bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the screening parameter for 1s electrons in a bound atom by the ratio of the intensities of coherent and incoherent scattering of X‐rays
Authors: Mikhailov Igor F. , Surovitskiy Sergey V. , Mikhailov Anton I.
Published: January 2021

The screening parameter (Z‐S) of a self‐consistent field of 1s electrons was experimentally determined for Be, B, and C atoms and for atoms with the number Z ≤ 9 included in the LiF, Li2CO3, Li4B4O7, B4C, B2O3, H2O, and C2H6O compounds. The determination was made by the experimental dependence of the ratio of the intensities of Rayleigh and Compton scattering on the momentum transfer variable in the range from 0.70 to 1.67 Å−1. For single‐component materials, the experimental (Z‐S) values correspond to theoretical values for the free atoms. For the atoms bonded in the compound, the (Z‐S) value depends on the composition of the compound and characterizes the interaction between electrons. The obtained experimental (Z‐S) data were used to calculate the electronegativity of bonded atoms and the deformation of their K‐shell was determined.
A note on one-loop cluster adjacency in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM
Authors: Mago Jorge , Schreiber Anders , Spradlin Marcus , Volovich Anastasia
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We study cluster adjacency conjectures for amplitudes in maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. We show that the n-point one-loop NMHV ratio function satisfies Steinmann cluster adjacency. We also show that the one-loop BDS-like normalized NMHV amplitude satisfies cluster adjacency between Yangian invariants and final symbol entries up to 9-points. We present conjectures for cluster adjacency properties of Plücker coordinates, quadratic cluster variables, and NMHV Yangian invariants that generalize the notion of weak separation.
Kin bias and male pair-bond status shape male-male relationships in a multilevel primate society
Authors: Dal Pesco Federica , Trede Franziska , Zinner Dietmar , Fischer Julia
Published: January 2021

Male-male social relationships in group-living mammals vary from fierce competition to the formation of opportunistic coalitions or the development of long-lasting bonds. We investigated male-male relationships in Guinea baboons (Papio papio), a species characterized by male-male tolerance and affiliation. Guinea baboons live in a multi-level society, with units of one reproductively active “primary” male, 1–6 females, and offspring at the core level. Together with “bachelor” males, several units form a party, and 2–3 parties constitute a gang. We aimed to clarify to which degree male relationship patterns varied with relatedness and pair-bond status, i.e., whether males had primary or bachelor status. Data were collected from 24 males in two parties of Guinea baboons near Simenti in the Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal. Males maintained differentiated and equitable affiliative relationships (“strong bonds”) with other males that were stable over a 4-year period, irrespective of their pair-bond status. Remarkably, most bachelor males maintained strong bonds with multiple primary males, indicating that bachelor males play an important role in the cohesion of the parties. A clear male dominance hierarchy could not be established due to the high degree of uncertainty in individual rank scores, yet bachelor males were more likely to be found at the low end of the dominance hierarchy. Average relatedness was significantly higher between strongly bonded males, suggesting that kin biases contribute to the social preferences of males. Long-term data will be needed to test how male bonds affect male tenure and ultimately reproductive success.

Significance statement

Males living in social groups may employ different strategies to increase their reproductive success, from fierce fighting to opportunistic alliance formation or the development of long-term bonds. To shed light on the factors that shape male strategies, we investigated male-male social relationships in the multilevel society of Guinea baboons (Papio papio) where “primary” males are associated with a small number of females and their offspring in “units” while other males are “bachelors.” Strong bonds occurred among and between primary and bachelor males and strongly bonded males were, on average, more closely related. Bachelor males typically had multiple bond partners and thus play an important role in the fabric of Guinea baboon societies. Across primate species, neither dispersal patterns nor social organization clearly map onto the presence of strong bonds in males, suggesting multiple routes to the evolution of male bonds.
Immuntherapie mit Antikörpern
Authors: Böldicke Thomas
Published: January 2021

