bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EBIC and EBAC Analysis of Site Specific STEM Samples
Authors: Schamp C.T. , Suzuki Y. , Fuse J. , Ito K. , Tanaka H. , Kageyama A. , Nagakubo Y. , Mizuno T.
Published: December 2020

In transmission electron microscopy (TEM), one typically considers bright-field or dark-field imaging signals, which utilize the transmitted and scattered electrons, respectively. Analytical signals such as characteristic X-Rays or primary electron beam energy losses from inelastic scattering events give rise to the energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy techniques, respectively. In this paper, the detection of the electron beam absorbed current (EBAC) and electron beam induced current (EBIC) signals is reported using a specially designed scanning TEM holder and associated amplification electronics. By utilizing thin TEM samples where the beam-sample interaction volume is controlled more through the incident electron probe size, the EBAC and EBIC signal resolution is improved to the point where implant regions and Schottky junction depletion zones can be visualized.
Nanoprobing-Based EBAC Technique from Backside as Well as Frontside to Isolate Logic Fails for Otherwise Non Visual Defects
Authors: Arva Sreenath , Kodali Satish , Sheridan Lucile , Kalaiazhagan Karthik , Oh Chong Khiam
Published: December 2020

This paper presents unique case studies describing the use of EBAC technique. Front as well as backside EBAC on relatively smaller nets is presented to isolate logic fails which are otherwise hard to capture using conventional failure analysis techniques.
Weapons for Witnessing
Authors: Byron Kyle
Published: December 2020

Drawing on observations of the performances of street preachers in the United States—as well as the texts that inform them—this article explores the concept of rhythm within and beyond the anthropology of religion. More specifically, it develops an expansive concept of rhythm as multiple and interactive, focusing not on a singular rhythm, but on the rhythmic translations that shape the practice of street preaching. First, I argue that the material rhythms of urban infrastructure constrain the narrative rhythms of the street preacher’s sermon, producing a distinct homiletics. I then suggest that the ideological rhythms of war animate the narrative rhythms of the street preacher’s sermon, linking military strategies with tactics of evangelism. Examining the material, narrative, and ideological rhythms of streets, sermons, and military doctrine, this article advances an analytic framework whereby the intersecting rhythmic tensions that shape performance can be registered.
Minimizing the Probability of Bit Error in a Multi-Stage MIMO Relay System
Authors: Flaksman A. , Sorokin I. , Kokarev A.
Published: December 2020

This research is devoted to the investigation of the relay multi-stage relay MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) of cellular communication with antenna arrays at each stage of transmission, in which parallel independent subchannels for data transmission are formed, are considered. The possibility of minimizing the error probability per bit of transmitted information is investigated while using the method of separate optimization of each transmission stage and the threshold method for selecting energetically strong subchannels. The presented simulation results in the case of a multipath channel with Rayleigh signal fading confirm the high efficiency of the proposed approach.
Pengaruh Serbuk Ban Bekas Sebagai Campuran Agregat Halus Pada Campuran Aspal Porous
Authors: Martina Nunung , Hasan Muhammad Fathur Rouf , Setiawan Yanuar
Published: December 2020

The porous asphalt mixture is a new generation of flexible pavement that is able to pass water in the upper layer (wearing course) both vertically and horizontally. The porous asphalt layer effectively provides more safety, especially when it rains to avoid aquaplaning which causes roughness of the surface to be more rough. Therefore, at this time there are many studies on the use of alternative materials to replace the limited natural materials with materials that can be utilized. The results showed that porous asphalt mixture with used tire crumb as a fine aggregate mixture had an increase in flow value of 6.32% with a decrease in stability value by 27.52% and a decrease Marshall Quotient value at 31.82%. The testing of roughness is increased by 17.71% and Mu-Meter 24.14%. This research is effective in overcoming environmental problems which include processing tire waste of 3.03 tons for 1 km of road pavement construction work.
A pós-graduação do Colégio Pedro II: compromisso traduzido em ações presentes e futuras
Authors: Maciel Alda Maria Coimbra Aguilar , Capossoli Eduardo
Published: December 2020

A equipe de editores gerentes da revista Cadernos de Educação Básica entrevistou o Diretor de Pós-Graduação da Pró-Reitora de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa, Extensão e Cultura (PROPGPEC-CPII), Prof. Dr. Francisco Mattos. Na entrevista, o professor Francisco Mattos traz informações sobre as ações da Diretoria de Pós-Graduação ao longo de 2020, durante a pandemia. Seus relatos robustecem o compromisso do Colégio Pedro II com a pós-graduação, esclarece sobre os produtos educacionais e traz indicações do fortalecimento de uma rede para a pós-graduação no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Que as palavras do Prof. Francisco Mattos impulsionem mais ações e incentivos à pós-graduação em nosso estado e em todo o território nacional.   Alda Maria Coimbra Aguilar Maciel Eduardo Capossoli
A poesia da escuta dos paratextos em Regresso a casa
Authors: Melão Dulce Helena
Published: December 2020

