bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metallicity gradients in nearby star forming galaxies
Authors: Belfiore Francesco
Published: March 2020

I study the gas phase metallicity (O/H) radial profiles in a representative sample of 550 nearby star forming galaxies with resolved spectroscopic data from the SDSS-IV MaNGA survey. Using strong-line ratio diagnostics (R23 and O3N2) and referencing to the effective (half-light) radius (Re), I find that the metallicity gradient steepens with stellar mass going from log(M/Mȯ) = 9.0 to log(M/Mȯ) = 10.5. At higher masses a flattening of the metallicity radial profile is observed in the central regions (R < 1Re). These findings are in agreement with recent independent analysis of other large samples of nearby galaxies.
Dust-to-gas ratio and metallicity gradients in DustPedia galaxies
Authors: Bianchi Simone ,   the DustPedia consortium
Published: March 2020

Far-infrared photometric observations from the Herschel Space Observatory offer the opportunity to study the dust-to-gas ratio at a resolved scale in nearby galaxies. The amount, and gradient, of solid-phase metals can thus be compared with metallicity measurements in the gas phase. We describe our preliminary work on the topic with data from the DustPedia project.
Galactic archaeology: Understanding the metallicity gradients with chemo-dynamical models
Authors: Minchev I. , Anders F. , Chiappini C.
Published: March 2020

Radial metallicity gradients measured today in the interstellar medium (ISM) and stellar components of disk galaxies are the result of chemo-dynamical evolution since the beginning of disk formation. This makes it difficult to infer the disk past without knowledge of the ISM metallicity gradient evolution with cosmic time. We show that abundance gradients are meaningful only if stellar age information is available. The observed gradient inversion with distance from the disk mid-plane seen in the Milky Way can be explained as the effect of inside-out disk formation and disk flaring of mono-age populations. A novel recent method is presented for constraining the evolution of the Galactic ISM metallicity with radius and time directly from the observations, while at the same time recovering the birth radii of any stellar sample with precise metallicity and age measurements.
The evolution of the oxygen radial gradients in spiral galaxies
Authors: Mollá M. , Cavichia O. , Gibson B. , Tissera P. , Sánchez-Blázquez P. , Díaz A. I. , Ascasibar Y. , Few C. G. , Sánchez S. F. , Maciel W. J.
Published: March 2020

We analyse the evolution with redshift of the radial gradient of oxygen abundances in spiral disks resulting from our MULCHEM chemical evolution models, computed for galaxies of different sizes or masses, studying the relationships between the gradients and galaxy characteristics as the stellar mass, the size, the gas fraction or the star formation rate for z < 4.
Resolving gas-phase metallicity gradients of 0.1 ≲ z ≲ 0.8 galaxies
Authors: Carton David
Published: March 2020

We present gas-phase metallicity gradients of 84 star-forming galaxies between 0.08 < z
< 0.84. Using the galaxies with reliably determined metallicity gradients, we measure the median metallicity gradient to be negative (

$\[ - 0.039_{ - 0.009}^{ + 0.007}{\kern 1pt} dex/kpc\]$

). Underlying this, however, is significant scatter: (8 ± 3)% [7] of galaxies have significantly positive metallicity gradients, (38 ± 5)% [32] have significantly negative gradients, (31 ± 5)% [26] have gradients consistent with being flat. (The remaining (23 ± 5)% [19] have unreliable gradient estimates.)
The dust/gas/metallicity scaling relations in the Local Universe
Authors: Casasola V. , Bianchi S. , De Vis P. , Magrini L. , Corbelli E. ,   DustPedia collaboration
Published: March 2020

We have combined data of the DustPedia project with observations of gas components of the interstellar medium (ISM) and metallicity abundances for late-type DustPedia galaxies to definitively characterize the ISM scaling relations in the Local Universe. In particular, we have focused on the comparison of the dust-to-gas mass ratio with gas phase metallicities.
New Insights in Extragalactic Magnetic Fields
Authors: Feretti Luigina , Govoni Federica , Heald George , Rudnick Lawrence , Johnston-Hollitt Melanie
Published: March 2020

In this contribution we introduce the motivation and goals of IAU Focus Meeting 8, “New Insights in Extragalactic Magnetic Fields”. We provide a background for the nine contributions included in these proceedings, as well as the online contributions. A recap of the meeting is provided in the form of audience feedback that was collected during the wrap-up session at the conclusion of FM8.
Origins of Cosmic magnetism
Authors: Subramanian Kandaswamy
Published: March 2020

The standard picture for the origin of magnetic fields in astrophysical systems involves turbulent dynamo amplification of a weak seed field. Dynamos convert kinetic energy of motions to magnetic energy. While it is relatively easy for magnetic energy to grow, explaining the observed degree of coherence of cosmic magnetic fields generated by turbulent dynamos, remains challenging. We outline potential resolution of these challenges. Another intriguing possibility is that magnetic fields originated at some level from the early universe.
Magnetic fields in the intergalactic medium and in the cosmic web
Authors: Brüggen Marcus , O’Sullivan Shane , Bonafede Annalisa , Vazza Franco
Published: March 2020

