bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back-to-Back Performance of the Full Spectrum Nonlinear Fourier Transform and Its Inverse
Authors: Leible Benedikt , Plabst Daniel , Hanik Norbert
Published: October 2020

In this paper, data-transmission using the nonlinear Fourier transform for jointly modulated discrete and continuous spectra is investigated. A recent method for purely discrete eigenvalue removal at the detector is extended to signals with additional continuous spectral support. At first, the eigenvalues are sequentially detected and removed from the jointly modulated received signal. After each successful removal, the time-support of the resulting signal for the next iteration can be narrowed, until all eigenvalues are removed. The resulting truncated signal, ideally containing only continuous spectral components, is then recovered by a standard NFT algorithm. Numerical simulations without a fiber channel show that, for jointly modulated discrete and continuous spectra, the mean-squared error between transmitted and received eigenvalues can be reduced using the eigenvalue removal approach, when compared to state-of-the-art detection methods. Additionally, the computational complexity for detection of both spectral components can be decreased when, by the choice of the modulated eigenvalues, the time-support after each removal step can be reduced. Numerical simulations are also carried out for transmission over a Raman-amplified, lossy SSMF channel. The mutual information is approximated and the eigenvalue removal method is shown to result in achievable rate improvements.
Experimental Methods for Investigation of Drilling Fluid Displacement in Irregular Annuli
Authors: Lund Bjørnar , Taghipour Ali , Ytrehus Jan David , Saasen Arild
Published: October 2020

Experimental methods are still indispensable for fluid mechanics research, despite advancements in the modelling and computer simulation field. Experimental data are vital for validating simulations of complex flow systems. However, measuring the flow in industrially relevant systems can be difficult for several reasons. Here we address flow measurement challenges related to cementing of oil wells, where main experimental issues are related to opacity of the fluids and the sheer size of the system. The main objective is to track the propagation of a fluid-fluid interface during a two-fluid displacement process, and thereby to characterize the efficiency of the displacement process. We describe the implementation and use of an array of electrical conductivity probes, and demonstrate with examples how the signals can be used to recover relevant information about the displacement process. To our knowledge this is the most extensive use of this measurement method for studying displacement in a large-scale laboratory setup. Optical measurements and visual observations are challenging and/or costly in such large-scale systems, but can still provide qualitative information as shown in this article. Using electrical conductivity probes is a robust and fairly low-cost experimental method for characterizing fluid-fluid displacement in large-scale systems.
Optimal Combination Design of a Light Emitting Diode Matrix Applicable to a Single-Stage Flyback Driver
Authors: Tsou Ming-Chang , Kuo Ming-Tse
Published: October 2020

The present study analyzed light emitting diodes (LEDs) as an output load and used a Taylor series to describe the characteristic curve based on the exponential characteristic of voltage and current. A prototype circuit of a flyback LED driver system was established to verify whether the theory is consistent with actual results. This study focused on the exponential relationship of LED voltage and current. Conventional simulations usually used linear models to present LED loads. However, the linear model resulted in considerable error between simulation and actual characteristics. Therefore, this study employed a Taylor series to describe the nonlinear characteristic of an LED load. Through precise calculations with Mathcad computation software, the error was effectively reduced. Moreover, the process clarified the influence of temperature on LEDs, which benefited the characteristic analysis of the entire system. Finally, a realized circuit of 120 W flyback LED drivers was established for conducting theory verification, including theoretic analysis and evaluation of the system design process of the flyback converter. The circuit simulation software SIMPLIS was used to demonstrate the system model, which enabled quick understanding of the system framework established in this study. Regarding LEDs, a commercially available aluminum luminaire was used as the output load. The measured results of the actual circuit and the simulation results were remarkably consistent. For the same system at the same temperature, the error between the simulation and actual results was less than 3%, which proved the reliability of the Taylor series simulation.
Study on the Performance of Multiple Sources and Multiple Uses Heat Pump System in Three Different Cities
Authors: Kim Hongkyo , Nam Yujin , Bae Sangmu , Cho Soolyeon
Published: October 2020

