bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EEG data augmentation for emotion recognition with a multiple generator conditional Wasserstein GAN
Authors: Zhang Aiming , Su Lei , Zhang Yin , Fu Yunfa , Wu Liping , Liang Shengjin
Published: April 2021

EEG-based emotion recognition has attracted substantial attention from researchers due to its extensive application prospects, and substantial progress has been made in feature extraction and classification modelling from EEG data. However, insufficient high-quality training data are available for building EEG-based emotion recognition models via machine learning or deep learning methods. The artificial generation of high-quality data is an effective approach for overcoming this problem. In this paper, a multi-generator conditional Wasserstein GAN method is proposed for the generation of high-quality artificial that covers a more comprehensive distribution of real data through the use of various generators. Experimental results demonstrate that the artificial data that are generated by the proposed model can effectively improve the performance of emotion classification models that are based on EEG.
Urinary 1-aminopyrene level in Koreans as a biomarker for the amount of exposure to atmospheric 1-nitropyrene
Authors: Ochirpurev Bolormaa , Eom Sang-Yong , Toriba Akira , Kim Yong-Dae , Kim Heon
Published: April 2021

1-Nitropyrene (1-NP) is a major nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (nitro-PAH), and a common constituent in diesel exhaust particles (DEPs). Absorbed 1-nitropyrene is partly metabolized to 1-aminopyrene and excreted in urine. Recently, the number of diesel cars has been increasing, which could be a major cause of air pollution, resulting elevated levels of traffic-related DEPs around cities. The aim of this study was to investigate the usability of 1-aminopyrene (1-AP) as a biomarker for DEP exposure by examining the association between urinary 1-AP concentration and the amount of exposure to atmospheric 1-NP. The study subjects included 65 individuals who work on vehicular roads or bus terminals. Their 24 h urine samples were collected, and atmospheric air was sampled using a personal air sampler for 24 h. Urinary 1-AP and atmospheric nitro-PAH levels were measured using a high-pressure liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector (HPLC-FD). The average urine 1-AP concentration was 0.334 pg/g creatinine. Urinary 1-AP levels were significantly correlated with 1-NP level exposure (r = 0.385, p = 0.002) but not with the other nitro-PAHs. When the subjects were classified into high-and low-exposure groups, a significant association was only found in the high exposure group (r = 0.357, p = 0.045). In conclusion, there was a significant correlation between 1-NP exposure and urinary 1-AP concentration; therefore, urinary 1-AP level could be used as an exposure biomarker for DEP.
Energy-Water-Environment Nexus and the Transition Towards a Circular Economy: The Case of Qatar
Authors: Ibrahim Abdul-Jalil , Shirazi Nasim Shah
Published: April 2021

Background

Qatar’s per capita consumption of both energy and water is among the highest in the world. Documentation of methods to reduce energy and water use and its impact on the environment is crucial. A circular economy (CE) ensures that economic growth must not necessarily lead to more resource consumption.

Materials and methods

This study aims to discuss the CE approach with a focus on understanding the interdependencies between energy and water and their impact on the environment. The study explores the energy-water-environment nexus and how Qatar can leverage this to transition to a CE. The policy landscape and strategies related to energy and water use sectors are presented, addressing efficiencies and substitutes from a circular economic viewpoint.

Results

The findings show that electricity and mobility sectors(energy perspective of the CE) and agriculture and water supply system (water perspective of the CE) of the Qatari economy provide an opportunity for regeneration, virtualising, exchanging, optimising, sharing and closing loops to achieve CE growth.

Conclusions

The nexus between the mobility, electricity, agriculture and water supply system needs consideration for optimal policy outcome for the CE in Qatar. The study recommends a need to embark on public awareness on moving away from linear economic to the circular economic paradigm and developing a comprehensive policy on Qatar’s circular economic approach that consolidates the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2018–2022 to provide policy clarity and communication towards CE.
Assessment of music experience after cochlear implantation: A review of current tools and their utilization
Authors: Hwa Tiffany P. , Wen Christopher Z. , Ruckenstein Michael J.
Published: April 2021

Objective

To provide an overview of the current available music assessment tools after cochlear implantation (CI); to report on the utilization of music assessments in the literature; to propose potential future directions in music assessment after CI.

Methods

A thorough search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library through October 31, 2020. MeSH search terms, keywords, and phrases included “cochlear implant,” “cochlear prosthesis,” “auditory prosthesis,” “music,” “music assessment,” “music questionnaire,” “music perception,” “music enjoyment, and “music experience.” Potentially relevant studies were reviewed for inclusion, with particular focus on assessments developed specifically for the cochlear implant population and intended for widespread use.

