bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simulation-Based Evaluation of Commercial Port Sampling Programs for the Gulf and Atlantic Menhaden Fisheries
Authors: Nesslage Geneviève M. , Leaf Robert T. , Wilberg Michael J. , Mroch Raymond M. , Schueller Amy M.
Published: May 2020

Biological data that are collected in commercial port sampling programs are a critical component of the assessment and management of Gulf Menhaden Brevoortia patronus and Atlantic Menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus. The menhaden port sampling program represents one of the longest continuous commercial sampling efforts in the United States; however, this sampling program has not been evaluated recently to determine whether the program adequately characterizes the size and age structure of the catch despite significant changes in the spatial extent and magnitude of the fisheries in the last three decades. We conducted a simulation study to evaluate current menhaden fishery sampling targets and to examine the relative performance of a suite of alternative targets. To simulate data collection, we conducted a bootstrap analysis of the observed port sampling data. These observations were resampled with replacement across a range of current and alternative combinations of number of trips and fish sampled per trip. At the current target for sampling intensity and allocation, the mean sample weight and proportions at age for ages 2 and 3 are well characterized in both the Gulf and Atlantic menhaden fisheries. The proportions of age-1 fish in the catch differed by stock and region, with samples from the northern Atlantic regions displaying the greatest uncertainty overall. The proportions of age-4 and older fish were poorly characterized in both fisheries, which is likely due to their rarity in the population (Gulf) and lack of spatial overlap between the fishery and the stratified distribution of menhaden by age along the coast (Atlantic). Our results indicate that reducing the number of fish that is sampled per trip from the current target of 10 to as few as four would have a minimal effect on estimates of mean size and proportions at age in the catch. Increasing the number of sampled trips will not greatly improve the characterization of catch size or age composition.
Targeting of peptide‐binding receptors on cancer cells with peptide‐drug conjugates
Authors: Worm Dennis J. , Els‐Heindl Sylvia , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: May 2020

Specifically addressing cell surface molecules on cancer cells facilitates targeted cancer therapies that offer the potential to selectively destroy malignant cells, while sparing healthy tissue. Thus, undesired side‐effects in tumor patients are highly reduced. Peptide‐binding receptors are frequently overexpressed on cancer cells and therefore promising targets for selective tumor therapy. In this review, peptide‐binding receptors for anti‐cancer drug delivery are summarized with a focus on peptide ligands as delivery agents. In the first part, some of the most studied peptide‐binding receptors are presented, and the ghrelin receptor and the Y1 receptor are introduced as more recent targets for cancer therapy. Furthermore, nonpeptidic small molecules for receptor targeting on cancer cells are outlined. In the second part, peptide conjugates for the delivery of therapeutic cargos in cancer therapy are described. The essential properties of receptor‐targeting peptides are specified, and recent developments in the fields of classical peptide‐drug conjugates with toxic agents, radiolabeled peptides for radionuclide therapy, and boronated peptides for boron neutron capture therapy are presented.
Genome‐wide and expression‐profiling analyses of the cytochrome P450 genes in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and screening of candidate P450 genes associated with malathion resistance
Authors: Jing Tian‐Xing , Wang Di‐Fei , Ma Yun‐Peng , Zeng Li‐Li , Meng Li‐Wei , Zhang Qiang , Dou Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a notorious agricultural pest worldwide, and its resistance to insecticides is a major obstacle in successful control. Cytochrome P450s (P450s) are major metabolic enzymes associated with insecticide resistance. The genome of B. dorsalis was sequenced recently, allowing an integrated genome‐wide analysis of P450 genes (P450s) and the analysis of correlations between these genes and insecticide resistance in this pest.

RESULTS

Totally, 101 P450s were identified in the B. dorsalis genome and classified into four clans, 25 families and 57 subfamilies. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results showed that most of these genes were highly expressed in adults (46) and in metabolic tissues, including the fatbody (63), midgut (61) and Malphagian tubules (66). In a malathion‐resistant strain, 13 and 9 genes were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, compared with a susceptible strain, and these genes were screened as candidate genes associated with malathion resistance.

CONCLUSION

This study provides useful information for understanding the evolution and potential functions of P450s in B. dorsalis, and the results lay the foundation for further studies on the correlations between P450s and malathion resistance in B. dorsalis. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietary RNAi toxicity assay exhibits differential responses to ingested dsRNAs among lady beetles
Authors: Pan Huipeng , Yang Xiaowei , Romeis Jörg , Siegfried Blair D , Zhou Xuguo
Published: May 2020

Background

Most recently, major federal regulatory agencies deregulated an in planta RNA interference (RNAi) trait against a devastating corn pest, the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, in the United States and Canada. The impact of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) plant‐incorporated protectants (PIPs) and dietary RNAi to non‐target organisms, however, still needs further investigation. In this study, we assessed the potential risks of a Diabrotica virgifera virgifera active dsRNA to a group of predatory biological control agents, including Hippodamia convergens, Harmonia axyridis, Coleomegilla maculata, and Coccinella septempunctata. The overarching hypothesis is that the insecticidal dsRNA targeting Diabrotica virgifera virgifera has no or negligible adverse effect on lady beetles.

