bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exponentially convergent distributed algorithm for resource allocation problem
Authors: Shi Xiasheng , Zheng Ronghao , Lin Zhiyun , Yang Tao , Yan Gangfeng
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the distributed resource allocation problem over undirected networks, considering box constraints and demand–supply constraints, is studied. Furthermore, each agent has one private cost function that is only known by itself. The aim is to minimize the sum of all local cost functions in a distributed manner while meeting the constraints. To solve the dispatch problem, a continuous‐time distributed algorithm with fixed step‐size is proposed. After that, a modified distributed algorithm of discrete‐time multi‐agent system is provided. Moreover, the proposed algorithms obtain the global optimal solution with an exponential convergence speed by the conventional Lyapunov methods. Finally, several simulations of IEEE‐14 bus are presented to validate and illustrate the proposed designed algorithm.
TP3, an antimicrobial peptide, inhibits infiltration and motility of glioblastoma cells via modulating the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Chen Ying‐Fa , Shih Po‐Chang , Kuo Hsiao‐Mei , Yang San‐Nan , Lin Yen‐You , Chen Wu‐Fu , Tzou Shiow‐Jyu , Liu Hsin‐Tzu , Chen Nan‐Fu
Published: April 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a cancer of the central nervous system with limited therapeutic outcomes. Infiltrating cancer cells are the contributing factor to high GBM malignancy. The intracranial brain cancer cell infiltration is a complex cascade involving adhesion, migration, and invasion. An arsenal of natural products has been under exploration to overcome GBM malignancy. This study applied the antimicrobial peptide tilapia piscidin 3 (TP3) to GBM8401, U87MG, and T98G cells. The cellular assays and microscopic observations showed that TP3 significantly attenuated cell adhesion, migration, and invasion. A live‐cell video clip showed the inhibition of filopodia protrusions and cell attachment. Probing at the molecular levels showed that the proteolytic activities (from secretion), the mRNA and protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 were attenuated. This result strongly evidenced that both invasion and metastasis were inhibited, although metastatic GBM is rare. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of cell‐mobilization regulators focal adhesion kinase and paxillin were decreased. Similar effects were observed in small GTPase (RAS), phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT) and MAP kinases such as extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK), JNK, and p38. Overall, TP3 showed promising activities to prevent cell infiltration and metastasis through modulating the tumor microenvironment balance, suggesting that TP3 merits further development for use in GBM treatments.
Benzopyran Derivatives and an Aliphatic Compound from a Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Penicillium citrinum QJF‐22
Authors: Yang Wencong , Chen Yan , Cai Runlin , Zou Ge , Wang Bo , She Zhigang
Published: April 2020

Two new benzopyran derivatives, (2R,4S)‐5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ol and (2S,4R,2′S,4′R)‐4,4′‐oxybis(5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran), and a new aliphatic compound, (3E,5Z,8S,10E)‐8‐hydroxytrideca‐3,5,10,12‐tetraen‐2‐one, together with three known benzopyran derivatives, were obtained from a mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium citrinum QJF‐22 collected in Hainan island. Their structures were determined by analysis of spectroscopic data and the relative configuration of (2R,4S)‐5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ol was also confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The absolute configurations of four compounds were established by comparison of ECD spectra to calculations. The configuration of (3E,5Z,8S,10E)‐8‐hydroxytrideca‐3,5,10,12‐tetraen‐2‐one was confirmed by comparison of optical value to the similar compound. The configurations of the compounds (2S,4S)‐5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ol and (2R,4R)‐5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ol were first determined. (3R,4S)‐3,4,8‐Trihydroxy‐3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐one exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on LPS‐induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells with IC50 of 44.7 μM, and without cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells within 50 μM.
Quantitative Formation of Monomeric G‐Quadruplex DNA from Multimeric Structures of c‐Myc Promoter Sequence
Authors: Rauser Valerie , Weinhold Elmar
Published: April 2020

G‐Quadruplex (G4)‐forming DNA sequences have a tendency to form stable multimeric structures. This can be problematic for studies with synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides. Herein, we describe a method that quantitatively converts multimeric intermolecular structures of the Pu27 sequence from the c‐myc promoter into the desired monomeric G4 by alkaline treatment and refolding.
Surgically placed radiopaque markers: Proof‐of‐concept of a novel technique to facilitate percutaneous interventions in neonates and infants
Authors: Hummel Johanna , Kubicki Rouven , Pingpoh Clarence , Stiller Brigitte , Sigler Matthias , Siepe Matthias , Grohmann Jochen
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and benefit of self‐designed, radiopaque markers as a novel technique in neonates and infants with shunt‐ or duct‐dependent lesions.

Background

Surgically placed radiopaque markers have the potential to facilitate postoperative percutaneous interventions.

Methods

All consecutive children with surgically placed radiopaque markers involving systemic‐to‐pulmonary artery connections or arterial ducts in the context of hybrid palliation and subsequent cardiac catheterization between January 2013 and March 2019 were included in this analysis. Our primary endpoint was our concept's feasibility, which we defined as a combination of surgical feasibility and the percutaneous intervention's success. Secondary endpoint was the rate of complications resulting from the surgical procedure or during catheterization.

