bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiagent Routing Simulation with Partial Smart Vehicles Penetration
Authors: Kamiński Bogumił , Kraiński Łukasz , Mashatan Atefeh , Prałat Paweł , Szufel Przemysław
Published: March 2020

The invention and implementation of smart connected cars will change the way how the transportation networks in cities around the world operate. This technological shift will not happen instantaneously—for many years, both human-driven and smart connected vehicles will coexist. In this paper, using a multiagent simulation framework, we model a complex urban transportation system that involves heterogeneous participants. Vehicles are assigned into two groups: the first one consists of smart cars and the second one involves regular ones. Vehicles in the former group are capable of rerouting in response to changes in the observed traffic while regular ones rely on historical information only. The goal of the paper is to analyze the effect of changing smart cars penetration on system characteristics, in particular, the total travelling time. The smart car routing algorithm proposed in this paper reduced travelling time up to 30%. Analysis has shown that the behaviour of the system and optimal configuration of underlying algorithms change dynamically with smart vehicles penetration level.
The Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Chow Yoke Yue , Chin Kok-Yong
Published: March 2020

A joint is the point of connection between two bones in our body. Inflammation of the joint leads to several diseases, including osteoarthritis, which is the concern of this review. Osteoarthritis is a common chronic debilitating joint disease mainly affecting the elderly. Several studies showed that inflammation triggered by factors like biomechanical stress is involved in the development of osteoarthritis. This stimulates the release of early-stage inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), which in turn induces the activation of signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These events, in turn, generate more inflammatory molecules. Subsequently, collagenase like matrix metalloproteinases-13 (MMP-13) will degrade the extracellular matrix. As a result, anatomical and physiological functions of the joint are altered. This review is aimed at summarizing the previous studies highlighting the involvement of inflammation in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
A Randomized, Endoscopist-Blinded, Prospective Trial to Compare the Efficacy and Patient Tolerability between Bowel Preparation Protocols Using Sodium Picosulfate Magnesium Citrate and Polyethylene-Glycol (1 L and 2 L) for Colonoscopy
Authors: Kim Sang Hoon , Kim Ji Hyeong , Keum Bora , Jeon Han Jo , Jang Se Hyun , Choi Seong Ji , Kim Seung Han , Lee Jae Min , Choi Hyuk Soon , Kim Eun Sun , Jeen Yoon Tae , Lee Hong Sik , Chun Hoon Jai , Kim Chang Duck
Published: March 2020

Patient compliance during bowel preparation is important for successful colonoscopy. Bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol (PEG), the most commonly used solution for cleansing, involves the unpleasant ingestion of a large amount of liquid. Sodium picosulfate magnesium citrate (SP-MC) solution is an alternative option with better palatability than PEG. Therefore, in this study, we compared the efficacy and patient tolerability among the following three bowel preparation protocols: 2 L PEG-ascorbic acid (ASc), 1 L PEG-ASc plus bisacodyl, and SP-MC 340 mL plus bisacodyl. We conducted a randomized prospective endoscopist-blinded study between August 2018 and January 2019. A total of 311 patients were randomly classified into three groups according to the above-described bowel preparation protocols. To evaluate the efficacy of bowel cleansing, we used the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. The degree of symptoms and the patients’ satisfaction with each bowel preparation method were investigated using a questionnaire completed before sedation for colonoscopy. The baseline characteristics were similar among the three groups. There was no significant difference in the bowel preparation quality among the three groups. However, the incidence of symptoms, such as abdominal fullness and pain, was significantly lower (P=0.006 and 0.027, respectively) while the patients’ satisfaction rate was significantly higher (P=0.012) in the SP-MC plus bisacodyl group than in the two PEG groups. In this study, the efficacy of the SP-MC plus bisacodyl solution was similar to that of the PEG solutions. However, patient tolerability and satisfaction were better in the SP-MC plus bisacodyl group than in the other groups. In conclusion, the use of SP-MC plus bisacodyl bowel preparation solution might be a better method for providing good intestinal cleansing and improving patient compliance.
Targeting the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase PJA1 Enhances Tumor-Suppressing TGFβ Signaling
Authors: Chen Jian , Mitra Abhisek , Li Shulin , Song Shumei , Nguyen Bao-Ngoc , Chen Jiun-Sheng , Shin Ji-Hyun , Gough Nancy R. , Lin Paul , Obias Vincent , He Aiwu Ruth , Yao Zhixing , Malta Tathiane M. , Noushmehr Houtan , Latham Patricia S. , Su Xiaoping , Rashid Asif , Mishra Bibhuti , Wu Ray-Chang , Mishra Lopa
Published: March 2020

RING-finger E3 ligases are instrumental in the regulation of inflammatory cascades, apoptosis, and cancer. However, their roles are relatively unknown in TGFβ/SMAD signaling. SMAD3 and its adaptors, such as β2SP, are important mediators of TGFβ signaling and regulate gene expression to suppress stem cell–like phenotypes in diverse cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, PJA1, an E3 ligase, promoted ubiquitination and degradation of phosphorylated SMAD3 and impaired a SMAD3/β2SP-dependent tumor-suppressing pathway in multiple HCC cell lines. In mice deficient for SMAD3 (Smad3+/−), PJA1 overexpression promoted the transformation of liver stem cells. Analysis of genes regulated by PJA1 knockdown and TGFβ1 signaling revealed 1,584 co-upregulated genes and 1,280 co-downregulated genes, including many implicated in cancer. The E3 ligase inhibitor RTA405 enhanced SMAD3-regulated gene expression and reduced growth of HCC cells in culture and xenografts of HCC tumors, suggesting that inhibition of PJA1 may be beneficial in treating HCC or preventing HCC development in at-risk patients.

