bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate Identification of Human Phosphorylated Proteins by Ensembling Supervised Kernel Self‐organizing Maps
Authors: Cui Bei‐Liang , Ding Yong
Published: January 2020

Protein phosphorylation is a vital physiological process, which plays a critical role in controlling survival differentiation, cell growth, metabolism and apoptosis. The accurate identification of whether a protein will be phosphorylated solely from protein sequence is especially useful for both basic research and drug development. In this study, a new predictor specifically designed for the prediction of human phosphorylated proteins is proposed. The proposed method first train two supervised kernel self‐organizing maps (SKSOMs): one is trained with feature from protein physiochemical composition view, while the other is trained with feature from protein evolutionary information view. Then, the two trained SKSOMs are ensembled to perform the final prediction. Rigorous computational experiments show that the proposed method achieves 78.75 % and 0.561 on ACC and MCC, which are 6.96 % and 12.5 % higher than that of the state‐of‐the‐art predictor. Overall, the study demonstrated a new sensitive avenue to identify human phosphorylated proteins and could be readily extended to recognize phosphorylated proteins for other species.
A multiperiod model for estimating the cost of deposit insurance under the Basel III minimum capital requirement
Authors: Muller Grant E.
Published: January 2020

Under the Basel III regime, a commercial bank is considered adequately capitalized if it maintains a ratio of capital to total risk‐weighted assets or capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of at least 8%. We model a commercial bank that complies with Basel III's minimum capital requirement on an interval
for
. The bank model is achieved via a specific rate of capital influx that fixes the bank's CAR at the minimum prescribed level of 8%. On the basis of this capital influx rate, we derive models for the bank's asset portfolio and capital dynamics required for maintaining the CAR at the minimum prescribed level. For the aforementioned bank, we further study a deposit insurance (DI) pricing problem with a coverage horizon equal to
years. More specifically, we employ a multiperiod DI pricing model to approximate the cost of DI for the bank on the interval
, where the constant (minimum) CAR is maintained. We study the behaviours of the models leading to the constant (minimum) CAR, and the behaviour of the DI premium estimate by means of numerical simulations. In the simulation study pertaining to the DI premium estimate specifically, we determine the effects of changes in the bank's initial leverage level (deposit‐to‐asset ratio), the DI coverage horizon, and the volatility of the asset portfolio on the DI premium estimate.
A technique for spatial resolution improvement in helium‐beam radiography
Authors: Amato C. , Martisikova M. , Gehrke T.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Ion‐beam radiography exhibits a significantly lower spatial resolution (SR) compared to x‐ray radiography. This is mostly due the multiple Coulomb scattering (MCS) that the ions undergo in the imaged object. In this work, a novel technique to improve the spatial resolution in helium‐beam radiography was developed. Increasing helium‐beam energies were exploited in order to decrease the MCS, and therefore increase the SR.

Methods

The experimental investigation was carried out with a dedicated ion‐tracking imaging system fully composed of thin, pixelated silicon detectors (Timepix). Four helium beams with increasing energies (from 168.8 to 220.5 MeV/u) were used to image a homogeneous 160 mm PMMA phantom with a 2 mm air gap at middle depth. An energy degrader (ED) was placed between the rear tracking system and the energy‐deposition detector to compensate for the longer range associated with more energetic ions. The SR was measured for each beam energy. To take into account the overall impact on the image quality, the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), the single‐ion water equivalent thickness (WET) precision and the absorbed dose in the phantom were also evaluated as a function of the initial beam energy. FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations were used to support the conceptual design of the experimental setup and for dose estimation.

Results

In the investigated energy interval, a total SR increase by around 30% was measured with increasing beam energy, reaching a maximum value of 0.69 lp/mm. For radiographs generated with 350 μGy of absorbed dose and 220 μm pixel size, a CNR decrease of 32% was found as the beam energy increases. For 1 mm pixel size, the CNR decreases only by 22%. The CNR of the images was always above 6. The single‐ion WET precision was found to be in a range between 1.2% and 1.5%.

Conclusions

We have experimentally shown and quantified the possibility of improving SR in helium‐beam radiography by using increasing beam energies in combination with an ED. A significant SR increase was measured with an acceptable decrease of CNR. Furthermore, we have shown that an ED can be a valuable tool to exploit increasing beam energies to generate energy‐deposition radiographs.
Relative prevalence and distribution of knee, hand and foot symptomatic osteoarthritis subtypes in an English population
Authors: Peat George , Rathod‐Mistry Trishna , Paskins Zoe , Marshall Michelle , Thomas Martin J. , Menz Hylton B. , Nicholls Elaine , Myers Helen , Duncan Rachel , van der Windt Danielle A. , Roddy Ed , Dziedzic Krysia S.
Published: January 2020

