bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women Farmers’ (Dis)Empowerment Compared to Men Farmers in Ethiopia
Authors: Petros Solomon , Abay Fetien , Desta Girmanesh , O'Brien Cheryl
Published: August 2018

In Sub‐Saharan Africa, women's farm labor is highest in Ethiopia. Using focus group discussions with 240 farmers and other research tools, our USAID‐funded Feed the Future Innovation for the Reduction of Post‐Harvest Loss—Ethiopia study explores the sources of (dis)empowerment of rural farmers in Ethiopia. We find that women are disempowered across all five domains of empowerment due to cultural factors, despite government and financial institution policy changes. Women with low education tend to engage in low risk/return farming practices, including growing less nutritious crops, thereby undermining nutritional security of the household. Our findings confirm that women's role increases to as much as 80 percent in post‐harvest. Poor storage technologies resulting in fungal/pest infections and chemicals in stored grains pose serious health risks for women, and poor women consume grains with up to 50 percent damage. Food security and development policies should empower women and promote improved technologies—particularly targeting women—to reduce grain losses and women's work burden while mitigating health risks.
Modelling of psychosocial and lifestyle predictors of peripartum depressive symptoms associated with distinct risk trajectories: a prospective cohort study
Authors: English Sarah , Steele Amber , Williams Alison , Blacklay Jayne , Sorinola Olanrewaju , Wernisch Lorenz , Grammatopoulos Dimitris K.
Published: August 2018

Perinatal depression involves interplay between individual chronic and acute disease burdens, biological and psychosocial environmental and behavioural factors. Here we explored the predictive potential of specific psycho-socio-demographic characteristics for antenatal and postpartum depression symptoms and contribution to severity scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening tool. We determined depression risk trajectories in 480 women that prospectively completed the EPDS during pregnancy (TP1) and postpartum (TP2). Multinomial logistic and penalised linear regression investigated covariates associated with increased antenatal and postpartum EPDS scores contributing to the average or the difference of paired scores across time points. History of anxiety was identified as the strongest contribution to antenatal EPDS scores followed by the social status, whereas a history of depression, postpartum depression (PPD) and family history of PPD exhibited the strongest association with postpartum EPDS. These covariates were the strongest differentiating factors that increased the spread between antenatal and postpartum EPDS scores. Available covariates appeared better suited to predict EPDS scores antenatally than postpartum. As women move from the antenatal to the postpartum period, socio-demographic and lifestyle risk factors appear to play a smaller role in risk, and a personal and family history of depression and PPD become increasingly important.
Probing the origins of photodegradation in organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites with time-resolved mass spectrometry
Authors: Song Zhaoning , Wang Changlei , Phillips Adam B. , Grice Corey R. , Zhao Dewei , Yu Yue , Chen Cong , Li Chongwen , Yin Xinxing , Ellingson Randy J. , Heben Michael J. , Yan Yanfa
Published: August 2018

Our mass spectrometry measurements indicate that the hot-carrier-induced deprotonation of MA+cations is the fundamental origin of photodegradation.
Development of urban transport infrastructure with the use of mechanized multi-level parking systems
Authors: Manukhina Olga
Published: August 2018

In the article various variants of the decision of such acute problem, as shortage of parking places in system of a city infrastructure are considered. The necessity and expediency of constructing high-speed mechanized car parks for cars is caused by the acute problem of temporary and permanent storage of vehicles in the conditions of large cities, in places of intensive human flows such as the central part of the city, supermarkets, railway stations, shopping centers, as well as business centers and residential sector cities. To date, most of the real estate (residential buildings, hotels, offices, shopping and entertainment and multifunctional centers) are built with standard parking spaces. During the operation of such standard parking lots, the developer understands that the number of cars exceeds the number of parking spaces provided in the parking lot. The shortage of parking spaces and free parking areas significantly increases the importance of the construction and arrangement of multi-level parking lots. The system of high-altitude automatic parking lots offers a serious alternative to the generally accepted ideas about parking of vehicles [1].
Engineering solutions in the construction of production facilities for waste processing
Authors: Kirillova Ariadna , Zotov Vladimir , Musinova Nina
Published: August 2018

The article discusses the features of engineering solutions in the construction of facilities for the processing of waste, including construction management of temporary waste storage, waste treatment and incineration plants with the provision of recycling or disposal of residual waste. When developing the design solutions one should consider the availability of existing facilities at large industrial enterprises and the possibility of creation on their basis of major regional recycling centres; the factors of production specialization and cooperation development in the implementation of investment projects; creation of industrial parks, specializing in the processing of solid waste. The article describes the main indicators of the construction of a plant for the thermal treatment of municipal solid waste. The authors consider the advantages of such projects, resulting in reduction of volume of disposed solid waste by 70-80%, the possibility of building objects close to the places of waste generation and reduction of transportation routes, environmental safety of plants with proper maintenance, creating a comfortable environment and enhancing the quality of life of the population.
Engineering and hydrometeorological surveys on underexplored Arctic territories (through the example of the “Klyon” deposit, Russia)
Authors: Bryukhan Fedor , Vinogradov Alexey , Kuchmin Alexey
Published: August 2018

