bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilateral für die EU als Friedensmacht, für Klimaschutz und Demokratie
Authors: Nouripour Omid
Published: May 2021

Der Beitrag argumentiert, dass die Herausforderungen dieser Zeit, wie der Klimawandel, nur in multilateraler Zusammenarbeit gemeistert werden können. Die zentralen Orte der Zusammenarbeit bleiben für Deutschland die EU und die UN. Die EU muss ihre strategische Souveränität in den kommenden Jahren stärken und entschiedener den Wettbewerb im Rahmen der systemischen Rivalität mit Akteuren wie China und Russland führen. Geleitet werden sollte sie dabei von der Handlungsmaxime: selbstbewusste Kooperationsbereitschaft, wo immer möglich, und eigenständigem Handeln, wo immer nötig.
Correction to: The association between crop and income diversity and farmer intra-household dietary diversity in India
Authors: Singh Sukhwinder , Jones Andrew D. , DeFries Ruth S. , Jain Meha
Published: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s12571-021-01168-6
Feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted total pancreatectomy: a pilot western series
Authors: Kauffmann Emanuele F. , Napoli Niccolò , Genovese Valerio , Ginesini Michael , Gianfaldoni Cesare , Vistoli Fabio , Amorese Gabriella , Boggi Ugo
Published: May 2021

This study was designed to demonstrate non-inferiority of robot-assisted total pancreatectomy (RATP) to open total pancreatectomy (OPT) based on an intention-to-treat analysis, having occurrence of severe post-operative complications (SPC) as primary study endpoint. The two groups were matched (2:1) by propensity scores. Assuming a rate of SPC of 22.5% (non-inferiority margin: 15%; α: 0.05; β: 0.20; power: 80%), a total of 25 patients were required per group. During the study period (October 2008–December 2019), 209 patients received a total pancreatectomy. After application of exclusion and inclusion criteria, matched groups were extracted from an overall cohort of 132 patients (OPT: 107; RATP: 25). Before matching, the two groups were different with respect to prevalence of cardiac disease (24.3% versus 4.0%; p = 0.03), presence of jaundice (45.8% versus 12.0%; p = 0.002), presence of a biliary drainage (23.4% versus 0; p  = 0.004), history of weight loss (28.0% versus 8.0%; p = 0.04), and vein involvement (55.1% versus 28.0%) (p = 0.03). After matching, the two groups (OTP: 50; RATP: 25) were well balanced. Regarding primary study endpoint, SPC developed in 13 patients (26.0%) after OTP and in 6 patients (24.0%) after RATP (p = 0.85). Regarding secondary study endpoints, RATP was associated with longer median operating times [475 (408.8–582.5) versus 585 min (525–637.5) p = 0.003]. After a median follow-up time of 23.7 months (10.4–71), overall survival time [22.6 (11.2–81.2) versus NA (27.3–NA) p = 0.006] and cancer-specific survival [22.6 (11.2–NA) versus NA (27.3–NA) p = 0.02] were improved in patients undergoing RATP. In carefully selected patients, robot-assisted total pancreatectomy is non-inferior to open total pancreatectomy regarding occurrence of severe post-operative complications.
Ressource oder Belastung?
Authors: Bruns Marike , Küth Simon , Scholl Daniel , Schüle Christoph
Published: May 2021

Für viele angehende Lehrkräfte stellt der Einstieg in den Lehrer/innenberuf ein normativ-kritisches Lebensereignis dar, das mit einer erhöhten Beanspruchung einhergehen kann. Um diesen Einstieg – unter anderem hinsichtlich des Beanspruchungserlebens – zu erleichtern, wurde in Deutschland flächendeckend das Praxissemester in das Lehramtsstudium eingeführt, in dem Studierende bei ihren Unterrichtsversuchen von erfahrenen Mentor/innen begleitet werden. Anders als beabsichtigt scheint das Mentoring im Praxissemester aber nicht ausschließlich beanspruchungsabpuffernde Effekte zu haben, sondern ebenfalls beanspruchungsinduzierend wirken zu können. Um diesen differentiellen Effekt des Mentorings aufzuklären, wird im Kontext der allgemeinen Belastungs- und Beanspruchungsmodelle für den Lehrer/innenberuf und aus der Perspektive der Selbstbestimmungstheorie angenommen, dass die Beziehungsform zwischen Mentees und Mentor/innen, wie sie sich unter anderem im transmissiven und konstruktivistischen Mentoring zeigt, einen Effekt auf die positiven und negativen Beanspruchungsreaktionen der Mentees hat, der über die wahrgenommene Basic-Need-Satisfaction vermittelt wird. Zur Untersuchung dieser Annahme wurden 177 Lehramtsstudierende im Praxissemester zu zwei Messzeitpunkten gebeten, sowohl ihre negativen Beanspruchungsreaktionen in Form ihrer emotionalen Erschöpfung als auch ihre positiven Beanspruchungsreaktionen in Form des beruflichen Enthusiasmus einzuschätzen. Außerdem wurde die Basic-Need-Satisfaction der angehenden Lehrkräfte zu beiden Messzeitpunkten sowie das transmissive und konstruktivistische Mentoring aus der Perspektive der Mentees zum zweiten Messzeitpunkt erfasst. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen den angenommenen Mediationseffekt teilweise. So vermittelt zwar die Veränderung der Basic-Need-Satisfaction den Zusammenhang zwischen beiden Mentoringformen und der Veränderung des beruflichen Enthusiasmus vollständig, allerdings zeigt die Veränderung der Basic-Need-Satisfaction keinen Effekt auf die Veränderung der emotionalen Erschöpfung, die ihrerseits jedoch direkt durch das konstruktivistische und transmissive Mentoring vorhergesagt wird.
Targeted micronutrition for allergic patients—possible applications of a food for special medical purposes
Authors: Bergmann Christoph , Ehmann Rainer , Jordakieva Galateja , Koehler Hans-Joerg , Straub Dirk , Untersmayr Eva , Dollner Ralph , Sperl Annette
Published: May 2021

