bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New public auditing protocol based on homomorphic tags for secure cloud storage
Authors: Zhang Jindan , Wang Baocang , Ogiela Marek R. , Wang Xu An , Sangaiah Arun Kumar
Published: December 2019

Outsourcing datum to the cloud servers is more and more popular for most data owners and enterprises. However, how to ensure the outsourced datum to be kept secure is very important. Especially, how to check the outsourced datum's integrity is a very challenge problem. Until now, there are many cryptographic protocols proposed to solve this problem, such as (dynamic) provable data position protocol, (dynamic) proof of retrievability protocol, etc. Recently, Tian et al proposed a dynamic‐hash‐table‐based public auditing scheme for secure cloud storage, which aims at simultaneously supporting secure dynamic data updating and secure public auditing for cloud storage. However, we find a security flaw in this protocol; concretely, the signature algorithm for the data blocks in their protocol is not secure; the cloud servers can easily modify the outsourced data blocks without detecting. Finally, we give a new protocol by using homomorphic tags based on their protocol and roughly analysis its security.
Heterogeneous differential privacy for vertically partitioned databases
Authors: Xia Yang , Zhu Tianqing , Ding Xiaofeng , Jin Hai , Zou Deqing
Published: December 2019

Existing privacy‐preserving approaches are generally designed to provide privacy guarantee for individual data in a database, which reduces the utility of the database for data analysis. In this paper, we propose a novel differential privacy mechanism to preserve the heterogeneous privacy of a vertically partitioned database based on attributes. We first present the concept of privacy label, which characterizes the privacy information of the database and is instantiated by the classification. Then, we use an information‐based method to systematically explore the dependencies between all attributes and the privacy label. We finally assign privacy weights to every attribute and design a heterogeneous mechanism according to the basic Laplace mechanism. Evaluations using real datasets demonstrate that the proposed mechanism achieves a balanced privacy and utility.
Can Nanoplastics Alter Cell Membranes?
Authors: Hollóczki Oldamur , Gehrke Sascha
Published: December 2019

The front cover artwork is provided by the junior research group of Dr. Hollóczki at the University of Bonn. The image shows how the plastic waste, after fragmentation into nanoplastics, can affect lipid bilayers by forming a network of polymer chains that stretch throughout the hydrophobic core of the membrane. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cphc.201900481.
The translation of articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into education legislation: the narrowing of Article 12 as a consequence of translation
Authors: Robinson Carol , Quennerstedt Ann , I’Anson John
Published: December 2019

This paper is concerned with the inclusion, exclusion and reshaping of articles within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) as they are translated into English education legislation. The CRC comprises 54 articles aimed at outlining rights and freedoms for children and was ratified by the United Kingdom (UK) government in 1991. The paper builds on a previous publication by the authors which highlighted how the mobilisation of articles within the CRC into professional practice undergoes multiple translations. This paper takes an in‐depth and critical look at the first stage of the translation process in which articles are mobilised from the CRC into national legislation. Specifically, the paper presents findings from a documentary analysis which explored the translation of principles pertaining to Article 12 of the CRC into English Education Regulations, Acts and Statutory Guidance for schools. Findings demonstrate that the reshaping of the article within education legislation strongly reflects the government's priorities and agendas. The study raises new insights into the need to establish processes to ensure the full mobilisation of Article 12 and questions whether specific principles pertaining to the article could or should be incorporated into national legislative systems.
Preschool teachers' language and vocabulary knowledge: Development and predictive associations for a new measure
Authors: Phillips Beth M. , Oliver Felesa , Tabulda Galiya , Wood Carla , Funari Chelsea
Published: December 2019

The present study reports on the development, structure, and associations with practice for a new measure of preschool teachers' knowledge about language and vocabulary development and how to support this development in the classroom. Results from item response theory models with responses from a sample of 248 preschool teachers indicated that four scales measuring pedagogical content knowledge and content knowledge for vocabulary and language, respectively, had adequate psychometric characteristics. Confirmatory factor analyses further supported a four‐factor structure, although all scales were correlated. In an overlapping sample of 94 preschool teachers, preliminary investigation of associations between knowledge and teachers' self‐reported practices, observed instructional time allocation, and the quality of classroom language environments were mixed. Results indicate promise for the measure yet add to prior research suggesting that connections between knowledge and practice are highly complex and likely interwoven with many other influences on instructional decision‐making in early childhood classrooms.
Evaluating and presenting uncertainty in model‐based unconstrained ordination
Authors: Hoegh Andrew , Roberts David W.
Published: December 2019

