bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical amplitudes from numerical solutions of the scattering equations
Authors: De Laurentis Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Abstract

The CHY formalism for massless scattering provides a cohesive framework for the computation of scattering amplitudes in a variety of theories. It is especially compelling because it elucidates existing relations among theories which are seemingly unrelated in a standard Lagrangian formulation. However, it entails operations that are highly non-trivial to perform analytically, most notably solving the scattering equations. We present a new Python package (seampy1) to solve the scattering equations and to compute scattering amplitudes. Both operations are done numerically with high-precision floating-point algebra. Elimination theory is used to obtain solutions to the scattering equations for arbitrary kinematics. These solutions are then applied to a variety of CHY integrands to obtain tree amplitudes for the following theories: Yang-Mills, Einstein gravity, biadjoint scalar, Born-Infeld, non-linear sigma model, Galileon, conformal gravity and (DF)2. Finally, we exploit this high-precision numerical implementation to explore the singularity structure of the amplitudes and to reconstruct analytical expressions which make manifest their pole structure. Some of the expressions for conformal gravity and the (DF)2 gauge theory are new to the best of our knowledge.
Correction to: Evolution of olfactory circuits in insects
Authors: Zhao Zhilei , McBride Carolyn S.
Published: February 2020

Authors would like to correct the typo found in the fourth sentence of the introduction from “organisional” to “organismal”. The original article has been corrected.
Baseline SD-OCT characteristics of diabetic macular oedema patterns can predict morphological features and timing of recurrence in patients treated with dexamethasone intravitreal implants
Authors: Eandi Chiara M. , De Geronimo Daniele , Giannini Daniela , Polito Maria Sole , Tosi Gian Marco , Neri Giovanni , Le Mer Yannick , Varano Monica , Parravano Mariacristina
Published: February 2020

Aims

To evaluate the timing and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of diabetic macular oedema (DME) recurrence according to baseline OCT patterns in patients treated with dexamethasone implant (DEX-I).

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study (72 eyes/65 patients). Best-corrected visual acuity, timing of DME recurrence, and SD-OCT pattern [intraretinal cysts (IRC), IRC plus subretinal fluid (mixed), external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid (IS/OS) layer integrity] were assessed at baseline and monthly until first DME recurrence.

Results

Forty-two (58.3%) and 30 (41.6%) DME eyes had an IRC and mixed DME pattern at baseline, respectively. Twenty-four out of thirty mixed eyes (80%) relapsed without subretinal fluid. At baseline, mixed eyes showed similar changes in ELM and IS/OS (60 and 76.6% of eyes, respectively) versus IRC eyes (42.8 and 80.9% of eyes). After DME recurrence, more mixed eyes at baseline showed ELM and IS/OS changes (63.3 and 86.6%) than IRC eyes (50 and 76.2%). 33.3% of mixed eyes had DME recurrence at ≥ 6 months from first DEX-I implant versus 19% of IRC eyes.

Conclusions

Mixed DME eyes were treated with DEX-I relapse later and more frequently without subretinal fluid than IRC eyes. SD-OCT characteristics of different DME patterns at baseline can predict morphological features and timing of DME recurrence.
d-Amino acids and kidney diseases
Authors: Kimura Tomonori , Hesaka Atsushi , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: February 2020

d-Amino acids are the recently detected enantiomers of l-amino acids. Accumulating evidence points their potential in solving the long-standing critical problems associated with the management of both chronic and acute kidney diseases. This includes estimating kidney function, early diagnosis and prognosis of chronic kidney disease, and disease monitoring. Among the d-amino acids, d-serine levels in the blood are strongly correlated with the glomerular filtration rate and are useful for estimating the function of the kidney. Urinary d-serine also reflects other conditions. The kidney proximal tubule reabsorbs serine with chiral-selectivity, with d-serine being reabsorbed much less efficiently than l-serine, and urinary excretion of d-serine is sensitive to the presence of kidney diseases. Therefore, assessing the intra-body dynamics of d-serine by measuring its level in blood and urinary excretion can be used to detect kidney diseases and assess pathophysiology. This new concept, the intra-body dynamics of d-serine, can be useful in the comprehensive management of kidney disease.
Hot-Band Anti-Stokes Fluorescence Properties of Alexa Fluor 568
Authors: Gajdos Tamás , Hopp Béla , Erdélyi Miklós
Published: February 2020

Hot-band absorption and anti-Stokes emission properties of an organic fluorescent dye, Alexa Fluor 568, were characterized and compared with those of Rhodamine 101. The comparison of the properties (e.g., quantum efficiency, spectral distribution, thermal properties, and fluorescence lifetime) between the two dyes confirms that both dyes undergo the same process when excited in the red spectral region. Possible undesirable crosstalk effects and applications in dSTORM microscopy were demonstrated and discussed.
The Predictive Value of Return to Work Self-efficacy for Return to Work Among Employees with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Rosbjerg Rikke , Hansen Dorte Gilså , Zachariae Robert , Hoejris Inger , Lund Thomas , Labriola Merete
Published: February 2020

