bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantum engine based on general measurements
Authors: Behzadi Naghi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this work, we introduce a three-stroke quantum engine with a single-qubit working substance whose cycle consists of two strokes arise due to performing two distinct general quantum measurements and it is completed by thermalization through contact with a finite temperature thermal reservoir. It is demonstrated that energy is imported into the engine by first measurement channel and work (useful energy) is extracted from it, in a frictionless isentropic manner, by the second measurement channel. It is particularly shown that the engine is capable to have perfect efficiency. In continuation, we equip the engine cycle with two additional adiabatic strokes. As illustrated, the presence of adiabatic strokes in the cycle provide an improved lower bound for the parametrized efficiency range of the engine.
Review on the damage behavior of metal laminated composite
Authors: Huang Tao , Pei Yanbo , Chen Fuxiao , Xiang Nan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Metal laminated composite (MLC) have attracted widespread attention for their potential in achieving excellent properties. However, damage and failure are more likely to occur during the plastic deformation due to the existence of the interface region, leading to serious safety disasters. Thus, it is essential to research the damage mechanism accurately in order to instruct the practical design of the composite structures. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the experimental methods, various failure criteria and the finite element analysis for studying the damage behavior of the MLC. Some advanced failure criteria such as the cohesive theory and the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model which are used to predict the damage behavior of interface region and metal matrix of the MLC are discussed. The establishment of exponential cohesive/shear modified GTN mixed model are expected to accelerate the damage mechanism analysis of the MLC.
Fabrication of high quantum efficiency p-i-n AlGaN detector and optimization of p-layer and i-layer thickness
Authors: Cao Zikun , Zhao Degang , Liang Feng , Liu Zongshun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the fabrication process and structure of AlGaN based p-i-n photodetectors with different layer thicknesses are described. The maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of back illumination is 87.87% at zero bias. According to the Poisson equation, the electric field distribution of the devices is analysed, and a detailed method to estimate the reverse bias voltage required for the p-layer and i-layer to be completely depleted is proposed. The reliability of the method is also well proven by the responsivity measurement results under zero bias and reverse bias. Finally, based on the experimental data and theoretical calculation, the optimization method of p-layer and i-layer thickness in p-i-n photodetector is analysed.
Plasmon modulation in three-dimensional periodic structure of graphene ribbons
Authors: Liu Daqing , Zhuo Fulin , Chen Shuyue , Ma Ning , Zhao Xiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In the article the spectra of plasmon-polariton in a three-dimensional periodic structure of graphene ribbons embedded in a medium were studied at the first time and for a fixed carrier concentration, influences on the spectra from ribbon width, interface distance and period of ribbon were shown. Compared to those in monolayer periodic structure of graphene ribbons, sharp differences occur. Furthermore, there always exist a match point where frequencies of the plasmon-polarition and the electromagnetic radiation are the same. The study improved our basic knowledge on plasmon dynamics in graphene and was important in the design of high efficiency optoelectronic devices.
Root biomass and root traits ofAlnus glutinosashow size-dependent and opposite patterns in a drained and a rewetted forest peatland
Authors: Schwieger Sarah , Blume-Werry Gesche , Ciesiolka Felix , Anadon-Rosell Alba 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsForest peatlands represent 25 % of global peatlands and store large amounts of carbon (C) as peat. Traditionally they have been drained in order to increase forestry yield, which may cause large losses of C from the peat. Rewetting aims to stop these losses and to restore the initial storage function of the peatlands. As roots represent major peat-forming elements in these systems, we sampled roots with diameter &lt;5 mm in a drained and a rewetted forest peatland in north-east Germany to evaluate differences in tree biomass investments below ground, root functional characteristics and root age.MethodsWe cored soil next to Alnus glutinosa stems and sorted root biomass into &lt;1, 1–2 and 2–5 mm diameter classes. We measured biomass distribution and specific root area (SRA) in 10-cm depth increments down to 50 cm, and estimated root age from annual growth rings.Key ResultsRoot biomass in the rewetted site was more than double that in the drained site. This difference was mostly driven by very fine roots &lt;1 mm, which accounted for 51 % of the total root biomass and were mostly (75 %) located in the upper 20 cm. For roots &lt;1 mm, SRA did not differ between the sites. However, SRA of the 1–2 mm and 2–5 mm diameter roots was higher in the drained than in the rewetted site. Root age did not differ between sites.ConclusionsThe size-dependent opposite patterns between root biomass and their functional characteristics under contrasting water regimes indicate differences between fine and coarse roots in their response to environmental changes. Root age distribution points to similar root turnover rates between the sites, while higher root biomass in the rewetted site clearly indicates larger tree C stocks below ground under rewetting, supporting the C sink function of the ecosystem.