Various efforts have been made worldwide to reduce energy use for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Research and development are essential to ensuring the efficient use of renewable energy systems. This study proposes a multiple sources and multiple uses heat pump (MMHP) system that can efficiently respond to heating, cooling, and domestic hot water (DHW) loads using multiple natural heat sources. The MMHP system uses ground and air heat as its primary heat sources and solar heat for heat storage operations and ground temperature recovery. For the efficient use of each heat source, it also determines the heat source required for operation by comparing the heat source temperatures in the same time zone. A model for predicting the heat source temperatures, electricity use, and coefficient of performance (COP) was constructed through simulation. To analyze the efficiency of the proposed system by comparing the existing air source heat pump with ground source heat pump systems, a performance analysis was conducted by setting regional and system configurations as case conditions. The results demonstrate that the electricity use of the MMHP system was 13–19% and 1–3% lower than those of air source heat pump (ASHP) and ground source (GSHP) systems, respectively. In addition, the MMHP system was the most favorable in regions with a low heating load.
To Plant or Not to Plant, That Is the Question: Reforestation vs. Natural Regeneration of Hurricane-Disturbed Mangrove Forests in Guanaja (Honduras)
Authors: Fickert Thomas
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives: Mangrove forests offer many essential ecosystem services, including the protection of (sub)tropical coastlines, their inhabitants, and the infrastructure from severe storms and tsunamis. However, mangroves themselves suffer severely from such phenomena. After such events, reforestation efforts are widely undertaken to facilitate the recovery of the mangroves. Many of these laborious activities, however, fail for a number of reasons. Material and Methods: In October 1998, the Honduran Island of Guanaja was severely hit by Hurricane Mitch, and, after the storm, almost all of the mangrove forests (97%) were rated as dead. Seven years after Mitch, a longterm survey on the regeneration of the mangroves started. Field samplings in six variably disturbed mangrove zones was conducted in 2005, 2009, and 2016. Along permanent line-transects, all living plant species were recorded for statistical analyses and for quantifying progress. In this paper, the focus is on the three most severely hit areas. In two of them, planting efforts were carried out while the third one was left to regenerate naturally. This setting allowed a direct comparison between natural and human-assisted regeneration processes under otherwise similar conditions and equally severe previous disturbance. Results: Reforestation measures were characterized by high mortality rates of Rhizophora mangle L. propagules planted predominantly. Some, however, surely survived and might have contributed to regeneration after the disturbance. In 2016, roughly two decades after Hurricane Mitch, low-growing Rhizophora mangle forests, with high ground cover, were found. Surprisingly, the area without any planting also witnessed similar mangrove rejuvenation in the same period. Conclusion: Findings on the recovering mangroves in Guanaja confirm the lessons learned from other mangrove rehabilitation measures: planting mostly fails and commonly does not accelerate the revegetation of disturbed forests. In naturally regenerating forests, recolonization may occur after a certain time-lag only if few diaspore sources survived in the surrounding; as soon as established mangrove plants bear propagules, a quick return to viable forests takes place, proving the high resilience of these coastal ecosystems.
Genome Mining of the Genus Streptacidiphilus for Biosynthetic and Biodegradation Potential
Authors: Malik Adeel , Kim Yu Ri , Kim Seung Bum
Published: October 2020

The genus Streptacidiphilus represents a group of acidophilic actinobacteria within the family Streptomycetaceae, and currently encompasses 15 validly named species, which include five recent additions within the last two years. Considering the potential of the related genera within the family, namely Streptomyces and Kitasatospora, these relatively new members of the family can also be a promising source for novel secondary metabolites. At present, 15 genome data for 11 species from this genus are available, which can provide valuable information on their biology including the potential for metabolite production as well as enzymatic activities in comparison to the neighboring taxa. In this study, the genome sequences of 11 Streptacidiphilus species were subjected to the comparative analysis together with selected Streptomyces and Kitasatospora genomes. This study represents the first comprehensive comparative genomic analysis of the genus Streptacidiphilus. The results indicate that the genomes of Streptacidiphilus contained various secondary metabolite (SM) producing biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), some of them exclusively identified in Streptacidiphilus only. Several of these clusters may potentially code for SMs that may have a broad range of bioactivities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial and antitumor activities. The biodegradation capabilities of Streptacidiphilus were also explored by investigating the hydrolytic enzymes for complex carbohydrates. Although all genomes were enriched with carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), their numbers in the genomes of some strains such as Streptacidiphilus carbonis NBRC 100919T were higher as compared to well-known carbohydrate degrading organisms. These distinctive features of each Streptacidiphilus species make them interesting candidates for future studies with respect to their potential for SM production and enzymatic activities.
Chromatin Dynamics and Transcriptional Control of Circadian Rhythms in Arabidopsis
Authors: Maric Aida , Mas Paloma
Published: October 2020

Circadian rhythms pervade nearly all aspects of plant growth, physiology, and development. Generation of the rhythms relies on an endogenous timing system or circadian clock that generates 24-h oscillations in multiple rhythmic outputs. At its bases, the plant circadian function relies on dynamic interactive networks of clock components that regulate each other to generate rhythms at specific phases during the day and night. From the initial discovery more than 13 years ago of a parallelism between the oscillations in chromatin status and the transcriptional rhythms of an Arabidopsis clock gene, a number of studies have later expanded considerably our view on the circadian epigenome and transcriptome landscapes. Here, we describe the most recent identification of chromatin-related factors that are able to directly interact with Arabidopsis clock proteins to shape the transcriptional waveforms of circadian gene expression and clock outputs. We discuss how changes in chromatin marks associate with transcript initiation, elongation, and the rhythms of nascent RNAs, and speculate on future interesting research directions in the field.
A Review of Hydrological Models Applied in the Permafrost-Dominated Arctic Region
Authors: Bui Minh Tuan , Lu Jinmei , Nie Linmei
Published: October 2020

