bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opinion formation in multiplex networks with general initial distributions
Authors: Antonopoulos Chris G. , Shang Yilun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe study opinion dynamics over multiplex networks where agents interact with bounded confidence. Namely, two neighbouring individuals exchange opinions and compromise if their opinions do not differ by more than a given threshold. In literature, agents are generally assumed to have a homogeneous confidence bound. Here, we study analytically and numerically opinion evolution over structured networks characterised by multiple layers with respective confidence thresholds and general initial opinion distributions. Through rigorous probability analysis, we show analytically the critical thresholds at which a phase transition takes place in the long-term consensus behaviour, over multiplex networks with some regularity conditions. Our results reveal the quantitative relation between the critical threshold and initial distribution. Further, our numerical simulations illustrate the consensus behaviour of the agents in network topologies including lattices and, small-world and scale-free networks, as well as for structure-dependent convergence parameters accommodating node heterogeneity. We find that the critical thresholds for consensus tend to agree with the predicted upper bounds in Theorems 4 and 5 in this paper. Finally, our results indicate that multiplexity hinders consensus formation when the initial opinion configuration is within a bounded range and, provide insight into information diffusion and social dynamics in multiplex systems modeled by networks.
A new high-resolution 3-D quantitative method for analysing small morphological features: an example using a Cambrian trilobite
Authors: Esteve Jorge , Zhao Yuan-Long , Maté-González Miguel Ángel , Gómez-Heras Miguel , Peng Jin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTaphonomic processes play an important role in the preservation of small morphological features such as granulation or pits. However, the assessment of these features may face the issue of the small size of the specimens and, sometimes, the destructiveness of these analyses, which makes impossible carrying them out in singular specimen, such as holotypes or lectotypes. This paper takes a new approach to analysing small-morphological features, by using an optical surface roughness (OSR) meter to create a high-resolution three-dimensional digital-elevation model (DEM). This non-destructive technique allows analysing quantitatively the DEM using geometric morphometric methods (GMM). We created a number of DEMs from three populations putatively belonging to the same species of trilobite (Oryctocephalus indicus) that present the same cranidial outline, but differ in the presence or absence of the second and third transglabellar furrows. Profile analysis of the DEMs demonstrate that all three populations show similar preservation variation in the glabellar furrows and lobes. The GMM shows that all populations exhibit the same range of variation. Differences in preservation are a consequence of different degrees of cementation and rates of dissolution. Fast cementation enhances the preservation of glabellar furrows and lobes, while fast dissolution hampers preservation of the same structures.
Long term Follow-up of Transvaginal Anatomical Implant of Mesh in Pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Luo De-Yi , Yang Tong-Xin , Shen Hong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTransvaginal mesh (TVM) is a minimally invasive but effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). However, mesh exposure is a common and problematic complication after TVM. This study assessed the safety and long-term outcomes of TVM. A retrospective review was performed on the medical records of 175 consecutive patients who underwent TVM with the anatomical implant technique for pelvic organ prolapse at our center from April 2007 to December 2012. All operations were performed using TVM with the anatomical implant technique. Intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and TVM outcomes were assessed. In average of 8 years (ranging from 4 to 10 years), the objective cure ratio reached 99.4%; and the subjective success rate of the TVM operation was 91.4%. Only 2 cases (1.1%) were identified as having mesh exposure. The reoperation rate was 4.0% (95% CI, 1.1–6.9%). No patients abstained from sex due to the operation or postoperative discomfort. Our anatomical implant technique for correcting POP is feasible in TVM procedures, which lead to favourable subjective and objective outcomes with the lowest rates of mesh exposure (1.1%) in published data. Therefore, performing TVM operations with the appropriate technique could consider to be permitted.
