bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of existing and experimental weather models of the near surface atmospheric boundary layer
Authors: Wilson Nia , Cobb Faith A. , Turo Diego , Vignola Joseph , Ryan Teresa J.
Published: December 2020

This work presents a comparison between existing weather models and experimental measurements of the lower atmospheric boundary layer. This work is part of a larger project developing a numerical model of long-range (~3 km) atmospheric acoustic propagation in littoral or riverine environments with a near-shore acoustic source and on-shore receivers. Temperature, humidity, and pressure data are collected with the use of iMet-XQ2 sensors mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle. Vertical measured profiles that will then be compared to existing common models and assumptions (such as Monin-Obukhov similarity theory) to gain a better understanding of these mathematical models and how sufficient these models are at representing the meteorological parameters that will affect acoustic transmission.
Where does the beat fall? Speech-beat alignment in Mandarin and English singing
Authors: Zhang Cong , Slocombe Charlotte A.
Published: December 2020

Text-to-sing generates singing from text input (i.e., music score with lyrics), from which only syllable-level speech-music alignment can be acquired. To enhance the text-to-sing models, more fine-grained phoneme-level information is needed. We therefore investigate the acoustic measurements of segments and their temporal relationship with music beats as an answer from a linguistics perspective. Two research questions are addressed: (1) Do beats align with syllable onsets or nuclear vowel onsets? (2) Do different types of consonants present different speech-beat alignment results? Unaccompanied singing by professional singers in two rhythmically dissimilar languages, English (15 songs) and Mandarin (25 songs), were analysed. Data were segmented manually into phonemes by a trained annotator; a music scholar independently labelled the beats. Preliminary results suggest that Mandarin songs strongly favour vowels as anchors for beats (66.7%) while only 52.9% of beats fall on vowels in English. Both languages show that the beats have a strong preference for the end of consonants and the beginning of vowels. Phoneme types also play a significant role in the speech-beat alignment distribution. Future modelling of the speech-beat alignment in singing and comparison with speech rhythm data will also contribute to linguistic rhythm theories.
Quality of experience in musical acoustics
Authors: Kostek Bozena , Piotrowska Magda
Published: December 2020

Quality of sound is the most crucial issue in musical acoustics. This may be researched in the context of perceived experiences, the so-called Quality-of-Experience domain. For that purpose, subjective tests are carried out, the results of which, based on appropriate statistical analysis, serve as an indication of quality of sound or music. It should be pointed out that experience is not only subjective but also context-dependent. In addition to the external factors related to the test listening conditions, test method, reproduction devices, etc., a person's perception, experience, and cognitive state clearly play a critical role in the context. Despite significant advances in objective measuring methods, the only way to evaluate the subjective quality of musical sound or music is to prepare a set of tests in which a tester's opinion is acquired and then to quantify resulted preferences and choices. The problem that remains still open is mapping quantitative measurement results to the human's evaluation. The paper presents a method of mapping several subjective notions to objectively derived sound features. This is shown in the context of the subjective assessment of the mood of music. Correlation between vocabulary describing music mood and corresponding sound attributes is shown based on the listening tests performed.
Similarity spectral analysis of installed high-performance jet engine noise
Authors: Epps Kristi A. , Vaughn Aaron B. , Leete Kevin M. , Gee Kent L. , Wall Alan T.
Published: December 2020

Because the noise source mechanisms and radiation properties associated with high-thrust, tactical jet engines are not fully understood, full-scale measurements and analysis can shed significant insight. One method for examining spectral data is to compare them to empirical models for jet noise spectra. This paper compares measured near-field spectra from an installed F-404 engine with analytical similarity spectra for fine-scale mixing noise, large-scale mixing noise, and broadband-shock associated noise. This similarity spectral analysis enables us to determine spatial trends in overall level and peak frequency, and the relative importance of each type of noise radiation per location. This approach can be used to gain insights for different engine conditions as well as quickly compare to other aircraft.
Analysis of overall noise levels from space vehicle launches
Authors: Mathews Logan T. , Gee Kent L. , Hart Grant W.
Published: December 2020

A previous paper [L. T. Mathews et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 146, 3043 (2019)] described acoustical measurements made of Falcon 9 space vehicle launches, as measured from various locations within a community near Vandenberg Air Force Base. This paper investigates the directivity pattern measured at one of the launches and compares it with historical and recent literature. Comparisons are made for peak directivity angle and corresponding level at that angle, directivity pattern shape, and calculated overall power level. Results are connected to relatively simple models based on a few engine parameters.
An update to ANSI/ASA S12.2-2019: Criteria For evaluating room noise—Where to go next?
Authors: Sylvestre-Williams Nicholas
Published: December 2020

The S12.2 standard provides methods for evaluating room noise such as NC curves or overall dBA levels. It has been around, in a rather similar form, for more than 25 years. While some concepts have moved from the main section to the annex (e.g., NCB), other concepts remain unchanged. A survey was taken in 2019 to evaluate the use and functionality of the various elements of the standard (e.g., the degree of usage of NC versus dBA vs NCB versus PNC vs RNC versus RCMkII). Additional items for consideration into the a revision of the standard were polled (e.g., 1/3 Octaves, minimum background levels, etc.) This session will give a brief overview of the standard and significant time will be spent on the next steps and ideas for changes to the standard. Feedback will be welcome and additional time will be given for group discussion.
The evolution of standard S12.60 acoustical performance criteria, design requirements, and guidelines for schools
Authors: Lind StephenJ.
Published: December 2020

