bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of e-commerce and modern logistics on regional economic structure and scope
Authors: Wang Linghong , Li Haoyue
Published: January 2021

With the rapid development of Internet and information technology, the space and time boundaries between regions have been broken. With the advent of the "Internet plus" era, the rapid development of e-commerce based on Internet and information technology has promoted the development of regional economy and modern logistics industry. The application level of e-commerce and the development of modern logistics also have an important impact on the regional economic structure and scope. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the impact of e-commerce and modern logistics on the scope of regional economic structure for promoting the coordinated development of e-commerce and modern logistics.
Planning Practice of Coordinated Development of Urban Traffic and Land Use
Authors: Meng Weiwei , You Tingting , Duan Yan , He Jia
Published: January 2021

While China’s economy is developing rapidly and sustainably, urban issues appears continuously, for instance traffic congestion, insufficient funds, environmental pollution, and housing shortages. It is necessary to learn from advanced international countries’ experiences and process urban planning in accordance with the domestic situation. This article analyses the relationship between transportation and land use, and proposes the basic idea of applying the concept of coordinated development of transportation and land use, by introducing the advanced experience of Singapore, Copenhagen and Hong Kong in the coordinated development of urban transportation and land use, which is conducive to improving transportation efficiency and has a realistic significance.
Research on Fatigue Test of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with CFRP Plates
Authors: Li Weifeng
Published: January 2021

To study the effect of different anchorages on the CFRP anchoring effect and fatigue, the loading test of the force-locking anchor system and the self-locking anchor system was carried out on the prefabricated beams with the same conditions to study the beams under different anchoring systems. After the fatigue test, the cracking situation, linear elasticity change, stiffness degradation, and failure mode were analyzed to analyze the fatigue life of the beam plate under different anchors, and it was concluded that the two anchoring systems had better performance without large overload. It has anti-fatigue performance and good reinforcement effect.
A Novel Evaluation Model of Grouting Effect in Weak and Water-Rich Stratum
Authors: Jie Cai
Published: January 2021

The development of underground engineering promotes the development of grouting technology, but due to its particularity, the research of grouting theory lags behind the application requirements of actual engineering, and the evaluation of grouting effect is a weak link in grouting theory. Grouting effect is influenced by many factors with uncertainty and nonlinear characteristics. Four factors, anti-inference method of slurry filling rate, displacement monitoring method, exposure observation method, core method in access hole, were proposed, and the corresponding quantitative indexes were determined. In this study, a novel evaluation model was developed using analytic hierarchy process and ideal point method to study grouting effect in weak and water-rich stratum. The results show that this method is feasible. With its strong operability, the proposed method provides a new means to evaluate grouting effect.
Discussion on evaluation method of water energy in strong water drive gas reservoir
Authors: Li Guohui
Published: January 2021

In the process of gas reservoir development, as the pressure of gas reservoir decreases, water will invade into the gas reservoir and form a certain scale of water body, so it is very necessary to know the water body energy correctly. This paper takes strong water drive gas reservoir as an example, and uses equation of state method, pressure drop curve method and material balance method respectively to complete the water body energy evaluation of this block, so as to find the water body energy evaluation method suitable for strong water drive gas reservoir, which plays an important role in implementing water control measures.
The Calibration of an Array Induction Logging Tool in half-space
Authors: Wang Zhao , Zhang Peipei
Published: January 2021

Array induction logging tools are currently relatively widely used resistivity logging tools. The scale of array induction logging tools includes workshop scale and half space scale. The main purpose of the workshop scale is to use the ring scale to determine the instrument constant (K value). The half-space scale determines the system error of the instrument coil, that is, the basic value. The longest sub-array of the array induction logging tool MIT has a detection depth of 2.5m in the air. Signals over 14m account for 10%, and signals over 28m account for 5%. The ground conductivity must be considered during the half-space calibration process. Influences. This topic studies the method of eliminating grounding conductivity and coil system errors. The completion of the subject will be of great significance to the accurate calibration of the instrument measurement signal.
Research on Sustainable Utilization of Rural Resources in Tourism Development in Mountain Area
Authors: He Jianbo , Zhu Zi’ang
Published: January 2021

In the new era, with the acceleration of urbanization, the ecological environment is increasingly destroyed and deteriorated, and people's desire to get close to nature is increasingly strong. To meet this demand, people combine agriculture with leisure tourism, giving birth to sightseeing agriculture. The sightseeing agriculture in most mountain areas integrates leisure vacation, ecological tour, experience participation, popular science education and integrates farming culture into it. Taking Mingyue Mountain of Jiangxi province as example, this paper analyzes the problems existing in exploitation and utilization of rural resources in tourism development in mountain area, and puts forward some countermeasures for the further sustainable utilization of rural resources so as to make agricultural tourism in mountain areas more attractive.
Technological factors affecting the occurrence of foot diseases in high-producing cows
Authors: Rukol V. M. , Medvedeva E. G. , Kochetkov A. V. , Solyanchuck P. V. , Nikolaevich Borisik Roman
Published: January 2021

