bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Turbulent Structure of the Azores Current System: A Statistical Analysis
Authors: Silva‐Fernandes S. M. , Peliz A. J.
Published: October 2020

Twenty‐five years of satellite altimetry Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) and SLA‐derived eddy trajectories are used for a thorough characterization of the Azores Current (AzC) eddies' kinematic properties (i.e., amplitude, radius, and swirl velocity) and evolution above the Mid Atlantic Ridge (MAR) and the Seewarte seamount chain (around 28°W). Changes in the mean flow kinetic energy and eddy kinetic energy (EKE) along the AzC main axis (around 34.2°N) allow to divide its zonal structure into three sectors: The western one, between the MAR and 28°W, the central, until 24°W and the eastern, between 24°W and 20°W. A clear intensification of the western sector is visible in both distribution maps, as well in the median, Skewness, and Kurtosis of the SLA field. Two main patterns of the SLA turbulent field also emerge from the statistical analysis: a meridional asymmetry around the current mean axis and a zonal one. The kinematic properties of the detected eddies clearly demonstrate that cyclones are more intense and non‐linear than anticyclones, mainly in the western region, exhibiting higher values of EKE. High amplitude cyclones reported in several papers of the area (with a time‐mean amplitude above 16 cm) are rarities, with only six cyclones detected in the 25 years of data.
Bathymetric Influences on Antarctic Ice‐Shelf Melt Rates
Authors: Goldberg D. N. , Smith T. A. , Narayanan S. H. K. , Heimbach P. , Morlighem M.
Published: October 2020

Ocean bathymetry exerts a strong control on ice sheet‐ocean interactions within Antarctic ice‐shelf cavities, where it can limit the access of warm, dense water at depth to the underside of floating ice shelves. However, ocean bathymetry is challenging to measure within or close to ice‐shelf cavities. It remains unclear how uncertainty in existing bathymetry datasets affect simulated sub‐ice‐shelf melt rates. Here we infer linear sensitivities of ice‐shelf melt rates to bathymetric shape with grid‐scale detail by means of the adjoint of an ocean general circulation model. Both idealized and realistic‐geometry experiments of sub‐ice‐shelf cavities in West Antarctica reveal that bathymetry has a strong impact on melt in localized regions such as topographic obstacles to flow. Moreover, response of melt to bathymetric perturbation is found to be non‐monotonic, with deepening leading to either increased or decreased melt depending on location. Our computational approach provides a comprehensive way of identifying regions, where refined knowledge of bathymetry is most impactful, and also where bathymetric errors have relatively little effect on modeled ice sheet‐ocean interactions.
Sea‐Ice Melt Driven by Ice‐Ocean Stresses on the Mesoscale
Authors: Gupta Mukund , Marshall John , Song Hajoon , Campin Jean‐Michel , Meneghello Gianluca
Published: October 2020

The seasonal ice zone around both the Arctic and the Antarctic coasts is typically characterized by warm and salty waters underlying a cold and fresh layer that insulates sea‐ice floating at the surface from vertical heat fluxes. Here, we explore how a mesoscale eddy field rubbing against ice at the surface can, through Ekman‐induced vertical motion, bring warm waters up to the surface and partially melt the ice. We dub this the “Eddy‐Ice‐Pumping” (EIP) mechanism. When sea‐ice is relatively motionless, underlying mesoscale eddies experience a surface drag that generates Ekman upwelling in anticyclones and downwelling in cyclones. An eddy composite analysis of a Southern Ocean eddying channel model, capturing the interaction of the mesoscale with sea‐ice, shows that within the compact ice zone, the mixed layer depth (MLD) is shallow in anticyclones (∼20 m) due to sea‐ice melt and deep in cyclones (∼50–200m) due to brine rejection. “EIP” warms the core of anticyclones without significantly affecting the temperature of cyclones, producing a net upward vertical heat flux that reduces the mean sea‐ice thickness by 10% and shoals the MLD by 60% over the course of winter and spring. In the following months, the sea‐ice thickness recovers with an overshoot, due to strong negative feedbacks associated with atmospheric cooling and salt stratification. Consequently, the effect of “EIP” does not accumulate over the years, but modulates the seasonal cycle of ice within the compact ice zone.
Accurate Estimations of Sea‐Ice Thickness and Elastic Properties From Seismic Noise Recorded With a Minimal Number of Geophones: From Thin Landfast Ice to Thick Pack Ice
Authors: Moreau Ludovic , Weiss Jérôme , Marsan David
Published: October 2020

Despite their high potential for accurate sea ice properties estimation, seismic methods are still limited by the difficulty of access and the challenging logistics of polar environments. Conventional seismic methods generally require tens of geophones together with active seismic sources for monitoring applications. While this is not an issue for mainland environment, it is restrictive for sea ice and prevents long‐term monitoring. We introduce a method to estimate sea ice thickness and elastic properties from passive recordings of the ambient seismic field with a minimal number of geophones. In comparison with our previous work (Moreau et al., 2020; https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JC015709) where about 50 sensors were used, the number of geophones is reduced by 1 order of magnitude, thanks to a new strategy of inversion of the passive seismic data. The method combines noise interferometry for estimating the elastic properties, with a Bayesian inversion of the dispersion in the waveforms of icequakes for inferring ice thickness, based on passive recordings from only 3–5 geophones, depending on the signal to noise ratio. We demonstrate its potential both on data recorded on thin landfast ice in Svalbard, and on data recorded on thick pack ice in the Arctic ocean.
Temperature Gradients and Inversions in a Forested Cascade Range Basin: Synoptic‐ to Local‐Scale Controls
Authors: Rupp David E. , Shafer Sarah L. , Daly Christopher , Jones Julia A. , Frey Sarah J. K.
Published: October 2020

