bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genes regulating hormone stimulus and response to protein signaling revealed differential expression pattern during porcine oocyte in vitro maturation, confirmed by lipid concentration
Authors: Chermuła Błażej , Jeseta Michal , Sujka-Kordowska Patrycja , Konwerska Aneta , Jankowski Maurycy , Kranc Wiesława , Kocherova Ievgeniia , Celichowski Piotr , Antosik Paweł , Bukowska Dorota , Milakovic Irena , Machatkova Marie , Pawelczyk Leszek , Iżycki Dariusz , Zabel Maciej , Mozdziak Paul , Kempisty Bartosz , Piotrowska-Kempisty Hanna
Published: June 2020

Genes influencing oocyte maturation may be valuable for predicting their developmental potential, as well as discerning the mechanistic pathways regulating oocyte development. In the presented research microarray gene expression analysis of immature and in vitro matured porcine oocytes was performed. Two groups of oocytes were compared in the study: before (3 × n = 50) and after in vitro maturation (3 × n = 50). The selection of viable oocytes was performed using the brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) test. Furthermore, microarrays and RT-qPCR was used to analyze the transcriptome of the oocytes before and after IVM. The study focused on the genes undergoing differential expression in two gene-ontology groups: “Cellular response to hormone stimulus” and “Cellular response to unfolded protein”, which contain genes that may directly or indirectly be involved in signal transduction during oocyte maturation. Examination of all the genes of interest showed a lower level of their expression after IVM. From the total number of genes in these gene ontologies ten of the highest change in expression were identified: FOS, ID2, BTG2, CYR61, ESR1, AR, TACR3, CCND2, EGR2 and TGFBR3. The successful maturation of the oocytes was additionally confirmed with the use of lipid droplet assay. The genes were briefly described and related to the literature sources, to investigate their potential roles in the process of oocyte maturation. The results of the study may serve as a basic molecular reference for further research aimed at improving the methods of oocyte in vitro maturation, which plays an important role in the procedures of assisted reproduction.
Protein expression pattern of the molecular chaperone Mdg1/ERdj4 during embryonic development
Authors: Daverkausen-Fischer Lea , Motyl-Eisemann Myriam , Draga Margarethe , Scaal Martin , Pröls Felicitas
Published: June 2020

The vertebrate-specific co-chaperone Mdg1/ERdj4, which is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, controls the folding and degradation of proteins. We characterized its protein pattern during chick embryonic development. During early development, Mdg1/ERdj4 protein is present in mesenchymal and epithelial cells. In mesenchymal cells, it has a salt and pepper pattern. In contrast, during epithelial tissue differentiation, Mdg1/ERdj4 marks the basal and/or apical compartment of epithelial linings. The distinct protein pattern in epithelial tissue might point to its role in organizing and maintaining the epithelial structure. This could be achieved, e.g. by controlling folding and secretion of membrane-bound receptors or by inhibiting the IRE1α–Xbp1s–SNAI1/2-induced mesenchymalization. High Mdg1/ERdj4 protein levels are maintained in tissue with sustained secretory activity as in ependymal cells or enterocytes, substantiating its important role for secretion. We conclude that the transient elevation of Mdg1/ERdj4 protein levels controls the differentiation of epithelial linings while constitutive high levels are closely linked to secretory activity.
Custom foot orthoses improve performance, but do not modify the biomechanical manifestation of fatigue, during repeated treadmill sprints
Authors: Girard Olivier , Morin Jean-Benoit , Ryu Joong Hyun , Van Alsenoy Ken
Published: June 2020

Purpose

We determined the effect of custom foot orthotics manufactured from ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA) and expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials, both compared to a control condition (CON; shoes only) during repeated sprints on running mechanical alterations.

Methods

Eighteen males performed eight, 5-s sprints with 25-s recovery on an instrumented sprint treadmill in three footwear conditions (EVA, TPU and CON). Mechanical data consisted of continuous (step-by-step) measurement of running kinetics and kinematics, which were averaged for each sprint for further analysis.

Results

Distance ran in 5 s decreased from first to last sprint (P < 0.001), yet with higher sprints 1–8 values for both EVA (P = 0.004) and TPU (P = 0.018) versus CON. Regardless of footwear condition, mean horizontal forces, step frequency, vertical and leg stiffness decreased from sprint 1 to sprint 8 (all P < 0.001). Duration of the propulsive phase was globally shorter for both EVA (P = 0.002) and TPU (P = 0.021) versus CON, while braking phase duration was similar (P = 0.919). In the horizontal direction, peak propulsive (P < 0.001), but not braking (P = 0.172), forces also decreased from sprint 1 to sprint 8, independently of conditions.

