bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling Long‐Distance Photoactuation with Protein Additives
Authors: Zhao Jian , Li Qian , Miao Bianliang , Pi Hemu , Yang Peng
Published: April 2020

Long‐distance wireless actuation indicates precise remote control over materials, sensors, and devices that are widely utilized in biomedical, defence, disaster relief, deep ocean, and outer space applications to replace human work. Unlike radio frequency (RF) control, which has low tolerance toward electromagnetic interference (EMI), light control represents a promising method to overcome EMI. Nonetheless, long‐distance light‐controlled wireless actuation able to compete with RF control has not been achieved until now due to the lack of highly light‐sensitive actuator designs. Here, it is demonstrate that amyloid‐like protein aggregates can organize photomodule single‐layer reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into a well‐defined multilayer stack to display long‐distance photoactuation. The amyloid‐like proteinaceous component docks the rGO layers together to form a hybrid film, which can reliably adhere onto various material surfaces with robust interfacial adhesion. The sensitive photothermal effect and a fast bending in 1 s to switch a circuit are achieved after forming the film on a plastic substrate and irradiating the bilayer film with a blue laser from 100 m away. A photoactuation distance of 50 km can be further extrapolated based on a commercial high‐power laser. This study reveals the great potential of amyloid‐like aggregates in remote light control of robots and devices.
Prodrug‐Based Versatile Nanomedicine for Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy by Increasing Immunogenic Cell Death
Authors: Bai Shuang , Yang Lei‐Lei , Wang Yajun , Zhang Tian , Fu Lvqin , Yang Shaochen , Wan Shucheng , Wang Shuo , Jia Die , Li Baosheng , Xue Peng , Kang Yuejun , Sun Zhi‐Jun , Xu Zhigang
Published: April 2020

Nanoparticle‐based tumor immunotherapy has emerged to show great potential for simultaneously regulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, reducing the unpleasant side effects, and activating tumor immunity. Herein, an excipient‐free glutathione/pH dual‐responsive prodrug nanoplatform is reported for immunotherapy, simply by sequentially liberating 5‐aminolevulinic acid and immunogenically inducing doxorubicin drug molecules, which can leverage the acidity and reverse tumor microenvironment. The obtained nanoplatform effectively boosts the immune system by promoting dendritic cell maturation and reducing the number of immune suppressive immune cells, which shows the enhanced adjunctive effect of anti‐programmed cell death protein 1 therapy. Overall, the prodrug‐based immunotherapy nanoplatform may offer a reliable strategy for improving synergistic antitumor efficacy.
Light‐Emitting Nanophotonic Designs Enabled by Ultrafast Laser Processing of Halide Perovskites
Authors: Zhizhchenko Alexey Y. , Tonkaev Pavel , Gets Dmitry , Larin Artem , Zuev Dmitry , Starikov Sergey , Pustovalov Eugeny V. , Zakharenko Alexander M. , Kulinich Sergei A. , Juodkazis Saulius , Kuchmizhak Aleksandr A. , Makarov Sergey V.
Published: April 2020

Nanophotonics based on resonant nanostructures and metasurfaces made of halide perovskites have become a prospective direction for efficient light manipulation at the subwavelength scale in advanced photonic designs. One of the main challenges in this field is the lack of large‐scale low‐cost technique for subwavelength perovskite structures fabrication preserving highly efficient luminescence. Here, unique properties of halide perovskites addressed to their extremely low thermal conductivity (lower than that of silica glass) and high defect tolerance to apply projection femtosecond laser lithography for nanofabrication with precise spatial control in all three dimensions preserving the material luminescence efficiency are employed. Namely, with CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite highly ordered nanoholes and nanostripes of width as small as 250 nm, metasurfaces with periods less than 400 nm, and nanowire lasers as thin as 500 nm, corresponding to the state‐of‐the‐art in multistage expensive lithographical methods are created. Remarkable performance of the developed approach allows to demonstrate a number of advanced optical applications, including morphology‐controlled photoluminescence yield, structural coloring, optical‐ information encryption, and lasing.
Chalcogenide Photonic Crystals Fabricated by Soft Imprint‐Assisted Photodoping of Silver
Authors: Wei Le , Qian Jingjing , Dong Liang , Lu Meng
Published: April 2020

This work presents a low‐cost, large‐scale nanofabrication approach that combines imprint lithography and silver doping (IL‐SD) to pattern chalcogenide glass (ChG) films for realizing IR devices. The IL‐SD method involves controled photodoping of silver (Ag) atoms into ChG films and selective removing of undoped ChG. For photodoping of Ag, an Ag‐coated elastomer stamp is brought in contact with the ChG film and exposed to ultraviolet light, and subsequently, the Ag atoms are photo‐dissolved into the ChG film following the nanopatterns on the elastomer stamp. Due to the high wet‐etching selectivity of the undoped ChG to Ag‐doped one, the ChG film can be precisely patterned with a spatial resolution on the order of a few tens of nanometers. Also, by controling the lateral diffusion of Ag atoms during ultraviolet exposure, it is possible to adjust the size of the final patterns formed in the ChG film. As an application demonstration of the IL‐SD process, the As2S3‐based near‐infrared photonic crystals (PhCs) in the wavelength range and flexible midinfrared PhCs are formed, and their optical resonances are investigated. The IL‐SD process enables the low‐cost fabrication of ChG nanostructures on different substrate materials and gives a great promise to realize various IR devices.
Molecule‐Induced p‐Doping in Perovskite Nanocrystals Enables Efficient Color‐Saturated Red Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Haoran , Dou Yongjiang , Shen Piaoyang , Kong Lingmei , Yuan Hao , Luo Yun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yang Xuyong
Published: April 2020

