bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic field‐induced alignment of polybenzimidazole microstructures to enhance proton conduction
Authors: Sean Nor Arbani , Leaw Wai Loon , Abouzari‐lotf Ebrahim , Nur Hadi
Published: October 2020

Aligned polymer microstructures in the field of biomaterials, semiconductors, and ion‐conductive membranes expand steadily. Here, an alternative aligned polybenzimidazole (WM PBI) microstructures fabrication strategy based on the utilization of a weak magnetic field (0.3 T) via the solvent casting method is demonstrated. The anisotropic alignment is induced by the interaction of the π‐electron‐rich structure with the magnetic field. A ripple‐like structure was observed in the field‐emission scanning electron microscopy image for the WM PBI membrane, which depicted the successful alignment of the PBI structure toward magnetic field direction. Electrochemical studies revealed the bulk resistance of WM PBI with only 13.71 × 103 Ω compared to the unaligned PBI (WOM PBI) (63.01 × 103 Ω). WM PBI marked as the highest proton conductivity of 610.66 × 10−6 S cm−1, and it was proven that the external magnetic field does bring the impact toward the augmentation of the proton conductivity, which is useful in various future generation applications.
Dull versus creative liars—Who deceives better? Fantasy proneness and verifiability of genuine and fabricated accounts
Authors: Boskovic Irena , Ramakers Ayla , Emre Akca Ali Yunus
Published: October 2020

The Verifiability Approach (VA), a lie detection method, postulates that genuine statements contain more verifiable information, whereas fabricated reports include more non‐verifiable details. We investigated whether participants low (n = 19), medium (n = 23) and high (n = 26) on fantasy proneness differ in the (non)verifiability of their genuine and fabricated accounts. The results showed that groups did not differ in terms of statements' (non)verifiability. Overall, fabricated accounts included more non‐verifiable details, but did not differ in verifiable details from genuine stories. The fabricated accounts from each group were given to legal psychology experts (N = 13) who rated accounts' authenticity. Experts more often recognised false accounts from the high fantasy proneness group, hence, high fantasy prone deceivers might be easier to detect than people with lower fantasy engagement. Overall, our results show that the VA is not sensitive to fantasy proneness, however, that experts might be.
Changes in daily extreme temperature and precipitation events in mainland China from 1960 to 2016 under global warming
Authors: Wang Xuyang , Li Yuqiang , Wang Mingming , Li Yulin , Gong Xiangwen , Chen Yinping , Chen Yun , Cao Wenjie
Published: October 2020

Extreme climatic events have become a global concern. Understanding changes in these events is essential to support efforts to reduce their impacts. We investigated the spatial and temporal variation of 15 temperature and 11 precipitation extremal indices based on daily observations from 1960 to 2016 at 794 meteorological stations in mainland China. The regionally averaged temperature index trends were consistent with global warming. An abrupt change in the trends for warmth‐related indices mainly occurred from 1990 to 2000, and the year with an abrupt change for cold‐related indices appeared earlier (mainly around 1990). The numbers of warm days, warm nights, summer days, and tropical nights increased significantly. In contrast, the numbers of cool days, cool nights, ice days, and frost days decreased significantly. The coldest night temperature had a strong and significant warming trend (0.4°C·decade−1), whereas the number of frost days showed the fastest decrease (2.6 days·decade−1). The warmth and extremal indices decreased significantly with increasing latitude, whereas warming trends increased significantly with increasing longitude, and the warmth indices and extremal daily indices decreased with increasing elevation. The number of consecutive wet days decreased fastest, at 0.09 days·decade−1, and the daily intensity index increased fastest, at 0.09 mm·day−1 per decade. The extreme precipitation events decreased significantly with increasing latitude, but increased with increasing longitude. Large‐scale atmospheric circulation indices (the Arctic Oscillation and the Western Pacific Subtropical High Intensity and Area indices) and the Western Ridge Point strongly influenced the warm and cold extremes and contributed significantly to climate change in mainland China. The Western Ridge Point and Subtropical High Area were the dominant drivers of extreme temperature and precipitation events, respectively, in mainland China.
How well do the ERA‐Interim, ERA‐5, GLDAS‐2.1 and NCEP‐R2 reanalysis datasets represent daily air temperature over the Tibetan Plateau?
Authors: Liu Li , Gu Haiting , Xie Jingkai , Xu Yue‐Ping
Published: October 2020

