bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital resources in history teaching with reference to the European project Europeana
Authors: Marsenić Miloš , Stanojević Saša
Published: December 2020

The development of new technologies and the information society has accelerated changes in everyday life and modern teaching. Information and communication technologies (ICT) better motivate students to learn. In order to better preserve historical sources, they are digitized and thus protected, hence researchers can access the source faster and at a less cost. The possibilities of using the Internet in teaching are vast. It is necessary for schools to have computers, as well as for teachers and students to be motivated to use new electronic sources. Many websites have original historical material, from written and printed sources to audio-visual ones. We can call all this material digital resources (materials, sources, electronic historical sources). Teachers need to create engaging and imaginative teaching materials. However, a critical approach and caution in working with materials from the internet is essential. It is the teacher's responsibility to recommend verified sites and documents. Much of the material on the Internet has been posted with the conscious intention of spreading inaccurate data. The possibilities of ICT are great in history studies, as well. It is possible to modernize teaching at all levels of studies, but the financial capabilities of schools do not allow the possibility of keeping up with those innovations. One of the web portals that can be used for teaching purposes with its digitized content is Europeana. It is a database of the cultural and historical heritage of Europe, through which it is possible to search the digitized material of institutions. The Europeana portal is a broad project that provides free access to tens of millions of digital units. One of the most important collections within this portal is dedicated to the First World War and is called Europeana 1914-1918.
The three faces of America and the problem of assimilation in the Huntington's paradigm
Authors: Nedeljković Zoran
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the author offers an interpretation of Huntington's account of three possible faces of America, the socio-political state of America in the immediate future. He derived these three perspectives from his paradigm of the clash of civilizations. These three faces of America are: 1. America as an open society to the rest of the world; 2. Imperial America, in which the world would be transformed into America; 3. America remains America, as opposed to spreading a new wave of ideas through the media about multiculturalism as the most humane way of existence of culturally diverse population in the human community. Between these three choices, Huntington opts for the third option, because only if America remains America can the national identity be preserved on the foundations of Anglo-Protestant culture. Immigrant assimilation is the key to solving the problem for the survival of the United States. In this text, the author discusses Huntington's three interpretations of the concept of assimilation and comes to the conclusion that through the concept of a foreigner, the other, who moves away from the domicile population like a quasar, as an embodiment of human alienation, all three possible imaginary histories of America are broken.
PRACTICE-FOCUSED TRAINING: POSSIBILITIES, RISKS, SOLUTIONS
Authors:   International Institute of Design and Service, Lvov L.V. , Degterenko L.N.
Published: December 2020

The problem of proving the possibility of implementing practice focused training taking into account the risks revealed while introducing WorldSkills (WS) standards at the present stage of professional training is solved. Practice focused training is viewed as an operable educational process forming an ability and readiness to realize practical professional activities on the basis of professional self-identification, knowledge, skills, experience and personality. The methodology of system-activity and competence-context approaches considers the planned outcomes and practical focus of the educational process. Organization and management, organization of educational process, research, staffing and social partnership are considered as the main areas of practice-focused training to decrease possible negative consequences connected with the introduction of WS standards to the educational process.
Reconstructing algorithm for frequency-resolved optical gating based on intelligent seeker optimization
Authors: Wu Qin-Fei , Wen Jin-Hui ,   School of Physics, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
Published: December 2020

Frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) is a common technique of ultrashort pulse measurement. It reconstructs the test pulse by an iterative two-dimensional phase retrieval algorithm from a FROG trace. Now the most widely used FROG algorithm is principal component generalized projection (PCGP), yet its accuracy of pulse retrieval drops obviously under noise condition, and its iterative speed slows down significantly as the size of FROG trace increases. Actually, most of ultrashort pulses delivered from ultrafast oscillators and amplifiers as well as created in most scientific experiments are of smooth spectral phases, so that they can be determined by a few of dispersion coefficients. In this paper, we propose a FROG algorithm based on seeker optimization algorithm (SOA). After recording the spectrum of the test pulse, several main dispersion coefficients of the spectral phase of the pulse are searched directly by the SOA algorithm to fit the corresponding FROG trace. Then the shape of the test pulse can be uniquely reconstructed. Since this algorithm mainly operates in a spectral domain and its routine of iteration is much simpler than PCGP’s, faster speed and higher accuracy of pulse retrieval can be expected. In order to prove the advantages of SOA-FROG algorithm, numeral simulations are performed for test pulses with varying dispersion, in the cases without noise and with 1%, 5%, 10%, 20% noise levels, respectively. The simulation results show that the new algorithm performs much better than PCGP in accuracy and iteration speed. In the case without noise, 97% test pulses reach the condition of rigid convergence (FROG error G ≤ 10–4) after 1500 iteration circles by using the SOA, with an average FROG error G < 10–5. So the accuracy of pulse reconstruction by SOA is at least three orders of magnitude higher than by PCGP. In cases with different noise levels, the accuracy of pulse reconstruction by SOA is also much higher than by PCGP. By means of background-subtraction and filtering on the FROG traces, the retrieved pulse profiles almost accord with reality. Typically for a 256 × 256 FROG trace, SOA-FROG iterates 100.8 circles per second, about 5 times faster than PCGP. After 300 iteration circles by SOA in about 3 s, most of test pulses can finish their routines of reconstruction and reach high accuracy. Besides SHG-FROG, the SOA-FROG algorithm can also be utilized in other FROG techniques based on the 3rd order nonlinear optical effects. In summary, the SOA-FROG is expected to be suitable to the real-time pulse measurement with high accuracy in most of application cases. Yet some measures of improvement should be taken to reconstruct complex pulses with rough spectral phases or/and broken spectra.
Analyses of heat dissipation of direct-cooling backsheets of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules at ambient temperatures
Authors: Zhu Jing-Yan , Zou Shuai , Sun Hua , Su Xiao-Dong ,   Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China,   Research & Development Department, Canadian Solar Inc., Suzhou 215129, China
Published: December 2020

