bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARABIDOMICS—A new experimental platform for molecular analyses of plants in drop towers, on parabolic flights, and sounding rockets
Authors: Hauslage Jens , Görög Mark , Krause Lars , Schüler Oliver , Schäfer Martin , Witten Anika , Kesseler Leona , Böhmer Maik , Hemmersbach Ruth
Published: March 2020

Plants represent an essential part of future life support systems that will enable human space travel to distant planets and their colonization. Therefore, insights into changes and adaptations of plants in microgravity are of great importance. Despite considerable efforts, we still know very little about how plants respond to microgravity environments on the molecular level, partly due to a lack of sufficient hardware and flight opportunities. The plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the subject of this study, represents a well-studied model organism in gravitational biology, particularly for the analysis of transcriptional and metabolic changes. To overcome the limitations of previous plant hardware that often led to secondary effects and to allow for the extraction not only of RNA but also of phytohormones and proteins, we developed a new experimental platform, called ARABIDOMICS, for exposure and fixation under altered gravity conditions. Arabidopsis seedlings were exposed to hypergravity during launch and microgravity during the free-fall period of the MAPHEUS 5 sounding rocket. Seedlings were chemically fixed inflight at defined time points, and RNA and phytohormones were subsequently analyzed in the laboratory. RNA and phytohormones extracted from the fixed biological samples were of excellent quality. Changes in the phytohormone content of jasmonate, auxin, and several cytokinins were observed in response to hypergravity and microgravity.
Development of a half-cell for x-ray structural analysis of liquid electrolytes in rechargeable batteries
Authors: Kimura Koji , Kiuchi Hisao , Morita Masahito , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Yoshii Kazuki , Sakaebe Hikari , Hayashi Kouichi
Published: March 2020

A half-cell of the rechargeable Li-ion battery was developed to characterize an electrolyte structure using high energy x-ray total scattering measurements in combination with a two-dimensional x-ray detector. The scattering pattern consisted of strong Bragg peaks from electrodes and diffuse scatterings from sapphire windows, in addition to a weak halo pattern from the electrolyte. By selectively removing the signals of the electrodes and windows using specific numerical procedures, we could successfully extract the structural information of the electrolyte, which was in reasonable agreement with the reference data obtained from the electrolyte in a glass capillary. The present demonstration with a half-cell is expected to shed new light on operand characterization of the electrolyte structure during charging and discharging.
A miniaturized ECR plasma flood gun for wafer charge neutralization
Authors: Jiang Yaoxiang , Peng Shixiang , Wu Wenbin , Ma Tenghao , Zhang Jingfeng , Ren Haitao , Li Kai , Zhang Tao , Wen Jiamei , Xu Yuan , Zhang AiLin , Sun Jiang , Guo Zhiyu , Chen Jia’er
Published: March 2020

In modern ion implanters, a plasma flood gun (PFG) is used to neutralize wafer charge during the doping process, preventing the breakdown of floating wafers caused by the space charge accumulation. Typically, there are two kinds of PFGs, namely, dc arc discharge with filament and RF discharge. As a PFG, the filament one has limited lifetime and cannot avoid metallic contamination because of the thermal emitting filament. RF discharge PFG has been developed to solve these problems, including prolonging the source lifetime and avoiding metal pollution. Recently, a 2.45 GHz electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source is also regarded as a potential choice for PFG. However, the dimension of the 2.45 GHz ECR source system including the size of the source itself and its meter’s length RF subsidiary limits its application within an ion implanter. At Peking University, a miniaturized 2.45 GHz permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance plasma flood gun with a coaxial RF transmission line has been built and tested. The dimensions of the ECR source body are Φ60 mm × Φ88 mm with a Φ30 mm × Φ40 mm plasma chamber. Its RF transmission line consists of a 200 W microwave generator, a 30 cm coaxial line, a 7 cm coaxial-to-waveguide transducer, and a microwave window that also serves as a vacuum seal. In continuous wave experiments, the electron extraction currents can be as high as 8.8 mA at an input RF power of 22 W with argon gas. The gas flow is less than 1.0 SCCM for this test.
In situ study of oxygen and Mg effects on current-induced magnetization switching in Pt/Co bilayers in ultrahigh vacuum
Authors: Xie Hang , Luo Ziyan , Yang Yumeng , Wu Yihong
Published: March 2020

We report on an in situ study of oxygen exposure and Mg dusting effects on current-induced magnetization switching in Pt/Co bilayers via controlled oxygen exposure, Co and Mg deposition, and electrical measurements in ultrahigh vacuum. We show that the oxygen exposure and Mg dusting induce changes in saturation magnetization, effective magnetic anisotropy, spin–orbit torque, and switching current density. From the correlation between these parameters and the switching current density for current-induced switching, we found that the reduction in switching current density by oxygen exposure is caused by the combined effect of enhancement in spin–orbit torque and lowering of the switching energy barrier required for incoherent switching with the latter playing a dominant role in large samples.
A recipe for creating ideal hybrid memristive-CMOS neuromorphic processing systems
Authors: Chicca E. , Indiveri G.
Published: March 2020

