bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homeostatic regulation of dissolved labile organic substrates by consumption and release processes in a freshwater lake
Authors: Horňák Karel , Pernthaler Jakob
Published: November 2019

We examined short‐term changes and spatial variability of dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) and glucose in mesotrophic Lake Zurich (Switzerland) at 2‐ to 4‐day intervals over 5 weeks during spring. Heterotrophic incorporation, consumption (“gross” uptake), and release of free leucine and glucose were assessed using isotopically labeled tracers. Glucose exhibited significantly higher consumption and release rates but a lower turnover time than leucine. The net uptake, release, and turnover time of both substrates were significantly correlated, suggesting that their microbial processing was closely coupled. Net changes of individual DFAA and glucose during dark short‐term incubations with unfiltered samples including phytoplankton were conspicuously similar, indicating that bulk heterotrophic consumption of labile substrates was nonselective and depended primarily on their availability. Changes of DFAA during incubations were significantly related to their initial concentrations. Specifically, DFAA concentrations tended to converge toward their seasonal in situ median concentrations, which likely represented the balanced state of net release vs. consumption. There was a clear difference between relatively stable compounds (glucose, leucine, arginine) and others that showed pronounced concentration changes during incubations (alanine, valine, glycine), pointing to a variable degree of uncoupling between consumption and release. Moreover, short‐term changes of DFAA concentrations in incubations were also related to their variability in replicate 5‐liter samples taken from the lake, suggesting that biological processes such as consumption and release may influence the mesoscale spatial distribution of DFAA in the epilimnion of a lake. Overall, we document the homeostatic regulation of labile dissolved substrates by varying release and consumption processes.
Primary Orthostatic Tremor in 2 Siblings
Authors: Verriello Lorenzo , Bernardini Andrea , Pauletto Giada , Budai Riccardo , Gigli Gian Luigi , Valente Mariarosaria , Belgrado Enrico
Published: November 2019

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Participant and Study Partner Reported Impact of Cognition on Functional Activities in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Cholerton Brenna , Poston Kathleen L. , Tian Lu , Quinn Joseph F. , Chung Kathryn A. , Hiller Amie L. , Hu Shu‐Ching , Specketer Krista , Montine Thomas J. , Edwards Karen L. , Zabetian Cyrus P.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Cognitive dysfunction is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and associated with reduced functional abilities and increased dependence. To date, however, little is known about the relationship between performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and cognitive stages in PD, and there are conflicting reports as to whether declines in specific cognitive domains predict IADL impairment.

Methods

Participants with PD were drawn from the Pacific Udall Center and included in the study if both participant and study partner IADL ratings and cognitive tests were completed (n = 192). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether participant and/or study partner rating predicted mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Correlations are reported for the relationship between participant/study partner IADL reports as well as for specific cognitive tests.

Results

Although both participant and study partner ratings of IADL performance were associated with a diagnosis of PD with dementia, only participant self‐rating of functional ability was significantly associated with a diagnosis of PD with mild cognitive impairment. Functional ability correlated most strongly with measures of processing speed, auditory working memory, and immediate verbal recall for both the participant and study partner ratings.

Conclusion

For participants with PD in the early stages of cognitive decline, self‐rating may be more sensitive to the impact of cognitive changes on IADL function than ratings made by a knowledgeable study partner. Changes in executive function, processing speed, and learning may indicate a higher likelihood of IADL impairment. Careful assessment of cognition and IADL performance is recommended to permit individualized interventions prior to significant disability.
The chemical and chemo‐ecological studies on Weizhou nudibranch Glossodoris atromarginata
Authors: Li Xiao‐Lu , Li Song‐Wei , Yao Li‐Gong , Mollo Ernesto , Gavagnin Margherita , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: November 2019

A detailed chemical investigation of the nudibranch Glossodoris atromarginata collected from Weizhou Island, South China Sea, yielded a new spongian‐type diterpene 1, together with the four known‐related compounds 2–5. The structure of the new compound 1 was elucidated by the detailed spectroscopic analysis, the comparison of the spectroscopic data with the known diterpene isoagatholactone, and the 13C chemical shift calculation. In addition, evidence for the absolute stereochemistry of the known compound 2 was, for the first time, provided by the application of time‐dependent density functional theory electronic circular dichroism calculation.
MRI method for labeling and imaging decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds for tissue engineering
Authors: Szulc Daniel Andrzej , Ahmadipour Mohammadali , Aoki Fabio Gava , Waddell Thomas K. , Karoubi Golnaz , Cheng Hai‐Ling Margaret
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To develop a facile method for labeling and imaging decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) scaffolds intended for regenerating 3D tissues.

Methods

A small molecule manganese porphyrin, MnPNH2, was synthesized and used to label dECM scaffolds made from porcine bladder and trachea and murine whole lungs. The labeling protocol was optimized on bladder dECM, and imaging on a 3T clinical scanner was performed to assess reductions in T1 and T2 relaxation times. In vivo MRI was performed on dECM injected in the rat dorsum to verify sensitivity of detection. Toxicity assays for cell viability, metabolism, and proliferation were performed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The incorporation of MnPNH2 and its long‐term retention in dECM were assessed on transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet absorbance of eluted MnPNH2 over time.