In conditions of intensification of dairy cattle breeding, limb diseases in highly productive cattle are widespread. On the farms under investigation, diseases of digital and hoof diseases range from 60.5 to 85.6%. Based on the work we have done, we consider that the main causes that lead to the development of hoof diseases in cows are failures associated primarily with feeding cattle, non-compliance with zoohygienic standards and technological factors (design features of premises and recreation areas, mismatch of floors and floor coverings of premises, lack of isolated rooms for medical care and maintenance of operated cows with purulent-necrotic diseases). The lack of daily orthopedic work on functional hoof trimming, care and treatment of cows with digital and hoof diseases. Improper technological use of preventive foot baths also affects the spread of limb diseases, reduces the period of production use of animals and leads to their premature loss.
FDS simulation of fire spreading on facade heat insulating system
Authors: Yakovchuk Roman , Kuzyk Andriy , Kagitin Olexander , Ivanusa Andriy , Yemelyanenko Sergiy
Published: January 2021

The main purpose of this work was to determine the parameters of the fire test of the exterior wall construction with facade heat insulation and plaster to spread the fire by FDS simulation, to reproduce the real conditions of fire test and to verify the developed model by comparing the obtained data with experimental results. Satisfactory error was obtained when measuring temperatures experimentally and by computer simulation during experiments.

An experimental study of the spread of fire on the surface of external walls with facade insulation and computer simulation of full-scale tests using computer methods of gas hydrodynamics. Using computer simulation of the parameters of the fire test of the facade insulation system for the spread of fire in the FDS environment, numerical and graphical indicators were obtained that characterize the process of occurrence, spread and development of fire by the surface of the facade insulation system. Computer modelling of fire dynamics using FDS numeric tool was implemented and results obtained were compared with experimental data in order to check possibility of use of appropriate software for the reproduction of real conditions of fires at residential buildings.
Speech spectrum analyses for estimating operator functionality
Authors: Korsun O N , Yurko V N , Beyseev S A , Naukenova A S , Tulekbaeva A K
Published: January 2021

The paper deals with the problem of estimating human operator functional characteristics using frequency analysis of operator’s speech. The analysis is carried out using operator’s speech transfer function based on the classical definition of transfer function in the automatic control theory. The algorithms for calculating the operator’s speech transfer function are presented, the experimental results are discussed.
To the question of calculating the run distance of the lightweight WIG plan at the stage of preliminary design
Authors: Luchkov A N
Published: January 2021

The work is devoted to the study of the take-off characteristics of high-speed vessels of the WIG type. On the basis of the conducted research, a method for calculating the range of range was developed, considering different types of launch devices during take-off from the water surface. The development of such a method is conditioned by the presence in the design of WIG plans of the problem of determining the most advantageous starting device at takeoff from water under given operating conditions. The proposed method is based on the law of momentum conservation. The method takes into account aerodynamic, hydrodynamic characteristics of WIG plans, characteristics of the power plant from the ship’s speed. According to the results of this method it is possible to make a decision on the choice of the most advantageous starting device, providing the performance of the technical task at the stage of preliminary or conceptual design of the ekranoplan. Verification of the technique was carried out using data obtained at the stage of running tests of Orion-10 and Orion-20 WIG plans. The satisfactory coincidence of calculation results and experimental data was obtained.
Production expert system to determine aircraft take-off and landing performance
Authors: Melnichuk A V , Nesterov V A , Sudakov V A , Sypalo K I
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with the design of automated system for take-off and landing performance computing which is applicable to a wide range of aircrafts. The designed solution uses expert systems technology based on rules. The algorithm for logical inference of the expert system is developed.
Criterion and principles of easily-modified program
Authors: Prutzkow A
Published: January 2021

Ease of modifying is one of the characteristics of the program. The existing approaches do not clarify this concept. These approaches are clean code and maintainability. We formulate simple and explicit criterion and principles of easily-modified programs. The criterion is an E.W. Dijkstra’s criterion. The principles are (1) the names of the elements should reflect their purpose in the program; (2) use indentation for nested statements and blank lines; (3) one program element must have one assignment and one assignment must correspond to only one element; (4) optimize dependencies between program elements. We introduce a metric for easily-modified programs as well. It’s a number of commands in methods and static blocks in a class.
Dissimilar heat transfer enhancement by introduction of a vortex tube in plane Couette flow
Authors: Kubo A , Kawahara G , Shimizu M
Published: January 2021

