bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid refractive-diffractive microlenses in glass by focused Xe ion beam
Authors: Gorelick Sergey , de Marco Alex
Published: August 2019

The combination of refractive and diffractive components in a single optical element provides miniaturization of optical systems and enhancement of their performance. Thus, hybrid singlet lenses with diffractive structures added on top of the refractive curved surface were shown to have reduced chromatic and spherical aberration. Optical systems based on such hybrid lenses have reduced dimensions as they require fewer lenses for aberrations-correction. Diffractive elements provide additional possibilities of light manipulation and enable the realization of miniaturized multifocal systems, spectrometers, and other devices. Glass hybrid lenses are typically realized by diamond turning or glass moulding. These techniques, however, are not applicable for the fabrication of lenses in brittle materials or microlenses (hundreds of micrometers in diameter or less). On the other hand, direct writing techniques, such as focused ion beam (FIB) milling (typically Ga), offer a high resolution and flexibility of patterning on curved lens surfaces made of a great variety of materials. The disadvantages of FIB milling are its slow speed and Ga implantation that may alter or degrade the optical performance of fabricated components. FIB systems based on high brightness plasma ion sources provide more than an order of magnitude increase in milling rates with noble gas ions (e.g., Xe) compared with Ga FIBs. Here, the authors demonstrate the feasibility of rapid, direct milling of hybrid refractive-diffractive microlenses in glass using >60 nA of Xe ion current. Microlenses with up to 300-μm diameter were milled and diffraction gratings were realized on top of their curved surfaces. The performance of the lenses was characterized by mapping the transmitted intensity at different positions. Due to the introduction of diffraction gratings on the surface of the lenses, their optical performance is modified with the emergence of additional focal spots spatially separated by distances consistent with the theoretical and simulated values. The results indicate the applicability of the plasma focused ion beam systems for rapid fabrication of high-quality hybrid optical elements directly in hard substrates.
Experimental study on nonlinear source–filter interaction using synthetic vocal fold models
Authors: Migimatsu Kishin , Tokuda Isao T.
Published: August 2019

Under certain conditions, e.g., singing voice, the fundamental frequency of the vocal folds can go up and interfere with the formant frequencies. Acoustic feedback from the vocal tract filter to the vocal fold source then becomes strong and non-negligible. An experimental study was presented on such source–filter interaction using three types of synthetic vocal fold models. Asymmetry was also created between the left and right vocal folds. The experiment reproduced various nonlinear phenomena, such as frequency jump and quenching, as reported in humans. Increase in phonation threshold pressure was also observed when resonant frequency of the vocal tract and fundamental frequency of the vocal folds crossed each other. As a combined effect, the phonation threshold pressure was further increased by the left-right asymmetry. Simulation of the asymmetric two-mass model reproduced the experiments to some extent. One of the intriguing findings of this study is the variable strength of the source–filter interaction over different model types. Among the three models, two models were strongly influenced by the vocal tract, while no clear effect of the vocal tract was observed in the other model. This implies that the level of source–filter interaction may vary considerably from one subject to another in humans.
“My Ideal Is Where It Is Just Jane the Cricketer, Rather Than Jane the Gay Cricketer”: An Institutional Perspective of Lesbian Inclusion in Australian Cricket
Authors: Robertson Jonathan , Storr Ryan , Bakos Andrew , O’Brien Danny
Published: August 2019

The aim of this article was to develop a theoretical framework to aid the current understanding of social change practice. Drawing on concepts from institutional theory, the authors proposed and applied a theoretical framework to investigate social change at the intersection of gender and sexuality inclusion in Australian cricket. Qualitative techniques (interviews and document analyses) were utilized to investigate the trajectory of lesbian inclusion in Australian cricket over time. Starting from the perspective that institutional arrangements can be exclusionary (or biased) toward certain groups in society, this research investigated how the actions of institutional entrepreneurs can create more inclusive institutional arrangements. Theoretical and practical implications for future research are discussed.
Amid fields of rubble, scars, and lost gear, signs of recovery observed on seamounts on 30- to 40-year time scales
Authors: Baco Amy R. , Roark E. Brendan , Morgan Nicole B.
Published: August 2019

We report signs of recovery on protected seamounts on 30- to 40-year time scales.
Synchronizing volcanic, sedimentary, and ice core records of Earth’s last magnetic polarity reversal
Authors: Singer Brad S. , Jicha Brian R. , Mochizuki Nobutatsu , Coe Robert S.
Published: August 2019

Earth’s last magnetic field reversal was complex, with excursions at 795 and 784 ka before a final polarity flip at 773 ka.
A Randomized Open-Label Evaluation of the Antimalarial Prophylactic Efficacy of Azithromycin-Piperaquine versus Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Pregnant Papua New Guinean Women
Authors: Moore Brioni R. , Benjamin John M. , Tobe Roselyn , Ome-Kaius Maria , Yadi Gumul , Kasian Bernadine , Kong Charles , Robinson Leanne J. , Laman Moses , Mueller Ivo , Rogerson Stephen , Davis Timothy M. E.
Published: August 2019