Color‐saturated red light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) with emission wavelengths at around 620–640 nm are an essential part of high‐definition displays. Metal halide perovskites with very narrow emission linewidth are promising emitters, and rapid progress has been made in perovskite‐based LEDs (PeLEDs); however, the efficiency of the current color—pure red PeLEDs—still far lags behind those of other‐colored ones. Here, a simple but efficient strategy is reported to gradually down‐shift the Fermi level of perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) by controlling the interaction between NCs and their surface molecular electron acceptor—benzyl iodide with aromatic rings—and realize p‐doping in the color‐saturated 625 nm emitting NCs, which significantly reduces the hole injection barrier in devices. Besides, both the luminescence efficiency and electric conductivity of perovskite NCs are enhanced as additional advantages as the result of surface defects passivation. As a result, the external quantum efficiency for the resulting LED is increased from 4.5% to 12.9% after benzyl iodide treatment, making this device the best‐performing color‐saturated red PeLED so far. It is further found that the hole injection plays a more critical role than the photoluminescence efficiency of perovskite emitter in determining the LED performance, which implies design principles for efficient thin‐film planar LEDs.
Determination of lacosamide in human plasma by LC–MS/MS and its application to a human pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Yadlapalli Siva Sankara Rao , Katari Naresh Kumar , Manabolu Surya Surendra Babu
Published: April 2020

A highly sensitive, specific, and rapid liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of lacosamide in human plasma has been developed using lacosamide d6 as an internal standard with 50 µL of human plasma. Protein precipitation technique was used to extract the analyte from human plasma. The chromatographic separation was achieved on ZODIAC C18, 4.6 × 100 mm, 5 µm column using an isocratic mobile phase composition of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid buffer (80:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min. A detailed method validation was performed as per the recent US FDA guidelines and the calibration curve obtained was linear (r2 = 998) over the concentration range 0.075–25.461 µg/mL. API‐4500 liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was operated with multiple reaction monitoring mode during the entire analysis. The proposed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in healthy, adult human volunteers after oral administration of lacosamide 200 mg film‐coated tablet under fed conditions.
Could the gut microbiota community in the coral trout Plectropomus leopardus (Lacepède, 1802) be affected by antibiotic bath administration?
Authors: Zheng Xing , Zhou Shengjie , Hu Jing , Yang Rui , Gu Zhifeng , Qin Jian G. , Ma Zhenhua , Yu Gang
Published: April 2020

Gut microbiota in fish plays an important role in the nutrient digestion, immune responses and disease resistance. To understand the effect of fluoroquinolone antibiotic bath administration on fish gut microbiota, the gut microbiota community in the coral trout Plectropomus leopardus (Lacepède, 1802) was studied after enrofloxacin bathing treatment at two concentrations (5 and 10 mg/L) and 0 mg/L as control. A total of 90 fish were used in this study, and three replicates were used for each treatment. After a 24‐hr bath, the gut bacterial composition was analyzed using high‐throughput Illumina sequencing. The results indicated that the richness, diversity and the dominant bacterial taxa of P. leopardus gut bacteria were not affected by enrofloxacin bathing (p > .05). Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla, and Exiguobacterium, Citrobacter, Vibrio, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas were the dominant genus. The findings in the present study provide an understanding on the relationship between fish gut bacteria community and antibiotic bath administration. The findings of this study are instructive on the antibiotic bath administration applied for the management of P. leopardus health in aquaculture.
Toxicometabolomics of the new psychoactive substances α-PBP and α-PEP studied in HepaRG cell incubates by means of untargeted metabolomics revealed unexpected amino acid adducts
Authors: Manier Sascha K. , Wagmann Lea , Flockerzi Veit , Meyer Markus R.
Published: April 2020

