bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The validation status of blood biomarkers of amyloid and phospho-tau assessed with the 5-phase development framework for AD biomarkers
Authors: Ashton N. J. , Leuzy A. , Karikari T. K. , Mattsson-Carlgren N. , Dodich A. , Boccardi M. , Corre J. , Drzezga A. , Nordberg A. , Ossenkoppele R. , Zetterberg H. , Blennow K. , Frisoni G. B. , Garibotto V. , Hansson O.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The development of blood biomarkers that reflect Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology (phosphorylated tau and amyloid-β) has offered potential as scalable tests for dementia differential diagnosis and early detection. In 2019, the Geneva AD Biomarker Roadmap Initiative included blood biomarkers in the systematic validation of AD biomarkers.

Methods

A panel of experts convened in November 2019 at a two-day workshop in Geneva. The level of maturity (fully achieved, partly achieved, preliminary evidence, not achieved, unsuccessful) of blood biomarkers was assessed based on the Biomarker Roadmap methodology and discussed fully during the workshop which also evaluated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positron emission tomography (PET) biomarkers.

Results

Plasma p-tau has shown analytical validity (phase 2 primary aim 1) and first evidence of clinical validity (phase 3 primary aim 1), whereas the maturity level for Aβ remains to be partially achieved. Full and partial achievement has been assigned to p-tau and Aβ, respectively, in their associations to ante-mortem measures (phase 2 secondary aim 2). However, only preliminary evidence exists for the influence of covariates, assay comparison and cut-off criteria.

Conclusions

Despite the relative infancy of blood biomarkers, in comparison to CSF biomarkers, much has already been achieved for phases 1 through 3 – with p-tau having greater success in detecting AD and predicting disease progression. However, sufficient data about the effect of covariates on the biomarker measurement is lacking. No phase 4 (real-world performance) or phase 5 (assessment of impact/cost) aim has been tested, thus not achieved.
Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Emergency Laparotomy Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations: Part 1—Preoperative: Diagnosis, Rapid Assessment and Optimization
Authors: Peden Carol J. , Aggarwal Geeta , Aitken Robert J. , Anderson Iain D. , Bang Foss Nicolai , Cooper Zara , Dhesi Jugdeep K. , French W. Brenton , Grant Michael C. , Hammarqvist Folke , Hare Sarah P. , Havens Joaquim M. , Holena Daniel N. , Hübner Martin , Kim Jeniffer S. , Lees Nicholas P. , Ljungqvist Olle , Lobo Dileep N. , Mohseni Shahin , Ordoñez Carlos A. , Quiney Nial , Urman Richard D. , Wick Elizabeth , Wu Christopher L. , Young‐Fadok Tonia , Scott Michael
Published: March 2021

Background

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols reduce length of stay, complications and costs for a large number of elective surgical procedures. A similar, structured approach appears to improve outcomes, including mortality, for patients undergoing high‐risk emergency general surgery, and specifically emergency laparotomy. These are the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of these patients using an ERAS approach.

Methods

Experts in aspects of management of the high‐risk and emergency general surgical patient were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE database searches on English language publications were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies on each item were selected with particular attention to randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta‐analyses and large cohort studies, and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on non‐emergency patients when appropriate. The Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. The guideline has been divided into two parts: Part 1—Preoperative Care and Part 2—Intraoperative and Postoperative management. This paper provides guidelines for Part 1.

Results

Twelve components of preoperative care were considered. Consensus was reached after three rounds.

Conclusions

These guidelines are based on the best available evidence for an ERAS approach to patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Initial management is particularly important for patients with sepsis and physiological derangement. These guidelines should be used to improve outcomes for these high‐risk patients.
Giant central nervous system tuberculoma in pediatric patients: surgical case series
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Li Qiang , Ju Yan
Published: March 2021

Central nervous system tuberculoma is rare and challenging situation. Clinical records of patients with pathologically proven tuberculoma were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical presentation, lesion location, radiological characteristics, perioperative and surgical management, and outcome is summarized and analyzed. Eight patients were included and there was one girl. Age ranged from 3 to 14 years with mean age 9.8 years. Clinical duration ranged from 20 days to 2 years, and 3 patients had previous lung tuberculosis with anti-TB treatment. The lesion was in cerebellum in 6 cases, including 1 involving basal ganglia and 1 involving thalamus. The lesion was in basal ganglia, thalamus, and third ventricle in 1 case, and in T12-L1 spinal cord in another. Cerebellar lesion was resected via paramedian suboccipital approach in 5 patients, basal ganglia lesion via trans-cortical frontal horn approach in 2 patients, and intra-spinal lesion via trans-laminar approach in 1 patient. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 24 months. Of the 8 patients, 6 returned to normal life. One patient had cerebellar lesion resected and the thalamic lesion reduced in size after anti-TB treatment. One patient died from TB spreading. Our data showed that most patients can be successfully treated by resection of the lesion. Low T2 signal, ring shaped enhancement and peripheral edema strongly suggest tuberculoma. Empirical anti-TB treatment should be initiated perioperatively.
Who is who in cardiovascular research? What a review of Nobel Prize nominations reveals about scientific trends
Authors: Drobietz Marie , Loerbroks Adrian , Hansson Nils
Published: March 2021

Background

Since 1901, at least 15 scholars who contributed to cardiovascular research have received a Nobel prize in physiology or medicine.

