bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient effect of suction on the retinal neurovasculature in myopic patients after small-incision lenticule extraction
Authors: Liu Jiayan , Tonk Rahul Singh , Huang Amy Michelle , Han Elaine , Karp Carol L. , Zeng Minzhi , Zou Huyong , Zheng Yu , Luo Wei , Sha Xiangyin , Liu Zhiping
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To characterize retinal neurovasculature changes after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in myopic patients.

Setting:

Ophthalmic Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China.

Design:

Prospective interventional study.

Methods:

The corrected distance visual acuity/uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected intraocular pressure (CIOP), and corneal tomography were evaluated at baseline (PRE), postoperative day (POD) 1, and POD 7. Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thicknesses were measured. The vessel area densities (VADs, %), vessel skeleton densities (VSDs, %), vessel diameter index (VDI), and fractal dimensions (Dbox) of the superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) were measured in a circular area (ϕ 2.5 mm) centered on the fovea.

Results:

A total of 38 myopic patients were recruited. The GCIPL thickness was increased after SMILE at POD 1 and POD 7 (P < .01) but no significant changes in the pRNFL thickness. The VAD, VSD, and Dbox of the SVP were decreased at POD 1 (P < .01), but not at POD 7. The VDI in small vessels of the SVP and DVP was decreased at POD 1 (P < .05) and increased at POD 7 (P < .05). Changes in CIOP were positively correlated with changes in the GCIPL thickness. Changes in CIOP were negatively correlated with changes in the VAD of small vessels and the Dbox of total vessels in the DVP. Changes in CIOP were negatively correlated with the VSD and VDI of small vessels in the DVP and changes in the VDI of big vessels in the SVP.

Conclusions:

The transient fluctuations in the retinal neurovasculature after SMILE may represent a characteristic homeostasis pattern in patients after refractive surgery.
The State of the Netherlands v. Urgenda (Neth. Sup. Ct.)
Authors: Nollkaemper André , Burgers Laura
Published: August 2020

On December 20, 2019, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands published its judgment in The State of the Netherlands v. Urgenda. The judgment is largely a discussion of questions of Dutch law, but contains several conclusions that are relevant from an international law perspective. In particular, the Court held that on the basis of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the Netherlands has a positive obligation to take measures for the prevention of climate change and that it was required to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 25 percent by the end of 2020, compared with 1990 levels.
Friction-Drag Reduction by Transverse Wall Motion – A Review
Authors: Leschziner Michael A.
Published: August 2020

The quest for drag reduction is driven by environmental concerns, in general, and the need to reduce fuel consumption in transport applications, in particular. Turbulent friction is especially important in civil aviation, accounting for over 50% of the total drag in cruise. In this context, spatially and/or temporally varying in-plane wall motion, while undoubtedly difficult to implement in practice, has attracted major interest, because of the large drag-reduction margins it yields. It is also a forcing method that is of fundamental interest, as it provokes intriguing interactions between the spanwise Stokes layer induced by the wall motion and the near-wall turbulence-regeneration mechanisms. This article provides a relatively brief, ‘entry-level’, review of research in this area, principally over the past two decades. While far from being exhaustive, the review conveys a reasonably detailed picture of some major physical issues as well as of the outcome of the most important computational and experimental studies. Particular emphasis is placed on the question of how results obtained in idealised laboratory conditions and by simulation at relatively low Reynolds-number values pertain to high values typical of high-speed transport.
Developing A Rheological Relation for Transient Dense Granular Flows Via Discrete Element Simulation in A Rotating Drum
Authors: Lin C.-C. , Jiang M.-Z. , Yang F.-L.
Published: August 2020

This work examines the μ(I) relation that describes the effective friction coefficient μ of a dense granular flow as a function of flow inertial number I, at the center of a rotating drum from its flow onset to steady state using DEM. We want to see how the internal friction coefficient of an accelerating flow may be predicted so that the associated tangential stress can be estimated with the proper knowledge of the normal stress. Under the three investigated drum speeds (3, 4.5 and 6 rpm), the bulk normal stress, σn(y), is found to be a consistent linear depth profile throughout the flow development with a slope degraded from the hydrostatic value, Ph(y), due to lateral wall friction. With the discovery of a non-constant depth-decaying effective wall friction coefficient, we derive analytically a wall-degradation factor K(h) to give σn(y)= K(h)Ph(y). The depth profile of tangential stress, however, varies in time from a concave shape upon acceleration, τa(y), to a more linear trend at the steady state, τss(y). Hence, the μa-Ia profile (with μa=τ/σn) upon flow acceleration offsets from the steady μss(Iss) relation. A pseudo-steady acceleration modification number, ΔI, is proposed to shift the inertial number in the acceleration phase to I* = Ia+ΔI so that the μa-I* data converge to μss(Iss). This finding shall allow us to predict a transient tangential stress by τa(y) = μss(I*)K(y)Ph(y) using the well-accepted knowledge of steady flow rheology, hydrostatic pressure, and the currently developed wall-degradation factor.
WHEN DID THE INCAS BUILD MACHU PICCHU AND ITS SATELLITE SITES? NEW APPROCHES BASED ON RADIOCARBON DATING
Authors: Ziółkowski Mariusz , Bastante Abuhadba Jose , Hogg Alan , Sieczkowska Dominika , Rakowski Andrzej , Pawlyta Jacek , Manning Sturt W
Published: August 2020

