bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional component analyses of kiwifruit in different development stages by metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches
Authors: Xiong Yun , Yan Pei , Du Kui , Li Mingzhang , Xie Yue , Gao Ping
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Metabolites in kiwifruit greatly influence nutritional values; however, the dynamic changes in nutrient composition and the gene expression level of yellow kiwifruit have not been studied so far. To investigate the types and accumulation patterns of metabolites, a metabolomics approach utilizing liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and transcriptomics were used to analyze the yellow flesh of kiwifruit cultivar ‘jinshi 1’ collected at different stages of days after full bloom.

RESULTS

In total, 285 metabolites were identified over the kiwifruit developmental stages. The composition of the metabolites of kiwifruit at different stages of development was different. The organic acids contents and their derivatives were higher at the initial stage of development and then gradually decreased. The lipids and amino acids contents fluctuated at different stages of development but did not change significantly. Transcript profiles throughout yellow kiwifruit development were constructed and analyzed, with a focus on the biosynthesis and metabolism of compounds such as sugars, organic acids and ascorbic acid, which are indispensable for the development and formation of quality fruit. The transcript levels of genes involved in sucrose and starch metabolism were consistent with the change in soluble sugar and starch content throughout kiwifruit development. The metabolism of ascorbic acid was primarily through the l‐galactose pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our metabolome and transcriptome approach identified dynamic changes in five types of nutrient metabolite levels, and correlations among such levels, in developing fruit. The results provide information that can be used by metabolic engineers and molecular breeders to improve kiwifruit quality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and application of simetryn‐imprinted nanoparticles in triazine herbicide residue analysis
Authors: Tong Zhenhao , Han Yi , Gu Lili , Li Ziyi , Du Kang , Kong Guanghui , Liu Donghui , Peng Jian , Shi Junli
Published: January 2020

This work provides a simple and rapid method for synthesis uniform simetryn imprinted nanoparticles, which can be used to pretreat the tested samples before detecting. A series of computational approach were employed for design simetryn‐imprinted polymer. Based on the conclusion of theoretical calculation, the simetryn imprinted nanoparticles were synthesized using simetryn as template, methacrylic acid as monomer with different solvent volume and synthesis conditions. The obtained nanoparticles have small size, uniform distribution and high imprinted factor. Scatchard analysis and quantum chemical calculations were applied for evaluating the interaction of simetryn with methacrylic acid in the imprinting process. The selectivity and recognition ability of the simetryn imprinted nanoparticles for six triazine herbicides and two other type herbicides were investigated. The results show that the simetryn imprinted nanoparticles had high selectivity and binding capacity and could be used for the separation and enrichment of four triazine pesticide residues from actual samples. A method of molecularly imprinted matrix solid phase extraction ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was established for detecting four kinds of triazine herbicide residues in tobacco. The recovery rate of terbuthylazine, simetryn, atrazine, and prometryn in tobacco was 84.03–119.05%, and the relative standard deviation was 0.35–10.12%.
Combining Harvest and Genetics to Estimate Reproduction in Wolves
Authors: Clendenin Heather R. , Adams Jennifer R. , Ausband David E. , Hayden James A. , Hohenlohe Paul A. , Waits Lisette P.
Published: January 2020

Parameters of reproductive success are important to the management of wildlife populations. Genetic monitoring can be an effective approach for acquiring this important demographic information when traditional methods are unsuccessful, inefficient, or too expensive. This study demonstrates a novel application of genetic data opportunistically collected from harvested game to estimate a minimum annual count of breeding packs of gray wolves (Canis lupus) and to provide a coarse index of harvest vulnerability of young of the year (YOY) across packs. We used 18 microsatellite loci to genotype 98 gray wolf YOY from 2014 and 105 from 2015 harvested in Idaho, USA. Using this genotype data, we reconstructed sibling groups for each cohort using the program COLONY and treated full‐sibling litters as proxies for unique packs. In addition to evaluating our marker panel using simulations, we assessed the accuracy of empirical relationship assignments by adding YOY of known relationship from long‐term study packs to the dataset (27 individuals from 2014 and 61 from 2015) and tracking correctly reconstructed relationships. We varied COLONY input parameters to evaluate the power of relationship assignments under conditions that may be encountered when working with empirical data. We also compared COLONY's estimates of effective number of breeders based on sibship frequency to estimates based on a commonly used linkage‐disequilibrium method. All COLONY runs for both cohorts correctly identified the known sibling relationships. Among the other individuals, changes in the geographic clustering of putative siblings, probabilities of inclusion and exclusion for reconstructed sibling groups, and consistency of relationship assignments across COLONY runs suggested that marker number had a larger effect on accuracy than access to population‐level genetic data. Our estimates of breeding packs subjected to harvest within the state (52 for 2014 and 63 for 2015) differed from estimates reported by Idaho Department of Fish and Game by ≤6 for both years. Among packs that had pups harvested, most packs had 1–2 YOY harvested, whereas other packs had as many as 5 YOY harvested. All estimates of the number of effective breeders had overlapping confidence intervals regardless of method, though sibship frequency‐based estimates had larger confidence intervals than estimates using the linkage disequilibrium method. Our study shows that sibling relationships can be accurately and reliably reconstructed from harvested gray wolves, and demonstrates a valuable new use of samples collected through harvest. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Physical Aging as the Driving Force for Brittle–Ductile Transition of Polylactic Acid
Authors: Zhao Guoqing , Gomes Felipe P. C. , Marway Heera , Thompson Michael R. , Zhu Zhirong
Published: January 2020

