bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of dimeric full-length human ACE2 in complex with B0AT1
Authors: Yan Renhong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Yaning , Xia Lu , Zhou Qiang
Published: February 2020

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the surface receptor for SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), directly interacting with the spike glycoprotein (S protein). ACE2 is also suggested to be the receptor for the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which is causing a serious epidemic in China manifested with severe respiratory syndrome. B0AT1 (SLC6A19) is a neutral amino acid transporter whose surface expression in intestinal cells requires ACE2. Here we present the 2.9 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of full-length human ACE2 in complex with B0AT1. The complex, assembled as a dimer of ACE2-B0AT1 heterodimers, exhibits open and closed conformations due to the shifts of the peptidase domains (PDs) of ACE2. A newly resolved Collectrin-like domain (CLD) on ACE2 mediates homo-dimerization. Structural modelling suggests that the ACE2-B0AT1 complex can bind two S proteins simultaneously, providing important clues to the molecular basis for coronavirus recognition and infection.
Distinguishing space groups by electron channelling: centrosymmetric full-Heusler or non-centrosymmetric half-Heusler?
Authors: Hansen Vidar , Kosinskiy Andrey , Taftø Johan
Published: February 2020

X-ray emission under electron-channelling conditions is used to distinguish between a non-centrosymmetric half-Heusler and a centrosymmetric full-Heusler crystal. For TiCo1.5+x
Sn the space-group determination based on a Rietveld refinement procedure became challenging for increasing Co content (x > 0.2), while electron channelling proved successful for higher Co content (x = 0.35). This technique can be used on crystals as small as (10 nm)3.
Crystallographic descriptions of regular 2-periodic weavings of threads, loops and nets
Authors: O'Keeffe Michael , Treacy Michael M. J.
Published: February 2020

Piecewise linear descriptions are presented of weavings of threads, loops and 2-periodic nets. Crystallographic data are provided for regular structures, defined as those with one kind (symmetry-related) of vertex (corner) and edge (stick). These include infinite families of biaxial thread weaves, interwoven square lattices (sql), honeycomb (hcb) nets, and tetragonal and hexagonal polycatenanes.
Guest editorial: a new dawn for qualitative service research
Authors: Witell Lars , Holmlund Maria , Gustafsson Anders
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight the role of qualitative research in service research. This study discusses what qualitative research is, what role it has in service research and what interest, rigor, relevance and richness mean for qualitative service research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the most common qualitative research methods and discusses interest, rigor, relevance and richness as key characteristics of qualitative research. The manuscripts in the special issue are introduced and categorized based on their contributions to service research.

Findings

The findings suggest that the amount of research using qualitative research methods has remained stable over the last 30 years. An increased focus on transparency and traceability is important for improving the perceived rigor of qualitative service research.

Originality/value

This special issue is the first issue that is explicitly devoted to the qualitative research methodology in service research. In particular, the issue seeks to contribute to a better use and application of qualitative research methodology.
Performance analysis in WEDM of titanium grade 6 through process capability index
Authors: Majumder Himadri , Maity Kalipada
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study aims to obtain excellent products, consistent investigation and manufacturing process control which are the preconditions that organizations have to consider. Nowadays, manufacturing industry apprise process capability index (Cpi) to evaluate the nature of their things with an expect to enhance quality and also to improve the productivity by cutting down the operating cost. In this paper, process capability analysis was applied during wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of titanium grade 6, to study the process performance within specific limits.

Design/methodology/approach

Four machine input parameters, namely, pulse ON time, pulse OFF time, wire feed and wire tension, were chosen for process capability study. Experiments were carried out according to Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array. The value of Cpi was evaluated for two machining attributes, namely, average surface roughness and material removal rate (MRR). For these two machining qualities, single response optimization was executed to explore the input settings, which could optimize WEDM process ability.

Findings

Optimum parameter settings for average surface roughness and MRR were found to be TON: 115 µs, TOFF: 55 µs, WF: 4 m/min and WT: 6 kg−F and TON: 105 µs, TOFF: 60 µs, WF: 4 m/min and WT: 5 kg−F.

Originality/value

Process capability analysis constantly checks the process quality through the capability index keep in mind the end goal to guarantee that the items made are complying with the particulars, providing data for product plan and process quality enhancement for designer and engineers, giving the support to decrease the cost of item failures.
Enterprise resource planning enabling segmental information reporting practices of UK‐FTSE 100
Authors: Ammar Sameh , Mardini Ghassan H.
Published: February 2020

