bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consistency conditions for fields localization on braneworlds
Authors: Freitas L. F. F. , Alencar G. , Landim R. R.
Published: May 2020

The general procedure for analyzing the localization of matter fields in brane models is by integrating, in the action, its zero-mode solutions over the extra dimensions. If this is finite, the field is said to be localized. However, the zero-mode solutions must also satisfy the Einstein equations. With this in mind, we obtain stringent constraints on a general energy-momentum tensor by analyzing the Einstein equations. These consistency conditions must be satisfied for any braneworld model. We apply it for some fields of the Standard Model. For a free massless scalar field, the zero-mode localization is consistent only if the field does not depend on the extra dimensions. For the spin $$\frac{1}{2}$$12 field with Yukawa-like interactions, we find a very specific relation between Yukawa function and the warp factor. As a consequence, the spinor field localization becomes inconsistent for most of the models studied in the literature. For the free vector field case, we find that the zero modes do not satisfy the consistency conditions. Finally, we consider the mechanisms proposed to localize this field. We find that a few survive, and even for these, the consistency conditions fix the free parameters or the possible class of solutions allowed.
Multi-party qutrit-state sharing under decoherence
Authors: Huang Zhiming , He Zhimin
Published: May 2020

Quantum state sharing plays an important role in both transmitting and protecting a quantum secret information. However, in a realistic situation, quantum communication protocol is inevitably affected by the decoherence and noise induced by the interaction between quantum system and environment, which often destroys quantum resource, such as degrading entangled state that is often used as the key resource of quantum communication. In this paper, we intend to investigate the influence of amplitude damping (AD) decoherence on multi-party qutrit-state sharing (MQSS) scheme. We firstly construct the noisy model of MQSS, and then analyze the effect of decoherence on the MQSS. In addition, the relation of variations between MQSS performance and quantum coherence is illustrated. Furthermore, we propose a partial measurement to enhance the performance of the MQSS under noisy environment.
Directional transport of active particles in the two-dimensional asymmetric ratchet potential field
Authors: Wang Yu-Qing , Huang Cheng , Zhou Chao-Fan , Xu Chang , Qiang Sheng-Jie , Li Ju-Chen
Published: May 2020

Relationship between matter and energy transport has always been one of the key issues that researchers have been searching for in statistical physics and complexity science. In many transport phenomena, the active transport with zero or even no external force in life activities has attracted extensive attention of scholars. As a special kind of active particles, active Brownian particles have received the attention of physicists and biophysicists. These active particles are natural or artificially designed particles, whose scale is in the order of micrometer or nanometer. Different from the traditional passive Brownian particles driven by the equilibrium heat wave generated by the random collision of the surrounding fluid molecules, active Brownian particles can extract energy from their own environment to drive their own motion. Here, directional transport process of active particles in the two-dimensional asymmetric ratchet potential field is analyzed. Both the overdamped medium and the critically damped one are emphasized. Langevin equations with inertia term are introduced to describe the impacts of the self-driven force, friction coefficient, etc. on the directional motion. Then, the average particle speed is found. Thereafter, the relationships between the speed and critical parameters like self-driven force, friction coefficient, etc. are obtained. Two different dynamical domination mechanisms are found, which are expressed as the random collision domination and the self-driven force domination, respectively. Furthermore, the random collision domination is found to correspond to the much higher peak of the two-dimensional asymmetric Brownian rachet potential field, while the self-driven force domination is found to correspond to the much lower peak of the introduced potential. The study will be helpful for discovering the stochastic thermodynamics mechanisms in nonlinear dynamics and nonlinear properties of such multibody interaction system in statistical physics and complex system science.
Study on FAIMS ion source control and optimization using over-electric field
Authors: Zhong Lunchao , Gong Tao , Ma Hui , Shi Wenyan , Wang Peirong , Zhou Jinli , Deng Jun , Guo Jiahu
Published: May 2020

Ion source provides sample ions for FAIMS. The key technology is ionization method. Efficient ionization of analytes is the core technology for data acquisition in high quality FAIMS systems. In order to long-distance detect and analyze harmful and toxic substances such as explosives, drugs, chemical reagents and environmental pollutants in an open environment, without pretreatment, real-time and on-line, the ion source control and its technical device using excessive electric field were designed and developed. The disadvantages of high flow rate of APCI and low flow rate of ESI are integrated, based on the chemical analysis principle of FAIMS, an experimental platform of ionization technology based on excessive electric field is proposed and designed, which mainly includes: ion focusing system, flat-panel migration zone with focusing structure, sample integration, etc. The experimental results show that the ion source based on excessive electric field can be widely used in biochemical weapon warning, drug tablet detection, environmental monitoring, food and drug detection and clinical medicine, and the detection limit can reach 0.1 ppm.
Distribution of magnetic dipole strength — binning
Authors: Kingan Arun , Ma Mingyang , Zamick Larry
Published: May 2020

