bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of winter precipitation on spring phenology in boreal forests
Authors: Yun Jeongmin , Jeong Su‐Jong , Ho Chang‐Hoi , Park Chang‐Eui , Park Hoonyoung , Kim Jinwon
Published: August 2018

Understanding the variations in spring vegetation phenology associated with preseason climate conditions can significantly improve our knowledge on ecosystem dynamics and biosphere–atmosphere interactions. Recent studies have shown that wet winters can delay the start date of the vegetation growing season (SOS) in the high latitudes. However, associated underlying mechanisms remain unclear due to the lack of observation sites as well as complex interactions between various climate and ecosystem variables. In this study, the impact of winter precipitation on year‐to‐year variations of the SOS in boreal forests from 1982 to 2005 was investigated. Two experiments were performed using the Community Land Model version 4.5. In the control experiment, observed precipitation was used; in the sensitivity experiment, precipitation in the year 1982 was repeated throughout the period. The SOS in the control experiment shows high temporal correlations with the SOS estimated from the satellite‐retrieved leaf area index, indicating that the land model is capable of simulating realistic response of vegetation to interannual climate variability. The effects of winter precipitation on the SOS are examined by comparing the two model experiments for wet‐ and dry winters. After wet winters, the SOS was delayed by 2.7 days over 70.1% of the boreal forests than after dry winters; this accounts for 42.5% of the interannual variation in the SOS. The SOS delay is related to the decrease in the growing degree‐days (GDD) based on soil temperatures, suggesting that the effects of heat exposure on vegetation growth is strongly modulated by winter precipitation. The GDD decrease is related to both the increase in snowmelt heat flux and reduced absorption of solar radiation, which are proportional to the amount of winter precipitation and the ratio of short plants to tall trees, respectively. Our results provide a physical basis for the winter precipitation–SOS relationship, suggesting that an increase in winter precipitation can alleviate strong advancing trends in spring vegetation growth in conjunction with global warming even for temperature‐limited ecosystems.
Wild bee diversity is enhanced by experimental removal of timber harvest residue within intensively managed conifer forest
Authors: Rivers James W. , Mathis Codey L. , Moldenke Andrew R. , Betts Matthew G.
Published: August 2018

The use of timber harvest residue as an energy source is thought to have environmental benefits relative to food‐based crops, yet the ecological impact of this practice remains largely unknown. We assessed whether the abundance and diversity of wild bees (Apoidea) were influenced by the removal of harvest residue and associated soil compaction within managed conifer forest in western Oregon, USA. We sampled bees over two years (2014–2015) on study plots that were subjected to five treatments representing gradients in removal of harvest residue and soil compaction. We collected >7,500 bee specimens from 92 distinct species/morphospecies that represented five of the seven bee families. We trapped 3x more individuals in the second year of the study despite identical sampling effort in both years, with most trapped bees classified as ground‐nesting species. Members of the sweat bee family (Halictidae) comprised more than half of all specimens, and the most abundant genus was composed of metallic green bees (Agapostemon, 33.6%), followed by long‐horned bees (Melissodes, 16.5%), sweat bees (Halictus, 15.9%), and bumble bees (Bombus, 13.6%). In both years, abundance and observed species richness were greatest in the most intensive harvest residue treatment, with other treatments having similar values for both measures. Our study indicates that early successional managed conifer forest that has experienced removal of harvest residue can harbor a surprising diversity of wild bees, which are likely to have important contributions to the broader ecological community through the pollination services they provide.
Anticholinergic burden in the Japanese elderly population: Use of antimuscarinic medications for overactive bladder patients
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Kato Daisuke , Nishimura Takuya , Van Schyndle James , Uno Satoshi , Kimura Tomomi
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To assess anticholinergic use, especially the use of antimuscarinics, in the elderly (aged ≥65 years) Japanese overactive bladder and non‐overactive bladder populations.

Methods

Patient records were sourced from a large, nationwide Japanese pharmacy claims database. Anticholinergic use on a random day in 2016 (index date) was investigated through the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale (primary scale), the Anticholinergic Drug Scale, the Anticholinergic Risk Scale and Beers criteria. The prevalence of anticholinergic use and anticholinergic scores at the index date were summarized descriptively. The overactive bladder population was defined as patients who had at least one prescription record for any antimuscarinic (fesoterodine, imidafenacin, oxybutynin, propiverine, solifenacin or tolterodine) or the β3‐adrenoreceptor agonist, mirabegron, within the 1‐year pre‐index period.

Results

Among 1 216 126 outpatients, 35 138 (2.9%) were included in the overactive bladder group. In total, 112 (68.7%) of the anticholinergics listed in the scales were identified. In those who received any Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale‐listed anticholinergic, the mean scores were higher in overactive bladder patients versus non‐overactive bladder patients (3.2 ± 1.3 and 1.6 ± 1.1, respectively). Similarly, overactive bladder patients who received antimuscarinics had higher Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scores (3.3 ± 1.2) than patients who received mirabegron only (1.7 ± 1.1). In 58.8% of the overactive bladder patients, ≥80% of the total Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden score was exclusively attributable to antimuscarinics.

