bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification ofFoxPcircuits involved in locomotion and object fixation inDrosophila
Authors: Palazzo Ottavia , Raß Mathias , Brembs Björn
Published: July 2020

TheFoxPfamily of transcription factors is necessary for operant self-learning, an evolutionary conserved form of motor learning. The expression pattern, molecular function and mechanisms of action of theDrosophila FoxPorthologue remain to be elucidated. By editing the genomic locus ofFoxPwith CRISPR/Cas9, we find that the three differentFoxPisoforms are expressed in neurons, but not in glia and that not all neurons express all isoforms. Furthermore, we detectFoxPexpression in, e.g., the protocerebral bridge, the fan shaped body and in motorneurons, but not in the mushroom bodies. Finally, we discover thatFoxPexpression during development, but not adulthood, is required for normal locomotion and landmark fixation in walking flies. WhileFoxPexpression in the protocerebral bridge and motorneurons is involved in locomotion and landmark fixation, theFoxPgene can be excised from dorsal cluster neurons and mushroom-body Kenyon cells without affecting these behaviors.
CLAMP and Zelda function together to promoteDrosophilazygotic genome activation
Authors: Duan Jingyue Ellie , Rieder Leila E. , Colonnetta Megan M. , Huang Annie , McKenney Mary , Watters Scott , Deshpande Girish , Jordan William T. , Fawzi Nicolas L. , Larschan Erica N.
Published: July 2020

During the essential and conserved process of zygotic genome activation (ZGA), chromatin accessibility must increase to promote transcription.Drosophilais a well-established model for defining mechanisms that drive ZGA. Zelda (ZLD) is a key pioneer transcription factor (TF) that promotes ZGA in theDrosophilaembryo. However, many genomic loci that contain GA-rich motifs become accessible during ZGA independent of ZLD. Therefore, we hypothesized that other early TFs that function with ZLD have not yet been identified, especially those that are capable of binding to GA-rich motifs such as CLAMP. Here, we demonstrate thatDrosophilaembryonic development requires maternal CLAMP to: 1) activate zygotic transcription; 2) increase chromatin accessibility at promoters of specific genes that often encode other essential TFs; 3) enhance chromatin accessibility to facilitate ZLD occupancy at a subset of key embryonic promoters. Thus, maternal CLAMP functions with ZLD in a pioneer-like role to drive zygotic genome activation.
Raf promotes dimerization of the Ras G-domain with increased allosteric connections
Authors: Packer Morgan , Parker Jillian A. , Chung Jean K. , Li Zhenlu , Lee Young Kwang , Cookis Trinity , Guterres Hugo , Alvarez Steven , Hossain MD Amin , Donnelly Daniel P. , Agar Jeffrey N. , Makowski Lee , Buck Matthias , Groves Jay T. , Mattos Carla
Published: July 2020

Ras dimerization is critical for Raf activation, yet Ras alone does not dimerize. Here we show that the Ras binding domain of Raf (Raf-RBD) induces robust Ras dimerization at low surface densities on supported lipid bilayers and, to a lesser extent, in solution as observed by size exclusion chromatography and confirmed by SAXS. Community network analysis based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show robust allosteric connections linking the two Raf-RBD D113 residues, located in the Galectin scaffold protein binding site of each Raf-RBD molecule and 85 Å apart on opposite ends of the dimer complex. Our results suggest that Raf-RBD binding and Ras dimerization are concerted events that lead to a high-affinity signaling complex at the membrane that we propose is an essential unit in the macromolecular assembly of higher order Ras/Raf/Galectin complexes important for signaling through the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.
A rooted phylogeny resolves early bacterial evolution
Authors: Coleman Gareth A. , Davín Adrián A. , Mahendrarajah Tara , Spang Anja , Hugenholtz Philip , Szöllősi Gergely J. , Williams Tom A.
Published: July 2020

Bacteria are the most abundant and metabolically diverse cellular lifeforms on Earth. A rooted bacterial phylogeny provides a framework to interpret this diversity and to understand the nature of early life. Inferring the position of the bacterial root is complicated by incomplete taxon sampling and the long branch to the archaeal outgroup. To circumvent these limitations, we model bacterial genome evolution at the level of gene duplication, transfer and loss events, allowing outgroup-free inference of the root1. We infer a rooted bacterial tree on which 68% of gene transmission events are vertical. Our analyses reveal a basal split between Terrabacteria and Gracilicutes, which together encompass almost all known bacterial diversity. However, the position of one phylum, Fusobacteriota, could not be resolved in relation to these two major clades. In contrast to recent proposals, our analyses strongly reject a root between the Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) and all other Bacteria. Instead, we find that the CPR is a sister lineage to the Chloroflexota within the Terrabacteria. We predict that the last bacterial common ancestor was a free-living flagellated, rod-shaped cell featuring a double membrane with a lipopolysaccharide outer layer, a Type III CRISPR-Cas system, Type IV pili, and the ability to sense and respond via chemotaxis.
Predicting the available work from deformation-induced α′′ martensite formation in metastable β Ti alloys
Authors: Niessen Frank , Pereloma Elena V. , Saleh Ahmed A.
Published: July 2020

