bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Structural Increments for Estimating the Krafft Temperature of Ionic Surfactants in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Zieliński Ryszard
Published: July 2020

In this work, we report results of our investigation on the relationship between the Krafft temperature of ionic surfactants in aqueous solutions and their chemical structure. We tested empirical values of the Krafft temperature available in literature for aqueous solutions of 234 ionic surfactants and correlated them to the surfactant chemical structure. In this work, we propose a novel set of 67 group contributions for calculation of the Krafft temperature of ionic surfactants in aqueous solutions. Using them, the Krafft temperature values in aqueous solutions for 174 anionic, 43 cationic, and 17 zwitterionic surfactants were calculated and the estimated values obtained in this way were compared with experimental values. We have demonstrated that the newly developed set of numerical values structural group contributions of the surfactants allows correct estimation of the Krafft temperature value for the tested set of data with the maximum error 7.6°C and the mean square error 3.7°C for various types of ionic surfactants in aqueous solutions.
Postharvest temperature and water status influence postharvest splitting susceptibility in summer radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Lockley Rachel A , Beacham Andrew M , Grove Ivan G , Monaghan James M
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Splitting is a problem that seriously affects appearance and marketability in a number of fruit and vegetables. In summer radish (Raphanus sativus L.), splitting can occur during growth, harvesting and postharvest. We investigated the factors affecting splitting susceptibility in summer radish cv. Celesta during postharvest handling.

RESULTS

Splitting susceptibility was negatively related to temperature, with higher temperature reducing splitting due to dropping impact. Radish diameter was positively associated with compression failure force, suggesting that larger radishes are more resistant to compressive splitting. An increase in radish hypocotyl water content (WC) was associated with an increase in splitting susceptibility due to impact and decrease in failure force for both compression and puncture forces. Increased hypocotyl WC may increase splitting susceptibility by increasing the water potential of the radish tissue. In agreement, we found that increased hypocotyl WC was associated with higher internal water potential in radish tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

We therefore recommend that the hypocotyl WC of summer radish crops be managed during the harvest and postharvest phases, and that crops are processed at higher, ambient, temperature in order to reduce splitting, before storing at low temperature and high humidity to maintain quality and shelf life. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Open‐tubular capillary electrochromatographic application of a sol‐gel matrix with chilli peppers, garlic, or synthetic additives
Authors: Svobodová Jana , Mikšík Ivan
Published: July 2020

This article describes a possible combination of two promising fields of analytical chemistry—the preparation of sol‐gel matrices with varying additives and their application in capillary electrochromatography. The inner surfaces of capillaries were coated with the sol‐gel solution containing either pure synthetic chemical additive—alliin or capsaicin—or an extract of their natural sources—garlic and chilli pepper, respectively. The modified capillaries were tested for interaction with two neurotransmitters, oligopeptides and nucleotides under conditions of open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography. Because both of the natural extracts also contain vitamin C and saccharose, the capillaries with sol‐gel modifiers containing each of these substances were also tested. The obtained results from the perspective of changes in the electrochromatograms and the effective mobilities of analytes are discussed with respect to mild conditions both in the preparation process of the sol‐gel matrix and during the separations.
Simultaneous quantification of three tropane alkaloids in goji berries by cleanup of the graphene/hexagonal boron nitride hybrids and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Weihua , Shi Yanping
Published: July 2020

A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method was established for simultaneous determination of atropine, anisodamine, and scopolamine in goji berries by using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The graphene/hexagonal boron nitride hybrids were prepared and first applied as a cleanup adsorbent. Compared to classical cleanup adsorbent (C18), the graphene/hexagonal boron nitride hybrids as adsorbent had better extraction efficiency for the detection of analytes. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed analytical method achieved satisfactory linearity (R2 > 0.995), and obtained desirable recoveries ranged from 77.4 to 94.0% with the relative standard deviation of 1.2–6.1% at the concentration levels of 3.2–13.4 µg/kg. The limits of quantitation of atropine, anisodamine, and scopolamine were, respectively, 3.2, 4.6, and 4.5 µg/kg with linearity ranged from 3.2 to 25.4 µg/kg. The modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe sample preparation with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry method was successfully applied to evaluate the safety of goji berries collected from 30 plant areas in China, suggesting its applicability and suitability for the routine analysis of three tropane alkaloids in goji berries.
Moral Injury and Social Well‐Being: A Growth Curve Analysis
Authors: Chesnut Ryan P. , Richardson Cameron B. , Morgan Nicole R. , Bleser Julia A. , Perkins Daniel F. , Vogt Dawne , Copeland Laurel A. , Finley Erin
Published: July 2020