The article describes the results of engineering and hydrometeorological survey on the gold-silver deposit “Klyon” (Bilibinskiy district, Chukotka Autonomous Region). The research primary goal is to obtain general data for designing of deposit production facilities and infrastructure. Climatic conditions of the deposit territory and its hydrological regime is briefly described giving corresponding quantitative characteristics. The article notes the need for temporary observation posts in remote territories to link such points to the existing hydrological and meteorological stations and to more accurately define hydrological and climatic regime characteristics.
Ecological safety of buildings depending on the inaccuracies of engineering investigations
Authors: Chernyshov S. , Martynov A.
Published: August 2018

The ecological safety of buildings and structures built on deformable soils depends largely on the settlement calculation. A classic example of unaccounted influence of differential settlement is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Its analogues are numerous among the monuments of Russian architecture. The issue of modern builders to exclude the repetition of defects of old masters, who did not have calculating methods of soil mechanics. The accuracy of modern calculations largely depends on the accuracy of engineering investigations’ materials. In the overall assessment of the system's work, the building-base is currently making a large inaccuracy in the incompleteness of survey information, especially definition the location of geological boundaries directly under the foundation. Two examples show the dependency of the geological soil profile inaccuracy on the distance between the wells and it gives a quantitative assessment of the relationship between the magnitude of the inaccuracy and the distance between the drilling wells of geologists. The numerical modeling method shows the influence of such an investigation inaccuracy on the result of the settlement calculation.
Geotechnical justification and monitoring of subterranean parking construction in Khabarovsk City
Authors: Kudryavtsev Sergey , Kazharsky Alexey , Yedigaryan Arkades , Goncharova Elena , Yedigaryan Leonid , Bugunov Semen , Pogulyaeva Evgeniya
Published: August 2018

The paper covers some results of the geotechnical justification and monitoring of a two-level subterranean automobile parking in the soil conditions of the Khabarovsk City. The construction project is modelled as far as the earth excavation and measuring the horizontal deformations of the pile shoring. The results of a geotechnical monitoring beyond the retaining wall and buildings of the surrounding development are offered. On the basis of the results some preventive measures necessary in the construction process are taken including reinforcement designs of the retaining wall and the residential unit subfoundations.
Effective concrete types with carbon fiber
Authors: Solov'ev Vadim , Nurtdinov Marsel’ , Kukhar Il’ya
Published: August 2018

The research was conducted in order to determine the effect of the polymer additive on the adhesion between the fiber and the cement-sand matrix, since the involvement stage of the composite fiber material directly depends on the adhesion value between these dissimilar components. Throughout the study, the issue at stake was to determine the optimal method for adhesion increasing to assess its effectiveness, and also to carry out an experiment and obtain actual numerical change values of the adhesion to carbon fiber (the assessment was made considering changes of the strength parameters). According to the results of conducted testings, the tensile strength during the bend almost wasn’t affected in resin-injected samples with the amount of fiber of 1 and 3% (increments of 12.7 and 15.7%, respectively). Despite this, the combined application of a resin with the same amount of fiber gave the increments of 34 and 20%, respectively. Conclusions are drawn about the prospects of polymer additives usage in carbon fiber reinforced concrete. The mechanism of increasing the carbon fiber involvement in the composite behavior is considered, the positive effect is confirmed by the study of the chemical processes that arise during the interaction of fiber and water-soluble resin.
Integrating strategic planning values into urban master planning process in Vietnam
Authors: Van Phuc Ma , Trung Vinh Tran
Published: August 2018

Today, Urban Planning in Vietnam faces a lot of problems due to the paradox between traditional master planning systems and modern context of rapid transformation. Alternatives are practiced in some cities, especially in the context of international integration. Various methods and cooperative projects have attempted to subvert the strict master-planning approach with high levels of centralization and reliance upon planning by command and control. However, despite many efforts, it seems impossible to completely replace current planning system by another advance method, which has no attachments with its developed context. The paper studies and schematizes the complexity of master planning process in Vietnam, which is regulated by various legal documentaries. On the other hand, it simultaneously studies strategic planning method and selectively chooses valuable features which fits local context. By confronting and integrating them with each other, the paper aims to introduce an advance master planning process that adaptive and flexible to modern challenges.
Modeling of construction waste processing system development
Authors: Oleinik Pavel
Published: August 2018

Construction waste is the most important source for reducing raw material resources. In this regard, many countries conduct large-scale research in developing progressive construction waste utilization technologies and creating highly efficient production equipment. Current experience in this field views the construction waste processing system as a number of interconnected subsystems: organizational and technical preparatory measures; waste collection and sorting; waste containerization, packaging and transportation; waste processing and manufacturing of recyclable resources. Each subsystem consists of a set of measures which characterize the change in material quality and properties. Modeling of the construction waste processing system addresses the task of assessing the actual level of the system and subsystems and determining the condition of the same within certain forecasted time perspectives. For this purpose, the cost vs. revenue comparison tools are used. To develop the construction waste processing system and maintain it in working condition it is important that, early on in the project, a waste classification catalogue and a relevant glossary of terms be compiled with all waste processing contractors having to agree to it and observe it. Also, a data bank containing all the relevant engineering and process documentation shall be drafted and maintained.
Influence of construction organization project managers’ personal qualities on their professional efficiency
Authors: Leontev Mikhail
Published: August 2018

