bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen Oxidation Artifact During Platinum Oxide Reduction in Cyclic Voltammetry Analysis of Low-Loaded PEMFC Electrodes
Authors: Prass S. , St-Pierre J. , Klingele M. , Friedrich K. A. , Zamel N.
Published: October 2020

An artifact appearing during the cathodic transient of cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of low-loaded platinum on carbon (Pt/C) electrodes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) was examined. The artifact appears as an oxidation peak overlapping the reduction peak associated to the reduction of platinum oxide (PtOx). By varying the nitrogen (N2) purge in the working electrode (WE), gas pressures in working and counter electrode, upper potential limits and scan rates of the CVs, the artifact magnitude and potential window could be manipulated. From the results, the artifact is assigned to crossover hydrogen (H2X) accumulating in the WE, once the electrode is passivated towards hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) due to PtOx coverage. During the cathodic CV transient, PtOx is reduced and HOR spontaneously occurs with the accumulated H2X, resulting in the overlap of the PtOx reduction with the oxidation peak. This feature is expected to occur predominantly in CV analysis of low-loaded electrodes made of catalyst material, whose oxide is inactive towards HOR. Further, it is only measurable while the N2 purge of the WE is switched off during the CV measurement. For higher loaded electrodes, the artifact is not observed as the electrocatalysts are not fully inactivated towards HOR due to incomplete oxide coverage, and/or the currents associated with the oxide reduction are much larger than the spontaneous HOR of accumulated H2X. However, owing to the forecasted reduction in noble metal loadings of catalyst in PEMFCs, this artifact is expected to be observed more often in the future.
Internet Information on Oral Cancer Drugs: a Critical Comparison between Website Providers
Authors: Bartmann Berit , Schallock Henriette , Dubois Clara , Keinki Christian , Zomorodbakhsch Bijan , Hartmann Michael , Hübner Jutta
Published: October 2020

Cancer patients need access to high-quality information, when making decisions about oral cancer drugs. The internet is often used as a source of information published by highly heterogeneous providers. The objective was to evaluate the quality of website providers supplying online information about oral cancer drugs. One hundred websites were analyzed using content-related and formal criteria, selected from three existing evaluation methods used for cancer websites, for medical information (defined by the German Agency for Quality in Medicine), and for the “fact box” tool. A web search by a patient was simulated to identify websites to evaluate. ANOVA was used to assess information provided by non-profit organizations (governmental and non-governmental), online newspapers, for-profit organizations, and private/unknown providers. Content-related quality differences were found between online newspapers and all other categories, with online newspapers ranking significantly lower than for-profit and non-profit websites. As for formal criteria, for-profit providers scored significantly lower than non-profit providers and online newspapers for the aspect of transparency. Internet information on oral cancer drugs published by non-profit organizations constitutes the best available web-based source of information for cancer patients. Health literacy and e-health literacy should be promoted in the public domain to allow patients to reliably apply web-based information. Certification should be required by law to ensure fulfillment of requirements for data reliability and transparency (authorship and funding) before health professionals recommend websites to cancer patients.
Modelling and mapping hydrocarbon saturated sand reservoir using Poisson’s impedance (PI) inversion: a case study of Bonna field, Niger Delta swamp depobelt, Nigeria
Authors: Akpan Aniefiok Sylvester , Okeke Francisca Nneka , Obiora Daniel Nnaemeka , George Nyakno Jimmy
Published: October 2020

3D seismic volume and two well logs data labelled Bonna-6 and Bonna-8 were employed in the inversion process. The data set was simultaneously inverted to produce P- and S-impedances, density, VP −  VS, and PI seismic attributes. An average “c” term value of 1.37 was obtained from the inverse of the slope of the crossplot of P-impedance versus S-impedance for Bonna-6 and Bonna-8 wells. This value was employed in the inversion process to generate the PI attribute, which aided in reducing the non-uniqueness inherent in discriminating the probable reservoir sands. Five seismic attributes slices were generated to ascertain the superiority of each attribute in delineating the probable reservoir sand. These attributes were: density, S-impedance, P-impedance, VP− VS ratio and PI. These attributes reveal low value of density (1.96 − 2.14 g/cc), P-impedance (1.8 × 104 − 2.1 × 104) ft/s*g/cc, S-impedance (9.2 × 103 − 1.1 × 104) ft/s*g/cc, VP − VS (1.65 − 1.72) and PI (4.9 × 103 − 5.1 × 104) ft/s*g/cc around the area inferred to be hydrocarbon saturated reservoir. Although the attributes considered reveals the same zone suspected to be probable hydrocarbon zone, PI gives a better discrimination when compared to other attributes. A distinctive spread and demarcation of the delineated hydrocarbon sand are observed in the PI attribute slice.
Health risk assessment of selected metals through tap water consumption in Upper Silesia, Poland
Authors: Michalski Rajmund , Pecyna-Utylska Paulina , Kernert Joanna , Grygoyć Katarzyna , Klyta Justyna
Published: October 2020