Cold‐air pooling and associated air temperature inversions are important features of mountain landscapes, but incomplete understanding of their controlling factors hinders prediction of how they may mediate potential future climate changes at local scales. We evaluated how topographic and forest canopy effects on insolation and local winds altered the expression of synoptic‐scale meteorological forcing on near‐surface air temperature inversions and how these effects varied by time of day, season, and spatial scale. Using ~13 years of hourly temperature measurements in forest canopy openings and under the forest canopy at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in the western Cascade Range of Oregon (USA), we calculated air temperature gradients at the basin scale (high vs. low elevation) and at the cross‐valley scale for two transects that differed in topography and forest canopy cover. ERA5 and NCEP NCAR R1 reanalysis data were used to evaluate regional‐scale conditions. Basin and cross‐valley temperature inversions were frequent, particularly in winter and often persisted for several days. Nighttime inversions were more frequent at the cross‐valley scale but displayed the same intra‐annual pattern at the basin and regional scales, becoming most frequent in summer. Nighttime temperature gradients at basin and cross‐valley scales responded similarly to regional‐scale controls, particularly free‐air temperature gradients, despite differences in topography and forest cover. In contrast, the intra‐annual pattern of daytime inversions differed between the basin and cross‐valley scales and between the two cross‐valley transects, implying that topographic and canopy effects on insolation and local winds were key controls at these scales.
Near‐Global CFC‐11 Trends as Observed by Atmospheric Infrared Sounder From 2003 to 2018
Authors: Chen Xiuhong , Huang Xianglei , Strow L. Larrabee
Published: October 2020

Recent studies have indicated a slowdown of the decline of CFC‐11 concentration since 2012. Ground‐based observations used in such studies have their limitations in terms of global coverage. Here we show that the CFC‐11 time‐varying behaviors can be seen by double differencing nadir‐view, clear‐sky brightness temperatures of four AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) channels in an infrared CFC‐11 absorption band. Assuming that CFC‐11 is vertically well mixed through the troposphere, we retrieve CFC‐11 surface concentration and its secular trend using such AIRS observations over the near globe (55°S to 55°N) from January 2003 to December 2018. The retrieved trends of CFC‐11 at the 11 ground sites agree well with the trends derived from in situ measurements at those sites. Our results show that, from 55°S to 55°N, the CFC‐11 trends from January 2003 to December 2012 are all negative, ranging from −2.5 to −1 ppt/year. The trends from January 2003 to December 2018 are less negative by as much as ~0.5–1 ppt/year over the Shandong peninsula, the Arabian Peninsula, and north India and Nepal area, and such differences in the trends are statistically significant. Factors other than the CFC‐11 that can affect the retrievals and trends are also discussed. These findings can help us depict the near‐global spatial distribution of the CFC‐11 trends from 2003 to 2018. The analysis described here has the potential to be used with current and future hyperspectral sounders to help monitor the CFC‐11 from space.
Increased Role of Late Winter Sea Surface Temperature Variability Over Northern Tropical Atlantic in Spring Precipitation Prediction Over Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Sun Jianqi
Published: October 2020

The present study investigates the relationship between the winter North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) and spring Northeast China (NEC) precipitation during 1961–2016 from a seasonal prediction aspect. The results show that the February SST variability over the northern tropical Atlantic (NTA) has an enhanced relationship with the spring NEC precipitation after the late 1970s, consequently providing a prediction source for the spring NEC precipitation during the period. Such an interdecadal change in the relationship between February NTA SST and spring NEC precipitation is associated with the interdecadal change in the tropical SST around the late 1970s. The NTA SST exhibits good persistence from late winter to spring. Under the warmer SST background after the late 1970s, the NTA SST is related to more active tropical convection and diabatic heating anomalies in spring, consequently leading to an enhanced connection between the NTA SST and atmospheric circulations over the middle‐to‐high latitude North Atlantic during the period. Anomalous atmospheric circulations over the North Atlantic can further excite Rossby wave train that propagates eastward to East Asia, consequently influencing the moisture and dynamic conditions over NEC. Through the aforementioned physical processes, the NTA SST variability can lead to anomalous precipitation over NEC. The physical processes linking the NTA SST anomalies and spring NEC precipitation are further confirmed by an atmospheric general circulation model experiment forced with idealized NTA warming. The 1‐month lead information of the NTA SST provides a prediction source for spring precipitation over NEC, which has potential usage in operational forecasting.
Effects of the Largest Lake of the Tibetan Plateau on the Regional Climate
Authors: Su Dongsheng , Wen Lijuan , Gao Xiaoqing , Leppäranta Matti , Song Xingyu , Shi Qianqian , Kirillin Georgiy
Published: October 2020