Krebsentstehung basiert auf der Anhäufung von Mutationen in Wachstumsgenen (wie z. B. Transkriptionsfaktoren, Wachstumsrezeptoren oder intrazellulären Signalmolekülen) oder in Suppressorgenen (wie z. B. p53). Während des Tumorwachstums kommt es dann zur Selektion von Zellklonen, die Mutationen in „driver genes“, die zum unkontrollierten Wachstum der Zellklone führen, enthalten. Bei allen Phasen der Tumorentwicklung (Überwachung des Tumorwachstums durch das Immunsystem, Gleichgewichtsphase, Entkommen des Tumors vor dem Immunsystem) spielen die Wechselwirkung zwischen dem Immunsystem und den Tumorzellen und die Entstehung einer chronischen Entzündung in unmittelbarer Umgebung des Tumors eine entscheidende Rolle. Die Immuntherapie ist eine Krebstherapie, die das Immunsystem aktivieren soll. Eine vielversprechende angewandte Immuntherapie basiert auf Antikörpern, die Immunzellen aktivieren, das Tumorwachstum inhibieren oder zur Eliminierung der Tumorzellen führen. Dabei werden rekombinante IgG-Antikörper oder gentechnologisch veränderte Antikörperfragmente gegen tumorassoziierte Antigene (TAA’s) einzeln oder in Kombination mit Chemo- oder Strahlentherapie eingesetzt. Vielversprechend und zugelassen sind Checkpointantikörper, welche die Blockade von zytotoxischen CD8+-T-Zellen und CD4+-T-Zellen durch Tumorzellen und/oder dendritische Zellen aufheben. Andere erfolgreiche Antikörperkonstrukte sind bispezifische Antikörper (binden an T‑Zelle und Tumorzelle), chimäre Antigenrezeptoren (CAR) für die T‑Zell-Therapie, Immuntoxine (Antikörper fusioniert mit einem Toxin) und Immunzytokine (Antikörper fusioniert mit einem Zytokin). Außerdem haben intrazelluläre Antikörper, die erfolgreich in Xenograft-Tumor-Mausmodellen getestet worden sind, vielversprechendes therapeutisches Potenzial.
Effects of vasopressin on anesthetic response time and circulatory dynamics of lidocaine
Authors: Fujimori Shoko , Sunada Katsuhisa
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that vasopressin extends the anesthetic response time of lidocaine and does not affect the circulatory dynamics. Rats were sedated with isoflurane; subsequently, breathing was maintained through mechanical ventilation. We infiltrated the first molar area of the upper left jaw with saline (NS, test solution), 2% lidocaine (L), 0.025 IU vasopressin-supplemented 2% lidocaine, 0.05 IU vasopressin-supplemented 2% lidocaine, 0.1 IU vasopressin-supplemented 2% lidocaine, and 0.2 IU vasopressin-supplemented 2% lidocaine (VL4). Further, anesthetic response times were measured up to 30 min using electric pulp testing methods (n = 4). The anesthetic response times of NS, L, and VL4 were measured up to 45 min with the aforementioned results as reference values (n = 7). The circulatory dynamics of NS, L, VL4, and 0.2 IU vasopressin (V) were measured up to 45 min using a non-invasive blood pressure measuring device. VL4 extended the anesthetic response times of lidocaine compared to L (p < 0.05). Further, V and VL4 significantly increased the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and significantly decreased the pulse rate (p < 0.05). VL4 is not a suitable addition to the local anesthetic solution used in dentistry. Further study is needed to determine vasopressin concentration that extends the anesthetic effect without affecting the circulatory dynamics.
Innovations in an institutionalised higher education system: the role of embedded agency
Authors: Ma Jinyuan , Cai Yuzhuo
Published: January 2021

This paper explores how a novel university governance model at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), largely learned from the West, has been implemented in the highly institutionalised and centralised Chinese higher education system. For this purpose, we first constructed an analytical framework, integrating the conceptualisation of an innovation process in higher education and the concept of embedded agency. This framework was then applied to analyse eight interviews, seven policy documents and six news media reports in our empirical investigation of the case university. Our major research findings are: the governance model adopted by SUSTech was a disruptive innovation and it was mostly challenged by the incompatibility between the norms around the governance model and the institutional context of Chinese higher education; this challenge was mitigated through three agency strategies, labelled by the metaphors of new wine in a new bottle, new wine in an old bottle and old wine in a new bottle. Successfully implementing these strategies calls on the visions, skills of playing power games and social capital of those initiating the innovation. Finally, we discuss the theoretical contribution and practical implications of the study in the conclusion.
Liquid-liquid extraction and facilitated membrane transport of Pb2+ using a lipophilic acridono-crown ether as carrier
Authors: Golcs Ádám , Bezúr László , Huszthy Péter , Tóth Tünde
Published: January 2021

Studies on liquid-liquid extraction and bulk liquid membrane (BLM) technique-based metal ion separation by a previously published Pb2+-selective acridono-18-crown-6 ether selector molecule were performed. The effects of the stirring speed, the quality of apolar organic membrane, the counterions of Pb2+, the pH of the aqueous phase, the concentration of the source phase, the concentration of the carrier in the BLM and the temperature on the Pb2+-separation were investigated. Moreover, the effects of the competitive inhibition due to the presence of Ag+, Ca2+, Co2+, Cu2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+ and Zn2+ as competing ions in a multicomponent aqueous source phase of different ion-concentrations were also studied. After a proper dilution of the multicomponent aqueous source phase, excellent Pb2+-selectivity was achieved without a significant reduction in the efficiency compared to the liquid membrane transport of single-component systems. Based on the BLM-cell studies the applied selector molecule proved to be suitable for the development of liquid membrane-based Pb2+-selective separation methods, which can be greatly aided by the analysis of the effects on the separation and by the optimization of the parameters of the process discussed here.
Harming patients by provision of intensive care treatment: is it right to provide time-limited trials of intensive care to patients with a low chance of survival?
Authors: Donaldson Thomas M.
Published: January 2021

