bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban population exposure to NOx emissions from local shipping in three Baltic Sea harbour cities – a generic approach
Authors: Ramacher Martin Otto Paul , Karl Matthias , Bieser Johannes , Jalkanen Jukka-Pekka , Johansson Lasse
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Ship emissions in ports can have a significant impact on local air quality (AQ), population exposure, and therefore human health in harbour cities. We determined the impact of shipping emissions on local AQ and population exposure in the Baltic Sea harbour cities Rostock (Germany), Riga (Latvia) and the urban agglomeration of Gdansk-Gdynia (Poland) for 2012. An urban AQ study was performed using a global-to-local Chemistry Transport Model chain with the EPISODE-CityChem model for the urban scale. We simulated NO2, O3 and PM concentrations in 2012 with the aim to determine the impact of local shipping activities to outdoor population exposure in Baltic Sea harbour cities. Based on simulated concentrations, dynamic population exposure on outdoor NO2 concentrations for all urban domains was calculated. We developed and used a novel generic approach to model dynamic population activity in different microenvironments based on publicly available data. The results of the new approach are hourly microenvironment-specific population grids with a spatial resolution of 100 × 100 m2. We multiplied these grids with surface pollutant concentration fields of the same resolution to calculate total population exposure. We found that the local shipping impact on NO2 concentrations is significant, contributing with 22 %, 11 %, and 16 % to the total annually averaged grid mean concentration for Rostock, Riga and Gdansk-Gdynia, respectively. For PM2.5, the contribution of shipping is substantially lower with 1–3 %. When it comes to microenvironment-specific exposure to annual NO2, the highest exposure to NO2 from all emission sources was found in the home environment (54–59 %). Emissions from shipping have a high impact on NO2 exposure in the port area (50–80 %) while the influence in home, work and other environments is lower on average (3–14 %), but still with high impacts close to the port areas and downwind of them. Besides this, the newly developed generic approach allows for dynamic population exposure calculations in European cities without the necessity of individually measured data or large-scale surveys on population data.
Two decades observing smoke above clouds in the south-eastern Atlantic Ocean: Deep Blue algorithm updates and validation with ORACLES field campaign data
Authors: Sayer Andrew M. , Hsu N. Christina , Lee Jaehwa , Kim Woogyung V. , Burton Sharon , Fenn Marta A. , Ferrare Richard A. , Kacenelenbogen Meloë , LeBlanc Samuel , Pistone Kristina , Redemann Jens , Segal-Rozenhaimer Michal , Shinozuka Yohei , Tsay Si-Chee
Published: February 2019

Abstract. This study presents and evaluates an updated algorithm for quantification of absorbing aerosols above clouds (AACs) from passive satellite measurements. The focus is biomass burning in the south-eastern Atlantic Ocean during the 2016 and 2017 ObserRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their interactionS (ORACLES) field campaign deployments. The algorithm retrieves the above-cloud aerosol optical depth (AOD) and underlying liquid cloud optical depth, and is intended to be applied to measurements from sensors including the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS), and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). Together, these sensors provide around twenty years of observations to date. Airborne NASA Ames Spectrometers for Sky-Scanning, Sun-Tracking Atmospheric Research (4STAR) and NASA Langley High Spectral Resolution Lidar 2 (HSRL2) data collected during ORACLES provide important validation for spectral AOD for MODIS and VIIRS; as the SeaWiFS mission ended in 2010, it cannot be evaluated directly. These 4STAR and HSRL2 comparisons are complimentary and reveal performance generally in line with theoretical expectations. At present the two MODIS-based data records seem the most reliable, although there are differences between the deployments. Data collected in the region from other sources are also used to evaluate some assumptions made in the AAC retrieval. Spatiotemporal patterns in the data sets are very similar, and the time series themselves are very strongly correlated with each other (correlation coefficients from 0.95–0.99). Offsets between the time series are thought to be linked to differences in absolute calibration between the sensors, which can also explain some of the differences in validation results. The time series are also strongly correlated (correlations 0.78-0.94) with quantities such as ultraviolet aerosol index, total column AOD from standard MODIS aerosol products, and active fire detections. This suggests that these quantities may also act as proxies for the above-cloud aerosol load in this region, when AAC retrievals are unavailable.
Hyposalinity tolerance inthecoccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi under the influence of ocean acidification involves enhanced photosynthetic performance
Authors: Xu Jiekai , Beardall John , Gao Kunshan
Published: February 2019

