bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient approaches to solutions of partition function for condensed matters
Authors: Ning Bo-Yuan , Gong Le-Cheng , Weng Tsu-Chien , Ning Xi-Jing
Published: December 2020

The key problem of statistical physics standing over one hundred years is how to exactly calculate the partition function (or free energy), which severely hinders the theory to be applied to predict the thermodynamic properties of condensed matters. Very recently, we developed a direct integral approach (DIA) to the solutions and achieved ultrahigh computational efficiency and precision. In the present work, the background and the limitations of DIA were examined in details, and another method with the same efficiency was established to overcome the shortage of DIA for condensed system with lower density. The two methods were demonstrated with empirical potentials for solid and liquid cooper, solid argon and C60 molecules by comparing the derived internal energy or pressure with the results of vast molecular dynamics simulations, showing that the precision is about ten times higher than previous methods in a temperature range up to melting point. The ultrahigh efficiency enables the two methods to be performed with ab initio calculations and the experimental equation of state of solid copper up to ∼600 GPa was well reproduced, for the first time, from the partition function via density functional theory implemented.
Communicating radiation risk: the role of public engagement in reaching ALARA
Authors: Bryant P A
Published: December 2020

The ALARA (an acronym for ‘as low as reasonably achievable’) principle, keeping the likelihood of incurring exposure, the number of people exposed and the magnitude of their individual doses ‘as low as reasonably achievable, taking into account economic and societal factors’, is at the core of radiation protection. For many decades the principle has been an area of continuous development, with recent work highlighting the importance of engaging not only with the decision-makers in the ALARA process but all stakeholders who may incur an exposure. This paper considers a particular case study in which the dredging of non-hazardous sediment in the United Kingdom near a now decommissioned nuclear power station raised substantial public concern about radiological exposure. This turned what was a straightforward construction activity into a complex public engagement and reassurance task, at a significant cost disproportionate to the level of radiological risk. This paper highlights the key lessons learnt from the case study, including not only the importance of engaging the public as part of the ALARA process but also of considering the societal impact arising from stress and concerns if misinformation is allowed to promulgate. A discussion is included on the need to underpin any engagement with a clear plan, including pre-engagement, implementation and reinforcement of messages. In addition, the role of the radiation protection professional is considered in ensuring that all stakeholders are informed, so that ultimately they can come to their own decision on what is safe.
Characterization of the microstructures of specialty optical fibers for electric-field sensing by propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast microtomography
Authors: Colaço Marcos V , Camara Alexandre R , Nogueira Liebert P , Carvalho Isabel C S , Margulis Walter , Barroso Regina C
Published: December 2020

In this work, we present a quantitative (statistical) 3D morphological characterization of optical fibers used in electric-field sensing. The characterization technique employs propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). In particular, we investigate specialty optical fibers that contain microstructured holes that are electro-optically modified by thermal poling to induce second-order nonlinear effects (SONE). The efficiency of the SONE is reflected in the characterization parameter, Vπ
, which is highly dependent on the dimensions of the fiber. The fiber microstructures must be uniform to support the fabrication of reproducible devices. The results obtained using the micro-CT technique show that uncertainty of ±1.7% arises in the determination of the expected value of the voltage that causes a change in the phase of the electromagnetic wave equal to π rad (Vπ
), demonstrating a great advantage, compared with other techniques e.g. SEM, which would need at least 1000 images of the cross-section of an optical fiber, taken at different points, making the process more expensive and time-consuming.
Ambipolar transport in Ni-catalyzed InGaAs nanowire field-effect transistors for near-infrared photodetection
Authors: Guo Yanan , Liu Dong , Miao Chengcheng , Sun Jiamin , Pang Zhiyong , Wang Peng , Xu Mingsheng , Han Ning , Yang Zai-Xing
Published: December 2020

Weak n-type characteristics or poor p-type characteristics are limiting the applications of binary semiconductors based on ambipolar field-effect transistors (FETs). In this work, a ternary alloy of In0.2Ga0.8As nanowires (NWs) is successfully prepared using a Ni catalyst during a typical solid-source chemical-vapor-deposition process to balance the weak n-type conduction behavior in ambipolar GaAs NWFETs and the poor p-type conduction behavior in ambipolar InAs NWFETs. The presence of ambipolar transport, contributed by a native oxide shell and the body defects of the prepared In0.2Ga0.8As NWs, is confirmed by the constructed back-gated NWFETs. As demonstrated by photoluminescence, the bandgap of the prepared In0.2Ga0.8As NWs is 1.28 eV, offering the promise of application in near-infrared (NIR) photodetection. Under 850 nm laser illumination, the fabricated ambipolar NWFETs show extremely low dark currents of 50 pA and 0.5 pA when positive and negative gate voltages are applied, respectively. All the results demonstrate that with careful design of the surface oxide layer and the body defects, NWs are suitable for use in next-generation optoelectronic devices.
Voltage gain improvement of the operational transconductance amplifier designed with silicon-on-insulator fin field effect transistor after being exposed to proton-irradiation
Authors: de Sousa Bruna Ramos , Nogueira Alexandro de Moraes , Agopian Paula Ghedini Der , Martino Joao Antonio
Published: December 2020

