bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐power compact tunable quenching configuration for minimizing afterpulsing in single‐photon avalanche diodes
Authors: Pahlavanzadeh Hadi , Karami Mohammad Azim 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThis paper unveils two efficient free running (FR) quenching circuits with the aim of reducing quenching time (QT) to minimize avalanche charge. Likewise, one circuit is compactly designed with low power consumption, suitable for single‐photon avalanche diode (SPAD) with hold‐off time below 10 ns. In second circuit, tunable hold‐off and reset‐time are provided within a wide range without decreasing QT, which are desirable in many applications. Proper operation and circuit uncertainty is assessed by Monte Carlo analysis in a standard 90‐nm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In a bid to do a comparison between previously reported circuits and the proposed circuits, they are simulated with same SPAD model and parameters and results corroborate the proposed circuits guarantee active quenching time (AQT) of below 1 ns. Proposed circuits with current and area consumption of 0.74 μA, 32 μm2 for 7‐ns dead time and 16.2 μA, 93 μm2 for 21‐ns dead time are more efficient in terms of QT, area, and power consumption in comparison with other works.
Isolated word language identification system with hybrid features from a deep belief network
Authors: Sangwan Pardeep , Deshwal Deepti , Kumar Divya , Bhardwaj Saurabh 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThe representation of good audio features is the first and foremost requirement for improving the identification performance of any system. Most of the representation learning approaches are based on connectionist systems to learn and extract latent features from the speech data. This research work presents a hybrid feature extraction approach to integrate Mel‐Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) features with Shifted Delta Cepstral (SDC) coefficients features, which are further stacked to Deep Belief Network (DBN), for yielding new feature representations of the speech signals. DBN is utilized for unsupervised feature learning on the extracted MFCC‐SDC acoustic features. A 3‐layer Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) classifier is initialized in terms of the learning outcomes of hidden layers of DBN for identifying language from the uttered speech. The efficiency of the proposed approach is evaluated by simulating several experimental algorithms on the user‐defined database of isolated words in four languages, namely, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, and English, in the working platform of MATLAB. The obtained results for the proposed hybrid approach MFCC‐SDC‐DBN are promising. The proposed approach is also compared with the baseline feature extraction approach MFCC‐SDC by utilizing traditional acoustic features and BPNN classifier. The accuracy obtained with our proposed approach is 98.1% whereas that of the baseline approach is 82%, thereby providing an overall improvement of 16.1%.
Congestion‐aware multiaccess edge computing collaboration model for 5G
Authors: Salama Gerges M. , Ismail Alshimaa H. , Soliman Tarek Abed , Hamed Hesham F.A. , El‐Bahnasawy Nirmeen A. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryIn 5G cloud computing, the most notable and considered design issues are the energy efficiency and delay. The majority of the recent studies were dedicated to optimizing the delay issue by leveraging the edge computing concept, while other studies directed its efforts towards realizing a green cloud by minimizing the energy consumption in the cloud. Active queue management‐based green cloud model (AGCM) as one of the recent green cloud models reduced the delay and energy consumption while maintaining a reliable throughput. Multiaccess edge computing (MEC) was established as a model for the edge computing concept and achieved remarkable enhancement to the delay issue. In this paper, we present a handoff scenario between the two cloud models, AGCM and MEC, to acquire the potential gain of such collaboration and investigate its impact on the cloud fundamental constraints; energy consumption, delay, and throughput. We examined our proposed model with simulation showing great enhancement for the delay, energy consumption, and throughput over either model when employed separately.
Multi‐temporal assessment of grassland α‐ and β‐diversity using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Gholizadeh Hamed , Gamon John A. , Helzer Christopher J. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWhile more and more studies are exploring the application of remote sensing in assessing biodiversity for different ecosystems, most consider biodiversity at one point in time. Using several remote‐sensing‐based metrics, we asked how well remote sensing can detect biodiversity (both α‐ and β‐diversity) in a prairie grassland across time using airborne hyperspectral data collected in two successive years (2017 and 2018) and at different periods in the growing season (2018). The ability to detect biodiversity using “spectral diversity” and “spectral species” types indeed varied significantly over a 2‐yr timespan. Toward the end of the growing season in 2018, the relationship between field‐ and remote‐sensing‐based α‐ and β‐diversity weakened compared to data collected from the same season in the previous year. This contrasting pattern between the two years was likely influenced by prescribed fire, altered weather, and the resulting shifting species composition and phenology. These findings indicate that direct detection of α‐ and β‐diversity in grasslands should be multi‐temporal when possible and should consider the effect of disturbances, climate variables, and phenology. We demonstrate an essential role for airborne platforms in developing a global biodiversity monitoring system involving forthcoming space‐borne hyperspectral sensors.
