bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING AFRICAN REGIONAL INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AND INVESTOR–STATE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
Authors: Qumba Mmiselo Freedom
Published: December 2020

This article examines the rejection of the International Investor–State dispute (ISDS) system across the African continent and its replacement with a range of domestic and regional alternatives. It assesses the advantages of the two principal options for African countries: retaining the current ISDS system, or using local courts and regional tribunals. To this end, the dispute resolution mechanisms proposed in the Pan-African Investment Code, the 2016 Southern African Development Community Finance and Investment Protocol, the SADC model BIT, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Economic Community of West African States and East African Community investment agreements and domestic approaches are critically examined. The argument is then advanced that African countries should not abandon ISDS because replacing it with isolated domestic or regional mechanisms does not reduce any of the risks. In particular, for foreign investors, the risk associated with the adjudication of investment disputes in potentially biased, politically influenced domestic courts may prove too high. African host nations, in turn, risk sending out the wrong message concerning their commitment to the protection of foreign investments. Instead of veering off course, perhaps the time has come for African States to display the political will to remain within the ISDS system and contribute to its reform from within.
Does where mothers live matter? Regional variations in factors influencing place of child delivery in Nigeria
Authors: Alabi Tunde A. , Atinge Sonnen , Ejim Chibuike , Adejoh Samuel O.
Published: December 2020

Utilization of health care facilities for child delivery is associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, but less than half of mothers use these for child delivery in Nigeria. This study investigated the factors associated with facility delivery in Nigeria, and their variation between the Northern and Southern parts of the country – two regions with distinct socio-cultural make-ups. The study included 33,924 mothers aged 15–49 who had given birth in the last 5 years preceding the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Overall, higher age, being educated, being a Christian, being an urban resident, being exposed to mass media, making joint decisions with partner on health care, beginning antenatal visits in the first trimester and attending antenatal clinics frequently were found to be associated with improved use of a health care facility for child delivery. An average mother in Northern Nigeria had a 38% chance of having a facility-based delivery, whereas the likelihood in the South was 76%. When other factors were adjusted for, age and listening to the radio were significant predictors of facility-based delivery in the South but not in the North. In the North, Christians were more likely than Muslims to have a facility-based delivery, but the reverse was true in the South. Rural women in the South had a 16% greater chance of having a facility-based delivery than urban women in the North. The study results suggest that there is inequality in access to health care facilities in Nigeria, and the differences in the socio-cultural make-up of the two regions suggest that uniform intervention programmes may not yield similar results across the regions. The findings give credence to, and expand on, the Cosmopolitan-Success and Conservative-Failure Hypothesis.
Neolithic & Bronze Age Epirus revisited
Authors: Vasileiou Eleni
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a thorough review of new data and research on the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods in Epirus. It correlates new with old material in an attempt to outline the situation in Epirus and to highlight the region’s peculiarities. These peculiarities make Epirus attractive for scholars and at the same time set it apart from the rest of Greece. The ultimate goal is to reconsider Epirus’ position in the field of Greek and European prehistory more broadly.

In memory of my beloved father Dimitris
Palatial Crete: recent discoveries & research, 2014–2019
Authors: Christakis Kostis S.
Published: December 2020

This contribution reviews recent and ongoing excavation, landscape and publication projects undertaken on Crete over the course of the last six years and covering the period from Middle Minoan IB to the end of Late Minoan IIIA (ca. 1900–1300 BC). The aim is to provide an extensive, although not exhaustive, summary of research conducted in the field and highlight some current trends in the study of Palatial Crete.
New research on Aegean & Pontic transport amphorae of the ninth to first century BC, 2010–2020
Authors: Lawall Mark L. , Tzochev Chavdar
Published: December 2020

Research on transport amphorae in the Aegean and the Black Sea regions during the past decade has progressed significantly, both accumulating, synthesizing and interpreting new and old data, and increasing attention given to previously neglected areas and periods. Much work has been done on identifying places of production, defining typological development and refining chronologies. Greece and Turkey are achieving greater prominence in the field, as is attention to the Early Iron Age. Old debates – such as on the purposes and the meanings of amphora stamps – have been reignited with new ideas and the roles of transport amphorae in socio-economic systems continue to draw attention. Another emerging trend is the effort to consider amphorae in the longue durée. As material grows and the field becomes more cosmopolitan, amphora studies increasingly face the challenge of aggregating and synthesizing data in a way that can encourage participation in the broader dialogues of economic historians.
Analyses of Visuospatial and Visuoperceptual Errors as Predictors of Dementia in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Subjective Cognitive Decline and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Galtier Iván , Nieto Antonieta , Mata María , Lorenzo Jesús N. , Barroso José
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are considered as the risk factors for dementia (PDD). Posterior cortically based functions, such as visuospatial and visuoperceptual (VS-VP) processing, have been described as predictors of PDD. However, no investigations have focused on the qualitative analysis of the Judgment of Line Orientation Test (JLOT) and the Facial Recognition Test (FRT) in PD-SCD and PD-MCI. The aim of this work was to study the VS-VP errors in JLOT and FRT. Moreover, these variables are considered as predictors of PDD.

Method:

Forty-two PD patients and 19 controls were evaluated with a neuropsychological protocol. Patients were classified as PD-SCD and PD-MCI. Analyses of errors were conducted following the procedure described by Ska, Poissant, and Joanette (1990). Follow-up assessment was conducted to a mean of 7.5 years after the baseline.

