels having dimensions down to ∼600 μm, monolithic transparent microfluidic channels with 280 × 110 μm2 cross section can be realized using adhesive interlayers. Furthermore, 3D-printed microfluidic chips can be integrated successfully with Protein-G modified substrates using resin interlayers for detection of fluorescent-labeled immunoglobulin down to ∼30 ng/ml. Hence, this strategy can be applied to fabricate high-strength and transparent microfluidic chips for various optical imaging applications including biosensing.
Effect of wheat- or oat-straw inclusion with wheat bran or corn grain in prepartum diets on postpartum performance of transition dairy cows
Authors: Iqbal Z. , Rashid M. A. , Pasha T. N. , Bhatti J. A.
Published: April 2020

Current study evaluated the effects of feeding straw source and energy supplementation during prepartum period on postpartum production performance and changes in blood metabolites of crossbred dairy cows. Twenty-eight crossbred (Holstein × Sahiwal) cows were randomly assigned to one of the following four dietary treatments: (1) wheat straw and corn grain (WSCG), (2) wheat straw and wheat bran (WSWB), (3) oat straw and corn grain (OSCG) and (4) oat straw and wheat bran (OSWB) in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. Iso-nitrogenous diets fed as ad libitum total mixed ration contained 25% wheat straw (WS) or oat straw (OS) and 10% corn grain (CG) or wheat bran (WB). Experimental duration was 42 days before and 56 days after calving. After calving, all animals were fed a similar lactation diet. Pre- and postpartum dry-matter intake % of BW was not affected by treatments. Prepartum energy balance (EBAL) was higher for OS than WS and higher for CG than WB animals. Postpartum EBAL was higher in the WSCG than OSCG treatment. Milk production and composition were not affected by straw source or energy concentrate. Milk yield at Weeks 1, 2 and 3 was higher in the WSWB than WSCG and OSWB treatments. Total solids and feed efficiency were higher in the WSWB than WSCG treatment. Postpartum plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was higher in the WS than the OS diet; however, the measured values were within normal limits. Postpartum plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was not affected by straw source or energy concentrate. Cows fed WSWB prepartum were in positive EBAL, before and after calving, closer to the recommended requirements. Moreover, cows fed WSWB had a lower incidence of health disorders and subclinical ketosis, higher milk production and better feed conversion efficiency during first 3 weeks after calving.
Application of single-step GBLUP in New Zealand Romney sheep
Authors: Nilforooshan M. A.
Published: April 2020

Context
In New Zealand, Romney is the most predominant breed and is reared as a dual-purpose sheep. The number of genotypes is rapidly increasing in the sheep population, and making use of both genotypes and pedigree information is of importance for genetic evaluations. Single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) is a method for simultaneous prediction of genetic merits for genotyped and non-genotyped animals. The combination and the compatibility of the genomic relationship matrix (G) and the pedigree relationship matrix for genotyped animals (A22) is important for unbiased ssGBLUP.

Aims
The aim of the present study was to find an optimum genetic relationship matrix for ssGBLUP weaning-weight evaluation of Romney sheep in New Zealand.

Methods
Data consisted of adjusted weaning weights for 2422011 sheep, 50K single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes for 13304 animals and 3028688 animals in the pedigree. Blending of G and A22 was tested with weights (k) ranging from 0.2 to 0.99 (kG + (1 – k)A22), followed by none or one of the three methods of tuning G to A22.

Key results
The averages of G and A22 were close to each other for overall, diagonal and off-diagonal elements. Therefore, differently tuned G performed similarly. However, elements of G showed larger variation than did the elements of A22 and, on average, genotyped animals were less related in G than in A22. Correlations between genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) for the top 500 genotyped animals, as well as the rank correlations, were almost 1 among ssGBLUP evaluations using tuned G. The corresponding correlations with BLUP evaluations were increased by blending G with a larger proportion of A22, and were further increased by tuning G, indicating improved compatibility between G and A22. Blending and tuning G suppressed the inflation of GEBV and bias and it moved the genetic trend closer to the genetic trend obtained from BLUP.