In this work, the influence of proton-irradiation in the voltage gain of two-stage operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) designed with silicon-on-insulator (SOI) fin field effect transistors (FinFETs) is studied. The OTA simulations were performed using Verilog-A approach based on experimental data extracted from the SOI FinFET electrical characterization, before and after proton-irradiation. The OTA is designed with SOI FinFETs of fin widths (W
fin) of 20 nm, 120 nm, and 870 nm, all in the same predefined inversion region (g
m/I
D = 8 V−1). All evaluated OTA circuits exposed to proton-irradiation presented a voltage gain increase (compared with pre-irradiation circuits), of 0.87 dB, 1.19 dB, and 6.16 dB for fin widths of 20 nm, 120 nm, and 870 nm, respectively. The results show that despite the typical radiation effect of degradation of the individual transistors (it being more severe for larger fin width SOI FinFET), these effects combined in OTA circuits result in an unexpected improvement in DC voltage gain, especially for wider fins. Focusing on the fin width impact on the OTA voltage gain, before and after proton-irradiation, it is much greater for narrow fin width SOI FinFET thanks to the better Early voltage.
Influence of clay-based additive on sedimentation stability of magnetorheological fluid
Authors: Roupec J , Michal L , Strecker Z , Kubík M , Macháček O , Choi H J
Published: December 2020

Sedimentation stability is one of the most important features of magnetorheological (MR) fluids. Clay-based additives are known for improving the stability of the MR fluids. This article describes the dependency of the clay-based additive concentration on the sedimentation stability and the rheological properties of MR fluids in non activated state (without magnetic field). The sedimentation was measured for two different base oil viscosities, two different carbonyl iron particle sizes, and additive concentration between 2 and 6 wt%. The measurements showed that the sedimentation rate exponentially decreases with the additive concentration, while the yield stress is rising. The measurements of rheological properties also showed the dependency of rheological properties of MR fluid with a clay-based additive on loading history. The influence of carrier fluid viscosity or particle size has a minor effect on the sedimentation in comparison with the clay-based additive. The addition of 6 wt% slows down the sedimentation by more than 3000 times compared to MR fluid without additives. The MR fluid with 4.85% of clay-based additive achieves slightly better sedimentation stability than commercial MR fluid LORD MRF122.
Synchronous electric charge and induced current extraction (SECICE): a unified nonlinear technique combining piezoelectric and electromagnetic harvesting
Authors: Lombardi Giulia , Lallart Mickaël
Published: December 2020

In the framework of energy harvesting using as much as active parts as possible, this paper aims at proposing an electronic interface for hybrid (piezoelectric and electromagnetic) systems taking advantage of nonlinear treatments for significantly increasing the output current of an electromagnetic system while ensuring independence to the load for maximizing the final harvested power. The proposed technique, named Synchronous Electric Charge and Induced Current Extraction, is derived from a combination of the Synchronous Electric Charge Extraction (SECE) and Synchronous Magnetic Flux Extraction (SMFE) schemes, respectively developed for piezoelectric and electromagnetic systems. The principle of the proposed technique lies in first transferring the piezoelectric charges to the electromagnetic system, and then extracting the electromagnetic energy through the SMFE approach. Compared to the classical SMFE scheme, the proposed technique shows a significant increase in the output power, particularly for low-coupled/highly damped systems.
Effects of the initial axial strain state on the response to transverse stress of high-performance RRP Nb3Sn wires
Authors: Troitino J Ferradas , Bagni T , Barth C , Bordini B , Ferracin P , Gamperle L , Tommasini D , Zurmuehle D , Senatore C
Published: December 2020

High-performance Nb3Sn superconducting wires have become one of the key technologies for the development of next generation accelerator magnets. While their large critical current densities enable the design of compact accelerator-quality magnets for their operation above 10 T, the noticeable reduction of the conductor performance due to mechanical strain appears as a new essential characteristic in magnet design.

