bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meptyldinocap and azoxystrobin residue behaviors in different ecosystems under open field conditions and distribution on processed cucumber
Authors: Bian Yanli , Guo Gang , Liu Fengmao , Chen Xiaochu , Wang Zongyi , Hou Tongyao
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Several diseases and insects may cause damage to the normal growth of cucumber. Azoxystrobin and meptyldinocap, because of their novel mode of action, are effective against pathogens that have developed reduced sensitivity to other fungicides. Azoxystrobin is persistent in various crops and environments. However, there is a lack of research on the dissipation of these two pesticides, especially meptyldinocap.

RESULTS

Analytes could be quantified with decent recoveries of 90–101%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 3.0–10.1%. The terminal residues of meptyldinocap and azoxystrobin in cucumber were all < limit of quantification (LOQ) (0.02 and 0.05 mg kg−1). The half‐lives of meptyldinocap and azoxystrobin were 0.8–1.1 and 1.2–2.8 days, respectively. The processing factors (PFs) for washing were all < 1, but the removal rate for washing was < 29.0%. Peeling had a significant effect on the removal of pesticide. The largest residue reductions were noticed through the pickling process, but special care should be taken regarding residues in the pickling solution as pesticides could transfer to them from cucumber. A more interesting finding was that the degradation of two pesticides was accelerated by the addition of calcium oxide.

CONCLUSION

Pesticide residues on cucumber decreased after these processes. These results enable the health‐risks from dietary exposures to pesticide residues to be characterized. They enable maximum residue limits (MRLs) to be established for pesticide residues in food products. They also assist the optimization of food processing with regard to pesticide residue dissipation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Subscribe to Open: A practical approach for converting subscription journals to open access
Authors: Crow Raym , Gallagher Richard , Naim Kamran
Published: October 2019

Key points

OA business models must be sustainable over the long term, and article processing charge payments do not work for all; Subscribe to Open (S2O) is proposed, and being tested, as an alternative model.

The S2O model motivates subscribers to participate through economic self‐interest, without reliance on institutional altruism or collective behaviour.

The S2O offer targets current subscribers, uses existing subscription systems, and recurs annually, allowing publishers to control risk and revert to conventional subscriptions if necessary.

An Annual Reviews pilot is currently testing the S2O model with five journals.
Influence of dissolved oxygen content on the bacteria‐induced ennoblement of stainless steels in seawater and its consequence on the localized corrosion risk
Authors: Trigodet Florian , Larché Nicolas , Morrison Hilary G. , Maignien Loïs , Thierry Dominique
Published: October 2019

The ennoblement of stainless steel (e.g., the increase of open circuit potential [OCP]) is associated with bacterial colonization. This increases the risk of localized corrosion as the critical pitting/crevice potential can be overcome, especially for lower grade stainless steel. In this study, we assessed the influence of dissolved oxygen content (DOC) on the crevice corrosion of duplex and super duplex stainless steels. In addition, we used DNA amplicon sequencing to identify the bacteria most likely associated with the ennoblement. Above approximately 100 parts per billion (ppb) of dissolved oxygen, the ennoblement of OCP was observed leading to an increased risk of localized corrosion. Below approximately 100 ppb of dissolved oxygen, no ennoblement occurred and the risk of localized corrosion was reduced. We identified certain hydrocarbon‐degrading bacteria whose presence correlated with the ennoblement of super duplex stainless steel at saturated DOC. The role of these bacteria is not clear yet, but their distribution indicates a possible involvement in stainless steel ennoblement in seawater.
Qualitative and quantitative determination of potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate in potato starch based on terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Fan Lanlan
Published: October 2019

Terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS) was used to study the additive potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate (PASD) in potato starch. The terahertz time‐domain and frequency domain spectra of potato starch potato starch and PASD were obtained. The absorption coefficient spectrum and refractive index spectrum of the above two substances is calculated. The absorption coefficient spectrum shows that potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate has obvious characteristic absorption peak in terahertz band. THz‐TDS technique can be used to identify the characteristics of potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate in starch. Terahertz time‐domain spectra of potato starch doped with different percentage (mass fraction) potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate were obtained. It was found that with the increase of the content of PASD, the amplitude of the absorption peak decreased and the refractive index decreased gradually, which indicated that THz‐TDS technique could be used for qualitative identification and quantitative detection of PASD in potato starch.
A framework linking ecosystem services and human well‐being: Saltmarsh as a case study
Authors: Rendón Olivia R. , Garbutt Angus , Skov Martin , Möller Iris , Alexander Meghan , Ballinger Rhoda , Wyles Kayleigh , Smith Greg , McKinley Emma , Griffin John , Thomas Merryn , Davidson Kate , Pagès Jordi F. , Read Simon , Beaumont Nicola
Published: October 2019

The ecosystem services approach is based on the interdependencies between nature and human well‐being. However, while the ecosystem services aspect of this approach is well‐developed, the human well‐being aspect remains unstructured and vaguely defined.

An integrated conceptual framework was developed by adapting and linking the UK National Ecosystem Assessment‐Follow On framework with human well‐being domains.