Purpose The aim of the present study was to examine the predictive value of Return to Work Self-efficacy (RTWSE) on Return to Work (RTW) among employees undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and to examine the relative contribution of RTWSE as predictor variable compared to personal, health-related, illness- and treatment-related and work-related factors. Methods A sample of 114 sickness absent employees with various cancers (age 18–62) included in the study on average 33 days after initiating chemotherapy were followed for 15 months. Data sources included patient questionnaires (RTWSE, depression, fatigue, performance status), sociodemographic factors (age, sex, job type, and perceived support from the workplace), patient records (type of cancer, treatment intention, number of treatment modalities, time since diagnosis and time since initiation of chemotherapy), and Danish national registries (RTW and education). Associations between RTWSE at baseline and weeks until full RTW during 15-months follow-up were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results In the univariate analysis, high RTWSE was associated with shorter time to RTW (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–3.03). In the multivariate model, RTWSE failed to reach statistical significance (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.62–2.02), whereas female sex (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.15–0.60) and receiving palliative treatment (HR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05–0.44) were significantly associated with later RTW. Conclusion Compared to other factors of significance, RTWSE was not the strongest predictor of RTW when examined among employees undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Before using the RTWSE questionnaire to identify employees with cancer at risk of late RTW, it is important to recognize that the predictive value of RTWSE may be different for employees on sick leave due to cancer than for other sickness absence populations.
Combined use of refraction seismic, MASW, and ambient noise array measurements to determine the near-surface velocity structure in the Selinunte Archaeological Park, SW Sicily
Authors: Schwellenbach Iris , Hinzen Klaus-G. , Petersen Gesa Maria , Bottari Carla
Published: February 2020

Seismic refraction, multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and ambient noise array measurements using the wireless array analysis (WARAN) system were applied to acquire near-surface profiles of seismic velocities in the Selinunte Archaeological Park. This ancient city is famous for numerous temples, which according to the literature, were destroyed by at least two earthquakes in antiquity. The morphology of the archeological park is affected by two rivers which in combination with the temple remains suggests three study sites. We determined the subsurface velocity at these three locations as essential information for further studies of the response of the temple structures to earthquake ground motions. The stratigraphy of the site indicates that low-velocity layers might exist. Seismic refraction profiles with 69 m spread and 24 geophones were employed during the active seismic experiments. The measured P-wave velocities of the top two layers were used as a constraint during the inversion of dispersion relations from the MASW and WARAN data. The reliability of the velocity profiles was tested by forward calculation of synthetic seismograms. P-wave velocities which were not well constraint throughout the dispersion curve inversions were adjusted through suitable Poisson’s ratios based on the well constraint S-velocities. The combined use of the three different kinds of measurements and multi-mode interpretation of the dispersion curves revealed velocity profiles including low-velocity layers which are supported by de-amplification observed in ratios of horizontal and vertical components of noise spectra.
Excitation dynamics in Photosystem I trapped in TiO2 mesopores
Authors: Szewczyk S. , Białek R. , Giera W. , Burdziński G. , van Grondelle R. , Gibasiewicz K.
Published: February 2020

Excitation decay in closed Photosystem I (PSI) isolated from cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and dissolved in a buffer solution occurs predominantly with a ~ 24-ps lifetime, as measured both by time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption. The same PSI particles deposited in mesoporous matrix made of TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit significantly accelerated excitation decay dominated by a ~ 6-ps component. Target analysis indicates that this acceleration is caused by ~ 50% increase of the rate constant of bulk Chls excitation quenching. As an effect of this increase, as much as ~ 70% of bulk Chls excitation is quenched before the establishment of equilibrium with the red Chls. Accelerated quenching may be caused by increased excitation trapping by the reaction center and/or quenching properties of the TiO2 surface directly interacting with PSI Chls. Also properties of the PSI red Chls are affected by the deposition in the TiO2 matrix: they become deeper traps due to an increase of their number and their oscillator strength is significantly reduced. These effects should be taken into account when constructing solar cells’ photoelectrodes composed of PSI and artificial matrices.
On discernibility in symmetric languages: the case of quantum particles
Authors: Bigaj Tomasz
Published: February 2020

In this paper I consider the question of whether absolute discernibility is attainable in symmetric languages. Simon Saunders has proven that all facts expressible in first-order language with identity can be equivalently stated within its symmetric sublanguage. I use this result to show specifically how particles of the same type can be absolutely discerned in the permutation-invariant language of the quantum theory of many particles.
Metabolic characterisation of THP-1 macrophage polarisation using LC–MS-based metabolite profiling
Authors: Abuawad Alaa , Mbadugha Chidimma , Ghaemmaghami Amir M. , Kim Dong-Hyun
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Macrophages constitute a heterogeneous population of functionally distinct cells involved in several physiological and pathological processes. They display remarkable plasticity by changing their phenotype and function in response to environmental cues representing a spectrum of different functional phenotypes. The so-called M1 and M2 macrophages are often considered as representative of pro- and anti-inflammatory ends of such spectrum. Metabolomics approach is a powerful tool providing important chemical information about the cellular phenotype of living systems, and the changes in their metabolic pathways in response to various perturbations.

Objectives

This study aimed to characterise M1 and M2 phenotypes in THP-1 macrophages in order to identify characteristic metabolites of each polarisation state.

Methods

Herein, untargeted liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolite profiling was applied to characterise the metabolic profile of M1-like and M2-like THP-1 macrophages.

