bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of linear intrascan and interscan dynamic ranges of Orbitrap and ion‐mobility time‐of‐flight mass spectrometers
Authors: Kaufmann Anton , Walker Stephan 
Published: September 2017

RationaleThe linear intrascan and interscan dynamic ranges of mass spectrometers are important in metabolome and residue analysis. A large linear dynamic range is mandatory if both low‐ and high‐abundance ions have to be detected and quantitated in heavy matrix samples. These performance criteria, as provided by modern high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), were systematically investigated.MethodsThe comparison included two generations of Orbitraps, and an ion mobility quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTOF) system In addition, different scan modes, as provided by the utilized instruments, were investigated. Calibration curves of different compounds covering a concentration range of five orders of magnitude were measured to evaluate the linear interscan dynamic range. The linear intrascan dynamic range and the resulting mass accuracy were evaluated by repeating these measurements in the presence of a very intense background.ResultsModern HRMS instruments can show linear dynamic ranges of five orders of magnitude. Often, however, the linear dynamic range is limited by the detection capability (sensitivity and selectivity) and by the electrospray ionization. Orbitraps, as opposed to TOF instruments, show a reduced intrascan dynamic range. This is due to the limited C‐trap and Orbitrap capacity. The tested TOF instrument shows poorer mass accuracies than the Orbitraps. In contrast, hyphenation with an ion‐mobility device seems not to affect the linear dynamic range.ConclusionsThe linear dynamic range of modern HRMS instrumentation has been significantly improved. This also refers to the virtual absence of systematic mass shifts at high ion abundances. The intrascan dynamic range of the current Orbitrap technology may still be a limitation when analyzing complex matrix extracts. On the other hand, the linear dynamic range is not only limited by the detector technology, but can also be shortened by peripheral devices, where the ionization and transfer of ions take place.
Single‐incision robotic cholecystectomy is associated with a high rate of trocar‐site infection
Authors: Lim Chetana , Bou Nassif Georges , Lahat Eylon , Hayek Mohamad , Osseis Michael , Gomez‐Gavara Concepcion , Moussalem Toufic , Azoulay Daniel , Salloum Chady 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundSingle‐incision robotic cholecystectomy has been developed to decrease post‐operative pain and improve cosmetic results.MethodsThirty‐seven patients underwent single‐site robotic cholecystectomy between 2014 and 2015. Postoperative outcomes and costs were compared to reported outcomes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the configuration of suprapubic trocars.ResultsThe median age was comparable between the two groups (46 years in the robotic group vs. 47 years in the laparoscopic group). The operative time was longer in the robotic group (132 minutes) than in the laparoscopic group (53 minutes). The average length of stay was 1 day in the robotic group and 1.7 days in the laparoscopic group. Costs were higher in the robotic group (2229.46 €) than in the laparoscopic group (1141 €). In the robotic group, the trocar‐site infection rate was 13.5%.ConclusionThe robotic approach does not seem to offer additional benefit in terms of surgical outcomes.
Dynamic option hedging with transaction costs: A stochastic model predictive control approach
Authors: Graf Plessen Mogens , Puglia Laura , Gabbriellini Tommaso , Bemporad Alberto 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThis paper proposes stochastic model predictive control as a tool for hedging derivative contracts (such as plain vanilla and exotic options) in the presence of transaction costs. The methodology combines stochastic scenario generation for the prediction of asset prices at the next rebalancing interval with the minimization of a stochastic measure of the predicted hedging error. We consider 3 different measures to minimize in order to optimally rebalance the replicating portfolio: a trade‐off between variance and expected value of hedging error, conditional value at risk, and the largest predicted hedging error. The resulting optimization problems require solving at each trading instant a quadratic program, a linear program, and a (smaller‐scale) linear program, respectively. These can be combined with 3 different scenario generation schemes: the lognormal stock model with parameters recursively identified from data, an identification method based on support vector regression, and a simpler scheme based on perturbation noise. The hedging performance obtained by the proposed stochastic model predictive control strategies is illustrated on real‐world data drawn from the NASDAQ‐100 composite, evaluated for a European call and a barrier option, and compared with delta hedging.
