bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of probiotics in remodeling the gut consortium to enhance the immunity of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Udayakumar Prithika , Das Reena , Kannadasan Anandbabu
Published: October 2021

In the recent past, Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as one of the leading nematode models for studying host–microbe interactions on molecular, cellular, or organismal levels. In general, morphological and functional similarities of the gut of C. elegans with respect to that of human has brought in speculations on the study of the intestinal microbiota. On the other hand, probiotics have proved their efficacy in metabolism, development, and pathogenesis thereby inducing an immune response in C. elegans. Nurturing C. elegans with probiotics has led to immunomodulatory effects in the intestinal microbiota, proposing C. elegans as one of the in vivo screening criteria to select potential probiotic bacteria for host health‐promoting factors. The major prospect of these probiotics is to exert longevity toward the host in diverse environmental conditions. The extent of research on probiotic metabolism has shed light on mechanisms of the immunomodulatory effect exerted by the nematode model. This review discusses various aspects of the effects of probiotics in improving the health and mechanisms involved in conferring immunity in C. elegans.
Tracking spatial regimes as an early warning for a species of conservation concern
Authors: Roberts Caleb P. , Uden Daniel R. , Cady Samantha M. , Allred Brady , Fuhlendorf Samuel , Jones Matthew O. , Maestas Jeremy D. , Naugle David , Olsen Andrew C. , Smith Joseph , Tack Jason , Twidwell Dirac
Published: October 2021

In this era of global environmental change and rapid regime shifts, managing core areas that species require to survive and persist is a grand challenge for conservation. Wildlife monitoring data are often limited or local in scale. The emerging ability to map and track spatial regimes (i.e., the spatial manifestation of state transitions) using advanced geospatial vegetation data has the potential to provide earlier warnings of habitat loss because many species of conservation concern strongly avoid spatial regime boundaries. Using 23 yr of data for the lek locations of Greater Prairie‐Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido; GPC) in a remnant grassland ecosystem, we demonstrate how mapping changes in the boundaries between grassland and woodland spatial regimes provide a spatially explicit early warning signal for habitat loss for an iconic and vulnerable grassland‐obligate known to be highly sensitive to woody plant encroachment. We tested whether a newly proposed metric for the quantification of spatial regimes captured well‐known responses of GPC to woody plant expansion into grasslands. Resource selection functions showed that the grass:woody spatial regime boundary strength explained the probability of 80% of relative lek occurrence, and GPC strongly avoided grass:woody spatial regime boundaries at broad scales. Both findings are consistent with well‐known expectations derived from GPC ecology. These results provide strong evidence for vegetation‐derived delineations of spatial regimes to serve as generalized signals of early warning for state transitions that have major consequences to biodiversity conservation. Mapping spatial regime boundaries over time provided interpretable early warnings of habitat loss. Woody plant regimes displaced grassland regimes starting from the edges of the study area and constricting inward. Correspondingly, the relative probability of lek occurrence constricted in space. Similarly, the temporal trajectory of spatial regime boundary strength increased over time and moved closer to the observed limit of GPC lek site usage relative to grass:woody boundary strength. These novel spatial metrics allow managers to rapidly screen for early warning signals of spatial regime shifts and adapt management practices to defend and grow habitat cores at broad scales.
Multi‐family therapy for eating disorders: A systematic scoping review of the quantitative and qualitative findings
Authors: Baudinet Julian , Eisler Ivan , Dawson Lisa , Simic Mima , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study reviewed the quantitative and qualitative evidence‐base for multi‐family therapy (MFT) for eating disorders regarding change in physical and psychological symptoms, broader individual and family factors, and the experience of treatment.

Method

A systematic scoping review was conducted. Four databases (PsycInfo, Medline, Embase, CENTRAL) and five grey literature databases were searched on 24th June 2021 for relevant peer‐reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and dissertations. No beginning time‐point was specified. Only papers that presented quantitative or qualitative data were included. No restrictions on age or diagnosis were imposed. Studies were first mapped by study design, participant age, and treatment setting, then narratively synthesized.

Results

Outcomes for 714 people who received MFT across 27 studies (one mixed‐method, 17 quantitative and nine qualitative) were synthesized. MFT is associated with improvements in eating disorder symptomatology and weight gain for those who are underweight. It is also associated with improvements in other individual and family factors including comorbidities, self‐esteem, quality of life, and some aspects of the experience of caregiving, although these findings are more mixed. MFT is generally experienced as both helpful and challenging due to the content addressed and intensive group process.

