bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homodimerization of a glycoside hydrolase family GH1 β‐glucosidase suggests distinct activity of enzyme different states
Authors: Otsuka Felipe A. M. , Chagas Rafael S. , Almeida Vitor M. , Marana Sandro R.
Published: June 2020

In this work, we investigated how activity and oligomeric state are related in a purified GH1 β‐glucosidase from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sfβgly). Gel filtration chromatography coupled to a multiple angle light scattering detector allowed separation of the homodimer and monomer states and determination of the dimer dissociation constant (KD), which was in the micromolar range. Enzyme kinetic parameters showed that the dimer is on average 2.5‐fold more active. Later, we evaluated the kinetics of homodimerization, scanning the changes in the Sfβgly intrinsic fluorescence over time when the dimer dissociates into the monomer after a large dilution. We described how the rate constant of monomerization (koff) is affected by temperature, revealing the enthalpic and entropic contributions to the process. We also evaluated how the rate constant (kobs) by which equilibrium is reached after dimer dilution behaves when varying the initial Sfβgly concentration. These data indicated that Sfβgly dimerizes through the conformational selection mechanism, in which the monomer undergoes a conformational exchange and then binds to a similar monomer, forming a more active homodimer. Finally, we noted that conformational selection reports and experiments usually rely on a ligand whose concentration is in excess, but for homodimerization, this approach does not hold. Hence, since our approach overcomes this limitation, this study not only is a new contribution to the comprehension of GH1 β‐glucosidases, but it can also help to elucidate protein interaction pathways.
New efficient exponentially weighted moving average variability charts based on auxiliary information
Authors: Abbasi Saddam Akber , Riaz Muhammad , Ahmad Shabbir , Sanusi Ridwan A. , Abid Muhammad
Published: June 2020

Control chart is a well‐known tool for monitoring the performance of an ongoing process. The variability of a process is an important parameter that may deteriorate the process performance if it is not taken care on time. In this study, we have proposed some new auxiliary information‐based exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) charts for improved monitoring of process variability. We employed auxiliary information in some useful forms including ratio, regression, power ratio, ratio exponential, ratio regression, power ratio regression, and ratio exponential regression estimators. The performance of the newly developed charts is evaluated and compared with some existing charts (viz., the NEWMA, the Improved R, the Synthetic R, and the classical R charts), using some useful measures such as average run length (ARL), extra quadratic loss, and relative ARL. The comparative analysis revealed that the proposed charts outperform their counterparts, especially when there is a strong relationship between the study and the auxiliary variables. Finally, an illustrative example is provided for the monitoring of air quality data.
Parametric and nonparametric inference for the reliability of copula‐based stress‐strength models
Authors: de Andrade Bernardo Borba , do Nascimento Alex Rodrigues , Rathie Pushpa Narayan
Published: June 2020

This paper provides a general treatment of statistical inference for the reliability in copula‐based stress‐strength models. Most of the current literature is either focused on specific models that yield clean formulas or restricted to estimation and engineering aspects without addressing statistical inference. We present two general frameworks, one parametric, one nonparametric, for the estimation of the reliability. The parametric methodology is presented under the general framework of estimating equations, mostly as a combination of existing methodologies from the fields of multivariate analysis, reliability, and econometrics, with some new results. The nonparametric methodology is a novel application based on an existing bivariate kernel method combined with Monte Carlo estimation of the reliability without specification of the copula or the margins. We present results from a small simulation study designed to assess the robustness of the methods discussed in terms of model misspecification. We used geotechnical data and data from the Brazilian Household Survey to illustrate the proposed methodologies in the estimation of factors of safety and financial fragility.
Evolution of surface chemistry during sintering of water‐atomized iron and low‐alloyed steel powder
Authors: Wendel Johan , Manchili Swathi K. , Cao Yu , Hryha Eduard , Nyborg Lars
Published: June 2020

Water‐atomized iron and steel powder is commonly used as the base material for powder metallurgy (PM) of ferrous components. The powder surface chemistry is characterized by a thin surface oxide layer and more thermodynamically stable oxide particulates whose extent, distribution, and composition change during the sintering cycle due to a complex set of oxidation–reduction reactions. In this study, the surface chemistry of iron and steel powder was investigated by combined surface and thermal analysis. The progressive reduction of oxides was studied using model sintering cycles in hydrogen atmospheres in a thermogravimetric (TG) setup, with experiments ended at intermediate steps (500–1300°C) of the heating stage. The surface chemistry of the samples was then investigated by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to reveal changes that occurred during heating. The results show that reduction of the surface oxide layer occurs at relatively lower temperature for the steel powder, attributed to an influence of chromium, which is supported by a strong increase in Cr content immediately after oxide layer reduction. The reduction of the stable oxide particulates was shifted to higher temperatures, reflecting their higher thermodynamic stability. A complementary vacuum annealing treatment at 800°C was performed in a furnace directly connected to the XPS instrument allowing for sample transfer in vacuum. The results showed that Fe oxides were completely reduced, with segregation and growth of Cr and Mn oxides on the particle surfaces. This underlines the sequential reduction of oxides during sintering that reflects the thermodynamic stability and availability of oxide‐forming elements.
Ferrocene‐Incorporated Cobalt Sulfide Nanoarchitecture for Superior Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Thangasamy Pitchai , Oh Saewoong , Nam Sanghee , Randriamahazaka Hyacinthe , Oh Il‐Kwon
Published: June 2020

