bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of an angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptide from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with captopril: inhibition kinetics, in vivo effect, simulated gastrointestinal digestion and a molecular docking study
Authors: Chen Jiali , Ryu Bomi , Zhang YuanYuan , Liang Peng , Li Chengyong , Zhou Chunxia , Yang Ping , Hong Pengzhi , Qian Zhong‐Ji
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

In order to utilize tilapia skin gelatin hydrolysate protein, which is normally discarded as industrial waste in the process of fish manufacture, we study the in vivo and in vitro angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of the peptide Leu‐Ser‐Gly‐Tyr‐Gly‐Pro (LSGYGP). The aim was to provide a pharmacological basis of the development of minimal side effects of ACE inhibitors by comparative analysis with captopril in molecular docking.

RESULTS

This peptide from protein‐rich wastes showed excellent ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 2.577 μmol L−1) and exhibited a mixed noncompetitive inhibitory pattern with Lineweaver–Burk plots. Furthermore, LSGYGP and captopril groups both showed significant decreases in blood pressure after 6 h and maintained good digestive stability over 4 h. Molecular bond interactions differentiate competitive captopril upon hydrogen bond interactions and Zn(II) interaction. The C‐terminal Pro generates three interactions (hydrogen bonds, hydrophilic interactions and Van der Waals interactions) in the peptide and effectively interacts with the S1 and S2 pockets of ACE.

CONCLUSION

LSGYGP, with an IC50 value of 2.577 μmol L−1, has an antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Through comparison with captopril, this study revealed that LSGYGP may be a potential food‐derived ACE inhibitory peptide and could act as a functional food ingredient to prevent hypertension. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Rate constant for the reaction of F‐atoms with trichloroacetic acid
Authors: Vasiliev Evgenii S. , Morozov Igor I. , Karpov Grigory V.
Published: September 2019

Kinetics of the reaction of F‐atoms with trichloroacetic acid was studied at 293 K using a low‐pressure flow reactor. Reactant concentrations were monitored by mass spectrometry combined with molecular beam sampling. The reaction rate constant obtained was k = (4.3 ± 0.8) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. This is an average value determined by the relative method employing four reference reactions of F‐atoms: with 1,1,1‐trichloroethane, ethanol, cyclohexane, and 2‐fluoroethanol, for which rate constant ratios k/kref = 7.4 ± 1.2, 0.24 ± 0.02, 0.28 ± 0.02, and 0.34 ± 0.04, respectively, were obtained. The resultant rate constant is compared with the rate constants for the related fluoro‐substituted acids.
Target areas for harmonizing the Grain for Green Programme in China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Geng Qingling , Ren Qingfu , Yan Huimin , Li Longhui , Zhao Xining , Mu Xingmin , Wu Pute , Yu Qiang
Published: September 2019

Widespread land degradation has stimulated the implementation of a large‐scale ecological restoration programme in China's Loess Plateau—the Grain‐for‐Green Programme (GFGP). This programme has substantially increased vegetation cover and served to control soil erosion, but threatened regional food supply due to widespread cropland conversion. Consequently, a strategy balancing green and grain land uses is required. Here, we establish a dominance index of ecosystem services by quantifying the economic value of four key ecosystem services (net primary productivity, soil conservation, water yield, and food production), by combining spatially explicit datasets and census data. Using the dominance index, we identify the optimal areas to target for GFGP in the Loess Plateau. The identified areas (target areas) were the transition zone from low to high value of ecosystem services (ESV). These areas exhibited low grain productivity in addition to having the highest potential for soil conservation. Compared with other regions of the Loess Plateau, the loss of grain production due to cropland conversion in these target areas could decrease by 42%, whereas ESV could increase by 33%. Therefore, despite the fact that over the past 15 years (2000–2014) in these target areas more cropland was converted into ecological use (i.e. forest/grassland), there is still a need to strengthen ecological restoration in this region in the future. This study proposed a strategy for balancing green and grain from a spatial perspective, which could potentially solve land degradation issues and the tradeoff between ecosystem services in a more beneficial and targeted way.
Successional blooms of alkenone‐producing haptophytes in Lake George, North Dakota: Implications for continental paleoclimate reconstructions
Authors: Theroux Susanna , Huang Yongsong , Toney Jaime L. , Andersen Robert , Nyren Paul , Bohn Rick , Salacup Jeffrey , Murphy Leslie , Amaral‐Zettler Linda
Published: September 2019

Alkenone‐derived paleotemperature reconstruction holds great promise in lake environments. However, the occurrence of multiple species of alkenone‐producing haptophyte algae in a single lake can complicate the translation of alkenone unsaturation to temperature if each species requires an individual temperature calibration. Here, we present the first systematic monitoring of two alkenone‐producing haptophytes throughout the course of a seasonal cycle in Lake George, North Dakota, using a combined approach of DNA sequencing and alkenone lipid characterization. Field sampling revealed a nonoverlapping haptophyte succession, with both an early and late season haptophyte bloom event. Culturing experiments demonstrated that the two haptophyte species responsible for these blooms had statistically similar alkenone‐temperature responses, although the culture‐based calibrations were distinct from the in situ calibration. Bloom timing of each haptophyte species corresponded to surface‐water temperatures that differed by more than 10°C, revealing that changes in bloom intensities for each species will skew the sediment‐inferred temperatures to a different stage of the growth season. These results highlight the importance of accounting for bloom timing when interpreting alkenone‐derived temperatures in sediment cores, especially in lakes that experience large seasonal fluctuations in water column temperature and salinity.
Environmental niche separation promotes coexistence among ecologically similar zooplankton species—North Sea copepods as a case study
Authors: Lindegren Martin , Thomas Mridul K. , Jónasdóttir Sigrún H. , Nielsen Torkel G. , Munk Peter
Published: September 2019

