bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of riverine sand mining on freshwater ecosystems: A review of the scientific evidence and guidance for future research
Authors: Koehnken Lois , Rintoul Max S. , Goichot Marc , Tickner David , Loftus Anne‐Claire , Acreman Mike C.
Published: February 2020

Sand mining (used here as a generic term that includes mining of any riverine aggregates regardless of particle size) is a global activity that is receiving increasing media attention due to perceived negative environmental and social impacts. As calls grow for stronger regulation of mining, there is a need to understand the scientific evidence to support effective management. This paper summarizes the results of a structured literature review addressing the question, “What evidence is there of impacts of sand mining on ecosystem structure, process, and biodiversity in rivers, floodplains, and estuaries?” The review found that most investigations have focused on temperate rivers where sand mining occurred historically but has now ceased. Channel incision was the most common physical impact identified; other physical responses, including habitat disturbance, alteration of riparian zones, and changes to downstream sediment transport, were highly variable and dependant on river characteristics. Ecosystem attributes affected included macroinvertebrate drift, fish movements, species abundance and community structures, and food web dynamics. Studies often inferred impacts on populations, but supporting data were scarce. Limited evidence suggests that rivers can sustain extraction if volumes are within the natural sediment load variability. Significantly, the countries and rivers for which there is science‐based evidence related to sand mining are not those where extensive sand mining is currently reported. The lack of scientific and systematic studies of sand mining in these countries prevents accurate quantification of mined volumes or the type, extent, and magnitude of any impacts. Additional research into how sand mining is affecting ecosystem services, impacting biodiversity and particularly threatened species, and how mining impacts interact with other activities or threats is urgently required.
Truth, success, and faith: Novice teachers’ perceptions of what's at risk in responsive teaching in science
Authors: Robertson Amy D. , Atkins Elliott Leslie J.
Published: February 2020

Responsive teaching—or teaching that builds from the “seeds of science” in student thinking—is depicted in STEM education literature as both important and challenging. U.S. science education reform has been calling for teachers to enact instruction that attends to and takes up the substance of students’ STEM ideas; however, responsive teaching represents a substantial shift from the current state of affairs in most U.S. classrooms, where content is often presented authoritatively as facts, definitions, and algorithms, with little consideration of student thinking. Drawing on language from literature about sense‐making, this paper identifies some of the “vexation points” that novice science teachers face as they consider implementing responsive teaching practices in science—that is, what doesn't make sense, to teachers, about this instructional approach. In particular, we show that novice teachers express moral concerns about responsive teaching; themes in their written reflections suggest that they perceive responsive teaching to put truth, success, and faith at risk. We argue that though these concerns originally seem distinct from the institutional constraints to responsive teaching posed by the literature, teachers’ concerns about truth, success, and faith are in fact mutually reinforced by and reinforcing of external constraints. We use this connection to pose implications for research and teacher education.
ToF‐SIMS characterization of microplastics in soils
Authors: Du Chuan , Wu Jiang , Gong Jie , Liang Handong , Li Zhanping
Published: February 2020

Microplastics pollution is becoming one of the most serious threats to the surface ecosystem of the earth; it is widespread in oceans, rivers, sediments, soils, and organisms. It is a growing concern as an environmental pollutant, which currently has no clear detection standard. Detection methods still need to be constantly supplemented and improved. This study explored a novel method called time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) in this field. Four types of microplastics in farmland soils, namely, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyamide 6, were successfully identified in terms of particle size and abundance by combining the high molecular specificity with ion imaging capability of ToF‐SIMS. The procedure based on ToF‐SIMS analysis also provides a methodological reference and basic data for the investigation and research of microplastics in soil, coastal beaches, and sediment.
Properties of Ultraviolet‐Shielding Composite Film Prepared from Cellulose Acetate with Eu(III) Complex
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Luo Bin , Sun Yong
Published: February 2020

The ultraviolet shielding composite films were prepared from cellulose acetate (CA) modified by grafting rare earth complexes Eu(MAA)3phen‐APS (MMA: Methacrylic Acid, APS: (3‐Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane). The composite films possessed high optical transmittance and exhibited excellent ultraviolet (UV) absorption property. It exhibited bright red emission centered at 615 nm under UV excitation. The thermal analysis showed that the stability of the composite film is similar to that of pure CA. However, the glass transition temperature gradually disappeared with the increasing amount of Eu(MAA)3phen‐APS (Eu(III)‐complex) owing to the crosslinking reaction. The morphology analysis showed that the Eu(III)‐complex microdomains dispersedly was filled in the matrix of CA and a good interfacial adhesion was achieved. The size of the Eu(III)‐complex formed in the CA matrix is the main factor to effect the transparency of composite films.
Efficient Epimerization of Glucose to Mannose over Molybdenum‐Based Catalyst in Aqueous Media
Authors: Hu Hong , Liu Shaoru , Zhang Weizi , An Jiahuan , Xia Haian
Published: February 2020

