bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compartmentalisation and groundwater–surface water interactions in a prospective shale gas basin: Assessment using variance analysis and multivariate statistics on water quality data
Authors: Wilson Miles P. , Worrall Fred , Clancy Sarah A. , Ottley Chris J. , Hart Alwyn , Davies Richard J.
Published: May 2020

An environmental concern with hydraulic fracturing for shale gas is the risk of groundwater and surface water contamination. Assessing this risk partly involves the identification and understanding of groundwater–surface water interactions because potentially contaminating fluids could move from one water body to the other along hydraulic pathways. In this study, we use water quality data from a prospective shale gas basin to determine: if surface water sampling could identify groundwater compartmentalisation by low‐permeability faults; and if surface waters interact with groundwater in underlying bedrock formations, thereby indicating hydraulic pathways. Variance analysis showed that bedrock geology was a significant factor influencing surface water quality, indicating regional‐scale groundwater–surface water interactions despite the presence of an overlying region‐wide layer of superficial deposits averaging 30–40 m thickness. We propose that surface waters interact with a weathered bedrock layer through the complex distribution of glaciofluvial sands and gravels. Principal component analysis showed that surface water compositions were constrained within groundwater end‐member compositions. Surface water quality data showed no relationship with groundwater compartmentalisation known to be caused by a major basin fault. Therefore, there was no chemical evidence to suggest that deeper groundwater in this particular area of the prospective basin was reaching the surface in response to compartmentalisation. Consequently, in this case compartmentalisation does not appear to increase the risk of fracking‐related contaminants reaching surface waters, although this may differ under different hydrogeological scenarios.
Macrophage GIT1 Contributes to Bone Regeneration by Regulating Inflammatory Responses in an ERK/NRF2-Dependent Way
Authors: Zhao Shu-Jie , Liu Hao , Chen Jian , Qian Ding-Fei , Kong Fan-Qi , Jie Jian , Yin Guo-Yong , Li Qing-Qing , Fan Jin
Published: May 2020

Despite the best treatment, approximately 10% of fractures still face undesirable repair. Recently, many studies have focused on the importance of macrophages in bone repair; however, the cellular mechanisms by which they work are not yet fully understood. In this study, we explored the functions of macrophage G-protein-coupled receptor interacting protein 1 (GIT1) in healing a tibial monocortical defect model. Using GIT1flox/flox Lyz2-Cre (GIT1 CKO) mice, we observed that a GIT1 deficiency in the macrophages led to an exacerbation of interleukin 1β (IL1β) production, more M1-like macrophage infiltration, and impaired intramembranous ossification in vivo. The results of in vitro assays further indicated that the macrophage GIT1 plays a critical role in several cellular processes in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), such as anti-oxidation, IL1β production alleviation, and glycolysis control. Although GIT1 has been recognized as a scaffold protein, our data clarified that GIT1-mediated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation could activate nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) in macrophages after LPS treatment. Moreover, we demonstrated that macrophage GIT1-activated ERK/NRF2 negatively regulates the 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), facilitating the decrease of glycolysis. Our findings uncovered a previously unrecognized role of GIT1 in regulating ERK/NRF2 in macrophages to control the inflammatory response, suggesting that macrophage GIT1 could be a potential target to improve bone regeneration. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research..
Optimal timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy after gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis: A multi‐institutional retrospective study
Authors: Tomimaru Yoshito , Fukuchi Nariaki , Yokoyama Shigekazu , Mori Takuji , Tanemura Masahiro , Sakai Kenji , Takeda Yutaka , Tsujie Masanori , Yamada Terumasa , Miyamoto Atsushi , Hashimoto Yasuji , Hatano Hisanori , Shimizu Junzo , Sugimoto Keishi , Kashiwazaki Masaki , Kobayashi Shogo , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: May 2020

Background

There is no consensus on the optimal timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis (AC). To obtain evidence for a consensus, we investigated surgical outcomes of LC after gallbladder drainage with respect to the time elapsed from gallbladder drainage to surgery in a multi‐institutional retrospective study.

Methods

This study enrolled 347 patients who underwent LC after gallbladder drainage for AC at 15 institutions. Surgical outcome of LC was investigated in the cases based on the interval from gallbladder drainage to surgery.

Results

The median interval from gallbladder drainage to surgery of the patients was 34 days, with a mean ± standard deviation of 58 ± 99 days. Patients were divided into four groups based on quartiles of the interval: Group A, cases with an interval of 1‐12 days; Group B, cases with an interval of 13‐34 days; Group C, cases with an interval of 35‐73 days; and Group D, cases with an interval of ≥74 days. Surgical outcomes, which were evaluated with respect to intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, rate of intraoperative accident, conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery, and postoperative complication, were worse in Group B than in the other groups. The finding was verified by propensity score‐matched analysis.