A novel and recently launched food for special medical purposes was discussed by a multidisciplinary expert panel as an option for allergic patients. The newly developed lozenge contains the whey protein beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) as well as the micronutrients iron, zinc and vitamin A. BLG loaded with ligands (holo-BLG) is discussed as one factor of the allergy-protective farm effect in numerous scientific studies. Further studies reveal that holo-BLG shuttles its ligands specifically to immune cells, where it balances the specific nutrient demand and can thus lead to immune resilience. Based on the scientific background, the experts see a broad range of possible applications for holo-BLG in the form of a lozenge, for example in patients suffering from multiple allergies, with sensitisation to rare allergens (including occupational allergens), tree pollen-associated food allergies or in general difficult treatment situations (e.g. allergies to animal dander or refusal of allergen immunotherapy). The expert panel describes the holo-BLG lozenge as an innovative and additional option for allergic patients.
A review on the electric vehicle routing problems: Variants and algorithms
Authors: Qin Hu , Su Xinxin , Ren Teng , Luo Zhixing
Published: May 2021

Over the past decade, electric vehicles (EVs) have been considered in a growing number of models and methods for vehicle routing problems (VRPs). This study presents a comprehensive survey of EV routing problems and their many variants. We only consider the problems in which each vehicle may visit multiple vertices and be recharged during the trip. The related literature can be roughly divided into nine classes: Electric traveling salesman problem, green VRP, electric VRP, mixed electric VRP, electric location routing problem, hybrid electric VRP, electric dial-a-ride problem, electric two-echelon VRP, and electric pickup and delivery problem. For each of these nine classes, we focus on reviewing the settings of problem variants and the algorithms used to obtain their solutions.
The intriguing chemistry and biology of sulfur-containing natural products from marine microorganisms (1987–2020)
Authors: Hai Yang , Wei Mei-Yan , Wang Chang-Yun , Gu Yu-Cheng , Shao Chang-Lun
Published: May 2021

Natural products derived from marine microorganisms have received great attention as a potential resource of new compound entities for drug discovery. The unique marine environment brings us a large group of sulfur-containing natural products with abundant biological functionality including antitumor, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. We reviewed all the 484 sulfur-containing natural products (non-sulfated) isolated from marine microorganisms, of which 59.9% are thioethers, 29.8% are thiazole/thiazoline-containing compounds and 10.3% are sulfoxides, sulfones, thioesters and many others. A selection of 133 compounds was further discussed on their structure–activity relationships, mechanisms of action, biosynthesis, and druggability. This is the first systematic review on sulfur-containing natural products from marine microorganisms conducted from January 1987, when the first one was reported, to December 2020.
Mathematical Modeling and COVID-19 Forecast in Texas, USA: A Prediction Model Analysis and the Probability of Disease Outbreak
Authors: Hassan Md Nazmul , Mahmud Md. Shahriar , Nipa Kaniz Fatema , Kamrujjaman Md.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Response to the unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak needs to be augmented in Texas, United States, where the first 5 cases were reported on March 6, 2020, and were rapidly followed by an exponential rise within the next few weeks. This study aimed to determine the ongoing trend and upcoming infection status of COVID-19 in county levels of Texas.

Methods:

Data were extracted from the following sources: published literature, surveillance, unpublished reports, and websites of Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Natality report of Texas, and WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard. The 4-compartment Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removal (SEIR) mathematical model was used to estimate the current trend and future prediction of basic reproduction number and infection cases in Texas. Because the basic reproduction number is not sufficient to predict the outbreak, we applied the Continuous-Time Markov Chain (CTMC) model to calculate the probability of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Results:

The estimated mean basic reproduction number of COVID-19 in Texas is predicted to be 2.65 by January 31, 2021. Our model indicated that the third wave might occur at the beginning of May 2021, which will peak at the end of June 2021. This prediction may come true if the current spreading situation/level persists, i.e., no clinically effective vaccine is available, or this vaccination program fails for some reason in this area.