Este artigo centra-se no papel fundamental dos paratextos no livro-álbum de Akiko Miyakoshi Regresso a casa, encarado como tela onde ecoam representações do silêncio e da ternura, acolhendo os leitores e incrementando o prazer de ler. Assim, o artigo norteia-se pelos seguintes objetivos: i) indagar os modos como os silêncios que permeiam as ilustrações narram reencontros de chegadas a casa, investigando os processos de inferência que deles resultam, motivando as crianças para a leitura; ii) compreender o papel da representação dos espaços erguidos no cruzamento das ruas da cidade com as casas que aí ganham corpo, abrigando quotidianos e rotinas tecidas de solidão e/ou ternura. Para cumprir estes objectivos, centramo-nos nos paratextos do livro-álbum, de modo a descobrir a confluência de vozes e de silêncios que os permeiam, reapresentando-os e valorizando-os como mobilidades do pormenor que captam a imaginação dos leitores. O artigo conclui sublinhando a importância de encarar os paratextos como poesia que dá abrigo a serenidades, permitindo escutar silêncios guardados em espaços do quotidiano. Ao sussurrarem ternuras que alimentam os leitores, os paratextos instigam o prazer de ler, abrindo múltiplos caminhos de fruição que podem ser partilhados com as crianças, reiteradamente, a cada releitura deste livro-álbum.
Untargeted Metabolomics: Biochemical Perturbations in Golestan Cohort Study Opium Users Inform Intervention Strategies
Authors: Li Yuan-Yuan , Ghanbari Reza , Pathmasiri Wimal , McRitchie Susan , Poustchi Hossein , Shayanrad Amaneh , Roshandel Gholamreza , Etemadi Arash , Pollock Jonathan D. , Malekzadeh Reza , Sumner Susan C. J.
Published: December 2020

Objective:Over 50 million people worldwide are estimated to use opioids, of which ~30 million use opiates (opium and its derivatives). Use of opiates has been associated with a variety of adverse complications such as neurological and behavioral outcomes, addiction, cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. While it is well known that opiates exert their neurobiological effects through binding with mu, kappa, and delta receptors to exert analgesic and sedative effects, mechanistic links to other health effects are not well understood. Our study focuses on the identification of biochemical perturbations in Golestan Cohort Study (GCS) opium users.

Methods:We used untargeted metabolomics to evaluate the metabolic profiles of 218 opium users and 80 non-users participating in the GCS. Urine samples were obtained from adult (age 40–75) opium users living in the Golestan Province of Iran. Untargeted analysis of urine was conducted using a UPLC-Q-Exactive HFx Mass Spectrometry and a 700 MHz NMR Spectrometry.

Results:These GCS opium users had a significantly higher intake of tobacco and alcohol and a significantly decreased BMI compared with non-users. Metabolites derived from opium (codeine, morphine, and related glucuronides), nicotine, and curing or combustion of plant material were increased in opium users compared with non-users. Endogenous compounds which differentiated the opium users and non-users largely included vitamins and co-factors, metabolites involved in neurotransmission, Kreb's cycle, purine metabolism, central carbon metabolism, histone modification, and acetylation.

Conclusions:Our study reveals biochemical perturbations in GCS opium users that are important to the development of intervention strategies to mitigate against the development of adverse effects of substance abuse.
Modulation of Muscle Pain Is Not Somatotopically Restricted: An Experimental Model Using Concurrent Hypertonic-Normal Saline Infusions in Humans
Authors: Dunn James S. , Mahns David A. , Nagi Saad S.
Published: December 2020

We have previously shown that during muscle pain induced by infusion of hypertonic saline (HS), concurrent application of vibration and gentle brushing to overlying and adjacent skin regions increases the overall pain. In the current study, we focused on muscle-muscle interactions and tested whether HS-induced muscle pain can be modulated by innocuous/sub-perceptual stimulation of adjacent, contralateral, and remote muscles. Psychophysical observations were made in 23 healthy participants. HS (5%) was infused into a forearm muscle (flexor carpi ulnaris) to produce a stable baseline pain. In separate experiments, in each of the three test locations (n = 10 per site)—ipsilateral hand (abductor digiti minimi), contralateral forearm (flexor carpi ulnaris), and contralateral leg (tibialis anterior)—50 μl of 0.9% normal saline (NS) was infused (in triplicate) before, during, and upon cessation of HS-induced muscle pain in the forearm. In the absence of background pain, the infusion of NS was imperceptible to all participants. In the presence of HS-induced pain in the forearm, the concurrent infusion of NS into the ipsilateral hand, contralateral forearm, and contralateral leg increased the overall pain by 16, 12, and 15%, respectively. These effects were significant, reproducible, and time-locked to NS infusions. Further, the NS-evoked increase in pain was almost always ascribed to the forearm where HS was infused with no discernible percept attributed to the sites of NS infusion. Based on these observations, we conclude that intramuscular infusion of HS results in muscle hyperalgesia to sub-perceptual stimulation of muscle afferents in a somatotopically unrestricted manner, indicating the involvement of a central (likely supra-spinal) mechanism.
Magnoflorine Ameliorates Inflammation and Fibrosis in Rats With Diabetic Nephropathy by Mediating the Stability of Lysine-Specific Demethylase 3A
Authors: Chang Liang , Wang Qi , Ju Jiannan , Li Yue , Cai Qiao , Hao Lirong , Zhou Yang
Published: December 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) represents one of the most devastating complications for patients with diabetes. The anti-diabetic activities of Magnoflorine (MF) were reported, with underlying mechanism unknown. Lysine-specific demethylase 3A (KDM3A) was identified in the renal injuries. In the current study, we investigated the functional role of MF in DN progression with the involvement of KDM3A. We reported that in the animal model of DN induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection, MF attenuated inflammatory response and fibrosis in the kidneys. In cultured mesangial cells, MF similarly ameliorated abnormal proliferation and lowered the expression of inflammation- and fibrosis-related factors stimulated by high glucose (HG) treatment. Upon MF treatment, there was a decline in KDM3A-positive cells in renal tissues of rats, accompanying an augment in KDM3A ubiquitination. KDM3A upregulation in vitro by a proteasome inhibitor MG132 comparably dampened the inhibitory role of MF in inflammatory response and fibrosis. Further analyses revealed that MF increased transforming growth factor β-induced factor 1 (TGIF1) transcriptional activity by promoting ubiquitination and degradation of KDM3A, thus inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. TGIF1 silencing weakened the repressive role of MF in mesangial cells as well. In conclusion, MF contributes to TGIF1 transcription via an epigenetic mechanism.
Lanthanum Role in the Graphite Formation in Gray Cast Irons
Authors: Stefan Eduard , Riposan Iulian , Chisamera Mihai , Stan Stelian
Published: December 2020

