bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and design of a pulse‐closing vacuum switch for catenary fault detection
Authors: Zhang Mingzhi , Wang Yi , Wen Huabin , Li Peng , Wang Shuti
Published: April 2019

This study presents a novel pulse‐closing vacuum switch (PCVS) that is used for catenary fault detection and location. First, as the application background of PCVS, the principle theory of the fault detection and locating system is briefly introduced. Then, the PCVS is analysed and designed based on the detailed analysis of its working process and principle. To validate the performance of the designed PCVS, the multi‐physical domain co‐simulation numerical model is implemented using the ANSYS Maxwell and ANSYS Simplorer. Finally, a PCVS prototype is developed with permanent magnet closing and repulsive force opening to verify the simulation results. The simulations and experiments both approve that the contact time between the moveable contact and static contact can be controlled to be <6 ms. This meets the pulse‐closing technology requirement for the fault detection and locating system.
Global optimisation model and algorithm for unit restarting sequence considering black‐start zone partitioning
Authors: Gu Xueping , Zhou Guangqi , Li Shaoyan , Liu Tong
Published: April 2019

Unit restarting after a blackout is the basis of the overall restoration process for a power system. A reasonable restarting sequence of units may speed up the restoration process and reduce economic loss. In view of the situation that there are usually several black‐start sources in a large‐scale power system, a global optimisation method for unit restarting considering black‐start zone partitioning is proposed in this study. On the basis of the multiple time‐step modelling framework, the optimisation problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming model, with the objective functions to maximise the total‐weighted MWh output and minimise the links between the subsystems under various operational constraints. The hierarchical method based on generalised Benders decomposition is applied to decompose the optimisation problem into one master problem and two sub‐problems: (i) determination of the unit restarting sequence considering only the grouping of units and (ii) rationality check of unit grouping and check of operational constraints based on power flow calculation. The master problem and sub‐problems are alternately and iteratively solved until the optimal solution is obtained. The results of New England 10‐unit 39‐bus system and a practical power system in southwest China verify the validity of the proposed method.
Out‐of‐the‐loop crash prediction: the automation expectation mismatch (AEM) algorithm
Authors: Tivesten Emma , Victor Trent W. , Gustavsson Pär , Johansson Joel , Ljung Aust Mikael
Published: April 2019

This study uses behavioural data from the complete drive for a subset of 54 participants from the automation expectation mismatch set of test track experiments and aims to develop an algorithm that can predict which drivers are likely to crash. Participants experienced 30 min of highly reliable supervised automation and were required to intervene to avoid crashing with a stationary object at the end of the drive. Many of them still crashed, despite having their eyes on the conflict object. They were informed about their role as supervisors, automation limitations, and received attention reminders if visually distracted. Three pre‐conflict behavioural patterns were found to be associated with increased risk of crash involvement: low levels of visual attention to the forward path, high per cent road centre (i.e. gaze concentration), and long visual response times to attention reminders. One algorithm showed very high performance in classifying crashers when combining metrics related to all three behaviours. This algorithm is possible to implement as a real‐time function in eye‐tracker equipped vehicles. The algorithm can detect drivers that are not sufficiently engaged in the driving task, and provide feedback (e.g. reduce function performance, turn off function) to increase their engagement.
Virtual inertial support extraction using a super‐capacitor for a wind‐PMSG application
Authors: Hasan Nor Shahida , Rosmin Norzanah , Nordin Norjulia Mohamad , Hassan Mohammad Yusri
Published: April 2019

The replacement of a conventional synchronous generator (SG) with higher wind penetration greatly reduces the inertial support available for the system. Therefore, a new consideration – the dynamic frequency changes in a wind energy system using a super‐capacitor (SC) – is proposed here to provide faster, limitless, inertial response during load disturbances. By considering the dynamic frequency change in defining the power exchange between SC and network, this proposed method not only provides inertial and primary frequency response but is also able to avoid a second frequency dip. To avoid deep charge and discharge of SC, a simple energy management system (EMS) which considers the system frequency deviation and the state of charge (SOC) of SC is adopted in this technique. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is modelled in MATLAB/Simulink software. Comparative analyses between the proposed virtual inertial support (VIS)‐based SC and existing VIS control strategies are performed. The simulation results obtained prove that the proposed VIS greatly reduces the frequency nadir and peak frequency of the system during sudden load increase and decrease, respectively.
New shape descriptor in the context of edge continuity
Authors: Susan Seba , Agrawal Prachi , Mittal Minni , Bansal Srishti
Published: April 2019

The object contour is a significant cue for identifying and categorising objects. The current work is motivated by indicative researches that attribute object contours to edge information. The spatial continuity exhibited by the edge pixels belonging to the object contour make these different from the noisy edge pixels belonging to the background clutter. In this study, the authors seek to quantify the object contour from a relative count of the adjacent edge pixels that are oriented in the four possible directions, and measure using exponential functions the continuity of each edge over the next adjacent pixel in that direction. The resulting computationally simple, low‐dimensional feature set, called as ‘edge continuity features’, can successfully distinguish between object contours and at the same time discriminate intra‐class contour variations, as proved by the high accuracies of object recognition achieved on a challenging subset of the Caltech‐256 dataset. Grey‐to‐RGB template matching with City‐block distance is implemented that makes the object recognition pipeline independent of the actual colour of the object, but at the same time incorporates colour edge information for discrimination. Comparison with the state‐of‐the‐art validates the efficiency of the proposed approach.
The evolution of coronal mass ejections in the inner heliosphere: Implementing the spheromak model with EUHFORIA
Authors: Verbeke C. , Pomoell J. , Poedts S.
Published: April 2019

