bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal layer number in graphite
Authors: Sasaki K. , Hitachi K.
Published: May 2020

Graphene absorbs light in accordance with the fine-structure constant α ≃ 1/137. The α value is universal in the sense that it is unrelated to material parameters but solely related to the elementary charge, which is a fundamental constant governing the coupling of light and matter. A new universality governed only by α has yet to be discovered in graphene optics. However, since α is a dimensionless quantity, it can be anticipated that the reciprocal of α appears as a characteristic number of layers in the light absorptance of an N-layer graphene. Here, we report that this number is 2/πα. We show simultaneously that for light in the infrared to visible range, an N-layer graphene with N above 1500 may be regarded as graphite. This also enables us to obtain the simplest expression for the optical constants of graphite, which is written in terms of α and interlayer distance only.
Correction: Glutamate sensing in biofluids: recent advances and research challenges of electrochemical sensors
Authors: Schultz Jessica , Uddin Zakir , Singh Gurmit , Howlader Matiar M. R.
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Glutamate sensing in biofluids: recent advances and research challenges of electrochemical sensors’ by Jessica Schultz et al., Analyst, 2020, 145, 321–347. DOI: 10.10.1039/C9AN01609K
Non network-former cations in oxide glasses spotted by Raman scattering
Authors: Hehlen Bernard , Neuville Daniel R.
Published: May 2020

The depolarized Raman spectra can be used as a probe to reveal the presence of non-network formers in oxide glasses.
Excimer-origin CPL vs. monomer-origin magnetic CPL in photo-excited chiral binaphthyl-ester-pyrenes: critical role of ester direction
Authors: Okada Hana , Hara Nobuyuki , Kaji Daiki , Shizuma Motohiro , Fujuiki Michiya , Imai Yoshitane
Published: May 2020

1 exhibited opposite Py excimer-origin CPL in chloroform and PMMA film. 2 exhibited mirror-symmetric Py-monomer-origin MCPL.
Biohybrid robotics with living cell actuation
Authors: Sun Lingyu , Yu Yunru , Chen Zhuoyue , Bian Feika , Ye Fangfu , Sun Lingyun , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: May 2020

This review comprehensively discusses recent advances in the basic components, controlling methods and especially in the applications of biohybrid robots.
On the phosphors Na5M(WO4)4 (M = Y, La–Nd, Sm–Lu, Bi) – crystal structures, thermal decomposition, and optical and magnetic properties
Authors: Hämmer Matthias , Janka Oliver , Bönnighausen Judith , Klenner Steffen , Pöttgen Rainer , Höppe Henning A.
Published: May 2020

An exploration of the crystal chemistry of exciting luminescent title compounds – possible phosphors – is discussed also employing magnetic measurements.
Squeezing Bi: PNP and P2N3 pincer complexes of bismuth
Authors: Kindervater Marcus B. , Hynes Toren , Marczenko Katherine M. , Chitnis Saurabh S.
Published: May 2020

Stable neutral and highly-reactive cationic Bi complexes featuring NNN and PNP pincer ligands are debuted.
Probing the charged nature and ion-exclusion mechanism of fluorine-enriched non-ionogenic polyamide derived thin film composite nanofiltration membranes
Authors: Pal Avishek , Dey T. K. , Bhattacharyya Kaustava , Bindal R. C.
Published: May 2020

Thin film composite (TFC) nanofiltration (NF) membrane comprising a novel fluorine-enriched polyamide (FPA) as skin layer polymer has been developed by in situ interfacial polycondensation technique.
Mesoporous carbon-supported manganese tungstate nanostructures for the development of zinc–air battery powered long lifespan asymmetric supercapacitor
Authors: Mallick Sourav , Samanta Arpan , Raj C. Retna
Published: May 2020

Bifunctional energy conversion and storage performance of cotton fabric derived mesoporous carbon supported MnWO4 nanorods towards asymmetric supercapacitors and Zn–air batteries is demonstrated.
Engineering nanostructured spinel ferrites by co-substitution for total water electrolysis by preferential exposure of metal cations on the surface
Authors: V. N. Archana , Rastogi Pankaj Kumar , S. Thoufeeq , S. Vinayasree , Shaji S. , V. Raghavendra Reddy , Garza-Navarro Marco A. , Thomas Senoy , Narayanan Tharangattu N. , Anantharaman M. R.
Published: May 2020

Single phasic nanosized magnetite co-substituted with cobalt and nickel having exposed octahedral sites is shown for its effectiveness in total water electrolysis at low onset potentials.
Overcoming off-targets: assessing Western blot signals for Bcnt/Cfdp1, a tentative component of the chromatin remodeling complex
Authors: Iwashita Shintaro , Suzuki Takehiro , Kiriyama Yoshimitsu , Dohmae Naoshi , Ohoka Yoshiharu , Song Si-Young , Nakashima Kentaro
Published: May 2020