The present paper reviews original data obtained by the authors from recent separate publications with additional unpublished data, specifically concerning the Lanthanum (La)’s role in the solidification pattern and graphite formation in gray cast irons. Iron melting at 0.018–0.056%S, a 3.7–4.1% carbon equivalent (CE) and less than 0.005%Alresidual are inoculated with La-bearing FeSi alloys at different associations with other inoculating elements. Complex Al-La small inclusions as possible better nucleation sites for (Mn,X)S compounds and La-Ca presence in the body of these sulfides, which possibly provide better nucleation sites for flake graphite, are identified in 0.026%S cast iron. At a lower sulfur content (0.018%S), La,Ca,Al-FeSi alloy still has a high efficiency, but more complex La-bearing alloys are recommended for a higher dendritic austenite amount (LaBaZrTi–FeSi) or for lower eutectic recalescence (LaBaZr–FeSi). La has limited but specific benefits at 0.05–0.06%S irons, including favorable graphitizing factors (a higher amount of graphite precipitated at the end of solidification), lower eutectic recalescence, and a lower value of the first derivative at the end of solidification. When La,Ca,Ba,Al,Zr,S-FeSi treatment (0.035%S base iron) is used, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis finds that the first formed micro-compound is a complex Al-silicate (Zr,La,Ca,Ba presence), which supports the nucleation of the second compound (Mn,Ca,La)S type. At the sulfide-graphite interface, there is a visible thin (nano size) Al-silicate layer (O-Al-Si-Ca-La system), which is more favorable for graphite nucleation (it has better crystallographic compatibility). La is identified in all three important areas of nucleants (the first is formed oxidic nucleus, the second is nucleated Mn-sulfide and the third is a sulfide-graphite interface), thereby increasing the efficiency of graphite nucleation sites.
Proposição de um modelo analítico da tipografia com abordagem semiótica
Authors: Brisolara Daniela Velleda
Published: December 2020

Este artigo apresenta a estruturao de um modelo analtico da tipografia resultado de pesquisa de mestrado fundamentada em slidas bases tericas concernentes ao design da informao, tipografia e semitica. Defende-se, aqui, o carter fundamentalmente visual do texto (iconicidade da tipografia), passvel de leitura antes mesmo do contedo verbal. Pretende-se, com este enfoque, atentar para a questo do desenvolvimento de um alfabetismo visual e para o fato de que a configurao (visual e grfica) da cultura material produzida tanto pela atuao do design como tambm pelas contribuies involuntrias de sujeitos no-experts. Acredita-se que tais produes tipogrficas tenham muito a dizer sobre o ambiente sciocultural do qual fazem parte, e que, por isso mesmo, possam fornecer informaes importantes pragmtica do design. Deste modo, prope-se, considerando-se aspectos tipogrficos e semiticos, um modelo de anlise tipogrfica, para ser utilizado em investigaes posteriores sobre a tipografia produzida por sujeitos no-experts. O modelo visa descrever semioticamente a tipografia, considerando seus atributos enquanto signo em si, enquanto signo que faz referncia a alguma outra coisa e enquanto signo inserido e atuante num determinado contexto. Esta abordagem objetiva apontar os possveis caminhos pelos quais se do as escolhas dos sujeitos por uma determinada tipografia (typeface) e por uma determinada estrutura tipogrfica. [ Download ]
Statistical Techniques for Detecting Cyberattacks on Computer Networks Based on an Analysis of Abnormal Traffic Behavior
Authors:   National Aviation University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Hu Zhengbing , Odarchenko Roman , Gnatyuk Sergiy , Zaliskyi Maksym , Chaplits Anastasia , Bondar Sergiy , Borovik Vadim
Published: December 2020