The research focused on assessing the risk to human health resulting from the content of selected Cr, Co, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, Zn and Sr metals in tap water supplied by Upper Silesia Water Plant to the inhabitants of the Upper Silesia region (Poland). It is the main supplier of drinking water to several million inhabitants of this agglomeration. Samples were taken and analyzed quarterly in 2019. The sampling points were chosen to help identify the source when an elevated level of a particular contaminant is observed. ICP-MS and ICP-OES have been used to measure the concentrations of those elements. The chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) results for non-carcinogenic risk assessment of metals in tap water has been assessed. CDI values of non-carcinogenic metals were higher in children than in adults; the CDI values for adults and children were found in the order of: Zn > Sr > Cu > Mn > Ni > Pb > Cr > Co > As. All the studied metals had HQ values below 1, the risks caused by the non-carcinogenic metals decreased in the following order: Zn > Cu > Co > As > Sr > Pb > Cr > Ni > Mn. HI values were also less than 1, that meaning that the analyzed tap water is safe for human consumption. The concentration of As, Cr, Cu, Mn and Ni in analyzed tap water is in accordance with Polish and international requirements.
Rheological and tribological approaches as a tool for the development of sustainable lubricating greases based on nano-montmorillonite and castor oil
Authors: Martín-Alfonso José Enrique , Martín-Alfonso María José , Valencia Concepción , Cuberes María Teresa
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the development of novel montmorillonite/castor oil blends to formulate sustainable lubricating greases to promote the replacement of petrochemicals industry-derived materials by substances obtained from renewable sources. Specifically, the effect of the thickener concentration on the rheological, chemical, thermal, tribological properties, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) microstructure of these systems were studied. The results showed that the C20A nanoclay content could be used to modulate the viscosity values, the linear viscoelastic functions, and tribological properties of these montmorillonite dispersions. In general, these gel-like dispersions exhibited remarkable lubricant properties; the samples showed values of the friction coefficient and wear scars similar or lower than those obtained with model bentonite grease.
Chorioangioma: A Case Report
Authors: Panat Veena
Published: October 2020

Chorioangiomas are benign tumors of the placenta, characterised by AV shunting within placenta leading to fetal anemia, cardiomegaly and hydrops. Maternal complications are also known as polyhydramnios, APH and Mirror syndrome. They are seen after 20 weeks, and most of them remain small and are asymptomatic. Large ones (> 4 cm) can create complications for the fetus and expectant mothers. The proximity of the chorioangioma to the placental cord insertion site and its size determines prognosis. Prenatal therapy in the form of interventions like direct injections of various chemicals and laser coagulation of the tumor’s feeding vessels are described in the literature. Conservative management may also be offered in certain circumstances. We report a case of large Chorioangioma managed conservatively. Early diagnosis was made, patient counseling followed by close surveillance with Doppler, MCA PSV was done for fetal wellbeing. The timely intervention led to good neonatal and maternal outcome aided with NICU management.
Narcissism and fame: a complex network model for the adaptive interaction of digital narcissism and online popularity
Authors: Jabeen Fakhra , Gerritsen Charlotte , Treur Jan
Published: October 2020

Social media like Twitter or Instagram play the role of fertile platforms for self-exhibition and allow their users to earn a good repute. People higher in grandiosity share their contents in a charismatic way and as a result, they are successful in gaining attention from others, which may also influence their responses and behaviors. Such attention and repute enable them to be a trendsetter or a socially recognized maven. In this paper, we present a complex adaptive mental network model of a narcissist to see how popularity can adaptively influence his/her behavior. To analyze and to support behavior showed by our model, we used some key performance indicators from the literature to study the popularity and narcissism of 30 Instagram profiles. The results of the—both computational and empirical—study indicate that our presented computational adaptive network model in general shows the behavior found from the empirical data.
Effects of misinformation diffusion during a pandemic
Authors: Prandi Lorenzo , Primiero Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

The role of misinformation diffusion during a pandemic is crucial. An aspect that requires particular attention in the analysis of misinfodemics is the rationale of the source of false information, in particular how the behavior of agents spreading misinformation through traditional communication outlets and social networks can influence the diffusion of the disease. We studied the process of false information transmission by malicious agents, in the context of a disease pandemic based on data for the COVID-19 emergency in Italy. We model communication of misinformation based on a negative trust relation, supported by findings in the literature that relate the endorsement of conspiracy theories with low trust level towards institutions. We provide an agent-based simulation and consider the effects of a misinfodemic on policies related to lockdown strategies, isolation, protection and distancing measures, and overall negative impact on society during a pandemic. Our analysis shows that there is a clear impact by misinfodemics in aggravating the results of a current pandemic.
#Happy: Constructing and Sharing Everyday Understandings of Happiness on Instagram
Authors: De Paola Jennifer , Hakoköngäs Eemeli J. , Hakanen Jari J.
Published: October 2020

The United Nations’ World Happiness Report has ranked Finland as the happiest country for three consecutive years. In this research, we employed thematic analysis to analyze Instagram posts (N = 650) tagged with the hashtag “#happy” produced by Finnish-speaking users (#onnellinen in Finnish) during 2018, the first year that Finland gained the title of happiest country.

