bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of obstacles in multi-site protein target search with DNA looping
Authors: Felipe Cayke , Shin Jaeoh , Loginova Yulia , Kolomeisky Anatoly B.
Published: January 2020

Many fundamental biological processes are regulated by protein-DNA complexes called synaptosomes, which possess multiple interaction sites. Despite the critical importance of synaptosomes, the mechanisms of their formation are not well understood. Because of the multisite nature of participating proteins, it is widely believed that their search for specific sites on DNA involves the formation and breaking of DNA loops and sliding in the looped configurations. In reality, DNA in live cells is densely covered by other biological molecules that might interfere with the formation of synaptosomes. In this work, we developed a theoretical approach to evaluate the role of obstacles in the target search of multisite proteins when the formation of DNA loops and the sliding in looped configurations are possible. Our theoretical method is based on analysis of a discrete-state stochastic model that uses a master equations approach and extensive computer simulations. It is found that the obstacle slows down the search dynamics in the system when DNA loops are long-lived, but the effect is minimal for short-lived DNA loops. In addition, the relative positions of the target and the obstacle strongly influence the target search kinetics. Furthermore, the presence of the obstacle might increase the noise in the system. These observations are discussed using physical-chemical arguments. Our theoretical approach clarifies the molecular mechanisms of formation of protein-DNA complexes with multiple interactions sites.
Understanding and optimizing EBIC pn-junction characterization from modeling insights
Authors: Zhou Ruinan , Yu Mingzhe , Tweddle David , Hamer Phillip , Chen Daniel , Hallam Brett , Ciesla Alison , Altermatt Pietro P. , Wilshaw Peter R. , Bonilla Ruy S.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the physical mechanisms involved in electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) imaging of semiconductor pn-junctions are reviewed to propose a model and optimize the acquisition of experimental data. Insights are drawn on the dependence of the EBIC signal with electron accelerating voltage and surface conditions. It is concluded that improvements in the resolution of EBIC are possible when the surface conditions of the specimens are carefully considered and optimized. A lower accelerating voltage and an increase of the surface recombination velocities are quantitatively shown to maximize the EBIC lateral resolution in locating the pn-junction. The effect of surface band bending is included in the model, and it is seen to primarily affect the surface recombination. Introducing controlled surface damage is shown as a potential method for resolution enhancement via focused ion beam milling with Ga+ ions. These findings contribute to the understanding of this technique and can produce further improvements to its application in semiconductor device technology.
Micro- to macro-phase separation transition in sequence-defined coacervates
Authors: Sing Charles E.
Published: January 2020

Phase separation can be driven by the association of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes in solution, a process known as complex coacervation. This can manifest as macrophase separation, which arises when both polymer species are homopolyelectrolytes, or can lead to microphase separation when one or both of the charged species are block copolyelectrolytes. This is not a strict dichotomy; recently, macrophase separation was observed for a number of copolymers containing sequence-defined patterns of neutral vs charged monomers, including patterns with lengthy blocks. The specific pattern can affect the strength of this macrophase separation, yet at some block length, microphase separation is expected to emerge. In this article, we describe how to incorporate a theory of sequence-defined coacervation into self-consistent field theory, allowing the study of sequence-defined polyelectrolytes in inhomogeneous systems. We show that blocky sequences can affect electrostatically driven macrophase separation and can transition to microphase separation as the blockiness of sequences increases. This micro- to macrophase separation transition is a function of both the blockiness of the sequence, the number of blocks, and the concentration of salt.
Relativization in Guiqiong
Authors: Min Rao , Yang Gao , Gates Jesse P.
Published: January 2020

Guiqiong, like most Sino-Tibetan languages, presents a rich array of relativization constructions. Based on both natural oral texts and elicited material, the present paper describes all attested types of relatives in Guiqiong, including prenominal, head-internal, headless, and double-headed relative clauses, as well as nominalized and non-nominalized relative clauses. It provides a case by case account of the possible constructions for all syntactic roles including various types of obliques. This paper will also discuss different relativization strategies used in Guiqiong. To conclude, this paper will discuss the importance and the relevance of this study to Sino-Tibetan linguistics.
Effect of Zr on microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al–Cu–Er alloy
Authors: Amer S. M. , Yu. Barkov R. , Yakovtseva O. A. , Loginova I. S. , Pozdniakov A. V.
Published: January 2020

The microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al–4Cu–2.7Er–0.3Zr alloy were investigated. The precipitates of the L12 structured phase with sizes 37 ± 12 nm were formed in lines and homogenously distributed inside the aluminium matrix after annealing at 605°C for 1 h. The as-rolled Al–4Cu–2.7Er–0.3Zr alloy developed an increased hardness after 1 h annealing at 100–550°C and 0.5–6 h annealing at 150–250°C due to precipitation of the Al3(Er,Zr) phase. Addition of Zirconium improved the tensile properties relative to those of the Zr-free alloy by approximately 20 MPa: yield strength = 273–296 MPa and ultimate tensile strength = 296–328 MPa in the alloys annealed at 100–150°C.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Changes in spatio‐temporal gait parameters and vertical speed during an extreme mountain ultra‐marathon
Authors: Jeker David , Falbriard Mathieu , Vernillo Gianluca , Meyer Frederic , Savoldelli Aldo , Degache Francis , Schena Federico , Aminian Kamiar , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: January 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of altitude and distance on uphill vertical speed (VS) and the main spatio‐temporal gait parameters during an extreme mountain ultra‐marathon. The VS, stride height (SH) and stride frequency (SF) of 27 runners were measured with an inertial sensor at the shank for two different altitude ranges (low 1300–2000 m vs high 2400–3200 m) of 10 mountains passes distributed over a 220 km course. There was a significant interaction (F(4,52) = 4.04, p < 0.01) for the effect of altitude and distance on VS. During the first passes, the mean VS was faster at lower altitudes, but this difference disappeared at a quarter of the race length, suggesting that neuromuscular fatigue influenced the uphill velocity to a larger extent than the oxygen delivery. The average VS, SH and SF were 547 ± 135 m/h, 0.23 ± 0.05 m and 0.66 ± 0.09 Hz. The individual VS change for each uphill portions was more strongly correlated with the changes in SH (r = 0.80, P < 0.001, n = 321) than SF (r = 0.43, P < 0.001, n = 321). This suggests a large effect of the knee extensors strength loss on the diminution of VS.
The coupled system (2)2Σ+ and (1)2Π of 7Li88Sr
Authors: Schwanke Erik , Gerschmann Julia , Knöckel Horst , Ospelkaus Silke , Tiemann Eberhard
Published: January 2020

We analyse rovibrational transitions of the (2)2Σ+–X(1)2Σ+ system of LiSr and find the energy levels of the (2)2Σ+ state to be perturbed by coupling between the (2)2Σ+ and (1)2Π states. We present an analysis of the coupled system yielding molecular parameters for the lowest vibrational levels of the (2)2Σ+ state and for higher vibrational levels of the (1)2Π state together with molecular coupling constants. Improved Dunham coefficients for the rovibrational levels of the X(1)2Σ+ state are also obtained, where the correlation with the parameters of the excited states is removed completely.
Design and characterisation of ex situ bulk MgB2 superconductors containing a nanoscale dispersion of artificial pinning centres
Authors: Matthews G A B , Liu J , Grovenor C R M , Grant P S , Speller S
Published: January 2020

MgB2 pellets containing a nanoscale dispersion of artificial pinning centres have been successfully manufactured through a powder metallurgy route based on the oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) concept more usually used for steels and superalloys. Commercial MgB2 powder and Y2O3 nano-powder were mechanically alloyed in a high energy planetary ball mill and consolidated using the field assisted sintering technique. The composite powders were ball milled for different times up to 12 h and characterised by means of particle size analysis, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The microstructure and superconducting properties were characterised by density, XRD, STEM and magnetic property measurements. The powder microstructure comprised Y2O3 particles dissolved into the MgB2 matrix. After consolidation there was a near-uniform dispersion of precipitated YB4 and MgO particles. A bulk 0.5 wt% Y2O3-MgB2 composite showed the best superconducting performance with a significant improvement in J

c
at high field compared with unmodified MgB2, and only a small reduction in T

c
. The results suggest that the ODS concept is promising to improve the superconducting properties of MgB2.
Phase diagrams of polymer-containing liquid mixtures with a theory-embedded neural network
Authors: Nakamura Issei
Published: January 2020

We develop a deep neural network (DNN) that accounts for the phase behaviors of polymer-containing liquid mixtures. The key component in the DNN consists of a theory-embedded layer that captures the characteristic features of the phase behavior via coarse-grained mean-field theory and scaling laws and substantially enhances the accuracy of the DNN. Moreover, this layer enables us to reduce the size of the DNN for the phase diagrams of the mixtures. This study also presents the predictive power of the DNN for the phase behaviors of polymer solutions and salt-free and salt-doped diblock copolymer melts.
Assessment and Inspection of the Technical Condition of Monolithic Reinforced Structures in Transportation Infrastructure Facilities
Authors: Topchiy D , Bolotova A
Published: January 2020