Results:

PD-MCI patients showed a poor performance in JLOT and FRT total score and made a greater proportion of severe intraquadrant (QO2) and interquadrant errors (IQO). PD-SCD showed a poor performance in FRT and made mild errors in JLOT. PD-MCI and QO2/IQO errors were independent risk factors for PDD during the follow-up. Moreover, the combination of both PD-MCI diagnosis and QO2/IQO errors was associated with a greater risk.

Conclusions:

PD-MCI patients presented a greater alteration in VS-VP processing observable by the presence of severe misjudgments. PD-SCD patients also showed mild difficulties in VS-SP functions. Finally, QO2/IQO errors in PD-MCI are a useful predictor of PDD, more than PD-MCI diagnosis alone.
The missing link in Spanish heritage trill production
Authors: Repiso-Puigdelliura Gemma , Kim Ji Young
Published: December 2020

While heritage language phonology has attracted a great deal of attention, little is known about the development of heritage phonological grammars. This study examines the production of the Spanish trill /r/ by school-aged (9-10 years) and adult heritage speakers. Results showed that the adult heritage speakers produced the trill in a more target-like manner than the child heritage speakers, although half of them diverged from non-heritage native baselines reported in other studies. Further analysis of the distribution of trill variants suggests that heritage Spanish trill development occurs in the order of single lingual constriction → frication → multiple lingual constrictions. However, instead of abandoning variants of early stages, some adult heritage speakers kept them in their trill inventories, demonstrating increased variability. Our findings indicate that 9- to 10-year-old heritage speakers are still in the process of developing heritage phonological grammars and even during adulthood their grammars may not reach stability.
Nutrition beyond the first 1000 days: diet quality and 7-year change in BMI and overweight in 3-year old children from the Dutch GECKO Drenthe birth cohort
Authors: Vinke Petra C. , Luitjens Milou H. H. S. , Blijleven Karlien A. , Navis Gerjan , Kromhout Daan , Corpeleijn Eva
Published: December 2020

The identification of early-life determinants of overweight is crucial to start early prevention. As weight gain accelerates between 2 and 6 years, we studied the association between diet quality in children aged 3 years and the change in BMI and overweight incidence in the following 7 years. From the Dutch GECKO Drenthe birth cohort, 1001 children born in 2006 or 2007 with complete data on diet (food frequency questionnaire at the age of 3 years) and growth at the age of 3 and 10 years were included. Diet quality was estimated with the evidence-based Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS). Measured height and weight at the age of 3 and 10 years were used to calculate BMI z-scores standardized for age and sex. The associations of the LLDS (in quintiles) with BMI-z change and overweight incidence were studied with linear and logistic regression analyses. Overweight prevalence in the total study population increased from 8.3% at the age of 3 years to 16.7% at the age of 10 years. The increase in overweight prevalence ranged from 14.7% in Q1 to 3.5% in Q5. Children with a better diet quality (higher quintiles of LLDS) increased significantly less in BMI-z (confounder adjusted βLLDS = −0.064 (−0.101; −0.026)). Children with a poor diet quality at the age of 3 years had a considerably higher risk for overweight at the age of 10 years (confounder adjusted OR for Q1 vs. Q5 was 2.86 (95% CI 1.34–6.13). These results show the importance of diet in healthy development in the early life following the first 1000 days when new habits for a mature diet composed of food groups with lifelong importance are developed, providing a relevant window for overweight prevention early in life.
Coastal Brazil Is Likely to Face More Heat Waves and Droughts
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: December 2020

In 2014, S�o Paulo experienced its greatest water crisis ever, caused by an intense drought. New research indicates that it is likely to happen again and be even more severe.
Certain Rock Formations Can Lead to In-Home Radon Risks
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: December 2020

Researchers in Kentucky have merged results from home test kits with the state’s geologic map to produce a map of indoor radon potential based on the geology underlying homes in the state.
Simultaneous In Situ Determination of Pb Isotope Ratios and Trace Element Concentrations in Melt Inclusions by LASS‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Zhang Le , Qian Sheng‐Ping , Li Nan , Hong Lu‐Bing , Zhang Yan‐Qiang , Ren Zhong‐Yuan
Published: December 2020

Melt inclusions provide unique insights into magmatic sources and processes. This study presents a method for simultaneously measuring Pb isotopes and trace elements in melt inclusions using a 193 nm excimer laser ablation system coupled to a multiple‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer (MC‐ICP‐MS) and a sector‐field ICP‐MS (SF‐ICP‐MS). The ablated aerosol was split with a Y‐shaped connector into two gas streams, which were simultaneously transported into two mass spectrometers. Lead isotopes were measured on the MC‐ICP‐MS, while trace element concentrations were determined on the SF‐ICP‐MS. Little analytical bias was observed when the aerosol is divided into variable proportions (5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2–9:1) to the two instruments. The precision and accuracy of this method were evaluated by analyzing five geological reference glasses with two laser spot diameters (33, and 45 μm). All the 33 measured trace element concentrations are consistent with the reference values (±10%) and have precisions less than 15% (2RSD). The precisions of the 208Pb/206Pb, and 207Pb/206Pb ratios correlate with Pb concentrations. From BHVO‐2G (Pb = 1.6 ppm) to TB‐1G (Pb = 16.1 ppm), the precision on these ratios improve from about 0.4%–0.2% with a 33 μm laser spot diameter. The mean Pb isotope ratios for the five reference glasses are within 0.15% of the reference values. Using our new method, Pb isotope ratios and trace element contents of plagioclase‐hosted melt inclusions in a mid‐ocean ridge basalt from the Indian Ocean were measured.
Exploring the Cloud Top Phase Partitioning in Different Cloud Types Using Active and Passive Satellite Sensors
Authors: Bruno Olimpia , Hoose Corinna , Storelvmo Trude , Coopman Quentin , Stengel Martin
Published: December 2020

