bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
YbMgGaO4: A Triangular‐Lattice Quantum Spin Liquid Candidate
Authors: Li Yuesheng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractResonating valence bond ground state, the prototype of a quantum spin liquid (QSL), had been first proposed by P. W. Anderson back in 1973 on the triangular lattice. In such a 2D QSL, spinons created as unpaired spins can propagate by locally rearranging the uncorrelated valence bonds. However, the corresponding candidate materials are still rare to date. YbMgGaO4, first proposed in 2015 may fill this gap: the magnetic rare‐earth Yb3+ ions arrange on the triangular lattice with the perfect R‐3m symmetries and with a large interlayer distance. No conventional spin freezing is observed down to 40 mK without residual magnetic entropy, despite the significant antiferromagnetic coupling of ≈2 K. This report reviews and classifies the relevant experimental and theoretical progress on some (effective) spin‐1/2 triangular antiferromagnets, especially on YbMgGaO4, followed by discussion and outlook on some of the pending issues.
CoralSeg: Learning coral segmentation from sparse annotations
Authors: Alonso Iñigo , Yuval Matan , Eyal Gal , Treibitz Tali , Murillo Ana C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRobotic advances and developments in sensors and acquisition systems facilitate the collection of survey data in remote and challenging scenarios. Semantic segmentation, which attempts to provide per‐pixel semantic labels, is an essential task when processing such data. Recent advances in deep learning approaches have boosted this task's performance. Unfortunately, these methods need large amounts of labeled data, which is usually a challenge in many domains. In many environmental monitoring instances, such as the coral reef example studied here, data labeling demands expert knowledge and is costly. Therefore, many data sets often present scarce and sparse image annotations or remain untouched in image libraries. This study proposes and validates an effective approach for learning semantic segmentation models from sparsely labeled data. Based on augmenting sparse annotations with the proposed adaptive superpixel segmentation propagation, we obtain similar results as if training with dense annotations, significantly reducing the labeling effort. We perform an in‐depth analysis of our labeling augmentation method as well as of different neural network architectures and loss functions for semantic segmentation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on publicly available data sets of different real domains, with the emphasis on underwater scenarios—specifically, coral reef semantic segmentation. We release new labeled data as well as an encoder trained on half a million coral reef images, which is shown to facilitate the generalization to new coral scenarios.
Inhalable nanotherapeutics to improve treatment efficacy for common lung diseases
Authors: Anderson Caleb F. , Grimmett Maria E. , Domalewski Christopher J. , Cui Honggang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRespiratory illnesses are prevalent around the world, and inhalation‐based therapies provide an attractive, noninvasive means of directly delivering therapeutic agents to their site of action to improve treatment efficacy and limit adverse systemic side effects. Recent trends in medicine and nanoscience have prompted the development of inhalable nanomedicines to further enhance effectiveness, patient compliance, and quality of life for people suffering from lung cancer, chronic pulmonary diseases, and tuberculosis. Herein, we discuss recent advancements in the development of inhalable nanomaterial‐based drug delivery systems and analyze several representative systems to illustrate their key design principles that can translate to improved therapeutic efficacy for prevalent respiratory diseases.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Respiratory Disease
Long-term phenology of two North American secondary cavity-nesters in response to changing climate conditions
Authors: Wysner Tyler E. , Bartlow Andrew W. , Hathcock Charles D. , Fair Jeanne M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Wildlife populations can respond to changes in climate conditions by either adapting or moving to areas with preferred climate regimes. We studied nesting responses of two bird species, western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) and ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens), to changing climate conditions (i.e., rising temperatures and increased drought stress) over 21 years in northern New Mexico. We used data from 1649 nests to assess whether the two species responded to changing climate conditions through phenological shifts in breeding time or shifts in nesting elevation. We also examined changes in reproductive output (i.e., clutch size). Our data show that western bluebirds significantly increased nesting elevation over a 19-year period by approximately 5 m per year. Mean spring temperature was the best predictor of western bluebird nesting elevation. Higher nesting elevations were not correlated with hatch dates or clutch sizes in western bluebirds, suggesting that nesting at higher elevations does not affect breeding time or reproductive output. We did not observe significant changes in nesting elevation or breeding dates in ash-throated flycatchers. Nesting higher in elevation may allow western bluebirds to cope with the increased temperatures and droughts. However, this climate niche conservatism may pose a risk for the conservation of the species if climate change and habitat loss continue to occur. The lack of significant changes detected in nesting elevation, breeding dates, and reproductive output in ash-throated flycatchers suggests a higher tolerance for changing environmental conditions in this species. This is consistent with the population increases reported for flycatchers in areas experiencing dramatic climate changes.
Prognostic Value of Extranodal Tumor Extension in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Proposal for Upstaging of Cases with Extranodal Tumor Extension
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Miyauchi Akira , Masuoka Hiroo , Higashiyama Takuya , Kihara Minoru , Miya Akihiro 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecently, we have created a revised version of the eighth edition of the tumor–node–metastasis classification for papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) by subdividing the T4a (T4a1 [moderate] and T4a2 [significant]) and N (N1 [N ≤ 3 cm] and N2 [N > 3 cm]) classifications. This re‐staging better stratified patient outcomes. In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance of extranodal tumor extension (LNEx) in PTC.MethodsFive thousand six hundred and eighty‐three patients with PTC surgically treated in Kuma Hospital were enrolled. We evaluated LNEx based on intraoperative findings.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐seven patients (2%) displayed LNEx. In contrast to what we observed for extrathyroid extension, the prognostic value of LNEx did not change based on the organ that had been invaded, and we therefore analyzed LNEx patients as a single group. In patients aged 55 or older, LNEx independently affected patients’ prognoses, as did T4a2 and N2. The cancer‐specific survival (CSS) of patients in Stage I but having LNEx demonstrated the similar prognosis to patients in Stage II. Further, in the subset analysis for Stage II patients aged 55 or older, LNEx had a significant prognostic value for CSS in both the univariate and multivariate analyses, as did N2. The CSS of Stage II patients aged 55 or older with LNEx did not differ from that of Stage III patients.ConclusionsIt is appropriate that, similar to T4a2 or N2 patients, LNEx‐positive patients younger than 55 years in Stage I and those aged 55 or older in Stage II are re‐staged to II and III, respectively.
Practical synthesis of N-(di-n-butylamino)methylene-protected 2-aminopurine riboside phosphoramidite for RNA solid-phase synthesis
Authors: Neuner Eva , Micura Ronald 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

