bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research of dynamic indicators and influence of different types of rolling stock on railway track
Authors: Shvets A O , Bolotov O M , Percevoj A K , Ghlukhov V V , Bolotov O O , Saparova L S
Published: December 2020

The technical level of rolling stock of railway transport directly affects the economic indicators of the transport industry and the economy of the country as a whole, which leads to the need for improvement of the control, quantitative assessment of the dynamic loading o f rolling stock to ensure safe and reliable communication at the railways. Therefore, in the process of designing and operating the rolling stock the quantitative assessment of dynamic loadings is a relevant scientific and technical problem. The purpose of this work is to study the influence of different types of rolling stock, taking into account the speed of movement on their main dynamic indicators and indicators of interaction of track and rolling stock. The basis of the research is the method of mathematical and computer simulation of the dynamic loading of a freight car using the model of spatial variations of the coupling of five cars and a software complex developed in the branch research laboratory of dynamics and strength of rolling stock (BRL DSRS). Theoretical studies have been carried out under condition of movement of several types of freight cars: a gondola car of the model 12-532, a hopper car for coal transportation of the model 12-4034 and a flat car with a long cargo of the model 13-401 and typical bogies 18-100 with the speeds from 50 to 90 km/h in the curves with radii 350 and 600 m, with superelevation 130 and 120 mm, correspondingly.
Simulation of environmental pollution from diesel locomotive
Authors: Biliaiev M M , Rusakova T I , Kozachyna V A , Berlov O V , Poltoratska V M , Yakubovska Z M
Published: December 2020

Diesel locomotives are widely used at Ukrainian railway stations as maneuvering locomotives. Emissions from these diesel locomotives contain different toxic chemicals. It is important to understand air contamination patterns which are formed at railway stations. Understanding of these contamination patterns allows to evaluate the negative impact of diesel locomotive emissions on environment. To solve this problem it is necessary to use mathematical models which take into account the most important factors influencing formation of contamination zones. This paper introduces numerical model which allows to simulate pollutants dispersion from moving diesel locomotive. Developed numerical model is based on three dimensional equation of potential flow and three dimensional equation of pollutant dispersion. The model takes into account pollutants (NO, NO
2) chemical transformation. To solve three dimensional equation of potential flow the implicit difference scheme of splitting was used. To solve three dimensional equation of pollutant dispersion the implicit difference scheme of splitting was used. Euler method was used to solve numerically equations of pollutant chemical transformation. Developed numerical model allows to take into account influence of buildings at the railway station on the contamination zones formation. Developed model consumes not much computer time. Results of performed numerical experiment are presented.
Methods and results of evaluating the dual-power electric train crew elements service life
Authors: Horobets V , Sablin O , Fedorov E , Horobets E , Bolotov O , Jangulova O
Published: December 2020

The article assesses the long-term strength of the vibration damper assembly of a double power transmission of electric trains manufactured by «Hyundai-Rotem Company». The technique is described and the analysis of the service life of the elements of the chassis of the electric train is made. The presence and nature of micro cracks in the loaded elements of the vibration damper assembly was evaluated after a full cycle of vibration bench tests. The influence of vertical vibrations of the electric train body on the level of dynamic load and the service life of the bearing elements of the vibration damper assembly is considered. The service life of the vibration damper at the end of the service life has been estimated by comparing working hours and “statistical playback”. The calculation of the resource by the method of “statistical reproduction” confirms the possibility of operating the vibration damping module (second modernization) for 50 years from the date of construction. The influence of the vibration damper position on its dynamic loading is checked. The main stages and sequence of tests for estimation the resource of the longitudinal vibration damper module of a double-fed electric train are also considered, including methodological, calculated and experimental confirmation of the reliability and durability of the unit, which was studied as part of a comprehensive work.
Modernization of the buffer beam of PE2U traction unit electric locomotive
Authors: Bannikov D , Radkevich A , Muntian A
Published: December 2020

The article presents the main results of a theoretical study on the analysis of the stress-strain state of the construction of the buffer bar of the electric locomotive for the control of the traction unit PE2U. The estimation of the possibility and effectiveness of attachment on the front wall of the buffer beam of a special securing bracket was considered as a separate task. In both cases, the finite element method based on the SCAD for Windows computing system was used. As a result, it was found that in general, the design of the buffer beam does not meet the requirements of the current standards. Up to 5 zones of high stress concentration are present in the structure, which, given the long service life of the machines (up to 40-50 years), are potential places for the development of fatigue damage. In order to balance the stress level, we recommended to strengthen the contact zone of the supports under the automatic coupling with the system of horizontal truss plates. The additional recommendation is to reinforce the lower sheet of the buffer beam structure up to and including its replacement by a sheet of greater thickness. Attachment to the front wall of the buffer beam of a special securing bracket for holding in emergency mode the coupling of the locomotive-car is possible provided that this zone is strengthened by the system of additional truss plates. The total increase in the mass of the buffer beam reaches 350 kg (25 % of the original weight of the buffer beam structure).
Design optimization of magnetorheological brake using structural parameter: evaluation and validation
Authors: Patel S , Upadhyay R , Patel D
Published: December 2020