One of the largest uncertainties in numerical weather prediction and climate models is the representation of mixed‐phase clouds. With the aim of understanding how the supercooled liquid fraction (SLF) in clouds with temperature from −40°C to 0°C is related to temperature, geographical location, and cloud type, our analysis contains a comparison of four satellite‐based datasets (one derived from active and three from passive satellite sensors), and focuses on SLF distribution near‐globally, but also stratified by latitude and continental/maritime regions. Despite the warm bias in cloud top temperature of the passive sensor compared to the active sensor and the phase mismatch in collocated data, all datasets indicate, at the same height‐level, an increase of SLF with cloud optical thickness, and generally larger SLF in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere (up to about 20% difference), with the exception of continental low‐level clouds, for which the opposite is true.
ICESat‐2 Meltwater Depth Estimates: Application to Surface Melt on Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica
Authors: Fricker Helen Amanda , Arndt Philipp , Brunt Kelly M. , Datta Rajashree Tri , Fair Zachary , Jasinski Michael F. , Kingslake Jonathan , Magruder Lori A. , Moussavi Mahsa , Pope Allen , Spergel Julian J. , Stoll Jeremy D. , Wouters Bert
Published: December 2020

Surface melting occurs during summer on the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, but the volume of stored surface meltwater has been difficult to quantify due to a lack of accurate depth estimates. NASA's ICESat‐2 laser altimeter brings a new capability: photons penetrate water and are reflected from both the water and the underlying ice; the difference provides a depth estimate. ICESat‐2 sampled Amery Ice Shelf on January 2, 2019 and showed double returns from surface depressions, indicating meltwater. For four melt features, we compared depth estimates from eight algorithms: six based on ICESat‐2 and two from coincident Landsat‐8 and Sentinel‐2 imagery. All algorithms successfully identified surface water at the same locations. Algorithms based on ICESat‐2 produced the most accurate depths; the image‐based algorithms underestimated depths (by 30%–70%). This implies that ICESat‐2 depths can be used to tune image‐based algorithms, moving us closer to quantifying stored meltwater volumes across Antarctica and Greenland.
Impacts of Large‐Scale Sahara Solar Farms on Global Climate and Vegetation Cover
Authors: Lu Zhengyao , Zhang Qiong , Miller Paul A. , Zhang Qiang , Berntell Ellen , Smith Benjamin
Published: December 2020

Large‐scale photovoltaic solar farms envisioned over the Sahara desert can meet the world's energy demand while increasing regional rainfall and vegetation cover. However, adverse remote effects resulting from atmospheric teleconnections could offset such regional benefits. We use state‐of‐the‐art Earth‐system model simulations to evaluate the global impacts of Sahara solar farms. Our results indicate a redistribution of precipitation causing Amazon droughts and forest degradation, and global surface temperature rise and sea‐ice loss, particularly over the Arctic due to increased polarward heat transport, and northward expansion of deciduous forests in the Northern Hemisphere. We also identify reduced El Niño‐Southern Oscillation and Atlantic Niño variability and enhanced tropical cyclone activity. Comparison to proxy inferences for a wetter and greener Sahara ∼6,000 years ago appears to substantiate these results. Understanding these responses within the Earth system provides insights into the site selection concerning any massive deployment of solar energy in the world's deserts.
Hydrogen Wettability of Sandstone Reservoirs: Implications for Hydrogen Geo‐Storage
Authors: Iglauer Stefan , Ali Muhammad , Keshavarz Alireza
Published: December 2020

Hydrogen is currently assessed as a future clean fuel in a hydrogen economy. However, one key problem with implementing a full‐scale hydrogen economy is hydrogen storage (as hydrogen is highly compressible and volatile). One solution for this problem is hydrogen geo‐storage, where compressed hydrogen is injected into geological formations, and the hydrogen can be withdrawn again at any time. However, there is a serious lack of data for realistic geologic conditions, including for hydrogen‐rock wettability, which is proven to determine injectivities, withdrawal rates, storage capacities, and containment security. We thus measured this parameter at various geo‐storage conditions. For a realistic storage scenario in a deep sandstone aquifer, we found that the rock (quartz) was weakly water‐wet or intermediate‐wet. Increasing pressure, temperature, and organic surface concentration increased hydrogen wettability. This study, thus, provides fundamental data and aids in the industrial‐scale implementation of a future hydrogen economy.
The Northwestern Pacific Warming Record in August 2020 Occurred Under Anthropogenic Forcing
Authors: Hayashi Michiya , Shiogama Hideo , Emori Seita , Ogura Tomoo , Hirota Nagio
Published: December 2020

