bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terahertz Emission on the Surface of a van der Waals Magnet CrSiTe3
Authors: Suo Peng , Xia Wei , Zhang Wenjie , Zhu Xiaoqing , Fu Jibo , Lin Xian , Jin Zuanming , Liu Weimin , Guo Yanfeng , Ma Guohong
Published: May 2020

The van der Waals magnet CrSiTe3 (CST) has captured immense interest because it is capable of retaining the long‐range ferromagnetic order even in its monolayer form, thus offering potential use in spintronic devices. Bulk CST crystal has inversion symmetry that is broken on the crystal surface. Here, by employing ultrafast terahertz (THz) emission spectroscopy and time resolved THz spectroscopy, the THz emission of the CST crystal is investigated, which shows a strong THz emission from the crystal surface under femtosecond (fs) pulse excitation at 800 nm. Theoretical analysis based on space symmetry of CST suggests the dominant role of shift current occurring on the surface with a thickness of a few quintuple layers in producing the THz emission, consistent with the experimental observation that the emitted THz amplitude strongly depends on the azimuthal and pumping polarization angles. This study offers a new efficient THz emitter as well as a better understanding of the nonlinear optical response of CST. It hopefully will open a window toward the investigation on the nonlinear optical response in the mono/few‐layer van der Waals crystals with low‐dimensional magnetism.
Effects of environmental factors on corrosion behavior of aluminum
Authors: Jung Jungin , Oh Sekwon , Kwon Hyuksang
Published: May 2020

Aluminum, used as a material for heat exchangers in air conditioners, often has problems of leakage of refrigerant on the Al surface due to corrosion. The problems originate from pitting corrosion of the Al in an external environment. To understand corrosion problems, it is necessary to study the corrosion behavior of Al in various environments. In this study, the effects of environmental factors on the corrosion behavior of Al were studied by the surface analysis and electrochemical testing in 3.5 wt% NaCl solutions, with changes of dissolved oxygen, temperature, and concentration of Cl− and S ions. Among the external environmental factors, the presence of oxygen and the increase of Cl− ion concentration do not significantly affect the corrosion potential of Al, leading to an increase of only 1.1 and 6 times, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the corrosion resistance of Al, approximately 40 and 800 times, respectively, with the increase of concentration of S and temperature.
Regularized solution of a Cauchy problem for stochastic elliptic equation
Authors: Nguyen Huy Tuan , Vu Cam Hoan Luu , Zhou Yong , Ngoc Thach Tran
Published: May 2020

In this study, we investigate a Cauchy problem for the stochastic elliptic equation driven by Wiener noise. We show this problem is not well‐posed by proposing a simple illustrative example. To regularize the instable solution, we apply a regularization method called Fourier truncated expansion method. Furthermore, the convergence rate of the regularized solution is also investigated.
Ticking for Metabolic Health: The Skeletal‐Muscle Clocks
Authors: Gutierrez‐Monreal Miguel A. , Harmsen Jan‐Frieder , Schrauwen Patrick , Esser Karyn A.
Published: May 2020

To be prepared for alternating metabolic demands occurring over the 24‐hour day, the body preserves information on time in skeletal muscle, and in all cells, through a circadian‐clock mechanism. Skeletal muscle can be considered the largest collection of peripheral clocks in the body, with a major contribution to whole‐body energy metabolism. Comparison of circadian‐clock gene expression between skeletal muscle of nocturnal rodents and diurnal humans reveals very common patterns based on rest/active cycles rather than light/dark cycles. Rodent studies in which the circadian clock is disrupted in skeletal muscle demonstrate impaired glucose handling and insulin resistance. Experimental circadian misalignment in humans modifies the skeletal‐muscle clocks and leads to disturbed energy metabolism and insulin resistance. Preclinical studies have revealed that timing of exercise over the day can influence the beneficial effects of exercise on skeletal‐muscle metabolism, and studies suggest similar applicability in humans. Current strategies to improve metabolic health (e.g., exercise) should be reinvestigated in their capability to modify the skeletal‐muscle clocks by taking timing of the intervention into account.
Personality Research and Assessment in the Era of Machine Learning
Authors: Stachl Clemens , Pargent Florian , Hilbert Sven , Harari Gabriella M. , Schoedel Ramona , Vaid Sumer , Gosling Samuel D. , Bühner Markus
Published: May 2020

The increasing availability of high–dimensional, fine–grained data about human behaviour, gathered from mobile sensing studies and in the form of digital footprints, is poised to drastically alter the way personality psychologists perform research and undertake personality assessment. These new kinds and quantities of data raise important questions about how to analyse the data and interpret the results appropriately. Machine learning models are well suited to these kinds of data, allowing researchers to model highly complex relationships and to evaluate the generalizability and robustness of their results using resampling methods. The correct usage of machine learning models requires specialized methodological training that considers issues specific to this type of modelling. Here, we first provide a brief overview of past studies using machine learning in personality psychology. Second, we illustrate the main challenges that researchers face when building, interpreting, and validating machine learning models. Third, we discuss the evaluation of personality scales, derived using machine learning methods. Fourth, we highlight some key issues that arise from the use of latent variables in the modelling process. We conclude with an outlook on the future role of machine learning models in personality research and assessment.
Carrier Transport in Graphene Field‐Effect Transistors on Gated Polar Nitride Substrates
Authors: Balasubramanian Krishna , Chandrasekar Hareesh , Raghavan Srinivasan
Published: May 2020