Emerging malaria parasite sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance has prompted assessment of alternatives for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp). The objective was to evaluate the tolerability and prophylactic efficacy of azithromycin (AZ) plus piperaquine (PQ) in pregnant women in Papua New Guinea. The study was an open-label, randomized, parallel-group trial.
Antibiotic Resistance and Azithromycin Resistance Mechanism of Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 in China
Authors: Jia Xueyang , Ren Hongyu , Nie Xudong , Li Yinan , Li Jianguo , Qin Tian
Published: August 2019

Legionnaires’ disease, caused by
Legionella pneumophila
, has been treated primarily with antibiotics. However, few reports have been published on antibiotic-resistant
Legionella
in China. Our aim was to determine the azithromycin resistance mechanism of
L. pneumophila
serogroup 1 in China.
Host Factors Impact Vaccine Efficacy: Implications for Seasonal and Universal Influenza Vaccine Programs
Authors: Dhakal Santosh , Klein Sabra L.
Published: August 2019

Influenza is a global public health problem. Current seasonal influenza vaccines have highly variable efficacy, and thus attempts to develop broadly protective universal influenza vaccines with durable protection are under way. While much attention is given to the virus-related factors contributing to inconsistent vaccine responses, host-associated factors are often neglected.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii Strain NUBRI-A, Isolated from a Hospitalized Patient in Khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Sofia B. , Hassan Mohamed , Munir Abdalla , Kambal Sumaya , Abdalla Nusiba I. , Hamad Ahmed , Mohammed Sara , Ahmed Fatima , Hamid Omnia , Ismail Arshad , Allam Mushal
Published: August 2019

Acinetobacter baumannii
has emerged as an important pathogen leading to multiple nosocomial outbreaks. Here, we describe the genomic sequence of a multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
sequence type 164 (ST164) isolate from a hospital patient in Sudan. To our knowledge, this is the first reported draft genome of an
A. baumannii
strain isolated from Sudan.
Linear growth following complicated severe malnutrition: 1-year follow-up cohort of Kenyan children
Authors: Ngari Moses M , Iversen Per Ole , Thitiri Johnstone , Mwalekwa Laura , Timbwa Molline , Fegan Greg W , Berkley James Alexander
Published: August 2019

Background

Stunting is the most common manifestation of childhood undernutrition worldwide. Children presenting with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are often also severely stunted. We evaluated linear growth and its determinants after medically complicated SAM.

Methods

We performed secondary analysis of clinical trial data (NCT00934492) from HIV-uninfected Kenyan children aged 2–59 months hospitalised with SAM. Outcome was change in height/length-for-age z-score (HAZ) between enrolment and 12 months later. Exposures were demographic, clinical, anthropometric characteristics and illness episodes during follow-up.

Results

Among 1169 children with HAZ values at month 12 (66% of those in original trial), median (IQR) age 11 (7–17) months and mean (SD) HAZ −2.87 (1.6) at enrolment, there was no change in mean HAZ between enrolment and month 12: −0.006Z (95% CI −0.07 to 0.05Z). While 262 (23%) children experienced minimal HAZ change (within ±0.25 HAZ), 472 (40%) lost >0.25 and 435 (37%) gained >0.25 HAZ. After adjusting for regression to the mean, inpatient or outpatient episodes of diarrhoea and inpatient severe pneumonia during follow-up were associated with HAZ loss. Premature birth and not being cared by the biological parent were associated with HAZ gain. Increases in mid-upper arm circumference and weight-for-age were associated with HAZ gain and protected against HAZ loss. Increase in weight-for-height was not associated with HAZ gain but protected against HAZ loss. No threshold of weight gain preceding linear catch-up growth was observed.

Conclusions

Interventions to improve dietary quality and prevent illness over a longer period may provide opportunities to improve linear growth.
Intraocular pressure control and visual field changes in primary angle closure disease: the CUHK PACG Longitudinal (CUPAL) study
Authors: Cheung Carol Y , Li Sophia L , Chan Poemen Pui , Chan Noel C Y , Tan Shaoying , Man Xiaofei , Tham Clement C
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To determine the relationship of intraocular pressure (IOP) control with subsequent visual field (VF) deterioration in patients with primary angle closure disease (PACD).

Methods

419 PACD eyes from 240 Chinese patients were included. Mean IOP and IOP fluctuation were calculated as the average and SD divided by mean IOP, respectively, of all the IOP measured in the initial 18 months for assessment of IOP control. The relationship between IOP control and subsequent VF parameters over time was examined using linear mixed models. VF deterioration was defined as IOP control associated with decreased VF parameters over time with a p value <0.05. We calculated the average of the mean IOPs and IOP fluctuations in the cohort and used these two average values as a cut-off point to define high-threshold (≥average value) or low-threshold (<average value) for mean IOP and IOP fluctuation for each PACD eye, respectively.

Results

Greater IOP fluctuation was significantly associated with VF deterioration, independent of mean IOP (mean deviation (MD) β=−6.36, p=0.03; VF index β=−16.41, p=0.04; and cataract-adjusted MD β=−6.96, p=0.02). In the categorical analysis, those with both high-threshold mean IOP and high-threshold IOP fluctuation had the most rapid VF deterioration, compared with eyes with low-threshold IOP fluctuation (p<0.05). Among eyes with high-threshold mean IOP, eyes with high-threshold IOP fluctuation had faster rate of VF deterioration compared with eyes with low-threshold IOP fluctuation (p=0.01).