Trigger mechanism for the abrupt loss of energetic ions in magnetically confined plasmas
Authors: Ida K. , Kobayashi T. , Yoshinuma M. , Akiyama T. , Tokuzawa T. , Tsuchiya H. , Itoh K. , Itoh S.-I. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInteraction between a quasi-stable stationary MHD mode and a tongue-shaped deformation is observed in the toroidal plasma with energetic particle driven MHD bursts. The quasi-stable stationary 1/1 MHD mode with interchange parity appears near the resonant rational surface of q = 1 between MHD bursts. The tongue-shaped deformation rapidly appears at the non-resonant non-rational surface as a localized large plasma displacement and then collapses (tongue event). It curbs the stationary 1/1 MHD mode and then triggers the collapse of energetic particle and magnetic field reconnection. The rotating 1/1 MHD mode with tearing parity at the q = 1 resonant surface, namely, the MHD burst, is excited after the tongue event.
Conductive Atomic Force Microscope Study of Bipolar and Threshold Resistive Switching in 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Films
Authors: Ranjan A. , Raghavan N. , O’Shea S. J. , Mei S. , Bosman M. , Shubhakar K. , Pey K. L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the resistive switching characteristics and underlying mechanism in 2D layered hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) dielectric films using conductive atomic force microscopy. A combination of bipolar and threshold resistive switching is observed consistently on multi-layer h-BN/Cu stacks in the low power regime with current compliance (I
comp
) of less than 100 nA. Standard random telegraph noise signatures were observed in the low resistance state (LRS), similar to the trends in oxygen vacancy-based RRAM devices. While h-BN appears to be a good candidate in terms of switching performance and endurance, it performs poorly in terms of retention lifetime due to the self-recovery of LRS state (similar to recovery of soft breakdown in oxide-based dielectrics) that is consistently observed at all locations without requiring any change in the voltage polarity for I
comp
~1–100 nA.
Risk stratification based on components of the complete blood count in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A classification and regression tree analysis
Authors: Niu Xiaowei , Liu Guoyong , Huo Lichao , Zhang Jingjing , Bai Ming , Peng Yu , Zhang Zheng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTo develop a risk stratification model based on complete blood count (CBC) components in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using a classification and regression tree (CART) method. CBC variables and the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scores were determined in 2,693 patients with ACS. The CART analysis was performed to classify patients into different homogeneous risk groups and to determine predictors for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) at 1-year follow-up. The CART algorithm identified the white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and mean platelet volume levels as the best combination to predict MACE risk. Patients were stratified into three categories with MACE rates ranging from 3.0% to 29.8%. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated MACE risk increased with the ascending order of the CART risk categories. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the CART risk categories independently predicted MACE risk. The predictive accuracy of the CART risk categories was tested by measuring discrimination and graphically assessing the calibration. Furthermore, the combined use of the CART risk categories and GRACE scores yielded a more accurate predictive value for MACEs. Patients with ACS can be readily stratified into distinct prognostic categories using the CART risk stratification tool on the basis of CBC components.
Archaeology and ichnology at Gombore II-2, Melka Kunture, Ethiopia: everyday life of a mixed-age hominin group 700,000 years ago
Authors: Altamura Flavio , Bennett Matthew R. , D’Août Kristiaan , Gaudzinski-Windheuser Sabine , Melis Rita T. , Reynolds Sally C. , Mussi Margherita 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe report the occurrence at 0.7 million years (Ma) of an ichnological assemblage at Gombore II-2, which is one of several archaeological sites at Melka Kunture in the upper Awash Valley of Ethiopia, 2000 m asl. Adults and children potentially as young as 12 months old left tracks in a silty substrate on the shore of a body of water where ungulates, as well as other mammals and birds, congregated. Furthermore, the same layers contain a rich archaeological and palaeontological record, confirming that knapping was taking place in situ and that stone tools were used for butchering hippo carcasses at the site. The site gives direct information on hominin landscape use at 0.7 Ma and may provide fresh perspective on the childhood of our ancestors.