Methods

Using the Nobel nomination database (nobelprize.org), which contains 5950 nominations in the accessible period from 1901 to 1953 in physiology or medicine, we listed all international nominees who contributed to cardiovascular research. We subsequently collected nomination letters and jury reports of the prime candidates from the archive of the Nobel Committee in Sweden to identify shortlisted candidates.

Results

The five most frequently nominated researchers with cardiovascular connections from 1901 to 1953 were, in descending order, the surgeon René Leriche (1879–1955) (FR) with a total of 79 nominations, the physiologist and 1924 Nobel laureate Willem Einthoven (1860–1927) (NL) (31 nominations), the surgeon Alfred Blalock (1899–1964) (US) (29 nominations), the pharmacologist and 1936 Nobel laureate Otto Loewi (1873–1961) (DE, AT, US) (27 nominations) and the paediatric cardiologist Helen Taussig (1898–1986) (US) (24 nominations). The research of these scholars merely hints at the width of topics brought up by nominators ranging from the physiological and pathological basics to the diagnosis and (surgical) interventions of diseases such as heart malformation or hypertension.

Conclusion

We argue that an analysis of Nobel Prize nominations can reconstruct important scientific trends within cardiovascular research during the first half of the twentieth century.
Seaduck engineers in the Arctic Archipelago: nesting eiders deliver marine nutrients and transform the chemistry of island soils, plants, and ponds
Authors: Clyde N. , Hargan K. E. , Forbes M. R. , Iverson S. A. , Blais J. M. , Smol J. P. , Bump J. K. , Gilchrist H. G.
Published: March 2021

Seabirds are thought to provide ecological services such as the movement of nutrients between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, which may be especially critical to productivity and diversity in nutrient-poor environments. Most Arctic ecosystems are unaffected by local human impacts and are naturally nutrient poor and especially sensitive to warming. Here, we assessed the effects of nesting common eider ducks (Somateria mollissima) on soil, vegetation, and pond sediments on island archipelagoes in Hudson Strait between Nunavut and Québec, Canada. Soil, moss, and pond sediments were significantly higher in nitrogen on islands with large numbers of nesting eiders compared to sites with no nesting birds. The highest concentrations of nitrogen in soils and moss occurred at the margins of ponds on eider islands, which correspond to the areas of highest eider use. δ15N and δ34S values in soils, moss, and sediments indicated substantial marine-derived organic matter inputs at the higher nutrient sites. We propose that by foraging on coastal marine benthic invertebrates and returning to islands to nest, eider ducks bio-transport and concentrate marine-derived nutrients to their colony islands, fertilizing Arctic island ecosystems in the process. As common eiders nest on thousands of low to mid-latitude islands throughout the circumpolar Arctic, these nutrient inputs likely dramatically affect biota and ecosystem functioning throughout the tundra biome.
Kinetic modeling of anaerobic degradation of plant-derived aromatic mixtures by Rhodopseudomonas palustris
Authors: Ma Yanjun , Donohue Timothy J. , Noguera Daniel R.
Published: March 2021

Rhodopseudomonas palustris is a model microorganism for studying the anaerobic metabolism of aromatic compounds. While it is well documented which aromatics can serve as sole organic carbon sources, co-metabolism of other aromatics is poorly understood. This study used kinetic modeling to analyze the simultaneous degradation of aromatic compounds present in corn stover hydrolysates and model the co-metabolism of aromatics not known to support growth of R. palustris as sole organic substrates. The simulation predicted that p-coumaroyl amide and feruloyl amide were hydrolyzed to p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid, respectively, and further transformed via p-coumaroyl-CoA and feruloyl-CoA. The modeling also suggested that metabolism of p-hydroxyphenyl aromatics was slowed by substrate inhibition, whereas the transformation of guaiacyl aromatics was inhibited by their p-hydroxyphenyl counterparts. It also predicted that substrate channeling may occur during degradation of p-coumaroyl-CoA and feruloyl-CoA, resulting in no detectable accumulation of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin, during the transformation of these CoA ligated compounds to p-hydroxybenzoic acid and vanillic acid, respectively. While the simulation correctly represented the known transformation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid via the benzoyl-CoA pathway, it also suggested co-metabolism of vanillic acid and syringic acid, which are known not to serve as photoheterotrophic growth substrate for R. palustris.
PatchIndex: exploiting approximate constraints in distributed databases
Authors: Kläbe Steffen , Sattler Kai-Uwe , Baumann Stephan
Published: March 2021