As well as benefits, the notion of disbenefits was incorporated to recognise the potentially detrimental effects from interacting with nature. Benefits and disbenefits occur at the social–ecological interface and are classified by the seven domains of human well‐being they affect.

The framework is applied to saltmarsh habitat as a case study, highlighting knowledge gaps and the potential applicability and usefulness of the framework. In saltmarsh, benefits mainly accrue at larger scales with a greater impact affecting local to global individuals, while disbenefits tend to occur at a smaller scale and impact in‐situ individuals.

The framework provides in‐depth insight into links, trade‐offs and dichotomies between benefits and disbenefits and human well‐being, and improves accessibility to the complex research area of human well‐being.

This research can be a useful tool to guide environmental and health policy and management, as well as stakeholder engagement.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Flame retardant and mechanism of vinyl ester resin modified by octaphenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Zhang Xin , Zeng Gaofeng , Wang Kang , Zhang Wenchao , Yang Rongjie
Published: October 2019

Flamability is one of the major issues for utilization of bisphenol A–type vinyl ester resin (VER) polymeric composites in practical applications. The thermal stability and mechanical property of VER composites containing octaphenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OPS) were investigated and discussed in detail. With increasing the mass ratio of OPS, the residues yield at 800°C and bending strength at break of the VER/OPS composites were enhanced, accompanied with the gradually decreased values of the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke release due to the formation of dense carbon/silica protective layers that acted as a barrier to heat and mass transfer. In addition, the flame‐retardant mechanisms of condensed phase and gas phase were analyzed by XPS, TGA‐FTIR, and GC‐MS. The results showed that when OPS was incorporated to the resin matrix, the characteristic peaks intensity of the gaseous products was reduced obviously due to some of the characteristic groups still retained in condensed phase. Therefore, the significance of this work is providing an optional method to fabricate flame‐retarding VER composites with excellent mechanical properties.
SASBDB: Towards an automatically curated and validated repository for biological scattering data
Authors: Kikhney Alexey G. , Borges Clemente R. , Molodenskiy Dmitry S. , Jeffries Cy M. , Svergun Dmitri I.
Published: October 2019

Small‐angle scattering (SAS) of X‐rays and neutrons is a fundamental tool to study the nanostructural properties, and in particular, biological macromolecules in solution. In structural biology, SAS recently transformed from a specialization into a general technique leading to a dramatic increase in the number of publications reporting structural models. The growing amount of data recorded and published has led to an urgent need for a global SAS repository that includes both primary data and models. In response to this, a small‐angle scattering biological data bank (SASBDB) was designed in 2014 and is available for public access at www.sasbdb.org. SASBDB is a comprehensive, free and searchable repository of SAS experimental data and models deposited together with the relevant experimental conditions, sample details and instrument characteristics. SASBDB is rapidly growing, and presently has over 1,000 entries containing more than 1,600 models. We describe here the overall organization and procedures of SASBDB paying most attention to user‐relevant information during submission. Perspectives of further developments, in particular, with OneDep system of the Protein Data Bank, and also widening of SASBDB including new types of data/models are discussed.
Mosquito repellent thermal stability, permeability and air volatility
Authors: Mapossa António B , Sitoe Alcides , Focke Walter W , Izadi Homa , du Toit Elizabeth L , Androsch René , Sungkapreecha Chanita , van der Merwe Elizabet M
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of mosquito repellents, whether applied topically on the skin or released from a wearable device, is determined by the evaporation rate. This is because a repellent has to be present in the form of a vapour in the vicinity of the exposed skin that needs protection. Therefore, gravimetric techniques were used to investigate the direct evaporation of selected liquid repellents, their permeation through polymer films, and their release from a microporous polyethylene matrix.

RESULTS

Evaporation of a repellent into quiescent air is determined by its air permeability. This is a product of the vapour pressure and the diffusion coefficient, i.e. . It was found that repellents could be ranked in terms of decreasing volatility as: ethyl anthranilate > citriodiol > dimethyl phthalate > N,N‐diethyl‐meta‐toluamide (DEET) > decanoic acid > ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate > Icaridin. Experimental SA values, at 50 °C, ranged from 0.015 ± 0.008 mPa m2 s−1 for the least volatile repellent (Icaridin) to 0.838 ± 0.077 mPa m2 s−1 for the most volatile (ethyl anthranilate). The release rate from microporous polyethylene strands, produced by extrusion‐compounding into ice water baths followed a similar ranking. These strands featured an integral skin‐like membrane that covered the extruded strands and controlled the release of the repellent at a low effective rate.

CONCLUSION

The high thermal and thermo‐oxidative stability together with the low volatility of the mosquito repellents ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate and Icaridin make them attractive candidates for long‐lasting wearable mosquito‐repellent devices. Such anklets/bracelets may have utility for outdoor protection against infective mosquito bites in malaria‐endemic regions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Prospective randomized controlled pilot study on the effects of almond consumption on skin lipids and wrinkles
Authors: Foolad Negar , Vaughn Alexandra R. , Rybak Iryna , Burney Waqas A. , Chodur Gwen M. , Newman John W. , Steinberg Francene M. , Sivamani Raja K.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Almonds are a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants, and their supplementation is known to significantly modulate serum lipids. The effects of almond on the skin's lipid barrier and the appearance of wrinkles have not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of almond consumption on facial sebum production and wrinkles.