In this work, we extensively investigate the effect of transverse loads, up to 250 MPa, in state-of-the-art Nb3Sn Restacked-Rod-Process round superconducting wires. The tests are performed using a compressive Walters spring device, where the force is applied to the resin-impregnated wire, and the critical current is measured under magnetic fields ranging from 16 to 19 T. As a complement, critical current measurements under axial strain are also performed using a standard Walters spring. Interestingly, the study shows that the wire’s electro-mechanical response under transverse stress depends on the initial axial strain condition. Nonetheless, when the main direction load becomes predominant, all tested wires converge to a common behavior. This observation allowed us to combine the results from critical current measurements under the loads exerted in both directions (axial and transverse), shedding some new light on the mechanisms behind critical current degradation.
Exact distributions of the maximum and range of random diffusivity processes
Authors: Grebenkov Denis S , Sposini Vittoria , Metzler Ralf , Oshanin Gleb , Seno Flavio
Published: December 2020

We study the extremal properties of a stochastic process x

t
defined by the Langevin equation

x

̇

t

=

2

D

t

ξ

t

, in which ξ

t
is a Gaussian white noise with zero mean and D

t
is a stochastic ‘diffusivity’, defined as a functional of independent Brownian motion B

t
. We focus on three choices for the random diffusivity D

t
: cut-off Brownian motion, D

t
∼ Θ(B

t
), where Θ(x) is the Heaviside step function; geometric Brownian motion, D

t
∼  exp(−B

t
); and a superdiffusive process based on squared Brownian motion,

D

t

∼

B

t

2

. For these cases we derive exact expressions for the probability density functions of the maximal positive displacement and of the range of the process x

t
on the time interval t ∈ (0, T). We discuss the asymptotic behaviours of the associated probability density functions, compare these against the behaviour of the corresponding properties of standard Brownian motion with constant diffusivity (D

t
= D
0) and also analyse the typical behaviour of the probability density functions which is observed for a majority of realisations of the stochastic diffusivity process.
Integrable active atom interferometry
Authors: Kastner Michael , Menet Vincent , Kriel Johannes N
Published: December 2020

Active interferometers are designed to enhance phase sensitivity beyond the standard quantum limit by generating entanglement inside the interferometer. An atomic version of such a device can be constructed by means of a spinor Bose–Einstein condensate with an F = 1 groundstate manifold in which spin-changing collisions (SCCs) create entangled pairs of m = ±1 atoms. We use Bethe Ansatz techniques to find exact eigenstates and eigenvalues of the Hamiltonian that models such SCCs. Using these results, we express the interferometer’s phase sensitivity, Fisher information, and Hellinger distance in terms of the Bethe rapidities. By evaluating these expressions we study scaling properties and the interferometer’s performance under the full Hamiltonian that models the SCCs, i.e., without the idealising approximations of earlier works that force the model into the framework of SU(1,1) interferometry.
A quantum beat of quantum discord induced by the number of qubits in non-Markovian environments
Authors: He Qi-Wen , He Zhi , Chen Yu
Published: December 2020

We investigate the protection of the quantum discord of two qubits, individually originated by two generalized amplitude-damping models. Here, each generalized amplitude-damping model consists of
N
non-interacting qubits interacting with a common zero-temperature reservoir. First, for initial states with extended Werner-like states, we find that the robust quantum discord of two qubits against decoherence can be obtained by controlling the number of qubits in the reservoir. More interestingly, we find that a quantum beat for quantum discord can occur when both the number of qubits in each reservoir is large and when the number of qubits have a tiny difference, even in the resonant case. Our results shed new light on the protection of quantum discord by means of a quantum-reservoir engineering approach in quantum-information processing.
Constructing seven ququarts absolutely maximally entangled state via recurrence relation
Authors: Huang Haiqing , Ahmed Irfan , Zhang Da , Zha Xin-wei , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: December 2020

Recently, Che and Wu (2019 Int. J. Theor. Phys.
58 584–90) presented a recurrence relation of multi-qubit states. Inspired by this, we present the recurrence relation of ququart maximally entangled states. Further, via the recurrence relation of six ququarts maximally entangled states, a seven ququarts absolutely maximally entangled state can be constructed. We also show this state is the three-uniform state of seven ququarts states.
Uncertainty evaluations from small datasets
Authors: Stoudt Sara , Pintar Adam , Possolo Antonio
Published: December 2020