Conclusion

Compared to shoe only, wearing EVA or TPU custom foot orthotics improved repeated treadmill sprint ability, yet provided similar fatigue-induced changes in mechanical outcomes.
A combined histo-score based on tumor differentiation and lymphocytic infiltrate is a robust prognostic marker for mobile tongue cancer
Authors: Bjerkli Inger-Heidi , Hadler-Olsen Elin , Nginamau Elisabeth Sivy , Laurvik Helene , Søland Tine M. , Costea Daniela Elena , Uhlin-Hansen Lars , Steigen Sonja E.
Published: June 2020

We wanted to evaluate the prognostic value of common histopathological variables in a large cohort of patients with cancer in the mobile tongue as such information can be important for treatment stratification of the individual patient, especially for patients with low-stage disease. In addition, we wanted to investigate whether an alternative scoring model with fewer options would compromise the prognostic value. One hundred fifty patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas that were treated in curative intent and with available HE-stained tumor sections were included. We reclassified all tumors and performed univariate and multivariate survival analyses of histopathological and clinical variables. For the complete cohort, lymph node status, grade of differentiation, perineural infiltration, and lymphocytic infiltration were independent prognosticators. In the low-stage disease group, independent prognostic factors were tumor size, grade of differentiation, and lymphocytic infiltrate. For patients with low-stage disease, a histo-score combining the scores for tumor differentiation and lymphocytic infiltrate identified a group of patients with particularly low survival, as patients with moderately or poorly differentiated tumors and little lymphocytic infiltrate had a less favorable 5-year survival outcome than patients in the high-stage disease group. This study shows that a histo-score combining tumor differentiation and lymphocytic infiltration should be given special consideration in treatment planning. Our results also illustrate that many variables can be scored with fewer options than previously suggested to increase their reproducibility, and still maintain their prognostic value.
Über die Problematik der klinischen Entscheidungsfindung aufgrund von Fallbeschreibungen – ethische Implikationen am Beispiel eines Falls von Carmi Syndrom
Authors: Muensterer Oliver J. , Paul Norbert W.
Published: June 2020

Bei extrem seltenen Erkrankungen bilden Fallbeschreibungen oft die einzige Datengrundlage für klinische Entscheidungen. Das Carmi Syndrom ist eine seltene Kombination von Epidermolysis bullosa und Pylorusatresie. Während der Betreuung einer betroffenen Patientin fielen unterschiedliche Wahrnehmungen über die publizierten Mortalitätsraten auf. Daraufhin wurde die Hypothese untersucht, ob sich die kumulativen Mortalitätsraten von Einzelfallbeschreibungen und Mehrfachfallbeschreibungen unterscheiden, um so eine mögliche Verzerrung der Prognose in ihren Auswirkungen auf klinische und ethische Einschätzungen des Falls zu überprüfen.

Ein Mädchen wurde in der Schwangerschaftswoche 33 mit Carmi Syndrom geboren. Zusammen mit dem klinischen Ethikkomitee wurden Behandlungsoptionen diskutiert, einschließlich einer palliativen Behandlung oder einer operativen Gastrojejunostomie. Da etwa ein Drittel der in Fallbeschreibungen publizierten Kinder nach einer Operation überlebten, entschieden wir uns auch vor dem Hintergrund unsicherer Prognosen für das chirurgische Vorgehen. Die Patientin starb 4 Wochen später nach multiplen Komplikationen.

Die Datenbank PubMed wurde nach Publikationen über Carmi Syndrom durchsucht. Das Outcome von Einzelfallbeschreibungen wurde mit dem von Mehrfachfallbeschreibungen verglichen.

Insgesamt wurden 102 Fälle von Carmi Syndrom identifiziert. Die Mortalität bei Einzelfallbeschreibungen belief sich auf 17 von 27 Fällen (63 %), während 62 von 74 Patienten von Mehrfachfallbeschreibungen starben (84 %,p = 0,036).

Beim Carmi Syndrom unterscheidet sich die publizierte Mortalität zwischen Einfach- und Mehrfachfallbeschreibungen, möglicherweise aufgrund einer Kombination von Selektions- und Publikationsbias. Die Unterschätzung der tatsächlichen Mortalitätsrate kann zu unangebracht intensiven Therapieansätzen führen. Kliniker und Ethiker sollten daher vorsichtig sein, ihre Entscheidungen bei seltenen oder neuartigen Erkrankungen auf kumulative Erfahrungen von Fallbeschreibungen, insbesondere von Einzelfallbeschreibungen, zu basieren, die positive Verläufe von Behandlungen zu betonen scheinen.
Incrementally updating the high average-utility patterns with pre-large concept
Authors: Lin Jerry Chun-Wei , Pirouz Matin , Djenouri Youcef , Cheng Chien-Fu , Ahmed Usman
Published: June 2020

High-utility itemset mining (HUIM) is considered as an emerging approach to detect the high-utility patterns from databases. Most existing algorithms of HUIM only consider the itemset utility regardless of the length. This limitation raises the utility as a result of a growing itemset size. High average-utility itemset mining (HAUIM) considers the size of the itemset, thus providing a more balanced scale to measure the average-utility for decision-making. Several algorithms were presented to efficiently mine the set of high average-utility itemsets (HAUIs) but most of them focus on handling static databases. In the past, a fast-updated (FUP)-based algorithm was developed to efficiently handle the incremental problem but it still has to re-scan the database when the itemset in the original database is small but there is a high average-utility upper-bound itemset (HAUUBI) in the newly inserted transactions. In this paper, an efficient framework called PRE-HAUIMI for transaction insertion in dynamic databases is developed, which relies on the average-utility-list (AUL) structures. Moreover, we apply the pre-large concept on HAUIM. A pre-large concept is used to speed up the mining performance, which can ensure that if the total utility in the newly inserted transaction is within the safety bound, the small itemsets in the original database could not be the large ones after the database is updated. This, in turn, reduces the recurring database scans and obtains the correct HAUIs. Experiments demonstrate that the PRE-HAUIMI outperforms the state-of-the-art batch mode HAUI-Miner, and the state-of-the-art incremental IHAUPM and FUP-based algorithms in terms of runtime, memory, number of assessed patterns and scalability.
Enumerating extensions of mutually orthogonal Latin squares
Authors: Boyadzhiyska Simona , Das Shagnik , Szabó Tibor
Published: June 2020