Conclusion:

Our analysis indicates an alarming ongoing and upcoming infection rate of COVID-19 at county levels in Texas, thereby emphasizing the promotion of more coordinated and disciplined actions by policy-makers and the population to contain its devastating impact.
Design of large mode area all-solid anti-resonant fiber for high-power lasers
Authors: Zhang Xin , Gao Shoufei , Wang Yingying , Ding Wei , Wang Pu
Published: May 2021

High-power fiber lasers have experienced a dramatic development over the last decade. Further increasing the output power needs an upscaling of the fiber mode area, while maintaining a single-mode output. Here, we propose an all-solid anti-resonant fiber (ARF) structure, which ensures single-mode operation in broadband by resonantly coupling higher-order modes into the cladding. A series of fibers with core sizes ranging from 40 to 100 μm are proposed exhibiting maximum mode area exceeding 5000 μm2. Numerical simulations show this resonant coupling scheme provides a higher-order mode (mainly TE01, TM01, and HE21) suppression ratio of more than 20 dB, while keeping the fundamental mode loss lower than 1 dB/m. The proposed structure also exhibits high tolerance for core index depression.
THE ERBIL PLAIN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS, 2012–2020
Authors: Ur Jason , Babakr Nader , Palermo Rocco , Creamer Petra , Soroush Mehrnoush , Ramand Shilan , Nováček Karel
Published: May 2021

The Erbil Plain Archaeological Survey (EPAS) investigates settlement and land use from the Neolithic to the present in the Erbil Governorate of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which includes a large portion of the core of the Assyrian Empire. In seven field seasons, it has documented a broad settlement landscape in a region of great social and political importance, especially in the Bronze and Iron Ages, including 728 archaeological sites. Its field methodology combines traditional surface collection with the use of historical aerial and satellite photographs, mobile GIS, and UAV (drone) photogrammetry. Preliminary results show some unexpected patterns: a high density of culturally Uruk settlements in the fourth millennium B.C., variable urban morphologies in the Early Bronze Age; and large but low-density settlements at the end of the Sasanian period or the early Islamic period. The project is explicitly testing several hypotheses about centralized Neo-Assyrian landscape planning in the imperial core. These hypotheses appear to be confirmed, although the situation was more complex than in surrounding provinces, probably due to the longer history of continuous settlement.
Documentation et gestion du patrimoine archéologique de la chaîne montagneuse tuniso-libyenne via l'utilisation des nouvelles technologies : résultats préliminaires
Authors: Mekki Héla
Published: May 2021

The mountain range formed by Jebels Matmata, Demmer and Nefoussa which links the two countries, Tunisia and Libya, is strewn with archaeological remains that are little known today, due in part to the rugged terrain which makes it difficult to see them. This issue has been helped by the use of new technologies, in this case remote sensing and QGIS software. Archaeological evidence has been uncovered and more than 3,900 sites and monuments have been detected on the sides of these mountains. In addition to the inventory of unknown archaeological sites, the main aim of the work was to draw up a management and conservation plan to provide, with an order of priority, a strategy for the safeguard and conservation of the mountain heritage. This management plan was only possible through a correlation of three data: assessment of values, identification of threats, and study of the state of conservation. These components were studied using an indirect evaluation based on satellite imagery and direct evaluation through field visits.
‘No longer exiled, but protagonists’. The FILEF (Italian Federation of Migrant Workers and Families) and European human rights discourse in the 1970s
Authors: Vizzarri Francesco
Published: May 2021

This article examines the contribution of the FILEF (Federazione Italiana Lavoratori Migranti e Famiglie) to the European debate on the human, social and civil rights of migrant workers during the 1970s. Through the project of an ‘International Statute of Migrant Workers’ Rights’, presented to the European Parliament in 1971, FILEF submitted a proposal for the reform of the 1968 Community Regulation on the Free Movement of Migrant Workers in Europe in order to extend to workers from non-European countries the same rights and protections accorded to those from the EEC area. The analysis is focused on the discussion around the proposal in the committees of the European Parliament as well as on the debate that developed within the transnational network of the FILEF during the international conferences organised by the Federation from the mid-1970s until the early 1980s.
SkyMapper optical follow-up of gravitational wave triggers: Alert science data pipeline and LIGO/Virgo O3 run
Authors: Chang Seo-Won , Onken Christopher A. , Wolf Christian , Luvaul Lance , Möller Anais , Scalzo Richard , Schmidt Brian P. , Scott Susan M. , Sura Nikunj , Yuan Fang
Published: May 2021

We present an overview of the SkyMapper optical follow-up programme for gravitational-wave event triggers from the LIGO/Virgo observatories, which aims at identifying early GW170817-like kilonovae out to

$\sim200\,\mathrm{Mpc}$

distance. We describe our robotic facility for rapid transient follow-up, which can target most of the sky at

$\delta<+10\deg $

to a depth of

$i_\mathrm{AB}\approx 20\,\mathrm{mag}$

. We have implemented a new software pipeline to receive LIGO/Virgo alerts, schedule observations and examine the incoming real-time data stream for transient candidates. We adopt a real-bogus classifier using ensemble-based machine learning techniques, attaining high completeness (

$\sim98\%$

) and purity (

$\sim91\%$

) over our whole magnitude range. Applying further filtering to remove common image artefacts and known sources of transients, such as asteroids and variable stars, reduces the number of candidates by a factor of more than 10. We demonstrate the system performance with data obtained for GW190425, a binary neutron star merger detected during the LIGO/Virgo O3 observing campaign. In time for the LIGO/Virgo O4 run, we will have deeper reference images allowing transient detection to

$i_\mathrm{AB}\approx 21\,\mathrm{mag}$

.
Symptom dimensions of major depression in a large community-based cohort
Authors: Wainberg Michael , Zhukovsky Peter , Hill Sean L. , Felsky Daniel , Voineskos Aristotle , Kennedy Sidney , Hawco Colin , Tripathy Shreejoy J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Our understanding of major depression is complicated by substantial heterogeneity in disease presentation, which can be disentangled by data-driven analyses of depressive symptom dimensions. We aimed to determine the clinical portrait of such symptom dimensions among individuals in the community.