Time-limited trials of intensive care have arisen in response to the increasing demand for intensive care treatment for patients with a low chance of surviving their critical illness, and the clinical uncertainty inherent in intensive care decision-making. Intensive care treatment is reported by most patients to be a significantly unpleasant experience. Therefore, patients who do not survive intensive care treatment are exposed to a negative dying experience. Time-limited trials of intensive care treatment in patients with a low chance of surviving have both a small chance of benefiting this patient group and a high chance of harming them by depriving them of a good death. A ‘rule of rescue’ for the critically unwell does not justify time-limiting a trial of intensive care treatment and overlooks the experiential costs that intensive care patients face. Offering time-limited trials of intensive care to all patients, regardless of their chance of survival, overlooks the responsibility of resource-limited intensive care clinicians for suffering caused by their actions. A patient-specific risk–benefit analysis is vital when deciding whether to offer intensive care treatment, to ensure that time-limited trials of intensive care are not undertaken for patients who have a much higher chance of being harmed, rather than benefited by the treatment. The virtue ethics concept of human flourishing has the potential to offer additional ethical guidance to resource-limited clinicians facing these complex decisions, involving the balancing of a quantifiable survival benefit against the qualitative suffering that intensive care treatment may cause.
Ultimate Strength Assessment of Steel-Welded Hemispheres under External Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Cho Sang-Rai , Muttaqie Teguh , Lee Seung Hyun , Paek Jaewoo , Sohn Jung Min
Published: January 2021

This paper focusses on steel-welded hemispherical shells subjected to external hydrostatic pressure. The experimental and numerical investigations were performed to study their failure behaviour. The model was fabricated from mild steel and made through press forming and welding. We therefore considered the effect of initial shape imperfection, variation of thickness and residual stress obtained from the actual structures. Four hemisphere models designed with R/t from 50 to 130 were tested until failure. Prior to the test, the actual geometric imperfection and shell thickness were carefully measured. The comparisons of available design codes (PD 5500, ABS, DNV-GL) in calculating the collapse pressure were also highlighted against the available published test data on steel-welded hemispheres. Furthermore, the nonlinear FE simulations were also conducted to substantiate the ultimate load capacity and plastic deformation of the models that were tested. Parametric dependence of the level of sphericity, varying thickness and residual welding stresses were also numerically considered in the benchmark studies. The structure behaviour from the experiments was used to verify the numerical analysis. In this work, both collapse pressure and failure mode in the numerical model were consistent with the experimental model.
Historical overview and new directions in bioarchaeological trace element analysis: a review
Authors: Simpson Rachel , Cooper David M. L. , Swanston Treena , Coulthard Ian , Varney Tamara L.
Published: January 2021

Given their strong affinity for the skeleton, trace elements are often stored in bones and teeth long term. Diet, geography, health, disease, social status, activity, and occupation are some factors which may cause differential exposure to, and uptake of, trace elements, theoretically introducing variability in their concentrations and/or ratios in the skeleton. Trace element analysis of bioarchaeological remains has the potential, therefore, to provide rich insights into past human lifeways. This review provides a historical overview of bioarchaeological trace element analysis and comments on the current state of the discipline by highlighting approaches with growing momentum. Popularity for the discipline surged following preliminary studies in the 1960s to 1970s that demonstrated the utility of strontium (Sr) as a dietary indicator. During the 1980s, Sr/Ca ratio and multi-element studies were commonplace in bioarchaeology, linking trace elements with dietary phenomena. Interest in using trace elements for bioarchaeological inferences waned following a period of critiques in the late 1980s to 1990s that argued the discipline failed to account for diagenesis, simplified complex element uptake and regulation processes, and used several unsuitable elements for palaeodietary reconstruction (e.g. those under homeostatic regulation, those without a strong affinity for the skeleton). In the twenty-first century, trace element analyses have been primarily restricted to Sr and lead (Pb) isotope analysis and the study of toxic trace elements, though small pockets of bioarchaeology have continued to analyse multiple elements. Techniques such as micro-sampling, element mapping, and non-traditional stable isotope analysis have provided novel insights which hold the promise of helping to overcome limitations faced by the discipline.
Pathogens which threaten food security: Phytophthora infestans, the potato late blight pathogen
Authors: Yuen Jonathan
Published: January 2021

Potato late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a critical disease of potato and other solanaceous crops, such as tomato. The history of late blight is, in some ways, the history of modern plant pathology. It received much attention in the mid 1800’s by causing the Irish potato famine, and the pathogen played a prominent role in the development of the concept of plant disease and plant pathogens. The pathosystem has also been important in the development of pesticides that are active against plant pathogens, and has also been a model system in understanding concepts ranging from cellular processes, such as how resistance to plant pathogens functions, to large scale processes, such as implementation of regional plant disease warning systems. P.infestans has a secured a place in modern potato production, both in developed and less-developed countries.
Cosmic hylomorphism
Authors: Simpson William M. R.
Published: January 2021

The primitive ontology approach to quantum mechanics seeks to account for quantum phenomena in terms of a distribution of matter in three-dimensional space (or four-dimensional spacetime) and a law of nature that describes its temporal development. This approach to explaining quantum phenomena is compatible with either a Humean or powerist account of laws. In this paper, I offer a powerist ontology in which the law is specified by Bohmian mechanics for a global configuration of particles. Unlike in other powerist ontologies, however, this law is not grounded in astructural powerthat is instantiated by the global configuration. Instead, I combine the primitive ontology approach with Aristotle’s doctrine of hylomorphism to create a new metaphysical model, in which the cosmos is a hylomorphic substance with anintrinsic powerto choreograph the trajectories of the particles.
One-relator groups and algebras related to polyhedral products
Authors: Grbić Jelena , Simmons George , Ilyasova Marina , Panov Taras
Published: January 2021