According to the classical chronology of the Inca State, the ascension to power of Pachacuti Inca took place around AD 1438 and the construction of Machu Picchu began by AD 1450–1460. However, the improvement in the accuracy of radiocarbon (14C) dating resulting from the application of Bayesian analysis has changed our view of the historical chronology. This new research raises questions about our understanding of the cultural development of the Machu Picchu area, in the light of the new proposed chronological scheme. This paper presents a set of 11 new14C dates, derived from AMS, from the sites of Llaqta of Machu Picchu, Chachabamba, and Choqesuysuy. The latter two sites are situated within the Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park (Arqueología del Santuario Histórico Nacional y Sitio Patrimonio Mundial de Machu Picchu) and have been interpreted as being part of the contemporary Late Horizon Inca landscape. The new14C ages are modeled using Bayesian inference and present a revised dating framework for these sites and their chronological relationship with Llaqta of Machu Picchu.
SWEET DEBATES IN SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY BARCELONA
Authors: MANZANARES MILEO MARTA
Published: August 2020

Scholarly interest in early modern sweets has focused on the central role of these food products as markers of social distinction and conspicuous consumption in elite contexts, mainly centred on northern Europe and Italy. Less fully understood are the ways in which the increasing demand for sugar and sweets informed their production and marketing at local levels, in particular in non-courtly urban areas. This article examines the legal case against the baker Josep Cortés, accused of making and selling sponge biscuits in violation of the privilege of confectioners in late seventeenth-century Barcelona. It addresses how confectioners and bakers materially and discursively defined their products based on the use of certain ingredients, utensils, and skill. This article also illustrates a shift from a generic idea of sweetness to one which was explicitly linked to sugar in the period when sugar was becoming a semi-affordable commodity in Europe. By addressing diverse source materials including court records, printed cookbooks, handwritten recipes, and inventories, this case study exemplifies the significant material and cultural dimensions that sugar adopted during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Tilting instability of magnetically confined spheromaks
Authors: Mehta Riddhi , Barkov Maxim , Sironi Lorenzo , Lyutikov Maxim
Published: August 2020

We consider the tilting instability of a magnetically confined spheromak using three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic and relativistic particle-in-cell calculations with an application to astrophysical plasmas, specifically those occurring in magnetar magnetospheres. The instability is driven by the counter-alignment of the spheromak's intrinsic magnetic dipole with the external magnetic field. Initially, the spheromak rotates – tilts – trying to lower its magnetic potential energy. As a result, a current sheet forms between the internal magnetic field of a spheromak and the confining field. Magnetic reconnection sets in; this leads to the annihilation of the newly counter-aligned magnetic flux of the spheromak. This occurs on a few Alfvén time scales. In the case of a higher-order (second-order) spheromak, the internal core is first pushed out of the envelope, resulting in formation of two nearly independent tilting spheromaks. Thus, the magnetically twisted outer shell cannot stabilize the inner core. During dissipation, helicity of the initial spheromak is carried away by torsional Alfvén waves, violating the assumptions of the Taylor relaxation theorem. In applications to magnetar giant flares, fast development of tilting instabilities and no stabilization of the higher-order spheromaks make it unlikely that trapped spheromaks are responsible for the tail emission lasting hundreds of seconds.
WINGLESS GRIFFINS AMONG PAPYRUS PLANTS FROM NEOPALATIAL KNOSSOS? A RECONSTRUCTION PROPOSAL OF THE SEAL IMPRESSION CMS II8, 321
Authors: Michel Nicoletta Antognelli
Published: August 2020

This paper offers a new interpretation of the motifs preserved on the fragmentary Late Minoan (LM) I seal impression from Knossos CMS II8, 321, proposing a reconstruction of the original scene as two couchant overlapping griffins without wings among papyrus plants. If correct, the combination of all these elements is quite exceptional, since this scene would provide a unique reflection in glyptic art of the famous Throne Room decoration of Knossos, with its imposing wingless griffins immersed in a lush landscape of papyrus-reeds. Although a well-known ivory plaque from Mycenae displays a similar composition with a single, ‘classical’, winged griffin, no seal image seems to show also the wingless beast and the overlapping pose of two couchant griffins. The present investigation explores several parallels not only for this rare, yet well-attested, compositional scheme in Aegean art, but also for the figure of the wingless griffin. Both will be found in the Pylian palace decorative programme, which offers further griffins without wings – even in glyptic art – a meaningful parallel, since the interconnections between the Palace of Nestor and the Palace of Minos provide some of the most intriguing material in the study of Aegean imagery.
Spanish copula selection with adjectives at age three
Authors: REQUENA Pablo E.
Published: August 2020

