bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical prediction of the frictional losses in sliding bearings during start-stop operation
Authors: König Florian , Sous Christopher , Jacobs Georg
Published: December 2020

With the increased use of automotive engine start-stop systems, the numerical prediction and reduction of frictional losses in sliding bearings during starting and stopping procedures has become an important issue. In engineering practice, numerical simulations of sliding bearings in automotive engines are performed with statistical asperity contact models with empirical values for the necessary surface parameters. The aim of this study is to elucidate the applicability of these approaches for the prediction of friction in sliding bearings subjected to start-stop operation. For this purpose, the friction performance of sliding bearings was investigated in experiments on a test rig and in transient mixed elasto-hydrodynamic simulations in a multi-body simulation environment (mixed-EHL/MBS). In mixed-EHL/MBS, the extended Reynold’s equation with flow factors according to Patir and Cheng has been combined on the one hand with the statistical asperity contact model according to Greenwood and Tripp and on the other hand with the deterministic asperity contact model according to Herbst. The detailed comparison of simulation and experimental results clarifies that the application of statistical asperity contact models with empirical values of the necessary inputs leads to large deviations between experiment and simulation. The actual distribution and position of surface roughness, as used in deterministic contact modelling, is necessary for a reliable prediction of the frictional losses in sliding bearings during start-stop operation.
Regression and Other Stories
Authors: Gelman Andrew , Hill Jennifer , Vehtari Aki
Published: December 2020

Most textbooks on regression focus on theory and the simplest of examples. Real statistical problems, however, are complex and subtle. This is not a book about the theory of regression. It is about using regression to solve real problems of comparison, estimation, prediction, and causal inference. Unlike other books, it focuses on practical issues such as sample size and missing data and a wide range of goals and techniques. It jumps right in to methods and computer code you can use immediately. Real examples, real stories from the authors' experience demonstrate what regression can do and its limitations, with practical advice for understanding assumptions and implementing methods for experiments and observational studies. They make a smooth transition to logistic regression and GLM. The emphasis is on computation in R and Stan rather than derivations, with code available online. Graphics and presentation aid understanding of the models and model fitting.
The departure of the Greeks from Egypt, 1961: the perspective of Greek diplomacy
Authors: Hatzivassiliou Evanthis
Published: December 2020

The departure of the greater part of the Greek community from Egypt is one of the many sad stories of the post-war Mediterranean. This article focuses upon the reports of the Greek Consul-General in Alexandria, Byron Theodoropoulos, regarding the Egyptian ‘Socialist Laws’ of summer 1961, which gave thecoup de grâceto the Greek community. It argues that the expulsion of the Greeks was part of a wider redistribution of power in the region. This episode, together with similar experiences in other parts of the Mediterranean, evidently cemented the determination of a younger generation of political leaders and diplomats to seek Greece's future in the cosmopolitan, post-nationalist West, rather than in a ‘Near East’ rife with nationalism and economic failure.
EXAMPLES OF FINITE-DIMENSIONAL POINTED HOPF ALGEBRAS IN CHARACTERISTIC 2
Authors: ANDRUSKIEWITSCH NICOLÁS , BAGIO DIRCEU , FLORA SARADIA DELLA , FLÔRES DAIANA
Published: December 2020

We present new examples of finite-dimensional Nichols algebras over fields of characteristic 2 from braided vector spaces that are not of diagonal type, admit realizations as Yetter–Drinfeld modules over finite abelian groups, and are analogous to Nichols algebras of finite Gelfand–Kirillov dimension in characteristic 0. New finite-dimensional pointed Hopf algebras over fields of characteristic 2 are obtained by bosonization with group algebras of suitable finite abelian groups.
Warming affects water use, yield and crop quality of a potato–broad bean–winter wheat rotation system in semi-arid regions of China
Authors: Guoju Xiao , Zhanqiang Guo , Qiang Zhang , Yanbin Hu , Jing Wang , Jin Cao , Zhengji Qiu
Published: December 2020

Global warming will directly influence agricultural production and present new challenges for food security in semiarid regions of China. A warming experiment was conducted in Guyuan, China using infrared ray radiators to study the impact of warming on crop growth, yield and quality of a potato–broad bean–winter wheat crop rotation system. Warming significantly affected the crop photosynthesis rates of the potato–broad bean–winter wheat rotation system. In the podding stage of broad bean and the heading, blooming and booting stages of winter wheat, the photosynthesis rate was significantly decreased when the temperature increased by 0.5–2.0°C. The growing period of the potato–broad bean–winter wheat rotation system was shortened by 20–40 days per 3-year-period, and the fallow period was prolonged by 4–13 days per 3-year-period. The water use efficiency of the potato–broad bean–winter wheat rotation decreased by 8.6% when the temperature increased by 1.02.0°C. The yield of the potato–broad bean–winter wheat rotation increased by 6.1–7.7% when the temperature increased by 0.5–1.0°C. However, yield decreased 12.9–13.4% when temperature increased by 1.0–2.0°C. Potato protein significantly decreased by 9.3–17.6% and the winter wheat fat significantly decreased by 6.7% when the temperature increased by 0.5–2.0°C. The results indicate that global warming could seriously affect the crop growth, yield and water use of the potato–broad bean–winter wheat rotation in semiarid regions of China.
Onset of fast magnetic reconnection and particle energization in laboratory and space plasmas
Authors: Pucci F. , Velli M. , Shi C. , Singh K. A. P. , Tenerani A. , Alladio F. , Ambrosino F. , Buratti P. , Fox W. , Jara-Almonte J. , Ji H. , Yamada M. , Yoo J. , Okamura S. , Ergun R. , Hoilijoki S. , Schwartz S.
Published: December 2020