Herein, the high activity and selectivity of activated carbon‐supported molybdenum oxide catalysts (Mo/AC) in the epimerization of glucose to mannose is described. The catalysts afforded near‐equilibrium glucose conversion (29.2 %) and selectivity (94.5 %) toward mannose in the epimerization of glucose. The catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV‐Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the Mo/AC catalysts were mainly composed of highly dispersed MoO2 and MoO3 species. Compared to the soluble MoO3 catalyst, Mo/AC showed higher stability and better catalytic performances in the epimerization of glucose to mannose. Further, the deactivation of Mo/AC catalysts was attributed to the leaching of molybdenum oxides. Isotope labeling experiments revealed that the deuterium atom at the C‐1 position of mannose is formed by glucose‐D2 epimerization.
A Highly Active, Readily Synthesized and Easily Separated Graphene Oxide (GO)/Polyethersulfone (PES) Catalytic Membrane for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Tian Fengyu , Xu Baiqing , Li Yingjie , Deng Jie , Zhang Honglei , Peng Ruichao
Published: February 2020

Heterogeneous acidic catalysts offer many advantages such as lower corrosion, easier separation and lower production cost compared with homogeneous sulfuric acid. Graphene oxide (GO) containing trace amount of oxygen‐containing functional groups have been demonstrated to be effective carbon‐based solid acid catalyst. However, GO are difficult to be recovered from liquid reaction system for further utilization. Graphene oxide/Polyethersulfone (PES) catalytic membranes were prepared and employed as heterogeneous acid catalysts in the esterification of oleic acid with methanol for biodiesel production. The membrane was annealed at different temperatures to promote the catalytic activity and reusability. As predicted, the OA conversion increased greatly with the increase of GO content in the membrane. Both internal and external diffusion have no influence on the catalytic activity. The catalytic membrane dosage, reaction temperature and methanol/oleic acid molar ratio affected its catalytic performance significantly. Among all the prepared membranes, the membrane annealed at 150 °C exhibited the best catalytic performance, with a conversion of over 85 % even after six cycles.
Brønsted Acidic Dicationic Ionic Liquid Immobilized on Fe3O4@SiO2 Nanoparticles as an Efficient and Magnetically Separable Catalyst for the Synthesis of Bispyrazoles
Authors: Rezaei Fahimeh , Ali Amrollahi Mohammad , Khalifeh Reza
Published: February 2020

In this research article, brønsted acidic dicationic ionic liquid immobilized on silica‐coated iron oxide support and its catalytic activity was investigated in the synthesis of bis‐pyrazol‐5‐ols under solvent‐free conditions. The prepared catalyst was characterized by different analytical tools such as XRD, FT‐IR, TGA, TEM, and SEM techniques. The catalyst can be recycled at least five times with the remaining of its catalytic activity. The easy recovery, reusability, and excellent activity of the catalyst as well as easy workup are other remarkable advantages of this method.
Application of N,N’‐Bis(acetylacetonato)propylenediimine Copper(II) Complex as Mediator for Glucose Biosensor
Authors: Perušković Danica S. , Stevanović Nikola R. , Kovačević Gordana N. , Stanković Dalibor M. , Lolić Aleksandar Đ. , Baošić Rada M.
Published: February 2020

A new glucose biosensor for selective and sensitive determination of glucose in beverage samples was developed. A copper complex with a Schiff base, N,N’‐bis(acetylacetonato) propylenediimine, was used as a mediator. It was mixed with glucose oxidase (GOx) and prepared as carbon paste electrode (CPE). Cyclic voltammetry was used for electrochemical measurements. The biosensor showed improved sensitivity when enzyme mediator ratio was 1 : 5, and working pH was 6.6 in 0.1 M phosphate buffer. The linear response of the biosensor for glucose concentration was in the range from 0.5 to 10 mM, with low detection limit of 0.36 mM (calculated as 3 s/n) and sensitivity of 0.16 μA/mM. The reproducibility of the biosensor, calculated as relative standard deviation, was 1.9% for 6 intra‐day measurements. Biosensor was stored at +4 °C between experiments, and it was stable during 14 days after the preparation. The developed biosensor was applied on determination of glucose in commercial beverages (apple and cherry juice) and obtained results showed good agreement with the reference method.
Mesoporous Metal–Metalloid Amorphous Alloys: The First Synthesis of Open 3D Mesoporous Ni‐B Amorphous Alloy Spheres via a Dual Chemical Reduction Method
Authors: Kang Yunqing , Henzie Joel , Gu Huajun , Na Jongbeom , Fatehmulla Amanullah , Shamsan Belqes Saeed A. , Aldhafiri Abdullah M. , Farooq W. Aslam , Bando Yoshio , Asahi Toru , Jiang Bo , Li Hexing , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: February 2020

Selective hydrogenation of nitriles is an industrially relevant synthetic route for the preparation of primary amines. Amorphous metal–boron alloys have a tunable, glass‐like structure that generates a high concentration of unsaturated metal surface atoms that serve as active sites in hydrogenation reactions. Here, a method to create nanoparticles composed of mesoporous 3D networks of amorphous nickel–boron (Ni‐B) alloy is reported. The hydrogenation of benzyl cyanide to β‐phenylethylamine is used as a model reaction to assess catalytic performance. The mesoporous Ni‐B alloy spheres have a turnover frequency value of 11.6 h−1, which outperforms non‐porous Ni‐B spheres with the same composition. The bottom‐up synthesis of mesoporous transition metal–metalloid alloys expands the possible reactions that these metal architectures can perform while simultaneously incorporating more Earth‐abundant catalysts.
Development of Novel Cathode with Large Lithium Storage Mechanism Based on Pyrophosphate‐Based Conversion Reaction for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Lee Yongseok , Jo Jae Hyeon , Park Hyunyoung , Ko Wonseok , Kang Jungmin , Myung Seung‐Taek , Sun Yang‐Kook , Kim Jongsoon
Published: February 2020