The committee on standards for the Acoustical Society of America was asked by the US Access board and others to develop standards for acceptable acoustics in classrooms. The effort resulted in a standard comprised of several parts. The first document was approved in 2002 and this later became part 1. The initial desire was to have a federal rulemaking and incorporate the standard into coverage for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Part 2 was approved in 2009 and provided guidance for relocatable learning spaces. The intent to have a federal rulemaking was thwarted by political factors so Part 1 was revised in 2010 with the intent to put the document into a format that would allow its incorporation or use in building codes. Part 3 is still being developed, but it is intended for Information Technology Equipment in Classrooms. Part 4 was approved in 2019 and gives guidance for education spaces such as gymnasia and other spaces used for physical education.
Femtoliter acoustofluidics
Authors: Zhang Naiqing , Horesh Amihai , Manor Ofer , Friend James
Published: December 2020

Working with extremely small fluid samples has been difficult due to evaporation and the dominance of surface and viscous forces. Recent work has demonstrated that manipulation of fluids and their contents at these scales is now possible using MHz-order acoustic waves, not only due to acoustic streaming but other, newly discovered nonlinear interactions between the acoustic wave and the channel. Here, we show that MHz-order surface acoustic waves (SAW) can manipulate 10–100 femtoliter fluid droplets within fully transparent, high-aspect ratio (100 nm tall, 20–100 μm wide, 5 mm long) nanoslits fabricated via a direct, room temperature bonding method for lithium niobate. The droplets are entrapped by capillary forces in discrete positions, enabling droplet transport, splitting, merging, and mixing, all at length scales far below what has been reported in the literature to date. Enabled by the intense accelerations made possible from acoustic waves, we detail the new form of droplet propulsion and manipulation with a detailed theoretical model that captures the salient physics. Our results suggest that nanofluidics is essentially made practical via acoustics.
Effects of context in environmental sound perception in older normal hearing and cochlear implant listeners
Authors: Swail Katie I. , Shafiro Valeriy , Vasil Kara J. , Moberly Aaron C. , Oh Jasper , Malinasky Melissa
Published: December 2020

The use of context by individuals with hearing loss has been extensively studied in speech, but not in environmental sound perception. The effect of context on environmental sound perception was investigated in 26 older normal hearing (ONH) and 46 adult postlingual cochlear implant (CI) listeners. Participants first identified 24 individual environmental sounds in isolation and then were presented with the same sounds arranged in 3–5 sound sequences. Half of the sequences were either contextually coherent (i.e., likely to be heard together) and half were incoherent. Results revealed greater accuracy of ONH than CI listeners in identification of isolated environmental sounds. However, no group differences were observed in the identification of sounds sequences. In both groups contextually coherent sequences were identified more accurately than incoherent ones, while accuracy decreased with sequence length. Sequence length interacted with context, with context effect increasing for longer sequences. These findings demonstrate that environmental sound identification remains challenging for CI listeners. Nevertheless, both CI and ONH listeners utilize context to aid in environmental sound identification in perceptually challenging tasks associated with a greater working memory load. Future research may further assess the relationship between environmental sound perception and other ecologically significant aspects of electric hearing.
Feasibility of virtual telehealth cochlear-implant testing
Authors: Bernstein Joshua G. , Pillion Elicia M. , Phatak Sandeep A. , Dirks Coral , Tolisano Anthony M.
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated remote-testing needs for cochlear-implant (CI) recipients. Progress toward the development and validation of a telehealth system for CI patient care is described. The proposed system contains the most critical elements for a CI programming visit: (1) direct connection via clinical software to evaluate and manipulate electrical-stimulation parameters; and (2) sound-field audiometry and speech-perception testing. The former represents a low technological hurdle as the audiologist remotely controls a laptop preloaded with clinical software that has been mailed to the patient. The latter utilizes a calibrated headphone-based replacement for sound-field testing based on our research experience with simulated free-field listening delivered to the sound processor. This proof-of-concept protocol will include five initial patients in a simulated telehealth environment (audiologist and patient in separate rooms) and 10 patients participating from home. We highlight technological and logistical hurdles overcome, patient and clinician satisfaction, and a comparison of headphone-based to standard-of-care sound-field testing. Implications for remote auditory research with impaired populations are discussed. [Work supported by Defense Health Agency Innovations Group. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of Army/Navy/Air Force, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.]
Diffusive subsurface propagation of Rayleigh mode induced by embedded ultrasonic waveguide
Authors: Lee Yishi
Published: December 2020