In these proceedings we discuss advances in the theory and observation of magnetic fields in the intergalactic medium and in the cosmic web. We make the point that, despite perhaps unsurmountable obstacles in simulating a small-scale dynamo, currently most cosmological magnetohydrodynamical simulations paint a similar picture of magnetic field amplification in the cosmos. However, observations of magnetic fields in the intergalactic medium turn out to be very difficult. As a case in point, we present recent work on Faraday rotation measurement in the direction of a giant galaxy with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR). These observations demonstrate the currently unique capability of LOFAR to measure Faraday rotation at the high accuracy and angular resolution required to investigate the magnetisation of large-scale structure filaments of the cosmic web.
A fresh view of magnetic fields and cosmic ray electrons in halos of spiral galaxies
Authors: Dettmar Ralf-Jürgen , Heesen Volker ,   the CHANG-ES Team
Published: March 2020

Recent numerical models of the multiphase ISM underline the importance of cosmic rays and magnetic fields for the physics of the ISM in disc galaxies. Observations of properties of the ISM in galactic halos constrain models of the expected exchange of matter between the star-forming disc and the environment (circumgalactic medium, CGM). We present new observational evidence from radio-continuum polarization studies of edge-on galaxies on magnetic field strength and structure as well as cosmic ray electron transport in galactic halos. The findings are discussed in the context of the disk-halo interaction of the interstellar medium. In addition, it is also briefly demonstrated how recent LOFAR observations of edge-on galaxies further constrain the extent of magnetic fields in galactic halos.
Techinques and algorithmic advances in the SKA era
Authors: Vacca V. , Govoni F. , Murgia M. , Enßlin T. , Oppermann N. , Feretti L. , Giovannini G. , Jasche J. , Junklewitz H. , Loi F.
Published: March 2020

The new generation of radio interferometers will deliver an unprecedented amount of deep and high resolution observations. In this proceedings, we present recent algorithmic advances in the context of the study of cosmic magnetism in order to extract all the information contained in these data.
Monitoring solar activity with PEPSI
Authors: Dineva Ekaterina , Denker Carsten , Strassmeier Klaus G. , Ilyin Ilya , Pevtsov Alexei A.
Published: March 2020

Synoptic Sun-as-a-star observations are carried out with the Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument (PEPSI), which receives light from the Solar Disk-Integration (SDI) telescope. Daily spectra are produced with a high signal-to-noise ratio, providing access to unprecedented quasi-continuous, long-term, disk-integrated spectra of the Sun with high spectral and temporal resolution. We developed tools to monitor and study solar activity on different time-scales ranging from daily changes, over periods related to solar rotation, to annual and decadal trends. Strong chromospheric absorption lines, such as the Ca ii H & K λ3934 & 3968 Å lines, are powerful diagnostic tools for solar activity studies, since they trace the variations of the solar magnetic field. Other lines, such as Hα λ6563 Å line and the near-infrared (NIR) Ca ii λ8542 Å line, provide additional information on the physical properties in this highly complex and dynamic atmospheric layer. Currently, we work on a data pipeline for extraction, calibration, and analysis of the PEPSI/SDI data. We compare the SDI data with daily spectra from the Integrated Sunlight Spectrometer (ISS), which is part of the Synoptic Long-Term Investigation of the Sun (SOLIS) facility operated by the U.S. National Solar Observatory (NSO). This facilitates cross-calibration and validation of the SDI data.
Strategies for flux calibration in massive spectroscopic surveys
Authors: Prieto Carlos Allende
Published: March 2020

Optical large-scale medium-resolution spectroscopic surveys such as SDSS, LAMOST, DESI, WEAVE or 4MOST are subject to constraints that limit the choice of flux calibrators, and the attained precision. The use of optical fibers, a large but limited field of view, the tiling strategies and tight schedules, are all factors that call for a careful evaluation of the flux calibration procedures.

The density of stars with well-known spectral energy distributions is so low that makes them unsuitable for flux calibration of large scale spectroscopic surveys. The alternative is to use stars with relatively simple spectra, which can be approximated well by synthetic spectra based on model atmospheres. One example are white dwarfs (Bohlin 1996), but their density is also too low for practical purposes: a few per square degree down to 19th magnitude. An alternative choice, exploited by the SDSS, are halo turn-off F-type stars (Stoughton et al.2002). A-type stars offer another option, albeit with lower densities at high Galactic latitudes (Allende Prieto del Burgo 2016). Ideally, one would use stars of various spectral types. The most common type, halo turn-off stars, can be used for the actual calibration, and the others for quality assessment.

The spectral typing needs to be performed before spectra are flux calibrated. Our group has explored various strategies for continuum normalization (the removal of the instrument response), finding good results using a running mean filter (Aguado et al.2017; Allende Prieto et al.2014). Interpolation in the models speeds up the model fitting process, but it is important to ensure that interpolations are sufficiently accurate (see, e.g. Mészáros Allende Prieto 2013).

