bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From cave geomorphology to Palaeolithic human behaviour: speleogenesis, palaeoenvironmental changes and archaeological insight in the Atxurra‐Armiña cave (northern Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Arriolabengoa Martin , Intxaurbe Inaki , Medina‐Alcaide Mª Ángeles , Rivero Olivia , Rios‐Garaizar Joseba , LÍbano Inaki , Bilbao Peru , Aranburu Arantza , Cheng Hai , Edwards Richard Lawrence , Garate Diego
Published: June 2020

A detailed geomorphological study was performed in the Atxurra‐Armiña cave system (northern Iberian Peninsula) to decode landscape evolution, palaeoenvironmental changes and human use of a cave within an Inner Archaeological Context. The results show an average incision rate of the river of <0.083 mm a–1 for at least the last 419 ka, with interruptions due to sedimentary inputs. Moreover, allostratigraphic units comprising fluviokarstic deposits at the base and flowstone formation at the top have been shown to be climatically controlled, formed either during glacial–interglacial cycles or during interstadial cycles. Finally, when the cave was used by humans in the Late Magdalenian, the lower entrance was closed, and they must therefore have entered the cave through the upper entrance. To reach the sectors selected to decorate the panels, they probably travelled from the upper cave level, as the current crawlway was wider than today, according to our U/Th dating. Once these visitors reached the panels, the floor in the main gallery would have been around 15 cm lower than at present. However, the morphology of the conduit was similar; this has significant implications for understanding and interpreting the human use of the cave during the Palaeolithic.
Misuse of the sign test in narrative synthesis of evidence
Authors: Nikolakopoulos Stavros
Published: June 2020

In narrative synthesis of evidence, it can be the case that the only quantitative measures available concerning the efficacy of an intervention is the direction of the effect, that is, whether it is positive or negative. In such situations, the sign test has been proposed in the literature and in recent Cochrane guidelines as a way to test whether the proportion of positive effects is favorable. I argue that the sign test is inappropriate in this context as the data are not generated according to the binomial distribution it employs. I demonstrate possible consequences for both hypothesis testing and estimation via hypothetical examples.
Using Biophysical Models to Improve Survey Efficiency for Cryptic Ectotherms
Authors: Saleeba Kate , Phillips Ben L. , O'Shea Megan , Kearney Michael R.
Published: June 2020

Inefficiencies in monitoring programs waste resources. Ideally, we would predict when and where target species are most detectable and place our effort accordingly. Statistical models can generate predictor functions relating survey conditions to detectability but are phenomenological; they do not incorporate biological constraints and so using them to predict into unsampled time and space is risky. Biophysical ecology allows us to place constraints on detection by identifying abiotic conditions in which the target species cannot be present. We show how such constraint can be incorporated into standard detection models. We use the striped legless lizard (Delma impar), a threatened cryptic species, in southeastern Australia, as a case study, using fortnightly monitoring data collected between June 2016 to May 2017. These lizards are monitored by searching under tiles placed in arrays; we used a biophysical model to simulate the thermal microclimate under tiles and combined this with the striped legless lizard's thermal physiology to predict when tiles could be used. When compared against a large monitoring dataset, lizards were rarely observed at times the model predicted they should not be present, but the model also over‐predicted presences. A statistical occupancy model showed that much of this over‐prediction is explained by a generally low detection probability, and a seasonal trend in detection beyond that captured in the biophysical model. We then replaced the temperature covariates of detection in the statistical model with our biophysical prediction (a categorical variable). The resulting model explained almost the same amount of variance in detections as the original model but using a single variable that captured biological constraints. The biophysical model allowed us to place mechanistic constraints on detection, but it still needed to be informed by observed aspects of the species' behavior that were not influenced by temperature. Hybrid statistical‐biophysical models such as ours offer a powerful tool for forecasting optimal survey conditions for a wide array of species. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Emergence of Bruxism after Reducing Left Pallidal Stimulation in a Patient with Huntington's Disease
Authors: Richter Daniel , Saft Carsten , Tönges Lars
Published: June 2020

View Supplementary Video 1
White Matter Hyperintensities Mediate Impact of Dysautonomia on Cognition in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Dadar Mahsa , Fereshtehnejad Seyed‐Mohammad , Zeighami Yashar , Dagher Alain , Postuma Ronald B. , Collins D. Louis
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) present with a broad spectrum of nonmotor features including autonomic disorders. More severe autonomic dysfunction in PD is associated with increased cognitive deficits. The presence of cerebral small‐vessel disease, measured by T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden, is also observed in patients with PD with faster cognitive decline.

Objective

To investigate whether baseline orthostatic hypotension and autonomic dysfunction in early‐stage PD affect later cognitive decline via mediation through cerebral small‐vessel disease.

Methods

De novo PD patients (N = 365) and age‐matched controls (N = 174) with baseline T2‐weighted/ fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery scans were selected from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. WMHs were automatically segmented. Mediation analysis was used to assess whether WMH load mediates the effect of orthostatic hypotension and autonomic dysfunction (measured by Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease–Autonomic) on future cognitive decline (measured by Montreal Cognitive Assessment) in an average of 4 years of follow‐up.

