bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parliamentary Privilege in New South Wales
Authors: Frappell Stephen
Published: August 2020

The law of parliamentary privilege in New South Wales is the sum of certain immunities, rights, and powers enjoyed by the individual Houses of the Parliament of New South Wales, together with their members and committees, as constituent parts of the Legislature. The law is complex. It is liberally interspersed with uncertainty and ambiguity. It is also distinctly different from the law of privilege in other Australian jurisdictions, including the Commonwealth, and also from overseas jurisdictions. It is singular in the degree to which it relies on the common law, without recourse to statutory expression or to the historical privileges of the Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, in some respects, the Parliament of New South Wales has been remarkably successful through the courts, and through its own procedures, in asserting the powers and rights of members under the banner of parliamentary privilege, notably in relation to orders for the production of State papers.
Australia's Legal History and Colonial Legacy
Authors: Beazley Margaret Joan
Published: August 2020

I acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we gather. I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging and especially welcome Aboriginal people here with us today.

On February 7, 1788, on a place called Camp Cove in Port Jackson—recognizable to our international visitors as the land mass around Circular Quay on the harbor's edge—a commission signed by the King of England, George III, appointing Captain Arthur Phillip captain-general and governor in chief in and over the territory of New South Wales was read out by the Judge Advocate, David Collins, before an assembled throng of just over 1000 people.
Trends of Law Journal Publishing by Indian Law Schools
Authors: Singh Akash , Singh Sonam , Rai Priya
Published: August 2020

This article focuses on the trends of law journals published by law schools in India. The article comprises a short overview of the free access to law movement around the world, and it is an attempt to showcase the growing open access to law movement in India. The article visualizes results of the responses received over the publications of legal scholarship in journals by 23 Indian law schools. The article appends recommendations for greater visibility of AW journals published by law schools in India.
Opening Remarks: International Association of Law Libraries Annual Course on International Law and Legal Information, Sydney, Australia, October 28, 2019
Authors: Kiefel Susan
Published: August 2020

It is an honor to speak at the opening of this 38th Annual Course of the IALL. It was not difficult to accept the invitation to do so, not least because it was extended by Ms. Petal Kinder. Members of the IALL will know Petal because of her close involvement with the IALL as a Board member and as President; Petal was known to me as the Librarian of the High Court of Australia, a position she held when I joined the Court. She was highly valued and respected in that role, and popular amongst judges and staff. We were saddened to hear of her passing earlier this year.
Mobilize for Our Lives? School Shootings and Democratic Accountability in U.S. Elections
Authors: HASSELL HANS J. G. , HOLBEIN JOHN B. , BALDWIN MATTHEW
Published: August 2020

Gun violence is a large and growing problem in the United States. Many reformers look towards elections to spur policy change in this area. In this paper, we explore the effects of school shootings on electoral mobilization and election outcomes. We pair data from several sources that measure validated voter registration; validated voter turnout; and the electoral performance of officials at the local, state, and federal levels with regression discontinuity and panel methods. Our effects show that shootings have little to no effect on electoral outcomes in the United States. Our work demonstrates that even when tragic events occur that are squarely in the realm of elected officials’ responsibility, have high levels of issue salience, are highly-covered by the media, draw citizens’ attention, and (perhaps) shift public opinion, these seemingly favorable conditions may not be enough to elicit democratic accountability.
Cocoa-rich chocolate and body composition in postmenopausal women: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Garcia-Yu Irene A. , Garcia-Ortiz Luis , Gomez-Marcos Manuel A. , Rodriguez-Sanchez Emiliano , Lugones-Sanchez Cristina , Maderuelo-Fernandez Jose A. , Recio-Rodriguez Jose I.
Published: August 2020

During menopause, women undergo a series of physiological changes that include a redistribution of fat tissue. This study was designed to investigate the effect of adding 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate to the habitual diet of postmenopausal women daily on body composition. We conducted a 6-month, two-arm randomised, controlled trial. Postmenopausal women (57·2 (sd 3·6) years, n 132) were recruited in primary care clinics. Participants in the control group (CG) did not receive any intervention. Those of the intervention group (IG) received 10 g daily of 99 % cocoa chocolate in addition to their habitual diet for 6 months. This quantity comprises 247 kJ (59 kcal) and 65·4 mg of polyphenols. The primary outcomes were the between-group differences in body composition variables, measured by impendancemetry at the end of the study. The main effect of the intervention showed a favourable reduction in the IG with respect to the CG in body fat mass (–0·63 kg (95 % CI –1·15, –0·11), P = 0·019; Cohen’s d = –0·450) and body fat percentage (–0·79 % (95 % CI –1·31, –0·26), P = 0·004; Cohen’s d = –0·539). A non-significant decrease was also observed in BMI (–0·20 kg/m2 (95 % CI –0·44, 0·03), P = 0·092; Cohen’s d = –0·345). Both the body fat mass and the body fat percentage showed a decrease in the IG for the three body segments analysed (trunk, arms and legs). Daily addition of 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate to the habitual diet of postmenopausal women reduces their body fat mass and body fat percentage without modifying their weight.
THE CASIMIR NUMBER AND THE DETERMINANT OF A FUSION CATEGORY
Authors: WANG ZHIHUA , LIU GONGXIANG , LI LIBIN
Published: August 2020

