bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal Cation‐Assisted Synthesis of Amorphous B, N Co‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for Superior Sodium Storage
Authors: Fu Ning , Liu Ying , Liu Rui , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Zhenglong
Published: April 2020

Nearly inexhaustible sodium sources on earth make sodium ion batteries (SIBs) the best candidate for large‐scale energy storage. However, the main obstacles faced by SIBs are the low rate performance and poor cycle stability caused by the large size of Na+ ions. Herein, a universal strategy for synthesizing amorphous metals encapsulated into amorphous B, N co‐doped carbon (a‐M@a‐BCN; M = Co, Ni, Mn) nanotubes by metal cation‐assisted carbonization is explored. The methodology allows tailoring the structures (e.g., length, wall thickness, and metals doping) of a‐M@a‐BCN nannotubes at the molecular level. Furthermore, the amorphous metal sulfide encapsulated into a‐BCN (a‐MSx@a‐BCN; MSx: CoS, Ni3S2, MnS) nanotubes are obtained by one‐step sulfidation process. The a‐M@a‐BCN and a‐MSx@a‐BCN possess the larger interlayer spacing (0.40 nm) amorphous carbon nanotube rich in heteroatoms active sites, making them exhibit excellent Na+ ions diffusion kinetics and capacitive storage behavior. As SIBs anodes, they show high capacity, excellent rate performance, and long cycle stability.
Ab Initio Study on Continuous Evolution of Mechanical Properties in Phase‐Transition Region of Low‐Carbon Steel
Authors: Ai Songyuan , Long Mujun , Guo Wei , Liu Peng , Chen Dengfu , Dong Zhihua , Zhang Yanming , Duan Huamei
Published: April 2020

To control steel quality during continuous casting and subsequent heat treatment, an understanding of the evolution laws of mechanical properties during the austenite transition and the underlying mechanisms is of importance. Herein, the peak separation method is used to investigate the expansion behaviors in low‐carbon steel. And the elastic properties of the matrix phase are calculated using the exact muffin‐tin orbitals (EMTO) method. A continuous evolution model of high‐temperature properties in the phase‐transition region is established for ab initio data and experimental results. The evolution laws of the tetragonal shear elastic constant C′ and Young's modulus E agree well with that of the high‐temperature strength. The critical temperature for ductility to brittleness is 850 °C. The matrix phase exhibits significantly brittleness character and increases slightly with decreasing temperature in single‐phase paramagnetic (PM) γ‐Fe region. The straightening zone temperature should be controlled above 950 °C to avoid cracks. In the austenite transition region, the drop rate of the magnetic moment reaches 18.90%. The findings suggest that the evolution law of mechanical properties of steels can be predicted from the elastic properties, especially during the austenite transition process, providing a basis for the prediction of material properties using ab initio methods.
Multiphase Strengthening of Nanosized Precipitates in a Cost‐Effective Austenitic Heat‐Resistant Steel
Authors: Du JiKang , Zhang YiFan , Wang ShaoLin , Zhou ShuLiang , Liu PingPing , Xie XiShan , Geng WenTong , Zhan Qian
Published: April 2020

A newly developed austenitic heat‐resistant steel Fe–22Cr–15Ni (SP2215) is aged at 700 °C for different times, which presents good mechanical properties. The stress rupture strength can be maintained at 78 MPa by extrapolating to 105 h at 700 °C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis reveals the multiphase composites strengthening mechanism. Three types of precipitates, the coherent Cu‐rich particles, Nb‐rich carbonitrides and NbCrN phase, are found in the austenitic matrix. The fine Cu‐rich particles are the first to precipitate, most densely and homogeneously distributed, as is illustrated by atom probe tomography (APT). It is concluded that it is the multiphase nanoprecipitate strengthening and the high thermal stability of the precipitates that render the excellent mechanical properties at high temperature. With the significant advantages of high strength at 700 °C and cost‐effective, the novel austenitic heat‐resistant steel SP2215 is recommended to be a promising material for high‐efficiency superheaters/reheaters of ultra‐supercritical unit boiler at steam temperature from 620 to 650 °C.
Natural variation for carotenoids in fresh kernels is controlled by uncommon variants in sweet corn
Authors: Baseggio Matheus , Murray Matthew , Magallanes‐Lundback Maria , Kaczmar Nicholas , Chamness James , Buckler Edward S. , Smith Margaret E. , DellaPenna Dean , Tracy William F. , Gore Michael A.
Published: April 2020