The Arctic region is the most sensitive region to climate change. Hydrological models are fundamental tools for climate change impact assessment. However, due to the extreme weather conditions, specific hydrological process, and data acquisition challenges in the Arctic, it is crucial to select suitable hydrological model(s) for this region. In this paper, a comprehensive review and comparison of different models is conducted based on recently available studies. The functionality, limitations, and suitability of the potential hydrological models for the Arctic hydrological process are analyzed, including: (1) The surface hydrological models Topoflow, DMHS (deterministic modeling hydrological system), HBV (Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning), SWAT (soil and water assessment tool), WaSiM (water balance simulation model), ECOMAG (ecological model for applied geophysics), and CRHM (cold regions hydrological model); and (2) the cryo-hydrogeological models ATS (arctic terrestrial simulator), CryoGrid 3, GEOtop, SUTRA-ICE (ice variant of the existing saturated/unsaturated transport model), and PFLOTRAN-ICE (ice variant of the existing massively parallel subsurface flow and reactive transport model). The review finds that Topoflow, HBV, SWAT, ECOMAG, and CRHM are suitable for studying surface hydrology rather than other processes in permafrost environments, whereas DMHS, WaSiM, and the cryo-hydrogeological models have higher capacities for subsurface hydrology, since they take into account the three phase changes of water in the near-surface soil. Of the cryo-hydrogeological models reviewed here, GEOtop, SUTRA-ICE, and PFLOTRAN-ICE are found to be suitable for small-scale catchments, whereas ATS and CryoGrid 3 are potentially suitable for large-scale catchments. Especially, ATS and GEOtop are the first tools that couple surface/subsurface permafrost thermal hydrology. If the accuracy of simulating the active layer dynamics is targeted, DMHS, ATS, GEOtop, and PFLOTRAN-ICE are potential tools compared to the other models. Further, data acquisition is a challenging task for cryo-hydrogeological models due to the complex boundary conditions when compared to the surface hydrological models HBV, SWAT, and CRHM, and the cryo-hydrogeological models are more difficult for non-expert users and more expensive to run compared to other models.
Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Early Parental Bonding Interact in Shaping Instagram Social Behavior
Authors: Bonassi Andrea , Cataldo Ilaria , Gabrieli Giulio , Foo Jia N. , Lepri Bruno , Esposito Gianluca
Published: October 2020

Human beings engage in multiple social interactions daily, both in person and online. There are, however, individual differences in the frequency and quality of these interactions. This exploratory study focuses on online interactions and aims to model these differences by looking at potential environmental and genetic factors. The environmental factor is the childhood parental relationship, as reported by the participants in the dimensions of the Parental Bonding Instrument (N = 57, 41 females). At a genetic level, buccal mucosa cell samples were collected to assess participants’ genetic susceptibility, and OXTr regions rs2254298 (G/G homozygotes vs. A-carriers) and rs53576 (A/A homozygotes vs. G-carriers) were analyzed. To capture participants’ online activity, Instagram was probed. The number of people that the individual follows (“followings”), followers, and posts were used as a proxy for the quantity of interaction, and a Social Desirability Index (SDI) was computed as the ratio of followers to followings. An interaction between OXTr groups and parental bonding scores on the number of followings and posts was hypothesized. A gene-environment interaction for OXTr/rs2254298 on the number of Instagram posts was identified. In line with the hypothesis, participants with a genetic risk factor (A-carriers) and a history of low paternal care showed fewer Instagram posts than those without this risk factor (G/G genotype). Moreover, an interaction effect between maternal overprotection and OXTr/rs2254298 on the Instagram SDI was detected. These findings could represent an indirect pathway through which genes and parental behavior interact to shape social interactions on Instagram.
Analysis of Fall Risk Factors in an Aging Population Living in Long-Term Care Institutions in SPAIN: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Díaz Lourdes Bujalance , Casuso-Holgado María Jesús , Labajos-Manzanares María Teresa , Barón-López Francisco Javier , Pinero-Pinto Elena , Romero-Galisteo Rita Pilar , Moreno-Morales Noelia
Published: October 2020

Falls in the elderly are associated with morbidity and mortality. Research about fall risk factors in Spanish care facilities is scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of falls among residents living in long-term care Spanish institutions and to identify fall risk factors in this population. A nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted in 113 centers. Persons over 70 years old who were living in a residential setting for at least 1 year were included. Simple and multiple regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between the main clinical variables registered in the databases and the presence of falls. A total of 2849 subjects were analyzed (mean age 85.21 years). The period prevalence of fallers in the last 12 months was 45.3%, with a proportion of recurrent fallers of 51.7%. The presence of falls was associated with lower Tinetti Scale scores (OR = 1.597, 95% CI: 1.280, 1.991; OR = 1.362, 95% CI: 1.134, 1.635), severe or moderate cognitive impairment (OR= 1.992, 95% CI: 1.472, 2.695; OR = 1.507, 95% CI: 1.231, 1.845, respectively), and polypharmacy (OR = 1.291, 95% CI: 1.039, 1.604). Fall prevention interventions should focus on the prevention of balance and cognitive deterioration and the improvement of these functions when possible. It should also focus on a periodical medication history revision aiming to avoid inappropriate prescriptions.
Country-Level Relationships of the Human Intake of N and P, Animal and Vegetable Food, and Alcoholic Beverages with Cancer and Life Expectancy
Authors: Penuelas Josep , Krisztin Tamás , Obersteiner Michael , Huber Florian , Winner Hannes , Janssens Ivan A. , Ciais Philippe , Sardans Jordi
Published: October 2020