Magneto-rheological (MR) brake is one of the most promising smart systems, which transmit torque with the applied magnetic field. This process is reversible in the absence of magnetic field. In this paper, the most common disk type MR-Brake (MRB) design is selected to optimize for the desired range of torque transmission without changing the diameter of the MRB. The theoretical torque transmission equation is deduced and using that power index dependency is studied for each structural MRB parameter. Three structural parameters (outer radius of the disk, fluid gap, and coil width) are selected, for three levels and analysis has performed using Minitab software to understand percentage contribution of the structural parameters. Then by varying fluid gap and fixing the other two MRB parameters, FEMM analysis has performed to understand magnetic flux concentration at the fluid gap. After confirming the MRB design, MRB is developed having two different MR-fluid working gaps. Later, maximum torque transmission of the MRB having different MR-fluid working gaps are studied at applied current value. The experimental data confirms with theoretical calculation.
Design of multistage forging processes by numerical simulation and experimental verification
Authors: Ruban P , Jayaprakash J , Surendarnath S
Published: December 2020

The Variety of components with different shapes & Sizes with different materials can be formed using Multi stage hot forging processes. In previous times, forging process in multi stage was designed on basis of experience gained in the previous forging practices. Nowadays, many software packages based on FE (finite elements) and FV (finite volumes) method are developed. This enables creation of forging process in more effective and accurate condition. The paper insight is given in the design of multi stage hot forging process for a critical geometry of Socket Forging in a multi-step forging process. The main criterion is to minimize the number of forging stages, proper filling and stressing of the dies by analysing the contact pressure. The Theoretical derivation & Numerical Simulation results are verified with practical, industrial environment.
Use of animal fat methyl ester blend as a fuel in a CI engine
Authors: Dinesh Babu G. , Shaafi T.
Published: December 2020

A Direct Injection Simpson make (S217). Diesel engine examined for the characteristics of performance and emission fuelled with Diesel, methyl ester of waste animal fat (B100) and Diesel – methyl ester of waste animal fat (B20) blends. At constant engine speed, the parameters of emission and performance were determined for different loading conditions at constant engine speed. The peak cylinder pressure registered as 90 bar, 90.48 bar, and 89.93 bar respectively for Diesel, B100 and B20. Unburned HC and CO emissions remained declined in manner for B100 and B20 when related to diesel fuel.
Enhancing the agro engineering system using game theory analytics
Authors: Anithaashri T P , Ravichandran G
Published: December 2020

The advent of technologies and the impact of computer play an essential role in performing regular activities. The new era of Big Data analytics helps in analyzing the data through primary data and secondary data. By using modern tools to handle Distributed File systems enormous data can be handled and processed with high speed and accuracy in a stipulated time. The use of these emerging trends in all the fields gives better solution and strives the world in all aspects of digitization in a successful manner. To produce high yields in food crops, the agriculture adopted modern industrial systems. By using modern tools and techniques the agricultural production can be increased abundantly. The proposed system will help and attract the common people to invest their hard work and time in agricultural production, and make a huge contribution in the financial growth of the nation. The tractors and agro engineering tools for irrigation systems, are already used to improve the production of food crops. But the lack of advanced techniques such as smart system for monitoring the crop, to look for the strength of the soil through soil analyzer, checking for moisturisation in land and air, etc., are very much needed for proper yield. This system presents the novel framework and initial experimental results shows the feasibility of proposed system.
Laser frictional area treatment of zirconium crystals
Authors: Alisin V V , Borik M A , Lomonova E E , Yu Tabachkova N
Published: December 2020

The issues of laser treatment of nanostructured partially stabilized crystals of zirconium dioxide are studied in the article. The phenomena of formation of the topography of the surface of crystals after treatment by focused radiation of a repetitively pulsed laser at a wavelength of 1.06 μm are investigated. Structural changes in the surface layer have been studied by X-ray phase analysis. The formation of a golden film on the surface of the treated crystal and ceramic sample of the same chemical composition and the effect of reducing the coefficient of friction have been established. The tribological properties of PSZ crystals are investigated during friction without lubrication in the sliding mode.
Influence of laser quenching modes on tribological characteristics of 40Cr steel
Authors: Biryukov V P , Sokolov S N , Savin A P , Prince A N
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the results of metallographic and tribological studies of 40Cr steel samples after laser quenching with a rectangular beam. Using a full factorial experiment (FFE), the regularities of changes in the geometric parameters of the laser thermal hardening zones from the processing modes are obtained. It is shown that the jamming load is 1.5-2.1 times higher, and the coefficient of friction is 2-4 times lower than that of normalized 40Cr steel.
Research on slipper bearings of pumps of reactor systems with lead-bismuth coolant at relatively low temperatures
Authors: Bokova T A , Bokov P A , Marov A R , Volkov N C
Published: December 2020

