bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Over-yielding in temperate silvopastures: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pent Gabriel J.
Published: April 2020

Over-yielding in an intercropping system occurs when the productivity of the intercrop exceeds the overall productivity of the systems managed in segregation. The objective of this systematic review was to calculate the over-yielding of silvopastures compared to open pastures and forests, timber plantations, or orchards managed separately. A literature search was completed for comparisons of the productivity of these practices in temperate regions. Data collected from these studies included mean yields of timber or non-timber forest products, forages, and livestock, as well as the characteristics of the study site. Silvopasture practices improve the productivity of land typically managed separately for pasture or trees by 42–55%, depending on whether the productivity of the pastures is measured by livestock or forage output, respectively. In most cases, over-yielding occurred despite a reduction in individual forage, livestock, or tree productivity in the silvopastures. Calculating confidence intervals around these means was not feasible because standard errors were largely not reported or available. Some assumptions were made about the actual productivity of timber or non-timber forest products. This work illustrates the significant level of over-yielding that may be achieved by integrating trees, forages, and livestock into a single production system.
Priority statement and some properties of t-lgHill estimator
Authors: Stehlík Milan , Kiseľák Jozef , Vaičiulis Marijus , Jordanova Pavlina , Soza Ludy Núñez , Fabián Zdeněk , Hermann Philipp , Střelec Luboš , Rivera Andrés , Girard Stéphane , Torres Sebastián
Published: April 2020

We acknowledge the priority on the introduction of the formula of t-lgHill estimator for the positive extreme value index. We provide a novel motivation for this estimator based on ecologically driven dynamical systems. Another motivation is given directly by applying the general t-Hill procedure to log-gamma distribution. We illustrate the good quality of t-lgHill estimator in comparison to classical Hill estimator on the novel data of the concentration of arsenic in drinking water in the rural area of the Arica and Parinacota Region, Chile.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of adult patients with pilocytic astrocytoma
Authors: Mair Maximilian J. , Wöhrer Adelheid , Furtner Julia , Simonovska Anika , Kiesel Barbara , Oberndorfer Stefan , Ungersböck Karl , Marosi Christine , Sahm Felix , Hainfellner Johannes A. , Rössler Karl , Preusser Matthias , Widhalm Georg , Berghoff Anna S.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common primary brain neoplasm in children and treated in curative intent with gross total resection (GTR). However, PA is rare in adults, resulting in limited knowledge on the natural clinical course. This study aimed to describe the clinical course and identify prognostic factors of adult patients with PA.

Methods

46 patients ≥ 18 years at diagnosis of PA and neurosurgical resection or biopsy between 2000 and 2018 were identified from the Neuro-Biobank of the Medical University of Vienna. In two cases with differing histopathological diagnosis at recurrence, DNA methylation analysis was performed using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation850 BeadChip (850 k) arrays and the Molecular Neuropathology classifier. Clinico-pathological features were correlated with patient outcomes.

Results

Median age at diagnosis was 32.5 years (range: 19–75) and median Ki67 proliferation index was 2.8% (0.5–13.4%). Tumor location significantly correlated with resectability (p < 0.001). Tumor progression or recurrence was observed in 9/46 (19.6%) patients after a median follow up time of 53.0 months (range 0.5–300). 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 85.3% and 70.0%, respectively. 2/9 (22.2%) patients presented with histological changes in the recurrent tumor specimen. In detail, methylation classification redefined the histological diagnosis to anaplastic astrocytoma with piloid features and glioma in one patient, each. Age > 40 and higher body mass index (BMI) were associated with impaired progression-free and overall survival (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Tumor recurrence or progression in adult PA patients was higher than the one reported in pediatric patients. Higher age and BMI were associated with impaired prognosis.
[18F]AZD2461, an Insight on Difference in PARP Binding Profiles for DNA Damage Response PET Imaging
Authors: Guibbal Florian , Hopkins Samantha L. , Pacelli Anna , Isenegger Patrick G. , Mosley Michael , Torres Julia Baguña , Dias Gemma M. , Mahaut Damien , Hueting Rebekka , Gouverneur Véronique , Cornelissen Bart
Published: April 2020

Background

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are extensively studied and used as anti-cancer drugs, as single agents or in combination with other therapies. Most radiotracers developed to date have been chosen on the basis of strong PARP1–3 affinity. Herein, we propose to study AZD2461, a PARP inhibitor with lower affinity towards PARP3, and to investigate its potential for PARP targeting in vivo.

Methods

Using the Cu-mediated 18F-fluorodeboronation of a carefully designed radiolabelling precursor, we accessed the 18F-labelled isotopologue of the PARP inhibitor AZD2461. Cell uptake of [18F]AZD2461 in vitro was assessed in a range of pancreatic cell lines (PSN-1, PANC-1, CFPAC-1 and AsPC-1) to assess PARP expression and in vivo in xenograft-bearing mice. Blocking experiments were performed with both olaparib and AZD2461.