Snow and glacier are important components in the hydrological cycle of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Air temperature, as the main driver in freezing and thawing processes, becomes vital for hydrological modelling and prediction in this region. Due to a sparse ground gauging network, spatial density of air temperature measurement is insufficient for hydro‐meteorological studies. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the best representative temperature data for hydrological applications from four widely used reanalysis products, including ERA‐Interim, ERA‐5, GLDAS‐2.1 and NCEP‐R2, with reference to in situ measurements and gridded snow depth from the year 2008–2017 over the entire TP. To reduce errors, Bayesian Joint Probability (BJP) approach based on K‐Nearest Neighbour (KNN) classification algorithm (KNN‐BJP) is proposed to post‐process gridded reanalyses. The results indicate that all the reanalysis datasets provide highly correlated but cold biased air temperature. The correlation ecoefficiency is greater than 0.85. The cold biases are near −3 ° C and mainly distributed in the southeastern TP. Bias in daily maximum temperature during Spring is greater than −8 ° C for most stations. ERA‐Interim is found to have the closest agreement with in situ measurements, closely followed by GLDAS‐2.1. KNN‐BJP is found to be effective within a distance smaller than 5°. After post‐processing, the prominent underestimation is efficiently corrected with Bias near 0. RMSE is markedly reduced to be smaller than 2.5 ° C. The post‐processed ERA‐5 and GLDAS‐2.1 are as accurate as ERA‐Interim, but able to provide more detailed information for extreme events due to their finer spatial resolution. Thus, ERA‐5 and GLDAS‐2.1 are more recommended to represent air temperature in the TP. Snow depth as complementary reference data is able to present spatial variance of air temperature. Our study can help alleviate the problem of sparse air temperature data over the TP.
Desertification susceptibility over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, based on aridity indices and geoprocessing
Authors: Bohn Leonardo , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Oliveira‐Júnior José Francisco , Zeri Marcelo , Cunha‐Zeri Gisleine
Published: October 2020

Desertification is a serious threat to human development and sustainability. This process is characterized by land degradation over areas with dry sub‐humid, semi‐arid and arid climate. In this work, climate susceptibility to desertification was identified for the state of Rio de Janeiro (SRJ), Brazil, the third most populated state in the country. The state is characterized by complex topography, and diverse climate and land uses. Two formulations for the aridity index were used: Ia, defined by Thornthwaite (1948, Geographical Review, 38(1), 55–94) and Penman (1953, Horticultural Congress, 2, 913–924), and D, a modification of Ia by Hare (1983, Climate and Desertification: A Revised Analysis, Geneva: World Meteorological Organization). Both estimates of the aridity require annual rainfall and potential evapotranspiration, which were calculated from the climatological water balance using times series of rainfall and air temperature (1961–2010) from 98 stations over the SRJ. Annual rainfall, evapotranspiration, water deficit and the aridity indices were then spatially interpolated over a 5 × 5‐km grid using a spline tension method. Both indices agree on the driest regions of the SRJ: Norte and Baixada Litorânea, near the northern coast, both under sub‐humid and semi‐arid climate. The index Ia indicated susceptibility to desertification over 2,305 km2 on the Norte and Baixada Litorânea regions, which correspond to 5% of SRJ area; similarly, the index D classified a smaller area over the Norte region under desertification (431 km2). These subregions, among the others also considered in this study, are of great importance for the agricultural, forestry and tourism industries and contribute immensely to the economic development of the state. Hence, the evaluation of susceptibility to desertification in those areas is essential to help prevent further land degradation and support policies formulation on long‐term sustainable management of land and water resources, especially under regional and global climate change scenarios. The methodology used in this work can be applied to studies of desertification in other regions of the world.
The retrospective determination of process improvement's economic value at the individual manufacturing firm level: Literature review and proposed measurement framework
Authors: Wemmerlöv Urban
Published: October 2020

Even a cursory reading of the literature on process improvement shows that there are many accounts proposing that operational as well as financial gains can be made using methodologies like JIT, TQM, Six Sigma, and Lean. While some studies have investigated the statistical links between process improvement practices and corporate financial outcomes in large populations of firms, documentations of how individual firms can determine economic value derived from their own process improvement projects are scarce. We reviewed the literature, first ad hoc then systematically, to investigate the extent to which studies have covered the determination of process improvements' economic value in manufacturing companies postimplementation, and how such assessments are conducted. The results suggest that retrospective value determinations at the plant level are exceedingly rare. In fact, only 0.09% of 35,968 scholarly articles produced on process improvement in the period 1980–2020 have that focus. Since expenditures on process improvement have alternative uses, organizations should have at their disposal benefit determination frameworks so that financially efficient decisions can be made. Building on literature reviews and additional sources, this study proposes a set of principles and a model for cost–benefit determination that make up such a framework in the context of process improvement.
Impact of Computer Calculation Program on Quality of Individualized Parenteral Nutrition and Selected Clinical Parameters of Extremely Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants
Authors: Oczujda Marika , Miechowicz Izabela , Szymankiewicz‐Bręborowicz Marta , Czech‐Szczapa Barbara , Johnson Mark J. , Szczapa Tomasz
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) for parenteral nutrition (PN) on selected clinical parameters of extremely low‐birth‐weight (ELBW) neonates in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

This study was a retrospective data analysis of preterm infants born over a 1‐year period before and after introduction of CPOE. PN composition during the first 2 weeks of life, change in weight, head circumference and body length z‐scores were assessed. Duration of PN and selected neonatal complications were compared. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding variables (sex, birth weight, and birth‐gestational age).

