bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-criteria decision making in electrical discharge machining with nickel coated aluminium electrode for titanium alloy using preferential selection index
Authors: Phan Nguyen Huu , Vu Ngo Ngoc , Shirguppikar Shailesh , Ly Nguyen Trong , Tam Nguyen Chi , Tai Bui Tien , Thanh Le Thi Phuong
Published: June 2022

In the present scenario, great effort is expended to improve the machining process by adopting multi-criteria decision making in electrical discharge machining (EDM). In this research article, an attempt was made to optimize the process parameters of EDM with Nickel Coated Aluminium Electrode for machining Titanium Alloy using Preference Selection Index (PSI). The experimental work were performed using Taguchi based L16 orthogonal to solve multi-objective optimization problem. The current (I), voltage (U) and pulse on time (Ton) were used as input response variables for investigation process while material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR) were selected as performance measures. The experimental results show that set of optimized parameters of the multi-objective optimization problem in EDM with nickel coated aluminium electrode could improve the machining with better surface measures with less deviation from the prediction. The combination between PSI and Taguchi method reduced and saved significantly the experimental time and cost and increased accuracy for optimization process.
Über den Umgang mit dem Thema der Schwerhörigkeit/Gehörlosigkeit im nationalen und internationalen Fernseh- und Kinofilm
Authors: Eichhorn Thomas
Published: June 2022

Es wird anhand von 415 national und international erschienenen Fernseh- und Kinofilmen der Frage nachgegangen, welche Rolle der Schwerhörigkeit/Gehörlosigkeit und andererseits dem real schwerhörigen/gehörlosen Darsteller im Filmgeschehen zukommt. Dabei wird analysiert, welche Handlungsabläufe in diesem Zusammenhang behandelt werden und wie sich die Produktionen im Laufe der Jahre entwickelt haben. Es wird auf die den HNO-Arzt besonders in seinem Fach interessierenden medizinischen Aspekte, die in den Streifen verarbeitet wurden, hingewiesen. Schließlich werden die Bewertungen die die Streifen in den Internetportalen „Internet Movie Database“ und „Movie Pilot“ von den Zuschauern erhalten haben, zusammengetragen. Exemplarisch wird auf einzelne Filme, die jeweils typisch für eine bestimmte Kategorie stehen, hingewiesen.
Nutraceutical Profile of the Ceylon Spinach (Talinum triangulare)
Authors: Pavithra Mundamoole , Sridhar Kandikere R. , Greeshma Ammatanda A.
Published: June 2022

Objective This study appraises the nutraceutical potential of uncooked and cooked Ceylon spinach, the wild leafy vegetable Talinum triangulare occurring in southwest India.

Materials and Methods Proximal properties (moisture, crude protein, total lipids, crude fiber, ash, total carbohydrates, and calorific value), mineral contents, amino acid composition, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), protein digestibility–corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), protein efficiency ratios (PERs), and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were evaluated by following standard protocols.

Results Total lipids, crude fiber, total carbohydrates, and calorific value were higher in cooked than in uncooked samples. Among nine minerals assessed, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, manganese, and zinc were significantly higher in uncooked samples compared with cooked samples. Lysine, methionine, cystine, tyrosine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and serine were higher and histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, valine, glycine, and proline were lower in uncooked samples. Cooking improved IVPD, PDCAAS, and PER. Capric and linoleic acids were higher in uncooked samples, while palmitic, 1-pyrrolidinebutanoic, and ɑ-linolenic acid acids were higher in cooked samples. The total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFAs) were higher in cooked samples; however, the total saturated fatty acids (TSFAs) were lower in cooked samples. The ratio of TUFA to TSFA was higher in uncooked than in cooked samples.

Conclusion The protein content of T. triangulare is comparable to those of legume seeds and consists of low fat, high fiber, and high carbohydrates along with increased calorific value. The Na/K (<1) and Ca/P (>1) ratios are favorable to combat blood pressure and prevention of calcium loss, respectively. The indispensable amino acids are comparable to or higher than soybean, wheat, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (FAO-WHO) standards. Improved IVPD, PDCAAS, and PER in cooked samples of T. triangulare support its nutraceutical potential in human diet to tackle the protein-energy malnutrition and supplement of its flour strengthens the value of fortified foods. The nutraceutical potential has possible roles to combat lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancers, and cardiac ailments.
Pattern Recognition of Common Multiple Congenital Malformation Syndromes with Underlying Chromatinopathy
Authors: Kaur Anupriya , Chaudhry Chakshu , Kaur Parminder , Daniel Roshan , Srivastava Priyanka
Published: June 2022

Chromatinopathy is an emerging category of multiple malformation syndromes caused by disruption in global transcriptional regulation with imbalances in the chromatin states (i.e., open or closed chromatin). These syndromes are caused by pathogenic variants in genes coding for the writers, erasers, readers, and remodelers of the epigenetic machinery. Majority of these disorders (93%) show neurological dysfunction in the form of intellectual disability. Other overlapping features are growth abnormalities, limb deformities, and immune dysfunction. In this study, we describe a series of children with six common chromatinopathy syndromes with an aim to develop pattern recognition of this emerging category of multiple malformation syndromes
Antioxidants in the Prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: King Rich Ericson C. , Ong Kimberly Mae C.
Published: June 2022

Background Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug that is associated with irreversible hearing loss. A number of antioxidants have been investigated for prevention, but data have so far been inconclusive.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of various antioxidant therapies in preventing hearing loss among adult patients treated with cisplatin.