Results

A 400‐bp fragment with the highest sequence similarity between target and tested species was selected as the template for dsRNA synthesis. For the dietary RNAi toxicity assay, newly hatched first instar larvae were administered with v‐ATPase A dsRNAs designed from Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and the four lady beetles, respectively. A dsRNA from β‐glucuronidase (GUS), a plant gene, and H2O were served as the negative controls. The endpoint included both sub‐organismal (gene expression), and organismal (survival rate, development time, pupa and adult weight) measurements. The results from dietary RNAi toxicity assay demonstrate significantly impacts of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera‐active dsRNAs on lady beetles under the worst‐case scenario at both transcriptional and phenotypic level. Interestingly, substantial differences among the four lady beetle species were observed toward the ingested exogenous dsRNAs.

Conclusion

Such differential response to dietary RNAi may shed light on the mechanisms underlying the mode‐of‐action of RNAi‐based biopesticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Locomotor behaviour promotes stability of the patchy distribution of slugs in arable fields: Tracking the movement of individual Deroceras reticulatum
Authors: Forbes Emily , Back Matthew A , Brooks Andrew , Petrovskaya Natalia B , Petrovskii Sergei V , Pope Tom W , Walters Keith FA
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The distribution of the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum Müller) in arable fields is characterised by patches containing higher slug densities dispersed within areas of lower densities. Behavioural responses that lead to the spatial/temporal stability of these patches are poorly understood, thus this study investigated behavioural mechanisms underpinning slug distribution using a new method for long‐term tracking of individual slug movement in the field.

RESULTS

A technique for implanting radio frequency identification (RFID) tags (each with a unique identification code) beneath the body wall of slugs was developed. Laboratory tests indicated no consistent detrimental effect on survival, feeding, egg laying or locomotor behaviour (velocity, distance travelled). Movement of individual slugs above and below the soil surface was recorded for >5 weeks (in spring and autumn) in winter wheat fields. Most (~80%) foraged within a limited area; and at the end of the observation period were located at a mean distance of 78.7 ± 33.7 cm (spring) or 101.9 ± 24.1 cm (autumn) from their release point. The maximum detected distance from the release point was 408.8 cm. The remaining slugs (~20%) moved further away and ultimately were lost.

CONCLUSIONS

RFID tagging allowed continuous tracking of individual slugs, even below the soil surface. Localised movement of 80% of tracked slugs over 5 weeks offers a mechanism promoting stable slug patches in arable crops. Rapid dispersal of the remaining slugs facilitates exchange of individuals between patches. Precision targeting of pesticides at such stable slug patches may facilitate reduced usage. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A novel role for α‐viniferin in suppressing angiogenesis by blocking the VEGFR‐2/p70S6K signaling pathway
Authors: Cho Young‐Rak , Ahn Eun‐Kyung , Park Young Jin , Park Kyuhee , Hong Seong‐Su , Seo Dong‐Wan , Oh Joa Sub
Published: May 2020

Angiogenesis plays important roles in pathological conditions such as cancer and inflammation as well as normal tissue development and homeostasis. Here, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of α‐viniferin, an oligostilbene isolated from Caragana sinica, on human umbilical vein endothelial cell responses in vitro and angiogenic sprouting in aortic rings ex vivo. α‐viniferin treatment inhibited mitogen‐induced HUVEC proliferation by retinoblastoma protein hypophosphorylation. In addition, α‐viniferin suppressed mitogen‐induced HUVEC adhesion, migration, invasion, and microvessel outgrowth. These anti‐angiogenic activities of α‐viniferin might be mediated through downregulation of cell cycle‐related proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2), and matrix metalloproteinase‐2. Furthermore, inactivation of VEGFR‐2/p70 ribosomal S6 kinase signaling pathway was found to be involved in α‐viniferin‐mediated modulation of endothelial cell responses. Our results demonstrate the pharmacological functions and molecular mechanisms of α‐viniferin in regulating angiogenesis, suggesting the therapeutic potential of α‐viniferin to treat and prevent various angiogenesis‐related diseases.
A consistent interpretation of the stochastic version of the Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: May 2020

Ensemble Kalman Filters are used extensively in all geoscience areas. Often a stochastic variant is used, in which each ensemble member is updated via the Kalman Filter equation with an extra perturbation in the innovation. These perturbations are essential for the correct ensemble spread in a stochastic Ensemble Kalman Filter, and are applied either to the observations or to the modelled observations. This paper investigates if there is a preference for either of these two perturbation methods. Both versions lead to the same posterior mean and covariance when the prior and the likelihood are Gaussian in the state. However, ensemble verification methods, Bayes' Theorem and the Best Linear Unbiased Estimate (BLUE) suggest that one should perturb the modelled observations. Furthermore, it is known that in non‐Gaussian settings the perturbed modelled observation scheme is preferred, illustrated here for a skewed likelihood. Existing reasons for the perturbed observation scheme are shown to be incorrect, and no new arguments in favour of that scheme have been found. Finally, a new and consistent derivation and interpretation of the stochastic version of the EnKF equations is derived based on perturbing modelled observations. It is argued that these results have direct consequences for (iterative) Ensemble Kalman Filters and Smoothers, including “perturbed observation” 3D‐ and 4D‐Vars, both in terms of internal consistency and implementation.
Toward Valley‐Coupled Spin Qubits
Authors: Goh Kuan Eng Johnson , Bussolotti Fabio , Lau Chit Siong , Kotekar‐Patil Dharmraj , Ooi Zi En , Chee Jing Yee
Published: May 2020