Bioinformatics and machine learning methodologies to identify the effects of central nervous system disorders on glioblastoma progression
Authors: Rahman Md Habibur , Rana Humayan Kabir , Peng Silong , Hu Xiyuan , Chen Chen , Quinn Julian M W , Moni Mohammad Ali 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common malignant brain tumor which often presents as a comorbidity with central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Both CNS disorders and GBM cells release glutamate and show an abnormality, but differ in cellular behavior. So, their etiology is not well understood, nor is it clear how CNS disorders influence GBM behavior or growth. This led us to employ a quantitative analytical framework to unravel shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell signaling pathways that could link CNS disorders and GBM using datasets acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets where normal tissue and disease-affected tissue were examined. After identifying DEGs, we identified disease-gene association networks and signaling pathways and performed gene ontology (GO) analyses as well as hub protein identifications to predict the roles of these DEGs. We expanded our study to determine the significant genes that may play a role in GBM progression and the survival of the GBM patients by exploiting clinical and genetic factors using the Cox Proportional Hazard Model and the Kaplan–Meier estimator. In this study, 177 DEGs with 129 upregulated and 48 downregulated genes were identified. Our findings indicate new ways that CNS disorders may influence the incidence of GBM progression, growth or establishment and may also function as biomarkers for GBM prognosis and potential targets for therapies. Our comparison with gold standard databases also provides further proof to support the connection of our identified biomarkers in the pathology underlying the GBM progression.
Covariate adaptive familywise error rate control for genome-wide association studies
Authors: Zhou Huijuan , Zhang Xianyang , Chen Jun 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe familywise error rate has been widely used in genome-wide association studies. With the increasing availability of functional genomics data, it is possible to increase detection power by leveraging these genomic functional annotations. Previous efforts to accommodate covariates in multiple testing focused on false discovery rate control, while covariate-adaptive procedures controlling the familywise error rate remain underdeveloped. Here, we propose a novel covariate-adaptive procedure to control the familywise error rate that incorporates external covariates which are potentially informative of either the statistical power or the prior null probability. An efficient algorithm is developed to implement the proposed method. We prove its asymptotic validity and obtain the rate of convergence through a perturbation-type argument. Our numerical studies show that the new procedure is more powerful than competing methods and maintains robustness across different settings. We apply the proposed approach to the UK Biobank data and analyse 27 traits with 9 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms tested for associations. Seventy-five genomic annotations are used as covariates. Our approach detects more genome-wide significant loci than other methods in 21 out of the 27 traits.
Geographical structure of genetic diversity inLoudetia simplex(Poaceae) in Madagascar and South Africa
Authors: Hagl Peter Anton , Gargiulo Roberta , Fay Michael F , Solofondranohatra Cédrique , Salmona Jordi , Suescun Uxue , Rakotomalala Nantenaina , Lehmann Caroline E R , Besnard Guillaume , Papadopulos Alexander S T , Vorontsova Maria S 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEcologically dominant species are primary determinants of ecosystem function, especially in grassy ecosystems, but the history and biology of grassy ecosystems in Madagascar are poorly understood compared to those of Africa. Loudetia simplex is a C4 perennial grass that is adapted to fire and common to dominant across Africa. It is also widespread across central Madagascar in what are often thought to be human-derived grasslands, leading us to question how recently L. simplex arrived and how it spread across Madagascar. To address this, we collected population genetic data for 11 nuclear and 11 plastid microsatellite loci, newly developed for this study, for &gt; 200 accessions from 78 populations of L. simplex, primarily from Madagascar and South Africa. Malagasy and African populations are genetically differentiated and harbour distinct plastid lineages. We demonstrate distinct geographically clustered diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid groups. The Malagasy hexaploid populations cluster into northern and southern types. In South Africa, diploid populations in the Drakensberg are distinct from tetraploid populations in north-eastern South Africa. Different genetic clusters are associated with significantly different precipitation and temperature. We conclude that L. simplex is native to both Madagascar and South Africa, probably with a single colonization event from Africa to Madagascar followed by pre-human diversification of L. simplex populations in Madagascar.
Effectiveness of Meningococcal Vaccines at Reducing Invasive Meningococcal Disease and Pharyngeal Neisseria meningitidis Carriage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: McMillan Mark , Chandrakumar Abira , Wang Hua Lin Rachael , Clarke Michelle , Sullivan Thomas R , Andrews Ross M , Ramsay Mary , Marshall Helen S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis, leads to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review aimed to establish the effectiveness of meningococcal vaccines at preventing IMD and N. meningitidis pharyngeal carriage.

Methods
A search within PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and unpublished studies up to 1 February 2020 was conducted.