Polylactic acid (PLA) is an inherently brittle polymer, exhibiting a high Young's modulus and minimal elongation‐at‐break. To transition its failure mode to one that is much more ductile without loss in strength is challenging. A new strategy combining physical aging with ultraviolet (UV) radiation is carried out to reach the desired mechanical properties of PLA. Characterization of the modified resin is done by mechanical, rheological, and acoustic analysis. With the new processing strategy, the elongation‐at‐break of PLA increases from below 5% up to 18% by conditioning at −40 °C for 48 h followed by UV irradiation for 30 h. Correspondingly, results demonstrate that the yield strength and Young's modulus remain statistically unchanged. The interlocked entanglements inhibit the formation and evolution of subordered structures, which are attributed to the gained ductility. The high entanglement density and few subordered structures in the modified polymer system contribute to the unusual elongation‐at‐break without alteration of the modulus.
Research of two‐period insurance contract model with a low compensation period under adverse selection
Authors: Ma Ben‐jiang , Ye Jing‐yu , Huang Yuan‐ji , Bashir Muhammad Farhan
Published: January 2020

The phenomenon of adverse selection caused by asymmetric information dominates the insurance market. In this paper, based on principal‐agent theory, we establish a two‐period dynamic insurance contract model with a low compensation period. This model introduces the tools of a low compensation period and the increase and decrease in the bonus to identify the risk types of policyholders. We prove that this model can achieve a strict Pareto improvement relative to the two‐period static insurance contract model with a low compensation period. Moreover, we also graphically analyze the conclusion, which can help insurance companies to design more comprehensive insurance contracts.
Differentiated Hepatic Response to Fructose Intake during Adolescence Reveals the Increased Susceptibility to Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease of Maternal High‐Fat Diet Male Rat Offspring
Authors: Oliveira Lorraine S. , Caetano Bruna , Miranda Rosiane A. , Souza Aline F. P. , Cordeiro Aline , Woyames Juliana , Andrade Cherley B. V. , Atella Georgia C. , Takiya Christina M. , Fortunato Rodrigo S. , Trevenzoli Isis H. , Souza Luana L. , Pazos‐Moura Carmen C.
Published: January 2020

Scope

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among adolescents has been related to fructose intake. Additionally, maternal high‐fat diet (mHFD) increases the offspring susceptibility to NAFLD at adulthood. Here, it is hypothesized that mHFD may exacerbate the fructose impact in adolescent male rat offspring, by changing the response of contributing mechanisms to liver injury.

Methods and results

Female Wistar rats receive standard (mSTD: 9% fat) or high‐fat diet (mHFD: 29% fat) prior mating throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, offspring receive standard chow and, from the 25th to 45th day, receive water or fructose–drinking water (15%). At 46 days old, fructose groups show increased adiposity, increased serum and hepatic triglycerides, regardless of maternal diet. Fructose aggravates the hepatic imbalance of redox state already exhibited by mHFD offspring. The hepatic activation of cellular repair pathways by fructose, such as unfolded protein response and macroautophagy, is disrupted only in mHFD offspring. Fructose does not change the liver morphology of mSTD offspring. However, it intensifies the liver injury already present in mHFD offspring.

Conclusion

Fructose intake during adolescence accelerates the emergence of NAFLD observed previously at the adult life of mHFD offspring, and reveals a differentiated hepatic response to metabolic insult, depending on the maternal diet.
Design and demonstration of a tri‐band frequency selective surface for space applications in X, K, and Ka bands
Authors: Abdollahvand Mousa , Forooraghi Keyvan , Encinar Jose A. , Atlasbaf Zahra , Martinez‐de‐Rioja Eduardo
Published: January 2020

A novel tri‐band frequency selective surface (FSS) is proposed for space antenna systems in the X, K, and Ka bands. The FSS structure is based on a two‐layer configuration, where the unit‐cell elements at each layer consist of two pairs of rectangular‐shaped dipoles and a square ring. The FSS has been designed to be transmissive at 11.5 GHz (X band) and totally reflective at 20 GHz (K band) and 30 GHz (Ka band). The reflection losses in K and Ka bands are less than 0.1 dB for incidence angles varying from 0° to 45°. Also, the transmission losses in X band are less than 0.5 dB for incidence angles of up to 30°. A 30‐cm prototype of the proposed two‐layer FSS has been fabricated and tested. Both simulation and measurement results show a good agreement and a satisfactory performance in the three operating bands.
Calculating nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts in solvated systems
Authors: Casabianca Leah B.
Published: January 2020