Methods

This was a prospective, investigator‐blinded, randomized controlled trial in which subjects consumed 20% of their daily energy consumption in either almonds or a calorie‐matched snack for 16 weeks. This study was completed at the UC Davis Dermatology clinic. Participants were a volunteer sample of generally healthy postmenopausal females with Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2. A facial photograph and image analysis system was used to obtain standardized photographs and information on wrinkle width and severity at 0, 8, and 16 weeks. Measurements of transepidermal water loss and sebum production were also completed at 0, 8, and 16 weeks.

Results

Fifty healthy postmenopausal females were recruited, 31 participants were enrolled, and 28 completed the study. Under photographic analysis, the almond group had significantly decreased wrinkle severity and width compared with the control group at 16 weeks (p< .02). Changes in skin barrier function were nonsignificant, measured by the transepidermal water loss (p= .65) between the almond and control groups relative to baseline after 16 weeks. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that daily almond consumption may reduce wrinkle severity in postmenopausal females to potentially have natural antiaging benefits.
Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐12H‐benzothiazolo[2,3‐b]quinazolin‐12‐ones and Their Activity Against Monoamine Oxidases
Authors: Jafari Behzad , Jalil Saquib , Zaib Sumera , Iqbal Jamshed , Safarov Sayfidin , Khalikova Muattar , Isobaev Muzafar , Munshi Ali , Rahman Qamar , Ospanov Meirambek , Yelibayeva Nazym , Kelzhanova Nazken , Abilov Zharylkasyn A. , Turmukhanova Mirgul Z. , Kalugin Sergey N. , Ehlers Peter , Langer Peter
Published: October 2019

Benzothiazoloquinazolines are known to possess several interesting biological properties. Various arylated benzothiazoloquinazolines were synthesized from readily available 2‐bromo‐12H‐benzothiazolo[2,3‐b]quinazolin‐12‐one by palladium catalysed Suzuki‐Miyaura reactions in 43 – 85% yield. Synthesized derivatives were analysed regarding their in vitro inhibition activity towards monoamine oxidases A and B and showed significant inhibitory values in the micromolar range. Molecular modelling as well as PAINS studies on the binding interaction of most potent inhibitors with both isoforms were studied to verify the experimental results.
Design, Synthesis and in vitro Controlled Release of New Adamantanodiarylketone Antimycobacterials
Authors: Vlachou Marilena , Papanastasiou Ioannis P. , Georgiadis Markos‐Orestis , Tsakoumagkou Argyro , Siskos Zacharias , Siamidi Angeliki , Konstantinou Anna , Vocat Anthony , Cole Stewart T.
Published: October 2019

In the present investigation, the synthesis, the biology and the development of matrix tablet formulations for the in vitro controlled release of new adamantane diarylketone antimycobacterial derivatives, is presented. In the skeleton of the new compounds, a diarylketone, functionalized by a 2‐hydroxypropylenoxy‐3‐butylamine, a 2‐hydroxypropylenoxy‐3‐hexylamine and a 1‐(2‐hydroxyoctyl)piperidin‐4‐yl moiety, is incorporated at the C‐1 adamantane position. The new derivatives were tested against the H37Rv Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain and exhibited satisfactory activity. In view of their lipophilic character, it was intriguing to examine their in vitro dissolution profile in buffer solutions simulating the gastric and intestinal environments. To this end, matrix tablets of the most active compound, {4‐[(adamantan‐1‐yl)phenyl‐4‐(3‐(butylamino)‐2‐hydroxypropoxy)]phenyl}methanone (A), incorporating the appropriate excipients, were prepared using the direct compression method. The preliminary test results show that its dissolution profile is in alignment with the desired pattern for the per os administration of tuberculocidal agents.
Reactions of 1‐(3,3‐Diethoxypropyl)urea with Phenols: Synthesis of 1,6‐Disubstituted Tetrahydropyrimidine‐2(1H)‐ones
Authors: Smolobochkin Andrey V. , Gazizov Almir S. , Voronina Julia K. , Strelnik Anna G. , Rizbayeva Tanzilya S. , Burilov Alexander R. , Pudovik Michail A.
Published: October 2019

Ureas containing alkyl aromatic fragments are an important class of organic compounds due to their high pharmacological activity. However, at the moment there is no common and simple method for the synthesis of these classes of compounds. Therefore, in the present work we propose a new approach to the synthesis of 1,6‐disubstituted tetrahydropyrimidine‐2(1H)‐ones via the acid‐catalyzed reaction of (3,3‐diethoxypropyl) urea with various phenols. The proposed approach allows to obtain target compounds in one‐pot manner and without the use of expensive reagents and catalysts.
2‐Mercapto Benzthiazole Coupled Benzyl Triazoles as New COX‐2 Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, Biological Testing and Molecular Modeling Studies
Authors: Yatam Satyanarayana , Jadav Surender Singh , Gundla Krishna Prasadh , Paidikondala Kalyani , Ankireddy Ashok Reddy , Babu Bathini Nagendra , Ahsan Mohamed Jawed , Gundla Rambabu
Published: October 2019

