bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic tractography in the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus: cerebellar and pallidal connections
Authors: Pelzer Esther A. , Pauls K. Amande M. , Braun Nina , Tittgemeyer Marc , Timmermann Lars
Published: May 2020

The ventrolateral thalamic nucleus (VL), as part of the ‘motor thalamus’, is main relay station of cerebellar and pallidal projections. It comprises anterior (VLa) and posterior (VLpd and VLpv) subnuclei. Though the fibre architecture of cerebellar and pallidal projections to of the VL nucleus has already been focus in a numerous amount of in vitro studies mainly in animals, probabilistic tractography now offers the possibility of an in vivo comparison in healthy humans. In this study we performed a (a) qualitative and (b) quantitative examination of VL-cerebellar and VL-pallidal pathways and compared the probability distributions between both projection fields in the VL after an (I) atlas-based and (II) manual-based segmentation procedure. Both procedures led to high congruent results of cerebellar and pallidal connectivity distributions: the maximum of pallidal projections was located in anterior and medial parts of the VL nucleus, whereas cerebellar connectivity was more located in lateral and posterior parts. The median connectivity for cerebellar connections in both approaches (manual and atlas-based segmentation) was VLa > VLpv > VLpd, whereas the pallidal median connectivity was VLa ~ VLpv > VLpd in the atlas-based approach and VLpv > VLa > VLpd in the manual approach.
Rapid nitrogen loss from ectomycorrhizal pine germinants signaled by their fungal symbiont
Authors: Smith Joshua M. , Whiteside Matthew D. , Jones Melanie D.
Published: May 2020

Ectomycorrhizal fungi supply their plant partners with nitrogen but can also retain substantial amounts. The concentration of nitrogen in the soil and the amount of carbon supplied from the host seem to influence the proportion of N retained by the fungus. In an experiment designed to determine whether differential supply of nitrogen to two plants influenced nitrogen transfer from fungus to plant within a mycorrhizal network, we observed rapid, substantial loss of nitrogen from pine seedlings. The loss occurred when the mycorrhizal fungus experienced a sudden increase in nitrogen supply. We grewPinus contortaseedlings in association withSuillus tomentosusin low-nitrogen microcosms where some nitrogen was accessible only by hyphae. After 70 days, foliage of some seedlings was treated with nitrogen. Three days later, hyphal nutrient media were replaced with water or a solution containing nitrogen. Foliar treatment did not affect nitrogen transfer by the fungus to shoots, but by day 75, seedling nitrogen contents had dropped by 60% in microcosms where nitrogen had been added to the hyphal compartments. Those seedlings retained only 55% of the nitrogen originally present in the seed. Loss of nitrogen did not occur if water was added or the hyphae were severed. Because of the severing effect, we concluded thatS. tomentosustriggered the loss of seedling nitrogen. Nitrogen may have been lost through increased root exudation or transfer to the fungus. Access to nitrogen from nutrient-rich germinants would benefit rhizosphere microorganisms, including ectomycorrhizal fungi colonizing pine from spores after wildfire.
New insight into the molecular phylogeny of the genus Liparis s.l. (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae) with a new generic segregate: Blepharoglossum
Authors: Li Lin , Chung Shih-Wen , Li Bo , Zeng Song-Jun , Yan Hai-Fei , Li Shi-Jin
Published: May 2020

Molecular studies have shown thatLipariss.l. is polyphyletic, with the epiphyticLiparisalliance well separated from the clade representingLiparisin its restricted sense and further forming a phylogenetically heterogeneous assemblage. The generic status ofCestichis, as the key member of the epiphyticLiparisalliance, remains contentious, and the relationships betweenCestichis,StichorkisandPlatystyliparisare still unclear and in need of further studies. We herein employ DNA sequence data from nuclear ITS and plastidmatK regions to clarify the generic boundaries ofCestichisand its relationship to the allied genera. Results from both Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analysis congruently indicate thatCestichisas currently circumscribed is not monophyletic. TheBlepharoglossumclade, corresponding to commonly recognized sect.Blepharoglossum, forms a monophyletic lineage closely related to the genusOberoniainstead of the coreCestichisclade. A re-evaluation of the diagnostic morphological characters reveals that this lineage represents a morphologically distinct group. Based on these results,Blepharoglossumis removed fromCestichisand elevated to generic status. Our study also sheds light on the homoplastic nature of some diagnostic morphological characters used traditionally in the taxonomy of the Malaxidinae.
Tumor Segmentation and Feature Extraction from Whole-Body FDG-PET/CT Using Cascaded 2D and 3D Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Jemaa Skander , Fredrickson Jill , Carano Richard A. D. , Nielsen Tina , de Crespigny Alex , Bengtsson Thomas
Published: May 2020

