bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between first true leaf physiology and seedling vigor in cotton under different field conditions
Authors: Virk Gurpreet , Snider John L. , Pilon Cristiane
Published: February 2020

Rapid development of the first true leaf has been suggested as a key driver of seedling vigor in cotton, yet studies demonstrating an association between first true leaf physiological processes and early season cotton growth are limited. It was hypothesized that both first true leaf area (FTLA) and photosynthetic rates would be positively associated with cotton (Gossypium hirsutumandG. barbadense) seedling vigor, and that photosynthetic component processes would differ in their contribution to net photosynthesis (An) of the first true leaf. To test these hypotheses, three different cotton cultivars were planted in the 2017 and 2018 seasons on three selected dates each year to generate broad differences in seedling vigor. Growth analysis was conducted to assess seedling vigor at 3 and 5 wk after planting, and a combination of dark‐ and light‐adapted gas exchange and fluorescence measurements were performed on the first true leaf, concurrent with growth assessments. Seedling vigor was much more strongly associated with FTLA than Anon a per unit leaf area basis, suggesting that FTLA was a stronger indicator of seedling vigor. Correlation analysis between Anand a number of component processes derived from combined gas exchange and fluorescence measurements indicated that Anwas strongly correlated with electron transport rates and stomatal conductance. However, we suggest that most of the variability we observed in Anof the first true leaf was primarily driven by nonstomatal factors, since no significant correlations between Anand chloroplast CO2concentration or substomatal CO2concentration was apparent.
A second‐generation voltage conveyor (VCII)–based simulated grounded inductor
Authors: Safari Leila , Yuce Erkan , Minaei Shahram , Ferri Giuseppe , Stornelli Vincenzo
Published: February 2020

In this paper, an implementation of a simulated grounded inductor (SGI) based on a recently developed active building block called second‐generation voltage conveyor (VCII) is proposed. The proposed SGI employs two VCIIs, two resistors, and one grounded capacitor, which is preferred when integration is involved. More importantly, unlike most of the other previously reported SGIs, this one is free from any restrictive matching conditions. A complete analysis of nonidealities along with sensitivity treatment by considering parasitic impedances and nonideal gains of the VCII are performed. A simple VCII circuit is designed to be used in the implementation of the proposed SGI. To support the presented theory, Pspice simulation results using 0.18‐μm CMOS technology parameters and supply voltage of ±0.9 V are provided. On the basis of the achieved results, the proposed SGI operates in a good agreement with an ideal inductor. The power consumption is only 0.65 mW, and the parasitic series impedance is approximately 191.9 Ω. The applicability of the proposed SGI is tested by using it in a standard second‐order high‐pass RLC filter.
Development of analytical model for energy detectors with SC and MRC diversity over Inverse‐Gamma fading
Authors: Maurya Rahul , Srivastava Saloni , Chauhan Puspraj Singh , Singh Sanjay , Soni Sanjay Kumar
Published: February 2020

An ever‐escalating demand for wireless applications has caused great concern for the proper exploitation of the accessible radio spectrum. Cognitive radio materializes as an auspicious remedy to the present‐day crisis of spectral congestion, by detecting the licensed primary user (PU). This is accomplished with the assistance of the spectrum sensing technique, which provides an indication of the presence of PU over the spectrum. Energy detection is one of the prevailing spectrum sensing techniques due to its low implementation complexity. In the present work, the performance of an energy detector (ED) over Inverse‐Gamma (I‐Gamma) fading distribution is examined. Initially, a closed‐form expression of the probability density function for I‐Gamma distribution with maximal ratio combining diversity reception is derived. Following it, an investigation of an ED‐based cognitive radio device is carried out in the form of the average probability of detection (PD) and average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). In addition, we also present a performance analysis of an ED with selection combining diversity. Optimization of the detection threshold is also executed alongside the low signal‐to‐noise ratio analysis. In the end, the resulting expression of the PD is exploited to examine the functioning of cooperative spectrum sensing within the erroneous environment. The validation of derived mathematical forms has been confirmed by comparing it with the Monte‐Carlo simulation and exact numerical results.
Sexual selection on bushcricket genitalia operates in a mosaic pattern
Authors: Wulff Nadja C. , Lehmann Gerlind U. C.
Published: February 2020

In most species with internal fertilization, male genitalia evolve faster than other morphological structures. This holds true for genital titillators, which are used exclusively during mating in several bushcricket subfamilies. Several theories have been proposed for the sexual selection forces driving the evolution of internal genitalia, especially sperm competition, sexually antagonistic coevolution (SAC), and cryptic female choice (CFC). However, it is unclear whether the evolution of genitalia can be described with a single hypothesis or a combination of them. The study of species‐specific genitalia action could contribute to the controversial debate about the underlying selective evolutionary forces.