The onset of magnetic reconnection in space, astrophysical and laboratory plasmas is reviewed discussing results from theory, numerical simulations and observations. After a brief introduction on magnetic reconnection and approach to the question of onset, we first discuss recent theoretical models and numerical simulations, followed by observations of reconnection and its effects in space and astrophysical plasmas from satellites and ground-based detectors, as well as measurements of reconnection in laboratory plasma experiments. Mechanisms allowing reconnection spanning from collisional resistivity to kinetic effects as well as partial ionization are described, providing a description valid over a wide range of plasma parameters, and therefore applicable in principle to many different astrophysical and laboratory environments. Finally, we summarize the implications of reconnection onset physics for plasma dynamics throughout the Universe and illustrate how capturing the dynamics correctly is important to understanding particle acceleration. The goal of this review is to give a view on the present status of this topic and future interesting investigations, offering a unified approach.
In-work Universal Credit: Claimant Experiences of Conditionality Mismatches and Counterproductive Benefit Sanctions
Authors: WRIGHT SHARON , DWYER PETER
Published: December 2020

Universal Credit is the UK’s globally innovative social security reform that replaces six means tested benefits with one monthly payment for working age claimants - combining social security and tax credit systems. Universal Credit expands welfare conditionality via mandatory job search conditions to enhance ‘progression’ amongst working claimants by requiring extra working hours or multiple jobs. This exposes low paid workers to tough benefit sanctions for non-compliance, which could remove essential income indefinitely or for fixed periods of up to three years. Our unique contribution is to establish how this new regime is experienced at micro level by in-work claimants over time. We present findings from Qualitative Longitudinal Research (141 interviews with 58 claimants, 2014-17), to demonstrate how UC impacts on in-work recipients and how conditionality produces a new coerced worker-claimant model of social support. We identify a series of welfare conditionality mismatches and conclude that conditionality for in-work claimants is largely counterproductive. This implies a redesign of the UK system and serves as an international warning to potential policy emulators.
Ranging technology using signals of opportunity of non-cooperative communication satellites
Authors: Gao Yuanyuan , Hua Yu , Xiang Yu , Huang Changjiang , Wang Shanhe , Zhao Xian
Published: December 2020

The positioning technique employing the ubiquitous signals of opportunity of non-cooperative satellites does not send special navigation signals, instead it passively receives satellite signals as noise, presenting advantages of concealment and difficulty for potential attackers. Thus, this study investigates the ranging principle and model using non-cooperative communication satellites and a time difference estimation algorithm. The technology of time difference measurement under non-cooperative observation mode was determined and simulated. A test platform for time difference measurement was built to receive the signal from an unknown geostationary Earth orbit communication satellite and verify the ranging feasibility and performance. The ranging accuracy was found to be smaller than 6 m, as demonstrated by experimental data, which shows the viability of the proposed positioning technique for ranging technology.
High MERS-CoV seropositivity associated with camel herd profile, husbandry practices and household socio-demographic characteristics in Northern Kenya
Authors: Ngere I. , Munyua P. , Harcourt J. , Hunsperger E. , Thornburg N. , Muturi M. , Osoro E. , Gachohi J. , Bodha B. , Okotu B. , Oyugi J. , Jaoko W. , Mwatondo A. , Njenga K. , Widdowson M. A.
Published: December 2020

Despite high exposure to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the predictors for seropositivity in the context of husbandry practices for camels in Eastern Africa are not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to describe the camel herd profile and determine the factors associated with MERS-CoV seropositivity in Northern Kenya. We enrolled 29 camel-owning households and administered questionnaires to collect herd and household data. Serum samples collected from 493 randomly selected camels were tested for anti-MERS-CoV antibodies using a microneutralisation assay, and regression analysis used to correlate herd and household characteristics with camel seropositivity. Households reared camels (median = 23 camels and IQR 16–56), and at least one other livestock species in two distinct herds; a home herd kept near homesteads, and a range/fora herd that resided far from the homestead. The overall MERS-CoV IgG seropositivity was 76.3%, with no statistically significant difference between home and fora herds. Significant predictors for seropositivity (P ⩽ 0.05) included camels 6–10 years old (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0–5.2), herds with ⩾25 camels (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.4) and camels from Gabra community (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–4.2). These results suggest high levels of virus transmission among camels, with potential for human infection.
Seasonal hydrological and suspended sediment transport dynamics and their future modelling in the Orwell Glacier proglacial stream, Signy Island, Antarctica
Authors: Stott Tim , Convey Peter
Published: December 2020