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is commonly used in clinical practice and clinical drug development to identify and quantify metabolically active tumors. Manual or computer-assisted tumor segmentation in FDG-PET images is a common way to assess tumor burden, such approaches are both labor intensive and may suffer from high inter-reader variability. We propose an end-to-end method leveraging 2D and 3D convolutional neural networks to rapidly identify and segment tumors and to extract metabolic information in eyes to thighs (whole body) FDG-PET/CT scans. The developed architecture is computationally efficient and devised to accommodate the size of whole-body scans, the extreme imbalance between tumor burden and the volume of healthy tissue, and the heterogeneous nature of the input images. Our dataset consists of a total of 3664 eyes to thighs FDG-PET/CT scans, from multi-site clinical trials in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tumors were segmented and reviewed by board-certified radiologists. We report a mean 3D Dice score of 88.6% on an NHL hold-out set of 1124 scans and a 93% sensitivity on 274 NSCLC hold-out scans. The method is a potential tool for radiologists to rapidly assess eyes to thighs FDG-avid tumor burden.
Age matters: substrate-specific colonization patterns of benthic invertebrates on installed large wood
Authors: Dossi Florian , Leitner Patrick , Graf Wolfram
Published: May 2020

Large wood (LW) is an indispensable element in riverine ecosystems, especially in lower river parts. The presence of LW significantly shapes local hydraulics, morphology, the nutrient budget; promotes overall river dynamics; and additionally presents a unique habitat for numerous benthic invertebrate species. Therefore, LW is recognized as valuable asset for river restoration measures. Experiences from previous projects show that ecological responses on LW implementation measures vary greatly. That complicates comparisons and estimations on the success of planned measures. Methodological inconsistencies and thus reduced transferability of the results is one major issue. Additionally, wood quality aspects are suspected to be important factors affecting benthic invertebrate colonization patterns. The focus of this study is therefore to consistently assess the ecological significance of installed LW and concrete samples of similar size and shape in terms of benthic invertebrate colonization and to further test, if the condition of wood affects the benthic invertebrate colonization. Our results show that (1) installed LW serves as an abundantly and heterogeneously colonized habitat, (2) the state of decay of LW pieces significantly affects benthic invertebrate colonization in terms of density and diversity and (3) even rare or threatened taxa closely associated to LW were abundantly present on the installed logs, emphasizing the suitability of the chosen approach.
Apatinib, a novel VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for relapsed and refractory nasopharyngeal carcinoma: data from an open-label, single-arm, exploratory study
Authors: Li Ling , Kong Fei , Zhang Lei , Li Xin , Fu Xiaorui , Wang Xinhua , Wu Jingjing , Zhang Fangwen , Ren Liangliang , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: May 2020

Purpose Apatinib, a new tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, has shown promising efficacy against several solid cancers, but evidence of its efficacy against relapsed and refractory nasopharyngeal carcinoma is limited. We investigated the efficacy and safety of apatinib for relapsed and refractory nasopharyngeal carcinoma in an open-label, single-arm, phase II clinical trial. Fifty-one patients with relapsed and refractory nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. All patients received apatinib at an initial dose of 500 mg daily (1 cycle = 28 days). The primary and secondary endpoints were overall response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. We evaluated treatment effects and recorded apatinib-related adverse events by performing regular follow-ups and workup. The overall response rate (complete and partial responses) was 31.37% (16/51). The median overall survival and progression-free survival were 16 (95% CI, 9.32–22.68) and 9 months (95% CI, 5.24–12.76), respectively. Most patients tolerated treatment-related adverse events of grades 1 and 2; hypertension (29, 56.86%), proteinuria (25, 49.02%), and hand–foot syndrome (27, 52.94%) were the most common adverse events. There were no treatment-related deaths. Apatinib showed good efficacy and safety in patients with relapsed and refractory NPC.
Jayarāśi Bhaṭṭa: A Sceptic or Materialist?
Authors: Balcerowicz Piotr
Published: May 2020

The paper examines the Tattvôpaplava-siṁha of Jayarāśi Bhaṭṭa, and presents an analysis of his positive arguments that can be traced in the work. Despite the widely held opinion that Jayarāśi was a sceptic or held no positive opinions, the author concludes that, first, Jayarāśi does not fit a standard description of a sceptic. What may appear as an approach to philosophical problems, typical of a sceptic, turns out to be Jayarāśi’s particular method of critical examination on the part of a rationalist. Second, a number of positive views Jayarāśi entertains can be identified in his work (at least seventeen), and most (if not all) of them overlap with much of the doctrine of the Cārvākas and Lokāyatas and materialist tradition recorded as early as the Sāmañña-phala-sutta. Therefore, Jayarāśi should be classified as a representative of the Cārvāka/Lokāyata tradition.
Vocational Rehabilitation with or without Work Module for Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Sick Leave from Work: Longitudinal Impact on Work Participation
Authors: Beemster Timo T. , van Bennekom Coen A. M. , van Velzen Judith M. , Frings-Dresen Monique H. W. , Reneman Michiel F.
Published: May 2020