The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift is extremely sensitive to molecular geometry, hydrogen bonding, solvent, temperature, pH, and concentration. Calculated magnetic shielding constants, converted to chemical shifts, can be valuable aids in NMR peak assignment and can also give detailed information about molecular geometry and intermolecular effects. Calculating chemical shifts in solution is complicated by the need to include solvent effects and conformational averaging. Here, we review the current state of NMR chemical shift calculations in solution, beginning with an introduction to the theory of calculating magnetic shielding in general, then covering methods for inclusion of solvent effects and conformational averaging, and finally discussing examples of applications using calculated chemical shifts to gain detailed structural information.
Enhancing computer‐assisted structure elucidation with DFT analysis of J‐couplings
Authors: Buevich Alexei V. , Elyashberg Mikhail E.
Published: January 2020

Computer‐assisted structure elucidation (CASE) is the class of expert systems that derives molecular structures primarily from one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance data. Contemporary CASE systems, including Advanced Chemistry Development/Structure Elucidator (ACD/SE), consider cross‐peaks in heteronuclear multiple bond coherence (HMBC) and correlation spectroscopy (COSY) spectra as two‐ or three‐bond correlations by default. However, four and more bond correlations (nonstandard correlations [NSCs]) could be present in these spectra too. The indiscriminate addition of NSCs to the CASE computations is prohibitively expensive. To address this problem, the ACD/SE program performs a logical analysis of observed correlations and determines the minimum number of NSCs. Guided by this information, a more efficient fuzzy structure generation (FSG) algorithm is subsequently applied. Until now, the FSG algorithm was utilized without any verification of the reliability of found NSCs. Here, we report a verification method for NSCs based on the relationship between NSCs and J‐couplings computed with high accuracy density functional theory (DFT) methods. We used the example of strychnine to show that 41 (32%) of 8‐Hz HMBC cross‐peaks were NSCs and were consistent with 4–6JCH couplings greater than 0.3 Hz. This cutoff value was largely confirmed by the analysis of NSCs in 11 real‐world natural products elucidated by ACD/SE. Additionally, utilizing the example of the CASE study of cleospinol A, we showed that the DFT‐computed J‐couplings of NSCs can distinctively differentiate the correct structure among six proposed isomers. The proposed approach of NSC verification should further improve the robustness of CASE analysis and can help reveal potential problems with reported experimental data.
JEDI:JointEstimationDiffusionImaging of macroscopic and microscopic tissue properties
Authors: Frank Lawrence R. , Zahneisen Benjamin , Galinsky Vitaly L.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

A new method for enhancing the sensitivity of diffusion MRI (dMRI) by combining the data from single (sPFG) and double (dPFG) pulsed field gradient experiments is presented.

Methods

This method uses our JESTER framework to combine microscopic anisotropy information from dFPG experiments using a new method called diffusion tensor subspace imaging (DiTSI) to augment the macroscopic anisotropy information from sPFG data analyzed using our guided by entropy spectrum pathways method. This new method, called joint estimation diffusion imaging (JEDI), combines the sensitivity to macroscopic diffusion anisotropy of sPFG with the sensitivity to microscopic diffusion anisotropy of dPFG methods.

Results

Its ability to produce significantly more detailed anisotropy maps and more complete fiber tracts than existing methods within both brain white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) is demonstrated on normal human subjects on data collected using a novel fast, robust, and clinically feasible sPFG/dPFG acquisition.

Conclusions

The potential utility of this method is suggested by an initial demonstration of its ability to mitigate the problem of gyral bias. The capability of more completely characterizing the tissue structure and connectivity throughout the entire brain has broad implications for the utility and scope of dMRI in a wide range of research and clinical applications.
A densification mechanism to model the mechanical effect of methane hydrates in sandy sediments
Authors: De La Fuente Maria , Vaunat Jean , Marín‐Moreno Héctor
Published: January 2020

Recent pore‐scale observations and geomechanical investigations suggest the lack of true cohesion in methane hydrate‐bearing sediments (MHBSs) and propose that their mechanical behavior is governed by kinematic constrictions at pore‐scale. This paper presents a constitutive model for MHBS, which does not rely on physical bonding between hydrate crystals and sediment grains but on the densification effect that pore invasion with hydrate has on the sediment mechanical properties. The Hydrate‐CASM extends the critical state model Clay and Sand Model (CASM) by implementing the subloading surface model and introducing the densification mechanism. The model suggests that the decrease of the sediment available void volume during hydrate formation stiffens its structure and has a similar mechanical effect as the increase of sediment density. In particular, the model attributes stress‐strain changes observed in MHBS to the variations in sediment available void volume with hydrate saturation and its consequent effect on isotropic yield stress and swelling line slope. The model performance is examined against published experimental data from drained triaxial tests performed at different confining stress and with distinct hydrate saturation and morphology. Overall, the simulations capture the influence of hydrate saturation in both the magnitude and trend of the stiffness, shear strength, and volumetric response of synthetic MHBS. The results are validated against those obtained from previous mechanical models for MHBS that examine the same experimental data. The Hydrate‐CASM performs similarly to previous models, but its formulation only requires one hydrate‐related empirical parameter to express changes in the sediment elastic stiffness with hydrate saturation.
Engineering biodegradable polymeric network for the efficient removal of organo‐amphiphilic toxicants
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Rajpoot Anubhav , Roy Amritangshu , Shunmugam Raja
Published: January 2020