A conversion‐reaction‐based nanosized Cu2P2O7–carbon composite is investigated as a novel cathode material with superior capacity for lithium‐ion batteries. To overcome the sluggish kinetics of the conversion reaction, the nanosized Cu2P2O7–carbon composite is prepared by high‐energy ball‐milling of Cu2P2O7 and conductive carbon to achieve simultaneous nanosizing and carbon mixing. The nanosized Cu2P2O7–carbon composite exhibits a large specific capacity of ≈355 mAh g−1 with an average operation voltage of ≈2.8 V (vs Li+/Li). Moreover, even at 10C (1C = 355 mA g−1), the composite delivers a capacity of ≈215 mAh g−1, corresponding to ≈60% of its theoretical capacity. For 400 cycles at 1C, the nanosized Cu2P2O7–carbon composite exhibits capacity retention of ≈72% compared with the initial capacity as well as high Coulombic efficiency of more than 99%. The reversible conversion reaction mechanism of the nanosized Cu2P2O7–carbon composite under the Li‐cell system is confirmed using various techniques, including operando/ex situ X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. It is verified that Cu2P2O7 is converted into Li4P2O7 and metallic Cu0 on discharge and reversibly recovered to Cu2P2O7 on charge.
Limitation of Current Transport across the Heterojunction in Cu(In,Ga)Se2Solar Cells Prepared with Alkali Fluoride Postdeposition Treatment
Authors: Villanueva-Tovar Alejandra , Kodalle Tim , Kaufmann Christian A. , Schlatmann Rutger , Klenk Reiner
Published: February 2020

Postdeposition treatments (PDTs) of chalcopyrite absorbers with alkali fluorides have contributed to improving the efficiency of corresponding solar cell devices. However, cells prepared with PDTs also tend to exhibit nonideal current–voltage (J–V) characteristics especially at low temperatures. These include blocking of the forward diode current, saturation of the open‐circuit voltage with respect to temperature, a discrepancy between dark andJsc(Voc) characteristics, and a crossover between dark and lightJ–Vcurves. These are typical observations while measuring the temperature‐dependentJ–Vcharacteristics. Herein, the influence of electronic material parameters on the blocking of the current across the heterojunction in numerical simulations is reported. It is shown that a low‐doped ZnO window layer, acceptor defects at the CdS/ZnO interface, or a high band offset at that interface lead to similar nonidealJ–Vcharacteristics, suggesting that the carrier density in the buffer layer is a crucial parameter for the current limitation. Connections between the effects of PDT previously reported in literature and the electronic material parameters considered in the numerical model are discussed to explain the nonidealJ–Vcharacteristics caused by the PDTs.
Stray Rates of Natural‐Origin Chinook Salmon and Steelhead in the Upper Columbia River Watershed
Authors: Pearsons Todd N. , O'Connor Rolland R.
Published: February 2020

Despite the importance of straying in understanding the ecology of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. and steelhead O. mykiss, most of what is known about salmon and steelhead straying comes from tagged hatchery fish. We provide estimates of donor straying by natural‐origin spring, summer, and fall Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha and summer steelhead at three spatial scales in the upper Columbia River watershed by using PIT tags. In total, 823,770 natural‐origin Chinook Salmon and steelhead were PIT‐tagged as juveniles in the Wenatchee, Entiat, Methow, and Okanogan River subbasins and tributaries and the upper Columbia River between 2002 and 2017. Anadromous adults with PIT tags (n = 2,611) were detected at a variety of antenna arrays in the Columbia River basin between 2004 and 2018. Mean donor stray rates of each population were less than 1% at the basin scale (range = 0.0–0.7%), less than 10% at the subbasin scale (range = 0.0–9.8%), and less than 15% at the tributary scale (range = 0.0–14.3%). Many of the populations (11 of 28) that were evaluated across all spatial scales did not have any strays detected, and the mean of means for both species’ stray rates at all spatial scales was generally less than 5% (range = 0.2–4.0%). Chinook Salmon and steelhead strayed at similar rates when originating from the same subbasins and tributaries. Most straying occurred in an upstream direction at the subbasin (84%) and tributary (94%) scales. Variation in stray rates was most consistently associated with spatial scale and location and was less than 15% for both species at all spatial scales.
Wildlife and damage to agriculture: an ethnobiological approach with rural producers in southeastern Brazil
Authors: de Carvalho Ana Laura Campos , Araújo Adrielli Ribeiro , Machado Théa Mirian Medeiros , Ribon Rômulo , Lopes Leonardo Esteves
Published: February 2020