Large‐area, complementary metal–oxide semiconductor‐compatible substrates for high‐performance graphene‐based electronic devices are desired and AlN is a promising candidate with high dielectric constant and low surface phonon densities. An informed choice of substrate needs to consider the simultaneous effects of the two major substrate‐induced scattering mechanisms—remote impurity scattering and remote interfacial phonon scattering. Herein, the effects of such an interplay with fundamentally different electron and hole transport characteristics in chemical vapor deposition (CVD)‐grown monolayer graphene field‐effect transistors (FETs) on AlN thin films are demonstrated, due to the polar and piezoelectric nature of AlN. Temperature‐dependent measurements not only reveal a cross‐over in mobility, with graphene FETs on AlN having larger mobilities than SiO2 at higher temperatures, but also an asymmetry between the cross‐over temperature for the electron and hole branches. Theoretical transport model using appropriate densities of charged impurities in both cases is shown to match well with the experimental results. These results highlight the role of the actual charge configurations within thin‐film dielectric substrates on carrier transport in practically realizable graphene FETs, which can be further generalized to other 2D material systems.
Two‐Step Reactive Ion Etching Process for Diamond‐Based Nanophotonics Structure Formation
Authors: Golovanov Anton V. , Luparev Nikolay V. , Troschiev Sergey Yu. , Tarelkin Sergei A. , Shcherbakova Viktoriia S. , Bormashov Vitaly S.
Published: May 2020

Diamond surface modification is one of the most important technological challenges in the creation of diamond quantum photonics devices. It is necessary to fabricate different 3D structures on the crystal surface with both vertical and V‐shaped etching grooves for waveguides, grating couplers, and mesastructures. Herein, the applicability of SF6‐based plasma for diamond processing is studied. SF6 plasma etches diamond five times faster than commonly used Ar/O2 3:1 at the same pressure and bias, but it cannot provide vertical diamond structures due to the ion scattering. Herein, the two‐step plasma processing method is developed with Molybdenum protective masks that provide steep diamond 3D structures with sidewall roughness less than 40 nm and is, therefore, suitable for nanophotonics and other diamond applications. Mo can be chemically patterned by low‐power SF6 plasma and then used as a hardmask for anisotropic etching of diamond in Ar/O2 plasma with a selectivity of 27. Unlike common methods of diamond processing, the proposed two‐step method does not require chlorine.
Probing Charge Transport and Background Doping in Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition‐Grown (010) β‐Ga2O3
Authors: Feng Zixuan , Bhuiyan A F M Anhar Uddin , Xia Zhanbo , Moore Wyatt , Chen Zhaoying , McGlone Joe F. , Daughton David R. , Arehart Aaron R. , Ringel Steven A. , Rajan Siddharth , Zhao Hongping
Published: May 2020

A new record‐high room‐temperature electron Hall mobility (μRT = 194 cm2 V−1 s−1 at n ≈ 8 × 1015 cm−3) for β‐Ga2O3 is demonstrated in the unintentionally doped thin film grown on (010) semi‐insulating substrate via metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). A peak electron mobility of ≈9500 cm2 V−1 s−1 is achieved at 45 K. Further investigation on the transport properties indicates the existence of sheet charges near the epilayer/substrate interface. Si is identified as the primary contributor to the background carrier in both the epilayer and the interface, originating from both surface contamination and growth environment. The pregrowth hydrofluoric acid cleaning of the substrate leads to an obvious decrease in Si impurity both at the interface and in the epilayer. In addition, the effect of the MOCVD growth condition, particularly the chamber pressure, on the Si impurity incorporation is studied. A positive correlation between the background charge concentration and the MOCVD growth pressure is confirmed. It is noteworthy that in a β‐Ga2O3 film with very low bulk charge concentration, even a reduced sheet charge density plays an important role in the charge transport properties.
Ginsenoside Rd therapy improves histological and functional recovery in a rat model of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Yang Ningning , Liang Guoying , Lin Jing , Zhang Sijia , Lin Qiuchi , Ji Xuechun , Chen Haoyuan , Li Ning , Jin Shizhu
Published: May 2020