The working temperature of the crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module seriously restricts the cell efficiency and the module lifetime. Therefore, it is of great significance to investigate the cooling effects of PV modules. Recently, introducing nanostructures into polymer backsheets to obtain direct-cooling effects due to enhanced heat conduction and radiation characteristics, has become a new trend for PV cooling technology. In this paper, we study the backside thermal properties of the PV module by combining the energy balance equation and optical simulations. The thermal power and cooling effect are calculated and compared between the standard backsheet and three types of direct-cooling backsheets for three typical ambient temperatures. The structure parameters and encapsulating mode of mainstream commercial silicon cells are adopted in the simulations and calculations. The influences of thermal parameters, i.e, the heat transfer coefficient and the emissivity, on the thermal process and the operating temperature are discussed in detail. We hope that this study may provide a certain reference for the future design of PV-direct-cooling backsheets.
On Gibbs States of Mechanical Systems with Symmetries
Authors:   Marin Drinov Academic Publishng House, Marle Charles-Michel
Published: December 2020

The French mathematician and physicist Jean-Marie Souriau studied Gibbs states for the Hamiltonian action of a Lie group on a symplectic manifold and considered their possible applications in Physics and Cosmology. These Gibbs states are presented here with detailed proofs of all the stated results. A companion paper to appear will present examples of Gibbs states on various symplectic manifolds on which a Lie group of symmetries acts by a Hamiltonian action, including the Poincar\'e disk and the Poincaré half-plane.
Circuit and synaptic organization of forebrain-to-midbrain pathways that promote and suppress vocalization
Authors: Michael Valerie , Goffinet Jack , Pearson John , Wang Fan , Tschida Katherine , Mooney Richard
Published: December 2020

Animals vocalize only in certain behavioral contexts, but the circuits and synapses through which forebrain neurons trigger or suppress vocalization remain unknown. Here, we used transsynaptic tracing to identify two populations of inhibitory neurons that lie upstream of neurons in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) that gate the production of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in mice (i.e. PAG-USV neurons). Activating PAG-projecting neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POAPAG neurons) elicited USV production in the absence of social cues. In contrast, activating PAG-projecting neurons in the central-medial boundary zone of the amygdala (AmgC/M-PAG neurons) transiently suppressed USV production without disrupting non-vocal social behavior. Optogenetics-assisted circuit mapping in brain slices revealed that POAPAG neurons directly inhibit PAG interneurons, which in turn inhibit PAG-USV neurons, whereas AmgC/M-PAG neurons directly inhibit PAG-USV neurons. These experiments identify two major forebrain inputs to the PAG that trigger and suppress vocalization, respectively, while also establishing the synaptic mechanisms through which these neurons exert opposing behavioral effects.
The brain in motion: How ensemble fluidity drives memory-updating and flexibility
Authors: Mau William , Hasselmo Michael E , Cai Denise J
Published: December 2020

While memories are often thought of as flashbacks to a previous experience, they do not simply conserve veridical representations of the past but must continually integrate new information to ensure survival in dynamic environments. Therefore, ‘drift’ in neural firing patterns, typically construed as disruptive ‘instability’ or an undesirable consequence of noise, may actually be useful for updating memories. In our view, continual modifications in memory representations reconcile classical theories of stable memory traces with neural drift. Here we review how memory representations are updated through dynamic recruitment of neuronal ensembles on the basis of excitability and functional connectivity at the time of learning. Overall, we emphasize the importance of considering memories not as static entities, but instead as flexible network states that reactivate and evolve across time and experience.
Yeast Nuak1 phosphorylates histone H3 threonine 11 in low glucose stress by the cooperation of AMPK and CK2 signaling
Authors: Oh Seunghee , Lee Jaehyoun , Swanson Selene K , Florens Laurence , Washburn Michael P , Workman Jerry L
Published: December 2020