Results

Mediation analysis supported the existence of a full mediation of WMHs on the effect of diastolic orthostatic hypotension in patients with PD and future cognitive decline (average causal mediation effect: ab = −0.032, 95% confidence interval = −0.064 to −0.01, P = 0.01). There was also a partial mediation for overall autonomic dysfunction (ab = −0.027, 95% confidence interval = −0.054 to 0.00, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

WMHs fully mediate the effect of diastolic orthostatic hypotension and partially mediate the effect of autonomic dysregulation on future cognitive decline in patients with PD. Our findings support the hypothesis that autonomic dysfunction in early clinical stages predisposes the brain to WMHs through dysregulation of the blood flow in the small vessels. This in turn increases the risk of future cognitive impairment in early PD.
Existence and approximated results of solutions for a class of nonlocal elliptic variational‐hemivariational inequalities
Authors: Liu Yongjian , Liu Zhenhai , Motreanu Dumitru
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider the regularization of a class of elliptic variational‐hemivariational inequalities driven by the fractional Laplace operator. First, we demonstrate characterizations of nonlocal elliptic variational‐hemivariational inequalities. Next, we provide coercivity conditions that guarantee the existence and uniqueness of solution. Finally, by virtue of the so‐called Browder–Tikhonov regularization method, we introduce a strongly convergent approximation procedure for the considered nonlocal problems considered without any coercivity condition.
Graph‐convolutional‐network‐based interactive prostate segmentation in MR images
Authors: Tian Zhiqiang , Li Xiaojian , Zheng Yaoyue , Chen Zhang , Shi Zhong , Liu Lizhi , Fei Baowei
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Accurate and robust segmentation of the prostate from magnetic resonance (MR) images is extensively applied in many clinical applications in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study is the development of a robust interactive segmentation method for accurate segmentation of the prostate from MR images.

Methods

We propose an interactive segmentation method based on a graph convolutional network (GCN) to refine the automatically segmented results. An atrous multiscale convolutional neural network (CNN) encoder is proposed to learn representative features to obtain accurate segmentations. Based on the multiscale feature, a GCN block is presented to predict the prostate contour in both automatic and interactive manners. To preserve the prostate boundary details and effectively train the GCN, a contour matching loss is proposed. The performance of the proposed algorithm was evaluated on 41 in‐house MR subjects and 30 PROMISE12 test subjects.

Result

The proposed method yields mean Dice similarity coefficients of 93.8 ± 1.2% and 94.4 ± 1.0% on our in‐house and PROMISE12 datasets, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms several state‐of‐the‐art segmentation methods.

Conclusion

The proposed interactive segmentation method based on the GCN can accurately segment the prostate from MR images. Our method has a variety of applications in prostate cancer imaging.
First experience with ATOMS system implant in neurogenic stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Ammirati Enrico , Manassero Alberto , Mosiello Giovanni , Falcone Marco , Geretto Paolo , Giammò Alessandro
Published: June 2020

Aim

To evaluate efficacy and safety of ATOMS implant in neurogenic patients with stress incontinence performing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).

Methods

We included all patients with neurogenic sacral/subsacral lesion and stress urinary incontinence, treated with ATOMS implant between January 2018 and March 2019. All patients received anamnesis, 24‐hour pad test and pad count, physical examination, video urodynamic evaluation, Qualiveen questionnaire. All patients were followed up at 12 months after implantation. Patients were considered “continent” when dry or when wearing a security pad (social continence).

Results

We treated eight male patients with a median age of 25 years, four affected by myelomeningocele, and four by cauda equine syndrome. The median preoperative 24‐hour pad test was 225 g (interquartile range [IQR]: 180‐275). During the surgical procedure, we did not fill the cushion to prevent postoperative urethral injuries when performing CIC in the early postoperative time. At a 12‐month follow‐up, we had a significant reduction in postoperative 24‐hour pad test (median value: 7.5 g; IQR: 0‐16.25; P < .05). All patients reached continence. We had a significant reduction in the Qualiveen scores (P < .05). Patients demonstrated to be satisfied with the results of the intervention at the PGI‐I questionnaire. The only complications were four cases of temporary scrotal edema (Clavien‐Dindo 1) treated with conservative therapy. All patients resumed CIC without urethral traumatism nor catheter insertion difficulties. We had no cases of device infection nor device removal.