Surface degradation in the wood surface has generated unwanted variation in the ultrasound and reduced the efficacy of ultrasonic based non-destructive evaluation (NDE). This study proposes a novel alternative by inserting a waveguide into the wooden medium to eliminate the impact of surface variation on the characteristics of the ultrasonic propagation. This technique creates a small circular insertion of 2 cm depth with 5 mm in diameter, which has been accepted by many utility inspection firms for structural health monitoring (SHM) of wooden utility grids. This work develops a closed-form analytical solution of the elastodynamic problem using the proposed embedded waveguide technique. The resulted solution based on the Navier's formulation discovered two interfering wave modes embedded in the displacement field. These two modes termed fast and slow induce diffusive displacement propagation as a function of the Poisson's ratio of the medium. The analytical result also shows a greater elastic energy penetration as a function of the insertion depth. Resulted wave characteristics are different from the traditional contact-based Rayleigh excitation. A developed numerical model using the semi-explicit differential-algebraic equation (DAE) technique with both steady-state and transient load conditions is demonstrated. The simulated displacement fields are analyzed and compared with the analytical result.
Sound source localization with various ambisonics orders in virtual reality
Authors: Huisman Thirsa , Ahrens Axel , MacDonald Ewen
Published: December 2020

To reproduce realistic audio-visual scenarios in the laboratory, Ambisonics is often used to present a sound field over loudspeakers and virtual reality glasses are used to present visual information. However, the application of both technologies, Ambisonics and virtual reality glasses, might affect the spatial cues for auditory localization, resulting in reduction of the localization accuracy. Furthermore, the combination of both technologies might introduce further errors. Here, we investigated how a head-mounted display affects the localization of virtual sound sources produced using either 1st, 3rd, 5th or 11th order Ambisonics with and without visual information. Preliminary results suggest that there is an effect of Ambisonics order on localization accuracy, mostly in the first order Ambisonics, but that the virtual reality glasses do not add an additional error. The localization error with first order ambisonics remained even with visual information as the perceived location matched better with other visual sources (i.e., nearby loudspeakers). Thus, virtual reality can be used in combination with Ambisonics without additional localization errors, but for localization accuracy it is better to use higher order Ambisonics.
Ray-based methods in PC SWAT
Authors: Woods Denton
Published: December 2020

The Personal Computer Shallow Water Acoustic Toolset (PC SWAT), developed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), is a ray-based simulator capable of running multiple types of sonar simulation scenarios. Recent PC SWAT capability enhancements, such as arbitrarily shaped targets, target occlusion by sea bottom features, and parallelization efforts, will be discussed. These improvements foster greater physical accuracy and fidelity for target scattering simulations. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.]
Association of Jumping Ability and Maximum Strength With Dive Distance in Swimmers
Authors: Calderbank Jessica A. , Comfort Paul , McMahon John J.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between dive distance (DD) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height, track start CMJ height, countermovement broad jump (CMBJ) distance, track start broad jump distance, and isometric midthigh pull peak force and relative peak force.Methods:A total of 27 (11 female and 16 male) regional-national-international-standard swimmers (mean [SD]; age = 19.5 [5.5] y; mass = 69.3 [10.5] kg; height = 1.77 [0.09] m) performed 3 trials of a track start dive, CMJ, track start CMJ, CMBJ, track start broad jump, and isometric midthigh pull.Results:Data were separated into pooled (females and males combined), females, and males. Large to very large correlations were found between DD and all variables tested for pooled data (r = .554–.853,P < .001–.008), with DD-CMBJ displaying the highest correlation (r = .853,P < .001). CMBJ accounted for 70% of the variance in DD. Females demonstrated moderate nonsignificant correlations between DD isometric midthigh pull (r = .379,P < .125). Males demonstrated very large significant correlations between DD-CMJ (r = .761,P < .001).Conclusions:DD demonstrated strong correlations with jump performances and multijoint isometric force production in pooled data. Males showed stronger correlations than females due to being stronger and being able to perform the jumping/strength tasks to a higher standard. Enhanced jump performance and increased maximal force production may, therefore, enhance DD in swimmers.
The Association Between Sleep and In-Game Performance in Basketball Players
Authors: Fox Jordan L. , Stanton Robert , Scanlan Aaron T. , Teramoto Masaru , Sargent Charli
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To investigate the associations between sleep and competitive performance in basketball. Methods: A total of 7 semiprofessional, male players were monitored across the in-season. On nights prior to competition, sleep duration and quality were assessed using actigraphs and sleep diaries. The data were accumulated over 1 (night 1), 2 (nights 1–2 combined), 3 (nights 1–3 combined), and 4 (nights 1–4 combined) nights prior to competition. Performance was reported as player statistics (field goal and free-throw accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and turnovers) and composite performance statistics (offensive rating, defensive rating, and player efficiency). Linear regression analyses with cluster-robust standard errors using bootstrapping (1000 replications) were performed to quantify the association between sleep and performance. Results: The night before competition, subjective sleep quality was positively associated with offensive rating and player efficiency (P < .05). Conclusions: Strategies to increase subjective sleep quality the night before competition should be considered to increase the likelihood of successful in-game performance, given its association with composite performance metrics.
Rapid evolution of coordinated and collective movement in response to artificial selection
Authors: Kotrschal Alexander , Szorkovszky Alexander , Herbert-Read James , Bloch Natasha I. , Romenskyy Maksym , Buechel Séverine Denise , Eslava Ada Fontrodona , Alòs Laura Sánchez , Zeng Hongli , Le Foll Audrey , Braux Ganaël , Pelckmans Kristiaan , Mank Judith E. , Sumpter David , Kolm Niclas
Published: December 2020