Results/conclusions

Six hundred and forty‐three studies were screened for relevance to assessment of music experience among cochlear implantees. Eighty‐one studies ultimately met criteria for inclusion. There are multiple validated tools for assessment of music experience after cochlear implantation, each of which provide slightly differing insights into the patients’ subjective and/or objective post‐activation experience. However, no single assessment tool has been adopted into widespread use and thus, much of the literature pertaining to this topic evaluates outcomes non‐uniformly, including single‐use assessments designed specifically for the study at hand. The lack of a widely accepted universal tool for assessment of music limits our collective understanding the contributory and mitigating factors applicable to current music experience of cochlear implantees, and limits our ability to uniformly evaluate the success of new implant technologies or music training paradigms.
Institutional analysis of intra‐ and post‐operative tracheostomy management for risk reduction
Authors: Henry Laura E. , Paul Ellen A. , Atkins Joshua H. , Martin Niels D. , Chalian Ara A. , Rassekh Christopher H.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Determine variability in intra‐ and post‐operative management of tracheostomies (trachs) at our institution as existing literature suggests that trachs are a frequent trigger for airway‐related emergencies. Catalyze the development of an institution‐wide protocols for trach care.

Methods

A 39‐question online survey was sent to 55 providers who perform open and percutaneous trachs at three of the hospitals within our large, urban, academic medical center. These providers were identified by surveillance of the operating room schedules for 1 year.

Results

The survey was completed by 40 of the 53 eligible providers (75.5%). Response rate by question varied. Respondents included members of all departments that perform trachs at our institution (Otorhinolaryngology, Trauma Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology).While most responses demonstrated uniformity in practice, notable variations included the following: 80% of percutaneous trach providers stated that morbid obesity was not a contraindication to performing a trach outside of the operating room (n = 20) while 58% of open trach providers stated that morbid obesity was a contraindication; only 35% of open trach providers perform a Bjork flap (n = 350). The survey also identified significant variability in practice with regards to timing of trach suture removal.

Discussion

Lack of uniformity was identified in several practices related to intra‐ and post‐operative tracheostomy care. Results did, however, trend toward consensus in many areas. The results are being used to establish a more consistent approach to tracheostomy management across our institution to ensure standardization of practice amidst the rapidly evolving practices of trach placement.

Implications for practice

With ongoing evolution in the methods of trach placement and its management, the concepts put forth here will be a resource for health care providers at other institutions to consider intra‐institutional analysis and establishment of practice standardization.
Analyzing decision records from committees
Authors: Marbach Moritz
Published: April 2021

In the absence of a complete voting record, decision records are an important data source to analyze committee decision-making in various institutions. Despite the ubiquity of decision records, we know surprisingly little about how to analyze them. This paper highlights the costs in terms of bias, inefficiency, or inestimable effects when using decision instead of voting records and introduces a Bayesian structural model for the analysis of decision-record data. I construct an exact likelihood function that can be tailored to many institutional contexts, discuss identification, and present a Gibbs sampler on the data-augmented posterior density. I illustrate the application of the model using data from US state supreme court abortion decisions and UN Security Council deployment decisions.
A new look on the morphometric characteristics of Congridae leptocephali from the southern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Mandić M. , Leonori I. , De Felice A. , Gvozdenović S. , Pešić A.
Published: April 2021

Anguillid leptocephali of three Congridae species (Conger conger,Ariosoma balearicumandGnathophis mistax) were caught as bycatch of pelagic trawls during acoustic surveys targeting small pelagic fish species in the southern Adriatic Sea, carried out under the framework of the Italian MEDIAS project (western side) and its extension in the ambit of the FAO AdriaMed project (eastern side). Results refer to the findings of Congridae leptocephali during surveys conducted in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016. A total of 25 specimens were caught and analysed (morphological features and pigmentation patterns). Leptocephali ofConger congerwere found in the range of 8.4–13.1 cm total length (TL) (between 50 and 132 m depth),Ariosoma balearicumfrom 9.7–12.2 cm TL (between 50 and 128 m depth) and forGnathophis mystaxin the range from 6.4–11.7 cm TL (between 40 and 79 m depth). The results indicate that the southern Adriatic Pit could be the spawning area of these species in the Adriatic Sea. Present data represent a contribution to existing knowledge about the ecology of leptocephali from the Congridae family in the southern Adriatic Sea, and also indicate the existence of differences in morphometric parameters between different areas, that is, the possibility of the existence of new geographic lines within the genusAriosomain the Adriatic Sea.
Worship: bowing down in the service of God
Authors: Levi Avital Hazony
Published: April 2021

Philosophers commonly assume that worship is a universal attitude. Two major approaches see worship as a sui generis attitude or as the specific attitude of respect. This article criticizes the universal assumption and defines worship as a ritual that shapes a person in acquiring the attitude considered appropriate in relating to a superior such as God. Religions differ in their rituals of worship because they disagree on what this appropriate attitude is. This claim is demonstrated by distinguishing the Hebrew Bible's form of worship as bowing down. Biblical worship is shown to be political, forming the worshipper into a loyal servant of God as king. This form of worship is argued to be fundamentally ethical because it teaches that the individual's relationship with God supervenes on human relationships.
Doing, Allowing, and Occasionalism
Authors: Şen Sümer
Published: April 2021

In ‘God, evil, and occasionalism’ Matthew Shea and C.P. Ragland appeal to the Doctrine of Doing and Allowing to argue against Alvin Plantinga that occasionalism is morally worse than conservationism. In this article I critically examine their argument and conclude that it fails because it contains an equivocation or is unwarranted. I also offer a case against their position by, first, arguing that on none of three prominent accounts of doing and allowing God merely allows suffering.