Conclusions

Implantation of ATOMS device seems to be an effective and safe minimally invasive procedure also in neurological patients with a low rate of postoperative complications.
A neural network constitutive model for hyperelasticity based on molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Chung Ingyun , Im Sunyoung , Cho Maenghyo
Published: June 2020

Numerical analysis of the hyperelastic behavior of polymer materials has drawn significant interest from within the field of mechanical engineering. Currently, hyperelastic models based on the energy density function, such as the Neo‐Hookean, Mooney‐Rivlin, and Ogden models, are used to investigate the hyperelastic responses of materials. Conventionally, constants relating to materials were determined from experimental data by using global least‐squares fitting. However, formulating a constitutive equation to capture the complex behavior of hyperelastic materials was difficult owing to the limitations of the analytical model and experimental data. This study addresses these limitations by using a system of neural networks (NNs) to design a data‐driven surrogate model without a specific function formula, and employs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to calculate the massive amount of combined loading data of hyperelastic materials. Thus, MD simulations were used to propose an NN constitutive model for hyperelasticity to derive the constitutive equation to model the complex hyperelastic response. In addition, the probability distributions of the numerical solutions of hyperelasticity are used to characterize the uncertainty of the MD models. These statistical finite element results not only present numerical results with reliability ranges but also scattered distributions of the solution obtained from the MD‐based probability distributions.
Existence of optimal control for an integro‐differential Bolza problem
Authors: Idczak Dariusz , Walczak Stanisław
Published: June 2020

In the article, we derive an existence theorem for a Bolza problem described by a nonlinear integro‐differential system of Volterra type. We use an approach based on the lower closure theorem for orientor fields due to Cesari and measurable selection theorem of Fillipov type due to Rockafellar. Paper is a continuation of [D. Idczak, S. Walczak, Necessary optimality conditions for an integro‐differential Bolza problem via Dubovitskii‐Miljutin method, DCDS‐B 24 (5) (2019), 2281‐2292; DOI:10.3934/dcdsb.2019095].
Effects of polyether titanate coupling agent on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of soft poly(vinyl chloride)/basic magnesium carbonate composites
Authors: Ma Xiaohong , Lu Yunhua , Dang Li , Xu Shiai
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a new polyether titanate coupling agent (Ti4000) was used to modify basic magnesium carbonate (BMC), and Ti4000 modified BMC (Ti4000‐BMC) was characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then, PVC composites were prepared by adding BMC or Ti4000‐BMC into soft PVC matrix via melt blending, and their flame retardancy was examined by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test, and cone calorimeter test. The results show that BMC can effectively improve flame resistance and suppress smoke production of pure soft PVC. As a result, the LOI is increased from 23.9% for pure soft PVC to 29.2% for Ti4000‐BMC/PVC composite with 50 phr Ti4000‐BMC (50%Ti4000‐BMC/PVC), and the composite passes the V0 rating in UL‐94 test, the peak heat release rate, total heat release, peak smoke production rate, and total smoke production are decreased from 343.10 kW/m2, 94.50 MJ/m2, 0.17 m2/s, and 27.20 m2/kg for pure soft PVC to 234.20 kW/m2, 70.20 MJ/m2, 0.02 m2/s, and 2.30 m2/kg for 50%Ti4000‐BMC/PVC composite, respectively. The analysis of char residues suggests that Ti4000‐BMC/PVC composites form the most compact char layer structure, indicating that the soft PVC composites show better char forming ability. In addition, the yield strength is increased from 4.4 MPa for pure soft PVC to 12.9 MPa for 50%Ti4000‐BMC/PVC composite, with an increase of 193.2%, and it shows good reinforcement effect on the soft PVC matrix.
On the machining behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polyimide and PEEK thermoplastic composites
Authors: Xu Jinyang , Huang Xianghui , Davim J. Paulo , Ji Min , Chen Ming
Published: June 2020

Polyimide (PI) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) are superior high‐performance thermoplastics being extensively used in the fields of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. However, there is very limited literature addressing the machining behavior of the PI and PEEK composites. The present paper aims to conduct a comparative study into the machining characteristics of these two representative high‐performance thermoplastic matrix composites under varying cutting conditions. Machinability aspects of the carbon/PI and carbon/PEEK thermoplastic composites were evaluated in terms of drilling forces, machining temperatures, delamination damage, surface morphologies, hole dimensional accuracy and tool wear. The results indicate that the carbon/PEEK composites generally show a much poorer machinability than the carbon/PI composites in terms of higher drilling forces, higher cutting temperatures, larger delamination extents and excessive tool wear. Since the carbon/PEEK composites exhibit certain ductility leading to the continuous chip formation, the cut hole surface morphologies and dimensional accuracy are much better than those gained in the carbon/PI composites. Both the cutting speed and the feed rate affect significantly the drilling forces and the resulting delamination damage. The fundamental wear mechanisms of drilling carbon/PI composites are abrasion wear in the form of edge rounding and slight chip adhesion, while for the carbon/PEEK composites, they are abrasion, serious chip adhesion because of the high drilling temperatures promoted at the drill‐work interface and catastrophic failures of coating peeling and edge fracture.
Exploitation of acetalization process of poly(vinyl alcohol) for the formation of crosslinked poly(vinyl formal) foams
Authors: Liao Honghui , Liu Yuan , Lin Shudong
Published: June 2020