We link distinct concepts of geometric group theory and homotopy theory through underlying combinatorics. For a flag simplicial complex $K$, we specify a necessary and sufficient combinatorial condition for the commutator subgroup $RC_K'$ of a right-angled Coxeter group, viewed as the fundamental group of the real moment-angle complex $\mathcal {R}_K$, to be a one-relator group; and for the Pontryagin algebra $H_{*}(\Omega \mathcal {Z}_K)$ of the moment-angle complex to be a one-relator algebra. We also give a homological characterization of these properties. For $RC_K'$, it is given by a condition on the homology group $H_2(\mathcal {R}_K)$, whereas for $H_{*}(\Omega \mathcal {Z}_K)$ it is stated in terms of the bigrading of the homology groups of $\mathcal {Z}_K$.
The Politics of “Greater India,” a Moral Geography: Moveable Antiquities and Charmed Knowledge Networks between Indonesia, India, and the West
Authors: Bloembergen Marieke
Published: January 2021

Since the nineteenth century, today's South and Southeast Asia have become part of scholarly and popular geographies that define the region as a single, superior, civilization with Hindu-Buddhist spiritual traits and its origins in India. Thesemoral geographiesof “Greater India” are still current in universities, museums, textbooks, and popular culture across the world. This article explores, for the period from the 1890s to the 1960s, how networks of scholars, intellectuals, and art collectors linking Indonesia, mainland Asia, and the West helped shaping these moral geographies and enabled the inclusion of predominantly Islamic Indonesia. It contributes to recent debates on the role of religion and affections in Orientalism by following object-biographies and focusing on knowledge exchange via the networks they connected, and by exploring the possibilities, violence, and limits of cultural understanding as objects travel from their sites of origin to elsewhere in the world. The article conceptualizes moral geographies as a heuristic device to understand how people have imagined their belonging to atransnationalspace—in this case Greater India—whether they live inside or outside of that space. It examines the impact these moral geographies have on processes of inclusion and exclusion, particularly their common disregard for Indonesia's Islamic cultures. It warns against pitfalls of transnational, “Oceanic” approaches to Asian history that focus on cultural flows, as these can exaggerate the region's cultural unity and, in doing so, reify the moral geographies of Greater India that the article interrogates.
A nudge in the right direction: the role of food choice architecture in changing populations' diets
Authors: Ensaff H.
Published: January 2021

Populations' diets typically fall short of recommendations. The implication of this on ill health and quality of life is well established, as are the subsequent health care costs. An area of growing interest within public health nutrition is food choice architecture; how a food choice is framed and its influence on subsequent food selection. In particular, there is an appeal to manipulating the choice architecture in order to nudge individuals' food choice. This review outlines the current understanding of food choice architecture, theoretical background to nudging and the evidence on the effectiveness of nudge strategies, as well as their design and implementation. Interventions emphasising the role of nudge strategies have investigated changes to the accessibility, availability and presentation of food and the use of prompts. Empirical studies have been conducted in laboratories, online and in real-world food settings, and with different populations. Evidence on the effectiveness of nudge strategies in shifting food choice is encouraging. Underpinning mechanisms, not yet fully explicated, are proposed to relate to salience, social norms and the principle of least effort. Emerging evidence points to areas for development including the effectiveness of choice architecture interventions with different and diverse populations, and the combined effect of multiple nudges. This, alongside further examination of theoretical mechanisms and guidance to engage and inspire across the breadth of food provision, is critical. In this way, the potential of choice architecture to effect meaningful change in populations' diets will be realised.
Impact of captive conditions on female germinal epithelium of the butterflyfish Chaetodon striatus (Perciformes: Chaetodontidae)
Authors: Mazzoni Talita Sarah , da Silva Graziele Cristine , Bayona Perez Isabelle Leite , Quagio-Grassiotto Irani
Published: January 2021

Chaetodon striatus is a cosmopolitan seawater species present in aquaria all over the world and its extractivism is quite high. The lack of studies on the reproductive biology of C. striatus contributes to the difficulty in managing the species outside its natural habitat. Without knowledge of the mechanisms that control or affect gonadal changes, reproduction of C. striatus in captivity has become almost impossible, considering that the species is quite sensitive and the effect of captive conditions on its reproductive biology is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect on its reproductive biology of the animal’s confinement and possible alteration in structure of the ovaries. In C. striatus, after oocyte development, for animals confined in small spaces, maturing oocytes undergo atresia. During atresia, ovarian follicles were at different stages of degeneration, characterized by the progressive loss of the basement membrane and disorganization of the follicle complex. In the advanced stage of follicular atresia, there was total loss of the basement membrane, culminating in degradation of the follicle complex. In unconfined animals, oocyte development and maturation were not affected. Confinement also affected the cell structure of the germinal epithelium, which showed large numbers of apoptotic bodies. The difference in cortisol and glucose levels between the unconfined and confined groups was significant, which may have to do with the change found in the ovaries, such as extensive follicular atresia and loss of the basement membrane.
Analysis of Spatially Distributed Fracture Attributes: Normalized Lacunarity Ratio
Authors: Roy Ankur , Perfect Edmund , Mukerji Tapan
Published: January 2021