Here, ferrocene(Fc)‐incorporated cobalt sulfide (CoxSy) nanostructures directly grown on carbon nanotube (CNT) or carbon fiber (CF) networks for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) using a facile one‐step solvothermal method are reported. The strong synergistic interaction between Fc‐CoxSy nanostructures and electrically conductive CNTs results in the superior electrocatalytic activity with a very small overpotential of ≈304 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 54.2 mV dec−1 in 1 m KOH electrolyte. Furthermore, the Fc‐incorporated CoxSy (FCoS) nanostructures are directly grown on the acid pretreated carbon fiber (ACF), and the resulting fabricated electrode delivers excellent OER performance with a low overpotential of ≈315 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Such superior OER catalytic activity can be attributed to 3D Fc‐CoxSy nanoarchitectures that consist of a high concentration of vertical nanosheets with uniform distribution of nanoparticles that afford a large number of active surface areas and edge sites. Besides, the tight contact interface between ACF substrate and Fc‐CoxSy nanostructures could effectively facilitate the electron transfer rate in the OER. This study provides valuable insights for the rational design of energy storage and conversion materials by the incorporation of other transition metal into metal sulfide/oxide nanostructures utilizing metallocene.
Programming Diffusion and Localization of DNA Signals in 3D‐Printed DNA‐Functionalized Hydrogels
Authors: Müller Julia , Jäkel Anna Christina , Schwarz Dominic , Aufinger Lukas , Simmel Friedrich C.
Published: June 2020

Additive manufacturing enables the generation of 3D structures with predefined shapes from a wide range of printable materials. However, most of the materials employed so far are static and do not provide any intrinsic programmability or pattern‐forming capability. Here, a low‐cost 3D bioprinting approach is developed, which is based on a commercially available extrusion printer that utilizes a DNA‐functionalized bioink, which allows to combine concepts developed in dynamic DNA nanotechnology with additive patterning techniques. Hybridization between diffusing DNA signal strands and immobilized anchor strands can be used to tune diffusion properties of the signals, or to localize DNA strands within the gel in a sequence‐programmable manner. Furthermore, strand displacement mechanisms can be used to direct simple pattern formation processes and to control the availability of DNA sequences at specific locations. To support printing of DNA‐functionalized gel voxels at arbitrary positions, an open source python script that generates machine‐readable code (GCODE) from simple vector graphics input is developed.
Single Iron Site Nanozyme for Ultrasensitive Glucose Detection
Authors: Chen Min , Zhou Huang , Liu Xiaokang , Yuan Tongwei , Wang Wenyu , Zhao Chao , Zhao Yafei , Zhou Fangyao , Wang Xin , Xue Zhenggang , Yao Tao , Xiong Can , Wu Yuen
Published: June 2020

Nanomaterials with enzyme‐mimicking characteristics have engaged great awareness in various fields owing to their comparative low cost, high stability, and large‐scale preparation. However, the wide application of nanozymes is seriously restricted by the relatively low catalytic activity and poor specificity, primarily because of the inhomogeneous catalytic sites and unclear catalytic mechanisms. Herein, a support‐sacrificed strategy is demonstrated to prepare a single iron site nanozyme (Fe SSN) dispersed on the porous N‐doped carbon. With well‐defined coordination structure and high density of active sites, the Fe SSN performs prominent peroxidase‐like activity by efficiently activating H2O2 into hydroxyl radical (•OH) species. Furthermore, the Fe SSN is applied in colorimetric detection of glucose through a multienzyme biocatalytic cascade platform. Moreover, a low‐cost integrated agarose‐based hydrogel colorimetric biosensor is designed and successfully achieves the visualization evaluation and quantitative detection of glucose. This work expands the application of single‐site catalysts in the fields of nanozyme‐based biosensors and personal biomedical diagnosis.
Toward Nontransient Silk Bioelectronics: Engineering Silk Fibroin for Bionic Links
Authors: Patil Anoop C. , Xiong Ze , Thakor Nitish V.
Published: June 2020

