bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of task outcome on implicit motor learning
Authors: Kim Hyosub E , Parvin Darius E , Ivry Richard B
Published: April 2019

Recent studies have demonstrated that task success signals can modulate learning during sensorimotor adaptation tasks, primarily through engaging explicit processes. Here, we examine the influence of task outcome on implicit adaptation, using a reaching task in which adaptation is induced by feedback that is not contingent on actual performance. We imposed an invariant perturbation (rotation) on the feedback cursor while varying the target size. In this way, the cursor either hit or missed the target, with the former producing a marked attenuation of implicit motor learning. We explored different computational architectures that might account for how task outcome information interacts with implicit adaptation. The results fail to support an architecture in which adaptation operates in parallel with a model-free operant reinforcement process. Rather, task outcome may serve as a gain on implicit adaptation or provide a distinct error signal for a second, independent implicit learning process.

Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).
Tumor suppressor SMARCB1 suppresses super-enhancers to govern hESC lineage determination
Authors: Langer Lee F , Ward James M , Archer Trevor K
Published: April 2019

The SWI/SNF complex is a critical regulator of pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and individual subunits have varied and specific roles during development and in diseases. The core subunit SMARCB1 is required for early embryonic survival, and mutations can give rise to atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) in the pediatric central nervous system. We report that in contrast to other studied systems, SMARCB1 represses bivalent genes in hESCs and antagonizes chromatin accessibility at super-enhancers. Moreover, and consistent with its established role as a CNS tumor suppressor, we find that SMARCB1 is essential for neural induction but dispensable for mesodermal or endodermal differentiation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that SMARCB1 is essential for hESC super-enhancer silencing in neural differentiation conditions. This genomic assessment of hESC chromatin regulation by SMARCB1 reveals a novel positive regulatory function at super-enhancers and a unique lineage-specific role in regulating hESC differentiation.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Consultations for Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Levy Vivian J. , Holt Christina T. , Haskins Amy E.
Published: April 2019

Context

Although osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is predominantly known for its benefits in improving musculoskeletal pain, many studies have examined the effects of OMT on hospitalized patients with a variety of conditions, showing improved outcomes in conditions such as pneumonia, postoperative and postpartum recovery, preterm newborn recovery, and newborn feeding dysfunction.

Objective

To determine the reasons osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) consultations are being ordered at a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted at an academic medical center with a well-established electronic health record system. A retrospective review examined data on all OMM consultations between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2015. Reasons for consultations in a free text field were grouped into categories of “primary reason for consult” by a single reviewer. Demographics and patient location were also assessed.

Results

Of 1310 total consultations included in the study, 620 (47.0%) listed a musculoskeletal complaint as the primary or only reason for a consultation, 231 (18.0%) of which were for back pain, followed by neck pain (69 [5.0%]) and headache (46 [4.0%]). The next most common reason for consultation was for newborn feeding difficulty (352 [27.0%]) or other newborn consultation (66 [5.0%]). A total of 272 consultations (21.0%) were not limited to musculoskeletal complaints and included general nonspecific discomfort (96 [7.0%]) or respiratory complaint (53 [4.0%]). A total of 209 (16.0%) consultations noted patients to be postoperative; 124 (9.5%) to be postpartum; 57 (4.4%) to have cystic fibrosis; and 21 (1.6%) to have constipation.

Conclusion

The majority of inpatient OMM consultations were placed for musculoskeletal complaints, followed by newborn feeding problems. Although it is clear that some physicians think that OMT will help their patients for the aforementioned conditions, the number was still quite low, suggesting that many physicians may be unaware that OMT can help patients with conditions such as respiratory disorder, postoperative recovery, and constipation. There are many opportunities for treatment teams to be ordering OMM consultations as a way to reduce morbidity in their patients.
A prevalence ofArthropterygius(Ichthyosauria: Ophthalmosauridae) in the Late Jurassic—earliest Cretaceous of the Boreal Realm
Authors: Zverkov Nikolay G. , Prilepskaya Natalya E.
Published: April 2019

The ichthyosaur genusArthropterygiusMaxwell, 2010 is considered as rare and poorly known. However, considering the existing uncertainty regarding its position in respect to ophthalmosaurid subfamilies in recent phylogenies, it is among the key taxa for understanding the evolution of derived Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous ichthyosaurs. Recently excavated unique material from the Berriassian of Franz Josef Land (Russian Extreme North) and examination of historical collections in Russian museums provided numerous specimens referable toArthropterygius. The new data combined with personal examination of ichthyosaursPalvennia,Janusaurus, andKeilhauiafrom Svalbard give us reason to refer all these taxa toArthropterygius. Therefore, we recognize four species within the genus:Arthropterigius chrisorum(Russell, 1994),A. volgensis(Kasansky, 1903) comb. nov.,A. hoybergeti(Druckenmiller et al., 2012) comb. nov., andA. lundi(Roberts et al., 2014) comb. nov. Three of the species are found both in the Arctic and in the European Russia. This allows the suggestion thatArthropterygiuswas common and widespread in the Boreal Realm during the Late Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous. The results of our multivariate analysis of ophthalmosaurid humeral morphology indicate that at least some ophthalmosaurid genera and species, includingArthropterygius, could be easily recognized based solely on humeral morphology. Our phylogenetic analyses place the clade ofArthropterygiusclose to the base of Ophthalmosauria as a sister group either to ophthalmosaurines or to platypterygiines. Although its position is still uncertain, this is the best supported clade of ophthalmosaurids (Bremer support value of 5, Bootstrap and Jackknife values exceeding 80) that further augments our taxonomic decision.
Seed survival of Australian Acacia in the Western Cape of South Africa in the presence of biological control agents and given environmental variation
Authors: Strydom Matthys , Veldtman Ruan , Ngwenya Mzabalazo Z. , Esler Karen J.
Published: April 2019

