bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LINC00657/miR-26a-5p/CKS2 ceRNA network promotes the growth of esophageal cancer cells via the MDM2/p53/Bcl2/Bax pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Mei , Wang Jian , Liu Zhu-Long , Liu Hong , Cheng Yu-Feng , Wang Tao
Published: May 2020

LncRNA LINC00657 has oncogenic or anti-carcinoma roles in different cancers, and yet its detailed molecular mechanism in esophageal cancer (EC) remains unclear. In addition, competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA networks are critical for tumorigenesis and progression. Hence, the present study explored the roles of LINC00657 in EC and identified its relevant ceRNA network. We first detected the expression of LINC00657 in EC. Then, we applied starBase and TargetScan websites to find miR-26a-5p binding to LINC00657 and obtain CKS2 as a target of miR-26a-5p. The roles of LINC00657, miR-26a-5p or CKS2 in the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of EC cells were respectively assessed by CCK-8, wound healing assay, transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry. The changes of the MDM2/p53/Bcl2/Bax pathway were measured via Western blot. The results revealed that LINC00657 showed an aberrant high expression in EC cells, which promoted the growth of EC cells. Additionally, LINC00657 functioned as a sponge of miR-26a-5p, and LINC00657 negatively mediated miR-26a-5p to regulate the growth of EC cells. Furthermore, CKS2 was observed as a direct target of miR-26a-5p, and CKS2 controlled the growth of EC cells via the MDM2/p53/Bcl2/Bax pathway. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between LINC00657 and CKS2. LINC00657 knockdown inhibited CKS2 expression to suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC cells and induced apoptosis via regulating the MDM2/p53/Bcl2/Bax pathway. Collectively, LINC00657/miR-26a-5p/CKS2 ceRNA network could promote the progression of EC, which is good for understanding the molecular mechanism of EC and offers novel biomarkers for EC diagnosis and therapy.
A novel rare c.-39C>T mutation in the PROS1 5′UTR causing PS deficiency by creating a new upstream translation initiation codon
Authors: Labrouche-Colomer Sylvie , Soukarieh Omar , Proust Carole , Mouton Christine , Huguenin Yoann , Roux Maguelonne , Besse Céline , Boland Anne , Olaso Robert , Constans Joël , Deleuze Jean-François , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Jaspard-Vinassa Béatrice , Trégouët David-Alexandre ,   on behalf of the GenMed Consortium
Published: May 2020

Autosomal dominant inherited Protein S deficiency (PSD) (MIM 612336) is a rare disorder caused by rare mutations, mainly located in the coding sequence of the structural PROS1 gene, and associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. To identify the molecular defect underlying PSD observed in an extended French pedigree with seven PSD affected members in whom no candidate deleterious PROS1 mutation was detected by Sanger sequencing of PROS1 exons and their flanking intronic regions or via an multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) approach, a whole genome sequencing strategy was adopted. This led to the identification of a never reported C to T substitution at c.-39 from the natural ATG codon of the PROS1 gene that completely segregates with PSD in the whole family. This substitution ACG→ATG creates a new start codon upstream of the main ATG. We experimentally demonstrated in HeLa cells that the variant generates a novel overlapping upstream open reading frame (uORF) and inhibits the translation of the wild-type PS. This work describes the first example of 5′UTR PROS1 mutation causing PSD through the creation of an uORF, a mutation that is not predicted to be deleterious by standard annotation softwares, and emphasizes the need for better exploration of such type of non-coding variations in clinical genomics.
Unbalanced current analysis of three‐phase AC–DC converter with power factor correction function based on integrated transformer
Authors: Li Chunjie , Xia Zhenglong , Li Fei , Chen Xinyu , Li Hongmei , Liu Zhan , Wang Guifeng
Published: May 2020

Three‐phase AC–DC converter based on integrated transformer is a novel converter which is capable of handling high power levels and can realise power factor correction function. Owing to different parameter tolerances of the primary windings, grid current could be unbalanced, which usually could not be solved through traditional control methods. To handle this problem, a current balancing method is adopted in this study to improve former current control loop. Meanwhile, based on the principle of instantaneous power balance, a dual loop control strategy with an outer voltage loop and an inner current loop is designed. Besides, load current feedforward control is introduced to enhance the dynamic response. Moreover, phase‐shift control is employed as the modulation method, in which duty ratios change along with sinusoidal signals. Simulation and experimental results show that the control strategy could make the three‐phase current of the converter sinusoidal and balanced.
Three‐phase interleaved high step‐up bidirectional DC–DCconverter
Authors: Wang Fan , Wang Yubin , Su Bing , Teng Changpeng
Published: May 2020