Ginsenoside Rd (GRd) is a biologically active component of ginseng that stimulates the proliferation of endogenous stem cells. The objective of our research was to evaluate the utility of GRd in gastrointestinal mucosal regeneration in a rat model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to clarify whether GRd exerts its pharmacological effects by modulating endogenous intestinal stem cells. The IBD rat model was established via subcutaneous injection of indomethacin, and 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg GRd or an equal volume of physiological saline was then administered orally to rats in different groups every day for seven consecutive days. We observed that GRd treatment, especially 20 mg/kg GRd, significantly reduced indomethacin‐induced damage compared with that in the control group. By measuring the mRNA and protein levels of the intestinal stem cell markers Bmi and Msi‐1 and the intestinal epithelial cell marker CDX‐2 as well as by double‐labelling these markers with 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU), we inferred that GRd could stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous intestinal stem cells in IBD model rats, leading to improved recovery of intestinal function.
Contribution of mean and eddy momentum processes to tropical cyclone intensification
Authors: Montgomery Michael T. , Kilroy Gerard , Smith Roger K. , Črnivec Nina
Published: May 2020

An idealized, three‐dimensional, 1 km horizontal grid spacing numerical simulation of a rapidly intensifying tropical cyclone is used to extend basic knowledge on the role of mean and eddy momentum transfer on the dynamics of the intensification process. Examination of terms in the tangential and radial velocity tendency equations provides an improved quantitative understanding of the dynamics of the spin‐up process within the inner‐core boundary layer and eyewall regions of the system‐scale vortex. Unbalanced and non‐axisymmetric processes are prominent features of the rapid spin‐up process. In particular, the wind asymmetries, associated in part with the asymmetric deep convection, make a substantive contribution (∼30%) to the maximum wind speed inside the radius of this maximum. The analysis provides a novel explanation for inflow jets sandwiching the upper‐tropospheric outflow layer which are frequently found in numerical model simulations. In addition, it provides an opportunity to assess the applicability of generalized Ekman balance during rapid vortex spin‐up. The maximum tangential wind occurs within and near the top of the frictional inflow layer and as much as 10 km inside the maximum gradient wind. Spin‐up in the friction layer is accompanied by supergradient winds that exceed the gradient wind by up to 20%. Overall, the results affirm prior work pointing to significant limitations of a purely axisymmetric balance description, for example, gradient balance/Ekman balance, when applied to a rapidly intensifying tropical cyclone.
Learning features from georeferenced seafloor imagery with location guided autoencoders
Authors: Yamada Takaki , Prügel‐Bennett Adam , Thornton Blair
Published: May 2020

Although modern machine learning has the potential to greatly speed up the interpretation of imagery, the varied nature of the seabed and limited availability of expert annotations form barriers to its widespread use in seafloor mapping applications. This motivates research into unsupervised methods that function without large databases of human annotations. This paper develops an unsupervised feature learning method for georeferenced seafloor visual imagery that considers patterns both within the footprint of a single image frame and broader scale spatial characteristics. Features within images are learnt using an autoencoder developed based on the AlexNet deep convolutional neural network. Features larger than each image frame are learnt using a novel loss function that regularises autoencoder training using the Kullback–Leibler divergence function to loosely assume that images captured within a close distance of each other look more similar than those that are far away. The method is used to semantically interpret images taken by an autonomous underwater vehicle at the Southern Hydrates Ridge, an active gas hydrate field and site of a seafloor cabled observatory at a depth of 780 m. The method's performance when applied to clustering and content‐based image retrieval is assessed against a ground truth consisting of more than 18,000 human annotations. The study shows that the location based loss function increases the rate of information retrieval by a factor of two for seafloor mapping applications. The effects of physics‐based colour correction and image rescaling are also investigated, showing that the improved consistency of spatial information achieved by rescaling is beneficial for recognising artificial objects such as cables and infrastructures, but is less effective for natural objects that have greater dimensional variability.
Polymer–Lipid Hybrid Vesicles and Their Interaction with HepG2 Cells
Authors: Brodszkij Edit , Westensee Isabella N. , Bertelsen Mathias , Gal Noga , Boesen Thomas , Städler Brigitte
Published: May 2020

Polymer–lipid hybrid vesicles are an emerging type of nano‐assemblies that show potential as artificial organelles among others. Phospholipids and poly(cholesteryl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(methionine methacryloyloxyethyl ester (METMA)—random–2‐carboxyethyl acrylate (CEA)) labeled with a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) reporter pair are used for the assembly of small and giant hybrid vesicles with homogenous distribution of both building blocks in the membrane as confirmed by the FRET effect. These hybrid vesicles have no inherent cytotoxicity when incubated with HepG2 cells up to 1.1 × 1011 hybrid vesicles per mL, and they are internalized by the cells. In contrast to the fluorescent signal originating from the block copolymer, the fluorescent signal coming from the lipids is barely detectable in cells incubated with hybrid vesicles for 6 h followed by 24 h in cell media, suggesting that the two building blocks have a different intracellular fate. These findings provide important insight into the design criteria of artificial organelles with potential structural integrity.
Slepian models for Gaussian random landscapes
Authors: Blanco-Pillado Jose J. , Sousa Kepa , Urkiola Mikel A.
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Phenomenologically interesting scalar potentials are highly atypical in generic random landscapes. We develop the mathematical techniques to generate constrained random potentials, i.e. Slepian models, which can globally represent low-probability realizations of the landscape. We give analytical as well as numerical methods to construct these Slepian models for constrained realizations of a full Gaussian random field around critical as well as inflection points. We use these techniques to numerically generate in an efficient way a large number of minima at arbitrary heights of the potential and calculate their non-perturbative decay rate. Furthermore, we also illustrate how to use these methods by obtaining statistical information about the distribution of observables in an inflationary inflection point constructed within these models.
Joint State Composition Theorems for Public-Key Encryption and Digital Signature Functionalities with Local Computation
Authors: Küsters Ralf , Tuengerthal Max , Rausch Daniel
Published: May 2020