Object contour scanning using elastically supported technical vibrissae
Authors: Will Christoph , Behn Carsten , Steigenberger Joachim 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRodents, like mice and rats, use tactile hairs in the snout region (mystacial vibrissae) to acquire information about their environment, e.g., the shape or contour of obstacles. For this, the vibrissa is used for the perception of stimuli due to an object contact. Mechanoreceptors are processing units of these stimuli measured in the compliant support (follicle‐sinus complex). We use this behavior from biology as an inspiration to set up a mechanical model for object contour scanning. In a plane, an elastic bending beam sweeps a rigid obstacle while the beam's foot passes by below the object. Prescribing a contour and a list of optional contact points on it, we apply Bernoulli's bending theory for large deformations in order to determine in a first step the elastic lines of the beam and the corresponding reactions of the support (the only observables in biology and technology). Taking these reaction values as data of a bending problem, an initial‐value problem re‐determines (within certain “measuring noise”) the starting contact points. This theoretical one‐sweep scanning process is demonstrated by several examples, and their outcomes are compared to experimental results. The current confinements in theory and experimental setup and their removal are explained. A somewhat new topic could be to allow for rotationally elastic bearings of the beam instead of the usually preferred clamp. In contrast to other papers in this field, we deal with nonlinear theory throughout, follow analytical ways as far as possible, and use numerics only to find solutions of final finite equations.
Three‐dimensional simulation of nonwoven fabrics using a greedy approximation of the distribution of fiber directions
Authors: Gramsch Simone , Kontak Max , Michel Volker 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAn elementary algorithm is used to simulate the industrial production of a fiber of a 3‐dimensional nonwoven fabric. The algorithm simulates the fiber as a polyline where the direction of each segment is stochastically drawn based on a given probability density function (PDF) on the unit sphere. This PDF is obtained from data of directions of fiber fragments which originate from computer tomography scans of a real nonwoven fabric. However, the simulation algorithm requires numerous evaluations of the PDF. Since the established technique of a kernel density estimator leads to very high computational costs, a novel greedy algorithm for estimating a sparse representation of the PDF is introduced. Numerical tests for a synthetic and a real example are presented. In a realistic scenario, the introduced sparsity ansatz leads to a reduction of the computation time for 100 fibers from around 80 days to 2.5 hours.
Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) forests as a significant carbon sink? A case study based on 4‐year measurements in central Taiwan
Authors: Lin Meng‐Yin , Hsieh I‐Fang , Lin Po‐Hsuan , Laplace Sophie , Ohashi Mizue , Chen Tsai‐Huei , Kume Tomonori 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe aggressive expansion of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) forest into adjacent ecosystems which might alter the carbon balance replacement, has been noted recently in East Asian countries such as Taiwan. Moso bamboo has a biennial growth cycle that causes significant inter‐annual variations in net primary productivity (NPP) and net ecosystem productivity (NEP). To our knowledge, only one study has investigated NPP covering biennial cycles in a Moso bamboo forest. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify the NPP and NEP in a Moso bamboo forest in Taiwan by considering above‐ and below‐ground processes over a 4‐year experimental period. The estimated NPP and NEP showed considerable inter‐annual variations (coefficient of variation of 39 and 79%, respectively). Averaged over the 4 years, the NPP and NEP were 8.86 ± 3.46 and 4.32 ± 3.35 Mg C ha−1 year−1, respectively, which were within the ranges (6.53–14.36 and 3.59–7.98 Mg C ha−1 year−1, respectively) reported for Moso bamboo forests in East Asian countries. A global comparison of NPP and NEP among forest ecosystems using data from published literature indicated that the estimated NPP and NEP in the present study, as well as those in Moso bamboo forests from East Asian countries, were within the upper range of the values reported for other forest ecosystem. The results indicate that Moso bamboo forests may have high potential as a carbon sink among forests ecosystems.