Aims. We introduce a new model for coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that has been implemented in the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) inner heliosphere model EUHFORIA. Utilising a linear force-free spheromak (LFFS) solution, the model provides an intrinsic magnetic field structure for the CME. As a result, the new model has the potential to predict the magnetic components of CMEs at Earth. In this paper, we present the implementation of the new model and show the capability of the new model.

Methods. We present initial validation runs for the new magnetised CME model by considering the same set of events as used in the initial validation run of EUHFORIA that employed the Cone model. In particular, we have focused on modelling the CME that was responsible for creating the largest geomagnetic disturbance (Dst index). Two scenarios are discussed: one where a single magnetised CME is launched and another in which we launch all five Earth-directed CMEs that were observed during the considered time period. Four out of the five CMEs were modelled using the Cone model.

Results. In the first run, where the propagation of a single magnetized CME is considered, we find that the magnetic field components at Earth are well reproduced as compared to in-situ spacecraft data. Considering a virtual spacecraft that is separated approximately seven heliographic degrees from the position of Earth, we note that the centre of the magnetic cloud is missing Earth and a considerably larger magnetic field strength can be found when shifting to that location. For the second run, launching four Cone CMEs and one LFFS CME, we notice that the simulated magnetised CME is arriving at the same time as in the corresponding full Cone model run. We find that to achieve this, the speed of the CME needs to be reduced in order to compensate for the expansion of the CME due to the addition of the magnetic field inside the CME. The reduced initial speed of the CME and the added magnetic field structure give rise to a very similar propagation of the CME with approximately the same arrival time at 1 au. In contrast to the Cone model, however, the magnetised CME is able to predict the magnetic field components at Earth. However, due to the interaction between the Cone model CMEs and the magnetised CME, the magnetic field amplitude is significantly lower than for the run using a single magnetised CME.

Conclusions. We have presented the LFFS model that is able to simulate and predict the magnetic field components and the propagation of magnetised CMEs in the inner heliosphere and at Earth. We note that shifting towards a virtual spacecraft in the neighbourhood of Earth can give rise to much stronger magnetic field components. This gives the option of adding a grid of virtual spacecrafts to give a range of values for the magnetic field components.
Spectroscopic orbits of nearby stars
Authors: Sperauskas J. , Deveikis V. , Tokovinin A.
Published: April 2019

Aims. We observed stars with variable radial velocities to determine their spectroscopic orbits.

Methods. Velocities are presented of 132 targets taken over a time span reaching 30 years. These were measured with the correlation radial velocity spectrometers (1917 velocities) and the new VUES echelle spectrograph (627 velocities), with a typical accuracy of 0.5 and 0.2 km s−1, respectively.

Results. We derived spectroscopic orbits of 57 stars (including 53 first-time orbits), mostly nearby dwarfs of spectral types K and M, with some being HIPPARCOS astrometric binaries. Their periods range from 2.2 days to 14 years. Comments on individual objects are provided. Many stars belong to hierarchical systems containing three or more components, including 20 new hierarchies resulting from this project. The preliminary orbit of the young star HIP 47110B has a large eccentricity e = 0.47 despite having a short period of 4.4 d; it could still be circularizing.

Conclusions. Our results enrich the data on nearby stars and contribute to a better definition of the multiplicity statistics.
Precancerous niche (PCN), a product of fibrosis with remodeling by incessant chronic inflammation
Authors: Brücher Björn L.D.M. , Jamall Ijaz S.
Published: April 2019

Fibroblasts are actively involved in the creation of the stroma and the extracellular matrix which are important for cell adhesion, cell–cell communication, and tissue metabolism. The role of fibrosis in carcinogenesis can be examined by analogy to tissues of various cancers. The orchestration of letters in the interplay of manifold components with signaling and crosstalk is incompletely understood but available evidence suggests a hitherto underappreciated role for fibrosis in carcinogenesis. Complex signaling and crosstalk by pathogenic stimuli evoke persistent subclinical inflammation, which in turn, results in a cascade of different cell types, ubiquitous proteins and their corresponding enzymes, cytokine releases, and multiple signaling pathways promoting the onset of fibrosis. There is considerable evidence that the body's attempt to resolve such a modified extracellular environment leads to further disruption of homeostasis and the genesis of the precancerous niche as part of the six-step process that describes carcinogenesis. The precancerous niche is formed and can be understood to develop as a result of (1) pathogenic stimulus, (2) chronic inflammation, and (3) fibrosis with alterations of the extracellular matrix, stromal rigidity, and mechano-transduction. This is why carcinogenesis is not just a process of aberrant cell growth with damaged genetic material but the role of the PCN in its entirety reveals how carcinogenesis can occur without invoking the need for somatic mutations.
Prelude and premise to the special issue: disruption of homeostasis-induced signaling and crosstalk in the carcinogenesis paradigm “Epistemology of the origin of cancer”
Authors: Brücher Björn L.D.M. , Jamall Ijaz S.
Published: April 2019