Silk fibroin holds promise a new generation of soft bioelectronics due to its excellent biocompatibility, tailorable biodegradability, and an impressive set of mechanical properties. Silk can be expressed in different material forms, providing many options for integrating silk with implantable sensors and devices. So far, silk has mainly driven the development of resorbable interfaces for in vivo applications. However, the pursuit of nontransient (water‐stable) silk bioelectronics is interdisciplinary, requiring unconventional techniques for integrating silk with thin sensing and conducting materials in a non‐resorbable package. This convergence of need, know‐how, and the potential impact on implantable applications point to the huge potential of silk in refashioning the field of bionic links. This report begins with a general overview of the bionic link, defined as the electronic link between the biological (neural) tissue and the interface electronics. Then, the prominent trends in the use of silk fibroin for designing bionic links (inclusive of transient sensors and devices, and soft conformal nontransient tissue interfaces), key fabrication strategies, and applications are analyzed, followed by a highlight of the material aspects driving the maturity of nontransient silk fibroin technology for implantable bioelectronics.
NRAO and Radio Astronomy in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Kellermann Kenneth I. , Bouton Ellen N. , Brandt Sierra S.
Published: June 2020

Following the inauspicious experience with the 140 Foot Telescope, NRAO apparently learned to manage big projects. The VLA and VLBA were built on schedule and on budget. But the Green Bank Telescope project was funded before the design was complete and was prematurely rushed into construction with unfortunate consequences to the cost and schedule. However, by the beginning of the twenty-first century NRAO was operating the most powerful radio telescopes in the world, the VLA, the VLBA, and the GBT, and had become the acknowledged leader in the evolution of radio astronomy from a technique to an astronomical-based science. As radio telescopes became more sophisticated and computer-aided, observations and reduction became more automated; radio astronomers evolved from experimenters to observers to data analysts. By the turn of the century, the traditional breed of radio astronomers was disappearing. NRAO users often no longer participated in the observing, and with the start of ALMA observations in 2011, often did not even participate in the planning of the observations or the reduction of data.
A New Era in Radio Astronomy
Authors: Kellermann Kenneth I. , Bouton Ellen N. , Brandt Sierra S.
Published: June 2020

By the early 1950s the US Department of Defense, especially the Navy, and the newly created National Science Foundation (NSF) began to play a major role in American science, especially in astronomy. Meanwhile, Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), which founded and operated the Brookhaven National Laboratory, was looking for new business. During these Cold War times, the United States could not afford to fall behind in the exciting and rapidly developing new area of radio astronomy. Caltech, MIT, Harvard, and Naval Research Laboratory scientists discussed how to get the United States more involved in this emerging field that had clear commercial and military applications as well as extraordinary opportunities for basic research. Two key conferences held at the end of 1953 and the start of 1954 provided the catalyst for an NSF-funded feasibility study aimed toward the goal of establishing a national radio astronomy facility.
The Bar Is Open
Authors: Kellermann Kenneth I. , Bouton Ellen N. , Brandt Sierra S.
Published: June 2020

With the successful completion of the 140 Foot Radio Telescope in 1965, and the increased use of the 300 Foot Telescope, NRAO finally began to serve its role as a national observatory. Any scientist with a good program had access to world class facilities without regard for institutional affiliation—a policy which later became known as “Open Skies.”
VLBI and the Very Long Baseline Array
Authors: Kellermann Kenneth I. , Bouton Ellen N. , Brandt Sierra S.
Published: June 2020

Beginning in the 1950s radio interferometers and arrays of antennas were connected by cable, waveguide, or radio links separated by up to a hundred kilometers or more. Starting in 1967, radio astronomers in the US and Canada began to experiment with independent local oscillators and broad band tape recorders to record data collected by widely separated antennas, a technique which came to be known as Very Long Baseline Interferometry or VLBI. Using radio telescopes spread throughout the United States, Australia, and Europe, VLBI baselines were increased to thousands of kilometers, and ultimately to space, with baselines ranging out to hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
Data, Meta Data and Pattern Data: How Franz Boas Mobilized Anthropometric Data, 1890 and Beyond
Authors: Müller-Wille Staffan
Published: June 2020

Between 1890 and 1911, the German-American anthropologist Franz Boas conducted a whole suite of anthropometric studies, which all in all generated data from body measurements carried out on about 27,000 individuals. To this day, this data is being re-analyzed by researchers with a range of disciplinary interests. In my chapter, I will take a close look at a small subset of the original datasheets Boas used in his surveys, and how he and other scientists processed the data in later publications. My analysis will reveal that the extraordinary potential for travel and re-use of Boas’s data crucially depended on the way in which he designed his surveys. Alongside recording standard anthropometric variables, Boas collected genealogical and geographical information on the individuals measured, which allowed him to flexibly classify data in a variety of ways. It is this richness in structure, or “pattern data,” that explains why the data from Boas’s anthropometric projects remain valuable for researchers from a variety of disciplines to this very day.
Barriers to the Adoption of Improved Cooking Stoves for Rural Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Kenya
Authors: Nzengya Daniel M. , Maina Mwari Paul , Njeru Chrocosiscus
Published: June 2020