Conclusions

IOP fluctuation was a significant and independent predictor for subsequent VF deterioration in eyes with PACD.
Healthcare provider and service user perspectives on STI risk reduction interventions for young people and MSM in the UK
Authors: Roy Anupama , King Carina , Gilson Richard , Richardson Daniel , Burns Fiona , Rodger Alison , Clark Laura , Miners Alec , Pollard Alex , Desai Sarika , Bailey Julia , Shahmanesh Maryam , Llewellyn Carrie
Published: August 2019

Objective

Behavioural interventions have been shown to reduce sexual behaviours associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted infections in young people (<25 years) and men who have sex with men (MSM) internationally, but evidence from England is limited. We aimed to explore service provider and user experiences and perspectives on behavioural interventions to reduce sexual behaviour risks, and the use of automated methods to triage individuals to these services.

Methods

We conducted a sequential mixed methods study with sexual health service providers and users in 2015/2016. Qualitative interviews with providers and service users (heterosexual young people and MSM) in London and Brighton allowed us to explore a range of experiences and expectations. A subsequent national web-survey of service providers measured the feasibility of delivery within existing resources and preferences for intervention attributes.

Results

We conducted 35 service user (15 heterosexual young people; 20 MSM) and 26 provider interviews and had 100 web-survey responses. We found considerable heterogeneity in prevention services offered. Service users and providers were broadly supportive of tailoring interventions offered, but service users raised concerns about automated, data-driven triage, particularly around equity and fairness of service delivery. Digital technologies, including social media or apps, were appealing to providers, being less resource intensive. However, one-to-one talking interventions remained popular with both service users and providers, being familiar, trustworthy and personal. Key tensions between desirability of interventions and availability of resources to deliver them were acknowledged/recognised by providers and users.

Conclusion

Overall, behavioural interventions to reduce sexual behaviour risks were viewed favourably by service providers and users, with key considerations including: privacy, personalisation and convenience. However, introducing desirable targeted interventions within heterogeneous sexual health settings will require resources to adapt interventions and research to fully understand the barriers and facilitators to use within routine services.
Ambient air pollution exposure and risk and progression of interstitial lung abnormalities: the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Rice Mary B , Li Wenyuan , Schwartz Joel , Di Qian , Kloog Itai , Koutrakis Petros , Gold Diane R , Hallowell Robert W , Zhang Chunyi , O'Connor George , Washko George R , Hunninghake Gary M , Mittleman Murray A
Published: August 2019

Background

Ambient air pollution accelerates lung function decline among adults, however, there are limited data about its role in the development and progression of early stages of interstitial lung disease.

Aims

To evaluate associations of long-term exposure to traffic and ambient pollutants with odds of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) and progression of ILA on repeated imaging.

Methods

We ascertained ILA on chest CT obtained from 2618 Framingham participants from 2008 to 2011. Among 1846 participants who also completed a cardiac CT from 2002 to 2005, we determined interval ILA progression. We assigned distance from home address to major roadway, and the 5-year average of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), elemental carbon (EC, a traffic-related PM2.5constituent) and ozone using spatio-temporal prediction models. Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, packyears of smoking, household tobacco exposure, neighbourhood household value, primary occupation, cohort and date.

Results

Among 2618 participants with a chest CT, 176 (6.7%) had ILA, 1361 (52.0%) had no ILA, and the remainder were indeterminate. Among 1846 with a preceding cardiac CT, 118 (6.4%) had ILA with interval progression. In adjusted logistic regression models, an IQR difference in 5-year EC exposure of 0.14 µg/m3was associated with a 1.27 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.55) times greater odds of ILA, and a 1.33 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.76) times greater odds of ILA progression. PM2.5and O3were not associated with ILA or ILA progression.

Conclusions

Exposure to EC may increase risk of progressive ILA, however, associations with other measures of ambient pollution were inconclusive.
Hydrodynamic simulation of InGaAs terahertz oscillations
Authors: Feng W.
Published: August 2019

Terahertz (THz) oscillations in n[Formula: see text]nn[Formula: see text] In[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]As diodes have been simulated with the use of a time-dependent hydrodynamic model. Under proper biased voltage and doping concentration, THz self-oscillations show up. The current self-oscillations originate from the formation and propagation of electric field domains in In[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]As diodes. The In[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]As device studied here may be presented as an excellent candidate as a solid-state THz source for monolithic integration.
Optical absorption coefficient in n-type double δ-doped layers GaAs quantum wells
Authors: Noverola-Gamas H. , Gaggero-Sager L. M. , Oubram O.
Published: August 2019