Previous comprehension studies using Picture Matching Tasks (PMT) have shown that, by the age of four, Spanish-speaking children have acquired the semantics of estar being able to calculate the implicature that a property introduced with estar does not hold independent of time as well as displaying some ability to integrate discourse information about properties that change in the course of a story. This study extends that line of research to children under the age of four. Thirty-eight monolingual Spanish-speaking children were tested in two PMTs. The results show that at age three children differ from older children in their interpretation of the copulas suggesting that the distinction between ser and estar with adjectives emerges between the ages of three and four.
Crystal structure of ceftriaxone sodium hemiheptahydrate, C18H16N8O7S3Na2(H2O)3.5
Authors: Gonzalez Diana , Golab Joseph T. , Eilert Jan Y. , Wang Rong , Kaduk James A.
Published: August 2020

The crystal structure of ceftriaxone sodium hemiheptahydrate has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data and optimized using density functional techniques. Ceftriaxone sodium hemiheptahydrate crystallizes in the space group C2 (#5) with a = 30.56 492(16), b = 4.75 264(2), c = 18.54 978(16) Å, β = 90.3545(6), V = 2694.562(21) Å3, and Z = 4. Both Na exhibit trigonal bipyramidal coordination. Prominent in the structure are alternating Na/O and organic layers perpendicular to the c-axis. There are many O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the water molecules and the ionized portions of the anion. There are a surprising number of C–H⋯S hydrogen bonds, as well as C–H⋯N and C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The powder pattern has been submitted to ICDD for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File™.
X-ray powder diffraction data for estra-4,9-diene-3,17-dione, C18H22O2
Authors: Zha Zhicheng , Tang Ting , Bian Xiaoyan , Wang Qing
Published: August 2020

X-ray powder diffraction data for estra-4,9-diene-3,17-dione, C18H22O2, are reported [a = 9.236(7) Å, b = 10.294(4) Å, c = 15.471(1) Å, unit cell volume V = 1471.11 Å3, Z = 4, and space group P212121]. All measured lines were indexed and are consistent with the P212121 space group. No detectable impurities were observed. The single-crystallographic data of the compound are also reported [a = 9.2392(7) Å, b = 10.2793(5) Å, c = 15.4822(7) Å, unit cell volume V = 1470.37(15) Å3, Z = 4, and space group P212121]. Both single-crystal and powder diffraction methods can get the similar structure data.
Aggregation, Balancing, and Respect for the Claims of Individuals
Authors: Steuwer Bastian
Published: August 2020

Most non-consequentialists “let the numbers count” when one can save either a lesser or greater number from equal or similar harm. But they are wary of doing so when one can save either a small number from grave harm or instead a very large number from minor harm. Limited aggregation is an approach that reconciles these two commitments. It is motivated by a powerful idea: our decision whom to save should respect each person who has a claim to our help, including those whom we fail to save. However, it has recently been argued that it is open to decisive objections. I develop a new limitedly aggregative view:Hybrid Balance Relevant Claims. This view is well grounded in the reasons we have to be skeptical of aggregation and resolves all recent challenges by paying careful attention to the rationale for limited aggregation.
Positive Psychosocial Factors and Cognitive Decline in Ethnically Diverse Older Adults
Authors: Zahodne Laura B. , Sharifian Neika , Kraal Ann Zarina , Sol Ketlyne , Zaheed Afsara B. , Manly Jennifer J. , Brickman Adam M.
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

Previous cross-sectional studies have documented associations between positive psychosocial factors, such as self-efficacy and emotional support, and late-life cognition. Further, the magnitudes of concurrent associations may differ across racial and ethnic groups that differ in Alzheimer’s disease risk. The goals of this longitudinal study were to characterize prospective associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognitive decline and explicitly test for differential impact across race and ethnicity.

Methods:

578 older adults (42% non-Hispanic Black, 31% non-Hispanic White, and 28% Hispanic) in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project completed cognitive and psychosocial measures from the NIH Toolbox and standard neuropsychological tests over 2.4 years. Latent difference scores were used to model associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognitive decline controlling for baseline cognition, sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, physical health, and other positive psychosocial factors. Multiple-group modeling was used to test interactions between the positive psychosocial factors and race/ethnicity.

Results:

Higher NIH Toolbox Friendship scores predicted less episodic memory decline. One standard deviation increase in friendship corresponded to 6 fewer years of memory aging. This association did not significantly differ across racial/ethnic groups.

Conclusions:

This longitudinal study provides support for the potential importance of friendships for subsequent episodic memory trajectories among older adults from three ethnic groups. Further study into culturally informed interventions is needed to investigate whether and how friend networks may be targeted to promote cognitive health in late life.
Developing a consensus definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients using Delphi methods
Authors: Casellas-Grau A. , Jordán de Luna C. , Maté J. , Ochoa C. , Sumalla E.C. , Gil F.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges of our times, affecting all the personal areas of a patient. The interrelationships between these areas and the need for multidisciplinary care require the assessment of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients. The main aim of this study was to reach a consensus on the general definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer and its main elements according to the experts in the field.

Method

A Delphi study was performed, which first involved a comprehensive review of the literature to create a questionnaire that was validated by two expert panels. The first panel consisted of intra-institutional experts, while the second included extra-institutional experts in the field. The study included three more rounds: (1) validation of the questionnaire by the internal panel, (2) discussion of the results and resolving discrepancies, and (3) validation of the questionnaire by the external panel.

Results

After the four-round Delphi process, we obtained a consensus definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients, as well as of its main factors: medical–physical, social-family, psychological, and spiritual. A 21-indicators list and its 8-indicators brief version were also proposed as indicators of psychosocial complexity.

