bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐Latitude VLF Radio Signal Disturbances Due to the Extremely Severe Cyclone Fani of May 2019 and Associated Mesospheric Response
Authors: Pal Sujay , Sarkar Shubham , Midya Subrata K. , Mondal Sushanta K. , Hobara Yasuhide
Published: April 2020

We present new results of lower ionospheric disturbances due to the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani over northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. Very low frequency radio signal received at Kolkata, India, and mesospheric temperature and ozone concentration data from the NASA's TIMED satellite are used for this purpose. Significant wave‐like oscillations and strong amplitude anomalies in daytime and nighttime VLF signal were observed when the cyclone center was within ∼700 km from the receiver. Both the mesospheric ozone concentration and temperature showed maximum anomalies beyond 3σ during the cyclone period. Maximum ozone anomaly and maximum VLF anomaly occurred on the same day when cyclone intensity was maximum, while the maximum temperature anomaly occurred on the next day during landfall. Mesospheric temperature enhancement around VLF reflection heights indicates changes in the chemical composition and electron‐neutral balance in the D region ionosphere. Simulation of VLF signal showed that the D region reflection height decreased by 7.9 km and the D region electron density increased by ∼20 times compared to precyclone midnight values at the maximum perturbed area along the propagation path. Wavelet analysis confirmed significant enhancement of atmospheric gravity waves spectrum with periods 10 min to 2 hr around landfall. Further, a strong anticorrelation between total wavelet power in the wave band of periods 10–30 min and cyclone pressure suggests a possibility of monitoring cyclone intensity from mesospheric gravity waves using VLF radio measurements.
Energetic Electron Depletions in the Nightside Martian Upper Atmosphere Revisited
Authors: Niu D.‐D. , Cui J. , Gu H. , Wu X.‐S. , Wu S.‐Q. , Lu H.‐Y. , Chai L.‐H. , Wei Y.
Published: April 2020

Energetic electron depletions are a notable feature of the nightside Martian upper atmosphere. In this study, we investigate systematically the variations of the occurrence of depletions with both internal and external conditions, using the extensive Solar Wind Electron Analyzer measurements made on board the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution. In addition to the known trends of increasing occurrence with decreasing altitude and increasing magnetic field intensity, our analysis reveals that depletions are more easily observed in regions with near horizontal magnetic fields and under low solar wind (SW) dynamic pressures. We also find that below 160 km, the occurrence increases with increasing CO2 density, a trend mostly visible in weakly magnetized regions. These observations have important implications on the formation of electron depletions: (1) Near strong magnetic anomalies, closed magnetic loops preferentially form and shield the atmosphere from direct access of SW electrons, a process that is modulated by the upstream SW condition; and (2) in weakly magnetized regions, SW electrons precipitate into the atmosphere unhindered, but at sufficiently low altitudes, they are either “absorbed” due to inelastic collisions with ambient neutrals or shielded again in response to a change in magnetic connectivity from open to closed. Our analysis further reveals that both the ionospheric plasma content and thermal electron temperature are reduced in regions with depletions compared to regions without, supporting SW electron precipitation as an important source of external energy driving the variability in the deep nightside Martian upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
Do Beach Profiles Under Nonbreaking Waves Minimize Energy Dissipation?
Authors: Maldonado S.
Published: April 2020

The hypothesis that equilibrium beach profiles under nonbreaking waves minimize wave energy dissipation was considered by Larson et al. (1999 Coast. Eng. 36 59‐85). Larson et al. approached the hypothesis as a variational problem, assuming a priori that the solution (the extremal profile) followed a power law with a freely tunable exponent, which was varied so as to extremize the relevant functional. Here, we revisit this hypothesis and solve the associated variational problem approximately via analytical means, without a priori assumptions on the mathematical structure of the solution. We remark that for the solution to be realistic, the problem formulation must consider additional constraints; for example, the bed slope angle must not exceed the sediment's angle of repose. Incidentally, the solution we derive recovers the power law prescribed by Larson et al., which is in turn backed by a large body of empirical evidence. However, the exponent of the power in our solution is not an arbitrarily free parameter; it depends on the parametrization of the bed shear stress (the main mechanism by which nonbreaking waves dissipate energy), and predicted values of the exponent are supported by previous research. The power law curve derived here agrees well with empirical data from field and laboratory, suggesting that a principle of energy economy may indeed underpin the particular shape adopted by beach profiles under nonbreaking waves. This theoretical study aims at promoting and aiding further tests of this hypothesis.
Determining the Nominal Thickness and Variability of the Magnetodisc Current Sheet at Saturn
Authors: Staniland N. R. , Dougherty M. K. , Masters A. , Bunce E. J.
Published: April 2020

