bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextual and cross-modality modulation of auditory cortical processing through pulvinar mediated suppression
Authors: Chou Xiao-lin , Fang Qi , Yan Linqing , Zhong Wen , Peng Bo , Li Haifu , Wei Jinxing , Tao Huizhong W , Zhang Li I
Published: March 2020

Lateral posterior nucleus (LP) of thalamus, the rodent homologue of primate pulvinar, projects extensively to sensory cortices. However, its functional role in sensory cortical processing remains largely unclear. Here, bidirectional activity modulations of LP or its projection to the primary auditory cortex (A1) in awake mice reveal that LP improves auditory processing in A1 supragranular-layer neurons by sharpening their receptive fields and frequency tuning, as well as increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This is achieved through a subtractive-suppression mechanism, mediated largely by LP-to-A1 axons preferentially innervating specific inhibitory neurons in layer 1 and superficial layers. LP is strongly activated by specific sensory signals relayed from the superior colliculus (SC), contributing to the maintenance and enhancement of A1 processing in the presence of auditory background noise and threatening visual looming stimuli respectively. Thus, a multisensory bottom-up SC-pulvinar-A1 pathway plays a role in contextual and cross-modality modulation of auditory cortical processing.
The altered gut microbiota of high-purine-induced hyperuricemia rats and its correlation with hyperuricemia
Authors: Liu Xiu , Lv Qiulan , Ren Hongyan , Gao Liu , Zhao Peng , Yang Xiaomin , Yang Guanpin , Xu Daxing , Wang Guangtao , Yang Wan , Wang Pengjun , Wang Zenglan , Xing Shichao
Published: March 2020

Some studies on the hyperuricemia (HUA) have focused on intestinal bacteria. To better understand the correlation between gut microbiota and HUA, we established a HUA rat model with high-purine diet, and used 16S rRNA genes sequencing to analyze gut microbiota changes in HUA rats. To analyze the potential role played by gut microbiota in HUA, we altered the gut microbiota of HUA rats with antibiotics, and compared the degree of uric acid elevation between HUA and antibiotic-fed HUA rats (Ab+HUA). Finally, we established a recipient rat model, in which we transplanted fecal microbiota of HUA and normal rats into recipient rats. Three weeks later, we compared the uric acid content of recipient rats. As a result, the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota had changed in HUA rats. The Ab-fed HUA rats had significantly lower uric acid content compared to the HUA rats, and gut microbiota from HUA rats increased uric acid content of recipient rats. The genera Vallitalea, Christensenella and Insolitispirillum may associate with HUA. Our findings highlight the association between gut microbiota and HUA, and the potential role played by gut microbiota in HUA. We hope that this finding will promote the isolation and culture of HUA-related bacteria and orient HUA-related studies from being correlational to mechanistic. These steps will therefore make it possible for us to treat HUA using gut microbiota as the target.
Comparative transcriptomic analyses of chlorogenic acid and luteolosides biosynthesis pathways at different flowering stages of diploid and tetraploid Lonicera japonica
Authors: Wang Hongli , Li Yanqun , Wang Sibo , Kong Dexin , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Bai Mei , Li Haoyuan , Li Linzhou , Xu Yan , Liang Hongping , Liu Huan , Wu Hong
Published: March 2020

The Flos Lonicerae Japonicae (FLJ), Lonicera japonica Thunb, belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, is an economically important plant that is highly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in Japanese medicine. The flowers of these plants are rich in chlorogenic acid (CGA) and luteoloside. Our previous study revealed that tetraploid L. japonica has higher fresh/dry weight, phenolic acids and flavonoids contents than those of diploid plants. However, why tetraploid L. japonica can yield higher CGA and luteolosides than that in diploid and what is the difference in the molecular regulatory mechanism of these pathways between diploid and tetraploids remained unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we performed comprehensive transcriptome analyses of different flowering stages of diploid and tetraploid L. japonica. The CGA content of tetraploid was found higher than that of diploid at all the growth stages. While the luteoloside content of diploid was higher than that of tetraploid at S4 and S6 growth stages. We obtained a high-quality transcriptome assembly (N50 = 2,055 bp; Average length = 1,331 bp) compared to earlier studies. Differential expression analysis revealed that several important genes involving in plant hormone signal transduction, carbon metabolism, starch/sucrose metabolism and plant-pathogen interaction were upregulated in tetraploid compared with the diploid L. japonica, reflecting the higher adaptability and resistance of tetraploid species. Furthermore, by associating the phenotypic data and gene expression profiles, we were able to characterize the potential molecular regulatory mechanism of important biosynthetic pathways at different flowering stages. Overall, our work provides a foundation for further research on these important secondary metabolite pathways and their implications in traditional Chinese/Japanese medicine.
Effects of resistance training with controlled versus self-selected repetition duration on muscle mass and strength in untrained men
Authors: Chaves Talisson Santos , Pires de Campos Biazon Thaís Marina , Marcelino Eder dos Santos Lucas , Libardi Cleiton Augusto
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of self-selected repetition duration (SELF), with and without volume load (VL) equalized with controlled repetition duration (CON) on muscle strength and hypertrophy in untrained males. We used a within-subjects design in which 20 volunteers (age: 24.7 ± 2.9 years) had one leg randomly assigned to CON (i.e., 2 s concentric, 2 s eccentric) and the other to SELF or to self-selected repetition duration with equalized volume load (SELF-EV). One repetition maximum (1-RM) and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured at baseline (Pre) and after (Post) resistance training (RT; 2×/wk for 8 weeks). For the main study variables (1-RM and muscle CSA), a mixed-model analysis was performed, assuming repetition duration (SELF, SELF-EV and CON), and time (Pre and Post) as fixed factors and the subjects as random factor for each dependent variable (1-RM and CSA). All RT protocols showed significant increases in values of 1-RM from Pre (CON: 73.7 ± 17.6 kg; SELF: 75.9 ± 17.7 kg; and SELF-EV: 72.6 ± 16.9 kg) to Post (CON: 83.4 ± 19.9 kg, effect size (ES): 0.47; SELF: 84 ± 19.1 kg, ES: 0.43; and SELF-EV: 83.2 ± 19.9 kg, ES: 0.57, P < 0.0001). Muscle CSA values increased for all protocols from Pre (CON: 12.09 ± 3.14 cm2; SELF: 11.91 ± 3.71 cm2; and SELF-EV: 11.93 ± 2.32 cm2) to Post (CON: 13.03 ± 3.25 cm2, ES: 0.29; SELF: 13.2 ± 4.16 cm2, ES: 0.32; and SELF-EV: 13.2 ± 2.35 cm2, ES: 0.53, P < 0.0001). No significant differences between protocols were found for both 1-RM and CSA (P > 0.05). Performing RT with SELF, regardless of VL, was equally effective in inducing increases in muscle strength and hypertrophy compared to CON in untrained men.
Captorhinid reptiles from the lower Permian Pedra de Fogo Formation, Piauí, Brazil: the earliest herbivorous tetrapods in Gondwana
Authors: Cisneros Juan C. , Angielczyk Kenneth , Kammerer Christian F. , Smith Roger M.H. , Fröbisch Jörg , Marsicano Claudia A. , Richter Martha
Published: March 2020