Discussion

MFT is associated with significant improvements in eating disorder symptoms across the lifespan and improvement in broader individual and family factors. The evidence base is small and studies are generally underpowered. Larger, higher‐quality studies are needed, as is research investigating the unique contribution of MFT on outcomes, given it is typically an adjunctive treatment.
Shell colour diversification induced by ecological release: A shift in natural selection after a migration event
Authors: Ito Shun , Hirano Takahiro , Chiba Satoshi , Konuma Junji
Published: October 2021

Ecological release is often attributed to the rapid adaptive diversification of phenotypic traits. However, it is not well understood how natural selection changes its strength and direction through the process of ecological release. Herein, we demonstrated how shell colour of the Japanese land snailEuhadra peliomphala simodaehas diversified via a shift in natural selection due to ecological release after migration from the mainland to an island. This snail's shell colour diversified on the island due to disruptive selection after migration from the mainland. We used trail camera traps to identify the cause of natural selection on both the mainland and the island. We then conducted a mark–recapture experiment while collecting microhabitat use data. In total, we captured and marked around 1,700 snails on the mainland, some of which were preyed upon by an unknown predator. The trail camera traps showed that the predator is the large Japanese field mouseApodemus speciosus, and the predatory frequency was higher on the mainland than on the island. However, this predation did not correlate with shell colour. Microhabitat use on the island was more extensive than on the mainland, with snails on the island using both ground and arboreal microhabitats. A Bayesian estimation showed that the stabilizing selection on shell colour came from factors other than predation. Our results suggest that the course of natural selection was modified due to ecological release after migration from the mainland, explaining one cause of the phenotypic diversification.
A molecular census of early‐life stage scleractinian corals in shallow and mesophotic zones
Authors: Soto Derek , De Palmas Stéphane , Ho Ming‐Jay , Denis Vianney , Allen Chen Chaolun
Published: October 2021

The decline of coral reefs has fueled interest in determining whether mesophotic reefs can shield against disturbances and help replenish deteriorated shallower reefs. In this study, we characterized spatial (horizontal and vertical) and seasonal patterns of diversity in coral recruits from Dabaisha and Guiwan reefs at Ludao, Taiwan. Concrete blocks supporting terra‐cotta tiles were placed at shallow (15m) and mesophotic (40m) depths, during 2016–2018. Half of the tiles were retrieved and replaced biannually over three 6‐month surveys (short‐term); the remainder retrieved at the end of the 18‐month (long‐term) survey. 451 recruits were located using fluorescent censusing and identified by DNA barcoding. Barcoding the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene resulted in 17 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). To obtain taxonomic resolution to the generic level, Pocillopora were phylotyped using the mitochondrial open reading frame (ORF), resolving eight MOTUs. Acropora, Isopora, and Montipora recruits were identified by the nuclear PaxC intron, yielding ten MOTUs. Overall, 35 MOTUs were generated and were comprised primarily of Pocillopora and, in fewer numbers, Acropora, Isopora, Pavona, Montipora, Stylophora, among others. 40% of MOTUs recruited solely within mesophotic reefs while 20% were shared by both depth zones. MOTUs recruiting across a broad depth distribution appear consistent with the hypothesis of mesophotic reefs acting as a refuge for shallow‐water coral reefs. In contrast, Acropora and Isopora MOTUs were structured across depth zones representing an exception to this hypothesis. This research provides an imperative assessment of coral recruitment in understudied mesophotic reefs and imparts insight into the refuge hypothesis.
Video recording and vegetation classification elucidate sheep foraging ecology in species‐rich grassland
Authors: Hall Stephen J. G. , Arney David R. , Bunce Robert G. H. , Vollmer Elis
Published: October 2021

Factors influencing grazing behavior in species‐rich grasslands have been little studied. Methodologies have mostly had a primary focus on grasslands with lower floristic diversity.

We test the hypothesis that grazing behavior is influenced by both animal and plant factors and investigate the relative importance of these factors, using a novel combination of video technology and vegetation classification to analyze bite and step rates.

In a semi‐natural, partially wooded grassland in northern Estonia, images of the vegetation being grazed and records of steps and bites were obtained from four video cameras, each mounted on the sternum of a sheep, during 41 animal‐hours of observation over five days. Plant species lists for the immediate field of view were compiled. Images were partnered by direct observation of the nearest‐neighbor relationships of the sheep. TWINSPAN, a standard vegetation classification technique allocating species lists to objectively defined classes by a principal components procedure, was applied to the species lists and 25 vegetation classes (15 open pasture and 10 woodland) were identified from the images.

Taking bite and step rates as dependent variables, relative importance of animal factors (sheep identity), relative importance of day, and relative importance of plant factors (vegetation class) were investigated. The strongest effect on bite rates was of vegetation class. Sheep identity was less influential. When the data from woodland were excluded, sheep identity was more important than vegetation class as a source of variability in bite rate on open pasture.