This article gives a short description of an inspection program for concrete and reinforced concrete structures and provides a survey of complex transportation infrastructure facilities on the basis of this algorithm. It contains data on the technical condition of monolithic reinforced concrete load bearing structures used in transportation infrastructure projects obtained by the authors from research re-ports on construction quality monitoring produced by the Scientific Research and Testing Center “MGSU STROY-TEST”. Generalization, systematization and analysis of the available data have identified typical damage zones for concrete and reinforced concrete structures. Research findings have identified the need for developing integrated quality assessment and forecasting methods that can be employed in monolithic construction to prevent accidents. These methods will enable evaluation of accident-related risks using the probabilistic logic approach, probability theory theorems and decision-making under uncertainty. Analysis of the causes of defects and damage in concrete and reinforced concrete structures in monolithic construction is today an urgent task. The scale of the problems of reliability and safety of buildings and structures caused by repeated errors in their production and operation, cause significant material damage, injury and death.
On stability of slopes in mountain zones. Case study
Authors: Sagdullayeva D A , Maxmudova Sh A , Adilov F F , Abirov R A , Khazratkulov I O , Nasirov I A
Published: January 2020

Stability of railway roadbed in mountain area are considered in proposed issue. Real object in new railway with taking comprehensive analysis of geological data in site and morphology of slide slopes in seismic prone area was investigated.
Modeling of kinetics of corrosion cracking of metals using the long durability theory by A.R. Rzhanitsyn
Authors: Mavzovin V S , Ovchinnikov I G
Published: January 2020

It has been proposed to model the kinetics of corrosion cracking of metals with the theory of damage accumulation, because corrosion cracking is a process that secretly develops in the material of structures, and the use of an approach based on introducing additional structural parameters (such as the damage parameter) into the number of mechanical variables is justified. An analysis of various models of damage showed that the use of the apparatus of the theory of damage accumulation by Kachanov – Rabotnov to describe the process of corrosion cracking is not effective enough, since in this case the behavior of the material at large stresses and short time intervals is incorrectly described. To simulate corrosion cracking, it is proposed to use the A.R. Rzhanitsyn theory, which defines corrosion cracking as a gradual decrease in the ultimate resistance of a material caused by the influence of a corrosive medium and stress state. Several types of the corrosion cracking equation are considered using the instantaneous strength parameter A.R. Rzhanitsyn, a technique was developed for identifying these equations. A technique is proposed for constructing equations describing the kinetics of the change in instantaneous strength from the information on the corrosion cracking curve obtained from experiment.
Phenomenon of cracks in chimney walls
Authors: Ubysz Andrzej , Tamrazyan Ashot G
Published: January 2020

Cracked walls of chimneys have a serious impact on their durability. There are many reasons for chimney cracks. Among them, the most important is the impact of the environment in which the chimneys operate, the method of concrete care, the amount of reinforcement in the walls of the chimneys, the quality of concrete and the first start-up of the chimney. Cracks reduce the chimney’s stiffness and cause increased corrosion of reinforcing steel and concrete. Repairs of scratched chimneys are most often reduced to injection of cracks and replacement of concrete cover.
Estimation of modular green roof systems installation using the method of chronometry measurements
Authors: Korol E A , Shushunova N S
Published: January 2020

Due to the experimental studies using the method of timing measurements, the temporal values of technological operations for the installation of modular landscaping systems were calculated and technological works that have a great influence on the total device construction time were determined. A comparative analysis of the complexity of the device layers of the used coating showed that the most time-consuming is the process of laying paving slabs - 45 people-hours / 100 sq.m. (80% of the total complexity of the device layers of the used coating). Technological processes and operations associated with the installation of the pavement with the use of paving slabs under pedestrian load are more labor-intensive compared to the installation of landscaping systems. The average value of the complexity of the device operating cover for pedestrian load is 56.7 people-hours / 100 sq.m., while the average value of the complexity of the device of the coating with peeling systems is 15.6 people-hours / 100 sq.m., which is 28% lower than the complexity of the device operating cover for pedestrian loading.
Stability Investigation of a Stiffened Plate by Using Numerical Methods
Authors: Manuylov G A , Kosytsyn S B , Grudtsyna I E
Published: January 2020

the influence of initial geometric imperfections of a stiffened plate under longitudinal compression on the double critical buckling loads had been studied in this paper. An appropriate bifurcation diagram and bifurcation set were plotted. The results obtained showed that sensitivity of critical load to any initial geometric imperfections is actually insignificant (max 22% loss of the critical load) with specific geometric plate parameters and stiffeners selected.
Experimental study of the aerodynamic effects on the monument
Authors: Churin P S , Fedosova A N , Egorychev O O
Published: January 2020

Chapter 1 of this article discusses the need for aerodynamic research for sculptural structures, and also presents the purpose of these studies. Chapter 2 provides a description of the methods used to study the effects of wind on construction projects carried out on the basis of the National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering. Chapter 3 presents a direct study of the wind impact on the monument, as well as the results of tests and numerical simulations. Chapter 4 contains conclusions that were formulated on the basis of the work done.
The use of reduced models in the reliability analysis of deformable systems with dynamic vibration dampers
Authors: Gerber Yu A , Sebeshev V G
Published: January 2020

