bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Toxicity and Antioxidant Property of Cassia fistula Stem Bark Extracts in Zebrafish
Authors: Udaya Shreya , Babu Nishith , Nanjappa Dechamma Pandyanda , Kalladka Krithika , Chakraborty Gunimala , Chakraborty Anirban
Published: August 2020

Objective This study was aimed at evaluating the toxicity and the antioxidant property of Cassia fistula stem bark extracts in zebrafish.

Materials and Methods Crude aqueous and ethanol extracts of C. fistula stem bark were obtained following a standard solvent-based extraction method. The toxicity of these extracts on zebrafish embryonic development was determined and the LC50 values were calculated. Finally, the antioxidant property of C. fistula stem bark extracts was determined in arsenic-induced oxidative stress models of zebrafish.

Results The aqueous extract of C. fistula stem bark showed a slightly larger LC50 value (213.6 ppm) compared with the ethanol extract (LC50 = 63.5 ppm), suggesting a lower toxicity of the aqueous extract. A significant reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signal was observed in arsenic-exposed embryos treated with the aqueous extract, but not the ethanol extract, indicating that the antioxidant activity is present only in the aqueous extract of C. fistula stem bark.

Conclusion Identification of antioxidants from natural sources is desirable because of increasing safety concerns associated with synthetic antioxidants. This study demonstrated that aqueous extract from C. fistula stem bark possesses antioxidant properties, which can be further characterized for mechanism of action and potential applications.
Women in COVID Pandemic: Beyond Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Chaudhary Anurag
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting both sexes differently in terms of morbidity and mortality. Data from all over the world highlights males as most vulnerable, but the physical, mental and social suffering of women during this pandemic is getting little mention in the literature. Problems like domestic violence are on the rise, especially during the lockdown. The sexual and reproductive health needs of the women need priority from health services in spite of being burdened during this pandemic. Globally, women make 70% of healthcare providers; therefore, they are at risk of getting exposed to infection both at healthcare facilities and home. While working from home, women are doing more unpaid work. They are involved in childcare, household work in addition to professional work. Women working in the unorganized sector are more likely to lose their jobs and enter a financial crisis. There is a need to address these problems at national and local levels.
Complex interactions at graft-tissue interfaces reviewed
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: August 2020

A review includes crucial information on the interactions at engineered graft-tissue interfaces and ways to overcome post-implantation issues.
Contrasting agricultural management effects on soil organic carbon dynamics between topsoil and subsoil
Authors: Osanai Yui , Knox Oliver , Nachimuthu Gunasekhar , Wilson Brian
Published: August 2020

Agricultural practices (e.g. tillage, crop rotation and fertiliser application) have a strong influence on the balance between carbon (C) input and output by altering physicochemical and microbial properties that control decomposition processes in the soil. Recent studies suggest that the mechanisms by which agricultural practice impacts soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in the topsoil may not be the same as those in the subsoil. Here, we assessed SOC stock, soil organic fractions and nitrogen availability to 1.0 m in soils under a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)-based cropping system, and assessed the impact of agricultural management (three historical cropping systems with or without maize (Zea mays L.) rotation) on SOC storage. We found that the maize rotation and changes in the particulate organic fraction influenced SOC stock in the topsoil, although the overall change in SOC stock was small. The large increase in subsoil SOC stock (by 31%) was dominated by changes in the mineral-associated organic fraction, which were influenced by historical cropping systems and recent maize rotation directly and indirectly via changes in soil nitrogen availability. The strong direct effect of maize rotation on SOC stock, particularly in the subsoil, suggests that the direct transfer of C into the subsoil SOC pool may dominate C dynamics in this cropping system. Therefore, agricultural management that affects the movement of C within the soil profile (e.g. changes in soil physical properties) could have a significant consequence for subsoil C storage.
Assessment of the potential impact of embedded radioactive fragments following the use of a crude radiological dispersal device (‘dirty bomb’)
Authors: Jones Laurence , Moor Donna , Peacock Thomas , Melley Thomas , Foster Crawford , Bland Steven , Gibb Iain , Napier Ian
Published: August 2020

This work was undertaken to understand what would happen if a high-activity radioactive fragment became embedded in an individual following the use of a crude radiological dispersal device (‘dirty bomb’). Two areas were addressed: how would a high-activity fragment be viewed on modern digital x-ray imaging systems; and, what would be the impact on medical management for the patient? A set of experimental trials were undertaken using an iridium-192 source and a DRagon mobile x-ray set equipped with a Canon CXDI-50G portable flat panel digital detector plate. In addition, the potential doses to a surgical team were calculated and potential doses to a patient were assessed using a Monte Carlo code, in which a radioactive point source of nil volume was located within a limb of an anthropomorphic voxel phantom. Three distinct effects on the digital imaging systems were observed, referred to in this paper as a localised ‘bloom’ effect, a ‘discontinuity’ effect towards the middle of the image and ‘fogging’ across the entire image. The first two of these effects were unexpected, and possible reasons for their appearance are discussed. The Monte Carlo modelling showed that the patient exposure can potentially lead to very high localised absorbed doses, which may result in symptoms associated with acute radiation syndrome. While the dose clearly depends upon the activity of the fragment and the length of time that the fragment is present inside the patient, it is clear that radiation necrosis of bone, muscle and other tissues may threaten the medium term viability of the limb. The dose rates associated with high-activity fragments may also restrict the time a surgeon has to operate, leading to challenging ethical and surgical decisions. Low-activity fragments allow for conventional surgical management to be considered with appropriate control measures.
Data preprocessing methods for electrical impedance tomography: a review
Authors: Wang Zeying , Yue Shihong , Wang Huaxiang , Wang Yanqiu
Published: August 2020

