bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Administration on Dental Sensitivity during In-Office and At-Home Interventions
Authors: Oldoini Giacomo , Bruno Antonino , Genovesi Anna , Parisi Luca
Published: October 2018

Background. Tooth bleaching is the most frequently employed whitening procedure in clinics. The major side effect of tooth bleaching is dental sensitivity during and after the treatment. Here, we evaluated whether the administration of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), during in-office and at-home procedures may impact on dental sensitivity. Methods. Eighty patients, responding to the study requirements were enrolled according to the following criteria. Group 1 (n = 40), received in-office, 10% ACP prior to 30% professional hydrogen peroxide application. The whitening procedure continued at home using 10% carbamide peroxide with 15% ACP for 15 days. Group 2 (n = 40) received only 30% hydrogen peroxide application and continued the whitening procedures at home, using 10% carbamide hydroxide, without ACP- Casein phosphopeptides (CPP), for 15 days. Dental sensitivity was recorded with a visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline, immediately after, and at 15 days after treatment in the two groups. Results. We observed that patients receiving ACP in the bleaching mixture experienced decreased dental sensitivity (* p ≤ 0.05), as detected by VAS scale analysis immediately following the procedures. Patients receiving ACP-CPP during at-home procedures showed a statistically significant (*** p ≤ 0.0001) reduction of dental sensitivity. Conclusions. We demonstrated that ACP-CPP administration, while exerting the same whitening effects as in control subjects receiving potassium fluoride (PF), had an impact on the reduction of dental sensitivity, improving patient compliance.
Entanglement of Three-Qubit Random Pure States
Authors: Enríquez Marco , Delgado Francisco , Życzkowski Karol
Published: October 2018

We study entanglement properties of generic three-qubit pure states. First, we obtain the distributions of both the coefficients and the only phase in the five-term decomposition of Acín et al. for an ensemble of random pure states generated by the Haar measure on U ( 8 ) . Furthermore, we analyze the probability distributions of two sets of polynomial invariants. One of these sets allows us to classify three-qubit pure states into four classes. Entanglement in each class is characterized using the minimal Rényi-Ingarden-Urbanik entropy. Besides, the fidelity of a three-qubit random state with the closest state in each entanglement class is investigated. We also present a characterization of these classes in terms of the corresponding entanglement polytope. The entanglement classes related to stochastic local operations and classical communication (SLOCC) are analyzed as well from this geometric perspective. The numerical findings suggest some conjectures relating some of those invariants with entanglement properties to be ground in future analytical work.
Analysis of Heat Dissipation and Reliability in Information Erasure: A Gaussian Mixture Approach
Authors: Talukdar Saurav , Bhaban Shreyas , Melbourne James , Salapaka Murti
Published: October 2018

This article analyzes the effect of imperfections in physically realizable memory. Motivated by the realization of a bit as a Brownian particle within a double well potential, we investigate the energetics of an erasure protocol under a Gaussian mixture model. We obtain sharp quantitative entropy bounds that not only give rigorous justification for heuristics utilized in prior works, but also provide a guide toward the minimal scale at which an erasure protocol can be performed. We also compare the results obtained with the mean escape times from double wells to ensure reliability of the memory. The article quantifies the effect of overlap of two Gaussians on the the loss of interpretability of the state of a one bit memory, the required heat dissipated in partially successful erasures and reliability of information stored in a memory bit.
Multilevel Diversity Coding with Secure Regeneration: Separate Coding Achieves the MBR Point
Authors: Shao Shuo , Liu Tie , Tian Chao , Shen Cong
Published: October 2018

The problem of multilevel diversity coding with secure regeneration (MDC-SR) is considered, which includes the problems of multilevel diversity coding with regeneration (MDC-R) and secure regenerating code (SRC) as special cases. Two outer bounds are established, showing that separate coding can achieve the minimum-bandwidth-regeneration (MBR) point of the achievable normalized storage-capacity repair-bandwidth trade-off regions for the general MDC-SR problem. The core of the new converse results is an exchange lemma, which can be established using Han’s subset inequality.
Country Case Studies in Economic Fitness: Mexico and Brazil
Authors: Roster Kirstin , Harrington Luciana , Cader Masud
Published: October 2018

We leverage a new complexity framework called Economic Fitness, which characterizes an economy’s level of diversification and its capabilities to produce more complex products. It can be used to predict economic growth and competitiveness. This paper describes an application of Economic Fitness called the Country Opportunity Spotlight (COS) that assesses a country’s current level of capabilities and demonstrates which industries have upgrade and diversification potential given those capabilities. It helps unlock the explanatory and predictive power of Economic Fitness for policymakers. COS results serve as a starting point for policymakers to shape and validate priorities, compare countries, asses the capabilities needed in specific industries and begin identifying constraints to growth. We showcase the use of this framework for Mexico and Brazil. These countries provide an interesting case study, as they have similar growth outlooks yet demonstrate different productive capabilities. Examining Mexico and Brazil side by side illustrates the value this analysis can have on deciphering structural change and decision making and at the same time reinforces the need for a nuanced consideration of each country’s unique context.
Tsallis Entropy Index q and the Complexity Measure of Seismicity in Natural Time under Time Reversal before the M9 Tohoku Earthquake in 2011
Authors: Varotsos Panayiotis A. , Sarlis Nicholas V. , Skordas Efthimios S.
Published: October 2018