Results

All tissues, including thick whole 3D organs, were uniformly labeled and demonstrated high signal‐to‐noise on MRI. A nearly 10‐fold reduction in T1 was consistently obtained at a labeling dose of 0.4 mM, and even 0.2 mM provided sufficient contrast in vivo and ex vivo. No toxicity was observed up to 0.4 mM, the maximum tested. Binding studies suggested nonspecific association, and retention studies in the labeled whole decellularized lungs revealed less than 20% MnPNH2 loss over 30 days, the majority occurring in the first 3 days after labeling.

Conclusion

The proposed labeling method is the first report for visualizing dECM on MRI and has the potential for long‐term monitoring and optimization of dECM‐based organ tissue engineering.
Cannabinoid receptor 2 activation decreases severity of cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis via regulating autophagy
Authors: Liu Qinggang , Wu Zonglong , Liu Yaxiao , Chen Lipeng , Zhao Hongda , Guo Hongda , Zhu Kejia , Wang Wenfu , Chen Shouzhen , Zhou Nan , Li Yan , Shi Benkang
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Cannabinoids have been shown to exert analgesic and anti‐inflammatory effects, and the effects of cannabinoids are mediated primarily by cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). The objective of this study was to determine efficacy and mechanism of CB2 activation on cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced cystitis in vivo.

Methods

Cystitis was induced by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of CYP in female C57BL/6J mice. Mice were pretreated with CB2 agonist JWH‐133 (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), CB2 antagonist AM‐630 (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) (50 mM, intraperitoneally) before IP injection of CYP. Peripheral nociception and spontaneous voiding were investigated in these mice. Bladders were collected, weighed, and processed for real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting analysis, histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

Twenty‐four hours after IP injection of CYP, the bladder of CYP‐treated mice showed histological evidence of inflammation. The expression of CB2 in bladder was significantly increased in CYP‐treated mice. Mechanical sensitivity was significantly increased in CYP‐treated mice and CB2 agonist JWH‐133 attenuated this effect (P < .05). The number of urine spots was significantly increased after CYP treatment and it was decreased in JWH‐133 treated mice (P < .05). Activating CB2 with JWH‐133 significantly alleviated bladder tissue inflammatory responses and oxidative stress induced by CYP. Activation of CB2 by JWH‐133 increased the expression of LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio, and decreased the expression of SQSTM1/p62 in the bladder of cystitis mice, whereas AM‐630 induced inverse effects. Further study indicated that JWH‐133 could promote autophagy and blocking autophagy by 3‐MA dismissed the effort of CB2 in alleviating bladder tissue inflammatory responses and oxidative stress injury. Furthermore, treatment with 3‐MA decreased the expression of p‐AMPK and induced the phosphorylation of mTOR in the presence of JWH‐133 stimulation in cystitis model.

Conclusions

Activation of CB2 decreased severity of CYP‐induced cystitis and ameliorated bladder inflammation. CB2 activation is protective in cystitis through the activation of autophagy and AMPK‐mTOR pathway may be involved in the initiation of autophagy.
Stage life testing
Authors: Laumen Benjamin , Cramer Erhard
Published: November 2019

In progressive censoring, items are removed at certain times during the life test. Commonly, it is assumed that the removed items are used for further testing. In order to take into account information about these additional testing in inferential procedures, we propose a two‐step model of stage life testing with one fixed stage‐change time which incorporates information about both the removed items (further tested under different conditions) and those remaining in the current life test. We show that some marginal distributions in our model correspond either to progressive censoring with a fixed censoring time or to a simple‐step stress model. Furthermore, assuming a cumulative exposure model, we establish exact inferential results for the distribution parameters when the lifetimes are exponentially distributed. An extension to Weibull distributed lifetimes is also discussed.
Variational eigenerosion for rate‐dependent plasticity in concrete modeling at small strain
Authors: Qinami Aurel , Pandolfi Anna , Kaliske Michael
Published: November 2019

In the context of eigenfracture scheme, the work at hand introduces a variational eigenerosion approach for inelastic materials. The theory seizes situations where the material accumulates large amounts of plastic deformations. For these cases, the surface energy entering the energy balance equation is rescaled to favor fracture, thus energy minimization delivers automatically the crack‐tracking solution also for inelastic cases. The minimization approach is sound and preserves the mathematical properties necessary for the Γ‐limit proof, thus the existence of (local) minimizers is guaranteed by the Γ‐convergence theory. Although it is not possible to demonstrate that the obtained minimizers are global, satisfactory results are obtained with the local minimizers provided by the method. Furthermore, with the goal of addressing the constitutive behavior of concrete, a Drucker‐Prager viscoplastic consistency model is introduced in the microplane setting. The model delivers a rate‐dependent three‐surface smooth yield function that requires hardening and hardening‐rate parameters. The independent evolution of viscoplasticity in different microplanes induces anisotropy in the mechanical response. The sound performance of the model is illustrated via numerical examples for both rate‐independent and rate‐dependent plasticity.
Exercise and Dairy Protein have Distinct Effects on Indices of Liver and Systemic Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Townsend Logan K. , Gandhi Shivam , Shamshoum Hesham , Trottier Sarah K. , Mutch David M. , Reimer Raylene A. , Shearer Jane , LeBlanc Paul J. , Wright David C.
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to explore the individual and combined effects of skim milk powder (SMP) and exercise on indices of systemic and liver lipid metabolism in male obese rats.