Results

The results showed that M1 and M2 macrophages have distinct metabolic profiles. Sphingolipid and pyrimidine metabolism was significantly changed in M1 macrophages whereas arginine, proline, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism was significantly altered in M2 macrophages.

Conclusion

This study represents successful application of LC–MS metabolomics approach to characterise M1 and M2 macrophages providing functional readouts that show unique metabolic signature for each phenotype. These data could contribute to a better understanding of M1 and M2 functional properties and could pave the way for developing new therapeutics targeting different immune diseases.
Increased autophagy/mitophagy levels in primary tumours of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Daskalakis Kosmas , Alexandraki Krystallenia I. , Kloukina Ismini , Kassi Evanthia , Felekouras Evangelos , Xingi Evangelia , Pagakis Stamatis N. , Tsolakis Apostolos V. , Andreakos Evangelos , Kaltsas Gregory , Kambas Konstantinos
Published: February 2020

Background/aims

We assessed the levels of autophagy and mitophagy, that are linked to cancer development and drug resistance, in well differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) and correlated them with clinico-pathological parameters.

Methods

Fluorescent immunostaining for the autophagy markers LC3Β and p62/or LAMP1 was performed on 22 PanNENs and 11 controls of normal pancreatic tissues and validated through Western blotting. Autophagy quantitative scoring was generated for LC3B-positive puncta and analysed in relation to clinico-pathological parameters. TOMM20/LC3B qualitative assessment of mitophagy levels was undertaken by fluorescent immunostaining. The presence of autophagy/mitophagy was validated by transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Autophagy levels (LC3B-positive puncta/cell) were discriminative for normal vs. NEN pancreatic tissue (p = 0.007). A significant association was observed between autophagy levels and tumour grade (Ki67 < 3% vs. Ki67 ≥ 3%; p = 0.021), but not functionality (p = 0.266) size (cut-off of 20 mm; p = 0.808), local invasion (p = 0.481), lymph node- (p = 0.849) and distant metastases (p = 0.699). Qualitative assessment of TOMM20/LC3B demonstrated strong mitophagy levels in PanNENs by fluorescent immunostaining as compared with normal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy revealed enhanced autophagy and mitophagy in PanNEN tissue. Response to molecular targeted therapies in metastatic cases (n = 4) did not reveal any patterns of association to autophagy levels.

Conclusions

Increased autophagy levels are present in primary tumours of patients with PanNENs and are partially attributed to upregulated mitophagy. Grade was the only clinico-pathological parameter associated with autophagy scores.
Moving the prevention timeline: A scoping review of the literature on precursors to sexual risk in early adolescence among youth of color
Authors: Tuitt Nicole R. , Asdigian Nancy L. , Whitesell Nancy Rumbaugh , Mousseau Alicia , Al‐Tayyib Alia , Kaufman Carol E.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Sexual health disparities are leading causes of morbidity among youth of color in the United States. We conducted a scoping review of the literature on precursors to sexual risk‐taking among young adolescents of color (ages 10–14) to assess precedents of sexual experience and their utility as measurable proximal constructs and behaviors gauging sexual risk and sexual risk prevention efforts.

Methods

This study was conducted using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines. We searched for quantitative studies that assessed the relationships between precursors and subsequent sexual behaviors, incorporated youth of color, and specified young adolescents as the study sample. All articles were in English, however we explored both U.S. and International databases.

Results

The database search yielded 11 studies published between 2000 and 2017. Most literature focused on youth in urban settings, and on Black and Latinx youth, while only two addressed the special circumstances of American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Sex expectancies outcomes for youth of color were likely to predict sexual risk taking and self‐efficacy about sex was related to abstinence.

Conclusions

Etiologic studies that seek to understand precursors to sexual risk taking among youth of color are limited and this paucity truncates the ability to develop sexual risk prevention programs for the age group in which prevention is most needed.
Dependence of Sudden Stratospheric Warmings on Internal and External Drivers
Authors: Salminen A. , Asikainen T. , Maliniemi V. , Mursula K.
Published: February 2020

A sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) is a large‐scale disturbance of the wintertime stratosphere, which occurs especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Earlier studies have shown that SSW occurrence depends on atmospheric internal factors and on solar activity. We examine SSW occurrence in northern winters 1957/1958–2016/2017, considering several factors that may affect the SSW occurrence: Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO), El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), geomagnetic activity, and solar radiation. We confirm the well‐known result that SSWs occur more often in easterly QBO phase than in westerly phase. We show that this difference depends on how the QBO phase is determined. We find that the difference in SSW occurrence between easterly and westerly QBO winters strengthens (weakens) if geomagnetic activity or solar activity is low (high), or if the ENSO is in a cold (warm) phase. In easterly QBO phase significantly more SSWs occur during low geomagnetic activity than high activity.
High‐Order Solar Migrating Tides Quench at SSW Onsets
Authors: He Maosheng , Forbes Jeffrey M. , Chau Jorge L. , Li Guozhu , Wan Weixing , Korotyshkin Dmitry V.
Published: February 2020