Conclusions

Anticholinergic use was higher in overactive bladder patients versus non‐overactive bladder patients. This increased use was largely attributable to antimuscarinics. The alternative use of mirabegron could therefore be considered to reduce the burden experienced by patients in Japan.
An experimental study on adhesion between steel and cement pastes using particle probe scanning force microscopy
Authors: Li Yujie , Yang Jie , Hughes John , Tan Ting
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a method of using particle probe scanning force microscopy to measure the adhesion between steel microspheres and cement pastes. Particle probes were fabricated by attaching steel microspheres to the free ends of microcantilevers. Adhesive forces were collected between steel microspheres and new (4‐week old) and old (6‐month old) cement substrates in air and saturated lime water. For new cement in saturated lime water, adhesive forces between steel and low density C‐S‐H, high density C‐S‐H and other hydrated products were intermediate among all groups selected. The adhesive forces between steel and calcium hydroxide were the smallest, whereas the adhesive forces between steel and the unreacted phases were the largest. For the 6‐month old cement, the interweaving of calcium carbonate crystals and C‐S‐H during carbonation generated greater adhesive forces to steel.
Dietary survey in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and the influence of dietary carbohydrate on glycated hemoglobin: The Sleep and Food Registry in Kanagawa study
Authors: Yamakawa Tadashi , Sakamoto Rika , Takahashi Kenichiro , Suzuki Jun , Matuura‐Shinoda Minori , Takahashi Mayumi , Shigematsu Erina , Tanaka Shunichi , Kaneshiro Mizuki , Asakura Taro , Kawata Takehiro , Yamada Yoshihiko , Osada Uru Nezu , Isozaki Tetsuo , Takahashi Atsushi , Kadonosono Kazuaki , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: August 2018

Aims/Introduction

The present study investigated the relationship between the macronutrient energy ratio, dietary carbohydrate and glycated hemoglobin levels in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes, to generate a potential optimal dietary intake of macronutrients for such patients.

Materials and Methods

In total, 3,032 patients participating in the Sleep and Food Registry in Kanagawa study were evaluated. Their diets were assessed for macronutrient content through a brief self‐administered dietary history questionnaire. Relevant biochemical assays were carried out.

Results

The mean energy intake (±standard deviation) was 1,711 ± 645 kcal/day. The proportion of energy supplied by protein, fat and carbohydrate were 16.3, 26.8 and 52.3%, respectively. Total fiber intake was 12.6 ± 5.7 g/day. The high glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) group (HbA1c >8%) had significantly lower protein and higher carbohydrate intake than the low HbA1c group (HbA1c <6.5%). Higher HbA1c levels were positively correlated with unfavorable metabolic factors, including elevated body mass index and excess carbohydrate intake, and negatively correlated with age, protein intake and fiber intake. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant association between HbA1c and carbohydrate intake after adjusting for sex, age and body mass index (0.104, P < 0.0001). Additionally, patients within the uppermost tertile for the percentage of total energy intake from carbohydrate (>60%) were most likely to have high HbA1c levels. HbA1c was significantly correlated with carbohydrate (%E) in all age groups and in patients taking one or two antidiabetic drugs.

Conclusions

The dietary carbohydrate:energy ratio has a positive correlation with HbA1c, suggesting that avoiding excessive carbohydrate intake (>60%) might help foster glycemic control.
Vague lies and lax standards of proof: On the law and economics of advice
Authors: Drugov Mikhail , Troya‐Martinez Marta
Published: August 2018

This paper analyzes a persuasion game where a seller provides (un)biased and (im)precise advice and may be fined by an authority for misleading the buyers. In the equilibrium, biasing the advice and making it noisier are complements. The advice becomes both more biased and less precise with a stricter standard of proof employed by the authority, a larger share of credulous consumers, and a higher buyers' heterogeneity. The optimal policy of the authority is characterized in terms of a standard of proof and resources devoted to the investigation.
Do discriminatory leniency policies fight hard‐core cartels?
Authors: Clemens Georg , Rau Holger A.
Published: August 2018

This paper experimentally analyzes the effects of nondiscriminatory and discriminatory leniency policies on hard‐core cartels. We design a mechanism to form a hard‐core cartel, which allows that multiple ringleaders emerge. Ringleaders often take a leading role in the coordination and formation of hard‐core cartels. A leniency policy that grants amnesty to all “whistle‐blowers” except for ringleaders may therefore reduce the incentive to become a ringleader and disrupt cartel formation. Yet, our experimental results show that whistle‐blowing rarely occurs. Paradoxically, the discriminatory leniency policy induces firms to become ringleaders. We find that firms create trust among other firms when acting as ringleaders. This signaling effect ultimately facilitates coordination in the explicit cartel.
Stable‐isotope analysis reveals the importance of soft‐bodied prey in the diet of lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula
Authors: Wieczorek Alina M. , Power Anne Marie , Browne Patricia , Graham Conor T.
Published: August 2018