Variability in ecological community composition is often analyzed by recording the presence or abundance of taxa in sample units, calculating a symmetric matrix of pairwise distances or dissimilarities among sample units and then mapping the resulting matrix to a low‐dimensional representation through methods collectively called ordination. Unconstrained ordination only uses taxon composition data, without any environmental or experimental covariates, to infer latent compositional gradients associated with the sampling units. Commonly, such distance‐based methods have been used for ordination, but recently there has been a shift toward model‐based approaches. Model‐based unconstrained ordinations are commonly formulated using a Bayesian latent factor model that permits uncertainty assessment for parameters, including the latent factors that correspond to gradients in community composition. While model‐based methods have the additional benefit of addressing uncertainty in the estimated gradients, typically the current practice is to report point estimates without summarizing uncertainty. To demonstrate the uncertainty present in model‐based unconstrained ordination, the well‐known spider and dune data sets were analyzed and shown to have large uncertainty in the ordination projections. Hence to understand the factors that contribute to the uncertainty, simulation studies were conducted to assess the impact of additional sampling units or species to help inform future ordination studies that seek to minimize variability in the latent factors. Accurate reporting of uncertainty is an important part of transparency in the scientific process; thus, a model‐based approach that accounts for uncertainty is valuable. An R package, UncertainOrd, contains visualization tools that accurately represent estimates of the gradients in community composition in the presence of uncertainty.
How does the bed surface impact low‐magnitude bedload transport rates over gravel‐bed rivers?
Authors: Perret Emeline , Berni Céline , Camenen Benoît
Published: December 2019

Bedload transport is a complex phenomenon that is not well understood, especially for poorly sorted sediment and low transport rates, which is what is typically found in alpine gravel‐bed rivers. In this paper, the interaction between bedload rate, bed stability and flow is investigated using flume experiments. Significant differences in bedload rates were observed for experiments conducted on beds formed with the same gravel material but presenting diverse arrangements and bedforms. Tests were performed under regimes of low transport rate, which are mainly controlled by gravel‐bed roughness. Different scales of roughness were identified using the statistical characteristics of detailed bed elevation measurements: grain, structure and large bedform scales. The role played by these different roughness scales in bedload dynamics was examined. For quasi‐flat beds, bed stability was quantified using a combination of bed surface criteria describing grain and structure scales. It was found that bed stability affects the bedload rate directly and not only through its influence on the flow or on the incipient motion. For beds with large bedforms, the analysis of bedload dynamics also showed the importance of accounting for effective bed shear stress distributions. An empirical bedload model for low transport regimes was suggested. Compared with previous formulae developed for alpine rivers, this model accounts for bed stability and distribution of effective bed shear stress. It significantly improves the understanding of gravel dynamics over complex beds such as arranged beds or those with large bedforms. However, further tests are needed to use the model outside the range of conditions of this study. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retinotopy of emotion: Perception of negatively valenced stimuli presented at different spatial locations as revealed by event‐related potentials
Authors: Carretié Luis , Méndez‐Bértolo Constantino , Bódalo Cristina , Hernández‐Lorca María , Fernández‐Folgueiras Uxía , Fondevila Sabela , Giménez‐Fernández Tamara
Published: December 2019

Scarce previous data on how the location where an emotional stimulus appears in the visual scene modulates its perception suggest that, for functional reasons, a perceptual advantage may exist, vertically, for stimuli presented at the lower visual field (LoVF) and, horizontally, for stimuli presented at the left visual field (LeVF). However, this issue has been explored through a limited number of spatial locations, usually in a single spatial dimension (e.g., horizontal) and invariant eccentricities. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 39 participants perceiving brief neutral (wheels) and emotional stimuli (spiders) presented at 17 different locations, one foveal and 16 at different peripheral coordinates. As a secondary scope, we explored the role of the magnocellular (M) and the parvocellular (P) visual pathways by presenting an isoluminant/heterochromatic (P‐biased) and a heteroluminant/isochromatic version (M‐biased) of each stimulus. Emo > Neu effects were observed in PN1 (120 ms) for stimuli located at fovea, and in PN2 (215 ms) for stimuli located both at fovea and diverse peripheral regions. A factorial approach to these effects further revealed that: (a) emotional stimuli presented in the periphery are efficiently perceived, without evident decrease from para‐ to perifovea; (b) peripheral Emo > Neu effects are reflected 95 ms later than foveal Emo > Neu effects in ERPs; (c) LoVF is more involved than UVF in these effects; (d) our data fail to support the LeVF advantage previously reported, and (e) Emo > Neu effects were significant for both M and P stimuli.
The effect of outdoor smoking ban: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Ko Hansoo
Published: December 2019

To address exposure to secondhand smoke, which is highly prevalent in Korea, local governments have implemented smoking bans at open public places (parks, bus stops, and school zones) since 2011. Exploiting temporal and spatial variation in the implementation dates of these bans, this study estimates their causal effects on individual smoking behavior. The individual‐level longitudinal data from the 2009–2017 Korean Labor and Income Panel Study are linked to the smoking ban legislation information from the National Law Information Center. I find robust evidence that outdoor smoking bans increased the probability of making a quit attempt by 16%. This effect appears immediately after a ban goes into effect and lasts for three or more years. People who spend more time outdoors are more likely to change smoking behavior. I also find heterogeneity in effects across the amount of monetary penalty. Whereas the policy change did not affect the prevalence of smoking overall, higher penalties had stronger impacts on reducing the intensity of smoking and increasing the propensity to try to quit.
Sex‐specific analysis of renal cell carcinoma histology and survival in Japan: A population‐based study 2004 to 2016
Authors: Zaitsu Masayoshi , Toyokawa Satoshi , Takeuchi Takumi , Kobayashi Yasuki , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: December 2019

Background and aims

In Western countries, sex differences in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) histology and survival have been previously described: compared with men, clear cell subtype is more common but overall prognosis is better among women. The goal of the present study was to examine sex differences in RCC histology and survival in Japan, using a large‐scale population‐based data set.

