bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Poecilimon jonicus group (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae): a history linked to the Aegean Neogene paleogeography
Authors: Borissov Simeon B. , Bobeva Aneliya , Çıplak Battal , Chobanov Dragan
Published: October 2020

The Aegean archipelago is among the largest on Earth with astonishing biodiversity within Europe. Its territory underwent a massive geotectonic transformation in Neogene that resulted in multitude of changes in land-sea configuration and disintegrated the formerly united Aegean land to a complicated mainland-archipelago system. Therefore, it represents an excellent laboratory for studying evolution of terrestrial fauna. In the present study, we use a model group of flightless bush crickets with annual reproduction cycle—Poecilimon jonicus species group—to trace correlation of lineage diversification with the known paleogeographic events in the Aegean area. The group belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Poecilimon and has a disjunct distribution along the Hellenic arc from southwestern Anatolia through Crete to the western Balkans and the Apennines. To test our hypothesis, we inferred phylogenetic relationships of the P. jonicus group sensu lato using a nuclear fragment covering two spacers of the ribosomal cistron (ITS1 + ITS2). To study intra-group phylogeny, we compared mitochondrial phylogenies based on two matrices—(1) a concatenated ND2 and COI dataset of 1656 bp and (2) a 16S rRNA + 12S rRNA dataset of 1835 bp. As a second step, we estimated divergence times applying Bayesian approach with BEAST and a relative rate framework with RelTime on the mitochondrial matrices. We compare trees calibrated based on evolutionary rates and tectonic events and discuss radiation scenarios in concordance with known paleogeographic events in the Aegean area. Our results revealed robust phylogeny of the Poecilimon jonicus group and confirmed a strong link between its evolution and the Aegean paleogeography. The phylogenetic relationships of the group supported reconsideration of its systematics.
Critical ranking of steam handling unit using integrated cloud model and extended PROMETHEE for maintenance purpose
Authors: Panwar Nitin , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: October 2020

To determine the critical component in an industry is one of the most important tasks performed by maintenance personnel to choose the best maintenance policy. Therefore, the purpose of the current paper is to develop a methodology based on integrated cloud model and extended preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) method for finding the most critical component of the framework by ranking the failure causes of the system from multiple decision maker perspective. For this purpose, ranking of failure causes is performed by taking into account five factors namely chances of occurrence of failure (F0), non-detection probability (Nd), downtime duration (Dd), spare part criticality (Spc) and safety risk (Sr). In this paper, first the primary and secondary weight of decision makers are calculated based on the uncertainty degree and divergence degree, respectively, to determine overall weight using cloud model theory by converting the uncertain linguistic evaluation matrix into interval cloud matrix, and then ranking of the steam handling subunit of paper making unit in a paper mill using extended PROMETHEE. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is explained by considering steam handling subunit of paper making unit to find the critical component.
Outliers in official statistics
Authors: Wada Kazumi
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a survey on the important methods addressing outliers while producing official statistics. Outliers are often unavoidable in survey statistics. They may reduce the information of survey datasets and distort estimation on each step of the survey statistics production process. This paper defines outliers to be focused on each production step and introduces practical methods to cope with them. The statistical production process is roughly divided into the following three steps. The first step is data cleaning, and outliers to be focused are that may contain mistakes to be corrected. Robust estimators of a mean vector and covariance matrix are introduced for the purpose. The next step is imputation. Among a variety of imputation methods, regression and ratio imputation are the subjects in this paper. Outliers to be focused on in this step are not erroneous but have extreme values that may distort parameter estimation. Robust estimators that are not affected by remaining outliers are introduced. The final step is estimation and formatting. We have to be careful about outliers that have extreme values with large design weights since they have a considerable influence on the final statistics products. Weight calibration methods controlling the influence are discussed based on the robust weights obtained in the previous imputation step. A few examples of practical application are also provided briefly, although multivariate outlier detection methods introduced in this paper are mostly in the research stage in the field of official statistics.
Numerical evaluation of lightweight ultra high strength steel sandwich for energy absorption
Authors: Hammarberg Samuel , Larsson Simon , Kajberg Jörgen , Jonsén Pär
Published: October 2020

Legislation regarding greenhouse gas emissions forces automotive manufacturers to bring forth new and innovative materials and structures for weight reduction of the body-in-white. The present work evaluates a lightweight ultra high strength steel sandwich concept, with perforated cores, for energy absorption applications. Hat-profile geometries, subjected to crushing, are studied numerically to evaluate specific energy absorption for the sandwich concept and solid hat-profiles of equivalent weight. Precise discretization of the perforated core requires large computational power. In the present work, this is addressed by homogenization, replacing the perforated core with a homogeneous material with equivalent mechanical properties. Input data for the equivalent material is obtained by analyzing a representative volume element, subjected to in-plane loading and out-of-plane bending/twisting using periodic boundary conditions. The homogenized sandwich reduces the number of finite elements and thereby computational time with approximately 95%, while maintaining accuracy with respect to force–displacement response and energy absorption. It is found that specific energy absorption is increased with 8–17%, when comparing solid and sandwich hat profiles of equivalent weight, and that a weight saving of at least 6% is possible for equivalent performance.
Infection prevention and control practices for emergency surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital in South Korea
Authors: Kim Si-Hyun , Jeong Yeon Jeong , Kim Youn Jeong , An Ye Rin , Kwak Eunji , Seo Yeseul , Ahn Joong Hyun
Published: October 2020