Results

Radiopaque markers that reveal the proximal entry of a surgical shunt or the arterial duct proved to be a feasible and beneficial approach in 25 postoperative catheterizations. The markers' high accuracy enabled easy probing and proper stent positioning in 13 neonates with a median age and weight of 121 days (range 9–356) and 4.7 kg (1.6–9.4) at the intervention. No procedural complications or unanticipated events associated with the radiopaque marker occurred. The markers were never lost, never migrated, and caused no local obstructive lesion. Surgical removal was straightforward in all patients.

Conclusions

Radiopaque markers are a promising and refined technique to substantially facilitate target vessel access and enabling the accurate positioning of stents during postoperative percutaneous procedures.
Tuning Interactions of Surface‐adsorbed Species over Fe−Co/K−Al2O3 Catalyst by Different K Contents: Selective CO2 Hydrogenation to Light Olefins
Authors: Numpilai Thanapha , Chanlek Narong , Poo‐Arporn Yingyot , Cheng Chin Kui , Siri‐Nguan Nuchanart , Sornchamni Thana , Chareonpanich Metta , Kongkachuichay Paisan , Yigit Nevzat , Rupprechter Günther , Limtrakul Jumras , Witoon Thongthai
Published: April 2020

Selective CO2 hydrogenation to light olefins over Fe−Co/K−Al2O3 catalysts was enhanced by tuning bonding strengths of adsorbed species by varying the content of the K promotor. Increasing the K/Fe atomic ratio from 0 to 0.5 increased the olefins/paraffins (O/P) ratio by 25.4 times, but then slightly raised upon ascending K/Fe to 2.5. The positive effect of K addition is attributed to the strong interaction of H adsorbed with the catalyst surface caused by the electron donor from K to Fe species. Although the Fe−Co/K−Al2O3 catalyst with K/Fe=2.5 reached the highest O/P ratio of 7.6, the maximum yield of light olefins of 16.4 % was achieved by the catalyst promoted with K/Fe of 0.5. This is explained by the considerable reduction of amount of H2 adsorbed on the catalyst surface with K/Fe=2.5.
Stakeholder perception on corporate reputation and management efficiency: Evidence from the Spanish Defence sector
Authors: Solana‐Ibáñez José , Caravaca‐Garratón Manuel , Teruel‐Sánchez Ricardo
Published: April 2020

This article examines the relationship between the concepts of efficiency and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The main aim is to discuss if CSR policy has an effective influence which leads to a high degree of technical efficiency. Accordingly, the image projected to society should be strengthened. Under this scenario, an equivalent level of confidence in the public sector should be expected. Otherwise public decision‐makers should reformulate their SR strategy, since the impact would not only be economic but would also lead to a negative externality in relation to the image that the sector projects to society. Accordingly, a case study for the Defence sector in Spain is part of this article. Given a set of discretionary variables, the Spanish Defence Delegations efficiency for the 2015–2017 period is assessed by means of data envelopment analysis technique. A bootstrap procedure is used to eliminate the bias of the estimates and obtain a robust ranking. The results show that efficient management does not have the expected positive effect on the Army's corporate reputation as measured by the image perceived by the stakeholders. Implications for practice and limitations of this study conclude the article.
Seasonal dietary shifts enhance parasite transmission to lake salmonids during ice cover
Authors: Prati Sebastian , Henriksen Eirik H. , Knudsen Rune , Amundsen Per‐Arne
Published: April 2020

Changes in abiotic and biotic factors between seasons in subarctic lake systems are often profound, potentially affecting the community structure and population dynamics of parasites over the annual cycle. However, few winter studies exist and interactions between fish hosts and their parasites are typically confined to snapshot studies restricted to the summer season whereas host‐parasite dynamics during the ice‐covered period rarely have been explored. The present study addresses seasonal patterns in the infections of intestinal parasites and their association with the diet of sympatric living Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in Lake Takvatn, a subarctic lake in northern Norway. In total, 354 Arctic charr and 203 brown trout were sampled from the littoral habitat between June 2017 and May 2018. Six trophically transmitted intestinal parasite taxa were identified and quantified, and their seasonal variations were contrasted with dietary information from both stomachs and intestines of the fish. The winter period proved to be an important transmission window for parasites, with increased prevalence and intensity of amphipod‐transmitted parasites in Arctic charr and parasites transmitted through fish prey in brown trout. In Arctic charr, seasonal patterns in parasite infections resulted mainly from temporal changes in diet toward amphipods, whereas host body size and the utilization of fish prey were the main drivers in brown trout. The overall dynamics in the community structure of parasites chiefly mirrored the seasonal dietary shifts of their fish hosts.
Hydrothermal Recrystallization as a Strategy to Reveal the Structural Diversity in Hexacyanometallates: Nickel and Copper Hexacyanoosmates(II)
Authors: Reguera Leslie , López Noeldris L. , Rodríguez‐Hernández Joelis , Martínez‐García Ricardo , Reguera Edilso
Published: April 2020

