bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Elastic Thickness Map Reveals Subglacial Structure of East Antarctica
Authors: Swain C. J. , Kirby J. F.
Published: January 2021

East Antarctica is the least well‐exposed Precambrian shield on Earth. What is known, or surmised, of its geological structure comes from extrapolation over large distances and from geophysics. Here, we present a map of effective elastic thickness, Te, computed from Antarctic bedrock topography and both terrestrial and satellite gravity data. Te is directly related to lithospheric strength and can distinguish domains of differing tectonic history. Our map reveals a broad region of high Te in Wilkes Land, interpreted as a craton, while elsewhere a corridor of low Te meanders between areas of higher Te. The low‐Te belt follows the trend of prominent linear magnetic anomalies identified in the Gamburtsev and Dronning Maud Land provinces, two of which have previously been identified as possible Grenville or Pan‐African age sutures.
Waves in Western Long Island Sound: A Fetch‐Limited Coastal Basin
Authors: Shin Y. , Cifuentes‐Lorenzen A. , Howard Strobel M. M. , O'Donnell J.
Published: January 2021

This paper summarizes the statistics of observations of wind and surface gravity waves in Long Island Sound, a large estuarine embayment in southern New England. We examine the relationship between significant wave height and wind speed and direction and show that the significant wave height and dominant period in western Long Island Sound have an asymmetric response to the wind direction. Waves are larger and have longer periods when the wind is from the east than when the same stress is directed from the west. The data are consistent with the predictions of empirical parameterizations of fetch limited wave growth when the wind is from the west. However, for easterly winds, the westward narrowing of the Sound limits wave growth and requires that an effective fetch of approximately 30 km be used in the empirical formulae. An examination of the extreme values in the time series shows that previous estimates based on simulations significantly underestimates the occurrence of large waves with the important consequence that design guidance for shore protection structures may underestimate wave heights during severe storms. We speculate that earlier work has not adequately represented the consequences of fetch asymmetry on wave growth.
Climatological Westward‐Propagating Semidiurnal Tides and Their Composite Response to Sudden Stratospheric Warmings in SuperDARN and SD‐WACCM‐X
Authors: Zhang J. , Limpasuvan V. , Orsolini Y. J. , Espy P. J. , Hibbins R. E.
Published: January 2021

Using the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network observations (clustered around 60°N) and NCAR CESM2.0 extended Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model nudged with reanalyzes, we examine the climatology of semidiurnal tides in meridional wind associated with the migrating component (SW2) and non‐migrating components of wavenumbers 1 (SW1) and 3 (SW3). We then illustrate their composite response to major sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs). Peaking in late summer and winter, the climatological SW2 amplitude exceeds SW1 and SW3 except around late Fall and Spring. The winter climatological peak is absent in the model perhaps due to the zonal wind bias at the observed altitudes. The observed SW2 amplitude declines after SSW onset before enhancing ∼10 days later, along with SW1 and SW3. Within the observed region, the simulated SW2 only amplifies after SSW onset, with minimal SW1 and SW3 responses. The model reveals a stronger SW2 response above the observed location, with diminished amplitude before and enhancement after SSW globally. This enhancement appears related to increased equatorial ozone heating and background wind symmetry. The strongest SW1 and SW3 growth occurs in the Southern Hemisphere before SSW. SW2 and quasi‐stationary planetary wave activities are temporally collocated during SSW suggesting that their interactions excite SW1 and SW3. After SSW, the model also reveals (1) semidiurnal‐tide‐like perturbations generated possibly by the interactions between SW2 and westward‐traveling disturbances and (2) the enhancement of migrating semidiurnal lunar tide in the Northern Hemisphere that exceeds non‐migrating tidal and semidiurnal‐tide‐like responses. The simulated eastward‐propagating semidiurnal tides are briefly examined.
Mantle Dynamics Beneath the Sichuan Basin and Eastern Tibet From Teleseismic Tomography
Authors: Wang Wei , Wu Jianping , Hammond James O. S.
Published: January 2021

The cratonic Sichuan Basin is located east of the Tibetan Plateau, and is surrounded by mountains that have undergone complex deformation and uplift since the Cenozoic. Imaging mantle structure is important for understanding its formation, and to date most models suggest a deep cratonic root underlies the basin, blocking eastward extrusion of lithospheric material beneath Tibet. Here, we obtain detailed upper mantle structure from teleseismic tomography in the region utilizing travel time data from earthquakes recorded at 506 seismic stations, including 25 new stations in the poorly sampled Sichuan Basin. Contrasting to previous models, we show eastward and southeastward dipping high‐velocity anomalies extending eastward ∼150–400 km into the upper mantle from the Sichuan Basin. We suggest, the southeastward subduction of the Yangtze Block occurred in the Mesozoic and may be reactivated in the Cenozoic, with the relatively thin and weak lithosphere to the east of the Sichuan Basin prone to deformation in response to the eastward growth of the Tibetan Plateau. A west‐dipping high‐velocity anomaly beneath eastern Tibet is interpreted as delaminated lithosphere. This delamination may accelerate the development of the Xianshuihe fault zone and the horizontal extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau. Beneath the East Qinling orogen, the eastward extrusion of the plateau material is not obvious suggesting limited horizontal lithospheric extrusion is present north of the Sichuan Basin.
No‐Flow Fraction (NFF) Permeability Model for Rough Fractures Under Normal Stress
Authors: Javanmard Hoda , Ebigbo Anozie , Walsh Stuart D. C. , Saar Martin O. , Vogler Daniel
Published: January 2021

