bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directions for Research on Climate and Conflict
Authors: Mach Katharine J. , Adger W. Neil , Buhaug Halvard , Burke Marshall , Fearon James D. , Field Christopher B. , Hendrix Cullen S. , Kraan Caroline M. , Maystadt Jean‐Francois , O'Loughlin John , Roessler Philip , Scheffran Jürgen , Schultz Kenneth A. , von Uexkull Nina
Published: May 2020

The potential links between climate and conflict are well studied, yet disagreement about the specific mechanisms and their significance for societies persists. Here, we build on assessment of the relationship between climate and organized armed conflict to define crosscutting priorities for future directions of research. They include (1) deepening insight into climate‐conflict linkages and conditions under which they manifest, (2) ambitiously integrating research designs, (3) systematically exploring future risks and response options, responsive to ongoing decision‐making, and (4) evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to manage climate‐conflict links. The implications of this expanding scientific domain unfold in real time.
Global Model of Whistler Mode Chorus in the Near‐Equatorial Region (|λm|< 18°)
Authors: Meredith Nigel P. , Horne Richard B. , Shen Xiao‐Chen , Li Wen , Bortnik Jacob
Published: May 2020

We extend our database of whistler mode chorus, based on data from seven satellites, by including ∼3 years of data from Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)‐A and RBSP‐B and an additional ∼6 years of data from Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS)‐A, THEMIS‐D, and THEMIS‐E. The new database allows us to probe the near‐equatorial region in detail, revealing new features. In the equatorial source region, |λm|<6°, strong wave power is most extensive in the 0.1–0.4fce bands in the region 21–11 magnetic local time (MLT) from the plasmapause out to L∗ = 8 and beyond, especially near dawn. At higher frequencies, in the 0.4–0.6fce frequency bands, strong wave power is more tightly confined, typically being restricted to the postmidnight sector in the region 4<L∗<6. The global distribution of strong chorus wave power changes dramatically with increasing magnetic latitude, with strong chorus waves in the region 12<|λm|<18° predominantly observed at frequencies below 0.3fce in the prenoon sector, in the region 5<L∗<8.
Lagrangian‐based Simulations of Hypervelocity Impact Experiments on Mars Regolith Proxy
Authors: Froment M. , Rougier E. , Larmat C. , Lei Z. , Euser B. , Kedar S. , Richardson J. E. , Kawamura T. , Lognonné P.
Published: May 2020

Most of the surface of Mars is covered with unconsolidated rocky material, known as regolith. High‐fidelity models of the dynamics of impacts in such material are needed to help with the interpretation of seismic signals that are now recorded by SEIS, the seismometer of InSight. We developed a numerical model for impacts on regolith, using the novel Hybrid Optimization Software Suite (HOSS), which is a Lagrangian code mixing finite and discrete element formulations. We use data from hypervelocity impact experiments performed on pumice sand at the NASA Ames Vertical Gun Range to identify and calibrate key model parameters. The model provides insight into the plastic‐elastic transition observed in the data and it also demonstrates that gravity plays a key role in the material response. Waveforms for receivers situated vertically below the impact point are correctly modeled, while more research is needed to explain the shallow receivers' signals.
Substantial Increases in the Water and Sediment Fluxes in the Headwater Region of the Tibetan Plateau in Response to Global Warming
Authors: Li Dongfeng , Li Zhiwei , Zhou Yinjun , Lu Xixi
Published: May 2020

The long‐term effects of increased temperatures on sediment fluxes in cold regions remain poorly investigated. Here, we examined the multidecadal changes in runoff and sediment fluxes in the Tuotuohe River, a headwater river of the Yangtze River on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The sediment fluxes and runoff increased at rates of 0.03 ± 0.01 Mt/yr (5.9 ± 1.9%/yr) and 0.025 ± 0.007 × km3/yr (3.5 ± 1.0%/yr) from 1985 to 2016, with net increases of 135% and 78% from 1985–1997 to 1998–2016, respectively. The increases are primarily due to warming temperature (+1.44°C) and intensified glacier‐snow‐permafrost melting, with enhanced precipitation (+30%) as a secondary cause. Sediment fluxes are much more susceptible to climate warming than runoff in this undisturbed cold environment. The substantially increased sediment fluxes from the headwater region could threaten the numerous constructed reservoirs and influence the aquatic ecosystems of the TP and its marginal areas.
Importance of Resolving Mesoscale Eddies in the Model Simulation of Ningaloo Niño
Authors: Guo Yaru , Li Yuanlong , Wang Fan , Wei Yuntao , Xia Qiong
Published: May 2020

Satellite observational data and a regional ocean model are used to understand the evolution of Ningaloo Niño (NN) anomalies near Western Australian coast. In observation and high‐resolution (~3 km) simulations, coastally trapped positive sea level anomalies (SLAs), originated largely from the Indonesian Throughflow, are transmitted westward by mesoscale eddies. Few eddies propagate long distances offshore due to dissipation, and as a result NN signatures are predominantly confined near the coast. In coarse‐resolution (~100 km) simulations that cannot resolve eddies, oceanic anomalies propagate swiftly as long Rossby waves with much weaker dissipation and more anomalies spread to the ocean interior. Eddy‐enhanced surface warming promotes surface latent heat release and mesoscale air‐sea interactions, which acts to damp NN surface warming. These processes are not resolved by coarse‐resolution models. This study highlights the importance of resolving mesoscale oceanic processes in the simulation and prediction of NN.
Characterizing Extreme Geomagnetic Storms Using Extreme Value Analysis: A Discussion on the Representativeness of Short Data Sets
Authors: Bernoux G. , Maget V.
Published: May 2020