The superposition principle is one of the cornerstones of physics. In low-dimensional systems, it is routinely used to model the potential profile. That is the case of coupled [Formula: see text]-doped quantum wells, for which, several works have studied the transport and optoelectronic properties. However, the Poisson equation determines the potential profile is not linear, and the superposition principle is not at all valid. The aim of this work is to correct some of the inconsistencies of the mentioned models for coupled [Formula: see text]-doped quantum wells. In the framework of Thomas–Fermi approximation, we calculated the potential profile, the wave functions, the energy values and the relative absorption coefficient for the double system compared to an isolated delta system in terms of impurity density and distance between [Formula: see text]-wells. We found a red shifting in the absorption coefficient when the interlayer distances increase, in addition, an enhancement in the absorption coefficient is detected for a specific separation distance. Our results agree with ab-initio calculations reported for the electronic structure.
Measuring Class Cohesion Using Internal and External Class Relationships
Authors: Lee Junha , Kim Dae-Kyoo , Park Sooyong , Kim Hwimin
Published: August 2019

Class cohesion is a design quality that has a great impact on posterior development and maintenance of object-oriented systems. There have been much works on measuring class cohesion based on internal class relationships such as method-attribute referencing and internal method invocations. However, object-oriented systems involve many external class relationships carrying a functional context which should be also taken into account in measuring class cohesion. However, the existing works using internal relationships cannot measure cohesion of classes involving many external relationships. In this paper, we present a novel metric for measuring class cohesion based on both internal and external class relationships through an iterative process. We evaluate the metric by applying it to five applications — ArgoUML, jEdit, JHotDraw, JMeter, and Refactor, and validate the metric theoretically and statistically. The theoretical validation shows that the metric exhibits the required properties for cohesion metrics and the statistical validation shows that the metric captures a new aspect of class cohesion that has not been addressed by the existing works.
Weighted Linear Recurrent Forecasting in Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Kalantari Mahdi , Hassani Hossein , Sirimal Silva Emmanuel
Published: August 2019

Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) is an increasingly popular time series filtering and forecasting technique. Owing to its widespread applications in a variety of fields, there is a growing interest towards improving its forecasting capabilities. As such, this paper takes into consideration the Recurrent forecasting approach in SSA (SSA-R) and presents a new mechanism for improving the accuracy of forecasts attainable via this method. The proposed Recurrent SSA-R approach is referred to as Weighted SSA-R (W:SSA-R), and we propose using a weighting algorithm for weigthing the coefficients of the Linear Recurrent Relation (LRR). The performance of forecasts from the W:SSA-R approach are compared with forecasts from the established SSA-R approach. We exploit real data and various simulated time series for the comparison, so as to provide the reader with more conclusive findings. Our results confirm that the W:SSA-R approach can provide comparatively more accurate forecasts and is indeed a viable solution for improving forecasts by SSA.
First-principle study of SO2 adsorption on Fe/Co-doped vacancy defected single-walled (8, 0) carbon nanotubes in sensor applications
Authors: Zhang Meng , Li Guoqing , Lu Xiaomin , Zhang Qianru , Li Wei
Published: August 2019

To explore the excellent sensor for detecting the pollution gas [Formula: see text], the adsorptions of [Formula: see text] molecule on the surfaces of Fe/Co-doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and single vacancy defected (8, 0) CNTs were investigated by using density functional theory (DFT). In addition, the adsorption energies, geometries, energy gaps and electronic structures were analyzed. The results showed that Fe/Co-doping and single-vacancy-defected can improve the adsorption and sensitiveness of CNTs toward [Formula: see text]. Considering the changes of energy gap before and after the [Formula: see text] molecule adsorbed on each modified CNTs and its adsorption strength, Fe-doped CNTs (Fe-CNTs) and Co-doped site-2 single-vacancy-defected CNTs performed better for detecting [Formula: see text] molecule. With the decreasing number of electrons of the doped atom (Fe, Co, Ni), the adsorption became more stable. The results of this paper are profound and meaningful for designing [Formula: see text] sensing devices.
Photocatalytic redox reactions with metalloporphyrins
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi , Lee Yong-Min , Nam Wonwoo
Published: August 2019

Metalloporphyrinoids are utilized as efficient sensitizers and catalysts in photosynthesis and the reverse reaction that is respiration. Because metalloporphyrinoids show strong absorption in the visible region and redox active, metalloporphyrinoids are also suited as photoredox catalysts for photo-driven redox reactions using solar energy. In particular, metalloporphyrins are utilized as pivotal components to mimic the structure and function of the photosynthetic reaction center. Metalloporphyrins are used as photoredox catalysts for hydrogen evolution from electron and proton sources combining hydrogen evolution catalysts. Metalloporphyrins also act as thermal redox catalysts for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with photoredox catalysts. Metalloporphyrins are also used as dual catalysts for a photoredox catalyst for oxygenation of substrates with H2O and a redox catalyst for O2 reduction when dioxygen is used as a two-electron oxidant and H2O as an oxygen source, both of which are the greenest reactants. Free base porphyrins can also be employed as promising photoredox catalysts for C–C bond formation reactions.
Photoinduced electron transfer from zinc meso-tetraphenylporphyrin to a one-dimensional perylenediimide aggregate: Probing anion delocalization effects
Authors: Alzola Joaquin M. , Powers-Riggs Natalia E. , La Porte Nathan T. , Young Ryan M. , Marks Tobin J. , Wasielewski Michael R.
Published: August 2019