Changes in available nutrients are inevitable events for most living organisms. Upon nutritional stress, several signaling pathways cooperate to change the transcription program through chromatin regulation to rewire cellular metabolism. In budding yeast, histone H3 threonine 11 phosphorylation (H3pT11) acts as a marker of low glucose stress and regulates the transcription of nutritional stress-responsive genes. Understanding how this histone modification ‘senses’ external glucose changes remains elusive. Here, we show that Tda1, the yeast ortholog of human Nuak1, is a direct kinase for H3pT11 upon low glucose stress. Yeast AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) directly phosphorylates Tda1 to govern Tda1 activity, while CK2 regulates Tda1 nuclear localization. Collectively, AMPK and CK2 signaling converge on histone kinase Tda1 to link external low glucose stress to chromatin regulation.
Integral and Inclusive Research by Design Pedagogy
Authors: Davidova Marie
Published: December 2020

This article reflects on my integral design studio teaching and inclusiveness in its design processes. This is exemplified in two different systemic design case studies focusing on social and environmental justice via the lens of empathy. The design studio and/or design practice tend to be fused in this article because my design studios have always focused on practice-based, real-life built projects, while my commercial and not-for-profit practices have always implemented design education in real-life built projects through internships and/or other student participation. Therefore, my approach fully follows the pathway of ‘learning by doing’(Dewey, 1997), focusing on systemic feedback looping of integral real-life experience and reflection through research and practice, targeting brighter post-Anthropocene futures.
Bronchogenic Carcinoma: Endoscopy versus Histopathology
Authors: Parvathi Bhaskara Kurup Latha , Sharma Sushant , Lakshmee Yumnam Bidya , Khan Kalim , Yadav Gulab Singh , Rajawat Govind Singh , Koolwal Suresh
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Lung cancer is the malignancy with the highest mortality (1.76 million deaths per year, 18.4% of the total) worldwide, being the only one whose incidence of death has progressively increased despite improved and more aggressive therapy in recent years. Early diagnosis plays an important role in increasing survival in lung cancer patients. Fiber Optic Bronchoscopy (FOB) is currently considered the first method for evaluating the tracheobronchial tree in patients with suspected lung cancer. Even though histopathological examination of bronchial biopsy specimen remains the confirmatory or the gold standard test, morphological appearance along with side and site of the lesion is also important in the diagnosis. Aim: To compare the bronchoscopic presentations of bronchogenic carcinoma in relation to side, site and morphology with histopathology. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted prospectively in the Institute of Respiratory Diseases, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It included 122 patients suspected clinico-radiologically and bronchoscopically with lung cancer and admitted to the hospital during the period from March 2018 to May 2019. FOB findings were noted carefully with regard to side, site and type of the lesion. One hundred and two patients were pathologically diagnosed with primary lung cancer. The bronchoscopic findings were correlated with histopathology. Statistical analysis were done using the chi-square test using the software IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics, Version 25.0. Results: A total of 102 patients (90 males and 12 females) with primary lung cancer were included in the study; most of them were in the sixth decade of life. The main anatomical site of bronchogenic carcinoma were; main bronchi (n=36, 35.29%), followed by lobar bronchi (n=28, 27.45%). Most common morphologic presentation was endobronchial growth (n=86, 84.31%) and for all the endobronchial growths, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SQCC) was the most common histopathological diagnosis i.e., 32 cases out of 86 (37.21%). For Adenocarcinoma (AC), non-specific morphological finding was the most common (7 out of 13, 53.85%) rather than endobronchial growth (6 out of 13, 46.15%). External compression was the most common among the non-specific findings of AC (n=3 out of 13, 23.08%). Conclusion: Bronchoscopic appearance was associated to histological type. Both SQCC and Small Cell Carcinoma (SCC) were more in the central airways and endoscopically had the presentation of intraluminal growth commonly. ACs were more in the peripheral airways and endoscopically had non-specific findings more than endoscopic growth.
Spirometry Function after Decortication for Chronic Pleural Empyema: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Minda Subhash , Koneru Lata Khatnani , Rai Nimish
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Chronic Pleural Empyema (CPE) is a major medical concern. It gives rise to “trapped lung” due to the thickened pleural peel. This results in impairment of pulmonary function. The treatment of choice for CPE is open thoracotomy decortication. Aim: To evaluate changes in Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) in an immediate postoperative period of decortication for CPE. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 25 patients who had undergone decortication for CPE in the last one year (from October 2018 to September 2019) were included. Baseline clinical and demographic data were collected. Duration of ICU stay, hospital stay and complications were reviewed. In Preoperative period Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume In First Second (FEV1) was investigated. It was again repeated after 3 and 6 months of postoperative period. Preoperative and postoperative data at 3rd and 6th month were analysed. Percentage change in PFT was assessed. Repeated measure ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: Preoperatively the mean FVC was 2.09 L (56.63%) and the mean FEV1 was 1.82 L (60.26%). The mean FVC, 3 months after surgery was 2.27 L (61.52%) and after 6 months was 2.53 L (68.56%). The mean FEV1, 3 months after surgery was 1.92 L (63.58%) and after 6 months was 2.17 L (71.58%). Spirometry values of FEV1 and FVC improved at 3rd and 6th month, postoperatively. Improvement in these Spirometric values after 6 months was quantified statistically significant. Conclusion: Decortication for CPE resulted in progressive improvement in spirometry values in a follow-up period of 3 and 6 months.
Topical Insulin and Normal Saline in Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers- A Prospective Analytical Study
Authors: Biradar Dayanand , Patil Mallikarjun B , Baloorkar Ramakanth , Sindagikar Vikram , Manoop K
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers are important diabetes-related microvascular complications aggravated due to multiple pre-existing factors such as peripheral arterial disease, immune system factors, bone abnormalities, diabetic neuropathy, infections and repetitive external or minor trauma. Diabetic foot ulcers could lead to lower limb amputation if not managed appropriately. Aim: To evaluate the use of topical insulin in chronic diabetic foot ulcers at a tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: This prospective analytical study of 12 months duration was conducted in Department of Surgery, in diabetic patients between the age group of 25 to 70 years, presenting for the first time with diabetic foot ulcer. A total of 60 patients were divided into two groups alternately as group A patients underwent dressing with topical insulin and group B patients underwent dressing with regular normal saline. Sterile transparent gauze was placed on the wound to mark the wound borders and the wound area measured. With the help of ruler the two largest perpendicular diameters were measured and these were multiplied to obtain the wound area in cm2. Ulcers were cleaned with normal saline and a sterile gauze soaked with Human mixtard insulin and normal saline. Four units of 0.1 mL-Human mixtard insulin with 1 mL normal saline used for each 10 cm2 of wound in group A. Data was analysed by using SPSS software. Chi-square test was used and p-value of <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Mean age distribution was 51.2±9.6 years and 50.6±10.9 years in group A and B, respectively. Mean HbA1c at admission was 6.3±0.9 and 6.1±0.8 in group A and B, respectively. On day 0,7,15 wound measurements were done. A statistically significant difference was noted in reduction of average surface area of wound at day 7, 15 between group A and B. Insulin dressing group showed better changes than saline dressing group. Percentage reduction of surface area of wound at day 15 was 67.8±11.45 in insulin dressing group and 49.51±18.21 in saline dressing group, statistically significant difference was noted. Average time required for granulation tissue to appear was 6.08±2.15 days and 9.48±4.21 days in group A and B, respectively, statistically significant difference was noted (p<0.001). Conclusion: The application of topical insulin is secure and successful in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Topically applied insulin can increase speed of wound healing and there are no chances of systemic side effects.
Skin color and race
Authors: Jablonski Nina G.
Published: December 2020