Conclusions

Surgical outcome of LC after gallbladder drainage for AC was inferior in Group B compared with the other groups. This finding could be useful for determining the optimal timing of LC after gallbladder drainage for AC.
A multi‐century meteo‐hydrological analysis for the Adda river basin (Central Alps). Part II: Daily runoff (1845–2016) at different scales
Authors: Ranzi Roberto , Michailidi Eleni M. , Tomirotti Massimo , Crespi Alice , Brunetti Michele , Maugeri Maurizio
Published: May 2020

A high‐quality daily runoff time series of the Lake Como inflow and outflow, the longest for Italian Alps, was reconstructed for the 1845–2016 period in the Adda river basin. It was compared with contemporary monthly precipitation and temperature observations and estimated potential evapotranspiration losses. Trend analyses were conducted for daily flow maxima and 7‐day duration minima of inflows into the lake showing a non‐significant decrease and a significant increase, respectively. Although the annual precipitation time series exhibits a non‐significant decrease, annual runoff volumes decrease with a rate of −136 mm⋅century−1, with a significance level of 5%. Possible causes of variability of rainfall and runoff as North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and Western Mediterranean Oscillation indexes and sunspot activity were also explored. Wavelet spectra analyses of monthly precipitation and runoff show some changes in the energy both at small and large scales and are effective in pointing out phenomena as droughts and the effects of dams' regulation. Conversely, wavelet coherence spectra indicate a weak correlation of NAO and sunspots with precipitation. In addition, the analysis of temperature and potential evapotranspiration tendencies suggests that the decrease of runoff has to be ascribed mostly to anthropogenic factors, including water abstraction for irrigation and increased evapotranspiration losses due to natural afforestation and, only in part, to climatic variability.
Comparison of Measured Energy Expenditure Using Indirect Calorimetry vs Predictive Equations for Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Lee Seok Joon , Lee Hak‐Jae , Jung Yooun‐Joong , Han Minkyu , Lee Sung‐Gyu , Hong Suk‐Kyung
Published: May 2020

Background

To assess the appropriate energy expenditure requirement for liver transplant (LT) recipients in South Korea, 4 commonly used predictive equations were compared with indirect calorimetry (IC).

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of an academic tertiary hospital between December 2017 and September 2018. The study population comprised LT recipients expected to remain in the ICU >48 hours postoperatively. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured 48 hours after ICU admission using open‐circuit IC. Theoretical REE was estimated using 4 predictive equations (simple weight‐based equation [25 kcal/kg/day], Harris‐Benedict, Ireton‐Jones [ventilated], and Penn State 1988). Derived and measured REE values were compared using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

Of 50 patients screened, 46 were enrolled, were measured, and completed the study. The Penn State equation showed 65.0% agreement with IC (ICC, 0.65); the simple weight‐based (25 kcal/kg/day), Harris‐Benedict, and Ireton‐Jones equations showed 62.0%, 56.0% and 39.0% agreement, respectively. Bland‐Altman analysis showed that all 4 predictive equations had fixed bias, although the simple weight‐based equation (25 kcal/kg/day) showed the least.

Conclusion

Although predicted REE calculated using the Penn State method agreed with the measured REE, all 4 equations showed fixed bias and appeared to be inaccurate for predicting REE in LT recipients. Precise measurement using IC may be necessary when treating LT recipients to avoid underestimating or overestimating their metabolic needs.
Potassium is a potential toxicant for Arabidopsis thaliana under saline conditions
Authors: Zhao Wenting , Faust Franziska , Schubert Sven
Published: May 2020

Background and aims: Most physiological and biochemical studies on salt stress are NaCl‐based. However, other ions (e.g., K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and ) also contribute to salt stress in special circumstances. In this study, salt stress induced by various salts was investigated for a better understanding of salinity.

Methods: Arabidopsis thaliana plants were stepwise acclimated to five iso‐osmotic salts as follows: NaCl, KCl, Na2SO4, K2SO4, and CaCl2.

Results and Conclusions: Exposure to KCl and K2SO4 led to more severe toxicity symptoms, smaller biomass, and lower level of chlorophyll than exposure to NaCl and Na2SO4, indicating that Arabidopsis plants are more sensitive to potassium salts. The strongly reduced growth was negatively correlated with the accumulation of soluble sugars observed in KCl‐ and K2SO4‐treated plants, suggesting a blockage in the utilization of sugars for growth. We found that exposure to KCl and K2SO4 suppressed or even blocked sucrose degradation, thus leading to strong accumulation of sucrose in shoots, which then probably inhibited photosynthesis via feedback inhibition. Moreover, K+ was more accumulated in shoots than Na+ after corresponding potassium or sodium salt treatments, thus resulting in decreased Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations in response to KCl and K2SO4. However, K2SO4 caused more severe toxicity symptoms than iso‐osmotic KCl, even when the K+ level was lower in K2SO4‐treated plants. We found that Na2SO4 and K2SO4 induced strong accumulation of tricarboxylic acid intermediates, especially fumarate and succinate which might induce oxidative stress. Thus, the severe toxicity symptoms found in K2SO4‐treated plants were also attributed to in addition to the massive accumulation of K+.
Delivering Proapoptotic Peptide by HSP Nanocage for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Chen Li , Wang Mingyue , Cui Meiying , Huang Lili , Xia Wei , Guan Xingang
Published: May 2020