The rules of interaction that animals use to coordinate their movements are heritable and can evolve rapidly.
A novel cardiomyogenic role for Isl1
+
neural crest cells in the inflow tract
Authors: Hatzistergos Konstantinos E. , Durante Michael A. , Valasaki Krystalenia , Wanschel Amarylis C. B. A. , Harbour J. William , Hare Joshua M.
Published: December 2020

Cells previously thought to mainly form nerves in the heart turn out to be very important in cardiac muscle formation.
The chaperonin CCT controls T cell receptor–driven 3D configuration of centrioles
Authors: Martin-Cofreces N. B. , Chichon F. J. , Calvo E. , Torralba D. , Bustos-Moran E. , Dosil S. G. , Rojas-Gomez A. , Bonzon-Kulichenko E. , Lopez J. A. , Otón J. , Sorrentino A. , Zabala J. C. , Vernos I. , Vazquez J. , Valpuesta J. M. , Sanchez-Madrid F.
Published: December 2020

Eukaryotic chaperonin-containing TCP1 drives tubulin dynamics and centrosome structure at immune synaptic contacts.
Disparate compound eyes of Cambrian radiodonts reveal their developmental growth mode and diverse visual ecology
Authors: Paterson John R. , Edgecombe Gregory D. , García-Bellido Diego C.
Published: December 2020

Fossil eyes show that some early marine arthropods had acute vision and were capable of functioning at different light levels.
Regulatory encoding of quantitative variation in spatial activity of a
Drosophila
enhancer
Authors: Le Poul Yann , Xin Yaqun , Ling Liucong , Mühling Bettina , Jaenichen Rita , Hörl David , Bunk David , Harz Hartmann , Leonhardt Heinrich , Wang Yingfei , Osipova Elena , Museridze Mariam , Dharmadhikari Deepak , Murphy Eamonn , Rohs Remo , Preibisch Stephan , Prud’homme Benjamin , Gompel Nicolas
Published: December 2020

A high density of regulatory information encodes a quantitative spatial pattern in a
Drosophila
transcriptional enhancer.
Scientists fear no-deal Brexit as deadline looms
Authors: O'Grady Cathleen
Published: December 2020

U.K. researchers in limbo, weeks from crashing out of EU trade and travel rules.
How cats get their stripes and spots
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Newly uncovered mechanism may pattern the coats of other mammals, too.
Federal hospital data system falters at tracking pandemic
Authors: Piller Charles
Published: December 2020

HHS Protect data, which influence how pandemic supplies and support are allocated, conflict with other data sources.
The N-glycome regulates the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition
Authors: Kasper Dionna M. , Hintzen Jared , Wu Yinyu , Ghersi Joey J. , Mandl Hanna K. , Salinas Kevin E. , Armero William , He Zhiheng , Sheng Ying , Xie Yixuan , Heindel Daniel W. , Park Eon Joo , Sessa William C. , Mahal Lara K. , Lebrilla Carlito , Hirschi Karen K. , Nicoli Stefania
Published: December 2020

Sugar code regulates blood stem cells

During embryonic development, blood stem cells are derived from vascular endothelial cells that line the walls of developing arteries. The transition from endothelial cells to blood stem cells is highly regulated and restricted to a small portion of endothelial cells during a brief period of time. The mechanisms regulating this transition are also poorly understood. Kasper
et al.
found that microRNA-223 intrinsically restrains the vascular hematopoietic transition by regulating N-glycan biosynthesis to restrict hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell production and differentiation. Genetics or chemicals could be used to alter the sugar code and change the efficiency of blood production in embryos. Thus, genetically or pharmacologically altering N-glycan biosynthesis in endothelial cells could improve the efficiency of the production of blood stem cells, which could then be used to treat blood diseases such as leukemia.

Science
, this issue p.
1186
The exploitative segregation of plant roots
Authors: Cabal Ciro , Martínez-García Ricardo , de Castro Aguilar Aurora , Valladares Fernando , Pacala Stephen W.
Published: December 2020

Competitive roots

Much of the world's plant biomass exists out of sight underground in the form of roots. Cabal
et al.
developed a theoretical model and tested it empirically to explain the rules that govern root growth (see the Perspective by Semchenko). Plants adjust how and where their roots grow according to how close neighboring—and competing—plants might be. The model extracts some of the rules about how root balls differ when grown close to neighboring plants compared with being grown in the absence of competition.