The ERP impact on management accounting practices has been widely recognised as having a knowledge gap in relation to how it may facilitate Segmental Information Reporting following the International Financial Reporting Standard No. 8’s (IFRS‐8) management approach. This study contributes to filling this gap by investigating the joint effect of the ERP and IFRS‐8 Post‐Implementation Review (PIR) on dimensions: quality, quantity and the reporters’ identity of FTSE‐100 companies in the period 2013–2017. The study found that ERP is significantly and positively associated with the dimensions of segmental information reporting. The implications of this study extend research and the practices of segmental reporting on the importance of ERP in operationalising segmental reporting and in understanding variations.
Targeting DNA binding proteins for cancer therapy
Authors: Shiroma Yoshitomo , Takahashi Ryou‐u , Yamamoto Yuki , Tahara Hidetoshi
Published: February 2020

Dysregulation or mutation of DNA binding proteins such as transcription factors (TFs) is associated with the onset and progression of various types of disease, including cancer. Alteration of TF activity occurs in numerous cancer tissues due to gene amplification, deletion, and point mutations, and epigenetic modification. Although cancer‐associated TFs are promising targets for cancer therapy, development of drugs targeting these TFs has historically been difficult due to the lack of high‐throughput screening methods. Recent advances in technology for identification and selective inhibition of DNA binding proteins enable cancer researchers to develop novel therapeutics targeting cancer‐associated TFs. In the present review, we summarize known cancer‐associated TFs according to cancer type and introduce recently developed high‐throughput approaches to identify selective inhibitors of cancer‐associated TFs.
New Developmentalism and its Discontents: State Activism in Modi's Gujarat and India
Authors: Chatterjee Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Regimes around the world are experimenting with combinations of economic liberalization and revived state‐activist strategies, producing ‘new developmentalist’ hybrids. This article suggests that a distinctive variant of new developmentalism is emerging in India. Its paradigmatic example crystallized in Gujarat, before and during Narendra Modi's tenure as Chief Minister (2001–14), and was taken national during Modi's first term as India's Prime Minister (2014–19). While scholars have highlighted the aggressively pro‐business industrial policy of the ‘Gujarat model’, closer examination reveals that this state intervention was more direct and extensive than previously acknowledged. The state took on a diversity of functions, particularly focused on infrastructure. These included not only classic developmental activities such as midwifing new industries or supporting select private enterprises, but also corrective functions: disciplining consumers, compensating reform losers, and repairing the bureaucratic apparatus. Today, in the face of predictions of radical deregulation or corporate rule, this reinvented statism is visible at the all‐India level. However, its history also illustrates the brittleness of India's new developmentalism, including its tendencies towards incumbency bias, resource misallocation, and debt. Political responses have often weakened accountability rather than tackling underlying problems. Both in India and elsewhere, the sustainability of new developmentalism appears uncertain.
Dose‐dependent reduction in body weight with LIK066 (licogliflozin) treatment in Japanese patients with obesity
Authors: Yokote Koutaro , Sano Misako , Tsumiyama Isao , Keefe Deborah
Published: February 2020

Aims

LIK066 (licogliflozin) is a dual sodium glucose co‐transporter 1/2 inhibitor with potential benefits in weight loss. This study evaluated the efficacy, tolerability and safety of licogliflozin in Japanese adults with obesity.

Materials and methods

This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐finding study to evaluate the effect of licogliflozin (2.5, 10, 25 and 50 mg once daily) in 126 Japanese patients with obesity. The primary objective was to examine the dose–response relationship of licogliflozin treatment in body weight reduction relative to placebo at 12 weeks. The secondary objectives included assessment of responder rates, change in parameters related to complications, visceral and subcutaneous fat area, and safety during 12 weeks of treatment.

Results

The placebo‐subtracted least square mean percentage change in body weight from baseline at week 12 was −1.99 (95% confidence interval −2.92, −0.21), −3.00 (−4.15, −1.70), −3.54 (−4.54, −2.26) and − 3.91% (−5.01, −2.77) in licogliflozin 2.5, 10, 25 and 50 mg once‐daily dose groups, respectively. The proportion of responders with ≥3% reduction in body weight in the licogliflozin 2.5, 10, 25 and 50 mg once‐daily dose groups were 15.8%, 55.6%, 50.0% and 56.7%, respectively, versus placebo [7.1%; P ≤0.002 for all except the 2.5 mg once‐daily group (P = 0.39)]. Dose‐dependent reductions were observed significantly in haemoglobin A1c, uric acid, fasting plasma glucose and potentially in the waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure and visceral fat area.

Conclusion

Dual inhibition of SGLT1/2 with licogliflozin treatment induced a dose‐dependent reduction in body weight in Japanese patients with obesity. Treatment with licogliflozin was safe and well tolerated in this study. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03320941).
Tritrophic interactions reinforce a negative preference–performance relationship in the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Authors: Garvey Michael A. , Creighton J. Curtis , Kaplan Ian
Published: February 2020

Host plants that promote development of insect herbivores are sometimes less preferred to more toxic plants, which are co‐opted for protection from natural enemies, resulting in higher fitness in communities with strong top‐down control. However, the degree to which variation in growth rate and risk of natural enemy attack drive insect plant preferences is an open question, with little field data available across diverse plant families.