Two $$n \times n$$

n
×
n

Latin squares $$L_1, L_2$$

L
1

,

L
2

are said to be orthogonal if, for every ordered pair (x, y) of symbols, there are coordinates (i, j) such that $$L_1(i,j) = x$$

L
1

(
i
,
j
)

=
x

and $$L_2(i,j) = y$$

L
2

(
i
,
j
)

=
y

. A k-MOLS is a sequence of k pairwise-orthogonal Latin squares, and the existence and enumeration of these objects has attracted a great deal of attention. Recent work of Keevash and Luria provides, for all fixed k, log-asymptotically tight bounds on the number of k-MOLS. To study the situation when k grows with n, we bound the number of ways a k-MOLS can be extended to a $$(k+1)$$

(
k
+
1
)

-MOLS. These bounds are again tight for constant k, and allow us to deduce upper bounds on the total number of k-MOLS for all k. These bounds are close to tight even for k linear in n, and readily generalise to the broader class of gerechte designs, which include Sudoku squares.
Living with Moral Disagreement
Authors: Crisp Roger
Published: June 2020

This paper argues that suspension of judgement is the appropriate response to disagreement about ultimate moral principles, and outlines the implications of such a response. It begins with an argument influenced by Sextus and Sidgwick for the rationality of suspension, and then illustrates fundamental disagreement with the case of promising. Replies are offered to the arguments against the rationality of suspension offered by Robert Audi in his discussion of moral perception. It is noted in particular that such rationality does not depend on the assumption that epistemic peerhood is widespread. The limited nature of ethical agreement is illustrated, along with the limited implications of disagreement if a less adversarial and more constructive ethical methodology is adopted.
Simultaneous Noise and Impedance Fitting to Transition-Edge Sensor Data Using Differential Evolution
Authors: Helenius A. P. , Puurtinen T. A. , Kinnunen K. M. , Maasilta I. J.
Published: June 2020

We discuss a robust method to simultaneously fit a complex multi-body model both to the complex impedance and the noise data for transition-edge sensors. It is based on a differential evolution (DE) algorithm, providing accurate and repeatable results with only a small increase in computational cost compared to the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm. Test fits are made using both DE and LM methods, and the results compared with previously determined best fits, with varying initial value deviations and limit ranges for the parameters. The robustness of DE is demonstrated with successful fits even when parameter limits up to a factor of 10 from the known values were used. It is shown that the least squares fitting becomes unreliable beyond a 10% deviation from the known values.
Performance evaluation of touchdown bearing using model-based approach
Authors: Neisi Neda , Heikkinen Janne , Sillanpää Teemu , Hartikainen Toni , Sopanen Jussi
Published: June 2020

In the active magnetic bearings (AMBs) supported rotating machinery, touchdown bearings are considered as safety devices to support the rotor in the deficiency of electromagnetic field. Generally, the industrial AMB machines do not have force sensors for touchdown bearings and the system is only equipped with the position sensors to monitor the rotor displacement that disables the opportunity to measure the forces during dropdown events that might be destructive for the safe operation of the rotor system. This study explores the relative severity of dropdowns that are evaluated from a computational rotor model using the rotor displacement data recorded from the position sensors installed in the machine as an input. The model for double-row angular contact ball bearing type touchdown bearings is integrated with the rotor model. The simulation model is verified by comparing the simulated rotor orbits against measured orbits at four different dropdowns. The Fast Fourier transform (FFT) is used to observe the studied dropdown events in frequency domain revealing from the rotor response the following details: harmonics of the operation speed, rub-impact frequencies, pendulum motion of the rotor and the first two bending frequencies of the rotor settled on the touchdown bearings. The critical speed map also verifies the bending frequencies and identified support properties. The model-based approach can be used to evaluate and compare a single dropdown event with respect to previous events providing an insight for decision making whether touchdown bearing should be replaced.
Specific root respiration of three plant species as influenced by storage time and conditions
Authors: Lak Zana A. , Sandén Hans , Mayer Mathias , Rewald Boris
Published: June 2020

Aims

Specific root respiration (RRS) is a key root trait, determining i.e. nutrient foraging and uptake efficiencies. However, a considerable uncertainty exists regarding the effects of storage time and conditions on RRSmeasurements.

Methods

Fine root CO2efflux rates of three plant types (tree seedlingCarpinus betulus, legumePisum sativum, grassLolium perenne) were measured as depending on storage time (30–1440 min post-rinsing) and conditions (i.e. attached to plant, warm and cold water storage, and storage under dry conditions).