The Pedra de Fogo Formation in the Parnaíba Basin of northeastern Brazil hosts a recently discovered lacustrine fauna and provides the only known record of the Captorhinidae in South America. Here, new captorhinid remains from this unit are described. Two partial mandibles, including one formerly ascribed to the genus Captorhinus, are here referred to Captorhinikos sp. a genus previously described from North America. The natural mould of a large mandible probably represents a new taxon within the captorhinid subclade Moradisaurinae, and a small skull roof is regarded as Captorhinidae indet. Captorhinids are generally considered to have been herbivores or omnivores. The Pedra de Fogo captorhinids likely played an important ecological role as primary consumers in the palaeoenvironment of this geological unit, which is also known for its extensive record of petrified forests. The new finds reinforce the close relationships between the continental faunas of palaeotropical western Gondwana and palaeoequatorial North America during the Cisuralian.
Basic Research on Potential Application of Fire Detection by Measuring Fire Detection Tendency of Indoor Air Quality Measurement Factors
Authors: Choi Su-Gil , Jin Se-Young , Park Sang-Min , Nam Yeong-Jae , Kim Si-Kuk
Published: March 2020

This is a basic research on potential application of fire detection by measuring fire detection tendency of indoor air quality measurement factors. In this study, operation experiment using smoke detector sensitivity tester and paper fire experiment specified in UL 268 standards were conducted to evaluate the fire detection tendency of indoor air quality measurement factors. Based on the cross-substitution of values measured in the paper fire experiment, PM10 (excluding average) and HCHO (excluding average and maximum) for the indoor air quality meter (IAQ); PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 for IAQ S2; and CO (excluding the average and maximum) for combustion gas analyzers showed consistent tendency despite changes in the measured values for smoke generation under all experimental conditions. In particular, PM10 and CO are considered the most applicable fire detection factors among the factors measured in the experiment.
A Study on Fire Spread and Evacuation Risk of Conduit Combustion in Ceiling Hiding Place
Authors: Park Kwang-Muk , Jeon Jae-Kam , Bang Sun-Bae
Published: March 2020