One of the main goals when studying Space Weather is to characterize extreme events occurrences and related characteristics. To do so, dedicated statistical methods from the so‐called extreme value analysis (EVA) field have been developed. In this study we used Ca index, derived from aa, in order to characterize geoeffectiveness from the radiation belts point of view with a 150‐year‐long data set. The analysis performed in this study thus focuses on this newsworthy index to provide clues on the reliability of EVA methods. The first main result we present here is that the 1‐in‐10‐, 1‐in‐50‐, and 1‐in‐100‐year events, respectively, match Ca values of 100.39, 131.39, and 142.84 nT. Consequently, the only 1‐in‐100 event observed during the Space Era would be the “Halloween Storm” in 2003 that reached a Ca value of 147.6 nT. The second main result highlighted in this work is that performing the same analysis with shorter subsets (20 years long) can give significantly different results for two reasons. The first reason is that some short time periods do not display the same distribution of events as the full period. The second reason is that the choice of the correct threshold (when using a Peaks Over Threshold approach) is made difficult with a short data set and leads to inaccurate results. This is a strong result as for accurate estimation of the induced effects of extreme events in radiation belts, we may only rely on short flux data sets from one or another mission (mostly shorter than 20 years).
General Solution for Tidal Behavior in Confined and Semiconfined Aquifers Considering Skin and Wellbore Storage Effects
Authors: Gao Xuhua , Sato Kozo , Horne Roland N.
Published: May 2020

Tidal analysis provides a cost‐effective way of estimating aquifer properties. Tidal response models that link aquifer properties with tidal signal characteristics, such as phase and amplitude, have been established in previous studies, but none of the previous models incorporate the skin effect. It is found in this study that the skin effect and the wellbore storage effect can have significant influence on the results of tidal analysis and should be included in tidal response models. New models are proposed with skin and wellbore storage effects fully incorporated so that aquifer information can be assessed more accurately based on tidal analysis. The models can be applied to confined aquifers with only horizontal flow or semiconfined aquifers with both horizontal flow and vertical flow. For confined aquifers, the new model indicates that positive skin leads to larger phase lag between the tidal response the the theoretical tide, and negative skin can reduce the phase lag or even cause a phase advance. For semiconfined aquifers, both the skin effect and the vertical flow affect the phase difference between the tidal response and the theoretical tide, and with the proposed model, contribution from these two sources can be separated and analyzed independently, making it feasible to evaluate semiconfined aquifer properties considering both factors. Increasing wellbore storage causes larger phase lag or smaller phase advance for both types of aquifers. Real‐world examples for confined and semiconfined aquifers are analyzed, respectively, to demonstrate practical applications of the proposed models.
Precision psychiatry with immunological and cognitive biomarkers: a multi-domain prediction for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia using machine learning
Authors: Fernandes Brisa S. , Karmakar Chandan , Tamouza Ryad , Tran Truyen , Yearwood John , Hamdani Nora , Laouamri Hakim , Richard Jean-Romain , Yolken Robert , Berk Michael , Venkatesh Svetha , Leboyer Marion
Published: May 2020

Precision psychiatry is attracting increasing attention lately as a recognized priority. One of the goals of precision psychiatry is to develop tools capable of aiding a clinically informed psychiatric diagnosis objectively. Cognitive, inflammatory and immunological factors are altered in both bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ), however, most of these alterations do not respect diagnostic boundaries from a phenomenological perspective and possess great variability in different individuals with the same phenotypic diagnosis and, consequently, none so far has proven to have the ability of reliably aiding in the differential diagnosis of BD and SZ. We developed a probabilistic multi-domain data integration model consisting of immune and inflammatory biomarkers in peripheral blood and cognitive biomarkers using machine learning to predict diagnosis of BD and SZ. A total of 416 participants, being 323, 372, and 279 subjects for blood, cognition and combined biomarkers analysis, respectively. Our multi-domain model performances for the BD vs. control (sensitivity 80% and specificity 71%) and for the SZ vs. control (sensitivity 84% and specificity 81%) pairs were high in general, however, our multi-domain model had only moderate performance for the differential diagnosis of BD and SZ (sensitivity 71% and specificity 73%). In conclusion, our results show that the diagnosis of BD and of SZ, and that the differential diagnosis of BD and SZ can be predicted with possible clinical utility by a computational machine learning algorithm employing blood and cognitive biomarkers, and that their integration in a multi-domain outperforms algorithms based in only one domain. Independent studies are needed to validate these findings.
Cancer incidence and spectrum among children with genetically confirmed Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum in Germany: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cöktü Sümeyye , Spix Claudia , Kaiser Melanie , Beygo Jasmin , Kleinle Stephanie , Bachmann Nadine , Kohlschmidt Nicolai , Prawitt Dirk , Beckmann Alf , Klaes Ruediger , Nevinny-Stickel-Hinzpeter Claudia , Döhnert Steffi , Kraus Cornelia , Kadgien Gundula , Vater Inga , Biskup Saskia , Kutsche Michael , Kohlhase Jürgen , Eggermann Thomas , Zenker Martin , Kratz Christian P.
Published: May 2020

Background

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a cancer predisposition syndrome caused by defects on chromosome 11p15.5. The quantitative cancer risks in BWS patients depend on the underlying (epi)genotype but have not yet been assessed in a population-based manner.