Deformation-induced α′′ martensite formation is essential to the mechanical properties of a variety of metastable β Ti alloys by extending elasticity or contributing to work-hardening during plastic deformation. Nevertheless, to date, a comprehensive analysis of the effect of β texture and applied stress state on the martensitic transformation to α′′ is still lacking. The present study therefore provides a detailed analysis of the work which is made available from the shape strain of the martensitic transformation under a variety of in-plane stress states and as a function of β crystal orientation. The available work was found to strongly depend on the applied stress state and the parent grain orientation. The shape strain of the martensitic transformation was obtained from applying the phenomenological theory of martensite crystallography. In cases where this theory was not applicable, an approximation of the shape strain by the Bain strain was found to provide a good approximation of the available work. Analysis of three different metastable β Ti alloys showed no strong effect of the alloy composition on the available work. Martensite formation from typical cold- and warm-rolling β texture components under different stress states is discussed. Cases are highlighted to show how the cold- and warm-rolling β textures can be tailored to hinder martensite formation upon subsequent industrial forming operations.
The role of project management office in developing knowledge management infrastructure
Authors: Arbabi Hani , Salehi-Taleshi Mohammad-Javad , Ghods Kian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) is regarded as an essential factor in project-based organizations (PBOs), leading to organizational learning across projects. Over recent years, most PBOs have inserted project management offices (PMOs) into their hierarchical charts to manage their projects much more coherently. These offices can correspondingly provide KM facilities in PBOs. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between PMO functions and KM infrastructure, as KM enablers in organizations, in Iranian oil and gas upstream PBOs.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-phase quantitative survey strategy was exercised in this research. The first phase was to investigate the relationship between PMOs and KM infrastructure and to prioritize PMO functions and KM infrastructure based on their existing implementation/establishment status in Iranian oil and gas upstream PBOs. The research participants, identified through the website of the National Iran Oil Company (NIOC), were comprised of 46 oil and gas upstream PBOs which applied for exploration and production (E&P) certificate in Iran in 2016 and 2017. Accordingly, a total number of 46 questionnaires were submitted to the aforementioned companies with a return rate of 41 cases. The second phase was fulfilled questioning 19 Iranian oil and gas industry experts to determine the one-to-one effect of PMO functions on KM infrastructure and to verify the first-phase results.

Findings

The results indicated a strong relationship between PMO functions and KM infrastructure. This relationship was significant with regard to “practice management” and “technical support”, having the most considerable connections with KM infrastructure. According to the first-phase results, the main functions of PMOs in Iranian oil and gas industry were “practice management” and “technical support”. Considering KM infrastructure, “structure” showed the lowest mean value while “culture”, “human resources” and “processes and procedures” obtained the highest scores. The results also demonstrated that PMO functions could lead to more improvements in “processes and procedures”, as a sub-component of KM infrastructure, compared with other sub-components. Furthermore, the oil and gas industry experts believed that “organizational culture” in KM could be shaped by most of PMO functions.

Originality/value

This study fulfilled the need for exploring the relationship between PMO functions and KM since academic literature lacked a thorough investigation, to the best of authors' knowledge, pertaining to the effects of PMO functions on KM development in oil and gas PBOs.
Linking paternalistic leadership to follower's innovative work behavior: the influence of leader–member exchange and employee voice
Authors: Nazir Sajjad , Shafi Amina , Asadullah Muhammad Ali , Qun Wang , Khadim Sahar
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study examines the serial mediation mechanism between paternalistic leadership and innovative work behavior through the leader–member exchange (LMX) and employee voice behavior. Particularly, this study utilized the social exchange theory to investigate the indirect effect of three distinct dimensions of paternalistic leadership style on innovative work behavior through LMX and employee voice behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data from 397 employees in Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The two dimensions of paternalistic leadership were significantly related to LMX. LMX had a significant effect on employee voice behavior that was further related to innovative work behavior. The findings also support the mediating role of LMX between authoritarian and moral leadership and employee voice. Further, LMX and employee voice boosted the indirect relationship between moral leadership and innovative behavior. However, authoritarian leadership demonstrated a significant but negative indirect effect on innovative behavior through LMX and employee voice.

Practical implications

The organizational members need to encourage a high LMX and voice behavior to enhance the positive effects of benevolent and moral leadership styles on innovative employee behaviors. Contrarily, they need to discourage authoritarian leadership if they want to enhance innovative work behavior through LMX and employee voice. Furthermore, when leaders provide a safe environment to employees at the workplace, then they may feel secure to take risks and exhibit innovative work behavior, which ultimately contributes to increasing employee and organizational performance.