Purpose To study the longitudinal relationship between interdisciplinary vocational rehabilitation (VR) with and without additional work module on work participation of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and sick leave from work. Methods Retrospective longitudinal data retrieved from care as usual in seven VR centers in the Netherlands was used. The VR program without work module consisted of multi-component healthcare (physical exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, education, relaxation). The other program with additional work module (VR+) included case management and a workplace visit. Generalized estimating equations using binary logistic was applied. The dependent variable was work participation (achieved/not achieved) on discharge and 6-months follow-up. Independent variables were type of intervention, return to work expectation, sick leave duration, working status, job strain, and job dissatisfaction. Results Data from N = 470 patients were analyzed, of which 26% received VR and 74% VR+. Both programs increased work participation at 6-months follow-up (VR 86%, VR+ 87%). The crude model showed a significant longitudinal relationship between type of intervention and work participation in favor of VR+ (OR 1.8, p = 0.01). The final model showed a non-significant relationship on discharge (OR 1.3, p = 0.51) and a significant relationship on 6-months follow-up in favor of VR+ (OR 1.7, p = 0.04). RTW expectation was a significant confounder in the final model on discharge and 6-months follow up (OR 3.1, p = 0.00). Conclusions Both programs led to increased work participation. The addition of a work module to the VR program lead to a significant increase in odds of work participation at 6-months follow-up.
Children’s Emotions in Design-Based Learning: a Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Feiran , Markopoulos Panos , Bekker Tilde
Published: May 2020

Design-based learning (DBL) is gaining increasing acceptance as a motivating and practical approach that can be used to prepare young people for the challenges of the twenty-first century. Emotions are known to influence a student’s academic performance in traditional learning, which raises the question as to what role emotions can play in DBL. This article presents a systematic survey of literature published in the last 20 years (searching from 1998 to 2019) and indexed in the Scopus, ERIC, and PsycINFO databases which contribute to our understanding of children’s emotions in DBL. This review coded a total of 34 papers that met the inclusion criteria. Findings that reported on children’s emotions are structured under three themes: (1) the affective DBL components, (2) the labeled emotions, and (3) the impact of emotions in DBL. Based on this evidence, we make recommendations for future research and compile a set of guidelines for designing DBL activities, taking into account students’ emotions that can aid their learning.
Detection of Colchicum autumnale in drone images, using a machine-learning approach
Authors: Petrich Lukas , Lohrmann Georg , Neumann Matthias , Martin Fabio , Frey Andreas , Stoll Albert , Schmidt Volker
Published: May 2020

Colchicum autumnaleare toxic autumn-blooming flowering plants, which often grow on extensive meadows and pastures. Thus, they pose a threat to farm animals especially in hay and silage. Intensive grassland management or the use of herbicides could reduce these weeds but environment protection requirements often prohibit these measures. For this reason, a non-chemical site- or plant-specific weed control is sought, which aims only at a small area around theC. autumnaleand with low impact on the surrounding flora and fauna. For this purpose, however, the exact locations of the plants must be known. In the present paper, a procedure to locate bloomingC. autumnalein high-resolution drone images in the visible light range is presented. This approach relies on convolutional neural networks to detect the flower positions. The training data, which is based on hand-labeled images, is further enhanced through image augmentation. The quality of the detection was evaluated in particular for grassland sites which were not included in the training to get an estimate for how well the detector works on previously unseen sites. In this case, 88.6% of the flowers in the test dataset were detected, which makes it suitable, e.g., for applications where the training is performed by the manufacturer of an automatic treatment tool and where the practitioners apply it to their previously unseen grassland sites.
Study of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) of the Auzon cut-off meander (Allier River, France) by spectral and photoreactivity approaches
Authors: Palma Davide , Sleiman Mohamad , Voldoire Olivier , Beauger Aude , Parlanti Edith , Richard Claire
Published: May 2020

Wetlands are recognized for the importance of their hydrological function and biodiversity, and there is now a consensus to protect and restore them as well as to complete the knowledge on their functioning. Here, we studied the dissolved organic matter (DOM) of a wetland composed of the Auzon cut-off meander, the Allier River, the alluvial fluvial flow, and watershed aquifer. Water was sampled at different locations, in spring, summer, and autumn. For each sample, DOM was characterized for its chemical and optical properties and its photooxidant capacity through its ability to generate DOM triplet excited states (3DOM*) and singlet oxygen upon simulated solar light exposure. UV-visible and fluorescence indices revealed that DOM was mainly microbial-derived whatever the sampling sites with spatial and temporal variations in terms of aromaticity (5.5–22%), specific UV absorbance at 254 nm (0.28–2.82 L m−1mgC−1), ratio of the absorbance at 254 and 365 nm (4.6–10.8), fluorescence index (1.35–166), and biological index (0.812–2.25). All the samples generated 3DOM* and singlet oxygen, rates of formation of which showed parallel variations. Using principal component analysis (PCA), we found positive correlations between the sensitizing properties of DOM samples and parameters associated to the abundance of low molecular weight and low absorbing chromophores. Moreover, the parameter variation across the wetland reinforced the hydrological movements observed in a previous study, suggesting that these parameters could be used as water connection tracers.
The Dutch LATER physical outcomes set for self-reported data in survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Streefkerk Nina , Tissing Wim J. E. , van der Heiden-van der Loo Margriet , (Lieke) Feijen Elizabeth A. M. , van Dulmen-den Broeder Eline , Loonen Jacqueline J. , van der Pal Helena J. H. , Ronckers Cécile M. , van Santen Hanneke M. , van den Berg Marleen H. , Mulder Renée L. , Korevaar Joke C. , Kremer Leontine C. M.
Published: May 2020

Purposes

Studies investigating self-reported long-term morbidity in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are using heterogeneous outcome definitions, which compromises comparability and include (un)treated asymptomatic and symptomatic outcomes. We generated a Dutch LATER core set of clinically relevant physical outcomes, based on self-reported data. Clinically relevant outcomes were defined as outcomes associated with clinical symptoms or requiring medical treatment.