The results discussed herein reinforce the relevance of the hydrothermal recrystallization in transition metal hexacyanometallates as a suitable strategy to access the structural diversity of this family of coordination polymers. Copper(2+) and nickel(2+) hexacyanoosmates(II) were prepared by the precipitation method using hexacyanoosmic(II) acid as the complex anion source, obtaining powders of insufficient crystalline quality for the structural study. These powders were then recrystallized under hydrothermal conditions. For Ni, three new phases where formed, monoclinic and tetragonal, and a hexagonal modification when the monoclinic one is dehydrated under soft heating. For copper, one new tetragonal phase was found, in addition to the previously reported cubic one, typical of Prussian blue analogues. The crystal structure for these four nickel and cooper hexacyanoosmates(II) were solved and refined ab initio from powder XRD data. The refined crystal structures are properly supported by a detailed spectroscopic study from IR and UV/Vis data, Ligand Field Analysis, and thermal, magnetic and hydrogen adsorption measurements. In the anhydrous phase for nickel, neighboring Ni atoms were found coordinated by bifurcated N end, an atypical coordination mode for the CN– ligand. The results herein discussed contribute to shed light on the vast information unrevealed on the coordination chemistry of transition metal hexacyanometallates.
Synthesis and Characterization of Copper(I) Halide Complexes Prepared with Bipodal Diacylthioureas
Authors: Peng Lan‐Xin , Wang Dan , Zhang De‐Xiang , Zhang Zhi‐Jiao , Zhou Qi , Li Hai‐Pu , Yang Ying
Published: April 2020

Bipodal diacylthioureas [MesC(O)NHC(S)NH]2R (R = C6H4‐1,2 (L1, 1), C6H4‐1,4 (L2, 2)) were synthesized, and their complexation reactions with equimolar Cu(I) halides CuX (X = Cl, Br, ) were investigated. The obtained ligands L1–2 and the resultant Cu(I) complexes (3–8) were characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The complexation of L1 with CuX gave three different 1D polymers: the infinite single chain (L1CuCl)n (3), edge‐shared double‐ring chain {[(µ‐L1)CuBr]2}n (4), and vertex‐shared double‐ring chain {[L1Cu(µ‐I)]2}n (5). Similarly, but more pronounced, the treatment of L2 with CuX resulted in the formation of 1D edge‐shared double‐ring chain {[(µ‐L2)CuCl]2}n (6), 0D discrete dinuclear metallamacrocyclic ring (L2CuBr)2 (7), and 3D network polymer [L2Cu(µ‐I)]n (8), respectively. The structural diversity may be related to the suitable spacer, flexible C=S directionality and binding roles of halide anions and sulfur donors. Among Cu(I) complexes (3–8) as prepared, both chloride (in 3 and 6) and bromide anions (in 4 and 7) acted as terminal ligands, while the iodide anions (in 5 and 8) served as bridging ligand. In contrast, only in edge‐shared double‐ring chains (4 and 6) it was found that the sulfur donors (one of two in each Ln) played as the bridging ligand.
Synthesis of Glucuronoxylan Hexasaccharides by Preactivation‐Based Glycosylations
Authors: Underlin Emilie N. , d'Errico Clotilde , Böhm Maximilian , Madsen Robert
Published: April 2020

The synthesis of two glucuronoxylans is described, which both consist of a pentaxylan backbone and a glucuronic acid linked to the 2 position in the fourth xylose residue from the reducing end. The two target molecules differ in the 4 position of the glucuronic acid where one is unsubstituted while the other contains a methyl ether. The pentaxylan backbone is assembled in four glycosylation reactions with phenyl thioglycoside donors. The couplings are performed by preactivation of the donor with in‐situ‐generated p‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl triflate prior to addition of the acceptor. The glucuronic acids are then attached by Koenigs‐Knorr glycosylations followed by deprotections. The syntheses employ a total of 8 steps from monosaccharide building blocks and afford the two glucuronoxylans in 12 and 15 % overall yield. The hexasaccharide products are valuable substrates for investigating the activity and specificity of glucuronoxylan‐degrading enzymes.
Neuropathic pain after thoracotomy: Tracking signs and symptoms before and at monthly intervals following surgery
Authors: Gandhi Wiebke , Pomares Florence B. , Naso Lina , Asenjo Juan‐Francisco , Schweinhardt Petra
Published: April 2020

Background

As the development of neuropathic symptoms contributes to pain severity and chronification after surgery, their early prediction is important to allow targeted treatment.

Objectives

We longitudinally investigated trajectories of signs and symptoms in patients undergoing thoracotomy and assessed whether and at which time they were related to the development of neuropathic pain symptoms 6 months after surgery.

Methods

Presurgical and 6 monthly postsurgical assessments included questionnaires for mental and physical well‐being (e.g., depression/anxiety, pain catastrophizing, sleep quality, neuropathic pain symptoms), and quantitative sensory testing (QST).

