bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a novel stay‐green QTL that increases yield in maize
Authors: Zhang Jun , Fengler Kevin A. , Van Hemert John L. , Gupta Rajeev , Mongar Nick , Sun Jindong , Allen William B. , Wang Yang , Weers Benjamin , Mo Hua , Lafitte Renee , Hou Zhenglin , Bryant Angela , Ibraheem Farag , Arp Jennifer , Swaminathan Kankshita , Moose Stephen P. , Li Bailin , Shen Bo
Published: April 2019

Functional stay‐green is a valuable trait that extends the photosynthetic period, increases source capacity and biomass and ultimately translates to higher grain yield. Selection for higher yields has increased stay‐green in modern maize hybrids. Here, we report a novel QTL controlling functional stay‐green that was discovered in a mapping population derived from the Illinois High Protein 1 (IHP1) and Illinois Low Protein 1 (ILP1) lines, which show very different rates of leaf senescence. This QTL was mapped to a single gene containing a NAC‐domain transcription factor that we named nac7. Transgenic maize lines where nac7 was down‐regulated by RNAi showed delayed senescence and increased both biomass and nitrogen accumulation in vegetative tissues, demonstrating NAC7 functions as a negative regulator of the stay‐green trait. More importantly, crosses between nac7 RNAi parents and two different elite inbred testers produced hybrids with prolonged stay‐green and increased grain yield by an average 0.29 megagram/hectare (4.6 bushel/acre), in 2 years of multi‐environment field trials. Subsequent RNAseq experiments, one employing nac7 RNAi leaves and the other using leaf protoplasts overexpressing Nac7, revealed an important role for NAC7 in regulating genes in photosynthesis, chlorophyll degradation and protein turnover pathways that each contribute to the functional stay‐green phenotype. We further determined the putative target of NAC7 and provided a logical extension for the role of NAC7 in regulating resource allocation from vegetative source to reproductive sink tissues. Collectively, our findings make a compelling case for NAC7 as a target for improving functional stay‐green and yields in maize and other crops.
Risk assessment of the use of alternative animal and plant raw material resources in aquaculture feeds
Authors: Glencross Brett D. , Baily Johanna , Berntssen Marc H.G. , Hardy Ronald , MacKenzie Simon , Tocher Douglas R.
Published: April 2019

A wide range of raw materials are now used routinely in aquaculture feeds throughout the world, primarily to supply protein and energy in the form of lipid from edible oils. Protein meals and oils used can generally be divided into those of plant or animal origin and many have considerable potential to supply the required dietary nutrients required by aquaculture species. However, the use of any raw material introduces a suite of risks that need to be considered to enable the production of safe, sustainable and functional feeds to underpin this sector. A lack of understanding of some of those risks can result in failure of dietary specifications being met and/or negative nutritional elements being introduced (e.g. antinutritional factors). Importantly, it is this feed that when fed to food‐producing animals is such an important element of food safety, and as such any undesirable aspects relating to feed production can also have a negative impact on the rest of the food chain. However, there is some disparity internationally among raw materials that are used and the perceptions surrounding the risk of their use. It is the scientific assessment of these risks that is the basis of this review.
The growth of manufacturing protection in 1920s Britain
Authors: Varian Brian D.
Published: April 2019

Prior to the Import Duties Act of 1932, an assortment of legislation expanded the scope of manufacturing protection in Britain. This article assesses the magnitude of manufacturing protection before the Import Duties Act and finds that, in 1930, 9% of net manufacturing output occurred in a protected industry. In the late 1920s, protected industries exhibited above‐average growth in labour productivity. However, protection was disproportionately extended to newer manufacturing industries, which presented greater potential for productivity growth. This article concludes that protection did not enhance productivity growth in Britain's manufacturing industries in the late 1920s.
Multiple cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels coordinate calcium oscillations and polar growth of root hairs
Authors: Brost Christa , Studtrucker Tanja , Reimann Ronny , Denninger Philipp , Czekalla Jennifer , Krebs Melanie , Fabry Ben , Schumacher Karin , Grossmann Guido , Dietrich Petra
Published: April 2019

Calcium gradients underlie polarization in eukaryotic cells. In plants, a tip‐focused Ca2+‐gradient is fundamental for rapid and unidirectional cell expansion during epidermal root hair development. Here we report that three members of the cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel family are required to maintain cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations and the normal growth of root hairs. CNGC6, CNGC9 and CNGC14 were expressed in root hairs, with CNGC9 displaying the highest root hair specificity. In individual channel mutants, morphological defects including root hair swelling and branching, as well as bursting, were observed. The developmental phenotypes were amplified in the three cngc double mutant combinations. Finally, cngc6/9/14 triple mutants only developed bulging trichoblasts and could not form normal root hair protrusions because they burst after the transition to the rapid growth phase. Prior to developmental defects, single and double mutants showed increasingly disturbed patterns of Ca2+ oscillations. We conclude that CNGC6, CNGC9 and CNGC14 fulfill partially but not fully redundant functions in generating and maintaining tip‐focused Ca2+ oscillations, which are fundamental for proper root hair growth and polarity. Furthermore, the results suggest that these calmodulin‐binding and Ca2+‐permeable channels organize a robust tip‐focused oscillatory calcium gradient, which is not essential for root hair initiation but is required to control the integrity of the root hair after the transition to the rapid growth phase. Our findings also show that root hairs possess a large ability to compensate calcium‐signaling defects, and add new players to the regulatory network, which coordinates cell wall properties and cell expansion during polar root hair growth.
Platelet transfusion as treatment for factor V deficiency in the parturient: a case report
Authors: Drzymalski Dan M. , Elsayes Ali H. , Ward Katelyn R. , House Michael , Manica Virgil S.
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Congenital factor V deficiency, also called parahemophilia, is a rare hematological disorder that can be treated with platelet transfusion.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 27‐year‐old G2P0100 with factor V deficiency was admitted for induction of labor and requested labor epidural analgesia. Throughout her hospital course, factor V levels were managed per recommendation from her hematologist, which included transfusing fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to maintain a factor V level of 50% before any neuraxial technique and 40% for postpartum hemostasis. The parturient required multiple transfusions of FFP to stay at this level, which eventually resulted in pulmonary edema. Given the request to maintain high levels of factor V, the parturient was transfused with platelets as an alternative source of factor V. The parturient eventually delivered a healthy neonate without signs of postpartum hemorrhage or epidural hematoma.