Methods

This cross-sectional study consisted of 25 261 self-reported White UK Biobank participants with major depression. Nine questions from the UK Biobank Mental Health Questionnaire encompassing depressive symptoms were decomposed into underlying factors or ‘symptom dimensions’ via factor analysis, which were then tested for association with psychiatric diagnoses and polygenic risk scores for major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Replication was performed among 655 self-reported non-White participants, across sexes, and among 7190 individuals with an ICD-10 code for MDD from linked inpatient or primary care records.

Results

Four broad symptom dimensions were identified, encompassing negative cognition, functional impairment, insomnia and atypical symptoms. These dimensions replicated across ancestries, sexes and individuals with inpatient or primary care MDD diagnoses, and were also consistent among 43 090 self-reported White participants with undiagnosed self-reported depression. Every dimension was associated with increased risk of nearly every psychiatric diagnosis and polygenic risk score. However, while certain psychiatric diagnoses were disproportionately associated with specific symptom dimensions, the three polygenic risk scores did not show the same specificity of associations.

Conclusions

An analysis of questionnaire data from a large community-based cohort reveals four replicable symptom dimensions of depression with distinct clinical, but not genetic, correlates.
The matrix reloaded: Reconstructing the boundaries between (international) law and politics
Authors: dos Reis Filipe , Grzybowski Janis
Published: May 2021

Interdisciplinary scholarship at the intersection of international law (IL) and International Relations (IR) has illuminated the roles of politics in law, of law in politics, and of the shifting boundary between the two in various areas of international affairs. The boundary itself, however, has proven resilient. While critical approaches investigating the politics of international law have come to insist on the lasting significance of legality proper, IR approaches to legalization have returned to politics. Although the apparent limits to challenging the boundary between legality and politics are not new, we suggest that they are intimately related to another great divide, i.e., that between the state and the international. Together, these two cross-cutting lines have shaped the possibilities and constraints of articulating substantive positions ‘in’ (international) law and politics at least since the Interwar period. Reading these distinctions as intertwined ‘nested oppositions’, this article reconstructs the stylized but paradigmatic debates between Max Weber and Hans Kelsen over the nature of the state and between Hans Morgenthau and Hersch Lauterpacht over the nature of the international. We further illustrate how the same conceptual oppositions still enable and constrain current debates in IL and IR, discussing as examples the creation of states and the justiciability of international crimes. Crossing and contesting the boundaries ultimately reaffirms them as the matrix in which conflicts over states and the international are articulated as legal and political.
Distribution of molecular strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an intermediate burden Asia Pacific city
Authors: Lee Shui Shan , Chan Denise Pui Chung , Wong Ngai Sze , Lui Grace Chung Yan , To Kin Wang , Kam Joseph Kai Man
Published: May 2021

Hong Kong is an intermediate tuberculosis (TB) burden city in Asia Pacific with slow decline of case notification in the last decade. By 24-loci mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units – variable number of tandem repeats genotyping, we examined 534 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates collected from culture-positive hospitalised TB patients in a 1.7 million population geographic region in the city. Overall, 286 (75%) were classified as Beijing genotype, of which 216 (76%) and 59 (21%) belonged to modern and ancient sub-lineage, respectively. Only two cases were genetically clustered while spatial clustering was absent. Male gender, permanent residency in Hong Kong and born in Hong Kong or Mainland China were associated with Beijing genotype. The high prevalence of Beijing modern lineage was similar to that in East Asia, which reflected the pattern resulting from population migration. The paucity of clustering suggested that reactivation accounted for most of the TB disease cases, which was and echoed by observation that half were 60 years old or above, and the presence of co-morbid medical conditions. The predominance of reactivation TB cases in intermediate burden localities implies that the detection and control of latent TB infection would be the major challenge in achieving TB elimination.
Packaged food supply in Fiji: nutrient levels, compliance with sodium targets and adherence to labelling regulations
Authors: Shahid Maria , Waqa Gade , Pillay Arti , Kama Ateca , Tukana Isimeli N , McKenzie Briar L , Webster Jacqui , Johnson Claire
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To estimate the proportion of products meeting Fiji government labelling regulations, assess compliance with national Na reformulation targets and examine the Na and total sugar levels in packaged foods sold in selected major supermarkets.

Design:

We selected five major supermarkets in 2018 and collected the product information and nutritional content from the labels of all packaged foods sold. We organised 4278 foods into fourteen major food categories and thirty-six sub-categories and recorded the proportion of products labelled in accordance with the Fiji labelling regulations. We looked at the levels of Na and total sugar in each food category and assessed how many products complied with the Fiji reformulation targets set for Na. We also listed the companies responsible for each product.

Setting:

Suva, Fiji.