Results

QST trajectories indicated nerve impairment of the surgery site with predominant loss of function. Signs of recovery towards the end of the assessment period were observed for some tests. Unsupervised cluster analysis with NPSI scores 6 months after surgery as clustering variable identified one group with no/low levels of neuropathic symptoms and one with moderate levels. The two groups differed w.r.t. several signs and symptoms already at early time points. Notably, neuropathic pain anywhere in the body differed already preoperatively and sleep impairment differentiated the two groups at all time points. Regression analysis revealed three factors that seemed particularly suited to predicted 6 months NPSI scores, namely preoperative neuropathic pain symptoms, with contributions from sleep impairment 1 month after surgery and the presence of dynamic mechanical allodynia 3 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Clinical routine should focus on the individual's physiological state, including pre‐existing neuropathic pain and sleep quality to identify patients early who might be at risk to develop chronic post‐surgical neuropathic pain.

Significance

Development of neuropathies contributes to pain severity and pain chronification after surgery. Here we demonstrate trajectories of quantitative sensory tests (assessed at monthly intervals for 6 months after surgery) that reveal accurate time courses of gain/loss of nerve function following thoracotomy. Independent of the degree of neuropathic signs after surgery, the main predictors for post‐surgical neuropathic pain are self‐reported neuropathic pain before surgery and sleep quality shortly after surgery.
A hybrid model considering cointegration for interval‐valued pork price forecasting in China
Authors: Zhang Dabin , Li Qian , Mugera Amin W. , Ling Liwen
Published: April 2020

Compared with point forecasting, interval forecasting is believed to be more effective and helpful in decision making, as it provides more information about the data generation process. Based on the well‐established “linear and nonlinear” modeling framework, a hybrid model is proposed by coupling the vector error correction model (VECM) with artificial intelligence models which consider the cointegration relationship between the lower and upper bounds (Coin‐AIs). VECM is first employed to fit the original time series with the residual error series modeled by Coin‐AIs. Using pork price as a research sample, the empirical results statistically confirm the superiority of the proposed VECM‐CoinAIs over other competing models, which include six single models and six hybrid models. This result suggests that considering the cointegration relationship is a workable direction for improving the forecast performance of the interval‐valued time series. Moreover, with a reasonable data transformation process, interval forecasting is proven to be more accurate than point forecasting.
Aquaponics production of catfish and pumpkin: Comparison with conventional production systems
Authors: Oladimeji Sunday Abraham , Okomoda Victor Tosin , Olufeagba Samuel Olabode , Solomon Shola Gabriel , Abol‐Munafi Ambok Bolong , Alabi Korede Isaiah , Ikhwanuddin Mhd , Martins Chukwumeka Onwuka , Umaru Joshua , Hassan Anuar
Published: April 2020

Aquaponics is known to be a smart way of producing fish and crops simultaneously; however, there is a paucity of information about the extents of this system's efficiency over other conventional methods of food production. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the performance of a catfish–pumpkin aquaponics system in comparison with recirculatory and static aquaculture systems (for fish performance), as well as irrigated and nonirrigated systems (for pumpkin performance). Results obtained showed that the production of fish in the aquaponics system was 29% and 75% more efficient than recirculatory and static aquaculture systems, respectively. The survival of the fish was also significantly improved probably due to better water quality in the aquaponics system. With respect to pumpkin production, yield in the aquaponics system was about five times the performance in irrigated land and eleven times those in nonirrigated land. This study gives definitive evidence to support the efficiency of the aquaponics system over other conventional food production methods.
Hydrological regulation of chemical weathering and dissolved inorganic carbon biogeochemical processes in a monsoonal river
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhong Jun , Ding Hu , Yue Fu‐Jun , Li Cai , Xu Sen , Li Si‐Liang
Published: April 2020

To better understand the mechanisms relating to hydrological regulations of chemical weathering processes and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) behaviours, high‐frequency sampling campaigns and associated analyses were conducted in the Yu River, South China. Hydrological variability modifies the biogeochemical processes of dissolved solutes, so major ions display different behaviours in response to discharge change. Most ions become diluted with increasing discharge because of the shortened reactive time between rock and water under high‐flow conditions. Carbonate weathering is the main source of major ions, which shows strong chemostatic behaviour in response to changes in discharge. Ions from silicate weathering exhibit a significant dilution effect relative to the carbonate‐sourced ions. Under high temperatures, the increased soil CO2 influx from the mineralisation of organic material shifts the negative carbon isotope ratios of DIC (δ13CDIC) during the high‐flow season. The δ13CDIC values show a higher sensitivity than DIC contents in response to various hydrological conditions. Results from a modified isotope‐mixing model (IsoSource) demonstrate that biological carbon is a dominant source of DIC and plays an important role in temporal carbon dynamics. Furthermore, this study provides insights into chemical weathering processes and carbon dynamics, highlighting the significant influence of hydrological variability to aid understanding of the global carbon cycle.
Lactoferricin B like peptide triggers mitochondrial disruption‐mediated apoptosis by inhibiting respiration under nitric oxide accumulation inCandida albicans
Authors: Kim Suhyun , Hwang Jae Sam , Lee Dong Gun
Published: April 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potentially powerful weapon againstCandida albicans, and the regulation of intracellular NO levels is therefore important for controlling its physiological functions. Lactoferricin B like peptide (LBLP) is a 23‐mer antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from theScolopendra subspinipes mutilans. We confirmed that LBLP treatment led to the generation of endogenous NO inC. albicans, which was associated with the NO synthase pathway. Here, we examined the antifungal activity of LBLP with focus on intracellular NO. Total glutathione levels were measured to evaluate cellular defense capacity against NO. LBLP decreased total glutathione levels, leading to nitrosative stress. LBLP also inhibited mitochondrial respiration and altered the NAD+/NADH ratios. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, thus leading to calcium homeostasis disruption and mitochondrial superoxide anion accumulation. Consequently, treatment ofC. albicanswith LBLP resulted in apoptosis. These physiological changes were attenuated when NO generation was inhibited. Our data strongly indicate that LBLP mediates apoptosis by affecting intracellular NO homeostasis. These results on antifungal activity of LBLP and its mechanism indicate the therapeutic promise of this AMP and support the role of NO in cell death regulation.
Malvidin prevents lipopolysaccharide‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Bastin Ali R. , Sadeghi Asie , Abolhassani Moslem , Doustimotlagh Amir H. , Mohammadi Abbas
Published: April 2020