In this study, the ISO 5660 and ISO 5659 combustion tests were conducted with synthetic resin conduits (CD, VE) and metal conduit (ST) used for wiring work in electrical facilities, which can be installed in ceiling concealed places. Then, fire spreading and evacuation risks were analyzed based on the measured data. In the ISO 5660 test, CD of 120.5 MJ/㎡, VE of 81.9 MJ/㎡, and ST of 4.9 MJ/㎡ were measured. In the ISO 5659 test, the CD 1320, VE 731, and ST 102 were measured, and then the maximum smoke densities were measured for CD 605 s, VE 740 s, and ST 1,200 s. In terms of fire spreading and evacuation risk, the CD conduit, VE conduit, and ST conduit were in order. In the fire spreading risk analysis, total heat emission was calculated as 4,820 MJ/㎡, 4,267 MJ/㎡, and 196 MJ/㎡ for CD, VE, and ST, respectively. Evacuation risk analysis shows at transmittance of 89%, CD is 127 s, VE is 35 s, and ST is 969 s. At transmittance of 79%, representing almost invisible concentration, CD is 157 s and VE is 50 s. The CD and VE conduits had a high fire spreading and evacuation risks, while the ST conduit had little effect on fire spreading and evacuation risk.
The Effects of Organizational Culture Types and Perceived Organizational Support on the Organizational Commitment of Firefighters
Authors: Choi Hee-Chul
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to assist the improvement of organizational commitment and the preparation of an action plan regarding support from the organization by examining the effects of organizational culture types and perceived organizational support on firefighters’ organizational commitment. To this end, 205 fire-fighting officers from the northern area of Gyeonggi-do were surveyed using the purposive sampling method. The results demonstrated that among organizational culture types, the perception of group culture, rational culture, and organizational support held by firefighters had a significant influence on their organizational commitment. Based on these results, this study suggested various support plans at the organizational level for stimulating group culture and rational culture among firefighters, and improving organizational commitment.
Study on Cases of Priority Traffic Signal System for Emergency Vehicles: Based on a City’s Pilot Operation Cases in Chungcheongbukdo Province
Authors: Kim Jin-Hyeon , Lee Hyo-Ju
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study is to suggest ways to capitalize on the golden period for timely response to fire and emergency victims. To implement a system to effectively capitalize on the golden period, there is a need for policy measures as well as legal and social consensus. Precedent research has relentlessly mentioned the need for and feasibility of the priority traffic system for emergency vehicles. To this end, the present study involved an analysis of pilot cases of the priority traffic signal system for emergency vehicles introduced in a city during 26 days, from April 3 to 28, 2017. Out of 58 cases registered with the local 1-1-9 fire house, the number of cases that took advantage of the priority traffic system stood at 16 in response to fire and 11 to first-aid operations. Owing to the system, on average, the response time reduced by 3 min and 50 s in case of fire and by 3 min and 30 s for first aid. There were four complaints registered owing to traffic congestion, and the number of car accidents declined to one from six over the same period in the previous year. Based on these findings, it is safe to say that the priority traffic signal system would be effective for emergency vehicles to capitalize on the golden period if issues identified during the pilot run are resolved.
The Effects of Regulated Deficit Irrigation on the Growth and Yield of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Grown in the Malkerns Area, a Region in the Kingdom of Eswatini (Southern Africa)
Authors: Dlamini M. V. , Zwane S.
Published: March 2020

Water is fast becoming an economically scarce resource in many areas of the world, including Eswatini, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. A study to test the response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to deficit irrigation was conducted in a field plot experiment at the Faculty of Agriculture at the Luyengo Campus of the University of Eswatini. The treatments were laid in a randomized block design. The experiment consisted of four treatments, each replicated three times. Treatment 1 (T1) was irrigated daily, treatment 2 (T2) irrigated after 2 days, treatment 3 (T3) irrigated after 3 days and treatment 4 (T4) irrigated after 4 days. A total of 30 lettuce plants were planted in each treatment. The lettuce was grown for a period of four weeks and then harvested whole. Yield parameters measured included the number of leaves, the plant height (cm), leaf area index (LAI), and the fresh and dry head mass (grams). Significant differences (P < 0.01) between treatments T3 and T4 were obtained for fresh and dry lettuce head mass. The highest water use efficiency and crop water productivity were obtained in treatment T3. It was concluded that irrigating lettuce every three days was the best option for the area under the conditions of the experiment.
Dairy Supply Chain System Based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Shingh Shuvam , Kamalvanshi V. , Ghimire Sarthak , Basyal Sudarshan
Published: March 2020

With the increase in the complexity of the dairy supply chain system, consumers know very less about the products produced or processed by producer or processor. Such information asymmetry present in the dairy industry has serious concern over human health, environmental sustainability, and welfare issues. In this context, we require the effective dairy supply chain system that not only fulfils the information requirement of the consumers but also increase the trust of the consumer on the dairy product they are consuming. The paper tries to present the application of Blockchain technology in the dairy sector. It focuses on the application of the Blockchain technology on improving the dairy supply chain system. This paper presents how this technology can be used in the dairy supply chain system and outlines the potential benefit of it to the different stakeholders and the whole dairy industry as a whole. This is a review article based on the secondary data and information that are obtained from various published articles.
Ultrafast Investigation of Individual Bright Exciton–Plasmon Polaritons in Size‐Tunable Metal–WS2 Hybrid Nanostructures
Authors: Chowdhury Rup K. , Datta Prasanta K. , Bhaktha Shivakiran N. B. , Ray Samit K.
Published: March 2020

Strong light–matter interactions between resonantly coupled metal plasmons and spin–orbit‐coupled bright excitons from 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) can produce discrete bright exciton–plasmon polaritons (plexcitons). A few efforts have been made to perceive the spin‐induced exciton‐polaritons in nanocavities at cryogenic conditions, however, successful realization of bright plexcitons in time domain is still lacking. Here, both the bright plexcitons are identified discretely at room temperature and their ultrafast temporal dynamics in size‐tunable Au–WS2 hybrid nanostructures are investigated using a helicity‐controlled femtosecond pump‐probe spectroscopy technique. The zero detuning between both the bright excitons and plasmons is achieved at ≈7.0 ps, matching with the stable plexciton formation time. The Rabi‐splitting energy is as high as ≈250 meV for both the plexcitons, validating the strong‐coupling conditions of polariton formation. Realization of these novel bright exciton–plasmon interactions in the metal–TMDs platform is, therefore, interesting for both fundamental understanding and their possible futuristic applications in quantum photonics operating at room temperature.
Gold(I) Complexes with Eight‐Membered NHC Ligands: Synthesis, Structures and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Cervantes‐Reyes Alejandro , Rominger Frank , Rudolph Matthias , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: March 2020

