bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plastic film mulching stimulates brace root emergence and soil nutrient absorption of maize in an arid environment
Authors: Zhou Lifeng , Feng Hao
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Root–shoot ratio plays an important role in mulching effects on increases in maize kernel dry weight and grain yield.

RESULTS

We examined the effects of plastic film mulching with fertigation on soil nitrate, soil Olsen‐P, aboveground and belowground growth, grain filling, and yield of maize. The 2‐year research was conducted in a field with a subsoil sand layer (FSS) and in a field without a subsoil sand layer (FNS) in the Hetao Irrigation District, northwest China. Treatments included two levels of plastic film mulching (FM, fully mulched; PM, partially mulched with a cover ratio of 60%), and a non‐mulched (NM) control. Mulching methods significantly increased soil NO3‐N concentrations (SNCs) in the main root zone in FSS, but not in FNS. Mulching significantly increased root length density in the 0–40 cm soil layer. Mulching increased brace roots emergence by 20.2% under full, and by 9.9% under partial mulching, accelerating soil phosphorus use in the surface soil layer. Mulching increased grain yield in spring maize via enhancing base stem diameter, leaf area, and relative chlorophyll content, decreased the ratio of surface root area to leaf area, and improved kernel dry weight increase.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of base fertilizer to total fertilizer input resulted in nutrient deficiency during reproductive stage in fertigated maize, therefore, applying a portion of base fertilizer after the maize elongation stage is recommended for a further yield increase of mulched fertigated maize. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Emulsification and oxidation stabilities of DAG‐rich algae oil‐in‐water emulsions prepared with the selected emulsifiers
Authors: Chang Hyeon‐Jun , Lee Jeung‐Hee
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Diacylglycerol (DAG) reduces body weight, suppresses body fat accumulation, and lowers the blood lipid concentration, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can reduce the risk of occurrence of coronary artery diseases.

RESULTS

DAG‐rich algae oil with a high DHA content (55.9%) was synthesized via the lipase‐catalyzed glycerolysis of algae oil, which consisted of triacylglycerol (43.9 mol%), DAG (40.9 mol%), and monoacylglycerol (15.2 mol%). The DAG‐rich algae oil‐in‐water emulsions were prepared using three emulsifiers [whey protein concentrate (WPC), Tween80, and Tween80 + Span80]. The WPC‐emulsion formed a thicker serum layer (6.67% at day 51) and larger oil droplets (d32, 0.37 μm at day 28) than the Tween80‐ and Tween80 + Span80‐emulsions (3.33–4.17%; 0.26 μm), and an upper cream layer with excess oil droplets was observed in only the WPC‐emulsion, indicating that WPC‐emulsion possesses the lowest emulsification stability. The hydroperoxide value and reduction rate of the DHA content were higher in the WPC‐emulsions than in the Tween80‐ and Tween80 + Span80‐emulsions during storage, which suggested that the WPC‐emulsion had the lowest oxidation stability.

CONCLUSION

The DAG‐rich algae oil‐in‐water emulsion prepared with suitable emulsifiers, such as non‐ionic emulsifiers, would have excellent emulsification and oxidative stabilities and provides a health benefit for special purposes in the food processing industry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Polyphenol‐oxidase‐catalyzed cross‐linking of Ara h 2: reaction sites and effect on structure and allergenicity
Authors: Ren Linmei , Wu Zhihua , Zhang Ying , Li Kun , Yuan Juanli , Li Xin , Yang Anshu , Tong Ping , Chen Hongbing
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Peanut is among the most common of food allergies, and one of its allergens is Ara h 2. A previous study revealed that this allergen was recognized by serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) in over 90% of a peanut‐allergic patient population. Enzymatic cross‐linking is a popular processing method used to tailor food functionality, such as antigenicity.

RESULT

The cross‐linking reactions of Ara h 2 were catalyzed by polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and the relevant reaction sites were identified using mass spectrometry and StavroX software. Two pairs of intramolecular cross‐linking peptides and two intermolecular cross‐linking peptides were found. Intramolecular cross‐linking was speculated to occur between ARG131 (amino acids 116–131) and TYR65 (amino acids 63–80) and between TYR60 (amino acids 56–62) and ARG92 (amino acids 92–102); the intermolecular cross‐linking sites were ARG31 with TYR84 or TYR89 and TYR65 or TYR72 with ARG92 or ARG102. Three out of four cross‐linking peptides were found in α‐helices, and destruction of this secondary structure resulted in a loose tertiary structure. Although seven linear allergen epitopes were involved in cross‐linking, the IgE binding capacity of protein changed slightly, while its sensitization potential decreased in mouse model.