A series of 2‐mercapto benzothiazole linked with triazoles (3 a‐u) were designed based on our previous experimental evaluation of benzothiazole allied oxadiazoles and synthesized in two step starting from the 2‐mercaptan precursor. The structure of the benzothiazoles were confirmed by infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass (LC–MS) spectral data. The insilico binding mode interpretations in both COX‐1/COX‐2 was investigated, their probable binding energies were predicted and ADMET properties were calculated. The molecular level interactions of the designed library indicated, the aryl ring united with triazole was occupying as mefenamic acid in COX‐2 active site. All the benzothiazoles 3 a‐u were evaluated for their COX inhibitory activities as per the standard protocol reported elsewhere. 2‐(((1‐(2‐chlorobenzyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)thio)benzo[d]thiazole 3 i, 4‐((4‐((benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐ylthio)methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl)benzoic acid 3 t and 4‐((4‐((benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐ylthio)methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl)benzamide 3 u based benzthiazoles showed the most significant COX‐2 inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 4.1, 4.3 and 5.4 μM respectively. The time dependant increase in inhibition of inflammation of above COX‐2 inhibitors in invivo anti‐inflammatory evaluation was noticed. Additionally, 2‐(((1‐(3‐fluorobenzyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)thio)benzo[d]thiazole 3 g expressed the significant DPPH scavenging activity with 80.45 percent inhibition at 100 μM and an IC50 of 27.8 μM. Furthermore, the 50 ns molecular dynamic simulations of 2‐(((1‐(2‐chlorobenzyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)thio)benzo[d]thiazole 3 i to interpret the constant residue interactions might liable for the COX selectivity was presented. Later, they also have been tested for cancer lines at NCI and obtained data were provided.
Design of an Immobilized Biohybrid Catalyst by Adsorption Interactions onto Magnetic Srebrodolskite Nanoparticles
Authors: Morales Andrés H. , Hero Johan S. , Navarro María C. , Farfán Elsa M. , Martínez María A. , Lamas Daniela L. , Gómez María I. , Romero Cintia M.
Published: October 2019

In this work, a novel nanobiocatalyst (L–Mcn4@Ca2Fe2O5) was synthesized from Bacillus lipase on srebrodolskite nanoparticles. Bacillus sp. MCn4 culture media was optimized reaching the maximum lipolytic activity using peptone 7.5 g/L and sucrose 5 g/L and Ca2Fe2O5, was synthesized and characterized (size of 100–150 nm). L–Mcn4@Ca2Fe2O5 was obtained by adsorption (12 U/mg oxide) and successfully characterized by different techniques. According to the best immobilization conditions, pH 4 and 100 Mm ionic strength, an adsorption model with two stages was proposed: initial interfacial activation followed by multi‐point electrostatic interactions. Stability studies showed an enhancement in its performance between 50 and 70 °C and against ethanol compared with free enzyme and the thermal decomposition process was softer when lipase was immobilized. The biocatalyst hydrolyzed fish oil showing enrichment in the PUFAs content with an increase on DHA of 1.2 fold showing a great potential for its use in the food industry.
Highly Electrochemically‐Reversible Mesoporous Na2FePO4F/C as Cathode Material for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jiexin , Zhou Xi , Wang Yunxiao , Qian Jiangfeng , Zhong Faping , Feng Xiangming , Chen Weihua , Ai Xinping , Yang Hanxi , Cao Yuliang
Published: October 2019

As promising cathode materials, iron‐based phosphate compounds have attracted wide attention for sodium‐ion batteries due to their low cost and safety. Among them, sodium iron fluorophosphate (Na2FePO4F) is widely noted due to its layered structure and high operating voltage compared with NaFePO4. Here, a mesoporous Na2FePO4F@C (M‐NFPF@C) composite derived from mesoporous FePO4 is synthesized through a facile ball‐milling combined calcination method. Benefiting from the mesoporous structure and highly conductive carbon, the M‐NFPF@C material exhibits a high reversible capacity of 114 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, excellent rate capability (42 mAh g−1 at 10 C), and good cycling performance (55% retention after 600 cycles at 5 C). The high plateau capacity obtained (>90% of total capacity) not only shows high electrochemical reversibility of the as‐prepared M‐NFPF@C but also provides high energy density, which mainly originates from its mesoporous structure derived from the mesoporous FePO4 precursor. The M‐NFPF@C serves as a promising cathode material with high performance and low cost for sodium‐ion batteries.
Interfacial Bridge Using a cis‐Fulleropyrrolidine for Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Stability
Authors: Tian Chengbo , Lin Kebin , Lu Jianxun , Feng Wenjing , Song Peiquan , Xie Liqiang , Wei Zhanhua
Published: October 2019