The present study investigated the preference–performance relationship and tritrophic interactions involving the hornwormManduca sexta, its natural enemies, and plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) using a 2‐year common garden containing 18 wild and domesticated species. The degree to which natural enemy pressure explained field patterns in the laboratory was then tested using targeted assays involving parasitism by the waspCotesia congregata.

In the field, the most preferred plants for female oviposition tended to be inversely correlated with the species providing optimal larval growth. Hawkmoths preferred plants in the subgenusPotatoe,Nicotiana, andDaturacompared withCapsicum,Physalis, and the otherSolanumsubgenera. However, larval parasitism byC. congregatawas only significant for hornworms onPotatoe/Daturaand notNicotiana(i.e. 33% vs. 12% vs. 4% parasitism onPotatoe,Datura, andNicotiana, respectively). Experimental laboratory rearing confirmed that wasp survival is lower onNicotianasp. thanSolanum lycopersicum, which could be driven by nicotine.

The data obtained in the present study show that the negative preference‐performance relationship in hornworms across solanaceous plants is maintained in part because by utilising noxious food plantsM. sextagains protection against parasitism.
Two‐way immersion teacher preparation
Authors: Hood Sally J.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this qualitative study was to document the skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed for effective two‐way immersion (TWI) teacher training based on the perspectives of those practicing in the field. The research questions explored how preservice teachers, practicing TWI teachers, and TWI administrators perceived the skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed for effective TWI teaching, how they viewed the challenges for TWI teacher preparation programs and the role of a TWI field experience. The findings revealed that field experiences in a TWI classroom are essential for learning the complex pedagogy required for effective dual language education. The findings also showed that long‐term study abroad experiences in regions other than the mother country are necessary for expanding novice TWI teachers' language skills, specifically the learning of other dialects. Additional findings showed that TWI teachers' work extends beyond typical teacher capabilities, such as the teaching of academic content and literacy in two languages. This study also found that passion is fundamental for effective TWI teaching because it can inspire teachers to advocate for the program model and multilingualism. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends that TWI teacher preparation programs require specialized dual language education courses and field experiences.
Bat‐borne viruses in Africa: a critical review
Authors: Markotter W. , Coertse J. , De Vries L. , Geldenhuys M. , Mortlock M.
Published: February 2020

In Africa, bat‐borne zoonoses emerged in the past few decades resulting in large outbreaks or just sporadic spillovers. In addition, hundreds of more viruses are described without any information on zoonotic potential. We discuss important characteristics of bats including bat biology, evolution, distribution and ecology that not only make them unique among most mammals but also contribute to their potential as viral reservoirs. The detection of a virus in bats does not imply that spillover will occur and several biological, ecological and anthropogenic factors play a role in such an event. We summarize and critically analyse the current knowledge on African bats as reservoirs for corona‐, filo‐, paramyxo‐ and lyssaviruses. We highlight that important information on epidemiology, bat biology and ecology is often not available to make informed decisions on zoonotic spillover potential. Even if knowledge gaps exist, it is still important to recognize the role of bats in zoonotic disease outbreaks and implement mitigation strategies to prevent exposure to infectious agents including working safely with bats. Equally important is the crucial role of bats in various ecosystem services. This necessitates a multidisciplinary One Health approach to close knowledge gaps and ensure the development of responsible mitigation strategies to not only minimize risk of infection but also ensure conservation of the species.
Representative Bureaucracy, Distributional Equity, and Environmental Justice
Authors: Liang Jiaqi , Park Sanghee , Zhao Tianshu
Published: February 2020

This article explores the role of bureaucratic representation and distributional equity in the implementation of environmental policy, which has been shaped by the politics of identity, administrative discretion, and a contested discourse on the redistribution of public resources. The authors examine whether minority bureaucratic representation fosters policy outputs for race‐related disadvantaged communities and whether the behavior of public administrators reflects distributional equity. Linking representative bureaucracy to environmental justice, this research contributes to the understanding of social equity in public administration and sheds light on the relationship between bureaucratic representation and democratic values. Analyzing a nationwide, block‐group‐level data set, the authors find that a more racially representative workforce in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency promotes the agency's enforcement actions in communities that have large local‐national disparities in minority populations and severe policy problems. The size of the bureaucratic representation effect is larger for neighborhoods that are overburdened with race‐related social vulnerability.

Evidence for Practice

Public administrators can play a critical role in representing the general public, particularly those who have historically been marginalized and underserved, and acting in their interests.

Non‐service‐oriented regulatory agencies have taken equity into account in the process of implementing policies and serving socially vulnerable clients.

Public administrators need to be cognizant of the degree of preexisting inequity in local communities, acquire adequate information to ascertain the equity point, and devise public policies and programs to achieve various democratic values.

