bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant community type is an indicator of the seasonal moisture deficit in a disturbed raised bog
Authors: Howie Sarah A. , Whitfield Paul H. , Moore R. Dan
Published: April 2020

Depth to water table is a simple, commonly used measure of hydrological function in raised bogs. The maximum depth of the water table or the average annual water table is often monitored over the long term to track the hydrological trajectory of the ecosystem. These measures, however, may not take into account the duration of the moisture deficit period. The annual water table moisture deficit (WTMD) at 67 sites in a single disturbed raised bog was calculated using the amount of time that the water table was at each depth below the surface during the moisture deficit season. The calculated value estimates a linearly developing deficit that dewaters the acrotelm during the moisture deficit season. At each site, plant species composition was assigned to one of eight plant community types. The approximate threshold above which bog plant communities will begin transitioning into drier types with taller shrubs and trees was a WTMD of 62 m‐days. An annual climatic moisture deficit (CMD) was calculated using daily air temperature, spatially interpolated precipitation and estimated potential evapotranspiration for each site. Mixed‐effects modelling of WTMD as a function CMD indicated a positive linear relation for most vegetation types, which was affected by the presence of drainage ditches, ditch blocking, fire and evapotranspiration by shrubs and trees. Tracking the WTMD and its relation to CMD may be useful for assessing ecosystem health and serve as a basis for estimating moisture deficit thresholds for bogs of conservation concern.
Validation of an environmental DNA protocol to detect a stream‐breeding amphibian, the Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri)
Authors: Witzel Nicole A. , Taheri Ali , Miller Brian T. , Hardman Rebecca H. , Withers David I. , Spear Stephen F. , Sutton William B.
Published: April 2020

Environmental DNA (eDNA), or DNA that is shed into the environment by an organism, can be used to detect the presence of cryptic species. However, eDNA methodology requires validation of an assay in both laboratory and field environments. Here, we describe the development of a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and field protocol for detecting a secretive amphibian, the Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri). This fossorial species is rarely encountered because adults are only active for several months during the winter when they breed and deposit eggs underneath rocks within intermittent streams. We designed and validated a qPCR assay for A. barbouri against five ambystomatid congeners and the Southern Two‐lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera), which occur within the range of A. barbouri in the focal study area. We detected DNA of A. barbouri in the laboratory to 0.0004 ng/µl, while all other congeners were rarely detected below 40 ng/µl. We collected 1‐L water samples from 45 streams from December 2016 to May 2017 and during April 2018 to validate our methods in the field. Our assay was effective at detecting A. barbouri in 24 of 45 streams. We confirmed physical presence of A. barbouri (adults, larvae, and/or eggs) at 21 out of 24 of these positive sites. The detection probability was 0.85 ± 0.05; CI: 0.75, 0.95 within a single sampling event that incorporated 5 water samples from each of 17 repeat‐visit sites. The per water sample sensitivity was 68% (163/238) and specificity was 100% (22/22). The per site visit sensitivity was 85% (46/54) and specificity was 100% (6/6). Lastly, the per site sensitivity was 95% (21/22) and specificity was 100% (3/3). Collectively, this protocol outlines an efficient and cost‐effective method to detect A. barbouri and provides a technique to rapidly identify sites where breeding is occurring and to determine the distribution of this species.
Food authentication in real life: How to link nontargeted approaches with routine analytics?
Authors: Creydt Marina , Fischer Markus
Published: April 2020

In times of increasing globalization and the resulting complexity of trade flows, securing food quality is an increasing challenge. The development of analytical methods for checking the integrity and, thus, the safety of food is one of the central questions for actors from science, politics, and industry. Targeted methods, for the detection of a few selected analytes, still play the most important role in routine analysis.

In the past 5 years, nontargeted methods that do not aim at individual analytes but on analyte profiles that are as comprehensive as possible have increasingly come into focus. Instead of investigating individual chemical structures, data patterns are collected, evaluated and, depending on the problem, fed into databases that can be used for further nontargeted approaches. Alternatively, individual markers can be extracted and transferred to targeted methods. Such an approach requires (i) the availability of authentic reference material, (ii) the corresponding high‐resolution laboratory infrastructure, and (iii) extensive expertise in processing and storing very large amounts of data. Probably due to the requirements mentioned above, only a few methods have really established themselves in routine analysis. This review article focuses on the establishment of nontargeted methods in routine laboratories. Challenges are summarized and possible solutions are presented.
Predictors of outcome in refractory generalized convulsive status epilepticus
Authors: Kafle Dilli Ram , Avinash Appu Jha , Shrestha Aashish
Published: April 2020

Objective

Refractory status epilepticus is a serious condition in which seizure continues despite use of two antiepileptic medications. Retrospective studies have shown that 29%‐43% of SE patients progress into RSE despite treatment. Mortality following RSE is high. We aimed to evaluate the predictors of outcome in patients with RSE at a tertiary care center.

Methods

Sixty‐eight consecutive patients with RSE who presented to our hospital between February 2018 and January 2020 were evaluated for outcome.