Highlights
Fragmented Care in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer and Time to Definitive Therapy
Authors: Abelson Jonathan S. , Bauer Philip S. , Barron John , Bommireddy Ani , Chapman William C. , Schad Christine , Ohman Kerri , Hunt Steven , Mutch Matthew , Silviera Matthew
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND:

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach for treating rectal cancer and has developed performance measures to ensure that patients receive standardized care. We hypothesized that rectal cancer patients receiving care at multiple centers would be less likely to receive timely and appropriate care.

STUDY DESIGN:

A single institution retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All patients undergoing proctectomy and ≤1 other treatment modality (eg radiation and/or chemotherapy) for Stage II/III rectal adenocarcinoma were included. Unified care was defined as receiving all modalities of care at our institution, and fragmented care was defined as having at least 1 treatment modality at another institution.

RESULTS:

From 2009 to 2019, 415 patients met inclusion criteria, with 197 (47.5%) receiving fragmented care and 218 (52.5%) receiving unified care. The unified cohort patients were more likely to see a colorectal surgeon before starting treatment (89.0% vs 78.7%, p < 0.01) and start definitive treatment within 60 days of diagnosis (89.0% vs 79.7%, p = 0.01). On adjusted analysis, unified care patients were 2.78 times more likely to see a surgeon before starting treatment (95% CI 1.47–5.24) and 2.63 times more likely to start treatment within 60 days (95% CI 1.35–5.13). There was no difference in 90-day mortality or 5-year disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

This retrospective cohort study suggests patients with rectal cancer receiving fragmented care are at an increased risk of delays in care without any impact on disease-free survival. These findings need to be considered within the context of ongoing regionalization of rectal cancer care to ensure all patients receive optimal care, irrespective of whether care is delivered across multiple institutions.
A Yb:KGW dual-crystal regenerative amplifier
Authors: He Huijun , Yu Jun , Zhu Wentao , Guo Xiaoyang , Zhou Cangtao , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: October 2020

This study develops a Yb:KGW dual-crystal based regenerative amplifier. The thermal lensing and gain-narrowing effects are compensated by the dual-crystal configuration. Sub-nanojoule pulses are amplified to 1.5 mJ with 9 nm spectral bandwidth and 1 kHz repetition rate using chirped pulse amplification technology. Consequently, 1.2 mJ pulses with a pulse duration of 227 fs are obtained after compression. Thanks to the cavity design, the output laser was a near diffraction limited beam with M2 around 1.1. The amplifier has the potential to boost energy above 2 mJ after compression and act as a front end for a future kilohertz terawatt-class diode-pumped Yb:KGW laser system.
“There is no one to pick up the pieces”: Sustainability of antibiotic stewardship programs in nursing homes
Authors: Seshadri Sandhya , Felsen Christina B. , Sellers Craig R. , Dumyati Ghinwa K.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To describe nursing home staff experiences and perceptions of the factors that impact the sustainability of an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP).

Methods:

Using a qualitative descriptive design, semistructured interviews with staff at 9 not-for-profit nursing homes with an established ASP were conducted and audio recorded. De-identified transcriptions of the interviews were coded using a sustainability framework and were analyzed to identify themes.

Results:

Interviews were conducted with 48 clinical and administrative staff to elicit their perceptions of the ASPs, and 7 themes were identified. ASPs were perceived to be resource intensive and “data driven,” requiring access to and interpretation of data that are not readily available at many nursing homes. Though motivated and committed, ASP champions felt that they could not single-handedly sustain the program. Attending to daily clinical needs (ie, “fires”) made it hard to progress beyond implementation and to reach step 2 of sustainability. Longstanding treatment habits by external prescribers and regulations were believed to impede ASP efforts. Partnerships with an external consultant with antibiotic stewardship expertise were considered important, as was the need for internal leadership support and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. Participants felt that consistent and ongoing education on antibiotic stewardship at all staff levels was important.

Conclusions:

Although many interconnected factors impact the sustainability of an ASP, nursing homes may be able to sustain an ASP by focusing on 3 critical areas: (1) explicit support by nursing home leadership, (2) external partnerships with professionals with antibiotic stewardship expertise and internal interprofessional collaborations, and (3) consistent education and training for all staff.
PSEUDO-FINITE SETS, PSEUDO-O-MINIMALITY
Authors: MEIR NADAV
Published: October 2020