Objective: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a promising measurement technique in applications, especially in industrial monitoring and clinical diagnosis. However, two major drawbacks exist that limit the spatial resolution of reconstructed EIT images, i.e. the ‘soft field’ effect and the ill-posed problem. In recent years, apart from the development of reconstruction algorithms, some preprocessing methods for measured data or sensitivity maps have also been proposed to reduce these negative effects. It is necessary to find the optimal preprocessing method for various EIT reconstruction algorithms. Approach: In this paper, seven typical data preprocessing methods for EIT are reviewed. The image qualities obtained using these methods are evaluated and compared in simulations, and their applicable ranges and combination effects are summarized. Main results: The results show that all the reviewed methods can enhance the quality of EIT reconstructed images to different extents, and there is an optimal one under any given reconstruction algorithm. In addition, most of the reviewed methods do not work well when using the Tikhonov regularization algorithm. Significance: This paper introduces the preprocessing method to EIT, and the quality of reconstructed images obtained using these methods is evaluated through simulations. The results can provide a reference for practical applications.
Hyers -Ulam stability of quadratic functional equation
Authors: Govindan Vediyappan , Pinelas Sandra
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the authors proved the generalized U-H stability of quadratic functional equation of the form

f
(
x
+
y
+
3
z
)
−
f
(
x
−
y
+
3
z
)
−
f
(
x
+
y
−
3
z
)
−
f
(
−
x
+
y
+
3
z
)
=
f
(
x
+
y
)
+
6
f
(
y
+
z
)

+
6
f
(
x
+
z
)
−
9
f
(
x
)
−
9
f
(
y
)
−
30
f
(
z
)

in Banach space using direct method.
Modified projective synchronization between fractional order complex chaotic systems
Authors: NicholasGeorge J , Selvamani R
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the modified projective synchronization between two fractional order complex chaotic systems is deeply studied. The controller is designed on the basis of stability theory of fractional order complex chaotic systems to synchronize the considered systems. Finally, the numerical solution is investigated to support it.
Results on difference polynomials of an entire function and its kthderivative shares a small function
Authors: Husna V
Published: August 2020

By using the notion of weakly weighted sharing and relaxed weighted sharing we investigate the value distribution problems when two difference polynomials of entire functions share a small functionα0(z). The results obtained in this article improves some recent results of Chao Meng.
Some aspects on cubic fuzzy β-subalgebra of β-algebra
Authors: Muralikrishna P , Vinodkumar R , Palani G
Published: August 2020

The theory of fuzzy set was introduced by Zadeh and he has shown meaningful applications of this notion in many fields of Engineering and Mathematical studies. Later Atanosov extended the fuzzy set into Intuitionistic fuzzy set by introducing a non-member. Recently the idea of cubic sets and related properties are investigated by Jun et al. All these fuzzy concepts were applied in various algebraic structures. Neggers and Kim presented the thought of β-algebras in which two operations are coupled in such a way that as to reflect the natural coupling which exists between the usual group operation. This study is to propose a new approach on a β-algebra using Cubic fuzzy set.
Computation of eccentricity associated topological descriptors through Python for comb tree
Authors: Manimekalai S , Mary U
Published: August 2020

Topological manifestation of a graph G is a numerical value which reveals it’s topological properties. The eccentricity of one node u ∈ V (G)(that is eG(u)), is the greatest distance between u and also any other vertex of G. The degree of a In this paper, we are using Python program to compute eccentricity related Topological indices for Comb tree with any number of vertices, relation between descriptors and the bounds for indices also.
On neighborhood distinguishing colorings of graphs
Authors: Ramar R
Published: August 2020

This paper aims at analyzing vertices of proper coloring and several kinds of vertex colorings. The coloring vertices include chief types such as recognizable colorings [1], detectable colorings [2] and, irregular colorings [3]. These colorings are distinctive in some way or other. Regarding irregular colorings, there is a slight deviation which is deemed as Neighborhood distinguishing colorings. This particular coloring has the distinguishing element in that the vertex does not relate to the color assigned to it. The irregular coloring is commonly identified in any sort of graph. This is not the case with the Neighborhood Distinguishing Coloring, since it can be identified in a graph under the condition that if and only if any two non-adjacent vertices do not have the same neighbor. The basic definition and the properties related to this Neighborhood Distinguishing Coloring are illustrated in [5]. Further, this paper attempts to determine the NDC-number of sum of the graphs, Corona of a graph and neighborhood irregular graphs.
Third Hankel determinant for the bounded turning functions subordinate to k-Fibonacci sequence
Authors: Sumalatha P , Sharma R B , Hari Priya M
Published: August 2020