Sudden stratospheric warming events (SSWs) are the most spectacular atmospheric vertical coupling processes, well‐known for being associated with diverse wave activities in the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. The first four solar tidal harmonics have been reported as being engaged. Here, combining mesospheric winds detected by three midlatitude radars, we demonstrate at least the first six harmonics that occurred during SSW 2018. Wave number diagnosis demonstrates that all six harmonics are dominated by migrating components. Wavelet analyses reveal that the fourth, fifth, and sixth harmonics quench after the SSW onset. The six harmonics and the quenching appear also in a statistical analysis based on near‐12‐year observations from one of the radars. We attribute the quenching to reversal of the background eastward wind.
Orthogonal Fault Rupture and Rapid Postseismic Deformation Following 2019 Ridgecrest, California, Earthquake Sequence Revealed From Geodetic Observations
Authors: Feng Wanpeng , Samsonov Sergey , Qiu Qiang , Wang Yuqing , Zhang Peizhen , Li Tao , Zheng Wenjun
Published: February 2020

We studied the 2019 Mw6.4 and Mw7.1 Ridgecrest, California, earthquake sequence, using Sentinel‐1 and ALOS‐2 coseismic interferograms and subpixel offsets to retrieve the three‐dimensional (3‐D) surface displacements. By inverting the 3‐D displacements, optimal dip angles of the earthquake faults and the slip model were obtained. The interferometric synthetic aperture radar‐based slip model supplemented with the analysis of GPS data shows that the Mw6.4 event ruptured two orthogonal faults and its major geodetic moment was released by sinistral motion on a NE‐SW trending fault that dips 78° NW. Right‐lateral slip on NW‐SE trending subvertical faults was responsible for the Mw7.1 earthquake. Postseismic analysis with U.S. Geological Survey earthquake catalog and GPS time series at site P595 shows that the postseismic surface deformation following the Mw7.1 event has similar temporal patterns with the postseismic moment release, but requires more energy. This implies that the early aftershocks were likely controlled by rapid afterslip following the mainshock.
Comments on “Analysis of Flow Resistance Equations in Gravel‐Bed Rivers With Intermittent Regimes: Calabrian Fiumare Data Set” by G. Mendicino and F. Colosimo
Authors: Qin Jie , Wu Teng
Published: February 2020

Mendicino and Colosimo (2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019WR024819) addressed the evaluation of flow resistance in natural gravel‐bed rivers and proposed several new equations to estimate resistance coefficients by adding the Froude number and the Shields sediment mobility parameter to conventional equations. The new equations were found to better reproduce flow velocity in comparison to conventional resistance equations. However, the apparent improved performance of these new equations is due to spurious correlation. Mendicino and Colosimo (2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019WR024819) incorrectly calculated the resistance coefficient by substituting the measured Froude number into the new equations, which should be solved iteratively. If the new equations were calculated correctly, they are no better than the original equations.
Space‐Based Analysis of the Cloud Thermodynamic Phase Transition for Varying Microphysical and Meteorological Regimes
Authors: Coopman Q. , Riedi J. , Zeng S. , Garrett T. J.
Published: February 2020

Phase transitions leading to cloud glaciation occur at temperatures that vary between
38°C and 0°C depending on aerosol types and concentrations, the meteorology, and cloud microphysical and macrophysical parameters, although the relationships remain poorly understood. Here, we statistically retrieve a cloud glaciation temperature from two passive space‐based instruments that are part of the NASA/CNES A‐Train, the POLarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances (POLDER) and the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We compare the glaciation temperature for varying bins of cloud droplet effective radius, latitude, and large‐scale vertical pressure velocity and specific humidity at 700 hPa. Cloud droplet size has the strongest influence on glaciation temperature: For cloud droplets larger than 21 
m, the glaciation temperature is 6°C higher than for cloud droplets smaller than 9 
m. Stronger updrafts are also associated with lower glaciation temperatures.
Investigating the Nutrient Landscape in a Coastal Upwelling Region and Its Relationship to the Biological Carbon Pump
Authors: Stukel M.R. , Barbeau K.A.
Published: February 2020

We investigated nutrient patterns and their relationship to vertical carbon export using results from 38 Lagrangian experiments in the California Current Ecosystem. The dominant mode of variability reflected onshore‐offshore nutrient gradients. A secondary mode of variability was correlated with silica excess and dissolved iron and likely reflects regional patterns of iron limitation. The biological carbon pump was enhanced in high‐nutrient and Fe‐stressed regions. Patterns in the nutrient landscape proved to be better predictors of the vertical flux of sinking particles than contemporaneous measurements of net primary production. Our results suggest an important role for Fe‐stressed diatoms in vertical carbon flux. They also suggest that either preferential recycling of N or non‐Redfieldian nutrient uptake by diatoms may lead to high PO43−:NO3− and Si(OH)4:NO3− ratios, following export of P‐ and Si‐enriched organic matter. Increased export following Fe stress may partially explain inverse relationships between net primary productivity and export efficiency.
Evolution and roles of cytokinin genes in angiosperms 1: Do ancient IPTs play housekeeping while non-ancient IPTs play regulatory roles?
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Lin Shanshan , Liu Decai , Gan Lijun , McAvoy Richard , Ding Jing , Li Yi
Published: March 2020