We studied female mating behaviors in response to experimentally modified titillators in a phylogenetically nested set of four bushcricket species: Roeseliana roeselii, Pholidoptera littoralis littoralis, Tettigonia viridissima (of the subfamily Tettigoniinae), and Letana inflata (Phaneropterinae). Bushcricket titillators have several potential functions; they stimulate females and suppress female resistance, ensure proper ampulla or spermatophore attachment, and facilitate male fixation. In R. roeselii, titillators stimulate females to accept copulations, supporting sexual selection by CFC. Conversely, titillator modification had no observable effect on the female's behavior in T. viridissima. The titillators of Ph. l. littoralis mechanically support the mating position and the spermatophore transfer, pointing to sexual selection by SAC. Mixed support was found in L. inflata, where manipulation resulted in increased female resistance (evidence for CFC) and mating failures by reduced spermatophore transfer success (evidence for SAC). Sexual selection is highly species‐specific with a mosaic support for either cryptic female choice or sexually antagonistic coevolution or a combination of both in the four species.
Double diffusion on peristaltic flow of nanofluid under the influences of magnetic field, porous medium, and thermal radiation
Authors: Shivappa Kotnurkar Asha , Giddaiah Sunitha
Published: February 2020

The present article investigates the study of double‐diffusive convection on peristaltic flow under the assumption of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The mathematical modeling for a two‐dimensional flow, along with double diffusion in nanofluids, is considered. The motivation of the present research work is to analyze the effects of the magnetic field and thermal radiation on a peristaltic flow through a porous medium in an asymmetric channel. The heat flux of the linear approximation employs the thermal radiation of the flow problem. The effect of thermal radiation and double diffusion is an important aspect of research due to its application in public health potential. Infrared radiation techniques are indeed used to treat many skin‐related diseases. It can also be used as a measure of thermotherapy in some bones to enhance the blood circulation. It is found that approximately 80% of blood flow increases with radiation. The governing equations are analytically solved by using Homotopy analysis method with the help of the symbolic software Mathematica. The results of the velocity, pressure rise, temperature, solutal (species) concentration, and nanoparticle volume fraction profiles are graphically
shown.
Thermodynamics and Economics of Different Asymmetric Cold Energy Transfer in a Liquid Air Energy Storage System
Authors: Guo Luna , Gao Zhaozhao , Ji Wei , Xu Hao , Chen Liubiao , Wang Junjie
Published: February 2020

Liquid air energy storage is a promising large‐scale energy storage technology. However, the asymmetric cold energy transfer exists due to the cold energy loss during the intermission period (the transition time between the charging and discharging process), which seriously affects the system efficiency. Most theoretical researches are based on the ideal cold energy storage (CES) models, failing to predict the characteristics of the asymmetric energy transfer. Therefore, a new self‐adapting modified Linde cycle (I) is built for the imperfect CES. Two methods of cold energy supplement to increase the CES efficiency are investigated, including a modified Linde cycle with an external cold source of liquid nitrogen (II) and a modified Claude cycle (III). Thermodynamics and economics are compared for three modes. The influences of adiabatic efficiencies of the compressor and the turbine on the system are analyzed. The results show that modes II and III can achieve the higher energy, exergy efficiencies compared to mode I. Mode III has the highest round‐trip efficiency and the largest gaps of III–I and III–II are 2.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Mode III owns the best economic performance and the annual total profit is 185.3–836.6 k$ higher than that of mode I.
Pre‐ and post‐earthquake regional loss assessment using deep learning
Authors: Kim Taeyong , Song Junho , Kwon Oh‐Sung
Published: February 2020

As urban systems become more highly sophisticated and interdependent, their vulnerability to earthquake events exhibits a significant level of uncertainties. Thus, community‐level seismic risk assessments are indispensable to facilitate decision making for effective hazard mitigation and disaster responses. To this end, new frameworks for pre‐ and post‐earthquake regional loss assessments are proposed using deep learning methods. First, to improve the accuracy of the response prediction of individual structures during the pre‐earthquake loss assessment, a widely used nonlinear static procedure is replaced by the recently developed probabilistic deep neural network model. The variabilities of the nonlinear responses of a structural system given the seismic intensity can be quantified during the loss assessment process. Second, to facilitate near‐real‐time post‐earthquake loss assessments, an adaptive algorithm, which identifies the optimal number and locations of sensors in a given urban area, is proposed. Using a deep neural network that estimates area‐wide structural damage given the spatial distribution of the seismic intensity levels as a surrogate model, the algorithm adaptively places additional sensors at property lots at which errors from surrogate estimations of the structural damage are the greatest. Note that the surrogate model is constructed before earthquake events using simulated datasets. To test and demonstrate the proposed frameworks, the paper introduces thorough numerical investigations of two hypothetical urban communities. The proposed frameworks using the deep learning methods are expected to make critical advances in pre‐ and post‐earthquake regional loss assessments.
Hedging costs and joint determinants of premiums and spreads in structured financial products
Authors: Entrop Oliver , Fischer Georg
Published: February 2020

Evaluating more than 317,000 discount certificates in the German secondary market, we find that premiums and spreads are endogenous and negatively related but depend on different key determinants. The fundamental determinants of the premiums are mainly profit‐related, that is, dividends of the underlying, issuers’ credit risk, lifecycle effect, and competition, whereas hedging costs are less important. However, initial hedging costs (IHC) are priced into the premium in the case of large inventory changes. The spread is mostly determined by hedging costs and risk components, such as IHCs, rebalancing costs, volatility, scalper risk, and overnight gap risk—but also by dividends.
Frequency‐specific changes in the default mode network in patients with cingulate gyrus epilepsy
Authors: Leng Xuerong , Xiang Jing , Yang Yingxue , Yu Tao , Qi Xiaohong , Zhang Xiating , Wu Siqi , Wang Yuping
Published: February 2020