The vast majority of anticancer strategies are symptomatic but in order to achieve some tangible progress, we need to identify the cause(s) of the majority of cancers. There is a kind of zeitgeist that findings in genetics, namely somatic mutations, are reflexively viewed as being causative for carcinogenesis, although some 80% of all cancers are presently termed “sporadic” (i.e., with no proven cause). The observation that one inch of cancerous liver tissue can have more than 100 000 000 mutations and an identical mutation can result in different phenotypes, depending on the environment surrounding that mutation, makes it very unlikely that mutations by themselves are causative of most cancers. 4open debuts its Special Issue series with papers that provide strong evidence that carcinogenesis consists of a 6-step sequence (1) a pathogenic stimulus followed by (2) chronic inflammation from which develops (3) fibrosis with associated remodeling of the extracellular microenvironment, and from these changes a (4) precancerous niche (PCN), a product of fibrosis with remodeling by persistent inflammation develops which triggers the deployment of (5) a chronic stress escape strategy and when this fails to be resolved it results in (6) the normal cell to cancerous cell transition. This Special Issue contains separate papers discussing undervalued ubiquitous proteins, chronic inflammation, eicosanoids, microbiome and morbid obesity, PCN, cell transition, followed by altered signaling induced by Metformin, NF-κB signaling and crosstalk during carcinogenesis, and a brief synopsis. In essence, the available evidence, both in vitro and in vivo, lends credence to the proposition that the majority of cancers occur from a disruption of homeostasis-induced signaling and crosstalk in the carcinogenesis paradigm “Epistemology of the origin of cancer”.
Metformin alters signaling induced crosstalk and homeostasis in the carcinogenesis paradigm “Epistemology of the origin of cancer”
Authors: Brücher Björn L.D.M. , Jamall Ijaz S.
Published: April 2019

The anti-hyperglycemic drug, Metformin, is effective in treating early stages of diabetes and has been associated with a 37% decrease in cancer incidence. While the precise mechanisms for the anti-cancer effects of Metformin remain to be elucidated, this review shows the multiplicity of its effects on interdicting signaling and crosstalk, anti-inflammatory effects and in restoring homeostasis, which, taken together, go beyond its well-known anti-hyperglycemic effect that serves as the basis for its use in type 2 diabetes. Metformin is much more than a one-trick pony. The recent discovery of several signaling pathways influenced by Metformin appears to have potential value in cancer therapy. Based on what we know at present, Metformin promotes beneficial effects attributed to its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects largely demonstrated in vitro. Metformin activates or upregulates while it simultaneously inhibits or downregulates multiple signaling pathways of cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis accompanied by oxidative stress, which are in accordance with the 6-step sequence of carcinogenesis. Furthermore, in vivo studies in laboratory animals and in cancer patients are beginning to address the magnitude of the anti-cancer effects and delineate its anti-cancer effects. In this context, results from prior pancreatic and non-pancreatic cancer trials, which contained a significant proportion of the patient population treated with Metformin, will have to be reexamined in light of the observed anti-cancerous effects to gain additional insights. The detailed exploration of Metformin in the context of the “Disruption of signaling homeostasis induced crosstalk in the carcinogenesis paradigm Epistemology of the origin of cancer” can provide helpful insights into the anti-proliferative mechanisms and could play a relevant role in anti-cancer therapy in the future.
Theranostik von neuroendokrinen Tumoren
Authors: Bodei Lisa , Weber Wolfgang
Published: April 2019

Neuroendokrine Tumore sind eine heterogene Gruppe von Erkrankungen, die häufig spezifische Rezeptoren, Transporter und Enzyme exprimieren, die für die nuklearmedizinische Bildgebung und Therapie eingesetzt werden können. Insbesondere radioaktiv markierte Liganden der Somatostatinrezeptoren haben sich dabei als effektiv erwiesen. Die medikamentöse Therapie von neuroendokrinen Tumoren ist abhängig vom histologischen Differenzierungsgrad und der Tumorlokalisation. Durch randomisierte Studien wurde die Effektivität von Somatostatinanaloga nicht nur für die Behandlung von Symptomen, sondern auch zur Verlangsamung des Tumorwachstums, nachgewiesen. Der mTOR-Inhibitor Everolimus verlangsamt im Vergleich zu Placebo das Wachstum von neuroendokrinen Tumoren der Lunge, des Pankreas und des Gastrointestinaltrakts. Für den Multikinase-Inhibitor Sunitinib, der die tumorinduzierte Angiogenese hemmt, ist die Wirksamkeit nur für neuroendokrine Tumore des Pankreas nachgewiesen. Im Vergleich zu diesen medikamentösen Therapieansätzen kommt es durch die nuklearmedizinische Therapie mit deutlich höherer Wahrscheinlichkeit zu einem Therapieansprechen und einem längeren progressionsfreien Überleben im Vergleich zu Somatostatinanaloga. Dies wurde kürzlich auch durch eine randomisierte Studie bestätigt, die zur Zulassung von 177Lu-DOTA-TATE in Europa und den USA geführt hat. Eine randomisierte Studie, die 177Lu-DOTA-TOC mit Everolimus vergleicht, rekrutiert derzeit Patienten. Ob die Effektivität der nuklearmedizinischen Therapie durch den Einsatz von Somatostatinrezeptor-Antagonisten weiter gesteigert werden kann, wird ebenfalls in prospektiven Studien untersucht. Die Bedeutung von neuroendokrinen Tumoren für die Nuklearmedizin wird deshalb sehr wahrscheinlich weiter zunehmen.
Visfatin Level and The Risk of Hypertension and Cerebrovascular Accident: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yu Pu-liang , Wang Cheng , Li Wei , Zhang Feng-Xiao
Published: April 2019

