bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complemento demográfico por maternidad en el marco de las políticas de igualdad. Análisis de objetivos, resultados y consecuencias
Authors: Granell Pérez Rafael , Salvador Cifre Concha
Published: April 2020

Este trabajo analiza, desde la perspectiva de la Economía Pública, el Complemento Demográfico por Maternidad introducido en el Sistema de Seguridad Social Español en 2016. La medida supone una mejora de las pensiones contributivas de jubilación, viudedad e incapacidad permanente percibidas por madres de al menos dos hijos, con la pretensión de reducir las diferencias de género y reconocer la maternidad como aportación al sistema de pensiones. Se examinan ambos objetivos y los puntos críticos de esta medida de política pública, incidiendo en sus efectos distributivos: el impacto de la medida en el sistema de pensiones, las diferencias de trato que genera su aplicación y sus efectos sobre la brecha de género y sobre la desigualdad entre las mujeres. Para estimar los principales resultados se han utilizado los microdatos de la Muestra Continua de Vidas Laborales y datos agregados facilitados por el Ministerio de Empleo y Seguridad Social. Esta medida ha tenido unos resultados destacables, beneficiando al 58% de las nuevas pensionistas, pero también pueden subrayarse aspectos críticos, como la discriminación para algunos colectivos de mujeres y hombres, su modesto efecto sobre la reducción de la brecha de género o su impacto sobre la desigualdad entre las mujeres. Se finaliza planteando otras políticas de igualdad de género, referidas al sistema de pensiones, que podrían mejorar estos resultados
Medidas para el fomento y consolidación de un ecosistema favorable a la Economía Social en Galicia. La Red Eusumo
Authors: Bastida María , Olveira-Blanco Ana , Savall-Morera Teresa
Published: April 2020

En Galicia se registra un incremento sostenido del número de entidades de economía social (ES) desde 2008, particularmente del número de cooperativas activas. Esta tendencia se mantiene incluso en años de mayor incidencia de la crisis económica. En este contexto, en 2012 nace la Red Eusumo para el fomento del cooperativismo y la ES, concebida con un doble objetivo: (a) ayudar y acompañar en la implantación de nuevos proyectos de ES (entendidos como aceleradores de empleo); y (b) contribuir a la consolidación de las empresas de ES existentes, mediante la mejora de su competitividad.El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el papel que la Red Eusumo, entendida como política pública de fomento de la ES, ha tenido desde su creación, tanto desde una perspectiva directa -en la creación de entidades de ES en Galicia, la promoción, difusión y mejora de conocimiento de la ES- como desde una indirecta, en lo que se refiere a su contribución al desarrollo de un ecosistema favorable al desarrollo y consolidación de la ES en la comunidad autónoma. Para ello, este trabajo se inicia con la descripción de la Red Eusumo, detallando sus objetivos, las bases de su funcionamiento, las entidades que la conforman y su financiación. A continuación, se ofrece una perspectiva genérica de la evolución de la ES gallega en el período 2008-2019, discriminando los períodos ante-post Eusumo para testar si existe un comportamiento diferencial. Posteriormente, se analiza la influencia que la Red Eusumo ha tenido en la configuración de un ecosistema favorable para la consolidación de la ES gallega. Para finalizar, se aportan las principales conclusiones del análisis, incluyendo unas sugerencias de mejora para el mejor alcance de objetivos y obtención de sinergias que favorezca el papel de esta herramienta como motor de desarrollo y consolidación de la ES en Galicia.
Organizational approaches and methods of realization of tasks on preparation of ministers and clergy members
Authors: Egorov Sergey
Published: April 2020

The subject of this research is the current practice of the Russian evangelical congregations and associations in the area of realization of tasks on preparation of ministers and clergy members. Such activity is held within the congregations, jointly with secular universities, as well as on the premises of theological educational establishments. Wide range of options on the one hand opens opportunities for decision-making for the leaders of congregations, but on the other, substantiates restrictions and risks with regards to the quality of preparation, as well as from the perspective of applicability of particular legislative norms to the corresponding practice. As the basic approach towards solution of research tasks, the author selected the so-called methodology of soft system, which is one of the varieties of systemic analysis. This methodological direction allows reconstructing and comparing normative statutes and relevant practice within the area under consideration. The scientific novelty consists in examination of the variety of practices of preparation of ministers and clergy members within the framework of Russian evangelical churches using the resources of systemic analysis. The author was able to systematize the indicated practices, as well as determine their key characteristics necessary for making efficient administrative decisions by the leaders of congregations and educational establishments. The acquired results are also important for the development of Russian legislation in part of regulation of state-confessional relations.
The technique for development of lexical competence based on authentic texts on a specialty
Authors: Guzova Alexandra Viktorovna , Savitskaya Natal'ya
Published: April 2020