Methods

We identified a group of 321 individuals with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis of BWS and analysed the cancer incidence up to age 15 years and cancer spectrum by matching their data with the German Childhood Cancer Registry.

Results

We observed 13 cases of cancer in the entire BWS cohort vs 0.4 expected. This corresponds to a 33-fold increased risk (standardised incidence ratio (SIR) = 32.6; 95% confidence interval = 17.3-55.7). The specific cancers included hepatoblastoma (n = 6); nephroblastoma (n = 4); astrocytoma (n = 1); neuroblastoma (n = 1) and adrenocortical carcinoma (n = 1). The cancer SIR was highest in patients with a paternal uniparental disomy of 11p15.5 (UPDpat). A high cancer risk remained when cases of cancer diagnosed prior to the BWS diagnosis were excluded.

Conclusions

This study confirms an increased cancer risk in children with BWS. Our findings suggest that the highest cancer risk is associated with UPDpat. We were unable to confirm an excessive cancer risk in patients with IC1 gain of methylation (IC1-GOM) and this finding requires further investigation.
Emerging roles of ATG proteins and membrane lipids in autophagosome formation
Authors: Nishimura Taki , Tooze Sharon A.
Published: May 2020

Autophagosome biogenesis is a dynamic membrane event, which is executed by the sequential function of autophagy-related (ATG) proteins. Upon autophagy induction, a cup-shaped membrane structure appears in the cytoplasm, then elongates sequestering cytoplasmic materials, and finally forms a closed double membrane autophagosome. However, how this complex vesicle formation event is strictly controlled and achieved is still enigmatic. Recently, there is accumulating evidence showing that some ATG proteins have the ability to directly interact with membranes, transfer lipids between membranes and regulate lipid metabolism. A novel role for various membrane lipids in autophagosome formation is also emerging. Here, we highlight past and recent key findings on the function of ATG proteins related to autophagosome biogenesis and consider how ATG proteins control this dynamic membrane formation event to organize the autophagosome by collaborating with membrane lipids.
Human cancer germline antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell—what can we learn from patient
Authors: Abd Hamid Megat , Peng Yanchun , Dong Tao
Published: May 2020

In this review, we will highlight the importance of cancer germline antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTL) and the factors affecting antitumor CTL responses. In light of cancer immunotherapy, we will emphasis the need to further understand the features, characteristics, and actions of modulatory receptors of human cancer germline-specific CTLs, in order to determine the optimal conditions for antitumor CTL responses.
High-dimensional communication on etchless lithium niobate platform with photonic bound states in the continuum
Authors: Yu Zejie , Tong Yeyu , Tsang Hon Ki , Sun Xiankai
Published: May 2020

Photonic bound states in the continuum (BICs) have been exploited in various systems and found numerous applications. Here, we investigate high-order BICs and apply BICs on an integrated photonic platform to high-dimensional optical communication. A four-channel TM mode (de)multiplexer using different orders of BICs on an etchless lithium niobate (LiNbO3) platform where waveguides are constructed by a low-refractive-index material on a high-refractive-index substrate is demonstrated. Low propagation loss of the TM modes in different orders and phase-matching conditions for efficient excitation of the high-order TM modes are simultaneously achieved. A chip consisting of four-channel mode (de)multiplexers was fabricated and measured with data transmission at 40 Gbps/channel. All the channels have insertion loss <4.0 dB and crosstalk <−9.5 dB in a 70-nm wavelength band. Therefore, the demonstrated mode (de)multiplexing and high-dimensional communication on LiNbO3 platform can meet the increasing demand for high capacity in on-chip optical communication.
Self-regulating photochemical Rayleigh-Bénard convection using a highly-absorbing organic photoswitch
Authors: Seshadri Serena , Gockowski Luke F. , Lee Jaejun , Sroda Miranda , Helgeson Matthew E. , Read de Alaniz Javier , Valentine Megan T.
Published: May 2020

We identify unique features of a highly-absorbing negatively photochromic molecular switch, donor acceptor Stenhouse adduct (DASA), that enable its use for self-regulating light-activated control of fluid flow. Leveraging features of DASA’s chemical properties and solvent-dependent reaction kinetics, we demonstrate its use for photo-controlled Rayleigh-Bénard convection to generate dynamic, self-regulating flows with unparalleled fluid velocities (~mm s−1) simply by illuminating the fluid with visible light. The exceptional absorbance of DASAs in solution, uniquely controllable reaction kinetics and resulting spatially-confined photothermal flows demonstrate the ways in which photoswitches present exciting opportunities for their use in optofluidics applications requiring tunable flow behavior.
Certainty of success: three critical parameters in coronavirus vaccine development
Authors: Kaslow David C.
Published: May 2020