Results

Ninety‐four patients in 2 equal groups were analyzed. Birth weight (median 810 vs 825 g) and gestational age (27 vs 27 weeks) were comparable. After adjustment for confounding variables, on the first and seventh day of life, significantly more energy (P < .001), protein (P < .001), lipid (P < .03), and carbohydrate (P < .02) were administered in the CPOE group than in the manually calculated (MC) prescriptions group. The CPOE group had lower weight loss (P < .001), a significant improvement in linear growth, and faster regain of birth weight (P < .01) compared with the MC group.

Conclusion

The CPOE positively influences the quality of PN in ELBW infants. It also significantly reduced initial weight loss, time to regain birth weight, and linear growth. It may also have beneficial effects on selected clinical outcomes, which requires further study.
Commentary on “Prevalence of Malnutrition and 1‐Year All‐Cause Mortality in Institutionalized Elderly Comparing Different Combinations of the GLIM Criteria”
Authors: Skipper Annalynn
Published: October 2020

The nutrition community has worked to develop an international understanding of diagnostic criteria for malnutrition. In this Commentary are thoughts on a clinical utility study of the latest standard malnutrition definition, the Global Leadership in Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. In “Prevalence of malnutrition and 1‐year all‐cause mortality in institutionalized elderly comparing different combinations of the GLIM criteria,” the authors created and then compare each of 12 different combinations of the GLIM components in a Spanish nursing home sample and find a higher mortality rate among participants with malnutrition and inflammation than participants with malnutrition alone. In working toward the advantages offered by a rigorously validated and internationally accepted malnutrition definition that is age, sex, location, race, and ethnicity neutral, there are several points to consider. There is a strong need to eliminate clinician‐, disease‐, or location‐specific malnutrition criteria in favor of definitions that apply broadly, are specific to malnutrition rather than disease or location, and are validated against a malnutrition standard. With the GLIM criteria, it is likely that some existing malnutrition screening tools will overestimate malnutrition risk because they contain common criteria that do not change in response to malnutrition intervention. With consistent criteria, consistently applied, it is likely that the overall prevalence of malnutrition will change in some groups.

malnutrition; nutrition assessment; adult malnutrition; geriatric malnutrition
Application of Raman spectroscopy for identification of rinneite (K3NaFeCl6) in inclusions in minerals
Authors: Grishina Svetlana , Koděra Peter , Goryainov Sergey , Oreshonkov Aleksandr , Seryotkin Yurii , Šimko František , Polozov Alexander G.
Published: October 2020

Solid daughter phases in fluid and salt melt inclusions in minerals provide important clues to characterization of mineral‐forming processes. The analysis of the fluid inclusions often requires the exposure of the daughter minerals. Rinneite (K3NaFeCl6), which is a hygroscopic mineral, decomposes in air and cannot thus be identified by conventional methods. A combined approach has been applied for investigation of synthetic and natural rinneite to acquire its diagnostic Raman spectrum for a nondestructive identification. We used natural rinneite inclusions in halite, suitable for applying a complex of methods, to clear up the reference spectrum. Improved high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data obtained from natural rinneite inclusion are comparable with that of previously published, with similar unit cell dimensions. Polarized Raman spectra of natural inclusions were obtained using different geometries and polarization of the incident and scattered light. Interpretation of experimental Raman spectra was performed within the framework of lattice dynamics simulations and group analysis. Individual spectral bands are interpreted in terms of Raman‐active vibrational modes of K3NaFeCl6 structural units. Raman spectrum of synthetic rinneite with main peaks at 75, 91, 103, 143, 167, 171, 187, and 239 cm−1 agrees well with the spectra of rinneite inclusions in halite from the Nepa potash deposit and rinneite daughter minerals in salt melt inclusions hosted by quartz veinlets from the porphyry gold systems in the Central Slovakia Volcanic Field. This provides a firm basis for any future identification of this mineral worldwide, using nondestructive Raman spectroscopy.
Application of near infra‐red spectroscopy as an instantaneous and simultaneous prediction tool for anthocyanins and sugar in whole fresh raspberry
Authors: Gales Oliver , Rodemann Thomas , Jones Joanna , Swarts Nigel
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The determination of fresh whole raspberry quality is a laborious and expensive process for commercial producers and researchers. Quantitative results for raspberry quality parameters are currently determined using a range of chemical tests within a commercial laboratory. The present work is the first calibration and validation of near infra‐red spectroscopy (NIRS) for instantaneous and simultaneous of prediction of raspberry quality parameters. The importance and applicability of the findings of this research underscore its need and importance for both producers and researchers.

RESULTS

Near infra‐red quantification models were developed to predict the level of soluble solid concentration (SSC) and anthocyanins present in whole fresh raspberries. Results highlighted a promising application for the prediction of anthocyanins (R2cv = 0.77) and SSC (R2cv = 0.77). The anthocyanin model had an root mean square error (RMSE) of 12.57 mg/L whilst SSC had 0.76 °Brix.

