bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching the partial products algorithm with the concrete representational abstract sequence and the strategic instruction model
Authors: Flores Margaret M. , Moore Alexcia J. , Meyer Jill M.
Published: January 2020

Elementary standards include multiplication of single‐digit numbers and students advance to solve complex problems and demonstrate procedural fluency in algorithms. The ability to illustrate procedural fluency in algorithms is dependent on the development of understanding and reasoning in multiplication. Development of multiplicative reasoning provides the foundation for advanced mathematics and algebraic reasoning. For students who struggle in mathematics, instruction in multiplication algorithms should ensure conceptual understanding so that students have a foundation for success in advanced mathematics. The concrete representational abstract (CRA) sequence addresses conceptual understanding and the strategic instruction model (SIM) supports procedural knowledge. The current pilot study combined these methods to teach elementary students the partial products algorithm. Twelve students in grades four and five participated in the study, receiving instruction from teachers in their school during an intervention period. Within a pre‐experimental design, using pre‐ and postintervention data, students showed a significant change in performance. The article will describe and show how teachers implemented the CRA‐SIM interventions and discuss implications for practice.
‘ND Falcon’, a new pinto bean with combined resistance to rust and soybean cyst nematode
Authors: Osorno Juan M. , Vander Wal Albert J. , Posch John , Simons Kristin , Grafton Kenneth F. , Pasche Julie S. , Nelson Berlin D. , Jain Shalu , Pastor‐Corrales Marcial
Published: January 2020

‘ND Falcon’ pinto bean (PVP‐201900174, Reg. no. CV‐326, PI 690446) is a new cultivar developed by the Dry Edible Bean Breeding Program at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Pinto bean is the most important dry bean market class in the United States. North Dakota is the largest producer of dry bean in the country, where ∼50% of production is pinto bean. Both biotic and abiotic stresses are the main factors responsible for seed yield reductions. Between 2013 and 2018, ND Falcon was tested across more than 22 environments in North Dakota. Averaged across environments, seed yield of ND Falcon was not significantly different from commonly grown pinto bean cultivars in the region. Nonetheless, ND Falcon is resistant to the most common race (20‐3) of the bean rust pathogen and to soybean cyst nematode (HG Type 0). Therefore, a seed yield advantage under disease pressure would be expected for ND Falcon compared with other pinto bean cultivars while eliminating or reducing the need for fungicide and/or nematicide applications. ND Falcon has desirable upright architecture (type IIa) with short vines. Under North Dakota conditions, ND Falcon shows an average plant height of 53 cm, has a 100‐seed weight of 37.0 g, and matures in approximately 103 d. Other traits of agronomic or economic importance are within acceptable commercial ranges for pinto bean.
1,2‐Diketones as photoinitiators of both cationic and free‐radical photopolymerization under UV (392 nm) or Blue (455 nm) LEDs
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Shuhui , Lalevée Jacques , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Lam Elizabeth S.‐H. , Graff Bernadette , Liu Jing , Xing Feiyue , Xiao Pu
Published: January 2020

The photoinitiation abilities of three 1,2‐diketones [i.e., acenaphthenequinone (ANPQ), aceanthrenequinone (AATQ), and 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PANQ)]‐based photoinitiating systems [PISs, with additives such as iodonium salt, N‐vinylcarbazole (NVK), tertiary amine, and phenacyl bromide (R‐Br)] for cationic photopolymerization and free‐radical photopolymerization under the irradiation of ultraviolet (UV; 392 nm) or blue (455 nm) light‐emitting diode (LED) bulb are investigated. All 1,2‐diketones studied exhibit ground state absorption that match with the emission spectra of UV (392 nm) or blue LED (455 nm) better than that of the well‐known blue‐light‐sensitive photoinitiator camphorquinone (CQ). In particular, AATQ/iodonium salt/NVK can show high photoinitiating ability (with epoxide conversion yield >70%) under the UV light irradiation due to the effect of NVK. In addition, 1,2‐diketone/iodonium salt (and optional NVK) systems are capable of initiating free‐radical photopolymerization of methacrylates, with conversions of 50–58%. Furthermore, some 1,2‐diketone/tertiary amine (and optional R‐Br) combinations are found to demonstrate high efficiency to initiate free‐radical photopolymerization, and 71% of methacrylate conversion can be achieved with PANQ/tertiary amine/R‐Br PIS. Some 1,2‐ketone‐based PISs can even exhibit higher efficiency than the CQ‐based systems. The photochemical mechanism of the radical generation from the 1,2‐diketone‐based PISs is investigated and found to be consistent with the related photopolymerization efficiency. © 2020
Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 792–802
Diabatic generation of negative potential vorticity and its impact on the North Atlantic jet stream
Authors: Harvey Ben , Methven John , Sanchez Claudio , Schäfler Andreas
Published: January 2020