Abstract. While seawater acidification induced by elevated CO2 is known to impact coccolithophores, the effects in combination with decreased salinity caused by sea ice melting and/or hydrological events have not been documented. Here we show the combined effects of seawater acidification and reduced salinity on growth, photosynthesis and calcification of Emiliania huxleyi grown at 2 CO2 concentrations (low CO2 LC: 400 μatm; high CO2 HC: 1000 μatm) and 3 levels of salinity (25, 30 and 35 ‰). A decrease of salinity from 35 to 25‰ increased growth rate, cell size and effective photochemical efficiency under both LC or HC. Calcification rates were relatively insensitive to combined effects of salinity and OA treatment but were highest under 3 5‰ and HC conditions, with higher ratios of calcification to photosynthesis (C : P) in the cells grown under 35 ‰ compared with those grown at 25 ‰. In addition, elevated dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration at the salinity of 35 ‰ stimulated its calcification. In contrast, photosynthetic carbon fixation increased almost linearly with decreasing salinity, regardless of the pCO2 treatments. When subjected to short-term exposure to high light, the low-salinity-grown cells showed the highest photochemical effective quantum yield with the highest repair rate, though HC treatment enhanced PSII damage rate. Our results suggest Emiliania huxleyi can tolerate low salinity plus acidification conditions by up-regulating its photosynthetic performance together with a relatively insensitive calcification response, which may help it better adapt to future ocean global environmental changes, especially in the coastal areas of high latitudes.
Inconsistencies between observed, reconstructed, and simulated precipitation indices for England since the year 1650 CE
Authors: Bothe Oliver , Wagner Sebastian , Zorita Eduardo
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The scarcity of long
instrumental records, uncertainty in reconstructions, and insufficient skill
in model simulations hamper assessing how regional precipitation changed over
past centuries. Here, we use standardized precipitation data to compare a
regional climate simulation, reconstructions, and long observational records
of seasonal (March to July) mean precipitation in England and Wales over the
past 350 years. The Standardized Precipitation Index is a valuable tool for
assessing agreement between the different sources of information, as it
allows for a comparison of the temporal evolution of percentiles of the
precipitation distributions. These evolutions are not consistent among
reconstructions, a regional simulation, and instrumental observations for
severe and extreme dry and wet conditions. The lack of consistency between
the different data sets may be due to the dominance of internal climate
variability over the impact of natural exogenous forcing conditions on
multi-decadal timescales. The disagreement between sources of information
reduces our confidence in inferences about the origins of hydroclimate
variability for small regions. However, it is encouraging that there is still
some agreement between a regional simulation and observations. Our results
emphasize the complexity of hydroclimate changes during the recent centuries
and stress the necessity of a thorough understanding of the processes
affecting forced and unforced precipitation variability.
Causes for increased flood frequency in central Europe in the 19th century
Authors: Brönnimann Stefan , Frigerio Luca , Schwander Mikhaël , Rohrer Marco , Stucki Peter , Franke Jörg
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Historians and historical climatologists have long pointed to an increased flood frequency in Central Europe in the mid and late 19th century. However, the causes have remained unclear. Here, we investigate the changes in flood frequency in Switzerland based on long time series of discharge and lake levels, of precipitation and weather types, and based on climate model simulations, focusing on the warm season. Annual series of peak discharge or maximum lake level, in agreement with previous studies, display increased frequency of floods in the mid 19th century and decreased frequency after the Second World War. Annual series of warm-season mean precipitation and high percentiles of 3-day precipitation totals (partly) reflect these changes. A daily weather type classification since 1763 is used to construct flood probability indices for the catchments of the Rhine in Basel and the outflow of Lake Lugano, Ponte Tresa. The indices indicate an increased frequency of flood-prone weather types in the mid 19th century and a decreased frequency in the post-war period, consistent with a climate reconstruction that shows increased (decreased) cyclonic flow over Western Europe in the former (latter) period. To assess the driving factors of the detected circulation changes, we analyse weather types and precipitation in a large ensemble of climate model simulations forced with observed sea-surface temperatures. In the simulations, we do not find an increase in flood-prone weather types in the Rhine catchment in the 19th century, but a decrease in the post-war period related to the sea-surface temperature anomalies.
GCAM v5.1: representing the linkages between energy, water, land, climate, and economic systems
Authors: Calvin Katherine , Patel Pralit , Clarke Leon , Asrar Ghassem , Bond-Lamberty Ben , Cui Ryna Yiyun , Di Vittorio Alan , Dorheim Kalyn , Edmonds Jae , Hartin Corinne , Hejazi Mohamad , Horowitz Russell , Iyer Gokul , Kyle Page , Kim Sonny , Link Robert , McJeon Haewon , Smith Steven J. , Snyder Abigail , Waldhoff Stephanie , Wise Marshall
Published: February 2019