This study examines the diet of lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula, one of the most ubiquitous predators of European coastal waters. This species is of increasing ecological significance as other large predatory fish decline as it has known interactions with fisheries. Scyliorhinus canicula diet was investigated in Irish coastal waters during June and July 2014 using both stomach‐content analysis and δ13C and δ15N stable‐isotope ratios. Prey contribution to the diet from dual stable‐isotope data was estimated using Bayesian mixing models. It was found that only stable‐isotope analysis provided a time‐integrated picture of the diet of S. canicula and allowed for a new estimation of their trophic position. Trophic positions from stomach‐content analysis within the present study and previous studies were found to be higher than revealed by isotopes. Stomach‐content analysis could not reveal the importance of soft‐bodied animals in the diet of these fish, however this approach remains a valuable tool to understand the potential prey spectrum in advance of isotope analysis and allows for a better resolution down to species level. The results highlight a greater variety in the diet of this important predator and the benefit of taking a multidisciplinary approach in dietary studies.
Wor(l)d‐Building: Simulation and Metaphor at the Mars Desert Research Station
Authors: Black Alexis D.
Published: August 2018

Using the framework of Critical Metaphor Analysis (Charteris‐Black 2004), this paper analyzes metaphorical production at an analog research campus—the Mars Desert Research Station. This analogy to the potential reality of human existence on Mars offers an opportunity to study language use as speakers “make sense” of their experiences in a simulated physical and social unknown. This process is key to understanding how metaphor functions to “wor(l)d‐build” by facilitating the cognitive processes that bridge human imagination and emergent reality. This research demonstrates that metaphor is not always about physical experience, but can be shaped by imagination. Subtle shifts in conceptions and expression, such as those prevalent in this study, are symptomatic of larger processes of knowing and potentially inhibiting knowledge about experience.
When Linguists and Speakers Do Not Agree: The Endangered Grammar of Verbal Art in West Africa
Authors: Nikitina Tatiana
Published: August 2018

Across Africa, linguistic techniques that are closely associated with traditional genres are vulnerable to changes in traditional habits, and often become extinct long before the language is recognized as endangered. Their loss accounts for the discrepancy between professional linguist's assessment and the speakers’ perception of the vitality of the language. The study discusses an array of endangered storytelling strategies accumulated by Wan (Mande; Côte d'Ivoire) in response to the needs of traditional narrative performance. Such strategies include morphosyntactic means that allow the storyteller to manage a complex narrative without resorting to explicit lexical encoding or multiplying the number of sentences.
Trading co‐integrated assets with price impact
Authors: Cartea Álvaro , Gan Luhui , Jaimungal Sebastian
Published: August 2018

Executing a basket of co‐integrated assets is an important task facing investors. Here, we show how to do this accounting for the informational advantage gained from assets within and outside the basket, as well as for the permanent price impact of market orders (MOs) from all market participants, and the temporary impact that the agent's MOs have on prices. The execution problem is posed as an optimal stochastic control problem and we demonstrate that, under some mild conditions, the value function admits a closed‐form solution, and prove a verification theorem. Furthermore, we use data of five stocks traded in the Nasdaq exchange to estimate the model parameters and use simulations to illustrate the performance of the strategy. As an example, the agent liquidates a portfolio consisting of shares in Intel Corporation and Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF. We show that including the information provided by three additional assets (FARO Technologies, NetApp, Oracle Corporation) considerably improves the strategy's performance; for the portfolio we execute, it outperforms the multiasset version of Almgren–Chriss by approximately 4–4.5 basis points.
The Effects of Language Skills on the Economic Assimilation of Female Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Antonia Silles Mary
Published: August 2018

This paper uses recent data from the American Community Survey between 2010 and 2015 to investigate the effect of language skills on women’s economic assimilation who immigrated to the United States as children. The problem of endogenous language acquisition and measurement error in the language variable is addressed utilizing the phenomenon that younger children learn languages more easily than older children to construct an identifying instrument. Two‐stage‐least‐squares estimates suggest that greater English proficiency has a positive effect on a number of indicators of economic assimilation of adult women including several measures of labor supply and earnings. A range of sensitivity tests are undertaken to check the validity of these results.
Identification and characterization of PDC1, a novel protein involved in the epigenetic cell degeneration Crippled Growth in Podospora anserina
Authors: Nguyen Tinh‐Suong , Lalucque Hervé , Silar Philippe
Published: August 2018

The model fungus Podospora anserina exhibits Crippled Growth (CG), a cell degeneration process linked to the spreading of a prion‐like hereditary element. Previous work has shown that the PaMpk1 MAP kinase and the PaNox1 NADPH oxidase are key player in setting up CG. Here, we identified PDC1, a new gene that negatively regulates the PaMpk1 pathway, by identifying the gene mutated in the PDC2205 mutant. This mutant exhibits strong CG in conditions where the wild‐type does not. PDC1 encodes a small protein conserved in other Pezizomycotina. The protein contains four evolutionary‐conserved cysteines, a tryptophan and a histidine; all six amino‐acid are essential for function. PDC1 is located in the cytosol and is present in lower amounts in stationary hyphae in accordance with its role as a repressor. Epistasis analyses place PDC1 between PaMpk1 and PaNox1.
Translocator protein 18kDa antagonist ameliorates stress‐induced stool abnormality and abdominal pain in rodent stress models
Authors: Kawahara Y. , Mitsui K. , Niwa T. , Morimoto N. , Kawaharada S. , Katsumata S.
Published: August 2018

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits, both of which are exacerbated by psychological stress. The translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO) is a marker of reactive gliosis in a number of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and responsible for many cellular functions, including neurosteroidogenesis. Although it has been reported that psychological stress disturbs neurosteroids levels, the pathophysiological relevance of TSPO in IBS is poorly understood.