Second, I develop the ‘Epistemological-Equivalence Argument’ in order to show that even if we grant such a distinction for God's acts, they would be morally on a par.
Meaningful professional activities from family medicine practitioners’ perspectives: a study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Sameer , Alajmi Mansour , Batais Mohammed Ali , Al-Zahrani Jamaan , Aldossari Khaled K.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Family medicine practitioners (FMP) take care of a varied range of patients with undifferentiated conditions over a lifetime. Although it was incepted in Saudi Arabia in 1980, limited data exists on FMP. This paper explores what family physicians deem relevant.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FMP in Saudi Arabia in 2018–2019 who responded to an online questionnaire that listed 20 activities usually done by FMP asking them to rate their meaningfulness on a 5-point Likert Scale, and select the top 3 they would like to spend the most and the least time on. Chi-square statistics were used to compare preference for time spent on these six activities by participant characteristics

Results:

Of the 415 survey participants, the majority were male (246) and had a Bachelor’s degree (176). The management of risk conditions, follow-up of chronic illnesses and running preventive health clinics were listed as most meaningful. The majority wished to spend more time on managing health risks, handling daily common complaints and follow-up of chronic illnesses and less time on terminal care activities (46.8%), emergency care (32.3%) and addiction medicine (23.4%). Bachelor’s degree holders wished to spend more time on emergency care compared to Diploma, Board-certified and Fellowship holders (63%, 21%, 10% and 5%, respectively;P= 0.01).

Conclusions:

The activities preferred by FMP align with prevailing disease epidemiology. Variations in preferences of ‘managing emergencies’ reflect the varied format of training. Training of FMP should be standardized and further studies investigate reasons for specific preferences.
Doppler Shifted Alpha Transmitter Signals in the Conjugate Hemisphere: DEMETER Spacecraft Observations and Raytracing Modeling
Authors: Němec F. , Santolík O. , Parrot M.
Published: April 2021

Alpha navigation transmitters are very low frequency (VLF) transmitters operating at mid‐latitudes, which use a specific discrete radiation pattern at three distinct frequencies (11.9, 12.6, and 14.9 kHz). The transmitters are located in the northern hemisphere, but the radiated signals propagate through the magnetosphere to the conjugate hemisphere, where they are detectable by low‐altitude spacecraft. We present an analysis of such signals detected by the Detection of Electro‐Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions spacecraft at an altitude of about 660 km. It is found that, due to a Doppler shift, the observed signal frequencies can be at times rather different than the radiated frequencies. This indicates wave propagation at large wave normal angles (close to the resonance cone). Simultaneous observations of the same signal with different Doppler shifts reveal three distinct ways of signal propagation: (i) ducted propagation, (ii) unducted propagation, and (iii) propagation interpreted as only partially ducted. A raytracing analysis is employed to obtain typical wave trajectories corresponding to the individual ways of signal propagation and respective Doppler shifts. A reasonable agreement between the observed and calculated Doppler shifts is obtained. Our results demonstrate the peculiarities of VLF signal propagation throughout the magnetosphere and the possibility of using Doppler shifts to estimate wave normal angles.
Development of a Trans‐Dimensional Fault Slip Inversion for Geodetic Data
Authors: Tomita Fumiaki , Iinuma Takeshi , Agata Ryoichiro , Hori Takane
Published: April 2021

Geodetic fault slip inversions have generally been performed by employing a least squares method with a spatially uniform smoothing constraint. However, this conventional method has various problems: difficulty in strictly estimating non‐negative solutions, assumption that unknowns follow the Gaussian distributions, unsuitability for expressing spatially non‐uniform slip distributions, and high calculation cost for optimizing many hyper‐parameters. Here, we have developed a trans‐dimensional geodetic slip inversion method using the reversible‐jump Markov chain Monte Carlo (rj‐MCMC) technique to overcome these problems. Because sub‐fault locations were parameterized by the Voronoi partition and were optimized in our approach, we can estimate a slip distribution without the need for spatially uniform smoothing constraints. Moreover, we introduced scaling factors for observational errors. We applied the method to the synthetic data and the actual geodetic observational data associated with the 2011 Tohoku‐oki earthquake and found that the method successfully reproduced the target slip distributions including a spatially non‐uniform slip distribution. The method provided posterior probability distributions with the unknowns, which can express a non‐Gaussian distribution such as large slip with low probability. The estimated scaling factors properly adjusted the initial observational errors and provided a reasonable slip distribution. Additionally, we found that checkerboard resolution tests were useful to consider sensitivity of the observational data for performing the rj‐MCMC method. It is concluded that the developed method is a powerful technique to solve the problems of the conventional inversion method and to flexibly express fault‐slip distributions considering the complicated uncertainties.
Diurnal Cycles of Near‐Surface Currents Across the Tropical Pacific
Authors: Masich Jessica , Kessler William S. , Cronin Meghan F. , Grissom Karen R.
Published: April 2021