2-Aminopurine (Ap) is a fluorescent nucleobase analog that is frequently used as structure-sensitive reporter to study the chemical and biophysical properties of nucleic acids. In particular, thermodynamics and kinetics of RNA folding and RNA–ligand binding, as well as RNA catalytic activity are addressable by pursuing the Ap fluorescence signal in response to external stimuli. Site-specific incorporation of Ap into RNA is usually achieved by RNA solid-phase synthesis and requires appropriately functionalized Ap riboside building blocks. Here, we introduce a robust synthetic path toward a 2-aminopurine riboside phosphoramidite whose N2 functionality is masked with the N-(di-n-butylamino)methylene group. This protection is considered advantageous over previously described N-(dimethylamino)methylene or acyl protection patterns needed for the fine-tuned deprotection conditions to achieve large synthetic RNAs.

Graphic abstract
Dependence of material properties and photovoltaic performance of triple cation tin perovskites on the iodide to bromide ratio
Authors: Weber Stefan , Rath Thomas , Kunert Birgit , Resel Roland , Dimopoulos Theodoros , Trimmel Gregor 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In this work, the influence of a partial introduction of bromide (x = 0–0.33) into MA0.75FA0.15PEA0.1Sn(BrxI1−x)3 (MA: methylammonium, FA: formamidinium, PEA: phenylethylammonium) triple cation tin perovskite on the material properties and photovoltaic performance is investigated and characterized. The introduction of bromide shifts the optical band gap of the perovskite films from 1.29 eV for the iodide-based perovskite to 1.50 eV for the perovskite with a bromide content of x = 0.33. X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that the size of the unit cell is also gradually reduced based on the incorporation of bromide. Regarding the photovoltaic performance of the perovskite films, it is shown that already small amounts of bromide (x = 0.08) in the perovskite system increase the open circuit voltage, short circuit current density and fill factor. The maximum power conversion efficiency of 4.63% was obtained with a bromide content of x = 0.25, which can be ascribed to the formation of homogeneous thin films in combination with higher values of the open circuit voltage. Upon introduction of a higher amount of bromide (x = 0.33), the perovskite absorber layers form pinholes, thus reducing the overall device performance.

