bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Multidomain Overlaps and Grand Ensemble Generation in CORDEX Regional Projections
Authors: Legasa M. N. , Manzanas R. , Fernández J. , Herrera S. , Iturbide M. , Moufouma‐Okia W. , Zhai P. , Driouech F. , Gutiérrez J. M.
Published: February 2020

The Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) initiative has made available an enormous amount of regional climate projections in different domains worldwide. This information is crucial for the development of adaptation strategies and policy‐making. A relevant open issue in this context is assessing the potential multidomain conflicts that may result in overlapping regions and developing appropriate ensemble methods trying to make the most of all available information. This work addresses this timely topic by focusing on precipitation over the Mediterranean region, a first illustrative case study that is encompassed by both the Euro‐ and Africa‐CORDEX domains. We focus on several mean, extreme, and temporal indices and use variance decomposition to assess the separate contribution of the domain and models to the climate change signal, concluding that the contribution of the domain alone is nearly negligible (below
in all cases). Nevertheless, for some cases, the combined model/domain effect triggers up to
of the total variance.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Characterization of Petrophysical Properties in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Jin Guowen , Xie Ranhong , Xiao Lizhi
Published: February 2020

Permeability and bound water saturation (Swb) are key parameters reflecting the petrophysical properties of porous rocks. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has proved to be effective in investigating the properties of porous media. However, estimating Swb and the permeability in tight sandstone reservoirs based on conventional NMR methods, which requires the inversion of NMR echo data to obtain the transverse relaxation time (T2) distribution, proves to be a challenging task. In this study, a method is proposed to estimate Swb and the permeability in tight sandstone reservoirs based on the direct analysis of NMR echo data, thus avoiding the inversion process. A total of 20 tight sandstone samples from the Ordos Basin in China was taken for laboratory NMR measurements. The kernel function of the echo data was used to characterize the ratio distribution of bound water volume to pore volume for different pore sizes. Following this, an echo data calibration method was applied to estimate Swb without the inversion of the T2 distribution, and the window method was used to reduce the impact of noise in the echo data. Furthermore, models for estimating permeability were proposed based on the determined windows of the NMR echo data in the Swb estimation. The reliability of the proposed method for estimating Swb and permeability was verified by comparing the estimated and experimental results. Our study provides an efficient method for the estimation of petrophysical parameters in porous rocks based on the direct analysis of NMR echo data.
Role of Eddy Heat Feedback in Modulating Winter‐Mean NAO‐Related Thermodynamic Structure
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Ren Hong‐Li , Zhou Fang , Gao Li
Published: February 2020

The thermodynamic structure of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), in terms of the pattern of the winter‐mean potential temperature (PT) anomaly in the troposphere, is a crucial indicator of regional climate variations and can be influenced by synoptic‐scale eddy heat (EH) fluxes. The role and mechanism of EH feedback in modulating the winter‐mean thermodynamic structure of the NAO are investigated. We show that the low‐frequency NAO‐related flow can barotropically regulate EH flux and give rise to an EH transport that is down‐gradient (up‐gradient) of the NAO‐related PT anomalies, thus creating negative (positive) EH feedback on PT anomalies in the middle‐lower (upper) troposphere. Using eddy structure decomposition, we calculated the two primary terms of anomalous EH flux: the BA term is the product of basic eddy velocity and anomalous eddy PT, and the AB term is the product of anomalous eddy velocity and basic eddy PT. The meridional BA EH flux is caused by the meridional shift of eddy PT structure under NAO. It is a major contributor of the anomalous EH flux and forcing, which weaken NAO‐related PT anomalies. The zonal AB EH flux is smaller in magnitude and is induced by the zonal slant of the eddy streamfunction structure in the negative NAO phase. It creates EH feedback upstream of the NAO flow. In addition, the positive NAO phase has a negatively stronger EH feedback than the negative phase; this is related to the higher persistence of the anomalous PT pattern under negative NAO.
The Impact of the Stratosphere on the MJO in a Forecast Model
Authors: Martin Zane , Vitart Frederic , Wang Shuguang , Sobel Adam
Published: February 2020

This study examines the relationship between the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) and stratospheric quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) in a state‐of‐the‐art global numerical weather forecast model. A set of 61‐day model integrations, with 15 ensemble members, is performed across 84 start dates during December–February of 1989–2016. For 28 of those dates—every 1 January—the stratosphere is initialized from observation, and the model simulates stronger MJO events during observed easterly QBO phases (QBOE) than westerly QBO phases (QBOW). However, in these “control experiments,” the QBO's impact on the MJO is already present in the initial conditions, and the direct influence of the model stratosphere during the simulation is unclear. To explore this more directly, the model was rerun with an artificially imposed QBOE and QBOW state, replacing the existing stratospheric initial condition above 150 hPa while leaving the troposphere unaltered. Though the imposed QBO states weaken faster in the model than in observations, their persistence is comparable to the control simulations. The MJO is stronger during imposed‐QBOE experiments than imposed‐QBOW, and differences are statistically significant by several metrics, though magnitude of the differences is smaller than in observations. Analysis suggests that the strength of the MJO response to the QBO increases for simulations with stronger upper‐tropospheric temperature differences and for simulations in which the MJO at the initialization time is strong and active over the Maritime Continent. However, tropospheric conditions still appear to have a dominant effect in explaining the apparent QBO influence in this model.
Operational Bayesian GLS Regression for Regional Hydrologic Analyses
Authors: Reis Dirceu S. , Veilleux Andrea G. , Lamontagne Jonathan R. , Stedinger Jery R. , Martins Eduardo S.
Published: February 2020