The observed earthquake scaling laws indicate the existence of phenomena closely associated with the proximity of the system to a critical point. Taking this view that earthquakes are critical phenomena (dynamic phase transitions), here we investigate whether in this case the Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner (LSW) theory for phase transitions showing that the characteristic size of the minority phase droplets grows with time as t 1 / 3 is applicable. To achieve this goal, we analyzed the Japanese seismic data in a new time domain termed natural time and find that an LSW behavior is actually obeyed by a precursory change of seismicity and in particular by the fluctuations of the entropy change of seismicity under time reversal before the Tohoku earthquake of magnitude 9.0 that occurred on 11 March 2011 in Japan. Furthermore, the Tsallis entropic index q is found to exhibit a precursory increase.
Critical Science and Mathematics Early Childhood Education: Theorizing Reggio, Play, and Critical Pedagogy into an Actionable Cycle
Authors: McCormick Smith Mandy , Chao Theodore
Published: October 2018

Young American children in today’s public schools live in a world in which tensions around about identity (i.e., ethnicity and race, gender continuums, language backgrounds and proficiencies, cultural values and beliefs, economic resources, schooled experiences, literacy, and im/migration history) are part of everyday conversation. However, many early childhood science and mathematics educators are reticent to engage deeply in dialogue around these identities, not only due to a common narrative where science and mathematics are interpreted as culturally-neutral, but also because few models within early childhood science and mathematics education exist on how to engage in these conversations. Given this, we ask, how can we prepare and support teachers in developing a positive awareness of culture, identity, diversity, and other critical tensions faced by our youngest learners? How can we prepare and support teachers in engaging in these critical conversations as connected to science and mathematics with young children?
Comprehensive Sensing Current Analysis and Its Guideline for the Worst-Case Scenario of RRAM Read Operation
Authors: Tang Zhensen , Wang Yao , Chi Yaqing , Fang Liang
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the dependence of sensing currents on various device parameters is comprehensively studied by simulating the complete crossbar array rather than its equivalent analytical model. The worst-case scenario for read operation is strictly analyzed and defined in terms of selected location and data pattern, respectively, based on the effect of parasitic sneak paths and interconnection resistance. It is shown that the worst-case data pattern depends on the trade-off between the shunting effect of the parasitic sneak paths and the current injection effect of the parasitic sneak leakage, thus requiring specific analysis in practical simulations. In dealing with that, we propose a concept of the threshold array size incorporating the trade-off to define the parameter-dependent worst-case data pattern. This figure-of-merit provides guidelines for the worst-case scenario analysis of the crossbar array read operations.
Device Applications of Synthetic Topological Insulator Nanostructures
Authors: Yue Chenxi , Jiang Shuye , Zhu Hao , Chen Lin , Sun Qingqing , Zhang David Wei
Published: October 2018

This review briefly describes the development of synthetic topological insulator materials in the application of advanced electronic devices. As a new class of quantum matter, topological insulators with insulating bulk and conducting surface states have attracted attention in more and more research fields other than condensed matter physics due to their intrinsic physical properties, which provides an excellent basis for novel nanoelectronic, optoelectronic, and spintronic device applications. In comparison to the mechanically exfoliated samples, the newly emerging topological insulator nanostructures prepared with various synthetical approaches are more intriguing because the conduction contribution of the surface states can be significantly enhanced due to the larger surface-to-volume ratio, better manifesting the unique properties of the gapless surface states. So far, these synthetic topological insulator nanostructures have been implemented in different electrically accessible device platforms via electrical, magnetic and optical characterizations for material investigations and device applications, which will be introduced in this review.
Simulation Analysis in Sub-0.1 μm for Partial Isolation Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Kim Young Kwon , Lee Jin Sung , Kim Geon , Park Taesik , Kim HuiJung , Cho Young Pyo , Park Young June , Lee Myoung Jin
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we extensively analyzed the drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) and leakage current characteristics of the proposed partial isolation field-effect transistor (PiFET) structure. We then compared the PiFET with the conventional planar metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and silicon on insulator (SOI) structures, even though they have the same doping profile. Two major features of the PiFET are potential condensation and potential modulation by a buried insulator. The potential modulation near the drain region can control the electric field in the overlapped region of the drain and gate, because it causes a high gate-fringing field. Therefore, we suggest guidelines with respect to the optimal PiFET structure.
Communications and Driver Monitoring Aids for Fostering SAE Level-4 Road Vehicles Automation
Authors: Jiménez Felipe , Naranjo José Eugenio , Sánchez Sofía , Serradilla Francisco , Pérez Elisa , Hernández Maria José , Ruiz Trinidad
Published: October 2018