A series of expanded‐ring NHC gold complexes of the formula (NaphtDHD−Ar)Au−X (NaphtDHD=4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐naphtho[1,8‐ef][1,3]diazocin‐3(2H)‐ylidene; Ar: Mes=2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl or Xyl=2,6‐dimethylphenyl; X=Cl, NCCH3, NTf2) have been synthesized, including the first gold(I) triflimidate complex (5) stabilized by an eight‐membered NHC ligand. The new organogold compounds have been characterized by mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The structural geometries of 3 b–c and 5 have been unequivocally established by crystallographic analysis revealing broad N‐C‐N angles (>121°) and high buried volume values (46–54%). The first catalytic studies were carried out on the cycloisomerization of 1,6‐enynes, obtaining full conversions (0.5 mol% catalyst loading) and excellent endo/exo selectivity (up to 99:1), and on the gold‐catalyzed phenol synthesis. Lastly, the (NaphtDHD‐Dipp)Au+ NTf2− species was subjected to a kinetic experiment in the cyclization of a N‐propargyl carboxamide to evaluate the efficiency of the pre‐formed catalyst (5) and the in situ activated gold complex (3 b+AgNTf2).

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A Combination of a Volatile‐Memristor‐Based True Random‐Number Generator and a Nonlinear‐Feedback Shift Register for High‐Speed Encryption
Authors: Woo Kyung Seok , Wang Yongmin , Kim Yumin , Kim Jihun , Kim Woohyun , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: March 2020

A true random‐number generator (TRNG) and a nonlinear feedback shift register (NFSR) are combined to create a new type of TRNG. This TRNG is based on the intrinsic stochasticity of threshold switching behavior in a Pt/HfO2/TiN memristor and an NFSR circuit. Considering the transition rate of the hopping process, the stochasticity of the delay time can be attributed to the phonon‐assisted hopping process. This novel TRNG passes all 15 National Institute of Standards and Technology randomness tests without post‐processing steps, proving its performance as a hardware security application. By combining the TRNG with the NFSR, the bit generation rate is further improved, allowing it to be used for high‐speed applications.
A Monolayer Leaky Integrate‐and‐Fire Neuron for 2D Memristive Neuromorphic Networks
Authors: Hao Song , Ji Xinglong , Zhong Shuai , Pang Khin Yin , Lim Kian Guan , Chong Tow Chong , Zhao Rong
Published: March 2020

2D material based memristors have exhibited superior performance as artificial synapses for neuromorphic computing. However, 2D artificial neurons as have note been exploited as an indispensable computational element owing to the rich dynamics of neurons, which impede the construction of a 2D neuromorphic network. A methodology is developed by introducing ionic migration dynamics and electrochemical reaction into monolayer MoS2 single crystal and a 2D artificial neuron is realized. The sophisticated electrophysiology process of leaky integrate‐and‐fire (LIF) is emulated by the injection and extraction of Ag+ ions under an e‐field in a monolayer MoS2 device with fine‐tuned channel length. Moreover, the fire frequency and relaxation time of the artificial neurons can be readily modulated by adjusting the input voltage pulses. By directly capturing conductive filament under a scanning electron microscope, the underlying mechanism of the unique resistive switching of the 2D artificial neuron is attributed to the rapid diffusion and migration of Ag in MoS2 lattice under the e‐field. The formation and rupture of the conductive Ag filament enable volatile resistive switching and LIF behaviors. Furthermore, MoS2‐based neurons are integrated with a nonvolatile synapse array to build a full memristive artificial neural network and implement pattern classification, paving the way for the construction of 2D neuromorphic networks.
Effect of low‐use‐rate zinc fertilization on rice growth and grain yield
Authors: Coffin Maxwell D. , Slaton Nathan A.
Published: March 2020

Low‐use‐rate Zn fertilization methods have been developed and marketed for rice (Oryza sativa L.) fertilization with limited research validating their efficacy. Our research objectives were to evaluate the effect of Zn‐seed treatment rate combined with six Zn‐fertilization methods on early season canopy coverage, tissue‐Zn concentration at the mid‐tillering stage, and rice grain yield. The field experiment was conducted on six silt loams and one clay. Rice seed was treated with 0 or 3.3 g Zn kg−1 as ZnO and combined with no Zn, granular ZnSO4 applied at 11 kg Zn ha−1 (GRAN), 1.68 kg Zn ha−1 as MicroEssentials (MESZ), 1.1 kg Zn ha−1 as foliar‐applied Zn‐EDTA (EDTA), and 0.56 and 1.12 kg Zn ha−1 of WolfTrax Zn‐DDP (DDP). Canopy coverage of seedling rice was measured at six sites and analyzed by site. Four sites were not affected by Zn‐seed treatment rate or fertilization method. At two sites, canopy coverage was affected by Zn‐fertilization method or the significant Zn‐seed treatment rate and Zn‐fertilization method interaction. Rice receiving MESZ had the greatest canopy coverage at these sites. When averaged across sites and Zn fertilization methods, seed treated with 3.3 g Zn kg−1 increased seedling tissue‐Zn concentration and biomass by 1.6 mg Zn kg−1 and 48 kg ha−1 respectively. Rice receiving GRAN, increased tissue‐Zn concentration by 7.6 mg Zn kg−1 above rice not receiving Zn (21.3 mg kg−1). Low‐use‐rate Zn fertilizers provide minimal Zn nutrition for rice seedlings and should be avoided on fields where Zn deficiencies are probable.
Silver‐Catalyzed Epoxidation of Aldehydes Using Donor‐/ Acceptor‐type Vinyl Diazosuccinimides to Access Spiro‐Pyrrolidinedioneoxiranes
Authors: Laha Debasish , Bhat Ramakrishna G.
Published: March 2020