Majority of Kenya’s citizens reside in the rural areas where wood fuel is still the primary source of energy for cooking. Continuing reliance on wood fuel against the backdrop of burgeoning population poses huge threats to the country’s forest cover, undermining capacity for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This study conducted in Machakos and Laikipia counties explored; (i) women’s perceptions of the health risks associated with dependence of firewood for cooking, (ii) women’s attitudes and perceptions towards improved cooking charcoal stoves (ICS) as cleaner alternatives to traditional firewood stoves for cooking, and (iii) women’s perceptions of barriers to adoption of improved cooking stoves. Study findings revealed that women were aware of the health risks associated with the use of firewood for cooking. However, despite these perceptions, upward trends in demands for firewood as a source of energy for cooking in the rural areas may persist in the next coming decades. Barriers to adoption of improved cooking stoves vary by sociocultural contexts. The study concludes that innovations that involve stakeholders especially participatory designs, monitoring, and evaluation of ICS might improve adoption levels. Moreover, innovations to increase adoption need to leverage on the opportunities provided by Sustainable development goal number 7 to accelerate adoption of ICS among other forms of cleaner, affordable, and sustainable sources of energy for cooking.
Plants and Plant Products in Local Markets Within Benin City and Environs
Authors: Osawaru Moses Edwin , Ogwu Matthew Chidozie
Published: June 2020

The vulnerability of agriculture systems in Africa to climate change is directly and indirectly affecting the availability and diversity of plants and plant products available in local markets. In this chapter, markets in Benin City and environs were assessed to document the availability of plants and plant products. Markets were grouped into urban, suburban, and rural with each group having four markets. Majority of the plant and plant product vendors were women and 88 plant species belonging to 42 families were found. Their scientific and common names were documented as well as the parts of the plant and associated products available in the markets. Most of the plant and plant products found in local markets belong to major plant families. Urban markets had the highest diversity of plants and plant products. Three categories of plants and plant products were documented. Around 67% of the plants and plant products were categorized as whole plant/plant parts, 28% as processed plant parts, while 5% as reprocessed plant/plant parts. It was revealed that 86% of these plants are used as foods, 11% are for medicinal purposes, while 3% is used for other purposes. About 35% of plants and plant products across the markets were fruits, which is an indication that city and environs are a rich source of fruits. The local knowledge and practices associated with the plants and plant products can contribute towards formulating a strategic response for climate change impacts on agriculture, gender, poverty, food security, and plant diversity.
The Path to Reform of ISDS: What Role for National Courts?
Authors: Kaufmann-Kohler Gabrielle , Potestà Michele
Published: June 2020

This chapter analyzes the possible role which national courts could play in the main reform scenarios which States are currently considering, i.e., if investment arbitration is (i) reformed through targeted adjustments, (ii) supplemented with an appellate mechanism, (iii) replaced by a multilateral investment court, or (iv) supplanted by inter-State mechanisms. Each of these reform scenarios raises specific challenges when it comes to their articulation with domestic courts.
Universality between vector-like and chiral quiver gauge theories: anomalies and domain walls
Authors: Sulejmanpasic Tin , Tanizaki Yuya , Ünsal Mithat
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We study low-energy dynamics of [SU(N )]
K
chiral quiver gauge theories in connection with

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 super Yang-Mills (SYM) theory, and quantum chromodynamics with bi-fundamental fermions (QCD(BF)). These theories can be obtained by ℤ
K
orbifold projections of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 SU(N K ) SYM theory, but the perturbative planar equivalence does not extend nonperturbatively for K ≥ 3. In order to study low-energy behaviors, we analyze these systems using ’t Hooft anomaly matching and reliable semiclassics on ℝ3
× S
1. Thanks to ’t Hooft anomaly that involves 1-form center symmetry and discrete chiral symmetry, we predict that chiral symmetry must be spontaneously broken in the confinement phase, and there exist N vacua. Theories with even K possess a physical θ angle despite the presence of massless fermions, and we further predict the N -branch structure associated with it; the number of vacua is enhanced to 2N at θ = π due to spontaneous C P breaking. Both of these predictions are explicitly confirmed by reliable semiclassics on R3
× S
1 with the double-trace deformation. Symmetry and anomaly of odd-K theories are the same as those of the

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 SYM, and the ones of even-K theories are same as those of QCD(BF). We unveil why there exists universality between vector-like and chiral quiver theories, and conjecture that their ground states can be continuously deformed without quantum phase transitions. We briefly discuss anomaly inflow on the domain walls connecting the vacua of the theory and possible anomaly matching scenarios.
Probing the holographic dilaton
Authors: Elander Daniel , Piai Maurizio , Roughley John
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Many strongly coupled field theories admit a spectrum of gauge-invariant bound states that includes scalar particles with the same quantum numbers as the vacuum. The challenge naturally arises of how to characterise them. In particular, how can a dilaton — the pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson associated with approximate scale invariance — be distinguished from other generic light scalars with the same quantum numbers? We address this problem within the context of gauge-gravity dualities, by analysing the fluctuations of the higher-dimensional gravitational theory. The diagnostic test that we propose consists of comparing the results of the complete calculation, performed by using gauge-invariant fluctuations in the bulk, with the results obtained in the probe approximation. While the former captures the mixing between scalar and metric degrees of freedom, the latter removes by hand the fluctuations that source the dilatation operator of the boundary field- theory. Hence, the probe approximation cannot capture a possible light dilaton, while it should fare well for other scalar particles. We test this idea on a number of holographic models, among which are some of the best known, complete gravity backgrounds constructed within the top-down approach to gauge-gravity dualities. We compute the spectra of scalar and tensor fluctuations, that are interpreted as bound states (glueballs) of the dual field theory, and we highlight those cases in which the probe approximation yields results close to the correct physical ones, as well as those cases where significant discrepancies emerge. We interpret the latter occurrence as an indication that identifying one of the lightest scalar states with the dilaton is legitimate, at least as a leading-order approximation.
Glucose transporters in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle in metabolic health and disease
Authors: Chadt Alexandra , Al-Hasani Hadi
Published: June 2020