Qinghai Lake is the largest lake in China. However, its influence on the local climate remains poorly understood. By using an atmosphere‐lake coupled model, we investigated the impact of the lake on the local climate. After the adjustment of four key parameters, the model reasonably reproduced the lake‐air interaction. Superimposed by the orographic effects on lake‐land breeze circulation, the presence of the lake enhanced precipitation over the southern part of the lake and its adjacent land, while slightly reduced precipitation along the northern shore of the lake. The lake effect on local precipitation revealed a distinct seasonal and diurnal variability, reducing precipitation in May (−6.6%) and June (−4.5%) and increasing it from July (5.7%) to November (125.6%). During the open water season, the lake's daytime cooling effect weakened and the nighttime warming effect strengthened, affecting spatial distribution and intensity of lake‐induced precipitation. In early summer, precipitation slightly decreased over the north part of the lake due to the lake's daytime cooling. In turn, lake‐induced nighttime warming increased precipitation over the southern section of the lake and its adjacent land. With the start of the autumn cooling in September, heat and moisture fluxes from the lake resulted in precipitation increase in both daytime and nighttime over the entire lake. In October, the background atmospheric circulation coupled with the strong lake effects lead to a small amount but high proportion of lake‐induced precipitation spreading evenly over the lake.
Dingo Gap: Curiosity Went Up a Small Transverse Aeolian Ridge and Came Down a Megaripple
Authors: Zimbelman James R. , Foroutan Marzieh
Published: October 2020

Rover data can provide important constraints on the possible origin of wind‐related martian features that have been termed “Transverse Aeolian Ridges” (TARs). The large aeolian bedform traversed by Curiosity at Dingo Gap has a planform and albedo similar to members of nearby TAR fields, so that the crossing at Dingo Gap revealed the surface characteristics of a small TAR. Mars Hand Lens Imager images documented 1–2 mm diameter, well‐rounded particles on the Dingo Gap bedform, along with numerous images obtained from the Mastcam, Hazcam, and Navcam science and engineering cameras on the rover. These images confirm that this feature (and, by extension, all small TARs) can be considered a megaripple whose surface is coated by rounded particles that are too large to be set into motion through saltation, but they may be induced to roll (creep) along the surface by the impact of saltating sand grains (a characteristic of megaripples on Earth). The images also confirm that a bimodal wind was present here, a condition that could have contributed to the symmetrical profile of the bedform. The bearing strength at Dingo Gap was better than that of the Purgatory megaripple that trapped Opportunity for several weeks, so that all megaripples should not be automatically presumed to represent a trafficability hazard for a rover.
Inclusion of Building‐Resolving Capabilities Into the FastEddy® GPU‐LES Model Using an Immersed Body Force Method
Authors: Muñoz‐Esparza Domingo , Sauer Jeremy A. , Shin Hyeyum Hailey , Sharman Robert , Kosović Branko , Meech Scott , García‐Sánchez Clara , Steiner Matthias , Knievel Jason , Pinto James , Swerdlin Scott
Published: October 2020

As a first step toward achieving full physics urban weather simulation capabilities within the resident‐GPU large‐eddy simulation (LES) FastEddy® model, we have implemented and verified/validated a method for explicit representation of building effects. Herein, we extend the immersed body force method (IBFM) from Chan and Leach (2007, https://doi.org/10.1175/2006JAMC1321.1) to (i) be scale independent and (ii) control building surface temperatures. Through a specific drag‐like term in the momentum equations, the IBFM is able to enforce essentially zero velocities within the buildings, in turn resulting in a no‐slip boundary condition at the building walls. In addition, we propose similar forcing terms in the energy and mass conservation equations that allow an accurate prescription of the building temperature. The extended IBFM is computationally efficient and has the potential to be coupled to building energy models. The IBFM exhibits excellent agreement with laboratory experiments of an array of staggered cubes at a grid spacing of
 mm, demonstrating the applicability of the method beyond the atmospheric scale. In addition, the IBFM is validated at atmospheric scale through simulations of downtown Oklahoma City (
 m) using data collected during the Joint Urban 2003 (JU03) field campaign. Our LES IBFM results for mean wind speed, turbulence kinetic energy, and SF6 transport and dispersion compare well to observations and produce turbulence spectra that are in good agreement with sonic anemometer data. Statistical performance metrics for the JU03 simulations are within the range of other LES models in the literature.
Tectonic Switching of the Trans‐North China Orogen in the Middle Paleoproterozoic: Insights From Mafic Magmatism in the Lüliang Complex
Authors: Liu Chaohui , Zhao Guochun , Liu Fulai , Xu Wang
Published: October 2020

Recognition of tectonic switching is of great significance for understanding the formation and evolution of ancient accretionary orogens. In this study, whole‐rock geochemical and Sm‐Nd isotopic and zircon U‐Pb, Lu‐Hf isotopic, and trace element data are reported for two generations of metamorphosed mafic rocks from the Lüliang Complex, middle Trans‐North China Orogen. Although both episodes of mafic magmatism were derived from variable degrees of interaction between a subcontinental lithospheric mantle and slab‐derived hydrous fluids and melts, the younger ones (2.09–2.06 Ga) had higher whole‐rock εNd(t) and zircon εHf(t) values, higher (Ta/La)N ratios, and weaker Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle‐normalized trace element diagram compared with the older ones (2.18–2.15 Ga), implying a less‐enriched mantle source and subdued subduction features. More importantly, a decrease of U/Yb and Ce/Ce* ratios of magmatic zircons and whole‐rocks V/Ti ratios from the older to younger ones implied less slab‐derived fluid addition, and a decrease of whole‐rock (Sm/Yb)N and Hf/Lu ratios suggests decreasing pressure of melt extraction and so lithosphere thickness. In consideration of other tectonothermal activity and paleogeography observed from the middle Trans‐North China Orogen, we propose a tectonic switching model to explain the middle to late Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution caused by early subduction hinge retreat to later advance and ultimately continental collision.
Snowdrift Landscape Patterns: An Arctic Investigation
Authors: Parr Charles , Sturm Matthew , Larsen Chris
Published: October 2020