CONCLUSION

Exploring the structural change of Ara h 2 after cross‐linking is beneficial in further understanding the influence of structure on sensitization. This result indicated the future possibility of precision processing on structure of proteins to improve their properties. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Depth perception in shuffleboard: Depth cues effect on depth perception in virtual and augmented reality system
Authors: Ping Jiamin , Weng Dongdong , Liu Yue , Wang Yongtian
Published: September 2019

The virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications have been widely used in a variety of fields; one of the key requirements in a VR or AR system is to understand how users perceive depth in the virtual environment and AR. Three different graphics depth cues are designed in shuffleboard to explore what kind of graphics depth cues are beneficial for depth perception. We also conduct a depth‐matching experiment to compare performance in VR and AR systems using an optical see‐through head‐mounted display (HMD). The result shows that the absolute error increases as the distance becomes farther. Analysis from the inverse of distance shows that box depth cues have a significant effect on depth perception, while the points depth cues and line depth cues have no significant effect. The error in diopter in AR experiment is lower than that in VR experiment. Participants in the AR experiment under medium illuminance condition have less error than those under low and high illuminance conditions. Men have less error than women in certain display conditions, but the advantage disappears when there is a strong depth cue. Besides, there is no significant effect of completion time on depth perception.
Comparative metagenomics of microbial mats from hypersaline lakes at Rottnest Island (WA, Australia), advancing our understanding of the effect of mat community and functional genes on microbialite accretion
Authors: Mendes Monteiro Juliana , Vogwill Ryan , Bischoff Karl , Gleeson Deirdre B.
Published: September 2019

Microbial mats are organosedimentary structures organized as multilayered carpets of microbial communities. Within the microbial mat microenvironment, the occurrence of different metabolic processes can lead to local chemistry alterations, inducing carbonate precipitation. Carbonate accretion in lithifying microbial mats typically induces microbialite formation, a poorly understood process, but studies have suggested that taxonomic composition of lithifying mats and their predominant metabolic pathways contribute. In contrast to lithifying mats, non‐lithifying mats, which do not form microbialites, can sporadically trap carbonate sand grains that are actively bound to the microbial mat through the production of extracellular polymeric substances. Both mat types occur in hypersaline lakes at Rottnest Island (Western Australia) and are currently under threat due to pollution and thus are being managed by the relevant government agency. Characterizing the microbial communities and functional genes of both mat types may help to develop strategies to better manage their ecosystem and elucidate microbialite formation processes. Metagenomics was used to compare the taxonomic and functional diversity of both mat types to determine whether differences in their taxonomy and functional capacity may influence their ability to form microbialites. Results revealed that both mat types harbor taxa (e.g., Firmicutes and Archaea), and functional genes (e.g., associated with photosynthesis, carbon, and sulfur cycles) that are known to play important roles in microbialite formation. This suggests that although non‐lithifying mats are not accreting carbonate, they have the potential to form microbialites. Further investigation is needed to determine whether environmental factors could be inhibiting carbonate precipitation within these mats.
Non‐SMC condensin I complex subunit H enhances proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Chengjun , Huang Shanzhou , Wang Hanyu , Xie Rongxing , Zhang Lishan , Zhou Qi , He Xiaoshun , Ju Weiqiang
Published: September 2019

Non‐SMC condensing I complex subunit H (NCAPH) is a member of the Barr protein family and part of the condensin I complex. The upregulation of NCAPH is associated with poor prognosis in patients with colon cancer. However, the relationship between NCAPH and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore NCAPH expression in HCC tissues and to investigate NCAPH functions in HCC cells. In this study, we found that high expression of NCAPH in HCC indicated worse prognosis via bioinformatics analysis. Consistently, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays in 20 pairs of HCC specimens and the immunohistochemical analysis of 100 HCC tissues showed the upregulation of NCAPH. We established stable NCAPH‐overexpressing and NCAPH knockdown cell lines. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays and colony formation assay were performed to analyze cell proliferation. Migration and invasion were analyzed by Transwell assays. Subcutaneous xenograft models were used to explore the role of NCAPH in tumor formation in vivo. Our results showed that NCAPH promoted tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our findings indicate that NCAPH could serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
Hitting the gas or the brake? Recessions and firms' knowledge investments
Authors: Knudsen Eirik Sjåholm , Lien Lasse B.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

We examine how firms alter their investment behavior in response to changes in demand and access to credit during recessions. We compare and contrast investment changes in physical assets, R&D, and human capital.

Findings

We find that firms tend to shield R&D investments from transitory fluctuations in demand and that R&D investments are more sensitive to credit changes than usually assumed. For human capital, we find a cubic relationship between investments and demand changes.

Conclusion

Important variation and trade‐offs remain hidden if investment is treated as a single category or if the distinction between demand and credit impulses is not made.
Gender conversion efforts connected to adverse MH outcomes
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2019

Attempts to change one's gender identity have been associated with adverse mental health outcomes, according to new research published Sept. 11 in JAMA Psychiatry. Researchers say the study is considered the first to show a correlation between conversion efforts and these outcomes, such as suicide attempts, among transgender adults in the United States.
(ω,c)‐asymptotically periodic functions, first‐order Cauchy problem, and Lasota‐Wazewska model with unbounded oscillating production of red cells
Authors: Alvarez Edgardo , Castillo Samuel , Pinto Manuel
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we study a new class of functions, which we call (ω,c)‐asymptotically periodic functions. This collection includes asymptotically periodic, asymptotically antiperiodic, asymptotically Bloch‐periodic, and unbounded functions. We prove that the set conformed by these functions is a Banach space with a suitable norm. Furthermore, we show several properties of this class of functions as the convolution invariance. We present some examples and a composition result. As an application, we prove the existence and uniqueness of (ω,c)‐asymptotically periodic mild solutions to the first‐order abstract Cauchy problem on the real line. Also, we establish some sufficient conditions for the existence of positive (ω,c)‐asymptotically periodic solutions to the Lasota‐Wazewska equation with unbounded oscillating production of red cells.
How transformational leadership positively impacts organizational citizenship behavior in successful Chinese social work service organizations
Authors: Zhang Huan , Liu Ziyu , Wang Yean
Published: September 2019