The academic focus of the article relates to nuclear power engineering, reactor plants (RP) with heavy liquid metal coolant (HLMC) – lead and eutectic lead-bismuth. The article’s purpose is to set out the goals and objectives of the research of slipper bearings for HLMC transfer pumps and to identify the problems of design and operation under these conditions based on the available experience. This experience applies both to energy reactors with high HLMC temperatures (400-550°C), and partly to acceleration-controlled systems and research reactors with HLMC temperature of about 200-350°C. The choice of the type of slippper bearing is justified for further researches of its operability in conditions of low HLMC temperatures.
Study of the effects of copper undecylate on the tribological properties of refined waste oil
Authors: Fedosov S V , Terent’ev V V , Markelov A V , Osadchiy Yu P , Sokolov A V
Published: December 2020

The results of experimental studies of the use of refined spent oil as a base for manufacturing of lubricants with additives in the form of copper undocylate are presented. The effectiveness of cleaning spent oil by baromembran methods has been shown. The introduction of copper undecylate into the refined spent oil can reduce the friction factor by 1.7 times, wear by 28%.
Engineering Guidelines for the recovery of fast wearing parts of process equipment of beet sugar plant by plasma spraying with fusing
Authors: Kartsev S V , Kravshenko I N , Kartsev I S , Splavskiy I S , Amelin S S
Published: December 2020

The paper considers the possibility of the recovery of fast wearing parts of process equipment of beet sugar plants and provides a brief description of the recovering technology of these parts by plasma spraying with coating fusing. Technological parameters of plasma spraying with fusing of wear-resistant coatings are considered. On the base of the research work the Engineering Guidelines of recovery of fast wearing parts of process equipment of beet sugar plant by plasma spraying with fusing is provided.
The mechanism of fretting corrosion of details from alloy with shape memory effect
Authors: Khasyanova D U
Published: December 2020

The article presents the fretting wear features of details from alloys with shape memory effect as applied to pipe connections using couplings from alloy with SME (shape memory effect); describes the mechanism of fretting corrosion in the thermomechanical connections using couplings alloy based TiNi with shape memory effect and superplasticity (SU).
Searching for new physics using optically levitated sensors
Authors: Moore David C , Geraci Andrew A
Published: December 2020

We describe a variety of searches for new physics beyond the standard model of particle physics which may be enabled in the coming years by the use of optically levitated masses in high vacuum. Such systems are expected to reach force and acceleration sensitivities approaching (and possibly eventually exceeding) the standard quantum limit over the next decade. For new forces or phenomena that couple to mass, high precision sensing using objects with masses in the fg–ng range have significant discovery potential for new physics. Such applications include tests of fundamental force laws, searches for non-neutrality of matter, high-frequency gravitational wave detectors, dark matter searches, and tests of quantum foundations using massive objects.
Effects of Hyperbaric Nitrogen Narcosis on Cognitive Performance in Recreational air SCUBA Divers: An Auditory Event-related Brain Potentials Study
Authors: Karakaya Huseyin , Aksu Serkan , Egi Salih Murat , Aydin Salih , Uslu Atilla
Published: December 2020

Background

The narcotic effect of hyperbaric nitrogen is most pronounced in air-breathing divers because it impairs diver’s cognitive and behavioral performance, and limits the depth of dive profiles. We aimed to investigate the cognitive effects of simulated (500 kPa) air environments in recreational SCUBA divers, revealed by auditory event-related potentials (AERPs).

Methods

A total of 18 healthy volunteer recreational air SCUBA divers participated in the study. AERPs were recorded in pre-dive, deep-dive, and post-dive sessions.

Results

False-positive score variables were found with significantly higher differences and longer reaction times of hits during deep-dive and post-dive than pre-dive sessions. Also, P3 amplitudes were significantly reduced and peak latencies were prolonged during both deep-dive and post-dive compared with pre-dive sessions.

Conclusion

We observed that nitrogen narcosis at 500 kPa pressure in the dry hyperbaric chamber has a mild-to-moderate negative effect on the cognitive performance of recreational air SCUBA divers, which threatened the safety of diving. Although relatively decreased, this effect also continued in the post-dive sessions. These negative effects are especially important for divers engaged in open-sea diving. Our results show crucial implications for the kinds of control measures that can help to prevent nitrogen narcosis and diving accidents at depths up to 40 msw.
A study of leaf-senescence genes in rice based on a combination of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics
Authors: Xiong Erhui , Li Zhiyong , Zhang Chen , Zhang Jing , Liu Ye , Peng Ting , Chen Zhen , Zhao Quanzhi
Published: December 2020