In this brief report, we used data from a series of three related cohorts on pain and osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, hand and foot, which were conducted in North Staffordshire, England. We used a common approach for sampling, data collection and coding, to estimate the relative prevalence of 10 different symptomatic radiographic OA subtypes in the knee, hand and foot and to compare their association with age, sex, socioeconomic position and body mass index. Overall, symptomatic hand OA was more common than knee or foot OA (22.4% vs 17.4% vs 16.5%), due mainly to the high prevalence of nodal interphalangeal joint OA among women. The first carpometacarpal joint OA was the most frequent subtype, with patellofemoral, tibiofemoral, (nodal) interphalangeal and midfoot OA also common. Of the risk factors examined, the greatest differences between subtypes appeared to be their associations with sex and obesity: sex differences were noticeably greater for all forms of hand OA except non‐nodal interphalangeal joint OA, while obesity appeared most strongly associated with forms of knee OA. The prevalence of all subtypes was higher among older ages, and among those with lower educational attainment.
Targeting Aggregations of Telemetered Lake Trout to Increase Gillnetting Suppression Efficacy
Authors: Williams Jacob R. , Guy Christopher S. , Koel Todd M. , Bigelow Patricia E.
Published: January 2020

Conserving Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri by suppressing invasive Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush in Yellowstone Lake is a high priority for Yellowstone National Park resource managers. Here, we tested whether targeting telemetered Lake Trout could increase the efficacy of Lake Trout suppression by gill netting. Mobile acoustic tracking surveys were performed to identify aggregations of tagged Lake Trout in summer (June–August) 2017. Lake Trout aggregations were relayed daily to suppression crews by phone, radio, or text and a printed map. Suppression crews set 30 large-mesh gill nets targeting telemetered Lake Trout aggregations (target treatment) and 124 large-mesh gill nets not targeting telemetered aggregations (nontarget treatment). Mean loge(CPUE) was higher for the target treatment (0.37; 95% credible interval [CRI] = 0.08–0.65) than for the nontarget treatment (−0.37; 95% CRI = −0.51 to −0.21). Mean of the target treatment was higher than the mean of the nontarget treatment for over 99% of the 1,000 draws from the joint posterior distribution. Because of telemetry costs, mean CPUE per US$10,000 spent was similar between the target treatment (0.20; 95% CRI = 0.15–0.26) and the nontarget treatment (0.15; 95% CRI = 0.13–0.17). Telemetry is an effective strategy for improving Lake Trout CPUE, which corresponds to an increased efficiency in the Lake Trout suppression program.
Measurement of brain lactate during visual stimulation using a long TE semi‐LASER sequence at 7 T
Authors: Fernandes Carolina C. , Lanz Bernard , Chen Chen , Morris Peter G.
Published: January 2020

Estimation of metabolic changes during neuronal activation represents a challenge for in vivo MRS, especially for metabolites with low concentration and signal overlap, such as lactate. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of detecting lactate during brain activation using a long
(144 ms) semi‐LASER sequence at 7 T.
spectra were acquired on healthy volunteers (
) during a paradigm with 15 min of visual stimulation. Outer‐volume signals were further attenuated by the use of saturation slabs, and macromolecular signals in the vicinity of the inverted lactate peak were individually fitted with simulated Lorentzian peaks. All spectra were free of artefacts and highly reproducible across subjects. Lactate was accurately quantified with an average Cramér‐Rao lower bound of 8%. Statistically significant (
, one‐tailed
‐test) increases in lactate (
10%) and glutamate (
3%) levels during stimulation were detected in the visual cortex. Lactate and glutamate changes were consistent with previous measurements. We demonstrated that quantification of a clear and non‐contaminated lactate peak obtained with a long TE sequence has the potential of improving the accuracy of functional MRS studies targeting non‐oxidative reaction pathways.
Archaeology and contemporary emerging zoonosis: A framework for predicting future Rift Valley fever virus outbreaks
Authors: Seetah Krish , LaBeaud Desiree , Kumm Jochen , Grossi‐Soyster Elysse , Anangwe Alfred , Barry Michele
Published: January 2020

Modelling of emerging vector borne diseases serves as an important complement to clinical studies of modern zoonoses. This article presents an archaeo‐historic epidemiological modelling study of Rift Valley fever (RVF), using data‐driven neural network technology. RVF affects both human and animal populations, can rapidly decimate herds causing catastrophic economic hardship, and is identified as a Category A biodefense pathogen by the US Center for Disease Control. Despite recent origins circa the early 1900s, little is known about the circumstances of its inception nor the relationships between factors that affect transmission. This evidence could be vital as the disease continues to expand from its epicentre in Kenya to other parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. RVF is a relevant case for archaeological/palaeopathological investigations of disease as it intersects between numerous human, animal, spatial, temporal, and sociopolitical dimensions. By integrating landscape archaeology, historical evidence, and climatic data, with evidence of human behaviour gathered through ethnoarchaeological study, this article presents an applied framework for human–animal palaeopathology. This framework aligns with the One Health approach that observes disease to be intrinsically tied to ecological and societal factors. We provide a useable alternative way of thinking about disease modelling in the present and the past, ultimately seeking to support efforts to accurately predict future impacts. Tapping into longitudinal evidence from the last 50–300 years offers a powerful way to respond to the threat zoonoses will pose to human populations around the world as the climate warms.
The effect of functional zirconium phosphate on aging resistance of nitrile butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Li Tianxiang , Chen Songbo , Wan Songhan , Cai Shuwei , He Xianru
Published: January 2020