CONCLUSION

A major learning point from this case is that platelet transfusion is an effective alternative in the management of factor V deficiency. Factor V released by platelets has enhanced procoagulant function, resulting in local factor V concentrations 100 times more than that of plasma, and has a significantly extended half‐life. Platelet transfusion should be considered as a therapy in treating parturients with factor V deficiency.
The Dilemma of Woman Body in the Consumer Society
Authors: HUANG Yan
Published: April 2019

Today in the consumer society, women pay much more attention to their bodies—not only to improvement in capability but much more to their figure and appearance. New techniques provide them with a lot of products—losing weight, spa, and bodybuilding surgery and so on—all of which tell them that they could be better and prettier. Looks is not inborn any longer. It can be changed and improved very easily. It is under this system of power discourse, women think that slim and curvaceous body figure with provocative BWH is their mission of life. This paper mainly discusses the features of female body and looks and their relation with the power discourse system in the consumer society. Under this system, woman confronts the dilemma: it is inevitable for them to pursue the modern beauty and fashion, which consume their time, money and energy, and their bodies become a commodity consumed at the same time.
Wind turbine audibility calculations inside dwellings
Authors: Keith Stephen E. , Michaud David S. , Feder Katya P. , Soukhovtsev Victor , Voicescu Sonia A. , Denning Allison R. , Tsang Jason , Broner Norm , Richarz Werner G.
Published: April 2019

The objective of the current paper was to characterize indoor wind turbine sound pressure levels (SPLs) to assess the audibility of wind turbine noise indoors, accounting for window opening, frequency spectra, and presbycusis. Loudspeaker generated noise was used to determine the outdoor to indoor SPL differences at 11 representative dwellings using ISO 140-5:1998. The procedure was extended to 16 Hz. With windows closed, indoor broadband A- and C-weighted SPLs were lower by 25.9 and 15.3 dB, respectively, for wind turbine noise spectra. With windows opened, the corresponding results were 13.8 and 9.9 dB, respectively. Standard deviations for these results were 3 dB so that indoor and outdoor SPL would tend to be highly correlated. For 35 dBA outdoor SPL, the indoor SPL was potentially audible at frequencies as low as 31.5 Hz. Specifically, at 35 dBA, 80% to 100% of adults below the age of 60 years, would potentially be able to hear wind turbine noise indoors with windows partially open. This would drop to 10% to 30% with closed windows. Uncertainties around these estimates are discussed.
Acoustic impedance of micro-perforated panels in a grazing flow
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqi , Cheng Li
Published: April 2019

Micro-perforated panels (MPPs) are widely used for broadband sound absorptions. For a MPP exposed to a grazing flow, existing acoustic impedance formulas based on different flow parameters give inconsistent results, thus calling for a systematic investigation of the issue to find more intrinsic flow parameters allowing for a reliable acoustic impedance prediction. In this study, three-dimensional CFD simulations are conducted on a MPP hole with a backing space in a flow duct. Numerical results allow identifying the flow velocity gradient in the viscous sublayer as the intrinsic flow parameter and show its linear relationship with a flow-related term in the acoustic resistance formula. Through a linear regression analysis, an acoustic resistance formula is established within a certain flow range (Mach number up to 0.25) under the linear acoustic regime. The validity of the impedance formula is demonstrated through comparisons with existing results and experimental data reported in the literature, showing good agreement and superiority in terms of the prediction accuracy.
Developing a Theory-Driven Intervention to Challenge Coach Thinking: A Case Study
Authors: Pasquini Erica , Thompson Melissa
Published: April 2019

Coaching as a profession is a complex role that requires professional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal knowledge . In order for coaches to develop expertise in these areas, continued education can be beneficial. The case study presented focuses on the development and dissemination of a coach-education intervention designed to challenge coach thinking surrounding the coach-expectancy cycle. The coach-expectancy cycle is a well-researched model of coach behavior that follows a 4-stage cyclical pattern in which coaches develop biases based on their previous experiences. These biases then affect coach behavior toward athletes, which in turn affects athlete performance and motivation. Finally, athlete performance reinforces coach expectations. The authors developed a 2-hr theory-based intervention promoting mitigation of the cycle in a group of youth-soccer coaches. Theories used, the intervention, and practitioner reflections are discussed.
An Investigation of Athletic Trainers’ Emergency Management Practices for Equipment-Intensive Sports
Authors: Boergers Richard J. , Bowman Thomas G. , Sgherza Nicole , Montjoy Marguerite , Lu Melanie , O’Brien Christopher W.
Published: April 2019