Methods

First, we generated a draft outcome set based on existing questionnaires embedded in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, and Dutch LATER study. We added specific outcomes reported by survivors in the Dutch LATER questionnaire. Second, we selected a list of clinical relevant outcomes by agreement among a Dutch LATER experts team. Third, we compared the proposed clinically relevant outcomes to the severity grading of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE).

Results

A core set of 74 self-reported long-term clinically relevant physical morbidity outcomes was established. Comparison to the CTCAE showed that 36% of these clinically relevant outcomes were missing in the CTCAE.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

This proposed core outcome set of clinical relevant outcomes for self-reported data will be used to investigate the self-reported morbidity in the Dutch LATER study. Furthermore, this Dutch LATER outcome set can be used as a starting point for international harmonization for long-term outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer.
Laparoscopic Needle–Assisted Repair for Pediatric Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Nassif Mhmmad , Saad Ahmad , Nasser Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Laparoscopic needle–assisted repair (LNAR) has recently emerged as a safe and effective alternative procedure to manage pediatric inguinal hernia. However, the literature does not address the case of the efficacy of performing the LNAR by trainees or surgeons with no wide experience in laparoscopy. Therefore, the focus of the present study is to present the results of conducting such a procedure by professionals who do not possess such an experience. In a 12-month period, we performed 18 laparoscopic needle–assisted repairs for indirect pediatric inguinal hernias by one surgeon. We have collected and analyzed data concerning operating time, postoperative course and complications, need for analgesia, recurrence, and cosmetic results. No incidents during surgery have been recorded. Fifteen patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Two contralateral hernias were intraoperatively diagnosed. Mean time of surgery, mean hospital stay, operating time, the need for postoperative analgesia, and recurrence were close to other studies performed by experts. All procedures were completed laparoscopically. The LNAR is a simple, effective, and safe procedure even when performed by trainees or surgeons without large previous experience in laparoscopy.
Non-invasive quantitative measures of qualitative grading effectiveness as the indices of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Sekine Hiroshi , Kijima Yoshikazu , Kobayashi Masao , Itami Jun , Takahashi Kana , Igaki Hiroshi , Nakai Yasuo , Mizutani Hitoshi , Nomoto Yoshihito , Kikuchi Katsuko , Matsushita Haruo , Nozawa Keiko
Published: May 2020

Background

Recent improvement of machinery evaluation for the skin changes in various therapies enabled us to evaluate fine changes quantitatively. In this study, we performed evaluation of the changes in radiation dermatitis (RD) using quantitative and qualitative methods, and verified the validity of the conventional qualitative assessment for clinical use.

Methods

Forty-three breast cancer patients received conventional fractionated radiotherapy to whole breast after breast-conserving surgery. Erythema, pigmentation and skin dryness were evaluated qualitatively, and biophysical parameters of RD were measured using a Multi-Display Device MDD4 with a Corneometer for capacitance, a Tewameter for transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a Mexameter for erythema index and melanin index. Measurements were performed periodically until 1 year.

Results

The quantitative manifestations developed serially from skin erythema followed by dryness and pigmentation. Quantitative measurements detected the effects of irradiation earlier than that of qualitative indices. However, the grades of the domains in RD by qualitative and quantitative assessment showed similar time courses and peak periods. However, no significant correlation was observed between the skin dryness grade and skin barrier function. In contrast to serial increase in pigmentation grades, melanin index showed initial decrease followed by marked increase with significant correlation with pigmentation grades.

Conclusion

Subjectively and objectively measured results of RD were almost similar course and peak points through the study. Therefore, validity of the conventional qualitative scoring for RD is confirmed by the present quantitative assessments. Instrumental evaluations revealed the presence of modest inflammatory changes before radiotherapy and long-lasting skin dryness, suggesting indication of intervention for RD.
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni responses to salt stress and chitosan elicitor
Authors: Gerami Mahyar , Majidian Parastoo , Ghorbanpour Akram , Alipour Zeinab
Published: May 2020

This study examined the effect of chitosan elicitor with four different concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/l) on physiological and biochemical properties of stevia under four levels of salinity stress (0, 50, 100, 150 mM level of NaCl). Salt stress caused reduction of chlorophylla(Chla), chlorophyllb(Chlb), total chlorophyll, carotenoid and total protein content. The increment of malondialdehyde (MDA) content was not significant in all NaCl levels, while the CAT and POX activities were increased as well as stevioside and rebaudioside A under salinity stress. On one side, chitosan treatments could compensate the reduction of physiological traits such as photosynthetic pigments and protein content. On the other side, chitosan caused multiple increases in malondialdehyde content, antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase and peroxidase), steviol glycosides (stevioside and rebaudioside A) under salt stress. We report for the first time, the potential of chitosan to enhance salinity-tolerant abilities in stevia through increment of the salt-adaptive factors and to diminish harmful damages caused by NaCl stress.
Correction to: Preconditioning of Human Decidua Basalis Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells with Glucose Increased Their Engraftment and Anti-diabetic Properties
Authors: Basmaeil Yasser , Rashid Manar Al , Khatlani Tanvir , AlShabibi Manal , Bahattab Eman , Abdullah Meshan L. , Abomaray Fawaz , Kalionis Bill , Massoudi Safia , Abumaree Mohamed
Published: May 2020