A three‐phase interleaved high step‐up bidirectional DC–DC converter is proposed, which can achieve three times the voltage gain of the traditional three‐phase interleaved boost converter only by adding two capacitors. The proposed converter has the characteristics of low switch voltage and current stresses, low output voltage ripple, automatic voltage‐balancing and current‐sharing abilities. Compared with the traditional interleaved switching strategy, a 180° interleaved switching strategy is proposed, which is more suitable for the proposed converter by widening the working duty cycle range. Closed dual‐loop control is used to regulate the output voltage of the converter. The parameter determining the method of the closed‐loop controllers based on the Bode diagram is described in order to control the high‐order converter. Operating principle, modelling, steady‐state analysis, voltage‐balancing and current‐sharing ability analysis and closed‐loop design of the converter are studied in more detail. Finally, experimental verification and efficiency measurements are implemented by a 300 W, 24 V input to 230 V DC bus prototype, which proved that the proposed converter is more suitable than the traditional three‐phase interleaved boost converter for some applications where requiring about six to ten times the voltage conversion ratio.
Multipath exploitation radar with adaptive detection in partially homogeneous environments
Authors: Gulen Yilmaz Seden Hazal , Taha Hayvaci Harun
Published: May 2020

The authors deal with the problem of detecting point‐like targets in the presence of diffuse multipath under the assumption of a partially homogeneous Gaussian disturbance by introducing an unknown scaling factor which represents the mismatch between the noise contribution of the cell under test and the training samples. Also, they model the target echo as a superposition of direct plus multipath components where multipath returns are thought of as scattered signals from a glistening surface. Hence, multipath echoes are represented as a Gaussian distributed random vector with an unknown covariance matrix. Then, the authors derive a constrained generalised likelihood ratio test under the assumption that the primary data covariance structure is similar to the covariance matrix obtained from training samples where the degree of similarity is up to both noise scaling factor and multipath contribution. Besides, they prove that the proposed detector ensures constant false alarm rate (CFAR) property with respect to the unknown parameters. Finally, they compared the devised algorithm with the commonly used CFAR estimators. The results show that the proposed detector copes well with diffuse multipath conditions under partially homogeneous environments.
Hybrid star HD 81817 accompanied by brown dwarf or substellar companion
Authors: Bang Tae-Yang , Lee Byeong-Cheol , Perdelwitz Volker , Jeong Gwanghui , Han Inwoo , Oh Hyeong-Il , Park Myeong-Gu
Published: May 2020

HD 81817 is known as a hybrid star. Hybrid stars have both cool stellar wind properties and Ultraviolet (UV) or even X-ray emission features of highly ionized atoms in their spectra. A white dwarf companion has been suggested as the source of UV or X-ray features. HD 81817 has been observed since 2004 as a part of a radial velocity (RV) survey program to search for exoplanets around K giant stars using the Bohyunsan Observatory Echelle Spectrograph at the 1.8 m telescope of Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory in Korea. We obtained 85 RV measurements between 2004 and 2019 for HD 81817 and found two periodic RV variations. The amplitudes of RV variations are around 200 m s−1, which are significantly lower than that expected from a closely orbiting white dwarf companion. Photometric data and relevant spectral lines were also analyzed to help determine the origin of the periodic RV variations. We conclude that 627.4-day RV variations are caused by intrinsic stellar activities such as long-term pulsations or rotational modulations of surface activities based on Hα equivalent width variations of a similar period. On the other hand, 1047.1-day periodic RV variations are likely to be caused by a brown dwarf or substellar companion, which is corroborated by a recent Gaia proper motion anomaly for HD 81817. The Keplerian fit yields a minimum mass of 27.1 MJup, a semimajor axis of 3.3 AU, and an eccentricity of 0.17 for the stellar mass of 4.3 M⊙ for HD 81817. The inferred mass puts HD 81817 b in the brown dwarf desert.
Multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree-Fock calculations of Landég-factors for ions of astrophysical interest: B II, C I−IV, Al I−II, Si I−IV, P II, S II, Cl III, Ar IV, Ca I, Ti II, Zr III, and Sn II
Authors: Li W. , Rynkun P. , Radžiūtė L. , Gaigalas G. , Atalay B. , Papoulia A. , Wang K. , Hartman H. , Ekman J. , Brage T. , Chen C. Y. , Jönsson P.
Published: May 2020

Aims.The Landég-factor is an important parameter in astrophysical spectropolarimetry, used to characterize the response of a line to a given value of the magnetic field. The purpose of this paper is to present accurate Landég-factors for states in B II, C I−IV, Al I−II, Si I−IV, P II, S II, Cl III, Ar IV, Ca I, Ti II, Zr III, and Sn II.

Methods.The multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree-Fock and relativistic configuration interaction methods, which are implemented in the general-purpose relativistic atomic structure package GRASP2K, are employed in the present work to compute the Landég-factors for states in B II, C I−IV, Al I−II, Si I−IV, P II, S II, Cl III, Ar IV, Ca I, Ti II, Zr III, and Sn II. The accuracy of the wave functions for the states, and thus the accuracy of the resulting Landég-factors, is evaluated by comparing the computed excitation energies and energy separations with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommended data.