The bid for scalable physical qubits has attracted many possible candidate platforms. In particular, spin‐based qubits in solid‐state form factors are attractive as they could potentially benefit from processes similar to those used for conventional semiconductor processing. However, material control is a significant challenge for solid‐state spin qubits as residual spins from substrate, dielectric, electrodes, or contaminants from processing contribute to spin decoherence. In the recent decade, valleytronics has seen a revival due to the discovery of valley‐coupled spins in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides. Such valley‐coupled spins are protected by inversion asymmetry and time reversal symmetry and are promising candidates for robust qubits. In this report, the progress toward building such qubits is presented. Following an introduction to the key attractions in fabricating such qubits, an up‐to‐date brief is provided for the status of each key step, highlighting advancements made and/or outstanding work to be done. This report concludes with a perspective on future development highlighting major remaining milestones toward scalable spin‐valley qubits.
Perioperative outcomes of robot‐assisted vs video‐assisted and traditional open thoracic surgery for lung cancer: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Junjie , Chen Yan , Dai Jie , Zhu Xinsheng , Gonzalez‐Rivas Diego , Jiang Gening , Li Hua , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2020

Background

The superiority of robot‐assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) over video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy remains controversial for lung cancer.

Methods

A network meta‐analysis (NMA) and pairwise meta‐analysis (PMA) were performed to evaluate the perioperative outcomes using five databases.

Results

Thirty‐two studies involving 6593 patients were included for analysis. The NMA showed that RATS had similar operative time, conversion rate to thoracotomy, number of lymph node, postoperative morbidity, and length of hospital stay with VATS, except for lower 30‐day mortality. Compared with thoracotomy, longer operative time and shorter hospital stay were observed in RATS, but no significant difference was observed in number of lymph node, postoperative morbidity, and 30‐day mortality in both NMA and PMA. In lobectomy/segmentectomy subgroup, all outcomes, except for operative time of RATS vs VATS and number of lymph node, were similar with overall analyses.

Conclusions

RATS had comparable perioperative outcomes with VATS and open surgery.
Green Hydrogen‐Based Direct Reduction for Low‐Carbon Steelmaking
Authors: Rechberger Katharina , Spanlang Andreas , Sasiain Conde Amaia , Wolfmeir Hermann , Harris Christopher
Published: May 2020

The European steel industry aims at a CO2 reduction of 80–95% by 2050, ensuring that Europe will meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement. As the reduction potentials of the current steelmaking routes are low, the transfer toward breakthrough‐technologies is essential to reach these goals. Hydrogen‐based steelmaking is one approach to realize CO2‐lean steelmaking. Therefore, the natural gas (NG)‐based direct reduction (DR) acts as a basis for the first step of this transition. The high flexibility of this route allows the gradual addition of hydrogen and, in a long‐term view, runs the process with pure hydrogen. Model‐based calculations are performed to assess the possibilities for injecting hydrogen. Therefore, NG‐ and hydrogen‐based DR models are developed to create new process know‐how and enable an evaluation of these processes in terms of energy demand, CO2‐reduction potentials, and so on. The examinations show that the hydrogen‐based route offers a huge potential for green steelmaking which is strongly depending on the carbon footprint of the electricity used for the production of hydrogen. Only if the carbon intensity is less than about 120 g CO2 kWh−1, the hydrogen‐based process emits less CO2 than the NG‐based DR process.
S1P facilitates IL‐1β production in osteoblasts via the JAK and STAT3 signaling pathways
Authors: Hu Sung‐Lin , Huang Chien‐Chung , Tseng Tzu‐Ting , Liu Shan‐Chi , Tsai Chun‐Hao , Fong Yi‐Chin , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: May 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease, in which the immune system attacks synovial joint tissues. Interleukin (IL)‐1β is a critical proinflammatory cytokine in RA progression. Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), a platelet‐derived lysophospholipid mediator, reportedly regulates osteoimmunology. Here, we investigated how S1P mediates IL‐1β expression in osteoblasts. Our analysis of records from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database demonstrate higher levels of IL‐1β in patients with RA compared with those with osteoarthritis. Stimulation of osteoblasts with S1P concentration dependently increased mRNA and protein expression of IL‐1β. Elevations in IL‐1β mRNA expression induced by S1P were reduced by the small interfering RNA (siRNA) against the S1P1 receptor. S1P also augmented JAK and STAT3 molecular cascades. We also found that JAK and STAT3 inhibitors and their siRNAs antagonized S1P‐promoted IL‐1β expression. Our results indicate that S1P promotes the expression of IL‐1β in osteoblasts via the S1P1 receptor and the JAK and STAT3 signaling pathways.
Structural color barcodes for biodiagnostics
Authors: Shang Luoran , Wang Yuetong , Cai Lijun , Shu Yilai , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: May 2020