Localised regions of negative potential vorticity (PV) are frequently seen on the equatorward flank of the upper‐tropospheric jet streams in analysis and forecast products. Their positioning, on the anticyclonic side of the jet and often close to the jet core, suggest they are associated with an enhancement of jet stream maximum winds. Given that PV is generally positive in the northern hemisphere and is materially conserved under adiabatic conditions, the presence of negative PV is indicative of recent diabatic activity. However, little is understood on the mechanisms for its generation and subsequent impacts. In this paper, aircraft measurements from a recent field campaign are used to provide direct observational evidence for the presence of negative PV on the anticyclonic side of an upper‐tropospheric jet. Theory is then developed to understand the process by which PV can turn negative. The key ingredient is diabatic heating in the presence of vertical wind shear, and the resulting PV anomalies are shown to always result from a flux of PV directed “down the isentropic slope”. This explains why, for the typical situation of heating in a warm conveyor belt, negative PV values appear on the equatorward side of the upper‐tropospheric jet stream close to the jet core. These ideas are illustrated with a semi‐geostrophic model and the processes responsible for the observed negative PV are explored using an operational forecast model with online PV tracer diagnostics. The diabatic influence on jet stream winds and shear is of interest because it is pertinent to the predictability of extreme jet stream events and associated flight‐level turbulence, and is crucial to the propagation of Rossby waves at tropopause level, development of midlatitude weather systems and their subsequent impacts at the surface.
Quality of wind characteristics in recent wind atlases over the North Sea
Authors: Kalverla Peter C. , Holtslag Albert A. M. , Ronda Reinder J. , Steeneveld Gert‐Jan
Published: January 2020

Offshore wind energy production is rapidly growing as an essential element in the sustainable energy share. Wind energy siting studies require accurate wind data, and in particular the knowledge of extreme wind events (low‐level jets, wind ramps, extreme shear and high wind speeds) is crucial for resource and load assessment. This study evaluates the skill of three relatively new wind atlases, i.e. ERA‐5, DOWA and NEWA on the representation of extreme wind events using observations taken at the Met Mast IJmuiden over the North Sea. Overall, DOWA appears to best represent the wind speed profile with virtually no bias. ERA‐5 underestimates the mean wind speed profile though the wind shear is well represented, while NEWA correctly represents the near surface wind but underestimates the wind shear. The frequency of low‐level jets are also best represented by DOWA. Wind speed ramps and direction ramps are best represented by ERA‐5, while DOWA appears to outperform the others concerning wind shear.
Visual behaviour in robotic surgery—Demonstrating the validity of the simulated environment
Authors: Dilley James , Singh Harsimrat , Pratt Philip , Omar Ismail , Darzi Ara , Mayer Erik
Published: January 2020

Background

Eye metrics provide insight into surgical behaviour allowing differentiation of performance, however have not been used in robotic surgery. This study explores eye metrics of robotic surgeons in training in simulated and real tissue environments.

Methods

Following the Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery (FRS), training curriculum novice robotic surgeons were trained to expert‐derived benchmark proficiency using real tissue on the da Vinci Si and the da Vinci skills simulator (dVSS) simulator. Surgeons eye metrics were recorded using eye‐tracking glasses when both “novice” and “proficient” in both environments. Performance was assessed using Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic skills (GEARS) and numeric psychomotor test score (NPMTS) scores.

Results

Significant (P ≤ .05) correlations were seen between pupil size, rate of change and entropy, and associated GEARS/NPMTS in “novice” and “proficient” surgeons. Only number of blinks per minute was significantly different between pupilometrics in the simulated and real tissue environments.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the value of eye tracking as an objective physiological tool in the robotic setting. Pupilometrics significantly correlate with established assessment methods and could be incorporated into robotic surgery assessments.
Robotic radical surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A single‐centre case series
Authors: Li Jizhe , Tan Xianglong , Zhang Xuan , Zhao Guodong , Hu Minggen , Zhao Zhiming , Liu Rong
Published: January 2020

Background

Radical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is considered one of the most complicated abdominal operations. We report our initial experience with robotic radical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Between March 2017 and February 2019, the perioperative outcomes of 48 patients were analysed. In addition, there were two techniques for hepaticojejunostomy in the robotic approach. Comparison of the conventional and novel methods for hepaticojejunostomy was also performed to assess the efficacy of the technique.

Results

The operative duration and intraoperative blood loss volume was 276 minutes and 150 mL, respectively. The overall morbidity was 58.3% and the major morbidity was 10.4%. The overall mortality was 0%. No significant differences in the perioperative outcomes of hepaticojejunostomy were found between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Robotic resection is a potential alternative to open surgery for appropriately selected patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Further studies are required to detect the long‐term outcomes of this procedure.
Beyond Monolingual Reading Assessments for Emerging Bilingual Learners: Expanding the Understanding of Biliteracy Assessment Through Writing
Authors: Butvilofsky Sandra A. , Escamilla Kathy , Gumina Deena , Silva Diaz Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