Studies of invasive Australian Acacia have shown that many seeds are still produced and accumulate in soil stored seed banks regardless of the presence of seed-targeting biological control agents. This is despite claims of biological control success, although there is generally a lack of data on the seed production of invasive Australian Acacia before and after the release of the respective agents. We aimed to quantify seed production and seed survival of invasive Australian Acacia currently under biological control. The seed production and survival (proportion of aborted, predated and surviving seeds) of A. longifolia, A. pycnantha and A. saligna were each studied at four to five sites in the Western Cape of South Africa. The relationships between seed production and stand characteristics were determined and the relative effects of seed predation and abortion on seed survival were established. The investigated invasive Australian Acacia produced many seeds that survived the pre-dispersal stage despite long-term presence of released biological control agents. It was shown that seed crop size is the only significant factor influencing seed survival of the studied Australian Acacia species. Furthermore, the seeds surviving per tree and per square meter were related to tree size. No quantitative evidence was found to suggest that seed-reducing biological control agents are having an impact on the population dynamics of their Australian Acacia hosts. This study illustrates the importance of studying the seed ecology of invasive plants before biological control agents are selected and released.
Establishing a residency program for a chiropractic specialty in a public hospital system: Experiences from Denmark
Authors: O'Neill Søren F. D. , Konner Mikkel B. , Fejer Rene , Vesterager Susanne V.
Published: April 2019

Objective

We describe the experiences and lessons learned from establishing a 5-year postgraduate hospital-based residency program for chiropractors in Denmark. The program was established with the aim of qualifying those chiropractors to undertake common and several specialized functions in relation to musculoskeletal disorders, at the highest professional level, within the particular conditions of a hospital setting.

Methods

We provide an overall description of this unique program, examples of specific educational goals, and the process used to develop the program.

Results

Three pilot programs were conducted between 2009 and 2016. The internship program and educational goals were revised extensively during this period. Between revisions and semistructured interviews with key medical officers following the pilot program, the program was well received and considered appropriate for further qualifying chiropractors for specialized, hospital-based practice.

Conclusion

The structure and content of the program will likely require further improvements in years to come, but currently forms the basis of the first regular 5-year, postgraduate in-hospital residency program for chiropractors in Denmark and perhaps elsewhere.
Comparative Studies on Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Activities of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Bent) Leaf Cold and Hot Water Extracts
Authors: Akinpelu B. A. , Godwin A. , Gbadegesin T. , Ajakaye N. , Omotosho S. E. , Azeez S. O. , Oziegbe M. , Oyedapo O. O.
Published: April 2019

Aim: To investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and genotoxicity activities of Crassocephalum crepidioides leaf.

Study Design: Comparative investigations of the medicinal value and toxicity profile of cold water (CW) and hot water (HW) extracts of C. crepidioides leaf.

Place and Duration of Study: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. January 2015-October 2016.

Materials and Methods: CW and HW of C. crepidioides were analyzed for anti-inflammatory activity via red blood cell membrane stabilization technique and in vitro methods using DPPH radical scavenging activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and inhibition of oxidative haemolysis were employed to evaluate the antioxidant property. Allium cepa chromosomal assay was adopted to investigate the genotoxic effect of the extracts. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents of the extracts were estimated spectrophotometrically.

Results: Both extracts stabilized stressed red blood cell membranes with maximum percentage stability of 50.97±0.06 and 90.90±0.02 at 0.5 and 2.0 mg/ml for CW and HW extracts respectively. The CW extract elicited no DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 -0.63±0.02 mg/ml) and lipid peroxidation (IC50 -0.32±0.00) activities. HW extract had IC50 of 0.29±0.02 and 0.17±0.00 mg/ml for DPPH and lipid peroxidation. CW and HW extracts exhibited FRAP activity of 1186.96±0.01 and 1015.54±0.01 µmol AAE/g respectively. CW extract displayed a weaker protection (29.01±0.01%) against oxidative haemolysis compared to HW extract (68.70 ± 0.00%). CW extract contained higher phenolic contents (2.16±0.03 µmolGAE/g extract) while the HW extract contained higher flavonoids (0.61±0.05 µmolQE/g extract). CW and HW extracts inhibited A. cepa root growth to 71.40±0.02 and 59.10±0.02% respectively. A. cepa mitotic index was reduced to 8.85±0.01 and 8.67±0.02 for CW and HW extracts as compared with control (26.62%).