The Bucentaur (BCNT) protein family is characterized by a conserved amino acid sequence at the C-terminus (BCNT-C domain) and plays an essential role in gene expression and chromosomal maintenance in yeast and Drosophila. The mammalian Bucentaur/Craniofacial developmental protein 1 (Bcnt/Cfdp1) is also a tentative component of the SNF2-related CBP activator protein (Srcap) chromatin remodeling complex, but little is known about its properties, partly because few antibodies are available to examine the endogenous protein. In this paper, we assigned the Western blot signal against the mouse Bcnt/Cfdp1 as a doublet of approximately 45 kDa using anti-Bcnt/Cfdp1 antibodies, which were generated against either of two unrelated immunogens, BCNT-C domain or mouse N-terminal peptide, and in addition, the Cfdp1 knockdown mouse ES cell line and bovine tissue were used as potential negative controls. Moreover, LC-MS/MS analysis of the corresponding doublet to the Flag-tagged mouse Bcnt/Cfdp1 that was constitutively expressed in a HEK293 cell exhibited that the upper band was much more phosphorylated than the lower band with preferential Ser phosphorylation in the WESF motif of BCNT-C domain. Western blot analysis with these evaluated antibodies indicated a preferential expression of Bcnt/Cfdp1 in the early stages of brain development of mouse and rat, which is consistent with a data file of the expression of Bcnt/Cfdp1 mRNA.
Improving energy efficiency in massive MIMO: joint digital beam‐steering and tone‐reservation PAPR reduction
Authors: Schmidt Christian A. , Crussière Matthieu , Hélard Jean Francois , Tonello Andrea M.
Published: May 2020

In this study, the authors propose a novel architecture based on the combination of peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) reduction with digital beamforming (BF) for mm‐wave massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems. In order to keep the power amplifiers (PAs) working at the same input back‐off thus maximising the system power efficiency, they propose to perform time‐domain transmit beam‐steering by adding progressive time delays to the signals at each antenna element, while keeping the amplitude weights unitary. They show that these time delays can be obtained with a finite impulse response filter implementation of time‐domain fractional delay filter structures such as Lagrange interpolation polynomials. They also introduce an analysis on the PAPR of the interpolated signals, where they derive an upper bound to it and show that its value is similar to that of the signal at the input of the interpolation filters, showing the feasibility of the proposed method. In addition, they present a detailed analysis where they show that a significant reduction in computational complexity is obtained when compared to frequency‐domain BF. Simulation results validate that the novel proposed scheme combining PAPR reduction and digital BF offers high‐precision beam‐steering maintaining reduced PAPR in the delayed signals fed to the antennas.
Decentralised control method of battery energy storage systems for SoC balancing and reactive power sharing
Authors: Chen Feixiong , Deng Hongjie , Shao Zhenguo
Published: May 2020

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are important for the operation and optimisation of the islanded microgrid (MG).However, the BESSs will have different dynamics due to the differences in characteristics and operating conditions, leading to unbalanced state‐of‐charges (SoCs). On the other hand, because of the unequal line impedances, the conventional reactive power‐voltage (Q–V) droop control results in disproportional reactivepower‐sharing. To deal with suchissues, a power ‐frequency (P–f) droop‐based decentralised SoC balancing strategy is developed first to regulate the active power outputs of BESSs in terms of SoCs, thus ensuring SoC balancing among BESSs. Furthermore, the authors develop a Q–V droop‐based decentralised reactive power‐sharing strategy to dispatch the reactive power among BESSs in terms of their respective reactive power ratings. In this way, compared with the existing control strategies, the proposed control method is fully decentralised, which removes the necessity for both the central controller and communication links. Moreover, the proposed control method has a simpler control structure with the plug and play capability. Finally, the simulation results are presented in an islanded MG to demonstrate the effectiveness, plug and play capability of the proposed control method.
Three‐step imputation of missing values in condition monitoring datasets
Authors: Liu Hang , Wang Youyuan , Chen WeiGen
Published: May 2020

Missing values are a common occurrence in condition monitoring datasets. To effectively improve the integrity of data, many data imputation methods have been developed to replace the missing values with the estimated values. However, these methods do not always perform well in datasets containing different types of missing values. Three types of missing data are defined, namely isolated missing value, continuous missing variable, and continuous missing sample. A three‐step data imputation method is proposed to sequentially impute these missing values following the principle from easy to difficult. The original time series data is first to split into different segments according to the positions of continuous missing samples. Then, interpolation and space‐based methods are applied to sequentially estimate isolated missing values and continuous missing variables in each segment. Finally, a stepwise extrapolation prediction model based on the long short‐term memory network is established to repair continuous missing samples between each segment. Two application examples are implemented on different dissolved gas analysis datasets and load datasets. Compared with state‐of‐the‐art techniques, the proposed three‐step data imputation method is general and can be applied to many scenarios because it establishes a rational data recovery sequence to accurately repair both stationary and non‐stationary condition monitoring data.
Two‐stage robust optimisation of user‐side cloud energy storage configuration considering load fluctuation and energy storage loss
Authors: Xia Yuanxing , Xu Qingshan , Zhao Jun , Yuan Xiaodong
Published: May 2020