Emerging bilingual learners’ biliteracy abilities are often underestimated when monolingual reading assessments, such as the DIBELS, are used to identify students as having difficulties in learning or to guide literacy instruction. The authors propose a holistic form of biliterate assessment that uses writing as a means to understand what emerging bilingual learners actually know about literacy. In this qualitative study, the authors raise serious concerns about using DIBELS and question its adequacy for measuring literacy skills for students in the early and intermediate stages of English‐language development, as well as its limitations in providing relevant information about students’ biliteracy. Through qualitative analysis of three sets of writing samples collected from 29 second‐grade students, the authors illustrate the biliteracy skills and abilities that these students possessed holistically across Spanish and English. The students selected for this study were identified by DIBELS scores as reading below or well‐below benchmark. However, through the qualitative analysis of their writing, the authors were able to document the students’ literacy understandings across languages in their second‐grade year through the organization of their written texts, change in sentence constructions, and alphabetic skills knowledge. This work is significant to the field of bilingual and biliteracy instruction in that biliterate writing assessment provides a means to understanding developing reading skills that is broader in scope and is appropriate for assessing the totality of emerging bilingual learners’ biliteracy development.
The effect of professional development on elementary science teachers’ understanding, confidence, and classroom implementation of reform‐based science instruction
Authors: Maeng Jennifer L. , Whitworth Brooke A. , Bell Randy L. , Sterling Donna R.
Published: January 2020

Through a randomized controlled trial, this mixed‐methods study evaluated changes in elementary science teachers’ understandings, confidence, and classroom implementation of problem‐based learning (PBL), inquiry, and nature of science (NOS) instruction following participation in a professional development (PD) as well as the components of the PD that teachers perceived facilitated these changes. Results indicated that following the PD, treatment teacher (n = 139) understandings of and confidence for teaching inquiry, NOS, and PBL were significantly greater than control teachers (n = 98) after controlling for preunderstandings and confidence. The effect sizes were large. Treatment teachers also incorporated significantly more PBL, inquiry, and NOS into their instruction. Modeling, microteaching with feedback and reflection, and in‐classroom coaching facilitated teachers’ confidence, understanding, and intention to implement the reform‐based practices they learned. Implications for the understanding of the relationship between knowledge, confidence, and practice as well as elementary science teacher PD design are discussed.
Modeling peer effect modification by network strength: The diffusion of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in the US hospital network
Authors: O'Malley A. James , Moen Erika L. , Bynum Julie P. W. , Austin Andrea M. , Skinner Jonathan S.
Published: January 2020

We develop methodology that allows peer effects (also referred to as social influence and contagion) to be modified by the structural importance of the focal actor's position in the network. The methodology is first developed for a single peer effect and then extended to simultaneously model multiple peer‐effects and their modifications by the structural importance of the focal actor. This work is motivated by the diffusion of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in patients with congestive heart failure across a cardiovascular disease patient‐sharing network of United States hospitals. We apply the general methodology to estimate peer effects for the adoption of capability to implant ICDs, the number of ICD implants performed by hospitals that are capable, and the number of patients referred to other hospitals by noncapable hospitals. Applying our novel methodology to study ICD diffusion across hospitals, we find evidence that exposure to ICD‐capable peer hospitals is strongly associated with the chance a hospital becomes ICD‐capable and that the direction and magnitude of the association is extensively modified by the strength of that hospital's position in the network, even after controlling for effects of geography. Therefore, interhospital networks, rather than geography per se, may explain key patterns of regional variations in healthcare utilization.
Human disease cost network analysis
Authors: Ma Chenjin , Li Yang , Shia BenChang , Ma Shuangge
Published: January 2020

Diseases can be interconnected. In the recent years, there has been a surge of multidisease studies. Among them, HDN (human disease network) analysis takes a system perspective, examines the interconnections among diseases along with their individual properties, and has demonstrated great potential. Most of the existing HDN analyses are based on either molecular information (which may be unreliable and have limited clinical relevance) or phenotypic measures (which may have limited implications for disease management and not directly reflect disease severity). In this study, we take advantage of the uniquely valuable Taiwan NHIRD (National Health Insurance Research Database) data and conduct an HDN analysis of disease treatment cost. Complementing the existing literature, treatment cost can serve as a surrogate of disease severity (and hence be clinically highly relevant) and also directly describe the financial burden of illness (and hence be uniquely informative for disease management). With inpatient and outpatient treatment data on close to 1 million randomly selected subjects and collected during the period of 2000 to 2013, the human disease cost network is constructed using a novel copula‐based approach and the weighted correlation‐based network construction technique. Extensive analysis is conducted, and the results are found to be biomedically sensible.
Interlayer Cross‐Linked 2D Perovskite Solar Cell with Uniform Phase Distribution and Increased Exciton Coupling
Authors: Wang Han , Chan Christopher C. S. , Chu Ming , Xie Jiangsheng , Zhao Shenghe , Guo Xinlu , Miao Qian , Wong Kam Sing , Yan Keyou , Xu Jianbin
Published: January 2020