α‐Zirconium phosphate (α‐ZrP) is intercalated by 4‐aminodiphenylamine (RT) through cation exchange, and its product is named ZrP‐RT. The structure and morphology is characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. RT intercalates into the α‐ZrP layer and RT has monolayer and bilayer permutations in the layer. ZrP‐RT is incorporated into nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) through mechanical blending, namely, NBR/ZT composites. The compatibility of ZrP‐RT and NBR is investigated by the contact angle test with water of ZrP‐RT, the fracture surface, and XRD of NBR/ZT composites. The introduction of RT significantly increases the dispersion of α‐ZrP in NBR. The aging resistance properties of NBR/ZT composites are tested by mechanical test. The antiaging effect of ZrP‐RT is better than commercial antioxidant. The aging mechanism of NBR/ZT is explored by DMA, equilibrium swelling test, and ATR‐FTIR. It indicates that ZrP‐RT can effectively inhibit the chain crosslink of NBR.
Surface modification of aramid fibers by amino functionalized silane grafting to improve interfacial property of aramid fibers reinforced composite
Authors: Jia Chuyuan , Zhang Runze , Yuan Chengce , Ma Zhenyu , Du Yunzhe , Liu Li , Huang Yudong
Published: January 2020

The 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) grafted aramid fibers were prepared by γ‐ray irradiation and chemical treatment to improve the interfacial properties between aramid fibers and epoxy matrix. The functionalization process of aramid fibers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrum. After grafted with APS, the surface roughness of aramid fibers increased obviously, and the element content and composition of functional groups changed significantly in the modification process. Dynamic contact analysis indicated the wettability, and surface free energy of the fibers were greatly improved after the APS treatment. Monofilament pull‐out measurement showed that the interfacial shear strength of aramid fiber reinforced composite increased by 51.03%, from 36.33 to 54.87 MPa after the surface modification. Moreover, benefited from the appropriate radiation and the APS grafting, the functionalization process did not damage fiber tensile strength.
A newly synthesized nitrogen‐rich derivative of bicyclic quinoxaline—Structural and conceptual DFT reactivity study
Authors: Abad Nadeem , Hajji Melek , Ramli Youssef , Belkhiria Marwa , Moftah H. Elmgirhi Salima , A. Habib Mohamed , Guerfel Taha , T. Mague Joel , Essassi El Mokhtar
Published: January 2020

Novel nitrogen‐rich compound featured bicyclic quinoxaline as a basic core structure has been synthesized, 1‐{[1‐(3‐azido‐2‐hydroxypropyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl]methyl}‐3‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinoxalin‐2‐one with formula C15H16N8O2, and their structural and chemical reactivity aspects have been comprehensively discussed. Nature, role, and relative contribution of weak noncovalent interactions in supramolecular assembly have been assessed through single‐crystal analysis and computational approaches. Useful information about the global and local reactivity were obtained from Conceptual Density Functional Theory at wB97X‐D/cc‐pVDZ level. Studied system could act as strong electrophile and/or moderate nucleophile in polar organic reactions. We hope this study will provide deeper insight in the knowledge of the synthesis and chemistry of the quinoxaline and quinoxaline derivatives.
Multilayer onion‐like vesicles self‐assembled from amphiphilic hyperbranched multiarm copolymers via simulation
Authors: Hao Tongfan , Tan Haina , Li Shanlong , Wang Yuling , Zhou Zhiping , Yu Chunyang , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue
Published: January 2020

Multilayer onion‐like vesicles are valuable in cell mimics and biomedicine fields. However, as an excellent self‐assembly precursor, the formation of multilayer onion‐like vesicles by the self‐assembly of hyperbranched multiarm copolymers (HMCs) were not reported due to the complex self‐assembly dynamics. In this article, the self‐assembly behavior of multilayer onion‐like vesicles from HMCs was systematically investigated using dissipative particle dynamics simulation. The formation conditions for different kinds of vesicles were disclosed through the construction of the morphological phase diagram. Moreover, the formation mechanisms of the onion‐like vesicles with different layers were revealed. We observed that it is the fusion mechanism in low concentrations and the molecular rearrangement mechanism in high concentrations. For low concentration, the law between the number of the membrane layers and the morphology of the aggregates in the fusion process was disclosed. Meanwhile, the membrane of the onion‐like vesicles self‐assembled from HMCs is monolayer structure and the thickness of each layer is decreased in sequence from inside to outside. The current observations have important guiding significance for its application in drug delivery systems.
Crystal structure of the catalytic C‐lobe of the HECT‐type ubiquitin ligase E6AP
Authors: Ries Lena K. , Liess Anna K. L. , Feiler Christian G. , Spratt Donald E. , Lowe Edward D. , Lorenz Sonja
Published: January 2020

The HECT‐type ubiquitin ligase E6AP (UBE3A) is critically involved in several neurodevelopmental disorders and human papilloma virus‐induced cervical tumorigenesis; the structural mechanisms underlying the activity of this crucial ligase, however, are incompletely understood. Here, we report a crystal structure of the C‐terminal lobe (“C‐lobe”) of the catalytic domain of E6AP that reveals two molecules in a domain‐swapped, dimeric arrangement. Interestingly, the molecular hinge that enables this structural reorganization with respect to the monomeric fold coincides with the active‐site region. While such dimerization is unlikely to occur in the context of full‐length E6AP, we noticed a similar domain swap in a crystal structure of the isolated C‐lobe of another HECT‐type ubiquitin ligase, HERC6. This may point to conformational strain in the active‐site region of HECT‐type ligases with possible implications for catalysis.