Significance of results

We present a definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients that has been agreed by experts, also establishing its four factors: medical–physical, social-family, psychological, and spiritual. This has led to the development of a list of indicators (and its brief version) that, after a validation process, could help health professionals to identify patients with high psychosocial complexity to provide them an optimal care.
THE LOGIC OF INFORMATION IN STATE SPACES
Authors: HORNISCHER LEVIN
Published: August 2020

State spaces are, in the most general sense, sets of entities that contain information. Examples include states of dynamical systems, processes of observations, or possible worlds. We use domain theory to describe the structure of positive and negative information in state spaces. We present examples ranging from the space of trajectories of a dynamical system, over Dunn’s aboutness interpretation of fde, to the space of open sets of a spectral space. We show that these information structures induce so-called hype models which were recently developed by Leitgeb (2019). Conversely, we prove a representation theorem: roughly, hype models can be represented as induced by an information structure. Thus, the well-behaved logic hype is a sound and complete logic for reasoning about information in state spaces.

As application of this framework, we investigate information fusion. We motivate two kinds of fusion. We define a groundedness and a separation property that allow a hype model to be closed under the two kinds of fusion. This involves a Dedekind–MacNeille completion and a fiber-space like construction. The proof-techniques come from pointless topology and universal algebra.
A 31 GHz body-biased configurable power amplifier in 28 nm FD-SOI CMOS for 5 G applications
Authors: Torres Florent , Kerhervé Eric , Cathelin Andreia , De Matos Magali
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a 31 GHz integrated power amplifier (PA) in 28 nm Fully Depleted Silicon-On-Insulator Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (FD-SOI CMOS) technology and targeting SoC implementation for 5 G applications. Fine-grain wide range power control with more than 10 dB tuning range is enabled by body biasing feature while the design improves voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) robustness, stability and reverse isolation by using optimized 90° hybrid couplers and capacitive neutralization on both stages. Maximum power gain of 32.6 dB, PAEmax of 25.5% and Psat of 17.9 dBm are measured while robustness to industrial temperature range and process spread is demonstrated. Temperature-induced performance variation compensation, as well as amplitude-to-phase modulation (AM-PM) optimization regarding output power back-off, are achieved through body-bias node. This PA exhibits an International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors figure of merit (ITRS FOM) of 26 925, the highest reported around 30 GHz to authors' knowledge.
Automatic Inversions of Strong‐Motion Records for Finite‐Fault Models of Significant Earthquakes in and Around Japan
Authors: Zheng Xujun , Zhang Yong , Wang Rongjiang , Zhao Li , Li Wenying , Huang Qinghua
Published: August 2020

Automatic and rapid imaging of earthquake rupture process is a difficult task but critical for postearthquake response and possible tsunami early warning. We have developed an automatic system for finite‐fault inversion based on the iterative deconvolution and stacking (IDS) approach, in which we screen the waveforms and update the fault size automatically. Strong‐motion seismograms are used in offline tests to invert for the rupture processes of 34 significant earthquakes in 2008–2017 in and around Japan with magnitudesMW ≥ 6.0 occurred onshore andMW ≥ 6.5 offshore. Rupture model of an earthquake, including moment magnitude, source time function, slip distribution, rupture velocity, and stress drop, is obtained in ~1.5 min on a desktop PC. The moment magnitudes we obtained are consistent with those published by other agencies. The slip distributions, rupture directions, and velocities also agree well with those released by the Japan Meteorological Agency. In all test cases, our results show that the automatic inversion of strong‐motion data can provide reliable major source parameters without manual revision, which demonstrates great potential for emergency response and tsunami early warning purposes. The automatic inversion system developed in this work can also be used to build catalogs of finite‐fault models for moderate to strong earthquakes in other areas where the moment tensor solutions and near‐field waveform data are available.
Synergistic Effects of Midlatitude Atmospheric Upstream Disturbances and Oceanic Subtropical Front Intensity Variability on Western Pacific Jet Stream in Winter
Authors: Chen Fei Fei , Chen Qiuyu , Hu Haibo , Fang Jiabei , Bai Haokun
Published: August 2020

In winter, the western Pacific jet stream (WPJS) is located at the downstream of East Asian subtropical jet (EASJ) and East Asian polar front jet (EAPJ). It can be affected by sea surface temperature (SST) and has great impact on precipitation along the North American coast. Synergistic effects of midlatitude atmospheric upstream disturbances and oceanic subtropical front intensity variability on WPJS in winter are investigated in both observation and model experiments. It reveals that the strength and location of WPJS are determined by the configuration of atmospheric upstream disturbances and subtropical frontal zone (STFZ) intensity variability that exist concurrently. During the strong atmospheric upstream disturbances years, the WPJS is anchored at about 25–45°N, and its strength is enhanced (abated) by the intensified (weakened) STFZ. However, when the atmospheric upstream disturbances are weak, the intensity of STFZ changes the location of WPJS. An intensified (weakened) STFZ makes WPJS move southward (northward). Further studies show that strong atmospheric disturbances induce a wide and deep atmospheric baroclinicity anomaly zone, which makes the lower atmosphere obtain baroclinic energy from STFZ. Accordingly, the WPJS is anchored just the north of STFZ. At this time, the intensified (weakened) STFZ just increases (decreases) the upward baroclinic energy at the same position and thus the WPJS. However, with the weakened atmospheric upstream disturbances, the intensified (weakened) STFZ corresponds to an overhead narrow atmospheric baroclinicity anomaly zone, thus leading to the southward (northward) movements of upward baroclinic energy and the WPJS.
Atmospheric and Land Surface Contributions to Heatwaves: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Hirsch Annette L. , King Malcolm J.
Published: August 2020