Solar radiative heat and wind‐forced momentum can be trapped at the surface and transmitted into the ocean interior via a daily descending shear layer that mixes heat and momentum downwards. Here, we characterize the extent of this mechanism across the tropical Pacific via seven mooring deployments spanning the eastern and western tropical Pacific and the Inter‐Tropical and South Pacific Convergence Zones. We find a wide range of diurnal cycles in temperature and velocity, from very weak cycles trapped in the upper 10 m to strong cycles that reach as deep as 60 m. These deeper diurnal cycles appear where the strong background shear above the equatorial undercurrent in the eastern equatorial Pacific helps destabilize the fluid, setting up a persistent state of marginal instability. At the sites located in these marginally unstable regions, we find a linear relationship between wind speed and the depth and strength of the diurnal cycle in velocity.
Seismostratigraphic and Geomorphic Evidence for the Glacial History of the Northwestern Chukchi Margin, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Kim Sookwan , Polyak Leonid , Joe Young Jin , Niessen Frank , Kim Hyoung Jun , Choi Yeonjin , Kang Seung‐Goo , Hong Jong Kuk , Nam Seung‐Il , Jin Young Keun
Published: April 2021

High‐resolution seafloor mapping provides insights into the dynamics of past ice sheets/ice shelves on high‐latitude continental margins. Geological/geophysical studies in the Arctic Ocean suggest widespread Pleistocene ice grounding on the Chukchi–East Siberian continental margin. However, flow directions, timing, and behavior of these ice masses are not yet clear due to insufficient data. We present a combined seismostratigraphic and morphobathymetric analysis of the Chukchi Rise off the northwestern Chukchi margin using the densely acquired subbottom profiler (SBP) and multibeam echosounder (MBES) data. Comparison with deeper airgun seismic records shows that the SBP data cover most of the glaciogenic stratigraphy possibly spanning ca. 0.5–1 Ma. Based on the stratigraphic distribution and geometry of acoustically transparent glaciogenic diamictons, the lateral and vertical extent of southern‐sourced grounded ice became smaller over time. The older deposits are abundant as debris lobes on the slope contributing to a large trough mouth fan, whereas younger grounding‐zone wedges are found at shallower depths. MBES data show two sets of mega‐scale lineations indicating at least two fast ice‐streaming events of different ages. Contour‐parallel recessional morainic ridges mark a stepwise retreat of the grounded ice margin, likely controlled by rising sea levels during deglaciation(s). The different inferred advance and retreat directions of the southern‐sourced ice reflect complex geomorphic settings. The overall picture shows that the Chukchi Rise was an area where different ice streams had complex interactions. In addition to glaciogenic deposits, we identify a number of related or preceding seabed features including mounds, gullies/channels, and sediment waves.
Vegetation History and Precipitation Changes in the NE Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau: A 7,900‐years Pollen Record From Caodalian Lake
Authors: Lv Feiya , Chen Jianhui , Zhou Aifeng , Cao Xianyong , Zhang Xu , Wang Zhenqian , Wu Duo , Chen Xuemei , Yan Jingjing , Wang Haipeng , Dong Guanghui , Xu Qinghai , Huang Xiaozhong , Chen Fahu
Published: April 2021

The northeastern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau is strongly influenced by the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM), the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and the westerlies. However, how these various circulation systems interacted in the region during the Holocene, and the nature of the associated environmental impacts, are unclear and even controversial. Here we present a high‐resolution pollen record from Caodalian Lake since 7.9 ka (1 ka = 1,000 cal yr BP), which is used to reconstruct the regional vegetation history and climatic changes. In addition, we use a novel procedure for pollen‐based quantitative paleoclimatic reconstruction to characterize the evolution of precipitation at Caodalian Lake and nearby Qinghai Lake. The results suggest that mean annual precipitation (Pann) is the most significant factor controlling the fossil pollen record at both sites, and the Pann reconstructions are well correlated with each other (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). A synthesis of the Pann records from the two sites indicates that the precipitation in the region began to increase before 10 ka, reached a maximum during 10–5 ka, and gradually decreased thereafter. We propose that the pattern of precipitation evolution in the Qinghai Lake basin resulted from the combined effects of the ISM and EASM, with a precipitation maximum of 10–7 ka for the ISM and 7–5 ka for the EASM; both systems contributed to the regional precipitation maximum during 10–5 ka. Our well‐dated and unambiguous Pann record also provides the opportunity to reconcile paleoenvironmental reconstructions derived from different paleoenvironmental proxies from the Qinghai Lake basin.
Occurrence of Ionospheric Equatorial Ionization Anomaly at 840 km Height Observed by the DMSP Satellites at Solar Maximum Dusk
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Chen Yiding , Liu Libo , Le Huijun , Zhang Ruilong , Huang He , Li Wenbo
Published: April 2021