Results

[18F]AZD2461 was efficiently radiolabelled via both manual and automated procedures (9 % ± 3 % and 3 % ± 1 % activity yields non-decay corrected). [18F]AZD2461 was taken up in vivo in PARP1-expressing tumours, and the highest uptake was observed for PSN-1 cells (7.34 ± 1.16 %ID/g). In vitro blocking experiments showed a lesser ability of olaparib to reduce [18F]AZD2461 binding, indicating a difference in selectivity between olaparib and AZD2461.

Conclusion

Taken together, we show the importance of screening the PARP selectivity profile of radiolabelled PARP inhibitors for use as PET imaging agents.
Understanding latent demand for hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles using large-scale longitudinal survey data of US new vehicle buyers
Authors: Dua Rubal , White Kenneth
Published: April 2020

Consumer adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles is a crucial step in improving energy efficiency of the light-duty vehicle sector. To promote adoption, policymakers have employed various demand- and supply-side policies including incentives, fuel economy standards, zero emission vehicle mandate, among others. This paper measures the changes in consumers’ purchase motivations and latent demand for hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles in the wake of such programs by analyzing the past 11 years of new vehicle buyer survey data in the USA with more than 1 million respondents. The analysis reveals that electric vehicles—including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure battery electric, collectively termed xEVs—had the potential to secure as much as ~ 11% of the US market in 2015, but the actual market share was only one-third of this. A narrowing of the consumer’s valuation gap between buyers of non-xEVs and xEVs for purchase motivations—including fuel economy, environmental friendliness, technical innovation, and price—is responsible for the increase in the latent demand for xEVs. The term valuation gap refers to the difference between the average rating given by non-xEV and xEV buyers for a particular purchase motivation question in the survey. The closer the ratings, the smaller will be the valuation gap. Policy instruments such as sales-weighted fuel economy target show strong correlation with the consumer valuation gap. In combination with demand-side policies that make xEVs more accessible to mainstream consumers, they could be considered as viable tools if policymakers are seeking to nudge consumers toward xEVs.
Soziale Arbeit als weißer* Raum – eine Critical Whiteness Perspektive auf die Soziale Arbeit in der postmigrantischen Gesellschaft
Authors: Tißberger Martina
Published: April 2020

Viele Einrichtungen der Sozialen Arbeit stellen nach wie vor weiße* Räume in einer (Post-)Migrationsgesellschaft dar. Dieser Text geht der Frage nach, warum das so ist. Er gibt zunächst einen historischen Überblick zum Umgang mit migrationsbedingter Differenz, der zeigt, dass die Themen Rassismus und Machtverhältnisse lange Zeit eine Leerstelle bildeten, die von den Critical Whiteness Studies nun adressiert wird. Diese richten den Blick auf die weiße* Dominanzkultur und legen offen, wie „das ganz unverdächtige, wohlmeinende Subjekt in der Mitte der Gesellschaft“ unbewusst Rassismus re/produziert. Anschließend wird eine qualitative Untersuchung zur Bedeutung von Whiteness in der Sozialen Arbeit dargestellt, die über narrative Interviews mit Sozialarbeiter*innen analysiert, wie diese dazu beitragen, Soziale Arbeit zu einem weißen* Raum zu machen und sich selbst zu Kompliz*innen der Kolonialität von Macht. Soziale Arbeit als Menschenrechtsprofession kann jedoch aus dieser mandatswidrigen Situation herausfinden.
Process Mining for Six Sigma
Authors: Graafmans Teun , Turetken Oktay , Poppelaars Hans , Fahland Dirk
Published: April 2020

Process mining offers a set of techniques for gaining data-based insights into business processes from event logs. The literature acknowledges the potential benefits of using process mining techniques in Six Sigma-based process improvement initiatives. However, a guideline that is explicitly dedicated on how process mining can be systematically used in Six Sigma initiatives is lacking. To address this gap, the Process Mining for Six Sigma (PMSS) guideline has been developed to support organizations in systematically using process mining techniques aligned with the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) model of Six Sigma. Following a design science research methodology, PMSS and its tool support have been developed iteratively in close collaboration with experts in Six Sigma and process mining, and evaluated by means of focus groups, demonstrations and interviews with industry experts. The results of the evaluations indicate that PMSS is useful as a guideline to support Six Sigma-based process improvement activities. It offers a structured guideline for practitioners by extending the DMAIC-based standard operating procedure. PMSS can help increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Six Sigma-based process improving efforts. This work extends the body of knowledge in the fields of process mining and Six Sigma, and helps closing the gap between them. Hence, it contributes to the broad field of quality management.
Holistic approach to control Melolontha spp. in organic strawberry plantations
Authors: Malusá Eligio , Tartanus Małgorzata , Furmanczyk Ewa M. , Łabanowska Barbara H.
Published: April 2020