The development of memristive device technologies has reached a level of maturity to enable the design and fabrication of complex and large-scale hybrid memristive-Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) neural processing systems. These systems offer promising solutions for implementing novel in-memory computing architectures for machine learning and data analysis problems. We argue that they are also ideal building blocks for integration in neuromorphic electronic circuits suitable for ultra-low power brain-inspired sensory processing systems, therefore leading to innovative solutions for always-on edge-computing and Internet-of-Things applications. Here, we present a recipe for creating such systems based on design strategies and computing principles inspired by those used in mammalian brains. We enumerate the specifications and properties of memristive devices required to support always-on learning in neuromorphic computing systems and to minimize their power consumption. Finally, we discuss in what cases such neuromorphic systems can complement conventional processing ones and highlight the importance of exploiting the physics of both the memristive devices and the CMOS circuits interfaced to them.
ABINIT: Overview and focus on selected capabilities
Authors: Romero Aldo H. , Allan Douglas C. , Amadon Bernard , Antonius Gabriel , Applencourt Thomas , Baguet Lucas , Bieder Jordan , Bottin François , Bouchet Johann , Bousquet Eric , Bruneval Fabien , Brunin Guillaume , Caliste Damien , Côté Michel , Denier Jules , Dreyer Cyrus , Ghosez Philippe , Giantomassi Matteo , Gillet Yannick , Gingras Olivier , Hamann Donald R. , Hautier Geoffroy , Jollet François , Jomard Gérald , Martin Alexandre , Miranda Henrique P. C. , Naccarato Francesco , Petretto Guido , Pike Nicholas A. , Planes Valentin , Prokhorenko Sergei , Rangel Tonatiuh , Ricci Fabio , Rignanese Gian-Marco , Royo Miquel , Stengel Massimiliano , Torrent Marc , van Setten Michiel J. , Van Troeye Benoit , Verstraete Matthieu J. , Wiktor Julia , Zwanziger Josef W. , Gonze Xavier
Published: March 2020

abinit is probably the first electronic-structure package to have been released under an open-source license about 20 years ago. It implements density functional theory, density-functional perturbation theory (DFPT), many-body perturbation theory (GW approximation and Bethe–Salpeter equation), and more specific or advanced formalisms, such as dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) and the “temperature-dependent effective potential” approach for anharmonic effects. Relying on planewaves for the representation of wavefunctions, density, and other space-dependent quantities, with pseudopotentials or projector-augmented waves (PAWs), it is well suited for the study of periodic materials, although nanostructures and molecules can be treated with the supercell technique. The present article starts with a brief description of the project, a summary of the theories upon which abinit relies, and a list of the associated capabilities. It then focuses on selected capabilities that might not be present in the majority of electronic structure packages either among planewave codes or, in general, treatment of strongly correlated materials using DMFT; materials under finite electric fields; properties at nuclei (electric field gradient, Mössbauer shifts, and orbital magnetization); positron annihilation; Raman intensities and electro-optic effect; and DFPT calculations of response to strain perturbation (elastic constants and piezoelectricity), spatial dispersion (flexoelectricity), electronic mobility, temperature dependence of the gap, and spin-magnetic-field perturbation. The abinit DFPT implementation is very general, including systems with van der Waals interaction or with noncollinear magnetism. Community projects are also described: generation of pseudopotential and PAW datasets, high-throughput calculations (databases of phonon band structure, second-harmonic generation, and GW computations of bandgaps), and the library libpaw. abinit has strong links with many other software projects that are briefly mentioned.
Efficacy of cellulose paper treated with Cu and Ag oxide nanoparticles synthesized via pulsed laser ablation in distilled water in the annihilation of bacteria from contaminated water
Authors: Baruah Prahlad K. , Chakrabartty Ishani , Mahanta Dipta S. , Rangan Latha , Sharma Ashwini K. , Khare Alika
Published: March 2020

In the present work, nanoparticles of copper and silver synthesized via pulsed laser ablation of the respective targets in distilled water are applied to cellulose filter paper to check their effectiveness in the annihilation of bacteria from contaminated water. The treatment of the filter paper with the nanoparticles is found to be an excellent way to get rid of two common bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, from contaminated water. The spread plate method on agar, employed to test the antibacterial efficacy of the nanoparticle-treated papers, clearly shows the absence of bacterial growth upon coming into contact with the nanoparticles in the filter paper. These results were further substantiated by the growth kinetic study of the bacteria that exhibited slow growth of the bacteria that were exposed to the nanoparticles. The morphology of the bacteria that came into contact with the nanoparticles is found to be adversely affected by the nanoparticles. Both copper and silver nanoparticles show a similar extent of antibacterial activity.
Effect of temperature on gelation and cross-linking of gelatin methacryloyl for biomedical applications
Authors: Park Heon E. , Gasek Nathan , Hwang Jaden , Weiss Daniel J. , Lee Patrick C.
Published: March 2020