Between 2012 and 2018 we mapped near‐peak seasonal snow depths across two swaths covering 126 km2 in Northern Alaska using aerial structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry and lidar surveys. The surveys were validated by over a hundred thousand ground‐based depth measurements. Using a quantitative method for identifying drift areas, we conducted a snowdrift census that showed on average 18% of the study area is covered by snowdrifts each winter, with 40% of the snow‐water‐equivalent contained in the drifts. Within the census we identified six types of drifts, some of which fill each winter, others which do not. The seasonal drift evolution was distinctly different in the two swaths, a result largely explained by topographic differences. Using four metrics from the field of image quality analysis, we tested the year‐to‐year fidelity of these drift patterns, finding overall high year‐to‐year similarity, but with higher similarity values for filling drifts, and higher similarity values in one swath versus the other, again a function of the topography. These high drift fidelity values are best explained by climatically convergent winter‐cumulative windblown snow fluxes interacting with drift traps to produce the same drifts year after year. However, due to the existence of filling versus nonfilling drifts, and a predicted increasing frequency of rain‐on‐snow events in the Arctic, future snowdrift patterns and drift evolution pathways in the Arctic could diverge from those of today, with direct hydrologic impacts.
Predicting Variable Contributing Areas, Hydrological Connectivity, and Solute Transport Pathways for a Canadian Prairie Basin
Authors: Costa Diogo , Shook Kevin , Spence Chris , Elliott Jane , Baulch Helen , Wilson Henry , Pomeroy John W.
Published: October 2020

In cold agricultural regions, seasonal snowmelt over frozen soils provides the primary source of runoff and transports large nutrient loads downstream. The postglacial landscape of the Canadian Prairies and Northern Plains of the United States creates challenges for hydrological and water quality modeling. Here, the application of conventional hydrological models is problematic because of cold regions hydrological and chemical processes, the lack of fluvially eroded drainage systems, large noncontributing areas to streamflow and level topography. A new hydrodynamic model was developed to diagnose overland flow from snowmelt in this situation. The model was used to calculate the effect of variable contributing areas on (1) hydrological connectivity and the development of (2) tipping points in streamflow generation and (3) predominant chemical transport pathways. The agricultural Steppler Basin in Manitoba, Canada, was used to evaluate the model and diagnose snowmelt runoff. Relationships were established between contributing area and (1) snowmelt runoff intensity, (2) seasonal snowmelt volumes and duration, and (3) inundated, active and connected areas. Variations in the contributing area depended on terrain and snowmelt characteristics including wind redistribution of snow. Predictors of hydrological response and the size of the contributing area were developed which can be used in larger scale hydrological models of similar regions
A Simplified Model for the Phase Composition Curve of Saline Soils Considering the Second Phase Transition
Authors: Wang Liyang , Liu Jiankun , Yu Xinbao , Wang Tengfei , Feng Ruiling
Published: October 2020

Phase composition curves are the basis for the thermo‐hydraulic analysis of saline soil in cold regions. Two types of phase transition, namely, the water‐ice and solution‐crystal phase transitions, would occur in saline soils due to the variation in temperature and migration of moisture and solute, and the occurrence order of the two types of phase transition is governed by the initial salt and water content. This study proposed a conceptual model for the water phase composition curve in saline soils by simplifying the correlation between pore solution properties and soil grain. This model was subsequently applied to the analysis of phase composition characteristics and explained the occurrence of a second phase transition in saline soil. The model was validated by the experimental data from known soils and showed both good results and ease of use when compared to three previous models. The conceptual model provides a convenient and intuitive way to understand the phase composition characteristics of pore solution in saline soil in cold regions and is also easy to use in the thermo‐hydraulic analysis such as the prediction of unfrozen water content and solute concentration.
The functional analysis of Cullin 7 E3 ubiquitin ligases in cancer
Authors: Shi Le , Du Dongyue , Peng Yunhua , Liu Jiankang , Long Jiangang
Published: October 2020

Cullin (CUL) proteins have critical roles in development and cancer, however few studies on CUL7 have been reported due to its characteristic molecular structure. CUL7 forms a complex with the ROC1 ring finger protein, and only two F-box proteins Fbxw8 and Fbxw11 have been shown to bind to CUL7. Interestingly, CUL7 can interact with its substrates by forming a novel complex that is independent of these two F-box proteins. The biological implications of CUL-ring ligase 7 (CRL7) suggest that the CRL7 may not only perform a proteolytic function but may also play a non-proteolytic role. Among the existing studied CRL7-based E3 ligases, CUL7 exerts both tumor promotion and suppression in a context-dependent manner. Currently, the mechanism of CUL7 in cancer remains unclear, and no studies have addressed potential therapies targeting CUL7. Consistent with the roles of the various CRL7 adaptors exhibit, targeting CRL7 might be an effective strategy for cancer prevention and treatment. We systematically describe the recent major advances in understanding the role of the CUL7 E3 ligase in cancer and further summarize its potential use in clinical therapy.
Photodynamic therapy induces autophagy-mediated cell death in human colorectal cancer cells via activation of the ROS/JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Song Changfeng , Xu Wen , Wu Hongkun , Wang Xiaotong , Gong Qianyi , Liu Chang , Liu Jianwen , Zhou Lin
Published: October 2020