A silver(I)‐catalyzed method to access spiro‐pyrrolidinedioneoxiranes has been developed. Silver hexafluoroantimonate was found to be an efficient catalyst for the epoxidation of aldehydes using donor‐/acceptor‐substituted vinyl diazosuccinimides as carbenoid precursors. The protocol has been found to be highly regio‐ and chemoselective, and works well with aromatic aldehydes containing electron‐withdrawing and ‐donating groups to afford spiro‐pyrrolidinedioneoxiranes with a broad substrate scope.
Factors influencing infant sex ratio in howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.): A literature review and analysis
Authors: Dias Pedro A. D. , Montero Domínguez Irma L. , Rangel Negrín Ariadna
Published: March 2020

Objective

Frequency‐dependent selection is expected to maintain infant sex ratios around parity over evolutionary time. However, over ecological time periods, infant sex ratios vary, and it has been proposed that this variation may reflect adaptive processes. In primates, there are consistent patterns of variation in infant sex ratios, although their adaptive significance remains contentious. In addition to design issues, contrasting results could have derived across primates from variation in the fitness benefits accrued through sons or daughters associated with the specific social, ecological, and demographic context of populations. Thus, different sex allocation tactics could occur within species over time and space.

Methods

We reviewed the literature to describe variation in infant sex ratio in howler monkeys (genus Alouatta) and to examine whether such a variation could be associated with adaptive sex allocation. We found 26 studies that provided data for this review. These studies yielded 96 infant sex reports, corresponding to 1,477 sexed infants.

Results

Infant sex ratio across howler monkey species tends to parity, but females produce more sons under high group densities and more daughters when rainfall increases.

Discussion

Based on these results, as well as on information on howler monkey dispersal patterns, demography, and within‐group genetic relatedness, we speculate that, depending on population growth stage, sex allocation is explained by (a) local resource enhancement, that is, more cooperative philopatric daughters are produced when populations are growing; and (b) local resource competition, that is, more dispersing sons are produced when populations are saturated. Thus, there is evidence suggestive of adaptive variation in infant sex ratios in howler monkeys.
Fast Apparent Oscillations of Fundamental Constants
Authors: Antypas Dionysios , Budker Dmitry , Flambaum Victor V. , Kozlov Mikhail G. , Perez Gilad , Ye Jun
Published: March 2020

Precision spectroscopy of atoms and molecules allows one to search for and to put stringent limits on the variation of fundamental constants. These experiments are typically interpreted in terms of variations of the fine structure constant α and the electron‐to‐proton mass ratio . Atomic spectroscopy is usually less sensitive to other fundamental constants, unless the hyperfine structure of atomic levels is studied. However, the number of possible dimensionless constants increases when allowed for fast variations of the constants, where “fast” is determined by the time scale of the response of the studied species or experimental apparatus used. In this case, the relevant dimensionless quantity is, for example, the ratio and is the time average. In this sense, one may say that the experimental signal depends on the variation of dimensionful constants ( in this example).
The scalability of different file‐sharing methods
Authors: Bergman Ofer , Israeli Tamar , Whittaker Steve
Published: March 2020

File sharing is an integral component of modern work. Files can be shared either using Group Information Management (GIM), where collaborators exploit a common repository (e.g., the cloud), or Personal Information Management (PIM), where files are sent via email attachments, and collaborators store files individually in personal collections. Given the recent prevalence of GIM, we compare the effects on retrieval for PIM versus GIM collections. We examine the effects of various theoretically motivated factors relating to collection size, properties of the target file, and user workload. In our study, 289 participants accessed 1,557 of their own shared files in a naturalistic setting. Results indicate that factors relating to collection size, file versions, and user workload negatively affect the retrieval of GIM more than PIM files, indicating that PIM is more scalable than GIM. Testing a very different population, we confirm previous findings that failure percentages of GIM are approximately double those of PIM. We discuss possible theoretical explanations, specifically how factors that hinder retrieval exacerbate the general GIM problem of retrieving files organized by other people. Overall, PIM's greater scalability has practical implications for fast‐growing organizations such as startups when choosing their sharing policies.
Quantum chemical computations and photophysical spectral features studies of two coumarin compounds
Authors: Sharma Kalpana , Melavanki Raveendra , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: March 2020

An attempt was made to determine the ground state and excited state dipole moments and quantum chemical computations of two coumarin compounds, namely 3‐hydroxy‐3‐[2‐oxo‐2‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐ethyl]‐1,3‐dihydro‐indol‐2‐one (3HOCE) and 3‐[2‐(8‐methoxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐2‐oxo‐ethylidene]‐1,3‐dihydro‐indol‐2‐one (3MOCE). Both compounds displayed a red shift with enhancement in solvent polarity. The larger excited state dipole moment indicated the more polar nature of the selected compounds in the excited state than in the ground state. Kinetic stability and chemical reactivity of the selected compounds were studied with help of the quantum chemical properties of the compounds such as frontier molecular orbital analysis using density functional theory calculations with B3LYP/6–311+G (d, p) basis sets. Molecular electrostatic potential, Mulliken charges, natural bond orbital, and nonlinear optical properties were further studied. NBO analysis showed proton transfer within the selected donor–acceptor, depicting the large energy of stabilization for the compounds. The calculated Fukui function inferred the local softness and electrophilicity indices of used solute compounds.
Effects of gluten on rheological properties of dough and qualities of noodles with potato–wheat flour blends
Authors: Zhao Beibei , Deng Jiawen , Li Mingyue , Li Hua , Gong Haodi , Zhang Yan , Chen Zhicheng
Published: March 2020

Background and objectives

The effects of gluten on rheological properties of dough and qualities of noodles with potato–wheat formulated flour blends were investigated with the objective of developing and optimizing formulation.