Methods

Rats were fed a high‐fat (~ 40% kcal from fat), high‐sugar diet for 8 weeks. At 12 weeks of age, rats were assigned to one of four weight‐matched, isocaloric, high‐fat, high‐sugar groups for 6 weeks: (1) casein‐sedentary, (2) casein‐exercise, (3) SMP‐sedentary, and (4) SMP‐exercise. Nonfat SMP or casein was the sole protein source in the dairy and control casein diets, respectively. Exercise training occurred 5 d/wk for 60 minutes on a motorized treadmill. Whole‐body metabolism was assessed by a Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System. Lipidomics, Western blot, and polymerase chain reaction were used to assess markers of hepatic lipid metabolism.

Results

Exercise, but not SMP, altered the fatty acid composition of liver triglycerides, reduced indices of lipogenesis, and increased expression of genes linked to oxidative metabolism, in conjunction with increases in whole‐body fat oxidation. SMP and exercise reduced plasma triglycerides in an additive manner.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that SMP and exercise exert distinct effects on whole‐body and hepatic carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and that they could work in a synergistic manner to reduce serum triglyceride concentrations.
Evolving profiles of financial risk management in the era of digitization: The tomorrow that began in the past
Authors: Chakraborty Gourab
Published: November 2019

The initial phases of digitization have automatized the front‐end of banks and financial institutions (FIs). This paper documents the automation of the back‐end in the current wave of digitization. In particular, it highlights the use of technology in streamlining risk management and its potential to provide competitive advantage to the FIs embracing digitization. For instance, automated “big data” credit scoring tools built on predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms are employed to examine several credit propositions. This can accurately construct the credit worthiness and risk profile of public, even without any credit history. These developments can widen the access of credit and other financial services to the society. However, on a cautionary note, this study emphasizes that although digitization of back‐end financial transactions carries substantive advantages, the FIs must be guarded against cyber, outsourcing, financial exclusion, and macrofinance risks that can manifest with this automation. In this backdrop, the need for robust yet agile regulations and supervisory counsel to control and exploit the digitization towards optimal benefits for banks and FIs and society at large, acquires salience. Furthermore, regulators and supervisory authorities can mitigate the digitization risks and prevent any public fallout by leveraging the use of digitization itself.
Natural rubber–based composites filled with bioglasses from a CaO‐SiO2‐P2O5‐Ag2O system. Effect of Ag2O concentration in the filler on composite properties
Authors: Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Al‐Ghamdi Ahmed A. , Dishovsky Nikolay T. , Radev Lachezar N. , Mihailova Irena K. , Malinova Petrunka A. , Atanasov Nikolay T. , Atanasova Gabriela L.
Published: November 2019

Bioactive glass was first synthesized by L. Hench in 1971. There are many studies on the properties of several metals and metal ions dopants used in the SiO2‐CaO‐P2O5system of bioglasses, such as Ag, Cu, Zn, and Fe. A number of authors have carried out research related to the influence of silver oxide on the properties of bioglasses.However, publications on the properties of elastomer‐based composites containing bioactive glasses are relatively scarce. We have not found in the literature studies discussing how silver oxide concentration in bioglasses of the CaO‐SiO2‐P2O5‐Ag2O system affects the significant properties of a natural rubber biocomposite. In this regard, the purpose of the present work is to investigate the aforementioned influence on the properties of this type of composites, namely, vulcanization, physicomechanical, thermal, dynamic, dielectric, electric, and thermoconductive characteristics. We have established those parameters of the composites to be impacted considerably by both degree of filling with bioglass and the silver oxide content in the latter. The improvement in the composites thermostability and some of their physicomechanical performance is the most significant. The volume resistance decreases, and the thermal conductivity coefficients increase. Results from scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analyses have confirmed the influence of silver oxide initially on the phase composition of the bioglass, hence on the properties of the biocomposites through changes in the bioglass used as filler. The dielectric characteristics of some of the biocomposites suggest that they can be used as substrates and insulating layers in flexible antennas for short‐range wireless communications.
Spray‐free polypropylene composite reinforced by graphene oxide@short glass fiber
Authors: Zeng Xiao‐Ling , Wu Chao , Tang Bo‐Lin , Shen Xiao‐Jun , Liu Kun , Ye Bei , Jia Yong‐Tang
Published: November 2019

