bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Horizontal and vertical distribution of cephalopod paralarvae in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System
Authors: Castillo-Estrada Gabriela , De Silva-Dávila Roxana , Carrillo Laura , Vásquez-Yeomans Lourdes , Silva-Segundo Claudia A. , Avilés-Díaz Laura , Markaida Unai
Published: September 2020

Horizontal and vertical distribution of cephalopod paralarvae (PL) from the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) in the Western Caribbean was studied during two oceanographic cruises in 2006 and 2007. A total of 1034 PL belonging to 12 families, 22 genera, 24 species, 5 morphotypes and a species complex were identified. Abralia redfieldi, Onychoteuthis banksii and Ornithoteuthis antillarum were the most abundant taxa. The taxonomic identification from these three species was corroborated with DNA barcoding (99.8–100% of similarity). Paralarvae of Octopus insularis were reported for the first time in the wild. Most PL occupied the Caribbean Surface Water mass in the 0–25 m depth stratum. Largest paralarval abundances were related to local oceanographic features favouring retention such as the Honduras Gyre and Cozumel eddy. No day-night differences were found in PL abundance, although Abralia redfieldi showed evidence of diel vertical migration. Distribution of PL in epipelagic waters of the MBRS was probably related to ontogenetic migration, hydrographic features of meso and subscale, and to the circulation regimes dominated by the Yucatan Current. The MBRS represents an important dispersion area for PL, potentially connecting a species-rich Caribbean community with the Gulf of Mexico and Florida waters.
Orbitofrontal cortex volume links polygenic risk for smoking with tobacco use in healthy adolescents
Authors: Li Jin , Liu Bing , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L.W. , Quinlan Erin Burke , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Frouin Vincent , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Ittermann Bernd , Martinot Jean-Luc , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Paus Tomáš , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter ,   IMAGEN Consortium, Jiang Tianzi
Published: September 2020

Background

Tobacco smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death and is heritable with complex underpinnings. Converging evidence suggests a contribution of the polygenic risk for smoking to the use of tobacco and other substances. Yet, the underlying brain mechanisms between the genetic risk and tobacco smoking remain poorly understood.

Methods

Genomic, neuroimaging, and self-report data were acquired from a large cohort of adolescents from the IMAGEN study (a European multicenter study). Polygenic risk scores (PGRS) for smoking were calculated based on a genome-wide association study meta-analysis conducted by the Tobacco and Genetics Consortium. We examined the interrelationships among the genetic risk for smoking initiation, brain structure, and the number of occasions of tobacco use.

Results

A higher smoking PGRS was significantly associated with both an increased number of occasions of tobacco use and smaller cortical volume of the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Furthermore, reduced cortical volume within this cluster correlated with greater tobacco use. A subsequent path analysis suggested that the cortical volume within this cluster partially mediated the association between the genetic risk for smoking and the number of occasions of tobacco use.

Conclusions

Our data provide the first evidence for the involvement of the OFC in the relationship between smoking PGRS and tobacco use. Future studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying tobacco smoking should consider the mediation effect of the related neural structure.
From Evil Women to Dissolute Rulers: Changes in Gender Representation across the Zuozhuan, Guoyu, and Shiji
Authors: YANG LEI
Published: September 2020

This article examines gender representation in early Chinese histories with a focus on Shiji 史記 (Records of the Historian). Presenting beautiful and evil women, rather than male rulers, as responsible for political crises is a long-standing practice of Chinese historiography. Previous scholarship contends that this practice began with such depictions in Shiji and thus stems from its model impact upon subsequent histories. By scrutinising the interplay between the two genders within royal houses, this article extends the scope of previous scholarly examination from women to their husbands, i.e. the male rulers. Comparison of the causation chains of political disasters as built in Zuozhuan 左傳 (Zuo Commentary), Guoyu 國語 (Discourses of the States), and Shiji shows that Shiji diminishes women's agency, describing them as neither the original cause of political crises nor a tool to shield rulers from criticism. Unlike its predecessors, Shiji presents political catastrophes as ruler-dominant consequences resulting from their own unrestricted desires and cross-boundary misbehaviour, explaining the rise and decay in history.
ALGEBRAIC FIBER SPACES AND CURVATURE OF HIGHER DIRECT IMAGES
Authors: Berndtsson Bo , Păun Mihai , Wang Xu
Published: September 2020

Let$p:X\rightarrow Y$be an algebraic fiber space, and let$L$be a line bundle on$X$. In this article, we obtain a curvature formula for the higher direct images of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{X/Y}^{i}\otimes L$restricted to a suitable Zariski open subset of$X$. Our results are particularly meaningful if$L$is semi-negatively curved on$X$and strictly negative or trivial on smooth fibers of$p$. Several applications are obtained, including a new proof of a result by Viehweg–Zuo in the context of a canonically polarized family of maximal variation and its version for Calabi–Yau families. The main feature of our approach is that the general curvature formulas we obtain allow us to bypass the use of ramified covers – and the complications that are induced by them.
Committed Emissions of the U.S. Power Sector, 2000–2018
Authors: Shearer Christine , Tong Dan , Fofrich Robert , Davis Steven J.
Published: September 2020

Annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the U.S. power sector decreased 24% from 2000 to 2018, while carbon intensity (CO2 per unit of electricity generated) declined by 34%. These reductions have been attributed in part to a shift from coal to natural gas, as gas‐fired plants emit roughly half the CO2 emissions as coal plants. To date, no analysis has looked at the coal‐to‐gas shift from the perspective of commitment accounting—the cumulative future CO2 emissions expected from power infrastructure. We estimate that between 2000 and 2018, committed emissions in the U.S. power sector decreased 12% (six GtCO2), from 49 to 43 GtCO2, assuming average generator lifetimes and capacity factors. Taking into consideration methane leakage during the life cycle of coal and gas plants, this decrease in committed emissions is further offset (e.g., assuming a 3% leakage rate, there is effectively no reduction at all). Thus, although annual emissions have fallen, cumulative future emissions will not be substantially lower unless existing coal and gas plants operate at significantly lower rates than they have historically. Moreover, our estimates of committed emissions for U.S. coal and gas plants finds steep reductions in plant use and/or early retirements are already needed for the country to meet its targets under the Paris climate agreement—even if no new fossil capacity is added.
Groundwater Crisis in Zimbabwe Brought On by Droughts
Authors: Mambondiyani Andrew
Published: September 2020

Zimbabwe’s groundwater is disappearing fast, leaving rural communities without water for household and agricultural use.
Seismicity and Stress Associated With a Fluid‐Driven Fracture: Estimating the Evolving Geometry
Authors: Vasco D. W. , Smith J. Torquil , Hoversten G. Michael
Published: September 2020

A coupled approach, combining the theory of rate‐ and state‐dependent friction and methods from poroelasticity, forms the basis for a quantitative relationship between displacements and fluid leak‐off from a growing fracture and changes in the rate of seismic events in the region surrounding the fracture. Poroelastic Green's functions link fracture aperture changes and fluid flow from the fracture to changes in the stress field and pore pressure in the adjacent formation. The theory of rate‐ and state‐dependent friction provides a connection between Coulomb stress changes and variations in the rate of seismic events. Numerical modeling indicates that the Coulomb stress changes can vary significantly between formations with differing properties. The relationship between the seismicity rate changes and the changes in the formation stresses and fluid pressure is nonlinear, but a transformation produces a quantity that is linearly related to the aperture changes and fluid leak‐off from the fracture. The methodology provides a means for mapping changes in seismicity into fracture aperture changes and to image an evolving fracture. An application to observed microseismicity associated with a hydrofracture reveals asymmetric fracture propagation within two main zones, with extended propagation in the upper zone. The time‐varying volume of the fracture agrees with the injected volume, given by the integration of rate changes at the injection well, providing validation of the estimated aperture changes.
To hunt or to rest: prey depletion induces a novel starvation survival strategy in bacterial predators
Authors: Sathyamoorthy Rajesh , Kushmaro Yuval , Rotem Or , Matan Ofra , Kadouri Daniel E , Huppert Amit , Jurkevitch Edouard
Published: September 2020

The small size of bacterial cells necessitates rapid adaption to sudden environmental changes. In Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, an obligate predator of bacteria common in oligotrophic environments, the non-replicative, highly motile attack phase (AP) cell must invade a prey to ensure replication. AP cells swim fast and respire at high rates, rapidly consuming their own contents. How the predator survives in the absence of prey is unknown. We show that starvation for prey significantly alters swimming patterns and causes exponential decay in prey-searching cells over hours, until population-wide swim-arrest. Swim-arrest is accompanied by changes in energy metabolism, enabling rapid swim-reactivation upon introduction of prey or nutrients, and a sweeping change in gene expression and gene regulation that largely differs from those of the paradigmatic stationary phase. Swim-arrest is costly as it imposes a fitness penalty in the form of delayed growth. We track the control of the swim arrest-reactivation process to cyclic-di-GMP (CdG) effectors, including two motility brakes. CRISPRi transcriptional inactivation, and in situ localization of the brakes to the cell pole, demonstrated their essential role for effective survival under prey-induced starvation. Thus, obligate predators evolved a unique CdG-controlled survival strategy, enabling them to sustain their uncommon lifestyle under fluctuating prey supply.
Dissecting the epigenomic dynamics of human fetal germ cell development at single-cell resolution
Authors: Li Li , Li Lin , Li Qingqing , Liu Xixi , Ma Xinyi , Yong Jun , Gao Shuai , Wu Xinglong , Wei Yuan , Wang Xiaoye , Wang Wei , Li Rong , Yan Jie , Zhu Xiaohui , Wen Lu , Qiao Jie , Yan Liying , Tang Fuchou
Published: September 2020