Hydrogels with or without chemical cross-linking have been studied and used for biomedical applications, such as tissue repair, surgical sealants, and three dimensional biofabrication. These materials often undergo a physical sol–gel or gel–sol transition between room and body temperatures and can also be chemically cross-linked at these temperatures to give dimensional stability. However, few studies have clearly shown the effect of heating/cooling rates on such transitions. Moreover, only a little is known about the effect of cross-linking temperature or the state on the modulus after cross-linking. We have established rheological methods to study these effects, an approach to determine transition temperatures, and a method to prevent sample drying during measurements. All the rheological measurements were performed minimizing the normal stress build-up to compensate for the shrinking and expansion due to temperature and phase changes. We chemically modified gelatin to give gelatin methacryloyl and determined the degree of methacryloylation by proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Using the gelatin methacryloyl as an example, we have found that the gel state or lower temperature can give more rigid gelatin-based polymers by cross-linking under visible light than the sol state or higher temperature. These methods and results can guide researchers to perform appropriate studies on material design and map applications, such as the optimal operating temperature of hydrogels for biomedical applications. We have also found that gelation temperatures strongly depend on the cooling rate, while solation temperatures are independent of the heating rate.
3D extended magnetohydrodynamic simulations lead to new sawtooth phenomena theory
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: March 2020

Computational advancements lead to a new theory on the sawtooth phenomena, paving the way for a predictive model of tokamak instabilities.
Perovskite solar cell stability and performance improved by optimizing buffer layers
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: March 2020

Bilayers of zinc oxide and aluminum oxide work together to improve the power conversion efficiency of a perovskite solar cell.
Classification of Spatially Confined Reactions and the Electrochemical Applications of Molybdenum-Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Guo Sitong , Tan Wen , Qiu Jiyicheng , Du Jinlong , Yang Zhanxu , Wang Xiaorong
Published: March 2020

As a popular material synthesis method, spatially confined reactions have been gradually recognised for their excellent performance in the field of current materials synthesis. In recent years, molybdenum-based catalysts have gradually gained recognition due to high natural reserves of Mo, its low cost, and many other advantages, and they have wide applications in the area of functional materials, especially in topical areas such as batteries and electrocatalysts. In this context, spatially confined reactions have become widely to obtain various types of molybdenum-based electrode materials and electrocatalysts which result in an excellent morphology, structure, and performance. In this review, the concept of a spatially confined reaction system and the electrochemical application (electrode materials and electrocatalyst) of molybdenum-based materials synthesised in this way are comprehensively discussed. The current problems and future development and application of molybdenum-based materials are also discussed in this review.
Stakeholder judgements of the social acceptability of control practices for kangaroos, unmanaged goats and feral pigs in the south-eastern rangelands of Australia
Authors: Sinclair K. , Curtis A. L. , Hacker R. B. , Atkinson T.
Published: March 2020

Total grazing pressure (TGP) is a key driver of productivity in livestock systems in the south-eastern rangelands of Australia. Sustainable grazing in these environments requires the management of grazing pressure from kangaroos, unmanaged goats and feral pigs, as well as livestock. Any practices used to control these species must be socially acceptable. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews with individuals drawn from key stakeholder groups were conducted to assess the acceptability of control practices for each of these species. Commercial shooting was the most acceptable control practice for kangaroos with a much lower acceptance of non-commercial shooting. A trap yard (at a water point) was the most acceptable practice for control of unmanaged goats with shooting least acceptable. Ground shooting, trapping and 1080 baiting were the most acceptable practices for control of feral pigs with dogging least acceptable. The two key criteria for social acceptance of control practices by stakeholder group interviewees were humaneness and effectiveness. Acceptance was also influenced by interviewees’ attitudes towards particular species. Interviewees typically distinguished between control of native wildlife and ‘feral’ animals, and between ‘resource’ animals and ‘pest’ animals. Importantly, support for control programs to manage TGP must be justifiable and employ practices that are socially acceptable.
Sex differences in adult lifespan and aging rates of mortality across wild mammals
Authors: Lemaître Jean-François , Ronget Victor , Tidière Morgane , Allainé Dominique , Berger Vérane , Cohas Aurélie , Colchero Fernando , Conde Dalia A. , Garratt Michael , Liker András , Marais Gabriel A. B. , Scheuerlein Alexander , Székely Tamás , Gaillard Jean-Michel
Published: March 2020

Significance

In human populations, women live longer than men. While it is commonly assumed that this pattern of long-lived females vs. short-lived males constitutes the rule in mammals, the magnitude of the sex differences in lifespan and increase of mortality rate with advancing age remain to be quantified. Here, we demonstrate that, in the wild, mammalian females live longer than males but we did not detect any sex differences in aging rates. Contrary to a widespread hypothesis, we reveal that sex differences in life history strategies do not detectably influence the magnitude of sex differences in either lifespan or aging rates. Instead, our findings suggest these differences are predominantly shaped by complex interactions between local environmental conditions and sex-specific reproductive costs.
Coordination amongst quadriceps muscles suggests neural regulation of internal joint stresses, not simplification of task performance
Authors: Alessandro Cristiano , Barroso Filipe O. , Prashara Adarsh , Tentler David P. , Yeh Hsin-Yun , Tresch Matthew C.
Published: March 2020