Fiber-fed spectrographs are particularly challenging, since errors in positioning fibers, guiding errors, or differential atmospheric refraction, add up. In our tests with data from the Baryonic Oscillations Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS; Dawson et al.2016), we conclude that while the flux calibration is statistically accurate (<5%), individual spectra can exhibit much larger excursions, in excess of 20%.
Atomic data for stellar spectroscopy
Authors: Heiter Ulrike
Published: March 2020

High-precision spectroscopy of large stellar samples plays a crucial role for several topical issues in astrophysics, such as studying the chemical evolution of the Milky Way Galaxy. Data are accumulating from instruments that obtain high-quality spectra of stars in the ultraviolet, optical and infrared wavelength regions on a routine basis. The interpretation of these spectra is often based on synthetic stellar spectra, either calculated on the fly or taken from a spectral library. One of the most important ingredients of these spectra is a set of high-quality transition data for numerous species, in particular neutral and singly ionized atoms. We rely heavily on the continuous activities of laboratory astrophysics groups that produce and improve the relevant experimental and theoretical atomic data. As an example, we briefly describe the efforts done in the context of the Gaia-ESO Public Spectroscopic Survey to compile and assess the best available data in a standard way, providing a list of recommended lines for analysis of optical spectra of FGK stars. The line data, together with specialised analysis methods, allow different surveys to obtain abundances with typical precisions of ∼0.1 dex on an industrial scale for ∼10 chemical elements. Several elements with urgent need for better atomic data have been identified.
Gaia Photometric Catalogue: the calibration of the DR2 photometry
Authors: Evans D. W. , Riello M. , De Angeli F. , Carrasco J. M. , Montegriffo P. , Fabricius C. , Jordi C. , Palaversa L. , Diener C. , Busso G. , Cacciari C. , Pancino E. , van Leeuwen F.
Published: March 2020

Gaia DR2 was released in April 2018 and contains a photometric catalogue of more than 1 billion sources. This release contains colour information in the form of integrated BP and RP photometry in addition to the latest G-band photometry. The level of uncertainty can be as good as 2 mmag with some residual systematics at the 10 mmag level. The addition of colour information greatly enhances the value of the photometric data for the scientific community. A high level overview of the photometric processing, with a focus on the improvements with respect to Gaia DR1, was given. The definition of the Gaia photometric system, a crucial part of the calibration of the photometry, was also explained. Finally, some of the photometric improvements expected for the next data release were described.
The SkyMapper Southern Survey and its calibration
Authors: Wolf Christian
Published: March 2020

I discuss the photometric calibration of the SkyMapper Southern Survey, our adopted methods and what we learned from comparisons with external catalogues.
Effectively Coordinating Museums and Planetariums Worldwide
Authors: SubbaRao Mark U.
Published: March 2020

Informal science educators at museums and planetariums face the challenging task of engaging a diverse public audience in contemporary science. To do this they need a solid background in the science itself, educational pedagogy, and modern practices in science communication. The task has gotten even more challenging in the era of big data. Interpreting and visualizing these datasets in planetarium shows and museum exhibits requires specialized technical skills. Furthermore, the increasing pace of discovery means that informal science educators have less time to accomplish these tasks. This presentation will summarize a variety of museum and planetarium community efforts to address these challenges through worldwide collaboration and coordination among museums and planetariums. Solutions include content sharing and distribution mechanisms as well as networking museums and planetariums together to create global worldwide events.
FM14 Session 3: The IAU National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs) Network – Coordinating and Catalyzing Astronomy Outreach Worldwide
Authors: Cheung Sze-leung , Simpemba Prospery C. , Benkhaldoun Zouhair , Aubé Martin , Moumen Ismael , Suleiman Raid M. , Czart Krzysztof , Brudziński Tomasz , Grochowalski Paweł , Nowak Agnieszka , Pałka Dawid , Pęcek Krzysztof , Sporna Artur , Morcos A. B. , Randriamanakoto Zara , Randrianjanahary L. , Randriamiarinarivo N. , Sosa Andrea , Albornoz Fernando , Basedas Adrian , Fariello Carlos , Gastelu Daniel , Giménez Fernando , Maciel Andrea , Méndez Oscar , Motta Katyuska , Pezano Valentina , Pintos Reina , Ramírez Jorge , Scarpa Daniel , Yamaoka Hitoshi
Published: March 2020

Section 3 of the FM14 focus on the The IAU National Outreach Contacts (NOC) Network. This paper also contains supplementary materials that point to poster presentations that can be found online.
Modeling of Streamer Ignition and Propagation in the System of Two Approaching Hydrometeors
Authors: Jánský Jaroslav , Pasko Victor P.
Published: March 2020

First‐principles plasma fluid modeling is used for investigation of electrical gas discharges ignited by a configuration of two approaching conducting hydrometeors with typical radii on the order of several millimeters under thunderstorm conditions (i.e., at an elevated location in the Earth's atmosphere corresponding to half of air density at ground level and at applied electric field approximately half of that required for avalanche multiplication of electrons in air). It is demonstrated that ultraviolet photons produced by the electrical discharges developing due to the electric field enhancement in the gap between two hydrometeors and resultant photoionization in the discharge volume lead to much less stringent conditions for conversion of these discharges to a filamentary streamer form than in the case not accounting for the effects of photoionization. It is also demonstrated that this photoionization feedback is critical for understanding and correct description of the subsequent streamer discharges developing on the outer periphery of two hydrometeors whose potential is equalized due to the electrical connection established by the initial streamer discharge between them. The initial streamer ignition between the hydrometeors can be preceded by the corona development, which can have detrimental effect on the ignition. However, it is demonstrated that for hydrometeors approaching with a speed of
10 m/s the effect of this onset corona is small.
Global Statistics of Ice Microphysical and Optical Properties at Tops of Optically Thick Ice Clouds
Authors: van Diedenhoven Bastiaan , Ackerman Andrew S. , Fridlind Ann M. , Cairns Brian , Riedi Jérôme
Published: March 2020