Results.All excitation energies are in very good agreement with the NIST values except for Ti II, which has an average difference of 1.06%. The average uncertainty of the energy separations is well below 1% except for the even states of Al I; odd states of Si I, Ca I, Ti II, Zr III; and even states of Sn II for which the relative differences range between 1% and 2%. Comparisons of the computed Landég-factors are made with available NIST data and experimental values. Analysing theLS-composition of the wave functions, we quantify the departures fromLS-coupling and summarize the states for which there is a difference of more than 10% between the computed Landég-factor and the Landég-factor in pureLS-coupling. Finally, we compare the computed Landég-factors with values from the Kurucz database.
Zinc and cadmium accumulation in different parts of wild plants of the Asteraceae family and Triticum aestivum
Authors: Chaplygin Victor , Mandzhieva Saglara , Litvinov Yuri , Kravtsova Natalia , Sherstnev Aleksey , Chernikova Natalia , Deryabkina Irina
Published: May 2020

The regularities of the accumulation and distribution of metals (Zn and Cd) in various parts of wild herbaceous plants and the agricultural crop of the impact zone in Rostov region (Russia) was considered. A large accumulation of elements in wild herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae family was noted compared with Triticum aestivum. The pollution of Triticum aestivum by Cd was observed. Wild herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae family were contaminated mostly with Zn. It was found that Artemisia austriaca and Ambrosia artemisiifolia accumulated Zn and Cd in the aboveground part. Achillea nobilis accumulated Cd mainly in the root system. Closer location monitoring plots to the source of anthropogenic load and the location of the northwest winds prevailing in the region were main influencing factors leading to higher pollution.
Diffuse biogenic load from the catchment area of small watercourses
Authors: Nesterov Evgeni , Frumin Grigori , Egorov Pavel , Lyubimov Alexander
Published: May 2020

The article systematizes information on quantitative parameters for assessing the modules of the background runoff of nutrients (total phosphorus and total nitrogen) with the catchment of rivers and lakes. A new approach proposed for estimating the modules of the background runoff of nutrients based on mathematical models. A methodology for calculating the modules of the background runoff of nutrients from the catchments of the rivers of the Baltic Sea basin developed. The study of the dependence of the trophic level of the water reservoir on the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen entering it led to the development of the so-called load concept, which is based on the idea of the existence of a quantitative relationship between the amount of phosphorus intake and the reaction of the reservoir. The maximum allowable export to the Gulf of Finland is 4860 t/year of total phosphorus and 106680 t/year of total nitrogen. These values significantly exceed the total load on the Novaya river from its catchment area: 0.072 t/year for total phosphorus and 0.066 t/year for total nitrogen.
Geoecological situation in coastal and sea area of the Western Yamal
Authors: Shirokov Roy
Published: May 2020

An urgent problem is climate change and marine conditions affecting the formation and evolution of the permafrost zone of the shelf and the continental border of the Russian Arctic. The results of long-term monitoring of the permafrost zone clearly demonstrate the degradation of frozen rocks in both continental and subaquatic conditions of the western sector of the Russian Arctic. The coastal-marine region of Western Yamal is the most vulnerable and therefore model territory with climatic changes. Against the background of the observed climate dynamics, the study of geoecological processes becomes especially relevant when drawing up long-term plans for the development of climate-dependent branches of economic activity.
Methodology of the geoecological functional zoning of territories subjected to anthropogenic disturbance due to waste disposal
Authors: Dubrova Stanislav , Chelinho Sónia , Zelenkovskiy Pavel , Podlipskiy Ivan
Published: May 2020

In the present contribution, the geochemical relationships of territorial units (landscapes), namely sewage sludge disposal sites and historical municipal solid waste landfills, that can be considered as chemical elements migration models and as dynamic components of ecological-geological systems (landfill site adjacent area recreation area)., is described. Since the study of pollutants migration in multicomponent systems is extremely time-consuming, the development of theoretical methods, able to simulate these processes, is of particular relevance. Therefore, in the present study, a geochemical model for substance migration in anthropogenically modified geoecological bodies and their surrounding was conceived, making use of complex mathematical processes and data analysis methodologies (parallel use of factor, cluster, canonical and discriminant analysis tools), and considering both geochemical specialization/composition of parent rocks and land use (functional geoecological zoning).
Production of high protein supplementary feed from landfill gas
Authors: Klevanova Elena , Lukanin Alexander
Published: May 2020

The article describes the problem of feed protein deficiency. The main sources of the methane for the biomass production are considered. The chemical composition, the haprin main characteristics and its production technological scheme are presented. The solid municipal waste volume disposed of annually at the landfills is estimated. The quantitative characteristics of atmospheric pollutant emissions from the JSC “Polygon” landfill (Vladimir region) are presented. It is proposed to use landfill gas as the main raw material in the haprin production. The haprin amount obtained during the operation of the JSC “Polygon” landfill was calculated. The economic benefits of this production were estimated
Development of the Technology for Processing Plant Breeding By-Products to Obtain Biosorbent
Authors: Bauer Tatiana , Sushkova Svetlana , Fedorenko Aleksei , Lobzenko Ilya , Barakhov Anatoly , Butova Vera , Tuşat Ekrem
Published: May 2020