Proper development of fetal germ cells (FGCs) is vital for the precise transmission of genetic and epigenetic information through generations. The transcriptional landscapes of human FGC development have been revealed; however, the epigenetic reprogramming process of FGCs remains elusive. Here, we profiled the genome-wide DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility of human FGCs at different phases as well as gonadal niche cells at single-cell resolution. First, we found that DNA methylation levels of FGCs changed in a temporal manner, whereas FGCs at different phases in the same embryo exhibited comparable DNA methylation levels and patterns. Second, we revealed the phase-specific chromatin accessibility signatures at the promoter regions of a large set of critical transcription factors and signaling pathway genes. We also identified potential distal regulatory elements including enhancers in FGCs. Third, compared with other hominid-specific retrotransposons, SVA_D might have a broad spectrum of binding capacity for transcription factors, including SOX15 and SOX17. Finally, using an in vitro culture system of human FGCs, we showed that the BMP signaling pathway promoted the cell proliferation of FGCs, and regulated the WNT signaling pathway by orchestrating the chromatin accessibility of its ligand genes. Our single-cell epigenomic atlas and functional assays provide valuable insights for understanding the strongly heterogeneous, unsynchronized, yet highly robust nature of human germ cell development.
Structural mechanism of phospholipids translocation by MlaFEDB complex
Authors: Chi Ximin , Fan Qiongxuan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liang Ke , Wan Li , Zhou Qiang , Li Yanyan
Published: September 2020

In Gram-negative bacteria, phospholipids are major components of the inner membrane and the inner leaflet of the outer membrane, playing an essential role in forming the unique dual-membrane barrier to exclude the entry of most antibiotics. Understanding the mechanisms of phospholipid translocation between the inner and outer membrane represents one of the major challenges surrounding bacterial phospholipid homeostasis. The conserved MlaFEDB complex in the inner membrane functions as an ABC transporter to drive the translocation of phospholipids between the inner membrane and the periplasmic protein MlaC. However, the mechanism of phospholipid translocation remains elusive. Here we determined three cryo-EM structures of MlaFEDB from Escherichia coli in its nucleotide-free and ATP-bound conformations, and performed extensive functional studies to verify and extend our findings from structural analyses. Our work reveals unique structural features of the entire MlaFEDB complex, six well-resolved phospholipids in three distinct cavities, and large-scale conformational changes upon ATP binding. Together, these findings define the cycle of structural rearrangement of MlaFEDB in action, and suggest that MlaFEDB uses an extrusion mechanism to extract and release phospholipids through the central translocation cavity.
Author Correction: Tensor factorization for elucidating mechanisms of piezoresponse relaxation via dynamic Piezoresponse Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Kelley Kyle P. , Li Linglong , Ren Yao , Ehara Yoshitaka , Funakubo Hiroshi , Somnath Suhas , Jesse Stephen , Cao Ye , Kannan Ramakrishnan , Vasudevan Rama K. , Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: M-protein based vaccine induces immunogenicity and protection from Streptococcus pyogenes when delivered on a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP)
Authors: Mills Jamie-Lee S. , Jayashi Flores Cesar M. , Reynolds Simone , Wun Christine , Calcutt Ainslie , Baker S. Ben , Murugappan Senthil , Depelsenaire Alexandra C. I. , Dooley Jessica , Fahey Paul V. , Forster Angus H. , Pandey Manisha , Good Michael F.
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Selectivity of mycoinsecticides and a pyrethroid to the egg parasitoid Cleruchoides noackae (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae)
Authors: Domingues Maurício Magalhães , Becchi Luciane Katarine , Velozo Simone Graziele Moio , de Souza Amanda Rodrigues , Barbosa Leonardo Rodrigues , Soares Marcus Alvarenga , Serrão José Eduardo , Zanuncio José Cola , Wilcken Carlos Frederico
Published: September 2020

Plants of the genus Eucalyptus, cultivated in many countries, have great importance for the world economy. In Brazil, this culture occupies a total of 5.7 million hectares, but native and exotic insect pests can reduce its productivity. Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae), an exotic Australian pest, damages Eucalyptus plants. Biological control using the egg parasitoid Cleruchoides noackae Lin & Huber (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), Heteroptera predators and entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, have potential for managing T. peregrinus. Chemical insecticides, including bifenthrin and acetamiprid + bifenthrin, also control this insect. The compatibility of chemical and biological control methods favors integrated pest management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity of commercial products based on B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and the chemical bifenthrin on the parasitoid C. noackae and its parasitism on T. peregrinus eggs. The selectivity test followed the standards recommended by the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC). Beauveria bassiana has selectivity to parasitism as well as viability, but was slightly harmful to C. noackae adults; M. anisopliae was innocuous to adults and to the viability of the offspring of this parasitoid, but it reduced the parasitism rate; and bifenthrin did not show selectivity to this parasitoid.
Altered gut microbiota correlated with systemic inflammation in children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Chen Jie , Yue Yanghua , Wang Lu , Deng Zhonghua , Yuan Yonghua , Zhao Menghua , Yuan Zijie , Tan Chaochao , Cao Youde
Published: September 2020