Originality/value

This study extended the existing literature on paternalistic leadership in two important ways. First, this study examined a serial mediation mechanism to test the effect of paternalistic leadership on innovative work behavior through LMX and voice behavior. Second, this is a key study to investigate which dimension of paternalistic leadership is effective to boost employees' innovative work behavior at the individual level in the Pakistani organizational context.
CCTV and robbery in high-rise public housing in Hong Kong
Authors: Chow Lina , Mawby Rob I.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In Hong Kong, robberies occurring in the elevators in high-rise buildings were identified as a particular problem and the purpose of this paper is to address a dedicated programme aimed at reducing such offences.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparison of elevator-based robbery statistics over a ten-year policy-implication period, in two police districts, one with a high rate of public ownership and a traditionally high rate of elevator robberies, the second with a higher rate of private ownership and a traditionally lower rate of such robberies.

Findings

The evidence suggests that the programme was successful, with such robberies declining significantly and with no evidence of displacement.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on police statistics. There is a need for more research, for example, investigating residents’ involvement with the system and the extent to which it encouraged shared ownership of the initiative.

Practical implications

What is clear is that, where in the West the Newman legacy led to the demonisation of high-rise public sector housing, in Hong Kong, where there is no viable alternative, the use of CCTV helped transform such areas into safer communities.

Social implications

The rate of robbery, most notably elevator-based robbery, fell dramatically, improving community safety.

Originality/value

Though there has been a considerable amount of research on the impact of CCTV on crime, almost all of this has focussed on Western industrial societies and little of it has addressed robbery. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this research is the first in Hong Kong, and the first to evaluate the impact of CCTV on robbery.
Actual and ideal roles of school staff to support students with special needs: current needs and strategies for improvement
Authors: Anaby Dana R. , Ianni Lina , Héguy Léa , Camden Chantal
Published: July 2020

To optimise school‐based service delivery for students with disabilities, it is important to understand roles and needs of school staff. This study aimed to clarify ideal and actual roles of school staff (teachers, special educators, administrators) working with students with special needs, and to identify potential strategies to support actual roles. Ninety‐five school personnel (64% teachers) from 3 different elementary schools and school boards in Quebec completed a 14‐question survey. Open‐ended responses were coded and analysed thematically. Common actual roles included task adaptation, offering individualized support, being available and teamwork. Respondents felt roles could improve through in‐context professional support, continuing education, teamwork opportunities extending to partnerships with families and access to resources. Clarifying roles and expectations within a tiered‐model to best support students also emerged, emphasizing the importance of sharing responsibilities across all service providers. Findings can guide implementation strategies and processes for providing effective services, enabling inclusion for students.
Joking behaviours and bullying from the perspective of Australian human resource professionals
Authors: Djurkovic Nikola , McCormack Darcy , Hoel Helge , Salin Denise
Published: July 2020

This paper examines the views of human resource professionals (HRPs) and employee representatives on joking behaviours and the potential link to workplace bullying in Australia. Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 10 HRPs and five employee (union) representatives. Contextual factors stemming from Australian culture and historic characteristics of work in this country are discussed. The findings indicate that the legal framework – specifically, the definition of bullying and related legislation such as health and safety laws and equal employment opportunity legislation – is key for HRPs in establishing whether joking behaviours transgress into bullying. Implications for HRPs including ‘boundary’ management of joking behaviours are discussed and some ideas for future research are presented.
Effect of probiotic supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier integrity, and inflammatory response in broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress
Authors: Li Qiufen , Wan Gen , Peng Chengying , Xu Lanjiao , Yu Yingmei , Li Lin , Li Guanhong
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the protective effects of probiotic on heat stress‐induced intestinal injury and inflammatory response in broilers. A total of 180 male broilers were randomly allocated to three treatments with four replicates each from 22 to 42 days of age. The broilers were either raised under thermoneutral (TN) conditions (23 ± 1°C) or subjected to cyclic heat stress (28–35–28°C for 12 hr daily). The broilers kept at TN conditions were fed a basal diet, and those exposed to heat stress were fed basal diets supplemented with or without probiotic at a dose of 1.5 × 108 cfu/kg. Compared with the TN group, heat stress decreased (p < .05) the growth performance, reduced (p < .05) villus height and villus height: crypt depth ratio in intestinal mucosa, increased (p < .05) serum levels of D‐lactic acid on day 28 and endotoxin, TNF‐α and IL‐6 on day 42, and decreased (p < .05) serum IL‐10 content on day 42. Dietary supplementation of probiotic reversed (p < .05) all these changes except for the growth performance in heat‐stressed broilers. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of probiotic could improve intestinal morphology and barrier function, alleviate inflammatory response, but exert no ameliorative effect on growth performance of broilers under cyclic heat stress.
Targeting zinc metalloenzymes in coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Doboszewska Urszula , Wlaź Piotr , Nowak Gabriel , Młyniec Katarzyna
Published: July 2020