The thickness and variability of the Saturnian magnetodisc current sheet is investigated using the Cassini magnetometer data set. Cassini performed 66 fast, steep crossings of the equatorial current sheet where a clear signature in the magnetic field data allowed for a direct determination of its thickness and the offset of its center. The average, or nominal, current sheet half‐thickness is 1.3 RS, where RS is the equatorial radius of Saturn, equal to 60,268 km. This is thinner than previously calculated, but both spatial and temporal dependencies are identified. The current sheet is thicker and more variable by a factor ∼2 on the nightside compared to the dayside, ranging from 0.5–3 RS. The current sheet is on average 50% thicker in the nightside quasi‐dipolar region (≤15 RS) compared to the dayside. These results are consistent with the presence of a noon‐midnight electric field at Saturn that produces a hotter plasma population on the nightside compared to the dayside. It is also shown that the current sheet becomes significantly thinner in the outer region of the nightside, while staying approximately constant with radial distance on the dayside, reflecting the dayside compression of the magnetosphere by the solar wind. Some of the variability is well characterized by the planetary period oscillations (PPOs). However, we also find evidence for non‐PPO drivers of variability.
Correction: Modified CAR T cells targeting membrane-proximal epitope of mesothelin enhances the antitumor function against large solid tumor
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Jiang Duqing , Yang Huan , He Zhou , Liu Xiangzhen , Qin Wenxia , Li Linfang , Wang Chao , Li Yang , Li He , Xu Hai , Jin Huajun , Qian Qijun
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Retraction Note: 11,670 whole-genome sequences representative of the Han Chinese population from the CONVERGE project
Authors: Cai Na , Bigdeli Tim B. , Kretzschmar Warren W. , Li Yihan , Liang Jieqin , Hu Jingchu , Peterson Roseann E. , Bacanu Silviu , Webb Bradley Todd , Riley Brien , Li Qibin , Marchini Jonathan , Mott Richard , Kendler Kenneth S. , Flint Jonathan
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Machine learning identifies the dynamics and influencing factors in an auditory category learning experiment
Authors: Abolfazli Amir , Brechmann André , Wolff Susann , Spiliopoulou Myra
Published: April 2020

Human learning is one of the main topics in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. The analysis of experimental data, e.g. from category learning experiments, is a major challenge due to confounding factors related to perceptual processing, feedback value, response selection, as well as inter-individual differences in learning progress due to differing strategies or skills. We use machine learning to investigate (Q1) how participants of an auditory category-learning experiment evolve towards learning, (Q2) how participant performance saturates and (Q3) how early we can differentiate whether a participant has learned the categories or not. We found that a Gaussian Mixture Model describes well the evolution of participant performance and serves as basis for identifying influencing factors of task configuration (Q1). We found early saturation trends (Q2) and that CatBoost, an advanced classification algorithm, can separate between participants who learned the categories and those who did not, well before the end of the learning session, without much degradation of separation quality (Q3). Our results show that machine learning can model participant dynamics, identify influencing factors of task design and performance trends. This will help to improve computational models of auditory category learning and define suitable time points for interventions into learning, e.g. by tutorial systems.
High–temperature droplet epitaxy of symmetric GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dots
Authors: Bietti Sergio , Basset Francesco Basso , Tuktamyshev Artur , Bonera Emiliano , Fedorov Alexey , Sanguinetti Stefano
Published: April 2020

We introduce a high–temperature droplet epitaxy procedure, based on the control of the arsenization dynamics of nanoscale droplets of liquid Ga on GaAs(111)A surfaces. The use of high temperatures for the self-assembly of droplet epitaxy quantum dots solves major issues related to material defects, introduced during the droplet epitaxy fabrication process, which limited its use for single and entangled photon sources for quantum photonics applications. We identify the region in the parameter space which allows quantum dots to self–assemble with the desired emission wavelength and highly symmetric shape while maintaining a high optical quality. The role of the growth parameters during the droplet arsenization is discussed and modeled.
Mindfulness Meditation Activates Altruism
Authors: Iwamoto Sage K. , Alexander Marcus , Torres Mark , Irwin Michael R. , Christakis Nicholas A. , Nishi Akihiro
Published: April 2020

Clinical evidence suggests that mindfulness meditation reduces anxiety, depression, and stress, and improves emotion regulation due to modulation of activity in neural substrates linked to the regulation of emotions and social preferences. However, less was known about whether mindfulness meditation might alter pro-social behavior. Here we examined whether mindfulness meditation activates human altruism, a component of social cooperation. Using a simple donation game, which is a real-world version of the Dictator’s Game, we randomly assigned 326 subjects to a mindfulness meditation online session or control and measured their willingness to donate a portion of their payment for participation as a charitable donation. Subjects who underwent the meditation treatment donated at a 2.61 times higher rate than the control (p = 0.005), after controlling for socio-demographics. We also found a larger treatment effect of meditation among those who did not go to college (p < 0.001) and those who were under 25 years of age (p < 0.001), with both subject groups contributing virtually nothing in the control condition. Our results imply high context modularity of human altruism and the development of intervention approaches including mindfulness meditation to increase social cooperation, especially among subjects with low baseline willingness to contribute.
Improving extracellular vesicles visualization: From static to motion
Authors: Reclusa Pablo , Verstraelen Peter , Taverna Simona , Gunasekaran Muthukumar , Pucci Marzia , Pintelon Isabel , Claes Nathalie , de Miguel-Pérez Diego , Alessandro Riccardo , Bals Sara , Kaushal Sunjay , Rolfo Christian
Published: April 2020