Early Network Events in the Later Success of Chinese Entrepreneurs
Authors: Burt Ronald S. , Opper Sonja 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTWe trace the social networks around Chinese entrepreneurs back to their firm's founding to learn about the role early events play in the later success of a business. We use name generator questions paired with career history questions to identify ‘event contacts’ missed by the usual focus on current business. We draw four conclusions from interviews with a large, stratified random sample of entrepreneurs: (1) Relations with event contacts stand out forguanxiqualities of high trust relatively independent of the surrounding network structure, and are critical to distinguishing more successful entrepreneurs from the less successful. (2) The substance of a significant event matters less than the fact that the entrepreneur deems it significant. (3) When family is turned to for support it is most likely at founding, but family is not the usual source of support at founding. Rather, entrepreneurs turn to people they have known for many years, typically people beyond the entrepreneur's family. (4) The transition from founding to first significant event stands out as distinctly consequential for later success. Entrepreneurs who turn for help on their first significant event to a person separate from, but especially close to, the founding contact are more successful in their business development. That early move is not visible in the later network around the entrepreneur.
Predictors and correlates of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in young women: results from the Safe-D study
Authors: Callegari Emma T. , Garland Suzanne M. , Gorelik Alexandra , Reavley Nicola J. , Wark John D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is a global public health concern. Studies of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) determinants in young women are limited and few include objective covariates. Our aims were to define the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and examine serum 25(OH)D correlates in an exploratory study of women aged 16–25 years. We studied 348 healthy females living in Victoria, Australia, recruited through Facebook. Data collected included serum 25(OH)D assayed by liquid chromatography-tandem MS, relevant serum biochemistry, soft tissue composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, skin melanin density, Fitzpatrick skin type, sun exposure using UV dosimeters and lifestyle factors. Mean serum 25(OH)D was 68 (sd27) nmol/l and 26 % were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D <50 nmol/l). The final model explained 56 % of 25(OH)D variance. Serum sex hormone-binding globulin levels, creatinine levels, sun exposure measured by UV dosimeters, a positive attitude towards sun tanning, typically spending >2 h in the sun in summer daily, holidaying in the most recent summer period, serum Fe levels, height and multivitamin use were positively associated with 25(OH)D. Fat mass and a blood draw in any season except summer was inversely associated with 25(OH)D. Vitamin D deficiency is common in young women. Factors such as hormonal contraception, sun exposure and sun-related attitudes, as well as dietary supplement use are essential to consider when assessing vitamin D status. Further investigation into methods to safely optimise vitamin D status and to improve understanding of the impact of vitamin D status on long-term health outcomes is required.
First discovery of Eocene coastal-estuarine ostracods from Japan, with the geological history of the migration of estuarine genera in the Far East
Authors: TANAKA GENGO , HENMI YASUHISA , KOMATSU TOSHIFUMI , HIROSE KOJI , UGAI HIROAKI , KAWANO SHIGEHIRO , MAEDA HARUYOSHI 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe genusNeomonoceratina, which dominated the ostracod assemblage in the uppermost part of the Akasaki Formation (Miroku Group) of the Kyushu Island, Japan, is associated with the benthic foraminiferAmmonia cf.beccarii, molluscaTerebralia? sp. andAnomiasp., and the oogonium of Charophyceae, indicating a marine-to-brackish estuarine environment involving inflowing freshwater. This is the first record of Eocene coastal-estuarine ostracods from the eastern margin of the Eurasian continent and demonstrates that different pre-Neogene coastal-estuarine ostracod assemblages flourished in this region. The assemblages comprised five ostracod species (including one novel species) assigned to the generaNeomonoceratina,Paijeiborchella,PropontocyprisandParakrithella. These species exhibited genus-level links with the Eocene borehole cores along the continental shelf of the East China Sea and other areas of Kyushu. Fossil data of characteristic Eocene coastal-estuarine genera collected worldwide indicate that different characteristic genera inhabited each region. For example,Neomonoceratinaoriginated on the Indian subcontinent by the Early Paleocene period at the latest, along with the northern drift of the Indian subcontinent. These species subsequently diversified west and east with the equatorial current and counter-current via the Tethys and reached the eastern margin of the Eurasian continent among the various eastwards-migrating species, where one genus ultimately adapted to the coastal-estuarine environment. Notably, the coastal-estuarine ostracod assemblage of the eastern margin of the Eurasian continent differs completely from that of the Tethys during the Eocene period. Our results suggest that coastal-estuarine ostracod assemblages are a powerful tool for palaeogeographic reconstruction.