In the present work, poly(vinyl formal) (PVF) foams were prepared using water as the pore‐forming agent and formaldehyde as the crosslinking agent. The acetalization process of poly(vinyl alcohol) was exploited in depth in order to obtain a precise guidance on the preparation of PVF foams with adjustable properties. With the increasing of formaldehyde, the crosslinking degree was gradually increased and the prepared PVF foams changed to be amorphous. Morphology observation showed that the porous structure of PVF foams was successfully created using water as the blowing agent and it was strongly affected by the crosslinking agent and polymer concentration, leading to an easily tuned pore size from hundreds of microns to few microns. The prepared foams were proved to have small apparent density below 0.27 g/cm−3and excellent mechanical strength, with the largest specific compressive strength of 11.54 MPa·cm3·g−1. Based on the results, it is believed that this study can provide a scientific basis for the design and optimization of PVF foams with controllable structure and properties.
What We See, What We Do Not See, and What We Do Not Want to See in HLA Class I Immunopeptidomes
Authors: Mishto Michele
Published: June 2020

The identification of peptides bound to human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA‐I) molecules—that is, the HLA‐I immunopeptidome—is a useful tool in the hunt for epitopes suitable for vaccinations and immunotherapies. These peptides are mainly generated by proteasomes through peptide hydrolysis and peptide splicing. In this issue, Nicastri and colleagues compared different methods for the elution of HLA class I‐associated peptides. It is demonstrated that the choice of HLA‐associated peptide enrichment and purification strategy affects peptide yields and creates a bias in detected sequence repertoire. The author carried out this technical brief through the analysis of canonical non‐spliced peptides. However, their study left out any analysis of post‐translationally spliced peptides, thereby missing an opportunity to shed light on the persistent debate of the frequency of these unconventional peptides.
Noncovalent functionalization of boron nitride nanotubes using poly(2,7‐carbazole)s
Authors: Rice Nicole A. , Bodnaryk William J. , Tamblyn Isaac , Jakubek Zygmunt J. , Lefebvre Jacques , Lopinski Greg , Adronov Alex , Homenick Christa M.
Published: June 2020

To fully actualize the potential of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), it is necessary to overcome the inherent insolubility of this nanomaterial. Drawing on the successes realized in the analogous carbon nanotube field, noncovalent functionalization with conjugated polymers offers a simple, scalable route toward the production of stable dispersions of BNNTs. 2,7‐carbazoles were chosen as our core monomer based on density functional theory (DFT) predictions, which suggest superior interactions with BNNTs when compared to fluorene‐BNNT interactions. Homo poly(2,7‐carbazole)s and copolymers with fluorenes were synthesized and used successfully to disperse BNNTs into organic solvents. Thermogravimetric analysis and atomic force microscopy results confirm the proficiency of these polymers to disperse large amounts (> 80% by weight) of individualized BNNTs. Analysis of absorbance data shows that the choice of solvent is critical, with stability enhanced in THF compared to CHCl3 due to the more efficient planarization of polymer chains on the surface of BNNTs, particularly for the homopolymers. The utility of these highly‐soluble poly(2,7‐carbazole)‐BNNT complexes for printed electronics and transparent composites was demonstrated by the fabrication of simple capacitors and incorporation into poly(methyl methacrylate) composites, respectively.
The impact of long‐term androgen deprivation therapy on cognitive function and socioeconomic decision making in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Holtfrerich Sarah Katharina Charlotte , Knipper Sophie , Purwins Janna , Castens Jasmin , Beyer Burkhard , Schlomm Thorsten , Diekhof Esther Kristina
Published: June 2020

Objective

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) enhances survival of advanced prostate cancer patients and is therefore used as a concomitant therapy. However, ADT has been reported to cause negative side effects on cognition and emotional processing. So far, research referred to the effects of short‐term treatment. Since the brain may adapt to androgen deprivation, we were especially interested in the long‐term effects of ADT on cognitive and socioeconomic decision making.

Methods

Participants underwent a battery of tests that have been associated with testosterone. We compared the results of three matched test groups: (1) prostate cancer patients with ADT up to 20 years, (2) prostate cancer controls without treatment and (3) healthy controls. We further measured the morning testosterone content in participants' saliva.

Results

Testosterone concentration was positively associated with visuospatial performance across and within the test groups. Patients with long‐term ADT showed an overall decline in cognitive performance. Compared with untreated patients, ADT was also associated with a reduced intergroup bias during socioeconomic decision making, which was in line with previous observations in young men suggesting that testosterone may promote ingroup favoritism. Finally, depression scores were increased in ADT, while quality of life was negatively associated with the treatment.

Conclusion

These findings conform to results made after short‐term treatment. ADT promotes negative side effects on cognitive function. We also show for the first time that testosterone deprivation may affect socioeconomic decision making. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that these effects cannot outweigh the previously described advantages of ADT in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Ribavirin targets sugar transporter 6 to suppress acquisition and transmission of rice stripe tenuivirus by its vector Laodelphax striatellus
Authors: Hajano Jamal‐U‐Ddin , Raza Ahmed , Zhang Lu , Liu Wenwen , Wang Xifeng
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Rice stripe tenuivirus (RSV) is one of the most destructive pathogens of rice and other cereal crops. The virus is transmitted by the small brown planthopper (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus) in a circulative‐propagative manner. Thus, blocking transmission by the insect vector would provide an effective strategy to prevent epidemic outbreaks of the disease.

