bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mock Jury and Juror Responses to Uncharged Acts of Sexual	Misconduct
Authors: Goodman-Delahunty Jane , Martschuk Natalie
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Internationally, admissible incriminating evidence of uncharged acts by the accused is presumed unfairly prejudicial, and remains controversial. In an experimental study, 325 jury-eligible citizens were randomly assigned to a simulated trial in which the accused faced two charges. Juries were exposed to no evidence of uncharged acts or prejudicial evidence describing four uncharged sexual acts by the accused reported by the complainant or two independent witnesses. Jury inferences about the accused’s sexual interest in children and his criminal intent were logically related to the source and type of evidence. While ratings of the likelihood of culpability increased with evidence of uncharged acts, juries were reluctant to convict solely on the basis of the complainant’s word. Jury deliberations disclosed that prejudicial evidence did not induce impermissible reasoning or a lower threshold of proof. Multiple convergent measures revealed little danger of unfair prejudice to the accused.
The Impact of Evidence Type on Police Investigators’ Perceptions of Suspect Culpability and Evidence Reliability
Authors: Jang Minhwan , Luke Timothy J. , Granhag Pär-Anders , Vrij Aldert
Published: July 2020

Abstract. In a repeated-measures experimental study, we examined how evidence type influences police investigators’ beliefs about (a) suspect’s culpability and (b) reliability of incriminating evidence. South Korean detectives ( N = 202) read four crime reports including general information about a crime and a suspect. In the general case information, one piece of critical and several pieces of noncritical evidence collected during the investigation were presented. Officers read four simulated reports of crimes, and in each report, they were given one piece of evidence linking the suspect to the crime. We manipulated the critical evidence identifying the suspect with four evidence types: CCTV, DNA, fingerprint, and eyewitness testimony. We found that evidence type influenced detectives’ judgments about suspect’s culpability and evidence reliability, such that when eyewitness (vs. CCTV, DNA, fingerprint) evidence was given as critical evidence, officers were more likely to think that the suspect was less culpable and that the evidence was less reliable. Theoretical and legal implications of these results are discussed.
Court Case Context and Fluency-Promoting Photos Inflate the	Credibility of Forensic Science
Authors: Sanson Mevagh , Crozier William E. , Strange Deryn
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Faulty forensic science sometimes makes its way into the courtroom where jurors must evaluate its credibility. But at least two factors may inflate how credible jurors find claims about forensic science: the mere context of a court case and the cognitive fluency of the evidence. To investigate, we asked people to judge various claims about forensic science as true or false. In Experiment 1 ( N = 287), we manipulated court case context by either attributing the claims to an expert in court or not specifying their origin. In Experiment 2 ( N = 320), we manipulated courtroom setting orthogonal to source expertise. In both, we manipulated fluency via the presence of related but nonprobative photos. We found each factor increased people’s bias to judge forensic science claims true. Our findings suggest the justice system must improve the quality of forensic science upstream from the courtroom to ensure jurors’ credulity is warranted.
Allegiance Bias in Statement Reliability Evaluations Is Not Eliminated by Falsification Instructions
Authors: Sauerland Melanie , Otgaar Henry , Maegherman Enide , Sagana Anna
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Are expert witnesses biased by the side (defense vs. prosecution) that hires them? We examined this issue by having students act as expert witnesses in evaluating interviews in a child sexual abuse case (Experiment 1, N = 143) and tested the value of an instruction to counteract such allegiance effects. The intervention concerned an instruction to consider arguments both for and against the given hypothesis (i.e., two-sided instructions; Experiment 2, N = 139). In Experiment 3 ( N = 123), we additionally provided participants with three different scenarios. Participants received a case file regarding a case of alleged sexual abuse. With the file, participants received an appointment letter emphasizing elements of the file that questioned (defense) or supported (prosecution) the veracity of the accusation. Participants displayed allegiance bias (Experiments 1–3), but two-sided instructions were not successful in eliminating allegiance bias (Experiments 2 and 3). The findings underscore the importance of legal safeguards in expert witness work.
Simulating the Water Environmental Capacity of a Seasonal River Using a Combined Watershed‐Water Quality Model
Authors: Ma B. , Dong F. , Peng W. Q. , Liu X. B. , Ding Y. , Huang A. P. , Gao X. W.
Published: July 2020

The water environmental capacity (WEC) is an effective tool to solve the water pollution problem and achieve optimal water quality management. However, in a seasonal river, some important input data such as discharge and pollution concentration from river tributaries and lateral inflows are rarely available. This makes WEC calculating more challenging. In this study, the water environment system model that integrates hydrological process in the watershed and hydrodynamic water quality process in the river is proposed to compensate for the lack of data. Taking the Guishui River basin as an example, the SWAT and HEC‐RAS models were selected. The discharge and pollution concentration of ungauged tributary output from SWAT are used as the inputs of the water quality model HEC‐RAS. In addition, static and dynamic design hydrological conditions were used to calculate WEC. The model results basically agree with the observed data, and it was verified that the integrated water environment system model can be used to calculate WEC. The pollutant reduction targets of the tributaries under the monthly line‐fitting method are less than that under static hydrological condition. The obtained results could be used to support water pollution control and water quality management in the Guishui River basin.
Global Modeling of Seasonal Mortality Rates From River Floods
Authors: Alfieri Lorenzo , Dottori Francesco , Salamon Peter , Wu Huan , Feyen Luc
Published: July 2020