This paper develops the quasi‐analytic Bayesian analysis of the generalized least squares (GLS) (B‐GLS) model introduced by Reis et al. (2005, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004WR003445) into an operational and statistically comprehensive GLS regional hydrologic regression methodology to estimate flood quantiles, regional shape parameters, low flows, and other statistics with spatially correlated flow records. New GLS regression diagnostic statistics include a Bayesian plausibility value, pseudo adjusted R2, pseudo analysis of variance table, and two diagnostic error variance ratios. Traditional leverage and influence are extended to identify rogue observations, address lack of fit, and support gauge network design and region‐of‐influence regression. Formulas are derived for the Bayesian computation of estimators, standard errors, and diagnostic statistics. The use of B‐GLS and the new diagnostic statistics are illustrated with a regional log‐space skew regression analysis for the Piedmont region in the Southeastern U.S. A comparison of ordinary, weighted, and GLS analyses documents the advantages of the Bayesian estimator over the method‐of‐moment estimator of model error variance introduced by Stedinger and Tasker (1985, https://doi.org/10.1029/WR021i009p01421). Of the three types of analyses, only GLS considers the covariance among concurrent flows. The example demonstrates that GLS regional skewness models can be highly accurate when correctly analyzed: The B‐GLS average variance of prediction is 0.090 for South Carolina (92 stations), whereas a traditional ordinary least squares analysis published by the U.S. Geological Survey yielded 0.193 (Feaster & Tasker, 2002, https://doi.org/10.3133/wri024140). B‐GLS provides a statistical valid framework for the rigorous analysis of spatially correlated hydrologic data, allowing for the estimation of parameters and their actual precision and computation of several diagnostic statistics, as well as correctly attributing variability to the three key sources: time sampling error, model error, and signal.
B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in multiple myeloma: rationale for targeting and current therapeutic approaches
Authors: Shah Nina , Chari Ajai , Scott Emma , Mezzi Khalid , Usmani Saad Z.
Published: February 2020

Despite considerable advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) in the last decade, a substantial proportion of patients do not respond to current therapies or have a short duration of response. Furthermore, these treatments can have notable morbidity and are not uniformly tolerated in all patients. As there is no cure for MM, patients eventually become resistant to therapies, leading to development of relapsed/refractory MM. Therefore, an unmet need exists for MM treatments with novel mechanisms of action that can provide durable responses, evade resistance to prior therapies, and/or are better tolerated. B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is preferentially expressed by mature B lymphocytes, and its overexpression and activation are associated with MM in preclinical models and humans, supporting its potential utility as a therapeutic target for MM. Moreover, the use of BCMA as a biomarker for MM is supported by its prognostic value, correlation with clinical status, and its ability to be used in traditionally difficult-to-monitor patient populations. Here, we review three common treatment modalities used to target BCMA in the treatment of MM: bispecific antibody constructs, antibody–drug conjugates, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T-cell therapy. We provide an overview of preliminary clinical data from trials using these therapies, including the BiTE® (bispecific T-cell engager) immuno-oncology therapy AMG 420, the antibody–drug conjugate GSK2857916, and several CAR T-cell therapeutic agents including bb2121, NIH CAR-BCMA, and LCAR-B38M. Notable antimyeloma activity and high minimal residual disease negativity rates have been observed with several of these treatments. These clinical data outline the potential for BCMA-targeted therapies to improve the treatment landscape for MM. Importantly, clinical results to date suggest that these therapies may hold promise for deep and durable responses and support further investigation in earlier lines of treatment, including newly diagnosed MM.
Examining the complexity of functioning in persons with spinal cord injury attending first rehabilitation in Switzerland using structural equation modelling
Authors: Hodel Jsabel , Ehrmann Cristina , Stucki Gerold , Bickenbach Jerome E. , Prodinger Birgit ,   and the SwiSCI Study Group
Published: February 2020

Study design

Cross-sectional.

Objectives

To examine the associations between activities, body structures and functions, and their relationship with aetiology, age and sex in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) at discharge from first rehabilitation.

Setting

Swiss SCI Cohort Study (SwiSCI).

Methods

The study included 390 participants with newly acquired SCI and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as conceptual frame of reference. Body structures were represented by injury level and severity; body functions by cardiovascular, pulmonary, skin, bowel and urinary functions and pain; mental functions by anxiety, depression, optimism and self-esteem; and activities by independence in performing activities of daily living (ADL). Using structural equation modelling (SEM), indirect effects of body structures and functions on independence in performing ADL through mental functions were tested for each mental function separately. For each structural model, fit was assessed using several indices and differences in aetiology, age and sex groups were explored.