Significance: These findings provide a novel mechanism regulating the tumor suppressor function of TGFβ in liver carcinogenesis.
Identification of ALDH1A3 as a Viable Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer Metastasis–Initiating Cells
Authors: Yamashita Daisuke , Minata Mutsuko , Ibrahim Ahmed N. , Yamaguchi Shinobu , Coviello Vito , Bernstock Joshua D. , Harada Shuko , Cerione Richard A. , Tannous Bakhos A. , La Motta Concettina , Nakano Ichiro
Published: March 2020

The development of efficacious therapies targeting metastatic spread of breast cancer to the brain represents an unmet clinical need. Accordingly, an improved understanding of the molecular underpinnings of central nervous system spread and progression of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) is required. In this study, the clinical burden of disease in BCBM was investigated, as well as the role of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) in the metastatic cascade leading to BCBM development. Initial analysis of clinical survival trends for breast cancer and BCBM determined improvement of breast cancer survival rates; however, this has failed to positively affect the prognostic milestones of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) brain metastases (BM). ALDH1A3 and a representative epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene signature (mesenchymal markers, CD44 or Vimentin) were compared in tumors derived from BM, lung metastases (LM), or bone metastases (BoM) of patients as well as mice after injection of TNBC cells. Selective elevation of the EMT signature and ALDH1A3 were observed in BM, unlike LM and BoM, especially in the tumor edge. Furthermore, ALDH1A3 was determined to play a role in BCBM establishment via regulation of circulating tumor cell adhesion and migration phases in the BCBM cascade. Validation through genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of ALDH1A3 via lentiviral shRNA knockdown and a novel small-molecule inhibitor demonstrated selective inhibition of BCBM formation with prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Given the survival benefits via targeting ALDH1A3, it may prove an effective therapeutic strategy for BCBM prevention and/or treatment.
SLFN11 Expression in Advanced Prostate Cancer and Response to Platinum-based Chemotherapy
Authors: Conteduca Vincenza , Ku Sheng-Yu , Puca Loredana , Slade Megan , Fernandez Luisa , Hess Judy , Bareja Rohan , Vlachostergios Panagiotis J. , Sigouros Michael , Mosquera Juan Miguel , Sboner Andrea , Nanus David M. , Elemento Olivier , Dittamore Ryan , Tagawa Scott T. , Beltran Himisha
Published: March 2020

Expression of the DNA/RNA helicase schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11) has been identified as a sensitizer of tumor cells to DNA-damaging agents including platinum chemotherapy. We assessed the impact of SLFN11 expression on response to platinum chemotherapy and outcomes in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Tumor expression of SLFN11 was assessed in 41 patients with CRPC treated with platinum chemotherapy by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of metastatic biopsy tissue (n = 27) and/or immunofluorescence in circulating tumor cells (CTC; n = 20). Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier methods were used to evaluate the association of SLFN11 expression with radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis included tumor histology (i.e., adenocarcinoma or neuroendocrine) and the presence or absence of DNA repair aberrations. Patient-derived organoids with SLFN11 expression and after knockout by CRISPR-Cas9 were treated with platinum and assessed for changes in dose response. Patients were treated with platinum combination (N = 38) or platinum monotherapy (N = 3). Median lines of prior therapy for CRPC was two. Median OS was 8.7 months. Overexpression of SLFN11 in metastatic tumors by RNA-seq was associated with longer rPFS compared with those without overexpression (6.9 vs. 2.8 months, HR = 3.72; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.56–8.87; P < 0.001); similar results were observed for patients with SLFN11-positive versus SLFN11-negative CTCs (rPFS 6.0 vs. 2.2 months, HR = 4.02; 95% CI, 0.77–20.86; P = 0.002). A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline of ≥50% was observed in all patients with SLFN11 overexpression. No association was observed between SLFN11 expression and OS. On multivariable analysis, SLFN11 was an independent factor associated with rPFS on platinum therapy. Platinum response of organoids expressing SLFN11 was reduced after SLFN11 knockout. Our data suggest that SLFN11 expression might identify patients with CRPC with a better response to platinum chemotherapy independent of histology or other genomic alterations. Additional studies, also in the context of PARP inhibitors, are warranted.
Predicting Progression of Untreated Macular Pucker Using Retinal Surface En Face Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Li Daniel Q. , Rudkin Adam K. , Altomare Filiberto , Giavedoni Louis , Wong David T.
Published: March 2020