Result

In our study 28(41.2%), patients who failed to respond to first‐ and second‐line antiepileptic drug responded to the third‐line antiepileptic drug thus avoiding mechanical ventilation and intravenous anesthesia. Low GCS at admission (P < .001), need for mechanical ventilation and intravenous anesthesia (P = .018), and long duration of RSE before recovery (P = .035) were strongly associated with worse outcome. Duration of RSE before starting treatment (P = .147), previous history of seizure (P = .717), and age of the patient (P = .319) did not influence the outcome.

Significance

In our study, we prospectively evaluated patients with RSE and followed them for one month after discharge from the hospital. Unlike some of the previous studies, we identified an interesting finding whereby a significant proportion of the patients responded to the third‐line antiepileptic drug and thus avoiding the complications related to mechanical ventilation.
Bio‐inspired proton conducting phytagel derived zwitterionic complex membranes for fuel cells
Authors: Karuppasamy K. , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Jang Kyu‐Won , Ravi Seenu , Tanveer Waqas Hassan , Bose Ranjith , Thandavarayan Maiyalagan , Kim Hyun‐Seok
Published: April 2020

This study proves synthesis of carbohydrate polymer phytagel based composite proton exchange membranes and employed for their applications in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Phytagel was sulfonated using chlorosulfonic acid and corresponding composite membranes were prepared by loading different amounts of sulfamic acid (SA) to improve their proton conductivity. Incrementing SA into the sulfonated phytagel substantially boosted the swelling rate to a certain limit without affecting proton conductivity, or thermal and mechanical stabilities. Highest proton conductivity (1.49 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 353 K) was achieved for 7 wt% SA. Single cell tests on this membrane unveiled an excellent performance at 60°C and 100% relative humidity (RH) compared with the other two membranes. Thus, this study offers may open new possibilities to utilize phytagel based bio‐composite solid polymer electrolytes as proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications.
Performance analysis of Beaulieu‐Xie fading channel with MRC diversity reception
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Yadav Rajesh Kumar
Published: April 2020

In this work, the performance of communication system inside the densely packed small cells or femtocells with maximum ratio combining (MRC) diversity is studied. The line of sight (LOS) and the diffused power components inside the femtocells are modeled in the form of Beaulieu‐Xie fading channel and the performance metrics have been derived. The closed‐form expressions for outage probability (Pout), amount of fading (AF), and average symbol error probability (ASEP) for coherent and non‐coherent modulation schemes are derived for the said channel. Furthermore, the channel capacity analysis over different transmission policies is performed, and the corresponding results are plotted. The effect of diversity and the other fading parameters on the performance measures are demonstrated. Analytical results are supplemented with Monte‐Carlo simulations for validating the accuracy of the proposed formulations.
The things we believe: Anthropology and feminism in the #MeToo era
Authors: Walters Holly
Published: April 2020

This essay engages with the promise of feminist anthropology in terms of a disconnect between the practice of modern anthropology, its commitment to critically unveiling the narratives of power, and the structures of the academy, beholden as it is to creative fictions about ignorance and training as panacea to institutional sexual misconduct and gender inequality. As an intervention in a discipline that tends to leverage feminist praxis in ethnographic work but not in the constitution of its academic structures, the question is not whether anthropology has sufficiently incorporated feminism into its research methodologies but ultimately whether anthropology is ready to take on itself.
Deciphering the past to inform the future: preparing for the next (“really big”) extreme event
Authors: Peters Debra PC , Burruss N Dylan , Okin Gregory S , Hatfield Jerry L , Scroggs Stacey LP , Huang Haitao , Brungard Colby W , Yao Jin
Published: April 2020

Climate change will bring more extremes in temperature and precipitation that will impact productivity and ecosystem resilience throughout agroecosystems worldwide. Historical events can be used to identify drivers that impact future events. A catastrophic drought in the US in the 1930s resulted in an abrupt boundary between areas severely impacted by the Dust Bowl and areas that were less severely affected. Historical primary production data confirmed the location of this boundary at the border between two states (Nebraska and Iowa). Local drivers of weather and soils explained production responses across the boundary before and after the drought (1926–1948). During the drought, however, features at the landscape scale (soil properties and wind velocities) and regional scale (the Missouri River, its floodplain, and the nearby Loess Hills) explained most of the observed variance in primary production. The impact of future extreme events may be affected by land surface properties that either accentuate or ameliorate the effects of these events. Consideration of large‐scale geomorphic processes may be necessary to interpret and manage for catastrophic events.
Intervention effect of Malus pumila leaf flavonoids on senna‐induced acute diarrhea in BALB/c mice
Authors: Yi Ruokun , Tian Yu , Tan Fang , Li Wenfeng , Mu Jianfei , Long Xingyao , Pan Yanni , Zhao Xin
Published: April 2020