It is indicated that malvidin has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects on various cells, although the function of malvidin in preventing inflammatory reactions caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is still not known. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of malvidin on inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in PBMCs as caused by LPS. The present findings showed that LPS significantly increased the expression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and COX‐2 mRNA and protein release from PBMCs 22 hr after treatments. It was also revealed that increased levels in cytokine expression coincided with increased phosphorylation of JNK, P65‐NF‐κB, and IKKα/IKKβ. Also, the expression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and COX‐2 mRNA induced by LPS as well as secretion of protein in PBMC has been significantly decreased by pretreatment of malvidin. Importantly, pretreatment of the cells with malvidin completely abrogated the phosphorylation of P65‐NF‐κB, JNK, and IKKα/IKKβ in LPS treated cells. Malvidin protection against LPS‐induced inflammation was coupled with a decline in the levels of nitric oxide metabolite and malondialdehyde, along with an increase in the ferric reducing antioxidant power, total thiol activity, and also superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. In accordance with this finding, malvidin may represent a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of inflammation in PBMCs.
Deregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism associated with insulin resistance in rats subjected to chronic monocrotophos exposure
Authors: Nagaraju Raju , Joshi Apurva K. R. , Vamadeva Sowmya G. , Rajini Padmanabhan S.
Published: April 2020

In our previous study, we demonstrated the potential of monocrotophos (MCP), an organophosphorus insecticide (OPI), to induce glucose intolerance, insulin resistance (IR), and dyslipidemia with hyperinsulinemia in rats after chronic exposure. As hyperinsulinemia is likely to exert an impact on hepatic lipid metabolism, we carried out this study to establish the effect of chronic MCP exposure (0.9 and 1.8 mg/kg/day for 180 days) on hepatic lipid metabolism in rats. The state of IR induced by MCP in rats was associated with an increase in the liver lipid content (triglyceride and cholesterol) and expression levels of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins, PPARγ, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase in the liver. Similarly, activities of key enzymes (acetyl‐COA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, lipin 1, malic enzyme, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase), which regulate lipogenesis, were enhanced in livers of pesticide‐treated rats. A strong correlation was observed between insulin levels, hepatic lipid content, and plasma lipid profile in treated rats. Our study suggests that long‐term exposure to OPIs not only has a propensity to induce a state of hyperinsulinemic IR, but it is also associated with augmented hepatic lipogenesis, which may explain dyslipidemia induced by chronic exposure to MCP.
Investigating Regional Inequalities in India: Are Indian Districts Converging?
Authors: Tiwari Chhavi , Bhattacharjee Sankalpa , Chakrabarti Debkumar
Published: April 2020

The study examines the regional inequalities in India across 315 districts during 1999/2000–2010/2011. For examining convergence, parametric and non‐parametric tests are employed. Findings reveal that absolute and conditional convergences hold for the entire time period. Analysis of intra‐period convergence reveals an overall divergence during 1999–2005 and convergence during 2005–2011. Conditional variables included the number of bank branches, literacy rate and pupil–teacher ratio. Results for σ convergence reveal a higher level of dispersion during 1999–2005 and a sharp decline thereafter. These results are supported by Kernel density plots. The study reveals that Indian districts exhibited convergent behaviour only after 2005. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular typing of conjunctivitis‐causing adenoviruses in Hanoi, Vietnam from 2017 to 2019 and complete genome analysis of the most prevalent type (HAdV‐8)
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen , Le Tuan Anh , Nguyen Viet Ha , Nguyen Thi Uyen , Nguyen Phuong Thao , Tran Thi Thuy Anh , Nguyen Quang Hung , Hoang Anh Tuan , Hoang My Hanh , Le Tho Son , Nguyen Van Sang
Published: April 2020