The sizes and shapes of ice crystals in clouds affect fundamental microphysical processes, such as sedimentation and aggregation, as well as their optical properties. The evolution of ice crystal size and shape depends on temperature and supersaturation, as well as on other processes that may lead to various coexisting complex shapes. Here we present a global assessment of collocated size and shape characteristics and shortwave scattering properties of ice crystals at the tops of optically thick clouds inferred from space‐borne multiwavelength reflectance measurements and multiangle polarimetry. The results indicate systematic covariations of ice size, shape, and distortion, as well as variations with temperature that can be plausibly related to simplified ice crystal growth theory and in situ and laboratory data. This simplicity may be attributable to the temperature dependence of cloud top ice size and shapes commonly being dominated by vapor growth at conditions similar to those at cloud top. Such a conclusion may be viewed as somewhat surprising given the expectation that ice properties at cloud top will be an integral manifestation of processes occurring at lower levels within updrafts. We also find that, contrary to commonly used models, ice scattering asymmetry parameters decrease with increasing effective radius, reducing sensitivity of cloud reflectance to particle size.
QBO, ENSO, and Solar Cycle Effects in Short‐Term Nonmigrating Tidal Variability on Planetary Wave Timescales From SABER—An Information‐Theoretic Approach
Authors: Kumari Komal , Oberheide Jens
Published: March 2020

Much progress has been made in delineating and understanding the “tidal climate” of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, that is, tidal variability on seasonal or longer timescales. Short‐term tidal variability on timescales of a few days is much less understood, mainly due to observational constraints imposed by satellite local solar time sampling. This paper presents a new approach to study the “tidal weather” in 16 years of SABER temperatures. Our focus is on the eastward‐propagating nonmigrating diurnal tide with zonal wave number 3 (DE3) that originates from tropical convection. The statistics of short‐term tidal variability derived from “tidal deconvolution” are analyzed using an information‐theoretic approach based on Bayesian statistics and time‐dependent probability density functions. The paper particularly discusses the statistical characteristics of interannual changes in short‐term DE3 variability on a quasi‐10‐day wave (Q10DW) timescale and relates it to various forcing and propagation conditions such as Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO), El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and solar cycle. Understanding the response to these drivers requires a separate treatment of symmetric and antisymmetric DE3 tidal modes. Symmetric DE3 mode variability is enhanced during the easterly phase of the QBO due to enhanced Q10DW activity and during the La Niña phase of ENSO due to enhanced convective forcing but does not show a solar cycle dependence because of stable polar vortex conditions in the southern hemisphere. Antisymmetric DE3 mode variability is enhanced in the westerly phase of the QBO during solar maximum due to Q10DW activity related to a more unstable polar vortex in the northern hemisphere.
Comparative Assessment of Climate Engineering Scenarios in the Presence of Parametric Uncertainty
Authors: Tran Giang T. , Oschlies Andreas , Keller David P.
Published: March 2020

Climate engineering (CE) measures are increasingly discussed when dealing with the adverse impacts of climate change. While much research has focused on individual methods, few studies attempt to compare and rank the effectiveness of these measures. Furthermore, model uncertainties are seldom acknowledged and lesser still, estimated when CE scenarios are assessed. In this work, we quantify the variance in outcomes due to poorly constrained model parameters under several idealized CE scenarios. The four scenarios considered are (1) warming under the high emission scenario Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 without CE applied and the same emission scenario with (2) afforestation,(3) solar radiation management, and (4) artificial ocean alkalinization. By considering the parametric uncertainty in model outputs, we demonstrate the problems with comparing these scenarios using a single parameter setting. Using statistical emulation, we estimate the probability distributions of several model outcomes. Based on such distributions, we suggest an approach to ranking the effectiveness of the scenarios considered according to their probability of avoiding climate thresholds.
How Useful Is a Linear Ozone Parameterization for Global Climate Modeling?
Authors: Meraner Katharina , Rast Sebastian , Schmidt Hauke
Published: March 2020

The explicit calculation of stratospheric ozone in global climate models still comes at a high computational cost. Here, the usefulness of a linear ozone parameterization in a global climate model is assessed by comparing it to an explicit chemistry scheme and to observations. It is shown that the annual mean total ozone column and the tropical ozone profile agree well for the linear and the explicit chemistry schemes and the observations. Ozone variability caused by the quasi‐biennial oscillation and by extratropical quasi‐stationary planetary waves is reproduced qualitatively, but its magnitude is underestimated in particular in the simulations using the linear parameterization. The response of ozone to a quadrupling of CO
simulated with both schemes is in the range of earlier simulations with explicit schemes. This concerns in particular ozone decreases in the tropical lower stratosphere and increases above predicted as a consequence of a strengthening of tropical upwelling and potentially affecting climate sensitivity. This study demonstrates that despite existing weaknesses a linear ozone parameterization can be a useful tool to represent stratospheric ozone in climate models at negligible computational cost.
Appreciation of Peer Reviewers for 2019
Authors: Zhang Minghua , Giorgi Filippo , Leung Ruby , Mellouki Wahid , Randel William , Russell Lynn , Yang Ping , Zhang Chidong
Published: March 2020