Polypropylene (PP) is widely used in the automotive industry due to its excellent mechanical properties, good formability, and low cost. Herein, the spray‐free PP composites reinforced by graphene oxide@short glass fiber (GO@SGF) were fabricated by extrusion compounding and injection molding. Aluminum powder was used as spray‐free filling materials. The microstructure and composition of SGF and GO@SGF are investigated using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer. The effect of GO@SGF on the mechanical properties of spray‐free PP composites was studied. The results showed that both tensile strength and modulus were effectively improved by incorporation of GO@SGF. This mainly attributed to the improved interfacial bonding between the reinforcements and matrix.
Run‐in periods and clinical outcomes of antipsychotics in dementia: A meta‐epidemiological study of placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Hulshof Tessa A. , Zuidema Sytse U. , Gispen‐de Wied Christine C. , Luijendijk Hendrika J.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Run‐in periods are used to identify placebo‐responders and washout. Our aim was to assess the association of run‐in periods with clinical outcomes of antipsychotics in dementia.

Methods

We searched randomized placebo‐controlled trials of conventional and atypical antipsychotics for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia in electronic sources and references of selected articles. We extracted (a) the presence of a run‐in period, use of placebo/investigated drug during run‐in (versus washout only), and run‐in duration (1 week or more) and (b) the reduction in NPS, number of participants with somnolence, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), and deaths per treatment group. We pooled clinical outcomes comparing antipsychotic and placebo groups in trials with and without run‐in.

Results

We identified 35 trials. Twenty‐nine trials used run‐in. The pooled standardized mean difference in the reduction of NPS was −0.170 (95% CI, −0.227 to −0.112) in trials with run‐in and −0.142 (95% CI, −0.331 to 0.047) in trials without run‐in. The pooled odds ratio for somnolence was 2.8 (95% CI, 2.3‐3.5) in trials with run‐in and 3.5 (95% CI, 1.2‐10.7) in trials without run‐in; for EPS, these ORs were 1.8 (95% CI, 1.4‐2.2) and 2.0 (95% CI, 1.3‐3.1) respectively, and for mortality 1.4 (95% CI, 1.0‐2.0) and 1.6 (95% CI, 0.7‐3.4). The use of placebo/investigated drug during run‐in and run‐in duration did not affect the estimates in a consistent way.

Conclusions

The use of run‐in in trials might have led to overestimated efficacy and especially underestimated risks of side effects of antipsychotics compared with placebo for NPS in dementia.
Exploring alternative assessments for signing deaf candidates
Authors: O'Neill Rachel , Cameron Audrey , Burns Eileen , Quinn Gary
Published: November 2019

Attitudes to sign languages or language policies are often not overtly discussed or recorded but they influence deaf young people's educational opportunities and outcomes. Two qualitative studies from Scotland investigate the provision of British Sign Language as accommodation in public examinations. The first explores the views of deaf pupils and staff about the official system for face‐to‐face interpretation of exam papers. The second investigates a centrally translated digital paper with embedded video questions. Discussion focuses on contrasts between the USA and UK approaches to accommodations, raising issues of standardized technical terms in signed languages, the right to respond in sign, and candidate choice.
Deep Profiling of Cellular Heterogeneity by Emerging Single‐Cell Proteomic Technologies
Authors: Yang Liwei , George Justin , Wang Jun
Published: November 2019

The ability to comprehensively profile cellular heterogeneity in functional proteome is crucial in advancing the understanding of cell behavior, organism development, and disease mechanisms. Conventional bulk measurement by averaging the biological responses across a population often loses the information of cellular variations. Single‐cell proteomic technologies are becoming increasingly important to understand and discern cellular heterogeneity. The well‐established methods for single‐cell protein analysis based on flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy are limited by the low multiplexing ability owing to the spectra overlap of fluorophores for labeling antibodies. Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS), microchip, and reiterative staining‐based techniques for single‐cell proteomics have enabled the evaluation of cellular heterogeneity with high throughput, increased multiplexity, and improved sensitivity. In this review, the principles, developments, advantages, and limitations of these advanced technologies in analysis of single‐cell proteins, along with their biological applications to study cellular heterogeneity, are described. At last, the remaining challenges, possible strategies, and future opportunities that will facilitate the improvement and broad applications of single‐cell proteomic technologies in cell biology and medical research are discussed.
RELA is sufficient to mediate interleukin‐1 repression of androgen receptor expression and activity in an LNCaP disease progression model
Authors: Thomas‐Jardin Shayna E. , Dahl Haley , Kanchwala Mohammed S. , Ha Freedom , Jacob Joan , Soundharrajan Reshma , Bautista Monica , Nawas Afshan F. , Robichaux Dexter , Mistry Ragini , Anunobi Vanessa , Xing Chao , Delk Nikki A.
Published: November 2019

Background

The androgen receptor (AR) nuclear transcription factor is a therapeutic target for prostate cancer (PCa). Unfortunately, patients can develop resistance to AR‐targeted therapies and progress to lethal disease, underscoring the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie treatment resistance. Inflammation is implicated in PCa initiation and progression and we have previously reported that the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), represses AR messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and activity in AR‐positive (AR+) PCa cell lines concomitant with the upregulation of prosurvival biomolecules. Thus, we contend that IL‐1 can select for AR‐independent, treatment‐resistant PCa cells.