Suspension array technology has revolutionized the field of biodiagnostics due to its capability of multiplex assays. Construction of the barcodes is essential, where structural color barcode is one of the most satisfying candidates because of its stable encoding and convenient decoding features. Benefiting from microfluidics technique, structural color barcode particles have been synthesized with finely tuned size, configuration, and surface reactive moieties. This allows for the barcode's interactions with disease‐specific biomarkers at multiscale, from the molecular to the tissue/organ level. In this minireview, we present the very latest progress on structural color barcodes for biodiagnostic applications. We discuss in depth through typical examples of how the sensitive and efficient assays of different types of analytes are accomplished concerning the specific features entailed in the barcodes. We also provide critical thinking about the remaining challenges and future development of structural color barcodes from a biodiagnostics perspective.
The evolution and development of eye size in flies
Authors: Casares Fernando , McGregor Alistair P.
Published: May 2020

The compound eyes of flies exhibit striking variation in size, which has contributed to the adaptation of these animals to different habitats and their evolution of specialist behaviors. These differences in size are caused by differences in the number and/or size of ommatidia, which are specified during the development of the retinal field in the eye imaginal disc. While the genes and developmental mechanisms that regulate the formation of compound eyes are understood in great detail in the fruit flyDrosophila melanogaster, we know very little about the genetic changes and mechanistic alterations that lead to natural variation in ommatidia number and/or size, and thus overall eye size, within and between fly species. Understanding the genetic and developmental bases for this natural variation in eye size not only has great potential to help us understand adaptations in fly vision but also determine how eye size and organ size more generally are regulated. Here we explore the genetic and developmental mechanisms that could underlie natural differences in compound eye size within and among fly species based on our knowledge of eye development inD. melanogasterand the few cases where the causative genes and mechanisms have already been identified. We suggest that the fly eye provides an evolutionary and developmental framework to better understand the regulation and diversification of this crucial sensory organ globally at a systems level as well as the gene regulatory networks and mechanisms acting at the tissue, cellular and molecular levels.

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Regulation of Size, Proportion, and Timing

Invertebrate Organogenesis > Flies

Comparative Development and Evolution > Regulation of Organ Diversity
Least-Squares Spectral and Coherency Analysis of the Zenith Total Delay Time Series at SuomiNet Station SA56 (UNB2)
Authors: Mayaki Anthony O. , Santos Marcelo , Nikolaidou Thalia
Published: May 2020

Zenith Total Delay (ZTD) from ground-based Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) observations plays an important role in meteorology. It contains information about the troposphere due to the interactions that GNSS signals have with the atmosphere while traveling from satellites to ground receivers. Since almost all weather is formed in the troposphere, the analysis of a collection of ZTD time series would provide insight about the periodic characteristics of the weather of a place. It would also provide insight about the influences that meteorological parameters such as pressure, temperature and relative humidity have on the weather’s periodic nature. In this study, the least-squares spectral analysis approach is employed to determine the periodic oscillations in a 7-year time series of ZTD obtained from collocated GNSS and meteorological stations at the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. Least-Squares Coherency Analysis of the time series spectra of the ZTD and its component hydrostatic and wet delays, and pressure, temperature and relative humidity is also performed. This is done to evaluate the level of contributions those parameters have in the periodicities inherent in the ZTD time series. Except for the zenith hydrostatic delay and pressure which show no annual periodic oscillation, the spectra of all the other time series show strong annual and semi-annual oscillations. Being the most dominant oscillation in the ZTD time series, the annual oscillation is largely driven by temperature, and this is maybe due to the high temperature variation characteristic of the climatic zone Fredericton falls under.
Foundations of Reversible Computation
Authors: Aman Bogdan , Ciobanu Gabriel , Glück Robert , Kaarsgaard Robin , Kari Jarkko , Kutrib Martin , Lanese Ivan , Mezzina Claudio Antares , Mikulski Łukasz , Nagarajan Rajagopal , Phillips Iain , Pinna G. Michele , Prigioniero Luca , Ulidowski Irek , Vidal Germán
Published: May 2020

Reversible computation allows computation to proceed not only in the standard, forward direction, but also backward, recovering past states. While reversible computation has attracted interest for its multiple applications, covering areas as different as low-power computing, simulation, robotics and debugging, such applications need to be supported by a clear understanding of the foundations of reversible computation. We report below on many threads of research in the area of foundations of reversible computing, giving particular emphasis to the results obtained in the framework of the European COST Action IC1405, entitled “Reversible Computation - Extending Horizons of Computing”, which took place in the years 2015–2019.
Reversible Computation in Wireless Communications
Authors: Siljak Harun
Published: May 2020