Isopentenyltransferase (IPT) genes, including those encoding ATP/ADP-IPTs and tRNA-IPTs, control the rate-limiting steps of the biosynthesis of N6-(Δ2-isopentenyl)adenine (iP)-type and trans-zeatin (tZ)-type cytokinins and cis-zeatin (cZ)-type cytokinins, respectively. However, the evolution and roles of these IPTs in angiosperms are not well understood. Here, we report comprehensive analyses of the origins, evolution, expression patterns, and possible roles of ATP/ADP-IPTs and tRNA-IPTs in angiosperms. We found that Class I and II tRNA-IPTs likely coexisted in the last common ancestor of eukaryotes, while ATP/ADP-IPTs likely originated from a Class II tRNA-IPT before the divergence of angiosperms. tRNA-IPTs are conservatively retained as 2–3 copies, but ATP/ADP-IPTs exhibit considerable expansion and diversification. Additionally, tRNA-IPTs are constitutively expressed throughout the plant, whereas the expression of ATP/ADP-IPTs is tissue-specific and rapidly downregulated by abiotic stresses. Furthermore, previous studies and our present study indicate that ATP/ADP-IPTs and their products, iPs/tZs, may regulate responses to environmental stresses and organ development in angiosperms. We therefore hypothesize that tRNA-IPTs and the associated cZs play a housekeeping role, whereas ATP/ADP-IPTs and the associated iP/tZ-type cytokinins play regulatory roles in organ development and stress responses in angiosperms, which echoes the conclusions and hypothesis presented in the accompanying study by Wang, X. et al Evolution and roles of cytokinin genes in angiosperms 2: Do ancient CKXs play housekeeping roles while non-ancient CKXs play regulatory roles? Hortic Res10.1038/s41438-020-0246-z.
Photooxidative stress activates a complex multigenic response integrating the phenylpropanoid pathway and ethylene, leading to lignin accumulation in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruit
Authors: Torres Carolina A. , Azocar Constanza , Ramos Patricio , Pérez-Díaz Ricardo , Sepulveda Gloria , Moya-León María A.
Published: March 2020

Photooxidative stress, when combined with elevated temperatures, triggers various defense mechanisms leading to physiological, biochemical, and morphological changes in fruit tissue. Furthermore, during sun damage, apple fruit undergo textural changes characterized by high flesh firmness compared to unexposed fruit. Fuji and Royal Gala apples were suddenly exposed to sunlight on the tree and then sampled for up to 29 days. Cell wall components and lignin biosynthetic pathway analyses were carried out on the fruit tissue. At harvest, Fuji apples with different sun exposure levels, such as exposed to direct sunlight (Exp), shaded (Non-Exp), and with severe sun damage (Sev), were also characterized. In fruit suddenly exposed to sunlight, the expression levels of phenylpropanoid-related genes, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (MdPAL), chalcone synthase (MdCHS), and flavanone-3-hydroxylase (MdF3H), were upregulated in the skin and flesh of Exp and Sev. Exposure had little effect on the lignin-related genes caffeic acid O-methyltransferase 1 (MdCOMT1) and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (MdCAD) in the skin; however, the expression of these genes was highly induced in the flesh of Exp and Sev in both cultivars. Lignin deposition increased significantly in skin with sun injury (Sev); in flesh, this increase occurred late during the stress treatment. Additionally, the ethylene biosynthesis genes 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (MdACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (MdACO) were highly expressed in the skin and flesh tissues but were more upregulated in Sev than in Exp during the time-course experiment, which paralleled the induction of the phenylpropanoid pathway and lignin accumulation. At harvest, flesh from Sev fruit exhibited higher firmness than that from Non-Exp and Exp fruit, although no differences were observed in the alcohol-insoluble residues (AIR) among groups. The fractionation of cell wall polymers revealed an increase in the uronic acid contents of the water-soluble pectin fraction (WSF) in Exp and Sev tissues compared to Non-Exp tissues, while the other pectin-rich fractions, that is, CDTA-soluble (CSF) and Na2CO3-soluble (NSF), were increased only in Sev. The amount of hemicellulose and cellulose did not differ among fruit conditions. These findings suggest that increases in the flesh firmness of apples can be promoted by photooxidative stress, which is associated with the induction of lignin accumulation in the skin and flesh of stressed fruit, with the involvement of stress phytohormones such as ethylene.
Efficient base-free oxidation of monosaccharide into sugar acid under mild conditions using hierarchical porous carbon supported gold catalysts
Authors: Meng Xintong , Li Zengyong , Li Di , Huang Yiming , Ma Jiaojiao , Liu Chuanfu , Peng Xinwen
Published: February 2020

The highly selective synthesis of d-xylonic acid and d-gluconic acid from monosaccharide catalyzed by Au/NC-3 under base-free aerobic oxidation conditions.
Semi-sacrificial template synthesis of single-atom Ni sites supported on hollow carbon nanospheres for efficient and stable electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Yuan Cheng-Zong , Zhan Li-Yuan , Liu Shou-Jie , Chen Feng , Lin Hongjun , Wu Xi-Lin , Chen Jianrong
Published: February 2020

Atomically dispersed Ni species on nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres (SA-Ni/N-CS) were synthesized via a semi-sacrificial template assisted strategy for an efficient and stable CO2RR.
CO2 reduction on p-block metal oxide overlayers on metal substrates—2D MgO as a prototype
Authors: Liu Nanshu , Zhao Yanyan , Zhou Si , Zhao Jijun
Published: February 2020