Unraveling the efficiency-limiting morphological issues of the perylene diimide-based non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Singh Ranbir , Suranagi Sanjaykumar R. , Lee Jaewon , Lee Hansol , Kim Min , Cho Kilwon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHerein we report a comparative morphological analysis of the perylene diimide (PDI)- and fullerene-based organic solar cells (OSCs) to identify the factors responsible for low performance of PDI-based devices. A PDI derivative, bis-PDI, and a fullerene derivative, PC70BM, are mixed with an efficient polymer donor, PffBT4T-2OD. The large disparity in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of OSCs composed of PffBT4T-2OD:bis-PDI (PCE = 5.18%) and PffBT4T-2OD:PC70BM (PCE = 10.19%) observed are attributed to differences in the nanostructural motif of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) morphologies of these blend systems. The X-ray scattering and surface energy characterizations revealed that the structurally dissimilar bis-PDI and PC70BM molecules determine the variation in blend film morphologies, and in particular, the molecular packing features of the donor PffBT4T-2OD polymer. In addition, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images explore the BHJ morphologies and presence of longer polymer fibrils in PffBT4T-2OD:bis-PDI system, justifying the unbalanced charge transport and high hole mobility. The low performance of PffBT4T-2OD:bis-PDI devices was further investigated by studying charge carrier recombination dynamics by using light-intensity-dependent and transient photovoltage (TPV) experiments. Furthermore, the temperature-dependent experiments showed the photovoltaic properties, including charge recombination losses, are strongly affected by energetic disorder present in bis-PDI-based system.
Rapid one-step biotinylation of biological and non-biological surfaces
Authors: Henry Stephen , Williams Eleanor , Barr Katie , Korchagina Elena , Tuzikov Alexandr , Ilyushina Natalia , Abayzeed Sidahmed A. , Webb Kevin F. , Bovin Nicolai 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe describe a rapid one-step method to biotinylate virtually any biological or non-biological surface. Contacting a solution of biotin-spacer-lipid constructs with a surface will form a coating within seconds on non-biological surfaces or within minutes on most biological membranes including membrane viruses. The resultant biotinylated surface can then be used to interact with avidinylated conjugates, beads, vesicles, surfaces or cells.
The drought-tolerant Solanum pennellii regulates leaf water loss and induces genes involved in amino acid and ethylene/jasmonate metabolism under dehydration
Authors: Egea Isabel , Albaladejo Irene , Meco Victoriano , Morales Belén , Sevilla Angel , Bolarin Maria C. , Flores Francisco B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBreeding for drought-tolerant crops is a pressing issue due to the increasing frequency and duration of droughts caused by climate change. Although important sources of variation for drought tolerance exist in wild relatives, the mechanisms and the key genes controlling tolerance in tomato are little known. The aim of this study is to determine the drought response of the tomato wild relativeSolanum pennellii(Sp) compared with the cultivated tomatoSolanum lycopersicum(Sl). The paper investigates the physiological and molecular responses in leaves ofSpandSlplants without stress and moderate drought stress. Significant physiological differences between species were found, withSpleaves showing greater ability to avoid water loss and oxidative damage. Leaf transcriptomic analysis carried out when leaves did not as yet show visual dehydration symptoms revealed important constitutive expression differences betweenSpandSlspecies. Genes linked to different physiological and metabolic processes were induced by drought inSp, especially those involved in N assimilation, GOGAT/GS cycle and GABA-shunt. Up-regulation inSpof genes linked to JA/ET biosynthesis and signaling pathways was also observed. In sum, genes involved in the amino acid metabolism together with genes linked to ET/JA seem to be key actors in the drought tolerance of the wild tomato species.