Marine zooplankton are among the most diverse and abundant organisms on earth. Despite a great wealth of knowledge and research on their ecology, the processes promoting coexistence and maintaining their high diversity worldwide are poorly known. In order to understand the processes underpinning coexistence among marine zooplankton, we investigated the existence and degree of niche separation within two pairs of taxonomically and ecologically related species of copepods belonging to the widespread, abundant genera Calanus and Oithona. We compared the spatial variation in species abundances to the abiotic and biotic environment using a multimodel approach and vertically resolved survey data on zooplankton composition, abundances, and environmental conditions in the North Sea. Our results demonstrate pronounced spatial differences between species in each pair, primarily in their vertical abundance distributions. These differences can largely be explained by different preferences for temperature and salinity. This supports the occurrence of environmental niche separation in marine zooplankton and highlights its role as a mechanism reducing interspecific competition and promoting coexistence.
Operators whose ranges are contained in the null space of conditional expectations
Authors: Jabbarzadeh M. R. , Sharifi M. H.
Published: September 2019

The goal of this article is to study the algebra of a conditional type operators on such that each of members of has its range contained in the kernel of a conditional expectation E. We present characterizations of this algebra in terms of (φ0)0‐type sub‐sigma algebras of Σ.
Study: Racial stereotypes exist regarding violence, video games
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2019

People tend to be more likely to pinpoint violent video games as the culprit behind school shootings by white perpetrators than by black perpetrators, possibly due to racial stereotypes that associate minorities with violent crimes, say researchers of a new study published in Psychology of Popular Media Culture.
Low Mach limit to one‐dimensional nonisentropic planar compressible magnetohydrodynamic equations
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Lijuan
Published: September 2019

This paper is concerned with a one‐dimensional nonisentropic compressible planar magnetohydrodynamic flow with general initial data, whose behaviors at far fields x→±∞ are different. The low Mach limit for the system is rigorously justified. The limit relies on the uniform estimates including weighted time derivatives and an extended convergence lemma.
Cerebrovascular blood flow in patients with tetralogy of fallot: prediction for early surgical intervention
Authors: Campbell Matthew , Ronai Christina , Punn Rajesh , Tacy Theresa , Tworetzky Wayne , Madriago Erin
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Children with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) require initial intervention at varying times reflecting a spectrum of obstruction to pulmonary blood flow. In utero, fetal patients with right sided obstructive lesions demonstrate increased middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI). We sought to determine whether MCA flow patterns are associated with the degree of pulmonary obstruction and the consequential need for early surgical intervention (ESI).

Methods

We performed a multi‐center retrospective study evaluating patients with a prenatal diagnosis of TOF. All echocardiographic fetal studies performed from 16 weeks' gestational age through delivery were reviewed between 2001 and 2015 with subsequent postnatal medical chart review.

Results

82 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients who ultimately required ESI (n=30) demonstrated an increased MCA PI z‐score (‐0.68 vs ‐1.32, p=0.02) compared to those who did not (n=52). An elevated MCA PI in patients with TOF was associated with ESI after 24 weeks' gestational age (‐0.36 vs ‐1.22, p=0.02).

Conclusions

Fetal patients with TOF demonstrate altered MCA flow that correlates with need for ESI. This effect is blunted earlier in gestation which may reflect cerebral autoregulation. MCA PI may be a beneficial tool in helping determine perinatal management and counseling for patients with TOF.
Effect of copolymers synthesized by nitroxide‐mediated polymerization as chain extenders of postconsumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste
Authors: Benvenuta‐Tapia Juan José , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , Guerrero‐Santos Ramiro
Published: September 2019

In this contribution, the use of glycidyl methacrylate and styrene copolymers synthesized by nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) as chain extenders of postconsumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste (r‐PET) is described. Our observations revealed that the copolymers synthesized by NMP act as efficient chain extenders for the regeneration of PET waste. Epoxide groups in the copolymers react with PET end reactive groups producing chain extended PET with higher molecular weight and improving performance. The increase in molecular weight of PET waste results in important improvement in both, elongation‐at‐break, and strength impact. r‐PET complex viscosity and rheological moduli are also greatly improved as the epoxide content in the chain extenders increases. The loss tangent and phase angle versus angular frequency plots for chain‐extended r‐PET reveal that melt elasticity is also improved. These results confirm that use of NMP‐synthesized copolymers is a plausible solution for the recycling of PET. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2255–2264, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
ROS‐Sensitive Degradable PEG–PCL–PEG Micellar Thermogel
Authors: Lee Hyun Jung , Jeong Byeongmoon
Published: September 2019

A reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sensitive degradable polymer would be a promising material in designing a disease‐responsive system or accelerating degradation of polymers with slow hydrolysis kinetics. Here, a thermogelling poly(ethylene glycol)–polycaprolactone–poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG–PCL–PEG or EG12–CL20–EG12) triblock copolymer with an oxalate group at the middle of the polymer is reported. The polymers form micelles with an average size of 100 nm in water. Thermogelation is observed in a concentration range of 8.0−37.0 wt%. In particular, the aqueous PEG–PCL–PEG triblock copolymer solutions are in a gel state at 37 °C in a concentration range of 25.0–37.0 wt%, whereas the aqueous PEG–PCL diblock copolymer solutions are in a sol state in the same concentration range at 37 °C. Thus, the gel depot could dissolve out once degradation of the triblock copolymers occurs at the oxalate group as confirmed by the in vitro experiment. In vivo gel formation is confirmed by injecting an aqueous PEG–PCL–PEG solution (36.0 wt%) into the subcutaneous layer of rats. The gel completely disappears in 21 d. A model polypeptide drug (cyclosporine A) is released over 21 d from the in situ formed gel. The micelle‐based thermogel of PEG–PCL–PEG with ROS‐triggering degradability is a promising injectable material for biomedical applications.
Cyclophospholipids Increase Protocellular Stability to Metal Ions
Authors: Toparlak Ö. Duhan , Karki Megha , Egas Ortuno Veronica , Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan , Mansy Sheref S.
Published: September 2019

Model protocells have long been constructed with fatty acids, because these lipids are prebiotically plausible and can, at least theoretically, support a protocell life cycle. However, fatty acid protocells are stable only within a narrow range of pH and metal ion concentration. This instability is particularly problematic as the early Earth would have had a range of conditions, and extant life is completely reliant on metal ions for catalysis and the folding and activity of biological polymers. Here, prebiotically plausible monoacyl cyclophospholipids are shown to form robust vesicles that survive a broad range of pH and high concentrations of Mg2+, Ca2+, and Na+. Importantly, stability to Mg2+ and Ca2+ is improved by the presence of environmental concentrations of Na+. These results suggest that cyclophospholipids, or lipids with similar characteristics, may have played a central role during the emergence of Darwinian evolution.
Rational Design of Ultrathin Gas Barrier Layer via Reconstruction of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoflakes to Enhance the Chemical Stability of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Lee Seongsoo , Jang Wonseok , Kim Mansu , Shin Jae Eun , Park Ho Bum , Jung Namgee , Whang Dongmok
Published: September 2019

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has great potential as a promising gas barrier layer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) as it shows high proton conductivity as well as excellent gas‐blocking capability. However, structural defects and mechanical damage during the transfer of the hBN layer and membrane swelling have limited the application of hBN sheets to PEMFCs. Here, an ultrathin gas barrier layer is successfully fabricated on a proton exchange membrane via reconstruction of mechanically exfoliated hBN nanoflakes using a direct spin‐coating process. The hBN‐coated layer effectively suppresses the gas crossover and inhibits the formation of reactive oxygen radicals in the electrodes without reducing the proton conductivity of the membrane. It is also demonstrated that the structural advantages of hBN‐coated gas barrier layers promise high performance of a unit cell even after a open‐circuit voltage (OCV) hold test for 100 h. Furthermore, through in‐depth postmortem analyses, a time‐dependent degradation mechanism of membrane electrode assembly under the OCV condition is rationally proposed.
RC columns longitudinally strengthened via novel EBRIOG technique
Authors: Saljoughian Alireza , Mostofinejad Davood
Published: September 2019

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are materials that have been acceptably used for the external reinforcement of structural load carrying elements such as reinforced concrete (RC) columns. When subjected to axial compression loads, columns longitudinally strengthened with CFRP sheets undergo buckling and debonding of their longitudinal CFRP strips as their failure modes. The present study investigates the efficiency of the new technique called “externally bonded reinforcement in/on grooves” (EBRIOG) on square RC columns strengthened with longitudinal FRP composites when subjected to cyclic axial compression loading, and examines whether EBRIOG delays the buckling and debonding of longitudinal CFRP sheets. Another aspect of the study involves investigation of the influence of the recently developed corner strip‐batten (CSB) technique on confining specimens. In the CSB technique, CFRP battens used for transverse strengthening tend to stretch as entirely straight sheets like what occurs with flat coupons, as they do not tolerate any curvature. In order to compare the above‐mentioned techniques and the conventional ones, 12 square column specimens (150 × 150 × 900 mm3) are subjected to cyclic axial compression. The experiment parameters consist of the method used for longitudinal strengthening and the technique utilized for confining the specimens. The results exhibit improved efficiency of square RC columns (as realized by their peak load, ductility indices, energy dissipation, equivalent damping factor, secant stiffness, and average compressive stress of longitudinal composite sheets) when the EBRIOG and CSB techniques are employed simultaneously. For instance, the column strengthened through the CSB and EBRIOG method exhibits increases of 192 and 72% in its ductility and load carrying capacity, respectively, compared to those of the unstrengthened one.
Pesticides and herbicides
Authors: Choudri B. S. , Charabi Yassine
Published: September 2019