Evidence has shown that m-THPC and verteporfin (VP) are promising sensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). In addition, autophagy can act as a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter depending on the photosensitizer (PS) and the cancer cell type. However, the role of autophagy in m-THPC- and VP-mediated PDT in in vitro and in vivo models of human colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been reported. In this study, m-THPC-PDT or VP-PDT exhibited significant phototoxicity, inhibited proliferation, and induced the generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in CRC cells. From immunoblotting, fluorescence image analysis, and transmission electron microscopy, we found extensive autophagic activation induced by ROS in cells. In addition, m-THPC-PDT or VP-PDT treatment significantly induced apoptosis in CRC cells. Interestingly, the inhibition of m-THPC-PDT-induced autophagy by knockdown of ATG5 or ATG7 substantially inhibited the apoptosis of CRC cells. Moreover, m-THPC-PDT treatment inhibited tumorigenesis of subcutaneous HCT116 xenografts. Meanwhile, antioxidant treatment markedly inhibited autophagy and apoptosis induced by PDT in CRC cells by inactivating JNK signaling. In conclusion, inhibition of autophagy can remarkably alleviate PDT-mediated anticancer efficiency in CRC cells via inactivation of the ROS/JNK signaling pathway. Our study provides evidence for the therapeutic application of m-THPC and VP in CRC.
RING-finger protein 166 plays a novel pro-apoptotic role in neurotoxin-induced neurodegeneration via ubiquitination of XIAP
Authors: Oh Chang-Ki , Choi Young Ki , Hwang Ih-Yeon , Ko Yeon Uk , Chung In Kwon , Yun Nuri , Oh Young J.
Published: October 2020

The dopaminergic neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), has been widely utilized to establish experimental models of Parkinson disease and to reveal the critical molecules and pathway underlying neuronal death. The profile of gene expression changes following 6-OHDA treatment of MN9D dopaminergic neuronal cells was investigated using a TwinChip Mouse-7.4K microarray. Functional clustering of altered sets of genes identified RING-finger protein 166 (RNF166). RNF166 is composed of an N-terminal RING domain and C-terminal ubiquitin interaction motif. RNF166 localized in the cytosol and nucleus. At the tissue level, RNF166 was widely expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral organs. In the cerebral cortex, its expression decreased over time. In certain conditions, overexpression of RNF166 accelerates the naturally occurring neuronal death and 6-OHDA–induced MN9D cell death as determined by TUNEL and annexin-V staining, and caspase activation. Consequently, 6-OHDA–induced apoptotic cell death was attenuated in RNF166-knockdown cells. In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism underlying this pro-apoptotic activity, binding protein profiles were assessed using the yeast two-hybrid system. Among several potential binding candidates, RNF166 was shown to interact with the cytoplasmic X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), inducing ubiquitin-dependent degradation of XIAP and eventually accelerating caspase activation following 6-OHDA treatment. RNF166’s interaction with and resulting inhibition of the XIAP anti-caspase activity was further enhanced by XIAP-associated factor-1 (XAF-1). Consequently, depletion of RNF166 suppressed 6-OHDA–induced caspase activation and apoptotic cell death, which was reversed by XIAP knockdown. In summary, our data suggest that RNF166, a novel E3 ligase, plays a pro-apoptotic role via caspase activation in neuronal cells.
BCL-XL is an actionable target for treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Arulananda Surein , O’Brien Megan , Evangelista Marco , Harris Tiffany J. , Steinohrt Nikita S. , Jenkins Laura J. , Walkiewicz Marzena , O’Donoghue Robert J. J. , Poh Ashleigh R. , Thapa Bibhusal , Williams David S. , Leong Trishe , Mariadason John M. , Li Xia , Cebon Jonathan , Lee Erinna F. , John Thomas , Fairlie W. D.
Published: October 2020

Despite having one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers, there have been no new approved treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in over a decade. Standard-of-care treatment relies on Cisplatin plus Pemetrexed chemotherapy. Here, we tested a suite of BH3-mimetic drugs targeting BCL-2 pro-survival proteins of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. We found BCL-XL is the dominant pro-survival protein in a panel of cell lines in vitro, though potent, synergistic cell killing occurred with MCL-1 co-targeting. This correlates with high-level expression of BCL-XL and MCL-1 in cell lines and a large cohort of patient tumour samples. BCL-XL inhibition combined with Cisplatin also enhanced cell killing. In vivo BCL-XL inhibition was as effective as Cisplatin, and the combination enhanced tumour growth control and survival. Genetic ablation of MCL-1 also enhanced the effects of BCL-XL inhibitors, in vivo. Combined, these data provide a compelling rationale for the clinical investigation of BH3-mimetics targeting BCL-XL in MPM.
Simultaneous separation of artesunate and mefloquine in fixed-dose combination tablets by CZE-UV
Authors: de Souza Jéssica Cordeiro Queiroz , Chellini Paula Rocha , Viçosa Alessandra Lifsitch , de Souza Marcus Vinícius Nora , de Oliveira Marcone Augusto Leal
Published: October 2020