Cloud data warehouse systems lower the barrier to access data analytics. These applications often lack a database administrator and integrate data from various sources, potentially leading to data not satisfying strict constraints. Automatic schema optimization in self-managing databases is difficult in these environments without prior data cleaning steps. In this paper, we focus on constraint discovery as a subtask of schema optimization. Perfect constraints might not exist in these unclean datasets due to a small set of values violating the constraints. Therefore, we introduce the concept of a generic PatchIndex structure, which handles exceptions to given constraints and enables database systems to define these approximate constraints. We apply the concept to the environment of distributed databases, providing parallel index creation approaches and optimization techniques for parallel queries using PatchIndexes. Furthermore, we describe heuristics for automatic discovery of PatchIndex candidate columns and prove the performance benefit of using PatchIndexes in our evaluation.
Potential toxicity of leachate from the municipal landfill in view of the possibility of their migration to the environment through infiltration into groundwater
Authors: Jabłońska-Trypuć Agata , Wydro Urszula , Wołejko Elżbieta , Pietryczuk Anna , Cudowski Adam , Leszczyński Jacek , Rodziewicz Joanna , Janczukowicz Wojciech , Butarewicz Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Leachate from landfills is a product of complex biological and physicochemical processes occurring during waste storage. In the present study, the toxicity of landfill leachate (LL) to human and bacterial cells was investigated for better understanding of LL environmental toxicity. Studies regarding LL physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity analysis were conducted. In Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, fibroblasts and melanoma A-375 cells, cell viability assays were applied. For the determination of LL antibacterial activity, twofold dilution series of LL were prepared in the range from 50% to 0.1% (50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.13%, 1.56%, 0.78%, 0.39%, 0.2%, 0.1%). Human cells viability was examined at LL concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30%. ROS (reactive oxygen species) content and apoptosis level were also measured in bacterial and human cells under the influence of LL. Unexpectedly obtained results indicate stimulation of bacterial viability by LL. Fibroblasts under the influence of LL showed decrease in their viability and increase in apoptosis level and A-375 melanoma cells showed an increase in relative viability and decrease in apoptosis. ROS level in bacterial cells was elevated in higher LL concentrations and decreased in lower LL concentrations. In human cells, ROS content was rather high in both tested cell lines. Presented results indicate cytotoxic potential of analyzed LL and the necessity of LL monitoring because it may pose a health hazard for exposed human populations and the whole human environment.
More than the sum of their parts: reconstituting the paleopathological profile of the individual and commingled Neolithic populations of Western Switzerland
Authors: Abegg C. , Desideri J. , Dutour O. , Besse M.
Published: March 2021

This research focuses on the Neolithic populations of Western Switzerland (5500–2200 BCE) and on establishing their paleopathological profile. This chronological period presents varying burial practices, and the aim was to be able to synthesise all information regarding the pathologies these populations exhibited, in such a way that statistical tests could be performed to determine whether geographical (site location), biological (age, sex, stature) and chronological factors played a role in lesion distribution. As a result, a methodology was devised to consider bone lesions in both a quantified and qualified manner, and able to handle individualised, multiple and commingled remains. The statistical analysis showed that pathological profiles differed depending on site location, with some exhibiting patterns that raise further questions as to the socio-economical functioning of these prehistoric societies. Biological factors also appear to play a role in lesion distribution, with immature individuals exhibiting more metabolic deregulations, whilst the adults—as expected—showed more signs of degenerative pathologies. Some chronological evolution of health is also perceivable; however, the small sample size available for some periods means these results are tentative at best. These remains, however, proved more than an accumulation of bone lesions, and the qualified data collected from them also yielded individual and collective narratives of health. Instances of infectious diseases were discovered, indicating that pathologies such as tuberculosis were a persistent presence at the time, with all the consequences this entails.
Effects of competitive physical activity on serum irisin levels and bone turnover markers
Authors: Gaudio A. , Rapisarda R. , Xourafa A. , Zanoli L. , Manfrè V. , Catalano A. , Signorelli S. S. , Castellino P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Irisin, a myokine, is a polypeptide derived from the cleavage of the extracellular domain of fibronectin domain-containing protein 5, a receptor that is present on different tissues (skeletal muscle, pericardium, myocardium, and brain), whose functions are not yet fully defined.

Purpose

The main aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of competitive physical activity on serum irisin levels and bone turnover markers.

Methods

Fifteen male footballers and an equal number of subjects of the same age and gender, but with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, had their serum levels of irisin and bone turnover markers measured. Bone mineral status was evaluated in both groups by quantitative bone ultrasound of the calcaneus. In addition, only in footballers, biochemical analyses were repeated after 3 months.

Results

We did not observe significant differences in the serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone between the two groups. The footballers had significantly higher quantitative bone ultrasound, 25-OH vitamin D, and creatinine values than the controls. There were also no significant differences in the bone alkaline phosphatase, carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, osteoprotegerin, sclerostin or Dkk-1 values, while the irisin levels (+ 89%, p < 0.001) and RANKL were significantly higher in the footballers compared to those in the controls.

Conclusion

Our study shows that footballers have significantly higher serum irisin values than the general population. Irisin could be the "trait d’union" between bone health and physical activity.
Dynamics of the Causes Of Crime: a Life-Course Application of Situational Action Theory for the Transition from Adolescence to Adulthood
Authors: Kessler Georg , Reinecke Jost
Published: March 2021

Purpose

According to the Developmental Ecological Action Model (DEA) of the situational action theory (SAT), changes in crime rates over the life-course are explained through personal (moral) maturation and socio-ecological selection. This assumption is empirically tested by comparing results for the conditioning effect of the principle of moral correspondence (as an essential part of SAT’s perception-choice process) on crime rates for the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Methods

Comparing two waves of a German longitudinal study (CrimoC, 17 and 26 years old, n = 1738), a series of logistic and multinomial logistic regressions and ensuing estimated transition probabilities capture the cross-sectional but also developmental processes involved. Additionally, the CrimoC study offers a differential analysis of offending scales, separating offenses into youth and adult crimes.