Results

The structural model about optimism showed good fit in all indices; the models about anxiety, depression and self-esteem showed conflicting fit indices, respectively. Within all models, effects on independence in performing ADL were mainly direct. Pain showed significant (P < 0.05) indirect effects on independence in performing ADL within the depression, optimism and self-esteem models. The model about anxiety showed differences in aetiology groups.

Conclusions

Using an ICF-based modelling approach, this study presents an attempt towards a more comprehensive understanding of functioning in first rehabilitation of persons with SCI, which might be fundamental for rehabilitation planning.
Low expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bak and Smac indicates prolonged progression-free survival in chemotherapy-treated metastatic melanoma
Authors: Guttà Cristiano , Rahman Arman , Aura Claudia , Dynoodt Peter , Charles Emilie M. , Hirschenhahn Elodie , Joseph Jesuchristopher , Wouters Jasper , de Chaumont Ciaran , Rafferty Mairin , Warren Madhuri , van den Oord Joost J. , Gallagher William M. , Rehm Markus
Published: February 2020

Despite the introduction of novel targeted therapies, chemotherapy still remains the primary treatment for metastatic melanoma in poorly funded healthcare environments or in case of disease relapse, with no reliable molecular markers for progression-free survival (PFS) available. As chemotherapy primarily eliminates cancer cells by apoptosis, we here evaluated if the expression of key apoptosis regulators (Bax, Bak, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Smac, Procaspase-9, Apaf-1, Procaspase-3 and XIAP) allows prognosticating PFS in stage III/IV melanoma patients. Following antibody validation, marker expression was determined by automated and manual scoring of immunohistochemically stained tissue microarrays (TMAs) constructed from treatment-naive metastatic melanoma biopsies. Interestingly and counter-intuitively, low expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bak and Smac indicated better prognosis (log-rank p < 0.0001, p = 0.0301 and p = 0.0227 for automated and p = 0.0422, p = 0.0410 and p = 0.0073 for manual scoring). These findings were independently validated in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) metastatic melanoma cohort (TCGA-SKCM) at transcript level (log-rank p = 0.0004, p = 0.0104 and p = 0.0377). Taking expression heterogeneity between the markers in individual tumour samples into account allowed defining combinatorial Bax, Bak, Smac signatures that were associated with significantly increased PFS (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0028 at protein and transcript level, respectively). Furthermore, combined low expression of Bax, Bak and Smac allowed predicting prolonged PFS (> 12 months) on a case-by-case basis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) = 0.79). Taken together, our results therefore suggest that Bax, Bak and Smac jointly define a signature with potential clinical utility in chemotherapy-treated metastatic melanoma.
Effects of temperature fluctuations on spatial-temporal transmission of hand, foot, and mouth disease
Authors: Xu Chengdong , Zhang Xiangxue , Wang Li , Zhou Yuke , Xiao Gexin , Liao Jiaqiang
Published: February 2020

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), predominantly occurs among infants and children. Previous studies have shown that suitable, stable temperatures favor HFMD virus reproduction; however, temperature fluctuations also affect virus transmission, and there are, so far, no studies concerning the association between such fluctuations and the incidence of HFMD. The objective of this study was to map the spatial-temporal distribution of HFMD incidence and quantify the long-term effects of temperature fluctuations on HFMD incidence in children. HFMD cases in children under five, from January 2009 to December 2013, in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei provinces of China, were used in this study. The GeoDetector and Bayesian space-time hierarchy models were employed to explore the spatial-temporal association between temperature fluctuations and HFMD incidence. The results indicate that HFMD incidence had significant spatial stratified heterogeneity (GeoDetector q-statistic = 0.83, p < 0.05), and that areas with higher risk mainly appeared in metropolises and their adjacent regions. HFMD transmission was negatively associated with temperature fluctuations. A 1 °C increase in the standard deviation of maximum and minimum temperatures was associated with decreases of 8.22% and 11.87% in the risk of HFMD incidence, respectively. The study suggests that large temperature fluctuations affect virus growth or multiplication, thereby inhibiting the activity of the virus and potentially even leading to its extinction, and consequently affecting the spatial-temporal distribution of HFMD. The findings can serve as a reference for the practical control of this disease and offer help in the rational allocation of medical resources.
Comparison between in vitro toxicities of tobacco- and menthol-flavored electronic cigarette liquids on human middle ear epithelial cells
Authors: Go Yoon Young , Mun Ji Yoen , Chae Sung-Won , Chang Jiwon , Song Jae-Jun
Published: February 2020

Since electronic-cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are considered less toxic than conventional tobacco smoking, the use of e-cigarettes has increased, and the market for e-cigarette liquids (e-liquids) is continuously increasing. However, many studies showed that e-cigarettes may cause various harmful effects in lung, oral and heart. In this study, we investigated the effects of e-liquids on otitis media (OM) using human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs). Menthol-flavored e-liquid induced significant cell death in HMEECs (IC50: 1.45 ± 0.14%) and tobacco-flavored e-liquid led to increase in inflammatory cytokine levels and higher mucin production. Flavored e-liquids decreased the mRNA levels of genes encoding epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) in HMEECs. Apoptosis and autophagy reactions were induced by exposure of HMEECs to menthol- and tobacco-flavored e-liquids. Tobacco-flavored e-liquids caused a greater increase in the levels of autophagosome marker, LC3-II, compared to menthol-flavored e-liquids, which was followed by cell death. These results demonstrate that flavored e-liquids cause cytotoxicity via apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory response, and mucin production in HMEECs. The flavors present in e-liquids might be a risk factor for the development of otitis media.
Effect of Scalp Nerve Block with Ropivacaine on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy: A Randomized, Double Blinded Study
Authors: Yang Yaoxin , Ou Mengchan , Zhou Hongyu , Tan Lingcan , Hu Yajiao , Li Yu , Zhu Tao
Published: February 2020