Results
After removal of duplicates, 8565 studies were screened and 27 studies included. Protection was provided by meningococcal C vaccines for group C IMD (odds ratio [OR], 0.13 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .07–.23]), outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines against group B IMD (OR, 0.35 [95% CI, .25–.48]), and meningococcal A, C, W, Y (MenACWY) vaccines against group ACWY IMD (OR, 0.31 [95% CI, .20–.49]). A single time series analysis found a reduction following an infant 4CMenB program (incidence rate ratio, 0.25 [95% CI, .19–.36]). Multivalent MenACWY vaccines did not reduce carriage (relative risk [RR], 0.88 [95% CI, .66–1.18]), unlike monovalent C vaccines (RR, 0.50 [95% CI, .26–.97]). 4CMenB vaccine had no effect on group B carriage (RR, 1.12 [95% CI, .90–1.40]). There was also no reduction in group B carriage following MenB-FHbp vaccination (RR, 0.98 [95% CI, .53–1.79]).

Conclusions
Meningococcal conjugate C, ACWY, and OMV vaccines are effective at reducing IMD. A small number of studies demonstrate that monovalent C conjugate vaccines reduce pharyngeal N. meningitidis carriage. There is no evidence of carriage reduction for multivalent MenACWY, OMV, or recombinant MenB vaccines, which has implications for immunization strategies.

Clinical Trials Registration
CRD42018082085 (PROSPERO).
Theoretical Estimation on the Success Rate of the Asymptotic Higher Order Optimal Distinguisher
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Yang Wei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Since its first publication at ASIACRYPT 2014, higher order optimal distinguisher (HOOD) has been the most efficient style of higher order side channel attacks that can be used to evaluate the physical security of a masking device. In practice, the efficiency of HOOD can be empirically evaluated with the success rate (SR) metric. In the empirical evaluation, a large number of power traces are needed, and HOOD should be repeated thousands of times under the values of different parameters, which can make the evaluation process cumbersome and the evaluation price high. In light of this, the exact relationship between the SR of the asymptotic HOOD and the values of different parameters is theoretically built, and the soundness of the theoretical analysis is empirically verified in both the simulated scenario and the real scenario. Then, by setting the values of different parameters, the SR of the asymptotic HOOD can be theoretically estimated. Here, as the signal-to-noise ratio of a masking device approaches to zero, the SR of the asymptotic HOOD approaches to the SR of HOOD. Overall, this contribution may help evaluators to efficiently evaluate the physical security of a masking device with HOOD.
Metarhizium Entomopathogenic Fungi Against the Beetle Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Hispidae): Isolation and Species Identification
Authors: Lian Tao , Qiu Hua-long , Qin Chang-sheng , Fox Eduardo G P , Zhao Dan-yang , Fang Tian-song , Yang Hua , Tian Long-yan , Xu Jin-zhu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Seven entomopathogenic fungi strains (M1−7) were isolated from field-obtained dead coconut hispine beetles Brontispa longissima (Gestro), identified to species, and bioassayed for their pathogenicity. According to ITS sequences, all isolates belong in the genus Metarhizium, mainly M. flavoviride and M. anisopliae. Measured median lethal times (LT50) of 1×107 conidia/ml of M1−7 against fourth-instar B. longissima larvae within 15 d following exposure were, respectively: 5.43, 10.64, 11.26, 10.93, 6.62, 4.73, and 5.95 d. The isolate M6 yielded the highest mortality to fourth-instar larvae, and was thus selected to be tested against other larval instars and adults of B. longissima, after Time–Dose–Mortality (TDM) models. M6 proved more pathogenic against larvae than adults. The obtained bioassays data produced a good fit to the TDM models, yielding estimated LC50 and LT50 for each of the tested developmental stages of B. longissima. Both the obtained dose (β) and time effect (ri) parameters from TDM models suggest that first-instar larvae are the most susceptible life stage of the pest insect, while adults are more resistant to M6 infection. Calculated LC50 values were, respectively, 1.23×103 and 1.15×106 conidia/ml for first-instar larvae and adults, on the 15th day following M6 inoculation. Estimated LT50 were 3.3 and 5.9 d for first-instar larvae and adults, respectively, at 1×108 conidia/ml. Taken together, these results would suggest Metarhizium M6 as an option for the biological control of B. longissima in the field.
Minimally invasive surgery versus thoracotomy for resectable stage II and III non-small-cell lung cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Haifeng , Wang Xin , Nie Yuntao , Zhang Kai , Wei Zihan , Yang Fan , Wang Jun , Chen Kezhong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The study aimed to compare the long-term oncological efficacy and perioperative outcomes of patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancers who underwent minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or thoracotomy.