The original hypothesis is therefore supported, and we further propose that, at least with sheep in species‐rich open pastures, animal factors will be more important in determining grazing behavior than plant factors. We predict quantifiable within‐breed and between‐breed differences, which could be exploited to optimize conservation grazing practices and contribute to the sustainability of extensive grazing systems.
Prospecting and informed dispersal: Understanding and predicting their joint eco‐evolutionary dynamics
Authors: Ponchon Aurore , Scarpa Alice , Bocedi Greta , Palmer Stephen C. F. , Travis Justin M. J.
Published: October 2021

The ability of individuals to leave a current breeding area and select a future one is important, because such decisions can have multiple consequences for individual fitness, but also for metapopulation dynamics, structure, and long‐term persistence through non‐random dispersal patterns. In the wild, many colonial and territorial animal species display informed dispersal strategies, where individuals use information, such as conspecific breeding success gathered during prospecting, to decide whether and where to disperse. Understanding informed dispersal strategies is essential for relating individual behavior to subsequent movements and then determining how emigration and settlement decisions affect individual fitness and demography. Although numerous theoretical studies have explored the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of dispersal, very few have integrated prospecting and public information use in both emigration and settlement phases. Here, we develop an individual‐based model that fills this gap and use it to explore the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of informed dispersal. In a first experiment, in which only prospecting evolves, we demonstrate that selection always favors informed dispersal based on a low number of prospected patches relative to random dispersal or fully informed dispersal, except when individuals fail to discriminate better patches from worse ones. In a second experiment, which allows the concomitant evolution of both emigration probability and prospecting, we show the same prospecting strategy evolving. However, a plastic emigration strategy evolves, where individuals that breed successfully are always philopatric, while failed breeders are more likely to emigrate, especially when conspecific breeding success is low. Embedding information use and prospecting behavior in eco‐evolutionary models will provide new fundamental understanding of informed dispersal and its consequences for spatial population dynamics.
Ethanol resistance in Drosophila melanogaster has increased in parallel cold‐adapted populations and shows a variable genetic architecture within and between populations
Authors: Sprengelmeyer Quentin D. , Pool John E.
Published: October 2021

Understanding the genetic properties of adaptive trait evolution is a fundamental crux of biological inquiry that links molecular processes to biological diversity. Important uncertainties persist regarding the genetic predictability of adaptive trait change, the role of standing variation, and whether adaptation tends to result in the fixation of favored variants. Here, we use the recurrent evolution of enhanced ethanol resistance in Drosophila melanogaster during this species’ worldwide expansion as a promising system to add to our understanding of the genetics of adaptation. We find that elevated ethanol resistance has evolved at least three times in different cooler regions of the species’ modern range—not only at high latitude but also in two African high‐altitude regions. Applying a bulk segregant mapping framework, we find that the genetic architecture of ethanol resistance evolution differs substantially not only between our three resistant populations, but also between two crosses involving the same European population. We then apply population genetic scans for local adaptation within our quantitative trait locus regions, and we find potential contributions of genes with annotated roles in spindle localization, membrane composition, sterol and alcohol metabolism, and other processes. We also apply simulation‐based analyses that confirm the variable genetic basis of ethanol resistance and hint at a moderately polygenic architecture. However, these simulations indicate that larger‐scale studies will be needed to more clearly quantify the genetic architecture of adaptive evolution and to firmly connect trait evolution to specific causative loci.
Detection probabilities and surveillance sensitivities for managing an invasive mammalian herbivore
Authors: Latham A. David M. , Warburton Bruce , Latham M. Cecilia , Anderson Dean P. , Howard Simon W. , Binny Rachelle N.
Published: October 2021

Invasive mammalian herbivores can have significant unwanted impacts on indigenous ecosystems and production landscapes. Their impacts are often mitigated using sustained lethal control or eradication. If eradication is the chosen option, it is critical to confirm where the pest population is distributed and prove that eradication has been achieved following the removal intervention. This form of pest management requires robust and quantitative estimates of surveillance. We compared the detection probabilities, derived surveillance system sensitivities (under standardized conditions), and cost of surveillance for four survey methods for invasive Bennett’s wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus) in South Island, New Zealand: helicopter surveys with observers, helicopter surveys using a thermal imaging camera, a ground hunter with detector dogs, and camera traps. We found camera traps and ground hunters with dogs were the most sensitive surveillance methods (82% and 45% chance of detecting a wallaby assuming full search coverage of a 100‐ha area, respectively) and were most cost‐effective (62% and 85% cheaper than helicopter surveys with observers, respectively). However, although these methods are useful for surveying small areas (~1000 ha or less), capacity and time issues make them impractical for surveying large areas. The helicopter‐based methods will likely be more suitable for monitoring large areas (e.g., 10,000–50,000 ha) that need to be completed more rapidly than could be achieved using ground‐based methods. The model that we used for evaluating detection probability and surveillance sensitivity for different survey methods is highly applicable for managing a wide range of mammalian pests and confidently declaring their absence from an area.
A study on emergency control of battery energy storage systems for primary frequency regulation after unexpected loss of generation
Authors: Kobayashi Taichi , Kawabe Kenichi , Tokumitsu Keita
Published: October 2021