Road vehicles include more and more assistance systems that perform tasks to facilitate driving and make it safer and more efficient. However, the automated vehicles currently on the market do not exceed SAE level 2 and only in some cases reach level 3. Nevertheless, the qualitative and technological leap needed to reach level 4 is significant and numerous uncertainties remain. In this sense, a greater knowledge of the environment is needed for better decision making and the role of the driver changes substantially. This paper proposes the combination of cooperative systems with automated driving to offer a wider range of information to the vehicle than on-board sensors currently provide. This includes the actual deployment of a cooperative corridor on a highway. It also takes into account that in some circumstances or scenarios, pre-set or detected by on-board sensors or previous communications, the vehicle must hand back control to the driver, who may have been performing other tasks completely unrelated to supervising the driving. It is thus necessary to assess the driver’s condition as regards retaking control and to provide assistance for a safe transition.
Barriers and Recommendations to Innovative Ownership Models for Wind Power
Authors: Krog Louise , Sperling Karl , Lund Henrik
Published: October 2018

Local ownership models have proven to be an important way to avoid local resistance to onshore wind turbines. As wind power expands into onshore and nearshore wind farms, such ownership models become of increasing importance, while also undergoing further development. This paper uses the Choice Awareness theory to examine some of the barriers connected to the implementation of these new ownership models and presents recommendations to overcome such barriers. Choice Awareness addresses societal aspects (discourse, socioeconomics, and public regulation) mainly related to implementing alternatives to existing technologies. For the theory to be able to embrace the complexity of the transition of the energy system more holistically, we explore and specify the organizational dimension of choice-eliminating mechanisms. Based on the case of an NGO’s attempt to bid for a tender for nearshore wind turbines, it is shown how the central administration prevents new innovative ownership models from entering the tender. A strong path dependency has led to a conscious or unconscious elimination of projects based on organizational structures that do not fit the definition of large energy companies. As a result of this, the paper makes three recommendations for policy changes with the aim to secure equal possibilities for actors involved in nearshore wind power tenders.
Intelligent Systems for Building Energy and Occupant Comfort Optimization: A State of the Art Review and Recommendations
Authors: Boodi Abhinandana , Beddiar Karim , Benamour Malek , Amirat Yassine , Benbouzid Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Today, buildings consume more than 40% of primary energy in and produce more than 36% of CO2. So, an intelligent controller applied to the buildings for energy and comfort management could achieve significant reduction in energy consumption while improving occupant’s comfort. Conventional on/off controllers were only able to automate the tasks in building and were not well suited for energy optimization tasks. Therefore, building energy management has become a focal point in recent years, promising the development of various technologies for various scenarios. This paper deals with a state of the art review on recent developments in building energy management system (BEMS) and occupants comfort, focusing on three model types: white box, black box, and gray box models. Through a comparative study, this paper presents pros and cons of each model.
Optimal Allocation of Intermittent Distributed Generation under Active Management
Authors: Shi Zhong , Wang Zhijie , Jin Yue , Tai Nengling , Jiang Xiuchen , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: October 2018

In recent years, distributed generation (DG) has developed rapidly. Renewable energy, represented by wind energy and solar energy, has been widely studied and utilized. At present, most distributed generators follow the principle of “installation is forgetting” after they are connected to a distribution network. This principle limits the popularization and benefit of distributed generation to a great extent. In order to solve these problems, this paper presents a two-tier model for optimal allocation of distributed power sources in active distribution networks (ADN). The objective of upper level planning is to minimize the annual comprehensive cost of distribution networks, and the objective of lower level planning is to minimize the active power cut-off of distributed generation through active management mode. Taking into account the time series characteristics of load and distributed power output, the improved K-means clustering method is used to cluster wind power and the photovoltaic output in different scenarios to get the daily curves in typical scenarios, and a bilevel programming model of distributed generation based on multiscenario analysis is established under active management mode. The upper level programming model is solved by Quantum genetic algorithm (QGA), and the lower level programming model is solved by the primal dual interior point method (PDIPM). The rationality of the model and the effectiveness of the algorithm are verified by simulation and analysis of a 33-bus distribution network.
The Location Privacy Protection of Electric Vehicles with Differential Privacy in V2G Networks
Authors: Li Yuancheng , Zhang Pan , Wang Yimeng
Published: October 2018