Findings

Using a formulated flour with potato mass ratio of 30% as the base flour and varying gluten addition, it was shown that addition of wheat gluten at levels of 7.0%–9.0% not only improved rheological properties of the formulated flour, but also improved the textural properties of noodles. The effects of the water and salt on the qualities of noodles were also investigated. The L9(34) orthogonal design results showed that the optimal noodle formulation was wheat gluten level of 8.0%, salt level of 4.0%, and water level of 47.0%, giving a cooked broken rate of 2.10% and sensory score of 88.6.

Conclusions

For the base flour of potato/wheat 30:70, wheat gluten addition of 7.0%–9.0% improved farinograph and extensograph properties as well as textural properties. The optimal formulation of noodles was potato flour level of 30%, wheat flour level of 70%, wheat gluten level of 8.0%, salt level of 4.0%, and water level of 47.0%.

Significance and novelty

Gluten has been used to improve rheological properties of dough and qualities of noodles with potato–wheat flour blends.
Hearing aid and Koebner phenomenon
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Scheers Christel , Horoi Mihaela , Thill Marie‐Paule
Published: March 2020

Koebner phenomenon may be related to frictions of a hearing aid on the external ear and retroauricular skin.
Management of atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting with extreme leukocytosis
Authors: Muddasani Ramya , Talwar Neel , Suarez‐Londono Jaime Andres , Braunstein Marc
Published: March 2020

Atypical chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) with CCND1 translocation is poorly described, particularly in the era of modern inhibitors of the B‐cell receptor pathway. We present a patient with atypical CLL who had a significant response to ibrutinib, highlighting the effectiveness of this agent in higher risk CLL subgroups.
Electrodeposition of Zinc from Alkaline Electrolytes Containing Quaternary Ammonium Salts and Ionomers: Impact of Cathodic‐Anodic Cycling Conditions
Authors: Rossi Francesca , Mele Claudio , Boniardi Marco , Bozzini Benedetto
Published: March 2020

Dendrite suppression capabilities are key factors for the practical deployment of rechargeable Zn‐based batteries. We propose a systematic electrochemical investigation, accompanied by SEM imaging, of the impact of representative quaternary ammonium (QA) salts and ionomers on Zn electrodeposition. Both cathodic and anodic processes were considered, because insoluble corrosion products can impact subsequent electrodeposition during cycling. We used simple cyclic voltammetry methods and developed a framework for their quantitative interpretation in terms of physically legible descriptors. QA‐based additives tend to suppress the accumulation of anodic products, favoring symmetric cathodic and anodic activation. Poly di‐allyl di‐methyl ammonium chloride (PDADMAC), a polymer with limited cathodic reactivity, was found to be a promising additive that minimizes cathodic and anodic irreversibility and stabilizes mass transport, possibly owing to the formation of a single‐ion conducting cathodic film.
Comparison of integrated natural sciences and specialized chemistry classes – a study on the interest of students and their perceived self‐efficacy in chemical contents
Authors: Rautenstrauch Hanne , Busker Maike
Published: March 2020

Dem Fach Naturwissenschaften, in welchem die Fachgrenzen der drei naturwissenschaftlichen Disziplinen Biologie, Chemie und Physik aufgelöst und naturwissenschaftliche Lerninhalte fächervernetzend unterrichtet werden, wird ein großes Potential zugesprochen. Beispielsweise soll durch den Fächerverbund ein gendergerechterer Unterricht und die Einbindung sinnstiftender Alltagskontexte in den Unterricht besser möglich sein. Es gibt jedoch nur wenige empirische Studien, die die beiden Unterrichtsformen Fachunterricht Chemie und integrierter Naturwissenschaftsunterricht miteinander vergleichen und somit untersuchen, inwieweit das Fach Naturwissenschaften die ihm zugesprochenen Potentiale ausschöpfen kann. Vorgestellt wird eine Studie, in der Schülerinnen und Schüler der Sekundarstufe I (N=509) nach ihrem Interesse an chemischen Inhalten, Kontexten und Tätigkeiten sowie fachinhaltsbezogenen Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen befragt wurden.
Bioorthogonal Phosphorogenic Rhenium(I) Polypyridine Sydnone Complexes for Specific Lysosome Labeling
Authors: Shum Justin , Zhang Pei‐Zhi , Lee Lawrence Cho‐Cheung , Lo Kenneth Kam‐Wing
Published: March 2020