Scalp nerve block with ropivacaine has been shown to provide perioperative analgesia. However, the best concentration of ropivacaine is still unknown for optimal analgesic effects. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the effects of scalp nerve block with varied concentration of ropivacaine on postoperative pain and intraoperative hemodynamic variables in patients undergoing craniotomy under general anesthesia. Eighty-five patients were randomly assigned to receive scalp block with either 0.2% ropivacaine, 0.33% ropivacaine, 0.5% ropivacaine, or normal saline. Intraoperative hemodynamics and post-operative pain scores at 2, 4, 6, 24 hours postoperatively were recorded. We found that scalp blockage with 0.2% and 0.33% ropivacaine provided adequate postoperative pain relief up to 2 h, while administration of 0.5% ropivacaine had a longer duration of action (up to 4 hour after craniotomy). Scalp nerve block with varied concentration of ropivacaine blunted the increase of mean arterial pressure in response to noxious stimuli during incision, drilling, and sawing skull bone. 0.2% and 0.5% ropivacaine decreased heart rate response to incision and drilling. We concluded that scalp block using 0.5% ropivacaine obtain preferable postoperative analgesia compared to lower concentrations. And scalp block with ropivacaine also reduced hemodynamic fluctuations in craniotomy operations.
Connexin43 expression in bone marrow derived cells contributes to the electrophysiological properties of cardiac scar tissue
Authors: Vasquez Carolina , Mezzano Valeria , Kessler Newman , Swardh Freja , Ernestad Desiree , Mahoney Vanessa M. , Hanna John , Morley Gregory E.
Published: February 2020

Cardiac pathologies associated with arrhythmic activity are often accompanied by inflammation. The contribution of inflammatory cells to the electrophysiological properties of injured myocardium is unknown. Myocardial scar cell types and intercellular contacts were analyzed using a three-dimensional reconstruction from serial blockface scanning electron microscopy data. Three distinct cell populations were identified: inflammatory, fibroblastic and endocardial cells. While individual fibroblastic cells interface with a greater number of cells, inflammatory cells have the largest contact area suggesting a role in establishing intercellular electrical connections in scar tissue. Optical mapping was used to study the electrophysiological properties of scars in fetal liver chimeric mice generated using connexin43 knockout donors (bmpKO). Voltage changes were elicited in response to applied current pulses. Isopotential maps showed a steeper pattern of decay with distance from the electrode in scars compared with uninjured regions, suggesting reduced electrical coupling. The tissue decay constant, defined as the distance voltage reaches 37% of the amplitude at the edge of the scar, was 0.48 ± 0.04 mm (n = 11) in the scar of the bmpCTL group and decreased 37.5% in the bmpKO group (n = 10). Together these data demonstrate inflammatory cells significantly contribute to scar electrophysiology through coupling mediated at least partially by connexin43 expression.
Foveal Microvascular Structures in Eyes with Silicone Oil Tamponade for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study
Authors: Lee Jong Young , Kim Jin Young , Lee Sang-Yoon , Jeong Jin Ho , Lee Eun Kyoung
Published: February 2020

Silicone oil (SO) is widely used as a long-term intravitreal tamponading agent for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. This study investigated the structural changes of the foveal microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with RRD treated with vitrectomy and SO tamponade. Thirty-eight patients with unilateral RRD who were treated with vitrectomy and SO tamponade and were followed up for ≥3 months after SO removal were included. En face OCTA images were obtained and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vascular density (VD) were compared between study eyes and unaffected contralateral eyes. The FAZ area in deep capillary plexus (DCP) was larger (P < 0.001) and the VD in DCP was lower (P = 0.022) in the study eyes than in the fellow eyes. The duration of SO tamponade was significantly correlated with the enlargement of FAZ area (P = 0.034) and reduction of VD in DCP (P = 0.015). These changes could reflect vascular insufficiency in eyes with SO tamponade and may represent a potential explanation for the pathogenesis of retinal thinning and unexplained visual loss.
Publisher Correction: Characteristics of factors for decreased lung function in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ishii Masaki , Yamaguchi Yasuhiro , Hamaya Hironobu , Ogawa Sumito , Imura Mitsuo , Akishita Masahiro
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A novel deep learning-based chemical image identification method of infrared spectroscopy using external perturbation
Authors: Sun Xiting , Yuan Hongfu , Song Chunfeng , Li Xiaoyu , Hu Aiqin
Published: February 2020

Perturbation-induced infrared spectroscopy combined with a deep learning-based chemical image identification method enables rapid and non-destructive identification of different samples with a quite similar composition and morphological complexity.
Experimental evidence of chalcogen bonding at oxygen
Authors: Fellowes Thomas , Harris Benjamin L. , White Jonathan M.
Published: February 2020