Significance Statement

The HECT‐type ubiquitin ligase E6AP has key roles in human papilloma virus‐induced cervical tumorigenesis and certain neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we present a crystal structure of the C‐terminal, catalytic lobe of E6AP, providing basic insight into the conformational properties of this functionally critical region of HECT‐type ligases.
Performance of ZDOCK and IRAD in CAPRI rounds 39‐45
Authors: Vreven Thom , Vangaveti Sweta , Borrman Tyler M. , Gaines Jennifer C. , Weng Zhiping
Published: January 2020

We report docking performance on the six targets of Critical Assessment of PRedicted Interactions (CAPRI) rounds 39‐45 that involved heteromeric protein‐protein interactions and had the solved structures released since the rounds were held. Our general strategy involved protein‐protein docking using ZDOCK, reranking using IRAD, and structural refinement using Rosetta. In addition, we made extensive use of experimental data to guide our docking runs. All the experimental information at the amino‐acid level proved correct. However, for two targets, we also used protein‐complex structures as templates for modeling interfaces. These resulted in incorrect predictions, presumably due to the low sequence identity between the targets and templates. Albeit a small number of targets, the performance described here compared somewhat less favorably with our previous CAPRI reports, which may be due to the CAPRI targets being increasingly challenging.
Be prepared for the unexpected: The gap between (im)mobility intentions and subsequent behaviour of recent higher education graduates
Authors: Hooijen Inge , Meng Christoph , Reinold Julia
Published: January 2020

Research on the relationship between mobility intentions and actual mobility behaviour is scarce. This study analyses the factors explaining the gap between (im)mobility intentions and behaviour of recent higher education graduates in the Euregio Meuse‐Rhine, a cross‐border region spanning the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. The analysis is based on mixed methods, including survey data collected in 2015 and 2017 as well as semistructured interviews to find out more about respondents' personal mobility trajectories and the extent to which their behaviour reflects their actual (im)mobility preferences. The findings indicate that location‐specific capital impacts the probability to realise one's (im)mobility intention, as do other forms of capital, such as previous mobility experience and an internship during the study. Furthermore, personality traits and unexpected events, such as a change in relationship status, influence if respondents realise their initial (im)mobility intention.
Are refugees more likely to leave initial destinations than economic immigrants? Recent evidence from Canadian longitudinal administrative data
Authors: Kaida Lisa , Hou Feng , Stick Max
Published: January 2020

Secondary migration is of policy interest in many immigrant‐receiving countries when efforts are made to steer immigrants away from major urban centres. One example is refugee dispersal policy. Although previous research, mostly evaluating the policy itself, argues it would disproportionately increase the secondary migration of refugees settled in nongateway cities, quantitative analysis is limited. This study compares the long‐term secondary migration in Canada by immigrant admission category with a focus on the city size of initial settlement. Our analysis of the Longitudinal Immigration Database finds that although resettled refugees have a higher overall secondary migration rate than economic immigrants, their difference in the likelihood of leaving a same‐size initial destination city is minor. The majority stay in the initial city of residence regardless of admission category. The findings have a strong policy implication; the geographic distribution of immigrants can be influenced most effectively at arrival.
Effect of Sn Addition on Thermodynamic, Dielectric, Optical, and Acoustic Properties of Lead Hafnate
Authors: Piekara Anna , Ko Jae-Hyeon , Lee Jeong Woo , Naqvi Syed Furqan Ul Hassan , Jankowska-Sumara Irena , Majchrowski Andrzej , Zasada Dariusz , Chrunik Maciej , Podgórna Maria
Published: January 2020

Specific heat, dielectric properties, domain structure, and Brillouin light scattering studies in antiferroelectric PbHf1−xSnxO3 single crystals with three different concentrations (x = 0.08, 0.1, and 0.23) are performed in function of temperature. The specific heat and dielectric data reveal clear anomalies at three temperatures denoted as T1, T2, and TC. At T1, transition from the antiferroelectric AFE1 to another antiferroelectric AFE2 phase is realized, the next phase transition (PT) is from AFE2 to an intermediate (IM) phase—at T2, and from IM to paraelectric (PE) phase at TC. PTs at T1 and T2 are definitely of the first order, whereas the PT at TC has features of the second‐order PT. The PT sequences are confirmed by changes in the domain structure. In the PE phase, Brillouin studies reveal the softening and broadening of longitudinal acoustic (LA) mode in the cooling process. The softening and broadening exhibit the maximum values near TC. The transverse acoustic (TA) mode appears near T2. Additional acoustic anomalies are also observed at T1. The temperature dependencies of LA mode indicate the existence of polar regions in PE phase and order–disorder character of the PT at TC. The other PTs are mainly of a displacive character.
Importance measure method for error sources of degradation systems based on the present worth of expected Taguchi quality loss
Authors: Sun Zhongchao , Yu Tianxiang , Cui Weimin , Song Bifeng
Published: January 2020