Heatwaves are associated with prolonged hot conditions that accompany a quasi‐stationary anticyclone. This is a consequence of different heat mechanisms including subsidence, horizontal heat advection, and sensible heating from the land surface. Understanding the relative contribution of each of these heat mechanisms is important for improving the predictability of heatwaves. However, the evolution of heatwaves can vary depending upon antecedent conditions, and therefore, it is necessary to examine the role of both atmospheric processes and land surface conditions together. Using a regional climate model, we simulate five heatwaves that occurred over different parts of Australia. Using Lagrangian back‐trajectories to inform the atmospheric flow preceding each of the heatwave events, we perturb the evaporative fraction where and when the flow enters the boundary layer. We aim to understand the role of land surface energy partitioning on two of the heat mechanisms and identify under what circumstances it has limited influence on a heatwave. We find that the sensitivity to changes in land surface energy partitioning varied considerably between the events. Advection was critical by either enhancing the accumulation of heat into the affected location or for dissipating the event by ventilating the region with cooler air. Convective precipitation was triggered when increasing the evaporative fraction due to a warm atmosphere and more moisture supplied by the land surface. Finally, the contribution of each of the heat mechanisms varied between the events due to atmospheric and land surface processes and therefore generalizing the contribution of these mechanisms to heatwaves should be avoided.
Isolating the Impacts of Land Use/Cover Change and Climate Change on the GPP in the Heihe River Basin of China
Authors: You Nanshan , Meng Jijun , Zhu Lijun , Jiang Song , Zhu Likai , Li Feng , Kuo Li‐Jen
Published: August 2020

Terrestrial gross primary production (GPP) is a key indicator of the ecosystem response to climate change and land use/cover change (LUCC) in arid areas. The available global GPP data sets cannot meet the demands for local applications in arid areas due to sparse vegetation and extreme climate conditions. Here, we developed a novel GPP estimation model for the Heihe River Basin (HRB), the second largest inland river basin in northern China, and disentangled the impacts of climate change and LUCC on GPP. First, we calibrated the vegetation photosynthesis model (VPM) using CO2 flux observations from multiple stations in the HRB and developed a modified local GPP model (HRB‐VPM). Then, we decoupled the joint effects of LUCC and climate change on GPP based on the log and differential transformation method. The results showed that HRB‐VPM outperformed Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and VPM GPP models in arid ecosystems. The root mean square error of HRB‐VPM was 4.9 and 1.5 gCm−2 day−1 lower than those of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and VPM models, respectively. We concluded that the underlying driving forces of the GPP changes were distinct across the HRB. In the upper reach, climate change accounted for 65.8% of GPP changes, while in the middle and lower reaches, LUCC contributed to 75.1% of GPP changes. Our research provides an effective way to monitor arid ecosystem degradation and is useful for mitigating the negative impacts of human activities and future climate change.
Sediment Routing and Floodplain Exchange (SeRFE): A Spatially Explicit Model of Sediment Balance and Connectivity Through River Networks
Authors: Gilbert Jordan T. , Wilcox Andrew C.
Published: August 2020

Sediment regimes, i.e., the processes that recruit, transport, and store sediment, create the physical habitats that underpin river‐floodplain ecosystems. Natural and human‐induced disturbances that alter sediment regimes can have cascading effects on river and floodplain morphology, ecosystems, and a river's ability to provide ecosystem services, yet prediction of the response of sediment dynamics to disturbance is challenging. We developed the Sediment Routing and Floodplain Exchange (SeRFE) model, which is a network‐based, spatially explicit framework for modeling sediment recruitment to and subsequent transport through drainage networks. SeRFE additionally tracks the spatially and temporally variable balance between sediment supply and transport capacity. Simulations using SeRFE can account for various types of watershed disturbance and for channel‐floodplain sediment exchange. SeRFE is simple, adaptable, and can be run with widely available geospatial data and limited field data. The model is driven by real or user‐generated hydrographs, allowing the user to assess the combined effects of disturbance, channel‐floodplain interactions and particular flow scenarios on the propagation of disturbances throughout a drainage network, and the resulting impacts to reaches of interest. We tested the model in the Santa Clara River basin, Southern California, in subbasins affected by large dams and wildfire. Model results highlight the importance of hydrologic conditions on postwildfire sediment yield and illustrate the spatial extent of dam‐induced sediment deficit during a flood. SeRFE can provide contextual information on reach‐scale sediment balance conditions, sensitivity to altered sediment regimes, and potential for morphologic change for managers and practitioners working in disturbed watersheds.
The updated landscape of tumor microenvironment and drug repurposing
Authors: Jin Ming-Zhu , Jin Wei-Lin
Published: August 2020