The transformations of the initial design models of complex constructions and structures as the multi-degrees of freedom (DOF) systems is advantageous to use in order to reduce the amount of computational procedures in their dynamic analysis. This becomes particularly relevant in the reliability analysis requiring multiple recalculations for taking into account the stochastic properties of system parameters and impacts. The paper presents a technique based on known approaches of reduction the original multi-DOF system to an equivalent generalized design model with one degree of freedom. Various combinations of the equivalence conditions for the original system and the generalized model, including equalities of their natural frequencies, characteristic displacements or kinetic energies, were used to determine the modelling lumped mass and the corresponding rigidity of the design model. An algorithm for the probabilistic properties evaluation of the design model characteristics has been developed. The verification of the correctness of the proposed model in the area of tuning in to the workload frequency is performed. The quantitative results of solving the model problems in reliability calculations of multi-DOF structures with dynamic vibration dampers (DVD) are presented. The proposed approach allows us to simplify the process of selecting a single-mass DVD taking into account reliability requirements.
Complex frequency characteristic and Green’s function for cantilever beam under longitudinal oscillations
Authors: Kalashnikov Sergey Yu , Gurova Elena V , Kalashnikova Yuliya S , Kuramshin Renat Kh , Retling Ernst V , Starov Alexander V
Published: January 2020

Relevant objective of this article is elaboration of methods of efficient determination of the dynamic characteristics of the materials both within the framework of well-known and classical models as well as within the advanced ones in the context of interaction with the environment under the impact of external dynamic loads. In the present work free and forced oscillations are studied with a help of spectral methods what allows to compare theoretical results with experimental data, obtained by other authors. The key point of the work is theoretical determination of the proper functions of the oscillatory system, its frequency characteristic using Green’s function. We examine longitudinal oscillations, caused by the substitute load, which provokes oscillations of a sound spectrum. Univariate character of the task is determined by the linearity organization of the longitudinal oscillations of a beam. The oscillations are modeled with a help of the substitute load, which is a subject to Dirac impulse function, which belongs to a class of generalized functions. The obtained solution makes it possible to use the proposed approach in order to determine frequency characteristics in the acoustic spectrum, taking into account that the oscillations are included in a full frequency spectrum and can be used for an adequate valuation of the possibility of the appearance of resonance phenomena.
Influence of mounting on the optical surface figure in optical reference surfaces
Authors: Lédl V. , Fortmeier I. , Psota P. , Schulz M. , Matoušek O. , Doleček R.
Published: January 2020

The paper presents the effect of mechanical mounting of optical reference elements on their surface shape. Optical reference surfaces are key elements when traceable, highly accurate and precise optical surface measurements are required. In order to calibrate measuring instruments and compare the metrological capabilities of different metrology institutes, universities and other stakeholders, the reference artefacts were developed. Different measurement instruments require a different way of mounting and the reference artefacts are supposed to be useful for reliable and repeatable calibration of a great majority of the instruments worldwide. However, not only their shape was critical, but also the way of mounting was crucial. FEM analyses followed by experiments have revealed an unacceptable surface shape error in the order of hundreds of nanometres in the case of the commonly used screw mount, even for low applied torques. Other mounting options, such as the collet chuck or the Morse taper, are examined by means of FEM analysis and verified by interferometric measurements. It is shown that only the Morse taper can fulfil the strict criterion of less than 30 nm for surface shape deviation due to mounting, which is required in optical surface shape metrology.
Quality characteristics and hypoglycaemic effects of rice bread containing Helianthus tuberosus powder
Authors: Park Kang-Hyun , Wahyono A , Duong N T T , Kang W W
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to investigate the quality characteristics of rice bread containing Helianthus tuberosus powder that shows excellent physiological functions, and the effect of its intake on blood glucose. Five samples were tested, H. tuberosus powder 5% (HRB1), 10% (HRB2), 15% (HRB3), 20% (HRB4) and control. HRB2 had the highest specific volume. The moisture content of rice bread tended to increase as the concentration of H. tuberosus powder increased. The L value and crumb colour value tended to decrease significantly with an increasing amount of H. tuberosus powder, whereas the b value was increased significantly. Hardness was the lowest in HRB2 and HRB3. In sensory evaluation, there was no significant difference in the appearance among the four groups. HRB1 had the highest values for flavour, texture, and overall evaluation. Taste showed no significant difference until HRB1. Rice bread samples with 15% HRB were selected to measure the hypoglycaemic effect of H. tuberosus compared to that of control rice bread (RB) and wheat bread (WB). The results showed significantly different blood glucose levels (p < 0.05) among treatments. Calculation of the glycaemic index (GI) showed HRB to have the lowest GI. As a result, rice bread containing H. tuberosus powder is expected to increase insulin sensitivity in diabetes.
Inspiration of reinforcements, manufacturing methods, and microstructural changes on wear behavior of metal matrix composites—a recent review
Authors: Hariharasakthisudhan P , Rajan B Surya , Sathickbasha K
Published: January 2020

The Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) are increasingly replacing the commercial alloys in engineering components and undergoing intense analysis in the development of advanced composite structures. The metal matrix composites exhibit superior mechanical and tribological behavior than alloys in wear critical applications. Profound research works have been carried out in manufacturing the MMCs for improved friction and wear behavior. This study highlights the recent investigations from the perspective of wear behavior of MMCs. The effect of reinforcements and manufacturing processes of composites on wear behavior is elaborated. The significance of mechanical factors such as normal load, sliding speed and sliding distance is explained. The wear mechanisms observed in MMCs and studies on sub surface damages of composites are reported.
Study on the effect of chlorine on the growth of CH3NH3PbI3−xClxcrystals
Authors: Song Tingyu , Gao Lifeng , Wei Qi , Yu Limin , Wang Shiwei , Zhang Mingyao , Zhao Lisha , Cai Yanhua
Published: January 2020

Organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskites have attracted great interest for scientists and entrepreneurs due to their intrinsic properties and considerable business prospects in recent years. Perovskite single crystal can determine its properties well because of no grain boundaries for itself, so it is necessary to study the nucleation and growth process of perovskite crystals. In this work, CH3NH3PbI3−xClxsingle crystals with about 10 mm sized are prepared. It’s found that chlorine can restrict the nucleation and slow crystallization during the perovskite grown process. Moreover, the number of perovskite crystals can be controlled by tuning the content of chlorine in the precursor solutions, because chlorine can restrict the perovskite crystal nucleation as an inhibitor.
Ramsey theory without pigeonhole principle and the adversarial Ramsey principle
Authors: de Rancourt N.
Published: January 2020

We develop a general framework for infinite-dimensional Ramsey theory with and without pigeonhole principle, inspired by Gowers’ Ramsey-type theorem for block sequences in Banach spaces and by its exact version proved by Rosendal. In this framework, we prove the adversarial Ramsey principle for Borel sets, a result conjectured by Rosendal that generalizes at the same time his version of Gowers’ theorem and Borel determinacy of games on integers.
A variation on Hölder–Brascamp–Lieb inequalities
Authors: O’Neill Kevin
Published: January 2020

The class of Hölder–Brascamp–Lieb inequalities is a collection of multilinear inequalities generalizing a convolution inequality of Young and the Loomis–Whitney inequalities. The full range of exponents was classified in a paper of Bennett, Carbery, Christ, and Tao [Math. Res. Lett. 17 (2010), no. 4, 647–666]. In a setting similar to that of Ivanisvili and Volberg [J. Lond. Mat. Sci (2) (2015), no. 3, 657–674], we introduce a notion of size for these inequalities which generalizes

L
p

L^p

norms. Under this new setup, we then determine necessary and sufficient conditions for a generalized Hölder–Brascamp–Lieb-type inequality to hold and establish sufficient conditions for maximizers to exist when the underlying linear maps match those of the convolution inequality of Young.
Random matrices with prescribed eigenvalues and expectation values for random quantum states
Authors: Meckes Elizabeth , Meckes Mark
Published: January 2020

Given a collection

λ
_

=
{

λ
1

\underline {\lambda }=\{\lambda _1

,

…
\dots

,

λ
n

}

\lambda _n\}

of real numbers, there is a canonical probability distribution on the set of real symmetric or complex Hermitian matrices with eigenvalues

λ
1

,
…
,

λ
n

\lambda _1, \ldots , \lambda _n

. In this paper, we study various features of random matrices with this distribution. Our main results show that under mild conditions, when

n
n

is large, linear functionals of the entries of such random matrices have approximately Gaussian joint distributions. The results take the form of upper bounds on distances between multivariate distributions, which allows us also to consider the case when the number of linear functionals grows with

n
n

. In the context of quantum mechanics, these results can be viewed as describing the joint probability distribution of the expectation values of a family of observables on a quantum system in a random mixed state. Other applications are given to spectral distributions of submatrices, the classical invariant ensembles, and to a probabilistic counterpart of the Schur–Horn theorem, relating eigenvalues and diagonal entries of Hermitian matrices.
Multisite EGFR phosphorylation is regulated by adaptor protein abundances and dimer lifetimes
Authors: Salazar-Cavazos Emanuel , Nitta Carolina Franco , Mitra Eshan D. , Wilson Bridget S. , Lidke Keith A. , Hlavacek William S. , Lidke Diane S.
Published: January 2020