High blood pressure is related with increased cerebrovascular accident. High visfatin / NAMPT(nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) plasma levels may promote vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and have been evaluated as a marker for identifying stages of essential hypertension. However, its role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is still uncertain. In order to review and meta-analyze observational studies investigating visfatin concentration and the risk for hypertension or CVA, a systematic search of PubMed, ovid EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) until December 07, 2016 was performed. After data extraction and quality assessment, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and STATA 14.0. A total of 1693 adults from 8 studies for hypertension (974 with hypertension) and 1696 adults from 7 CVA studies (957 with CVA) were enrolled in the current meta-analysis. Cochran’s Q-statistic and I2 test were applied to estimate the heterogeneity of the studies. The fixed-effects were used to compute the weighted mean difference in visfatin levels. Plasma visfatin concentration was much higher in hypertension and CVA patients than in healthy individuals. These evidences suggested the association of hypertension and CVA with higher plasma visfatin level.
Middle East and North African Health Informatics Association (MENAHIA): A New Opportunity for the Region
Authors: Alshammari Riyad , Al-Shorbaji Najeeb , Ahmed Zakiuddin , Al-Hamadan Zaid , Alshammari Abdulwahhab , El Hassan Osama , Alhuwail Dari , Al Salmi Salim , Al-Jafar Eiman , Ghazal Hassan
Published: April 2019

During the 2018 IMIA General Assembly (GA) held on Oct 2018 in Sri Lanka, a new organization, the Middle East and North African Health Informatics Association (MENAHIA) was established as a regional non-governmental organization to promote Health Informatics in the region. Health Informatics activities in applications, education, and research have been growing in the Middle East and North African region for many years. Over the past year, health informatics initiatives within the region focused on the education sector and the workforce. The need to enhance the education delivery and methods is essential in promoting Health Informatics in the region as well as establishing master programs in many countries within the region.

This paper provides an overview of the variety of initiatives that are occurring in the region and are endorsed by MENAHIA.
Plant complex type free N-glycans occur in tomato xylem sap
Authors: Tsujimori Yuta , Ogura Mikako , Rahman Md Ziaur , Maeda Megumi , Kimura Yoshinobu
Published: April 2019

Free N-glycans (FNGs) are ubiquitous in growing plants. Further, acidic peptide:N-glycanase is believed to be involved in the production of plant complex-type FNGs (PCT-FNGs) during the degradation of dysfunctional glycoproteins. However, the distribution of PCT-FNGs in growing plants has not been analyzed. Here, we report the occurrence of PCT-FNGs in the xylem sap of the stem of the tomato plant.

Abbreviations: RP-HPLC: reversed-phase HPLC; SF-HPLC: size-fractionation HPLC; PA-: pyridylamino; PCT: plant complex type; Hex: hexose; HexNAc: N-acetylhexosamine; Pen: pentose; Deoxyhex: deoxyhexose; Man: D-mannose; GlcNAc: N-acetyl-D-glucosamine; Xyl: D-xylose; Fuc: L-fucose; Lea: Lewis a (Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc); PCT: plant complex type; M3FX: Manα1-6(Manα1-3)(Xylβ1-2)Manβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc-PA; GN2M3FX: GlcNAcβ1-2Manα1-6(GlcNAcβ1-2Manα1-3)(Xylβ1-2)Manβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc-PA; (Lea)1GN1M3FX: Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc1-2 Manα1-6(GlcNAcβ1-2Manα1-3)(Xylβ1-2)Manβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc-PA or GlcNAc1-2Manα1-6(Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc1-2Manα1-3)(Xylβ1-2)Manβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc-PA.
Analysis of metabolites in Japanese alcoholic beverage sake made from the sake riceKoshitanrei
Authors: Ichikawa Eri , Hirata Shougo , Hata Yuko , Yazawa Hisashi , Tamura Hiroyasu , Kaneoke Mitsuoki , Iwashita Kazuhiro , Hirata Dai
Published: April 2019