A family of facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs) is involved in regulating tissue-specific glucose uptake and metabolism in the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue to ensure homeostatic control of blood glucose levels. Reduced glucose transport activity results in aberrant use of energy substrates and is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It is well established that GLUT2, the main regulator of hepatic hexose flux, and GLUT4, the workhorse in insulin- and contraction-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, are critical contributors in the control of whole-body glycemia. However, the molecular mechanism how insulin controls glucose transport across membranes and its relation to impaired glycemic control in type 2 diabetes remains not sufficiently understood. An array of circulating metabolites and hormone-like molecules and potential supplementary glucose transporters play roles in fine-tuning glucose flux between the different organs in response to an altered energy demand.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia in neonates: the role of point of care lung ultrasound
Authors: Tusor Nora , De Cunto Angela , Basma Yousef , Klein John L. , Meau-Petit Virginie
Published: June 2020

No consensus exists regarding the definition of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in neonates and reliability of chest X-ray (CXR) is low. Lung ultrasound (LU) is a potential alternative diagnostic tool. The aim was to define characteristics of VAP in our patient population and propose a multiparameter score, incorporating LU, for VAP diagnosis. Between March 25, 2018, and May 25, 2019, infants with VAP were identified. Clinical, laboratory and microbiology data were collected. CXRs and LU scans were reviewed. A multiparameter VAP score, including LU, was calculated on Day 1 and Day 3 for infants with VAP and for a control group and compared with CXR. VAP incidence was 10.47 episodes/1000 ventilator days. LU and CXR were available for 31 episodes in 21 infants with VAP, and for six episodes in five patients without VAP. On Day 1, a VAP score of > 4, and on Day 3 a score of > 5 showed sensitivity of 0.94, and area under the curve of 0.91 and 0.97, respectively. AUC for clinical information only was 0.88 and for clinical and CXR 0.85.

Conclusion: The multiparameter VAP score including LU could be useful in diagnosing VAP in neonates with underlying lung pathology.

What is Known:• Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is common in infants on the neonatal unit and is associated with increased use of antibiotics, prolonged ventilation and higher incidence of chronic lung disease.• Commonly used definitions of VAP are difficult to apply in neonates and interpretation of chest X-ray is challenging with poor inter-rater agreement in patients with underlying chronic lung disease.

What is New:• The multiparameter VAP score combining clinical, microbiology and lung ultrasound (LU) data is predictive for VAP diagnosis in preterm infants with chronic lung disease.• LU findings of VAP in neonates showed high inter-rater agreement and included consolidated lung areas, dynamic bronchograms and pleural effusion.
Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG3) mRNA and protein expression on tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gebauer Florian , Krämer Max , Bruns Christiane , Schlößer Hans A. , Thelen Martin , Lohneis Philipp , Schröder Wolfgang , Zander Thomas , Alakus Hakan , Buettner Reinhard , Loeser Heike , Quaas Alexander
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG3) is an immunosuppressive checkpoint molecule expressed on T cells. The frequency and distribution of LAG3 expression in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is unknown. Aim of the study was the evaluation and distribution of LAG3 on tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and correlation with clinico-pathological and molecular data.

Methods

We analysed tumor tissue samples using immunohistochemistry, multi-colour immunofluorescence and mRNA in-situ technology. The analyses were performed on a multi-spot tissue microarray (TMA) with 165 samples, followed by an evaluation on a single-spot TMA with 477 samples. These results were correlated with clinical and molecular tumour data.

Results

LAG3 expression on TILs was detectable in 10.5% on the multi-spot TMA and 11.4% on the single-spot TMA. There was a strong correlation between protein expression and mRNA expression (p < 0.001) in TILs. LAG 3 expression was correlated with CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells within the tumor (p < 0.001). LAG3 expression showed an improved overall survival (OS) compared to patients without LAG3 expression (median OS 70.2 vs. 26.9 months; p = 0.046). The effect was even clearer in the group of patients with tumour stages > pT2 (70.2 vs 25.0 months; p = 0.037).