The work was aimed at studying the personal characteristics of project managers that affect the effectiveness of their professional activities. The study involved project managers working in construction companies, with different work experience. In the course of the research, the questionnaire "Satisfaction with the work of manager" was used to assess the level of satisfaction of project managers with their professional activities, the following methods were used to study personal qualities: the COS technique (communicative and organizational propensities), the technique of diagnosing a personality for motivating success and avoiding failures of T. Ehlers, "Big Five" test, multi-level personal questionnaire "Adaptability". To effectively perform their professional activities, the project manager should have a number of social and psychological knowledge and skills, knowledge of the industry's activities and the market in which the company specializes. According to the results of the research, such personal qualities as communicative and organizational abilities, motivational orientation of the person, consciousness, emotional stability, extraversion, openness, tendency to work in a team contribute to increase of the efficiency of the project manager's work.
Geo-ecological aspects of the territorial organization of tourist and recreational activities
Authors: Tulokhonov Arnold , Maksanova Lyudmila , Budaeva Darima , Karnaukh Inessa
Published: August 2018

Various types of tourist and recreational activities have been developed, implemented, and pilot-tested in the regions for a long while. These activities translate into particular actions aimed at the improvement of the regional system of the government regulation and support of recreational activities. The need to preserve the unique ecosystem of Lake Baikal and to focus the socioeconomic development of the Baikal natural area on its environmental aspects have boosted the academic and practical interest in the geo-ecological aspects of the territorial organization of the tourist and recreational activities there. In the course of the research, the co-authors have identified and listed the local recreational areas and made a predictive assessment of the maximal acceptable recreational load value. The co-authors have assessed the potential adverse impact that may be produced on the environment components by the recreational facilities. On the basis of the research, the co-authors have issued their recommendations concerning the recreational zoning of lake areas against the present-day ecological and socio-economic background of the Central ecological zone of the Baikal natural area.
Construction planning of low-rise residential property based on improving mobility of construction operations
Authors: Khrustalev Boris , Artamonova Iuliya , Zhelikhovsky Denis , Osipov Daniil
Published: August 2018

Article discusses the possibility of implementing new modern tools and methods of construction operations. It esteems the main features of the scientific construction planning when building low-rise residential property and analyzing complex economic situations of companies operating under mobility conditions. It concludes that the choice of modern ways of construction planning increases the efficiency of the whole system of decision-making in this field.
Evaluation der Rolle der Videolaryngoskopie im individuellen präklinischen Atemwegsalgorithmus
Authors: Luckscheiter Andre , Fischer Matthias , Zink Wolfgang
Published: August 2018

Hintergrund und Fragestellung Ziel der Untersuchung war es, die Rolle der Videolaryngoskopie (VL) im individuellen Atemwegsmanagement von Notärzten zu evaluieren, wenn eine Vielzahl von Hilfsmitteln zur Atemwegssicherung verfügbar ist.

Material und Methoden Mittels Online-Umfrage wurde neben den verfügbaren Hilfsmitteln der persönliche Algorithmus zur Atemwegssicherung erfragt (5 mögliche Schritte, 6 verfügbare Hilfsmittel: endotracheale Intubation ggf. mit Einführhilfe [ETI], VL, supraglottische Atemwegshilfe [SGA], McCoy-Spatel [McC], Masken-Beutel-Beatmung [MB], chirurgischer Atemweg [CHIR]). Dieser wurde mit der aktuellen Handlungsempfehlung zum präklinischen Atemwegsmanagement verglichen.

Ergebnisse 155 Teilnehmer zeigten insgesamt 65 verschiedene Vorgehensweisen (ETI-VL-SGA-MB-CHIR am häufigsten [20%]). Die VL wurde meistens als 2. (31%) oder 3. Wahl (25%) nach der ETI verwendet und in 9% als 1. Wahl. Somit vergrößerte sich die Anzahl an Algorithmusschritten unter Nutzung der VL signifikant, was eine nachrangigere Anwendung von SGA und CHIR bedingte. 80% der erfassten Vorgehensweisen wichen von dem Algorithmus aus 2012 ab.

Diskussion Der erwartete höhere Stellenwert der VL in der kommenden Handlungsempfehlung sollte zu einem höheren Einhaltungsgrad führen. Nach ihrer Umsetzung sollten Einhaltung bzw. Abweichung sowie individuelle Gründe für die verwendeten Atemwegshilfsmittel untersucht werden, ebenso, ob die VL primär oder als Rückfallebene verwendet wird.
Die intraossäre Punktion als alternativer Gefäßzugang in der prähospitalen Notfallmedizin – ein Update
Authors: Helm Matthias
Published: August 2018