The Malus pumila leaves are used as a kind of tea drink in China, and there are abundant flavonoids in the leaves of Malus pumila. In this study, BALB/c mice received senna extract solution via gavage, which induced acute diarrhea, and the interventive effect of Malus pumila leaf flavonoids (MPLF) was observed. The results showed that MPLF decreased the diarrhea index, and MPLF also decreased the capillary permeability in the abdominal cavity of mice. The result of serum cytokine detection indicated that MPLF decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 12 (IL‐12), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). The results of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) indicated that diarrhea decreased the mRNA and protein expression of aquaporin‐3 (AQP3) in the jejunum and aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) in the ileum, which were inhibited by MPLF. By high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), MPLF mainly contains 10 flavonoids, which are rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, taxifolin, quercitrin, hesperidin, myricetin, baicalin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and quercetin, the synergistic effect of these components plays an antidiarrhea role in MPLF. Therefore, MPLF achieved good antidiarrheal effect, which was better than that of the commonly used montmorillonite powder at the same concentration. MPLF is a natural raw material for functional food with an antidiarrheal effect.
Effects of diagenesis on natural fractures in tight oil reservoirs: A case study of the Permian Lucaogou Formation in Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China
Authors: Zhang Yunzhao , Zeng Lianbo , Luo Qun , Zhu Rukai , Pan Shouxu , Dai Quanqi , Shi Jinxiong , Qin Jianhua , Xu Xiang
Published: April 2020

Compared with conventional reservoirs, tight reservoirs experience more intense diagenesis; thus, their properties are extremely poor. Nevertheless, natural fractures with high‐strength can appear in these reservoirs and could play an essential role in the accumulation and production of tight oil. In this study, we focused on the effects of different diagenetic processes in the formation and transformation of natural fractures to determine the effects of natural fractures on tight reservoirs. Various observation techniques and analysis methods were applied (i.e., observations of cores, cast thin sections, scanning electron microscopy; field emission scanning electron microscopy; and X‐ray diffraction analysis). We clarified characteristics of the fractures and distribution patterns based on core descriptions and microscopic observations and explained the diagenetic stage and evolution sequence of reservoirs. Past studies regarding carbon and oxygen isotope analysis and basin simulation were considered. This study also reviewed the fracture formation time, source of fracture fillings, and oil charging time. We obtained insight into the coupling relationship of fracture states, diagenetic sequences, hydrocarbon charging, and, in particular, the controlling effect of diagenesis on natural fractures. The results revealed that formation, preservation, and destruction of natural fractures in tight reservoirs were closely related to diagenesis. Compaction and cementation in the reservoirs decreased the porosity and altered the petrophysical properties of the reservoir. They also provided favorable conditions for the development of tectonic fractures, while dissolution did not. The influences of dissolution and cementation on natural fractures depended on the duration for which these processes were active. Compaction and cementation formed related types of diagenetic fractures, while dissolution increased the effectiveness of natural fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of diagenesis on the formation, controlling effects, and effectiveness of natural fractures, as well as the effects of natural fractures on tight reservoirs through geological history. This study is expected to provide guidance for future exploration and development of tight oil and gas with similar geological origins.
Depression symptoms and cognitive impairment in older nursing home residents in the USA: A latent class analysis
Authors: Yuan Yiyang , Min Hye Sung , Lapane Kate L. , Rothschild Anthony J. , Ulbricht Christine M.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To identify subgroups of nursing home (NH) residents in the USA experiencing homogenous depression symptoms and evaluate if subgroups vary by cognitive impairment.

Methods

We identified 104 465 newly admitted, long‐stay residents with depression diagnosis at NH admission in 2014 using the Minimum Data Set 3.0. The Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 was used to measure depression symptoms and the Brief Interview of Mental Status for cognitive impairment (intact; moderately impaired; severely impaired). Latent class analysis (LCA) with logistic regression was used to: (a) construct the depression subgroups and (b) estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the associations between the subgroups and cognitive impairment level, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

The best‐fitted LCA model suggested four subgroups of depression: minimal symptoms (latent class prevalence: 42.4%), fatigue (32.0%), depressed mood (14.5%), and multiple symptoms (11.2%). Odds of subgroup membership varied by cognitive impairment. Compared to residents with intact cognition, those with moderate or severe cognitive impairment were less likely to belong to the fatigue subgroup [aOR(95% CI): moderate: 0.75 (0.71‐0.80); severe: 0.26 (0.23‐0.29)] and more likely to belong to the depressed mood subgroup [aOR (95% CI): moderate: 4.54 (3.55‐5.81); severe: 6.41 (4.86‐8.44)]. Residents with moderate cognitive impairment had increased odds [aOR (95% CI): 1.19 (1.12‐1.27)] while those with severe impairment had reduced odds of being in the multiple symptoms subgroup [aOR (95% CI): 0.63 (0.58‐0.68)].

Conclusions

Findings provide a basis for improving depression management with consideration of both subgroups of depression symptoms and levels of cognitive function.
A novel scoring system for stroke risk stratification in Japanese patients with low CHADS2 scores: Study using a transesophageal‐echocardiogram endpoint
Authors: Nagahara Daigo , Kamiyama Naoyuki , Fujito Takefumi , Mochizuki Atsushi , Shimoshige Shinya , Miura Tetsuji
Published: April 2020

Background

Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but it carries risk of perioperative thromboembolism even in cases with low CHADS2 scores. Here, we examined whether a combination of clinical variables can predict stroke risk factors that are assessed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Methods

The study population consisted of 209 consecutive AF patients with a CHADS2 score of 0 or 1 (58.7 ± 10.6 years old; persistent AF, 33.0%). All patients underwent TEE, and TEE‐determined stroke risk (TEE risk) was defined as cardiac thrombus/sludge, dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), and/or peak left atrial appendage (LAA) flow velocity <0.25 m/s.