Methods

We examined the effects of a TSPO antagonist, ONO‐2952, on stress‐induced stool abnormality and abdominal pain in rats, and on anxiety‐related behavior induced by cholecystokinin.

Key Results

Oral administration of ONO‐2952 attenuated stress‐induced defecation and rectal hyperalgesia in rats with an efficacy equivalent to that of a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist. In addition, ONO‐2952 suppressed cholecystokinin‐induced anxiety‐like behavior with an efficacy equivalent to that of psychotropic drugs. On the other hand, ONO‐2952 did not affect spontaneous defecation, gastrointestinal transit, visceral nociceptive threshold, and neurosteroid production in non‐stressed rats even at a dose 10 times higher than its effective dose in the stress models.

Conclusions and Inferences

These results suggest that TSPO antagonism results in antistress action, and that ONO‐2952 is a promising candidate for IBS without side effects associated with current treatment.
La ciudad de los senderos que se bifurcan (y se entrelazan): centralidades conflictivas y circuitos segregados en una ciudad intermedia de la Argentina
Authors: Segura Ramiro
Published: August 2018

El artículo analiza las prácticas de movilidad cotidiana de habitantes de tres espacios residenciales desiguales de la ciudad de La Plata: un barrio tradicional de clases medias y altas del centro de la ciudad; barrios cerrados de clases altas localizados en el eje Buenos Aires-La Plata; y un asentamiento informal localizado en la periferia sur de la ciudad.La movilidad constituye, entonces, el “lugar metodológico” para explorar la ciudad y sus sentidos. Por medio de la identificación de “centralidades conflictivas” donde convergen e interactúan actores sociales desiguales, así como “circuitos segregados” en los modos específicos de conectar residencia, vecindad, trabajo, educación y ocio, el artículo busca problematizar los modos de comprender los procesos de fragmentación social y espacial. Al respecto sostiene que fragmentación refiere no solo a separación y distancia entre grupos sociales sino también a los modos en que se establecen las interacciones y se tramitan los encuentros entre ellos.
Evaluation of Knowledge of Oxygen Therapy and Reading of Flowmeter among the Health Workers in the Pediatric Unit of the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Morros González Elly , Estrada Cano Diana , Murillo  Galvis Marcela , Montes Correa Jos Carlos , Rodríguez Malagón Nelcy , Granados Rugeles Claudia Marcela
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Supplemental oxygen is considered a pharmaceutical drug; therefore, it can produce adverse effects. Lack of consensus regarding the reading of oxygen flowmeters and the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) goals can influence clinical and paraclinical decisions and hospital stay length. Objective: To assess knowledge on oxygen therapy, adverse effects, SpO2 goals and reading of oxygen flowmeters among personnel in the Pediatric Unit at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia. Methodology: Cross-sectional study derived from convenience sampling through a self-applied survey between December 2016 and January 2017. The poll evaluated topics on supplemental oxygen therapy fundamentals and adverse effects, SpO2 goals and flowmeter readings through flowmeters photographs indicating a specific fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). Results: The response rate was 77% from 259 subjects. 22% considered that the oxygen saturation either increases or remains the same during sleep periods in children. 78% of participants knew at least one complication associated to prolonged oxygen therapy and 67% due to supplemental oxygen concentration greater than required. In neonatal population, 10% considered oxygen saturation goals equal to or greater than 96%. In the flowmeter’s reading evaluation, incorrect answers ranged from 9 to 19%. Conclusion: It is imperative to reinforce updated concepts on oxygen therapy, with emphasis in SpO2 goals, adverse effects and appropriate flowmeter’s readings through periodic educational campaigns.
Colonización por Pneumocystis jirovecii en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica
Authors: Cañas Arboleda Alejandra , Garzón Herazo Javier Ricardo , Hernández Florez Catalina , Cita Pardo José Enrique , Burbano Felipe , Parra Giraldo Claudia Marcela
Published: August 2018

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una enfermedad prevalente en la población colombiana, que característicamente tiene un deterioro progresivo y altera la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Solo del 15% al 20% de los pacientes con antecedente de tabaquismo desarrollan la enfermedad, por lo que factores ambientales y genéticos adicionales influyen en su progresión. De las causas infecciosas que han tomado importancia, el Pneumocystis jirovecii, un hongo ubicuo que entra en contacto con la vía aérea de los humanos desde la infancia, es causa de neumonía en pacientes inmunosuprimidos. Se han descrito tasas elevadas de colonización en pacientes con EPOC, que aumentan con la severidad de la enfermedad. EPOC e infección por P. jirovecii parecen compartir una respuesta inmunológica similar, lo cual podría explicar el papel de lacolonización por el hongo en su progresión y gravedad.
El hermetismo de la jurisdicción constitucional chilena a propósito del control de convencionalidad
Authors: Henríquez Viñas Miriam
Published: August 2018