Most fracture data analysis techniques for attributes such as dip and aperture, treat the attributes independently of their respective spatial locations. A power‐law cumulative frequency for fracture apertures, for example, tells us nothing about their spatial distribution. Lacunarity is a technique for analyzing multi‐scale binary and non‐binary data and is ideally suited for analysis that relates an attribute (e.g., aperture) to its spatial distribution. In a previous study, we showed that scale‐dependent heterogeneity of fracture spacing can be analyzed using lacunarity in order to identify whether fractures occur in clusters. To determine if such clusters contain the largest fractures that control fluid flow through a fracture network, it is imperative that size attribute data be integrated with information about fracture spacing. Here we introduce the novel concept of lacunarity ratio (LR), which is the lacunarity of a given non‐binary data set normalized to the lacunarity of its random counterpart. This technique can delineate the relationship between attributes and spatial clustering by determining scale‐dependent changes in persistence and anti‐persistence. LR is implemented to test if large fractures are statistically found within fracture clusters or if they are randomly distributed at a given scale of observation. The technique is then applied to five different data sets with spacing values together with aperture, length and dip values respectively. The LR‐technique thus developed can help in identifying the occurrence of large or steep fractures with respect to fracture clusters, which in turn, can help improve modeling strategies.
Estimating the Daytime Vertical E × B Drift From Magnetometer and C/NOFS Measurements and Comparison With Empirical Models Over the East African Sector
Authors: Tilahun Samson
Published: January 2021

This paper introduces a new approach of estimating the daytime horizontal geomagnetic field (ΔH)‐induced variations of vertical E × B drift velocity and evaluates its performance using Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting Systems (C/NOFS) over the East African sector. H field at AAE (Addis Ababa magnetometer station) and ETHI (Adigrat magnetometer station in Ethiopia) and their immediate difference alongside with C/NOFS E × B drift were used for periodic polynomial fitting (PPF) a periodic basis. Knowledge of E × B drift is of utmost importance in space weather‐related predictions since it can significantly affect ionospheric density structures and dynamics. The periodic fitting illustrates better agreement with C/NOFS observation during 16:00–19:00 LT than 10:00–16:00 LT whose root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) increased from 9.2 to 12.67 m/s, respectively. Comparison of PPF, recent regional E × B model made by Dubazane and Habarulema (2018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018SW001820) (E × BDub) and E × BIRI (vertical E × B estimates of International Reference Ionosphere [IRI]) was carried out using C/NOFS observation. Independent model validation shows that C/NOFS E × B values are closer to PPF estimates than E × BDub and E × BIRI over the region. Besides, the least squares model with physical inputs including local time (LT), day of the year (DOY), extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux, and ΔH provides lowest RMSEs of about 5.36 and 7.41 m/s using a method of neural networking during low solar activity (LSA) and high solar activity (HSA), respectively.
Central Equatorial Pacific Cooling During the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Monteagudo Minda Moriah , Lynch‐Stieglitz Jean , Marchitto Thomas M. , Schmidt Matthew W.
Published: January 2021

Establishing tropical sea surface temperature (SST) during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is important for constraining equilibrium climate sensitivity to radiative forcing. Until now, there has been little data from the central equatorial Pacific in global compilations, with foraminiferal assemblage‐based estimates suggesting the region was within 1°C of modern temperatures during the LGM. This is in stark contrast to multi‐proxy evidence from the eastern and western Pacific and model simulations which support larger cooling. Here we present the first estimates of glacial SST in the central equatorial Pacific from Mg/Ca in Globigerinoides ruber. Our results show that the central Pacific cooled by about 2.0°C during the LGM, in contrast with previous global compilations but in agreement with models. Our data support a larger magnitude of tropical LGM cooling, and thus a larger equilibrium climate sensitivity, than previous studies which relied on foraminiferal assemblages in the central tropical Pacific.
Consistent Large‐Scale Response of Hourly Extreme Precipitation to Temperature Variation Over Land
Authors: Ali Haider , Fowler Hayley J. , Lenderink Geert , Lewis Elizabeth , Pritchard David
Published: January 2021

Hourly precipitation extremes can intensify with temperature at higher rates than expected from thermodynamic increases explained by the Clausius‐Clapeyron (CC) relationship (∼6.5%/K), but local scaling with surface air temperature is highly variable. Here we use daily dew point temperature, a direct proxy of absolute humidity, to estimate at‐gauge local scaling across six macro‐regions for a global data set of over 7,000 hourly precipitation gauges. We find scaling rates from CC to 2 × CC at more than 60% of gauges, peaking in the tropics at a median rate of ∼1.5CC. Moreover, regional scaling rates show surprisingly universal behavior at around CC, with higher scaling in Europe. Importantly for impacts, hourly scaling is persistently higher than scaling for daily extreme precipitation. Our results indicate greater consistency in global scaling than previous work, usually at or above CC, with positive scaling in the (sub)tropics. This demonstrates the relevance of DPT scaling to understanding future changes.
Statistics and Forecasting of Aftershocks During the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, Earthquake Sequence
Authors: Shcherbakov Robert
Published: January 2021