Some wild animal species quickly adapt to anthropogenic environments, producing unusually large populations, causing human-wildlife conflicts. The objective of this study is to understand the way the farmers perceive the fauna and the information they possess regarding the damages those animais inflict on their crops in southeastern Brazil. We collected data by presenting 200 questionnaires and conducting 22 semi-structured interviews with the rural producers in a region characterized by an agrarian matrix intermixed with small forest patches. Nearly every rural producer (99%) who answered the questionnaire (n = 107) had suffered wild animal-triggered economic losses, especially by the White-eyed Parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus (51%), which attacked maize and fruit crops. A substantial portion of these farmers (38%) has employed some control method, including acoustic techniques (42.5%), like fireworks, and visual techniques (41%), like scarecrows. The farmers concurred that effective control methods are necessary for the White-eyed Parakeet, as current techniques proved inadequate. The understanding that the rural producers possess about the problem will facilitate designing new control strategies to manage this pest species. However, to ensure its success, a suitable management plan must be formulated to guarantee that the local rural occupations are maintained, incorporating human dimensions into wildlife management.
Recurrent seasonal occurrence of the Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) in a riparian fragment of the Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Menezes Rafael , Pimentel Georgiana M. , Rosa Ricardo S. , Ribeiro Alan Loures
Published: February 2020

Riparian forests play important roles as ecological corridors and refuge habitat for many bird populations in fragmented landscapes. This report describes the seasonal occurrence of the Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) in a small riparian fragment of Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil. A female was recorded by its visual and acoustical signals from September to October 2014. Similar occurrences were observed in the same months over three consecutive years. Two major hypotheses regarding the woodpecker seasonal occurrence are discussed here: i) the use of the riparian fragment for breeding, evidenced by tree-cavity nests; and ii) fleeing of the bird from its natal habitat due to fire in adjacent sugarcane fields, which commonly are burned in these two months. Such recurrent events suggest that D. lineatus uses the riparian fragment as refuge habitat, highlighting the importance of these environments for bird populations that inhabit fragmented landscapes of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
Temperate forest bird communities associated with a historic mining impact area: do tailing remnant effects modify their structure?
Authors: Lemus Katia , Villaseñor-Gómez José Fernando , Pineda-Huerta Francisco Roberto , Salgado-Ortiz Javier
Published: February 2020

Birds contribute to the stability of ecosystems and represent a tool used to evaluate a variety of anthropogenic impacts. The area known as El Oro-Tlalpujahua Mining District in central Mexico was subjected to significant environmental impacts as a result of ore extraction, including profound habitat transformations, landscape changes, and the accumulation of potentially toxic elements in their tailings (favoring its bioavailability and dispersion). After more than 60 years without extractive activities, there is no knowledge on extant remaining impacts on biological communities. Assuming the presence of negative impacts on birds, we compared the composition and abundance of bird communities in two locations, representing a site without exposure to tailings (S1) and another one with tailings deposition (S2). From June 2014 to June 2015, we recorded 2828 individuals of 108 avian species in 369 point counts (S1= 91, S2= 95). The Chao1 indicator suggested we recorded 96% of the species present. We found a high similarity in the general composition and abundance of bird species between communities (> 85%). However, there were significant differences in the abundances of 18 species (9 of them higher in the control site); these differences might result from differential effects of potentially toxic elements on functional groups (such as feeding guilds), resource availability, as well as other factors not accounted for. Historically, mining activities in the area generated significant changes in the structure and composition of the forest, and disrupted ecological processes. Despite the fact that current conditions appear favorable to the relative stability of the bird community, specific physiological effects on some species of birds sixty years after the cessation of mineral extraction could occur. Further studies on physiological performance and the effects of potentially toxic elements on local birds could unveil unknown effects at the individual level.
Distribution extension of the Spectacled Petrel (Procellaria conspicillata) off the Argentine continental shelf and oceanic adjacent waters
Authors: Hernandez Maximiliano Manuel , Copello Sofía , Borowicz Alexander , Seco-Pon Juan Pablo
Published: February 2020

The Spectacled PetrelProcellaria conspicillatais endemic of the Tristan da Cunha Archipelago, in the South Atlantic Ocean. However, it is scarcely detected in waters off Argentina beyond its traditional distribution along the southwest Atlantic during the breeding season. This study compiles distributional records of Spectacled Petrel for the target area (chiefly between 38°S to 46°S and 23°W to 57°W) obtained in situ, from non-systematic observations at sea, between 2015 and 2018 (totaling 4 trips); and by literature review. Nineteen new sightings of the species are presented. In 46 sightings a total of 65 individuals were recorded chiefly within waters of the Argentine continental shelf (< 200 m) (46%) and oceanic adjacent waters (54%). The bulk of the sightings (95%) were obtained during the species breeding season. In addition, we report the southernmost record of the species in oceanic waters for the southwest Atlantic (46°10′S; 57°06′W).
Novel microsatellites for Cypseloides fumigatus, cross-amplifiable in Streptoprocne zonaris
Authors: Biancalana Renata Neves , do Amaral Fabio Raposo , Biondo Cibele
Published: February 2020

