bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Laser Shock Peening on the Microstructure and Properties of the Inconel 625 Surface Layer
Authors: Rozmus-Górnikowska Magdalena , Kusiński Jan , Cieniek Łukasz 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe aim of this work was to investigate the influence of laser shock peening on the topography, microstructure, surface roughness and the mechanical properties of the Inconel 625 nickel alloy. Examination of the topography and microstructure of the nickel alloy after laser treatment was carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy as well as atomic force microscopy. The roughness of the surface was measured by WYKO NT9300 equipment. Nanohardness test was carried out using a nanoindenter NHT 50-183 of CSM Instruments equipped with a Berkovich diamond indenter. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the microstructural changes on the surface layer after laser treatment. The investigations showed that the laser process produced an ablation and melting of the surface layer and, hence, increased the surface roughness of the Inconel 625. On the other hand, the presence of the slip bands on the surface and on the cross section of the treated material, a high density of dislocations and a higher hardness of the treated region indicated that the laser shock processing caused severe plastic deformation of the surface layer. Additionally, due to the high plastic deformation, cracking of the carbide precipitates was observed.
ECG sonification to support the diagnosis and monitoring of myocardial infarction
Authors: Aldana Blanco Andrea Lorena , Grautoff Steffen , Hermann Thomas 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper presents the design and evaluation of four sonification methods to support monitoring and diagnosis in Electrocardiography (ECG). In particular we focus on an ECG abnormality called ST-elevation which is an important indicator of a myocardial infarction. Since myocardial infarction represents a life-threatening condition it is of essential value to detect an ST-elevation as early as possible. As part of the evaluated sound designs, we propose two novel sonifications: (i) Polarity sonification, a continuous parameter-mapping sonification using a formant synthesizer and (ii) Stethoscope sonification, a combination of the ECG signal and a stethoscope recording. The other two designs, (iii) the water ambience sonification and the (iv) morph sonification, were presented in our previous work about ECG sonification (Aldana Blanco AL, Steffen G, Thomas H (2016) In: Proceedings of Interactive Sonification Workshop (ISon). Bielefeld, Germany). The study evaluates three components across the proposed sonifications (1) detection performance, meaning if participants are able to detect a transition from healthy to unhealthy states, (2) classification accuracy, that evaluates if participants can accurately classify the severity of the pathology, and (3) aesthetics and usability (pleasantness, informativeness and long-term listening). The study results show that the polarity design had the highest accuracy rates in the detection task whereas the stethoscope sonification obtained the better score in the classification assignment. Concerning aesthetics, the water ambience sonification was regarded as the most pleasant. Furthermore, we found a significant difference between sound/music experts and non-experts in terms of the error rates obtained in the detection task using the morph sonification and also in the classification task using the stethoscope sonification. Overall, the group of experts obtained lower error rates than the group of non-experts, which means that further training could improve accuracy rates and, particularly for designs that rely mainly on pitch variations, additional training is needed in the non-experts group.
On Cherny’s results in infinite dimensions: a theorem dual to Yamada–Watanabe
Authors: Rehmeier Marco 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe prove that joint uniqueness in law and the existence of a strong solution imply pathwise uniqueness for variational solutions to stochastic partial differential equations of type $$\begin{aligned} \text {d}X_t=b(t,X)\text {d}t+\sigma (t,X)\text {d}W_t, \quad t\ge 0, \end{aligned}$$

d

X
t

=
b

(
t
,
X
)

d
t
+
σ

(
t
,
X
)

d

W
t

,

t
≥
0
,

and show that for such equations uniqueness in law is equivalent to joint uniqueness in law for deterministic initial conditions. Here W is a cylindrical Wiener process in a separable Hilbert space U and the equation is considered in a Gelfand triple $$V \subseteq H \subseteq E$$