Represented paper is currently topical, because of year on year increasing quantity and diversity of attacks on computer networks that causes significant losses for companies. This work provides abilities of such problems solving as: existing methods of location of anomalies and current hazards at networks, statistical methods consideration, as effective methods of anomaly detection and experimental discovery of choosed method effectiveness. The method of network traffic capture and analysis during the network segment passive monitoring is considered in this work. Also, the processing way of numerous network traffic indexes for further network information safety level evaluation is proposed. Represented methods and concepts usage allows increasing of network segment reliability at the expense of operative network anomalies capturing, that could testify about possible hazards and such information is very useful for the network administrator. To get a proof of the method effectiveness, several network attacks, whose data is storing in specialised DARPA dataset, were chosen. Relevant parameters for every attack type were calculated. In such a way, start and termination time of the attack could be obtained by this method with insignificant error for some methods.
Flip‐Flop Movement of Phospholipids in 1,2‐Dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine/1,2‐Dihexanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine Vesicles
Authors: Jeong Jinju , Kim Chul
Published: December 2020

Flip‐flop movement was investigated via dithionite assay of 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐(7‐nitro‐2‐1,3‐benzoxadiazol‐4‐yl)(ammonium salt) (NBD‐PE) fluorescence in 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine/1,2‐dihexanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DMPC/DHPC) vesicles with different DMPC/DHPC ratios. The activation energy was determined by using the Arrhenius plot and the thermodynamic functions were determined by the transition state theory. The activation energy increased upon addition of DHPC into the DMPC bilayer, but all the changes of the thermodynamic functions did not show a similar tendency. The experimental results suggest that the DHPC inserted in DMPC bilayers promote the flip‐flop movement of NBD‐PE in DMPC/DHPC vesicles by disordering the transition state by shorter DHPC molecule. This phenomenon might be related to the increment of the accessibility of water molecules into the ground state of the vesicle bilayer.
Performance improvement of solar PV power conversion system through low duty cycle DC‐DC converter
Authors: Alagu Matheswaran , Ponnusamy Prem , Pandarinathan Sivaraman , Mohamed Ali Jagabar Sathik
Published: December 2020

Characteristics like reliability and modularity of solar photovoltaic (SPV) units makes them one of the apt options for generating electric power. However, the input intermittency is their major lacuna, and power electronic circuits are being used to nullify this effect. A solar photovoltaic power conversion process includes a DC‐DC converter in the plant side to deliver a fixed DC voltage and a DC‐AC converter in the grid side for converting DC voltage in to grid compatible AC voltage. The high duty ratio of typical DC‐DC boost converters limits the switching frequency and efficiency. In this article, a way to enhance the performance of a SPV unit using an improved quadratic boost converter (IQBC) is analysed. It can deliver a higher output voltage at lower duty ratio with Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm‐based Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A 250 W prototype of IQBC‐based Solar PV power conversion system (SPVPCS) is developed, and its performance is compared against conventional and quadratic boost converters and found that the IQBC‐based solar power conversion system is efficient and the results are presented.
Hematocrit, age, and survival in a wild vertebrate population
Authors: Brown Thomas J. , Hammers Martijn , Taylor Martin , Dugdale Hannah L. , Komdeur Jan , Richardson David S.
Published: December 2020

Understanding trade‐offs in wild populations is difficult, but important if we are to understand the evolution of life histories and the impact of ecological variables upon them. Markers that reflect physiological state and predict future survival would be of considerable benefit to unraveling such trade‐offs and could provide insight into individual variation in senescence. However, currently used markers often yield inconsistent results. One underutilized measure is hematocrit, the proportion of blood comprising erythrocytes, which relates to the blood's oxygen‐carrying capacity and viscosity, and to individual endurance. Hematocrit has been shown to decline with age in cross‐sectional studies (which may be confounded by selective appearance/disappearance). However, few studies have tested whether hematocrit declines within individuals or whether low hematocrit impacts survival in wild taxa. Using longitudinal data from the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis), we demonstrated that hematocrit increases with age in young individuals (<1.5 years) but decreases with age in older individuals (1.5–13 years). In breeders, hematocrit was higher in males than females and varied relative to breeding stage. High hematocrit was associated with lower survival in young individuals, but not older individuals. Thus, while we did not find support for hematocrit as a marker of senescence, high hematocrit is indicative of poor condition in younger individuals. Possible explanations are that these individuals were experiencing dehydration and/or high endurance demands prior to capture, which warrants further investigation. Our study demonstrates that hematocrit can be an informative metric for life‐history studies investigating trade‐offs between survival, longevity, and reproduction.
Complex postbreeding molt strategies in a songbird migrating along the East Asian Flyway, the Pallas’s Grasshopper WarblerLocustella certhiola
Authors: Eilts Hans‐Jürgen , Feuerbach Nele , Round Philip D. , Bourski Oleg , Allcock John , Leader Paul , Davaasuren Batmunkh , Erdenechimeg Tuvshinjargal , Park Jong‐Gil , Heim Wieland
Published: December 2020