Recently, many industrial users have spontaneously built energy storage (ES) systems for participation in demand‐side management, but it is difficult for users to benefit from participating in demand response (DS) because of the expensive costs of ES construction. Therefore, this study proposes a cloud ES (CES) architecture that can reduce these costs by utilising users' complementary load characteristics and the scale benefits resulting from large‐scale construction of ES equipment. Considering the DR and the uncertainty of the user load, this study applies two‐stage robust optimisation to solve for the optimal configuration of CES. The proposed optimisation model is verified using the load data of an industrial park in Jiangsu Province, and the results clearly indicate that the proposed CES can be more beneficial than self‐built distributed ES during the warranty period. The robust configuration results can be applicable even when the load changes within the maximum and minimum range.
Hybrid randomised learning‐based probabilistic data‐driven method for fault‐induced delayed voltage recovery assessment of power systems
Authors: Ren Chao , Zhang Rui , Zhang Yuchen , Dong Zhao Yang
Published: May 2020

With a large number of inverter‐interfaced renewable power generation, fault‐induced delayed voltage recovery (FIDVR) events have become a serious threat to power system stability assessment. This study proposes a novel data‐driven method based on probabilistic prediction, ensemble learning, and multi‐objective optimisation programming (MOP) to rapidly predict the FIDVR severity index for real‐time FIDVR assessment. Distinguished from the existing single machine learning (ML) algorithm data‐driven method, the proposed method combines different randomised learning algorithms to acquire a more diversified ML outcome. The probabilistic prediction models the uncertainties existing in the prediction process, which quantifies the prediction confidence over a progressive observation window. Besides, the FIDVR can be evaluated through the time‐adaptive framework to achieve the best FIDVR speed and accuracy with the MOP framework. The simulation results on the New England 10‐machine 39‐bus system display its preponderance over the single ML, and also demonstrate its better speed and accuracy performance in FIDVR assessment.
Statistical analysis of measurement uncertainty in total radiated power of wireless devices in reverberation chamber
Authors: Xue Wei , Li Furong , Chen Xiaoming , Svensson Tommy
Published: May 2020

Due to the explosive increase of wireless devices, efficient over‐the‐air testing of such devices is highly desirable. The reverberation chamber (RC) offers efficient and cost‐effective means to determine performance metrics of wireless devices, such as total radiated power (TRP). In this study, the distribution of the measured TRP in an RC is analytically derived, based on which the statistics (i.e. mean, variance) of the measured TRP are derived as well. RC measurements have been performed to verify the analytically derived statistics.
Praticiens de terrain et responsabilité sociale en santé : enjeux et attentes
Authors: Millette Bernard , Cauli Marie , Merimi Sanaa , Pestiaux Dominique
Published: May 2020

Problématique :  La responsabilité sociale en santé (RSS) a d’abord été définie en lien avec les institutions de formation des professionnels de santé. Mais, que signifie être socialement responsable pour un intervenant de proximité ? Quelles sont les compétences pour une pratique socialement responsable au niveau « micro », celui de la rencontre patient-professionnel de santé ? Tels sont les enjeux que cet article explore. Exégèse : À partir de deux vignettes de consultation, les auteurs abordent plusieurs questions-clés en lien avec la RSS des professionnels de proximité (actions et attitudes du praticien, impacts des déterminants sociaux de la santé, questions vives de société tel l’accès aux soins pour les démunis, l’observation de maltraitance, les dilemmes de l’euthanasie…). Des réponses socialement responsables à ces enjeux sont évoquées (compétence professionnelle, habiletés communicationnelles, mais aussi pertinence d’une anamnèse sociale pour identifier et agir en fonction des déterminants sociaux influençant la santé des patients…). Discussion : Les auteurs questionnent la volonté des professionnels de santé de répondre aux défis de la RSS. L’enjeu de la formation à la RSS est aussi évoqué en proposant que des stratégies soient développées pour favoriser l’intégration progressive de la valeur « RSS » à l’identité professionnelle. Conclusion : Le professionnel de santé socialement responsable agit, informe, met en lien les uns souffrant avec les autres qui peuvent les aider. Il participe aux plaidoyers et actions pour réduire ou faire disparaître certains obstacles sociaux à la santé des individus et communautés. Il est prêt à évaluer et, au besoin, modifier ses pratiques et son environnement.
Histoire de la prise en charge des cancers bronchopulmonaires non à petites cellules de stade précoce : de la chirurgie à la radiothérapie stéréotaxique
Authors: Bertho A. , Dos Santos M. , François A. , Milliat F.
Published: May 2020

Avant le début du XXe siècle, le cancer bronchopulmonaire était une maladie rare. Aujourd’hui, c’est le quatrième cancer le plus fréquent en France et concerne, chaque année, près de 50 000 patients. Si à travers l’histoire, la pierre angulaire de la prise en charge thérapeutique du cancer bronchopulmonaire reste la chirurgie, la radiothérapie en est un des piliers, notamment chez les patients à haut risque chirurgical. La radiothérapie est apparue quelques mois après la découverte des rayons X en 1896 et, rapidement, des protocoles standardisés ont été mis au point par les premiers radiobiologistes. Ces protocoles sont ceux que nous connaissons encore aujourd’hui : 2 Gy par fraction et 5 fractions par semaine sur une durée totale de 5 à 8 semaines. Si les protocoles ont peu changé en un siècle, la technique et la balistique ont connu de grandes avancées. Ces améliorations ont mené à un bouleversement profond des protocoles. Les améliorations techniques de délivrance de dose, par l’optimisation de l’imagerie, de la précision du positionnement des patients et dans la modulation de la géométrie des faisceaux ont conduit au développement de la radiothérapie en conditions stéréotaxiques ou radiothérapie stéréotaxique. Aujourd’hui, la radiothérapie stéréotaxique est utilisée pour la prise en charge des tumeurs bronchopulmonaires de stade précoce comme alternative à la chirurgie.
Arzneimittelinteraktionen in der Notfallmedizin
Authors: Hofmann Tobias , Hachenberg Thomas
Published: May 2020

