bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic Gauge Choice for Scattering of Schrödinger Particle
Authors: Herdegen Andrzej 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
We consider a Schrödinger particle placed in an external electromagnetic field of the form typical for scattering settings in the field theory: $$F=F^\mathrm {ret}+F^\mathrm {in}=F^\mathrm {adv}+F^\mathrm {out}$$

F
=

F
ret

+

F
in

=

F
adv

+

F
out

, where the current producing $$F^{\mathrm {ret}/\mathrm {adv}}$$

F

ret
/
adv

has the past and future asymptotes homogeneous of degree $$-3$$

-
3

, and the free fields $$F^{\mathrm {in}/\mathrm {out}}$$

F

in
/
out

are radiation fields produced by currents with similar asymptotic behavior. We show that with appropriate choice of electromagnetic gauge the particle has ‘in’ and ‘out’ states reached with no further modification of the asymptotic dynamics. We use a special quantum mechanical evolution ‘picture’ in which the free evolution operator has well-defined limits for $$t\rightarrow \pm \infty $$

t
→
±
∞

, and thus the scattering wave operators do not need the free evolution counteraction. The existence of wave operators in this setting is established, but the proof of asymptotic completeness is not complete: more precise characterization of the asymptotic behavior of the particle for $$|\mathbf {x}|=|t|$$

|
x
|
=
|
t
|

would be needed.
Measuring phase scintillation at different frequencies with conventional GNSS receivers operating at 1 Hz
Authors: Nguyen Viet Khoi , Rovira-Garcia Adria , Juan José Miguel , Sanz Jaume , González-Casado Guillermo , La The Vinh , Ta Tung Hai 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Ionospheric scintillation causes rapid fluctuations of measurements from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), thus threatening space-based communication and geolocation services. The phenomenon is most intense in equatorial regions, around the equinoxes and in maximum solar cycle conditions. Currently, ionospheric scintillation monitoring receivers (ISMRs) measure scintillation with high-pass filter algorithms involving high sampling rates, e.g. 50 Hz, and highly stable clocks, e.g. an ultra-low-noise Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator. The present paper evolves phase scintillation indices implemented in conventional geodetic receivers with sampling rates of 1 Hz and rapidly fluctuating clocks. The method is capable to mitigate ISMR artefacts that contaminate the readings of the state-of-the-art phase scintillation index. Our results agree in more than 99.9% within ± 0.05 rad (2 mm) of the ISMRs, with a data set of 8 days which include periods of moderate and strong scintillation. The discrepancies are clearly identified, being associated with data gaps and to cycle-slips in the carrier-phase tracking of ISMR that occur simultaneously with ionospheric scintillation. The technique opens the door to use huge databases available from the International GNSS Service and other centres for scintillation studies. This involves GNSS measurements from hundreds of worldwide-distributed geodetic receivers over more than one Solar Cycle. This overcomes the current limitations of scintillation studies using ISMRs, as only a few tens of ISMRs are available and their data are provided just for short periods of time.
Spawning time of Acanthaster cf. solaris on the Great Barrier Reef inferred using qPCR quantification of embryos and larvae: do they know it’s Christmas?
Authors: Uthicke Sven , Fisher Eric E. , Patel Frances , Diaz-Guijarro Beatriz , Doyle Jason R. , Messmer Vanessa , Pratchett Morgan S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOutbreaks of crown-of-thorns seastars (CoTS;Acanthasterspp.) are a major contributor to degradation of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Understanding the dispersal and fate of planktonic life stages is crucial to understand and manage outbreaks, but visual detection of CoTS larvae is challenging. We apply a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to enumerate CoTS larvae in a 3-year time series of plankton samples from two reefs (Agincourt and Moore Reefs) on the Great Barrier Reef. Plankton surveys were complemented with settlement assays, and benthic surveys of juvenile and adult densities over time. Only one out of 109 plankton samples from Agincourt Reef had detectable CoTS mtDNA compared to 41 out of 575 samples from Moore Reef. This may be explained by differences in adult densities, or differences in connectivity and larval retention. Detections of larval CoTS were restricted to summer (November–February), with first detections each year coinciding with water temperatures reaching 28 °C and peak detections late December. A disproportionate number of larval detections occurred in 7 days around full moon. Complementary sampling of settlement and post-settlement life stages confirmed that elevated densities of CoTS larvae at Moore Reef translated to high rates of settlement adding to infestations at this reef. Moreover, there were declines in the detection of larvae, as well densities of juvenile and adult CoTS at Moore Reef, in 2017 and 2018. This study demonstrates that qPCR for genetic identification and quantification of larvae can assist to elucidate life history parameters of nuisance species difficult to obtain with other tools.
Maternal high-protein diet modulates hepatic growth axis in weaning piglets by reprogramming the IGFBP-3 gene
Authors: Cong Rihua , Qu Xiaoli , Zhang Hui , Hu Yongling , Ye Silin , Cai Demin , Li Xian , Liu Hao-Yu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal high dietary protein intake on the hepatic growth axis in offspring.