Conclusion: The study concluded that consumption of C. crepidioides leaf in cooked form has more medicinal values however, both CW and HW extracts are capable of causing cellular damage at high doses.
Growth, Carbon Assimilation and Quality of Kesum (Persicaria minor) as Exposed to Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Zainuren Noor Fatehah , Ibrahim Mohd Hafiz , Che Abdullah Che Azurahanim , Najihah Tuan Syaripah
Published: April 2019

Aims: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles towards the Persicaria minor that can be used as a guidance for further toxicity investigation of ZnO-NPs.

Study Design: A Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) was used with three replication. Each unit was consisted with eight plants and the total of 96 plants were used in this study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in plot 1, Vegetables Field plot for Teaching and Research, Taman Pertanian Universiti, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Selangor, Malaysia, from May 2018 until August 2018.

Methodology: Persicaria minor were exposed to four different concentration of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) which were (50,100 and 150 mg/L) and 0 mg/L as a control. The ZnO-NPs was dissolved in distilled water before being applied to plants. 40 mL of ZnO-NPs solution was applied to each plant. The growth, carbon assimilation and also secondary metabolites were measured in this experiment.

Results: The results showed that the treatment of zinc oxide nanoparticles enhanced growth of the Persicaria minor as the plant treated with zinc oxide nanoparticles had higher plant height and total biomass when compared to control treatment. However, the analysis revealed that the treatment of zinc oxide nanoparticles highly and significantly influenced the carbon assimilation and quality of this plant as the treated plants showed reduction in chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate but increased in production of secondary metabolites. The increased in production of plant secondary metabolites may be attributed by the plant protection mechanism due to metabolic stress caused by high concentration of zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Conclusion: This research will progressively help in contributing some reliable and valid data on the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), towards the Persicaria minor that can be used as guidance for further experimental investigation regarding this field.
Profit Analysis of Non Identical Repairable Units Subject to Two Phase Repair of System
Authors: Bashir Raeesa , Bashir Nafeesa , Mir Shakeel A.
Published: April 2019

The paper deals with the profit analysis of three non-identical units A, B, and C in which either Unit A or one of the units B and C should work for the successful functioning of the system. Two types of repairman are available in the system viz. Ordinary and Expert repairman. The expert repairman is called only when the system breaks down. Unit A gets priority for repair and is repaired by expert repairman while as Unit B and C is repaired by ordinary repairman if the system doesn’t fail totally. The failure time distribution of unit-A, B and C are taken as exponential. The distribution of time to repair of units is assumed to be general.
The Correlation between Penetration Pressure Required to Install Pile Foundation and to Insert Bi-cones in Cone Penetration Test
Authors: Budi Gogot Setyo , Tandiputra Alvin Gilbert , Markho Haven Kusuma
Published: April 2019

One of the common methods used to install pile foundation is hydraulic jacked-in machine. In this method, a pile is pushed down into the ground up to the predetermined depth. The method has similar principle to that of Cone Penetration Test (CPT). This paper presents the correlation between the mobilize pressure required to install pile foundations and that required to push the bi-cones that attached at the tip of CPT rod. The results show that the penetration pressure required to install the pile into very soft clay layer is independent of pile diameter. The penetration pressure required to install the pile into soft to stiff clay layers depends on the pile diameter. The larger the diameter of piles, the smaller the penetration pressures required. The penetration pressure required to install the pile into stiff expansive clay layer beyond the depth of active zone can be predicted as high as the pressure calculated form CPT.
Optimization of resource leveling problem under multiple objective criteria using a symbiotic organisms search
Authors: Prayogo Doddy , Kusuma Christianto Tirta
Published: April 2019

Bad scheduling and resource management can cause delays or cost overruns. Optimization in solving resource leveling is necessary to avoid those problems. Several objective criteria are used to solve resource leveling. Each of them has the same objective, which is to reduce the fluctuation of resource demand of the project. This study compares the performance of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and symbiotic organisms search (SOS) in solving resource leveling problems using separate objective functions in order to find which one produces a better solution. The results show that SOS produced a better solution than PSO, and one objective function is better in solving resource leveling than the others.
Characteristics of PVC Coated Welded Wire Mesh Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Wijatmiko Indradi , Wibowo Ari , Nainggolan Christin Remayanti
Published: April 2019

Introducing fibers into concrete aims to improve the low tensile strength of concrete and its brittle properties. In this research, readily available PVC coated welded wire mesh with diameter of 1 mm was used as fibers in concrete. There are several variations of concrete samples prepared for this study, i.e. based on the fiber’s volume fraction, length and interlocking schemes. Concrete samples were subjected to tensile and compressive strength, and elastic modulus tests. The results show that the incorporation of PVC coated welded wire mesh slightly increases the tensile strength of concrete, with the optimum fiber volume fraction of 1.5%; with the fiber length of 3.6 cm, and with the interlocking of 1.2 cm. However, the concrete compressive strength is slightly reduced, compared to the normal ones. The presence of PVC coated welded wire mesh as fiber also tends to reduce the elastic modulus of fiber reinforced concrete.
A Two‐Dimensional Iron(II) Coordination Polymer with Synergetic Spin‐Crossover and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Ge Jing‐Yuan , Chen Zhongyan , Zhang Li , Liang Xiao , Su Jian , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Zuo Jing‐Lin
Published: April 2019