The author would like to correct the names for the below co-authors in the online published article.
Modelling Patient Behaviour Using IoT Sensor Data: a Case Study to Evaluate Techniques for Modelling Domestic Behaviour in Recovery from Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Authors: Holmes Michael , Nieto Miquel Perello , Song Hao , Tonkin Emma , Grant Sabrina , Flach Peter
Published: May 2020

The UK health service sees around 160,000 total hip or knee replacements every year and this number is expected to rise with an ageing population. Expectations of surgical outcomes are changing alongside demographic trends, whilst aftercare may be fractured as a result of resource limitations. Conventional assessments of health outcomes must evolve to keep up with these changing trends. Health outcomes may be assessed largely by self-report using Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), such as the Oxford Hip or Oxford Knee Score, in the months up to and following surgery. Though widely used, many PROMs have methodological limitations and there is debate about how to interpret results and definitions of clinically meaningful change. With the development of a home-monitoring system, there is opportunity to characterise the relationship between PROMs and behaviour in a natural setting and to develop methods of passive monitoring of outcome and recovery after surgery. In this paper, we discuss the motivation and technology used in long-term continuous observation of movement, sleep and domestic routine for healthcare applications, such as the HEmiSPHERE project for hip and knee replacement patients. In this case study, we evaluate trends evident in data of two patients, collected over a 3-month observation period post-surgery, by comparison with scores from PROMs for sleep and movement quality, and by comparison with a third control home. We find that accelerometer and indoor localisation data correctly highlight long-term trends in sleep and movement quality and can be used to predict sleep and wake times and measure sleep and wake routine variance over time, whilst indoor localisation provides context for the domestic routine and mobility of the patient. Finally, we discuss a visual method of sharing findings with healthcare professionals.
Deep Learning for Massive MIMO Channel State Acquisition and Feedback
Authors: Boloursaz Mashhadi Mahdi , Gündüz Deniz
Published: May 2020

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are a main enabler of the excessive throughput requirements in 5G and future generation wireless networks as they can serve many users simultaneously with high spectral and energy efficiency. To achieve this massive MIMO systems require accurate and timely channel state information (CSI), which is acquired by a training process that involves pilot transmission, CSI estimation, and feedback. This training process incurs a training overhead, which scales with the number of antennas, users, and subcarriers. Reducing the training overhead in massive MIMO systems has been a major topic of research since the emergence of the concept. Recently, deep learning (DL)-based approaches have been proposed and shown to provide significant reduction in the CSI acquisition and feedback overhead in massive MIMO systems compared to traditional techniques. In this paper, we present an overview of the state-of-the-art DL architectures and algorithms used for CSI acquisition and feedback, and provide further research directions.
Generation mechanism of 100 MG magnetic fields in the interaction of ultra-intense laser pulse with nanostructured target
Authors: Tian J. M. , Cai H. B. , Zhang W. S. , Zhang E. H. , Du B. , Zhu S. P.
Published: May 2020

Experimental and simulation data [Moreau et al., Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 62, 014013 (2019); Kaymak et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 035004 (2016)] indicate that self-generated magnetic fields play an important role in enhancing the flux and energy of relativistic electrons accelerated by ultra-intense laser pulse irradiation with nanostructured arrays. A fully relativistic analytical model for the generation of the magnetic field based on electron magneto-hydrodynamic description is presented here. The analytical model shows that this self-generated magnetic field originates in the nonparallel density gradient and fast electron current at the interfaces of a nanolayered target. A general formula for the self-generated magnetic field is found, which closely agrees with the simulation scaling over the relevant intensity range. The result is beneficial to the experimental designs for the interaction of the laser pulse with the nanostructured arrays to improve laser-to-electron energy coupling and the quality of forward hot electrons.
Disability-free life expectancy at old ages in Egypt
Authors: Metwally Soha
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to estimate among the older population in Egypt (aged 60 years and over): 1) disability prevalence rates, their levels of severity and the common types and 2) disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) by sex, age and disability type. Data were from the nationally representative 2016 Household Observatory Survey (HOS-2016), with 4658 persons aged 60+ constituting the study sample population. To identify individuals with disabilities, the HOS asked respondents a short set of questions on functional difficulties, as suggested by the United Nations Washington Group on Disability Statistics. The DFLE was estimated using the Sullivan method. Older (60+) women reported a higher prevalence of disability than older men. Women had longer DFLEs and longer disabled life expectancies (DLEs) than men but had lower proportions of DFLE to their total lifetime. The findings suggest that, at age 60, around 30% of life expectancy in Egypt can be expected to be with limitations in mobility and vision. Men, although they live for fewer years than women, can expect to have a greater proportion of their life expectancy free of disability. The findings of the study suggest that the contextual differences in how the process of ageing is experienced need to be considered by decision-makers when designing gender-responsive health policies.
Nitrate Removal Within Heterogeneous Riparian Aquifers Under Tidal Influence
Authors: Wallace Corey D. , Sawyer Audrey H. , Soltanian Mohamad Reza , Barnes Rebecca T.
Published: May 2020