Purpose: To review visual outcomes in untreated premacular membrane (PMM) with macular pucker (MP) and evaluate novel predictors of progression. Methods: In this retrospective observation study, we included 342 eyes with untreated PMM with MP between 2012 and 2015. PMMs were characterized by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging based on foveal morphologies, number of retinal contraction centers, central subfield thickness (CST), inner segment ellipsoid band integrity, and photoreceptor deformation index. Additionally, the thickened retina portion was identified by en face OCT and processed digitally to calculate its area. Parameters were retrospectively analyzed using multiple regression analyses to identify associations with change in visual acuity (VA) between initial to final follow-up visit. Results: In 468 eyes with untreated PMM, VA and CST did not change significantly during a mean observation period of 448 days (p = 0.52 and 0.35, respectively). Specifically, VA improved or stayed the same in 80% and worsened by 2 lines or more in 20% of eyes. The only consistent predictor of PMM progression was area of retinal thickening: for every 1 mm2 of retinal thickening at baseline, the odds of having worsened vision at follow-up increased by 6% (OR 1.0606, 95% CI 1.0031–1.1214, p = 0.0387). Conclusions: The majority of eyes with PMM and good visual function at baseline remain stable or spontaneously improve in VA and macular thickness. Area of retinal thickening as evaluated by en face OCT may be a novel predictor of vision loss in untreated PMM with MP.
Consumer Preferences for Skin Cancer Screening Using Mobile Teledermoscopy: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kong Fleur , Horsham Caitlin , Rayner Jenna , Simunovic Marko , O’Hara Montana , Soyer H. Peter , Janda Monika
Published: March 2020

Background: Mobile teledermoscopy is a rapidly advancing technology that promotes early detection and management of skin cancers. Whilst the use of teledermoscopy has proven to be effective and has a role in the detection of skin cancers, patients’ attitudes towards the multiple ways in which this technology can be utilised has not been explored. Methods: Data were obtained from a large randomised controlled trial comparing mobile teledermoscopy-enhanced skin self-examinations (SSEs) with naked-eye SSE. A semi-structured interview guide was developed by the investigators with questions focusing on people’s previous skin screening behaviours and 2 of the major pathways which can be utilised in mobile teledermoscopy: (i) direct-to-consumer and (ii) doctor-to-doctor. All interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken by 2 independent researchers. Results: Twenty-eight participants were interviewed. Eighty-six percent of participants (n = 24/28) had previously had a clinical skin examination. Only 18% of participants (n = 5/28) visited the same doctor for each clinical skin examination. Five main themes were identified in the interviews that affected how people felt about the integration of mobile teledermoscopy into skin screening pathways: history of clinical skin examinations, continuity of the doctor-patient relationship, convenience of the direct-to-consumer teledermoscopy, expedited review enhancing the doctor-to-doctor setting and mobile teledermoscopy as a partner-assisted task. Conclusions: Overall mobile teledermoscopy was viewed positively for both direct-to-consumer and doctor-to-doctor interaction. Continuity of care in the doctor-patient relationship was not found to be a priority for clinical skin examination with most participants visiting several doctors throughout their clinical skin examination history.
Voice-Based Classification of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Where Are We and Where Are We Going? A Systematic Review
Authors: Vieira Helder , Costa Nelson , Sousa Tomás , Reis Sara , Coelho Luis
Published: March 2020

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive motor neuron disease. People with ALS demonstrate various speech problems. Summary: We aim to provide an overview of studies concerning the diagnosis of ALS based on the analysis of voice samples. The main focus is on the feasibility of the use of voice and speech assessment as an effective method to diagnose the disease, either in clinical or pre-clinical conditions, and to monitor the disease progression. Specifically, we aim to examine current knowledge on: (a) voice parameters and the data models that can, most effectively, provide robust results; (b) the feasibility of a semi-automatic or automatic diagnosis and outcomes; and (c) the factors that can improve or restrict the use of such systems in a real-world context. Key Messages: The studies already carried out on the possibility of diagnosis of ALS using the voice signal are still sparse but all point to the importance, feasibility and simplicity of this approach. Most cohorts are small which limits the statistical relevance and makes it difficult to infer broader conclusions. The set of features used, although diverse, is quite circumscribed. ALS is difficult to diagnose early because it may mimic several other neurological diseases. Promising results were found for the automatic detection of ALS from speech samples and this can be a feasible process even in pre-symptomatic stages. Improved guidelines must be set in order to establish a robust decision model.
Staging Laparoscopy in Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Is It Still Useful?
Authors: Franken Lotte C. , Coelen Robert Jan S. , Roos Eva , Verheij Joanne , Phoa Saffire S. , Besselink Marc G. , Busch Olivier R.C. , van Gulik Thomas M.
Published: March 2020

Background: The role of staging laparoscopy in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains unclear. Despite extensive preoperative imaging, approximately 25% of patients are deemed unresectable at laparotomy due to metastasized disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of unresectable disease found at staging laparoscopy and to identify predictors for detecting metastasized intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively collected records of all patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, presenting at our institution from 2008 to 2017. Staging laparoscopy was performed on the suspicion of distant metastases and on indication in larger tumors. The yield and sensitivity of staging laparoscopy was calculated. Reasons for unresectability at staging laparoscopy or laparotomy were recorded. Results: Among a total of 80 patients with potentially resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 35 patients underwent staging laparoscopy on the suspicion of distant metastases. Unresectable disease was found at staging laparoscopy in 15 patients. Reasons for unresectability were liver metastasis (n = 6), peritoneal metastasis (n = 4), severe cirrhosis (n = 2), locally advanced tumor with satellite lesions (n = 1), and distant lymph node metastasis (n = 2). Considering optimal preoperative imaging, the true yield of staging laparoscopy was 20% (7/35). Two patients did not undergo laparotomy due to progression after staging laparoscopy. Of the remaining 18 patients who underwent laparotomy, 6 patients (30%) had unresectable disease, mostly because of distant metastasis (n = 4). Conclusions: The role of staging laparoscopy to detect unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is highly dependent on the quality of preoperative imaging. Currently, no accurate selection criteria on imaging exist to select patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who potentially benefit from staging laparoscopy.
Anämie nach TKI-Behandlung: Breiteres Risikoassessment für EPO-Einsatz benötigt
Authors: Kolb Gerald
Published: March 2020