A composite material, {[Fe(L)(TPPE)0.5]⋅3 CH3OH}n, has been constructed by integrating the spin‐crossover (SCO) subunit FeII{diethyl(E,E)‐2,2′‐[1,2‐phenyl‐bis(iminomethylidyne)]bis(3‐oxobutanoate)‐(2‐)‐N,N′,O3,O3′} and the highly luminescent connector 1,1,2,2‐tetrakis(4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenyl)‐ethene. Its structure contains four staggered 4×4 layers and intercalated methanol. The packing is dominated by considerable H‐bonds either between adjacent layers and between layers and guests. A crystal‐structure transformation was detected upon removal of the guest molecules. The SCO transition of the solvated crystals is centered at ca. 215 K with a non‐symmetrical hysteresis of 25 K wide, and the desolvated [Fe(L)(TPPE)0.5]n exhibits gradual SCO without hysteresis. Intriguingly, the intensity of the fluorescence at 460 nm for the latter is maximized at the SCO transition. The energy transfer between luminescent and SCO entities is achievable as confirmed by theoretical calculations.
Tandem Conversion of CO2 to Valuable Hydrocarbons in Highly Concentrated Potassium Iron Catalysts
Authors: Ramirez Adrian , Ould‐Chikh Samy , Gevers Lieven , Chowdhury Abhishek Dutta , Abou‐Hamad Edy , Aguilar‐Tapia Antonio , Hazemann Jean‐Louis , Wehbe Nimer , Al Abdulghani Abdullah J. , Kozlov Sergey M. , Cavallo Luigi , Gascon Jorge
Published: April 2019

The alarming atmospheric concentration and continuous emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) require immediate action. As a result of advances in CO2 capture and sequestration technologies (generally involving point sources such as energy generation plants), large amounts of pure CO2 will soon be available. In addition to geological storage and other applications of the captured CO2, the development of technologies able to convert this carbon feedstock into commodity chemicals may pave the way towards a more sustainable economy. Here, we present a novel multifunctional catalyst consisting of Fe2O3 encapsulated in K2CO3 that can transform CO2 into olefins via a tandem mechanism. In contrast to traditional systems in Fischer‐Tropsch reactions, we demonstrate that when dealing with CO2 conversion (in contrast to CO), very high K loadings are key to activate CO2 via the well‐known ‘potassium carbonate mechanism’. The proposed catalytic process is demonstrated to be as productive as existing commercial processes based on synthesis gas while relying on economically and environmentally advantageous CO2 feedstock.
Trapping of NbV by {XW9O33}9– (X = As, Sb): Formation of New Sandwich‐Type POM Complexes and Their Solution Behavior
Authors: Shmakova Alexandra A. , Romanova Tamara E. , Kompankov Nikolay B. , Abramov Pavel A. , Sokolov Maxim N.
Published: April 2019

Oxalate ligands in NbV oxalate complexes are labile, making the latter convenient niobium source for preparation of new mixed W/Nb polyoxometalates under mild conditions. Reactions of [NbO(C2O4)2(H2O)2]– with [α‐B‐XW9O33]9– (X = As, Sb) result in formation of sandwich‐type anions. For X = As, [(α‐B‐AsW9O33)2(NbO)3(H2O)]9– and [(α‐B‐AsW9O33)2(NbO)2(H2O)]12– were the products. In the case of antimony, [(α‐B‐SbW9O33)2{Nb(C2O4)}2]12– anion with two trapped {Nb(C2O4)}3+ fragments was isolated and structurally characterized. Solution behavior of the new heteropolyniobotungstates was studied by combined HPLC‐ICP‐AES technique.
Critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitophagy in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Saxena Sugandh , Mathur Alpana , Kakkar Poonam
Published: April 2019

Mitochondrial dynamics play a critical role in deciding the fate of a cell under normal and diseased condition. Recent surge of studies indicate their regulatory role in meeting energy demands in renal cells making them critical entities in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes is remarkably associated with abnormal fuel metabolism, a basis for free radical generation, which if left unchecked may devastate the mitochondria structurally and functionally. Impaired mitochondrial function and their aberrant accumulation have been known to be involved in the manifestation of diabetic nephropathy, indicating perturbed balance of mitochondrial dynamics, and mitochondrial turnover. Mitochondrial dynamics emphasize the critical role of mitochondrial fission proteins such as mitochondrial fission 1, dynamin‐related protein 1 and mitochondrial fission factor and fusion proteins including mitofusin‐1, mitofusin‐2 and optic atrophy 1. Clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria is aided by translocation of autophagy machinery to the impaired mitochondria and subsequent activation of mitophagy regulating proteins PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 and Parkin, for which mitochondrial fission is a prior event. In this review, we discuss recent progression in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms targeting reactive oxygen species mediated alterations in mitochondrial energetics, mitophagy related disorders, impaired glucose transport, tubular atrophy, and renal cell death. The molecular cross talks linking autophagy and renoprotection through an intervention of 5′‐AMP‐activated protein kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, and SIRT1 factors are also highlighted here, as in‐depth exploration of these pathways may help in deriving therapeutic strategies for managing diabetes provoked end‐stage renal disease.
Autophagy, anoikis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress: Potential applications in melanoma therapy
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Mohammadinejad Reza , Tavakol Shima , Ahmadi Zahra , Roomiani Sahar , Katebi Majid
Published: April 2019