Skin color is the primary physical criterion by which people have been classified into groups in the Western scientific tradition. From the earliest classifications of Linnaeus, skin color labels were not neutral descriptors, but connoted meanings that influenced the perceptions of described groups. In this article, the history of the use of skin color is reviewed to show how the imprint of history in connection with a single trait influenced subsequent thinking about human diversity. Skin color was the keystone trait to which other physical, behavioral, and culture characteristics were linked. To most naturalists and philosophers of the European Enlightenment, skin color was influenced by the external environment and expressed an inner state of being. It was both the effect and the cause. Early investigations of skin color and human diversity focused on understanding the central polarity between “white” Europeans and nonwhite others, with most attention devoted to explaining the origin and meaning of the blackness of Africans. Consistently negative associations with black and darkness influenced philosophers David Hume and Immanuel Kant to consider Africans as less than fully human and lacking in personal agency. Hume and Kant's views on skin color, the integrity of separate races, and the lower status of Africans provided support to diverse political, economic, and religious constituencies in Europe and the Americas interested in maintaining the transatlantic slave trade and upholding chattel slavery. The mental constructs and stereotypes of color‐based races remained, more strongly in some places than others, after the abolition of the slave trade and of slavery. The concept of color‐based hierarchies of people arranged from the superior light‐colored people to inferior dark‐colored ones hardened during the late seventeenth century and have been reinforced by diverse forces ever since. These ideas manifest themselves as racism, colorism, and in the development of implicit bias. Current knowledge of the evolution of skin color and of the historical development of color‐based race concepts should inform all levels of formal and informal education. Awareness of the influence of color memes and race ideation in general on human behavior and the conduct of science is important.
Neural‐network‐based robust terminal sliding‐mode control of quadrotor
Authors: Lin Xumei , Wang Yulu , Liu Yunfei
Published: December 2020