Methodology We searched for controlled clinical trials evaluating various antioxidants as prevention against cisplatin-induced hearing loss in adults. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with hearing loss. Secondary outcomes include audiometric threshold shifts, tinnitus, tumor response, adverse events, and quality of life.

Results Thirteen randomized trials comprising of nine antioxidant therapies were included. Only coenzyme Q with multivitamins demonstrated significant benefit in preventing cisplatin-induced hearing loss (relative risk: 0.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.04–0.58) in a small study, while data for the rest of the agents were inconclusive. Audiometric threshold shifts were significantly lower in the intervention arm for aspirin, vitamin E, and transtympanic dexamethasone. The available data on tumor response was inconclusive, with no definite evidence of diminished tumor response noted. Adverse events noted include mild ear pain particularly for transtympanic therapies. There was no data available on quality of life.

Conclusion The current available evidence is so far insufficient to establish any benefit for antioxidant therapies for the prevention of cisplatin-induced hearing loss. More high-quality studies are needed to fill in the identified gaps in knowledge.
Pregnancy in Patients with Non-cirrhotic Portal Hypertension: A Literature Review
Authors: Giri Suprabhat , Sahoo Shradhanjali
Published: June 2022

Pregnancy in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is an uncommon condition. Its management is challenging both to the obstetricians as well as to the gastroenterologists due to the lack of more extensive studies and standard clinical practice guidelines. These patients are at increased risk of portal hypertension (PTH) complications, especially variceal bleeding, and with an increased incidence of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Hence, a multidisciplinary approach is required for management of pregnancy in NCPH. This short review describes the different aspects of pregnancy with NCPH, emphasizing specific strategies for preventing and managing PTH from the preconceptional period to postpartum.
Antiepileptic Drug Adverse Cutaneous Reaction in Childhood
Authors: Yimenicioğlu Sevgi , Ekici Arzu , Türkeli Ahmet , Bildirici Yasar
Published: June 2022

Antiepileptic drug (AED) side effects can result in treatment failure, morbidity, and mortality. Adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACRs) frequently occur within the first 2 to 3 months of drug use. We wanted to discuss antiepileptic ACRs in childhood in this study. This was a study of 37 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with ACR and treated with AED in the last 5 years. Over a 5-year period, 37 (1.8%) of the 2,064 epilepsy patients had ACRs. There were 23 (62%) male patients and 14 (38%) female patients. Patients had a median age of 6 years (interquartile range: [IQR]: 3.5–10). The ACRs occurred in a median of 20 (IQR: 14–30) days. There were 28 (75%) patients receiving monotherapy and 9 (25%) patients receiving polytherapy. Overall, 22 (59.5%) of the 37 patients used aromatic drugs (AD), while 15 (40.5%) used nonaromatic drugs (NAD). Morbilliform eruptions accounted for the majority of ACRs (84%). Valproic acid (54%) was the most frequently used AED that resulted in ACRs. There was no significant difference in terms of eruption time, gender, or age between AD and NAD. Within 1 to 2 months of initiating a new AED, patients should be closely monitored for ACRs. If an ACR develops for one AED, greater caution should be taken when initiating the other AED. Although it is well established that ADs cause more skin reactions, we found that one of the NADs, valproic acid, causes more skin reactions.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Spinal Fusion Procedures for Spinal Infections in a Nationwide Hospital Network in Germany
Authors: Abduljawwad Nehad , Pamnani Sunisha , Stoffel Michael , Kraft Clayton N. , Hegewald Aldemar A. , Dörre Ralf , Heese Oliver , Gerlach Rüdiger , Rosahl Steffen , Maier Bernd , Burger Ralf , Wutzler Sebastian , Carl Barbara , Ryang Yu-Mi , Hau Khanh Toan , Stein Gregor , Gulow Jens , Kuhlen Ralf , Hohenstein Sven , Bollmann Andreas , Dengler Julius
Published: June 2022

Background The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical spine care is difficult to assess due to a lack in nationwide evidence from more recent phases of the pandemic. We aimed to describe changes in in-hospital processes associated with spinal fusion procedures in the treatment of spinal infections (SI) during different phases of the pandemic.

Methods In this retrospective observational study, we examined the in-hospital prevalence and outcomes of spinal fusion procedures for SI (along with patient characteristics, rates of transfer to intensive care units, and mortality rates) during the first four waves of the pandemic compared with the corresponding prepandemic periods in 2019. We used administrative data from a nationwide network of 76 hospitals managing 7% of all in-hospital cases in Germany.