To identify abnormal functional connectivity of the default mode network in cingulate gyrus epilepsy, which may yield new information about the default mode network and suggest a new cingulate gyrus epilepsy biomarker. Fifteen patients with cingulate gyrus epilepsy (mean age = 21 years) and 15 healthy controls (mean age = 24 years) were studied in the resting state using magnetoencephalography. Twelve brain areas of interest in the default mode network were extracted and investigated with multifrequency signals that included alpha (α, 8–13 Hz), beta (β, 14–30 Hz), and gamma (γ, 31–80 Hz) band oscillations. Patients with cingulate gyrus epilepsy had significantly greater connectivity in all three frequency bands (α, β, γ). A frequency‐specific elevation of functional connectivity was found in patients compared to controls. The greater functional connectivity in the γ band was significantly more prominent than that of the α and β bands. Patients with cingulate gyrus epilepsy and controls differed significantly in functional connectivity between the left angular gyrus and left posterior cingulate cortex in the α, β, and γ bands. The results of the node degree analysis were similar to those of the functional connectivity analysis. Our findings reveal for the first time that brain activity in the γ band may play a key role in the default mode network in cingulate gyrus epilepsy. Altered functional connectivity of the left angular gyrus and left posterior cingulate cortex may be a new biomarker for cingulate gyrus epilepsy.
Critical Literacy in Action: Difference as a Force for Positive Change
Authors: Janks Hilary
Published: February 2020

This department explores critical perspectives on issues at the intersection of policy and practice in order to generate fresh questions about enduring dilemmas, new challenges, and debates.
Iodine‐catalyzed ultrasound‐assisted construction of pyridines and their glutamine synthetase molecular docking
Authors: Pagadala Ramakanth , Kasi Venkatesan , Perugu Shyam
Published: February 2020

Iodine‐promoted facile protocol is designed for the production of pyridines at room temperature under ultrasound irradiation. Eleven pyridine derivatives in excellent yields (91–97%) are synthesized with 2 hr reaction time. Additional advantage of the proposed ultrasound‐assisted eco‐friendly, cost‐effective protocol is easy separation of product, and our in silico studies show good binding affinity toward binding and made strong hydrogen interactions.
Sarcopenia is attenuated by TRB3 knockout in aging mice via the alleviation of atrophy and fibrosis of skeletal muscles
Authors: Shang Guo‐Kai , Han Lu , Wang Zhi‐Hao , Liu Ya‐Peng , Yan Sen‐Bo , Sai Wen‐Wen , Wang Di , Li Yi‐Hui , Zhang Wei , Zhong Ming
Published: February 2020

Background

Sarcopenia causes several adverse events in elderly people. Muscle fibre atrophy and interstitial fibrosis are the main histopathological changes in sarcopenia and account for decreased muscle function. Tribbles homologue 3 (TRB3) was previously reported to exhibit age‐related expression and play a vital role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and fibrosis. We aimed to investigate how TRB3 affects sarcopenia.

Methods

Wild‐type and TRB3 knockout C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into young and old groups. Exercise capacity was evaluated, and single‐muscle function was detected by electrophysiological techniques, after which the mice were sacrificed to collect their gastrocnemius muscles for assessment of atrophy and fibrosis by histopathological and molecular biological methods. TRB3 expression, autophagy level, and MAPK signalling pathway activity were evaluated through western blotting. The interaction of TRB3 with P62 and the association between TRB3 and the MAPK signalling pathway were detected by co‐immunoprecipitation.

Results

In aged mice, exercise capacity and cross‐sectional area of skeletal muscle fibres were decreased significantly, whereas TRB3, atrophy‐related markers atrogin 1 and MuRF 1, and interstitial fibrosis, including collagen volume fraction, contents of collagens I and III, and ratio of collagens I to III, were increased significantly (P < 0.05 for all). Following TRB3 knockout, the cross‐sectional area of muscle fibres, mainly fast fibres, was elevated (P < 0.05 for both), the atrogin 1 expression was decreased (P = 0.0163), and the corresponding tetanic force of fast muscles was increased (P = 0.0398). Conversely, interstitial fibrosis was substantially decreased and exercise capacity was significantly increased in the knockout mice. In terms of the underlying mechanisms, the autophagy receptor p62 was markedly increased and the MAPK signalling pathway was activated in aged skeletal muscles, which might be attributed to the interaction of TRB3 with p62 and MAPKKs, including MEK1/MEK2, MEK3/MEK6, and MEK4/MKK4. Notably, TRB3 knockout reduced the accumulation of p62 and LC3 (P < 0.05 for both), decreased the phosphorylation of JNK (P = 0.0015), and increased p38 phosphorylation (P = 0.0021).