Results:

Fourteen percentage of packaged foods in fourteen major categories met Fiji national labelling regulations. Na was labelled on 95·4 % products, and total sugar labelled on 92·4 %. The convenience foods category had the highest Na levels (1699 mg/100 g), while confectionery had the highest content of total sugar (52·6 g/100 g). Forty percentage of eligible products did not meet the proposed voluntary Na reformulation targets.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate significant room for improvement in nutrient labelling, as well as a need for further enforcement of reformulation targets and monitoring of changes in food composition. Through enacting these measures and establishing additional regulations such as mandatory front-of-pack labelling, government and food industry can drive consumers towards healthier food choices and improve the nutritional quality of packaged foods in Fiji.
Design of multiple transmission zeros-enabled compact broadband BPFs based on microstrip-to-CPW transition technology
Authors: Ghazali Abu Nasar , Sazid Mohd
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we present a miniaturized ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filter (BPF) with multiple transmission zeros (TZs), which is based on transition technology of microstrip with short-circuited coplanar waveguide (CPW). The ground plane of the BPF contains a multiple mode resonator (MMR)-based CPW which is capacitively linked through the dielectric to two open-circuited microstrip lines on the top. The MMR is initially designed to allocate its lowest three resonant modes quasi-equally inside the designated UWB spectrum (3.1–10.6 GHz). This is followed by optimization of microstrip lines to provide a good broadband response possessing minimum insertion loss, two TZs at the lower and upper passband edges that improve selectivity and a wide stopband with appreciable attenuation. Later, multiple-folded split ring resonators are coupled to the BPF to inject dual passband TZs. The predicted theory in simulation is verified against measured result and is found to be in good agreement. The prototype covers a substrate area of only 14.6 × 9.2 mm2.
A Preliminary Framework for Magmatism in Modern Continental Back‐Arc Basins and Its Application to the Triassic‐Jurassic Tectonic Evolution of the Caucasus
Authors: Vasey Dylan A. , Cowgill Eric , Cooper Kari M.
Published: May 2021

Extension within a continental back‐arc basin initiates within continental rather than oceanic lithosphere, and the geochemical characteristics of magmatic rocks within continental back‐arcs are poorly understood relative to their intraoceanic counterparts. Here, we compile published geochemical data from five exemplar modern continental back‐arc basins—the Okinawa Trough, Bransfield Strait, Tyrrhenian Sea, Patagonia plateau, and Aegean Sea/Western Anatolia—to establish a geochemical framework for continental back‐arc magmatism. This analysis shows that continental back‐arcs yield geochemical signatures more similar to arc magmatism than intraoceanic back‐arcs do. We apply this framework to published data for Triassic‐Jurassic magmatic rocks from the Caucasus arc system, which includes a relict continental back‐arc, the Caucasus Basin, that opened during the Jurassic and for which the causal mechanism of formation remains debated. Our analysis of 40Ar/39Ar and U‐Pb ages indicates Permian‐Triassic arc magmatism from ∼260 to 220 Ma due to subduction beneath the Greater Caucasus and Scythian Platform. Late Triassic (∼220–210 Ma) collision of the Iranian block with Laurasia likely induced trench retreat in the Caucasus region and led to migration of the Caucasus arc and opening of the Caucasus Basin. This activity was followed by Jurassic arc magmatism in the Lesser Caucasus from ∼180 to 140 Ma and back‐arc spreading in the Caucasus Basin from ∼180 to 160 Ma. Trace element and Sr‐Nd isotopic data for magmatic rocks indicate that Caucasus Basin magmatism is comparable to modern continental back‐arcs and that the source to the Lesser Caucasus arc became more enriched at ∼160 Ma, likely from the cessation of back‐arc spreading.
Interactions of Large‐Scale Dynamics and Madden‐Julian Oscillation Propagation in Multi‐Model Simulations
Authors: Heath Ashley , Gonzalez Alex O. , Gehne Maria , Jaramillo Alejandro
Published: May 2021

The underrepresentation of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) in climate models remains a challenge, limiting our ability to improve medium‐ to extended‐range atmospheric prediction. Motivated by recent work identifying the importance of the ratio of equatorial Rossby (ER) to Kelvin wave circulations in MJO propagation, this study examines MJO dynamics in 25 climate model simulations. We find that poor MJO models simulate anomalously large ER wave circulations to the west and small Kelvin and ER wave circulations to the east of the convective center. To quantify the role of circulation asymmetries in MJO propagation, we formulate a new west/east (W/E) zonal wind speed ratio. Our W/E ratio differs from other similar metrics in that it implicitly accounts for the ER wave gyres and it can be applied at all levels. Poor model ER wave biases are associated with excessive 700–1000‐hPa convergence, convection, and vertical moisture advection co‐located and west of the convective center while Kelvin and ER wave biases to the east are associated with a weaker dry anomaly and smaller horizontal moisture advection at 450–750‐hPa. Together, these biases help explain the stationary and slight westward MJO propagation in poor models. Space‐time spectral analyses of the zonal wind and precipitation confirm that good models produce realistic power, coherence, and phase for the MJO while poor models vastly underrepresent Kelvin waves and the MJO. Even though Kelvin waves are more realistic in good models, there are still model‐wide biases in circulation‐convection coupling for ER waves and Kelvin waves.
Low‐Level Cloud Development and Diurnal Cycle in Southern West Africa During the DACCIWA Field Campaign: Case Study of Kumasi Supersite, Ghana
Authors: Aryee Jeffrey N. A. , Amekudzi Leonard K. , Yamba Edmund I.
Published: May 2021