The editors of Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR): Atmospheres wish to sincerely thank the 2,573 outstanding scientists who reviewed manuscripts for the journal in 2019. Peer review is a crucial process to ensure the integrity and rigor of science. Your reviews have helped to improve the qualities of research by many authors, stimulated new ideas, and impacted the careers of many young scientists. Through these reviews, you contributed not only to the high standard of JGR‐Atmospheres but also to the standing of our scientific discipline. Of the 2,573 reviewers listed below for the 1,757 new papers and 1,358 revised papers submitted to the journal (amounting to a total of 3,115 papers), 491 people reviewed three or more papers. On behalf of the journal, the authors, and the community, we thank all reviewers for your selfless service and dedication to the scientific community. We look forward to your continuing support!
The shape of a defense-growth trade-off governs seasonal trait dynamics in natural phytoplankton
Authors: Ehrlich Elias , Kath Nadja J , Gaedke Ursula
Published: March 2020

Theory predicts that trade-offs, quantifying costs of functional trait adjustments, crucially affect community trait adaptation to altered environmental conditions, but empirical verification is scarce. We evaluated trait dynamics (antipredator defense, maximum growth rate, and phosphate affinity) of a lake phytoplankton community in a seasonally changing environment, using literature trait data and 21 years of species-resolved high-frequency biomass measurements. The trait data indicated a concave defense-growth trade-off, promoting fast-growing species with intermediate defense. With seasonally increasing grazing pressure, the community shifted toward higher defense levels at the cost of lower growth rates along the trade-off curve, while phosphate affinity explained some deviations from it. We discuss how low fitness differences of species, inferred from model simulations, in concert with stabilizing mechanisms, e.g., arising from further trait dimensions, may lead to the observed phytoplankton diversity. In conclusion, quantifying trade-offs is key for predictions of community trait adaptation and biodiversity under environmental change.
Association of MICA-129Met/Val polymorphism with clinical outcome of anti-TNF therapy and MICA serum levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Iwaszko Milena , Świerkot Jerzy , Dratwa Marta , Wysoczańska Barbara , Korman Lucyna , Bugaj Bartosz , Kolossa Katarzyna , Jeka Sławomir , Wiland Piotr , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna
Published: March 2020

MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA) is a stress-induced protein involved in activation of NK and T cells through interaction with NKG2D receptor. These molecules are atypically expressed in synovium of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A total of 279 patients with RA, qualified to TNF-blockade therapy, were genotyped for MICA rs1051792 SNP. The effectiveness of anti-TNF agents was assessed with European League Against Rheumatism criteria. Significant relationship between MICA rs1051792 and outcome of TNF-blockade therapy has been found. The MICA rs1051792 GG genotype was overrepresented in patients non-responsive to anti-TNF drugs in comparison with other genotypes (p = 0.010). On the other hand, beneficial therapeutic response was more frequently detected among RA subjects possessing heterozygous genotype than those with homozygous genotypes (p = 0.003). Furthermore, increased MICA concentrations in serum were observed in patients possessing MICA rs1051792 GG genotype as compared with those with GA or AA genotypes (p = 1.8 × 10−5). The results from this study indicate the potential influence of MICA rs1051792 polymorphism on modulation of therapeutic response to TNF-blockade treatment in RA.
Plerixafor combined with standard regimens for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in pediatric patients with solid tumors eligible for autologous transplants: two-arm phase I/II study (MOZAIC)
Authors: Morland Bruce , Kepak Tomas , Dallorso Sandro , Sevilla Julian , Murphy Dermot , Luksch Roberto , Yaniv Isaac , Bader Peter , Rößler Jochen , Bisogno Gianni , Maecker-Kolhoff Britta , Lang Peter , Zwaan C. Michel , Sumerauer David , Kriván Gergely , Bernard John , Liu Qianying , Doyle Eileen , Locatelli Franco
Published: March 2020

This study (NCT01288573) investigated plerixafor’s safety and efficacy in children with cancer. Stage 1 investigated the dosage, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of plerixafor + standard mobilization (G-CSF ± chemotherapy). The stage 2 primary endpoint was successful mobilization (doubling of peripheral blood CD34+ cell count in the 24 h prior to first apheresis) in patients treated with plerixafor + standard mobilization vs. standard mobilization alone. In stage 1, three patients per age group (2–<6, 6–<12, and 12–<18 years) were treated at each dose level (160, 240, and 320 µg/kg). Based on PK and PD data, the dose proposed for stage 2 was 240 µg/kg (patients 1–<18 years), in which 45 patients were enrolled (30 plerixafor arm, 15 standard arm). Patient demographics and characteristics were well balanced across treatment arms. More patients in the plerixafor arm (24/30, 80%) met the primary endpoint of successful mobilization than in the standard arm (4/14, 28.6%, p = 0.0019). Adverse events reported as related to study treatment were mild, and no new safety concerns were identified. Plerixafor + standard G-CSF ± chemotherapy mobilization was generally well tolerated and efficacious when used to mobilize CD34+ cells in pediatric cancer patients.
Retinal ganglion cell loss in kinesin-1 cargo Alcadein α deficient mice
Authors: Nakano Yuki , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Chiba Yoichi , Ueno Masaki , Ojima Daiki , Hossain Md Razib , Takahashi Hiroo , Yamamoto Tohru , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: March 2020