Flow through rock fractures is frequently represented using models that correct the cubic law to account for the effects of roughness and contact area. However, the scope of such models is often restricted to relatively smooth aperture fields under small confining stresses. This work studies the link between fracture permeability and fracture geometry under normal loads. Numerical experiments are performed to deform synthesized aperture fields of various correlation lengths and roughness values under normal stress. The results demonstrate that aperture roughness can more than triple for applied stresses up to 50 MPa – exceeding the valid range for roughness in most previously published models. Investigating the relationship between permeability and contact area indicates that the increase in flow obstructions due to the development of new contact points strongly depends on the correlation length of the unloaded aperture field. This study eliminates these dependencies by employing a parameter known as the No‐Flow Fraction (NFF) to capture the effect of flow stagnation zones. With this concept, a new Cubic‐law‐based permeability model is proposed that significantly improves the accuracy of permeability estimations, compared to previous models. For cases, where the NFF is difficult to obtain, we introduce an empirical relationship to estimate the parameter from the aperture roughness. The new models yield permeability estimates accurate to within a factor of 2 of the simulated permeability in over three‐quarters of the 3,000 deformed fractures studied. This compares with typical deviations of at least one order of magnitude for previously published permeability models.
Scientists Are Primed for Poll Positions
Authors: McCarthy Kelly
Published: January 2021

Scientists and science communicators can lend their expertise to a growing shortage of poll workers in the United States.
Variation in the SERPINA6/SERPINA1 locus alters morning plasma cortisol, hepatic corticosteroid binding globulin expression, gene expression in peripheral tissues, and risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Crawford Andrew A. , Bankier Sean , Altmaier Elisabeth , Barnes Catriona L. K. , Clark David W. , Ermel Raili , Friedrich Nele , van der Harst Pim , Joshi Peter K. , Karhunen Ville , Lahti Jari , Mahajan Anubha , Mangino Massimo , Nethander Maria , Neumann Alexander , Pietzner Maik , Sukhavasi Katyayani , Wang Carol A. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Bjorkegren Johan L. M. , Campbell Harry , Eriksson Johan , Gieger Christian , Hayward Caroline , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta , McLachlan Stela , Morris Andrew P. , Ohlsson Claes , Pennell Craig E. , Price Jackie , Rudan Igor , Ruusalepp Arno , Spector Tim , Tiemeier Henning , Völzke Henry , Wilson James F. , Michoel Tom , Timpson Nicolas J. , Smith George Davey , Walker Brian R. ,   on behalf of the CORtisol NETwork (CORNET) consortium, Mellström Dan
Published: January 2021

The stress hormone cortisol modulates fuel metabolism, cardiovascular homoeostasis, mood, inflammation and cognition. The CORtisol NETwork (CORNET) consortium previously identified a single locus associated with morning plasma cortisol. Identifying additional genetic variants that explain more of the variance in cortisol could provide new insights into cortisol biology and provide statistical power to test the causative role of cortisol in common diseases. The CORNET consortium extended its genome-wide association meta-analysis for morning plasma cortisol from 12,597 to 25,314 subjects and from ~2.2 M to ~7 M SNPs, in 17 population-based cohorts of European ancestries. We confirmed the genetic association with SERPINA6/SERPINA1. This locus contains genes encoding corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) and α1-antitrypsin. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses undertaken in the STARNET cohort of 600 individuals showed that specific genetic variants within the SERPINA6/SERPINA1 locus influence expression of SERPINA6 rather than SERPINA1 in the liver. Moreover, trans-eQTL analysis demonstrated effects on adipose tissue gene expression, suggesting that variations in CBG levels have an effect on delivery of cortisol to peripheral tissues. Two-sample Mendelian randomisation analyses provided evidence that each genetically-determined standard deviation (SD) increase in morning plasma cortisol was associated with increased odds of chronic ischaemic heart disease (0.32, 95% CI 0.06–0.59) and myocardial infarction (0.21, 95% CI 0.00–0.43) in UK Biobank and similarly in CARDIoGRAMplusC4D. These findings reveal a causative pathway for CBG in determining cortisol action in peripheral tissues and thereby contributing to the aetiology of cardiovascular disease.
Personalized neoantigen pulsed dendritic cell vaccine for advanced lung cancer
Authors: Ding Zhenyu , Li Qing , Zhang Rui , Xie Li , Shu Yang , Gao Song , Wang Peipei , Su Xiaoqing , Qin Yun , Wang Yuelan , Fang Juemin , Zhu Zhongzheng , Xia Xuyang , Wei Guochao , Wang Hui , Qian Hong , Guo Xianling , Gao Zhibo , Wang Yu , Wei Yuquan , Xu Qing , Xu Heng , Yang Li
Published: January 2021