A novel method was proposed for simultaneous determination of artesunate (ATS) and mefloquine (MFQ) in fixed-dose combination tablets by capillary zone electrophoresis with simultaneous direct and indirect detection by ultraviolet (CZE-UV).
The recent advances in K2S2O8-mediated cyclization/coupling reactions via an oxidative transformation
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Padala Kishor
Published: October 2020

Recently the K2S2O8 mediated cyclization/coupling reactions to construct carbon–carbon/carbon–heteroatom bond via oxidative transformation is became much interesting in organic synthesis.
Formation and phase evolution of calcium phosphates modulated by ion exchange ionomer Nafion
Authors: Sun Shuquan , Chen Qixuan , Song Qijun
Published: October 2020

The phase transition of calcium phosphates regulated by Nafion with the inherent acidity and ion exchange features.
Photocatalytic and electrocatalytic transformations of C1 molecules involving C–C coupling
Authors: Xie Shunji , Ma Wenchao , Wu Xuejiao , Zhang Haikun , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Yangdong , Wang Ye
Published: October 2020

Photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have been emerging as important methods for the transformation of abundant C1 molecules into high-value C2+compounds.
Integrating molecular rigidity and chirality into thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters for highly efficient sky-blue and orange circularly polarized electroluminescence
Authors: Ni Fan , Huang Chih-Wei , Tang Yukun , Chen Zhanxiang , Wu Yaxun , Xia Shengpeng , Cao Xiaosong , Hsu Jung-Hsien , Lee Wei-Kai , Zheng Kailu , Huang Zhongyan , Wu Chung-Chih , Yang Chuluo
Published: October 2020

Two pairs of D*–A type blue and orange CP-TADF emitters based on a rigid point chiral donor reveal high molecular rigidity, excellent PLQYs, and intense luminescence dissymmetry factors, which jointly enable highly efficient CP-OLEDs.
A regioregular donor–acceptor copolymer allowing a high gain–bandwidth product to be obtained in photomultiplication-type organic photodiodes
Authors: Kim Juhee , So Chan , Kang Mingyun , Sim Kyu Min , Lim Bogyu , Chung Dae Sung
Published: October 2020

A newly synthesized regioregular donor polymer is used in photomultiplication-type organic photodiodes (PM-OPDs), and its regioregularity enables face-on orientation with a low trap density, leading to a high gain and fast response time in PM-OPDs.
Transparent thermal insulation silica aerogels
Authors: Wang Jieyu , Petit Donald , Ren Shenqiang
Published: October 2020

This review explores the synthesis and properties of transparent thermal insulation silica aerogels.
Room-temperature random lasing of metal-halide perovskites via morphology-controlled synthesis
Authors: Hong Yu-Heng , Kao Tsung Sheng
Published: October 2020

Film morphology and the corresponding structural configuration can profoundly affect the optical performance, especially the random lasing action in organic–inorganic metal-halide perovskite thin films.
Engineering a photosensitizer nanoplatform for amplified photodynamic immunotherapy via tumor microenvironment modulation
Authors: Zhou Yaxin , Ren Xiaomeng , Hou Zhaosheng , Wang Ningning , Jiang Yue , Luan Yuxia
Published: October 2020

A photosensitizer-based nanoplatform demonstrated amplified photodynamic immunotherapy by tumor microenvironment modulation.
Chitosan/poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer electrospun membrane for the adsorption of dyes
Authors: Chen Jiaqi , Xiang Chunhui , He Nana , Zhang Junhao , Li Lili , Dong Shujun
Published: October 2020

The CS/PCL-(b-PEG) nanofibers with controllable core to shell ratio were fabricated as an adsorbent for dye adsorption.
Bifunctional thiourea-modified polymers of intrinsic microporosity for enantioselective α-amination of 3-aryl-2-oxindoles in batch and flow conditions
Authors: Martín Laura , Maestro Alicia , Andrés José M. , Pedrosa Rafael
Published: October 2020

A multigram scale preparation of enantioenriched 3-aryl-3-amino-2-oxindoles promoted by a novel chiral bifunctional thiourea, readily prepared from polymers of intrinsic microporosity.
A strain-adaptive, self-healing, breathable and perceptive bottle-brush material inspired by skin
Authors: Xiong Hui , Zhang Linjun , Wu Qi , Zhang Hao , Peng Yan , Zhao Lijuan , Huang Guangsu , Wu Jinrong
Published: October 2020

A class of multi-skin-function mimetic bottle-brush elastomers with the integration of strain-adaptability, self-healing ability, breathability and ultra-sensitivity.
Electrochemical oxygen reduction for H2O2 production: catalysts, pH effects and mechanisms
Authors: Pang Yongyu , Xie Huan , Sun Yuan , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Chai Guo-Liang
Published: October 2020