This paper provides a review of some important scientific articles published in the year 2018 about pesticides and herbicides. The literature review presented in this paper cover pesticides and herbicides presence as well as occurrence in the environment. The review is divided into four sections. Each of these sections highlight issues related to pesticides and herbicides on toxicology, ecology, risk assessment, modeling, and treatment strategies.
Anion‐directed Silver(I) Coordination Assemblies Based on 1‐(2‐Pyridyl)‐2‐(4‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazolewith Diverse Supramolecular Networks and Dichromate Removal Capabilities
Authors: Xue Ya‐Qi , Tian Cai‐Ying , Wang Si , He Hongming , Chen Jing
Published: September 2019

A series of silver(I) supramolecular complexes, namely, {[Ag(L24)](NO3)}n (1), [Ag2(L24)(NO2)2]n (2), and {[Ag1.25(L24)(DMF)](PF6)1.25}n (3) were prepared by the reactions of 1‐(2‐pyridyl)‐2‐(4‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole (L24) and silver(I) salts with different anions (AgNO3, AgNO2, AgPF6). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction indicates that 1–3 display diverse supramolecular networks. The structure of dinuclear complex 1 is composed of a six‐membered Ag2N4 ring with the Ag···Ag distance of 4.4137(3) Å. In complex 2, the adjacent AgI centers are interlinked by L24 ligands into a 1D chain, the adjacent of which are further extended by the bridged nitrites to construct a 2D coordination architecture. Complex 3 shows a 3D (3,4)‐connected framework, which is generated by the linkage of L24 ligands. All complexes were characterized by IR spectra, elemental analysis, and powder X‐ray diffraction. Notably, a structural comparison of the complexes demonstrates that their structures are predominated by the nature of anions. Additionally, 1 and 2 show efficient dichromate (Cr2O72–) capture in water system, which can be ascribed to the anion‐exchange.
Planning for the Future: Special Education and the Creation of ‘Healthy Minds’
Authors: Taylor Steven J.
Published: September 2019

At the end of the nineteenth century, attention on children and their social ‘improvement’ increased. Compulsory state schooling, gradually introduced from 1870, became a vehicle to mould the minds of children and ensure the survival of nation and empire. This chapter explores the development of the Sandwell Hall School for Mentally Defective Children to gain a greater insight into the treatment and experience of those unable to attend ordinary schools. Using records from the Department for Education and Sandwell Hall, it will be possible to better understand the experience of both periphery and centre to demonstrate the interventions that were forced upon children and families in the first half of the twentieth century.
Supersymmetry constraints on U-duality invariant deformations of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ ≥ 5 supergravity
Authors: Gunaydin Murat , Kallosh Renata
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Candidate counterterms break E7 type U-duality symmetry of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

≥ 5 supergravity theories in four dimensions [1, 2]. A proposal was made in [3] to restore it, starting with a double set of vector fields and argued that a supersymmetric extension of their proposal should exist. We show that the extra vectors, needed for the deformation, can not be auxiliary fields in an eventual off-shell formulation of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

≥ 5 supergravity, assuming that such a formulation exists. Furthermore we show that these extra vector fields can not be dynamical either since that changes the unitary supermultiplets underlying these theories and requires one to go beyond the standard framework of extended simple supergravities. To show this we list all relevant unitary conformal supermultiplets of SU(2, 2|

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

+ n). We find that doubling of vectors consistent with linearized supersymmetry requires to change the number of scalars, violating the coset structure of the theory, and also to add a finite number of higher spin fields, which do not admit consistent couplings to theories with spins ≤ 2. Thus, the proposed duality restoring deformation along the lines of [3] can not be implemented within the standard framework of extended supergravity theories. We argue therefore that, in the absence of anomalies, E7 type duality together with supersymmetry, might protect

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

≥ 5 supergravity from UV divergences, in particular,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 5 supergravity at 4 loops in d=4.
Galilean free Lie algebras
Authors: Gomis Joaquim , Kleinschmidt Axel , Palmkvist Jakob
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We construct free Lie algebras which, together with the algebra of spatial rotations, form infinite-dimensional extensions of finite-dimensional Galilei Maxwell algebras appearing as global spacetime symmetries of extended non-relativistic objects and non-relativistic gravity theories. We show how various extensions of the ordinary Galilei algebra can be obtained by truncations and contractions, in some cases via an affine Kac-Moody algebra. The infinite-dimensional Lie algebras could be useful in the construction of generalized Newton-Cartan theories gravity theories and the objects that couple to them.
Optimization of a Simulation Code Coupling Extended Source (k−2) and Empirical Green’s Functions: Application to the Case of the Middle Durance Fault
Authors: Dujardin Alain , Hollender Fabrice , Causse Mathieu , Berge-Thierry Catherine , Delouis Bertrand , Foundotos Laetitia , Ameri Gabriele , Shible Hussein
Published: September 2019