Background: In elderly patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) responsive to imatinib, the incidence of clinically significant (CS) late chronic anemia is still unknown. Materials and Methods: To highlight this issue, we revised retrospectively 81 CML patients aged >60 years treated at our Institution with front-line imatinib for at least 24 months in durable complete cytogenetic response (CCyR). CS late chronic anemia was defined as the presence of persistent (>6 months) and otherwise unexplained Hb levels ≤10 g/dL, which occurred >6 months from imatinib start. Results: A condition of CS late chronic anemia occurred in 22 out of 81 patients (27.2%) at different intervals from imatinib start. Seven out of 22 patients (31.8%) needed packed red cell transfusions during the follow-up. At diagnosis, patients who developed CS late chronic anemia were significantly older and had a lower Hb median level. Six out of 22 patients with CS late chronic anemia received subcutaneous recombinant alpha-erythropoietin (EPO) at the standard dosage of 40,000 IU weekly: all 6 patients achieved an erythroid response. A significantly worse event-free survival (EFS) in patients with untreated CS late chronic anemia was observed (p=0.012). Conclusions: CS late chronic anemia during long-term treatment with imatinib is a common complication in responsive elderly patients, with worse EFS if untreated. Results with EPO are encouraging, but larger studies are warranted to define its role.
Therapie des kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms bei neu diagnostizierten Patienten mit schlechtem Performance-Status
Authors: Aida Yuka , Nakazawa Kensuke , Shiozawa Toshihiro , Ogawa Ryoko , Kiwamoto Takumi , Morishima Yuko , Sekine Ikuo , Hizawa Nobuyuki
Published: March 2020

Das kleinzellige Lungenkarzinom (small-cell lung cancer, SCLC) reagiert sehr empfindlich auf eine platinbasierte Chemotherapie. Bei Patienten, die bei der Erstdiagnose einen schlechten Performance-Status (PS) aufweisen, ist die Indikation jedoch umstritten. In der vorliegenden Arbeit überprüften wir retrospektiv alle klinischen Verläufe von Patienten mit histopathologisch gesichertem SCLC und schlechtem Performance-Status, das heißt PS 3 und 4 gemäß Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Von 18 Patienten erhielten 12 eine Chemotherapie und 6 lediglich eine supportive Therapie. Unter den Chemotherapie-Zyklen kam es bei 7 Patienten (58,3%, einschließlich der PS-4-Fälle) zu einer Verbesserung des Performance-Status, bei 2 Patienten (16,7%) blieb er stabil und bei 3 Patienten (25%) verschlechterte er sich. Darüber hinaus zeigten 5 Patienten ein partielles Ansprechen auf die Chemotherapie (Ansprechrate von 41,7%). Zehn (10) Patienten (83,3%) entwickelten eine Neutropenie Grad 3 bis 4 und bei 5 Patienten (41,7%) trat eine febrile Neutropenie Grad 3 auf; eine nicht-hämatologische Toxizität Grad 4 wurde nicht festgestellt. Ein 77-jähriger männlicher Patient mit PS 3 verstarb infolge einer behandlungsbedingten Lungentoxizität (Grad 5). Es zeigte sich kein wesentlicher Unterschied in der Überlebensdauer zwischen Patienten mit PS 3 und PS 4, selbst dann nicht, wenn Patienten, die lediglich eine supportive Therapie erhalten hatten, in die Analyse einbezogen wurden. Die Behandlung hatte einen positiven Effekt auf das Überleben: Nach der Chemotherapie lag die 6-Monats-Überlebensrate der Patienten mit PS 3 und 4 bei 66,7%. Demgegenüber starben alle Patienten, die nur eine supportive Therapie erhalten hatten, innerhalb von 5 Monaten. Diese Ergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass eine Chemotherapie nicht nur bei ausgewählten SCLC-Patienten mit PS 3, sondern auch solchen mit PS 4 indiziert ist.
Mitigation of the Adverse Consequences of Nutrient Excess on the Kidney: A Unified Hypothesis to Explain the Renoprotective Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors
Authors: Packer Milton
Published: March 2020

The 2 most common causes of chronic kidney disease worldwide (type 2 diabetes and obesity) are states of nutrient excess, suggesting that fuel overabundance leads to deleterious effects on the structure and function of the kidneys. Three pathophysiological pathways may potentially explain this linkage. First, both obesity and type 2 diabetes are characterized by glomerular hyperfiltration, which may result from increased proximal tubular reabsorption of sodium (due to enhanced glucose and sodium transport) coupled with activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Second, both obesity and type 2 diabetes are characterized by adipose tissue expansion and inflammation, followed by the augmented synthesis and release of lipid intermediates and proinflammatory adipocytokines that can have deleterious effects on the kidney. Third, states of nutrient excess cause a diminution in the activation of the energy sensors, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The result is a suppression of autophagy, a lysosomal degradative pathway that is responsible for the clearance of damaged organelles that are an important source of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors induces a transcriptional paradigm that mimics fasting, which leads to the amelioration of glomerular hyperfiltration and adipose tissue inflammation as well as augmentation of AMPK/SIRT1 signaling and autophagy, thereby acting to mute organellar and cellular stress in the kidney. Therefore, SGLT2 inhibitors are positioned to antagonize all 3 pathways by which nutrient excess can lead to nephropathy.
Do Teach For America Corps Members Still Improve Student Achievement? Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Teach For America's Scale-Up Effort
Authors: Clark Melissa A. , Isenberg Eric
Published: March 2020