Tides in coastal rivers drive river‐groundwater (hyporheic) exchange and provide opportunities for nitrate removal that may improve coastal water quality. Silt and sand layers in coastal floodplain sediments can alter the flow and transformation of nitrate. Our goal was to understand how sediment heterogeneity influences nitrogen dynamics near tidal rivers. Numerical simulations show that oxic, variably saturated sand layers and anoxic, organic‐rich silt layers are sites of nitrification and denitrification, respectively. The exchange of river water and nitrate through heterogeneous sediments increases with sand fraction, as sand lenses become longer and more connected. The amount of nitrate removed from river water also increases but represents a smaller portion of total nitrate exchange through the hyporheic zone, causing removal efficiency to decline. Our results suggest that accurate characterization of aquifer heterogeneity leads to an improved understanding of sites of nutrient transformation within floodplain sediments.
Bathymetry Beneath Ice Shelves of Western Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica, and Implications on Ice Shelf Stability
Authors: Eisermann Hannes , Eagles Graeme , Ruppel Antonia , Smith Emma Clare , Jokat Wilfried
Published: May 2020

Antarctica's ice shelves play a key role in stabilizing the ice streams that feed them. Since basal melting largely depends on ice‐ocean interactions, it is vital to attain consistent bathymetry models to estimate water and heat exchange beneath ice shelves. We have constructed bathymetry models beneath the ice shelves of western Dronning Maud Land by inverting airborne gravity data and incorporating seismic, multibeam, and radar depth references. Our models reveal deep glacial troughs beneath the ice shelves and terminal moraines close to the continental shelf breaks, which currently limit the entry of Warm Deep Water from the Southern Ocean. The ice shelves buttress a catchment that comprises an ice volume equivalent to nearly 1 m of eustatic sea level rise, partly susceptible to ocean forcing. Changes in water temperature and thermocline depth may accelerate marine‐based ice sheet drainage and constitute an underestimated contribution to future global sea level rise.
Black Carbon Particles Do Not Matter for Immersion Mode Ice Nucleation
Authors: Kanji Zamin A. , Welti André , Corbin Joel C. , Mensah Amewu A.
Published: May 2020

The role of black carbon (BC) in ice crystal formation via immersion freezing relevant for mixed‐phase cloud formation is uncertain. Previous studies report either negligible or significant contributions of BC particles to cloud glaciation via immersion freezing. Despite conflicting evidence, immersion freezing by BC particles is included in several cloud models. Here we show that fossil fuel soot and commercially available hydrocarbon BC is inactive as immersion freezing nuclei for atmospherically relevant particle sizes and surface areas. Instead, temperatures <235 K are necessary for freezing droplets with immersed soot particles, implying homogeneous freezing, rather than immersion freezing by soot. A comparison of the results to previous studies using larger soot aggregates and dust reveals the ineffectiveness of soot as immersion ice nucleating particles. We conclude that soot particles with properties like those investigated here can be neglected for simulating ice nucleation in mixed‐phase clouds.
Broadband VHF Observations of Two Natural Positive Cloud‐to‐Ground Lightning Flashes
Authors: Li Shulei , Qiu Shi , Shi Lihua , Li Yun
Published: May 2020

The characteristics of two natural positive cloud‐to‐ground flashes are analyzed in detail with the broadband very high frequency (VHF) mapping system. The bidirectional leader processes at the lightning initiation are observed, with negative leaders propagating upward and positive leaders propagating downward. The downward positive leaders can be divided into two stages, with scattered and slowly extending sources in the first stage and more concentrated and faster sources in the second stage. The overall extension speeds of the first stages are 1.8 × 104 and 2.7 × 104 m/s for the two flashes, and the speeds of the second stages are 7.8 × 105 and 1.0 × 106 m/s, respectively. The received peak power of the positive leaders is substantially lower than that for the negative leaders. The frequency characteristics show that the second stage emits more high‐frequency radiation than the first stage, while there is no significant difference in low‐frequency radiation content.
Convective Erosion of a Primordial Stratification Atop Earth's Core
Authors: Bouffard M. , Landeau M. , Goument A.
Published: May 2020

Seismic and geomagnetic observations suggest the presence of a stratified layer atop Earth's core. Previous laboratory experiments showed that this layer could be primordial, produced by a collision between the primitive Earth and a giant impactor. However, paleomagnetic data require turbulent flow motions in the core for the last 3.4 Ga. Such flows can erode an existing stratification. It is therefore unclear whether a primordial stratification still exists nowadays. Here, we use numerical simulations to investigate the erosion by thermal convection of a chemical layer atop Earth's core. Our scaling law predicts that a primordial layer thicker than 1 km with a density anomaly above 0.01% can survive 4.5 Ga of convective erosion. We conclude that the observed present‐day stratification could be a vestige of core formation. We also observe strong double‐diffusive flows in the layer. These might reconcile the existence of a stratification with the present‐day structure of the geomagnetic field.
Decreasing Landslide Erosion on Steeper Slopes in Soil‐Mantled Landscapes
Authors: Prancevic Jeff P. , Lamb Michael P. , McArdell Brian W. , Rickli Christian , Kirchner James W.
Published: May 2020