Several lines of evidence support a link between the essential element zinc and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). An important fact is that zinc is present in proteins of humans and of viruses. Some zinc sites in viral enzymes may serve as drug targets and may liberate zinc ions, thus leading to changes in intracellular concentration of zinc ions, while increased intracellular zinc may induce biological effects in both the host and the virus. Drugs such as chloroquine may contribute to increased intracellular zinc. Moreover, clinical trials on the use of zinc alone or in addition to other drugs in the prophylaxis/treatment of COVID‐19 are ongoing. Thereby, we aim to discuss the rationale for targeting zinc metalloenzymes as a new strategy for the treatment of COVID‐19.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID‐19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc
Shedding light on the roles of liver X receptors in cancer by using chemical probes
Authors: Pontini Lorenzo , Marinozzi Maura
Published: July 2020

Nuclear receptors, liver X receptor‐α (LXRα; NR1H3) and liver X receptor‐β (LXRβ; NR1H2), are considered master regulators of lipid homeostasis. During the last couple of decades, their pivotal roles in several physiological and pathological processes ranging from energy supply, immunity, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer have been highlighted. In this review, the main results achieved during more recent years about our understanding of the LXR involvement in cancer has been mainly obtained using small‐molecule chemical probes. Remarkably, all these probes, albeit having different structure and biological properties, have a well demonstrated anti‐tumoral activity arising from LXR modulation, indicating a high potential of LXR targeting for the treatment of cancer.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
Integrated electronic health record facilitates a safer and more efficient rural outreach haematology service
Authors: Cashman Helen , Mayson Eleni , Kliman David , Kesby Janet , Bell Jennifer , Vachalec Sue , Withers Barbara , Lavee Orly , Milliken Sam , Moore John , Hamad Nada
Published: July 2020

Background

Rural Australian oncology patients are known to have inferior mortality rates compared to metropolitan patients, possibly related to access to appropriate healthcare services and treatments. Electronic systems improve the safety of chemotherapy administration and allow easily accessible patient information and data collection.

Aims

To integrate the electronic healthcare delivery systems at a metropolitan hospital and a rural outreach haematology clinic to facilitate streamlined and safe outpatient care.

Methods

The MOSAIQ v2.64(Elekta) system utilised at St Vincent's Hospital was introduced at a linked rural outreach haematology clinic. The two separate comprehensive practice management systems incorporating all patient information were consolidated into one, becoming accessible from both sites.

Results

The electronic systems were successfully integrated between the two sites in October 2017. Electronic chemotherapy prescribing at the Griffith site is now guided by inbuilt, pharmacist‐reviewed protocols thereby improving the safety and flexibility of remote prescribing. The centralised electronic health record has improved streamlined care during patient transitions between the two hospitals with enhanced continuity of documentation and management. Increases in total clinic patients and appointment numbers are demonstrable since implementation, and sustained during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusion

The present study provides a novel example of the successful implementation of a centralised electronic healthcare record and chemotherapy prescribing system in a haematology setting shared between a metropolitan service and a rural outreach hospital clinic. This has positive implications for the safety and efficiency of healthcare delivery at the rural site applicable to all linked rural Australian clinics, as well as allowing data collection to assist future planning of the service.
Preparation of a bilayer edible film incorporated with lysozyme and its effect on fish spoilage bacteria
Authors: Li Qiuying , Xu Jinxiu , Zhang Dongdong , Zhong Keli , Sun Tong , Li Xuepeng , Li Jianrong
Published: July 2020

An edible bilayer film incorporated with lysozyme based on chitosan and sodium alginate was prepared via the layer‐by‐layer method. The film was characterized and its effects against the fish spoilage bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens and Shewanella putrefaciens were investigated and compared to the monolayer films. The results suggest that electrostatic interactions such as hydrogen bonds occurred between the two layers of the bilayer film. Compared with monolayer films, the mechanical and gas barrier properties of the bilayer film were improved and higher inhibitory activity against both bacteria was exhibited. After treatment with the bilayer film, scanning electron microscopy revealed the serious damage to the bacterial cell surface, and cell membrane permeability and nucleic acid leakage increased. The bilayer film also affected the activity of alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase. SDS‐PAGE of bacterial total protein revealed that the protein concentration n decreased, which may be due to the leakage of proteins from the damaged bacterial cell. All the results indicate that the bilayer film possesses good physicochemical properties and can destroy the bacterial cell membrane. Such superior antibacterial properties against fish spoilage bacteria indicate a good potential application of bilayer films in fish preservation.
Variation in SARS‐CoV‐2 Prevalence in U.S. Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: White Elizabeth M. , Kosar Cyrus M. , Feifer Richard A. , Blackman Carolyn , Gravenstein Stefan , Ouslander Joseph , Mor Vincent
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE

To identify county and facility factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study linking county SARS‐CoV‐2 prevalence data, administrative data, state reports of SNF outbreaks, and data from Genesis HealthCare, a large multistate provider of post‐acute and long‐term care. State data are reported as of April 21, 2020; Genesis data are reported as of May 4, 2020.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

The Genesis sample consisted of 341 SNFs in 25 states, including a subset of 64 SNFs that underwent universal testing of all residents. The non‐Genesis sample included all other SNFs (n = 3,016) in the 12 states where Genesis operates that released the names of SNFs with outbreaks.