Many studies have demonstrated covariation between muscle activations during behavior, suggesting that muscles are not controlled independently. According to one common proposal, this covariation reflects simplification of task performance by the nervous system so that muscles with similar contributions to task variables are controlled together. Alternatively, this covariation might reflect regulation of low-level aspects of movements that are common across tasks, such as stresses within joints. We examined these issues by analyzing covariation patterns in quadriceps muscle activity during locomotion in rats. The three monoarticular quadriceps muscles (vastus medialis [VM], vastus lateralis [VL], and vastus intermedius [VI]) produce knee extension and so have identical contributions to task performance; the biarticular rectus femoris (RF) produces an additional hip flexion. Consistent with the proposal that muscle covariation is related to similarity of muscle actions on task variables, we found that the covariation between VM and VL was stronger than their covariations with RF. However, covariation between VM and VL was also stronger than their covariations with VI. Since all vastii have identical actions on task variables, this finding suggests that covariation between muscle activity is not solely driven by simplification of overt task performance. Instead, the preferentially strong covariation between VM and VL is consistent with the control of internal joint stresses: Since VM and VL produce opposing mediolateral forces on the patella, the high positive correlation between their activation minimizes the net mediolateral patellar force. These results provide important insights into the interpretation of muscle covariations and their role in movement control.
Conditional antibody expression to avoid central B cell deletion in humanized HIV-1 vaccine mouse models
Authors: Tian Ming , McGovern Kelly , Cheng Hwei-Ling , Waddicor Peyton , Rieble Lisa , Dao Mai , Chen Yiwei , Kimble Michael T. , Cantor Elizabeth , Manfredonia Nicole , Judson Rachael , Chapdelaine-Williams Aimee , Cain Derek W. , Haynes Barton F. , Alt Frederick W.
Published: March 2020

Significance

Mouse models can provide fast and cost-effective systems to test HIV-1 vaccine candidates at the preclinical stage. To serve this purpose, mouse models are engineered to express the precursors of human broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against diverse HIV-1 strains. Immunization of such mouse models can evaluate the ability of vaccines to mature the precursor antibodies into bnAbs. However, due to the unusual properties of bnAbs, mouse models expressing their precursors often have B cell developmental defects. Herein, we devised and validated a strategy to address this problem. This approach could also facilitate the expression of other clinically relevant antibodies in mature B cells in transgenic mice; immunization of such mice could be used to generate novel antibodies with desirable properties.
Thermodynamics of computing with circuits
Authors: Wolpert David H , Kolchinsky Artemy
Published: March 2020

Digital computers implement computations using circuits, as do many naturally occurring systems (e.g., gene regulatory networks). The topology of any such circuit restricts which variables may be physically coupled during the operation of the circuit. We investigate how such restrictions on the physical coupling affects the thermodynamic costs of running the circuit. To do this we first calculate the minimal additional entropy production that arises when we run a given gate in a circuit. We then build on this calculation, to analyze how the thermodynamic costs of implementing a computation with a full circuit, comprising multiple connected gates, depends on the topology of that circuit. This analysis provides a rich new set of optimization problems that must be addressed by any designer of a circuit, if they wish to minimize thermodynamic costs.
Hot electron photodetection with spectral selectivity in the C-band using a silicon channel-separated gold grating structure
Authors: Xiao Hongbin , Lo Shu-Cheng , Tai Yi-Hsin , Clark J. Kenji , Ho Ya-Lun , Deng Chih-Zong , Wei Pei-Kuen , Delaunay Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2020

Photodetection based on hot electrons is attracting interest due to its capability of enabling photodetection at sub-bandgap energies of semiconductor materials. Si-based photodetectors incorporating hot electrons have emerged as one of the most widely studied devices used for near infrared (NIR) photodetection. However, most reported Si-based NIR photodetectors have broad bandwidths with responsivities that change slowly with the target wavelength, limiting their practicality as spectrally selective photodetectors. This paper reports a Si channel-separated Au grating structure that exhibits the spectrally selective photodetection in the C-band (1530–1565 nm). The measured responsivity of the structure drops from 64.5 nA mW−1 at 1530 nm to 19.0 nA mW−1 at 1565 nm, representing a variation of 70.5% over the C-band. The narrowband, ease of tuning the resonant wavelength, and spectral selectivity of the device not only help bridge the gap between the optical and electrical systems for photodetection but are also beneficial in other potential applications, such as sensing, imaging, and communications systems.
Controlled formation of Schottky diodes on n-doped ZnO layers by deposition of p-conductive polymer layers with oxidative chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Krieg Linus , Zhang Zhipeng , Splith Daniel , von Wenckstern Holger , Grundmann Marius , Wang Xiaoxue , Gleason Karen K , Voss Tobias
Published: March 2020