Results

The principle’s conditioning effect on crime could be replicated at both times. We can observe a general trend of individual transitions, which correspond to predicted personal maturation and socio-ecological selection. The transitions correlate with the expected reduction in crime rates over time. Males and females show comparable results. The separation into different offending scales yielded tentative insights.

Conclusion

We found stability in the mechanisms leading to crime as proffered by SAT and DEA across time. Personal (moral) maturation and socio-ecological selection are likely to be the driving forces behind reducing crime in adulthood. Future research needs to explain in detail how life-course events influence these factors. Considering adult crimes in the analysis is a promising endeavor that warrants further investigation.
Phase growth in alpha brass with thin layer of electroplated zinc during homogenization annealing
Authors: Basak P. S.
Published: March 2021

Diffusion mechanism in between thin electroplated Zn coating and Cu – 37wt%Zn substrate during homogenization annealing substantially depends on electroplating parameters. Experiments carried out to determine phase growth and solute profile at various current densities reveal that the increase of current density tends to reduce phase growth. The coefficient of phase growth has been determined and is found to be dependent on the relative density of plating layer.
Performance evaluation of graphite and titanium oxide powder mixed dielectric for electric discharge machining of Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Alam Shahriar Tanvir , Amin AKM Nurul , Hossain Md. Ibrahim , Huq Maliha , Tamim Shaqauit Hossain
Published: March 2021

Ti–6Al–4V is the most commonly used titanium alloy in aerospace, marine, and biomedical applications. Due to the properties of poor machinability in conventional machining, Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is considered a prospective alternative for machining this strategic material. This study aims at enhancing the performance of powder mixed EDM (PMEDM) in the machining of Ti–6Al–4V with the application of two different types of powders, namely Graphite (Gr) and Titanium Oxide (TiO2) powders, with different concentrations in dielectric—kerosene. The effect of these powers and their relative quantities are studied in terms of metal removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate, Surface Roughness, and surface integrity. Machining is performed using the copper electrode and kerosene as the dielectric medium. A separate container and a submersible pump are used to limit the quantity of powder and keep the powder in suspension, respectively. Design of experiments guided by Design-Expert software is employed to minimize the number of experimental runs and develop empirical models of response parameters in terms of the variable parameters—peak current, powder type, and powder concentration. Findings indicate that TiO2 powder has a much higher effect on MRR compared to graphite powder, as the maximum MRR in the case of TiO2 powder is recorded 41.01 mm3/min against 11.98 mm3/min for graphite powder, i.e., 3.42 times higher. Similarly, the tool wear ratio for TiO2 powder is 0.0704 against 0.1219 for graphite powder at the maximum MRR, which is 1.73 times lower compared to that of graphite powder. The same ratios at the minimum MRR for TiO2 is 0.0098, and for graphite power is 0.0282, which is again 2.88 times lower compared to that of graphite powder. In terms of average surface roughness, Ra, the performance of TiO2 is far better compared to graphite powder since the maximum surface roughness attained with TiO2 powder is 3.265 μm against 9.936 μm for graphite powder at the highest MRR and the same attained at the lowest MRR are 2.228 μm and 2.411 μm for TiO2 and graphite powders respectively. The mechanism of the effects of PMEDM on surface texture has also been observed using SEM images to study the influence of powder concentration on surface morphology.
Miocene to Early Pleistocene Depositional History and Tectonic Evolution of the Issyk‐Kul Basin, Central Tian Shan
Authors: Roud Sophie C. , Wack Michael R. , Gilder Stuart A. , Kudriavtseva Anna , Sobel Edward R.
Published: March 2021

The Issyk‐Kul Basin (Kyrgyzstan), situated in the central Tian Shan Mountains, hosts the largest and deepest mountain lake in Central Asia. Erosion of the surrounding Terskey and Kungey ranges led to the accumulation of up to 4 km of sediment in the adjacent depression. Creation of the basin from regional shortening and uplift likely initiated around the Oligocene‐Miocene, yet precise age control is sparse. To better understand the timing of these processes, we obtained magnetostratigraphic age constraints on fossil‐poor, fluvio‐lacustrine sediments exposed south of Lake Issyk‐Kul, that agree well with previous age constraints of the equivalent strata outside the Issyk‐Kul Basin. Two 500–650 m thick sections comprised mainly of Chu Group sediments were dated at 6.3–2.8 Ma and 7.0–2.4 Ma (late Miocene to early Pleistocene). Together with reinterpreted magnetostratigraphic constraints from underlying strata, we find that syn‐tectonic deposition commenced at ∼22 Ma with average sedimentation rates <10 cm/ka. Sedimentation rates increased to 10–30 cm/ka at 7 Ma, concurrent with accelerated uplift in the Terskey Range to the south. A deformation event in one section (Kaji‐Say) between 5 and 3 Ma together with concurrent shifts of depositional centers throughout the basin signal the onset of substantial uplift of the Kungey Range to the north at ∼5 Ma. This uplift and deformation transformed the Issyk‐Kul area into a closed basin that facilitated the formation of a deep lake. Lacustrine facies deposited around 3 Ma mark the existence of Lake Issyk‐Kul by that time.
An Enhanced MOD16 Evapotranspiration Model for the Tibetan Plateau During the Unfrozen Season
Authors: Yuan Ling , Ma Yaoming , Chen Xuelong , Wang Yuyang , Li Zhaoguo
Published: March 2021