Background: The quantity, quality, and type (e.g., animal and vegetable) of human food have been correlated with human health, although with some contradictory or neutral results. We aimed to shed light on this association by using the integrated data at country level. Methods: We correlated elemental (nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)) compositions and stoichiometries (N:P ratios), molecular (proteins) and energetic traits (kilocalories) of food of animal (terrestrial or aquatic) and vegetable origin, and alcoholic beverages with cancer prevalence and mortality and life expectancy (LE) at birth at the country level. We used the official databases of United Nations (UN), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health, and Eurobarometer, while also considering other possibly involved variables such as income, mean age, or human development index of each country. Results: The per capita intakes of N, P, protein, and total intake from terrestrial animals, and especially alcohol were significantly and positively associated with prevalence and mortality from total, colon, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. In contrast, high per capita intakes of vegetable N, P, N:P, protein, and total plant intake exhibited negative relationships with cancer prevalence and mortality. However, a high LE at birth, especially in underdeveloped countries was more strongly correlated with a higher intake of food, independent of its animal or vegetable origin, than with other variables, such as higher income or the human development index. Conclusions: Our analyses, thus, yielded four generally consistent conclusions. First, the excessive intake of terrestrial animal food, especially the levels of protein, N, and P, is associated with higher prevalence of cancer, whereas equivalent intake from vegetables is associated with lower prevalence. Second, no consistent relationship was found for food N:P ratio and cancer prevalence. Third, the consumption of alcoholic beverages correlates with prevalence and mortality by malignant neoplasms. Fourth, in underdeveloped countries, reducing famine has a greater positive impact on health and LE than a healthier diet.
The Timing and Intensity of Social Distancing to Flatten the COVID-19 Curve: The Case of Spain
Authors: Casares Miguel , Khan Hashmat
Published: October 2020

The continued spread of COVID-19 suggests a significant possibility of reimposing the lockdowns and stricter social distancing similar to the early phase of pandemic control. We present a dynamic model to quantify the impact of isolation for the contagion curves. The model is calibrated to the COVID-19 outbreak in Spain to study the effects of the isolation enforcement following the declaration of the state of alarm (14 March 2020). The simulations indicate that both the timing and the intensity of the isolation enforcement are crucial for the COVID-19 spread. For example, a 4-day earlier intervention for social distancing would have reduced the number of COVID-19 infected people by 67%. The model also informs us that the isolation enforcement does not delay the peak day of the epidemic but slows down its end. When relaxing social distancing, a reduction of the contagion probability (with the generalization of preventive actions, such as face mask wearing and hands sanitizing) is needed to overcome the effect of a rise in the number of interpersonal encounters. We report a threshold level for the contagion pace to avoid a second COVID-19 outbreak in Spain.
Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of the 36-Item WHODAS 2.0 in Patients with Low Back Pain
Authors: Ćwirlej-Sozańska Agnieszka , Bejer Agnieszka , Wiśniowska-Szurlej Agnieszka , Wilmowska-Pietruszyńska Anna , de Sire Alessandro , Spalek Renata , Sozański Bernard
Published: October 2020

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be a useful tool for assessing the functioning and disability of the general population as well as the effectiveness of the applied interventions. Until this study, no data regarding the validity of the 36-item WHODAS 2.0 in chronic low back pain (LBP) in Poland have been explored. This study was conducted on 92 patients suffering from chronic LBP admitted to the rehabilitation ward. The Polish version of the 36-item WHODAS 2.0, the Sf-36 Health Survey (SF-36), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaires were applied to assess patients. The scale score reliability of the entire tool for the study population was very high. The Cronbach’s alpha test result for the entire scale was 0.92. For the overall result of the WHODAS 2.0, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC1,2) was 0.928, which confirmed that the scale was consistent over time. The total result and the vast majority of domains of the 36-item WHODAS 2.0 correlated negatively with domains of the SF-36 questionnaire; thus, a higher WHODAS 2.0 score was associated with a lower score on the SF-36 questionnaire. We found that the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the total WHODAS 2.0 score in patients after rehabilitation for LBP was 4.87. Overall, the results indicated that the Polish version of the 36-item WHODAS is suitable for assessing health and disability status in patients with LBP.
Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids and Particle Size on Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Henao Maria Paula , Kraschnewski Jennifer L. , Bolton Matthew D. , Ishmael Faoud , Craig Timothy
Published: October 2020

