bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative and statistical discrimination of morphotaxa within the Ediacaran genus Palaeopascichnus
Authors: Hawco Jessica B. , Kenchington Charlotte G. , McIlroy Duncan
Published: November 2019

The palaeopascichnids are a relatively abundant component of the Ediacara biota. The eponymous Palaeopascichnus delicatus consists of serially arranged, millimetre‐scale allantoid chambers that have variously been interpreted as evidence of movement, feeding traces, and body fossils of various affinities. Palaeopascichnus has most recently been compared to the deep‐marine Xenophyophora, an extant group of large, benthic protists characterized by their greater size and possession of stercomata within their cells. The morphometric variation in palaeopascichnids is assessed using material from the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, Canada. The application of quantitative morphological analysis to the study of over 90 well‐preserved specimens of Palaeopascichnus demonstrates considerable variation in chamber shape and size, and in behaviour along the chamber series. The combination of morphometric and multivariate statistical analysis allows the recognition of natural groups within the dataset, thereby demonstrating variability within and between morphospecies. Morphological comparisons of fossil palaeopascichnids with fossil and extant protistan taxa support the proposed protistan affinity of Palaeopascichnus, allowing further resolution regarding the diversity and disparity within this prominent element of the later Ediacara biotas of Gondwana and Baltica.
Trypanosomatid infections in captive wild mammals and potential vectors at the Brasilia Zoo, Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Reis Filipe C. , Minuzzi‐Souza Thaís T. C. , Neiva Mariana , Timbó Renata V. , de Morais Igor O. B. , de Lima Thiago M. , Hecht Mariana , Nitz Nadjar , Gurgel‐Gonçalves Rodrigo
Published: November 2019

Background

Conservation projects in zoos may involve translocation of captive animals, which may lead to pathogen spread. Neotropical mammals are important hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. the etiological agents of Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis respectively. Studies of trypanosomatid‐infected mammals and vectors (triatomines and sandflies) in zoos are important for the establishment of surveillance and control measures.

Objectives

We investigated trypanosomatid infections in captive wild mammals, triatomines and sandflies at the Brasília Zoo.

Methods

We collected triatomines during active bimonthly surveys, sampled sandflies using light‐traps and obtained blood samples from 74 mammals between 2016 and 2017. We used quantitative PCR to detect trypanosomatids in vectors and mammals.

Results

We found a colony of 19 Panstrongylus megistus in the porcupine unit and detected T. cruzi infections in five bugs. We captured 17 sandflies of four species including Nyssomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia longipalpis, but no Leishmania infection was detected. qPCR detected 50 T. cruzi‐infected mammals belonging to 24 species and five groups of mammals (Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Pilosa and Primates); Leishmania DNA was detected in 23 mammals from 15 species, mainly carnivores. We detected trypanosomatid infections in 11 mammals born at the Brasília Zoo.

Conclusions

Our results suggest vector‐borne transmission of T. cruzi among maned wolves; measures to reduce the risk of new infections should therefore be taken. We also report sandfly presence and Leishmania‐infected mammals at the Brasília Zoo. Translocation of wild mammals in and out of the Brasília Zoo should consider the risk of T. cruzi and Leishmania spread.
Pointwise and Uniform Convergence of Fourier Extensions
Authors: Webb Marcus , Coppé Vincent , Huybrechs Daan
Published: November 2019

Fourier series approximations of continuous but nonperiodic functions on an interval suffer the Gibbs phenomenon, which means there is a permanent oscillatory overshoot in the neighborhoods of the endpoints. Fourier extensions circumvent this issue by approximating the function using a Fourier series that is periodic on a larger interval. Previous results on the convergence of Fourier extensions have focused on the error in the $$L^2$$

L
2

norm, but in this paper we analyze pointwise and uniform convergence of Fourier extensions (formulated as the best approximation in the $$L^2$$

L
2

norm). We show that the pointwise convergence of Fourier extensions is more similar to Legendre series than classical Fourier series. In particular, unlike classical Fourier series, Fourier extensions yield pointwise convergence at the endpoints of the interval. Similar to Legendre series, pointwise convergence at the endpoints is slower by an algebraic order of a half compared to that in the interior. The proof is conducted by an analysis of the associated Lebesgue function, and Jackson- and Bernstein-type theorems for Fourier extensions. Numerical experiments are provided. We conclude the paper with open questions regarding the regularized and oversampled least squares interpolation versions of Fourier extensions.
Cross-Gramian-based dominant subspaces
Authors: Benner Peter , Himpe Christian
Published: November 2019

A standard approach for model reduction of linear input-output systems is balanced truncation, which is based on the controllability and observability properties of the underlying system. The related dominant subspaces projection model reduction method similarly utilizes these system properties, yet instead of balancing, the associated subspaces are directly conjoined. In this work, we extend the dominant subspace approach by computation via the cross Gramian for linear systems, and describe an a-priori error indicator for this method. Furthermore, efficient computation is discussed alongside numerical examples illustrating these findings.
Introducing the pervert’s dilemma: a contribution to the critique of Deepfake Pornography
Authors: Öhman Carl
Published: November 2019