Ano-nitro-O-aryl oxime was observed to exhibit a short O⋯O contact, which exhibited characteristics consistent with a chalcogen bond.
First-principles prediction of a two-dimensional vanadium carbide (MXene) as the anode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Nyamdelger Shirchinnamjil , Ochirkhuyag Tumentsereg , Sangaa Deleg , Odkhuu Dorj
Published: February 2020

MXene V2C structure provides a specific theoretical capacity as high as 472 mA h g−1 at the Li2V2C stoichiometry and extremely fast diffusion with an energy barrier less than 0.1 eV. These intriguing findings are robust against intrinsic structural defects.
X-ray photoelectron and ion scattering spectroscopic surface analyses of amorphous and crystalline calcium phosphate nanoparticles with different chemical histories
Authors: Uskoković Vuk
Published: February 2020

The surface of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles is enriched in the topmost atomic layer with calcium and depleted of it elsewhere, alongside being dependent on the history of formation of hydroxyapatite from the amorphous precursor.
Post-synthetic anion exchange in iron(ii) 1,2,4-triazole based spin crossover materials via mechanochemistry
Authors: Askew Jed H. , Shepherd Helena J.
Published: February 2020

A simple solvent-free method for post-synthetic exchange of anions in an iron(ii) spin crossover material is described.
Hierarchical porous HPW/titania–silica material with superior adsorption-catalytic oxidation activity for multi-ring thiophenic sulfur compounds
Authors: Du Yue , Zhou Lina , Liu Zhenhui , Lei Jiaheng
Published: February 2020

HPW/titania–silica catalysts with micro-meso-macroporous structures and high specific surface areas are prepared and applied as oxidative desulfurization catalysts.
Revealing inhomogeneous Si incorporation into GaN at the nanometer scale by electrochemical etching
Authors: Sawicka Marta , Fiuczek Natalia , Turski Henryk , Muziol Grzegorz , Siekacz Marcin , Nowakowski-Szkudlarek Krzesimir , Feduniewicz-Żmuda Anna , Wolny Paweł , Skierbiszewski Czesław
Published: February 2020

Step-bunching during epitaxy induces inhomogeneous incorporation of a Si dopant into GaN at the nanometer scale as revealed by electrochemical etching.
Dual ligand-promoted palladium-catalyzed nondirected C–H alkenylation of aryl ethers
Authors: Yin Biao , Fu Manlin , Wang Lei , Liu Jiang , Zhu Qing
Published: February 2020

This catalytic system promoted by dual ligand catalyst readily achieved the highly efficient alkenylation of alkyl aryl ethers, cyclic aryl ethers, and diphenyl oxides. Moreover, the methodology was employed for the late-stage modification of drug.
Structure and electrochemical properties of hierarchically porous carbon nanomaterials derived from hybrid ZIF-8/ZIF-67 bi-MOF coated cyclomatrix poly(organophosphazene) nanospheres
Authors: Zhou Yutao , Wemyss Alan M. , Brown Oliver B. , Huang Qianye , Wan Chaoying
Published: February 2020

Hierarchically porous carbon nanostructures with intrinsically doped heteroatoms and metal elements are attractive for electrochemical energy storage applications.
Co-expression network-based identification of biomarkers correlated with the lymph node metastasis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jin Yu , Qin Xing
Published: February 2020

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is ranked as one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide with a high risk of lymph node metastasis, which serves as a main reason for cancer deaths. Identification of the potential biomarkers for lymph node metastasis in HNSCC patients may contribute to personalized treatment and better therapeutic effect. In the present study, GSE30788 microarray data and corresponding clinical parameters were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed to investigate significant modules associated with clinical traits. As a result, the genes in the blue module were determined as candidate genes related with HNSCC lymph node metastasis and ten hub genes were selected from the PPI network. Further analysis validated the close associations of hub gene expression with lymph node metastasis of HNSCC patients. Furthermore, survival analysis suggested the level of Loricrin (LOR) was statistically significantly associated with the disease-free survival of HNSCC patients, indicating the potential of utilizing it as prognosis predictor. Overall, our study conducted a co-expression network-based analysis to investigate significant genes underlying HNSCC metastasis, providing promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
SRP‐AKAZE: an improved accelerated KAZE algorithm based on sparse random projection
Authors: Li Dan , Xu Qiannan , Yu Wennian , Wang Bing
Published: February 2020

The AKAZE algorithm is a typical image registration algorithm that has the advantage of high computational efficiency based on non‐linear diffusion. However, it is weaker than the scale‐invariant feature transformation (SIFT) algorithm in terms of robustness and stability. We propose a new and improved version of the AKAZE algorithm by using the SIFT descriptor based on sparse random projection (SRP). The proposed method not only retains the advantage of high efficiency of the AKAZE algorithm in feature detection but also has the stability of the SIFT descriptor. Moreover, the computational complexity due to the high dimension of the SIFT descriptor, which limits the speed of feature matching, is drastically reduced by the SRP strategy. Experiments on several benchmark image datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can significantly improve the stability of the AKAZE algorithm, and the results suggest the better matching performance and robustness of the feature descriptor.
Typhus abdominalis und Paratyphus
Authors: Trawinski Henning , Wendt Sebastian , Lippmann Norman , Heinitz Sascha , von Braun Amrei , Lübbert Christoph
Published: February 2020