To achieve an effective reduction of the damage by root feeding grubs of Melolontha spp. in organic strawberry plantations, we have tested an approach targeting different stages of the insect’s biological cycle. Adult beetles were caught by using light traps or by manual shaking off trees associated to the monitoring of cockchafer swarm flights supported by forecasts models. Phytosanitary pre-crops and the application of biological control agents were tested against the larvae. The three predictive models utilized to forecast the period of emergence of the cockchafer were suitable to support the deployment of the light traps before the adults’ swarm flights. Traps positioned at 4-m height were more effective in attracting the beetles than those kept at 2-m height. Buckwheat in mixtures with either a mustard or leguminous species used as pre-crops was able to reduce the population of grubs, and considering also its capacity in solubilizing recalcitrant phosphorous sources should enter in a rotation with strawberry or any other crop susceptible to grubs damage. The distribution of two different strains of entomopathogenic fungi resulted in a reduction of the damage to plants due to the cockchafer grubs’ activity, even though the efficacy resulted to be dependent on environmental and agronomic factors, including the kind of formulation used. It is concluded that to assure a sufficient level of control of Melolontha spp. in organic strawberry plantations, it is necessary to integrate several methods that are targeting the different biological stages of the insect and are based on different kinds of practices.
New Technologies and Old Treaties
Authors: Smith Bryant Walker
Published: April 2020

Every road vehicle must have a driver able to control it while in motion. These requirements, explicit in two important conventions on road traffic, have an uncertain relationship to the automated motor vehicles that are currently under development—often colloquially called “self-driving” or “driverless.” The immediate legal and policy questions are straightforward: Are these requirements consistent with automated driving and, if not, how should the inconsistency be resolved? More subtle questions go directly to international law's role in a world that artificial intelligence is helping to rapidly change: In a showdown between a promising new technology and an entrenched treaty regime, which prevails? Should international law bend to avoid breaking? If so, what kind of flexibility is appropriate with respect to both the status and the substance of treaty obligations? And what role should deliberate ambiguity play in addressing these obligations? This essay raises these questions through the concrete case of automated driving. It introduces the road traffic conventions, identifies competing interpretations of their core driver requirements, and highlights ongoing efforts at the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety to reach a consensus.
Taming the Digital Leviathan: Automated Decision-Making and International Human Rights
Authors: Langford Malcolm
Published: April 2020

Enthusiasm abounds about the potential of artificial intelligence to automate public decision-making. The rise of machine learning and computational text analysis together with the proliferation of digital platforms has raised the prospect of “robo-judging” and “robo-administrators.” From a human rights perspective, the reaction has been mixed, and on balance negative. Optimists herald the possibilities of democratizing legal services and making decision-making more predictable and efficient. Critics warn, however, of the specter of new forms of social control, arbitrariness, and inequality. This essay examines the concerns over the turn to automation from the perspective of two international human rights: the rights to social security and a fair trial. It argues that while the critiques deserve a full hearing, they should be evidence-based, informed by an understanding of “technological systems,” and cognizant of the trade-offs between human and machine failure.
Credence: A Belief-First Approach
Authors: Moon Andrew , Jackson Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

This paper explains and defends a belief-first view of the relationship between belief and credence. On this view, credences are a species of beliefs, and the degree of credence is determined by the content of what is believed. We begin by developing what we take to be the most plausible belief-first view. Then, we offer several arguments for it. Finally, we show how it can resist objections that have been raised to belief-first views. We conclude that the belief-first view is more plausible than many have previously supposed.
Long-Lasting Effects of the 2013 Yolanda Typhoon on Overall Health of Mothers and Children
Authors: Horiguchi Hanna , Nakazawa Minato
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

Three years after the 2013 Yolanda Typhoon, this study sought to determine the factors associated with the stress of the affected mothers and the health of the children on Leyte island, and the preparedness of the community to mitigate future potential disasters.

Methods:

Three hundred mothers with children from 0 to 7 years old were selected through convenience sampling, structured interviews conducted using the Hurricane-Related Traumatic Experiences questionnaire and the PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Checklist 5 (PCL5), and the children’s weights and heights were measured.

Results:

The provisional PTSD prevalence was found to be 53.3% 3 y after Yolanda. The multiple regression analysis with multiple imputation for the missing values found that housing and childcare attitudes were significantly associated with preparedness.

Conclusions:

This study concluded that living in multistoried houses was useful for disaster mitigation and that the caregiving responsibility for their children could be a disaster preparedness motivation for mothers.
Saline–alkaline resistance analysis of rice overexpressing the CsCYP1A gene of alkaline Chlorella
Authors: Liu Jiali , He Mingliang , Liu Chenxi , Liao Xu , Li Xiufeng , Wang Ling , Guan Qingjie
Published: April 2020