Methods
Fourteen primiparous purebred Meishan sows were fed either a standard-protein (SP, n = 7) diet or a high-protein (HP, 150% of SP, n = 7) diet during pregnancy. Offspring (one male and one female per group, n = 14) on day 70 of the embryonic stage and on days 1, 35 and 180 after birth were selected, weighed and killed. Serum samples were analyzed for Tch, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels. Liver samples were analyzed for IGFBP-3 and IGF-I mRNA expression by qRT-PCR and for IGFBP-3, IGF1R and growth hormone receptor (GHR) protein expression by Western blotting. The underlying mechanism of IGFBP-3 regulation was determined by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).

Results
High-protein exposure resulted in significantly higher body and liver weights of piglets, and it increased their serum T3 and T4 levels at birth and/or at weaning. Furthermore, the IGFBP-3 protein content in the liver and serum was significantly reduced in the HP-exposed weaning piglets, whereas at the transcriptional level IGFBP-3 mRNA expression was downregulated in the livers of HP group piglets. Finally, DNA hypermethylation and higher enrichment of the histone repressive marks H3K27me3 and H3K9me3 were observed.

Conclusions
Taken together, these results suggest that a maternal high-protein diet during gestation epigenetically reprograms IGFBP-3 gene expression to modulate the hepatic growth axis in weaning piglets.
Intra-annual stem size variations converge across marginal populations of European beech
Authors: Klisz Marcin , Buttò Valentina , Rossi Sergio , Morin Hubert , Jastrzębowski Szymon 
Published: October 2019

AbstractKey messageThe intra-annual variability in stem size of marginal beech population from south-eastern distribution range of beech in Poland is higher within than between populations.AbstractOne of the key issues of the distribution of tree species is their ability to track environmental changes. European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) is a species highly sensitive to extreme climatic events, because of its high phenotypic plasticity. In this study, we aim to determine the variability in stem size between and within marginal beech populations. Marginal populations of beech growing under uniform environmental conditions of provenance trial offer unique opportunity to detect adaptive differentiations driven by natural selection. In this work, we studied stem size variation recorded by automatic band dendrometers in four beech marginal populations growing in a common garden in the south-eastern distribution range of beech in Poland over the period 2016–2018. Strong climatic effects and weak provenance differences in seasonal stem size variation were observed. The provenances exhibited similar climate-related seasonal stem circumference variation. A high within-provenance variation was confirmed. Temperature of spring as well as temperature and precipitation of autumn were detected as key climatic parameters mostly for onset and end of stem size variation. Maximum stem size was mostly affected by the later end of its variation, which positively affected its duration. Climatic distance between beech provenances and provenance trial had a negligible effect on the variability in seasonal stem size variation between provenances. The evidence of weak inter-provenance and high intra-provenance variation in stem size changes observed in the south-eastern distribution range indicates that an individual-based approach could be a suitable strategy, when selecting for phenotypic plasticity.
Bacteria: back pain, leg pain and Modic sign—a surgical multicentre comparative study
Authors: Fritzell Peter , Welinder-Olsson Christina , Jönsson Bodil , Melhus Åsa , Andersson Siv G. E. , Bergström Tomas , Tropp Hans , Gerdhem Paul , Hägg Olle , Laestander Hans , Knutsson Björn , Lundin Anders , Ekman Per , Rydman Eric , Skorpil Mikael 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
To compare bacterial findings in pain-generating degenerated discs in adults operated on for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and mostly also suffering from low back pain (LBP), with findings in adolescent patients with non-degenerated non-pain-generating discs operated on for scoliosis, and to evaluate associations with Modic signs on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) has been found in painful degenerated discs, why it has been suggested treating patients with LDH/LBP with antibiotics. As multidrug-resistant bacteria are a worldwide concern, new indications for using antibiotics should be based on solid scientific evidence.

Methods
Between 2015 and 2017, 40 adults with LDH/LBP (median age 43, IQR 33–49) and 20 control patients with scoliosis (median age 17, IQR 15–20) underwent surgery at seven Swedish hospitals. Samples were cultured from skin, surgical wound, discs and vertebrae. Genetic relatedness of C. acnes isolates was investigated using single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis. DNA samples collected from discs/vertebrae were analysed using 16S rRNA-based PCR sequencing. MRI findings were assessed for Modic changes.