A nonuniform vertical phase distribution and thick insulating barrier can decrease the energy transfer between slices in layered perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, an interlayer cross‐linked Dion–Jacobson (DJ)‐type 2D PSC with 1,4‐butanediamine (BDA) as a short‐chain insulating spacer [formula: (BDA)MAn −1PbnI3n + 1] is reported and demonstrates the vertical phase becoming uniform with enhanced exciton coupling, leading to reduced nonradiative recombination. For n = 1 pure phase perovskite, an exciton binding energy of the DJ phase (BDA)PbI4 is ≈142 meV, much smaller than ≈435 meV of Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) phase (BA)2PbI4 (n = 1) perovskite, indicative of exciton‐coupling‐induced efficient energy transfer. Therefore, the high energy emission peaks for the (BDA)MA3Pb4I13 film are not observed even in liquid nitrogen temperature (78 K), which can be distinguished from that of the (BA)2MA3Pb4I13 film. Energy transfer between 2D slices of (BDA)MA3Pb4I13 is 100 times faster than that of (BA)2MA3Pb4I13. The uniform vertical distribution and exciton coupling mitigate nonradiative energy loss and significantly improve Voc in inverted structures (PEDOT:PSS/(BDA)MA3Pb4I13/PCBM/bathocuproine/Ag) to ≈1.15 V and the control n‐butylammonium‐based device demonstrates only a Voc = ≈1 V. It is believed that the results would provide a deep understanding of exciton coupling in hybrid multicomponent quantum wells.
Comparative crystallography suggests maniraptoran theropod affinities for latest Cretaceous European ‘geckoid’ eggshell
Authors: Choi Seung , Moreno‐Azanza Miguel , Csiki‐Sava Zoltán , Prondvai Edina , Lee Yuong‐Nam
Published: January 2020

Thin fossil eggshell from Upper Cretaceous deposits of Europe, characterized by nodular ornamentation similar to modern gekkotan eggshell, has mostly been interpreted as gekkotan (=‘geckoid’) in origin. However, in some cases, as for the oogenusPseudogeckoolithus, a theropod affinity has also been suggested. The true affinity of these fossil ‘geckoid’ eggshells has remained controversial due to the absence of analytical methods for identifying genuine gecko eggshell in the fossil record. In this study, we apply electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis to latest Cretaceous European ‘geckoid’ (includingPseudogeckoolithus) eggshell, in comparison with modern gekkotan and theropod (avian) eggshell. We found thatPseudogeckoolithushas a definite theropod eggshell‐like crystallographic configuration, in clear contrast to that seen in modern ‘gecko eggshells’. Furthermore, the crystallography of the nodular ornamentation inPseudogeckoolithusis similar to that seen in megapode eggshell, but different from that of gecko eggshell, despite superficial morphological similarity. The remarkable morphological similarities betweenPseudogeckoolithusand modern gecko eggshells are thus convergent, and the ‘gekkotan affinity’ hypothesis can be dismissed forPseudogeckoolithus. This study provides a template for differentiating true gekkotan from dinosaurian eggshells in the fossil record. The potential functional significance of eggshell ornamentation, lost in most modern birds, requires further study, and experimental zoological approach may shed light on this issue. Finally, the present results suggest caution about the dangers of using potentially homoplastic eggshell characters in eggshell parataxonomy.
Characterization of the Microstructure and Precipitates Formed During the Thermomechanical Processing of a CrNiMoWMnV Ultrahigh‐Strength Steel
Authors: Ali Mohammed , Porter David , Kömi Jukka , Eissa Mamdouh , El Faramawy Hoda , Mattar Taha
Published: January 2020

The effect of total applied strain (TAS), finish forging temperature (FFT) on the microstructure, and precipitation kinetics of a newly developed low‐cost, low‐alloy CrNiMoWMnV ultrahigh‐strength steel has been investigated. A Gleeble 3800 thermomechanical simulator is used to simulate the hot forging process and its influence on the precipitation kinetics. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy combined with electron‐backscattered diffraction is used to characterize the final overall microstructures, whereas transmission electron microscopy on carbon extraction replicas is used to characterize the precipitates in terms of morphology, size distribution, mean equivalent circle diameter, the 90th percentile in the cumulative diameter distribution (D90%ppt), chemical composition, and crystallography. Thermo‐Calc software is used to predict the precipitates expected in austenite at equilibrium. The final microstructure consists of lath martensite and a small fraction of the precipitates AlN, TiN, and composite TiN–AlN. Differences in the degree of strain‐induced precipitation caused by variations in TAS and FFT have been shown to greatly influence precipitate size distributions. Variations in the degree of precipitate dissolution and coarsening cause variations in the prior austenite grain size, which subsequently cause variations in the effective grain size of the final microstructure, i.e., that are defined by high‐angle grain boundaries.
Characterization of Local Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Population Grains in Terms of Nutritional Properties and Evaluation by GT Biplot Approach
Authors: Kaplan Mahmut , Kale Hasan , Kardes Yusuf Murat , Karaman Kevser , Kahraman Kevser , Yılmaz Mehmet Fatih , Temizgül Ridvan , Akar Taner
Published: January 2020

This study is conducted to characterize some nutritional attributes and starch properties of 156 Turkish sorghum populations and 4 standard cultivars (Sorghum bicolor L.). Crude protein contents of the populations vary between 6.67% and 14.33%, digestible protein ratios between 6.67% and 82.24%, crude oil contents between 2.15% and 6.40%, phytic acid contents between 0.37% and 4.09%, resistant starch between 1.10% and 34.23%, nonresistant starch between 10.79% and 79.61%, total starch between 15.42% and 85.54%, amylose between 5.67% and 43.48%, amylopectin between 9.45% and 65.67%, total phenolic between 0.19% and 5.06 mg GAE/g and antiradical activity between 3.72% and 91.48%. Significant differences are obtained from starch‐based Rapid Visco Analyzer parameters of sorghum genotypes. As compared standard cultivars, several superior genotypes are identified in terms of nutritional characteristics. Genotype treatment (GT) biplot analysis revealed ideal genotypes for investigated parameters. Present findings confirmed that there are many genotypes with superior nutritional properties in local sorghum genotypes.
Experimental study and numerical analysis on seismic performance of steel beam‐column damping joint in Chinese traditional style buildings
Authors: Sui Yan , He Zhenhua , Xue Jianyang , Wu Zhanjing
Published: January 2020