In this study, we investigate two kinds of control modes of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) to improve the short‐term frequency stability after a sudden loss of generation. One is a current control mode that directly controls current output, and the other is a voltage control mode that controls the frequency of the voltage output. The methods are verified by numerical simulation in a multi‐machine power system model considering transmission network. Numerical examples show that the voltage control mode is more effective than the current control mode for suppressing frequency drop and the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF) on condition that RoCoF data is unavailable for the control of the BESSs. It is also shown that the use of RoCoF data makes the current control mode effective for the alleviation of frequency drop and RoCoF as well as the voltage control mode.
Metabolite signatures of heart failure, sleep apnoea, their interaction, and outcomes in the community
Authors: Dutta Shashwati , Li Desmond , Wang Andy , Ishak Mark , Cook Kristina , Farnham Melissa , Dissanayake Hasthi , Cistulli Peter , Hunyor Imre , Liu Renping , Wilcox Ian , Koay Yen Chin , Yang Jean , Lal Sean , O'Sullivan John F.
Published: October 2021

Aims

Sleep apnoea and congestive heart failure (CHF) commonly co‐exist, but their interaction is unclear. Metabolomics may clarify their interaction and relationships to outcome.

Methods and results

We assayed 372 circulating metabolites and lipids in 1919 and 1524 participants of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) (mean age 54 ± 10 years, 53% women) and Women's Health Initiative (WHI) (mean age 67 ± 7 years), respectively. We used linear and Cox regression to relate plasma concentrations of metabolites and lipids to echocardiographic parameters; CHF and its subtypes heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); and sleep indices. Adenine dinucleotide phosphate (ADP) associated with left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening; phosphocreatine with LV wall thickness; lysosomal storage molecule sphingomyelin 18:2 with LV mass; and nicotine metabolite cotinine with time spent with an oxygen saturation less than 90% (β = 2.3 min, P = 2.3 × 10−5). Pro‐hypertrophic metabolite hydroxyglutarate partly mediated the association between LV wall thickness and HFpEF. Central sleep apnoea was significantly associated with HFpEF (P = 0.03) but not HFrEF (P = 0.5). There were three significant metabolite canonical variates, one of which conferred protection from cardiovascular death [hazard ratio = 0.3 (0.11, 0.81), P = 0.02].

Conclusions

Energetic metabolites were associated with cardiac function; energy‐ and lipid‐storage metabolites with LV wall thickness and mass; plasma levels of nicotine metabolite cotinine were associated with increased time spent with a sleep oxygen saturation less than 90%, a clinically significant marker of outcome, indicating a significant hazard for smokers who have sleep apnoea.
Discrete versus 1D Compounds based on Pentagonal Bipyramid Coordination Geometries: A Matter of Solubility?
Authors: Pichon Céline , Duhayon Carine , Delahaye Emilie , Sutter Jean‐Pascal
Published: October 2021

A series of heterometallic compounds based on the association of trans‐dicyanido Cr(III) complex [Cr(L)(CN)2]K ⋅ 2H2O and several divalent [MnII(H2Ln)Cl2] heptacoordinated complexes, where Ln stands for pentadentate ligands featuring a planar N3O2 coordination pocket and various substituents (NH2, cyclohexyl, S,S‐mandelic), is described. A dinuclear compound [Cr(L)(CN)2M(H2L2)] and 1D coordination polymers of general formula [Cr(L)(CN)2M(H2Ln)]X (X=PF6− or [Cr(L)(CN)2]−) were rationally prepared by a simple adjustment of the Cr : M stoichiometry for R=NH2 or tuning the solvent mixtures to promote the crystallization of discrete complexes or chains. The crystal structures, phase purities and magnetic properties of all the compounds are reported.
Total Synthesis of Phenanthropiperidine Alkaloids by Sequential Alkylation of N,N‐Dibenzylaminoacetonitrile
Authors: Bouvry Christelle , Franzetti Milène , Cupif Jean‐François , Hurvois Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2021

Two representative members of the phenanthropiperidine alkaloid family, tylophorine (1) and cryptopleurine (2), were synthesized by a bidirectional alkylation strategy employing dibenzylaminoacetonitrile as a substrate. This approach relies on the unprecedented condensation of metallated α‐aminonitriles with bromomethylphenanthrenes to provide fully substituted α‐aminonitriles, which are subjected to a NaBH4‐mediated reductive decyanation process to form homobenzylic amines. From these intermediates, a terminal leaving group was introduced by simple chemical manipulation, and its displacement by a free primary amine under two favorable cyclization processes led to the formation of the future E‐ring of both alkaloids in high yields. Finally, a late Pictet‐Spengler cyclization ensured the formation of a D‐ring for the alkaloids 1 and 2.
Gold Nanocatalysts Towards Digital Sensing Probes with Electrochemiluminescence Based Micro Electrodes Array
Authors: Nagano Kohei , Terada Yuhei , Araki Akiko , Osaki Shuto , Saito Masato , Tamiya Eiichi
Published: October 2021