Abstract. This paper describes GCAM v5.1, an open source model that
represents the linkages between energy, water, land, climate, and economic
systems. GCAM is a market equilibrium model, is global in scope, and operates
from 1990 to 2100 in 5-year time steps. It can be used to examine, for
example, how changes in population, income, or technology cost might alter
crop production, energy demand, or water withdrawals, or how changes in one
region's demand for energy affect energy, water, and land in other regions.
This paper describes the model, including its assumptions, inputs, and
outputs. We then use 11 scenarios, varying the socioeconomic and climate
policy assumptions, to illustrate the results from the model. The resulting
scenarios demonstrate a wide range of potential future energy, water, and
land uses. We compare the results from GCAM v5.1 to historical data and to
future scenario simulations from earlier versions of GCAM and from other
models. Finally, we provide information on how to obtain the model.
How to use mixed precision in Ocean Models
Authors: Tintó Prims Oriol , Acosta Mario C. , Moore Andrew M. , Castrillo Miguel , Serradell Kim , Cortés Ana , Doblas-Reyes Francisco J.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Mixed-precision approaches can provide substantial speed-ups for both computing- and memory-bound codes requiring little effort. Most scientific codes have overengineered the numerical precision leading to a situation where models are using more resources than required without having a clue about where these resources are unnecessary and where are really needed. Consequently, there is the possibility to obtain performance benefits from using a more appropriate choice of precision and the only thing that is needed is a method to determine which real variables can be represented with fewer bits without affecting the accuracy of the results. This paper presents a novel method to enable modern and legacy codes to benefit from a reduction of precision without sacrificing accuracy. It consists in a simple idea: if we can measure how reducing the precision of a group of variables affects the outputs, we can evaluate the level of precision this group of variables need. Modifying and recompiling the code for each case that has to be evaluated would require an amount of effort that makes this task prohibitive. Instead, the method presented in this paper relies on the use of a tool called Reduced Precision Emulator (RPE) that can significantly streamline the process . Using the RPE and a list of parameters containing the precisions that will be used for each real variable in the code, it is possible within a single binary to emulate the effect on the outputs of a specific choice of precision. Once we have the potential of emulating the effects of reduced precision, we can proceed with the design of the tests required to obtain knowledge about all the variables in the model. The number of possible combinations is prohibitively large and impossible to explore. The alternative of performing a screening of the variables individually can give certain insight about the precision needed by the variables, but on the other hand some more complex interactions that involve several variables may remain hidden. Instead, we use a divide-and-conquer algorithm that identifies the parts that cannot handle reduced precision and builds a set of variables that can. The method has been put to proof using two state-of-the-art ocean models, NEMO and ROMS, with very promising results. Obtaining this information is crucial to build afterwards an actual mixed precision version of the code that will bring the promised performance benefits.
A Taxonomy of Blockchain Technologies: Principles of Identification and Classification
Authors: Tasca Paolo , Tessone Claudio J.
Published: February 2019

A comparative study across the most widely known blockchain technologies is conducted with a bottom-up approach. Blockchains are deconstructed into their building blocks. Each building block is then hierarchically classified into main and subcomponents. Then, varieties of the subcomponents are identified and compared. A taxonomy tree is used to summarise the study and provide a navigation tool across different blockchain architectural configurations.
On the Application of OpenFOAM® in Gravity Water Wave Generation and Wave-Structure Interaction
Authors: Chen Hao
Published: February 2019

This article presents an investigation on the best practice for modeling of water wave generation and wave-structure interaction using a widely spread two-phase flow solver with a specific interface compression technique in OpenFOAM® (OpenFOAM Foundation Ltd., London, United Kingdom). A series of numerical experiments were conducted to examine the effects of the employed schemes, mesh resolution, time step resolution, and compression coefficient. Both surface elevation and velocity profile were considered as the criteria for assessment of the quality of the generated waves. The numerical experiments showed that by using a blending scheme between the Crank-Nicolson and Euler scheme, relatively high quality waves were produced, where the spurious current at the interface region was effectively reduced. Meanwhile, it was also recommended to apply a compression coefficient Cα = 1, the Courant number limit Co = .1, and a mesh resolution of 18 cells per wave height. This set of parameters was used to validate the numerical model for two sets of cases for wave forces on half-immersed horizontal cylinders. The results in general agreed well with the experimental data, although the inline forces were slightly but consistently overestimated.

1. Introduction

In the past few decades, because of the increase in the computing ability and resources, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) approach has been gaining popularity in the naval hydrodynamic communities. Considering that a large portion of naval hydrodynamic problems are concerned with the free-surface flows, e.g., ocean waves and its interaction with structures, a free-surface model is needed to couple with the Navier-Stokes solver. Eventually, as a result of direct application of the first principles, the solver can model both inertia and viscous dominant flows. Even local wave breaking and violent flows can be properly resolved.

Different methods have been proposed to track the interface of free-surface flows. This includes height function method and line segment method, which are the simplest techniques to represent and configure a free surface. However, they have deficiencies when two surfaces intersect or when a surface folds over on itself, which are overcome by the marker and cell method proposed in Harlow and Welch (1965). In their method, massless particles are used to track the free surface in a Lagrangian manner. Alternatively, the level-set (LS) method or volume of fluid (VOF) method can be used to implicitly capture the surface in an Eulerian way. The LS method was introduced in Osher (1988) where the interface is defined as the one on which a level-set function is equal to zero. This LS function is continuous across the interface. Therefore, it is not significantly influenced by the numerical diffusion. However, the originally proposed LS method suffers from mass conservation problems, which has been resolved in, e.g., Olsson and Kreiss (2005) and Olsson et al. (2007).
Evolution of speech rhythm: a cross-species perspective
Authors: Ravignani Andrea , Dalla Bella Simone , Falk Simone , Kello Chris , Noriega Florencia , Kotz Sonja
Published: February 2019