Motivated with the continued demand for developing quality material showing better response for the efficient removal of organo‐amphiphilic toxicants, we have demonstrated the growth of three‐dimensional polymer organic framework—a covalent crosslinked polymer C2B derived via photon triggered thiol‐alkene click reaction. Instrumentation techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for the characterization. FESEM and Cryo‐SEM analysis were done to analyze the morphology of the resin. The adsorption and release experiments were done with ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopic technique. The polymer C2B derived from polyolefin and tetrathiol via thiol‐alkene photoclick reaction showed efficiency toward adsorption of organo‐amphiphilic contaminants such as dioxane, dimethylformamide, fluorescein, and rhodamine B (RH). Even the material selectively showed the efficient release of toxicant—RH. Moreover, it can be reused over cycles. This makes the polymer C2B as potential candidate to be commercially viable for textile industries.
Registration of ‘Mela CL+’ soft white winter wheat
Authors: Gill K. S. , Kumar N. , Randhawa H. S. , Carter A. H. , Yenish J. , Morris C. F. , Baik B.‐K , Higginbotham R. W. , Guy S. O. , Engle D. A. , Chen X. M. , Murray T. D. , Lyon D. J.
Published: January 2020

‘Mela CL+’ (Reg. no. CV‐1157, PI 675008; PVP 201500291) is a soft white common winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar carrying two‐gene tolerance to imazamox herbicide, also known as Clearfield Plus, that was developed and released by the Agricultural Research Center, Washington State University, in October 2013. It was tested under the experimental designations EBC2F3‐3‐20 and WA008155. Mela CL+ was developed using a marker‐assisted backcross selection method involving a cross between the soft white winter (SWW) wheat cultivar ‘Eltan’ and CL0618, an Australian hard red spring line carrying the two‐gene Clearfield technology. The two‐gene Clearfield technology present in Mela CL+ was due to two mutation alleles Als1 and Als2 of the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene copies located on the long arm of chromosomes 6B and 6D. Mela CL+ has high grain yield potential and intermediate plant height and is well adapted to the dryland production areas of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) with <300 mm of annual precipitation. Tested in multiple locations and years, Mela CL+ showed herbicide tolerance equivalent to Clearfield Plus check cultivar ‘AP503 CL2’ and greater tolerance than single‐gene Clearfield cultivars grown in the PNW. Mela CL+ has end‐use quality characteristics similar to cultivars ‘ORCF‐102’, ‘Stephens’, and ‘Xerpha’. As compared to Eltan, Mela CL+ has better stripe rust resistance, whereas the level of snow mold and Cephalosporium stripe tolerance is equal.
Regulating Gelation Time and Kinetics Analysis Based on the ARGET ATRP Mechanism
Authors: Shao Minglu , Yue Xiangan , Yue Tianqi , He Jie
Published: January 2020

A novel activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiation system composing of an initiator sodium chloroacetate, a catalyst ferric chloride, and a reducing agent ascorbic acid was developed to improve the gelation time of thein situcrosslinked polymer system. The kinetics of polymerization of acrylamide showed features of a living/controlled process in which the concentrations of the growing radicals [P·] are kept constant throughout the polymerization process. Compared with conventional potassium persulfate initiators, the gelation time of thein situcrosslinked polymer system can be improved to 40 h or even longer using the ARGET ATRP initiation system at 80 °C due to the low radical concentration and slow polymerization reaction. Core flooding test showed that the ARGET ATRP initiating system developed could initiate the polymerization reaction of thein situcrosslinked polymer system in the core. However, the gelation time was extended in comparison to that of the result obtained in the bottle, resulting from the dilution and adsorption of ARGET ATRP components during the injection process. The research expands the application field of the ARGET ATRP principle and has a promising prospect on controlling the gelation time of thein situcrosslinked polymer system. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci.2020,58, 519–527
Ciliary beat frequency in children with adenoid hypertrophy
Authors: Marusiakova Lucia , Durdik Peter , Jesenak Milos , Bugova Gabriela , Kvassayova Julia , Oppova Dasa , Banovcin Peter
Published: January 2020

Background

Children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH) have impaired respiratory system defense mechanisms, such as mucociliary clearance. We hypothesized that AH negatively affects one of the most important aspects of mucociliary clearance—ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and that adenoidectomy could potentially restore this essential defence mechanism of the airways. This study evaluated the influence of AH and endoscopic adenoidectomy on the CBF of the nasal respiratory epithelium in children.

Methods

This prospective study included 64 children with confirmed AH aged 3 to 18 years and 43 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Nasal CBF was analyzed using a digital high‐speed video microscope and the software application Ciliary Analysis (NI LabVIEW). The preoperative adenoid size was assessed according to Cassano. Clinical symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis were evaluated using the SNOT‐20 questionnaire.