Recent studies have suggested that a cyclonic vortex, which has the same signed vorticity as that of background shear, can lead to dissimilar heat transfer enhancement, i.e. more heat transfer than momentum transfer. However, it has not yet been known how the cyclonic vortex achieves dissimilarity, or if other types of vortices would also lead to dissimilarity. In order to tackle these problems, we introduce a straight vortex tube into laminar plane Couette flow under various conditions and numerically investigate heat and momentum transfer therein. The essential process for dissimilarity is isolated from complex ingredients of realistic flow to consider the interaction of a vortex with background shear. It is found that introduction of a strong spanwise anti-cyclonic vortex, which has the opposite signed vorticity to that of background shear, can realize more dissimilar heat transfer than the known cyclonic vortex as a consequence of the long-term interaction with the background flow, whereas the spanwise cyclonic vortex achieves larger dissimilarity in the early stage of its time evolution. The physical mechanisms of dissimilarity due to these vortices are elucidated by interpreting the distribution of the streamwise pressure gradient and the resulting difference between temperature and streamwise velocity around the vortex.
Investigation of the influence of graded-gap layer formed by annealing on the electrical properties of the near-surface of LPE HgCdTe using MIS structure
Authors: Lu Qi , Wang Xi , Wei Yanfeng , Sun Quanzhi , Lin Chun
Published: January 2021

The influence of the near-surface graded-gap layer formed by annealing of HgCdTe grown by liquid phase epitaxy on the capacitance-voltage characteristics of its MIS structure was studied. We found that HgCdTe grown by LPE can form a near-surface graded-gap layer by annealing under specific conditions after CdTe passivation. After the near-surface graded-layer is generated, the performance of the HgCdTe surface layer has been changed significantly, showing as an increase of slow states, a decrease of fixed charge and the generation of single-level trap in the band gap. Furthermore, a Fermi level pinning phenomenon have been observed on the HgCdTe with graded-gap layer, highlighting the huge density of interface traps at the edge of the band. This effect may be attributed to the electric field generated by the graded-gap layer in HgCdTe driving minority carriers away from the interface. As a result, the surface recombination velocity of minority carriers is reduced. At the same time, it inhibits the oxidation reaction on the surface and consequently reduces the accumulation of fixed charges. During the annealing process to form the graded-layer, the defect system on the surface is reorganized, and the defect aggregation produces single-level defects and higher electron traps.
Ag-containing aluminum-silicon alloys as an alternative for as-cast components of electric vehicles
Authors: Gomes Leonardo Fernandes , Silva Bismarck Luiz , Silva Jr Paulo Sérgio da , Garcia Amauri , Spinelli José Eduardo
Published: January 2021

The development of new light and efficient systems in electric vehicles (EV) opens up new research opportunities. One of these fronts involves the development of alternative Al-Si alloys. With the current demands for increased EV autonomy, alloys that are more conductive yet strong enough should be developed. Within this context, the present research work evaluates the addition of Ag (0.1 and 2.0 contents) in the high silicon Al-10 wt.% Si alloy. This Si content is due to the typical content of cast alloys normally used in EV components. Several samples with different dendritic scales were solidified. After, their microstructures, electrical conductivity and tensile properties have been evaluated. It is demonstrated that samples of the Al-10 wt.% Si-0.1 wt.% Ag alloy corresponding to λ
2 of 30 μm allow tensile properties of: 160 MPa of strength, 12% of ductility and electrical conductivity of 34% IACS. These properties show promise for adding Ag to new EV alloys.
Adsorption of SO2 on pristine and defective single-walled MgO nanotubes: a dispersion-corrected density-functional theory (DFT-D) study
Authors: Wang Mengxin , Chen Yingrui , Wang Wenju , Zhang Teng
Published: January 2021

The dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT-D) has been used to study the interactions of SO2 on the pristine and defective single-walled MgO nanotubes (MgONTs). A geometric optimization was performed for MgONTs and adsorbents/MgONTs. The adsorption energies of SO2 molecules at different layers of MgONTs were considered. The adsorption property of SO2 was analyzed in terms of the adsorption energy, the electron donation (basicity), and the atomic charges on the adsorbed materials. The densities of states (DOS) have been calculated and used for examining the adsorption properties. In addition, the presence of vacancy defects increases the adsorption energies of the SO2molecules. The band gaps of the defective MgONTs are sensitive to SO2 molecules.
Mechanical and tribological performance of Al-Fe-SiC-Zr hybrid composites produced through powder metallurgy process
Authors: Raghav G R , Janardhanan Sheeja , Sajith E , Chandran Vidya , Sruthi V
Published: January 2021