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a multi-systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that occurs mainly in children, and the disturbance of gut microbiota is generally believed to cause a hyperimmune reaction triggering KD. The aim of the study was to investigate the alterations in the fecal microbiota and assess its relationship with systemic inflammation. Totally 30 KD children were enrolled and followed up for 6 months, with another group of 30 age- and sex-matched healthy children as controls. Phylotype profiles of fecal microbial communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Serum inflammatory markers were detected by flow cytometer. We showed that KD children exhibited a significant reduction in fecal microbial diversity in the acute phase compared with the healthy controls. Enterococcus, Acinetobacter, Helicobacter, Lactococcus, Staphylococcus and Butyricimonas in acute KD children were significantly higher than the healthy children. Levels of systemic inflammation biomarkers, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and INF-γ, were significantly elevated in the acute KD children. Altered microbiota genera Enterococcus and Helicobacter abundances were shown to be correlated positively with IL-6, which were never previously reported in KD. This study suggested that gut microbiota alteration is closely associated with systemic inflammation, which provides a new perspective on the etiology and pathogenesis of KD.
Stabilization of human telomeric RNA G-quadruplex by the water-compatible optically pure and biologically-active metallohelices
Authors: Malina Jaroslav , Scott Peter , Brabec Viktor
Published: September 2020

RNA G-quadruplexes have been suggested to play key roles in fundamental biological processes and are linked to human diseases. Thus, they also represent good potential therapeutic targets. Here, we describe, using the methods of molecular biophysics, interactions of a series of biologically-active supramolecular cationic metallohelices with human telomeric RNA G-quadruplex. We demonstrate that the investigated metallohelices bind with a high affinity to human telomeric RNA G-quadruplex and that their binding selectivity considerably differs depending on the dimensions and overall shape of the metallohelices. Additionally, the investigated metallohelices inhibit DNA synthesis on the RNA template containing four repeats of the human telomeric sequence by stabilizing the RNA G-quadruplex structure. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that stabilization of RNA sequences capable of G-quadruplex formation by metallohelices investigated in this work might contribute to the mechanism of their biological activity.
In silico analysis predicting effects of deleterious SNPs of human RASSF5 gene on its structure and functions
Authors: Hossain Md. Shahadat , Roy Arpita Singha , Islam Md. Sajedul
Published: September 2020

Ras association domain-containing protein 5 (RASSF5), one of the prospective biomarkers for tumors, generally plays a crucial role as a tumor suppressor. As deleterious effects can result from functional differences through SNPs, we sought to analyze the most deleterious SNPs ofRASSF5as well as predict the structural changes associated with the mutants that hamper the normal protein–protein interactions. We adopted both sequence and structure based approaches to analyze the SNPs of RASSF5 protein. We also analyzed the putative post translational modification sites as well as the altered protein–protein interactions that encompass various cascades of signals. Out of all the SNPs obtained from the NCBI database, only 25 were considered as highly deleterious by six in silico SNP prediction tools. Among them, upon analyzing the effect of these nsSNPs on the stability of the protein, we found 17 SNPs that decrease the stability. Significant deviation in the energy minimization score was observed in P350R, F321L, and R277W. Besides this, docking analysis confirmed that P350R, A319V, F321L, and R277W reduce the binding affinity of the protein with H-Ras, where P350R shows the most remarkable deviation. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that RASSF5 acts as a hub connecting two clusters consisting of 18 proteins and alteration in the RASSF5 may lead to disassociation of several signal cascades. Thus, based on these analyses, our study suggests that the reported functional SNPs may serve as potential targets for different proteomic studies, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.
Grey matter changes in Meige syndrome: a voxel-based morphology analysis
Authors: Liu Jiayu , Li Lei , Chen Lei , Liu Ruen , Jiang Yongan , Fang Jixia , Wang Dongliang , Liu Zhi , Ouyang Jia
Published: September 2020

To investigate the changes and clinical significance of brain structural abnormalities in patients with Meige syndrome and related depressive symptoms. We retrospectively analysed clinical data, imaging examinations, and Hamilton Depression Rating scale scores in 46 patients with Meige syndrome from January 2017 to January 2019. We compared the Meige syndrome group with the healthy control group, and the definite depression group with the non-definite depression group. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to compare grey matter (GM) volumes. We conducted two-sample t-tests corrected for subject age and gender. We tested at a level of significance of p < 0.001 with a false discovery rate (FDR) correction. VBM demonstrated decreased GM volume (p < 0.001 and cluster size > 50 voxels) in the left hemisphere in the middle frontal orbital gyrus, temporal pole (superior temporal gyrus) and insula and in the right hemisphere in the temporal pole (middle temporal gyrus), precuneus, inferior parietal, inferior temporal and olfactory cortices in the Meige syndrome group. Comparing VBM-MRI measures in Meige syndrome patients with and without depression, decreased GM volume was found in the left hemisphere in the cuneus and hippocampus and in the right hemisphere in the angular gyrus, middle frontal gyrus and middle occipital gyrus in the definite depression group. Unlike other dystonia studies that have suggested an involvement of the basal ganglia and motor cortex in the pathophysiology of the disorder , we believe that the precuneus is involved in the development of Meige syndrome. Additionally, our findings suggest that the hippocampus plays a role in the pathogenesis of depression in patients with Meige syndrome.
Graphene functionalized field-effect transistors for ultrasensitive detection of Japanese encephalitis and Avian influenza virus
Authors: Roberts Akanksha , Chauhan Neha , Islam Saurav , Mahari Subhasis , Ghawri Bhaskar , Gandham Ravi Kumar , Majumdar S. S. , Ghosh Arindam , Gandhi Sonu
Published: September 2020