Results

Children with AH had a median CBF of 5.35 ± 1.06 Hz. Six months after surgery, the median CBF was significantly higher (6.48 ± 0.88 Hz; P < .001) and reached the values of healthy children (6.37 ± 0.71 Hz; P = .512). The size of the adenoid tissue did not correlate with the CBF. No influence of age or gender on the CBF was found. After adenoidectomy, a significant reduction of the mean total SNOT‐20 score was recorded (P < .01).

Conclusion

Children with clinically symptomatic AH have impaired mucociliary clearance due to decreased nasal CBF. Removal of hypertrophic adenoid tissue normalizes the CBF and reduces the presence of clinical symptoms of rhinosinusitis.
A resampling‐based test for two crossing survival curves
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Ditzhaus Marc , Xu Jin
Published: January 2020

The area between two survival curves is an intuitive test statistic for the classical two‐sample testing problem. We propose a bootstrap version of it for assessing the overall homogeneity of these curves. Our approach allows ties in the data as well as independent right censoring, which may differ between the groups. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic as well as of its bootstrap counterpart are derived under the null hypothesis, and their consistency is proven for general alternatives. We demonstrate the finite sample superiority of the proposed test over some existing methods in a simulation study and illustrate its application by a real‐data example.
The beneficial health effects of Nigella sativa on Helicobacter pylori eradication, dyspepsia symptoms, and quality of life in infected patients: A pilot study
Authors: Alizadeh‐naini Mahvash , Yousefnejad Hedieh , Hejazi Najmeh
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) in addition to quadruple‐therapy on Helicobacter pylori eradication, dyspepsia, biochemical‐markers, and quality of life in infected patients. In this double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical‐trial, 51 H. pylori infected patients with functional dyspepsia were randomly assigned to treatment (quadruple‐therapy with 2 g/day N. sativa) or placebo groups (quadruple‐therapy with 2 g/day placebo) for 8 weeks. Serum levels of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and malondialdehyde, quality of life, dyspepsia, food‐intake, body‐weight, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of the study. H. pylori eradication was evaluated at the end of the intervention. At the end of the study, H. pylori eradication was more in the N. sativa group compared with the placebo (p = .01). Weight, BMI, and dietary‐intake (p < .05) increased significantly as compared with placebo. A significant improvement was also observed in patients' quality of life in the treatment group compared with the placebo (p < .05). The differences of biochemical‐markers and dyspepsia between the two groups were not significant. So, N. sativa supplementation with medical treatment may have beneficial effects on H. pylori eradication, weight, BMI, dietary‐intake, and quality of life in infected patients.
A functional flows approach to selecting ecologically relevant flow metrics for environmental flow applications
Authors: Yarnell Sarah M. , Stein Eric D. , Webb J. Angus , Grantham Theodore , Lusardi Rob A. , Zimmerman Julie , Peek Ryan A. , Lane Belize A. , Howard Jeanette , Sandoval‐Solis Samuel
Published: January 2020

The science and practice of environmental flows have advanced significantly over the last several decades. Most environmental flow approaches require quantifying the relationships between hydrologic change and biologic response, but this can be challenging to determine and implement due to high data requirements, limited transferability, and the abundance of hydrologic metrics available for evaluation. We suggest that a functional flows approach, focusing on elements of the natural flow regime known to sustain important ecosystem processes, offers a pathway for linking understanding of ecosystem processes with discrete, quantifiable measures of the flow regime for a broad range of native taxa and assemblages. Functional flow components can be identified as distinct aspects of the annual hydrograph that support key biophysical processes, such as wet season flood flows or spring recession flows, and then quantified by flow metrics, such as 5% exceedance flow or daily percent decrease in flow, respectively. By selecting a discrete set of flow metrics that measure key functional flow components, the spatial and temporal complexity of flow regimes can be managed in a holistic manner supportive of multiple ecological processes and native aquatic species requirements. We provide an overview of the functional flows approach to selecting a defined set of flow metrics and illustrate its application in two seasonally variable stream systems. We further discuss how a functional flows approach can be utilized as a conceptual model both within and outside of existing environmental flow frameworks to guide consideration of ecological processes when designing prescribed flow regimes.
Dynamic link analysis and its in‐orbit verification on a spin‐stabilized satellite mission Eu:CROPIS
Authors: Drobczyk Martin , Budroweit Jan
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we present the in‐orbit verification of a dynamic link budget approach for the communication link of the Eu:CROPIS (Euglena and Combined Regenerative Organic‐Food Production in Space) satellite. Because of the high satellite spin rates of up to 30 rpm, the satellite antennas radio frequency beam becomes strongly dynamic, consisting of fast amplitude variations and phase rotations. Both effects degrade the link quality and might lead to an abort of the communication. The paper presents an accurate method of how to simulate these dynamic effects and examines the simulation outputs with real in‐orbit measurements. Both results are compared with each other, and deviations are discussed.
A note on the bias of standard errors when orthogonality of mean and variance parameters is not satisfied in the mixed model for repeated measures analysis
Authors: Maruo Kazushi , Ishii Ryota , Yamaguchi Yusuke , Doi Masaaki , Gosho Masahiko
Published: January 2020