The subject of this article is the technique for development of lexical competence based on authentic texts on a specialty on the example of foreign language. The goal consists in systematization and approbation of the techniques for development of lexical competence based on the texts on a specialty in the nonlinguistic educational institution. The process of teaching technical vocabulary is inseparably related to main stages of the work with authentic technical texts. Emphasis is made on the communicative types of tasks contributing to the development of verbal skills and more efficient digestion of specialty vocabulary. An experiment was selected as methodology for this research. The article describes the key aspects of teaching technical foreign language in a nonlinguistic educational institution, as well as reveals the importance of formation of active vocabulary among the students of technical specialties. The novelty lies in systematization of comprehensive approach towards increasing the level of lexical competence among the students of nonlinguistic educational facilities based on authentic texts on a specialty. The application of authentic texts on a specialty for increasing lexical competence would contribute to the improvement of learning process of a foreign language.
Cost of Production Loss for Long-term Disability due to Road Crashes
Authors: De la Peña J. Iñaki , Peña-Cerezo Miguel A. , Fotinopoulou Olga
Published: April 2020

Traffic accidents leave lifelong after-effects and if the victim is disabled, they produce a production loss due to the differential in income that will be lost. This average value is very divergent in European countries, although there is consensus on cost components and valuation methods. However, many countries have legally standardised financial compensation so that it is calculated objectively and equitably for all those affected. This paper sets out the procedure for standardising the lost production cost of incapacitated road accident victims. An actuarial methodology relating to known inputs (age and salary) is used to obtain economic compensation for lost productivity. General principles and hypotheses are provided, and cases that require particular valuation are located. The standard cost thus calculated allows a homogeneous, fair and equitable compensation for all those involved in similar circumstances.
Comparison of User Experiences Based on Watching 360° Immersive Video and Reality – A Case Study of a Scooter Ride
Authors: Huang Fei-Hui
Published: April 2020

This paper compares the user experiences (UXs) while riding a scooter on the road to watching a 360° immersive scooter ride video in a laboratory using a Head-mounted Display (HMD) projection system. The aim of this study is to determine whether watching through an HMD projection system produces similar feelings of attractiveness, practicality, and enjoyment for the riding experience as riding on a real scooter. The data were collected from an experiment involving a total of 59 individual scooter commuters. The participants were asked to watch a 360° immersive video and to complete a user experience questionnaire (UEQ). The results verified that a virtual reality (VR) service with an HMD and panoramic scooter riding video content may be used as an experience tool to create reality-like scooter riding experiences for the users. Furthermore, the important factors that influence a user’s continued usage of watching 360° immersive video services were found to be attractiveness and pragmatic quality. Based on these results, a number of suggestions are proposed for the design of related VR services to strengthen the advantages of 360° immersive video in simulated two-wheeler ride experiences and providing road safety education.
Habitar ante la cotidianidad de la contaminación del agua: contestaciones a las actividades extractivas en las periferias urbanas de Ecuador
Authors: Durán Gustavo , Bayón Jiménez Manuel , Bonilla Alejandra
Published: April 2020

Lago Agrio was formed as a city around the first oil station in the Amazon, while Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas became urbanized around a thriving commercial activity, in the interstices of large-scale cattle ranching. These two nuclei are today two intermediate cities with a high degree of urban dynamism, in which oil and large-scale livestock activities, previously on their periphery, have been integrated into the urban continuum. The purpose of this article is to unravel how violence and disputes around water are re-configured in the face of urban growth and the formation of new peripheries in cities dominated by extractive activities. The theoretical-methodological framework is based on urban studies to draw up a dialogue with political ecology which, from a territorial viewpoint, explores daily life using anthropological methods, in order to observe what gives rise to environmental suffering and the disputes it triggers. The article concludes that the symbiosis between urban growth, in the absence of wastewater treatment systems, and the prevalence of extractive activities has caused water pollution to intensify in the midst of great environmental suffering. At the same time, however, belonging to the city has also promoted different forms of mediation with the authorities through the demand for urban services. The originality of the article lies in the analysis of a socio-environmental conflict over water, in which the new elements introduced by the dispersed expansion of cities are key, where urban rights give communities a tool to distance themselves from extractive activities to mitigate environmental suffering.
Intermediate progenitors support migration of neural stem cells into dentate gyrus outer neurogenic niches
Authors: Nelson Branden R , Hodge Rebecca D , Daza Ray AM , Tripathi Prem Prakash , Arnold Sebastian J , Millen Kathleen J , Hevner Robert F
Published: April 2020

The hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) is a unique brain region maintaining neural stem cells (NCSs) and neurogenesis into adulthood. We used multiphoton imaging to visualize genetically defined progenitor subpopulations in live slices across key stages of mouse DG development, testing decades old static models of DG formation with molecular identification, genetic-lineage tracing, and mutant analyses. We found novel progenitor migrations, timings, dynamic cell-cell interactions, signaling activities, and routes underlie mosaic DG formation. Intermediate progenitors (IPs, Tbr2+) pioneered migrations, supporting and guiding later emigrating NSCs (Sox9+) through multiple transient zones prior to converging at the nascent outer adult niche in a dynamic settling process, generating all prenatal and postnatal granule neurons in defined spatiotemporal order. IPs (Dll1+) extensively targeted contacts to mitotic NSCs (Notch active), revealing a substrate for cell-cell contact support during migrations, a developmental feature maintained in adults. Mouse DG formation shares conserved features of human neocortical expansion.
Nitrogen eutrophication particularly promotes turf algae in coral reefs of the central Red Sea
Authors: Karcher Denis B. , Roth Florian , Carvalho Susana , El-Khaled Yusuf C. , Tilstra Arjen , Kürten Benjamin , Struck Ulrich , Jones Burton H. , Wild Christian
Published: April 2020

While various sources increasingly release nutrients to the Red Sea, knowledge about their effects on benthic coral reef communities is scarce. Here, we provide the first comparative assessment of the response of all major benthic groups (hard and soft corals, turf algae and reef sands—together accounting for 80% of the benthic reef community) to in-situ eutrophication in a central Red Sea coral reef. For 8 weeks, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations were experimentally increased 3-fold above environmental background concentrations around natural benthic reef communities using a slow release fertilizer with 15% total nitrogen (N) content. We investigated which major functional groups took up the available N, and how this changed organic carbon (Corg) and N contents using elemental and stable isotope measurements. Findings revealed that hard corals (in their tissue), soft corals and turf algae incorporated fertilizer N as indicated by significant increases in δ15N by 8%, 27% and 28%, respectively. Among the investigated groups, Corg content significantly increased in sediments (+24%) and in turf algae (+33%). Altogether, this suggests that among the benthic organisms only turf algae were limited by N availability and thus benefited most from N addition. Thereby, based on higher Corg content, turf algae potentially gained competitive advantage over, for example, hard corals. Local management should, thus, particularly address DIN eutrophication by coastal development and consider the role of turf algae as potential bioindicator for eutrophication.
Capturing variation in floral shape: a virtual3D based morphospace for Pelargonium
Authors: van de Kerke Sara J. , van Engelenhoven Tiemen , van Es Anne L. , Schat Laura , van Son Lisa M. , Vink Sverre , Hemerik Lia , van Velzen Robin , Schranz M. Eric , Bakker Freek T.
Published: April 2020

Background

Variation in floral shapes has long fascinated biologists and its modelling enables testing of evolutionary hypotheses. Recent comparative studies that explore floral shape have largely ignored 3D floral shape. We propose quantifying floral shape by using geometric morphometrics on a virtual3D model reconstructed from 2D photographical data and demonstrate its performance in capturing shape variation.

Methods

This approach offers unique benefits to complement established imaging techniques (i) by enabling adequate coverage of the potential morphospace of large and diverse flowering-plant clades; (ii) by circumventing asynchronicity in anthesis of different floral parts; and (iii) by incorporating variation in copy number of floral organs within structures. We demonstrate our approach by analysing 90 florally-diverse species of the Southern African genus Pelargonium (Geraniaceae). We quantify Pelargonium floral shapes using 117 landmarks and show similarities in reconstructed morphospaces for nectar tube, corolla (2D datasets), and a combined virtual3D dataset.