Let$\mathcal{C}$be a fusion category over an algebraically closed field$\mathbb{k}$of arbitrary characteristic. Two numerical invariants of$\mathcal{C}$, that is, the Casimir number and the determinant of$\mathcal{C}$are considered in this paper. These two numbers are both positive integers and admit the property that the Grothendieck algebra$(\mathcal{C})\otimes_{\mathbb{Z}}K$over any fieldKis semisimple if and only if any of these numbers is not zero inK. This shows that these two numbers have the same prime factors. If moreover$\mathcal{C}$is pivotal, it gives a numerical criterion that$\mathcal{C}$is nondegenerate if and only if any of these numbers is not zero in$\mathbb{k}$. For the case that$\mathcal{C}$is a spherical fusion category over the field$\mathbb{C}$of complex numbers, these two numbers and the Frobenius–Schur exponent of$\mathcal{C}$share the same prime factors. This may be thought of as another version of the Cauchy theorem for spherical fusion categories.
Why Did the Investment–Cash Flow Sensitivity Decline over Time?
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Chu
Published: August 2020

We propose an explanation for why corporate investment used to be sensitive to cash flow and why the sensitivity declined over time. The sensitivity stems from the informational role of cash flow in inferring the productivity of tangible capital in the old economy. Over time, however, more new-economy firms enter the market. These firms have reduced tangible capital productivity and reduced cash-flow predictability, which drives the decline in the average investment–cash flow sensitivity. Theoretical and empirical analyses support this explanation.
“First the Grub, then the Morals”? Disentangling the Self-Interest and Ideological Drivers of Attitudes Towards Demanding Activation Policies in Belgium
Authors: ROSSETTI FEDERICA , ABTS KOEN , MEULEMAN BART , SWYNGEDOUW MARC
Published: August 2020

Following the shift towards an activating role of the European welfare states, there is increasing scholarly interest in public support for demanding activation policies that impose obligations on welfare recipients. Borrowing the classical theoretical frameworks used in welfare attitudes research, we aim to disentangle the effect of self-interest and ideological beliefs on support for demanding activation. Using data from the Belgian National Election Study (2014), we find that support for demanding activation is strongly related to authoritarian dispositions, work ethic and rejection of egalitarianism. For the social-structural variables, we find direct as well as indirect (that is, mediated by the ideological dimensions) effects. Controlling for ideology, social categories that are potentially most affected by welfare obligations – i.e. those currently unemployed, with a previous experience of unemployment and low-income individuals – are more likely to oppose demanding policies, which can be interpreted as a self-interest effect. The effects of educational level, conversely, are primarily mediated and should be understood in terms of ideological preferences rather than self-interest. Our results indicate that, when analysing support for specific welfare policies, attention needs to be paid to the interplay between self-interest and ideological preferences.
Development and validation of prognosis model of mortality risk in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ma Xuedi , Ng Michael , Xu Shuang , Xu Zhouming , Qiu Hui , Liu Yuwei , Lyu Jiayou , You Jiwen , Zhao Peng , Wang Shihao , Tang Yunfei , Cui Hao , Yu Changxiao , Wang Feng , Shao Fei , Sun Peng , Tang Ziren
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to identify clinical features for prognosing mortality risk using machine-learning methods in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A retrospective study of the inpatients with COVID-19 admitted from 15 January to 15 March 2020 in Wuhan is reported. The data of symptoms, comorbidity, demographic, vital sign, CT scans results and laboratory test results on admission were collected. Machine-learning methods (Random Forest and XGboost) were used to rank clinical features for mortality risk. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to identify clinical features with statistical significance. The predictors of mortality were lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP) and age based on 500 bootstrapped samples. A multivariate logistic regression model was formed to predict mortality 292 in-sample patients with area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) of 0.9521, which was better than CURB-65 (AUROC of 0.8501) and the machine-learning-based model (AUROC of 0.4530). An out-sample data set of 13 patients was further tested to show our model (AUROC of 0.6061) was also better than CURB-65 (AUROC of 0.4608) and the machine-learning-based model (AUROC of 0.2292). LDH, CRP and age can be used to identify severe patients with COVID-19 on hospital admission.
Association between dietary intake and serum biomarkers of long-chain PUFA in Japanese preschool children
Authors: Ando Emiko , Morisaki Naho , Asakura Keiko , Ogawa Kohei , Sasaki Satoshi , Horikawa Reiko , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Recent research supports the importance of PUFA intake in children, particularly of EPA and DHA; however, few verified methods to assess whether PUFA intake is adequate are available.

Design:

We assessed the correlation between serum PUFA and lipid concentrations with seafood and PUFA intake measured using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire for Japanese preschool children (BDHQ3y).

Setting:

Single centre birth cohort in Japan.

Participants:

A total of 152 36-month-old Japanese children.

Results:

Average dietary intake of daily seafood, EPA and DHA was 13·83 (sd 10·36) g, 49·4 (sd 43·5) mg and 98·3 (sd 64·6) mg, respectively. Significant weak-to-moderate correlations were observed between dietary intake and serum EPA (Spearman rho = 0·41, P < 0·001; Pearson r = 0·44, P < 0·001); DHA (Spearman rho = 0·40, P < 0·001; Pearson r = 0·42, P < 0·001) and AA (arachidonic acid) (Spearman rho = 0·33, P < 0·001; Pearson r = 0·32, P < 0·001), whereas no significant correlation was observed for dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) (Spearman rho = 0·06, P = 0·484; Pearson r = 0·07, P = 0·387). Correlations between seafood intake and serum EPA and DHA were also moderate (0·39–0·43). A negative correlation between serum TAGs and serum EPA, as well as positive correlations between serum cholesterol (total cholesterol, LDL and HDL) with serum EPA and DHA were observed, whereas no significant correlations between seafood intake and serum lipid profiles. Based on this model, we estimated 61–98 g/week of seafood intake is required to meet current EPA/DHA intake recommendations by the WHO (100–150 mg/d).