A novel quantitative framework for riverscape genetics
Authors: White Shannon L. , Hanks Ephraim M. , Wagner Tyler 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRiverscape genetics, which applies concepts in landscape genetics to riverine ecosystems, lack appropriate quantitative methods that address the spatial autocorrelation structure of linear stream networks and account for bidirectional geneflow. To address these challenges, we present a general framework for the design and analysis of riverscape genetic studies. Our framework starts with the estimation of pairwise genetic distance at sample sites and the development of a spatially structured ecological network (SSEN) on which riverscape covariates are measured. We then introduce the novel bidirectional geneflow in riverscapes (BGR) model that uses principles of isolation‐by‐resistance to quantify the effects of environmental covariates on genetic connectivity, with spatial covariance defined using simultaneous autoregressive models on the SSEN and the generalized Wishart distribution to model pairwise distance matrices arising through a random walk model of geneflow. We highlight the utility of this framework in an analysis of riverscape genetics for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in north central Pennsylvania, USA. Using the fixation index (FST) as the measure of genetic distance, we estimated the effects of 12 riverscape covariates on geneflow by evaluating the relative support of eight competing BGR models. We then compared the performance of the top‐ranked BGR model to results obtained from comparable analyses using multiple regression on distance matrices (MRM) and the program STRUCTURE. We found that the BGR model had more power to detect covariate effects, particularly for variables that were only partial barriers to geneflow and/or uncommon in the riverscape, making it more informative for assessing patterns of population connectivity and identifying threats to species conservation. This case study highlights the utility of our modeling framework over other quantitative methods in riverscape genetics, particularly the ability to rigorously test hypotheses about factors that influence geneflow and probabilistically estimate the effect of riverscape covariates, including stream flow direction. This framework is flexible across taxa and riverine networks, is easily executable, and provides intuitive results that can be used to investigate the likely outcomes of current and future management scenarios.
Conservation and production responses vary by disturbance intensity in a long‐term forest management experiment
Authors: Kroll Andrew J. , Springford Aaron , Verschuyl Jake 
Published: April 2020

AbstractReductions in management intensity are often proposed to support a broader range of beneficial ecosystem responses than traditional management approaches.However, few studies evaluate ecosystem responses across approaches. Also, managers lack information about how species traits mediate responses across management approaches, a potentially substantial source of spatial and temporal variation in population and community responses that if ignored may hinder effectiveness of management programs. We used data collected over eight years from a manipulative experiment to test how four forest management strategies influenced avian community composition and wood production. After harvesting, we evaluated responses to three levels of plant cover suppression (Light, Moderate, and Intensive herbicide applications) in relation to a control without herbicide. We predicted the Moderate and Intensive treatments would exert strong negative effects on leaf‐gleaning insectivores, including species of conservation concern due to long‐term population declines. However, given high forest productivity, we expected temporal duration of effects to be short. Richness of leaf‐gleaning bird species was reduced by 20–50% during the first four years post‐harvest (when herbicide treatments were on‐going), but the effect size declined over the next four years once treatments were completed (13–20% reduction). Effect sizes were substantially smaller for the non‐leaf‐gleaner group during years 1–4 (19–27%) and disappeared during years 5–8 (2–3%). However, in our final year of observation, we did find an average of five fewer non‐leaf‐gleaner species on Light vs. Control units. In the last two years of observation, turnover probabilities for the leaf‐gleaner species remained higher on all treatments compared to the Control (0.11–0.21), indicating that new species continued to colonize treatments. Planted conifers were 40–44% taller and 74–81% larger in diameter in the Moderate and Intensive treatments compared to the Control, leading to substantial gains in wood biomass. Current practices provided more balance between two ecosystem responses, avian diversity and wood production, compared to less intensive alternatives. When short‐term negative effects occur, the spatial distribution of harvesting and regeneration regionally indicates that habitat is often available locally to support leaf‐gleaning and non‐leaf‐gleaning bird populations while releasing other portions of the region for high priority conservation objectives including late‐successional forest reserves.