This study focuses on the potential transforming sunflower husk wastes into innovative green products to be used for the recultivation of contaminated soils. This transformation makes it possible to utilize the large quantity plant breeding by-products to obtain a highly porous biosorbent. Optimal conditions for the preparation of bisorbents can be determined based on measurements of their specific surface and porosity. It is shown that structural characteristics of sorbent depend on conditions of the pyrolysis of primary raw material. Optimal conditions for obtaining biosorbent with a specified proportion of mesoand micropores and high specific surface are performed under three-stage pyrolysis as given by following conditions: sample holding time of 10-30 min, final temperature 700°С, and heating rate 15°С/min. A 3-month incubation study was conducted to investigate its performance in stabilization of copper contamination in Fluvisol. The sequential extraction procedure showed that the 1% sunflower husks biosorbent treatment reduced the mobile pool (exchange and carbon-bonded fractions) of Cu from 8 to 4%, respectively, compared to the contaminated soil. Cu is found to be tightly bonded owing to the increase of the residual and organic matter-bonded metal fractions. Owing to its adsorptive properties, biosorbent amendment of coppercontaminated soils appears as a promising approach to reduce the pollutant mobility and bioavailability.
Technology of landscaping in arid zones by using biohumus from sheep wool
Authors: Ydyrys Alibek , Yeszhanov Birlikbay , Baymurzaev Nurlan , Sharakhmetov Sayat , Mautenbaev Askar , Tynybekov Bekzat , Baidaulet Tilek
Published: May 2020

The problem of greening the arid zones in Kazakhstan and in the world, as well as addressing water shortages in agriculture in these areas, requires new ideas or innovative technologies. We used sheep’s wool to create biohumus in combination with desert soils. In Kazakhstan sheep’s wool is considered useless, although it is rich in bioresources. Our research shows that biohumus obtained from sheep’s wool is highly fertile in laboratory experiments, and for it the need to use water is 3 times less than for other soils. Under laboratory conditions, we have proven that biohumus can be used to grow plants in different ecological zones. Its use in the wild/field can solve several problems of greening dry areas and growing food crops in low humidity conditions. In addition, it can increase the value of sheep’s wool as a bio resource. It is thus an economically promising technology that meets the environmental standards of a green economy.
Palaeogeographical heritage of the Permian Period in the network of protected areas and museums of the Perm Region
Authors: Glazyrina Yuliya , Zhuzhgova Larisa , Buzmakov Sergey , Sannikov Pavel
Published: May 2020

Article presents an overview of palaeogeographical heritage of the Permian Period in the network of protected areas and museums of the Perm Region. Permian Period, received its name after the city of Perm in Russia, includes the so-called “Main Permian Field”. It contains two types of palaeogeorgaphical heritage: marine and terrestrial. The representation of palaeogeographical objects of different types is analysed for the geoheritage of the protected areas in situ. Geoheritage ex situ, in the network of the regional museum collections, is estimated from the representative aspects. Recommendations on optimization of the protected areas network and museum acquisition is given from the point of view of paleo-geographical heritage objects representation.
Do Diversity and Bio-morphological Spectrum of Psammophytes Matter in Restoring Vegetation of Sand Pits?
Authors: Dabbagh Alaa
Published: May 2020

Open mining of sand is executed in the sand pits. After completion of the work sand pits are usually recultivated: firstly they are graded and then planted with trees and shrubs, but very often sand pits are abandoned to regenerate themselves. The sand pit becomes a source of dust and a hardly healed wound on the earth’s body. In order to provide an adequate revegetation on such substrates, it is necessary to study biomorphological peculiarities of growing plants in a very specific environment characterized by high stiffness of slopes and high mobility of the substrate. The material for our study collected from Moscow Region sand pits in the Russian federation. Plants were collected from both northern and southern exposure slopes. Our work is based on the geobotanical descriptions made according to standard method on experimental sites of 5x5 m2. The results of the undertaken shows that Compositae, Gramineae, Fabaceae are the most representative of the surveyed one hundred twenty seven species of higher vascular plants from 29 families. Diversity on the southern slopes was more than on the northern ones. Species diversity is determined by the successions occurring spontaneously after a rough anthropogenic intervention, under the influence of such environmental factors as lighting, moisture, texture and richness of soil. The spectrum of life forms showed that the overwhelming majority according to K. Raunkiru are hemicryptophytes. Perennial herbaceous polycarpics are dominant in the spectrum of life forms, according to I.G. Serebryakov.
Productivity dynamics of oak forests of the Crimean Peninsula
Authors: Gorbunov Roman
Published: May 2020

The work proposes a methodology for studying the productivity dynamics of forest ecosystems based on remote sensing data. The possibility of using the NDVI vegetation index to study the interannual variability in productivity of regional ecosystems is shown. The long-term productivity dynamics of oak forests of the Crimean Peninsula is analyzed. On the basis of the data series obtained, the periods characterized by peculiarities of the productivity dynamics of forest ecosystems are identified.
Forest conservation in Russia: problems of implementation
Authors: Mukhlynin Dmitry
Published: May 2020

In the article, the author analyses the legal and organizational problems of forest conservation in the Russian Federation. It was established that certain problems related to managerial errors, insufficient financing of the forest industry, and the imperfection of regulatory legal acts regulating these public relations impeded the effective protection of forests in Russia. Based on the analysis of statistical data and reporting materials of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation and other departments, it is concluded that the problems identified are multi-faceted and that a whole range of measures to protect forests is necessary. The author offers options to overcome these problems.
New records of cucullanid nematodes from marine fishes off New Caledonia, with descriptions of five new species of Cucullanus (Nematoda, Cucullanidae)
Authors: Moravec František , Justine Jean-Lou
Published: May 2020