Conclusion

This is the first description of LAG3 expression on TILs in EAC, underscoring the importance of immunomodulation in EAC. Our data suggest an impact of LAG3 in a relevant subset of EAC. Therapeutic studies investigating the efficacy of LAG3 inhibition in EAC will also provide predictive evidence and relevance of the immunohistochemical determination of LAG3 expression.
KGAnet: a knowledge graph attention network for enhancing natural language inference
Authors: Song Meina , Zhao Wen , HaiHong E.
Published: June 2020

Natural language inference (NLI) is the basic task of many applications such as question answering and paraphrase recognition. Existing methods have solved the key issue of how the NLI model can benefit from external knowledge. Inspired by this, we attempt to further explore the following two problems: (1) how to make better use of external knowledge when the total amount of such knowledge is constant and (2) how to bring external knowledge to the NLI model more conveniently in the application scenario. In this paper, we propose a novel joint training framework that consists of a modified graph attention network, called the knowledge graph attention network, and an NLI model. We demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the existing method which introduces external knowledge, and we improve the performance of multiple NLI models without additional external knowledge.
Critical evaluation of stable isotope mixing end-members for estimating groundwater recharge sources: case study from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Authors: Solder John E. , Beisner Kimberly R.
Published: June 2020

Springs and groundwater seeps along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (Arizona, USA) are important for the region’s ecosystems, residents (human and animal), and economy. However, these springs and seeps are potentially vulnerable to contamination, increased groundwater extraction, or reduced recharge due to climate change. In this study, statistical methods are used to investigate δ2H and δ18O in precipitation, surface water, and groundwater to determine groundwater source. A mixing model for δ18O is developed using statistically distinct seasonal end-members represented by modeled winter (Nov–Apr) precipitation and summer (May–Oct) surface-water run-off. The calculated fraction of winter recharge (Fwin) indicates that South Rim groundwater is primarily sourced from snow-melt and winter rains with an average Fwin of 0.97 ± 0.09. Groundwater sourced from the highest elevations of the study area are more depleted than the winter end-member, suggesting values of Fwin are overestimated or a meaningful portion of winter recharge occurs at lower elevations. Lower-elevation recharge from the Coconino Plateau is supported by consistent spatial trends in δ2H and δ18O with respect to longitude, Fwin values <0.9 for 9 of the 50 samples, and age tracer data indicating young groundwater discharging from springs which is distinct from old groundwater observed in the regional flow system. These results suggest a new conceptual model is needed to account for recharge sources from low elevation and summer precipitation. Results imply resource managers may need to reconsider current land-use and water management practices on the South Rim to protect future water quantity and quality.
Clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of relapsing anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a retrospective, multicenter, self-controlled study
Authors: Zeng Wei , Cao Liming , Zheng Jinou , Yu Lu
Published: June 2020

Objective

To analyze the clinical profile and long-term prognosis of relapsing anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis.

Method

This is a retrospective, multicenter, self-controlled study of 10 patients with relapsing anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Relapse was defined as new psychiatric or neurologic syndrome unexplainable by other causes that improved after immunotherapy.

Results

The main symptoms at first onset and relapse included psychiatric symptoms, cognitive impairment, speech dysfunction, seizures, consciousness disturbance, movement disorders, central hypoventilation, and autonomic dysfunction. There were significantly fewer seizures and consciousness disturbances at relapse. At the first onset, the antibody positivity rate was significantly higher in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) than in the serum, and abnormal electroencephalograms results were noted in all patients. The relapse rate was 12.2%. After first-onset discharge, the duration of medication intake was 3.10 ± 2.69 months; the relapse time was 18.3 ± 16.5 months. The Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) score at relapse was significantly lower than that at the first onset. The MRS scores at relapse and first onset after immunotherapy were significantly lower than those before immunotherapy. At follow-up, the average duration of antiepileptic drug (AED) intake was < 1 year; the relapse rate was low.

Conclusions

Patients have fewer symptoms and better quality of life at relapse than at the first onset. Active immunotherapy can significantly improve the quality of life during first onset and relapse. Encephalitis antibody testing in the CSF is preferred at first onset and relapse. Increasing antibody titers suggest clinical relapse. Prematurely stopping immunotherapy may lead to relapse, but prolonged AED intake is unnecessary.
Disentangling ionospheric refraction and diffraction effects in GNSS raw phase through fast iterative filtering technique
Authors: Ghobadi Hossein , Spogli Luca , Alfonsi Lucilla , Cesaroni Claudio , Cicone Antonio , Linty Nicola , Romano Vincenzo , Cafaro Massimo
Published: June 2020