Fullerene derivatives, especially after purposely functionalization, have potential to efficiently passivate interfacial defects between perovskites and electron transport layers. In this work, a fullerene derivative with amine functional group, 2,5‐diphenyl C60 fulleropyrrolidine (DPC60), is synthesized and employed as an interfacial layer between a perovskite and SnO2 in planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The cis‐configuration and the specific amine group of DPC60 effectively enhance the chemical interaction between the perovskite and DPC60, promoting the passivation of perovskite defects at the interface. The suitable energy level of DPC60 and the improved conductivity of the SnO2/DPC60 film facilitate the electron extraction from the perovskite layer. As a result, PSCs incorporated with DPC60 reach a PCE of 20.4% with high reproducibility, which is much higher than that of the bare SnO2 based devices (18.8%). Furthermore, the hydrophobic DPC60 layer suppresses heterogeneous nucleation and improves the crystallinity of the perovskite film, resulting in better device stability, retaining 82% of its initial efficiency after 200 h of 1 sun continuous irradiation and thermal ageing (55 ± 5 °C).
Pinning Effect of Oxide Particles on Grain Boundaries of a Low Aluminum Non‐oriented Electrical Steel
Authors: Ren Qiang , Zhang Lifeng , Yang Wen
Published: October 2019

In this article the pinning effect of oxide particles on grain boundaries of a low aluminum non‐oriented electrical steel is studied. According to their locations and morphologies in annealed steel samples, oxide particles are classified into three types: globular ones at grain boundaries, globular ones in the interior of grains, and chain‐like ones pinning at grain boundaries. The chemical composition of oxide particles shows a significant influence on the probability pinning at grain boundaries. The elongation ratio of oxide particles becomes larger with the decrease in their viscosity that is determined by the chemical composition and temperature and is calculated using FactSage. Based on the thermodynamic analysis, small particles forming during solidification have more content of SiO2 due to the reaction between the dissolved oxygen and silicon in the steel. Particles of large size and large elongation ratio show larger pinning force on the grain growth. Removing large SiO2–Al2O3–MnO–CaO particles as far as possible, and controlling the composition of oxide particles to achieve larger viscosity than the steel matrix, will retard their elongation during the hot‐rolling process so that the magnetic properties of the steel are improved.
Global fit to b → cτν transitions
Authors: Murgui Clara , Peñuelas Ana , Jung Martin , Pich Antonio
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We perform a general model-independent analysis of

$$ b\to c\tau {\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$

b
→
cτ

ν
¯

τ

transitions, including measurements of ℛ
D
, ℛ
D∗, their q
2 differential distributions, the recently measured longitudinal D* polarization

$$ {F}_L^{D\ast } $$

F
L

D
∗

, and constraints from the

$$ {B}_c\to \tau {\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$

B
c

→
τ

ν
¯

τ

lifetime, each of which has significant impact on the fit. A global fit to a general set of Wilson coefficients of an effective low-energy Hamiltonian is presented, the solutions of which are interpreted in terms of hypothetical new-physics mediators. From the obtained results we predict selected

$$ b\to c\tau {\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$

b
→
cτ

ν
¯

τ

observables, such as the baryonic transition

$$ {\Lambda}_b\to {\Lambda}_c\tau {\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$

Λ
b

→

Λ
c

τ

ν
¯

τ

, the ratio ℛ
J/ψ
, the forward-backward asymmetries

$$ {\mathcal{A}}_{\mathrm{FB}}^{D\left(\ast \right)} $$

A
FB

D

∗

, the τ polarization asymmetries

$$ {\mathcal{P}}_{\tau}^{D\left(\ast \right)} $$

P
τ

D

∗

, and the longitudinal D* polarization fraction

$$ {F}_L^{D\ast } $$

F
L

D
∗

. The latter shows presently a slight tension with any new-physics model, such that an improved measurement could have an important impact. We also discuss the potential change due the very recently announced preliminary

$$ {\mathrm{\mathcal{R}}}_{\mathcal{D}\left(\ast \right)} $$

ℛ

D

∗

measurement by the Belle collaboration.
Classifying solutions to Romans supergravity with a zero B-field
Authors: Gregory Carolina Matté
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Expanding on previous papers, we continue studying Euclidean Romans supergravity in six dimensions with a non-trivial Abelian R-symmetry gauge field. Using a set of differential constraints on a SU(2) structure, we look for further geometric solutions to such equations when we turn off the two-form potential B. We find that the six-dimensional space is described by a two-dimensional fibration over a four-dimensional manifold with a Kähler metric. We then classify these types of solutions.
Gut Microbiota in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Grochowska Marta , Laskus Tomasz , Radkowski Marek
Published: October 2019

The incidence of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasing throughout the world, but their pathogenesis remains unclear and successful treatment remains elusive. Bidirectional communications between the central nervous system and gut microbiota may play some role in the pathogenesis of the above disorders. Up to a thousand bacterial species reside in human intestine; they colonize the gut shortly after birth and remain for life. Numerous studies point to the role of microbiota composition in the development, course and treatment of MS, AD and PD.
Pore-scale simulation of water/oil displacement in a water-wet channel
Authors: Zhao Jin , Yao Guice , Wen Dongsheng
Published: October 2019