In this work a ternary Al-Fe-SiC metal matrix composites were reinforced using Zr particles through powder metallurgy process. The Al matrix and the reinforcements were mixed in high energy ball mill at a speed of 250 rpm over a period of 5 h so as to develop a homogenously dispersed composite material. The composite powders are then pressed at 500 MPa using hydraulic press. The compressed composite green compacts are then sintered at 500 °C for 2 h and allowed to cool under furnace atmosphere. The densities, micro hardness and compressive strength of Al-Fe-SiC-Zr composites were investigated and reported. The composite materials were characterized using SEM, EDS and XRD. The density of Al-10Fe-10SiC-10Zr hybrid composites was found to be around 3.44 g cm−3. The Zr particles have influenced the micro hardness of the composite materials. The micro hardness of the Al-10Fe-10SiC-10Zr hybrid composites was found to be better compared to Al-10Fe and Al-10Fe-10SiC hybrid composites. The compressive strength of the Al-10Fe-10SiC-10Zr hybrid composites was around 205 MPa which is 44% higher than the Al-10Fe composite material. The porosity of the hybrid composites has reduced when compared to that of Al-10Fe and Al-10Fe-10SiC hybrid composites. The wear studies reveal that Al-10Fe-10SiC-10Zr bear out better wear resistance. The predominant wear mechanism was identified as adhesive wear followed by plastic deformation. This improved wear resistance was due to the formation of oxides layers such Al2O3, Fe2O3 and also due to the presence of AlFe3 and Al3Zr4 intermetallics.
Orbital angular momentum of twisted light: chirality and optical activity
Authors: Forbes Kayn A , Andrews David L
Published: January 2021

Optical activity is conventionally understood as a natural difference in the optical responses of chiral materials with opposite handedness. It stems from the quantised spin angular momentum ±ħ per photon, with the ± representing either left- or right-handed circular polarisations. Less well known, until recently, was the possibility that matter might also respond in a similar, discriminatory way to the handedness of twisted light, or ‘optical vortices’, whose orbital angular momentum (OAM) is quantised as

ℓ
ℏ

per photon, where

ℓ

is the topological charge whose sign determines a wavefront twist to the left or right. Initial studies focusing on whether, in spectroscopic applications, chiral matter might respond differently to the vortex handedness of

+
ℓ

and

−
ℓ

beams, failed to identify any viable mechanism. However, in the last few years, theory and experiment have both supplied ample evidence that, under certain conditions, such forms of interaction do exist—and as a result, the field of chirality and optical OAM is beginning to flourish at a pace. This topical review presents a survey of this new field, working up from a description of those initial studies to the cutting-edge experiments now taking place. Analysing the fundamental mechanisms provides for a revision of previous precepts, broadening their scope in the light of recent advances in understanding, and highlighting a vibrant synergy between the fields of optical activity and twisted light.
2021 roadmap on lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Robinson James B , Xi Kai , Kumar R Vasant , Ferrari Andrea C , Au Heather , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Parra-Puerto Andres , Kucernak Anthony , Fitch Samuel D S , Garcia-Araez Nuria , Brown Zachary L , Pasta Mauro , Furness Liam , Kibler Alexander J , Walsh Darren A , Johnson Lee R , Holc Conrad , Newton Graham N , Champness Neil R , Markoulidis Foivos , Crean Carol , Slade Robert C T , Andritsos Eleftherios I , Cai Qiong , Babar Shumaila , Zhang Teng , Lekakou Constantina , Kulkarni Nivedita , Rettie Alexander J E , Jervis Rhodri , Cornish Michael , Marinescu Monica , Offer Gregory , Li Zhuangnan , Bird Liam , Grey Clare P , Chhowalla Manish , Lecce Daniele Di , Owen Rhodri E , Miller Thomas S , Brett Dan J L , Liatard Sebastien , Ainsworth David , Shearing Paul R
Published: January 2021

Batteries that extend performance beyond the intrinsic limits of Li-ion batteries are among the most important developments required to continue the revolution promised by electrochemical devices. Of these next-generation batteries, lithium sulfur (Li–S) chemistry is among the most commercially mature, with cells offering a substantial increase in gravimetric energy density, reduced costs and improved safety prospects. However, there remain outstanding issues to advance the commercial prospects of the technology and benefit from the economies of scale felt by Li-ion cells, including improving both the rate performance and longevity of cells. To address these challenges, the Faraday Institution, the UK’s independent institute for electrochemical energy storage science and technology, launched the Lithium Sulfur Technology Accelerator (LiSTAR) programme in October 2019. This Roadmap, authored by researchers and partners of the LiSTAR programme, is intended to highlight the outstanding issues that must be addressed and provide an insight into the pathways towards solving them adopted by the LiSTAR consortium. In compiling this Roadmap we hope to aid the development of the wider Li–S research community, providing a guide for academia, industry, government and funding agencies in this important and rapidly developing research space.
Transition to synchrony in chiral active particles
Authors: Pikovsky Arkady
Published: January 2021