Social work service organizations (SWSOs) have developed quickly, and there were nearly 8,000 of such organizations throughout China in the end of 2017. However, this rapid growth has brought both great opportunities and challenges. Globally, leadership has received increasing attention in the social work profession in the 21st century. Among different types of leadership, transformational leadership has been identified as a key issue in bringing more innovation and motivating employees' organizational citizenship behavior to overcome such challenges. Therefore, this study aimed to focus on social workers from the 170 applicants of the “Top 100 Social Work Service Organizations of 2017” which could be seen as the more successful SWSOs in China to examine how transformational leadership impacts organizational citizenship behavior by considering two mechanisms, workplace social capital and professional autonomy, in different areas throughout China. A two‐step process analysis was employed. First, a structural equation model was theoretically built, and it examined the direct and indirect relationships among all four latent variables, considering two mediation effects. Second, multiple group (high social work developed area group versus low social work developed area group) analyses tested the moderation effect. This study confirmed the key role of transformational leadership in the success of SWSOs and found workplace social capital as a full mediator and professional autonomy as a partial mediator in the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational citizenship behavior. These findings may shed light on the further development of SWSOs from the perspective of enhancing social workers' organizational citizenship behavior.
Employee engagement and task performance in state‐owned enterprises in developing countries: The case study of the power sector in Ghana
Authors: Ohemeng Frank L.K. , Obuobisa Darko Theresa , Amoako‐Asiedu Emelia
Published: September 2019

A growing number of studies prove a relationship between employee engagement (EE) and performance. Unfortunately, almost all originate in the developed world; the few that look at developing countries, including their public sectors, have focused more on the civil service and agencies, and neglect state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), despite their importance for delivery of public services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of EE on task performance in SOEs in developing countries, with particular reference to Ghana. We purposively selected SOEs in the power sector and quantitatively surveyed their employees. We employed regression analysis to examine the link between EE and employee task performance. Our study, like those before it, shows that EE has a positive and significant effect on employee task performance. Our findings further suggest that for SOEs to achieve their targets with employees' performance, appropriate strategies should be adopted to ensure that employees are highly engaged.
Donors in transition and the future of development cooperation: What do the data from Brazil, India, China, and South Africa reveal?
Authors: Gulrajani Nilima , Faure Raphaëlle
Published: September 2019

How are Development Assistance Committee (DAC) donors evolving their financial flows and aid modalities in response to the growing influence and economic power of Southern BRICS? After presenting the shifting landscape of international development cooperation, we explore five hypotheses about the changing nature of DAC aid allocation patterns and modalities in BRICS countries. In our conclusion, we reflect on the evolution of DAC engagement in Brazil, China, India, and South Africa (BASIC countries) and what it might mean for all official donors. Our assessment is that the changing geopolitical environment for development cooperation is once again privileging economic diplomacy concerns within DAC donors, propelling specific kinds of decisions about the choice of instruments, sectors, and modalities in BASIC countries. It would appear that the administrative practice of foreign aid is increasingly derived from changes within the institutional environment for international development.
Latest developments in post‐mortem foetal imaging
Authors: Shelmerdine Susan C. , Hutchinson John C. , Arthurs Owen J. , Sebire Neil J.
Published: September 2019

A sustained decline in parental consent rates for perinatal autopsies has driven the development of less‐invasive methods for death investigation. A wide variety of imaging modalities have been developed for this purpose and include post‐mortem whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and micro‐focus CT techniques. These are also vital for “minimally invasive” methods, which include potential for tissue sampling, such as image guidance for targeted biopsies and laparoscopic‐assisted techniques. In this article, we address the range of imaging techniques currently in clinical practice and those under development. Significant advances in high‐field MRI and micro‐focus CT imaging show particular promise for smaller and earlier gestation foetuses. We also review how MRI biomarkers such as diffusion‐weighted imaging and organ volumetric analysis may aid diagnosis and image interpretation in the absence of autopsy data. Three‐dimensional printing and augmented reality may help make imaging findings more accessible to parents, colleagues and trainees.
Long‐term monitoring of sporadic permafrost at the eastern margin of the European Alps (Hochreichart, Seckauer Tauern range, Austria)
Authors: Kellerer‐Pirklbauer Andreas
Published: September 2019