Deteriorating of the error sources and the deviation of the quality characteristic (QC) of the product from the target value are ubiquitous in practice. Studying the relative contribution of the error sources to the QC deviation is helpful for improving the product performance effectively. In this study, we propose an error importance measure (EIM) method to quantify the relative contribution of error sources to the Taguchi quality loss that is caused by the QC deviation. The present worth of the expected Taguchi quality loss (ETQL) is used to characterize the deteriorating QC deviation. We use Taylor series expansion to decompose the time‐dependent ETQL and the present worth of ETQL into a series of fractions, representing the individual and the interaction contributions of the error sources. Based on the decomposition, the time‐dependent and the time‐independent EIM indices for one and a group of error sources are defined, respectively. The evaluation procedure for the EIM indices is provided and the properties are discussed. Finally, we provide a realistic application case to an aircraft wheel door mechanism to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed EIM method.
On a class of mixed EWMA‐CUSUM median control charts for process monitoring
Authors: Hussain Shahid , Wang Xiaoguang , Ahmad Shabbir , Riaz Muhammad
Published: January 2020

Monitoring of any manufacturing, production, or industrial process can be controlled and improved by removing these special cause of variations using control charts. Shewhart‐type control charts are effective to control a large amount of special variations, whereas, cumulative sum (CUSUM) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) charts detect small and moderate variations efficiently in the process parameters. Monitoring of location parameter can be done with mean control charts under the assumption that the parameters are known or correctly estimated from in‐control samples and data are free from outliers (but in practice data occasionally have outliers). In this study, we have proposed generalized mixed EWMA‐CUSUM median control charts structures for known and unknown parameters based on auxiliary variables for detecting shifts in process location parameter. The proposed charts are compared with the corresponding charts for the mean, based on contaminated and uncontaminated data. Different performance measures are used to evaluate the performance of proposed control charts and revealed through results that the median‐based charts are more sensitive to detect a shift in process location parameter in the presence of outliers. An illustrative example using real data is also shown for practical consideration.
Numerical Study of Reconfigurable Mid‐IR Single Photon Sources Based on Functional Ferroelectrics
Authors: Kundys Dmytro , Graffitti Francesco , McCracken Richard A. , Fedrizzi Alessandro , Kundys Bohdan
Published: January 2020

The future of quantum photonic technology depends on the realization of efficient sources of single photons, the ideal carriers of quantum information. Parametric downconversion (PDC) is a promising route to create highly coherent, spectrally pure single photons for quantum photonics using versatile group velocity matching (GVM) and tailored nonlinearities. However, the functionality to actively control the poling period of nonlinear crystals used in PDC is currently missing, yet would enable to dynamically modify the wavelength of single photons produced in the PDC process. Herein, a detailed GVM study is presented for functional PMN‐0.38PT material which can be dynamically repolled at ambient conditions with fields as low as 0.4 kV mm−1. The study reveals phase‐matching conditions for spectrally pure single photon creation at 5–6 µm. Further, a practical approach is proposed for on‐flight wavelength switching of the created single photons. The reported reconfigurable functionality benefits a wide range of emerging quantum‐enhanced applications in the mid‐IR spectral region where the choice of single photon sources is currently limited.
Horizontal variability of soil water content, evaporation and throughfall in corn row
Authors: Sun Tao , Li Zizhong
Published: January 2020

Horizontal variability of soil water content (θ), soil surface water evaporation (E), and throughfall (TF) at the row scale have great influence on agricultural production, hydrological simulation and sampling strategy. The objective of the present study was to assess the horizontal variability and the most representative measurement position of θ, E, and TF at the corn (Zea mays L.) row scale in a field experiment. Five measurement positions of P0, P15, P30, P45 and P60 were at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 cm from the corn row line, respectively. The horizontal variability of θ mainly existed in 0–15 cm soil layer (P = 0.031). The coefficient of variation (CV) of the θ of 0–15, 30, and 50 cm ranged from 7.0–25.1%, 4.1–10.2%, and 5.3–11.4%, respectively. The CV of the E and TF ranged from 9.9–27.2% and 20.4–35.6%, respectively. The P15 or P45 was regarded as the most representative measurement position for measuring the θ of 0–15, 30, and 50 cm, with a probability of 51.0–58.8%, 43.1–43.1%, and 54.9–60.8%, respectively, and that for TF was 93.9–84.8%. The probability of P15 as the most representative measurement position to determine E was 61.1%. Therefore, horizontal variability of θ, E, and TF in a row‐planted crop field could not be ignored. The P15 was the most representative measurement position of θ, E, and TF in such an experimental condition.
Associations between lifetime stress exposure and prenatal health behaviors
Authors: Smith Teresa , Johns‐Wolfe Elaina , Shields Grant S. , Malat Jennifer , Jacquez Farrah , Slavich George M.
Published: January 2020