In frameworks for universal composability, complex protocols can be built from sub-protocols in a modular way using composition theorems. However, as first pointed out and studied by Canetti and Rabin, this modular approach often leads to impractical implementations. For example, when using a functionality for digital signatures within a more complex protocol, parties have to generate new verification and signing keys for every session of the protocol. This motivates to generalize composition theorems to so-called joint state (composition) theorems, where different copies of a functionality may share some state, e.g., the same verification and signing keys. In this paper, we present a joint state theorem which is more general than the original theorem of Canetti and Rabin, for which several problems and limitations are pointed out. We apply our theorem to obtain joint state realizations for three functionalities: public-key encryption, replayable public-key encryption, and digital signatures. Unlike most other formulations, our functionalities model that ciphertexts and signatures are computed locally, rather than being provided by the adversary. To obtain the joint state realizations, the functionalities have to be designed carefully. Other formulations proposed in the literature are shown to be unsuitable. Our work is based on the IITM model. Our definitions and results demonstrate the expressivity and simplicity of this model. For example, unlike Canetti’s UC model, in the IITM model no explicit joint state operator needs to be defined and the joint state theorem follows immediately from the composition theorem in the IITM model.
Plasma oxalate: comparison of methodologies
Authors: Stokes Felicity , Acquaviva-Bourdain Cecile , Hoppe Bernd , Lieske John C. , Lindner Elisabeth , Toulson Greg , Vaz Frédéric M. , Rumsby Gill
Published: May 2020

Measurement of oxalate in the blood is essential for monitoring primary hyperoxaluria patients with progressive renal impairment and on dialysis prior to transplantation. As no external quality assurance scheme is available for this analyte, we conducted a sample exchange scheme between six laboratories specifically involved with the investigation of primary hyperoxaluria to compare results. The methodologies compared were gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS), ion chromatography with mass spectrometry (ICMS), and enzymatic methods using oxalate oxidase and spectrophotometry. Although individual laboratories performed well in terms of reproducibility and linearity, there was poor agreement (absolute values) between centres as illustrated by a longer-term comparison of patient results from two of the participating laboratories. This situation was only partly related to differences in calibration and mainly reflected the lower recoveries seen with the ultrafiltration of samples. These findings lead us to conclude that longitudinal monitoring of primary hyperoxaluria patients with deteriorating kidney function should be performed by a single consistent laboratory and the methodology used should always be defined. In addition, plasma oxalate concentrations reported in registry studies and those associated with the risk of systemic oxalosis in published studies need to be interpreted in light of the methodology used. A reference method and external quality assurance scheme for plasma oxalate analysis would be beneficial.
Effect of information on prostate biopsy history on biopsy outcomes in the era of MRI-targeted biopsies
Authors: Lantz Anna , Haug Erik Skaaheim , Picker Wolfgang , Crippa Alessio , Jäderling Fredrik , Mortezavi Ashkan , Nordström Tobias
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To describe the predictive value of information on previous benign biopsy for the outcome of MRI-targeted biopsies.

Methods

An exploratory analysis was conducted using data from a prospective, multicenter, paired diagnostic study of 532 men undergoing diagnostics for prostate cancer during 2016–2017. All men underwent 1.5 T MRI; systematic prostate biopsies; and MRI-targeted biopsies to MRI lesions with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2, PI-RADS ≥ 3. The main outcome was numbers of detected prostate cancer characterized by grade group (GG) where GG ≥ 2 defined clinically significant cancer (csPCa).

Results

Men with previous biopsies had significantly more often negative MRI (26% vs. 17%, p < 0.05) compared to men without previous biopsies. Men with previous biopsies showed higher rates of benign biopsies (41% vs. 26%, p < 0.05) and lower rates of GG2 (17% vs. 30%, p < 0.05) and GG ≥ 3 (5% vs. 10%, p < 0.05) cancer. Biopsy-naïve men had higher proportions of highly suspicious MRI lesions (PIRADS 5; p < 0.05) and a higher proportion of significant cancer in those lesions (p = 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis, a previous benign prostate biopsy was associated with less than half the odds of csPCa (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.20–0.71).

Conclusion

In this large prospective multicenter trial, we showed that men with a previous prostate biopsy had higher proportions of MRIs without lesions and lower proportion of highly suspicious lesions than biopsy-naïve men. Further, biopsy-naïve men showed higher detection of clinically significant cancer when using MRI-targeted biopsies. Also, in the era of MRI-targeted biopsy strategies, biopsy history should be carefully considered in biopsy decisions.