Delineating the spatial extent and the altitudinal lower limit of mountain permafrost is difficult due to complex topo‐climatic and variable ground thermal conditions within short distances. Little information exists regarding sporadic permafrost existence, its thermal characteristics and its long‐term changes at the eastern margin of the European Alps. To reduce this gap, permafrost monitoring was initiated in 2004 in the Seckauer Tauern mountains, Austria. Research was carried out in the summit region of Mt Hochreichart (2416 m a.s.l.) and at several nearby cirques and valleys, all with rock glaciers. Geomorphic mapping, numerical permafrost modeling, measurements of the bottom temperature of the winter snow cover, continuous ground temperature monitoring, electrical resistivity tomography and optical snow cover monitoring were applied. Results indicate sporadic permafrost occurrence in the summit region with mean annual ground temperatures slightly below 0°C at the surface and −1.4°C at 2.5 m depth. Permafrost lenses also exist in the transition zone between the rock glacier and the talus slope behind attributed to coarse‐grained, blocky material causing additional ground cooling. Thanks to long‐term data, statistically significant trends of atmospheric and ground warming were observed in 2000–2018. Permafrost at this site will presumably disappear within the next few decades.
Metrics‐driven decision‐making improves performance at a complex process facility
Authors: Diaz Elise , Watts Murray
Published: September 2019

The importance of using leading and lagging metrics to drive improvement in process safety performance at complex process facilities has been well documented. Organizations are challenged to develop an appropriate set of metrics that will provide a holistic view of process safety management system health to allow for corrective action against poor performance. This article will share a new complex process facility's journey in establishing leading and lagging metrics, the metric review cycle applied to drive improvement, and examples of these improvements.
Efficacy of four vaginal progesterones for luteal phase support in frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycles: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Shiba Reiko , Kinutani Masayuki , Okano Shinichiro , Kawano Reo , Kikkawa Yuko
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy of four vaginal progesterones, Lutinus, Utrogestan, Luteum, and Crinone, as luteal phase support (LPS) in frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (Frozen‐ET) cycles.

Methods

Patients undergoing autologous Frozen‐ET of one cleavage‐stage embryo or one blastocyst. Two hundred fifty‐nine Frozen‐ET cycles were randomized to four groups for LPS: Lutinus, Utrogestan, Luteum, and Crinone. The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), fetal heartbeat rate (FHR), and miscarriage rate (MR) were analyzed using the Mann‐Whitney or Kruskal‐Wallis test and Fisher exact test.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐five Frozen‐ET cycles were analyzed: 63 cycles in the Lutinus group, 60 in the Utrogestan group, 56 in the Luteum group, and 56 in the Crinone group. No significant differences were observed between the four groups in CPR (Lutinus, Utrogestan, Luteum, and Crinone: 34.9%, 33.3%, 37.5%, and 35.7%, respectively; P = .976), FHR (26.9%, 31.6%, 30.3%, and 25.0%, respectively; P = .857), and MR (31.8%, 10.0%, 19.0%, and 30.0%, respectively; P = .306). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also revealed that there were no statistically significant differences between the four groups with regard to CPR, FHR, and MR.

Conclusion

There was no clinically significant difference in pregnancy outcomes between the four vaginal progesterone groups for LPS in Frozen‐ET cycles.
Copper‐Catalyzed Intramolecular N‐Arylation of Dihalobenzene and Amine‐Trichloroacetonitrile Adduct under Ultrasound‐Irradiation
Authors: Nematpour Manijeh , Fasihi Dastjerdi Hossein , Mahboubi Rabbani Sayyed Mohammad Ismaeil , Tabatabai Sayyed Abbas
Published: September 2019

A novel series of 2‐(trichloromethyl)‐1H‐ benzo[d]imidazole analogs were synthesized via an ultrasonic‐assisted, one‐pot, copper‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of the amine‐trichloroacetonitrile adduct and 1, 2‐dihalo benzene at room temperature. Affordable starting materials, simple work‐up method, short reaction time process and relatively high yields were the advantages of this modified version of Ullmann reaction.
Selective Production of 1,3‐Diethylbenzene by Electrocatalytic Hydrocracking of Bamboo Lignin in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Shen Dayu , Yu Xueqing , Yuan Lu , Zhang Songmei , Li Gang
Published: September 2019

This study proposed a novel procedure for the selective production of 1,3‐diethylbenzene (m‐DEB) by the electrocatalytic hydrocracking of bamboo lignin in alkaline solution. The electrocatalytic reaction was carried out in the fixed bed three‐dimensional electrode reactor, which consisted of Ti/SnO2‐Sb2O3/α‐PbO2/β‐PbO2 anode, copper mesh cathode, and ceramic particles that filled between the anode and cathode. Under the optimal conditions of 50 g/L lignin in NaOH solution (0.5 mol/L), a current density of 25 mA/cm2, a temperature of 25 °C, and reaction time of 10 h, bamboo lignin was completely decomposed and an accumulated total yield of 35.7 g/L was obtained. Furthermore, the accumulated yield of m‐DEB reached a maximum of 0.361 g/g‐lignin by using a lignin concentration of 30 g/L. In addition, the formation of m‐DEB was a zero‐order kinetic reaction.
Applications of Catalytic Hairpin Assembly Reaction in Biosensing
Authors: Liu Jumei , Zhang Ye , Xie Huabin , Zhao Li , Zheng Lei , Ye Huiming
Published: September 2019