Although it is accepted that the electron density double peaks of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) generally merge into a single‐peak with increasing altitude and thus the signature of EIA becomes inconspicuous in the higher topside ionosphere, it is still unclear that to what altitudes the double‐peak structure can extend. In this study, we used measurements of the DMSP F12‐F15 satellites at ∼840 km altitude to examine EIA occurrence rate (EOR) in the dusk sector during solar maximum years 2000–2002 by checking latitudinal profiles of the ion density orbit by orbit. The EIA can still be observed at DMSP heights, and the EOR can reach 30% at specific longitudes at dusk side in equinox seasons. The EOR behaves wave‐like longitude structure that depends on seasons. Moreover, the irregularity occurrence rate shows similar longitudinal and seasonal variations with EOR, and the local time evolutions of them show that the former peaks earlier than the latter. The observations of equatorial verticalE × Bplasma drifts indicated that the prereversal enhancement (PRE) of eastward electric field plays a significant role in the formation of the equatorial ionization anomaly at an altitude of 840 km just after sunset, but the occurrence of the equatorial ionization anomaly at this altitude dose not precisely represent the characteristics of the prereversal enhancement of eastward electric field.
Seismo‐Tectonic Model for the Southern Pre‐Rif Border (Northern Morocco): Insights From Morphochronology
Authors: Agharroud Kamal , Siame Lionel L. , Ben Moussa Abdelkhalak , Bellier Olivier , Guillou Valéry , Fleury Jules , El Kharim Younes
Published: April 2021

Located at the southern boundary of the Alpine chain in Morocco, the deformation front of the Southern Rif Mountains is a region of moderate tectonic activity, which makes it a good natural laboratory to understand whether, and how, low compressional strains are located on specific structures. Along the ≈80 km‐long left‐lateral, transpressive and reverse fault zone that runs at the toe of the Pre‐Rif Ridges, an analysis of high‐resolution digital topography provides new geomorphic lines of evidence supporting Quaternary activity along, 20 km‐long fault segments. The fault zone can be divided into the Meknès and the Fès segments, which are constrained at depth by reactivated, NE‐trending basement faults, delimitating paleo‐grabens associated with the Late Triassic‐Jurassic opening of the Atlantic Ocean. For selected sites, we used in situ‐produced36Cl,10Be, and26Al and high‐resolution topography to infer the timing of abandonment of fluvial markers, which suggest incision rates on the order of 0.6–2 mm/yr. Given their lengths, scaling laws suggest that the identified fault segments should root at about 7–12 km‐depth, possibly reactivating former basement normal faults and making them potential seismogenic sources capable of generating Mw6+ earthquakes, with return times of the order of several hundreds of years. Our new morphochronological data set confirms that the Southern Rif deformation front is a key structure that may have accommodated most of the lateral extrusion of the Rif between the Nubia and Iberia tectonic plates.
Oak Trees Offer a Continuous Climate Record for Central Europe
Authors: Kish Stacy
Published: April 2021

A method using nonpooled, continuous stable carbon and oxygen isotopes recorded in oak trees benefits climate reconstructions.
Benchmark ab initio stationary-point characterization of the complex potential energy surface of the multi-channel Cl + CH3NH2 reaction
Authors: Szűcs Tímea , Czakó Gábor
Published: April 2021

High-level composite ab initio computations reveal several abstraction and substitution pathways for the multi-channel Cl + CH3NH2 reaction.
Controlling optical trapping of metal–dielectric hybrid nanoparticles under ultrafast pulsed excitation: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Devi Anita , Nair Shruthi S. , Yadav Sumit , De Arijit K.
Published: April 2021

Crucial to effective optical trapping is the ability to precisely control the nature of force/potential to be attractive or repulsive.
Turning-on persistent luminescence out of chromium-doped zinc aluminate nanoparticles by instilling antisite defects under mild conditions
Authors: Huang Xiaodan , Wei Xiaojun , Zeng Yan , Jing Lihong , Ning Haoran , Sun Xiaodan , Li Yingying , Li Di , Yi Yuanping , Gao Mingyuan
Published: April 2021

Coral-like ZnAl2O4:Cr nanoparticles with a tunable size and long NIR afterglow luminescence via a MeOH-mediated wet-chemical synthesis.
A computational approach to understand the role of metals and axial ligands in artificial heme enzyme catalyzed C–H insertion
Authors: Balhara Reena , Chatterjee Ritwika , Jindal Garima
Published: April 2021

Choosing the best metal isn’t a trivial task! We use DFT to understand the role of metals (Fe and Ir) in artificial heme enzyme catalyzed C–H insertion and delineate the features that render a particular metal–ligand combination as the most effective.
Mechanism and kinetics of the oxidation of 1,3-butadien-1-yl (n-C4H5): a theoretical study
Authors: Porfiriev Denis P. , Azyazov Valeriy N. , Mebel Alexander M.
Published: April 2021

According to ab initio calculations of the potential energy surface combined with RRKM-ME calculations of rate constants and product branching ratios, the n-C4H5 + O2 reaction mostly produces 1-oxo-n-butadienyl + O and acrolein + HCO.
Construction of a high-nuclearity Nd(iii) nanoring for the NIR luminescent detection of antibiotics
Authors: Hao Wenxin , Yang Xiaoping , Ma Yanan , Niu Mengyu , Shi Dongliang , Schipper Desmond
Published: April 2021