In 2015, new practice recommendations to remove equipment prior to transport when cervical spine injury is suspected were released. The purpose of this study was to determine current emergency management practices and perceptions of the new practice recommendation. We received completed mixed-method surveys from 143 athletic trainers practicing in the Mid-Atlantic region (response rate = 10.11%). The majority of respondents stated that the number of personnel required, along with the training and time to practice equipment removal, were barriers to implementation. Requiring assistance from emergency medical services (EMS) was common, but many failed to practice with local EMS. Emergency management procedures should be appropriate given the resources (personnel and training) available. Collaboration between athletic trainers and EMS is needed.
The Roles of Sex and Physical Activity in Gait and Knee Extensor Function With Age
Authors: Hafer Jocelyn F. , Miller Mark S. , Kent Jane A. , Boyer Katherine A.
Published: April 2019

Older females experience higher rates of disability than males, potentially due to sex-specific differences in gait and muscle function. The authors evaluated the effects of age and physical activity (PA) on gait mechanics and knee extensor muscle function in males and females. Three groups of 20 individuals (each 10 females) participated: young (21–35 y) and highly and less active older (55–70 y) adults. Knee extensor strength and joint mechanics during preferred speed gait were collected before and after 30 minutes of walking. Age by sex and PA by sex interactions indicated older and less active older females had lower concentric knee extensor muscle power and larger hip extension moments than males. After 30 minutes of walking, older less active adults had larger decreases in knee extensor power than their highly active older counterparts, and older adults of both sexes had decreases in ankle dorsiflexion moments while young adults did not. These results suggest that older, particularly less active, adults are susceptible to knee extensor muscle fatigue from moderate activity. For older adults, high levels of PA may be necessary to preserve gait mechanics in response to a bout of exercise. This new information may be important for targeting interventions in at-risk older adults.
Simple Assay for Detection of the Central Asia Outbreak Clade of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing Genotype
Authors: Shitikov Egor , Vyazovaya Anna , Malakhova Maja , Guliaev Andrei , Bespyatykh Julia , Proshina Evgeniya , Pasechnik Oksana , Mokrousov Igor
Published: April 2019

The Central Asia outbreak (CAO) clade is a branch of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Beijing genotype that is associated with multidrug resistance, increased transmissibility, and epidemic spread in parts of the former Soviet Union. Furthermore, migration flows bring these strains far beyond their areas of origin.
Chandipura Virus Utilizes the Prosurvival Function of RelA NF-κB for Its Propagation
Authors: Bais Sachendra S. , Ratra Yashika , Khan Naseem A. , Pandey Rakesh , Kushawaha Pramod K. , Tomar Shailly , Medigeshi Guruprasad , Singh Abhyudai , Basak Soumen
Published: April 2019

RelA/NF-κB participates in a wide spectrum of physiological processes, including shaping immune responses against invading pathogens. In virus-infected cells, RelA typically induces the expression of IFN-β, which restrains viral propagation in neighboring cells involving paracrine mechanisms. Our study suggested that RelA might also play a proviral role. A cell-autonomous RelA activity amplified the yield of Chandipura virus, a cytopathic RNA virus associated with human epidemics, by extending the life span of infected cells. Our finding necessitates a substantial revision of our understanding of host-virus interactions and indicates a dual role of NF-κB signaling during the course of RNA virus infections. Our study also bears significance for therapeutic regimes which alter NF-κB activities while alleviating the viral load.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 Beta Interacts with Nucleoporin 62 To Promote Viral Replication and Immune Evasion
Authors: Ke Hanzhong , Han Mingyuan , Kim Jineui , Gustin Kurt E. , Yoo Dongwan
Published: April 2019

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes PRRS and is known to effectively suppress host innate immunity. The PRRSV nsp1β protein blocks host mRNA nuclear export, which has been shown to be one of the viral mechanisms for inhibition of antiviral protein production. nsp1β binds to the cellular protein nucleoporin 62 (Nup62), and as a consequence, the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is disintegrated and the nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of host mRNAs and host proteins is blocked. We show the dual benefits of Nup62 and nsp1β binding for PRRSV replication: the inhibition of host antiviral protein expression and the exclusive use of host translation machinery by the virus. Our study unveils a novel strategy of PRRSV for immune evasion and enhanced replication during infection.
Toxoplasma
Controls Host Cyclin E Expression through the Use of a Novel MYR1-Dependent Effector Protein, HCE1
Authors: Panas Michael W. , Naor Adit , Cygan Alicja M. , Boothroyd John C.
Published: April 2019