Unerwünschte Arzneimittelwirkungen treten bei der Behandlung von Notfällen auf, können aber auch einen Notarzteinsatz auslösen und sind für eine große Zahl von Klinikeinweisungen verantwortlich. Man unterscheidet dabei pharmakodynamische und -kinetische Wechselwirkungen. Ihre Wahrscheinlichkeit steigt mit der Anzahl der eingenommenen Medikamente. Zu ihrer Vermeidung können elektronische Datenbanken und Smartphone-Apps hilfreich sein.
Therapeutische Apherese
Authors: Klingel Reinhard , Fassbender Cordula , Heibges Andreas , Schettler Volker J. J.
Published: May 2020

In Deutschland ist der Einsatz der therapeutischen Apherese (TA) vorrangig ein nephrologisches Therapieangebot. International ist der Fachbezug heterogener. Abhängig von Zulassungsstatus und Erfahrungswerten werden bei gleicher Indikation unterschiedliche Methoden bevorzugt. Der unselektive Plasmaaustausch ist in weiten Teilen der Welt unverändert das Standardverfahren. Deutschland und Japan sind die Pioniere der selektiven Verfahren wie der Immunadsorption und Doppelfiltrations-Plasmapherese. Unter den interdisziplinären Leitlinien zum Einsatz der TA sind für die Praxis in Deutschland der Apherese-Standard der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nephrologie (DGfN) und die Leitlinien der American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) hervorzuheben. Die Leitlinien der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurologie e. V. (DGN) sind als nationale fachbezogene Leitlinien zu erwähnen, da die TA bei vielen neurologischen Erkrankungen zum Einsatz kommt und sehr differenziert empfohlen wird. Das neurologische Konsensuspapier zur TA fasst dies aktuell zusammen. Im Jahr 2019 wurden die 3 Werke aktualisiert bzw. erstmals vorgelegt.
Uveitis bei Behçet-Syndrom in Deutschland – Prognose unter aktueller Therapie
Authors: Stübiger Nicole , Deuter Christoph , Doycheva Deshka
Published: May 2020

Das Behçet-Syndrom (BS) ist eine entzündliche Systemerkrankung, die mit multiplen Organmanifestationen einhergeht. Häufigste Krankheitssymptome sind orale Aphthen, genitale Ulzerationen, Hauteffloreszenzen und Augenmanifestationen. Die Diagnose des Behçet-Syndroms wird anhand klinischer Symptome gestellt. Typische okuläre Präsentation beim Behçet-Syndrom ist die rezidivierende nicht granulomatöse Panuveitis mit okklusiver retinaler Vaskulitis. Früher waren systemische Steroide und konventionelle Immunsuppressiva die einzige therapeutische Option beim Behçet-Syndrom. Unter dieser Therapie konnte jedoch häufig keine stabile Remission der Augenbeteiligung erreicht werden und die Prognose der Behçet-Uveitis, insbesondere bei Vorliegen einer okklusiven retinalen Vaskulitis, galt lange Zeit als äußerst schlecht. In den letzten Jahren hat die Einführung der Biologika die Therapie des Behçet-Syndroms revolutioniert und die Visusprognose der Patienten deutlich verbessert.
Classification of extremal vertex operator algebras with two simple modules
Authors: Grady J. Connor , Lam Ching Hung , Tener James E. , Yamauchi Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

In recent work, Wang and Tener defined a class of “extremal” vertex operator algebras (VOAs), consisting of those with at least two simple modules and conformal dimensions as large as possible for the central charge. In this article, we show that there are exactly 15 character vectors of extremal VOAs with two simple modules. All but one of the 15 character vectors are realized by a previously known VOA. The last character vector is realized by a new VOA with central charge 33.
Stepped beam pipes and helical baffles for scattered light absorption in future gravitational wave detectors
Authors: DeSalvo Riccardo , Pelosi Giuseppe , Pinto Innocenzo M. , Selleri Stefano
Published: May 2020

The next generation interferometric gravitational wave detectors require arm lengths measured in tens of kilometers, with each cavity storing megawatts of optical power. The beams are contained in ultrahigh vacuum pipes. Scattered interferometer light in the pipes may reenter the cavities and inject extra noise. The pipes are, therefore, provided with optical baffles necessary to eliminate the scattered light. The design of the vacuum pipes and of the optical baffles is tightly intertwined. We present a thorough discussion that opens the door to the design of an optimized stepped-diameter vacuum pipe system using novel helical baffles. Our analysis suggests that a more efficient pipe design (with special reference to scattered light) may use spiral baffles and sectioned stepped tubes.
Critical properties and charge transport in ethylene bridged organosilica low-κ dielectrics
Authors: Perevalov Timofey V. , Gismatulin Andrei A. , Seregin Dmitry S. , Wang Yingjie , Xu Haoyu , Kruchinin Vladimir N. , Spesivcev Evgeniy V. , Gritsenko Vladimir A. , Nasyrov Kamil’ A. , Prosvirin Igor’ P. , Zhang Jing , Vorotilov Konstantin A. , Baklanov Mikhail R.
Published: May 2020