Recent technological innovation has made video doctoring increasingly accessible. This has given rise to Deepfake Pornography, an emerging phenomenon in which Deep Learning algorithms are used to superimpose a person’s face onto a pornographic video. Although to most people, Deepfake Pornography is intuitively unethical, it seems difficult to justify this intuition without simultaneously condemning other actions that we do not ordinarily find morally objectionable, such as sexual fantasies. In the present article, I refer to this contradiction as the pervert’s dilemma. I propose that the method of Levels of Abstraction, a philosophical mode of enquiry inspired by Formal Methods in computer science, can be employed to formulate at least one possible solution to the dilemma. From this perspective, the permissibility of some actions appears to depend on the degree to which they are abstracted from their natural context. I conclude that the dilemma can only be solved when considered at low levels of abstractions, when Deepfakes are situated in the macro-context of gender inequality.
Self-rated health and venous thromboembolism among middle-aged women: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Nymberg Peter , Stenman Emelie , Calling Susanna , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Zöller Bengt
Published: November 2019

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most common types of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and is associated with increased mortality-risk. Poor-self rated health (SHR) has been associated with elevated inflammatory markers and CVDs. However, little is known about as a predictor of incident VTE. To examine the association between self-rated health, lifestyle and incident VTE among middle-aged women. 6917 women aged 50–64 years, followed for 20 years in the Women’s Health In the Lund Area (WHILA) study. After exclusion of those who medicated with anticoagulants, were living in nursing homes or suffered from cancer, stroke, VTE or CHD before baseline, a cohort of 5626 women remained. Cox regression was used to analyse the relationship between self-rated health and time to VTE, censored for any of the previous mentioned diseases during follow-up. Data were collected by questionnaires, physical examinations and Swedish registers. In total, 220 women were affected by VTE corresponding to an incidence rate of 3.9 per 1000 person-years. Adjustment for self-rated health did not significantly predict incident VTE, and neither did any of the lifestyle-related habits (e.g. physical activity and dietary habits including alcohol consumption), besides smoking. This study supports previous results with varicose veins and waist circumference as strong predictors of VTE. Poor self-rated health does not seem to be a valid predictor of VTE. Among lifestyle-related parameters, smoking was significantly associated with risk of VTE. We could also confirm the effect of the other already known risk factors.
The mental workload of conducting research in assessor cognition
Authors: Gingerich Andrea , Yeates Peter
Published: November 2019

None
Recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations in Alzheimer's disease research: A systematic review
Authors: Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea L. , Jin Yuanyuan , Gleason Carey , Flowers‐Benton Susan , Block Laura M. , Dilworth‐Anderson Peggye , Barnes Lisa L. , Shah Manish N. , Zuelsdorff Megan
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged adults. Yet, these populations are significantly underrepresented in research.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the literature for published reports describing recruitment and retention of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in ADRD research or underrepresented participants' perspectives regarding ADRD research participation. Relevant evidence was synthesized and evaluated for quality.

Results

We identified 22 eligible studies. Seven studies focused on recruitment/retention approaches, all of which included multifaceted efforts and at least one community outreach component. There was considerable heterogeneity in approaches used, specific activities and strategies, outcome measurement, and conclusions regarding effectiveness. Despite limited use of prospective evaluation strategies, most authors reported improvements in diverse representation in ADRD cohorts. Studies evaluating participant views focused largely on predetermined explanations of participation including attitudes, barriers/facilitators, education, trust, and religiosity. Across all studies, the strength of evidence was low.

Discussion

Overall, the quantity and quality of available evidence to inform best practices in recruitment, retention, and inclusion of underrepresented populations in ADRD research are low. Further efforts to systematically evaluate the success of existing and emergent approaches will require improved methodological standards and uniform measures for evaluating recruitment, participation, and inclusivity.
Treading water: why organisations are making no progress on cyber security
Authors: Aleem Azeem
Published: November 2019

Business leaders are acutely aware of the importance of cyber security and recognise the pressing need to address it, according to a recent report. 1 However, many of the organisations surveyed as part of the research are failing to make any headway in their efforts to protect their data, infrastructure, assets, people and customers from cyber attacks.
RPKI and the future of routing security
Authors: Künneke-Trenaman Nathalie
Published: November 2019

In 1990 only 32,000 computers were connected to ‘the Internet’ in Europe. This meant that there were fewer pathways, so Internet routing could be conducted through a trust-based model. Back in the 1990s the scale of the Internet was so small that the routing community even met in person to discuss how to improve the process. If there was any doubt over the origin of network traffic, engineers would be able to verify the information in reliable databases. The trust-based model was sustainable and reliable – back then.
VVV analysis of star clusters towards the W 31 star-forming complex
Authors: Bianchin M. , Lima E. F. , Bica E. , Riffel R. A. , Bonatto C. , Saito R. K.
Published: November 2019

The giant Hii region W 31 hosts the populous star cluster W 31-CL and others projected on or in the surroundings. The most intriguing object is the stellar cluster SGR 1806-20, which appears to be related to a Luminous Blue Variable (LBV)—a luminous supergiant star. We used the deep VVV J-, H-, and