El presente trabajo de investigación analiza cómo el diseño constitucional chileno incide tanto en el ejercicio del control de convencionalidad por el órgano de justicia constitucional, como en el diálogo entre el Tribunal Constitucional chileno y la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos; y en la consiguiente contribución a la conformación del Ius Constitutionale Commune latinoamericano. La insularidad de la Constitución Política de la República de Chile en relación con el Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos ha determinado una posición hermética de la jurisdicción constitucional respecto al ejercicio del control de convencionalidad. Lo anterior se constata mediante un análisis del articulado constitucional, mediante un estudio de la doctrina y de la jurisprudencia sobre la recepción del bloque constitucional de los derechos como parámetro del control de constitucionalidad y por medio de un examen de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional chileno sobre sus competencias para ejercer el control de convencionalidad.
Depletion of Complement Enhances the Clearance of Brucella abortus in Mice
Authors: González-Espinoza Gabriela , Barquero-Calvo Elías , Lizano-González Esteban , Alfaro-Alarcón Alejandro , Arias-Gómez Berny , Chaves-Olarte Esteban , Lomonte Bruno , Moreno Edgardo , Chacón-Díaz Carlos
Published: August 2018

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease of animals and humans.Brucella abortusbarely activates the innate immune system at the onset of infection, and this bacterium is resistant to the microbicidal action of complement.
EssH Peptidoglycan Hydrolase Enables Staphylococcus aureus Type VII Secretion across the Bacterial Cell Wall Envelope
Authors: Bobrovskyy Maksym , Willing Stephanie E. , Schneewind Olaf , Missiakas Dominique
Published: August 2018

Gene clusters encoding WXG-like proteins and FtsK/SpoIIIE-like P loop ATPases in
Firmicutes
encode type 7b secretion systems (T7bSS) for the transport of select protein substrates. The
Staphylococcus aureus
T7bSS assembles in the bacterial membrane and promotes the secretion of WXG-like proteins and effectors. The mechanisms whereby staphylococci extend the T7SS across the bacterial cell wall envelope are not known. Here, we show that staphylococci secrete EssH to cleave their peptidoglycan, thereby enabling T7bSS transport of proteins across the bacterial cell wall envelope.
Assembly Properties of Hepatitis B Virus Core Protein Mutants Correlate with Their Resistance to Assembly-Directed Antivirals
Authors: Ruan Lu , Hadden Jodi A. , Zlotnick Adam
Published: August 2018

The HBV core protein and its assembly into capsids have become important targets for development of core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) as antivirals. Naturally occurring T109 mutants have been shown to be resistant to some of these CpAMs. We found that mutation of T109 led to changes in capsid stability and recapitulated resistance to a weak CpAM, but much less so than to a strong CpAM. Examination of HBV capsid structures, determined by cryo-EM and crystallography, could not explain how T109 mutations change capsid stability and resistance. However, by mining data from a microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics simulation, we found that the capsid was extraordinarily flexible and that T109 can impede entry to the CpAM binding site. In short, HBV capsids are incredibly dynamic and molecular mobility must be considered in discussions of antiviral mechanisms.
Measurement of three-dimensional displacement field in piled embankments using synchrotron X-ray tomography
Authors: King Louis , Bouazza Abdelmalek , Maksimenko Anton , Gates Will P. , Dubsky Stephen
Published: August 2018

The measurement of displacement fields by nondestructive imaging techniques opens up the potential to study the pre-failure mechanisms of a wide range of geotechnical problems within physical models. With the advancement of imaging technologies, it has become possible to achieve high-resolution three-dimensional computed tomography volumes of relatively large samples, which may have previously resulted in excessively long scan times or significant imaging artefacts. Imaging of small-scale model piled embankments (142 mm diameter) comprising sand was undertaken using the imaging and medical beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. The monochromatic X-ray beam produced high-resolution reconstructed volumes with a fine texture due to the size and mineralogy of the sand grains as well as the phase contrast enhancement achieved by the monochromatic X-ray beam. The reconstructed volumes were well suited to the application of digital volume correlation, which utilizes cross-correlation techniques to estimate three-dimensional full-field displacement vectors. The output provides insight into the strain localizations that develop within piled embankments and an example of how advanced imaging techniques can be utilized to study the kinematics of physical models.
Comparative anther and pollen tetrad development in functionally monoeciousPseuduvaria trimera(Annonaceae), and evolutionary implications for anther indehiscence
Authors: Yang Gui-Fang , Xu Feng-Xia
Published: August 2018