Climate change in the Antarctic over the past 50+ years has caused contraction of ice and snow cover, longer melt seasons and intensified glacier melting. These changes affect erosion and sediment redistribution processes that are vital to our understanding of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and sediment input to oceans. This 79 day study of the Orwell Glacier meltwater stream on Signy Island (5 December 2019–21 February 2020) used 5 min recordings of turbidity, stream discharge (Q) and air temperature (AT), supplemented by 454 water samples from which suspended sediment concentration (SSC) was gravimetrically determined, to calculate daily suspended sediment loads (SSLs). Qmean was 47.8 ± 3.5 l s-1, SSCmean was 71.0 ± 15.9 mg l-1 and daily SSLmean was 75 ± 8 kg day-1 with a suspended sediment yield of 43.6 t km-2 yr-1. A multiple regression model predicted SSLs reliably (multiple r = 0.95, r2 = 0.91, n = 79) and, when run with ATmean + 1°C (expected on Signy Island by 2060) and ATmean + 2°C (expected by 2100) scenarios, the model predicted 7% and 13% increases in SSLs, respectively. The SSLs estimated in this study are low when compared with others from around the world.
Exoplanet Earth: An Ultimate Selfie to Find Habitable Worlds
Authors: Romero James
Published: December 2020

Aliens spying on us from afar is a common science fiction trope. Soon we might know what E.T. would see through a telescope. And that information could help identify other Earth-like planets.
Major Changes in Extreme Dust Events Dynamics Over the Arabian Peninsula During 2003–2017 Driven by Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Gandham Harikishan , Dasari Hari Prasad , Langodan Sabique , Karumuri Rama Krishna , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: December 2020

Mineral dust emitted from the arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula (AP), in particular Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is an important contributor to the northern hemispheric aerosol loading. Dust events over AP are frequent and persistent throughout the year, with a peak in occurrence and intensity between March and August. This study examines the variability of dust events that occurred over AP during 2003–2017 using long‐term dust optical depth retrieved from MODIS satellite measurements. Dust profiles were derived from CALIOP satellite measurements to assess the vertical distributions of the dust events. Our analysis suggests that the formation of extreme dust events is primarily associated with strong high‐pressure systems that occur over AP. Northerly Shamal winds transport dust aerosols from surrounding arid regions to the AP, amplifying the dust aerosol loading across the country. CALIOP dust profiles show that the dust aerosols reach up to 4 km height above sea level, with peak concentrations at an altitude around 1.5 km. Dry deposition of dust is the dominant removal process over the Arabian Gulf, and wet deposition of dust is the dominant removal process over the Red Sea. A total of 49 extreme dust events occurred during the period between 2003 and 2017, over a combined total of 207 days. We observe a significant increase in the frequency of dust events between 2007 and 2012, peaking in 2012, followed by a marked decrease in the following years. We attribute this sudden decline in dust activity after 2012 to enhanced winter rainfall, after noticing increased soil moisture and vegetation coverage during the dust seasons that followed wetter winters. A strengthened Red Sea trough in the middle and the upper altitudes produced favorable conditions for strong moisture convergence and increased rainfall over AP, which may have dampened dust activity during 2013–2017.
Copy number evolution and its relationship with patient outcome—an analysis of 178 matched presentation-relapse tumor pairs from the Myeloma XI trial
Authors: Croft James , Ellis Sidra , Sherborne Amy L. , Sharp Kim , Price Amy , Jenner Matthew W. , Drayson Mark T. , Owen Roger G. , Chown Sally , Lindsay Jindriska , Karunanithi Kamaraj , Hunter Hannah , Gregory Walter M. , Davies Faith E. , Morgan Gareth J. , Cook Gordon , Atanesyan Lilit , Savola Suvi , Cairns David A. , Jackson Graham , Houlston Richard S. , Kaiser Martin F.
Published: December 2020

Structural chromosomal changes including copy number aberrations (CNAs) are a major feature of multiple myeloma (MM), however their evolution in context of modern biological therapy is not well characterized. To investigate acquisition of CNAs and their prognostic relevance in context of first-line therapy, we profiled tumor diagnosis–relapse pairs from 178 NCRI Myeloma XI (ISRCTN49407852) trial patients using digital multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. CNA profiles acquired at relapse differed substantially between MM subtypes: hyperdiploid (HRD) tumors evolved predominantly in branching pattern vs. linear pattern in t(4;14) vs. stable pattern in t(11;14). CNA acquisition also differed between subtypes based on CCND expression, with a marked enrichment of acquired del(17p) in CCND2 over CCND1 tumors. Acquired CNAs were not influenced by high-dose melphalan or lenalidomide maintenance randomization. A branching evolution pattern was significantly associated with inferior overall survival (OS; hazard ratio (HR) 2.61, P = 0.0048). As an individual lesion, acquisition of gain(1q) at relapse was associated with shorter OS, independent of other risk markers or time of relapse (HR = 2.00; P = 0.021). There is an increasing need for rational therapy sequencing in MM. Our data supports the value of repeat molecular profiling to characterize disease evolution and inform management of MM relapse.
Retraction Note: Identification of de novo mutations in prenatal neurodevelopment-associated genes in schizophrenia in two Han Chinese patient-sibling family-based cohorts
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhou Daizhan , Wang Yin-Ying , Jia Peilin , Wan Chunling , Li Xingwang , He Guang , Cao Dongmei , Jiang Xiaoqian , Kendler Kenneth S. , Tsuang Ming , Mize Travis , Wu Jain-Shing , Lu Yimei , He Lin , Chen Jingchun , Zhao Zhongming , Chen Xiangning
Published: December 2020