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is an important component of smart grids and plays a significant role in improving grid stability, reducing energy consumption and generating cost. However, while electric vehicles are being charged, it is possible to expose the location and movement trajectories of the electric vehicles, thereby triggering a series of privacy and security issues. In response to this problem, we propose a new quadtree-based spatial decomposition algorithm to protect the location privacy of electric vehicles. First of all, we use a random sampling algorithm, which is based on differential privacy, to obtain enough spatial data to achieve the balance between large-scale spatial data and the amount of noise. Secondly, in order to overcome the shortcomings of using tree height to control Laplacian noise in the quadtree, we use sparse vector technology to control the noise added to the tree nodes. Finally, according to the vehicle-to-grid network structure in the smart grid, we propose a location privacy protection model based on distributed differential privacy technology for EVs in vehicle-to-grid networks. We demonstrate application of the proposed model in real spatial data and show that it can achieve the best effect on the security of the algorithm and the availability of data.
Power Quality Performance of Fast-Charging under Extreme Temperature Conditions
Authors: Lucas Alexandre , Trentadue Germana , Scholz Harald , Otura Marcos
Published: October 2018

Exposing electric vehicles (EV) to extreme temperatures limits its performance and charging. For the foreseen adoption of EVs, it is not only important to study the technology behind it, but also the environment it will be inserted into. In Europe, temperatures ranging from −30 °C to +40 °C are frequently observed and the impacts on batteries are well-known. However, the impact on the grid due to the performance of fast-chargers, under such conditions, also requires analysis, as it impacts both on the infrastructure’s dimensioning and design. In this study, six different fast-chargers were analysed while charging a full battery EV, under four temperature levels (−25 °C, −15 °C, +20 °C, and +40 °C). The current total harmonic distortion, power factor, standby power, and unbalance were registered. Results show that the current total harmonic distortion (THDI) tended to increase at lower temperatures. The standby consumption showed no trend, with results ranging from 210 VA to 1650 VA. Three out of six chargers lost interoperability at −25 °C. Such non-linear loads, present high harmonic distortion, and, hence, low power factor. The temperature at which the vehicle’s battery charges is crucial to the current it withdraws, thereby, influencing the charger’s performance.
Leaf Phenology Variation within the Canopy and Its Relationship with the Transpiration of Populus tomentosa under Plantation Conditions
Authors: Wang Ye , Li Guangde , Di Nan , Clothier Brent , Duan Jie , Li Doudou , Jia Liming , Xi Benye , Ma Fengfeng
Published: October 2018

To provide a theoretical basis for developing intensive cultivation practices for Populus tomentosa plantations, the leaf phenology variation within the canopy and its relationship with transpiration of well-watered P. tomentosa tree in a dense plantation were investigated. The variation in canopy light interception, indicated by the ratio between net radiation under (Rn-u) and above (Rn-a) canopy, with leaf development was also studied. During the growing season, the achievement of maximum leaf number tended to be later in higher parts of the canopy. In the lower and middle canopy, the leaf number maximized earlier in the east-facing side than in the west-facing side, but this difference disappeared in the upper canopy. The Rn-u/Rn-a was stable in May, but declined and then varied steadily until late August. Generally, in May, the crop coefficient (Kcb) of the tree reached its highest level and was not correlated with leaf area (LA) in all layers (p > 0.05). However, it increased linearly (p < 0.001) with LA in the layers above a canopy height of 3 m from June to late August, and most of its variation was explained by LA in the 5–7 m layer. After late August, Kcb decreased linearly with decreasing LA in all layers (p < 0.001). Consequently, a temporal ecological strategy seems to be adopted by P. tomentosa leaves in different layers and azimuthal sides for efficient light acquisition. The contribution of the different canopy layers to tree transpiration can vary, with the leaves in the upper and all layers mainly controlling transpiration in summer and in spring and autumn, respectively.
Development of 5S rDNA-Based Molecular Markers for the Identification of Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marshall, Populus nigra L., and Their Hybrids
Authors: Alexandrov Oleg S. , Karlov Gennady I.
Published: October 2018

Populus L. is a tree genus that includes species with a high ability for interspecies hybridization. This process takes place in nature, and is used in poplar breeding. As а result, species identification in poplar populations and plantations is very difficult. In this study, a molecular marker system was developed for the identification of the most significant poplar species (P. nigra L. and P. deltoids Bartr. ex Marshall). The basis of the system is a polymorphism in non-transcribed spacers (NTSs) of 5S rDNA. The species-specific molecular markers were tested on a number of species and hybrids of poplars. It was shown that the marker system is a powerful tool for species identification, hybrid analysis, parent identification, and poplar breeding.
Changing Climatic Averages and Variance: Implications for Mesophication at the Eastern Edge of North America’s Eastern Deciduous Forest
Authors: Kutta Evan , Hubbart Jason A.
Published: October 2018