Prenatal health behaviors can strongly influence risk of poor pregnancy birth outcomes. Although stress has been implicated in structuring the likelihood that individuals will engage in various prenatal health behavior patterns, no studies to date have examined life stress exposure occurring across the entire lifespan, and few have investigated how different types of stressors are comparatively associated with these outcomes. To address these issues, we interviewed 164 women at one of two large Midwestern, urban hospitals after delivering their first infant. We used the Stress and Adversity Inventory (STRAIN) to assess women's lifetime stress exposure severity and ordinary least squares regression models to examine associations between participants' life stress exposure and prenatal health behaviors. As hypothesized, greater lifetime stress exposure was associated with engaging in more negative prenatal health behaviors and fewer positive prenatal health behaviors while controlling for relevant sociodemographic factors and current perceived stress levels. These effects were stronger for negative versus positive health behaviors, and they differed substantially as a function of stressor type, exposure timing, and primary life domain. Stressors occurring over the life course thus have negative consequences for prenatal health behaviors, but these effects are not uniform across different types of life stress exposure.
Virus‐Inspired Deformable Mesoporous Nanocomposites for High Efficiency Drug Delivery
Authors: Chen Yu , Li Xiaobin , Wang Meng , Peng Lucheng , Yu Zhongzheng , Peng Xiao , Song Jun , Qu Junle
Published: January 2020

Mesoporous nanoparticles as a versatile platform for cancer theranostics have been widely used, but their cellular delivery efficiency is still far from satisfactory. Although deformability is emerging as an important parameter influencing cellular uptake enhancement, the facile synthesis of deformable mesoporous nanocomposite with adjustable mechanical property is challenging but meaningful for a deeper understanding of cellular uptake mechanisms and significantly improving cancer therapy. In this work, yolk–shell structured eccentric mesoporous organosilica (YEMO) nanocomposites with adjustable mechanical property are successfully prepared by an organosilane‐assisted anisotropic self‐assembly approach. The feasibility to precisely control the mechanical property of the YEMO by manipulating the structural parameters, the crosslinking degree of mesoporous framework, and the rotation rate of the reaction is demonstrated. The study of the fabrication mechanism and mechanical properties of YEMO are discussed in detail. The Young's modulus (EY) of YEMO can be adjusted from 2.4 to 65 MPa. Thereby, the continuous control of the cellular uptake from ≈15% to ≈80% under the same incubation time is achieved. To further prove the higher efficiency drug delivery of YEMO with soft characteristics, the higher toxicity of the “soft” YEMO loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin compared to the “stiff” one is demonstrated.
Pd‐Ru Alloy Nanocages with a Face‐Centered Cubic Structure and Their Enhanced Activity toward the Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol and Glycerol
Authors: Zhao Ming , Lyu Zhiheng , Xie Minghao , Hood Zachary D. , Cao Zhenming , Chi Miaofang , Xia Younan
Published: January 2020

This article reports a facile method for the synthesis of Pd‐Ru nanocages by activating the galvanic replacement reaction between Pd nanocrystals and a Ru(III) precursor with I‐ ions. The as‐synthesized nanocages feature a hollow interior, ultrathin wall of ≈2.5 nm in thickness, and a cubic shape. Our quantitative study suggests that the reduction rate of the Ru(III) precursor can be substantially accelerated upon the introduction of I‐ ions and then retarded as the ratio of I‐/Ru3+ is increased. The Pd‐Ru nanocages take an alloy structure, with the Ru atoms in the nanocages crystallized in a face‐centered cubic structure instead of the hexagonal close‐packed phase taken by bulk Ru. Using Pd nanocubes with different edge lengths, the dimensions of the nanocages in the range of 6−18 nm can readily be tuned. When tested as catalysts toward the electro‐oxidation of ethylene glycol and glycerol, respectively, the Pd‐Ru cubic nanocages prepared from 18 nm Pd cubes exhibit 5.1‐ and 6.2‐fold enhancements in terms of mass activity relative to the commercial Pd/C. After 1000 cycles of accelerated durability test, the mass activities of the nanocages are still 3.3 and 3.7 times as high as that of the pristine commercial Pd/C catalyst, respectively.
Deep locality‐sensitive discriminative dictionary learning for semantic video analysis
Authors: Benuwa Ben‐Bright , Ghansah Benjamin , Ansah Ernest K.
Published: January 2020