This paper aims to research the seismic performance of steel beam‐column damping joint of Chinese traditional style building. Three specimens of steel beam‐column damping joints with the1:2.6 scale were designed and researched, which included two specimens with viscous damper and one contrast specimen without viscous damper. The experimental study was carried out by cyclic dynamic loading test. The effects of viscous dampers for the steel structure beam‐column joint in Chinese traditional style buildings are analyzed by investigating the hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, strength and stiffness degradation, ductility, overstrength factor, and energy dissipation capacity. The results show that the steel beam‐column joints of Chinese tradition style buildings with viscous damper have better energy dissipation capacity and higher bearing capacity. Based on the experiment, the nonlinear finite element analysis was conducted using the ABAQUS software. The influence of damping coefficient on the behavior of the new damping joint of Chinese tradition style buildings was obtained, and the design suggestions were presented.
Unravelling the identity and nomenclatural history of Zingiber montanum, and establishing Z. purpureum as the correct name for Cassumunar ginger
Authors: Bai Lin , Maslin Bruce Roger , Triboun Pramote , Xia Nianhe , Leong‐Škorničková Jana
Published: January 2020

Cassumunar is a well‐known and widely cultivated medicinal ginger. Historically, many names have been applied to this species. Over the past two decades, Zingiber montanum (≡ Amomum montanum) has been mostly accepted as the correct scientific name for Cassumunar ginger in spite of numerous discrepancies between the protologue and the plants to which the name was applied. We re‐investigated the identity, taxonomy and nomenclatural history of Z. montanum, Z. purpureum and Z. cassumunar and their synonyms. We show that the correct name for Cassumunar ginger is Z. purpureum and that Z. montanum is a different species. A specimen at C previously regarded as the holotype of A. montanum is not original material, and represents Z. purpureum, which partly explains the confusion between these two names. Zingiber montanum is characterized by scarlet inflorescence bracts and flowers with labellum and lateral staminodes being dark purplish‐red, and mottled cream‐white. Unlike Z. purpureum, Z. montanum is not known in cultivation and has no known medicinal properties. Zingiber newmanii, Z. nudicarpum and Z. peninsulare are placed in synonymy with Z. montanum, expanding the distribution significantly in Southeast Asia and into China. Zingiber purpureum is readily distinguished from Z. montanum by dark red to maroon, purplish or almost brown bracts often with greenish margins, and flowers with cream‐white labellum and lateral staminodes. Zingiber cassumunar, Z. cassumunar var. subglabrum, Z. cliffordiae, Z. paucipunctatum and Z. pubisquamum are treated as synonyms of Z. purpureum. Neotypes are designated for A. montanum and Z. purpureum, and lectotypes are designated for Z. cassumunar, Z. cassumunar var. subglabrum, Z. cliffordiae, Z. peninsulare and Z. pubisquamum.
Nacelle anemometer measurement‐based extremum‐seeking wind turbine region‐2 control for improved convergence in fluctuating wind
Authors: Wu Zhongyou , Li Yaoyu , Xiao Yan
Published: January 2020

For region‐2 operation of wind turbines in practice, the optimal torque gain can deviate from the nominal value because of the variations in turbine and wind conditions. The extremum‐seeking control (ESC) has shown its potential as a model‐free region‐2 control solution in some recent work; however, the ESC with rotor power feedback suffers from undesirable convergence under fluctuating wind. In this paper, we propose to use an estimated power coefficient as the objective function for the torque‐gain ESC, where the hub‐height free‐stream wind speed (FSWS) is estimated with the nacelle anemometer measurement on the basis of the so‐called nacelle transfer function (NTF) between the nacelle anemometer and met‐tower measurement. A sensitivity analysis is performed to quantify the impact of the wind speed estimation error on the estimation of power coefficient. An ESC integrated interregion switching scheme is proposed to avoid the load increase. Simulation results show that, compared with the power feedback‐based ESC, the proposed method can greatly improve the convergence rate of ESC under fluctuating wind, even under relatively large wind speed estimation error. Evaluation for the fatigue loads of wind turbine shows that the proposed control strategy induces mild increase of the wind turbine load.
Noncoding RNAs: New regulatory code in chondrocyte apoptosis and autophagy
Authors: Jiang Siyu , Liu Yi , Xu Bilian , Zhang Yan , Yang Min
Published: January 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a bone and joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation. In the face of global trends of population aging, OA is expected to become the fourth most common disabling disease by 2020. Nevertheless, the detailed pathogenesis of OA has not yet been elucidated. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs, do not encode proteins but have recently emerged as important regulators of apoptosis and autophagy of chondrocytes, thereby highlighting a potential role in chondrocyte injury leading to OA onset and progression. We here review recent findings on these regulatory roles of ncRNAs to provide new directions for research on the pathogenesis of OA and offer new therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
A landscape for the cosmological constant and the Higgs mass
Authors: Ghorbani Parsa , Strumia Alessandro , Teresi Daniele
Published: January 2020