Moral injury (MI) may occur in the context of committing transgressions (i.e., self‐directed MI reactions), witnessing transgressions, or being the victims of others’ transgressions (i.e., other‐directed MI reactions) that violate an individual's moral principles. Veterans with MI may experience impaired social well‐being (SWB). Studies on MI and veterans’ SWB have focused almost exclusively on social support and used cross‐sectional data. The present study used growth curve analyses to examine the associations between self‐ and other‐directed MI reactions and veterans’ levels of social support, social functioning, social activities, and social satisfaction over the first 18 to 21 months of their transition to civilian life (N = 9,566). The results demonstrated declines in all SWB outcomes, with self‐ and other‐directed MI reactions having differential effects. Higher versus lower levels of other‐directed MI reactions were related to lower baseline scores on all SWB outcomes, βs = −.06 to −.20, and steeper declines over time in social functioning, β = −.09, and social satisfaction, β = −.10. Higher versus lower levels of self‐directed MI reactions were related to lower baseline levels of social functioning, β = −.07, but higher baseline levels of social activity, β = .04. Higher versus lower levels of self‐directed MI reactions were related to a steeper decline in social activity over time, β = −.10. These findings present a more nuanced picture than that depicted by current MI theoretical frameworks and support further research to uncover moderators of the associations between self‐ and other‐directed MI reactions and SWB outcomes.
All‐Printed Electronic Skin Based on Deformable and Ionic Mechanotransducer Array
Authors: Kim Joo Sung , Choi Hanbin , Hwang Hee Jae , Choi Dukhyun , Kim Do Hwan
Published: July 2020

Mechanoreceptors in human skin possess high sensitivity, wide sensing range, and high sensing resolution for external stimuli. Several attempts have been made to implement electronic skin (e‐skin) that can mimic human skin. However, previous attempts are limited by the fundamental resolution problem arising from the use of film‐like materials generated through pouring and spinning processes. Here, an all‐printed e‐skin based on deformable ionic mechanotransducer array (IMA) inspired by the physiological tactile sensing mechanism and the geometric features of mechanoreceptors in human skin is described. First, an ionic mechanotransduction channel is emulated with a piezocapacitive ionic mechanosensory system that engages in ion migration when the polymer matrix is deformed under a mechanical non‐equilibrium state. Furthermore, the versatile shapes of the artificial mechanotransducer are tuned by the printing process variables, which results in high sensitivity (2.65 nF kPa−1) and high resolution (13.22 cm−2) of the device. It is demonstrated that this IMA is fully bio‐inspired by the mechanotransduction and papillary structure of the mechanoreceptors. A high‐resolution e‐skin with a deformable and transparent IMA, which is fabricated by an all‐printing methodology, will open up a new market in the field of soft and stretchable sensory platforms.
Antihypoxic Action of Panax Japonicus, Tribulus Terrestris and Dioscorea Deltoidea Cell Cultures: In Silico and Animal Studies
Authors: Lagunin Alexey , Povydysh Maria , Ivkin Dmitry , Luzhanin Vladimir , Krasnova Marina , Okovityi Sergei , Nosov Alexander , Titova Maria , Tomilova Svetlana , Filimonov Dmitry , Poroikov Vladimir
Published: July 2020

Chemical diversity of secondary metabolites provides a considerable variety of pharmacological actions with a significant extension due to their combinations in plant extracts. Production of plant‐derived medicinal products in cell cultures has advantages because of the efficient use of different biotic and abiotic elicitors and better control of the developmental processes. Using PASS software, we predicted biological activity spectra for phytoconstituents identified in cell cultures of Panax japonicus (12 molecules), Tribulus terrestris (4 molecules), and Dioscorea deltoidea (3 molecules). Mechanisms of action associated with the antihypoxic effect were predicted for the majority of molecules. PharmaExpert software allowed analyzing possible synergistic or additive effects of the combinations of phytoconstituents associated with the antihypoxic action. Experimental studies of the antihypoxic effect of the plants′ extracts in water and ethanol have been performed in 3 animal models: Acute asphyctic hypoxia (AAH), Acute haemic hypoxia (AHeH), and Acute histotoxic hypoxia (AHtH). Effects of Panax japonicus and Tribulus terrestris preparations exceeded the activity of the reference drug Mexidol in the AHtH model. In the AHeH model, all preparations demonstrated moderate activity; the most potent has been observed for Dioscorea deltoidea. Thus, we found that experimental studies in animal models have confirmed the in silico prediction.
On the explicit formulas for zeta functions
Authors: Bouarroudj Sofiane , Hajli Mounir
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the properties of a large class of zeta functions that arises in geometric analysis and mathematical physics. They are attached to some elliptic operators. This method can be used to evaluate explicitly the special values of zeta functions of elliptic operators defined on some symmetric spaces.
miRNA/Target Gene Profile of Endothelial Cells Treated with Human Triglyceride‐Rich Lipoproteins Obtained after a High‐Fat Meal with Extra‐Virgin Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil
Authors: Santiago‐Fernandez Concepción , Martin‐Reyes Flores , Bautista Rocío , Tome Mónica , Gómez‐Maldonado Josefa , Gutierrez‐Repiso Carolina , Tinahones Francisco J. , Garcia‐Fuentes Eduardo , Garrido‐Sánchez Lourdes
Published: July 2020

Scope

The effects of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRLs) on the miRNA expression of endothelial cells, which are very involved in atherosclerosis, according to the type of diet are not known.