Host plant genetic control of associated fungal and insect species in a Populus hybrid cross
Authors: Simon Sandra J. , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , M. LeBoldus Jared , Keefover‐Ring Ken , Azeem Muhammad , Chen Jin‐Gui , Macaya‐Sanz David , MacDonald William L. , Muchero Wellington , DiFazio Stephen P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPlants employ a diverse set of defense mechanisms to mediate interactions with insects and fungi. These relationships can leave lasting impacts on host plant genome structure such as rapid expansion of gene families through tandem duplication. These genomic signatures provide important clues about the complexities of plant/biotic stress interactions and evolution. We used a pseudo‐backcross hybrid family to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling associations between Populus trees and several common Populus diseases and insects. Using whole‐genome sequences from each parent, we identified candidate genes that may mediate these interactions. Candidates were partially validated using mass spectrometry to identify corresponding QTL for defensive compounds. We detected significant QTL for two interacting fungal pathogens and three insects. The QTL intervals contained candidate genes potentially involved in physical and chemical mechanisms of host–plant resistance and susceptibility. In particular, we identified adjoining QTLs for a phenolic glycoside and Phyllocolpa sawfly abundance. There was also significant enrichment of recent tandem duplications in the genomic intervals of the native parent, but not the exotic parent. Tandem gene duplication may be an important mechanism for rapid response to biotic stressors, enabling trees with long juvenile periods to reach maturity despite many coevolving biotic stressors.
Are large frugivorous birds better seed dispersers than medium‐ and small‐sized ones? Effect of body mass on seed dispersal effectiveness
Authors: Godínez‐Alvarez Héctor , Ríos‐Casanova Leticia , Peco Begoña 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFrugivorous birds vary in seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) depending on their body mass. It has been suggested that large birds are more effective dispersers than small ones because they consume a large number of fruits, disperse seeds of distinct sizes, and transport seeds over long distances. Yet, few studies have evaluated the impact of body mass on SDE of birds. In this study, we compiled one database for the quantity (i.e., frequency of visits to plants and number of seeds removed per visit) and quality (i.e., germination of seeds after gut passage and gut retention time of seeds) of seed dispersal by frugivorous birds to evaluate the impact of body mass on SDE. In addition, we compiled data on plant characteristics such as life‐form, fruit type, number of seeds per fruit, and size of seed to evaluate their influence on the quantity and quality of seed dispersal. Data were analyzed with linear mixed effects models and quantile regressions to evaluate the relationship between body mass of birds and quantity, quality, and SDE, in addition to the influence of plant characteristics on SDE. The body mass of birds was negatively related to the frequency of visits to plants. Furthermore, it was positively related to the number of seeds removed per visit, although negatively related to seed size. The life‐form of plants was the only factor explaining the germination of seeds after gut passage. Yet, the body mass of birds was positively related to the gut retention time of seeds. Small and medium birds have a relatively higher SDE than large birds. These results differ from the assertion that large birds are more effective dispersers of plants. Small and medium birds are also effective dispersers of plants that should be preserved and protected from the impact of human activities.
A platform for cloudification of network and applications in the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: da Silva Barbosa Francisco Edigleison , de Mendonça Júnior Francisco Ferreira , Dias Kelvin Lopes 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVehicular networks have evolved from traditional vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) and vehicle‐to‐infrastructure (V2I) communications to the so‐called Internet of Vehicles (IoV), which encompasses cloud computing and the Internet of Things. Thus, IoV creates novel scenarios and applications such as autonomous driving, as well as research challenges regarding the requirements for connected cars such as ultra‐reliable low‐latency, communications and the need for high processing power closer to vehicles. In order to address the above issues for IoV, this article proposes integrating state‐of‐the‐art technology pillars that are well accepted by both industry and academia as building blocks for future 5G networks. We propose a flexible, hierarchical, and scalable IoV architecture that integrates software‐defined networking, edge/fog computing, network function virtualization, and containers. We evaluate the proposal in both infrastructure‐based and peer‐to‐peer content distribution scenarios. The results are promising and point out that the architecture can cope with the stringent requirements that need to be met in terms of latency for 5G‐based IoV applications.
An innovative cell model revealed the inhibitory effect of flavanone structure on peroxynitrite production through interaction with the IKKβ kinase domain at ATP binding site
Authors: Charoensin Supochana , Huang Tzou‐Chi , Hsu Jue‐Liang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIt is hypothesized that the oxidative/nitrosative stress inhibitory effect of a flavanone is governed by its chemical structure. However, the existing cell‐based antioxidant assays primarily focus on single chemical to initiate toxic species production. In this study, a novel cell model using macrophage treated with a combination of PMA and LPS leading to generation of peroxynitrite was proposed to provide a more real physiological condition. Three flavanones (eriodictyol, naringenin, and pinocembrin) with different number of ortho‐dihydroxyl groups on B‐ring were used to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the role of chemical structure in the new model. Dihydrorhodamine123 assay, protein immunoblotting, immunofluorescence assay, and in silico analysis by molecular docking between the flavanones and IKKβ catalytic kinase domain at the ATP binding site were employed. Results indicated that the generation of peroxynitrite was decreased at 10 µM of flavanones; eriodictyol was the most effective inhibitor. Western blot analysis and confocal fluorescence image also showed that eriodictyol could inhibit iNOS and p47 protein expressions through the inhibition of NF‐kB translocation and performed the maximal inhibition compared to that of the other groups. In addition, the highest CDOCKER energy values of eriodictyol (38.6703 kcal/mol) confirmed that the 3′,4′‐ortho‐dihydroxylation on the B‐ring played a crucial role in binding with IKKβ kinase domain at ATP binding site. Finally, we propose that the ortho‐dihydroxyl groups on B‐ring of flavanone may influence directly the occupation of the ATP binding site of IKKβ kinase domain leading to the abrogation of peroxynitrite formation in the innovative cell model.