It is important to recruit more underrepresented and historically disadvantaged members of society into the public workforce.
Effect of dietary supplementation of whole flaxseed on sperm traits and sperm fatty acid profile in aged broiler breeder roosters
Authors: Abbaspour Behnam , Sharifi Seyed Davood , Ghazanfari Shokoufe , Mohammadi‐Sangcheshmeh Abdollah , Honarbakhsh Shirin
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of whole flaxseed on sperm traits and sperm fatty acid profile in aged broiler breeder roosters. Twelve Ross 308 broiler breeder roosters (age: 52 weeks; weight: 4,900 ± 210 g) haphazardly allotted to three dietary treatments (each treatment contained four replicates and one bird in each replicate) for six weeks. Treatments were different levels of flaxseed (0% flaxseed [GFL0], 2% flaxseed [GFL2] and 4% flaxseed [GFL4]). The feed intake quadratically decreased (p < .05) with increasing whole flaxseed levels for the period (58 to 60 weeks). Sperm traits (semen volume and sperm concentration, sperm total and forward motility, sperm viability and morphology, sperm plasma membrane functionality) were evaluated every two weeks (four times), and sperm fatty acid profile was assessed at the end of the experiment. Semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm morphology were not affected by treatments. On week 60, GFL2 group showed a significantly lower percentage of total and progressive sperm motility and sperm membrane functionality in comparison with the control and GFL4 groups. Also, sperm viability was lower in GFL2 group compared with other groups on week 58 (p < .05). In terms of sperm fatty acid profile, GFL2 group significantly reduced the percentage of linoleic acid (C18:2 [n‐6]) in comparison with other groups. However, any of the other fatty acids were not affected by dietary flaxseed. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of whole flaxseed could not improve the quality of aged broiler breeder roosters' sperm in this study, nor it could alter the sperm fatty acid profile; thus, it seems necessary to use some antioxidants such as vitamin E in the diet of aged broiler breeder roosters, when supplementing the diets with oils or oilseeds such as flaxseed.
Distributed Actuation and Control of a Morphing Tensegrity Structure
Authors: Lai Guanyu , Plummer Andrew , Cleaver David
Published: February 2020

Structures and actuation systems need to be closely integrated together in the future to create faster, more efficient, lightweight dynamic machines. Such actuated structures would be used for morphing aircraft wings, lightweight actuated space structures, or in robotics. This approach requires actuators to be distributed through the structure. A tensegrity structure is a very promising candidate for this future integration due to its potentially excellent stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio, and the inherent advantage of being a multi-element structure into which actuators can be embedded. This paper presents methods for analysis of the structure geometry, for closed-loop motion control, and includes experimental results for a structure actuated by lightweight pneumatic muscles. In a practical morphing tensegrity structure, it cannot be assumed that tension and compression members always meet at a point. Thus, a form-finding method has been developed to find stable geometries and determine stiffness properties for tensegrity structures with nodes of finite dimension. An antagonistic multi-axis control scheme has been developed for the shape position and motion control. In the experimental actuated tensegrity system presented the pneumatic muscles are controlled by on-off valves, for which a dead-band switching controller is designed based on a new stability criterion. The experimental system demonstrates accurate control of shape change while maintaining a desired level of internal preload in a stiff structure, showing considerable promise for future lightweight dynamic machines.
Evaluation of characteristics of thyroid nodules on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: a retrospective analysis of 252 cases
Authors: Luo Wen , Yang Xiao , Yuan Jiani , Pang Lina , Zhang Peidi , Ding Lei , Gu Fen , Liu Haijing , Zhang Yunfei
Published: February 2020

Aim: This study investigated the enhancement patterns observed on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images for differentiating thyroid nodules.Material and methods: A retrospective review was conducted of CEUS cine loops of 252 nodules by two independent readers. Seven categories of enhancement patterns were identified: concentric hypoenhancement; heterogeneous hypoenhancement; hypoenhancement with sharp margin; homogeneous hyper/isoenhancement; hyper/isoenhancement with ring-like vascularity; island-like enhancement; and no perfusion. Associations between these patterns and the confirmed pathological/cytological outcomes (178 malignant, 74 benign) were analyzed and the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values (PPVs) determined. The agreement of the readers’ assessments was evaluated by Kappa value.Results: For malignant nodules, the predominant 3 patterns were: concentric hypoenhancement, heterogeneous hypoenhancement and homogeneous hyper/isoenhancement. For each of these, the diagnostic specificity was above 87% and the PPV more than 85%. Combining these patterns for malignancy the rates of sensitivity, specificity and PPV for reader 1 (reader 2) were 96.1% (98.9%), 71.6% (71.6%), and 89.1% (89.3%), respectively. For benign nodules, the predominant 4 patterns were: hypoenhancement with sharp margin; hyper/isoenhancement with ring-like vascularity; island-like enhancement; and no perfusion. The specificity for each was above 98% and the PPV more than 70%. Combining these patterns for benignity, the rates of sensitivity, specificity and PPV for reader 1 (reader 2) were 71.6% (71.6%), 96.1% (98.9%) and 88.3% (96.3%), respectively. The inter-reviewers agreement for classifying enhancement patterns was excellent (κ = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.79-0.89).Conclusions: Enhancement patterns of thyroid nodules on CEUS investigation, enable differentiation between malignant and benign lesions with good diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and PPV.
The role of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis of an asymptomatic patient with congenital anomaly
Authors: Tomoaia Raluca , Molnar Adrian , Beyer Ruxandra Ștefana , Dădârlat-Pop Alexandra , Frîngu Florina , Gurzau Diana , Simu Gelu , Minciună Ioan Alexandru , Caloian Bogdan , Zdrenghea Dumitru , Pop Dana
Published: February 2020