A novel robust terminal sliding‐mode control (RTSMC) based on radial basis function (RBF) neural network is proposed firstly for controlling the attitude and position of the quadrotor, guaranteeing the system converged to stability point in a limited time. After establishing the nonlinear kinematics and dynamics models of the system, robust control is adopted in the RBF neural network terminal sliding‐mode controller such that the impact of external interference is reduced effectively. Resorting to the Lyapunov function, the asymptotically stable condition for the considered system is obtained, in which the convergence of the system is deduced in a finite time. Furthermore, simulation results are given to show the faster convergence speed and strong robustness for the considered system with RBF and RTSMC. Finally, the effectiveness and robustness of the developed control strategy is validated experimentally.
Tumor infiltrating neutrophils and gland formation predict overall survival and molecular subgroups in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Naso Julia R. , Topham James T. , Karasinska Joanna M. , Lee Michael K.C. , Kalloger Steve E. , Wong Hui‐li , Nelson Jessica , Moore Richard A. , Mungall Andrew J. , Jones Steven J.M. , Laskin Janessa , Marra Marco A. , Renouf Daniel J. , Schaeffer David F.
Published: December 2020

Background

RNA‐sequencing‐based classifiers can stratify pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) into prognostically significant subgroups but are not practical for use in clinical workflows. Here, we assess whether histomorphological features may be used as surrogate markers for predicting molecular subgroup and overall survival in PDAC.

Methods

Ninety‐six tissue samples from 50 patients with non‐resectable PDAC were scored for gland formation, stromal maturity, mucin, necrosis, and neutrophil infiltration. Prognostic PDAC gene expression classifiers were run on all tumors using whole transcriptome sequencing data from the POG trial (NCT02155621). Findings were validated using digital TCGA slides (n = 50). Survival analysis used multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards tests and log‐rank tests.

Results

The combination of low gland formation and low neutrophil infiltration was significantly associated with the poor prognosis PDAC molecular subgroup (basal‐like or squamous) and was an independent predictor of shorter overall survival, in both frozen section (n = 47) and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (n = 49) tissue samples from POG patients, and in the TCGA samples. This finding held true in the subgroup analysis of primary (n = 17) and metastatic samples (n = 79). The combination of high gland formation and high neutrophils had low sensitivity but high specificity for favorable prognosis subgroups.

Conclusions

The assessment of gland formation and neutrophil infiltration on routine histological sections can aid in prognostication and allow inferences to be made about molecular subtype, which may help guide patient management decisions and contribute to our understanding of heterogeneity in treatment response.
Treatment of genital herpes using olive leaf extract
Authors: Lorzadeh Nahid , Kazemirad Yasaman , Kazemirad Nastran
Published: December 2020

Genital herpes is one of the sexually transmitted diseases that is reported with a greater incidence of primary and secondary recurrence. In this study, olive leaf extract was used for its antiviral properties to treat the infection. The randomized‐clinical trials using such a therapeutic approach are required in this field.
Subnanometric Pt on Cu Nanoparticles Confined in Y‐zeolite: Highly‐efficient Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx by CO
Authors: Li Liang , Liu Shaomian , Jiang Ruihuan , Ji Yongjun , Li Huifang , Guo Xiangfeng , Jia Lihua , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: December 2020

CO selective catalytic reduction (CO‐SCR), a promising technology for simultaneous removal of harmful CO and NO in exhaust gases, has attracted much attention in recent years. Pt‐based catalysts have been demonstrated to be effective for this reaction. However, it remains a big challenge to achieve a high low‐temperature activity at a low Pt loading. Here we report a new catalyst consisting of subnanometric Pt on Cu nanoparticles confined in the NaOH‐modified Y‐zeolite (Pt−Cu@M−Y). This catalyst possesses enhanced catalytic performance in CO‐SCR at an extremely low Pt content of 0.04 wt %, achieving full NO conversion at 250 °C. The Pt−Cu@M−Y catalyst was synthesized using a simple impregnation method followed by a hydrogen reduction. Transmission electron microscopy study revealed that Pt−Cu@M−Y with subnanometric Pt on Cu nanoparticle of ∼5 nm was highly dispersed in M−Y. The superior catalytic property of Pt−Cu@M−Y is attributed to the synergistic catalysis of Pt and Cu, in which subnanometric Pt species contributes to the strong adsorption of NO, while the dissociation of NO and the migration of dissociated O atoms are significantly boosted on the newly generated interfaces between Cu nanoparticles and the formed surface CuOx species. This work develops an effective method for synthesizing bimetallic nanoparticles confined in zeolite and demonstrates their superior catalytic performance in the catalytic reduction of NOx by CO.
Parametric study of cylindrical and spherical dust ion acoustic shock waves with two temperature electrons in dusty plasma relevant to Saturn's E ring
Authors: Bansal Sona , Gill Tarsem S. , Aggarwal Munish
Published: December 2020