RESULTS

In this study, we explored the effect of ribavirin on acquisition and transmission of the virus by specifically inhibiting the expression of sugar transporter 6 (LsSt‐6), which was recently reported as a key vector component for RSV transmission. Ribavirin at the highest concentration tested (250 μmol L‐1) significantly reduced RSV acquisition and transmission efficiency by SBPHs through inhibiting LsSt‐6 messenger RNA (mRNA) level. Survival of the model insect Spodoptera frugiperda cell line (Sf9) was 95.0 ± 2.2 and 85.6 ± 2.1% after exposure to 250 μmol L‐1 ribavirin or 8‐azaguanine, respectively. Further study confirmed that 250 μmol L‐1 ribavirin also significantly reduced LsSt‐6 mRNA and protein levels in Sf9 cells. However, 8‐azaguanine did not significantly inhibit viral infectivity and LsSt‐6 mRNA levels in SBPH or the Sf9 cell line.

CONCLUSION

This result provides evidence that ribavirin has the potential to disrupt LsSt‐6 expression but not others like viral RNAs to prevent acquiring RSV, which leads to less viral accumulation in SBPH tissues and thereby lower transmission efficiency. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A density functional theory study on the atmospheric reaction ofCH3O2withHS: Mechanism and kinetics
Authors: Zhang Shiguo , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yun , Feng Ziyan , Wang Caihong , Bian He , Chen Jinshe
Published: June 2020

The reaction mechanism of CH3O2and HS was systematically investigated by density functional theory (DFT). Six singlet pathways and seven triplet ones are located on the potential surface (PES). The result indicates that the main products are CH3O and HSO both on the singlet and triplet PES, different from the CH3O2+ OH reaction. Moreover, deformation density (ρdef) and atoms in molecules (AIM) analyses were carried out to further uncover the nature of chemical bonding evolution in the primary pathways. Furthermore, reaction rate constants were calculated in the temperature range from 200 to 1000 K using the transition state theory with the Wigner and Eckart tunneling corrections. Our results can shed light on the title reaction and offer instructions for analogous atmospheric reactions, as well as experimental research in the future.
Confined Nano‐NMR Spectroscopy Using NV Centers
Authors: Cohen D. , Nigmatullin R. , Eldar M. , Retzker A.
Published: June 2020

Nano nuclear magnetic resonance (nano‐NMR) spectroscopy with nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers holds the potential to provide high‐resolution spectra of minute samples. This is likely to have important implications for chemistry, medicine, and pharmaceutical engineering. One of the main hurdles facing the technology is that diffusion of unpolarized liquid samples broadens the spectral lines thus limiting resolution. Experiments in the field are therefore impeded by the efforts involved in achieving high polarization of the sample which is a challenging endeavor. Here, a scenario where the liquid is confined to a small volume is examined. It is shown that the confinement “counteracts” the effect of diffusion, thus overcoming a major obstacle to the resolving abilities of the NV‐NMR spectrometer.
Development of an analytical method to exclude the effect of decomposition on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios using muscle samples collected from stranded narrow‐ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis)
Authors: Furuyama Ayuma , Yodo Taiga , Funasaka Noriko , Wakabayashi Ikuo , Oike Tatsuya , Yoshioka Motoi
Published: June 2020

Rationale

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (i.e., δ13C and δ15N values) in soft tissues of cetaceans are reported to change on decomposition. Care should be taken when determining the values using samples collected from dead‐stranded cetaceans. We have developed a new analytical method to exclude the effect of decomposition on δ13C and δ15N values using muscles from narrow‐ridged finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis).

Methods

The muscles from 53 fresh (bycatch and live‐stranded individuals) and 213 dead‐stranded individuals were analyzed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry combined with an elemental analyzer. The carbon and nitrogen content was compared between fresh and dead‐stranded samples to investigate any decrease in the content with decomposition. In dead‐stranded samples, the effect of changes in the carbon and nitrogen content and the C:N ratio (carbon/nitrogen) on δ13C and δ15N values was predicted by the generalized additive model (GAM).

Results

The carbon and nitrogen content (mean ± SE) in the muscles of fresh samples was 0.462 ± 0.0019 mg/mg and 0.147 ± 0.0005 mg/mg, respectively, while the content of dead‐stranded samples was lower: carbon: 0.441 ± 0.0033 mg/mg and nitrogen: 0.135 ± 0.0012 mg/mg. When using the GAM, knowledge of the carbon and nitrogen content and the C:N ratio improved the prediction precision.