$K_S$

-band photometry combined with 2MASS data in order to address the distance and other physical and structural properties of the clusters W 31-CL, BDS 113, and SGR 1806-20. Field-decontaminated photometry was used to analyse colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) and stellar radial density profiles, using procedures that our group has developed and employed in previous studies. We conclude that the clusters W 31-CL and BDS 113 are located at 4.5 and 4.8 kpc and have ages of 0.5 and 1 Myr, respectively. This result, together with the pre-main sequence distribution in the CMD, characterises them as members of the W 31 complex. The present photometry detects the stellar content, addressed in previous spectroscopic classifications, in the direction of the cluster SGR 1806-20, including the LBV, Wolf–Rayet, and foreground stars. We derive an age of

$10\pm4\,\text{Myr}$

and a distance of

$d_{\odot}=8.0\pm1.95\,\text{kpc}$

. The cluster is extremely absorbed, with

$A_V=25\,\text{mag}$

. The present results indicate that SGR 1806-20 is more distant by a factor 1.8 with respect to the W 31 complex, and thus not physically related to it.
Anomalous > 2000‐Year‐Old Surface Ocean Radiocarbon Age as Evidence for Deglacial Geologic Carbon Release
Authors: Rafter Patrick A. , Carriquiry José D. , Herguera Juan‐Carlos , Hain Mathis P. , Solomon Evan A. , Southon John R.
Published: November 2019

Geologic carbon from seafloor volcanism may influence late Pleistocene glacial terminations by increasing the global inventory of the greenhouse gas CO2. However, the evidence for geologic carbon flux associated with deep sea volcanism has been, so far, equivocal. Here, we construct a regional, glacial‐deglacial carbon budget of the volcanically active Gulf of California using microfossil 14C measurements and find results consistent with an increased addition of geologic carbon related to local seafloor volcanism during the deglaciation. Our estimates point to enhanced geologic carbon flux both before and during the last deglaciation that generally occur alongside carbonate preservation. This leads us to suggest that the carbon was added in the form of partially neutralized, 14C‐free bicarbonate associated with known Gulf sedimentary processes—a carbon source that would have a minimal effect on atmospheric CO2.
In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Benzohydrazide Analogues as Potent Androgen Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Arjun H. A. , Rajan Ravi Kumar , Elancheran R. , Lakshmithendral K. , Ramanathan M. , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Kabilan S.
Published: November 2019

In the late ‘50s, the Prostate Cancer (PCa) is commonly diagnosed in men. The growth of PCa is largely due to the stimulation of the AR by androgens. Currently, hormonal therapy, surgery, and oral chemotherapeutic drugs are the main therapeutic for the treatments of prostate cancer. About 1,74,650 men were diagnosed and 31,620 deaths due to PCa in the U.S reported by the American Cancer Society. Androgens, testosterone, and Dihydrotestosterone binds with the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the androgen receptor (AR) and incite the growth of prostate cancer. There are few available drugs for androgen receptor antagonists such as bicalutamide, flutamide, and enzalutamide are used to prevent the activation of the androgen receptor. Currently, Sipuleucel-T is used as a drug for the immunotherapy to inhibit PCa. To reduce toxicity, lower the doses, and minimize drug resistance, numerous studies are enduring for the development of target based drugs. Recently, benzohydrazide derivative was reported for antifungal–antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cruzipain inhibitor. Entamoeba histolytic, antimalarial, anti-tuberculosis activities, and as EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Thus, benzohydrazides are the important moieties which play a vital role in effective inhibition against different cancer cell line HepG2, HeLa, A549, and MCF-7.
Microwave-assisted Synthesis of 4-Benzylidene-2-(2-fluorophenyl) Oxazol-5(4H)-one Derivatives Catalysed by Egg Shell Powder and Evaluation of Their Anti-microbial Activity
Authors: Hiremath P. B. , Kantharaju K. , Pattanashetty S. H.
Published: November 2019

The goal of the current green chemistry is replacement of hazardous organic solvents, which lead to unavoidable toxic, solvent wastage or emission. The usage of reagents like solid supported inorganic catalyst has gained more attention in organic synthesis, such type of approaches not only avoid the use of toxic solvents to carry out reaction, but also create convenient procedure for the reactions. Heterocyclic synthons occur abundantly in nature and are crucial to life, in one of its kind oxazolones gained remarkable biological scope and emerged as a pharmaceutical potent molecules. They have been noticed beneficial precursors for the synthesis of amino acids, peptides, and also employed in the preparation of various heterocycles. Because of wide range of application of the oxazolones exhibited, huge demand for the establishment of eco-friendly, greener, economic and convenient synthesis of oxazolones are in scope.
In Vivo Anti-arthritic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Barleria Montana Nees Leaves Against Chemical Induced Arthritis
Authors: Basini J. , Sathrapalli S.
Published: November 2019