Trial registration

NCT02788825 (ClinicalTrials.gov). Date of registration June 2, 2016.
Near-surface mean and gust wind speeds in ERA5 across Sweden: towards an improved gust parametrization
Authors: Minola L. , Zhang F. , Azorin-Molina C. , Pirooz A. A. Safaei , Flay R. G. J. , Hersbach H. , Chen D.
Published: May 2020

The ERA5 reanalysis product has been compared with hourly near-surface wind speed and gust observations across Sweden for 2013–2017. ERA5 shows closer agreement than the previous ERA-Interim reanalysis with regard to both mean wind speed and gust measurements, although significant discrepancies are still found for inland and mountainous regions. Therefore, attempts have been made to improve formulations of the gust parametrization used in ERA5 by adding an elevation-dependency and by adjusting the convective gust contribution. Major improvements, especially over mountain regions, are achieved when the elevation differences among the stations are considered. Closer agreement between the observed and parametrized gusts is reached when the convective gust contribution is also tuned. The newly designed gust parametrization was also tested for Norway, which is characterized by more complex topography. Wind gusts from the selected Norwegian stations are more realistically simulated when both the elevation-dependency and the tuned convective contribution are implemented, although the parametrized gusts are still negatively biased. Such biases are not explained by the different in gust duration in recorded wind gusts between Sweden and Norway.
Diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis: MRI in clinical practice
Authors: Tomassini Valentina , Sinclair Audrey , Sawlani Vijay , Overell James , Pearson Owen R. , Hall Julie , Guadagno Joe
Published: May 2020

Background

Recent changes in the understanding and management of multiple sclerosis (MS) have increased the role of MRI in supporting diagnosis and disease monitoring. However, published guidelines on the use of MRI in MS do not translate easily into different clinical settings and considerable variation in practice remains. Here, informed by published guidelines for the use of MRI in MS, we identified a clinically informative MRI protocol applicable in a variety of clinical settings, from district general hospitals to tertiary centres.

Methods

MS specialists geographically representing the UK National Health Service and with expertise in MRI examined existing guidelines on the use of MRI in MS and identification of challenges in their applications in various clinical settings informed the formulation of a feasible MRI protocol.

Results

We identified a minimum set of MRI information, based on clinical relevance, as well as on applicability to various clinical settings. This informed the selection of MRI acquisitions for scanning protocols, differentiated on the basis of their purpose and stage of the disease, and indication of timing for scans. Advice on standardisation of MRI requests and reporting, and proposed timing and frequency of MRI scans were generated.

Conclusions

The proposed MRI protocol can adapt to a range of clinical settings, aiding the impetus towards standardisation of practice and offering an example of research-informed service improvement to support optimisation of resources. Other neurological conditions, where a gap still exists between published guidelines and their clinical implementation, may benefit from this same approach.
Fucose as a new therapeutic target in renal transplantation
Authors: Howard Mark C , Nauser Christopher L , Vizitiu Daniela A , Sacks Steven H
Published: May 2020

Ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable and damaging consequence of the process of kidney transplantation, ultimately leading to delayed graft function and increased risk of graft loss. A key driver of this adverse reaction in kidneys is activation of the complement system, an important part of the innate immune system. This activation causes deposition of complement C3 on renal tubules as well as infiltration of immune cells and ultimately damage to the tubules resulting in reduced kidney function. Collectin-11 (CL-11) is a pattern recognition molecule of the lectin pathway of complement. CL-11 binds to a ligand that is exposed on the renal tubules by the stress caused by IRI, and through attached proteases, CL-11 activates complement and this contributes to the consequences outlined above. Recent work in our lab has shown that this damage-associated ligand contains a fucose residue that aids CL-11 binding and promotes complement activation. In this review, we will discuss the clinical context of renal transplantation, the relevance of the complement system in IRI, and outline the evidence for the role of CL-11 binding to a fucosylated ligand in IRI as well as its downstream effects. Finally, we will detail the simple but elegant theory that increasing the level of free fucose in the kidney acts as a decoy molecule, greatly reducing the clinical consequences of IRI mediated by CL-11.
Water Balance of a Boreal Black Schist Heap Leach Operation
Authors: Arpalahti Antti , Lundström Mari
Published: May 2020