CONCLUSION

Both NIR models combined with new portable NIR devices provide unprecedented opportunity for the application of instantaneous and simultaneous quality parameter prediction for commercial raspberry producers and researchers. The numerous benefits NIR has brought to other horticultural industries are now closer for the raspberry industry with this proof of concept. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Strategies for care of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor or soft tissue sarcoma during COVID‐19 pandemic: A guide for surgical oncologists
Authors: Callegaro Dario , Raut Chandrajit P , Keung Emily Z , Kim Teresa , Le Pechoux Cecile , Martin‐Broto Javier , Gronchi Alessandro , Swallow Carol , Gladdy Rebecca
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is deeply impacting the accessibility of cancer patients to surgery. In resource‐limited conditions, the standard of care might not be deliverable, but evidence to support alternative management strategies often exists. By revisiting available treatment options, this review provides surgical oncologists with an evidence‐based framework for treating patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor, extremity/truncal soft tissue sarcoma, and retroperitoneal sarcoma to rapidly adapt their decision‐making to the constant evolution of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Autophagy and metabolism
Authors: Lin Pei‐Wen , Chu Man‐Ling , Liu Hsiao‐Sheng
Published: October 2020

Metabolism consists of diverse life‐sustaining chemical reactions in living organisms. Autophagy is a highly conservative process that responds to various internal and external stresses. Both processes utilize surrounding resources to provide energy and nutrients for the cell. Autophagy progression may proceed to the degradative or secretory pathway determined by Rab family proteins. The former is a degradative and lysosome‐dependent catabolic process that produces energy and provides nutrients for the synthesis of essential proteins. The degradative pathway also balances the energy source of the cell and regulates tissue homeostasis. The latter is a newly discovered pathway in which the autophagosome is fused with the plasma membrane. Secretory autophagy participates in diverse functions and diseases ranging from the spread of viral particles to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Aberrant metabolism in the body causes various metabolic syndromes. This review explores the relationships among autophagy, metabolism, and related diseases.
Pediatric Post‐Tonsillectomy Opioid Prescribing Practices
Authors: Agamawi Yusuf M. , Cass Lauren M. , Mouzourakis Maggie , Pannu Jaibir S. , Brinkmeier Jennifer V.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of discharge order sets on prescribing patterns of opioids after pediatric tonsillectomy. Secondary outcomes included encounters for postoperative pain, dehydration, and bleeding.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of pre‐ and post‐intervention in pediatric post‐tonsillectomy patients, 0–18 years old (n = 1486). Order sets were installed with age‐specific analgesic medication defaults and recommendation of concurrent alternating scheduled ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Time‐balanced pre‐ and post‐intervention cohorts were established. Opioid outcomes calculated in morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram (MME/kg) per dosage and total prescribed.

Results

Discharge order set intervention resulted in 17% reduction of opioid dose prescribed (0.095 MME/kg [95% CI, 0.092–0.099] vs. 0.079 [95% CI, 0.076–0.083], P < .001). Total number of opioid doses prescribed was reduced after order set implementation (46.4 [95% CI, 43.6–49.1] to 20.3 [95% CI, 19.1–21.5], P < .001). Patients <7 years old prescribed opioids remained rare in pre‐ and post‐intervention groups (1.6% and 1.8%, respectively, P = .86). Admissions and emergency department visits for postoperative dehydration and pain were significantly reduced. Post‐intervention group showed an increase in readmissions for post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage (9.2% vs. 5.2%, P = .003) which was isolated to an increase in the older post‐intervention group after stratification by age.

Conclusion

Utilization of order sets with standardized analgesic medication regimen of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and opioid helped effectively reduce opioid amount per dose, total opioid amount dispensed, and variability in the total opioid amount dispensed while maintaining pain control. An increase in post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage was recognized following this implementation which did not persist after the study period despite continuation of intervention.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1386–1391, 2021
The fecal iron pump: Global impact of animals on the iron stoichiometry of marine sinking particles
Authors: Le Mézo Priscilla K. , Galbraith Eric D.
Published: October 2020

The impact of marine animals on the iron (Fe) cycle has mostly been considered in terms of their role in supplying dissolved Fe to phytoplankton at the ocean surface. However, little attention has been paid to how the transformation of ingested food into fecal matter by animals alters the relative Fe‐richness of particles, which could have consequences for Fe cycling in the water column and for the food quality of suspended and sinking particles. Here, we compile observations to show that the Fe to carbon (C) ratio (Fe:C) of fecal pellets of various marine animals is consistently enriched compared to their food, often by more than an order of magnitude. We explain this consistent enrichment by the low assimilation rates that have been measured for Fe in animals, together with the respiratory conversion of dietary organic C to excreted dissolved inorganic C. Furthermore, we calculate that this enrichment should cause animal fecal matter to constitute a major fraction of the global sinking flux of biogenic Fe, a component of the marine iron cycle that has been previously unappreciated. We also estimate that this fecal iron pump provides an important source of Fe to marine animals via coprophagy, particularly in the mesopelagic, given that fecal matter Fe:C can be many‐fold higher than the Fe:C of local phytoplankton. Our results imply that the fecal iron pump is important both for global Fe cycling and for the iron nutrition of pelagic and mesopelagic communities.
Breather wave and lump‐type solutions of new (3 + 1)‐dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli equation in incompressible fluid
Authors: Liu Jian‐Guo , Wazwaz Abdul‐Majid
Published: October 2020

