bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rainfall anomalies and typhoid fever in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Gauld Jillian S. , Bilima Sithembile , Diggle Peter J. , Feasey Nicholas A. , Read Jonathan M. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Typhoid fever is a major cause of illness and mortality in low- and middle-income settings. We investigated the association of typhoid fever and rainfall in Blantyre, Malawi, where multi-drug-resistant typhoid has been transmitting since 2011. Peak rainfall preceded the peak in typhoid fever by approximately 15 weeks [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.3, 17.7], indicating no direct biological link. A quasi-Poisson generalised linear modelling framework was used to explore the relationship between rainfall and typhoid incidence at biologically plausible lags of 1–4 weeks. We found a protective effect of rainfall anomalies on typhoid fever, at a two-week lag (P = 0.006), where a 10 mm lower-than-expected rainfall anomaly was associated with up to a 16% reduction in cases (95% CI 7.6, 26.5). Extreme flooding events may cleanse the environment of S. Typhi, while unusually low rainfall may reduce exposure from sewage overflow. These results add to evidence that rainfall anomalies may play a role in the transmission of enteric pathogens, and can help direct future water and sanitation intervention strategies for the control of typhoid fever.
Brain activation alterations with adjunctive deep transcranial magnetic stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder: an fMRI study
Authors: Reddy Sachin , Shreekantiah Umesh , Goyal Nishant , Roy Chandramouli 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders with lifetime prevalence higher than that of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Inadequate response to available pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions is common in OCD. Adjunctive brain stimulation methods to address the inadequate treatment response in OCD have found a special interest in research. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of adjunctive deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) in ameliorating the symptoms of OCD and the effect of dTMS on activation of brain regions while performing the Stroop task using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).MethodsA total of 41 patients were assessed for the study out of which 15 OCD patients received 10 sessions of high-frequency dTMS using the H7 coil to target the anterior cingulate cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex over a period of 2 weeks. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used for the pre- and post-stimulation clinical assessment. fMRI was used to measure the activation of brain regions while performing the Stroop task.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, and depressive symptoms after the 2 weeks of the dTMS treatment. A significant decrease in the activation of left caudate nucleus and adjacent white matter was noted while performing the Stroop task after the dTMS treatment.ConclusionThe study provides preliminary evidence for functional correlates of effectiveness of dTMS as an adjunctive treatment modality for OCD.
Using choice modelling to identify popular and affordable alternative interventions for schistosomiasis in Uganda
Authors: Meginnis Keila , Hanley Nick , Mujumbusi Lazaaro , Pickering Lucy , Lamberton Poppy H. L. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSchistosomiasis is caused by a vector-borne parasite, commonly found in low- and middle-income countries. People become infected by direct contact with contaminated water through activities such as collecting water, bathing and fishing. Water becomes contaminated when human waste is not adequately contained. We administered a discrete choice experiment to understand community preferences for interventions that would reduce individuals' risk of contracting, or transmitting, Schistosoma mansoni. These focused on water access, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions. We compared interventions that target behaviours that mainly put oneself at higher risk versus behaviours that mainly put others at risk. We used two payment vehicles to quantify what individuals are willing to give up in time and/or labour for interventions to be implemented. Key findings indicate that new sources of potable water and fines on open defecation are the highest valued interventions.
The importance of biodiversity risks: Link to zoonotic diseases
Authors: Bedenham G. , Kirk A. , Luhano U. , Shields A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This paper follows on from the initial position paper on “The Importance of Biodiversity Risks”, prepared by the Biodiversity and Natural Capital Working party, a volunteer group working under the Sustainability Board. This paper explores the link between zoonotic disease and biodiversity loss and aims to raise awareness and discussion within the actuarial community on why this should be an important consideration in risk management. This paper focuses on how zoonotic diseases emerge, how they are linked to biodiversity loss, the potential impacts in the future and progress within the financial sector. This paper forms part of a collection of papers prepared by volunteers under the Sustainability Board that focus on different elements of biodiversity risk considerations.
Natural capital: an actuarial perspective
Authors: Ahern M. , Craddock-Taylor R. , Darsley A. , Elsum T. , Martin A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This paper introduces the concept of Natural Capital and explores the implications for actuarial work by way of case studies. It is part of a wider series of IFoA papers focussing on the risks from global biodiversity loss and how these risks can be mitigated.
A Few Thoughts about the Concepts of International Administrative Tribunals and International Administrative Law
Authors: AGO Shin-ichi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis note tries to determine the most appropriate way to position international administrative tribunals (established by a number of inter-governmental organizations) in the public international legal order, and identify the substance of the so-called international administrative law applied therein. There is an emerging group of laws arising from numerous international administrative tribunal decisions that form a substantive body of legal rules applicable therein: a law of international civil service. Judges in those tribunals, who look for an appropriate source whenever they face a non-liquet situation, use the concept of international administrative law to overcome such difficulties. Judges should not hide themselves behind an ambiguous notion of international administrative law or general principles, but apply the law of international civil service with confidence.