We report the controlled formation of organic/inorganic Schottky diodes by depositing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on n-doped ZnO layers using oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD). Current-voltage measurements reveal the formation of Schottky diodes that show good thermal and temporal stability with rectification ratios of 107 and ideality factors of ∼1.2. In the frame of a Schottky model, we identify a mean barrier height at the hybrid inorganic-organic interface of 1.28 eV, which is consistent with the difference between the work function of PEDOT and the electron affinity of ZnO. The findings highlight the strength of oCVD to design high-quality hybrid PEDOT/ZnO heterojunctions with possible applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Kinship effects in quasi-social parasitoids II: co-foundress relatedness and host dangerousness interactively affect host exploitation
Authors: Abdi Mohamed Khadar , Hardy Ian C W , Jucker Costanza , Lupi Daniela
Published: March 2020

Sclerodermus brevicornis is a parasitoid that exhibits cooperative multi-foundress brood production. Prior work showed that the time lag to paralysis of small-sized hosts is shorter when co-foundress relatedness is higher and predicted that the greater risks and greater benefits of attacking larger hosts would combine with co-foundress relatedness to determine the limits to the size of a host that a female is selected to attack as a public good. It was also predicted that the time to host attack would be affected by an interaction between host size and relatedness. Here, we show empirically that both host size and kinship affect S. brevicornis reproduction and that they interact to influence the timing of host attack. We also find effects of co-foundress relatedness after hosts have been suppressed successfully. A public goods model using parameters estimated for S. brevicornis again suggests that selection for individual foundresses to attack and, if successful, to share hosts will be dependent on both the size of the host and the relatedness of the foundresses to any co-foundresses present. Females will not be selected to bear the individual cost of a public good when hosts are large and dangerous or when their relatedness to the co-foundress is low. We conclude that although reproductive behaviours exhibited by Sclerodermus females can be cooperative, they are unlikely to be exhibited without reference to kinship or to the risks involved in attempting to suppress and share large and dangerous hosts.
Obeticholic acid—a new therapy in PBC and NASH
Authors: Chapman Roger W , Lynch Kate D
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Obeticholic acid (OCA) is a semi-synthetic hydrophobic bile acid (BA) analogue that is highly selective agonist of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key nuclear BA receptor, which induces expression of gut-derived hormones, in particular fibroblast growth factor 19. The resulting beneficial effects of OCA on glucose and lipid metabolism and particularly hepatic inflammation make it a candidate for the treatment of a variety of conditions including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Sources of data

In PBC patients who have not initially responded to ursodeoxycholic acid, OCA has been shown in double-blind controlled clinical trials to significantly reduce serum alkaline phosphatase. To date, OCA is the only therapy licensed by the FDA, EMA and endorsed by NICE as second line therapy for PBC.

No medications are currently approved in Europe or the USA for the treatment of NASH.

In recent clinical trials, OCA has been shown encouraging results by improving liver blood tests and reducing liver fibrosis with no worsening of NASH.

Areas of agreement

OCA is the established second line therapy for PBC in those patients who fail to adequately respond to ursodeoxycholic acid.

Areas of controversy

The main side effects of OCA treatment in both PBC and NASH is that of dose-dependent pruritis which can lead to treatment discontinuation in ~1–10% of patients. In addition, OCA-treated patients may also exhibit (reversible) alterations in serum lipid levels; most notably a small decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is not yet known whether these changes carry a long-term cardiovascular risk in NASH.

In addition, the relatively high cost of OCA may limit its use in cash-limited health systems.

Growing Points

Additional clinical trials are in progress to ascertain the long-term effects of OCA on survival in PBC and NASH.

Areas timely for developing research

New FXR agonists with a lower rate of side effects are being developed and trialed. Combination therapy with other agents may offer increased efficacy.
Late Miocene to late Pleistocene geomagnetic secular variation at high northern latitudes
Authors: Døssing Arne , Riishuus Morten S , Mac Niocaill Conall , Muxworthy Adrian R , Maclennan John
Published: March 2020