In this present investigation, we estimate the third Hankel determinant for the bounded turning functions subordinate tok-Fibonacci sequence. In the present work we state andprove a lemma which is useful in proving further results. The results of the present workgeneralize and unifies the work done by the earlier researchers in this direction.
Hypo-edge-Hamiltonian laceability in Graphs
Authors: shekhar neelannavar Shashidhar , Girisha A
Published: August 2020

A simple connected graph is known to be Hamiltonian-t-laceable if there will be a Hamiltonian path between each pair of distinct vertices at a distance ‘t’ in G where t ∈ Z
+ such that 1 ≤ t ≤ diam(G). In this paper we define M-flower snark graph and discuss the hypo edge Hamiltonian laceability properties in M-flower snark graphs and Cartesian product graphs.
Analogous to Ramanujan’s remarkable product of theta function of degree 3 and their explicit evaluation
Authors: Vasanth Kumar S. , Rajesh Kanna M. R.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, We derive new modular identities of Ramanujan’s Remarkable product of theta-function of degree 3 and their explicit values.
Fully developed mixed convection in vertical double passage porous annuli
Authors: Girish N , Sankar M
Published: August 2020

In the present analysis, fully developed mixed convection in the vertical double-passage annuli filled with porous media is investigated both analytically and numerically by imposing asymmetric thermal conditions. Three vertical concentric cylinders are used to form double passage annuli of which thin and conductive middle cylinder is considered know as baffle. Using finite difference technique, the governing equations are solved numerically by considering viscous dissipation, whereas the closed form solution are obtained by neglecting viscous dissipation. Numerical solution matches with that of closed form solution in the absence of viscous dissipation. The results reveal that modified Grashof number, Brinkmann number, Darcy number, position of baffle has profound impacts on velocity profiles, temperature profiles and on heat transfer rate.
New oscillation criteria for discrete fractional order forced nonlinear equations
Authors: George Maria Selvam A , Janagaraj R
Published: August 2020

In this present work, new oscillation theorems for discrete forced nonlinear equations with fractional order of the form

Δ
[
γ
(
ℓ
)
ϕ
(
u
(
ℓ
)
)

Δ
μ

(
u
(
ℓ
)
)
]
+
q
(
ℓ
)
F
[
G
(
ℓ
)
]
=
η
(
ℓ
)
,
ℓ
≥

ℓ
0

>
0

is discussed. In the above equation μ(0 < μ ≤ 1) is the fractional order,

G
(
ℓ
)
=

∑

j
=

ℓ
0

ℓ
−
1
+
μ

(
ℓ
−
j
−
1
)

(
−
μ
)

u
(
j
)

and Δ
μ
is defined as the difference operator of the Riemann Liouville (RL) derivative. Based on the properties of RL derivative, inequalities and generalized Riccati type techniques, some new sufficient conditions that are essential for the oscillation of solutions of forced fractional order discrete nonlinear equations are established.
SM antideuteron background to indirect dark matter signals in galactic cosmic rays
Authors: Gomez Coral D.M. , Menchaca-Rocha Arturo
Published: August 2020

Antideuteron production cross-sections estimated using EPOS-LHC with a coalescence afterburner, tuned to reproduce published experimental data over a wide range of energy were used here as input to the galactic propagator code GALPROP, validated with comparing to existing proton, helium fluxes as well as boron-to-carbon ratio data. The resulting near-Earth antideuteron flux, including solar modulation, is compared to previous estimates. An overall factor of two increment in the antideuteron flux is predicted, the origin of which is also discussed. However, this standard model source of antideuteron background still lies well below the AMS-02, and the expected GAPS, sensitivities, as well as the fluxes predicted by several dark matter models.
Real-Time Event Reconstruction and Analysis in CBM and STAR Experiments
Authors: Kisel Ivan
Published: August 2020

Within the FAIR Phase 0 program, the algorithms of the FLES (First-Level Event Selection) package developed for the CBM experiment (FAIR/GSI, Germany) are adapted for the STAR experiment (BNL, USA). Use of the same algorithms creates a bridge between online and offline, which makes it possible to combine online and offline resources for data processing. In this way, an express data production chain was created on the basis of the STAR HLT farm, that extends the functionality of HLT in real time up to the analysis of physics. It is important, that the express analysis chain does not interfere with the standard analysis chain. A particular advantage of express analysis is that it allows calibration, production and analysis of the data to begin immediately after they are collected. Therefore, the use of express analysis is beneficial for BES II data production and helps to speed up scientific discovery by helping to obtain results within one year after the end of data acquisition. The specific features of express data production are presented and discussed as well as the results of online production and analysis, such as real-time reconstruction of short-lived particles in the BES-II STAR environment.
Probing strangeness production in small systems through new multi-differential measurements with ALICE at the LHC
Authors: Nassirpour Adrian
Published: August 2020

ALICE has observed that the relative fraction of strange hadrons grows strongly with multiplicity in small collision systems (proton-proton and proton-lead collisions) at LHC energies, in particular for multi-strange baryons. This implies that a proton-proton collision cannot be described as an incoherent sum of parton-parton collisions, an idea that has been central in most proton-proton generators, for example PYTHIA.