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-00987-z.
The genome and transcriptome analysis of snake gourd provide insights into its evolution and fruit development and ripening
Authors: Ma Lili , Wang Qing , Mu Jianlou , Fu Anzhen , Wen Changlong , Zhao Xiaoyan , Gao Lipu , Li Jian , Shi Kai , Wang Yunxiang , Zhang Xuewen , Zhang Xuechuan , Fei Zhangjun , Grierson Donald , Zuo Jinhua
Published: December 2020

Snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.), which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, is a popular ornamental and food crop species with medicinal value and is grown in many parts of the world. Although progress has been made in its genetic improvement, the organization, composition, and evolution of the snake gourd genome remain largely unknown. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly for snake gourd, comprising 202 contigs, with a total size of 919.8 Mb and an N50 size of 20.1 Mb. These findings indicate that snake gourd has one of the largest genomes of Cucurbitaceae species sequenced to date. The snake gourd genome assembly harbors 22,874 protein-coding genes and 80.0% of the genome consists of repetitive sequences. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that snake gourd is closely related to sponge gourd but diverged from their common ancestor ~33–47 million years ago. The genome sequence reported here serves as a valuable resource for snake gourd genetic research and comparative genomic studies in Cucurbitaceae and other plant species. In addition, fruit transcriptome analysis reveals the candidate genes related to quality traits during snake gourd fruit development and provides a basis for future research on snake gourd fruit development and ripening at the transcript level.
Ascorbic acid and prunasin, two candidate biomarkers for endodormancy release in almond flower buds identified by a nontargeted metabolomic study
Authors: Guillamón Jesús Guillamón , Prudencio Ángela Sánchez , Yuste José Enrique , Dicenta Federico , Sánchez-Pérez Raquel
Published: December 2020

Temperate fruit trees belonging toPrunusspecies have the ability to suspend (induce dormancy) and resume growth periodically in response to environmental and seasonal conditions. Endodormancy release requires the long-term accumulation of chill. Upon accumulation of cultivar-specific chill requirements, plants enter the state of ecodormancy, which means the ability to grow has been restored, depending on the fulfilment of heat requirements. As many different metabolic pathways are implicated in endodormancy release, we have performed a metabolomic analysis, using the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flying (UPLC–QToF) technique. We assayed flower buds in different stages of endodormancy in four almond cultivars with different flowering times: the extra-early Desmayo Largueta, the late Antoñeta, the extra-late Penta, and the ultra-late Tardona. An orthogonal projection to latent-structure discriminant-analysis model was created to observe differences between endodormant and ecodormant flower buds. The metabolites showing the most significant variation were searched against the Metlin, HMDB, and KEGG libraries, which allowed us to identify 87 metabolites. These metabolites were subsequently assigned to specific pathways, such as abscisic acid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and D-sorbitol metabolism, among others. The two metabolites that exhibited the most significant variations in all the cultivars studied with fold changes of up to 6.49 were ascorbic acid and prunasin. For the first time, these two metabolites have been proposed as potential biomarkers for endodormancy release in almond. Given the high synteny present between theRosaceaespecies, these results could be extrapolated to other important crops like peach, plum, cherry, or apricot, among others.
Low-intensity vibration restores nuclear YAP levels and acute YAP nuclear shuttling in mesenchymal stem cells subjected to simulated microgravity
Authors: Thompson Matthew , Woods Kali , Newberg Joshua , Oxford Julia Thom , Uzer Gunes
Published: December 2020