Molt strategies have received relatively little attention in current ornithology, and knowledge concerning the evolution, variability and extent of molt is sparse in many bird species. This is especially true for East AsianLocustellaspecies where assumptions on molt patterns are based on incomplete information. We provide evidence indicating a complex postbreeding molt strategy and variable molt extent among the Pallas's Grasshopper WarblerLocustella certhiola, based on data from six ringing sites situated along its flyway from the breeding grounds to the wintering areas. Detailed study revealed for the first time that in most individuals wing feather molt proceeds from the center both toward the body and the wing‐tip, a molt pattern known as divergent molt (which is rare among Palearctic passerines). In the Russian Far East, where both breeding birds and passage migrants occur, a third of the adult birds were molting in late summer. In Central Siberia, at the northwestern limit of its distribution, adult individuals commenced their primary molt partly divergently and partly with unknown sequence. During migration in Mongolia, only descendantly (i.e., from the body toward the wing‐tip) molting birds were observed, while further south in Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand the proportion of potential eccentric and divergent feather renewal was not identifiable since the renewed feathers were already fully grown as expected. We found an increase in the mean number of molted primaries during the progress of the autumn migration. Moderate body mass levels and low‐fat and muscle scores were observed in molting adult birds, without any remarkable increase in the later season. According to optimality models, we suggest that an extremely short season of high food abundance in tall grass habitats and a largely overland route allow autumn migration with low fuel loads combined with molt migration in at least a part of the population. This study highlights the importance of further studying molt strategy as well as stopover behavior decisions and the trade‐offs among migratory birds that are now facing a panoply of anthropogenic threats along their flyways.
Chitinase 3‐like‐1, Tolloid‐like protein 1, and intergenic gene polymorphisms are predictors for hepatocellular carcinoma development after hepatitis C virus eradication by direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Mangoud Nadia O. M. , Ali Sahar A. , El Kassas Mohamed , Soror Sameh H.
Published: December 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death in Egypt. There is still a risk for HCC development even after eradicating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Chitinase‐3‐like‐protein‐1 (CHI3L1), a biomarker for predicting many diseases, plays an essential role in inflammation, angiogenesis, and antiapoptosis. Tolloid‐like protein 1 (TLL1) may be involved in hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. This study aimed to determine the role and combined effect of CHI3L1 (rs880633), TLL1 (rs1503298), and an intergenic (rs597533) polymorphisms on the risk of developing HCC in Egyptian patients after achieving sustained virological response (SVR) by DAAs. Blood samples were collected from 68 HCC patients, 77 non‐HCC subjects, and 80 healthy controls. The DNA was extracted and analyzed for rs880633, rs1503298, and rs597533 using Genotyping TaqMan™ assay. The result of the present study showed a significant difference in genotypes and alleles frequencies in both (rs880633) and (rs597533) in HCC group as compared to healthy control and also as compared to the non‐HCC group. However, regarding to (rs1503298) genotypes and alleles between the HCC and non‐HCC groups, there were no significant differences. Combined polymorphism in more than one gene simultaneously showed a higher risk to HCC after SVR than an individual locus. Both allelic and genotypic variations of the CHI3L1 gene (rs880633) and an intergenic (rs597533) seemed to be significant predictors confirming a great risk for HCC susceptibility in Egyptian patients achieved SVR. Patients with a polymorphism in more than one gene showed an increased risk to HCC after SVR rather than individual locus.
A diagonalization‐free optimization algorithm for solving Kohn–Sham equations of closed‐shell molecules
Authors: Mrovec Martin , Berger J. A.
Published: December 2020

A local optimization algorithm for solving the Kohn–Sham equations is presented. It is based on a direct minimization of the energy functional under the equality constraints representing the Grassmann Manifold. The algorithm does not require an eigendecomposition, which may be advantageous in large‐scale computations. It is optimized to reduce the number of Kohn–Sham matrix evaluations to one per iteration to be competitive with standard self‐consistent field (SCF) approach accelerated by direct inversion of the iterative subspace (DIIS). Numerical experiments include a comparison of the algorithm with DIIS. A high reliability of the algorithm is observed in configurations where SCF iterations fail to converge or find a wrong solution corresponding to a stationary point different from the global minimum. The local optimization algorithm itself does not guarantee that the found minimum is global. However, a randomization of the initial approximation shows a convergence to the right minimum in the vast majority of cases.
Biogeochemical and ecological variability during the late summer–early autumn transition at an ice‐floe drift station in the Central Arctic Ocean
Authors: Schanke Nicole L. , Bolinesi Francesco , Mangoni Olga , Katlein Christian , Anhaus Philipp , Hoppmann Mario , Lee Peter A. , DiTullio Giacomo R.
Published: December 2020