Detection of multi-tomato leaf diseases (late blight, target and bacterial spots) in different stages by using a spectral-based sensor
Authors: Lu Jinzhu , Ehsani Reza , Shi Yeyin , de Castro Ana Isabel , Wang Shuang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSeveral diseases have threatened tomato production in Florida, resulting in large losses, especially in fresh markets. In this study, a high-resolution portable spectral sensor was used to investigate the feasibility of detecting multi-diseased tomato leaves in different stages, including early or asymptomatic stages. One healthy leaf and three diseased tomato leaves (late blight, target and bacterial spots) were defined into four stages (healthy, asymptomatic, early stage and late stage) and collected from a field. Fifty-seven spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) were calculated in accordance with methods published in previous studies and established in this study. Principal component analysis was conducted to evaluate SVIs. Results revealed six principal components (PCs) whose eigenvalues were greater than 1. SVIs with weight coefficients ranking from 1 to 30 in each selected PC were applied to a K-nearest neighbour for classification. Amongst the examined leaves, the healthy ones had the highest accuracy (100%) and the lowest error rate (0) because of their uniform tissues. Late stage leaves could be distinguished more easily than the two other disease categories caused by similar symptoms on the multi-diseased leaves. Further work may incorporate the proposed technique into an image system that can be operated to monitor multi-diseased tomato plants in fields.
Mountain rock glaciers contain globally significant water stores
Authors: Jones D. B. , Harrison S. , Anderson K. , Betts R. A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGlacier- and snowpack-derived meltwaters are threatened by climate change. Features such as rock glaciers (RGs) are climatically more resilient than glaciers and potentially contain hydrologically valuable ice volumes. However, while the distribution and hydrological significance of glaciers is well studied, RGs have received comparatively little attention. Here, we present the first near-global RG database (RGDB) through an analysis of current inventories and this contains >51,000 RGs. Using the RGDB, we identify key data-deficient regions as research priorities (e.g., Central Asia). We provide the first approximation of near-global RG water volume equivalent and this is 62.02 ± 12.40 Gt. Excluding the Antarctic and Subantarctic, Greenland Periphery, and regions lacking data, we estimate a near-global RG to glacier water volume equivalent ratio of 1:618. Significant RG water stores occur in arid and semi-arid regions (e.g., South Asia East, 1:57). These results represent a first-order approximation. Uncertainty in the water storage estimates includes errors within the RGDB, inherent flaws in the meta-analysis methodology, and RG thickness estimation. Here, only errors associated with the assumption of RG ice content are quantified and overall uncertainty is likely larger than that quantified. We suggest that RG water stores will become increasingly important under future climate warming.
Iterative feedback bio-printing-derived cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds with optimal geometrical fidelity and cellular controllability
Authors: Wang Ling , Xu Ming-en , Luo Li , Zhou Yongyong , Si Peijian 
Published: February 2018

AbstractFor three-dimensional bio-printed cell-laden hydrogel tissue constructs, the well-designed internal porous geometry is tailored to obtain the desired structural and cellular properties. However, significant differences often exist between the designed and as-printed scaffolds because of the inherent characteristics of hydrogels and cells. In this study, an iterative feedback bio-printing (IFBP) approach based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the fabrication of cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds with optimal geometrical fidelity and cellular controllability was proposed. A custom-made swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) system was applied to characterize the printed scaffolds quantitatively. Based on the obtained empirical linear formula from the first experimental feedback loop, we defined the most appropriate design constraints and optimized the printing process to improve the geometrical fidelity. The effectiveness of IFBP was verified from the second run using gelatin/alginate hydrogel scaffolds laden with C3A cells. The mismatch of the morphological parameters greatly decreased from 40% to within 7%, which significantly optimized the cell viability, proliferation, and morphology, as well as the representative expression of hepatocyte markers, includingCYP3A4and albumin, of the printed cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds. The demonstrated protocol paves the way for the mass fabrication of cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds, engineered tissues, and scaled-up applications of the 3D bio-printing technique.