Results
No bacterial growth was found in 6/40 (15%) LDH patients, compared with 3/20 (15%) scoliosis patients. Most positive samples in both groups were isolated from the skin and then from subcutis or deep within the wound. Of the four disc and vertebral samples from each of the 60 patients, 235/240 (98%) were DNA negative by bacterial PCR. A single species, C. acnes, was found exclusively in the disc/vertebra from one patient in each group. In the LDH group, 29/40 (72%) patients had at least one sample with growth of C. acnes, compared to 14/20 (70%) in the scoliosis group. Bacterial findings and Modic changes were not associated.

Conclusions
Cutibacterium acnes found in discs and vertebrae during surgery for disc herniation in adults with degenerated discs may be caused by contamination, as findings in this group were similar to findings in a control group of young patients with scoliosis and non-degenerated discs. Furthermore, such findings were almost always combined with bacterial findings on the skin and/or in the wound. There was no association between preoperative Modic changes and bacterial findings. Antibiotic treatment of lumbar disc herniation with sciatica and/or low back pain, without signs of clinical discitis/spondylitis, should be seriously questioned.

Graphic abstract
These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Oxyethylated Isononylphenols in Carbon Tetrachloride
Authors: Arkhipov Victor P. , Arkhipov Ruslan V. , Kuzina Natalia A. , Filippov Andrei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Translational diffusion coefficients of ethoxylated isononylphenol molecules C9H19C6H4O(C2H4O)nH in carbon tetrachloride were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance diffusometry. The hydrodynamic radii of the molecules were determined within the framework of the Stokes–Einstein relation. We showed that ethoxylated isononylphenols in carbon tetrachloride do not form micelles, and the dependence of the diffusion coefficients and, accordingly, the hydrodynamic radii of the nonionic surfactants on the number of oxyethylene groups have a kink in the region n = 6–8.
Triple Contrast CT Method Enables Simultaneous Evaluation of Articular Cartilage Composition and Segmentation
Authors: Honkanen Miitu K. M. , Saukko Annina E. A. , Turunen Mikael J. , Xu Wujun , Lovric Goran , Honkanen Juuso T. J. , Grinstaff Mark W. , Lehto Vesa-Pekka , Töyräs Juha 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Early degenerative changes of articular cartilage are detected using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with a cationic contrast agent (CA). However, cationic CA diffusion into degenerated cartilage decreases with proteoglycan depletion and increases with elevated water content, thus hampering tissue evaluation at early diffusion time points. Furthermore, the contrast at synovial fluid-cartilage interface diminishes as a function of diffusion time hindering accurate cartilage segmentation. For the first time, we employ quantitative dual-energy CT (QDECT) imaging utilizing a mixture of three CAs (cationic CA4+ and non-ionic gadoteridol which are sensitive to proteoglycan and water contents, respectively, and bismuth nanoparticles which highlight the cartilage surface) to simultaneously segment the articulating surfaces and determine of the cartilage condition. Intact healthy, proteoglycan-depleted, and mechanically injured bovine cartilage samples (n = 27) were halved and imaged with synchrotron microCT 2-h post immersion in triple CA or in dual CA (CA4+ and gadoteridol). CA4+ and gadoteridol partitions were determined using QDECT, and pairwise evaluation of these partitions was conducted for samples immersed in dual and triple CAs. In conclusion, the triple CA method is sensitive to proteoglycan depletion while maintaining sufficient contrast at the articular surface to enable detection of cartilage lesions caused by mechanical impact.
Biocontrol yeasts: mechanisms and applications
Authors: Freimoser Florian M. , Rueda-Mejia Maria Paula , Tilocca Bruno , Migheli Quirico 
Published: October 2019