Conclusions:

For children of 2–4 years of age, weekly intake of 61–98 g of seafood is required to meet WHO recommendations of EPA/DHA intake.
The sleeper effect of perceived insufficient milk supply in US mothers
Authors: Whipps Mackenzie DM , Demirci Jill R
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To test whether perception of insufficient milk (PIM) supply in the breast-feeding relationship of one child predicts how long mothers breast-feed subsequent children, and whether this association differs for first-time mothersv. mothers with previous children.

Design:

Secondary analysis of Infant Feeding Practices Study II (ordinary least squares regression) and Year 6 follow-up.

Setting:

Mailed, self-report survey of US mother–infant dyads, 2005–2012.

Participants:

Women pregnant with a singleton were recruited from a consumer opinion panel. Exclusion criteria included: mother age <18; infant born <5 lbs, born before 35 weeks or with extended NICU stay, and mother or infant diagnosed with condition that impacts feeding. A subsample with PIM data (n1460) was analysed.

Results:

We found that women who weaned because of PIM with the index child stopped breast-feeding 5·7 weeks earlier than those who weaned due to other reasons (4·9 weeks earlier for multiparas,P< 0·001; 7·1 weeks earlier for primiparas,P< 0·001). Using Year 6 follow-up data (n350), we found subsequent child 1 weaned 9·2 weeks earlier if the mother experiences PIM as a multipara (P= 0·020) and 10·6 weeks earlier if the mother experiences PIM as a primipara (P= 0·019). For subsequent child 2 (n78), the magnitude of association was even larger, although insignificant due to low power.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that PIM may carry forward in the reproductive life course, especially for first-time mothers. Perceptions of breast milk insufficiency and contributors to actual inadequate milk supply with the first child should be targeted, rather than intervening later in the reproductive life course.
Prone treatment position as a novel option for head and neck cancer patients with unmanageable secretions
Authors: Kellogg Andrea , Ahmad Salahuddin , Henson Christina
Published: August 2020

Background:

Supine orientation is the standard treatment position for radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Some patients, however, cannot tolerate this due to pooling of secretions and airway concerns, and theoretically, treatment would be better tolerated in a prone position. Here, we described the first prone treatment setup and delivery for a patient with head and neck cancer.

Methods:

A 68-year-old male patient with inoperable locally advanced, T4aN0M0, squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus was simulated, planned, and treated in prone position due to sinus congestion.

Results:

Prone position was well tolerated by the patient, who then did not require daily anaesthesia for airway secretion management. The prone dosimetry demonstrated good target coverage and normal tissue sparing. His treatment setup was found to be reproducible throughout the course of therapy.

Conclusions:

We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of prone treatment position for patients with head and neck cancer who are unable to tolerate supine position due to unmanageable secretions. Consideration should be given to prone treatment when designing both radiation therapy protocols and individual treatment plans.
Inferring In Situ Hydraulic Pressure From Induced Seismicity Observations: An Application to the Cooper Basin (Australia) Geothermal Reservoir
Authors: Baisch Stefan
Published: August 2020

An approach is proposed for estimating in situ reservoir pressure changes based on induced earthquakes with overlapping slip patches. The approach is independent of absolute (tectonic) stresses and can also be applied in a scenario where the (unknown) tectonic stresses are strongly heterogeneous. Based on Coulomb friction, the approach makes use of the fact that stress‐strength conditions are in equilibrium at the time of seismic activation. Coseismic stress changes inferred from seismogram recordings provide the stress‐state relative to the failure stress immediately after seismic activation. If the same fracture patch is seismically activated again, relative changes of fluid pressure, that is, the fluid pressure change at which stress‐strength conditions reach equilibrium again, can be inferred from the stress‐deficit when accounting for stress re‐load from neighboring patches. The performance of the technique is demonstrated using a data set of 20,736 earthquakes induced during a hydraulic injection experiment in a geothermal reservoir in the Cooper Basin, Australia. The spatial hypocenter distribution indicates that the seismicity mainly occurred on a single‐layer structure with slip direction controlled by the regional stress field as evidenced by fault mechanisms. Due to the high earthquake density, interearthquake stress interaction is pronounced. The spatial stress impact associated with each earthquake is simulated using a slider‐block type propagation pattern based on Okada's analytical solutions. Using the scalar seismic moment determined from S‐wave spectra, the spatio‐temporal evolution of hydraulic pressure changes is inferred on a reservoir scale. Results indicate that hydraulic flow is most pronounced into NW‐SE direction.
Wintertime Coastal Upwelling in Lake Geneva: An Efficient Transport Process for Deepwater Renewal in a Large, Deep Lake
Authors: Reiss Rafael S. , Lemmin U. , Cimatoribus A. A. , Barry D. A.
Published: August 2020