Using a modified single-molecule pull-down (SiMPull) approach, the first direct detection of activation-dependent multisite phosphorylation on intact EGFR is provided. Integrating SiMPull data with rule-based modeling revealed roles for receptor dimerization dynamics and adaptor protein concentrations in directing EGFR signaling.
TGFβ receptor endocytosis and Smad signaling require synaptojanin1, PI3K–C2α-, and INPP4B-mediated phosphoinositide conversions
Authors: Aki Sho , Yoshioka Kazuaki , Takuwa Noriko , Takuwa Yoh
Published: January 2020

TGFβ activates the sequential phosphoinositide conversions mediated by class II PI3K-C2α, the 5′-phosphatse synaptojanin1, and the 4′-phosphatase INPP4B with the coordinated interactions of the enzymes controlled by ALK5. The phosphoinositide conversions play an essential role in TGFβ receptor endocytosis and its endosomal Smad signaling.
Symptoms of mood disorders in family carers of older people with dementia who experience caregiver burden: a network approach
Authors: França Alex Bacadini , Gordon Adam Lee , Samra Rajvinder , Rodolpho Duarte Evelise Saia , Jacinto Alessandro Ferrari
Published: January 2020

Background

informal carers of people with dementia are at greater risk of anxiety and depressive disorders if they find caregiving to be a burden. The aim of this study was to use a network analysis of cross-sectional data to investigate the relationships between anxiety and depressive symptoms in family carers of older people with dementia who experience burden.

Methods

sixty family carers exhibiting high levels of burden using the Zarit Burden Interview were included in the study. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The network analysis identified the depression and anxiety symptom network using features including a topological graph, network centrality metrics and community analysis. The network was estimated through the graphical LASSO technique in combination with a walktrap algorithm to obtain the clusters within the network and the connections between the nodes (symptoms). A directed acyclic graph was generated to model symptom interactions.

Results

the resulting network architecture shows important bridges between depression and anxiety symptoms. Lack of pleasure and loss of enjoyment were identified as potential gateway symptoms to other anxiety and depression symptoms and represent possible therapeutic targets for psychosocial interventions. Fear and loss of optimism were highly central symptoms, indicating their importance as warning signs of more generalised anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

this network analysis of depressive and anxiety symptoms in overburdened family carers provides important insights as to what symptoms may be the most important targets for behavioural interventions.
The Rural VA Multi-Center Medication Reconciliation Quality Improvement Study (R-VA-MARQUIS)
Authors: Presley Caroline A , Wooldridge Kathleene T , Byerly Susan H , Aylor Amy R , Kaboli Peter J , Roumie Christianne L , Schnipper Jeffrey L , Dittus Robert S , Mixon Amanda S
Published: January 2020

Purpose

High-quality medication reconciliation reduces medication discrepancies, but smaller hospitals serving rural patients may have difficulty implementing this because of limited resources. We sought to adapt and implement an evidence-based toolkit of best practices for medication reconciliation in smaller hospitals, evaluate the effect on unintentional medication discrepancies, and assess facilitators and barriers to implementation.

Methods

We conducted a 2-year mentored-implementation quality improvement feasibility study in 3 Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals serving rural patients. The primary outcome was unintentional medication discrepancies per medication per patient, determined by comparing the “gold standard” preadmission medication history to the documented preadmission medication list and admission and discharge orders.

Results

In total, 797 patients were included; their average age was 68.7 years, 94.4% were male, and they were prescribed an average of 9.6 medications. Sites 2 and 3 implemented toolkit interventions, including clarifying roles among clinical personnel, educating providers on taking a best possible medication history, and hiring pharmacy professionals to obtain a best possible medication history and perform discharge medication reconciliation. Site 1 did not implement an intervention. Discrepancies improved in intervention patients compared with controls at Site 3 (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–0.67) but increased in intervention patients compared with controls at Site 2 (adjusted IRR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08–1.36).

Conclusions

An evidence-based toolkit for medication reconciliation adapted to the VA setting was adopted in 2 of 3 small, rural, resource-limited hospitals, resulting in both reduced and increased unintentional medication discrepancies. We highlight facilitators and barriers to implementing evidence-based medication reconciliation in smaller hospitals.
Comparing the Effects of Governmental and Local Family Intervention Projects on Social Work Practices in Norway: A Cluster-Randomised Study
Authors: Malmberg-Heimonen Ira , Tøge Anne Grete
Published: January 2020