Results

Transesophageal echocardiography risk was observed in 10.5% of the patients. In multivariate logistic analysis, persistent AF [odds ratio (OR): 11.5, CI: 3.14‐42.1, P = .0002], left atrial diameter (LAD) (OR: 1.10, CI: 1.01‐1.20, P = .0293), contrast medium defect (CMD) in the LAA detected by computed tomography (OR: 20.2, CI: 6.3‐65.0, P < .0001), and serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level (OR: 1.00, CI: 1.00‐1.01, P = .0056) were independent predictors of TEE risk. A new scoring system comprising LAD > 41 mm (1 point), BNP > 47 pg/mL (1 point), CMD (2 points), and persistent AF (2 points) was constructed and defined as TEE‐risk score. The area under the curve (AUC) for prediction of TEE risk was 0.631 in modified CHADS2 score and it was 0.852 in TEE‐risk score.

Conclusion

Transesophageal echocardiography risk is predictable by TEE‐risk score, and its combination with CHADS2 score may improve the stroke risk stratification in AF patients with a low CHADS2 score.
UHPLC coupled with mass spectrometry and chemometric analysis of Kang‐Ai injection based on the chemical characterization, simultaneous quantification, and relative quantification of 47 herbal alkaloids and saponins
Authors: Jia Mengmeng , Zhang Beibei , Qi Yuedong , Yang Jing , Yao Zhihong , Qin Zifei , Zhang Xiaojian , Yao Xinsheng
Published: April 2020

Kang‐Ai injection, which is composed of Astragali Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and kushenin, is extensively used in China as an adjuvant therapy for many types of cancer and chronic hepatitis B. In the present study, 47 herbal compounds (11 alkaloids, 8 astragalosides, and 28 ginsenosides), were detected in Kang‐Ai injection by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry, of which 31 were identified using authentic standards. Additionally, a practical ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method was employed for simultaneous quantitative detection (31 available compounds), and relative quantitative detection (16 unavailable compounds) within 10 min. The limit of detection and limit of quantification was 0.11‐2.22 and 0.53‐11.08 ng/mL, respectively. Altogether, content levels of each compound ranged from 0.03 to 9835.57 μg/mL. Furthermore, chemometric analysis indicated oxymatrine, astragaloside IV, ginsenosides Rg1 and Re, and matrine had the greatest effect on concentration fluctuation. Therefore, we suggested these five compounds should be monitored during the manufacturing process. This method can be applied to provide crucial chemical profiles and quality assessments for Kang‐Ai injection, guaranteeing the safety, effectiveness, and controllability of the drug in clinics.
Phenomenology and Management of Subthalamic Stimulation‐Induced Dyskinesia in Patients With Isolated Dystonia
Authors: Bledsoe Ian O. , Dodenhoff Kristen A. , San Luciano Marta , Volz Monica M. , Starr Philip A. , Markun Leslie C. , Ostrem Jill L.
Published: April 2020

Background

The pallidum has been the preferred DBS target for dystonia, but recent studies have shown equal or greater improvement in patients implanted in the STN.1 Transient stimulation‐induced dyskinesia (SID) is frequently observed when stimulating this novel target, and there are no previously published video case reports of this phenomenon.

Cases

We describe in detail the SID phenomenology experienced by 4 patients who had been implanted with STN DBS for isolated dystonia.

Conclusions

SID can occur in focal, segmental, axial, or generalized distribution, can resemble levodopa‐induced dyskinesia choreiform or dystonic movements observed in Parkinson’s disease, and is generally transient and resolves with customized DBS programming. Providers should be aware that SID can occur after STN DBS when treating isolated dystonia and not assume movements are the result of worsening or spread of the underlying dystonia.
Nuclear energy consumption and economic growth in the UK: Evidence from wavelet coherence approach
Authors: Kirikkaleli Dervis , Adedoyin Festus Fatai , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: April 2020

The aim of this present study is to assess the causal link between nuclear energy consumption and economic growth in the United Kingdom using Toda Yamamoto causality and wavelet coherence tests with the objective of responding to the following questions: (a) Does consumption of nuclear energy lead to economic growth in the United Kingdom and/or does economic growth lead to the consumption of nuclear energy sources in the United Kingdom, and (b) if so, why? The findings from wavelet coherence reveal that changes in economic growth lead to changes in nuclear energy consumption in the United Kingdom at different frequencies, especially in the long‐run, and in different periods between 1998 and 2017. In addition, there is a positive correlation between nuclear energy consumption and economic growth between 2002 and 2006 in the short‐run. In this study, we also check the consistency of the findings from wavelet coherence which is confirmed by the outcomes of Toda Yamamoto causality test. Therefore, the present study is likely to attract great interest from the policy‐makers and researchers in this field. At the same time, it is likely to start a new debate.
Efficient deep‐blue light‐emitting polyfluorenes based on 9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐thioxanthene 10,10‐dioxide isomers
Authors: Huang Zhiqi , Fu Zhaoxi , Xu Jin , Peng Feng , Guo Ting , Ying Lei
Published: April 2020