Observed conversion of xerophytic warm genera species to mesophytic cool genera species in North America’s Eastern Deciduous Forest (EDF) suggests species composition is in disequilibrium with recent climatic warming. However, increasing annual average temperatures is an oversimplification of long-term climatic change and the importance of climate variance is often neglected. Seven-year moving averages and standard deviations of annually averaged maximum temperatures, minimum temperatures, daily precipitation, and vapor pressure deficits (VPD) in West Virginia, USA were quantified over a 111-year period of record (1906–2016). Maximum temperatures decreased significantly (−5.3%; p < 0.001), minimum temperatures increased significantly (7.7%; p < 0.001), and precipitation increased (2.2%; p = 0.107). Additionally, maximum temperature variance decreased (−17.4%; p = 0.109), minimum temperature variance decreased significantly (−22.6%; p = 0.042), and precipitation variance increased significantly (26.6%; p = 0.004). Results indicate a reduced diurnal temperature range and significant reductions in estimated VPD (10.3%; p < 0.001) that imply increased relative humidity, cloud cover, and soil moisture that may support increasingly abundant mesophytic cool genera species. Feedback mechanisms associated with extensive changes in land use, fire suppression, and browser population may have exacerbated climatic changes. Long-term assessments of changing climatic averages and variance are needed to ensure sustainability of forest ecosystem services, health, and productivity in a swiftly changing climate across the broader EDF region and similar temperate forest ecosystems globally.
Radial Growth Response of Abies georgei to Climate at the Upper Timberlines in Central Hengduan Mountains, Southwestern China
Authors: Yin Dingcai , Xu Derong , Tian Kun , Xiao Derong , Zhang Weiguo , Sun Dacheng , Sun Hui , Zhang Yun
Published: October 2018

Climate change has an inevitable impact on tree radial growth, particularly at mountain timeberlines. To understand climate effects on conifer radial growth in the central Hengduan Mountains, and the potential impacts of future climate change on conifer forests, we studied the growth responses to climate variables in Abies georgei, the major tree species of conifer forest in the Hengduan Mountains. We collected tree ring samples from four sites near the timberlines and analyzed the relationship between principle components (PC#1) of four chronologies and climatic variables (monthly mean temperature and monthly total precipitation) by using response function analysis (RFA), redundancy analysis (RDA), and moving interval analysis (MIA). A. georgei growth was affected by both temperature (positive effects) and precipitation (negative effects). Specifically, the radial growth of A. georgei was significantly and positively correlated with current July (by 6.1%) and previous November temperature (by 17.3%) (detected by both RFA and RDA), while precipitation of current June (by 6.6%) and September (by 11.7%) inhibited tree growth (detected by RDA). More rapid warming in the most recent 20 years (1990–2010) clearly enhanced growth responses to July and November temperature, whereas the relationship was weakened for June and September precipitation, according to MIA. Under the climate trend of the study area, if the increasing temperature could offset the negative effects of excessive precipitation, A. georgei radial growth would likely benefit from warming.
Trifecta of Success for Reducing Commodity-Driven Deforestation: Assessing the Intersection of REDD+ Programs, Jurisdictional Approaches, and Private Sector Commitments
Authors: Umunay Peter , Lujan Breanna , Meyer Christopher , Cobián Josefina
Published: October 2018

To date, numerous public- and private-sector efforts, commitments, and initiatives to reduce commodity-driven deforestation have emerged. In and of themselves, these elements—namely REDD+ programs, jurisdictional approaches (JAs), and private sector commitments—are necessary, but they are not sufficient to reduce deforestation. When operating together, however, these efforts have the potential to significantly reduce commodity-driven deforestation. This research aimed to determine whether and where REDD+ programs, JAs, and private sector commitments overlap in what are termed “trifecta jurisdictions”. Considering that each element possesses features that can enhance and complement those of the others, the authors hypothesized that—but did not ascertain whether—trifecta jurisdictions present the greatest potential to reduce commodity-driven deforestation. A total of 13 trifecta jurisdictions and six bifecta jurisdictions—where two of the three elements are present—were identified by: compiling a dataset of REDD+ programs, JAs, and private sector commitments; evaluating all potential options against established criteria; and categorizing them according to trifecta or bifecta jurisdiction status. The fact that a majority of trifecta and bifecta jurisdictions are located in countries with the most tropical tree cover loss is also significant in that it highlights the presence of these elements where most needed, and how high deforestation rates might be attracting REDD+ program, JA, and private sector commitment activities. Although many of the REDD+ programs, JAs, and private sector commitments are relatively nascent and their ability to collectively reduce deforestation is not yet clearly evident, this article posited that synergistic potential is greatest in trifecta and bifecta jurisdictions and that efforts should be made to greater align these elements.
Modeling of Coupled Heat and Mass Transfers in a Stabilized Earthen Building Envelope with Thatched Fibers
Authors: Nitcheu Madeleine , Njomo Donatien , Meukam Pierre , Talla Cyrille Fotsing
Published: October 2018