We have performed numerical analysis of the one‐dimensional dynamics of the cylindrical/spherical dust ion acoustic shock waves in unmagnetized dusty plasma consisting of positive ions, immobile dust particles, and nonextensive distributed cold and hot electrons. A multiple‐scale expansion method is used to derive Burgers Equation (BE) and modified Burgers equation (MBE) by including higher order nonlinearity. The basic characteristics of the shock waves have been analysed numerically and graphically for different physical parameters relevant to Saturn' E ring through 2D figures. The parametric dependence of dust ion acoustic shock waves on some plasma parameters nonextensive index, density, and temperature of cold and hot electrons, concentration of dust particles, thermal effects and kinematic viscosity of ions is explored. Furthermore, it is found that the nonplanar geometry effects have an important impact on the establishment of shock waves. The amplitude of the wave decreases faster as one departs away from the axis of the cylinder or centre of the sphere. Such decaying behaviour continues as time progresses. It is also found that an increasing dust concentration decreases the amplitude of the dust ion acoustic shock waves.
Spatial heterogeneity of tree diversity response to climate warming in montane forests
Authors: Li Ting , Luo Peng , Xiong Qinli , Yang Hao , Gu Xiaodong , Qiu Yuming , Lin Bo , Liu Yang , Lai Changhong
Published: December 2020

Many studies reported biotic change along a continental warming gradient. However, the temporal and spatial change of tree diversity and their sensitivity to climate warming might differ from region to region. Understanding of the variation among studies with regard to the magnitude of such biotic changes is minimal, especially in montane ecosystems. Our aim is to better understand changes in spatial heterogeneity and temporal dynamics of mountain tree communities under climate warming over the past four decades. In 2017, we resurveyed and recorded all tree species from 107 long‐term monitoring plots that were first studied between 1974 and 1976. These plots were located in montane forests in the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP), China. Our results showed that spatial differences were found in tree species diversity changes response to mean annual temperature change over the past four decades. Tree species richness increased significantly under climate warming in Minshan (MS) and Xiaoxiangling (XXL) with higher warming rate than Qionglai (QLS) and Liangshan (LS). The trees species diversity in MS and XXL were more sensitive to climatic warming. MS and XXL should receive priority protection in the next conservation plan of the GPNP. The GPNP should avoid taking a “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach for diversity conservation due to spatial heterogeneity in plant community dynamics.
Early evidence of natal‐habitat preference: Juvenile loons feed on natal‐like lakes after fledging
Authors: Hoover Brian A. , Brunk Kristin M. , Jukkala Gabriella , Banfield Nathan , Rypel Andrew L. , Piper Walter H.
Published: December 2020

Many species show natal habitat preference induction (NHPI), a behavior in which young adults select habitats similar to those in which they were raised. However, we know little about how NHPI develops in natural systems. Here, we tested for NHPI in juvenile common loons (Gavia immer) that foraged on lakes in the vicinity of their natal lake after fledging. Juveniles visited lakes similar in pH to their natal lakes, and this significant effect persisted after controlling for spatial autocorrelation. On the other hand, juveniles showed no preference for foraging lakes of similar size to their natal one. When lakes were assigned to discrete classes based on size, depth, visibility, and trophic complexity, both juveniles from large lakes and small lakes preferred to visit large, trophically diverse lakes, which contained abundant food. Our results contrast with earlier findings, which show strict preference for lakes similar in size to the natal lake among young adults seeking to settle on a breeding lake. We suggest that NHPI is relaxed for juveniles, presumably because they select lakes that optimize short‐term survival and growth. By characterizing NHPI during a poorly studied life stage, this study illustrates that NHPI can take different forms at different life stages.
Iodine‐Mediated Coupling of Cyclic Amines with Sulfonyl Hydrazides: an Efficient Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfone Derivatives
Authors: Rong Xiaona , Guo Jingwen , Hu Zheqi , Huang Lehao , Gu Yugui , Cai Yuepiao , Liang Guang , Xia Qinqin
Published: December 2020

An efficient iodine‐mediated coupling of cyclic amines with sulfonyl hydrazides is reported. This transformation opens a new route to the synthesis of vinyl sulfones derivatives, which is a common structural motif in natural products and pharmaceuticals. Tentative mechanistic studies suggest that this reaction is likely to involve a radical process.
A Design of Flexible Triboelectric Generator Integrated with High‐Efficiency Energy Storage Unit
Authors: Zhang Qi-yuan , Mu Ji-liang , Mu Jin-biao , Yang Xiang-yu , Zhang Sheng-nan , Han Xiao-tao , Zhao Yue-fang , You Ya-jun , Yu Jun-bin , Chou Xiu-jian
Published: December 2020

Herein, a design of flexible triboelectric generator integrated with high‐efficiency energy storage unit (FTEG‐ES) is proposed. The power generation unit is a flexible triboelectric generator (FTEG). Natural rubber and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) release film with silicone oil on the surface are used as the friction layer, and the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layer prepared by electrospinning is added compared with traditional structure to improve output performance. The flexible solid‐state capacitor made of chemical cross‐linked poly(vinyl alcohol)−H2SO4 hydrogel (CPH) and activated carbon is used as an energy storage unit. The test results prove that adding the PVDF layer effectively increases the output performance of FTEG. The open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current are increased by 19% and 47%, respectively. The short‐circuit current density and maximum output power are up to 1.30 μA cm−2 and 100 μW cm−2, respectively. The flexible solid‐state capacitor can store energy more efficiently than electrolytic capacitors. The charging speed of the flexible solid‐state capacitor is increased by 34.4% compared with electrolytic capacitors when charge the 1 mF capacitor to 1.5 V. Finally, the experiments show that FTEG‐ES can be used as a backup power source for low‐power devices. The feasibility of triboelectric generator applications is explored by this work.
On the spatial and temporal shift in the archetypal seasonal temperature cycle as driven by annual and semi‐annual harmonics
Authors: North Joshua S. , Schliep Erin M. , Wikle Christopher K.
Published: December 2020