We have designed and synthesized a series of deep‐blue light‐emitting polyfluorenes, PF‐27SOs and PF‐36SOs, by introducing electron‐deficient 9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐thioxanthene 10,10‐dioxide isomers (27SO and 36SO) into the poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO) backbone. Compared with PFO, the resulting polymers exhibit an equivalent thermal decomposition temperature (>415 °C), an enhanced glass transition temperature (>99 °C), a decreased lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level (ELUMO) below −2.32 eV, a blue‐shifted photoluminescence spectra in solid film with a maximum emission at ~422 nm, and a shoulder peak at ~445 nm. The resulting polymers also show blue‐shifted and narrowed electroluminescence spectra with deep‐blue Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.16, 0.07) for PF‐27SO20 and (0.16, 0.06) for PF‐36SO30, compared with (0.17, 0.13) for PFO. Moreover, simple device based on PF‐36SO30 achieves a superior device performance with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax = 3.62%) compared with PFO (EQEmax = 0.47%). The results show that nonconjugated 9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐thioxanthene 10,10‐dioxide isomers can effectively perturb the conjugation length of polymers, significantly weaken the charge‐transfer effect in donor–acceptor systems, substantially improve electroluminescence device efficiency, and achieve deep‐blue light emission.
Layered Ca0.28MnO2·0.5H2O as a High Performance Cathode for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Sun Tianjiang , Nian Qingshun , Zheng Shibing , Shi Jinqiang , Tao Zhanliang
Published: April 2020

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries are promising candidates for grid‐scale energy storage because of their intrinsic safety, low cost, and high energy intensity. However, lack of suitable cathode materials with both excellent rate performance and cycling stability hinders further practical application of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. Here, a nanoflake‐self‐assembled nanorod structure of Ca0.28MnO2·0.5H2O as Zn‐insertion cathode material is designed. The Ca0.28MnO2·0.5H2O exhibits a reversible capacity of 298 mAh g−1 at 175 mA g−1 and long‐term cycling stability over 5000 cycles with no obvious capacity fading, which indicates that the per‐insertion of Ca ions and water can significantly improve reversible insertion/extraction stability of Zn2+ in Mn‐based layered type material. Further, its charge storage mechanism, especially hydrogen ions, is elucidated. A comprehensive study suggests that the intercalation of hydrogen ions in the first discharge plat is controled by both pH value and type of anion of electrolyte. Further, it can stabilize the Ca0.28MnO2·0.5H2O cathode and facilitate the following insertion of Zn2+ in 1 m ZnSO4/0.1 m MnSO4 electrolyte. This work can enlighten and promote the development of high‐performance rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Laser‐cut I‐beam‐to‐CHS column moment‐resisting steel joints
Authors: Das Rajarshi , Henriques Jose Alexandre G. , Degée Herve
Published: April 2020

Nominated for the Professor Eduardo de Arantes e Oliveira Award at XII Conference on Steel and Composite Construction in Coimbra 2019

Although open‐to‐circular hollow section (CHS) connections are highly encouraged in the current structural steelwork industry thanks to the extensive range of advantages provided by the CHS columns, a complicated and expensive fabrication procedure has limited their application in practice. The additional gusset plates or stiffeners needed to strengthen a conventional open‐to‐CHS connection lead to excessive welding quantities and localized CHS distortion, thus causing an economic as well as structural disadvantage. However, if designed efficiently, the CHS connections can offer an extensive range of solutions for modern multi‐storey structures. To that end, different types of nominally pinned and moment‐resisting “passing‐through” open‐to‐CHS connections have been developed using laser cutting technology (LCT) and proposed by the European research project LASTEICON. This current article concentrates on the LASTEICON two‐way moment‐resisting connections. The non‐linear behaviour of the connections is discussed by way of an appropriate understanding of the force transfer mechanism. Furthermore, these innovative connections are compared with directly welded conventional open‐to‐CHS connections in order to highlight the advantages offered by the “passing‐through” approach.
Characterization of genetic heterogeneity within accessions in the USDA soybean germplasm collection
Authors: Mihelich Nicole T. , Mulkey Steven E. , Stec Adrian O. , Stupar Robert M.
Published: April 2020

Soybean breeding relies on the use of wild (Glycine soja Sieb. and Zucc.) and domesticated [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm for trait improvement. Soybeans are self‐pollinating and accessions can be maintained as pure lines, however within‐accession genetic variation has been observed in previous studies of some landraces and elite cultivars. The objective of this study was to characterize within‐line variation in the accessions housed in the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection. This collection includes over 20,000 accessions, each previously genotyped using the SoySNP50K Chip. Each SoySNP50K genotype was developed by pooling approximately three individuals per accession. Therefore, clusters of SNPs called as heterozygous within an accession can be inferred to represent putative regions of heterogeneity between the three individuals sampled. In this study, we found high‐probability intervals of heterogeneity in 4% of the collection, representing 870 accessions. Heterogeneous loci were found on every chromosome and, collectively, covered 98.4% of the soybean genome and 99% of the gene models. Sanger sequencing confirmed regions of genomic heterogeneity among a subset of ten accessions. This dataset provides useful information and considerations for users of crop germplasm seed banks. Furthermore, the heterogeneous accessions and/or loci represent a unique genetic resource that is immediately available for forward and reverse genetics studies.
LLT polynomials, elementary symmetric functions and melting lollipops
Authors: Alexandersson Per
Published: April 2020