Toxicometabolomics, essentially applying metabolomics to toxicology of endogenous compounds such as drugs of abuse or new psychoactive substances (NPS), can be investigated by using different in vitro models and dedicated metabolomics techniques to enhance the number of relevant findings. The present study aimed to study the toxicometabolomics of the two NPS α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone (1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butan-1-one, α-PBP) and α-pyrrolidinoheptaphenone (1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)heptan-1-one, α-PEP, PV8) in HepaRG cell line incubates. Evaluation was performed using reversed-phase and normal-phase liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry in positive and negative ionization mode, respectively, to analyze cells and cell media. Statistical evaluation was performed using one-way ANOVA, principal component discriminant function analysis, as well as hierarchical clustering. In general, the analysis of cells did not mainly reveal any features, but the parent compounds of the drugs of abuse. For α-PBP an increase in N-methylnicotinamide was found, which may indicate hepatotoxic potential of the substance. After analysis of cell media, significant features led to the identification of several metabolites of both compounds. Amino acid adducts with glycine and alanine were found, and these have not been described in any study before and are likely to appear in vivo. Additionally, significant changes in the metabolism of cholesterol were revealed after incubation with α-PEP. In summary, the application of metabolomics techniques after HepaRG cells exposure to NPS did not lead to an increased number of identified drug metabolites compared to previously published studies, but gave a wider perspective on the physiological effect of the investigated compounds on human liver cells.
Comparison of the Pediatric Resuscitation and Trauma Outcome (PRESTO) Model and Pediatric Trauma Scoring Systems in a Middle‐Income Country
Authors: Traynor Michael D. , St. Louis Etienne , Hernandez Matthew C. , Alsayed Ahmed S. , Klinkner Denise B. , Baird Robert , Poenaru Dan , Kong Victor Y. , Moir Christopher R. , Zielinski Martin D. , Laing Grant L. , Bruce John L. , Clarke Damian L.
Published: April 2020

Background

The pediatric resuscitation and trauma outcome (PRESTO) model was developed to aid comparisons of risk‐adjusted mortality after injury in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). We sought to validate PRESTO using data from a middle‐income country (MIC) trauma registry and compare its performance to the Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS), Revised Trauma Score, and pediatric age‐adjusted shock index (SIPA).

Methods

We included children (age < 15 years) admitted to a single trauma center in South Africa from December 2012 to January 2019. We excluded patients missing variables necessary for the PRESTO model—age, systolic blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, neurologic status, and airway support. Trauma scores were assigned retrospectively. PRESTO's previously high‐income country (HIC)‐validated optimal threshold was compared to MIC‐validated threshold using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC). Prediction of in‐hospital death using trauma scoring systems was compared using ROC analysis.

Results

Of 1160 injured children, 988 (85%) had complete data for calculation of PRESTO. Median age was 7 (IQR: 4, 11), and 67% were male. Mortality was 2% (n = 23). Mean predicted mortality was 0.5% (range 0–25.7%, AUROC 0.93). Using the HIC‐validated threshold, PRESTO had a sensitivity of 26.1% and a specificity of 99.7%. The MIC threshold showed a sensitivity of 82.6% and specificity of 89.4%. The MIC threshold yielded superior discrimination (AUROC 0.86 [CI 0.78, 0.94]) compared to the previously established HIC threshold (0.63 [CI 0.54, 0.72], p < 0.0001). PRESTO showed superior prediction of in‐hospital death compared to PTS and SIPA (all p < 0.01).

Conclusion

PRESTO can be applied in MIC settings and discriminates between children at risk for in‐hospital death following trauma. Further research should clarify optimal decision thresholds for quality improvement and benchmarking in LMIC settings.
Localized outbreaks of coral disease on Arabian reefs are linked to extreme temperatures and environmental stressors
Authors: Aeby Greta Smith , Howells Emily , Work Thierry , Abrego David , Williams Gareth J. , Wedding Lisa M. , Caldwell Jamie M. , Moritsch Monica , Burt John A.
Published: April 2020

The Arabian Peninsula borders the hottest reefs in the world, and corals living in these extreme environments can provide insight into the effects of warming on coral health and disease. Here, we examined coral reef health at 17 sites across three regions along the northeastern Arabian Peninsula (Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Oman Sea) representing a gradient of environmental conditions. The Persian Gulf has extreme seasonal fluctuations in temperature and chronic hypersalinity, whereas the other two regions experience more moderate conditions. Field surveys identified 13 coral diseases including tissue loss diseases of unknown etiology (white syndromes) in Porites, Platygyra, Dipsastraea, Cyphastrea, Acropora and Goniopora; growth anomalies in Porites, Platygyra and Dipsastraea; black band disease in Platygyra, Dipsastraea, Acropora, Echinopora and Pavona; bleached patches in Porites and Goniopora and a disease unique to this region, yellow-banded tissue loss in Porites. The most widespread diseases were Platygyra growth anomalies (52.9% of all surveys), Acropora white syndrome (47.1%) and Porites bleached patches (35.3%). We found a number of diseases not yet reported in this region and found differential disease susceptibility among coral taxa. Disease prevalence was higher on reefs within the Persian Gulf (avg. 2.05%) as compared to reefs within the Strait of Hormuz (0.46%) or Oman Sea (0.25%). A high number of localized disease outbreaks (8 of 17 sites) were found, especially within the Persian Gulf (5 of 8 sites). Across all regions, the majority of variation in disease prevalence (82.2%) was associated with the extreme temperature range experienced by these corals combined with measures of organic pollution and proximity to shore. Thermal stress is known to drive a number of coral diseases, and thus, this region provides a platform to study disease at the edge of corals’ thermal range.
Autoimmunity to tetraspanin-7 in type 1 diabetes
Authors: McLaughlin Kerry A. , Tombs Melissa A. , Christie Michael R.
Published: April 2020