In August 2020, the northwestern Pacific (NWPac; 120°E‐180°E, 20°N‐35°N) experienced its highest sea surface temperature (SST). Although the NWPac Ocean has warmed due to human‐induced greenhouse forcing since the mid‐20th century, the extent to which historical anthropogenic effects increase the occurrence probability of such regionally unprecedented warm temperatures is unclear. In this study, using state‐of‐the‐art climate models, we estimate that the August 2020 record high SST in the NWPac likely occurred once per 12–18 years in 2001–2020 owing to historical anthropogenic forcing, and this record SST unlikely occurred without human influences. In the 20th century, anthropogenic effects on the NWPac SST were not distinguishable from internal variability since warming caused by greenhouse gases was largely canceled by aerosol cooling. Furthermore, the 2020 warm SST is projected to be the new normal by 2031–2050, or even if the 2.0°C goal of the Paris Agreement is achieved.
Imaging the Source Region of the 2015 Phreatic Eruption at Owakudani, Hakone Volcano, Japan, Using High‐Density Audio‐Frequency Magnetotellurics
Authors: Seki K. , Kanda W. , Mannen K. , Takakura S. , Koyama T. , Noguchi R. , Yukutake Y. , Ishikawa M. , Fukai M. , Harada M. , Abe Y.
Published: December 2020

Since phreatic eruptions often occur near the surface, it is important to understand the shallow subsurface structure of a volcano to clarify the eruption mechanism. The 2015 phreatic eruption at Owakudani, Hakone Volcano, Japan, was preceded by localized uplift and intensified steam activity. However, the cause of these events is unknown due to a poor understanding of the shallow subsurface structure. We report on a three‐dimensional resistivity structure inferred from dense audio‐frequency magnetotelluric surveys conducted in Owakudani that revealed a ∼100‐m thick conductive layer at the surface underlain by a resistive section, at the edge of which eruptions craters were located. This conductive layer is estimated to be a low‐permeability cap layer, because the inflation source prior to the eruption is located beneath it and the ejecta from the eruption was reported to have originated from a depth of 100 m or less.
Revisiting the Behavior of the E‐Region Electron Temperature During Strong Electric Field Events at High Latitudes
Authors: St‐Maurice J.‐P. , Goodwin L.
Published: December 2020

A rich data set acquired during a long‐lived strong electric field event by the north‐facing Resolute Bay incoherent scatter radar confirms and strengthens conclusions previously drawn from several less comprehensive studies of E‐region electron heating by large amplitude Farley‐Buneman waves. For the exceptionally abundant set of very good quality data we uncovered, the E‐region electron temperature response to strong ambient electric fields is described very accurately by a simple linear function of the electric field at 110 and 117 km altitudes. The linear dependence starts at 40 mV/m and shows no hint of deviating from the linear response up to 150 mV/m (the maximum electric field observed during this event). Based on this new evidence, we have revisited previous E‐region electron temperature observations from various altitudes and have built a model that is consistent with present and past observations. The model is made of simple linear variations in the electron temperature with slopes that depend on altitude. It should prove to be a useful reference for anyone interested in the E‐region electron temperature anywhere between 100 and 120 km altitudes.
Compaction Banding in High‐Porosity Carbonate Rocks: 2. A Gradient‐Dependent Plasticity Model
Authors: Abdallah Youssouf , Sulem Jean , Stefanou Ioannis
Published: December 2020

Based on the experimental study on Saint‐Maximin limestone presented in a companion paper (Abdallah et al., 2020), a gradient‐dependent plasticity model is developed to account for the key role of porosity heterogeneity in the formation and propagation of compaction bands. The constitutive law, developed in the frame of a micromorphic continuum theory, contains two hardening variables: the porosity and its second gradient. A calibration method for the additional micromechanical parameters is proposed. Data from the companion paper are used in a four‐step calibration procedure. First, the standard Cauchy component is calibrated by means of the macroscopic stress‐strain curves. An Asymmetric Cam‐Clay (ACC) model is adopted for the yield surface. The dominant wavelength of the porosity heterogeneity of the material is evaluated by applying the fast Fourier transformation (FFT) on several porosity profiles obtained on samples before loading. This wavelength is interpreted as the material length that appears in the model. In addition to the deformation maps computed from digital volume correlation (DVC), a method that evaluates the second gradient of porosity is developed to calibrate the hardening laws. A linear stability analysis (LSA) is performed to calibrate the higher‐order elastic modulus. The constitutive model is implemented in a finite element code, and triaxial loading experiments are simulated. The numerical results are consistent with the experimental data in terms of the onset of compaction bands, their thickness, and plastic strain. The size effect of the sample is explored, and a regular band spacing, comparable to the band thickness, is obtained.
The LMARS Based Shallow‐Water Dynamical Core on Generic Gnomonic Cubed‐Sphere Geometry
Authors: Chen Xi
Published: December 2020

The rapidly increasing computing powers allow global atmospheric simulations with aggressively high resolutions, challenging traditional model design principles. This study presents a Low Mach number Approximate Riemann Solver (LMARS) based unstaggered finite‐volume model for solving the shallow‐water equations on arbitrary gnomonic cubed‐sphere grids. Using a novel reference line‐based grid‐generation process, it unifies the representation of arbitrary gnomonic cubed‐sphere grid projections and permits high‐efficiency 1D reconstruction in the halo regions. The numerical discretization also extends a widely used pressure gradient algorithm with the LMARS viscous term, thus improves the model's stability for various numerical applications. The solver demonstrates a broad range of organic diffusion control without any explicit filters, validated by a comprehensive set of test cases. Lastly, a newly introduced splash on the sphere test verifies the solver's desirable dispersion properties and consistent performance among different grid types. This study paves a solid foundation for a new generation of global circulation models with kilometer horizontal scales.
Assessing Streamflow Sensitivity to Precipitation Variability in Karst‐Influenced Catchments With Unclosed Water Balances
Authors: Liu Yan , Wagener Thorsten , Hartmann Andreas
Published: December 2020