Bei der notfallmedizinischen Versorgung von kritisch kranken bzw. schwerverletzten Patienten ist die zeitgerechte Etablierung eines Zugangs zum Gefäßsystem zur Durchführung einer spezifischen Pharmako- und Infusionstherapie oftmals von zentraler Bedeutung. Allerdings kann dies in Notfallsituationen mit großen Schwierigkeiten verbunden sein, insbesondere unter dem gegebenen Zeitdruck. Hier kann die intraossäre (IO) Punktion als rasches, effektives und sicheres Verfahren zur Applikation von Medikamenten, Infusionslösungen und Blutprodukten in Notfallsituationen die Lösung des Problems sein.
Cutis Tricolor
Authors: Ruggieri Martino , Polizzi Agata , Mantegna Selene , Battaglini Chiara , Pirrone Concetta , Roggini Mario , Lacarrubba Francesco , Micali Giuseppe , Commodari Elena , Zanghì Antonio , Kennerknecht Ingo , Schepis Carmelo , Praticò Andrea
Published: August 2018

Cutis tricolor is a skin abnormality consisting in a combination of congenital hyper- and hypopigmented skin lesions (in the form of paired macules, patches, or streaks) in close proximity to each other in a background of normal skin. It is currently regarded as a twin-spotting (mosaic) phenomenon. This phenomenon has been reported so far as a purely cutaneous trait, as a part of a complex malformation phenotype (Ruggieri–Happle syndrome), which includes distinct facial features, cataract, skull and vertebral defects, long bones dysplasia, corpus callosum, cerebellar and white matter anomalies, cavum vergae and holoprosencephaly, and other systemic abnormalities. Cutis tricolor has been also reported as a distinct type with multiple, disseminated smaller skin macules (cutis tricolor parvimaculata) or in association with other skin disturbances (e.g., phacomatosis achromico-melano-marmorata) or in the context of other neurocutaneous phenotypes (e.g., ataxia-telangiectasia and phacomatosis pigmentovascularis) or as a sign of complex malformation phenotypes (e.g., microcephaly and dwarfism). More than 20 studies reporting 40 cases are present in the literature with pure cutaneous or syndromic cutis tricolor phenomena and are analyzed in the present study, confirming and expanding the overall phenotype of cutis tricolor. In particular, (1) the skin abnormalities of the cutis tricolor do not evolve over time; (2) there is a typical facial phenotype with long, elongated face, thick and brushy eyebrows, hypertelorism, deep nasal bridge with large bulbous nose, and anteverted nostrils; (3) the skeletal defects are mild-to-moderate and do not progress or cause relevant orthopedic complications; (4) the neurological/behavioral phenotype does not progress and the paroxysmal events (if present) tend to decrease over time; (5) only three patients developed early onset (treatable) cataracts. Different pathologic hypotheses have been postulated, including, early or late postzygotic mutations involving the same gene loci (in the context of the so-called dydymotic theory): such mechanisms can explain the overall skin, bone, lens, and nervous system phenomena of migration of different streaks of clones in the different tissues.
Microcephaly-Capillary Malformation Syndrome
Authors: Polizzi Agata , Garozzo Maria , Pirrone Concetta , Zanghì Antonio , Salafia Stefania , Praticò Elena , Sullo Federica , Mendola Flavia , Ruggieri Martino , Resta Nicoletta , Praticò Andrea
Published: August 2018

Microcephaly-capillary malformation is a relatively new syndrome, which has been reported since 2011 by three different research groups. It is an ultra-rare syndrome characterized by the co-occurrence of microcephaly and multiple capillary malformations in the skin, distal limb anomalies (ranging from nail dystrophy to total absence of one or more phalanxes and mostly localized in the foot), facial dysmorphisms, brain structural anomalies (reduced gyration, widened axial spaces, thin cortex, optic nerve atrophy), early-onset severe intractable epilepsy, and profound mental delay. Autosomal recessive mutations in STAMBP gene (2p13.1) have been reported as the only cause of the disorder, with a high penetrance. Currently, no definitive cure is available for the disorder, and treatment is mainly based on multiple antiepileptic drugs for the treatment of seizures, especially in the first years of life. Data on life-long concerns have not been reported, the older patient described so far being an 8-year-old boy.
Visceral Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Endovascular Management
Authors: Kapoor Baljendra , Karuppasamy Karunakaravel , Ju Connie
Published: August 2018

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are rare entities arising from several locations in the mesenteric vasculature. The etiology, clinical presentation, and subsequent management of these aneurysms vary widely. Although true aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms can present similarly on imaging, by definition they are distinct in their structural composition and hence may require tailored interventional planning. Treatment conventionally involves open surgery, endovascular intervention or careful observation. Recently, endovascular approaches have shown increasing popularity given the higher success rates and shorter lengths of stay with these procedures versus surgery. Optimal endovascular treatment planning is determined by the interventionalist based on unique features of each aneurysm and underlying vascular anatomy. This article reviews the etiology, diagnosis, and endovascular management for VAAs and pseudoaneurysms.
Phase transition induced micromechanical actuation in VO2 coated cantilever
Authors: Rajeswaran Bharathi , Viannie L. R. , Rajanna K. , Jayanth G. R. , Umarji A. M.
Published: August 2018