In 2010, Teach For America (TFA) launched a major expansion effort, funded in part by a five-year Investing in Innovation scale-up grant from the U.S. Department of Education. To examine the effectiveness of TFA elementary school teachers in the second year of the scale-up, we recruited thirty-six schools from ten states and randomly assigned students in participating schools to a class taught by a TFA teacher or a class taught by a comparison teacher. We then gathered data on student achievement and surveyed teachers on their educational background, preparation for teaching, and teaching experience. The TFA teachers in the study schools had substantially less teaching experience than comparison teachers but were more likely to have graduated from a selective college. Overall, TFA and comparison teachers in the study were similarly effective in teaching both reading and math. TFA teachers in early elementary classrooms (grades 2 and below), however, were more effective than comparison teachers: TFA teachers in prekindergarten through grade 2 had a positive, statistically significant effect of 0.12 standard deviations on students’ reading achievement, and TFA teachers in grades 1 and 2 had a positive, marginally significant effect of 0.16 standard deviations on student math achievement.
The Special Issue ‘Forced Migration and Refugeedom in the Modern Middle East’ Towards Connected Histories of Refugeedom in the Middle East
Authors: Tejel Jordi , Öztan Ramazan Hakkı
Published: March 2020

This special issue approaches the study of refugees and forcibly displaced persons in the Middle East beyond the analytic bounds dictated by states, nations and regions. Each author is interested in showing connections, influences, and far-reaching consequences that cut across analytic boundaries. By challenging state-centred accounts and instead placing refugees, institutions, and states in a mutually interactive framework, each contributor frames refugees as the driving force behind various historical processes. By providing a range of case studies drawn from the Middle East, the volume also marks a step away from the Euro-centrism that so often defines the study of refugees and shows the centrality of the developments in Europe for the Middle East and the developments in the Middle East for Europe. We therefore propose the connected histories of refugeedom as the historiographical way forward in the study of refugees.
International Relief Operations in Palestine in the Aftermath of the First World War: the Discrepancy between International Humanitarian Organisations’ Visions, Ambitions, and Actions
Authors: Rodogno Davide
Published: March 2020

This article examines the history of international humanitarian relief from 1918 to 1920 with a focus on the American Red Cross (arc) in Jerusalem, during the period that eventually led to the establishment of the British mandate in Palestine. The analysis shows a discrepancy between the arc’s projects and what it actually realised during its humanitarian operations. The mission’s ambition clearly went beyond offering temporary shelter, blankets, clothing, some food and medical aid. It was a rehabilitation and construction mission. The results were unimpressive for a number of reasons that this article examines in detail.
The end of the long road: Iranian endemic Seseli elbursense (Apiaceae) has taken its place in the genus Semenovia

Authors: LYSKOV DMITRY , KLJUYKOV EUGENE , TERENTIEVA ELENA , UKRAINSKAJA ULIANA , SAMIGULLIN TAHIR
Published: March 2020

The little-know Iranian endemic species Seseli elbursense was collected by the first author during fieldwork. It was described originally as Trachydium eriocarpum; however, mature fruits are unknown to date, and therefore its generic affiliation is ambiguous. Rechinger in Flora Iranica concluded that the species can be a member of the genus Platytaenia (now part of Semenovia). Our molecular study and comparison of morphological features confirm the opinion of Rechinger; we therefore transfer Seseli elbursense to the genus Semenovia, establishing a new combination, Semenovia eriocarpa.
Threshold Voltage Variations Induced by Si1−xGex and Si1−xCx of Sub 5-nm Node Silicon Nanosheet Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Jeong Jinsu , Yoon Jun-Sik , Lee Seunghwan , Baek Rock-Hyun
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we investigated the threshold voltage (Vth) variations in sub 5-nm node silicon nanosheet FETs (NSFETs) caused by Ge and C diffusion into NS channels using fully-calibrated 3-D TCAD simulation. Ge (C) atoms of Si1−xGex
(Si1−xCx) source/drain (S/D) diffuse toward the NS channels in lateral direction in p-type (n-type) FETs, and Ge atoms of Si0.7Ge0.3 stacks diffuse toward the NS channels in vertical direction. Increasing Ge mole fraction
of the Si1−xGex S/D in the p-type FETs (PFETs) causing increasing compressive channel stress retards boron dopants diffusing from the Si1−xGex S/D into the NS channels, thus increasing the Vth
of PFETs (Vth, p). However, the Vth, p decreases as the Ge mole fraction of the Si1−xGex S/D becomes greater than 0.5 due to the higher valence band energy (Ev) of the NS channels. On the other
hand, the Vth of n-type FETs (NFETs) (Vth, n) consistently increases as the C mole fraction of the Si1−xCx S/D increases due to monotonously retarded phosphorus dopants diffusing from the Si1−xCx
S/D into the NS channels. On the other hand, the Vth, p and Vth, n consistently decreases and increases, respectively, as Si/Si0.7Ge0.3 intermixing becomes severer because both Ev and conduction band energies (Ec)
of the NS channels become higher. In addition, the Vth, p variations are more sensitive to the Si/Si0.7Ge0.3 intermixing than the Vth, n variations because the Ge mole fraction in NS channels affects the Ev remarkably
rather than the Ec. As a result, the Ge atoms diffusing toward the NS channels should be carefully considered more than the C diffusion toward the NS channels for fine Vth variation optimization in sub 5-nm node NSFETs.
Resistive Switching Characteristics of Nonvolatile Memory with HSQ Film Using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Min Shin-Yi , Cho Won-Ju
Published: March 2020