Cognition and communication, at the core of human speech rhythm, do not leave a fossil record. However, if the purpose is to understand the origin and evolution of speech rhythm, alternative methods are available. A powerful tool is comparative approach: studying the presence or absence of cognitive/behavioral traits in other species, drawing conclusions on which traits are shared between species, and which are recent human inventions. Here we apply this approach to traits related to human speech rhythm. Many species exhibit temporal structure in their vocalizations but little is known about the range of rhythmic structures perceived and produced, their biological and developmental bases, and communicative functions. We review the literatures on human and non-human studies of rhythm in speech and animal vocalizations to survey similarities and differences. We report important links between vocal perception and motor coordination, and the differentiation of rhythm based on hierarchical temporal structure. We extend this review to quantitative techniques useful for computing rhythmic structure in acoustic sequences and hence facilitating cross-species research. While still far from a full comparative cross-species perspective of speech rhythm, we are closer to fitting missing pieces of the puzzle.
Barrier Loci and Evolution
Authors: Elmer Kathryn R
Published: February 2019

The evolution and maintenance of new species is a major question in evolutionary biology. During speciation, the genomes of individuals in the splitting populations do not diverge at an equal rate: some parts diverge more quickly while other parts remain more similar. The organisation of genetic diversity and differentiation in the genome is important to how speciation happens and reflective of speciation processes. Barrier loci are parts of the genome that contribute to a restriction of gene flow at that genomic region and are most diverged between young species. The size and distribution of barrier loci is influenced by evolutionary processes such as demography, selection, and gene flow, and by properties of the genome such as mutation rate, gene density, and recombination. Speciation research is in an exciting new era of identifying barrier loci and their distribution in the genome and testing what they reveal about the processes of evolution.

Key Concepts

As populations become more different with divergence and speciation, the rate and pattern at which genetic differences accumulate are not the same across the genome.

Barrier loci are those loci that resist homogenisation with the other genome when gene flow occurs between diverging species, and consequently, they are the most different parts of the genome between divergent populations.

Genomic divergence is affected by many properties of the genome and of the species being studied, and therefore the process of divergence and the effects on barrier loci are complex and variable.

Barrier loci form due to a reduction in gene flow at particular genomic regions. Therefore, they are a function of both population factors (demography, time since divergence, and strength and target of selection) and properties of the genome (recombination rate, mutation rate, gene density, and the organisation of relevant loci).

Barrier loci are inferred with genome‐wide molecular methods and analytical tools.

Barrier loci give important insights into the genetic basis of species differences and the process and rates of speciation.
Eukaryotic and Bacterial Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Thomas Benjamin J
Published: February 2019

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) form part of the innate immune response found among all classes of life. The term AMPs also encompasses bacteriocins (bacterial AMPs), antimicrobial compounds that bacteria use to gain a competitive advantage against closely related species. AMPs target a wide spectrum of target organisms ranging from bacteria, fungi and viruses to cancer cells and parasites and many are potent antibiotics, which demonstrate potential as novel therapeutic agents. AMPs are characterised by their secondary structural form and have specific biochemical properties conferred by the amino acids that form them that define their bioactivity. Many AMPs destabilise biological membranes by forming transmembrane channels, and some also have the ability to enhance immunity by functioning as immunomodulators.

Key Concepts

AMPs can be ribosomally or nonribosomally synthesised, and they have a wide range of bioactive functions including antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity.

Bacterial AMPs (bacteriocins) are produced by bacteria to leverage a competitive advantage in microbiomes and each has a narrow target spectrum of closely related species.

Eukaryotic AMPs have a broader target profile and are part of the innate immune response found among all classes of multi‐celled life.

The bioactive functions of AMPs are conferred by a series of characteristics which may include structure, sequence, amphipathy, hydrophobicity and solubility.

Many AMPs are membrane‐acting and affect bacterial membranes to induce cell lysis.

The role of AMPs as potent, broad‐spectrum antibiotics means they have potential as novel therapeutic agents.
3D Printing of a Thermo‐ and Solvatochromic Composite Material Based on a Cu(II)–Thymine Coordination Polymer with Moisture Sensing Capabilities
Authors: Maldonado Noelia , Vegas Verónica G. , Halevi Oded , Martínez Jose Ignacio , Lee Pooi See , Magdassi Shlomo , Wharmby Michael T. , Platero‐Prats Ana E. , Moreno Consuelo , Zamora Félix , Amo‐Ochoa Pilar
Published: February 2019

This work presents the fabrication of 3D‐printed composite objects based on copper(II) 1D coordination polymer (CP1) decorated with thymine along its chains with potential utility as an environmental humidity sensor and as a water sensor in organic solvents. This new composite object has a remarkable sensitivity, ranging from 0.3% to 4% of water in organic solvents. The sensing capacity is related to the structural transformation due to the loss of water molecules that CP1 undergoes with temperature or by solvent molecules' competition, which induces significant change in color simultaneously. The CP1 and 3D printed materials are stable in air over 1 year and also at biological pHs (5–7), therefore suggesting potential applications as robust colorimetric sensors. These results open the door to generate a family of new 3D printed materials based on the integration of multifunctional coordination polymers with organic polymers.
From Single‐Dimensional to Multidimensional Manipulation of Optical Waves with Metasurfaces
Authors: Chen Shuqi , Li Zhancheng , Liu Wenwei , Cheng Hua , Tian Jianguo
Published: February 2019