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease whereby components of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells are targeted by the adaptive immune system leading to the destruction of these cells and insulin deficiency. There is much interest in the development of antigen-specific immune intervention as an approach to prevent disease development in individuals identified as being at risk of disease. It is now recognised that there are multiple targets of the autoimmune response in type 1 diabetes, the most recently identified being a member of the tetraspanin family, tetraspanin-7. The heterogeneity of autoimmune responses to different target antigens complicates the assessment of diabetes risk by the detection of autoantibodies, as well as creating challenges for the design of strategies to intervene in the immune response to these autoantigens. This review describes the discovery of tetraspanin-7 as a target of autoantibodies in type 1 diabetes and how the detection of autoantibodies to the protein provides a valuable marker for future loss of pancreatic beta-cell function.
Thresholded ConvNet ensembles: neural networks for technical forecasting
Authors: Ghoshal Sid , Roberts Stephen
Published: April 2020

Much of modern practice in financial forecasting relies on technicals, an umbrella term for several heuristics applying visual pattern recognition to price charts. Despite its ubiquity in financial media, the reliability of its signals remains a contentious and highly subjective form of ‘domain knowledge’. We investigate the predictive value of patterns in financial time series, applying machine learning and signal processing techniques to 22 years of US equity data. By reframing technical analysis as a poorly specified, arbitrarily preset feature-extractive layer in a deep neural network, we show that better convolutional filters can be learned directly from the data, and provide visual representations of the features being identified. We find that an ensemble of shallow, thresholded convolutional neural networks optimised over different resolutions achieves state-of-the-art performance on this domain, outperforming technical methods while retaining some of their interpretability.
An MRI-compatible varus–valgus loading device for whole-knee joint functionality assessment based on compartmental compression: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Said Oliver , Schock Justus , Krämer Nils , Thüring Johannes , Hitpass Lea , Schad Philipp , Kuhl Christiane , Abrar Daniel , Truhn Daniel , Nebelung Sven
Published: April 2020

Objective

Beyond static assessment, functional techniques are increasingly applied in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Stress MRI techniques bring together MRI and mechanical loading to study knee joint and tissue functionality, yet prototypical axial compressive loading devices are bulky and complex to operate. This study aimed to design and validate an MRI-compatible pressure-controlled varus–valgus loading device that applies loading along the joint line.

Methods

Following the device’s thorough validation, we demonstrated proof of concept by subjecting a structurally intact human cadaveric knee joint to serial imaging in unloaded and loaded configurations, i.e. to varus and valgus loading at 7.5 kPa (= 73.5 N), 15 kPa (= 147.1 N), and 22.5 kPa (= 220.6 N). Following clinical standard (PDw fs) and high-resolution 3D water-selective cartilage (WATSc) sequences, we performed manual segmentations and computations of morphometric cartilage measures. We used CT and radiography (to quantify joint space widths) and histology and biomechanics (to assess tissue quality) as references.

Results

We found (sub)regional decreases in cartilage volume, thickness, and mean joint space widths reflective of areal pressurization of the medial and lateral femorotibial compartments.

Discussion

Once substantiated by larger sample sizes, varus–valgus loading may provide a powerful alternative stress MRI technique.
Thermal neutron irradiation effects on structural and electrical properties of n-type 4H‒SiC
Authors: Vali Indudhar Panduranga , Shetty Pramoda Kumara , Mahesha M. G. , Rao Mala N. , Kesari Swayam
Published: April 2020

In this article, the thermal neutron irradiation (NI) effects on the structural properties of n-4H–SiC and electrical properties of Al/n-4H–SiC Schottky contacts have been reported. The noticeable modifications observed in the irradiated samples were studied by using different techniques. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed a decrease in the lattice parameter of the irradiated samples due to isotopic modifications and irradiation-induced defects in the material. As a result, the energy bandgap, Urbach energy, longitudinal optical phonon‒plasmon coupling mode, free carrier concentration, defect related photoluminescence and nitrogen bound exciton photoluminescence bands were prominently affected in the irradiated samples. The current–voltage characteristics of neutron irradiated Al/n-4H–SiC Schottky contacts were also strikingly affected in terms of zero-bias offset as well as decrease in the forward current. These modifications along with the increase in the Schottky junction parameters (such as ideality factor, Schottky barrier height and series resistance) were attributed to neutron-induced isotopic effects and decrease in the free carrier concentration due to induced defect states.
PVC and PET microplastics in caddisfly (Lepidostoma basale) cases reduce case stability
Authors: Ehlers Sonja M. , Al Najjar Tamara , Taupp Thomas , Koop Jochen H. E.
Published: April 2020

Caddisfly larvae occur in streams and rivers, and many caddisfly species build protective cases using material from their habitat such as sand grains. At the same time, microplastics (MPs) are regularly deposited in aquatic sediments and are incorporated into caddisfly (Lepidostoma basale) cases in the field. However, it is unknown what the effects of MP incorporation into cases might be on the health of the caddisfly larvae. Hence, we offered two commonly used MPs (polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) to L. basale larvae during a laboratory experiment. Both plastic types have a high density and co-occur with L. basale larvae in benthic habitats. In our experiment, L. basale actively used sand, PET and PVC MPs for building tube-like portable or emergency cases. The latter is a temporary shelter under which the larva can hide for immediate protection. Furthermore, case stability decreased with increasing PVC and PET particle content in the cases, suggesting that MPs may threaten caddisflies by destabilising cases. When case stability is reduced, the protective function of the cases is limited and the larvae may be more prone to predation. Additionally, larvae may be washed away by the current as plastic is lighter than sand. Both effects could limit the caddisfly’s survival, which could have far-reaching consequences as caddisfly larvae are important primary consumers in aquatic ecosystems.
Assigned NMR backbone resonances of the ligand-binding region domain of the pneumococcal serine-rich repeat protein (PsrP-BR) reveal a rigid monomer in solution
Authors: Schulte Tim , Sala Benedetta Maria , Nilvebrant Johan , Nygren Per-Åke , Achour Adnane , Shernyukov Andrey , Agback Tatiana , Agback Peter
Published: April 2020