Water/oil flow characteristics in a water-wet capillary were simulated at the pore scale to increase our understanding on immiscible flow and enhanced oil recovery. Volume of fluid method was used to capture the interface between oil and water and a pore-throat connecting structure was established to investigate the effects of viscosity, interfacial tension (IFT) and capillary number (Ca). The results show that during a water displacement process, an initial continuous oil phase can be snapped off in the water-wet pore due to the capillary effect. By altering the viscosity of the displacing fluid and the IFT between the wetting and non-wetting phases, the snapped-off phenomenon can be eliminated or reduced during the displacement. A stable displacement can be obtained under high Ca number conditions. Different displacement effects can be obtained at the same Ca number due to its significant influence on the flow state, i.e., snapped-off flow, transient flow and stable flow, and ultralow IFT alone would not ensure a very high recovery rate due to the fingering flow occurrence. A flow chart relating flow states and the corresponding oil recovery factor is established.
Testosterone and Fathers’ Parenting Unraveled: Links with the Quantity and Quality of Father-Child Interactions
Authors: de Vries Else E. , van der Pol Lotte D. , Vermeer Harriet J. , Groeneveld Marleen G. , Fiers Tom , Mesman Judi
Published: October 2019

Objective

Individual differences in quality of father involvement in caregiving might in part be explained by fathers’ testosterone (T) levels. We examined the links between fathers’ (n = 32) salivary T levels, amount of time spent with their child (12–30 months of age), type of father-child interaction, and fathers’ sensitivity.

Methods

During two home visits, video observations of father-child interactions were conducted to measure fathers’ sensitivity during a challenging and harmonious interaction. Fathers’ saliva was collected several times throughout the day on a working day and on the home visit days, including right before and after each father-child interaction.

Results

Fathers’ T secretion throughout the day was lower on home visit days (i.e., days with a higher amount of time spent with their child) than on a working day. For both challenging and harmonious father-child interactions, mean T levels did not differ before and after father-child interactions. However, individual changes in fathers’ T levels during the father-child interactions did predict fathers’ sensitivity. Specifically, the more T increased during the challenging interaction, or decreased during the harmonious interaction, the more sensitive the father was during that interaction as well as during a subsequent interaction.

Conclusions

Parenting quality is most optimal when fathers’ T system reacts in the expected direction given the context of the father-child interaction, i.e., a T decrease during a harmonious interaction and a T increase during a challenging interaction. Our study underscores the importance of examining the interplay between biology, behavior, and caregiving context in fathers’ parenting.
Openness in Big Data and Data Repositories
Authors: Xafis Vicki , Labude Markus K.
Published: October 2019

There is a growing expectation, or even requirement, for researchers to deposit a variety of research data in data repositories as a condition of funding or publication. This expectation recognizes the enormous benefits of data collected and created for research purposes being made available for secondary uses, as open science gains increasing support. This is particularly so in the context of big data, especially where health data is involved. There are, however, also challenges relating to the collection, storage, and re-use of research data. This paper gives a brief overview of the landscape of data sharing via data repositories and discusses some of the key ethical issues raised by the sharing of health-related research data, including expectations of privacy and confidentiality, the transparency of repository governance structures, access restrictions, as well as data ownership and the fair attribution of credit. To consider these issues and the values that are pertinent, the paper applies the deliberative balancing approach articulated in the Ethics Framework for Big Data in Health and Research (Xafis et al. 2019) to the domain of Openness in Big Data and Data Repositories. Please refer to that article for more information on how this framework is to be used, including a full explanation of the key values involved and the balancing approach used in the case study at the end.
Historical institutionalism and technological change: the case of Uber
Authors: Cartwright Madison
Published: October 2019

In recent years, jurisdictions have struggled to address the emergence of “sharing” businesses, such as Uber. These businesses have used technology to avoid the regulations that usually apply to industries, such as taxis. By applying a historical institutionalist analysis, this article explains how authorities have responded to these companies. Through a detailed case study of Uber's presence in Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States, the article makes an empirical contribution by illustrating how regulatory regimes have responded to “disruptive” technology. Furthermore, by applying an exogenously induced and endogenously mitigated model of change the article addresses the bifurcation in historical institutionalist literature between exogenous and endogenous accounts of change. This helps develop historical institutionalism theoretically, responds to criticisms of agent-based approaches and advances a model that can be applied to the study of technological change more generally.
The CTSA External Reviewer Exchange Consortium (CEREC): Engagement and efficacy
Authors: Schneider Margaret , Bagaporo April , Croker Jennifer A. , Davidson Adam , Dillon Pam , Dinkjian Aileen , Gibson Madeline , Indelicato Nia , Jenkins Amy J. , Mathew Tanya , McCoy Renee , Ranu Hardeep , Zheng Kai
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

Many institutions evaluate applications for local seed funding by recruiting peer reviewers from their own institutional community. Smaller institutions, however, often face difficulty locating qualified local reviewers who are not in conflict with the proposal. As a larger pool of reviewers may be accessed through a cross-institutional collaborative process, nine Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs formed a consortium in 2016 to facilitate reviewer exchanges. Data were collected to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the consortium.