Conclusions

TRB3 knockout in mice attenuated muscle fibre atrophy and reduced skeletal muscle fibrosis by increasing autophagy and inhibiting the MAPK signalling pathway. Correspondingly, in aged knockout mice, exercise capacity was improved. Interfering with TRB3 expression in aged skeletal muscles may serve as a target for the prevention and treatment of age‐related sarcopenia.
Microbial dysbiosis in irritable bowel syndrome: A single‐center metagenomic study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Masoodi Ibrahim , Alshanqeeti Ali S , Alyamani Essam J , AlLehibi Abed A , Alqutub Adel N , Alsayari Khalid N , Alomair Ahmed O
Published: February 2020

Background

The focus of this study was to explore potential differences in colonic mucosal microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients compared to a control group utilizing a metagenomic study.

Methods

Mucosal microbiota samples were collected from each IBS patient utilizing jet‐flushing colonic mucosa in unified segments of the colon with distilled water, followed by aspiration, during colonoscopy. All the purified dsDNA was extracted and quantified before metagenomic sequencing using an Illumina platform. An equal number of healthy age‐matched controls were also examined for colonic mucosal microbiota, which were obtained during screening colonoscopies.

Results

The microbiota data on 50 IBS patients (31 females), with a mean age 43.94 ± 14.50 (range19–65), were analyzed in comparison to 50 controls. Satisfactory DNA samples were subjected to metagenomics study, followed by comprehensive comparative phylogenetic analysis. Metagenomics analysis was carried out, and 3.58G reads were sequenced. Community richness (Chao) and microbial structure in IBS patients were shown to be significantly different from those in the control group. Enrichment of Oxalobacter formigenes, Sutterella wadsworthensis, and Bacteroides pectinophilus was significantly observed in controls, whereas enrichment of Collinsella aerofaciens, Gemella morbillorum, and Veillonella parvula Actinobacteria was observed significantly in the IBS cohort.

Conclusion

The current study has demonstrated significant differences in the microbiota of IBS patients compared to controls.
Understanding of COVID‐19 based on current evidence
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Lu Xiaosheng , Xu Chao , Sun Wenjuan , Pan Bo
Published: February 2020

Since December 2019, a series of unexplained pneumonia cases have been reported in Wuhan, China. On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) temporarily named this new virus as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019‐nCoV). On 11 February 2020, the WHO officially named the disease caused by the 2019‐nCoV as coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). The COVID‐19 epidemic is spreading all over the world, especially in China. Based on the published evidence, we systematically discuss the characteristics of COVID‐19 in the hope of providing a reference for future studies and help for the prevention and control of the COVID‐19 epidemic.
Determination of personal care products in water using UHPLC–MS after solid phase extraction with mesoporous silica‐based MCM‐41 functionalized with cyanopropyl groups
Authors: Kharbouche Leila , Gil García María Dolores , Lozano Ana , Hamaizi Hadj , Martínez Galera María
Published: February 2020

A silica‐based MCM‐41 mesoporous material functionalized with cyanopropyl groups has been synthesized by cocondensation, characterized and applied to preconcentrate six parabens and three UV filters in river and swimming‐pool waters. The analytes were quantified by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, according to the Directive 96/23/EC. Even though matrix effect was negligible, quantification in river water samples with the standard addition approach improved the recoveries obtained using solvent‐based and even with matrix‐matched calibration. The method quantification limits in river water samples were 0.05 ng/mL for 2,4‐dihydroxybenzophenone and 0.01 ng/mL for the rest. Recoveries, evaluated for a concentration level of 0.5 ng/L, were in the range 93.5‐107.6% for parabens and in the range 64.2‐85.8% for UV filters, with relative standard deviations intraday ≤10.2 and 10.8%, respectively. This parameter, evaluated for a concentration level of 0.1 ng/L, ranged between 98.3 and 110.4% for parabens and between 61.9 and 89.9% for UV filters, with relative standard deviation intraday ≤15.3 and 15.5%, respectively. The two UV filters with lower recoveries were the most affected by the addition of sodium chloride. River and swimming pool waters were analyzed and all the personal care products were found in the swimming pool water, whereas only methylparaben was detected in the river water.
Effect of surface texture on the improvement of tribological performance of ring‐deformed liner conjunction under different oil supplies
Authors: Liu Cheng , Lu Yanjun , Zhang Yongfang , Li Sha , Chen Ang , Kang Jianxiong , Müller Norbert
Published: February 2020

In this work, a tribological performance analysis is numerically conducted for a surface‐textured ring‐deformed liner conjunction. In the analysis, three different distribution patterns of surface texture are designed and machined on the surface of ring. To evaluate the frictional properties of the textured rings under mixed lubrication regime, a transient lubrication model considering the oil film thermal effect is developed. Meanwhile, to evaluate the oil film consumption and the transition of lubrication condition in an engine cycle, an oil transport model is built to determine the boundary positions of lubrication zone. Based on the models, the oil consumption, MOFT (minimum oil film thickness), friction force, power loss, and FMEP (friction mean effective pressure) value of the textured ring are studied under different oil supplies. The frictional characteristics of the rings with various distribution patterns of surface texture are also analyzed and compared. The results show that the edge‐textured ring can improve the tribological performance significantly, and the improvement varies with the oil supply.
Stainless steels: Passive film composition, pitting potentials, and critical chloride content in concrete
Authors: Elsener Bernhard , Fantauzzi Marzia , Rossi Antonella
Published: February 2020