V
⊆
H
⊆
E

, where H is some separable (infinite-dimensional) Hilbert space. This generalizes the corresponding results of Cherny, who proved these statements for the case of finite-dimensional equations.
Survival of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Central China: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Jianjie , Zhou Meilan , Chen Zi , Chen Cong , Wu Gang , Zuo Yingping , Ren Xin , Chen Zhuan , Wang Weihua , Pang Yu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term survival and risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patient survival in Central China. Between December 2006 and June 2011, incident and retreatment adult MDR-TB patients were enrolled in the present study. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors affecting survival. The total follow-up period was 270 person-years (PY) for 356 MDR-TB cases in Wuhan. Of the 356 cases, 103 patients died, yielding an average case fatality rate of 381.2 per 1000 TB patients per year. Using adjusted Cox regression analysis, older age (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) >3.0 starting from 30 years) and low education level (primary and middle school; aHR 1.67 (95% CI 1.01–2.77)) were independently associated with lower survival. Diabetes mellitus profoundly affected the survival of MDR-TB patients (aHR 1.95 (95% CI 1.30–2.93)). Our data demonstrate that coexistent diabetes significantly and negatively impacted MDR-TB patient survival. In addition, MDR-TB patients aged 60 years or older exhibited a greater risk of mortality during follow-up. Our findings emphasise that MDR-TB patients with comorbidities that increase their risk of death require additional medical interventions to reduce mortality.
New Generation of Climate Models Track Recent Unprecedented Changes in Earth's Radiation Budget Observed by CERES
Authors: Loeb Norman G. , Wang Hailan , Allan Richard P. , Andrews Timothy , Armour Kyle , Cole Jason N. S. , Dufresne Jean‐Louis , Forster Piers , Gettelman Andrew , Guo Huan , Mauritsen Thorsten , Ming Yi , Paynter David , Proistosescu Cristian , Stuecker Malte F. , Willén Ulrika , Wyser Klaus 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe compare top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) radiative fluxes observed by the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) and simulated by seven general circulation models forced with observed sea‐surface temperature (SST) and sea‐ice boundary conditions. In response to increased SSTs along the equator and over the eastern Pacific (EP) following the so‐called global warming “hiatus” of the early 21st century, simulated TOA flux changes are remarkably similar to CERES. Both show outgoing shortwave and longwave TOA flux changes that largely cancel over the west and central tropical Pacific, and large reductions in shortwave flux for EP low‐cloud regions. A model's ability to represent changes in the relationship between global mean net TOA flux and surface temperature depends upon how well it represents shortwave flux changes in low‐cloud regions, with most showing too little sensitivity to EP SST changes, suggesting a “pattern effect” that may be too weak compared to observations.
Tomographic Imaging of Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Using GNSS and Geostationary Satellite Observations
Authors: Bolmgren Karl , Mitchell Cathryn , Bruno Jon , Bust Gary 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTraveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) are the manifestations of atmospheric gravity waves in the ionosphere. These disturbances have practical importance because they affect satellite navigation technologies such as Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS), causing degradation in precise positioning applications. They also have scientific significance as their generation mechanisms and propagation are not fully understood. While there are specific instruments that can measure TIDs in certain locations, there is a need for wide‐area observations across extended geographical regions to continuously monitor their onset and spatial and temporal characteristics. This paper evaluates the use of observations from ground‐based geodetic GNSS receivers to image TIDs using ionospheric tomography and data assimilation. Certain GNSS receivers also monitor signals from geostationary (GEO) satellites, which provide a unique perspective on the TID. The advantage of using the GEO data is investigated. A computerized simulation of GNSS observations is used for evaluation of the Multi‐Instrument Data Analysis System (MIDAS) with GEO and regular GNSS geometry. The simulated observations are generated by integrating the electron density through a modeled TID‐perturbed dynamic ionosphere between actual receiver and satellite positions. The output 3‐D electron density image series generated from the synthetic data by the MIDAS ionospheric tomography and data assimilation algorithm are compared with the input model ionosphere. Results show that GEO geometry improves the reconstruction of medium‐scale TIDs (MSTIDs) and smaller LSTIDs in cases where the movement of regular GNSS satellites in Medium Earth orbit (MEO) may otherwise introduce distortions to the observations.