Adenoviral conjunctivitis is a common epidemic worldwide. In Vietnam, up to 80,000 patients are infected with adenoviral conjunctivitis annually. However, there are few investigations on the pathogenic adenoviruses that cause conjunctivitis. In total, 120 eye‐swab samples were collected from patients with viral conjunctivitis symptoms in Hanoi, Vietnam from 2017 to 2019. Human adenoviruse (HAdV) was detected in 67 samples (55.83%) using polymerase chain reaction amplification of at least one of three HAdV‐specific marker genes (hexon, penton, and fiber). Of the 67 HAdV samples, 46 samples could be analyzed by all three marker genes. DNA sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree building based on the three marker genes from the 46 HAdV samples revealed five different HAdV types associated with conjunctivitis in Hanoi, including HAdV‐3 (4.3%), HAdV‐4 (2.2%), HAdV‐8 (89.1%), HAdV‐37 (2.2%), and a potential recombinant type between types HAdV‐8 and HAdV‐3 (2.2%). This showed that HAdV‐8 was the most common type identified in Hanoi. Complete genome analysis of HAdV‐8 isolated from a Vietnamese patient (VN2017) using Sanger sequencing revealed 34 unique nucleotide changes, indicating that the adenovirus continuously accumulates new mutations. Hence, continuous surveillance of HAdV‐8 changes in Vietnam is necessary in the future.
Analyzing the impact of automatization using parallel daily mean temperature series including breakpoint detection and homogenization
Authors: Hannak Lisa , Friedrich Karsten , Imbery Florian , Kaspar Frank
Published: April 2020

High‐quality time series of meteorological observations are required for reliable assessments of climate trends. To analyze inhomogeneities in time series, parallel measurements can be used. Germany's national meteorological service DWD (Deutscher Wetterdienst) operates a network of climate reference stations. At these stations, manual and automatic observations have been taken in parallel. These parallel measurements therefore allow analyzing the impact of the transition on the homogeneity of time series of several meteorological parameters. Here, we present results for temperature. The differences between automatic and manual measurements are tested on breakpoints caused by instrumental defects or changes in the measurement conditions. The time series are highly correlated such that small breaks can be identified. The detected breakpoints are verified against metadata if available. In the case of no available metadata information, a procedure is suggested to identify the inhomogeneous time series (manual or automatic time series). Afterwards, the time series are homogenized. The homogenized time series are used to analyze the impact of changing the observing system from manual to automatic measurements on daily mean temperature.
Emerging carrier‐free nanosystems based on molecular self‐assembly of pure drugs for cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Xuanbo , Li Na , Zhang Shenwu , Sun Bingjun , Chen Qin , He Zhonggui , Luo Cong , Sun Jin
Published: April 2020

The potential toxicity of nanocarrier excipients and complicated preparation technologies have impeded the clinical application of nanomedicine. Recently, pure drug‐assembled nanosystems (PDANS) have been widely investigated, due to the unique self‐assembly characteristics of pure drug molecules. PDANS provides a facile nanoplatform for developing carrier‐free nanomedicine. Herein, the recent trends in PDANS for cancer therapy are outlined. First, the emerging strategies to develop single pure drug‐based nanoassemblies are discussed. Second, co‐assembly of two or more pure drugs for efficient combination therapy is overviewed. Then, the functional self‐assembly of non‐cytotoxic agents in tumor sites is presented. Finally, the rational design and self‐assembly mechanisms of these unique nanoplatforms are highlighted.
Documentation status, gender, and health selection of immigrants: Evidence from Mexican–US migration
Authors: Lu Yao , Li Xiaoguang
Published: April 2020

Recent research has revealed an epidemiologic paradox within immigrants: undocumented immigrants often exhibit similar or even better health outcomes than documented immigrants despite their socio‐economic disadvantages. The present study examines whether this paradox partly reflects heterogeneity in immigrant health selection by documentation status and gender. We examine the case of Mexico–US immigration using data from the Mexican Migration Project, which provides premigration health and detailed migration histories. Results demonstrate notable diversity in immigrant health selection. Undocumented Mexican immigrant men are especially positively selected on health. Better premigration health also increases recurrent undocumented migration trips. Documented Mexican immigrant men, in contrast, do not exhibit a significant level of positive health selection. For Mexican women, both documented and undocumented migrants are positively selected on the basis of health, and the degree of health selection is irrespective of their documentation status. These findings suggest that immigrant health selection can operate differently depending on the risks and maturity of migration. Taking into account both documentation status and gender is essential for a more accurate understanding of immigrant health selection and has important implications for investigating the impact of undocumented status on immigrant health.
Software reliability prediction and management: A multiple change‐point model approach
Authors: Ke Syuan‐Zao , Huang Chin‐Yu
Published: April 2020

It is commonly recognized that software development is highly unpredictable and software quality may not be easily enhanced after software product is finished. During the software development life cycle (SDLC), project managers have to solve many technical and management issues, such as high failure rate, cost over‐run, low quality, and late delivery. Consequently, in order to produce robust and reliable software product(s) on time and within budget, project managers and developers have to appropriately allocate limited time, manpower, development, and testing effort. In the past, the distribution of testing effort or manpower can typically be described by the Weibull or Rayleigh model. Practically, it should be noticed that development environments or methods could be changed due to some reasons. Thus, when we plan to perform software reliability modeling and prediction, these changes or variations occurring in the development process have to be taken into consideration. In this paper, we will study how to use the Parr‐curve model with multiple change‐points to depict the consumption of testing effort and how to perform further software reliability analysis. Some mathematical properties of proposed model will be given and discussed. The applicability and performance of our proposed model will be demonstrated and assessed through real software failure data. Experimental results are analyzed and compared with other existing models to show that our proposed model gives better predictions. Finally, an optimal software release policy based on cost‐reliability criteria is proposed and studied. The main purpose is aimed at minimizing the total cost of software development when a reliability objective is given.
Effect of Oxygen on High‐temperature Phase Equilibria in Ternary Ti‐Al‐Nb Alloys
Authors: Distl Benedikt , Dehm Gerhard , Stein Frank
Published: April 2020