Conclusions
A combination of blending and tuning G to A22, with a blending rate of 0.5 at most, is recommended for weaning weight of Romney sheep in New Zealand. Failure to do that resulted in inflated GEBV that can reduce the accuracy of selection, especially for genotyped animals.

Implications
There is a growing interest in the single-step GBLUP method for simultaneous genetic evaluation of genotyped and non-genotyped animals, in which genomic and pedigree relationship matrices are admixed. Using data from New Zealand Romney sheep, we have shown that adjustment of the genomic relationship matrix on the basis of the pedigree relationship matrix is necessary to avoid inflated evaluations. Improving the compatibility between genomic and pedigree relationship matrices is important for obtaining accurate and unbiased single-step GBLUP evaluations.
Influence of fire severity and vegetation treatments on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) winter habitat use on the Kaibab Plateau, Arizona
Authors: Bristow Kirby D. , Harding Larisa E. , Lucas Richard W. , McCall Thomas C.
Published: April 2020

Context
Wildfire and vegetation treatments affect mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations across the western United States. However, the relative influence of fire and treatments on habitat use by mule deer in Arizona is not well defined.

Aims
We examined locations of mule deer on the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona, so as to determine the influence of vegetation treatments and wildfire severity on deer habitat-use patterns across their winter range where fires and treatments had occurred previously.

Methods
We used locations (n = 11297) from 21 adult female mule deer fitted with global positioning system collars to model probability of use as a function of habitat covariates.

Key results
The best model describing winter-range habitat use by mule deer on the Kaibab Plateau included covariates describing the age of vegetation treatments and fire severity. Increased deer use in winter was associated with areas of lower terrain ruggedness and reduced snow depths. Deer use also increased in areas that experienced a higher average fire severity, resulting in decreased vegetation heights. Among treatment age classes, deer use was greatest in areas containing vegetation treatments that were ≤6 years old, but negatively associated with treatments that were >6 years old.

Conclusions
Vegetation treatments designed to remove or reduce less palatable tree and shrub species to improve forage conditions may increase the use of winter habitats by deer on the Kaibab Plateau. Similarly, prescribed fire and rangeland treatments designed to return areas to a more natural fire regime and, thereby, generate new plant growth, may improve winter-range habitat conditions for mule deer.

Implications
Similar treatment strategies may also benefit mule deer populations throughout the western USA, by improving forage conditions on critical habitats and reducing the potential for catastrophic wildfire.
Effects of an antler velvet-based natural compound on osteoporosis in a rodent model
Authors: Zhao Haiping , Wang Xuehua , Wang Zhen , Du Fangzhou , Li Haitao , Li Chunyi
Published: April 2020

Context
Velvet antlers (VA) are claimed to have the effects on osteoporosis in traditional Chinese medicine.

Aims
So as to scientifically confirm this claim, a VA-based compound (VAC, the mixture of upper part of VA, deer blood, and calcined oyster shell powder in a ratio of 4:1:1) was produced and administered to osteoporotic model rats, with osteoporosis being induced by retinoic acid via gavage.

Methods
In total, 48 rats were used and divided into six groups (8/group). Concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in the rat serum were measured, and bone ash weight, concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in rat femur were measured. Bone biomechanical test was performed using a computer-controlled three-point bending tester. Ratio of trabecular bone area to tissue area in a given view field of the femoral tissue section was histologically examined and calculated. Bone histomorphometry was measured using micro-CT.

Key results
No significant difference was found between the VAC-treated groups and the positive control (alendronate sodium) on the basis of the following tested parameters: (1) levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in rat serum; (2) maximum load value (N) of femur and maximum compression force of lumbar vertebra; (3) concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in femur; (4) ratio of trabecular bone area to tissue area; and (5) bone histomorphometry.

Conclusions
Effects of VAC used in the present study on osteoporosis in the model rats were comparable to the alendronate sodium (western medicine for treating osteoporosis) on the basis of our selected parameters.