The presence, spatial extent, and persistence of low‐level clouds (LLCs) largely impact on the diurnal surface radiation and energy balance, as well as, the regional climate. Notwithstanding, there is a limited understanding of their evolution and processes, particularly in southern West Africa. This study assesses the development of LLCs and their dominant formative factors, as well as, their relationship with radiation and energy balance. First, ceilometer and radiosondes deployed during the dynamics‐aerosol‐chemistry‐cloud interactions in West Africa (DACCIWA) field campaign were used in identifying the LLC. Afterward, the cloud fraction was employed to characterize different LLC phases. Averagely, break‐up, dissipation, and build‐up of LLC were marked at 09:00, 12:00, and 22:00 GMT respectively. Moreover, composites of LLC diurnal evolution and their relationship with net radiation, energy storage, and surface stability showed that LLCs significantly impact on net radiation flux, by reducing downwelling shortwave radiation. Additionally, LLC onsets were characterized by a near‐steady state in net radiation flux, whereas the rate of energy storage within the lower layers marginally oscillated about equilibrium. Finally, with observations from selected intensive observation periods (IOPs), the dominant factors influencing LLC development were evaluated. Horizontal cold air advection, with enhancement by nocturnal low‐level jets, was observed to primarily influence the development of LLCs for the study period. The findings of this study are necessary for improving the understanding of LLC characteristics, formation, and interactions with surface properties, particularly over southern West Africa.
Observed Vertical Structure of Precipitation Influenced by Dry Air for Landfalling Tropical Cyclones Over China
Authors: Shu Shoujuan , Feng Xibin , Teng Daigao
Published: May 2021

The vertical structure of precipitation and its evolution during midlevel dry‐air intrusion (DAI) for landfalling tropical cyclones (LTCs) over China in the past 10 years were examined using several observed Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) PR products and a reanalysis data set. We show that in the outer region where the environmental midlevel dry air intrudes more easily, the process of environmental DAI has an important effect on the vertical structure and precipitation of LTCs through promoting substantially stratiform precipitation, while inhibiting infrequent intense convective precipitation. Although the total mean rain rate does not change much during the DAI period, both the mean rain rate and area of stratiform precipitation are almost doubled, while the convective precipitation halves compared to the situation prior to the DAI period. Also, the vertical structure of precipitation relative to the vertical wind shear (VWS) is modulated by the dry air, with a clear stratiform precipitation structure in the DAI region, though the dry‐air distribution of LTCs does not depend on the direction of the VWS but rather on the synoptic environmental collocation. Further analysis shows that the mid‐level DAI is favorable to the generation of stratiform precipitation through producing moderate midlevel convergence and less intense low‐level subsidence, which contribute to the mid‐level spin‐up without spinning down the low‐level circulation. At the same time, it helps in maintaining the uniform stratiform precipitation above the melting layer and homogenizing the low‐level circulation, and thus boosts the development of stratiform precipitation in intensity and area in the outer region.
Laser Flashes Shed Light on a Changing Arctic
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: May 2021

An ongoing project in northern Alaska is using pulses of laser light to monitor anthropogenic activity, ice quakes, and marine wildlife.
Metalloproteinase 1 downregulation in neurofibromatosis 1: Therapeutic potential of antimalarial hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine
Authors: Tsuji Gaku , Takai-Yumine Ayako , Kato Takahiro , Furue Masutaka
Published: May 2021

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutation in the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) gene. Its hallmarks are cutaneous findings including neurofibromas, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors. We analyzed the collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression in Neurofibromatosis 1 cutaneous neurofibroma and found excessive expression of collagen and reduced expression of MMP1. To identify new therapeutic drugs for neurofibroma, we analyzed phosphorylation of components of the Ras pathway, which underlies NF1 regulation, and applied treatments to block this pathway (PD184352, U0126, and rapamycin) and lysosomal processes (chloroquine (CQ), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and bafilomycin A (BafA)) in cultured Neurofibromatosis 1 fibroblasts. We found that downregulation of the MMP1 protein was a key abnormal feature in the neurofibromatosis 1 fibroblasts and that the decreased MMP1 was restored by the lysosomal blockers CQ and HCQ, but not by the blockers of the Ras pathway. Moreover, the MMP1-upregulating activity of those lysosomal blockers was dependent on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation and ERK phosphorylation. Our findings suggest that lysosomal blockers are potential candidates for the treatment of Neurofibromatosis 1 neurofibroma.
Copolymers incorporated with β-substituted acrylate synthesized by organo-catalyzed group-transfer polymerization
Authors: Imada Motosuke , Takenaka Yasumasa , Tsuge Takeharu , Abe Hideki
Published: May 2021

Various copolymers incorporated with β-substituted acrylates, such as alkyl crotonates (e.g., methyl crotonate (MC), ethyl crotonate (EC), isopropyl crotonate (iPC), and n-butyl crotonate (nBC)) and methyl cinnamate (MCin), were synthesized by group-transfer polymerization (GTP) using a silicon-based Lewis acid catalyst. In addition to β-substituted acrylates, α-substituted acrylates (e.g., methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl methacrylate (nBMA)) were examined as comonomers. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) characterizations of the obtained copolymers revealed that each monomer component was incorporated sufficiently. The thermal stabilities of the resulting copolymers were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), indicating that the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of the copolymers can be widely varied over a relatively high-temperature range by selecting the optimal comonomer. More specifically, the Tg values of poly(MC-random-EC) (MC/EC molar ratio = 50/50), poly(MC-random-nBC) (MC/nBC molar ratio = 50/50), poly(MC-random-MCin) (MC/MCin molar ratio = 54/46), and poly(nBC-random-MCin) (nBC/MCin molar ratio = 56/44) were 173, 130, 216, and 167 °C, respectively.
Analysis of diverse eukaryotes suggests the existence of an ancestral mitochondrial apparatus derived from the bacterial type II secretion system
Authors: Horváthová Lenka , Žárský Vojtěch , Pánek Tomáš , Derelle Romain , Pyrih Jan , Motyčková Alžběta , Klápšťová Veronika , Vinopalová Martina , Marková Lenka , Voleman Luboš , Klimeš Vladimír , Petrů Markéta , Vaitová Zuzana , Čepička Ivan , Hryzáková Klára , Harant Karel , Gray Michael W. , Chami Mohamed , Guilvout Ingrid , Francetic Olivera , Franz Lang B. , Vlček Čestmír , Tsaousis Anastasios D. , Eliáš Marek , Doležal Pavel
Published: May 2021