Neoantigens are considered to be ultimate target of tumor immunotherapy due to their high tumor specificity and immunogenicity. Dendritic cell (DCs) vaccines based on neoantigens have exciting effects in treatment of some malignant tumors and are a promising therapeutic modality. Lung cancer is a lethal disease with the highest morbidity and mortality rate in the world. Despite the rapid development of targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for lung cancer in recent years, their efficacy is still unsatisfactory overall. Therefore, there is an urgent unmet clinical need for lung cancer treatment. Here, we attempted to treat lung cancer using a personalized neoantigen peptide-pulsed autologous DC vaccine and conducted a single-arm, 2 medical centers, pilot study initiated by the investigator (ChiCTR-ONC-16009100, NCT02956551). The patients enrolled were patients with heavily treated metastatic lung cancer. Candidate neoantigens were derived from whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing of fresh biopsy tissues as well as bioinformatics analysis. A total of 12 patients were enrolled in this study. A total of 85 vaccine treatments were administered with a median value of 5 doses/person (range: 3–14 doses/person). In total, 12–30 peptide-based neoantigens were selected for each patient. All treatment-related adverse events were grade 1–2 and there were no delays in dosing due to toxic effects. The objective effectiveness rate was 25%; the disease control rate was 75%; the median progression-free survival was 5.5 months and the median overall survival was 7.9 months. This study provides new evidence for neoantigen vaccine therapy and new therapeutic opportunities for lung cancer treatment.
Unravelling an oxygen-mediated reductive quenching pathway for photopolymerisation under long wavelengths
Authors: Wu Chenyu , Jung Kenward , Ma Yongtao , Liu Wenjian , Boyer Cyrille
Published: January 2021

Photomediated-reversible-deactivation radical polymerisation (photo-RDRP) has a limited scope of available photocatalysts (PCs) due to multiple stringent requirements for PC properties, limiting options for performing efficient polymerisations under long wavelengths. Here we report an oxygen-mediated reductive quenching pathway (O-RQP) for photoinduced electron transfer reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerisation. The highly efficient polymerisations that are performed in the presence of ambient air enable an expanded scope of available PCs covering a much-broadened absorption spectrum, where the oxygen tolerance of PET-RAFT allows high-quality polymerisation by preventing the existence of O2 in large amounts and efficient O-RQP is permitted due to its requirement for only catalytic amounts of O2. Initially, four different porphyrin dyes are investigated for their ability to catalyse PET-RAFT polymerisation via an oxidative quenching pathway (OQP), reductive quenching pathway (RQP) and O-RQP. Thermodynamic studies with the aid of (time-dependent) density functional theory calculations in combination with experimental studies, enable the identification of the thermodynamic constraints within the OQP, RQP and O-RQP frameworks. This knowledge enables the identification of four phthalocyanine photocatalysts, that were previously thought to be inert for PET-RAFT, to be successfully used for photopolymerisations via O-RQP. Well-controlled polymerisations displaying excellent livingness are performed at wavelengths in the red to near-infrared regions. The existence of this third pathway O-RQP provides an attractive pathway to further expand the scope of photocatalysts compatible with the PET-RAFT process and facile access to photopolymerisations under long wavelengths.
Short H2A histone variants are expressed in cancer
Authors: Chew Guo-Liang , Bleakley Marie , Bradley Robert K. , Malik Harmit S. , Henikoff Steven , Molaro Antoine , Sarthy Jay
Published: January 2021

Short H2A (sH2A) histone variants are primarily expressed in the testes of placental mammals. Their incorporation into chromatin is associated with nucleosome destabilization and modulation of alternate splicing. Here, we show that sH2As innately possess features similar to recurrent oncohistone mutations associated with nucleosome instability. Through analyses of existing cancer genomics datasets, we find aberrant sH2A upregulation in a broad array of cancers, which manifest splicing patterns consistent with global nucleosome destabilization. We posit that short H2As are a class of “ready-made” oncohistones, whose inappropriate expression contributes to chromatin dysfunction in cancer.
Nicotine promotes breast cancer metastasis by stimulating N2 neutrophils and generating pre-metastatic niche in lung
Authors: Tyagi Abhishek , Sharma Sambad , Wu Kerui , Wu Shih-Ying , Xing Fei , Liu Yin , Zhao Dan , Deshpande Ravindra Pramod , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Watabe Kounosuke
Published: January 2021

Smoking has a profound impact on tumor immunity, and nicotine, which is the major addictive component of smoke, is known to promote tumor progression despite being a non-carcinogen. In this study, we demonstrate that chronic exposure of nicotine plays a critical role in the formation of pre-metastatic niche within the lungs by recruiting pro-tumor N2-neutrophils. This pre-metastatic niche promotes the release of STAT3-activated lipocalin 2 (LCN2), a secretory glycoprotein from the N2-neutrophils, and induces mesenchymal-epithelial transition of tumor cells thereby facilitating colonization and metastatic outgrowth. Elevated levels of serum and urine LCN2 is elevated in early-stage breast cancer patients and cancer-free females with smoking history, suggesting that LCN2 serve as a promising prognostic biomarker for predicting increased risk of metastatic disease in female smoker(s). Moreover, natural compound, salidroside effectively abrogates nicotine-induced neutrophil polarization and consequently reduced lung metastasis of hormone receptor-negative breast cancer cells. Our findings suggest a pro-metastatic role of nicotine-induced N2-neutrophils for cancer cell colonization in the lungs and illuminate the therapeutic use of salidroside to enhance the anti-tumor activity of neutrophils in breast cancer patients.
Catalytic enantioselective C(sp3)–H functionalization involving radical intermediates
Authors: Zhang Chi , Li Zhong-Liang , Gu Qiang-Shuai , Liu Xin-Yuan
Published: January 2021