Subclinical levels of anxiety but not depression are associated with planning performance in a large population-based sample
Authors: Unterrainer J. M. , Domschke K. , Rahm B. , Wiltink J. , Schulz A. , Pfeiffer N. , Lackner K. J. , Münzel T. , Wild P. S. , Beutel M. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundMajor depression and anxiety disorders are known to negatively influence cognitive performance. Moreover, there is evidence for greater cognitive decline in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder. Except for clinical studies, complex executive planning functions and subclinical levels of anxiety have not been examined in a population-based sample with a broad age range.MethodsPlanning performance was assessed using the Tower of London task in a population-based sample of 4240 participants aged 40–80 years from the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) and related to self-reported anxiety and depression by means of multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsHigher anxiety ratings were associated with lower planning performance (β= −0.20;p< 0.0001) independent of age (β= 0.03;p= 0.47). When directly comparing the predictive value of depression and anxiety on cognition, only anxiety attained significance (β= −0.19;p= 0.0047), whereas depression did not (β= −0.01;p= 0.71).ConclusionsSubclinical levels of anxiety but not of depression showed negative associations with cognitive functioning independent of age. Our results demonstrate that associations observed in clinical groups might differ from those in population-based samples, also with regard to the trajectory across the life span. Further studies are needed to uncover causal interrelations of anxiety and cognition, which have been proposed in the literature, in order to develop interventions aimed at reducing this negative affective state and to improve executive functioning.
The benefits of exotic food crops cultivated by small-scale growers in the UK
Authors: Kell S. , Rosenfeld A. , Cunningham S. , Dobbie S. , Maxted N. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractExotic crops—plant species grown in relatively small quantities and not traditionally cultivated in a country or region—are often intimately linked with the ethnic origins of their maintainers and are a principal source of culinary and nutritional diversity for many people. Recognizing that a wealth of exotic crop diversity and associated knowledge is held by small-scale growers in the UK, Garden Organic initiated the Sowing New Seeds project to capture and preserve some of this valuable resource by building a seed collection and knowledge base. To establish a sample of this diversity and knowledge, we undertook a survey at 31 allotment sites in the Midlands region of the UK with the objectives of identifying the exotic crops cultivated, characterizing the demography of those who grow them, understanding their direct use values, and assessing their potential indirect use value for the diversification and improvement of other crops. Results reveal that 26% of the food crops recorded are exotic and that they are grown by people belonging to 13 different ethnic groups. The majority save their own seed, indicating that these crops are performing well in the UK, with grower selection providing the basis for their continuing success. Further, most maintainers swap seed with other growers, indicating that exotic crops are likely to be gradually diversifying in response to different growing conditions—a positive sign for their value for local food security and as national genetic resources with potential for use in crop improvement programs. The research highlights the multitude of benefits that growers obtain through cultivating exotic crops, which are not only related to nutrition and culinary requirements, but also to general health and well-being, culture, and a range of other forms of life enrichment. It is critical that growers are encouraged and supported in continuing to cultivate, save and pass on their exotic crops to younger generations, as well as to protect allotments from development in order to maintain this important diversity adapted to local growing conditions. Importantly, many exotic crops currently grown on a small scale may enter into commerce, and thus expand the diversity of the UK's food crop base. Such a shift may be particularly important in the face of the increasingly detrimental impacts of climate change on crop production. We conclude that exotic crop diversity could be more important for future nutrition, health and food security than we currently appreciate.