Recent examinations of cucullanid nematodes (Cucullanidae) from marine fishes off New Caledonia, collected in the years 2004–2009, revealed the presence of the following five new species of Cucullanus Müller, 1777, all parasitic in Perciformes: Cucullanus variolae n. sp. from Variola louti (type host) and V. albimarginata (both Serranidae); Cucullanus acutospiculatus n. sp. from Caesio cuning (Caesionidae); Cucullanus diagrammae n. sp. from Diagramma pictum (Haemulidae); Cucullanus parapercidis n. sp. from Parapercis xanthozona (type host) and P. hexophtalma (both Pinguipedidae); and Cucullanus petterae n. sp. from Epinephelus merra (type host) and E. fasciatus (both Serranidae). An additional congeneric species, Cucullanus bioccai Orecchia et Paggi, 1987 was recorded from Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae, Mugiliformes) (first record in the Pacific Ocean) and Cucullanus sp. (only female) was found in Arothron manilensis (Tetraodontidae, Tetraodontiformes). Furthermore, two known cucullanid species, Dichelyne (Cucullanellus) branchiostegi (Yamaguti, 1941) in Branchiostegus wardi (Malacanthidae, Perciformes) (new host and geographical records) and Dichelyne (Cucullanellus) bodiani Moravec et Justine, 2019 in Bodianus busellatus (new host) and B. perditio (both Labridae, Perciformes), were found; Dichelyne (Cucullanellus) sp. (only females) coinfecting the latter host may represent an unknown species. Most species are described based on light and electron microscopical studies. The specimens described by Xu et al., 2017 as Cucullanus bourdini Petter et Le Bel, 1992 from Caesio xanthonota (Caesionidae) in the Taiwan Strait are considered to represent a new species, for which the name Cucullanus sinensis n. sp. is proposed.
First detection of Eimeria species in Myanmar domestic goats with both microscopic and molecular methods
Authors: Bawm Saw , Win Tay Zar Bhone , Win Shwe Yee , Htun Lat Lat , Nakao Ryo , Katakura Ken
Published: May 2020

Coccidiosis is of great economic importance in many farm animals. This study involved analysis of 280 faecal samples collected from 12 traditional goat farms from Nay Pyi Taw area, Myanmar. Faecal samples were examined by the flotation method and concentrated oocysts were identified on the basis of morphological characters. Of 280 faecal samples examined, 168 (60.0%) were positive for Eimeria oocysts. Three different Eimeria species were identified and their positive detection rates in the herd were: E. arloingi (25.4%), followed by E. hirci (20.7%) and E. christenseni (13.9%). Identifications were confirmed by 18S rDNA and COI sequences. 18S rDNA sequences showed 100% homology with, respectively, E. christenseni reported from Australia, E. arloingi reported from Australia and Iran, and E. hirci from Australia. COI sequences of E. christenseni, E. hirci, and E. arloingi, respectively, exhibited 98.9%, 98.4%, and 98.5% similarities with those reported from Australia. This is the first report of Eimeria infection in Myanmar goats.
Engaging health professionals and patients in the medical field: role of radiological protection culture and informed consent practices
Authors: Schieber C. , Pölzl-Viol C. , Cantone M.-C. , Železnik N. , Economides S. , Gschwind R. , Abelshausen B. , Savu D. , Lafage S. , Liutsko L. , Charron S. , Turcanu C. , Geysmans R.
Published: May 2020

In medical exposure situations, the significant role of and the need to improve the benefit/risk dialogue between health professionals, patients and other stakeholders are well recognized. This paper analyses stakeholder engagement processes in various medical applications of ionising radiation. It addresses the role and potential benefit of radiological protection (RP) culture for health professionals and the issues associated with the practical implementation of informed consent processes. The paper highlights the need to develop RP culture among health professionals to facilitate dialogue between practitioners and patients and to foster the implementation of the principles of radiological protection. It argues that patients’ participation can be enhanced by creating spaces and opportunities for dialogue between patients and the relevant medical professionals, both before the implementation of medical procedures using ionising radiation, particularly at the moment of referral, as well as after these procedures. Risk communication training for medical professionals and their closer collaboration on this topic may enhance the dialogue with patients.
Changing perspectives: tracing the evolution of citizen radiation measuring organizations after Fukushima
Authors: Kenens J.
Published: May 2020

Although bottom-up citizen science in the field of radiation monitoring is not a new phenomenon, the organizations established in the wake of the Fukushima accident exceed preceding organizations in numbers, in space and in data production. Almost 10 years after the Fukushima nuclear accident, citizen radiation measuring organizations continue their activities stressing the importance of transparency, education and participation, despite the issues they are facing. Drawing on research on citizen science and results from fieldwork conducted in Japan, this paper reflects on the evolution of grassroots citizen science initiatives, contrasting their activities in the immediate aftermath of the Fukushima disaster to present day. By showing how some organizations have grown and others faded away, it demonstrates the intertwining and flexibility of citizen science initiatives in addressing concerns and needs expressed by local communities.
Chamäleonartige Hornhautveränderungen: Akanthamöbenkeratitis
Authors: Szentmáry Nóra , Fries Fabian Norbert , Daas Loay , Shi Lei , Laurik Kornelia Lenke , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold
Published: May 2020