We give an example of two ordered structures
$\mathcal {M},\mathcal {N}$
in the same language
$\mathcal {L}$
with the same universe, the same order and admitting the same one-variable definable subsets such that
$\mathcal {M}$
is a model of the common theory of o-minimal
$\mathcal {L}$
-structures and
$\mathcal {N}$
admits a definable, closed, bounded, and discrete subset and a definable injective self-mapping of that subset which is not surjective. This answers negatively two question by Schoutens; the first being whether there is an axiomatization of the common theory of o-minimal structures in a given language by conditions on one-variable definable sets alone. The second being whether definable completeness and type completeness imply the pigeonhole principle. It also partially answers a question by Fornasiero asking whether definable completeness of an expansion of a real closed field implies the pigeonhole principle.
Understanding Rad51 function is a prerequisite for progress in cancer research
Authors: Nordén Bengt , Takahashi Masayuki
Published: October 2020

The human protein Rad51 is double-edged in cancer contexts: on one hand, preventing tumourigenesis by eliminating potentially carcinogenic DNA damage and, on the other, promoting tumours by introducing new mutations. Understanding mechanistic details of Rad51 in homologous recombination (HR) and repair could facilitate design of novel methods, including CRISPR, for Rad51-targeted cancer treatment. Despite extensive research, however, we do not yet understand the mechanism of HR in sufficient detail, partly due to complexity, a large number of Rad51 protein units being involved in the exchange of long DNA segments. Another reason for lack of understanding could be that current recognition models of DNA interactions focus only on hydrogen bond-directed base pair formation. A more complete model may need to include, for example, the kinetic effects of DNA base stacking and unstacking (‘longitudinal breathing’). These might explain how Rad51 can recognize sequence identity of DNA over several bases long stretches with high accuracy, despite the fact that a single base mismatch could be tolerated if we consider only the hydrogen bond energy. We here propose that certain specific hydrophobic effects, recently discovered destabilizing stacking of nucleobases, may play a central role in this context for the function of Rad51.
Boundaries of Criminal Liability: Participation in Crime, Preparatory Offences and Omissions
Authors: Gur-Arye Miriam
Published: October 2020

The book Core Concepts in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice: Anglo-German Dialogues is the first volume of an Anglo-German project which aims ‘to explore the foundational principles and concepts that underpin the different domestic systems and local rules’. It offers comparative perspectives on German and Anglo-American criminal law and criminal justice as ‘examples of the civil law and the common law worlds’. The comparisons ‘dig beneath the superficial similarities or differences between legal rules to identify and compare the underlying concepts, values, principles, and structures of thought’. The review essay focuses on the topics of omissions, preparatory offences, and participation in crime, all of which extend the typical criminal liability. It presents the comparative German and Anglo-American perspectives discussed in the book with regard to each topic and adds the perspective of Israeli criminal law. It points out the features common to all these topics as an extension of criminal liability and discusses the underlying considerations that justify the criminalisation of omissions, preparatory offences, and participation in crime. In evaluating whether extending criminal liability in these contexts is justified, the review essay suggests reliance on two main notions: that of ‘control over the commission of the offence’ and that of ‘liberty (or personal freedom)’.
From Apology to Functionalism: A Retrospective Look at the Military Campaign against the Self-Declared Islamic State
Authors: Mimran Tal
Published: October 2020

This article discusses the military campaign against the ‘Islamic State’ (Daesh) in an attempt to illustrate the gaps in the international legal framework that regulates the use of force in dealing with a challenge such as that presented by the Islamic State. This case study was demanding given the need to reconcile state-centred rules with a diverse reality which includes several players, and particularly non-state armed groups in control of territory and population. In order to deal with this issue, the article proposes the invocation of a functional approach, compared with a binary approach, which is suitable in cases where several players exercise power in the same territory. In particular, it suggests that the Islamic State could have been treated functionally as a state for the purposes of self-defence or collective security measures, rather than invoking legal doctrines of unclear status that might result in undermining the international legal system they are invoked to protect.
Quality of life of adult Fontan patients
Authors: Soufi Alexandra , Gouton Marielle , Metton Olivier , Mitchell Julia , Bernard Yvette F. , Bozio Andre , Ninet Jean , Di Filippo Sylvie
Published: October 2020

Background:

Progress in the management of complex congenital heart disease (CHD) led to an improvement in survival rates of adults with a Fontan-like circulation. The objective of this study was to assess the subjective health status and quality of life of this population.

Methods and results:

Patients aged more than 18 years at the time of the study, who underwent a Fontan-like procedure. Subjective health status was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire and a linear analog scale was used to score patients’ self-perception of their quality of life; cardiac and demographic parameters were collected.

Results:

Among 65 eligible patients, 60 (23 females; mean ± SD age: 25.7 ± 7.2 years) answered the SF-36 questionnaire and 46 of these were interviewed to evaluate their perceived quality of life. Among them, 20 (33.3%) were working full-time and 21 (35%) experienced arrhythmias. The physical SF-36 scores were lower in patients than in the general population (p ≤ 0.05). The New York Hear Association (NYHA) class and occupation were correlated with SF-36 scores of physical activity (respectively, p = 0.0001 and p = 0.025). SF-36 scores of psychological status were associated with the number of drugs and occupation (respectively, p = 0.0001 and p = 0.02). The mean ± SD quality of life score measured using a linear analog scale was 7.02 ± 1.6 and was linked to education and occupation (p ≤ 0.05) but not with cardiac parameters.

