bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formal terms of reproach in Russian discourse
Authors: Shmurak R. I.
Published: November 2020

This article is concerned with the formal terms of reproach in Russian discourse and the corpus methods of their identification. Theoretically, it builds on the thesis that there are ‘true’ reproaches that can function autonomously in discourse and be adequately understood outside their context. Practically, the article describes the corpus search for formal terms of reproach. Methodologically, it abandons the synthetic outlook of pragmalinguistics, which dominates Russian linguistics, and treats reproach as a strictly linguistic object that has dis­cursive manifestations. This approach uses methods of corpus linguistics, which ‘visualise’ abstract models through arrays of real-life language data.
Sudden cardiac death during mountain sports activities
Authors: Burtscher M , Niederseer D
Published: November 2020

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an unanticipated and dramatic event resulting from cardiac causes. First reports on SCDs during mountain sports activities date back to the 1970s and 1980s of the last century. Relatively large datasets have been collected in Austria from 1985 onwards initiating systematic recordings and analyses of risk factors and triggers of SCDs during mountain sports activities. The results presented in this publication are derived from a literature search on reported SCDs that occurred during selected mountaineering activities with particular regard to study findings based on data collected in Austria. We found a relatively low SCD risk during mountaineering activities, amounting to about 1 SCD per 1 million activity days when hiking, trekking or ski touring, which is even lower during downhill skiing but higher in competitive cross-country skiing. The risk is much higher in men than in women and increases sharply above the age of 34. Main risk factors include prior myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes mellitus type 2, but regular and sport-specific activities turned out to be important protective factors. Unaccustomed physical exertion, in particular on the first days in the mountains (altitude), prolonged activities without rest and insufficient energy and fluid intake represent important SCD triggers. Besides considering these potential triggers during mountaineering activities, sports medical examination, appropriate pharmacological therapy of risk factors and physical preparation represent preventive key elements. Key Words: Exercise, Mountains, Cardiovascular, Risk, Triggers, Prevention
Etnomatemática, jogos de linguagem e movimentos de contraconduta de mulheres no ocupar o Quadrado
Authors: Da Fonseca Letiane Oliveira , Fonseca Márcia Souza da
Published: November 2020

O presente artigo é recorte de uma dissertação de mestrado que objetivou identificar e analisar os jogos de linguagem produzidos por um grupo de mulheres moradoras do Quadrado, comunidade localizada no bairro Porto da cidade de Pelotas/Rio Grande do Sul, quando narram as suas vivências durante a ocupação. Os aportes teóricos utilizam teorizações pós-estruturalistas, tendo por referência estudos na perspectiva etnomatemática de Knijnik, Wanderer, Giongo e Duarte (2013), nos jogos de linguagem de Wittgenstein (2000) e no conceito de contraconduta de Michel Foucault (2008). A investigação foi desenvolvida em uma abordagem qualitativa de caráter exploratório e, para a coleta de dados, de inspiração etnográfica, com instrumentos de observação participante, diário de campo e fotografias. Para compor a produção dos dados utilizou-se entrevistas narrativas, quando quatro moradoras, de gerações diferentes, relatam as suas vivências sobre a ocupação. O material coletado foi analisado de forma descritiva-analítica conforme as ideias de Paraíso (2012), considerando, como ferramentas analíticas, a noção de contraconduta de Foucault (2008) e de jogos de linguagem, usos, semelhanças de família e formas de vida de Wittgenstein (2000). Neste trabalho discutimos as narrativas das mulheres sobre formas de ocupar o local. As análises apontam que os jogos de linguagem das mulheres são provenientes de práticas por elas vivenciadas à medida que foram se estabelecendo no lugar; suas lutas, resistências e movimentos de contraconduta. Evidenciamos a existência de outras formas de matematizar; mensurar, associar, classificar, indicar tempo, presentes no processo de ocupar o Quadrado.
Legal Politics of Party Simplification in Indonesia: A Study Based on the Political Party Regulatory Model
Authors: Hidjaz Muhammad Kamal , W.W. Mamonto Moch Andry , Buana Andika Prawira
Published: November 2020

Although the idea of simplifying the party system is a noble endeavour, the choice of legal politics for simplifying political parties must be democratic and adhere to the model of structuring political parties with the right regulatory model. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the nature of political law and regulatory models for the simplification of the party system applied in Indonesia. This research is normative legal research which focuses on the study of statutory regulations and doctrines, while the research is descriptive-exploratory with statutory and conceptual approaches. The data used are secondary data consisting of primary and secondary legal materials. The data obtained were processed and analyzed qualitatively, comprehensively, and completely. Based on the identification results, the idea of a political direction for simplifying the party system in Indonesia began in the general election period of 2004, 2009, and 2014 through changes to the law on political parties and general elections. But unfortunately, the simplification of the party system and the law has not been able to be directed at a simple party system consisting of 3-5 political parties, besides that the simplification of the party system has also not been focused on simplifying the party system participating in the General election. Every shift in legal politics from the simplification of the party system during the general election shows the democratic nature of legal politics and adopts a simplified legal model from the party system prescription model, the licensing model, the promotion model, and the protection model.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE REFLECTION AND TRANSMISSION OF ANISOTROPIC LAYERED MEDIA BY GENERALIZED PROPAGATION MATRIX METHOD
Authors: ZHENG HONG-XING  GE  , DE-BIAO  ,   西安电子科技大学物理系，西安  710071
Published: November 2020