Recently, with the boosted development of radical chemistry, enantioselective functionalization of C(sp3)–H bonds via a radical pathway has witnessed a renaissance. In principle, two distinct catalytic modes, distinguished by the steps in which the stereochemistry is determined (the radical formation step or the radical functionalization step), can be devised. This Perspective discusses the state-of-the-art in the area of catalytic enantioselective C(sp3)–H functionalization involving radical intermediates as well as future challenges and opportunities.
MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis
Authors: Reynolds Joseph C. , Lai Rochelle W. , Woodhead Jonathan S. T. , Joly James H. , Mitchell Cameron J. , Cameron-Smith David , Lu Ryan , Cohen Pinchas , Graham Nicholas A. , Benayoun Bérénice A. , Merry Troy L. , Lee Changhan
Published: January 2021

Healthy aging can be promoted by enhanced metabolic fitness and physical capacity. Mitochondria are chief metabolic organelles with strong implications in aging that also coordinate broad physiological functions, in part, using peptides that are encoded within their independent genome. However, mitochondrial-encoded factors that actively regulate aging are unknown. Here, we report that mitochondrial-encoded MOTS-c can significantly enhance physical performance in young (2 mo.), middle-age (12 mo.), and old (22 mo.) mice. MOTS-c can regulate (i) nuclear genes, including those related to metabolism and proteostasis, (ii) skeletal muscle metabolism, and (iii) myoblast adaptation to metabolic stress. We provide evidence that late-life (23.5 mo.) initiated intermittent MOTS-c treatment (3x/week) can increase physical capacity and healthspan in mice. In humans, exercise induces endogenous MOTS-c expression in skeletal muscle and in circulation. Our data indicate that aging is regulated by genes encoded in both of our co-evolved mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.
The TRACE-Seq method tracks recombination alleles and identifies clonal reconstitution dynamics of gene targeted human hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Sharma Rajiv , Dever Daniel P. , Lee Ciaran M. , Azizi Armon , Pan Yidan , Camarena Joab , Köhnke Thomas , Bao Gang , Porteus Matthew H. , Majeti Ravindra
Published: January 2021

Targeted DNA correction of disease-causing mutations in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) may enable the treatment of genetic diseases of the blood and immune system. It is now possible to correct mutations at high frequencies in HSPCs by combining CRISPR/Cas9 with homologous DNA donors. Because of the precision of gene correction, these approaches preclude clonal tracking of gene-targeted HSPCs. Here, we describe Tracking Recombination Alleles in Clonal Engraftment using sequencing (TRACE-Seq), a methodology that utilizes barcoded AAV6 donor template libraries, carrying in-frame silent mutations or semi-randomized nucleotides outside the coding region, to track the in vivo lineage contribution of gene-targeted HSPC clones. By targeting the HBB gene with an AAV6 donor template library consisting of ~20,000 possible unique exon 1 in-frame silent mutations, we track the hematopoietic reconstitution of HBB targeted myeloid-skewed, lymphoid-skewed, and balanced multi-lineage repopulating human HSPC clones in mice. We anticipate this methodology could potentially be used for HSPC clonal tracking of Cas9 RNP and AAV6-mediated gene targeting outcomes in translational and basic research settings.
Observation of anti-parity-time-symmetry, phase transitions and exceptional points in an optical fibre
Authors: Bergman Arik , Duggan Robert , Sharma Kavita , Tur Moshe , Zadok Avi , Alù Andrea
Published: January 2021

The exotic physics emerging in non-Hermitian systems with balanced distributions of gain and loss has recently drawn a great deal of attention. These systems exhibit phase transitions and exceptional point singularities in their spectra, at which eigen-values and eigen-modes coalesce and the overall dimensionality is reduced. So far, these principles have been implemented at the expense of precise fabrication and tuning requirements, involving tailored nano-structured devices with controlled optical gain and loss. In this work, anti-parity-time symmetric phase transitions and exceptional point singularities are demonstrated in a single strand of single-mode telecommunication fibre, using a setup consisting of off-the-shelf components. Two propagating signals are amplified and coupled through stimulated Brillouin scattering, enabling exquisite control over the interaction-governing non-Hermitian parameters. Singular response to small-scale variations and topological features arising around the exceptional point are experimentally demonstrated with large precision, enabling robustly enhanced response to changes in Brillouin frequency shift.
Functional traits of the world’s late Quaternary large-bodied avian and mammalian herbivores
Authors: Lundgren Erick J. , Schowanek Simon D. , Rowan John , Middleton Owen , Pedersen Rasmus Ø. , Wallach Arian D. , Ramp Daniel , Davis Matt , Sandom Christopher J. , Svenning Jens-Christian
Published: January 2021