Results We observed no significant change in the prevalence of SI fusion procedures during the pandemic, neither in total numbers (349 vs. 373) nor for each wave separately. On a patient level, we found no differences in age, sex, and the prevalence of paresis, and no relevant differences in associated comorbidities. The rate of mechanical ventilation did not change during any of the examined pandemic waves: it ranged between 9.5 and 18.6% during the pandemic and 3.1 and 16.0% during the corresponding prepandemic control periods. The rate of transfer to intensive care changed only during wave 4 (from 70.4 to 54.8%; p = 0.046) but not in any other pandemic phases. We observed no changes in in-hospital mortality rates (range: 2.9–9.7% vs. 6.2–11.3%) or in duration of hospital stay (range: 26.2–30.8 days vs. 20.8–29.2 days).

Conclusions The main finding of our study is that within this nationwide network of spine care centers in Germany, the delivery of surgical treatment of SI by means of spinal fusion procedures was maintained throughout the first four waves of the pandemic. Furthermore, there were no relevant changes in patient demographics, in-hospital processes, and mortality rates.
Portal Pressure Measurements: Locations, Implications, and State of the Art
Authors: Gadani Sameer , Michell Hans , Shah Shetal , Partovi Sasan
Published: June 2022

Portal hypertension defined as pressure within the portal venous system is an important event in the evolution of cirrhosis. With the development of clinically significant portal hypertension, there is increased risk of developing gastroesophageal varices and hepatic decompensation. Endoscopic evaluation of esophageal and gastric varices and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement are gold standard methods for evaluating portal hypertension. Additionally, measurement of HVPG is important in prognostication and assessing efficacy of pharmacotherapy. New state-of-the-art noninvasive techniques are available for diagnosis and assessment of portal hypertension severity. While some of these are validated for larger clinical application, others are still experimental. In this review, we have discussed invasive and noninvasive portal hypertension measurement techniques.
Electrical spectroscopy methods for the characterization of defects in thin-film compound solar cells
Authors: Igalson M. , Czudek A.
Published: June 2022

The electronic activity of defects and their impact on the efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and CdTe solar cells is a subject of continuing interest and dispute in the photovoltaic community. However, after many years of research, the conclusions are far from satisfying yet. Here, the electrical defect spectroscopy results for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and CdTe absorbers and devices are discussed with focus on findings that have been confirmed on many samples but still do not have a well-grounded interpretation. Charged grain boundaries are proposed as a possible source of some signatures observed in deep level spectra in both materials. Electrical nano-characterization methods combined with standard defect spectroscopy are suggested as a promising solution for unraveling the role and origin of dominating defects for solar cells efficiency.
Investigation of 3D and 2D/3D heterojunction perovskite-based phototransistors
Authors: Yang Shang , Li Juan , Song Peixuan , Guo Ning , Liu Jiaqi , Ye Xiaofang , Cai Hongkun , Ni Jian , Zhang Jianjun
Published: June 2022

3D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have been widely used in applications associated with the photovoltaic effect owing to their favorable optoelectronic characteristics. However, the interaction of the perovskite in conventional perovskite-based electronic devices with moisture in air typically leads to a low environmental stability of these devices. Therefore, in this study, we fabricated mixed dimensional 2D/3D perovskite composite active layers to enhance the environmental stability of perovskite-based phototransistors without compromising their photoelectric properties. The photoresponsivity of the optimized 2D/3D perovskite-based phototransistor (5.27 × 10−2 A/W) was observed to be 2.08 times greater than that of the 3D perovskite-based phototransistor (2.61 × 10−2 A/W). Furthermore, the 2D/3D perovskite-based phototransistor retained 90.2% and 82.3% of its photocurrent generation and photoresponsivity, respectively, after being subjected to air with 40% humidity for 14 days. These results suggest that the 2D/3D perovskite films could effectively enhance the photoelectric performance and environmental stability of perovskite-based phototransistors.
Effect of fluids on the critical energy release rate of typical components in shale and andesite by molecular simulations
Authors: Wu Tianhao , Firoozabadi Abbas
Published: June 2022

The critical energy release rate (Gc) is a key parameter in numerical simulations of hydraulic fracturing, which may be affected by a fluid. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of minerals’ tensile failure can be performed to gain insights into the mechanisms relevant to the critical energy release rate at the microscale. The methodology of calculating the critical energy release rate for solid–fluid systems is challenging. In this study, we conduct extensive MD simulations for solid–vacuum and solid–fluid systems. Typical components in shale and andesite, including quartz, muscovite, and kerogen, are selected in our investigation. The effect of H2O and CO2 on the critical energy release rate is analyzed. Fracture propagation and fluid invasion in fractures are also monitored. The results show that quartz and muscovite are brittle in H2O and CO2 and kerogen has very pronounced ductile behavior. H2O can reduce the critical energy release rate of quartz and muscovite slightly, but may increase that of kerogen. The effect of CO2 on quartz and muscovite is mild, while it reduces Gc of kerogen significantly. The implication is the creation of a much higher surface area in kerogen by CO2 than by H2O, which is in line with large-scale observations.
A general tight-binding based energy decomposition analysis scheme for intermolecular interactions in large molecules
Authors: Xu Yuan , Zhang Shu , Lindahl Erik , Friedman Ran , Wu Wei , Su Peifeng
Published: June 2022