In the last decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a hot topic. The findings on EVs content and effects have made them a major field of interest in cancer research. EVs, are able to be internalized through integrins expressed in parental cells, in a tissue specific manner, as a key step of cancer progression and pre-metastatic niche formation. However, this specificity might lead to new opportunities in cancer treatment by using EVs as devices for drug delivery. For future applications of EVs in cancer, improved protocols and methods for EVs isolation and visualization are required. Our group has put efforts on developing a protocol able to track the EVs for in vivo internalization analysis. We showed, for the first time, the videos of labeled EVs uptake by living lung cancer cells.
The Clinical Course of Acute Kidney Disease after Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Matsuura Ryo , Iwagami Masao , Moriya Hidekazu , Ohtake Takayasu , Hamasaki Yoshifumi , Nangaku Masaomi , Doi Kent , Kobayashi Shuzo , Noiri Eisei
Published: April 2020

Acute kidney disease (AKD), or renal dysfunction persisting >7 days after an initiating event of acute kidney injury, is a rising concern. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical course of AKD after cardiac surgery with data on post-cardiac surgery patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) at 18 Japanese hospitals during 2012–2014. Using multivariable logistic models, we evaluated the association of AKD with 90-day mortality and the 50% eGFR decline during 2-year follow-up compared to eGFR at 90 days. AKD was defined as an elevation in serum creatinine to at least 1.5-fold from baseline in >7 days after ICU admission. Of the 3,605 eligible patients undergoing cardiac surgery, 403 patients (11.2%) had AKD. Multivariable analysis revealed that the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of AKD for 90-day mortality was 63.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.9–180.6). In addition, the adjusted OR of AKD for 50% eGFR decline was 3.56 (95% CI, 2.24–5.57) among hospital survivors. In conclusion, AKD after cardiac surgery was associated with higher 90-day mortality and renal function decline after hospital discharge.
Author Correction: Exosomes derived from human adipose mensenchymal stem cells accelerates cutaneous wound healing via optimizing the characteristics of fibroblasts
Authors: Hu Li , Wang Juan , Zhou Xin , Xiong Zehuan , Zhao Jiajia , Yu Ran , Huang Fang , Zhang Handong , Chen Lili
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: MicroRNA-19b is a potential biomarker of increased myocardial collagen cross-linking in patients with aortic stenosis and heart failure
Authors: Beaumont Javier , López Begoña , Ravassa Susana , Hermida Nerea , San José Gorka , Gallego Idoia , Valencia Félix , Gómez-Doblas Juan José , de Teresa Eduardo , Díez Javier , González Arantxa
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Modelling fundamental diagrams according to different water film depths from the perspective of the dynamic hydraulic pressure
Authors: Liu Mingwei , Chiaki Matunaga , Oeda Yoshinao , Sumi Tomonori
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we propose enhanced fundamental diagrams based on different water film depths by considering the effects of hydroplaning using a physical method. Various factors are calculated to describe the total safe distance headway of main vehicle components. These factors include the driver reaction times, reaction distances, vehicle braking times, and vehicle braking distances corresponding to different water film depths. An excellent match is found between the computed braking distance, the braking time calculated using the proposed numerical model, and the results published in other papers. These calculations are performed to estimate the distance headway and quantitatively analyse the relationships between the speed, density, and water film depth. By using three road-specific parameters estimated by our proposed model, namely, the free-flow speed, jam density, and capacity flow, a link transmission model is developed to analyse the dynamic impact of the water film depth.
Voxel-based Three-dimensional Segmentation of the Capsulo-synovium from Contrast-enhanced MRI Can Represent Clinical Impairments in Adhesive Capsulitis
Authors: Lee Jung-Sang , Do Jong Geol , Yoon Kyung Jae , Chae Seoung Wan , Park Hee-Jin , Park Chul-Hyun , Lee Yong-Taek
Published: April 2020

The purposes were to calculate total voxel volume of the entire capsulo-synovial enhanced portion on contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI in adhesive capsulitis, and to investigate its association with glenohumeral joint volume and passive range of motions (ROMs), which are a well-known diagnostic reference standard and clinical hallmark of this condition. Medical records of 169 consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound-guided intraarticular injection with adhesive capsulitis and CE-MRI to exclude other mimicking shoulder diseases were retrospectively reviewed. To calculate total voxel volume of entire capsulo-synovial enhanced portion on CE-MRI, voxel-based 3-dimensional (3D) segmentation was obtained semi-automatically using Fiji, an open-source image processing software. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were analyzed. Sixty patients who met eligibility criteria were included. Total voxel volume showed a significant inverse correlation with the glenohumeral joint volume (r = −0.528, P < 0.001), forward elevation, external rotation, and abduction (r = −0.407, P = 0.001; r = −0.342, P = 0.007; r = −0.275, P = 0.034, respectively). Intra-observer and inter-observer reliabilities, measured by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), were excellent (ICC = 0.87 and 0.77, respectively). This study’s results indicate that voxel-based 3D segmentation of entire capsulo-synovial enhanced portion from CE-MRI can represent the severity of clinical impairments, such as obliterated joint volume and limited passive ROMs in adhesive capsulitis.
Mechanical allodynia in mice with tenascin-X deficiency associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Okuda-Ashitaka Emiko , Kakuchi Yuka , Kakumoto Hiroaki , Yamanishi Shota , Kamada Hiroki , Yoshidu Takafumi , Matsukawa Satoshi , Ogura Naoya , Uto Sadahito , Minami Toshiaki , Ito Seiji , Matsumoto Ken-ichi
Published: April 2020