Metasurfaces, 2D artificial arrays of subwavelength elements, have attracted great interest from the optical scientific community in recent years because they provide versatile possibilities for the manipulation of optical waves and promise an effective way for miniaturization and integration of optical devices. In the past decade, the main efforts were focused on the realization of single‐dimensional (amplitude, frequency, polarization, or phase) manipulation of optical waves. Compared to the metasurfaces with single‐dimensional manipulation, metasurfaces with multidimensional manipulation of optical waves show significant advantages in many practical application areas, such as optical holograms, sub‐diffraction imaging, and the design of integrated multifunctional optical devices. Nowadays, with the rapid development of nanofabrication techniques, the research of metasurfaces has been inevitably developed from single‐dimensional manipulation toward multidimensional manipulation of optical waves, which greatly boosts the application of metasurfaces and further paves the way for arbitrary design of optical devices. Herein, the recent advances in metasurfaces are briefly reviewed and classified from the viewpoint of different dimensional manipulations of optical waves. Single‐dimensional manipulation and 2D manipulation of optical waves with metasurfaces are discussed systematically. In conclusion, an outlook and perspectives on the challenges and future prospects in these rapidly growing research areas are provided.
Grow with the Flow: When Morphogenesis Meets Microfluidics
Authors: Samal Pinak , van Blitterswijk Clemens , Truckenmüller Roman , Giselbrecht Stefan
Published: February 2019

Developmental biology has advanced the understanding of the intricate and dynamic processes involved in the formation of an organism from a single cell. However, many gaps remain in the knowledge of embryonic development, especially regarding tissue morphogenesis. A possible approach to mimic such phenomena uses pluripotent stem cells in in vitro morphogenetic models. Herein, these systems are summarized with emphasis on the ability to better manipulate and control cellular interfaces with either liquid or solid materials using microengineered tools, which is critical for attaining deeper insights into pattern formation and stem cell differentiation during organogenesis. The role of conventional and customized cell‐culture systems in supporting important advances in the field of morphogenesis is discussed, and the fascinating role that material sciences and microengineering currently play and are expected to play in the future is highlighted. In conclusion, it is proffered that continued microfluidics innovations when applied to morphogenesis promise to provide important insights to advance many multidisciplinary fields, including regenerative medicine.
From DNA Nanotechnology to Material Systems Engineering
Authors: Hu Yong , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: February 2019

In the past 35 years, DNA nanotechnology has grown to a highly innovative and vibrant field of research at the interface of chemistry, materials science, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Herein, a short summary of the state of research in various subdisciplines of DNA nanotechnology, ranging from pure “structural DNA nanotechnology” over protein–DNA assemblies, nanoparticle‐based DNA materials, and DNA polymers to DNA surface technology is given. The survey shows that these subdisciplines are growing ever closer together and suggests that this integration is essential in order to initiate the next phase of development. With the increasing implementation of machine‐based approaches in microfluidics, robotics, and data‐driven science, DNA‐material systems will emerge that could be suitable for applications in sensor technology, photonics, as interfaces between technical systems and living organisms, or for biomimetic fabrication processes.
An NIR‐Fluorophore‐Based Inhibitor of SOD1 Induces Apoptosis by Targeting Transcription Cofactor PC4
Authors: Luo Peng , Tan Xu , Luo Shenglin , Wang Ziwen , Long Lei , Wang Yawei , Liao Fengying , Chen Long , Zhang Chi , He Jintao , Huang Yinghui , Liu Zujuan , Gan Yibo , Chen Zelin , Wang Yang , Liu Yunsheng , Wang Yu , Shi Chunmeng
Published: February 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. Development of novel therapies has focused on new oncogenes and few tumor‐targeted theranostic agents. Recent studies show that the increased oxidative stress that results from abnormal metabolism makes cancer cells more dependent on antioxidant systems, indicating a proper therapeutic target. As a major antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is overexpressed in cancer cells and closely related to carcinogenesis and therapeutic effects. However, there is still a lack of tumor‐targeted agents to effectively inhibit the expression of SOD1. Here, a novel near‐infrared heptamethine cyanine dye, IR‐37, is designed, synthesized, and screened that preferentially accumulates in tumor cells with an intrinsic structure‐inherent targeting property, significantly inhibits the expression of SOD1 and induces excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated apoptosis. IR‐37 also has excellent optical properties, implying its potential application in tumor‐targeted imaging. Moreover, a novel CRC‐related oncogene, positive cofactor 4 (PC4), is identified that is involved in the killing effects of IR‐37 through the SOD1‐ROS‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Together, these findings suggest that IR‐37 may be a promising theranostic agent for personalized tumor‐targeted therapy and imaging, and that PC4 is a novel oncogene for the diagnosis and therapy of CRC.
Infrared Light Management Using a Nanocrystalline Silicon Oxide Interlayer in Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Heterojunction Tandem Solar Cells with Efficiency above 25%
Authors: Mazzarella Luana , Lin Yen‐Hung , Kirner Simon , Morales‐Vilches Anna B. , Korte Lars , Albrecht Steve , Crossland Ed , Stannowski Bernd , Case Chris , Snaith Henry J. , Schlatmann Rutger
Published: February 2019