The current study presents the effect of process chemistry as well as climate conditions on the water balance of a heap leach operation for black-schist ore. The research is based on the actual water balance at the Terrafame (former Talvivaara) mine site in Finland during the years 2017 and 2018 (base case). In addition, scenarios with a deviation in climatic conditions (Antofagasta case), chemistry (non-heat generation case) and effects of climate change (RCP4.5 (representative concentration pathway) case and RCP8.5 case) were investigated. In the first case, the annual precipitation and evaporation were simulated for a highly arid climate such as in the Antofagasta Mountains, whereas in the second case, an assumption was made of no excess heat generation (exothermic reactions) in the heap reactions. The base case predicted a requirement of 9,000,000 m3 annual discharge of water from the site with the heaviest annual rainfall. The discharge requirement and therefore the water footprint of the plant was shown to be highly dependent on the climatic conditions, as the Antofagasta case predicted a discharge of water from the site as low as zero. Heat generation, typical of the reactions dominating in a boreal black-schist heap leach operation, was shown to be vital for water management operations and therefore discharge management in Nordic climatic conditions (the non-heat generation case), where the discharge requirement was shown to be nearly threefold compared to the base case (2018). If the black-schist ore body resided in Antofagasta, the freshwater consumption would be over eight times the current consumption in the base case in Finland. Climate change scenarios show that the changing climate would increase the range of variation but only increase the need for water discharge from the site by 5% in the wettest years, while raw water utilization would increase by 46 to 83% during the driest years. In general, the results highlight the issues related to the mass and energy balance of a heap leach nickel process, and therefore feasibility—showing that although the heat generation is ore- and process-specific, the water consumption as well as discharge to the surrounding environment is highly dependent on the climatic conditions (precipitation, temperature) in the geographical location.
Landslides across the USA: occurrence, susceptibility, and data limitations
Authors: Mirus Benjamin B. , Jones Eric S. , Baum Rex L. , Godt Jonathan W. , Slaughter Stephen , Crawford Matthew M. , Lancaster Jeremy , Stanley Thomas , Kirschbaum Dalia B. , Burns William J. , Schmitt Robert G. , Lindsey Kassandra O. , McCoy Kevin M.
Published: May 2020

Detailed information about landslide occurrence is the foundation for advancing process understanding, susceptibility mapping, and risk reduction. Despite the recent revolution in digital elevation data and remote sensing technologies, landslide mapping remains resource intensive. Consequently, a modern, comprehensive map of landslide occurrence across the United States (USA) has not been compiled. As a first step toward this goal, we present a national-scale compilation of existing, publicly available landslide inventories. This geodatabase can be downloaded in its entirety or viewed through an online, searchable map, with parsimonious attributes and direct links to the contributing sources with additional details. The mapped spatial pattern and concentration of landslides are consistent with prior characterization of susceptibility within the conterminous USA, with some notable exceptions on the West Coast. Although the database is evolving and known to be incomplete in many regions, it confirms that landslides do occur across the country, thus highlighting the importance of our national-scale assessment. The map illustrates regions where high-quality mapping has occurred and, in contrast, where additional resources could improve confidence in landslide characterization. For example, borders between states and other jurisdictions are quite apparent, indicating the variation in approaches to data collection by different agencies and disparity between the resources dedicated to landslide characterization. Further investigations are needed to better assess susceptibility and to determine whether regions with high relief and steep topography, but without mapped landslides, require further landslide inventory mapping. Overall, this map provides a new resource for accessing information about known landslides across the USA.
Paeoniflorin ameliorates ulcerative colitis by modulating the dendritic cell-mediated TH17/Treg balance
Authors: Zheng Kai , Jia Jia , Yan Shihai , Shen Hong , Zhu Ping , Yu Jiangyi
Published: May 2020

Immunological tolerance is critical for maintaining gut homeostasis. An imbalance between interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing T helper 17 (TH17) cells and regulatory T cells (Treg cells) is involved in ulcerative colitis (UC) pathogenesis. Dendritic cells (DCs) are able to induce T cell differentiation. Paeoniflorin (PF) is a monoterpene glucoside that is commonly used for treatment of autoimmune disease. However, the immunological mechanism of PF involvement in UC treatment is unclear. The present study aimed to explore whether PF can restore the TH17/Treg balance by modulating DCs. The effects of PF on DCs, TH17 cells and Treg cells were measured. Furthermore, PF-treated DCs were injected into mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. PF inhibited MHC-II and CD86 expression on the DC surface (P < 0.05), decreased interleukin (IL)-12 secretion in vitro and in vivo (P < 0.05), and restored the TH17/Treg ratio in the mouse model of colitis (P < 0.05). PF-treated DCs diminished TH17 differentiation (4.26% in vitro and 1.64% in vivo) and decreased IL-17 expression (P < 0.05) while inducing CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg differentiation (7.82% in vitro and 6.85% in vivo) and increasing Foxp3 and IL-10 production (P < 0.05). Additionally, both PF and PF-treated DCs improved colonic histopathology in the mouse model of colitis (P < 0.05). In conclusion this study suggested that PF can ameliorate TNBS-induced colitis by modulating the DC-mediated TH17/Treg balance.
Modelling resistive and phase-change memory with passive selector arrays: a MATLAB tool
Authors: Noori Yasir J. , De Groot C. H.
Published: May 2020