Methods

With the use of a population‐based cancer registry in Japan (2004‐2016), patients with primary RCC were followed for 5 years (median follow‐up time 2.1 years). We distinguished histological subtypes of clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe from “others” subtype. Sex‐specific prevalence ratio (PR) for each histological subtype was estimated by Poisson regression with robust variance, adjusted for age and year of diagnosis. Sex‐specific survival rates were estimated by Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusted for age, year of diagnosis, histological subtypes, and other prognostic variables, with multiple imputation.

Results

The prevalence of clear cell and “others” subtypes was similar between men and women among all the 5265 study subjects during the 12 years of study (clear cell, male 88.6% vs female 87.1%; “others“, male 5.3% vs female 5.3%). However, papillary subtype was less common among women than men (male 4.6% vs female 2.8%; PR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45‐0.88), while chromophobe subtype was more common among women (male 1.6% vs female 4.8%; PR = 3.18; 95% CI, 2.26‐4.47). Although “others” subtype (but not papillary/chromophobe subtypes) independently predicted prognosis (HR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.32‐2.30), no sex differences were observed in RCC survival.

Conclusion

We did not observe a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of clear cell subtype between men and women in Japan, which differs from the pattern previously described in Western countries. Sex differences in RCC histology may not affect RCC survival in this population.
Fracture toughness and crack resistance curves of acrylic bone cements
Authors: Ziegler Tobias , Jaeger Raimund
Published: December 2019

The fracture toughness KIc of 11 clinically used acrylic bone cements was studied in air at room temperature with single edge V‐notched beam specimens. By driving the crack step‐wise through the specimens, crack resistance curves (“R‐curves”) were recorded. One group of bone cements showed an increase of the fracture toughness with increasing crack length (including CMW1+G and several Palacos bone cements) whereas another group (including Simplex, SmartSet, Copal and some Palacos bone cements) did not exhibit an R‐curve behavior. The plateau values for KIc ranged from 0.93 MPa√m (Simplex P) to 1.98 MPa√m (Palacos R+G). The observation of the crack growth with an optical microscope revealed some mechanisms influencing the crack growth like the formation of microcracks in the extended damage zone of the crack tip, the attraction of the crack by inclusions or the shielding of the crack tip by bridges in the wake of the crack. Furthermore, bone cements could be distinguished by the pattern of the path the crack followed during propagation. The crack pattern of CMW1+G provides a possible explanation of the distinct R‐curve behavior of this cement.
Development of Coarse‐Grained Force Field by Combining Multilinear Interpolation Technique and Simplex Algorithm
Authors: Wan Mingwei , Song Junjie , Li Wenli , Gao Lianghui , Fang Weihai
Published: December 2019

A fast, reasonable, and transferable coarse‐grained (CG) molecular dynamics force field (FF) is essential to combine experimental and simulation data. However, the parameterization of CG FF usually requires massive computation, which hinders its rapid development. Here, we presented an efficient optimization protocol by combining multilinear interpolation technique with simplex algorithm. In this preliminary work, taking the experimental properties as the benchmark, we constructed a new set of CG FF for water and n‐alkanes by adopting piecewise Morse function to describe the nonbonded interactions. This CG FF has a delicate balance between efficiency, accuracy, and transferability and well reproduced the correct structural and thermodynamics properties of pure water and alkane liquids. More importantly, optimized Morse potential was also successfully applied to describe the interactions between water and n‐alkanes. It nicely predicted the phase separation, interface tension, hydration free energy, and formation of microemulsions of water/oil mixtures. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinesin family member 2A high expression correlates with advanced tumor stages and worse prognosis in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Wang Guanjie , Wang Zheng , Yu Haizhen
Published: December 2019

Background

This present study was to explore the association of kinesin family member 2A (KIF2A) expression with clinicopathological features and survival profiles, and the effect of KIF2A on cell proliferation and chemosensitivity in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Tumor and paired adjacent specimens were collected from 380 patients with NSCLC underwent resection for immunohistochemistry assay of KIF2A expression. In vitro, the effect of KIF2A on cell proliferation, chemosensitivity to cisplatin/vinorelbine was detected via KIF2A plasmids transfection into NCI‐H1299 NSCLC cells.

Results

Kinesin family member 2A expression was upregulated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent tissues, and tumor tissue KIF2A high expression was associated with higher pathological grade (P < .001), larger tumor size (P = .021), lymph node metastasis (P = .044), and increased tumor‐node‐metastasis stage (P = .001). As for survival profiles, disease‐free survival (P < .001) and overall survival (P < .001) were worse in patients with KIF2A high expression compared with those with KIF2A low expression. Multivariate Cox's regression exhibited that KIF2A high expression was an independent predictive factor for lower DFS (P < .001) and OS (P < .001). In vitro, KIF2A promoted proliferation and decreased chemosensitivity to cisplatin but not vinorelbine in NCI‐H1299 NSCLC cells.