We found that the representations of happiness constructed on Instagram included seven shared and distinguishable themes: Social relationships, Physical appearance, Free Time, Nature, Success, Pets and Material Things. Drawing from the social representations theory approach, the results revealed a multi-layered structure of the representations of happiness organized around three dichotomies: social–individual, relaxing–pursuing and immaterial–material, which were anchored to ideas of “gratitude” (toward something or someone) and “pride” (toward the self). The dichotomy “self-oriented/other-oriented” was interpreted to constitute the themata (underlying structure) of the emerging social representation of happiness.

The paper contributes to the research of everyday knowledge by demonstrating how understandings related to happiness are shaped on Instagram, as well as by proposing a possible strategy for exploring the construction of everyday understandings of different societal issues employing new communication technology platforms containing both visual and textual elements.
Genome Size Evolution Mediated by Gypsy Retrotransposons in Brassicaceae
Authors: Zhang Shi-Jian , Liu Lei , Yang Ruolin , Wang Xiangfeng
Published: October 2020

The dynamic activity of transposable elements (TEs) contributes to the vast diversity of genome size and architecture among plants. Here, we examined the genomic distribution and transposition activity of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) in Arabidopsis thaliana (Ath) and three of its relatives, Arabidopsis lyrata (Aly), Eutrema salsugineum (Esa), and Schrenkiella parvula (Spa), in Brassicaceae. Our analyses revealed the distinct evolutionary dynamics of Gypsyretrotransposons, which reflects the different patterns of genome size changes of the four species over the past million years. The rate of Gypsy transposition in Aly is approximately five times more rapid than that of Ath and Esa, suggesting an expanding Aly genome. Gypsy insertions in Esa are strictly confined to pericentromeric heterochromatin and associated with dramatic centromere expansion. In contrast, Gypsy insertions in Spa have been largely suppressed over the last million years, likely as a result of a combination of an inherent molecular mechanism of preferential DNA removal and purifying selection at Gypsy elements. Additionally, species-specific clades of Gypsy elements shaped the distinct genome architectures of Aly and Esa.
Chest wall reconstruction using a titanium plate sandwiched between two prolene meshes for large chest wall tumours: A single-centre case series study
Authors: Binh Nguyen Hoang , Bang Ho Tat , Hung Ngo Quoc , Tien Tran Quyet
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Reconstruction of chest wall defects is necessary to maintain the stability of the chest wall and respiratory mechanism, protect the intrathoracic organs, and retain acceptable cosmetic appearance. Currently, the consensus guidelines for chest wall reconstruction remain unclear. Here, we present our clinical experience in treating large chest tumours using a titanium plate sandwiched between two prolene meshes.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of 15 patients with large chest wall tumours who underwent chest wall reconstruction with a titanium plate sandwiched between two prolene meshes at our hospital from November 2015 to May 2020. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months and then at 6-month intervals to examine the complications, recurrence, metastasis, and survival.

Results:

The median tumour size was 10 cm (range: 6–30 cm). There were eight primary chest wall, five metastatic, and two benign tumours. All defects were reconstructed with a titanium plate sandwiched between two prolene meshes. One patient underwent total sternal resection, 10 patients underwent partial sternal and rib resection, and 4 patients underwent rib resection (generally 2–4 ribs). There was no mortality or major complication, and only two patients had seroma. During follow-up, one patient had a prothesis infection requiring removal after 9 months.

Conclusion:

Reconstruction of the anterior chest wall using a titanium plate sandwiched between two polypropylene mesh sheets was successfully performed, and favourable outcomes were obtained. However, further studies with a larger population are required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this procedure.

Highlights:
Boolean Functions for Cryptography and Coding Theory
Authors: Carlet Claude
Published: October 2020

Boolean functions are essential to systems for secure and reliable communication. This comprehensive survey of Boolean functions for cryptography and coding covers the whole domain and all important results, building on the author's influential articles with additional topics and recent results. A useful resource for researchers and graduate students, the book balances detailed discussions of properties and parameters with examples of various types of cryptographic attacks that motivate the consideration of these parameters. It provides all the necessary background on mathematics, cryptography, and coding, and an overview on recent applications, such as side channel attacks on smart cards, cloud computing through fully homomorphic encryption, and local pseudo-random generators. The result is a complete and accessible text on the state of the art in single and multiple output Boolean functions that illustrates the interaction between mathematics, computer science, and telecommunications.
Structural Geology: A Quantitative Introduction
Authors: Pollard David D. , Martel Stephen J.
Published: October 2020

Tackling structural geology problems today requires a quantitative understanding of the underlying physical principles, and the ability to apply mathematical models to deformation processes within the Earth. Accessible yet rigorous, this unique textbook demonstrates how to approach structural geology quantitatively using calculus and mechanics, and prepares students to interface with professional geophysicists and engineers who appreciate and utilize the same tools and computational methods to solve multidisciplinary problems. Clearly explained methods are used throughout the book to quantify field data, set up mathematical models for the formation of structures, and compare model results to field observations. An extensive online package of coordinated laboratory exercises enables students to consolidate their learning and put it into practice by analyzing structural data and building insightful models. Designed for single-semester undergraduate courses, this pioneering text prepares students for graduates studies and careers as professional geoscientists.
Multi‐Century Impacts of Ice Sheet Retreat on Sea Level and Ocean Tides in Hudson Bay
Authors: Hayden A.‐M. , Wilmes S.‐B. , Gomez N. , Green J. A. M. , Pan L. , Han H. , Golledge N. R.
Published: October 2020