The authors have found that gold nanoparticles (AuNP) function as nanocatalysts for the generation of reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide from dissolved oxygen in coexistence with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) or N‐[tris(hydroxymethyl) methyl]glycine (Tricine) chemicals, and that these can be evaluated by luminol electrochemi‐luminescence (ECL). In the present study, we investigated the effects of reaction time, particle concentration, and temperature on the catalytic properties of gold nanoparticles. Unlike biocatalysts such as enzymes, the gold nanoparticles showed an Arrhenius plot‐like increase in activity with temperature without inactivation. In addition, the catalytic activity of the gold nanoparticles varied with the size and shape of the nanoparticles for spherical gold nanoparticles of different sizes (5, 15, 30, 50 and 400 nm) and the activity per nanoparticle increased with the size and surface area. When compared activity per surface area, 15 nm nanoparticles showed higher activity. We prepared gold nanoparticles with nanoflower (AuNF) structure of approx.200 nm in size which showed higher activity per particle than 400 nm spherical particles. The increase in surface area and the difference in surface condition may have influenced these results. We also prepared microelectrode arrays capable of holding small amounts of nl‐pL test reagents. They showed the possibility of imaging ECL of the activity of gold nanoparticles at the level of tens of nanoparticles which could lead to nanocatalysts as probes for digital analysis.
Perspective for removing volatile organic compounds during solar‐driven water evaporation toward water production
Authors: Ma Jiaxiang , Xu Ying , Sun Feiyun , Chen Xiaodong , Wang Wei
Published: October 2021

Solar evaporation has attracted considerable interest to alleviate the shortage of water resources in the past few years. Lots of works have been done focusing on evaporation materials, rate, and efficiency, however, little attempts have been made to remove the harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a kind of contamination that inevitably evaporate and condense alongside with water, which seriously affect the distilled water quality. This perspective puts forward some technical ideas utilizing chemical or physicochemical methods, aiming at the development of multifunctional composite materials, and forming an integrated evaporation system, which manage to remove VOCs in situ at the interface of photothermal evaporation.

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A Woodbury solution method for efficient seismic collapse analysis of space truss structures based on hybrid nonlinearity separation
Authors: Yu Ding‐Hao , Li Gang , Li Hong‐Nan
Published: October 2021

This study presents a fast algorithm for collapse behavior simulation of space truss structures under extreme earthquake excitation by introducing the Woodbury formula to efficiently solve the structural response caused by material and geometric nonlinearity (hybrid nonlinearity). The Woodbury formula, which is an efficient tool in mathematics for solving low‐rank perturbation problems, has successfully been used to improve the efficiency of local material nonlinear analysis but still has difficulties with seismic collapse analysis in which geometric nonlinearity should be considered. In this study, by implementing stiffness matrix decomposition according to the unchanged reference configuration, the effects of hybrid nonlinearity on the change in tangent stiffness of truss structures are uniformly formulated in the form of hybrid nonlinear perturbation to the reference elastic stiffness. Thus, a hybrid nonlinearity separated governing equation can be established, in which the hybrid nonlinear behaviors are depicted by the additional nonlinear degrees of freedom (NLDOFs) separated from the reference system. This allows for employing the Woodbury formula to perform seismic collapse analysis of space truss structures for avoiding the repeated updating of the global stiffness. To overcome the adverse effect of the large NLDOF number caused by the global characteristics of geometric nonlinearity on the efficiency advantages of the Woodbury formula during seismic collapse analysis, an element state judgment strategy and an adaptive restart mechanism are presented to activate only a small number of NLDOFs within critical local regions. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are verified by two numerical examples.
A novel decentralized cross‐domain identity authentication protocol based on blockchain
Authors: Zhao Gang , Di Bingbing , He Hui
Published: October 2021

In the context of cloud computing, the interaction between clients in different application domains becomes more frequent, which makes cross‐domain identity authentication safely and efficiently become an important research topic. Public key infrastructure (PKI) is a technology to solve cross‐domain authentication. However, there are problems such as difficulty in mutual trust between multiple certificate authority nodes (CA), failure of single point, and low efficiency in the traditional PKI method. Blockchain is a promising technology for decentralized trust management by providing consistent data storage, which gives impetus to the further development of cross‐domain identity authentication. Thus, this article apply blockchain to cross‐domain identity authentication. To solve the defects of the traditional PKI method, the design requirements are analyzed firstly, based on the analysis result, we proposed a double‐layer cross‐domain identity authentication model by constructing a consortium blockchain which is comprised of authentication server nodes (AS) and some internal blockchain, the model can highly improve the scalability of the PKI system without changing the internal architecture. Then a novel authentication protocol was put forward. The protocol can improve the efficiency of online cross‐domain identity authentication transactions by verifying the hash instead of the signature of their certificate. By putting the generation process of the blockchain certificate and the storage process of its hash in the registration operation and reducing the authentication process for AS and CA, the efficiency is further improved. Finally, the protocol was evaluated by security and performance analysis. The results display our protocol can guarantee security and has an excellent performance in cross‐domain identity authentication transactions.
Inter‐cloud secure data sharing and its formal verification
Authors: Lu Jintian , Zhang Yunyi , Yang Likun , Jin Shuyuan
Published: October 2021