Science
, this issue p.
1197
; see also p.
1167
A ubiquitous tire rubber–derived chemical induces acute mortality in coho salmon
Authors: Tian Zhenyu , Zhao Haoqi , Peter Katherine T. , Gonzalez Melissa , Wetzel Jill , Wu Christopher , Hu Ximin , Prat Jasmine , Mudrock Emma , Hettinger Rachel , Cortina Allan E. , Biswas Rajshree Ghosh , Kock Flávio Vinicius Crizóstomo , Soong Ronald , Jenne Amy , Du Bowen , Hou Fan , He Huan , Lundeen Rachel , Gilbreath Alicia , Sutton Rebecca , Scholz Nathaniel L. , Davis Jay W. , Dodd Michael C. , Simpson Andre , McIntyre Jenifer K. , Kolodziej Edward P.
Published: December 2020

Tire tread particles turn streams toxic

For coho salmon in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, returning to spawn in urban and suburban streams can be deadly. Regular acute mortality events are tied, in particular, to stormwater runoff, but the identity of the causative toxicant(s) has not been known. Starting from leachate from new and aged tire tread wear particles, Tian
et al.
followed toxic fractions through chromatography steps, eventually isolating a single molecule that could induce acute toxicity at threshold concentrations of ∼1 microgram per liter. The compound, called 6PPD-quinone, is an oxidation product of an additive intended to prevent damage to tire rubber from ozone. Measurements from road runoff and immediate receiving waters show concentrations of 6PPD-quinone high enough to account for the acute toxicity events.

Science
, this issue p.
185
Direct pathogen-induced assembly of an NLR immune receptor complex to form a holoenzyme
Authors: Ma Shoucai , Lapin Dmitry , Liu Li , Sun Yue , Song Wen , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Logemann Elke , Yu Dongli , Wang Jia , Jirschitzka Jan , Han Zhifu , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Parker Jane E. , Chai Jijie
Published: December 2020

Tetrameric immune receptors

Nucleotide-binding/leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors detect pathogen effectors and trigger a plant's immune response. Two groups have now defined the structures of two NLRs that carry Toll-like interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains (TIR-NLRs) (see the Perspective by Tian and Li). Ma
et al.
studied the
Arabidopsis thaliana
TIR-NLR RPP1 (recognition of
Peronospora parasitica
1) and its response to effectors from an oomycete pathogen. Martin
et al.
studied the
Nicotiana benthamiana
TIR-NLR ROQ1 (recognition of XopQ 1) and its response to the
Xanthomonas
effector. Both groups found that these TIR-NLRs formed tetramers that, when activated by binding to the pathogen effector, exposed the active site of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleoside (NAD) hydrolase. Thus, recognition of the pathogen effector initiates NAD hydrolysis and begins the immune response.

Science
, this issue p.
eabe3069
, p.
eabd9993
; see also p.
1163
Towards rational use of baffle arrays on sloped and horizontal terrain for filtering boulders
Authors: Goodwin G.R. , Choi C.E. , Yune C.-Y.
Published: December 2020

Baffle arrays are used to filter boulders from granular flows, such that the impact load exerted on barriers is reduced. However, current guidelines provide limited recommendations on baffle design. In this study, a calibrated discrete element method model was used to model boulders entrained in a bulk granular assembly interacting with baffles and a terminal rigid barrier. Different baffle spacings relative to the boulder diameter (1 < s/δ < 4) were considered. A ratio of s/δ = 1 is recommended for reducing the impact load by up to 80%, whilst s/δ = 4 renders an array of baffles inadequate for filtration. The optimum configuration is a staggered array with three rows of baffles on a horizontal plane in front of a barrier. This layout reduces the peak discharge by up to four times more than a similar array on sloping terrain, compared to channels without baffles. Furthermore, the transition from sloping terrain to a horizontal plane works together with the array of baffles to dissipate flow kinetic energy. On the horizontal plane, baffles attenuate the flow velocity more as the Froude number Fr increases, implying that baffles should be used if high Fr values are anticipated. Finally, guidance is provided on estimating load attenuation from boulder filtration.
Comparative morphology and ontogenetic patterns ofBdallophytumspecies (Cytinaceae, Malvales): insight into the biology of an endoparasitic genus
Authors: Rios-Carrasco Sandra , Vázquez-Santana Sonia
Published: December 2020

Cytinaceae are root endoparasitic plants with only three genera. Their biology is largely unknown, and most knowledge of the family is based on the Old World genus Cytinus. Here, we studied all three species of the New World Bdallophytum from Mexico. We describe their morphoanatomy, floral development, and embryology, highlighting the unique traits of Bdallophytum compared with two other genera of the family and members of Malvales. Both B. americanum and B. andrieuxii are dioecious, whereas B. oxylepis is gynomonoecious. The floral size and the number of floral organs vary within and among species, which appears to be common in Cytinaceae. The flowers of Bdallophytum exhibit synorganization in sexual organs, a synandrium in male flowers, and a gynostemium in bisexual flowers of B. oxylepis. Unisexual and bisexual flowers are zygomorphic at the early developmental stages. The unisexual flowers become actinomorphic in later development, while the bisexual flowers of B. oxylepis remain zygomorphic. The androecium of Bdallophytum has key traits shared with some Malvales, such as the fused filaments in Malvaceae and Sarcolaenaceae and the connective appendage shared with Dipterocarpaceae. Our results suggest that a unitegmic ovule is a unique trait for Bdallophytum. This is proposed here as a putative synapomorphy for Bdallophytum.
Synthesis and characterization of ITr-protected group 11 metal trimethylsilylchalcogenolates
Authors: Nahhas Dickron R. , Corrigan John F.
Published: December 2020