Karst hydrological models are widely used for simulating groundwater dynamics at the aquifer scale. However, modeling streamflow of a topographic catchment that is partially covered by karst is rarely reported. This absence is due to difficulties of properly considering the strong differences of karstic and nonkarstic hydrodynamics and the widespread occurrence of unclosed water balances in karstic regions due to intercatchment groundwater flow (IGF). In this study, we present a new approach that uses hydrological signatures to identify important natural processes and appropriate model structures for the simulation of karst‐influenced catchments. We account for karstic IGF and apply our approach to six karst‐influenced catchments in Europe and the Middle East. We estimate the contributions of karstic and nonkarstic parts to the total streamflow sensitivity. With different model structures identified at different sites, our approach reduces water balance errors by 18% and reduces the root mean squared error by 20% for catchments where the IGF is deemed important. We find that IGF modifies the contribution of karstic areas to the total streamflow sensitivity. The total streamflow sensitivity increases under gaining conditions and decreases under losing conditions for catchments with larger karstic discharge elasticity, while it shows the converse change for catchments with smaller karstic discharge elasticity. Modeling streamflow at karst‐influenced catchments requires the consideration of differences between karstic and nonkarstic areas, and the IGF matters for catchments with unclosed water balances.
The plasminogen receptor, Plg-RKT, plays a role in inflammation and fibrinolysis during cutaneous wound healing in mice
Authors: Ny Lina , Parmer Robert J. , Shen Yue , Holmberg Sandra , Baik Nagyung , Bäckman Assar , Broden Jessica , Wilczynska Malgorzata , Ny Tor , Miles Lindsey A.
Published: December 2020

Wound healing is a complex physiologic process that proceeds in overlapping, sequential steps. Plasminogen promotes fibrinolysis and potentiates the inflammatory response during wound healing. We have tested the hypothesis that the novel plasminogen receptor, Plg-RKT, regulates key steps in wound healing. Standardized burn wounds were induced in mice and time dependence of wound closure was quantified. Healing in Plg-RKT−/− mice was significantly delayed during the proliferation phase. Expression of inflammatory cytokines was dysregulated in Plg-RKT−/− wound tissue. Consistent with dysregulated cytokine expression, a significant delay in wound healing during the proliferation phase was observed in mice in which Plg-RKT was specifically deleted in myeloid cells. Following wound closure, the epidermal thickness was less in Plg-RKT−/− wound tissue. Paradoxically, deletion of Plg-RKT, specifically in keratinocytes, significantly accelerated the rate of healing during the proliferation phase. Mechanistically, only two genes were upregulated in Plg-RKT−/− compared with Plg-RKT+/+ wound tissue, filaggrin, and caspase 14. Both filaggrin and caspase 14 promote epidermal differentiation and decrease proliferation, consistent with more rapid wound closure and decreased epidermal thickness during the remodeling phase. Fibrin clearance was significantly impaired in Plg-RKT−/− wound tissue. Genetic reduction of fibrinogen levels to 50% completely abrogated the effect of Plg-RKT deletion on the healing of burn wounds. Remarkably, the effects of Plg-RKT deletion on cytokine expression were modulated by reducing fibrinogen levels. In summary, Plg-RKT is a new regulator participating in different phases of cutaneous burn wound healing, which coordinately plays a role in the interrelated responses of inflammation, keratinocyte migration, and fibrinolysis.
NF-κB-mediated lncRNA AC007271.3 promotes carcinogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-125b-2-3p/Slug
Authors: Zheng Ze-nan , Huang Guang-zhao , Wu Qing-qing , Ye Heng-yu , Zeng Wei-sen , Lv Xiao-zhi
Published: December 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer. The molecular mechanisms of this disease are not fully understood. Our previous studies confirmed that dysregulated function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AC007271.3 was associated with a poor prognosis and overexpression of AC007271.3 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro, and promoted tumor growth in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms of AC007271.3 dysregulation remained obscure. In this study, our investigation showed that AC007271.3 functioned as competing endogenous RNA by binding to miR-125b-2-3p and by destabilizing primary miR-125b-2, resulted in the upregulating expression of Slug, which is a direct target of miR-125b-2-3p. Slug also inhibited the expression of E-cadherin but N-cadherin, vimentin, and β-catenin had no obvious change. The expression of AC007271.3 was promoted by the canonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Taken together, these results suggested that the classical NF-κB pathway-activated AC007271.3 regulates EMT by miR-125b-2-3p/Slug/E-cadherin axis to promote the development of OSCC, implicating it as a novel potential target for therapeutic intervention in this disease.
PSTPIP2 inhibits cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by suppressing apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Zhu Hong , Jiang Wenjuan , Zhao Huizi , He Changsheng , Tang Xiaohan , Xu Songbing , Xu Chuanting , Feng Rui , Li Jun , Ma Taotao , Huang Cheng
Published: December 2020