I study deterministic dynamics of chiral active particles in two dimensions. Particles are considered as discs interacting with elastic repulsive forces. An ensemble of particles, started from random initial conditions, demonstrates chaotic collisions resulting in their normal diffusion. This chaos is transient, as rather abruptly a synchronous collisionless state establishes. The life time of chaos grows exponentially with the number of particles. External forcing (periodic or chaotic) is shown to facilitate the synchronization transition.
Data-driven enhancement of cubic phase stability in mixed-cation perovskites
Authors: Park Heesoo , Ali Adnan , Mall Raghvendra , Bensmail Halima , Sanvito Stefano , El-Mellouhi Fedwa
Published: January 2021

Mixing cations has been a successful strategy in perovskite synthesis by solution-processing, delivering improvements in the thermodynamic stability as well as in the lattice parameter control. Unfortunately, the relation between a given cation mixture and the associated structural deformation is not well-established, a fact that hinders an adequate identification of the optimum chemical compositions. Such difficulty arises since local distortion and microscopic disorder influence structural stability and also determine phase segregation. Hence, the search for an optimum composition is currently based on experimental trial and error, a tedious and high-cost process. Here, we report on a machine-learning-reinforced cubic-phase-perovskite stability predictor that has been constructed over an extensive dataset of first-principles calculations. Such a predictor allows us to determine the cubic phase stability at a given cation mixture regardless of the various cations’ pair and concentration, even assessing very dilute concentrations, a notoriously challenging task for first-principles calculations. In particular, we construct machine learning models, predicting multiple target quantities such as the enthalpy of mixing and various octahedral distortions. It is then the combination of these targets that guide the laboratory synthesis. Our theoretical analysis is also validated by the experimental synthesis and characterization of methylammonium–dimethylammonium-mixed perovskite thin films, demonstrating the ability of the stability predictor to drive the chemical design of this class of materials.
Combined depth-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy on Al(Ga)N multi quantum well structures
Authors: Hocker Matthias , Thonke Klaus , Li Yueliang , Biskupek Johannes , Kaiser Ute , Scholz Jan-Patrick , Hubáček Tomáš , Rettig Oliver , Scholz Ferdinand
Published: January 2021

A stack of five Al(Ga)N-based quantum wells is investigated by combined laterally and depth resolved cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy in order to distinguish lateral and vertical inhomogeneities of these wells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs provide data for the real sample structure, which enters into the Monte-Carlo simulation of the depth-resolved CL measurements to refine the depth resolution. The comparison of these CL measurements to the results of electron energy loss spectra (EELS) allows to identify local thickness variations of the lower three quantum wells to be the origin of two different luminescence contributions to the overall spectrum. The differentiation of the two groups of quantum wells by depth-resolved CL is demonstrated.
The Keds Are Alright: Community Collection of Ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and Keds (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) From Hunter-Harvested Deer
Authors: Evans Jesse Ray , Poh Karen C , Skvarla Michael , Machtinger Erika T
Published: January 2021

Deer keds [Lipoptena cervi (L. 1758)] are ectoparasitic and hematophagous dipterans. Originally native to Northern Europe, L. cervi records in the United States begin in 1907 when they were found in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire. Subsequently, they have been recorded from several states and parasitize many native cervids (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) including white-tailed deer [Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmerman 1780)]. Concurrently, blacklegged ticks [Ixodes scapularis (Say 1821)], and cases of Lyme disease are increasing in prevalence in the Northeast. The continued expansion and increase in vectors and vector-borne diseases present an opportunity for study and community outreach. We used a combination of active and passive collection techniques, using deer hunters as community scientists, to collect ectoparasites of deer in Pennsylvania over two hunting seasons (2018–2019, 2019–2020). Community scientists were recruited through Facebook groups, e-mail, and hunting clubs. In total, 1,226 L. cervi and 1,954 I. scapularis were collected from white-tailed deer harvested by the community and deer processors across both hunting seasons. The community collected 298 L. cervi and 472 I. scapularis during the 2018–2019 season. In the same season, 529 L. cervi and 577 I. scapularis were collected from deer processors. For the 2019–2020 season, 225 L. cervi and 381 I. scapularis were collected by the community and 174 L. cervi and 524 I. scapularis were collected from deer processors. Benefits and drawbacks were identified for each collection method and a combination of both methods was found to be most effective in gathering specimens without sacrificing standardization.
Enforcement of Chinese Insider Trading Law: An Empirical and Comparative Perspective
Authors: Huang Robin Hui
Published: January 2021

This Article conducts the first comprehensive and systematic empirical analysis of all relevant insider trading cases in China from the birth of Chinese securities markets in the early 1990s until mid-2017, shedding light on the way in which China’s insider trading law has been enforced by the regulator and criminal courts in practice. First, the Article generates descriptive statistics on features of insider trading cases, such as the total number of cases over the study period, the temporal distribution of the cases, the identity of the insider, and the nature of the insider information. Second, it measures the intensity of insider trading enforcement and compares the Chinese situation with six overseas jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Third, using multiple regression analyses, it identifies potential factors determining the administrative and criminal penalties for insider trading.