Implications
This compound has the potential to be developed as an effective traditional Chinese medicine for clinic use to treat osteoporosis.
We need to worry about Bella and Charlie: the impacts of pet cats on Australian wildlife
Authors: Legge Sarah , Woinarski John C. Z. , Dickman Chris R. , Murphy Brett P. , Woolley Leigh-Ann , Calver Mike C.
Published: April 2020

Research and management attention on the impacts of the introduced domestic cat (Felis catus) on Australian fauna have focussed mainly on the feral population. Here, we summarise the evidence for impacts of predation by pet cats on Australian wildlife. We collate examples of local wildlife population decline and extirpation as a result, at least in part, of predation by pet cats. We assemble information across 66 studies of predation by pet cats worldwide (including 24 Australian studies) to estimate the predation toll of pet cats in Australia, plus the predation pressure per unit area in residential areas. We compared these estimates to those published for feral cats in Australia. The per capita kill rate of pet cats is 25% that of feral cats. However, pet cats live at much higher densities, so the predation rate of pets per square kilometre in residential areas is 28–52 times larger than predation rates by feral cats in natural environments, and 1.3–2.3 times greater than predation rates per km2 by feral cats living in urban areas. Pet cats kill introduced species more often than do feral cats living in natural environments, but, nonetheless, the toll of native animals killed per square kilometre by pet cats in residential areas is still much higher than the toll per square kilometre by feral cats. There is no evidence that pet cats exert significant control of introduced species. The high predation toll of pet cats in residential areas, the documented examples of declines and extirpations in populations of native species caused by pet cats, and potential pathways for other, indirect effects (e.g. from disease, landscapes of fear, ecological footprints), and the context of extraordinary impacts from feral cats on Australian fauna, together support a default position that pet cat impacts are serious and should be reduced. From a technical perspective, the pet cat impacts can be reduced more effectively and humanely than those of feral cats, while also enhancing pet cat welfare. We review the management options for reducing predation by pet cats, and discuss the opportunities and challenges for improved pet cat management and welfare.
The He/Ne beam diagnostic for line-ratio spectroscopy in the island divertor of Wendelstein 7-X
Authors: Barbui T. , Bozhenkov S.A. , Effenberg F. , Favreau C. , Flom E. , Fuchert G. , Drews P. , Hammond K. , Jakubowski M. , Killer C. , König R. , Krychowiak M. , Loch S. , Burgos J. Muñoz , Pasch E. , Schmitz O. , Scott E.R. , Vecsei M. , Zoletnik S. ,   the W7-X Team
Published: April 2020

a versatile gas injection system and an absolute calibrated spectroscopic observation system with more than 200 lines-of-sight have been installed in two divertor locations in the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator. This powerful setup enables among other measurements to infer T

e
and n

e
in the divertor region by means of line-ratio spectroscopy on thermal helium. This is a robust and routinely used diagnostic at W7-X and this work describes its main characteristics and shows some examples of T

e
and n

e
profiles. In particular it is shown that the inclusion of high Rydberg states in the helium collisional-radiative model is necessary to obtain a realistic estimate of T

e
. The applicability of the diagnostic is currently being extended towards the low T

e
and high n

e
conditions occurring during detachment by means of line-ratio spectroscopy on neon. Initial T

e
, n

e
profiles obtained with a neon-beam are here presented.
Agricultural intensification and land use change: assessing country-level induced intensification, land sparing and rebound effect
Authors: García Virginia Rodríguez , Gaspart Frédéric , Kastner Thomas , Meyfroidt Patrick
Published: April 2020

In the context of growing societal demands for land-based products, crop production can be increased through expanding cropland or intensifying production on cultivated land. Intensification can allow sparing land for nature, but it can also drive further expansion of cropland, i.e. a rebound effect. Conversely, constraints on cropland expansion may induce intensification. We tested these hypotheses by investigating the bidirectional relationships between changes in cropland area and intensity, using a global cross-country panel dataset over 55 years, from 1961 to 2016. We used a cointegration approach with additional tests to disentangle long- and short-run causal relations between variables, and total factor productivity and yields as two measures of intensification. Over the long run we found support for the induced intensification thesis for low-income countries. In the short run, intensification resulted in a rebound effect in middle-income countries, which include many key agricultural producers strongly competitive in global agricultural commodity markets. This rebound effect manifested for commodities with high price-elasticity of demand, including rubber, flex crops (sugarcane, oil palm and soybean), and tropical fruits. Over the long run, strong rebound effects remained for key commodities such as flex crops and rubber. The intensification of staple cereals such as wheat and rice resulted in significant land sparing. Intensification in low-income countries, driven by increases in total factor productivity, was associated with a stronger rebound effect than yields increases. Agglomeration economies may drive yield increases for key tropical commodity crops. Our study design enables the analysis of other complex long- and short-run causal dynamics in land and social-ecological systems.
The Godbillon–Vey invariant as a restricted Casimir of three-dimensional ideal fluids*
Authors: Machon Thomas
Published: April 2020