Tenascin-X (TNX) is a member of the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin family, and TNX deficiency leads to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a heritable human disorder characterized mostly by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and easy bruising. TNX-deficient patients complain of chronic joint pain, myalgia, paresthesia, and axonal polyneuropathy. However, the molecular mechanisms by which TNX deficiency complicates pain are unknown. Here, we examined the nociceptive behavioral responses of TNX-deficient mice. Compared with wild-type mice, TNX-deficient mice exhibited mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyperalgesia. TNX deficiency also increased pain sensitivity to chemical stimuli and aggravated early inflammatory pain elicited by formalin. TNX-deficient mice were significantly hypersensitive to transcutaneous sine wave stimuli at frequencies of 250 Hz (Aδ fiber responses) and 2000 Hz (Aβ fiber responses), but not to stimuli at frequency of 5 Hz (C fiber responses). In addition, the phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-related kinase, an active neuronal marker, and the activity of NADPH-diaphorase, a neuronal nitric oxide activation marker, were enhanced in the spinal dorsal horns of TNX-deficient mice. These results suggest that TNX deficiency contributes to the development of mechanical allodynia and hypersensitivity to chemical stimuli, and it induces hypersensitization of myelinated A fibers and activation of the spinal dorsal horn.
Longterm outcome of anal fistula – A retrospective study
Authors: Andreou Christos , Zeindler Jasmin , Oertli Daniel , Misteli Heidi
Published: April 2020

This retrospective observational study analyses the outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for anal fistula at a single centre in order to assess recurrence and re-operation rates after different surgical techniques. During January 2005 and May 2013, all patients with anal fistula were included. Baseline characteristics, details of presentation, fistula anatomy, type of surgery, post-surgical outcomes and follow-up data were collected. The primary endpoints were long-term closure rate and recurrence rate after 2 years. Secondary endpoints were persistent pain, postoperative complications and continence status. A total of 65 patients were included. From a total amount of 93 operations, 65 were fistulotomies, 13 mucosal advancement flaps, 7 anal fistula plugs and 8 cutting-setons. The mean follow up was 80 months. Healing was achieved in 85%. The highest recurrence rate was seen in anal fistula plug with 42%. On the other hand, no recurrence was observed in the cutting-seton procedures. For all included operation no persistent postoperative pain nor incontinence was observed. In conclusion, despite all existing anal fistula operations up to date, the optimal technique with low recurrence rate and assured safety for the anal sphincter is still lacking. Nonetheless, according to our promising results for the cutting-seton technique, this technique, otherwise considered obsolete, should be further evaluated in a prospective study.
Self-similarity of low-frequency earthquakes
Authors: Supino M. , Poiata N. , Festa G. , Vilotte J. P. , Satriano C. , Obara K.
Published: April 2020

Low-frequency earthquakes are a particular class of slow earthquakes that provide a unique source of information on the physical processes along a subduction zone during the preparation of large earthquakes. Despite increasing detection of these events in recent years, their source mechanisms are still poorly characterised, and the relation between their magnitude and size remains controversial. Here, we present the source characterisation of more than 10,000 low-frequency earthquakes that occurred during tremor sequences in 2012–2016 along the Nankai subduction zone in western Shikoku, Japan. We show that the scaling of seismic moment versus corner frequency for these events is compatible with an inverse of the cube law, as widely observed for regular earthquakes. Their radiation, however, appears depleted in high-frequency content when compared to regular earthquakes. The displacement spectrum decays beyond the corner frequency with an omega-cube power law. Our result is consistent with shear rupture as the source mechanism for low-frequency earthquakes, and suggests a self-similar rupture process and constant stress drop. When investigating the dependence of the stress drop value on the rupture speed, we found that low-frequency earthquakes might propagate at lower rupture velocity than regular earthquakes, releasing smaller stress drop.
Robotic- versus laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for advanced gastric cancer based on propensity score matching: short-term outcomes at a high-capacity center
Authors: Ye Shan-ping , Shi Jun , Liu Dong-ning , Jiang Qun-guang , Lei Xiong , Tang Bo , He Peng-hui , Zhu Wei-quan , Tang He-chun , Li Tai-yuan
Published: April 2020

Reports in the field of robotic surgery for gastric cancer are increasing. However, studies only on patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) are lacking. This retrospective study was to compare the short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted distal gastrectomy (RADG) and laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with D2 lymphadenectomy for AGC. From December 2014 to November 2019, 683 consecutive patients with AGC underwent mini-invasive assisted distal gastrectomy. Propensity-score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to reduce patient selection bias. Short-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. The clinical features were well matched in the PSM cohort. Compared with the LADG group, the RADG group was associated with less operative blood loss, a lower rate of postoperative blood transfusion, less volume of abdominal drainage, less time to remove abdominal drainage tube, retrieved more lymph node, and lower rates of surgical complications and pancreatic fistula (P <0.05). However, the time to recovery bowel function, the length of postoperative stay, the rates of other subgroups of complications and unplanned readmission were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). This study suggests that RADG is a safe and feasible technique with better short-term outcomes than LADG for AGC.
Atomic layer deposition and electrospinning as membrane surface engineering methods for water treatment: a short review
Authors: Lee Jieun , Kim In S. , Hwang Moon-Hyun , Chae Kyu-Jung
Published: April 2020