We developed a ground-motion simulation code base on extended rupture modeling combined with the use of empirical Green’s functions (EGFs), adapted for low-to-moderate seismicity regions (with a limited set of EGFs), and extended its range of applicability to the lowest source-to-site distances. This code is based on a kinematic source description of an extended fault and is designed to allow complex fault geometries and to generate a ground motion variability in agreement with that of the recorded databases. The code is developed to work with a sparse set of EGFs. Each available EGF is therefore used in several positions on the rupture area. To be used in positions different of their original position, we applied to the EGFs some adjustments. In addition to the classical adjustments (i.e. time delay correction, geometrical spreading correction and anelastic attenuation correction), we propose here a radiation pattern adjustment. The effectiveness of it is tested in a numerical application. We showed noticeable improvements at the lowest distances, and some limitations when approaching the nodal planes of the subevents the recording of which were used as EGFs. We took advantage of the development of this code, its ability to work with a sparse set of EGFs, its ability to take into account complex fault geometries and its ability to master the general variability, to perform a ground-motion simulation scenario on the Middle Durance Fault (MDF). We perform simulations for a hard rock site (VS30 = 1800 m/s) and a sediment site (VS30 = 440 m/s) of the CEA Nuclear Research Site of Cadarache (France), and compared the computed ground motion with several ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs). The GMPEs slightly underestimate the sediment site but strongly overestimate the ground motion amplitude on the hard rock site, even when using a specific correction factor which adapts GMPEs predictions from rock site to hard rock site. This general ascertainment confirms the need to continue efforts towards the establishment of consistent GMPEs applicable to hard-rock conditions.
Lattice dynamical systems: dissipative mechanism and fractal dimension of global and exponential attractors
Authors: Cholewa Jan W. , Czaja Radosław
Published: September 2019

In this work, we examine first-order lattice dynamical systems, which are discretized versions of reaction–diffusion equations on the real line. We prove the existence of a global attractor in $$\ell ^2$$ℓ2, and using the method by Chueshov and Lasiecka (Dynamics of quasi-stable dissipative systems, Springer, Berlin, 2015; Memoirs of the American Mathematical Society, vol 195(912), AMS, 2008), we estimate its fractal dimension. We also show that the global attractor is contained in a finite-dimensional exponential attractor. The approach relies on the interplay between the discretized diffusion and reaction, which has not been exploited as yet for the lattice systems. Of separate interest is a characterization of positive definiteness of the discretized Schrödinger operator, which refers to the well-known Arendt and Batty’s result (Differ Int Equ 6:1009–1024, 1993).
Association genetics of bunch weight and its component traits in East African highland banana (Musa spp. AAA group)
Authors: Nyine Moses , Uwimana Brigitte , Akech Violet , Brown Allan , Ortiz Rodomiro , Doležel Jaroslav , Lorenzen Jim , Swennen Rony
Published: September 2019

Key message

The major quantitative trait loci associated with bunch weight and its component traits in the East African highland banana-breeding population are located on chromosome 3.

Bunch weight increase is one of the major objectives of banana improvement programs, but little is known about the loci controlling bunch weight and its component traits. Here we report for the first time some genomic loci associated with bunch weight and its component traits in banana as revealed through a genome-wide association study. A banana-breeding population of 307 genotypes varying in ploidy was phenotyped in three locations under different environmental conditions, and data were collected on bunch weight, number of hands and fruits; fruit length and circumference; and diameter of both fruit and pulp for three crop cycles. The population was genotyped with genotyping by sequencing and 27,178 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were generated. The association between SNPs and the best linear unbiased predictors of traits was performed with TASSEL v5 using a mixed linear model accounting for population structure and kinship. Using Bonferroni correction, false discovery rate, and long-range linkage disequilibrium (LD), 25 genomic loci were identified with significant SNPs and most were localized on chromosome 3. Most SNPs were located in genes encoding uncharacterized and hypothetical proteins, but some mapped to transcription factors and genes involved in cell cycle regulation. Inter-chromosomal LD of SNPs was present in the population, but none of the SNPs were significantly associated with the traits. The clustering of significant SNPs on chromosome 3 supported our hypothesis that fruit filling in this population was under control of a few quantitative trait loci with major effects.
Health‐Related Quality of Life and Cosmesis After Thyroidectomy: Long‐Term Outcomes
Authors: Linos Dimitrios , Christodoulou Spyridon , Kitsou Vassiliki , Karachaliou Angeliki , Ntelis Spyridon , Petralias Athanassios
Published: September 2019

Background

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) after thyroidectomy has been recently reported with conflicting conclusions. In this study, we assess HRQoL and neck scar cosmesis of thyroid patients several years after thyroidectomy for benign and malignant pathology.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 2000 and 2010 answered the SF‐36 Health Survey and Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) in 2010 and at the end of 2018. Changes in the SF‐36 and PSAQ scores were analyzed taking into account various demographic, surgical and medical characteristics of the patients.