Melanoma as the most major skin malignancy has attracted much attention, so far. Although a successful therapeutic strategy requires an accurate understanding of the precise mechanisms for the initiation and progression of the melanoma. Several types of cell death mechanisms have recently been identified along with conventional cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis and necrosis. Among those mechanisms, necroptosis, anoikis, ferroptosis, and autophagy may be considered to have remarkable modulatory impacts on melanoma. In the present review, we explain the mechanisms of cell death signaling pathways related to autophagy, ferroptosis, anoikis, necroptosis, and reticulum endoplasmic stress in cells and describe how those mechanisms transduce signals in melanoma cells. Meanwhile, we describe how we can modulate those mechanisms to eliminate melanoma.
Evaluation of rapid influenza diagnostic tests for influenza A and B in the tropics
Authors: Chong Yoong Min , Tan Xiu Hui , Hooi Poh Sim , Lee Lu Mei , Sam I‐Ching , Chan Yoke Fun
Published: April 2019

Rapid diagnosis of influenza is important for early treatment and institution of control measures. In developing tropical countries such as Malaysia, influenza occurs all year round, but molecular assays and conventional techniques (such as immunofluorescence and culture) for diagnosis are not widely available. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) may be useful in this setting. A total of 552 fresh respiratory specimens were assessed from patients with respiratory symptoms at a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from November 2017 to March 2018. Two digital immunoassays (DIAs), STANDARD F Influenza A/B Fluorescence Immunoassay (STANDARD F) and Sofia Influenza A + B Fluorescence Immunoassay (Sofia) and one conventional RIDT (immunochromatographic assay), SD Bioline Influenza Ag A/B/A(H1N1) Pandemic rapid test kit (SD Bioline) were evaluated in comparison with a WHO‐recommended reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). Of the 552 samples, influenza A virus was detected in 47 (8.5%) and influenza B virus in 7 (1.3%). The digital immunoassays STANDARD F and Sofia had significantly higher overall sensitivity rates (71.7% and 70.6%, respectively) than the conventional RIDT SD Bioline and immunofluorescence/viral culture (55.8% and 52.8%, respectively). Sensitivity rates were higher for influenza A than influenza B, and specificity rates were uniformly high, ranging from 98% to 100%. Digital readout RIDTs can be used in tropical settings with year‐round influenza if PCR is unavailable.
Role of nitrogen supplementation in alleviating drought‐associated growth and metabolic impairments in Phoebe zhennan seedlings
Authors: Tariq Akash , Pan Kaiwen , Olatunji Olusanya Abiodun , Graciano Corina , Li Ningning , Li Zilong , Song Dagang , Sun Feng , Justine Meta Francis , Huang Dan , Gong Shanxing , Pandey Bikram , Idrees Muhammad , Dakhil Mohammed A.
Published: April 2019

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses altering forest productivity. However, nutrient availability can modulate drought resistance. Phoebe zhennan (gold Phoebe) is a high‐quality timber‐producing but threatened tree species in China, facing serious anthropogenic disturbances and abiotic constraints that restrict its growth and development. However, little attention has been given to designing adaptive strategies for its management by evaluating the possible role of major nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N), on its morphological and physio‐biochemical responses under water stress. To evaluate these responses, a complete randomized design was followed to investigate the effects of two irrigation levels (well‐watered and drought‐stressed conditions) and N fertilization treatments (with and without N). Drought stress significantly affected the growth of seedlings, as indicated by impaired photosynthesis, pigment degradation, disrupted N metabolism, over‐production of reactive oxygen species and enhanced lipid peroxidation. Nitrogen supplementation under drought stress had remarkable positive effects on the growth through physio‐biochemical adjustments as shown by higher level of nitrogenous compounds and up‐regulation of N‐associated metabolic enzymes activities which might be due to N‐mediated improved leaf relative water contents and photosynthetic efficiency. In addition, N application reduced oxidative stress and membrane damage, and maintained a high accumulation of osmolytes. However, in well‐watered seedlings N fertilization significantly improved root biomass and net CO2 assimilation rate suggesting high N‐use efficiency of the seedlings. These findings reveal that drought significantly affects the growth of P. zhennan, while N fertilization plays a crucial role in alleviating water stress damage by improving its drought tolerance potential at low metabolic costs. Therefore, N fertilization could be considered as an effective strategy for the conservation and management of P. zhennan in the face of future climate change.
Projectile Point Reworking: An Experimental Study of Arrowpoint Use Life
Authors: Loendorf Chris , Rogers Thatcher , Oliver Theodore J. , Huttick Brian R. , Denoyer Allen , Woodson M. Kyle
Published: April 2019