The type 2 secretion system (T2SS) is present in some Gram-negative eubacteria and used to secrete proteins across the outer membrane. Here we report that certain representative heteroloboseans, jakobids, malawimonads and hemimastigotes unexpectedly possess homologues of core T2SS components. We show that at least some of them are present in mitochondria, and their behaviour in biochemical assays is consistent with the presence of a mitochondrial T2SS-derived system (miT2SS). We additionally identified 23 protein families co-occurring with miT2SS in eukaryotes. Seven of these proteins could be directly linked to the core miT2SS by functional data and/or sequence features, whereas others may represent different parts of a broader functional pathway, possibly also involving the peroxisome. Its distribution in eukaryotes and phylogenetic evidence together indicate that the miT2SS-centred pathway is an ancestral eukaryotic trait. Our findings thus have direct implications for the functional properties of the early mitochondrion.
Cross-reactive serum and memory B-cell responses to spike protein in SARS-CoV-2 and endemic coronavirus infection
Authors: Song Ge , He Wan-ting , Callaghan Sean , Anzanello Fabio , Huang Deli , Ricketts James , Torres Jonathan L. , Beutler Nathan , Peng Linghang , Vargas Sirena , Cassell Jon , Parren Mara , Yang Linlin , Ignacio Caroline , Smith Davey M. , Voss James E. , Nemazee David , Ward Andrew B. , Rogers Thomas , Burton Dennis R. , Andrabi Raiees
Published: May 2021

Pre-existing immunity to seasonal endemic coronaviruses could have profound consequences for antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, induced from natural infection or vaccination. A first step to establish whether pre-existing responses can impact SARS-CoV-2 infection is to understand the nature and extent of cross-reactivity in humans to coronaviruses. Here we compare serum antibody and memory B cell responses to coronavirus spike proteins from pre-pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 convalescent donors using binding and functional assays. We show weak evidence of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive serum antibodies in pre-pandemic donors. However, we find evidence of pre-existing cross-reactive memory B cells that are activated during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Monoclonal antibodies show varying degrees of cross-reactivity with betacoronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and endemic coronaviruses. We identify one cross-reactive neutralizing antibody specific to the S2 subunit of the S protein. Our results suggest that pre-existing immunity to endemic coronaviruses should be considered in evaluating antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2.
Sensing of joint and spinal bending or stretching via a retractable and wearable badge reel
Authors: Li Chengyu , Liu Di , Xu Chaoqun , Wang Ziming , Shu Sheng , Sun Zhuoran , Tang Wei , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: May 2021

Human motions, such as joint/spinal bending or stretching, often contain information that is useful for orthopedic/neural disease diagnosis, rehabilitation, and prevention. Here, we show a badge-reel-like stretch sensing device with a grating-structured triboelectric nanogenerator exhibiting a stretching sensitivity of 8 V mm−1, a minimum resolution of 0.6 mm, a low hysteresis, and a high durability (over 120 thousand cycles). Experimental and theoretical investigations are performed to define the key features of the device. Studies from human natural daily activities and exercise demonstrate the functionality of the sensor for real-time recording of knee/arm bending, neck/waist twisting, and so on. We also used the device in a spinal laboratory, monitoring human subjects’ spine motions, and validated the measurements using the commercial inclinometer and hunchback instrument. We anticipate that the lightweight, precise and durable stretch sensor applied to spinal monitoring could help mitigate the risk of long-term abnormal postural habits induced diseases.
BAD regulates mammary gland morphogenesis by 4E-BP1-mediated control of localized translation in mouse and human models
Authors: Githaka John Maringa , Tripathi Namita , Kirschenman Raven , Patel Namrata , Pandya Vrajesh , Kramer David A. , Montpetit Rachel , Zhu Lin Fu , Sonenberg Nahum , Fahlman Richard P. , Danial Nika N. , Underhill D. Alan , Goping Ing Swie
Published: May 2021