In this work, a general tight-binding based energy decomposition analysis (EDA) scheme for intermolecular interactions is proposed. Different from the earlier version [Xu et al., J. Chem. Phys. 154, 194106 (2021)], the current tight-binding based density functional theory (DFTB)-EDA is capable of performing interaction analysis with all the self-consistent charge (SCC) type DFTB methods, including SCC-DFTB2/3 and GFN1/2-xTB, despite their different formulas and parameterization schemes. In DFTB-EDA, the total interaction energy is divided into frozen, polarization, and dispersion terms. The performance of DFTB-EDA with SCC-DFTB2/3 and GFN1/2-xTB for various interaction systems is discussed and assessed.
Reduced Schottky barrier height at metal/CVD-grown MoTe2 interface
Authors: Zhang Pengzhen , Di Boyuan , Lei Wenyu , Wen Xiaokun , Zhang Yuhui , Li Liufan , Yang Li , Chang Haixin , Zhang Wenfeng
Published: June 2022

We demonstrated that Schottky barrier height (SBH) at the metal/CVD-grown MoTe2 interface can be significantly reduced with tunnel contact by inserting a thin Al2O3 layer regardless of the metal work function. The existence of strong Fermi level pinning (FLP) at the metal/MoTe2 interface was verified, while depinning cannot be achieved with Al2O3 insertion. Thus, the fixed charges inside the Al2O3 were proposed to be responsible for the effective SBH reduction in virtue of the eliminated SBH reduction after the post-annealing treatment. This work provides a feasible way to solve the contact issue and favors for the fabrication of high performance MoTe2-based electronic devices.
Demonstration of 621-nm-wavelength InGaN-based single-quantum-well LEDs with an external quantum efficiency of 4.3% at 10.1 A/cm2
Authors: Iida Daisuke , Kirilenko Pavel , Velazquez-Rizo Martin , Zhuang Zhe , Najmi Mohammed A. , Ohkawa Kazuhiro
Published: June 2022

Here, we report highly efficient InGaN-based red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on conventional c-plane-patterned sapphire substrates. An InGaN single quantum well active layer provides the red spectral emission. The 621-nm-wavelength LEDs exhibited high-purity emission with a narrow full-width at half-maximum of 51 nm. The packaged LED’s external quantum efficiency, light-output power, and forward voltage with a 621 nm peak emission wavelength at 20 mA (10.1 A/cm2) injection current were 4.3%, 1.7 mW, and 2.96 V, respectively. This design development represents a valuable contribution to the next generation of micro-LED displays.
Theory of chain walking catalysis: From disordered dendrimers to dendritic bottle-brushes
Authors: Dockhorn R. , Sommer J.-U.
Published: June 2022

The chain walking (CW) polymerization technique has the unique property of a movable catalyst synthesizing its own path by creating branch-on-branch structures. By successive attachment of monomers, the resulting architecture ranges from dendritic to linear growth depending on the walking rate, which is defined by the ratio of walking steps and reaction events of the catalyst. The transition regime is characterized by local dendritic sub-structures (dendritic blobs) and a global linear chain feature forming a dendritic bottle-brush. A scaling model for structures obtained by CW catalysis is presented and validated by computer simulation relating the extensions of CW structures to the catalyst’s walking ability. The limiting case of linear (low walking rate) and dendritic growth (high walking rate) is recovered, and the latter is shown to bear analogies to the Barabási–Albert graph and Bernoulli growth random walk. We could quantify the size of the dendritic blob as a function of the walking rate by using spectral properties of the connectivity matrix of the simulated macromolecules. This allows us to fit the numerical constants in the scaling approach. We predict that independent of the underlying chemical process, all CW polymerization syntheses involving a highly mobile catalyst ultimately result in bottle-brush structures whose properties depend on a unique parameter: the walking rate.
Lattice Boltzmann model for simulation of flow in intracranial aneurysms considering non-Newtonian effects
Authors: Hosseini S. A. , Huang F. , Thévenin D.
Published: June 2022

We propose a robust modified central Hermite polynomial-based multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann model with independent control over relaxation of acoustic modes for non-Newtonian fluids, more specifically in the context of blood flow in intracranial aneurysms. The use of the robust collision operator along with the implicit computation of the non-linear stress allows for a very wide operation domain in terms of time step and grid-size. The solver is first validated via well-documented configurations such as the 2D Poiseuille–Hagen and lid-driven cavity flows with a power-law fluid. The results clearly show second-order convergence of the scheme. The model is then used to simulate pulsating flow in an ideal aneurysm geometry with four different viscosity laws, namely, Newtonian, power-law, Carreau–Yasuda, and Cross. The results show that the assumption of high shear rates does not necessarily hold within the aneurysm sac. Finally, the solver is used to simulate pulsating blood flow in a patient-specific configuration.
Perspectives and experiences of physiotherapists and general practitioners in the use of the STarT Back Tool: a review and meta-synthesis
Authors: Hill Julia , Try Freya , Agnew Georgia , Saywell Nicola
Published: June 2022