Evapotranspiration (ET) is composed of soil evaporation (ETs), canopy transpiration (ETc), and canopy intercepted water evaporation (ETw), and it plays an indispensable role in the water and energy cycles of land surface processes. More accurate estimations of variations in ET are essential for natural hazard monitoring and water resource management. An improved algorithm for ETs with soil moisture and texture (SMT) and an optimized ETc based on the MOD16 model (MOD16‐STM) are proposed for the cold, arid, and semiarid regions of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The nonlinear relationships between the soil surface resistance (rss) and soil surface hydration state in different soil textures were redefined by using five flux tower measurements over the TP. The value of the mean potential stomatal conductance per unit leaf area (CL) used for ETc calculation in grasslands was optimized at 0.0038 (m s−1). The MOD16‐STM was compared with the MOD16 and a soil water index‐based Priestley‐Taylor algorithm (SWI‐PT) at five independent sites. The results showed that the half‐hourly, daily, and monthly estimations from the MOD16‐STM were closer to observations than those from the other two models. The results indicated that the MOD16‐STM increased R2 by 0.2/0.05 and the index of agreement by 0.37/0.23 and deceased RMSE by 43.89/42.77 W m−2 and the absolute mean bias (|MB|) by 46.23/45.89 W m−2, when compared to the results of the MOD16 at daily/monthly scales. The results suggested that the MOD16‐STM will produce more accurate ET estimates over the flux sites and has great potential for ET estimation and land surface model improvement for the TP region.
Improved Modeling of Spatiotemporal Variations of Fine Particulate Matter Using a Three‐Dimensional Variational Data Fusion Method
Authors: Zhang Xuguo , Fung Jimmy C. H. , Lau Alexis K. H. , Zhang Shaoqing , Huang Wei
Published: March 2021

The spatiotemporal concentration of multiple pollutants is crucial information for pollution control strategies to safeguard public health. Despite considerable efforts, however, significant uncertainty remains. In this study, a three‐dimensional variational model is coupled with a data assimilation (DA) system to analyze the spatiotemporal variation of PM2.5 for the whole of China. Monthly simulations of six sensitivity scenarios in different seasons, including different assimilation cycles, are carried out to assess the impact of the assimilation frequency on the PM2.5 simulations and the model simulation accuracy afforded by DA. The results show that the coupled system provides more reliable initial fields to substantially improve the model performance for PM2.5, PM10, and O3. Higher assimilation frequency improves the simulation in all geographic areas. Two statistical indicators—the root mean square error and the correlation coefficient of PM2.5 mass concentrations in the analysis field—are improved by 12.19 µg/m3 (33%) and 0.21 (48%), respectively. Although the 24‐h assimilation cycle considerably improves the model, assimilation at a 6‐h cycle raises the performance for PM2.5 to the performance goal level. The analysis shows that assimilating at a 24‐h cycle diminishes over time, whereas the positive impact of the 6‐h cycle persists. One pivotal finding is that the assimilation of PM2.5 in the outermost domain results in a substantial improvement in PM2.5 prediction for the innermost domain, which is a potential alternative method to the existing domain‐wide data fusion algorithm. The effect of assimilation varies among topographies, a finding that provides essential support for further model development.
Spatiotemporal Variation of Groundwater Recharge in the Lower Reaches of the Poyang Lake Basin, China: Insights From Stable Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes
Authors: Mao Hairu , Wang Guangcai , Shi Zheming , Liao Fu , Xue Yang
Published: March 2021

Understanding of groundwater recharge and associated hydrological processes is important for sustainable management and utilization of water resources, especially in the monsoon regions. However, few systematic studies have been conducted on the spatiotemporal variation of groundwater recharge. In this study, stable isotopes of precipitation and groundwater were used to explore the spatiotemporal variation of groundwater recharge in the lower reaches of the Poyang Lake Basin of China, a region affected by the interplay of different monsoons. The results indicated that isotopic values (δ2H and δ18O) of precipitation exhibited obvious seasonal variations, higher in winter and lower in summer, controlled by different monsoons. The stable isotopes of groundwater also presented distinct seasonal variations, revealing the dominant influence of seasonal precipitation, but they had different characteristics in space. In the northern study area and Rao and Xin Basins, the isotopic signatures of groundwater showed the shift to lower values in summer and higher values in winter, consistent with those of precipitation, while in the Ganfu Plain, which is characterized by poorly permeable strata, isotopic signatures of groundwater presented opposite temporal variations than those of precipitation (lagged behind precipitation). The characteristics of groundwater isotopes might be linked with the spatial heterogeneity of groundwater recharge rate, which was affected by recharge mechanisms, lithology of aquifer materials, and interaction between groundwater and lake water. This study provides insights into the groundwater recharge of the Poyang Lake Basin and other similar areas.
PLEKHA5 regulates the survival and peritoneal dissemination of diffuse-type gastric carcinoma cells with Met gene amplification
Authors: Nagamura Yuko , Miyazaki Makoto , Nagano Yoshiko , Yuki Masako , Fukami Kiyoko , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Sasaki Kazuki , Sakai Ryuichi , Yamaguchi Hideki
Published: March 2021