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) metal oxide films with a thickness of one to a few atomic layers have been grown on metal substrates, which are naturally resistant to oxidation and possess highly tunable surface properties.
A portable multiple ionization source biological mass spectrometer
Authors: Lin Jung-Lee , Chu Ming-Lee , Chen Chung-Hsuan
Published: February 2020

In the past, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI), used for large biomolecule detection, were usually installed in two separate mass spectrometers.
In situanchored NiCo2O4on a nickel foam as a monolithic catalyst by electro-deposition for improved benzene combustion performance
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Cuo Zhaxi , Li Shuangde , Zhang Min , Chen Yunfa
Published: February 2020

Monolithic catalysts designed byin situelectrodeposition possess a strong anchoring force and rich defects.
Dominant effect of the grain size of the MAPbI3 perovskite controlled by the surface roughness of TiO2 on the performance of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Nukunudompanich Methawee , Budiutama Gekko , Suzuki Kazuma , Hasegawa Kei , Ihara Manabu
Published: February 2020

The surface roughness of the c-TiO2 layer help controls the perovskite grain size without any other parameter. The direct effect of perovskite grain size on PSC performance is clarified.
Low-index dielectric metasurfaces supported by metallic substrates for efficient second-harmonic generation in the blue-ultraviolet range
Authors: Kim Kwang-Hyon
Published: February 2020

High field enhancement in low-index dielectric metasurfaces on metallic surfaces enables efficient harmonic generation in the visible-ultraviolet range.
Plasmonic thermochromism based on a reversible redox reaction of Ag+/Ag on Au nanorods
Authors: Xie Hao , Xu Pengyu , Zhao Fei , Zhu Haifei , Wang Kaiyu , Ye Weixiang , Ni Weihai
Published: February 2020

We demonstrate plasmonic thermochromism based on a reversible redox of Ag+/Ag on Au nanorods by incorporating temperature-sensitive reduction and oxidation into a same system, where the transition temperature can be tuned in a range from 27 to 40 °C.
Strategic modulation of energy transfer in Au-TiO2-Pt nanodumbbells: plasmon-enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhu Menglei , Wang Yuanyuan , Deng Yan-Hui , Peng Xiaoniu , Wang Xina , Yuan Hui , Yang Zhong-Jian , Wang Yalan , Wang Hao
Published: February 2020

The optimized photocatalytic activity of Au-TiO2-Pt nanodumbbells benefited from the efficient utilization of modulated incident energy localized in Au SPR.
Silicothermic reduction reaction for fabricating interconnected Si–Ge nanocrystals with fast and stable Li-storage
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhao Haoyu , Lin Ning , Li Tieqiang , Li Yang , Jiang Song , Tian Jie , Qian Yitai
Published: February 2020

An innovative silicothermic reduction is developed to prepare Si–Ge nanocrystals, which exhibit impressive rate capability and long cycling stability.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based drug delivery systems for enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Huang Yu , Qiu Feng , Chen Rongjun , Yan Deyue , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: February 2020

In this Review, recent advances in fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based drug delivery systems for enhanced photodynamic therapy are described, and the current challenges and perspectives in this emerging field are also discussed.
Enhanced electroluminescence in fully printable powder electroluminescent device with flexible invisible silver‐grid transparent electrode
Authors: Takeda N. , Tsuneyasu S. , Yanagawa K. , Hashimoto N. , Ohsawa M. , Satoh T.
Published: February 2020

Powder electroluminescent devices (PELDs) have a high potential for commercial application because of flat light emission devices and simple printing process fabrication with low‐cost production, without semiconductor processes using vacuum and plasma. In conventional PELDs, indium tin oxide (ITO) has been used as a transparent electrode. However, ITO is unfavourable in flexible electronic devices due to its intrinsic brittleness. The authors evaluated the current and luminance characteristics of PELDs prepared on gravure offset‐printed invisible silver‐grid (Ag‐grid) electrodes that were laminated with and without poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulphonate) (PEDOT:PSS) transparent electrodes. The PELD on the Ag‐grid laminated with PEDOT:PSS electrode shows the maximum luminance of ∼250 cd/m2 at 200 μm spacing, which is five‐fold greater than the luminance of PELD without PEDOT:PSS electrode lamination.
Off‐grid sparse DOA estimation based iterative reweighted linear interpolation in spatial coloured noise
Authors: Yuan Jiawen , Zhang Gong , Liu Wenbo , Wang Xinhai
Published: February 2020

An off‐grid sparse direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm, namely, iterative reweighted linear interpolation (IRLI), is proposed to avoid the declination of the DOA estimation precision present in unknown spatial coloured noise. The authors start by developing an off‐grid sparse model based on linear interpolation with reweighted coefficient, which is a trade‐off between tangent and secant offset, to guarantee an optimal approximation for off‐grid signals. Next, the authors formulate the DOA estimation problem as solving the off‐grid sparse model and, finally, the off‐grid sparse model is addressed under the general framework of sparse Bayesian learning (SBL). Additional noise in IRLI is spatially coloured for calculating its statistical properties, which is different from SBL relying on the spatial white noise assumption. Numerical results with the limited snapshots and the low signal‐to‐noise ratio validate the algorithm by comparing with other algorithms.
Event‐triggered detection of cyberattacks on load frequency control
Authors: Patel Aradhna , Purwar Shubhi
Published: February 2020