Methods

To begin to explore how IL‐1 signaling leads to the repression of AR mRNA levels, we performed comprehensive pathway analysis on our RNA sequencing data from IL‐1‐treated LNCaP PCa cells. Our pathway analysis predicted nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 subunit (RELA), a canonical IL‐1 signal transducer, to be significantly active and potentially regulate many genes, including AR. We used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence the NF‐κB family of transcription factor subunits, RELA, RELB, c‐REL, NFKB1, or NFKB2, in IL‐1‐treated LNCaP, C4‐2, and C4‐2B PCa cell lines. C4‐2 and C4‐2B cell lines are castration‐resistant LNCaP sublines and represent progression toward metastatic PCa disease, and we have previously shown that IL‐1 represses AR mRNA levels in C4‐2 and C4‐2B cells.

Results

siRNA revealed that RELA alone is sufficient to mediate IL‐1 repression of AR mRNA and AR activity. Intriguingly, while LNCaP cells are more sensitive to IL‐1‐mediated repression of AR than C4‐2 and C4‐2B cells, RELA siRNA led to a more striking derepression of AR mRNA levels and AR activity in C4‐2 and C4‐2B cells than in LNCaP cells.

Conclusions

These data indicate that there are RELA‐independent mechanisms that regulate IL‐1‐mediated AR repression in LNCaP cells and suggest that the switch to RELA‐dependent IL‐1 repression of AR in C4‐2 and C4‐2B cells reflects changes in epigenetic and transcriptional programs that evolve during PCa disease progression.
Tunneling through Double Electrostatic Barriers in Strained Graphene
Authors: Choubabi El Bouâzzaoui , Jellal Ahmed , Kamal Abdellatif , Bahlouli Hocine
Published: November 2019

Herein, the electronic structure of Dirac fermions scattered by double barrier potential in graphene under strain effect is studied. It is shown that traction and compression strains can be used to generate fermion beam collimation, 1D transport channels, surface states, and confinement. The corresponding transmission probability and conductance at zero temperature are calculated and their numerical computations are performed taking into account various alterations of physical parameters, enabling the analysis of some important features of the system. It is shown that the transmissions satisfy three symmetry relations depending on the incident angle and strain parameters, while the conductance is reduced compared to that of the strained single barrier.
The Influence of the Ferroelectric and Magnetic Configuration on the Tunnel Current in Double Planar Tunnel Junctions with Ferromagnetic Electrodes and Ferroelectric Barriers
Authors: Wilczyński Michał
Published: November 2019

Herein, the tunnel current in double planar tunnel junctions, consisting of ferromagnetic external electrodes and a central ferromagnetic layer separated by ferroelectric barriers, is analyzed. Different orientations of magnetic moments in the electrodes and electric polarization in the barriers are considered. The influence of the thickness of the central layer, the spin splitting of the electron bands, and the Thomas–Fermi screening length in the electrodes and the central layer on the obtained results is analyzed. The modification of the results caused by the change of the width and electric polarization of the barriers is also discussed. The influence of the change of the ferroelectric configuration on the magnitude of the tunnel current can be enhanced in the junctions with different Thomas–Fermi screening lengths in the central layer and external electrodes as well as in the junctions in which the resonant states in the central layer are located near the Fermi level in the source electrode or near the band edge for electrons of minority spin in the drain electrode. It is possible to find the junctions in which electron transport is sensitive to both ferroelectric and magnetic configurations, which can be used as multibit memories.
Prediction of cushion curves of polymer foams using a nonlinear distributed parameter model
Authors: Joodaky Amin , Batt Gregory S. , Gibert James M.
Published: November 2019

Polymer foams are commonly used in the protective packaging of fragile products. Cushion curves are commonly used within the packaging industry to characterize a foam's impact performance. These curves are two‐dimensional representations of the deceleration of an impacting mass versus static stress. Cushion curves are currently generated from exhaustive experimental test data. This study represents the first time that the physics of the mass‐cushion impact have been analysed by modelling the foam as nonlinear, continuous rod. Using a single mode of vibration and excluding the effects of damping, the maximum displacement during the impact can be obtained from a polynomial describing the maximum elastic energy in the foam. The displacements can be used to recover the amplitude of the deceleration shock pulse. Numerical and analytical analysis of the model with damping is considered in its ability to predict the shock pulse shape, duration, and amplitude at various static stresses, foam thickness, and drop heights as compared with experimental data. Furthermore, both the analytical and numerical results agree and are primarily within the expected lab‐to‐lab variability of 18% documented in ASTM D1596 ‐ Standard Test Method for Dynamic Shock Cushioning Characteristics of Packaging Material.
Theoretical investigation of von Braun and von Braun‐like reactions
Authors: Couty François , Burov Oleg N. , Kletskii Mikhail E. , Lisovin Anton V. , Wright Karen , Drouillat Bruno , Kurbatov Sergey V.
Published: November 2019