Like most Apicomplexan parasites,
Toxoplasma gondii
has the remarkable ability to invade and establish a replicative niche within another eukaryotic cell, in this case, any of a large number of cell types in almost any warm-blooded animals. Part of the process of establishing this niche is the export of effector proteins to co-opt host cell functions in favor of the parasite. Here we identify a novel effector protein, HCE1, that the parasites export into the nucleus of human cells, where it modulates the expression of multiple genes, including the gene encoding cyclin E, one of the most crucial proteins involved in controlling when and whether a human cell divides. We show that HCE1 works through binding to specific transcription factors, namely, E2F3, E2F4, and DP1, that normally carefully regulate these all-important pathways. This represents a new way in which these consummately efficient infectious agents co-opt the human cells that they so efficiently grow within.
Protease-Mediated Growth of Staphylococcus aureus on Host Proteins Is
opp3
Dependent
Authors: Lehman McKenzie K. , Nuxoll Austin S. , Yamada Kelsey J. , Kielian Tammy , Carson Steven D. , Fey Paul D.
Published: April 2019

Staphylococcus aureus
has the ability to cause infections in a variety of niches, suggesting a robust metabolic capacity facilitating proliferation under various nutrient conditions. The mature skin abscess is glucose depleted, indicating that peptides and free amino acids are important sources of nutrients for
S. aureus
. Our studies have found that mutations in both pyruvate carboxykinase and glutamate dehydrogenase, enzymes that function in essential gluconeogenesis reactions when amino acids serve as the major carbon source, reduce bacterial burden in a murine skin abscess model. Moreover, peptides liberated from collagen by host protease MMP-9 as well as the staphylococcal protease aureolysin support
S. aureus
growth in an Opp3-dependent manner under nutrient-limited conditions. Additionally, the presence of peptides induces aureolysin expression. Overall, these studies define one pathway by which
S. aureus
senses a nutrient-limiting environment and induces factors that function to acquire and utilize carbon from host-derived sources.
Lyme carditis presenting as atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zainal Abir , Hanafi Amir , Nadkarni Ninad , Mubasher Mahmood , Lingutla Deeraj , Hoefen Ryan
Published: April 2019

The incidence of Lyme disease in the USA is 8 per 100 000 cases and 95% of those occur in the Northeastern region. Cardiac involvement occurs in only 1% of untreated patients. We describe the case of a 46-year-old man who presented with chest pressure, dyspnoea, palpitations and syncope. He presented initially with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, a rare manifestation of Lyme carditis. In another hospital presentation, he had varying degrees of atrioventricular block including Mobitz I second-degree heart block. After appropriate antibiotic treatment, he made a full recovery and his ECG normalised. The authors aim to urge physicians treating patients in endemic areas to consider Lyme carditis in the workup for patients with atrial fibrillation and unexplained heart block, as the associated atrioventricular nodal complications may be fatal.
Cost-effectiveness of community-based screening and treatment of moderate acute malnutrition in Mali
Authors: Isanaka Sheila , Barnhart Dale A , McDonald Christine M , Ackatia-Armah Robert S , Kupka Roland , Doumbia Seydou , Brown Kenneth H , Menzies Nicolas A
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) causes substantial child morbidity and mortality, accounting for 4.4% of deaths and 6.0% of disability-adjusted life years (DALY) lost among children under 5 each year. There is growing consensus on the need to provide appropriate treatment of MAM, both to reduce associated morbidity and mortality and to halt its progression to severe acute malnutrition. We estimated health outcomes, costs and cost-effectiveness of four dietary supplements for MAM treatment in children 6–35 months of age in Mali.

Methods

We conducted a cluster-randomised MAM treatment trial to describe nutritional outcomes of four dietary supplements for the management of MAM: ready-to-use supplementary foods (RUSF; PlumpySup); a specially formulated corn–soy blend (CSB) containing dehulled soybean flour, maize flour, dried skimmed milk, soy oil and a micronutrient pre-mix (CSB++; Super Cereal Plus); Misola, a locally produced, micronutrient-fortified, cereal–legume blend (MI); and locally milled flour (LMF), a mixture of millet, beans, oil and sugar, with a separate micronutrient powder. We used a decision tree model to estimate long-term outcomes and calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) comparing the health and economic outcomes of each strategy.

Results

Compared to no MAM treatment, MAM treatment with RUSF, CSB++, MI and LMF reduced the risk of death by 15.4%, 12.7%, 11.9% and 10.3%, respectively. The ICER was US$9821 per death averted (2015 USD) and US$347 per DALY averted for RUSF compared with no MAM treatment.

Conclusion

MAM treatment with RUSF is cost-effective across a wide range of willingness-to-pay thresholds.

Trial registration

NCT01015950.
Unparticle effects on B → D(∗)τν
Authors: Lee Jong-Phil
Published: April 2019