In order to reduce the heat and mass transfers in buildings, which increase energy bills, the development of composites materials such as earth bricks stabilized with thatch fibers is important for their construction. This paper aims to study a one-dimensional model of heat and moisture transfer through porous building materials. The coupled phenomena of heat and mass transfer are described by the Luikov model. Equations and boundary conditions are discretized using the finite difference method. The results obtained illustrate the temporal evolutions of the temperature and the moisture content, as well as the distributions of the temperature and moisture content inside the wall. The profile of the temperature and water content that are obtained are compared with the other numerical solutions that are available in the literature.
Preliminary Study to Determinate the Effect of the Rearing Managements Applied during Heifers’ Whole Life on Carcass and Flank Steak Quality
Authors: Soulat Julien , Picard Brigitte , Léger Stéphanie , Ellies-Oury Marie-Pierre , Monteils Valérie
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of rearing managements applied during a heifers’ whole life on the carcass and flank steak (rectus abdominis) meat traits. For this study, rearing managements applied on 96 heifers were identified by conducting surveys in farms. A heifers’ whole life was divided into three key periods: Pre-weaning, growth, and fattening. The combination of the rearing factors applied during the heifers’ whole life allowed us to characterize several rearing managements. Among them, four have been studied in depth. The main results displayed that the carcass traits were more sensitive to the rearing managements than the flank steak traits. The different managements considered had an impact on the weight, the dressing percentage and the conformation score of the carcass. Whereas, they had no impact on the sensory descriptors, the sheer force and the color of the flank steak. This study showed that the variations observed for carcass and meat traits could not be explained by the variation of only one rearing factor but could be explained by many rearing factors characterizing the rearing management applied. Finally, this study demonstrated that it was possible to improve carcass traits without deteriorating meat traits.
Fourier Analysis of Cerebral Metabolism of Glucose: Gender Differences in Mechanisms of Color Processing in the Ventral and Dorsal Streams in Mice
Authors: Njemanze Philip C. , Kranz Mathias , Brust Peter
Published: October 2018

Conventional imaging methods could not distinguish processes within the ventral and dorsal streams. The application of Fourier time series analysis was helpful to segregate changes in the ventral and dorsal streams of the visual system in male and female mice. The present study measured the accumulation of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) in the mouse brain using small animal positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) during light stimulation with blue and yellow filters, compared to during conditions of darkness. Fourier analysis was performed using mean standardized uptake values (SUV) of [18F]FDG for each stimulus condition to derive spectral density estimates for each condition. In male mice, luminance opponency occurred by S-peak changes in the sub-cortical retino-geniculate pathways in the dorsal stream supplied by ganglionic arteries in the left visual cortex, while chromatic opponency involved C-peak changes in the cortico-subcortical pathways in the ventral stream perfused by cortical arteries in the left visual cortex. In female mice, there was resonance phenomenon at C-peak in the ventral stream perfused by the cortical arteries in the right visual cortex during luminance processing. Conversely, chromatic opponency caused by S-peak changes in the subcortical retino-geniculate pathways in the dorsal stream supplied by the ganglionic arteries in the right visual cortex. In conclusion, Fourier time series analysis uncovered distinct mechanisms of color processing in the ventral stream in males, while in female mice color processing was in the dorsal stream. It demonstrated that computation of colour processing as a conscious experience could have a wide range of applications in neuroscience, artificial intelligence and quantum mechanics.
Dynamic Fractional Inequalities Amplified on Time Scale Calculus Revealing Coalition of Discreteness and Continuity
Authors: Sahir Muhammad
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present a generalization of Radon’s inequality on dynamic time scale calculus, which is widely studied by many authors and an intrinsic inequality. Further, we present the classical Bergström’s inequality and refinement of Nesbitt’s inequality unified on dynamic time scale calculus in extended form.
Social Distance Matters in Dictator Games: Evidence from 11 Mexican Villages
Authors: Candelo Natalia , Eckel Catherine , Johnson Cathleen
Published: October 2018

We examine the impact of social distance in dictator game giving. The study is conducted in a field setting with high stakes (two days’ wages). The sample is a representative sample from eleven low-income Mexican villages. Subjects make multiple dictator decisions simultaneously, in a comparative dictator game. We show the relationship between social distance and giving using several family members, a member of the same village, and a stranger from a different village. Dictator giving shows substantial variation across recipient types and varies directly with social distance. We find higher giving towards family members than towards community members and strangers. Furthermore, our results indicate that giving to community members and to strangers is not different. In light of our results, it is important to consider the impact of social distance on inter- and intra-household transfers in policy interventions that alleviate poverty, e.g., conditional transfers.
Towards Exascale Simulations of the ICM Dynamo with WENO-Wombat
Authors: Donnert Julius , Jang Hanbyul , Mendygral Peter , Brunetti Gianfranco , Ryu Dongsu , Jones Thomas
Published: October 2018