Abstract

The cosmological constant and the Higgs mass seem unnaturally small and anthropically selected. We show that both can be efficiently scanned in Quantum Field Theories with a large enough number of vacua controllable thanks to approximated Z2 symmetries (even for Coleman-Weinberg potentials). We find that vacuum decay in a landscape implies weaker bounds than previously estimated. Special vacua where one light scalar is accidentally light avoid catastrophic vacuum decay if its self-cubic is absent. This is what happens for the Higgs doublet, thanks to gauge invariance. Yukawa couplings can be efficiently scanned, as suggested by anthropic boundaries on light quark masses. Finally, we suggest that the lack of predictivity of landscapes can be mitigated if their probability distributions are non-Gaussian (possibly even fractal).
Identification of molecular markers for the Pc39 gene conferring resistance to crown rust in oat
Authors: Sowa Sylwia , Paczos-Grzęda Edyta
Published: January 2020

Key message

Six new PCR-based markers for thePc39crown rust resistance gene inAvena sativaL. were developed.Pc39was mapped to Mrg11 of the oat consensus map using BLASTn analysis.

The aim of this study was the identification of molecular markers for thePc39gene in cultivated oat (Avena sativaL.).Pc39is a major race-specific crown rust resistance gene originally found in an Israeli accession of the wild hexaploidAvena sterilis. The effectiveness of this gene in Europe has decreased in recent years, but is still relatively high and breeding programs would benefit from the availability of molecular markers to aid in its mapping and deployment. The complexity of the oat genome poses a significant obstacle to genetic research. No oat rust resistance genes have yet been cloned, and even the number of relevant molecular markers is very limited. Here, genotyping of a segregating population derived from a cross ‘Celer’ (Pc39)/STH9210 (susceptible) was conducted using RAPD- and SRAP-PCR-based methods, as well as microarray-based DArT™ and next-generation sequencing DArTseq™ techniques. Markers associated withPc39were placed on the hexaploid oat consensus linkage group Mrg11 at 3.7–6.7 cM. Six new PCR-based markers were developed to allow identification of the resistantPc39allele. These tightly linked markers will be useful in marker-assisted selection, with the closest, SCAR_3456624, being within 0.37 cM ofPc39. The newly developed markers could find applications in the fine mapping or positional cloning of this gene. Moreover, easy-to-use PCR-based markers linked toPc39could facilitate the utilization of this gene in oat breeding programs, especially as a component of crown rust resistance gene pyramids.
Algorithms and values in justice and security
Authors: Hayes Paul , van de Poel Ibo , Steen Marc
Published: January 2020

This article presents a conceptual investigation into the value impacts and relations of algorithms in the domain of justice and security. As a conceptual investigation, it represents one step in a value sensitive design based methodology (not incorporated here are empirical and technical investigations). Here, we explicate and analyse the expression of values of accuracy, privacy, fairness and equality, property and ownership, and accountability and transparency in this context. We find that values are sensitive to disvalue if algorithms are designed, implemented or deployed inappropriately or without sufficient consideration for their value impacts, potentially resulting in problems including discrimination and constrained autonomy. Furthermore, we outline a framework of conceptual relations of values indicated by our analysis, and potential value tensions in their implementation and deployment with a view towards supporting future research, and supporting the value sensitive design of algorithms in justice and security.
Lone wolves in competitive equilibria
Authors: Jagadeesan Ravi , Kominers Scott Duke , Rheingans-Yoo Ross
Published: January 2020

This paper develops a class of equilibrium-independent predictions of competitive equilibrium with indivisibilities. Specifically, we prove an analogue of the “Lone Wolf Theorem” of classical matching theory for the Baldwin and Klemperer (Econometrica 87(3):867–932, 2019) model of exchange economies with transferable utility, showing that any agent who does not participate in trade in some competitive equilibrium must receive her autarky payoff in every competitive equilibrium. Our results extend to approximate equilibria and to settings in which utility is only approximately transferable.
Interdisciplinary approach allows minimally invasive, nerve-sparing removal of retroperitoneal peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Hajiabadi Mohammed Mehdi , Campos Benito , Sedlaczek Oliver , Khajeh Elias , Nikdad Mohammadsadegh , von Deimling Andreas , Mehrabi Arianeb , Unterberg Andreas , Ahmadi Rezvan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

En bloc resection of retroperitoneal peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) is advocated by a variety of surgical disciplines. Yet, microsurgical, nerve-sparing tumor resection might be better suited to improve symptoms and maintain neurological function, especially in cases where patients present with preoperative neurological deficits. However, neurosurgeons, versed in nerve-sparing techniques to remove PNST, are generally unfamiliar with the visceral approaches to retroperitoneal PNST.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluate a series of 16 patients suffering from retroperitoneal PNST. Patients were treated by a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining the visceral surgeon’s skills to navigate the complex anatomy of the retroperitoneal space and the neurosurgeon’s familiarity with microsurgical, nerve-sparing tumor removal. Specifically, we assess whether our interdisciplinary approach is suited to improve preoperative symptoms and maintain neurological function and study whether oncological outcome, surgical morbidity, and operative times are comparable to those reported for “classical” retroperitoneal PNST resection. In addition, we study two cases of suspected PNST that were diagnosed as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) after surgery.