Results

Short-term storage conditions (30 min) had a significant effect on measured RRSrates, in specific, RRSrates of all three species were significantly lower under dry storage. Irrespective of plant species or temperature, storage of excised roots in water did not affect RRSfor 300 min,. RRSmeasurements remained stable for 1 day if roots were stored cold.

Conclusions

Our results have important implications on measurement routines of RRS—a generally understudied root trait. Henceforth it seems reasonable to collect roots in the field and transport them, hydrated but even uncooled, to the laboratory for subsequent measurements for at least 300 min post-rinsing.
Blockchain technology in energy markets – An interview with the European Energy Exchange
Authors: Alt Rainer , Wende Erik
Published: June 2020

What is the impact of blockchain technology on electronic markets in the energy sector? In this interview with Electronic Markets, Dr. Tobias Paulun, chief strategy officer of the European Energy Exchange (EEX), explains where the leading European energy exchange recognizes potentials of blockchain technology compared to existing electronic platforms and which blockchain projects EEX is working on. In his view, the impact of blockchain technology depends on the respective market segment and on the availability of solutions for safeguarding guarantees of origin. He expects that established exchange systems and blockchain-based systems will coexist in this strongly regulated and specialized industry.
Artemyrianins A–G from Artemisia myriantha and Their Cytotoxicity Against HepG2 Cells
Authors: Tang Shuang , Ma Yun-Bao , Geng Chang-An , Shen Cheng , Li Tian-Ze , Zhang Xue-Mei , Su Li-Hua , Gao Zhen , Hu Jing , Chen Ji-Jun
Published: June 2020

Four new sesquiterpenoids, artemyrianins A–D (1–4), and three new norlignans, artemyrianins E–G (5–7), together with five known compounds (8–12), were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia myriantha (Asteraceae). The new compounds were established by spectroscopic data analyses (HRMS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR), and their absolute configurations were confirmed by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction or ECD calculations. The isolates showed cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with IC50 values ranging from 33.3 to 145.2 μM.

Graphic Abstract
Clinical determinants of low handgrip strength and its decline in the oldest old: the Leiden 85-plus Study
Authors: Ling Carolina H. Y. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Trompet Stella , Meskers Carel G. M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: June 2020

Background

Age-related decline in muscle strength, dynapenia, is linked to serious adverse health outcomes. Evidence on the determinants of muscle strength decline in the oldest old is lacking.

Aims

To identify clinical variables associated with handgrip strength and its change over a 4-year period in an oldest old cohort.

Methods

We included 555 participants from the Leiden 85-plus Study, a prospective population-based study of 85-year-old inhabitants of Leiden, the Netherlands. Handgrip strength was assessed at age 85 and 89 years. Anthropometry, mental status, functional performance, and biochemical variables were obtained at baselines. Significant univariates were included into multivariable regression models to extract the final predictive variables.

Results

Handgrip strength for men and women at age 85 years was 30.6 kg (SD 8.2) and 18.7 kg (SD, 5.5), respectively. In the cross-sectional analysis, body height and weight were positively associated with handgrip strength in both genders. Higher functional performance was associated with stronger handgrip strength in women. Mean absolute handgrip strength decline over 4 years was greater for men than women (− 6.1 kg (SD, 5.2) vs. − 3.4 kg (SD, 4.1), p < 0.001). Men with better baseline cognitive functioning had smaller decline in handgrip strength.

Conclusions

This study further strengthens evidence linking functional and cognitive performances to muscle strength in the oldest old. Future research is needed to ascertain causality and determine if these markers represent potential targets for intervention.
Computational modelling of metal soap formation in historical oil paintings: the influence of fatty acid concentration and nucleus geometry on the induced chemo-mechanical damage
Authors: Eumelen G. J. A. M. , Bosco E. , Suiker A. S. J. , Hermans J. J. , van Loon A. , Keune K. , Iedema P. D.
Published: June 2020

Metal soap formation is one of the most wide-spread degradation mechanisms observed in historical oil paintings, affecting works of art from museum collections worldwide. Metal soaps develop from a chemical reaction between metal ions present in the pigments and saturated fatty acids, which are released by the oil binder. The presence of large metal soap crystals inside paint layers or at the paint surface can be detrimental for the visual appearance of artworks. Moreover, metal soaps can possibly trigger mechanical damage, ultimately resulting in flaking of the paint. This paper departs from a recently proposed computational model to predict chemo-mechanical degradation in historical oil paintings, as presented in Eumelen et al. (J Mech Phys Solids 132:103683, 2019). The model describes metal soap formation and growth, which are phenomena that are driven by the diffusion of saturated fatty acids and proceed by a nucleation process from a crystalline nucleus of small size. This results into a chemically-induced strain in the paint, which may promote crack nucleation and propagation. The proposed model is here used to investigate the effects of saturated fatty acid concentration and initial nucleus geometry on the amount of chemo-mechanical damage generated. Numerical simulations show that both factors have a marginal influence on the growth rate of the metal soap crystal, but play a significant role on the extent of fracture induced in the paint.
Spatial and time resolved determination of the vibrational temperature in ignition sparks by variation of the dwell time
Authors: Michler Tobias , Toedter Olaf , Koch Thomas
Published: June 2020