Statistical methods are required to evaluate and quantify the uncertainty in environmental processes, such as land and sea surface temperature, in a changing climate. Typically, annual harmonics are used to characterize the variation in the seasonal temperature cycle. However, an often overlooked feature of the climate seasonal cycle is the semi‐annual harmonic, which can account for a significant portion of the variance of the seasonal cycle and varies in amplitude and phase across space. Together, the spatial variation in the annual and semi‐annual harmonics can play an important role in driving processes that are tied to seasonality (e.g., ecological and agricultural processes). We propose a multivariate spatiotemporal model to quantify the spatial and temporal change in minimum and maximum temperature seasonal cycles as a function of the annual and semi‐annual harmonics. Our approach captures spatial dependence, temporal dynamics, and multivariate dependence of these harmonics through spatially and temporally varying coefficients. We apply the model to minimum and maximum temperature over North American for the years 1979–2018. Formal model inference within the Bayesian paradigm enables the identification of regions experiencing significant changes in minimum and maximum temperature seasonal cycles due to the relative effects of changes in the two harmonics.
Analysis of different operating strategies of thermal energy storage with radiant cooling system
Authors: Singh Rana Veer Pratap , Mathur Jyotirmay , Bhandari Mahabir
Published: December 2020

Thermal energy storage systems in building cooling applications have been explored extensively as a peak load‐shifting technology. Thermal energy storage performance has been recognized and studied from an energy cost‐savings point of view because of peak‐valley price differences, but not many studies have been conducted from an energy savings viewpoint. This study experimentally investigates the performance of the energy storage‐retrofitted to a ceiling‐type radiant cooling system. To study the performance, a water‐based storage system was designed and developed for an academic office building equipped with a radiant cooling system. The water in the storage tank was cooled to a certain storage temperature in the nighttime, and the same water was used during the daytime for meeting the cooling load. Different combinations of charging and discharging schedules were analyzed. The key objective of the study was to achieve energy savings and energy‐cost savings simultaneously. This objective was accomplished by identifying the major factors contributing to the energy consumption of the storage‐retrofitted cooling system and devising novel operating strategies, leading to an enhanced energy savings potential. Two operating strategies comprising 24 operating scenarios were compared and the storage was used to dispatch the load for 3 hours of the day as a full storage unit. Results showed that in hot and dry climate conditions, using the storage with the radiant cooling system offered energy savings of 3% to 14%. The energy‐cost analysis was also performed using a time‐of‐day electricity tariff plan. The energy‐cost savings varied from 17.5% to 22.4% for these operating scenarios.
Novel voice prosthesis after total laryngectomy with laryngoplasty reconstruction
Authors: Feng Allen L. , Zenga Joseph , Varvares Mark A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Although many patients achieve serviceable speech after total laryngectomy (TL), others are limited by un‐naturally low pitch. We describe a cadaveric study to provide proof of concept for a novel voice prosthesis after TL with free tissue laryngoplasty.

Methods

Devices were implanted into fresh frozen cadavers after TL and free tissue laryngoplasty. Phonation pressures were measured using a custom Blom‐Singer Manometer (InHealth Technologies, Carpinteria, CA) and acoustic files were analyzed using Praat, a speech analysis software.

Results

Two fresh frozen cadavers were implanted with the voice prosthesis. Both prostheses demonstrated appropriate stenting of the laryngoplasty. Successful sound production was achieved after airflow generation at the proximal trachea. An average phonation pressure of 3.5 cmH2O (SD 1.7 cmH2O) was necessary to generate a sound intensity of 80.6 dB (SD 0.2 dB) at an average fundamental frequency of 299.5 Hz (SD 112.6 Hz).

Conclusions

The novel voice prosthesis described herein offers a feasible voice generation mechanism.
A note on reserve requirements and banks' liquidity
Authors: Bitar Joseph
Published: December 2020

Unlike past literature adopting the loanable funds view, we follow the financing model of bank intermediation in order to analyse the monetary mechanisms relating to reserve requirements and compute banks' margins on their lending and deposit activities. We show that, when remunerated at a rate below the money market interest rate, reserve requirements increase the spread between bank loans and deposits interest rates, without any impact on the level of interest rates. We review and analyse the uses of reserve requirements as a prudential tool and as a monetary policy instrument. We also analyse their use for capital flows management and for de‐dollarization in emerging economies. We argue that reserve requirements are a sub‐optimal and outdated policy tool, and we suggest imposing direct taxes on banks' deposits and loans interest payments, as a more efficient alternative to reserve requirements.
Features of α‐HBDH in COVID‐19 patients: A cohort study
Authors: Zhu Haoming , Qu Gaojing , Yu Hui , Huang Guoxin , Chen Lei , Zhang Meiling , Wan Shanshan , Pei Bin
Published: December 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) has spread all over the world and brought extremely huge losses. At present, there is a lack of study to systematically analyze the features of hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α‐HBDH) in COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

Electronic medical records including demographics, clinical manifestation, α‐HBDH results and outcomes of all included patients were extracted.

