bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political ecologies of water in South Africa: A literature review
Authors: Bourblanc Magalie , Blanchon David
Published: August 2019

Given the existence of a thriving epistemic community on water sciences, the high politicization of environmental issues in the country as well as the active mobilization of a grassroot movement inspired by environmental justice, South Africa appears to be an ideal case to study the development of a political ecology (PE) approach. Moreover, since the apartheid regime, water issues have long represented a marker of extreme inequality.This paper aims at drawing a panorama of the PE of water in South Africa, its main topics and approaches. In our definition, the PE of water is concerned with human–environment relations, with explicit considerations for power relations. In the first section, we identified texts that, according to this definition, constitute the core of the PE of water in South Africa, going beyond a mere “politics of water.” In the second section and in the discussion, we undertook an in‐depth analysis of the main topics addressed by authors, such as environmental flows, “free basic water policy,” prepaid water meters. PE of water is strongly connected to international debates about the link between water and power, but also capable of addressing in a critical way the specificities of the South African waterscape. It stems from this review that critical PE in urban settings in particular dominates the discipline. We could also note that the PE of water in rural areas tends to put a bigger emphasis on the “politics of ecology” whereas urban PE tends to focus more on the “ecology in politics,” although both thrive to examine the human–environment relations in an integrated manner.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Value of Water

Human Water > Rights to Water
Dynamical origin of fermion bulk masses in a warped extra dimension
Authors: Ahmed Aqeel , Carmona Adrian , Ruiz Javier Castellano , Chung Yi , Neubert Matthias
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Extensions of the Standard Model featuring a warped extra dimension compactified on an S
1/ℤ2 orbifold, in which the fermions and gauge bosons live in the bulk of the fifth dimension, offer one of the most compelling mechanisms for addressing both the hierarchy problem and the flavor puzzle of the Standard Model. However, the five-dimensional mass terms of bulk fermions must be odd functions on the orbifold, and as such they should be described by a field depending on the coordinate of the extra dimension. We demonstrate the feasibility of dynamically generating these fermion bulk masses with a bulk scalar field in warped extra dimensions. The bulk scalar acquires a vacuum expectation value, which is odd under the orbifold symmetry and gives rise to the fermion bulk masses through non-universal Yukawa-like interactions. Like in the conventional Randall-Sundrum setup, the localization of the different fermion zero modes along the extra dimension naturally explains the observed flavor structure and four-dimensional mass hierarchy of the SM fermions. We study the phenomenological implications of the backreaction on the metric and the modified fermion profiles due to the bulk scalar field on electroweak precision and flavor observables. Using up-to-date data, we show that the contributions to the S, T, and ϵ

K
parameters require the mass of the first Kaluza-Klein gluon resonance to be of order 14 and 10 TeV in the minimal and the custodial model, respectively, regardless of the effect of the backreaction. Furthermore, effective flavor-changing interactions among the SM fermions induced by the bulk scalar are discussed. We also comment on the potential impact of the Higgs portal interaction of the bulk scalar on the couplings of the Higgs boson.
Symmetries near the horizon
Authors: Lin Henry W. , Maldacena Juan , Zhao Ying
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We consider a nearly-AdS2gravity theory on the two-sided wormhole geometry. We construct three gauge-invariant operators in NAdS2which move bulk matter relative to the dynamical boundaries. In a two-sided system, these operators satisfy an SL(2) algebra (up to non perturbative corrections). In a semiclassical limit, these generators act like SL(2) transformations of the boundary time, or conformal symmetries of the two sided boundary theory. These can be used to define an operator-state mapping. A particular large N and low temperature limit of the SYK model has precisely the same structure, and this construction of the exact generators also applies. We also discuss approximate, but simpler, constructions of the generators in the SYK model. These are closely related to the “size” operator and are connected to the maximal chaos behavior captured by out of time order correlators.
ACL Reconstruction Graft Angle and Outcomes: Transtibial vs Anteromedial Reconstruction
Authors: Stone Austin V. , Chahla Jorge , Manderle Brandon J. , Beletsky Alexander , Bush-Joseph Charles A. , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: August 2019

Background

The importance of creating an anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been receiving significant attention. The best technique by which to achieve this anatomic reconstruction continues to be debated. The two most common methods are the transtibial (TT) and anteromedial (AM) techniques. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the literature comparing the two remains uncertain.

Questions/Purposes

In this prospective comparative study, we aimed to compare the ACL graft and tunnel angles achieved using the anatomic transtibial (TT) and anteromedial (AM) techniques; compare the ACL graft and tunnel angles in knees that have undergone ACL reconstruction and knees with intact ACLs; and determine whether differences in the graft or tunnel angle produce differences in clinical outcomes, as measured using both physical exam and patient-reported outcomes, after ACL reconstruction.

Methods

Patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with bone–tendon–bone grafts using a TT or AM technique were included. Femoral graft angle (FGA), tibial graft angle (TGA), and sagittal orientation of the reconstructed ACL and contralateral native ACL were measured on post-operative magnetic resonance imaging. Post-operatively, patients underwent measurement of knee stability and completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) survey.