Results

Patients reported worse SF‐36 scores after 8.5 years, in scales of physical functioning (p < 0.001), social role functioning (p = 0.002), bodily pain (p = 0.001) and general health perceptions (p < 0.001). Interestingly enough, there were no significant changes in scales of physical role functioning (p = 0.304), mental health (p = 0.681), emotional role functioning (p = 0.903) and vitality (p = 0.121). Multivariate analysis showed that several chronic diseases were related to worse HRQoL scores. On the other hand, PSAQ appearance, symptoms and consciousness scores improved during this period (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In the long term, patients undergoing thyroidectomy do not show worse HRQoL outcomes in terms of mental health, emotional functioning and vitality, whereas scar cosmesis perception is improved. They show deteriorated outcomes in terms of physical, social functioning and bodily pain, which is mainly related to specific chronic diseases that are common to the aging person.
High prevalence of ascending aortic dilatation in a consecutive coronary CT angiography patient population
Authors: Kauhanen S. Petteri , Saari Petri , Jaakkola Pekka , Korhonen Miika , Parkkonen Johannes , Vienonen Juska , Vanninen Ritva , Liimatainen Timo , Hedman Marja
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To clarify the prevalence and risk factors of ascending aortic (AA) dilatation according to ESC 2014 guidelines.

Methods

This study included 1000 consecutive patients scheduled for diagnostic coronary artery computed tomographic angiography. AA diameter was retrospectively measured in 3 planes: sinus valsalva, sinotubular junction, and tubular part. The threshold for AA dilatation was set to > 40 mm which has been suggested as an upper normal limit for AA diameter in ESC 2014 guidelines on aortic diseases. Aortic size index (ASI) using the ratio between aortic diameter and body surface area (BSA) was applied as a comparative measurement. The threshold for AA dilatation was set to the upper limit of normal distribution exceeding two standard deviations (95%). Risk factors for AA dilatation were collected from medical records.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 52.9 ± 9.8 years (66.5% women). The prevalence of AA dilatation was 23.0% in the overall study population (52.5% males) and 15.1% in the subgroup of patients with no coronary artery disease or bicuspid (BAV)/mechanical aortic valve (n = 365). According to the normal-distributed ASI values, the threshold for sinus valsalva was defined as 23.2 mm/m2 and for tubular part 22.2 mm/m2 in the subgroup. Higher BSA was associated with larger AA dimensions (r = 0.407, p < 0.001). Male gender (p < 0.001), BAV (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.009) in males, and smoking (p < 0.001) appeared as risk factors for AA dilatation.

Conclusions

The prevalence of AA dilatation is high with current ESC guidelines for normal AA dimension, especially in males. Body size is strongly associated with AA dimensions; it would be more reliable to use BSA-adjusted AA diameters for the definition of AA dilatation.

Key Points

• The prevalence of AA dilatation is high in patients who are candidates for coronary CT angiography.

• Body size is strongly associated with AA dimensions.
Trust, choice, and self-preservation: a computational approach
Authors: Cofta Piotr
Published: September 2019

Trust tends to be described through the lens of a rational choice of a trustor driven by the trustworthiness of a trustee. This, however, does not exhaust scenarios where people seem to be comfortable trusting without having an actual choice or not trusting while having a selection of potential trustees. This paper proposes that there should be another force at work that only expresses itself through the rationality in situations of choice. It is the self-preservation that strongly influences our decisions, specifically when choices seem to diminish. Ignoring this force makes the theory of trust incomplete. This paper brings this area of social behaviour closer to computational trust by proposing a unifying model that builds on theories of social systems. It focuses specifically on the containment of complexity and the associated risk to self-preservation, where trust is not an option but a necessity. The model, by being both simple and expressive, can computationally explain several phenomena associated with trusting in situations where self-preservation may be under a threat. This is further demonstrated by several use cases.
Impact of internal variability on climate change for the upcoming decades: analysis of the CanESM2-LE and CESM-LE large ensembles
Authors: Rondeau-Genesse Gabriel , Braun Marco
Published: September 2019

The pace of climate change can have a direct impact on the efforts required to adapt. For short timescales, however, this pace can be masked by internal variability (IV). Over a few decades, this can cause climate change effects to exceed what would be expected from the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions alone or, to the contrary, cause slowdowns or even hiatuses. This phenomenon is difficult to explore using ensembles such as CMIP5, which are composed of multiple climate models and thus combine both IV and inter-model differences. This study instead uses CanESM2-LE and CESM-LE, two state-of-the-art large ensembles (LE) that comprise multiple realizations from a single climate model and a single GHG emission scenario, to quantify the relationship between IV and climate change over the next decades in Canada and the USA. The mean annual temperature and the 3-day maximum and minimum temperatures are assessed. Results indicate that under the RCP8.5, temperatures within most of the individual large ensemble members will increase in a roughly linear manner between 2021 and 2060. However, members of the large ensembles in which a slowdown of warming is found during the 2021–2040 period are two to five times more likely to experience a period of very fast warming in the following decades. The opposite scenario, where the changes expected by 2050 would occur early because of IV, remains fairly uncommon for the mean annual temperature, but occurs in 5 to 15% of the large ensemble members for the temperature extremes.
Supporting the development of students’ technological understanding in craft and technology education via the learning-by-doing approach
Authors: Niiranen Sonja
Published: September 2019