Conclusion:

Adult Fontan patients perceive an impaired physical health but report a good overall quality of life. Education and occupation impacts significantly on Fontan patients’ quality of life.
Relationship of work-related stress with obesity among Brazilian female shift workers
Authors: da Silva Janaína Cristina , Garcez Anderson , Cibeira Gabriela Herrmann , Theodoro Heloísa , Olinto Maria Teresa Anselmo
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

To explore the relationship between work-related stress and obesity among female shift workers. Additionally, we also aimed to test the interaction between shift work and work-related stress in this association.

Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Brazilian female shift workers. Work-related stress was assessed through a demand–control questionnaire (Job Stress Scale). Work-related stress was defined by the presence of high psychological demands and low control at work. The obesity cases were defined as those with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more. Multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance was used to obtain the prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95 % CI.

Setting:

A group of industries located in southern Brazil in 2017.

Participants:

Four hundred and twenty female workers aged 18–59 years.

Results:

The overall prevalence of obesity was 30 % (95 % CI: 25·6, 34·4), and the presence of work-related stress was identified in 24 % (95 % CI: 19·9, 28·1) of the sample. We found an indication of interaction between work-related stress and night shift work on obesity (P = 0·026). After adjusting for confounding factors, work-related stress was associated with a 71 % greater probability of obesity (PR = 1·71; 95 % CI: 1·02, 2·87; P = 0·042) among female night shift workers.

Conclusions:

In this study, we revealed that exposure to work-related stress and night shift work were associated with obesity among female shift workers. Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity was high among female shift workers.
Dietary fat intakes in Irish children: changes between 2005 and 2019
Authors: O’Connor Aileen , Buffini Maria , Nugent Anne , Kehoe Laura , Flynn Albert , Walton Janette , Kearney John , McNulty Breige
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To examine current dietary fat intakes and compliance in Irish children and to examine changes in intakes from 2005 to 2019.

Design:

Analyses were based on data from the Irish National Children’s Food Survey (NCFS) and the NSFS II, two cross-sectional studies that collected detailed food and beverage intake data through 7-day and 4-day weighed food diaries, respectively.

Setting:

NCFS and NCFS II, Republic of Ireland.

Participants:

A nationally representative sample of 594 (NCFS) and 600 (NCFS II) children aged 5–12 years. Current intakes from the NCFS II were compared with those previously reported in the NCFS (www.iuna.net).

Results:

Current intakes of total fat, SFA, MUFA, PUFA andtransfat as a percentage of total energy are 33·3, 14·0, 13·6, 5·6 and 0·5 %, respectively. Total fat, SFA andtransfat intakes since 2005 remained largely stable over time with all displaying minor decreases of <1 %. Adherence to SFA recommendations remains inadequate, with only 7 % of the population complying. Insufficient compliance with PUFA (71 %) and EPA and DHA (DHA; 16 %) recommendations was also noted.

Conclusion:

Children in Ireland continue to meet the total fat andtransfat target goals. Adherence to MUFA and PUFA recommendations has also significantly improved. However, deviations for some fats remain, in particular SFA. These findings are useful for the development of dietary strategies to improve compliance with current recommendations.
Variations of Stable Isotopic Composition in Atmospheric Water Vapor and their Controlling Factors—A 6‐Year Continuous Sampling Study in Nanjing, Eastern China
Authors: Li Yaju , An Wenling , Pang Hongxi , Wu Shuang‐Ye , Tang Yanying , Zhang Wangbin , Hou Shugui
Published: October 2020

Long‐term continuous monitoring of water vapor isotopes has great potential to improve our understanding of mechanisms that control stable isotope variations in hydrological processes, which is essential for accurate interpretation of isotopic proxy records. Here we presented a 6‐year daily data set of stable isotopes in atmospheric water vapor (δ18Ov, δDv, and d‐excessv) and precipitation (δ18Op, δDp, and d‐excessp) at Nanjing in Eastern China, an area under the influence of the East Asian Monsoon. Based on isotopic variations, we divided a year into three seasons, that is, summer monsoon season (June–September), spring (March–May), and fall‐winter (October–February). During summer monsoon season, the low δ18Ov values were mainly caused by the upstream convective rainout process during the large‐scale water vapor transport, and the d‐excessv values were the lowest due to the weak kinetic isotopic fractionation over its oceanic moisture source. Spring had the highest δ18Ov values, which was related to less distillation of local moisture under relatively high air temperatures. The relatively high d‐excessv values resulted from the kinetic isotopic fractionation due to drier condition. The fall‐winter season has the lowest δ18Ov values because the local distillation was the strongest with low air temperature. The d‐excessv values were highest during this season because of the strongest kinetic isotopic fractionation during the continental moisture recycling under dry climate condition. Using the isotopic composition of both precipitation and water vapor, we found that the annual mean subcloud raindrop evaporation is ~11% of precipitation. These findings improve our understanding of hydrological cycle on the East Asian Monsoon region and will potentially improve our interpretation of numerous isotopic proxy records from this region.
Laike Mariam Asfaw (1945–2020)
Authors: Ayele Atalay , Ebinger Cynthia
Published: October 2020