Introduction The STarT Back Tool (SBT) is used to triage people with acute low back pain (LBP) into treatment groups, matched to their risk of chronicity. It was developed in the UK where it has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and reduce time off work. Successful implementation of the SBT outside the UK is dependent on health practitioner’s attitudes and the healthcare system in which they work. Gaining health practitioners’ perspectives on the SBT is an important step in implementation. Methods A computerised search of qualitative literature was conducted across seven databases in March 2021 using keywords to identify studies investigating the perspectives of physiotherapists and general practitioners on the use of the SBT in primary health care. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Data were coded and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Eight articles met inclusion criteria and included the views of 76 physiotherapists and 65 general practitioners, working in primary health care in four countries. Three themes were created from the data: ‘Making it work’, identifies factors that influence implementation and continued use of the SBT. The second ‘will I do it?’, captured potential consequences of adopting the SBT, and the third, ‘it’s all about the patient’ emphasised how the SBT may  affect patients. Discussion Physiotherapists and general practitioners found using the SBT frequently enhanced practice. General practitioners expressed concerns about time constraints and the SBT’s potential to undermine clinical experience. Findings from this study will inform modifications to contextualise the tool to each healthcare environment.
Structure of the human cation–chloride cotransport KCC1 in an outward-open state
Authors: Zhao Yongxiang , Shen Jiemin , Wang Qinzhe , Ruiz Munevar Manuel Jose , Vidossich Pietro , De Vivo Marco , Zhou Ming , Cao Erhu
Published: June 2022

Cation–chloride cotransporters (CCCs) catalyze electroneutral symport of Cl−with Na+and/or K+across membranes. CCCs are fundamental in cell volume homeostasis, transepithelia ion movement, maintenance of intracellular Cl−concentration, and neuronal excitability. Here, we present a cryoelectron microscopy structure of human K+–Cl−cotransporter (KCC)1 bound with the VU0463271 inhibitor in an outward-open state. In contrast to many other amino acid–polyamine–organocation transporter cousins, our first outward-open CCC structure reveals that opening the KCC1 extracellular ion permeation path does not involve hinge-bending motions of the transmembrane (TM) 1 and TM6 half-helices. Instead, rocking of TM3 and TM8, together with displacements of TM4, TM9, and a conserved intracellular loop 1 helix, underlie alternate opening and closing of extracellular and cytoplasmic vestibules. We show that KCC1 intriguingly exists in one of two distinct dimeric states via different intersubunit interfaces. Our studies provide a blueprint for understanding the mechanisms of CCCs and their inhibition by small molecule compounds.
Ancient whale rhodopsin reconstructs dim-light vision over a major evolutionary transition: Implications for ancestral diving behavior
Authors: Dungan Sarah Z. , Chang Belinda S. W.
Published: June 2022

Cetaceans are fully aquatic mammals that descended from terrestrial ancestors, an iconic evolutionary transition characterized by adaptations for underwater foraging via breath-hold diving. Although the evolutionary history of this specialized behavior is challenging to reconstruct, coevolving sensory systems may offer valuable clues. The dim-light visual pigment, rhodopsin, which initiates phototransduction in the rod photoreceptors of the eye, has provided insight into the visual ecology of depth in several aquatic vertebrate lineages. Here, we use ancestral sequence reconstruction and protein resurrection experiments to quantify light-activation metrics in rhodopsin pigments from ancestors bracketing the cetacean terrestrial-to-aquatic transition. By comparing multiple reconstruction methods on a broadly sampled cetartiodactyl species tree, we generated highly robust ancestral sequence estimates. Our experimental results provide direct support for a blue-shift in spectral sensitivity along the branch separating cetaceans from terrestrial relatives. This blue-shift was 14 nm, resulting in a deep-sea signature (λ
max
= 486 nm) similar to many mesopelagic-dwelling fish. We also discovered that the decay rates of light-activated rhodopsin increased in ancestral cetaceans, which may indicate an accelerated dark adaptation response typical of deeper-diving mammals. Because slow decay rates are thought to help sequester cytotoxic photoproducts, this surprising result could reflect an ecological trade-off between rod photoprotection and dark adaptation. Taken together, these ancestral shifts in rhodopsin function suggest that some of the first fully aquatic cetaceans could dive into the mesopelagic zone (>200 m). Moreover, our reconstructions indicate that this behavior arose before the divergence of toothed and baleen whales.
Linking land-use and land-cover transitions to their ecological impact in the Amazon
Authors: Nunes Cássio Alencar , Berenguer Erika , França Filipe , Ferreira Joice , Lees Alexander C. , Louzada Julio , Sayer Emma J. , Solar Ricardo , Smith Charlotte C. , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Braga Danielle de Lima , de Camargo Plinio Barbosa , Cerri Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino , de Oliveira Raimundo Cosme , Durigan Mariana , Moura Nárgila , Oliveira Victor Hugo Fonseca , Ribas Carla , Vaz-de-Mello Fernando , Vieira Ima , Zanetti Ronald , Barlow Jos
Published: June 2022