Met gene amplification has been found in a subset of malignant carcinomas, including diffuse-type gastric carcinoma (DGC), which has a poor prognosis owing to rapid infiltrative invasion and frequent peritoneal dissemination. Met is considered a promising therapeutic target for DGC. However, DGC cells with Met gene amplification eventually acquire resistance to Met inhibitors. Therefore, identification of alternate targets that mediate Met signaling and confer malignant phenotypes is critical. In this study, we conducted a phosphoproteomic analysis of DGC cells possessing Met gene amplification and identified Pleckstrin Homology Domain Containing A5 (PLEKHA5) as a protein that is tyrosine-phosphorylated downstream of Met. Knockdown of PLEKHA5 selectively suppressed the growth of DGC cells with Met gene amplification by inducing apoptosis, even though they had acquired resistance to Met inhibitors. Moreover, PLEKHA5 silencing abrogated the malignant phenotypes of Met-addicted DGC cells, including peritoneal dissemination in vivo. Mechanistically, PLEKHA5 knockdown dysregulates glycolytic metabolism, leading to activation of the JNK pathway that promotes apoptosis. These results indicate that PLEKHA5 is a novel downstream effector of amplified Met and is required for the malignant progression of Met-addicted DGC.
Long-term safety and efficacy of givinostat in polycythemia vera: 4-year mean follow up of three phase 1/2 studies and a compassionate use program
Authors: Rambaldi Alessandro , Iurlo Alessandra , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Martino Bruno , Guarini Attilio , Ruggeri Marco , von Bubnoff Nikolas , De Muro Marianna , McMullin Mary Frances , Luciani Stefania , Martinelli Vincenzo , Nogai Axel , Rosti Vittorio , Ricco Alessandra , Bettica Paolo , Manzoni Sara , Di Tollo Silvia
Published: March 2021

Polycythemia vera (PV) is aBCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by excessive proliferation of erythroid, myeloid, and megakaryocytic components in the bone marrow, mainly due to a Janus kinase 2 gene mutation (JAK2V617F). Givinostat, a histone-deacetylase inhibitor that selectively targetsJAK2V617Fcell growth, has demonstrated good efficacy and safety in three phase 1/2 studies in patients with PV. This manuscript focuses on the 4-year mean (2.8 year median) follow-up of an open-label, long-term study that enrolled 51 patients with PV (out of a total of 54 with MPN) who received clinical benefit from givinostat in these previous studies or on compassionate use, and who continued to receive givinostat at the last effective and tolerated dose. The primary objectives are to determine givinostat’s long-term safety and tolerability, and efficacy evaluated by the investigators according to internationally recognized response criteria. During follow-up, only 10% of PV patients reported Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (AEs), while none had Grade 4 or 5 treatment-related AEs. The overall response rate for the duration of follow-up was always greater than 80% in patients with PV. In conclusion, givinostat demonstrated a good safety and efficacy profile in patients with PV, data supporting long-term use in this population.
Sestrin2 is involved in the Nrf2-regulated antioxidative signaling pathway in luteolin-induced prevention of the diabetic rat heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhou Xin-Ru , Ru Xiao-Chen , Xiao Chi , Pan Jie , Lou Yang-Yun , Tang Li-Hui , Yang Jin-Ting , Qian Ling-Bo
Published: March 2021

Luteolin attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in diabetes through activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-related antioxidative response.
Enhancing the energy barrier and hysteresis temperature in two benchtop-stable Ho(iii) single-ion magnets
Authors: Jia Kexin , Meng Xixi , Wang Mengmeng , Gou Xiaoshuang , Wang Yu-Xia , Xu Na , Shi Wei , Cheng Peng
Published: March 2021

The effective energy barrier and hysteresis temperature in two benchtop-stable D5h-symmetry HoIII single-ion magnets were significantly enhanced via an anion-controlled crystal engineering approach, giving a best performing HoIII single-ion magnet.
Contribution of B,N-co-doped reduced graphene oxide as a catalyst support to the activity of iridium oxide for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Joshi Prerna , Yadav Rohit , Hara Masanori , Inoue Tetsunari , Motoyama Yukihiro , Yoshimura Masamichi
Published: March 2021

Improved performance of an IrO2 nanoparticle catalyst because of the B–N, B–C, and N–C functional groups and conductive rGO network in BN-rGO.
NIR-to-vis photon upconversion in rubrenes with increasing structural complexity
Authors: Radiunas Edvinas , Dapkevičius Manvydas , Naimovičius Lukas , Baronas Paulius , Raišys Steponas , Juršėnas Saulius , Jozeliūnaitė Augustina , Javorskis Tomas , Šinkevičiūtė Ugnė , Orentas Edvinas , Kazlauskas Karolis
Published: March 2021