In galaxy clusters, modern radio interferometers observe non-thermal radio sources with unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution. For the first time, the new data allows to infer the structure of the intra-cluster magnetic fields on small scales via Faraday tomography. This leap forward demands new numerical models for the amplification of magnetic fields in cosmic structure formation—the cosmological magnetic dynamo. Here we present a novel numerical approach to astrophyiscal MHD simulations aimed to resolve this small-scale dynamo in future cosmological simulations. As a first step, we implement a fifth order WENO scheme in the new code WOMBAT. We show that this scheme doubles the effective resolution of the simulation and is thus less expensive than common second order schemes. WOMBAT uses a novel approach to parallelization and load balancing developed in collaboration with performance engineers at Cray Inc. This will allow us scale simulation to the exaflop regime and achieve kpc resolution in future cosmological simulations of galaxy clusters. Here we demonstrate the excellent scaling properties of the code and argue that resolved simulations of the cosmological small scale dynamo within the whole virial radius are possible in the next years.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of 84 Japanese Eels Reveals Evidence against Panmixia and Support for Sympatric Speciation
Authors: Igarashi Yoji , Zhang Hong , Tan Engkong , Sekino Masashi , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Kinoshita Shigeharu , Mitsuyama Susumu , Yoshinaga Tatsuki , Chow Seinen , Kurogi Hiroaki , Shinoda Akira , Han Yu-San , Wakiya Ryoshiro , Mochioka Noritaka , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Kuwada Hiroshi , Kaji Yoshitsugu , Suzuki Yutaka , Gojobori Takashi , Kobayashi Takanori , Saitoh Kenji , Watabe Shugo , Asakawa Shuichi
Published: October 2018

The Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica), European eel (Anguilla anguilla), and American eel (Anguilla rostrata) are migratory, catadromous, temperate zone fish sharing several common life cycle features. The population genetics of panmixia in these eel species has already been investigated. Our extensive population genetics analysis was based on 1400 Gb of whole-genome sequence (WGS) data from 84 eels. It demonstrated that a Japanese eel group from the Kuma River differed from other populations of the same species. Even after removing the potential adapted/selected single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, and with very small differences (fixation index [Fst] = 0.01), we obtained results consistently indicating that panmixia does not occur in Japanese eels. The life cycle of the Japanese eel is well-established and the Kuma River is in the center of its habitat. Nevertheless, simple reproductive isolation is not the probable cause of non-panmixia in this species. We propose that the combination of spawning area subdivision, philopatry, and habitat preference/avoidance accounts for the non-panmixia in the Japanese eel population. We named this hypothesis the “reproductive isolation like subset mapping” (RISM) model. This finding may be indicative of the initial stages of sympatric speciation in these eels.
Exploration of Survival Traits, Probiotic Determinants, Host Interactions, and Functional Evolution of Bifidobacterial Genomes Using Comparative Genomics
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Mobeen Fauzul , Prakash Tulika
Published: October 2018

Members of the genus Bifidobacterium are found in a wide-range of habitats and are used as important probiotics. Thus, exploration of their functional traits at the genus level is of utmost significance. Besides, this genus has been demonstrated to exhibit an open pan-genome based on the limited number of genomes used in earlier studies. However, the number of genomes is a crucial factor for pan-genome calculations. We have analyzed the pan-genome of a comparatively larger dataset of 215 members of the genus Bifidobacterium belonging to different habitats, which revealed an open nature. The pan-genome for the 56 probiotic and human-gut strains of this genus, was also found to be open. The accessory- and unique-components of this pan-genome were found to be under the operation of Darwinian selection pressure. Further, their genome-size variation was predicted to be attributed to the abundance of certain functions carried by genomic islands, which are facilitated by insertion elements and prophages. In silico functional and host-microbe interaction analyses of their core-genome revealed significant genomic factors for niche-specific adaptations and probiotic traits. The core survival traits include stress tolerance, biofilm formation, nutrient transport, and Sec-secretion system, whereas the core probiotic traits are imparted by the factors involved in carbohydrate- and protein-metabolism and host-immunomodulations.
An Improved Method for Prediction of Cancer Prognosis by Network Learning
Authors: Kim Minseon , Oh Ilhwan , Ahn Jaegyoon
Published: October 2018

Accurate identification of prognostic biomarkers is an important yet challenging goal in bioinformatics. Many bioinformatics approaches have been proposed for this purpose, but there is still room for improvement. In this paper, we propose a novel machine learning-based method for more accurate identification of prognostic biomarker genes and use them for prediction of cancer prognosis. The proposed method specifies the candidate prognostic gene module by graph learning using the generative adversarial networks (GANs) model, and scores genes using a PageRank algorithm. We applied the proposed method to multiple-omics data that included copy number, gene expression, DNA methylation, and somatic mutation data for five cancer types. The proposed method showed better prediction accuracy than did existing methods. We identified many prognostic genes and their roles in their biological pathways. We also showed that the genes identified from different omics data were complementary, which led to improved accuracy in prediction using multi-omics data.
Development of a Distributed Hydrologic Model for a Region with Fragipan Soils to Study Impacts of Climate on Soil Moisture: A Case Study on the Obion River Watershed in West Tennessee
Authors: Ghaneeizad Seyed , Papanicolaou Athanasios (Thanos) , Abban Benjamin , Wilson Christopher , Giannopoulos Christos , Lambert Dayton , Walker Forbes , Hawkins Shawn
Published: October 2018