The mixed effect models for repeated measures (MMRM) analysis is sometimes used as a primary analysis in longitudinal randomized clinical trials. The SE for the treatment effect in the MMRM analysis is usually estimated by assuming the orthogonality of the fixed effect and variance‐covariance parameters, which is the orthogonality property of a multivariate normal distribution, because of default settings of most standard statistical software. However, this property might be lost when analysis models are misspecified and/or data include missing values with the mechanism of being missing at random. In this study, we investigated the effect of the assumption of the orthogonality property on the estimation of the SE for the MMRM analysis. From simulation and case studies, it was shown that the SE with the assumption of orthogonality property had nonnegligible bias, especially when the analysis models assuming heteroscedasticity between treatment groups were applied. We also introduce the SAS code for the MMRM analysis without assuming the orthogonality property. Assuming the orthogonality property in the MMRM analysis would lead to invalid statistical inference, and it is necessary to be careful when applying the MMRM analysis with most standard software.
Precontrolled Alignment of Graphite Nanoplatelets in Polymeric Composites Prevents Bacterial Attachment
Authors: Pandit Santosh , Gaska Karolina , Mokkapati Venkata R. S. S. , Celauro Emanuele , Derouiche Abderahmane , Forsberg Sven , Svensson Magnus , Kádár Roland , Mijakovic Ivan
Published: January 2020

Graphene coatings composed of vertical spikes are shown to mitigate bacterial attachment. Such coatings present hydrophobic edges of graphene, which penetrate the lipid bilayers causing physical disruption of bacterial cells. However, manufacturing of such surfaces on a scale required for antibacterial applications is currently not feasible. This study explores whether graphite can be used as a cheaper alternative to graphene coatings. To examine this, composites of graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) are extruded in controlled conditions to obtain controlled orientation of GNP flakes within the polymer matrix. Flakes are exposed by etching the surface of GNP–LDPE nanocomposites and antibacterial activity is evaluated. GNP nanoflakes on the extruded samples interact with bacterial cell membranes, physically damaging the cells. Bactericidal activity is observed dependent on orientation and nanoflakes density. Composites with high density of GNP (≥15%) present two key advantages: i) they decrease bacterial viability by a factor of 99.9999%, which is 10 000‐fold improvement on the current benchmark, and ii) prevent bacterial colonization, thus drastically reducing the numbers of dead cells on the surface. The latter is a key advantage for longer‐term biomedical applications, since these surfaces will not have to be cleaned or replaced for longer periods.
Modified tests for exponentiality in the presence of Type II right censored data
Authors: Cockeran Marike , Santana Leonard , Allison James S.
Published: January 2020

The exponential distribution is one of the most popular choices of model, especially in survival analysis and reliability theory. Typically, to test the hypothesis that the underlying distribution of lifetimes are exponentially distributed based on censored data, the standard goodness‐of‐fit tests used in the complete sample case are modified. However, none of the characteristic or Laplace function based tests have been adapted to incorporate censored data. In this paper, we modify three well‐known tests for exponentiality on the basis of either the characteristic function or Laplace transform to accommodate Type II right censored data. We compare the power of the three newly changed tests to some existing modified tests in an independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) and a model‐based setup through a Monte Carlo study, where it was found that the newly adjusted Baringhaus and Henze test outperformed all other tests considered.
Ginsenoside Rg3 attenuates the osimertinib resistance by reducing the stemness of non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Tan Qinquan , Lin Shunhuan , Zeng Yihong , Yao Mantian , Liu Kejun , Yuan Haiji , Liu Chun , Jiang Guanming
Published: January 2020

In the present study, we found that Ginsenoside Rg3 attenuated the stemness of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, evident by decreasing spheroid formation ability, ALDH1 activity and stemness marker expression. Furthermore, osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC cells displayed a stronger stemness than the parental cells. Ginsenoside Rg3 reduced the stemness and osimertinib resistance of osimertinib‐resistant cells. RNA‐sequencing revealed that Hippo signaling was shown on the top of the most upregulated pathways regulated by Ginsenoside Rg3 in NSCLC cells, and YAP/TAZ expression was suppressed by Ginsenoside Rg3. Notably, the inhibitor of Hippo signaling attenuated the effects of Ginsenoside Rg3 on the stemness of NSCLC cells. Therefore, Ginsenoside Rg3 attenuates the osimertinib resistance of NSCLC cells via suppressing the stemness, which is dependent on Hippo pathway.
adcc: A versatile toolkit for rapid development of algebraic‐diagrammatic construction methods
Authors: Herbst Michael F. , Scheurer Maximilian , Fransson Thomas , Rehn Dirk R. , Dreuw Andreas
Published: January 2020