Granule Ripples in the Kumtagh Desert, China: Morphological and Sedimentary Characteristics, and Development Processes
Authors: Han Qingjie , Qu Jianjun , Zu Ruiping , Zhang Kecun , Liu Benli , Xie Shengbo , Niu Qinghe , Tan Lihai 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGranule ripples are widespread on Earth and are a fundamental component of dryland sedimentary systems, but the relationship between their wavelength and surface particle size is unclear; in addition, their sedimentary bedding and granule ripple development are incompletely understood. In this study, we examined the relationship between granule ripple development, morphology, and the surface grain‐size distribution. We measured the morphology and particle‐size distribution of granule ripples in China's Kumtagh Desert, and found an exponential relationship between ripple wavelength and average crest particle size, which contradicts previous results. We hypothesize the ripples resulted from creep of coarse particles caused by saltation impacts, accompanied by decreasing bed elevation, leading to crest migration and increased crest height. The size composition and wind regime determined the movement mode of particles, which controlled ripple development and size, but dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles also contributed. We established a new conceptual model for the development of large granule ripples. Sand ripples and small granule ripples develop similarly, but large ripples did not form from merger of smaller ripples. We report for the first time that particles between 2.3 and 4.7 mm in diameter were missing in the ripple crests (confirmed in wind tunnel experiments). This gap affects the particle movement mode. Since the threshold wind speed for particle saltation at 4.7 mm approaches the regional maximum wind speed, quantifying the missing particles may permit prediction of regional maximum wind speeds, and has practical significance for identifying wind conditions elsewhere, including the surface of Mars.
Deep Learning for Subgrid‐Scale Turbulence Modeling in Large‐Eddy Simulations of the Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Cheng Yu , Giometto Marco G. , Kauffmann Pit , Lin Ling , Cao Chen , Zupnick Cody , Li Harold , Li Qi , Huang Yu , Abernathey Ryan , Gentine Pierre 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn large‐eddy simulations, subgrid‐scale (SGS) processes are parameterized as a function of filtered grid‐scale variables. First‐order, algebraic SGS models are based on the eddy‐viscosity assumption, which does not always hold for turbulence. Here we apply supervised deep neural networks (DNNs) to learn SGS stresses from a set of neighboring coarse‐grained velocity from direct numerical simulations of the convective boundary layer at friction Reynolds numbers Reτ up to 1243 without invoking the eddy‐viscosity assumption. The DNN model was found to produce higher correlation between SGS stresses compared to the Smagorinsky model and the Smagorinsky‐Bardina mixed model in the surface and mixed layers and can be applied to different grid resolutions and various stability conditions ranging from near neutral to very unstable. The DNN model can capture key statistics of turbulence in a posteriori (online) tests when applied to large‐eddy simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer.
Constrained Emergence of Air Temperature Change Signal in Northern‐Central India From Background Variations
Authors: Zhang Kaiwen , Zuo Zhiyan , Zhang Renhe , Xiao Dong , Qiao Liang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe signal of temperature change has emerged from background variations in most tropical regions in boreal summer over decadal‐centennial timescales but not in northern‐central India (NCI). In this study, we investigated the reason for the limited temperature change in NCI. We found that internal variability, largely caused by the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) on a ∼20‐year timescale, has the potential to mask the temperature change signal. Besides, local response to external forcing, linked to non‐greenhouse gas (GHG) forcings, strongly overrides GHG warming in NCI, which results in little trend in the temporal evolution of external variability. The internal variability related to IPO and the limited warming arising from the competition between multiple forcings result in the smallest signal‐to‐noise ratio and thus, the temperature change signal fails to emerge from the background variations.
Robust Expansion of Extreme Midlatitude Storms Under Global Warming
Authors: Dai Panxi , Nie Ji 
Published: May 2022

AbstractExtreme extratropical storms are among the most impact‐relevant weather events in the midlatitudes. Under global warming, extreme storms are expected to intensify; however, little is known about the response of their spatial structure. Here, we show that with warming, extreme storms not only become stronger, but also grow larger. By employing multi‐model projections from the sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project and an idealized aquaplanet simulation, we demonstrate that global warming leads to a robust increase in extreme storm size that is relatively spatially uniform in the midlatitudes and consistent among the models. The physical mechanism for the size increase is the increase in the Rossby deformation radius due to the increase in low‐level dry static stability with warming. The storm expansion adds a substantial contribution (2.6%/K), along with the increase in precipitation intensity (3.2%/K), to the increase in storm total precipitation. The results improve our understanding and have significant implications for climate mitigation.