Barleria montana Nees, commonly called as mountain barleria belongs to the Acanthaceae family, widely distributed in India. In the ayurvedic system of medicine, the plant is used in treatment of urinary infections, rheumatism, jaundice, hepatic obstruction, dropsy, fever, inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, whooping cough, etc. To date there is no pharmacological report of this plant for rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the In vivo anti-arthritic activity of the leaves of Ethanolic Extract of the Barleriamontana Nees (EEBM) against chemical-induced arthritis.
Cocoa Based Dental Varnish as a Delivery System for Early Carious Lesion Management
Authors: Pushpalatha C. , Swaroop Hegde , Deveswaran R.
Published: November 2019

Recently, the polyphenols and theobromine present in cocoa beans have shown to exhibit anti-cariogenic and remineralization effect. The studies have been demonstrated that cocoa polyphenols inhibit the enzyme dextransucrase, cellular growth and acid production by cariogenic microorganisms which are responsible for caries formation. The reports suggest that theobromine readily available in cocoa displays enhanced surface recrystallization, increased resistance to acid dissolution by enamel crystals and increased surface enamel microhardness in comparison to commercially available fluoride agent. However, literature search on isolated components of cocoa bean in a drug delivery system is not been reported. Hence the isolated compounds of cocoa beans such as theobromine, catechin, and epicatechin were coupled with benzoin powder and agarose in the dental varnish formulation. The novelty of this new dental varnish lies in its ability to possess sustained drug release potential which is suitable for oral conditions, and it can eliminate the adverse effect of dental fluorosis associated with commercially available fluoride varnish since it is composed of natural compounds. This novel varnish possesses both antibacterial and remineralizing effect with increased patient compliance.
Explorative Proteomic Characterization of Platelet Rich Fibrin and Platelet Rich Fibrin Matrix and Their Potential Contribution in Repair and Regeneration – a Pilot Study
Authors: Nagaraja S. , Mathew S. , Sowmya H. R. , Chaki S.
Published: November 2019

Dental caries and pulpal diseases are serious global oral health care burden. Regenerative procedures are receiving increasing research attention in an attempt to restore lost tissue structure and function contributing to improved patient care. Many proteins, cytokines and growth factors are involved in tissue regeneration and act in orchestrated steps to restore tissue function. Platelet concentrates such as Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Platelet Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) are blood derivatives rich in growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules and have evolved as a pioneering regenerative bioactive materials. PRF is rich in platelets and leucocytes with loose fibrin matrices, whereas PRFM a variant of PRF family is devoid of leucocytes. Though the main constituent of these concentrates is the fibrin scaffold, little is known about the proteins interacting in these and their role in the healing process. Identification of proteins in PRF and PRFM could deepen understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms in tissue regeneration, optimize formulation and dosage in regenerative therapies. It could enable us to further explore and unravel better therapeutic strategies to facilitate repair and regeneration, and improvise scope of translational research. Hence this study aimed to characterize the proteins enmeshed in PRF and PRFM scaffolds.
Homology Modeling, Molecular Dynamics and Docking of a Novel Anti-cancer Protein Obtained from Earthworm Coelomic Fluid
Authors: Augustine Dominic , Rao Roopa S. , Anbu Jayaraman , Saraswathy G. R. , Chidambara Murthy K. N. , Hema Sree G. N. S.
Published: November 2019

The specific problem encountered in combating cancer is the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Recently, concepts of using naturally available extracts to inhibit division of cancer cells have emerged, naturally occurring substances such as extracts from helminths have assumed importance in preventing the replication and division of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. This research work is designed to identify biomolecules from Earthworm Coelomic Fluid (ECF) of Eudrilus eugeniae that can inhibit cancer cells from proliferating. This would be highly relevant in the current scenario since cancer cell division is one of the prime reasons for failure of anticancer therapy. Homology modeling refers to constructing an atomic-resolution model of the “target” protein from its amino acid sequence. Using simulation tools, the constructed model can be docked with known receptors to analyze their interactions. Identification of the 3D structure of these biomolecules and information about interaction with receptors could be an initial step towards drug discovery and development.
Analysis of Interaction Between Chlorine Dioxide and Bispyridine-based Irrigating Solution – an Observational Study
Authors: Rajatha S. , Dinesh K. , Lakshmi M. S. , Shruthi N. , Sylvia M.
Published: November 2019

Microbial infections are the most common cause of an endodontic disease. To critically reduce bacterial loads, endodontic treatment regimens combine mechanical instrumentation with chemicals, namely irrigation and medication. An optimum agent for endodontic irrigation should have antimicrobial activity, dissolve necrotic tissue, aid in the debridement of the canal system and nontoxic to the periradicular tissues. None of the irrigating solutions used till date possess all the ideal properties. They are used in succession to enhance their individual properties but it is a concern that their interaction could result in reactionary products. This is especially evident when chlorhexidine (CHX) is used in succession with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) producing a brown precipitate of parachloroaniline (PCA), which is said to be toxic and carcinogenic and can occlude dentinal tubules. Hence, alternate combinations need to be explored for enhanced properties with no deleterious by-products.
Binding Studies of Antipsychotic Drug Risperidone with β-Lactoglobulin Using Fluorimetry and Molecular Modelling
Authors: Chatale Bandoo C. , Ananthanarayan Laxmi , Degani Mariam S.
Published: November 2019