Major head and neck reconstruction during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The University of Pittsburgh approach
Authors: Ranasinghe Viran , Mady Leila J. , Kim Seungwon , Ferris Robert L. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Johnson Jonas T. , Solari Mario G. , Sridharan Shaum , Kubik Mark 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic has created significant challenges to the delivery of care for patients with advanced head and neck cancer requiring multimodality therapy. Performing major head and neck ablative surgery and reconstruction is a particular concern given the extended duration and aerosolizing nature of these cases. In this manuscript, we describe our surgical approach to provide timely reconstructive care and minimize infectious risk to the providers, patients, and families.
The association between neighbourhood walkability and after‐school physical activity in Australian schoolchildren
Authors: Chalikavada Radhika , Broder Jonathan C. , O’Hara Rebecca L. , Xue Wenyue , Gasevic Danijela 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionPhysical inactivity is a risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases. As reported by the World Health Organisation, 81% of children worldwide are physically inactive. Environmental factors, such as neighbourhood walkability, can shape people's physical activity (PA) behaviour. This study explored the association between neighbourhood walkability and after‐school PA among Australian schoolchildren.MethodsThe Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) distributed the survey to 189 schools across South Australia to assess the health and well‐being of schoolchildren aged between 8 and 14 years. Neighbourhood was defined as an area corresponding to a four digit postcode, and its walkability was measured using Walk Score®. The association between neighbourhood walkability and after‐school PA was analysed using multinomial logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, SEIFA score, number of days of TV watching, number of times of eating junk food, neighbourhood safety and children's weight status.ResultsChildren residing in highly walkable areas (walker's paradise) compared to car‐dependent areas had higher odds (OR(95%CI)) of engaging in after‐school PA three (1.216 (1.029, 1.436), P = .021), four (1.287 (1.064, 1.557), P = .009) and five times a week (1.230 (1.030, 1.133), P = .022) compared to children never participating in PA.ConclusionLiving in highly walkable areas (walker's paradise), compared to living in car‐dependent areas was associated with higher levels of after‐school PA.So what?Creating walkable neighbourhoods with greater access to amenities, services and public transportation may help increase after‐school PA among schoolchildren.
Ultrasound‐guidance of peripheral venous catheterization in apheresis minimizes the need for central venous catheters
Authors: Söderström Anna , Nørgaard Maria S. , Thomsen Anna‐Marie E. , Sørensen Betina S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionCentral venous catheters (CVC) can facilitate a reliable blood flow for apheresis procedures, but the placement is time‐consuming and costly and the incidence of catheter‐related complications is high. Ultrasound can aid nurses to insert peripheral venous catheters (PVC), which is safer for the patients.Methods and materialsWe evaluated the use of CVC vs PVC for all apheresis procedures 3 years after the implementation of structured training of apheresis nurses to perform ultrasound‐guided PVC. Ultrasound can visualize the needle tip and target vessel dynamically and guide peripheral venous catheterization with an increased success rate. Time consumption for PVC insertion was measured.ResultsIn 10 months, we performed 1294 apheresis procedures on 227 patients, where 97.4% were performed with PVC. Hundred percent of extracorporeal photophoresis (off‐line ECP) and peripheral blood stem cell collections on adults were performed with PVC. Patients who were treated with CVC (n = 8) were either children, had poor peripheral blood flow due to dehydration or admitted to an intensive care unit and had CVC for other reasons. Time consumption for PVC placement with ultrasound was 11 minutes on average.ConclusionTraining of apheresis nurses in ultrasound‐guided peripheral venous catheterization can enable close to 100% of apheresis procedures to be performed by PVC.
Erratum: “Martini Coarse‐Grained Model for Polyethylenimine” [J. Comput. Chem. 2019, 40, 607–618, DOI:10.1002/jcc.25747]
Authors: Mahajan Subhamoy , Tang Tian 
Published: April 2020

SummaryCorrection of calculation errors in the original article led to the change of bead type for the unprotonated beads in the coarse‐grained polyethylenimine model. The original model was still of good quality while the updated model showed better performance in describing the interaction between polyethylenimine and DNA.