Conclusions

The correlation of KIF2A expression with tumor features, survival, and its cellular function implies its potential as a prognostic biomarker and a treatment target in NSCLC.
Improvement of oxidative stress status by lipoprotein apheresis in Chinese patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Wen Jun , Dong Qian , Liu Geng , Gao Ying , Li Xiao‐Lin , Jin Jing‐Lu , Li Jian‐Jun , Guo Yuan‐Lin
Published: December 2019

Background and aims

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) characterized by severe high blood cholesterol levels usually presents an imbalance of systemic oxidative stress (OS). Lipoprotein apheresis (LA), which is the most effective therapy to reduce cholesterol levels, remains unclear in altering OS and scarce in Chinese patient studies. Our study aims to assess the impact of LA on OS status in Chinese patients with FH.

Methods

About 31 patients (22 males, age: 12‐69 years) with FH and receiving LA treatment were consecutive enrolled. Free oxygen radicals test (FORT) and free oxygen radicals defense (FORD) values were determined using the free oxygen radical monitor and kit immediately before and after LA, while blood samples were collected to measure plasma lipid levels and hs‐CRP by conventional methods. Data were analyzed by paired t test or rank sum test and Spearman‐rho correlation analysis.

Results

Besides plasma lipid levels, the OS status showed that FORTs were significantly decreased and FORD values significantly enhanced immediately after LA treatment compared with before (both P < .01). In addition, the correlation analysis showed that the removal rates (△%) of TC were positively related to the increased rates (△%) of FORD value (ρ = 0.513, P = .003); LDL‐C to FORD (ρ = 0.39, P = .03); Lp(a) to FORD (ρ = 0.473, P = .007); and non‐HDL‐C to FORD (ρ = 0.46, P = .009). However, no significant difference in hsCRP was found.

Conclusions

The present study indicated, besides effectively lowering plasma lipid levels, LA could significantly improve OS status in Chinese patients with FH.
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of Dandy‐Walker malformation and type III lissencephaly: A novel association
Authors: Darouich Sihem , Amraoui Jihen , Amraoui Naima
Published: December 2019

Dandy‐Walker malformation (DWM) may occur as part of Mendelian disorders such as Walker–Warburg and Meckel–Gruber syndromes. We report a novel association with type III lissencephaly in a 22‐week male fetus. Ultrasound showed fetal akinesia deformation sequence, single umbilical artery, microlissencephaly, hydranencephaly with cerebral lamination, DWM, and pontocerebellar hypoplasia. These abnormalities were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and autopsy, which also revealed pulmonary and adrenal hypoplasia, common mesentery and bilateral uretero‐pyelo‐calyceal dilatation. Neuropathological examination showed brain calcifications and diffuse neuronal degeneration. We conclude that DWM may be a feature of type III lissencephaly and that this association can be easily diagnosed by ultrasound.
Operant renewal of desirable behavior in a simulated workplace: A translational model
Authors: Novak Matthew D. , Blackman Abigail L. , Erath Tyler G. , DiGennaro Reed Florence D.
Published: December 2019

Organizational settings are replete with changing stimulus contexts and contingencies, which makes relapse a particularly relevant framework for understanding the ways in which controlling stimuli influence employee responding. The purpose of the current study was to develop a translational model to assess renewal of desirable behavior in a simulated workplace with neurotypical adults. Experiment 1 assessed renewal of desirable behavior using a computerized check processing task. Experiment 2 extended the findings and the translational utility of the experimental arrangement to implementation of a behavior‐analytic teaching procedure. Results across both experiments demonstrated renewal of desirable behavior. Overall, the current methodology and findings extend the human operant literature on renewal and demonstrate a translational model that brings together operant renewal and organizational behavior management.
Salvage therapy in cancer patients with hepatitis C without sustained virologic response after direct‐acting antivirals—A prospective study
Authors: Pritchard Haley , Jandhyala Deeksha , Hosry Jeff , Angelidakis Georgios , Torres Harrys A
Published: December 2019

Background and Aim

No information exists regarding direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) salvage therapy for Hepatitis C (HCV)‐infected patients with any type of cancer. We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy (SVR12) of salvage therapy in these patients.

Methods

Patients who failed initial DAAs (01/2015–01/2018) were analyzed. Resistance‐associated substitutions to NS5A and NS3 were investigated by population sequencing.

Results

Of 164 patients enrolled, 16 (10%) experienced treatment failure. Of these, 11 patients received salvage therapy. The majority (91%) were men; 55% had genotype 1a, 45% had cirrhosis, and 45% had hepatocellular carcinoma. Four patients failed the first salvage therapy, and two of them required a second salvage therapy. Overall, 9 of 11 (82%) patients achieved SVR12. All four patients treated with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (+/− ribavirin) achieved SVR12. The presence of resistance‐associated substitutions did not impact response. Seven patients developed grade 1/2 adverse events. No patient had grade 3/4 adverse events. No patient required interruption of DAA therapy because of clinical or laboratory abnormalities.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective study in HCV‐infected cancer patients failing DAAs. The efficacy of salvage therapy in this group appears to be lower than previously reported in non‐cancer patients, but better response rates are observed with newer regimens. Salvage therapy is associated with minimal toxicity.
New azoloazine derivatives as antimicrobial agents: Synthesis under microwave irradiations, structure elucidation, and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Kassem Asmaa F. , Abbas Eman M.H. , Al‐Qurashi Nadia T. , Farghaly Thoraya A.
Published: December 2019