ADC‐connect (adcc) is a hybrid python/C++ module for performing excited state calculations based on the algebraic‐diagrammatic construction scheme for the polarization propagator (ADC). Key design goal is to restrict adcc to this single purpose and facilitate connection to external packages, for example, for obtaining the Hartree–Fock references, plotting spectra, or modeling solvents. Interfaces to four self‐consistent field codes have already been implemented, namely pyscf, psi4, molsturm, and veloxchem. The computational workflow, including the numerical solvers, is implemented in python, whereas the working equations and other expensive expressions are done in C++. This equips adcc with adequate speed, making it a flexible toolkit for both rapid development of ADC‐based computational spectroscopy methods as well as unusual computational workflows. This is demonstrated by three examples. Presently, ADC methods up to third order in perturbation theory are available in adcc, including the respective core‐valence separation and spin‐flip variants. Both restricted or unrestricted Hartree–Fock references can be employed.

This article is categorized under:

Software > Simulation Methods

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy

Software > Quantum Chemistry
Fundamental Concepts of Persistent Memory Programming
Authors: Scargall Steve
Published: January 2020

In Chapter 3, you saw how operating systems expose persistent memory to applications as memory-mapped files. This chapter builds on this fundamental model and examines the programming challenges that arise. Understanding these challenges is an essential part of persistent memory programming, especially when designing a strategy for recovery after application interruption due to issues like crashes and power failures. However, do not let these challenges deter you from persistent memory programming! Chapter 5 describes how to leverage existing solutions to save you programming time and reduce complexity.
AdS7 black-hole entropy and 5D $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 Yang-Mills
Authors: Kántor G. , Papageorgakis C. , Richmond P.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We generalise the work of 1810.11442 for the case of AdS7/CFT5. Starting from the 2-equivalent charge, 3-equivalent rotation non-extremal black-hole solution in 7D gauged supergravity, we consider the supersymmetric and then the extremal limit and evaluate the associated thermodynamic quantities. Away from extremality, the black-hole solution becomes complex. The entropy is then given by the Legendre transform of the on-shell action with respect to two complex chemical potentials subject to a constraint. At the conformal boundary we derive the dual background and evaluate the corresponding partition function for the AN–1 6D (2,0) theory at large N in a Cardy-like limit. This is carried out via a 5D $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 super Yang-Mills calculation on S5. The gravitational on-shell action is found to be exactly reproduced by the boundary partition function at large N. We argue that this agreement puts strong constraints on the form of possible higher-derivative corrections to the 5D gauge theory that is used in the S5 evaluation.
String field theory solution for any open string background. Part II
Authors: Erler Theodore , Maccaferri Carlo
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Generalizing previous work, we give a new analytic solution in Witten’s open bosonic string field theory which can describe any open string background. The central idea is to use Riemann surface degenerations as a mechanism for taming OPE singularities. This requires leaving the familiar subalgebra of wedge states with insertions, but the payoff is that the solution makes no assumptions about the reference and target D-brane systems, and is therefore truly general. For example, unlike in previous work, the solution can describe time dependent backgrounds and multiple copies of the reference D-brane within the universal sector. The construction also resolves some subtle issues resulting from associativity anomalies, giving a more complete understanding of the relation between the degrees of freedom of different D-brane systems, and a nonperturbative proof of background independence in classical open bosonic string field theory.
Infrared singularities of scattering amplitudes and N3LL resummation for n-jet processes
Authors: Becher Thomas , Neubert Matthias
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We revisit the multi-loop structure of the anomalous-dimension matrix governing the infrared divergences of massless n-particle scattering amplitudes in non-abelian gauge theories. In particular, we derive its most general form at four-loop order, significantly simplifying corresponding expressions given previously. By carefully reevaluating the constraints imposed by two-particle collinear limits, we find that at four-loop order color structures involving $$ {d}_R^{abcd} $$