Video semantic analysis (VSA) has received significant attention in the area of Machine Learning for some time now, particularly video surveillance applications with sparse representation and dictionary learning. Studies have shown that the duo has significantly impacted on the classification performance of video detection analysis. In VSA, the locality structure of video semantic data containing more discriminative information is very essential for classification. However, there has been modest feat by the current SR‐based approaches to fully utilize the discriminative information for high performance. Furthermore, similar coding outcomes are missing from current video features with the same video category. To handle these issues, we first propose an improved deep learning algorithm—locality deep convolutional neural network algorithm (LDCNN) to better extract salient features and obtain local information from semantic video. Second, we propose a novel DL method, called deep locality‐sensitive discriminative dictionary learning (DLSDDL) for VSA. In the proposed DLSDDL, a discriminant loss function for the video category based on sparse coding of sparse coefficients is introduced into the structure of the locality‐sensitive dictionary learning (LSDL) method. After solving the optimized dictionary, the sparse coefficients for the testing video feature samples are obtained, and then the classification result for video semantic is realized by reducing the error existing between the original and recreated samples. The experiment results show that the proposed DLSDDL technique considerably increases the efficiency of video semantic detection as against competing methods used in our experiment.
MOAManager: A tool to support data stream experiments
Authors: Maciel Bruno I. F. , Santos Silas G. T. C. , Barros Roberto S. M.
Published: January 2020

This short communication describes Massive Online Analysis Manager Hypertext Preprocessor framework (MOAManager), an open‐source web tool that assists in the creation, execution, extraction, and formatting of experiments in online environments using the MOA framework. MOAManager also brings together a set of features for data analysis, including the calculation of metrics and statistical tests for performance evaluation. The purpose of the tool is to provide a structure that automates several repetitive experimental steps, helping the users to customize, run, and analyze the experiments quickly and reliably, enabling gains in productivity.
Microstructure and Electrochemical Corrosion Behaviors of Laser‐Cladded 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Liu Erju , Huang Feifei , Bao Feihu , Xue Yanpeng , Wang Huimin , Jin Ying
Published: January 2020

Herein, single‐pass laser‐cladded 2205 duplex stainless steel is fabricated on the surface of Q235 carbon steel at different laser powers in the range of 1.7−2.7 kW. The relationships between laser powers and geometrical characteristics, microstructure, microhardness, and corrosion resistance of the cladded layers (CLs) are analyzed. The results show that with the increase in laser power, the width and height of the bead increase, and the dilution rate and depth of the molten pool also significantly increase. Furthermore, the shape of ferrite gradually transforms from coarse to slender and eventually turns into a discontinuous vermicular shape. It is found that the CL obtained at a laser power of 2.3 kW has higher average microhardness and exhibits better corrosion resistance than the other samples (≈20 times better than that of the carbon steel substrate), with its corrosion potential and corrosion current density of −0.146 V and 0.13 μA cm−2, respectively.
Using umbilical cord blood for regenerative therapy: Proof or promise?
Authors: Allan David S.
Published: January 2020

The identification of nonhematopoietic progenitor cells in cord blood has spawned great interest in using cord blood cells for new indications in regenerative therapy. Many preclinical studies demonstrated improvement in reperfusion and markers of organ recovery using cord blood-derived cells in a range of animal models. Initial results heralded increasing clinical interest regarding the use of cord blood for regenerative therapy. Initial clinical studies were largely uncontrolled feasibility studies that were case series and reported on small numbers of patients. The emergence of controlled studies has been slower, although multiple controlled studies have been conducted in patients with cerebral palsy and type I diabetes. Heterogeneity in the cellular product, patients, study design, and the timing of outcome measurements remains barriers to meta-analysis and a clearer understanding of efficacy. Controlled studies of modest size have been reported for a range of additional conditions. The conduct of controlled clinical trials to evaluate potential new uses of cord blood for regenerative therapy remains essential. None of the indications studied to date can be regarded as proven. Moreover, consistency in outcome reporting in terms of the instruments used and the time points for assessment after therapy are needed, including longer follow-up of study participants. Frequent and careful evaluation of the evidence will allow cord blood banks, health care providers, and patients to assess potential new options in the use of cord blood for regenerative therapy.
Effects of mesenchymal stromal cells on regulatory T cells: Current understanding and clinical relevance
Authors: Negi Neema , Griffin Matthew D.
Published: January 2020

The immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and regulatory T cells (T-reg) is well recognized by translational scientists in the field of regenerative medicine and cellular therapies. A wide range of preclinical studies as well as a limited number of human clinical trials of MSC therapies have not only shown promising safety and efficacy profiles but have also revealed changes in T-reg frequency and function. However, the mechanisms underlying this potentially important observation are not well understood and, consequently, the optimal strategies for harnessing MSC/T-reg cross-talk remain elusive. Cell-to-cell contact, production of soluble factors, reprogramming of antigen presenting cells to tolerogenic phenotypes, and induction of extracellular vesicles (“exosomes”) have emerged as possible mechanisms by which MSCs produce an immune-modulatory milieu for T-reg expansion. Additionally, these two cell types have the potential to complement each other's immunoregulatory functions, and a combinatorial approach may exert synergistic effects for the treatment of immunological diseases. In this review, we critically assess recent translational research related to the outcomes and mechanistic basis of MSC effects on T-reg and provide a perspective on the potential for this knowledge base to be further exploited for the treatment of autoimmune disorders and transplants.
TRIB3 confers glioma cell stemness via interacting with β‐catenin
Authors: Lu Yunhe , Li Liangdong , Chen Lei , Gao Yang , Chen Xin , Cao Yiqun
Published: January 2020