Leaf senescence is a highly complex, genetically regulated and well-ordered process with multiple layers and pathways. Delaying leaf senescence would help increase grain yields in rice. Over the past 15 years, more than 100 rice leaf-senescence genes have been cloned, greatly improving the understanding of leaf senescence in rice. Systematically elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying leaf senescence will provide breeders with new tools/options for improving many important agronomic traits. In this study, we summarized recent reports on 125 rice leaf-senescence genes, providing an overview of the research progress in this field by analyzing the subcellular localizations, molecular functions and the relationship of them. These data showed that chlorophyll synthesis and degradation, chloroplast development, abscisic acid pathway, jasmonic acid pathway, nitrogen assimilation and ROS play an important role in regulating the leaf senescence in rice. Furthermore, we predicted and analyzed the proteins that interact with leaf-senescence proteins and achieved a more profound understanding of the molecular principles underlying the regulatory mechanisms by which leaf senescence occurs, thus providing new insights for future investigations of leaf senescence in rice.
ITP-Pred: an interpretable method for predicting, therapeutic peptides with fused features low-dimension representation
Authors: Cai Lijun , Wang Li , Fu Xiangzheng , Xia Chenxing , Zeng Xiangxiang , Zou Quan
Published: December 2020

The peptide therapeutics market is providing new opportunities for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, identifying therapeutic peptides and exploring their properties are important. Although several studies have proposed different machine learning methods to predict peptides as being therapeutic peptides, most do not explain the decision factors of model in detail. In this work, an Interpretable Therapeutic Peptide Prediction (ITP-Pred) model based on efficient feature fusion was developed. First, we proposed three kinds of feature descriptors based on sequence and physicochemical property encoded, namely amino acid composition (AAC), group AAC and coding autocorrelation, and concatenated them to obtain the feature representation of therapeutic peptide. Then, we input it into the CNN-Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) model to automatically learn recognition of therapeutic peptides. The cross-validation and independent verification experiments results indicated that ITP-Pred has a higher prediction performance on the benchmark dataset than other comparison methods. Finally, we analyzed the output of the model from two aspects: sequence order and physical and chemical properties, mining important features as guidance for the design of better models that can complement existing methods.
Dynamics of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation
Authors: Furlan Mattia , de Pretis Stefano , Pelizzola Mattia
Published: December 2020

Despite gene expression programs being notoriously complex, RNA abundance is usually assumed as a proxy for transcriptional activity. Recently developed approaches, able to disentangle transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory processes, have revealed a more complex scenario. It is now possible to work out how synthesis, processing and degradation kinetic rates collectively determine the abundance of each gene’s RNA. It has become clear that the same transcriptional output can correspond to different combinations of the kinetic rates. This underscores the fact that markedly different modes of gene expression regulation exist, each with profound effects on a gene’s ability to modulate its own expression. This review describes the development of the experimental and computational approaches, including RNA metabolic labeling and mathematical modeling, that have been disclosing the mechanisms underlying complex transcriptional programs. Current limitations and future perspectives in the field are also discussed.
Identification of Presymptomatic and Asymptomatic Cases Using Cohort-Based Testing Approaches at a Large Correctional Facility—Chicago, Illinois, USA, May 2020
Authors: Wadhwa Ashutosh , Fisher Kiva A , Silver Rachel , Koh Mitsuki , Arons Melissa M , Miller David A , McIntyre Anne F , Vuong Jeni T , Kim Kaylee , Takamiya Mayuko , Binder Alison M , Tate Jacqueline E , Armstrong Paige A , Black Stephanie R , Mennella Connie C , Levin Rebecca , Gubser Jane , Jones Bridgette , Welbel Sharon F , Moonan Patrick K , Curran Kathryn , Ghinai Isaac , Doshi Reena , Zawitz Chad J
Published: December 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Correctional and detention facilities are at high risk of experiencing outbreaks. We aimed to evaluate cohort-based testing among detained persons exposed to laboratory-confirmed cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in order to identify presymptomatic and asymptomatic cases.

Methods

During 1–19 May 2020, 2 testing strategies were implemented in 12 tiers or housing units of the Cook County Jail, Chicago, Illinois. Detained persons were approached to participate in serial testing (n = 137) and offered tests at 3 time points over 14 days (day 1, days 3–5, and days 13–14). The second group was offered a single test and interview at the end of a 14-day quarantine period (day 14 group) (n = 87).