Results

α‐HBDH in COVID‐19 group was higher than that in excluded group (p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in α‐HBDH before and after the exclusion of 5 patients with comorbidity in heart or kidney (p = 0.671). In COVID‐19 group, the α‐HBDH value in ≥61 years old group, severe group, and critical group, death group all increased at first and then decreased, while no obvious changes were observed in other groups. And there were significant differences of the α‐HBDH value among different age groups (p < 0.001), clinical type groups (p < 0.001), and outcome groups (p < 0.001). The optimal scale regression model showed that α‐HBDH value (p < 0.001) and age (p < 0.001) were related to clinical type.

Conclusions

α‐HBDH was increased in COVID‐19 patients, obviously in ≥61 years old, death and critical group, indicating that patients in these three groups suffer from more serious heart and kidney and other tissues and organs damage, higher α‐HBDH value, and risk of death. The difference between death and survival group in early stage might provide a approach to judge the prognosis. The accuracy of the model to distinguish severe/critical type and other types was 85.84%, suggesting that α‐HBDH could judge the clinical type accurately.
Erythroferrone structure, function, and physiology: Iron homeostasis and beyond
Authors: Srole Daniel N , Ganz Tomas
Published: December 2020

Erythroferrone (ERFE) is the main erythroid regulator of hepcidin, the homeostatic hormone controlling plasma iron levels and total body iron. When the release of erythropoietin from the kidney stimulates the production of new red blood cells, it also increases the synthesis of ERFE in bone marrow erythroblasts. Increased ERFE then suppresses hepcidin synthesis, thereby mobilizing cellular iron stores for use in heme and hemoglobin synthesis. Recent mechanistic studies have shown that ERFE suppresses hepcidin transcription by inhibiting bone morphogenetic protein signaling in hepatocytes. In ineffective erythropoiesis, pathological overproduction of ERFE by an expanded population of erythroblasts suppresses hepcidin and causes iron overload, even in non‐transfused patients. ERFE may be a useful biomarker of ineffective erythropoiesis and an attractive target for treating its systemic effects.
Effect of storage, temperature, and extraction kit on the phylogenetic composition detected in the human milk microbiota
Authors: Lyons Katriona E. , Fouhy Fiona , O’ Shea Carol‐Anne , Ryan C. Anthony , Dempsey Eugene M. , Ross R. Paul , Stanton Catherine
Published: December 2020

Human milk is considered the optimum feeding regime for newborns and is a source of bacteria for the developing infant gastrointestinal tract. However, as with all low biomass samples, standardization across variabilities such as sample collection, storage, and extraction methods is needed to eliminate discrepancies in microbial composition across studies. The aim of this study was to investigate how different storage methods, temperatures, preservatives, and extraction kits influence the human milk microbiome, compared to fresh samples. Breast milk samples were processed via six different methods: fresh (Method 1), frozen at −80°C (Method 2), treated with RNAlater and stored at 4°C or −80°C (Methods 3 and 4), and treated with Milk Preservation Solution at room temperature (Methods 5 and 6). Methods 1‐5 were extracted using PowerFoodTM Microbial DNA Isolation kit (Mobio), and Method 6 was extracted using Milk DNA Preservation and Isolation kit (Norgen BioTek). At genus level, the most abundant genera were shared across Methods 1‐5. Samples frozen at −80°C had fewest significant changes while samples treated and extracted using Milk Preservation and Isolation kit had the most significant changes when compared to fresh samples. Diversity analysis indicated that variation in microbiota composition was related to the method and extraction kit used. This study highlighted that, when extraction from fresh milk samples is not an option, freezing at −80°C is the next best option to preserve the integrity of the milk microbiome. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that choice of extraction kit had a profound impact on the microbiota populations detected in milk.
A distance based multiple criteria sorting method without class thresholds
Authors: Karasakal Esra , Civelek Merve
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a new distance‐based sorting method (DISWOTH) that does not require specifying class thresholds between preference‐ordered classes is developed for multiple criteria sorting problems. The aim of the DISWOTH method is to assign each alternative to a class or a set of possible adjacent classes considering distance to class centroids. Distance of alternatives to centroids are used as a criteria aggregation function. A mathematical model is formulated to determine weights of criteria. Assignment is performed according to the weighted distance of each alternative to class centroids. Performance of the DISWOTH method is compared with the Preference DISaggregation analysis (PDIS) and the UTilites Additives DIScriminantes (UTADIS) methods from literature.