In spite of their recurrent seasonal patterns, every year river floods affect millions of people and kill thousands. Knowing the average timing and magnitude of floods can help to better prepare for disasters by improving the humanitarian assistance and the management of resources, to ultimately reduce the overall flood impacts. This work presents a physically based modeling framework to estimate population exposed and mortality rates from river floods in all the world countries, as well as their temporal distribution within the average year. The methodology is based on a modeling cascade involving hydrologic‐hydraulic simulations at spatial resolution up to 1 km. Inundation areas are combined with population density to estimate human exposure and then aggregated at the country level. Mortality rates per region and income class are inferred from two global disaster data sets and linked through flood exposure to estimate country average annual figures. Estimates of flood impacts are then disaggregated according to the seasonal variability of floods, derived statistically from a global hydrological reanalysis for the years 1980–2018. Global human exposure from river floods is here estimated at 54 million people per year. Summer floods in Asia are the main cause of mortality from river floods, accounting for 63% of the 6,120 casualties per year globally. In contrast, the 6 months between November and April contribute to only 13% of global mortality, mostly due to floods in South America and Africa.
Climate Change Effects on Agricultural Production: The Regional and Sectoral Economic Consequences in China
Authors: Liu Yuan , Li Ning , Zhang Zhengtao , Huang Chengfang , Chen Xi , Wang Fang
Published: July 2020

Climate is an essential element in agricultural production, and climate change inevitably have an impact on agriculture. Assessing the economic consequences of climate change requires comprehensive assessments of the impact chain from climate to crops and the economy. In our previous study, we derived a dose‐response function to estimate the response of crop yields to climate variables through a systematic review. In this paper, a dynamic multiregional input‐output model is established to assess the economic consequences of changes in agricultural production on China's regional and sectoral levels. The results show that (1) the direct economic damage is equivalent to 1% of gross domestic product (GDP) which implies the resulting economic cascade effect (ECE) that amounts to 17.8% of China's GDP. At the end of 21st century, the ECE is −0.1% to 13.6% of GDP (negative values indicate economic gains) without considering CO2 fertilization effect, of which the ECE in the most pessimistic pathway are equivalent to the total agricultural output in China today. (2) Regional‐level results show an uneven distribution of economic impact in China, which is related to the regional economic development. The least developed region in China experiences 2.8 to 8.5 times more ECE caused by climate change than the most developed region. (3) Sector‐level results show that agriculture is still the main affected sector, but in developed regions, manufacturing and services also bear part of the ECE.
Record Locust Swarms Hint at What’s to Come with Climate Change
Authors: Khan Rina
Published: July 2020

Warming oceans that feed cyclones have also bred record-breaking swarms of desert locusts. Such plagues could grow bigger and more widespread with climate change.
A Month of Milestones for Mars Missions
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: July 2020

Mars launch season has arrived, and it brings the first space exploration mission from the Arab world, China’s first Mars landing, and the first powered flight on another planet.
Early‐Warning Signals for Critical Temperature Transitions
Authors: Wang Chenghao , Wang Zhi‐Hua , Sun Linda
Published: July 2020

Critical transitions of the state variable (temperature) in dynamic climate systems often lead to catastrophic consequence, whereas the effort to reverse the transitions usually lags behind. However, these transitions are characterized by the slowing down of recovery from perturbations, carrying early‐warning signals that can be used to predict system bifurcation. In this study, we employ the conceptual framework of pitchfork bifurcation and analyze the early‐warning signals in temperature time series for critical slowing down prior to both the early 20th century global warming and heat waves. We also investigate the urban signature in these heat waves. The emergence of early‐warning signals before heat waves provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms (e.g., possible feedback via land‐atmosphere interactions). In particular, given the increasing frequency and intensity of heat extremes, the results will facilitate the design of countermeasures to reserve the tipping and restore the resilience of climate systems.
Active Faulting, Submarine Surface Rupture, and Seismic Migration Along the Liquiñe‐Ofqui Fault System, Patagonian Andes
Authors: Villalobos Angelo , Easton Gabriel , Maksymowicz Andrei , Ruiz Sergio , Lastras Galderic , De Pascale Gregory P. , Agurto‐Detzel Hans
Published: July 2020