We contribute to the debate on the identification of phase scintillation induced by the ionosphere on the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) by introducing a phase detrending method able to provide realistic values of the phase scintillation index at high latitude. It is based on the fast iterative filtering signal decomposition technique, which is a recently developed fast implementation of the well-established adaptive local iterative filtering algorithm. FIF has been conceived to decompose nonstationary signals efficiently and provide a discrete set of oscillating functions, each of them having its frequency. It overcomes most of the problems that arise when using traditional time–frequency analysis techniques and relies on a consolidated mathematical basis since its a priori convergence and stability have been proved. By relying on the capability of FIF to efficiently identify the frequencies embedded in the GNSS raw phase, we define a method based on the FIF-derived spectral features to identify the proper cutoff frequency for phase detrending. To test such a method, we analyze the data acquired from GPS and Galileo signals over Antarctica during the September 2017 storm by the ionospheric scintillation monitor receiver (ISMR) located in Concordia Station (75.10° S, 123.33° E). Different cases of diffraction and refraction effects are provided, showing the capability of the method in deriving a more accurate determination of the $$\sigma_{\phi }$$

σ
ϕ

index. We found values of cutoff frequency in the range of 0.73–0.83 Hz, providing further evidence of the inadequacy of the choice of 0.1 Hz, which is often used when dealing with ionospheric scintillation monitoring at high latitudes.
Exploring farmer perceptions of agroforestry via multi-objective optimisation: a test application in Eastern Panama
Authors: Gosling Elizabeth , Reith Esther , Knoke Thomas , Gerique Andrés , Paul Carola
Published: June 2020

Understanding farmers’ perceptions of and preferences towards agroforestry is essential to identify systems with the greatest likelihood of adoption to inform successful rural development projects. In this study we offer a novel approach for evaluating agroforestry systems from the farmer perspective. The approach couples rapid rural appraisal and normative optimisation techniques to determine favourable land-use compositions for meeting various socio-economic and ecological goals, based on farmers’ empirical knowledge and preferences. We test our approach among smallholder farmers in Eastern Panama, obtaining data from household interviews and using hierarchical cluster analysis to identify farm groups with similar land-use and income characteristics. We found that moderate differences in farmers’ perceptions between these groups altered the type and share of agroforestry included in the optimised land-use portfolios that balance the achievement of 10 pre-selected socio-economic and ecological objectives. Such differences provide valuable information about potential acceptability of agroforestry within each group. For example, we found that farmers who derive most of their farm income from crops may be more willing to adopt silvopasture, whereas farmers who are more economically dependent on cattle may benefit from diversifying their land-use with alley cropping. We discuss the potential of this modelling approach for participatory land-use planning, especially when dealing with small sample sizes and uncertainty in datasets.
Resistance to Fusarium head blight in oats based on analyses of multiple field and greenhouse studies
Authors: Hautsalo Juho , Jauhiainen Lauri , Hannukkala Asko , Manninen Outi , Veteläinen Merja , Pietilä Leena , Peltoniemi Kirsi , Jalli Marja
Published: June 2020

Fusarium head blight (FHB) and the mycotoxins produced by its causal agents in oats (Avena sativa L.) have become a growing problem in northern countries over the last decades. The development of resistant cultivars would offer a highly needed and economical solution to the problem. To tackle the high genotype×environment interaction of FHB, a combined analysis was carried out on eight greenhouse and 13 field experiments inoculated with DON-producing Fusarium species. Our data included 406 oat genotypes consisting of Nordic cultivars, breeding lines and potentially resistant gene bank accessions. High variation in the DON accumulation estimates in the material shows that the selection of genotypes with better resistance would be valuable. The greenhouse and field studies resulted in significantly different oat genotype susceptibility rankings for both DON and Fusarium infected kernels. The results obtained from the field experiments have more practical relevance for farmers and breeders for the identification of DON resistant cultivars than greenhouse screenings. Days to maturity and the plant height of the genotypes both significantly affected the Fusarium infections and DON in the field. The relationship between Fusarium infected kernels, DONand germination capacity provide an insight into the composition of genotypes with resistance. The core set of 30 oat genotypes, which were phenotyped in several experiments, provides valuable examples of both highly susceptible and moderately resistant oat genotypes.
Development of Indel markers for the selection of Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) hybrids that can be used for low-cost genotyping with agarose gels
Authors: Noda Takahiro , Daiou Kaoru , Mihara Takashi , Nagano Yukio
Published: June 2020

Cross-breeding between cultivars ofSatsuma mandarinsis difficult because of the seeds’ polyembryonic characteristics. Even if a seed is obtained by hybridization, the seed contains only one zygotic embryo (hybrid embryo) and many nucellar embryos. Therefore, for efficient cross-breeding, it is necessary to select a zygotic embryo from among the nucellar embryos. To identify the zygotic embryo, we have developed 119 Indel markers that can be clearly detected by simple agarose gel electrophoresis by mining the Indel region from the resequencing analysis of the short reads ofSatsuma mandarinagainst the reference genome ofSatsuma mandarin. Additionally, we showed that the genotype determined by these markers can be used as an indicator for the selection of zygotic embryo-derived individuals. In addition, many of the developed Indel markers were found to be used for genotypingSatsuma mandarinas well as other citrus species and relatives. This codominant DNA marker that can be detected by low-cost, simple electrophoresis is expected to be used for the identification of zygotic embryo-derived individuals and for various purposes such as cultivar identification.
Observation of Anomalously Strong Penetration of Terahertz Electric Field Through Terahertz-Opaque Gold Films Into a GaAs/AlGaAs Quantum Well
Authors: Ganichev S. D. , Danilov S. N. , Kronseder M. , Schuh D. , Gronwald I. , Bougeard D. , Ivchenko E. L. , Shul’man A. Ya.
Published: June 2020