Results

Twenty-nine patients were enrolled (AM group, 14; TT group, 15); at follow-up, KOOS data were available for 26 patients (13 in each group). There were no differences in sagittal ACL graft angle between groups or in comparison with the normal knee. The FGA was more vertical after TT reconstructions; the TGA was comparable between groups. There were no significant differences in 2-year post-operative physical exam measurements or in KOOS scores.

Conclusion

Anatomic ACL angle was restored after reconstruction with both the TT and AM techniques, despite different FGAs. No significant differences in clinical outcome were noted between groups on physical exam or KOOS at 2 years after surgery. These results suggest that TT reconstruction results in a graft position similar to that seen in AM reconstruction and that the location of the intra-articular tunnel aperture matters more than the orientation of the tunnel.
Physical Changes, Laboratory Parameters, and Bone Mineral Density During Testosterone Treatment in Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Stoffers Iris E. , de Vries Martine C. , Hannema Sabine E.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Current treatment guidelines for adolescents with gender dysphoria recommend therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) and testosterone in transgender males. However, most evidence on the safety and efficacy of testosterone is based on studies in adults.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of testosterone treatment in transgender adolescents.

Methods

The study included 62 adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria who had started GnRHa treatment and had subsequently received testosterone treatment for more than 6 months.

Main Outcome Measure

Virilization, anthropometry, laboratory parameters, and bone mineral density (BMD) were analyzed.

Results

Adolescents were treated with testosterone for a median duration of 12 months. Voice deepening began within 3 months in 85% of adolescents. Increased hair growth was first reported on the extremities, followed by an increase of facial hair. Acne was most prevalent between 6 and 12 months of testosterone therapy. Most adolescents had already completed linear growth; body mass index and systolic blood pressure increased but diastolic blood pressure did not change. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and sex hormone binding globulin significantly decreased, but hematocrit, hemoglobin, prolactin, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate significantly increased, although not all changes were clinically significant. Other lipids and HbA1c did not change. Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 32–54% throughout treatment. BMD z-scores after 12 to 24 months of testosterone treatment remained below z-scores before the start of GnRHa treatment.

Clinical Implications

Adolescents need to be counseled about side effects with potential longer term implications such as increased hematocrit and decreased HDL cholesterol and decreased BMD z-scores. They should be advised on diet, including adequate calcium and vitamin D intake; physical exercise; and the use of tobacco and alcohol to avoid additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths are the standardized treatment regimen and extensive set of safety parameters investigated. Limitations are the limited duration of follow-up and lack of a control group so some of the observed changes may be due to normal maturation rather than to treatment.

Conclusion

Testosterone effectively induced virilization beginning within 3 months in the majority of adolescents. Acne was a common side effect, but no short-term safety issues were observed. The increased hematocrit, decreased HDL cholesterol, and decreased BMD z-scores are in line with previous studies. Further follow-up studies will need to establish if the observed changes result in adverse outcomes in the long term.
Vertical flight profile optimization for a cruise segment with RTA constraints
Authors: Dancila R. , Botez R.
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the results of a research performed at the Research Laboratory in Active Controls, Avionics and Aeroservoelasticty (LARCASE), at ÉTS, concerning optimisation strategies for cruise flight segments with imposed flight time (delimited by waypoints with required time of arrival constraints). Specifically, a new algorithm is presented that identifies the optimal vertical navigation profile (flight altitude and speed optimisation) for a cruise segment with imposed lateral navigation profile, bounded by two waypoints with required time of arrival constraints. The set of evaluated vertical navigation profiles are characterised by identical altitudes and speeds at their initial and final waypoints (at the beginning and the end of the cruise segment under optimisation), a maximum of one altitude step (relative to the initial altitude), and are flown at constant speed. This study investigates the flight performance increase (total cost reduction) for a flight along the optimal vertical navigation profile, relative to a flight at the optimal speed and initial cruise altitude. The evaluation was performed using a medium haul transport aircraft flight performance model, for three lateral navigation profiles and three wind profiles. The algorithm is targeted for Flight Management Systems platforms, to provide the optimal flight trajectory for the imposed lateral flight profile and time constraints.
A proposed solution for airborne delays: linear holding
Authors: Sahin O.
Published: August 2019

This study is aimed at establishing a linear holding (LH) procedure instead of a conventional air holding stack to minimize the effects of airborne delays in terms of air traffic management and fuel consumption. This paper uses both actual flight data and the Base of Aircraft Database (BADA) model to obtain fuel consumption for level flight and descent segments, separately.

The total fuel savings obtained by using actual flight data (16%) and the BADA model (10%) indicate that the LH is found to be more advantageous compared to a conventional holding procedure. Furthermore, the recommended LH procedure could be a promising solution for keeping aircraft in a narrow area that could be considered to be an effective method for airspace usage.
Finite-dimensional approximations for Nica–Pimsner algebras
Authors: KAKARIADIS EVGENIOS T. A.
Published: August 2019