Alloys based on titanium aluminides received a lot of attention because of their capability to substitute Ni‐based superalloys in high‐temperature applications. However, the phase equilibria between the main microstructure constituents (αTi), (βTi), γ (TiAl) and α2 (Ti3Al) can be shifted significantly by impurities such as oxygen especially at high temperatures. This behavior is investigated on the tie‐triangle (αTi) + (βTi) + γ (TiAl) in the ternary Ti‐Al‐Nb system at 1300 °C. An explanation for this behavior could be the occupation of octahedral voids by impurities in certain phases.
Counting tropical rational curves with cross-ratio constraints
Authors: Goldner Christoph
Published: April 2020

We enumerate rational curves in toric surfaces passing through points and satisfying cross-ratio constraints using tropical and combinatorial methods. Our starting point is (Tyomkin in Adv Math 305:1356–1383, 2017), where a tropical-algebraic correspondence theorem was proved that relates counts of rational curves in toric varieties that satisfy point conditions and cross-ratio constraints to the analogous tropical counts. We proceed in two steps: based on tropical intersection theory we first study tropical cross-ratios and introduce degenerated cross-ratios. Second we provide a lattice path algorithm that produces all rational tropical curves satisfying such degenerated conditions explicitly. In a special case simpler combinatorial objects, so-called cross-ratio floor diagrams, are introduced which can be used to determine these enumerative numbers as well.
High performance piezoelectric AlN MEMS resonators for precise sensing in liquids
Authors: Schneider Michael , Pfusterschmied Georg , Patocka Florian , Schmid Ulrich
Published: April 2020

Piezoelectric silicon micro-machined resonators triggered in the two-dimensional roof-tile shaped mode exhibit exceptionally high quality factors even in highly viscous liquids. In combination with an all-electric readout, this enables precise measurements in liquid media with high output signals, if the electrode design and the anchor geometry are tailored to match the selected order of the roof-tile shaped mode. This paper provides an overview of this promising class of resonator modes for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and highlights three application scenarios. In the food industry, the MEMS sensor can be used to monitor the fermentation process in wine by tracking the density and hence, the concentration of ethanol. In technical lubricants, the concentration of ferrous particles can be monitored by integrating a magnetic actuator on the resonator. Finally, even in highly viscous bitumen, the MEMS sensor is successfully used to measure the viscosity of this material.
Groundwater connectivity of a sheared gneiss aquifer in the Cauvery River basin, India
Authors: L. Collins Sarah , Loveless Sian E. , Muddu Sekhar , Buvaneshwari Sriramulu , Palamakumbura Romesh N. , Krabbendam Maarten , Lapworth Dan J. , Jackson Christopher R. , Gooddy Daren C. , Nara Siva Naga Venkat , Chattopadhyay Somsubhra , MacDonald Alan M.
Published: April 2020

Connectivity of groundwater flow within crystalline-rock aquifers controls the sustainability of abstraction and baseflow to rivers, yet is often poorly constrained at a catchment scale. Here groundwater connectivity in a sheared gneiss aquifer is investigated by studying the intensively abstracted Berambadi catchment (84 km2) in the Cauvery River Basin, southern India, with geological characterisation, aquifer properties testing, hydrograph analysis, hydrochemical tracers and a numerical groundwater flow model. The study indicates a well-connected system, both laterally and vertically, that has evolved with high abstraction from a laterally to a vertically dominated flow system. Likely as a result of shearing, a high degree of lateral connectivity remains at low groundwater levels. Because of their low storage and logarithmic reduction in hydraulic conductivity with depth, crystalline-rock aquifers in environments such as this, with high abstraction and variable seasonal recharge, constitute a highly variable water resource, meaning farmers must adapt to varying water availability. Importantly, this study indicates that abstraction is reducing baseflow to the river, which, if also occurring in other similar catchments, will have implications downstream in the Cauvery River Basin.
Leakage of rank-dependent functionally generated trading strategies
Authors: Xie Kangjianan
Published: April 2020

This paper investigates the so-called leakage effect of trading strategies generated functionally from rank-dependent portfolio generating functions. This effect measures the loss in wealth of trading strategies due to renewing the portfolio constituent stocks. Theoretically, the leakage effect of a trading strategy is expressed explicitly by a finite-variation term. The computation of the leakage is different from what previous research has suggested. The method to estimate leakage in discrete time is then introduced with some practical considerations. An empirical example illustrates the leakage of the corresponding trading strategies under different constituent list sizes.
Volunteer geographic information in the Global South: barriers to local implementation of mapping projects across Africa
Authors: Young Jason C. , Lynch Renee , Boakye-Achampong Stanley , Jowaisas Chris , Sam Joel , Norlander Bree
Published: April 2020