Under investigation is a new (3 + 1)‐dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli equation. The main results are listed as follows: (i) lump solutions; (ii) interaction solutions between lump wave and solitary waves; (iii) interaction solutions between lump wave and periodic waves; and (iv) breather wave solutions. Furthermore, graphical representation of all solutions is studied and shown in some 3D and contour plots.
Comparison of transperineal ultrasound image guidance technique to transabdominal technique for prostate radiation therapy
Authors: Szegedi Martin , Boehm Christine , Paxton Adam , Rassiah‐Szegedi Prema , Sarkar Vikren , Zhao Hui , Su Frances , Kokeny Kristine E. , Lloyd Shane , Tward Jonathan , Salter Bill J.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Ultrasound (US) guidance of the prostate has long been conducted using a transabdominal (TA) approach. More recently, a transperineal (TP) approach has been made available for image guidance. Our aim was to determine if both methods produced similar alignments within the same patients.

Materials and methods

We utilized two clinical US image guidance (IG) systems (Elekta Clarity and Best BAT). The B‐mode Acquisition and Targeting USIG system is a bi‐planar, so‐called 2.5D USIG system, that is acquired TA. Clarity is a 3D US system that generates a volumetric 3D US data set and US‐derived IG contours that are coregistered to the planning CT images. The probe is oriented in the sagittal plane against the perineum (TP). After positioning the patient for treatment using the TP USIG, we maintained the position defined by Clarity tracking and then acquired a TA‐based USIG. The two US‐based methods of localizing the prostate (TA vs TP) were compared via Bland–Altman (BA) statistical analysis to determine if there was alignment agreement between methods.

Results

The BA test for all 101 patients, 2093 fractions resulted in 95% confidence intervals (upper and lower limits of the BA test) of 0.6 mm in LR, 0.9 mm in AP and 1.0 mm in SI. The bias between the two systems was calculated as 0.03, 0.02, and 0.03 mm in LR, AP, and SI.

Conclusions

Both systems resulted in statistically equivalent targeting positions for the prostate. Because of the unique intrafraction, real‐time motion tracking capability of the TP system, this solution represents a unique extension to the previously reported clinical benefits of a TA approach by providing assurance of the prostate remaining in the treatment field during beam‐on.
Evaluating the effect of prenatal interventions on maternal–foetal attachment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abasi Elieh , Keramat Afsaneh , Borghei Narjes Sadat , Goli Shahrbanoo , Farjamfar Maryam
Published: October 2020

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prenatal interventions on maternal foetal attachment.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

In this study, a comprehensive review was performed to find articles published from January 2000 ‐ December 2019 in the form of randomized and non‐randomized clinical trials. To this end, online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Proquest, Ovid, CINAHL and JAMA were searched. Duplicate articles were also excluded using Endnote X7 Reference. The results were then analysed via RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

The results showed that foetal movement counting did not seem to be effective in increasing MFA by itself. But, this intervention alongside other attachment behaviours such as touching the belly and talking to foetus could enhance MFA. Therefore, the best interventions to improve MFA might be combined ones implemented in the form of counselling and training sessions.
The Laboratory at Hand: Plastic Sorting Made Easy
Authors: Schmidt Felix , Christiansen Nicole , Lovrincic Robert
Published: October 2020

Sorting plastics according to their chemical composition is a crucial step in the recycling process, turning mixed plastics waste into a high‐value resource. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an established method for plastics classification. Evolutionary progress in miniaturization of optical components has enabled the development of hand‐held spectrometers. Cloud‐based computing and centralized databases provide practically unlimited computing power for classification algorithms and enormous spectral databases. Here we discuss the basics of hand‐held NIRS and the essentials of the corresponding data analysis with a focus on plastics sorting.
Kinetic characterization and structure analysis of an altered polyol dehydrogenase with d‐lactate dehydrogenase activity
Authors: Chauliac Diane , Wang Qingzhao , St. John Franz J. , Jones Grace , Hurlbert Jason C. , Ingram Lonnie O. , Shanmugam Keelnatham T.
Published: October 2020

During adaptive metabolic evolution a native glycerol dehydrogenase (GDH) acquired a d‐lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Two active‐site amino acid changes were detected in the altered protein. Biochemical studies along with comparative structure analysis using an X‐ray crystallographic structure model of the protein with the two different amino acids allowed prediction of pyruvate binding into the active site. We propose that the F245S alteration increased the capacity of the glycerol binding site and facilitated hydrogen bonding between the S245 γ‐O and the C1 carboxylate of pyruvate. To our knowledge, this is the first GDH to gain LDH activity due to an active site amino acid change, a desired result of in vivo enzyme evolution.
Neuropeptide Y nerve paracrine regulation of prostate cancer oncogenesis and therapy resistance
Authors: Ding Yi , Lee MinJae , Gao Yan , Bu Ping , Coarfa Christian , Miles Brian , Sreekumar Arun , Creighton Chad J. , Ayala Gustavo
Published: October 2020

Background

Nerves are key factors in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Here, we propose that neuropeptide Y (NPY) nerves are key regulators of cancer–nerve interaction.