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are attractive for their potential for boosting cell efficiency beyond the crystalline silicon (Si) single‐junction limit. However, the relatively large optical refractive index of Si, in comparison to that of transparent conducting oxides and perovskite absorber layers, results in significant reflection losses at the internal junction between the cells in monolithic (two‐terminal) devices. Therefore, light management is crucial to improve photocurrent absorption in the Si bottom cell. Here it is shown that the infrared reflection losses in tandem cells processed on a flat silicon substrate can be significantly reduced by using an optical interlayer consisting of nanocrystalline silicon oxide. It is demonstrated that 110 nm thick interlayers with a refractive index of 2.6 (at 800 nm) result in 1.4 mA cm−² current gain in the silicon bottom cell. Under AM1.5G irradiation, the champion 1 cm2 perovskite/silicon monolithic tandem cell exhibits a top cell + bottom cell total current density of 38.7 mA cm−2 and a certified stabilized power conversion efficiency of 25.2%.
Non‐native insects dominate daytime pollination in a high‐elevation Hawaiian dryland ecosystem
Authors: Aslan Clare E. , Shiels Aaron B. , Haines William , Liang Christina T.
Published: February 2019

Premise of the Study

Over one‐third of the native flowering plant species in the Hawaiian Islands are listed as federally threatened or endangered. Lack of sufficient pollination could contribute to reductions in populations, reproduction, and genetic diversity among these species but has been little studied.

Methods

We used systematic observations and manual flower treatments to quantify flower visitation and outcrossing dependency of eight native (including four endangered) plant species in a dryland ecosystem in Hawaii: Argemone glauca, Bidens menziesii, Dubautia linearis, Haplostachys haplostachya, Sida fallax, Silene lanceolata, Stenogyne angustifolia, and Tetramolopium arenarium.

Key Results

During 576.36 h of flower observations, only insects visited the flowers. Out of all recorded flower visits, 85% were performed by non‐native species, particularly the honeybee (Apis mellifera) and flies in the family Syrphidae. Some plant species received little visitation (e.g., S. angustifolia received one visit in 120 h of observation), whereas others were visited by a wide diversity of insects. The endangered plant species were visited by fewer visitor taxa than were the common native plant species. For six of the focal plant species, bagging of flowers to exclude pollinators resulted in significant reductions in seed set.

Conclusions

The flower visitor community in this system, although heavily dominated by non‐native insects, appears to be facilitating pollination for multiple plant species. Non‐native insects may thus be sustaining biotic interactions otherwise threatened with disruption in this island ecosystem. This may be particularly important for the studied endangered plant species, which exhibit fewer partners than the more common plant species.
Microscale trait‐environment associations in two closely‐related South African shrubs
Authors: Mitchell Nora , Holsinger Kent E.
Published: February 2019

Premise of the Study

Plant traits are often associated with the environments in which they occur, but these associations often differ across spatial and phylogenetic scales. Here we study the relationship between microenvironment, microgeographical location, and traits within populations using co‐occurring populations of two closely related evergreen shrubs in the genus Protea.

Methods

We measured a suite of functional traits on 147 plants along a single steep mountainside where both species occur, and we used data‐loggers and soil analyses to characterize the environment at 10 microsites spanning the elevational gradient. We used Bayesian path analyses to detect trait‐environment relationships in the field for each species. We used complementary data from greenhouse grown seedlings derived from wild collected seed to determine whether associations detected in the field are the result of genetic differentiation.

Key Results

Microenvironmental variables differed substantially across our study site. We found strong evidence for six trait‐environment associations, although these differed between species. We were unable to detect similar associations in greenhouse‐grown seedlings.

Conclusions

Several leaf traits were associated with temperature and soil variation in the field, but the inability to detect these in the greenhouse suggests that differences in the field are not the result of genetic differentiation.
Organometallic ruthenium and iridium phosphorus complexes: Synthesis, cellular imaging, organelle targeting and anticancer applications
Authors: Li JuanJuan , Tian Zhenzhen , Zhang Shumiao , Xu Zhishan , Mao Xudong , Zhou Yumin , Liu Zhe
Published: February 2019

The use of metal complexes containing phosphorus ligands as anticancer agents has not been well studied. In this work, eight novel half‐sandwich IrIII and RuII compounds with P^P‐chelating ligands have been synthesized and fully characterized, and alongside two crystal structures were reported. All eight complexes displayed highly potent antiproliferative activity, up to nine times more potent than the clinical anticancer drug cisplatin towards A549 lung cancer cells. Complex Ir1, which has a simpler structure and highly potent antiproliferative activity, was selected to investigate in further mechanistic studies. No hydrolysis and nucleobase binding occurred for complex Ir1. In order to elucidate subcellular localization, the self‐luminescence of the complex Ir1 was utilized. Ir1 can specifically target lysosomes and facilitate excessive production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in lysosomal membrane permeabilization in A549 cells. Release of cathepsin B and changes in the mitochondria membrane potential also contributed to the observed cytotoxicity of Ir1, which demonstrated an anticancer action mechanism that was different from that of cisplatin. The favorable results from biological and chemical research demonstrated that these types of complexes hold significant theranostic potential.
Supply and value chain analysis of mixed biomass feedstock supply system for lignocellulosic sugar production
Authors: Baral Nawa Raj , Davis Ryan , Bradley Thomas H.
Published: February 2019