The ignition process initiates the combustion in spark-ignition engines. Therefore, understanding the ignition process is an important aspect in developing more efficient combustion engines. In this thesis, the vibrational temperature of an ignition spark in air under atmospheric pressure and room temperature is observed in spatial and temporal resolution. The temperature is determined by comparing simulated spectra with the measured spectra of the second positive system of N2 between 360 and 381 nm. Changing the dwell time had no significant effect on the vibrational temperature of the three spark phases. In the breakdown the vibrational temperature is about 3300 K. The vibrational temperature of the following arc discharge is in the range of 3750 K to 4350 K. The glow discharge is divided into the negative glow and the positive column. Both show similar vibration temperatures in the range of 3500 K to 3900 K.
Observations of exponential wave attenuation in Antarctic sea ice during the PIPERS campaign
Authors: Kohout Alison L. , Smith Madison , Roach Lettie A. , Williams Guy , Montiel Fabien , Williams Michael J. M.
Published: June 2020

Quantifying the rate of wave attenuation in sea ice is key to understanding trends in the Antarctic marginal ice zone extent. However, a paucity of observations of waves in sea ice limits progress on this front. We deployed 14 waves-in-ice observation systems (WIIOS) on Antarctic sea ice during the Polynyas, Ice Production, and seasonal Evolution in the Ross Sea expedition (PIPERS) in 2017. The WIIOS provide in situ measurement of surface wave characteristics. Two experiments were conducted, one while the ship was inbound and one outbound. The sea ice throughout the experiments generally consisted of pancake and young ice <0.5 m thick. The WIIOS survived a minimum of 4 d and a maximum of 6 weeks. Several large-wave events were captured, with the largest recorded significant wave height over 9 m. We find that the total wave energy measured by the WIIOS generally decays exponentially in the ice and the rate of decay depends on ice concentration.
An Implicit Plan Still Overrides an Explicit Strategy During Visuomotor Adaptation Following Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Cerebellum
Authors: Voets Sarah H. E. M. , Panouilleres Muriel T. N. , Jenkinson Ned
Published: June 2020

Motor adaptation is a process by which the brain gradually reduces error induced by a predictable change in the environment, e.g., pointing while wearing prism glasses. It is thought to occur via largely implicit processes, though explicit strategies are also thought to contribute. Research suggests a role of the cerebellum in the implicit aspects of motor adaptation. Using non-invasive brain stimulation, we sought to investigate the involvement of the cerebellum in implicit motor adaptation in healthy participants. Inhibition of the cerebellum was attained through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), after which participants performed a visuomotor-rotation task while using an explicit strategy. Adaptation and aftereffects of the TMS group showed no difference in behaviour compared to a Sham stimulation group, therefore this study did not provide any further evidence of a specific role of the cerebellum in implicit motor adaptation. However, our behavioral findings replicate those in the seminal study by Mazzoni and Krakauer (2006).
Google LLC v. Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) and Eva Glawischnig-Piesczek v. Facebook Ireland Ltd. (C.J.E.U.)
Authors: Propp Kenneth
Published: June 2020

During the fall of 2019, the European Court of Justice (hereinafter the ECJ or the Court) delivered judgments in two cases addressing the responsibility of internet platform companies for the personal information they control. In Google LLC v. Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL), the ECJ considered the geographic scope of its notable recent jurisprudence on the obligations of search engines to implement the “right to be forgotten” set forth in European Union (EU) data protection law. In Eva Glawischnig-Piesczek v. Facebook Ireland Limited, the Court examined whether Facebook was obliged under EU law to remove information available on the social network that previously had been found under Austrian law to defame an Austrian politician.
Application of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (Ukraine v. Russian Federation) (Preliminary Objections) (I.C.J.)
Authors: Marchuk Iryna
Published: June 2020

On November 8, 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a highly anticipated judgment on the preliminary objections raised by the Russian Federation with respect to the lack of the Court's jurisdiction over the claims brought by Ukraine under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (ICSFT). The Court overwhelmingly rejected all of Russia's preliminary objections under both Conventions and confirmed the admissibility of Ukraine's claims under the CERD. Therefore, Ukraine's case will be heard on the merits in its entirety.
Resolution 2300 (Council of Eur. Parl. Assembly)
Authors: Lewis David
Published: June 2020

This Resolution was adopted in October 2019 following a report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights. It has to be seen in the context of previous Council of Europe activity on this topic as well as the European Union (EU) Directive on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law. The content of the EU Directive was agreed earlier in 2019 and EU Member States are obliged to transpose it into national legislation by December 2021.
Ghosts and Miracles: The Volkswagen as Imperial Debris in Postwar West Germany
Authors: Scholz Natalie
Published: June 2020

Starting with the author's own experience of ghostliness in the archive, the article explores the political meaning of the postwar Volkswagen in West Germany as embodiment of the country's “economic miracle.” The investigation follows the uncanny in texts and images about the Volkswagen between 1945 and 1960 and argues that the car carried with it a “public secret” as a “debris” from the Nazi empire that silently transcended the 1945 divide. This reading of the Volkswagen as well as the methodological path toward it highlight a phenomenon that postcolonial scholars have described as “haunting”: a confusion about the relationship between past and present that also bears on those who study the past. Taking this analysis as an encouragement to revisit the powerful myths and “miracles” of postwar consumer cultures in the West from a new angle, the article calls for historical genealogies of these myths that conceive of the postwar West as a—not yet—postcolonial space and that cross the 1945 threshold.
Laboratory findings and a combined multifactorial approach to predict death in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Q. , Song N. C. , Zheng Z. K. , Li J. S. , Li S. K.
Published: June 2020