Methods and Results

The differences between the effects of TRLs isolated from blood of subjects after a high‐fat meal with extra‐virgin olive oil (EVOO) and sunflower oil (SO) on the microRNA‐Seq profile related to atherosclerosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells are analyzed. 28 upregulated microRNAs with EVOO‐derived TRLs, which can regulate 22 genes related to atherosclerosis, are found. 21 upregulated microRNAs with SO‐derived TRLs, which can regulate 20 genes related to atherosclerosis, are found. These microRNAs are mainly involved in angiogenesis, with a predominance of an anti‐angiogenic effect with EVOO‐derived TRLs. Other microRNAs upregulated with SO‐derived TRLs are involved in cardiovascular diseases. Pathways for the target genes obtained from the upregulated microRNA with EVOO‐derived TRLs are involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory and defense response, while those with SO‐derived TRLs are involved in lipid metabolic process.

Conclusion

EVOO‐derived TRLs seem to produce a more atheroprotective profile than SO‐derived TRLs. This study provides alternative mechanisms on the protective role of EVOO against the atherogenic process through microRNA regulation in endothelial cells.
Highly accurate GaN HEMT model based on the Angelov model with error compensation
Authors: Zhao Ziyue , Lu Yang , Zhang Hengshuang , Yi Chupeng , Wang Yuchen , Ma Xiaohua , Hao Yue
Published: July 2020

With the development of the microelectronics, circuit design has become more and more important. In order to improve the accuracy of circuit design, it is necessary to improve the accuracy of the circuit model. This letter proposes an accurate method based on the Angelov model of the Gallium Nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). For Angelov model, the fitting of DC curve is critically important. There are many parameters to fit and modify the fitting curve. Each parameter in the Angelov model has a physical meaning. Some parameters have significant influence on the fitting accuracy of the model. In this letter, the parameters sensitive to the accuracy of the model are evaluated, and formulated into a function of gate voltage and drain voltage. In order to further improve the accuracy of the model, the IV curves are compensated using the error function. A weight function is introduced to correct the error function and improve its compensation selectivity. The proposed method is an universal and effective method that significantly improves the accuracy of the Angelov model. The introduction of the error function and the weight function improve the accuracy obviously compared with the traditional Angelov model.
Shape detection of multiple subsurface cavities by particle filtering with elastic wave propagation
Authors: Takamatsu Ryosuke , Fujisawa Kazunori , Nakahata Kazuyuki , Murakami Akira
Published: July 2020

A numerical technique for detecting the number and shape of subsurface cavities is presented, applying the particle filter and the parametric level set method to elastic wave propagation under the ground. When subsurface cavities exist, the elastic wave propagating in the ground is reflected at the boundary faces of the cavities. Observing the velocity of the reflection wave at the surface of a ground that includes multiple cavities and parameterizing the shape of the cavities by the parametric level function, both the number and the shape of the cavities can be identified by the particle filter. Numerical experimentation for detecting multiple cavities is conducted with synthetic observation data. The results show that the proposed technique enables the number of cavities to be identified by the number of peaks in the posterior probabilistic distribution function and solves geometric inverse problems by estimating the shape of the cavities through the parameter identification of the level set function.
Should we routinely assess psychological morbidities in idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction: ICI‐RS 2019?
Authors: Tarcan Tufan , Selai Caroline , Herve François , Vrijens Desiree , Smith Phillip P. , Apostolidis Apostolos , Panicker Jalesh N. , Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth , Arlandis Salvador , Mosiello Giovanni , Dmochowski Roger , Cardozo Linda , von Gontard Alexander
Published: July 2020

Aims

Psychological morbidities play a major role in idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction (iLUTD). The aim of the Think Tank (TT) was to discuss the relevance of psychological morbidities in idiopathic LUTD over the life span, including overactive bladder (OAB) or dysfunctional voiding (DV) and methods of assessment.

Methods

The paper is based on a selective review of the literature and in‐depth discussions, leading to research recommendations regarding the assessment of psychological morbidities in iLUTD on children and adults held during the TT of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society in 2019.

Results

Psychological comorbidities affect the health behaviors and treatment outcomes in patients with iLUTD. Both clinically relevant comorbid mental disorders, as well as subclinical psychological symptoms have a major impact and negatively influence incontinence treatment. Research is needed to elucidate mechanisms underlying iLUTD and psychological comorbidities. Clinical studies are needed to determine how perception generation and cognition impacts on the relationship of urinary perceptions, symptoms, and objective urodynamic function. Due to high psychological comorbidity rates, screening with validated, generic questionnaires for emotional and behavioral disorders in children with nocturnal enuresis, daytime urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence is recommended. Brief screening is recommended for all adults with iLUTD, especially with OAB and DV, who are refractory to treatment.

Conclusions

Due to the high rate and relevance in clinical practice, screening for psychological comorbidities is recommended for all age groups. The research recommendations of this TT may be followed to improve the assessment of psychological morbidities in iLUTD.
Can radiation‐induced lower urinary tract disease be ameliorated in patients treated for pelvic organ cancer: ICI‐RS 2019?
Authors: Bosch Ruud , McCloskey Karen , Bahl Amit , Arlandis Salvador , Ockrim Jeremy , Weiss Jeffrey , Greenwell Tamsin
Published: July 2020

Aims

This article reviews the clinical outcomes and basic science related to negative effects of radiotherapy (RT) on the lower urinary tract (LUT) when used to treat pelvic malignancies.