Plant cyclophilin (CYP) is related to chloroplast photoprotection, redox and other growth and developmental regulatory processes and responds to stress and improves tolerance to saline–alkali stress. Besides, it exerts peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase activity to participate in protein synthesis and folding. In this study, Northern blot was used to analyse the CsCYP1A gene (a CYP gene isolated from a Chlorella species) (accession number: KY207381) of tolerant Chlorella vulgaris in soda saline–alkali soil. The result showed that the expression of the CsCYP1A gene was induced by NaHCO3, NaCl and sorbitol. Additionally, Agrobacterium tumefaciens was used to infect the callus of rice (Oryza sativa var. Longjing11) for genetic transformation. Molecular detection confirmed that transgenic seedlings overexpressing CsCYP1A were obtained by hygromycin selection. Treatment with NaCl and NaHCO3 at the five-leaf stage was performed in the seedlings, and the results showed that there were significant differences between the CsCYP1A overexpressed rice lines and non-transgenic (NT) Longjing11 in terms of plant height, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde content and ascorbate peroxidase activity. The CsCYP1A overexpression rice lines had higher tolerance to NaCl and NaHCO3 than NT. The current findings indicate that CsCYP1A can enhance the tolerance of rice to saline–alkali stress possibly through its involvement in reactive oxygen scavenging pathways.
Contribution to some biological aspects of invasive marbled spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus, Forsskål 1775) from the Turkish coast of southern Aegean Sea
Authors: Soykan Ozan , Gülşahin Anıl , Cerim Hasan
Published: April 2020

Some biological aspects of marbled spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus) were determined from a southern Aegean Sea small-scale fishery. A total of 721 individuals were captured (335 females, 279 males and 87 immature) and sex ratio was found to be 1:1.27, female to male. Total lengths and ages of individuals ranged between 9.0–26.1 cm and 1–9 years. Asymptotic length (L∞), growth coefficient (K) and the theoretical age at zero length (t0) were estimated to be 27.7 cm, K = 0.162 y−1 and t0 = −1.87 y. Length at maturity value was determined as 16.6 cm for females and 16.84 cm for males. Although S. rivulatus is one of the target species for small-scale and recreational fishery in the Turkish coast of the southern Aegean Sea, especially in Gökova Bay, official landing data is lacking for Turkey. Results of the present study are of crucial importance for further fisheries management of this invasive species.
OPTIMAL AUXILIARY PRIORS AND REVERSIBLE JUMP PROPOSALS FOR A CLASS OF VARIABLE DIMENSION MODELS
Authors: Norets Andriy
Published: April 2020

This article develops a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method for a class of models that encompasses finite and countable mixtures of densities and mixtures of experts with a variable number of mixture components. The method is shown to maximize the expected probability of acceptance for cross-dimensional moves and to minimize the asymptotic variance of sample average estimators under certain restrictions. The method can be represented as a retrospective sampling algorithm with an optimal choice of auxiliary priors and as a reversible jump algorithm with optimal proposal distributions. The method is primarily motivated by and applied to a Bayesian nonparametric model for conditional densities based on mixtures of a variable number of experts. The mixture of experts model outperforms standard parametric and nonparametric alternatives in out of sample performance comparisons in an application to Engel curve estimation. The proposed MCMC algorithm makes estimation of this model practical.
Succeeding as a Western Academic Working at a Newer Foundation University in a Developing Country
Authors: Kaminski Joseph J.
Published: April 2020

This article discusses the two most important things that I have learned since taking a full-time position in 2014 at a newer private university in the Balkans: (1) the unique challenges you face when doing research in such a setting; and (2) how to handle the significant cultural differences that you will face in the classroom. This article also offers recommendations for earning the trust of students who will be suspicious of your motivation for teaching in their country. If you can manage these two realities, you will have a much easier time finding personal fulfillment and, ultimately, professional success in your new endeavor. This article focuses primarily on teaching in newer, private institutions known as Foundation Universities in developing countries more than long-established public institutions. However, you most certainly will face issues in these public institutions similar to those at smaller private ones.
Differences in Discriminability and Response Bias on Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Delayed Recognition in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: van den Berg E. , Poos J.M. , Jiskoot L.C. , Heijnen L.M. , Franzen S. , Steketee R.M.E. , Meijboom R. , de Jong F.J. , Seelaar H. , van Swieten J.C. , Papma J.M.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Episodic memory is impaired in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia but thought to be relatively spared in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). This view is challenged by evidence of memory impairment in bvFTD. This study investigated differences in recognition memory performance between bvFTD and AD.

Method:

We performed a retrospective analysis on the recognition trial of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test in patients with bvFTD (n = 85), AD (n = 55), and control participants (n = 59). Age- and education-adjusted between-group analysis was performed on the total score and indices of discriminative ability and response bias. Correlations between recognition and measures of memory, language, executive functioning, and construction were examined.

Results:

Patients with AD had a significantly lower total recognition score than patients with bvFTD (control 28.8 ± 1.5; bvFTD 24.8 ± 4.5; AD 23.4 ± 3.6, p < .01). Both bvFTD and AD had worse discriminative ability than controls (A’ control 0.96 ± 0.03; bvFTD 0.87 ± 0.03; AD 0.84 ± 0.10, p < .01), but there was no difference in response bias (B” control 0.9 ± 0.2; bvFTD 1.6 ± 1.47; AD 1.4± 1.4, p < .01). AD had worse discriminability than bvFTD (p < .05). Discriminability was associated with memory for both patient groups (median correlation coefficient r = .34) and additionally associated with language (r = .31), but not executive functioning (r = −.03) in bvFTD. Response bias was unrelated to other cognitive functions (r = −.02).