Organosilicate-glass-based low-κ films containing both terminal methyl groups and an ethylene bridge between the silicon atoms are spin-on deposited by using 1,2-bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and methyltrimethoxysilane, Brij30 template, and thermal curing. The chemical composition, porosity, and internal defects are studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, UV induced luminescence, and ellipsometric porosimetry. It was found that the studied films contain oxygen-deficient centers (Si—Si bonds). The high defect density of the states near the valence-band edge of the studied low-κ films leads to a relatively small bandgap value of about 6.3 eV. The current–voltage characteristics at different temperatures were analyzed using six theoretical charge transport models where the transport is limited by the traps ionization. It was found that the best qualitative and quantitative agreement between the calculations and experimental data is achieved by using the model of phonon-assisted electron tunneling between the neutral traps and is supplemented by considering the space charge and charge carrier kinetics. Since the thermal and optical energies of the traps in the studied films are 1.6 eV and 3.2 eV, respectively, it is concluded that the traps are responsible for the charge transport in the Si—Si bonds.
Review identifies ways to improve zinc-air batteries
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: May 2020

Researchers suggest four strategies for improving the design of air electrodes, working toward rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
The role of uniaxial magnetic anisotropy distribution on domain wall tilting in amorphous glass-coated microwires
Authors: Richter Kornel , Thiaville André , Varga Rastislav , McCord Jeffrey
Published: May 2020

Magnetic properties of highly magnetostrictive amorphous glass-coated microwires are strongly correlated to the presence of a glass coating that introduces a spatially inhomogeneous stress field distribution. We investigate the influence of mechanical stresses on the inclination of magnetic domain walls in magnetic microwires. Magneto-optical Kerr effect imaging is used to compare the tilted orientation of the domain wall shape in as-cast and annealed microwires. Angular dependencies of magnetization loops measured by alternating gradient field magnetometry reveal that the change of domain wall tilting with annealing is related to the decrease of magnetic anisotropy with axial orientation. Finally, micromagnetic simulations are used to show that sufficiently high uniaxial magnetic anisotropy gives rise to the presence of observed charged domain walls with tilted orientation.
Ensemble learning of coarse-grained molecular dynamics force fields with a kernel approach
Authors: Wang Jiang , Chmiela Stefan , Müller Klaus-Robert , Noé Frank , Clementi Cecilia
Published: May 2020

Gradient-domain machine learning (GDML) is an accurate and efficient approach to learn a molecular potential and associated force field based on the kernel ridge regression algorithm. Here, we demonstrate its application to learn an effective coarse-grained (CG) model from all-atom simulation data in a sample efficient manner. The CG force field is learned by following the thermodynamic consistency principle, here by minimizing the error between the predicted CG force and the all-atom mean force in the CG coordinates. Solving this problem by GDML directly is impossible because coarse-graining requires averaging over many training data points, resulting in impractical memory requirements for storing the kernel matrices. In this work, we propose a data-efficient and memory-saving alternative. Using ensemble learning and stratified sampling, we propose a 2-layer training scheme that enables GDML to learn an effective CG model. We illustrate our method on a simple biomolecular system, alanine dipeptide, by reconstructing the free energy landscape of a CG variant of this molecule. Our novel GDML training scheme yields a smaller free energy error than neural networks when the training set is small, and a comparably high accuracy when the training set is sufficiently large.
Changes in soil humus composition and humic acid structural characteristics under different corn straw returning modes
Authors: Ndzelu Batande Sinovuyo , Dou Sen , Zhang XiaoWei
Published: May 2020

Studying changes in soil humus composition and humic acid (HA) structural characteristics caused by agronomic practices provide insights into the pathways of soil organic carbon (C) stabilisation dynamics. This five-year field study evaluated the effects of straw returning modes on humus composition and HA structure. Treatments included (i) corn straw returned on the soil surface (NTS), (ii) corn straw incorporated into soil within 0–10 cm (MTS), (iii) corn straw incorporated into soil within 0–20 cm (CTS) and (iv) no corn straw applied (CT). Soil HA was characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results demonstrated that corn straw returning improved humus C fractions in this order NTS > MTS > CTS > CT in 0–20 cm depth. The FTIR and fluorescence results demonstrated that corn straw returning enhanced aliphatic, hydroxyl, methoxyl and carboxyl groups and simplified HA molecular structure, indicating regenerated and newly formed HA. Among all treatments, NTS was more conducive in simplifying HA molecular structure and enhancing aliphatic and hydrophobic C. Hydrophobicity in aliphatic C is the driving force in the stabilisation of soil C, which is important for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, we conclude that NTS is the better practice to turn arable lands into a sink for C.
Straight to the people
Authors: Kayam Orly
Published: May 2020