This chapter presents pioneering work in applying reversible computation paradigms to wireless communications. These applications range from developing reversible hardware architectures for underwater acoustic communications to novel distributed optimisation procedures in large radio-frequency antenna arrays based on reversing Petri nets. Throughout the chapter, we discuss the rationale for introducing reversible computation in the domain of wireless communications, exploring the inherently reversible properties of communication channels and systems formed by devices in a wireless network.
Error Reconciliation in Quantum Key Distribution Protocols
Authors: Mehic Miralem , Niemiec Marcin , Siljak Harun , Voznak Miroslav
Published: May 2020

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols allow the establishment of symmetric cryptographic keys up to a limited distance at limited rates. Due to optical misalignment, noise in quantum detectors, disturbance of the quantum channel or eavesdropping, an error key reconciliation technique is required to eliminate errors. This chapter analyses different key reconciliation techniques with a focus on communication and computing performance. We also briefly describe a new approach to key reconciliation techniques based on artificial neural networks.
Software and Reversible Systems: A Survey of Recent Activities
Authors: Mezzina Claudio Antares , Schlatte Rudolf , Glück Robert , Haulund Tue , Hoey James , Holm Cservenka Martin , Lanese Ivan , Mogensen Torben Æ. , Siljak Harun , Schultz Ulrik P. , Ulidowski Irek
Published: May 2020

Software plays a central role in all aspects of reversible computing. We survey the breadth of topics and recent activities on reversible software and systems including behavioural types, recovery, debugging, concurrency, and object-oriented programming. These have the potential to provide linguistic abstractions and tools that will lead to safer and more reliable reversible computing applications.
Research on Reversible Functions Having Component Functions with Specified Properties: An Overview
Authors: Kerntopf Paweł , Moraga Claudio , Podlaski Krzysztof , Stanković Radomir
Published: May 2020

In the traditional logic synthesis, different classifications of non-reversible Boolean functions have found many applications. Recently, some attempts to deal with classifications of reversible functions have been published. In this paper, an overview of our results towards constructing a new classification of reversible functions is presented. These results were obtained due to our discussions during two Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) as well as during our further research in the framework of COST Action IC1405 “Reversible Computation - Extending Horizons of Computing” and were published in five papers.
A Case Study for Reversible Computing: Reversible Debugging of Concurrent Programs
Authors: Hoey James , Lanese Ivan , Nishida Naoki , Ulidowski Irek , Vidal Germán
Published: May 2020

Reversible computing allows one to run programs not only in the usual forward direction, but also backward. A main application area for reversible computing is debugging, where one can use reversibility to go backward from a visible misbehaviour towards the bug causing it. While reversible debugging of sequential systems is well understood, reversible debugging of concurrent and distributed systems is less settled. We present here two approaches for debugging concurrent programs, one based on backtracking, which undoes actions in reverse order of execution, and one based on causal consistency, which allows one to undo any action provided that its consequences, if any, are undone beforehand. The first approach tackles an imperative language with shared memory, while the second one considers a core of the functional message-passing language Erlang. Both the approaches are based on solid formal foundations.
Towards Choreographic-Based Monitoring
Authors: Francalanza Adrian , Mezzina Claudio Antares , Tuosto Emilio
Published: May 2020

Distributed programs are hard to get right because they are required to be open, scalable, long-running, and dependable. In particular, the recent approaches to distributed software based on (micro-) services, where different services are developed independently by disparate teams, exacerbate the problem. Services are meant to be composed together and run in open contexts where unpredictable behaviours can emerge. This makes it necessary to adopt suitable strategies for monitoring the execution and incorporate recovery and adaptation mechanisms so to make distributed programs more flexible and robust. The typical approach that is currently adopted is to embed such mechanisms within the program logic. This makes it hard to extract, compare and debug. We propose an approach that employs formal abstractions for specifying failure recovery and adaptation strategies. Although implementation agnostic, these abstractions would be amenable to algorithmic synthesis of code, monitoring, and tests. We consider message-passing programs (a la Erlang, Go, or MPI) that are gaining momentum both in academia and in industry. We first propose a model which abstracts away from three aspects: the definition of formal behavioural models encompassing failures; the specification of the relevant properties of adaptation and recovery strategy; and the automatic generation of monitoring, recovery, and adaptation logic in target languages of interest. To show the efficacy of our model, we give an instance of it by introducing reversible choreographies to express the normal forward behaviour of the system and the condition under which adaptation has to take place. Then we show how it is possible to derive Erlang code directly from the global specification.
Reversibility in Chemical Reactions
Authors: Kuhn Stefan , Aman Bogdan , Ciobanu Gabriel , Philippou Anna , Psara Kyriaki , Ulidowski Irek
Published: May 2020