We show the Godbillon–Vey invariant arises as a ‘restricted Casimir’ invariant for three-dimensional ideal fluids associated to a foliation. We compare to a finite-dimensional system, the rattleback, where analogous phenomena occur.
Skillful seasonal prediction of key carbon cycle components: NPP and fire risk
Authors: Bett Philip E , Williams Karina E , Burton Chantelle , Scaife Adam A , Wiltshire Andrew J , Gilham Richard
Published: April 2020

We investigate the skill of the GloSea5 seasonal forecasting system for two carbon cycle processes, which are strong contributors to global CO2 variability: the impact of meteorological conditions on CO2 uptake by vegetation (characterised by net primary productivity, NPP), and on fire occurrences (characterised by fire risk indices). Current seasonal forecasts of global CO2 concentrations rely on the relationship with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), combined with estimated anthropogenic emissions. NPP and fire are key processes underlying that global CO2–ENSO relationship: In the tropics, during El Niño events, CO2 uptake by vegetation is reduced and fires occur more frequently, leading to higher global CO2 levels. Our study assesses the skill of these processes in the forecast model for the first time. We use the McArthur forest fire index, calculated from daily data from several meteorological variables. We also assess a simpler fire index, based solely on seasonal mean temperature and relative humidity, to test the need for additional complexity. For NPP, the skill is high in regions that respond strongly to ENSO, such as equatorial South America in boreal winter, and northeast Brazil in boreal summer. There is also skill in some regions without a strong ENSO response. The fire risk indices show significant skill across much of the tropics, including Indonesia, southern and eastern Africa, and parts of the Amazon. We relate this skill to the underlying meteorological variables, finding that fire risk in particular follows similar patterns to relative humidity. On the seasonal-mean timescale, the McArthur index offers no benefits over the simpler fire index: they show the same relationship to burnt area and response to ENSO, and the same levels of skill, in almost all cases. Our results highlight potentially useful prediction skill, as well as important limitations, for seasonal forecasts of land-surface impacts of climate variability.
Environmental attributes and sedentary behaviours among Canadian adults
Authors: Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Oka Koichiro , Nakaya Tomoki , Shibata Ai , Ishii Kaori , Yasunaga Akitomo , McCormack Gavin R
Published: April 2020

The potential of the neighbourhood built environment for reducing sedentary behaviour has been highlighted in the recent research building on the socio-ecological models. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the associations between objectively-measured environmental attributes and domain-specific sedentary behaviours in different geographical locations. Notably, high-quality environmental measures that are less data-dependent and are replicable in and comparable across different contexts are needed to expand the evidence on urban design and public health. We examined associations of environmental attributes and Space Syntax Walkability (SSW) with leisure screen time and car driving in a sample of Canadian adults. A total of 2006 Calgarian adults completed a survey that captured their leisure screen time and car driving. Environmental attributes were population density, intersection density, availability of sidewalks, availability of destinations, and SSW using geographic information systems. Adjusting for covariates, a one standard deviation increase in SSW was associated with 0.43 (95% CI −0.85, −0.02) hours/week decrease in leisure screen time. No other environmental attributes were significantly associated with leisure screen time. All environmental attributes (except the availability of sidewalks) were negatively associated with car driving. The strongest association was observed between SSW with car driving—a one standard deviation increase in SSW was associated with 0.77 (95% CI −0.85, −0.02) hours/week decrease in the car driving. Those who lived in highly populated and more connected areas with a variety of destinations nearby spent less time driving their cars. Further, our findings highlight that the composite measure of SSW is associated with both leisure screen time and car driving. Focusing on a novel environmental aspect (SSW) and an emerging health risk factor (sedentary behaviour) among a relatively large sample of Canadian adults, our study provides unique insights into environmental health research.
Species and sex differences in eye morphometry and visual responsivity of two crepuscular sweat bee species (Megaloptaspp., Hymenoptera: Halictidae)
Authors: Jones Beryl M , Seymoure Brett M , Comi Troy J , Loew Ellis R
Published: April 2020