The world is awash in data—by 2020 it is expected that there will be approximately 40 trillion gigabytes of data in existence, with that number doubling every 2 to 3 years. However, data production is not equal in all places—the global data landscape remains heavily concentrated on English-speaking, urban, and relatively affluent locations within the Global North. This inequality can contribute to new forms of digital and data colonialism. One partial solution to these issues may come in the form of crowdsourcing and volunteer geographic information (VGI), which allow Global South populations to produce their own data. Despite initial optimism about these approaches, many challenges and research gaps remain in understanding the opportunities and barriers that organizations endemic to the Global South face in carrying out their own sustainable crowdsourcing projects. What opportunities and barriers do these endemic organizations face when trying to carry out mapping projects driven by their own goals and desires? This paper contributes answers to this question by examining a VGI project that is currently mapping public libraries across the African continent. Our findings highlight how dramatically digital divides can bias crowdsourcing results; the importance of local cultural views in influencing participation in crowdsourcing; and the continued importance of traditional, authoritative organizations for crowdsourcing. These findings offer important lessons for researchers and organizations attempting to develop their own VGI projects in the Global South.
Commentary on Ferguson, et al., “Impact of Non-pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) to Reduce COVID-19 Mortality and Healthcare Demand”
Authors: Eubank S. , Eckstrand I. , Lewis B. , Venkatramanan S. , Marathe M. , Barrett C. L.
Published: April 2020

A recent manuscript (Ferguson et al. in Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce COVID-19 mortality and healthcare demand, Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team, London, 2020. https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/sph/ide/gida-fellowships/Imperial-College-COVID19-NPI-modelling-16-03-2020.pdf) from Imperial College modelers examining ways to mitigate and control the spread of COVID-19 has attracted much attention. In this paper, we will discuss a coarse taxonomy of models and explore the context and significance of the Imperial College and other models in contributing to the analysis of COVID-19.
Effects of violent political conflict on the supply, demand and fragmentation of fresh food markets
Authors: Bar-Nahum Ziv , Finkelshtain Israel , Ihle Rico , Rubin Ofir D.
Published: April 2020

Violent political conflict has been documented to have comprehensive adverse effects on economic activity and, thus, substantially harm social welfare. As conflict escalations are often reported to fragment economic space, we suggest an empirical framework which allows for estimating changes in the size of markets often split by frontlines. This approach uses a differentiated goods oligopoly model to separate effects of conflict intensity on consumer demand, costs of trade, market size, and market structure. We combine daily sales of apples in Hebron - one of the focal points of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict - and variables quantifying complementary aspects of conflict intensity. Conflict is found to suppress demand and affect competition more significantly than it increases costs of trading. Simulations indicate a 15% reduction in total daily consumption during conflict of high intensity while a pacification would yield a 20% welfare gain. This empirical framework allows disentangling the effects of conflict on food markets. The results suggest that relief policies should consider alleviating effects of fragmentation of economic space, e.g., by ensuring humanitarian corridors.
Urbanisation is associated with reduced Nosema sp. infection, higher colony strength and higher richness of foraged pollen in honeybees
Authors: Samuelson Ash E. , Gill Richard J. , Leadbeater Ellouise
Published: April 2020

Bees are vital pollinators, but are faced with numerous threats that include loss of floral resources and emerging parasites amongst others. Urbanisation is a rapidly expanding driver of land-use change that may interact with these two major threats to bees. Here we investigated effects of urbanisation on food store quality and colony health in honeybees (Apis mellifera) by sampling 51 hives in four different land-use categories: urban, suburban, rural open and rural wooded during two seasons (spring and autumn). We found positive effects of urban land use on colony strength and richness of stored pollen morphotypes, alongside lower late-seasonNosemasp. infection in urban and suburban colonies. Our results reveal that honeybees exhibit lower colony performance in strength in rural areas, adding to the growing evidence that modern agricultural landscapes can constitute poor habitat for insect pollinators.
Adaptation of a highly compressible elastomeric material model to simulate compressed expanded graphite and its application in the optimization of a graphite-metallic structure
Authors: Jaszak Przemysław
Published: April 2020

The paper presents simulations of mechanical properties of compressed expanded graphite. To model the stress and strain states of compressed expanded graphite, a hyperelastic material model formulated by the Blatz–Ko was adapted. The idea of using this model resulted from the assumptions that compressed expanded graphite exhibits similar mechanical properties to polyurethane foam with high density. The material constant of the Blatz–Ko model was determined by numerical calculations where deformation energy equation was parameterized with the shear modulus. Such material model used in a compressed expanded graphite simulation was experimentally validated. Subsequently, the Blatz–Ko model was used in a numerical simulation of the graphite-metallic structure in the form of a spiral wound gasket which is composed of metallic and elastic tapes. This structure was subjected to an optimization process which included the reduction of stress in the elastic graphite tape obtaining the appropriate axial stiffness of the gasket. In the final stage, the optimal design of the gasket was experimentally tested. The experimental results were compared with the data obtained numerically, which allowed to verify the adapted material model and boundary conditions of the numerical gasket model.