This review article provides a summary of the application of ALD and electrospinning in membrane processes for water treatment and insight into the technological challenges and future perspectives for their wider application in the membrane industry.
A theoretical insight on the rigid hydrogen-bonded network in the solid state structure of two zinc(ii) complexes and their strong fluorescence behaviors
Authors: Mondal Ipsita , Basak Tanmoy , Banerjee Snehasis , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: April 2020

A reduced Schiff base used as a fluorescence chemo-sensor for selective detection of zinc(ii). Strong fluorescence behaviors of two zinc(ii) complexes are correlated with the presence of a rigid hydrogen-bonded network in their solid state structure.
Dehydrogenation of amines in aryl-amine functionalized pincer-like nitrogen-donor redox non-innocent ligands via ligand reduction on a Ni(ii) template
Authors: Khatua Manas , Goswami Bappaditya , Samanta Subhas
Published: April 2020

A Ni(ii)-template directed dehydrogenative imine formation reaction via ligand reduction leading to the formation of new pincer-like azo imine ligands is described.
Two novel lead-based coordination polymers for luminescence sensing of anions, cations and small organic molecules
Authors: Zhao Xue-Yan , Liang Bing , Xiong Ke-Cai , Shi Yu-Wen , Yang Si-Lei , Wei Ting-Yu , Zhang Hui , Zhang Qing-Fu , Gai Yan-Li
Published: April 2020

A novel lead-based compound is reported as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor for detecting anions, cations and small organic molecules, especially Cr2O72−, CrO42−, Fe3+ and nitrobenzene.
Comprehensive understanding of the synthesis and formation mechanism of dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres
Authors: Hao Pan , Peng Bo , Shan Bing-Qian , Yang Tai-Qun , Zhang Kun
Published: April 2020

The elucidation of structure and formation mechanism of dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres is in extensive debates. This review summarizes the recent advance on their synthesis and application, and more concerned on their kinetic formation mechanics.
Lipid-based mesophases as matrices for nanoscale reactions
Authors: Salvati Manni Livia , Fong Wye-Khay , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: April 2020

Review of nonlamellar lipidic mesophases as matrices for organic and enzymatic reactions, and synthesis of polymeric, metallic and mesoporous materials.
O-Cyclopropyl hydroxylamines: gram-scale synthesis and utility as precursors for N-heterocycles
Authors: Lovato Kaitlyn , Bhakta Urmibhusan , Ng Yi Pin , Kürti László
Published: April 2020

A novel and scalable synthesis ofO-cyclopropyl hydroxylamines is reported. These compounds are bench-stable and have been shown to be practical precursors for the synthesis of N-heterocyclesviaa di-heteroatom [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement.
Unprecedented intramolecular pancake bonding in a {Dy2} single-molecule magnet
Authors: Lemes Maykon A. , Mavragani Niki , Richardson Paul , Zhang Yixin , Gabidullin Bulat , Brusso Jaclyn L. , Moilanen Jani O. , Murugesu Muralee
Published: April 2020

The first example of unique coordination induced intramolecular pancake bonding was achieved through the reduction of two bis(pyrazolyl)-tetrazine ligands.
Correction: Metal complexes as a promising source for new antibiotics
Authors: Frei Angelo , Zuegg Johannes , Elliott Alysha G. , Baker Murray , Braese Stefan , Brown Christopher , Chen Feng , Dowson Christopher G. , Dujardin Gilles , Jung Nicole , King A. Paden , Mansour Ahmed M. , Massi Massimiliano , Moat John , Mohamed Heba A. , Renfrew Anna K. , Rutledge Peter J. , Sadler Peter J. , Todd Matthew H. , Willans Charlotte E. , Wilson Justin J. , Cooper Matthew A. , Blaskovich Mark A. T.
Published: April 2020

Correction for ‘Metal complexes as a promising source for new antibiotics’ by Angelo Frei et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 2627–2639.
3D motion of flexible ferromagnetic filaments under a rotating magnetic field
Authors: Zaben Abdelqader , Kitenbergs Guntars , Cēbers Andrejs
Published: April 2020

Experimental and numerical study of flexible ferromagnetic filaments reveal different regimes, when subjected to a 2D rotating field. The filaments were found to have a 3D motion at higher frequencies.
Layered VSe2: a promising host for fast zinc storage and its working mechanism
Authors: Wang Lili , Wu Zhixian , Jiang Mingjuehui , Lu Junyi , Huang Qinghong , Zhang Yi , Fu Lijun , Wu Meng , Wu Yuping
Published: April 2020

VSe2 is demonstrated as an appealing candidate for Zn storage, which exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, in particular, rate performance.
Bimetallic Mo–Co nanoparticles anchored on nitrogen-doped carbon for enhanced electrochemical nitrogen fixation
Authors: Zhang Yizhen , Hu Jue , Zhang Chengxu , Liu Yizhe , Xu Mengyuan , Xue Yujia , Liu Lifen , Leung Michael K. H.
Published: April 2020