The pneumococcal serine rich repeat protein (PsrP) is displayed on the surface of Streptococcus pneumoniae with a suggested role in colonization in the human upper respiratory tract. Full-length PsrP is a 4000 residue-long multi-domain protein comprising a positively charged functional binding region (BR) domain for interaction with keratin and extracellular DNA during pneumococcal adhesion and biofilm formation, respectively. The previously determined crystal structure of the BR domain revealed a flat compressed barrel comprising two sides with an extended β-sheet on one side, and another β-sheet that is distorted by loops and β-turns on the other side. Crystallographic B-factors indicated a relatively high mobility of loop regions that were hypothesized to be important for binding. Furthermore, the crystal structure revealed an inter-molecular β-sheet formed between edge strands of two symmetry-related molecules, which could promote bacterial aggregation during biofilm formation. Here we report the near complete 15N/13C/1H backbone resonance assignment of the BR domain of PsrP, revealing a secondary structure profile that is almost identical to the X-ray structure. Dynamic 15N-T1, T2 and NOE data suggest a monomeric and rigid structure of BR with disordered residues only at the N- and C-termini. The presented peak assignment will allow us to identify BR residues that are crucial for ligand binding.
Is a harsh childhood growth environment reflected in parental images and emotional distress in adulthood?
Authors: Kiviniemi Annukka A. I. , Koivumaa-Honkanen Heli-Tuulie J. , Heikkinen Hanna P. , Moilanen Irma K. , Ebeling Hanna E.
Published: April 2020

Harsh parenting can predispose a child to emotional distress, whereas a supportive childhood environment furthers later subjective well-being. We investigated whether the mother’s self-reported assessment of her strictness and the adult offspring’s recollections of the disciplinary methods of their parents are reflected in the adult offspring’s recalled parental images and current emotional distress, anxiety and depression as assessed by the Hopkins Symptom Check List (HSCL-25). Further, we investigated whether the offspring’s parental images were also associated with the HSCL-25 scores. Data was collected from northern Finland. The mothers responded to a questionnaire when their child was seven years old (N = 354) and the adult offspring responded at age 28–29 (N = 337). The mother’s assessment of her own strictness was associated both with the adult offspring’s dominating images of their parents and their current emotional distress, anxiety and depression. The offspring’s recollections of restriction and corporal punishment were associated with dominating parental images, and these images further with current emotional distress, anxiety and depression of the offspring. Correspondingly, the offspring’s recollections of parental dialogic discipline were associated with supportive and sociable parental images, and recalled paternal dialogic discipline was associated with lower current emotional distress, particularly in the female offspring. In conclusion, harsh parenting was associated with dominating parental images, which in turn were associated with emotional distress in adulthood. Dialogic discipline and the father’s role in parenting were emphasized in the offspring’s well-being, but more research is needed to assess the importance of paternity for the offspring’s subjective well-being.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Light hydrocarbon geochemistry: insight into oils/condensates families and inferred source rocks of the Woodford–Mississippian tight oil play in North-Central Oklahoma, USA
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhang Dong-Lin , Yang Xiao-Yong , Xu Jing-Qian , Matthew Coffey , Tang You-Jun
Published: April 2020

The Woodford–Mississippian “Commingled Production” is a prolific unconventional hydrocarbon play in Oklahoma, USA. The tight reservoirs feature variations in produced fluid chemistry usually explained by different possible source rocks. Such chemical variations are regularly obtained from bulk, molecular, and isotopic characteristics. In this study, we present a new geochemical investigation of gasoline range hydrocarbons, biomarkers, and diamondoids in oils from Mississippian carbonate and Woodford Shale. A set of oil/condensate samples were examined using high-performance gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The result of the condensates from the Anadarko Basin shows a distinct geochemical fingerprint reflected in light hydrocarbon characterized by heptane star diagrams, convinced by biomarker characteristics and diamantane isomeric distributions. Two possible source rocks were identified, the Woodford Shale and Mississippian mudrocks, with a variable degree of mixing. Thermal maturity based on light hydrocarbon parameters indicates that condensates from the Anadarko Basin are of the highest maturity, followed by “Old” Woodford-sourced oils and central Oklahoma tight oils. These geochemical parameters shed light on petroleum migration within Devonian–Mississippian petroleum systems and mitigate geological risk in exploring and developing petroleum reservoirs.
Uranium and Its Correlation with other Geogenic Contaminants in Ground Water of Ganga Yamuna Doab, Fatehpur District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Prakash Ram , Bhartariya K. G. , Singh Supriya , Singh Karam , Rajak Madhavi , Kaushik Y. B.
Published: April 2020

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element present throughout the environment, atmosphere, food, soil, rocks, and natural waters along with Pb, Cr, As, Zn & Fe. The exposure to the elements may rise in the cases wherever potable water is obtained directly from geogenically affected ground water sources. The uranium impacts are primarily from its chemical activities, instead of long-run tomographical toxic effects, which may lead to urinary organ damage and its non functional.