Methods

The topic was discussed at the 2019 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence―Research Society during a “think tank” session and is summarized in the present article.

Results

RT is associated with adverse effects on the LUT, which may occur during treatment or which can develop over decades posttreatment. Here, we summarize the incidence and extent of clinical symptoms associated with several modes of delivery of RT. RT impact on normal tissues including urethra, bladder, and ureters is discussed, and the underlying biology is examined. We discuss innovative in vivo methodologies to mimic RT in the laboratory and their potential use in the elucidation of mechanisms underlying radiation‐associated pathophysiology. Finally, emerging questions that need to be addressed through further research are proposed.

Conclusions

We conclude that RT‐induced negative effects on the LUT represent a significant clinical problem. Although this has been reduced with improved methods of delivery to spare normal tissue, we need to (a) discover better approaches to protect normal tissue and (b) develop effective treatments to reverse radiation damage.
Integrating production scheduling and transportation procurement through combinatorial auctions
Authors: Triki Chefi , Piya Sujan , Fu Liang‐Liang
Published: July 2020

This study uses the winner determination problem (WDP) to integrate auction transportation procurement with decisions related to production scheduling. The basic problem arises when a manufacturer has to clear a combinatorial auction to decide whether to cover transportation needs by using the in‐house fleet or to procure transportation through auction. Thus, the manufacturer should include an additional decision level by integrating the WDP with production scheduling to gain efficiency and achieve savings in the logistics system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time production and transportation procurement problems are being solved simultaneously in an integrated manner. The study proposes a mathematical formulation and develops two heuristic approaches for solving the integrated problem. Extensive computational experiments and sensitivity analyses are reported to validate the model, assess the performance of the heuristics, and show the effect of integration on total cost.
A Petrov–Galerkin RBF method for diffusion equation on the unit sphere
Authors: Darani Mohammadreza Ahmadi , Mirzaei Davoud
Published: July 2020

This paper concerns a numerical solution for the diffusion equation on the unit sphere. The given method is based on the spherical basis function approximation and the Petrov–Galerkin test discretization. The method is meshless because spherical triangulation is not required neither for approximation nor for numerical integration. This feature is achieved through the spherical basis function approximation and the use of local weak forms instead of a global variational formulation. The local Petrov–Galerkin formulation allows to compute the integrals on small independent spherical caps without any dependence on a connected background mesh. Experimental results show the accuracy and the efficiency of the new method.
Detection of HPV16 E6 DNA in periodontal pockets of middle‐aged and older people
Authors: Shigeishi Hideo , Murodumi Hiroshi , Ohta Kouji , Sugiyama Masaru
Published: July 2020

Background

This study was conducted to investigate the association between oral human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) DNA prevalence and periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed 89 patients (mean age 71.9 years, range 48‐90 years) who visited the Department of Oral Health of Hiroshima University Hospital. Samples were collected by inserting sterilized paper points into each patient's deepest periodontal pocket to obtain gingival crevicular fluid. Real‐time PCR was performed using type‐specific primers to detect HPV16 DNA. PCR‐targeted bacterial 16S rRNA genes were used to detect periodontal disease‐related bacteria.

Results

Of the 89 participants, four women (4.5%) were HPV16 DNA‐positive. Three of the four HPV16 DNA‐positive participants (75.0%) exhibited bleeding after the paper point was inserted, indicating periodontal tissue inflammation. However, no significant association was found between bleeding and the HPV16 DNA‐positive rate. Importantly, HPV16 DNA positivity was significantly associated with Treponema denticola and Fusobacterium nucleatum (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions

Human papilloma virus localizes in periodontal pockets. Inflamed periodontal pockets may indicate oral HPV infection. Periodontitis‐related bacteria may be involved in HPV infection of the periodontal tissues.
The importance of ultrasound preceding cell‐free DNA screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities
Authors: Brown Imogen , Fernando Shavi , Menezes Melody , da Silva Costa Fabricio , Ramkrishna Jayshree , Meagher Simon , Rolnik Daniel L.
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aims to determine the incidence of ultrasound findings that may change clinical management on the day of blood‐sampling for cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) screening.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary provider of obstetric and gynecological ultrasound in Melbourne, Australia. Individual patient files were reviewed and results were collated for maternal characteristics, pre‐cfDNA ultrasound reports, results and test characteristics of both cfDNA and diagnostic testing, and genetic counselling notes. The primary outcome was a potential change in patient management due to findings detected on the pre‐cfDNA ultrasound.

Results

Of 6250 pre‐cfDNA ultrasounds, 6207 were included in analysis. Of these, 598 (9.6%) pregnancies had a finding on pre‐cfDNA ultrasound that had the potential to change management. The reasons for this potential change in management were detection of gestational age below 10 weeks (245, 3.9%), miscarriage (175, 2.8%), demised twin (43, 0.7%), fetal edema (115, 1.9%) and major structural abnormalities (20, 0.3%). These findings were more common in patients of advanced maternal age and in spontaneous conceptions.