Die Akanthamöbenkeratitis ist ein „Chamäleon“. Sie präsentiert sich klassischerweise mit gräulichen Epithelveränderungen, Perineuritis, oberflächlichen multifokalen stromalen Infiltraten und Ringinfiltrat. Bei klinischem Verdacht auf Akanthamöbenkeratitis ist eine Polymerase-Ketten-Reaktion, eine Kultivierung oder die histopathologische Untersuchung zur Diagnosestellung notwendig. Die konfokale Mikroskopie hat sich als noninvasive Ad-hoc-Diagnostik bei Initialverdacht instituiert.
Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung in der digitalen Arbeitswelt
Authors: Kreutzer Lili , Köllner Volker
Published: May 2020

Wir berichten über einen 36-jährigen Patienten, welcher nach einer beruflichen Konfrontation mit Darstellungen von Gewalt an Tieren, sexueller Gewalt sowie körperlicher Gewalt über digitale Medien in seiner Position als social media content moderator die klassischen Symptome einer PTBS entwickelte.

Nach 10 monatiger Arbeitsunfähigkeit kam der Patient zur sozialmedizinischen Einschätzung zur Rehabilitation. Obwohl aufgrund der hohen Resilienz und Motivationslage des Patienten von einer Regeneration binnen der kommenden 6 Monate und einer Neuorientierung auf dem Allgemeinen Arbeitsmarkt ausgegangen wurde, wurde seine Leistungsfähigkeit hinsichtlich seiner letzten sozialversicherungspflichtigen Tätigkeit vollständig aufgehoben eingeschätzt.

Diese sekundäre, digitale Art der Traumatisierung ist in der aktuell gültigen Version des ICD-10 nicht aufgeführt, wird aber bereits in den A4 Kriterien des DSM-5 beschrieben. Hier wird eine Exposition über elektronische Instrumente, Television, Filme oder Fotografien ausgeschlossen, es sei denn die Exposition ist beruflich bedingt.

Anhand dieses Beispiels werden Risiken für die mentale Gesundheit durch digitale Faktoren während der Arbeit, sowie deren sozialmedizinischen und versicherungstechnischen Folgen dargestellt.
Preoperative Dutasteride Use has no effect on Intraoperative Bleeding during Transvesical Open Simple Prostatectomy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Guner Ekrem , Ugur Ramazan
Published: May 2020

Objective There are a few studies in the literature investigating the effect of preoperative dutasteride use on bleeding in open simple prostatectomy. We aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative dutasteride use on perioperative bleeding during open simple prostatectomy.

Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients who underwent transvesical open prostatectomy due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in our institution between 2008 and 2018. Patients were divided into 2 groups regarding the use of dutasteride prior to surgery as group 1 = received dutasteride during at least six weeks prior to surgery; group 2 = dutasteride naive.

Results: A total of 167 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The mean operative time was 86.5±18.7 min while the estimated blood loss was 640.7±55.7 ml. There was no statistically significant difference in operative time, estimated blood loss, hemoglobin, and hematocrit decrease among the two groups.

Conclusion We were not able to find an advantage of pre-operative dutasteride use in terms of perioperative bleeding in open simple prostatectomy performed for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Personal Protective Equipment during Endoscopy
Authors: Mathew Shibi , Philip Mathew
Published: May 2020

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which originated in China has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). This virus gets transmitted through air droplets and direct contact. Health care workers doing aerosol-generating procedures are at a higher risk of acquiring the infection. Many procedures done by the gastrointestinal endoscopists are classified as aerosol-generating procedures, which in turn underline the need for proper safety precautions during these procedures. Apart from general safety measures advised by various organizations, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a pivotal factor in safeguarding health care personnel during endoscopy. This article provides a short overview of the different PPEs available and their proper use in endoscopy.
An analytical model for airfoil aerodynamic characteristics over the entire 360° angle of attack range
Authors: Truong V. K.
Published: May 2020

The design of wind turbines requires rapid and accurate evaluation of aerodynamic loads. High-fidelity methods based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are considered as most promising but remain expensive for predictions of aerodynamics. It is still imperative to use low or medium-fidelity methods that depend strongly on the knowledge of 360° polars. Polars can be accurately predicted by wind tunnel measurements or CFD techniques in the range of small values of AoAs up to a couple of degrees beyond the critical angle of stall; this AoA range is denoted by Dms. For higher values of AoAs, in the deep stall regime Dds, 3D effects play an important role and the determination of accurate polars is still challenging. This paper presents a semi-empirical model of force coefficients for both ranges Dms and Dds, with an appropriate transition between the two. For the range Dds, the modeling is based on assuming a nearly flat plate behavior and some symmetry properties for the force coefficients with respect to the angle of attack. The parameters of the model equations are determined from the analysis of selected experiments on airfoils associated with the characteristics of the airfoil geometry. For the range Dms, a modified formulation of the dynamic stall model of Beddoes–Leishman has been proposed. The model has been tested successfully on two airfoils, NACA 643-618 and DU97-W-300. The new approach of elaborating the polars for the whole range of AoAs provides a foundation for the application of a dynamic stall model.
Numerical simulation of the interaction between three equal-sized rising bubbles using the phase-field method
Authors: Khan Saher Akmal , Shah Abdullah , Saeed Sadia
Published: May 2020