The intra‐arc Liquiñe‐Ofqui Fault System (LOFS) is an active transpressive fault zone located in the Patagonian Andes of Chile. In 2007, a seismic sequence occurred in the Aysén Fjord region of Chilean Patagonia along the LOFS, with a Mw 6.2 main earthquake that triggered dozens of landslides, some of which induced tsunami waves that caused severe damage and casualties. Through the analysis of high‐resolution seismic reflection and bathymetric data, we identify six submarine faults cutting the Late Quaternary postglacial sedimentary infill of the fjord. The most conspicuous are the dextral‐normal NE‐SW striking Quitralco fault (QF) and the N‐S striking strike‐slip Río Cuervo (RCF) and Punta Cola faults (PCF). Our paleoseismological analysis reveals at least seven paleolandslide events buried in the fjord sediments that were triggered by local paleoearthquakes, which occurred since local ice sheet retreat, that is, circa 12 kyr. By combining tectonic observations with local seismicity data, we propose a seismotectonic model for the evolution of the 2007 seismic sequence where three structures were progressively activated from the depth toward the upper continental crust, causing surface rupture along the PCF and with earthquakes, suggesting only partial ruptures along other faults. Because the other faults did not rupture to the seafloor they remain important sources of seismic hazard. Thus, the last seismic sequence was a consequence of a stress transfer from the lower‐ductile toward the upper‐brittle continental crust, close to the triple junction of the Nazca, South American, and Antarctica Plates. Our results emphasize on the potential synergies between multiple geological and geophysical methods to assess complex events.
The stability of P2-layered sodium transition metal oxides in ambient atmospheres
Authors: Zuo Wenhua , Qiu Jimin , Liu Xiangsi , Ren Fucheng , Liu Haodong , He Huajin , Luo Chong , Li Jialin , Ortiz Gregorio F. , Duan Huanan , Liu Jinping , Wang Ming-Sheng , Li Yangxing , Fu Riqiang , Yang Yong
Published: July 2020

Air-stability is one of the most important considerations for the practical application of electrode materials in energy-harvesting/storage devices, ranging from solar cells to rechargeable batteries. The promising P2-layered sodium transition metal oxides (P2-NaxTmO2) often suffer from structural/chemical transformations when contacted with moist air. However, these elaborate transitions and the evaluation rules towards air-stable P2-NaxTmO2 have not yet been clearly elucidated. Herein, taking P2-Na0.67MnO2 and P2-Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 as key examples, we unveil the comprehensive structural/chemical degradation mechanisms of P2-NaxTmO2 in different ambient atmospheres by using various microscopic/spectroscopic characterizations and first-principle calculations. The extent of bulk structural/chemical transformation of P2-NaxTmO2 is determined by the amount of extracted Na+, which is mainly compensated by Na+/H+ exchange. By expanding our study to a series of Mn-based oxides, we reveal that the air-stability of P2-NaxTmO2 is highly related to their oxidation features in the first charge process and further propose a practical evaluating rule associated with redox couples for air-stable NaxTmO2 cathodes.
Quantum effect-based flexible and transparent pressure sensors with ultrahigh sensitivity and sensing density
Authors: Shi Lan , Li Zhuo , Chen Min , Qin Yajie , Jiang Yizhou , Wu Limin
Published: July 2020

Although high-performance flexible pressure sensors have been extensively investigated in recent years owing to their diverse applications in biomedical and information technologies, fabricating ultrasensitive sensors with high pixel density based on current transduction mechanisms still remains great challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a design idea based on Fowler-Nordheim tunnelling effect for fabrication of pressure sensors with ultrahigh sensitivity and sensing density by spin-coating extremely low urchin-like hollow carbon spheres (less than 1.5 wt.%) dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane, which is distinct from the current transduction mechanisms. This sensor exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity of 260.3 kPa−1 at 1 Pa, a proof-of-concept demonstration of a high sensing density of 400 cm−2, high transparency and temperature noninterference. In addition, it can be fabricated by an industrially viable and scalable spin-coating method, providing an efficient avenue for realizing large-scale production and application of ultrahigh sensitivity flexible pressure sensors on various surfaces and in in vivo environments.
A high performance wearable strain sensor with advanced thermal management for motion monitoring
Authors: Tan Cenxiao , Dong Zhigang , Li Yehua , Zhao Haiguang , Huang Xingyi , Zhou Zhaocai , Jiang Jin-Wu , Long Yun-Ze , Jiang Pingkai , Zhang Tong-Yi , Sun Bin
Published: July 2020

Resistance change under mechanical stimuli arouses mass operational heat, damaging the performance, lifetime, and reliability of stretchable electronic devices, therefore rapid thermal heat dissipating is necessary. Here we report a stretchable strain sensor with outstanding thermal management. Besides a high stretchability and sensitivity testified by human motion monitoring, as well as long-term durability, an enhanced thermal conductivity from the casted thermoplastic polyurethane-boron nitride nanosheets layer helps rapid heat transmission to the environments, while the porous electrospun fibrous thermoplastic polyurethane membrane leads to thermal insulation. A 32% drop of the real time saturated temperature is achieved. For the first time we in-situ investigated the dynamic operational temperature fluctuation of stretchable electronics under repeating stretching-releasing processes. Finally, cytotoxicity test confirms that the nanofillers are tightly restricted in the nanocomposites, making it harmless to human health. All the results prove it an excellent candidate for the next-generation of wearable devices.
Co-option of Plasmodium falciparum PP1 for egress from host erythrocytes
Authors: Paul Aditya S. , Miliu Alexandra , Paulo Joao A. , Goldberg Jonathan M. , Bonilla Arianna M. , Berry Laurence , Seveno Marie , Braun-Breton Catherine , Kosber Aziz L. , Elsworth Brendan , Arriola Jose S. N. , Lebrun Maryse , Gygi Steven P. , Lamarque Mauld H. , Duraisingh Manoj T.
Published: July 2020