Conclusions

An ultrasound prior to cfDNA screening has the potential to change clinical management in almost one in 10 women. The proportion is higher in older age groups and lower in IVF‐conceived pregnancies.
Target grafting of poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) to biodegradable block copolymers
Authors: Diaz Ivonne L. , Sierra Cesar A. , Jérôme Valérie , Freitag Ruth , Perez León D.
Published: July 2020

A series of copolymers composed of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) and a hydrophobic block of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone‐co‐propargyl carbonate) grafted with poly(2‐[dimethylamino]ethyl methacrylate) was synthesized by combining ring opening polymerization, azide‐alkyne click reaction, and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Well‐defined copolymers with a target composition and a tailored structure were achieved via the grafting from approach by using a single catalytic system for both click reaction and ATRP. Kinetic studies demonstrated the controlled/living character of the employed polymerization methods. The thermal properties and self‐assembly in aqueous medium of the graft copolymers were dependent on their composition. The resulting polymeric materials showed low cytotoxicity toward L929 cells, demonstrating their potential for biomedical applications. This type of materials containing cationic side chains tethered to biocompatible and biodegradable segments could be the basis for promising candidates as drug and gene delivery systems.
Highly stretchable, self‐adhesive, and self‐healable double network hydrogel based on alginate/polyacrylamide with tunable mechanical properties
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Tavakolizadeh Maryam , Hosseini Seyed Hassan , Rabiee Navid , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba
Published: July 2020

A number of synthetic hydrogels suffer from low mechanical strength. Despite of the recent advances in the fabrication of tough hydrogels, it is still a great challenge to simultaneously construct high stretchability, and self‐adhesive and self‐healing capability in a hydrogel. Herein, a new type of double network hydrogel was prepared based on irreversible cross‐linking of polyacrylamide chains and Schiff‐base reversible cross‐linking between glycidyl methacrylate‐grafted ethylenediamine and oxidized sodium alginate (OSA). The combination of both cross‐linkings and their synergistic effect provided a novel hydrogel with high strength, stretchable, rapid self‐healing, and self‐adhesiveness to different material. Besides, the hydrogels with diverse OSA content could maintain their original shapes after loading–unloading tensile test. The resulting hydrogel has a great potential in various fields for supporting and load‐bearing substance.
Genetic variants in children with chronic respiratory diseases
Authors: Alsamri Mohammed T. , Alabdouli Amnah , Alkalbani Alia M. , Iram Durdana , Antony Priya , Vijayan Ranjit , Souid Abdul‐Kader
Published: July 2020

Founder mutations and autosomal recessive (AR) disorders are common in the Arabian Peninsula due to frequent consanguineous marriages. As a result, the pulmonary service at Tawam Hospital (Al Ain, UAE) routinely requests genetic testing for children with persistent (unexplained) respiratory problems. The main purpose of this report was to underscore the usefulness of these tests. Ten children with severe respiratory diseases due to complex genetic findings are described here. Forty‐one variants (six novel) were detected, averaging four per patient (range: 1‐9). Seven (17%) variants were homozygous and 34 (83%) heterozygous; some variants were known to show monoallelic expression. Using binomial probability distribution, the fetal‐risk for having AR disorder(s) as a function of the number of shared variants by a couple ranged from 0.25 (having one shared variant) to 0.9249 (having nine shared variants). In cultures where increased size of homozygous genomic segments is common, children often have multiple variants that could cause complex clinical phenotypes. Identifying pathogenic variants assists in clinical care, family counseling, and disease prevention through genetic screening.
On resolution sensitivity in the Community Atmosphere Model
Authors: Herrington Adam R. , Reed Kevin A.
Published: July 2020

Advances in high‐performance computing make it possible to run atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) over an increasingly wider range of grid resolutions, using either globally uniform or variable‐resolution grids. In principle, this is an exciting opportunity to resolve atmospheric process and scales in a global model and in unprecedented detail, but in practice this grid flexibility is incompatible with the non‐ or weakly converging solutions with increasing horizontal resolution that have long characterized AGCMs. In the the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM), there are robust sensitivities to horizontal resolution that have persisted since the model was first introduced over thirty years ago; the atmosphere progressively dries and becomes less cloudy with resolution, and parametrized deep convective precipitation decreases at the expense of stratiform precipitation. This study documents a convergence experiment using CAM, version 6, and argues that a unifying cause, the sensitivity of resolved dynamical modes to native grid resolution, feeds back into other model components and explains these robust sensitivities to resolution. The increasing magnitudes of resolved vertical velocities with resolution are shown to fit an analytic scaling derived for the equations of motion at hydrostatic scales. This trend in vertical velocities results in an increase in resolved upward moisture fluxes at cloud base, balanced by an increase in stratiform precipitation rates with resolution. Compensating, greater magnitude subsiding motion with resolution has previously been shown to dry out the atmosphere and reduce cloud cover. Here, it is shown that both the increase in condensational heating from stratiform cloud formation and greater subsidence drying contribute to an increase in atmospheric stability with resolution, reducing the activity of parametrized convection. The impact of changing the vertical velocity field with native grid resolution cannot be ignored in any effort to recover convergent solutions in AGCMs, and, in particular, the development of scale‐aware physical parametrizations.
Impact of breast milk‐acquired cytomegalovirus infection in premature infants: Pathogenesis, prevention, and clinical consequences?
Authors: Osterholm Erin A. , Schleiss Mark R.
Published: July 2020