In this study, we fabricated a resistive random access memory (ReRAM) of metal-insulator-metal structures using a hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) film that was deposited by a low-cost solution process as a resistance switching (RS) layer. For post-deposition annealing (PDA) to improve
the switching performance of HSQ-based ReRAMs, we applied high energy-efficient microwave irradiation (MWI). For comparison, ReRAMs with an as-deposited HSQ layer or a conventional thermally annealed (CTA) HSQ layer were also prepared. The RS characteristics, molecular structure modification
of the HSQ layer, and reliability of the MWI-treated ReRAM were evaluated and compared with the as-deposited or CTA-treated devices. Typical bipolar RS (BRS) behavior was observed in all the fabricated HSQ-based ReRAM devices. In the low-voltage region of the high-resistance state (HRS) as
well as the low-resistance state, current flows through the HSQ layer by an ohmic conduction mechanism. However, as the applied voltage increases in HRS, the current slope increases nonlinearly and follows the Poole–Frenkel conduction mechanism. The RS characteristics of the HSQ layer
depend on the molecular structure, and when the PDA changes from a cage-like structure to a cross-linked network, memory characteristics are improved. In particular, the MWI-treated HSQ ReRAM has the largest memory window at the smallest operating power and demonstrated a stable endurance
during the DC cycling test over 500 times and reliable retention at room (25 °C) and high (85 °C) temperatures for 104 seconds.
Recessed-Gate GaN Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor High-Electron-Mobility Transistor Using a Dual Gate-Insulator Employing TiO2/SiN
Authors: Jung Jun Hyeok , Cho Min Su , Jang Won Douk , Lee Sang Ho , Jang Jaewon , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kang In Man
Published: March 2020

In this work, we present a normally-off recessed-gate AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistor (MIS-HEMT) using a TiO2/SiN dual gate-insulator. We analyzed the electrical characteristics of the proposed device and found that the dual gate-insulator
device achieves higher on-state currents than the device using a SiN gate-insulator because the high-k insulator layer of the dual gate-insulator improves the gate-controllability. The device using a TiO2/SiN gate-insulator shows better gate leakage current characteristics than
the device with only TiO2 gate-insulator because of the high quality SiN gate-insulator. Therefore, the device using a dual gate-insulator can overcome disadvantages of a device using only TiO2 gate-insulator. To better predict the power consumption and the switching
speed, we simulated the specific on-resistance (Ron, sp) according to the gate-to-drain distance (LGD) using the two-dimensional ATLAS simulator. The proposed device exhibits a threshold voltage of 2.3 V, a maximum drain current of 556 mA/mm, a low Ron,
sp of 1.45 mΩ·cm2, and a breakdown voltage of 631 V at an off-state current of 1 μA/mm with VGS = 0 V. We have confirmed that a normally-off recessed-gate AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT using a TiO2/SiN dual gate-insulator is a promising
candidate for power electronic applications.
Transparent Conductive Silver Nanowire Embedded Polyimide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrid Film
Authors: Jeong Keuk-Min , Cai Yagua , Piao Xianqing , Ha Chang-Sik
Published: March 2020

A highly flexible, transparent, and conductive polyimide (PI) hybrid film with good thermal stability was fabricated by embedding reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coated silver nanowire (AgNW) into 4,4′-(hexa fluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride(6FDA)/2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine
(TFDB) poly(amic acid) using a spray coating method, followed by thermal imidization. The PI/AgNW/rGO conductive film exhibited good thermal stability up to 553 °C, low sheet resistance (37 Ω/sq), high optical transparency (81%), and high hydrophobic surface (water contact angle,
89°). The rGO protected the surface of AgNW, which is weak to oxidation in air condition, and thus effectively reduced the surface resistance of the PI hybrid film. The hybrid film may offer a good potential for application as flexible transparent conducting electrodes.
A Sulfur-Infused Separator for Boosting Areal Capacity of Li–S Batteries
Authors: Kang Jukyoung , Kang Ji Hoon , Park Seong Soon , Kim Seok , Jung Yongju
Published: March 2020

This study presents a new approach for enabling the development of high-performance lithium-sulfur (Li–S) cells by simply inserting a sulfur-infused separator (SIS) between a common S cathode and a Li metal anode. All solid sulfur electrically isolated from the cathode is electrochemically
reduced to polysulfides during the first discharge. Notably, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) studies have demonstrated that the S in the separator disappears completely even when the cell is discharged to 2.1 V in the first cycle. The combination
of a SIS with a typical S cathode results in the doubling of the areal capacity with superior cycling stability upon comparison with the control cell. This result demonstrates that the introduction of additional active materials, such as elemental sulfur, to a separator is a highly effective
method for the fabrication of Li–S cells with a high areal capacity.
Wettability, Surface Morphology and Structural Properties of β-FeSi2 Films Manufactured Through Usage of Radio-Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Charoenyuenyao Peerasil , Promros Nathaporn , Chaleawpong Rawiwan , Borwornpornmetee Nattakorn , Sittisart Pattarapol , Tanaka Yūki , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2020