The von Braun reaction, discovered at the dawn of the past century, consists of the reaction between a tertiary amine and cyanogen bromide. It leads to the cleavage of a C─N bond with the formation of an N‐dialkylcyanamide and an alkyl bromide and has been extensively used in organic synthesis. A detailed in silico study (PCM/density functional theory [DFT]/B3LYP/6‐31++G(d,p) calculations) of this venerable reaction has shown that in the first stage a zwitterionic adduct with a multibonded bromine atom is formed. The widely accepted mechanism involving an SN2 reaction occurs in the second step, thus accounting for its selectivity. Quantum chemical calculations were performed for the von Braun‐like reactions in systems formed by cyclic tertiary amines (N‐alkyl azetidines). In these cases, the first stage is almost the same as in the classical von Braun processes, and selective SN2 mechanisms can occur in the second step.
Direct analysis of bromine and iodine in dried serum spots by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: He Jing , Li A‐Fang , Han Hua‐yun , Su Shuang , Zhang Pei , Zhang Er‐peng
Published: November 2019

Rationale

Accurate quantitative analysis of bromine and iodine in serum is an important aspect of monitoring body condition, but the volatile loss of halogen in sample pretreatment is a troublesome problem. We present a validated and flexible high‐throughput method for quantification of bromine and iodine in dried serum spots (DSS) using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) and an external aqueous standard calibration curve. The influence of serum matrix and laser ablation (LA) conditions on the analysis of bromine and iodine in DSS was researched systematically.

Methods

Aqueous standards without matrix matching were used for calibration to analyze bromine and iodine in serum by LA‐ICP‐MS. 5‐μL volumes of the aqueous standard solution and serum samples in 10 times diluted concentration were deposited on the PTFE paper to form dried standard calibration spots (DSCS) and DSS, of less than 2 mm in diameter. LA was performed using a focused Nd:YAG laser beam in raster lineal scan mode.

Results

The limits of detection (LODs) for bromine and iodine in DSS were 0.23 and 0.03 mg L−1, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for this method was less than 10%. The samples were also detected with matrix matching calibration by ICP‐MS. The accuracy of the method was verified by statistical analysis of these results from ICP‐MS and LA‐ICP‐MS. The accuracy is satisfactory with recoveries ranging from 81.5% to 118%.

Conclusions

A novel and simple approach for high‐throughput screening of bromine and iodine in DSS has been established by LA‐ICP‐MS. Calibration could be achieved using an aqueous standard solution instead of a matrix‐matching solution. The method allowed analysis of low‐volume biological samples without derivatization and decreased the risk of contamination or loss.
Chemical Solution Route for High‐Quality Multiferroic BiFeO3 Thin Films
Authors: Yang Bingbing , Jin Linghua , Wei Renhuai , Tang Xianwu , Hu Ling , Tong Peng , Yang Jie , Song Wenhai , Dai Jianming , Zhu Xuebin , Sun Yuping , Zhang Shujun , Wang Xiaolin , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: November 2019

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) has recently become interesting as a room‐temperature multiferroic material, and a variety of prototype devices have been designed based on its thin films. A low‐cost and simple processing technique for large‐area and high‐quality BiFeO3 thin films that is compatible with current semiconductor technologies is therefore urgently needed. Development of BiFeO3 thin films is summarized with a specific focus on the chemical solution route. By a systematic analysis of the recent progress in chemical‐route‐derived BiFeO3 thin films, the challenges of these films are highlighted. An all‐solution chemical‐solution deposition (AS‐CSD) for BiFeO3 thin films with different orientation epitaxial on various oxide bottom electrodes is introduced and a comprehensive study of the growth, structure, and ferroelectric properties of these films is provided. A facile low‐cost route to prepare large‐area high‐quality epitaxial BFO thin films with a comprehensive understanding of the film thickness, stoichiometry, crystal orientation, ferroelectric properties, and bottom electrode effects on evolutions of microstructures is provided. This work paves the way for the fabrication of devices based on BiFeO3 thin films.
Identity and the Self‐Reinforcing Effects of Norm Compliance
Authors: Pickup Mark A. , Kimbrough Erik O. , de Rooij Eline A.
Published: November 2019

When making political and economic decisions (e.g., voting, donating money to a cause), individuals consider the expectations of groups with which they identify. These expectations are injunctive norms, shared beliefs about appropriate behavior for identity group members, and individuals' choices reflect trade‐offs between adherence to these norms and other preferences. We show that when those who identify moderately/strongly with the group pay a cost as a consequence of avoiding a norm violation, they subsequently view the norms as stronger than those that paid no cost. This is evident in their greater willingness to pay an additional cost to punish/reward other group members for violating/complying with the norm. They also view other norms associated with the identity as stronger. In this way, costly norm compliance may be self‐reinforcing.
Domain‐specific visualization system based on automatic multiseed recommendations: Extracting stratigraphic structures
Authors: Liu Richen , Ji Genlin , Su Mingjun
Published: November 2019