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) produce local effects on upper airway dilators that could increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Given that the particle size of ICS changes their distribution, the particle size of ICS may impact the risk of developing OSA. Objectives: In this large retrospective study, we explore the relationship of ICS use and OSA in patients with asthma. In addition, we seek to determine if this relationship is affected by the particle size of ICS. Methods: Using electronic health records, we established a cohort of 29,816 asthmatics aged 12 and older with a diagnosis of asthma documented by ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes between January 2011 and August 2016. We performed analyses of variance and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the effects ICS on the diagnosis of OSA with sub-analysis by particle size of ICS. Results: Uncontrolled asthmatics showed increased odds of receiving a diagnosis of OSA whether when looking at ACT scores (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.60, 95% CI 1.32–1.94) or PFT results (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.19–1.77). Users of ICS also had increased odds of OSA independent of asthma control (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.47–1.70). Notably, users of extra-fine particle ICS did not have significantly increased odds of having OSA compared to non-users of ICS (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 0.78–1.58). Conclusions: Use of ICS appears to be an independent risk factor for OSA. Notably, extra-fine particle size ICS do not appear to be associated with an increased risk of OSA.
Is a CSR Policy an Equally Effective Vaccine Against Workplace Mobbing and Psychosocial Stressors?
Authors: Sroka Włodzimierz , Vveinhardt Jolita
Published: October 2020

In this study, the problem question was raised whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) is/can be an effective tool against workplace mobbing and psychosocial stressors in organizations. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of workplace mobbing in Lithuanian and Polish organizations in order to compare in which organizations the manifestation of the phenomenon is the strongest and analyzing psychosocial stressors in parallel. To achieve the purpose, 823 employees of three types of organizations were surveyed. The respondents belonged to organizations that implement the principles of corporate social responsibility, organizations that intend to become socially responsible and organizations that do not implement corporate social responsibility and do not seek to become socially responsible. The empirical study was conducted using the questionnaire “Mobbing as a Psychosocial Stressor in the Organizations Accessing and Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility—MOB-CSR”. This questionnaire is valid and reliable; the correlation relationships between subscales show interconnectedness and statistically reliable relationships. The research results were calculated using the chi-squared test and the linear regression model. Statistically reliable relationships were found between the prevalence of workplace mobbing, psychosocial work stressors and corporate social responsibility. The results of the study show that along with the weakening of variables of corporate social responsibility, the probability of workplace mobbing is increasing but CSR in itself does not ensure the prevention of workplace mobbing in the case of Lithuanian and Polish organizations. If the findings of the study are considered by the managers of organizations, this can affect both employees’ quality of life towards improvement and more transparent/purposeful implementation of corporate social responsibility, i.e., responding to the true meaning of CSR.
Comorbid Anxiety and Depression among Pregnant Pakistani Women: Higher Rates, Different Vulnerability Characteristics, and the Role of Perceived Stress
Authors: Premji Shahirose Sadrudin , Lalani Sharifa , Shaikh Kiran , Mian Ayesha , Forcheh Ntonghanwah , Dosani Aliyah , Letourneau Nicole , Yim Ilona S. , Bhamani Shireen Shehzad ,   MiGHT (Maternal-Infant Global Health Team—Collaborators in Research)
Published: October 2020

Anxiety and depression commonly co-occur during pregnancy and may increase risk of poor birth outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight. Our understanding of rates, patterns, and predictors of comorbid anxiety and depression is hindered given the dearth of literature, particularly in low- and middle-income (LMI) countries. The aim of this study is (1) to explore the prevalence and patterns of comorbid antenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms in the mild-to-severe and moderate-to-severe categories among women in a LMI country like Pakistan and (2) to understand the risk factors for comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms. Using a prospective cohort design, a diverse sample of 300 pregnant women from four centers of Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children in Pakistan were enrolled in the study. Comorbid anxiety and depression during pregnancy were high and numerous factors predicted increased likelihood of comorbidity, including: (1) High level of perceived stress at any time point, (2) having 3 or more previous children, and (3) having one or more adverse childhood experiences. These risks were increased if the husband was employed in the private sector. Early identification and treatment of mental health comorbidities may contribute to decreased adverse birth outcomes in LMI countries.
Spatio-Econometric Analysis of Urban Land Use Efficiency in China from the Perspective of Natural Resources Input and Undesirable Outputs: A Case Study of 287 Cities in China
Authors: Han Xiao , Zhang Anlu , Cai Yinying
Published: October 2020