MEASUREMENTS

For Genesis and non‐Genesis SNFs: any outbreak (one or more residents testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2). For Genesis SNFs only: number of confirmed cases, SNF case fatality rate, and prevalence after universal testing.

RESULTS

One hundred eighteen (34.6%) Genesis SNFs and 640 (21.2%) non‐Genesis SNFs had outbreaks. A difference in county prevalence of 1,000 cases per 100,000 (1%) was associated with a 33.6 percentage point (95% confidence interval (CI) = 9.6–57.7 percentage point; P = .008) difference in the probability of an outbreak for Genesis and non‐Genesis SNFs combined, and a difference of 12.5 cases per facility (95% CI = 4.4–20.8 cases; P = .003) for Genesis SNFs. A 10‐bed difference in facility size was associated with a 0.9 percentage point (95% CI = 0.6–1.2 percentage point; P < .001) difference in the probability of outbreak. We found no consistent relationship between Nursing Home Compare Five‐Star ratings or past infection control deficiency citations and probability or severity of outbreak.

CONCLUSIONS

Larger SNFs and SNFs in areas of high SARS‐CoV‐2 prevalence are at high risk for outbreaks and must have access to universal testing to detect cases, implement mitigation strategies, and prevent further potentially avoidable cases and related complications. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2167–2173, 2020.
Outbreak of Phytophthora cinnamomi causing severe decline of avocado trees in southern Turkey
Authors: Kurbetli İlker , Sülü Görkem , Aydoğdu Mehmet , Woodward Stephen , Bayram Süleyman
Published: July 2020

Since the summer 2017, severe decline symptoms have been observed on 10‐ to 25‐year‐old avocado trees in almost all commercial orchards planted in the Mediterranean coastal region of Turkey. Young, newly planted trees in infected orchards were also affected by the disease. Affected trees showed wilting, leaf discoloration, defoliation and severe dieback. Some trees were completely desiccated. Although fine roots of symptomatic trees usually were decayed, reddish brown cankers also occurred on taproots and lateral roots of heavily infected trees. The pathogens were isolated from necrotic root and soil samples of symptomatic trees, using selective medium and soil baiting, and were identified based on morphological features and DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. One isolate each of Phytophthora cryptogea and P. palmivora was identified, while all other isolates were P. cinnamomi. In addition, a subcortical fan‐shaped mycelium, characteristic of Armillaria spp., was observed in the stem base of a symptomatic tree and identified as Armillaria gallica by DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the translational elongation factor 1‐α (EF 1‐α) gene regions. Pathogenicity of Phytophthora isolates was tested by stem inoculation on one‐year‐old avocado seedlings. Two months after inoculation, canker lesions developed on stems of seedlings inoculated by any of the three Phytophthora spp. In contrast, collenchyma callus formed over the wound points on control plants over the same time period. This is the first report of P. cinnamomi, P. cryptogea, P. palmivora and A. gallica causing root rot of avocado trees in Turkey. In addition, P. cryptogea and A. gallica are reported for the first time associated with disease on this host. Due to the severe symptoms and widespread occurrence, P. cinnamomi should be considered a potential threat to avocado cultivation and natural ecosystems of this region of Turkey.
Behavioural sleep in two species of buccal pumping sharks (Heterodontus portusjacksoni and Cephaloscyllium isabellum)
Authors: Kelly Michael L. , Spreitzenbarth Stefan , Kerr Caroline C. , Hemmi Jan M. , Lesku John A. , Radford Craig A. , Collin Shaun P.
Published: July 2020

Sleep is known to occur in most, if not all, animals studied thus far. Recent studies demonstrate the presence of sleep in flatworms and jellyfish, suggesting that this behaviour evolved early in the evolution of animals. Sharks are the earliest known extant, jawed vertebrates and may play an important role in understanding the evolutionary history of sleep in vertebrates, and yet, it is unknown whether they sleep. The Port Jackson (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) and draughtsboard (Cephaloscyllium isabellum) sharks are both benthic, buccal pumping species and remain motionless for extended periods of time. Whether these periods of prolonged inactivity represent sleep or quiet wakefulness is unknown. A key criterion for separating sleep from other quiescent states is an increased arousal threshold. We show here that inactive sharks of both species require significantly higher levels of electric stimulation before they show a visible response. Sharks deprived of rest, however, show no significant compensatory increase in restfulness during their normal active period following enforced swimming. Nonetheless, increased arousal thresholds in inactive animals suggest that these two species of shark sleep – the first such demonstration for members of this group of vertebrates. Further research, including electrophysiological studies, on these and other sharks, is required for a comprehensive understanding of sleep in cartilaginous fishes.
Ameliorative effect of Lantana camara biochar on coal mine spoil and growth of maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Ghosh Dipita , Masto Reginald Ebhin , Maiti Subodh Kumar
Published: July 2020