Organic photovoltaics incorporating non-fullerene acceptors based on perylenediimide (PDI) now rival fullerene acceptor-based devices in performance, although the mechanisms of charge generation in PDI-based devices are not yet fully understood. Fullerene-based systems are proposed to undergo electron transfer directly from the photoexcited donor into a band of delocalized acceptor states, thus increasing charge generation efficiency. Similarly, anion delocalization has been shown to enhance the rate of electron transfer from a photoexcited donor to two electronically coupled PDI acceptors. Here we investigate how additional electron acceptors may further increase the rate of electron transfer from the donor zinc meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) to an aggregate of PDI acceptors (PDI[Formula: see text]. Femtosecond transient visible and mid-infrared absorption spectroscopies show that the rate of electron transfer from 1*ZnTPP to the PDI assembly ZnTPP2-PDI3 is statistically identical to that of the previously examined ZnTPP-PDI2. A Marcus theory analysis indicates that the parameters governing electron transfer are nearly identical for the two molecules, suggesting that the maximum electron transfer rate enhancement has been achieved in a cofacial PDI dimer because the ZnTPP directly couples to the first two PDI acceptors whereas the coupling to the third PDI is too weak.
MS-almost distributive lattices
Authors: Addis Gezahagne Mulat
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this paper is to define and investigate a new equational class of algebras which we call MS-almost distributive lattices (MS-ADLs) as a common abstraction of De Morgan ADLs and Stone ADLs. It is observed that the class of MS-ADLs properly contains the class of MS-algebras, and most of the properties of MS-algebras are extended to the class of MS-ADLs.
Enhancing trap and fault seal analyses by integrating observations from HR3D seismic data with well logs and conventional 3D seismic data, Texas inner shelf
Authors: Osmond Johnathon L. , Meckel Timothy A.
Published: August 2019

An understanding of trap and fault seal quality is critical for assessing hydrocarbon prospectivity. To achieve this, modern analytical techniques leverage well data and conventional industry-standard 3D seismic data to evaluate the trap, and any faults displacing the reservoir and top seal intervals. Above all, geological interpretation provides the framework of trap and fault seal analyses, but can be hindered by the data resolution, quality and acquisition style of the conventional seismic data. Furthermore, limiting the analysis to only the petroleum system at depth may lead to erroneous perceptions because interpreting overburden features, such as shallow faults or gas chimneys, can provide valuable observations with respect to container performance, and can to help validate trap and fault seal predictions. A supplement to conventional 3D data are high-resolution 3D seismic (HR3D) data, which provide detailed images of the overburden geology. This study utilizes an HR3D seismic volume in the San Luis Pass area of the Texas inner shelf, where shallow fault tips and a sizeable gas chimney are interpreted over an unsuccessful hydrocarbon prospect. Static post-drill fault seal and trap analyses suggest that the primary fault displacing the structural closure could have withheld columns of gas
c.
100 m high, but disagree with our HR3D seismic interpretations and dry-well analyses. From our results, we hypothesize that tertiary gas migration through fault conduits reduced the hydrocarbon column in the prospective Early Miocene reservoir, and may have resulted from continued movement along the intersecting faults. Overall, this study reinforces the importance of understanding the overburden geology and geohistory of faulted prospects, and demonstrates the utility of pre-drill HR3D acquisition when conducting trap and fault seal analyses.
Potential role of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the modulation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle superoxide by hypoxia
Authors: Yu Hang , Alruwaili Norah , Hu Bing , Kelly Melissa R , Zhang Bin , Sun Dong , Wolin Michael S.
Published: August 2019

Changes in reactive oxygen species and extracellular matrix seem to participate in pulmonary hypertension development. Because we recently reported evidence for chronic hypoxia decreasing expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and evidence for this controlling loss of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle bone morphogenetic protein receptor-2 (BMPR2) and contractile phenotype proteins, we examined if changes in superoxide metabolism could be an important factor in a bovine pulmonary artery (BPA), organoid cultured under hypoxia for 48 h model. Hypoxia (3% O2) caused a depletion of COMP in BPA, but not in bovine coronary arteries. Knockdown of COMP by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) increased BPA levels of mitochondrial and extra-mitochondrial superoxide detected by MitoSOX and dihydroethidium (DHE) HPLC products. COMP siRNA-treated BPA showed reduced levels of SOD2 and SOD3 and increased levels of NADPH oxidases NOX2 and NOX4. Hypoxia increased BPA levels of MitoSOX-detected superoxide and caused changes in NOX2 and SOD2 expression similar to COMP siRNA, and exogenous COMP (0.5 μM) prevented the effects of hypoxia. In the presence of COMP, BMPR2 siRNA-treated BPA showed increases in superoxide detected by MitoSOX and depletion of SOD2. Superoxide scavengers (0.5 μM TEMPO or mitoTEMPO) maintained the expression of contractile phenotype proteins calponin and SM22α decreased by 48 h hypoxia (1% O2). Adenoviral delivery of BMPR2 to rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells prevented the depletion of calponin and SM22α by COMP siRNA. Thus, COMP regulation of BMPR2 appears to have an important role in controlling hypoxia-elicited changes in BPA superoxide and its potential regulation of contractile phenotype proteins.
Functional differences in spatial processing along an anterior-posterior axis: are there implications for the retrosplenial cortex?
Authors: Lingo VanGilder Jennapher , VanGilder Paul
Published: August 2019