Results

224 detained persons were approached for participation and, of these, 194 (87%) participated in ≥1 interview and 172 (77%) had ≥1 test. Of the 172 tested, 19 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the serial testing group, 17 (89%) new cases were detected, 16 (84%) on day 1, 1 (5%) on days 3–5, and none on days 13–14; in the day 14 group, 2 (11%) cases were identified. More than half (12/19; 63%) of the newly identified cases were presymptomatic or asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the utility of cohort-based testing promptly after initiating quarantine within a housing tier. Cohort-based testing efforts identified new SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic and presymptomatic infections that may have been missed by symptom screening alone.
Negligible hormonal response following dehorning in free-ranging white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)
Authors: Penny Samuel G , White Rachel L , MacTavish Lynne , Scott Dawn M , Pernetta Angelo P
Published: December 2020

The white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is experiencing unsustainable poaching losses fuelled by a demand for horn. Increasingly, private and state reserves are dehorning their rhinoceros populations in an attempt to reduce poaching pressure. Rhinoceroses use their horns in social interactions as well as during resource access and so its partial removal as part of reserve management practices may adversely influence these behaviours. Physiological stress can correlate with animal welfare, reproductive state and health and thus acts as a useful indicator of these parameters. To establish whether dehorning causes a physiological stress response, glucocorticoid and gonadal steroid profiles of free-ranging white rhinoceroses were determined through the collection and analysis of faecal steroid metabolites before and after dehorning. Faecal corticoid profiles were not influenced by the number of occasions a rhinoceros had been dehorned or by the number of days that had elapsed since dehorning. Furthermore, there was no apparent suppression in the concentrations of testosterone or progesterone metabolites in males and females, respectively, after exposure to multiple dehorning procedures. These findings should increase wildlife managers’ confidence that dehorning does not negatively impact white rhinoceros physiology as measured hormonally.
Merwin’s Ecopoetic Conservancy
Authors: Festa Thomas
Published: December 2020

Merwin’s efforts to conserve Earth help us understand his recuperation of poetic form in the later poetry. After deploying traditional poetic devices such as meter and rhyme to voice the ideology he opposed in his middle period, Merwin came to renew traditional form to echo his commitment to preindustrial human symbiosis with the environment—an indigenous consilience. Merwin understood literary adaptation through translation as rooted in a selfless ethics of stewardship. In this renewal, Merwin was never sanguine about salvation through traditional forms of writing or living but remained elegiac in his love and care for what is disappearing from our ecosystems.
Ractopamine-induced fiber type-specific gene expression in porcine skeletal muscles is independent of growth
Authors: Gunawan Andrea M , Yen Con-Ning , Richert Brian T , Schinckel Allan P , Grant Alan L , Gerrard David E
Published: December 2020

Feeding ractopamine (RAC), a β-adrenergic agonist (BAA), to pigs increases type IIB muscle fiber type-specific protein and mRNA expression. However, increases in the abundance of these fast-twitch fiber types occur with other forms of muscle hypertrophy and thus BAA-induced changes in myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition may simply be associated with increased muscle growth known to occur in response to BAA feeding. The objective of this study was to determine whether RAC feeding could change the MyHC gene expression in the absence of maximal muscle growth. Pigs were fed either an adequate diet that supported maximal muscle hypertrophy or a low nutrient diet that limited muscle growth. RAC was included in diets at 0 or 20 mg/kg for 1, 2, or 4 wk. Backfat depth was less (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the low nutrient diet compared with the adequate diet but was not affected by RAC. Loin eye area was greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed an adequate diet plus RAC at 1 wk but did not differ among remaining pigs. At 2 and 4 wk, however, pigs fed the adequate diet had greater loin eye areas (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the low nutrient diet regardless of RAC feeding. Gene expression of the MyHC isoforms, I, IIA, IIX, and IIB, as well as glycogen synthase, citrate synthase, β 1-adrenergic receptor (AR), and β 2-AR were determined in longissimus dorsi (LD) and red (RST) and white (WST) portions of the semitendinosus muscles. MyHC type I gene expression was not altered by RAC or diet. Feeding RAC decreased (P < 0.01) MyHC type IIA gene expression in all muscles, but to a greater extent in WST and LD. MyHC type IIX gene expression was lower (P < 0.05) in WST and LD muscles in response to RAC but was not altered in RST muscles. RAC increased (P < 0.05) MyHC type IIB gene expression in all muscles, but to a greater extent in RST. β 1-AR gene expression was unaffected by RAC or diet, whereas the expression of the β 2-AR gene was decreased (P < 0.001) by RAC. No significant RAC * diet interactions were observed in gene expression in this study, indicating that RAC altered MyHC and β 2-AR gene expression in porcine skeletal muscles independent of growth.
Radical neck dissection with advancement flap in advanced papillary thyroid cancer: a therapeutic option
Authors: Guachilema Ribadeneira Alex Paul , García Cristhian Ramiro , Basantes Andrea Daniela
Published: December 2020

Papillary thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common TC subtype with a global incidence of 80–90% and an annual rate of increase of 5% in the last ten years.

Papillary TC has the peculiar tendency to spread to the central and lateral lymph nodes (LNs) of the neck, and recurrence occurs in 60–75% of cases. The most affected site is the central compartment.

Total thyroidectomy with radical dissection achieved the best results for differentiated TC with LN involvement, with a complication rate of 6%.