Methods

We used in vitro models for NPY inhibition studies and subsequent metabolomics, apoptotic and migration assays, and nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB) translocation studies. Human naïve and radiated PCa tissues were used for NPY nerve density biomarker studies. Tissues derived from a Botox denervation clinical trial were used to corroborate metabolomic changes in humans.

Results

Cancer cells increase NPY positive nerves in vitro and in preneoplastic human tissues. NPY‐specific inhibition resulted in increased cancer apoptosis, decreased motility, and energetic metabolic pathway changes. A comparison of metabolomic response in NPY‐inhibited cells with the transcriptome response in human PCa patients treated with Botox showed shared 13 pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We identified that NF‐κB is a potential NPY downstream mediator. Using in vitro models and tissues derived from a previous human chemical denervation study, we show that Botox specifically, but not exclusively, inhibits NPY in cancer. Quantification of NPY nerves is independently predictive of PCa‐specific death. Finally, NPY nerves might be involved in radiation therapy (RT) resistance, as radiation‐induced apoptosis is reduced when PCa cells are cocultured with dorsal root ganglia/nerves and NPY positive nerves are increased in prostates of patients that failed RT.

Conclusion

These data suggest that targeting the NPY neural microenvironment may represent a therapeutic approach for the treatment of PCa and resistance through the regulation of multiple oncogenic mechanisms.
Band Alignment at GaxIn1–xP/AlyIn1–yP Alloy Interfaces from Hybrid Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Meier Lukas , Braun Christian , Hannappel Thomas , Schmidt Wolf Gero
Published: October 2020

The composition dependence of the natural band alignment at the GaxIn1–xP/AlyIn1–yP alloy interface is investigated via hybrid functional based density functional theory. The direct–indirect crossover for the GaxIn1–xP and AlyIn1–yP alloys is calculated to occur for x = 0.9 and y = 0.43. The calculated GaxIn1–xP/AlyIn1–yP interface band alignment shows a crossover from type‐I to type‐II with increasing Ga content x. The valence band offset is essentially positive irrespective of the alloy compositions, and amounts up to 0.56 eV. The conduction band offset varies between −0.85 and 1.16 eV.
Observer‐based tracking control for constrained nonlinear systems with mismatching disturbances and its application
Authors: Min Huifang , Xu Shengyuan , Fei Shumin , Cui Guozeng , Tan Yushun
Published: October 2020

In this article, a novel output‐feedback control scheme is proposed for nonlinear systems involving unknown input saturation, control gain, and unmeasurable disturbances under the condition of an output constraint. First, a proper barrier Lyapunov function and an opportune backstepping are used to alleviate the control burdens caused by output constraint. Then, a novel auxiliary system is introduced with appropriate coordinate transformation, which can create extra freedoms to attenuate the effects brought by input saturation. As a remarkable feature, a composite observer with the estimate of unknown control gain is constructed on the basis of disturbance observer‐based control and state observer control. It can deal with the unmeasurable disturbances and states simultaneously. According to the proposed scheme, it is proven that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are uniformly ultimately bounded, and the tracking error is bounded by the design parameters and saturated input error without the violation of the output constraint. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control is verified by two simulation examples.
Path following of a class of underactuated mechanical systems via immersion and invariance‐based orbital stabilization
Authors: Yi Bowen , Ortega Romeo , Manchester Ian R. , Siguerdidjane Houria
Published: October 2020

This article aims to provide a new problem formulation of path following for mechanical systems without time parameterization nor guidance laws, namely, we express the control objective as an orbital stabilization problem. It is shown that it is possible to adapt the immersion and invariance technique to design static state‐feedback controllers that solve this problem. In particular, we select the target dynamics adopting the recently introduced Mexican sombrero energy assignment method. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method we apply it to control underactuated marine surface vessels.
Finite‐time distributed control with time transformation
Authors: Arabi Ehsan , Yucelen Tansel , Singler John R.
Published: October 2020

In this article, we propose distributed control algorithms for first‐ and second‐order multiagent systems for addressing finite‐time control problem with a priori given, user‐defined finite‐time convergence guarantees. The proposed control frameworks are predicated on a recently developed time transformation approach. Specifically, our contribution is twofold: First, a generalized time transformation function is proposed that converts the user‐defined finite‐time interval to a stretched infinite‐time interval, where one can design a distributed control algorithm on this stretched interval and then transform it back to the original finite‐time interval for achieving a given multiagent system objective. Second, for a specific time transformation function, we analytically establish the robustness properties of the resulting finite‐time distributed control algorithms against vanishing and nonvanishing system uncertainties. By contrast to existing finite‐time approaches, it is shown that the proposed algorithms can preserve a priori given, user‐defined finite‐time convergence regardless of the initial conditions of the multiagent system, the graph topology, and without requiring a knowledge of the upper bounds of the considered class of system uncertainties. Illustrative numerical examples are included to further demonstrate the efficacy of the presented results.
Three‐stage multi‐innovation parameter estimation for an exponential autoregressive time‐series model with moving average noise by using the data filtering technique
Authors: Xu Huan , Ding Feng , Yang Erfu
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the data filtering‐based identification algorithms for an exponential autoregressive time‐series model with moving average noise. By means of the data filtering technique and the hierarchical identification principle, the identification model is transformed into three sub‐identification (Sub‐ID) models, and a filtering‐based three‐stage extended stochastic gradient algorithm is derived for identifying these Sub‐ID models. In order to improve the parameter estimation accuracy, a filtering‐based three‐stage multi‐innovation extended stochastic gradient (F‐3S‐MIESG) algorithm is developed by using the multi‐innovation identification theory. The simulation results indicate that the proposed F‐3S‐MIESG algorithm can work well.
Evaluation of the ontogeny and sexual dimorphism in a new species of Middle Triassic Darwinulocopina (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from Argentina
Authors: Carignano Ana P. , Echevarría Javier , Zavattieri Ana M.
Published: October 2020