Graphene, a two-dimensional nanomaterial, has gained immense interest in biosensing applications due to its large surface-to-volume ratio, and excellent electrical properties. Herein, a compact and user-friendly graphene field effect transistor (GraFET) based ultrasensitive biosensor has been developed for detecting Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) and Avian Influenza Virus (AIV). The novel sensing platform comprised of carboxy functionalized graphene on Si/SiO2 substrate for covalent immobilization of monoclonal antibodies of JEV and AIV. The bioconjugation and fabrication process of GraFET was characterized by various biophysical techniques such as Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis), Raman, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The change in the resistance due to antigen–antibody interaction was monitored in real time to evaluate the electrical response of the sensors. The sensors were tested in the range of 1 fM to 1 μM for both JEV and AIV antigens, and showed a limit of detection (LOD) upto 1 fM and 10 fM for JEV and AIV respectively under optimised conditions. Along with ease of fabrication, the GraFET devices were highly sensitive, specific, reproducible, and capable of detecting ultralow levels of JEV and AIV antigen. Moreover, these devices can be easily integrated into miniaturized FET-based real-time sensors for the rapid, cost-effective, and early Point of Care (PoC) diagnosis of JEV and AIV.
Application of image processing to evidence for the persistence of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis)
Authors: Collins Michael D.
Published: September 2020

Image processing is used to enhance apparent field marks in video footage that was obtained during three encounters with birds that were identified in the field as Ivory-billed Woodpeckers (Campephilus principalis). Previous analysis of the videos was based on characteristics that are resolved in the raw footage, such as flight path, wing motion, flap rate, behaviors, field marks, and body proportions. Adjusting parameters such as brightness, contrast, and color reveals features consistent with the left dorsal stripe, black leading edges on the dorsal surfaces of the wings, and a red crest that would be consistent with a male of the species. It may be possible to extract additional features from other parts of the videos by applying more advanced processing that allows greater control and analysis of the parameters.
Real-world analyses of therapy discontinuation of checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic melanoma patients
Authors: Machado Marina Amaral de Ávila , de Moura Cristiano Soares , Chan Kelvin , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Hudson Marie , Abrahamowicz Michal , Jamal Rahima , Pilote Louise , Bernatsky Sasha
Published: September 2020

The ‘real-world’ patient population of metastatic melanoma is not fully represented in clinical trials investigating checkpoint inhibitors. We described therapy discontinuation in an unselected population-based cohort of adults with metastatic melanoma who started therapy with pembrolizumab, nivolumab, or nivolumab/ipilimumab from January 2015 to August 2017. Therapy discontinuation was defined as a gap between doses beyond 120 days, and/or initiation of another cancer therapy. We estimated drug-specific rate ratios for therapy discontinuation adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, health care use, and past cancer therapies. We included 876 metastatic melanoma patients initiating pembrolizumab (44.3%), nivolumab/ipilimumab (31.2%), and nivolumab (24.5%). At 12 months of follow-up, the probabilities of therapy discontinuation were 49.9% (95% confidence interval, CI 43.6–56.5) for pembrolizumab, 58.8% (95% CI 50.5–67.3) for nivolumab, and 59.2% (95% CI 51.7–66.8) for nivolumab/ipilimumab. Stratified analyses based on prior cancer therapy, brain metastases at baseline, and sex showed similar trends. In multivariable analyses, compared with pembrolizumab, patients starting nivolumab (rate ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.08–1.77) or nivolumab/ipilimumab (rate ratio 1.30, 95% CI 1.02–1.65) were more likely to discontinue therapy. Our findings indicate frequent discontinuations of checkpoint inhibitors at one year. The lower discontinuation associated with pembrolizumab should be confirmed in further studies.
Evolution of antibiotic resistance at low antibiotic concentrations including selection below the minimal selective concentration
Authors: Stanton Isobel C. , Murray Aimee K. , Zhang Lihong , Snape Jason , Gaze William H.
Published: September 2020

Determining the selective potential of antibiotics at environmental concentrations is critical for designing effective strategies to limit selection for antibiotic resistance. This study determined the minimal selective concentrations (MSCs) for macrolide and fluoroquinolone antibiotics included on the European Commissionʼs Water Framework Directive’s priority hazardous substances Watch List. The macrolides demonstrated positive selection for ermF at concentrations 1–2 orders of magnitude greater (>500 and <750 µg/L) than measured environmental concentrations (MECs). Ciprofloxacin illustrated positive selection for intI1 at concentrations similar to current MECs (>7.8 and <15.6 µg/L). This highlights the need for compound specific assessment of selective potential. In addition, a sub-MSC selective window defined by the minimal increased persistence concentration (MIPC) is described. Differential rates of negative selection (or persistence) were associated with elevated prevalence relative to the no antibiotic control below the MSC. This increased persistence leads to opportunities for further selection over time and risk of human exposure and environmental transmission.
What is holding back the development of antiviral metallodrugs? A literature overview and implications for SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics and future viral outbreaks
Authors: de Paiva Raphael E. F. , Marçal Neto Antônio , Santos Igor A. , Jardim Ana C. G. , Corbi Pedro P. , Bergamini Fernando R. G.
Published: September 2020