Geometrically-controlled polarisation processing in femtosecond-laser-written photonic circuits
Authors: Pitsios Ioannis , Samara Farid , Corrielli Giacomo , Crespi Andrea , Osellame Roberto 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPolarisation of light is a powerful and widely used degree of freedom to encode information, both in classical and quantum applications. In particular, quantum information technologies based on photons are being revolutionised by the use of integrated photonic circuits. It is therefore very important to be able to manipulate the polarisation of photons in such circuits. We experimentally demonstrate the fabrication by femtosecond laser micromachining of components such as polarisation insensitive and polarising directional couplers, operating at 1550 nm wavelength, where the two opposite behaviours are achieved just by controlling the geometric layout of the photonic circuits, being the waveguides fabricated with the same irradiation recipe. We expect to employ this approach in complex integrated photonic devices, capable of a full control of the photons polarisation for quantum cryptography, quantum computation and quantum teleportation experiments.
Three novel structural phenomena in the cellular ontogeny of Oenococcus oeni from northern China
Authors: Wang Yun , Liu Shuwen , Su Jing , Zhang Yu , Li Jing , Sui Yin-Qiang , Li Ying-Ying , Wang Hua , Li Hua 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStress resistance and growth are important aspects to consider when engineeringOenococcus oenistrains for winemaking. We identified 3 previously unreported structural phenomena in the cell ontogeny ofO.oenisampled in northern China. We show that budding and binary fission (BBF) occur simultaneously in the growth process; that a novel ‘pomegranate-shaped structure’ (PSS) occurs mainly in the stationary and death phases; and that symbiosis and cyclical phenomena (SCP) occur throughout the various cell growth phases. These observations add to the current knowledge of the cell growth process ofO.oeni. BBF, PSS, and SCP sufficiently describe the characteristics of the cellular ontogeny ofO.oeni. We highlight a newly identified structure that explains the complex cell growth process. These findings will help understand the growth and development ofO.oeni, supplementing the knowledge base of the established phases and providing new perspectives into its complex growth patterns.
Photobleaching in STED nanoscopy and its dependence on the photon flux applied for reversible silencing of the fluorophore
Authors: Oracz Joanna , Westphal Volker , Radzewicz Czesław , Sahl Steffen J. , Hell Stefan W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn STED (stimulated emission depletion) nanoscopy, the resolution and signal are limited by the fluorophore de-excitation efficiency and photobleaching. Here, we investigated their dependence on the pulse duration and power of the applied STED light for the popular 750 nm wavelength. In experiments with red- and orange-emitting dyes, the pulse duration was varied from the sub-picosecond range up to continuous-wave conditions, with average powers up to 200 mW at 80 MHz repetition rate, i.e. peak powers up to 1 kW and pulse energies up to 2.5 nJ. We demonstrate the dependence of bleaching on pulse duration, which dictates the optimal parameters of how to deliver the photons required for transient fluorophore silencing. Measurements with the dye ATTO647N reveal that the bleaching of excited molecules scales with peak power with a single effective order ~1.4. This motivates peak power reduction while maintaining the number of STED-light photons, in line with the superior resolution commonly achieved for nanosecond STED pulses. Other dyes (ATTO590, STAR580, STAR635P) exhibit two distinctive bleaching regimes for constant pulse energy, one with strong dependence on peak power, one nearly independent. We interpret the results within a photobleaching model that guides quantitative predictions of resolution and bleaching.