The characteristic waves in layered anisotropic medium are discussed on the basi s of propagation matrix concerning the transverse field components.The analytica l expressions for the reflection and transmission coefficients of the waves in a nisotropic layered media are obtained.This formula can be applied to layered uni axial and gyrotropic medium,and anisotropic half space problems as well.
Evolved bacterial resistance against fluoropyrimidines can lower chemotherapy impact in the Caenorhabditis elegans host
Authors: Rosener Brittany , Sayin Serkan , Oluoch Peter O , García González Aurian P , Mori Hirotada , Walhout Albertha JM , Mitchell Amir
Published: November 2020

Metabolism of host-targeted drugs by the microbiome can substantially impact host treatment success. However, since many host-targeted drugs inadvertently hamper microbiome growth, repeated drug administration can lead to microbiome evolutionary adaptation. We tested if evolved bacterial resistance against host-targeted drugs alters their drug metabolism and impacts host treatment success. We used a model system of Caenorhabditis elegans, its bacterial diet, and two fluoropyrimidine chemotherapies. Genetic screens revealed that most of loss-of-function resistance mutations in Escherichia coli also reduced drug toxicity in the host. We found that resistance rapidly emerged in E. coli under natural selection and converged to a handful of resistance mechanisms. Surprisingly, we discovered that nutrient availability during bacterial evolution dictated the dietary effect on the host – only bacteria evolving in nutrient-poor media reduced host drug toxicity. Our work suggests that bacteria can rapidly adapt to host-targeted drugs and by doing so may also impact the host.
Development of a coded suite of models to explore relevant problems in logistics
Authors: Caballero-Morales Santiago-Omar
Published: November 2020

Logistics is the aspect of the supply chain which is responsible of the efficient flow and delivery of goods or services from suppliers to customers. Because a logistic system involves specialized operations such as inventory control, facility location and distribution planning, the logistic professional requires mathematical, technological and managerial skills and tools to design, adapt and improve these operations. The main research is focused on modeling and solving logistic problems through specialized tools such as integer programing and meta-heuristics methods. In practice, the use of these tools for large and complex problems requires mathematical and computational proficiency. In this context, the present work contributes with a coded suite of models to explore relevant problems by the logistic professional, undergraduate/postgraduate student and/or academic researcher. The functions of the coded suite address the following: (1) generation of test instances for routing and facility location problems with real geographical coordinates; (2) computation of Euclidean, Manhattan and geographical arc length distance metrics for routing and facility location problems; (3) simulation of non-deterministic inventory control models; (4) importing/exporting and plotting of input data and solutions for analysis and visualization by third-party platforms; and (5) designing of a nearest-neighbor meta-heuristic to provide very suitable solutions for large vehicle routing and facility location problems. This work is completed by a discussion of a case study which integrates the functions of the coded suite.
Empirical Insights into Supervisory Boards of Listed Companies in China
Authors: Smith Julia A. , Tian Yuqi
Published: November 2020

This paper addresses a gap in the literature by presenting novel empirical insight, accorded by privileged access to prejudications and legal decisions, into corporate governance in China. A main aim of our work was to assess whether calls for reform of the regulatory system are warranted. We present an inductive piece of research into two-tier boards in Chinese listed companies, incorporating a board of directors and a supervisory board, appointed by and reporting to the shareholders’ meeting. Through unique primary-source evidence, and additional evidence from recent legal cases, we illustrate the problems faced by organizations that have had to contend with the inherent difficulties of corporate governance in China. Our findings suggest that the supervisory board, in practice, has limited power, given the conflicting roles of the various members, and that corporate governance might be better maintained by a greater transfer of power to independent directors.
Students’ Self Identity Model on Social Media Instagram: A Case of Swadaya Gunung Jati University, Cirebon West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Nurfalah Farida , Kholil . , Lestari Puji , Widaningsih Titi
Published: November 2020