Nucleic acids are considered as perfect programmable materials for cascade signal amplification and not merely as genetic information carriers. Among them, catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA), an enzyme‐free, high‐efficiency, and isothermal amplification method, is a typical example. A typical CHA reaction is initiated by single‐stranded analytes, and substrate hairpins are successively opened, resulting in thermodynamically stable duplexes. CHA circuits, which were first proposed in 2008, present dozens of systems today. Through in‐depth research on mechanisms, the CHA circuits have been continuously enriched with diverse reaction systems and improved analytical performance. After a short time, the CHA reaction can realize exponential amplification under isothermal conditions. Under certain conditions, the CHA reaction can even achieve 600 000‐fold signal amplification. Owing to its promising versatility, CHA is able to be applied for analysis of various markers in vitro and in living cells. Also, CHA is integrated with nanomaterials and other molecular biotechnologies to produce diverse readouts. Herein, the varied CHA mechanisms, hairpin designs, and reaction conditions are introduced in detail. Additionally, biosensors based on CHA are presented. Finally, challenges and the outlook of CHA development are considered.
Boosting Interleukin‐12 Antitumor Activity and Synergism with Immunotherapy by Targeted Delivery with isoDGR‐Tagged Nanogold
Authors: Gasparri Anna Maria , Sacchi Angelina , Basso Veronica , Cortesi Filippo , Freschi Massimo , Rrapaj Eltjona , Bellone Matteo , Casorati Giulia , Dellabona Paolo , Mondino Anna , Corti Angelo , Curnis Flavio
Published: September 2019

The clinical use of interleukin‐12 (IL12), a cytokine endowed with potent immunotherapeutic anticancer activity, is limited by systemic toxicity. The hypothesis is addressed that gold nanoparticles tagged with a tumor‐homing peptide containing isoDGR, an αvβ3‐integrin binding motif, can be exploited for delivering IL12 to tumors and improving its therapeutic index. To this aim, gold nanospheres are functionalized with the head‐to‐tail cyclized‐peptide CGisoDGRG (Iso1) and murine IL12. The resulting nanodrug (Iso1/Au/IL12) is monodispersed, stable, and bifunctional in terms of αvβ3 and IL12‐receptor recognition. Low‐dose Iso1/Au/IL12, equivalent to 18–75 pg of IL12, induces antitumor effects in murine models of fibrosarcomas and mammary adenocarcinomas, with no evidence of toxicity. Equivalent doses of Au/IL12 (a nanodrug lacking Iso1) fail to delay tumor growth, whereas 15 000 pg of free IL12 is necessary to achieve similar effects. Iso1/Au/IL12 significantly increases tumor infiltration by innate immune cells, such as NK and iNKT cells, monocytes, and neutrophils. NK cell depletion completely inhibits its antitumor effects. Low‐dose Iso1/Au/IL12 can also increase the therapeutic efficacy of adoptive T‐cell therapy in mice with autochthonous prostate cancer. These findings indicate that coupling IL12 to isoDGR‐tagged nanogold is a valid strategy for enhancing its therapeutic index and sustaining adoptive T‐cell therapy.
Reducing the maintenance effort for parameterization of representative load tests using annotations
Authors: Schulz Henning , van Hoorn André , Wert Alexander
Published: September 2019

Directly affecting the user experience, performance is a crucial aspect of today's software applications. Representative load testing allows to effectively test and preserve the performance before delivery by mimicking the actually expected workload. In the literature, various approaches have been proposed for extracting representative load tests from recorded user sessions. However, these approaches require manual parameterization for specifying input data and adjusting static properties such as a request's domain name. This manual effort accumulates when load tests need to be updated due to changing production workloads and APIs.

In this paper, we address the reduction of the maintenance effort for representative load testing. We introduce input data and properties annotations (IDPAs) that store manual parameterizations and can be evolved automatically. Experts only have to parameterize extracted load tests initially. For dealing with API changes, we develop approaches to evolve IDPAs for the types of changes described in the literature. We evaluated our approach in two experimental studies, by deriving effort estimation models, and in an industrial case study including four different software projects. Our evaluation shows that IDPAs can parameterize generated load tests for restoring the representativeness, especially for applications with workloads dominated by request orders and rates. The maintenance effort can be reduced from a quadratic cumulative effort over time to a linear cumulative effort for a typical mix of API changes. Furthermore, we were able to express all parameterizations required by the industrial projects using the IDPA but also had to integrate extensions using the provided extension mechanisms.
Substratum‐associated microbiota
Authors: Furey Paula C. , Liess Antonia , Lee Sylvia
Published: September 2019

This survey of 2018 literature on substratum‐associated microbiota presents brief highlights on research findings from primarily freshwaters, but includes those from a variety of aquatic ecosystems. Coverage of topics associated with benthic algae and cyanobacteria, though not comprehensive, includes new methods, taxa new to science, nutrient dynamics, trophic interactions, herbicides and other pollutants, metal contaminants, nuisance, bloom‐forming and harmful algae, bioassessment, and bioremediation. Coverage of bacteria, also not comprehensive, focused on methylation of mercury, metal contamination, toxins, and other environmental pollutants, including oil, as well as the use of benthic bacteria as bioindicators, in bioassessment tools and in biomonitoring. Additionally, we cover trends in recent and emerging topics on substratum‐associated microbiota of relevance to the Water Environment Federation.