Human activities pose a major threat to tropical forest biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although the impacts of deforestation are well studied, multiple land-use and land-cover transitions (LULCTs) occur in tropical landscapes, and we do not know how LULCTs differ in their rates or impacts on key ecosystem components. Here, we quantified the impacts of 18 LULCTs on three ecosystem components (biodiversity, carbon, and soil), based on 18 variables collected from 310 sites in the Brazilian Amazon. Across all LULCTs, biodiversity was the most affected ecosystem component, followed by carbon stocks, but the magnitude of change differed widely among LULCTs and individual variables. Forest clearance for pasture was the most prevalent and high-impact transition, but we also identified other LULCTs with high impact but lower prevalence (e.g., forest to agriculture). Our study demonstrates the importance of considering multiple ecosystem components and LULCTs to understand the consequences of human activities in tropical landscapes.
The
Arabidopsis
DREAM complex antagonizes WDR5A to modulate histone H3K4me2/3 deposition for a subset of genome repression
Authors: Wang Yuqiu , Fan Yangyang , Fan De , Zhang Yubo , Zhou Xiaoli , Zhang Ruikai , Wang Yao , Sun Yujie , Zhang Wei , He Yuehui , Deng Xing Wang , Zhu Danmeng
Published: June 2022

The master transcriptional repressor DREAM (dimerization partner, RB-like, E2F and multivulval class B) complex regulates the cell cycle in eukaryotes, but much remains unknown about how it transmits repressive signals on chromatin to the primary transcriptional machinery (e.g., RNA polymerase II [Pol II]). Through a forward genetic screen, we identified BTE1 (barrier of transcription elongation 1), a plant-specific component of the DREAM complex. The subsequent characterization demonstrated that DREAM complex containing BTE1 antagonizes the activity of Complex Proteins Associated with Set1 (COMPASS)-like complex to repress H3K4me3 occupancy and inhibits Pol II elongation at DREAM target genes. We showed that BTE1 is recruited to chromatin at the promoter-proximal regions of target genes by E2F transcription factors. DREAM target genes exhibit characteristic enrichment of H2A.Z and H3K4me2 modification on chromatin. We further showed that BTE1 directly interacts with WDR5A, a core component of COMPASS-like complex, repressing WDR5A chromatin binding and the elongation of transcription on DREAM target genes. H3K4me3 is known to correlate with the Pol II transcription activation and promotes efficient elongation. Thus, our study illustrates a transcriptional repression mechanism by which the DREAM complex dampens H3K4me3 deposition at a set of genes through its interaction with WDR5A.
What more can empirical contextual data tell about the real usage of words and collocations?
Authors: Kit Chunyu , Lu Ying , Liu Meichun
Published: June 2022

This article presents a corpus-based distributional analysis of the usage patterns of a cluster of words and compounds containing the morpheme qià (恰) ‘just, exactly’, by the aid of an extended concordancer to retrieve representative collocations from their adjacent contexts in Chinese Gigaword. Upon a survey of the historical evolution of the qià cluster with exemplar data and an overview of existing proposals to account for their usages in terms of expectational match, our distributional analysis is conducted to identify the salient collocational or contextual features that lead to a number of interesting findings. Substantial evidences are provided for clarifying the non-word status of qià rú (恰如) and qià sì (恰似) and their similarities, the exchangeability of qiàhǎo (恰好) and qiàqiǎo (恰巧), distinct collocational preferences of the adverbs qià (恰), qiàqià (恰恰) and the others with different subsets of verbs, the prosodic requirement of an even number of syllables for a qià-adverb and its main verb, and the contrastive popularity of qiàqià (恰恰) vs qiàdàng (恰当) to reveal different usage tendencies between speakers in Taiwan and the Mainland. All these novel findings and insights about the subtle (dis)similarities in the usage and meanings of the qià (恰) cluster suggest that distributional analysis of contextual collocations using large-scale language data remains a powerful tool that can complement other analytical approaches for the advancement of lexical semantic research.
Relevance
Authors: Wharton Tim
Published: June 2022