In this chapter we give an overview of techniques for the modelling and reasoning about reversibility of systems, including out-of-causal-order reversibility, as it appears in chemical reactions. We consider the autoprotolysis of water reaction, and model it with the Calculus of Covalent Bonding, the Bonding Calculus, and Reversing Petri Nets. This exercise demonstrates that the formalisms, developed for expressing advanced forms of reversibility, are able to model autoprotolysis of water very accurately. Characteristics and expressiveness of the three formalisms are discussed and illustrated.
Three-forms and Fayet-Iliopoulos terms in supergravity: scanning Planck mass and BPS domain walls
Authors: Cribiori Niccolò , Farakos Fotis , Tringas George
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We embed a new three-form vector multiplet in

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 supergravity and we show that it can be used to generate dynamically the Hilbert-Einstein term. We then recast the theory into the standard Freedman model and we argue that a pure Fayet-Iliopoulos term is in tension with the Weak Gravity Conjecture. Finally, we couple the three-form to a super-membrane and study BPS domain walls within matter-coupled supergravity. In these models, the Planck mass takes different values on the domain wall sides.
Developing local RG: quantum RG and BFSS
Authors: Melo João F. , Santos Jorge E.
Published: May 2020

Abstract

In this paper we study various forms of RG and apply these to the BFSS model of N coincident D0-branes. Firstly, as a warm-up, we perform standard Wilsonian RG, investigating the conditions under which supersymmetry is preserved along the flow. Next, we develop a local RG scheme such that the cutoff is spacetime dependent, which could have further applications to studying QFT in curved spacetime. Finally, we test the conjecture put forward in [1] that the method of quantum RG could be the mechanism responsible for the gauge/gravity duality by applying it to the BFSS model, which has a known gravitational dual. Although not entirely conclusive some questions are raised about the applicability of quantum RG as a description of the AdS/CFT correspondence.
Renormalization of the Einstein-Hilbert action
Authors: Gustavsson Andreas
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We examine how the Einstein-Hilbert action is renormalized by adding the usual counterterms and additional corner counterterms when the boundary surface has corners. A bulk geometry asymptotic to H

d+1 can have boundaries S

k

× H

d−k
and corners for 0 ≤ k < d. We show that the conformal anomaly when d is even is independent of k. When d is odd the renormalized action is a finite term that we show is independent of k when k is also odd. When k is even we were unable to extract the finite term using the counterterm method and we address this problem using instead the Kounterterm method. We also compute the mass of a two-charged black hole in AdS7 and show that background subtraction agrees with counterterm renormalization only if we use the infinite series expansion for the counterterm.
Childhood adversity and common mental disorders in young employees in Sweden: is the association affected by early adulthood occupational class?
Authors: Björkenstam Emma , Helgesson Magnus , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor
Published: May 2020

Background

Childhood adversities are associated with an elevated risk for common mental disorders (CMDs). Whether the strength of the association also holds for young employees is unclear. Given the increase in CMD rates in young adults over the past decade, identification of risk factors has important implications for future public health interventions. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of childhood adversities on CMDs. Additionally, the role of occupational class (non-manual/manual workers) in the relationship was examined.

Methods

This population-based longitudinal cohort study included 544,003 employees, 19–29 years, residing in Sweden in 2009. Adversities included parental death, parental mental and somatic disorders, parental separation or single-parent household, household public assistance and residential instability. Estimates of risk of CMDs, measured as prescription of antidepressants and/or psychiatric care with a clinical diagnosis of CMDs, between 2010 and 2016 were calculated as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using a modified Poisson regression analysis. Occupational class (non-manual/manual workers) was explored as a potential moderator.

Results

In both manual and non-manual workers, childhood adversities were associated with an elevated risk of subsequent CMDs. The risk was moderated by occupational class, i.e., especially pronounced risk was found in manual workers who had experienced cumulative adversity (adjusted RR 1.76, 95% CI 1.70–1.83) when compared to non-manual workers with no adversity. Among the adversities examined, having had a parent treated for a mental disorder, having grown up in a household living on public assistance or having experienced residential instability were the strongest predictors of CMDs.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that, among young employees, manual workers with a history of multiple childhood adversities are especially vulnerable to subsequent CMDs.
The Bisognano–Wichmann Property for Asymptotically Complete Massless QFT
Authors: Dybalski Wojciech , Morinelli Vincenzo
Published: May 2020

We prove the Bisognano–Wichmann property for asymptotically complete Haag–Kastler theories of massless particles. These particles should either be scalar or appear as a direct sum of two opposite integer helicities, thus, e.g., photons are covered. The argument relies on amodularity conditionformulated recently by one of us (VM) and on the Buchholz’ scattering theory of massless particles.
Rigorous engineering of collective adaptive systems: special section
Authors: De Nicola Rocco , Jähnichen Stefan , Wirsing Martin
Published: May 2020

An adaptive system is able to adapt at runtime to dynamically changing environments and to new requirements. Adaptive systems can be single adaptive entities or collective ones that consist of several collaborating entities. Rigorous engineering requires appropriate methods and tools that help guaranteeing that an adaptive system lives up to its intended purpose. This paper introduces the special section on “Rigorous Engineering of Collective Adaptive Systems.” It presents the seven contributions of the section and gives a short overview of the field of rigorously engineering collective adaptive systems by structuring it according to three topics: systematic development, methods and theories for modelling and analysis, and techniques for programming and operating collective adaptive systems.
The impact of surgical simulation on patient outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meling Trym R. , Meling Torstein R.
Published: May 2020