Risperidone (RIS), a widely used antipsychotic drug has pitfalls such as it is practically insoluble in water, it has an unpleasant taste, and exhibits photoinstability. Complex formation with milk protein, β-Lactoglobulin (β-LG) is a promising approach which could improve formulation of RIS. The current research work involves the study of the interactions of RIS with β-LG employing fluorimetry and molecular modelling. Fluorimetry was used to study stability of the complex of RIS with β-LG. This was supported with molecular modelling studies using induced fit docking (IFD), Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MMGBSA) and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, to predict the binding mode, affinity and stability of the complex of RIS with β-LG. These studies indicated that RIS forms a stable complex with β-LG, mainly due to hydrophobic bonding which can be used for effective formulation of RIS.
Sensing of H2O in D2O: is there an easy way?
Authors: Tcelykh L. , Kozhevnikova (Khudoleeva) V. , Goloveshkin A. , Lepnev L. , Popelensky Th. , Utochnikova V.
Published: November 2019

We report Tb–Eu based luminescence sensor materials toward H2O detection in D2O with the highest sensitivity of 24%/%(H2O), exceeding the previously reported ones by an order of magnitude.
Transformation from [Au25(SCH2CH2CH2CH3)18]0 to Au28(SCH2CH(CH3)Ph)21 gold nanoclusters: gentle conditions is enough
Authors: Wang Yanan , Nieto-Ortega Belén , Bürgi Thomas
Published: November 2019

Herein we report the transformation of [Au25(SR)18]0 into Au28(SR)21 induced by ligand exchange reaction under mild conditions.
Thermodynamics of amyloid fibril formation from chemical depolymerization
Authors: Vettore Nicola , Buell Alexander K.
Published: November 2019

Amyloid fibrils are homo-molecular protein polymers. Here we present an experimental and conceptual framework to study their thermodynamic stability that is consistent with the nature of amyloid fibrils as nucleated polymers.
Pyrenediones as versatile photocatalysts for oxygenation reactions with in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide under visible light
Authors: Zhang Yuannian , Yang Xin , Tang Haidi , Liang Dong , Wu Jie , Huang Dejian
Published: November 2019

Pyrenediones (PYDs) are efficient photocatalysts for three oxygenation reactions: epoxidation of electron deficient olefins, oxidative hydroxylation of organoborons and oxidation of sulfides via in situ generation of H2O2 from O2 under visible light irradiation.
Catalytic formation of N3-substituted quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones by Pd(ii)EN@GO composite and its mechanistic investigations through DFT calculations
Authors: Biswas Surajit , Khatun Resmin , Dolai Malay , Haque Biswas Imdadul , Haque Najirul , Sengupta Manideepa , Islam Md Sarikul , Islam Sk Manirul
Published: November 2019

Modified GO based palladium composite was synthesized for catalytic synthesis of N3-substituted ouinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones and the mechanistic route was theoretically investigated.
Efficient and selective oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds at room temperature by a ruthenium complex catalyst and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Wang Jie-Xiang , Zhou Xian-Tai , Han Qi , Guo Xiao-Xuan , Liu Xiao-Hui , Xue Can , Ji Hong-Bing
Published: November 2019

An efficient system comprising a ruthenium complex and hydrogen peroxide was developed for the oxidation of various primary and secondary alcohols at room temperature.
Correction: The protective effect of propofol on ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic system damage in mice
Authors: Han Xiaoliang , Sun Fengtao , Zhang Ying , Wang Jinyan , Liu Qingguo , Gao Ping , Zhang Shubo
Published: November 2019

Correction for ‘The protective effect of propofol on ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic system damage in mice’ by Xiaoliang Han et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 36366–36373.
Stress in Undergraduate Students Studying Communication Sciences and Disorders
Authors: Roos Brianne H. , Schreck Janet S.
Published: November 2019

Today's college students are stressed (
Liu, Stevens, Wong, Yasui, & Chen, 2018
), and stress may impact students' physical (
Doom & Haeffel, 2013
) and mental health (
Baddeley, 2012
;
Liu et al., 2018
).

Purpose

This mixed-methods study used a convergent parallel design to examine the stress experienced by undergraduate students who study communication sciences and disorders (CSD) at a private, Mid-Atlantic university.

Method

Eighty-seven students participated in the quantitative phase involving a survey (50.5% response rate), and 23 students participated in the qualitative phase involving focus groups (13% response rate). Research questions inquired about students' perceived stress levels, factors related to their stress, how they manage their stress, and students' knowledge and use of campus resources for support.

Results

Results suggest that CSD students are stressed, and primary factors related to stress include academic demands, graduate school admission, and financial concerns. Students manage their stress in various ways, including exercise, working hard to finish assignments, calling home, and relying on friends. However, CSD friendships are complicated by the intense competition for graduate seats, leaving students with reduced social support.