Practitioner points

This review of literature from 2018 on substratum‐associated microbiota presents highlights of findings on algae, cyanobacteria, and bacteria from primarily freshwaters.

Topics covered that focus on algae and cyanobacteria include findings on new methods, taxa new to science, nutrient dynamics, trophic interactions, herbicides and other pollutants, metal contaminants, nuisance, bloomforming and harmful algae, bioassessment, and bioremediation. Topics covered that focus on bacteria include findings on methylation of mercury, metal contamination, toxins and other environmental pollutants, including oil, as well as the us e of benthic bacteria as bioindicators, in bioassessment tools and in biomonitoring.

A brief presentation of new, noteworthy and emerging topics on substratum‐associated microbiota, build on those from 2017, to highlight those of particular relevance to the Water Environment Federation.
A scintillator‐based particle detector for CRYRING@ESR
Authors: Hahn Christoph , Menz Esther , Pfäfflein Philip , Weber Günter , Stöhlker Thomas
Published: September 2019

With the unprecedented range of ion species and energies offered by the newly commissioned CRYRING facility, the availability of single ion detectors is of significant importance as part of standard instrumentation as well as for novel experiments. A detector system was constructed on the basis of the YAP:Ce crystal scintillator, which is at once radiation‐hard, fast, and affordable. Results of a characterization experiment confirmed the feasibility of the setup for incident ion rates on the order of MHz and found a critical fluence of some 1013 cm−2 upon which the crystal is rendered locally blind to further ion irradiation. The device was first used in CRYRING commissioning runs in August and November 2018. Future efforts will complete the integration of the detector into the GSI control and data acquisition system MBS.
Fluorescent Properties of Three Carboxyarylphosphonate Polymers with Unusual Polynuclear Zinc(II) Units
Authors: Chai Xiao‐Chuan , Li Hui , Zhou Fu‐Lin , Han Qiu‐Ping , Song Shao‐Fei , Cao Yan‐Ning
Published: September 2019

Three novel carboxyarylphosphonate polymers {[Zn2(PCP)(H2PCP)(phen)2]·H2O}n (1), [Zn(HPCP)(4,4′‐bipy)]n (2), and [Zn3(MCP)2(2,2′‐bipy)]n (3) [PCP3– = p‐O2C(C6H4)CH2PO33–, MCP3– = m‐O2C(C6H4)CH2PO33– and phen = phenanthroline] were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 features a butterfly‐shaped dimer consisting of [Zn4P4O10] tetranuclear units, which are further linked by hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions into a 3D supramolecular framework. In 2, there is an infinite P–O–Zn inorganic 2D (4,4) layer with the phosphonate moieties of HPCP2– and unidentate 4,4′‐bipy ligands vertically sticking out. As for 3, the novel [Zn6P4O12] hexanuclear units with “chair“ conformation are tetrahedrally bridged by eight MCP3– to generate a 2D double‐layer, in which the windows are occupied by 2,2′‐bipy molecules. Additionally, 2D correlation analysis of FTIR with thermal perturbation of 3 were discussed. Compounds 1–3 exhibit intense solid state fluorescent emissions. Thermogravimetric analyses suggested the very high stability.
‘(Un)healthy Minds’ and Visual and Tactile Arts, c.1900–1950
Authors: Wiltshire Imogen
Published: September 2019

This chapter examines multifaceted intersections between art and mental health in the first half of the twentieth century. Art was an arena in which approaches to psychological health were not only produced and developed but also challenged and even exploited. While artwork by professional artists was conceptualised as having psychological benefits for viewers and visual and tactile art-making practices were formulated as occupational therapy and art therapy, concurrently some modern artists rejected the associations of a ‘healthy mind’ and appropriated mental illness for avant-garde ends. This chapter explores the function of art in shaping treatments and cultural perceptions both within and outside psychiatric institutions conventionally associated with defining and maintaining mental health.
The Myth of Dream-Hacking and ‘Inner Space’ in Science Fiction, 1948–2010
Authors: Mayo Rob
Published: September 2019

Christopher Nolan’s 2010 filmInception was a commercial blockbuster and remains an enduring pop-culture reference point. Consciously or not, though, it enters into a thematic tradition which had already existed for over half a century. This essay traces a history, through literature, cinema and videogames from 1948 to 2010, of the theme of rendering a person’s mind as a physical ‘inner space’ which can be explored and interacted with by others. These creative works reflect contemporary society’s ideas and beliefs about how the mind works, how it may become damaged and how it may be fixed.
Challenging Psychiatric Classification: Healthy Autistic Diversity and the Neurodiversity Movement
Authors: Dyck Erika , Russell Ginny
Published: September 2019

This chapter explores the perspectives of members of the neurodiversity movement (NDM). ‘Neurodiversity’ is a concept that avoids the trappings of diagnostic language that distinguishes between healthy and unhealthy. Relying on the vocabulary of ‘neurotypical’ and ‘neurodivergent’ persons, the NDM promotes a more inclusive understanding of peoples’ states of mental health, consciousness, and, fundamentally, a way of being. We examine how the arguments of the NDM are reminiscent of other struggles within the broadly defined arena of disability activism, mad pride, and consumer-survivor movements and show how the NDM co-opts medical language to avoid the tradition developed by anti-psychiatrists who fundamentally reject psychiatry altogether.
An infrared bootstrap of the Schur index with surface defects
Authors: Fluder Martin , Longhi Pietro
Published: September 2019