Despite a significative classical literature, metallodrugs have struggled to reach clinical practice. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, this review aims at further encouraging and promoting the development of metallodrugs as viable antiviral agents.
Crystal structure, theoretical studies and luminescent properties of a new borate Na3GdB8O15with one-dimensional broad-banded anionic framework
Authors: Zhao Dan , Li Ya-Nan , Fan Yan-Ping , Liu Bao-Zhong , Zhang Shi-Rui , Zhang Rui-Juan
Published: September 2020

A new polyborate Na3GdB8O15with one-dimensional chain structure was prepared, and Gd3+can be substituted by Ce3+to realize the blue light luminescence by a near-UV radiation excitation.
Nb2BN2− cluster anions reduce four carbon dioxide molecules: reactivity enhancement by ligands
Authors: Zhou Hai-Yan , Wang Ming , Ding Yong-Qi , Ma Jia-Bi
Published: September 2020

The thermal gas-phase reactions of Nb2BN2− cluster anions with carbon dioxide have been explored by using the art of time-of-flight mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations.
Unprecedented metal–metal bonded {Ru4(μ3-O)2} butterfly core in oxido-carboxylato bridged mixed valence cluster—structural elucidation and electronic forms in accessible redox states
Authors: Bera Sudip Kumar , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: September 2020

A metal–metal bonded butterfly core in mixed valence1(RuIII3RuIV,S= 1/2) displayed near-infrared absorption and anisotropic EPR, while oxidised1+(RuIII2RuIV2) or reduced1−(RuIII4) is attributed to the spin-pairedS= 0 state.
The driving effect of substituent size changes on reaction: a novel reaction for direct production of triacetylglycerol from oils and fats
Authors: Su Lijuan , Hou Xianglin , Cui Xiaojing , Liu Xingchen , Wang Hongliang , Zhang Jiaojiao , Li Jinlong , Wang Yingxiong , Deng Tiansheng
Published: September 2020

A direct and efficient production of triacetylglycerol (TAG) from oils and fats was proposed based on the principle of driving effect of substituent size changes on reaction with a high TAG yield of 94.9%.
Acrylate–gelatin–carbonated hydroxyapatite (cHAP) composites for dental bone-tissue applications
Authors: Golubevas Ricardas , Stankeviciute Zivile , Zarkov Aleksej , Golubevas Raimundas , Hansson Lars , Raudonis Rimantas , Kareiva Aivaras , Garskaite Edita
Published: September 2020

The favourable properties of acrylate–gelatin–cHAP composites fabricated via copolymerization reaction may make possible porosity and hydrophilicity remodelling and thus promote scaffold-implant integration.
Electron accepting naphthalene bisimide ligand architectures for modulation of π–π stacking in nanocrystal hybrid materials
Authors: Elbert Katherine C. , Taheri Mohammad M. , Gogotsi Natalie , Park Jungmi , Baxter Jason B. , Murray Christopher B.
Published: September 2020

Quantum dot surface ligand configuration effects on electron transfer.
Recent advances in catalytic enantioselective multicomponent reactions
Authors: Nunes Paulo Sérgio Gonçalves , Vidal Hérika Danielle Almeida , Corrêa Arlene G.
Published: September 2020

Multicomponent reactions have demonstrated a remarkable impact on the synthesis of complex compounds, with high atom economy. In this review, the last decade contributions to enantioselective MCRs by focusing on catalytic approaches are discussed.
Molecular crowding and RNA catalysis
Authors: DasGupta Saurja
Published: September 2020

Molecular crowding promotes RNA folding and catalysis and could have played vital roles in the evolution of primordial ribozymes and protocells.
MIL-101(Cr)–cobalt ferrite magnetic nanocomposite: synthesis, characterization and applications for the sonocatalytic degradation of organic dye pollutants
Authors: Andani Abbasali Mokhtari , Tabatabaie Tayebeh , Farhadi Saeed , Ramavandi Bahman
Published: September 2020

A magnetically separable MIL-101(Cr)/CoFe2O4binary nanocomposite was preparedviaa hydrothermal route and applied as a sonocatalyst for the efficient degradation of organic dyes.
Hierarchical glass transition of hard hemidisks with local assemblies
Authors: Zheng Wei , Lei Qun-Li , Ma Yuqiang , Ni Ran
Published: September 2020

Using computer simulation, we investigate the glass transition of a two-dimensional hard-hemidisk system.
Controlled propagation and jamming of a delamination front
Authors: Kothari Mrityunjay , Lemon Zoë , Roth Christine , Cohen Tal
Published: September 2020

This work reveals and theoretically predicts subcritical peeling behavior followed by jamming of adhesive layers subjected to in-plane loading.
Granular dynamics and gravity
Authors: Sánchez Rodrigo
Published: September 2020