Results

Our results indicate that Pelargonium species differ in floral shape, which can also vary extensively within a species. PCA results of the reconstructed virtual3D floral models are highly congruent with the separate 2D morphospaces, indicating it is an accurate, virtual, representation of floral shape. Through our approach, we find that adding the third dimension to the data is crucial to accurately interpret the manner of, as well as levels of, shape variation in flowers.
Drought-induced reduction in methane fluxes and its hydrothermal sensitivity in alpine peatland
Authors: Wu Haidong , Yan Liang , Li Yong , Zhang Kerou , Hao Yanbin , Wang Jinzhi , Zhang Xiaodong , Yan Zhongqing , Zhang Yuan , Kang Xiaoming
Published: April 2020

Accurate estimation of CH4 fluxes in alpine peatland of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under extreme drought is vital for understanding the global carbon cycle and predicting future climate change. However, studies on the impacts of extreme drought on peatland CH4 fluxes are limited. To study the effects of extreme drought on CH4 fluxes of the Zoige alpine peatland ecosystem, the CH4 fluxes during both extreme drought treatment (D) and control treatment (CK) were monitored using a static enclosed chamber in a control platform of extreme drought. The results showed that extreme drought significantly decreased CH4 fluxes in the Zoige alpine peatland by 31.54% (P < 0.05). Extreme drought significantly reduced the soil water content (SWC) (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect on soil temperature (Ts). Under extreme drought and control treatments, there was a significant negative correlation between CH4 fluxes and environmental factors (Ts and SWC), except Ts, at a depth of 5cm (P < 0.05). Extreme drought reduced the correlation between CH4 fluxes and environmental factors and significantly weakened the sensitivity of CH4 fluxes to SWC (P < 0.01). Moreover, it was found that the correlation between subsoil (20 cm) environmental factors and CH4 fluxes was higher than with the topsoil (5, 10 cm) environmental factors under the control and extreme drought treatments. These results provide a better understanding of the extreme drought effects on CH4 fluxes of alpine peatland, and their hydrothermal impact factors, which provides a reliable reference for peatland protection and management.
Understanding oncogenicity of cancer driver genes and mutations in the cancer genomics era
Authors: Porta‐Pardo Eduard , Valencia Alfonso , Godzik Adam
Published: April 2020

One of the key challenges of cancer biology is to catalogue and understand the somatic genomic alterations leading to cancer. Although alternative definitions and search methods have been developed to identify cancer driver genes and mutations, analyses of thousands of cancer genomes return a remarkably similar catalogue of around 300 genes that are mutated in at least one cancer type. Yet, many features of these genes and their role in cancer remain unclear, first and foremost when a somatic mutation is truly oncogenic. In this review, we first summarize some of the recent efforts in completing the catalogue of cancer driver genes. Then, we give an overview of different aspects that influence the oncogenicity of somatic mutations in the core cancer driver genes, including their interactions with the germline genome, other cancer driver mutations, the immune system, or their potential role in healthy tissues. In the coming years, this research holds promise to illuminate how, when, and why cancer driver genes and mutations are really drivers, and thereby move personalized cancer medicine and targeted therapies forward.
Aspirin sensitizes osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo via Bim‐dependent apoptosis induction
Authors: Han Rui , Hao Shuai , Lu Conghua , Zhang Chong , Lin Caiyu , Li Li , Wang Yubo , Hu Chen , He Yong
Published: April 2020