The use of simulation in surgical training is ever growing. Evidence suggests such training may have beneficial clinically relevant effects. The objective of this research is to investigate the effects of surgical simulation training on clinically relevant patient outcomes by evaluating randomized controlled trials (RCT). PubMed was searched using PRISMA guidelines: “surgery” [All Fields] AND “simulation” [All Fields] AND “patient outcome” [All Fields]. Of 119 papers identified, 100 were excluded for various reasons. Meta-analyses were conducted using the inverse-variance random-effects method. Nineteen papers were reviewed using the CASP RCT Checklist. Sixteen studies looked at surgical training, two studies assessed patient-specific simulator practice, and one paper focused on warming-up on a simulator before performing surgery. Median study population size was 22 (range 3–73). Most articles reported outcome measures such as post-intervention Global Rating Scale (GRS) score and/or operative time. On average, the intervention group scored 0.42 (95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.71,P= 0.005) points higher on a standardized GRS scale of 1–10. On average, the intervention group was 44% (1% to 87%,P= 0.04) faster than the control group. Four papers assessed the impact of simulation training on patient outcomes, with only one finding a significant effect. We found a significant effect of simulation training on operative performance as assessed by GRS, albeit a small one, as well as a significant reduction to operative time. However, there is to date scant evidence from RCTs to suggest a significant effect of surgical simulation training on patient outcomes.
Amino Acid Profiles and Compositions of Different Cultivars of Panicum miliaceum L.
Authors: Wiedemair Verena , Scholl-Bürgi Sabine , Karall Daniela , Huck Christian W.
Published: May 2020

Amino acids are valuable nutrients, responsible for a variety of tasks in the human body. A favourable amino acid profile in gluten-free crops, such as millet, can thus be beneficial for human health, which is why 35 proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) samples, comprising 23 whole and 12 dehulled, were investigated regarding their amino acid profiles and compositions using acidic hydrolysis and ion-exchange chromatography with ninhydrin derivatization and subsequent detection with photometry. Results for amino acid compositions were compared with gluten-containing wheat and other gluten-free cereals. Furthermore, gained values were put in contrast to estimated essential amino acid requirements for adult humans. The study was able to show that cultivars of proso millet differ and that dehulling does not significantly influence the amino acid compositions. Furthermore, the results display that Panicum miliaceum L. holds more essential amino acids than other gluten-free grains and exhibits high amounts of leucine and alanine. The methionine content differs greatly between samples, which means that choosing certain cultivars is important to ensure a high content. The most abundant amino acids in proso millet grains are glutamic acid/glutamine (2.13 ± 0.34 g per 100 g), alanine (1.06 ± 0.18 g per 100 g) and leucine (1.36 ± 0.24 g per 100 g).

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Numerical Investigation of Local Heat-Release Rates and Thermo-Chemical States in Side-Wall Quenching of Laminar Methane and Dimethyl Ether Flames
Authors: Steinhausen M. , Luo Y. , Popp S. , Strassacker C. , Zirwes T. , Kosaka H. , Zentgraf F. , Maas U. , Sadiki A. , Dreizler A. , Hasse C.
Published: May 2020

The local heat-release rate and the thermo-chemical state of laminar methane and dimethyl ether flames in a side-wall quenching configuration are analyzed. Both, detailed chemistry simulations and reduced chemistry manifolds, namely Flamelet-Generated Manifolds (FGM), Quenching Flamelet-generated Manifolds (QFM) and Reaction-Diffusion Manifolds (REDIM), are compared to experimental data of local heat-release rate imaging of the lab-scale side-wall quenching burner at Technical University of Darmstadt. To enable a direct comparison between the measurements and the numerical simulations, the measurement signals are computed in all numerical approaches. Considering experimental uncertainties, the detailed chemistry simulations show a reasonable agreement with the experimental heat-release rate. The comparison of the FGM, QFM and REDIM with the detailed simulations shows the high prediction quality of the chemistry manifolds. For the first time, the thermo-chemical state during quenching of a dimethyl ether-air flame is examined numerically. Therefore, the carbon monoxide and temperature predictions are analyzed in the vicinity of the wall. The obtained results are consistent with previous studies for methane-air flames and extend these findings to more complex oxygenated fuels. Furthermore, this work presents the first comparison of the QFM and the REDIM in a side-wall quenching burner.
Serum copper-to-zinc-ratio and risk of incident infection in men: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study
Authors: Laine Jaakko T. , Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka , Salonen Jukka T. , Virtanen Jyrki K.
Published: May 2020