Asexual proliferation of the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria follows a developmental program that alternates non-canonical intraerythrocytic replication with dissemination to new host cells. We carried out a functional analysis of the Plasmodium falciparum homolog of Protein Phosphatase 1 (PfPP1), a universally conserved cell cycle factor in eukaryotes, to investigate regulation of parasite proliferation. PfPP1 is indeed required for efficient replication, but is absolutely essential for egress of parasites from host red blood cells. By phosphoproteomic and chemical-genetic analysis, we isolate two functional targets of PfPP1 for egress: a HECT E3 protein-ubiquitin ligase; and GCα, a fusion protein composed of a guanylyl cyclase and a phospholipid transporter domain. We hypothesize that PfPP1 regulates lipid sensing by GCα and find that phosphatidylcholine stimulates PfPP1-dependent egress. PfPP1 acts as a key regulator that integrates multiple cell-intrinsic pathways with external signals to direct parasite egress from host cells.
Hybrid exciton-plasmon-polaritons in van der Waals semiconductor gratings
Authors: Zhang Huiqin , Abhiraman Bhaskar , Zhang Qing , Miao Jinshui , Jo Kiyoung , Roccasecca Stefano , Knight Mark W. , Davoyan Artur R. , Jariwala Deep
Published: July 2020

Van der Waals materials and heterostructures that manifest strongly bound exciton states at room temperature also exhibit emergent physical phenomena and are of great promise for optoelectronic applications. Here, we demonstrate that nanostructured, multilayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) by themselves provide an ideal platform for excitation and control of excitonic modes, paving the way to exciton-photonics. Hence, we show that by patterning the TMDCs into nanoresonators, strong dispersion and avoided crossing of exciton, cavity photons and plasmon polaritons with effective separation energy exceeding 410 meV can be controlled with great precision. We further observe that inherently strong TMDC exciton absorption resonances may be completely suppressed due to excitation of hybrid light-matter states and their interference. Our work paves the way to the next generation of integrated exciton optoelectronic nano-devices and applications in light generation, computing, and sensing.
Sequential role of RAD51 paralog complexes in replication fork remodeling and restart
Authors: Berti Matteo , Teloni Federico , Mijic Sofija , Ursich Sebastian , Fuchs Jevgenij , Palumbieri Maria Dilia , Krietsch Jana , Schmid Jonas A. , Garcin Edwige B. , Gon Stéphanie , Modesti Mauro , Altmeyer Matthias , Lopes Massimo
Published: July 2020

Homologous recombination (HR) factors were recently implicated in DNA replication fork remodeling and protection. While maintaining genome stability, HR-mediated fork remodeling promotes cancer chemoresistance, by as-yet elusive mechanisms. Five HR cofactors – the RAD51 paralogs RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D, XRCC2 and XRCC3 – recently emerged as crucial tumor suppressors. Albeit extensively characterized in DNA repair, their role in replication has not been addressed systematically. Here, we identify all RAD51 paralogs while screening for modulators of RAD51 recombinase upon replication stress. Single-molecule analysis of fork progression and architecture in isogenic cellular systems shows that the BCDX2 subcomplex restrains fork progression upon stress, promoting fork reversal. Accordingly, BCDX2 primes unscheduled degradation of reversed forks in BRCA2-defective cells, boosting genomic instability. Conversely, the CX3 subcomplex is dispensable for fork reversal, but mediates efficient restart of reversed forks. We propose that RAD51 paralogs sequentially orchestrate clinically relevant transactions at replication forks, cooperatively promoting fork remodeling and restart.
Attentional priorities drive effects of time pressure on altruistic choice
Authors: Teoh Yi Yang , Yao Ziqing , Cunningham William A. , Hutcherson Cendri A.
Published: July 2020

Dual-process models of altruistic choice assume that automatic responses give way to deliberation over time, and are a popular way to conceptualize how people make generous choices and why those choices might change under time pressure. However, these models have led to conflicting interpretations of behaviour and underlying psychological dynamics. Here, we propose that flexible, goal-directed deployment of attention towards information priorities provides a more parsimonious account of altruistic choice dynamics. We demonstrate that time pressure tends to produce early gaze-biases towards a person’s own outcomes, and that individual differences in this bias explain how individuals’ generosity changes under time pressure. Our gaze-informed drift-diffusion model incorporating moment-to-moment eye-gaze further reveals that underlying social preferences both drive attention, and interact with it to shape generosity under time pressure. These findings help explain existing inconsistencies in the field by emphasizing the role of dynamic attention-allocation during altruistic choice.
Tuning the hysteresis of a metal-insulator transition via lattice compatibility
Authors: Liang Y. G. , Lee S. , Yu H. S. , Zhang H. R. , Liang Y. J. , Zavalij P. Y. , Chen X. , James R. D. , Bendersky L. A. , Davydov A. V. , Zhang X. H. , Takeuchi I.
Published: July 2020

Structural phase transitions serve as the basis for many functional applications including shape memory alloys (SMAs), switches based on metal-insulator transitions (MITs), etc. In such materials, lattice incompatibility between transformed and parent phases often results in a thermal hysteresis, which is intimately tied to degradation of reversibility of the transformation. The non-linear theory of martensite suggests that the hysteresis of a martensitic phase transformation is solely determined by the lattice constants, and the conditions proposed for geometrical compatibility have been successfully applied to minimizing the hysteresis in SMAs. Here, we apply the non-linear theory to a correlated oxide system (V1−xWxO2), and show that the hysteresis of the MIT in the system can be directly tuned by adjusting the lattice constants of the phases. The results underscore the profound influence structural compatibility has on intrinsic electronic properties, and indicate that the theory provides a universal guidance for optimizing phase transforming materials.
ITLN1 modulates invasive potential and metabolic reprogramming of ovarian cancer cells in omental microenvironment
Authors: Au-Yeung Chi-Lam , Yeung Tsz-Lun , Achreja Abhinav , Zhao Hongyun , Yip Kay-Pong , Kwan Suet-Ying , Onstad Michaela , Sheng Jianting , Zhu Ying , Baluya Dodge L. , Co Ngai-Na , Rynne-Vidal Angela , Schmandt Rosemarie , Anderson Matthew L. , Lu Karen H. , Wong Stephen T. C. , Nagrath Deepak , Mok Samuel C.
Published: July 2020