With the development of cloud computing, data sharing and collaboration have become increasing among cloud‐oriented organizations. In addition to trivial management work, data providers face many difficulties in managing access control policies in cloud data sharing, to prevent permission abuse and information leakage. This article mainly answers the following question: is it possible to achieve verifiably secure inter‐cloud data sharing? This article proposes an inter‐cloud data sharing (ICDS) approach based on ciphertext‐policy attribute‐based encryption (CP‐ABE) to ensure the security of ICDS. The security properties that ICDS holds are formally verified, where the information flow rules are defined and used in the verification. The information flow of the proposed ICDS is firstly modeled by use of high‐level Petri nets (HLPN) formally, then being represented in Z language, and at last the security properties of ICDS are verified by the Z3 solver. The formal analysis proves that the ICDS holds the security properties of confidentiality, authenticity, and collusion‐resistance.
GC characterization and erectogenic enzyme inhibitory effect of essential oils from tangerine and lemon peels: A comparative study
Authors: Idowu Oyeleye Sunday , Ajayi Oluwasegun E. , Ademosun Ayokunle O. , Oboh Ganiyu
Published: October 2021

This study comparatively evaluated inhibitory effect of essential oils (EOs) from tangerine and lemon peels on some enzymes [angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), arginase, monoamine oxidase (MAO), phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5), adenosine deaminase (ADA) and 5’‐nucleotidase] related to erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARs) level in isolated Wistar albino rats’ penile homogenate. In addition, the chemical compositions of these EOs were characterized via gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (GC‐FID). The result revealed that the studied EOs were able to inhibit these erectogenic enzymes and TBARs level in a dose‐dependent manner. The EOs were found to be rich in monoterpenes hydrocarbon. However, the major constituent in both oils was D‐limonene, 45.48% and 34.99% abundance in lemon and tangerine EOs, respectively. Other phytoconstituents detected in substantial amounts include the following: 4‐Vinyl‐2‐methoxyphenol (5.42% and 2.97%), N‐methyl‐D3‐Aziridine (6.58% and 10.01%) and Xanthotoxin (12.055 and 18.7%) for lemon and tangerine EOs, respectively. It is suggestive that these EOs owe their exceptional inhibitory capacities to the availability of these phytochemicals. Hence, their ability to inhibit ACE, AChE, arginase, MAO, PDE‐5, ADA and 5’‐nucleotidase activities, and TBARs level could be the possible mechanism by which the studied EOs exert their therapeutic potentials in the management of ED.
Comparison of the immersion chilling and freezing and traditional air freezing on the quality of beef during storage
Authors: Ren Wanyu , Yuan Guoqiang , Lin Xueer , Guo Xiaohui , Wang Zengli
Published: October 2021

Compared to traditional air freezing, immersion chilling and freezing shows an improvement in the freezing effect on meat quality, but it is not known whether this advantage persists over longer storage periods. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to compare the effects of immersion chilling and freezing (ICF) and traditional air freezing (TAF) on the physical and chemical indexes in beef longissimus muscle during a storage period of 150 days. In the current study, the longissimus muscle from Luxi cattle (aged 20–24 months) was analyzed, with samples independently frozen by ICF and TAF. After the core temperature was frozen to below −18 degrees by the two chilling methods, samples were transferred to a −18 degrees cold room for further storage. During the storage period, physical and chemical indexes, mainly including color and texture qualities, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N) and peroxide value (POV) were measured and comparatively analyzed at several fixed time points. A higher freezing rate was observed in ICF (5.124 cm/h) than in TAF (0.194 cm/h), and better microstructure was observed in ICF treatment. Besides, peak force values and total energy values were significantly lower in the TAF group than in the ICF group during the first 45 days of freezing storage time (p < .05). ICF also showed better color quality due to higher L* values than TAF samples during the first 75 days of frozen storage (p < .05). In addition, the thawing loss (after 75 days of storage), total volatile base nitrogen, and peroxide value (in the 30 to 75 days of storage period) were lower in the ICF than in the TAF group. In conclusion, the immersion chilling and freezing is more conducive to the quality of beef during storage at −18 degrees compared to traditional air freezing.
Design, manufacturing, and operation of movable 2 × 10 kW size rSOC system
Authors: Saarinen V. , Pennanen J. , Kotisaari M. , Thomann O. , Himanen O. , Iorio S. Di , Hanoux P. , Aicart J. , Couturier K. , Sun X. , Chen M. , Sudireddy B. R.
Published: October 2021

Reversible solid oxide cell (rSOC) technology enables both electricity generation for local demands and electricity conversion into hydrogen with high power‐to‐gas (AC to H2) efficiency. This work describes modeling and implementation of movable “10‐feet container” size rSOC system in a pilot demonstration scale (10 kW SOEC/2 kW SOFC). The selected two‐stack two‐module system layout is the simplest option to investigate multi‐module rSOC systems in various operation modes and conditions. Special attention is also paid to heat integration: heat losses are minimized with optimized BoP component design, placement, and insulation. Reversibility, dynamic operation, and methods for efficient transitions between SOFC and SOEC modes are investigated at a system level. The developed system is highly instrumented enabling detailed system analysis, for example, the calculation of enthalpy flows and efficiencies of all BoP components. Analyses of key parameters on the performance and efficiency are presented. To explore upscaling of rSOC systems, the effects of size and structure of stack modules on the reliability and maintenance of the entire system are investigated, and as a conclusion, the construction of multi‐MW scale rSOC systems are recommended to be implemented with approximately 100 kW size stack modules.
Piecewise linear double barrier options
Authors: Lee Hangsuck , Ha Hongjun , Lee Minha
Published: October 2021