An ambassador for African geosciences and for Ethiopia, this celebrated geophysicist will be remembered for his contributions in research as well as his steadfast support of colleagues.
Multibeam Energy Moments of Multibeam Particle Velocity Distributions
Authors: Goldman M. V. , Newman D. L. , Eastwood J. P. , Lapenta G.
Published: October 2020

High‐resolution electron and ion velocity distributions, f(v), which consist of N effectively disjoint beams, have been measured by NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission and in reconnection simulations. Commonly used standard velocity moments assume a single mean‐flow velocity for the entire distribution. This can lead to counterintuitive results for a multibeam f(v). An example is the standard thermal energy density moment (at a given space‐time point) of a pair of equal and opposite cold particle beams. This standard moment is nonzero even though each beam has zero thermal energy density. By contrast, a multibeam moment of two or more cold beams at a given position and time has no thermal energy. A multibeam moment is obtained by taking a standard moment of each beam and then summing over beams. In this paper we will generalize these notions, explore their consequences, and apply them to an f(v) which is a sum of tri‐Maxwellians. Both standard and multibeam energy moments have coherent and incoherent pieces. Examples of incoherent moments are the thermal energy density, the pressure, and the thermal energy flux (enthalpy flux plus heat flux). Corresponding coherent moments are the bulk kinetic energy density, the ram pressure, and the bulk kinetic energy flux. The difference between a standard incoherent moment and its multibeam counterpart will be defined as the “pseudothermal part” of the standard moment. The sum of a pair of corresponding coherent and incoherent moments is the undecomposed moment. Undecomposed standard moments are always equal to the corresponding undecomposed multibeam moments.
A Generalized Method for Calculating Atmospheric Ionization by Energetic Electron Precipitation
Authors: Xu Wei , Marshall Robert A. , Tyssøy Hilde Nesse , Fang Xiaohua
Published: October 2020

Accurate specification of ionization production by energetic electron precipitation is critical for atmospheric chemistry models to assess the resultant atmospheric effects. Recent model‐observation comparison studies have increasingly highlighted the importance of considering precipitation fluxes in the full range of electron energy and pitch angle. However, previous parameterization methods were mostly proposed for isotropically precipitation electrons with energies up to 1 MeV, and the pitch angle dependence has not yet been parameterized. In this paper, we first characterize and tabulate the atmospheric ionization response to monoenergetic electrons with different pitch angles and energies between ∼3 keV and ∼33 MeV. A generalized method that fully accounts for the dependence of ionization production on background atmospheric conditions, electron energy, and pitch angle has been developed based on the parameterization method of Fang et al. (2010, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GL045406). Moreover, we validate this method using 100 random atmospheric profiles and precipitation fluxes with monoenergetic and exponential energy distributions, and isotropic and sine pitch angle distributions. In a suite of 6,100 validation tests, the error in peak ionization altitude is found to be within 1 km in 91% of all the tests with a mean error of 2.7% in peak ionization rate and 1.9% in total ionization. This method therefore provides a reliable means to convert space‐measured precipitation energy and pitch angle distributions into ionization inputs for atmospheric chemistry models.
Three‐Dimensional Crustal Structures of the Shanxi Rift Constructed by Rayleigh Wave Dispersion Curves and Ellipticity: Implication for Sedimentation, Intraplate Volcanism, and Seismicity
Authors: Xu Hongrui , Luo Yinhe , Yang Yingjie , Shen Weisen , Yin Xiaofei , Chen Guoxiong , Yang Xiaozhou , Sun Shida
Published: October 2020

The Shanxi Rift is one of the world's largest Cenozoic continental rifts. It is one of the most earthquake prone areas in China and has volcanic activities characterized by small volumes of magma. In order to study continental rifting mechanism, intraplate volcanism, and seismicity of the Shanxi Rift, we construct a high‐resolution 3‐D lithospheric shear velocity (Vs) model with a focus of the crust by jointly inverting Rayleigh wave dispersion curves and ellipticity measurements. Compared with published models, our 3‐D Vs model has improved the resolution for shallow structures. Our model reveals several significant velocity features. (1) The sedimentary layer of the Datong Basin is much thicker than those in the southern Shanxi Rift, implying that the sedimentation rate of the Datong Basin is higher, which could be attributed in part to asthenosphere upwelling beneath the Datong Basin area in the past few Ma in addition to passive rifting. (2) A low‐velocity body is observed in the middle crust beneath the Datong Volcanoes, suggesting the presence of a small amount of partial melting in the middle crust. (3) Lower velocities in the middle and lower crust beneath the Datong Basin are coincident with the shallowing of deep earthquakes from the southern to northern Shanxi Rift in the crust, suggesting that higher temperature may elevate the brittle‐to‐ductile transition zone, leading to the shallowing of focal depths of earthquakes in the Shanxi Rift from south to north.
The Mechanism of the Origin and Development of Lightning From Initiating Event to Initial Breakdown Pulses (v.2)
Authors: Kostinskiy Alexander Yu. , Marshall Thomas C. , Stolzenburg Maribeth
Published: October 2020