Archival influenza virus genomes from Europe reveal genomic variability during the 1918 pandemic
Authors: Patrono Livia V. , Vrancken Bram , Budt Matthias , Düx Ariane , Lequime Sebastian , Boral Sengül , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Gogarten Jan F. , Hoffmann Luisa , Horst David , Merkel Kevin , Morens David , Prepoint Baptiste , Schlotterbeck Jasmin , Schuenemann Verena J. , Suchard Marc A. , Taubenberger Jeffery K. , Tenkhoff Luisa , Urban Christian , Widulin Navena , Winter Eduard , Worobey Michael , Schnalke Thomas , Wolff Thorsten , Lemey Philippe , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe 1918 influenza pandemic was the deadliest respiratory pandemic of the 20th century and determined the genomic make-up of subsequent human influenza A viruses (IAV). Here, we analyze both the first 1918 IAV genomes from Europe and the first from samples prior to the autumn peak. 1918 IAV genomic diversity is consistent with a combination of local transmission and long-distance dispersal events. Comparison of genomes before and during the pandemic peak shows variation at two sites in the nucleoprotein gene associated with resistance to host antiviral response, pointing at a possible adaptation of 1918 IAV to humans. Finally, local molecular clock modeling suggests a pure pandemic descent of seasonal H1N1 IAV as an alternative to the hypothesis of origination through an intrasubtype reassortment.
Reversible morphology-resolved chemotactic actuation and motion of Janus emulsion droplets
Authors: Frank Bradley D. , Djalali Saveh , Baryzewska Agata W. , Giusto Paolo , Seeberger Peter H. , Zeininger Lukas 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWe report, for the first time, a chemotactic motion of emulsion droplets that can be controllably and reversibly altered. Our approach is based on using biphasic Janus emulsion droplets, where each phase responds differently to chemically induced interfacial tension gradients. By permanently breaking the symmetry of the droplets’ geometry and composition, externally evoked gradients in surfactant concentration or effectiveness induce anisotropic Marangoni-type fluid flows adjacent to each of the two different exposed interfaces. Regulation of the competitive fluid convections then enables a controllable alteration of the speed and the direction of the droplets’ chemotactic motion. Our findings provide insight into how compositional anisotropy can affect the chemotactic behavior of purely liquid-based microswimmers. This has implications for the design of smart and adaptive soft microrobots that can autonomously regulate their response to changes in their chemical environment by chemotactically moving towards or away from a certain target, such as a bacterium.
Ultrahigh strength and shear-assisted separation of sliding nanocontacts studied in situ
Authors: Sato Takaaki , Milne Zachary B. , Nomura Masahiro , Sasaki Naruo , Carpick Robert W. , Fujita Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe behavior of materials in sliding contact is challenging to determine since the interface is normally hidden from view. Using a custom microfabricated device, we conduct in situ, ultrahigh vacuum transmission electron microscope measurements of crystalline silver nanocontacts under combined tension and shear, permitting simultaneous observation of contact forces and contact width. While silver classically exhibits substantial sliding-induced plastic junction growth, the nanocontacts exhibit only limited plastic deformation despite high applied stresses. This difference arises from the nanocontacts’ high strength, as we find the von Mises stresses at yield points approach the ideal strength of silver. We attribute this to the nanocontacts’ nearly defect-free nature and small size. The contacts also separate unstably, with pull-off forces well below classical predictions for rupture under pure tension. This strongly indicates that shearing reduces nanoscale pull-off forces, predicted theoretically at the continuum level, but not directly observed before.