This work describes the synthesis of group 11 metal trimethylsilylchalcogenolate complexes [(ITr)M-ESiMe3] stabilized by the large NHC ligand bis-1,3-tritylimidazole-2-ylidene (ITr). The thiolates and selenolates of Cu, Ag, and Au are accessed from either [(ITr)MOAc] (M = Cu, Ag) and E(SiMe3)2 or [(ITr)AuCl] and Li[ESiMe3] (E = S, Se). All complexes were characterized spectroscopically and, for the copper coordination compounds, via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
The growth mechanism of oxide scale with Pt on NiCoCrAlY coating in water vapor at 1050∘C
Authors: Hua Chen , Song Peng , Huang Taihong , He Xuan , Li Chao , Zhai Ruixiong , Li Qing , Huang Wenlang , Lu Jiansheng
Published: December 2020

In this study, we focus on the oxidation behavior of the oxide scale with Platinum (Pt) on free standing NiCoCrAlY coating in air with water vapor at high temperature. The Pt layer is deposited on the NiCoCrAlY coating surface by electroplating, and then heat treatment at 1000[Formula: see text]C with Argon (Ar) protection. Cycle oxidation of the oxide scale with Pt is conducted in air and air with water vapor at 1050[Formula: see text]C. The results indicated that the spinels (NiCr2O4) are formed on the surface of the alumina scale in air and air with water vapor. However, this kind of spinel is inhibited in the air with water vapor and the scale on the coatings with Pt presents a good adherence during oxidation process. The thermal stress and crack initiation and propagation will be discussed.
Seismogenic fault system of the M
w
6.4 November 2019 Albania earthquake: new insights into the structural architecture and active tectonic setting of the outer Albanides
Authors: Teloni Simone , Invernizzi Chiara , Mazzoli Stefano , Pierantoni Pietro Paolo , Spina Vincenzo
Published: December 2020

A seismic sequence that affected the Durrës region in late 2019 to early 2020 sheds new light on the structural architecture and active tectonic setting of the northern outer Albanides. Stress inversion analysis using focal mechanisms confirms that the area is dominated by ENE-trending horizontal maximum compression. The seismogenic sources consist mainly of ENE-dipping thrust faults roughly parallel to the coastline. The hypocentre distribution indicates that most of the earthquakes, including the M
w
6.4 main shock, nucleated within the basement, with only some of the shallow aftershocks tending to cluster around the deeper portion of previously identified seismogenic structures within the sedimentary cover. Our results, unravelling for the first time the fundamental role of deeply rooted, crustal ramp-dominated thrusting in seismogenesis, imply a profound reconsideration of the seismotectonic setting of the region in terms of a correct assessment of seismic hazard in this densely populated area of Albania.
Bringing Empty Rooms to Life for Casual Visitors Using an AR Adventure Game
Authors: Fazio S. , Turner J.
Published: December 2020

This article reports on a heritage engagement project called Skullduggery at Old Government House. It offers an approach to augmented reality design based on adventure games as a solution to the problem of “empty rooms” encountered by casual visitors to cultural heritage sites such as historic buildings. Many cultural heritage sites depend on didactic panels and perhaps a few tangible items to communicate the history of a heritage location to casual visitors, however, providing a sense of the “spirit” of a site is harder to present to visitors who may only be passing through. The project is a response to this problem in Old Government House, Brisbane. It is inspired by a theatrical tour of the house and the potential of narrative games to re-create the tour's experiential aspects and engagement with a sense of history and place for casual visitors.
Eye-tracking scanpath trend analysis for autism detection
Authors: Eraslan Sukru , Yesilada Yeliz , Yaneva Victoria , Harper Simon
Published: December 2020

Eye-tracking research enables us to understand how users interact with visual stimuli. It has widely been used to understand user interaction with web pages for various purposes, such as to assess the usability and accessibility of web pages. However, individual eye movement sequences (i.e. scanpaths) tend to be complicated and differ from each other, and therefore the analysis of those sequences is challenging. In our previous work, we propose an algorithm called Scanpath Trend Analysis (STA) that analyses the individual scanpaths of multiple users on a particular web page and identifies their trending path. We also present how STA could be used for autism detection and demonstrate that it works with approximately 60% accuracy regardless of web pages and tasks. In this article, we first summarise STA with its application in autism detection, and then discuss future directions for this research.
Reeling in the Zebrafish Cancer Models
Authors: McConnell Alicia M. , Noonan Haley R. , Zon Leonard I.
Published: December 2020

Zebrafish are rapidly becoming a leading model organism for cancer research. The genetic pathways driving cancer are highly conserved between zebrafish and humans, and the ability to easily manipulate the zebrafish genome to rapidly generate transgenic animals makes zebrafish an excellent model organism. Transgenic zebrafish containing complex, patient-relevant genotypes have been used to model many cancer types. Here we present a comprehensive review of transgenic zebrafish cancer models as a resource to the field and highlight important areas of cancer biology that have yet to be studied in the fish. The ability to image cancer cells and niche biology in an endogenous tumor makes zebrafish an indispensable model organism in which we can further understand the mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis and screen for potential new cancer therapies.
Exercise physiology of the left atrium: quantity and timing of contribution to cardiac output
Authors: Bhatt Anish , Flink Laura , Lu Dai-Yin , Fang Qizhi , Bibby Dwight , Schiller Nelson B.
Published: December 2020