In previous papers, we examined the systematics of magnetic dipole transitions in a single [Formula: see text] shell. We here extend the study to large space calculations. We consider the nuclei [Formula: see text]Ti, [Formula: see text]Ti and [Formula: see text]Cr. In this paper, we focus on the [Formula: see text] strength as a function of excitation of energy. The initial state is the lowest [Formula: see text] state in a specified nucleus. The final states are [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], all in one plot, and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] in another. The initial figures have points all over the map although there is a suggestion of an exponential trend. To reduce clutter, we perform binning operations in which the summed strength in a given energy interval is represented by a single point. The new binning curves show more clearly the exponential fall of [Formula: see text]’s with energy.
Investigation of halo structure of neutron rich 14B, 15C, 19C and 22N nuclei in the two body model
Authors: Abdullah Ahmed N.
Published: May 2020

The two body model of [Formula: see text] within the radial wave functions of the cosh potential has been used to investigate the ground state features such as the proton, neutron and matter densities, the root mean square (RMS) nuclear proton, neutron, charge and mass radii of unstable neutron-rich [Formula: see text]B, [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text]N nuclei. The calculated results show that the two body model with the radial wave functions of the cosh potential succeeds in reproducing neutron halo in these nuclei.
Information Literacy Skills of Graduate Students: A Case of the Master’s of Information Studies Program in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Qallaf Charlene L.
Published: May 2020

While information literacy in undergraduate programs has received considerable attention, few studies have explored graduate programs, with even fewer focusing specifically on library and information studies (LIS) programs. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the information literacy skills and knowledge of incoming students in an information studies graduate program at Kuwait University. By assessing students before and after they receive information literacy instruction, the study also aims to map a plan for developing graduate-level information literacy education. The study’s rationale is to provide empirical evidence of graduate students’ information literacy and research capabilities on commencing their studies, which are expected to be low, thereby encouraging educators and policymakers to engage in meaningful, informed discourse on investing in information literacy education. To collect data, the author administered a pre-test at the beginning of the semester, followed by a post-test at the end of the semester after students had attended a series of information literacy sessions. In addition, a faculty focus group was conducted to gain insight into their perceptions of students’ skills and their views and beliefs on information literacy education. Students’ overall mean score increased by almost 18% in the post-test. They performed better on questions related to knowledge of databases, search strategies, accessing sources, and some legal and ethical issues surrounding the information ecosystem. They also showed moderate improvement in critically evaluating information. However, they continued to perform poorly in defining an information need and understanding the nature and scope of the information paradigm. The findings informed the development of an information literacy education model. The study’s research design provides a format for other institutions interested in identifying students’ information and research needs with the aim of integrating information literacy instruction into graduate programs. The information literacy education model is dynamic and can be adapted to different learning environments.
Deformations and Stresses of an Exponentially Graded Magneto-Electro-Elastic Non-Uniform Thickness Annular Plate Which Rotates with Variable Angular Speed
Authors: Saadatfar M. , Zarandi M. H.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, mechanical behavior of an exponentially graded magneto-electro-elastic (EGMEE) rotating annular plate with non-uniform thickness placed in a magnetic field is investigated. Owing to variable angular speed, the Lorentz force exists in both radial and circumferential directions. The thickness of the annular plate as well as material properties are assumed to alter through the radius as an exponential function. Employing the separation of variable method, three coupled governing partial differential equations are converted to ordinary differential equations. Next, the equations are solved employing Runge–Kutta and shooting methods. Finally, the effects of angular speed variation, thickness variation, inhomogeneity index and magnetic field are disclosed. The results demonstrate that considering angular acceleration for the annular plate has a considerable effect on the Lorentz force resulting from the magnetic field.
Solvation Effects on the Dielectric Constant of 1 M LiPF6 in Ethylene Carbonate: Ethyl Methyl Carbonate 3:7
Authors: Self Julian , Hahn Nathan T. , Persson Kristin A.
Published: May 2020

In this communication we report the dielectric constant of 1 M LiPF6 in EC:EMC 3:7 w/w (ethylene carbonate/ethyl methyl carbonate) in addition to neat EC:EMC 3:7 w/w. Using three Debye relaxations, the static permittivity value, or dielectric constant, is extrapolated to 18.5, which is compared to 18.7 for the neat solvent mixture. The EC solvent is found to strongly coordinate with the Li+ cations of the salt, which results in a loss of dielectric contribution to the electrolyte. However, the small amplitude and large uncertainty in relaxation frequency for EMC cloud definitive identification of the Li+ solvation shell. Importantly, the loss of the free EC permittivity contribution due to Li+ solvation is almost completely balanced by the positive contribution of the associated LiPF6 salt, demonstrating that a significant quantity of dipolar ion pairs exists in 1 M LiPF6 in EC:EMC 3:7.
Deep Learning-Based Network Security Data Sampling and Anomaly Prediction in Future Network
Authors: Liu Lan , Lin Jun , Wang Pengcheng , Liu Langzhou , Zhou Rongfu
Published: May 2020