Loss of autophagy in dopaminergic neurons causes Lewy pathology and motor dysfunction in aged mice
Authors: Sato Shigeto , Uchihara Toshiki , Fukuda Takahiro , Noda Sachiko , Kondo Hiromi , Saiki Shinji , Komatsu Masaaki , Uchiyama Yasuo , Tanaka Keiji , Hattori Nobutaka 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInactivation of constitutive autophagy results in the formation of cytoplasmic inclusions in neurons, but the relationship between impaired autophagy and Lewy bodies (LBs) as well as thein vivoprocess of formation remains unknown. Synuclein, a component of LBs, is the defining characteristic of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we characterize dopamine (DA) neuron–specific autophagy-deficient mice and providein vivoevidence for LB formation. Synuclein deposition is preceded by p62 and resulted in the formation of inclusions containing synuclein and p62. The number and size of these inclusions were gradually increased in neurites rather than soma with aging. These inclusions may facilitate peripheral failures. As a result, DA neuron loss and motor dysfunction including the hindlimb defect were observed in 120-week-old mice. P62 aggregates derived from an autophagic defect might serve as “seeds” and can potentially be cause of LB formation.
Solid H2 in the interstellar medium
Authors: Füglistaler A. , Pfenniger D. 
Published: February 2018

Context. Condensation of H2 in the interstellar medium (ISM) has long been seen as a possibility, either by deposition on dust grains or thanks to a phase transition combined with self-gravity. H2 condensation might explain the observed low efficiency of star formation and might help to hide baryons in spiral galaxies.
Aims. Our aim is to quantify the solid fraction of H2 in the ISM due to a phase transition including self-gravity for different densities and temperatures in order to use the results in more complex simulations of the ISM as subgrid physics.
Methods. We used molecular dynamics simulations of fluids at different temperatures and densities to study the formation of solids. Once the simulations reached a steady state, we calculated the solid mass fraction, energy increase, and timescales. By determining the power laws measured over several orders of magnitude, we extrapolated to lower densities the higher density fluids that can be simulated with current computers.
Results. The solid fraction and energy increase of fluids in a phase transition are above 0.1 and do not follow a power law. Fluids out of a phase transition are still forming a small amount of solids due to chance encounters of molecules. The solid mass fraction and energy increase of these fluids are linearly dependent on density and can easily be extrapolated. The timescale is below one second, the condensation can be considered instantaneous.
Conclusions. The presence of solid H2 grains has important dynamic implications on the ISM as they may be the building blocks for larger solid bodies when gravity is included. We provide the solid mass fraction, energy increase, and timescales for high density fluids and extrapolation laws for lower densities.
Evaluation of the possibility of using the water of the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River in Cherniiv (Ukraine) to supply the population with drinking water
Authors: Pietrzak D. , Mandryk O. , Wątor K. , Kmiecik E. , Zelmanowych A. 
Published: February 2018

The article presents the results of the research carried out in order to assess the possibility of using surface water of the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River in Cherniiv (western Ukraine), for the public supply of water intended for human consumption. For this purpose an existing database that contains the results of analyses of surface water samples collected in 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014 was used. Each year, from 8 to 13 samples were collected from the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River in Cherniiv. Physicochemical analyses of the samples taken included the determination of pH value, temperature, TDS, alkalinity, hardness, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, COD, suspended solids and ions: Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe2+, NH4+, Cu2+, Cl-, SO42-, PO43-, HCO3-, NO2-, NO3-. These chemical analyses were verified by calculation of errors based on the ionic balance.
The results of the analyses were referred to the polish applicable requirements for surface water used for public supply of water intended for human consumption and to the regulation regarding the classification of the surface water status and environmental quality standards for priority substances. The results indicate that water of the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River in the area of Cherniiv was out of the class in the years 1999 and 2002 due to exceeding the limit values for category A3 for Cu2+. On the basis of incomplete assessment of the status of the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River water (due to the tests limitation to the physical and chemical components) determined that the water has a bad status because it exceeded the limits for class II for Cl-, SO42-, NO3- and TDS. In the samples collected in 1999 and 2002 it is also observed exceeding the maximum limit concentrations for Cu2+.