Research has shown that Donald Trump’s rhetorical style on Twitter differs significantly during the time he was a citizen, a presidential candidate and a president (Ott and Dickinson 2019). The aim of the current study is to characterize his rhetorical style on Twitter during the 2016 presidential race, in light of its potential to influence future campaigns in the U.S. and outside, and its implications on political and public discourse. The study presents a comprehensive analysis of Trump’s Twitter habits, using statistical analyses and a content analysis of all tweets posted on Trump’s Twitter account from the date he announced his presidential candidacy until he won the election. Analysing the results using framing theory reveals Trump’s main campaigning strategies on Twitter:(a) negative campaigning against his rivals and the establishment; (b) bypassing the traditional media; and (c) self-promotion. Trump used his Twitter far less frequently to express his vision or future plans.
Compliment responses in Icelandic
Authors: Gonzalez Rodriguez Milton Fernando
Published: May 2020

Compliment responses are speech acts assumed to mirror cultural appropriateness. In this sense, a review of
responses to compliments offers cues about the ways in which speakers react to dialogic strategies of politeness. In order to
examine how Icelanders react to compliments, an Elicitation Experiment (EE) was designed to evoke natural responses. It consisted
in asking a group of 81 Icelandic informants (46 female, 35 male) to read tongue-twisters in Dutch and Spanish during a set of
interviews. Informants were complimented based on their performance and their responses were recorded. Based on 162 exchange
tokens, it is possible to conclude that not agreeing to compliments is the most common way of reacting to compliments in
Iceland.
Reply to “TRPA1-dependent calcium transients and CGRP release in DRG neurons require extracellular calcium”
Authors: Liu Bing , Younus Muhammad , Sun Suhua , Li Yiman , Wang Yuan , Wu Xi , Sun Xiaoxuan , Shang Shujiang , Wang Changhe , Zhu Michael X. , Zhou Zhuan
Published: May 2020

In this issue, Gebhardt et al. (2020. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201702151) express interest in our recently published work (Shang et al. 2016. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201603081). Here, we would like to address their concerns regarding the lysosomal TRPA1-mediated intracellular calcium transients in dorsal root ganglion neurons.
Determinant formula for the field form factor in the anyonic Lieb–Liniger model
Authors: Piroli Lorenzo , Scopa Stefano , Calabrese Pasquale
Published: May 2020

We derive an exact formula for the field form factor in the anyonic Lieb–Liniger model, valid for arbitrary values of the interaction c, anyonic parameter κ, and number of particles N. Analogously to the bosonic case, the form factor is expressed in terms of the determinant of an N × N matrix, whose elements are rational functions of the Bethe quasimomenta but explicitly depend on κ. The formula is efficient to evaluate, and provide an essential ingredient for several numerical and analytical calculations. Its derivation consists of three steps. First, we show that the anyonic form factor is equal to the bosonic one between two special off-shell Bethe states, in the standard Lieb–Liniger model. Second, we characterize its analytic properties and provide a set of conditions that uniquely specify it. Finally, we show that our determinant formula satisfies these conditions.
Flightless anchors IQGAP1 and R-ras to mediate cell extension formation and matrix remodeling
Authors: Arora P. D. , Nakajima K. , Nanda A. , Plaha A. , Wilde A. , Sacks D. B. , McCulloch C. A.
Published: May 2020

The actin-binding protein Flightless I interacts with IQGAP1 to coordinate the formation of collagen-remodeling cell extensions, a process which is mediated by the activities of cdc42 and R-ras.
Perspectives on the development of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ho Mitchell
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV-2 gains entry to human cells through its spike (S) protein binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Therefore, the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the S protein is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies. Selection of broad-neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV is attractive and might be useful for treating not only COVID-19 but also future SARS-related CoV infections. Broad-neutralizing antibodies, such as 47D11, S309, and VHH-72, have been reported to target a conserved region in the RBD of the S1 subunit. The S2 subunit required for viral membrane fusion might be another target. Due to their small size and high stability, single-domain antibodies might have the ability to be administered by an inhaler making them potentially attractive therapeutics for respiratory infections. A cocktail strategy combining two (or more) antibodies that recognize different parts of the viral surface that interact with human cells might be the most effective.
Keynes, Kuhn and the sociology of knowledge: a comment on Pernecky and Wojick
Authors: Thomas Rod
Published: May 2020

Mark Pernecky and Paul Wojick use T.S. Kuhn’s philosophy of science to diagnose The problematic nature and consequences of the effort to force Keynes into the conceptual cul-de-sac of Walrasian economics. But their diagnosis is itself problematical in nature and consequence. It assumes the virtues of a pre-Kuhnian philosophy of knowledge that the Kuhnian meta-framework overtly discards. One way to eliminate the inconsistency is to recognise that Kuhn’s philosophy of science and sociology of knowledge function to immunise theories from criticism. Anyone who wishes to embrace a sociologically more critical philosophy ought to consider instead the philosophical attitude of critical rationalism.
Glucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor receptor family-related protein (GITR) drives atherosclerosis in mice and is associated with an unstable plaque phenotype and cerebrovascular events in humans
Authors: Shami Annelie , Atzler Dorothee , Bosmans Laura A , Winkels Holger , Meiler Svenja , Lacy Michael , van Tiel Claudia , Ta Megens Remco , Nitz Katrin , Baardman Jeroen , Kusters Pascal , Seijkens Tom , Buerger Christina , Janjic Aleksandar , Riccardi Carlo , Edsfeldt Andreas , Monaco Claudia , Daemen Mat , de Winther Menno P J , Nilsson Jan , Weber Christian , Gerdes Norbert , Gonçalves Isabel , Lutgens Esther
Published: May 2020