Conclusions:

Discriminability, but not response bias, differentiated patients with bvFTD from AD. The presence of an impaired discrimination index suggests a “pure” (recognition) memory deficit in bvFTD.
Conflict adaptation during multilingual language production as evidenced by the n-3 effect
Authors: Declerck Mathieu , Schuch Stefanie , Philipp Andrea M.
Published: April 2020

Several multilingual language production models assume that language control is instigated by conflict monitoring. In turn, conflict adaptation, a control process which makes it easier to resolve interference if previously a high-interference context was detected, should also occur during multilingual production, as it is triggered by conflict monitoring. Because no evidence has been provided for conflict adaptation in the multilingual production literature, we set out to investigate this process using the n-3 effect. Our study showed that the n-3 effect can be observed during multilingual production, and thus provides evidence for conflict adaptation during multilingual production.
Ultra-processed foods drive to unhealthy diets: evidence from Chile
Authors: Cediel Gustavo , Reyes Marcela , Corvalán Camila , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Uauy Ricardo , Monteiro Carlos A
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

To assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods and its association with the overall dietary content of nutrients related to non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the Chilean diet and to estimate the population attributable fraction of ultra-processed food consumption on the unhealthy nutrient content.

Design:

Cross-sectional analysis of dietary data collected through a national survey (2010).

Setting:

Chile.

Participants:

Chilean population aged ≥2 years (n4920).

Results:

In Chile, ultra-processed foods represented 28·6 % of the total energy intake. A significant positive association was found between the dietary share of ultra-processed foods and NCD-promoting nutrients such as dietary energy density (standardised regression coefficient (β) = 0·22), content of free sugars (β= 0·45), total fats (β= 0·26), saturated fats (β= 0·19), trans fats (β= 0·09) and Na:K ratio (β= 0·04), while a significant negative association was found with the content of NCD-protective nutrients such as K (β= –0·19) and fibre (β= –0·31). The content of Na (β= 0·02) presented no significant association. Except for Na, the prevalence of inadequate intake of all nutrients (WHO recommendations) increased across quintiles of the dietary share of ultra-processed foods. With the reduction of ultra-processed foods consumption to the level seen among the 20 % lowest consumers (3·8 % (0–9·3 %) of the total energy from ultra-processed foods), the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy would be reduced in almost three-fourths for trans fats; in half for energy density (foods); in around one-third for saturated fats, energy density (beverages), free sugars and total fats; in near 20 % for fibre and Na:K ratio and in 13 % for K.

Conclusions:

In Chile, decreasing the consumption of ultra-processed foods is a potentially effective way to achieve the WHO nutrient goals for the prevention of diet-related NCD.
Changes in nutrition content and health claims post-implementation of regulation in Australia
Authors: Wellard-Cole Lyndal , Li Rebecca , Tse Christine , Watson Wendy L , Hughes Clare
Published: April 2020

Objective:

To determine whether there were changes in the prevalence or healthiness of products carrying claims post-implementation of Standard 1.2.7: Nutrition, Health and Related Claims in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Design:

Observational survey of claims on food packages in three categories: non-alcoholic beverages, breakfast cereals and cereal bars. Nutrient profiling was applied to products to determine their eligibility to carry health claims under Standard 1.2.7. The Standard came into effect in 2013. The proportion of products carrying claims and the proportion of those not meeting the nutrient profiling criteria were calculated. A comparative analysis was conducted to determine changes between 2011 and 2016.

Setting:

Three large metropolitan stores from the three major supermarket chains in Sydney, Australia were surveyed in 2011 and 2016.

Participants:

All claims on all available products in 2016 (n 1737). Nutrition composition and ingredients were collected from the packaging.

Results:

Overall in 2016, 76 % of products carried claims and there were 7367 claims identified in the three food categories. Of products in 2016 with health claims, 34 % did not meet nutrient profiling criteria. These may breach Standard 1.2.7. Comparison of 2011–2016 showed a significant increase in the number of products carrying claims (66 v. 76 %, P < 0·001).

Conclusions:

The proportion of products carrying claims that do not meet nutrient profiling and consumers’ tendency to infer health benefits from nutrition content claims warrants the regulation of all claims using the nutrient profiling. This will ensure consumers are not misled by claims on unhealthy food products.
Scattering matrix solution for an ideal star-junction multiplexer based on ladder-type filters
Authors: Silveira Patricia , Verdú Jordi , de Paco Pedro
Published: April 2020

Multiplexer design is a challenging task due to the high number of variables involved, raising the difficulty as the numbers of filters increase. Numerical computing tools provide a suitable environment to evaluate topologies and technologies before starting the long journey to the device. A direct scattering matrix solution for a star-junction multiplexer, based on the circuit theory, is presented in this work. The resulting star-junction matrix is introduced in a matrix system with the scattering matrix of each filter to evaluate the overall multiplexer response. This approach allows the acquisition of main multiplexer parameters like transmission, reflection, and cross-isolation response in a compact way, achieving a good starting point for the further full-wave optimization procedure. Furthermore, an approach for the design of a star-junction multiplexer is tackled based on the reflection coefficient phase. A triplexer under this interpretation is presented and evaluated using lumped elements.
Scattering of a Gaussian beam by an anisotropic-coated eccentric conducting circular cylinder
Authors: Mao Shi-Chun , Wu Zhen-Sen , Zhang Zhaohui , Gao Jiansen , Yang Lijuan
Published: April 2020