We give necessary and sufficient conditions for nuclearity of Cuntz–Nica–Pimsner algebras for a variety of quasi-lattice ordered groups. First we deal with the free abelian lattice case. We use this as a stepping-stone to tackle product systems over quasi-lattices that are controlled by the free abelian lattice and satisfy a minimality property. Our setting accommodates examples like the Baumslag–Solitar lattice for$n=m>0$and the right-angled Artin groups. More generally, the class of quasi-lattices for which our results apply is closed under taking semi-direct and graph products. In the process we accomplish more. Our arguments tackle Nica–Pimsner algebras that admit a faithful conditional expectation on a small fixed point algebra and a faithful copy of the coefficient algebra. This is the case for CNP-relative quotients in-between the Toeplitz–Nica–Pimsner algebra and the Cuntz–Nica–Pimsner algebra. We complete this study with the relevant results on exactness.
Russian revisionism in the Putin era: an overview of post-communist military interventions in Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria
Authors: Pisciotta Barbara
Published: August 2019

This paper seeks to develop a new typology of revisionism based on the nature of the aims (territorial/normative/hierarchy of prestige), the means employed (peaceful/violent), and the level of action (regional/global). This will then be used to explain the escalation of Russia's foreign policy from regional to global claims with reference to its military interventions in Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria and to identify the type of revisionism involved in each of the three Russian military interventions undertaken both inside (Georgia and Ukraine) and outside (Syria) the post-soviet space. The paper is divided into three parts. The first examines the concept of revisionism and suggests a new classification of six types in relation to the means, nature, and level of the claims put forward byrevisionist powers. The second discusses the interventions carried out by Russia within its regional area (in Georgia and Ukraine). The third analyses the intervention in Syria and highlights the escalation of Russian claims from the regional to the global level.
Measuring pre-service music teachers’ creative identities: a cross-cultural comparison of the United States and Singapore
Authors: Randles Clint , Tan Leonard
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the creative musical identities of pre-service music education students in the United States and Singapore. The Creative Identity in Music (CIM) measure was utilized with both US and Singapore pre-service music teacher populations (n = 274). Items of the CIM relate to music-making activities often associated with creativity in music education in the literature, including composition, improvisation and popular music performance. Results suggest, similar to findings of previous research, that while both populations are similar in their degree of creative music-making self-efficacy and are similarly willing to allow for creativity in the classroom, Singaporean pre-service music teachers value the areas of creative identity and the use of popular music listening/performing within the learning environment to a significantly greater extent (p < 0.0001) than their US counterparts.
Originalism and the Law of the Past
Authors: Baude William , Sachs Stephen E.
Published: August 2019

Originalism has long been criticized for its “law office history” and other historical sins. But a recent “positive turn” in originalist thought may help make peace between history and law. On this theory, originalism is best understood as a claim about our modern law--which borrows many of its rules, constitutional or otherwise, from the law of the past. Our law happens to be the Founders' law, unless lawfully changed. This theory has three important implications for the role of history in law. First, whether and how past law matters today is a question of current law, not of history. Second, applying that current law may often require deference to historical expertise, but for a more limited inquiry: one that looks specifically at legal doctrines and instruments, interprets those instruments in artificial ways, and makes use of evidentiary principles and default rules when the history is obscure. Third, ordinary legal reasoning already involves the application of old law to new facts, an inquiry that might otherwise seem daunting or anachronistic. Applying yesterday's “no vehicles in the park” ordinance is no less fraught--and no more so--than applying Founding-era legal doctrines.
The politics of voluntary self-regulation: insights from the development and promotion of the Australian Beverages Council’s Commitment
Authors: Lacy-Nichols Jennifer , Scrinis Gyorgy , Carey Rachel
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To analyse the evolution of the soft drink industry’s use of self-regulation as a response to obesity and examine the motivations driving its development and the strategies used to promote it to policy makers.

Design:

We used a data set of industry documents published by the Australian Beverages Council (ABC) between 1998 and 2016. We analysed how the ABC voiced its political motivations about self-regulation and what internal nutrition policies it developed prior to its public launch of self-regulation. We also analysed two promotional strategies: funding research and writing policy submissions.

Setting:

Australia.

Results:

Between 1998 and 2006, the ABC shifted from a defensive strategy that denied the role of its products in obesity to more conciliatory strategy that emphasised the role of the soft drink industry in solutions to obesity. The ABC deliberately timed the launch of its self-regulation to coincide with an international public health congress. Following its launch, the ABC funded research demonstrating the efficacy of self-regulation and wrote submissions to government nutrition policies arguing that further regulation was unnecessary.

Conclusions:

The soft drink industry uses self-regulation to bolster its reputation and influence nutrition policy. Strategic timing plays a key role in the political influence of self-regulation.
On Virtues of Love and Wide Ethical Duties
Authors: Fahmy Melissa Seymour
Published: August 2019

In this article I argue that understanding the role that the virtues of love play in Kant’s ethical theory requires understanding not only the nature of the virtues themselves, but also the unique nature of wide Kantian duties. I begin by making the case that while the Doctrine of Virtue supports attributing an affective component to the virtues of love, we are right to resist attributing anaffective success conditionto these virtues. I then distinguish wide duties from negative and narrow (positive) duties in order to make the case that prudential considerations often unavoidably and unproblematically play a role in deliberation about how we fulfil our wide duties. In the final section I combine these findings, arguing that the virtues of love play an important moral role by shaping these prudential considerations.
Kant’s Provisionality Thesis
Authors: MESSINA J. P.
Published: August 2019