The 2019 Ridgecrest, California, earthquake sequence represents a complex pattern of seismicity that is characterized by the occurrence of a well‐defined foreshock sequence followed by a mainshock and subsequent aftershocks. In this study, a detailed statistical analysis of the sequence is performed. Particularly, the parametric modeling of the frequency‐magnitude statistics and the earthquake occurrence rate is carried out. It is shown that the clustering of earthquakes plays an important role during the evolution of this sequence. In addition, the problem of constraining the magnitude of the largest expected aftershocks to occur during the evolution of the sequence is addressed. In order to do this, two approaches are considered. The first one is based on the extreme value theory, whereas the second one uses the Bayesian predictive framework. The latter approach has allowed to incorporate the complex earthquake clustering through the Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) process and the uncertainties associated with the model parameters into the computation of the corresponding probabilities. The results indicate that the inclusion of the foreshock sequence into the analysis produces higher probabilities for the occurrence of the largest expected aftershocks after the M7.1 mainshock compared to the approach based on the extreme value distribution combined with the Omori‐Utsu formula for the earthquake rate. Several statistical tests are applied to verify the forecast.
A Soil Moisture‐Dependent Model to Simulate Water Table Depth and Proportions of Surface and Subsurface Runoff and Its Validation at the Basin Scale
Authors: Lv Meizhao , Yang Zong‐Liang , Xu Zhongfeng , Dan Li , Lv Meixia , Zheng Hui
Published: January 2021

In land surface models, the ability to simulate runoff is a good diagnostic for the hydrological cycle and other surface parameterizations; however, the partitioning of total runoff into surface and subsurface runoff shows considerable uncertainties. The interaction between soil moisture and groundwater plays an important role in simulating the surface and subsurface runoff. Specific yield (Sy) is widely used to calculate water table depths, in which the error comes mainly from uncertainty in determining the Sy value. This study developed a new soil moisture‐dependent model (SMD‐model) to improve the simulations of water table depths and partitioning total runoff into subsurface and surface components. The validations against observations and the Community Noah Land Surface Model with MultiParameterization Options (Noah‐MP) in three basins indicate that the SMD‐model can simulate a realistic and stable water table series, which shows the detailed variations of observed water tables, avoiding the uncertainties in determining Sy; and it can generate accurate proportions of surface and subsurface runoff. However, when Sy is used to calculate the water table depth, keeping other processes the same as in the SMD‐model, it produces a series of smoother and deeper water tables, and underestimates the proportion of subsurface runoff to total runoff by 24%–28%. Noah‐MP captures the overall variation of observed water tables and overestimates the proportion of subsurface runoff by 20%–33%. This study can provide relatively accurate estimations of water tables and surface and subsurface runoff, and benefit the study of land‐atmosphere interactions.
BATF2 prevents glioblastoma multiforme progression by inhibiting recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liu Yi , Dai Lei , Shi Gang , Deng Jie , Luo Qiang , Xie Qian , Cheng Lin , Li Chunlei , Lin Yi , Wang Qingnan , Fan Ping , Zhang Hantao , Su Xiaolan , Zhang Shuang , Yang Yang , Hu Xun , Gong Qiyong , Yu Dechao , Zheng Lei , Deng Hongxin
Published: January 2021

The basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor 2 (BATF2) has been implicated in inflammatory responses and anti-tumour effects. Little, however, is known regarding its extracellular role in maintaining a non-supportive cancer microenvironment. Here, we show that BATF2 inhibits glioma growth and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) recruitment. Interestingly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) from BATF2-overexpressing glioma cell lines (BATF2-EVs) inhibited MDSCs chemotaxis in vitro. Moreover, BATF2 inhibited intracellular SDF-1α and contributes to decreased SDF-1α in EVs. In addition, BATF2 downregulation-induced MDSCs recruitment were reversed by blocking SDF-1α/CXCR4 signalling upon AMD3100 treatment. Specifically, detection of EVs in 24 pairs of gliomas and healthy donors at different stages revealed that the abundance of BATF2-positive EVs in plasma (BATF2+plEVs) can distinguish stage III–IV glioma from stage I–II glioma and healthy donors. Taken together, our study identified novel regulatory functions of BATF2 in regulating MDSCs recruitment, providing a prognostic value in terms of the number of BATF2+plEVs in glioma stage.
Ultra-narrow-bandwidth graphene quantum dots for superresolved spectral and spatial sensing
Authors: Wang Zhen , Dong Xuezhe , Zhou Shuyun , Xie Zheng , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: January 2021