Methods:

The CTSA External Reviewer Exchange Consortium (CEREC) has been supported by a custom-built web-based application that facilitates the process and tracks the efficiency and productivity of the exchange.

Results:

All nine of the original CEREC members remain actively engaged in the exchange. Between January 2017 and May 2019, CEREC supported the review process for 23 individual calls for proposals. Out of the 412 reviews requested, 368 were received, for a fulfillment ratio of 89.3%. The yield on reviewer invitations has remained consistently high, with approximately one-third of invitations being accepted, and of the reviewers who agreed to provide a review, 88.3% submitted a complete review. Surveys of reviewers and pilot program administrators indicate high satisfaction with the process.

Conclusions:

These data indicate that a reviewer exchange consortium is feasible, adds value to participating partners, and is sustainable over time.
Noting the ties after tying the knot: Photo-based elicitation of retrospective personal network data
Authors: Marin Alexandra , Lin Chang
Published: October 2019

We report on an interview method using photo-based network elicitation and a landmark anchoring event to collect data on relationship change in ego networks retrospectively. Using the wedding albums of married or formerly married respondents, we populate a network from many years ago with persons pictured in the album and then collect data about each respondent’s relationship with each person at the time of the wedding and at the time of the interview. This data collection method mitigates many of the problems associated with retrospective data collection and does not have the logistical difficulties associated with panel studies. Our findings show that this method is successful in collecting significant numbers of connections that have undergone change, and especially reductions in activity along various dimensions.
Incumbent Tenure Crowds Out Economic Voting
Authors: Larsen Martin Vinæs
Published: October 2019

Does the importance of the economy change during a government's time in office? Governments arguably become more responsible for current economic conditions as their tenure progresses. This might lead voters to hold experienced governments more accountable for economic conditions. However, voters also accumulate information about governments' competence over time. If voters are Bayesian learners, then this growing stock of information should crowd out the importance of current economic conditions. This article explores these divergent predictions about the relationship between tenure and the economic vote using three datasets. First, using country-level data from a diverse set of elections, the study finds that support for more experienced governments is less dependent on economic growth. Secondly, using individual-level data from sixty election surveys covering ten countries, the article shows that voters' perceptions of the economy have a greater impact on government support when the government is inexperienced. Finally, the article examines a municipal reform in Denmark that assigned some voters to new local incumbents and finds that these voters responded more strongly to the local economy. In conclusion, all three studies point in the same direction: economic voting decreases with time in office.
WHITE ANTS, EMPIRE, AND ENTOMO-POLITICS IN SOUTH ASIA
Authors: DEB ROY ROHAN
Published: October 2019

By focusing on the history of white ants in colonial South Asia, this article shows how insects were ubiquitous and fundamental to the shaping of British colonial power. British rule in India was vulnerable to white ants because these insects consumed paper and wood, the key material foundations of the colonial state. The white ant problem also made the colonial state more resilient and intrusive. The sphere of strict governmental intervention was extended to include both animate and inanimate non-humans, while these insects were invoked as symbols to characterize colonized landscapes, peoples, and cultures. Nonetheless, encounters with white ants were not entirely within the control of the colonial state. Despite effective state intervention, white ants did not vanish altogether, and remained objects of everyday control until the final decade of colonial rule and after. Meanwhile, colonized and post-colonial South Asians used white ants to articulate their own distinct political agendas. Over time, white ants featured variously as metaphors for Islamic decadence, British colonial exploitation, communism, democratic socialism, and, more recently, the Indian National Congress. This article argues that co-constitutive encounters between the worlds of insects and politics have been an intrinsic feature of British colonialism and its legacies in South Asia.
THE NORMATIVITY OF NATURE IN PUFENDORF AND LOCKE
Authors: DAWSON HANNAH
Published: October 2019

abstract

At the beginning ofDe jure naturae et gentium(1672), Samuel von Pufendorf proposed a radical dichotomy between nature and morality. He was followed down this arid path by his great admirer John Locke. This article begins by exploring their descriptions of this dichotomy, examining the ways in which human animals were supposed to haul themselves out of the push and pull of the mechanistic world in order to become free moral agents. The article then argues that bubbling up from within this principal account of morality is an alternative account according to which virtue seems to infuse nature, thereby blurring the lines between obligation and motivation, and refiguring the character of moral and political agency. In uncovering this refiguration, I highlight the importance of Aristotelianism and Stoicism for Pufendorf and Locke, suggest continuities rather than breaks between the natural lawyers of the seventeenth century and the theorists of moral sentiment of the next, and gesture towards a hitherto underappreciated discourse in early modern thought: the normativity of nature.
Abnormal cognitive effort allocation and its association with amotivation in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Chang W. C. , Westbrook A. , Strauss G. P. , Chu A. O. K. , Chong C. S. Y. , Siu C. M. W. , Chan S. K. W. , Lee E. H. M. , Hui C. L. M. , Suen Y. M. , Lo T. L. , Chen E. Y. H
Published: October 2019

Background

Abnormal effort-based decision-making represents a potential mechanism underlying motivational deficits (amotivation) in psychotic disorders. Previous research identified effort allocation impairment in chronic schizophrenia and focused mostly on physical effort modality. No study has investigated cognitive effort allocation in first-episode psychosis (FEP).