I argue that Kant’s mature political philosophy entails the provisionality thesis. The provisionality thesis asserts that in a world like ours, populated with beings sufficiently like us, acquired rights (rights to external objects of choice, including property, sovereignty and territory) are necessarily provisional. I motivate the standard view, which restricts the notion of provisional right to the state of nature and the transition from the state of nature to the civil condition. I then provide two textual arguments against it. I conclude by reflecting on the normative implications of the provisionality thesis, arguing that they are more modest than has been formerly appreciated.
A Juridical Right to Lie
Authors: Stewart Hamish
Published: August 2019

Kant’s essay ‘On a Supposed Right to Lie from Philanthropy’ claims that everyone has an unconditional duty of right not to lie under any circumstances. This claim creates a conflict within the doctrine of right because Kant also claims that each of us is under an unconditional duty of right to obey the positive law in force in the civil condition in all circumstances. In Kant’s specific example, truthfulness would violate the positive law because it would make the speaker an accomplice to a crime. Since both duties flow from the requirement that we not act inconsistently with the possibility of rightful relations among humans, a juridical solution to the conflict must be possible. That solution is to recognize that lying in appropriate circumstances is akin to the use of force in self-defence or defence of a third party.
Individually customised parametrial boost for locally advanced cervical cancer: is 2D planned external beam radiotherapy useful?
Authors: Gangopadhyay Aparna , Saha Subrata
Published: August 2019

Aim:

Pelvic wall control and toxicity was retrospectively assessed in patients who received individually customised parametrial boost (PMB) for locally advanced cervical cancer with 2D planned external beam radiotherapy. Outcomes of a dose-escalated combined boost were also evaluated.

Materials and methods:

Toxicity and pelvic wall recurrence was evaluated over a median period of 24 months between two groups who received different pelvic wall doses. One group was randomised to receive either intracavitary brachytherapy (ICRT) with an external beam PMB using a customised midline shield, or a dose-escalated combined boost with interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) and PMB. The comparator group received no PMB.

Results:

At 24 months, pelvic wall recurrence occurred in 2/112 and 40/130 with and without PMB, respectively (p < 0·000001). No significant difference in toxicity was noted between boost versus no-boost groups (p = 0·56). Combined ISBT/PMB dose escalation showed no significant difference in pelvic wall recurrence compared with PMB alone (p = 0·49).

Findings:

Individually customised 2D PMBs with 3D image-based ICRT was safe and improved pelvic wall control in locally advanced cervix cancer. Dose-escalated combined boosts offered no significant benefit over standard boost doses.
Ketamine as augmentation for the treatment of major depression and suicidal risk in advanced cancer: Case report
Authors: Rodríguez-Mayoral Oscar , Pérez-Esparza Rodrigo , Domínguez-Ocadio Georgina , Allende-Pérez Silvia
Published: August 2019

Objective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common in patients diagnosed with advanced cancer (AC), with a prevalence of 16.5%. It is associated with great disability and worsened quality of life, increased number and intensity of physical symptoms, and lower survival. It is the main factor for the presence of suicidal ideation. Antidepressants show modest efficacy, and response requires several weeks. Ketamine has demonstrated a fast and robust antidepressant effect in subanesthetic doses. This effect may prove useful in patients with AC, MDD, and suicidal risk.

Method

We report a case of a patient with advanced cervical cancer who presented with uncontrollable pain, MDD, and a suicide attempt.

Result

A 39-year-old woman diagnosed with cervical cancer stage IVB presented to the Emergency Department after a suicide attempt by hanging. Upon evaluation by the palliative care psychiatrist, she reported intense pain, unresponsive to analgesics, and had a history of persistent suicidal ideation. Antidepressant treatment was started (sertraline 50mg/d) after a single dose of ketamine hydrochloride IV (0.5 mg/kg) was administered. Treatment response was measured using the Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale before and after the intervention. The depressive symptoms decreased by 17% on day 1, 39% on day 3, and 72% on day 17.

Significance of results

This case report shows ketamine's efficacy as an augmentation agent alongside conventional antidepressant treatment in patients with AC. Moreover, it shows rapid response in suicidal ideation that has not been achieved with treatment as usual. More clinical trials are needed to support the potential benefit and safety of ketamine in patients with AC, MDD, and persisting suicidal ideation.
Why Religious People Support Ethnic Insurgency? Kurds, Religion and Support for the PKK
Authors: Karakoç Ekrem , Sarıgil Zeki
Published: August 2019

This study challenges a dominant view that religion constrains the support for an ethnic insurgency. It argues that observing the discrepancy between religious brotherhood discourses of ethnic majority state and discrimination and inter-ethnic inequality in the social, political, and economic sphere as a result of the long-standing securitization of minority rights increase skepticism toward government among religious minorities. This long-term perception makes them receptive to the messages of an insurgent group that claims to fight for cultural and political rights of an ethnic minority. Utilizing two original public opinion surveys conducted in Turkey in 2011 and 2013, before and right after the peace talks between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers' Party—The Partîya Karkêren Kurdistan (PKK), this study tests its hypotheses by taking the Kurdish conflict as a case study. The findings challenge the dominant paradigm that expects a negative relationship between religiosity and rebel support. Religious Kurds do not differ from non-religious ones in support for the formerly Marxist–Leninist PKK. Second, political and economic grievances matter; the perception among Kurds, of state discrimination and inter-ethnic economic inequality generates positive attitudes toward the PKK. Finally, the perception of inter-ethnic socioeconomic inequality amplifies support for the PKK among religious Kurds.
Nutrient and hormone composition of milk is altered in rodent dams post-bariatric surgery
Authors: Deer Evangeline M. , Welch Bradley , Hernandez Laura L. , Seeley Randy J. , Grayson Bernadette E.
Published: August 2019