Based on microsatellite prospection, we isolated and characterized 21 microsatellite markers for the Sooty Swift (Cypseloides fumigatus) and tested the cross-amplification in the White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris). Both species are New World species included in the Apodidae family. From these 21, only 13 loci were polymorphic in the Sooty Swift, and their levels of polymorphism were surprisingly low compared to related species. Cross-amplification in the White-collared Swift was successful for 11 loci of the 13 polymorphic found for the Sooty Swift, but seven were monomorphic and four were biallelic. The microsatellites described here could be useful in future genetic population studies for Sooty Swifts and related species.
Polyakov-Mellin bootstrap for AdS loops
Authors: Ghosh Kausik
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We consider holographic CFTs and study their large N expansion. We use Polyakov-Mellin bootstrap to extract the CFT data of all operators, including scalars, till O(1/N4). We add a contact term in Mellin space, which corresponds to an effective ϕ4 theory in AdS and leads to anomalous dimensions for scalars at O(1/N2). Using this we fix O(1/N4) anomalous dimensions for double trace operators finding perfect agreement with [1] (for ∆ϕ = 2). Our approach generalizes this to any dimensions and any value of conformal dimensions of external scalar field. In the second part of the paper, we compute the loop amplitude in AdS which corresponds to non-planar correlators of in CFT. More precisely, using CFT data at O(1/N4) we fix the AdS bubble diagram and the triangle diagram for the general case.
Physical and mechanical properties of Paulownia clone in vitro 112
Authors: Koman Szabolcs , Feher Sandor
Published: February 2020

For the Paulownia Clone in vitro 112 hybrid to be used in the wood industry, it is necessary to know its basic properties. Its air dry density of 231 kg/m3 is nearly 20% lower than that of Paulownia tomentosa. Its average compressive strength is 19.9 MPa, its shear strength is 4.1 MPa, the static modulus of rupture (MOR) is 32.3 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity (MOE) is 3800 MPa. Its volumetric shrinkage is 8.47%, with longitudinal 0.6%, radial 3.2% and tangential 5.0%. The ratio of tangential to radial shrinkage is
very favorable, just 1.6.
Vancomycin-soaked autografts during ACL reconstruction reduce the risk of post-operative infection without affecting return to sport or knee function
Authors: Bohu Yoann , Klouche Shahnaz , Sezer Hasan Basri , Herman Serge , Grimaud Olivier , Gerometta Antoine , Meyer Alain , Lefevre Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To compare return to sport and knee function 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using autografts with and without vancomycin presoaking.

Methods

A case–control study based on a retrospective analysis of prospective data included athletes over the age of 16 operated from 2012 to 2018 for ACL reconstruction. There were two groups of patients due to a change in treatment protocols: Group 1 « without vancomycin » before November 2016 and Group 2 « with vancomycin» after this date. In Group 2, the graft was soaked in a vancomycin solution for 10 min and then fixed into the bone tunnels. The primary evaluation criterion was the return to sport 1 year after surgery. The secondary criteria were various knee scores. The number of patients needed to perform a non-inferiority study was calculated.

Results

1674 patients fulfilled the selection criteria, 1184 in Group 1 and 490 in Group 2. The series included 1112 men and 562 women, mean age 30 ± 9.7 years, 68 professional athletes, 674 competitive athletes and 932 recreational athletes. While seven patients presented with post-operative septic arthritis in Group 1, this complication was not found in Group 2. No significant difference was identified in the return to running between the two groups 1 year after surgery (75.9% vs. 76.1%, n.s.). Significantly more of the patients in Group 2 returned to their preinjury sport (p = 0.04). Knee function was comparable between the groups.

Conclusion

Vancomycin-soaked grafts during ACL reconstruction reduce the risk of post-operative infection of the knee without affecting the return to sport or knee function.

Level of evidence

III.

Trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02511158
A new hybrid method to improve the ultra-short-term prediction of LOD
Authors: Modiri Sadegh , Belda Santiago , Hoseini Mostafa , Heinkelmann Robert , Ferrándiz José M. , Schuh Harald
Published: February 2020

Accurate, short-term predictions of Earth orientation parameters (EOP) are needed for many real-time applications including precise tracking and navigation of interplanetary spacecraft, climate forecasting, and disaster prevention. Out of the EOP, the LOD (length of day), which represents the changes in the Earth’s rotation rate, is the most challenging to predict since it is largely affected by the torques associated with changes in atmospheric circulation. In this study, the combination of Copula-based analysis and singular spectrum analysis (SSA) method is introduced to improve the accuracy of the forecasted LOD. The procedure operates as follows: First, we derive the dependence structure between LOD and the Z component of the effective angular momentum (EAM) arising from atmospheric, hydrologic, and oceanic origins (AAM + HAM + OAM). Based on the fitted theoretical Copula, we then simulate LOD from the Z component of EAM data. Next, the difference between LOD time series and its Copula-based estimation is modeled using SSA. Multiple sets of short-term LOD prediction have been done based on the IERS 05 C04 time series to assess the capability of our hybrid model. The results illustrate that the proposed method can efficiently predict LOD.
On the edge of the stable range
Authors: Hepworth Richard
Published: February 2020