Sweet corn (Zea mays L.) is highly consumed in the United States, but does not make major contributions to the daily intake of carotenoids (provitamin A carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin) that would help in the prevention of health complications. A genome‐wide association study of seven kernel carotenoids and twelve derivative traits was conducted in a sweet corn inbred line association panel ranging from light to dark yellow in endosperm color to elucidate the genetic basis of carotenoid levels in fresh kernels. In agreement with earlier studies of maize kernels at maturity, we detected an association of β‐carotene hydroxylase (crtRB1) with β‐carotene concentration and lycopene epsilon cyclase (lcyE) with the ratio of flux between the α‐ and β‐carotene branches in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Additionally, we found that 5% or less of the evaluated inbred lines possessing the shrunken2 (sh2) endosperm mutation had the most favorable lycE allele or crtRB1 haplotype for elevating β‐branch carotenoids (β‐carotene and zeaxanthin) or β‐carotene, respectively. Genomic prediction models with genome‐wide markers obtained moderately high predictive abilities for the carotenoid traits, especially lutein, and outperformed models with less markers that targeted candidate genes implicated in the synthesis, retention, and/or genetic control of kernel carotenoids. Taken together, our results constitute an important step toward increasing carotenoids in fresh sweet corn kernels.
Culture in Critical Development Theory
Authors: MacNeill Timothy
Published: April 2020

Especially in the postcolonial period, development thinking took a critical turn. Much of this new thinking originated as people from the Third World began to speak of development in the context of neocolonialism, while drawing on strains of critical political economy. The idea of culture played an increasingly important role as the concept of development was challenged from below. Increasingly, this involved powerful assertions from indigenous peoples, and a new focus around issues of environmental sustainability of food sovereignty.
Assessing contemporary legislative proposals for their compatibility with a natural law case for AI legal personhood
Authors: Jowitt Joshua
Published: April 2020

The question of the moral status of AI and the extent to which that status ought to be recognised by societal institutions is one that has not yet received a satisfactory answer from lawyers. This paper seeks to provide a solution to the problem by defending a moral foundation for the recognition of legal personhood for AI, requiring the status to be granted should a threshold criterion be reached. The threshold proposed will be bare, noumenal agency in the Kantian sense. Agency has been identified by Alan Gewirth as the source of the rights claims of our own species and, at risk of contradiction, is a foundation that must be expanded to all agents or else we contradict the foundation of our own rights. This is something that ought to be recognised through the granting of legal personhood to all noumenal agents by any system that requires such personhood for the enforcement of rights, or else the rule restricting legal personhood cannot be seen as a valid legal norm. Having laid out the case, the paper will move on to defend this natural law conception against the narrower definition of legal personhood proposed by Bryson et al. with regards to AI. It will argue that bare agency is a sufficient, though not necessary, criterion for the ascription of legal personhood in any system that sees the status as necessary for the ascription of legal rights. The paper will conclude by analysing the proposals currently making their way through the legislatures of the UK and European Union. They will be assessed for their compatibility with the claim that a functioning legal system necessarily must recognise the legal personhood of all noumenal agents regardless of their origins, and whether they are future-proofed for the possibility that AI may meet this threshold.
Prospective evaluation of whole-body MRI and 18F-FDG PET/MRI in N and M staging of primary breast cancer patients
Authors: Bruckmann Nils Martin , Sawicki Lino M. , Kirchner Julian , Martin Ole , Umutlu Lale , Herrmann Ken , Fendler Wolfgang , Bittner Ann-Kathrin , Hoffmann Oliver , Mohrmann Svjetlana , Dietzel Frederic , Ingenwerth Marc , Schaarschmidt Benedikt M. , Li Yan , Kowall Bernd , Stang Andreas , Antoch Gerald , Buchbender Christian
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the diagnostic potential of whole-body MRI and whole-body 18F-FDG PET/MRI for N and M staging in newly diagnosed, histopathologically proven breast cancer.

Material and methods

A total of 104 patients (age 53.4 ± 12.5) with newly diagnosed, histopathologically proven breast cancer were enrolled in this study prospectively. All patients underwent a whole-body 18F-FDG PET/MRI. MRI and 18F-FDG PET/MRI datasets were evaluated separately regarding lesion count, lesion localization, and lesion characterization (malignant/benign) as well as the diagnostic confidence (5-point ordinal scale, 1–5). The N and M stages were assessed according to the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual in MRI datasets alone and in 18F-FDG PET/MRI datasets, respectively. In the majority of lesions histopathology served as the reference standard. The remaining lesions were followed-up by imaging and clinical examination. Separately for nodal-positive and nodal-negative women, a McNemar chi2 test was performed to compare sensitivity and specificity of the N and M stages between 18F-FDG PET/MRI and MRI. Differences in diagnostic confidence scores were assessed by Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

MRI determined the N stage correctly in 78 of 104 (75%) patients with a sensitivity of 62.3% (95% CI: 0.48–0.75), a specificity of 88.2% (95% CI: 0.76–0.96), a PPV (positive predictive value) of 84.6% % (95% CI: 69.5–0.94), and a NPV (negative predictive value) of 69.2% (95% CI: 0.57–0.8). Corresponding results for 18F-FDG PET/MRI were 87/104 (83.7%), 75.5% (95% CI: 0.62–0.86), 92.2% (0.81–0.98), 90% (0.78–0.97), and 78.3% (0.66–0.88), showing a significantly better sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET/MRI determining malignant lymph nodes (p = 0.008). The M stage was identified correctly in MRI and 18F-FDG PET/MRI in 100 of 104 patients (96.2%). Both modalities correctly staged all 7 patients with distant metastases, leading to false-positive findings in 4 patients in each modality (3.8%). In a lesion-based analysis, 18F-FDG PET/MRI showed a significantly better performance in correctly determining malignant lesions (85.8% vs. 67.1%, difference 18.7% (95% CI: 0.13–0.26), p < 0.0001) and offered a superior diagnostic confidence compared with MRI alone (4.1 ± 0.7 vs. 3.4 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