The Mo–Co bimetallic nanoparticles anchored on the nitrogen-doped porous carbon (Mo–Co/NC) are developed and serve as a cost-effective catalyst candidate for the NRR.
Facile synthesis of a covalently connected rGO–COF hybrid material by in situ reaction for enhanced visible-light induced photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Yao Yu-Hao , Li Jing , Zhang Hao , Tang Hong-Liang , Fang Liang , Niu Gu-Dan , Sun Xiao-Jun , Zhang Feng-Ming
Published: April 2020

A covalently connected rGO–TpPa-1-COF hybrid material synthesized by one-pot reaction for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation.
Thin platelet-like COF nanocomposites for blood brain barrier transport and inhibition of brain metastasis from renal cancer
Authors: Zhang Guiyang , Jiang Bo , Wu Chunyong , Liu Yanfeng , He Yidan , Huang Xin , Chen Wei , Xi Kai , Guo Hongqian , Zhao Xiaozhi , Jia Xudong
Published: April 2020

A drug-loaded polymer–COF nanocomposite has been developed to cross the blood brain barrier and treat brain metastasis from renal cancer.
Photostable orange-red fluorescent unsymmetrical diketopyrrolopyrrole–BF2 hybrids
Authors: Young David C. , Tasior Mariusz , Laurent Adèle D. , Dobrzycki Łukasz , Cyrański Michał K. , Tkachenko Nikolai , Jacquemin Denis , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: April 2020

DPP–BODIPY hybrids have been synthesized for the first time using unsymmetrical, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine substituted DPPs which display increased photostability and bathochromically shifted absorption and fluorescence.
Manipulating trap filling of persistent phosphors upon illumination by using a blue light-emitting diode
Authors: Gao Qingqing , Li Chenlin , Liu Yichun , Zhang Jiahua , Wang Xiao-jun , Liu Feng
Published: April 2020

Developing a conceptual “write”/“read” technology for optical information storage of persistent phosphors is necessary but often underestimated.
The DIEP Flap as Well-established Method of Choice for Autologous Breast Reconstruction with a Low Complication Rate – Retrospective Single-centre 10-Year Experience
Authors: Munder Beatrix , Andree Christoph , Witzel Christian , Fertsch Sonia , Stambera Peter , Schulz Tino , Fleischer Olaf , Hagouan Mazen , Grüter Lukas , Aufmesser Birgit , Staemmler Katinka , Kornetka Julia , Aldeeri Mohammed , Seidenstücker Katrin , Abu-Ghazaleh Alina , Wolter Andreas
Published: April 2020

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Germany. Despite breast-conserving therapy (BCT) being carried out in almost 70% of cases, a high number of women still require complete mastectomy. Prophylactic mastectomy is also indicated for women with a BRCA 1/2 gene mutation. In addition to implant-based heterologous breast reconstruction, autologous breast reconstruction using a DIEP flap has been found to be beneficial, particularly for patients who had prior radiotherapy. This study aims to show that DIEP flap reconstruction surgery is the method of choice for autologous breast reconstruction with a low rate of complications.

Patients and Methods Autologous breast reconstruction using a DIEP flap was performed in 1124 patients between July 2004 and December 2014. Retrospective study criteria included potential risk factors such as age, BMI, smoking, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and comorbidities as well as outcome parameters such as postoperative complications. Outcomes were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 24 months.

Results A total of 1124 patients underwent 1274 free DIEP flap breast reconstructions, of which 150 were bilateral reconstructions. The primary indication was previous mastectomy in 785 cases, followed by prior implant-based reconstruction in 265 cases. The total flap loss rate was 0.6%. Postoperative surgical revision for abdominal wall hernia was required in 0.2% of cases. The group with a higher BMI and the group of smokers had significantly higher complication rates. Elderly patients (> 65 years), patients who had undergone chemo-/radiotherapy and patients with diabetes did not have higher complication rates.

Conclusion DIEP flap surgery is an excellent option for autologous breast reconstruction, with a low rate of donor site morbidity and low complication rates. DIEP flap surgery carried out in a specialised interdisciplinary breast centre in a standardised clinical setting after prior careful patient selection to take account of risk factors such as high BMI and smoking is a reliable method with a low complication rate and satisfactory long-term reconstruction results.
Identification of Novel Variants in MEN1: A Study Conducted with Four Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 Patients
Authors: Hu Wen-mu , Zhang Qin , Huang Li-hua , Mo Zhao-hui , Long Xiao-dan , Yang You-bo , Yang Wen-jun , Liu Jun , Jin Ping
Published: April 2020