Conclusions

Prediction by the GAM showed changes in δ13C and δ15N values with a change in carbon and nitrogen content. The effect of decomposition can be excluded in statistical analysis of stranded samples by using samples with carbon and nitrogen content and C:N ratio equivalent to those of fresh samples or by using the carbon and nitrogen content and C:N ratio as an explanatory variable in the GAM.
Is romantic partner betrayal a form of traumatic experience? A qualitative study
Authors: Lonergan Michelle , Brunet Alain , Rivest‐Beauregard Marjolaine , Groleau Danielle
Published: June 2020

According to a growing body of research, betrayal by a romantic partner is increasingly considered as a form of interpersonal trauma. Between 30% and 60% of betrayed individuals experience symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety to clinically meaningful levels. From a clinical perspective, this constellation of symptoms can be conceptualized as a stressor‐related adjustment disorder. Yet, no qualitative research has examined the association between romantic betrayal and traumatic stress from the perspective of betrayed individuals. Face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants who had completed a clinical trial for a new treatment for adjustment disorder stemming from betrayal. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Although betrayal was experienced as a shocking and destabilizing event, and participants used trauma or ‘feeling traumatized’ as a metaphor to describe their experience, few had constructed their reaction as traumatic stress. In fact, participants reported experiencing difficulties understanding the intensity of their experience. However, when exposed to external sources (e.g., books and interviews by psychologists and researchers) that used a trauma and PTSD framework to explain the effects of betrayal, participants reported feeling clarity, validation and relief. Findings are discussed in the light of theoretical and clinical implications.
Evolution of Calcium Aluminate Inclusions by Cerium Treatment in Al‐Killed Steel during Ruhrstahl–Heraeus Refining Process
Authors: Geng Ruming , Li Jing , Shi Chengbin
Published: June 2020

The effect of cerium addition during Ruhrstahl–Heraeus (RH) refining process on liquid calcium aluminum inclusion in Al‐killed steel is studied based on plant trials and thermodynamic calculation. Before cerium addition, liquid calcium aluminum inclusion surrounded by an outer CaS layer are observed. Cerium modified liquid calcium aluminum inclusion to CeAlO3 + CaS + CaO–Al2O3 complex inclusion. The modification process of liquid calcium aluminum inclusion by cerium is different from that of solid Al2O3 or MgO·Al2O3 inclusion and can be concluded as following. Cerium added into molten steel reacts first with liquid calcium aluminum inclusion in molten steel. Then the solid CeAlO3 and CaO, as reaction product, are surrounded by liquid calcium aluminum. At the same time, CaO reacts with dissolved sulfur, resulting in the generation of CaS inclusions.
Cohort discovery and risk stratification for Alzheimer's disease: an electronic health record‐based approach
Authors: Tjandra Donna , Migrino Raymond Q. , Giordani Bruno , Wiens Jenna
Published: June 2020

Background

We sought to leverage data routinely collected in electronic health records (EHRs), with the goal of developing patient risk stratification tools for predicting risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Method

Using EHR data from the University of Michigan (UM) hospitals and consensus‐based diagnoses from the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, we developed and validated a cohort discovery tool for identifying patients with AD. Applied to all UM patients, these labels were used to train an EHR‐based machine learning model for predicting AD onset within 10 years.

Results

Applied to a test cohort of 1697 UM patients, the model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.70 (95% confidence interval = 0.63‐0.77). Important predictive factors included cardiovascular factors and laboratory blood testing.

Conclusion

Routinely collected EHR data can be used to predict AD onset with modest accuracy. Mining routinely collected data could shed light on early indicators of AD appearance and progression.
Examination of heavy flooding over the desert state of Rajasthan in India
Authors: Mishra Anoop K. , Nagaraju Vanganuru , Meer Mohammad S.
Published: June 2020

Abstract online only

Multiple days with periods of torrential rain in Rajasthan (an arid state of India) during July and August 2019 resulted in extreme flooding in several districts, causing heavy damage to lives and property. The research described in this short communication examines this flood event using observations from satellite data. Baran, Bhilwara, Pali, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara districts of Rajasthan were severely affected. Banswara, Dungarpur, Pali, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar districts of Rajasthan received a cumulative rainfall total in excess of 1000mm for July and August 2019. Peak precipitation was in excess of 300mm day−1 on 15–16 August 2019 over some of these districts. Pali district recorded maximum rainfall rates in excess of 50mmh−1 on 15th and 16th August at 0630 utc and 0500 utc, respectively. Over a few of the regions of these districts, rainfall totals were in excess of 150% of the normal during July–August 2019, resulting in flash flooding. We also report that severe flood events are on the rise in recent decades over Rajasthan. Therefore, a proper flood management strategy is required to combat the risk of future flood disasters.
Co‐enhanced activated sludge system by static magnetic field and two halotolerant yeasts for azo dye treatment
Authors: Tang Wenjing , Zhou Bihui , Xing Kexin , Tan Liang
Published: June 2020

The effect of static magnetic field (SMF) on azo dye Acid Red B (ARB) decolorization by the co‐culture of activated sludge (AS) and two halotolerant yeasts Candida tropicalis A1 and Pichia occidentalis A2 was investigated. Microbial community structure of the co‐cultures before and after treatment with SMFs of different intensity was analyzed through high‐throughput sequencing and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that ARB decolorization efficiency by the defined co‐culture was 1.25‐fold to 1.51‐fold elevated by 24.6–305.0 mT SMF. The best ARB decolorization and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal performances by the co‐culture were both achieved with 95.0 mT SMF. By contrast, biomass multiplication and sedimentation property of AS systems were not significantly influenced by SMF. Higher activities of intracellular key enzymes were determined (with 95.0 mT SMF) as responsible for better decolorization and COD removal performances. Bacteria belonging to Prolixibacter, Corynebacterium, Pelagibacterium, Demequina, and Sphingobacterium which might be responsible for azo dye decolorization and aromatic compounds biodegradation were significantly enriched only in presence of SMF. Fungal genera Candida and Pichia were also significantly enriched by 41.4–305.0 mT SMF, which might be responsible for higher treatment efficiency.