Diseases of the left atrium (LA) are major sources of disability (e.g., strokes and fatigue), but its exercise physiology has been unstudied. Such knowledge may allow early recognition of disease and suggest therapies. We show that in normal subjects, low-level exercise decreases LA volume and increases its ejection fraction. However, these changes offset each other volumetrically, and the contribution to LV filling from a full to an empty LA (reservoir function) is static. Higher levels of exercise do not change LA reservoir contribution. Blood flowing directly from the pulmonary vein to LV (conduit flow) impelled by augmented LV active relaxation (suction) is the major source of a modest increase in LV stroke volume. The major source of increased cardiac output with exercise is heart rate. During all stages of exercise, the LA works hard but only to keep up. We believe that our findings provide an additional set of benchmarks through which to quantitate LA pathology and gauge its progression.
Galectin-3 mediates cardiac remodeling caused by impaired glucose and lipid metabolism through inhibiting two pathways of activating Akt
Authors: Sun Zhen , Zhang Lili , Li Lihua , Shao Chen , Liu Jia , Zhou Mengxue , Wang Zhongqun
Published: December 2020

Studies on the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiac remodeling are highly desired. Glucose and lipid metabolism are both disordered in diabetes. Glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances promote myocardial fibrosis, apoptosis, and hypertrophy through galectin-3. Galectin-3 promotes cardiac remodeling by inhibiting phosphorylation of AktThr308 or AktSer473. The present study finds that glucose and lipid metabolism disorders are important causes for myocardial damage and provides novel ideas for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiac remodeling.
Cardiac α1A-adrenergic receptors: emerging protective roles in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Zhang Jiandong , Simpson Paul C. , Jensen Brian C.
Published: December 2020

α1-Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are catecholamine-activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are expressed in mouse and human myocardium and vasculature, and play essential roles in the regulation of cardiovascular physiology. Though α1-ARs are less abundant in the heart than β1-ARs, activation of cardiac α1-ARs results in important biologic processes such as hypertrophy, positive inotropy, ischemic preconditioning, and protection from cell death. Data from the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) indicate that nonselectively blocking α1-ARs is associated with a twofold increase in adverse cardiac events, including heart failure and angina, suggesting that α1-AR activation might also be cardioprotective in humans. Mounting evidence implicates the α1A-AR subtype in these adaptive effects, including prevention and reversal of heart failure in animal models by α1A agonists. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of cardiac α1A-ARs.
The δ subunit of epithelial sodium channel in humans—a potential player in vascular physiology
Authors: Paudel Puja , McDonald Fiona J. , Fronius Martin
Published: December 2020

Vascular epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) made up of canonical α, β, and γ subunits have attracted more attention recently owing to their physiological role in vascular health and disease. A fourth subunit, δ-ENaC, is expressed in various mammalian species, except mice and rats, which are common animal models for cardiovascular research. Accordingly, δ-ENaC is the least understood subunit. However, the recent discovery of δ subunit in human vascular cells indicates that this subunit may play a significant role in normal/pathological vascular physiology in humans. Channels containing the δ subunit have different biophysical and pharmacological properties compared with channels containing the α subunit, with the potential to alter the vascular function of ENaC in health and disease. Hence, it is important to investigate the expression and function of δ-ENaC in the vasculature to identify whether δ-ENaC is a potential new drug target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we will focus on the existing knowledge of δ-ENaC and implications for vascular physiology and pathophysiology in humans.
Robot‐Assisted versus Conventional Open Kidney Transplantation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Guangxiang , Deng Yongming , Zhang Shenjie , Lin Tingshen , Guo Hongqian
Published: December 2020

Background. Perioperative and follow‐up outcomes for patients that received robot‐assisted kidney transplant (RAKT), compared to patients that received conventional open kidney transplant (OKT), remain unknown. We performed a meta‐analysis of controlled studies to compare the safety and efficacy of RAKT versus OKT. Methods. Systematic searching of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify relevant randomized or nonrandomized controlled studies. Perioperative, in‐hospital, and follow‐up outcomes were summarized. A random‐effect model incorporating the potential heterogeneity was used to synthesize the results. Results. Six nonrandomized controlled studies including 263 patients with RAKT and 804 patients with OKT were included. Pooled results showed that compared to those that received OKT, patients that received RAKT had significant higher rewarming time (mean difference (MD): 20.8 min, p < 0.001) and total ischemia time (MD: 17.8 min, p = 0.008) but a lower incidence of surgical site infection (SSI, risk ratio (RR): 0.22, p = 0.03). The incidence of delayed graft function was comparable between groups (RR: 1.10, p = 0.82), and the length of hospital stay was similar (MD: ‐2.03 days, p = 0.21). During a follow‐up of 31 months, patients that received RAKT and OKT had similar serum creatinine levels (MD: 10.12 mmol/L, p = 0.42) and similar incidences of graft rejection (RR: 1.16, p = 0.53), graft failure (RR: 0.94, p = 0.79), and all‐cause mortality (RR: 1.16, p = 0.77). Conclusion. Current evidence from nonrandomized studies suggests that RAKT is associated with a lower risk of SSI and similar midterm functional and clinical efficacy compared to OKT. Randomized studies are needed to validate these findings.
Treatment of Isolated Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fracture with a Horizontal Belt Plate through the Anterolateral Supra‐Fibular‐Head Approach
Authors: Hu Sunjun , Chen Shiyi , Chang Shimin , Xiong Wenfeng , Tuladhar Rujan
Published: December 2020