Past and modern large‐scale ice sheet loss results in geographically variable sea level changes. At present, in Hudson Bay, Canada, sea level is decreasing due to glacial isostatic adjustment, which represents a departure from the globally averaged sea level rise. However, there are large uncertainties in future sea level trends with further polar ice sheet retreat in the coming centuries. Sea level changes affect ocean tides considerably because tides are highly sensitive to changes in bathymetry. Here, we present multi‐century sea level projections associated with a suite of past and future ice loss scenarios and consider the impact of these changes on ocean tides using an established tidal model. Modern tides in Hudson Bay are poorly resolved due to large uncertainties in bathymetry. To establish an initial condition for our simulations, we constrain bathymetry in the bay using tide observations. Due to gravitational, Earth rotational and deformational effects, Greenland ice loss will produce a small sea level fall in the bay, while Antarctic ice loss will produce a larger than average sea level rise. Our results show that the response of the Antarctic ice sheet to climate change strongly impacts the magnitude and sign of future sea level and tidal amplitude changes in the region, with the largest changes predicted in Hudson Strait and Foxe Basin. We emphasize that further constraints on bathymetry and accurate projections of sea level and tides in Hudson Bay are imperative for assessing the associated impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems.
Rethinking Darwin’s Theory of Atoll Formation
Authors: Supriya Lakshmi
Published: October 2020

Atolls have a long and complex history related to seafloor evolution, and Darwin’s model is only the beginning of the story.
How Scientists Can Engage to Solve the Climate Crisis
Authors: Martin Raleigh
Published: October 2020

Policymakers need scientists. Here’s how one geoscientist contributed to a U.S. congressional report that’s already churning out legislation—and real action.
Iron Incorporation From Seawater Into Antarctic Sea Ice: A Model Study
Authors: Person R. , Vancoppenolle M. , Aumont O.
Published: October 2020

Sea ice acts as an iron (Fe) reservoir in the Southern Ocean (SO) where primary productivity is largely Fe limited. The mechanisms leading to Fe enrichment in sea ice result from the combination of poorly understood and largely unexplored physical and biological processes. We analyze the biogeochemical impacts of three plausible idealized formulations of dissolved Fe (DFe) incorporation into sea ice corresponding to (i) constant Fe concentration in sea ice, (ii) constant ocean‐ice Fe flux, and (iii) ocean‐ice Fe flux linearly varying with seawater Fe concentration in a global ocean‐sea‐ice‐biogeochemical model, focusing on the SO. The three formulations simulate different geographical distributions of DFe concentrations in sea ice. Iron in sea ice remains largely uncertain due to the limited number of spatial and seasonal observations, poorly constrained Fe sources and sinks, and significant uncertainties in simulated sea ice and hydrography. Despite these differences, the fertilization effect by sea ice on phytoplankton photosynthesis is qualitatively similar regardless of the formulation considered. Iron incorporation during sea‐ice formation, transport, and melt release, common to all formulations, dominates over differences in sea‐ice Fe concentrations. Formulating the Fe incorporation rate as proportional to seawater Fe concentrations gives the closest agreement to field observations. With this formulation, sediments work in synergy with Fe transport to fertilize the waters north of the continental shelf. Southern Ocean primary production and export production increase by 5–10% and 9–19%, respectively, when Fe incorporation into sea ice is considered, suggesting a moderate effect of Fe‐bearing sea ice on marine productivity.
Observed Impacts of COVID‐19 on Urban CO2 Emissions
Authors: Turner Alexander J. , Kim Jinsol , Fitzmaurice Helen , Newman Catherine , Worthington Kevin , Chan Katherine , Wooldridge Paul J. , Köehler Philipp , Frankenberg Christian , Cohen Ronald C.
Published: October 2020

Governments restricted mobility and effectively shuttered much of the global economy in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Six San Francisco Bay Area counties were the first region in the United States to issue a “shelter‐in‐place” order asking non‐essential workers to stay home. Here we use CO2 observations from 35 Berkeley Environment, Air‐quality and CO2 Network (BEACO2N) nodes and an atmospheric transport model to quantify changes in urban CO2 emissions due to the order. We infer hourly emissions at 900‐m spatial resolution for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks during the order. We observe a 30% decrease in anthropogenic CO2 emissions during the order and show that this decrease is primarily due to changes in traffic (–48%) with pronounced changes to daily and weekly cycles; non‐traffic emissions show small changes (–8%). These findings provide a glimpse into a future with reduced CO2 emissions through electrification of vehicles.
Establishment of Conceptual Schemas of Surface Synoptic Meteorological Situations Affecting Fine Particulate Pollution Across Eastern China in the Winter
Authors: Hou Xuewei , Zhu Bin , Kumar Kanike Raghavendra , de Leeuw Gerrit , Lu Wen , Huang Qian , Zhu Xiaoxin
Published: October 2020