To describe the laboratory findings of cases of death with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to establish a scoring system for predicting death, we conducted this single-centre, retrospective, observational study including 336 adult patients (≥18 years old) with severe or critically ill COVID-19 admitted in two wards of Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, who had definite outcomes (death or discharge) between 1 February 2020 and 13 March 2020. Single variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify mortality-related factors. We combined multiple factors to predict mortality, which was validated by receiver operating characteristic curves. As a result, in a total of 336 patients, 34 (10.1%) patients died during hospitalisation. Through multivariable logistic regression, we found that decreased lymphocyte ratio (Lymr, %) (odds ratio, OR 0.574, P < 0.001), elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (OR 1.513, P = 0.009), and raised D-dimer (DD) (OR 1.334, P = 0.002) at admission were closely related to death. The combined prediction model was developed by these factors with a sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 97.2%. In conclusion, decreased Lymr, elevated BUN, and raised DD were found to be in association with death outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19. A scoring system was developed to predict the clinical outcome of these patients.
From checking the door to checking the app: assessment and treatment implications for obsessive–compulsive disorder in the digital era
Authors: Carmi Lior , Zohar Joseph , Arush Oded Ben , Morein-Zamir Sharon
Published: June 2020

In the last 20 years, technology is increasingly integrated into daily life. Daily interactions with smart devices have become routine with much of our lives taking place in a digital environment. It is therefore not surprising that the manifestations of psychiatric disorders including Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder have changed in recent years reflecting this reality. Clinicians should be aware of the potential impact of such changes when considering symptom presentation and diagnosis.
THE EFFICACY CONDITION
Authors: Adams Thomas
Published: June 2020

“A legal system exists,” Joseph Raz claims, “if and only if it is in force.” By this he means to suggest that the efficacy of law—that is, its capacity to control the population to which it applies—is necessary for its identity as such. Despite widespread recognition that efficacy is a condition of the existence of law, however, little time has been spent analyzing the notion. This article begins an attempt to make up the deficit. I make the case for efficacy as necessary for law and go on to develop and defend an account of the concept that is broadly Kelsenian in spirit. In doing so I address questions concerning the relationship between obedience and enforcement in an account of the existence of a legal system as well as relating the discussion to that concerning the ontological status of international law.
Surrounding the Sacred Space: Two Painted Scrolls from the Collection of Namgyal Monastery in Mustang, Nepal
Authors: BELLINI CHIARA
Published: June 2020

The Collection of Namgyal Monastery (Mustang, Nepal) preserves two long and narrow scrolls painted on both sides, of exquisite artistic quality. This article describes and investigates the iconographic and symbolic meaning of the paintings and the use of these objects. One of the scrolls shows the Eight Auspicious Symbols and deities that personify diverse group of offerings painted in an elegant Newari style. The other scroll features an intriguing representation of the Eight Charnel Grounds in a continuous landscape. Full of delicate and charming details, it illustrates theMahasiddhas, Guardians, Nāgas and stupa of the respective directions. The back of both scrolls has a vajra chain at the bottom and flames represented above it. The scrolls must have been used to encircle specific mandalas. Such objects are rather rare, and it is interesting to reflect on their former use, even more so as no contemporaneous objects of that type are known. The stylistic features of the paintings reveal the broader relationships of the Mustang region to neighbouring areas. Relationships can also be established to objects preserved in the same collection, such as a collection of metal stupa of similar design and typical for the Mustang region and the western Himalayas.
Analysis of a Gigantic Jet in Southern China: Morphology, Meteorology, Storm Evolution, Lightning, and Narrow Bipolar Events
Authors: Yang Jing , Qie Xiushu , Zhong Lihua , He Qijia , Lu Gaopeng , Wang Zhichao , Wang Yu , Liu Ningyu , Liu Feifan , Peng Kang‐Ming , Zhu Baoyou , Huang Anjing , Sato Mitsuteru , Pan Huien , Li Hualong
Published: June 2020

At about 22:43:30 BJT (Beijing Time = UTC + 8) on 13 August 2016, two amateur astronomers in Shikengkong, Guangdong province, and Jiahe County, Hunan province, respectively, fortuitously captured a gigantic jet (GJ) event simultaneously, and the GJ exact location could be triangulated. The parent thunderstorm was in a very humid environment (Precipitable Water [PWAT] in excess of 60 mm), featuring high convective available potential energy (CAPE of 2,428 J/kg). The GJ occurred in the region with the coldest cloud top brightness temperature of −64 °C, suggesting the GJ was associated with strong vertical development of the thunderstorm. The vertical cross sections of radar reflectivity also show that the GJ occurred near the thunderstorm strong convection region (overshooting top). The negative cloud‐to‐ground flashes dominated during the thunderstorm evolution. Three positive narrow bipolar events (NBEs) were detected within 30 s before and after the GJ. It indicates that the NBEs were occurred in the upper and middle layers of the thunderstorm (altitude of 11–13 km) with radar reflectivity of 30–35 dBZ.
Kinematic Variation Within the Fars Arc, Eastern Zagros, and the Development of Fold‐and‐Thrust Belt Curvature
Authors: Edey A. , Allen M. B. , Nilfouroushan F.
Published: June 2020