Here, we aim to explore whether tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) enhances glioma cell stemness. TRIB3 was overexpressed in glioma tissues and cell‐formed spheres, positively correlated with the size and grade. Additionally, TRIB3 expression displayed a negative correlation with the overall survival rate of glioma patients. Moreover, TRIB3 knockdown reduced the stemness of nonadherent spheres, evident by the decreased sphere‐forming ability, stemness master expression, and ALDH1 activity, while TRIB3 overexpression enhanced the stemness of adherent cells, which was rescued by β‐catenin knockdown. Mechanistically, TRIB3 activated β‐catenin signaling via physically interacting with β‐catenin. This study suggests that the TRIB3‐β‐catenin interaction is responsible for glioma cell stemness.
Comparison of energy produced from waste by removing its different components: A case study of the waste landfill in Tehran
Authors: Gholizade Alireza , Asadollahfardi Gholamreza
Published: January 2020

In developing and populated cities such as Tehran, a massive amount of municipal solid waste (MSW), both wet and dry, is transferred to landfills daily. Combustion is one of the most common methods of using mixed waste energy from the past to the present. The Dulong formula is widely used to calculate the energy released from MSW combustion. According to the constituent components of Tehran MSW, removing food waste leads to an increase in energy potential, which will be a suitable condition for energy production. In this work, the energy derived from the combustion of mixed and separated dry MSW generated in Tehran was calculated using the experimental Dulong formula and tables in Integrated Solid Waste Management (Tchobanoglous et al. 1993, McGraw‐Hill). The Dulong formula indicates that the use of Tehran mixed MSW (without separating materials for recycling) as a fuel source yields 8,966.40 KJ/kg while the use of Tchobanoglous et al. (1993) tables can generate 8,236 kJ/kg. By removing food waste and recyclable materials, the potential of energy production changes to 22,047 kJ/kg using the Dulong formula and 16,207 kJ/kg and the Tchobanoglous et al. (1993) tables. It indicates increase by 1.46 times and 46%, respectively. Regarding the 200‐ton capacity of the Tehran waste incinerator, the Dulong formula indicated generation of 4,409 MJ/day energy, and the Tchobanoglous et al. table presents 3,241 MJ/day. Therefore, considering that Tehran generates more than 4,000 tons of reject waste daily, it can easily be converted to energy rather than landfilled. This can alleviate the problem of buying land and construction of landfills and leachate generation.
Analyzing Markov chain Monte Carlo output
Authors: Vats Dootika , Robertson Nathan , Flegal James M. , Jones Galin L.
Published: January 2020

Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is a sampling‐based method for estimating features of probability distributions. MCMC methods produce a serially correlated, yet representative, sample from the desired distribution. As such it can be difficult to assess when the MCMC method is producing reliable results. We present some fundamental methods for ensuring a reliable simulation experiment. In particular, we present a workflow for output analysis in MCMC providing estimators, approximate sampling distributions, stopping rules, and visualization tools.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Bayesian Models

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Monte Carlo Methods
Optimizing Selection of Brown Bear Hair for Noninvasive Genetic Analysis
Authors: Wirsing Aaron J. , Quinn Thomas P. , Adams Jennifer R. , Waits Lisette P.
Published: January 2020

Many wildlife studies use noninvasive survey methods such as barbed wire to obtain hair samples for DNA analysis. If laboratory costs preclude processing all samples, it may be important to know a priori which samples are most likely to yield useful DNA. It may also be helpful to know whether apparently poor‐quality samples will yield useable DNA, and so be worth the time and cost of processing. To help resolve this issue, we initiated a field classification system for hair from brown bears (Ursus arctos) obtained using unbaited wires deployed across 6 streams in western Alaska, USA, where bears travel and feed on adult Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Averaged over 4 years (2014–2017), amplification success ranged from 89% for samples categorized in the field as being of highest quality, based on volume of hairs, to 37% for single or double strands of hair. Moreover, DNA analysis of poor‐quality samples markedly increased the numbers of individual bears detected, and those detected multiple times—important data for genetic capture–mark–recapture abundance estimates. Thus, field classification can help cut costs and streamline laboratory analyses when hair samples are abundant. Yet, even apparently poor‐quality samples are likely worth processing if they are the only ones representing a site, date, or other sampling stratum, hair capture devices are checked infrequently, or laboratory costs are not limiting. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Exact elastoplastic analysis of a rotating cylinder with a rigid inclusion under mechanical loading and unloading
Authors: Prokudin A. N.
Published: January 2020

An elastoplastic rotating cylinder with a rigid inclusion under plane strain condition is investigated. The analysis is based on infinitesimal strain theory, Tresca's yield condition, and its associated flow rule and perfectly plastic material behavior. Both loading and unloading are considered. It is established that secondary plastic flow may occur during unloading after a previous rotation, and the exact solutions for all stages of deformation are obtained. The results are illustrated by the distributions of the displacement, stress and plastic strain in a cylinder rotating at different speeds.