In the present study, the characteristics of weather conditions and local meteorological variables over the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei (BTH) and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) regions in the winter are analyzed using the principal component analysis (PCA) method and daily PM2.5 accumulation rate. Typical synoptic weather patterns over China in the winter can be classified into four types. During the Type 1 synoptic weather pattern, China is under the influence of the Siberian High, and northerly winds prevail; this situation is beneficial to the transport of pollutants from north to south. However, when the Siberian High is weak, southerly winds prevail which may result in the transport of pollutants from south to north. The Type 2 weather pattern refers to a weak high pressure located in the BTH resulting in the accumulation of pollutants. During the Type 3 weather pattern, an intense cold Siberian High moves to the south and affects the northern areas of China. The associated front brings heavy precipitation in the YRD resulting in the wet deposition of pollution. During the Type 4 weather condition, the weak Siberian High is blocked by the northeast cold vortex and moves towards the south, causing the accumulation of pollution in the YRD. The PCA model shows that there are two transport pathways for pollutants to the BTH (YRD) area: one from the YRD (BTH) and Shandong during Types 1 and 2 (Types 1 and 3) situations and the other one from the central provinces during Type 4 (Types 1 and 4).
Retrievals of High‐Latitude Surface Emissivity Across the Infrared From High‐Altitude Aircraft Flights
Authors: Murray Jonathan E. , Brindley Helen E. , Fox Stuart , Bellisario Christophe , Pickering Juliet C. , Fox Cathryn , Harlow Chawn , Smith Maureen , Anderson Doug , Huang Xianglei , Chen Xiuhong , Last Alan , Bantges Richard
Published: October 2020

We present retrievals of infrared spectral surface emissivities spanning the far infrared and mid‐infrared from aircraft observations over Greenland, taken at an altitude of 9.2 km above sea level. We describe the flight campaign, available measurements, and the retrieval method. The principal barriers to reducing uncertainty in the emissivity retrievals are found to be instrumental noise and our ability to simultaneously retrieve the underlying surface temperature. However, our results indicate that using the instrumentation available to us it is possible to retrieve emissivities from altitude with an uncertainty of ~0.02 or better across much of the infrared. They confirm that the far‐infrared emissivity of snow and ice surfaces can depart substantially from unity, reaching values as low as 0.9 between 400 and 450 cm−1. They also show good consistency with retrievals from the same flight made from near‐surface observations giving confidence in the methodology used and the results obtained for this more challenging viewing configuration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that far‐infrared surface emissivity has been retrieved from altitude and demonstrates that the methodology has the potential to be extended to planned satellite far‐infrared missions.
Understanding the Eco‐Geomorphologic Feedback of Coastal Marsh Under Sea Level Rise: Vegetation Dynamic Representations, Processes Interaction, and Parametric Sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Yu , Rowland Joel C. , Xu Chonggang , Wolfram Phillip J. , Svyatsky Daniil , Moulton J. David , Cao Zhendong , Marani Marco , D'Alpaos Andrea , Pasqualini Donatella
Published: October 2020

A growing number of coastal eco‐geomorphologic modeling studies have been conducted to understand coastal marsh evolution under sea‐level rise (SLR). Although these models quantify marsh topographic change as a function of sedimentation and erosion, their representations of vegetation dynamics that control organic sedimentation differ. How vegetation dynamic schemes contribute to simulation outcomes is not well quantified. Additionally, the sensitivity of modeling outcomes to parameter selection in the available formulations has not been rigorously tested to date, especially under the influence of an accelerating SLR. In this study, we used a coastal eco‐geomorphologic model with different vegetation dynamic schemes to investigate the eco‐geomorphologic feedbacks of coastal marshes and parametric sensitivity under SLR scenarios. We found that marsh platform relief increased with SLR rate. The simulations with different vegetation schemes exhibited different spatial‐temporal variations in elevation and biomass. The nonlinearSpartinascheme presented the most resilient prediction with generally the highest marsh accretion and vegetation biomass, and the least elevation relief under SLR. But the linearSpartinascheme predicts the lowest unvegetated‐vegetated ratio. We also found that vegetation‐related parameters and sediment diffusivity, which were not well measured or discussed in previous studies, were identified as some of the most critical parameters. Additionally, the model sensitivity to vegetation‐related parameters increased with SLR rates. The identified most sensitive parameters may inform how to appropriately choose modeling representations of key processes and parameters for different coastal marsh landscapes under SLR and demonstrate the importance of future field measurements of these key parameters.
Prognostic factors for survival after allogeneic transplantation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Greil C. , Engelhardt M. , Ihorst G. , Duque-Afonso J. , Shoumariyeh K. , Bertz H. , Marks R. , Zeiser R. , Duyster J. , Finke J. , Wäsch R.
Published: October 2020