Advanced ovarian cancer usually spreads to the omentum. However, the omental cell-derived molecular determinants modulating its progression have not been thoroughly characterized. Here, we show that circulating ITLN1 has prognostic significance in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Further studies demonstrate that ITLN1 suppresses lactotransferrin’s effect on ovarian cancer cell invasion potential and proliferation by decreasing MMP1 expression and inducing a metabolic shift in metastatic ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, ovarian cancer-bearing mice treated with ITLN1 demonstrate marked decrease in tumor growth rates. These data suggest that downregulation of mesothelial cell-derived ITLN1 in the omental tumor microenvironment facilitates ovarian cancer progression.
Flash sintering incubation kinetics
Authors: Vikrant K.S.N. , Wang Han , Jana Aniruddha , Wang Haiyan , García R. Edwin
Published: July 2020

The microstructural mechanisms leading to onset of the flash sintering are demonstrated experimentally and theoretically for Yttria Stabilized Zirconia, YSZ. Three regimes leading to flash event are identified: (1) Radiation-dominated regime, where the oven controls the heating of the sintered sample, and a small subset of particle-particle contacts and surfaces of the green body define percolative paths for the charge to flow along and across the interfaces; (2) Transition regime, where charge transport is suppressed across particle contact misorientations and deflects to surficial and small angle particle contact misorientations. As a result, internal Joule heating takes over externally-driven radiation heating. Finally, (3) Percolative regime, where the concentration of oxygen vacancies drastically increases at particle contacts, surfaces, and triple junctions, and enables charge to flow through multiple paths, generating large amounts of Joule heating, resulting in the onset of a flash event. The validated theory sets the stage to rationalize the microstructural evolution and charge transport on a ceramic green body during flash sintering.
Blood pressure-lowering effects of a Bowman-Birk inhibitor and its derived peptides in normotensive and hypertensive rats
Authors: de Freitas Maria Alzira Garcia , Amaral Nathalia Oda , Álvares Alice da Cunha Morales , de Oliveira Sandriele Aires , Mehdad Azadeh , Honda Diego Elias , Bessa Amanda Sá Martins , Ramada Marcelo Henrique Soller , Naves Lara Marques , Pontes Carolina Nobre Ribeiro , Castro Carlos Henrique , Pedrino Gustavo Rodrigues , de Freitas Sonia Maria
Published: July 2020

Bioactive plant peptides have received considerable interest as potential antihypertensive agents with potentially fewer side effects than antihypertensive drugs. Here, the blood pressure-lowering effects of the Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor, BTCI, and its derived peptides, PepChy and PepTry, were investigated using normotensive (Wistar-WR) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). BTCI inhibited the proteases trypsin and chymotrypsin, respectively, at 6 µM and 40 µM, a 10-fold greater inhibition than observed with PepTry (60 µM) and PepChy (400 µM). These molecules also inhibited angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) with IC50 values of 54.6 ± 2.9; 24.7 ± 1.1; and 24.4 ± 1.1 µM, respectively, occluding its catalytic site, as indicated by molecular docking simulation, mainly for PepChy and PepTry. Gavage administration of BTCI and the peptides promoted a decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and an increase of renal and aortic vascular conductance. These effects were more expressive in SHR than in WR. Additionally, BTCI, PepChy and PepTry promoted coronary vasodilation and negative inotropic effects in isolated perfused hearts. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor blunted the BTCI and PepChy, with no cardiac effects on PepTry. The findings of this study indicate a therapeutic potential of BTCI and its related peptides in the treatment of hypertension.
Mid and long-term ecological impacts of ski run construction on alpine ecosystems
Authors: Hudek Csilla , Barni Elena , Stanchi Silvia , D’Amico Michele , Pintaldi Emanuele , Freppaz Michele
Published: July 2020