Maintenance of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) activity is relied on axonal transport conveying materials required for their survival such as neurotrophic factors. Kinesin-1 undergoes anterograde transport in axons, and Alcadein α (Alcα; also called calsyntenin-1) is a major cargo adaptor protein that can drive kinesin-1 to transport vesicles containing Alcα. The long-term effects of Alcα-deficiency on retinal morphology and survival of RGCs during postnatal development were examined in Alcα knockout mice. At 1.5, 3, 6, and 15 months postnatal, the number of retrogradely labeled RGCs was determined in flat-mounted retinas of Alcα-deficient and wild-type mice. Retinal damage was assessed histologically by determining the retinal thickness. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with a Tonolab tonometer. At 1.5 months postnatal, the number of retrogradely labeled RGCs was not different between wild-type and Alcα-deficient mice. However, at 3, 6, and 15 months postnatal, the number of RGCs was significantly lower in Alcα deficient mice than those of wild-type mice (143 ± 41.1 cells/mm2 vs. 208 ± 28.4 cells/mm2, respectively, at 3 months; P < 0.01). No differences were seen in retinal thickness or IOP between the two types of mice at any postnatal age. Alcα-deficient mice showed spontaneous loss of RGCs but no elevation in IOP. These mice mimic normal-tension glaucoma and will be useful for investigating the mechanism of neurodegeneration in this disorder and for developing treatments for RGC loss that does not involve changes in IOP.
In situ atomic-scale observation of grain size and twin thickness effect limit in twin-structural nanocrystalline platinum
Authors: Wang Lihua , Du Kui , Yang Chengpeng , Teng Jiao , Fu Libo , Guo Yizhong , Zhang Ze , Han Xiaodong
Published: March 2020

Twin-thickness-controlled plastic deformation mechanisms are well understood for submicron-sized twin-structural polycrystalline metals. However, for twin-structural nanocrystalline metals where both the grain size and twin thickness reach the nanometre scale, how these metals accommodate plastic deformation remains unclear. Here, we report an integrated grain size and twin thickness effect on the deformation mode of twin-structural nanocrystalline platinum. Above a ∼10 nm grain size, there is a critical value of twin thickness at which the full dislocation intersecting with the twin plane switches to a deformation mode that results in a partial dislocation parallel to the twin planes. This critical twin thickness value varies from ∼6 to 10 nm and is grain size-dependent. For grain sizes between ∼10 to 6 nm, only partial dislocation parallel to twin planes is observed. When the grain size falls below 6 nm, the plasticity switches to grain boundary-mediated plasticity, in contrast with previous studies, suggesting that the plasticity in twin-structural nanocrystalline metals is governed by partial dislocation activities.
An automatically curated first-principles database of ferroelectrics
Authors: Smidt Tess E. , Mack Stephanie A. , Reyes-Lillo Sebastian E. , Jain Anubhav , Neaton Jeffrey B.
Published: March 2020

Ferroelectric materials have technological applications in information storage and electronic devices. The ferroelectric polar phase can be controlled with external fields, chemical substitution and size-effects in bulk and ultrathin film form, providing a platform for future technologies and for exploratory research. In this work, we integrate spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations, crystal structure databases, symmetry tools, workflow software, and a custom analysis toolkit to build a library of known, previously-proposed, and newly-proposed ferroelectric materials. With our automated workflow, we screen over 67,000 candidate materials from the Materials Project database to generate a dataset of 255 ferroelectric candidates, and propose 126 new ferroelectric materials. We benchmark our results against experimental data and previous first-principles results. The data provided includes atomic structures, output files, and DFT values of band gaps, energies, and the spontaneous polarization for each ferroelectric candidate. We contribute our workflow and analysis code to the open-source python packages atomate and pymatgen so others can conduct analogous symmetry driven searches for ferroelectrics and related phenomena.
A comparative analysis of link removal strategies in real complex weighted networks
Authors: Bellingeri M. , Bevacqua D. , Scotognella F. , Alfieri R. , Cassi D.
Published: March 2020

In this report we offer the widest comparison of links removal (attack) strategies efficacy in impairing the robustness of six real-world complex weighted networks. We test eleven different link removal strategies by computing their impact on network robustness by means of using three different measures, i.e. the largest connected cluster (LCC), the efficiency (Eff) and the total flow (TF). We find that, in most of cases, the removal strategy based on the binary betweenness centrality of the links is the most efficient to disrupt the LCC. The link removal strategies based on binary-topological network features are less efficient in decreasing the weighted measures of the network robustness (e.g. Eff and TF). Removing highest weight links first is the best strategy to decrease the efficiency (Eff) in most of the networks. Last, we found that the removal of a very small fraction of links connecting higher strength nodes or of highest weight does not affect the LCC but it determines a rapid collapse of the network efficiency Eff and the total flow TF. This last outcome raises the importance of both to adopt weighted measures of network robustness and to focus the analyses on network response to few link removals.
Factors affecting ENSO predictability in a linear empirical model of tropical air-sea interactions
Authors: Rashid Harun A.
Published: March 2020