To accommodate the new ALICE results, models have to introduce significant final-state interactions. These final-state effects can have very different phenomenological origin. To be able to eventually discriminate experimentally between different final-state models, new experimental tools are required and in this paper different multi-differential observables will be tested with this goal in mind. Transverse Spherocity (SO
) is an observable that allows a topological selection of events that are “isotropic” (dominated by multiple soft processes) and “jetty” (where a single hard process is responsible for a significant part of the multiplicity). The underlying event activity is another observable that can be used to vary the amount of soft processes. It can be estimated by measuring the charged-particle multiplicity in the Transverse region (RT
).

Using these new observables, ALICE has obtained results for π, K, φ, p, and

Ξ

production at mid-rapidity

(
|
η
|

<
0.8
)

as a function of event shape and underlying event activity in proton-proton collisions at

(

S

N
N

)

=
13

TeV

. Finally, this contribution will report on how these new multi-differential measurements compare to predictions from PYTHIA and EPOS-LHC.
High pT identified hadrons in large and small systems measured by PHENIX
Authors: Ujvari Balazs
Published: August 2020

The PHENIX experiment at RHIC measured identified hadrons in several collision systems and centrality classes. Measurements were performed in different years and independent decay modes. The mesons show universal high-pT supression in the different collision systems which suggest no dependency on the size of the projectile. Yields of π
0, ɳ, KS
, K* and Φ mesons measured in large systems show similar suppression pattern at

S

N
N

=
200

GeV

for similar numbers of participant nucleons. In the intermediate pT region, between 2 and 5 GeV/c, a significant enhancement of baryon-to-meson ratios compared to those measured in pp collisions is observed. In small systems an ordering (R
pA > R
dA > R
HeA) for the mesons (π
0 and Φ) at mid-pT was observed.
Heavy-flavour correlations and jets with ALICE at the LHC
Authors: Carlos Oliveira da Silva Antonio
Published: August 2020

This contribution summarises the results on heavy-flavour correlations and jets measured with ALICE detector. Studies of D0-tagged jets are presented in various collision systems and energies. The measurement of the fraction of jet momentum carried by the D0 meson in the direction of the jet axis

(

z

|
|

ch,jet

)

in pp collisions at

S

=
5.02

and 13 TeV as well as the nuclear modification factor in p–Pb and Pb–Pb collisions are presented. The measurements of the production of jets tagged by electrons from heavy-flavour decays in pp and p–Pb are compared to expectations from POWHEG+PYTHIA8 simulations. The p
T-differential cross section of b-tagged jets in p–Pb collisions is also reported and compared to expectations from POWHEG event generator. The azimuthal correlation of D mesons with charged particles in pp and p–Pb collisions are also presented.
Summary of charm results from ALICE
Authors: Terrevoli Cristina
Published: August 2020

An overview of the most recent charm measurements from the ALICE Collaboration is presented in this document. The study of heavy-flavour production is important to understand the properties of the hot and dense medium formed in ultra-relativistic heavyion collisions. In this document the journey of charm in the medium, from the production to the hadronisation into hadrons, is described. Both open charm and quarkonium measurements are presented, starting from D-meson and J/ψ production cross sections in pp collisions and their comparison with theoretical calculations. Recent measurements of relative abundances of different particle species are discussed, in particular the Ds/D0 and

J
/
ψ

ratios, that are sensitive to the hadronisation mechanisms and to the strangeness and to the baryon-to-meson enhancement. The energy loss mechanisms and the collective motion in the medium are investigated through the D-meson and J/ψ nuclear modification factor and the elliptic flow measurements. Further investigations on possible medium-like effects observed in high-multiplicity pp and p-Pb collisions are also addressed.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Brass Francis Turbine Manufactured by Local Investment Casting Technique in Nepal
Authors: Kattel Sangit , Bhatt Jeewan Prakash , Subedi Rahul , Thapa Bhola , Sujakhu Surendra , Kafle Abishek , Shakya Tejesh Man
Published: August 2020