Deirdre Wilson (2018)provides a reflective overview of a volume devoted to the historic application of relevance-theoretic ideas to literary studies. She maintains a view argued elsewhere that the putative non-propositional nature of (among other things) literary effects are an illusion, a view which dates to Sperber and Wilson (1986/1995: 224): “If you look at [non-propositional] affective effects through the microscope of relevance theory, you see a wide array of minute cognitive [i.e., propositional] effects.” This paper suggests an alternative, that modern-day humans have two apparently different modes of expressing and interpreting information: one of these is a system in which propositional, cognitive effects dominate; the other involves direct, non-propositional effects. The paper concludes by describing two ways such affects might be assimilated into relevance theory. The first, to accept that humans are much more than merely cognitive organisms; the second, to rethink quite radically what we mean by cognition.
Pragmatic resolutions of temporal and aspectual mismatches
Authors: Saussure Louis de
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a pragmatic solution to utterances where the various indicators of time and aspect (tenses, lexical-conceptual features of Aktionsart, adverb phrases and contextual cues) seem to have divergent temporal reference and aspectual properties. This type of cases is usually treated at the semantic level as ‘mismatches’ and resolved compositionally through logical operations of ‘aspectual coercion’. We suggest on the contrary that no such effect of ‘mismatch resolution’ or ‘coercion’ is at work: these utterances are worked out inferentially according to the various pieces of evidence they provide for their relevance, in line of Deirdre Wilson’s and Dan Sperber’s (1995) relevance theory. Such utterances give rise to cognitive effects that are hardly attainable by apparently more literal formulations, while being cost-effective. Our analysis follows the work ofEscandell-Vidal and Leonetti (2011)about the rigidity and thus prevalence of computational linguistic expressions, called ‘procedural expressions’ byBlakemore (1987)withinSperber and Wilson’s (1995[1986])framework, relevance theory.
Optical properties of He+-implanted and diamond blade-diced terbium gallium garnet crystal planar and ridge waveguides
Authors: You Jia-Li , Wang Yu-Song , Wang Tong , Fu Li-Li , Yue Qing-Yang , Wang Xiang-Fu , Zheng Rui-Lin , Liu Chun-Xiao
Published: June 2022

Terbium gallium garnet (Tb3Ga5O12, TGG) crystal can be used to fabricate various magneto-optical devices due to its optimal Faraday effect. In this work, 400-keV He+ ions with a fluence of 6.0 × 1016 ions/cm2 are irradiated into the TGG crystal for the planar waveguide formation. The precise diamond blade dicing with a rotation speed of 2 × 104 rpm and a cutting velocity of 0.1 mm/s is performed on the He+-implanted TGG planar waveguide for the ridge structure. The dark-mode spectrum of the He+-implanted TGG planar waveguide is measured by the prism-coupling method, thereby obtaining the relationship between the reflected light intensity and the effective refractive index. The refractive index profile of the planar waveguide is reconstructed by the reflectivity calculation method. The near-field light intensity distribution of the planar waveguide and the ridge waveguide are recorded by the end-face coupling method. The He+-implanted and diamond blade-diced TGG crystal planar and ridge waveguides are promising candidates for integrated magneto-optical devices.
Arctic curves of the 6V model with partial DWBC and double Aztec rectangles
Authors: de Kemmeter Jean-François , Debin Bryan , Ruelle Philippe
Published: June 2022

Previous numerical studies have shown that in the disordered and anti-ferroelectric phases the six-vertex (6V) model with partial domain wall boundary conditions (DWBC) exhibits an arctic curve whose exact shape is unknown. The model is defined on a s × n square lattice (s ⩽ n). In this paper, we derive the analytic expression of the arctic curve, for a = b = 1 and

c
=

2

(Δ = 0), while keeping the ratio s/n ∈ [0, 1] as a free parameter. The computation relies on the tangent method. We also consider domino tilings of double Aztec rectangles and show via the tangent method that, for particular parameters, the arctic curve is identical to that of the 6V model with partial DWBC. Our results are confirmed by extensive numerical simulations.
Development of a microclimate control system for a quail farm
Authors: Kostarev S N , Sereda T G , Novikova (Kochetova) O V , Ivanova A S
Published: June 2022

Poultry farming in most countries of the world occupies a leading position among other branches of agricultural production. In recent years, quail breeding has become particularly relevant in Russia and European countries. Intensive growth and development, a short reproduction period, as well as meat and egg productivity, early maturity, high egg production, all this together allows them to be successfully used to obtain high quality products. At the same time, this gives grounds for the competition of quails with chickens for meat and egg productivity. Quail products are recognized as environmentally friendly, easily digestible, a rich source of valuable macro and microelements, as well as a variety of vitamins. In addition, quail eggs are a hypoallergenic product that has tonic properties and contains a large amount of protein. In terms of nutritional properties, quail eggs are healthier than chicken eggs, since they do not contain cholesterol. When growing poultry, no additional costs are required for the prevention of infectious diseases, as well as drugs that accelerate the growth of individuals. Creating optimal microclimate parameters in poultry houses is one of the important conditions for realizing poultry productivity, as well as minimizing the unit costs of material and technical resources. Violation of zoohygienic requirements for keeping quails has a significant impact not only on the productivity of poultry, but also on the health of the personnel working at the factory, as well as on environmental pollution. Microclimate control using an automated system makes it possible to provide optimal conditions for the functioning of the physiological state of individuals, which is reflected in various forms of ethological manifestations, on the reactions of eating behavior.
Multi-level diagnostics of agrarian economy subjects according to the degree of readiness for digital transformations
Authors: Nurimbetov Ravshan , Rakhimova Khavakhon , Almuradov Abdulla , Shodiyabonu Khodjaeva , Kholmuratova Guzal , Durmanov Akmal
Published: June 2022