Visually dependent dim-light foraging has evolved repeatedly, broadening the ecological niches of some species. Many dim-light foraging lineages evolved from diurnal ancestors, requiring immense visual sensitivity increases to compensate for light levels a billion times dimmer than daylight. Some taxa, such as bees, are anatomically constrained by apposition compound eyes, which function well in daylight but not in starlight. Even with this constraint, the bee genus Megalopta has incredibly sensitive eyes, foraging in light levels up to nine orders of magnitude dimmer than diurnal relatives. Despite many behavioural studies, variation in visual sensitivity and eye morphometry has not been investigated within and across Megalopta species. Here we quantify external eye morphology (corneal area and facet size) for sympatric species of Megalopta, M. genalis and M. amoena, which forage during twilight. We use electroretinograms to show that males, despite being smaller than females, have equivalent visual sensitivity and increased retinal responsivity. Although males have relatively larger eyes compared with females, corneal area and facet size were not correlated with retinal responsivity, suggesting that males have additional non-morphological adaptations to increase retinal responsiveness. These findings provide the foundation for future work into the neural and physiological mechanisms that interface with morphology to influence visual sensitivity, with implications for understanding niche exploitation.
Setting the stage for the machine intelligence era in marine science
Authors: Beyan Cigdem , Browman Howard I
Published: April 2020

Machine learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence, offers various methods that can be applied in marine science. It supports data-driven learning, which can result in automated decision making of de novo data. It has significant advantages compared with manual analyses that are labour intensive and require considerable time. Machine learning approaches have great potential to improve the quality and extent of marine research by identifying latent patterns and hidden trends, particularly in large datasets that are intractable using other approaches. New sensor technology supports collection of large amounts of data from the marine environment. The rapidly developing machine learning subfield known as deep learning—which applies algorithms (artificial neural networks) inspired by the structure and function of the brain—is able to solve very complex problems by processing big datasets in a short time, sometimes achieving better performance than human experts. Given the opportunities that machine learning can provide, its integration into marine science and marine resource management is inevitable. The purpose of this themed set of articles is to provide as wide a selection as possible of case studies that demonstrate the applications, utility, and promise of machine learning in marine science. We also provide a forward-look by envisioning a marine science of the future into which machine learning has been fully incorporated.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of 26 Asymptomatic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Carriers
Authors: Pan Yanfeng , Yu Xue , Du Xinwei , Li Qingqing , Li Xianyang , Qin Tao , Wang Miaomiao , Jiang Minlin , Li Jie , Li Weiguo , Zhang Qian , Xu Zhiwei , Zhang Lu
Published: April 2020

Background

We retrospectively analyzed 26 persistently asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) carriers.

Methods

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics from the 26 asymptomatic patients with positive results for SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid testing were obtained.

Results

Twenty-two patients (84.6%) correlated with clustering occurrence. The median period from contact to diagnosis and the last positive nucleic acid test was 19 (8–24 days) and 21.5 days (10–36 days), respectively. The median period from diagnosis to negative nucleic acid test was significantly different between patients with normal or atypical chest computed tomography (CT) findings (n = 16, 61.5%; 7.5 days [2–20 days]) and patients with typical ground-glass or patchy opacities on CT (n = 10, 38.5%; 12.5 days [8–22 days]; P < .01). Seven patients (70.0%) with initial positive nucleic acid test results had a negative result simultaneously with improved CT findings. Obvious improvement in CT findings was observed in 3 patients (30.0%) despite positive nucleic acid test results.

Conclusions

In asymptomatic patients, changes in biochemical and inflammatory variables are small and changes on chest CT can occur. It is worth noting that the long existence of SARS-CoV-2 in some asymptomatic patients and false-negative results need to be considered in SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test.