Combining field measurements, 3‐D numerical modeling, and Lagrangian particle tracking, we investigated wind‐driven, Ekman‐type coastal upwelling during the weakly stratified winter period 2017/2018 in Lake Geneva, Western Europe's largest lake (max. depth 309 m). Strong alongshore wind stress, persistent for more than 7 days, led to tilting and surfacing of the thermocline (initial depth 75–100 m). Observed nearshore temperatures dropped by 1°C and remained low for 10 days, with the lowest temperatures corresponding to those of hypolimnetic waters originating from 200 m depth. Nearshore current measurements at 30 m depth revealed dominant alongshore currents in the entire water column (maximum current speed 25 cm s−1) with episodic upslope transport of cold hypolimnetic waters in the lowest 10 m mainly during the first 3 days. The observed upwelling dynamics were well reproduced by a 3‐D hydrodynamic model (RMSE 0.2°C), whose results indicated that upwelled waters spread over approximately 10% of the lake's main basin surface area. Model‐based Lagrangian particle tracking confirmed that upwelled waters originated from far below the thermocline, that is, >150 m depth, and descended back to around 150–200 m depth over a wide area after wind stress ceased. Observational and particle tracking results suggest that wintertime coastal upwelling, which can occur several times during winter, is an overlooked transport process that is less sensitive to the effects of global warming than convective cooling. It can provide an effective but complex 3‐D pathway for deepwater renewal in Lake Geneva, and other large, deep lakes with a sufficiently long wind fetch.
Control of the Oceanic Heat Content of the Getz‐Dotson Trough, Antarctica, by the Amundsen Sea Low
Authors: Dotto Tiago S. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Wåhlin Anna K. , Bacon Sheldon , Holland Paul R. , Kimura Satoshi , Tsamados Michel , Herraiz‐Borreguero Laura , Kalén Ola , Jenkins Adrian
Published: August 2020

The changing supply of warm Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) to the West Antarctic continental shelf is responsible for the basal melting and thinning of the West Antarctic ice shelves that has occurred in recent decades. Here we assess the variability in CDW supply, and its drivers, from a multiyear mooring deployed in, and a regional ocean model spanning, the Getz‐Dotson Trough, Amundsen Sea. Between 2010 to 2015, the CDW within the trough underwent a pronounced cooling and freshening, associated with changes in thermohaline properties on isopycnals. Variability in the rate of CDW inflow is controlled by local wind forcing of a shelf break undercurrent, which determines the hydrographic properties of inflowing CDW via tilting of density surfaces above the continental slope. Local wind is coupled to the Amundsen Sea Low (ASL) low‐pressure system, which is modulated by large‐scale climatic modes via atmospheric teleconnections. For the period analyzed, a deeper ASL was associated with westward wind anomaly at the shelf break. Changes in the sea surface slope decelerated the shelf break undercurrent, resulting in less heat accessing the continental shelf and, consequently, a cooling of the Getz‐Dotson Trough. Therefore, the present work suggests that the fate of the West Antarctic ice shelves is closely tied to the future evolution of the ASL.
Hidden Production: On the Importance of Pelagic Phytoplankton Blooms Beneath Arctic Sea Ice
Authors: Clement Kinney Jaclyn , Maslowski Wieslaw , Osinski Robert , Jin Meibing , Frants Marina , Jeffery Nicole , Lee Younjoo J.
Published: August 2020

Recent observations suggest that substantial phytoplankton blooms occur under sea ice on Arctic continental shelves during June and July. This is opposed to the traditional view that no significant biomass is produced in sea‐ice covered waters. However, no observational estimates are available on the Arctic‐wide primary production beneath sea ice. Here, using a fully coupled Arctic system model, we estimate that 63%/41% of the total primary production in the central Arctic occurs in waters covered by sea ice that is ≥50%/≥85% concentration. The total primary production there is increasing at a rate of 5.2% per decade during 1980–2018. Increased light transmission, due to the removal of sea ice, more extensive melt ponds, and thinner sea ice, is implicated as the main cause of increasing trends in primary production.
The Characteristics of Near‐Equatorial North Pacific Low PV Water and Its Possible Influences on the Equatorial Subsurface Ocean
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Wen Zhibin , Hu Haibo , Song Zhenya , Liu Guoqiang
Published: August 2020

Using SODA oceanic reanalysis data, the subduction rate and low potential vorticity (PV) water masses in the North Pacific are investigated from January 1870 to December 2008. A new low PV water mass with a large subduction rate is found near‐equatorial North Pacific, which is named as the near‐equatorial North Pacific low PV water mass (NELPVW), and it is the only one low PV water mass in North Pacific that appears an increasing trend under global warming. Among all the low PV water masses in North Pacific, only Eastern Subtropical Mode Water (EMW) and NELPVW can migrate to the equatorial Pacific and effect subsurface oceanic temperature (SOT) there. Further research shows that the subducted low PV water mass in EMW generation region can migrate to equatorial Pacific through two transport paths, which are called the Western‐EMW path and the Central‐EMW path. The analysis of Lagrange tracking shows that EMW can migrate and bring SOT anomaly to equatorial Pacific along these paths in 7 years and lead to the almost precisely opposite distributions of equatorial Pacific SOT anomaly between the strong and weak EMW subduction years, while it takes the newly discovered NELPVW less than 3 years to reach the equatorial Pacific along the Western‐NELPVW path or the Eastern‐NELPVW path after subduction. The distributions of equatorial Pacific SOT anomaly in the strong and weak NELPVW subduction years are approximately reverse too. The actual distribution of the equatorial Pacific SOT is affected by these two low PV water masses at the same time.
TOMOREF Operator for Assimilation of GNSS Tomography Wet Refractivity Fields in WRF DA System
Authors: Trzcina Estera , Hanna Natalia , Kryza Maciej , Rohm Witold
Published: August 2020