Uranium in 17% ground water samples has been found beyond limit along with other health effecting toxic metals (Pb, Cr, Mn, Fe, As, Zn) in Fatehpur district, Uttar Pradesh bordered by Ganga and Yamuna rivers in the north and south respectively. The affirmative values of uranium on liquid scintillation counter was observed in positive correlation with chromium and lead near the interface of the saturated-unsaturated zone, while zinc, arsenic and iron were very poorly correlated.
The use of the Open-Loop Onset Point (OLOP) to predict rotorcraft pilot-induced oscillations
Authors: Jones Michael
Published: April 2020

The Open-Loop Onset Point (OLOP) criterion has, for many years, been successfully used as a method to predict quasi-non-linear pilot-induced oscillations (PIOs) for fixed-wing aircraft. Only limited research has been conducted using the criterion for prediction of PIOs occurring in rotorcraft. This paper details a study to extend the application of OLOP to rotorcraft, using the combination of control inputs appropriate for the task and a suitable pilot model. Results are compared between pilot subjective opinion and OLOP predictions, from tests performed in a ground-based simulation facility. Using ‘task-specific’ application of OLOP, results obtained in the investigation are encouraging, whereby the objective predictions reflect subjective pilot assessment. From results obtained, a modified boundary is presented.
Why bees are critical for achieving sustainable development
Authors: Patel Vidushi , Pauli Natasha , Biggs Eloise , Barbour Liz , Boruff Bryan
Published: April 2020

Reductions in global bee populations are threatening the pollination benefits to both the planet and people. Whilst the contribution of bee pollination in promoting sustainable development goals through food security and biodiversity is widely acknowledged, a range of other benefits provided by bees has yet to be fully recognised. We explore the contributions of bees towards achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our insights suggest that bees potentially contribute towards 15 of the 17 SDGs and a minimum of 30 SDG targets. We identify common themes in which bees play an essential role, and suggest that improved understanding of bee contributions to sustainable development is crucial for ensuring viable bee systems.
Sendai Five Years on: Reflections on the Role of International Law in the Creation and Reduction of Disaster Risk
Authors: Aronsson-Storrier Marie
Published: April 2020

This article offers a critical examination of the position of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 within international law. It is argued that any interrogation into the relationship between international law and disaster risk reduction (DRR) must begin not with existing DRR laws and policies, but rather with an enquiry into the nature of disaster risk and the role of international law in its creation and reduction. It is demonstrated how, while areas such as international human rights law can be utilized to enforce obligations in support of DRR, other areas—in particular international investment law—actively work to undermine DRR efforts. In order for international law to be a productive tool in the reduction of disaster risk, international lawyers must engage with critical work in disaster studies and explore the role that international law has played, and can play, in creating and addressing hazards, vulnerabilities, and capacities.
Five Years Later: Assessing the Implementation of the Four Priorities of the Sendai Framework for Inclusion of People with Disabilities
Authors: Bennett DeeDee
Published: April 2020

Efforts to reduce disaster risk around the world should purposefully consider the needs of potentially vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) is one of the few global disaster-related frameworks with a focus on people with disabilities. The objective of this article is to assess the inclusion of people with disabilities in disaster risk reduction strategies worldwide since the establishment of SFDRR as gleaned from research. Several studies were reviewed to observe how the four priorities were implemented and operationalized in various countries to reduce the risk for people with disabilities. Findings indicate that initial applications of the SFDRR have compelled purposeful actions, but there is still room for improvement regarding people with disabilities. The results conclude that slight variations on the definitions of disaster or disability may increase marginalization. Three key themes emerged: (1) the intersectionality of disability with other dimensions of vulnerability warrants focused consideration; (2) enhanced disaster preparedness requires more attention in order to empower people with disabilities; and (3) negative cultural attitudes need to shift to enable purposeful inclusion of people with disabilities. Additional studies on the global investments made are encouraged to share lessons learned regarding the integration of people with disabilities.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of severe pneumonias caused by Chlamydia psittaci
Authors: Chen Xiancheng , Cao Ke , Wei Yu , Qian Yajun , Liang Jing , Dong Danjiang , Tang Jian , Zhu Zhanghua , Gu Qin , Yu Wenkui
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Chlamydia psittaci infection in humans can lead to serious clinical manifestations, including severe pneumonia, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and, rarely, death. Implementation of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) gives a promising new tool for diagnosis. The clinical spectrum of severe psittacosis pneumonia is described to provide physicians with a better understanding and to highlight the rarity and severity of severe psittacosis pneumonia.

Methods

Nine cases of severe psittacosis pneumonia were diagnosed using mNGS. Retrospective analysis of the data on disease progression, new diagnosis tool, treatments, and outcomes, and the findings were summarised.