We prove a general homological stability theorem for certain families of groups equipped with product maps, followed by two theorems of a new kind that give information about the last two homology groups outside the stable range. (These last two unstable groups are the ‘edge’ in our title.) Applying our results to automorphism groups of free groups yields a new proof of homological stability with an improved stable range, a description of the last unstable group up to a single ambiguity, and a lower bound on the rank of the penultimate unstable group. We give similar applications to the general linear groups of the integers and of the field of order 2, this time recovering the known stability range. The results can also be applied to general linear groups of arbitrary principal ideal domains, symmetric groups, and braid groups. Our methods require us to use field coefficients throughout.
Mechanistic Insights into Protein Stability and Self-aggregation in GLUT1 Genetic Variants Causing GLUT1-Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Raja Mobeen , Kinne Rolf K. H.
Published: February 2020

Human sodium-independent glucose cotransporter 1 (hGLUT1) has been studied for its tetramerization and multimerization at the cell surface. Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in hGLUT1 elicit GLUT1-deficiency syndrome (GLUT1-DS), a metabolic disorder, which results in impaired glucose transport into the brain. The reduced cell surface expression or loss of function have been shown for some GLUT1 mutants. However, the mechanism by which deleterious mutations affect protein structure, conformational stability and GLUT1 oligomerization is not known and require investigation. In this review, we combined previous knowledge of GLUT1 mutations with hGLUT1 crystal structure to analyze native interactions and several natural single-point mutations. The modeling of native hGLUT1 structure confirmed the roles of native residues in forming a range of side-chain interactions. Interestingly, the modeled mutants pointed to the formation of a variety of non-native novel interactions, altering interaction networks and potentially eliciting protein misfolding. Self-aggregation of the last part of hGLUT1 was predicted using protein aggregation prediction tool. Furthermore, an increase in aggregation potential in the aggregation-prone regions was estimated for several mutants suggesting increased aggregation of misfolded protein. Protein stability change analysis predicted that GLUT1 mutant proteins are unstable. Combining GLUT1 oligomerization behavior with our modeling, aggregation prediction, and protein stability analyses, this work provides state-of-the-art view of GLUT1 genetic mutations that could destabilize native interactions, generate novel interactions, trigger protein misfolding, and enhance protein aggregation in a disease state.
“Tumor immunology meets oncology (TIMO) XV”, April 25th–27th 2019, Halle/Saale, Germany
Authors: Steven André , Massa Chiara , Seliger Barbara
Published: February 2020

Novel insights into basic and translational tumor immunology including immunotherapies were presented by national and international scientists and clinicians at the TIMO XV meeting in Halle.
The most predictable patterns and prediction skills of subseasonal prediction of rainfall over the Indo-Pacific regions by the NCEP Climate Forecast System
Authors: Dong Shaorou , Yang Song , Yan Xin , Zhang Tuantuan , Feng Yerong , Hu Peng
Published: February 2020

The most predictable patterns and prediction skills of subseasonal rainfall prediction for the Indo-Pacific regions are investigated using the daily hindcast product of the NCEP Climate Forecast System version 2. A maximum signal-to-noise empirical orthogonal function analysis indicates that on 30–60-day time scale the most predictable patterns exhibit a zonal dipole over the tropical Indian Ocean and the surrounding oceanic areas of the Maritime Continent in boreal winter and spring, associated with the eastward propagation of the Madden–Julian Oscillation. Differently, the most predictable patterns in boreal summer and autumn present a meridional dipole between a tropical belt (from the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the South China Sea to the western Pacific) and an equatorial belt (from the equatorial Indian Ocean to the equatorial Maritime Continent), related to the northward propagation of intraseasonal oscillation. Both the 30–60-day and 10–20-day patterns can be predicted at lead times around one half of their respective longest life cycles, with worst skills in summer. For the winter–spring 30–60-day patterns, the atmospheric drive on oceans plays an important role, and the corresponding winds at both upper and lower levels are consistent with the Gill response, suggesting the importance of the evaporation-wind feedback mechanism. During summer–autumn, cold sea surface temperature anomalies cause a change in land-sea thermal contrast, which is important for monsoon variations.
Walker circulation controls ENSO atmospheric feedbacks in uncoupled and coupled climate model simulations
Authors: Bayr Tobias , Dommenget Dietmar , Latif Mojib
Published: February 2020

Many climate models strongly underestimate the two most important atmospheric feedbacks operating in El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the positive (amplifying) zonal surface wind feedback and negative (damping) surface-heat flux feedback (hereafter ENSO atmospheric feedbacks, EAF). This hampers a realistic representation of ENSO dynamics in these models. Here we show that the atmospheric components of climate models participating in the 5th phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) when forced by observed sea surface temperatures (SST), already underestimate EAF on average by 23%, but less than their coupled counterparts (on average by 54%). There is a pronounced tendency of atmosphere models to simulate stronger EAF, when they exhibit a stronger mean deep convection and enhanced cloud cover over the western equatorial Pacific (WEP), indicative of a stronger rising branch of the Pacific Walker Circulation (PWC). Further, differences in the mean deep convection over the WEP between the coupled and uncoupled models explain a large part of the differences in EAF, with the deep convection in the coupled models strongly depending on the equatorial Pacific SST bias. Experiments with a single atmosphere model support the relation between the equatorial Pacific atmospheric mean state, the SST bias and the EAF. An implemented cold SST bias in the observed SST forcing weakens deep convection and reduces cloud cover in the rising branch of the PWC, causing weaker EAF. A warm SST bias has the opposite effect. Our results elucidate how biases in the mean state of the PWC and equatorial SST hamper a realistic simulation of the EAF.
Muscle protein breakdown is impaired during immobilization compared to during a subsequent retraining period in older men: no effect of anti-inflammatory medication
Authors: Dideriksen K. , Reitelseder S. , Agergaard J. , Boesen A. P. , Aas S. N. , Raastad T. , Holm Lars
Published: February 2020