As the annual expanse of Arctic summer ice‐cover steadily decreases, concomitant biogeochemical and ecological changes in this region are likely to occur. Because the Central Arctic Ocean is often nutrient and light limited, it is essential to understand how environmental changes will affect productivity, phytoplankton species composition, and ensuing changes in biogeochemistry in the region. During the transition from late summer to early autumn, water column sampling of various biogeochemical parameters was conducted along an ice‐floe drift station near the North Pole. Our results show that as the upper water column stratification weakened during the late summer–early autumn transition, nutrient concentrations, particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPp) levels, photosynthetic efficiency, and biological productivity, as estimated by ΔO2/Ar ratios, all decreased. Chemotaxonomic (CHEMTAX) analysis of phytoplankton pigments revealed a taxonomically diverse picoautotrophic community, with chlorophyll (Chl) c3‐containing flagellates and the prasinophyte, Pyramimonas spp., as the most abundant groups, comprising ~ 30% and 20% of the total Chl a (TChl a) biomass, respectively. In contrast to previous studies, the picoprasinophyte, Micromonas spp., represented only 5% to 10% of the TChl a biomass. Of the nine taxonomic groups identified, DMSPp was most closely associated with Pyramimonas spp., a Chl b‐containing species not usually considered a high DMSP producer. As the extent and duration of open, ice‐free waters in the Central Arctic Ocean progressively increases, we suggest that enhanced light transmission could potentially expand the ecological niche of Pyramimonas spp. in the region.
General decay of nonlinear viscoelastic Kirchhoff equation with Balakrishnan‐Taylor damping, logarithmic nonlinearity and distributed delay terms
Authors: Choucha Abdelbaki , Boulaaras Salah , Ouchenane Djamel , Beloul Said
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we consider a nonlinear viscoelastic Kirchhoff equation with the presence of both distributed delay term, Balakrishnan‐Taylor damping, and logarithmic nonlinearity. We describe a exponential decay of solutions, and we obtained the asymptotic stability result of the global solution. This study is a continuation of Boulaaras's works (Math. Meth. Appl. Sci. 2019;42:4795– 4814 and Alex. Eng. J. 2020;59:1059–1071)
Energy‐based output regulation for stochastic port‐Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Xu Song , Wang Wei , Chen Shengyuan
Published: December 2020

This article investigates the output regulation for stochastic port‐Hamiltonian systems (SPHSs) subject to sinusoidal disturbances. An energy‐based regulation scheme with an internal model unit is proposed by exploiting the stochastic Hamiltonian structure, which drives the tracking error to the origin while maintaining asymptotical stability in probability of the closed‐loop system. An energy‐based robust regulation scheme as well as an alternative condition is then developed without solving Hamilton–Jacobi–Issacs inequalities. The proposed regulators preserve the stochastic Hamiltonian structure of the disturbed SPHS by coordinate transformation. Hence the output regulation problems fall into the stabilization framework for SPHSs and there is no need to solve regulator equations. These results cover the stabilization of SPHSs and the output regulation of deterministic port‐Hamiltonian systems. Simulations on an inverted pendulum show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Does nepotism run in the family? CEO pay and pay‐performance sensitivity in Indian family firms
Authors: Chen Guoli , Chittoor Raveendra , Vissa Balagopal
Published: December 2020

Research Summary

Using a principal–principal agency theory lens, we examine corporate governance and compensation design in family‐owned businesses. We conceptualize how CEO pay and pay‐performance sensitivity is influenced by whether the CEO is a professional or drawn from the controlling family (family CEO). Data from a sample of 277 publicly listed Indian family firms during 2004–2013 support our argument that family CEOs get paid more than professional CEOs. This pattern is stronger in superior‐performing firms that are named after the controlling family (eponymous firms). Furthermore, family CEOs of superior‐performing firms have higher pay‐performance sensitivity compared to professional CEOs of other superior‐performing firms. Our findings reveal nuanced heterogeneity in nepotism in emerging economy family firms—CEO compensation is a mechanism for some controlling families to tunnel corporate resources.

Managerial Summary

We examine whether CEO compensation and its responsiveness to realized firm performance in Indian family firms in influenced by whether the CEO is a professional or drawn from the controlling family (family CEO). Data from a sample of 277 publicly listed Indian family firms during 2004–2013 suggests family CEOs get paid more than professional CEOs. This pattern is stronger in superior‐performing firms that are named after the controlling family (eponymous firms). Furthermore, family CEOs' high compensation is unaffected by poor firm performance and is disproportionately boosted by superior firm performance. These results suggest that poor corporate governance allows some family controlled Indian firms to use CEO compensation as a mechanism to tunnel corporate resources in ways that hurt minority shareholders.
pH‐Dependent Morphology Control of Cellulose Nanofiber/Graphene Oxide Cryogels
Authors: Pan Zheng‐Ze , Govedarica Aleksandra , Nishihara Hirotomo , Tang Rui , Wang Cong , Luo Yi , Lv Wei , Kang Fei‐Yu , Trifkovic Milana , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: December 2020

The precise control of the ice crystal growth during a freezing process is of essential importance for achieving porous cryogels with desired architectures. The present work reports a systematic study on the achievement of multi‐structural cryogels from a binary dispersion containing 50 wt% 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl, radical‐mediated oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNs), and 50 wt% graphene oxide (GO) via the unidirectional freeze‐drying (UDF) approach. It is found that the increase in the sol's pH imparts better dispersion of the two components through increased electrostatic repulsion, while also causing progressively weaker gel networks leading to micro‐lamella cryogels from the UDF process. At the pH of 5.2, an optimum between TOCN and GO self‐aggregation and dispersion is achieved, leading to the strongest TOCN‐GO interactions and their templating into the regular micro‐honeycomb structures. A two‐faceted mechanism for explaining the cryogel formation is proposed and it is shown that the interplay of the maximized TOCN‐GO interactions and the high affinity of the dispersoid complexes for the ice crystals are necessary for obtaining a micro‐honeycomb morphology along the freezing direction. Further, by linking the microstructure and rheology of the corresponding precursor sols, a diagram for predicting the microstructure of TOCN‐GO cryogels obtained through the UDF process is proposed.
Effects of systemic glycine on accumbal glycine and dopamine levels and ethanol intake in male Wistar rats
Authors: Olsson Yasmin , Höifödt Lidö Helga , Danielsson Klara , Ericson Mia , Söderpalm Bo
Published: December 2020