Vaccines for 17 viral pathogens have been licensed for use in humans. Previously, two critical biological parameters of the pathogen and the host–pathogen interaction—incubation period and broadly protective, relative immunogenicity—were proposed to account for much of the past successes in vaccine development, and to be useful in estimating the “certainty of success” of developing an effective vaccine for viral pathogens for which a vaccine currently does not exist. In considering the “certainty of success” in development of human coronavirus vaccines, particularly SARS-CoV-2, a third, related critical parameter is proposed—infectious inoculum intensity, at an individual-level, and force of infection, at a population-level. Reducing the infectious inoculum intensity (and force of infection, at a population-level) is predicted to lengthen the incubation period, which in turn is predicted to reduce the severity of illness, and increase the opportunity for an anamnestic response upon exposure to the circulating virus. Similarly, successfully implementing individual- and population-based behaviors that reduce the infectious inoculum intensity and force of infection, respectively, while testing and deploying COVID-19 vaccines is predicted to increase the “certainty of success” of demonstrating vaccine efficacy and controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection, disease, death, and the pandemic itself.
The comparison of the process of manual and robotic positioning of the electrode performing radiofrequency ablation under the control of a surgical navigation system
Authors: Levin A. A. , Klimov D. D. , Nechunaev A. A. , Vorotnikov A. A. , Prokhorenko L. S. , Grigorieva E. V. , Astakhov D. A. , Poduraev Y. V. , Panchenkov D. N.
Published: May 2020

This study is aimed at the comparison of the process of manual and robotic positioning of the electrode performing radiofrequency ablation under the control of a surgical navigation system. The main hypothesis of this experiment was that the use of a collaborative manipulator (KUKA iiwa) will allow to position the active part of the electrode relative to the center of the tumor more accurately and from the first attempt. We also monitor the stability of the electrode′s velocity during insertion and consider some advantages in ergonomics using the robotic manipulator. We use three more criteria to compare the surgeon's and robotic performance, unlike other studies, where only the target point's accuracy criterion is observed. The main idea is to examine the movement parameters of the electrode that can lead to potential patient trauma. Sphere-shaped tumor phantoms measuring 8 mm in diameter were filled with contrast and inserted in bovine livers. 10 livers were used for the robotic experiment and an equal quantity for manual surgery. The livers were encased in silicone phantoms designed to imitate the liver position in a real patient's abdominal cavity. Analysis of CT data gave the opportunity to find the entry and the target point for each tumor phantom. This data was loaded into a surgical navigation system that was used to track and record the position of the RF-electrode during the operation for further analysis. The standard deviation of points from the programmed linear trajectory totaled in the average 0.3 mm for the robotic experiment and 2.33 mm for the manual operation with a maximum deviation of 0.55 mm and 7.99 mm respectively. Standard deviation from the target point was 2.69 mm for the collaborative method and 2.49 mm for the manual method. The average velocity was 2.97 mm/s for the manipulator and 3.12 mm/s for the manual method, but the standard deviation of the velocity relative to the value of the average velocity was 0.66 mm/s and 3.05 mm/s respectively. Thus, in two criteria out of three, the manipulator is superior to the surgeon, and equality is established in one. Surgeons also noticed advantages in ergonomics performing the procedure using the manipulator. This experiment was produced as part of the work on the developing of a robotic multifunctional surgical complex. We can confirm the potential advantages of using collaborative robotic manipulators for minimally invasive surgery in case of practice for cancer treatment.
In silico bacteria evolve robust cooperation via complex quorum-sensing strategies
Authors: Wang Yifei , Rattray Jennifer B. , Thomas Stephen A. , Gurney James , Brown Sam P.
Published: May 2020

Many species of bacteria collectively sense and respond to their social and physical environment via ‘quorum sensing’ (QS), a communication system controlling extracellular cooperative traits. Despite detailed understanding of the mechanisms of signal production and response, there remains considerable debate over the functional role(s) of QS: in short, what is it for? Experimental studies have found support for diverse functional roles: density sensing, mass-transfer sensing, genotype sensing, etc. While consistent with theory, these results cannot separate whether these functions were drivers of QS adaption, or simply artifacts or ‘spandrels’ of systems shaped by distinct ecological pressures. The challenge of separating spandrels from drivers of adaptation is particularly hard to address using extant bacterial species with poorly understood current ecologies (let alone their ecological histories). To understand the relationship between defined ecological challenges and trajectories of QS evolution, we used an agent-based simulation modeling approach. Given genetic mixing, our simulations produce behaviors that recapitulate features of diverse microbial QS systems, including coercive (high signal/low response) and generalized reciprocity (signal auto-regulation) strategists — that separately and in combination contribute to QS-dependent resilience of QS-controlled cooperation in the face of diverse cheats. We contrast our in silico results given defined ecological challenges with bacterial QS architectures that have evolved under largely unknown ecological contexts, highlighting the critical role of genetic constraints in shaping the shorter term (experimental evolution) dynamics of QS. More broadly, we see experimental evolution of digital organisms as a complementary tool in the search to understand the emergence of complex QS architectures and functions.
Dynamical Behavior of Coal Shearer Traction-swing Coupling under Corrected Loads
Authors: Yang Xinwei , Chen Hongyue , Mao Jun , Wei Yajing
Published: May 2020