Practitioner points

Dye degradation was enhanced by combination of static magnetic field and yeasts.

Improvement of enzyme activity was responsible for better treatment performance.

Putative azo‐degrading‐related bacteria and fungi were selectively enriched.

High relative abundance of Candida and Pichia ensured high decolorization effects.

Potentially effective improvement of bioprocesses for treating hypersaline wastewater.
Scaling Genomics Data Processing with Memory-Driven Computing to Accelerate Computational Biology
Authors: Becker Matthias , Worlikar Umesh , Agrawal Shobhit , Schultze Hartmut , Ulas Thomas , Singhal Sharad , Schultze Joachim L.
Published: June 2020

Research is increasingly becoming data-driven, and natural sciences are not an exception. In both biology and medicine, we are observing an exponential growth of structured data collections from experiments and population studies, enabling us to gain novel insights that would otherwise not be possible. However, these growing data sets pose a challenge for existing compute infrastructures since data is outgrowing limits within compute. In this work, we present the application of a novel approach, Memory-Driven Computing (MDC), in the life sciences. MDC proposes a data-centric approach that has been designed for growing data sizes and provides a composable infrastructure for changing workloads. In particular, we show how a typical pipeline for genomics data processing can be accelerated, and application modifications required to exploit this novel architecture. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the isolated evaluation of individual tasks misses significant overheads of typical pipelines in genomics data processing.
Pattern-Aware Staging for Hybrid Memory Systems
Authors: Arima Eishi , Schulz Martin
Published: June 2020

The ever increasing demand for higher memory performance and—at the same time—larger memory capacity is leading the industry towards hybrid main memory designs, i.e., memory systems that consist of multiple different memory technologies. This trend, however, naturally leads to one important question: how can we efficiently utilize such hybrid memories? Our paper proposes a software-based approach to solve this challenge by deploying a pattern-aware staging technique. Our work is based on the following observations: (a) the high-bandwidth fast memory outperforms the large memory for memory intensive tasks; (b) but those tasks can run for much longer than a bulk data copy to/from the fast memory, especially when the access pattern is more irregular/sparse. We exploit these observations by applying the following staging technique if the accesses are irregular and sparse: (1) copying a chunk (few GB of sequential data) from large to fast memory; (2) performing a memory intensive task on the chunk; and (3) writing it back to the large memory. To check the regularity/sparseness of the accesses at runtime with negligible performance impact, we develop a lightweight pattern detection mechanism using a helper threading inspired approach with two different Bloom filters. Our case study using various scientific codes on a real system shows that our approach achieves significant speed-ups compared to executions with using only the large memory or hardware caching: 3$$\times $$ or 41% speedups in the best, respectively.
A note on electric-magnetic duality and soft charges
Authors: Henneaux Marc , Troessaert Cédric
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We derive the asymptotic symmetries of the manifestly duality invariant formulation of electromagnetism in Minkoswki space. We show that the action is invariant under two algebras of angle-dependent u(1) transformations, one electric and the other magnetic. As in the standard electric formulation, Lorentz invariance requires the addition of additional boundary degrees of freedom at infinity, found here to be of both electric and magnetic types. A notable feature of this duality symmetric formulation, which we comment upon, is that the on-shell values of the zero modes of the gauge generators are equal to only half of the electric and magnetic fluxes (the other half is brought in by Dirac- string type contributions). Another notable feature is the absence of central extension in the angle-dependent u(1)2-algebra.
One-loop same helicity four-point amplitude from shifts
Authors: Chattopadhyay Pratik , Krasnov Kirill
Published: June 2020