We observe an anomalously high electric field of terahertz (THz) radiation acting on a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) placed beneath a thin gold film, which, however, is supposed to be opaque at THz frequencies. We show that the anomalously strong penetration of the THz electric field through a very high conductive gold film emerges if two conditions are fulfilled simultaneously: (i) the film’s thickness is less than the skin depth and (ii) the THz electric field is measured beneath the film at distances substantially smaller than the radiation wavelength. We demonstrate that under these conditions, the strength of the field acting on a 2DEG is almost the same as it would be in the absence of the gold film. The effect is detected for macroscopically homogeneous perforation-free gold films illuminated by THz laser radiation with a spot smaller than the film area. This eliminates the near field of the edge diffraction as a possible cause of the anomalous penetration. The microscopic origin of the effect remains unexplained in its details, yet. The observed effect can be used for the development of THz devices based on two-dimensional materials requiring robust highly conducting top gates placed at less than nanometer distance from the electron gas location.
Enhanced removal of copper(II) from acidic streams using functional resins: batch and column studies
Authors: Wołowicz Anna , Hubicki Zbigniew
Published: June 2020

The adsorption behaviour of copper(II) ions in acidic streams using different polymeric adsorbents (Lewatit MonoPlus TP 220, Lewatit MonoPlus SR 7, Lewatit AF 5, Purolite A 830, Purolite S 984, Purolite A 400 TL, Dowex PSR 2, Dowex PSR 3) was studied, and the results were compared. The adsorbents were characterized by determination of the point of zero charge and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method. The kinetic (effects of phases contact time) and equilibrium (effect of initial Cu(II) concentration) studies were also carried out. The effects of hydrochloric and nitric(V) acids on adsorption behaviour of Cu(II) were examined. The FTIR spectra after the Cu(II) adsorption were also obtained, and the mechanism of Cu(II) sorption was proposed. Of eight adsorbents, the best one was chosen and applied in further studies (column adsorption, column and batch desorption, reuse of adsorbent in cycles of sorption–desorption, selectivity in two-component solutions Pd(II)–Cu(II)). Cu(II) sorption efficiency was the highest using Lewatit MonoPlus TP 220. Its sorption is well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and the Langmuir isotherm model. Ion exchangers show also high affinity for noble metals, especially for gold(III): Au(III) > Pd(II) > Pt(IV) (the column test) from single- and two- or three-component solutions (the batch test).

Graphic abstract
Does NGOs’ Commercialization Affect Volunteer Work? The Crowding out or Crowding in Effect
Authors: Mikołajczak Paweł , Bajak Piotr
Published: June 2020

The aim of this article is to identify whether the commercialization of NGOs has an influence on the crowding out or crowding in effect of volunteer work, and to indicate the factors affecting volunteers’ regular involvement in NGO activity. The conducted research confirmed the hypothesis that the commercialization of Polish NGOs is associated with the crowding in effect of volunteer work. The authors prove that the direction of knowledge transfer can be important in engaging volunteers to work in NGOs. The model demonstrates that the likelihood of the NGO crowding in effect increases with frequent internal training, and decreases rapidly with participation in conferences, which work as external knowledge transfer.
Contingent reflections on coronavirus and priorities for educational planning and development
Authors: Lewin Keith M.
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shifted education and development priorities. The tragic death toll and high rates of morbidity across many countries are an unprecedented setback and a calamity for those affected physically and mentally. The economic and social effects of lockdowns, loss of production and business confidence, and global recession will cast a long shadow over education systems. Despite the 435 million items that Google already indexes under “COVID-19 education”, many things remain unknown. No one has a clear idea of how the current pandemic will unravel over anything but the short term. The challenge is to strengthen the mechanisms to separate evidence from opinion and to balance popularism with speaking truth to power—especially when political systems can find it difficult to distinguish fact from convenient fiction.

This paper advances ten propositions that will shape policy dialogue and whatever iteration of the Sustainable Development Goals is needed to ensure they remain fit for purpose. Testing these propositions over the next year will open the door to an evidence-based approach to reconstruction and sustainable development and juxtapose immediate concerns of the present with aspirations for the future. More than ever the need is to see beyond the exigencies of COVID-19 and act to secure the educational gains of the recent past. UNESCO and other development agencies can play a key role in sharing how to manage revitalised and resilient learning systems that allow the community of practice to stay focussed on development that is economically, socially, medically, and educationally sustainable. Spaceship Earth has to be secured for future generations through the knowledge, skill and attitudes of its crew and passengers. Seriously revisiting SDG4, its targets and indicators, and its relationships with other SDGs, would be a start.