Although bariatric surgery is approved for a woman of child-bearing age with an interest in subsequent pregnancy, reports ofin uterogrowth issues during pregnancy have garnered a closer look at the impact of maternal surgical weight loss on the pre- and postpartum periods. Offspring of dams having received vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) are born small-for-gestational age and have increased risk for metabolic syndrome later in life. Here, we aimed to determine whether the postnatal catch-up growth trajectory of bariatric offspring may be affected by milk composition. Milk samples were collected at postnatal day 15/16 from dams having received VSG surgery and fed a high-fat diet (HFD) (H-VSG), Sham surgery and fed chow (C-Sham), or Sham surgery and fed HFD (H-Sham). Milk obtained from H-VSG dams had elevated glucose (P< 0.05) and significantly reduced triglyceride content (P< 0.01). Milk from H-Sham dams had the lowest amount of milk protein (P< 0.05). Fatty acid composition measured by fractionation was largely not affected by surgery but rather maternal diet. No difference was observed in milk leptin levels; however, insulin, adiponectin, and growth hormone levels were significantly increased in milk from H-VSG animals. H-Sham had the lowest level of immunoglobulin (Ig)A, whereas IgG was significantly reduced in H-VSG. Taken together, the quality of milk from H-VSG dams suggests that milk composition could be a factor in reducing the rate of growth during the lactation period.
Estimating Shortwave Clear‐Sky Fluxes From Hourly Global Radiation Records by Quantile Regression
Authors: Renner M. , Wild M. , Schwarz M. , Kleidon A.
Published: August 2019

Estimates of radiative fluxes under cloud‐free conditions (“clear‐sky”) are required in many fields, from climatic analyses of solar transmission to estimates of solar energy potential for electricity generation. Ideally, these fluxes can be obtained directly from measurements of solar fluxes at the surface. However, common standard methods to identify clear‐sky conditions require observations of both the total and the diffuse radiative fluxes at very high temporal resolution of minutes, which restricts these methods to a few, well‐equipped sites. Here we propose a simple method to estimate clear‐sky fluxes only from typically available global radiation measurements (Rsd) at (half‐)hourly resolution. Plotting a monthly sample of observed Rsd against the corresponding incoming solar radiation at the top of atmosphere (potential solar radiation) reveals a typical triangle shape with clear‐sky conditions forming a distinct, linear slope in the upper range of observations. This upper slope can be understood as the fractional transmission of solar radiation representative for cloud‐free conditions of the sample period. We estimate this upper slope through quantile regression. We employ data of 42 stations of the worldwide Baseline Surface Radiation Network to compare our monthly estimates with the standard clear‐sky identification method developed by Long and Ackerman (2000, https://doi.org/10.1029/2000JD900077). We find very good agreement of the derived fractional solar transmission (R2 = 0.73) across sites. These results thus provide confidence in applying the proposed method to the larger set of global radiation measurements to obtain further observational constraints on clear‐sky fluxes and cloud radiative effects.
What Wildfire Smoke Tells Us About Nuclear Winter
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: August 2019

A cloud of smoke from 2017 Canadian wildfires was so huge that it self-lofted and stayed in the atmosphere for 8 months. Scientists used it as an example for climate simulations of nuclear warfare.
Improved Predictability of the Indian Ocean Dipole Using Seasonally Modulated ENSO Forcing Forecasts
Authors: Zhao Sen , Jin Fei‐Fei , Stuecker Malte F.
Published: August 2019

Despite recent progress in seasonal forecast systems, the predictive skill for the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) remains typically limited to a lead time of one season or less in both dynamical and empirical models. Here we develop a simple stochastic‐dynamical model (SDM) to predict the IOD using seasonally modulated El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) forcing together with a seasonally modulated Indian Ocean coupled ocean‐atmosphere feedback. The SDM, with either observed or forecasted ENSO forcing, exhibits generally higher skill and longer lead times for predicting IOD events than the operational Climate Forecast System version 2 and the Scale Interaction Experiment–Frontier system. The improvements mainly originate from better prediction of ENSO‐dependent IOD events and from reducing false alarms. These results affirm our hypothesis that operational IOD predictability beyond persistence is largely controlled by ENSO predictability and the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the system. Therefore, potential future ENSO improvements in models should translate to more skillful IOD predictions.
Role of Eurasian Snow Cover in Linking Winter‐Spring Eurasian Coldness to the Autumn Arctic Sea Ice Retreat
Authors: Zhang Ruonan , Sun Chenghu , Zhang Renhe , Li Weijing , Zuo Jinqing
Published: August 2019