Based on the design idea of future network, this paper analyzes the network security data sampling and anomaly prediction in future network. Through game theory, it is determined that data sampling is performed on some important nodes in the future network. Deep learning methods are used on the selected nodes to collect data and analyze the characteristics of the network data. Then, through offline and real-time analyses, network security abnormal events are predicted in the future network. With the comparison of various algorithms and the adjustment of hyperparameters, the data characteristics and classification algorithms corresponding to different network security attacks are found. We have carried out experiments on the public dataset, and the experiment proves the effectiveness of the method. It can provide reference for the management strategy of the switch node or the host node by the future network controller.
Graphene-Substrate Effects on Characteristics of Weak-Coupling Bound Magnetopolaron
Authors: Ding Zhao-Hua , Geng Yan-Bo , Zhao Ying , Sun Yong , Xiao Jing-Lin
Published: May 2020

Graphene has many unique properties which have made it a hotbed of scientific research in recent years. However, it is not expected intuitively that the strong effects of the substrate and Coulomb doping in the center of crystal cell on the polaron in monolayer graphene. Here, the interaction energy of surface electron (hole) in the graphene and optical phonons in the substrate, which give rise to weakly coupled polarons, is analyzed in the context of the Coulomb doping. The ground-state energy of the polaron is calculated using the Lee-Low-Pine unitary transformation and linear combination operator method. It is found that the ground-state energy is an increasing function of magnetic field strength, the bound Coulomb potential, and the cutoff wavenumber. Numerical results also reveal that the ground-state energy reduces as the distance between the graphene and the substrate is increased. Moreover, the ground energy level of polaron shows the two (+) and (−) branches and zero-Landau energy (ground) level separation in the graphene-substrate material.
Improved Fractional Subequation Method and Exact Solutions to Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Jiang Jun , Feng Yuqiang , Li Shougui
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the improved fractional subequation method is applied to establish the exact solutions for some nonlinear fractional partial differential equations. Solutions to the generalized time fractional biological population model, the generalized time fractional compound KdV-Burgers equation, the space-time fractional regularized long-wave equation, and the (3+1)-space-time fractional Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation are obtained, respectively.
A novel bandwidth enhanced triple band antenna for satellite and airborne applications
Authors: Ismail Mohammed Mohammed
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a novel bandwidth enhancement technique in which a passive stack of third order Sierpinski carpet fractal antenna is parasitically coupled to the driven element that is also a Sierpinski fractal of third order. Edge feeding technique is used. The passive stack placed symmetric to the driven elements provide the combined benefits of horizontal and vertical parasitic coupling, with added advantage of miniaturization contributed by fractal technology. Result of the study indicate that the antenna array provide triple band with a large inter-band separation that mitigates the effects of inter-band interference. The first band at 6.1Ghz with bandwidth of 250Mhz supports mobile wireless and fixed satellite service, the second band at 7.1Ghz with 350Mhz bandwidth supports mobile wireless, fixed wireless and fixed satellite service. The third band is at 11.6Ghz with bandwidth of 1.4Ghz and supports fixed wireless and fixed satellite services. The number of elements in the parasitic stack influence array performance in terms of bandwidth, gain and directivity. The bandwidth in the third band increased from 1.5Ghz for two-element stack to 1.7Ghz for three-element. This has an advantage over conventional antenna array, that use more active antenna elements that have the limitations of more power consumption and large space occupancy. 
Implementation of an efficient web-based movie ticket purchasing system in the context of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Gazi Zahirul , Zinnia Isrut Jahan , Hossain Md. Fokhray , Rahman Md. Riazur , Juman Aman Ullah , Emran Al Nahian Bin
Published: May 2020

The ‘Movie Ticket Purchase System’ is a web-based application. In this application, people can purchase movie tickets from all movie theatres in Bangladesh. Before purchasing a ticket, people have to do registration or login. This website builds by PHP and JavaScript for back-end; HTML, CSS for front-end. All steps of the software development life cycle are addressed properly to develop and implement the software. This website has three panels: one for the Admin, one for the Theatre Assistant and another for the Customer/User. Admin can insert the theatres, and Theatre Assistant handled maximum manual works on the website like movie add, delete, stop running, screen adds, etc. This is the first website in Bangladesh where people can purchase tickets from multiple movie halls and the site is only dedicated to this purpose. The website is very user-friendly and attractive that can give comfort to the end users. Also, the theater owners that have no digital platform for selling tickets can be a member of our service and get the opportunity of using digital platform.
Fuzzy dstar-lite routing method for energy-efficient heterogeneous wireless sensor networks
Authors: Alshawi Imad S. , Y. Abdulla Abdul-Kareem , A. Alhijaj Asaad
Published: May 2020