Reducing the musculoskeletal deterioration that astronauts experience in microgravity requires countermeasures that can improve the effectiveness of otherwise rigorous and time-expensive exercise regimens in space. The ability of low-intensity vibrations (LIV) to activate force-responsive signaling pathways in cells suggests LIV as a potential countermeasure to improve cell responsiveness to subsequent mechanical challenge. Mechanoresponse of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), which maintain bone-making osteoblasts, is in part controlled by the “mechanotransducer” protein YAP (Yes-associated protein), which is shuttled into the nucleus in response to cyto-mechanical forces. Here, using YAP nuclear shuttling as a measurement outcome, we tested the effect of 72 h of clinostat-induced simulated microgravity (SMG) and daily LIV application (LIVDT) on the YAP nuclear entry driven by either acute LIV (LIVAT) or Lysophosphohaditic acid (LPA), applied after the 72 h period. We hypothesized that SMG-induced impairment of acute YAP nuclear entry would be alleviated by the daily application of LIVDT. Results showed that while both acute LIVAT and LPA treatments increased nuclear YAP entry by 50 and 87% over the basal levels in SMG-treated MSCs, nuclear YAP levels of all SMG groups were significantly lower than non-SMG controls. LIVDT, applied in parallel to SMG, restored the SMG-driven decrease in basal nuclear YAP to control levels as well as increased the LPA-induced but not LIVAT-induced YAP nuclear entry over SMG only, counterparts. These cell-level observations suggest that daily LIV treatments are a feasible countermeasure for restoring basal nuclear YAP levels and increasing the YAP nuclear shuttling in MSCs under SMG.
Targeting the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: computational insights into the mechanism of action of the protease inhibitors lopinavir, ritonavir and nelfinavir
Authors: Bolcato Giovanni , Bissaro Maicol , Pavan Matteo , Sturlese Mattia , Moro Stefano
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a recently discovered single-stranded RNA betacoronavirus, responsible for a severe respiratory disease known as coronavirus disease 2019, which is rapidly spreading. Chinese health authorities, as a response to the lack of an effective therapeutic strategy, started to investigate the use of lopinavir and ritonavir, previously optimized for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS viral infection. Despite the clinical use of these two drugs, no information regarding their possible mechanism of action at the molecular level is still known for SARS-CoV-2. Very recently, the crystallographic structure of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), also known as C30 Endopeptidase, was published. Starting from this essential structural information, in the present work we have exploited supervised molecular dynamics, an emerging computational technique that allows investigating at an atomic level the recognition process of a ligand from its unbound to the final bound state. In this research, we provided molecular insight on the whole recognition pathway of Lopinavir, Ritonavir, and Nelfinavir, three potential C30 Endopeptidase inhibitors, with the last one taken into consideration due to the promising in-vitro activity shown against the structurally related SARS-CoV protease.
Behavioural and cognitive mechanisms of Developmental Topographical Disorientation
Authors: Burles Ford , Iaria Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

Individuals affected by Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD) get lost on a daily basis, even in the most familiar of surroundings such as their neighbourhood, the building where they have worked for many years, and, in extreme cases, even in their own homes. Individuals with DTD report a lifelong selective inability to orient despite otherwise well-preserved general cognitive functions, and the absence of any acquired brain injury or neurological condition, with general intelligence reported to be within the normal range. To date, the mechanisms underlying such a selective developmental condition remain unknown. Here, we report the findings of a 10-year-long study investigating the behavioural and cognitive mechanisms of DTD in a large sample of 1211 cases. We describe the demographics, heritability pattern, self-reported and objective spatial abilities, and some personality traits of individuals with DTD as compared to a sample of 1624 healthy controls; importantly, we test the specific hypothesis that the presence of DTD is significantly related to the inability of the individuals to form a mental representation of the spatial surroundings (i.e., a cognitive map). We found that individuals with DTD reported relatively greater levels of neuroticism and negative affect, and rated themselves more poorly on self-report measures of memory and imagery skills related to objects, faces, and places. While performing interactive tasks, as a group, the individuals with DTD performed slightly worse on a scene-based perspective-taking task, and, notably struggled to solve tasks that demand the generation and use of a cognitive map. These novel findings help define the phenotype of DTD, and lay the foundation for future studies of the neurological and genetic mechanisms of this lifelong condition.
Particle-in-cell simulation of the effect of dust charge fluctuation on ion acoustic waves in a dusty plasma
Authors: Changmai Suniti , Bora Madhurjya P.
Published: December 2020

A new hybrid-particle-in-cell (PIC)-Monte Carlo Collision (h-PIC-MCC) algorithm is presented here. The code correctly simulates the damping of ion acoustic wave due to dust charge fluctuation in a dusty plasma along with other kinetic effects such as Landau damping. In the model, on event of a collision between a charged particle and a dust particle, a randomised probability determines whether the charged particle is absorbed by the dust with the collision cross section being determined dynamically by the overall interaction scenario. We find that this method is versatile enough as it can also include the size and mass distribution for the dust particles, in addition to the charged species dynamics. As such, it can be adopted to study numerous phenomena that occur in diverse dusty plasma environments. We believe that the damping of the ion acoustic wave through dust charge fluctuation is being demonstrated, for the first time, with a PIC code, in this work.
Network and pathway expansion of genetic disease associations identifies successful drug targets
Authors: MacNamara Aidan , Nakic Nikolina , Amin Al Olama Ali , Guo Cong , Sieber Karsten B. , Hurle Mark R. , Gutteridge Alex
Published: December 2020

Genetic evidence of disease association has often been used as a basis for selecting of drug targets for complex common diseases. Likewise, the propagation of genetic evidence through gene or protein interaction networks has been shown to accurately infer novel disease associations at genes for which no direct genetic evidence can be observed. However, an empirical test of the utility of combining these approaches for drug discovery has been lacking. In this study, we examine genetic associations arising from an analysis of 648 UK Biobank GWAS and evaluate whether targets identified as proxies of direct genetic hits are enriched for successful drug targets, as measured by historical clinical trial data. We find that protein networks formed from specific functional linkages such as protein complexes and ligand–receptor pairs are suitable for even naïve guilt-by-association network propagation approaches. In addition, more sophisticated approaches applied to global protein–protein interaction networks and pathway databases, also successfully retrieve targets enriched for clinically successful drug targets. We conclude that network propagation of genetic evidence can be used for drug target identification.
Comparison of extraocular and intraocular pressure transducers for measurement of transient intraocular pressure fluctuations using continuous wireless telemetry
Authors: Jasien Jessica V. , Zohner Ye Emma , Asif Sonia Kuhn , Rhodes Lindsay A. , Samuels Brian C. , Girkin Christopher A. , Morris Jeffrey S. , Downs J. Crawford
Published: December 2020