Peripheral linking of rubrene emitters is found to deliver enhanced TTA efficiency vs. core linking. This provides valuable insight for their rational modification towards improved NIR-to-vis photon upconversion efficiency in the solid state.
Dynamic motion planner with trajectory optimisation for automated highway lane‐changing driving
Authors: Liu Xiao , Liang Jun , Zhang Hua
Published: March 2021

This study proposes a dynamic motion planner with trajectory optimisation for automated highway lane‐changing driving. Owing to the connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) technology that the real‐time traffic information can be obtained, alternative trajectories can be generated to satisfy the vehicle kinematic constraints and avoid many types of potential collisions. An optimal control theory is adopted to select an optimal lane‐changing path from the finite path set, and the appropriate acceleration and speed for the execution path are also determined. In order to avoid unnecessary motion re‐planning process, this study puts forward a collision‐avoidance monitoring algorithm to reduce the time consumption costs of the motion planner. Moreover, an online planning framework based on ‘decision‐execution’ is explored. Applying this timeline framework can not only help to evaluate the dynamic planner's online performance, but also reduce the deviation between the online calculation and the actual execution caused by the time consumption. The simulations are performed in PreScan‐Simulink platform and the experimental results show that the presented dynamic planner can complete the lane‐changing manoeuvre safely and effectively in a high‐speed environment.
Pre‐training of gated convolution neural network for remote sensing image super‐resolution
Authors: Peng Yali , Wang Xuning , Zhang Junwei , Liu Shigang
Published: March 2021

Many very deep neural networks are proposed to obtain accurate super‐resolution reconstruction of remote sensing images. However, the deeper the network for image SR is, the more difficult it is to train. The low‐resolution inputs and features contain abundant low‐frequency information and noise, which are treated equally as the high‐frequency information to across the network. To solve these problems, a novel single‐image super‐resolution algorithm named pre‐training of gated convolution neural network (PGCNN) is proposed for remote sensing images. The proposed PGCNN consists of several residual blocks with long skip connections. Each residual block contains an additional well‐designed gated convolution unit, which provides different weights to high‐frequency information and low‐frequency information to control the transmission of information, making the main network focus on learning high‐frequency information. Compared with several state‐of‐the‐art methods, experimental results on the remote sensing datasets (SIRI‐WHU, NWPU‐RESISC45, RSSCN7 and UC‐Merced‐Land‐Use) show that the proposed PGCNN has the accuracy and visual improvements.
Sparse representation for face recognition: A review paper
Authors: Madarkar Jitendra , Sharma Poonam , Singh Rimjhim Padam
Published: March 2021

With the increasing use of surveillance cameras, face recognition is being studied by many researchers for security purposes. Although high accuracy has been achieved for frontal faces, the existing methods have shown poor performance for occluded and corrupt images. Recently, sparse representation based classification (SRC) has shown the state‐of‐the‐art result in face recognition on corrupt and occluded face images. Several researchers have developed extended SRC methods in the last decade. This paper mainly focuses on SRC and its extended methods of face recognition. SRC methods have been compared on the basis of five issues of face recognition such as linear variation, non‐linear variation, undersampled, pose variation, and low resolution. Detailed analysis of SRC methods for issues of face recognition have been discussed based on experimental results and execution time. Finally, the limitation of SRC methods have been listed to help the researchers to extend the work of existing methods to resolve the unsolved issues.
Countering self‐protection smeared spectrum jamming against chirp radars
Authors: Baher Safa Hanbali Samer
Published: March 2021

Chirp radars are vulnerable to various types of deceptive jamming for example, smeared spectrum (SMSP) jamming that generates multiple false targets, which lead and lag the true target. Unfortunately, the radar system cannot distinguish the true target from the false ones because the jamming signal looks like the true target echo. A new anti‐jamming technique to suppress false targets and identify the true target easily is introduced. The proposed technique benefits from the fact that SMSP jamming signal has a different frequency modulation slope from that of the radar signal. Therefore, the differences between SMSP jamming signal and the true target echo can be identified. The efficiency of the proposed technique is confirmed by theoretical analysis and simulation experiments.
Translation, multilingualism and power differential in
contemporary African literature
Authors: Bandia Paul
Published: March 2021

Contemporary African literature is, by its very
nature, a fertile ground for elucidating the rather symbiotic
relation between translation and power differential, given the
inherent multilingualism and the implied language hierarchy
characteristic of the African postcolonial context. Asymmetry here
begins with the unequal power relations between orality
and literacy, between oral tradition and writing, between indigenous
languages and the languages of colonization. This power differential
is enhanced further by the ever-increasing gap between languages of
officialdom and the evolving and rapidly assertive languages of
creolization. To the extent that African literature is a window into
life in contemporary African society, the aesthetic representation
of Africanity in writing as well as in colonial or global languages
involves translating asymmetry and negotiating, redressing or
rewriting power inequalities. This underlying characteristic of
African literature dovetails with literary practices in the diaspora
whereby migration and identitarian politics draw heavily from the
notion of translation as a mechanism for expressing discourses of
resistance to oppression and asymmetrical power relations. This
chapter seeks to lay bare the underpinnings of power differentials
in contemporary African literature and to highlight the role of
translation in resisting asymmetry and rewriting power.
Obesity management in primary care: systematic review exploring the influence of therapeutic alliance
Authors: Sturgiss Elizabeth A , O’Brien Kathleen , Elmitt Nicholas , Agostino Jason , Ardouin Stephen , Douglas Kirsty , Clark Alexander M
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To identify the influence of the therapeutic alliance on the effectiveness of obesity interventions delivered in primary care.