We examine the possible unparticle effects on [Formula: see text] associated with [Formula: see text] decays by minimum-[Formula: see text] fitting. Recent measurements from Belle and LHCb are included in this analysis. While it is true that the new experimental results of [Formula: see text] get closer to the Standard Model (SM) predictions, there is still room for new physics and unparticles are also one possibility. Our best-fit values are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which are still far from the SM values by more than [Formula: see text] or almost [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. We also find that the unparticle effects are quite safe to render the branching ratio [Formula: see text] less than 10%.
Stretchable interconnections based on horseshoe shape metal nanowires
Authors: Zhou Jianhui , Cao Jianguo , Meng Junhui , Wang Liyong , Yin Haibin , Miao Cunxiao
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we presented the fabrication and testing of a new type of stretchable interconnections based on horseshoe shape metal nanowires. The stretchable interconnections could serve for stretchable electronics which are widely used in the field of tactile sensor, surgical devices, intelligent manufacturing and so on. The significant advantage of the stretchable interconnections is that excellent stretchability and outstanding conductivity are obtained simultaneously. The proposed horseshoe shape stretchable interconnections were fabricated by embedding silver nanowires (AgNWs) into the surface of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin film. The results from the stretching tests have demonstrated that the stretchable interconnections has a stable resistance (around 15[Formula: see text]) after repeated stretching and release. Moreover, the resistance increment in the 30% stretched state after fifty stretching cycles is only 138% of the initial value. With the good conductivity and stability during stretching, the stretchable interconnections developed in this paper are applicable to stretchable electronic devices.
Controllable negative differential resistance on charge transport through strained and tilted DNA molecules
Authors: Joe Yong S. , Malakooti Sadeq , Hedin Eric R.
Published: April 2019

A double-stranded DNA molecule subject to a perpendicular gating electric field and a small mechanical strain exhibits a negative differential resistance (NDR) in its current–voltage (I–V) characteristics. Using an advanced two-dimensional tight-binding model including hopping integrals for the next nearest-neighbors, we implement perturbative strain- and tilted angle-dependent DNA helix conformation in conjunction with the theories of Slater–Koster and linear elasticity. The degree of NDR can be tuned by adjusting the tilt angle and mechanical strain of the DNA. This effect arises because of a surface charge distribution near the contacts due to the normal component of the electric field and structural change of the DNA molecule due to the strain. It is shown that enhancement of NDR peak current and a large peak-to-valley ratio of NDR are achieved by an increase of the tilt angle and stretching strain. Finally, a series of step-like current jumps without NDR features are exhibited in the weak DNA-lead coupling regime. This disappearance of NDR stems from the fact that reduced conduction through metal electrodes with a sufficiently small tunneling rate compensates the current drop.
The mixed spin-1/2 and spin-1 model with alternating coordination number
Authors: Albayrak Erhan
Published: April 2019

The mixed spin-1/2 and spin-1 Blume–Capel model is studied with randomly alternated coordination numbers (CN) on the Bethe lattice (BL) by utilizing the exact recursion relations. Two different CNs are randomly distributed on the BL by using the standard–random (SR) approach. It is observed that this model presents first-order phase transitions and tricritical points for variations of CNs 3 and 4, even if these behaviors are not displayed for the regular mixed-spin on the BL. The phase diagrams are mapped by obtaining the phase transition temperatures of the first- and second-order on several planes.
Calculation of the thermodynamic quantities of perovskite metal organics DMAKCr and perovskite HyFe close to the weakly first-order relaxor-like structural transformation using the mean field theory
Authors: Yurtseven H. , Tarı Ö.
Published: April 2019

Weakly first-order or nearly second-order phase transitions occurring in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly in DMAKCr and perovskite HyFe, are studied under the mean field model by using the observed data from the literature. In this work, mainly thermal and magnetic properties among various physical properties which have been reported in the literature for those MOFs are studied by the mean field theory. By expanding the free energy in terms of the magnetization (order parameter), the excess heat capacity ([Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]) and entropy ([Formula: see text]S), latent heat (L), magnetization (M) and the inverse susceptibility ([Formula: see text]) are calculated as a function of temperature close to the weakly first-order phase transition within the Landau phenomenological model which is fitted to the experimental data from the literature for C[Formula: see text] (DMAKCr and perovskite HyFe) and for magnetization M (HyFe).

Our predictions of the excess heat capacity ([Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]) and entropy ([Formula: see text]S) agree below T[Formula: see text] with the observed data within the temperature intervals studied for DMAKCr and perovskite HyFe. From our predictions, we find that magnetization decreases continuously whereas the inverse susceptibility decreases linearly with increasing temperature toward the transition temperature in those MOFs as expected for a weakly first-order transition from the mean field model.
Egocentric Visitors Localization in Cultural Sites
Authors: Ragusa Francesco , Furnari Antonino , Battiato Sebastiano , Signorello Giovanni , Farinella Giovanni Maria
Published: April 2019

We consider the problem of localizing visitors in a cultural site from egocentric (first-person) images. Localization information can be useful both to assist the user during his visit (e.g., by suggesting where to go and what to see next) and to provide behavioral information to the manager of the cultural site (e.g., how much time has been spent by visitors at a given location? What has been liked most?). To tackle the problem, we collected a large dataset of egocentric videos using two cameras: a head-mounted HoloLens device and a chest-mounted GoPro. Each frame has been labeled according to the location of the visitor and to what he was looking at. The dataset is freely available in order to encourage research in this domain. The dataset is complemented with baseline experiments performed considering a state-of-the-art method for location-based temporal segmentation of egocentric videos. Experiments show that compelling results can be achieved to extract useful information for both the visitor and the site-manager.
Monotone Properties of
k
-Uniform Hypergraphs Are Weakly Evasive
Authors: Black Timothy
Published: April 2019

A Boolean function in
n
variables is
weakly evasive
if its decision-tree complexity is Ω(
n
). By
k
-graphs, we mean
k
-uniform hypergraphs. A
k-graph property
on
v
vertices is a Boolean function on
n
=

v

k

variables corresponding to the
k
-subsets of a
v
-set that is invariant under the
v
! permutations of the
v
-set (isomorphisms of
k
-graphs).