Protein nanoparticles have attracted widespread attention in the area of biocatalysis, drug delivery, and vaccine preparation during the past decade. Among various protein nanostructures, protein nanocages have proved to be a multifunctional platform for tumor diagnosis and drug delivery due to easy interior encapsulation and outer surface display. In this report, a protein‐only nanoparticle (HSP‐KLAK) is developed based on small heat shock protein (HSP) nanocage and proapoptotic peptide (KLAK) for enhanced antitumor activity. The HSP‐KLAK nanoparticles show efficient cellular uptake and good lysosomal escape in melanoma cells. Moreover, HSP‐KLAK nanoparticles show significantly enhanced cytotoxicity toward B16F10 melanoma cells compared with free proapoptotic peptide. This study demonstrates that protein nanocage represents an efficient nanocarrier for delivering anticancer peptide into tumors.
Optimizing the Interdomain Spacing in Alicyclic Polythiourea toward High‐Energy‐Storable Dielectric Material
Authors: Feng Yang , Yang Liuqing , Qu Guanghao , Suga Takeo , Nishide Hiroyuki , Chen George , Li Shengtao
Published: May 2020

Organic dielectric materials have been widely developed and investigated for energy storage capacitors. However, challenges remain in terms of the relatively low dielectric constant and energy density. Enhancing the dipolar polarization to increase the dielectric constant is considered to be an effective way to improve the energy density of polymer dielectrics. Herein, enlightened by the chain‐packing structure that affects the dipolar relaxation behavior, a simple and low‐cost approach is proposed to tailor the interdomain spacing in an alicyclic polythiourea (PTU) by changing quenching temperatures and further facilitate the dipolar polarization. It is found that the large interdomain spacing is beneficial to promote the localized motion of segmental chains in amorphous regions, but at the same time inevitably reduces the dipole density. Therefore, in order to achieve the highest dielectric constant in the PTU, there is an optimal value for the interdomain spacing. It is worth noting that the dielectric constant of PTU increases from 5.7 to 10, and thus the energy density increases by 53% to 16.3 J cm−3. It proposes a simple and feasible strategy to further improve the energy density through optimizing the interdomain spacing toward high‐energy‐storable dielectric material.
Genetic algorithm search for the worst‐case MRI RF exposure for a multiconfiguration implantable fixation system modeled using artificial neural networks
Authors: Zheng Jianfeng , Lan Qianlong , Kainz Wolfgang , Long Stuart A. , Chen Ji
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper presents a method to search for the worst‐case configuration leading to the highest RF exposure for a multiconfiguration implantable fixation system under MRI.

Methods

A two‐step method combining an artificial neural network and a genetic algorithm is developed to achieve this purpose. In the first step, the level of RF exposure in terms of peak 1‐g and/or 10‐g averaged specific absorption rate (SAR1g/10g), related to the multiconfiguration system, is predicted using an artificial neural network. A genetic algorithm is then used to search for the worst‐case configuration of this multidimensional nonlinear problem within both the enumerated discrete sample space and generalized continuous sample space. As an example, a generic plate system with a total of 576 configurations is used for both 1.5T and 3T MRI systems.

Results

The presented method can effectively identify the worst‐case configuration and accurately predict the SAR1g/10g with no more than 20% of the samples in the studied discrete sample space, and can even predict the worst case in the generalized continuous sample space. The worst‐case prediction error in the generalized continuous sample space is less than 1.6% for SAR1g and less than 1.3% for SAR10g compared with the simulation results.

Conclusion

The combination of an artificial neural network with genetic algorithm is a robust technique to determine the worst‐case RF exposure level for a multiconfiguration system, and only needs a small amount of training data from the entire system.
Intensification and optimization of the characteristics of polyacrylonitrile nanofiltration membranes with improved performance through experimental design and statistical analysis
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Saeid , Khodakarami Amir Hossein , Nxumalo Edward Ndumiso
Published: May 2020

The present study aims to employ experimental design and statistical analysis in order to investigate in detail the effect of various prominent parameters on the characteristics and performance of polyacrylonitrile nanofiltration membranes for the treatment of electroplating wastewaters targeting Ni, Cr, and Zn ions. Incorporation of TiO2 into the membrane matrix was effective in improving pure water flux (PWF) by ~16%. Also, PWF and Ni rejection of membranes escalated to 118.55 L m−2 h−1 and 90.79%, respectively upon addition of 1.5 wt% citric acid to the dope. Variation in coagulation bath temperature from 25°C to 45°C led to the formation of membranes having higher porosity with enhanced PWF by about 25% at the expense of only 5% reduction in Ni rejection. Parameters were optimized by analysis of variance (ANOVA). In contrast to the effect of feed concentration, an increase in feed pressure and pH enhanced permeate flux and total ion rejection. Similarly, permeate flux increased at higher operational temperatures without change in total rejection. A mathematical model was developed by applying ANOVA and the best combination of operating parameters was obtained by optimization.
Deletion of beta‐fructofuranosidase (invertase) genes is associated with sucrose content in Date Palm fruit
Authors: Malek Joel A. , Mathew Sweety , Mathew Lisa S. , Younuskunju Shameem , Mohamoud Yasmin A. , Suhre Karsten
Published: May 2020