Muscle inactivity reduces muscle protein synthesis (MPS), whereas a subsequent period of rehabilitation resistance training (retraining) increases MPS. However, less is known regarding muscle protein breakdown (MPB) during such conditions. Furthermore, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may have a dampening effect on MPB during periods of inactivity in older individuals. Thus, we measured the average MPB, by use of the deuterated water methodology, during an immobilization period and a subsequent retraining period in older individuals with and without NSAID treatment. Eighteen men (60–80 years: range) were randomly assigned to ibuprofen (1200 mg/d, Ibu) or placebo (Plc). One lower limb was immobilized in a cast for 2 weeks and retrained for 2 weeks, and 2 × 20 g of whey protein was ingested daily during both periods. Besides MPB, the protein expression of different muscle degradation signaling molecules was investigated. MPB was lower during immobilization compared to retraining (p < 0.01). NSAID treatment did not affect the MPB rate during immobilization or retraining (p > 0.05). The protein expression of muscle degradation signaling molecules changed during the study intervention but were unaffected by NSAID treatment. The finding that MPB was lower during immobilization than during retraining indicates that an increased MPB may play an important role in the muscle protein remodeling processes taking place within the initial retraining period. Moreover, NSAID treatment did not significantly influence the MPB rate during 2 weeks of lower limb immobilization or during 2 weeks of subsequent retraining in older individuals.
New solutions to capture and enrich bacteria from complex samples
Authors: Sande Maria G. , Çaykara Tugçe , Silva Carla Joana , Rodrigues Ligia R.
Published: February 2020

Current solutions to diagnose bacterial infections though reliable are often time-consuming, laborious and need a specific laboratory setting. There is an unmet need for bedside accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases with a short turnaround time. Moreover, low-cost diagnostics will greatly benefit regions with poor resources. Immunoassays and molecular techniques have been used to develop highly sensitive diagnosis solutions but retaining many of the abovementioned limitations. The detection of bacteria in a biological sample can be enhanced by a previous step of capture and enrichment. This will ease the following process enabling a more sensitive detection and increasing the possibility of a conclusive identification in the downstream diagnosis. This review explores the latest developments regarding the initial steps of capture and enrichment of bacteria from complex samples with the ultimate goal of designing low cost and reliable diagnostics for bacterial infections. Some solutions use specific ligands tethered to magnetic constructs for separation under magnetic fields, microfluidic platforms and engineered nano-patterned surfaces to trap bacteria. Bulk acoustics, advection and nano-filters comprise some of the most innovative solutions for bacteria enrichment.
Overexpression of the human cytomegalovirus UL111A is correlated with favorable survival of patients with gastric cancer and changes T-cell infiltration and suppresses carcinogenesis
Authors: Liu Xin , Lin Kangming , Huang Xielin , Xie Wangkai , Xiang Dan , Ding Ning , Hu Changyuan , Shen Xian , Xue Xiangyang , Huang Yingpeng
Published: February 2020

Purpose

We previously found that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with gastric cancer (GC) development. UL111A plays a role during HCMV productive or latent infection. However, UL111A expression profiles in GC tissues and their relationship with this disease are unknown.

Methods

PCR and nested RT-PCR were performed to verify UL111A expression in 71 GC tissues and its transcripts in 16 UL111A-positive GC samples. UL111A expression levels in GC patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray for 620 GC patients. The correlations among UL111A expression levels, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognosis were analyzed. Further, the effects of overexpression of latency-associated viral interleukin-10 (LAcmvIL-10) and cmvIL-10 on GC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion were assessed.

Results

The UL111A detection rate in GC tissues was 32.4% (23/71) and that of its mRNA expression was 68.75% (11/16). High expression of UL111A was also related to better overall and disease-free survival in GC patients. GC patients with TNM II/III stage expressing higher UL111A levels might benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) after surgery. Moreover, high UL111A expression was also associated with increased CD4+ , CD8+ T-lymphocyte and Foxp3+ T-cell infiltration. In vitro assays further demonstrated that LAcmvIL-10 and cmvIL-10 overexpression inhibits GC cell line proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusions

High UL111A expression changes the number of infiltrating T cells and is associated with favorable survival. Therefore, UL111A could be used as an independent prognostic biomarker and might be a potential therapeutic target for GC.
PD-L1 expression and survival in p16-negative and -positive squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva
Authors: Czogalla Bastian , Pham Deborah , Trillsch Fabian , Rottmann Miriam , Gallwas Julia , Burges Alexander , Mahner Sven , Kirchner Thomas , Jeschke Udo , Mayr Doris , Schmoeckel Elisa
Published: February 2020

Aim

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has become a widely used predictive biomarker for therapy with checkpoint inhibitors in a variety of cancers. Here, we studied the expression of PD-L1 in squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva (SCCV) with regard to HPV status via its surrogate marker p16. Additionally, the status of PD-L1 and p16 were analyzed for prognostic information and potential correlation to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).