Sensor devices, in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), are usually equipped with low-capacity batteries and scattered on areas that cannot be reached in most of the cases to recharge or replace these sensors. The available battery energy in the sensor nodes is barely sufficient to transmit a limited quantity of data packets. In this regard, most of the works are designed aiming at achieving high energy efficiency. Due to multiple-hop data transmission and many to one traffic connection, the Imbalanced Energy Depletion (IED) is an immanent issue in WSNs. Accordingly, this paper suggests an energy efficient routing protocol called Fuzzy Dstar-lite to produce an optimal pathway data routing for Heterogeneous WSNs (HWSNs). This protocol can also reuse the product path to keep the energy consumption fairly distributed over the nodes of a network. Interestingly, the proposed protocol is demonstrated to be more efficient in decreasing the transmission delay and balancing power consumption when compared with other protocols, i.e. chessboard clustering (CC), PEGASIS, and LEACH. The comparison also showed the proposed protocol has been increased the network lifetime approximately 15%, 40%, and 50% compare with CC, PEGASIS, and LEACH, respectively.
Transmedia narratives and binging experiences: Ricardo Piglia’s Los casos del comisario Croce as a theoretical project
Authors: Colón Zayas Eliseo R.
Published: May 2020

From a narratological perspective the paper argues that Ricardo Piglia’s posthumous book Los casos del comisario Croce offers readers a theoretical project on transmedia narratives and storytelling. The reading of Los casos del comisario Croce as a transmedial narrative centers in two aspects: 1) Piglia’s use of a text written by Marx on productivity and the professions as threshold for his transmedial narration; 2) binging engagement from the transmedial logic used for characterizations and the transmedial whodunit structure logic.
Phylogenetic analysis of the genus Corotoca, with description of a new genus and species from Brazil (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae)
Authors: Zilberman Bruno
Published: May 2020

Corotoca is a strictly Neotropical genus of termitophilous beetles associated with termites of genus Constrictotermes. A cladistic analysis based on 13 terminal taxa and 60 characters (57 morphological and three behavioral) was conducted. The exhaustive search with equally weighted characters resulted in two most parsimonious trees with 95 steps. Spirachtha is proposed to be the sister group of the monophyletic “subgroup Corotocae” (Corotoca + Cavifonexus gen. nov.), based on eleven synapomorhphies (ten exclusive and one homoplastic). The monophyly of Corotoca is supported here, including six species associated with Constrictotermes cyphergaster: (Corotoca hitchensi sp. nov + (C. melantho + C. pseudomelantho sp. nov.) + ((C. fontesi + (C. phylo + C. araujoi)). A new genus, Cavifronexus gen. nov., is proposed to two species associated with Constrictotermes cavifrons (Holmgren, 1910): Cavifronexus guyanae comb. nov., from Guyana and Brazil, previously described as Corotoca; and a new species, Cavifronexus papaveroi sp. nov., from Brazil. This work also includes descriptions, redescriptions, and illustrations for all species and genera. Keys for genera and species identification in “subgroup Corotocae” are also provided.
International Law Perspectives on Cruise Ships and covid-19
Authors: Klein Natalie
Published: May 2020

Cruise ships have contributed to the spread of covid-19 around the world and State responses to the pandemic have needed to account for the presence of these ships in their ports and the medical treatment of both passengers and crew on board. This contribution outlines the key bodies of international law that must be brought to bear in deciding on State action in response to cruise ships and their covid-19 cases: the law of the sea, international health law, shipping conventions and especially treaties protecting the rights of seafarers, international human rights law and laws relating to consular assistance. While these laws tend to reinforce each other, it is argued that the need for humanitarian considerations to feature strongly in State decision-making is challenged by systemic weaknesses.
Modulating Subjective Timing through Looming and Receding Biological Motion
Authors: Sgouramani Helena , Chatziioannou Ioannis , Vatakis Argiro
Published: May 2020

Our timing estimates are often prone to distortions from non-temporal attributes such as the direction of motion. Motion direction has been reported to lead to interval dilation when the movement is toward (i.e., looming) as compared to away from the viewer (i.e., receding). This perceptual asymmetry has been interpreted based on the contextual salience and prioritization of looming stimuli that allows for timely reactions to approaching objects. This asymmetry has mainly been studied through abstract stimulation with minimal social relevance. Focusing on the latter, we utilized naturalistic displays of biological motion and examined the aforementioned perceptual asymmetry in the temporal domain. In Experiment 1, we tested visual looming and receding human movement at various intervals in a reproduction task and found no differences in the participants’ timing estimates as a function of motion direction. Given the superiority of audition in timing, in Experiment 2, we combined the looming and receding visual stimulation with sound stimulation of congruent, incongruent, or no direction information. The analysis showed an overestimation of the looming as compared to the receding visual stimulation when the sound presented was of congruent or no direction, while no such difference was noted for the incongruent condition. Both looming and receding conditions (congruent and control) led to underestimations as compared to the physical durations tested. Thus, the asymmetry obtained could be attributed to the potential perceptual negligibility of the receding stimuli instead of the often-reported salience of looming motion. The results are also discussed in terms of the optimality of sound in the temporal domain.
Variations of the biodiversity and carbon functions of karst forests in two morphologically different sites in southwestern China
Authors: Liu Libin , Ni Jian
Published: May 2020