Understanding and extending the predictability of El Niño‒Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has been an important research topic because of ENSO’s large influence on global weather and climate. Here, we develop an empirical model of tropical atmosphere-ocean interactions that has high ENSO prediction skill, comparable to the skills of well performing dynamical models. The model is used to investigate the effects of the main atmosphere-ocean interaction processes—thermocline and zonal wind feedbacks and zonal wind forcing—on its ENSO predictability. We find that all these processes significantly affect ENSO predictability and extend the predictability limit by up to four months, with the largest effect coming from the thermocline feedback followed by the total zonal wind forcing. The other processes with progressively smaller effects are the external zonal wind forcing and zonal wind feedback. The two most influential processes, however, affect ENSO predictability in the VAR model differently. The thermocline feedback improves the forecast skill by predominantly maintaining the correct phase, whereas the total zonal wind forcing improves the skill by maintaining the correct amplitude of the forecast ENSO events. This result suggests that the dynamical seasonal prediction models must have good representations of the major ENSO processes to make skilful ENSO predictions.
Identification of a combination of transcription factors that synergistically increases endothelial cell barrier resistance
Authors: Roudnicky Filip , Kim Bo Kyoung , Lan Yanjun , Schmucki Roland , Küppers Verena , Christensen Klaus , Graf Martin , Patsch Christoph , Burcin Mark , Meyer Claas Aiko , Westenskow Peter D. , Cowan Chad A.
Published: March 2020

Endothelial cells (ECs) display remarkable plasticity during development before becoming quiescent and functionally mature. EC maturation is directed by several known transcription factors (TFs), but the specific set of TFs responsible for promoting high-resistance barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), have not yet been fully defined. Using expression mRNA data from published studies on ex vivo ECs from the central nervous system (CNS), we predicted TFs that induce high-resistance barrier properties of ECs as in the BBB. We used our previously established method to  generate ECs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), and then we overexpressed the candidate TFs in hPSC-ECs and measured barrier resistance and integrity using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing, trans-endothelial electrical resistance and FITC-dextran permeability assays. SOX18 and TAL1 were the strongest EC barrier-inducing TFs, upregulating Wnt-related signaling and EC junctional gene expression, respectively, and downregulating EC proliferation-related genes. These TFs were combined with SOX7 and ETS1 that together effectively induced EC barrier resistance, decreased paracellular transport and increased protein expression of tight junctions and induce mRNA expression of several genes involved in the formation of EC barrier and transport. Our data shows identification of a transcriptional network that controls barrier resistance in ECs. Collectively this data may lead to novel approaches for generation of in vitro models of the BBB.
Performance of single-use syringe versus multi-use MR contrast injectors: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Struik F. , Futterer J. J. , Prokop W. M.
Published: March 2020

The goal of this study was to compare performance parameters of a single-use syringe and a multi-use MR contrast injector. We compared preparation time, cost for disposables and volumes of contrast material used for a single-use (SI) and a multi-use (MI) MR contrast injector in a prospective cross-over trial. During the first study period all consecutive patients eligible for dynamic MR on two systems were included during a period of 20 working days. After 10 days, the injector was switched. Radiographer satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire. Contrast usage and waste on system MI was optimised by extra instructions for our radiographers and measured during the second study period of 10 consecutive working days. A total of 202 and 163 patients for systems SI and MI were included, respectively. Average preparation time was 4:55 min for SI and 2:24 min for MI (p < 0.05). Contrast waste for SI was 13% using 7.5 ml syringes. Contrast waste for MI was 5% for 7.5 ml containers. Costs for disposables were lower for MI if more than 5 patients per day were injected. Radiographer satisfaction was higher for MI (4.7 versus 2.8 on a 5-point scale; p < 0.05). The multi-use MR contrast injector led to higher radiographer satisfaction, shorter preparation time, and lower cost if more than 5 patients were injected per day. In addition, cheaper contrast containers of 15 or 30 ml could be used for the first patients if more than 2 or more than 4 injections are performed per day, potentially leading to lower contrast waste.
Distribution of Candidatus Liberibacter species in Eastern Africa, and the First Report of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in Kenya
Authors: Ajene Inusa J. , Khamis Fathiya M. , van Asch Barbara , Pietersen Gerhard , Seid Nurhussen , Rwomushana Ivan , Ombura Fidelis L. O. , Momanyi George , Finyange Pole , Rasowo Brenda A. , Tanga Chrysantus M. , Mohammed Samira , Ekesi Sunday
Published: March 2020

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a serious disease of Citrus sp. worldwide. In Africa and the Mascarene Islands, a similar disease is known as African citrus greening (ACG) and is associated with the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter africanus (Laf). In recent years, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) associated with the severe HLB has been reported in Ethiopia. Thus, we aimed to identify the Liberibacter species affecting citrus, the associated vectors in Eastern Africa and their ecological distribution. We assessed the presence of generic Liberibacter in symptomatic leaf samples by quantitative PCR. Subsequently, we sequenced the 50 S ribosomal protein L10 (rplJ) gene region in samples positive for Liberibacters and identified the species by comparison with public sequence data using phylogenetic reconstruction and genetic distances. We detected generic Liberibacter in 26%, 21% and 66% of plants tested from Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya, respectively. The rplJ sequences revealed the most prevalent Liberibacters in Uganda and Ethiopia were LafCl (22%) and Las (17%), respectively. We detected Las in Kenya for the first time from three sites in the coastal region. Finally, we modelled the potential habitat suitability of Las in Eastern Africa using MaxEnt. The projection showed large areas of suitability for the pathogen in the three countries surveyed. Moreover, the potential distribution in Eastern Africa covered important citrus-producing parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and included regions where the disease has not been reported. These findings will guide in the development of an integrated pest management strategy to ACG/HLB management in Africa.
Leachate effects of pelagic Sargassum spp. on larval swimming behavior of the coral Acropora palmata
Authors: Antonio-Martínez Francisco , Henaut Yann , Vega-Zepeda Alejandro , Cerón-Flores Ana I. , Raigoza-Figueras Rodolfo , Cetz-Navarro Neidy P. , Espinoza-Avalos Julio
Published: March 2020