One 14-metal Nd(iii) nanoring was constructed using a rigid tridentate ligand, and it shows NIR luminescent response to NFAs with high sensitivity even in the presence of other antibiotics.
Photogenerated charge separation and recombination path modification in monocline Lu2WO6via lattice transition and Bi–O antibonding states
Authors: Zheng Chunyu , Yu Ce , Yu Han , Zheng Huibing , Yin Luqiao , Fu Nian , Ding Bangfu , Mao Liang , Zhang Junying
Published: April 2021

Photogenerated charge separation and recombination path modification is realized by lattice transition and Bi–O antibonding states in monocline Lu2WO6.
Synchronous control of magnetic particles and magnetized cells in a tri-axial magnetic field
Authors: Abedini-Nassab Roozbeh , Bahrami Sajjad
Published: April 2021

Single magnetic particles and magnetized cells are transported on-chip using a TI magnetic pattern. The tri-axial external magnetic field provides the driving force for manipulating all the particles simultaneously.
Approaches for peptide and protein cyclisation
Authors: Hayes Heather C. , Luk Louis Y. P. , Tsai Yu-Hsuan
Published: April 2021

Polypeptide cyclisation can enhance thermal stability, proteolytic resistance and membrane permeability. Cyclisation can be achieved by methods including chemical, enzyme and protein tag approaches. Each has strengths and limitations.
Reaction-based machine learning representations for predicting the enantioselectivity of organocatalysts
Authors: Gallarati Simone , Fabregat Raimon , Laplaza Rubén , Bhattacharjee Sinjini , Wodrich Matthew D. , Corminboeuf Clemence
Published: April 2021

A machine learning model for enantioselectivity prediction using reaction-based molecular representations.
How to not build a cage: endohedral functionalization of polyoxometalate-based metal–organic polyhedra
Authors: Guo Ji , Chang Qing , Liu Zhiwei , Wang Yangming , Liu Chuanhong , Wang Mou , Huang Danmeng , Chen Guanying , Zhao Hongmei , Wang Wei , Fang Xikui
Published: April 2021

Installation of oversized functions within a metal–organic cage may “burst” or even transform the molecular cage itself.
Developing normalization schemes for data isolated distributed deep learning
Authors: Zhou Yujue , He Ligang , Yang Shuang‐Hua
Published: April 2021

Distributed deep learning is an important and indispensable direction in the field of deep learning research. Earlier research has proposed many algorithms or techniques on accelerating distributed neural network training. This study discusses a new distributed training scenario, namely data isolated distributed deep learning. Specifically, each node has its own local data and cannot be shared for some reasons. However, in order to ensure the generalization of the model, the goal is to train a global model that required learning all the data, not just based on data from a local node. At this time, distributed training with data isolation is needed. An obvious challenge for distributed deep learning in this scenario is that the distribution of training data used by each node could be highly imbalanced because of data isolation. This brings difficulty to the normalization process in neural network training, because the traditional batch normalization (BN) method will fail under this kind of data imbalanced scenario. At this time, distributed training with data isolation is needed. Aiming at such data isolation scenarios, this study proposes a comprehensive data isolation deep learning scheme. Specifically, synchronous stochastic gradient descent algorithm is used for data exchange during training, and provides several normalization approaches to the problem of BN failure caused by data imbalance. Experimental results show the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed data isolated distributed deep learning scheme.
Design of circularly polarized planar leaky‐wave antenna using characteristic mode analysis
Authors: Barzegari Saeed , Forooraghi Keyvan , Abbasi Arand Bijan
Published: April 2021

In the present study, a characteristic mode analysis (CMA) is proposed for the first time to design a periodic leaky‐wave antenna (LWA). By applying CMA to the unit cell of a periodic travelling wave structure, the open stopband is suppressed and circular polarization (CP) radiation is achieved. Also, some parametric studies are added to clarify the design processes. Eventually, to optimize the design, the series and shunt analysis is applied to the unit cell of the periodic travelling wave structure. Based on the proposed analysis, a wideband CP long microstrip LWA (MLWA) is designed and simulated. The MLWA can sweep the main beam from around −30° to +10° continuously through broadside by sweeping the frequency from 7.5 to 12.25 GHz. The proposed structure is designed to have CP in the entire operating frequency. Eventually, the fabricated antenna showed excellent agreement between measured, modelled, and simulated results.
First direct identification of the barlens vertical structure in galaxy models
Authors: Tikhonenko Iliya S. , Smirnov Anton A. , Sotnikova Natalia Ya.
Published: April 2021