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant inherited endocrine tumor syndrome caused by inactivating variants of the MEN1 gene. The aim of this study is to explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of four MEN1 patients. We isolated genomic deoxyribonucleic acid from lymphocytes, parathyroid, and thymic tumoral tissue specimens from the MEN1 patients. All exons of the MEN1 and CDNK1B genes and adjacent exon-intron sequences were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subsequently sequenced. Further, the splice alterations were studied by sequencing the amplified RT-PCR products for MEN1 cDNA. We identified four heterozygous MEN1 germline variants: c.564delC, c.1268G>A, IVS5+5delG, and c.1546_1547insC. Both c.564delC and IVS5+5delG were novel variants. The impact of the MEN1 splice variant, IVS5+5delG, was evaluated using bioinformatics and in vitro analyses. The analyses indicated that this variant resulted in skipping of the neighboring exon and was disease-causing. Two novel somatic variants, c.249_252delGTCT and c.313_314insC, were found. Additionally, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for the MEN1 locus (IVS5+5delG and c.564delC) was found in tumor tissue samples from the MEN1 patients, consistent with Knudson’s two-hit mechanism. We identified four MEN1 germline variants and two novel somatic variants. Early recognition of the phenotype coupled with variant screening of the MEN1 gene is the key to diagnosing and treating MEN1 effectively at an early stage.
Chiral P,Olefin Ligands with Rotamers for Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reactions
Authors: Mino Takashi , Yamaguchi Daiki , Kumada Manami , Youda Junpei , Saito Hironori , Tanaka Junya , Yoshida Yasushi , Sakamoto Masami
Published: April 2020

We synthesized a series of phosphine–olefin-type chiral aminophosphines, and we confirmed that these each exists as two rotamers at the C(aryl)–N(amine) bond. We also investigated the ability of these aminophosphines to act as chiral ligands for Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions, such as the alkylation of allylic acetates with malonates or indoles, and we found they gave high enantio­selectivities (up to 98% ee).
Light harvesting simulations explain biological photosynthetic behaviors
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: April 2020

Biological processes induced by solar light are modeled to better understand their energy dependencies.
Linear time reversal of infrared light mitigates phase distortions of signals on a silicon chip
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: April 2020

Dynamically tuning coupled photonic crystal nanocavities can compensate for a range of optical signal distortions when the proposed system is connected in series.
Measurement of fluid viscosity based on droplet microfluidics
Authors: Zeng Wen , Fu Hai
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate an efficient method that can precisely measure the viscosity of fluids based on droplet microfluidics. For our design of the droplet microfluidic viscometer, the volume of the fluid sample required for testing the fluid viscosity is on the order of nanoliters. In particular, a T-junction microdroplet generator is designed for the production of monodisperse droplets, and the flow rates of the continuous and dispersed phases are controlled by the pressure-driven microfluidic device. By giving a specified viscosity of the dispersed phase, the viscosity of the continuous phase can be measured, while considering the linear relation between the droplet length and the flow-rate ratio of the two phases, the linear relation between the droplet length and the viscosity ratio of the two phases can be obtained. For our design of the T-junction microdroplet generator, the viscosity ratio of the two phases can be predicted by testing the length of droplets formed in the microchannel, and therefore, the fluid viscosity of the continuous phase can be calculated. More importantly, the comparison between the measured and the given viscosity of the continuous phase is provided for three different geometries of the T-junctions, and consequently, the testing precision of the fluid viscosity can be validated experimentally.
In situ synthesis of N–CoMe2Pc/rGO nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability in Cr(VI) reduction
Authors: Li Minzhang , Hu Qikun , Shan Haiquan , Chen Qian , Wang Xiang , Pan Jia Hong , Xu Zong-Xiang
Published: April 2020

Graphene-based composites are widely used in the photocatalytic treatment of heavy-metal ions or dyes. In this study, we developed a facile in situ precipitation method for preparing a non-peripheral octamethyl-substituted cobalt(II)phthalocyanine (N–CoMe2Pc)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite as an efficient photocatalyst. The physical and chemical properties of the nanocomposite were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet-visible, ultraviolet photoelectron, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The results showed that the N–CoMe2Pc nanoparticles were immobilized on rGO nanosheets via π–π stacking interactions. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite in the reduction of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI), 10 mg/l] under visible-light irradiation was investigated. The Cr(VI) removal ratio reached 99.5% with a high photocatalytic rate of 0.0359 min−1, which is ten times faster than that achieved with pristine N–CoMe2Pc. The high removal efficiency is attributed to the following: (1) the number of active sites provided by nanodot-like N–CoMe2Pc is larger than that provided by bulk Pc, which can increase the production of photogenerated carriers, and (2) enhanced charge carrier separation resulting from intimate contact between N–CoMe2Pc nanodots and GO nanosheets. The N–CoMe2Pc/rGO also showed excellent stability and reusability. The Cr(VI) removal efficiency was 93.2% after eight photocatalytic test cycles.
Features of multilayer mirror application for focusing and collimating X-rays from inverse Compton scattering sources
Authors: Barysheva M.M. , Malyshev I.V. , Polkovnikov V.N. , Salashchenko N.N. , Svechnikov M.V. , Chkhalo N.I.
Published: April 2020

We have analysed the use of X-ray interference multilayer mirrors as the elements of a focusing scheme for a compact source based on inverse Compton scattering. An algorithm is proposed for selecting mirror parameters, which takes into account the properties of the radiation source. The dependence of wavelength on the viewing angle and the energy line broadening for a fixed viewing angle are found to be the main limitations in the use of multilayer mirrors. Efficient radiation collection calls for the application of broadband mirrors. It is shown that the efficiency of multilayer mirrors in a Kirkpatrick – Baez X-ray focusing setup exceeds that of total external reflection mirrors by an order of magnitude, and that stack multilayer mirrors offer a small advantage over the periodic ones. The overall efficiency of source radiation collection in the photon energy range ΔE= 10 – 12 keV amounts to 12 % for the two-mirror Kirkpatrick – Baez setup. For a spectral region with a bandwidth ΔE/E= 3 %, the efficiency ranges up to 69 %.
Technology of thin-rod Yb : YAG amplifiers with a high pulse energy and average power
Authors: Kuznetsov I.I. , Chizhov S.A. , Mukhin I.B. , Palashov O.V.
Published: April 2020