An anomalous “north‐south” dipole mode of the snow water equivalent (SWE) persisting from winter to spring is detected over the Eurasian mid‐to‐high latitudes in this study. Using observational data sets and numerical experiments of the Community Atmospheric Model (5.0), we show that this mode contributes to prolonged winter‐springtime coldness in midlatitude Eurasia and is closely linked to the declining November Arctic sea ice concentration. The decline in the sea ice concentration over the Barents‐Laptev Seas can induce a teleconnection pattern over the mid‐to‐high latitudes in the following winter, accompanied by an anomalous ridge over the Ural Mountains and an anomalous trough over Europe and East Asia. Such changes in the large‐scale circulation lead to more cold surges and heavy snowfall in the midlatitudes and light snowfall in the high latitudes, forming an anomalous north‐south dipole mode of the SWE, which further reduces the temperature through thermodynamic feedback. Due to seasonal memory, this SWE pattern can persist into the following spring and can lead to springtime midlatitude coldness via thermodynamic and dynamic processes. For the thermodynamic process, the anomalous SWE condition can lead to anomalous wet soil, reduced incoming surface solar radiation, and cooling air in the midlatitudes. This phenomenon induces an enhanced Siberian High and a deepened East Asian trough via the snow‐Siberian high‐feedback mechanism, which favors a cold spring in northern East Asia. Further analysis suggests that an empirical seasonal prediction model based on the SWE can reasonably predict East Asian spring temperature anomalies.
Early Interglacial Legacy of Deglacial Climate Instability
Authors: Barker Stephen , Knorr Gregor , Conn Stephen , Lordsmith Sian , Newman Dhobasheni , Thornalley David
Published: August 2019

Throughout the last glacial cycle millennial timescale variations in atmospheric CO2 occurred in parallel with perturbations in deep ocean circulation, which were themselves reflected by observable changes in surface conditions across the North Atlantic region. Here we use continuous proxy records to argue that an equivalent relationship has held throughout the last 800 kyr, that is, since before the first occurrence of Heinrich events (strictly defined). Our results highlight the importance of internal climate dynamics in amplifying external (insolation) forcing on the climate system to produce the large amplitude of glacial terminations (deglaciations) during the middle to late Pleistocene. We show that terminations are characterized by an interval of intense ice rafting followed by a subsequent and abrupt shift to anomalously warm surface conditions (with respect to the more gradually evolving background state), which we interpret to reflect an abrupt recovery of deep ocean circulation in the Atlantic. According to our synthesis, this is followed by a period of enhanced (or at least anomalous) overturning lasting thousands of years until equilibrium interglacial conditions are attained and during which atmospheric CO2 is likely to decrease. Our results therefore suggest that deglacial oscillations in ocean circulation can have a lasting influence on early interglacial climate and highlight the transient nature of atmospheric CO2 overshoots associated with the onset of some previous interglacials. Accordingly, we suggest that these intervals should be considered as a part of the deglacial process. This has implications for studies concerned with the evolution of atmospheric CO2 during interglacial periods including the Holocene.
Lymphopenia at diagnosis is highly prevalent in myelodysplastic syndromes and has an independent negative prognostic value in IPSS-R-low-risk patients
Authors: Silzle Tobias , Blum Sabine , Schuler Esther , Kaivers Jennifer , Rudelius Martina , Hildebrandt Barbara , Gattermann Norbert , Haas Rainer , Germing Ulrich
Published: August 2019

Lymphopenia is associated with an increased mortality in several medical conditions. Its prognostic impact in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is less well studied. Hence, we analyzed 1023 patients from the Düsseldorf MDS-registry with regard to the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at diagnosis. An ALC below the median of the population (1.2 × 109/l) was associated with lower counts of neutrophils (median 1.35 vs. 1.92 × 109/l, p < 0.001) and platelets (median 100 vs. 138 × 109/l, p < 0.001) and with a significant lower overall survival in univariate analysis (whole cohort: median 36 vs. 46 months, p = 0.016; 721 patients without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or induction chemotherapy: median 36 vs. 56 months, p = 0.001). For low-risk MDS according to IPSS-R, an ALC < 1.2 × 109/l was of additional prognostic value in a multivariate Cox regression model together with age (< or ≥65 years) and LDH (< or ≥normal value of 240 U/l; HR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03–2.08, p = 0.033). These data support the hypothesis of subtle but clinical relevant changes of the adaptive immune system in MDS. Further studies are necessary to identify the ALC cut-off best suitable for prognostication and the mechanisms responsible for the impairment of lymphoid homeostasis in MDS.
CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 inhibits MCL1 synthesis and drives cholangiocarcinoma apoptosis in combination with BCL2/BCL-XL inhibitor ABT-263
Authors: Huang Tianlu , Ding Xiwei , Xu Guifang , Chen Gang , Cao Yu , Peng Chunyan , Shen Shanshan , Lv Ying , Wang Lei , Zou Xiaoping
Published: August 2019