The rapid urbanization in China has had a huge impact on land use and the scarcity of land resources has become a constraint for sustainable urban development. As urban land is an indispensable material basis in economic development, measuring its use efficiency and adopting effective policies to improve urban land use efficiency (ULUE) are important links in maintaining sustainable economic growth. By establishing a comprehensive ULUE evaluation index system that emphasizes on incorporating the natural resources input and the undesirable output, ULUE from 2010 to 2016 was calculated based on super efficiency SBM model, and its potential influencing factors were explored using a spatial econometric model. The results show that: (1) temporally, the overall ULUE in China is upward growing, and the gap among regions is becoming gradually convergent. (2) Spatially, the ULUE of Chinese cities are positively correlated. (3) Economic agglomeration and industrial structure significantly improve ULUE in China, but the intensity of energy consumption has a negative impact on ULUE. We suggest that: (1) differentiated industrial development strategies should be formulated; (2) the economic growth pattern should be changed from energy-consuming to energy-saving; (3) priority should be given to innovation on science and education, so as to increase in clean energy input and cleaner production.
Crystal Structure of Non-Structural Protein 10 from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2
Authors: Rogstam Annika , Nyblom Maria , Christensen Signe , Sele Celeste , Talibov Vladimir O. , Lindvall Therese , Rasmussen Anna Andersson , André Ingemar , Fisher Zoë , Knecht Wolfgang , Kozielski Frank
Published: October 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), emerged at the end of 2019 and quickly spread to cause a global pandemic with severe socio-economic consequences. The early sequencing of its RNA genome revealed its high similarity to SARS, likely to have originated from bats. The SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 10 (nsp10) displays high sequence similarity with its SARS homologue, which binds to and stimulates the 3′-to-5′ exoribonuclease and the 2′-O-methlytransferase activities of nsps 14 and 16, respectively. Here, we report the biophysical characterization and 1.6 Å resolution structure of the unbound form of nsp10 from SARS-CoV-2 and compare it to the structures of its SARS homologue and the complex-bound form with nsp16 from SARS-CoV-2. The crystal structure and solution behaviour of nsp10 will not only form the basis for understanding the role of SARS-CoV-2 nsp10 as a central player of the viral RNA capping apparatus, but will also serve as a basis for the development of inhibitors of nsp10, interfering with crucial functions of the replication–transcription complex and virus replication.
Challenges and Directions in Zoo and Aquarium Food Presentation Research: A Review
Authors: Brereton James Edward
Published: October 2020

From its foundations in agricultural science, zoo animal nutrition has developed into a biologically informed, evidence-based discipline. However, some facets of nutrition still make use of a more traditional approach, such as the field of zoo presentation. For example, it is common practice to prepare animal diets by chopping them into bite-size chunks, yet there is limited peer-reviewed evidence that explains the benefits and welfare implications of this practice. The chopping and placement of foods can alter desiccation rates, nutrient breakdown, and food contamination, so it is important to evaluate the implications of current practices. Here, the published literature on the behavioral impacts of different food presentation formats (such as clumped and scattered, and chopped and whole) is reviewed, with reference to a range of taxa. The current state of knowledge of the nutritional and microbiological effects of food presentation practices are also reviewed. Relevant research is available on the behavioral effects of some forms of zoo food presentation; however, relatively little research has been conducted on their nutrient composition effects or desiccation rates. Similarly, there are gaps in terms of the species that have been investigated, with a few mammalian taxa dominating the food presentation literature. Future research projects covering social, behavioral, and welfare impacts, and the nutritional and microbiological consequences of food presentation would further evidence-based zoo and aquarium management practices. Similarly, qualitative research surrounding keeper perception of food presentation formats would help to identify challenges and opportunities in this field.
The Contractile Phenotype of Skeletal Muscle in TRPV1 Knockout Mice Is Gender-Specific and Exercise-Dependent
Authors: Lafoux Aude , Lotteau Sabine , Huchet Corinne , Ducreux Sylvie
Published: October 2020

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) belongs to the transient receptor potential superfamily of sensory receptors. TRPV1 is a non-selective cation channel permeable to Ca2+ that is capable of detecting noxious heat temperature and acidosis. In skeletal muscles, TRPV1 operates as a reticular Ca2+-leak channel and several TRPV1 mutations have been associated with two muscle disorders: malignant hyperthermia (MH) and exertional heat stroke (EHS). Although TRPV1−/− mice have been available since the 2000s, TRPV1’s role in muscle physiology has not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, the focus of this work was to characterize the contractile phenotype of skeletal muscles of TRPV1-deficient mice at rest and after four weeks of exercise. As MS and EHS have a higher incidence in men than in women, we also investigated sex-related phenotype differences. Our results indicated that, without exercise, TRPV1−/− mice improved in vivo muscle strength with an impairment of skeletal muscle in vitro twitch features, i.e., delayed contraction and relaxation. Additionally, exercise appeared detrimental to TRPV1−/− slow-twitch muscles, especially in female animals.
Sol-Gel-Prepared Ni-Mo-Mg-O System for Catalytic Transformation of Chlorinated Organic Wastes into Nanostructured Carbon
Authors: Veselov Grigory B. , Karnaukhov Timofey M. , Bauman Yury I. , Mishakov Ilya V. , Vedyagin Aleksey A.
Published: October 2020