In sake brewing, the steamed rice is used in two ways, added to sake-mash (as kake-mai) and making koji. The rice is an important determinant for the quality of sake, as the metabolites in sake affect its taste/aroma. The sake rice Koshitanrei (KOS) was developed in Niigata Prefecture by genetically crossing two sake rice, Gohyakumangoku and Yamadanishiki. However, the metabolites in sake from KOS have not been analyzed. Here, to investigate the characteristic metabolites in sake from KOS, we performed two types of small-scale sake-fermentation tests changing only the rice used for kake-mai or total rice (both kake-mai and koji) by these three rice cultivars and examined the effect of KOS on sake metabolites by the metabolome analysis method using UPLC-QTOF-MS. We identified the peaks/metabolites, whose intensity in sake from KOS was higher/lower than those from the other cultivars. The brewing properties of KOS were partially characterized by this analysis.
Single nanowire defined emission properties of ZnO nanowire arrays
Authors: Hollinger Richard , Gupta Dishiti , Zapf Maximilian , Röder Robert , Kartashov Daniil , Ronning Carsten , Spielmann Christian
Published: April 2019

We report on stimulated emission from vertically aligned, vapor transport grown, ZnO nanowire arrays, and pumped by three-photon absorption in intense near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses. In respect to single nanowires, arrays have the advantage of a higher light absorption and emission rate. The intensity and bandwidth of the emitted ultraviolet radiation as a function of the pump intensity is compared for nanowire arrays with different wire lengths, diameters, and spacing. The measured lasing thresholds for all arrays can be well described by the geometry of individual nanowire lasers, showing that coupling effects between the individual emitters in the arrays are negligible, even for the smallest 100 nm diameter wires with an average distance of 200 nm.
Nanofabricated tips for device-based scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Leeuwenhoek Maarten , Norte Richard A , Bastiaans Koen M , Cho Doohee , Battisti Irene , Blanter Yaroslav M , Gröblacher Simon , Allan Milan P
Published: April 2019

We report on the fabrication and performance of a new kind of tip for scanning tunneling microscopy. By fully incorporating a metallic tip on a silicon chip using modern micromachining and nanofabrication techniques, we realize so-called smart tips and show the possibility of device-based STM tips. Contrary to conventional etched metal wire tips, these can be integrated into lithographically defined electrical circuits. We describe a new fabrication method to create a defined apex on a silicon chip and experimentally demonstrate the high performance of the smart tips, both in stability and resolution. In situ tip preparation methods are possible and we verify that they can resolve the herringbone reconstruction and Friedel oscillations on Au(111) surfaces. We further present an overview of possible applications.
Spectral hardening of cosmic ray protons and helium nuclei in supernova remnant shocks *
Authors: Lin Wen-Hui , Bao Bi-Wen , Jiang Ze-Jun , Zhang Li
Published: April 2019

The observed hardening of the spectra of cosmic ray protons and helium nuclei is studied within the model of nonlinear diffusive shock acceleration of supernova remnants (SNRs). In this model, the injected particles with energies below the spectral " knee” are assumed to be described by two populations with different spectral indexes around 200 GeV. The high-energy population is dominated by the particles with energies above 200 GeV released upstream of the shock of SNR, and the low-energy population is attributed to the particles with energies below 200 GeV released downstream of the shock of SNR. In this scenario, the spectral hardening of cosmic ray protons and helium nuclei observed by PAMELA, AMS-02, and CREAM experiments can be reproduced.
Constituent counting rule and the production of

at high energies *
Authors: Dong Yubing , Shen Pengnian
Published: April 2019

The constituent counting rule, determining the scaling behavior of the transition amplitudes in an exclusive process at high energies, is applied to probe the internal structure of the newly observed

resonance. Several selected exclusive processes at high energies for the production of

are discussed. Results of two structural scenarios for

, a hexaquark dominant compact system in the quark degrees of freedom, and a

three-body bound state in the hadronic degrees of freedom, are analyzed and compared. A rather remarkable difference between the results of these two scenarios for the mentioned processes are addressed.
Second to tenth order susceptibilities of conserved charges within a modified Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model *
Authors: Fan Wenkai , Luo Xiaofeng , Zong Hongshi
Published: April 2019

We discuss the sign and energy dependence of second to tenth order susceptibilities of the baryon number, charge number, and strangeness for the analysis of critical conditions in heavy ion collisions in the LHC and RHIC by applying a modified Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model. This model is fitted to the quark condensate of the lattice QCD result at finite temperature and zero baryon chemical potential. The presence of a critical point made these susceptibilities deviate considerably from a Hadron-Resonance-Gas model that shows no criticality. The sign, magnitude, and energy dependence of these higher order fluctuations hint towards the existence and location of a critical point that could be discovered in future heavy ion collision experiments.
Jet shape modification at LHC energies by JEWEL *
Authors: Wan Ren-Zhuo , Ding Lei , Gui Xi , Yang Fan , Li Shuang , Zhou Dai-Cui
Published: April 2019

Jet shape measurements are employed to explore the microscopic evolution mechanisms of parton-medium interaction in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. In this study, jet shape modifications are quantified in terms of the fragmentation function