Knowledge of the biodiversity and carbon (C) functions of karst forests is scarce. This study comprehensively compared the species diversity and floristic characteristics, biomass and its allocation, leaf and soil C and nitrogen (N) concentrations, and photosynthetic capacity of dominant tree species between peak clump depression (PCD)-type and plateau surface (PS)-type karst forests on the basis of two large plots (i.e., 1 and 2 ha, respectively) in southwestern China. Results showed that PCD-type karst forest exhibits higher biodiversity and more tropical family and genus types than PS-type karst forest. These two types of karst forest presented similar total biomass, but PCD-type karst forest allocated more biomass to supporting roots and less biomass to absorbing roots. PS-type karst forest had higher C/N ratios in leaves and soils than PCD-type karst forest. Deciduous tree species in PS-type karst forest had low net photosynthetic rates, resulting in lower net photosynthetic rate in PS-type karst forest than in PCD-type karst forest. Species richness and C storage in the karst morphologies would be considerably enhanced if degraded vegetation in different types of karst area could be successfully restored to forests according to respective morphological and vegetation features. A comprehensive understanding of the biodiversity and C functions of karst vegetation is essential to biodiversity conservation, regional C storage estimation, vegetation management and restoration, and potential global change mitigation.
Slope aspect influences soil microbial community structure and composition in the Israel arid Mediterranean
Authors: Moroenyane I. , Tripathi B.M. , Adams J.M. , Chen S. , Steinberger Y.
Published: May 2020

Microbial biogeographical patterns in Mediterranean ecosystems are becoming widely documented; however, the influences of slope aspect on the microbial community composition and structure are poorly understood. This study tested the hypotheses that slope aspect and organic matter content would influence microbial diversity patterns and distribution. Sets of five soil samples were collected from different slope aspects (north slope, south slopes, and valley bottom) and bacterial and fungal communities were examined using the 16S rRNA gene and ITS1 region sequencing, respectively, on the Illumina HiSeq platform. Organic matter and soil moisture varied significantly across all sites but did not influence microbial diversity patterns. Community structure (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity) indicated that each site had a distinct microbial community, and soil moisture along with organic matter modulated the community structure. Relative abundance of key bacterial taxa (Actinobacteria and Bacteriodetes) and fungal taxa (Ascomycota was significantly influenced by slope aspect. Our results show, for the first time, that the often reported slope aspect dynamics of the soil microbiomes do in fact influence bacterial and fungal community composition and structure. Overall, taken together with previous studies from the region, this study provides novel insight on the physio-chemical properties that modulate the biogeographical patterns of soil microbes and contributes to our knowledge of factors that mediate microbial ecology in Mediterranean ecosystems.
Making Taiwan Relevant to Sociology: a Case Study on the Publication Pattern in the Major US Journals
Authors: Lee Chengpang
Published: May 2020

The social science communities in Taiwan face significant difficulties in publishing their studies in top-tier international journals. In this paper, I problematise the phenomenon of international publishing and situate this inquiry within the literature on global knowledge production. I further discuss the ‘small country predicament thesis’ originally framed by Su-jen Huang and the proposed solution—the Moneyball approach. Using the keyword search method, I aim to answer two empirical questions: who and what kinds of papers related to Taiwan get published in the top US sociological journals. The findings of this case study suggest that most of the papers are authored by foreign scholars, most papers were published prior to 2000, and they all share methodological similarities. Comparing this pattern to other Asian countries, the case of Taiwan shows both similarities and differences in facing the challenges of academic publishing.
A peculiar new species of the genus Grammacephalus Haupt (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from Madagascar
Authors: GNEZDILOV VLADIMIR M.
Published: May 2020

Grammacephalus brevis sp. n. is described from the Makay Massif in the former Toliara Province of Madagascar which is first record of the genus from the island. The species described is peculiar by its short vertex and demonstrates close relationships of Grammacephalus Haupt and Scaphoidophyes Kirkaldy. The characters of Grammacephalus Haupt, Scaphoidophyes Kirkaldy, Capoideus Theron, 1974, Nataretus Theron, 1980, and Platyretus Melichar are discussed.
A review of the genus Barsaurea Volynkin & Huang, 2019, with a description of new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ČERNÝ KAREL , HUANG SI-YAO
Published: May 2020

The genus Barsaurea Volynkin & Huang, 2019 is reviewed. The genus is excluded from the Asura / Miltochrista generic complex and provisionally placed in the Eugoa generic complex. One new species is described: Barsaurea ketiga Volynkin, Černý & Huang, sp. n. (W Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and SW China). Adults, male and female genitalia are illustrated.
Estimating Surface Attachment Kinetic and Growth Transition Influences on Vapor-Grown Ice Crystals
Authors: Pokrifka Gwenore F. , Moyle Alfred M. , Hanson Lavender Elle , Harrington Jerry Y.
Published: May 2020