Accumulating evidence shows that cellular and acellular components in tumor microenvironment (TME) can reprogram tumor initiation, growth, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapies. Cancer research and treatment have switched from a cancer-centric model to a TME-centric one, considering the increasing significance of TME in cancer biology. Nonetheless, the clinical efficacy of therapeutic strategies targeting TME, especially the specific cells or pathways of TME, remains unsatisfactory. Classifying the chemopathological characteristics of TME and crosstalk among one another can greatly benefit further studies exploring effective treating methods. Herein, we present an updated image of TME with emphasis on hypoxic niche, immune microenvironment, metabolism microenvironment, acidic niche, innervated niche, and mechanical microenvironment. We then summarize conventional drugs including aspirin, celecoxib, β-adrenergic antagonist, metformin, and statin in new antitumor application. These drugs are considered as viable candidates for combination therapy due to their antitumor activity and extensive use in clinical practice. We also provide our outlook on directions and potential applications of TME theory. This review depicts a comprehensive and vivid landscape of TME from biology to treatment.
An epigenome-wide association study of early-onset major depression in monozygotic twins
Authors: Roberson-Nay Roxann , Lapato Dana M. , Wolen Aaron R. , Lancaster Eva E. , Webb Bradley T. , Verhulst Bradley , Hettema John M. , York Timothy P.
Published: August 2020

Major depression (MD) is a debilitating mental health condition with peak prevalence occurring early in life. Genome-wide examination of DNA methylation (DNAm) offers an attractive complement to studies of allelic risk given it can reflect the combined influence of genes and environment. The current study used monozygotic twins to identify differentially and variably methylated regions of the genome that distinguish twins with and without a lifetime history of early-onset MD. The sample included 150 Caucasian monozygotic twins between the ages of 15 and 20 (73% female; Mage = 17.52 SD = 1.28) who were assessed during a developmental stage characterized by relatively distinct neurophysiological changes. All twins were generally healthy and currently free of medications with psychotropic effects. DNAm was measured in peripheral blood cells using the Infinium Human BeadChip 450 K Array. MD associations with early-onset MD were detected at 760 differentially and variably methylated probes/regions that mapped to 428 genes. Genes and genomic regions involved neural circuitry formation, projection, functioning, and plasticity. Gene enrichment analyses implicated genes related to neuron structures and neurodevelopmental processes including cell–cell adhesion genes (e.g., PCDHA genes). Genes previously implicated in mood and psychiatric disorders as well as chronic stress (e.g., NRG3) also were identified. DNAm regions associated with early-onset MD were found to overlap genetic loci identified in the latest Psychiatric Genomics Consortium meta-analysis of depression. Understanding the time course of epigenetic influences during emerging adulthood may clarify developmental phases where changes in the DNA methylome may modulate individual differences in MD risk.
Fenpropathrin induces degeneration of dopaminergic neurons via disruption of the mitochondrial quality control system
Authors: Jiao Zhigang , Wu Yixuan , Qu Shaogang
Published: August 2020

The synthetic pyrethroid derivative, fenpropathrin, is a widely used insecticide. However, a variety of toxic effects in mammals have been reported. In particular, fenpropathrin induces degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and parkinsonism. However, the mechanism of fenpropathrin-induced parkinsonism has remained unknown. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects and underlying mechanisms of fenpropathrin on perturbing the dopaminergic system both in vivo and in vitro. We found that fenpropathrin induced cellular death of dopaminergic neurons in vivo. Furthermore, fenpropathrin increased the generation of reactive oxygen species, disrupted both mitochondrial function and dynamic networks, impaired synaptic communication, and promoted mitophagy in vitro. In mice, fenpropathrin was administered into the striatum via stereotaxic (ST) injections. ST-injected mice exhibited poor locomotor function at 24 weeks after the first ST injection and the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells and level of TH protein in the substantia nigra pars compacta were significantly decreased, as compared to these parameters in vehicle-treated mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that exposure to fenpropathrin induces a loss of dopaminergic neurons and partially mimics the pathologic features of Parkinson’s disease. These findings suggest that fenpropathrin may induce neuronal degeneration via dysregulation of mitochondrial function and the mitochondrial quality control system.
Early-onset breast cancer in a woman with a germline mobile element insertion resulting in BRCA2 disruption: a case report
Authors: Deuitch Natalie , Li Shao-Tzu , Courtney Eliza , Shaw Tarryn , Dent Rebecca , Tan Veronique , Yackowski Lauren , Torene Rebecca , Berkofsky-Fessler Windy , Ngeow Joanne
Published: August 2020

Mobile element insertions (MEIs) contribute to genomic diversity, but they can be responsible for human disease in some cases. Initial clinical testing (BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2) in a 40-year-old female with unilateral breast cancer did not detect any pathogenic variants. Subsequent reanalysis for MEIs detected a novel likely pathogenic insertion of the retrotransposon element (RE) c.7894_7895insSVA in BRCA2. This case highlights the importance of bioinformatic pipeline optimization for the detection of MEIs in genes associated with hereditary cancer, as early detection can significantly impact clinical management.
Calcium-sensing receptor-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome response to calciprotein particles drives inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jäger Elisabeth , Murthy Supriya , Schmidt Caroline , Hahn Magdalena , Strobel Sarah , Peters Anna , Stäubert Claudia , Sungur Pelin , Venus Tom , Geisler Mandy , Radusheva Veselina , Raps Stefanie , Rothe Kathrin , Scholz Roger , Jung Sebastian , Wagner Sylke , Pierer Matthias , Seifert Olga , Chang Wenhan , Estrela-Lopis Irina , Raulien Nora , Krohn Knut , Sträter Norbert , Hoeppener Stephanie , Schöneberg Torsten , Rossol Manuela , Wagner Ulf
Published: August 2020