Previous land surface modeling efforts to predict and understand water budgets in the U.S. Southeast for soil water management have struggled to characterize parts of the region due to an extensive presence of fragipan soils for which current calibration approaches are not adept at handling. This study presents a physically based approach for calibrating fragipan-dominated regions based on the “effective” soil moisture capacity concept, which accounts for the dynamic perched saturation zone effects created by the low hydraulic capacities of the fragipan layers. The approach is applied to the Variable Infiltration Capacity model to develop a hydrologic model of the Obion River Watershed (ORW), TN, which has extensive fragipan coverage. Model calibration was performed using observed streamflow data, as well as evapotranspiration and soil moisture data, to ensure correct partitioning of surface and subsurface fluxes. Estimated Nash-Sutcliffe coefficients for the various sub-drainage areas within ORW were all greater than 0.65, indicating good model performance. The model results suggest that ORW has a high responsivity and high resilience. Despite forecasted temperature increases, the simulation results suggest that water budget trends in the ORW are unlikely to change significantly in the near future up to 2050 due to sufficient precipitation amounts.
Microlensing Searches for Exoplanets
Authors: Tsapras Yiannis
Published: October 2018

Gravitational microlensing finds planets through their gravitational influence on the light coming from a more distant background star. The presence of the planet is then inferred from the tell-tale brightness variations of the background star during the lensing event, even if no light is detectable from the planet or the host foreground star. This review covers fundamental theoretical concepts in microlensing, addresses how observations are performed in practice, the challenges of obtaining accurate measurements, and explains how planets reveal themselves in the data. It concludes with a presentation of the most important findings to-date, a description of the method’s strengths and weaknesses, and a discussion of the future prospects of microlensing.
The Use of High-Resolution Historical Images to Analyse the Leopard Pattern in the Arid Area of La Alta Guajira, Colombia
Authors: Fuentes José , Varga Diego , Pintó Josep
Published: October 2018

A recent review of global arid areas supports the idea that there are two patterns to vegetation in arid lands. Patches of thick vegetation alternate with those with much less vegetation or none at all. There is a specific size, shape and spatial distribution that characterizes vegetation patterns in arid land ecosystems. In some places, the patches have irregular shapes; these are called spots or Leopard bush. This research project is based on a biophysical approach that integrates information collected in the field, high resolution historical satellite images and Geographical Information System technology. The results revealed that there were certain places in the landscape that facilitate the singular development of the vegetation. The Leopard pattern results from the interaction of various factors (fertility island, fragmentation of vegetation, anthropic influence, herbivorism). Specific characteristics that limit plant life forms are found in the area; since only certain resistant species develop, these form associations and in turn generate strategies to optimize resources. Eventually, this equilibrium is disturbed by human activities in the shape of ungulate livestock breeding and anthropogenic activities, resulting in a heterogeneity of soils and vegetation whose interaction generates the pattern.
Pressure–Temperature History of the >3 Ga Tartoq Greenstone Belt in Southwest Greenland and Its Implications for Archaean Tectonics
Authors: Van Hinsberg Vincent , Crotty Catherine , Roozen Stan , Szilas Kristoffer , Kisters Alexander
Published: October 2018

The Tartoq greenstone belt of southwest Greenland represents a well-preserved section through >3 Ga old oceanic crust and has the potential to provide important constraints on the composition and geodynamics of the Archaean crust. Based on a detailed structural examination, it has been proposed that the belt records an early style of horizontal convergent plate tectonics where elevated temperatures, compared to the modern-day, led to repeated aborted subduction and tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) type melt formation. This interpretation hinges on pressure–temperature (P–T) constraints for the belt, for which only preliminary estimates are currently available. Here, we present a detailed study of the pressure–temperature conditions and metamorphic histories for rocks from all fragments of the Tartoq belt using pseudosection modelling and geothermobarometry. We show that peak conditions are predominantly amphibolite facies, but range from 450 to 800 °C at up to 7.5 kbar; reaching anatexis with formation of TTG-type partial melts in the Bikuben segment. Emplacement of the Tartoq segments into the host TTG gneisses took place at approximately 3 Ga at 450–500 °C and 4 kbar as constrained from actinolite–chlorite–epidote–titanite–quartz parageneses, and was followed by extensive hydrothermal retrogression related to formation of shear zone-hosted gold mineralisation. Tourmaline thermometry and retrograde assemblages in mafic and ultramafic lithologies constrain this event to 380 ± 50 °C at a pressure below 1 kbar. Our results show that the convergent tectonics recorded by the Tartoq belt took place at a P–T gradient markedly shallower than that of modern-day subduction, resulting in a hot, weak and buoyant slab unable to generate and transfer ‘slab pull’, nor sustain a single continuous downgoing slab. The Tartoq belt suggests that convergence was instead accomplished by under-stacking of slabs from repeated aborted subduction. The shallow P–T path combined with thermal relaxation following subduction stalling subsequently resulted in partial melting and formation of TTG melts.