18F-FDG PET/MRI has a better diagnostic accuracy for N staging in primary breast cancer patients and provides a significantly higher diagnostic confidence in lesion characterization than MRI alone. But both modalities bear the risk to overestimate the M stage.
Delivery after an obstetric anal sphincter tear
Authors: Pirhonen J. , Haadem K. , Gissler M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The present study aimed to assess the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) of a subsequent delivery after the previous OASIS in countries with low (Finland) and high rates (Norway and Sweden) of OASIS.

Methods

This population-based case–control study included women who experienced OASIS 1997–2002. 26,598 women with OASIS were included from countries with low (Finland) and high (Norway and Sweden) OASIS incidences. Each case was matched with one background-adjusted control without OASIS. A follow-up data, including all subsequent deliveries between 1998 and 2011 were then collected. Statistics significances were calculated using chi-square test, test for relative proportions and Students t test, where appropriate.

Results

OASIS in the first birth was associated with increased recurrences in subsequent births, 6.9% vs. 1.7% in Norway (p < 0.001); 4.5% vs. 0.7 (p < 0.001) in Sweden; and 2.1% vs. 0.8% in Finland (p = 0.038). In Norway, more than two deliveries occurred in 4.8% of cases and 6.2% of controls (p = 0.001), 4.2% vs. 5.1% in Sweden (p < 0.001), and 5.7% vs. 6.3% in Finland (p = 0.572). For women with OASIS in a previous delivery, the rates of cesarean deliveries in subsequent pregnancies were 16.4% (7.9% for controls) in Norway, and 16.3% (6.0% for controls) in Sweden, and 50.2% (14.2% for controls) in Finland. In all countries, the differences between cases and controls were significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Next deliveries after OASIS are associated with increased frequency of new OASIS, more cesarean deliveries, and less subsequent deliveries in the high-risk population than women without previous OASIS.
Nucleus replacement could get a new chance with annulus closure
Authors: Zengerle Laura , Köhler Anne , Debout Elisabeth , Hackenbroch Carsten , Wilke Hans-Joachim
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Disc herniations are usually treated by decompression of the spinal nerves via a partial nucleotomy. As a consequence of reduced disc height (DH), reduced intradiscal pressure (IDP) and increased range of motion (ROM), accelerated degeneration may occur. Nucleus replacement implants are intended to restore those values, but are associated with the risk of extrusion.

Methods

In six fresh frozen lumbar spinal segments (L2-3/L3-4/L4-5/L5-S1, age median 64.5 years (57–72), Pfirrmann grade 2–3), a prolapse was provoked through a box defect (6 × 10 mm) in the annulus. The herniated nucleus material was removed and replaced by a novel collagen-based nucleus implant. An annulus closure device sealed the defect. ROM, neutral zone (NZ) and IDP were measured in the (1) intact and (2) defect state, (3) postoperatively and (4) after cyclic loading (n = 100,000 cycles) applying pure moments (± 7.5 Nm) in flexion–extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. Additionally, the change in DH was determined. Extrusion of implants or nucleus material was evaluated macroscopically.

Results

In all specimens, a prolapse could be provoked which decreased DH. Subsequent nucleotomy changed ROM/NZ and IDP considerably. Initial values could be restored by the implantation. Macroscopically, none of the implants nor nucleus material did migrate after cyclic loading.

Conclusions

In this study, a prolapse followed by a nucleotomy resulted in a biomechanical destabilisation. Implantation of the nucleus replacement combined with an annulus closure restored the intact condition without showing signs of extrusion nor migration after cyclic loading. Hence, nucleus replacements could have a new chance in combination with annulus closure devices.
Modified phacoemulsification in oculocutaneous albinism to reduce photophobia
Authors: Sohajda Zoltán , Széll Noémi , Hayfron Judit , Facskó Andrea
Published: April 2020

Background

The main ophthalmological signs of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) are the translucency of the iris and photophobia. We describe an alternative method to reduce photophobia after cataract removal in OCA patients.

Material and methods

A 53-year-old woman suffered from OCA and bilateral cataract. Phacoemulsification was performed via posterior capsulorhexis with implantation of a three-piece intraocular lens into the sulcus ciliaris of the left eye and secondly of the right eye.

Results

We expected a fibrosis to be formed between the two capsular surfaces, which consequently would improve the diaphragm function of the iris and thus reduce photophobia. In the postoperative period, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity improved continuously, whereas photophobia decreased.