Increased extracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]ex) trigger activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in monocytes through calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). To prevent extraosseous calcification in vivo, the serum protein fetuin-A stabilizes calcium and phosphate into 70-100 nm-sized colloidal calciprotein particles (CPPs). Here we show that monocytes engulf CPPs via macropinocytosis, and this process is strictly dependent on CaSR signaling triggered by increases in [Ca2+]ex. Enhanced macropinocytosis of CPPs results in increased lysosomal activity, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and IL-1β release. Monocytes in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibit increased CPP uptake and IL-1β release in response to CaSR signaling. CaSR expression in these monocytes and local [Ca2+] in afflicted joints are increased, probably contributing to this enhanced response. We propose that CaSR-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to inflammatory arthritis and systemic inflammation not only in RA, but possibly also in other inflammatory conditions. Inhibition of CaSR-mediated CPP uptake might be a therapeutic approach to treating RA.
Use of ratiometrically designed nanocarrier targeting CDK4/6 and autophagy pathways for effective pancreatic cancer treatment
Authors: Ji Ying , Liu Xiangsheng , Li Juan , Xie Xiaodong , Huang Max , Jiang Jinhong , Liao Yu-Pei , Donahue Timothy , Meng Huan
Published: August 2020

Aberrant cell cycle machinery and loss of the CDKN2A tumor suppressor locus make CDK4/6 a potential target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, a vast majority of PDAC cases do not harbor a durable response to monotherapy of CDK4/6 inhibitor. Utilizing remote loading to co-encapsulate CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib (PAL) and an autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), we demonstrate a ratiometrically designed mesoporous silica nanoformulation with synergistic efficacy in subcutaneous and orthotopic PDAC mouse models. The synergism is attributed to the effective intratumoral buildup of PAL/HCQ, which otherwise exhibit distinctly different circulatory and biodistribution profile. PAL/HCQ co-delivery nanoparticles lead to the most effective shrinkage of PDAC compared to various controls, including free drug mixture. Immunohistochemistry reveals that PAL/HCQ co-delivery nanoparticles trigger anti-apoptotic pathway after repetitive intravenous administrations in mice. When combined with a Bcl inhibitor, the performance of co-delivery nanoparticles is further improved, leading to a long-lasting anti-PDAC effect in vivo.
Surface chelation of cesium halide perovskite by dithiocarbamate for efficient and stable solar cells
Authors: He Jingjing , Liu Junxian , Hou Yu , Wang Yun , Yang Shuang , Yang Hua Gui
Published: August 2020

Surface engineering has been shown critical for the success of perovskite solar cells by passivating the surface enriched defects and mobile species. The discovery of surface modulators with superior interaction strength to perovskite is of paramount importance since they can retain reliable passivation under various environments. Here, we report a chelation strategy for surface engineering of CsPbI2Br perovskite, in which dithiocarbamate molecules can be coordinate to surface Pb sites via strong bidentate chelating bonding. Such chelated CsPbI2Br perovskite can realize excellent passivation of surface under-coordinated defects, reaching a champion power conversion efficiency of 17.03% and an open-circuit voltage of 1.37 V of CsPbI2Br solar cells. More importantly, our chelation strategy enabled excellent device stability by maintaining 98% of their initial efficiency for over 1400 h in ambient condition. Our findings provide scientific insights on the surface engineering of perovskite that can facilitate the further development and application of perovskite optoelectronics.
Reduced serial dependence suggests deficits in synaptic potentiation in anti-NMDAR encephalitis and schizophrenia
Authors: Stein Heike , Barbosa Joao , Rosa-Justicia Mireia , Prades Laia , Morató Alba , Galan-Gadea Adrià , Ariño Helena , Martinez-Hernandez Eugenia , Castro-Fornieles Josefina , Dalmau Josep , Compte Albert
Published: August 2020

A mechanistic understanding of core cognitive processes, such as working memory, is crucial to addressing psychiatric symptoms in brain disorders. We propose a combined psychophysical and biophysical account of two symptomatologically related diseases, both linked to hypofunctional NMDARs: schizophrenia and autoimmune anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We first quantified shared working memory alterations in a delayed-response task. In both patient groups, we report a markedly reduced influence of previous stimuli on working memory contents, despite preserved memory precision. We then simulated this finding with NMDAR-dependent synaptic alterations in a microcircuit model of prefrontal cortex. Changes in cortical excitation destabilized within-trial memory maintenance and could not account for disrupted serial dependence in working memory. Rather, a quantitative fit between data and simulations supports alterations of an NMDAR-dependent memory mechanism operating on longer timescales, such as short-term potentiation.
Coordination engineering of iridium nanocluster bifunctional electrocatalyst for highly efficient and pH-universal overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Qilun , Xu Cong-Qiao , Liu Wei , Hung Sung-Fu , Bin Yang Hong , Gao Jiajian , Cai Weizheng , Chen Hao Ming , Li Jun , Liu Bin
Published: August 2020