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a fatal disease without effective targeted therapy. We screened a small-molecule library of 116 inhibitors targeting different targets of the cell cycle and discovered several kinases, including Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) as vulnerabilities in CCA. Analysis of multiple CCA data sets demonstrated that CDK7 was overexpressed in CCA tissues. Further studies demonstrated that CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in CCA cells. We also showed that THZ1 inhibited CCA cell growth in a xenograft model. RNA-sequencing followed by Gene ontology analysis showed a striking impact of THZ1 on DNA-templated transcriptional programs. THZ1 downregulated CDK7-mediated phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II, indicative of transcriptional inhibition. A number of oncogenic transcription factors and survival proteins, like MCL1, FOSL1, and RUNX1, were repressed by THZ1. MCL1, one of the antiapoptotic BCL2 family members, was significantly inhibited upon THZ1 treatment. Accordingly, combining THZ1 with a BCL2/BCL-XL inhibitor ABT-263 synergized in impairing cell growth and driving apoptosis. Our results demonstrate CDK7 as a potential target in treating CCA. Combinations of CDK7 inhibition and BCL2/BCL-XL inhibition may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for CCA.
Targeting p16-induced senescence prevents cigarette smoke-induced emphysema by promoting IGF1/Akt1 signaling in mice
Authors: Cottage Christopher T. , Peterson Norman , Kearley Jennifer , Berlin Aaron , Xiong Ximing , Huntley Anna , Zhao Weiguang , Brown Charles , Migneault Annik , Zerrouki Kamelia , Criner Gerald , Kolbeck Roland , Connor Jane , Lemaire Raphael
Published: August 2019

Senescence is a mechanism associated with aging that alters tissue regeneration by depleting the stem cell pool. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) displays hallmarks of senescence, including a diminished stem cell population. DNA damage from cigarette smoke (CS) induces senescence via the p16 pathway. This study evaluated the contribution of p16 to CS-associated lung pathologies. p16 expression was prominent in human COPD lungs compared with normal subjects. CS induces impaired pulmonary function, emphysema, and increased alveolar epithelial cell (AECII) senescence in wild-type mice, whereas CS-exposed p16−/− mice exhibit normal pulmonary function, reduced emphysema, diminished AECII senescence, and increased pro-growth IGF1 signaling, suggesting that improved lung function in p16−/− mice was due to increased alveolar progenitor cell proliferation. In conclusion, our study suggests that targeting senescence may facilitate alveolar regeneration in COPD emphysema by promoting IGF1 proliferative signaling.
Design strategy for germanium-rhodamine based pH-activatable near-infrared fluorescence probes suitable for biological applications
Authors: Koide Yuichiro , Kojima Ryosuke , Hanaoka Kenjiro , Numasawa Koji , Komatsu Toru , Nagano Tetsuo , Kobayashi Hisataka , Urano Yasuteru
Published: August 2019

Fluorescence probes that can detect pH are useful tools for biological research and clinical diagnosis. Here we report pH-activatable near-infrared fluorescence probes, based on hydroxymethyl germanium-rhodamine (HMGeR), that are suitable for a range of biological applications. The pKa, the ratio of the fluorescent form in an acidic environment, and the absorption/emission wavelengths can all be conveniently optimized. The most promising probe, 2-HM IGeR, offers significant advantages over currently available near-infrared pH probes, notably high quantum efficiency, appropriate pKa value for biological applications, and high photostability. Further, our molecular design strategy allows easy conjugation of the probes to biomolecules without loss of functionality. We illustrate the value of this strategy by developing probe-Herceptin® and probe-avidin conjugates to visualize pH change in cellular vesicles during endocytosis, and to visualize tumors in a mouse model, respectively. We believe 2-HM IGeR is currently among the best-in-class pH-activatable near-infrared probes for biological and medical research.
Excitons in InGaAs quantum dots without electron wetting layer states
Authors: Löbl Matthias C. , Scholz Sven , Söllner Immo , Ritzmann Julian , Denneulin Thibaud , Kovács András , Kardynał Beata E. , Wieck Andreas D. , Ludwig Arne , Warburton Richard J.
Published: August 2019

The Stranski–Krastanov growth-mode facilitates the self-assembly of quantum dots (QDs) by using lattice-mismatched semiconductors, for instance, InAs and GaAs. These QDs are excellent photon emitters: the optical decay of QD-excitons creates high-quality single-photons, which can be used for quantum communication. One significant drawback of the Stranski–Krastanov mode is the wetting layer. It results in a continuum close in energy to the confined states of the QD. The wetting-layer-states lead to scattering and dephasing of QD-excitons. Here, we report a slight modification to the Stranski–Krastanov growth-protocol of InAs on GaAs, which results in a radical change of the QD-properties. We demonstrate that the new QDs have no wetting-layer-continuum for electrons. They can host highly charged excitons where up to six electrons occupy the same QD. In addition, single QDs grown with this protocol exhibit optical linewidths matching those of the very best QDs making them an attractive alternative to conventional InGaAs QDs.
Spatially resolved endogenous improved metabolite detection in human osteoarthritis cartilage by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Eveque-Mourroux M. R. , Emans P. J. , Zautsen R. R. M. , Boonen A. , Heeren R. M. A. , Cillero-Pastor B.
Published: August 2019

Workflow to improve the detection of endogenous metabolites in cartilage by MSI.
Target-controlled in situ formation of G-quadruplex DNAzyme for a sensitive visual assay of telomerase activity
Authors: Wang Yaocai , Yang Luzhu , Wang Yanjun , Liu Wei , Li Baoxin , Jin Yan
Published: August 2019