We analyze deformation of the Fars Arc in the eastern Zagros, Iran, including earthquake slip vectors, GPS velocities, paleomagnetism data, and fold orientations, to understand how this fold‐and‐thrust belt works and so better understand the generic issue of fold‐and‐thrust belt curvature. The Fars Arc is curved, convex southward. GPS‐derived rotation rates are ≤0.5° Myr−1: Rotation is clockwise west of 53°E and counterclockwise to the east. These rotation senses are opposite to previous predictions of passive “bookshelf” models for strike‐slip faults during north‐south convergence. West of 53°E, average GPS vectors, thrust earthquake slip vectors, strain axes derived from GPS data, and orthogonal directions to fold trends are all aligned, toward ~218°. East of this meridian, the average GPS vector is toward 208°, but the averages of the other data sets are distinctly different, all toward ~190°. We propose that fault blocks in eastern Fars, each ~20–40 km long, rotate predominantly counterclockwise, whereas in western Fars, the regional clockwise rotation takes place mainly on the array of active right‐lateral faults in this area. Thus, localized block faulting and rotations accumulate to produce the overall strain and regional curvature. Active folds of different orientations in eastern Fars intersect to produce domal interference patterns, without involving separate deformation phases, indicating that fold interference patterns should not be interpreted in terms of changing stress orientations unless there is clear evidence. Fars Arc curvature is best explained by deformation being restricted at tectonic boundaries at its eastern and western margins, with significant gravitational spreading.
Exploring the Impacts of Mining on Planetary Health
Authors: Hudson-Edwards Karen
Published: June 2020

Papers are invited for a special collection presenting advances in understanding of the impacts of mining on human, ecosystem, and Earth surface environmental health.
Depth‐Scanning Algorithm: Accurate, Automatic, and Efficient Determination of Focal Depths for Local and Regional Earthquakes
Authors: Yuan Jianlong , Kao Honn , Yu Jiashun
Published: June 2020

Precise source depths are critical to the understanding and interpretation of many seismological and tectonic processes. However, conventional earthquake location methods based on the arrival times of direct P and S phases have far less constraint on focal depths than on epicenters. Therefore, developing a method that can systematically and efficiently estimate focal depths with high accuracy, especially for the vast number of small earthquakes that can only be observed at local and regional distances, would make significant contributions to the geoscience research community. In this study, we develop a new method, named “Depth‐Scanning Algorithm,” to efficiently identify depth phases at local and regional distances. We first construct template waveforms of possible depth phases by applying various phase shifts to the original P and S waveforms to mimic the effect of reflection(s). We then systematically scan waveforms after the P and S phases for segments that match the depth‐phase templates. The arrival times of those segments are compared to the theoretical arrival times of depth phases predicted with an assumed velocity model and focal depth. We repeat the above process for a range of assumed focal depths, and the one most consistent with the theoretical prediction is deemed the final solution. Synthetic tests and applications to real data demonstrate the merits of our method compared to conventional location methods.
Carbon Fixation by Photosynthetic Mats Along a Temperature Gradient in a Tengchong Hot Spring
Authors: Zhang Yidi , Qi Xiao , Wang Shang , Wu Geng , Briggs Brandon R. , Jiang Hongcheng , Dong Hailiang , Hou Weiguo
Published: June 2020

Geothermal hot springs, widely distributed on Earth, are important geological greenhouse gas sources which contribute large amounts of CO2 emission to the atmosphere. Exploring microbial carbon fixation in these springs is vital to fully understand the carbon budget in these terrestrial aquatic systems. In this study, carbon fixation rate by photosynthetic mats was determined with a 13C‐labeling approach along a gradient of temperature (~69– ~75 °C) in a geothermal pool at Rehai Park in Tengchong, Yunnan Province, China. Light experiments were performed to determine carbon fixation rate by both photosynthesis and chemosynthesis, while dark experiments were performed by chemosynthesis. The results showed that the highest carbon fixation rate (4,637 μg C/g TOC/hr) was obtained in light at the lowest temperature (~69 °C) in the afternoon (1:00 to 6:00 p.m.), most of which (96.7%) was contributed by photosynthesis. The lowest carbon fixation rate (138 μg C/g TOC/hr) was measured at the highest temperature (~75 °C), where chemosynthesis dominated over photosynthesis in carbon fixation. At these rates, the photosynthetic mats would fix 80% of CO2 emission during the daytime. At the end of daytime, the photosynthetic mats respired 34–70% of newly fixed organic carbon in 1 hr. Interestingly, both the carbon fixation rate and respiration rate decreased exponentially with increasing temperature, which may be ascribed to a temperature dependence of both microbial community composition and enzymatic activity. In summary, our study revealed that biological carbon fixation by photosynthetic mats is highly temperature dependent and significantly affects carbon cycling in hot springs.
Generation of tumor spheroids using a droplet-based microfluidic device for photothermal therapy
Authors: Lee Jong Min , Choi Ji Wook , Ahrberg Christian D. , Choi Hyung Woo , Ha Jang Ho , Mun Seok Gyu , Mo Sung Joon , Chung Bong Geun
Published: June 2020