In 1976, Rivest and Vuillemin proved that all nonconstant monotone graph properties (
k
= 2) are weakly evasive, confirming a conjecture of Aanderaa and Rosenberg in 1973. Then, in 2013, Kulkarni, Qiao, and Sun (KQS) proved the analogous result for 3-graphs. We extend these results to
k
-graphs for every fixed
k
. From this, we show that monotone Boolean functions invariant under the action of a large primitive group are weakly evasive.

Although KQS employ the powerful topological approach of Kahn et al. in 1984 combined with heavy number theory, our argument is elementary and self-contained (modulo some basic group theory). Inspired by the outline of the KQS approach, we formalize the general framework of “orbit augmentation sequences” of sets with group actions. We show that a parameter of such sequences, called the
spacing
, is a lower bound on the decision-tree complexity for any nontrivial monotone property that is Γ-invariant for all groups Γ involved in the orbit augmentation sequence, assuming all those groups are
p
-groups. We develop operations on such sequences such as composition and direct product that will provide helpful machinery for our applications. We apply this general technique to
k
-graphs via certain liftings of
k
-graphs with wreath product action of
p
-groups.
Efeitos da rotatividade de pessoal sobre práticas das equipes de contabilidade em municípios
Authors: Azevedo Ricardo Rocha de , Lino André Feliciano , Diniz Josedilton Alves
Published: April 2019

O artigo discute os efeitos da rotatividade de equipes de contabilidade sobre a execução e adoção de práticas executadas por esta equipe em cerca de 2.800 prefeituras brasileiras. Para tal, foram estimados três modelos quantitativos em que a execução de práticas pela equipe de contabilidade (com diferentes graus de complexidade) foi analisada em função da rotatividade de servidores de departamentos de contabilidade. Verificou-se que a rotatividade de equipes de contabilidade nas prefeituras (i) está associada com a troca dos prefeitos; e, (ii) impacta negativamente a execução e adoção de práticas complexas, contudo, o efeito é inverso quando as práticas são consideradas simples. O artigo contribui ao diminuir a significativa falta de evidenciação empírica sobre a rotatividade de cargos técnico-burocráticos, que supostamente seriam predominantemente posições estáveis nas organizações do setor público brasileiro. No contexto da reforma da contabilidade aplicada ao setor público, o artigo discute e traz implicações para a organização dos municípios, órgãos normatizadores e Tribunais de Contas.
Ouro para fora, lixo para dentro: as inserções de Gana na divisão internacional do trabalho contemporânea e a recommodização da economia
Authors: Santos Kauê Lopes dos
Published: April 2019

O território ganense possui uma rica variedade de recursos minerais – como ouro, manganês, bauxita e diamantes – que tem sido explorada por grandes corporações estrangeiras desde o final do século XX, quando o país executou reformas neoliberais. A exportação de minerais é uma componente chave na inserção do país no mercado internacional, trazendo substanciais recursos externos para o Estado. Ao mesmo tempo, devido a falta de industrialização de sua economia, Gana tornou-se altamente dependente da importação de bens manufaturados de segunda mão, como bens eletroeletrônicos (mas também automóveis e roupas), importados principalmente da Europa e da América do Norte. Aproximadamente 60% desses bens não podem ser reutilizados em suas funções originais, tornando-se lixo (lixo eletrônico) que se acumula no bairro de Agbogbloshie em Accra. Assim, esse artigo busca analisar o papel de Gana na Divisão Internacional do Trabalho contemporânea.
Assessing the Quality of Abstracts in Randomized Controlled Trials Published in High Impact Cardiovascular Journals
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Shaikh Asim , Ochani Rohan Kumar , Akhtar Tauseef , Fatima Kaneez , Khan Safi U. , Mookadam Farouk , Murad M. Hassan , Figueredo Vincent M. , Doukky Rami , Krasuski Richard A.
Published: April 2019

Background:

In the busy world of cardiovascular medicine, abstracts may be the only part of a publication that clinicians read. Therefore, it is critical for abstracts to accurately reflect article content. The extended CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) Statement for Abstracts was developed to ensure high abstract quality. However, it is unknown how often adherence to CONSORT guidelines occurs among cardiovascular journals.

Methods and Results:

We searched MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials published in 3 major cardiovascular journals (
Circulation, Journal of the American College of Cardiology
, and
European Heart Journal
) from 2011 to 2017. Post hoc, interim, and cost-effective analyses of randomized controlled trials were excluded. Two independent investigators extracted the data using a prespecified data collection form and a third investigator adjudicated the data. The primary outcome was frequency of subcategory adherence to CONSORT guidelines. A total of 478 abstracts were included in the analysis. Approximately half of the abstracts (53%; 255/478; 95% CI, 49%–57%) identified the article as randomized in the title. All abstracts detailed the interventions for both study groups (100%) and 81% (95% CI, 78%–85%) reported trial registration. Methodological quality reporting was relatively low: 9% (45/478; 95% CI, 6%–12%) described participant eligibility criteria with settings for data collection, 43% (204/478; 95% CI, 39%–47%) reported details of blinding, and <1% (4/478; 95% CI, 0%–2%) reported allocation concealment. Approximately 60% (301/478; 95% CI, 59%–67%) of the included abstracts provided primary outcome results while 55% (262/478; 95% CI, 51%–60%) reported harms or adverse effects.