Conclusion

Given the complicated nature of CSD friendships, students report the need for increased community and support from CSD faculty.
Interaction of Zn(II) and Cu(II) with ε-poly-L-lysine and properties of the complexes
Authors: Xie Yanyan , Gao Mengya , Liu Yang , Fu Qiang , Wang Guoliang , Dai Yujie , Jia Shiru
Published: November 2019

ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) is a natural food preservative with high safety to humans and a wide antimicrobial spectra. It was found that ε-PL could form precipitates when it contacted to Cu(II) and Zn(II). Thus in this study, two complexes of ZnCl2 and CuCl2 with ε-poly-L-lysine having molecular weights between 2 and 5 kDa were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis (EA), atom absorption spectrometry (AAS), chlorine assay, etc. The results show that the compositions of two complexes can be expressed as [ NH-(CH2)5-CO ] 2n•(ZnCl2)n•2nH2O and [ NH-(CH2)5-CO ] 2n•(CuCl2)n•2nH2O (n=6-18), respectively. The results of FT-IR reveal that the formation of Zn-N and Cu-N coordination bonds. X-RD patterns indicat that the two complexes are new phases different from the raw ε-PL material. On the basis of TG-DTA curves, the complexes have a coordination reaction. From the results of the bacteriostatic test, ε-PL-Zn(II) and ε-PL-Cu(II) have similar antibacterial activity to ligand ε-PL.
Temporal and spatial variation of NPP and its response to climatic factors in main river valleys on the southern slope of Qilian Mountains
Authors: Yang Rong-rong , Cao Guang-chao , Cao Sheng-kui , Lan Yao , Zhang Zhuo , Chen Zhi-rong , Chen Zhen
Published: November 2019

Based on the NPP products of MODIS data, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of grassland NPP and its response to climatic factors in the vegetation growing season of the main river valleys in the southern slope of Qilian Mountains from 2000 to 2016 were carried out by correlation analysis and spatial interpolation. The research further provides a scientific basis for the quality evaluation of grassland ecosystems on the southern slope of Qilian Mountain and the rational use of grassland resources along the river. The results show that: (1) With the increasing distance of buffers on both sides of the river, the NPP of grassland in each year shows the characteristics of “single-peak” distribution, which is increased first and then decreased; (2) the NPP of grassland in the main river valley of the southern slope of Qilian Mountain The spatial distribution characteristics show a trend of increasing from northwest to southeast. (3) The spatial distribution of NPP and air temperature in the main river valleys of the southern slope of Qilian Mountains is gradually increasing from northwest to southeast, but the spatial distribution correlation coefficient of NPP and precipitation in the river valley grassland of vegetation growing season basically shows a trendof decreasing from northwest to southeast.
Preparing coal water slurry from BDO tar to achieve resource utilization: gasification process of BDO tar-coal water slurry
Authors: Mao Lirui , Li Hanxu , Zhang Yuanchun , Wu Chengli , Geng Yan
Published: November 2019

1, 4-Butanediol (BDO) is an important organic and fine chemical raw material, but the waste liquid (BDO tar) discoal charged from the BDO production plant is complex in composition, contains salt, and is complicated to handle. In this study, BDO tar was treated by the method of waste-coal water slurry, and the gasification process of blending BDO tar was studied. The results show that as the BDO tar content increases, the organic component in the BDO tar causes the temperature point corresponding to the peak of the maximum reaction rate to migrate to the high temperature zone during the initial temperature to 150 °C. In the temperature range of 200 °C~300 °C, the weight loss of BDO tar leads to a significant weight loss peak of TG curves. From 600 °C to the final reaction temperature range, the alkali metal Na enriches the surface of the coal char with more active “spot”, and due to the alkali metal Na limits the graphitization of coal char, the active sites increase, which increases the coal char gasification reaction activity.
Effects of dietary fructo-oligosaccharides on laying performance and serum biochemical parameters of yellow broiler breeder hens
Authors: Feng Zhao , Xia Zhongsheng
Published: November 2019

24-week-old local yellow broiler breeder hens were selected to study the effects of dietary fructo-oligosaccharides(FOS)or antibiotics(bacitracin zinc)on laying performance, serum biochemical indices and dietary mutrient metabolizability. The results showed that: compared with the control group, dietary FOS supplemented with 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% could increase the laying rate, average egg weight, feed egg ratio, eggs percent of pass, fertility rate and hatchability of qualified egg, and reduce serum levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, and improve the apparent metabolizability of dietary nutrients. The effects of diet supplemented with FOS was better than those of diet supplement with 0.05% antibiotics.It was suggested that the appropriate additive amount of FOS in diets for yellow broiler breeder hens should be 0.4%.
Micro alloying of SiC by radioisotope
Authors: Kuznetsova Alina , Dolgopolov Mikhail , Gurskaya Albina , Chepurnov Viktor , Puzyrnaya Galina , Radzhapov Sali
Published: November 2019

The endotaxia is the process of growth of one crystal structure inside the volume of another. In this case we are talking about the formation of the Silicon Carbide film in the Silicon substrate. The Silicon substrate is placed in the gas chamber. The sample is exposed to the stream of methane gasCH4at temperature of 1360 - 1380◦Cand at normal pressure. Moreover, gas contains both the stable Carbon isotopeC12and the radioactive Carbon isotopeC14, and hydrogenH2in the gas acts as a carrier of Carbon.
Hadronic Dark Matter
Authors: Vladimir Kuksa
Published: November 2019