Results

Frequent symptoms included chills and remittent fever (100%), cough and hypodynamia (100%), and headache and myalgia (77.8%). All patients were severe psittacosis pneumonia developed respiratory failure, accompanied by sepsis in 6/9 patients. mNGS takes 48–72 h to provide the results, and help to identify diagnosis of psittacosis. Laboratory data showed normal or slightly increased leucocytes, neutrophils, and procalcitonin but high C-reactive protein levels. Computed tomography revealed air-space consolidation and ground-glass opacity, which began in the upper lobe of one lung, and spread to both lungs, along with miliary, nodular, or consolidated shadows. One patient died because of secondary infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae, while the other eight patients experienced complete recoveries.

Conclusions

The use of mNGS can improve accuracy and reduce the delay in diagnosis of psittacosis. Severe psittacosis pneumonia responds well to the timely use of appropriate antibiotics.
Nano-Medicine for Thrombosis: A Precise Diagnosis and Treatment Strategy
Authors: Su Min , Dai Qixuan , Chen Chuan , Zeng Yun , Chu Chengchao , Liu Gang
Published: April 2020

Thrombosis is a global health issue and one of the leading factors of death. However, its diagnosis has been limited to the late stages, and its therapeutic window is too narrow to provide reasonable and effective treatment. In addition, clinical thrombolytics suffer from a short half-life, allergic reactions, inactivation, and unwanted tissue hemorrhage. Nano-medicines have gained extensive attention in diagnosis, drug delivery, and photo/sound/magnetic-theranostics due to their convertible properties. Furthermore, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis using nano-medicines have also been widely studied. This review summarizes the recent advances in this area, which revealed six types of nanoparticle approaches: (1) in vitro diagnostic kits using “synthetic biomarkers”; (2) in vivo imaging using nano-contrast agents; (3) targeted drug delivery systems using artificial nanoparticles; (4) microenvironment responsive drug delivery systems; (5) drug delivery systems using biological nanostructures; and (6) treatments with external irradiation. The investigations of nano-medicines are believed to be of great significance, and some of the advanced drug delivery systems show potential applications in clinical theranotics.
Environmental Analysis with 2D Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide-Based Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Chengbin , Mao Shun
Published: April 2020

Field-effect transistors (FETs) present highly sensitive, rapid, and in situ detection capability in chemical and biological analysis. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) attract significant attention as FET channel due to their unique structures and outstanding properties. With the booming of studies on TMDC FETs, we aim to give a timely review on TMDC-based FET sensors for environmental analysis in different media. First, theoretical basics on TMDC and FET sensor are introduced. Then, recent advances of TMDC FET sensor for pollutant detection in gaseous and aqueous media are, respectively, discussed. At last, future perspectives and challenges in practical application and commercialization are given for TMDC FET sensors. This article provides an overview on TMDC sensors for a wide variety of analytes with an emphasize on the increasing demand of advanced sensing technologies in environmental analysis.
A Proposal for the Standardized Reporting of Error and Paradata Regarding Structure from Motion (SfM) 3D Models Used in Recording and Consolidating Archaeological Architecture
Authors: Borrero Mario , Stroth Luke R.
Published: April 2020

In the past decade, archaeologists have increasingly made use of photogrammetry, the process of creating 3D models from photographs, in a variety of field and lab settings. We argue that we must, as a discipline, develop a consistent methodology to ensure that 3D models are held to a consistent standard, including not only photographic protocol but also the documentation of model accuracy using an agreed-upon measure. To help develop this discussion, we present our system for incorporating photogrammetry into the documentation of architecture. This technique was developed at the site of Nim Li Punit, Belize, in 2018. Excavating architecture involves documenting the pre-excavated building, liberating overburden, documenting all in situ construction (including wall fall, fill stones, and standing architecture), drawing consolidated architecture, and documenting the final state of the post-excavated buildings. The generation of 3D models greatly assisted in all facets of the excavation, documentation, analysis, and consolidation processes. To ensure that our models were accurate, we documented the reprojection error and final model horizontal distortion to assess the quality of the model. We suggest that documenting both forms of error should become standard practice in any discussion of archaeological applications of photogrammetry.
Public Health Implementation Considerations for State-Level Ebola Monitoring and Movement Restrictions
Authors: Sell Tara Kirk , Shearer Matthew P. , Meyer Diane , Leinhos Mary , Thomas Erin , Carbone Eric G.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

This article describes implementation considerations for Ebola-related monitoring and movement restriction policies in the United States during the 2013–2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between January and May 2017 with 30 individuals with direct knowledge of state-level Ebola policy development and implementation processes. Individuals represented 17 jurisdictions with variation in adherence to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, census region, predominant state political affiliation, and public health governance structures, as well as the CDC.

Results:

Interviewees reported substantial resource commitments required to implement Ebola monitoring and movement restriction policies. Movement restriction policies, including for quarantine, varied from voluntary to mandatory programs, and, occasionally, quarantine enforcement procedures lacked clarity.