Memristor devices are crucial for developing neuromorphic computers and next-generation memory technologies. In this work, we provide a comprehensive modelling tool for simulating static DC reading operations of memristor crossbar arrays that use passive selectors with matrix algebra in MATLAB. The software tool was parallel coded and optimised to run with personal computers and distributed computer clusters with minimised CPU and memory consumption. We study the effect of changing the line resistance, array size, voltage selection scheme, selector diode’s ideality factor, reverse saturation current and sense resistance on the electrical behaviour and expected sense margin of a conventional one-diode-one-resistor crossbar arrays. We then investigate the effect of single- and dual-side array biasing and grounding on the dissipated current throughout the array cells. The tool we offer to the memristor community and the studies we present enable the design of larger and more practical memristor arrays for application in data storage and neuromorphic computing.
Fast and Accurate Edge Computing Energy Modeling and DVFS Implementation in GEM5 Using System Call Emulation Mode
Authors: Yassin Yahya H. , Jahre Magnus , Kjeldsberg Per Gunnar , Aunet Snorre , Catthoor Francky
Published: May 2020

Stringent power budgets in battery powered platforms have led to the development of energy saving techniques such as Dynamic Voltage and Frequency scaling (DVFS). For embedded system designers to be able to ripe the benefits of these techniques, support for efficient design space exploration must be available in system level simulators. The advent of the edge computing paradigm, with power constraints in the mW domain, has rendered this even more essential. Without a fast and accurate methodology for architecture simulation and energy estimation, the benefit of new ideas and solutions cannot be evaluated. In this paper, we propose a non-intrusive application controlled DVFS management implementation in the GEM5 simulator, used with GEM5’s system call emulation mode. We also propose a novel architecture independent energy model based on categorization of different measurable workload classes. Our energy model is parametrized and calibrated with power measurements on a SAM4L microcontroller board, containing an ARM Cortex M4 processor. Together with the GEM5 output statistics, the model accurately estimates the total energy consumption of our simulated system. The results from our modified GEM5 simulator are validated with representative signal processing applications. After correction of systematic offset errors, our results deviate with less than 4% compared to measurements from the SAM4L microcontroller. Our contributions in this paper can easily be tailored to other processor models in GEM5 and to future versions of GEM5. It will therefore enable system architects to explore new techniques and compare the improvements relative to existing architectures.
Linking temporal scales of suspended sediment transport in rivers: towards improving transferability of prediction
Authors: Vercruysse Kim , Grabowski Robert C. , Hess Tim , Lexartza-Artza Irantzu
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Suspended sediment (SS) transport in rivers is highly variable, making it challenging to develop predictive models that are applicable across timescales and rivers. Previous studies have identified catchment and hydro-meteorological variables controlling SS concentrations. However, due to the lack of long-term, high-frequency SS monitoring, it remains difficult to link SS transport dynamics during high-flow events with annual or decadal trends in SS transport. This study investigated how processes driving SS transport during high-flow events impact SS transport dynamics and trends observed over longer timescales.

Methods

Suspended sediment samples from the River Aire (UK) (1989–2017) were used to (i) statistically identify factors driving SS transport over multiple timescales (high-flow events, intra- and inter-annual) and (ii) conceptualize SS transport as a fractal system to help link and interpret the effect of short-term events on long-term SS transport dynamics.

Results and discussion

Antecedent moisture conditions were a dominant factor controlling event-based SS transport, confirming results from previous studies. Findings also showed that extreme high-flow events (in SS concentration or discharge) mask factors controlling long-term trends. This cross-timescale effect was conceptualized as high fractal power, indicating that quantifying SS transport in the River Aire requires a multi-timescale approach.

Conclusion

Characterizing the fractal power of a SS transport system presents a starting point in developing transferrable process-based approaches to quantify and predict SS transport, and develop management strategies. A classification system for SS transport dynamics in river systems in terms of fractal power could be developed which expresses the dominant processes underlying SS transport.
Evaluating Housing Health Hazards: Prevalence, Practices and Priorities in Delhi’s Informal Settlements
Authors: Nix Emily , Paulose Jacob , Shrubsole Clive , Altamirano-Medina Hector , Davies Michael , Khosla Renu , Belesova Kristine , Wilkinson Paul
Published: May 2020

Housing quality is crucially linked to health and sustainability goals, yet there is limited research on informal housing and settlements where housing quality is poor, and the health risks are expected to be greatest. This paper describes the investigation of housing conditions in a low-income resettlement colony in Delhi. A novel transdisciplinary methodology to evaluate multiple housing health hazards and establish intervention priorities in participation with the community was developed. Findings from housing surveys and indoor environmental monitoring were contrasted with a participatory self-assessment—revealing the widespread prevalence of hazards and suboptimal housing conditions as well as substantial differences in priorities, and thus perspectives, between participants and researchers. Focus group discussions explored the findings and built consensus on priorities. Our findings uncovered how poor housing conditions affect daily practices and thus are likely to adversely affect socio-economic development and gender equality. We highlight limitations in current frameworks to assess housing hazards and argue that a transdisciplinary approach is vital to provide a holistic understanding and to develop effective interventions. These insights are crucial to inform inclusive solutions for adequate housing and human settlements that can support improved health and help achieve the sustainable development goals.
Compound Poisson models for weighted networks with applications in finance
Authors: Gandy Axel , Veraart Luitgard A. M.
Published: May 2020