Comparison of Long‐Term Lightning Activity and Inner Radiation Belt Electron Flux Perturbations
Authors: Martinez‐Calderon C. , Bortnik J. , Li W. , Spence H. , Claudepierre S. G. , Douma E. , Rodger C. J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLightning discharges are known to inject whistler waves into the inner magnetosphere over a wide region around their source. When a discharge occurs, it radiates electromagnetic energy into the Earth‐ionosphere waveguide, some of which couples into the whistler mode and propagates through the ionospheric plasma away from the Earth. Previous studies have discussed the effects of whistler‐induced electron precipitation and radiation belt losses associated with lightning. However, to date, there has been no research on the long‐term effects of this accumulated impact. Here, we use data from the World Wide Lightning Location Network, which has continuously monitored global lightning activity since 2004, to obtain 1 year of lightning data and categorized them into L‐shell ranges, hemispheres, and magnetic local times. We then use Van Allen Probe's Energetic Particle, Composition, and Thermal Plasma Suite from both satellites (RBSP‐A/B) to measure particle fluxes in the inner belts under the same criteria. We compare these two quantities by calculating the correlation coefficients between selected electron energy channels, including pitch angle distribution, and lightning activity under different conditions. Although we found a weak to moderate relationship between lightning activity and electron flux perturbations, the correlation was not as strong as expected from theoretical predictions. Variations in electron fluxes related to substorm activity were of the same order of magnitude as that from lightning activity, even at low L shells.
The Influence of Sea Surface Temperature Reemergence on Marine Stratiform Cloud
Authors: Geiss Andrew , Marchand Roger , Thompson LuAnne 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe global distribution of winter to winter sea surface temperature (SST) reemergence is analyzed using a novel metric based on an autoregressive 1 model, and the global impact of SST on cloud amount and cloud type are examined using satellite data. A region in the northeastern Pacific Ocean is identified where wintertime SSTs are correlated with the occurrence of marine stratiform cloud the following winter. This correlation is likely a manifestation of SST reemergence. We hypothesize that through this reemergence mechanism marine stratus cloud amount, and thus shortwave cloud radiative effect, in the northeastern Pacific exhibits memory on inter‐seasonal and even multi‐year time scales and that exploration of this relationship may provide insight into the SST—low cloud feedbacks.
Molecular mapping and identification of quantitative trait loci for domestication traits in the field cress (Lepidium campestre L.) genome
Authors: Desta Zeratsion Abera , de Koning Dirk-Jan , Ortiz Rodomiro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLepidium campestre (L.) or field cress is a multifaceted oilseed plant, which is not yet domesticated. Moreover, the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying the domestication traits of field cress remain largely elusive. The overarching goal of this study is to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are fundamental for domestication of field cress. Mapping and dissecting quantitative trait variation may provide important insights into genomic trajectories underlying field cress domestication. We used 7624 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for QTL mapping in 428 F2 interspecific hybrid individuals, while field phenotyping was conducted in F2:3 segregating families. We applied multiple QTL mapping algorithms to detect and estimate the QTL effects for seven important domestication traits of field cress. Verification of pod shattering across sites revealed that the non-shattering lines declined drastically whereas the shattering lines increased sharply, possibly due to inbreeding followed by selection events. In total, 1461 of the 7624 SNP loci were mapped to eight linkage groups (LGs), spanning 571.9 cM map length. We identified 27 QTL across all LGs of field cress genome, which captured medium to high heritability, implying that genomics-assisted selection could deliver domesticated lines in field cress breeding. The use of high throughput genotyping can accelerate the process of domestication in novel crop species. This is the first QTL mapping analysis in the field cress genome that may lay a foundational framework for positional or functional QTL cloning, introgression as well as genomics-assisted breeding in field cress domestication.