Abstract

It has been suggested a long time ago by W. Bardeen that non-vanishing of the one-loop same helicity YM amplitudes, in particular such an amplitude at four points, should be interpreted as an anomaly. However, the available derivations of these amplitudes are rather far from supporting this interpretation in that they share no similarity whatsoever with the standard triangle diagram chiral anomaly calculation. We provide a new computation of the same helicity four-point amplitude by a method designed to mimic the chiral anomaly derivation. This is done by using the momentum conservation to rewrite the logarithmically divergent four-point amplitude as a sum of linearly and then quadratically divergent integrals. These integrals are then seen to vanish after appropriate shifts of the loop momentum integration variable. The amplitude thus gets related to shifts, and these are computed in the standard textbook way. We thus reproduce the usual result but by a method which greatly strengthens the case for an anomaly interpretation of these amplitudes.
Dark energy, extra dimensions, and the Swampland
Authors: Montefalcone Gabriele , Steinhardt Paul J. , Wesley Daniel H.
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Perhaps the greatest challenge for fundamental theories based on compactification from extra dimensions is accommodating a period of accelerated cosmological expansion. Previous studies have identified constraints imposed by the existence of dark energy for two overlapping classes of compactified theories: (1) those in which the higher dimensional picture satisfies certain metric properties selected to reproduce known low energy phenomenology; or (2) those derived from string theory assuming they satisfy the Swampland conjectures. For either class, the analyses showed that dark energy is only possible if it takes the form of quintessence. In this paper, we explore the consequences for theories that belong to both classes and show that the joint constraints are highly restrictive, leaving few options.
The IITM Model: A Simple and Expressive Model for Universal Composability
Authors: Küsters Ralf , Tuengerthal Max , Rausch Daniel
Published: June 2020

The universal composability paradigm allows for the modular design and analysis of cryptographic protocols. It has been widely and successfully used in cryptography. However, devising a coherent yet simple and expressive model for universal composability is, as the history of such models shows, highly non-trivial. For example, several partly severe problems have been pointed out in the literature for the UC model. In this work, we propose a coherent model for universal composability, called the IITM model (“Inexhaustible Interactive Turing Machine”). A main feature of the model is that it is stated without a priori fixing irrelevant details, such as a specific way of addressing of machines by session and party identifiers, a specific modeling of corruption, or a specific protocol hierarchy. In addition, we employ a very general notion of runtime. All reasonable protocols and ideal functionalities should be expressible based on this notion in a direct and natural way, and without tweaks, such as (artificial) padding of messages or (artificially) adding extra messages. Not least because of these features, the model is simple and expressive. Also the general results that we prove, such as composition theorems, hold independently of how such details are fixed for concrete applications. Being inspired by other models for universal composability, in particular the UC model and because of the flexibility and expressivity of the IITM model, conceptually, results formulated in these models directly carry over to the IITM model.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in a vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain based on whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Kim Jung Wook , Lee Kwang Jun
Published: June 2020

The emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) threatens global health. The mechanism of vancomycin resistance of VRSA without vanA gene acquisition was not fully elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to determine the mechanism of vancomycin resistance of VRSA besides that by vanA gene acquisition. In this study, we obtained vancomycin-resistant strains (V036-V64; MIC = 64 µg /ml) from susceptible strain (V036; MIC = 0.5 µg /ml) by exposure of vancomycin in vitro and examined the phenotypic characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the resistant strain (V036-V64). To identify the genetic variations caused vancomycin resistance, we determined the complete genome sequences of V036 and V036-V64 and analyzed for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between two strains. Morphologically, V036-V64 had a twofold thicker cell wall compared with V036. Linezolid, rifampicin, and ceftaroline had similar MIC ranges against V036-V64 and V036, but V036-V64 showed lower susceptibilities to daptomycin and telavancin. We detected eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms differing between V036-V64 and V036: rimM (G16D), ssaA2 (G128A), rpsK (P60R), rpoB (R917C), walK (T492R), d-alanyl-d-alanine carboxypeptidase (L307I), vraT (A152V), and chromosome segregation ATPase (T440I). This study demonstrates that, under selective pressure, by the accumulation of mutations in genes related to cell wall synthesis, vancomycin-susceptible S. aureus can develop thicker cell walls and, hence, develop high vancomycin resistance. Thus, we highlight a novel vanA-negative mechanism for VRSA emergence.
A simple mechanistic terminology of psychoactive drugs: a proposal
Authors: Seifert Roland , Schirmer Bastian
Published: June 2020

Antidepressants, antiepileptics, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics are extremely broadly used psychoactive drugs. These drug terms are universally used in the literature. However, the indications of these drugs have broadened substantially and overlap. The mismatch between drug classification and clinical uses causes a lot of confusion in communication and renders literature searches increasingly difficult. Therefore, we propose to drop the above terms altogether and replace them by simple mechanistic terms. Antidepressants are re-named as norepinephrine/serotonin (NE/5-HT) enhancers, antiepileptics comprising drugs with different mechanisms become neuronal inhibitors with pleiotropic effects (NIPEs), and antipsychotics become antagonists at multiple G protein–coupled receptors (mGPCR antagonists). Alkali metal ions, comprising lithium, are integrated into NIPEs. The terms “typical/first-generation/conventional” and “atypical/second-generation/non-conventional” antipsychotics should be dropped, because the original criterion for distinction, i.e., the presence and absence of extrapyramidal motor effects, respectively, is not valid anymore. The suggested changes in drug nomenclature have already been implemented into a recent textbook (Seifert R, Basic Knowledge of Pharmacology). The revised nomenclature ensures consistency with other fields of pharmacology and assignment of drug classes to indications without causing confusion. The authors acknowledge that the change in drug nomenclature is a cultural process that will take time and openly discuss the problems associated with the proposal. Ultimately, international learned societies will have to agree on a new nomenclature.