In this research, β-FeSi2 thin films were manufactured onto Si(111) wafer substrates through the usage of radio-frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS) method at 2.66 × 10−1 Pa of sputtering pressure. The substrate temperatures were varied
at 500 °C, 560 °C, and 600 °C. The Raman lines of the β-FeSi2 fabricated at 500 °C revealed the peaks at the positions of ~174 cm−1, ~189 cm−1, ~199 cm−1, ~243 cm−1, ~278 cm−1,
and ~334 cm−1. For the higher substrate temperatures of 560 °C and 600 °C, the Raman peaks of ~189 cm−1, ~243 cm−1, and ~278 cm−1 were shifted toward higher Raman positions. The surface view of the films was observed
with several grains over the β-FeSi2 film surface at all substrate temperatures. The average grain size of the films for the samples deposited at 500 °C and 560 °C was in the range of 28 to 30 nm, where the size was enlarged to 36 nm at 600 °C of substrate
temperature. The root mean square roughness were 10.19 nm, 10.84 nm, and 13.67 nm for the β-FeSi2 film surface prepared at the substrate temperatures of 500 °C, 560 °C, and 600 °C, respectively. The contact angle (CA) values were
99.25°, 99.80°, and 102.00° for the created samples at 500 °C, 560 °C, and 600 °C, respectively. As the acquired CA values, all β-FeSi2 samples exhibited a hydrophobic property with CA in the
range of 90° to 150°. Consequently, the produced β-FeSi2 film surface employing the RFMS method indicated a potential to be employed in a hydrophobic coating application.
Light Detection and Carrier Transportation Mechanism in p-Type Si/n-Type Nanocrystalline FeSi2 Heterojunctions Produced via Radio-Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Sittisart Pattarapol , Promros Nathaporn , Chaleawpong Rawiwan , Charoenyuenyao Peerasil , Borwornpornmetee Nattakorn , Tanaka Yūki , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2020

In the current research, p-type Si/n-type nanocrystalline FeSi2 heterojunctions were fabricated at room temperature with an argon pressure of 2.66×10−1 Pa by means of the utilization of a radiofrequency magnetron sputtering technique.
These heterojunctions were studied for the carrier transportation mechanism and near-infrared (NIR) light detection at various temperatures ranging from 300 K down to 150 K. At 300 K, the fabricated heterojunctions displayed a typical rectifying action together with substantial leakage current.
At 150 K, the leakage current was clearly reduced by greater than four orders of magnitude. The value of the ideality factor (n) at 300 K was computed to be 1.87 and this was nearly constant under temperatures ranging from 300 down to 260 K. This implies that a recombination process
was predominant. At temperatures lower than 250 K, the value of n was found to be more than 2. These results demonstrated that the carrier transportation mechanism was governed by a tunnelling process. A weak response for the irradiation of NIR light was observed at 300 K. At 150 K, the ratio
of the photocurrent to the dark current evidently increased by more than two orders of magnitude. The detectivity at 150 K was 4.84×1010 cm Hz1/2 W−1 at zero bias voltage, which was clearly improved as compared to that at 300 K.
Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Cold Mix Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Sun Zhilin , Li Yawen , Zhang Junhui , He Sanchun
Published: March 2020

Cold mix asphalt mixture has a low strength and poor water stability, hence to solve this challenge, a cold mix asphaltic liquid was prepared in this study based on microscopic properties. LB-10 gradation was adopted and basalt fiber was selected as a reinforcing agent. The optimum
asphaltaggregate ratio was determined by the Marshall test, and mix proportion was also designed. The laboratory tests were used to systematically evaluate road performance of the cold mix asphalt mixture. From the test results, it was shown that the initial strength, molding strength, immersion
Marshall strength, residual stability, freeze-thaw splitting ratio, residual rate and dynamic stability of self-made cold mix asphalt mixture were 2.42 kN, 4.87 kN, 6.79 kN, 92.8%, 82.05%, 99.5% and 632 times/mm respectively. The initial strength, molding strength and residual stability of
mixture became 90.9%, 88.7%, and 96.2%, respectively of their former values after one-month storage, showing good workability. By analyzing its research data and comparing with its existing products, the developed cold mix asphalt mixture can not only meet the requirements for road performances
of the cold mix asphalt mixture in terms of strength, workability and high temperature stability, but greatly improves the water stability, storage stability and cohesive performance of the mixture.
Advanced Sulfonated Poly(Ether Ether Ketone)/Graphene-Oxide/Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Composited Membrane with Superior Cyclability for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Ye Jiaye , Wu Chun , Qin Wei , Zhong Fangfang , Ding Mei
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to improve the repulsion ability of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membrane for the vanadium ions crossover. For this purpose graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were employed into the polymer
matrix to prepare SPEEK/GO/TiO2 hybrid membrane via solution-casting method for vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). The morphology, permeability of vanadium ions and device performance of asprepared membrane were investigated and discussed. It was observed that with the barrier
block effect by the filler, the VRFB single cell with the optimized SPEEK/GO/TiO2 hybrid membrane exhibited high coulombic efficiency (~99%), excellent energy efficiency (~85%) and vigorous cyclability (~97.2% capacity retention after 100 cycles). Moreover, the VRFB cell with this
blend membrane showed lower vanadium ions permeability than Nafion 212 or pure SPEEK membranes. These results demonstrated that the comprehensive properties of hybrid membrane have been remarkably improved comparing to pristine SPEEK which suggested that the hybrid membrane was applicable
for VRFB energy storage system.
Preparation and Optical Absorption Properties of Ternary Rare Earth Boride LaxPr1−xB6 Submicron Powders
Authors: Naren Gerile , Ren Tian-Yi , Bao Li-Hong , Chao Luo-Meng , Tegus O.
Published: March 2020