Method

Cognitive effort allocation was examined in 40 FEP patients and 44 demographically-matched healthy controls, using Cognitive Effort-Discounting (COGED) paradigm which quantified participants’ willingness to expend cognitive effort in terms of explicit, continuous discounting of monetary rewards based on parametrically-varied cognitive demands (levels N of N-back task). Relationship between reward-discounting and amotivation was investigated. Group differences in reward-magnitude and effort-cost sensitivity, and differential associations of these sensitivity indices with amotivation were explored.

Results

Patients displayed significantly greater reward-discounting than controls. In particular, such discounting was most pronounced in patients with high levels of amotivation even when N-back performance and reward base amount were taken into consideration. Moreover, patients exhibited reduced reward-benefit sensitivity and effort-cost sensitivity relative to controls, and that decreased sensitivity to reward-benefit but not effort-cost was correlated with diminished motivation. Reward-discounting and sensitivity indices were generally unrelated to other symptom dimensions, antipsychotic dose and cognitive deficits.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence of cognitive effort-based decision-making impairment in FEP, and indicates that decreased effort expenditure is associated with amotivation. Our findings further suggest that abnormal effort allocation and amotivation might primarily be related to blunted reward valuation. Prospective research is required to clarify the utility of effort-based measures in predicting amotivation and functional outcome in FEP.
Development and testing of a three-section pulse-forming network and its application to Marx circuit
Authors: Song Falun , Zhang Beizhen , Li Chunxia , Li Fei , Wang Ganping , Gong Haitao , Gan Yanqing , Jin Xiao
Published: October 2019

A three-section pulse forming network (PFN) based on Guillemin type-C circuit was developed to meet the challenge of a compact design, high withstand voltage, and high-quality output waveform with fast rise time, flat-top duration, and 100-ns pulse width. A simplified pulse forming circuit was proposed and studied that includes only three LC-sections connected in parallel, with each section containing an inductor and a capacitor connected in series. The effect of the capacitance deviation on the output waveform was investigated. The simulation results show that when the capacitance deviation exceeds +3%, both the flat top and fall time of the output waveform of single PFN module deteriorate greatly. Fortunately, in a multi-stage PFN-Marx circuit, even if the capacitance deviation exceeds +10%, when the average capacitance of the same LC sections is close to the theoretical value, the output waveform maintains a good quality and is in good agreement with the theoretical prediction. The compact three-section PFN developed during this project has a size of only 360 mm × 342 mm × 65 mm, and a maximum withstand voltage of 120 kV. Sixteen PFN stages were assembled to form a Marx generator with design parameters to provide of an output peak power of 12 GW and a maximum peak current of 15 kA. The tested output waveform agrees well with the theoretical results, having a rise time of 31 ns, a flat-top of 104 ns, and a pulse with of 164 ns.
Gait Optimization for Quadruped Rovers
Authors: Zhornyak Lukas , Emami M. Reza
Published: October 2019

This paper studies the gait characteristics of a quadruped rover that mimics domestic cats, and attempts to optimize these characteristics. The kinematics and dynamics formulation of the rover’s three-dimensional model is developed, and its gait, pose and corresponding control parameters are computed to minimize torque or maximize speed, using a genetic algorithm. The optimization model consists of a set of equality and inequality constraints that ensure the feasibility and stability of the gaits, while considering the entire gait spectrum that feline species exhibit. The optimal gaits for minimizing the torque closely resemble lateral sequence gaiting, with a trotting behaviour as speed increases. A running gait is obtained at the maximum speed. The optimization results appear to conform to the biological observations of feline species, suggesting the tendency of conserving energy in biological gaiting.
Navigating a multimodal ensemble: Learners mediating verbal and non-verbal turns in online interaction tasks
Authors: Knight Janine , Dooly Melinda , Barberà Elena
Published: October 2019

Research into the multimodal aspects of language is increasingly important as communication through a screen plays a greater role in modern society than ever before (Liou, 2011). Multimodality has been explored from a number of angles relating to computer-mediated communication (CMC), such as its affordances and impact on language learners, highlighting its relevance and importance in the field of second language acquisition (SLA). Because CMC scenarios require attending to both peers and the screen, learners can be seen as positioned as “semiotic initiators and responders” (Coffin & Donohue, 2014). Increasingly, researchers are highlighting a need for a methodological “turn” to analyse this scenario from a “language” focus to a more holistic understanding of the interactions (Flewitt, 2008; Hampel & Hauck, 2006; Kress & van Leeuwen, 2001; Lamy, 2006). Along these lines, this case study explores how the action of task completion is mediated between six dyads (and individuals within the dyads) during an online peer-to-peer audioconferencing event. Drawing on notions from multimodal (inter)actional analysis (Norris, 2004, 2006) and the notion of “semiotic initiators and responders”, it investigates semiotic mediation with screen-based resources through analysis of audio recordings, screenshots, log files, task simulation and reconstruction. Results highlight oral and screen-based initiations and responses that take place during task completion, which is presented as a framework.