Graphic abstract
Views on ageing: a lifespan perspective
Authors: Kornadt Anna E. , Kessler Eva-Marie , Wurm Susanne , Bowen Catherine E. , Gabrian Martina , Klusmann Verena 
Published: October 2019

AbstractViews on ageing (VoA) have special relevance for the ageing process by influencing health, well-being, and longevity. Although VoA form early in life, so far, most research has concentrated on how VoA affect later middle-aged and older adults. In this theoretical article, we argue that a lifespan approach is needed in order to more fully understand the origins of VoA, how they change over ontogenetic time, and how they shape development across the full breadth of the lifespan. We begin by explicitly linking VoA to fundamental principles of lifespan development. We review existing theories of VoA and discuss their respective contributions and limitations. We then outline a lifespan approach to VoA that integrates existing theories and addresses some of their limitations. We elaborate on three core propositions of a lifespan approach to VoA: (1) VoAdevelopas the result of a dynamic, ongoing, and complex interaction between biological-evolutionary, psychological, and social-contextual factors; however, the relative importance of different sources changes across the lifespan; (2) VoAimpactdevelopment across the whole lifespan; however, different outcomes, mechanisms, and time frames need to be considered in order to describe and understand their effects; and (3) VoA aremultidimensional, multidirectional, and multifunctionalthroughout life, but their complexity, meaning, and adaptivity change across the lifespan. We conclude with recommendations for future lifespan research on VoA.
PP2Ac upregulates PI3K-Akt signaling and induces hepatocyte apoptosis in liver donor after brain death
Authors: Xiong Yan , Lan Jianan , Huang Kaixin , Zhang Yaruo , Zheng Lewei , Wang Yanfeng , Ye Qifa 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMultiple research groups have demonstrated that the outcome of patients receiving liver grafts from brain death donors (DBD) is poorer when compared with patients receiving grafts from living donors. This might be due to an increased hepatocyte apoptosis induced after brain death (BD). In this work, we found that the activity of PP2A-Akt pathway is significantly increased in clinical donor ex vivo hepatocytes after BD by iTRAQ protein quantification analysis. The same results were confirmed in animal models. A time-dependent promotion of apoptosis was also found in DBD rabbit liver, as demonstrated by the increased levels of cleaved Caspase 3 and the decreased of Bcl-2. To further investigate the roles of PP2A and Akt in regulating apoptosis of hepatocytes after BD, we cultivated human liver cell line L02 with serum deprivation and hypoxia, to simulate the ischemic and hypoxic conditions of hepatocytes in DBD. Increased apoptosis and decreased viability were observed during the time in this model. Meanwhile PP2A activity and Akt activity were respectively increased and decreased. Notably, the proportion of Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 decreased, while other known targets of PP2A (p38, JNK and ERK) were not affected in terms of protein levels or phosphorylation. These results suggested that PP2A is involved in apoptotic induction of hepatocytes after brain death by specific suppression of Akt. This discovery was further confirmed with pharmaceutical and genetic methods. Our work implied potential targets for reducing liver cell apoptosis and improving organ donor quality after BD.
Self-Reported Quality of Life of Maltreated Children Who Have Been Reported to Advice and Reporting Centers On Child Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Hoefnagels Cees , Evers Sivia , Snoeren Froukje , Meesters Cor , Lamers-Winkelman Francien 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To examine the self-reported quality of life of maltreated children, shortly after submission of a report to an advice and reporting center on child abuse and neglect, and the extent to which child and maltreatment characteristics were associated with quality of life.

Methods
Participants were 228 maltreated children aged 5–16 years (M = 9.99; SD = 3.20) and their primary caregiver. Children completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. One-sample t-tests were used to compare the self-reported quality of life of the maltreated children with scores from normative populations. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to explore whether maltreated children’s age, gender and type of maltreatment were associated with their quality of life, controlling for socio-demographic characteristics.

Results
Significant differences were found between the study sample and three different normative populations regarding overall quality of life and the psychosocial health dimension of quality of life, indicating a poorer quality of life and psychosocial health for the maltreated children in this study. In addition, the socio-demographic characteristic of financial problems in the family as reported by the parent(s) was associated with children’s poorer self-reported quality of life.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that child maltreatment is negatively related to self-reported quality of life. Future research should further address the effects of child maltreatment on quality of life after child protection system interventions.
Stability conditions for a decentralised medium access algorithm: single- and multi-hop networks
Authors: Shneer Seva , Stolyar Alexander 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
We consider a decentralised multi-access algorithm, motivated primarily by the control of transmissions in a wireless network. For a finite single-hop network with arbitrary interference constraints, we prove stochastic stability under the natural conditions. For infinite and finite single-hop networks, we obtain broad rate-stability conditions. We also consider symmetric finite multi-hop networks and show that the natural condition is sufficient for stochastic stability.
A microsurgical robot research platform for robot-assisted microsurgery research and training
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Chen Junhong , Li Wei , Bautista Salinas Daniel , Yang Guang-Zhong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Ocular surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery and neurosurgery are typical types of microsurgery. A versatile training platform can assist microsurgical skills development and accelerate the uptake of robot-assisted microsurgery (RAMS). However, the currently available platforms are mainly designed for macro-scale minimally invasive surgery. There is a need to develop a dedicated microsurgical robot research platform for both research and clinical training.