The proliferation of ski run construction is a worldwide trend. The machine-grading of slopes involved during ski run construction changes the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, having significant long-term ecological impact on the environment. Establishing and developing plant communities in these affected areas is crucial in rehabilitating the biotic and abiotic soil environment, while also improving slope stability and reducing the risk of natural hazards. This study evaluates changes in plant-soil properties and the long-term effects of machine-grading and subsequent restoration of ski runs so as to contribute to formulating the best practices in future ski run constructions. Study plots were established in 2000 and re-surveyed in 2017 on ski runs, which had been machine-graded and hydroseeded in the 1990s. Vegetation, root trait and soil surveys were carried out on ski run plots and compared to paired, undisturbed control sites off the ski runs. Plant cover remained unchanged on the ski-runs over time but plant richness and diversity considerably increased, reaching similar levels to undisturbed vegetation. Plant composition moved towards more semi-natural stages, showing a reduction in seeded plants with a comparable increase in the cover of colonizing native species. Root trait results were site-specific showing great variations between the mid and long-term after-effects of machine-grading and revegetation when compared to undisturbed sites. Under long-term management, the soil pH was still higher and the organic C content still lower in the ski runs than in the undisturbed sites, as the aggregate stability. The standard actions applied (machine-grading, storage and re-use of topsoil, hydroseeding of commercial seed mixtures, application of manure soon after seeding and low-intensity grazing) allowed the ecosystem to partially recover in three decades, and even if the soil has still a lower chemical and physical fertility than the undisturbed sites, the plant species composition reveals a satisfactory degree of renaturalization.
The dynamics of large silicic systems from satellite remote sensing observations: the intriguing case of Domuyo volcano, Argentina
Authors: Lundgren Paul , Girona Társilo , Bato Mary Grace , Realmuto Vincent J. , Samsonov Sergey , Cardona Carlos , Franco Luis , Gurrola Eric , Aivazis Michael
Published: July 2020

Silicic magmatic systems are the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth, capable of large and catastrophic eruptions, yet their low eruptive frequency makes it challenging to interpret their short-term unrest. Here we present a decade-plus analysis that integrates, for the first time, time series of satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) surface deformation and satellite thermal infrared edifice-scale surface warming at a large silicic system: Domuyo volcano, in Argentina. We find that deformation and warming are highly correlated, and depending on the sign and lag between the time series, either shallow sealing or magma influx could drive Domuyo’s ongoing inflation (~ 0.15 m/year; from an InSAR-derived tabular source, ~ 11 × 8 × 1 km; ~ 6.5 km depth; ~ 0.037 km3/year volume-change rate) and warming (0.3–0.4 °C/year). This study shows the potential that combined satellite surface deformation and edifice-scale surface warming time series have on assessing the physical mechanisms of silicic volcanic systems and for constraining deterministic models.
Unconditionally secured classical cryptography using quantum superposition and unitary transformation
Authors: Ham Byoung S.
Published: July 2020

Over decades quantum cryptography has been intensively studied for unconditionally secured key distribution in a quantum regime. Due to the quantum loopholes caused by imperfect single photon detectors and/or lossy quantum channels, however, the quantum cryptography is practically inefficient and even vulnerable to eavesdropping. Here, a method of unconditionally secured key distribution potentially compatible with current fiber-optic communications networks is proposed in a classical regime for high-speed optical backbone networks. The unconditional security is due to the quantum superposition-caused measurement indistinguishability between paired transmission channels and its unitary transformation resulting in deterministic randomness corresponding to the no-cloning theorem in a quantum key distribution protocol.
Soft-sensor modeling for l-lysine fermentation process based on hybrid ICS-MLSSVM
Authors: Wang Bo , Shahzad Muhammad , Zhu Xianglin , Ur Rehman Khalil , Ashfaq Muhammad , Abubakar Muhammad
Published: July 2020

The l-lysine fermentation process is a complex, nonlinear, dynamic biochemical reaction process with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. There is a complex nonlinear dynamic relationship between each state variable. Some key variables in the fermentation process that directly reflect the quality of the fermentation cannot be measured online in real-time which greatly limits the application of advanced control technology in biochemical processes. This work introduces a hybrid ICS-MLSSVM soft-sensor modeling method to realize the online detection of key biochemical variables (cell concentration, substrate concentration, product concentration) of the l-lysine fermentation process. First of all, a multi-output least squares support vector machine regressor (MLSSVM) model is constructed based on the multi-input and multi-output characteristics of l-lysine fermentation process. Then, important parameters ($$\gamma$$γ, $$\lambda$$λ, $$\sigma$$σ) of MLSSVM model are optimized by using the Improved Cuckoo Search (ICS) optimization algorithm. In the end, the hybrid ICS-MLSSVM soft-sensor model is developed by using optimized model parameter values, and the key biochemical variables of the l-lysine fermentation process are realized online. The simulation results confirm that the proposed regression model can accurately predict the key biochemical variables. Furthermore, the hybrid ICS-MLSSVM soft-sensor model is better than the MLSSVM soft-sensor model based on standard CS (CS-MLSSVM), particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm (PSO-MLSSVM) and genetic algorithm (GA-MLSSVM) in prediction accuracy and adaptability.
Oral anticoagulants and risk of acute liver injury in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a propensity-weighted nationwide cohort study
Authors: Maura Géric , Bardou Marc , Billionnet Cécile , Weill Alain , Drouin Jérôme , Neumann Anke
Published: July 2020

Insufficient real-world data on acute liver injury (ALI) risk associated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) exist in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Using the French national healthcare databases, a propensity-weighted nationwide cohort study was performed in NVAF patients initiating OACs from 2011 to 2016, considering separately those (1) with no prior liver disease (PLD) as main population, (2) with PLD, (3) with a history of chronic alcoholism. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval (HR [95% CI]) of serious ALI (hospitalised ALI or liver transplantation) during the first year of treatment, for each non-vitamin K antagonist (VKA) oral anticoagulant (NOAC: dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) versus VKA. In patients with no PLD (N = 434,015), only rivaroxaban new users were at increased risk of serious ALI compared to VKA initiation (adjusted HR: 1.41 [1.05–1.91]). In patients with chronic alcoholism history (N = 13,173), only those initiating dabigatran were at increased risk of serious ALI compared to VKA (2.88 [1.74–4.76]) but an ancillary outcome suggested that differential clinical follow-up between groups might partly explain this association. In conclusion, this study does not suggest an increase of the 1-year risk of ALI in NOAC versus VKA patients with AF.
Infrared photodetector sensitized by InAs quantum dots embedded near an Al0.3Ga0.7As/GaAs heterointerface
Authors: Murata Takahiko , Asahi Shigeo , Sanguinetti Stefano , Kita Takashi
Published: July 2020