Darwinulocopina is an interesting group of ostracods that includes some of the first invaders of freshwater habitats during the late Palaeozoic. The Permian–Triassic extinction greatly reduced their diversity, culminating in a single extant family. The darwinulids are regarded as ‘ancient asexuals’ given that a parthenogenetic mode of reproduction is assumed for all post‐Triassic members of the group. However, the high diversity achieved during the late Palaeozoic is often associated with sexual reproduction. Here we studied a monospecific assemblage of ostracods from the Middle Triassic of the Cuyo Basin, Province of Mendoza, Argentina, recognizing a new species of Darwinulocopina,Prasuchonella?huarpesp. nov. We discuss the traditional length/height and length/width graphical method for identifying ontogeny/sexual dimorphism in fossil ostracod assemblages. A geometric morphometric analysis was performed on both lateral and dorsal views of almost 170 carapaces, to evaluate the ontogeny and sexual dimorphism of the species. The best results were obtained from the analysis in dorsal view, discriminating four ontogenetic stages. This revealed a main ontogenetic trend related to the development of the brooding chamber. Although subtle in difference, female carapaces are wider not only at the brooding chamber, but also along the whole length, compared with the presumptive males. We provide full systematic descriptions and discussions, attempting to unify descriptive criteria for recent and fossil darwinulocopine carapaces, and suggest closeness to species previously described from the upper Permian of Russia. As a result, we recommend a review of Mesozoic records of Darwinulocopina, particularly those from the Triassic.
Nanoresistant Particles Based on Chemically Modified Starch as Nanocarriers and Characterization of Structural and Release Properties
Authors: Ouyang Qunfu , Xiao Jiaqi , Chen Jialin , Xiao Yiwei , Lin Qinlu , Ding Yongbo
Published: October 2020

Nanoresistant particles based on chemically modified starch (RS IV) are prepared through a high‐speed shearing emulsification method, and the effects of shear speed, shear time, oil/water ratio, and surfactant amount on the particle size are evaluated in this study. The as‐prepared RS IV nanoparticles yield ≈300 nm narrow peak with notches and grooves on the surface. In vitro digestibility results suggest that these nanoparticles exhibit high resistance in the stomach, small intestine, and colon contents of mice. A raman assay confirms that a crosslinking reaction occurs between the RSIV molecule and N,N′‐methylenediacrylamide. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveal that RS IV nanoparticles present an amorphous structure. In addition, the RS IV nanoparticles have good thermal and storage stabilities. In comparison with RS IV, RS IV nanoparticles have a larger specific surface area, smaller average pore size, higher loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency, and better in vitro release properties of drugs.
Effect of Non‐Starch Polysaccharides on the Pasting, Gel, and Gelation Properties of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Starch
Authors: Alam Feroz , Nawab Anjum , Lutfi Zubala , Haider Syed Zia
Published: October 2020

This study aims to assess the influence of various non‐starch polysaccharides at different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) on the physicochemical, pasting, and gel properties of taro starch. Guar and xanthan gum appear to reduce the swelling power at higher temperatures while CMC improves it. Least gelation studies show that xanthan and guar gums are effective in producing firm gel at 6 and 8% of starch concentration, respectively. All hydrocolloids are found to be effective in decreasing syneresis and increase the stability of starch gel against repeated freeze−thaw (FT) cycles. The pasting properties of taro starch are greatly affected by all hydrocolloids and it is observed that guar and xanthan gums improve its peak viscosity even at the lowest concentration. The initial pasting temperature of taro starch is found to increase with gum arabic concentration while a significant decrease is noted with both guar gum and CMC which is an indication of ease in gelatinization. Xanthan and arabic gums are effective in controlling the set back of taro starch paste. The results indicate that different ratios of taro starch and hydrocolloids mixtures can play an important role as a functional additive in order to improve the quality of various processed food products.
Efficiency of the use of neutralized phosphogypsum, phosphorite processing waste, in agriculture
Authors: Efremova Saniya Y. , Akanova Natalya I. , Sharkov Tagir A. , Yakhkind Michael I.
Published: October 2020