We report a palaeomagnetic study of Icelandic lavas of late Miocene to late Pliocene age to test the geocentric axial dipole hypothesis at high northern latitudes. Cores were sampled from 125 sites in the Fljótsdalur valley in eastern Iceland, and hand samples were taken for 17 new incremental heating 40Ar/39Ar age determinations. 96 per cent of the cores were oriented using both a Brunton compass and a sun compass. Comparison of the magnetic and sun azimuths reveals deviations of ±5°, ±10° and ±20°, respectively, for 42, 16 and 3 per cent of the data points, indicating that core sampling intended for palaeosecular variation (PSV) studies at high northern latitudes should be oriented by sun. A total of 1279 independent specimens were subjected to AF- and thermal-demagnetization for palaeodirectional analysis, and well-grouped site mean directions were obtained for 123 sites of which 113 were found to be independent sites. Applying a selection criteria of k > 50 and N ≥ 5 (Nmean = 9.5), we obtain a combined grand mean direction for 46 normal and 53 reverse (for VGPlat > ±45°) polarity sites of declination = 5.6° and inclination = 77.5° that is not significantly different from that expected from a GAD field. The corresponding palaeomagnetic pole position (VGPlat = 86.3°N, VGPlon = 21.2°E, dp/dm = 4.0°/4.3°) is coincident with the North Pole within the 95 per cent confidence limits. An updated age model is constructed based on the 40Ar/39Ar ages, showing that the majority of the Fljótsdalur lavas fall within 2–7 Ma. We combine the Fljótsdalur data with existing data from the nearby Jökuldalur valley. The 154 palaeodirections are well-dispersed between 1 and 7 Ma and constitute a high-quality data set for PSV analysis. Our results partly support previous conclusions of a generally higher dispersion during reverse polarity intervals. However, when comparing our Matutayma data with Brunhes age data from Jan Mayen, we find no evidence of a higher VGP scatter during the Matuyama as previously suggested. When comparing our VGP scatter to the two commonly used models for VGP dispersion: Model G and TK03, we find a good fit for all 1–7 Ma VGP scatter data SB(1–7) to Model G, whereas SB(1–7) is not fitted by TK03, even when considering the uncertainty of SB(1–7). We also find that all VGP scatter estimates, except that for the Gilbert subset, are consistent with Model G, while the discrepancy with TK03 is generally larger.
How do decision-makers use evidence in community health policy and financing decisions? A qualitative study and conceptual framework in four African countries
Authors: Kumar Meghan Bruce , Taegtmeyer Miriam , Madan Jason , Ndima Sozinho , Chikaphupha Kingsley , Kea Aschenaki , Barasa Edwine
Published: March 2020

Various investments could help countries deliver on the universal health coverage (UHC) goals set by the global community; community health is a pillar of many national strategies towards UHC. Yet despite resource mobilization towards this end, little is known about the potential costs and value of these investments, as well as how evidence on the same would be used in related decisions. This qualitative study was conducted to understand the use of evidence in policy and financing decisions for large-scale community health programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Through key informant interviews with 43 respondents in countries with community health embedded in national UHC strategies (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique) and at global institutions, we investigated evidence use in community health financing and policy decision-making, as well as evidentiary needs related to community health data for decision-making. We found that evidence use is limited at all levels, in part due to a perceived lack of high-quality, relevant evidence. This perception stems from two main areas: first, desire for local evidence that reflects the context, and second, much existing economic evidence does not deal with what decision-makers value when it comes to community health systems—i.e. coverage and (to a lesser extent) quality. Beyond the evidence gap, there is limited capacity to assess and use the evidence. Elected officials also face political challenges to disinvestment as well as structural obstacles to evidence use, including the outsized influence of donor priorities. Evaluation data must to speak to decision-maker interests and constraints more directly, alongside financiers of community health providing explicit guidance and support on the role of evidence use in decision-making, empowering national decision-makers. Improved data quality, increased relevance of evidence and capacity for evidence use can drive improved efficiency of financing and evidence-based policymaking.
Implicit MAC scheme for compressible Navier–Stokes equations: low Mach asymptotic error estimates
Authors: Maltese David , Novotný Antonín
Published: March 2020

We investigate the error between any discrete solution of the implicit marker-and-cell (MAC) numerical scheme for compressible Navier–Stokes equations in the low Mach number regime and an exact strong solution of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The main tool is the relative energy method suggested on the continuous level in Feireisl et al. (2012, Relative entropies, suitable weak solutions, and weak–strong uniqueness for the compressible Navier–Stokes system. J. Math. Fluid Mech., 14, 717–730). Our approach highlights the fact that numerical and mathematical analyses are not two separate fields of mathematics. The result is achieved essentially by exploiting in detail the synergy of analytical and numerical methods. We get an unconditional error estimate in terms of explicitly determined positive powers of the space–time discretization parameters and Mach number in the case of well-prepared initial data and in terms of the boundedness of the error if the initial data are ill prepared. The multiplicative constant in the error estimate depends on a suitable norm of the strong solution but it is independent of the numerical solution itself (and of course, on the discretization parameters and the Mach number). This is the first proof that the MAC scheme is unconditionally and uniformly asymptotically stable in the low Mach number regime.
Contribution of Immunoscore and Molecular Features to Survival Prediction in Stage III Colon Cancer
Authors: Sinicrope Frank A , Shi Qian , Hermitte Fabienne , Zemla Tyler J , Mlecnik Bernhard , Benson Al B , Gill Sharlene , Goldberg Richard M , Kahlenberg Morton S , Nair Suresh G , Shields Anthony F , Smyrk Thomas C , Galon Jerome , Alberts Steven R
Published: March 2020

Background

The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging and other prognostic tools fail to account for stage-independent variability in outcome. We developed a prognostic classifier adding Immunoscore to clinicopathological and molecular features in patients with stage III colon cancer.