An emerging disturbance for Caribbean reefs is the massive arrival of pelagic Sargassum, which deteriorates water quality due to the production of leachates. The highest arrivals of Sargassum took place when broadcasting corals spawned. We experimentally determined the effect of Sargassum leachates on swimming behavior of Acropora palmata larvae through five treatments (control, stain (simulating 100% leachate color), and 25%, 50% and 100% Sargassum leachate concentrations) during 30 min (10 min of videos and 20 min of post-observations). In the videos, larvae with leachates reduced swimming speed, were positively geotactic, the percentage of individuals that swam in a spiral pattern increased, and most behavioral displacements occurred at lower frequencies than larvae without leachates. Moreover, symptomatic spiral behavior was higher in the presence of leachates, suggesting that this behavior may be an effect of pollution. During post-observations, most larvae with leachates were motionless. This is the first time that Sargassum leachates have been documented modifying larval swimming behavior, which may reduce larval dispersion and genetic diversity. We suggest that a future evaluation of the effects of leachates at lower concentrations and over longer periods of exposure is needed. The resilience of corals may be compromised if Sargassum arrivals become frequent events.
Hyper BOLD Activation in Dorsal Raphe Nucleus of APP/PS1 Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse during Reward-Oriented Drinking Test under Thirsty Conditions
Authors: Sakurai Keisuke , Shintani Teppei , Jomura Naohiro , Matsuda Takeshi , Sumiyoshi Akira , Hisatsune Tatsuhiro
Published: March 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, causes behavioural abnormalities such as disinhibition, impulsivity, and hyperphagia. Preclinical studies using AD model mice have investigated these phenotypes by measuring brain activity in awake, behaving mice. In this study, we monitored the behavioural alterations of impulsivity and hyperphagia in middle-aged AD model mice. As a behavioural readout, we trained the mice to accept a water-reward under thirsty conditions. To analyse brain activity, we developed a measure for licking behaviour combined with visualisation of whole brain activity using awake fMRI. In a water-reward learning task, the AD model mice showed significant hyperactivity of the dorsal raphe nucleus in thirsty conditions. In summary, we successfully visualised altered brain activity in AD model mice during reward-oriented behaviour for the first time using awake fMRI. This may help in understanding the causes of behavioural alterations in AD patients.
Publisher Correction: Temperature-dependent excitonic superfluid plasma frequency evolution in an excitonic insulator, Ta2NiSe5
Authors: Seo Yu-Seong , Eom Man Jin , Kim Jun Sung , Kang Chang-Jong , Min Byung Il , Hwang Jungseek
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Transient IR spectroscopy identifies key interactions and unravels new intermediates in the photocycle of a bacterial phytochrome
Authors: Kübel Joachim , Chenchiliyan Manoop , Ooi Saik Ann , Gustavsson Emil , Isaksson Linnéa , Kuznetsova Valentyna , Ihalainen Janne A. , Westenhoff Sebastian , Maj Michał
Published: March 2020

Infra-red spectroscopy advances our understanding of how photosensory proteins carry their function.
Progress and perspectives on halide lithium conductors for all-solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Li Xiaona , Liang Jianwen , Yang Xiaofei , Adair Keegan R. , Wang Changhong , Zhao Feipeng , Sun Xueliang
Published: March 2020

This review focuses on fundamental understanding, various synthesis routes, chemical/electrochemical stability of halide-based lithium superionic conductors, and their potential applications in energy storage as well as related challenges.
Conjugation of a gold(iii) complex with vitamin B1 and chlorambucil derivatives: anticancer evaluation and mechanistic insights
Authors: Tabrizi Leila , Abyar Fatemeh
Published: March 2020

A novel cyclometalated gold(iii) complex supported by chlorambucil coupled with phenylpyridine (CHL-N^C) and a hybrid of vitamin B1 with dithiocarbamate (B1-DTC) with the formula [(CHL-N^C)AuIII(B1-DTC)](Cl2), 1, was synthesized and fully characterized using different techniques, including multinuclear NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. This complex is water-soluble and stable in a biological environment. This new complex offers a new scaffold to explore the biological properties of gold(iii) complexes as an anticancer drug. The antiproliferative activities of complex 1 and free ligands against breast and colon cancer cells showed auspicious results with IC50 values in the micromolar range for complex 1 and more active than cisplatin and free ligands with selectivity over non-tumorigenic cells human lung fibroblasts, MRC-5. The DNA binding and inhibition of thioredoxin reductase of complex 1 were studied and compared with molecular docking results. Moreover, the Au cellular uptake and apoptosis of this new complex were investigated.