Typhus (besser: Typhus abdominalis) und Paratyphus sind global bedeutsame systemische Infektionskrankheiten, die durch Salmonella enterica Subspezies enterica Serovar Typhi (Kurzbezeichnung: Salmonella Typhi) bzw. Serovar Paratyphi (Kurzbezeichnung: Salmonella Paratyphi) hervorgerufen werden. Der Verlauf der fäkal-oral übertragenen Erkrankung ist vor allem durch hohes Fieber gekennzeichnet. Unbehandelt kann Typhus schwer verlaufen und zum Tode führen. Die Erkrankung wird zu nahezu 100 % im außereuropäischen Ausland (v. a. in Indien) erworben und ist in Deutschland, Österreich und in der Schweiz meldepflichtig. Als Paratyphus bezeichnet man ein abgeschwächtes Krankheitsbild des Typhus, dessen Erreger Salmonella Paratyphi ist. Verfügbare Impfstoffe schützen nur gegen Salmonella Typhi. Die Resistenz gegen Antibiotika spiegelt die Situation in endemischen Ländern wider und zeigt sich in einem besorgniserregenden Zuwachs von Isolaten mit Multiresistenz. Gegenwärtig werden Cephalosporine der 3. Generation wie Ceftriaxon als Erstlinientherapie empfohlen; sofern es sich um Isolate mit Chinolonempfindlichkeit handelt, können auch weiterhin Fluorchinolone wie Ciprofloxacin verabreicht werden. Entscheidende vorbeugende Maßnahmen für Reisende sind konsequente Wasser- und Nahrungsmittelhygiene sowie Impfprävention, wobei sich mit den bislang verfügbaren Impfstoffen nur Protektionsraten von 50–70 % erreichen lassen. Mit der Zunahme von multiresistenten Erregerstämmen wird ein besser wirksamer Konjugatimpfstoff gegen Salmonella Typhi mit Kreuzreaktivität gegen Salmonella Paratyphi dringender denn je benötigt.
Decreased Circulating MANF in Women with PCOS is Elevated by
Metformin Therapy and is Inversely Correlated with Insulin Resistance and
Hyperandrogenism
Authors: Wei Jie , Wang Cong , Yang Gangyi , Jia Yanjun , Li Yang , Deng Wenzhen , Long Min , Wang Chengpan , Liu Dongfang
Published: February 2020

Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is a novel
neurotrophic factor. Although recent studies have suggested that MANF
appeared to be associated with insulin resistance, the results have been
inconsistent. The aim of our study was to determine the serum MANF levels in
women with PCOS and controls, to investigate their relationship to insulin
resistance, and to evaluate circulating MANF changes with metformin
intervention in PCOS women. We conducted a series of cross-sectional and
interventional studies in 90 newly diagnosed patients with PCOS and 60 age-
and gender-matched controls. Oral glucose tolerance test and
euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps were performed to assess the glucose
tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Forty-three women with PCOS were randomly
assigned to six months of oral metformin therapy. Serum MANF levels were
significantly lower in women with PCOS than in controls. Serum MANF levels
were positively correlated with M-value and negatively correlated with body
mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (FAT), homeostatic model assessment of
insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and free androgen index (FAI). Multivariate
stepwise regression demonstrated that serum MANF levels were independently
associated with M-value and FAI. After six months of metformin treatment,
there was a significant increase in serum MANF levels in PCOS women. Serum
MANF levels are decreased in women with PCOS, and are reversely related to
insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Metformin treatment elevates serum
MANF levels and alleviates insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in PCOS
women.
Phytotherapie bei koronarer Herzkrankheit – Was gibt es an Evidenz?
Authors: Gündling Peter W.
Published: February 2020

Obgleich der Schwerpunkt der naturheilkundlichen Behandlung der koronaren Herzkrankheit (KHK) bei nicht medikamentösen Maßnahmen wie der Ernährungs- und Bewegungstherapie, den Entspannungsverfahren und der Hydrotherapie liegt, spielen auch Phytotherapeutika eine wichtige Rolle. Umfragen zeigen, dass nahezu jeder 2. Patient mit KHK auch pflanzliche Präparate einnimmt. Unterstützend zum traditionellen Erfahrungswissen gab es in den letzten Jahren zunehmend wissenschaftliche Belege, die in diesem Beitrag dargestellt werden.
The Dianion of Dehydroacetic Acid: A Direct Synthesis of Pogopyrone A
Authors: Kraus George A. , Wang Shuai
Published: February 2020

Dehydroacetic acid was converted into a silyl enol ether and titanium enolate. These reacted effectively with aldehydes and N-bromosuccinimide. Oxidation of the adduct with benzaldehyde afforded pogopyrone A in excellent overall yield.
Plasma eyepieces for petawatt class lasers
Authors: Zeng Ming , Martinez de la Ossa Alberto , Poder Kristjan , Osterhoff Jens
Published: February 2020