Methods

Patient (n = 559) data from the FOLFOX arm of adjuvant trial NCCTG N0147 were used to construct Cox models for predicting disease-free survival (DFS). Variables included age, sex, T stage, positive lymph nodes (+LNs), N stage, performance status, histologic grade, sidedness, KRAS/BRAF, mismatch repair, and Immunoscore (CD3+, CD8+ T-cell densities). After determining optimal functional form (continuous or categorical) and within Cox models, backward selection was performed to analyze all variables as candidate predictors. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

Poorer DFS was found for tumors that were T4 vs T3 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19 to 2.60; P = .004), right- vs left-sided (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.14 to 2.04; P = .005), BRAF V600E (HR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.26 to 2.40; P < .001), mutant KRAS (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.08 to 2.55; P = .02), and low vs high Immunoscore (HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.22 to 2.33; P = .001) (all P < .02). Increasing numbers of +LNs and lower continuous Immunoscore were associated with poorer DFS that achieved significance (both Ps< .0001). After number of +LNs, T stage, and BRAF/KRAS, Immunoscore was the most informative predictor of DFS shown multivariately. Among T1–3 N1 tumors, Immunoscore was the only variable associated with DFS that achieved statistical significance. A nomogram was generated to determine the likelihood of being recurrence-free at 3 years.

Conclusions

The Immunoscore can enhance the accuracy of survival prediction among patients with stage III colon cancer.
The Northern Cross fast radio burst project – I. Overview and pilot observations at 408 MHz
Authors: Locatelli Nicola T , Bernardi Gianni , Bianchi Germano , Chiello Riccardo , Magro Alessio , Naldi Giovanni , Pilia Maura , Pupillo Giuseppe , Ridolfi Alessandro , Setti Giancarlo , Vazza Franco
Published: March 2020

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) remain one of the most enigmatic astrophysical sources. Observations have significantly progressed over the last few years, due to the capabilities of new radio telescopes and the refurbishment of existing ones. Here, we describe the upgrade of the Northern Cross radio telescope, operating in the 400–416 MHz frequency band, with the ultimate goal of turning the array into a dedicated instrument to survey the sky for FRBs. We present test observations of the pulsar B0329+54 to characterize the system performance and forecast detectability. Observations with the system currently in place are still limited by modest sky coverage (∼9.4 deg2) and biased by smearing of high dispersion measure events within each frequency channels. In its final, upgraded configuration, however, the telescope will be able to carry out unbiased FRB surveys over a ∼350 deg2 instantaneous field of view up to z ∼ 5, with a (nearly constant) $\sim 760 \, (\tau /{\rm ms})^{-0.5}$ mJy rms sensitivity.
Galaxy HiCExplorer 3: a web server for reproducible Hi-C, capture Hi-C and single-cell Hi-C data analysis, quality control and visualization
Authors: Wolff Joachim , Rabbani Leily , Gilsbach Ralf , Richard Gautier , Manke Thomas , Backofen Rolf , Grüning Björn A
Published: March 2020

The Galaxy HiCExplorer provides a web service at https://hicexplorer.usegalaxy.eu. It enables the integrative analysis of chromosome conformation by providing tools and computational resources to pre-process, analyse and visualize Hi-C, Capture Hi-C (cHi-C) and single-cell Hi-C (scHi-C) data. Since the last publication, Galaxy HiCExplorer has been expanded considerably with new tools to facilitate the analysis of cHi-C and to provide an in-depth analysis of Hi-C data. Moreover, it supports the analysis of scHi-C data by offering a broad range of tools. With the help of the standard graphical user interface of Galaxy, presented workflows, extensive documentation and tutorials, novices as well as Hi-C experts are supported in their Hi-C data analysis with Galaxy HiCExplorer.
Comparing reactions to written leaflets, online information and real-time Doppler images among South Asian patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kumar Kanta , Bradbury-Jones Caroline , Armitage Christopher J , Peters Sarah , Raizada Sabrina , Wong Peter
Published: March 2020

Objective

There is poor adherence to medication in patients of South Asian origin with RA. There are limited numbers of interventions to improve patient engagement. The objective of this study was to explore how patients of South Asian origin make sense of their disease after receiving written leaflets compared with online information or visualizing real-time Doppler US images of their inflamed joints.

Methods

Patients of South Asian origin with RA were recruited from two National Health Service hospitals in the West Midlands, UK. In-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken after exposure to vignettes designed to elicit patients’ perspectives on: written leaflets; online information to complement face-to-face interaction with health-care professionals; and Doppler US during the early stages of the disease journey. Data were analysed thematically until data saturation was reached in 20 individuals.

Results

The responses to vignette scenarios were described by the patients. Overall, patients found real-time Doppler US more valuable in understanding RA and RA medications compared with other methods. Patients reported that Doppler US reduced anxiety and helped to address misconceptions about the long-term disease and its ability to be controlled.