Small datasets comprising observations made under conditions of repeatability or of reproducibility pervade the practice of measurement science. Many laboratories typically will make only one determination, occasionally they will make two, and only rarely will they make three or more replicate determinations of the same measurand. Interlaboratory comparisons, including key comparisons, and meta-analyses, often involve only a handful of participants. These limitations pose considerable challenges to the production of reliable uncertainty evaluations. This contribution, intended for metrologists, describes techniques that may be employed to address this challenge either when the only information in hand is what those few observations provide, or when there also is preexisting knowledge about the measurement procedure or about the measurand. Although the technical details vary, the key message is persistently the same: that there is no universal solution to the challenges raised by small datasets, and that if a measurand is worth measuring, then the observations deserve a customized treatment responsive to the peculiarities of the case, and a level of effort sufficient to render the final result fit for its intended purpose. The focus is on the measurement of scalar measurands, similarly to the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), but the range of measurement models considered is much wider than the GUM entertains. We review the advantages of the Hodges–Lehmann estimator, as a general purpose replacement for the arithmetic average, in all cases where the replicated observations are approximately symmetrically distributed around a central, typical value. We illustrate the application of empirical Bayes methods to uncertainty evaluations, in particular in the context of data reductions of small data sets. Metrologists who are skeptical about the use of subjective prior distributions may derive some value from this novel application, and thereby develop an appreciation for how Bayesian procedures can help address the challenges posed by small datasets. The estimates of the measurand that different approaches produce often agree, at least approximately, but the corresponding uncertainty quantifications may differ markedly. In one example, involving three observations, a Bayesian approach yields a coverage interval appreciably narrower than the GUM’s approach. In another example, involving only two observations, an approach involving far less restrictive assumptions than those made in the GUM, produces a confidence interval that is almost as narrow as the conventional interval.
Ultrasound activated nanosensitizers for sonodynamic therapy and theranostics
Authors: Li Lei , Lin Huirong , Li Dengfeng , Zeng Yun , Liu Gang
Published: December 2020

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a promising non-invasive therapeutic modality with an extensive application prospect. Due to the engineerable nature of nanotechnology, nanosensitizers with predominant advantages of increased SDT efficacy and targeting specificity have attracted more and more research recently. In this review, we introduce the current investigations of nanosonosensitizers and focus on the potential strategies on nanoparticles-assisted sonosensitizers to enhance SDT efficacy. We extensively discuss the biomedical applications of ultrasound activated nanosonosensitizers in SDT and theranostics.
Balancing climate and development goals
Authors: Duan Lei , Moreno-Cruz Juan , Caldeira Ken
Published: December 2020

Decarbonizing the energy system is a major challenge facing the richest countries, whereas provision of energy services is a major challenge facing the poorest countries. What would be the climate consequences if only richer countries focus on decarbonization, and only poorer countries focus on provision of energy services? To address this question, we create future scenarios in which carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increase according to a historical trend and then start to decline only when countries reach specified income levels. In our central case, we assume that when countries start to decarbonize, they reduce emissions at 2% yr−1. With this assumption and if all countries begin to decarbonize in 2020, the world would be expected to warm by 2.0 °C relative to pre-industrial times. If countries begin to decarbonize only when their per capita gross domestic product (GDP) exceeds $10 000, there would be less than 0.3 °C of additional warming. Yet over half the world’s population currently lives in countries below such an income threshold, and continued direct CO2 emissions by people who live in these countries, while they remain underdeveloped, would increase global average temperature rise by 14% relative to the case, in which all people begin to decarbonize in 2020. The primary concern of developments driven by fossil fuels in lower income countries might relate to issues such as the technological lock-in to high-emission technologies.
Climate models capture key features of extreme precipitation probabilities across regions
Authors: Martinez-Villalobos Cristian , Neelin J David
Published: December 2020

Quantitative simulation of precipitation in current climate has been an ongoing challenge for global climate models. Despite serious biases in correctly simulating probabilities of extreme rainfall events, model simulations under global warming scenarios are routinely used to provide estimates of future changes in these probabilities. To minimize the impact of model biases, past literature tends to evaluate fractional (instead of absolute) changes in probabilities of precipitation extremes under the assumption that fractional changes would be more reliable. However, formal tests for the validity of this assumption have been lacking. Here we evaluate two measures that address properties important to the correct simulation of future fractional probability changes of precipitation extremes, and that can be assessed with current climate data. The first measure tests climate model performance in simulating the characteristic shape of the probability of occurrence of daily precipitation extremes and the second measure tests whether the key parameter governing the scaling of this shape is well reproduced across regions and seasons in current climate. Contrary to concerns regarding the reliability of global models for extreme precipitation assessment, our results show most models lying within the current range of observational uncertainty in these measures. Thus, most models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 ensemble pass two key tests in current climate that support the usefulness of fractional measures to evaluate future changes in the probability of precipitation extremes.
How regional norms shape regional organizations: The Pan-African rhetorical trap and the empowerment of the ECOWAS Parliament
Authors: Mumford Densua
Published: December 2020