Based on experimental results of recent years, this article presents a qualitative description of a possible mechanism (termed the Mechanism) covering the main stages of lightning initiation, starting before and including the initiating event, followed by the initial electric field change (IEC), followed by the first few initial breakdown pulses (IBPs). The Mechanism assumes initiation occurs in a region of ~1 km3 with average electric field E > 0.3 MV/(m·atm), which contains, because of turbulence, numerous small “Eth volumes” of ~10−4–10−3 m3 with E ≥ 3 MV/(m·atm). The Mechanism allows for lightning initiation by either of two observed types of events: a high‐power, very high frequency (VHF) event such as a Narrow Bipolar Event or a weak VHF event. According to the Mechanism, both types of initiating events are caused by a group of relativistic runaway electron avalanche particles (where the initial electrons are secondary particles of an extensive air shower) passing through many Eth volumes, thereby causing the nearly simultaneous launching of many positive streamer flashes. Due to ionization‐heating instability, unusual plasma formations (UPFs) appear along the streamers' trajectories. These UPFs combine into three‐dimensional (3‐D) networks of hot plasma channels during the IEC, resulting in its observed weak current flow. The subsequent development and combination of two (or more) of these 3‐D networks of hot plasma channels then causes the first IBP. Each subsequent IBP is caused when another 3‐D network of hot plasma channels combines with the chain of networks caused by earlier IBPs.
Mechanical Forcing of Convection by Cold Pools: Collisions and Energy Scaling
Authors: Meyer Bettina , Haerter Jan O.
Published: October 2020

Forced mechanical lifting through cold pool gust fronts can trigger new convection and, as previous work highlights, is enhanced when cold pools collide. However, as shown by conceptual models, the organization of the convective cloud field emerging from two versus three colliding cold pools differs strongly. In idealized dry large‐eddy simulations we therefore compare collisions between two and three cold pools. The triggering likelihood is quantified in terms of the cumulative vertical mass flux of boundary layer air and the instantaneous updraft strength, generated at the cold pool gust fronts. We find that cold pool expansion can be well described by initial potential energy alone. Cold pool expansion monotonically slows but shows an abrupt transition between an axisymmetric and a broken‐symmetric state mirrored by a sudden drop in expansion speed. We characterize these two dynamic regimes by two distinct power law exponents and explain the transition by the onset of “lobe‐and‐cleft” instabilities at the cold pool head. Two‐cold pool collisions produce the strongest instantaneous updrafts in the lower boundary layer, which we expect to be important in environments with strong convective inhibition. Three‐cold pool collisions generate weaker but deeper updrafts and the strongest cumulative mass flux and are thus predicted to induce the largest midlevel moistening, which has been identified as a precursor for the transition from shallow to deep convection. Combined, our findings may help decipher the role of cold pools in spatially organizing convection and precipitation.
microRNA-199a-3p inhibits hepatic apoptosis and hepatocarcinogenesis by targeting PDCD4
Authors: Li Zhenyang , Zhou Ye , Zhang Liyuan , Jia Kaiwei , Wang Suyuan , Wang Mu , Li Nan , Yu Yizhi , Cao Xuetao , Hou Jin
Published: October 2020

Hepatic apoptosis and the initiated liver inflammation play the initial roles in inflammation-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of hepatocyte apoptosis and their roles in hepatocarcinogenesis have attracted much attention. A set of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been determined to be dysregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and participated in cancer progression, however, the roles of these dysregulated miRNAs in carcinogenesis are still poorly understood. We previously analyzed the dysregulated miRNAs in HCC using high-throughput sequencing, and found that miR-199a/b-3p was abundantly expressed in human normal liver while markedly decreased in HCC, which promotes HCC progression. Whether miR-199a/b-3p participates in HCC carcinogenesis is still unknown up to now. Hence, we focused on the role and mechanism of miR-199a/b-3p in hepatocarcinogenesis in this study. Hepatic miR-199a/b-3p was determined to be expressed by miR-199a-2 gene in mice, and we constructed miR-199a-2 knockout and hepatocyte-specific miR-199a-2 knockout mice. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis were markedly increased by hepatocyte-specific miR-199a-3p knockout, which is mediated by the enhanced hepatocyte apoptosis and hepatic injury by DEN administration. In acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute hepatic injury model, hepatocyte-specific miR-199a-3p knockout also aggravated hepatic apoptosis. By proteomic screening and reporter gene validation, we identified and verified that hepatic programed cell death 4 (PDCD4), which promotes apoptosis, was directly targeted by miR-199a-3p. Furthermore, we confirmed that miR-199a-3p-suppressed hepatocyte apoptosis and hepatic injury by targeting and suppressing PDCD4. Thus, hepatic miR-199a-3p inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, and decreased miR-199a-3p in hepatocytes may aggravate hepatic injury and HCC development.
Heterogeneity in PD-L1 expression in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with systemic or intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: White Michael G. , Schulte Jefree J. , Xue Lai , Berger Yaniv , Schuitevoerder Darryl , Vining Charles C. , Kindler Hedy L. , Husain Aliya , Turaga Kiran K. , Eng Oliver S.
Published: October 2020