Focusing petawatt class laser beams to a variety of spot sizes for different applications is expensive in cost, labor, and space. In this paper, we propose a plasma lens to flexibly resize the laser beam by utilizing the self-focusing effect of laser in plasmas. Using a fixed conventional focusing system to focus the laser a short distance in front of the plasma, we can adjust the effective laser beam waist within a certain range, with the plasma lens acting as an adjustable eyepiece in a telescope. Such a setup is a powerful tool for laser wakefield accelerator experiments in state-of-the-art petawatt laser projects and allows for scanning focal spot parameters.
Dissipative particle dynamics with energy conservation: Isoenergetic integration and transport properties
Authors: Soleymani Fatemeh A. , Ripoll Marisol , Gompper Gerhard , Fedosov Dmitry A.
Published: February 2020

Simulations of nano- to micro-meter scale fluidic systems under thermal gradients require consistent mesoscopic methods accounting for both hydrodynamic interactions and proper transport of energy. One such method is dissipative particle dynamics with energy conservation (DPDE), which has been used for various fluid systems with non-uniform temperature distributions. We propose an easily parallelizable modification of the velocity-Verlet algorithm based on local energy redistribution for each DPDE particle such that the total energy in a simulated system is conserved up to machine precision. Furthermore, transport properties of a DPDE fluid are analyzed in detail. In particular, an analytical approximation for the thermal conductivity coefficient is derived, which allows its a priori estimation for a given parameter set. Finally, we provide approximate expressions for the dimensionless Prandtl and Schmidt numbers, which characterize fluid transport properties and can be adjusted independently by a proper selection of model parameters. In conclusion, our results strengthen the DPDE method as a very robust approach for the investigation of mesoscopic systems with temperature inhomogeneities.
Probing the solid–liquid interface with tender x rays: A new ambient-pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy endstation at the Swiss Light Source
Authors: Novotny Zbynek , Aegerter Dino , Comini Nicolò , Tobler Benjamin , Artiglia Luca , Maier Urs , Moehl Thomas , Fabbri Emiliana , Huthwelker Thomas , Schmidt Thomas J. , Ammann Markus , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Raabe Jörg , Osterwalder Jürg
Published: February 2020

A new endstation to perform operando chemical analysis at solid–liquid interfaces by means of ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) is presented. The endstation is located at the Swiss Light Source and can be attached to the soft x-ray in situ spectroscopy beamline (X07DB) for solid–gas type experiments and to a tender x-ray beamline (PHOENIX I) for solid–liquid interface experiments. The setup consists of three interconnected ultrahigh vacuum chambers: one for sample preparation using surface science techniques, the analysis chamber for APXPS experiments, and an entry-lock chamber for sample transfer across the two pressure regimes. The APXPS chamber is designed to study solid–liquid interfaces stabilized by the dip and pull method. Using a three-electrode setup, the potential difference across the solid-electrolyte interface can be controlled, as is demonstrated here using an Ir(001) electrode dipped and pulled from a 0.1M KOH electrolyte. The new endstation is successfully commissioned and will offer unique opportunities for fundamental studies of phenomena that take place at solid–liquid interfaces and that are relevant for fields such as electrochemistry, photochemistry, or biochemistry, to name a few.
Spectroscopic characterization of the first excited state and photochemistry of the HO3 radical
Authors: Trabelsi Tarek , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: February 2020

We report the one-dimensional cuts of the six-dimensional potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the ground and lowest doublet and quartet electronic states of trans-HO3 at the MRCI-F12/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. Theoretical calculations predict that the first excited state (A2A) presents a real minimum on its PES and possesses a nonplanar structure. The adiabatic excitation energy at the MRCI+Q and MRCI-F12 levels shows that the A2A state lies in the near-infrared region. Both the transition dipole moment and the oscillator strength were predicted to be weak, which suggests that photodissociation of HO3 to produce OH and O2 after UV-Vis absorption is not a plausible mechanism. The harmonic vibrational frequencies and rotational constants of the weakly bound complex OH–O2 in the two electronic states were predicted to help in its detection. Our PES shows that the reactions of H + O3 or HO2 + O in their ground states do not lead to trans-HO3 in its ground electronic state if one of the component fragments, i.e., HO2(A2A′) + O(3P) or H(2S) + O3(3B2), is excited.
Variational formulation of plasma dynamics
Authors: Ludwig G. O.
Published: February 2020

Hamilton's principle is applied to obtain the equations of motion for fully relativistic collision-free plasma. The variational treatment is presented in both the Eulerian and Lagrangian frameworks. A Clebsch representation of the plasma fluid equations shows the connection between the Lagrangian and Eulerian formulations, clarifying the meaning of the multiplier in Lin's constraint. The existence of a fully relativistic hydromagnetic Cauchy invariant is demonstrated. The Lagrangian approach allows a straightforward determination of the Hamiltonian density and energy integral. The definitions of momentum, stress, and energy densities allow one to write the conservation equations in a compact and covariant form. The conservation equations are also written in an integral form with an emphasis on a generalized virial theorem. The treatment of boundary conditions produces a general expression for energy density distribution in plasma fluid.
Self-consistent electron energy distribution functions, vibrational distributions, electronic excited state kinetics in reacting microwave CO2 plasma: An advanced model
Authors: Pietanza L. D. , Colonna G. , Capitelli M.
Published: February 2020