Prevailing constructivist scholarship argues that the evolution of regional organizations is due to the influence of global norms such as liberal democracy. Alternative rational choice theories suggest there might be efficiency gains that explain the evolution of international organizations. However, these explanations struggle to account for some paradoxical institutional outcomes, for example, the empowerment of inefficient regional parliaments by non-democratic states—an outcome that also threatens state sovereignty. To address such paradoxes, this paper highlights the importance of regionally bound norms in shaping the development of regional organizations. It argues that regional norms can create normative traps that make states converge on a particular institutional outcome. Using the empirical case of the empowerment of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, which was granted budgetary oversight and mandatory referral powers in 2016, this paper conceives of African international actors as locked in a Pan-African rhetorical trap. The Pan-African rhetorical trap describes a normative environment in which certain outcomes become irresistible for a variety of actors because they accord unambiguously with the norms of the African community. The findings have important implications for the study of international organizations more broadly, scholarship on African international relations, and scholarship on global governance.
Dual impairments in visual and hearing acuity and age-related cognitive decline in older adults from the Rancho Bernardo Study of Healthy Aging
Authors: Parada Humberto , Laughlin Gail A , Yang Mingan , Nedjat-Haiem Frances R , McEvoy Linda K
Published: December 2020

Background

We examined the associations between dual impairments in visual and hearing acuity and aging-related cognitive decline.

Methods

This was a longitudinal study of adults who had visual and hearing acuity and cognitive function assessed in 1992–1996 and were followed for up to 24 years (mean = 7.3 years), with up to five additional cognitive assessments. Visual impairment was defined as vision worse than 20/40, hearing impairment as pure-tone average thresholds >25 dB. Associations were tested using linear mixed-effects regressions.

Results

Of 1,383 participants, 293 had visual impairment, 990 had a hearing impairment and 251 had both deficits. In fully adjusted models, low visual acuity was associated with poorer Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; β = −0.29) and Trail-Making Test Part B (Trails B; β = 13.22) performance, and with faster declines in MMSE (β = −0.12) and Trails B (β = 1.84). The combination of low visual and low hearing acuity was associated with poorer MMSE (β = −0.44) and Trails B (β = 11.20) scores, and with faster declines in MMSE (β = −0.19), Trails B (β = 3.50), and Verbal Fluency Test (VFT; β = −0.14) performance. Associations were similar in men and women.

Conclusion

Impairments in both vision and hearing are associated with a more rapid decline in cognitive function with aging.
Heterogeneity in DSM-5 Symptom Criteria: Phenotypes of Alcohol Use Disorder in a Sample Seeking Alcohol Treatment
Authors: Zhao Junru , Linn Braden , Bradizza Clara , Lucke Joseph , Ruszczyk Melanie , Stasiewicz Paul
Published: December 2020

Aims

This study sought to identify phenotypic variations among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) that may, in part, help improve the effectiveness of existing AUD interventions.

Methods

Latent class analysis was conducted to examine the potential heterogeneity of AUD in a sample (N = 220; Mage = 51.19 years, standard deviation = 9.94; 37.7% female) of treatment-seeking participants diagnosed with AUD using DSM-5 criteria.

Results and Conclusions

Three distinct patterns of responses to the 11 DSM-5 AUD symptoms emerged: Class 1 (n = 114, 51.8%), Class 2 (n = 78, 35.5%) and Class 3 (n = 28, 12.7%). The identified profiles were further differentiated by demographics, alcohol-related constructs, individual difference characteristics and diagnostic and treatment variables. The findings have implications for refining AUD assessment as well as optimizing personalized treatment.
A Prospective Pilot Study of Anxiety Sensitivity and Adolescent Sports-Related Concussion
Authors: Caze Todd , Vásquez Desi , Moffatt Kody , Waple Kerry , Hope Debra
Published: December 2020

Objective

This study examined the relationship of that anxiety sensitivity (AS) with the initial and ongoing symptoms reported by adolescents after sustaining a sports-related concussion (SRC).

Method

Participants were 40 adolescents, ages 13–18, presenting for treatment at a children’s sports medicine specialty clinic following a diagnosis of either an SRC or a musculoskeletal injury. After the initial clinic intake, participants completed an online survey at three-time points. Survey measures included the self-report graded symptom checklist and the AS Index-3. Researchers used growth curve analysis to examine the relationship between AS Index-3 scores with initial and ongoing symptom reporting over time. The 20 participants sustaining an SRC were matched by age, gender, and race with 20 musculoskeletal injury controls.

Results

Concussed adolescents with higher AS scores reported more initial symptoms than did those reporting musculoskeletal injury. AS was not related to the rate of symptom reduction over time for either group.