Applying spectral dynamics methods to one typical N-body model with a barlens, we dissect the modelled bar into separate components supported by completely different types of orbits. We identify at least four components: a narrow elongated bar, a boxy bar, and two components contributing to the barlens. We analyse the vertical structure of all components that make up the thick part of the bar, which has a boxy/peanut shape (B/P bulge). We show that the ‘peanut’ shape is mainly due to the orbits that assemble the boxy part of the face-on bar. We associate the X-shape with the narrow and elongated bar. The wider part of the barlens with square-like isophotes contributes to the boxy shape of the B/P bulge when we observe the galaxy edge-on. However, the part of the barlens with rounded isophotes in the face-on view is a rather flat structure in the vertical direction without any significant off-centre protrusions. Thus, for the first time, we demonstrate that the rounded face-on barlens cannot be entirely associated with the B/P bulge.
Optimization of production of the fermented milk beverage based on Tibetan kefir grains
Authors: Khabibullin Rustem , Adylov Mahmud , Ezhkova Galina
Published: April 2021

In recent years we have seen interest in Tibetan kefir grains (TKG) for production of fermented milk beverages. The article presents the results of the work on expanding the range of fermented milk beverages based on TKG, studying the influence of fermentation conditions on quality characteristics of beverages and their shelf life. The possibility of their optimization is shown. Using the method of Central Composite Design (CCD), response functions were obtained in the form of 2nd-order polynomials, and the numerical values of the coefficient of these dependencies were calculated. The conditions of milk fermentation by Tibetan kefir grains were optimized. The numerical values of the influencing factors are: the dose of inoculate is (60 ±2) g per 100 ml of the milk, fermentation duration -(30±3) h; fermentation temperature - (35±4)°C. We also studied the effect of sea buckthorn, chokeberry and lingonberry juice additives on the quality of fermented milk drinks and their shelf life. Using the same method CCD we determined the functional dependencies of sensory indicators and shelf life of the beverage on the added amount of berry juice and sucrose. According to the results of the conducted studies, the recipe of a fermented milk beverage was modified. The optimal content of the components (per 100 ml of the drink) is: juice – (12±2) ml, sucrose - (10±1) g.
Stochastic analysis of impact mixing of bulk materials in a rotary apparatus
Authors: Kapranova Anna , Bahaeva Daria , Stenko Dmitry , Fedorova Daria , Vatagin Alexander , Lebedev Anton
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this work is to analyze the distribution of bulk materials according to the characteristic parameters of the mixing process at the second stage of processing in a rotary apparatus. The design of the rotary device has a wide range, including for the needs of agriculture, for example, when forming mixtures of mineral fertilizers and multifunctional pyrethroid drugs. At this mixing stage, impact interaction with the bump surface of rarefied flows of bulk components occurs, obtained by scattering the rotating drum by elastic blades at the previous stage of the technological chain. The obtained dependencies between the characteristic angle of dispersion of bulk materials by the specified mixing drum (at the first stage) and the angle of reflection of the corresponding flows from the baffle surface (at the second stage) are used in the stochastic analysis of impact mixing. Modeling of the differential functions of the distribution of the number of particles of mixed bulk components by the angle of reflection from the baffle surface is carried out taking into account the physical and mechanical characteristics of the working materials, design parameters, and operating parameters of the rotary apparatus. The calculation results made it possible to reveal the effective ranges of variation of the characteristic parameters for the shock mixing of bulk materials in a rotary apparatus.
Financial Relations in Flood Insurance: US Experience, use in Russia
Authors: Miroshnikova Tatyana , Taskaeva Natalya
Published: April 2021

A flood is a natural disaster that threatens the economy through the damage caused. Establishing an effective financial mechanism for assessing damage and providing flood insurance is becoming increasingly important. An analysis of the financial relationships between government and insurance organizations in the field of US insurance, related directly to the management system in flood-prone areas, allows us to develop recommendations for building an effective flood insurance system in Russia. Research into the costing of the US national flood insurance program and the appropriate level of subsidies for existing properties in high-risk flood areas is part of the scientific study of the interaction between insurance and government funding. The article provides an overview of the mechanism for the distribution of financial resources in areas prone to flooding. Proposals are presented regarding the creation of an effective flood insurance system in Russia, which will ensure the coordination of actions of various levels of government, scientifically grounded zoning in flooded areas, as well as the establishment of compulsory insurance of social, housing, and communal facilities in flood-prone areas.
Diiiodine/Potassium Persulfate Mediated Synthesis of 1,2,3-Thiadiazoles from N-Tosylhydrazones and a Thiocyanate Salt as a Sulfur Source under Transition-Metal-Free Conditions
Authors: Sun Yadong , Abdukader Ablimit , Lu Yuhan , Liu Chenjiang
Published: April 2021

A highly efficient method for the synthesis of 1,2,3-thiadiazoles has been developed by utilizing readily available tosylhydrazones and ammonium thiocyanate with ecofriendly EtOH as the solvent at room temperature. The reaction shows a wide scope of substrates and good functional-group tolerance. This protocol can be scaled up to a gram level and can be applied to coupling reactions with 4-(4-bromophenyl)-1,2,3-thiadiazole as the substrate.
Researchers Develop Phononic Crystal for Tailored Sound Control
Authors: Frank Jodi Ackerman
Published: April 2021

The acoustic metamaterial of aluminum rods contains tunable reflective properties.
Change of wrist motion before and after fixation of the distal radioulnar joint and resection of the distal ulna in a cadaveric model
Authors: Suzuki Taku , Terasaka Yukinori , Tomoyuki Kato , Hagiwara Takeshi , Masuda Shusuke , Kimura Hiroo , Matsumura Noboru , Iwamoto Takuji
Published: April 2021

Objective

Recent study suggests the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) plays a role in flexion and extension of the wrist. We examined the range of motion (ROM) of the wrist before and after DRUJ fixation and distal ulnar resection in a cadaveric model.