Although the agricultural sector is one of the most mature sectors in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the share of agriculture in GDP is 27.9%. This indicator proves that one of the key elements of an intensive approach in the field is the problem of digitalization of agriculture. The purpose of the study is to formulate and implement a strategy for modernization of agriculture in the digital economy, to develop theoretical, methodological and organizational-methodological rules to improve the quality of network management. Based on the purpose of the study, the following tasks were identified: to assess the level of readiness of agrarian economic entities for digital transformation, taking into account the impact of external and internal environment, grouping, quantitative and scoring methods. As a result, DIGITAL-analysis was developed by grouping, quantitative and scoring methods of readiness of greenhouses for digital transformations.
The use of electropulse treatment of agricultural plants for various diseases
Authors: Bozorov E O
Published: June 2022

The paper considers measures to combat diseases spread by nematode viruses that infect the root system of tomatoes and cucumbers grown in closed ground and sown areas of the Republic of Uzbekistan, by installing electrical impulse discharges. The use of electropulse treatment is discussed, which does not affect the cost of harvesting, i.e. this technology does not have the results of dangerous consequences, but on the contrary, that the method of electropulse treatment effectively fights against carriers of the disease with worms. The results of experimental studies of the treatment of pathogenic plants with electropulse current discharge are analyzed, recommendations for the use of this technology are given.
Agroecological monitoring of soils in the educational and experimental farm of the Ural State Agrarian University
Authors: Vashukevich N V , Gusev A S , Varnina V A , Chulkov V A , Fedorov A N
Published: June 2022

The analysis of the soil cover is carried out to assess the general condition and suitability of soils for agricultural activities on it and is one of the most important indicators in the course of ecological research. The article discusses the main methods of soil cover survey on experimental fields of the Ural State Agrarian University to monitor the state of soils in this area, the results of which will be used for further research within the framework of the Ural Carbon program; the article also emphasizes the need to solve environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, the destruction of soil cover resulting in its fertility decrease. The necessity of monitoring the soil cover state is described on the example of one of the five test sites laid in the fields of the educational and experimental farm of the Ural State Agrarian University.
The role of industrial enterprises in ensuring food security
Authors: Tukhtabaev J Sh , Uktamov Kh F , Kukhar V S , Loretts O G , Neverova O P
Published: June 2022

This article highlights the role of industrial enterprises in ensuring food security. The main features of the agro-industrial cluster based on production cooperation and the distribution of land allocated for total oilseeds in Kashkadarya region were analyzed. The analysis of the yield of oilseeds in the Republic of Uzbekistan and Kashkadarya region and the efficiency of cultivation of raw cotton on farms in Kashkadarya region were analyzed. The analysis of the efficiency of the crop grown on the farm "Kholiyor Bobo ogli Kholmomin" Yakkabag district of Kashkadarya region and the efficiency of the sunflower grown on the farm "Kuvatov Shakhboz Shukhratovich" Shahrisabz district of Kashkadarya region. In addition, conclusions and recommendations on ways to develop production cooperation between enterprises of agriculture and processing industry were developed.
Genetic resistance of oat of West Siberian breeding to contrasting weather conditions and mineral nutrition level
Authors: Lyubimova A V , Moiseeva M N
Published: June 2022

The publication presents the results of the study of three modern common oat varieties of West Siberian breeding for response to different levels of agricultural background in contrasting moistening weather conditions. The research was carried out in the northern forest-steppe of the Trans-Urals. The soil is leached thin chernozem, medium-humus, heavy-loamy. The following varieties were studied: Talisman, Otrada, and Foma. By applying fertilizers in the experiment, the following agricultural backgrounds were created: control, without fertilizers; medium N60P20 kg/ha of active substance; increased - N90P40; high - N150P6o; very high – N200P80 kg/ha. It was found that the Otrada and Foma varieties have a higher resistance to acute arid conditions compared to the Talisman variety. In a year favorable for moisture due to mineral fertilizers, the maximum yield was obtained for: Talisman – 5.62; Otrada – 6.16 and Foma - 5.78 t/ha of grain. In acutely arid conditions, the Talisman reacted more negatively, the yield of which was equal to 2.30 t/ha. In other varieties, the yield reached 3.11 and 3.36 t/ha, respectively. During the research, it was found that the Otrada and Foma varieties belong to the group of high-intensity varieties recommended for Western Siberia. Biochemical analysis of grain and calculation of influence strength indicator showed that the protein content under the action of fertilizers increases from 6.1-7.0 to 8.4-118%, the Talisman variety had minimal response to fertilizers, where the protein content reached 10.6% only in a dry, hot year. It was revealed that the fat content in oat grain depends only on the variety – the influence strength indicator is 88.9%. The starch content is determined by the weather conditions of the year (36.1%), but varietal features are distinguished.
Information converter of seed pubescence based on software tools for the use of improved process control systems of linking
Authors: Gazieva R T , Yunusova S T , Kurbonov N M
Published: June 2022

The technical process of linting and preparing raw cotton for processing, when it is subjected to a series of sequential operations, which ultimately affect the indicators characterizing both the quality and quantity yield of the finished product. The purpose of the work is to increase the efficiency of the production process of lintered cotton seeds, which consists in reducing the yield of substandard cotton seeds and reducing the consumption of energy and natural resources, by including in the process control system of the genie-linter shop of the local automatic control system (ACS) of the lintering.