d
R
abcd

, the symmetrized trace of four group generators, appear along with cusp logarithms ln[μ2/(−sij)]. As a consequence, naive Casimir scaling of the cusp anomalous dimensions associated with the quark and gluon form factors is violated, while a generalized form of Casimir scaling still holds. Our results provide an important ingredient for resummations of large logarithms in n-jet cross sections with next-to-next-to-next-to leading logarithmic (N3LL) accuracy.
One-form superfluids & magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Armas Jay , Jain Akash
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We use the framework of generalised global symmetries to study various hydrodynamic regimes of hot electromagnetism. We formulate the hydrodynamic theories with an unbroken or a spontaneously broken U(1) one-form symmetry. The latter of these describes a one-form superfluid, which is characterised by a vector Goldstone mode and a two-form superfluid velocity. Two special limits of this theory have been studied in detail: the string fluid limit where the U(1) one-form symmetry is partly restored, and the electric limit in which the symmetry is completely broken. The transport properties of these theories are investigated in depth by studying the constraints arising from the second law of thermodynamics and Onsager’s relations at first order in derivatives. We also construct a hydrostatic effective action for the Goldstone modes in these theories and use it to characterise the space of all equilibrium configurations. To make explicit contact with hot electromagnetism, the traditional treatment of magnetohydrodynamics, where the electromagnetic photon is incorporated as dynamical degrees of freedom, is extended to include parity-violating contributions. We argue that the chemical potential and electric fields are not independently dynamical in magnetohydrodynamics, and illustrate how to eliminate these within the hydrodynamic derivative expansion using Maxwell’s equations. Additionally, a new hydrodynamic theory of non-conducting, but polarised, plasmas is formulated, focusing primarily on the magnetically dominated sector. Finally, it is shown that the different limits of one-form superfluids formulated in terms of generalised global symmetries are exactly equivalent to magnetohydrodynamics and the hydrodynamics of non-conducting plasmas at the non-linear level.
Mixed QCD⊗QED corrections to on-shell Z boson production at the LHC
Authors: Delto Maximilian , Jaquier Matthieu , Melnikov Kirill , Röntsch Raoul
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We compute the mixed QCD⊗QED corrections to the production of on-shell Z bosons at the LHC at a fully-exclusive level. We also include the factorised NLO QCD correction to Z boson production and NLO QED correction to Z boson decay into two leptons. We make use of an abelianised version of the nested soft-collinear subtraction formalism to perform this computation. We study the phenomenological impact of the mixed QCD⊗QED corrections for a number of observables relevant for LHC phenomenology.
Catch that word: interactivity, serendipity and verbal fluency in a word production task
Authors: Ross Wendy , Vallée-Tourangeau Frédéric
Published: January 2020

Problem solving outside of the cognitive psychologist’s lab unfolds in an environment rich with bodily gesture and material artefacts. We examine this meshwork of internal mental resources, embodied actions and environmental affordances through the lens of a word production task with letter tiles. Forty participants took part in the study which contrasted performance in a high interactivity condition (where participants were able to move letter tiles at will), a low interactivity condition (where movements were restrained) and a shuffle condition (where participants could not move the tiles but were allowed to randomly rearrange the array). Participants were also video recorded to facilitate coding of behaviour. While aggregate performance measures revealed a marginal impact of interactivity on performance, when the participants’ behaviour was taken into account, interactivity had a consistent and statistically significant beneficial effect. Detailed, exploratory examination of a subsample of participants informed the formulation of additional hypotheses tested across the full sample: the luckiness of the shuffle in that condition significantly predicted the number of words produced and a more efficient strategy was significantly easier to enact in the high interactivity condition. Additionally, two detailed case studies revealed several moments when accidental changes to the letter tile array offered unplanned words reflecting a serendipitous coagency as well as many moments when environmental chance was ignored. These data and observations indicate that interactivity, serendipity, and internal cognitive resources determine problem-solving performance in this task.
Analysis of non-iterative phase retrieval based on machine learning
Authors: Nishizaki Yohei , Horisaki Ryoichi , Kitaguchi Katsuhisa , Saito Mamoru , Tanida Jun
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we analyze a machine-learning-based non-iterative phase retrieval method. Phase retrieval and its applications have been attractive research topics in optics and photonics, for example, in biomedical imaging, astronomical imaging, and so on. Most conventional phase retrieval methods have used iterative processes to recover phase information; however, the calculation speed and convergence with these methods are serious issues in real-time monitoring applications. Machine-learning-based methods are promising for addressing these issues. Here, we numerically compare conventional methods and a machine-learning-based method in which a convolutional neural network is employed. Simulations with several conditions show that the machine-learning-based method realizes fast and robust phase recovery compared with the conventional methods. We also numerically demonstrate machine-learning-based phase retrieval from noisy measurements with a noisy training data set for improving the noise robustness. The machine-learning-based approach used in this study may increase the impact of phase retrieval, which is useful in various fields, where phase retrieval has been used as a fundamental tool.
Apical but not sub-apical hyphal compartments are self-sustaining in growth
Authors: Tegelaar Martin , van der Lans George P. A. , Wösten Han A. B.
Published: January 2020

It was recently demonstrated that apical compartments of Aspergillus niger hyphae are self-sustaining in growth. This was shown by assessing the growth rate of individual hyphae before and after dissection of the second compartment. Using the same methodology, it is here demonstrated that single apical compartments of the septate fungi Penicillium chrysogenum and Schizophyllum commune as well as the 500-µm-apical region of the non-septate fungus Rhizopus stolonifer are also self-sustaining in growth. In contrast, single 2nd compartments (obtained by dissection of the first and third compartment) of the septate fungi or the region between 500 and 1000 µm from tips of R. stolonifer were severely impacted in their growth rate. In addition, it is shown that existing or newly formed branches originating from the 2nd compartments function as a backup system for hyphal growth when the apical part of the hypha of the three studied fungi is damaged. Together, it is concluded that the apical compartments/zones of the studied fungi are self-sustaining in growth. In contrast, the subapical region is not self-sustaining but functions as a backup once the apical zone is damaged. This back up system is relevant in nature because the apices of hyphae are the first to be exposed to (a)biotic stress conditions when entering an unexplored substrate.