METHODS
Cochrane Library, PubMed and EMBASE databases, ClinicalTrials.gov and reference lists were searched for relevant studies. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the studies. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) and perioperative outcomes were synthesized. Random-effects models were used to summarize hazard ratios (HRs), relative risks and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS
Twenty-three retrospective cohort studies were reviewed with a total of 3281 patients, of whom 1376 (41.9%) received MIS and 1905 (58.1%) received thoracotomy. Meta-analysis showed no significant differences in both RFS (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.89–1.17; P = 0.78) and OS (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.80–1.03; P = 0.15) between MIS versus thoracotomy approaches. Similar results were observed in propensity score matched studies (RFS, HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.73–1.20; P = 0.62; OS, HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.72–1.30; P = 0.81). No significant difference was found in lymph node clearance and margin positivity. As for perioperative outcomes, MIS was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative complications (relative risk, 0.83; P = 0.01), intraoperative blood loss (standardized mean difference, −0.68; P = 0.007), chest tube drainage (standardized mean difference, −0.38; P = 0.03) and length of hospital stay (standardized mean difference, −0.79; P = 0.002) when compared with thoracotomy.

CONCLUSIONS
The use of MIS for resectable stage II and III non-small-cell lung cancers is an eligible alternative to conventional thoracotomy without compromising the long-term survival and short-term outcomes.
Genetic characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from a biological industrial wastewater treatment plant in Tunisia with detection of the colistin-resistance mcr-1 gene
Authors: Hassen Bilel , Abbassi Mohamed Salah , Ruiz-Ripa Laura , Mama Olouwafemi M , Ibrahim Chourouk , Benlabidi Saloua , Hassen Abdennaceur , Torres Carmen , Hammami Salah 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and associated resistance genes, integrons, and plasmid types, as well as the genetic relatedness of enterobacterial isolates in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of La Charguia, Tunis City (Tunisia). A total of 100 water samples were collected at different points of the sewage treatment process during 2017–2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility was conducted by the disc-diffusion method. blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV genes as well as those encoding non-β-lactam resistance, the plasmid types, occurrence of class1 integrons and phylogenetic groups of Escherichia coli isolates were determined by PCR/sequencing. Genomic relatedness was determined by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) for selected isolates. In total, 57 ESBL-producer isolates were recovered (47 E. coli, eight Klebsiella pneumoniae, 1 of the Citrobacter freundii complex and 1 of the Enterobacter cloacae complex). The CTX-M-15 enzyme was the most frequently detected ESBL, followed by CTX-M-27, CTX-M-55 and SHV-12. One E. coli isolate harboured the mcr-1 gene. The following phylogroups/sequence types (STs) were identified among ESBL-producing E. coli isolates: B2/ST131 (subclade-C1), A/ST3221, A/ST8900, D/ST69, D/ST2142, D/ST38, B1/ST2460 and B1/ST6448. High numbers of isolates harboured the class 1 integrons with various gene cassette arrays as well as IncP-1 and IncFIB plasmids. Our findings confirm the importance of WWTPs as hotspot collectors of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae with a high likelihood of spread to human and natural environments.
Unbiased Subgenome Evolution in Allotetraploid Species ofEphedraand Its Implications for the Evolution of Large Genomes in Gymnosperms
Authors: Wu Hui , Yu Qiong , Ran Jin-Hua , Wang Xiao-Quan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe evolutionary dynamics of polyploid genomes and consequences of polyploidy have been studied extensively in angiosperms but very rarely in gymnosperms. The gymnospermous genus Ephedra is characterized by a high frequency of polyploidy, and thus provides an ideal system to investigate the evolutionary mode of allopolyploid genomes and test whether subgenome dominance has occurred in gymnosperms. Here, we sequenced transcriptomes of two allotetraploid species of Ephedra and their putative diploid progenitors, identified expressed homeologs, and analyzed alternative splicing and homeolog expression based on PacBio Iso-Seq and Illumina RNA-seq data. We found that the two subgenomes of the allotetraploids had similar numbers of expressed homeologs, similar percentages of homeologs with dominant expression, and approximately equal numbers of isoforms with alternative splicing, showing an unbiased subgenome evolution as in a few polyploid angiosperms, with a divergence of the two subgenomes at ∼8 Ma. In addition, the nuclear DNA content of the allotetraploid species is almost equal to the sum of two putative progenitors, suggesting limited genome restructuring after allotetraploid speciation. The allopolyploid species of Ephedra might have undergone slow diploidization, and the unbiased subgenome evolution implies that the formation of large genomes in gymnosperms could be attributed to even and slow fractionation following polyploidization.