Infections are one of the main causes of mortality in elderly due to the decrease of immune response, for which copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are claimed to be crucial. High serum copper-to-zinc-ratio (Cu/Zn-ratio) has been reported with infections, but little is known whether it could also predict the incidence of infections. The study cohort consisted of 1975 men aged 42–60 years and free of severe infectious disease at baseline in 1984–1989 from the prospective population-based Kuopio Ischaemic﻿ Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. The main outcome was an incident infection leading to hospitalization. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for statistical analysis. During the average follow-up of 19.2 years, 636 incident first cases of infections were diagnosed. The hazard ratio (HR) of developing an incident infectious disease in the highest compared to the lowest Cu/Zn-ratio quartile after adjustment for age and baseline examination year was 1.35 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07–1.69, P-trend across quartiles = 0.005]. The association was slightly attenuated after additional adjustment for potential confounders (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.96–1.53, P-trend = 0.054). Furthermore, higher serum Cu concentration was associated with higher risk of an incident infection. The multivariable-adjusted HR was 1.39 (95% CI = 1.10–1.75, P-trend = 0.005) in the highest versus the lowest serum Cu quartile. Serum Zn concentration was not associated with the risk (multivariable-adjusted extreme-quartile HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.67–1.04, P-trend = 0.218). In conclusion, our data suggest that an increased Cu/Zn-ratio and especially serum Cu concentration are associated with increased risk of incident infections in middle-aged and older men in Eastern Finland.
Soil nitrogen supply of peat grasslands estimated by degree days and soil organic matter content
Authors: Pijlman J. , Holshof G. , van den Berg W. , Ros G. H. , Erisman J. W. , van Eekeren N.
Published: May 2020

Accurate estimates of the quantity and rate of soil nitrogen supply (SNS) are essential to increase soil and farm N use efficiencies, in particular for soils high in organic matter. The objective of this work was to enhance the empirical understanding of the SNS of dairy grasslands on peat soils, using soil properties and weather variables. Data were collected from studies on herbage N uptake carried out between 1992 and 2017 in the western peat district of the Netherlands. For the period between March to mid October, SNS was estimated from the sum of mean growing season daily temperatures, soil organic matter (SOM) and applied calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) N with a residual standard error of 25–27 kg ha−1. Each °C growing season temperature sum affected SNS by 78–90 g ha−1 and each g SOM per 100 g dry soil affected SNS by 3.6–3.9 kg ha−1, respectively. SNS was equally estimated for conditions with and without CAN fertilisation. Validation with data from independent field trials showed similar impacts of SOM and growing season temperature sum on SNS. The error of prediction of the presented models, however, was still too large for direct on-farm application and led to underestimations for a specific site. Nevertheless, the obtained models allow for an increased understanding of soil and farm N balances. The models can therefore be used for improved temporal and spatial SNS-adapted farming practice advice, which can potentially lead to reduced soil and farm N surpluses.
Phenomenology of Online Spaces: Interpreting Late Modern Spatialities
Authors: Berger Viktor
Published: May 2020

Sociological theories of space have so far not provided an in-depth analysis of online spaces. The paper addresses this issue by means of Löw’s relational theory of space. As this theory mainly focuses on material spaces, it is necessary to embrace the phenomenological perspective in order to apply it to the virtual realm. More recent phenomenological research has highlighted the ongoing mediatization or virtualization of the life-world. These theories, and presence research more generally, are useful for examining the layers of virtual presence. This paper focuses on two emblematic types of spaces: multiplayer online role-playing games and Skype video chats. The first represents an online version of a Schutzian finite province of meaning, while Skyping is an example of how the paramount reality of everyday life expands into the virtual realm. Albeit differently, actors in both cases constitute hybrid, virtual-material spaces with various forms and degrees of virtual presence. User experiences in these spaces are in line with contemporary sociological diagnoses indicating the vanishing experience of living in space and the general tendency of late modernity to question previous social forms of modernity.
Effect of hot isostatic pressing on densification, microstructure and nanoindentation behaviour of Mg–SiC nanocomposites
Authors: Hübler Daniela , Ghasemi Alireza , Riedel Ralf , Fleck Claudia , Kamrani Sepideh
Published: May 2020

The production of fully dense nanocomposites with a homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles through powder metallurgy (PM) techniques is challenging. Additionally to mechanical milling, pressing and sintering, a final consolidation process is needed to fully densify the nanocomposite. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is a promising alternative method to other hot forming processes to eliminate porosity in these PM parts. In contrast to hot extrusion, for instance, isotropic properties are achieved, and textures, as they are usually observed in Mg after uniaxial deformation, are avoided. Here, we evaluate the effect of HIP on the densification, microstructure and (nano)hardness of Mg–SiC nanocomposites. Even though density increased indeed, we observed no increase in the mechanical properties, due to significant heterogeneity in the microstructure. SiC-free regions with a higher grain size developed. Local nanohardness measurements of the HIPed Mg nanocomposite revealed that these regions had a significantly lower nanohardness than the SiC-containing regions. Under consideration of mechanisms reported to be active in Mg in the pressure and temperature regime we used, we conclude that grain growth is the most likely mechanism leading to the microstructure observed after HIP. This is driven by the thermodynamic pressure to decrease the grain boundary energy and facilitated by a slightly inhomogeneous distribution of SiC nanoparticles in the sintered nanocomposite.