Many studies have shown how practical learning and the hands-on activities help students to conceptualize technological knowledge and develop their intellectual processes. Researchers have also pointed out that a variety of cognitive skills and higher-order thinking skills can be nurtured through their application to a practical context. Learning by doing and creating things using the hands have always been key elements in Finnish craft and technology education.The overall purpose of this study was to explore and produce knowledge about the pedagogical approach of learning by-doing and making in the context of craft and technology education in Finland. The study focused on the learning processes when students were acting (doing and making) in craft lessons, but the aim was also to develop a pedagogical tool for teachers to better observe and guide the development of their students’ technological understanding. First, a qualitative theory-oriented content analysis was performed to examine the extent of the learning-by-doing approach in craft and technology education in the National Core Curriculum for Basic Education (Määräykset ja ohjeet 2014:96, Juvenes Print – Suomen Yliopistopaino Oy, Tampere, 2014) document. In the analysis, Roberts (Beyond learning by doing: theoretical currents in experiential education, Routledge, New York, 2012) descriptions of four philosophical tenets for pragmatism were utilised. To gain broader knowledge regarding the pedagogical approach of learning by-doing in craft and technology educational practices a questionnaire for students who were studying craft and technology education was created. The questions were formulated on the basis of Roberts’ (2012) four philosophical tenets so that each tenet was representative to provide knowledge on the phenomenon.This data were analyzed using the frequentist descriptive method by identifying students’ descriptions of each category. The findings of this study support the argument that technology education has the potential to develop students’ skills in many ways by providing pupils with opportunities to work in a practical way, accessing the domain of technological knowledge and working technologically. It was also evidenced that social interaction and learning from peers is a highly present component in craft and technology education lessons.
Thermal, spectroscopic, X-ray and theoretical studies of metal complexes (sodium, manganese, copper, nickel, cobalt and zinc) with pyrimidine-5-carboxylic and pyrimidine-2-carboxylic acids
Authors: Świderski G. , Świsłocka R. , Łyszczek R. , Wojtulewski S. , Samsonowicz M. , Lewandowski W.
Published: September 2019

The new 3d metal complexes of pyrimidine-2-carboxylic (2PCA) and pyrimidine-5-carboxylic (5PCA) acids were synthesized and characterized using thermal analysis (TG–DSC, TG–FTIR), X-ray, spectroscopic (IR, Raman) methods and theoretical (DFT) studies. In the complexes of pyrimidine-2-carboxylic acid of the general formula M(2PCA)2·xH2O (where 2PCA-pyrimidine-2-carboxylate; M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn; x = 0 for Mn and Cu; x = 2 for Co, Ni and Zn) coordination of metal ions occurs through nitrogen atom from pyrimidine ring and carboxylate oxygen atom. The complexes of pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid of the general formula M(5PCA)2·xH2O (where 5PCA—pyrimidine-5-carboxylate; M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn; x = 6 for Cu and 4 for remaining complexes) were obtained as monomeric isostructural compounds. Coordination of metal centers occurs through two nitrogen atom from different pyrimidine-5-carboxylate ligand and four oxygen atoms from water molecules. The IR and Raman spectra of free acids as well as obtained metal(II) complexes were described in detail. Aromaticity (HOMA, EN, GEO and I6) of complexes was determined and discussed. The investigated compounds decompose in air in two main stages connected with dehydration and decomposition/burning of anhydrous compounds to the suitable metal oxides. Thermal decomposition in nitrogen leads to the evolution of water, carbon oxides, ammonia and pyrimidine molecules.
Continuous vocoder applied in deep neural network based voice conversion
Authors: Al-Radhi Mohammed Salah , Csapó Tamás Gábor , Németh Géza
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a novel vocoder is proposed for a Statistical Voice Conversion (SVC) framework using deep neural network, where multiple features from the speech of two speakers (source and target) are converted acoustically. Traditional conversion methods focus on the prosodic feature represented by the discontinuous fundamental frequency (F0) and the spectral envelope. Studies have shown that speech analysis/synthesis solutions play an important role in the overall quality of the converted voice. Recently, we have proposed a new continuous vocoder, originally for statistical parametric speech synthesis, in which all parameters are continuous. Therefore, this work introduces a new method by using a continuous F0 (contF0) in SVC to avoid alignment errors that may happen in voiced and unvoiced segments and can degrade the converted speech. Our contribution includes the following. (1) We integrate into the SVC framework the continuous vocoder, which provides an advanced model of the excitation signal, by converting its contF0, maximum voiced frequency, and spectral features. (2) We show that the feed-forward deep neural network (FF-DNN) using our vocoder yields high quality conversion. (3) We apply a geometric approach to spectral subtraction (GA-SS) in the final stage of the proposed framework, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the converted speech. Our experimental results, using two male and one female speakers, have shown that the resulting converted speech with the proposed SVC technique is similar to the target speaker and gives state-of-the-art performance as measured by objective evaluation and subjective listening tests.
From electric circuits to chemical networks
Authors: Cardelli Luca , Tribastone Mirco , Tschaikowski Max
Published: September 2019