Approved medications for alcohol use disorder (AUD) display modest effect sizes. Pharmacotherapy aimed at the mechanism(s) by which ethanol activates the dopamine reward pathway may offer improved outcomes. Basal and ethanol-induced accumbal dopamine release in the rat involve glycine receptors (GlyR) in the nucleus accumbens (nAc). Glycine transporter 1 (GlyT-1) inhibitors, which raise extracellular glycine levels, have repeatedly been shown to decrease ethanol intake in the rat. To further explore the rational for elevating glycine levels in the treatment of AUD, this study examined accumbal extracellular glycine and dopamine levels and voluntary ethanol intake and preference in the rat, after systemic treatment with glycine. The effects of three different doses of glycine i.p. on accumbal glycine and dopamine levels were examined using in vivo microdialysis in Wistar rats. In addition, the effects of the intermediate dose of glycine on voluntary ethanol intake and preference were examined in a limited access two-bottle ethanol/water model in the rat. Systemic glycine treatment increased accumbal glycine levels in a dose-related manner, whereas accumbal dopamine levels were elevated in a subpopulation of animals, defined as dopamine responders. Ethanol intake and preference decreased after systemic glycine treatment. These results give further support to the concept of elevating central glycine levels to reduce ethanol intake and indicate that targeting the glycinergic system may represent a pharmacologic treatment principle for AUD.
Surface defects in 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layers
Authors: Zhao Lixia
Published: December 2020

Although a high-quality homoepitaxial layer of 4H-silicon carbide (4H-SiC) can be obtained on a 4° off-axis substrate using chemical vapor deposition, the reduction of defects is still a focus of research. In this study, several kinds of surface defects in the 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layer are systemically investigated, including triangles, carrots, surface pits, basal plane dislocations, and step bunching. The morphologies and structures of surface defects are further discussed via optical microscopy and potassium hydroxide-based defect selective etching analysis. Through research and analysis, we found that the origin of surface defects in the 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layer can be attributed to two aspects: the propagation of substrate defects, such as scratches, dislocation, and inclusion, and improper process parameters during epitaxial growth, such as in-situ etch, C/Si ratio, and growth temperature. It is believed that the surface defects in the 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layer can be significantly decreased by precisely controlling the chemistry on the deposition surface during the growth process.
One-Humped History: The Camel as Historical Actor in the Late Ottoman Empire
Authors: İnal Onur
Published: December 2020

This article explores the so far little explored animal dimension of the significant social, economic, and ecological transformations that occurred in Western Anatolia in the late Ottoman Empire. It focuses on how the use of the hybrid, one-humped “Turcoman” camel transformed the way in which trade and transport operated in the region. In light of Ottoman, Turkish, and European sources, it suggests that the camel was a visible yet often underestimated actor in the incorporation of Western Anatolia into global markets and integrating the camel as important history-shaping actor into the historical narrative allows us to better grasp the complex relationships that existed between humans, nature, and technology and to change the way we think about the Ottoman Empire.
Promoting water consumption among children: a three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial testing a social network intervention
Authors: Smit Crystal R , de Leeuw Rebecca NH , Bevelander Kirsten E , Burk William J , Buijs Laura , van Woudenberg Thabo J , Buijzen Moniek
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To test the effectiveness of a social network intervention (SNI) to improve children’s healthy drinking behaviours.

Design:

A three-arm cluster randomised control trial design was used. In the SNI, a subset of children were selected and trained as ‘influence agents’ to promote water consumption–as an alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB)–among their peers. In the active control condition, all children were simultaneously exposed to the benefits of water consumption. The control condition received no intervention.

Setting:

Eleven schools in the Netherlands.

Participants:

Four hundred and fifty-one children (Mage= 10·74, SDage= 0·97; 50·8 % girls).

Results:

Structural path models showed that children exposed to the SNI consumed 0·20 less SSB per day compared to those in the control condition (β =0·25,P= 0·035). There was a trend showing that children exposed to the SNI consumed 0·17 less SSB per day than those in the active control condition (β =0·20,P= 0·061). No differences were found between conditions for water consumption. However, the moderation effects of descriptive norms (β= –0·12,P= 0·028) and injunctive norms (β= 0·11–0·14, bothP= 0·050) indicated that norms are more strongly linked to water consumption in the SNI condition compared to the active control and control conditions.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that a SNI promoting healthy drinking behaviours may prevent children from consuming more SSB. Moreover, for water consumption, the prevailing social norms in the context play an important role in mitigating the effectiveness of the SNI.
Analysis of the linkage between viral, bacterial, and protozoal infections and the level of reproductive losses in dairy herds in the Ural region
Authors: Sokolova O.V. , Shilova E.N. , Shkuratova I.A. , Ryaposova M.V.
Published: December 2020