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) syndrome is a rare congenital coronary anomaly, which can cause potentially fatal complications, such as heart failure, myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. Only a few patients left untreated survive to adulthood. We highlight the importance of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis of ALCAPA syndrome in a young asymptomatic female patient with inducible ischemia on exercise. The patient was successfully treated with surgery
Exploring abnormal glucose metabolism in pregnancy among Australian Chinese migrants
Authors: Li Ling-Jun , Zhang Jun , Shub Alexis , Aris Izzuddin , Tan Kok Hian
Published: February 2020

Objective

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder of pregnancy that is increasingly prevalent among Chinese women. Few studies have examined whether the migration status of Chinese women contributes to the risks of developing GDM during pregnancy.

Research design and methods

In this observational, cross-sectional and hospital-based study, we examined the prevalence of GDM and glycemic levels at oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) among 491 Australian Chinese migrants (n=491) and native Chinese (n=1000). We defined GDM using the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups guidelines. We collected data on maternal age, body mass index (BMI) and gestational age (GA) at booking and GA at delivery from medical records. We used multiple logistic and linear regression models to calculate the OR of having GDM and mean differences in glycemic levels in Australian Chinese migrants, relative to native Chinese.

Results

Age-at-booking and BMI-at-booking adjusted GDM prevalence was significantly higher in Australian Chinese migrants than native Chinese (19.7% vs 14.6%; p=0.01). After adjusting for age, BMI at booking and GA at booking, fasting glucose levels were significantly lower (β −0.08 mmol/L; 95% CI −0.14 to 0.02), while 2-hour glucose levels were significantly higher (0.22 mmol/L; 0.02 to 0.43) in Australian Chinese immigrants than native Chinese.

Conclusions

Migration status may be a marker for abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy among Australian Chinese migrants, possibly due to socio-economic disadvantages and lifestyle changes associated with migration.
Examining the diversity of ultra-processed food consumption and associated factors in Canadian adults
Authors: Seale Emily , Greene-Finestone Linda S. , de Groh Margaret
Published: February 2020

Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is increasing globally at an unprecedented rate. We investigated UPF consumption among Canadian adults and associated sociodemographic and health-related factors. This study was a secondary analysis of the Foodbook study (2014–2015), which collected self-reported data on foods consumed by Canadians during a 7-day period. UPF diversity was assessed by summing the different types of UPFs consumed in the previous week to produce a diversity score. Descriptive statistics summarized UPF diversity among subgroups in Canada. Regression models identified significant associations between UPF diversity, body mass index (BMI), and sociodemographic variables. This study included 6062 participants, aged 18 years and older, representing 24.7 million Canadian adults. Almost all Canadian adults (99.0%) consumed UPFs at least once weekly. The most common UPFs consumed were chocolate, chips/pretzels, cold breakfast cereal, and fast foods. UPF diversity was greatest among men, young respondents, those with high income, and those with obesity. When controlling for potential confounders, UPF diversity for men and women was significantly associated with younger age and higher BMI; it was also associated with region for women. This study suggests UPF consumption in Canada varies across sociodemographic subgroups, but ultimately is pervasive. Further research examining potential health risks associated with UPF consumption is encouraged to inform Canadian interventions.

Novelty: Almost all Canadians consume at least one type of ultra-processed food weekly. Nearly half or more Canadians consume chocolate, chips/pretzels, cold breakfast cereal, or fast food at least once weekly. Gender, age, and BMI are consistently associated with ultra-processed food diversity.
Evaluating policy-relevant surrogate taxa for biodiversity conservation: a case study from British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Falconer Sarah , Ford Adam T.
Published: February 2020