The optimal approach for continuous measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), including pressure transducer location and measurement frequency, is currently unknown. This study assessed the capability of extraocular (EO) and intraocular (IO) pressure transducers, using different IOP sampling rates and duty cycles, to characterize IOP dynamics. Transient IOP fluctuations were measured and quantified in 7 eyes of 4 male rhesus macaques (NHPs) using the Konigsberg EO system (continuous at 500 Hz), 12 eyes of 8 NHPs with the Stellar EO system and 16 eyes of 12 NHPs with the Stellar IO system (both measure at 200 Hz for 15 s of every 150 s period). IOP transducers were calibrated bi-weekly via anterior chamber manometry. Linear mixed effects models assessed the differences in the hourly transient IOP impulse, and transient IOP fluctuation frequency and magnitude between systems and transducer placements (EO versus IO). All systems measured 8000–12,000 and 5000–6500 transient IOP fluctuations per hour > 0.6 mmHg, representing 8–16% and 4–8% of the total IOP energy the eye must withstand during waking and sleeping hours, respectively. Differences between sampling frequency/duty cycle and transducer placement were statistically significant (p < 0.05) but the effect sizes were small and clinically insignificant. IOP dynamics can be accurately captured by sampling IOP at 200 Hz on a 10% duty cycle using either IO or EO transducers.
Hyperoxia in portal vein causes enhanced vasoconstriction in arterial vascular bed
Authors: Eshmuminov Dilmurodjon , Becker Dustin , Hefti Max L. , Mueller Matteo , Hagedorn Catherine , Dutkowski Philipp , Rudolf von Rohr Philipp , Halbe Maximilian , Segerer Stephan , Tibbitt Mark W. , Bautista Borrego Lucia , Schuler Martin J. , Clavien Pierre-Alain
Published: December 2020

Long-term perfusion of liver grafts outside of the body may enable repair of poor-quality livers that are currently declined for transplantation, mitigating the global shortage of donor livers. In current ex vivo liver perfusion protocols, hyperoxic blood (arterial blood) is commonly delivered in the portal vein (PV). We perfused porcine livers for one week and investigated the effect of and mechanisms behind hyperoxia in the PV on hepatic arterial resistance. Applying PV hyperoxia in porcine livers (n = 5, arterial PV group), we observed an increased need for vasodilator Nitroprussiat (285 ± 162 ml/week) to maintain the reference hepatic artery flow of 0.25 l/min during ex vivo perfusion. With physiologic oxygenation (venous blood) in the PV the need for vasodilator could be reduced to 41 ± 34 ml/week (p = 0.011; n = 5, venous PV group). This phenomenon has not been reported previously, owing to the fact that such experiments are not feasible practically in vivo. We investigated the mechanism of the variation in HA resistance in response to blood oxygen saturation with a focus on the release of vasoactive substances, such as Endothelin 1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO), at the protein and mRNA levels. However, no difference was found between groups for ET-1 and NO release. We propose direct oxygen sensing of endothelial cells and/or increased NO break down rate with hyperoxia as possible explanations for enhanced HA resistance.
Experiments to understand crystallization of levitated high temperature silicate melt droplets under low vacuum conditions
Authors: Mishra Biswajit , Manvar Pratikkumar , Choudhury Kaushik , Karagadde S. , Srivastava Atul
Published: December 2020

We report experiments on crystallization of highly undercooled forsterite melt droplets under atmospheric and sub-atmospheric pressure conditions. Experiments have been conducted under non-contact conditions using the principles of aero-dynamic levitation. Real time dynamics of solidification, along with the transient evolution of surface textures, have been recorded using high speed camera for three cooling rates. These images have been matched with the time-tagged temperature data to understand the effect of pressure conditions and cooling rates on the crystallization dynamics. Compared to normal pressure, relatively higher levels of undercooling could be achieved under sub-atmospheric conditions. Results showed a strong dependence of surface textures on pressure conditions. For any externally employed cooling rate, relatively small length scale morphological textures were observed under sub-atmospheric conditions, in comparison to those achieved under ambient conditions. The observed trends have been explained on the basis of influence of pressure conditions on recalescence phenomenon and the rate at which latent heat of crystallization gets dissipated from the volume of the molten droplet. Sub-atmospheric experiments have also been performed to reproduce one of the classical chondrule textures, namely the rim + dendrite double structure. Possible formation conditions of this double structure have been discussed vis-à-vis those reported in the limited literature. To the best of our knowledge, the reported study is one of the first attempts to reproduce chondrules-like textures from highly undercooled forsterite melt droplets under sub-atmospheric non-contact conditions.
Effects of Capsicum annuum supplementation on the components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jang Hwan-Hee , Lee Jounghee , Lee Sung-Hyen , Lee Young-Min
Published: December 2020