Cisplatin (CP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent widely used in the treatment of various solid tumours. However, CP nephrotoxicity is an important limitation for CP use; currently, there is no method to ameliorate cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Recently, we identified a specific role of proline–serine–threonine phosphatase-interacting protein 2 (PSTPIP2) in cisplatin-induced AKI. PSTPIP2 was reported to play an important role in a variety of diseases. However, the functions of PSTPIP2 in experimental models of cisplatin-induced AKI have not been extensively studied. The present study demonstrated that cisplatin downregulated the expression of PSTPIP2 in the kidney tissue. Administration of AAV-PSTPIP2 or epithelial cell-specific overexpression of PSTPIP2 reduced cisplatin-induced kidney dysfunction and inhibited apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. Small interfering RNA-based knockdown of PSTPIP2 expression abolished PSTPIP2 regulation of epithelial cell apoptosis in vitro. Histone acetylation may impact gene expression at the epigenetic level, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors were reported to prevent cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The UCSC database was used to predict that acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27ac) induces binding to the PSTPIP2 promoter, and this prediction was validated by a ChIP assay. Interestingly, an HDAC-specific inhibitor (TSA) was sufficient to potently upregulate PSTPIP2 in epithelial cells. Histone acetylation-mediated silencing of PSTPIP2 may contribute to cisplatin nephrotoxicity. PSTPIP2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in the prevention of cisplatin nephrotoxicity.
Intravenous injection of the oncolytic virus M1 awakens antitumor T cells and overcomes resistance to checkpoint blockade
Authors: Liu Yang , Cai Jing , Liu Wenfeng , Lin Yuan , Guo Li , Liu Xincheng , Qin Zhen , Xu Cuiying , Zhang Yanming , Su Xingwen , Deng Kai , Yan Guangmei , Liang Jiankai
Published: December 2020

Reversing the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential to achieve long-term efficacy with cancer immunotherapy. Despite the impressive clinical response to checkpoint blockade in multiple types of cancer, only a minority of patients benefit from this approach. Here, we report that the oncolytic virus M1 induces immunogenic tumor cell death and subsequently restores the ability of dendritic cells to prime antitumor T cells. Intravenous injection of M1 disrupts immune tolerance in the privileged TME, reprogramming immune-silent (cold) tumors into immune-inflamed (hot) tumors. M1 elicits potent CD8+ T cell-dependent therapeutic effects and establishes long-term antitumor immune memory in poorly immunogenic tumor models. Pretreatment with M1 sensitizes refractory tumors to subsequent checkpoint blockade by boosting T-cell recruitment and upregulating the expression of PD-L1. These findings reveal the antitumor immunological mechanism of the M1 virus and indicated that oncolytic viruses are ideal cotreatments for checkpoint blockade immunotherapy.
Direct synthesis of defective ultrathin brookite-phase TiO2 nanosheets showing flexible electronic band states
Authors: Zhao Weixin , Ma Shenqian , Zhou Jun , Xiang Guolei
Published: December 2020

A one-pot protocol to directly prepare atomically-thin nanosheets of brookite-phase TiO2 is developed by hydrolyzing TiCl3 in formamide.
Composition-dependent effects of oxygen on atomic structure and mechanical properties of metallic glasses
Authors: Guo K. F. , Zhang J. C. , Sha Z. D. , Pei Q. X.
Published: December 2020

Composition-dependent effect of oxygen doping in metallic glasses.
Construction of Bi/Bi5O7I anchored on a polymer with boosted interfacial charge transfer for biofouling resistance and photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Song Fan , Chen Rongrong , Liu Qi , Liu Jingyuan , Yu Jing , Zhang Hongsen , Duan Jizhou , Wang Jun
Published: December 2020

The prepared coatings possess hydrogen production, antifouling performance, self-cleaning properties, this strategy can be a promising candidate to restrict biofouling and photocatalytic hydrogen production for marine coating applications.
Ring-forming transformation associated with hydrazone changes of hexadecanuclear dysprosium phosphonates
Authors: Tian Haiquan , Huang Fu-Ping , Li Yongfei , Chen Peiqiong , Chai Keyu , Lu Jing , Liu Hou-Ting , Zeng Suyuan , Li Dacheng , Dou Jianmin
Published: December 2020

Two structurally closely related hexadecanuclear dysprosium complexes1and2are isolated from the employed Dy-phosphonate system separately coalesced into two different types of single pyrazinyl hydrazone co-ligands.
A Mo(vi) based coordination polymer as an antiproliferative agent against cancer cells
Authors: Joshi Arti , Gupta Ruby , Sharma Deepika , Singh Monika
Published: December 2020

A Mo(vi) based coordination polymer (CP 1) has been synthesized under mild conditions. CP 1 possesses good aqueous stability and it shows efficient antitumoral activity against MCF-7, A549 and HepG2 cancer cells.
Insight into the crystal structure and photoluminescence properties of an extremely broadband yellow-emitting phosphor Sr8MgCe(PO4)7:Eu2+
Authors: Zhou Yanyan , Li Yanyan , Wu Haoyang , Li Xiang , Yu Shuaishuai , Wu Junxiao , Wang Wenjie , Zhao Lei
Published: December 2020

An extremely broadband yellow-emitting phosphor Sr8MgCe(PO4)7:Eu2+ has been realized.
A well-designed polymer as a three-in-one multifunctional binder for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yuan Jia-Jia , Kong Qing-Ran , Huang Zheng , Song You-Zhi , Li Ming-Yang , Fang Li-Feng , Zhu Bao-Ku , Li Han-Ying
Published: December 2020