Conclusion

This modified surgical method is easy to perform. It is very cost-effective and can reduce photophobia and improve contrast sensitivity in albino patients in the long term.
Reversal of precedence: The oldest available name of the Javan gibbon and a complete synonymy of the species
Authors: Caspar Kai R.
Published: April 2020

Over the course of their long research history, a plethora of scientific names have been applied to the different species of apes (Hominoidea). Although numerous authors, past and present, have attempted to reconstruct hominoid nomenclatural history in detail, it appears that parts of it, mostly concerning the lesser apes or gibbons, still remain overlooked. Here I show thatSimia NanodesLichtenstein, 1791 is a senior synonym ofSimia MolochAudebert, 1797, otherwise regarded as the oldest binomen applicable to the Javan gibbon. However, sinceSimia Nanodesfailed to enter common usage, these names are subject to a reversal of precedence as defined by Article 23.9 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.Simia MolochAudebert, 1797 must be maintained as anomen protectum, resulting inHylobates moloch(Audebert, 1797) staying the valid name of the species. Simia NanodesLichtenstein, 1791 is declared anomen oblitum. In compliance with this, I provide a complete scientific synonymy of the Javan gibbon and comment on its early research history.
The Impact of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Anxiety Sensitivity on Mental Health Among Public Safety Personnel: When the Uncertain is Unavoidable
Authors: Angehrn Andréanne , Krakauer Rachel L. , Carleton R. Nicholas
Published: April 2020

Background

Public safety personnel (PSP; e.g., correctional workers and officers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, public safety communications officials) are regularly exposed to potentially traumatic events and considerable uncertainty as part of their employment. Canadian PSP screen positively for mental disorders at much higher rates than the general population. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and anxiety sensitivity (AS) are empirically-supported vulnerability factors associated with the development and maintenance of mental disorders.

Methods

The present study was designed to assess IU and AS across PSP—a population regularly encountering uncertainty—with and without mental disorders (n = 4304; 33.3% women), and across normative clinical, community, and undergraduate samples. Further, the study examined the relationship between IU and AS and mental disorders among PSP.

Results

There were significant differences across groups on IU and AS scores (ps < .001). All PSP, with and without a positive screen for a mental disorder, reported lower IU and AS than clinical samples; however, PSP without mental disorders reported lower IU and AS than all other groups (ps < .001).

Conclusion

Increased resilience or the development of coping skills to manage regular exposures to uncertain threat may help explain why PSP reported low levels of IU and AS despite higher prevalence of mental disorders. Implications for PSP training and treatment are discussed.
CpG-creating mutations are costly in many human viruses
Authors: Caudill Victoria R. , Qin Sarina , Winstead Ryan , Kaur Jasmeen , Tisthammer Kaho , Pineda E. Geo , Solis Caroline , Cobey Sarah , Bedford Trevor , Carja Oana , Eggo Rosalind M. , Koelle Katia , Lythgoe Katrina , Regoes Roland , Roy Scott , Allen Nicole , Aviles Milo , Baker Brittany A. , Bauer William , Bermudez Shannel , Carlson Corey , Castellanos Edgar , Catalan Francisca L. , Chemel Angeline Katia , Elliot Jacob , Evans Dwayne , Fiutek Natalie , Fryer Emily , Goodfellow Samuel Melvin , Hecht Mordecai , Hopp Kellen , Hopson E. Deshawn , Jaberi Amirhossein , Kinney Christen , Lao Derek , Le Adrienne , Lo Jacky , Lopez Alejandro G. , López Andrea , Lorenzo Fernando G. , Luu Gordon T. , Mahoney Andrew R. , Melton Rebecca L. , Nascimento Gabriela Do , Pradhananga Anjani , Rodrigues Nicole S. , Shieh Annie , Sims Jasmine , Singh Rima , Sulaeman Hasan , Thu Ricky , Tran Krystal , Tran Livia , Winters Elizabeth J. , Wong Albert , Pennings Pleuni S.
Published: April 2020

Mutations can occur throughout the virus genome and may be beneficial, neutral or deleterious. We are interested in mutations that yield a C next to a G, producing CpG sites. CpG sites are rare in eukaryotic and viral genomes. For the eukaryotes, it is thought that CpG sites are rare because they are prone to mutation when methylated. In viruses, we know less about why CpG sites are rare. A previous study in HIV suggested that CpG-creating transition mutations are more costly than similar non-CpG-creating mutations. To determine if this is the case in other viruses, we analyzed the allele frequencies of CpG-creating and non-CpG-creating mutations across various strains, subtypes, and genes of viruses using existing data obtained from Genbank, HIV Databases, and Virus Pathogen Resource. Our results suggest that CpG sites are indeed costly for most viruses. By understanding the cost of CpG sites, we can obtain further insights into the evolution and adaptation of viruses.
Classification of periodic arrivals in event time data for filtering computer network traffic
Authors: Sanna Passino Francesco , Heard Nicholas A.
Published: April 2020