Stainless steel reinforcing bars show excellent corrosion resistance in concrete structures exposed to harsh environments. Only a little information on the surface chemistry of these materials in alkaline media is available. This study reports the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface analytical results (thickness, composition of the passive film and of the interface beneath the film) obtained on black steel, FeCr alloys, DIN 1.4301, DIN 1.4462 and the nickel‐free DIN 1.4456 after exposure to alkaline solutions simulating concrete. The pitting potentials of the steels could be related to the Cr(III)oxy‐hydroxide and Mo(VI) content in the passive film. Ccrit, the critical chloride content for corrosion initiation in concrete, necessary for life‐time predictions, can be determined only with time‐consuming tests, especially for high‐alloyed stainless steel. This study reports a correlation between Ccrit in concrete (made with CEM II‐A/LL and CEM I) and the pitting potential for carbon steel, Fe12%Cr alloy, DIN 1.4301, and DIN 1.4571 stainless steels. This could allow, for the first time, a quantitative estimation of Ccrit for stainless steel in concrete based on short‐term solution tests.
Temperature and Redox‐Responsive Hydrogels Based on Nitroxide Radicals and Oligoethyleneglycol Methacrylate
Authors: Khodeir Miriam , Antoun Sayed , van Ruymbeke Evelyne , Gohy Jean‐François
Published: February 2020

A temperature and redox‐responsive polymer hydrogel is constructed by randomly incorporating 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy‐methacrylate (TEMPO) stable nitroxide radicals and oligoethyleneglycol methacrylate (OEGMA) groups in a polymer network. TEMPO can be reversibly oxidized into an oxoammonium cation (TEMPO+) providing the redox‐responsive properties while the lower critical solubility temperature (LCST) of OEGMA results in temperature‐responsive properties. Since a rather low amount of di(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (OEGMA2) is used to chemically crosslink the polymer network, the accordingly formed hydrogels obtained after swelling with water consist of microgel particles with entangled polymer chains that are not chemically crosslinked. By varying the amount of TEMPO in the polymer network, it is demonstrated that the radical form of TEMPO aggregates into hydrophobic domains acting as physical crosslinking nodes in the hydrogels and further increasing the cohesion between microgel particles. Increasing the temperature results in two opposite effects on the solubility of TEMPO and OEGMA units. The oxidation of TEMPO into TEMPO+ also results in a deep change in the hydrogel properties since TEMPO+ units are essentially hydrophilic and do not aggregate into physical crosslinking nodes.
Double Dianhydride Backbone Polyimide Aerogels with Enhanced Thermal Insulation for High‐Temperature Applications
Authors: Ghaffari Mosanenzadeh Shahriar , Alshrah Mohammed , Saadatnia Zia , Park Chul B. , Naguib Hani E.
Published: February 2020

Aerogels owe their high thermal insulation and other unique properties to their nanostructure configuration. However, controlling the aerogels' morphology is always a scientific challenge. In this study, double dianhydride backbone (double backbone) polyimide aerogels with tailored nanostructure assembly are created for the first time. This is achieved by controlled polymerization reaction of oligomers with distinct dianhydride monomers. Combining the two oligomers through a controlled polymerization reaction is a successful strategy for tailoring the aerogels nanostructure assembly as well as other properties. The fabricated double backbone aerogel presents 40% reduced thermal conductivity of 19.7 mW mK−1 over previously studied polyimide aerogels along with the compression modulus of 1.64 MPa at a relatively low density of 0.068 g cm−3. Such low thermal conductivity is comparable with the inorganic counterparts. Light in weight and high thermally insulated polyimide aerogels with suitable mechanical properties and high service temperature are an appropriate replacement for current fireproof insulation materials.
Identifying the Functional Brain Network of Motor Reserve in Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chung Seok Jong , Kim Hang‐Rai , Jung Jin Ho , Lee Phil Hyu , Jeong Yong , Sohn Young H.
Published: February 2020

Background

The severity of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) does not always correlate with the degree of nigral dopaminergic neuronal loss. Individuals with greater motor reserve may have milder motor signs than their striatal dopamine loss. In this study, we explored the functional brain network associated with motor reserve in early‐stage PD.

Methods

We analyzed 134 patients with de novo PD who underwent dopamine transporter scans and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We estimated individual motor reserve based on initial motor deficits and striatal dopamine depletion using a residual model. We applied network‐based statistic analysis to identify the functional brain network associated with the measure of motor reserve (ie, motor reserve network). We also assessed the effect of motor reserve network connectivity strength on the longitudinal increase in levodopa‐equivalent dose during the 2‐year follow‐up period.

Results

Network‐based statistic analysis identified the motor reserve network composed of the basal ganglia, inferior frontal cortex, insula, and cerebellar vermis at a primary threshold of P value 0.001. Patients with an increased degree of functional connectivity within the motor reserve network had greater motor reserve. There was a significant interaction between the motor reserve network strength and time in the linear mixed model, indicating that higher motor reserve network strength was associated with slower longitudinal increase in levodopa‐equivalent dose.