Vibration is a major concern in coal mining with a shearer, and an accurate model that allows complex responses can analyze the overall vibration of the system. The large load impact on and severe vibration of a coal shearer under operating conditions were considered. A numerical model was proposed for characterizing the nonlinear dynamics of the shearer traction-swing coupling in 13 degrees of freedom using vibration mechanics and multibody dynamics. Particularly, the contact between the shearer sliding shoe and scraper conveyor was characterized using three-dimensional fractal theory, the gapped contact between the driving wheel and base plate was characterized using Hertz contact theory, and the rigidity of the lift cylinder, the coupling between the shearer fuselage and haulage unit, and the rigidity of the shearer ranging arm were characterized using Hooke’s law. Using experimentally corrected drum loads as the external excitation, the numerical model was resolved to characterize and analyze the dynamical responses of critical shearer components. The numerical model was validated against the vibration responses of a shearer and its critical components under different operating conditions obtained from a mechanical test.The research results provide theoretical basis for the structure optimization and process parameter optimization of the shearer.
Skillful statistical models to predict seasonal wind speed and solar radiation in a Yangtze River estuary case study
Authors: Zeng Peng , Sun Xun , Farnham David J.
Published: May 2020

This paper illustrates the potential for seasonal prediction of wind and solar energy resources through a case study in the Yangtze River estuary. Sea surface temperature and geopotential height-based climate predictors, each with high correlation to ensuing seasonal wind speed and solar radiation at the Baoshan weather observing station, are identified and used to build statistical models to predict seasonal wind speed and solar radiation. Leave-one-out-cross-validation is applied to verify the predictive skill of the best performing candidate model for each season. We find that predictive skill is highest for both wind speed and solar radiation during winter, and lowest during summer. Specifically, we find the most skill when using climate information from the July-September season to predict wind speed or solar radiation during the subsequent November-January season. The ability to predict wind and solar energy availability in the upcoming season can help energy system planners and operators anticipate seasonal surpluses or shortfalls and take precautionary actions.
Background Parenchymal Enhancement on Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography: Influence of Age, Breast Density, Menstruation Status, and Menstrual Cycle Timing
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Zhang Xueqin , Zhong Huanhuan , Qin Yun , Li Yan , Song Bin , Huang Juan , Yu Jianqun
Published: May 2020

To evaluate the relationship of the extent and quantitative intensity of background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) with age, breast density, menstruation status, and menstrual cycle timing. This retrospective study included women who underwent CESM from July 2017 to March 2019 and who had menstruation status records. BPE category assessment was performed subjectively. BPE intensity was quantitatively measured using regions-of-interest. 208 subjects were included (150 were regular menstrual cycle and 58 were postmenopausal). The breast density was classified as category B in 11 subjects, category C in 231 subjects, and category D in 23 subjects. Subjects based on menstrual cycle timing, 24 at days 1–7, 55 at days 8–14, 48 at days 15–21, and 23 at days 22–28. Both quantitative and categorical analyses show a weak negative correlation between BPE and age in all subjects, but there was no significant correlation in premenopausal patients. Both the BPE pixel intensity value and BPE category was significantly lower in postmenopausal patients than in premenopausal patients, and there was no significant difference in breast density according to BPE. The minimum and maximum pixel values of BPE on days 8–14 of the menstrual cycle was significantly lower than those on days 15–21. There was no correlation between BPE level and menstrual cycle timing. Breast density with category D was more likely to have a lower BPE level than category C. We show here that BPE level is affected by menstruation status and menstrual cycle timing. We suggest that CESM should not be performed on days 15–21 of the menstrual cycle, but on days 8–14.
Immunotoxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in different hemocyte subpopulations of Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Sendra Marta , Carrasco-Braganza María Isabel , Yeste Pilar María , Vila Marta , Blasco Julián
Published: May 2020

Plastic represents 60-80% of litter in the ocean. Degradation of plastic to small fragments leads to the formation of microplastics (MPs <5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs <1 µm). One of the most widely used and representative plastics found in the ocean is polystyrene (PS). Among marine organisms, the immune system of bivalves is recognized as suitable to assess nanomaterial toxicity. Hemocyte subpopulations [R1 (large granular cells), R2 (small semi-granular cells) and R3 (small agranular or hyaline cells)] of Mytilus galloprovincialis are specialized in particular tasks and functions. The authors propose to examine the effects of different sizes (50 nm, 100 nm and 1 μm) PS NPs on the different immune cells of mussels when they were exposed to (1 and 10 mg·L−1) of PS NPs. The most noteworthy results found in this work are: (i) 1 µm PS NPs provoked higher immunological responses with respect to 50 and 100 nm PS NPs, possibly related to the higher stability in size and shape in hemolymph serum, (ii) the R1 subpopulation was the most affected with respect to R2 and R3 concerning immunological responses and (iii) an increase in the release of toxic radicals, apoptotic signals, tracking of lysosomes and a decrease in phagocytic activity was found in R1.
Simultaneous quantitative determination of arachidonic acid and cascade metabolites in rat serum by UPLC-MS/MS: application for longitudinal metabolomics of anlotinib
Authors: Du Ping , Hu Ting , An Zhuoling , Li Pengfei , Liu Lihong
Published: May 2020

Robust UPLC/MS/MS method was firstly developed and validated; arachidonic acid and cascade metabolites have been shown to be associated with anlotinib longitudinal metabolomics.
Modulation of hydrophilicity inside the cavity of molecular rectangles self-assembled under ambient conditions
Authors: Khullar Sadhika , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: May 2020