The multiple evolutionary origins and diverse morphologies of unisexual flowers in angiosperms indicate that many different developmental mechanisms [sporophytic and (or) gametophytic tissues] underlie patterns of sex differentiation, yet, these mechanisms leading to unisexuality remain largely unresolved. In Pseuduvaria trimera (W.G. Craib) Y.C.F. Su & R.M.K. Saunders, morphologically hermaphroditic flowers are functionally female due to indehiscent anthers, but the developmental and anatomical mechanisms preventing their dehiscence are still unknown. Anther and pollen development were compared in both male and functionally female flowers using histological observations to test whether anther indehiscence results from a sporophytic and (or) gametophytic default. The epidermis, endothecium, middle layers, and pollen development were identical in the two floral morphs, but variations occurred in the tapetum and stomium regions. In male flowers, concurrently with the binucleate tapetal cell degeneration, the appearance of intercellular spaces and lysis of the stomium region cells lead to anther dehiscence. Conversely, in the functionally female flowers, trinucleate tapetum appears with delayed degradation, and the persistent cells with a highly vacuolated cytoplasm and stomium region remain intact at maturity. Sporophytic tissues with tapetum abnormalities and stomium integrity are, thus, responsible for anther indehiscence. Lack of microspore rotation in P. trimera might indicate a different evolutionary origin of pollen tetrad formation in this family.
Stellar systems and structure scalars
Authors: Ahmad S. , Jami A. Rehman , Ahmad I. , Sadia H.
Published: August 2018

The work is devoted to analyzing the effects of dark source polynomial curvature corrections in the mathematical modeling of radiating stars. In this scenario, we have used a particular f(R, T) model and consider the spherically symmetric geometry of relativistic interior. We assumed that our geometry is coupled with anisotropic shearing matter distribution undergoing radiating epoch with free streaming and diffusion approximation. We have calculated spherically symmetric total matter content with the help of Misner–Sharp formalism. A particular relation among anisotropic pressure, shearing viscosity, radiating parameters, energy density, and tidal forces is obtained. We then expressed this equation with the help of f(R, T) structure scalar, the scalar obtained by orthogonal decomposition of the Riemann tensor. The role of the logarithmic Ricci and trace of stress–energy tensor terms are also observed through Weyl scalar, shear, expansion scalar differential equations.
Evaluation of bacterial and fungal diversity in a long-term spring wheat – field pea rotation field under different tillage practices
Authors: Essel Eunice , Li Lingling , Deng Chaochao , Xie Junhong , Zhang Renzhi , Luo Zhuzhu , Cai Liqun
Published: August 2018

Soil management practices have the potential to modify the diversity and function of microbes in agricultural fields. The aim of this study was to investigate bacterial and fungal diversity in a 15 yr wheat–pea rotation tillage experiment. The treatments included conventional tillage with stubble removed, no-till with stubble removed, no-till with stubble retained (NTS), and conventional tillage with stubble incorporated. Illumina high-throughput sequencing platform was employed to sequence bacteria 16S rRNA (V3V4) and fungi internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region genes in 0–10 cm and 10–30 cm of soil sampled. The dominant bacterial and fungal phyla identified at 97% similarity cutoff across both depths of treatments were Proteobacteria (26.3%), Actinobacteria (25.1%), Acidobacteria (15.0%), Gemmatimonadetes (8.8%), Ascomycota (85.8%), and Basidiomycota (8.0%). NTS had significantly (p < 0.05) higher microbial diversity indices, total organic carbon, soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, NO3-N, and NH4-N at 0–10 cm depth. Tillage and stubble effects had a significant correlation with some phyla such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, JL-ETNP-Z39, Nitrospirae, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and other identified and unidentified minor microbial phyla. No-till and residue retention practices influenced fungal and bacterial species diversity through improved soil chemical properties, which have potential to affect the habitat and activity of soil microbes. Therefore, no-till and stubble retention could improve soil quality and promote sustainable agriculture in the rainfed Loess Plateau.
Genome-wide survey, characterization, and expression analysis of RING finger protein genes in Brassica oleracea and their syntenic comparison to Brassica rapa and Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yang Yan-Qing , Lu Yun-Hai
Published: August 2018

The ubiquitin-mediated post-translational regulatory pathway regulates a broad range of cell functions in all eukaryotes. It requires the involvement of a large number of E3 ligases, of which more than one third belongs to the RING protein family as in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, a total of 756 RING domains in 734 predicted proteins were identified in Brassica oleracea. Their encoding genes were characterized by RING domain type, additional domain, and expression pattern, and mapped on the nine chromosomes of B. oleracea. Comparison of these results with B. rapa and A. thaliana revealed some common as well as species-specific features. Our results showed that the differential gene loss following the whole genome triplication has largely contributed to the RING protein gene number variation among these species, although other factors such as tandem duplication, RING domain loss, or modification had also contributed to this variation. Analysis of RNA-seq data showed that these RING protein genes were functionally diversified and involved in all the stages of plant growth and development, and that the triplicated members were also diverged in expression with one member often more dominantly expressed over the two others in the majority of cases. Our study lays the foundation for further functional determination of each RING protein gene among species of the genus Brassica.
Research on a Precision and Accuracy Estimation Method for Close-Range Photogrammetry
Authors: Ma Kai-Feng , Huang Gui-Ping , Xu Hai-Jun , Wang Wei-Feng
Published: August 2018