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) offers a curative option in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Prognostic factors for survival after allo-SCT have not been sufficiently defined: pheno-/genotype, patients´ age, conditioning regimens and remission at allo-SCT are under discussion. We analyzed the outcome of 180 consecutive adult ALL-patients undergoing allo-SCT at our center between 1995 and 2018 to identify specific prognostic factors. In our cohort 19% were older than 55 years, 28% had Philadelphia-positive B-ALL, 24% T-ALL. 54% were transplanted in first complete remission (CR1), 13% in CR2 after salvage therapy, 31% reached no remission (8% within first-line, 23% within salvage therapy). In 66% conditioning contained total body irradiation (TBI). With a median follow-up of 10 years, we observed an overall survival of 33% at 10 years, and a progression free survival of 31%. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 41% at 10 years, the cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality 28%. Acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) II°–IV° occurred in 31%, moderate/severe chronic GvHD in 27%. Survival was better in patients reaching CR before allo-SCT and in those receiving TBI. No difference between patients younger/older than 55 years and between different phenotypes was observed. Survival after allo-SCT improved considerably over the last decades.
Ubiquitin signaling in cell cycle control and tumorigenesis
Authors: Dang Fabin , Nie Li , Wei Wenyi
Published: October 2020

Cell cycle progression is a tightly regulated process by which DNA replicates and cell reproduces. The major driving force underlying cell cycle progression is the sequential activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which is achieved in part by the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of their cyclin partners and kinase inhibitors (CKIs). In eukaryotic cells, two families of E3 ubiquitin ligases, anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome and Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein complex, are responsible for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of many of these CDK regulators, ensuring cell cycle progresses in a timely and precisely regulated manner. In the past couple of decades, accumulating evidence have demonstrated that the dysregulated cell cycle transition caused by inefficient proteolytic control leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation and finally results in tumorigenesis. Based upon this notion, targeting the E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in cell cycle regulation is expected to provide novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Thus, a better understanding of the diversity and complexity of ubiquitin signaling in cell cycle regulation will shed new light on the precise control of the cell cycle progression and guide anticancer drug development.
OPA1 and MICOS Regulate mitochondrial crista dynamics and formation
Authors: Hu Chao , Shu Li , Huang Xiaoshuai , Yu Jianglong , Li liuju , Gong Longlong , Yang Meigui , Wu Zhida , Gao Zhi , Zhao Yungang , Chen Liangyi , Song Zhiyin
Published: October 2020

Mitochondrial cristae are the main site for oxidative phosphorylation, which is critical for cellular energy production. Upon different physiological or pathological stresses, mitochondrial cristae undergo remodeling to reprogram mitochondrial function. However, how mitochondrial cristae are formed, maintained, and remolded is still largely unknown due to the technical challenges of tracking mitochondrial crista dynamics in living cells. Here, using live-cell Hessian structured illumination microscopy combined with transmission electron microscopy, focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy, and three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction, we show, in living cells, that mitochondrial cristae are highly dynamic and undergo morphological changes, including elongation, shortening, fusion, division, and detachment from the mitochondrial inner boundary membrane (IBM). In addition, we find that OPA1, Yme1L, MICOS, and Sam50, along with the newly identified crista regulator ATAD3A, control mitochondrial crista dynamics. Furthermore, we discover two new types of mitochondrial crista in dysfunctional mitochondria, “cut-through crista” and “spherical crista”, which are formed due to incomplete mitochondrial fusion and dysfunction of the MICOS complex. Interestingly, cut-through crista can convert to “lamellar crista”. Overall, we provide a direct link between mitochondrial crista formation and mitochondrial crista dynamics.
Borate-modified carbon dots as a probe for quercetin in plants
Authors: Gao Mei , He Man , Xing Rang , Wang Xuefei , Wang Zhuo
Published: October 2020

Schematic presentation of the PBA-CDs enhancing the fluorescence of quercetin in contrast to N-CDs.
AuIr alloy with arbitrarily adjustable lattice parameters as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhai Conghui , Ming Ruoxi , Chen Hanruo , Tan Lingjun , Cong Ning , Han Juanjuan , Zhou Xiaorong , Yang Xiaohong , Ren Zhandong , Zhu Yuchan
Published: October 2020

AuIr alloy nanoparticles with arbitrarily adjustable lattice parameters are used as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline solution.
Accurate global adiabatic potential energy surfaces for three low-lying electronic states of AlH2 free radicals
Authors: Chai Shijie , Wang Hainan , Lü Yanling , Guo Qiang , Li Yongqing
Published: October 2020

In order to obtain the all-round molecular properties of AlH2 system and the dynamical characteristics of Al + H2 (v = 0, j = 0) → H + AlH reaction, three significant potential energy surfaces of AlH2 (X2A1, 2B1 and 2B2) are constructed for the first time.
Excitonic enhancement of colour emission and Förster resonance energy transfer in chemically synthesized Mn-doped ZnS nanomaterials
Authors: Kumari Lakshmi , Kar Asit Kumar
Published: October 2020

Excitons are created in Zn1−xMnxS under photo-excitation. A fraction of the excitons transfers their energy to ZnS's intrinsic traps, generating blue emission, whereas the remaining excitons are utilized to excite Mn2+ ions, showing orange emission.
Synthesis and characterization of Cu3SbS4 thin films grown by co-sputtering metal precursors and subsequent sulfurization
Authors: Rahman A Azizur , Hossian Emroj , Vaishnav Hetal , Parmar Jayesh B. , Bhattacharya Arnab , Sarma Arun
Published: October 2020