The presence of Instagram social media provides a space for communication and interaction in cyberspace. The students will do various ways to maintain their existence in their environment. The purpose of this study is to find out the student identity model on social media Instagram at Swadaya Gunung Jati University, Cirebon City which consists of; 1. To see student identity using Instagram, 2. To see student identity on social media Instagram, 3. To see the hierarchy of student identity on social media Instagram, 4. To see student models of self-identity on social media Instagram. The research method used is by using a qualitative descriptive approach with a constructivism paradigm and using a phenomenological research design. The population in the study of students who are active on Instagram's, while the informant retrieval technique was carried out by purposive sampling as many as 12 informants who actively use Instagram.The instrument used to collect data conducted by interviewing informants, observation is also carried out such as by capturing posts and sentences on their Instagram media accounts as well as from being obtained from references to books and journals and other documentation. Data were analyzed by describing phenomena or experiences experienced by the subject, then finding statements and grouping them into a meaningful unit, then detailing these units and writing a text explanation of their experiences accompanied by examples carefully, then reflecting their thoughts using structural descriptions by searching the whole meaning by considering the frame of reference for the symptoms and constructing how these symptoms are experienced, then constructing the entire explanation of the meaning and essence of the experience. The results of the study found that young Instagram users have a clear stance, goals and desires, they actively construct themselves as a student identity including displays, reality and agents on social media in the form of photo posts, videos, status updates and instances, as well as giving emojis and give each other comments. The self-commitment to identity is accepted as a reinforcement of their identity and becomes their self-concept. Users are also recognized for their identity in organizations, the hobby community, and academics. The Students' self-identity models in Instagram social media that occur by being introduced and reinforced by their self-concept and it is expected that the function of social media is used for positive things related to the development of student identity as late teens and as the nation's successor who has a firm stand with high integrity and can avoid a high "narcissistic" culture which can also be a reference for students. at other universities.
Overview of Possible Causes of Forest Destruction in the Legal Amazon: A Literature Review
Authors: Oliveira Jeniffer Ribeiro de , Oliveira Vinícius de Souza , Silva João Vitor Garcia , Santana Weslley do Rosário , Salomão Bruna Alves , Lima Alex Silva , Altoé Jalille Amim , Batista Aclécia Gonçalves , Amourim Mariana Alexandre Alves
Published: November 2020

The work is a literature review whose objective was to identify in the literature the approach on the main causes of forest destruction in the legal Amazon. For the discussion, scientific materials were selected whose focus includes deforestation in the region of the legal Amazon. Among the possible causes, the ones that stood out the most in the literature were livestock, agriculture, mining, mining and burning, so a discussion was made on them. It is clear, after all the surveys, that there is no single solution to destruction and deforestation in the Amazon. If the Brazilian government, with the help of the international community, does not take control of the forces of destructive development seriously, then, regardless of periods of growth and reduced deforestation, this magnificent rainforest will continue disappearing decade after decade. A series of measures is necessary, ranging from prevention to incisive combat, mainly by the government, which should expand and reinforce the activities of the entities responsible for environmental inspection in the country.
Reformulating Special Relativity on a Two-World Background II
Authors: Joseph O. Akindele Adekugbe
Published: November 2020

The exposition of the two-world background of the special theory of relativity started in the first part of this paper is continued in this second part. The negative sign of mass in the negative universe is derived from the generalized mass expression in special relativity (SR) in the two-world picture. Four-dimensional inversion is shown to be a special Lorentz transformation in the two-world picture. Also by starting with the negativity of spacetime dimensions (that is, negativity of distances in space and of intervals of time) in the negative universe, derived in part one of this paper, and requiring the symmetry of natural laws between the positive and negative universes, the signs of mass and other physical parameters and physical constants in the negative universe are derived and tabulated. The invariance of natural laws, including the fundamental interactions, in the negative universe is demonstrated. The derived negative sign of mass in the negative universe is a conclusion of a century and a score years of efforts toward the incorporation of the concept of negative mass into physics. It is shown that the anti-particles observed in our universe originate from the negative universe, and conversely, but how a particle can make transition across the event horizon separating the universes without hitting singularity in the Lorentz transformation is as yet unexplained. Experimental test of the two-world picture depends on the possibility of exchange of particles between the two universes without hitting the singularity in LT at the point of making transition across the universes.
The Earl of Buchan’s political landscape at Dryburgh, 1786–1829
Authors: MacKechnie Aonghus
Published: November 2020

David Steuart Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan (1742–1829), is best known for founding the Society of the Antiquaries of Scotland in 1780. In 1786 he reacquired the family’s Dryburgh estate, on which stood the ruins of Dryburgh’s medieval abbey, which he thereby protected from stone-robbing, enabling it to be enjoyed today. This paper focuses elsewhere, namely on Buchan’s architectural interventions in the abbey’s landscape, on what motivated him, what he sought to achieve and on what people both at the time and afterwards have made of him and these interventions. It is argued that while Scotland’s elites were striving to downplay the independent nation’s accomplishments, Buchan instead exploited Scottish history and accomplishment to create a political landscape at Dryburgh, centred on his statue of Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland during the Wars of Independence and executed in 1305. It is argued, too, that the nature of Buchan’s politics, as one of the privileged elite who had broken rank from the ruling class, resulted in his reputation being maligned and his creation being generally undervalued by posterity, and in particular by the Scots themselves, the very people to whom he wanted to reach out, to inspire, and to highlight.
John Ritchie Findlay (1824–98)
Authors: Desmarest Clarisse Godard
Published: November 2020

John Ritchie Findlay (1824–98) was the leading proprietor of The Scotsman which he developed into a flourishing and influential newspaper with a national circulation. Although Findlay disliked publicity or self-promotion, he was an active liberal philanthropist, a friend of art and of Scottish culture, patron of two of Scotland’s most talented architects of his time – Robert Rowand Anderson and A G Sydney Mitchell – and father of another prominent Edinburgh architect, James Leslie Findlay. He was also an active fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, as secretary (1882–8), and vice president (1878–80, and again 1888–90). This article seeks to appraise the career of that influential figure who has left a strong, if today under appreciated legacy to Edinburgh’s built environment, and to Scotland overall. His architectural work reflects his politics, and that of the country at the turn of the 20th century.
Castle Camus, Isle of Skye
Authors: Thacker Mark
Published: November 2020