Conclusions:

There is a high prevalence of nonadherence to CONSORT guidelines among leading cardiovascular journals. Efforts by editors, authors, and reviewers should be made to increase adherence and promote transparent and unbiased presentation of study results.
An Evaluation of Chinese Human-Computer Dialogue Technology
Authors: Zhao Zhengyu , Zhang Weinan , Che Wanxiang , Chen Zhigang , Zhang Yibo
Published: April 2019

The human-computer dialogue has recently attracted extensive attention from both academia and industry as an important branch in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). However, there are few studies on the evaluation of large-scale Chinese human-computer dialogue systems. In this paper, we introduce the Second Evaluation of Chinese Human-Computer Dialogue Technology, which focuses on the identification of a user's intents and intelligent processing of intent words. The Evaluation consists of user intent classification (Task 1) and online testing of task-oriented dialogues (Task 2), the data sets of which are provided by iFLYTEK Corporation. The evaluation tasks and data sets are introduced in detail, and meanwhile, the evaluation results and the existing problems in the evaluation are discussed.
Buying Allies: Payment Practices in Multilateral Military Coalition-Building
Authors: Henke Marina E.
Published: April 2019

Many countries serving in multilateral military coalitions are “paid” to do so, either in cash or in concessions relating to other international issues. An examination of hundreds of declassified archival sources as well as elite interviews relating to the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization operation in Afghanistan, the United Nations–African Union operation in Darfur, and the African Union operation in Somalia reveals that these payment practices follow a systematic pattern: pivotal states provide the means to cover such payments. These states reason that rewarding third parties to serve in multilateral coalitions holds important political benefits. Moreover, two distinct types of payment schemes exist: deployment subsidies and political side deals. Three types of states are most likely to receive such payments: (1) states that are inadequately resourced to deploy; (2) states that are perceived by the pivotal states as critical contributors to the coalition endeavor; and (3) opportunistic states that perceive a coalition deployment as an opportunity to negotiate a quid pro quo. These findings provide a novel perspective on what international burden sharing looks like in practice. Moreover, they raise important questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of such payment practices in multilateral military deployments.
A peculiar case of intraspecific variability in the Chinese Notholca dongtingensis (Rotifera: Monogononta: Brachionidae)
Authors: LUO YONGTING , WANG QUANXI , SEGERS HENDRIK
Published: April 2019

We review the rare Chinese rotifer Notholca dongtingensis Zhuge, Kutikova & Sudzuki, 1998, including abundant mate-rial collected during the winter months of 2009–2011 in and around the man-made Dishui Lake Southeast of Shanghai,PR China. Both an SEM study of its trophi and an account of its intraspecific variability are provided. The latter consistsin particular of a unique and previously unknown type of spine formation involving the anterolateral spines, a characterpreviously considered morphologically constant and even diagnostic in Notholca and related genera. The observations in-dicate that phenotypic plasticity invoked by a plesiomorphic triggering mechanism is not per se connected to the type orposition of structures developed, but may activate responses resulting in the formation of quite different, autapomorphic structures throughout monogonont Rotifera.
A new catfish of the genus Glyptothorax from the Kaladan basin, Northeast India (Teleostei: Sisoridae)
Authors: RAMESHORI YUMNAM , VISHWANATH WAIKHOM
Published: April 2019

Glyptothorax churamanii, a new sisorid catfish species from the Kaladan basin of Mizoram State, Northeast India isdescribed. It is distinguished from the congeners of Glyptothorax in the NE Indian region by the combination of thefollowing characters: an oblong thoracic adhesive apparatus opening caudally with an inverted V-shaped mediandepression on its posterior half; the ventral lobe of the caudal fin longer than the dorsal lobe, with diffused blacksubmarginal bands on each lobe; sparsely tuberculate skin; ventral surfaces of pectoral spine and first (and sometimessecond) rays of pelvic fins pleated, plicae on pectoral spine arranged in rows, continuous distally and dissociated in a series of three to five hexagonal-shaped spots in each row; and 3+10 rakers on the first branchial arch.
North American members of the reticulata-like species group of the water mite genus Kongsbergia (Acari: Hydrachnidiae: Aturidae)
Authors: RADWELL ANDREA J. , SMITH IAN M.
Published: April 2019

Fifteen North American species of the water mite genus Kongsbergia, 11 of which are new to science, are described andallocated to the newly proposed reticulata-like species group. This group is characterized by synapomorphic contours ofthe dorsal shield in males in the form of symmetrical ridges, an elevated hump anteromedially and a marked depressionposteromedially that bears a medial ridge with the excretory pore at its posterior end. These species are further assigned to six subgroups diagnosed by various shared derived character states of males. Adults of K. reticulata Habeeb, 1956, K.reticulata labyrintha Habeeb, 1957, and K. cyanea Habeeb, 1981 are redescribed based on examination of types and ad-ditional specimens, and all are recognized as full species. The description of adults of K. robisoni Radwell and Smith,2011, is revised slightly based on observations on specimens from recently discovered populations. Adults of 11 new spe-cies are described including K. appalachiana sp. nov., K. atkinsonae sp. nov., K. cooki sp. nov., K.crista sp. nov., K. crum-pae sp. nov., K. humeralis sp. nov., K. floridana sp. nov., K. laurentiana sp. nov., K. setosa sp. nov., K. texana sp. nov., and K. transversa sp. nov.. Distributional data and a key to males for these species are presented.
Erratum: JUDSON, MARK L.I. (2012) Nomenclatural problems associated with the generic names Obisium Leach, 1814, Blothrus Schiödte, 1847 and Neobisium Chamberlin, 1930 (Arachnida: Chelonethi). Zootaxa, 3475, 21–35.
Authors: JUDSON MARK L.I.
Published: April 2019