Elucidation of non-canonical protein functions can identify novel tissue homeostasis pathways. Herein, we describe a role for the Bcl-2 family member BAD in postnatal mammary gland morphogenesis. InBad3SAknock-in mice, where BAD cannot undergo phosphorylation at 3 key serine residues, pubertal gland development is delayed due to aberrant tubulogenesis of the ductal epithelium. Proteomic and RPPA analyses identify that BAD regulates focal adhesions and the mRNA translation repressor, 4E-BP1. These results suggest that BAD modulates localized translation that drives focal adhesion maturation and cell motility. Consistent with this, cells withinBad3SAorganoids contain unstable protrusions with decreased compartmentalized mRNA translation and focal adhesions, and exhibit reduced cell migration and tubulogenesis. Critically, protrusion stability is rescued by 4E-BP1 depletion. Together our results confirm an unexpected role of BAD in controlling localized translation and cell migration during mammary gland development.
Mismatch repair deficiency predicts response to HER2 blockade in HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Punturi Nindo B. , Seker Sinem , Devarakonda Vaishnavi , Mazumder Aloran , Kalra Rashi , Chen Ching Hui , Li Shunqiang , Primeau Tina , Ellis Matthew J. , Kavuri Shyam M. , Haricharan Svasti
Published: May 2021

Resistance to endocrine treatment occurs in ~30% of ER+ breast cancer patients resulting in ~40,000 deaths/year in the USA. Preclinical studies strongly implicate activation of growth factor receptor, HER2 in endocrine treatment resistance. However, clinical trials of pan-HER inhibitors in ER+/HER2− patients have disappointed, likely due to a lack of predictive biomarkers. Here we demonstrate that loss of mismatch repair activates HER2 after endocrine treatment in ER+/HER2− breast cancer cells by protecting HER2 from protein trafficking. Additionally, HER2 activation is indispensable for endocrine treatment resistance in MutL- cells. Consequently, inhibiting HER2 restores sensitivity to endocrine treatment. Patient data from multiple clinical datasets supports an association between MutL loss, HER2 upregulation, and sensitivity to HER inhibitors in ER+/HER2− patients. These results provide strong rationale for MutL loss as a first-in-class predictive marker of sensitivity to combinatorial treatment with endocrine intervention and HER inhibitors in endocrine treatment-resistant ER+/HER2− breast cancer patients.
Regulation of coordinated muscular relaxation in Drosophila larvae by a pattern-regulating intersegmental circuit
Authors: Hiramoto Atsuki , Jonaitis Julius , Niki Sawako , Kohsaka Hiroshi , Fetter Richard D. , Cardona Albert , Pulver Stefan R. , Nose Akinao
Published: May 2021

Typical patterned movements in animals are achieved through combinations of contraction and delayed relaxation of groups of muscles. However, how intersegmentally coordinated patterns of muscular relaxation are regulated by the neural circuits remains poorly understood. Here, we identify Canon, a class of higher-order premotor interneurons, that regulates muscular relaxation during backward locomotion of Drosophila larvae. Canon neurons are cholinergic interneurons present in each abdominal neuromere and show wave-like activity during fictive backward locomotion. Optogenetic activation of Canon neurons induces relaxation of body wall muscles, whereas inhibition of these neurons disrupts timely muscle relaxation. Canon neurons provide excitatory outputs to inhibitory premotor interneurons. Canon neurons also connect with each other to form an intersegmental circuit and regulate their own wave-like activities. Thus, our results demonstrate how coordinated muscle relaxation can be realized by an intersegmental circuit that regulates its own patterned activity and sequentially terminates motor activities along the anterior-posterior axis.
Entanglement-assisted capacity regions and protocol designs for quantum multiple-access channels
Authors: Shi Haowei , Hsieh Min-Hsiu , Guha Saikat , Zhang Zheshen , Zhuang Quntao
Published: May 2021

We solve the entanglement-assisted (EA) classical capacity region of quantum multiple-access channels (MACs) with an arbitrary number of senders. As an example, we consider the bosonic thermal-loss MAC and solve the one-shot capacity region enabled by an entanglement source composed of sender-receiver pairwise two-mode squeezed vacuum states. The EA capacity region is strictly larger than the capacity region without entanglement-assistance. With two-mode squeezed vacuum states as the source and phase modulation as the encoding, we also design practical receiver protocols to realize the entanglement advantages. Four practical receiver designs, based on optical parametric amplifiers, are given and analyzed. In the parameter region of a large noise background, the receivers can enable a simultaneous rate advantage of 82.0% for each sender. Due to teleportation and superdense coding, our results for EA classical communication can be directly extended to EA quantum communication at half of the rates. Our work provides a unique and practical network communication scenario where entanglement can be beneficial.
Introducing a novel low energy gamma ray shield utilizing Polycarbonate Bismuth Oxide composite
Authors: Mehrara Rojin , Malekie Shahryar , Kotahi Seyed Mohsen Saleh , Kashian Sedigheh
Published: May 2021

The fabrication of different weight percentages of Polycarbonate-Bismuth Oxide composite (PC-Bi2O3), namely 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt%, was done via the mixed-solution method. The dispersion state of the inclusions into the polymeric matrix was studied through XRD and SEM analyses. Also, TGA and DTA analyses were carried out to investigate the thermal properties of the samples. Results showed that increasing the amount of Bi2O3 into the polymer matrix shifted the glass transition temperature of the composites towards the lower temperatures. Then, the amount of mass attenuation coefficients of the samples were measured using a CsI(Tl) detector for different gamma rays of 241Am, 57Co, 99mTc, and 133Ba radioactive sources. It was obtained that increasing the concentration of the Bi2O3 fillers in the polycarbonate matrix resulted in increasing the attenuation coefficients of the composites significantly. The attenuation coefficient was enhanced twenty-three times for 50 wt% composite in 59 keV energy, comparing to the pure polycarbonate.