Most of the hydro turbines in Nepalese power plants are imported from foreign industries. Findings from the studies have shown that up to 60% of the 13,000 MW capacity hydropower projects under the survey stage in Nepal would need Francis type of turbine with unit size below 5 MW. To meet the demand for turbines, Nepal has imported turbines worth US$ 5,616,072. The imported turbines from foreign industries could not address local problems of Nepalese hydropower. In Nepal, due to the sediment-laden condition of rivers alternative design and manufacturing techniques of turbines are necessary. To provide the new manufacturing techniques of Francis turbine in Nepal local casting process can be a solution because metal casting is a hereditary profession in Nepal since ancient periods till now. Large-sized bronze cast bells that are placed in Nepalese temples were manufactured in ancient times without a proper theoretical study on them. This paper discusses the materials testing of investment cast and sand cast brass materials of 14 kW Francis runner of Turbine Testing Lab (TTL) for exploring the possibilities of manufacturing Francis turbine. Tensile, Compressive and Charpy impact tests were performed base on ASTM standards and also the microscopic study was conducted at Kathmandu university laboratory. These testing results can be helpful for further studies on alternate turbine manufacturing processes as well.
A review on casting technology with the prospects on its application for hydro turbines
Authors: Kafle Abishek , Shrestha Pratisthit Lal , Chitrakar Sailesh , Thapa Bhola , Thapa Biraj Singh , Sharma Nischal
Published: August 2020

Casting is one of the oldest manufacturing processes that has been in use since 3400 BC. Over the years, casting technology has evolved tremendously and is one of the most integral parts of ancient history as well as a modern society. The world produced a total of 109.8 million tons of casting in the year 2017, which is a clear indicator of the massive capacity of this industry. Most of it in the current scenario is being used by the automotive industries. Despite being the biggest and the richest industry in the field of energy, hydropower has never been a major market for the casting industry. This might be because the hydropower components are mostly manufactured using other techniques such as machining and rolling. Nevertheless, studies have proven that casting can be used for the manufacturing of several components of the hydropower, especially hydro turbines. Casting technology comes with its own sets of advantages and limitations. This study presents an overview of the status of the casting technology and challenges, the proper optimization in casting that needs to be considered, and the latest technological advancements in this area. This paper aims to develop a theoretical foundation for show-casing the beneficiary, challenges, and possibility of manufacturing hydro turbines through casting technology.
Design of Francis turbine for micro hydropower applications
Authors: Ghimire Amul , Dahal Dadiram , Kayastha Atmaram , Chitrakar Sailesh , Thapa Biraj Singh , Neopane Hari Prasad
Published: August 2020

This study presents a Francis turbine designed for micro hydro application, using bovet approach of design and other general techniques, with some variations which make the manufacturing procedure relatively simpler. It also depicts the status of micro hydro in Nepal. Simplifications has been administered on runner, vane cascade and spiral casing. The study has been carried out under single flow condition, which is generally the case in micro hydropower, which divert a small portion of water from the main source, generally rivers or springs. The design procedure used for the design of each hydraulic components have been described in brief. The numerical study performed on the turbine have also been presented. Effects of simplifications administered on each component has been analysed. The small variation in efficiency due to simplifications administered has been justified for use in micro hydropower projects in view of the drop in efficiency caused due inaccuracies during manufacturing of turbine.
Dog galloping on rough terrain exhibits similar limb co-ordination patterns and gait variability to that on flat terrain
Authors: Wilshin Simon , Reeve Michelle A , Spence Andrew J
Published: August 2020

Understanding how animals regulate their gait during locomotion can give biological insight and inspire controllers for robots. Why animals use the gallop at the highest speeds remains incompletely explained. Hypothesized reasons for galloping include that it enables recruitment of spinal musculoskeletal structures, that it minimizes energy losses as predicted by collisional theory, or that it provides extended flight phases with more time for leg placement and hence enhances or provides necessary maneuverability [Alexander 1988 Am. Zool.
28 237–45; Ruina, Bertram and Srinivasan 2005 J. Theor. Biol.
237 170–92; Usherwood 2019 J. Exp. Zool. Part A 333 9–19; Hildebrand1989 Bioscience
39 766–75]. The latter-most hypothesis has implications in robotics, where controllers based on the concept of multistability have gained some traction. Here we examine this hypothesis by studying the dynamics of dog gait on flat and rough terrain. This hypothesis predicts that injection of noise into timing and location of ground contacts during the galloping gait by rough terrain will result in an isotropically more noisy gallop gait, centered around the gallop used on flat terrain. We find that dog gait in terms of leg swing timing on rough terrain is not consistently more variable about the mean gait, and constrain the upper limits of this variability to values that are unlikely to be biologically relevant. However the location of the mean gait indeed only shifts by a small amount. Therefore, we find limited support for this hypothesis. This suggests that achieving a target gallop gait with tight regulation is still the desired behavior, and that large amounts of variability in gait are not a desired feature of the gallop. For robotics, our results suggest that the emergent animal-environment dynamics on rough terrain do not exhibit uniformly wider basins of attraction. Future robotics work could test whether controllers that do or do not allow shifts in mean gait and gait variability produce more economical and/or stable gallops.
Multi-solitons of the half-wave maps equation and Calogero–Moser spin–pole dynamics
Authors: Berntson Bjorn K , Klabbers Rob , Langmann Edwin
Published: August 2020