The sustainable supply of high‐quality, low‐cost biomass feedstock to cellulosic biorefineries is still a challenge. Utilizing corn stover as the single feedstock to a biorefinery also poses a source of risk to seasonal feedstock availability, affordability, and sustainability. Implementing a year‐round feedstock switching strategy or utilizing an optimal mixture of corn stover, miscanthus, and switchgrass is demonstrated to diminish these concerns while reducing the cost of sugar production by as much as 3.8% and 13.6%, respectively, when compared to a baseline sugar price of 441.9 $ metric ton−1 (t) attributed to a fixed corn stover feedstock basis. This study determines that a mixing ratio of corn stover, miscanthus, and switchgrass of 36%, 50%, and 14%, respectively, minimizes the selling price of sugar. If miscanthus is sufficiently available in the future, its fraction could be further increased to 70% by reducing the fraction of corn stover. We find that the mixed feedstock considered in this study reduces the nutrient replacement and feedstock transportation costs and improves the quality of feedstock (determined by total carbohydrates and ash) relative to corn stover alone. Results suggest that a high‐quality feedstock with a high carbohydrate content is an important metric for consideration, beyond strictly the feedstock cost, to reduce the selling price of sugar and its uncertainties. In the future this may be supported by the increased availability of higher carbohydrate feedstocks such as miscanthus. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gain insight into preparing to manage legal, compliance issues of college esports
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2019

If you think competitive video gaming doesn't belong within the world of collegiate athletics, it just might be time for you to reconsider the way you define sports — or risk more than just failing to keep up with the times. In fact, varsity esports programs have already become established at more than 100 colleges and universities — a number that's experienced rapid and steady growth. Although some colleges and universities choose to establish esports as a club housed in student activities, other programs come under the purview of college athletics directors. And colleges and universities continue to invest an increasing amount in esports, including scholarships and aid, recruiting, coaches, tournaments, and stadium development.
Were student's tweets covered by conduct code?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: February 2019

The plaintiff, a University of Kansas student, began dating fellow student A.W. in 2012.
Differences in the genomic profiles of cell‐free DNA between plasma, sputum, urine, and tumor tissue in advanced NSCLC
Authors: Wu Zhen , Yang Zhen , Li Chun Sun , Zhao Wei , Liang Zhi Xin , Dai Yu , Zhu Qiang , Miao Kai Ling , Cui Dong Hua , Chen Liang An
Published: February 2019

Liquid biopsy has provided an efficient way for detection of gene alterations in advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the correlation between systematic determination of somatic genomic alterations in liquid biopsy and tumor biopsy still remained unclear, and the concordance rate between cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) and matched tumor tissue DNA needs to be increased. A prospective study was performed to detect differences in genetic profiles of cfDNA in sputum, plasma, urine, and tumor tissue from 50 advanced NSCLC patients in parallel by the same next‐generation sequencing (NGS) platform. Driver genes alterations were identified in cfDNA sample and matched tumor sample, with an overall concordance rate of 86% in plasma cfDNA, 74% in sputum cfDNA, 70% in urine cfDNA, and 90% in cfDNA of combination of plasma, sputum, and urine. And the concordant rate of cfDNA in sputum in patients with smoking history was higher than that in patients without history of smoking (89% vs. 66%, P = 0.033) and equal to that in plasma cfDNA of the smoking patients (89% vs. 89%). In conclusion, sputum cfDNA can be considered as an alternative medium to liquid biopsy, while the complementarity of genomic profiles in cfDNA among plasma, sputum, and urine was beneficial to detect more diver genes alterations and improve the utility of liquid biopsy in advanced NSCLC (Liquid Biopsy for Detection of Driver Mutation in NSCLC; NCT02778854).
Report finds increased incidents, deadliness of college shootings
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2019

More than 400 people were shot in 190 college campus shooting incidents at 142 college campuses between the academic years 2001–02 and 2015–16, according to a study conducted by the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City. The CCC also found that gun violence increased from 12 incidents during the 2010–11 academic year to nearly 30 incidents in the 2015–16 academic year.
Agro Food Wastes and Innovative Pretreatments to Meet Biofuel Demand in Europe
Authors: Procentese Alessandra , Raganati Francesca , Olivieri Giuseppe , Russo Maria Elena , De La Feld Marco , Marzocchella Antonio
Published: February 2019