AbstractYeasts occur in all environments and have been described as potent antagonists of various plant pathogens. Due to their antagonistic ability, undemanding cultivation requirements, and limited biosafety concerns, many of these unicellular fungi have been considered for biocontrol applications. Here, we review the fundamental research on the mechanisms (e.g., competition, enzyme secretion, toxin production, volatiles, mycoparasitism, induction of resistance) by which biocontrol yeasts exert their activity as plant protection agents. In a second part, we focus on five yeast species (Candida oleophila, Aureobasidium pullulans, Metschnikowia fructicola, Cryptococcus albidus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that are or have been registered for the application as biocontrol products. These examples demonstrate the potential of yeasts for commercial biocontrol usage, but this review also highlights the scarcity of fundamental studies on yeast biocontrol mechanisms and of registered yeast-based biocontrol products. Yeast biocontrol mechanisms thus represent a largely unexplored field of research and plentiful opportunities for the development of commercial, yeast-based applications for plant protection exist.
Water quality assessment of a tropical river using water quality index (WQI), multivariate statistical techniques and GIS
Authors: Shil Sanjoy , Singh Umesh Kumar , Mehta Pankaj 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Mahananda River is an important river in India and Bangladesh, as the people of both the countries use the water extensively, without sufficient and reliable information about water qualities and pollution status. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the water quality of the river and to analyse the suitability for drinking, agricultural and industrial uses. This is why this study on the Mahananda River is extremely important for the region. For this study, samples from fourteen sampling stations were collected in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in 2016 and water quality index (WQI), agriculture and industry-related indices were computed. WQI values designated two sampling stations out of fourteen sampling stations as ‘very bad’ category and another two sampling stations as ‘bad’ category. The pH values of some sampling stations slightly exceeded the upper permissible limit. USSL diagram analysis classified two samples of pre-monsoon season in C2S1 category which indicates a medium salinity and low sodium water. Magnesium hazard values of four sampling stations are above 50% suggesting not suitable for irrigation. However, some indices like sodium per cent, residual sodium carbonate and residual sodium bicarbonate, Kelly’s index, permeability index and potential salinity allow the water for use in irrigation purposes. Langelier Saturation Index and aggressive index values designate the water as moderately aggressive or non-aggressive. Ryznar Stability Index values designate the water as ‘aggressive’ or ‘very aggressive’ indicating unsuitability for industrial uses. Sampling stations S-1, S-2, S-8 and S-14 need special attention.
Curvature Sensor Based on a Long-Period Grating in a Fiber Ring Resonator Interrogated by an OTDR
Authors: Magalhães Regina , Silva Susana , Frazão Orlando 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The proposed technique demonstrates a fiber ring resonator interrogated by an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), for intensity sensing. By using this methodology, a cavity round trip time of 2.85 μs was obtained. For a proof of concept, a long-period grating was inserted in the resonant cavity operating as a curvature sensing device. A novel signal processing approach was outlined, regarding to the logarithmic behavior of the OTDR. Through analyzing the experimental results, an increase in the measured sensitivities was obtained by increasing applied bending. With curvatures performed from 1.8 m−1 to 4.5 m−1, the sensitivity values ranged from 2.94 dB·km−1 to 5.15 dB·km−1. In its turn, the sensitivities obtained presented a linear behavior when studied as a function of the applied curvature, following a slope of 0.86×10−3 dB. The advantages of applying this technique were also discussed, demonstrating two similar fiber rings multiplexed in a series of configurations.
Characterization of dendritic cell subtypes in human cord blood by single-cell sequencing
Authors: Jin Xiaoyang , Meng Lingyuan , Yin Zhao , Yu Haisheng , Zhang Linnan , Liang Weifeng , Wang Shouli , Liu Guanyuan , Zhang Liguo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The key functions of DCs include engulfing, processing and presenting antigens to T cells and regulating the activation of T cells. There are two major DC subtypes in human blood: plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and conventional DCs. To define the differences between the adult and infant immune systems, especially in terms of DC constitution, we enriched DCs from human cord blood and generated single-cell RNA sequencing data from about 7000 cells using the 10x Genomics Single Cell 3′ Solution. After incorporating the differential expression analysis method in our clustering process, we identified all the known dendritic cell subsets. Interestingly, we also found a group of DCs with gene expression that was a mix of megakaryocytes and pDCs. Further, we verified the expression of selected genes at both the RNA level by PCR and the protein level by flow cytometry. This study further demonstrates the power of single-cell RNA sequencing in dendritic cell research.
The role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer: from carcinogenesis to clinical management
Authors: Sun Chun‐Hui , Li Bin‐Bin , Wang Bo , Zhao Jing , Zhang Xiao‐Ying , Li Ting‐Ting , Li Wen‐Bing , Tang Di , Qiu Miao‐Juan , Wang Xin‐Cheng , Zhu Cheng‐Ming , Qian Zhi‐Rong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor that affects people worldwide. Metagenomic analyses have shown an enrichment of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in colorectal carcinoma tissue; many studies have indicated that F. nucleatum is closely related to the colorectal carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide the latest information to reveal the related molecular mechanisms. The known virulence factors of F. nucleatum promote adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells via FadA and Fap2. Besides, Fap2 also binds to immune cells causing immunosuppression. Furthermore, F. nucleatum recruits tumor‐infiltrating immune cells, thus yielding a pro‐inflammatory microenvironment, which promotes colorectal neoplasia progression. F. nucleatum was also found to potentiate CRC development through toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2)/toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling and microRNA (miRNA)‐21 expression. In addition, F. nucleatum increases CRC recurrence along with chemoresistance by mediating a molecular network of miRNA‐18a*, miRNA‐4802, and autophagy components. Moreover, viable F. nucleatum was detected in mouse xenografts of human primary colorectal adenocarcinomas through successive passages. These findings indicated that an increased number of F. nucleatum in the tissues is a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC, and the underlying molecular mechanism can probably provide a potential intervention treatment strategy for patients with F. nucleatum‐associated CRC.