Conclusions:

Efforts to improve future monitoring and movement restriction policies may include addressing surge capacity to implement these programs, protocols for providing support to affected individuals, coordination with law enforcement, and guidance on varying approaches to movement restrictions.
On Nature Programming, the Anthropocene, and the Humanitarian Impulse in Documentary
Authors: Hilderbrand Lucas
Published: April 2020

This response to Pooja Rangan’s book Immediations: The Humanitarian Impulse in Documentary considers the ways nature programs such as Planet Earth and Our Planet make the natural world newly visible yet imagine wildlife and ecosystems almost entirely separate from human contact or intervention, despite concurrent discourses of the Anthropocene and climate crisis.
Building Industrial Districts: Do Subsidies Help? Evidence from Postwar Italy
Authors: Spadavecchia Anna
Published: April 2020

The “historical alternatives” approach calls for research into the role of national institutions and public policies in the resilience or decline of industrial districts. Policies in support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were launched in various Western economies in the second half of the twentieth century. This article focuses on the paradigmatic Italian case and investigates the importance of government subsidies for SMEs on firms located in a southern and a northeastern district, between 1971 and 1991. This discussion deepens our understanding of the role of national policies in the reemergence of industrial districts in the decades of the Second Industrial Divide. It also indicates the importance of firms’ utilization of subsidies and their ecosystem as complementary to the policy's effectiveness.
Structural setting of a transpressive shear zone: insights from geological mapping, quartz petrofabric and kinematic vorticity analysis in NE Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Graziani Riccardo , Montomoli Chiara , Iaccarino Salvatore , Menegon Luca , Nania Laura , Carosi Rodolfo
Published: April 2020

The Posada–Asinara Line is a crustal-scale transpressive shear zone affecting the Variscan basement in northern Sardinia during Late Carboniferous time. We investigated a structural transect of the Posada–Asinara Line (Baronie) with the aid of geological mapping and structural analysis. N-verging F2 isoclinal folds with associated mylonitic foliation (S2) are the main deformation features developed during the Posada–Asinara Line activity (D2). The mineral assemblages and microstructures suggest that the Posada–Asinara Line was affected by a retrograde metamorphic path. This is also confirmed by quartz microstructures, where subgrain rotation recrystallization superimposes on grain boundary migration recrystallization. Crystallographic preferred orientation data, obtained using electron backscatter diffraction, allowed analysis of quartz slip systems and estimation of the deformation temperature, vorticity of flow and rheological parameters (flow stress and strain rate) during the Posada–Asinara Line activity. Quartz deformation temperatures of 400 ± 50 °C have been estimated along a transect perpendicular to the Posada–Asinara Line, in agreement with the syn-kinematic post-metamorphic peak mineral assemblages and the late microstructures of quartz. The D2 phase can be subdivided in two events: an early D2earlyphase, related to the metamorphic peak and low kinematic vorticity (pure shear dominated), and a late D2latephase characterized by a lower metamorphic grade and an increased kinematic vorticity (simple shear dominated). Palaeopiezometry and strain rate estimates associated with the D2latedeformation event showed an intensity gradient increasing towards the core of the shear zone. The D2earlydeformation developed under peak temperature conditions, while the D2lateevent was active at shallower structural levels.
BGG CATEGORY FOR THE QUANTUM SCHRÖDINGER ALGEBRA
Authors: LIU GENQIANG , LI YANG
Published: April 2020

In 1996, aq-deformation of the universal enveloping algebra of the Schrödinger Lie algebra was introduced in Dobrevet al. [J. Phys.A29(1996) 5909–5918.]. This algebra is called the quantum Schrödinger algebra. In this paper, we study the Bernstein-Gelfand-Gelfand (BGG) category$\mathcal{O}$for the quantum Schrödinger algebra$U_q(\mathfrak{s})$, whereqis a nonzero complex number which is not a root of unity. If the central charge$\dot z\neq 0$, using the module$B_{\dot z}$over the quantum Weyl algebra$H_q$, we show that there is an equivalence between the full subcategory$\mathcal{O}[\dot Z]$consisting of modules with the central charge$\dot z$and the BGG category$\mathcal{O}^{(\mathfrak{sl}_2)}$for the quantum group$U_q(\mathfrak{sl}_2)$. In the case that$\dot z = 0$, we study the subcategory$\mathcal{A}$consisting of finite dimensional$U_q(\mathfrak{s})$-modules of type 1 with zero action ofZ. We directly construct an equivalence functor from$\mathcal{A}$to the category of finite dimensional representations of an infinite quiver with some quadratic relations. As a corollary, we show that the category of finite dimensional$U_q(\mathfrak{s})$-modules is wild.
Labor Earnings Inequality in Manufacturing during the Great Depression
Authors: Benguria Felipe , Vickers Chris , Ziebarth Nicolas L.
Published: April 2020

We study labor earnings inequality during the Great Depression using establishment-level information from the Census of Manufactures (COM). Inequality, as measured by the interquartile range in earnings per worker, declines by 10 log points between 1929 and 1933. However, by 1935, this difference has recovered to its 1929 level. In a decomposition, this decline and then rise in inequality is entirely explained by returns to observable factors, most notably the skill premium and regional differentials. The exit of establishments plays an important role in the initial decline in inequality but barely any role in the recovery.