The numerical study of bubble coalescence, repulsion, and breakage in a two-phase flow is important in several industrial and engineering applications. Different types of interactions and physical parameters have distinct effects on bubble size and shape. In this work, we present the motion and interaction of three parallel equally spaced and sized bubbles. A numerical scheme based on the diffuse-interface model has been used for simulation. Numerical results show that the three parallel rising bubbles experience coalescence or repulsion due to physical parameters such as the Reynolds number.
An alternative cooling method can be achieved with efficient elastocaloric systems
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: May 2020

Elastocaloric materials may be the key to mitigating energy requirements for space cooling.
Current and viewer velocity have a complicated relationship in water waves
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: May 2020

The two play an important role in data analysis and, contrary to common assumption, must be treated separately.
Method for evaluating fluid surface tension can aid with clinical diagnoses
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: May 2020

Because certain health conditions change the viscosity of biological fluids, characterizing these changes is a promising diagnostic technique.
Continuous wave quantum cascade lasers with 5.6 W output power at room temperature and 41% wall-plug efficiency in cryogenic operation
Authors: Wang F. , Slivken S. , Wu D. H. , Lu Q. Y. , Razeghi M.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we report a post-polishing technique to achieve nearly complete surface planarization for the buried ridge regrowth processing of quantum cascade lasers. The planarized device geometry improves the thermal conduction and reliability and, most importantly, enhances the power and efficiency in continuous wave operation. With this technique, we demonstrate a high continuous wave wall-plug efficiency of an InP-based quantum cascade laser reaching ∼41% with an output power of ∼12 W from a single facet operating at liquid nitrogen temperature. At room temperature, the continuous wave output power exceeds the previous record, reaching ∼5.6 W.
Underwater bubble collapse on a ridge-patterned structure
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Kim Daegyoum
Published: May 2020

This experimental study reports the collapse of an underwater bubble near a patterned structure with ridges and grooves. When a bubble is generated by a spark above a ridge, the entire bubble collapses toward the structure after its full expansion, or it is split into two smaller bubbles because of a radial jet induced by bubble contraction. These distinct collapse modes are dependent on the surface geometry of the structure and determined by the contracting speed of a bubble part inside the cross section of an adjacent groove. For a bubble that collapses in a groove, water flows induced from the tops of adjacent ridges collide with each other in the middle of the groove cross section, and this collision occurs if the effective width of the groove is small enough. For the bubble-splitting radial jet mode on the ridge and the collision mode in the groove, some energy of the bubble is lost during its contraction and, accordingly, the strength of the re-entrant jet toward the surface is weakened. Thus, these modes may be effective for reducing erosion on the structure surface, which is supported by our simple experiment for damage assessment.
Growth, structural and optical properties of coherent κ-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/κ-Ga2O3 quantum well superlattice heterostructures
Authors: Kneiß M. , Storm P. , Hassa A. , Splith D. , von Wenckstern H. , Lorenz M. , Grundmann M.
Published: May 2020

High quality heteroepitaxial (001)-oriented κ-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/κ-Ga2O3 quantum well superlattice heterostructures were deposited by tin-assisted pulsed laser deposition on c-sapphire substrates. Sharp superlattice fringes up to the ninth order in XRD patterns for Al-contents up to about 50 at. % confirm excellent structural quality and smooth interfaces in the multilayers on par with reports on homoepitaxial superlattices in the monoclinic modification. By employing elliptically segmented targets, the Al-content in the barrier layers of the superlattices was systematically varied in a range of 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 in a controlled and quasi-continuous manner. An in-depth investigation employing XRD 2θ-ω scans and reciprocal space map measurements on superlattices with different periods as well as single quantum well samples suggests coherent growth of the superlattices for application-relevant quantum well widths. The critical thickness for coherent growth of κ-Ga2O3 on κ-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 was further estimated to be at least 50 nm and 3 nm for x = 0.2 and x = 0.3, respectively. We determined absorption energies in optical transmission spectra for superlattices with x = 0.3 well below the bandgap of the barrier layers that decrease with increasing quantum well width suggesting transitions between localized states in the quantum wells as their origin. These results render superlattices in the metastable orthorhombic phase of Ga2O3 as a promising active layer for quantum well infrared photodetector applications.
Yield gap of the double-crop system of main-season soybean with off-season maize in Brazil
Authors: de Souza Nóia Júnior Rogério , Sentelhas Paulo Cesar
Published: May 2020