Increased child poverty in Europe has urged the need for poverty alleviating measures, such as family intervention projects. In this project, family coordinators follow-up low-income families on multiple areas. The cluster-randomised evaluation compares effects of governmental and local family intervention projects on social work practices in Norway. Of the twenty-nine participating Labour and Welfare offices, fifteen were randomised to the experimental condition and received the governmental model for comprehensive follow-up (HOLF) model, including manuals, schemes for follow-up work and supervision structures. The fourteen offices randomised to the control group developed local models for the follow-up. The data comprise baseline (n = 58) and eighteen-month follow-up questionnaires to family coordinators. Effects on goal-focused meetings, relational skills, empowering and comprehensive follow-up processes and the coordination of services were measured. After adjusting for the nested structure of the data in a two-level model, the findings demonstrate that family coordinators from experimental group offices achieved more goal-focused meetings (p < 0.001) and demonstrated more relational skills (p = 0.011), compared to family coordinators from control group offices. Results demonstrate that the HOLF model increased the quality of the follow-up when compared to locally developed family intervention projects. The findings are discussed in the context of social work with families in poverty.
Frequency- and State-Dependent Network Effects of Electrical Stimulation Targeting the Ventral Tegmental Area in Macaques
Authors: Murris Sjoerd R , Arsenault John T , Vanduffel Wim
Published: January 2020

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a midbrain structure at the heart of the dopaminergic system underlying adaptive behavior. Endogenous firing rates of dopamine cells in the VTA vary from fast phasic bursts to slow tonic activity. Artificial perturbations of the VTA, through electrical or optogenetic stimulation methods, generate different and sometimes even contrasting behavioral outcomes depending on stimulation parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and pulse width. Here, we investigate the global functional effects of electrical stimulation frequency (10, 20, 50, and 100 Hz) of the VTA in rhesus monkeys. We stimulated 2 animals with chronic electrodes, either awake or anesthetized, while concurrently acquiring whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals. In the awake state, activity as a function of stimulation frequency followed an inverted U-shape in many cortical and subcortical structures, with highest activity observed at 20 and 50 Hz and lower activity at 10 and 100 Hz. Under anesthesia, the hemodynamic responses in connected brain areas were slightly positive at 10 Hz stimulation, but decreased linearly as a function of higher stimulation frequencies. A speculative explanation for the remarkable frequency dependence of stimulation-induced fMRI activity is that the VTA makes use of different frequency channels to communicate with different postsynaptic sites.
The Engel Curves of Non-Cooperative Households
Authors: Chiappori Pierre-Andre , Naidoo Jesse
Published: January 2020

We provide a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for a system of Engel curves to have been generated by a non-cooperative model of family behaviour. These conditions fully characterise the local behaviour of household-level consumption in the cross-section, i.e., as a function of total income and distribution factors. In this setting, any demand system compatible with a non-cooperative model is also compatible with a collective model, but the converse is not true. We describe how these nested conditions may be tested using standard instrumental-variables strategies.
The vertical distribution of tetA and intI1 in a deep lake is rather due to sedimentation than to resuspension
Authors: Di Cesare Andrea , Eckert Ester M , Cottin Camille , Bouchez Agnès , Callieri Cristiana , Cortesini Mario , Lami Andrea , Corno Gianluca
Published: January 2020

Lakes are exposed to anthropogenic pollution including the release of allochthonous bacteria into their waters. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) stabilize in bacterial communities of temperate lakes, and these environments act as long-term reservoirs of ARGs. Still, it is not clear if the stabilization of the ARGs is caused by a periodical introduction, or by other factors regulated by dynamics within the water column. Here we observed the dynamics of the tetracycline resistance gene (tetA) and of the class 1 integron integrase gene intI1 a proxy of anthropogenic pollution in the water column and in the sediments of subalpine Lake Maggiore, together with several chemical, physical and microbiological variables. Both genes resulted more abundant within the bacterial community of the sediment compared to the water column and the water-sediment interface. Only at the inset of thermal stratification they reached quantifiable abundances in all the water layers, too. Moreover, the bacterial communities of the water-sediment interface were more similar to deep waters than to the sediments. These results suggest that the vertical distribution of tetA and intI1 is mainly due to the deposition of bacteria from the surface water to the sediment, while their resuspension from the sediment is less important.
‘Copyright Work and its Definition with Regard to Originality and AI’ – Conference Report on the Fourth Binational Seminar of TU Dresden and Charles University in Prague, 27 June 2019
Authors: Linke David , Petrlík David
Published: January 2020

Bill Gates once wrote ‘I am in the camp that is concerned about super intelligence’ and positioned himself on the question of Artificial Intelligence.1 Mr Gates was, however, concerned about the future of AI in order to be able to supply not only intelligent but also exceptional products. Following the third binational seminar in November 2018 on the topic ‘Software and Artificial Intelligence – Old and New Challenges for Patent Law’,2 colleagues from the IGETeM, TU Dresden and Charles University in Prague met in Dresden on 27 June 2019 to focus on this question from the perspective of copyright. They also dealt with other current issues involving copyright, such as definition of work and the notion of originality.
Indonesia and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Anwar Dewi Fortuna
Published: January 2020