Conservation efforts often lead to a small proportion of species receiving a disproportionate amount of attention. This bias in funding may help or hinder broader goals of biodiversity conservation depending on the surrogacy value of the well-funded species. Surrogate species are selected to represent other taxa in a shared environment when it would be costly or impractical to obtain information on individual taxa. We compared the surrogacy value of common groups of taxa implicated in conservation — game species, carnivores, non-game species, and other species. Using a publicly available data set of species–habitat associations, we compared the surrogacy value for 1012 species and 64 habitat types in British Columbia, Canada. We used a conditional entropy metric to quantify pairwise associations between species via their occurrence in different habitat types. Our analysis reveals that game and non-game species surrogacy groups do not significantly differ in either the frequency of captured pairwise associations or their coverage of species. These results suggest that funding game species conservation is likely conferring some benefits to non-game species, but optimal habitat-based conservation outcomes will come from a combination of taxa. This analysis provides an important step in influencing management decisions for the preservation of biodiversity in British Columbia.
The effect of memory in prisoner’s dilemma game under multi-strategy update mechanism
Authors: Zhu Hai , Wang Zhen , Zhao Qingyang , Jin Xing , Yu Lanping
Published: February 2020

Due to the heterogeneity of strategy updating rules progressively destroying the cluster of cooperators, cooperation would be heavily suppressed when players adopt mixed strategy updating rules. Thus, how to improve the emergence of cooperation with the scenario of heterogeneous strategy updating rules becomes an important open issue. In this paper, we introduce the memory factor into the game model, and then study the joint effect of memory and heterogeneous strategy updating rules on the emergence of cooperation. Detailly, in our game model, memory-based imitation and innovation are chosen as two different strategy updating rules. Afterwards, the annealing and quenching rules are specifically used as the methods to mix the proposed two memory-based strategy updating rules. At last, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to demonstrate the significance of our model. The simulation results show that for memory-based imitators, memory is not always effective in promoting cooperation. It’s more like a catalyst. When the proportion of the memory-based imitation is large, it promotes the emergence of cooperation. When the proportion of innovation is large, it accelerates the extinction of cooperation; for overall proportion of cooperation, memory effectively promotes the emergence of cooperation and improves the ability of cooperators to resist high temptation, but memory is a partial optimization, it cannot offset the deterioration of cooperation caused by heterogeneous strategies updating rules, memory only reduces the degree of deterioration. Finally, compared with the annealing rule, the change of quenching rule is more smooth, because it is easier for cooperators to form clusters under the quenching rule. Our investigation sheds some light to the role of memory in prisoner’s dilemma game under heterogeneous strategies updating rules.
Broadband liquid sensing with a spoof plasmon transmission line
Authors: Li Peng , Huang Ming , Yang Jingjing , Yang Chengfu , Yang Meixia , Zhou Kefeng
Published: February 2020

One of the most remarkable features of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is their usefulness for sensing. In this paper, we introduce a spoof SPP sensor consisting of a transmission line with a rectangular groove array. We investigated its dispersion relation and verified the broadband transmission characteristics of its SPP mode. A sensing model with spoof SPPs has been developed and a prototype fabricated. Three analytes with different permittivity were introduced into the model and prototype — edible oil, glycerol, and water — and the results compared to those obtained with air. The results of simulation and measurement show that the sensor is extremely sensitive to the permittivity of a liquid. The results indicate that spoof SPP sensors have important potential applications in industrial processing, food safety, and environmental monitoring.
CROSS-DIFFUSION-DRIVEN PATTERN FORMATION AND SELECTION IN A MODIFIED LESLIE–GOWER PREDATOR–PREY MODEL WITH FEAR EFFECT
Authors: HAN RENJI , GUIN LAKSHMI NARAYAN , DAI BINXIANG
Published: February 2020

Spatial patterns through diffusion-driven instability are stationary structures that appear spontaneously upon breaking the symmetry of the spatial domain, which results only from the coupling between the reaction and the diffusion processes. This paper is concerned with a modified Leslie–Gower-type model with cross-diffusion and indirect predation effect. We first prove the global existence, non-negativity and uniform boundedness for the considered model. Then the linear stability analysis shows that the cross-diffusion is the key mechanism of spatiotemporal pattern formation. Amplitude equations are derived near Turing bifurcation point under nonlinear cross-diffusion to interpret pattern selection among spot pattern, stripe pattern and the mixture of spot and stripe patterns, which reflects the species’s spatially inhomogeneous distribution, and it is also found that the fear factor has great influence on spatially inhomogeneous distribution of the two species under certain cross-diffusivity, that is, high level of fear can induce striped inhomogeneous distribution, low level of fear can induce spotted inhomogeneous distribution, and the intermediate level of fear can induce the mixture of spotted and striped inhomogeneous distribution. Finally, numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of all theoretical results.
A Comprehensive Review on Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Beams
Authors: Zahedinejad Parham , Zhang Chen , Zhang Haifeng , Ju Shuai
Published: February 2020