The possibility of hadronic Dark Matter particles is analised in the framework of the simplest extensions of the Standard Model. Hadronic particles possess strong interaction and consist of new heavy quark and light standard one. It is shown that the existence of heavy quarks does not contradict to the precision electro-weak restrictions on new physics. The neutral and charged pseudoscalar low-lying heavy states are considered as the Dark Matter particle and its mass-degenerated partner. We evaluated the values of their masses and lifetime of the charged component. The potential of low-energy interactions of
these particles with nucleons is described in the framework of the exchangemeson model. Some peculiarities of the hadronic Dark Matter scenario are also discussed.
Signals of Dark Matter in hypercolor vectorlike extension of the SM
Authors: Beylin Vitaly , Bezuglov Maxim , Tretiakov Egor
Published: November 2019

In the framework of hypercolor extension of the Standard Model we consider cosmic rays scattering off hidden mass candidates. Specifically, there are two components of the Dark Matter in this model having close masses but different origin. As a result, neutrino production in the processes of scattering ofhigh energy electrons on these DM candidates is substantially different, and the secondary neutrino canbe seen, in principle, at neutrino detectors. We also note other interesting aspects of these type reactions.
Visualizing metal/HfO2/SiO2/Si(001) interface electrostatic barrier heights with ballistic hole emission microscopy
Authors: Rogers Jack , Choi Hyeonseon , Gassner Steven , Nolting Westly , Pennock Daniel , Consiglio Steven , LaBella Vincent P.
Published: November 2019

The electrostatic barrier of a Au/1.4 nm HfO2/0.8nm SiO2/Si(001) structure was mapped with ballistic hole emission microscopy on p-type silicon substrates to nanoscale dimensions over a square micrometer. The 1.4 nm HfO2 layer showed three concentrations of barrier heights localized in different regions of the sample. These concentrations are consistent with the barrier heights of HfO2/Si-p, native SiO2/Si-p, and one centered at −0.45eV. The latter barrier height is attributed to an ultrathin HfO2 (1–3 monolayers). This study demonstrates the power of electrostatic barrier mapping to visualize complex and nonuniform interfaces.
Inferring causal relationship in coordinated flight of pigeon flocks
Authors: Chen Duxin , Wang Yuchen , Wu Ge , Kang Mingyu , Sun Yongzheng , Yu Wenwu
Published: November 2019

Collective phenomenon of natural animal groups will be attributed to individual intelligence and interagent interactions, where a long-standing challenge is to reveal the causal relationship among individuals. In this study, we propose a causal inference method based on information theory. More precisely, we calculate mutual information by using a data mining algorithm named “k-nearest neighbor” and subsequently induce the transfer entropy to obtain the causality entropy quantifying the causal dependence of one individual on another subject to a condition set consisting of other neighboring ones. Accordingly, we analyze the high-resolution GPS data of three pigeon flocks to extract the hidden interaction mechanism governing the coordinated free flight. The comparison of spatial distribution between causal neighbors and all other remainders validates that no bias exists for the causal inference. We identify the causal relationships to establish the interaction network and observe that the revealed causal relationship follows a local interaction mode. Interestingly, the individuals closer to the mass center and the average velocity direction are more influential than others.
Stochastic electron acceleration in relativistic laser pulse and stationary periodic electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Zhang Yanzeng , Krasheninnikov Sergei
Published: November 2019

The mechanisms of stochastic electron acceleration in relativistic laser pulses and stationary periodic electric and magnetic fields are investigated by employing a new Hamiltonian approach. The new Hamiltonian is the dephasing rate between the electron and laser pulse such that it is time independent when the stationary fields are absent. The physics underlying stochastic electron motion is clearly revealed, and the conditions for triggering stochastic instability are obtained by finding the Chirikov-like mapping. It demonstrates that if the amplitudes of the stationary fields exceed some threshold values, the Hamiltonian can be randomly changed, and thus, net energy transfer between electrons and the laser radiation are possible. The maximum electron energy gained from the stochastic motion has a weak dependence on the amplitude of stationary fields and can significantly exceed the vacuum ponderomotive energy. All these analytical results have been confirmed by the numerical simulations.
Design and performance of hafnium optical and near-IR kinetic inductance detectors
Authors: Zobrist Nicholas , Coiffard Grégoire , Bumble Bruce , Swimmer Noah , Steiger Sarah , Daal Miguel , Collura Giulia , Walter Alex B. , Bockstiegel Clint , Fruitwala Neelay , Lipartito Isabel , Mazin Benjamin A.
Published: November 2019

We report on the design and performance of microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) sensitive to single photons in the optical to near-infrared range using hafnium as the sensor material. Our test device had a superconducting transition temperature of 395 mK and a room temperature normal state resistivity of 97 μΩ cm with RRR=1.6. Resonators on the device displayed internal quality factors of around 200 000. Similar to the analysis of MKIDs made from other highly resistive superconductors, we find that modeling the temperature response of the detector requires an extra broadening parameter in the superconducting density of states. Finally, we show that this material and design is compatible with a full-array fabrication process, which resulted in pixels with decay times of about 40 μs and resolving powers of ∼9 at 800 nm.
Femtosecond-time-resolved imaging of the dielectric function of ZnO in the visible to near-IR spectral range
Authors: Herrfurth O. , Pflug T. , Olbrich M. , Grundmann M. , Horn A. , Schmidt-Grund R.
Published: November 2019