We conjecture an explicit positive combinatorial formula for the expansion of unicellular LLT polynomials in the elementary symmetric basis. This is an analogue of the Shareshian–Wachs conjecture previously studied by Panova and the author in 2018. We show that the conjecture for unicellular LLT polynomials implies a similar formula for vertical-strip LLT polynomials. We prove positivity in the elementary symmetric basis for the class of graphs called “melting lollipops” previously considered by Huh, Nam and Yoo. This is done by proving a curious relationship between a generalization of charge and orientations of unit-interval graphs. We also provide short bijective proofs of Lee’s three-term recurrences for unicellular LLT polynomials, and we show that these recurrences are enough to generate all unicellular LLT polynomials associated with abelian area sequences.
Testing lake-level reconstructions based on rock magnetic proxies for the sediment record of Laguna Cháltel (Patagonia, Argentina)
Authors: Irurzun María A. , Palermo Pedro , Gogorza Claudia S. G. , Sinito Ana M. , Aldana Milagrosa , Costanzo-Álvarez Vincenzo , Ohlendorf Christian , Zolitschka Bernd
Published: April 2020

This study was carried out on sediment cores collected with a gravity corer from Laguna Cháltel, an almost circular crater lake located in Patagonia, Argentina (49.9°S, 71°W). The main magnetic carrier was Ti-magnetite in the pseudo–single domain range. A model using magnetic grain size and concentration, previously applied to Laguna Potrok Aike to infer lake-level changes, was used for Laguna Cháltel. The main requirement to apply the model is uniform magnetic mineralogy, which is the case for Laguna Cháltel. After magnetic data were compared with previously studied lake levels, it was found that the magnetic proxies that best follow hydrologic changes are ARM/SIRM (anhysteretic remanent magnetisation/saturation of isothermal remanent magnetisation) and ARM. The concentration proxy (ARM measured with a 100 mT alternating field and 0.05 mT direct field) was also used as wind indicator. High wind strength was found at around 3650 cal yr BP, and low wind strength for the last century. ARM/SIRM and ARM were used to infer the strength of fluvial runoff into the lake for a core collected close to the shore and near a tributary. The results show that the magnetic model is promising for inferring lake-level variations, particularly in Patagonian lakes.
Examining the Feasibility of a Mindfulness Intervention for the Prevention of Falls: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hoang Peter , Moore Kim , Kwan Matthew
Published: April 2020

This pilot study was designed to assess the feasibility of implementing a mindfulness intervention in the prevention of falls. We employed a quasi-experimental design consisting of 22 participants from two retirement homes in Ontario partaking in the regional falls prevention class. Participants were assigned to either an eight-week intervention, comprising mindfulness exercises incorporated into the standard falls prevention class, or to the standard falls prevention class. Participants were assessed using the Tinetti Balance and Gait Scale and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The mindfulness intervention showed no significant effect on TUG or balance scores; however, there was a significant effect on assessments of gait. Given the ease of implementation of mindfulness-based interventions, further research may be warranted in mindfulness as a potential modality for falls prevention.
Text classification with semantically enriched word embeddings
Authors: Pittaras N. , Giannakopoulos G. , Papadakis G. , Karkaletsis V.
Published: April 2020

The recent breakthroughs in deep neural architectures across multiple machine learning fields have led to the widespread use of deep neural models. These learners are often applied as black-box models that ignore or insufficiently utilize a wealth of preexisting semantic information. In this study, we focus on the text classification task, investigating methods for augmenting the input to deep neural networks (DNNs) with semantic information. We extract semantics for the words in the preprocessed text from the WordNet semantic graph, in the form of weighted concept terms that form a semantic frequency vector. Concepts are selected via a variety of semantic disambiguation techniques, including a basic, a part-of-speech-based, and a semantic embedding projection method. Additionally, we consider a weight propagation mechanism that exploits semantic relationships in the concept graph and conveys a spreading activation component. We enrich word2vec embeddings with the resulting semantic vector through concatenation or replacement and apply the semantically augmented word embeddings on the classification task via a DNN. Experimental results over established datasets demonstrate that our approach of semantic augmentation in the input space boosts classification performance significantly, with concatenation offering the best performance. We also note additional interesting findings produced by our approach regarding the behavior of term frequency - inverse document frequency normalization on semantic vectors, along with the radical dimensionality reduction potential with negligible performance loss.
Variations of Mesospheric Neutral Winds and Tides Observed by a Meteor Radar Chain Over China During the 2013 Sudden Stratospheric Warming
Authors: Li Na , Luan Xiaoli , Lei Jiuhou , Bolaji O. S. , Owolabi Charles , Chen Jinsong , Xu Zhengwen , Li Guozhu , Ning Baiqi
Published: April 2020