Methods

PD-L1 was analyzed in 128 cases of SCCV using the tumor proportion score (TPS), the immune cell score (ICS) and the combined positive score (CPS). Cases were immunostained for p16 and analyzed for stromal TILs. PD-L1, p16, and TILs were compared to clinico-pathological parameters and patient’s survival.

Results

TPS ≥ 50% and CPS ≥ 50 were correlated to a worse grading (p = 0.028 and p = 0.031), but not to FIGO-stage. CPS ≥ 50 was associated to a worse prognosis with overall survival (p = 0.021) but was not correlated to the progression-free survival. P16-positivity was correlated to a longer progression-free survival (p = 0.006) and overall survival (p = 0.023). PD-L1 expression was independent from p16 status. TILs ≥ 50% were present in 24% of the cases and were strongly correlated to PD-L1 (TPS p = 0.02, ICS p < 0.001, CPS p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that PD-L1 expression is frequent in SCCV and independent from p16 status. High PD-L1 expression was associated with an unfavorable outcome whereas p16-positivity turned out to be an independent positive prognostic factor.
Genetics of the congenital absence of the vas deferens
Authors: Bieth Eric , Hamdi Safouane M. , Mieusset Roger
Published: February 2020

Congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD) may have various clinical presentations depending on whether it is bilateral (CBAVD) or unilateral (CUAVD), complete or partial, and associated or not with other abnormalities of the male urogenital tract. CBAVD is usually discovered in adult men either during the systematic assessment of cystic fibrosis or other CFTR-related conditions, or during the exploration of isolated infertility with obstructive azoospermia. The prevalence of CAVDs in men is reported to be approximately 0.1%. However, this figure is probably underestimated, because unilateral forms of CAVD in asymptomatic fertile men are not usually diagnosed. The diagnosis of CAVDs is based on clinical, ultrasound, and sperm examinations. The majority of subjects with CAVD carry at least one cystic fibrosis-causing mutation that warrants CFTR testing and in case of a positive result, genetic counseling prior to conception. Approximately 2% of the cases of CAVD are hemizygous for a loss-of-function mutation in the ADGRG2 gene that may cause a familial form of X-linked infertility. However, despite this recent finding, 10–20% of CBAVDs and 60–70% of CUAVDs remain without a genetic diagnosis. An important proportion of these unexplained CAVDs coexist with a solitary kidney suggesting an early organogenesis disorder (Wolffian duct), unlike CAVDs related to CFTR or ADGRG2 mutations, which might be the result of progressive degeneration that begins later in fetal life and probably continues after birth. How the dysfunction of CFTR, ADGRG2, or other genes such as SLC29A3 leads to this involution is the subject of various pathophysiological hypotheses that are discussed in this review.
Functional outcomes after laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted rectal resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kowalewski K. F. , Seifert L. , Ali S. , Schmidt M. W. , Seide S. , Haney C. , Tapking C. , Shamiyeh A. , Kulu Y. , Hackert T. , Müller-Stich B. P. , Nickel F.
Published: February 2020

Surgical resection is crucial for curative treatment of rectal cancer. Through multidisciplinary treatment, including radiochemotherapy and total mesorectal excision, survival has improved substantially. Consequently, more patients have to deal with side effects of treatment. The most recently introduced surgical technique is robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) which seems equally effective in terms of oncological control compared to laparoscopy. However, RAS enables further advantages which maximize the precision of surgery, thus providing better functional outcomes such as sexual function or contience without compromising oncological results. This review was done according to the PRISMA and AMSTAR-II guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018104519). The search was planned with PICO criteria and conducted on Medline, Web of Science and CENTRAL. All screening steps were performed by two independent reviewers. Inclusion criteria were original, comparative studies for laparoscopy vs. RAS for rectal cancer and reporting of functional outcomes. Quality was assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The search retrieved 9703 hits, of which 51 studies with 24,319 patients were included. There was a lower rate of urinary retention (non-RCTs: Odds ratio (OR) [95% Confidence Interval (CI)] 0.65 [0.46, 0.92]; RCTs: OR[CI] 1.29[0.08, 21.47]), ileus (non-RCTs: OR[CI] 0.86[0.75, 0.98]; RCTs: OR[CI] 0.80[0.33, 1.93]), less urinary symptoms (non-RCTs mean difference (MD) [CI] − 0.60 [− 1.17, − 0.03]; RCTs: − 1.37 [− 4.18, 1.44]), and higher quality of life for RAS (only non-RCTs: MD[CI]: 2.99 [2.02, 3.95]). No significant differences were found for sexual function (non-RCTs: standardized MD[CI]: 0.46[− 0.13, 1.04]; RCTs: SMD[CI]: 0.09[− 0.14, 0.31]). The current meta-analysis suggests potential benefits for RAS over laparoscopy in terms of functional outcomes after rectal cancer resection. The current evidence is limited due to non-randomized controlled trials and reporting of functional outcomes as secondary endpoints.