With aiding of microwave radiation, new series of fused‐thiazolopyrimidines and fused‐triazolopyrimidines each with cycloheptane have been synthesized through the reaction of cycloheptane‐thione with α‐haloketones or hydrazonoyl chlorides in short‐time intervals as well as high yield. Moreover, reaction of 2,7‐bis(2‐chlorobenzylidene)cycloheptan‐1‐one with o‐aminothiophenol and heterocyclic amines afforded benzo[b]cyclohepta[e][1,4]thiazepine derivative and cycloheptapyrimidines fused with different azoles, respectively. The structure for all products was discussed and proved based on the results of spectral data and elemental analysis. Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of selected products indicated that most of derivatives showed their potent activity exceeds the reference antibiotic in some cases.
Functional Alterations of White Matter in Chronic Never‐Treated and Treated Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Yang Chengmin , Zhang Wenjing , Yao Li , Liu Naici , Shah Chandan , Zeng Jiaxin , Yang Zhipeng , Gong Qiyong , Lui Su
Published: December 2019

Background

Schizophrenia is one of the most severe psychiatric disorders and dysfunction of gray matter (GM) has been usually investigated by resting‐state functional (f)MRI. However, functional organization of white matter (WM) in chronic schizophrenia remains unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the WM functional alterations in chronic never‐treated schizophrenia and the effects of long‐term antipsychotic treatment.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Twenty‐five never‐treated, 41 matched antipsychotic‐treated schizophrenia, and 25 healthy comparison subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

Resting state (rs)‐fMRI, T1‐weighted images (T1WI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) covering the whole brain were acquired with a 3.0T scanner.

Assessment: Amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in WM and the correlation coefficients between WM and GM were examined and compared among the three participant groups by two reviewers independently. Independent component analysis (ICA) was added to evaluate WM‐fMRI signals.

Statistical Tests: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA); Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

Never‐treated patients demonstrated lower ALFF in splenium of corpus callosum (SCC) relative to treated patients and controls (P < 0.001, false discovery rate [FDR]‐corrected). While the extracted independent component also located in SCC and showed significantly decreased connectivity in never‐treated patients when compared to controls (P < 0.05, FDR‐corrected). The correlation coefficients of WM‐GM displayed greater reductions in the genu of corpus callosum (GCC), pontine crossing tract (PC), bilateral cingulum (hippocampus) (CGH), and bilateral corticospinal tract (CST) in treated patients relative to controls (P < 0.05, FDR‐corrected).

Data Conclusion

These findings provide new insight into WM functional alterations over the long‐term course of schizophrenia with and without the potential effects of antipsychotic medication. Functional change and abnormal connectivity in SCC were both found greater in untreated patients than treated patients relative to healthy controls, suggesting that long‐term antipsychotic treatment may show some protective effects on WM functional organization.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:752–763.
Joint sidelobe suppression and nulls control of large‐scale linear antenna array using particle swarm optimization with global search and population mutation
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Liu Yanheng , Sun Geng , Liang Shuang , Han Jiawei , Ju Qianao , Li Shujing
Published: December 2019

Large‐scale antenna arrays (LSAAs) are used to achieve satisfactory performance in 5G communications and radar systems. However, sidelobe suppression and nulls control of LSAAs are high‐dimensional nonlinear optimization problems owing to the large number of antenna elements. In this study, we formulate an optimization problem for joint sidelobe suppression and nulls control of large‐scale linear antenna arrays and propose particle swarm optimization with global search and population mutation (PSOGP) to solve this problem. PSOGP introduces global search and population mutation operators into conventional particle swarm optimization to improve performance in terms of convergence rate and accuracy in large solution spaces. Simulation results demonstrate that compared with other methods, the proposed PSOGP has better overall performance in joint sidelobe suppression and nulls control.
A statistical study of pre‐summer hourly extreme rainfall over the Pearl River Delta metropolitan region during 2008–2017
Authors: Shou Yi‐Xuan , Gao Wenhua , Lu Feng
Published: December 2019