A study of Castle Camus is presented from the pilot phase of the Scottish Medieval Castles and Chapels C14 Project (SMCCCP). The study highlights various challenges faced by investigators seeking to interpret medieval sites where contemporary documentary evidence is late and the physical upstanding remains are fragmentary. Informed by a wider programme of buildings and materials analysis, the paper presents the first independent dating evidence relating to the construction of Castle Camus, through radiocarbon analysis of an assemblage of wood-charcoal Mortar-Entrapped Relict Limekiln Fuel (MERLF) fragments. This data is consistent with later traditions, reporting that a MacLeod clan chieftain died at the castle site in the very early 15th century, and suggests Castle Camus was the formal administrative centre of the lordship of Sleat throughout the later medieval period. Bayesian techniques are used to correlate these different types of evidence and generate an estimate for the constructional chronology of the earliest upstanding structure. The study suggests that construction of the south-east range at Castle Camus was completed in 1280–1330 cal AD (74.2% probability) or 1365–1400 cal AD (21.2% probability). Further discussion highlights the landscape context of the castle site; with a focus on woodland resources and socially constructed boundaries.
 
Canmore ID 11544
Efficacy of Tocilizumab Monotherapy Versus Tocilizumab and Methotrexate Combination Therapy in the Prevention of Radiographic Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Analysis Using Individual Patient Data From Multiple Clinical Trials
Authors: Verhoeven Maxime M. A. , Tekstra Janneke , Jacobs Johannes W. G. , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. , van Laar Jacob M. , Pethö‐Schramm Attila , Borm Michelle E. A. , Lafeber Floris P. J. , Welsing Paco M. J.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To compare the effects of preventing radiographic progression (in its 3 components) of tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy with those of TCZ and methotrexate (MTX) in combination therapy (TCZ + MTX), and to evaluate possible effect modifiers in this model.

Methods

Randomized trials that compared TCZ monotherapy to TCZ + MTX combination therapy for differences in radiographic progression were analyzed on an individual patient data level using mixed‐effects models, and data were collected from 820 subjects with either early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or established RA. Outcomes were classified as the absence of radiographic progression after 2 years (i.e., preventing radiographic progression) as measured by total Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS), erosion score, and joint space narrowing (JSN) score. Effect modification by baseline joint damage, disease duration, and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) was studied.

Results

Overall, TCZ + MTX combination therapy was more effective in preventing radiographic progression compared to TCZ monotherapy, which was measured by total SHS score. However, in patients with early RA who had more joint damage compared to those with less joint damage at baseline (relative risk [RR] 1.02 versus RR 0.91, respectively) or in patients with a lower DAS28 score compared to those with a higher DAS28 score (RR 1.04 versus RR 0.92, respectively) at baseline, this advantage disappeared. In patients with established RA, the advantage of TCZ + MTX versus TCZ alone in the prevention of radiographic progression disappeared with a longer disease duration at baseline (RR 1.04 versus 0.83). Results of erosion scores as an outcome were in line with these findings, though findings for JSN scores were less clear.

Conclusion

Combination therapy with TCZ + MTX is more effective in preventing radiographic progression compared to TCZ monotherapy, but the effectiveness of TCZ monotherapy may approximate the effectiveness of TCZ + MTX in patients with early RA who have more joint damage and/or a lower DAS28 at baseline and in patients with established RA who have longer disease duration.
A High Capacity All Solid‐State Li‐Sulfur Battery Enabled by Conversion‐Intercalation Hybrid Cathode Architecture
Authors: Xu Shiqi , Kwok Chun Yuen , Zhou Laidong , Zhang Zhizhen , Kochetkov Ivan , Nazar Linda F.
Published: November 2020

As demands for electrochemical energy storage continue to rise, alternative electrochemistries to conventional Li‐ion batteries become more appealing. Here, an intercalation‐conversion hybrid cathode that combines intercalation‐type VS2 with conversion‐type sulfur chemistry to construct high performance solid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries is reported. The layered VS2 nanomaterial features Li‐ion transport channels, metallic conductivity, and active capacity contribution, all of which provide an ideal platform for the solid state S/Li2S redox couple to unlock its high gravimetric capacity. The S/VS2/Li3PS4 hybrid cathode composite is prepared by a facile, low‐cost, and low‐energy mechanical blending process. The S/VS2/Li3PS4|Li3PS4|Li/In (or Li) all‐solid‐state cell exhibits sulfur utilization of ≈85%, with a Coulombic efficiency of close to 100%. High areal capacity up to 7.8 mA h cm−2 with an active material loading (S/VS2) as high as 15.5 mg cm−2 is achieved.
Silver Nanowires Network Film with Enhanced Crystallinity toward Mechano‐Electrically Sustainable Flexible‐Electrode
Authors: Kim Mi‐Jeong , Ko Dong‐Su , Kim Jung‐Hwa , Cho Eun‐Hyoung , Yang Dae Jin , Kwak Chan , Sohn Hiesang
Published: November 2020