Precision and accuracy estimation is an important index used to reflect the measurement performance and quality of a measurement system. To reveal the significance and connotations of the precision and accuracy estimation index of a close-range photogrammetry system, several common precision and accuracy estimation methods are proposed. They are explained from a theoretical perspective, and the mechanism of the internal coincidence precision estimation and the external coincidence accuracy estimation are deduced, respectively. Through detailed experimental design and testing, the validity and reliability of the proposed precision and accuracy estimation methods are verified, which provides strong evidence for the quality control, optimization and evaluation of the measurement results from a close-range photogrammetry system. At the same time, it has significance for the further development of precision and accuracy estimation analysis of close-range photogrammetry systems.
Design and Evaluation of Band-Pass Matching Coupler for Narrow-Band DC Power Line Communications
Authors: Wang Bingting , Cao Ziping , Luan Zhen , Zhou Bo
Published: August 2018

In power line communication (PLC), coupling transformers are usually required for coupling, band-pass filtering and impedance matching. However, coupling transformer design involves so many parameters that it is typically an imprecise and experimental procedure. In addition, the cost and size of transformers prevent them from being an economic and compact solution for PLC couplers. This paper first analyzes a simplified, distributed parameter model of the power line, which can be used to calculate power line impedance easily and accurately. Next, a low-cost, band-pass matching coupler with compact architecture is designed to replace the coupling transformer for direct current PLC (DC-PLC), which ensures impedance matching on the basis of an accurate power line impedance instead of using an average value. Finally, simulations as well as laboratory tests are conducted under 95–125[Formula: see text]kHz (CENELEC B-band), which confirm the new coupler’s excellent band-pass filtering and impedance matching performance.
Engel groups with an identity
Authors: Shumyatsky Pavel , Tortora Antonio , Tota Maria
Published: August 2018

We give an affirmative answer to the question whether a residually finite Engel group satisfying an identity is locally nilpotent. More generally, for a residually finite group [Formula: see text] with an identity, we prove that the set of right Engel elements of [Formula: see text] is contained in the Hirsch–Plotkin radical of [Formula: see text]. Given an arbitrary word [Formula: see text], we also show that the class of all groups [Formula: see text] in which the [Formula: see text]-values are right [Formula: see text]-Engel and [Formula: see text] is locally nilpotent is a variety.
Effect of Channel Block on Multiple Coherence Resonance Induced by Time Delay in Adaptive Neuronal Networks with Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity
Authors: Xie Huijuan , Gong Yubing
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we study effect of channel block (CB) on multiple coherence resonance (MCR) in adaptive scale-free Hodgkin–Huxley neuronal networks with spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). It is found that potassium CB suppresses MCR, but sodium CB can enhance MCR, and there is optimal sodium CB level by which MCR becomes most pronounced. In addition, STDP has a significant influence on the effect of CB on MCR. As adjusting rate [Formula: see text] of STDP increases, for potassium CB there is proper [Formula: see text] by which MCR is most pronounced; however, for sodium CB MCR is reduced. These findings could provide a new insight into effect of CB on information processing in neural systems.
A NOVEL MODEL FOR RUMOR SPREADING ON SOCIAL NETWORKS WITH CONSIDERING THE INFLUENCE OF DISSENTING OPINIONS
Authors: BODAGHI AMIRHOSEIN , GOLIAEI SAMA
Published: August 2018

Rumor spreading is a good sample of spreading in which human beings are the main players in the spreading process. Therefore, in order to have a more realistic model of rumor spreading on online social networks, the influence of psycho-sociological factors particularly those which affect users’ reactions toward rumor/anti-rumor should be considered. To this aim, we present a new model that considers the influence of dissenting opinions on those users who have already believed in rumor/anti-rumor but have not spread the rumor/anti-rumor yet. We hypothesize that influence is a motive for the believers to spread their beliefs in rumor/anti-rumor. We derive the stochastic equations of the new model and evaluate it by using two real datasets of rumor spreading on Twitter. The evaluation results support the new hypothesis and show that the novel model which is relied on the new hypothesis is able to better represent rumor spreading.
Selection of Best Smartphone Using Revised ELECTRE-III Method
Authors: Chen I-Fei , Tsaur Ruey-Chyn , Chen Po-Ying
Published: August 2018

Since smartphones have become the most prevalent communication tool in the world, a wide variety of low-end to high-end smartphone products are currently available on the market. Choosing a suitable product becomes a challenge due to the problem of feature fatigue. This study developed a smartphone selection procedure for prospective users by incorporating ELECTRE-III method with Kano two-dimensional quality model. An empirical example of 15 smartphones from three different categories, namely, flagship, screen size and price, demonstrated that the credibility matrix of the revised ELECTRE-III had fewer extreme values (0 and 1) than its original counterpart. It was able to clearly distinguish the relative satisfaction of each option in the respective group, particularly for the tied products which could not be discerned by the original ELECTRE-III.
Test map characterizations of local properties of fundamental groups
Authors: Brazas Jeremy , Fischer Hanspeter
Published: August 2018