Many novel bioorthogonal reactions have been developed for labeling, such as the strain‐promoted sydnone‐alkyne cycloaddition (SPSAC), but sydnone‐based probes with phosphorogenicity (i. e., phosphorescence turn‐on upon reaction) have not been investigated to date. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of rhenium(I) polypyridine complexes containing a sydnone moiety as bioorthogonal phosphorogenic probes. Their reactions with strained alkyne derivatives and the associated photophysical changes were examined. Upon SPSAC with bicyclo[6.1.0]non‐4‐yn‐9‐ylmethanol (BCN‐OH), the complexes exhibited emission enhancement in the range of 8.8 to 17.3. Importantly, conjugation of the complexes with BCN‐modified bovine serum albumin (BCN‐BSA) led to the increase in emission enhancement to as high as 38.9 and extended lifetimes in the range of 1.80 to 4.71 μs. Additionally, the bioorthogonal ligation of one of the complexes with a morpholine derivative was shown to induce specific lysosomal labeling in live cells; colocalization studies with LysoTracker Deep Red indicated a Pearson's coefficient of 0.83.
Predicting Inpatient Medication Orders From Electronic Health Record Data
Authors: Rough Kathryn , Dai Andrew M. , Zhang Kun , Xue Yuan , Vardoulakis Laura M. , Cui Claire , Butte Atul J. , Howell Michael D. , Rajkomar Alvin
Published: March 2020

In a general inpatient population, we predicted patient‐specific medication orders based on structured information in the electronic health record (EHR). Data on over three million medication orders from an academic medical center were used to train two machine‐learning models: A deep learning sequence model and a logistic regression model. Both were compared with a baseline that ranked the most frequently ordered medications based on a patient’s discharge hospital service and amount of time since admission. Models were trained to predict from 990 possible medications at the time of order entry. Fifty‐five percent of medications ordered by physicians were ranked in the sequence model’s top‐10 predictions (logistic model: 49%) and 75% ranked in the top‐25 (logistic model: 69%). Ninety‐three percent of the sequence model’s top‐10 prediction sets contained at least one medication that physicians ordered within the next day. These findings demonstrate that medication orders can be predicted from information present in the EHR.
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus: Good Management Can Reduce Your Risks
Authors: Burrows Mary
Published: March 2020

Wheat streak is often a sporadic disease in the Northern Great Plains. It is vectored by a very small eriophyid mite, the wheat curl mite. Symptoms include stippling or streaking of leaves, stunting, and yellowing. In the spring, symptoms can be easily confused with nutrient deficiencies. This article dicusses disease identification and management. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/773.
How significant is corporate social responsibility to business research?
Authors: Fernández‐Gago Roberto , Cabeza‐García Laura , Godos‐Díez José‐Luis
Published: March 2020

Previous studies have established that there is a positive evolution of the quantity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) research output in terms of published papers. So far, however, there has been little discussion about how influential it has become within the business discipline. This article seeks to obtain data which will help to address this research gap. The databases Web of Science and Journal Citation Reports (JCR) were used to carry out analyses at the journal and article levels. Results confirmed a solid growth in CSR research and revealed that papers on the topic have gained attention from the scientific community. Furthermore, CSR articles are mostly concentrated in a small number of specialized journals, and opting for these journals may be related to the total citations. The conclusions drawn from this study may be especially useful for academic managers and business researchers interested in the evaluation of academic performance.
Kinetically Controllable Hydrogen Generation at Low Temperatures by the Alcoholysis of CaMg2‐Based Materials in Tailored Solutions
Authors: Ma Miaolian , Chen Kang , Ouyang Liuzhang , Jiang Jun , Liu Fen , Shao Huaiyu , Zhu Min
Published: March 2020

The alcoholysis of CaMg2‐based materials for hydrogen generation is reported. Compared to hydrolysis in water, hydrogen supply from alcoholysis shows an excellent potential for outdoor applications, which not only bypasses the formation of passivation layers deposited on the surface of particles but also breaks the temperature bottleneck in which hydrolysis occurs over 0 °C. To remove the troublesome freezing issue of the water solution system in low‐temperature conditions, here, instead of pure methanol, methanol/water and methanol/ethanol solutions are applied to react with CaMg2 alloy (CM2) and its hydrides (H‐CM2) for hydrogen generation. Compared with pure water and ethanol, the reaction of CaMg2‐based materials with methanol possesses much faster reaction kinetics and gives a considerable hydrogen yield. CM2 can generate 858 mL
 g−1 within only 3 min at room temperature as it reacts vigorously with methanol, as opposed to a low hydrogen yield with ethanol and water (395 and 224 mL
 g−1 within 180 min, respectively) under the same conditions. Even at −20 °C, there is still over 600 mL
 g−1 released at a conversion rate of 70.7 % within 100 min for methanolysis, which shows its prominent advantage for hydrogen production, especially in winter or subzero areas. Interestingly, the methanolysis byproducts can transform into metal hydroxides and methanol in the reaction with water, and the methanol may be separated and reused as an intermediate. Moreover, the hydrogen behavior of CaMg2 methanolysis can be well controlled by tailoring the components of the solutions to deliver a promising hydrogen supply system for the hydrogen economy.
Metapopulation dynamics and foraging plasticity in a highly vagile seabird, the southern rockhopper penguin
Authors: Lois Nicolás A. , Campagna Leonardo , Balza Ulises , Polito Michael J. , Pütz Klemens , Vianna Juliana A. , Morgenthaler Annick , Frere Esteban , Sáenz‐Samaniego Ricardo , Raya Rey Andrea , Mahler Bettina
Published: March 2020