Conclusions

The present study revealed the functional brain network associated with motor reserve in patients with early‐stage PD. Functional connections within the motor reserve network are associated with the individual's capacity to cope with PD‐related pathologies. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
18q12.3‐q21.1 microdeletion detected in the prenatally alcohol‐exposed dizygotic twin with discordant fetal alcohol syndrome phenotype
Authors: Kahila Hanna , Marjonen Heidi , Auvinen Pauliina , Avela Kristiina , Riikonen Raili , Kaminen‐Ahola Nina
Published: February 2020

Background

A pair of dizygotic twins discordantly affected by heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) was reported previously by Riikonen, suggesting the role of genetic risk or protective factors in the etiology of alcohol‐induced developmental disorders. Now, we have re‐examined these 25‐year‐old twins and explored genetic origin of the phenotypic discordancy reminiscent with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Furthermore, we explored alterations in DNA methylation profile of imprinting control region at growth‐related insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2)/H19 locus in twins' white blood cells (WBC), which have been associated earlier with alcohol‐induced genotype‐specific changes in placental tissue.

Methods

Microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was used to detect potential submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities, and developmental as well as phenotypic information about twins were collected. Traditional bisulfite sequencing was used for DNA methylation analysis.

Results

Microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization revealed a microdeletion 18q12.3‐q21.1. in affected twin, residing in a known 18q deletion syndrome region. This syndrome has been associated with growth restriction, developmental delay or intellectual deficiency, and abnormal facial features in previous studies, and thus likely explains the phenotypic discordancy between the twins. We did not observe association between WBCs’ DNA methylation profile and PAE, but interestingly, a trend of decreased DNA methylation at the imprinting control region was seen in the twin with prenatal growth retardation at birth.

Conclusions

The microdeletion emphasizes the importance of adequate chromosomal testing in examining the etiology of complex alcohol‐induced developmental disorders. Furthermore, the genotype‐specific decreased DNA methylation at the IGF2/H19 locus cannot be considered as a biological mark for PAE in adult WBCs.
On approximating the nearest Ω‐stable matrix
Authors: Choudhary Neelam , Gillis Nicolas , Sharma Punit
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we consider the problem of approximating a given matrix with a matrix whose eigenvalues lie in some specific region Ω of the complex plane. More precisely, we consider three types of regions and their intersections: conic sectors, vertical strips, and disks. We refer to this problem as the nearest Ω‐stable matrix problem. This includes as special cases the stable matrices for continuous and discrete time linear time‐invariant systems. In order to achieve this goal, we parameterize this problem using dissipative Hamiltonian matrices and linear matrix inequalities. This leads to a reformulation of the problem with a convex feasible set. By applying a block coordinate descent method on this reformulation, we are able to compute solutions to the approximation problem, which is illustrated on some examples.
On algorithms for and computing with the tensor ring decomposition
Authors: Mickelin Oscar , Karaman Sertac
Published: February 2020

Tensor decompositions such as the canonical format and the tensor train format have been widely utilized to reduce storage costs and operational complexities for high‐dimensional data, achieving linear scaling with the input dimension instead of exponential scaling. In this paper, we investigate even lower storage‐cost representations in the tensor ring format, which is an extension of the tensor train format with variable end‐ranks. Firstly, we introduce two algorithms for converting a tensor in full format to tensor ring format with low storage cost. Secondly, we detail a rounding operation for tensor rings and show how this requires new definitions of common linear algebra operations in the format to obtain storage‐cost savings. Lastly, we introduce algorithms for transforming the graph structure of graph‐based tensor formats, with orders of magnitude lower complexity than existing literature. The efficiency of all algorithms is demonstrated on a number of numerical examples, and in certain cases, we demonstrate significantly higher compression ratios when compared to previous approaches to using the tensor ring format.
Maternity health care professionals' views and experiences of fetal genomic uncertainty: A review
Authors: Hui Lisa , Szepe Emma , Halliday Jane , Lewis Celine
Published: February 2020

The field of prenatal screening and diagnosis for fetal anomalies has been marked by a rapid succession of technological advances, including most notably, chromosomal microarray analysis, and next generation sequencing. Despite the diagnostic advantages of these technologies, their incorporation into prenatal testing has created additional challenges of revealing genomic variants of unknown or uncertain significance, and secondary findings. While detailed posttest counseling about uncertain variants is best performed by medical geneticists, many of the screening and diagnostic tests that lead to this information are actually ordered by general maternity health care professionals (HCPs), such as obstetricians, midwives, and family physicians. Maternity HCPs support pregnant women through to the conclusion of their pregnancy and the postpartum period, and thus are close observers of the psychosocial impart of fetal genomic uncertainty on women and their families. While there have been many studies exploring the handling of genomic uncertainty by genetics HCPs, there has been relatively less attention paid to maternity HCPs without speciality training in genetics. This review explores the current literature surrounding nongenetic maternity HCPs' views and experiences of genomic uncertainty and returning uncertain results in the prenatal setting.
Reactivity of 5‐aminouracil derivatives towards peroxyl radicals
Authors: Grabovskii Stanislav A. , Andriyashina Nadezhda M. , Grabovskaya Yulia S. , Antipin Arkadii V. , Kabal'nova Natalia N.
Published: February 2020