The results of the empirical study indicate that China has significantly stepped up its efforts to crack down on insider trading in recent years, resulting in a sharp increase in insider trading cases, particularly criminal cases since 2008. While the Chinese insider trading law was essentially transplanted from overseas jurisdictions, its; enforcement has exhibited distinctive features in its local environment. Judging by the type, magnitude, and frequency of the sanctions imposed, the intensity of insider trading enforcement in China seems to be at a level comparable to relevant jurisdictions overseas. Administrative and criminal penalties against insider trading are found to be significantly influenced by some factors, notably the amount of illegal proceeds, the magnitude of social impact, the presence of mitigating circumstances, and whether the trader used others’ accounts to trade. The hope is that the empirical findings will help inform the policy debate over the regulation of insider trading in China and beyond.
Use of the Idylla EGFR Mutation Test for Variant Detection in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Samples
Authors: Hawkins Paul , Stevenson Tracey , Powari Manish
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Stratified management of patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) through epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) variant analysis has become standard clinical practice. The Idylla system is a fully compliant European in vitro diagnostics device, a fully automated platform designed to rapidly genotype formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples. This retrospective study aims to validate the Idylla EGFR Mutation Test for use with extracted DNA from known NSCLC samples.

Methods

In this study, 20 µL of archival extracted DNA was placed directly inside the Idylla EGFR assay single-use cartridge. Idylla results were compared with the original Sanger sequencing reference method.

Results

The Idylla EGFR Mutation Test yielded valid results for all samples tested, confirming the variants identified by the reference method that lay within the Idylla target range. No false-positive cases were noted with the Idylla assay. Variant genotype reports were obtained within 150 minutes.

Conclusions

The Idylla EGFR assay is sensitive for extracted DNA and can be reliably applied to cytologic specimens, enabling its implementation as an ancillary first-line test for patients with NSCLC.
Stephen King, Incorporated: Genre Fiction and the Problem of Authorship
Authors: Allan Angela S
Published: January 2021

This essay examines Stephen King’s career in relation to the evolving literary status of genre fiction. Following the financialization of the publishing industry, genre fiction became one of its most profitable forms. As a result, agents and houses sought to invest in brand-name authors who could attract a mass-market readership based on reputation alone. While this development helped turn King into one of the most successful novelists of the late twentieth century, it also provided an opportunity to engage with questions about authorial autonomy, the demands of the market, and the mediating force of publishers in his own work. Novels like Misery (1984) and the “Dark Tower” series (1982–2004)—explicitly centered on the writing of genre fiction—articulate a model of authorial professionalism built upon the metaphor of the corporation. Understanding genre as a corporate form need not be grounds for critical dismissal, but can instead serve a critical purpose. Genre fiction, this essay argues, functions as a mechanism for confronting the economic conditions and expectations of the contemporary publishing industry and its impact on literary production.
PySmash: Python package and individual executable program for representative substructure generation and application
Authors: Yang Zi-Yi , Yang Zhi-Jiang , Zhao Yue , Yin Ming-Zhu , Lu Ai-Ping , Chen Xiang , Liu Shao , Hou Ting-Jun , Cao Dong-Sheng
Published: January 2021

Background

Substructure screening is widely applied to evaluate the molecular potency and ADMET properties of compounds in drug discovery pipelines, and it can also be used to interpret QSAR models for the design of new compounds with desirable physicochemical and biological properties. With the continuous accumulation of more experimental data, data-driven computational systems which can derive representative substructures from large chemical libraries attract more attention. Therefore, the development of an integrated and convenient tool to generate and implement representative substructures is urgently needed.

Results

In this study, PySmash, a user-friendly and powerful tool to generate different types of representative substructures, was developed. The current version of PySmash provides both a Python package and an individual executable program, which achieves ease of operation and pipeline integration. Three types of substructure generation algorithms, including circular, path-based and functional group-based algorithms, are provided. Users can conveniently customize their own requirements for substructure size, accuracy and coverage, statistical significance and parallel computation during execution. Besides, PySmash provides the function for external data screening.