Conclusion

Higher AS moderated the relationship between injury type (concussion vs. musculoskeletal injury) and the total number of initial symptoms reported by adolescent participants, with every unit increase in AS yielding a four-unit increase in initial symptoms reporting. Previous research has shown that elevated initial symptom scores are a strong predictor of protracted recovery in concussion. AS is amenable to brief treatment interventions. It is a potential early target for treatment intervention following diagnosis of adolescent SRC.
Gene expression profiling of SARS-CoV-2 infections reveal distinct primary lung cell and systemic immune infection responses that identify pathways relevant in COVID-19 disease
Authors: Moni Mohammad Ali , Quinn Julian M W , Sinmaz Nese , Summers Matthew A
Published: December 2020

To identify key gene expression pathways altered with infection of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, we performed the largest comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis to date. We compared the novel pandemic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, as well as influenza A strains H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1. Phylogenetic analysis confirms that SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to SARS-CoV at the level of the viral genome. RNAseq analyses demonstrate that human lung epithelial cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection are distinct. Extensive Gene Expression Omnibus literature screening and drug predictive analyses show that SARS-CoV-2 infection response pathways are closely related to those of SARS-CoV and respiratory syncytial virus infections. We validated SARS-CoV-2 infection response genes as disease-associated using Kaplan–Meier survival estimates in lung disease patient data. We also analysed COVID-19 patient peripheral blood samples, which identified signalling pathway concordance between the primary lung cell and blood cell infection responses.
Identification of sub-Golgi protein localization by use of deep representation learning features
Authors: Lv Zhibin , Wang Pingping , Zou Quan , Jiang Qinghua
Published: December 2020

Motivation

The Golgi apparatus has a key functional role in protein biosynthesis within the eukaryotic cell with malfunction resulting in various neurodegenerative diseases. For a better understanding of the Golgi apparatus, it is essential to identification of sub-Golgi protein localization. Although some machine learning methods have been used to identify sub-Golgi localization proteins by sequence representation fusion, more accurate sub-Golgi protein identification is still challenging by existing methodology.

Results

we developed a protein sub-Golgi localization identification protocol using deep representation learning features with 107 dimensions. By this protocol, we demonstrated that instead of multi-type protein sequence feature representation fusion as in previous state-of-the-art sub-Golgi-protein localization classifiers, it is sufficient to exploit only one type of feature representation for more accurately identification of sub-Golgi proteins. Compared with independent testing results for benchmark datasets, our protocol is able to perform generally, reliably and robustly for sub-Golgi protein localization prediction.

Availabilityand implementation

A use-friendly webserver is freely accessible at http://isGP-DRLF.aibiochem.net and the prediction code is accessible at https://github.com/zhibinlv/isGP-DRLF.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Political Economy of Peer Research: Mapping the Possibilities and Precarities of Paying People for Lived Experience
Authors: MacKinnon Kinnon R , Guta Adrian , Voronka Jijian , Pilling Merrick , Williams Charmaine C , Strike Carol , Ross Lori E
Published: December 2020

Participatory research, or the practice of involving ‘peers’ with lived experience, has become popular in social work. Peer engagement is lauded for: ‘democratising’ the research process; providing ‘capacity building’ and facilitating opportunities to co-produce knowledge. Yet, these claims are rarely evaluated by empirical investigations into the socio-material work conditions of peer researchers. Here we present findings of a study that examined the experiences of peer researchers, focusing on payment inequities and social workers’ roles in advocating for economic justice. Together with peer research assistants, we conducted a participatory constructivist grounded theory study, interviewing peers (total n = 34) who were compensated to work on studies focused on the following: racialised communities, communities of people who use drugs, consumer/psychiatric survivor/ex-patient and mad communities and trans/non-binary communities. Our findings highlight divergent compensation practices in peer research work. Whilst some peers were satisfied with their treatment on research teams and payment received, others discussed challenges associated with precarious short-term casual work and managing formal income alongside state social assistance such as disability support. We conclude that in some cases, the peer role is characterised by precarious working conditions which compound rather than challenge injustice within the research enterprise, and we discuss implications for social work.
Discrimination of Complex Odor Mixtures: A Study Using Wine Aroma Models
Authors: Luckett Curtis R , Pellegrino Robert , Heatherly Michelle , Alfaro Martinez Katherine , Dein Melissa , Munafo P John
Published: December 2020

There are key unanswered questions when it comes to multicomponent odor discrimination. This study was designed to assess discrimination of odorant mixtures that elicit a singular percept. We collected data to address the following two questions: (1) What odor features do humans notice when attempting to discriminate between subtly different odor mixtures? (2) Are odor mixtures easier to discriminate when an odorant is added, compared with when a component is removed? Using modern aroma chemistry techniques, an odor mixture resembling a generic white wine was constructed. This wine odor mixture was modified using a series of three esters which are commonly found in white wines that vary in chain length and branching. Participants performed a sequence of discrimination tasks for the addition/subtraction of modifiers to the base wine at different concentrations. Only one of the esters (ethyl propanoate) led to a discriminable odor mixture. As concentration of the modifying odorant was increased, discrimination of odor mixtures was first reported because of changes in odor mixture familiarity and then intensity. We found similar sensitivity to changes in odor mixtures regardless whether the modifying compound was added or subtracted, suggesting that perceptual stability of odor mixtures is equally dependent on both imputing missing information (pattern completion) and disregarding extraneous information.
The Question of Jurisdiction in the 2019 Arbitration between Ukraine and Russia
Authors: Jia Bing Bing
Published: December 2020