A solution to the problem of Gaussian beam scattering by a circular perfect electric conductor coated with eccentrically anisotropic media is presented. The incident Gaussian beam source is expanded as an approximate expression in the simple form with Taylor's series. The transmitted field in the anisotropically coated region is expressed as an infinite summation of Eigen plane waves with different polar angles. The unknown coefficients of the scattered fields are obtained with the aid of the boundary conditions. The addition theorem for cylindrical functions is applied to transfer from the local coordinates to the global ones. The infinite series can be truncated under the prerequisite of achieving the solution convergence. Only the case of transverse-electric polarization is discussed. The similar formulation of transverse-magnetic polarization can be obtained by adopting a similar method. Some numerical results are presented and discussed. The result is in agreement with that available as expected when the eccentric geometry comes to the concentric one.
Vom Großen ins Kleine
Authors: Kerwer Martin , Rosman Tom
Published: April 2020

Zusammenfassung. Epistemische Überzeugungen (individuelle wissensbezogene Überzeugungen) haben sich als wichtiger Prädiktor des Lernerfolgs erwiesen. Es ist deswegen von immer größerem Interesse, Interventionen zu entwickeln und Faktoren zu identifizieren, die die Etablierung fortgeschrittener wissensbezogener Überzeugungen – sogenannten epistemischen Wandel – begünstigen. Allerdings ist unklar, ob klassische Stufenmodelle der Lebensspannenentwicklung epistemischer Überzeugungen sich überhaupt in ihrer bisherigen Form auf den epistemischen Wandel in Kurzzeitinterventionen übertragen lassen, oder, ob die hierbei zugrundeliegenden Prozesse grundsätzlich verschieden sind. Die vorliegende Arbeit adressiert diese Fragestellung mittels einer Analyse der Effekte epistemischer Vorüberzeugungen auf den epistemischen Wandel. Hierzu wurden Daten aus drei experimentellen Studien reanalysiert ( Ngesamt = 221), welche sich der Frage widmeten, ob über die Präsentation auflösbarer Widersprüche (Resolvable Controversies) epistemischer Wandel hervorgerufen werden kann. Die Analysen zeigen, dass sich in diesen Daten für das in Entwicklungsmodellen postulierte Zusammenhangsmuster keine Evidenz findet. Vielmehr hatten absolute Vorüberzeugungen (Stufe 1) einen direkten Effekt auf den Wandel hin zu evaluativistischen Überzeugungen (Stufe 3), während multiplistische Überzeugungen (Stufe 2) diesen Wandel sogar behinderten. Evaluativistische Überzeugungen schienen jedoch ein Schutzfaktor zu sein, der einer Regression auf „naivere“ Überzeugungen entgegenwirkte. Diese Ergebnisse werden in die bestehende Forschungslandschaft eingeordnet und ihre theoretischen und praktischen Implikationen diskutiert. Eine englische Übersetzung als Rohfassung dieses Artikels finden Sie als Elektronisches Supplement 1.
Compensatory Thermal Adaptation of Soil Microbial Respiration Rates in Global Croplands
Authors: Ye Jian‐Sheng , Bradford Mark A. , Maestre Fernando T. , Li Feng‐Min , García‐Palacios Pablo
Published: April 2020

Understanding whether soil microbial respiration adapts to the ambient thermal climate with an enhanced or compensatory response, hence potentially stimulating or slowing down soil carbon losses with warming, is key to accurately forecast and model climate change impacts on the global carbon cycle. Despite the interest in this topic and the plethora of recent studies in natural ecosystems, it has been seldom explored in croplands. Using two recently published independent datasets of soil microbial metabolic quotient (MMQ; microbial respiration rate per unit biomass) and carbon use efficiency (CUE; partitioning of C to microbial growth vs. respiration), we find a compensatory thermal adaptive response for MMQ in global croplands. That is, mean annual temperature (MAT) has a negative effect on MMQ. However, this compensatory thermal adaptation is only half or less of that found in previous studies for noncultivated ecosystems. In contrast to the negative MMQ‐MAT pattern, microbial CUE increases with MAT across global croplands. By incorporating this positive CUE‐MAT relationship (greater C partitioning into microbial growth rather than respiration with increasing temperature) into a microbial‐explicit soil organic carbon model, we successfully predict the thermal compensation of MMQ observed in croplands. Our model‐data integration and database cross‐validation suggest that a warmer climate may select for microbial communities with higher CUE, providing a plausible mechanism for their compensatory metabolic response. By helping to identify appropriate representations of microbial physiological processes in soil biogeochemical models, our work will help build confidence in model projections of cropland C dynamics under a changing climate.
Observational and Modeling Evidence of Seasonal Trends in Sediment‐Derived Material Inputs to the Chukchi Sea
Authors: Kipp L. E. , Spall M. A. , Pickart R. S. , Kadko D. C. , Moore W. S. , Dabrowski J. S. , Charette M. A.
Published: April 2020