Mid-infrared sensors detect infrared radiation emitted from objects, and are actually widely used for monitoring gases and moisture as well as for imaging objects at or above room temperature. Infrared photodetectors offer fast detection, but many devices cannot provide high responsivity at room temperature. Here we demonstrate infrared sensing with high responsivity at room temperature. The central part of our device is an Al0.3Ga0.7As/GaAs heterostructure containing InAs quantum-dot (QD) layer with a 10-nm-thick GaAs spacer. In this device, the electrons that have been accumulated at the heterointerface are transferred to the conduction band of the Al0.3Ga0.7As barrier by absorbing infrared photons and the following drift due to the electric field at the interface. These intraband transitions at the heterointerface are sensitized by the QDs, suggesting that the presence of the QDs increases the strength of the intraband transition near the heterointerface. The room-temperature responsivity spectrum exhibits several peaks in the mid-infrared wavelength region, corresponding to transitions from the InAs QD and wetting layer states as well as the transition from the quantized state of the triangular potential well at the two-dimensional heterointerface. We find that the responsivity is almost independent of the temperature and the maximum value at 295 K is 0.8 A/W at ~ 6.6 µm for a bias of 1 V, where the specific detectivity is $$1.8\times {10}^{10}$$1.8×1010 cmHz1/2/W.
Self-focused attention enhances tactile sensitivity in women at risk from eating disorders
Authors: Sacchetti Sofia , Mirams Laura , McGlone Francis , Cazzato Valentina
Published: July 2020

We examined whether alterations in body perception in EDs extend to the integration of exteroceptive visual and tactile information. Moreover, we investigated the effect of self-focused attention on the ability to correctly detect tactile stimuli. Twenty-seven women reporting low ED symptoms, versus 26 women reporting high ED symptoms, undertook a modified version of the Somatic Signal Detection Task (SSDT), which involved detecting tactile stimuli on the cheek in the presence or absence of a concomitant light. The SSDT was completed while looking at a photograph of one’s own face, another female face, and a scrambled face. Heart rate and skin conductance were recorded continuously during the SSDT. Although ED symptoms were not associated with an overall increased tendency to misperceive touch in the presence of a light, High ED participants were differentially affected by self-focused attention. For the High ED group, physiological arousal, and tactile sensitivity (d′) were increased when self-focused attention was augmented. For the Low ED group, sensitivity (d′) and physiological arousal were higher in the control conditions. We suggest that in those with High ED symptoms, attention to the bodily self may exacerbate a predisposition to focusing on external rather than internal bodily information.
Antimicrobial resistance and virulence of Pseudomonas spp. among healthy animals: concern about exolysin ExlA detection
Authors: Ruiz-Roldán Lidia , Rojo-Bezares Beatriz , de Toro María , López María , Toledano Paula , Lozano Carmen , Chichón Gabriela , Alvarez-Erviti Lydia , Torres Carmen , Sáenz Yolanda
Published: July 2020

Pseudomonas is a ubiquitous genus that also causes human, animal and plant diseases. Most studies have focused on clinical P. aeruginosa strains from humans, but they are scarce on animal strains. This study was aimed to determine the occurrence of Pseudomonas spp. among faecal samples of healthy animals, and to analyse their antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenicity. Among 704 animal faecal samples analysed, 133 Pseudomonas spp. isolates (23 species) were recovered from 46 samples (6.5%), and classified in 75 different PFGE patterns. Low antimicrobial resistance levels were found, being the highest to aztreonam (50.3%). Five sequence-types (ST1648, ST1711, ST2096, ST2194, ST2252), two serotypes (O:3, O:6), and three virulotypes (analysing 15 virulence and quorum-sensing genes) were observed among the 9 P. aeruginosa strains. Type-3-Secretion System genes were absent in the six O:3-serotype strains that additionally showed high cytotoxicity and produced higher biofilm biomass, phenazine pigments and motility than PAO1 control strain. In these six strains, the exlAB locus, and other virulence genotypes (e.g. RGP69 pathogenicity island) exclusive of PA7 outliers were detected by whole genome sequencing. This is the first description of the presence of the ExlA exolysin in P. aeruginosa from healthy animals, highlighting their pathological importance.
Usefulness of three-dimensional printing of superior mesenteric vessels in right hemicolon cancer surgery
Authors: Chen Yigang , Bian Linjie , Zhou Hong , Wu Danping , Xu Jie , Gu Chen , Fan Xinqi , Liu Zhequn , Zou Junyi , Xia Jiazeng , Xu Zekuan
Published: July 2020