The use of agricultural residues (AR) and agro‐food waste (AFW) as potential feedstocks for the production of second‐generation ethanol and butanol is reviewed. The maximum biofuel production rate from AR and AFW was estimated on the basis of the feedstock availability rate, the average composition, and the biofuel yields reported in the literature. According to the estimations, the contribution of ethanol and butanol to current European biofuel accounts could be 32 and 23 % if traditional pretreatments are applied, and 40 and 19 % if they are produced by innovative pretreatments, respectively. Finally, the analysis was applied to a local scenario (Campania, Italy), with a view to potential decentralized exploitation of AR and AFW.
Ambient Electrosynthesis of Ammonia on a Core–Shell‐Structured Au@CeO2 Catalyst: Contribution of Oxygen Vacancies in CeO2
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Cui Zhiqing , Han Miaomiao , Zhang Shengbo , Zhao Cuijiao , Chen Chun , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin
Published: February 2019

Electrosynthesis of NH3 through the N2 reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions is regarded as promising technology to replace the industrial energy‐ and capital‐intensive Haber–Bosch process. Herein, a room‐temperature spontaneous redox approach to fabricate a core–shell‐structured Au@CeO2 composite, with Au nanoparticle sizes below about 10 nm and a loading amount of 3.6 wt %, is reported for the NRR. The results demonstrate that as‐synthesized Au@CeO2 possesses a surface area of 40.7 m2 g−1 and a porous structure. As an electrocatalyst, it exhibits high NRR activity, with an NH3 yield rate of 28.2 μg h−1 cm−2 (10.6 μg h−1 mg−1cat., 293.8 μg h−1 mg−1Au) and a faradaic efficiency of 9.50 % at −0.4 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.01 m H2SO4 electrolyte. The characterization results reveal the presence of rich oxygen vacancies in the CeO2 nanoparticle shell of Au@CeO2; these are favorable for N2 adsorption and activation for the NRR. This has been further verified by theoretical calculations. The abundant oxygen vacancies in the CeO2 nanoparticle shell, combined with the Au nanoparticle core of Au@CeO2, are electrocatalytically active sites for the NRR, and thus, synergistically enhance the conversion of N2 into NH3.
Assessment of Fractionated Aerosols at a Semiarid Region over the Indo‐Gangetic Basin
Authors: Singh Rohini , Gupta Pratima , Jangid Ashok , Sharma Anshumala , Kumar Ranjit
Published: February 2019

The present study examines the mass concentration of particulate matter (PM) of different sizes between January and December 2015 at Agra, a semiarid region in the Indo‐Gangetic basin. The mean mass concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 are 146.9 and 54.8 μg m−3, respectively. The observed PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are considerably higher than standard values set by the World Health Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and National Ambient Air Quality Standard (India). Higher concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 are observed in November and January, respectively. The highest and lowest concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 are measured in winter and monsoon seasons, respectively. The PM2.5/PM10 mean mass concentration ratio is 0.44, indicating the dominance of coarse particles. The daily average air quality index is 107.7 for PM2.5 and 132.8 for PM10. The exceedance factor (EF) for PM10 is >1.5, indicating a critical level of PM10, whereas the EF for PM2.5 is <1.5 indicating a high level of pollution load. The trajectory analysis showed the effect of long‐range‐transported particles on this region.
Enhancing the improved Howland circuit
Authors: Maundy Brent J. , Elwakil Ahmed S. , Gift Stephan J. G.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, an enhanced version of the improved Howland circuit is proposed. An improvement in output impedance to a maximum factor of two is obtained. The theoretical derivation is presented, including analysis from a two‐port network perspective, and both simulation and experimental results using a general purpose opamp confirm the expected result.
Pharmacological interaction between NSAIDS with clomipramine and risperidone in mice visceral pain
Authors: Vargas Claudio Gonzalez , Miranda Hugo F. , Sierralta Fernando , Noriega Viviana , Prieto Juan Carlos
Published: February 2019

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) possess as primary action mechanism the inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX‐1, COX‐2, and COX‐3), thus producing a decreasing prostaglandin synthesis. This study was designed to evaluate whether the antinociception induced by NSAIDs could be modulated by clomipramine or risperidone using a chemical model of inflammatory acute visceral pain, the abdominal acetic acid induced a writhing test in mice. Dose–response curves, intraperitoneal, or intrathecal for the antinociceptive activity displayed by ketoprofen, piroxicam, nimesulide, parecoxib, and paracetamol were analyzed in order to obtain the ED50 of each drug. Pretreatment of mice with either clomipramine or risperidone, increased antinociceptive potency of ketoprofen, piroxicam, nimesulide, parecoxib, and paracetamol, expressed by a decrease in the values of antinociceptive ED50.

The results that were obtained are in line with those where the inhibition of COXs provides a justification for most of the pharmacological actions. Nevertheless, several findings suggest other molecular mechanisms, among which may be mentioned, L‐selecting shedding; inhibition of i‐NOS; inhibition of NF‐Kappa B; suppression metaloproteinasas; inhibition of ß2 integrin activation; activation of α2‐adrenoceptor; increase of IL‐1ß; upregulation IL‐6. In conclusion, the data generated in this study demonstrated that risperidone and clomipramine, separately, increase antinociceptive potency of NSAIDs in a chemical model of inflammatory acute visceral tonic pain.