Three molecular rectangles differing in the flexible methylene chain length show varied hydrophilicity inside their cavities.
Temperature-dependent growth of protein crystals with temperature-independent solubility: case study of apoferritin
Authors: Dimitrov Ivaylo L.
Published: May 2020

Combined diffusion- and interface-controlled crystal growth analysis elucidates the temperature-dependent growth kinetics of protein crystals at a relatively small variation of supersaturation.
Nanoscale structure detection and monitoring of tumour growth with optical coherence tomography
Authors: Das Nandan , Sergey Alexandrov , Zhou Yi , Gilligan Katie E. , Dwyer Róisín M. , Leahy Martin
Published: May 2020

Approximately 90% of cancers originate in epithelial tissues leading to epithelial thickening, but the ultrastructural changes and underlying architecture are less well known.
Solid-phase extraction followed by deep eutectic solvent based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and GC-MS detection of the estrogenic compounds in wastewater samples
Authors: Davoodi Reza , Nodehi Ramin Nabizadeh , Rastkari Noushin , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Fattahi Nazir
Published: May 2020

SPE combined with deep eutectic solvent based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been developed as a sensitive technique for the ultra preconcentration of estrogenic compounds in wastewater samples prior to their analysis by GC-MS.
Enhancement of critical current density in a superconducting NbSe2 step junction
Authors: He Xin , Wen Yan , Zhang Chenhui , Lai Zhiping , Chudnovsky Eugene M. , Zhang Xixiang
Published: May 2020

We investigate the transport properties of a NbSe2 step junction and verify that the enhancement of the critical current density is due to the vortex pinning at the step junction.
A methylation platform of unconventional inert aryl electrophiles: trimethylboroxine as a universal methylating reagent
Authors: Feng Boya , Yang Yudong , You Jingsong
Published: May 2020

A universal platform for catalytic methylation of a series of unconventional inert aryl electrophiles with trimethylboroxine (TMB) is established, which provides a synthetic chemist's toolbox for the construction of methylated arenes.
Transparency and AIE tunable supramolecular polymer hydrogel acts as TEA–HCl vapor controlled smart optical material
Authors: Sun Xiao-Wen , Wang Zhong-Hui , Li Ying-Jie , Yang Hai-Long , Gong Guan-Fei , Zhang You-Ming , Yao Hong , Wei Tai-Bao , Lin Qi
Published: May 2020

A novel stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymer material was constructed by a tripodal gelator, which could act as an optical material and shows potential application in smart window or display materials, with TEA and HCl vapor treatment.
Hydrolysis-induced large swelling of polyacrylamide hydrogels
Authors: Zhou Yu , Jin Lihua
Published: May 2020

A non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory is developed to predict hydrolysis-induced large swelling of polyacrylamide hydrogels.
An advanced composite sorbent with high thermal stability and superior sorption capacity without hysteresis for a better thermal battery
Authors: An Guoliang , Zhang Yiheng , Wang Liwei , Zhang Bo
Published: May 2020

Solving the bottlenecks of notable hysteresis and mediocre sorption capacity for low-heat-loss and high-power-density thermal energy storage.
Novel efficient nonlinear optical azo- and azomethine polymers containing an antipyrine fragment: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Ovdenko Valeriia M. , Multian Volodymyr V. , Uklein Andrii V. , Kulai Ihor V. , Kolendo Oleksiy Yu. , Gayvoronsky Volodymyr Ya.
Published: May 2020

Set of azo- and azomethine dyes with antipyrine fragments, including one bent shaped azomethine, its homo- and copolymers with MMA were synthesized. The materials demonstrated efficient refractive nonlinear optical response via self-action effect.
Identifying galaxies, quasars, and stars with machine learning: A new catalogue of classifications for 111 million SDSS sources without spectra
Authors: Clarke A. O. , Scaife A. M. M. , Greenhalgh R. , Griguta V.
Published: May 2020

We used 3.1 million spectroscopically labelled sources from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) to train an optimised random forest classifier using photometry from the SDSS and the Widefield Infrared Survey Explorer. We applied this machine learning model to 111 million previously unlabelled sources from the SDSS photometric catalogue which did not have existing spectroscopic observations. Our new catalogue contains 50.4 million galaxies, 2.1 million quasars, and 58.8 million stars. We provide individual classification probabilities for each source, with 6.7 million galaxies (13%), 0.33 million quasars (15%), and 41.3 million stars (70%) having classification probabilities greater than 0.99; and 35.1 million galaxies (70%), 0.72 million quasars (34%), and 54.7 million stars (93%) having classification probabilities greater than 0.9. Precision, Recall, and F1 score were determined as a function of selected features and magnitude error. We investigate the effect of class imbalance on our machine learning model and discuss the implications of transfer learning for populations of sources at fainter magnitudes than the training set. We used a non-linear dimension reduction technique, Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection, in unsupervised, semi-supervised, and fully-supervised schemes to visualise the separation of galaxies, quasars, and stars in a two-dimensional space. When applying this algorithm to the 111 million sources without spectra, it is in strong agreement with the class labels applied by our random forest model.
Painting a portrait of the Galactic disc with its stellar clusters
Authors: Cantat-Gaudin T. , Anders F. , Castro-Ginard A. , Jordi C. , Romero-Gómez M. , Soubiran C. , Casamiquela L. , Tarricq Y. , Moitinho A. , Vallenari A. , Bragaglia A. , Krone-Martins A. , Kounkel M.
Published: May 2020

Context.The large astrometric and photometric survey performed by theGaiamission allows for a panoptic view of the Galactic disc and its stellar cluster population. Hundreds of stellar clusters were only discovered after the latestGaiadata release (DR2) and have yet to be characterised.