X-ray diffraction profile, Raman and optical absorption spectra, and surface morphology of phase-pure Cu3SbS4 films grown at 425 °C by co-sputtering metal precursors and subsequent sulfurization.
Visible light enabled para-fluoro-thiol ligation
Authors: Engelke Johanna , Truong Vinh X.
Published: October 2020

The visible light-trigged para-fluoro-thiol ligation is demonstrated for first time by using the photogeneration of a superbase DBU.
Molecular engineering of (E)-1,2-bis(3-cyanothiophene-2-yl)ethene-based polymeric semiconductors for unipolar n-channel field-effect transistors
Authors: Wei Congyuan , Tang Zhonghai , Zhang Weifeng , Huang Jianyao , Zhou Yankai , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: October 2020

The unipolar n-type polymeric semiconductors based on (E)-1,2-bis(3-cyanothiophene-2-yl)ethene were developed and their structure–property relationships were investigated.
A pH reversibly activatable NIR photothermal/photodynamic-in-one agent integrated with renewable nanoimplants for image-guided precision phototherapy
Authors: Zhao Xu , Zhao Kai-Chao , Chen Li-Jian , Liu Yu-Shi , Liu Jia-Lin , Yan Xiu-Ping
Published: October 2020

A smart NIR photothermal/photodynamic-in-one agent integrated with renewable nanoimplants for autofluorescence- and continuous external irradiation-free image-guided precision tumor-targeting phototherapy.
Self-assembly of chiral oligo(methylene-p-phenylene-ethynylene)s into vesicle-like particles independent of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of side chains and solvents
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Bian Zheng , Chen Yu , Kang Chuanqing , Gao Lianxun , Zhu Guangshan
Published: October 2020

Chiral oligo(methylene-p-phenyleneethynylene)s can form vesicular assemblies no matter whether side chains and solvents are hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The self-assembly processes are highly independent of molecular design and chemical environments.
Hybrid mesoporous aluminosilicate catalysts obtained by non-hydrolytic sol–gel for ethanol dehydration
Authors: Styskalik Ales , Kordoghli Imene , Poleunis Claude , Delcorte Arnaud , Moravec Zdenek , Simonikova Lucie , Kanicky Viktor , Aprile Carmela , Fusaro Luca , Debecker Damien P.
Published: October 2020

Introduction of methyl groups into the highly porous aluminosilicates prepared by non-hydrolytic sol–gel improves the ethylene yields in ethanol dehydration.
Regulating the morphology and luminescence properties of CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots through the rigidity of glass network structure
Authors: Pang Xiaoliang , Si Shuaichen , Xie Liqing , Zhang Xuejie , Huang Haozhang , Liu Shuting , Xiao Wenxin , Wang Surui , Xuan Tongtong , Zhuang Jianle , Hu Chaofan , Liu Yingliang , Lei Bingfu , Zhang Haoran
Published: October 2020

The controlled morphology and luminescence properties of CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots have been successfully achieved in glass through manipulating the rigidity of glass network structure.
High‐order bandpass frequency selective surface based on aperture‐coupled patch resonators under dual resonance
Authors: Xie Jin‐Ming , Li Bo , Lyu Yun‐Peng , Zhu Lei
Published: October 2020

A bandpass frequency selective surface (FSS) with fourth‐order bandpass filtering response is proposed based on aperture‐coupled patch resonators (ACPRs) under the operation of TM010 and TM030 resonant modes. An initial bandpass ACPRs FSS with second‐order filtering response is firstly realised by periodically arranging the back‐to‐back patch resonators with coupling apertures etched on the common ground. In order to combine the resonant modes TM010 and TM030 for a higher‐order filtering response, seven pairs of shorting pins are properly loaded based on the cavity model theory for the microstrip patch resonator. The loaded shorting pins make the TM010 mode of the ACPRs shift towards the higher frequency, while the TM030 mode keeps nearly unchanged. As a result, these two resonant modes can be allocated in proximity to each other to finally realise a fourth‐order bandpass filtering response. To validate the design concept, an FSS prototype is designed and fabricated. Reasonable agreement between the measured and simulated results validates the conceptual design.
3D deterministic ray tracing method for massive MIMO channel modelling and parameters extraction
Authors: Liu Gang , She Jun , Lu Wenjun , Zhang Ming , Bo Yaming
Published: October 2020

Geometric stochastic method and deterministic ray tracing method are two common methods of modelling massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) channels. The former has high computational efficiency but a large number of input parameters need to be extracted from measurements for different environments. Conversely, the latter is more suitable for a specific environment but consumes a lot of computing costs. In this study, a novel three‐dimensional (3D) deterministic ray tracing method for massive MIMO channel modelling is proposed. The computational efficiency can be improved in two aspects compared with conventional deterministic ray tracing methods. Firstly, substantial intersection tests used in determining the propagation paths of rays are replaced with the adjacency relationships between tetrahedrons. Secondly, the process of ray tracing is independent of the location of a receiving antenna and therefore repeated ray tracing process is unnecessary for different elements of receiving antenna array. The proposed method is also used as a substitute for measurements to extract input parameters for geometric stochastic channel models. The accuracy of the proposed method in massive MIMO channel modelling and parameters extraction is verified by comparing the results with measurements and other existing channel models.
Downlink data transmission for high‐speed trains in 5G communication systems
Authors: Vahidi Vahid , Saberinia Ebrahim
Published: October 2020