Narrow-bandwidth luminescent materials are already used in optoelectronic devices, superresolution, lasers, imaging, and sensing. The new-generation carbon fluorescence nanomaterials—carbon dots—have attracted considerable attention due to their advantages, such as simple operation, environmental friendliness, and good photoelectric performance. In this work, two narrower-bandwidth (21 and 30 nm) emission graphene quantum dots with long-wavelength fluorescence were successfully prepared by a one-step method, and their photoluminescence (PL) peaks were at 683 and 667 nm, respectively. These red-emitting graphene quantum dots were characterized by excitation wavelength dependence of the fluorescence lifetimes, and they were successfully applied to spectral and spatial superresolved sensing. Here, we proposed to develop an infrared spectroscopic sensing configuration based on two narrow-bandwidth-emission graphene quantum dots. The advantage of the method used is that spectroscopic information was extracted without using a spectrometer, and two narrow-bandwidth-emission graphene quantum dots were simultaneously excited to achieve spatial separation through the unique temporal “signatures” of the two types of graphene quantum dots. The spatial separation localization errors of the graphene quantum dots (GQDs-Sn and GQDs-OH) were 1 pixel (10 nm) and 3 pixels (30 nm), respectively. The method could also be adjusted for nanoscope-related applications in which spatial superresolved sensing was achieved.
Cellular Heterogeneity–Adjusted cLonal Methylation (CHALM) improves prediction of gene expression
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Shi Jiejun , Cui Xiaodong , Cui Ya , Li Jingyi Jessica , Goel Ajay , Chen Xi , Issa Jean-Pierre , Su Jianzhong , Li Wei
Published: January 2021

Promoter DNA methylation is a well-established mechanism of transcription repression, though its global correlation with gene expression is weak. This weak correlation can be attributed to the failure of current methylation quantification methods to consider the heterogeneity among sequenced bulk cells. Here, we introduce Cell Heterogeneity–Adjusted cLonal Methylation (CHALM) as a methylation quantification method. CHALM improves understanding of the functional consequences of DNA methylation, including its correlations with gene expression and H3K4me3. When applied to different methylation datasets, the CHALM method enables detection of differentially methylated genes that exhibit distinct biological functions supporting underlying mechanisms.
Carbon nanotube-reduced graphene oxide fiber with high torsional strength from rheological hierarchy control
Authors: Eom Wonsik , Lee Eunsong , Lee Sang Hoon , Sung Tae Hyun , Clancy Adam J. , Lee Won Jun , Han Tae Hee
Published: January 2021

High torsional strength fibers are of practical interest for applications such as artificial muscles, electric generators, and actuators. Herein, we maximize torsional strength by understanding, measuring, and overcoming rheological thresholds of nanocarbon (nanotube/graphene oxide) dopes. The formed fibers show enhanced structure across multiple length scales, modified hierarchy, and improved mechanical properties. In particular, the torsional properties were examined, with high shear strength (914 MPa) attributed to nanotubes but magnified by their structure, intercalating graphene sheets. This design approach has the potential to realize the hierarchical dimensional hybrids, and may also be useful to build the effective network structure of heterogeneous materials.
Adhesion-mediated heterogeneous actin organization governs apoptotic cell extrusion
Authors: Le Anh Phuong , Rupprecht Jean-François , Mège René-Marc , Toyama Yusuke , Lim Chwee Teck , Ladoux Benoît
Published: January 2021

Apoptotic extrusion is crucial in maintaining epithelial homeostasis. Current literature supports that epithelia respond to extrusion by forming a supracellular actomyosin purse-string in the neighbors. However, whether other actin structures could contribute to extrusion and how forces generated by these structures can be integrated are unknown. Here, we found that during extrusion, a heterogeneous actin network composed of lamellipodia protrusions and discontinuous actomyosin cables, was reorganized in the neighboring cells. The early presence of basal lamellipodia protrusion participated in both basal sealing of the extrusion site and orienting the actomyosin purse-string. The co-existence of these two mechanisms is determined by the interplay between the cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesions. A theoretical model integrates these cellular mechanosensitive components to explain why a dual-mode mechanism, which combines lamellipodia protrusion and purse-string contractility, leads to more efficient extrusion than a single-mode mechanism. In this work, we provide mechanistic insight into extrusion, an essential epithelial homeostasis process.
Non-volatile optical switch of resistance in photoferroelectric tunnel junctions
Authors: Long Xiao , Tan Huan , Sánchez Florencio , Fina Ignasi , Fontcuberta Josep
Published: January 2021

In the quest for energy efficient and fast memory elements, optically controlled ferroelectric memories are promising candidates. Here, we show that, by taking advantage of the imprint electric field existing in the nanometric BaTiO3 films and their photovoltaic response at visible light, the polarization of suitably written domains can be reversed under illumination. We exploit this effect to trigger and measure the associate change of resistance in tunnel devices. We show that engineering the device structure by inserting an auxiliary dielectric layer, the electroresistance increases by a factor near 2 × 103%, and a robust electric and optic cycling of the device can be obtained mimicking the operation of a memory device under dual control of light and electric fields.
Plasmon-driven nanowire actuators for on-chip manipulation
Authors: Linghu Shuangyi , Gu Zhaoqi , Lu Jinsheng , Fang Wei , Yang Zongyin , Yu Huakang , Li Zhiyuan , Zhu Runlin , Peng Jian , Zhan Qiwen , Zhuang Songlin , Gu Min , Gu Fuxing
Published: January 2021