We demonstrate micrometer-resolved imaging of the transient dielectric function of a c-ZnO thin film with femtosecond resolution in the visible to near-IR spectral range measured by pump-probe ellipsometry at five different probe photon-energies. The spatial profile of the real part of the dielectric function broadens drastically with increasing time delay, which we associate with the combined effect of carrier cooling and fast carrier transport with an effective diffusion coefficient of (1.1±0.1)×104 cm2/s. A ring structure is detected in the image after a few picoseconds, which can be explained by a random-walk model including ballistic transport due to the thermal gradient induced by the hot-phonon effect.
A self-similarity mathematical model of carbon isotopic flow fractionation during shale gas desorption
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Chen Wei , Wang Tengxi , Yuan Yinnan
Published: November 2019

The existence of nanosized pore systems differentiates isotopic gas transport inside a shale matrix from conventional continuum flow. In this study, a novel self-similarity mathematical model was developed to investigate the effects of gas flow transport (both slip flow and free molecular diffusion flow) on isotopic gas fractionation for four different shale samples (S1 and S2 from north Germany and S3 and S4 from Xiashiwan Field, Ordos Basin, China). In this model, the nonlinear permeability and diffusion coefficients were developed for the isotopologues (12CH4 and 13CH4), respectively. By selecting appropriate exponents of the pressure gradient for 12CH4 and 13CH4, respectively, the estimated isotopic methane concentration and production rate showed a good agreement with experimental data. The developed model shows that the gas concentration of the isotopologues in samples S1 and S2 increases with time following a power law. Similarly, the gas production rates of the isotopologues in samples S3 and S4 decay with time following a power law. Moreover, the exponents of the pressure gradient for the isotopologues are close to 4 for samples S1 and S2, indicating that the effect of slip flow on isotopic gas fractionation cannot be ignored. For samples S3 and S4, the exponents of the pressure gradient for the isotopologues increase with temperature rising, which shows the promotion of isotopic gas fractionation under higher heating temperatures. The slight difference between the exponents of the pressure gradient for the isotopologues for the same shale sample reveals that the isotopic gas fractionation of carbon is a slow process.
Pervasive decreases in living vegetation carbon turnover time across forest climate zones
Authors: Yu Kailiang , Smith William K. , Trugman Anna T. , Condit Richard , Hubbell Stephen P. , Sardans Jordi , Peng Changhui , Zhu Kai , Peñuelas Josep , Cailleret Maxime , Levanic Tom , Gessler Arthur , Schaub Marcus , Ferretti Marco , Anderegg William R. L.
Published: November 2019

Forests play a major role in the global carbon cycle. Previous studies on the capacity of forests to sequester atmospheric CO
2
have mostly focused on carbon uptake, but the roles of carbon turnover time and its spatiotemporal changes remain poorly understood. Here, we used long-term inventory data (1955 to 2018) from 695 mature forest plots to quantify temporal trends in living vegetation carbon turnover time across tropical, temperate, and cold climate zones, and compared plot data to 8 Earth system models (ESMs). Long-term plots consistently showed decreases in living vegetation carbon turnover time, likely driven by increased tree mortality across all major climate zones. Changes in living vegetation carbon turnover time were negatively correlated with CO
2
enrichment in both forest plot data and ESM simulations. However, plot-based correlations between living vegetation carbon turnover time and climate drivers such as precipitation and temperature diverged from those of ESM simulations. Our analyses suggest that forest carbon sinks are likely to be constrained by a decrease in living vegetation carbon turnover time, and accurate projections of forest carbon sink dynamics will require an improved representation of tree mortality processes and their sensitivity to climate in ESMs.
RNA base-pairing complexity in living cells visualized by correlated chemical probing
Authors: Mustoe Anthony M. , Lama Nicole N. , Irving Patrick S. , Olson Samuel W. , Weeks Kevin M.
Published: November 2019

RNA structure and dynamics are critical to biological function. However, strategies for determining RNA structure in vivo are limited, with established chemical probing and newer duplex detection methods each having deficiencies. Here we convert the common reagent dimethyl sulfate into a useful probe of all 4 RNA nucleotides. Building on this advance, we introduce PAIR-MaP, which uses single-molecule correlated chemical probing to directly detect base-pairing interactions in cells. PAIR-MaP has superior resolution compared to alternative experiments, can resolve multiple sets of pairing interactions for structurally dynamic RNAs, and enables highly accurate structure modeling, including of RNAs containing multiple pseudoknots and extensively bound by proteins. Application of PAIR-MaP to human RNase MRP and 2 bacterial messenger RNA 5′ untranslated regions reveals functionally important and complex structures undetected by prior analyses. PAIR-MaP is a powerful, experimentally concise, and broadly applicable strategy for directly visualizing RNA base pairs and dynamics in cells.