Periodic patterns can often be observed in real-world event time data, possibly mixed with non-periodic arrival times. For modelling purposes, it is necessary to correctly distinguish the two types of events. This task has particularly important implications in computer network security; there, separating automated polling traffic and human-generated activity in a computer network is important for building realistic statistical models for normal activity, which in turn can be used for anomaly detection. Since automated events commonly occur at a fixed periodicity, statistical tests using Fourier analysis can efficiently detect whether the arrival times present an automated component. In this article, sequences of arrival times which contain automated events are further examined, to separate polling and non-periodic activity. This is first achieved using a simple mixture model on the unit circle based on the angular positions of each event time on thep-clock, whereprepresents the main periodicity associated with the automated activity; this model is then extended by combining a second source of information, the time of day of each event. Efficient implementations exploiting conjugate Bayesian models are discussed, and performance is assessed on real network flow data collected at Imperial College London.
Physical activity and nutrition interventions for older adults with cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Forbes Cynthia C. , Swan Flavia , Greenley Sarah L. , Lind Michael , Johnson Miriam J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim of this review was to summarize the current literature for the effectiveness of activity and nutritional based interventions on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults living with and beyond cancer (LWBC).

Methods

We conducted systematic structured searches of CINAHL, Embase, Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL databases, and bibliographic review. Two independent researchers selected against inclusion criteria: (1) lifestyle nutrition and/or activity intervention for people with any cancer diagnosis, (2) measured HRQoL, (3) all participants over 60 years of age and (4) randomized controlled trials.

Results

Searches identified 5179 titles; 114 articles had full text review, with 14 studies (participant n = 1660) included. Three had nutrition and activity components, one, nutrition only and ten, activity only. Duration ranged from 7 days to 1 year. Interventions varied from intensive daily prehabilitation to home-based gardening interventions. Studies investigated various HRQoL outcomes including fatigue, general and cancer-specific quality of life (QoL), distress, depression, global side-effect burden and physical functioning. Eight studies reported significant intervention improvements in one or more QoL measure. Seven studies reported using a psychosocial/theoretical framework. There is a gap in tailored nutrition advice.

Conclusions

Among the few studies that targeted older adults with cancer, most were activity-based programmes with half reporting improvements in QoL. Future research should focus on or include tailored nutrition components and consider appropriate behaviour change techniques to maximize potential QoL improvement.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

More research is needed to address the research gap regarding older adults as current recommendations are derived from younger populations.
Incidence and outcome of prosthetic valve endocarditis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the Netherlands
Authors: Brouwer J. , van den Brink F. S. , Nijenhuis V. J. , Vossenberg T. N. , Delewi R. , van Mourik M. S. , den Heijer P. , Tanis W. , Kievit P. C. , Holvoet W. , Hermanides R. S. , ten Berg J. M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly being used as an alternative to conventional surgical valve replacement. Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a rare but feared complication after TAVR, with reported first-year incidences varying from 0.57 to 3.1%. This study was performed to gain insight into the incidence and outcome of PVE after TAVR in the Netherlands.

Methods

A multicentre retrospective registry study was performed. All patients who underwent TAVR in the period 2010–2017 were screened for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis in the insurance database and checked for the presence of PVE before analysis of general characteristics, PVE parameters and outcome.

Results

A total of 3968 patients who underwent TAVR were screened for PVE. During a median follow-up of 33.5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 22.8–45.8), 16 patients suffered from PVE (0.4%), with a median time to onset of 177 days (IQR 67.8–721.3). First-year incidence was 0.24%, and the overall incidence rate was 0.14 events per 1000 person-years. Overall mortality during follow-up in our study was 31%, of which 25% occurred in hospital. All patients were treated conservatively with intravenous antibiotics alone, and none underwent a re-intervention. Other complications of PVE occurred in 5 patients (31%) and included aortic abscess (2), decompensated heart failure (2) and cerebral embolisation (1).

Conclusion

PVE in patients receiving TAVR is a relatively rare complication and has a high mortality rate.
Discrete roles of RNA helicases in human male germline and spermatogenesis
Authors: Tutak Katarzyna , Rozwadowska Natalia
Published: April 2020

RNA helicases are known from their ability to bind and unwind double-stranded RNA initiating RNA processing events. These evolutionary conserved RNA binding proteins are broadly expressed in a variety of tissues; however, we can distinguish those, which represent tissue-specific expression pattern and play unique roles in certain cell lineages. For instance, some RNA helicases mediate transcriptomic changes triggering cell differentiation which results in specification and establishment of germline in a developing embryo. Others act as safeguards responsible for maintenance of DNA integrity in germ cell. In this article, we focus on selected DEAD/DEAH-box RNA helicases involved in germline development and spermatogenesis presenting their diverse functions and implications for male fertility.
Influence of combination forms of intact sub-layer and tectonically deformed sub-layer of coal on the gas drainage performance of boreholes: a numerical study
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wang Kai , Zhang Rong , Dong Huzi , Lou Zhen , An Fenghua
Published: April 2020