The retrosplenial cortex has recently received attention from the neuroscience community for its role in spatial processing and involvement in diseases such as Alzheimer's. Here, we discuss a recent study by Silson et al. (Silson EH, Gilmore AW, Kalinowski SE, Steel A, Kidder A, Martin A, Baker CI. J Neurosci 39: 705–717, 2019.) that reported functionally specific activation within this region during scene perception and (mnemonic) construction. We then propose considerations for future experiments such as adopting standardized methodology and terminology that may improve the interpretation of retrosplenial cortex function within the broader literature.
Behavioral training of marmosets and electrophysiological recording from the cerebellum
Authors: Sedaghat-Nejad Ehsan , Herzfeld David J. , Hage Paul , Karbasi Kaveh , Palin Tara , Wang Xiaoqin , Shadmehr Reza
Published: August 2019

The common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus) is a promising new model for study of neurophysiological basis of behavior in primates. Like other primates, it relies on saccadic eye movements to monitor and explore its environment. Previous reports have demonstrated some success in training marmosets to produce goal-directed actions in the laboratory. However, the number of trials per session has been relatively small, thus limiting the utility of marmosets as a model for behavioral and neurophysiological studies. In this article, we report the results of a series of new behavioral training and neurophysiological protocols aimed at increasing the number of trials per session while recording from the cerebellum. To improve the training efficacy, we designed a precisely calibrated food regulation regime that motivates the subjects to perform saccade tasks, resulting in ~1,000 reward-driven trials on a daily basis. We then developed a multichannel recording system that uses imaging to target a desired region of the cerebellum, allowing for simultaneous isolation of multiple Purkinje cells in the vermis. In this report, we describe 1) the design and surgical implantation of a computer tomography (CT)-guided, subject-specific head post, 2) the design of a CT- and MRI-guided alignment tool for trajectory guidance of electrodes mounted on an absolute encoder microdrive, 3) development of a protocol for behavioral training of subjects, and 4) simultaneous recordings from pairs of Purkinje cells during a saccade task.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Marmosets present the opportunity to investigate genetically based neurological disease in primates, in particular, diseases that affect social behaviors, vocal communication, and eye movements. All of these behaviors depend on the integrity of the cerebellum. We present training methods that better motivate the subjects, allowing for improved performance, and we also present electrophysiological techniques that precisely target the subject’s cerebellum, allowing for simultaneous isolation of multiple Purkinje cells.
Glutamatergic input varies with phrenic motor neuron size
Authors: Rana Sabhya , Mantilla Carlos B. , Sieck Gary C.
Published: August 2019

Like all skeletal muscles, the diaphragm muscle accomplishes a range of motor behaviors by recruiting different motor unit types in an orderly fashion. Recruitment of phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs) is generally assumed to be based primarily on the intrinsic properties of PhMNs with an equal distribution of descending excitatory inputs to all PhMNs. However, differences in presynaptic excitatory input across PhMNs of varying sizes could also contribute to the orderly recruitment pattern. In the spinal cord of Sprague-Dawley rats, we retrogradely labeled PhMNs using cholera toxin B (CTB) and validated a robust confocal imaging-based technique that utilizes semiautomated processing to identify presynaptic glutamatergic (Glu) terminals within a defined distance around the somal membrane of PhMNs of varying size. Our results revealed an ~10% higher density of Glu terminals at PhMNs in the lower tertile of somal surface area. These smaller PhMNs are likely recruited first to accomplish lower force ventilatory behaviors of the diaphragm as compared with larger PhMNs in the upper tertile that are recruited to accomplish higher force expulsive behaviors. These results suggest that differences in excitatory synaptic input to PhMNs may also contribute to the orderly recruitment of diaphragm motor units.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The distribution of excitatory glutamatergic synaptic input to phrenic motor neurons differs across motor neurons of varying size. These findings support the size principle of motor unit recruitment that underlies graded force generation in a muscle, which is based on intrinsic electrophysiological properties of motor neurons resulting from differences in somal surface area. A higher density of glutamatergic inputs at smaller, more excitable motor neurons substantiates the earlier and more frequent recruitment of these units.
Analysis of Ocular Injury Characteristics in Survivors of the 8.12 Tianjin Port Explosion, China
Authors: Jiang Hao , Xue Chao , Gao Yanlin , Wang Yan
Published: August 2019