We consider the half-wave maps (HWM) equation which provides a continuum description of the classical Haldane–Shastry spin chain on the real line. We present exact multi-soliton solutions of this equation. Our solutions describe solitary spin excitations that can move with different velocities and interact in a non-trivial way. We make an ansatz for the solution allowing for an arbitrary number of solitons, each described by a pole in the complex plane and a complex spin variable, and we show that the HWM equation is satisfied if these poles and spins evolve according to the dynamics of an exactly solvable spin Calogero–Moser (CM) system with certain constraints on initial conditions. We also find first order equations providing a Bäcklund transformation of this spin CM system, generalize our results to the periodic HWM equation, and provide plots that visualize our soliton solutions.
Volatile organic compound breath testing detects in-situ squamous cell carcinoma of bronchial and laryngeal regions and shows distinct profiles of each tumour
Authors: Fielding David , Hartel Gunter , Pass David , Davis Mark , Brown Michael , Dent Annette , Agnew Julienne , Dickie Graeme , Ware Robert S , Hodge Robert
Published: August 2020

Volatile organic compound (VOC) breath testing of lung and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been widely studied, however little is known regarding VOC profiles of in-situ SCC. A prospective study of VOC in patients with histologically proven SCC, either in-situ or advanced, and controls. Breath samples were analysed using the E-nose Cyranose ®320 and by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Predictive models were developed using bootstrap forest using all 32 sensors. Data from 55 participants was analysed: 42 SCC cases comprising 20 bronchial (10 in-situ, 10 advanced) and 22 laryngeal (12 in-situ, 10 advanced), and 13 controls. There were 32 (76%) male SCC cases with mean age 63.6 (SD = 9.5) compared with 11 (85%) male controls with mean age 61.9 (SD = 10.1). Predictive models for in situ cases had good sensitivity and specificity compared to controls (overall, 95% and 69%; laryngeal, 100% and 85%; bronchial, 77% and 80%). When distinguishing in-situ and advanced tumours, sensitivity and specificity 82% and 75% respectively. For different tumour types (bronchial versus advanced laryngeal) sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 80% respectively. VOCs isolated from in-situ cancers included some previously demonstrated in advanced cancers and some novel VOCs. In-situ bronchial and laryngeal cancer can be detected by VOC analysis. Distinction from normal controls and between the two tumour types could allow screening in high risk groups for these curable lesions.
Flow behaviour and constitutive modeling for hot deformation of austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Gao Fei , Liu Wanchun , Zhu Qiyong , Gao Zilong , Misra Raja Devesh Kumar , Liu Zhenyu , Yu Fuxiao
Published: August 2020

The flow behavior of 316H austenitic stainless steel is investigated using hot compression tests. The modified Johnson-Cook and Zerilli-Armstrong models are developed, and modified Arrhenius-type model is established using an approach by dividing low and high stress region for determining key material constant and an uncomplicated approach for compensating strain in which the activation energy is determined from peak stress and only other material constants are considered as strain-dependent constants. The performance of all developed constitutive models is comparatively analyzed. It is indicated that the significant sensitivity of flow stress to temperature and strain rate is exhibited, and at 900 and 950 °C, strain rate sensitivity is closely related to temperature and strain rate, which can be explained by low stacking fault energy for 316H austenitic stainless steel. The modified Arrhenius type model has a noticeably higher accuracy in predicting flow behaviour than other two developed models in spite of a good performance of all developed models according to visual examination and statistical analyses.
Mechanism of crack initiation and propagation of 316LN stainless steel during the high temperature tensile deformation
Authors: Fu Jia , Zhang Yishuai
Published: August 2020

Due to the difficult deformability and cracking in forging process, the mechanism of crack initiation and propagation of 316LN stainless steel during the high-temperature tensile deformation are investigated. The thermal tension experiment is carried out on the Gleeble-1500D machine to reveal the relation between the crack propagation path and the degree of the dynamic recrystallization. By the microstructure analysis of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the fracture behavior of various strains and strain rates, the dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization occur simultaneously, the formation of cracks was accompanied by recrystallization, and the crack propagation show both scale effect and interface effect. The intergranular ductile fracture perpendicular to the principal stress direction is found to be closely relative to the recrystallization microstructure, where the core position for crack initiation is around the intersection of the tricrystal boundaries. It is found that the tricrystal boundary cracking from the inclusion of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is critical to the decrease of the fracture properties and plasticity, while a certain degree of dynamic recrystallization and the dynamic recovery happened simultaneously from 1000 °C to 1200 °C benefits for the plasticity. Thus, the interface between the austenite matrix and the alumina-based brittle inclusions is easy to form local stress concentration on the tricrystal boundary due to the stacking of dislocations, which becomes the core of crack initiation and thus increases the tendency of forging cracking at high temperature.
Hot deformation behaviors and microstructure evolution of Mg–Si–Sr alloy
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Jinhui , Zhu Yunpeng , Shi Bo , Jin Peipeng
Published: August 2020