The neutral winds in the mesospheric and lower thermospheric region obtained from a meteor radar chain within the latitudinal range of 18–53°N were decomposed to examine the latitudinal structures of the tides and mean winds during the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event in 2013. The zonal wind reversed from eastward to westward and the westward wind was larger at middle latitudes than that at low latitudes during the SSW. Meanwhile, a sharp increase in the northward wind was noticeable at all stations. The amplitudes of the diurnal and semidiurnal tides decreased from 5 to 13 January and increased subsequently. At the same time, the terdiurnal tides increased in amplitude, especially at Beijing, Wuhan, and Kunming, in response to the SSW. Moreover, the tidal phases showed a large shift that corresponded to a great increase in tidal wavelengths in the semidiurnal and terdiurnal components. The wavelet analysis further revealed that the quasi 6‐day wave oscillations dominated in the winds at Kunming and Sanya stations, as well as the quasi 16‐day wave dominated in the zonal wind, and the quasi 11‐day and 16‐day waves were prevailing in the meridional winds at Beijing and Wuhan. In the same vein, the quasi 16‐day and quasi 11‐day waves were prominent in the zonal and meridional winds during 1–18 January at Mohe. Therefore, the tide‐planetary wave interactions played a significant role in modulating the behaviors of the mesospheric and lower thermospheric dynamics during the SSW event.
Microscopic, Multipoint Characterization of Foreshock Bubbles With Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)
Authors: Turner D. L. , Liu T. Z. , Wilson L. B. , Cohen I. J. , Gershman D. G. , Fennell J. F. , Blake J. B. , Mauk B. H. , Omidi N. , Burch J. L.
Published: April 2020

This work presents the first detailed analysis of foreshock bubbles (FBs) using high‐resolution Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) data. Between October 2017 and January 2019, MMS captured 10 foreshock transient events with burst resolution data that we show are consistent with FBs. One “textbook” event is examined and described in detail. Employing the multipoint nature of MMS, we demonstrate how the size and orientation, expansion speed, and distance since formation can be estimated. From all 10 events, FB sizes ranged from 1.1 to 9.9 RE (average of 4.4 RE), and expansion speeds ranged from 139 to 377 km/s (average of 257 km/s). FBs formed under a usual range of solar wind conditions between 3 and 20 RE upstream of Earth's bow shock. We also report on new features of FBs: deep and localized magnetic “holes” within the cores of FBs, where the total field strength drops to <1 nT.
Wind‐Driven Barotropic Velocity Dynamics on an Antarctic Shelf
Authors: McKee Darren C. , Martinson Douglas G.
Published: April 2020

Reanalysis surface stress around the Antarctic continent is used to obtain the cross‐shelf sea surface height (SSH) gradient from the shallow water equations in the long‐wave limit, and the result is compared to the observed barotropic current sampled by current meters on the western Antarctic Peninsula shelf. Similar to the dynamics of SSH, intraseasonal velocity fluctuations (periods 3–100 days) largely consist of a circumpolar‐coherent wavenumber zero mode and of barotropic shelf waves; however, an important distinction from previous studies is the importance of second mode barotropic shelf waves in the velocity signal. Fluctuations with period 40–60 days are particularly energetic. This is partly due to strong fluctuations in the wavenumber zero mode at this period, as previously demonstrated in Drake Passage transport, but also due to excitement of the second mode barotropic shelf wave. After diagnosing the wind‐driven dynamics, some of their implications for shelf‐slope exchange are discussed. Firstly, it is shown that wintertime upwelling of warm water at a coastal canyon head is associated with a coastal SSH drop. Secondly, it is argued that the waves' subtle baroclinicity over the steep continental slope modifies isopycnal depth and affects shelf access to warm water.
The Influence of Varying Spacecraft Potentials and Debye Lengths on In Situ Low‐Energy Ion Measurements
Authors: Bergman Sofia , Stenberg Wieser Gabriella , Wieser Martin , Johansson Fredrik Leffe , Eriksson Anders
Published: April 2020

Low‐energy ions are difficult to measure, mainly due to spacecraft charging. The ions are attracted to or repelled from the charged surface prior to detection, which changes both the energy and travel direction of the ions. This results in distortions of the data, and the changed travel directions distort the effective field of view (FOV) of the instrument performing the measurements. The ion composition analyzer (RPC‐ICA) was measuring positive ions down to an energy of a few eV around comet 67P/Churyumov‐Gerasimenko. Low‐energy ions play important parts in processes in the cometary environment, but the FOV of RPC‐ICA has been shown to get severely distorted at low ion energies. Several factors are believed to affect the distortion level. In this study we use the Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software (SPIS) to investigate the influence of varying spacecraft potentials and Debye lengths on the FOV distortion of RPC‐ICA. We show that the distortion level is dependent on the Debye length of the surrounding plasma, but the sensitivity varies substantially between different viewing directions of the instrument. We also show that a small nonlinearity exists in the relation between FOV distortion, ion energy, and spacecraft potential, mainly caused by the photoemission and bulk flow of the cometary plasma.
Effects of Lutein Supplementation in Japanese Patients with Unilateral Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Sakai Lutein Study
Authors: Sawa Miki , Shunto Takuya , Nishiyama Issei , Yokoyama Ayako , Shigeta Ryujiro , Miura Satoko , Kawasaki Ryo
Published: April 2020