Benthic inputs of nutrients help support primary production in the Chukchi Sea and produce nutrient‐rich water masses that ventilate the halocline of the western Arctic Ocean. However, the complex biological and redox cycling of nutrients and trace metals make it difficult to directly monitor their benthic fluxes. In this study, we use radium‐228, which is a soluble radionuclide produced in sediments, and a numerical model of an inert, generic sediment‐derived tracer to study variability in sediment inputs to the Chukchi Sea. The 228Ra observations and modeling results are in general agreement and provide evidence of strong benthic inputs to the southern Chukchi Sea during the winter, while the northern shelf receives higher concentrations of sediment‐sourced materials in the spring and summer due to continued sediment‐water exchange as the water mass traverses the shelf. The highest tracer concentrations are observed near the shelfbreak and southeast of Hanna Shoal, a region known for high biological productivity and enhanced benthic biomass.
The Madden‐Julian Oscillation and Mean Easterly Winds
Authors: Sentić Stipo , Fuchs‐Stone Željka , Raymond David J.
Published: April 2020

A recent analytical model of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO), the WISHE‐moisture mode theory, successfully models all the main characteristics of the MJO, namely, that it is a planetary, unstable, and eastward propagating tropical mode. The main assumption of the WISHE‐moisture mode theory is that an interplay between the global mean easterly zonal winds and moisture leads to the propagation and destabilization of the MJO. We investigate this theory by building a climatological MJO using reanalysis, OAFlux surface latent heat fluxes, and outgoing longwave radiation data and compare it to the WISHE‐moisture mode. The necessary condition for the WISHE‐moisture mode theory—easterly global mean zonal winds—is always present in the tropics. Comparing the zonal wind, moisture, and moisture tendency anomalies to the WISHE‐moisture mode, we find that the WISHE‐moisture mode theory is in agreement with the reanalysis‐derived climatological MJO. Reanalysis and OAFlux surface latent heat fluxes are in agreement with the WISHE‐moisture mode theory. Although meridional surface winds seem to contribute negatively to the surface latent heat flux anomaly, we show that their effect is secondary in the region of enhanced surface latent heat fluxes which moisten the boundary layer and lead to the propagation of the MJO.
Daytime Variability of Cloud Fraction From DSCOVR/EPIC Observations
Authors: Delgado‐Bonal A. , Marshak A. , Yang Y. , Oreopoulos L.
Published: April 2020

The location of the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) offers a global view of the Earth and captures its atmosphere at different locations and time of the day. In this paper, we take advantage of that unique feature to study the daytime variability of cloud fraction in a seasonal and zonal context. We observe that the ensemble behavior over ocean has a distinctive convex shape, with higher cloud fractions at early morning and late afternoon, while no such pattern is seen over land. Unique perspectives are obtained by analyzing the cloud fraction of the globe as a whole and separately for each hemisphere, and by studying the effect of the viewing zenith angle on cloud fraction retrievals.
Localization of the Source of Quasiperiodic VLF Emissions in the Magnetosphere by Using Simultaneous Ground and Space Observations: A Case Study
Authors: Demekhov A. G. , Titova E. E. , Maninnen J. , Pasmanik D. L. , Lubchich A. A. , Santolík O. , Larchenko A. V. , Nikitenko A. S. , Turunen T.
Published: April 2020

We study quasiperiodic very low frequency (VLF) emissions observed simultaneously by Van Allen Probes spacecraft and Kannuslehto and Lovozero ground‐based stations on 25 December 2015. Both Van Allen Probes A and B detected quasiperiodic emissions, probably originated from a common source, and observed on the ground. In order to locate possible regions of wave generation, we analyze wave‐normal angles with respect to the geomagnetic field, Poynting flux direction, and cyclotron instability growth rate calculated by using the measured phase space density of energetic electrons. We demonstrate that even parallel wave propagation and proper (downward) Poynting flux direction are not sufficient for claiming observations to be in the source region. Agreement between the growth rate and emission bands was obtained for a restricted part of Van Allen Probe A trajectory corresponding to localized enhancement of plasma density with scale of 700 km. We employ spacecraft density data to build a model plasma profile and to calculate ray trajectories from the point of wave detection in space to the ionosphere and examine the possibility of their propagation toward the ground. For the considered event, the wave could propagate toward the ground in the geomagnetic flux tube with enhanced plasma density, which ensured ducted propagation. The region of wave exit was confirmed by the analysis of wave propagation direction at the ground detection point.
Explicit Expression of Weighting Factor for Improved Estimation of Numerical Flux in Local Inertial Models
Authors: Sridharan B. , Gurivindapalli Dinakar , Kuiry Soumendra Nath , Mali Vijay Kisan , Nithila Devi N. , Bates Paul D. , Sen Dhrubajyoti
Published: April 2020