The hot deformation behavior and microstructural evolution of as-extruded Mg-0.55 wt.%Si-0.75 wt.%Sr alloys at 250 °C with the compressive strain rate of 1 s−1, 0.1 s−1, 0.01 s−1 and 0.001 s−1 were investigated via electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). As the compressive strain rate decreases, the corresponding microstructure exhibits that fined grains in the matrix. The results showed that the hot deformation effectively promotes the grain breakage and dynamic recrystallization, which result in the grain orientation deflection and the texture intensity weakened. The prismatic 〈a〉 slip and pyramidal 〈c + a〉 slip were activated at the initial stage of hot deformation. In addition, the yield strength was significantly increased to 90 MPa due to the work hardening behavior during hot deformation with a compression strain rate of 1 s−1.
A Combined Alcohol and Smoking Cue-Reactivity Paradigm in People Who Drink Heavily and Smoke Cigarettes: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Haass-Koffler Carolina L , Souza Rachel D , Wilmott James P , Aston Elizabeth R , Song Joo-Hyun
Published: August 2020

Aims

Previous studies have shown that there may be an underlying mechanism that is common for co-use of alcohol and tobacco and it has been shown that treatment for alcohol use disorder can increase rates of smoking cessation. The primary aim of this study was to assess a novel methodological approach to test a simultaneous behavioral alcohol-smoking cue reactivity (CR) paradigm in people who drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes.

Methods

This was a human laboratory study that utilized a novel laboratory procedure with individuals who drink heavily (≥15 drinks/week for men; ≥8 drinks/week for women) and smoke (>5 cigarettes/day). Participants completed a CR in a bar laboratory and an eye-tracking (ET) session using their preferred alcohol beverage, cigarettes brand and water.

Results

In both the CR and ET session, there was a difference in time spent interacting with alcohol and cigarettes as compared to water (P’s < 0.001), but no difference in time spent interacting between alcohol and cigarettes (P > 0.05). In the CR sessions, craving for cigarettes was significantly greater than craving for alcohol (P < 0.001), however, only time spent with alcohol, but not with cigarettes, was correlated with craving for both alcohol and cigarettes (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that it is feasible to use simultaneous cues during a CR procedure in a bar laboratory paradigm. The attention bias measured in the integrated alcohol-cigarettes ET procedure predicted participants’ decision making in the CR. This novel methodological approach revealed that in people who drink heavily and smoke, alcohol cues may affect craving for both alcohol and cigarettes.
Effects of genetic and environmental factors on variations of seed heteromorphism in Suaeda aralocaspica
Authors: Cao Jing , Chen Ling , Wang Juan , Xing Jiajia , Lv Xiuyun , Maimaitijiang Tayier , Lan Haiyan
Published: August 2020

Seed heteromorphism is an adaptive strategy towards adversity in many halophytes. However, the underlying mechanisms and ecological significance of seed heteromorphism have not been deeply explored. Using Suaeda aralocaspica, a typical C4 annual halophyte without Kranz anatomy, we studied seed morphology, differentiation of morphs and fruit-setting patterns, and correlated these traits with germination responses, seed characteristics and heteromorphic seed ratio. To elucidate the genetic basis of seed heteromorphism, we analysed correlated patterns of gene expression for seed development-related genes as well. We observed that S. aralocaspica produced three types of seed morph: brown, large black and small black with differences in colour, size, mass and germination behaviour; the latter two were further distinguished by their origin in female or bisexual flowers, respectively. Further analysis revealed that seed heteromorphism was associated with genetic aspects including seed positioning, seed coat differentiation and seed developmental gene expression, while variations in seed heteromorphism may be associated with environmental conditions, e.g. annual precipitation, temperature, daylight and their monthly distribution in different calendar years. Seed heteromorphism and its variations in S. aralocaspica show multilevel regulation of the bet-hedging strategy that influences phenotypic plasticity, which is a consequence of internal genetic and external environmental factor interaction. Our findings contribute to the understanding of seed heteromorphism as a potential adaptive trait of desert plant species.
Comparative host–pathogen protein–protein interaction analysis of recent coronavirus outbreaks and important host targets identification
Authors: Khan Abdul Arif , Khan Zakir
Published: August 2020