A multifunctional copolymer binder was constructed for improving the performance of Li–S batteries. It can maintain the electrode integrity, suppress the shuttle effect and facilitate ion transfer, greatly improving discharge capacity, cycling stability and rate performance.
Giant high-temperature piezoelectricity in perovskite oxides for vibration energy harvesting
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Hou Yudong , Yu Xiaole , Zheng Mupeng , Zhu Mankang
Published: December 2020

Based on the lattice distortion modulation strategy, a record-high in situ quasi-static d33 at 400 °C is achieved in a 0.355BiScO3-0.635PbTiO3-0.01Bi(Zn0.5Hf0.5)O3 perovskite ceramic used in high-temperature energy harvesting.
Cell-based 3D bionic screening by mimicking the drug–receptor interaction environment in vivo
Authors: Wei Fen , Zhang Xiaxi , Cui Ping , Gou Xilan , Wang Sicen
Published: December 2020

A cell-based screening method for drug lead target capture using a microcarrier covered with highly expressed receptor cells as a 3D biomimetic framework.
A dual cross-linked aromatic polythiourea gate dielectric with multifunctional capabilities for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Yoo Sungmi , Park Hyunjin , Kim Yong Seok , Won Jong Chan , Kim Dong-Gyun , Kim Yun Ho
Published: December 2020

A multifunctional gate dielectric for organic field-effect transistors is presented by tailoring dual covalent and noncovalent cross-links in aromatic polythiourea networks.
From AgGaS2to AgHgPS4: vacancy defects and highly distorted HgS4tetrahedra double-induced remarkable second-harmonic generation response
Authors: Xing Wenhao , Wang Naizheng , Tang Chunlan , Li Chunxiao , Lin Zheshuai , Yao Jiyong , Yin Wenlong , Kang Bin
Published: December 2020

Great enhancement of the second harmonic generation response is achieved in AgHgPS4by introducing vacancy defects and highly distorted HgS4tetrahedra using AgGaS2as the template.
Prognostic and immunological role of Fam20C in pan-cancer
Authors: Liu Xinpeng , Zhan Yuanbo , Xu Wenxia , Liu Xiaoyao , Geng Yawei , Liu Lixue , Da Junlong , Wang Jianqun , Zhang Xinjian , jin Han , Liu Zhongshuang , Guo Shouli , Zhang Bin , Li Ying
Published: December 2020

Background: The family with sequence similarity 20-member C (Fam20C) kinase plays important roles in physiopathological process and is responsible for majority of the secreted phosphoproteome, including substrates associated with tumor cell migration. However, it remains unclear whether Fam20C plays a role in cancers. Here, we aimed to analyze the expression and prognostic value of Fam20C in pan-cancer and to gain insights into the association between Fam20C and immune infiltration.

Methods: We analyzed Fam20C expression patterns and the associations between Fam20C expression levels and prognosis in pan-cancer via the ONCOMINE, TIMER (Tumor Immune Estimation Resource), PrognoScan, GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis), and Kaplan–Meier Plotter databases. After that, GEPIA and TIMER databases were applied to investigate the relations between Fam20C expression and immune infiltration across different cancer types, especially BLCA (bladder urothelial carcinoma), LGG (brain lower grade glioma), and STAD (stomach adenocarcinoma).

Results: Compared with adjacent normal tissues, Fam20C was widely expressed across many cancers. In general, Fam20C showed a detrimental role in pan-cancer, it was positively associated with poor survival of BLCA, LGG, and STAD patients. Specifically, based on TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database, a high expression level of Fam20C was associated with worse prognostic value in stages T2–T4 and stages N0–N2 in the cohort of STAD patients. Moreover, Fam20C expression had positive associations with immune infiltration, including CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, and other diverse immune cells in BLCA, LGG, and STAD.

Conclusion: Fam20C may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer and has positive associations with immune infiltrates.
H2 mass–velocity relationship from 3D numerical simulations of jet-driven molecular outflows
Authors: Cerqueira A. H. , Lefloch B. , Esquivel A. , Rivera-Ortiz P. R. , Codella C. , Ceccarelli C. , Podio L.
Published: December 2020

Context. Previous numerical studies have shown that in protostellar outflows, the outflowing gas mass per unit velocity, or mass–velocity distribution m(v), can be well described by a broken power law ∝ v−γ. On the other hand, recent observations of a sample of outflows at various stages of evolution show that the CO intensity–velocity distribution, closely related to m(v), follows an exponential law ∝ exp(−v∕v0).

Aims. In the present work, we revisit the physical origin of the mass–velocity relationship m(v) in jet-driven protostellar outflows. We investigate the respective contributions of the different regions of the outflow, from the swept-up ambient gas to the jet.

Methods. We performed 3D numerical simulations of a protostellar jet propagating into a molecular cloud using the hydrodynamical code Yguazú-a. The code takes into account the most abundant atomic and ionic species and was modified to include the H2 gas heating and cooling.

Results. We find that by excluding the jet contribution, m(v) is satisfyingly fitted with a single exponential law, with v0 well in the range of observational values. The jet contribution results in additional components in the mass–velocity relationship. This empirical mass–velocity relationship is found to be valid locally in the outflow. The exponent v0 is almost constant in time and for a given level of mixing between the ambient medium and the jet material. In general, v0 displays only a weak spatial dependence. A simple modeling of the L1157 outflow successfully reproduces the various components of the observed CO intensity–velocity relationship. Our simulations indicate that these components trace the outflow cavity of swept-up gas and the material entrained along the jet, respectively.