Maternal–fetal transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) represents the most common infectious cause of long‐term neurodevelopmental disability in children. Congenital CMV (cCMV) infection is associated with microcephaly, seizure disorders, cognitive disability, developmental delay, and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Of these disabilities, SNHL is the most common, affecting approximately 10% of infants with cCMV. Although the sequelae of cCMV are well recognized, it is much less clear what long‐term morbidities may occur in neonates that acquire post‐natal CMV infection. Post‐natal CMV (pCMV) infection is most commonly transmitted by breast‐feeding, and in full‐term infants is of little consequence. However, in preterm, very‐low birthweight (VLBW) infants (<1500 g), pCMV can result in a severe sepsis‐like syndrome, with wide‐ranging end‐organ disease manifestations. Although such short‐term complications are well recognized among clinicians caring for premature infants, the long‐term risks with respect to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes remain controversial. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical manifestations of breast milk‐acquired pCMV infection. In particular, we summarize studies that have examined—sometimes with conflicting conclusions—the risks of long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in VLBW infants that acquire pCMV from breast milk. We highlight proposed preventive strategies and antiviral interventions, and offer recommendations for high‐priority areas for future basic science and clinical research.
A nonlinear model predictive control scheme for sensor fault tolerance in observation processes
Authors: Knudsen Brage R. , Alessandretti Andrea , Jones Colin N. , Foss Bjarne
Published: July 2020

This article addresses the problem of designing a sensor fault‐tolerant controller for an observation process where a primary, controlled system observes, through a set of measurements, an exogenous system to estimate the state of this system. We consider sensor faults captured by a change in a set of sensor parameters affecting the measurements. Using this parametrization, we present a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) scheme to control the observation process and actively detect and estimate possible sensor faults, with adaptive controller reconfiguration to optimize the use of the remaining sensing capabilities. A key feature of the proposed scheme is the design of observability indices for the NMPC stage cost to improve the observability of both the state of the exogenous system and the sensor fault parameters. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is illustrated through numerical simulations.
Spin‐offs' linkages to their parent universities over time: The performance implications of equity, geographical proximity, and technological ties
Authors: Bolzani Daniela , Rasmussen Einar , Fini Riccardo
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

This study explores the impact of parent university linkages on the market performance of university spin‐off firms (USOs). We argue that spin‐offs' performance is not only affected by competencies inherited from their parent universities at start‐up but also by linkages maintained over time. We longitudinally study 551 USOs established between 2000 and 2008 in Italy. Using estimations that account for attrition and endogeneity, we find that equity‐based university linkages increase USOs' market performance and that geographical proximity strengthens this effect. Furthermore, increasing technological ties between USOs' entrepreneurial teams and their parent universities has a detrimental effect on performance, especially for companies that remain geographically proximate to their parent universities. The results have implications for theory and practice related to strategic linkages, alliances, and academic entrepreneurship.

Managerial Summary

This study explores the extent to which university spin‐off firms (USOs) benefit from maintaining linkages with their parent universities over time. We study 551 USOs established between 2000 and 2008 in Italy, assessing their market performance (i.e., sales revenues) up to 2012. We find that USOs that maintain equity shares with their parent universities have better market performance. This positive effect is stronger for USOs located near their parent universities. In contrast, USOs that maintain close technological ties to their parent universities have worse market performance, especially if located near their parent universities. These findings are relevant to policymakers, university managers, and academic entrepreneurs interested in understanding how to effectively design and manage the different linkages between USOs and their parent universities.
Developing and testing high‐efficacy patient subgroups within a clinical trial using risk scores
Authors: Cherlin Svetlana , Wason James M. S.
Published: July 2020

There is the potential for high‐dimensional information about patients collected in clinical trials (such as genomic, imaging, and data from wearable technologies) to be informative for the efficacy of a new treatment in situations where only a subset of patients benefits from the treatment. The adaptive signature design (ASD) method has been proposed for developing and testing the efficacy of a treatment in a high‐efficacy patient group (the sensitive group) using genetic data. The method requires selection of three tuning parameters which may be highly computationally expensive. We propose a variation to the ASD method, the cross‐validated risk scores (CVRS) design method, that does not require selection of any tuning parameters. The method is based on computing a risk score for each patient and dividing them into clusters using a nonparametric clustering procedure. We assess the properties of CVRS against the originally proposed cross‐validated ASD using simulation data and a real psychiatry trial. CVRS, as assessed for various sample sizes and response rates, has a substantial reduction in the computational time required. In many simulation scenarios, there is a substantial improvement in the ability to correctly identify the sensitive group and the power of the design to detect a treatment effect in the sensitive group. We illustrate the application of the CVRS method on the psychiatry trial.
Some results in Moore‐Gibson‐Thompson thermoelasticity of dipolar bodies
Authors: Marin Marin , Öchsner Andreas , Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir
Published: July 2020