Aims.Here we make use of the deep and homogeneousGaiaphotometry down toG= 18 to estimate the distance, age, and interstellar reddening for about 2000 stellar clusters identified withGaiaDR2 astrometry. We use these objects to study the structure and evolution of the Galactic disc.

Methods.We relied on a set of objects with well-determined parameters in the literature to train an artificial neural network to estimate parameters from theGaiaphotometry of cluster members and their mean parallax.

Results.We obtain reliable parameters for 1867 clusters. Our catalogue confirms the relative lack of old stellar clusters in the inner disc (with a few notable exceptions). We also quantify and discuss the variation of scale height with cluster age, and we detect the Galactic warp in the distribution of old clusters.

Conclusions.This work results in a large and homogeneous cluster catalogue, allowing one to trace the structure of the disc out to distances of ∼4 kpc. However, the present sample is still unable to trace the outer spiral arm of the Milky Way, which indicates that the outer disc cluster census might still be incomplete.
Functional Knee Performance Differences in Handball are Depending on Playing Class
Authors: Rühlemann Alina , Mayer Constantin , Haversath Marcel , Jäger Marcus
Published: May 2020

Handball is one of the most traumatic sports. The knee is the most commonly injured joint. To prevent knee injuries, optimal functional knee stability is of great importance. Nevertheless, there is still no consensus about objective criteria for knee function. Depending on playing class, injury rates seem to differ. The purpose of this study was to evaluate knee function in handball depending on playing class and to establish reference data for functional knee stability. 261 handball players (25.1±5.8 years) performed a functional test including two- and one-legged stability assessments, jump tests, speed and agility analysis. Except for balance, differences between playing classes were detected in all tests with superior performance of high-class players (Germany’s 1st (“Oberliga”) and 2nd (“Verbandsliga”) non-elite playing class). High-class players achieved significant better results in jumping height (p≤0.011–0.029), relative power per body weight in the two-legged counter movement jump (p≤0.023) and speed and agility tests (p≤0.001). This study illustrates the relevance of playing class specific screening. Sports and playing class-specific databases will help to identify individual deficits and strengths in order to prevent injury and increase performance. Moreover, objective criteria for return to sports can be established.
Eine außergewöhnliche Therapie der Vena-iliaca-externa-Hypoplasie bei einer Patientin mit Klippel-Trénaunay-Syndrom – ein Fallbericht
Authors: Cyrek Anna Ewa
Published: May 2020

Das Klippel-Trénaunay-Syndrom (KTS) ist eine seltene und komplexe Fehlbildung. Sie zeigt die typische Trias aus vaskulärer Malformation, Knochen- und Weichteilhypertrophie sowie venöser Varikosis. Die Systemmanifestationen werden in einem individuell variablen Muster beobachtet. Eine isolierte angeborene Hypoplasie des venösen Systems tritt jedoch in den seltensten Fällen auf. Aus diesem Grund spielt die Früherkennung eine wichtige Rolle für die weitere Behandlungsplanung. So können durch rechtzeitige Behandlung schwere Krankheitsverläufe oder Spätfolgen vermieden werden. Eine isolierte angeborene Hypoplasie ist extrem selten und prädisponiert insbesondere im jungen Erwachsenenalter für Becken- oder Beinvenenthrombosen. Bei dieser Krankheit wird selten eine chirurgische Rekonstruktion durchgeführt.

Wir beschreiben einen sehr seltenen Fall einer 60-jährigen Frau mit KTS, die vor 28 Jahren einen venösen Crossover-Bypass (Palma) mittels Vena saphena magna bei Hypoplasie der Vena iliaca externa rechts erhalten hat. Das Ziel des vorliegenden Berichts ist das klinische Erscheinungsbild, den diagnostischen Prozess und das Krankheitsmanagement vorzustellen sowie eine Literaturübersicht zum operativen Behandlungsverfahren darzustellen.
Self-expandable metallic stent placement above the papilla without endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Takada Ryoji , Ikezawa Kenji , Kiyota Ryosuke , Imai Toshihiro , Abe Yutaro , Fukutake Nobuyasu , Ashida Reiko , Nawa Takatoshi , Tabuchi Takahiro , Katayama Kazuhiro , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi
Published: May 2020

Background and study aims The best method for endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) for distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) has not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate how SEMS placement above the papilla and without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) impacts the time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) in patients with distal MBO.

Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed data for 73 consecutive patients with unresectable distal MBO who underwent endoscopic SEMS placement for the first time at our institution between April 2014 and March 2016. We compared time to RBO of SEMS placement above the papilla (intraductal placement) with SEMS placement across the papilla (transpapillary placement). In the intraductal placement group, we also compared time to RBO of placement without EST with placement with EST.