Classic radical dissection is an effective surgical approach when performed by experienced surgeons in cases in which there is a good knowledge of local anatomy, decreasing recurrence and improving survival.
Silylamido supported dinitrogen heterobimetallic complexes: syntheses and their catalytic ability
Authors: Zhai Dan-dan , Xie Si-jun , Xia Yi , Fang Hua-yi , Shi Zhang-jie
Published: December 2020

Molybdenum dinitrogen complexes supported by monodentate arylsilylamido ligand, [Ar(Me3Si)N]3MoN2Mg(THF)2[N(SiMe3)Ar] (5) and [Ar(Me3Si)N]3MoN2SiMe3 (6) (Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3) were synthesized and structurally characterized, and proved to be effective catalysts for the disproportionation of cyclohexadienes and isomerization of terminal alkenes. The 1H NMR spectrum suggested that the bridging nitrogen ligand remains intact during the catalytic reaction, indicating possible catalytic ability of the Mo-N=N motif.
A Categorified Excision Principle for Elliptic Symbol Families
Authors: Upmeier Markus
Published: December 2020

We develop a categorical index calculus for elliptic symbol families. The categorified index problems we consider are a secondary version of the traditional problem of expressing the index class in K-theory in terms of differential-topological data. They include orientation problems for moduli spaces as well as similar problems for skew-adjoint and self-adjoint operators. The main result of this paper is an excision principle that allows the comparison of categorified index problems on different manifolds. Excision is a powerful technique for actually solving the orientation problem; applications will appear in companion papers Joyce–Tanaka–Upmeier [16], Joyce–Upmeier [17] and Cao–Gross–Joyce [8].
A Conserved Oomycete CRN Effector Targets Tomato TCP14-2 to Enhance Virulence
Authors: Stam Remco , Motion Graham B. , Martinez-Heredia Victor , Boevink Petra C. , Huitema Edgar
Published: December 2020

Phytophthora spp. secrete vast arrays of effector molecules during infection to aid in host colonization. The crinkling and necrosis (CRN) protein family forms an extensive repertoire of candidate effectors that accumulate in the host nucleus to perturb processes required for immunity. Here, we show that CRN12_997 from Phytophthora capsici binds a TCP transcription factor, SlTCP14-2, to inhibit its immunity-associated activity against Phytophthora spp. Coimmunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation studies confirm a specific CRN12_997-SlTCP14-2 interaction in vivo. Coexpression of CRN12_997 specifically counteracts the TCP14-enhanced immunity phenotype, suggesting that CRN mediated perturbation of SlTCP14-2 function. We show that SlTCP14-2 associates with nuclear chromatin and that CRN12_997 diminishes SlTCP14-2 DNA binding. Collectively, our data support a model in which SlTCP14-2 associates with chromatin to enhance immunity. The interaction between CRN12_997 and SlTCP14-2 reduces DNA binding of the immune regulator. We propose that the modulation of SlTCP14-2 chromatin affinity, caused by CRN12-997, enhances susceptibility to P. capsici.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Identification and Characterization of Nothophoma quercina Causing Bud Blight on Photinia × fraseri in China
Authors: Zou Jian , Dong Yanhan , Wang Huizheng , Liang Wenxing , Li Delong
Published: December 2020

Photinia (Photinia × fraseri Dress) is a well-known green plant that has high ornamental value and is widely distributed around the world. An outbreak of typical bud blight disease was observed between May and August in photinia in 2017 in Qingdao, China. The causal agent for this blight was subsequently isolated from symptomatic samples and identified as Nothophoma quercina based on morphological characterization and molecular analyses (ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TUB2). Results of pathogenicity tests on isolated fungi also supported the conclusion that N. quercina is the pathogen responsible for this condition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bud blight on P. fraseri caused by N. quercina in China.
A New Colletotrichum Species Associated with Brown Blight Disease on Camellia sinensis
Authors: Wan Yuhe , Zou Lvjia , Zeng Liang , Tong Huarong , Chen Yingjuan
Published: December 2020

Brown blight, as the most damaging and common foliar disease of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) in China, has been recently reported to be caused by different species of the genus Colletotrichum. During the years 2016 to 2017, tea plants in commercial tea cultivation areas of Chongqing City that reported significant incidences of brown blight disease were investigated and then analyzed using both morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that at least five species of Colletotrichum were identified, including four well-known species (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. camelliae, C. fioriniae, and C. karstii) and one novel species (C. chongqingense), indicating that there is remarkable species diversity in Colletotrichum spp. present as pathogens. Results of pathogenicity analyses confirmed that C. chongqingense was the causal agent of brown blight and different isolates differed in virulence. C. chongqingense, as a novel pathogen, has never been reported as being associated with brown blight disease in tea plants or anthracnose in other host plants anywhere in the world. Knowledge of the Colletotrichum populations will facilitate further studies addressing the relationships between Colletotrichum spp. and their host plant Camellia sinensis.
Cybersecurity threats to cardiac implantable devices: room for improvement
Authors: Tomaiko Emrie , Zawaneh Michael S.
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review

For over a decade, vulnerabilities in the healthcare industry have been identified. Medical devices such as cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are particularly concerning because of direct threats to patient safety and protected health information (PHI). Although these vulnerabilities have been identified and changes have been made, there is significant room for improvement. We identify changes and improvements to be made in the industry, by providers, and by patients.