A prospective trial of treatment de-escalation following neoadjuvant paclitaxel/trastuzumab/pertuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Waks Adrienne G. , Desai Neelam V. , Li Tianyu , Poorvu Philip D. , Partridge Ann H. , Sinclair Natalie , Spring Laura M. , Faggen Meredith , Constantine Michael , Metzger Otto , Alberti Jillian , Deane Julia , Rosenberg Shoshana M. , Frank Elizabeth , Tolaney Sara M. , Krop Ian E. , Tung Nadine M. , Tayob Nabihah , King Tari A. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Winer Eric P. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDe-escalating adjuvant therapy following pathologic complete response (pCR) to an abbreviated neoadjuvant regimen in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer is the focus of international research efforts. However, the feasibility of this approach and its appeal to patients and providers had not been formally investigated. We aimed to assess adherence to de-escalated adjuvant antibody doublet therapy (trastuzumab and pertuzumab [HP], without chemotherapy) among patients with pCR following neoadjuvant paclitaxel/HP (THP). In this single-arm prospective trial, patients with treatment-naïve stage II-III HER2+ breast cancer received neoadjuvant weekly paclitaxel ×12 and HP every 3 weeks ×4. The primary endpoint was receipt of adjuvant non-HER2-directed cytotoxic chemotherapy. Ninety-eight patients received ≥1 dose of THP on study. Patients had median age of 50 years, 86% had stage II tumors, and 34% were hormone receptor-negative. Five patients had incomplete clinical response following THP and received doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide before surgery; they were classified as non-pCR and censored from further analyses. The overall pCR rate was 56.7%. Among patients with pCR, the adherence rate to de-escalated antibody-only therapy (HP) was 98.2% (95% CI 90.3–100.0%), and the primary feasibility endpoint was reached. The majority of patients felt positive or neutral about their adjuvant treatment plans. With brief follow-up (median 19.1 months), there were no breast cancer recurrences. De-escalation of adjuvant chemotherapy among patients who experience pCR in early-stage HER2+ breast cancer is a practicable approach for both patients and physicians. Planned and ongoing prospective trials will determine the long-term efficacy of this approach.Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03716180, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03716180.
Fine-scale topographic influence on the spatial distribution of tree species diameter in old-growth beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) forests, northern Iran
Authors: Fazlollahi Mohammadi Maryam , Tobin Brian , Jalali Seyed GholamAli , Kooch Yahya , Riemann Rachel 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe Hyrcanian forest in northern Iran is threatened by human use and encroachment and has suffered degradation in some areas. The forest has been declared a World Heritage Site and management in the region is shifting from timber production to conservation. There is considerable interest in developing a greater understanding of these diverse forest communities to inform forest management and multiple use plans to maintain the diversity and resilience of these forests. The Hyrcanian forest is characterized by a complex topography of catenas ranging up mountain slopes. Topographic gradients greatly influence microhabitat conditions which in turn impact tree distribution. To date there has been limited research on the impacts of this diverse topography on the spatial distribution of tree species and tree diameters in Hyrcanian forests. Such information is necessary to better understand the regional traits of tree diameters in these natural mixed temperate forests before forest management occurs. We examined the influence of the area’s catena topography on the spatial pattern of tree species and on species stand structure in terms of tree diameter distribution. To quantify these dynamics, we conducted a complete enumeration inventory of all trees with dbh >12 cm within a 7.947 ha study area that included three C-shaped (concave) and three V-shaped (convex) catenas. Geostatistical variogram analysis and Clark and Evans aggregation index were utilized to study the spatial distribution of tree diameters. Beech, alder, hornbeam, linden and Persian maple exhibited clustered patterns, and sour cherry, ash, and oak exhibited random patterns. Geostatistical analysis clearly revealed the substantial influence of catena topography on the diameter distributions of alder and linden, more subtle influence on the diameter distributions of beech, and a possible influence on Persian maple, providing valuable insight into stand structure over neighborhood-based indices alone. Alder and linden both exhibited strong spatial structure in their diameter distributions (56% and 86%, respectively) where their diameter was strongly correlated with trees within 108 m and 83 m, respectively, sharing more similar diameters to each other than trees beyond that distance. Beech, maple, and hornbeam exhibited very weak if any spatial structure over short distances. These findings can be used to support the alignment of forest management practices in managed Hyrcanian forests with goals of protecting and maintaining biodiversity and sustainable forest ecosystems, and to inform geospatial modeling of species diameter distributions in areas where a complete stem-map is not feasible.
Analysis of thromboembolic events in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy: single-center real-world data
Authors: Kim Tae-Hwan , Choi Yong Won , Lee Hyun Woo , Kang Seok Yun , Son Heejun , Choi Jin-Hyuk , Ahn Mi Sun , Sheen Seung-Soo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThromboembolic events (TEEs) are common in cancer patients, with increased risk of TEE by chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer. However, TEEs in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received adjuvant chemotherapy have rarely been reported. This study retrospectively analyzed real-world data of 275 patients with NSCLC treated with adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery from October, 2005 to June, 2020, in a single institution. The incidence of TEEs during or within one year of completion of adjuvant chemotherapy was investigated, and factors related to TEEs were analyzed. TEEs were confirmed in nine patients (3.3%), without fatal event related to TEEs. None of the factors, including Khorana score, was significantly associated with the occurrence of TEEs. All patients with TEEs had pathologic stage IIB or higher and a history of smoking, except for one patient. In conclusion, TEEs occurred in a smaller proportion of patients with NSCLC treated with adjuvant chemotherapy in the real world compared with those treated with palliative chemotherapy in previous reports. Furthermore, prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with NSCLC receiving adjuvant chemotherapy may not be needed except for high-risk patients, although those patients should be informed about the possible risk of TEEs.