Last two decades have witnessed several global infectious outbreaks. Among these, coronavirus is identified as a prime culprit ranging from its involvement in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) to COVID-19. These infections involved in huge healthcare and economic cost incurred globally. Every time, coronavirus improved its infection ability and surprised the medical practitioners and researchers. Currently, COVID-19 is also causing numerous infections and stalled global activities. Global efforts are underway to identify potential viral targets for management of these outbreaks, but significant progress in prevention of these outbreaks is not yet achieved. We explored host–pathogen protein–protein interactions of MERS, SARS and COVID-19, and identified host targets common among all recent coronavirus outbreaks. Further, we tried to understand their potential for management of coronavirus. The common proteins involved in coronavirus host–pathogen interactions indicate their indispensable role in the pathogenesis and therefore targeting these proteins can give strategies to prevent current and future coronavirus outbreaks. Viral variability necessitates development of new therapeutic modalities for every outbreak, in contrast targeting necessary human proteins required by all coronaviruses can provide us a clue to prevent current and future coronavirus outbreaks. We found that targeting FURIN and TMPRSS2 can provide good results due to their common involvement in current and previous outbreaks. We also listed some known molecules against these two targets for their potential drug repurposing evaluation. Although, several recent studies undergoing with targeting these proteins for management of coronavirus, but safety evaluation and risk assessment must be given prime importance while targeting human proteins.
Mothers’ Voices: Hearing and Assessing the Contributions of ‘Birth Mothers’ to the Development of Social Work Interventions and Family Support
Authors: Bell Linda , Lewis-Brooke Sarah , Herring Rachel , Lehane Lynne , O'Farrell-Pearce Sioban
Published: August 2020

This article focuses on interviews with ‘birth mothers’ who experienced successive losses of their children to public care in one local area of London, England. Interviews were conducted during a project partnership between a London borough and university staff, aiming to provide a localised, pilot support initiative which responded to mothers’ viewpoints. To ‘hear’ mothers’ own voices more clearly, we analysed interview transcripts using a methodology which separates out elements of how the interviewee tells her story, how she speaks about herself and about her relationships, taking into account surrounding social complexities and researchers’ reactions to the story. To explain how professionals could subsequently draw upon these ‘mothers’ voices’ for a pilot support initiative, we identify some ‘key messages for professionals’ from these interviews, including women wanting clear and honest communication between themselves and workers, and between staff; women often feeling ‘let down’ by professional procedures and court processes that were moving too fast for them to keep up; and women wanting to be treated with more respect. Women respected some professionals but not others and this seemed to relate partly to personalities. Some mothers experienced being ‘left alone’ or ‘abandoned’ to deal with the aftermath of children’s removal and/or adoption.
Retrieving Semantic Image Using Shape Descriptors and Latent-Dynamic Conditional Random Fields
Authors: Elmezain Mahmoud , Ibrahem Hani M
Published: August 2020

This paper introduces a new approach to semantic image retrieval using shape descriptors as dispersion and moment in conjunction with discriminative classifier model of latent-dynamic conditional random fields (LDCRFs). The target region is firstly localized via the background subtraction model. Then the features of dispersion and moments are employed to k-means clustering to extract object’s feature as second stage. After that, the learning process is carried out by LDCRFs. Finally, simple protocol and RDF (resource description framework) query language (i.e. SPARQL) on input text or image query is to retrieve semantic image based on sequential processes of query engine, matching module and ontology manager. Experimental findings show that our approach can be successful to retrieve images against the mammal’s benchmark with retrieving rate of 98.11%. Such outcomes are likely to compare very positively with those accessible in the literature from other researchers.
Better Together? Heterogeneous Effects of Tracking on Student Achievement
Authors: Matthewes Sönke Hendrik
Published: August 2020

I study the effects of early between-school ability tracking on student achievement. My research design exploits institutional differences between German federal states: in all states about 40% of students transition to separate academic-track schools after comprehensive primary school. Depending on the state, the remaining student body is either directly tracked between two additional school types or taught comprehensively for another two years. Comparing these students before and after tracking in a triple-differences framework, I find evidence for positive effects of prolonged comprehensive schooling on mathematics and reading scores. The average effects are almost entirely driven by low achievers, while effects for high achievers are null. Early and rigid forms of tracking can thus impair both the equity and the efficiency of school systems.
Rehydration of dry corn preserves the desirable bacterial community during ensiling
Authors: Carvalho-Estrada Paula de Almeida , de Andrade Pedro Avelino Maia , Paziani Solidete de Fátima , Nussio Luiz Gustavo , Quecine Maria Carolina
Published: August 2020

This study evaluated the rehydration approach of mature corn grains as an alternative for high-moisture corn grain silage production in distinct corn hybrids, storage period, cultivation locations and kernel maturity at plant harvest. High-moisture corn was used as a control. The dry matter content and pH of the silage were measured, and the bacterial community associated with corn grains pre- and post-ensiling was also assessed through 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The decrease in pH value was directly linked to an ecological microbial succession of Enterobacteriales and Actinomycetales to Lactobacillales in the silage at 120 days after storage, either in rehydrated or high-moisture corn. These results were similar for both maize production locations and hybrids tested. Finally, the similarity between the ensiling processes including rehydrated corn and the high-moisture corn grain silages proves the reliability of the rehydration approach as an alternative for the maintenance of a successful bacterial community structure and composition capable of producing high-quality silages from dent and flint corn hybrids in tropical conditions.