Structural phase transition assisted micromechanical actuation of a vanadium dioxide (VO2) coated silicon microcantilever is presented. A 300 nm polycrystalline VO2 film was deposited over the silicon surface at 520 °C using metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The formation of the M1 monoclinic phase of the as-deposited VO2 film was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies and further verified by temperature variable Raman spectroscopy. The heated VO2 film exhibits semiconductor-to-metal transition at 74 °C, which produces a change in the electrical resistance almost of three orders in magnitude. Consequently, the VO2 film undergoes structural phase transition from the monoclinic phase (011)M1 to a tetragonal phase (110)R. This generates a compressive stress within the VO2 film resulting in large, reversible cantilever deflection. This deflection was measured with a non-contact 3D optical profilometer, which does not require any vacuum conditions. Upon heating, the VO2 coated silicon cantilever produced a large reversible tip deflection of 14 μm at 50 °C. Several heating and cooling cycles indicate steep changes in the cantilever tip deflection with negligible hysteresis. In addition, the effect of thermal stress induced cantilever deflection was estimated to be as small as 6.4%, and hence can be ignored. These results were found to be repeatable within controlled experimental conditions.
Ground state solutions for generalized quasilinear Schrödinger equations with variable potentials and Berestycki-Lions nonlinearities
Authors: Chen Sitong , Tang Xianhua
Published: August 2018

By introducing some new tricks, we prove that the following generalized quasilinear Schrödinger equation −div(g2(u)∇u)+g(u)g′(u)|∇u|2+V(x)u=f(u), x∈RN admits two classes of ground state solutions under the general “Berestycki-Lions assumptions” on the nonlinearity f which are almost necessary conditions, as well as some weak assumptions on the potential V. Moreover, we also give a minimax characterization of the ground state energy. Our results improve and complement the previous ones in the literature.
Kinematics of electrostatic 3-wave decay of generalized Langmuir waves in magnetized plasmas
Authors: Cairns Iver H. , Layden A.
Published: August 2018

The decay of generalised Langmuir waves L into backscattered (generalised) Langmuir waves L and ion acoustic waves S or ion cyclotron waves IC, represented by L→L′+S and L→L′+IC, is a fundamental nonlinear process relevant to beam-plasma instabilities in space and laboratory plasmas and to multiple solar system radio emissions. Both magnetization and arbitrary wavevector directions are included for the generalised Langmuir waves, thereby naturally encompassing both conventional Langmuir waves and upper hybrid waves. A recent 1D analysis for L waves with wavevectors closely parallel to the ambient magnetic field B0 in weakly magnetized plasma (angular electron cyclotron frequency Ωe much less than the angular electron plasma frequency ωp) showed that the electrostatic (ES) decay L→L′+S persists for kL<k0, reversing the old prediction based on the unmagnetized dispersion relation. Here, the kinematics for the processes L→L′+S and L→L′+IC are derived in 2 dimensions for approximately electrostatic waves in arbitrary magnetized plasmas and for all wavevector orientations relative to B0. ES decay processes are shown to exist in both weakly and strongly magnetized plasmas and, under most circumstances, for arbitrary L-wavevector directions, including close to perpendicular to B0, and wavenumbers. For L-wavenumbers kL≳2k0, the decay process is very similar to the standard unmagnetized decay for kL close to parallel with B0, proceeding primarily as a backscatter to kL′≈(kL−k0)kL/kL and a trivial forward-scatter solution with kL≈kL. (Here, k0=2ωpvS/3Ve2, VS is the ion acoustic speed, and Ve is the electron thermal speed.) In addition, the decay persists for kL<k0 to very small kL′≈k*=(ωp/c)(1+fp/fce)−1/2 for arbitrary magnetizations and orientations of kL relative to B0, at least for sufficiently large ion-to-electron temperature ratios Ti/Te. Thus, once magnetization effects are included, the decay is kinematically allowed for essentially all initial wavevectors and can proceed for the very fast beams (with kL<k0) for which modulational instability and not ES decay was previously expected to dominate the nonlinear evolution.
Phononic crystal-enhanced near-boundary streaming for sonoporation
Authors: Li Fei , Yan Fei , Chen Zhiyi , Lei Junjun , Yu Jinsui , Chen Mian , Zhou Wei , Meng Long , Niu Lili , Wu Junru , Li Jiangyu , Cai Feiyan , Zheng Hairong
Published: August 2018

Efficient and controllable gene/drug delivery triggered by sonoporation is critical to cellular therapy. This study reports on repairable sonoporation for massive cells trapped on a phononic crystal plate (PCP). This mechanism is generated by the effects of enhanced near-boundary streaming around the manipulated cells. The streaming is achieved by significantly improving the tangential acoustic field gradient along the cell boundary through resonant PCP excitation of the nonleaky Lamb modes intrinsically existing in the uniform plate. This structured field-induced repairable sonoporation may constitute an effective tool for drug delivery and gene transfection.
Studies of various physics effects on an on-axis LHCD experiment using numerical tools
Authors: Yang C. , Bonoli P. T. , Shiraiwa S. , Ding B. , Li M. H. , Frank Samuel , Zhai Xuemei
Published: August 2018

The lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) plays an important role in the long pulse and high performance experiments on the EAST Tokamak, using LHW systems with frequencies of 2.45 GHz and 4.6 GHz. With the initial parallel refractive index mostly peaking at n∥∼1.8−2.1, it is difficult to have on-axis LHCD due to the accessibility conditions which prevents the LHW from propagating into the plasma core. However, according to the investigation of HXR diagnostics, LHW did provide an on-axis current drive in an EAST experiment. To interpret this on-axis LHCD phenomenon, various physics effects that give rise to variations in parallel wave numbers, thus influencing the propagation and the absorption of the LHW, have been taken into account, such as toroidal effects, full wave effects with focusing and diffraction, and scattering effects due to density fluctuations. Numerical tools including ray-tracing and full wave codes that contain one or two of the above physics effects have been used to model the heating and current drive of the LHW on EAST. Linear Landau damping and quasi-linear Landau damping have been compared by using the coupling between ray-tracing and the Fokker-Planck codes. Convergence studies have been performed for the full wave modeling, the maximum poloidal modes in the full wave have been scanned, and the results are compared with each other. The factors that characterize the amplitude, the radial thickness, and the location of the density fluctuations have been studied and scanned. The measurement of HXR diagnostics has been compared with synthetic diagnostics by reconstructing the HXR data from both the standard GENRAY/CQL3D LHCD modelling and the modeling taking the scattering effects into account.
Modification of the Simon-Hoh Instability by the sheath effects in partially magnetized E × B plasmas
Authors: Morin Vincent , Smolyakov Andrei I.
Published: August 2018

Effects of dissipation on the gradient drift modes in partially magnetized E × B plasmas are studied with emphasis on the sheath effects. It is shown that the dissipation induced instabilities driven by the density gradient and E × B drifts persist in conditions where the criteria for standard Simon-Hoh instability in E × B plasmas are not satisfied.
Revision of Tasmanian viviparous velvet worms (Onychophora : Peripatopsidae) with descriptions of two new species
Authors: de Sena Oliveira Ivo , Ruhberg Hilke , Rowell David M. , Mayer Georg
Published: August 2018

The restricted distribution of viviparous onychophorans in Tasmania has long been a subject of discussion, but their evolutionary history remains unclear. We applied morphological, molecular and karyological methods to assess the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of the four viviparous species reported from Tasmania, including Tasmanipatus barretti, T. anophthalmus and two undescribed species previously referred to as ‘Tasmania’ sp. 1 and sp. 2. We demonstrate that all four species can be unambiguously distinguished based on independent character sets. The two ‘Tasmania’ species, which were previously thought to be cryptic, proved to exhibit a set of distinct morphological characters. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that the four species belong to a major clade that includes Peripatoides from New Zealand, and that species from the two landmasses show reciprocal monophyly within this clade. Within the Tasmanian clade, T. anophthalmus is more closely related to the two ‘Tasmania’ species than to T. barretti. Based on this relationship and the lack of morphological and/or karyological characters supporting the Tasmanian viviparous clade, we erect two new genera to accommodate the two ‘Tasmania’ species (Diemenipatus, gen. nov.) and T. anophthalmus (Leucopatus, gen. nov.). An emended diagnosis followed by a redescription of T. barretti is provided and ‘Tasmania’ sp. 1 and sp. 2 are formally described as D. taiti, gen. et sp. nov. and D. mesibovi, gen. et sp. nov., respectively.
Chance, long tails, and inference in a non-Gaussian, Bayesian theory of vocal learning in songbirds
Authors: Zhou Baohua , Hofmann David , Pinkoviezky Itai , Sober Samuel J. , Nemenman Ilya
Published: August 2018

Significance

Skilled behaviors are learned through a series of trial and error. The ubiquity of such processes notwithstanding, current theories of learning fail to explain how the speed and the magnitude of learning depend on the pattern of experienced sensory errors. Here, we introduce a theory, formulated and tested in the context of a specific behavior—vocal learning in songbirds. The theory explains the observed dependence of learning on the dynamics of sensory errors. Furthermore, it makes additional strong predictions about the dynamics of learning that we verify experimentally.
A monumental cemetery built by eastern Africa’s first herders near Lake Turkana, Kenya
Authors: Hildebrand Elisabeth A. , Grillo Katherine M. , Sawchuk Elizabeth A. , Pfeiffer Susan K. , Conyers Lawrence B. , Goldstein Steven T. , Hill Austin Chad , Janzen Anneke , Klehm Carla E. , Helper Mark , Kiura Purity , Ndiema Emmanuel , Ngugi Cecilia , Shea John J. , Wang Hong
Published: August 2018

Significance

Archaeologists have long sought monumental architecture’s origins among societies that were becoming populous, sedentary, and territorial. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, dispersed pastoralists pioneered monumental construction. Eastern Africa’s earliest monumental site was built by the region’s first herders ∼5,000–4,300 y ago as the African Humid Period ended and Lake Turkana’s shoreline receded. Lothagam North Pillar Site was a massive communal cemetery with megalithic pillars, stone circles, cairns, and a mounded platform accommodating an estimated several hundred burials. Its mortuary cavity held individuals of mixed ages/sexes, with diverse adornments. Burial placement and ornamentation do not suggest social hierarchy. Amidst profound landscape changes and the socioeconomic uncertainties of a moving pastoral frontier, monumentality was an important unifying force for eastern Africa’s first herders.
Conservation of coactivator engagement mechanism enables small-molecule allosteric modulators
Authors: Henderson Andrew R. , Henley Madeleine J. , Foster Nicholas J. , Peiffer Amanda L. , Beyersdorf Matthew S. , Stanford Kevon D. , Sturlis Steven M. , Linhares Brian M. , Hill Zachary B. , Wells James A. , Cierpicki Tomasz , Brooks Charles L. , Fierke Carol A. , Mapp Anna K.
Published: August 2018