This report presents the improved mechano‐electric sustainability of Ag NWs network with enhanced crystallinity (c‐Ag NW) based on the systematic bending‐fatigue study of Ag NWs network and its application toward electronic device built on patterned electrode. First, the mechano‐electric stability of Ag NWs network film is found to be highly associated with their crystalline structural deformation, i.e., defects or dislocation density by externally applied strains. Based on this result, c‐Ag NWs are prepared by the solution based thermal annealing at 70 °C and integrated into c‐Ag NWs network film. By analyzing crystalline structures and nano‐morphologies, as‐formed c‐Ag NW network film exhibits enhanced crystallinity and reduced dislocation density. In the bending fatigue tests under application of strain (6.7%, bending radius: 1 mm) during the 200 000 cycles, c‐Ag NWs network film shows highly reduced (>500%) resistance change (ΔR/ΔRo: 45%) than that of pristine Ag NW network film (ΔR/ΔRo: 241%). In the application of c‐Ag NW network toward patterned electrode, the electrode demonstrates the comparable electrical property (9.41 kΩ) to that of ITO based one (8.01 kΩ) despite the reduced number of nanowires in 6 µm neck diamond electrode pattern.
Building Light Stimulated Synaptic Memory Devices for Visual Memory Simulation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yu Hao , Xiao Cancheng , Si Jiawei , Xu Haiyang , Zhu Wenhui , Wang Liancheng
Published: November 2020

Detection and storage of different light information using electronic devices are important to emulate image information learning and memory functions like the human visual system. In this work, the controllable light‐tunable synaptic memory behaviors are demonstrated utilizing photodetector in series with memristor (composite memristor). In other words, the composite memristor has the detection‐storage function to different light information, realizing visual memory simulation. Herein, a new synaptic device with inherent learning and memory functions is realized based on a pn heterostructure memristor. A depletion‐region width modulation model is proposed to explain the memory characteristics. Several essential synaptic functions are imitated. Further, the visual memory array system is built to accomplish the detection and memory processes of patterned light distribution. Importantly, different light information induces different pattern memory characteristics like human eyes. This composite memristor provides a new idea for wider waveband, greater detection range, and more realistic multifunctional electronic eyes.
Gemischte Gruppe‐14‐15‐Metallate als Modellverbindungen für dotierte Bleihalogenidperowskite
Authors: Dehnhardt Natalie , Luy Jan‐Niclas , Klement Philip , Schipplick Luca , Chatterjee Sangam , Tonner Ralf , Heine Johanna
Published: November 2020

Eigenschaften und Leistung von Bleihalogenidperowskiten können durch Dotierung oder Zulegierung modifiziert und verbessert werden. Die Auswirkungen der heterovalenten Dotierung mit Sb3+‐ und Bi3+‐Kationen sind jedoch noch Gegenstand aktueller Untersuchungen. Aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Ladung der dotierten Metalle im Vergleich zu den Pb2+‐Ionen ist eine gleichzeitige Erzeugung von Defekten unvermeidbar und der Einfluss dieser Defekte und der eigentlichen Substitution des Metalls schwer unterscheidbar. Hier stellen wir die ersten 14‐15‐Iodidometallate, (BED)4PbE2I16 (BED=N‐Benzylethylendiammonium; E=Sb (1), Bi (2)), vor, die Modellverbindungen für dotierte Bleiiodidperowskite sind und überraschend niedrige Bandlücken von 2,01 (1) und 1,88 eV (2) aufweisen. Quantenchemische Untersuchungen zeigen, dass dies auf eine ausgeprägte elektronische Interaktion zwischen den PbI6‐ und EI6‐Einheiten der Verbindungen zurückzuführen ist. Unsere Ergebnisse liefern ein Modellsystem für dotierte Perowskite, stellen aber auch die ersten Beispiele für eine vielversprechende neue Klasse von Metallhalogenidmaterialien dar.
Domino Effect: Gold Electrocatalyzing Lithium Reduction to Accelerate Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Gao Lin‐Feng , Cao Yuan , Wang Cheng , Yu Xi‐Wen , Li Wen‐Bo , Zhou Yong , Wang Bing , Yao Ying‐Fang , Wu Cong‐Ping , Luo Wen‐Jun , Zou Zhi‐Gang
Published: November 2020

Green production of NH3, especially the Li‐mediated electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) in non‐aqueous solutions, is attracting research interest. Controversies regarding the NRR mechanism greatly impede its optimization and wide applications. To understand the electrocatalytic process, we treated Au coated carbon fibrous paper (Au/CP) as the model catalyst. In situ XRD confirmed the transformation of lithium intermediates during NRR. Au greatly improved electron transfer kinetics to catalyze metallic Li formation, and accordingly highly accelerated spontaneous NRR. The Faradaic efficiency of NRR on Au/CP reached 34.0 %, and NH3 yield was as high as 50 μg h−1 cm−2. Our research shows that the key step of Li‐mediated non‐aqueous NRR is electrocatalytic Li reduction and offers a novel electrocatalyst design method for Li reduction.
Color vision assessment‐2: Color assessment outcomes using single and multi‐test protocols
Authors: Rodriguez‐Carmona Marisa , Evans Benjamin E. W. , Barbur John L.
Published: November 2020