Chemically synthesized metal nanowires are promising building blocks for next-generation photonic integrated circuits, but technological implementation in monolithic integration will be severely hampered by the lack of controllable and precise manipulation approaches, due to the strong adhesion of nanowires to substrates in non-liquid environments. Here, we demonstrate this obstacle can be removed by our proposed earthworm-like peristaltic crawling motion mechanism, based on the synergistic expansion, friction, and contraction in plasmon-driven metal nanowires in non-liquid environments. The evanescently excited surface plasmon greatly enhances the heating effect in metal nanowires, thereby generating surface acoustic waves to drive the nanowires crawling along silica microfibres. Advantages include sub-nanometer positioning accuracy, low actuation power, and self-parallel parking. We further demonstrate on-chip manipulations including transporting, positioning, orientation, and sorting, with on-situ operation, high selectivity, and great versatility. Our work paves the way to realize full co-integration of various functionalized photonic components on single chips.
Phosphorylation-induced changes in the PDZ domain of Dishevelled 3
Authors: Jurásek Miroslav , Kumar Jitender , Paclíková Petra , Kumari Alka , Tripsianes Konstantinos , Bryja Vítězslav , Vácha Robert
Published: January 2021

The PDZ domain of Dishevelled 3 protein belongs to a highly abundant protein recognition motif which typically binds short C-terminal peptides. The affinity of the PDZ towards the peptides could be fine-tuned by a variety of post-translation modifications including phosphorylation. However, how phosphorylations affect the PDZ structure and its interactions with ligands remains elusive. Combining molecular dynamics simulations, NMR titration, and biological experiments, we explored the role of previously reported phosphorylation sites and their mimetics in the Dishevelled PDZ domain. Our observations suggest three major roles for phosphorylations: (1) acting as an on/off PDZ binding switch, (2) allosterically affecting the binding groove, and (3) influencing the secondary binding site. Our simulations indicated that mimetics had similar but weaker effects, and the effects of distinct sites were non-additive. This study provides insight into the Dishevelled regulation by PDZ phosphorylation. Furthermore, the observed effects could be used to elucidate the regulation mechanisms in other PDZ domains.
Estimating density limits for walking pedestrians keeping a safe interpersonal distancing
Authors: Echeverría-Huarte I. , Garcimartín A. , Hidalgo R. C. , Martín-Gómez C. , Zuriguel I.
Published: January 2021

With people trying to keep a safe distance from others due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the way in which pedestrians walk has completely changed since the pandemic broke out1,2. In this work, laboratory experiments demonstrate the effect of several variables—such as the pedestrian density, the walking speed and the prescribed safety distance—on the interpersonal distance established when people move within relatively dense crowds. Notably, we observe that the density should not be higher than 0.16 pedestrians per square meter (around 6 m2 per pedestrian) in order to guarantee an interpersonal distance of 1 m. Although the extrapolation of our findings to other more realistic scenarios is not straightforward, they can be used as a first approach to establish density restrictions in urban and architectonic spaces based on scientific evidence.
Hotspot generation for unique identification with nanomaterials
Authors: Abdelazim Nema M. , Fong Matthew J. , McGrath Thomas , Woodhead Christopher S. , Al-Saymari Furat , Bagci Ibrahim E. , Jones Alex T. , Wang Xintai , Young Robert J.
Published: January 2021

Nanoscale variations in the structure and composition of an object are an enticing basis for verifying its identity, due to the physical complexity of attempting to reproduce such a system. The biggest practical challenge for nanoscale authentication lies in producing a system that can be assessed with a facile measurement. Here, a system is presented in which InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are randomly distributed on a surface of an aluminium-coated substrate with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Variations in the local arrangement of the QDs and NPs is shown to lead to interactions between them, which can suppress or enhance fluorescence from the QDs. This position-dependent interaction can be mapped, allowing intensity, emission dynamics, and/or wavelength variations to be used to uniquely identify a specific sample at the nanoscale with a far-field optical measurement. This demonstration could pave the way to producing robust anti-counterfeiting devices.
Carvacrol exhibits rapid bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pyogenes through cell membrane damage
Authors: Wijesundara Niluni M. , Lee Song F. , Cheng Zhenyu , Davidson Ross , Rupasinghe H. P. Vasantha
Published: January 2021

Streptococcus pyogenes is an important human pathogen worldwide. The identification of natural antibacterial phytochemicals has renewed interest due to the current scarcity of antibiotic development. Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid found in herbs. We evaluated carvacrol alone and combined with selected antibiotics against four strains of S. pyogenes in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of carvacrol against S. pyogenes were 125 µg/mL (0.53 mM) and 250 µg/mL (1.05 mM), respectively. Kill curve results showed that carvacrol exhibits instantaneous bactericidal activity against S. pyogenes. We also demonstrated the potential mechanism of action of carvacrol through compromising the cell membrane integrity. Carvacrol induced membrane integrity changes leading to leakage of cytoplasmic content such as lactate dehydrogenase enzymes and nucleic acids. We further confirmed dose-dependent rupturing of cells and cell deaths using transmission electron microscopy. The chequerboard assay results showed that carvacrol possesses an additive-synergistic effect with clindamycin or penicillin. Carvacrol alone, combined with clindamycin or penicillin, can be used as a safe and efficacious natural health product for managing streptococcal pharyngitis.