This article summarizes the results of controlled experiments in which flaked-stone points that varied in impact strength by a factor of almost three were shot at media that were increasingly inelastic and therefore likely to break the points. Broken tips were reworked if possible, and used again under the same conditions. Our results show that all damage to low impact-strength materials, especially obsidian, was generally catastrophic, and, consequently, these points could only rarely be reworked. The fact that low-strength stones were commonly used to make small arrowpoints suggests that reworking was not a primary concern for their designers. Furthermore, in those instances when broken tips could be reworked, their performance declined. In addition, reworking broken points also resulted in shapes that are uncommon in many arrowpoint assemblages. Our results suggest that the original design attributes of arrowpoints may have been less affected by reworking, and, consequently, may more accurately suggest temporal and behavioral associations.
MALTHUSIAN MOMENTS IN THE WORK OF JOHN MAYNARD KEYNES
Authors: KELLY DUNCAN
Published: April 2019

This article tracks the shifting contours of John Maynard Keynes's invocation of certain ideas associated with Thomas Robert Malthus, between 1914 and 1937 especially. These ‘Malthusian moments’ in Keynes's work form a triptych. In pre-war thinking about global population dynamics as a Malthusian ‘devil’ threatening national political and economic stability, Keynes found optimism in the thought that modern political economy could be repurposed to avoid the horns of such a dilemma. In the 1920s, he moved to consider the international, and particularly European, responses to both population and to the developing Malthusian ‘devil’ of unemployment. Finally, in the 1930s, Keynes's view became increasingly domestic, focusing on ways that these devilish twin problems could be managed by nation-states organized for prosperity and self-sufficiency. Across these moments, Keynes sought to assert the power of past political and economic ideas to aid in the formulation of present policy, by continuously (if rather loosely) invoking the Malthusian trope of ‘effective demand’.
GERMAN ECONOMIC STRATEGIES FOR BRAZIL: AUTARKY AND EXTENDED ECONOMIC SPACE IN THE 1930s
Authors: Bruzzi Curi Luiz Felipe , De Lima Danilo Barolo Martins , Pereira Vinícius Bivar Marra
Published: April 2019

This paper addresses the relationship between the development of the concepts of autarky and «economy of the extended space» in the German-speaking world and the framing of economic relations between Germany and Brazil in the 1930s. According to this «autarkic» way of conceiving economics, in order to thrive, an economy has to be autonomous regarding its supply of necessary inputs. Proposals presented in the Annual Reports transmitted to the German Foreign Office by German diplomatic representatives in Brazil encouraged, for example, the negotiation of bilateral trade agreements and the expansion of the Brazilian production of strategic inputs for Germany. The choice of Karl Ritter, an expert in economic matters, as ambassador to Brazil is also representative of this strategy.
Evaluation of plan optimisers in prostate VMAT using the dose distribution index
Authors: Chow James C. L. , Jiang Runqing , Xu Lu
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

Dose distribution index (DDI) is a treatment planning evaluation parameter, reflecting dosimetric information of target coverage that can help to spare organs at risk (OARs) and remaining volume at risk (RVR). The index has been used to evaluate and compare prostate volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans using two different plan optimisers, namely photon optimisation (PO) and its predecessor, progressive resolution optimisation (PRO).

Materials and methods:

Twenty prostate VMAT treatment plans were created using the PO and PRO in this retrospective study. The 6 MV photon beams and a dose prescription of 78 Gy/39 fractions were used in plans with the same dose–volume criteria for plan optimisation. Dose–volume histograms (DVHs) of the planning target volume (PTV), as well as of OARs such as the rectum, bladder, left and right femur were determined in each plan. DDIs were calculated and compared for plans created by the PO and PRO based on DVHs of the PTV and all OARs.

Results:

The mean DDI values were 0·784 and 0·810 for prostate VMAT plans created by the PO and PRO, respectively. It was found that the DDI of the PRO plan was about 3·3% larger than the PO plan, which means that the dose distribution of the target coverage and sparing of OARs in the PRO plan was slightly better. Changing the weighting factors in different OARs would vary the DDI value by ∼7%. However, for plan comparison based on the same set of dose–volume criteria, the effect of weighting factor can be neglected because they were the same in the PO and PRO.

Conclusions:

Based on the very similar DDI values calculated from the PO and PRO plans, with the DDI value in the PRO plan slightly larger than that of the PO, it may be concluded that the PRO can create a prostate VMAT plan with slightly better dose distribution regarding the target coverage and sparing of OARs. Moreover, we found that the DDI is a simple and comprehensive dose–volume parameter for plan evaluation considering the target, OARs and RVR.
Estimation of technical treatment accuracy in fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Bisht Raj Kishor , Natanasabapathi Gopishankar , Sharad Kale Shashank
Published: April 2019

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to estimate technical treatment accuracy in fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (fSRS) using the Extend™ system (ES) of Gamma Knife (GK).

Methods and materials:

The fSRS with GK relies on a re-locatable ES where the reference treatment position is estimated using repositioning check tool (RCT). A patient surveillance unit (PSU) monitors the head and neck movement of the patient during treatment and imaging. The quality assurance test of RCT was performed to evaluate a standard error (SE) associated with a measurement tool called digital probe. A ‘4-mm collimator shot’ dose plan for a head–neck phantom was investigated using EBT3 films. CT and MR distortion measurement studies were combined to evaluate SEimaging. The combined uncertainty from all measurements was evaluated using statistical methods, and the resultant treatment accuracy was investigated for the ES.