The main purpose of this study was to produce reliable, color assessment outcomes to examine the extent to which single and multi‐test protocols in use meet current clinical and occupational needs. The latter include the detection of small changes in chromatic sensitivity as the earliest signs of retinal and/or systemic disease, and the need to assess the class of color vision in congenital deficiency and to quantify severity of loss. Color vision was assessed using Ishihara (IH), Farnsworth Munsell D‐15, City University (CU, 2nd ed.) and Holmes‐Wright type A (HW‐A) lantern tests. All subjects also carried out Colour Assessment and Diagnosis and Nagel anomaloscope tests. The sample included 350 normal trichromats, 1012 deutans and 465 protans (age 31.1 ± 12.4, range 10‐65 years). The results reveal the trade‐off between sensitivity and specificity, depending on the number of errors accepted as a pass on the IH test. The D‐15 and CU tests pass all normals and almost 50% of subjects with color vision deficiency. The HW‐A lantern passes all normals, 22% of deutans and 1% of protans. The multi‐test protocols designed to identify protans and to pass only subjects with mild color loss, pass over 50% of protans and deutans. Many of the subjects who fail exhibit less severe loss of color vision than others who pass. When high sensitivity for detection of congenital deficiency is achieved, single‐test protocols fail many normal trichromats. Multi‐test protocols produce large variability and fail to achieve desired aims.
Inequality in health insurance coverage before and after the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Renna Francesco , Kosteas Vasilios D. , Dinkar Kuchibhotla
Published: November 2020

This study examines how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affected income related inequality in health insurance coverage in the United States. Analyzing data from the American Community Survey (ACS) from 2010 through 2018, we apply difference‐in‐differences, and triple‐differences estimation to the Recentered Influence Function OLS estimation. We find that the ACA reduced inequality in health insurance coverage in the United States. Most of this reduction was a result of the Medicaid expansion. Additional decomposition analysis shows there was little change in inequality of coverage through an employer plan, and a decrease in inequality for coverage through direct purchase of health insurance. These results indicate that the insurance exchanges also contributed to declining inequality in health insurance coverage.
Crude oil market and Nigerian stocks: An asymmetric information spillover approach
Authors: Okorie David Iheke , Lin Boqiang
Published: November 2020

This article examines the nature of information spillovers, in return and volatility, that exists between the full index stock of the Nigerian stock exchange (NSE) and the crude oil markets (Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil markets). We adopted the asymmetric VAR − MGARCH − GJR − BEKK model and found evidence of unidirectional return spillover from the Brent oil market to the NSE and a bidirectional return spillover between the NSE market and the WTI oil market. The response of the WTI market to a shock on the NSE market is rather short‐lived. There exists strong evidence of a lead–lag relationship between the crude oil market and the NSE market wherein the crude oil market leads or drives the NSE market return fluctuations. For both crude oil markets, the Brent and the WTI markets, there exists a bidirectional volatility spillover between the NSE index and the crude oil markets, as well as significant asymmetric shocks. Practical policy implications and recommendations were made, based on the findings.
Clostridium difficile toxin A and toxin B inhibit YAP in the colonic epithelial cells
Authors: Song Jinglue , Shen Xia , Huang Zhenyu , Liu Yun , Cui Long , Cui Xuewei , Liu Chen‐Ying
Published: November 2020

Toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB), the two exotoxins of Clostridium difficile, are main causal agents for the colonic epithelium damage in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The Hippo pathway is crucial for the control of tissue homeostasis and regeneration of intestines. However, the dysregulation of Hippo pathway in CDI is unclear. Here we show that YAP and TAZ, the transcriptional coactivators downstream of the Hippo pathway, are sequestered in the cytoplasm, degraded, and inactivated by treatment with TcdA and TcdB in colonic epithelial cells. The overexpression of YAP restores the messenger RNA expressions of YAP target genes, attenuates the disruption of cytoskeleton and cell rounding, and rescues the cell proliferation of colonic epithelial cells under exposure of the two toxins. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of YAP and TAZ is involved in the pathogenesis of CDI, implicating that increasing YAP activity could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the CDI treatment.
An accuracy study of the clinical diagnosis of periodontitis in pregnant women
Authors: Conceição Sarah dos Santos , Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart , Coelho Julita Maria Freitas , Brito Sheila Monteiro , Silva Roberta Borges , Batista Josicélia Estrela Tuy , Figueiredo Ana Claudia Morais Godoy , Hintz Alexandre Marcelo , Lyrio Amanda Oliveira , Souza Elivan Silva , Pereira Maurício Gomes , Loomer Peter Michael , Cruz Simone Seixas da
Published: November 2020

Background

There exists a diverse range of criteria used in epidemiological studies for the diagnosis of periodontitis. The results from these studies should be evaluated with consideration to the diagnostic criteria used, and this may account for differences between studies especially in some population groups such as pregnant females. The objective is to evaluate the diagnostic criteria used in a variety of epidemiologic studies of periodontitis in pregnant females.