The succession of main-season soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) with off-season maize (Zea mays L.) is an important Brazilian agricultural system contributing to increased grain production without the need for crop land expansion. Yield-gap studies that identify the main factors threatening these crops are pivotal to increasing food security in Brazil and globally. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine, for the soybean–off-season-maize succession, the magnitude of the grain and revenue yield gap (YG) caused by water deficit (YGW) and suboptimal crop management (YGM), and to propose strategies for closing these gaps in different Brazilian regions. The ensemble of three previously calibrated and validated models (FAO-AZM, DSSAT and APSIM) was used to estimate yields of soybean and off-season maize for 28 locations in 12 states for a period of 34 years (1980–2013). Water deficit is the biggest problem for soybean and off-season maize crops in the regions of Cocos (state of Bahia), Buritis (Minas Gerais) and Formosa (Goiás), where the YGW accounted for ~70% of total YG. The YGM revealed that locations in the central region of Brazil, mainly in the state of Mato Grosso, presented an opportunity to increase yields of soybean and off-season maize, on average, by 927.5 and 909.6 5 kg ha–1, respectively. For soybean, YGM was the main cause of total YG in Brazil, accounting for 51.8%, whereas for maize, YGW corresponded to 53.8% of the total YG. Our results also showed that the choice of the best sowing date can contribute to reducing soybean YGW by 34–54% and off-season maize YGW by 66–89%.
Specialized meltwater biodiversity persists despite widespread deglaciation
Authors: Muhlfeld Clint C. , Cline Timothy J. , Giersch J. Joseph , Peitzsch Erich , Florentine Caitlyn , Jacobsen Dean , Hotaling Scott
Published: May 2020

Glaciers are important drivers of environmental heterogeneity and biological diversity across mountain landscapes. Worldwide, glaciers are receding rapidly due to climate change, with important consequences for biodiversity in mountain ecosystems. However, the effects of glacier loss on biodiversity have never been quantified across a mountainous region, primarily due to a lack of adequate data at large spatial and temporal scales. Here, we combine high-resolution biological and glacier change (ca. 1850–2015) datasets for Glacier National Park, USA, to test the prediction that glacier retreat reduces biodiversity in mountain ecosystems through the loss of uniquely adapted meltwater stream species. We identified a specialized cold-water invertebrate community restricted to the highest elevation streams primarily below glaciers, but also snowfields and groundwater springs. We show that this community and endemic species have unexpectedly persisted in cold, high-elevation sites, even in catchments that have not been glaciated in ∼170 y. Future projections suggest substantial declines in suitable habitat, but not necessarily loss of this community with the complete disappearance of glaciers. Our findings demonstrate that high-elevation streams fed by snow and other cold-water sources continue to serve as critical climate refugia for mountain biodiversity even after glaciers disappear.
Population transfer to high angular momentum states in infrared-assisted XUV photoionization of helium
Authors: Mayer Nicola , Peng Peng , Villeneuve David M , Patchkovskii Serguei , Ivanov Misha , Kornilov Oleg , Vrakking Marc J J , Niikura Hiromichi
Published: May 2020

An extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) laser pulse consisting of harmonics of a fundamental near-infrared (NIR) laser frequency is combined with the NIR pulse to systematically study two-color photoionization of helium atoms. A time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy experiment is carried out where energy- and angle-resolved photoelectron distributions are obtained as a function of the NIR intensity and wavelength. Time-dependent Schrödinger equation calculations are performed for the conditions corresponding to the experiment and used to extract residual populations of Rydberg states resulting from excitation by the XUV + NIR pulse pair. The residual populations are studied as a function of the NIR intensity (3.5 × 1010 − 8 × 1012 W cm−2) and wavelength (760–820 nm). The evolution of the photoelectron distribution and the residual populations are interpreted using an effective restricted basis model, which includes the minimum set of states relevant to the features observed in the experiments. As a result, a comprehensive and intuitive picture of the laser-induced dynamics in helium atoms exposed to a two-color XUV–NIR light field is obtained.
New physics searches with heavy-ion collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Bruce Roderik , d’Enterria David , de Roeck Albert , Drewes Marco , Farrar Glennys R , Giammanco Andrea , Gould Oliver , Hajer Jan , Harland-Lang Lucian , Heisig Jan , Jowett John M , Kabana Sonia , Krintiras Georgios K , Korsmeier Michael , Lucente Michele , Milhano Guilherme , Mukherjee Swagata , Niedziela Jeremi , Okorokov Vitalii A , Rajantie Arttu , Schaumann Michaela
Published: May 2020

This document summarises proposed searches for new physics accessible in the heavy-ion mode at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC), both through hadronic and ultraperipheral γγ interactions, and that have a competitive or, even, unique discovery potential compared to standard proton–proton collision studies. Illustrative examples include searches for new particles—such as axion-like pseudoscalars, radions, magnetic monopoles, new long-lived particles, dark photons, and sexaquarks as dark matter candidates—as well as new interactions, such as nonlinear or non-commutative QED extensions. We argue that such interesting possibilities constitute a well-justified scientific motivation, complementing standard quark-gluon-plasma physics studies, to continue running with ions at the LHC after the Run-4, i.e. beyond 2030, including light and intermediate-mass ion species, accumulating nucleon–nucleon integrated luminosities in the accessible fb−1 range per month.