The aftermath of surface mining is a wasteland deprived of vegetation, soil structure and biodiversity. The unearthed overburden material is nutrient deprived and can only support the growth of invasive weeds such as Lantana camera which often cause allelopathy. The aim of the study is to prepare biochar from these noxious weeds and use it as an amendment for the mine spoil reclamation. Lantana biochar (LB) was prepared and applied to mine spoil, and Zea mays L. growth on biochar amended mine spoil was monitored for three months. Biochar application in a coal mine spoil using LB is comparatively de novo approach for reclamation practitioners. LB was prepared at varying temperature (250, 350 and 450℃) and residence times (30, 45 and 60 min) and characterized. After characterization, the most recalcitrant biochar at 450℃ for 60 min was chosen for application for the study. A pot trial was conducted to study the effect of LB at 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 g kg−1 dosage on the yield of Zea mays and mine spoil properties. Significant ameliorative effects were observed with increase in organic carbon content (2.9 times), cation exchange capacity (2 times), water holding capacity (0.13 times) and decrease in bulk density (0.5 times) in the mine spoil. The seedling vigour index and germination also increased significantly (p < .05) at 30 g kg−1 biochar treatment compared to control. The study concluded that LB has the potential to remediate coal mine spoils and promote re‐vegetation in degraded land.
The Importance of Functional Literacy in Relation to Changes in the Labor Market
Authors: Chochole Tomáš
Published: July 2020

The technological development and the gradual transformation of the labour market in the global economy put increasing emphasis on the development of adults’ functional literacy. Number of jobs for people with basic education in the EU gradually declines in favour of jobs that require higher qualification. It is, however, characterized by higher demands for competencies and practical skills. Importance of functional literacy in global society is growing not only in terms of working life, but also through social inclusion and social roles. Our society is being digitized therefore work with text and basic maths operations becomes routine, regardless of the level of education or profession of the employee. Good level of functional literacy opens the door not only to higher work efficiency, but also to better employment. The international literacy research focused on the functional literacy of adults imply that specific groups of adults lack these skills and they can be at risk in the labour market and also in their life in the modern society.
Kite Lutherie: Sonic Encounters around Wind-Human Collaborative Crafting
Authors: Páez Moncaleano José Manuel
Published: July 2020

This text encapsulates the journey I embraced for my research—creation project on collaborative experimental lutherie. While pursuing my Master’s degree in Sonic Arts, I found myself deeply interested in the character and presence of the wind I was constantly stumbling upon in Belfast, Northern Ireland. By adopting the cosmoplitics approach proposed by Isabelle Stengers, read through the framework of the contemporary arts, I will evaluate the feasibility of presenting the sound making process as a collaborative platform where human and non-human actors are allowed to interact. While wondering how to establish sonic exchange mechanisms with the wind, I rediscovered the local kiting folk practices and began to study the kite using conceptual tools brought form the German media theory, particularly the work pioneered by Friedrich Kittler. It is a physical fact that the kite could not fly if either Wind or Human were missing; therefore, in that sense, I will argue that kite flying can be presented as Kulturtechnik whenever both actors find themselves affected by the result of the collaborative action. Going a step further, I will explore Kite crafting in terms of experimental Lutherie as a process in which the final “instrument” is indeed the result of wind-human sound interaction.
In-situ observation of damage evolution in polycarbonate subjected to hypervelocity impact
Authors: Kawai Nobuaki , Nagano Mikio , Hasegawa Sunao , Sato Eiichi
Published: July 2020