Introduction. On the evening of August 12, 2015, a large chemical explosion occurred at Tianjin Port. We analyzed ocular injury characteristics in the survivors of this accident. Methods. Twenty injured eyes of 17 hospitalized patients were included. Initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), injury type, injury cause, relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD), zone of injury (ZOI), and ocular trauma score (OTS) were evaluated. Final BCVA and enucleation were the final outcome index. The relationship between risk factors and final outcomes was analyzed. Results. The patients comprised 14 males and 3 females (mean age, 35.24 ± 12.68 years). Eighteen eyes had open-globe and 2 had closed-globe injuries. Fifteen ocular injury types were reported. Initial visual acuity (VA) was 20/50 to 20/200, 20/200 to finger counting (FC), hand motion to light perception (HM-LP), and no light perception (NLP) in 2, 7, 7, and 4 eyes, respectively. RAPD was found in 5 eyes. Most eyes sustained severe injuries with OTSs of 1 (25%) and 2 (40%). Of the injured eyes, 50% had Zone III injuries. In 95% of the injured eyes, glass was the cause of injury. Three of 4 eyes with an initial VA of NLP had a final VA of NLP and an outcome of enucleation. In 5 eyes with RAPD, 3 had a final VA of NLP and a final outcome of enucleation. Eyes with lower OTSs generally had poorer outcomes. All eyes with a final VA of NLP and an enucleation outcome had Zone III injuries. All 3 eyes with an enucleation outcome had retinal injuries, whereas eyes with no retinal injury had a better final BCVA. Conclusions. Explosions can inflict severe ocular trauma, even indoors; 90% of injured eyes had open-globe injuries caused by glass fragments. Initial NLP, RAPD, low OTS, posterior extended wound, and retinal injury indicate a poor final outcome.
Clinical Implications of Urinary C-Peptide Creatinine Ratio in Patients with Different Types of Diabetes
Authors: Wang Yanai , Gao Ying , Cai Xiaoling , Chen Ling , Zhou Lingli , Ma Yumin , Gong Siqian , Han Xueyao , Ji Linong
Published: August 2019

Introduction. Urinary C-peptide creatinine ratio (UCPCR) is used as a marker of endogenous insulin secretion. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of UCPCR for distinguishing between type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and non-T1DM (monogenic diabetes and T2DM) and predicting therapeutic choices in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. Methods. Twenty-three patients with genetically confirmed monogenic diabetes (median age 35.0 years (interquartile range 30.0-47.0), 13 (56.5%) men), 56 patients with T1DM (median age 46.0 years (interquartile range 26.5-59.5), 28 (50.0%) men), 136 patients with T2DM (median age 53.0 years (interquartile range 42.0-60.0), 87 (64.0%) men), and 59 healthy subjects (median age 36.0 years (30.0-42.0), 26 (44.1%) men) were included. UCPCR was collected in the morning. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify optimal UCPCR cut-off values to differentiate T1DM from non-T1DM. This UCPCR cut-off was used to divide T2DM patients into two groups, and the two groups were compared. Results. The UCPCR was lower in patients with T1DM compared with T2DM, monogenic diabetes, and healthy subjects, while the UCPCR was similar in T2DM and monogenic diabetes. A UCPCR cut-off of ≥0.21 nmol/mmol distinguished between monogenic diabetes and T1DM (area under the curve [AUC], 0.949) with 87% sensitivity and 93% specificity. UCPCR≥0.20 nmol/mmol had 82% sensitivity and 93% specificity for distinguishing between T2DM and T1DM, with an AUC of 0.932. UCPCR was not reliable for distinguishing between monogenic diabetes and T2DM (AUC, 0.605). Twenty-five of 136 (18.4%) T2DM patients had UCPCR≤0.20 nmol/mmol. Compared with T2DM patients with a UCPCR>0.20 nmol/mmol, T2DM patients with UCPCR≤0.20 nmol/mmol had a lower serum C-peptide (fasting C-peptide, 0.39 nmol/L vs. 0.66 nmol/L, P<0.001; postprandial C-peptide, 0.93 nmol/L vs. 1.55 nmol/L, P<0.001), lower BMI (22.8 kg/m2 vs. 25.2 kg/m2, P=0.006), and higher percentage of insulin or secretagogue therapy (92.0% vs. 59.5%, P=0.002). Conclusions. UCPCR is a practical and noninvasive marker that can distinguish between TIDM and T2DM or monogenic diabetes. UCPCR≤0.20 nmol/mmol reflects severe impaired beta cell function and the need for insulin or secretagogue therapy in T2DM patients.
Global Behavior of a New Rational Nonlinear Higher‐Order Difference Equation
Authors: Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: August 2019

Let k be a nonnegative integer and c a real number greater than or equal to 1. We present qualitative global behavior of solutions to a rational nonlinear higher‐order difference equation zn+1 = (c(zn + zn−k) + (c − 1)znzn−k)/(znzn−k + c),   n ≥ 0, with positive initial values z−k, z−k+1, ⋯, z0, and show the global asymptotic stability of its positive equilibrium solution.
Selection and Prioritization of Software Requirements Applying Verbal Decision Analysis
Authors: Barbosa Paulo A. M. , Pinheiro Plácido R. , Silveira Francisca R. V. , Filho Marum Simão
Published: August 2019

During the software development process, the decision maker (DM) must master many variables inherent in this process. Software releases represent the order in which a set of requirements is implemented and delivered to the customer. Structuring and enumerating a set of releases with prioritized requirements represents a challenging task because the requirements contain their characteristics, such as technical precedence, the cost required for implementation, the importance that one or more customers add to the requirement, among other factors. To facilitate this work of selection and prioritization of releases, the decision maker may adopt some support tools. One field of study already known to solve this type of problem is the Search‐Based Software Engineering (SBSE) that uses metaheuristics as a means to find reasonable solutions taking into account a set of well‐defined objectives and constraints. In this paper, we seek to increase the possibilities of solving the Next Release Problem using the methods available in Verbal Decision Analysis (VDA). We generate a problem and submit it so that the VDA and SBSE methods try to resolve it. To validate this research, we compared the results obtained through VDA and compared with the SBSE results. We present and discuss the results in the respective sections.
Fluorescence Characteristics of Humic Acid in Chinese Black Soil under Long-Term Fertilization
Authors: Wei Dan , Li Yan , Cai Shan-shan , Jin Liang , Li Yu-mei , Wang Wei , Bai Yang , Hu Yu , Clarke Nicholas
Published: August 2019