The analysis of the linkage between infection of dairy herds in the Ural region with BVDV, BHV-1, C. abortus and N. caninum with indices of reproductive function and reproductive losses was performed. The results of studies of 1453 samples of biological material by Elisa, PCR and Real-Time PCR were taken into account. The level of BVDV infection in animals of various physiological groups in the examined farms ranged from 15.6 to 66.7%, and the seroprevalence of the BHV-1 field strain was 31.8%. The amount of seroprevalent to C. abortus animals in dairy herds was 55.1 %, to N. caninum-43.3%. The lowest rates of fertilization were found in farms with simultaneous circulation of chlamydia and neosporosis pathogens and in mono-chlamydia infection. In these same herds, there was a longer post-partum interval. The highest mean rate of abortions in cows and heifers was in farms with N. caninum circulation, as well as in mixed infections, with increased action of infectious factors. In the analysis of viral infections, it was established that the highest level of perinatal losses was seen in the presence of BVDV.
Climate and weather of the Southern Urals and their influence on agronomy
Authors: Nesterenko Yu.M. , Solomatin N.V. , Khalin A.V.
Published: December 2020

Changes in climate, precipitation and air temperature in the Southern Urals over the past 133 years are considered. A decrease in the climatic norm of atmospheric precipitation by 24 mm and an increase in the air temperature in the region by 1.2 º C were revealed. The main decrease in precipitation occurred during the growing season of early crops, and air temperatures in the autumn-winter period, which significantly changed the conditions for agronomy. The increasing aridity of the climate has worsened the conditions for growing spring crops. The applied system of rain-fed agriculture in Orenburg region provides the use of only 30–40% of annual precipitation. Early winter sowing of spring wheat in frozen ground with snow cover up to 10–15 cm is proposed. With them, seed germination, seedlings and tillering of plants are well provided with moisture and have favorable temperature conditions in April-May. Plants with a strong root system can get soil moisture up to 1.5 meters deep and effectively use small precipitation in June and July, which mainly moisturizes the soil to a depth of 5 cm. Early winter sowings of spring wheat are less susceptible to droughts, Favorable soil moisture and air temperature in the spring provide early shoots, plant development and 1.5–2-fold increase in yield. With early winter sowings, the efficiency of using annual precipitation increases to 50–55%.
Intraoperative Mass Spectrometry Platform for IDH Mutation Status Prediction, Glioma Diagnosis, and Estimation of Tumor Cell Infiltration
Authors: Brown Hannah Marie , Alfaro Clint M , Pirro Valentina , Dey Mahua , Hattab Eyas M , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A , Cooks R Graham
Published: December 2020

Background

Surgical tumor resection is the primary treatment option for diffuse glioma, the most common malignant brain cancer. The intraoperative diagnosis of gliomas from tumor core samples can be improved by use of molecular diagnostics. Further, residual tumor at surgical margins is a primary cause of tumor recurrence and malignant progression. This study evaluates a desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) system for intraoperative isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation assessment, estimation of tumor cell infiltration as tumor cell percentage (TCP), and disease status. This information could be used to enhance the extent of safe resection and so potentially improve patient outcomes.

Methods

A mobile DESI-MS instrument was modified and used in neurosurgical operating rooms (ORs) on a cohort of 49 human subjects undergoing craniotomy with tumor resection for suspected diffuse glioma. Small tissue biopsies (ntotal = 203) from the tumor core and surgical margins were analyzed by DESI-MS in the OR and classified using univariate and multivariate statistical methods.

Results

Assessment of IDH mutation status using DESI-MS/MS to measure 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) ion intensities from tumor cores yielded a sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy of 89, 100, and 94%, respectively (ncore = 71). Assessment of TCP (categorized as low or high) in tumor margin and core biopsies using N-acetyl-aspartic acid (NAA) intensity provided a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 91, 76, and 83%, respectively (ntotal = 203). TCP assessment using lipid profile deconvolution provided sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 76, 85, and 81%, respectively (ntotal = 203). Combining the experimental data and using PCA-LDA predictions of disease status, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in predicting disease status are 63%, 83%, and 74%, respectively (ntotal = 203).

Conclusions

The DESI-MS system allowed for identification of IDH mutation status, glioma diagnosis, and estimation of tumor cell infiltration intraoperatively in a large human glioma cohort. This methodology should be further refined for clinical diagnostic applications.
Promoting gender, equity, human rights and ethnic equality in neglected tropical disease programmes
Authors: Mbabazi P S , Del Pino S , Ducker C , Dean L , Broekkamp H , Prasetyanti W , Jacobson J , Krentel A , Seunik M , Bustinduy A L , Malecela M
Published: December 2020

Limited attention to tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through the lenses of gender, equity, ethnicity and human rights inadvertently undermines progress due to the exclusion of subgroups in populations living in conditions of vulnerability. Supporting national NTD programmes to make equity analysis part of their routine activities and revitalising intersectoral collaboration will be essential to achieve effective, sustainable service delivery with a person-centred approach. Gender, equity, human rights and ethnic equality for NTD programmes should therefore be incorporated in multisectoral engagements.