This prospective randomized double-masked study investigated the effects of 20 mg lutein supplementation with two different capsules (beeswax or glycerol fatty acid esters) for 6 months on the fellow eyes of 39 Japanese patients with unilateral age-related macular degeneration, and assessed the factors associated with baseline plasma lutein concentration via lifestyle interviews. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), determined with the two-wavelength autofluorescence method, increased over time in the beeswax group (ANOVA, p = 0.0451), although the increase from 3 months to 6 months was only marginally significant. No significant increase was observed in the glycerol fatty acid esters group (ANOVA, p = 0.7396). Plasma lutein concentrations significantly increased at 3 and 6 months from baseline in both groups (both p < 0.01). In a multiple regression model, age was negatively associated with higher plasma lutein concentration (p = 0.0305), while consumption of green vegetables was positively associated with baseline plasma lutein concentration (p = 0.0322). In conclusion, a significant increase in MPOD was not fully confirmed with 6 months intake duration despite a significant increase in plasma lutein concentrations. Consumption of green vegetable was confirmed to be associated with plasma lutein concentration after adjusting for other potential factors including age.
iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis on insomnia rats treated with Mongolian medical warm acupuncture
Authors: Xu Yanan , Li Xian , Man Duriwa , Su Xiulan , A Gula
Published: April 2020

Objective: To explore the proteomic changes in the hypothalamus of rats treated with Mongolian medical warm acupuncture for insomnia therapy based proteomics. Method: We used an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic approach to identify proteins that potential molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment of insomnia by Mongolian medical warm acupuncture. Result: In total, 7477 proteins were identified, of which 36 proteins showed increased levels and 45 proteins showed decreased levels in insomnia model group (M) compared with healthy control group (C), 72 proteins showed increased levels and 44 proteins showed decreased levels from the warm acupuncture treated insomnia group (W) compared with healthy controls (C), 28 proteins showed increased levels and 17 proteins showed decreased levels from the warm acupuncture-treated insomnia group (W) compared with insomnia model group (M). Compared with healthy control groups, warm acupuncture-treated insomnia group showed obvious recovered. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that up-regulation of neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction and oxytocin signaling was the most significantly elevated regulate process of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture treatment for insomnia. Proteins showed that increased/decreased expression in the warm acupuncture-treated insomnia group included Prolargin (PRELP), NMDA receptor synaptonuclear-signaling and neuronal migration factor (NSMF), Transmembrane protein 41B (TMEM41B) and Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) to adjust insomnia. Conclusion: A combination of findings in the present study suggest that warm acupuncture treatment is efficacious in improving sleep by regulating the protein expression process in an experimental rat model and may be of potential benefit in treating insomnia patients with the added advantage with no adverse effects.
Confirmation of the existence of the X17 particle
Authors: Firak D. S. , Krasznahorkay A. J. , Csatlós M. , Csige L. , Gulyás J. , Koszta M. , Szihalmi B. , Timár J. , Nagy Á. , Sas N. J. , Krasznahorkay A.
Published: April 2020

In a 2016 paper, an anomaly in the internal pair creation on the M1 transition depopulating the 18.15 MeV isoscalar 1+ state on 8Be was observed. This could be explained by the creation and subsequent decay of a new boson, with mass mXc2 = 16.70 MeV. Further experiments of the same transition with an improved and independent setup were performed, which constrained the mass of the X17 boson (mXc2) and its branching ratio relative to the γ-decay of the 8Be excited state (BX), to mXc2 = 17.01(16) MeV and BX = 6(1) 10−6, respectively. Using the latter setup, the e+e− pairs depopulating the 21 MeV Jπ = 0− 0+ transition in 4He were investigated and a resonance in the angular correlation of the pairs was observed, which could be explained by the same X17 particle, with mass mXc2 = 16.98 ± 0.16(stat) ± 0.20(syst) MeV.
Computing homogenized coefficientsviamultiscale representation and hierarchical hybrid grids
Authors: Hannukainen Antti , Mourrat Jean-Christophe , Stoppels Harmen T.
Published: April 2020

We present an efficient method for the computation of homogenized coefficients of divergence-form operators with random coefficients. The approach is based on a multiscale representation of the homogenized coefficients. We then implement the method numerically using a finite-element method with hierarchical hybrid grids, which is a semi-implicit method allowing for significant gains in memory usage and execution time. Finally, we demonstrate the efficiency of our approach on two- and three-dimensional examples, for piecewise-constant coefficients with corner discontinuities. For moderate ellipticity contrast and for a precision of a few percentage points, our method allows to compute the homogenized coefficients on a laptop computer in a few seconds, in two dimensions, or in a few minutes, in three dimensions.