(Erratum)
The genus Branchiosyllis Ehlers, 1887 from Philippines Islands, with the description of two new species
Authors: ÁLVAREZ-CAMPOS PATRICIA , SAN MARTÍN GUILLERMO , AGUADO M. TERESA
Published: April 2019

The species of Branchiosyllis from Philippines Islands, B. maculata, B. australis new comb. and B. exilis, have been re-viewed, with particular emphasis on the study of worldwide material of the latter. In addition, Branchiosyllis mayae andBranchiosyllis tagalog are described as new species. The former is characterized by its bidentate claw-shaped chaetae,unique in the genus, short dorsal cirri, and orange body with black stripes on prostomium (less pigmented), peristomiun,and anterior four to seven segments (more pigmented at bases of cirrophores). The latter is characterized by presence ofonly two claw-shaped chaetae per parapodium, ventral one larger than dorsal one, spindle-shaped tentacular cirri and dor-sal cirri with small pores and papillae, peristomium not visible dorsally and strongly dorsoventrally flattened body, pig-mented with dark central spot surrounded by two horizontal wide bands and faint coloured circles on each parapodia. A comparative table of all the species of the genus is also provided.
Four new eriophyoid mite species (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) from Iran
Authors: XUE XIAO-FENG , SADEGHI HUSSEIN , HONG XIAO-YUE
Published: April 2019

Four new mite species of the superfamily Eriophyoidea from Iran are described and illustrated. They are: Aceria tragop-ogonis sp. nov. on Tragopogon coelesyriacus Boiss. (Compositae); Aculodes alhagis sp. nov. on Alhagi maurorumMedik. (Leguminosae); Aculops haloxylonum sp. nov. on Haloxylon persicum Bunge ex Boiss. et Buhse (Chenopodiace-ae) and Colomerus robaticus sp. nov. on Prunus dulcis (Mill.) (Rosaceae). Except for Aculops haloxylonum making galls, the other new species described herein are vagrants on their respective host plants.
Biodiversity assessment in the Lower Mekong basin: First record of the genus Oncosclera (Porifera: Spongillina: Potamolepidae) from the Oriental Region
Authors: MANCONI RENATA , RUENGSAWANG NISIT , LEDDA FABIO D. , HANJAVANIT CHUTIMA , SANGPRADUB NARUMON
Published: April 2019

Taxonomic richness of Thai Spongillina numbers so far seven species (five genera, one family). The first record of the genusOncosclera Volkmer-Ribeiro, 1970 belonging to the family Potamolepidae Brien, 1967 is here reported with the description ofa new species from the Pong River (NE Thailand, Oriental Region) in the framework of a biodiversity assessment in the LowerMekong Basin. An emended diagnosis of the genus is also provided. The new species, ascribed to the genus Oncosclera fordiagnostic traits of the skeleton and the gemmular architecture, differs from all the other known species of the genus in itsunique combination of diagnostic traits. O. asiatica sp. nov. is characterised by i) more or less alveolate skeleton, ii) conulosesurface with a network of branched subdermal canals, iii) acanthoxeas as dominant megascleres and less frequentacanthostrongyles, iv) gemmular theca sublaminar of compact spongin with a scantly developed pneumatic layer of fibrousspongin, and v) gemmuloscleres as acanthostrongyles from elongated to ovoid with tubercles/spines particularly dense towardsthe tips. Despite the extremely disjunct distribution O. asiatica is morphologically similar to O. intermedia and O. jewelli fromthe Neotropical Region and O. gilsoni from Pacific Islands, from which the former diverges for megascleres and/or gemmuloscleres traits.
Description of a new species of the genus Xenophrys Günther, 1864 (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from Mount Jinggang, China, based on molecular and morphological data
Authors: WANG YING-YONG , ZHANG TIAN-DU , ZHAO JIAN , SUNG YIK-HEI , YANG JIAN-HUAN , PANG HONG , ZHANG ZHONG
Published: April 2019

A new species, Xenophrys jinggangensis sp. nov., is described based on a series of specimens collected from Mount Jing-gang, Jiangxi Province, Eastern China. The new species can be easily distinguished from other known congeners by mor-phology, morphometrics and molecular data of the mitochondrial 16SrRNA gene. The new species is characterized by itssmall size with adult females measuring 38.4–41.6 mm in snout-vent length and males measuring 35.1–36.7 mm; headlength approximately equal to head width; tympanum large and distinct, about 0.8 times of eye diameter; vomerine teethon two weak ridges; tongue not notched behind; relative finger length II < I < IV < III; slight lateral fringes present ondigits; toes bases with thick, fleshy web; dorsum with tubercles and swollen dorsolateral folds; large pustules scattered on flanks; and unique color patterns. The new species represents the thirty-first known Xenophrys in China.