Abstract

The infrared formula relates the Schur index of a 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 theory to its wall-crossing invariant,a.k.a.BPS monodromy. A further extension of this formula, proposed by Córdova, Gaiotto and Shao, includes contributions by various types of line and surface defects. We study BPS monodromies in the presence of vortex surface defects ofarbitraryvorticity for general class$$ \mathcal{S} $$Stheories of typeA1engineered by UV curves with at least one regular puncture. The trace of these defect BPS monodromies is shown to coincide with the action of certainq-difference operators acting on the trace of the (pure) 4d BPS monodromy. We use these operators to develop a “bootstrap” (of traces) of BPS monodromies, relying only on their infrared properties, thereby reproducing the very general ultraviolet characterization of the Schur index.
Fine structure of Jackiw-Teitelboim quantum gravity
Authors: Blommaert Andreas , Mertens Thomas G. , Verschelde Henri
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We investigate structural aspects of JT gravity through its BF description. In particular, we provide evidence that JT gravity should be thought of as (a coset of) the noncompact subsemigroup SL+(2,ℝ) BF theory. We highlight physical implications, including the famous Plancherel measure sinh 2π$$ \sqrt{E} $$E. Exploiting this perspective, we investigate JT gravity on more generic manifolds with emphasis on the edge degrees of freedom on entangling surfaces and factorization. It is found that the one-sided JT gravity degrees of freedom are described not just by a Schwarzian on the asymptotic boundary, but also include frozen SL+(2,ℝ) degrees of freedom on the horizon, identifiable as JT gravity black hole states. Configurations with two asymptotic boundaries are linked to 2d Liouville CFT on the torus surface.
The different faces of branes in double field theory
Authors: Bergshoeff Eric , Kleinschmidt Axel , Musaev Edvard T. , Riccioni Fabio
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We show how the Wess-Zumino terms of the different branes in string theory can be embedded within double field theory. Crucial ingredients in our construction are the identification of the correct brane charge tensors and the use of the double field theory potentials that arise from dualizing the standard double field theory fields. This leads to a picture where under T-duality the brane does not change its worldvolume directions but where, instead, it shows different faces depending on whether some of the worldvolume and/or transverse directions invade the winding space. As a non-trivial by-product we show how the different Wess-Zumino terms are modified when the brane propagates in a background with a non-zero Romans mass parameter. Furthermore, we show that for non-zero mass parameter the brane creation process, when one brane passes through another brane, gets generalized to brane configurations that involve exotic branes as well.
Aquaporin-1 attenuates macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses by inhibiting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Li Bohui , Liu Chunmei , Tang Kaihong , Dong Xuening , Xue Longge , Su Guangming , Zhang Wenzheng , Jin Yingyu
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the role of AQP1 in the development of LPS-induced AKI and its potential regulatory mechanisms in the inflammatory responses of macrophages.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with LPS, and biochemical and histological renal damage was assessed. The levels of inflammatory mediators, macrophage markers and AQP1 in blood and kidney tissues were assessed by ELISA. RTPCR was used to assess changes in the relative levels of AQP1 mRNA induced by LPS. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assay the activation of the p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways, respectively. The same detection methods were used in vitro to determine the regulatory mechanisms underlying AQP1 function.

Results

AQP1 mRNA levels were dramatically decreased in AKI rats following the increased expression of inflammatory factors. In vitro experiments demonstrated that silencing the AQP1 gene increased inflammatory mediator secretion, altered the classical activation of macrophages, greatly enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 and accelerated the translocation of NF-κB. Furthermore, these results were blocked by doramapimod, a p38 inhibitor. Therefore, these effects were mediated by the increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that altered AQP1 expression may be associated with the development of inflammation in AKI. AQP1 plays a protective role in modulating acute renal injury and can attenuate macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses by downregulating p38 MAPK activity in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The pharmacological targeting of AQP1-mediated p38 MAPK signalling may provide a novel treatment approach for AKI.
Cracked polytopes and Fano toric complete intersections
Authors: Prince Thomas
Published: September 2019

We introduce the notion ofcracked polytope, and – making use of joint work with Coates and Kasprzyk—construct the associated toric varietyXas a subvariety of a smooth toric varietyYunder certain conditions. Restricting to the case in which this subvariety is a complete intersection, we present a sufficient condition for a smoothing ofXto exist insideY. We exhibit a relative anti-canonical divisor for this smoothing ofX, and show that the general member is simple normal crossings.
Diagnostic accuracy of flat-panel computed tomography in assessing cerebral perfusion in comparison with perfusion computed tomography and perfusion magnetic resonance: a systematic review
Authors: Stille Ernst L. , Viozzi Ilaria , ter Laan Mark , Meijer Frederick J.A. , Futterer Jurgen J. , Rovers Maroeska M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Flat-panel computed tomography (FP-CT) is increasingly available in angiographic rooms and hybrid OR’s. Considering its easy access, cerebral imaging using FP-CT is an appealing modality for intra-procedural applications. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of FP-CT compared with perfusion computed tomography (CTP) and perfusion magnetic resonance (MRP) in cerebral perfusion imaging.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science up to June 2019 for studies directly comparing FP-CT with either CTP or MRP in vivo. Methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Data on diagnostic accuracy was extracted and pooled if possible.