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tomography is a technique that aims to obtain a 3‐D field of humidity in the troposphere. It is based on observations of GNSS signal delays between satellites and ground‐based receivers. The technique has been developed in recent years, showing positive results in the monitoring of severe weather events. The previous studies on assimilation into the numerical weather prediction models are based on available observation operators which are not adjusted to the GNSS tomography data. In this study, we demonstrate an observation operator TOMOREF dedicated to the assimilation of the GNSS tomography‐derived 3‐D fields of wet refractivity in a Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Data Assimilation (DA) system. The new tool has been tested based on wet refractivity fields derived during a heavy precipitation event. The results were validated using radiosonde observations, synoptic data, ERA5 reanalysis, and radar data. In the presented experiment, a positive impact of the GNSS tomography data assimilation on the forecast of relative humidity (RH) has been noticed (an improvement of root‐mean‐square error up to 0.5%). Moreover, the validation of the precipitation forecasts reveals the positive impact of the GNSS data assimilation within 1 hr after assimilation (the mean bias values are reduced up to 0.1 mm). Additionally, it was observed that assimilation of GNSS tomography data has a greater influence on the WRF model than the Zenith Total Delay (ZTD) observations, which proves the potential of the GNSS tomography data for weather forecasting.
Anthropogenic Impacts on Atmospheric Carbonyl Sulfide Since the 19th Century Inferred From Polar Firn Air and Ice Core Measurements
Authors: Aydin M. , Britten G. L. , Montzka S. A. , Buizert C. , Primeau F. , Petrenko V. , Battle M. B. , Nicewonger M. R. , Patterson J. , Hmiel B. , Saltzman E. S.
Published: August 2020

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) was measured in firn air collected during seven different field campaigns carried out at four different sites in Greenland and Antarctica between 2001 and 2015. A Bayesian probabilistic statistical model is used to conduct multisite inversions and to reconstruct separate atmospheric histories for Greenland and Antarctica. The firn air inversions cover most of the 20th century over Greenland and extend back to the 19th century over Antarctica. The derived atmospheric histories are consistent with independent surface air time series data from the corresponding sites and the Antarctic ice core COS records during periods of overlap. Atmospheric COS levels began to increase over preindustrial levels starting in the 19th century, and the increase continued for much of the 20th century. Atmospheric COS peaked at higher than present‐day levels around 1975 CE over Greenland and around 1987 CE over Antarctica. An atmosphere/surface ocean box model is used to investigate the possible causes of observed variability. The results suggest that changes in the magnitude and location of anthropogenic sources have had a strong influence on the observed atmospheric COS variability.
Slab Detachment, Mantle Flow, and Crustal Collision in Eastern Sicily (Southern Italy): Implications on Mount Etna Volcanism
Authors: Barreca G. , Branca S. , Corsaro R. A. , Scarfì L. , Cannavò F. , Aloisi M. , Monaco C. , Faccenna C.
Published: August 2020

New data and interpretations of the geodynamics of eastern Sicily point to deep crustal shortening taking place in the area. Reconstructions of the lithospheric system, seismicity distribution, and stress state in the crust indicate that deformation is expressed by a large thrust‐ramp cutting through the entire lower plate. The tectonic structure is propagating directly beneath the Mount Etna volcano, one of the few active volcanoes in Europe. Geostructural interpretation of tomographic sections allows for interpretations of the compressional structure as originating in response to trench‐parallel breakoff of the Ionian slab. Following the simple assumption that if a slab retreats, it must either be compensated or alternatively pushed by the fore‐arc mantle, we argue that the opening of a gateway in the slab has encouraged the fore‐arc mantle to flow toward the Mount Etna region. Mantle mobilization has had a twofold influence on both magmatic source mixing and the inception of underplating processes beneath the Mount Etna. A shortening prevailing over extension in the crust below the volcano seems to have a significant impact on the dynamics of the Mount Etna volcanic system, which manifested through anomalous signals over the last thousands of years. Since a tectonic inversion of previous dilatational magma pathways is expected in such a converging setting, the documented variations are believed to be consistent with a volcano experiencing a declining phase. Comparison with other extinct volcanic systems in the southern Tyrrhenian margin, lying atop a detached slab and involved in contraction, provides insights into the evolution of Mount Etna.
Development of an artificial antibody specific for HLA/peptide complex derived from cancer stem-like cell/cancer-initiating cell antigen DNAJB8
Authors: Tadano Hiroki , Tsukahara Tomohide , Mizushima Emi , Akamatsu Asuka , Watanabe Kazue , Nojima Iyori , Kubo Terufumi , Kanaseki Takayuki , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Sato Noriyuki , Torigoe Toshihiko
Published: August 2020

Background

Peptide-vaccination therapy targeting tumour-associated antigens can elicit immune responses, but cannot be used to eliminate large tumour burden. In this study, we developed a therapeutic single-chain variable-fragment (scFv) antibody that recognises the cancer stem-like cell/cancer-initiating cell (CSC/CIC) antigen, DNAJB8.