The reactivity of 5‐aminouracil derivatives in the model reaction of autoxidation of styrene initiated by 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) was studied. Alkyl substituents at the 6‐position of the uracil ring have a significant effect on the kinetic parameters of inhibition. The N‐H bond dissociation energy calculated at the M06‐2X/MG3S and G4 levels of the theory does not agree with the experimental values of the rate constants. The transition state was calculated at the M05/MG3S level of theory for 1,3‐dimethyl‐5‐aminouracil, 1,3,6‐trimethyl‐5‐aminouracil, 1,3‐dimethyl‐6‐ethyl‐5‐aminouracil, 1,3‐dimethyl‐6‐isopropyl‐5‐aminouracil and 3‐butyl‐6‐methyl‐5‐aminouracil. The enthalpy of the transition state is in agreement with the experimental data and it can be used to evaluate the reactivity of the 5‐aminouracil derivatives with peroxyl radicals.
Drug discovery and development: the final frontier
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: February 2020

Space offers a unique environment for studying disease processes, as well as for drug discovery and development. Mark Greener discusses how research conducted in microgravity in space is allowing medicine to boldly go where it has never gone before.
Managing the symptoms of Huntington's disease
Authors: Patrick Craig , Ritchie Stuart
Published: February 2020

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Huntington's disease and management is therefore focused on alleviating symptoms. This article discusses the treatment options available for managing the motor and psychiatric symptoms associated with Huntington's disease.
K+ Intercalation of NH4HF2‐Exfoliated Ti3C2 MXene as Binder‐Free Electrodes with High Electrochemical Capacitance
Authors: Li Jingbo , Liu Yu , Xu Fang , Hu Junping , Chen Nan , Du Guoping , Jiang Changshuang
Published: February 2020

As a 2D material, Ti3C2 (MXene) has been recently used as electrodes for electrochemical capacitors. Herein, a two‐step procedure is used to obtain a highly opened layer structure for Ti3C2, which differs from the methods used in the literature for synthesizing exfoliated MXene. First, the mild NH4HF2 etching agent is used to prepare the regular Ti3C2 MXene. Second, KOH is added into the obtained solution for K+ to intercalate the MXene. The K+ intercalation is found to greatly increase the (002) crystal planar spacing of the Ti3C2 from 10.8 to 12.4 Å. More importantly, this K+‐intercalated MXene exhibits a highly opened layer structure, whereas the regular MXene only has a partially opened layer structure. Consequently, the former is expected to allow much more active sites exposed to liquid electrolyte, and also facilitates remarkably higher ion and electron transport efficiency. To investigate their electrochemical capacitance properties, the regular and K+‐intercalated Ti3C2 MXenes are used to fabricate binder‐free electrodes on nickel foams by an electrophoretic deposition method. The K+‐intercalated MXene‐based electrode is found to have twice higher specific capacitance than the regular MXene. Furthermore, the K+‐intercalated Ti3C2 MXene‐based electrode exhibits an excellent cyclic stability.
A note on MOST and HOST for turbulence parametrization
Authors: Grisogono Branko , Sun Jielun , Belušić Danijel
Published: February 2020

An extended expression of the (u*, U) relationship (u* is the square root of turbulent momentum fluxes and U is the mean wind speed) based on Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST) is compared qualitatively with an observed (u*, U) relationship for its variation between near neutral and stably stratified regimes. MOST, in its standard or classic form, cannot capture the observed characteristics of the increasing u* with U from its gradual change in the statically (strongly) stable regime to the sharp change toward the near neutral regime, the so‐called HOckey‐Stick Transition (HOST). A heuristic formulation based on a drag coefficient is proposed for describing the observed relationship; it is found to be able to capture the tendency of the regime change even though the formulated transition is not as dramatic as the observations imply. For this purpose, almost like in some previous studies, a background flux is assumed. It accounts for cumulative non‐traditional effects on turbulence; thus, it renders an extended MOST and HOST, arguably speaking, compatible.
Durvalumab induced sarcoid‐like pulmonary lymphadenopathy
Authors: Sanderson Emma , Wimaleswaran Hari , Senko Clare , White Shane , McDonald Christine F.
Published: February 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become pivotal in the treatment of lung cancer. An increasing number of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) have been recognized with their use. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of sarcoid‐like pulmonary lymphadenopathy associated with durvalumab, a monoclonal antibody against programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1). A 76‐year‐old woman received adjuvant durvalumab for Stage IIA pT2aN1M0 (American Joint Committee on Cancer, Seventh edition) poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinoma. After three cycles, a sarcoid‐like granulomatous reaction was identified in mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Although the lymphadenopathy remained stable in size with the ongoing treatment, progressive intracranial metastases were identified after a further three cycles of durvalumab. Sarcoid‐like inflammation with the formation of non‐caseating granulomas in the absence of systemic sarcoidosis is an irAE which may mimic disease progression. Although a subset of patients who experience this reaction may have a favourable response to checkpoint inhibition, progression of disease may occur contemporaneously.
Hybrid modelling of low velocity zones in an asymmetrical channel with sidewall longitudinal rib to assist fish passage
Authors: Sanchez Pedro X. , Leng Xinqian , Von Brandis‐Martini Johann , Chanson Hubert
Published: February 2020