A sensitive visual assay was developed for detecting telomerase activity based on the telomerase-controlled in situ formation of G-quadruplex-hemin DNAzyme. The telomerase activity of 5 HeLa cells per μL was visually detected in human serum.
Self-transformation of ultra-small gold nanoclusters to gold nanocrystals toward boosted photoreduction catalysis
Authors: Huang Ming-Hui , Li Yu-Bing , Li Tao , Dai Xiao-Cheng , Hou Shuo , He Yunhui , Xiao Guangcan , Xiao Fang-Xing
Published: August 2019

Self-transformation of Au clusters to Au nanocrystals (NCs) was achieved via thermal reduction and Au NCs integrated at the interface of CdSe QDs and graphene boost interfacial charge transfer efficiency.
Two-photon fluorescence imaging of mitochondrial superoxide anion transport mediating liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Zhang Wen , Su Di , Li Ping , Zhang Jiao , Liu Jihong , Wang Hui , Zhang Wei , Tang Bo
Published: August 2019

We constructed a new two-photon fluorescence ratio probe to reveal mitochondrial superoxide anion transport mediating liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice.
P4T-DOTA – a lanthanide chelating tag combining a sterically highly overcrowded backbone with a reductively stable linker
Authors: Joss Daniel , Häussinger Daniel
Published: August 2019

A highly rigidified lanthanide complex induces strong pseudocontact shifts and residual dipolar couplings for structural analysis of proteins in solution.
Functionalized C-nucleosides as remarkable RNA binders: targeting of prokaryotic ribosomal A-site RNA
Authors: Joly Jean-Patrick , Gaysinski Marc , Zara Lorena , Duca Maria , Benhida Rachid
Published: August 2019

Novel C-nucleosides as selective binders of prokaryotic ribosomal A-site RNA and promising scaffolds for therapeutic RNA targeting.
Development of a new Lindqvist-like Fe6 cluster secondary building unit for MOFs
Authors: Lin Li-Dan , Li Zhong , Zhao Dan , Liu Jin-Hua , Li Xin-Xiong , Zheng Shou-Tian
Published: August 2019

In this work, a novel Lindqvist-like Fe6 cluster was introduced as an SBU to construct a new family of Fe-cluster organic frameworks.
Direct C–H/C–H cross-coupling of benzimidates with heteroarenes to access biheteroaryl-2-carbonitriles
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Wang Fei , Liu Zheng , He Shuang , Pu Xingwen , Yang Yudong , Gao Ge
Published: August 2019

A rhodium(iii)-catalyzed oxidative C–H/C–H cross-coupling of benzimidates with various heteroarenes has been devloped to directly furnish biheteroaryl-2-carbonitriles.
Fluorine containing cyclopropanes: synthesis of aryl substituted all-cis 1,2,3-trifluorocyclopropanes, a facially polar motif
Authors: Fang Zeguo , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , O'Hagan David
Published: August 2019

The syntheses of substituted all-cis-1,2,3-trifluorocyclopropanes are described for the first time.
The lanthanide contraction effect and organic additives impact the coordination structures of lanthanide ions with symmetrical octamethyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril ligands
Authors: Lin Rui-Lian , Zhou Jia-Jia , Zhou Fu Hou , Sun Wen-Qi , Liu Jing-Xin , Chen Kai
Published: August 2019

Two facts, the lanthanide contraction effect and the “bridge” role of organic additives, impact the coordination structures of lanthanide ions with OMeQ[6] ligands.
Controlled crystallization of twinned crystalline guanine microplatelets
Authors: Ma Yurong , Chen Fenghua , Hu Yiran , Liu Yanan , Qi Limin
Published: August 2019

In this work, twinned anhydrous guanine β microplatelets were synthesized for the first time in the presence of a polyvinylpyrrolidone. The twinning angle of the two c axes for the synthetic and biogenic twinned guanine crystals is 84°, very similar to each other.
Preparation of nano-t-Se with different particle sizes and particle size dependence of the melting thermodynamics
Authors: Li Hongxing , Song Xinru , Yu Xing , Zhang Jianhua , Cui Zixiang , Xue Yongqiang , Zhang Rong
Published: August 2019

Spherical nano-selenium of different diameters was prepared and the particle size dependence of the melting thermodynamics of nano-selenium was explored.
Quantifying multiple crystallite orientations and crystal heterogeneities in complex thin film materials
Authors: Ogle Jonathan , Powell Daniel , Amerling Eric , Smilgies Detlef-M. , Whittaker-Brooks Luisa
Published: August 2019

Using the mosaicity factor and GIWAXS diffraction patterns to quantify crystallite heterogeneities and orientation in thin film materials.
Periodically-ordered one and two dimensional CdTe QD superstructures: a path forward in photovoltaics
Authors: Kar Moumita , Rajbanshi Biplab , Sarkar Ritabrata , Pal Sougata , Sarkar Pranab
Published: August 2019

By using the state-of-the-art theoretical method, we herein explore the potentiality of covalently linked periodically-ordered 1D chain, 2D hexagonal and square ordered superstructures of CdTe QDs in photovoltaics.