There are few measurements of the vapor growth of small ice crystals at temperatures below −30°C. Presented here are mass-growth measurements of heterogeneously and homogeneously frozen ice particles grown within an electrodynamic levitation diffusion chamber at temperatures between −44° and −30°C and supersaturations si between 3% and 29%. These growth data are analyzed with two methods devised to estimate the deposition coefficient α without the direct use of si. Measurements of si are typically uncertain, which has called past estimates of α into question. We find that the deposition coefficient ranges from 0.002 to unity and is scattered with temperature, as shown in prior measurements. The data collectively also show a relationship between α and si, with α rising (falling) with increasing si for homogeneously (heterogeneously) frozen ice. Analysis of the normalized mass growth rates reveals that heterogeneously frozen crystals grow near the maximum rate at low si, but show increasingly inhibited (low α) growth at high si. Additionally, 7 of the 17 homogeneously frozen crystals cannot be modeled with faceted growth theory or constant α. These cases require the growth mode to transition from efficient to inefficient in time, leading to a large decline in α. Such transitions may be, in part, responsible for the inconsistency in prior measurements of α.
Is There Any Potential in Service Trade of South Asia?
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Khorana Sangeeta , Kaur Manpreet
Published: May 2020

Like many developing economies, services have emerged as crucial economic activities in South Asia; yet, this cannot increase the rapid growth in the intra-trade in the region. To find out the service trade potential in the region, this article uses revealed comparative advantage indices to assess the comparative advantage and the indicative trade potential of different South Asian countries in various services sub-sectors. The study reveals that there stands complementarities in the trade of services as Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a competitive advantage in Transport Services, while India has a competitive advantage in Computer and Information Services and Other Business Services. In travel services, Maldives and Nepal possess competitiveness, while Bangladesh in Government Services. The study reveals that competitive services have not explored the potential yet. India being the most robust economy of the region must provide a pivotal role in making negotiations and commitments under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS), particularly in competitive services.

JEL: F1, G2, F5
JAK inhibition synergistically potentiates BCL2, BET, HDAC, and proteasome inhibition in advanced CTCL
Authors: Yumeen Sara , Mirza Fatima N. , Lewis Julia M. , King Amber Loren O. , Kim Sa Rang , Carlson Kacie R. , Umlauf Sheila R. , Surovtseva Yulia V. , Foss Francine M. , Girardi Michael
Published: May 2020

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a malignancy of skin-homing T lymphocytes that is more likely to involve the peripheral blood in advanced stages. For such patients with advanced disease, there are few available systemic treatment options, and prognosis remains poor. Exome sequencing studies of CTCL have suggested therapeutic targets, including within the JAK/STAT pathway, but JAK inhibition strategies may be limited by patient-specific mutational status. Because our recent research has highlighted the potential roles of single and combination approaches specifically using BCL2, bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET), and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition, we aimed to investigate the effects of JAK inhibition on CTCL cells and established CTCL cell lines when paired with these and other targeting agents. Peripheral blood malignant CTCL isolates exhibited differential responses to JAK inhibition, with JAK2 expression levels negatively correlating to 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. Regardless of single-agent sensitivity, JAK inhibition potentiated malignant cell cytotoxicity in combination with BCL2, BET, HDAC, or proteasome inhibition. Combination inhibition of JAK and BCL2 showed the strongest potentiation of CTCL cytotoxicity, driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. JAK inhibition decreased expression of BCL2 in the high-responder samples, suggesting a putative mechanism for this combination activity. These results indicate that JAK inhibition may have major effects on CTCL cells, and that combination strategies using JAK inhibition may allow for more generalized cytotoxic effects against the malignant cells from patients with CTCL. Such preclinical assessments help inform prioritization for combination targeted drug approaches for clinical utilization in the treatment of CTCL.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia reduces sleep apnoea severity: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sweetman Alexander , Lack Leon , McEvoy R. Doug , Antic Nick A. , Smith Simon , Chai-Coetzer Ching Li , Douglas James , O'Grady Amanda , Dunn Nicola , Robinson Jan , Paul Denzil , Eckert Danny , Catcheside Peter G.
Published: May 2020

Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) frequently co-occur and may be causally related through sleep fragmentation and/or hyperarousal mechanisms. Previous studies suggest that OSA treatment can improve insomnia severity. However, the effect of insomnia treatment on OSA severity has not been investigated. We performed a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) on OSA severity, controlling for potential sleep-stage and posture effects.

145 patients with comorbid insomnia (International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 3rd Edn) and untreated OSA (apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥15 events·h−1sleep) were randomised to a four-session CBTi programme or to a no-treatment control. Overnight sleep studies were completed pre- and post-treatment to measure AHI, arousal index and sleep architecture, to investigate the effect of intervention group, time, sleep stage (N1–3 or REM) and posture (supine or nonsupine) on OSA severity.