Two‐dimensional shallow water models have been widely used in forecasting, risk assessment, and management of floods. Application of these models to large‐scale floods with high‐resolution terrain data significantly increases the computation cost. In order to reduce computation time, shallow water models are simplified by neglecting the inertial and/or convective acceleration terms in the momentum equations. The local inertial models have proved to significantly improve the computational efficiency even for large‐scale flood forecasting. However, instability issues are encountered on smooth surfaces of urban areas having low friction values. This problem was resolved by de Almeida et al. (2012, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011WR011570) by introducing limited artificial diffusion in the form of weighting factors for the neighboring fluxes. The arbitrary value of the weighting factor poses a practical limitation of being case specific and requiring calibration for accurate solutions. This study derives an explicit expression for the weighting factor, an adaptive formulation dependent on local velocity, flow depth, grid, and time step size, which eliminates the need for trials and approximations. Comparisons between analytical, experimental, and real‐world applications confirm the accuracy and robustness of the proposed weighting factor. Implementation of adaptive weights results in less computation time compared to LISFLOOD‐FP (~1.2 times) and holds a significant advantage over HEC‐RAS (~25.9 times) as it allows the use of larger time step at higher Courant‐Friedrichs‐Lewy (CFL) values. The contribution of the present study therefore resolves an important problem of current large‐scale flood simulations, especially those implemented in real time.
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviate schizophrenia-relevant behaviors in amphetamine-sensitized mice by inhibiting neuroinflammation
Authors: You Min-Jung , Bang Minji , Park Hyun-Sun , Yang Bohyun , Jang Kyu Beom , Yoo Jongman , Hwang Dong-Youn , Kim MinYoung , Kim Borah , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Kwon Min-Soo
Published: April 2020

At present, therapeutic options available for treating schizophrenia are limited to monoamine-based antipsychotic drugs. Recent genome wide association study (GWAS) indicated a close relationship between immune system and schizophrenia. To leverage the GWAS finding for therapeutic strategy, we conducted a mechanism and effect study on application of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC) with potent immune-modulatory effect in an animal model useful for the study of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia-relevant behaviors were induced by amphetamine administration (amphetamine-sensitized mice) and the effect of a single intravenous administration of hUC-MSC was examined in the amphetamine-sensitized mice. Schizophrenia-relevant behaviors were assessed by open field test, light/dark box, social interaction test, latent inhibition, prepulse inhibition, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test. Our results indicated that neuroinflammation along with peripheral TNF-α elevation is associated with schizophrenia-relevant behaviors in amphetamine-sensitized mice. In addition, hUC-MSC inhibited schizophrenia-relevant and the neuroinflammatory changes. The main mechanism of hUC-MSC was associated with the induction of Treg and production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 in periphery. In vitro study revealed that amphetamine did not directly induce a neuroinflammatory reaction, while recombinant TNF-α (rTNF-α) increased mRNA expression of TNF-α, KMO, and IL-1β in several microglial cell lines. Moreover, recombinant IL-10 (rIL-10) and MSC conditioned media inhibited the inflammatory response in rTNF-α-treated microglial cells. Assuming that hUC-MSCs rarely reach the CNS and do not remain in the body for an extended time, these findings suggest that a single hUC-MSC infusion have long-term beneficial effect via regulatory T cell induction and secretion of IL-10 in amphetamine-sensitized mice.
Alpha synuclein aggregation drives ferroptosis: an interplay of iron, calcium and lipid peroxidation
Authors: Angelova Plamena R. , Choi Minee L. , Berezhnov Alexey V. , Horrocks Mathew H. , Hughes Craig D. , De Suman , Rodrigues Margarida , Yapom Ratsuda , Little Daniel , Dolt Karamjit S. , Kunath Tilo , Devine Michael J. , Gissen Paul , Shchepinov Mikhail S. , Sylantyev Sergiy , Pavlov Evgeny V. , Klenerman David , Abramov Andrey Y. , Gandhi Sonia
Published: April 2020

Protein aggregation and abnormal lipid homeostasis are both implicated in neurodegeneration through unknown mechanisms. Here we demonstrate that aggregate-membrane interaction is critical to induce a form of cell death called ferroptosis. Importantly, the aggregate-membrane interaction that drives ferroptosis depends both on the conformational structure of the aggregate, as well as the oxidation state of the lipid membrane. We generated human stem cell-derived models of synucleinopathy, characterized by the intracellular formation of α-synuclein aggregates that bind to membranes. In human iPSC-derived neurons with SNCA triplication, physiological concentrations of glutamate and dopamine induce abnormal calcium signaling owing to the incorporation of excess α-synuclein oligomers into membranes, leading to altered membrane conductance and abnormal calcium influx. α-synuclein oligomers further induce lipid peroxidation. Targeted inhibition of lipid peroxidation prevents the aggregate-membrane interaction, abolishes aberrant calcium fluxes, and restores physiological calcium signaling. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and reduction of iron-dependent accumulation of free radicals, further prevents oligomer-induced toxicity in human neurons. In summary, we report that peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids underlies the incorporation of β-sheet-rich aggregates into the membranes, and that additionally induces neuronal death. This suggests a role for ferroptosis in Parkinson’s disease, and highlights a new mechanism by which lipid peroxidation causes cell death.