Results

Total macroscopic tumor resection was achieved in 14/16 PNST patients. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 680.6 ml (95% CI, 194.3–1167.0 ml) and mean operative time was 162.5 min (95% CI, 121.6–203.4 min). We did not record any major postoperative surgical or neurological complications. A total of 8/11 patients with preoperative pain symptoms reported long-lasting improvement of their symptoms. In terms of oncological outcome, all patients that had been subjected to total tumor removal and for whom follow-up was available, were tumor-free after a mean follow-up of 761.9 days (95% CI, 97.6–1426.0 days). One of the two MPNST patients, who presented with tumor progress 15 months after initial surgery, was subjected to radical re-resection.

Conclusions

Interdisciplinary, nerve-sparing removal of retroperitoneal PNST is well suited to improve preoperative symptoms and maintain neurological function, while achieving an oncological outcome and a surgical morbidity similar to previously reported results for radical retroperitoneal PNST resection. Radical re-resection was feasible in a patient with post hoc MPNST diagnosis.
Exploring pervasive displays for cemeteries and memorial sites
Authors: Häkkilä Jonna , Colley Ashley , Kalving Matilda , Forsman Meri-Tuulia
Published: January 2020

This paper addresses graveyards as a context for designing interactive technology, especially pervasive displays and the presentation of information related to graves and the dead. We present our research containing three user studies: a focus group–based study on perceptions of different display technologies in the cemetery context, evaluation of a gravestone display prototype, and a user study with a graveyard navigator prototype. Whereas, HCI research surrounding death has so far largely focused on an individual’s digital remains, our focus is on the physical graveyard setting. We contribute to understanding the potential impacts and opportunities of interactive technology in this design context. Our salient findings highlight the cultural sensitivity and importance of dignity related to the context, unobtrusiveness of the technology, and concerns for privacy and social acceptability. Concepts taking into account these design aspects were of interest for those researching family histories, and visitors seeking improved navigation for the graveyard.
Terahertz-Based Porosity Measurement of Pharmaceutical Tablets: a Tutorial
Authors: Bawuah Prince , Markl Daniel , Farrell Daniel , Evans Mike , Portieri Alessia , Anderson Andrew , Goodwin Daniel , Lucas Ralph , Zeitler J. Axel
Published: January 2020

Porosity, one of the important quality attributes of pharmaceutical tablets, directly affects the mechanical properties, the mass transport and hence tablet disintegration, dissolution and ultimately the bioavailability of an orally administered drug. The ability to accurately and quickly monitor the porosity of tablets during manufacture or during the manufacturing process will enable a greater assurance of product quality. This tutorial systematically outlines the steps involved in the terahertz-based measurement method that can be used to quantify the porosity of a tablet within seconds in a non-destructive and non-invasive manner. The terahertz-based porosity measurement can be performed using one of the three main methods, which are (i) the zero-porosity approximation (ZPA); (ii) the traditional Bruggeman effective medium approximation (TB-EMA); and (iii) the anisotropic Bruggeman effective medium approximation (AB-EMA). By using a set of batches of flat-faced and biconvex tablets as a case study, the three main methods are compared and contrasted. Overall, frequency-domain signal processing coupled with the AB-EMA method was found to be most suitable approach in terms of accuracy and robustness when predicting the porosity of tablets over a range of complexities and geometries. This tutorial aims to concisely outline all the necessary steps, precautions and unique advantages associated with the terahertz-based porosity measurement method.
Vitreous albumin redox state in open-angle glaucoma patients and controls: a pilot study
Authors: Schwab Christoph , Paar Margret , Fengler Vera Heike , Lindner Ewald , Haas Anton , Ivastinovic Domagoj , Seidel Gerald , Weger Martin , Wedrich Andreas , Oettl Karl
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Numerous studies suggest that reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in the development of glaucoma. Since glaucoma patients exhibit posterior vitreous detachment earlier than controls, it has been suggested that reactive oxygen species—increased in glaucoma—also affect the vitreous. In the present study we evaluated the influence of open-angle glaucoma oxidative stress on the redox state of vitreous albumin.

Methods

Albumin redox states of the vitreous and plasma were evaluated in 22 subjects—11 open-angle glaucoma patients and 11 controls—matched for age, gender, and vitreous state. According to the redox state of cysteine-34, albumin can be separated into: human mercaptalbumin (the thiol form), human nonmercaptalbumin1 (a reversible modification due to mild oxidation), and human nonmercaptalbumin2 (an irreversible modification due to severe oxidation).

Results

Albumin of both, the open-angle glaucoma group and the control group, was more oxidized in the vitreous compared to plasma. Furthermore, significantly higher human nonmercaptalbumin1 fractions were found in the vitreous of open-angle glaucoma patients compared to controls. No significant differences were found in the plasma albumin fractions between the groups.