Results:

Four sets of RCT measurements and 20 observations of associated digital probe showed SERCT of ±0·0186 mm and SEdigital probe of ±0·0002 mm. The mean positional shift of 0·2752 mm (σ = 0·0696 mm) was observed for 20 treatment settings of the phantom. The differences between radiological and predefined isocentres were 0·4650 and 0·4270 mm for two independent experiments. SEimaging and SEdiode  tool were evaluated as ±0·1055 and ±0·0096 mm, respectively. An expanded uncertainty of ±0·2371 mm (at 95% confidence level) was observed with our system.

Conclusions:

The combined result of the positional shift and expanded uncertainty showed close agreement with film investigations.
A Bayesian Approach to Infer Volcanic System Parameters, Timing, and Size of Strombolian Events From a Single Tilt Station
Authors: Manta Fabio , Taisne Benoit
Published: April 2019

Persistently active volcanoes are characterized by frequent eruptions, in which volatiles dissolved in magma play an important role in controlling the explosivity. Inverting techniques on geodetic data sets have been used to retrieve information about key controlling parameters of these eruptions. However, up to date, several data sets are combined to obtain reliable estimates of the physical parameters using a physical model, hindering the possibility to provide forecasting tools for time and magnitude of eruptions at volcanoes with limited monitoring network. In this work, we propose an approach to extract valuable information out of limited data sets through inverting techniques dealing with limited number of sensors, but high frequency of events. Our method exploits time series of tilt signals recorded by a single station to estimate, by mean of the Bayesian statistics and a physics‐based model, the range of the controlling parameters. The method was developed and tested on a synthetic volcanic system before being applied on data from Semeru volcano (Indonesia). Finally, we tested the possibility to forecast explosion magnitude and timing using data recorded by a single tilt station. Results show that data from a limited network or even a single tilt station is sufficient to estimate the controlling parameters. The information obtained is shown to be useful for estimating the time and magnitude of future events, which can enhance the monitoring systems of those volcanoes characterized by frequent, potentially dangerous events.
When Did the Paleotethys Ailaoshan Ocean Close: New Insights From Detrital Zircon U‐Pb age and Hf Isotopes
Authors: Xu Jian , Xia Xiao‐Ping , Lai Chunkit , Long Xiaoping , Huang Chao
Published: April 2019

We present new laser ablation (LA)‐multicollector‐inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detrital zircon U‐Pb age and Hf isotope data of the Triassic sedimentary rocks from the eastern and western sides of the Ailaoshan suture in SW China, which separate the Indochina and South China blocks. Detrital zircon grains of the Lower‐Middle Triassic sequences from western South China show single age population of 280–237 Ma (peak at 254–251 Ma) with mainly positive εHf(t) values (+0.15 to +9.11, ~60%). The Middle Triassic samples from eastern Indochina also contain single age population of 273–236 Ma (peak at 246–242 Ma), but with mainly negative εHf(t) values (−18.95 to −1.83, ~88%). The unimodal detrital zircon age pattern and Hf isotope features suggest that the Permian‐Triassic magmatic arcs had supplied detritus for the Lower‐Middle Triassic sequences on both sides of the Ailaoshan suture. In contrast, the Upper Triassic sequences on the either side of the suture display similar polymodal age populations at 290–230, 500–400, 850–700, 1000–900, 2000–1800, and 2600–2400 Ma. This indicates a dramatic change in detrital provenance across the Middle‐Late Triassic boundary. We interpret this change to be resulted from the closure of the Paleotethyan Ailaoshan Ocean in the early Late Triassic. The ocean closure and consequent Indochina‐South China continent‐continent collision may have connected the drainage systems of the two blocks, leading to the marked similarities in their post‐Middle Triassic sedimentary provenance.
Asymmetric pseudo-capacitors based on dendrite-like MnO2 nanostructures
Authors: Zhao Yue , Dai Meizhen , Zhao Depeng , Xiao Li , Wu Xiang , Liu Fei
Published: April 2019

Dendrite-like MnO2 nanostructures grown on carbon cloth are successfully prepared by a facile one-step route.
Structure–property relationships in aromatic thioethers featuring aggregation-induced emission: solid-state structures and theoretical analysis
Authors: Saccone Marco , Riebe Steffen , Stelzer Jacqueline , Wölper Christoph , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Voskuhl Jens , Giese Michael
Published: April 2019

The evolution of the fluorescence quantum yields was correlated with the increase of C–H⋯π and the decrease of π⋯π interactions in the solid state.
Nanomaterial based aptasensors for clinical and environmental diagnostic applications
Authors: Kaur Harmanjit , Shorie Munish
Published: April 2019

Exploring nanomaterials for the fabrication of aptamer based biosensors and their application in clinical diagnostics and contaminant monitoring in food & environment.
Exploring the tolerance of marine yeast to inhibitory compounds for improving bioethanol production
Authors: Greetham Darren , Zaky Abdelrahman Saleh , Du Chenyu
Published: April 2019