Slope‐stability models predict that steeper hillslopes require smaller hydrological triggers for shallow landslides to occur due to the added downslope pull of gravity, which should result in more frequent landslides and faster erosion. However, field observations indicate that landslide frequency does not consistently increase on steeper hillslopes. Here, we use measurements of 1,096 soil landslides in California and Switzerland, and a compilation of landslide geometries, to show that steeper hillslopes typically have thinner soils and that thin soils inhibit landslides due to enhanced roles of cohesion and boundary stresses. We find that the landscape‐averaged landslide erosion depth peaks near the threshold slope for instability, and it drops to half that value on hillslopes that are just 5° to 10° steeper. We propose that faster rates of soil creep on steeper slopes cause thin and more stable soils, which in turn reduces landslide erosion, despite the added pull of gravity.
Excitation of Whistler Waves Through the Bidirectional Field‐Aligned Electron Beams With Electron Temperature Anisotropy: MMS Observations
Authors: Huang S. Y. , Xu S. B. , He L. H. , Jiang K. , Yuan Z. G. , Deng X. H. , Wei Y. Y. , Zhang J. , Zhang Z. H.
Published: May 2020

Using four‐point measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, we identify whistler waves at the boundary of an ion scale magnetic hole, which should be locally excited rather than propagated from other regions. Based on the measured local plasma parameters, which include those for bidirectional electron beams with electron temperature anisotropy, the frequency range with the growth rate derived from kinetic theory is consistent with the observations, while the growth rate in the absence of such beams is negative; hence, the observed whistler waves are locally excited by the bidirectional electron beams with electron temperature anisotropy. The dispersion relation, derived from one‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulations that are conducted using the inputs of the bidirectional electron beams with electron temperature anisotropy, agrees well with the one from kinetic theory, which further supports this excitation mechanism. Our results shed light on a new excitation mechanism for whistler waves.
Force microscopy of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryonic eggshell
Authors: Krenger Roger , Burri Jan T. , Lehnert Thomas , Nelson Bradley J. , Gijs Martin A. M.
Published: May 2020

Assays focusing on emerging biological phenomena in an animal’s life can be performed during embryogenesis. While the embryo of Caenorhabditis elegans has been extensively studied, its biomechanical properties are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that cellular force microscopy (CFM), a recently developed technique that combines micro-indentation with high resolution force sensing approaching that of atomic force microscopy, can be successfully applied to C. elegans embryos. We performed, for the first time, a quantitative study of the mechanical properties of the eggshell of living C. elegans embryos and demonstrate the capability of the system to detect alterations of its mechanical parameters and shell defects upon chemical treatments. In addition to investigating natural eggshells, we applied different eggshell treatments, i.e., exposure to sodium hypochlorite and chitinase solutions, respectively, that selectively modified the multilayer eggshell structure, in order to evaluate the impact of the different layers on the mechanical integrity of the embryo. Finite element method simulations based on a simple embryo model were used to extract characteristic eggshell parameters from the experimental micro-indentation force-displacement curves. We found a strong correlation between the severity of the chemical treatment and the rigidity of the shell. Furthermore, our results showed, in contrast to previous assumptions, that short bleach treatments not only selectively remove the outermost vitelline layer of the eggshell, but also significantly degenerate the underlying chitin layer, which is primarily responsible for the mechanical stability of the egg.
Hierarchical highly ordered SnO2 nanobowl branched ZnO nanowires for ultrasensitive and selective hydrogen sulfide gas sensing
Authors: Zhu Li-Yuan , Yuan Kai-Ping , Yang Jia-He , Hang Cheng-Zhou , Ma Hong-Ping , Ji Xin-Ming , Devi Anjana , Lu Hong-Liang , Zhang David Wei
Published: May 2020

Highly sensitive and selective hydrogen sulfide (H2S) sensors based on hierarchical highly ordered SnO2 nanobowl branched ZnO nanowires (NWs) were synthesized via a sequential process combining hard template processing, atomic-layer deposition, and hydrothermal processing. The hierarchical sensing materials were prepared in situ on microelectromechanical systems, which are expected to achieve high-performance gas sensors with superior sensitivity, long-term stability and repeatability, as well as low power consumption. Specifically, the hierarchical nanobowl SnO2@ZnO NW sensor displayed a high sensitivity of 6.24, a fast response and recovery speed (i.e., 14 s and 39 s, respectively), and an excellent selectivity when detecting 1 ppm H2S at 250 °C, whose rate of resistance change (i.e., 5.24) is 2.6 times higher than that of the pristine SnO2 nanobowl sensor. The improved sensing performance could be attributed to the increased specific surface area, the formation of heterojunctions and homojunctions, as well as the additional reaction between ZnO and H2S, which were confirmed by electrochemical characterization and band alignment analysis. Moreover, the well-structured hierarchical sensors maintained stable performance after a month, suggesting excellent stability and repeatability. In summary, such well-designed hierarchical highly ordered nanobowl SnO2@ZnO NW gas sensors demonstrate favorable potential for enhanced sensitive and selective H2S detection with long-term stability and repeatability.
“Top-down” and “bottom-up” strategies for wafer-scaled miniaturized gas sensors design and fabrication
Authors: Liu Lin , Wang Yingyi , Sun Fuqin , Dai Yanbing , Wang Shuqi , Bai Yuanyuan , Li Lianhui , Li Tie , Zhang Ting , Qin Sujie
Published: May 2020