Methods
A microsurgical robot research platform (MRRP) is introduced in this paper. The hardware system includes a slave robot with bimanual manipulators, two master controllers and a vision system. It is flexible to support multiple microsurgical tools. The software architecture is developed based on the robot operating system, which is extensible at high-level control. The selection of master–slave mapping strategy was explored, while comparisons were made between different interfaces.

Results
Experimental verification was conducted based on two microsurgical tasks for training evaluation, i.e. trajectory following and targeting. User study results indicated that the proposed hybrid interface is more effective than the traditional approach in terms of frequency of clutching, task completion time and ease of control.

Conclusion
Results indicated that the MRRP can be utilized for microsurgical skills training, since motion kinematic data and vision data can provide objective means of verification and scoring. The proposed system can further be used for verifying high-level control algorithms and task automation for RAMS research.
Postprandial leptin and adiponectin in response to sugar and fat in obese and normal weight individuals
Authors: Larsen M. A. , Isaksen V. T. , Paulssen E. J. , Goll R. , Florholmen J. R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Adipokines produced by white adipose tissue are central in the development of lifestyle diseases. Individuals in industrialized countries spend a substantial part of life in the non-fasting, postprandial state, which is associated with increased oxidation and inflammation. The aim was to study postprandial adiponectin and leptin levels after an oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in obese (OB) and healthy, normal weight individuals (NW).

Methods
Fifty adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and 17 healthy, NW were included. Postprandial triglyceride (TG), adiponectin, and leptin levels were measured every second hour during an 8 h OFTT, and every half hour during a 2 h OGTT.

Results
Compared with the basal level, postprandial levels of adiponectin following OFTT showed a slight initial peak, followed by a significant decrease at 8 h, in the NW. In the OB these changes were abolished. Postprandial levels of leptin decreased significantly from basal levels in the OFTT, in the NW, whereas in the OB, leptin was unchanged except for a slight increase from 2 to 8 h. During the OGTT both adiponectin and leptin levels remained unchanged in the NW, but decreased significantly in the OB. In addition, the OB had delayed TG clearance at 6 h.

Conclusions
A fatty meal gives postprandial changes in the secretion of adiponectin and leptin in NW, but not in OB. Our observations indicate that a potential postprandial regulatory role of adiponectin and leptin is impaired in OB, and of importance in a more comprehensive understanding of the delayed postprandial TG clearance in obese individuals.
Young and Temporary: Youth Employment Insecurity and Support for Right-Wing Populist Parties in Europe
Authors: Zagórski Piotr , Rama Jose , Cordero Guillermo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe recent success of right-wing populist parties (RPPs) in Europe has given rise to different explanations. Economic factors have proven to be significant mainly at the aggregate level. As for the individual level, it has been argued that the so-called ‘losers of globalization’ – the less educated and less skilled, profiles with higher job insecurity – are more likely to support RPPs. Nevertheless, RPPs perform strikingly well in countries less affected by the Great Recession, gathering high levels of support among profiles not considered the losers of globalization. Moreover, the effect of age on support for RPPs is not clear, as, on the one hand, the young are better educated and skilled, but, on the other, they suffered the effects of the economic crisis more. To address this puzzle, we focus on the impact of unemployment and employment insecurity among the youth on voting for RPPs in 17 European countries. We find that youth support for RPPs can be explained by the precariousness of the youth labour market.
An Investigation into 14C offsets in Modern Mollusk Shell and Flesh from Irish Coasts shows no Significant differences in areas of Carbonate Geology
Authors: Allen K R , Reimer P J , Beilman D W , Crow S E 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTOur ability to reliably use radiocarbon (14C) dates of mollusk shells to estimate calendar ages may depend on the feeding preference and habitat of a particular species and the geology of the region. Gastropods that feed by scraping are prone to incorporation of carbon from the substrate into their shells as evidenced by studies comparing the radiocarbon dates of shells and flesh from different species on different substrates (Dye 1994; Hogg et al. 1998). Limpet shells (Patella sp.) are commonly found in prehistoric midden deposits in the British Isles and elsewhere, however these shells have largely been avoided for radiocarbon dating in regions of limestone outcrops. Results from limpets (Patella vulgata) collected alive on limestone and volcanic substrates on the coasts of Ireland indicate that the shells were formed in equilibrium with the seawater, with no significant 14C offsets. Limpets collected from the east coast of Northern Ireland have elevated 14C due to the output of Sellafield nuclear fuel reprocessing plant. In all locations, the flesh was depleted in 14C compared to the shells. The results will have an important consequence for radiocarbon dating of midden deposits as well as the bone of humans and animals who fed on the limpets.