Methods

An accuracy study with cross‐sectional design was performed out from a database of 671 pregnant females, using six different sets of criteria for the diagnosis of periodontitis. Women were classified for periodontitis, as follows: Center for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP, 2012 criterion), the gold standard, Gomes‐Filho et al.(2018) criterion, Albandar et al.(2007) criterion, Bassani et al.(2007) criterion, López et al.(2002) criterion, and Nesse et al.(2008) criterion. For comparison amongst the gold standard and the other criteria, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratio were determined.

Results

The frequency of periodontitis ranged from 25.0% to 90.2%. The Bassani et al. (2007) criterion was found to be more sensitive among the studies, and thus more suitable for diagnostic screening studies. Gomes‐Filho et al.(2018), Albandar et al. (2007), López et al. (2002), and Nesse et al. (2008) criteria were considered more specific, which makes them more useful for studies of periodontitis with the aim of using diagnosis for confirmation of disease.

Conclusions

A variation in the occurrence of periodontitis was observed. The criterion must be chosen according to the research aims and population characteristics.
Data visualization of the relationship between smoking and periodontal site‐specific effects across the lifespan in the US adult population
Authors: Billings Monisha , Parascandola Mark , Iafolla Timothy , Dye Bruce A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Data visualization techniques were used to ascertain (1) site‐specific effects of cigarette smoking on the periodontium compared to never‐smokers; (2) patterns of site‐specific effects by age among current and never‐smokers using contour maps.

Methods

Data from 10,713 dentate participants aged ≥30 years in NHANES 2009‐2014 were used. Pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) for six sites/tooth were ascertained by smoking status and plotted using contour maps to identify new patterns.

Results

In the overall sample, 19% (n = 2015) were current smokers and 56% (n = 6013) were never‐smokers. Contour maps of the overall sample showed teeth/sites most affected with mean PD > 2.1 mm were molars (2,3,15,18,19,30,31) in mesio‐lingual (ML) and disto‐lingual (DL) sites. Most affected sites for current smokers were interproximal sites of most posterior teeth. Among never‐smokers, fewer teeth/sites were affected with PD > 2.1 mm, whereas among smokers, number of affected teeth/sites increased with age. Overall, teeth/sites most affected with mean CAL≥2.1 mm were noted in 2,3(ML), 3(DL), 14(DF, DL), 15(MF, ML), 18(ML), 19(DL, ML), and 30‐31(ML, DL) with upper anterior teeth least affected. Among current smokers, several teeth/sites were affected (CAL≥2.1 mm): 2,3(all six sites), 4(ML, DL), 9(ML), 11‐21(DL), 13‐18(DF, ML, MIL, DL), 19‐20(DF, ML, MIL), 14‐18(MIF), 21(MIF, ML, DL), 22(MF), 23‐27(MIL), 24‐26(MIL, MF, DF in 26), 27(MF), 28(MF, ML, DL), 29‐31(all 6 sites except MIF 30,31). As age increased, more teeth/sites were affected among smokers and by the 5th decade nearly all teeth/sites had CAL≥2.0 mm.

Conclusions

Contour mapping identifies patterns and dramatically visualizes the substantial periodontal site‐specific differences. Current smokers had more affected teeth and/or periodontal sites with a different contour pattern than never‐smokers.
Mind the Depth: The Vertical Dimension of a Small-Scale Coastal Fishery Shapes Selection on Species, Size, and Sex in Wrasses
Authors: Halvorsen Kim Tallaksen , Sørdalen Tonje Knutsen , Larsen Torkel , Browman Howard I. , Rafoss Trond , Albretsen Jon , Skiftesvik Anne Berit
Published: November 2020

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) tend to target shallow waters, but the depth distributions of coastal fish can vary depending on species, size, and sex. This creates a scope for a form of fishing selectivity that has received limited attention but can have considerable implications for monitoring and management of these fisheries. We conducted a case study on the Norwegian wrasse fishery, a developing SSF in which multiple species are caught in shallow waters (mean depth = 4.5 m) to be used as cleaner fish in aquaculture. Several of these wrasses have life histories and behaviors that are sensitive to selective fishing mortality, such as sexual size dimorphism, paternal care, and sex change. An experimental fishery was undertaken over three sampling periods in 2018. Data on catch, length, and sex of wrasses across a depth gradient (0–18 m) were collected and analyzed. We found that depth distributions were species specific and the vertical overlap with the fishery was high for Corkwing Wrasse Symphodus melops and Ballan Wrasse Labrus bergylta, which were most abundant at depths less than 5 m. Three other wrasse species had invariant or increasing abundance with depth and were therefore less likely to be negatively impacted by this fishery. Body size was positively correlated with depth for these wrasses, and sex ratio became more male biased for the Corkwing Wrasse, the only species that could be visually sexed. This study demonstrates that depth can have strong effects on fishing selectivity at multiple scales and that such knowledge is necessary to develop management strategies that balance fishing mortality sustainably across species, sizes, and sexes. We recommend that management priorities be directed toward the Ballan and Corkwing wrasses—the species having the highest vertical overlap with the fishery. Furthermore, CPUE was strongly affected by seasonality and positively correlated with increasing wave exposure for one of the species. This underscores the general importance of standardizing catch data for several environmental covariates when monitoring species that are affected by SSFs.
Mesocrystal aggregation of biological apatite nanocrystals
Authors: Alrebaish Abdulelah S. , Wilson Otto C.
Published: November 2020