The fruit of date palm trees are an important part of the diet for a large portion of the Middle East and North Africa. The fruit is consumed both fresh and dry and can be stored dry for extended periods of time. Date fruits vary significantly across hundreds of cultivars identified in the main regions of cultivation. Most dried date fruit are low in sucrose but high in glucose and fructose. However, high sucrose content is a distinctive feature of some date fruit and affects flavor as well as texture and water retention. To identify the genes controlling high sucrose content, we analyzed date fruit metabolomics for association with genotype data from 120 date fruits. We found significant association of dried date sucrose content and a genomic region that contains 3 tandem copies of the beta‐fructofuranosidase (invertase) gene in the reference Khalas genome, a low‐sucrose fruit. High‐sucrose cultivars including the popular Deglet Noor had a homozygous deletion of two of the 3 copies of the invertase gene. We show the deletion allele is derived when compared to the ancestral allele that retains all copies of the gene in 3 other species of Phoenix. The fact that 2 of the 3 tandem invertase copies are associated with dry fruit sucrose content will assist in better understanding the distinct roles of multiple date palm invertases in plant physiology. Identification of the recessive alleles associated with end‐point sucrose content in date fruit may be used in selective breeding in the future.
Accuracy of volume and pressure delivery by mechanical ventilators in use in neonatal intensive care units: A quality control study
Authors: Ottaviani Valeria , Veneroni Chiara , Dell'Orto Valentina , Lavizzari Anna , Ventura Maria Luisa , Tossici Marta , Maroszynska Iwona , Mosca Fabio , Tagliabue Paolo , De Luca Daniele , Dellacà Raffaele L.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Despite technical specifications of neonatal mechanical ventilators (MVs) guarantee clinically irrelevant discrepancies between the set and the delivered values of ventilation parameters, previous studies reported large deviations. Most studies characterized performances of a given model/brand by studying a single device, disregarding possible intramodel differences, and leaving the accuracy of the ventilation parameters effectively delivered in clinical settings unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real‐life accuracy of pressure and volume parameters delivered by neonatal ventilators ready to be used on patients in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Study Design

In vitro study.

Subjects Selection

Neonatal ventilators (n = 33 of 8 different models) available in four European NICUs.

Methodology

The MVs were connected to a test lung (resistance = 50 cmH2O*s/L, compliance = 0.35 mL/cmH2O) provided with pressure and flow sensors. MVs were tested over two different ventilation modes randomly: (a) pressure controlled (PC) with a peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) of 22 cmH2O, and (b) PC with volume targeted ventilation (VTV) with a tidal volume (VT) of 6 mL. In all tests, positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) was set to 6 cmH2O, respiratory rate to 45 breaths/min, inspiratory time to 0.33 seconds, and oxygen fraction to 0.3.

Results

During PC the median (min‐max) values delivered were: PEEP = 5.84(4.95‐6.48) cmH2O, PIP = 21.63(20.04‐22.62) cmH2O. During VTV, VT was 5.94(4.63‐8.01) mL. VT was considerably variable, ranging from −22% to +33% of the set and displayed values. Differences in accuracy among devices of the same model were comparable to those found among different models.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that loss of accuracy in ventilation variables is likely related to daily use of the devices rather than weakness in the design or manufacturing process, urging the improvement of maintenance and quality control procedures to preserve the performances of neonatal MVs during their entire lifespan.
The ‘good life’ of Polish migrants in Britain: Daily behaviours and subjective well‐being of migrants, stayers and the British
Authors: Jarosz Ewa , Gugushvili Alexi
Published: May 2020

The situation of Polish migrants in Britain has mostly been analysed from the labour market perspective. More recently, research has also addressed the topic of migrants' social connections, identity and integration. However, little is known about their everyday lifestyle practices, in particular the nonmarket behaviours, such as socialising or consumption. These behaviours are constitutive for migrants' ‘homemaking’ in Britain and may impact their mobility decisions. Using a pooled data set of two nationally representative time‐use surveys (Polish and British), this study analysed how much time migrants allocated on a daily basis to selected nonmarket activities and compared it to time‐use patterns of the British and of Poles living in Poland. Regarding behaviours, Polish migrants were more similar to the British than to Poles in Poland. However, they spent least time socialising and showed very low participation rates in civic and community activities. They also seemed to derive less satisfaction from social life than either stayers or the British.
Temperature‐Dependent Electrical Transport Properties of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Thin Films Prepared by Electrohydrodynamic Atomization Technique
Authors: Venugopal Gunasekaran , Sivalingam Yuvaraj , Sundharam Sridharan , Murukanahally Kempaiah Devaraju , Kim Sang-Jae , Zoltán Kónya
Published: May 2020