Beams and beam structures are structural components commonly used in mechanical, aerospace, nuclear, and civil engineering. To meet the different engineering design limitations such as operational conditions, weight, and vibrational characteristics, these components may be made of various materials such as functionally-graded materials (FGMs), composites, and homogeneous materials. Functionally-graded (FG) beams play a key role not only in classical structural applications, but also have vast applications in thermal, electric-structural and electric-thermal-structural systems, e.g. in the form of FG beam energy harvesters, sensors and actuators. In all these applications, using new materials like FGMs can greatly improve the efficiency of the structural components and systems. Since FG beams are mostly used as moving components in engineering structures, vibration analysis of these components has been studied by numerous researchers. In order to solve the governing equation and related boundary conditions of the FG beams, powerful numerical methods with a high level of accuracy and fast rate of convergence are often required. The differential quadrature method (DQM) is a powerful and reliable numerical method which has been extensively used by researchers to perform the vibration analyses of FG structures in the last decade. In this paper, firstly various mathematical models which have been used to express the material properties of FGMs are reviewed. Secondly different elasticity theories which have been applied in vibration analysis of FG beams are summarized. In addition, a review on the DQM and its applications is presented. At the next step, a comprehensive review on free vibration analyses of FG beams based on different elasticity theories and in particular those using the DQM is performed. In continue, a brief review on the application of other numerical methods in vibration analysis of FG beams is presented. Moreover, because of the importance of nonlinear vibration analysis of FG beams, a review on the application of various numerical methods and different elasticity theories on nonlinear vibration analysis of FG beams is performed. Finally, a brief review on linear and nonlinear vibration analysis of FG microbeams, as a special type of FG beams, is presented.
Some results about ϕ-primal subsemimodules
Authors: Ebrahimpour M.
Published: February 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative semiring with nonzero identity and [Formula: see text] an [Formula: see text]-semimodule. In this paper, we introduce the concept of [Formula: see text]-primal subsemimodule of [Formula: see text] that is a generalization of primal ideal of a commutative ring. Then we give some examples and properties of these subsemimodules. Also, some characterizations of [Formula: see text]-primal subsemimodules are presented.
Combating acoustic heterogeneity in photoacoustic computed tomography: A review
Authors: Wang Tong , Liu Wen , Tian Chao
Published: February 2020

Based on the energy conversion of light into sound, photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) is an emerging biomedical imaging modality and has unique applications in a range of biomedical fields. In PACT, image formation relies on a process called acoustic inversion from received photoacoustic signals. While most PACT systems perform this inversion with a basic assumption that biological tissues are acoustically homogeneous, the community gradually realizes that the intrinsic acoustic heterogeneity of tissues could pose distortions and artifacts to finally formed images. This paper surveys the most recent research progress on acoustic heterogeneity correction in PACT. Four major strategies are reviewed in detail, including half-time or partial-time reconstruction, autofocus reconstruction by optimizing sound speed maps, joint reconstruction of optical absorption and sound speed maps, and ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) enhanced reconstruction. The correction of acoustic heterogeneity helps improve the imaging performance of PACT.
Adipose-derived exosomes protect the pulmonary endothelial barrier in ventilator-induced lung injury by inhibiting the TRPV4/Ca2+ signaling pathway
Authors: Yu Qian , Wang Daoxin , Wen Xiaoting , Tang Xumao , Qi Di , He Jing , Zhao Yan , Deng Wang , Zhu Tao
Published: February 2020

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is the main supportive treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but it may lead to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Large epidemiological studies have found that obesity was associated with lower mortality in mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung injury, which is known as “obesity paradox.” However, the effects of obesity on VILI are unknown. In the present study, wild-type mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and ventilated with high tidal volume to investigate the effects of obesity on VILI in vivo, and pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) were subjected to 18% cyclic stretching (CS) to further investigate its underlying mechanism in vitro. We found that HFD protects mice from VILI by alleviating the pulmonary endothelial barrier injury and inflammatory responses in mice. Adipose-derived exosomes can regulate distant tissues as novel adipokines, providing a new mechanism for cell-cell interactions. We extracted three adipose-derived exosomes, including HFD mouse serum exosome (S-Exo), adipose tissue exosome (AT-Exo), and adipose-derived stem cell exosome (ADSC-Exo), and further explored their effects on MV or 18% CS-induced VILI in vivo and in vitro. Administration of three exosomes protected against VILI by suppressing pulmonary endothelial barrier hyperpermeability, repairing the expression of adherens junctions, and alleviating inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro, accompanied by transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4)/Ca2+ pathway inhibition. Collectively, these data indicated that HFD-induced obesity plays a protective role in VILI by alleviating the pulmonary endothelial barrier injury and inflammatory response via adipose-derived exosomes, at least partially, through inhibiting the TRPV4/Ca2+ pathway.
Different mechanisms for modulation of the initiation and steady-state of smooth pursuit eye movements
Authors: Behling Stuart , Lisberger Stephen G.
Published: February 2020