Underground flow path (UFP) is one of the most significant stratigraphic structures in revealing the distribution of oil or gas from seismic data. We design a domain‐specific visualization system to extract the stratigraphic structures by seed point tracing and explore the seismic data by graph interactions. The seeds are automatically generated by kernel function–based density gradients computation. Users are allowed to adjust the recommended seeds by fine‐tuning them with visual interactions. The seeds are further merged by a weighted quick‐union algorithm to get the link information to construct a graph. Different types of nodes in the graph are designed to enable users to explore the extracted UFP structures intuitively. Finally, we evaluated the proposed approach by performance tests, sensitivity tests, and ground truth tests. The feedback from the domain experts demonstrates that the proposed visualization tool improved the capability of revealing the distribution and geostructures of UFPs compared with the existing methods.
A Load control method with reactive power control capability and enhanced flexibility based on smart load
Authors: Wang Ying , Ma Gang , Chen Yixi , Wu Xuehong , Zheng Mei
Published: November 2019

To promote the real‐time supply–demand balance of power grids and to improve the economy and security of power systems, the load control technology of power systems is becoming increasingly important. Electric spring (ES), first proposed in 2012, is a power electronic device used in power systems to achieve power consumption that can vary with power generation. Based on a smart load (SL), which comprises an ES and a noncritical load (NCL), a new load control method is proposed here, aiming to solve the problems of weak flexibility and uncontrollable reactive power in the traditional method. First, the power control model of an SL is established taking into account its basic principles. Next, the control method of a single SL is proposed, and the control loops are designed. Subsequently, the cooperative control strategy of multiple SLs is proposed using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Finally, our simulation and experimental results prove that both the active power and reactive power of SL can be controlled flexibly and smoothly using the method proposed here. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Recent advancements in understanding fin regeneration in zebrafish
Authors: Sehring Ivonne M. , Weidinger Gilbert
Published: November 2019

Zebrafish have the remarkable ability to fully regenerate a lost appendage, faithfully restoring its size, shape and tissue patterning. Studies over the past decades have identified mechanisms underlying the formation, spatial organization, and regenerative growth of the blastema, a pool of proliferative progenitor cells. The patterning of newly forming tissue is tightly regulated to ensure proper rebuilding of anatomy. Precise niche regulation of retinoic acid and sonic hedgehog signaling ensures adherence to ray—interray boundaries. The molecular underpinnings of systems underlying re‐establishment of pre‐amputation size and shape (positional information) are also slowly starting to emerge. Osteoblasts play an important role as a cellular source of regenerating skeletal elements, and in zebrafish both osteoblast dedifferentiation as well as de novo osteoblast formation occurs. Both dedifferentiation and proliferation are tightly controlled, which makes it interesting to compare it to tumorigenesis, and to identify potential players involved in these processes.

This article is categorized under:

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration
Correction to: Shaping Natural History and Settler Society
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: November 2019

The book was inadvertently published with errors. The below listed changes have been made in this book.
Heavy black hole effective theory
Authors: Damgaard Poul H. , Haddad Kays , Helset Andreas
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We formulate an effective field theory describing large mass scalars and fermions minimally coupled to gravity. The operators of this effective field theory are organized in powers of the transfer momentum divided by the mass of the matter field, an expansion which lends itself to the efficient extraction of classical contributions from loop amplitudes in both the post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian regimes. We use this effective field theory to calculate the classical and leading quantum gravitational scattering amplitude of two heavy spin-1/2 particles at the second post-Minkowskian order.
Relating non-relativistic string theories
Authors: Harmark Troels , Hartong Jelle , Menculini Lorenzo , Obers Niels A. , Oling Gerben
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Non-relativistic string theories promise to provide simpler theories of quantum gravity as well as tractable limits of the AdS/CFT correspondence. However, several apparently distinct non-relativistic string theories have been constructed. In particular, one approach is to reduce a relativistic string along a null isometry in target space. Another method is to perform an appropriate large speed of light expansion of a relativistic string. Both of the resulting non-relativistic string theories only have a well-defined spectrum if they have nonzero winding along a longitudinal spatial direction. In the presence of a Kalb-Ramond field, we show that these theories are equivalent provided the latter direction is an isometry. Finally, we consider a further limit of non-relativistic string theory that has proven useful in the context of AdS/CFT (related to Spin Matrix Theory). In that case, the worldsheet theory itself becomes non-relativistic and the dilaton coupling vanishes.
From 3d dualities to 2d free field correlators and back
Authors: Pasquetti Sara , Sacchi Matteo
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We investigate the relation between 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 theories and 2d free field correlators or Dotsenko-Fateev (DF) integrals for Liouville CFT. We show that the S2× S1 partition functions of some known 3d Seiberg-like dualities reduce, in a suitable 2d limit, to known basic duality identities for DF correlators. These identities are applied in a variety of contexts in CFT, as for example in the derivation of the DOZZ 3-point function. Reversing the logic, we can try to guess new 3d IR dualities which reduce to more intricate duality relations for the DF correlators. For example, we show that a recently proposed duality relating the U(N) theory with one flavor and one adjoint to a WZ model can be regarded as the 3d ancestor of the evaluation formula for the DF integral representation of the 3-point correlator. We are also able to interpret the analytic continuation in the number of screening charges, which is performed on the CFT side to reconstruct the DOZZ 3-point function, as the geometric transition relating the 3d U(N) theory to the 5d T2 theory.
The gut microbiome in tuberculosis susceptibility and treatment response: guilty or not guilty?
Authors: Eribo Osagie A. , du Plessis Nelita , Ozturk Mumin , Guler Reto , Walzl Gerhard , Chegou Novel N.
Published: November 2019