Methods

We screened scFv clones reacting with HLA-A24:20/DNAJB8-derived peptide (DNAJB8_143) complex using naive scFv phage-display libraries. Reactivity and affinity of scFv clones against the cognate antigen were quantified using FACS and surface plasmon resonance. Candidate scFv clones were engineered to human IgG1 (hIgG1) and T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody (CD3xJB8). Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and bispecific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (BADCC) were assessed.

Results

scFv clones A10 and B10 were isolated after bio-panning. Both A10-hIgG1 and B10-hIgG1 reacted with DNAJB8-143 peptide-pulsed antigen-presenting cells and HLA-A24(+)/DNAJB8(+) renal cell carcinoma and osteosarcoma cell lines. A10-hIgG1 and B10-hIgG1 showed strong affinity with the cognate HLA/peptide complex (KD = 2.96 × 10−9 M and 5.04 × 10−9 M, respectively). A10-hIgG1 and B10-hIgG1 showed CDC against HLA-A24(+)/DNAJB8(+) cell lines. B10-(CD3xJB8) showed superior BADCC to A10-(CD3xJB8).

Conclusion

We isolated artificial scFv antibodies reactive to CSC/CIC antigen DNAJB8-derived peptide naturally present on renal cell carcinoma and sarcoma. Immunotherapy using these engineered antibodies could be promising.
Photocatalytic degradation of dissolved organic matter under ZnO-catalyzed artificial sunlight irradiation system
Authors: Nguyen Thao Thi , Nam Seong-Nam , Kim Jungryul , Oh Jeill
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the photocatalytic degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) under ZnO-assisted artificial sunlight system at various conditions (ZnO dosage, pH, and the presence of Cl−, SO42−, and HCO3−). The results show that the degradation of DOM follows a pseudo-first-order kinetics. Fluorescence excitation–emission matrices coupled with parallel factor (EEM-PARAFAC) analysis decomposes DOM into two fluorophores (C1 and C2). The total removals and photodegradation rates calculated with DOC, UV254, and the Fmax of C1 are similar, increasing with higher ZnO dosages and being highest in pH 7 and lowest in pH 4. ZnO dosage has a similar effect on DOM degradation when assessed using C2, as with C1, but pH effect is not consistent. As for the anions, HCO3− shows the strongest inhibition for DOC, UV254 and C1 while Cl− has the strongest facilitation effect for C2. The total removal and photodegradation rates calculated with the Fmax of C1 and C2 are higher than those calculated using DOC and UV254. This study demonstrates that the successful application of EEM-PARAFAC analysis in addition to traditional parameters can provide further insight into the photocatalytic degradation mechanisms associated with DOM in conjunction with a ZnO catalyst under artificial sunlight.
Reevaluation of motoneuron morphology: diversity and regularity among motoneurons innervating different arm muscles along a proximal–distal axis
Authors: Fukuda Satoshi , Maeda Hitoshi , Sakurai Masaki
Published: August 2020

Dendritic fields of spinal motoneurons (MNs) are popularly believed to be stellate; however, variation in dendritic arborization, especially concerning the innervated muscle groups, has not been systematically studied. We addressed this problem by injecting Neurobiotin through patch-pipettes into single MNs (rat cervical cord slices) that had been retrogradely labelled from innervated muscle groups situated along a proximal (here named “scapular” including serratus anterior) to distal (forearm) axis. MNs had fairly straight dendrites with small numbers of mainly proximal branches that exhibited acute branch angles, leaving large areas around the cells with no dendrites. MNs in the same group of pools showed similar morphologies, but there were clear differences among groups. Forearm MNs (n = 35) showed hemidirectionally-extended multipolar dendrites, whereas scapular MNs (n = 15) had bipolar dendrites, and pectoralis MNs (n = 20) had an intermediate morphology. MNs thus showed a spectrum of morphologic characteristics along the axis. This may be because more distally-located forearm muscles are involved in finer movements and need a wider variety of inputs for neural control than proximally-located muscles. We also devised a quantitative method for evaluating the degree to which a cell’s dendritic field displays a symmetric spherical shape; only 20% of MNs tested reached this criterion.
Magnetotelluric evidence for the multi-microcontinental composition of eastern South China and its tectonic evolution
Authors: Kun Zhang , Qingtian Lü , Zhao Jinhua , Yan Jiayong , Hu Hao , Luo Fan , Fu Guangming , Tao Xin
Published: August 2020

The tectonic boundaries and geodynamic evolution of the South China Block are widely debated. While the community largely agrees on the occurrence of the collision between the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks, the lack of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks and obscurity of the boundary lead to inconsistencies among the abundant geological and geophysical data. We present three profiles that reveal the geoelectrical structure of eastern South China. Distinct conductive interfaces oriented NE–SW are identified in the geoelectrical lithosphere, which separate the region into six parts. To interpret our observations and resultant model, we develop and propose a mechanism of “microcontinent interaction”. Our new model justifies the prior proposed models of ‘block collision’ and additionally proposes ‘multi-terrane accretion-collision’ to address the tectonic evolution.
SNG and DNG meta-absorber with fractional absorption band for sensing application
Authors: Hoque Ahasanul , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Almutairi Ali F. , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H. , Samsuzzaman Md.
Published: August 2020