Conclusion

PySmash, a user-friendly and integrated tool for the automatic generation and implementation of representative substructures, is presented. Three screening examples, including toxicophore derivation, privileged motif detection and the integration of substructures with machine learning (ML) models, are provided to illustrate the utility of PySmash in safety profile evaluation, therapeutic activity exploration and molecular optimization, respectively. Its executable program and Python package are available at https://github.com/kotori-y/pySmash.
Unemployment and crime: Experimental evidence of the causal effects of intensified ALMPs on crime rates among unemployed individuals
Authors: Andersen Signe Hald
Published: January 2021

Previous studies investigate whether levels of welfare benefits reduce crime among the unemployed. The current paper expands this literature by testing whether the intensity of other welfare programs aimed at the unemployed affects their criminal activity. For this purpose, the study uses evidence from a Danish social experiment that randomly assigned active labour market programs (ALMPs) of different intensity to newly unemployed individuals (N = 4.710, 41.7 per cent women). Using a negative binomial model, I find that the experiment significantly reduced the number of criminal convictions from 61 in the control group to 43 among the treated. While this 40 per cent decrease reflects a numerically small effect, the results still indicate that the intensity of ALMPs affects criminal behaviour among the unemployed.
Surgical cognitive simulation improves real-world surgical performance: randomized study
Authors: Cragg J , Mushtaq F , Lal N , Garnham A , Hallissey M , Graham T , Shiralkar U
Published: January 2021

Background

Despite the acknowledgement of human factors, application of psychological methods by surgeons to improve surgical performance is sparse. This may reflect the paucity of evidence that would help surgeons to use psychological techniques effectively. There is a need for novel approaches to see how cognitive training might be used to address these challenges.

Methods

Surgical trainees were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received training in surgical cognitive simulation (SCS) and was asked to apply the techniques while working in operating theatres. Both groups underwent procedure-based assessment based on the UK and Ireland Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) before the training and 4 months afterwards. Subjective evaluations of SCS application were obtained from the intervention group participants.

Results

Among 21 participants in the study, there was a statistically significant improvement in 11 of 16 procedure-based assessment domains (P < 0.050) as well as a statistically significant mean reduction in time to complete the procedure in the intervention group (–15.98 versus –1.14 min; P = 0.024). Subjectively, the intervention group experienced various benefits with SCS, especially in preoperative preparedness, intraoperative focus, and overall performance.

Conclusion

SCS training has a statistically significant impact in improving surgical performance. Subjective feedback suggests that surgeons are able to apply it in practice. SCS may prove a vital adjunct for skill acquisition in surgical training.
A Powerful HPLC-ELSD Method for Simultaneous Determination of Fecal Bile Acids in T2DM Rats Interfered by Sanhuang Xiexin Tang
Authors: Chen Mengjun , Liu Chen , Shen Yumeng , Zou Junfeng , Zhang Zhimiao , Wan Yue , Yang Lei , Jiang Shu , Qian Dawei , Duan Jinao
Published: January 2021

Bile acids (BAs) as important endogenous ligands can activate farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1, also known as TGR5) signaling to regulate glycolipid metabolism. In this study, a simple, reliable and sensitive analysis method for simultaneous determination of four BAs from rat feces based on high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) was developed. Chromatographic analysis was performed with the mobile phases of acetonitrile and 0.2% formic acid. All the standard curves exhibited good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99). The relative standard deviations of precision, stability and repeatability varied from 1.27 to 3.96%, 2.20 to 3.89% and 3.00 to 4.31%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to investigate the variation of four BAs in feces from T2DM rats after oral administration of Sanhuang Xiexin Tang (SXT). Data showed that SXT could remarkably increase the contents of conjunct BAs and decrease the contents of free BAs, which might contribute to ameliorate the symptoms of T2DM rats.
A history of uremic toxicity and of the European Uremic Toxin Work Group (EUTox)
Authors: Vanholder Raymond , Argiles Angel , Jankowski Joachim ,   for the European Uremic Toxin Work Group (EUTox)
Published: January 2021

The uremic syndrome is a complex clinical picture developing in the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) resulting in a myriad of complications and a high early mortality. This picture is to a significant extent defined by retention of metabolites and peptides that with a preserved kidney function are excreted or degraded by the kidneys. In as far as those solutes have a negative biological/biochemical impact, they are called uremic toxins. Here, we describe the historical evolution of the scientific knowledge about uremic toxins and the role played in this process by the European Uremic Toxin Work Group (EUTox) during the last two decades.

The earliest knowledge about a uremic toxin goes back to the early 17th century when the existence of what later would appear to be urea was recognized. It cost about two further centuries to better define the role of urea and its link to kidney failure and one more century to identify the relevance of post-translational modifications caused by urea such as carbamoylation.

The knowledge progressively extended, especially from 1980 on, by the identification of more and more toxins and their adverse biological/biochemical impact. Progress of knowledge was paralleled and impacted by evolution of dialysis strategies. The last two decades, when Insights grew exponentially, coincides with the foundation and activity of EUTox. In the final section we summarize the role and accomplishments of EUTox and the part it is likely to play in future action, which should be organized around focus points like biomarker and potential target identification, intestinal generation, toxicity mechanisms and their correction, kidney and extracorporeal removal, patient-oriented outcomes, and toxin characteristics in acute kidney injury and transplantation.
Determinants of paravalvular leakage following transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic stenosis
Authors: Kim Won-Keun , Bhumimuang Kid , Renker Matthias , Fischer-Rasokat Ulrich , Möllmann Helge , Walther Thomas , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Nef Holger , Hamm Christian W
Published: January 2021

Aims

Paravalvular leakage (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a common complication in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). However, predictors and mechanisms of PVL are not well understood in this subset. The aim of this study was to analyse determinants and mechanisms of PVL in BAV and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).