Towards detecting traces of non-contact quantum friction in the corrections of the accumulated geometric phase
Authors: Farías M. Belén , Lombardo Fernando C. , Soba Alejandro , Villar Paula I. , Decca Ricardo S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe geometric phase can be used as a fruitful venue of investigation to infer features of the quantum systems. Its application can reach new theoretical frontiers and imply innovative and challenging experimental proposals. Herein, we take advantage of the geometric phase to sense the corrections induced while a neutral particle travels at constant velocity in front of an imperfect sheet in quantum vacuum. As it is already known, two bodies in relative motion at constant velocity experience a quantum contactless dissipative force, known as quantum friction. This force has eluded experimental detection so far due to its small magnitude and short range. However, we give details of an innovative experiment designed to track traces of the quantum friction by measuring the velocity dependence of corrections to the geometric phase. We notice that the environmentally induced corrections can be decomposed in different contributions: corrections induced by the presence of the dielectric sheet and the motion of the particle in quantum vacuum. As the geometric phase accumulates over time, its correction becomes relevant at a relative short timescale, while the system still preserves purity. The experimentally viable scheme presented would be the first one in tracking traces of quantum friction through the study of decoherence effects on a NV center in diamond.
Androstenedione and testosterone but not progesterone are potential biomarkers of pregnancy in Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) approaching parturition
Authors: Dalle Luche Greta , Boggs Ashley S. P. , Kucklick John R. , Groß Jasmin , Hawker Darryl W. , Bengtson Nash Susan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe blubber steroid hormone profiles of 52 female humpback whales migrating along the east coast of Australia were investigated for seasonal endocrine changes associated with reproduction. Individuals were randomly sampled during two stages of the annual migration: before reaching the breeding grounds (northward migration; June/July), and after departing from the breeding grounds (southward migration; September/October). Assignment of reproductive status of the sampled individuals was based on season, single-hormone ranks and multi-variate analysis of the hormonal profiles. High concentrations of progesterone (>19 ng/g, wet weight), recognised as an indicator of pregnancy in this species, were only detected in one sample. However, the androgens, testosterone and androstenedione were measured in unusually high concentrations (1.6–12 and 7.8–40 ng/g wet weight, respectively) in 36% of the females approaching the breeding grounds. The absence of a strong accompanying progesterone signal in these animals raises the possibility of progesterone withdrawal prior to parturition. As seen with other cetacean species, testosterone and androstenedione could be markers of near-term pregnancy in humpback whales. Confirmation of these androgens as alternate biomarkers of near-term pregnancy would carry implications for improved monitoring of the annual fecundity of humpback whales via non-lethal and minimally invasive methods.
Transcriptome analysis of polysaccharide-based microbial flocculant MBFA9 biosynthesis regulated by nitrogen source
Authors: Fu Lili , Jiang Binhui , Wei Jianwei , Liu Jinliang , Hu Xiaomin , Zhang Li 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMicrobial flocculant (MBF), an environmentally friendly water treatment agent, can be widely used in various water treatments. However, its use is limited by low yield and high cost. This problem can be solved by clarifying its biosynthesis mechanism and regulating it. Paenibacillus shenyangensis A9, a flocculant-producing bacterium, was used to produce polysaccharide-type MBFA9 by regulating the nitrogen source (nitrogen adequacy/nitrogen deficiency). In this study, RNA-Seq high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatic approaches were used to investigate the fermentation and biosynthesis of polysaccharide-type MBFA9 by regulating the nitrogen source (high nitrogen/low nitrogen) in the flocculant-producing bacteria Paenibacillus shenyangensis A9. Differentially expressed genes, functional clustering, and functional annotation of key genes were assessed. Then