Transcriptional coactivators are a molecular recognition marvel because a single domain within these proteins, the activator binding domain or ABD, interacts with multiple compositionally diverse transcriptional activators. Also remarkable is the structural diversity among ABDs, which range from conformationally dynamic helical motifs to those with a stable core such as a β-barrel. A significant objective is to define conserved properties of ABDs that allow them to interact with disparate activator sequences. The ABD of the coactivator Med25 (activator interaction domain or AcID) is unique in that it contains secondary structural elements that are on both ends of the spectrum: helices and loops that display significant conformational mobility and a seven-stranded β-barrel core that is structurally rigid. Using biophysical approaches, we build a mechanistic model of how AcID forms binary and ternary complexes with three distinct activators; despite its static core, Med25 forms short-lived, conformationally mobile, and structurally distinct complexes with each of the cognate partners. Further, ternary complex formation is facilitated by allosteric communication between binding surfaces on opposing faces of the β-barrel. The model emerging suggests that the conformational shifts and cooperative binding is mediated by a flexible substructure comprised of two dynamic helices and flanking loops, indicating a conserved mechanistic model of activator engagement across ABDs. Targeting a region of this substructure with a small-molecule covalent cochaperone modulates ternary complex formation. Our data support a general strategy for the identification of allosteric small-molecule modulators of ABDs, which are key targets for mechanistic studies as well as therapeutic applications.
Phase-transition–induced p-n junction in single halide perovskite nanowire
Authors: Kong Qiao , Lee Woochul , Lai Minliang , Bischak Connor G. , Gao Guoping , Wong Andrew B. , Lei Teng , Yu Yi , Wang Lin-Wang , Ginsberg Naomi S. , Yang Peidong
Published: August 2018

Significance

Functional semiconductor heterojunctions are fundamental units for building up advanced optoelectronics and circuits. Halide perovskites, representing a new class of semiconductors with soft and reconfigurable ionic bonding, hold promise for a variety of applications because of their many unusual, tunable physical properties. This paper reports the formation of the current-rectifying p-n heterojunction in single-crystalline CsSnI
3
nanowires via localized phase transition between the n-type yellow and p-type black phases. We attribute the distinction of majority carrier types in these two phases to the different formation energies of the cation and anion vacancies. The present approach to heterojunction formation could inspire deeper understanding of phase-transition dynamics and enable precise control over the design of functional heterostructures using halide perovskite building blocks.
Closely packed, low reorganization energy π-extended postfullerene acceptors for efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Swick Steven M. , Zhu Weigang , Matta Micaela , Aldrich Thomas J. , Harbuzaru Alexandra , Lopez Navarrete J. Teodomiro , Ponce Ortiz Rocio , Kohlstedt Kevin L. , Schatz George C. , Facchetti Antonio , Melkonyan Ferdinand S. , Marks Tobin J.
Published: August 2018

Significance

For producing electricity, polymer solar cells (PSCs) offer properties tunability, light weight, scalability, and earth-abundant materials. PSC active layers typically consist of donor polymer and fullerene acceptor blends having discrete conduits for photogenerated hole and electron conduction. The spherical fullerene shape, which enables close packing, orbital degeneracies, and low charge-transfer reorganization energies, is thought to be essential for efficient photocurrent generation and high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). However, the recent advent of irregularly shaped indacenodithienothiophene (IDTT) acceptors yielding higher PCEs challenges the fullerene paradigm. In a combined experimental and theoretical study with two new isomeric IDTT derivatives, we shed light on the basis of this performance in terms of surprisingly close molecular packing, strong electronic coupling, and low reorganization energies.
gemBS: high throughput processing for DNA methylation data from bisulfite sequencing
Authors: Merkel Angelika , Fernández-Callejo Marcos , Casals Eloi , Marco-Sola Santiago , Schuyler Ronald , Gut Ivo G , Heath Simon C
Published: August 2018

Motivation

DNA methylation is essential for normal embryogenesis and development in mammals and can be captured at single base pair resolution by whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Current available analysis tools are becoming rapidly outdated as they lack sensible functionality and efficiency to handle large amounts of data now commonly created.

Results

We developed gemBS, a fast high-throughput bioinformatics pipeline specifically designed for large scale BS-Seq analysis that combines a high performance BS-mapper (GEM3) and a variant caller specifically for BS-Seq data (BScall). gemBS provides genotype information and methylation estimates for all genomic cytosines in different contexts (CpG and non-CpG) and a set of quality reports for comprehensive and reproducible analysis. gemBS is highly modular and can be easily automated, while producing robust and accurate results.