Prehistoric and recent extinctions of large-bodied terrestrial herbivores had significant and lasting impacts on Earth’s ecosystems due to the loss of their distinct trait combinations. The world’s surviving large-bodied avian and mammalian herbivores remain among the most threatened taxa. As such, a greater understanding of the ecological impacts of large herbivore losses is increasingly important. However, comprehensive and ecologically-relevant trait datasets for extinct and extant herbivores are lacking. Here, we presentHerbiTraits, a comprehensive functional trait dataset for all late Quaternary terrestrial avian and mammalian herbivores ≥10 kg (545 species).HerbiTraitsincludes key traits that influence how herbivores interact with ecosystems, namely body mass, diet, fermentation type, habitat use, and limb morphology. Trait data were compiled from 557 sources and comprise the best available knowledge on late Quaternary large-bodied herbivores.HerbiTraitsprovides a tool for the analysis of herbivore functional diversity both past and present and its effects on Earth’s ecosystems.
Research on Golay-coded excitation in real-time imaging of high frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy
Authors: Wang Xiaochun , Yang Jun , Ji Jianjun , Zhang Yusheng , Zhou Sheng
Published: January 2021

High frequency ultrasonic imaging provides clinicians with high-resolution diagnostic images and more accurate measurement results. The technique is now widely used in ophthalmology, dermatology, and small animal imaging. However, since ultrasonic attenuation in tissue increases rapidly with increasing frequency, the depth of detection of high frequency ultrasound in tissue is limited to a few millimeters. In this paper, a novel method of using Golay-coded excitation as a replacement for conventional single-pulse excitation in high frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy was proposed, and real-time imaging was realized. While maintaining the transmission voltage and image resolution unchanged, the detection depth can be effectively improved. The ultrasonic transmission frequency is 30 MHz and the transmission voltage is ± 60 V p-p. In this study, 4-bit, 8-bit, and 16-bit coding sequences and decoding compression were used. To verify the effectiveness of the coding sequence in real-time imaging of ultrasound biomicroscopy, we designed a 10-μm diameter line target echo experiment, an ultrasound phantom experiment, and an in vitro porcine eye experiment. The experimental results show that the code/decode method of signal processing can not only maintain a resolution consistent with that of single-pulse transmission, but can also improve the detection depth and signal-to-noise ratio.
Exceptional ground motion during the shallow Mw 4.9 2019 Le Teil earthquake, France
Authors: Causse Mathieu , Cornou Cécile , Maufroy Emeline , Grasso Jean-Robert , Baillet Laurent , El Haber Elias
Published: January 2021

An unusually damaging Mw 4.9 earthquake occurred on November 11, 2019 in the south east of France within the lower Rhône river valley, an industrial region that hosts several operating nuclear power plants. The hypocentre of this event occurred at an exceptionally shallow depth of about 1 km. Here we use far-field seismological observations to demonstrate that the rupture properties are consistent with those commonly observed for large deeper earthquakes. In the absence of strong motion sensors in the fault vicinity, we perform numerical predictions of the ground acceleration on a virtual array of near-fault stations. These predictions are in agreement with independent quantitative estimations of ground acceleration from in-situ observations of displaced objects. Both numerical and in-situ analyses converge toward estimates of an exceptional level of ground acceleration in the fault vicinity, that locally exceeded gravity, and explain the unexpectedly significant damage.
Synthesis and reactivity of iridium complexes of a macrocyclic PNP pincer ligand
Authors: Hood Thomas M. , Chaplin Adrian B.
Published: January 2021

A new dimension in pincer chemistry: organometallic chemistry of iridium complexes of the phosphine-based macrocyclic pincer ligand PNP-14.
Unexpected binuclear O–O cleavage and radical C–H activation mechanism for Cu-catalyzed desaturation of lactone
Authors: Hu Zhiyun , Yang Xinzheng
Published: January 2021

Density functional theory calculations reveal a binuclear O–O cleavage and radical C–H activation mechanism with spin-crossovers for Cu-catalyzed desaturation of lactone.
Solid waste-derived carbon nanomaterials for supercapacitor applications: a recent overview
Authors: Tatrari Gaurav , Karakoti Manoj , Tewari Chetna , Pandey Sandeep , Bohra Bhashkar Singh , Dandapat Anirban , Sahoo Nanda Gopal
Published: January 2021

Universal solid waste management and its hazardous effects on the ecology, ecosystem, and the global human health index are some of the major issues that are currently threatening our future.
Genome scale metabolic model driven strategy to delineate host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Kumar Ajay , Anand Rajat , Bairagi Nandadulal , Chatterjee Samrat
Published: January 2021

We analyzed high throughput proteomics data reflecting the response of the Mϕ-like THP1 cell line to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection.
Hybridized surface lattice modes in intercalated 3-disk plasmonic crystals for high figure-of-merit plasmonic sensing
Authors: Tobing Landobasa Y. M. , Soehartono Alana M. , Mueller Aaron D. , Yong Ken-Tye , Fan Weijun , Zhang Dao Hua
Published: January 2021

Hybridized surface lattice mode in an intercalated 3-disk plasmonic lattice for overcoming an inherent trade-off in plasmonic sensing.
Novel topological states of nodal points and nodal rings in 2D planar octagon TiB4
Authors: Meng Weizhen , Liu Wei , Zhang Xiaoming , Liu Ying , Dai Xuefang , Liu Guodong
Published: January 2021