Indonesia has taken a leadership role within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in drafting a common outlook on the Indo-Pacific concept. The widening of Indonesia's geostrategic canvas from the Asia–Pacific to the Indo-Pacific is in line with President Joko Widodo's intent to make Indonesia a Global Maritime Fulcrum (GMF). In view of the rivalry between the US and China and the emergence of various Indo-Pacific initiatives from other countries, Indonesia believes that ASEAN must try to maintain its centrality. The draft of Indonesia's perspective for an ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific: towards a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive region was submitted for considerations by ASEAN, and after 18 months of intensive lobbying by Indonesia the concept was finally adopted at the ASEAN Summit in June 2019. The ASEAN outlook promotes the principles of openness, inclusiveness, transparency, respect for international law and ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific region. It proposes a building-block approach, seeking commonalities between existing regional initiatives in which ASEAN-led mechanisms will act as a fulcrum for both norm-setting and concrete cooperation. Rather than creating a new regional architecture, the East Asia Summit (EAS) is proposed as the platform for advancing the Indo-Pacific discourse and cooperation. Indonesia's ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific marks its renewed foreign policy activism as a middle power and underlines the continuing importance that Indonesia places on ASEAN as the cornerstone of its foreign policy, emphasising ASEAN's centrality as the primary vehicle for managing relations with the major powers in the Indo-Pacific region.
Consigned to hedge: south-east Asia and America's ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ strategy
Authors: Tan See Seng
Published: January 2020

This article assesses how south-east Asian countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have responded to the ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) strategies promoted by the United States and the other countries in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the ‘Quad’: US, Japan, Australia and India). Their nuanced ripostes imply a persistent commitment to hedging and shifting limited alignments in the face of growing great rivalry and the lack of a clear FOIP vision among Quad members. In the face of external pressure to take sides, the ASEAN states are likely to keep hedging through working selectively with China and the United States. Given the United States' apparent preference to balance China and Trump's disregard for multilateralism, ASEAN's ability to maintain its centrality in the evolving regional architecture is in doubt—despite the Quad countries' (belated) accommodation of ASEAN in their FOIP strategies. However, the success of the US strategy depends on Washington's ability to build and sustain the requisite coalition to balance Beijing. ASEAN has undertaken efforts to enhance bilateral security collaboration with China and the United States respectively. In doing so, ASEAN is arguably seeking to informally redefine its centrality in an era of Great Power discord and its ramifications for multilateralism.
Japan's ‘Indo-Pacific’ question: countering China or shaping a new regional order?
Authors: Koga Kei
Published: January 2020

Japan's primary objective of the ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) strategy is to shape and consolidate regional order in the Indo-Pacific region based on the existing rules-based international order. The concept initially aimed to achieve two different objectives—shaping a regional order in the Indo-Pacific and ensuring the defence of Japan; however, Japan has gradually shifted its strategic focus onto the former, separating national defence from the FOIP concept, which reflects a change in the degree of its commitment to the two objectives. On the one hand, as its overall security strategy, Japan has determined to steadily enhance its national defence by increasing its own defence capabilities and strengthening the US–Japan alliance, while transforming its partnerships with like-minded states, such as Australia and India, into a diplomatic, and potentially military, alignment. This has been brought about by shifts in the regional balance of power, particularly the rise of China and the relative decline of the United States. On the other hand, as part of its FOIP strategy, Japan's attempts to build a new regional order in the Indo-Pacific region aim to defend the existing rules-based order established by the United States from challengers, particularly China. Yet, given the strategic uncertainty over Japan's international coalition-building efforts to create a new regional order, Japan has made its approach flexible; Tokyo is using its ambiguous FOIP concept to gauge other states' responses, understand their perspectives, and change its strategic emphases accordingly—so-called ‘tactical hedging’. Japan has pursued similar means to achieve the two key objectives. Nevertheless, the country's core interest, the defence of Japan, is more imperative than building a regional order in the Indo-Pacific region, and Japan faces different types of challenges in the future.
Do perioperative protocols of enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery improve postoperative outcome?
Authors: Kamal Yasser Ali , Hassanein Ahmed
Published: January 2020

A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the application of an enhanced recovery protocol or pathway improves patient outcomes after cardiac surgery. A total of 3091 papers were found using the reported search. Finally, 12 papers represented the best available evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Six studies referred to enhanced recovery protocol as fast track (FT) and another 6 studies referred to it as enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Significant differences from conventional care were reported for time to extubation or intubation time in 4 studies (3 FT, 1 ERAS), duration of intensive care unit stay in 6 studies (4 FT, 2 ERAS), length of hospital stay (LOS) in 8 studies (5 FT, 3 ERAS), cost in 5 studies (4 FT, 1 ERAS), pain scores in 2 studies (2 ERAS) and opioid use in 3 studies (3 ERAS). We conclude that FT or ERAS improve postoperative outcomes including length of stay and pain control, without increasing morbidity, mortality or readmission. However, there is a need for prospective studies and standardized protocols.