This case, involving the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov, was initiated by Ukraine against Russia under Annex VII, UNCLOS, on 1 April 2019. Having cleared the stage of provisional measures before the ITLOS, it is pending before an arbitral tribunal established under Annex VII. After the ITLOS proceedings, there is room either to broaden the scope of jurisdiction for the tribunal or to narrow it. The question of jurisdiction to be considered here reflects wider issues common to other arbitral proceedings under Annex VII. Two propositions will therefore be considered. The first is that, as the dispute may lie in the source of the supposed right for the Ukrainian warships to pass through the strait, the 2003 Cooperation Agreement may displace the UNCLOS, divesting the tribunal of jurisdiction. The second proposition is that, if the incident of 25 November 2018 involves, solely or primarily, a dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the UNCLOS, the provisions should include those of Articles 19, 25 (1), 30, 45, and 311, which provide other causes of action.
Stress and reproductive events detected in North Atlantic right whale blubber using a simplified hormone extraction protocol
Authors: Graham Katherine M , Burgess Elizabeth A , Rolland Rosalind M
Published: December 2020

As studies quantifying steroid hormones in marine mammal blubber progress, methodological refinements may improve the utility and consistency of blubber hormone measurements. This study advances blubber extraction methodologies by testing a simplified extraction protocol that reduces time and complexity compared to a protocol widely used in cetacean blubber studies. Using blubber samples archived from remote biopsy (n = 21 live whales) and necropsy collection (n = 7 dead whales) of North Atlantic right whales (NARW; Eubalaena glacialis) of known life history states, we performed analytical and biological validations to assess the feasibility of measuring reproductive (testosterone, progesterone) and glucocorticoid (cortisol) hormones in blubber via enzyme immunoassay following the simplified extraction. Analytical validations (parallelism, accuracy, extraction efficiency, repeatability) showed the simplified extraction produced similar results to the extended protocol, offering a more efficient and consistent technique. In live, apparently healthy whales, blubber testosterone concentrations (mean ± SE) were significantly higher in males (2.02 ± 0.36 ng/g) compared to females (0.81 ± 0.15 ng/g). Blubber progesterone was highest in a confirmed pregnant female (60.3 ng/g), which was 12-fold greater than the mean concentration of non-pregnant females (4.56 ± 0.88 ng/g). Blubber cortisol concentrations in whales that died from anthropogenic causes averaged 5.31 ± 2.28 ng/g, whereas most live, healthy whales had cortisol values below 1 ng/g. Among living whales, a whale actively entangled in fishing gear had the highest blubber cortisol measurement (3.51 ng/g), exhibiting levels similar to whales that died from acute entanglement (2.88 ± 0.42 ng/g). Overall, the highest blubber cortisol concentration (18.0 ng/g) was measured in a dead whale with a severe chronic entanglement, approximately 30-fold greater than mean blubber cortisol of apparently healthy whales (0.58 ± 0.11 ng/g). The methodological approach presented here provides a reference for researchers interested in an alternative, streamlined technique for hormone extraction of cetacean blubber and contributes to the diverse tool set for stress and reproductive assessments of endangered NARWs.
Outcomes of primary sternal closure for postoperative mediastinitis in children
Authors: Tsuji Shigeto , Ikai Akio , Oyama Kotaro , Kin Hajime , Koizumi Junichi
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVES

We retrospectively analysed outcomes of debridement and primary sternal closure for postoperative mediastinitis in children.

METHODS

Between January 2007 and July 2019, 1285 patients under the age of 20 years underwent congenital heart surgery at the Iwate Medical University. Of these, 22 children had postoperative mediastinitis (1.7%). We performed adequate debridement and primary sternal closure with pectoralis major muscle advancement flaps. We evaluated hospital survival rates, reintervention, duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay.