Despite their simplicity, monolayer cell cultures are not able to accurately predict drug behavior in vivo due to their inability to accurately mimic cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In contrast, cell spheroids are able to reproduce these interactions and thus would be a viable tool for testing drug behavior. However, the generation of homogenous and reproducible cell spheroids on a large scale is a labor intensive and slow process compared to monolayer cell cultures. Here, we present a droplet-based microfluidic device for the automated, large-scale generation of homogenous cell spheroids in a uniform manner. Using the microfluidic system, the size of the spheroids can be tuned to between 100 and 130 μm with generation frequencies of 70 Hz. We demonstrated the photothermal therapy (PTT) application of brain tumor spheroids generated by the microfluidic device using a reduced graphene oxide-branched polyethyleneimine-polyethylene glycol (rGO-BPEI-PEG) nanocomposite as the PTT agent. Furthermore, we generated uniformly sized neural stem cell (NSC)-derived neurospheres in the droplet-based microfluidic device. We also confirmed that the neurites were regulated by neurotoxins. Therefore, this droplet-based microfluidic device could be a powerful tool for photothermal therapy and drug screening applications.
Neuroinflammation as measured by positron emission tomography in patients with recent onset and established schizophrenia: implications for immune pathogenesis
Authors: Conen Silke , Gregory Catherine J. , Hinz Rainer , Smallman Richard , Corsi-Zuelli Fabiana , Deakin Bill , Talbot Peter S.
Published: June 2020

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), which is upregulated in activated microglia, is a method for investigating whether immune activation is evident in the brain of adults with schizophrenia. This study aimed to measure TSPO availability in the largest patient group to date, and to compare it between patients with recent onset (ROS) and established (ES) schizophrenia. In total, 20 ROS patients (14 male), 21 ES (13 male), and 21 healthy controls completed the study. Patients were predominantly antipsychotic-medicated. Participants underwent a PET scan using the TSPO-specific radioligand [11C](R)-PK11195. The primary outcome was binding potential (BPND) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Secondary outcomes were BPND in six other regions. Correlations were investigated between TSPO availability and symptom severity. Data showed that mean BPND was higher in older (ES and controls) compared with younger (ROS and controls) individuals, but did not significantly differ between ROS or ES and their respective age-matched controls (ACC; ANOVA main effect of diagnosis: F1,58 = 0.407, p = 0.526). Compared with controls, BPND was lower in antipsychotic-free (n = 6), but not in medicated, ROS patients. BPND in the ES group was negatively correlated with positive symptoms, and positively correlated with negative symptom score. Our data suggest ageing is associated with higher TSPO but a diagnosis of schizophrenia is not. Rather, subnormal TSPO levels in drug-free recent-onset patients may imply impaired microglial development and/or function, which is counteracted by antipsychotic treatment. The development of novel radioligands for specific immune-mechanisms is needed for further clarification.
Seropositivity for Helicobacter pylori and hepatobiliary cancers in the PLCO study
Authors: Makkar Rishi , Butt Julia , Huang Wen-Yi , McGlynn Katherine A. , Koshiol Jill , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Freedman Neal D. , Murphy Gwen
Published: June 2020

Helicobacter has been suggested to play a possible role in hepatitis, gallstones, and hepatobiliary tumours. We assessed whether seropositivity to 15 H. pylori proteins was associated with subsequent incidence of 74 biliary tract and 105 liver cancer cases vs. 357 matched controls in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed by conditional logistic regression after adjustment for known hepatobiliary cancer risk factors. H. pylori seropositivity was not associated with either biliary tract (1.76, 0.90–3.46) or liver cancer (0.87, 0.46–1.65). CagA seropositivity was associated with both endpoints, although the latter association was not statistically significant (biliary tract: 2.16, 1.03–4.50; liver cancer: 1.96, 0.98–3.93) and neither association was statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Together, these results suggest possible associations between H. pylori and hepatobiliary cancer and suggest the value of future studies investigating the association.

Trial registration number: NCT00339495.
Knockdown of MSI2 inhibits metastasis by interacting with caveolin-1 and inhibiting its ubiquitylation in human NF1-MPNST cells
Authors: Yang Kang , Du Jianwei , Shi Dai , Ji Feng , Ji Yong , Pan Junbo , Lv Fei , Zhang Yao , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2020

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are highly aggressive Schwann cell-derived sarcomas, and they are either associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or sporadic. Our previous study found that high mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) regulates NF1-MPNST growth through Musashi-2 (MSI2); however, whether MSI2 regulates MPNST metastasis and what the mechanism is remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the protein caveolin-1 (CAV1) directly interacts with MSI2 in human NF1-MPNST cells. Moreover, we discovered that knockdown of MSI2 induces CAV1 protein expression by inhibiting its ubiquitylation level in NF1-MPNSTs. In addition, CAV1 mediates the suppressive function of MSI2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. These results help to reveal the potential mechanisms of MSI2 as a target of antimetastatic treatment for human NF1-MPNST.