In this study, we explored the hourly extreme rainfall over the Pearl River Delta metropolitan region (PRDMR) by performing a statistical analysis on a 10‐year hourly precipitation dataset combined with the fifth generation of ECMWF atmospheric hourly reanalysis (ERA‐5) and half‐hourly FengYun‐2 geostationary satellite observations during the pre‐summer rainy season from 2008 to 2017. Results showed that hourly extreme rainfall events over the PRDMR increased at a significant pace during the most recent 10 years, which frequently occurred during the early morning (0400–0900 local standard time [LST; UTC + 8 hr]) and afternoon (1300–1800 LST) over the central urban district and 100‐km downstream area. Comparative analysis of the meteorological conditions between the two peak periods revealed that the hourly extreme rainfall events over the PRDMR during the pre‐summer rainy season were overall prefrontal rainstorms that occurred under the influence of dominant south‐westerlies and weak easterly backflows of warm‐moist air at lower atmospheres. The hot plumes rooted at the urban surface may be the key local environmental factors responsible for generating hourly heavy rainfall over the PRDMR. Given favourable large‐scale conditions, the interaction of urban heat island effects with sea breezes and mountain‐valley breezes can promote convection by altering the thermodynamic and dynamic structures around the PRDMR. By comparison, the hourly extreme rainfall events that occurred during morning periods over the PRDMR were more sensitive to moderate to strong wind shear at the lower planetary boundary layer, whereas those that occurred during afternoon periods were more likely to occur in the presence of an environment with high conditional instability.
Comparison of backslopping and two‐stage fermentation methods for koumiss powder production based on chemical composition and nutritional properties
Authors: Li Hongbo , Wang Yi , Zhang Tianqi , Li Jin , Zhou You , Li Hongjuan , Yu Jinghua
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Koumiss is a traditional fermented beverage made from mare's milk. The traditional backslopping method for koumiss production has shortcomings in terms of microbiological diversity and nutritional characteristics. In this study, a two‐stage fermentation method was established to scale up the production of koumiss powder. The chemical composition and nutritional properties of a novel two‐stage fermentation koumiss powder (TKP) were compared with backslopping koumiss powder (BKP).

RESULTS

The TKP exhibited important nutritional and functional properties, including a high percentage of essential amino acids, and high polyunsaturated fatty acid, vitamin, and mineral content. The essential amino acid content of TKP was not significantly different from that of BKP. The oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and water‐soluble vitamin content of TKP was higher than that of BKP. The Ca:P ratio of TKP was also close to the optimal Ca:P ratio in humans.

CONCLUSION

The novel method could be applied for the scaled‐up production of koumiss powder with similar nutritional properties to traditional backslopping koumiss powder. The successful production of koumiss powder could also promote the development of the koumiss industry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Yellow‐coated quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) – physicochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties
Authors: Sobota Aldona , Świeca Michał , Gęsiński Krzysztof , Wirkijowska Anna , Bochnak Justyna
Published: December 2019

Background

Quinoa seeds are an excellent source of nutrients and phytochemical compounds with well documented activity; however, different cultivars are usually characterized by different physical properties and chemical composition. This study presented the physical properties, nutrient content, and antioxidant capacities of 25 cultivars of yellow‐coated quinoa.

Results

The results demonstrated that quinoa seeds may be an excellent source of dietary fiber (up to 198 g kg−1 d.m. – Baer cultivar), with a 1:2 ratio of the soluble to insoluble fraction. Digestible carbohydrates were present at the highest level in the Puno cultivar (640 g kg−1). The highest content of proteins was determined in the Colorado 407D and Faro cultivars (c.a. 16%). The average content of albumin and globulins in the seeds was 29.2 and 65.6 g kg−1, respectively. The quinoa seeds were characterized by low activity of protease inhibitors. The lowest inhibition of trypsin was determined for the UDEC‐3, Faro Orange, and Titicaca cultivars, and the highest value was exhibited by the Titicaca White and UDEC‐5 cultivars. Phenolics in the tested cultivars ranged from 7.1 g kg−1 (UDEC‐3) to 10.6 g kg−1 (Temuko). The best antiradical properties were determined for Temuco and Rainbow (2.05 g TE kg−1 and 1.85 g TE kg−1, respectively), while the Baer and Temuco cultivars were characterized by the highest reducing power (2.28 g TE kg−1 and 2.17 g TE kg−1, respectively).

Conclusion

This study has shown that quinoa cultivated in European countries is a good source of nutrients, dietary fiber, and antioxidants; however, its composition varies significantly. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Contribution of plant litter and soil variables to organic carbon pools following tropical forest development after slash‐and‐burn agriculture
Authors: Wang Shaojun , Chen Minkun , Cao Run , Cao Qianbin , Zuo Qianqian , Wang Ping , Yang Bo , Zhao Shuang
Published: December 2019

Tropical forest development after slash‐and‐burn agriculture crucially affects soil carbon accumulation. However, it remains unclear how the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) pools are regulated following tropical forest restoration. Our study aims to quantify the contribution of litter and soil variables to alterations in carbon pools during tropical forest restoration on slash‐and‐burn agricultural land in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China. This study observed a significant increase in soil carbon pools along forest restoration. The extent of the increase in labile fractions (1.9–2.5‐times) was higher than that of SOC (1.5‐times) during the restoration from early to later stages. The proportion of microbial carbon to total carbon increased from 3.0 to 7.7% during forest restoration, while those of dissolved (5.3–3.1%) and readily oxidizable (42.9–29.6%) fractions decreased. Clay content determined the accumulation dynamics of SOC (10.5%) and labile fractions (6.0–13.5%) in the later stage, while free Fe oxides (10.4–15.4%) contributed to these pools mainly in the early stage. Microbial carbon explained 22.4–26.7% and 20.6–28.3% of the variation in SOC stocks and labile fractions, respectively, whereas litter carbon accounted for 9.5–15.3% of the change in microbial carbon stock. The contribution (8.2–17.1%) of litter‐soil nutrient interactions to carbon pools increased during forest restoration. Our data suggest that carbon dynamics are mainly determined by variations in the clay content, free Fe oxides, and litter and microbial carbon, possibly through nutrient‐level interactions between the litter and soil during tropical forest restoration.
New guidelines for the application of Stokes' models to the sinking velocity of marine aggregates
Authors: Laurenceau‐Cornec Emmanuel C. , Le Moigne Frédéric A. C. , Gallinari Morgane , Moriceau Brivaëla , Toullec Jordan , Iversen Morten H. , Engel Anja , De La Rocha Christina L.
Published: December 2019