High concentration and large flow flux of gas drainage from underground coal seams is the precondition of reducing emission and large-scale use of gas. However, the layered occurrence of coal seams with tectonically deformed sub-layers and intact sub-layers makes it difficult to effectively drain gas through commonly designed boreholes. In this study, the gas drainage performance in coal seams with different combinations of tectonically deformed sub-layers and intact sub-layers was numerically analyzed. The analysis results show that the gas drainage curve changes from a single-stage line to a dual-stage curve as the permeability ratios of Zone II (kII) and Zone I (kI) increase, raising the difficulty in gas drainage. Furthermore, a dual-system pressure decay model based on the first-order kinetic model was developed to describe the dual-stage characteristics of pressure decay curves with different permeability ratios. In the end, the simulation results were verified with reference to in-situ drainage data from literature. The research results are helpful for mines, especially those with layered coal seams comprising tectonically deformed sub-layers and intact sub-layers, to choose appropriate gas drainage methods and develop the original drainage designs for achieving better gas drainage performance.
Near-Infrared Light-Responsive Nitric Oxide Delivery Platform for Enhanced Radioimmunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Xuanfang , Meng Zhouqi , She Jialin , Zhang Yaojia , Yi Xuan , Zhou Hailin , Zhong Jing , Dong Ziliang , Han Xiao , Chen Muchao , Fan Qin , Yang Kai , Wang Chao
Published: April 2020

Radiotherapy (RT) is a widely used way for cancer treatment. However, the efficiency of RT may come with various challenges such as low specificity, limitation by resistance, high dose and so on. Nitric oxide (NO) is known a very effective radiosensitizer of hypoxic tumor. However, NO cannot circulate in body with high concentration. Herein, an NIR light-responsive NO delivery system is developed for controlled and precisely release of NO to hypoxic tumors during radiotherapy. Tert-Butyl nitrite, which is an efficient NO source, is coupled to Ag2S quantum dots (QDs). NO could be generated and released from the Ag2S QDs effectively under the NIR irradiation due to the thermal effect. In addition, Ag is also a type of heavy metal that can benefit the RT therapy. We demonstrate that Ag2S NO delivery platforms remarkably maximize radiotherapy effects to inhibit tumor growth in CT26 tumor model. Furthermore, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is improved by our NO delivery system, significantly enhancing the anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy. 100% survival rate is achieved by the radio-immune combined therapy strategy based on the Ag2S NO delivery platforms. Our results suggest the promise of Ag2S NO delivery platforms for multifunctional cancer radioimmunotherapy.
A MODULI STACK OF TROPICAL CURVES
Authors: CAVALIERI RENZO , CHAN MELODY , ULIRSCH MARTIN , WISE JONATHAN
Published: April 2020

We contribute to the foundations of tropical geometry with a view toward formulating tropical moduli problems, and with the moduli space of curves as our main example. We propose a moduli functor for the moduli space of curves and show that it is representable by a geometric stack over the category of rational polyhedral cones. In this framework, the natural forgetful morphisms between moduli spaces of curves with marked points function as universal curves.

Our approach to tropical geometry permits tropical moduli problems—moduli of curves or otherwise—to be extended to logarithmic schemes. We use this to construct a smooth tropicalization morphism from the moduli space of algebraic curves to the moduli space of tropical curves, and we show that this morphism commutes with all of the tautological morphisms.
Why durability matters? Towards a Comparative Economic Sociology of Market Organization
Authors: Dobeson Alexander , Kohl Sebastian
Published: April 2020

What can a good’s durability tell us about its market organization? This paper argues that the socially expected durability of goods is one of their most important features. It illuminates temporal and material aspects of market organization and social change across different markets. While recent literature in the sociology of markets tends to emphasize financial goods, intangible assets, and the service economy, markets for material durable and nondurable consumer goods are still surprisingly pervasive in everyday life and in the household economy, as well as in modern economies’ basic infrastructure. Based on a comparison of the extreme cases of durable housing and fresh fish markets, we come to the general finding that the higher a good’s expected durability, the smaller the share of its new production will be and the larger its aftermarkets. Furthermore, it will be more tightly linked to credit and insurance markets, and its market will be more volatile in the short-term, but more inert in the long-term. Beyond this static distinction, we show how socio-technical mechanisms can “durabilize” or “dedurabilize” goods and hence change their market form. By comparing markets along the durability dimension, this paper contributes to a comparative sociology of market organization that goes beyond single-market studies, while at the same time opening up space for a more dynamic understanding of social change and market segmentation over time.
Contact metamorphism of the Tethyan Sedimentary Sequence, Upper Mustang region, west-central Nepal
Authors: Lihter Iva , Larson Kyle P. , Shrestha Sudip , Cottle John M. , Brubacher Alex D.
Published: April 2020