A broader revelation of the mechanisms which contribute to the formation, growth, healing and remodelling of bone tissue is essential for advancing the design and development of biomaterials and devices which directly enhance bone health. Hydroxyapatite and associated calcium phosphate‐based minerals play an essential role in bone tissue formation. Further insights into how biomineral crystals form, grow and integrate within bone tissue will provide key information to direct efforts in more comprehensive bone tissue engineering products and therapies. While previous studies proposed the aggregation of amorphous calcium phosphate clusters as a precursor to biological hydroxyapatite, the exact formation mechanism of the plate‐like biological hydroxyapatite is still unclear. Here we report the analysis of high‐resolution electron microscopy images of bone biomineral precipitated in a biological environment. We propose that 3 nm primary biologically synthesized (biosynthesized) hydroxyapatite (BHAp) single crystal units assemble and coalesce via an oriented aggregation mechanism to form larger (approximately 46 nm × 25 nm) plate‐like biological hydroxyapatite mesocrystals. A better understanding of the biomineralization process can provide insights to improve the in vitro precipitation of bone biominerals with tailored properties and unique functionality. This will help to usher in the next generation of biobased biomaterials and devices to enhance the healing and remodelling of bone at the tissue, cell and subcellular level.
Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale Time Duration of Self-Completion Versus Assisted Completion in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Comparison
Authors: Wong Angelique , Tayjasanant Supakarn , Rodriguez-Nunez Alfredo , Park Minjeong , Liu Diane , Zapata Kresnier Perez , Allo Julio , Frisbee-Hume Susan , Williams Janet , Bruera Eduardo
Published: November 2020

Introduction

To compare the time duration of self-completion (SC) of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) by patients with advanced cancer (ACPs) versus assisted completion (AC) with a health care professional.

Materials and Methods

In this randomized comparison of ACPs seen in initial consultation at the outpatient Supportive Care Center at MD Anderson, ACPs who have never completed the ESAS at MD Anderson were allocated (1:1) to either SC of the ESAS form versus AC by a nurse. Time of completion was measured by the nurse using a stopwatch. Patients completed the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) test prior to administration of the ESAS. In the SC group, the nurse reviewed the responses to verify that the reported ESAS scores were correct.

Results

A total of 126 ACPs were enrolled (69 patients to AC and 57 to SC). Seventy-one patients were female, median age was 60 years, and median REALM score was 65. Median (interquartile range) time (in seconds) of SC was significantly less than AC (73 [42.9–89.1] vs. 109 [79.5–136.7], p < .0001). With nurse review time included, median time of SC increased to 117 seconds, which was not significantly different from AC (p = .28). Lower literacy (REALM) score and shortness of breath were significantly associated with increased completion time (p = .007).

Conclusion

Regular use of ESAS will have minimal impact on clinical time, as it can be completed in about 1 minute and provides a concise yet comprehensive and multidimensional perspective of symptoms that affect quality of life of patients with cancer.

Implications for Practice

Because the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale can be completed in less than 2 minutes, hopefully the routine use of this simple yet comprehensive and multidimensional symptom assessment tool will be used at all medical visits in all patients with cancer so that the timely management of symptoms affecting patients' lives and treatment courses can occur, further enhancing personalized cancer care.
Biometric assessments of the posterior fossa by fetal MRI: A systematic review
Authors: Mckinnon Katie , Kendall Giles S. , Tann Cally J. , Dyet Leigh , Sokolska Magdalena , Baruteau Kelly Pegoretti , Marlow Neil , Robertson Nicola J. , Peebles Donald , Srinivasan Latha
Published: November 2020

Background

Posterior fossa abnormalities (PFAs) are commonly identified within routine screening and are a frequent indication for fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although biometric measurements of the posterior fossa (PF) are established on fetal ultrasound and MRI, qualitative visual assessments are predominantly used to differentiate PFAs.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to assess 2‐dimensional (2D) biometric measurements currently in use for assessing the PF on fetal MRI to delineate different PFAs.

Methods

The protocol was registered (PROSPERO ID CRD42019142162). Eligible studies included T2‐weighted MRI PF measurements in fetuses with and without PFAs, including measurements of the PF, or other brain areas relevant to PFAs.

Results

59 studies were included – 6859 fetuses had 62 2D PF and related measurements. These included linear, area and angular measurements, representing measures of PF size, cerebellum/vermis, brainstem, and supratentorial measurements. 11 measurements were used in 10 or more studies and at least 1200 fetuses. These dimensions were used to characterise normal for gestational age, diagnose a range of pathologies, and predict outcome.

Conclusion

A selection of validated 2D biometric measurements of the PF on fetal MRI may be useful for identification of PFA in different clinical settings. Consistent use of these measures, both clinically and for research, is recommended.