Numerical simulations of ocean biogeochemical cycles need to adequately represent particle sinking velocities (SV). For decades, Stokes' Law estimating particle SV from density and size has been widely used. But while Stokes' Law holds for small, smooth, and rigid spheres settling at low Reynolds number, it fails when applied to marine aggregates complex in shape, structure, and composition. Minerals and zooplankton can alter phytoplankton aggregates in ways that change their SV, potentially improving the applicability of Stokes' models. Using rolling cylinders, we experimentally produced diatom aggregates in the presence and absence of minerals and/or microzooplankton. Minerals and to a lesser extent microzooplankton decreased aggregate size and roughness and increased their sphericity and compactness. Stokes' Law parameterized with a fractal porosity modeled adequately size‐SV relationships for mineral‐loaded aggregates. Phytoplankton‐only aggregates and those exposed to microzooplankton followed the general Navier‐Stokes drag equation suggesting an indiscernible effect of microzooplankton and a drag coefficient too complex to be calculated with a Stokes' assumption. We compared our results with a larger data set of ballasted and nonballasted marine aggregates. This confirmed that the size‐SV relationships for ballasted aggregates can be simulated by Stokes' models with an adequate fractal porosity parameterization. Given the importance of mineral ballasting in the ocean, our findings could ease biogeochemical model parameterization for a significant pool of particles in the ocean and especially in the mesopelagic zone where the particulate organic matter : mineral ratio decreases. Our results also reinforce the importance of accounting for porosity as a decisive predictor of marine aggregate SV.
Diel temperature and pH variability scale with depth across diverse coral reef habitats
Authors: Cyronak Tyler , Takeshita Yuichiro , Courtney Travis A. , DeCarlo Eric H. , Eyre Bradley D. , Kline David I. , Martz Todd , Page Heather , Price Nichole N. , Smith Jennifer , Stoltenberg Laura , Tresguerres Martin , Andersson Andreas J.
Published: December 2019

Coral reefs are facing intensifying stressors, largely due to global increases in seawater temperature and decreases in pH. However, there is extensive environmental variability within coral reef ecosystems, which can impact how organisms respond to global trends. We deployed spatial arrays of autonomous sensors across distinct shallow coral reef habitats to determine patterns of spatiotemporal variability in seawater physicochemical parameters. Temperature and pH were positively correlated over the course of a day due to solar heating and light‐driven metabolism. The mean temporal and spatial ranges of temperature and pH were positively correlated across all sites, with different regimes of variability observed in different reef types. Ultimately, depth was a reliable predictor of the average diel ranges in both seawater temperature and pH. These results demonstrate that there is widespread environmental variability on diel timescales within coral reefs related to water column depth, which needs to be included in assessments of how global change will locally affect reef ecosystems.
Development of a sensitive qPCR method for the detection of pelagophyte Aureococcus anophagefferens
Authors: Zhang Qing‐Chun , Chen Zhen‐Fan , Zhao Jia‐Yu , Yu Ren‐Cheng , Qiu Li‐Mei , Kong Fan‐Zhou , Wang Yun‐Feng , Yan Tian , Zhou Ming‐Jiang
Published: December 2019

Brown tides of pelagophyte Aureococcus anophagefferens have been recorded in the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao in the Bohai Sea (BS) since 2009. Current understandings on the dynamics and mechanisms of brown tides in the BS, however, are still quite limited due to the lack of accurate methods for detecting low‐abundance of A. anophagefferens cells. In this study, a Taqman qPCR method was developed, which targeted 28S rDNA D1‐D2 domain of A. anophagefferens. The specificity of the qPCR method was tested using 25 strains of microalgae commonly present in the coastal waters, and the targeted species A. anophagefferens was the only species that had reliable positive signal. The method was highly sensitive and reproducible, and the lower detection limit could reach 0.3 cells of A. anophagefferens. A calibration curve was established for A. anophagefferens using the DNA template extracted from different number of cells, and the lower and upper limits of detection for the qPCR assay is 0.3 cells and 1.2 × 105 cells, respectively. A high recovery rate ranged from 96.5% to 107% was achieved for A. anophagefferens at different cell densities. The qPCR assay has been successfully applied to the study on spatial and temporal variations of A. anophagefferens in the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao in 2014.
Harnessed Dopant Block Copolymers Assist Decorating Membrane Pores: A Dissipative Particle Dynamics Study
Authors: Wang Zhikun , Sun Shuangqing , Lyu Qiang , Cheng Meng , Wang Hongbing , Li Chunling , Sha Haoyan , Faller Roland , Hu Songqing
Published: December 2019