Aims

GITR—a co-stimulatory immune checkpoint protein—is known for both its activating and regulating effects on T-cells. As atherosclerosis bears features of chronic inflammation and autoimmunity, we investigated the relevance of GITR in cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods and results

GITR expression was elevated in carotid endarterectomy specimens obtained from patients with cerebrovascular events (n = 100) compared to asymptomatic patients (n = 93) and correlated with parameters of plaque vulnerability, including plaque macrophage, lipid and glycophorin A content, and levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, and C-C-chemokine ligand 2. Soluble GITR levels were elevated in plasma from subjects with CVD compared to healthy controls. Plaque area in 28-week-old Gitr−/−Apoe−/− mice was reduced, and plaques had a favourable phenotype with less macrophages, a smaller necrotic core and a thicker fibrous cap. GITR deficiency did not affect the lymphoid population. RNA sequencing of Gitr−/−Apoe−/− and Apoe−/− monocytes and macrophages revealed altered pathways of cell migration, activation, and mitochondrial function. Indeed, Gitr−/−Apoe−/− monocytes displayed decreased integrin levels, reduced recruitment to endothelium, and produced less reactive oxygen species. Likewise, GITR-deficient macrophages produced less cytokines and had a reduced migratory capacity.

Conclusion

Our data reveal a novel role for the immune checkpoint GITR in driving myeloid cell recruitment and activation in atherosclerosis, thereby inducing plaque growth and vulnerability. In humans, elevated GITR expression in carotid plaques is associated with a vulnerable plaque phenotype and adverse cerebrovascular events. GITR has the potential to become a novel therapeutic target in atherosclerosis as it reduces myeloid cell recruitment to the arterial wall and impedes atherosclerosis progression.
Level and Change in N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Kidney Function and Survival to Age 90
Authors: Häberle Astrid D , Biggs Mary L , Cushman Mary , Psaty Bruce M , Newman Anne B , Shlipak Michael G , Gottdiener John , Wu Chenkai , Gardin Julius M , Bansal Nisha , Odden Michelle C
Published: May 2020

Background

Many traditional cardiovascular risk factors do not predict survival to very old age. Studies have shown associations of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) with cardiovascular disease and mortality in older populations. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of the level and change in eGFR and NT-pro-BNP with longevity to age 90 years.

Method

The population included participants (n = 3,645) in the Cardiovascular Health Study, aged between 67 and 75 at baseline. The main exposures were eGFR, calculated with the Berlin Initiative Study (BIS) 2 equation, and NT-pro-BNP, and the main outcome was survival to age 90. Mixed models were used to estimate level and change of the main exposures.

Results

There was an association between baseline level and change of both eGFR and NT-pro-BNP and survival to 90, and this association persisted after adjustment for covariates. Each 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 higher eGFR level was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.34) of survival to 90, and a 0.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 slower decline in eGFR was associated with an OR of 1.51 (95% CI: 1.31, 1.74). A twofold higher level of NT-pro-BNP level had an adjusted OR of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.73), and a 1.05-fold increase per year in NT-pro-BNP had an OR of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.43, 0.65) for survival to age 90.

Conclusion

eGFR and NT-pro-BNP appear to be important risk factors for longevity to age 90.
Analysis of putative cis-regulatory elements regulating blood pressure variation
Authors: Nandakumar Priyanka , Lee Dongwon , Hoffmann Thomas J , Ehret Georg B , Arking Dan , Ranatunga Dilrini , Li Man , Grove Megan L , Boerwinkle Eric , Schaefer Catherine , Kwok Pui-Yan , Iribarren Carlos , Risch Neil , Chakravarti Aravinda
Published: May 2020

Hundreds of loci have been associated with blood pressure (BP) traits from many genome-wide association studies. We identified an enrichment of these loci in aorta and tibial artery expression quantitative trait loci in our previous work in ~100 000 Genetic Epidemiology Research on Aging study participants. In the present study, we sought to fine-map known loci and identify novel genes by determining putative regulatory regions for these and other tissues relevant to BP. We constructed maps of putative cis-regulatory elements (CREs) using publicly available open chromatin data for the heart, aorta and tibial arteries, and multiple kidney cell types. Variants within these regions may be evaluated quantitatively for their tissue- or cell-type-specific regulatory impact using deltaSVM functional scores, as described in our previous work. We aggregate variants within these putative CREs within 50 Kb of the start or end of ‘expressed’ genes in these tissues or cell types using public expression data and use deltaSVM scores as weights in the group-wise sequence kernel association test to identify candidates. We test for association with both BP traits and expression within these tissues or cell types of interest and identify the candidates MTHFR, C10orf32, CSK, NOV, ULK4, SDCCAG8, SCAMP5, RPP25, HDGFRP3, VPS37B and PPCDC. Additionally, we examined two known QT interval genes, SCN5A and NOS1AP, in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, as a positive control, and observed the expected heart-specific effect. Thus, our method identifies variants and genes for further functional testing using tissue- or cell-type-specific putative regulatory information.
Bytes not waves: information communication technologies, global jihadism and counterterrorism
Authors: Chertoff Michael , Bury Patrick , Richterova Daniela
Published: May 2020