Conclusion

We have developed new understanding regarding the educational utility of a Doppler US session in patients of South Asian origin and how these sessions can be optimized to increase patient engagement and adherence to medication.
Assessing the impact of arsenic metabolism efficiency on DNA methylation using Mendelian randomization
Authors: DiGiovanni Anthony , Demanelis Kathryn , Tong Lin , Argos Maria , Shinkle Justin , Jasmine Farzana , Sabarinathan Mekala , Rakibuz-Zaman Muhammad , Sarwar Golam , Islam Md. Tariqul , Shahriar Hasan , Islam Tariqul , Rahman Mahfuzar , Yunus Md. , Graziano Joseph , Gamble Mary V. , Ahsan Habibul , Pierce Brandon L.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Arsenic exposure affects >100 million people globally and increases risk for chronic diseases. One possible toxicity mechanism is epigenetic modification. Previous epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have identified associations between arsenic exposure and CpG-specific DNA methylation. To provide additional evidence that observed associations represent causal relationships, we examine the association between genetic determinants of arsenic metabolism efficiency (percent dimethylarsinic acid, DMA%, in urine) and DNA methylation among individuals from the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study (n = 379) and Bangladesh Vitamin E and Selenium Trial (n = 393).

Methods:

We used multivariate linear models to assess the association of methylation at 221 arsenic-associated CpGs with DMA% and measures of genetically predicted DMA% derived from three SNPs (rs9527, rs11191527, and rs61735836). We also conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses to estimate the association between arsenic metabolism efficiency and CpG methylation.

Results:

Among the associations between DMA% and methylation at each of 221 CpGs, 64% were directionally consistent with associations observed between arsenic exposure and the 221 CpGs from a prior EWAS. Similarly, among the associations between genetically predicted DMA% and each CpG, 62% were directionally consistent with the prior EWAS results. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses produced similar conclusions.

Conclusion:

Our findings support the hypothesis that arsenic exposure effects DNA methylation at specific CpGs in whole blood. Our novel approach for assessing the impact of arsenic exposure on DNA methylation requires larger samples in order to draw more robust conclusions for specific CpG sites.
4-Methoxyphenyl (E)-3-(Furan-3-yl) Acrylate Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Authors: Han Seongho , Son Mina , Lee Yunmi , Cheon Sae Hee , Kim Sung-Whan
Published: March 2020

The Cordyceps extract exhibits antiproliferative potential in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) through the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. In this study, we aimed to identify the active compounds in the Cordyceps extract and analyze their role in remodeling the arterial wall. On investigation, we discovered the following active compound: 4-methoxyphenyl (E)-3-(furan-3-yl) acrylate and synthesized it. We performed antiproliferation and antimigration assays in addition to an in vivo vessel wall remodeling experiment. Investigation of the mechanism adopted by the active compound to remodel the vessel was performed. The newly synthesized compound inhibited the proliferation and migration of SMCs. Treatment with the synthesized compound reduced neointima formation in the balloon-injured Sprague–Dawley rat model. In addition, this compound inhibited the activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in type I collagen-activated SMCs. Moreover, this compound suppressed the expression of cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) in SMCs. Therefore, this compound can exert potential antiarteriosclerotic effects by modulating vessel wall remodeling. In conclusion, the newly synthesized 4-methoxyphenyl (E)-3-(furan-3-yl) acrylate might be an alternative therapeutic intervention for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Extracellular vesicles as a potential diagnostic tool in assisted reproduction
Authors: Giacomini Elisa , Makieva Sofia , Murdica Valentina , Vago Riccardo , Viganó Paola
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review

Extracellular vesicles have emerged as a promising field of research for their potential to serve as biomarkers. In the pathophysiology of reproduction, they have attracted significant attention because of their diverse roles in gametogenesis and embryo-endometrial cross-talk. Advances in extracellular vesicle translational potential are herein reviewed with a particular focus in oocyte competence, semen quality diagnostics, embryo selection and detection of endometrial receptivity.

Recent findings

Specific miRNAs present in follicular fluid-derived extracellular vesicles have been associated with follicle development and oocyte maturation. Some proteins known to regulate sperm function and capacitation such as glycodelin, and CRISP1 have been found as overrepresented in semen exosomes isolated from severe asthenozoospermic compared to normozoospermic men. In vitro developed human embryos can secrete extracellular vesicles whose propitiousness for preimplantation genetic testing is being increasingly investigated. Endometrial cell-derived extracellular vesicles recovered from uterine flushings might represent a reservoir of molecular markers potentially exploited for monitoring the endometrial status.

Accumulated knowledge on extracellular vesicles deriving from endometrium, follicular fluid, embryos or male reproductive system may be translated to clinical practice to inform diagnostics in assisted reproduction technology (ART). Validation studies and technology developments are required to implement the profiling of extracellular vesicles as diagnostic tests in ART.