The CBTi group showed a 7.5 event·h−1greater AHI difference (mean (95% CI) decrease 5.5 (1.3–9.7) events·h−1, Cohen'sd=0.2, from 36.4 events·h−1pre-treatment) across sleep-stages and postures, compared to control (mean increase 2.0 (−2.0–6.1) events·h−1,d=0.01, from 37.5 events·h−1at pre-treatment; interaction p=0.012). Compared to control, the CBTi group also had a greater reduction in total number (mean difference 5.6 (0.6–10.6) greater overall reduction; p=0.029) and duration of nocturnal awakenings (mean difference 21.1 (2.0–40.3) min greater reduction; p=0.031) but showed no difference in the arousal index, or sleep architecture.

CBTi consolidates sleep periods and promotes a 15% decrease in OSA severity in patients with comorbid insomnia and OSA. This suggests that insomnia disorder may exacerbate OSA and provides further support for treating insomnia in the presence of comorbid OSA.
Comparison of diet quality between celiac patients and non-celiac people in East Azerbaijan-Iran
Authors: Nikniaz Zeinab , Mahdavi Reza , Nikniaz Leila , Akbari Namvar Zahra , Shirmohammadi Masoud , Akhavan Sabbagh Mojgan
Published: May 2020

Background

Considering the lifelong dietary restriction in celiac patients, it is important to assess the diet quality in these patients. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the diet quality in adult celiac patients and compare it with that of the non-celiac people.

Methods

In the present cross-sectional study, 130 celiac patients were selected from the celiac disease (CD) registry database of East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Non-celiac people (n = 464) was selected from the major lifestyle promotion project conducted in the East Azerbaijan district. The dietary intake data was obtained by an 80-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed using the healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015).

Results

The mean total HEI score was significantly higher in the celiac group compared with the non-celiac people (P < 0.001) and 68.5% of non-celiac people and 17.4% of celiac patients had poor diet quality. After adjusting for confounding factors, the mean score of total HEI in adherents to gluten-free diet (GFD) was significantly higher compared with non-adherents (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Although the mean total HEI score was higher in celiac patients compared with the non-celiac people, about 17.5% of patients had poor diet quality and the scores of whole grains and dairy products group were very low in our population. Accordingly, it seems that educational programs should be held for the celiac patients and non-celiac people to increase their nutritional literacy and enable them to select healthy gluten-free alternatives.
The impact of a cartoon character on adults perceptions of Children’s breakfast cereals: a randomized experiment
Authors: Contreras-Manzano Alejandra , Jáuregui Alejandra , Nieto Claudia , Hall Marissa G. , Vargas-Meza Jorge , Thrasher James F. , Illescas-Zárate Daniel , Barquera Simón , Hammond David
Published: May 2020

Background

Cartoon characters on processed food packaging increase the perception of product preference among children, but their effect among adults has rarely been examined. We evaluated the effect of a cartoon character on breakfast cereals on beliefs about buying them for children, as well as whether demographic characteristics modified this effect.

Methods

An experimental study was conducted with adults from online consumer panels in Mexico (n = 3755). Participants were randomly assigned to a “cartoon” condition (n = 1789), in which they viewed a breakfast cereal box with a Minion character on the front of the package, or the “control” condition (n = 1966), in which the same cereal box was displayed with no character on the package. Participants were asked: “Is this a good cereal to buy children?” with the response options “Yes”, “No”, or “Don’t know”. Multinomial adjusted logistic models regressed responses to this question (Yes = 0, No = 1, 2 = Don’t know) on experimental condition. Differences in the effect of the cartoon character across demographic characteristics were tested by introducing multiplicative interaction terms.

Results

The adjusted model showed that participants in the “cartoon character” condition were 1.67 (1.45–1.94) times more likely to consider the cereal as being “Not good to buy for children” than those in the control condition (p < 0.001). This effect was smaller among parents (RRR = 1.39, 1.13–1.72) compared to those without children (RRR = 2.01, 1.63–2.47). No differences were observed in the proportion of participants answering “Don’t know” across experimental groups.

Conclusion

Among this sample of Mexican adults, a cereal with a cartoon character on the packaging was more often perceived as “not good to buy for children” compared to a cereal without it. This effect was smaller among parents, potentially due to children influences of parental decisions during food purchasing.
A reappraisal of lymph node dissection in colorectal cancer during primary surgical resection
Authors: Chen Yen-Jen , Yeh Shin-Ting , Kao Ping-Sheng , Ou Liang-Hung , Lin Chen-Sung
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Controversy exists regarding the extent to which lymph node dissection (LND) should be performed for operable colorectal cancers (CRCs) during primary surgical resection. We reappraised the role of LND in CRCs.