Topological states of matter in two-dimensional (2D) materials have received increasing attention due to their potential applications in nanoscale spintronics.
Construction of 2-pyridones via oxidative cyclization of enamides: access to Pechmann dye derivatives
Authors: Chithanna Sivanna , Yang Ding-Yah
Published: January 2021

An efficient protocol for the construction of structurally diverse 2-pyridone derivatives from imines and α,β-unsaturated acid chlorides in a single operation is reported.
Mechanisms of photoredox catalysts: the role of optical spectroscopy
Authors: Kandoth Noufal , Pérez Hernández Javier , Palomares Emilio , Lloret-Fillol Julio
Published: January 2021

Photoinduced organic transformations have stimulated the organic chemistry community to develop light-driven renewed reaction methodologies, which in many cases are complementary to standard thermal catalysis.
Biofouling-resistant tubular fluidic devices with magneto-responsive dynamic walls
Authors: Choi Geonjun , Ko Hangil , Jang Hyejin , Hwang Insol , Seong Minho , Sun Kahyun , Park Hyun-Ha , Park Tae-Eun , Kim Jangho , Jeong Hoon Eui
Published: January 2021

A tubular fluidic device with dynamic inner walls significantly reduces the biofouling of lab-on-a-chip systems.
Retraction: Ligustrazine attenuates renal damage by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in diabetic nephropathy by inactivating MAPK pathways
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Ligustrazine attenuates renal damage by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in diabetic nephropathy by inactivating MAPK pathways’ by Hongling Yang et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 21816–21822, DOI: 10.1039/C8RA01674G.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and Myofunctional Devices Used in Speech Pathology Treatment: A Systematic Quantitative Review of the Literature
Authors: Shortland Hollie-Ann L. , Hewat Sally , Vertigan Anne , Webb Gwendalyn
Published: January 2021

Purpose

A growing number of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are using orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) and/or myofunctional devices (MDs) in the treatment of their clients. However, governing bodies suggest SLPs carefully consider the availability and quality of evidence in the utilization of these therapies in speech-language pathology treatment. The purpose of this study was to review the existing evidence for OMT and MDs used by SLPs.

Method

A systematic quantitative review was conducted using key search terms in three electronic platforms housing multiple databases, along with a hand search, to identify additional literature. All studies published in English in full text were included if they reported pre- and posttreatment data of OMT and/or MDs provided by an SLP. Data were extracted and analyzed by the first author and confirmed by the co-authors.

Results

Twenty-eight studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Two thirds were published in the last decade and involved the use of OMT/MDs targeting multiple areas of speech pathology intervention within the same study, that is, swallowing, breathing, oral hygiene, and speech production. Majority of studies were rated as low level of evidence. All studies used OMT, with very few using MDs. While the assessment, treatment protocols, and outcome measures were highly variable, all of the studies reported an improvement in the function of the orofacial systems posttreatment. Few studies reported long-term follow-up data. Almost half of the studies recommended the use of OMT/MDs in a multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary team or in conjunction with other therapy.

Conclusions

There has been an increase in literature over the last decade in SLPs' use of OMT; however, there are only a small number of studies to date that explore the use of MDs. There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of OMT and MDs within a multidisciplinary team for people with communication and swallow difficulties. However, development of future research should consider investigating assessment and outcome measures, optimal dosage, and service delivery.
Self-Perceived Handicap Associated With Dysphonia and Health-Related Quality of Life of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Hurtado-Ruzza Rafael , Iglesias Óscar Álvarez-Calderón , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Calvo-Lobo César , San-Antolín Marta , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , Romero-Morales Carlos , López-López Daniel
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The association between voice alterations, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has previously been reported. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that HRQL and dysphonia-associated handicap of patients diagnosed with asthma or COPD are worse than healthy controls.

Method

A case–control study in which participants were recruited by a consecutive sampling method from a single institution was conducted. Three groups were created: (a) asthma (51 patients), (b) COPD (52 patients), and (c) 50 healthy controls. Self-reported handicap associated with dysphonia was assessed using the 30-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30); meanwhile, HRQL was tested via the European Quality of Life (EQ) Questionnaire and the EQ–visual analog scale. Also, aerodynamic assessment applied to phonation was assessed, and maximum phonation time and s/e index were registered.

Results

VHI scores were higher for asthma and COPD (7.19 ± 8.31 and 11.80 ± 15.18, respectively) than in the control group (3.72 ± 6.78). The EQ index was lower in asthma and COPD patients than in controls. The EQ–visual analog scale showed lower scores in asthma and COPD than in the controls.