Smooth pursuit eye movements are used by primates to track moving objects. They are initiated by sensory estimates of target speed represented in the middle temporal (MT) area of extrastriate visual cortex and then supported by motor feedback to maintain steady-state eye speed at target speed. Here, we show that reducing the coherence in a patch of dots for a tracking target degrades the eye speed both at the initiation of pursuit and during steady-state tracking, when eye speed reaches an asymptote well below target speed. The deficits are quantitatively different between the motor-supported steady-state of pursuit and the sensory-driven initiation of pursuit, suggesting separate mechanisms. The deficit in visually guided pursuit initiation could not explain the deficit in steady-state tracking. Pulses of target speed during steady-state tracking revealed lower sensitivities to image motion across the retina for lower values of dot coherence. However, sensitivity was not zero, implying that visual motion should still be driving eye velocity toward target velocity. When we changed dot coherence from 100% to lower values during accurate steady-state pursuit, we observed larger eye decelerations for lower coherences, as expected if motor feedback was reduced in gain. A simple pursuit model accounts for our data based on separate modulation of the strength of visual-motor transmission and motor feedback. We suggest that reduced dot coherence allows us to observe evidence for separate modulations of the gain of visual-motor transmission during pursuit initiation and of the motor corollary discharges that comprise eye velocity memory and support steady-state tracking.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We exploit low-coherence patches of dots to control the initiation and steady state of smooth pursuit eye movements and show that these two phases of movement are modulated separately by the reliability of visual motion signals. We conclude that the neural circuit for pursuit includes separate modulation of the strength of visual-motor transmission for movement initiation and of eye velocity positive feedback to support steady-state tracking.
Ground Simulation Test of 2D Dynamic Overload Environment of Fuze Launching
Authors: Wu Zhibo , Ma Tiehua , Zhang Yanbing , Zhang Hongyan
Published: February 2020

The fuze launch process is subjected to backseat and spin overloads. To address this issue, a loading method of a 2D dynamic acceleration environment was developed in this study for testing fuze antioverload performance on ground. The techniques of flywheel energy storage, high-speed impact, and centrifugal rotation in the track are combined in a dynamic analysis and simulation. First, the flywheel is rotated at a constant speed by a variable-frequency motor to obtain high kinetic energy. Second, an impact hammer is instantaneously released on the specimen at a high speed, loading the backseat acceleration environment. Finally, the impact hammer is retracted, and the specimen is rotated in the track instead of spinning around its axis, thereby loading the centrifugal acceleration environment. The peak value and pulse width of the 2D overload acceleration can be adjusted by changing the speed of the flywheel and buffers in the abovementioned process. The experimental and simulation results observed that the peak value of backseat acceleration could reach 34,559 g, the pulse width was approximately 400 μs, and the peak value of the centrifugal acceleration was 1,020 g. The study results showed that the proposed approach fulfills the requirements of the 2D overload simulation test of the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) fuze safety and arming mechanism. The proposed loading method has been successfully applied to ground simulation tests of the MEMS fuze safety and arming mechanism.
Hypoglycemia during Short-Term Intensive Insulin Therapy and Its Association with Long-Term Glycemic Remission in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Zhang Pengyuan , Huang Zhimin , Zhong Liangying , Li Hai , Liu Liehua , Liu Juan , Xiao Haipeng , Li Yanbing
Published: February 2020

Background. Short-term intensive insulin therapy induces long-term glycemic remission in half of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The concomitant hypoglycemia needs further analysis. Methods. We collected data from three randomized trials conducted with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria at our institution from 2002 to 2015. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was provided to achieve the glycemic goals within a week and then maintained for 14 days. Hypoglycemia episodes during short-term treatment and the one-year drug-free glycemic remission were observed. Results. A total of 244 patients were included. The per day episode of mild hypoglycemia (3.0-3.9 mmol/L) was higher in the remission group than in the nonremission group (0.26±0.20 vs. 0.18±0.21, P=0.005). However, a moderate hypoglycemia episode (<3.0 mmol/L) per day was insignificantly lower in the remission group (0.02±0.04 vs. 0.03±0.04, P=0.221). After the cessation of insulin treatment, both acute insulin response (491.35 (801.89) vs. 370.22 (542.29), P=0.028) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (2.08 (2.04) vs. 2.48 (2.32), P=0.038) were more improved in the remission group than in the nonremission group. Logistic regression analysis showed that mild hypoglycemic episodes during short-term CSII treatment were independently related to a long-term glycemic remission (OR=2.18, 95% CI 1.02~4.70). Stratified analysis demonstrated that episodes during the continuing insulin dose reduction period played a substantial role. Conclusions. Mild hypoglycemic episodes during the continuing insulin dose reduction period indicate a long-term drug-free euglycemic remission in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. However, the insulin dosage should be reduced even more quickly in the future treatment to decrease the potential harms.