Electric circuits manipulate electric charge and magnetic flux via a small set of discrete components to implement useful functionality over continuous time-varying signals represented by currents and voltages. Much of the same functionality is useful to biological organisms, where it is implemented by a completely different set of discrete components (typically proteins) and signal representations (typically via concentrations). We describe how to take a linear electric circuit and systematically convert it to a chemical reaction network of the same functionality, as a dynamical system. Both the structure and the components of the electric circuit are dissolved in the process, but the resulting chemical network is intelligible. This approach provides access to a large library of well-studied devices, from analog electronics, whose chemical network realization can be compared to natural biochemical networks, or used to engineer synthetic biochemical networks.
Understanding Hohfeld and Formalizing Legal Rights: The Hohfeldian Conceptions and Their Conditional Consequences
Authors: Markovich Réka
Published: September 2019

Hohfeld’s analysis (Fundamental Legal Conceptions as Applied in Judicial Reasoning, 1913, 1917) on the different types of rights and duties is highly influential in analytical legal theory, and it is considered as a fundamental theory in AI&Law and normative multi-agent systems. Yet a century later, the formalization of this theory remains, in various ways, unresolved. In this paper I provide a formal analysis of how the working of a system containing Hohfeldian rights and duties can be delineated. This formalization starts from using the same tools as the classical ones by Kanger and Lindahl used, but instead of focusing on the algebraic features of rights and duties, it aims at providing a comprehensive analysis of what these rights and duties actually are and how they behave and at saying something substantial on Power too—maintaining all along the Hohfeldian intentions that these rights and duties aresui generisand inherently relational.
Dissipation and sorption processes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to organic matter in soils amended by exogenous rich-carbon material
Authors: Ukalska-Jaruga Aleksandra , Debaene Guillaume , Smreczak Bożena
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The aim of the research was to assess the effect of biochar addition on aging, degradation, and sorption processes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to soil organic matter. The study was carried out as a sorption experiment in strictly controlled water and air conditions, which allowed for the accurate observation and prediction of PAH behavior in soils.

Materials and methods

Four soils were fortified with a PAH mixture (Fluorene-Flu, Anthracene-Ant, Phenanthrene-Phe, Pyrene-Pyr, Chrysene-Chry) at 20 mg kg−1 of single-compound concentration level. The experiment was carried out in two trials: soils + 5PAHs amended with biochar and soil + 5PAHs without biochar addition with incubation times of 0, 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. After each interval time, the extractable (E-SOM) and stable organic matter (S-SOM) were measured as well as PAHs determined in two forms: total concentration (PAH-tot) and residual concentration (PAH-rest) after E-SOM extraction. The PAH loss and half-life times were estimated according to pseudo first-order kinetics equation.

Results and discussion

The amounts of PAH-tot in the soils without biochar decreased by an average of 92%, while in soil with biochar, this was 41% after 9 months of aging. The amount of PAHs-rest bounded with S-SOM after 9 months of incubation varied from 0.9 to 3.5% and 0.2 to 1.3% of the initial PAH concentration, respectively, for soils non-induced and induced by biochar. In soils without biochar, Flu, Ant, Phe, and Pyr exhibited similar T1/2 (43–59 days), but Chry was characterized by a much higher and broader T1/2 than other hydrocarbons (67–280 days). Biochar addition to the soils significantly influenced the half-life changes for all PAHs. The highest changes were noted for Phe (14-fold increase), and the lowest was for Flu (7-fold increase).

Conclusions

The addition of exogenous-rich carbon material such as biochar to the soil significantly changes the behavior and sorption potential of PAHs in the soil. Soils enriched with biochar are characterized by a higher persistence of PAHs, longer aging time, and lower affinity for sorption by native organic matter structures. Soils freshly polluted by PAH are mainly sorbed by E-SOM, which significantly increases their accessibility and reduces formation of bound-residues in the soil.
Keeping pace with forestry: Multi-scale conservation in a changing production forest matrix
Authors: Felton Adam , Löfroth Therese , Angelstam Per , Gustafsson Lena , Hjältén Joakim , Felton Annika M. , Simonsson Per , Dahlberg Anders , Lindbladh Matts , Svensson Johan , Nilsson Urban , Lodin Isak , Hedwall P. O. , Sténs Anna , Lämås Tomas , Brunet Jörg , Kalén Christer , Kriström Bengt , Gemmel Pelle , Ranius Thomas
Published: September 2019

The multi-scale approach to conserving forest biodiversity has been used in Sweden since the 1980s, a period defined by increased reserve area and conservation actions within production forests. However, two thousand forest-associated species remain on Sweden’s red-list, and Sweden’s 2020 goals for sustainable forests are not being met. We argue that ongoing changes in the production forest matrix require more consideration, and that multi-scale conservation must be adapted to, and integrated with, production forest development. To make this case, we summarize trends in habitat provision by Sweden’s protected and production forests, and the variety of ways silviculture can affect biodiversity. We discuss how different forestry trajectories affect the type and extent of conservation approaches needed to secure biodiversity, and suggest leverage points for aiding the adoption of diversified silviculture. Sweden’s long-term experience with multi-scale conservation and intensive forestry provides insights for other countries trying to conserve species within production landscapes.