Results Endoscopic SEMS placement was performed in 30 patients with intraductal placement and in 43 patients with transpapillary placement. The median time to RBO was significantly longer with intraductal placement (307 days) than with transpapillary placement (161 days) (P = 0.022). Complication rates did not differ between the two groups. In both univariate and multivariate analysis, intraductal placement was an independent factor contributing to prolonged time to RBO. In intraductal placement, time to RBO was significantly longer in SEMS placement without EST than with EST (363 days vs. 227 days, respectively; P = 0.026).

Conclusions Intraductal SEMS placement, especially without EST for distal MBO contributed to longer time to RBO.
Crossectomy (flush ligation) of small saphenous vein
Authors: Stenger Dietmar , Hartmann Michael
Published: May 2020

A correct crossectomy of the small saphenous vein, as stipulated by Hach and Mumme, is seldom carried out in literature. The two authors thoroughly describe the technical procedure of a high, flush ligation of the saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ). The risks and problems of the surgery are described and illustrated.

A retrospective cohort study with the aim of conducting a flat small saphenous crossectomy yielded the following findings in 187 operated legs: small saphenous remainder stumps with clinically relevant recurrence in 2.1 %, small saphenous neovasculature with clinically relevant recurrence in 1.1 %, junction stump or neovasculature without clinically relevant recurrence in 1.6 % of cases. In summation, the total amount of actual recurrences was 4.8 %.
Saphenofemoral recurrence from an an anatomist’s point of view
Authors: Brenner Erich
Published: May 2020

From an anatomical point of view, recurrences at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) could result from various sources. For one, it could be caused by a recanalisation of an originally occluded great saphenous vein (GSV). Secondly, another vein in the junction region could take over the function of the GSV and dilate. A third variation is a – more or less successful – generation of a new vein. In the last case, a sufficient vein could be generated, an insufficient vein could arise, or an inadequate venous regeneration, so that a cluster of frail but incomplete vasculature remains (neovasculature).
Small Cell Lung Cancer: Advances in Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Chauhan Ayushi F. , Liu Stephen V.
Published: May 2020

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive subtype of lung cancer characterized by rapid growth and early spread. It is a highly lethal disease that typically is diagnosed at a late stage. Surgery plays a very small role in this cancer, and management typically involves chemotherapy, delivered with thoracic radiation in early-stage disease. Platinum-based chemotherapy is initially very effective, inducing rapid and often deep responses. These responses, though, are transient, and upon relapse, SCLC is highly refractory to therapy. Immunotherapy has shown promise in delivering meaningful, durable responses and the addition of immunotherapy to first-line chemotherapy has led to the first improvements in survival in decades. Still, the disease remains difficult to manage. Incorporating radiation therapy at specific points in patient management may improve disease control. The development of predictive biomarkers and novel targeted therapies will hopefully improve options for patients in the near future. This review focuses on the current standards of care and future directions.
Recent Developments in C–C Bond Formation Using Catalytic Reductive Coupling Strategies
Authors: Sieber Joshua D. , Agrawal Toolika
Published: May 2020

Metal-catalyzed reductive coupling processes have emerged as a powerful methodology for the introduction of molecular complexity from simple starting materials. These methods allow for an orthogonal approach to that of redox-neutral strategies for the formation of C–C bonds by enabling cross-coupling of starting materials not applicable to redox-neutral chemistry. This short review summarizes the most recent developments in the area of metal-catalyzed reductive coupling utilizing catalyst turnover by a stoichiometric reductant that becomes incorporated in the final product.

1 Introduction

2 Ni Catalysis

3 Cu Catalysis

4 Ru, Rh, and Ir Catalysis

4.1 Alkenes

4.2 1,3-Dienes

4.3 Allenes

4.4 Alkynes

4.5 Enynes

5 Fe, Co, and Mn Catalysis

6 Conclusion and Outlook
Assessing Oral Health Status, Practices, and Access to Care among War-Affected Refugees Living in San Antonio, Texas
Authors: Saadeh Rami , Cappelli David , Bober-Moken Irene , Cothron Annaliese , de la Torre Magda
Published: May 2020

Objectives Refugees encounter several health disparities including oral health problems. This study evaluated the self-reported oral health status, practices, and access to care of adult refugees living in San Antonio, Texas, United States.

Materials and Methods Adult refugees (n = 207) who accessed services from two centers in San Antonio, completed this survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship of the refugees’ demographics with oral health status, practices, and access to care.

Results Oral pain in the previous 12 months was common among refugees having been reported by almost 58.9% of the survey participants; 43% reported pain as the reason for their last dental visit. Approximately half of the participants reported both the condition to their teeth and gums as being good: 42.5 and 54.6%, respectively. Most participants (84%) reported brushing their teeth one or two times a day, and around 78% reported they never smoked. Fifty-two percent reported needing dental care in the past 12 months, but not being able to receive it; while 45.9% reported not having dental insurance, 41.5% reported not having money to pay a dentist. Fifteen percent reported never visiting a dentist. Arabic speakers, moving to the United States more recently, and lower level of education were associated with a poor oral health status and practices (p < 0.05).

Conclusion Refugees in this study encountered limited access to dental care. Their inability to seek dental care could affect their oral and general health, weaken efforts of preventing oral health diseases, and restrict their full inclusion into the community.