Herein, the temperature‐dependent electrical transport properties of single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) thin films prepared by the electrohydrodynamic atomization technique, are reported. The physico–chemical properties of SWCNT thin films are characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Raman, transmission electron, and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy techniques. The electrical transport measurements are carried out from 285 to 20 K. A semiconducting behavior is observed when the temperature goes down to 20 K. The prevalent transport mechanism is analyzed with a variable‐range hopping model, which is well aided by Raman analysis. Furthermore, the thermal dependence of the electrical conductivity of the SWCNT thin film is investigated using the Arrhenius model, which reveals the conductivity of the SWCNT thin film at low‐temperature shows in the order of mega‐Ohm resistance with a small activation energy of 1.81 J mol−1, and an exponential decrement in conductivity is observed while decreasing the temperature to 20 K, which further confirms the semiconducting behavior of the SWCNT thin film. The Poole–Frenkel conduction mechanism shows best fit for the temperatures 50, 75, and 100 K, and the results provide potential insights into the science and development of SWCNT research.
Formation Mechanism of Gradient Wettability of Si3N4 Ceramic Surface Induced Using a Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Yang Qibiao , Lv Zhihuai , Wu Tianyu , Chen Yang , Ren Xiaoping , Cheng Jian , Lou Deyuan , Chen Lie , Zheng Zhong , Rui Quan , Liu Dun
Published: May 2020

The gradient wettability surface is processed on the surface of Si3N4 ceramics using a 1030 nm femtosecond laser. Both the microdimple morphology, surface contact angle, and surface chemical structure are determined using optical microscopy, optical profilometry, contact angle measuring instrument, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effects of average laser power, scanning passes, and microdimple distribution density on both surface morphology and contact angle are also studied. Accordingly, the wettability surfaces of different gradients are processed by changing the microdimple distribution density, and the flow state of the cutting fluid on the gradient wettability surface is observed using a high‐speed camera. The results show that both the diameter and depth of the microdimple increase with the increase in the average laser power and scanning passes. As the average laser power increases, the surface contact angle gradually reduces and then increases. Moreover, because of the increase in scanning passes, the surface contact angle gradually decreases. The microdimple morphology is an important factor affecting the wettability of the sample surface. Reason construction of the surface microdimple distribution density can obtain different gradients of wettability surface. Furthermore, with a larger gradient, the wetting rate of the cutting fluid will be faster.
Superconducting Interfaces between Weyl Semimetal and Normal Metal
Authors: Zhu Wenliang , Wang Yiyan , Li Jing , Huang Yifei , Dong Qingxin , Hou Xingyuan , Zhao Lingxiao , Zhang Shuai , Yang Huaixin , Ren Zhian , Shan Lei , Chen Genfu
Published: May 2020

Interfaces between materials with different crystal structures and electronic properties offer an approach for creating and controlling novel quantum states of matter, in which inversion symmetry breaking and other effects at the boundaries may introduce additional electronic states. Here the observation of superconductivity at ≈3 K at the interface of the Weyl semimetal TaAs and the normal metal Ag is reported, as evidenced by soft‐point‐contact spectroscopy and the standard four‐probe resistance measurements. This is different from the previous reports on interface superconductivity based on the materials that are known to be superconducting in bulk; here both TaAs and Ag are not superconducting even via chemical doping or application of high pressure. The topologically nontrivial band structure of TaAs is considered to play a crucial role in this system and an unconventional Cooper pairing would be expected. This finding opens up a new route for the realization and study of the possible topological superconductivity.
Palladium Nanoparticles Incorporated Thiazoline Functionalized Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica: Efficient Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation & Csp2−Csp2 Bond Formation Reactions
Authors: Sudharsan Murugesan , Subramanian Saravanan , Amali Arlin Jose , Suresh Devarajan
Published: May 2020

Thiazoline functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica (TPMO) supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd‐TPMO) were fabricated through a co‐condensation approach and successive incorporation of palladium nanoparticles using a double‐solvent technique. The TPMO and Pd‐TPMO were characterized through 29Si MAS NMR, FTIR, SAXS, XPS, FESEM, TEM and N2 adsorption‐desorption, which revealed the morphological and physicochemical properties of the materials. The catalytic performance of Pd‐TPMO was evaluated for hydrogenation of industrially important compounds and Csp2−Csp2 bond‐formation reactions. The Pd‐TPMO mediated catalytic reactions were found to be effective in producing the corresponding products with excellent yields and selectivity. The size and stability of palladium nanoparticles within the confined organosilica framework promotes excellent activity and recyclability of the catalyst without a significant loss in the yields for hydrogenation and Csp2−Csp2 bond‐formation reactions.
High‐Throughput Synthesis and Screening of Functional Coacervates Using Microfluidics
Authors: Beneyton Thomas , Love Celina , Girault Mathias , Tang T.‐Y. Dora , Baret Jean‐Christophe
Published: May 2020