In this study, a new transmitter–receiver approach for high‐speed train (HST) downlink orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) data transmission and detection in fifth generation (5G) communication systems is proposed. The proposed method uses a new Doppler shift frequency (DSF) estimation method, proposed in this study, to calculate the channel tap DSFs at the HST receiver. These estimated DSFs are used to calculate the channel taps’ angle of departure (AoD). Using the projected AoDs, the transmitter beamformer adjusts its coefficients to suppress the non‐line‐of‐sight (NLoS) channel taps and a DSF compensation block is used to mitigate the line‐of‐sight channel tap DSF. Simulation results indicate the fidelity of the proposed DSF estimation method and the proposed transmitter–receiver approach. Due to the accuracy of the proposed DSF estimation method and the effectiveness of the beamformer in suppressing the NLoS channel taps, the approach of using a classic digital modulation and demodulation method instead of the OFDM scheme is appraised. Simulation results indicate that this shift from the OFDM modulation to the classic modulation results in a data detection approach which has acceptable accuracy, low computational complexity, and high spectral efficiency.
Interference alignment in two‐hop multiple‐input multiple‐output interference channel under various CSI and antenna correlation
Authors: Hosseini‐Fakhr Seyyed Hossein , Falahati Abolfazl
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the problem of interference management is investigated in the downlink of multi‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output two‐hop interference channel under various scenarios of channel state information (CSI) and antenna correlation. Interference alignment (IA) in the space dimension is a powerful tool to solve this problem. Iterative IA algorithms are adopted in both the first and the second hops transmissions independently. After aligning interfering signals, the recovery of the transmitted signal vector is performed based on zero‐forcing and semi‐definite relaxation detectors. Furthermore, the impacts of the imperfect CSI and antenna correlation on sum‐rate are investigated for decode‐and‐forward (DF) and amplify‐and‐forward relaying protocols. When the system is proper but IA is not completely feasible, the performance of minimum interference leakage (MIL) is compared with rank‐constrained rank minimisation (RCRM) algorithm in DF protocol. RCRM algorithm is more sensitive to CSI such that the channel uncertainty easily leads to an increase in the interference matrix rank. According to the simulation results, for the case of perfect CSI, RCRM makes further interference‐free dimensions which leads to better performance than MIL, but for the case of imperfect CSI, close performance is observed.
Performance enhancement of hybrid‐SIM for optical wireless downlink communication with aperture averaging and receiver diversity
Authors: Dubey Dheeraj , Prajapati Yogendra Kumar , Tripathi Rajeev
Published: October 2020

Error performance of hybrid subcarrier intensity modulation (hybrid‐SIM) in optical free‐space satellite downlink has been studied in this work. Bit error rate (BER) is improved by aperture averaging and spatial receiver diversity and it is found out be effective in strong turbulence regime. Subsequently, the reduction in scintillation index has been investigated by implementing a single large receiver and an array of point receivers of length with the same effective aperture area. Moreover, the BER at different turbulence conditions is compared with minimum shift keying and multiple levels of pulse position modulation pertaining to aperture averaging. Upon analysing the single input multiple outputs (SIMO) system, the desired response is obtained above a certain threshold in average received irradiance. At different zenith angles and turbulence strengths for , the threshold is 4.59 and 3.35 dB, respectively, and it rises by 13.6 and 26.43 dB when is increased to 9. This constraint can be exploited to optimise the number of receivers concerning system requirement and availability. Further, the pointing error effects are also investigated for SISO and SIMO systems, which takes into account both atmospheric turbulence and misalignment induced fading.
Delay aware scheduling in UAV‐enabled OFDMA mobile edge computing system
Authors: Liu Siyang , Yang Tingting
Published: October 2020

In infrastructure‐less scenarios such as rural environments, wild emergency response, military applications and disaster relief, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are capable of providing enhanced mobile edge computing (MEC) services for ground users. Although small latency is the most important advantage of MEC system, how to provide delay aware scheduling in UAV‐enabled MEC system still remains unsolved. In this study, the authors investigate the delay aware scheduling problem in UAV‐enabled orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) MEC system and formulate two non‐convex optimisation problems. Moreover, they consider uplink and downlink architecture with characteristics in different UAV‐ground links and traffic load. Furthermore, they propose two novel multi‐stages resource allocation algorithms, i.e. the JSPA‐T and JSPA‐F algorithms with respect to downlink transmit power allocation and sub‐carrier assignment. The mathematical frameworks with duality theory based alternative search optimisation and successive approximation method are proposed. The simulation results validate the performance improvement of the proposed solutions as well as the fast converge behaviour and small computational complexity.