, relative momentum

, density of charged particles

, jet angularity

, jet momentum dispersion

, and

for proton-proton (pp) collisions at 0.9, 2.76, 5.02, 7, and 13 TeV, as well as for lead-lead collisions at 2.76 TeV and 5.02 TeV by JEWEL. A differential jet shape parameter

is proposed and studied at a smaller jet radius

. The results indicate that the medium has the dominant effect on jet shape modification, which also has a weak dependence on the center-of-mass energy. Jet fragmentation is enhanced significantly at very low

, and fragmented jet constituents are linearly spread to larger jet-radii for

. The waveform attenuation phenomena is observed in

,

, and

distributions. The results obtained for

from

to

, where the wave-like distribution in

collision is ahead of

collisions at small jet-radii, indicates a strong medium effect.
Cloud cover and delayed herbivory relative to timing of spring onset interact to dampen climate change impacts on net ecosystem exchange in a coastal Alaskan wetland
Authors: Leffler A Joshua , Beard Karen H , Kelsey Katharine C , Choi Ryan T , Schmutz Joel A , Welker Jeffrey M
Published: April 2019

Rapid warming in northern ecosystems over the past four decades has resulted in earlier spring, increased precipitation, and altered timing of plant–animal interactions, such as herbivory. Advanced spring phenology can lead to longer growing seasons and increased carbon (C) uptake. Greater precipitation coincides with greater cloud cover possibly suppressing photosynthesis. Timing of herbivory relative to spring phenology influences plant biomass. None of these changes are mutually exclusive and their interactions could lead to unexpected consequences for Arctic ecosystem function. We examined the influence of advanced spring phenology, cloud cover, and timing of grazing on C exchange in the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta of western Alaska for three years. We combined advancement of the growing season using passive-warming open-top chambers (OTC) with controlled timing of goose grazing (early, typical, and late season) and removal of grazing. We also monitored natural variation in incident sunlight to examine the C exchange consequences of these interacting forcings. We monitored net ecosystem exchange of C (NEE) hourly using an autochamber system. Data were used to construct daily light curves for each experimental plot and sunlight data coupled with a clear-sky model was used to quantify daily and seasonal NEE over a range of incident sunlight conditions. Cloudy days resulted in the largest suppression of NEE, reducing C uptake by approximately 2 g C m−2 d−1 regardless of the timing of the season or timing of grazing. Delaying grazing enhanced C uptake by approximately 3 g C m−2 d−1. Advancing spring phenology reduced C uptake by approximately 1.5 g C m−2 d−1, but only when plots were directly warmed by the OTCs; spring advancement did not have a long-term influence on NEE. Consequently, the two strongest drivers of NEE, cloud cover and grazing, can have opposing effects and thus future growing season NEE will depend on the magnitude of change in timing of grazing and incident sunlight.
Contractual issues for Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based construction projects: An exploratory case study
Authors: Huzaimi Abd Jamil Ahmad , Syazli Fathi Mohamad
Published: April 2019

Building Information Modelling (BIM) enables close collaboration among project stakeholders to visualize what is to be built in a simulated environment by identifying any potential design, construction or operational issues. Despite the fact of its well-documented benefits, the extensive integration of BIM throughout the project lifecycle remains sporadic. The conventional contracts used in the Malaysian construction industry were established before the development of BIM. As BIM becoming ingrain in the delivery process, the inadequacies of these existing contracts have become visible. This paper presents the results of an exploratory case study using Qualitative Content Analysis dedicated to a BIM project and discusses a procurement approach of BIM to establish the contractual context by addressing the legal and contractual impediments namely; intellectual property, liability and process related risks-allocation in a Malaysian public construction. This paper also outlines the reasons why the implementation of BIM will foster the evolution of integrated contract delivery methods.
Quantum spin Hall phase in honeycomb nanoribbons with two different atoms: edge shape effect to bulk-edge correspondence
Authors: Kondo Kenji , Ito Ren
Published: April 2019

In this study, we consider a quantum spin Hall (QSH) phase in both the zigzag and the armchair type of honeycomb nanoribbons with two different atoms from the viewpoint of bulk-edge correspondence. Generally, the QSH phase in honeycomb nanoribbons is determined by the topology of the bulk Hamiltonian. However, the armchair type of nanoribbons seems to become the QSH phase in a very different region compared with bulk materials. On the other hand, the zigzag type of nanoribbons seems to become the QSH phase in almost the same region as bulk materials. We study the reason why the QSH phase in nanoribbons seems to be different from that of bulk materials using the extended Kane-Mele Hamiltonian. As a result, there is a clear difference in the edge states in the QSH phase between the zigzag and the armchair type of nanoribbons. We find that the QSH phase region in nanoribbons is actually different from that of bulk materials. This is because the coherence lengths of edge wave functions of nanoribbons are extremely influenced by their edge-shapes. We can conclude that the bulk-edge correspondence does not hold for relatively narrow nanoribbons compared with their coherence lengths and that the edge shapes of nanoribbons make their coherence lengths of edge wavefunctions different, which largely influences the QSH phase.
Quasimodular moonshine and arithmetic connections
Authors: Beneish Lea
Published: April 2019

We prove the existence of a module for the largest Mathieu group, whose trace functions are weight