Phosphogypsum (PG), phosphorite processing waste, can be used in agriculture as a chemical ameliorant to eliminate soil degradation. But it has some disadvantages, especially acidity; therefore, the use of neutralized phosphogypsum (NPG) is proposed. The development of methods for the rational NPG use, both separately and in combination with mineral fertilizers, to improve soil fertility was the purpose of this study. The results of stationary field experiments to study the NPG effect on the fertility parameters of meadow chernozem soils are presented. For three years of the study, the portion of humic acids and the content of humic acids bound with calcium increased in the plow layer. Already in the first year of action, NPG decreased the soil acidity. Introduction of calcium into the soil with NPG stabilized the calcium regime and increased the absorption capacity by 3.2%–6.5%. The content of heavy metals was within the natural background and did not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations. No reliable increase in fluorine and strontium concentrations was revealed. On the whole, NPG use is environmentally safe; it improves soil fertility and quality of plant products.
Carbon Stocks from Peat Swamp Forest and Oil Palm Plantation in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Novita Nisa , Kauffman J. Boone , Hergoualc’h Kristell , Murdiyarso Daniel , Tryanto Dede Hendry , Jupesta Joni
Published: October 2020

Conserving high carbon density tropical peat forests is one of the most cost-efficient strategies for climate change mitigation at national and global levels. Over past decades, large areas of tropical peat forests have been converted to oil palm plantation in Indonesia resulting in significant carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Here, we quantified the ecosystem carbon stocks in a total of six sites: two primary peat swamp forest sites, one secondary peat swamp forest site, and three young oil palm plantation sites in Tanjung Puting, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. We further determined potential carbon emissions from vegetation change due to peat swamp forest conversion to oil palm plantation. The mean total ecosystem carbon stock of primary and secondary peat swamp forests were 1770 ± 123 Mg C/ha and 533 ± 49 Mg C/ha, respectively. In contrast, the mean carbon stock of oil palm plantations was 759 ± 87 Mg C/ha or 42% of peat swamp forests. The ratio of the aboveground to belowground C stock was highest in secondary forest with an estimated value of 0.48, followed by primary forest at 0.19 and oil palm plantation at 0.04. Using a stock difference approach, we estimated potential carbon emissions from vegetation change resulting from the conversion of primary peat swamp forest to oil palm plantation of 640 ± 114 Mg CO2/ha. Finally, while restoring peatlands is important, avoiding peat conversion is imperative for Indonesia’s climate change mitigation effort.
ρ − ω mixing contribution to the measured CP asymmetry of B± → ωK±
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Hua , Yang Sheng , Guo Xin-Heng
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We study the CP asymmetry of B±→ ωK± with the inclusion of the ρ − ω mixing mechanism. It is shown that the CP asymmetry of B±→ ωK± experimentally measured ($$ {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\mathrm{exp}} $$

A
CP
exp

) and conventionally defined ($$ {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\mathrm{con}} $$

A
CP
con

) are in fact different, which relation can be illustrated as $$ {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\mathrm{exp}}={A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\mathrm{con}}+\Delta {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\rho \omega} $$

A
CP
exp

=

A
CP
con

+
Δ

A
CP
ρω

, with $$ \Delta {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\rho \omega} $$
Δ

A
CP
ρω

the ρ − ω mixing contribution to $$ {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\mathrm{exp}} $$

A
CP
exp

. The numerical value of $$ \Delta {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\rho \omega} $$
Δ

A
CP
ρω

is extracted from the experimental data of B±→ π+π−K± and is found to be comparable with $$ {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\mathrm{exp}} $$

A
CP
exp

, hence, non-negligible. The conventionally defined CP asymmetry, $$ {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\mathrm{con}} $$

A
CP
con

, is obtained from the values of $$ {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\mathrm{exp}} $$

A
CP
exp

and $$ \Delta {A}_{\mathrm{CP}}^{\rho \omega} $$
Δ

A
CP
ρω

, and is compared with the theoretical calculations in the literature.
Magnetotransport and complexity of holographic metal-insulator transitions
Authors: An Yu-Sen , Ji Teng , Li Li
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We study the magnetotransport in a minimal holographic setup of a metal- insulator transition in two spatial dimensions. Some generic features are obtained without referring to the non-linear details of the holographic theory. The temperature dependence of resistivity is found to be well scaled with a single parameter T0, which approaches zero at some critical charge density ρc, and increases as a power law T0∼ |ρ − ρc|1/2 both in metallic (ρ > ρc) and insulating (ρ < ρc) regions in the vicinity of the transition. Similar features also happen by changing the disorder strength as well as magnetic field. By requiring a positive definite longitudinal conductivity in the presence of an applied magnetic field restricts the allowed parameter space of theory parameters. We explicitly check the consistency of parameter range for two representative models, and compute the optical conductivities for both metallic and insulating phases, from which a disorder- induced transfer of spectral weight from low to high energies is manifest. We construct the phase diagram in terms of temperature and disorder strength. The complexity during the transition is studied and is found to be not a good probe to the metal-insulator transition.
Four-point functions in large N Chern-Simons fermionic theories
Authors: Kalloor Rohit R.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We compute all four-point functions involving the operators J0 and J1 in large-N Chern-Simons fermionic theories, in the regime where all external momenta lie along the z-axis. We find that our result for 〈J0J0J0J0〉 agrees with previous computations, and that the other correlators fall in line with expectations from bootstrap arguments.