Results

We found 11 studies comparing FP-CT with CTP and 5 studies comparing FP-CT with MRP. Most articles were pilot or feasibility studies, focusing on scanning and contrast protocols. All patients studied showed signs of cerebrovascular disease. Half of the studies were animal trials. Quality assessment showed unclear to high risks of bias and low concerns regarding applicability. Five studies reported on diagnostic accuracy; FP-CT shows good sensitivity (range 0.84–1.00) and moderate specificity (range 0.63–0.88) in detecting cerebral blood volume (CBV) lesions.

Conclusions

Even though FP-CT provides similar CBV values and reconstructed blood volume maps as CTP in cerebrovascular disease, additional studies are required in order to reliably compare its diagnostic accuracy with cerebral perfusion imaging.
Critical Appraisal of the Impact of the Systematic Adoption of Advanced Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery on the Surgical Management of Mirizzi Syndrome
Authors: Koh Ye‐Xin , Basu Pallavi , Liew Yi‐Xin , Teo Jin‐Yao , Kam Juinn‐Huar , Lee Ser‐Yee , Cheow Peng‐Chung , Jeyaraj Premaraj , Chow Pierce K. H. , Chung Alexander Y. F. , Ooi London L. P. J. , Chan Chung‐Yip , Goh Brian K. P.
Published: September 2019

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for Mirizzi syndrome (MS) remains a technically challenging procedure with a high open conversion rate. We critically evaluated the impact of the systematic adoption of MI‐HBP surgery on the surgical outcomes of MS.

Methods

Ninety‐five patients who underwent surgery for MS were retrospectively reviewed. Systematic adoption of advanced MI‐HBP surgery started in 2012. The cohort was classified into a preadoption (2002–2012) (Era 1, n = 58) and post‐adoption (2013–2017) (Era 2, n = 37). Furthermore, Era 2 was divided into a cohort operated by advanced minimally invasive surgeons (AMIS) (Era 2 AMIS, n = 19) and those by other surgeons (Era 2 others, n = 19).

Results

Comparison between Era 2 and Era 1 demonstrated a significant increase in the frequency of MIS attempted (89% vs 33%, p < 0.01), increase in the use of choledochoplasty (24% vs 2%, p < 0.01), increase operation time (180 min vs 150 min, p = 0.03) and significantly lower open conversion rate (24% vs 58%, p < 0.01). Comparison between Era 2 AMIS and Era 2 others demonstrated a significantly greater adoption of MIS (100% vs 78%, p = 0.046) with lower open conversion rate (5% vs 50%, p = 0.005). Comparison between all attempted MIS cases with open procedures demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of subtotal cholecystectomies performed (40% vs 23%, p = 0.04), choledochoplasty (17% vs 2%, p = 0.04) and shorter hospital stay (4 days vs 9 days, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Systematic adoption of advanced MI‐HBP surgery allowed surgeons to perform MIS for MS more frequently and with a significantly lower open conversion rate. Patients who underwent successful MIS had the shortest hospital stay compared to patients who underwent open surgery or required open conversion.
Retinal oximetry and fractal analysis of capillary maps in sickle cell disease patients and matched healthy volunteers
Authors: Birkhoff W. A. J. , van Manen L. , Dijkstra J. , De Kam M. L. , van Meurs J. C. , Cohen A. F.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Fractal analysis can be used to quantitatively analyze the retinal microvasculature and might be a suitable method to quantify retinal capillary changes in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Retinal oximetry measurements might function as a proxy for the pathophysiology of cerebrovascular diseases. Moreover, hypoxia has an important role in the pathophysiology of diabetic and other retinopathies. However, little is known about the oximetry around the macula in SCD patients. With this study, we explored the feasibility to perform these quantified measurements in SCD patients.

Methods

Retinal microvascular and oximetry measurements were performed in eight SCD patients and eight healthy matched controls. Oximetry pictures and non-invasive capillary perfusion maps (nCPM) were obtained by the retinal function imager. Measurements were conducted twice on two different study days. Measured variables included monofractal dimension (Dbox), relative saturation, deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyHb), and oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb) concentration.

Results

No statistically significant differences in vessel density were found in the different annular zones (large vessels, p = 0.66; small vessels, p = 0.66) and anatomical quadrants (large vessels, p = 0.74; small vessels, p = 0.72). Furthermore, no significant between-group differences were found in the other different anatomical quadrants and annular zones around the fovea for relative saturation levels and deoxygenated Hb. However, the oxyHb levels were significantly lower in SCD patients, compared with those in matched controls in the temporal quadrants (p = 0.04; p = 0.02) and the superior nasal quadrant (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the feasibility of multispectral imaging to measure retinal changes in oxygenation in both SCD patients and matched volunteers. The results suggest that in SCD patients before any structural microvascular changes in the central retina are present, functional abnormalities can be observed with abnormal oximetry measurements.