In the fields of space engineering and planetary science, hypervelocity impact phenomena have been studied as they relate to the space debris problem and planetary impact. With regard to hypervelocity-impact-induced damage, many studies focus on the evaluation of impact-damage geometry and morphology, for example, to construct the ballistic limit equations and/or penetrating equations for space structures, and to predict the size and shape of crater and fragments generated by planetary impact [1-4]. While the final state or late stage of an impact event are of primal interest, damage accumulation at early stages affect the overall outcome of the impact event. The understanding of hypervelocity-impact-damage processes lead to improvement of material-response models for hypervelocity impact and higher fidelity simulations of hypervelocity impact events. Under such a background, we have performed real-time imaging of hypervelocity-impact events on transparent materials to investigate the impact-damage formation and evolution processes [5-7]. In our previous work, the stress-wave-propagation behavior and damage evolution were observed by means of a transmitted light shadowgraph. In these measurements, the shape of the longitudinal-stress-wave front, crater and spall fracture were successfully visualized. On the other hand, these shadowgraph images provide little information about damage microstructure. The shadowgraph has difficulty in visualizing ramped waves, such as the release wave, and also for the shear wave which is not accompanied by the change of volumetric strain. Those play important role in initiating damage. This occurs because the intensity of the shadowgraph image depends on the second spatial derivative of the refractive index. In this study, we try two types of real-time imaging of impact events. One is imaging by using scattered light on the impacted target to visualize the microstructure of the impact-induced damage, the other is a shadowgraph using polarized light to visualize propagation of the impact-induced stress field.
Shear band characteristics in high strain rate naval applications
Authors: Conway Michael J. P. , Hogan James D.
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the dynamic behavior of HSLA 65 naval steels, specifically focusing on the initiation and growth of shear bands in quasi-static and dynamic compression experiments and how these bands affect stress-strain responses. The results indicate that the yield strength for this HSLA 65 increases from 541 ± 8 MPa for quasi-static (10-3 s-1) to 1081 ± 48 MPa for dynamic rates 1853 ± 31 s-1, and the hardening exponent increases from 0.376 ± 0.028 for quasi-static to 0.396 ± 0.006 for dynamic rates. Yield behavior was found to be associated with the onset of shear banding for both strain-rates, confirmed through visualization of the specimen surface using high-speed and ultra-high-speed cameras. For the quasi-static case, shear banding and yielding was observed to occur at 2.5% strain, and were observed to grow at speeds of upwards of 38 mm/s. For the dynamic experiments, the shear banding begins at approximately 1.18 ± 0.06% strain and these can grow upwards of 2122 ± 213 m/s during post-yield softening. Altogether, these measurements are some of the first of their kind in the open literature, and provide guidance on the critical time and length scales in shear banding. This information can be used in the future to design more failure-resistant steels, which has broader applications in construction, defense, and natural resource industries.
Voitenko experiments with novel diagnostics detect velocities of 89 km/s
Authors: Tasker Douglas G. , Bae Young K. , Johnson Carl , Rainey Kevin , Campbell Christopher , Oschwald Dave , Reed Cornelius
Published: July 2020

Using a Voitenko accelerator [1-3], a series of experiments were performed with the goal of attaining shock velocities in gases approaching 90 km/s. Typically, the basic apparatus comprises a hemispherical bowl filled with a gas at atmospheric pressure; a metal piston across its diameter; and a small bore evacuated shock tube at its apex, Fig. 1. The evacuated shock tube is separated from the gas bowl by a thin diaphragm. A combination of a plane wave explosive lens and a high explosive pad accelerates the piston to a velocity of the order of 4 km/s and subsequently compresses the gas in the bowl. The thin diaphragm at the other end of the bowl then ruptures and the high pressure (shock compressed) gas escapes into the shock tube.
Thin film graded density impactors for high rate off-Hugoniot loading: Application to Ta strength
Authors: Brown J. L. , Adams D. P. , Alexander C. S. , Wise J. L. , Reinhart W. D.
Published: July 2020

Graded density impactors (GDIs) have long been of interest to provide off-Hugoniot loading capabilities for impact systems. We describe a new technique which utilizes sputter deposition to produce an approximately 40 μm-thick film containing alternating layers of Al and Cu. The thicknesses of the respective layers are adjusted to give an effective density gradient through the film. The GDIs were launched into samples of interest with a 2-stage light gas gun, and the resulting shock-ramp-release velocity profiles were measured over timescales of ~10 ns with a new velocimetry probe. Results are shown for the direct impact of the film onto a LiF window, which allows for the dynamic characterization of the GDI, as well as from impact onto a thin (~40 μm) sputtered Ta sample backed by a LiF window. These measurements were coupled into mesoscale numerical simulations to infer the strength of Ta at the high rate (107 s-1), and high pressure (1 MBar) conditions this unique capability provides. Initial results suggest this is a viable strength platform which fills a critical gap and aids in cross-platform comparisons with other high-pressure strength platforms.
Effects of Additional Body on Jet Velocity of Hyper-cumulation
Authors: Mengwen XU , Xin JIA , Zhengxiang HUANG
Published: July 2020

In this paper, with different cone angles of the liner, the effects of the additional body’s material, thickness, and diameter on the velocity are studied by AUTODYN-2D. The results show as follows: 1. The additional body can increase the top velocity of the jet but has little effect on the tail velocity. 2. When the cone angle is larger, the velocity increases more, about 36%, and the velocity gradient is greater at the head of the jet. 3. There is little influence of material yield strength, but there is a large correlation with density. With the increase of material density, the velocity and velocity gradient increase. 4. The larger the density of the additional body, the smaller the optimum thickness. When the thickness is not less than the optimum thickness, an increase in the diameter of the additional body can improve the velocity and stability of the jet. Consequently, this kind of hyper-cumulation structure with a flat plate additional body is more suitable to improve the classical liner with a large cone angle. By modifying the design of the shaped charge in this way, the velocity of the jet can be improved effectively, enhancing the penetration power compared with the classical one.
X-ray diffraction diagnostic paired with gas gun driven compression of polyethylene
Authors: Huber Rachel C. , Watkins Erik B. , Dattelbaum Dana M. , Gustavsen Richard L.
Published: July 2020