Conclusions. The CO intensity–velocity exponential law is naturally explained by the jet-driven outflow model. The entrained material plays an important role in shaping the mass–velocity profile.
Self-propelled motion of a rigid body inside a density dependent incompressible fluid
Authors: Nečasová Š. , Ramaswamy M. , Roy A. , Schlömerkemper A.
Published: December 2020

This paper is devoted to the existence of a weak solution to a system describing a self-propelled motion of a rigid body in a viscous fluid in the whole ℝ3. The fluid is modelled by the incompressible nonhomogeneous Navier-Stokes system with a nonnegative density. The motion of the rigid body is described by the balance of linear and angular momentum. We consider the case where slip is allowed at the fluid-solid interface through Navier condition and prove the global existence of a weak solution.
Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Aerobic Capacity in Amateur Indoor Football Players
Authors: de Sousa Matheus Martins , Pimentel Matheus dos Santos , Sobreira Isabela de Andrade , Barros Rondineli de Jesus , Borghi-Silva Audrey , Mazzoli-Rocha Flavia
Published: December 2020

Inspiratory muscle training represents a recommended clinical practice to improve physical performance of healthy individuals, athletes, and those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate whether high- and low-intensity inspiratory muscle training interferes with the aerobic capacity of indoor soccer players. Volunteers were equally and randomly divided into CON (control group, no inspiratory muscle training); HIG (high-intensity group, inspiratory muscle training at 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure, 3 sets of 12 repetitions); and LIG (low-intensity group, inspiratory muscle training at 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure, 2 sets of 20 repetitions). Before and after inspiratory muscle training, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, the incremental shuttle run test, and the 3-min step test were evaluated. Both inspiratory muscle training protocols improved maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and indirect maximal oxygen consumption and distance traveled in the shuttle test compared to CON. However, only HIG achieved significant increases of indirect oxygen consumption and frequency of step rise in the 3-min step test (p<0.05). Inspiratory muscle training is an important tool to enhance maximal inspiratory pressure and exercise tolerance with potential benefits on submaximal aerobic capacity. However, high-intensity inspiratory muscle training improved aerobic capacity in amateur indoor soccer players in both submaximal tests.
Diabetes unter Covid-19 in Gambia
Authors: Leippert Claudia
Published: December 2020

Seit Anfang 2020 müssen die Menschen weltweit aufgrund der Covid-19-Pandemie mit veränderten, oft prekären Lebensbedingungen zurechtkommen. Unter anderem waren und sind Transportwege unterbrochen – dies verändert den Zugriff und die Verfügbarkeit auf reine Importartikel, auch auf Medikamente. Menschen mit chronischen Erkrankungen sind meist auf Medikamente angewiesen und wenn nationale/ internationale Transportwege eingeschränkt oder gar nicht möglich sind, besteht die Gefahr, dass die dringend benötigten Medikamente die Patienten nicht erreichen können.
Role of the Mevalonate Pathway in Adrenocortical Tumorigenesis
Authors: Lima-Valassi Helena Panteliou , Lerario Antonio Marcondes , Montenegro Luciana Ribeiro , Fragoso Maria Candida Barisson Villares , Almeida Madson Queiroz , Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho , Lin Chin Jia
Published: December 2020

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, which generates cholesterol and non-sterol compounds such as isoprenoid, which are involved in key steps of tumorigenesis such as cell growth and proliferation. Our aim was to evaluate the role of the mevalonate pathway in adrenocortical tumors (ACTs). Expression pattern of HMGCR, FDFT1, LDLR, SCARB1, StAR, TSPO, CYP11A1, CYP11B1, CYP17A1, CYP21A1, and HSD3B1 genes, involved in the mevalonate pathway and steroidogenesis, was quantified by real-time RT-PCR in 46 ACT [14 adenomas (ACA) and 11 carcinomas (ACC) from adults and 13 ACA and 8 ACC from pediatric patients]. Effects of the mevalonate pathway inhibition on NCI-H295A cell viability was assessed by colorimetric assay. HMGCR was overexpressed in most adult ACT. The expression of TSPO, STAR, CYP11B1, CYP21A1, and HSD3B1 in adult ACC was significantly lower than in ACA (p<0.05). Regarding pediatric ACT, the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis was not different between ACA and ACC. Inhibition of isoprenoid production significantly decreased the viability of NCI-H295A cells (p<0.05). However, cholesterol synthesis blockage did not show the same effect on cell viability. Low expression of TSPO
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StAR, CYP11B1, CYP21A1, and HSD3B1 characterized a signature of adult ACCs. Our data suggest that HMGCR overexpression in adult ACC might lead to intracellular isoprenoid accumulation and cell proliferation. Therefore, the mevalonate pathway is a potential target for ACC treatment.
Synthesis of Chiral Amines via Asymmetric Hydrogen Borrowing
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Kun , Xiao Miao
Published: December 2020

Chiral amines have been widely used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical and fine-chemical industries. With water as the only byproduct and requiring no extra reducing reagent, the reaction of alcohols with amines via a ‘hydrogen borrowing’ pathway is a green route to prepare chiral amines. This paper gives a brief summary of progress on asymmetric amination of alcohols to produce chiral amines via the ‘hydrogen borrowing’ strategy.