Methods

Twenty fresh cadaveric human wrists were transected and treated with two sequential interventions: (a) DRUJ fixation, and (b) distal ulnar resection. The angle of maximum flexion and extension of the wrist was measured before and after the procedures. Maximum force to the wrist was determined before the procedures using a digital pressure monitor.

Results

The mean maximum wrist flexion ROM was 84.2° before the procedures. The ROM decreased to 82.5° after DRUJ fixation, and significantly increased to 88.2° after subsequent resection of the distal ulna. The mean maximum wrist extension ROM before the procedures was 73.5°. The ROM decreased to 71.6° after DRUJ fixation, and significantly increased to 77.1° after subsequent resection of the distal ulna.

Conclusions

Motion of the wrist is affected by DRUJ. This study suggests that the DRUJ might contribute to the ROM in flexion and extension of the wrist.
Padé approximant approach to singular properties of quantum gases: the ideal cases
Authors: Tian Yuan-Hong , Li Wen-Du , Shen Yao , Dai Wu-Sheng
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we show how to recover the low-temperature and high-density information of ideal quantum gases from the high-temperature and low-density approximation by the Padé approximant. The virial expansion is a high-temperature and low-density expansion and in practice, often, only the first several virial coefficients can be obtained. For Bose gases, we determine the BEC phase transition from a truncated virial expansion. For Fermi gases, we recover the low-temperature and high-density result from the virial expansion.
Nematodes Versus White Grubs: Long But Challenging Association
Authors: Haji Allahverdipour Hana , Karimi Javad
Published: April 2021

Soil as a shared habitat of white grubs and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is a double-edged sword from the biological control point of view. Soil encompasses a diverse array of EPNs that could be exploited in grub microbial control; on the other hand, soil promotes the natural resistance of grubs to EPNs via the battle between both sides within the soil matrix. White grubs and EPNs have been armed in this battle by a multifaceted range of mechanisms, namely grub structural and physiological barriers, antagonism of grub gut microbiota toward the nematode bacterial symbionts, EPN excreted/secreted proteins, surface coat proteins, ascaroside pheromones produced by EPNs, and evolution of EPN resistance to herbivore self-defense. From the evolutionary point of view, EPN–grub interactions, the most advanced (sophisticated) association among others, could have evolved from other types of associations. Entomophilic nematode (e.g., Pristionchus spp.), the cognate bacterium and scarab associations along with the formation of dauer juveniles, are proof of preadaptation to entomopathogeny in a continual evolution. Here, we delve into the salient features of each component of EPN-white grub–host plant tripartite interactions as well as hints to improved exploitation of EPNs for grub management. Also, evolutionary associations between nematodes and scarabs will be reviewed, in short.
Ecotypic differentiation of a circumpolar Arctic-alpine species at mid-latitudes: variations in the ploidy level and reproductive system of Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Authors: Wakui Akimi , Kudo Gaku
Published: April 2021

Although plant species originated from Arctic regions commonly grow in alpine habitats at mid-latitudes, some populations of these species exist also in some specific habitats below the treeline. Local populations at lower elevations may have different origins, ploidy levels, mating systems and/or morphological traits from alpine populations, but comparative studies between alpine and low-elevation populations are scarce. We aimed to reveal the ecological and genetic differentiations between higher and lower populations of Vaccinium vitis-idaea in Hokkaido, northern Japan by comparing 22 populations growing in diverse environments. We analysed the ploidy level of individual populations using flow cytometry. Genetic differentiation among populations, and genetic diversity within populations were calculated using microsatellite markers. Fruit and seed production were recorded under natural conditions, and a pollination experiment was conducted to reveal the variations in mating system across populations. Furthermore, we compared shoot growth and leaf characteristics among populations. Most of the low-elevation populations were tetraploid, whereas all but one of the alpine populations were diploid. Tetraploid populations were clearly differentiated from diploid populations. Some tetraploid populations formed huge clonal patches but genetic diversity was higher in tetraploids than in diploids. Alpine diploids were self-incompatible and produced more seeds per fruit than tetraploid populations. In contrast, tetraploids showed high self-compatibility. Leaf size and foliar production were greater in tetraploid populations. Our results indicate that the genetic compositions of low-elevation tetraploid populations are different from those of alpine diploid populations. Most populations at lower elevations contained unique ecotypes suited to persistence in isolated situations. Local, low-elevation populations of typical alpine species maintain ecologically and genetically specific characteristics and could be valuable in terms of evolutionary and conservation biology. The present study demonstrates the biological importance of small and isolated populations at the edges of species distribution.