A scheme for deriving velocity distributions of granular systems subject to gravity is derived, based on an effective chemical potential.
Crosslinked cyanometallate–chitosan nanosheet assembled aerogels as efficient catalysts to boost polysulfide redox kinetics in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Fang Zhengsong , Hu Xuanhe , Shu Chenhao , Jian Junhua , Liu Jie , Yu Dingshan
Published: September 2020

A novel catalyst based on crosslinked cyanometalate/chitosan nanosheet-assembled aerogel boosts adsorption and conversion of polysulfides for high-performance Li–S batteries.
Switchable molecular sieving of a capped metal organic framework membrane
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Gui Bo , Ben Teng , Qiu Shilun
Published: September 2020

A functional MOF with an azobenzene side group, UiO-68-azo, was fabricated into a continuous membrane. The enhanced permselectivity was controllable through UV/vis light treatment of the adsorption/desorption of β-CD on the membrane surface.
Two-dimensional metal–organic framework nanosheets for highly efficient electrocatalytic biomass 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) valorization
Authors: Cai Mengke , Zhang Yawei , Zhao Yiyue , Liu Qinglin , Li Yinle , Li Guangqin
Published: September 2020

2D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) could promote biomass valorization, and electrooxidation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) with a highly efficient electrocatalytic performance.
Formate-mediated magnetic superexchange in the model hybrid perovskite [(CH3)2NH2]Cu(HCOO)3
Authors: Scatena Rebecca , Johnson Roger D. , Manuel Pascal , Macchi Piero
Published: September 2020

The hybrid-perovskite [(CH3)2NH2]Cu(HCOO)3shows antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions, as predicted by the GKA rules, proven applicable by experimental charge-density analysis.
Eccentric position diagnosis of static eccentricity fault of external rotor permanent magnet synchronous motor as an in‐wheel motor
Authors: Ma Conggan , Gao Yujiao , Degano Michele , Wang Yanyan , Fang Jianguang , Gerada Christopher , Zhou Shengsen , Mu Yuanye
Published: September 2020

An eccentric position diagnosis method of static eccentricity (SE) fault of external rotor permanent magnet synchronous motor (ER‐PMSM) is presented. Firstly, an analytical model of no‐load radial magnetic field of ER‐PMSM is established. Analytical models of no‐load Back‐EMF of both unit motors and the whole motor are carried out and are verified by finite element method (FEM) and experimental measurements. Then, the influences of SE ratio, SE circumferential angle, winding distribution mode and number of parallel branches on no‐load radial magnetic field and no‐load Back‐EMF are analyzed based on these analytical models. The results show that SE does not affect the frequency characteristics of no‐load radial magnetic field, but changes space order characteristics. On one hand, for ER‐PMSM, of which the number of unit motors is equal to 1, SE causes no‐load Back‐EMF distortion. On the other hand, for ER‐PMSM, of which the number of unit motors is greater than 1, SE does not affect no‐load Back‐EMF of the whole motor, but it still leads to no‐load Back‐EMF distortion of unit motors. Therefore, based on total harmonic distortion (THD) of no‐load Back‐EMF of unit motor, a projection method of intersection lines for SE fault diagnosis of ER‐PMSM is proposed finally.
Improved hotspot monitoring method for thermal management system of automotive traction motor
Authors: Dong Tenghui , Zhang Xi , Zhu Chong , Lu Yansong , Li Mayan
Published: September 2020

Hotspots in traction motors of electric vehicles are normally considered to locate in end windings due to the loose packaging and no access to iron cores for heat dissipation. To ensure safety, end winding temperatures are typically monitored by thermocouples in thermal management systems for real‐time cooling control. However, the authors’ study finds that slot winding temperatures will exceed end winding temperatures under high‐speed operations due to the much higher additional loss caused by the alternating flux. Hence, the thermocouple would underestimate the actual peak temperature in electric machines, causing insufficient cooling and potential damage to insulations. For cost savings, additional thermocouples monitoring slot winding temperatures are usually not equipped in the automotive industry. To calibrate the peak temperature of windings, this study proposes an innovative approach based on the thermo‐magnetic model of the traction motor, which provides the estimated slot winding temperatures only using the end winding sensors. As a result, the proposed method can provide much accurate peak temperatures for the thermal management system. Experimental tests validate the performance of the proposed method in improving the accuracy of hotspot monitoring.
Impacts of bus stop location and berth number on urban network traffic performance
Authors: Johari Mansour , Keyvan‐Ekbatani Mehdi , Ngoduy Dong
Published: September 2020

The effects of operational characteristics of the public transport system on the performance of the urban network traffic flow and the public transport system have been widely investigated at the local level. However, to the best of authors' knowledge, there is no attempt to investigate these characteristics at the network level. This study bridges this gap through the notion of network macroscopic fundamental diagram. In particular, the effects of the bus stop location (i.e. far‐side and near‐side) and berth number are discussed at the network level through simulating different scenarios in the central business district of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. In consistent with the local level studies, the outputs show that the far‐side bus stops result in better network performance (i.e. larger capacity and critical density range) and a lower median for the network average delay of car traffic. The near‐side bus stops instead lead to a lower median for the public transport system. The results reveal that increasing the berth number improves the network capacity and median of the network average delay for both modes. Finally, the impacts of the combination of the far‐side and near‐side bus stop on network performance have been discussed.
Modelling the operation of vehicles at signalised intersections with special width approach lane based on field data
Authors: Zhao Jing , Kigen Kevin Kiptoo , Wang Meng
Published: September 2020