Method

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of primary care interventions for adult patients living with obesity. Comprehensive search strategy using the terms ‘obesity’, ‘primary care’ and ‘intervention’ of seven databases from 1 January 1998 to March 2018. Primary outcome was difference in weight loss in interventions where a therapeutic alliance was present.

Results

From 10 636 studies, 11 (3955 patients) were eligible. Only one study had interventions that reported all aspects of therapeutic alliance, including bond, goals and tasks. Meta-analysis was not included due to high statistical heterogeneity and low numbers of trials; as per our protocol, we proceeded to narrative synthesis. Some interventions included the regular primary care practitioner in management; very few included collaborative goal setting and most used prescriptive protocols to direct care.

Conclusions

We were surprised that so few trials reported the inclusion of elements of the therapeutic alliance when relational aspects of primary care are critical for effectiveness. Interventions could be developed to maximize therapeutic relationships and research reports should describe interventions comprehensively.

Systematic review registration number

CRD42018091338 in PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews).
Preparatory acoustic emission activity of hydraulic fracture in granite with various viscous fluids revealed by deep learning technique
Authors: Tanaka Rui , Naoi Makoto , Chen Youqing , Yamamoto Kazune , Imakita Keiichi , Tsutsumi Naofumi , Shimoda Akihiro , Hiramatsu Daiki , Kawakata Hironori , Ishida Tsuyoshi , Fukuyama Eiichi , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Arima Yutaro , Kitamura Shigehiro , Hyodo Daisuke
Published: March 2021

To investigate the influence of fluid viscosity on the fracturing process, we conducted hydraulic fracturing experiments on Kurokami-jima granite specimens with resins of various viscosities. We monitored the acoustic emission (AE) activity during fracturing and estimated the moment tensor (MT) solutions for 54 727 AE events using a deep learning technique. We observed the breakdown at 14–22 MPa of borehole pressure, which was dependent on the viscosity, as well as two preparatory phases accompanying the expansion of AE-active regions. The first expansion phase typically began at 10–30 per cent of the breakdown pressure, where AEs occurred three-dimensionally surrounding the wellbore and their active region expanded with time towards the external boundaries of the specimen. The MT solutions of these AEs corresponded to crack-opening (tensile) events in various orientations. The second expansion phase began at 90–99 per cent of the breakdown pressure. During this phase, a new planar AE distribution emerged from the borehole and expanded along the maximum compression axis, and the focal mechanisms of these AEs corresponded to the tensile events on the AE-delineating plane. We interpreted that the first phase was induced by fluid penetration into pre-existing microcracks, such as grain boundaries, and the second phase corresponded to the main fracture formation. Significant dependences on fluid viscosity were observed in the borehole pressure at the time of main fracture initiation and in the speed of the fracture propagation in the second phase. The AE activity observed in the present study was fairly complex compared to that observed in previous experiments conducted on tight shale samples. This difference indicates the importance of the interaction between the fracturing fluid and pre-existing microcracks in the fracturing process.
A systematic review of quantitative bias analysis applied to epidemiological research
Authors: Petersen Julie M , Ranker Lynsie R , Barnard-Mayers Ruby , MacLehose Richard F , Fox Matthew P
Published: March 2021

Background

Quantitative bias analysis (QBA) measures study errors in terms of direction, magnitude and uncertainty. This systematic review aimed to describe how QBA has been applied in epidemiological research in 2006–19.

Methods

We searched PubMed for English peer-reviewed studies applying QBA to real-data applications. We also included studies citing selected sources or which were identified in a previous QBA review in pharmacoepidemiology. For each study, we extracted the rationale, methodology, bias-adjusted results and interpretation and assessed factors associated with reproducibility.

Results

Of the 238 studies, the majority were embedded within papers whose main inferences were drawn from conventional approaches as secondary (sensitivity) analyses to quantity-specific biases (52%) or to assess the extent of bias required to shift the point estimate to the null (25%); 10% were standalone papers. The most common approach was probabilistic (57%). Misclassification was modelled in 57%, uncontrolled confounder(s) in 40% and selection bias in 17%. Most did not consider multiple biases or correlations between errors. When specified, bias parameters came from the literature (48%) more often than internal validation studies (29%). The majority (60%) of analyses resulted in >10% change from the conventional point estimate; however, most investigators (63%) did not alter their original interpretation. Degree of reproducibility related to inclusion of code, formulas, sensitivity analyses and supplementary materials, as well as the QBA rationale.

Conclusions

QBA applications were rare though increased over time. Future investigators should reference good practices and include details to promote transparency and to serve as a reference for other researchers.