The posterolateral tibial plateau fracture was not easy to be exposed and fixed with usual techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical stability and clinical outcome of the isolated posterolateral tibial plateau fracture fixed with a single horizontal belt plate through the anterolateral supra‐fibular‐head approach. Fracture models were created by 18 synthetic tibias and fixed with three different fixation modes. Each group was fixed and tested on the loading machine, and final vertical displacement of the fragment was detected and calculated. Clinically, a retrospective analysis of 12 cases of posterolateral tibial plateau fracture from January 2013 to December 2017 was performed. There were 8 males and 4 females, aged 33‐72 years, with an average age of 49.6 years. Isolated posterolateral tibial plateau fractures were identified according to preoperative X‐ray and computed tomography scan. Through the modified anterolateral supra‐fibular‐head approach, the fracture was reduced and fixed by a prebending T‐shaped distal radius plate and rafting screws, with bone substitute grafting or autogenous iliac bone implantation. Patients were followed up to a minimum one year of time period, and the outcome was evaluated clinically and radiologically. The biomechanical study shows that horizontal belt plate fixation for the isolated PL tibial plateau fracture can provide sufficient stability, allowing early knee functional exercise and partial weight bearing. For clinical case series, the average operation time in this group was 73.3 ± 10.2 mins (range: 55‐90), and the average duration of hospitalization was 9.1 ± 3.3 days (range: 5‐16). Patients were followed up for 12‐24 months with an average of 16.5 months, and all patients achieved radiological fracture union after an average of 13.7 weeks. At one year after operation, the average knee score of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scale was 93.2 ± 4.2 points(range: 90‐98), the average score of SMFA was 21.1 ± 5.6 points (range: 14‐31), and the average knee range of motion (ROM) was 121.48° ± 8.88° (range: 105°‐135°). There were 8 cases that were very satisfied and 3 cases that were satisfied with the operation. For an isolated posterolateral tibial plateau fracture, the supra‐fibular‐head approach can fully expose the fracture site; the horizontal belt plate fixation of the fracture is stable and reliable to allow for early‐stage knee rehabilitation, and the outcome of medium‐term clinical follow‐up was satisfactory.
Deciphering Antitumor Mechanism of Pien Tze Huang in Mice of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Proteomics
Authors: Fan Dancai , Liu Chang , Li Li , Lu Cheng , Zhao Ning , Shu Jun , He Xiaojuan , Lu Aiping
Published: December 2020

The Chinese formula Pien Tze Huang (PZH) has been used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and showed positive clinical effects. However, the antitumor mechanism of PZH in HCC remains unclear. In this study, HCC xenograft Balb/c mice were treated with PZH; then, proteomics detection and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were used to analyze the differentiated phosphorylated proteins in tumor tissues. The results indicated that PZH could inhibit tumor weight by 50.76%. Eighty-four upregulated and 11 downregulated phosphorylated proteins were identified in PZH-treated mice. Twenty signaling pathways were associated with inflammation (including the IL-6 and TNFR1/2 pathways), cancer growth (including the p53 and FAK pathways), and the cell cycle (including the G2/M and G1/S checkpoint regulation pathways). Moreover, TNF-α, IL-6, and several typical differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins (such as p-CCNB1, p-FOXO3, and p-STAT3) in tumor tissues, tumor cell viability, and cell cycle arrest assay in vitro further verify the results of IPA. These results revealed that PZH achieved antitumor activity in HCC; the underlying mechanisms of which were mainly through regulating the inflammation-associated cytokine secretion, cancer growth pathways, and induction of G2/M arrest. These data provided the potential molecular basis for PZH to act as a therapeutic drug or a supplement to chemotherapy drugs for human HCC in the future.
Xp;Yq Unbalanced Translocation with Pseudoautosomal Region Aberrations in a Natural Two‐Generation Transmission
Authors: Jiang Yuting , Yu Yang , Zhang Han , Zhang Hongguo , Sun Meiling , Liu Ruizhi
Published: December 2020

Translocations involving X and Y chromosomes rarely occur in humans and may affect reproductive function. We investigated an Xp:Yq unbalanced translocation with pseudoautosomal region (PAR) aberrations in a natural two‐generation transmission. We report the case of an azoospermic male and his fertile mother without any other abnormal clinical phenotypes, except for short stature. Cytogenetic methods, including karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), revealed the translocation. Chromosomal microarray comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) was used to investigate the regions of Xp partial deletion and Yq partial duplication. Final chromosome karyotypes in the peripheral blood of the infertile male and his mother were 46,Y,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22.33;q11.22) and 46,X,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22.33;q11.22), respectively. Short‐stature‐homeobox gene deletion was responsible for the short stature in both subjects. PAR aberrations and AZFc duplication may be a direct genetic risk factor for spermatogenesis. This report further supports the use of routine karyotype analysis, FISH‐based technology, and array‐CGH analysis to identify derivative chromosomes in a complex rearrangement.