To understand how membrane‐free subcompartmentalization can modulate biochemical reactions by coupled spatial enzyme localization with substrate and product partitioning, we use microfluidic strategies to synthesize, stabilize and characterize micron‐sized functional coacervates in water−oil emulsions. Our methodologies have allowed for the first time to quantitatively characterize partition coefficients of a broad range of different molecules with different coacervate chemistries and to measure reaction rates of individual subcompartments and their surrounding aqueous environment at the single coacervate level. Our results show that sub‐compartmentalisation increases the overall rates of reactions. This bottom‐up synthetic strategy for the production of synthetic organelles offers a physical model for membrane‐free compartmentalization in biology and provides insights into the role of sub‐compartmentalisation in regulating out‐of‐equilibrium behaviours in biological systems.
The shifting position of homeowners in flood resilience: From recipients to key‐stakeholders
Authors: Snel Karin A. W. , Witte Patrick A. , Hartmann Thomas , Geertman Stan C. M.
Published: May 2020

The academic debate on flood risk governance is paying increased attention to the shifting position of homeowners. Homeowners are increasingly expected to adapt their homes to protect against possible floods. Although an overall agreement seems to exist on the involvement of homeowners in flood risk governance, the academic literature is dispersed in its argumentation on why homeowners should be involved. Therefore, this article provides a coherent overview of the transition from flood protection to flood risk management, and subsequently of the arguments that unfold regarding the shifting position of homeowners within this debate. This overview, based on a systematic review of the academic literature, helps to shed light on the changing role of homeowners in flood risk governance and contributes to categorizing the arguments used in current academic reasoning on homeowner involvement in flood risk governance. We use a conceptual distinction between macro‐level and micro‐level arguments, and between individual and collective efforts to structure our results. This conceptual overview illustrates the potential gap in convincing homeowners of the urgency to take action, because the connection between the macro‐level arguments (i.e., climate change and responsibility) and the micro‐level arguments (i.e., minimizing flood damage on privately owned properties) is generally not made. We, therefore, suggest that a stronger coherence in the argumentation would contribute to increase homeowner awareness of their changing responsibilities, which might bring about a future shift toward a new phase in flood risk governance, in which the responsibilities of homeowners are more explicitly acknowledged and integrated into climate adaptation strategies.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water Governance
Multiparton webs beyond three loops
Authors: Agarwal Neelima , Danish Abhinava , Magnea Lorenzo , Pal Sourav , Tripathi Anurag
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Correlators of Wilson-line operators are fundamental ingredients for the study of the infrared properties of non-abelian gauge theories. In perturbation theory, they are known to exponentiate, and their logarithm can be organised in terms of collections of Feynman diagrams called webs. We study the classification of webs to high perturbative orders, proposing a set of tools to generate them recursively: in particular, we introduce the concept of Cweb, or correlator web, which is a set of skeleton diagrams built with connected gluon correlators, instead of individual Feynman diagrams. As an application, we enumerate all Cwebs entering the soft anomalous dimension matrix for multi-parton scattering amplitudes at four loops, and we compute the mixing matrices for all Cwebs connecting four or five Wilson lines at that loop order, verifying that they obey sum rules that were derived or conjectured in the literature. Our results provide the colour building blocks for the calculation of the soft anomalous dimension matrix at four-loop order.
A covariant momentum representation for loop corrections in gravity
Authors: Alonso Rodrigo
Published: May 2020

Abstract

A transformation is introduced in momentum representation to keep a covariant description at every stage of a loop computation in gravity. The procedure treats on equal footing local internal and space-time symmetries althought the complete transformation is known for the former [1] whereas in gravity we solve for the first few orders in an expansion. As an explicit application the one loop UV divergences of Hilbert-Einstein gravity with a cosmological constant and spin 0, 1/2 and 1 matter are computed with functional methods and in a field-covariant formalism.
3.0 T MRI IVIM-DWI for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Hu Hongbo , Jiang Huijie , Wang Song , Jiang Hao , Zhao Sheng , Pan Wenbin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) on assessing response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) in patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (LARC).

Methods

50 patients with rectal cancer who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before and after nCRT, the values of pre-nCRT and post-nCRT IVIM-DWI parameters apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), diffusion coefficient (D), false diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f), together with the percentage changes (∆% parametric value) induced by nCRT were calculated. According to the patient's response to nCRT, the patients were divided into pathological complete response (pCR) and non-pCR groups, Good Response (GR) group and Poor Response (PR) group, and the above values were compared between different groups. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were done to investigate the relation between different parameters and patient nCRT. Draw ROC curve according to sensitivity and specificity, and compare its diagnostic efficacy.

Results

There were no significant differences in the baseline data of 50 patients. After nCRT, the ADC and D values for LARC increased significantly (all p < 0.05). The pCR group (n = 9) had higher preD*, pref, postD*, ∆%ADC and ∆%D values than the non-pCR group (n = 41) (all p < 0.05). The GR group (n = 17) exhibited higher post D, ∆%ADC and ∆%D values than the PR group (n = 33) (all p < 0.05). From the results of Logistic regression analysis found that ∆%ADC and ∆%D were significantly correlated with patients' response to nCRT. Based on ROC analysis, ∆%D had a higher area under the curve value than ∆%ADC (p = 0.009) in discriminating the pCR from non-pCR groups.