Water electrolysis offers a promising energy conversion and storage technology for mitigating the global energy and environmental crisis, but there still lack highly efficient and pH-universal electrocatalysts to boost the sluggish kinetics for both cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report uniformly dispersed iridium nanoclusters embedded on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene as an efficient and robust electrocatalyst for both HER and OER at all pH conditions, reaching a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with only 300, 190 and 220 mV overpotential for overall water splitting in neutral, acidic and alkaline electrolyte, respectively. Based on probing experiments, operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, we attribute the high catalytic activities to the optimum bindings to hydrogen (for HER) and oxygenated intermediate species (for OER) derived from the tunable and favorable electronic state of the iridium sites coordinated with both nitrogen and sulfur.
Publisher Correction: Rapid endothelial cytoskeletal reorganization enables early blood–brain barrier disruption and long-term ischaemic reperfusion brain injury
Authors: Shi Yejie , Zhang Lili , Pu Hongjian , Mao Leilei , Hu Xiaoming , Jiang Xiaoyan , Xu Na , Stetler R. Anne , Zhang Feng , Liu Xiangrong , Leak Rehana K. , Keep Richard F. , Ji Xunming , Chen Jun
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A national macroinvertebrate dataset collected for the biomonitoring of Ireland’s river network, 2007–2018
Authors: Feeley Hugh B. , Bradley Catherine , Free Gary , Kennedy Bryan , Little Ruth , McDonnell Neasa , Plant Caroline , Trodd Wayne , Wynne Caroline , Boyle Shane O’
Published: August 2020

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland is responsible for the ecological monitoring and assessment of 37 hydrometric areas covering 46 river catchments and over 13,000 km of river channel nationwide. The national river monitoring program commenced in 1971 and has developed further since 2007 into the National Rivers Water Framework Directive (WFD) Monitoring Program following the implementation of the WFD across the European Union. The monitoring program is designed to obtain sufficiently representative information to assess ecological quality for each water body assessed. Consequently, macroinvertebrate data have been collected at over 2,900 river survey stations on a minimum 3-year cycle to fulfil these requirements. While the EPA has collected these data for water quality assessments we recognize that the data have value beyond this one purpose. We provide a summary of how these 10,987 data records, covering the years 2007 to 2018, have been collected and used to deepen understanding of water quality, biodiversity and general ecological health of Ireland’s river network.
Regulating the location of framework aluminium in mordenite for the carbonylation of dimethyl ether
Authors: Huang Xiumin , Ma Meng , Li Mingrun , Shen Wenjie
Published: August 2020

The relationship between the specific location of framework Al atoms and the reactivity for DME carbonylation was established over mordenite.
Catalyzed chain growth polymerisation of ethylene using lanthanidocenes/dialkylmagnesium: further developments and one pot synthesis of narrow dispersed high molecular weight fatty alcohols
Authors: Chenal T. , Drelon M. , Marsh B. , Silva F. F. , Visseaux M. , Mortreux A.
Published: August 2020

Ethylene polymerisation was performedviaan improvedin situLn/Mg CCG process and applied to the synthesis of highMnlinear alcohols.
Efficacy of corrosion control and pipe replacement in reducing citywide lead exposure during the Flint, MI water system recovery
Authors: Roy Siddhartha , Edwards Marc A.
Published: August 2020

Enhanced corrosion control and replacement of all lead-based pipes are expected to reduce citywide lead exposure by about 72–84%. However, Flint's post-lead pipe era will not result in completely lead free drinking water.
Metabolism and pharmacological activities of the natural health-benefiting compound diosmin
Authors: Zheng Yizhou , Zhang Rui , Shi Weimei , Li Linfu , Liu Hai , Chen Zhixi , Wu Longhuo
Published: August 2020

Diosmin is a famous natural flavonoid for treating chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
Peptides from walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) protect hepatic HepG2 cells from high glucose-induced insulin resistance and oxidative stress
Authors: Wang Ji , Wu Tong , Fang Li , Liu Chunlei , Liu Xiaoting , Li Hongmei , Shi Junhua , Li Meihe , Min Weihong
Published: August 2020

Schematic of the mechanism underlying the protection of hepatic HepG2 cells against high glucose-induced insulin resistance and oxidative stress by walnut-derived peptides.
The role of oxygen defects in metal oxides for CO2 reduction
Authors: Deng Zesheng , Ji Jiahui , Xing Mingyang , Zhang Jinlong
Published: August 2020

The formation and characterization of oxygen defects and their structure–activity relationship with CO2 reduction are reviewed in this article.
Topographical regulation of stem cell differentiation by plant-derived micro/nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Ruitong , Han Shuwei , Ren Na , Liang Linlin , Liang Na , Liu Fan , Chen Yuke , Li Dong , Liu Wenxia , Liu Hong , Sun Chunhui
Published: August 2020

A novel plant-derived material as scaffolds that can promote the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells is reported.