The Upper Mustang region of west-central Nepal contains exposures of metamorphosed Tethyan Sedimentary Sequence rocks that have been interpreted to reflect either contact metamorphism related to the nearby Mugu pluton or regional metamorphism associated with the North Himalayan domes. New monazite geochronology results show that the Mugu leucogranite crystallized at c. 21.3 Ma, while the dominant monazite age peaks from the surrounding garnet ± staurolite ± sillimanite schists range between c. 21.7 and 19.4 Ma, generally decreasing in age away from the pluton. Metamorphic temperature estimates based on Ti-in-biotite and garnet–biotite thermometry are highest in the specimens closest to the pluton (648 ± 24°C and 615 ± 25°C, respectively) and lowest in those furthest away (578 ± 24°C and 563 ± 25°C, respectively), while pressure estimates are all within uncertainty of one another, averaging 5.0 ± 0.5 kbar. These results are interpreted to be consistent with contact metamorphism of the rocks in proximity to the Mugu pluton, which was emplaced at c. 18 ± 2 km depth after local movement across the South Tibetan detachment system had ceased. While this new dataset helps to characterize the metamorphic rocks of the Tethyan Sedimentary Sequence and provides new constraints on the thickness of the upper crust, it also emphasizes the importance of careful integration of metamorphic conditions and inferred processes that may affect interpretation of currently proposed Himalayan models.
Acritarchs from the Duolbagáisá Formation (Cambrian Series 2, Miaolingian) on the Digermulen Peninsula, Finnmark, Arctic Norway: towards a high-resolution Cambrian chronostratigraphy
Authors: Palacios Teodoro , Högström Anette E. S. , Ebbestad Jan Ove R. , Agić Heda , Høyberget Magne , Jensen Sören , Meinhold Guido , Taylor Wendy L.
Published: April 2020

New information on acritarchs from the Duolbagáisá Formation, Digermulen Peninsula, Arctic Norway, enable recognition of the three Cambrian Series 2 acritarch-based zones: theSkiagia ornata–Fimbriaglomerella membranacea,Heliosphaeridium dissimilare–Skiagia ciliosaandVolkovia dentifera–Liepaina planaAssemblagezones. Acritarchs of theSkiagia ornata–Fimbriaglomerella membranaceaZone (Cambrian Stage 3) appear near the base of the unit, close to an undetermined trilobite. In the Upper Member of the Duolbagáisá Formation, in levels withKjerulfian. sp. andElliptocephalan. sp., appears an assemblage with abundantSkiagia ciliosa, indicative of theHeliosphaeridium dissimilare–Skiagia ciliosaZone. A few metres higher appearLiepaina plana,Heliosphaeridium notatumandRetisphaeridium dichamerum, which indicate theVolkovia dentifera–Liepaina planaZone (Cambrian Stage 4). The transition between the Duolbagáisá Formation and the overlying Kistedalen Formation is marked by the appearance ofComasphaeridium longispinosum,Multiplicisphaeridium llynenseandEliasum llaniscum, diagnostic of the Miaolingian Series. This coincides with the disappearance ofSkiagia; occurrences ofSkiagiain Miaolingian strata consist of reworked material related to the Hawke Bay regression at the Cambrian Stage 4–Wuliuan transition. The absence ofSkiagiain higher levels of the Duolbagáisá Formation and Kistedalen Formation suggests that no unconformity formed during the Hawke Bay regression in this area. The chronostratigraphical significance of theSkiagia ornata–Fimbriaglomerella membranacea,Heliosphaeridium dissimilare–Skiagia ciliosaandVolkovia dentifera–Liepaina planazones is critically analysed. Correlation of the Duolbagáisá Formation with peri-Gondwanan terrains of Avalonia and Iberia is established. The Digermulen Peninsula has great potential as a reference section for establishing a Cambrian chronostratigraphy based on acritarchs.
Not quite the same: The social stratification and phonetic conditioning of thefoot–strutvowels in Manchester
Authors: TURTON DANIELLE , BARANOWSKI MACIEJ
Published: April 2020

Thefoot–strutvowel split, which has its origins in 17th century English, is notable for its absence from the speech of Northerners in England, wherestood–studremain homophones – both are pronounced with the same vowel /ʊ/. The present study analyses the speech of 122 speakers from Manchester in the North West of England. Although the vast majority of speakers exhibit no distinction between thefootandstrutlexical sets in minimal-pair production and judgement tests, vowel height is correlated with socio-economic status: the higher the social class, the lower thestrutvowel. Surprisingly, statistical models indicate that vowel class is a significant predictor offoot–strutin Manchester. This means that, for a speech community without the split, there remains an effect in the expected direction:strutvowels are lower thanfootvowels in the vowel space. We suggest that co-articulatory effects of surrounding consonants explain this instrumental difference, as they have significant lowering/heightening effects on the acoustics but are not fully captured by our statistical model. We argue that the perplexing nature of the historical split can be partially accounted for in this data, as the frequency of co-occurring phonetic environments is notably different infootthan instrut, resulting in cumulative effects of co-articulation. We also present evidence of age grading which suggests that middle class speakers may develop a phonetic distinction as they age.
PTSD as the second tsunami of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic
Authors: Dutheil Frédéric , Mondillon Laurie , Navel Valentin
Published: April 2020