The intersection with special width approach lane (SWAL) is a newly proposed unconventional intersection design. A microscopic traffic flow model was proposed for describing the operation of vehicles at signalised intersections with SWAL. The operation process of driving on the SWAL was divided into four segments, including entering segment, transition segment, special width lane segment, and exiting segment. The car‐following and lane selection behaviours of vehicles in these segments are analysed. The parameters used in the model were calibrated using the field data collected in Germany. The proposed model was realised in a time‐discretised simulation. The sensitivity analyses of geometric, traffic, and signal factors were conducted. The results show that for the car‐following behaviour, the passenger cars on the narrowed lanes cannot drive as efficient as on the normal width lane. For lane selection behaviour, it mainly depends on the distance between the two nearest vehicles in front of the two narrow lanes. The effectiveness of the SWAL depends on whether it is long enough to accommodate the queuing vehicles, which is a combined result of the layout design and the signal timing.
Evaluation of cascaded voltage step‐up cells applied to the quasi‐Z‐source DC–DC converter
Authors: Faistel Tiago Miguel Klein , Guisso Ronaldo Antonio , Andrade António Manuel Santos Spencer
Published: September 2020

This study presents a set of four cascaded step‐up DC–DC converter with the quasi‐Z source (qZS). By associating the voltage step‐up cells at the input that qZS converter, depending on the configuration, their gain can multiply different factors that each cell with the qZS converter voltage gain. In addition, voltage and current stresses on components change. To evaluate the proposed converters the following characteristics are observed: the principle of operation, the voltage gain of the converters, low voltage and comparative evaluation. In order to demonstrate the simplicity of operation of the proposed converters to higher‐order topology, qZS with boost factor and super‐lift cells is modelled and controlled. Finally, to validate the theoretical analyses, two prototypes of 200 W were implemented experimentally.
Total knee arthroplasty after distal femoral osteotomy: a systematic review and current concepts
Authors: Luceri Francesco , Tamini Jacopo , Ferrua Paolo , Ricci Damiano , Batailler Cécile , Lustig Sébastien , Servien Elvire , Randelli Pietro Simone , Peretti Giuseppe Maria
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO) is a common procedure for correcting lower limb valgus deformity and lateral compartment overload. Low 20-year survivorship rate was reported with a consequent need for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aims to review literature and to analyse the influence of a previous distal femoral osteotomy on outcomes of patients undergoing TKA.Methods: A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed/Medline and Embase in May 2020. Papers were selected based on the following criteria: patient with a previous distal femoral osteotomy; total knee replacement; Pre- and Postoperative outcomes; surgical outcomes: clinical scores, range of motion, radiographic evaluation and revisions for any cause; case series, retrospective studies, observational studies, open-label studies, randomized clinical trials; systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included to extract primitive studies.Results: 306 articles were found, of which five papers were considered eligible for this review. In every study included, postoperative clinical outcomes (Knee Society Score or Hospital for Special Surgery score) statistically improved from the preoperative. Complications were not uncommon; implant survivorship at the available follow-up seems to be similar to primary TKA, although being too short to draw any conclusions.Conclusions: Limited and highly heterogeneous evidence is currently available on the influence of DFO on outcomes after TKA. Knee replacement improves clinical middle-term outcomes in patients with previous distal femoral osteotomy. In this complex surgery, the use of technical tips and tricks could help surgeons to obtain an accurate knee balancing and better long-term results.
Towards an algebraic method of solar cycle prediction
Authors: Nagy Melinda , Petrovay Kristóf , Lemerle Alexandre , Charbonneau Paul
Published: September 2020

An algebraic method for the reconstruction and potentially prediction of the solar dipole moment value at sunspot minimum (known to be a good predictor of the amplitude of the next solar cycle) was suggested in the first paper in this series. The method sums up the ultimate dipole moment contributions of individual active regions in a solar cycle: for this, detailed and reliable input data would in principle be needed for thousands of active regions in a solar cycle. To reduce the need for detailed input data, here we propose a new active region descriptor called ARDoR (Active Region Degree of Rogueness). In a detailed statistical analysis of a large number of activity cycles simulated with the 2 × 2D dynamo model we demonstrate that ranking active regions by decreasing ARDoR, for a good reproduction of the solar dipole moment at the end of the cycle it is sufficient to consider the top N regions on this list explicitly, where N is a relatively low number, while for the other regions the ARDoR value may be set to zero. For example, with N = 5 the fraction of cycles where the dipole moment is reproduced with an error exceeding ±30% is only 12%, significantly reduced with respect to the case N = 0, i.e. ARDoR set to zero for all active regions, where this fraction is 26%. This indicates that stochastic effects on the intercycle variations of solar activity are dominated by the effect of a low number of large “rogue” active regions, rather than the combined effect of numerous small ARs. The method has a potential for future use in solar cycle prediction.