the MBFA9 biosynthesis and metabolic pathway were reconstructed. Our results showed that when cultured under different nitrogen conditions, bacterial strain A9 had a greater ability to synthesize polysaccharide-type MBFA9 under low nitrogen compared to high nitrogen conditions, with the yield of MBFA9 reaching 4.2 g/L at 36 h of cultivation. The quality of transcriptome sequencing data was reliable, with a matching rate of 85.38% and 85.48% when L36/H36 was mapped to the reference genome. The total expressed genes detected were 4719 and 4730, with 265 differentially expressed genes. The differentially expressed genes were classified into 3 categories: molecular function (MF), cell component (CC), and biological process (BP), and can be further divided into 22 subcategories. There were 192 upregulated genes and 73 downregulated genes, with upregulation being predominant under low nitrogen. UDP-Gal, UDP-Glc, UDP-GlcA, and UDP-GlcNAc, which are in the polysaccharide metabolic pathway, could all be used as precursors for MBFA9 biosynthesis, and murA, wecB, pgm, galU/galF, fcl, gmd, and glgC were the main functional genes capable of affecting the growth of bacteria and the biosynthesis of MBF. Results from this study provide evidence that high-level expression of key genes in MBFA9 biosynthesis, regulation, and control can achieve MBFA9 directional synthesis for large-scale applications.
Attribution Analysis of Runoff Change in Min-Tuo River Basin based on SWAT model simulations, China
Authors: Hu Jian , Ma Jie , Nie Chao , Xue Lianqing , Zhang Yang , Ni Fuquan , Deng Yu , Liu Jinshan , Zhou Dengke , Li Linhuan , Wang Zhigang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo consummate watershed data and better quantify the impact of climate changes and human activities on runoff, we examined the changes and response mechanisms of runoff in the Min–Tuo River Basin, China. In the examination, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate possible evapotranspiration, actual evapotranspiration, and runoff in 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015 under different land-use conditions. SWAT weather generator was used to supplement the missing meteorological data. This study presents a quantitative analysis of the climatic and anthropogenic factors contributing to the runoff alteration in the Min–Tuo River Basin using the Budyko methods. The results suggested that the reduced precipitation was the main cause of runoff reduction. The contributions of precipitation, possible evapotranspiration, and underlying surface alterationsof runoff were 56.18%, 37.08%, and 6.74%, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the runoff alteration was most sensitive to changes of landscape parameters. The aridity index and all the elasticities showed a spatial variations in the Min–Tuo River Basin. The influence of the three factors on runoff reduction varied with seasons. During the high-flow period, changes of the precipitation and possible evapotranspiration and underlying surface had the greatest effect on runoff reduction, while changes of underlying surfaces had the least effect.
Soot elimination and heat recovery of industrial flue gas by heterogeneous condensation
Authors: Ma Liang , Zhao Zhihuang , Tian Chengcheng , Wang Hualin , Liu Yi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIndustrial flue gas systems include fine soot and high-temperature vapor. The continuous emission of the flue gas not only causes fine particulate pollution but also wastes considerable heat energy. Separating soot and purifying flue gas are of great significance for industrial conditions and environmental protection. In this paper, the process of cyclone soot elimination and waste heat recovery by heterogeneous condensation were coupled for the first time. The effects of the flue gas material system and separation operation parameters on the cyclone soot elimination efficiency and heat transfer efficiency were systematically investigated through unit experiments and industrial side-lines. Additionally, the mechanism of enhanced cyclone soot elimination by heterogeneous condensation was also theoretically explored. The experimental results show that the corresponding maximum cyclone heat transfer efficiency and soot elimination efficiency of the Ф40 mm cyclone separator are 42.1% and 89.2%, respectively, while the Ф80 mm cyclone separator can attain an elimination efficiency of 91% and a maximum increase of 67.3% for the heat transfer efficiency, as indicated by the industrial side-line. During the process of cyclone soot elimination and heat recovery by heterogeneous condensation, the heterogeneous condensation caused by heat transfer increases the quality difference between the flue gas molecules and soot droplets, thus improving the cyclone separation efficiency of soot.