As multifunctional materials, rare-earth hexaborides (RB6) display many interesting physical properties such as optical absorption, magnetic and thermionic emission. With the wide application of rare earth hexaboride and the continuous extension of its research fields, researchers
have studied the synthesis of multi-rare earth hexaboride nano-powders and their thermal emission and light absorption properties. In the present work, ternary Single-phase LaxPr1−xB6 submicron powders are successfully synthesized using
a solid-state reaction, in which lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) and praseodymium chloride (PrCl3) are used as rare-earth source and NaBH4 as the boron source under continuous vacuum conditions. The reaction temperature is 1150 °C and the holding time is 2 h.
The Pr doping effects on crystal structure, grain morphology, and optical absorption properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and ultraviolet-vis absorption measurements. The XRD patterns show that
the diffraction peaks are sharp and well-defined, and no other extra impurity peaks were detected, indicating the characteristics of well-crystallized materials. It is found that all the LaxPr1−xB6 solid powders are of single phase. The
SEM results demonstrate that the cubicshaped ternary LaxPr1−xB6 submicron crystals with a size of 50~200 nm are obtained. The TEM images reveal the cubic single-crystalline nature, and the FFT patterns implies the lattice fringe d
= 0.416 nm which agrees well with the (100) crystal plane. The elements mapping results indicates that the Pr atoms occupied the lattice sites of LaB6. The optical absorption results show that the absorption valley of LaB6 are located at 591 nm. With the increase of Pr
doping contents from 0.2 to 0.8, the absorption valley moves from 596.3 nm to 612.9 nm, indicating the characteristics of visible light high transparency. The first-principle calculation results manifest that the move of the absorption valley of LaB6 in the visible region after
doping Pr is related to the decrease of kinetic energy of electrons near the Fermi plane. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows that the La and Pr exist in the type of La3+ and Pr3+ in LaxPr1−xB6. Therefore,
it exists as an efficient optical absorption material. The LaxPr1−xB6 should open up a new route to extend the optical applications of rare-earth hexaborides.
Effect of Na and Cooling Rate on the Activation of Mg–Ni Alloys for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Kim Manjin , McDonald Stuart D. , Ali Yahia , Abbott Trevor , Nogita Kazuhiro
Published: March 2020

In spite of favourable hydrogen storage properties such as low density, high theoretical capacity (7.6 wt% H/MgH2) and economics, commercial use of Mg-based alloys is not feasible due to long activation times, slow hydrogen sorption kinetics, and a high temperature for hydrogen
release. Mg– Ni alloys have been considered promising materials for hydrogen storage systems as the Mg2Ni intermetallic phase enhances the kinetics of hydrogen absorption in Mg–Ni alloys through a catalytic effect. It has been suggested that the refinement of eutectic
in Mg–Ni alloys can further improve hydrogen absorption kinetics and that this can be achieved through trace Na additions. However, the refinement of the eutectic can also be achieved by increasing the cooling rate during solidification. In this study we investigate the effect of cooling
rate and Na additions to Mg–Ni alloys on hydrogen absorption kinetics. Our results indicate that Na additions improve the hydrogen absorption kinetics independent of eutectic refinement and that the effect of the latter is relatively small.
Understanding Atypical Midlevel Wind Speed Maxima in Hurricane Eyewalls
Authors: Stern Daniel P. , Kepert Jeffrey D. , Bryan George H. , Doyle James D.
Published: March 2020

In tropical cyclones (TCs), the peak wind speed is typically found near the top of the boundary layer (approximately 0.5–1 km). Recently, it was shown that in a few observed TCs, the wind speed within the eyewall can increase with height within the midtroposphere, resulting in a secondary local maximum at 4–5 km. This study presents additional evidence of such an atypical structure, using dropsonde and Doppler radar observations from Hurricane Patricia (2015). Near peak intensity, Patricia exhibited an absolute wind speed maximum at 5–6-km height, along with a weaker boundary layer maximum. Idealized simulations and a diagnostic boundary layer model are used to investigate the dynamics that result in these atypical wind profiles, which only occur in TCs that are very intense (surface wind speed > 50 m s−1) and/or very small (radius of maximum winds < 20 km). The existence of multiple maxima in wind speed is a consequence of an inertial oscillation that is driven ultimately by surface friction. The vertical oscillation in the radial velocity results in a series of unbalanced tangential wind jets, whose magnitude and structure can manifest as a midlevel wind speed maximum. The wavelength of the inertial oscillation increases with vertical mixing length l∞ in a turbulence parameterization, and no midlevel wind speed maximum occurs when l∞ is large. Consistent with theory, the wavelength in the simulations scales with (2K/I)1/2, where K is the (vertical) turbulent diffusivity, and I2 is the inertial stability. This scaling is used to explain why only small and/or strong TCs exhibit midlevel wind speed maxima.