Technology for producing thin-rod Yb : YAG laser amplifiers is improved, which is aimed at increasing the output pulse energy and includes the development of a new method for mounting active elements into a cooling system and employment of more persistent dielectric coatings of rod ends. An influence of a thermal lens on the beam size in an active element is theoretically studied and the parameters are found, which provide equal beam sizes at input and output rod ends. The output pulse energy of 4 mJ is obtained without optical breakdown of the output end, which substantially exceeds the previously obtained results. The amplifier demonstrates an average power of 60 W and maintains a high beam quality.
Formula for the ionisation rate of an atom or ion in a strong electromagnetic field for numerical simulation
Authors: Golovanov A.A. , Kostyukov I.Yu.
Published: April 2020

A formula is proposed for calculating the rate of field ionisation of an atom or ion, taking into account both tunnel ionisation and barrier suppression ionisation. Compared with the previous formula proposed in 2018, it more accurately describes the transition region between both ionisations and is determined mainly by two parameters: the ionisation potential of an atom or ion and the amplitude of an external electric field. This makes the presented formula suitable for use in numerical packages simulating the interaction of high-power laser radiation with matter by the particle-in-cell (PIC) method.
Paradigms lost – paradigms regained
Authors: Diewald Gabriele
Published: April 2020

Based on Diewald (2009, 2015a, 2017),
it is claimed that the notion of paradigm needs to be introduced
into constructional accounts, as otherwise the essence of
grammaticalization cannot be properly captured in construction
grammar. It is suggested to define grammatical paradigms as a new
node type, a “hyper-construction”, which represents the categorical,
non-gradient specifics of grammatical meaning. This line of
argumentation is supported by a discussion of changes in the German
and English modality, tense, determiner, and number paradigms.
Independent arguments for the psychological reality of paradigms
come from the study of implicational relations in inflectional
morphology and diachronic phenomena such as layering, suppletion, and
paradigm pressure.
Child EFL grammar learning through a collaborative writing
task
Authors: Calzada Asier , García Mayo María del Pilar
Published: April 2020

The present study analyzed the effects of
completing a dictogloss task on the development of English grammar
(3rd person singular -s and articles) in a foreign
language primary school context. Fifty 11–12 year-old elementary EFL
Spanish learners worked on a dictogloss task individually, and in
teacher-assigned dyads and small groups. Their grammar gains were
measured by means of a pre- and post-dictogloss grammaticality
judgment test. The analysis of the children’s languaging showed that
the task encouraged learners in pairs and groups to equally focus on
form, although not only on the target features, which did not
improve. There was, however, a slight advantage of pairs over small
groups and individuals. A number of research implications, drawn
from these results, are discussed.
Notch fatigue behaviour of low-temperature gaseous carburised 316L austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Peng Yawei , Zhang Song , Liu Zhe , Gong Jianming
Published: April 2020

The influence of low-temperature gaseous carburisation on notch fatigue behaviour of 316L steel under cyclic axial loading was investigated. After carburisation, the carburised case was well distributed at the surface region and was not influenced by the notch geometry. Low-temperature carburisation considerably enhanced the notch fatigue performance, which led to 32% and 44% increase in the endurance limits for the specimens with stress concentration factors Kt = 1.91 and 3.91, respectively. The notch sensitivity of 316L steel reduced after carburisation. Irrespective of the applied stress amplitude, the fatigue crack nucleation sites were always at the notch root surface for the untreated specimens. For the carburised specimens, fatigue cracks nucleation changed from surface at high-level stress to subsurface at low-level stress.
Evolution of the global polyethylene waste trade system
Authors: Xu Wen , Chen Wei-Qiang , Jiang Daqian , Zhang Chao , Ma Zijie , Ren Yan , Shi Lei
Published: April 2020

Introduction

China’s import bans on solid wastes starting from 2017 have challenged the global trade system of plastic wastes, which remains poorly characterized. This study chooses polyethylene (PE) as a case and aims to map out the global trade networks of PE waste (GPETN) from 1976 to 2017.

Outcomes

We find that the size and complexity of the GPETN had been growing until 2016. After the mid-1990s, PE waste basically flowed from developed economies, mainly the EU and the US, to developing economies such as China. Since 2001 when admitted into the WTO, China’s PE waste import surged until 2014 when it absorbed over 60% of global export. Regulations on solid waste import following the Green Fence campaign in 2013 resulted in substantial reductions in China’s import as well as the global export of PE waste after 2014. Several other developing economies, such as Malaysia, Turkey, and Vietnam, had transitioned to net importers, but their imports were insufficient to replace China as new recycling bases for PE waste.

Conclusion

The results highlight the urgent need of a joint effort for developed and developing countries to build a stronger global circular economy system with sufficient capacity to treat PE waste locally.