Understanding the kinetics of phase transitions, including decomposition from reactants to products under extreme condition events is challenging. Capturing these processes require: 1) diagnostics that probe on the timescales and at energies capable of interacting with the dynamically evolving products, penetrating the opaqueness of the changing system; and 2) detectors sensitive enough to observe these events. Synchrotrons and free electron lasers provide ke-V-energy x-ray beams capable of penetrating the optical-opaqueness of the temporally evolving products. At the Dynamic Compression Sector at the Advanced Photon Source, the x-ray beam is coupled to single and two-stage gas guns capable of producing planar shocks at a range of projectile velocities while capturing in situ x-ray diffraction/scattering of the evolving material under dynamic compression. In this work, we demonstrate the utility of this approach in measuring the evolution of crystalline domains in shocked high-density polyethylene to P = 7.45 GPa, and have observed the compression and orientation of the polymer chains in real time.
Auditory neural tracking and lexical processing of speech in noise: Masker type, spatial location, and language experience
Authors: Song Jieun , Martin Luke , Iverson Paul
Published: July 2020

The present study investigated how single-talker and babble maskers affect auditory and lexical processing during native (L1) and non-native (L2) speech recognition. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were made while L1 and L2 (Korean) English speakers listened to sentences in the presence of single-talker and babble maskers that were colocated or spatially separated from the target. The predictability of the sentences was manipulated to measure lexical-semantic processing (N400), and selective auditory processing of the target was assessed using neural tracking measures. The results demonstrate that intelligible single-talker maskers cause listeners to attend more to the semantic content of the targets (i.e., greater context-related N400 changes) than when targets are in babble, and that listeners track the acoustics of the target less accurately with single-talker maskers. L1 and L2 listeners both modulated their processing in this way, although L2 listeners had more difficulty with the materials overall (i.e., lower behavioral accuracy, less context-related N400 variation, more listening effort). The results demonstrate that auditory and lexical processing can be simultaneously assessed within a naturalistic speech listening task, and listeners can adjust lexical processing to more strongly track the meaning of a sentence in order to help ignore competing lexical content.
Estimating spatial distribution and density of vocalizing marine animals using compact arrays
Authors: Urazghildiiev Ildar R. , Bruce Martin S. , Hannay David E.
Published: July 2020

The problem of estimating spatial distribution and density of vocalizing marine animals is addressed. The proposed solution is based on using a fixed compact array of synchronized hydrophones and statistically optimal detection and estimation algorithms. The closed-form representations of the practical algorithms are presented. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated analytically and using statistical simulations. The case study involved identifying an area of high residency and estimating the density of vocalizing beluga whales in the St. Lawrence Estuary. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed technique are demonstrated and the future steps are discussed.
Clustering acoustical measurement data in pediatric hospital units
Authors: Hasegawa Yoshimi , Ryherd Erica
Published: July 2020

The previous hospital acoustic literature has highlighted some important considerations and various complexities regarding objective noise measurements. However, extensive use of conventional acoustical metrics such as logarithmically averaged equivalent sound pressure levels (Leq) do not sufficiently describe hospital acoustical environments and often lack considerations of the room-based activity status that can significantly influence the soundscape. The goal of this study was to explore utilizing statistical clustering techniques in healthcare settings with a particular aim of identifying room-activity conditions. The acoustic measurements were conducted in the patient rooms of two pediatric hospital units and subsequently classified based on two room-activity conditions—active and non-active conditions—by applying statistical clustering analyses with standard k-means and fuzzy c-means algorithms. The results of this study demonstrate the most probable noise levels and degree of associations of the measured noise levels for the two room-activity conditions. The results were further validated in terms of the clustered levels, the number of conditions, and parameter dependency. The clustering approach allows for a more thorough soundscape characterization than single-number level descriptors alone by providing a method of identifying and describing the noise levels associated with typical, intrinsic activity conditions experienced by occupants.
Coevolution of Adeno-associated Virus Capsid Antigenicity and Tropism through a Structure-Guided Approach
Authors: Havlik L. Patrick , Simon Katherine E. , Smith J. Kennon , Klinc Kelli A. , Tse Longping V. , Oh Daniel K. , Fanous Marco M. , Meganck Rita M. , Mietzsch Mario , Kleinschmidt Jürgen , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis , Asokan Aravind
Published: July 2020

Clinical gene therapy with recombinant AAV vectors has largely relied on natural capsid isolates. There is an unmet need to comprehensively improve AAV tissue tropism, transduction efficiency, and antibody evasion. Such cannot be achieved by utilizing capsid sequence data alone but requires harnessing the 3D structural properties of AAV capsids. Here, we combine rational design and library-based evolution to coevolve multiple, desirable properties onto AAV by harnessing 3D structural information.