Conclusions

IVIM-DWI technology may be helpful in identifying the pCR and GR patients to nCRT for LARC.
Inflammatory Risk Factors for Early Recurrence of Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Within One Year Following Curative Resection
Authors: Kobayashi Satoru , Karube Yoko , Matsumura Yuji , Nishihira Morimichi , Inoue Takashi , Araki Osamu , Maeda Sumiko , Chida Masayuki
Published: May 2020

Background

Several inflammation‐based scoring systems and nutritional indicators have been shown to have relevance to survival of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).The present study examined preoperative and pathological factors in patients who underwent curative resection for non‐small cell lung cancer, with the aim to elucidate risk factors for early recurrence within 1 year of surgery.

Methods

Patients with NSCLC who underwent surgery from January 2009 to December 2014 were retrospectively investigated. Routine laboratory measurements including carcinoembryonic antigen were performed before surgery, and pathological information was collected after surgery. Patients with recurrence within 1 year after surgery were considered as early recurrence group (ERG), those with recurrence after 1 year were as late recurrence group (LRG), and those without recurrence were as no recurrence group (NRG).

Results

Multivariate analysis between ERG and LRG revealed Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) and CRP‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR) as independent risk factors for early recurrence. Multivariate analysis between ERG and LRG + NRG confirmed CAR, vascular invasion, and pathological stage as risk factors for early recurrence.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that CAR and GPS were confirmed to be risk factors for early recurrence, in addition to pathological factors.
Pathogen-host interaction mediated by vesicle-based secretion in schistosomes
Authors: Bischofsberger Miriam , Winkelmann Franziska , Rabes Anne , Reisinger Emil C. , Sombetzki Martina
Published: May 2020

As part of the parasite’s excretory/secretory system, extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a potent communication tool of schistosomes with their human host to strike the balance between their own survival in a hostile immunological environment and a minimal damage to the host tissue. Their cargo consists of functional proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that facilitate biological processes like migration, nutrient acquisition, or reproduction. The most important impact of the vesicle-mediated communication, however, is the promotion of the parasite survival via mimicking host protein function and directly or indirectly modulating the immune response of the host. Overcoming this shield of immunological adaption in the schistosome-host relation is the aim of current research activities in this field and crucial for the development of a reliable anti-schistosomal therapy. Not least because of their prospective use in clinical applications, research on EVs is now a rapidly expanding field. We herein focus on the current state of knowledge of vesicle-based communication of schistosomes and discussing the role of EVs in facilitating biological processes and immune modulatory properties of EVs considering the different life stages of the parasite.
Functional diversity of chironomid communities in subarctic lakes across gradients in temperature and catchment characteristics
Authors: Belle Simon , Goedkoop Willem
Published: May 2020

Northern ecosystems are experiencing rapid and large-scale changes driven by accelerated warming, which have profound effects on the terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity. A comprehensive understanding of the distribution of aquatic biodiversity of subarctic ecosystems is therefore needed to better predict future trajectories of their unique biodiversity. In this study, we examined the functional diversity of chironomid communities in subarctic lakes across a 1000 m-elevation gradient, reflecting gradual changes in temperature and landscape characteristics. Using fuzzy correspondence analyses, we investigated spatial variability in trait composition of chironomid communities from 100 lakes in northern Sweden, and tested the hypotheses that (1) climate directly and indirectly shapes chironomid trait composition across the studied gradient, and (2) that generalist taxa with smaller body size and broader food preferences are more able to persist in cold environments. Our results showed that complex interplays between direct (e.g. temperature) and indirect climate processes (e.g. elevation-driven changes in vegetation/habitats) affect the functional diversity of chironomid communities. Specifically, traits such as larval size, food preference and feeding habits were well separated along the gradient, and this pattern revealed that low elevation lakes with forested catchments tended to have more sediment-feeding taxa and larger larvae than those above the tree line. As expected, food resource availability in lakes is strongly linked to vegetation composition/cover, and traits related to resource exploitation in chironomid communities are therefore well constrained by landscape characteristics. Furthermore, our findings suggested that short life cycles could facilitate the development of viable population in northern and high-elevation lakes where the short ice-free period is a limiting factor, thus contradicting patterns showing smaller organisms in warmer environments reported for other invertebrates. As a consequence of climate warming, the highest elevation lakes in subarctic landscapes will likely lose their typical cold-adapted chironomid taxa along with their functional attributes leading to potential impacts on the food web structure and the overall functioning of northern lake ecosystems.
Activation of β1 integrins and caveolin-1 by TF/FVIIa promotes IGF-1R signaling and cell survival
Authors: Åberg Mikael , Edén Desirée , Siegbahn Agneta
Published: May 2020