A piecewise linear double barrier option generalizes classical double barrier options because of its versatility in designing various double boundaries. This paper discusses how to price piecewise linear double barrier options. To this purpose, we derive the probability that an underlying process does not cross a given piecewise linear double barrier, where the underlying process follows the Brownian motion of piecewise constant drift. Using the established non‐crossing probability, we provide the explicit pricing formulas of piecewise linear double barrier options and show how the shape of a double barrier affects the option prices through extensive numerical experiments.
Effect of surface weathering on portable X‐Ray fluorescence analysis of artefacts: Evidence from Tasmanian hornfels
Authors: Theys Jeff , Webb John
Published: October 2021

Hornfels was commonly utilised by Aboriginal people in southeastern Tasmania for stone artefact manufacture. Sourcing of hornfels artefacts in this region using pXRF analysis is potentially compromised by the weathering patina generally present on this lithology. To understand the impact of weathering on hornfels composition, the mineralogy and chemical composition of weathered and unweathered hornfels were analysed, and weathering was simulated in column experiments. The results demonstrate that the cordierite and, to a lesser extent, plagioclase present in the hornfels transform very rapidly into kaolinite, which is the dominant component of the pale, porous weathering patina. Weathering simulation experiments and isocon comparisons of major and trace element analyses show that this alteration is accompanied by a substantial loss of Mg, Na and Ca (≥50%). For the trace elements, 25%–35% are removed (except Zr, which is relatively immobile), with the remainder retained in unaltered minerals or adsorbed to the neoformed kaolinite. Rb and Nb are more stable than Sr, which demonstrates the highest absolute mobility, but even this element shows relatively little loss, provided that the weathering patina is <1 mm thick. For Rb, Sr, Y, Zn and Nb, the percentage loss during weathering is similar (25%–35%), so bivariate plots of these trace elements show a spread due to weathering, but with a more or less constant ratio. As a result, pXRF analyses of these elements can be used to successfully differentiate hornfels artefacts from different sites in southeastern Tasmania. This study showed that Rb, Sr, Y and Nb, which are commonly used to source igneous artefacts, are also effective in sourcing hornfels, even though they are mobile during weathering. This study also demonstrated the importance of isocon plots in identifying the trace elements best suited to artefact sourcing using pXRF, if the analyses are affected by chemical weathering.
REHE: Fast variance components estimation for linear mixed models
Authors: Yue Kun , Ma Jing , Thornton Timothy , Shojaie Ali
Published: October 2021

Linear mixed models are widely used in ecological and biological applications, especially in genetic studies. Reliable estimation of variance components is crucial for using linear mixed models. However, standard methods, such as the restricted maximum likelihood (REML), are computationally inefficient in large samples and may be unstable with small samples. Other commonly used methods, such as the Haseman–Elston (HE) regression, may yield negative estimates of variances. Utilizing regularized estimation strategies, we propose the restricted Haseman–Elston (REHE) regression and REHE with resampling (reREHE) estimators, along with an inference framework for REHE, as fast and robust alternatives that provide nonnegative estimates with comparable accuracy to REML. The merits of REHE are illustrated using real data and benchmark simulation studies.
Robust estimates of heritable coronary disease risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Grace Christopher , Hopewell Jemma C. , Watkins Hugh , Farrall Martin , Goel Anuj
Published: October 2021

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an important heritable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), the risk of both diseases being increased by metabolic syndrome (MS). With the availability of large‐scale genome‐wide association data, we aimed to elucidate the genetic burden of CAD risk in T2D predisposed individuals within the context of MS and their shared genetic architecture. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses supported a causal relationship between T2D and CAD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.13 per log‐odds unit 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.16; p = 1.59 × 10−17]. Simultaneously adjusting MR analyses for the effects of the T2D instrument including blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, and obesity attenuated the association between T2D and CAD (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04–1.11). Bayesian locus‐overlap analysis identified 44 regions with the same causal variant underlying T2D and CAD genetic signals (FDR < 1%) at a posterior probability >0.7; five (MHC, LPL, ABO, RAI1 and MC4R) of these regions contain genome‐wide significant (p < 5 × 10−8) associations for both traits. Given the small effect sizes observed in genome‐wide association studies for complex diseases, even with 44 potential target regions, this has implications for the likely magnitude of CAD risk reduction that might be achievable by pure T2D therapies.
Mendelian randomization in the multivariate general linear model framework
Authors: Allman Phillip H. , Aban Inmaculada , Long Dustin M. , Patki Amit , MacKenzie Todd , Irvin Marguerite R. , Lange Leslie A. , Lange Ethan , Cutter Gary , Tiwari Hemant K.
Published: October 2021