This paper reports on a tunable transmission frequency characteristics-based metamaterial absorber of an X band sensing application with a fractional bandwidth. Tunable resonator metamaterial absorbers fabricated with dielectric surface have been the subject of growing attention of late. Absorbers possess electromagnetic properties and range modification capacity, and they have yet to be studied in detail. The proposed microstructure resonator inspired absorber with triple fractional band absorption consists of two balanced symmetrical vertical patches at the outer periphery and a tiny drop hole at two edges. Experimental verification depicted two absorption bands with single negative (SNG) characteristics for two resonances, but double negative (DNG) for single resonance frequency. The mechanism of sensing and absorption was analyzed using the transmission line principle with useful parameter analysis. Cotton, a hygroscopic fiber with moisture content, was chosen to characterize the proposed absorber for the X band application. The electrical properties of the cotton changed depending on the moisture absorption level. The simulation and the measured absorption approximately justified the result; the simulated absorption was above 90% (at 10.62, 11.64, and 12.8 GHz), although the steady level was 80%. The moisture content of the cotton (at different levels from 0 to 32.13%) was simulated, and the transmission resonance frequency changed its point in two significant ranges. However, comparing the two adopted measurement method and algorithm applied to the S parameter showed a closer variation between the two resonances (11.64 and 12.8 GHz) which signified that a much more accurate measurement of the cotton dielectric constant was possible up to a moisture content of 16.1%. However, certain unwanted changes were noted at 8.4–8.9 GHz and 10.6–12.4 GHz. The proposed triple-band absorber has potential applications in the X band sensing of moisture in capsules or tablet bottles.
QTL mapping and GWAS for field kernel water content and kernel dehydration rate before physiological maturity in maize
Authors: Li Shufang , Zhang Chunxiao , Lu Ming , Yang Deguang , Qian Yiliang , Yue Yaohai , Zhang Zhijun , Jin Fengxue , Wang Min , Liu Xueyan , Liu Wenguo , Li Xiaohui
Published: August 2020

Kernel water content (KWC) and kernel dehydration rate (KDR) are two main factors affecting maize seed quality and have a decisive influence on the mechanical harvest. It is of great importance to map and mine candidate genes related to KWCs and KDRs before physiological maturity in maize. 120 double-haploid (DH) lines constructed from Si287 with low KWC and JiA512 with high KWC were used as the mapping population. KWCs were measured every 5 days from 10 to 40 days after pollination, and KDRs were calculated. A total of 1702 SNP markers were used to construct a linkage map, with a total length of 1,309.02 cM and an average map distance of 0.77 cM. 10 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and 27 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were detected by genome-wide composite interval mapping (GCIM) and multi-locus random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (mrMLM), respectively. One and two QTL hotspot regions were found on Chromosome 3 and 7, respectively. Analysis of the Gene Ontology showed that 2 GO terms of biological processes (BP) were significantly enriched (P ≤ 0.05) and 6 candidate genes were obtained. This study provides theoretical support for marker-assisted breeding of mechanical harvest variety in maize.
Solid acid catalyzed carboxymethylation of bio-derived alcohols: an efficient process for the synthesis of alkyl methyl carbonates
Authors: Kanakikodi Kempanna S. , Churipard Sathyapal R. , Halgeri A. B. , Maradur Sanjeev P.
Published: August 2020

Acid catalyzed carboxymethylation of alcohols is an emerging organic transformation that has grabbed the attention of scientific community in recent years. In the present study, sulfonated mesoporous polymer (MP-SO3H) is presented as a highly active solid acid catalyst to convert a wide range of alcohols into alkyl methyl carbonates. The remarkable catalytic activity of MP-SO3H is comparable to that of reported homogeneous acid catalysts. A good correlation was established between the catalytic activity and textural properties of the material. An exceptional catalytic activity of MP-SO3H was observed for DMC mediated carboxymethylation of bio-derived alcohols which is unmatchable to conventional resins and zeolites. This superior activity of MP-SO3H is ascribed to its intrinsic mesoporosity, high acid strength and uniform coverage of surface area by active sites. The catalyst is recyclable, resistant towards leaching and can be used in successive runs without losing the original activity. To the best of our knowledge, MP-SO3H is the first solid acid catalyst to exemplify highest activity for the synthesis of different alkyl methyl carbonates using DMC. The protocol developed herein opens up new avenues to transform wide range of bio-alcohols into useful organic carbonates in the future.
Effects of l-theanine–caffeine combination on sustained attention and inhibitory control among children with ADHD: a proof-of-concept neuroimaging RCT
Authors: Kahathuduwa Chanaka N. , Wakefield Sarah , West Blake D. , Blume Jessica , Dassanayake Tharaka L. , Weerasinghe Vajira S. , Mastergeorge Ann
Published: August 2020

We examined the acute effects of l-theanine, caffeine and their combination on sustained attention, inhibitory control and overall cognition in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). l-Theanine (2.5 mg/kg), caffeine (2.0 mg/kg), their combination and a placebo were administered in a randomized four-way repeated-measures crossover with washout, to five boys (8–15 years) with ADHD. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed during a Go/NoGo task and a Stop-signal task ~ 1 h post-dose. NIH Cognition Toolbox was administered ~ 2 h post-dose. Treatment vs. placebo effects were examined in multi-level mixed-effects models. l-Theanine improved total cognition composite in NIH Cognition Toolbox (p = 0.040) vs. placebo. Caffeine worsened and l-theanine had a trend of worsening inhibitory control (i.e. increased Stop-signal reaction time; p = 0.031 and p = 0.053 respectively). l-Theanine–caffeine combination improved total cognition composite (p = 0.041), d-prime in the Go/NoGo task (p = 0.033) and showed a trend of improvement of inhibitory control (p = 0.080). l-Theanine–caffeine combination was associated with decreased task-related reactivity of a brain network associated with mind wandering (i.e. default mode network). l-Theanine–caffeine combination may be a potential therapeutic option for ADHD-associated impairments in sustained attention, inhibitory control and overall cognitive performance.
Structure/activity virtual screening and in vitro testing of small molecule inhibitors of 8-hydroxy-5-deazaflavin:NADPH oxidoreductase from gut methanogenic bacteria
Authors: Cuccioloni Massimiliano , Bonfili Laura , Cecarini Valentina , Cocchioni Filippo , Petrelli Dezemona , Crotti Elena , Zanchi Raffaella , Eleuteri Anna Maria , Angeletti Mauro
Published: August 2020