Although tuberculosis (TB) is a curable disease, it remains the foremost cause of death from a single pathogen. Globally, approximately 1.6 million people died of TB in 2017. Many predisposing factors related to host immunity, genetics and the environment have been linked to TB. However, recent evidence suggests a relationship between dysbiosis in the gut microbiome and TB disease development. The underlying mechanism(s) whereby dysbiosis in the gut microbiota may impact the different stages in TB disease progression, are, however, not fully explained. In the wake of recently emerging literature, the gut microbiome could represent a potential modifiable host factor to improve TB immunity and treatment response. Herein, we summarize early data detailing (1) possible association between gut microbiome dysbiosis and TB (2) the potential for the use of microbiota biosignatures to discriminate active TB disease from healthy individuals (3) the adverse effect of protracted anti-TB antibiotics treatment on gut microbiota balance, and possible link to increased susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis re-infection or TB recrudescence following successful cure. We also discuss immune pathways whereby the gut microbiome could impact TB disease and serve as target for clinical manipulation.
Fluctuations in Ballistic Transport from Euler Hydrodynamics
Authors: Doyon Benjamin , Myers Jason
Published: November 2019

We propose a general formalism, within large-deviation theory, giving access to the exact statistics of fluctuations of ballistically transported conserved quantities in homogeneous, stationary states. The formalism is expected to apply to any system with an Euler hydrodynamic description, classical or quantum, integrable or not, in or out of equilibrium. We express the exact scaled cumulant generating function (or full counting statistics) for any (quasi-)local conserved quantity in terms of the flux Jacobian. We show that the “extended fluctuation relations” of Bernard and Doyon follow from the linearity of the hydrodynamic equations, forming a marker of “freeness” much like the absence of hydrodynamic diffusion does. We show how an extension of the formalism gives exact exponential behaviours of spatio-temporal two-point functions of twist fields, with applications to order-parameter dynamical correlations in arbitrary homogeneous, stationary state. We explain in what situations the large-deviation principle at the basis of the results fail, and discuss how this connects with nonlinear fluctuating hydrodynamics. Applying the formalism to conformal hydrodynamics, we evaluate the exact cumulants of energy transport in quantum critical systems of arbitrary dimension at low but nonzero temperatures, observing a phase transition for Lorentz boosts at the sound velocity.
Capability of Tokai Strainmeter Network to Detect and Locate a Slow Slip: First Results
Authors: Nanjo K. Z.
Published: November 2019

The Tokai Strainmeter Network (TSN), a dense network deployed in the Tokai region, which is the easternmost region of the Nankai trough, has been designed to monitor slow slips that reflect changes in the coupling state of the plate boundary. It is important to evaluate the current capability of TSN to detect and locate slow slips. For this purpose, the probability-based magnitude of completeness developed for seismic networks was modified to be applicable to the evaluation of TSN’s performance. Using 35 slow slips having moment magnitudesM5.1–5.8 recorded by TSN in 2012–2016, this study shows that the probability that TSN detected and located aM5-class slow slip is high (> 0.9) when considering a region in and around the TSN. The probability has been found to depend on the slip duration, especially forM5.5 or larger, namely the longer the duration, the lower the probability. A possible use of this method to assess the network’s performance for cases where virtual stations are added to the existing network was explored. The use of this application when devising a strategic plan of the TSN to extend its coverage westwards is proposed. This extension that allows TSN to cover the entire eastern half of the Nankai trough is important, because the historical records show that the eastern half of this trough tends to rupture first.
Topological stable rank of $$\mathcal {E}'(\mathbb {R})$$
Authors: Sasane Amol
Published: November 2019

The set $$\mathcal {E}'(\mathbb {R})$$

E

′

(
R
)

of all compactly supported distributions, with the operations of addition, convolution, multiplication by complex scalars, and with the strong dual topology is a topological algebra. In this article, it is shown that the topological stable rank of $$\mathcal {E}'(\mathbb {R})$$

E

′

(
R
)

is 2.