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has increasingly gained importance as the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes mellitus. Various natural compounds derived from plants are associated with beneficial effects on the incidence and progression of MetS. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Capsicum annuum on factors related to MetS by assessing randomized controlled trials (written in English). We searched the online databases of PubMed, Embase, Google scholar, and Cochrane Library up to April 2020. ‘Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes’ format was used to determine whether intervention with C. annuum supplementation compared with placebo supplementation had any effect on the components of MetS among participants. We considered standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) as effect size measures using random-effects model. Analysis of the included 11 studies (n = 609) showed that C. annuum supplementation had significant effect on low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [SMD = − 0.39; 95% CI − 0.72, − 0.07; P = 0.02; prediction interval, − 1.28 to 0.50] and marginally significant effect on body weight [SMD = − 0.19; 95% CI − 0.40, 0.03; P = 0.09]. However, larger and well-designed clinical trials are needed to investigate the effects of C. annuum on MetS.
Genotype selection for phytochemical content and pharmacological activities in ethanol extracts of fifteen types of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. leaves using chemometric analysis
Authors: Batubara Irmanida , Komariah Komariah , Sandrawati Apong , Nurcholis Waras
Published: December 2020

Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. of the Lamiaceae family, called as kumis kucing in Indonesia, is a valuable medicinal plant for their pharmacological properties. The present study comprised of fifteen genotypes of O. aristatus was undertaken to evaluate the genotypes based on phytochemical content and pharmacological activities of leaves ethanol extract. Chemometric analysis (correlation and principal component analysis) was also used to investigate the genetic variability based on phytochemical content and pharmacological activities of O. aristatus genotypes. Results of phytochemical characterization showed that total phenolic ranged from 1.48 to 36.08 (maximum in A15) mg GAE/g DW, total flavonoid ranged from 0.10 to 3.07 (maximum in A15) mg QE/g DW, sinensetin ranged from 0.36 to 4.02 (maximum in A11) mg/g DW, and rosmarinic acid ranged 0.06 to 7.25 (maximum in A7) mg/g DW. Antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH and FRAP assay. Antioxidant results showed that DPPH ranged from 1.68 to 15.55 (maximum in A15) μmol TE/g DW and FRAP ranged from 0.07 to 1.60 (maximum in A1 and A7) μmol TE/g DW. The genotype A8 showed the highest cytotoxic activities against HeLa (66.25%) and MCF-7 (61.79%) cell lines. Maximum α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was recorded in genotype A2 with the value of 62.84%. The genotypes A1, A2, A7, A11, and A15 were identified as superior based on their phytochemicals content and pharmacological activities coupled with chemometric analysis. This finding is important for breeding studies and also the pharmaceutical perspective of O. aristatus.
Common-envelope evolution with an asymptotic giant branch star
Authors: Sand Christian , Ohlmann Sebastian T. , Schneider Fabian R. N. , Pakmor Rüdiger , Röpke Friedrich K.
Published: December 2020

Common-envelope phases are decisive for the evolution of many binary systems. Cases with asymptotic giant branch (AGB) primary stars are of particular interest because they are thought to be progenitors of various astrophysical transients. In three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations with the moving-mesh code AREPO, we study the common-envelope evolution of a 1.0 M⊙ early-AGB star with companions of different masses. Although the stellar envelope of an AGB star is less tightly bound than that of a red giant, we find that the release of orbital energy of the core binary is insufficient to eject more than about twenty percent of the envelope mass. Ionization energy that is released in the expanding envelope, however, can lead to complete envelope ejection. Because recombination proceeds largely at high optical depths in our simulations, it is likely that this effect indeed plays a significant role in the considered systems. The efficiency of mass loss and the final orbital separation of the core binary system depend on the mass ratio between the companion and the primary star. Our results suggest a linear relation between the ratio of final to initial orbital separation and this parameter.
Silvofishery as an alternative system of sustainable aquaculture in mororejo village, kendal regency
Authors: Kusumaningtyas Perwitasari Woro , Muhammad Fuad , Wasiq Hidayat Jaffran
Published: December 2020

Mororejo village is a village located in a coastal area located in Kaliwungu District, Kendal Regency. Mororejo village has a population of around 4,258 people with 60% of the population working as fish farmers who use and utilize land near the sea by establishing ponds that are their daily livelihood. Silvofishery is a traditional technology aquaculture model that combines fishery business with mangrove planting, which can increase pond productivity. The purpose of this paper is to find out the silvofishery model that has been applied by coastal communities in Kendal Regency. The application of silvofishery system in Mororejo village is traditional ditch pond, with a range of 80% : 20 % mangrove. n. Types of mangrove plants planted areRhizophora sp and Avicennia sp. Mangroves can function as shrimp aquaculture waste filters (nitrate reduction 44,5 % , ammonia 46,6% and nitrite 59,0%) and increase the productivity of shrimp culture (average growth weight 49,833 gr). Socialization and research activities about the benefits of silvofishery for communities in the Kendal regency coast have not been done much but all stakeholders already have a good perception and agreed to apply silvofishery as an alternative system for sustainable aquaculture.
Carbon nanotubes supported N-promoted Pd-based catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Wang Lu , Ali Shahid , Si Jianxin , Lian Lizhen , Yan Haijun , Wang Jide , Ma Lida
Published: December 2020