Population connectivity is driven by individual dispersal potential and modulated by natal philopatry. In seabirds, high vagility facilitates dispersal yet philopatry is also common, with foraging area overlap often correlated with population connectivity. We assess the interplay between these processes by studying past and current connectivity and foraging niche overlap among southern rockhopper penguin colonies of the coast of southern South America using genomic and stable isotope analyses. We found two distinct genetic clusters and detected low admixture between northern and southern colonies. Stable isotope analysis indicated niche variability between colonies, with Malvinas/Falklands colonies encompassing the species entire isotopic foraging niche, while the remaining colonies had smaller, nonoverlapping niches. A recently founded colony in continental Patagonia differed in isotopic niche width and position with Malvinas/Falklands colonies, its genetically identified founder population, suggesting the exploitation of novel foraging areas and/or prey items. Additionally, dispersing individuals found dead across the Patagonian shore in an unusual mortality event were also assigned to the northern cluster, suggesting northern individuals reach southern localities, but do not breed in these colonies. Facilitated by variability in foraging strategies, and especially during unfavorable conditions, the number of dispersing individuals may increase and enhance the probability of founding new colonies. Metapopulation demographic dynamics in seabirds should account for interannual variability in dispersal behavior and pay special attention to extreme climatic events, classically related to negative effects on population trends.
Relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiovascular outcomes following hospitalization for heart failure: insights from the RELAX‐AHF‐2 trial
Authors: Janwanishstaporn Satit , Feng Siting , Teerlink John , Metra Marco , Cotter Gad , Davison Beth A. , Felker G. Michael , Filippatos Gerasimos , Pang Peter , Ponikowski Piotr , Severin Thomas , Gimpelewicz Claudio , Holbro Thomas , Chen Chien Wei , Sama Iziah , Voors Adriaan A. , Greenberg Barry H.
Published: March 2020

Aims

Although left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is routinely used to categorize patients with heart failure (HF), whether it predicts outcomes after hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF) is uncertain. Consequently, we assessed the relationship between LVEF and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in a large, well characterized cohort of patients hospitalized for
AHF.

Methods and results

The 6128 patients from the RELAX‐AHF‐2 trial who had LVEF measured during AHF hospitalization were separated into LVEF quartiles and the relationship between LVEF and a composite of CV mortality and rehospitalization for HF or renal failure through 180 days was assessed. We found progressively lower risk for this composite outcome as LVEF increased (hazard ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.93–0.98 per 5% LVEF increase, P < 0.001) that was driven predominantly by decreased risk for rehospitalization. The smoothed spline curve depicting risk remained stable as LVEF decreased until reaching approximately 40%, at which point risk increased progressively with further reductions in LVEF. Significant differences between LVEF quartiles for post‐discharge CV risk were seen in patients with an ischaemic aetiology or with a history of HF preceding index hospitalization, but were less robust in patients with non‐ischaemic aetiology and absent in those with de novo
HF.

Conclusion

In patients hospitalized with AHF, CV events over 180 days were more frequent in patients with lower LVEF. This was due predominantly to a significant increase in risk for HF/renal failure rehospitalization but not in either CV or all‐cause mortality. LVEF had greater prognostic value in patients with ischaemic aetiology or pre‐existing
HF.
CR‐QRM‐MLD for SD‐SM Hybrid MIMO systems
Authors: Murokawa Naoya , Ida Yuta , Matsumoto Takahiro , Matsufuji Shinya
Published: March 2020

Recently, multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) is studied actively such as a key technology for wireless communications. Space division (SD) multiplexing and spatial modulation (SM) have been proposed as the transmission technique of MIMO systems. In the full maximum likelihood detection (MLD), the QR decomposition with M‐algorithm MLD (QRM‐MLD), and the channel ranking QRM‐MLD (CR‐QRM‐MLD) for the SD‐MIMO, there are the trade‐off between the system performance and the computational complexity. Also, in the SM‐MIMO, the transmission rate is deteriorated due to a small number of transmitted signals. To solve these problems, in this article, we propose the CR‐QRM‐MLD for SD‐SM Hybrid MIMO (SD‐SM‐MIMO) systems. From the computer simulation results, the proposed method shows the reduction of the computational complexity and the good bit error rate performance.
Patient‐reported swallowing function after treatment for early‐stage oropharyngeal carcinoma: Population‐based study
Authors: Karsten Rebecca T. , van den Brekel Michiel W.M. , Smeele Ludi E. , Navran Arash , Leary Sam , Ingarfield Kate , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Thomas Steve J. , Ness Andy R.
Published: March 2020

Background

Single‐modality treatment (surgery or radiotherapy [RT]) is a curative treatment option for early‐stage oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) with comparable (excellent) oncological outcomes. This study aimed to compare self‐reported swallowing function.

Methods

Participants with a T1‐2N0‐2bM0 OPC who were offered single‐modality treatment and were recruited to the Head and Neck 5000 study were included. Prospectively collected self‐reported swallowing function was compared between surgery and RT.

Results

Those offered RT (n = 150) had less favorable baseline characteristics than those offered surgery (n = 150). At 12‐month follow up, RT participants reported more swallowing problems (35% vs 23%, RR 1.3; 95% CI 0.8‐2.3, P = .277) in models adjusted for baseline characteristics. In those allocated to surgery who received adjuvant therapy (n = 78, 52%), the proportion with swallowing problems was similar to those allocated to RT alone.

Conclusions

Participants offered surgery alone had similar mortality but improved swallowing, although this was not statistically significant. However, over half of participants offered surgery alone received surgery and adjuvant therapy.