Modern power systems are extensively interlaced with data communication at various levels leading to increased vulnerability to cyberattacks at individual components as well as integrated controls. An effective cyber protection is, therefore, fast becoming an indispensable requirement for the smart grids. A false data injection (FDI) attack on load frequency control (LFC) is a stealth process, which has devastating consequences while at times may also lead to catastrophic system blackouts. This work comprises detailed analyses of the LFC system vulnerability to FDI attacks. It further develops an efficient event‐triggered detection scheme to leverage the LFC protection against FDI attacks. This developed event‐triggered generalised extended state observer (ET‐GESO) uses Lyapunov stability analysis to derive the event‐triggering condition and thereby reduce the communication burden significantly. The feasibility of the proposed ET‐GESO is further studied by demonstrating its Zeno behaviour exclusion. Extensive simulation studies are performed on a peer‐reported two‐area power transacting system and IEEE 39‐bus New England system. A comparison study between the proposed technique and reported Kalman filter‐based detection scheme is also performed. Different FDI attack formulations and their detection illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed detection method.
Modelling the solar transition region using an adaptive conduction method
Authors: Johnston C. D. , Cargill P. J. , Hood A. W. , De Moortel I. , Bradshaw S. J. , Vaseekar A. C.
Published: February 2020

Modelling the solar Transition Region with the use of an Adaptive Conduction (TRAC) method permits fast and accurate numerical solutions of the field-aligned hydrodynamic equations, capturing the enthalpy exchange between the corona and transition region, when the corona undergoes impulsive heating. The TRAC method eliminates the need for highly resolved numerical grids in the transition region and the commensurate very short time steps that are required for numerical stability. When employed with coarse spatial resolutions, typically achieved in multi-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic codes, the errors at peak density are less than 5% and the computation time is three orders of magnitude faster than fully resolved field-aligned models. This paper presents further examples that demonstrate the versatility and robustness of the method over a range of heating events, including impulsive and quasi-steady footpoint heating. A detailed analytical assessment of the TRAC method is also presented, showing that the approach works through all phases of an impulsive heating event because (i) the total radiative losses and (ii) the total heating when integrated over the transition region are both preserved at all temperatures under the broadening modifications of the method. The results from the numerical simulations complement this conclusion.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bacterial Agents Causing Meningitis in
Children Older than 1 Month
Authors: Mohsenipour Reihaneh , Gharib Behdad , Eshaghi Hamid , Rahmani Parisa
Published: February 2020

The frequency and antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial meningitis in
children older than one month at Children's Medical Center during
2012–2017 were evaluated in this study. The CSF samples were
cultured, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed. The samples were
cultured on chocolate agar, blood agar (for gram positive) and Mkanky (for
gram negative). The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was
determined using the disc diffusion method. In total, 72 samples were
positive for bacterial infection where Staphylococcus epidermidis
(20.8%) was seen most and Enterobacter (1.4%) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.4%) was seen least. Most of these patients
were under 1 year of the age and overall frequency of positive cultures of
CSF in men (58.3%) was greater than women (41.7%). Bacterial
meningitis has relatively diverse etiological factors that include; time of
infection, geographical location and age. Most commonly seen bacteria were
Staphylococcus aureus with S.epidermidis whereas, Escherichia coli and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa was seen least. This result can be substantial in
hospitalized patients, because these bacteria are also the result of
nosocomial infections.
Effect of an Al/Mg Hydroxide Antacid and Food on the
Pharmacokinetics of Dexibuprofen
Authors: Shaker M. Ahsan , Akhtar Naveed , Minhas Muhammad Usman , Khan Kifayat Ullah , Zangi Muhammad Imad-ud-Din , Munir Abubakar
Published: February 2020

Objectives In this communication we report an important findings, the
effect of Al/Mg hydroxide antacid and food on the pharmacokinetics
of dexibuprofen when administered concomitantly.

Methods Subjects were divided into four groups, each containing 6
subjects, to evaluate the effect of antacid and food on pharmacokinetic of
dexibuprofen. A new HPLC method was developed and validated for plasma
sample analysis. Mobile phase was comprised of Acetonitrile: Methanol: 0.05M
Phosphate buffer (40:10:50), pH was adjusted to 6.85±0.01 with NaOH.
Mobile phase was eluted through C18-ODS column and drug was detected at
223 nm. Plasma was obtained and stored at
− 70°C until analysis. Drug was extracted from each
plasma sample of volunteer and quantified by using HPLC technique.

Results A decrease in dexibuprofen absorption was observed in Test
Group-1 when administered with Antacid as compared to Controlled Group-1.
Mean Cmax values showed a significant (p value 0.035) decrease
from 44.14±2.3 to 33.1±0.8 μg/mL.
Tmax, Area under curve, t1/2, Cl,
Vd and Ke were not affected significantly. AUC
increased from 195.7±8.9 μg.hr/mL to
222.8±14.7 μg.hr/mL. In contrast, test
Group-2 showed an increase in dexibuprofen absorption.
t1/2 increased significantly from 4.505±0.19
hrs to 6.216±0.36 hrs whereas Ke reduced from
0.159±0.00 to 0.116±0.006 hrs-1. Cmax
increased from 44.877±2.263 to
51.721±0.096 μg/mL.