We highlight the recent advances of two-electron ORR catalysts for H2O2 synthesis and provide a state-of-the-art understanding of pH effects.
One-pot, self-catalyzed synthesis of self-adherent hydrogels for photo-thermal, antimicrobial wound treatment
Authors: Li Pengfei , She Wenqi , Luo Yadong , He Dengfeng , Chen Jiali , Ning Ning , Yu Yunlong , de Beer Sissi , Zhang Shiyong
Published: October 2020

Self-adhering hydrogels are promising materials to be employed as wound dressings, because they can be used for wound healing without the necessity of additional stitching.
Low‐complexity PTS schemes for PAPR reduction in OFDM systems
Authors: Hu Chi , Wang Lingyin , Zhou Zhuang
Published: October 2020

For original partial transmit sequence (O‐PTS), the conjugate operations can be applied to achieve the purpose of ameliorating the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) performance. But in this way, an observation has been found that some of these candidate signals has the same PAPR value that brings about great redundant computations. Based on this, a low‐complexity PTS is put forward to abate the PAPR of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems, thereby avoiding redundant candidate signals. In proposed scheme, a novel scheme employing conjugate operations for generating candidate signals with different PAPR values is given, which avoids the generation of candidate signals with the same PAPR value and saves the needless computations. Meanwhile, the grouping is involved for further reduction in computational complexity. Simulation results illustrate that our scheme has the similar or superior PAPR performance with the remarkable reduction in computational complexity by comparison with O‐PTS.
Compact three‐way Gysel power divider with arbitrary power dividing ratio
Authors: Chen Haidong , Li Hongping , Xue Quan , Che Wenquan
Published: October 2020

This study proposes a compact structure of the three‐way Gysel power divider with arbitrary power dividing ratio, which has a significant difference from existing N‐way ones with a common node in the centre of the circuit. First, existing equations are reviewed, and new analytical closed‐form equations are derived according to the proposed structure. The frequency bandwidths, affected by the parameters of isolation networks are investigated in detail and optimised for performance balance. For verification, the proposed three‐way Gysel power dividers are calculated, optimised and fabricated at the centre frequency of 3.5GHz with different dividing ratios of 1:1:1 and 1:2:3, respectively. Moreover, the equations are derived to design the N‐way Gysel power divider.
Liquid‐phase preparation of BaTiO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Shi Feng , Chen Huiling , Wang Jing
Published: October 2020

Barium titanate (BaTiO3, BT) is widely used in the manufacture of electronic components such as multilayer ceramic capacitors, supercapacitors, thermistors, ferroelectric devices and piezoelectric devices due to its excellent dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric and insulating properties. The performance of BT‐based components is highly dependent on the quality of the BT nanoparticles. Large particle size and uneven distribution are the disadvantages of the BT nanoparticles synthesised by the traditional solid‐phase reaction, however, the liquid‐phase method can overcome these shortcomings, which has the characteristics of high purity and uniform composition with small particle size, and therefore is the main method for the preparation of BT nanoparticles. This review described various liquid‐phase preparation methods of BT nanoparticles and compared the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, thereafter the optimised process parameters that affected the BT crystalline quality were summarised so as to obtain BT nanoparticles with a high crystalline quality, small particle size and even distribution.
Interstellar anatomy of the TeV gamma-ray peak in the IC443 supernova remnant
Authors: Dell’Ova P. , Gusdorf A. , Gerin M. , Riquelme D. , Güsten R. , Noriega-Crespo A. , Tram L. N. , Houde M. , Guillard P. , Lehmann A. , Lesaffre P. , Louvet F. , Marcowith A. , Padovani M.
Published: October 2020

Context.Supernova remnants (SNRs) represent a major feedback source from stars in the interstellar medium of galaxies. During the latest stage of supernova explosions, shock waves produced by the initial blast modify the chemistry of gas and dust, inject kinetic energy into the surroundings, and may alter star formation characteristics. Simultaneously,γ-ray emission is generated by the interaction between the ambient medium and cosmic rays (CRs), including those accelerated in the early stages of the explosion.

Aims.We study the stellar and interstellar contents of IC443, an evolved shell-type SNR at a distance of 1.9 kpc with an estimated age of 30 kyr. We aim to measure the mass of the gas and characterize the nature of infrared point sources within the extended G region, which corresponds to the peak ofγ-ray emission detected by VERITAS andFermi.

Methods.We performed 10′ × 10′ mapped observations of12CO,13COJ= 1–0,J= 2–1, andJ= 3–2 pure rotational lines, as well as C18OJ= 1–0 andJ= 2–1 obtained with the IRAM 30 m and APEX telescopes over the extent of theγ-ray peak to reveal the molecular structure of the region. We first compared our data with local thermodynamic equilibrium models. We estimated the optical depth of each line from the emission of the isotopologs13CO and C18O. We used the population diagram and large velocity gradient assumption to measure the column density, mass, and kinetic temperature of the gas using12CO and13CO lines. We used complementary data (stars, gas, and dust at multiple wavelengths) and infrared point source catalogs to search for protostar candidates.

Results.Our observations reveal four molecular structures: a shocked molecular clump associated with emission lines extending between −31 and 16 km s−1, a quiescent, dark cloudlet associated with a line width of ~2 km s−1, a narrow ring-like structure associated with a line width of ~1.5 km s−1, and a shocked knot. We measured a total mass of ~230, ~90, ~210, and ~4M⊙, respectively, for the cloudlet, ring-like structure, shocked clump, and shocked knot. We measured a mass of ~1100M⊙throughout the rest of the field of observations where an ambient cloud is detected. We found 144 protostar candidates in the region.