2
2

quasimodular forms. Restricting to the subgroup fixing a point, we see that the integrality of these functions is equivalent to certain divisibility conditions on the number of

F

p

\mathbb {F}_p

points on Jacobians of modular curves. Extending such expressions to arbitrary primes, we find trace functions for modules of cyclic groups of prime order with similar connections. Moreover, for cyclic groups we give an explicit vertex operator algebra construction whose trace functions are given only in terms of weight

2
2

Eisenstein series.
John Wesley and the origins of Methodism
Authors: Abraham William J.
Published: April 2019

‘John Wesley and the origins of Methodism’ explains that John Wesley never had any intention to form a movement or church. The early life of John Wesley and his brother Charles is described. In the 1730s, his life was redirected from academia in a series of developments that led him to become an extraordinary evangelist and spiritual director. Preaching in the open air was the first of many innovations for Wesley and was pivotal in the spread of Methodism. By the early 1750s, Methodism had become an evangelical order within the Church of England. The severe challenges faced by Methodism and the spread of Methodism to North America are also described.
The decline of Methodism
Authors: Abraham William J.
Published: April 2019

A report, Statistics in Mission, issued in 2014 tracked the decline of Methodists in Britain over a ten-year period. It showed a 3.7 per cent year-on-year decline and a reduction of 29.35 per cent overall. This decline is part of the wider decline of Christianity in the Anglo-Saxon and Celtic world. Although not as bad, a similar story is seen in the United States. ‘The decline of Methodism’ considers the various theories for this decline—including the increased secularization in the West and the intellectual changes in British culture with the rise of science—and some of the solutions proposed by the Methodist church to resolve the problem.
Future prospects of Methodism
Authors: Abraham William J.
Published: April 2019

‘Future prospects of Methodism’ considers the main options currently in play for the survival of Methodism. If Methodism is to have a future, there needs to be a recovery of nerve about its origins, its message, its practices, and its mission. Equally there needs to be a fresh way of thinking about Methodism as a full-scale church in the history of Christianity. The present prospects of fresh division open up the way for a new conversation about Methodist identity that can shape what it will become in the future. One thing is sure: Methodism will survive.
5. Forbidden reading
Authors: Jack Belinda
Published: April 2019

Censorship, book burnings, and secret reading highlight the relationship between reading and power, and hence the relationship between limiting access to reading and political control. But from the very beginning there have been dissidents who refused to give up the intellectual freedom provided by their reading in the face of despotic regimes. ‘Forbidden reading’ considers the history of book burnings undertaken by repressive political regimes, religious authorities, and maverick leaders. It also discusses the Inquisitions and indexes of banned books first led by the Roman Catholic Church, but then later by other religions. Finally, it looks at different forms of censorship, including press censorship during times of war, censorship of ‘undesirable’ content, and self-censorship.
American Foreign Relations: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Preston Andrew
Published: April 2019

For better or worse, be it militarily, politically, economically, technologically, or culturally, Americans have had a profound impact on the wider world beyond them. American Foreign Relations: A Very Short Introduction analyzes the key episodes, themes, and individuals in the history of American foreign relations. While discussing diplomacy and the periods of war that have shaped national and international history, it also addresses such topics as industrialization, globalization, imperialism, and immigration. Covering the American Revolution through the War on Terror, it examines the connections between domestic politics and foreign affairs, as well as the importance of ideals and values.
G-OnRamp: a Galaxy-based platform for collaborative annotation of eukaryotic genomes
Authors: Liu Yating , Sargent Luke , Leung Wilson , Elgin Sarah C R , Goecks Jeremy
Published: April 2019

G-OnRamp provides a user-friendly, web-based platform for collaborative, end-to-end annotation of eukaryotic genomes using UCSC Assembly Hubs and JBrowse/Apollo genome browsers with evidence tracks derived from sequence alignments, ab initio gene predictors, RNA-Seq data and repeat finders. G-OnRamp can be used to visualize large genomics datasets and to perform collaborative genome annotation projects in both research and educational settings.

Availability and implementation

The virtual machine images and tutorials are available on the G-OnRamp web site (http://g-onramp.org/deployments). The source code is available under an Academic Free License version 3.0 through the goeckslab GitHub repository (https://github.com/goeckslab).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Soil Available Water Holding Capacity Can Alter the Reproductive Performance of Mountain Pine Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Jack Pine (Pinales: Pinaceae) Through Phloem Nitrogen Concentration
Authors: Hussain Altaf , Classens Gail , Guevara-Rozo Sydne , Erbilgin Nadir
Published: April 2019

Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytidae) has recently invaded novel jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb., Pinales: Pinaceae) forests in western Canada. Jack pine seems to be a suitable host for mountain pine beetle, but how growing conditions influence jack pine’s quality as a host, and hence, its susceptibility for mountain pine beetle, is unknown. Specifically, how soil nutrient concentrations and available water holding capacity (AWHC) affect jack pine quality should be investigated. Host plant quality is an important determinant of mountain pine beetle host colonization and reproduction and is usually assessed by primary (nutrients) and secondary (defense chemistry) constituents of host phloem. We evaluated mountain pine beetle host acceptance and brood production by recording the percentage of female mountain pine beetle that entered the phloem and oviposited in 30 jack pine bolts from two sites that differed in soil nutrient concentrations and AWHC. We also compared the concentrations of phloem nutrients and defense monoterpenes among the selected trees and found that trees at the Low AWHC site had higher amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Monoterpene concentrations did not differ among trees at the two sites. Host acceptance by and brood production of mountain pine beetle were greater in bolts from the Low AWHC site. We conclude that AWHC of the soil may influence mountain pine beetle host acceptance and brood production through altering host plant quality, particularly nitrogen in the phloem, and will potentially influence any further range expansion of the beetle in eastern North America.
β-glucan suppresses cell death of ASC deficient macrophages invaded by periodontopathic bacteria through the caspase-11 pathway
Authors: Inoue Maki , Okinaga Toshinori , Usui Michihiko , Kawano Aki , Thongsiri Chuencheewit , Nakashima Keisuke , Ariyoshi Wataru , Nishihara Tatsuji
Published: April 2019

β-glucan is an abundant cell wall component of fungi and yeast. Dectin-1, a β-glucan receptor, plays an important regulatory role in the natural immunity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of β-glucan on mouse macrophages that had been invaded by the periodontopathic bacterium, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Exposure to curdlan, a type of β-glucan, suppressed cell death and led to the accumulation of a sub-G1-phase population upon A. actinomycetemcomitans invasion under conditions of constitutive expression of dectin-1. Members of the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat-containing (NLR) protein family, such as NLR protein 3 (NLRP3), NLR family apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP), and NLR family CARD domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4), as well as an associated protein, caspase-11, were clearly detected in A. actinomycetemcomitans-invaded control RAW cells (c-RAW cells; negative control). Interestingly, NAIP expression was upregulated and caspase-11 expression was downregulated by dectin-1 activity in A. actinomycetemcomitans-invaded dectin-1 overexpressing RAW 264.7 cells (d-RAW cells), suggesting that dectin-1 in macrophages regulates cell death upon A. actinomycetemcomitans invasion. These results support a potential correlation between dectin-1 and regulation of cell death in macrophages.
CCR7-deficient mice exhibit a delayed antigen-specific mucosal IgA antibody response to an oral recombinantSalmonellastrain
Authors: Hashizume-Takizawa Tomomi , Kobayashi Ryoki , Tsuzukibashi Osamu , Saito Masanori , Kurita-Ochiai Tomoko
Published: April 2019

The migration of antigen (Ag)-loading dendritic cells (DCs) from Peyer's patches (PPs) to the draining mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) via chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) is thought to be an important step in the initiation of acquired immunity. Our previous study showed that PPs were indispensable for Ag-specific secretory (S)IgA antibody (Ab) responses against oral recombinant Salmonella (rSalmonella). In this study, we attempted to show direct PP DC migration to MLNs by employing photoconvertible protein transgenic mice and investigated the role of the CCR7 signaling pathway in mucosal IgA induction. Our results demonstrated an actual flux of DCs from PPs to MLNs. The frequency of CCR7+ CD11c+ DCs in MLNs of PP-deficient mice was reduced, suggesting that some PP DCs migrated via CCR7. Immunization of CCR7−/− mice elicited significantly lower levels of Ag-specific SIgA Ab responses, which was associated with diminished formation of the germinal center in PPs. However, increased SIgA Ab production and dissemination of rSalmonella were observed at later time points. These results suggest that, although CCR7 was required for SIgA induction at normal velocity, the CCR7-mediated pathway is not essential for the induction of Ag-specific SIgA Ab responses to rSalmonella.
Lactic acid bacteria decrease Salmonella enterica Javiana virulence and modulate host inflammation during infection of an intestinal epithelial cell line
Authors: Burkholder Kristin M , Fletcher Dylan H , Gileau Lauren , Kandolo Arnold
Published: April 2019

Salmonella enterica Javiana is a leading cause of severe foodborne Salmonellosis. Despite its emergence as a major foodborne pathogen, little is known of how S. Javiana interacts with intestinal epithelial cells, or of potential methods for ameliorating the bacterial-host interaction. Using cell-based adhesion, invasion and lactate dehydrogenase release assays, we observed an invasive and cytotoxic effect of S. Javiana on intestinal epithelial cells. We assessed the effect of probiotic species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the S. Javiana-host cell interaction, and hypothesized that LAB would reduce S. Javiana infectivity. Salmonella enterica Javiana invasion was significantly impaired in host cells pre-treated with live Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. In addition, pre-exposure of host cells to live L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus and L. casei reduced S. Javiana-induced cytotoxicity, while heat-killed LAB cultures had no effect on S. Javiana invasion or cytotoxicity. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that S. Javiana exposed to L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus exhibited reduced virulence gene expression. Moreover, pre-treating host cells with LAB prior to S. Javiana infection reduced host cell production of inflammatory cytokines. Data suggest a potential protective effect of L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus and L. casei against intestinal epithelial infection and pathogen-induced damage caused by S. Javiana.