Local properties of the fundamental group of a path-connected topological space can pose obstructions to the applicability of covering space theory. A generalized covering map is a generalization of the classical notion of covering map defined in terms of unique lifting properties. The existence of generalized covering maps depends entirely on the verification of the unique path lifting property for a standard covering construction. Given any path-connected metric space [Formula: see text], and a subgroup [Formula: see text], we characterize the unique path lifting property relative to [Formula: see text] in terms of a new closure operator on the [Formula: see text]-subgroup lattice that is induced by maps from a fixed “test” domain into [Formula: see text]. Using this test map framework, we develop a unified approach to comparing the existence of generalized coverings with a number of related properties.
On the entropy norm on the group of diffeomorphisms of closed oriented surface
Authors: Brandenbursky Michael , Kabiraj Arpan
Published: August 2018

We prove that the entropy norm on the group of diffeomorphisms of a closed orientable surface of positive genus is unbounded.
Bounds for several-disk packings of hyperbolic surfaces
Authors: DeBlois Jason
Published: August 2018

For any given [Formula: see text], this paper gives upper bounds on the radius of a packing of a complete hyperbolic surface of finite area by [Formula: see text] equal-radius disks in terms of the surface’s topology. We show that these bounds are sharp in some cases and not sharp in others.
Progress of metal-phosphide electrodes for advanced sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Qinyi , Wang Zijing , Yan Jingkai , Chen Yu
Published: August 2018

Metal phosphide has recently been considered as a promising advanced anode material for sodium storage. This review focuses on recent development of metal phosphides anode designs for sodium ion battery (SIB). Based on these advanced design strategies, a comprehensive summary of the structural features and storage mechanisms of the metal phosphide-based electrode are developed. Moreover, the future challenges and perspective faced by metal phosphides anodes for SIB are also delineated.
Nitrogen-doped MnO2nanorods as cathodes for high-energy Zn-MnO2batteries
Authors: Huang Yalan , He Wanyi , Zhang Peng , Lu Xihong
Published: August 2018

The development of manganese dioxide (MnO[Formula: see text] as the cathode for aqueous Zn-MnO2batteries is hindered by poor capacity. Herein, we propose a high-capacity MnO2cathode constructed by engineering it with N-doping (N-MnO[Formula: see text] for a high-performance Zn-MnO2battery. Benefiting from N element doping, the conductivity of N-MnO2nanorods (NRs) electrode has been improved and the dissolution of the cathode during cycling can be relieved to some extent. The fabricated Zn-N-MnO2battery based on the N-MnO2cathode and a Zn foil anode presents an a real capacity of 0.31[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] at 2[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], together with a remarkable energy density of 154.3[Formula: see text]Wh[Formula: see text]kg[Formula: see text] and a peak power density of 6914.7[Formula: see text]W[Formula: see text]kg[Formula: see text], substantially higher than most recently reported energy storage devices. The strategy of N doping can also bring intensive interest for other electrode materials for energy storage systems.
Evidence of a third kind of Johnscher’s like universal dielectric response
Authors: Panda Maheswar
Published: August 2018

Polymer/metal composites (PMC) comprising of polyvinylidene fluoride/nanocrystalline nickel with varying volume fractions of nickel ([Formula: see text]) prepared under cold press show an insulator to metal transition (IMT) at percolation threshold ([Formula: see text]). The two kinds of generalized Johnscher’s universal dielectric response (UDR) laws on both sides of IMT hold good, while for the percolative sample, none of the two laws hold good. Neither the concept of dipolar relaxation nor anomalous low frequency dispersion stands valid for [Formula: see text], while a completely different, neutral and competing electrical behavior is observed over the entire range of frequencies. The emerged third kind of Johnscher’s like UDR for [Formula: see text] is observed and the relaxation law has been formulated as the ratio of imaginary and real parts of dielectric constant remains constant over the entire range of frequency starting from dc to any higher frequency. The value of the constant is attributed to depend on the PMC, the dielectric constant of the polymer, the differences of conductivity and fractions of the components of the PMC and also on their connectivity arising due to the difference of their process conditions. The emerged unique dielectric relaxation consists of multiple relaxations arising due to the combination of other relaxations (arising due to the two different types of species) present in the sample, [Formula: see text]. This novel material may be suitable for certain specific applications in electrical and electronics engineering.
IAAP certification
Authors: Spencer Sharon
Published: August 2018

One billion people, or 15% of the world's population, experience some form of disability. Organizations worldwide are recognizing that their digital infrastructure, both internal and external, must be made accessible to meet the needs of their customers and employees with disabilities. Inaccessible systems put them at risk for missing a significant percentage of the market, including the aging population, and at risk for non-compliance with legislation.During the past 25 years, a great number of advancements have been made toward the goal of more accessible information and communications technology (ICT). This includes advancements in operating systems, developer tools, technical industry standards and the growth of a rich ecosystem of assistive technology products. However, as we reflect on the current state of the industry and today's ICT solutions, websites and content, it is clear that many are still not accessible. Even organizations that have established development best practices are struggling to consistently deliver accessible content and solutions. Corporations, government agencies and educational institutions worldwide continue to work diligently to understand and respond to the needs of their employees and customers with disabilities, but significant obstacles continue to hinder their success. One of those obstacles is the lack of accessibility knowledge integrated across their existing employee base and a pipeline of skilled accessibility professionals to accomplish the work that needs to be done.