Recent findings

Cybersecurity threats in cardiac implantable devices are legitimate concerns for patient safety and PHI. Changes to cybersecurity in these devices have been made, but are far from sufficient.

The number of CIEDs implanted worldwide are expected to increase over the next decade. As computer technology advances, cybersecurity threats will only continue to evolve and become more complex. The healthcare industry should seriously consider improvements to protect patients and providers.
Intranasal delivery of an antisense oligonucleotide to the RNA-binding protein HuR relieves nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Borgonetti Vittoria , Galeotti Nicoletta
Published: December 2020

Neuropathic pain remains an undertreated condition and there is a medical need to develop effective treatments. Accumulating evidence indicates that posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression is involved in neuropathic pain; however, RNA processing is not clearly investigated. Our study investigated the role of HuR, an RNA binding protein, in promoting neuropathic pain and trauma-induced microglia activation in the spared nerve injury mouse model. To this aim, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) knockdown of HuR gene expression was used. Antisense oligonucleotides poorly cross the blood–brain barrier and an intranasal (i.n.) administration was used to achieve central nervous system penetration through a noninvasive delivery. The efficacy of i.n. ASO administration was compared to an intrathecal (i.t.) delivery. I.n. administered ASO reduced spinal HuR protein and relieved pain hypersensitivity with a similar efficacy to i.t. administration. Immunofluorescence studies showed that HuR was expressed in activated microglia, colocalized with p38 and, partially, with extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 within the spinal cord dorsal horn. An anti-HuR ASO inhibited the activation of spinal microglia by reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase, the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and suppressed the spared nerve injury–induced overphosphorylation of spinal p38, ERK1/2 and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK)-1. In addition, HuR silencing increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, promoting the shift of microglial M1 to M2 phenotype. Targeting HuR by i.n. anti-HuR ASO might represent a noninvasive promising perspective for neuropathic pain management by its powerful inhibition of microglia-mediated spinal neuroinflammation and promotion of an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotectant response.
Multi-parameter formulation development for an HIV-vaccine protein with direct validation of epitope binding integrity and stoichiometry
Authors: Popp Corinna , Schramm Philipp , Wagner Ralf , Peterhoff David , Battle Christopher , Kleusch Christian , Plach Maximilian G.
Published: December 2020

Vaccines are on the front line-of-defense against infectious diseases, ranging from threats we are familiar with, including polio, tuberculosis, or HIV, to novel and emerging threats such as SARS-CoV-2. Successful development of new protein-based vaccines requires sophisticated and efficient development of storage and formulation conditions. Here we demonstrate the combined power of 2bind’s sophisticated buffer matrix FORMOscreen®and NanoTemper Technologies’ novel Prometheus Panta high-throughput Dynamic Light Scattering/Nano Differential Scanning Fluorimetry instrument. We show that this combination can comprehensively improve critical biophysical parameters for the HIV-1 vaccine BG505-SOSIP and find the optimal formulation condition with unmatched efficiency.
Dissecting signalling hierarchies in the patterning of the mouse primitive streak using micro-patterned EpiLC colonies
Authors: Plouhinec Jean-Louis , Vieira Mathieu , Simon Gaël , Collignon Jérôme , Sorre Benoit
Published: December 2020

Molecular embryology studies have established that the patterning of the gastrula-stage mouse embryo is dependent on a regulatory network where the WNT, BMP and NODAL signalling pathways cooperate. Still, important aspects of their respective contributions to this process remain unclear. Here, studying their impact on the spatial organization and the developmental trajectories of micro-patterned Epiblast Like Cells (EpiLC) colonies, we show that when BMP is present, it dominates NODAL and WNT and imposes a posterior character to the colonies differentiation. However, the use of twoNodalmutant cell lines allowed us to show that prior to BMP action, NODAL is required to establish the mesendodermal lineage. The fact that mutant phenotypes were more severein vitrothanin vivosuggests that embryonic phenotypes are partially rescued by ligands of extra-embryonic or maternal origin. Our work demonstrates the complementarity of micro-patterned EpiLC colonies to embryological approaches.
Exploring the green purchasing behavior of young generation in Pakistan: opportunities for green entrepreneurship
Authors: Soomro Raheem Bux , Mirani Irfan Ali , Sajid Ali Mirani , Marvi Soomro
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the impact of green purchasing behavior (GPB) of a young generation in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from students of different colleges affiliated with Shah Abdul Latif University from Sukkur and Larkana regions of Upper Sindh. A total of 400 questionnaires were administrated among students and 361 completed questionnaires were returned. A pen-and-paper method was applied to collect the data.