Mendelian randomization (MR) is an application of instrumental variable (IV) methods to observational data in which the IV is a genetic variant. MR methods applicable to the general exponential family of distributions are currently not well characterized. We adapt a general linear model framework to the IV setting and propose a general MR method applicable to any full‐rank distribution from the exponential family. Empirical bias and coverage are estimated via simulations. The proposed method is compared to several existing MR methods. Real data analyses are performed using data from the REGARDS study to estimate the potential causal effect of smoking frequency on stroke risk in African Americans. In simulations with binary variates and very weak instruments the proposed method had the lowest median [Q1, Q3] bias (0.10 [−3.68 to 3.62]); compared with 2SPS (0.27 [−3.74 to 4.26]) and the Wald method (−0.69 [−1.72 to 0.35]). Low bias was observed throughout other simulation scenarios; as well as more than 90% coverage for the proposed method. In simulations with count variates, the proposed method performed comparably to 2SPS; the Wald method maintained the most consistent low bias; and 2SRI was biased towards the null. Real data analyses find no evidence for a causal effect of smoking frequency on stroke risk. The proposed MR method has low bias and acceptable coverage across a wide range of distributional scenarios and instrument strengths; and provides a more parsimonious framework for asymptotic hypothesis testing compared to existing two‐stage procedures.
Late Triassic granites (ca. 230 Ma) from Cairi area in eastern Qiangtang subterrane, central Tibet: Product of a mid‐oceanic ridge subduction
Authors: He Haiyang , Li Yalin , Wang Tingting , Xiao Siqi , Wang Zhengqing , Chen Liang , Feng Zhigang , Han Shili , Liu Shan , Zhang Yuqian , Tang Zhenping
Published: October 2021

Although a large number of Triassic magmatism were found in the Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet, the tectonic evolution of the Shuanghu Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean remains controversial. In this study, we present the zircon U–Pb age and major‐ and trace‐element data for the Late Triassic pluton from the Cairi area in the eastern Qiangtang terrane. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the samples were emplaced at ca. 230 Ma. The magmatism from the Cairi area primarily consists of granites (SiO2 = 67.28–77.74), with the characteristics of medium‐K calc‐alkaline, metaluminous, and peraluminous. The Cairi granites are enriched light rare earth elements ([La/Yb]N = 5.01–10.56), with obvious Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.32–0.47). The Cairi granites are characterized by low 1,000 × Ga/Al (2.10–2.64), FeO*/MgO (3.41–5.03), Ce (57.95–114.36 ppm), Y (27.30–45.19 ppm), and negative correlation between P2O5 and SiO2. These geochemical features reveal that the Cairi granites are calc‐alkaline, I‐type granites. The four samples show relatively restricted (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.70598–0.70724), 143Nd/144Nd ratios (0.51192–0.51196), and εNd(t) of −8.19 to −7.54. Based on the variations of Rb–Sr–Ba and Th–La–Nb and the zircon saturation of temperatures (806–868°C), we suggest that the primary magmas of the Cairi granites were generated through various degrees of mixing between sediments and mantle‐derived components. Petrological and geochemical characteristics, as well as regional geological characteristics indicate that the Cairi granites formed in a continental volcanic arc setting. Our results, in combination with the coeval granites and elcogite, indicate that the generation of Late Triassic (ca. 230 Ma) Cairi granites is related to ocean ridge subduction and subsequent development of a slab window.
Brain functional and effective connectivity based on electroencephalography recordings: A review
Authors: Cao Jun , Zhao Yifan , Shan Xiaocai , Wei Hua‐liang , Guo Yuzhu , Chen Liangyu , Erkoyuncu John Ahmet , Sarrigiannis Ptolemaios Georgios
Published: October 2021

Functional connectivity and effective connectivity of the human brain, representing statistical dependence and directed information flow between cortical regions, significantly contribute to the study of the intrinsic brain network and its functional mechanism. Many recent studies on electroencephalography (EEG) have been focusing on modeling and estimating brain connectivity due to increasing evidence that it can help better understand various brain neurological conditions. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive updated review on studies of EEG‐based brain connectivity, particularly on visualization options and associated machine learning applications, aiming to translate those techniques into useful clinical tools. This article reviews EEG‐based functional and effective connectivity studies undertaken over the last few years, in terms of estimation, visualization, and applications associated with machine learning classifiers. Methods are explored and discussed from various dimensions, such as either linear or nonlinear, parametric or nonparametric, time‐based, and frequency‐based or time‐frequency‐based. Then it is followed by a novel review of brain connectivity visualization methods, grouped by Heat Map, data statistics, and Head Map, aiming to explore the variation of connectivity across different brain regions. Finally, the current challenges of related research and a roadmap for future related research are presented.