Rapoport's conceptualization of the last, religious wave of four global waves remains highly influential. But it, and other typologies, have placed too little emphasis on the influence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the evolution of global jihadist activities. This article makes two new contributions by developing both a new ICT-based typology for understanding jihadist evolutions, and by focusing on successful attacks. Our central argument is that ICTs’ impact on global jihadism has facilitated dramatic transformations of its strategy, organization and tactics since the 1990s, and that these can be understood as four overlapping iterations. ‘Jihadism 1.0’ describes the hierarchical, top-down directed and overseas financed and trained terrorist organizations that conducted iconic attacks at the turn of the millennium. Jihadism has since evolved into ‘Jihadism 2.0’ and then ‘Jihadism 3.0’. Jihadism 2.0 recognizes that a number of smaller, coordinated attacks can have a global impact. Jihadism 3.0 is inspired terrorism that has no links to the central terror organization, utilizing individuals and crude tactics. Finally, jihadism is evolving toward ‘Jihadism 4.0’, or cyberterrorism. We argue this typology provides a useful basis for scholars and practitioners to conceptualize the ICT dynamics influencing global jihadism, and these may be applicable to other global terrorists. The conclusion analyses how counter-terrorism services can respond to these evolutions and charts areas for future research.
Organizational diagnostics: a systematic approach to identifying technology and workflow issues in clinical settings
Authors: Unertl Kim M , Novak Laurie Lovett , Van Houten Courtney , Brooks JoAnn , Smith Andrew O , Webb Harris Joyce , Avery Taylor , Simpson Christopher , Lorenzi Nancy M
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Healthcare organizations need to rapidly adapt to new technology, policy changes, evolving payment strategies, and other environmental changes. We report on the development and application of a structured methodology to support technology and process improvement in healthcare organizations, Systematic Iterative Organizational Diagnostics (SIOD). SIOD was designed to evaluate clinical work practices, diagnose technology and workflow issues, and recommend potential solutions.

Materials and Methods

SIOD consists of five stages: (1) Background Scan, (2) Engagement Building, (3) Data Acquisition, (4) Data Analysis, and (5) Reporting and Debriefing. Our team applied the SIOD approach in two ambulatory clinics and an integrated ambulatory care center and used SIOD components during an evaluation of a large-scale health information technology transition.

Results

During the initial SIOD application in two ambulatory clinics, five major analysis themes were identified, grounded in the data: putting patients first, reducing the chaos, matching space to function, technology making work harder, and staffing is more than numbers. Additional themes were identified based on SIOD application to a multidisciplinary clinical center. The team also developed contextually grounded recommendations to address issues identified through applying SIOD.

Discussion

The SIOD methodology fills a problem identification gap in existing process improvement systems through an emphasis on issue discovery, holistic clinic functionality, and inclusion of diverse perspectives. SIOD can diagnose issues where approaches as Lean, Six Sigma, and other organizational interventions can be applied.

Conclusion

The complex structure of work and technology in healthcare requires specialized diagnostic strategies to identify and resolve issues, and SIOD fills this need.
Weathering the Storm: Managing Older Adults With Breast Cancer Amid COVID-19 and Beyond
Authors: Freedman Rachel A , Sedrak Mina S , Bellon Jennifer R , Block Caroline C , Lin Nancy U , King Tari A , Minami Christina , VanderWalde Noam , Jolly Trevor A , Muss Hyman B , Winer Eric P
Published: May 2020

Caring for older patients with breast cancer presents unique clinical considerations because of preexisting and competing comorbidity, the potential for treatment-related toxicity, and the consequent impact on functional status. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, treatment decision making for older patients is especially challenging and encourages us to refocus our treatment priorities. While we work to avoid treatment delays and maintain therapeutic benefit, we also need to minimize the risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposures, myelosuppression, general chemotherapy toxicity, and functional decline. Herein, we propose multidisciplinary care considerations for the aging patient with breast cancer, with the goal to promote a team-based, multidisciplinary treatment approach during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. These considerations remain relevant as we navigate the “new normal” for the approximately 30% of breast cancer patients aged 70 years and older who are diagnosed in the United States annually and for the thousands of older patients living with recurrent and/or metastatic disease.
The Relative Impact of Urinary and Sexual Function vs Bother on Health Utility for Men With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Jeong Chang Wook , Herlemann Annika , Cowan Janet E , Broering Jeanette M , ten Ham Renske M T , Wilson Leslie S , Carroll Peter R , Cooperberg Matthew R
Published: May 2020

Function and bother are related but distinct aspects of health-related quality of life. The objective of this study was to compare quantitatively the relative impacts of function and bother in urinary, sexual, and bowel outcomes on health utility as a reflection of health-related quality of life in men with prostate cancer. Our analysis included participants in the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor utility supplementary study, with a final cohort of 1617 men. Linear regression on the patients’ function and bother summary scores (0-100) from the University of California, Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index was performed to predict bias-corrected health utilities. Urinary and sexual bother were associated with each health utility, and their coefficients were 3.7 and 20.8 times greater, respectively, than those of the corresponding function. To our knowledge, our study provides the first quantitative and direct comparison of the impacts of function vs bother on health utility.