Conclusion It is concluded that concomitant intake of Al/Mg
hydroxide antacid or food with dexibuprofen has an impact to significantly
alter its pharmacokinetic parameters.
Association of Apolipoprotein C3 Levels and Hepatic Steatosis: A
Follow-Up Study
Authors: Heinz Patrick , Boehm Bernhard Otto , Schmidberger Julian , Kratzer Wolfgang ,   for the EMIL-Study Group
Published: February 2020

Apolipoprotein C3 is a lipid-binding protein with a pivotal role in
triglyceride metabolism and inflammation. This 11-year follow-up study aimed
to evaluate apolipoprotein C3 levels and other parameters as markers of
hepatic steatosis, in a random, population-based cohort in southern Germany.
In 2013, we selected and re-examined 406 study participants (193 women, 213
men; average age 58.1±11.3 years) from the original
“Echinococcus multilocularis and other internal diseases in
Leutkirch I“ (EMIL I) cohort studied in 2002. All participants
received upper abdominal sonography to grade potential hepatic steatosis,
and blood tests to determine apolipoprotein C3 levels and other laboratory
parameters. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and anthropometric measures
were documented. The follow-up study conducted in 2013 included a partial
correlation analysis. We found an association between hepatic steatosis and
elevated apolipoprotein C3 levels (p<0.0001). Study participants
with a novel diagnosis of hepatic steatosis had the highest apolipoprotein
C3 serum levels (p=0.0002). Hepatic steatosis was associated with
low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.0374), high
levels of total cholesterol (p=0.0117), increased homeostasis model
assessment of insulin resistance (p=0.0002), elevated alanine
transaminase (p<0.0001), elevated aspartate transaminase
(p=0.0003), and elevated C-reactive protein (p=0.0446).
Apolipoprotein C3 serum levels were associated with the presence, disease
grade, and new development of hepatic steatosis likewise to biomarkers of
the metabolic syndrome.
TAVI in Patients with Mitral Annular Calcification and/or Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Schaefer Andreas , Sarwari Harun , Schofer Niklas , Schneeberger Yvonne , Westermann Dirk , Schoen Gerhard , Blankenberg Stefan , Reichenspurner Hermann , Schäfer Ulrich , Conradi Lenard
Published: March 2020

Background We herein aimed for analysis of influence of mitral annular calcification (MAC) and mitral stenosis (MS) on outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods Between 11/2009 and 06/2017, 1,058 patients underwent TAVI in the presence of concomitant MAC or MS at our center. Subgroups were built and multivariate logistic regression, COX regression, Kaplan–Meier survival analyses, and receiver operating characteristics method were performed.

Results Thirty-day mortality was 7.5% (79/1,058) with highest mortality in patients severe MS (MAC: 3.4% vs. mild MS: 5.9% vs. moderate MS: 15.0% vs. severe MS: 72.7%; p < 0.001). Moderate-to-severe MS (odds ratio [OR]: 7.75, confidence interval [CI]: 3.94–16.26, p < 0.001), impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (OR: 1.38, CI: 1.10–1.72, p < 0.01), and coronary artery disease (OR: 1.36, CI: 1.11–1.67, p < 0.01) were predictive of 30-day survival. Left ventricular systolic/end-diastolic pressure drop of <59.5 mm Hg / <19.5 mm Hg was associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions TAVI in the presence of MAC and mild MS is associated with acceptable acute outcomes but should be considered high-risk procedures in patients with moderate and especially those with severe MS. Our results suggest adverse hemodynamics after TAVI with concomitant MS, which may be caused by underfilling of the left ventricle leading to low-cardiac output.
Management of Nonmalignant Tracheo- and Bronchoesophageal Fistula after Esophagectomy
Authors: Palmes Daniel , Kebschull Linus , Bahde Ralf , Senninger Norbert , Pascher Andreas , Laukötter Mike G. , Eichelmann Ann-Kathrin
Published: March 2020

Background Tracheo- or bronchoesophageal fistula (TBF) occurring after esophagectomy represent a rare but devastating complication. Management remains challenging and controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of different treatment approaches and to propose recommendations for the management of TBF.

Methods From 2008 to 2018, 15 patients were treated because of TBF and were analyzed with respect to fistula appearance, treatment strategy (stenting, endoscopic vacuum therapy and/or surgical reintervention) and outcome.

Results In each case, the fistula was small, located close to the tracheal bifurcation and associated simultaneously (n = 6, 40%) or metachronously (n = 9, 60%) with an anastomotic leakage. Latter was covered by esophageal stents in six patients which in turn resulted in occurrence of TBF at a later time in five patients. Management of TBF included conservative therapy (n = 3), stenting (n = 6), or suturing (n = 6). Ten patients underwent rethoracotomy. Treatment failure was observed in eight patients (53%). In all patients, treatment was accompanied by progressive sepsis. On the contrary, all seven patients with successful defect closure remained in good general condition.

Conclusion Fistula appearance was similar in all patients. Implementation of esophageal stents cannot be recommended because of possibility of TBF at a later time point. Surgery is usually required and should preferably be performed when the patient's condition has been optimized at a single-stage repair. Esophageal diversion can only be recommended in patients with persisting mediastinitis. The key element for successful treatment of TBF, however, is control over sepsis; otherwise, outcome of TBF is devastating.