A novel N-promoted carbon nanotubes (CNT) supported Pd catalyst (PANI/CNT-Pd) was prepared by the ultrasonic-assisted impregnation method and applied in the acetylene hydrochlorination reaction successfully. Compared with the Pd-CNT catalyst, the PANI/CNT-Pd catalyst exhibited the enhanced catalytic performance with more than 91.6% acetylene conversion and 99.6% vinyl chloride selectivity during 20 h at T = 160 °C, GHSV(C2H2) = 120 h-1 and V(HCl) : V(C2H2) = 1.5. It is suggested that PANI species contained N elements have been deposited on the CNT surface and they display the critical role on the enhanced catalytic performance of PANI/CNT-Pd catalysts correlated with the less palladium loss and the carbon deposition.
Review of Researches on SCR Catalyst with Low Temperature and high Sulfur Tolerance and Theoretical Design
Authors: Zhang Yufei
Published: December 2020

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides (NOx) using ammonia (NH3) is currently the main technology for flue gas denitration. However, the currently widely used commercial catalysts (such as V2O5-WO3 / TiO2, V2O5-MoO3 / TiO2, etc.) have the disadvantages of high operating temperature, narrow active temperature window, and high catalytic cost. Therefore, in recent years, researchers have devoted themselves to the development of low-cost and efficient low-temperature SCR catalytic materials. This paper summarizes the research progress of low-temperature (less than 250 °C) selective catalytic reduction of NOx by unsupported metal oxide catalysts, supported metal oxide catalysts, precious metals, and molecular sieve catalysts. Among them, manganese-based catalysts show good low-temperature selectivity and stability, and have good application prospects. Finally, the research directions of manganese low temperature SCR catalysts are prospected and theoretically designed based on the existing problems.
The effects of the tylosin and Cd on soil enzyme activity
Authors: Meng Zhaohong , Wang Shuman , Zhou Jia
Published: December 2020

Soil microbial environment have been affected by different concentration heavy metals Cd (HM) and tylosin (TYL) and combination of TYL and HM interactions. Degradation of TYL was caused certain inhibition due to the addition of HM. The germination index of seed had been inhibited owing to the toxic effects of HM and TYL, but we found that the low concentrations of HM (4 mg/kg), the germination index higher than the soil which unadded HM and TYL in it. The soil enzyme activity was significantly suppressed by the addition of HM and TYL. Actinomycete was inhibited by high concentrations of HM for a long time. The studies demonstrated that the pollution of the soil micro-environment has been serious than only add HM or TYL in the soil.
Study on metal corrosion protection mechanism of graphene nano coating
Authors: Bai Xuelian , Wu Bin , Jiang Kun , Zhang Feng , Zhang Hua , Liu Chengjun , Cai Meijing
Published: December 2020

Organic coating is considered to be one of the most effective methods to prevent metal corrosion. The corrosion resistance of the coating was tested by the improved copper accelerated acetic acid immersion test, and the quality change of the coating sample before and after immersion was tested. The appearance change of graphene was observed by SEM, and the anticorrosion mechanism of graphene was studied. The results showed that the copper salt accelerated acetic acid salt immersion test accelerated the corrosion process and shortened the determination time. There was no obvious change in the test sample after soaking for 400h. The main anticorrosion mechanism is that the conductive graphene in graphene nano anticorrosive coating can effectively protect the metal substrate by “conductive bridging”.
The Tribond Bridged Bipyridine Complex-based In-fiber Interferometric Sensor design for Cu2+Detection
Authors: Huang Jiahui , Li Lijun , Lv Yumeng , Li Min
Published: December 2020

We report a real-time, lightweight sensor based on in-fiber MZ interferometer coating bipyridine complex L[4-methyl-2, 6-bis(pyridine-3-ylethynyl)aniline](L-ligand) in situ determination of free copper ion at micromolar levels. The sensor is made by fusing a section of thin-core fiber(TCF) in the middle of singlemode fiber(SMF). The L-ligand material is attached to the sensing surface of thin-core fiber to bind free copper ions in liquid environment with high affinity and selectivity. Investigation was carried out that the performance of the sensor is significantly improved with different length. The sensitivity of Cu2+detection can reach 0.0573 nm/μM (nanometer per micromolar) in linear range of 0μM~25μM and the detection limit is 0.8726μM. This is significantly lower than the allowable level of drinking water.
Research on Ultra-Short-Term Load Forecasting of Distribution Network Based on Fuzzy Clustering and RBF Neural Network
Authors: Ma Guozhen , Hu Po , Wang Yunjia , Wang Yongli , Cai Chengcong , Sun Yaling , Zhang Xinya
Published: December 2020

In order to solve the diversification of the load characteristics of the distribution network due to the difference in the electric structure and the electricity consumption habits of users, the calculation accuracy of the forecast model is difficult to meet the actual demand. In this paper, through in-depth study of the characteristics of ultra-short-term load, an ultra-short-term load forecasting model based on fuzzy clustering and RBF neural network (FCM-RBF) is constructed. The model not only considers the historical load characteristics of locally similar days, but also considers the current load characteristics of the forecast days. The load on a locally similar day can well reflect the overall trend of the predicted load; the current load on the forecast day can well reflect the changing law of real-time data during the forecast period and some random factors in the forecast period. Finally, a power grid load in a certain area of southwestern China is selected as an example to verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.