The present work aimed to prepare Ni-Mo particles distributed within the MgO matrix. With this purpose in mind, a ternary Ni-Mo-Mg oxide system was synthesized by a sol-gel approach. The samples were studied by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Both the nickel and molybdenum species in the prepared samples were characterized by a fine and uniform distribution. The diffraction pattern of the ternary system was predominantly represented by the MgO reflections. The catalytic activity of the samples was tested in the decomposition of 1,2-dichloroethane used as a representative of the chlorinated organic wastes. The nanostructured carbon filaments resulting from the decomposition of the halogenated substrate were found to be characterized by a narrow diameter distribution, according to the transmission electron microscopy data, thus confirming the fine distribution of the active Ni-Mo particles. The results obviously show the advantages of the sol-gel technique for obtaining efficient catalysts.
Effects of Environmental Temperature and Humidity on the Geometry and Strength of Polycarbonate Specimens Prepared by Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Fang Lichen , Yan Yishu , Agarwal Ojaswi , Yao Shengyu , Seppala Jonathan E. , Kang Sung Hoon
Published: October 2020

It is widely known that the printing quality of fused filament fabrication (FFF) is heavily affected by environmental temperature and humidity, taking the form of warping and porosity. However, there is little understanding about the quantitative relations between environmental conditions, geometry, and the mechanical properties of printed parts. In this study, we systematically investigated those relations using bisphenol A polycarbonate as a model material system. For the environmental temperature, an in-situ infrared imaging analysis revealed the presence of an up to 5.4 °C/mm thermal gradient when printing using an open-chamber printer and a heated build plate. For the environmental humidity, an analysis of X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans showed an up to 11.7% porosity that was brought by polymer water content absorbed from environmental moisture. Meanwhile, tensile tests showed a mechanical performance loss associated with those defects, but, surprisingly, the transverse direction ductility had the potential to increase at a higher porosity. Furthermore, the experimental results were combined with analytical and parametrical studies to elucidate quantitative relations between environmental conditions and printing quality. Based on the results, quantitative guidelines for the estimation of printing quality based on environmental conditions are provided that would also help users to obtain desired printing results with a better understanding of the effects of environmental conditions.
Concept Discovery for The Interpretation of Landscape Scenicness
Authors: Arendsen Pim , Marcos Diego , Tuia Devis
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study how to extract visual concepts to understand landscape scenicness. Using visual feature representations from a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), we learn a number of Concept Activation Vectors (CAV) aligned with semantic concepts from ancillary datasets. These concepts represent objects, attributes or scene categories that describe outdoor images. We then use these CAVs to study their impact on the (crowdsourced) perception of beauty of landscapes in the United Kingdom. Finally, we deploy a technique to explore new concepts beyond those initially available in the ancillary dataset: Using a semi-supervised manifold alignment technique, we align the CNN image representation to a large set of word embeddings, therefore giving access to entire dictionaries of concepts. This allows us to obtain a list of new concept candidates to improve our understanding of the elements that contribute the most to the perception of scenicness. We do this without the need for any additional data by leveraging the commonalities in the visual and word vector spaces. Our results suggest that new and potentially useful concepts can be discovered by leveraging neighbourhood structures in the word vector spaces.
40Ar/39Ar Geochronology and New Mineralogical and Geochemical Data from Lamprophyres of Chompolo Field (South Yakutia, Russia)
Authors: Nikolenko Evgeny I. , Lobov Konstantin V. , Agashev Alexey M. , Tychkov Nikolay S. , Chervyakovskaya Maria V. , Sharygin Igor S. , Nikolenko Anna M.
Published: October 2020

The alkaline igneous rocks of the Chompolo field (Aldan shield, Siberian craton), previously defined as kimberlites or lamproites, are more correctly classified as low-Ti lamprophyres. The emplacement age of the Ogonek pipe (137.8 ± 1.2 Ma) and the Aldanskaya dike (157.0 ± 1.6 Ma) was obtained using 40Ar/39Ar K-richterite dating. The Chompolo rocks contain abundant xenocrysts of mantle minerals (chromium-rich pyropic garnets, Cr-diopsides, spinels, etc.). The composition of the mantle xenocrysts indicates the predominance of spinel and garnet–spinel lherzolites, while the presence of garnet lherzolites, dunites, harzburgites, and eclogites is minor. The Chompolo rocks are characterized by large-ion lithophile element (LILE) and Light Rare Earth Element (LREE) enrichments, and high field strength element (HFSE) depletions. The rocks of the Ogonek pipe have radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr (t) = 0.70775 and 0.70954), and highly unradiogenic εNd(t) (−20.03 and −20.44) isotopic composition. The trace element and isotopic characteristics of the Chompolo rocks are indicative of the involvement of subducted materials in their ancient enriched lithospheric mantle source. The Chompolo rocks were formed at the stage when the Mesozoic igneous activity was triggered by global tectonic events. The Chompolo field of alkaline magmatism is one of the few available geological objects, which provides the opportunity to investigate the subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the south part of the Siberian craton.
Polyphenol Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Instant Gruels Enriched with Lycium barbarum L. Fruit
Authors: Olech Marta , Kasprzak Kamila , Wójtowicz Agnieszka , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Nowak Renata , Waksmundzka-Hajnos Monika , Combrzyński Maciej , Gancarz Marek , Kowalska Iwona , Krajewska Anna , Oniszczuk Anna
Published: October 2020