Virtual screening techniques and in vitro binding/inhibitory assays were used to search within a set of more than 8,000 naturally occurring small ligands for candidate inhibitors of 8-hydroxy-5-deazaflavin:NADPH oxidoreductase (FNO) from Methanobrevibacter smithii, the enzyme that catalyses the bidirectional electron transfer between NADP+ and F420H2 during the intestinal production of CH4 from CO2. In silico screening using molecular docking classified the ligand-enzyme complexes in the range between − 4.9 and − 10.5 kcal/mol. Molecular flexibility, the number of H-bond acceptors and donors, the extent of hydrophobic interactions, and the exposure to the solvent were the major discriminants in determining the affinity of the ligands for FNO. In vitro studies on a group of these ligands selected from the most populated/representative clusters provided quantitative kinetic, equilibrium, and structural information on ligands’ behaviour, in optimal agreement with the predictive computational results.
Quantitative analysis of heparan sulfate using isotopically labeled calibrants
Authors: Wang Zhangjie , Arnold Katelyn , Xu Yongmei , Pagadala Vijayakanth , Su Guowei , Myatt Hannah , Linhardt Robert J. , Liu Jian
Published: August 2020

Heparan sulfate is a sulfated polysaccharide that displays essential physiological functions. Here, we report a LC-MS/MS-based method for quantitatively determining the individual disaccharide composition and total amount of heparan sulfate. Using eight 13C-labeled disaccharide calibrants and one 13C-labeled polysaccharide calibrant, we complete the analysis in one-pot process. The method is both sensitive and has the throughput to analyze heparan sulfate from mouse tissues and plasma.
Programmed folding into spiro-multicyclic polymer topologies from linear and star-shaped chains
Authors: Mato Yoshinobu , Honda Kohei , Ree Brian J. , Tajima Kenji , Yamamoto Takuya , Deguchi Tetsuo , Isono Takuya , Satoh Toshifumi
Published: August 2020

The development of precise folding techniques for synthetic polymer chains that replicate the unique structures and functions of biopolymers has long been a key challenge. In particular, spiro-type (i.e., 8-, trefoil-, and quatrefoil-shaped) polymer topologies remain challenging due to their inherent structural complexity. Herein, we establish a folding strategy to produce spiro-type multicyclic polymers via intramolecular ring-opening metathesis oligomerization of the norbornenyl groups attached at predetermined positions along a synthetic polymer precursor. This strategy provides easy access to the desired spiro-type topological polymers with a controllable number of ring units and molecular weight while retaining narrow dispersity (Ɖ < 1.1). This effective strategy marks an advancement in the development of functionalized materials composed of specific three-dimensional nanostructures.
Publisher Correction: Imaging switchable magnetoelectric quadrupole domains via nonreciprocal linear dichroism
Authors: Kimura Kenta , Katsuyoshi Tsukasa , Sawada Yuya , Kimura Shojiro , Kimura Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Quenched cetuximab conjugate for fast fluorescence imaging of EGFR-positive lung cancers
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Goh Sung-Ho , Choi Yongdoo
Published: August 2020

We developed ATTO655 dye-conjugated cetuximab for fast and real-time fluorescence imaging of EGFR-positive lung cancers.
Perfectly imperfect: a review of chemical tools for exciton engineering in single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Janas Dawid
Published: August 2020

This review investigates the concept of introducing disorder to single-walled carbon nanotubes for enhancement of their optical properties.
A visible-light responsive metal–organic framework as an eco-friendly photocatalyst under ambient air at room temperature
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Lin Chen , Li Bowen , Wang Jian , Wang Man , Zhang Na , Feng Yue , Wu Pengyan
Published: August 2020

A 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-based MOF as a reusable photocatalyst for the synthesis of 1,3-oxathiolane-2-imines from styrenes and NH4SCN by utilizing visible light and air as the eco-sustainable and cheapest reagents.
Synergistic engineering of dielectric and magnetic losses in M-Co/RGO nanocomposites for use in high-performance microwave absorption
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Zheng , Xun Xiaochen , Gao Fangfang , Zhao Xuan , Kang Zhuo , Ding Yi , Liao Qingliang , Zhang Yue
Published: August 2020

M-Co/RGO nanocomposites with well-matched impedance matching and high attenuation constant are developed and enhanced microwave absorption was obtained through the strategy of synergistic engineering of dielectric and magnetic losses.
Enzymatic and non-enzymatic crosslinks found in collagen and elastin and their chemical synthesis
Authors: Gaar Jakob , Naffa Rafea , Brimble Margaret
Published: August 2020

This review summarized the enzymatic and non-enzymatic crosslinks found in collagen and elastin and their organic synthesis.