We consider the mixed initial‐boundary value problem in the context of the Moore‐Gibson‐Thompson theory of thermoelasticity for dipolar bodies. We consider the case of heat conduction with dissipation. Even if the elasticity tensors are not supposed to be positively defined, we have proven both, the uniqueness and the instability of the solution of the mixed problem. In the case that the mass density and the thermal conductivity tensor are positive, we obtain the uniqueness of the solution using some Lagrange type identities.
Brachiaria Grass for Climate Resilient and Sustainable Livestock Production in Kenya
Authors: Njarui D. M. G. , Gatheru M. , Ghimire S. R.
Published: July 2020

Brachiaria grass is a “climate smart” forage that produces high amount of palatable and nutritious biomass for livestock and performs well in infertile soils, sequesters carbon in soil, and provides several environmental benefits. The objective of the study was to validate the productivity of Brachiaria grass and upscale the suitable cultivars for improved livestock feed resources in Kenya. We assume integrating Brachiaria grass into mixed crop-livestock system will enhance feed availability and livestock productivity, leading to increased food and nutrition security. Farmer participatory approach was adopted to evaluate and promote four Brachiaria grass (Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, B. brizantha cvs. Xaraes, Piata, and MG-4) in the Central Highland and Eastern Midland of Kenya. The extension/advisory approaches used to promote Brachiaria grass cultivars included field days, village knowledge centres, agricultural shows, posters, and linkages with other institutions through multi-actor platform established under the InnovAfrica project. Generally, Brachiaria grass cultivars were more productive than the control (Rhodes grass) in most harvests reaching peak of 5.1–7.7 t/ha in the fifth harvest. For Rhodes grass, DM was less than 4 t/ha in all harvest and died by sixth harvest. Similarly, based on farmers’ evaluation using phenotypic traits, the Brachiaria grass cultivars had higher score than Rhodes grass except cv. Piata. The mean score ranged from 2.75 to 3.19 for Brachiaria cultivars, while for Rhodes the mean score was 2.63. Within 2 years of intervention, over 4000 farmers in the 2 project sites and additional 1500 farmers from other parts of the country have planted the Brachiaria grass. The demand for Brachiaria grass seeds is increasing due to benefits gained, e.g., increased milk production from dairy cattle fed on the grass. Our study will quantify the associated benefits from cultivation of Brachiaria grass with respect to a set of ecological, food and nutrition security, and social-economic indicators.
Climate Change Adaptation Options in Farming Communities of Selected Nigerian Ecological Zones
Authors: Ayanlade Ayansina , Oluwatimilehin Isaac Ayo , Oladimeji Adeola A. , Atai Godwin , Agbalajobi Damilola T.
Published: July 2020

This chapter examines the impacts of climate change on three tropical crops and assesses the climate change adaptation options adopted by rural farmers in the region. The study was conducted among farming communities settled in three major ecological zones in Nigeria. Over 37 years of data on rainfall and temperature were analyzed to examine climate change impacts on three major crops: rice, maize, and cassava. Farmers’ adaptive capacity was assessed with a survey. Climatic data, crop yields, and survey data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The relation between rainfall/temperature and crop yields was examined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results show a high variation in the annual rainfall and temperature during the study period. The major findings from this research is that crops in different ecological zones respond differently to climate variation. The result revealed that there is a very strong relationship between precipitation and the yield of rice and cassava at p <0.05 level of significance. The results further showed low level of adaption among the rural farmers. The study concludes that rainfall and temperature variability has a significant impact on crop yield in the study area, but that the adaptive capacity of most farmers to these impacts is low. There is a need for enhancing the adaptation options available to farmers in the region, which should be the focus of government policies.
A new precision process at FCC-hh: the diphoton leptonic Wh channel
Authors: Bishara Fady , Englert Philipp , Grojean Christophe , Montull Marc , Panico Giuliano , Rossia Alejo N.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

The increase in luminosity and center of mass energy at the FCC-hh will open up new clean channels where BSM contributions are enhanced at high energy. In this paper we study one such channel, Wh → ℓνγγ. We estimate the sensitivity to the $$ {\mathcal{O}}_{\varphi q}^{(3)} $$

O
φq

3

, $$ {\mathcal{O}}_{\varphi \mathrm{W}} $$

O

φ
W

, and $$ {\mathcal{O}}_{\varphi \tilde{\mathrm{W}}} $$

O

φ

W
˜

SMEFT operators. We find that this channel will be competitive with fully leptonic WZ production in setting bounds on $$ {\mathcal{O}}_{\varphi q}^{(3)} $$

O
φq

3

. We also find that the double differential distribution in the $$ {p}_T^h $$

p
T
h

and the leptonic azimuthal angle can be exploited to enhance the sensitivity to $$ {\mathcal{O}}_{\varphi \tilde{\mathrm{W}}} $$