Conclusions.Our results emphasize how the mass associated with the ring-like structure and the cloudlet cannot be overlooked when quantifying the interaction of CRs with the dense local medium. Additionally, the presence of numerous possible protostars in the region might represent a fresh source of CRs, which must also be taken into account in the interpretation ofγ-ray observationsin this region.
Can supernova shells feed supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei?
Authors: Palouš J. , Ehlerová S. , Wünsch R. , Morris M. R.
Published: October 2020

Aims. We simulate shells created by supernovae expanding into the interstellar medium of the nuclear region of a galaxy, and analyze how the shell evolution is influenced by the supernova position relative to the galactic center, by the interstellar matter density, and by the combined gravitational pull of the nuclear star cluster and supermassive black hole (SMBH).

Methods. We adopted simplified hydrodynamical simulations using the infinitesimally thin layer approximation in 3D (code RING) and determined whether and where the shell expansion may bring new gas into the inner parsec around the SMBH.

Results. The simulations show that supernovae occurring within a conical region around the rotational axis of the galaxy can feed the central accretion disk surrounding the SMBH. For ambient densities between 103 and 105 cm−3, the average mass deposited into the central parsec by individual supernovae varies between 10 and 1000 solar masses depending on the ambient density and the spatial distribution of supernova events. Supernovae occurring in the aftermath of a starburst event near a galactic center can supply two to three orders of magnitude more mass into the central parsec, depending on the magnitude of the starburst. The deposited mass typically encounters and joins an accretion disk. The fate of that mass is then divided between the growth of the SMBH and an energetically driven outflow from the disk.
Slow and sausage loop mode excitation due to local and global spontaneous perturbations
Authors: Capettini H. , Cécere M. , Costa A. , Krause G. , Reula O.
Published: October 2020

Aims. We analyse the capability of different types of perturbations associated with usual environment energy fluctuations of the solar corona to excite slow and sausage modes in solar flaring loops.

Methods. We performed numerical simulations of magnetohydrodynamic ideal equations with a consideration of straight plasma magnetic tubes subject to local and global energy depositions.

Results. We find that local loop energy depositions of typical microflares [∼(1027 − 1030) erg] are prone to driving slow shock waves that induce slow-mode patterns. The slow-mode features are obtained for every tested local energy deposition inside the loop. Meanwhile, in order to obtain an observable sausage mode pattern, a global perturbation that is capable of instantaneously modifying the internal loop temperature is required; specifically, the characteristic conductive heating time must be much smaller than the radiative cooling one. Experiments carried out by varying the parameter β demonstrate that the excitation of sausage modes does not significantly depend on the value of this parameter but, rather, depends on the global or local character of the energy source.
Spectrum of the M5-traveling waves
Authors: Cruz-García Salvador
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study the essential spectrum of the operator obtained by linearizing at traveling waves that occur in the one-dimensional version of the M5-model for mesenchymal cell movement inside a directed tissue made up of highly aligned fibers. We show that traveling waves are spectrally unstable in L2(ℝ; ℂ3) as the essential spectrum includes the imaginary axis. Tools in the proof include exponential dichotomies and Fredholm properties. We prove that a weighted space Lw2(ℝ; ℂ3) with the same function for the tree variables of the linearized operator is no suitable to shift the essential spectrum to the left of the imaginary axis. We find a pair of appropriate weight functions whereby on the weighted space Lwα2(ℝ; ℂ2) × Lwε2(ℝ; ℂ) the essential spectrum lies on {Reλ<0}, outside the imaginary axis.
Susceptibility of Incisional Site Staphylococcus spp. to Three Common Perioperative Antimicrobials in Dogs Undergoing Clean Orthopaedic Procedures
Authors: Chou Po-Yen , Robinson Duane , Kapatkin Amy S. , Epstein Steven E. , Giuffrida Michelle A. , Byrne Barbara A.
Published: October 2020

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility pattern of the incisional site Staphylococcus spp. to three commonly used perioperative antimicrobials in dogs.

Materials and Methods A cohort of client-owned dogs was included in this prospective observational study. After induction of general anaesthesia and hair clipping, culture samples were collected from the incisional site of healthy dogs before orthopaedic surgery. The isolated colonies were identified. The susceptibility pattern of staphylococcal isolates was determined using Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute standards. The staphylococcal susceptibilities to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefpodoxime were compared with cefazolin using two-sided equality of proportions test.

Results A total of 391 bacterial isolates were identified in 115 dogs. Bacillus spp. (n = 200) and Staphylococcus spp. (n = 95) were the most common bacteria isolated. Coagulase- positive and -negative staphylococci were isolated in 44 and 38% of dogs respectively. Cefazolin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefpodoxime staphylococcal susceptibilities were 68, 77 and 76% respectively. There were no significant differences in Staphylococcus spp. susceptibility between amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or cefpodoxime and cefazolin (p = 0.19, p = 0.25). Thirty-six per cent of coagulase-negative staphylococci and 6% of coagulase-positive staphylococci isolated were methicillin resistant.

Conclusion Cefazolin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefpodoxime had similar susceptibilities for staphylococcal isolates. Routine use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or cefpodoxime in replace of cefazolin should be practiced with caution.