Conclusions

HRQL was worse in COPD patients than in asthma patients. Even though the patient groups showed worse VHI and HRQL scores than the healthy controls, the scores fell within the normal variation range. No significant variations in the maximum phonation time index between groups were noted.
Window‐aware guided image filtering via local entropy
Authors: Liu Chong , Yang Cui , Wang Jun
Published: January 2021

Guided image filtering is one of the widely used techniques in computer vision. However, it commonly leads to over‐smoothed edges and a distorted appearance when tackling intricate texture patterns and complex noise. In this paper, a window‐aware image filtering framework based on the bilateral filter guided by the local entropy is presented. The key idea of the authors' proposed approach is to design a novel guidance input and a non‐box filtering window. Specifically, using the Gaussian spatial kernel and the local entropy, a GEF that can maintain image feature details and yield a robust guidance input for BF is constructed. Meanwhile, based on an intensity‐similar strategy, the local non‐box filtering window is designed for the further preservation of edge structures. The authors' approach not only inherits the advantages of bilateral filter i.e. simplicity, parallelisation and easiness of programming, but also is more powerful than bilateral filter and its variants. In addition, the guided entropy filter and the non‐box window can also be transplanted to other local filters and can effectively improve the filtering effects. The qualitative and quantitative experimental results demonstrate that the authors' approach has good performance in image denoising, texture (or background) smoothing, edge extraction and other applications in image processing.
Novel rectangular‐to‐circular waveguide mode converter based on using one‐step double‐cruciform waveguide for millimetre‐wave applications
Authors: Deng Jie , Wu Ke , Li Quxian
Published: January 2021

A novel design for a TE10‐mode rectangular waveguide to a TE11‐mode circular waveguide mode converter based on the use of an intermediate one‐step double‐cruciform section is proposed. The converter achieves compactness and broadband by employing the one‐step double‐cruciform transition instead of the conventional multi‐step transitions or smooth transitions. Due to the one‐step structure, the converter achieves an extremely short‐length (around 0.3λ, where λ is the wavelength at the centre frequency), which makes it suitable for highly compact systems. For verification purpose, a back‐to‐back connection rectangular‐to‐circular mode converter was fabricated and measured. The measured results show that the return loss is around 15 dB and the insertion loss is around 0.4 dB in the operating frequency band. Thus, we can infer that the return loss and insertion loss of a single mode converter are around 19 and 0.2 dB, respectively. The experimental results reasonably agree with the simulated results.
X-ray emission of Seyfert 2 galaxy MCG-01-24-12
Authors: Middei R. , Matzeu G. A. , Bianchi S. , Braito V. , Reeves J. , De Rosa A. , Dadina M. , Marinucci A. , Perri M. , Zaino A.
Published: January 2021

We present a detailed X-ray spectral analysis of the nearby Seyfert 2 galaxy MCG-01-24-12 based on a multi-epoch data set. Data were obtained with different X-ray satellites, namely XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, Swift, and Chandra, and cover different time intervals, from a few days to years. From 2006 to 2013 the source had a 2–10 keV flux of ∼1.5 × 10−11 erg cm−2 s−1, consistent with archival observations based on HEAO and BeppoSAX data, though a 2019 Chandra snapshot caught the source in an extreme low flux state a factor of ∼10 fainter than its historical level. Based on phenomenological and physically motivated models, we find the X-ray spectrum of MCG-01-24-12 to be best modelled by a power-law continuum emission with Γ = 1.76 ± 0.09 with a high energy cut-off at Ec = 70−14+21 keV that is absorbed by a fairly constant column density of NH = (6.3 ± 0.5) × 1022 cm−2. These quantities allowed us to estimate the properties of the hot corona in MCG-01-24-12 for the cases of a spherical or slab-like hot Comptonising plasma to be kTe = 27−4+8 keV, τe = 5.5 ± 1.3 and kTe = 28−5+7 keV, τ = 3.2 ± 0.8, respectively. Finally, despite the short duration of the exposures, possible evidence of the presence of outflows is discussed.
Surface effects and turbulent pressure
Authors: Belkacem K. , Kupka F. , Philidet J. , Samadi R.
Published: January 2021

The application of the full potential of stellar seismology is made difficult by the improper modelling of the upper-most layers of solar-like stars and their influence on the modelled frequencies. Our knowledge of these so-called ‘surface effects’ has improved thanks to the use of 3D hydrodynamical simulations, however, the calculation of eigenfrequencies relies on empirical models for the description of the Lagrangian perturbation of turbulent pressure, namely: the reduced-Γ1 model (RGM) and the gas-Γ1 model (GGM). Starting from the fully compressible turbulence equations, we derived both the GGM and RGM models by using a closure to model the flux of turbulent kinetic energy. We find that both models originate from two terms: the source of turbulent pressure due to compression produced by the oscillations and the divergence of the flux of turbulent pressure. We also demonstrate that they are both compatible with the adiabatic approximation and, additionally, that they imply a number of questionable assumptions, mainly with respect to mode physics. Among other hypotheses, it is necessary to neglect the Lagrangian perturbation of the dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy into heat and the Lagrangian perturbation of buoyancy work.
Optimization of non-cylindrical domains for the exact null controllability of the 1D wave equation
Authors: Bottois Arthur , Cîndea Nicolae , Münch Arnaud
Published: January 2021

This work is concerned with the null controllability of the one-dimensional wave equation over non-cylindrical distributed domains. The controllability in that case has been obtained by Castroet al.[SIAM J. Control Optim.52(2014)] for domains satisfying the usual geometric optic condition. We analyze the problem of optimizing the non-cylindrical supportqof the control of minimalL2(q)-norm. In this respect, we prove a uniform observability inequality for a class of domainsqsatisfying the geometric optic condition. The proof based on the d’Alembert formula relies on arguments from graph theory. Numerical experiments are discussed and highlight the influence of the initial condition on the optimal domains.
Upper bound for palindromic and factor complexity of rich words
Authors: Rukavicka Josef
Published: January 2021

A finite word w of length n contains at most n + 1 distinct palindromic factors. If the bound n + 1 is attained, the word w is called rich. An infinite word w is called rich if every finite factor of w is rich.