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression has been described in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM), but treatment strategies utilising immune checkpoint inhibition are yet to be defined. Here, we examine levels of PD-L1 expression in MPM patients treated with systemic and/or intraperitoneal chemotherapy using tissue from patient tumour biopsies or resections at multiple time points. We found the mean PD-L1 expression was higher in those with a germline mutation and/or those with a higher somatic mutation burden. Moreover, PD-L1 expression was lower in patients who had received prior chemotherapy as compared to the treatment-naive cohort. Twenty patients who received chemotherapy, either systemic and/or peritoneal, between PD-L1 measurements showed marked heterogeneity. Six (30%) patients demonstrated upregulation of PD-L1, while eight (40%) demonstrated downregulation. Heterogeneity in PD-L1 expression in MPM before and after cytotoxic therapies may present an additional consideration when initiating immune checkpoint inhibition in this rare and challenging disease.
Trastuzumab upregulates programmed death ligand-1 expression through interaction with NK cells in gastric cancer
Authors: Yamashita Kohei , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Yasuda-Yoshihara Noriko , Morinaga Takeshi , Nakao Yosuke , Harada Kazuto , Eto Kojiro , Kurashige Junji , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Nagai Yohei , Iwagami Shiro , Baba Yoshifumi , Miyamoto Yuji , Yoshida Naoya , Ajani Jaffer A. , Baba Hideo
Published: October 2020

Background

The predictive significance of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) for programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors remains unclear in gastric cancer (GC) due to the dynamic alteration by treatments. We aimed to elucidate the effects of trastuzumab (Tmab) on PD-L1 expression in GC.

Methods

PD-L1 expression was evaluated by multicolour flow cytometry analysis after co-culturing GG cell lines and immune cells with Tmab. IFN-γ in the co-culture experiments was quantified. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for PD-L1 expression using clinical samples was also performed to confirm PD-L1 alteration by Tmab.

Results

PD-L1 expression was significantly upregulated by Tmab in HER2-amplified GC cell lines co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PD-L1 upregulation by Tmab was also observed in the GC cells co-cultured with NK cells in time-dependent manner, but not with monocytes. IFN-γ concentration in conditioned media from co-cultured PBMCs and NK cells with Tmab was significantly higher and anti-IFN-γ significantly suppress the Tmab-induced PD-L1 upregulation. IHC also suggested PD-L1 upregulation after Tmab treatment.

Conclusions

Tmab can upregulate PD-L1 expression on GC cells through interaction with NK cells. These results suggest clinical implications in the assessment of the predictive significance of PD-L1 expression for PD-1 inhibitors.
Targeting SKA3 suppresses the proliferation and chemoresistance of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via impairing PLK1–AKT axis-mediated glycolysis
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Yuliang , Luo Hongjie , Niu Min , Zheng Xiwang , Hu Wanglai , Cui Jiajia , Xue Xuting , Bo Yunfeng , Dai Fengsheng , Lu Yan , Yang Dongli , Guo Yujia , Guo Huina , Li Huizheng , Zhang Yu , Yang Tao , Li Li , Zhang Linshi , Hou Rui , Wen Shuxin , An Changming , Ma Teng , Jin Lei , Xu Wei , Wu Yongyan
Published: October 2020

Spindle and kinetochore-associated complex subunit 3 (SKA3) is a well-known regulator of chromosome separation and cell division, which plays an important role in cell proliferation. However, the mechanism of SKA3 regulating tumor proliferation via reprogramming metabolism is unknown. Here, SKA3 is identified as an oncogene in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), and high levels of SKA3 are closely associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that SKA3 promotes LSCC cell proliferation and chemoresistance through a novel role of reprogramming glycolytic metabolism. Further studies reveal the downstream mechanisms of SKA3, which can bind and stabilize polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) protein via suppressing ubiquitin-mediated degradation. The accumulation of PLK1 activates AKT and thus upregulates glycolytic enzymes HK2, PFKFB3, and PDK1, resulting in enhancement of glycolysis. Furthermore, our data reveal that phosphorylation at Thr360 of SKA3 is critical for its binding to PLK1 and the increase in glycolysis. Collectively, the novel oncogenic signal axis “SKA3-PLK1-AKT” plays a critical role in the glycolysis of LSCC. SKA3 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, providing a potential strategy for proliferation inhibition and chemosensitization in tumors, especially for LSCC patients with PLK1 inhibitor resistance.
High-fat diet promotes renal injury by inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Sun Yue , Ge Xin , Li Xue , He Jinrong , Wei Xinzhi , Du Jie , Sun Jian , Li Xin , Xun Zhe , Liu Weicheng , Zhang Hao , Wang Zhan-You , Li Yan Chun
Published: October 2020