Self‐assembly of asymmetric block copolymers (BCPs) around active pore edges has emerged as an important strategy to produce smart membranes with tunable pathways for solute transport. However, thus far, it is still challenging to manipulate pore shape and functionality for directional transformation under external stimuli. Here, a versatile strategy by mesoscale simulations to design stimuli‐responsive pores with various edge decorations in hybrid membranes is reported. Dopant BCPs are used as decorators to stabilize pore edges and extend their function in reconfiguring pores in response to repeated membrane stretching/shrinking caused by external stimuli. The decoration morphologies are predictable since the assemblies of dopant BCPs around pore edges are closely related to their self‐assemblies in solution. The coassembly between different BCPs in the hybrid membrane for the control of pore morphology is featured, and the parameter settings, including block incompatibility and molecular architecture for the construction of a specific pore, are determined. Results show that harnessed dopant BCPs in the hybrid membrane can enhance pore formation and induce directional pore shape and functionality transformation. Diversified pore decorations exhibit potential that can be further explored in selective solute transport and the design of stimuli‐responsive smart nanodevices.
DietaryAdvancedGlycationEnd Products–InducedCognitive Impairment in Aged ICR Mice: Protective Role of Quercetin
Authors: Yang Shengyi , Wang Guiping , Ma Zheng feei , Qin Li‐qiang , Zhai Yu‐jia , Yu Zeng‐Li , Xue Man , Zhang Ya‐han , Wan Zhongxiao
Published: December 2019

Scope

Dietary advanced glycation products (dAGEs) have been reported to induce cognitive impairment while quercetin possesses potential neuroprotective effects. The aim is to explore whether dAGEs would induce similar cognitive impairment from both young and aged ICR mice, and the protective effects of quercetin.

Methods and results

A total of 32 aged ICR mice (15‐month‐old) and 16 young ICR mice (3‐month‐old) are randomly assigned into the following six groups: Young mice control group, young mice fed with AGEs diet group, old mice control group, old mice fed with AGEs diet group, old mice with quercetin supplemented diet group, old mice fed with AGE diet supplemented with quercetin group. Dietary AGEs induced cognitive impairment only in aged, but not in young, ICR mice, while quercetin intervention is capable of reversing dAGEs‐induced cognitive dysfunction. This may be since quercetin 1) increased miR‐219, miR‐15a, and miR‐132 expression, inhibited p‐ERK1/2, and tau phosphorylation; and 2) improved gut microbiota richness and diversity, inhibited phylum Tenericutes and Proteobacteria, and elevated butyric acid from cecum.

Conclusion

Prolonged application of quercetin may be beneficial in the elderly, especially for those with high consumption of dAGEs.
Analysis of rectifier stage number and load resistance in an RF energy harvesting circuit
Authors: Kasar Ömer , Gözel Mahmut Ahmet , Kahriman Mesud
Published: December 2019

In this study, a single‐stage and three‐stage Dickson rectifier circuits that would be able to perform RF energy harvesting were proposed. Operating frequency was selected as 1 GHz. The highest efficiency value was obtained at 7 dBm input power. The load resistance values for the input power were parametrically analyzed and the power conversion efficiency and output voltage were calculated. In the cases where the best performance was obtained, while a maximum power conversion efficiency of 70.5% was obtained in the single‐stage Dickson circuit, maximum 77% efficiency was obtained in the three‐stage circuit. In addition, in the cases where the highest efficiency was observed, the load resistance values were calculated as 5590 and 14 610 Ω at the single stage and three stages, respectively. The load resistance value used to obtain higher efficiency values in the three‐stage circuit is increasing. Moreover, it was observed that as the number of stages increased, the output voltage also increased linearly. The maximum output voltage which was 1.8 V in the single‐stage was measured as ~5.16 V in three‐stages.
Accelerating crack growth simulations through adaptive model order reduction
Authors: Rocha Iuri. B. C. M. , van der Meer Frans. P. , Mororó Luiz. A. T. , Sluys Lambertus. J.
Published: December 2019

Accurate numerical modeling of fracture in solids is a challenging undertaking that often involves the use of computationally demanding modeling frameworks. Model order reduction techniques can be used to alleviate the computational effort associated with these models. However, the traditional offline‐online
reduction approach is unsuitable for complex fracture phenomena due to their excessively large parameter spaces. In this work, we present a reduction framework for fracture simulations that leaves out the offline
training phase and instead adaptively constructs reduced solutions spaces online. We apply the framework to the thick level set (TLS) method, a novel approach for modeling fracture able to model crack initiation, propagation, branching, and merging. The analysis starts with a fully‐solved load step, after which two consecutive reduction operations—the proper orthogonal decomposition and the empirical cubature method—are performed. Numerical features specific to the TLS method are used to define an adaptive domain decomposition scheme that allows for three levels of model reduction coexisting on the same finite element mesh. Special solutions are proposed that allow the framework to deal with enriched nodes and a dynamic number of integration points. We demonstrate and assess the performance of the framework with a number of numerical examples.