Let w be a word (finite or infinite) over an alphabet with q > 1 letters, let Facw(n) be the set of factors of length n of the word w, and let Palw(n) ⊆ Facw(n) be the set of palindromic factors of length n of the word w.

We present several upper bounds for |Facw(n)| and |Palw(n)|, where w is a rich word. Let δ = [see formula in PDF]. In particular we show that

|Facw(n)| ≤ (4q2n)δ ln 2n+2.

In 2007, Baláži, Masáková, and Pelantová showed that

|Palw(n)|+|Palw(n+1)| ≤ |Facw(n+1)|-|Facw(n)|+2,

where w is an infinite word whose set of factors is closed under reversal. We prove this inequality for every finite word v with |v| ≥ n + 1 and v(n + 1) closed under reversal.
Development of radiation education in schools after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident ― a study from the perspectives of regionality, multidisciplinarity and continuity
Authors: Kuroda Yujiro , Tsubokura Masaharu , Sasaki Kiyoshi , Hara Takashi , Chiba Atsushi , Mashiko Keishin , Schneider Thierry
Published: January 2021

This study was designed to examine how teachers in Fukushima Prefecture have shaped radiation education and gained consensus on radiation-related issues since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. We interviewed teachers and external experts who have been conducting radiation education since the nuclear accident, ascertaining their focus in introducing and implementing radiation education and the lessons they have learned. We then qualitatively analyzed the results. There was no practical radiation course of study (Shido Yoryo) to follow immediately after the disaster, so teachers individually devised curricula according to the developmental stages of their students. Their aims were to (1) tailor lesson structure to the students’ anxieties and distress, (2) promote students’ activities through knowledge and linkage to their daily lives via radiation measurements and disaster site visits, and (3) enable the students to self-educate and to take informed decision. These objectives required the implementation of continuous, multidisciplinary radiation education to enable the students to understand the impacts of the nuclear accident and enhance the resilience of children growing up in Fukushima, allowing them to overpass the rumor and stigma and to adopt adequate protective measures to face the remaining radiation in their environment. As nearly 10 years has passed since the accident, radiation education at schools has reached a turning point. While social interest in radiation education is waning, it is hard to say that adequate radiation knowledge has taken root among students, and therefore it is necessary to consider how radiation education should be delivered in the future. Such curricula based on the experiences of Fukushima Prefecture should be shared internationally in preparation for potential future accidents.
Factors affecting resumption of forest or satoyama usage by former evacuees following their return after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Takada M. , Yasutaka T. , Kanai Y. , Kuroda Y.
Published: January 2021

In the rural areas of Fukushima, many residents participate in a culture of satoyama usage, and this cultural practice should be respected when conducting radiation protection. We conducted a case study by performing interview survey and text analysis of former evacuees in a rural part of a former evacuation area in Fukushima, to evaluate their attitude towards personal usage of forest or satoyama after radiocaesium contamination and long evacuation following the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident in 2011. The evacuation order in the study area was lifted in 2017, and our interview survey was conducted in 2019. We found that the resumption to the use of satoyama after their return varied among residents in this particular area. Most returnees in the area were highly knowledgeable about radiation in the environment, but we could not conclude that it helped them make decisions regarding whether to resume satoyama usage. Residents resuming personal use of satoyama after their return were those who had a close relationship with satoyama before the accident, such as the use of forest products for commercial purpose. These past experiences may have led them to have positive attitudes towards the resumption of satoyama usage after their return. Finally, we identified the required approaches towards resuming satoyama usage based on the interviewees’ different attitudes.
Examples of practical activities related to public understanding of radiation risk following the Fukushima nuclear accident
Authors: Naito Wataru , Uesaka Motoki , Kuroda Yujiro , Kono Takahiko , Sakoda Akihiro , Yoshida Hiroko
Published: January 2021

After the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, a number of practical activities related to public understanding (PU) of radiation risks were implemented inside and outside Fukushima Prefecture. The various noteworthy approaches and strategies behind those practical activities have not been organized and made explicit thus far. In this study, we have organized the noteworthy practical activities related to PU of radiation risks following the Fukushima nuclear accident, and discussed them mainly from the standpoints of communication strategies and approaches. As several examples demonstrate, efforts to contextualize and localize radiation risk in various forms were observed during post-accident recovery in Fukushima, and these efforts were confirmed, through actual experiences, to be an important component of effective PU activities of radiation risks. Community-based or citizen science approaches, such as having affected residents or citizens to measure radioactivity, have contributed to the PU of radiological situations, but some challenges, such as ethical aspects and the handling of uncertainty, have also been revealed. In the era of information and communications technology, a number of citizens, experts, and agencies have made social media a popular platform for disseminating radiation risk messages to the public and have demonstrated that social media can play an important role in providing radiological risk information. The knowledge and lessons learned from the practical activities discussed in this study can be useful in enhancing PU of risks not only radiation but also other stressors such as toxic chemicals, preparing future disasters and supporting risk communication plans during recovery periods after disasters.