Conclusion

Our results support the hypothesis that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in open-angle glaucoma and that reactive oxygen species in glaucomatous eyes may also affect the vitreous.
Regional land-use and local management create scale-dependent ‘landscapes of fear’ for a common woodland bird
Authors: Whytock Robin C. , Fuentes-Montemayor Elisa , Watts Kevin , Macgregor Nicholas A. , Call Eilidh , Mann Jennifer A. , Park Kirsty J.
Published: January 2020

Context

Land-use change and habitat fragmentation are well known drivers of biodiversity declines. In forest birds, it has been proposed that landscape change can cause increased predation pressure that leads to population declines or community change. Predation can also have non-lethal effects on prey, such as creating ‘landscapes of fear’. However, few studies have simultaneously investigated the relative contribution of regional land-use and local management to creating ‘landscapes of fear’.

Objectives

To quantify the relative contribution of regional land-use and local management to the ‘landscape of fear’ in agricultural landscapes.

Methods

Bioacoustic recorders were used to quantify Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes alarm call rates in 32 naturally replicated broadleaf woodlands located in heterogeneous agricultural landscapes.

Results

Alarm call rates (the probability of an alarm per 10 min of audio) were positively correlated with the amount of agricultural land (arable or pasture) within 500 m of a woodland (effect size of 1) and were higher when livestock were present inside a woodland (effect size of 0.78). The amount of woodland and urban land cover in the landscape also had positive but weak effects on alarm call rates. Woodlands with gamebird management had fewer alarm calls (effect size of − 0.79).

Conclusions

We found that measures of both regional land-use and local management contributed to the ‘landscape of fear’ in agricultural landscapes. To reduce the impact of anthropogenic activities on ‘fear’ levels (an otherwise natural ecological process), land-managers should consider limiting livestock presence in woodlands and creating traditional ‘buffer strips’ (small areas of non-farmed land) at the interface between woodland edges and agricultural fields.
Enactive becoming
Authors: Di Paolo Ezequiel A.
Published: January 2020

The enactive approach provides a perspective on human bodies in their organic, sensorimotor, social, and linguistic dimensions, but many fundamental issues still remain unaddressed. A crucial desideratum for a theory of human bodies is that it be able to account for concrete human becoming. In this article I show that enactive theory possesses resources to achieve this goal. Being an existential structure, human becoming is best approached by a series of progressive formal indications. I discuss three standpoints on human becoming as open, indeterminate, and therefore historical using the voices of Pico della Mirandola, Gordon W. Allport, and Paulo Freire. Drawing on Gilbert Simondon’s philosophy of individuation we move from an existential to an ontological register in looking at modes of embodied becoming. His scheme of interpretation of the relation between modes of individuation allows us to understand human becoming in terms of a tendency to neotenization. I compare this ontology with an enactive theoretical account of the dimensions of embodiment, finding several compatibilities and complementarities. Various forms of bodily unfinishedness in enaction fit the Simondonian ontology and the existential analysis, where transindividuality corresponds to participatory sense-making and Freire’s joint becoming of individuals and communities correlates with the open tensions in linguistic bodies between incorporation and incarnation of linguistic acts. I test some of this ideas by considering the plausibility of artificial bodies and personal becoming from an enactive perspective, using the case of replicants in the filmBlade Runner. The conclusion is that any kind of personhood, replicants included, requires living through an actual history of concrete becoming.
Rapamycin-Preactivated Autophagy Enhances Survival and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells After Transplantation into Infarcted Myocardium
Authors: Li Zhi-hua , Wang Yong-li , Wang Hai-jie , Wu Jin-hong , Tan Yu-zhen
Published: January 2020

Stem cell transplantation has been limited by poor survival of the engrafted cells in hostile microenvironment of the infarcted myocardium. This study investigated cytoprotective effect of rapamycin-preactivated autophagy on survival of the transplanted mesemchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs isolated from rat bone marrow were treated with 50 nmol/L rapamycin for 2 h, and then the cytoprotective effect of rapamycin was examined. After intramyocardial transplantation in rat ischemia/reperfusion models, the survival and differentiation of the rapamycin-pretreated calls were accessed. After treatment with rapamycin, autophagic activities and lysososme production of the cells were increased significantly. In the condition of short-term or long-term hypoxia and serum deprivation, the apoptotic cells in rapamycin-pretreated cells were less, and secretion of HGF, IGF-1, SCF, SDF-1 and VEGF was increased. After transplantation of rapamycin-pretreated cells, repair of the infarcted myocardium and restoration of cardial function were enhanced dramatically. Expression of HGF, IGF-1, SCF, SDF-1, VEGF, HIF-1α and IL-10 in the myocardium was upregulated, while expression of IL-1β and TNF-α was downregulated. Tracing of GFP and Sry gene showed that the survival of rapamycin-pretreated cells was increased. Cardiomyogenesis and angiogenesis in the infarcted myocardium were strengthened. Some rapamycin-pretreated cells differentiated into cardiomyocytes or endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that moderate preactivation of autophagy with rapamycin enhances the survival and differentiation of the transplanted MSCs. Rapamycin-primed MSCs can promote repair of the infarcted myocardium and improvement of cardiac function effectively.