We develop a modelling framework for estimating and predicting weighted network data. The edge weights in weighted networks often arise from aggregating some individual relationships between the nodes. Motivated by this, we introduce a modelling framework for weighted networks based on the compound Poisson distribution. To allow for heterogeneity between the nodes, we use a regression approach for the model parameters. We test the new modelling framework on two types of financial networks: a network of financial institutions in which the edge weights represent exposures from trading Credit Default Swaps and a network of countries in which the edge weights represent cross-border lending. The compound Poisson Gamma distributions with regression fit the data well in both situations. We illustrate how this modelling framework can be used for predicting unobserved edges and their weights in an only partially observed network. This is for example relevant for assessing systemic risk in financial networks.
Practical applications of studies on the TSH receptor and TSH receptor autoantibodies
Authors: Furmaniak J. , Sanders J. , Sanders P. , Miller-Gallacher J. , Ryder M. M. , Rees Smith B.
Published: May 2020

Studies on the TSH receptor (TSHR) have numerous practical applications in vitro and in vivo. For example human monoclonal autoantibodies (MAbs) to the TSHR are useful reagents for in vitro diagnostics. Measurement of TSHR autoantibodies (TRAbs) is helpful in diagnosis and management of autoimmune thyroid disease. Currently available highly sensitive and specific assays to measure TRAbs use the human TSHR MAb M22 instead of the TSH. Furthermore, preparations of the human TSHR MAb M22 are useful as the World Health Organisation International Standard for thyroid stimulating antibody and for calibration of the assays for measuring TRAbs. Preparations of thermostabilised TSHR extracellular domain have recently become available and this is likely to have an impact on improvements in specificity testing for TRAb assays. In addition the stable TSHR preparations have practical application for specific immunoadsorption of patient serum TRAbs. Human TSHR MAbs also have promising prospects as new therapeutics. Autoantibodies with TSHR antagonistic activities are “natural” inhibitors of TSHR stimulation and are expected to be helpful in controlling TSHR activity in patients with Graves’ disease, Graves’ ophthalmopathy and thyroid cancer.
Self-complexity mediates the relationship between temperamental perseverance and ruminative thoughts
Authors: Czarnocki Mikołaj , Imbir Kamil K.
Published: May 2020

The temperamental trait of perseverance is suspected to be a cause for ruminations present in many different affective disorders, especially depression. We predicted that higher-order cognition, including self-complexity, would mediate the role of perseverance. In the current study, we used the Formal Characteristics of Behavior–Temperament Inventory (FCB–TI), the Rumination–Reflection Questionnaire and Evans’ Self-Complexity Inventory (SCI) to measure the factors included in the tested model. We found that a strong positive relation between perseverance and ruminative thoughts is partially mediated by self-complexity. This result shows how important it is to include the complex cognitive processes in personality formation to understand the role of temperament in the development of ruminative thoughts.
The comparison of the anatomic stage and pathological prognostic stage according to the AJCC 8th edition for the prognosis in Japanese breast cancer patients: data from a single institution
Authors: Tokunaga Eriko , Ijichi Hideki , Tajiri Wakako , Masuda Takanobu , Takizawa Katsumi , Ueo Hiroki , Koga Chinami , Tanaka Junko , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Ohno Shinji , Taguchi Kenichi , Okamoto Masahiro
Published: May 2020

Background

The TNM system, which reflects the anatomical extent of disease, was used for stage definition. In the recently published AJCC 8th edition, the new staging system of the clinical and pathological prognostic stage, which incorporates biological factors, is introduced.

Patients and methods

A total of 2622 patients with primary breast cancer at stage I–III were included in this study. The anatomic stage (aStage) and the pathological prognostic stage (ppStage) for each case were determined according to the definition of the AJCC 8th edition, and the influence of these stages on the prognosis was compared.

Results

The stage distributions of aStage and ppStage were as follows: aStage, stage IA (54.8%), IB (1.1%), IIA (26.1%), IIB (9.2%), IIIA (5.6%), IIIB (0.1%), and IIIC (3.1%); and ppStage, stage IA (66.6%), IB (13.1%), IIA (11.1%), IIB (3.2%), IIIA (3.3%), IIIB (1.4%), and IIIC (1.2%). Compared with the aStage, the ppStage stayed the same in 1710 patients (65.2%), was downstaged in 778 patients (29.7%), and was upstaged in 134 patients. The pathological tumor size (pT2) and lymph node metastasis (pN1) were associated with downstaging, and histological grade 3 was associated with upstaging. ER positivity, PgR positivity, and HER2-positivity were significantly associated with downstaging, and the TN subtype was associated with upstaging. Both the aStage and ppStage were significantly associated with the prognosis; however, the Kaplan–Meier curves for the relapse-free survival (RFS), distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS), and overall survival were better stratified by the ppStage.

Conclusion

The ppStage reflects the prognosis of patients with early breast cancer more accurately than the aStage.