Obesity has been recognized as a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we investigated the mechanism whereby long-term high-fat diet (HFD) feeding induces renal injury in mice. The C57BL/6 mice fed HFD for 16 weeks developed obesity, diabetes, and kidney dysfunction manifested by albuminuria and blood accumulation of BUN and creatinine. The HFD-fed kidney showed marked glomerular and tubular injuries, including prominent defects in the glomerular filtration barrier and increased tubular cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, HFD feeding markedly increased triglyceride and cholesterol contents in the kidney and activated lipogenic pathways for cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis. HFD feeding also increased oxidative stress and induced mitochondrial fission in tubular cells, thereby activating the pro-apoptotic pathway. In HK-2 and mesangial cell cultures, high glucose, fatty acid, and TNF-α combination was able to activate the lipogenic pathways, increase oxidative stress, promote mitochondrial fission, and activate the pro-apoptotic pathway, all of which could be attenuated by an inhibitor that depleted reactive oxygen species. Taken together, these observations suggest that long-term HFD feeding causes kidney injury at least in part as a result of tissue lipid accumulation, increased oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which promote excess programmed cell death.
Minimum Information for Reporting on the Comet Assay (MIRCA): recommendations for describing comet assay procedures and results
Authors: Møller Peter , Azqueta Amaya , Boutet-Robinet Elisa , Koppen Gudrun , Bonassi Stefano , Milić Mirta , Gajski Goran , Costa Solange , Teixeira João Paulo , Costa Pereira Cristiana , Dusinska Maria , Godschalk Roger , Brunborg Gunnar , Gutzkow Kristine B. , Giovannelli Lisa , Cooke Marcus S. , Richling Elke , Laffon Blanca , Valdiglesias Vanessa , Basaran Nursen , Del Bo’ Cristian , Zegura Bojana , Novak Matjaz , Stopper Helga , Vodicka Pavel , Vodenkova Sona , de Andrade Vanessa Moraes , Sramkova Monika , Gabelova Alena , Collins Andrew , Langie Sabine A. S.
Published: October 2020

The comet assay is a widely used test for the detection of DNA damage and repair activity. However, there are interlaboratory differences in reported levels of baseline and induced damage in the same experimental systems. These differences may be attributed to protocol differences, although it is difficult to identify the relevant conditions because detailed comet assay procedures are not always published. Here, we present a Consensus Statement for the Minimum Information for Reporting Comet Assay (MIRCA) providing recommendations for describing comet assay conditions and results. These recommendations differentiate between ‘desirable’ and ‘essential’ information: ‘essential’ information refers to the precise details that are necessary to assess the quality of the experimental work, whereas ‘desirable’ information relates to technical issues that might be encountered when repeating the experiments. Adherence to MIRCA recommendations should ensure that comet assay results can be easily interpreted and independently verified by other researchers.
Asian citrus psyllid adults inoculate huanglongbing bacterium more efficiently than nymphs when this bacterium is acquired by early instar nymphs
Authors: Ammar El-Desouky , George Justin , Sturgeon Kasie , Stelinski Lukasz L. , Shatters Robert G.
Published: October 2020

The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) transmits the bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas), which causes huanglongbing (citrus greening) disease, in a circulative-propagative manner. We compared CLas inoculation efficiency of D. citri nymphs and adults into healthy (uninfected) citron leaves when both vector stages were reared from eggs on infected plants. The proportion of CLas-positive leaves was 2.5% for nymphs and 36.3% for adults. CLas acquisition by early instar nymphs followed by dissections of adults and 4th instar nymphs revealed that CLas bacterium had moved into the head-thorax section (containing the salivary glands) in 26.7–30.0% of nymphs and 37–45% of adults. Mean Ct values in these sections were 31.6–32.9 and 26.8–27.0 for nymphs and adults, respectively. Therefore, CLas incidence and titer were higher in the head-thorax of adults than in nymphs. Our results suggest that following acquisition of CLas by early instar D. citri nymphs, emerging adults inoculate the bacteria into citrus more efficiently than nymphs because adults are afforded a longer latent period necessary for multiplication and/or translocation of CLas into the salivary glands of the vector. We propose that CLas uses D. citri nymphs mainly for pathogen acquisition and multiplication, and their adults mainly for pathogen inoculation and spread.
Electrocorticographic patterns dominated by low-frequency waves in camphor-induced seizures
Authors: Ferreira Luan Oliveira , de Souza Rafael Dias , de Araújo Silva Fabrício , Costa Francisco Fabrizio Moraes , Farias Rômulo Augusto Feio , Hamoy Akira Otake , de Mello Vanessa Jóia , Lopes Dielly Catrina Favacho , Hamoy Moisés
Published: October 2020

Camphor is an aromatic terpene compound found in the essential oils of many plants, which has been used for centuries as a herbal medicine, especially in children. However, many studies have shown that camphor may have major side effects, including neurological manifestation, such as seizures. In the present study, we investigated the electrocorticographic patterns of seizures induced by camphor in male adult Wistar rats. Each rat received 400 mg/kg (i.p.) of camphor prior to monitoring by electrocorticography. The application of camphor resulted a rapid evolution to seizure and marked changes in the electrocorticographic readings, which presented characteristics of epileptiform activity, with an increase in the total power wave. The decomposition of the cerebral waves revealed an increase in the delta and theta waves. The analysis of the camphor traces revealed severe ictal activity marked by an increase in the polyspike wave. Our data thus indicate that camphor may cause seizures, leading to tonic–clonic seizures. Clearly, further studies are necessary to better elucidate the mechanisms through which camphor acts on the brain, and to propose potential treatments with anticonvulsant drugs that are effective for the control of the seizures.