Since the first cases, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rapidly spread around the world, with hundred−thousand cases and thousands of deaths. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common consequence of major disasters. Exceptional epidemic situations also promoted PTSD in the past. Considering that humanity is undergoing the most severe pandemic since Spanish Influenza, the actual pandemic of COVID-19 is very likely to promote PTSD. Moreover, COVID-19 was renamed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2). With a poor understanding of viruses and spreading mechanisms, the evocation of SARS is generating a great anxiety contributing to promote PTSD. Quarantine of infected patients evolved to quarantine of ‘infected’ towns or popular districts, and then of entire countries. In the families of cases, the brutal death of family members involved a spread of fear and a loss of certainty, promoting PTSD. In the context of disaster medicine with a lack of human and technical resources, healthcare workers could also develop acute stress disorders, potentially degenerating into chronic PTSD. Globally, WHO estimates 30–50% of the population affected by a disaster suffered from diverse psychological distress. PTSD individuals are more at-risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and deaths by suicide – considering that healthcare workers are already at-risk occupations. We draw attention towards PTSD as a secondary effect of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, both for general population, patients, and healthcare workers. Healthcare policies need to take into account preventive strategy of PTSD, and the related risk of suicide, in forthcoming months.
Nutritional problems in childhood and adolescence: a narrative review of identified disparities
Authors: Larson Nicole I.
Published: April 2020

To inform programmes and policies that promote health equity, it is essential to monitor the distribution of nutritional problems among young individuals. Common nutritional problems include overall low diet quality, the underconsumption and overconsumption of certain dietary components, unhealthy meal and snack patterns, problematic feeding practices and disordered eating. The objective of the present narrative review was to summarise recent evidence of disparities among US children (2–19 years) according to age, sex, socio-economic status, ethnicity/race and rural–urban location. Searches in PubMed® and MEDLINE® were completed to identify peer-reviewed research studies published between January 2009 and January 2019. Findings from the ninety-nine reviewed studies indicate adolescent females, young individuals from lower socio-economic households and individuals who identify as non-Hispanic Black race are particularly vulnerable populations for whom targeted strategies should be developed to address evidence of increased risk with regards to multiple aspects of nutritional wellbeing. Limitations of the existing evidence relate to the accuracy of self-reported dietary data; the need for consistent definitions of disordered eating; the focus on individual dietary componentsv.patterns; the complexities of categorising socio-economic status, ethnicity/race, and rural and urban areas; and the cross-sectional, observational nature of most research designs. There is an urgent need for research to address these limitations and fill a large gap in evidence on rural–urban differences in nutritional problems. It will further be important for future studies to build greater understanding of how nutritional problems cluster among population groups.
Young People, Precarious Employment and Nationalism in Poland: Exploring the (Missing) Links
Authors: Mrozowicki Adam , Kajta Justyna
Published: April 2020

This article explores the relevance of economic and cultural (identity-based) factors in the emergence of nationalist sentiments among young people in Poland. It discusses the changing labour market situation of young workers, involving their precarisation and critically reviews existing accounts of new nationalism in Poland. In the body of the article, based on the analysis of biographical narrative interviews with young nationalist activists and right-wing supporters, the subjective justifications of their far-right views are analysed. It is concluded that the central motives for supporting the agenda of the nationalist movement by our informants are not directly connected with their economic situation, but related to their search for solid, clear and unambiguous foundations of social order and their biographical identities.
135 Evolution of a Study of Bilateral Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Treat the Symptoms of Mild TBI (mTBI) and PTSD
Authors: Garland Jared S , Jaskot Emilia-Marie , Taylor Jerika , Buccellato Kiara , Atwal Navneet , Pasquina Paul F
Published: April 2020

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of Army/Navy/Air Force, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government.

Background:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have affected nearly 380,000 service members since 2000. Comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may result from and/or exacerbate sequelae of mild TBI (mTBI) and is suspected to affect up to 65% of service members with TBI. Conventional treatments for mTBI/PTSD symptoms have limited efficacy and are associated with undesirable side effects. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise in treating PTSD symptoms and been identified as a potential mTBI therapy, but is untested as a therapy for comorbid mTBI/PTSD.

Methods:

This double-blinded, prospective randomized, sham-controlled study consists of 30 treatment sessions 5 weeks of daily sessions followed by a two week taper of 3 and 2 sessions, respectively. Sessions consist of 3500 pulses administered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) at 10 Hz and 1500 pulses to the right dlPFC at 1 Hz. Approximately 60-80 participants will be randomized to receive active or sham rTMS. Primary outcome measures are the Posttraumatic Checklist 5 and the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire.

Results:

The study is ongoing, and 26 participants have been recruited to date. All patients were formally diagnosed with mTBI and reported moderate to severe PTSD symptoms. Preliminary data show no participants have withdrawn due to intolerability or indicated intolerability, despite the presence of minor discomforts such as headache. The majority of participants have been able to rest quietly or sleep during sessions, indicating high tolerability. Reported pain levels are low, with average ratings of 2.84/10.00 by week 2. One limitation was a high dropout rate.

Conclusions:

This study aims to provide guidance as to whether rTMS is an efficacious therapy for comorbid mTBI/PTSD. Preliminary data indicates it to be a tolerable and safe therapy. Future research should consider decreasing the demand of the study on patients schedules, and performing a comparison to other mTBI/PTSD treatments to determine what treatment is more efficacious.