Goji fruit (Lycium barbarum L.) has been identified as a polyphenolic compound plant source of noted richness. It also contains polysaccharides, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals, fatty and organic acids. The purpose of the presented research was to produce innovative instant corn gruels with various dry goji berry contents (1, 3 and 5%), to determine the level of included polyphenolic compounds (including individual free phenolic acids) and to assess the antioxidant properties of these functional-food products. A further objective was to identify the optimum value of one of the most important production parameter, the rotational speed of the extruder’s screw during gruel processing. The undertaken chromatographic analysis (LC-ESI-MS/MS) showed a wide variety of available phenolic acids. In the samples with 5% addition of fruit, eight phenolic acids were detected, whereas in the corn gruel without additives, only five were noted. The antioxidant activity, the content of free phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols increased with increase of the functional additive. For all goji content, screw speeds of 100 and 120 rpm rather than 80 rpm resulted in higher polyphenol amounts and greater Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, as well as higher ability to scavenge DPPH.
Synthesis, Characterisation and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Catalytically Active Indole-Based Half-Sandwich Complexes
Authors: Soldevila-Barreda Joan J. , Fawibe Kehinde B. , Azmanova Maria , Rafols Laia , Pitto-Barry Anaïs , Eke Uche B. , Barry Nicolas P. E.
Published: October 2020

The synthesis, characterisation and evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxicity of four indole-based half-sandwich metal complexes towards two ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and A2780cisR) and one normal prostate cell line (PNT2) are presented herein. Although capable of inducing catalytic oxidation of NADH and able to reduce NAD+ with high turnover frequencies, in cells and in the presence of sodium formate, these complexes also strongly interact with biomolecules such as glutathione. This work highlights that efficient out-of-cells catalytic activity might lead to higher reactivity towards biomolecules, thus inhibiting the in-cells catalytic processes.
1,6-Dehydropinidine Is an Abundant Compound in Picea abies (Pinaceae) Sprouts and 1,6-Dehydropinidine Fraction Shows Antibacterial Activity against Streptococcus equi Subsp. equi
Authors: Virjamo Virpi , Fyhrquist Pia , Koskinen Akseli , Lavola Anu , Nissinen Katri , Julkunen-Tiitto Riitta
Published: October 2020

Knowledge about the defensive chemistry of coniferous trees has increased in recent years regarding a number of alkaloid compounds; in addition to phenolics and terpenes. Here, we show that Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.), an important boreal zone tree species; accumulates 1,6-dehydropinidine (2-methyl-6-(2-propenyl)-1,6-piperideine) in its needles and bark. We reanalyzed previously published GC-MS data to obtain a full picture of 1,6-dehydropinidine in P. abies. 1,6-dehydropinidine appeared to especially accumulate in developing spring shoots. We used solid-phase partitioning to collect the alkaloid fraction of the sprouts and thin-layer chromatography to purify 1,6-dehydropinidine. The antibacterial properties of the 1,6-dehydropinidine fraction were tested using a broth microdilution method; with Streptococcus equi subsp. equi as a model organism. Based on our results 1,6-dehydropinidine is common in alkaloid extractions from P. abies (0.4 ± 0.03 mg g−1 dw in mature needles) and it is especially abundant in young spruce shoots (2.7 ± 0.5 mg g−1 dw). Moreover; 1,6-dehydropinidine extracted from P. abies sprouts showed mild antibacterial potential against Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (MIC 55 µg mL−1). The antibacterial activity of a plant compound thought of as an intermediate rather than an end-product of biosynthesis calls for more detailed studies regarding the biological function of these coniferous alkaloids
NIR-Fluorescent Hybrid Materials of Tm3+ Complexes Carried by Nano-SiO2 via Improved Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Wang Yanxin , Sun Qiuyu , Huang Linjun , Lu Peng , Wang Xiaozhen , Zhang Zhe , Wang Yao , Tang Jianguo , Belfiore Laurence A.
Published: October 2020

Tm3+ has obvious emission characteristics in the near-infrared band. Thulium ions combined with different organic ligands lead to different fluorescent properties. In the near-infrared region, Tm3+ is a down-conversion fluorescent material that is unstable under high temperature and acidic conditions. Moreover, in those complex environments, the fluorescence from Tm3+ complex is usually degraded. In this work, two kinds of near-infrared fluorescent complexes, Tm(TTA)3phen and Tm(DBM)3phen, were prepared, and the intensity of their fluorescence is compared. The fluorescence intensity at 802 nm is greatly improved compared with Tm(TTA)3phen, and the intensity of the emission at 1235 nm and 1400–1500 nm is also enhanced. Moreover, the emission lifetime of SiO2-Tm(TTA)3phen is 50.38 μs. Tm(TTA)3phen complex and SiO2-Tm(TTA)3phen hybrid materials have better fluorescence than Tm(DBM)3phen and SiO2-Tm(DBM)3phen. Therefore, HTTA is a better choice of organic ligands for Tm3+. The NIR-fluorescent hybrid materials prepared have stronger fluorescence after combining with nano-SiO2compared with pure Tm3+ complexes, and have stronger structural stability compared with pure nano-SiO2.