The tissue factor/coagulation factor VIIa (TF/FVIIa) complex induces transactivation of the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in a number of different cell types. The mechanism is largely unknown. The transactivation leads to protection from apoptosis and nuclear translocation of the IGF-1R. The aim of this study was to clarify the signaling pathway between TF and IGF-1R after FVIIa treatment with PC3 and DU145 prostate or MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells as model systems. Protein interactions, levels, and phosphorylations were assessed by proximity ligation assay or flow cytometry in intact cells and by western blot on cell lysates. The transactivation of the IGF-1R was found dependent on TF/FVIIa-induced activation of β1-integrins. A series of experiments led to the conclusion that the caveolae protein caveolin-1 prevented IGF-1R activation in resting cells via its scaffolding domain. TF/FVIIa/β1-integrins terminated this inhibition by activation of Src family kinases and subsequent phosphorylation of caveolin-1 on tyrosine 14. This phosphorylation was not seen after treatment with PAR1 or PAR2 agonists. Consequently, the protective effect of FVIIa against apoptosis induced by the death receptor agonist TRAIL and the de novo synthesis of cyclin D1 induced by nuclear IGF-1R accumulation were both significantly reduced by down-regulation of β1-integrins or overexpression of the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain. In conclusion, we present a plausible mechanism for the interplay between TF and IGF-1R involving FVIIa, β1-integrins, Src family proteins, and caveolin-1. Our results increase the knowledge of diseases associated with TF and IGF-1R overexpression in general but specifically of TF-mediated signaling with focus on cell survival.
A Critical Appraisal of the UK’s Regulatory Regime for Combustible Façades
Authors: Schulz Judith , Kent Darren , Crimi Tony , Glockling Jim L. D. , Hull T. Richard
Published: May 2020

The Grenfell Tower fire has brought the regulatory system that permitted combustible materials on high-rise buildings in England into question. At the heart of that system is the BS 8414 test, and the BR 135 criteria used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations. The test is empirical and the criteria arbitrary: there is no scientific link between test performance and how a building will perform in the event of a fire; nor any detailed analysis of why fires spread through façade systems which have passed the test. Following the Grenfell tragedy, the UK government commissioned a series of tests on Grenfell Tower-type facades, using BS 8414. This paper critically analyses BS 8414, the BR 135 criteria and the government tests. It shows that important aspects of the standard are poorly defined: the heat flux imposed on the façade is not measured and the fire load can vary by at least a factor of 2; the ambient ventilation has a significant impact on the thermal attack but is not adequately controlled; judicious location of the cavity barriers can confer compliance or failure on a façade system. As the vehicle for allowing combustible products on tall buildings, the test does not specify the extent of cavity barrier deployment, while ignoring features present in real buildings, such as windows, vents or other openings, despite a test rig height of more than 8 m. There is no restriction on debris, or molten or burning droplets falling from the façade during the test. The BR 135 criteria only specify that the test must run for the full 60 min duration without flames reaching the top, and the temperature rise at thermocouples 5 m above the fire chamber must only remain below 600°C for the first 15 min. It is unclear how the fire safety of the occupants behind the façade system can be ensured, when the criteria specify such a high temperature for such a short period, so early in the test. There is no direct connection between the façade system in the test and the actual façade system the results deem compliant. Worse, “desktop studies”, using large-scale test data, have been allowed to confer compliance on systems which have never been subject to the test. The UK government tests used heavy-duty welded aluminium “window pods”, preventing flames from entering the cavity within the façade. They also used a disproportionately large number of vertical and horizontal cavity barriers of a higher specification than required by statutory guidance. These aids to meeting the criteria are not proscribed by BS 8414-1 but are not commonly found in actual rainscreen system designs.
Microstructural changes in CoCrFeMnNi under mild tribological load
Authors: Dollmann Antje , Kauffmann Alexander , Heilmaier Martin , Haug Christian , Greiner Christian
Published: May 2020

The lack of a principle element in high-entropy alloys (HEA) leads to unique and unexpected material properties. Tribological loading of metallic materials often results in deformed subsurface layers. As the microstructure feedbacks with friction forces, the microstructural evolution is highly dynamic and complex. The concept of HEAs promises high solid solution strengthening, which might decrease these microstructural changes. Here, we experimentally investigated the deformation behavior of CoCrFeMnNi in a dry, reciprocating tribological contact under a mild normal load. After only a single stroke, a surprisingly thick subsurface deformation layer was observed. This layer is characterized by nanocrystalline grains, twins and bands of localized dislocation motion. Twinning was found to be decisive for the overall thickness of this layer, and twin formation within the stress field of the moving sphere is analyzed. The localization of dislocation activity, caused by planar slip, results in a grain rotation. Fragmentation of twins and dislocation rearrangement lead to a nanocrystalline layer underneath the worn surface. In addition, oxide-rich layers were found after several sliding cycles. These oxides intermix with the nanocrystalline layer due to material transfer to the counter body and re-deposition to the wear track. Having revealed these fundamental mechanisms, the evolution of such deformation layers in CoCrFeMnNi under a tribological load might lead to other HEAs with compositions and properties specifically tailored to tribological applications in the future.