Availability and implementation

gemBS is released under the GNU GPLv3+ license. Source code and documentation are freely available from www.statgen.cat/gemBS.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Determining the impact of commercial feed additives as potential porcine epidemic diarrhea virus mitigation strategies as determined by polymerase chain reaction analysis and bioassay1
Authors: Gebhardt Jordan T , Woodworth Jason C , Jones Cassandra K , Tokach Mike D , Gauger Philip C , Main Rodger G , Zhang Jianqiang , Chen Qi , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Stark Charles R , Bergstrom Jon R , Bai Jianfa , Dritz Steve S
Published: August 2018

Mitigation of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was assessed using two feed additives (0.5% inclusion of a benzoic acid [BA] product and 0.02% inclusion of an essential oil [EO] product; DSM Nutritional Products Inc., Parsippany, NJ), and combination of both products (0.5% BA and 0.02% EO) in spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) and a swine gestation diet (FEED) as determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and bioassay. Viral RNA quantification was performed at 7 sampling days post-laboratory inoculation (d 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 42) and infectivity was assessed via bioassay with 10-d-old pigs. There was a tendency for treatment × feed matrix × day interaction (P = 0.094), in which the cycle threshold (Ct) value increased over time in FEED when treated with both feed additives, whereas there was no increase over time observed in SDPP treated with both feed additives. There was a feed matrix × day interaction (P < 0.001) in which Ct increased over time in FEED, whereas very little increase over time was observed in SDPP. A tendency for a treatment × feed matrix effect (P = 0.085) was observed where FEED treated with the combination of EO and BA had a greater (P < 0.05) PEDV Ct value than other FEED treatments, and all SDPP treatments had the lower PEDV Ct values compared to FEED treatments (P < 0.05). Overall, the combination of both feed additives was most effective at reducing the quantity of genetic material as detected by qRT-PCR (P < 0.001) compared to either additive alone or no feed additive. Virus shedding was observed in the d 7 postinoculation SDPP treatment that was treated with both feed additives, as well as d 0 untreated FEED and d 0 FEED treated with both feed additives. No other treatment bioassay room had detectible RNA shed and detected in fecal swabs or cecal contents. In summary, the combination of EO and BA enhanced the degradation of PEDV RNA in feed but had little impact on RNA degradation in SDPP. Both untreated feed and feed treated with the combination of EO and BA resulted in infection at d 0 post-laboratory inoculation; however, neither set of samples was infective at d 1 postinoculation. In addition, SDPP harbored greater levels of quantifiable RNA for a longer duration of time compared to FEED, and these viral particles remained viable for a longer duration of time indicating differences in viral stability exist between different feed matrices.
Case of Early Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis With Prominent Magnetic Resonance Imaging Plexus Abnormalities
Authors: Zubair Adeel S. , Mustafa Rafid , Amrami Kimberly K. , Crum Brian A.
Published: August 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disorder, which is characterized by progressive upper and lower motor neuron signs and symptoms, resulting in progressive muscle weakness. There are very rare reports of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities within the nerve roots or plexus reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we report a patient who presented with progressive left arm weakness and was found to have bilateral MRI plexus abnormalities. This report illustrates that MRI plexus abnormalities can be seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, possibly before symptoms, and may have clinical value in the diagnostic process.
Are Adult ADHD Patients Good Informants of Their Symptoms? A Qualitative Literature Review of Concordance Between Clinician and Self-Report ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Abrams Jessica , Faraone Stephen V. , Woodworth K. Yvonne , Spencer Thomas J. , Biederman Itai , Biederman Joseph
Published: August 2018

To conduct a comprehensive review on the agreement between clinician-rated and self-reported attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults, the following terms were searched in PubMed: “ADHD self-concordance,” “Self-report AND ADHD AND Valid,” “(self-report) AND ADHD AND clinician,” and “(self-report) AND ADHD AND versus AND investigator.” Nine articles met our inclusion and exclusion criteria (English language, operationalized measures of clinician-rated and self-reported ADHD, and neither a review nor opinion article). Among the clinical studies, correlation coefficients were on average 0.69 for the total ADHD symptoms score. The epidemiological studies had an average kappa statistic of 0.58 for ADHD diagnoses. The studies of adult relatives of youth with ADHD had an average correlation coefficient of 0.74 for the ADHD total symptoms score. Our review supports the informativeness of self-reported assessments of ADHD symptoms, which has important implications for management and monitoring of ADHD.
Comparison of Clinical Significance of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Soares Mariana Carret , Mondin Thaíse Campos , Silva Giovanna Del Grande da , Barbosa Luana Porto , Molina Mariane Lopez , Jansen Karen , Souza Luciano Dias de Mattos , Silva Ricardo Azevedo da
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two brief psychotherapy models for major depressive disorder (MDD). This is a randomized clinical trial with 247 individuals diagnosed with MDD. Supportive-expressive dynamic psychotherapy (SEDP) (18 sessions) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (16 sessions) were the two models used in this study. Participants were evaluated at baseline, during treatment, and postintervention (last session). Clinically significant changes were found in both psychotherapy models, and CBT showed higher response rates. Regarding the Beck Depression Inventory-II [F(1,120) = 4.07, p = 0.046] and Outcome Questionnaire 45.2 [F(1.114) = 7.99, p = 0.006], CBT had a better effect than SEDP. Hence, the results obtained have contributed to literature, served to corroborate the importance and effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy, as well as explored the mechanisms of change, remission, and response in the treatment of MDD, which have been ignored to a large extent.