Inhibitor tolerance is one of the key challenges in lignocellulosic bioethanol production.
Outcomes of Using IVC Filters in Patients with Malignancy at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Raghavendran Prashant , Lim Ming
Published: April 2019

Systemic anticoagulation is regarded as optimal treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In malignancy, bleeding risk is increased while the patients remain hypercoagulable, making anticoagulation management troublesome. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have emerged as an option in the management of VTE, especially when anticoagulant agents are contraindicated. There is limited data on the overall outcomes of patients with malignancy and IVC filter placement. This descriptive study identifies individuals with filters placed and reviews outcomes to guide appropriate care of patients with malignancy and VTE. We performed a retrospective chart review of 115 patients with malignancy who had a filter placed between July 2014 and December 2016. Eighty-seven patients were tracked until December 2017 for significant events (VTE and/or death). In total, 61% (n = 70) had metastatic solid tumor malignancy and 77% (n = 88) were receiving anticoagulation therapy prior to IVC filter placement. Fifty-three percent (n = 61) had bleeding events and 25% (n = 29) had thrombocytopenia. Patients with isolated solid tumors receiving frequent surgery were also common recipients of filters. Sixty-six percent (57/87) of patients had a significant event; 85% of them were anticoagulated. Eighty-two percent of events occurred within 6 months of filter placement, with death occurring on average within 5 months of placement. Overall, use of IVC filters was more common in cancer patients who developed bleeding complications on anticoagulation and with metastatic malignancy. However, in patients with metastatic or hematologic disease, filter placement did not prevent all-cause mortality. Individualized risk–benefit consideration is needed before IVC filters are placed.
Simultaneous transmission of classical and quantum information under channel uncertainty and jamming attacks
Authors: Boche Holger , Janßen Gisbert , Saeedinaeeni Sajad
Published: April 2019

We derive universal codes for simultaneous transmission of classical messages and entanglement through quantum channels, possibly under the attack of a malignant third party. These codes are robust to different kinds of channel uncertainties. To construct such universal codes, we invoke and generalize the properties of random codes for classical and quantum message transmission through quantum channels. We show these codes to be optimal by giving a multi-letter characterization of regions corresponding to capacity of compound quantum channels for simultaneously transmitting and generating entanglement with classical messages. In addition, we give dichotomy statements in which we characterize the capacity of arbitrarily varying quantum channels for simultaneous transmission of classical messages and entanglement. These include cases where the malignant jammer present in the arbitrarily varying channel model is classical (chooses channel states of the product form) and fully quantum (is capable of general attacks not necessarily of the product form).
Measurement of single particle impact charging under an external electric field
Authors: Hu J. , Zeng X. , Han C. , Liang C. , Zhou Q. , Ma J. , Liu D. , Chen X.
Published: April 2019

Electrostatic charges of granular materials always generate under a strong electric field for both nature and industry. To understand the impact charging of a single particle in such situations is therefore essential. However, the traditional Faraday cup approach has difficulty in determining the impact charge with the electric field. Here, we develop Millikan’s method to measure the transferred charge of individual particle collision. The target plate lies beneath the vertical electrodes, and a high-speed camera records the particle movement. The single particle passes through the uniform electric field before and after colliding with the target. We can calculate the impact charge of the particle according to its initial charge and final charge, as well as the impact speed and impact angle. In addition, the electric field strength on the particle above the impact point is determined with the finite element method. The immunity to electric field influence on charge measurement and the ability to obtain relevant parameters make this a powerful tool to characterize charging processes under the electric field.
Inverse design of radiative thermal meta-sources via discrete dipole approximation model
Authors: Salary Mohammad Mahdi , Mosallaei Hossein
Published: April 2019

The radiation from conventional thermal infrared sources is incoherent and unpolarized. It has been recently shown that patterning plasmonic materials into metasurfaces can enhance the coherence of thermal radiation through thermal excitation of localized resonant modes in meta-atoms, enabling realization of thermal emitting metasurfaces—metasources—with high directivity and spectral selectivity. Toward achieving flexible modulation of radiative heat using metasurfaces and realization of complex functionalities, the design rules and modeling tools should be modified to take into account the incoherent nature of thermal radiation. In this paper, we utilize a robust formulation based on discrete dipole approximation within the framework of fluctuation dissipation theorem, which can efficiently characterize the thermal emission from large-area finite thermal metasources consisting of nanostructured materials. We employ an evolutionary lattice approach for the inverse design of radiative thermal metasources through topology optimization without relying on the phase analysis based on the assumption of coherency. To this end, the interaction matrix of dipolar equations is initialized for a lattice of subwavelength blocks and the arrangement of the blocks is subsequently optimized via a genetic algorithm toward achieving a certain spatial emission pattern with minimal computational cost. This approach enables fast and efficient design of large-scale thermal metasources with arbitrary functionalities. In particular, we investigate steering, focusing, and arbitrary shaping of partially coherent thermal radiation via finite silicon carbide gratings supporting surface phonon polaritons. Moreover, we demonstrate that the use of electro-optical materials such as graphene enables active tuning of thermal emission and realization of geometrically fixed multifunctional thermal metasources.