Methods and results

Of the 2394 consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR using new-generation valves at our centre, we identified 242 cases with BAV. To adjust for baseline differences, we performed 3 : 1 propensity score matching (TAVPS  n = 726). We analysed the aortic root anatomy and calcification as well as the number, circumferential distribution, and predilection sites of PVL using pre-procedural multidetector computed tomography and post-TAVR echocardiography. In the matched cohort, the incidence of PVL ≥mild (BAV 51.9% vs. TAVPS 51.7%; P = 0.955) and PVL ≥moderate (BAV 5.0% vs. TAVPS 3.7%; P = 0.393), the circumferential distribution, and independent predictors were similar between BAV and TAVPS. Both the presence of peri-annular calcium chunks or LVOT calcification were highly associated with PVL in BAV and TAVPS patients, whereas in BAV patients neither the presence of a calcium bridge nor the volume of its calcification was related to PVL. Notably, the spatial localization of these lesions did not necessarily match the circumferential leak position.

Conclusion

The incidence, circumferential distribution, predilection sites, and predictors of PVL were similar in matched population of BAV and TAVPS patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR using new-generation devices. These novel findings suggest a common underlying mechanism of PVL in both entities.
The effects of Nurse Led Transitional Care Model on elderly patients undergoing open heart surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Coskun Simge , Duygulu Sergul
Published: January 2021

Aims 

Rate and number of successful cases in open heart surgery has been increasing due to the advances in medical technology and surgery. To improve patient convalescence results and reduce rate of post-discharge readmission to hospital and unplanned post-discharge rehospitalization, home-care and follow-up process of patients should be managed successfully. To evaluate the effectiveness of Nurse Led Transitional Care Model on the functional autonomy, quality of life, readmission, and rehospitalization rates of elderly patients undergoing open heart surgery. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2017 to December 2018 and performed according to the CONSORT Guidelines.

Methods and results 

Sixty-six elderly patients were randomly allocated to the intervention (n: 33) and control (n: 33) groups. Patients in intervention group were given care based on the Transitional Care Model until the post-discharge 9th week starting from date of hospitalization. Patients in control group were given standard care services. Functional autonomy, quality of life levels, and repeated admission/re-hospitalization rates to the clinic were evaluated. The Functional Autonomy Measurement System and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale scores of the intervention group were higher than that of the control group at the 9th week (P < 0.05). In addition, rate of readmission and rehospitalization during the follow-up period (6 months) of patients in the intervention group was found to be lower than the patients in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion 

Care services offered under the Transitional Care Model improved functional autonomy and quality of life and decreased post-discharge hospital readmission and rehospitalization rates of patients.

Trial registration

The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04384289).
Chemoreceptor Diversity in Apoid Wasps and Its Reduction during the Evolution of the Pollen-Collecting Lifestyle of Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)
Authors: Obiero George F , Pauli Thomas , Geuverink Elzemiek , Veenendaal René , Niehuis Oliver , Große-Wilde Ewald
Published: January 2021

Chemoreceptors help insects to interact with their environment, to detect and assess food sources and oviposition sites, and to aid in intra- and interspecific communication. In Hymenoptera, species of eusocial lineages possess large chemoreceptor gene repertoires compared with solitary species, possibly because of their additional need to recognize nest-mates and caste. However, a critical piece of information missing so far has been the size of chemoreceptor gene repertoires of solitary apoid wasps. Apoid wasps are a paraphyletic group of almost exclusively solitary Hymenoptera phylogenetically positioned between ant and bee, both of which include eusocial species. We report the chemosensory-related gene repertoire sizes of three apoid wasps: Ampulex compressa, Cerceris arenaria, and Psenulus fuscipennis. We annotated genes encoding odorant (ORs), gustatory, and ionotropic receptors and chemosensory soluble proteins and odorant-binding proteins in transcriptomes of chemosensory tissues of the above three species and in early draft genomes of two species, A. compressa and C. arenaria. Our analyses revealed that apoid wasps possess larger OR repertoires than any bee lineage, that the last common ancestor of Apoidea possessed a considerably larger OR repertoire (∼160) than previously estimated (73), and that the expansion of OR genes in eusocial bees was less extensive than previously assumed. Intriguingly, the evolution of pollen-collecting behavior in the stem lineage of bees was associated with a notable loss of OR gene diversity. Thus, our results support the view that herbivorous Hymenoptera tend to possess smaller OR repertoires than carnivorous, parasitoid, or kleptoparasitic species.