An advanced model for the calculation of electron energy distribution functions (eedfs), vibrational distributions, and electronic excited state densities of reacting CO2 in microwave (MW) discharges has been developed for clarifying: (1) the role of electronic states of the relevant neutral species in affecting the eedf and (2) the contribution to the CO2 dissociation of the electron impact and heavy particle dissociation mechanisms. To model the discharge, the power density typical of MW discharges is used as a parameter. Different case studies including optically thick and thin plasmas and the dependence of the CO2 dissociation rates on the gas temperature are investigated. The results show that at a low gas temperature, i.e., 300 K, the heavy-particle dissociation mechanism, also called the pure vibrational mechanism, prevails on the electron impact dissociation one, while at a high gas temperature, i.e., 2000 K, the two mechanisms become competitive and the global behavior strongly depends on the choice of electron impact dissociation cross sections. Large differences appear in the eedf, especially in the post-discharge regime, when considering thick and thin plasmas. In the thick case, a well-structured eedf appears as a result of superelastic collisions mainly involving the electronic states of the relevant neutral species. In the thin plasma, many peaks disappear because the concentration of the excited states strongly decreases. Finally, our model gives the results of conversion and energy efficiency as well as vibrational distributions in satisfactory agreement with the corresponding results calculated by the Antwerp group.
Torsions, low-frequency vibrations, and vibration–torsion (“vibtor”) levels in the m-chlorotoluene cation
Authors: Kemp David J. , Warner Lewis G. , Wright Timothy G.
Published: February 2020

Zero-electron-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) spectra are presented for m-chlorotoluene (mClT), employing different low-lying torsional and vibration–torsional (“vibtor”) levels of the S1 state as intermediates. The adiabatic ionization energy is determined to be 71 319 cm−1 ± 5 cm−1 (8.8424 ± 0.0006 eV). It is found that the activity in the ZEKE spectra varies greatly for different levels and is consistent with the assignments of the S1 levels of m-fluorotoluene (mFT) deduced in the recent fluorescence study of Stewart et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 150, 174303 (2019)] and the ZEKE study from Kemp et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 151, 084311 (2019)]. As with mFT, the intensities in the ZEKE spectra of mClT are consistent with a phase change in the torsional potential upon ionization, allowing a large number of torsions and vibtor levels to be observed for the cation. Vibration-induced modifications of the torsional potential are discussed. Calculated vibrational wavenumbers for the S0, S1, and D0+ states are also presented.
Statin-induced GGPP depletion blocks macropinocytosis and starves cells with oncogenic defects
Authors: Jiao Zhihua , Cai Huaqing , Long Yu , Sirka Orit Katarina , Padmanaban Veena , Ewald Andrew J. , Devreotes Peter N.
Published: February 2020

Significance

Our studies establish a connection between two isolated observations that 1) statins, taken by millions to lower cholesterol, have antitumor activity and 2) Ras-induced macropinocytosis is important in tumorigenesis. We discover that by depleting GGPP required for pseudopod extension and macropinocytosis, statins selectively kill cells with oncogenic defects by limiting nutrient uptake.
TOR dynamically regulates plant cell–cell transport
Authors: Brunkard Jacob O. , Xu Min , Scarpin M. Regina , Chatterjee Snigdha , Shemyakina Elena A. , Goodman Howard M. , Zambryski Patricia
Published: February 2020

The coordinated redistribution of sugars from mature “source” leaves to developing “sink” leaves requires tight regulation of sugar transport between cells via plasmodesmata (PD). Although fundamental to plant physiology, the mechanisms that control PD transport and thereby support development of new leaves have remained elusive. From a forward genetic screen for altered PD transport, we discovered that the conserved eukaryotic glucose-TOR (TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN) metabolic signaling network restricts PD transport in leaves. Genetic approaches and chemical or physiological treatments to either promote or disrupt TOR activity demonstrate that glucose-activated TOR decreases PD transport in leaves. We further found that TOR is significantly more active in mature leaves photosynthesizing excess sugars than in young, growing leaves, and that this increase in TOR activity correlates with decreased rates of PD transport. We conclude that leaf cells regulate PD trafficking in response to changing carbohydrate availability monitored by the TOR pathway.
Singapore bilingual education
Authors: Lee Cher Leng , Phua Chiew Pheng
Published: February 2020

Bilingualism has always been emphasized in Singapore’s education system. Since 1959, Singapore government leaders
have repeatedly stressed that bilingualism is the cornerstone of Singapore’s language policy. Scholars researching language policy
and planning in Singapore have also assumed that Singapore has always maintained a consistent stand on bilingualism. This paper
cites the case of Chinese language (Mandarin) education as evidence to show how “bilingual” education has undergone significant
changes in Singapore by tracing the historical changes and examining how bilingual education has evolved since its implementation. The findings show that the once-compulsory bilingual requirements gave way to differentiated ones in the history of
Singapore’s bilingual policy. This finding will help researchers have a better understanding of Singapore’s “bilingual education”
today and its position compared to other bilingual education systems in the world.