Channels with longitudinal beams have been studied for decades in chemical engineering, environmental and sanitary engineering, aeronautics, astronautics, biology and geology. In the current study, a combination of physical and numerical Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling was undertaken to test whether an asymmetrical channel equipped with a sidewall longitudinal rib could provide flow conditions conducive to upstream fish passage. The study focused on small‐bodied fish and juveniles of larger fish, typically less than 100 mm in total length. A detailed hydrodynamic study was conducted in an asymmetrical rectangular channel equipped with a sidewall square rib in a culvert barrel channel. Both free‐surface velocity and boundary shear stress measurements showed strong secondary currents of Prandtl's second kind. The channel asymmetry contributed to intense secondary motion, associated with turbulent dissipation. The channel design provided a small well‐defined highly turbulent low‐velocity zone beneath the rib. In the context of hydraulic structure designs, uttermost care must be considered because of manufacturing, installation and operational practices. In many instances, alternative engineering designs with small baffles and asymmetrical appurtenance should be preferred to assist with fish passage in hydraulic structures.
Deep learning for coastal resource conservation: automating detection of shellfish reefs
Authors: Ridge Justin T. , Gray Patrick C. , Windle Anna E. , Johnston David W.
Published: February 2020

It is increasingly important to understand the extent and health of coastal natural resources in the face of anthropogenic and climate‐driven changes. Coastal ecosystems are difficult to efficiently monitor due to the inability of existing remotely sensed data to capture complex spatial habitat patterns. To help managers and researchers avoid inefficient traditional mapping efforts, we developed a deep learning tool (OysterNet) that uses unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) imagery to automatically detect and delineate oyster reefs, an ecosystem that has proven problematic to monitor remotely. OysterNet is a convolutional neural network (CNN) that assesses intertidal oyster reef extent, yielding a difference in total area between manual and automated delineations of just 8%, attributable in part to OysterNet's ability to detect oysters overlooked during manual demarcation. Further training of OysterNet could enable assessments of oyster reef heights and densities, and incorporation of more coastal habitat types. Future iterations will be applied to high‐resolution satellite data for effective management at larger scales.
An integrated economy‐demography model reframed in a system dynamics setting
Authors: Dural‐Selcuk Gozdem , Tunc Huseyin , Tarim S. Armagan
Published: February 2020

In recent history, there has been an increasing concern about population aging and the associated increased economic burden in terms of high health‐care expenses and pension payments. The need for decision support tools that can explore population dynamics has become a prominent issue. This study presents a comprehensive framework where one can scrutinize the key demographic drives of fertility (Total Fertility Rate/Age‐Specific Fertility Rate) over macroeconomic indicators (technology, education, human capital) under exogenous mortality. The integrated model in this article is developed based on a reformulation of the unified growth theory. In the reformulated model, namely the “economy‐demography model,” the population age/sex structure is preserved, age‐specific mortality is included, and fertility is measured in conventional demographic terms. The model is then presented in system dynamics framework, and its practical use is showcased with data obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute.

Copyright © 2020 System Dynamics Society
Preparation and Characterization of Modified Starches Obtained in Acetic Anhydride/Tartaric Acid Medium
Authors: Tupa Maribel Victoria , Altuna Luz , Herrera María Lidia , Foresti María Laura
Published: February 2020

In the current contribution chemically modified starches are prepared by reaction of corn starch in hot acetic anhydride, containing tartaric acid. Characterization of the starch products shows evidence that the incorporation of acetyl groups increases with reaction time. Moreover, the modified starches show properties typical of cross‐linked starches, such as reduced solubility in common starch solvents, increased resistance to amylolytic enzymes action, and significantly altered gelatinization behavior. Characterization results also give clear evidence of the evolution of derivatization within the granules volume, illustrating how cross‐linking and acetyl group incorporation proceeds. The modified starches obtained may be of interest for different food and non‐food uses in which singular characteristics resulting from the acetyl groups introduction and starch cross‐linking by a non‐toxic, naturally occurring organic acid such as tartaric acid may be of use to effectively meet products properties demands.
Erratum zu: Häuser machen Schule
Authors: Egger Jan
Published: February 2020

J. Egger,Häuser machen Schule, Rekonstruktive Bildungsforschung 27
Lens space index and global properties for 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 models
Authors: Amariti Antonio , Marcassoli Andrea
Published: February 2020

Abstract

The additional data necessary to univocally fix the gauge group for a given algebra are represented by the same charge lattices of mutually local Wilson and ’t Hooft lines for both 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 elliptic models. Motivated by this equivalence in this paper we study the Lens space index of these $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 elliptic models. The index is indeed sensitive to the global properties and in the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 case it is expected to coincide among S-dual models with different global properties, while it gives different results for models that lie in other S-duality orbits. Here by an explicit calculation we show that the same results hold for the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 elliptic models as well.