Humic substances are important indicators of soil fertility. The fluorescence properties of humic acids from black soils in Harbin, northeast China, were investigated, after long-term fertilization using treatments with or without mineral fertilizer (NPK) and organic manure. Excitation and emission matrices combined with parallel factor analysis were used to investigate the structure of the humic acid. Principal component analysis was performed to select the most suitable parameters for the description of humic acid. The dimension reduction for the original fluorescence parameters extracted two principal components. By using the two principal component scores as a new index for clustering, it was concluded that long-term fertilization treatments in black soil in Harbin clustered into three groups of manure + NPK and organic manure treatments, NPK treatment, and soil without any fertilization. Manure + NPK fertilization and manure fertilization alone led to a higher degree of humification than NPK only or the control. We conclude that long-term fertilization with organic matter with or without NPK could increase the humification degree of these soils.
Rogue Wave and Multiple Lump Solutions of the (2+1)‐Dimensional Benjamin‐Ono Equation in Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Zhao Zhonglong , He Lingchao , Gao Yubin
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the bilinear method is employed to investigate the rogue wave solutions and the rogue type multiple lump wave solutions of the (2+1)‐dimensional Benjamin‐Ono equation. Two theorems for constructing rogue wave solutions are proposed with the aid of a variable transformation. Four kinds of rogue wave solutions are obtained by means of Theorem 1. In Theorem 2, three polynomial functions are used to derive multiple lump wave solutions. The 3‐lump solutions, 6‐lump solutions, and 8‐lump solutions are presented, respectively. The 3‐lump wave has a “triangular” structure. The centers of the 6‐lump wave form a pentagram around a single lump wave. The 8‐lump wave consists of a set of seven first order rogue waves and one second order rogue wave as the center. The multiple lump wave develops into low order rogue wave as parameters decline to zero. The method presented in this paper provides a uniform method for investigating high order rational solutions. All the results are useful in explaining high dimensional dynamical phenomena of the (2+1)‐dimensional Benjamin‐Ono equation.
Nonlinear Pounding Analysis of Multispan and Simply Supported Beam Bridges Subjected to Strong Ground Motions
Authors: Jia Hong-Yu , Lan Xian-Lin , Luo Nan , Yang Jian , Zheng Shi-Xiong , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2019

To investigate the nonlinear impact effect of multispan simply supported beam bridges under strong earthquakes, firstly, the dynamic motion equation, the algorithm of its solution, and some pounding modelling methods are presented and the finite element model of a considered multispan simply supported railway beam bridge is established in the nonlinear finite element software of SAP2000 in which the primary nonlinear characteristics of the bearing and the impact element are considered herein. Secondly, the natural vibration characteristic of the considered railway bridge is analyzed to prepare for the subsequent parameter analysis. Finally, the influence of three nonlinear parameters, i.e., stiffness of impact element, separation gap width of expansion joint, and bearing stiffness, on impact responses of bridge structures is studied. The results show that the first several modes of multispan simply supported beam bridges are mainly longitudinal and vertical vibrations. Under longitudinal seismic excitations, the large longitudinal displacement response is induced possibly and results in the collision or even unseating of superstructures at the expansion joints and abutments. The influence of separation gap width between adjacent decks on the pounding effect of bridges is greater than that of collision stiffness originated from the pounding modelling element. The impact force and pounding number run up to the maximum conditional on the collision stiffness of 9.9 × 109 (N/m) and the separation gap width of 0.14 (m). The bearing stiffness affects significantly the displacement of the pier top and the cross‐sectional internal force at the bottom of piers but has little effect on the collision force and number.
A Heterogeneous Multiattribute Group Decision‐Making Method Based on Intuitionistic Triangular Fuzzy Information
Authors: Xu Jun , Dong Jiu-Ying , Wan Shu-Ping , Yang De-Yan , Zeng Yi-Feng
Published: August 2019

How to aggregate decision information in heterogeneous multiattribute group decision making (HMAGDM) is vital. The aim of this paper is to develop an approach to aggregating decision data into intuitionistic triangular fuzzy numbers (ITFNs) for heterogeneous MAGDM problems with real numbers (RNs), interval numbers (INs), triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs), trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs), and triangular intuitionistic fuzzy number (TIFNs). Using the relative closeness of technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and geometry entropy method, we first present a general approach to aggregating heterogeneous information into ITFNs, which takes the group consistency of experts into account. Based on the collective intuitionistic triangular fuzzy decision matrix and extended TOPSIS, a multiple objective mathematical program is constructed to determine the optimal attribute weights. Subsequently, a new method to solve HMAGDM problems is presented based on the aforementioned discussion. A trustworthy service selection example is provided to verify the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method.