RESULTS

The median age and weight at surgery were 12.5 months (range 0–228 months) and 7.8 kg (range 2.2–64.2 kg), respectively. Two patients (9%) had a history of delayed sternal closure. Staphylococcus was the most common causative agent for infection (82%). All cases were categorized as Robicsek’s classification type II mediastinitis. The hospital survival rate was 95%, and freedom from reintervention for infectious complications was observed in 91% of the patients. The median durations of intravenous antibiotic treatment, ICU stay and hospital stay were 18 days (range 9–46 days), 4 days (range 1–87 days) and 22.5 days (range 11–87 days). The median follow-up time was 89 months (range 2–148 months), and there was no evidence of recurrent mediastinitis, musculoskeletal growth, physical deformity, breast development and upper trunk or limb movement.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary sternal closure is an effective procedure for children as it can significantly shorten treatment duration and reduce physical and psychological burdens. Its results compare favourably with those of conventional therapy in terms of mortality and complications.
Continuing to Participate in the Dance of Life as Oneself: The Lived Experience of Meaning in Life for Older Adults With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dewitte Laura , van Wijngaarden Els , Schellekens Tine , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Dezutter Jessie
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

Meaning in life is an important aspect of positive psychological functioning for older adults. Limited work suggests the relevance of the experience of meaning for people with dementia, but research into this experience from their personal perspective is lacking. The current study provides an in-depth investigation of the lived experience of meaning in life for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Design and Methods

The study was conducted following the phenomenological reflective lifeworld approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 older adults (+65) with Alzheimer’s disease living either at home or in a nursing home in Belgium. Data analysis was an iterative process aimed at illuminating the constituents and essence of the phenomenon.

Results

The essence of the experience of meaning in life for participants was understood as “continuing to participate in the dance of life as oneself.” This experience was further clarified in four closely intertwined constituents: (a) feeling connected and involved, (b) continuing everyday life as oneself, (c) calmly surrendering and letting go, and (d) desiring freedom, growth, and invigoration.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of meaning in life as experienced by older adults with Alzheimer’s disease themselves. They emphasize the relevance of the concept for psychological dementia research and offer original insight for the inclusion of meaning in life as an important aspect of holistic dementia care.
Poor coverage and quality for poor women: Inequalities in quality antenatal care in nine East African countries
Authors: Bobo Firew Tekle , Asante Augustine , Woldie Mirkuzie , Hayen Andrew
Published: December 2020

The use of quality antenatal care (ANC) improves maternal and newborn health outcomes. Ensuring equity in access to quality maternal health services is a priority agenda in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess inequalities in the use of quality ANC in nine East African countries using the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys. We used two outcome variables to examine ANC service adequacy: four or more ANC contacts and quality ANC. We defined quality ANC as having six of the recommended ANC components during follow-up: blood pressure measurement, urine sample test, blood sample test, provision of iron supplements, drug for intestinal parasite and tetanus toxoid injections. We used the concentration index (CCI) to examine inequalities within and across countries. We fitted a multilevel regression model to assess the predictors of inequalities in the contact and content of ANC. This study included 87 068 women; among those 54.4% (n = 47 387) had four or more ANC contacts, but only 21% (n = 15 759) reported receiving all six services. The coverage of four or more ANC and receipt of all six services was pro-rich within and across all countries. The highest inequality in four or more ANC contacts was in Ethiopia with a CCI of 0.209, while women in Burundi had the highest inequality in coverage of all six services (CCI: 0.318). Higher education levels and media exposure were predictors of service uptake, while women who had unintended pregnancies were less likely to make four or more ANC contacts and receive six services. Interventions to improve access to quality ANC require rethinking the service delivery mechanisms in all countries. Moreover, ensuring equity in access to quality ANC requires tailoring service delivery modalities to address the social determinants of service uptake.
Fundamental Rights Implications of Interconnecting Migration and Policing Databases in the EU
Authors: Blasi Casagran Cristina
Published: December 2020

On 11 June 2019, two Interoperability European Union (EU) Regulations entered into force. With it, six existing EU databases created for security and border management purposes merged into one single, overarching EU information system operating with the purpose of changing the way front-line officers worked in various tasks. The main objective of these Regulations was to prevent and combat illegal immigration and to improve security within the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice of the Union. This article studies the challenges that have emerged from making EU databases and information systems ‘interoperable’ as well as the potential negative consequences that the Regulations may have for fundamental rights as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. In particular, it examines whether the interoperability between EU information systems could violate the rights related to data protection, rights of the child, prohibition of discrimination as well as principles of necessity and proportionality.
Regulatory Responses to ‘Fake News’ and Freedom of Expression: Normative and Empirical Evaluation
Authors: Helm Rebecca K , Nasu Hitoshi
Published: December 2020

National authorities have responded with different regulatory solutions in attempts to minimise the adverse impact of fake news and associated information disorder. This article reviews three different regulatory approaches that have emerged in recent years—information correction, content removal or blocking, and criminal sanctions—and critically evaluates their normative compliance with the applicable rules of international human rights law and their likely effectiveness based on an evidence-based psychological analysis. It identifies, albeit counter intuitively, criminal sanction as an effective regulatory response that can be justified when it is carefully tailored in a way that addresses legitimate interests to be protected.