Manufacture of large-scale patterned nanomaterials via top-down techniques, such as printing and slurry coating, have been used for fabrication of miniaturized gas sensors. However, the reproducibility and uniformity of the sensors in wafer-scale fabrication are still a challenge. In this work, a “top-down” and “bottom-up” combined strategy was proposed to manufacture wafer-scaled miniaturized gas sensors with high-throughput by in-situ growth of Ni(OH)2 nanowalls at specific locations. First, the micro-hotplate based sensor chips were fabricated on a two-inch (2”) silicon wafer by micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) fabrication techniques (“top-down” strategy). Then a template-guided controllable de-wetting method was used to assemble a porous thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) thin film with uniform micro-sized holes (relative standard deviation (RSD) of the size of micro-holes <3.5 %, n > 300), which serves as the patterned mask for in-situ growing Ni(OH)2 nanowalls at the micro-hole areas (“bottom-up” strategy). The obtained gas microsensors based on this strategy showed great reproducibility of electric properties (RSD < 0.8%, n = 8) and sensing response toward real-time H2S detection (RSD < 3.5%, n = 8).
Increases in arm volume predict lymphoedema and quality of life deficits after axillary surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors:   the Investigators of BEA/PLACE studies, Bundred Nigel , Foden Phil , Todd Chris , Morris Julie , Watterson Donna , Purushotham Arnie , Bramley Maria , Riches Katie , Hodgkiss Tracey , Evans Abigail , Skene Anthony , Keeley Vaughan
Published: May 2020

Background

Lymphoedema develops after axillary clearance (ANC) in 25% of patients. This prospective, multi-centre study compared multi-frequency bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) with arm volume measurement to: (1) determine which test has better diagnostic accuracy, (2) identify factors predicting development of lymphoedema, and its effect on quality-of-life.

Methods

Participants (N = 1100) underwent measurements pre and post-ANC surgery for breast cancer. Relative arm volume increase (RAVI) of >10% diagnosed lymphoedema. Predictors of lymphoedema were determined using logistic regression. Optimal diagnostic method was assessed using diagnostic accuracy. Quality-of-life was assessed using the FACT B + 4 questionnaire.

Results

Lymphoedema was diagnosed in 22.8% women using RAVI > 10%, 45.6% using BIS criteria, while 24.5% underwent compression sleeve application by 24 months. BMI > 30 was an independent factor for both development (p = 0.005) and progression (p = 0.015) of lymphoedema. RAVI at 1 month, BMI > 30 and number of involved nodes contributed to a novel scoring model to predict lymphoedema by 36 months. Larger decreases in QoL scores post-surgery occurred in lymphoedema patients (p < 0.001). Progression to moderate lymphoedema occurred in 15% patients after sleeve application.

Conclusions

RAVI measurement was the best diagnostic tool for lymphoedema. BIS alone is not appropriate for lymphoedema screening or diagnosis. BMI > 30 predicted lymphoedema diagnosis and progression.
Tumour budding and tumour–stroma ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kairaluoma Valtteri , Kemi Niko , Pohjanen Vesa-Matti , Saarnio Juha , Helminen Olli
Published: May 2020

Background

Tumour budding and low tumour–stroma ratio (TSR) are associated with poor prognosis in some cancers, but their value in Western hepatocellular carcinoma is unclear. The prognostic value of tumour budding and TSR in hepatocellular carcinoma was examined.

Methods

Some 259 hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated in Oulu University Hospital 1983–2018 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Tumour budding and TSR were analysed from the haematoxylin- and eosin-stained original diagnostic slides, by dividing patients into bud-negative (0 bud) or bud-positive (≥1 bud) groups, and into high TSR (<50%) and low TSR (≥50%) groups. Surgically treated patients (n = 47) and other treatments (n = 212) were analysed separately. Primary outcomes were overall, and disease-specific 5-year mortality was adjusted for confounding factors.

Results

Surgically treated patients with positive tumour budding had increased 5-year overall (adjusted HR 3.87, 95% CI 1.10–13.61) and disease-specific (adjusted HR 6.17, 95% CI 1.19–31.90) mortality compared with bud-negative patients. In surgically treated patients, TSR had no effect on 5-year overall (adjusted HR 2.03, 95% CI 0.57–7.21) or disease-specific (adjusted HR 3.23, 95% CI 0.78–13.37) mortality. No difference in survival related to tumour budding and TSR in non-surgically treated patients was observed.

Conclusions

Tumour budding is a prognostic factor in surgically treated hepatocellular carcinoma.