Methods

Seventy-three CRC patients (mean age, 65.3 years; 43 males) undergoing primary surgical resection at Taipei Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, within a 3-year period were retrospectively analyzed. Their pathological T/N/M statuses and cancer stages were defined according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition staging system. The numbers of total dissected lymph nodes (TDLNs), positive dissected lymph nodes (PDLNs), and negative dissected lymph nodes (NDLNs) for each CRC patient were recorded in detail (TDLNs = PDLNs + NDLNs). Possible prognostic variables were evaluated.

Results

An advanced N status (N1/N2 vs. N0; HR, 5.749/17.677 vs. 1.000; p = 0.056/0.009) and M1 status (M1 vs. M0; HR, 7.517 vs. 1.000; p = 0.010) were independent variables for a poor prognosis. For all 73 CRC patients (p = 0.030), as well as T2 CRC patients (p = 0.061), those with > 15 TDLNs tended to have more PDLNs than those with ≤ 15 TDLNs. For 42 N(+) CRC patients (p = 0.007), as well as N2 CRC patients (p = 0.011), those with > 21 TDLNs tended to have more PDLNs than those with ≤ 21 TDLNs.

Conclusion

For CRC patients undergoing primary surgical resection, the number of TDLNs influences the accuracy of nodal staging. A minimum of 15 TDLNs is necessary for positive lymph nodes to be identified in CRC patients, and 21 TDLNs is sufficient for the severity of the N(+) status to be distinguished in N(+) CRC patients.
Community Vs. hospital HIV testing sites in Jerusalem, Israel - who’s tested and who’s at risk?
Authors: Atias Dor , Levine Hagai , Elinav Hila , Haouzi-Bashan Michele , Lior Yotam , Mor Zohar
Published: May 2020

Background

After decades of constant increase in HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM), a gradual decrease has been reported in recent years. Timely detection of HIV leads to early treatment and behavioral changes which decrease further transmissions. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess demographic and behavioral characteristics of individuals who were tested for HIV in Jerusalem, Israel.

Methods

This study compared individuals who were tested at Hadassah AIDS Center (HAC) with those tested at the Jerusalem Open House (JOH) - an LGBTQ community center. Participants completed anonymous questionnaires regarding their demographic, HIV-testing history, and sexual behaviors. High-risk sexual behavior (HRSB) was defined as a diagnosis of sexually transmitted disease or condomless anal/vaginal sex during the last year.

Results

Among 863 participants, 104 (12.1%) were tested in HAC and 759 (87.9%) in JOH. Of those, 19 (18.3%) and 227 (29.9%) were HRSB, respectively. Two MSM were tested positive in JOH. JOH received more MSM, HRSB and individuals who were previously tested for HIV, while HAC received more migrants and health-care workers. HRSB-participants were more commonly younger, males, non-Jewish, with lower income, previously tested for HIV, reported more sexual partners, payed for sex or used drugs.

Conclusions

MSM and HRSB-individuals were more likely to be tested in JOH, while migrants and health-care workers in HAC, possibly due to the geographic location, reputation and specific atmosphere. In order to encourage HIV-tests among HRSB and non-Jews, additional interventions should be employed, including outreach activities, extending opening hours and reducing testing costs should be employed.
Adaptive matching between phyllosphere bacteria and their tree hosts in a neotropical forest
Authors: Lajoie Geneviève , Maglione Rémi , Kembel Steven W.
Published: May 2020

Background

The phyllosphere is an important microbial habitat, but our understanding of how plant hosts drive the composition of their associated leaf microbial communities and whether taxonomic associations between plants and phyllosphere microbes represent adaptive matching remains limited. In this study, we quantify bacterial functional diversity in the phyllosphere of 17 tree species in a diverse neotropical forest using metagenomic shotgun sequencing. We ask how hosts drive the functional composition of phyllosphere communities and their turnover across tree species, using host functional traits and phylogeny.

Results

Neotropical tree phyllosphere communities are dominated by functions related to the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and energy acquisition, along with environmental signalling pathways involved in membrane transport. While most functional variation was observed within communities, there is non-random assembly of microbial functions across host species possessing different leaf traits. Metabolic functions related to biosynthesis and degradation of secondary compounds, along with signal transduction and cell–cell adhesion, were particularly important in driving the match between microbial functions and host traits. These microbial functions were also evolutionarily conserved across the host phylogeny.

Conclusions

Functional profiling based on metagenomic shotgun sequencing offers evidence for the presence of a core functional microbiota across phyllosphere communities of neotropical trees. While functional turnover across phyllosphere communities is relatively small, the association between microbial functions and leaf trait gradients among host species supports a significant role for plant hosts as selective filters on phyllosphere community assembly. This interpretation is supported by the presence of phylogenetic signal for the microbial traits driving inter-community variation across the host phylogeny. Taken together, our results suggest that there is adaptive matching between phyllosphere microbes and their plant hosts.
Correction to: Cropping practices manipulate abundance patterns of root and soil microbiome members paving the way to smart farming
Authors: Hartman Kyle , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Wittwer Raphaël A. , Banerjee Samiran , Walser Jean-Claude , Schlaeppi Klaus
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.