Findings

Model 1 revels that interpersonal influence and environmental knowledge were found positively related to GPB, whereas media and price were found positively but insignificantly related to GPB. Lastly, trust in green products was also found negatively and insignificantly related with GPB. Model 2 was used to test the moderating impact of price on the relationship between EA and GPB.

Practical implications

To promote GPB, government can play significant role by sponsoring environmental campaigns and environmental culture and these campaigns may include broadcasting promotional messages, distributing leaflets with utility bills, speeches in schools and colleges and advertisements with the help of printing and electronic sources.

Originality/value

Regarding green food purchase, this study’s results contribute to the literature by providing some theoretical contributions in literature. Green purchasing is so far a very new notion in Pakistan and therefore, literature on promotion of GPB is still lacking in the said country.
Do expectations towards Thai hospitality differ? The views of English vs Chinese speaking travelers
Authors: Sann Raksmey , Lai Pei-Chun
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on differences in the patterns of online rating behavior that Chinese- and English-speaking travelers adopt when making hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.

Design/methodology/approach

A dual analysis was conducted on 800 online reviews for eight hotel brands. The brands, which are currently operating in Bangkok City, are considered to be representative of their categories. The hotels were selected based on their abilities to meet the quantitative and qualitative requirements of the text mining strategy adopted in this study.

Findings

The results reveal that, with respect to all of the hotel service attributes (i.e. Service, Cleanliness, Room, Sleep Quality, Location, Value and Overall), the ratings offered by the English-speaking guests were higher than the Chinese-speaking travelers. Based on the qualitative analysis, the ten service attributes which had the most impact on traveler satisfaction were distinguished. These attributes were then classified into three broadly themed categories including intangible service, tangible service and staying experience. The results from the word frequency analysis also helps to clarify which features are drawing attention from travelers from different backgrounds.

Originality/value

This study contributes to tourism and hospitality literature by confirming certain differences in the online rating behavior of Chinese- and English-speaking hotel guests.
The effect of social media use on customer qualification skills and adaptive selling behaviors of export salespeople in China
Authors: Zhou Jihong , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to draw on the categorization theory to explore the mediating role of customer qualification skills in explaining how social media use in sales contributes to salespeople’s adaptive selling behaviors to achieve high sales performance in export selling. The study also integrates network effect theory and social linguistics theory to identify the specific social media platform (Facebook versus non-Facebook) and the characteristics of salespeople in terms of English language proficiency, which play a facilitating role in promoting the effectiveness of social media use in export sales.

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling frame of the research is a list of Chinese export salespersons obtained on the FOB Business Forum website. Survey data were obtained from 873 Chinese export salespeople. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the data.

Findings

Social media use in sales is associated positively with customer qualification skills and adaptive selling behaviors. Moreover, the results revealed a partial mediating effect of customer qualification skills on the positive impact of social media use in sales on adaptive selling behaviors. The moderating effect analysis found that the positive association between social media use in sales and customer qualification skills was stronger in export salespeople who used Facebook and had mastered a high level of English language proficiency.

Originality/value

This study provides new findings, based on data collected from salespeople in Mainland China, that support the effectiveness of social media use in an export sales context. Moreover, the study advances prior research by showing that the effectiveness of social media use still depends on the type of social media used and the English language proficiency of the salespeople.
Legitimating accounting change in charities: when values count more than regulation
Authors: Connolly Ciaran , Hyndman Noel , Liguori Mariannunziata
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the way charity accountants understand, interpret and legitimate or delegitimate the introduction of accounting and reporting changes (embedded in the extant charity statement of recommended practice), before these are actually implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on 21 semi-structured interviews with accountants in large UK and Republic of Ireland charities, the manner and extent to which forthcoming changes in charity accounting are legitimated (justified) or delegitimated (criticised) is explored.

Findings

Acceptance of accounting changes in the charity sector by formal regulation may not be necessary for future required adjustments to practice to be legitimated. Using interviews carried out before the implementation of required changes, the results suggest that other factors, such as national culture, identity and mimetic behaviours, may play a major role in the homogenisation and acceptance of accounting and reporting rules. In particular, it is argued that mimetic pressures can be much more influential than regulative pressures in legitimating change in the charity sector and are more likely to lead to the embedding of change.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, it explores rhetoric and legitimation strategies used before changes are actually implemented. Second, it contributes to filling a gap in charities’ research related to intra-organisational legitimation of managerial and accounting changes, illustrating institutional-field identity at work to preserve shared organisational values and ideas. Finally, the research illuminates the importance of particular contextual pressures and individual legitimation arguments during accounting-change processes.