O

φ

W
˜

. However, the bounds on $$ {\mathcal{O}}_{\varphi \mathrm{W}} $$

O

φ
W

and $$ {\mathcal{O}}_{\varphi \tilde{\mathrm{W}}} $$

O

φ

W
˜

we obtain in our analysis, though complementary and more direct, are not competitive with those coming from other measurements such as EDMs and inclusive Higgs measurements.
Entanglement in a Maxwell theory coupled to a non-relativistic particle
Authors: Ares Filiberto , de Queiroz Amilcar R. , Tenser Marcia R.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We consider electromagnetism in a cylindrical manifold coupled to a non-relativistic charged point-particle. Through the relation between this theory and the Landau model on a torus, we study the entanglement between the particle and the electromagnetic field. In particular, we compute the entanglement entropy in the ground state, which is degenerate, obtaining how it varies in the degeneracy subspace.
Impact of uncertainties in the halo velocity profile on direct detection of sub-GeV dark matter
Authors: Hryczuk Andrzej , Karukes Ekaterina , Roszkowski Leszek , Talia Matthew
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We use the state-of-the-art high-resolution cosmological simulations by IllustrisTNG to derive the velocity distribution and local density of dark matter in galaxies like our Milky Way and find a substantial spread in both quantities. Next we use our findings to examine the sensitivity to the dark matter velocity profile of underground searches using electron scattering in germanium and silicon targets. We find that sub-GeV dark matter search is strongly affected by these uncertainties, unlike nuclear recoil searches for heavier dark matter, especially in multiple electron-hole modes, for which the sensitivity to the scattering cross-section is also weaker. Therefore, by improving the sensitivity to lower ionization thresholds not only projected sensitivities will be boosted but also the dependence on the astrophysical uncertainties will become significantly reduced.
Mechanism of ion nitriding of 316L austenitic steel by active screen method in a hydrogen-nitrogen atmosphere
Authors: Fraczek Tadeusz , Ogorek Marzena , Skuza Zbigniew , Prusak Rafal
Published: July 2020

The article presents the results of research on the ion nitriding process of the so-called difficult to nitride 316L austenitic steel. The main aim of these studies was to determine what influences the intensification of the nitriding process as a result of using an active screen. Two variants of placing the nitrided elements in the glow discharge chamber were adopted: directly on the cathode and on the cathode using an active screen. After the nitriding processes were carried out, the influence of the adopted process parameters on the depth of nitrogen diffusion into the nitrided substrate was analyzed. In the further part of the work, an ionizing nitriding mechanism with the active screen method was proposed, explaining the significant increase in the effectiveness of the nitriding process using the active screen.
Efficient hash maps to $${\mathbb {G}}_2$$ on BLS curves
Authors: Budroni Alessandro , Pintore Federico
Published: July 2020

When a pairing $$e: {\mathbb {G}}_1 \times {\mathbb {G}}_2 \rightarrow {\mathbb {G}}_{T}$$

e
:

G
1

×

G
2

→

G
T

, on an elliptic curve E defined over a finite field $${\mathbb {F}}_q$$

F
q

, is exploited for an identity-based protocol, there is often the need to hash binary strings into $${\mathbb {G}}_1$$

G
1

and $${\mathbb {G}}_2$$

G
2

. Traditionally, if E admits a twist $${\tilde{E}}$$

E
~

of order d, then $${\mathbb {G}}_1=E({\mathbb {F}}_q) \cap E[r]$$

G
1

=
E

(

F
q

)

∩
E

[
r
]

, where r is a prime integer, and $${\mathbb {G}}_2={\tilde{E}}({\mathbb {F}}_{q^{k/d}}) \cap {\tilde{E}}[r]$$

G
2

=

E
~

(

F

q

k
/
d

)

∩

E
~

[
r
]

, where k is the embedding degree of E w.r.t. r. The standard approach for hashing into $${\mathbb {G}}_2$$

G
2

is to map to a general point $$P \in {\tilde{E}}({\mathbb {F}}_{q^{k/d}})$$

P
∈

E
~

(

F

q

k
/
d

)

and then multiply it by the cofactor $$c=\#{\tilde{E}}({\mathbb {F}}_{q^{k/d}})/r$$

c
=
#

E
~

(

F

q

k
/
d

)

/
r

. Usually, the multiplication by c is computationally expensive. In order to speed up such a computation, two different methods—by Scott et al. (International conference on pairing-based cryptography. Springer, Berlin, pp 102–113, 2009) and by Fuentes-Castaneda et al. (International workshop on selected areas in cryptography)—have been proposed. In this paper we consider these two methods for BLS pairing-friendly curves having $$k \in \{12,24,30,42,48\}$$

k
∈
{
12
,
24
,
30
,
42
,
48
}

, providing efficiency comparisons. When $$k=42,48$$

k
=
42
,
48

, the application of Fuentes et al. method requires expensive computations which were infeasible for the computational power at our disposal. For these cases, we propose hashing maps that we obtained following Fuentes et al. idea.