The anatomy of the superior mesenteric vessels is complex, yet important, for right-sided colorectal surgery. The usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) printing of these vessels in right hemicolon cancer surgery has rarely been reported. In this prospective clinical study, 61 patients who received laparoscopic surgery for right hemicolon cancer were preoperatively randomized into 3 groups: 3D-printing (20 patients), 3D-image (19 patients), and control (22 patients) groups. Surgery duration, bleeding volume, and number of lymph node dissections were designed to be the primary end points, whereas postoperative complications, post-operative flatus recovery time, duration of hospitalization, patient satisfaction, and medical expenses were designed to be secondary end points. To reduce the influence of including different surgeons in the study, the surgical team was divided into 2 groups based on surgical experience. The duration of surgery for the 3D-printing and 3D-image groups was significantly reduced (138.4 ± 19.5 and 154.7 ± 25.9 min vs. 177.6 ± 24.4 min, P = 0.000 and P = 0.006), while the number of lymph node dissections for the these 2 groups was significantly increased (19.1 ± 3.8 and 17.6 ± 3.9 vs. 15.8 ± 3.0, P = 0.001 and P = 0.024) compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the bleeding volume for the 3D-printing group was significantly reduced compared to the control group (75.8 ± 30.4 mL vs. 120.9 ± 39.1 mL, P = 0.000). Moreover, patients in the 3D-printing group reported increased satisfaction in terms of effective communication compared to those in the 3D-image and control groups. Medical expenses decreased by 6.74% after the use of 3D-printing technology. Our results show that 3D-printing technology could reduce the duration of surgery and total bleeding volume and increase the number of lymph node dissections. 3D-printing technology may be more helpful for novice surgeons.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800017161. Registered on 15 July 2018.
Computational imaging with low-order OAM beams at microwave frequencies
Authors: Liu Kang , Cheng Yongqiang , Liu Hongyan , Wang Hongqiang
Published: July 2020

With the distinguished wavefront characteristics of vortex electromagnetic wave carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM), the OAM beams have been exploited for radar imaging in recent years. In this paper, the computational imaging model is built using OAM wave, which enables the target reconstruction with limited measurements. The measurement matrix is designed, and the target reconstruction method is proposed in the Cartesian coordinate. Simulation results indicate that the proposed computational imaging approach is robust against noise influence. Furthermore, the outdoor experiments are carried out, for the first time, to validate the super-resolution imaging ability of this novel technique. Experimental results show good agreement with theoretical analyses. This work can advance the development of OAM-based sensing technology.
Nissen fundoplication and combined procedures to reduce recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in neurologically impaired children
Authors: Ceriati Emanuela , Marchetti P. , Caccamo R. , Adorisio O. , Rivosecchi F. , De Peppo F.
Published: July 2020

Neurologically impaired children account for almost half of the fundoplication procedures performed for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Aim of the present study was to report results of antireflux surgery in neurologically impaired children. A retrospective study of neurologically impaired children who underwent fundoplication over a 13-year period (1999–2012) was performed. Recurrence rate, major complications and parents/caregivers perceptions of their child's quality of life following antireflux surgery were analyzed. A total of 122 children (median age: 8 years 9 months; range: 3 months to 18 years) had open “tension-free” Nissen fundoplication, gastrostomy + /− pyloroplasty. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was in all cases documented by at least two diagnostic exams. Median duration of follow-up was 9.7 (1.9–13) years. Three (2.4%) recurrences were documented and required surgery re-do. Major complications were 6%. Seventy-nine of 87 (90%) caregivers reported that weight gain was improved after fundoplication with a median score of 1 (IQR: 1–2). Significant improvement was perceived in postoperative overall quality of life. In this series of fundoplication recurrence incidence was low, serious complications were uncommon and caregivers’ satisfaction with surgery was high. Accurate patient’s selection and creating a “low-pressure” surgical system are mandatory to obtain these results.
Gamma-glutamyl transferase variability can predict the development of end-stage of renal disease: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lee Da Young , Han Kyungdo , Yu Ji Hee , Park Sanghyun , Heo Jee-In , Seo Ji A. , Kim Nam Hoon , Yoo Hye Jin , Kim Sin Gon , Kim Seon Mee , Choi Kyung Mook , Baik Sei Hyun , Park Yong Gyu , Kim Nan Hee
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate whether GGT variability is able to predict the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The study subjects were Koreans who conducted health exams supported by the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation during 2009–2012 (baseline). After excluding individuals aged < 40 years, heavy alcoholics, or those with histories of chronic liver disease or ESRD, we followed 6,058,995 individuals. We calculated the average successive variability (ASV) of GGT values during the 5 years before the baseline as a parameter of variability. Using Cox proportional analyses, we evaluated the risk of ESRD according to GGT ASV quartiles, defined as the initiation of renal replacement therapy or kidney transplantation, or December 31, 2016. During 38,663,279.3 person-years of follow-up, 12,057 cases of ESRD were identified. Compared with GGT ASV quartile 1, the risk of ESRD was higher in ASV quartiles 3–4 and increased serially, even after adjustment for several metabolic parameters, baseline renal function, presence of comorbidities, low income, and baseline GGT and hemoglobin level. The fully adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of GGT ASV quartiles 3 and 4 were 1.06 (1.01–1.12) and 1.12 (1.06–1.18), respectively. In conclusion, GGT variability is a putative risk factor for ESRD in Koreans.