Osimertinib, a third‐generation irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI), provides marked clinical benefit for patients with EGFR‐activating mutations. Unfortunately, limited treatments exist for patients who acquire osimertinib resistance. We observed two ‘special’ patients who regained an antitumor response with osimertinib plus aspirin treatment. As previous data indicate that aspirin induces antiproliferative effects in tumor cells, we designed a preclinical study to explore whether aspirin combined with osimertinib could synergistically sensitize osimertinib‐resistant non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The effects of combined treatment with osimertinib and aspirin on osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC cell lines were examined in vitro and in vivo. The combination of osimertinib and aspirin induced strong antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC cells through inhibition of Akt/FoxO3a signaling component phosphorylation and increased Bim expression. Furthermore, Bim knockdown by siRNA significantly attenuated osimertinib resensitization by aspirin. In vivo, combination of aspirin and osimertinib significantly decreased tumor growth of PC‐9GROR cell xenografts. Data of patients with NSCLC who received osimertinib treatment at Daping Hospital between January 2015 and January 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. According to clinical data for 45 patients with NSCLC, retrospective analysis showed that the median progression‐free survival was significantly longer in the osimertinib plus aspirin group than in the osimertinib group. In summary, aspirin synergistically enhances the antitumor activity of osimertinib in osimertinib‐resistant lung cancer cells through promoting Bim‐dependent apoptosis. This combination therapy may be effective in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib and prolonging survival in patients with NSCLC.
Long noncoding RNA SNHG12 induces proliferation, migration, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and stemness of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells via post‐transcriptional regulation of BMI1 and CTNNB1
Authors: Wu Duoguang , He Xiaotian , Wang Wenjian , Hu Xueting , Wang Kefeng , Wang Minghui
Published: April 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors around the world. Numerous studies have revealed the function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancers, including ESCC. In this study, lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12), mainly distributed in ESCC cell cytoplasm, was overexpressed in ESCC specimens and CD133+ cells. In CD133‐ ESCC cells, SNHG12 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness and SNHG12 silencing led to opposite results. Furthermore, SNHG12 sequestered miR‐6835‐3p and induced the proto‐oncogene, polycomb ring finger (BMI1). SNHG12 also enhanced the stability of CTNNB1, the mRNA encoding β‐catenin, via recruiting insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) in ESCC. Rescue assays indicated that CTNNB1 and BMI1 were targets for SNHG12 to regulate ESCC cell proliferation, migration, EMT, and stemness. Furthermore, SOX4 (sex‐determining region Y‐box 4) bound with the SNHG12 promoter to transcriptionally activate SNHG12 in ESCC. Finally, in vivo data showed SNHG12 knockdown retarded tumorigenesis and metastasis in ESCC. In summary, SNHG12 induces proliferation, migration, EMT, and stemness of ESCC cells via post‐transcriptional regulation of BMI1 and CTNNB1, indicating that targeting SNHG12 might be a novel target for ESCC treatment.
Assessment of error in the MV radiation isocenter position calculated with the Elekta XVI software
Authors: Chojnowski Jacek M. , Warr George B. , Sykes Jonathan R. , Thwaites David I.
Published: April 2020

The assessment of the coincidence of imaging and radiation isocenters is an important task of regular quality assurance of medical linear accelerators (linacs) as recommended in national and international quality assurance guidelines. A previously reported investigation of the accuracy of the Elekta XVI software to localize the linac radiation isocenter, by comparing statistically with other independent software, has shown some discrepancies at the sub‐mm level. A further investigation is carried out here using a set of reference images and mathematical operations to observe how the Elekta XVI software analyses them. Symmetric mathematical operations on reference images should result in symmetrical outcomes. Three different rotation functions are used in increasing degree of complexity to characterize the Elekta XVI software error in the linac radiation isocenter position. No independent algorithms or phantoms are used in this methodology. The magnitude and direction of the radiation isocenter localization error has been determined to be consistently 0.13 mm or 0.14 mm in the longitudinal direction towards the target depending on the case. The radiation isocenter localization error comprises two separated errors of the Ball Bearing Center by 0.13 mm and MV Field Center by either 0.00 mm or −0.01 mm in the longitudinal direction towards the target. The calculation of the MV Field Center is influenced by the polymethyl methacrylate rod supporting the ball‐bearing. The precise value and the root cause of the error cannot be assessed due to the rounding effect of the results reported by the Elekta XVI software and lack of access to the source code.
A numerical filtering method for linear state‐space models with Markov switching
Authors: Pauley Michael , Mclean Christopher , Manton Jonathan H.
Published: April 2020

A class of discrete‐time random processes arising in engineering and econometrics applications consists of a linear state‐space model whose parameters are modulated by the state of a finite‐state Markov chain. Typical filtering approaches are collapsing methods, which approximate filtered distributions by mixtures of Gaussians, each Gaussian corresponding to one possibility of the recent history of the Markov chain, and particle methods. This article presents an alternative approach to filtering these processes based on keeping track of the values of the underlying filtered density and its characteristic function on grids. We prove that it has favorable convergence properties under certain assumptions. On the other hand, as a grid method, it suffers from the curse of dimensionality, and so is only suitable for low‐dimensional systems. We compare our method to collapsing filters and a particle filter with examples, and find that it can outperform them on 1‐ and 2‐dimensional problems, but loses its speed advantage on 3‐dimensional systems. Meanwhile, our method has a proven theoretical convergence rate that is probably not achieved by collapsing and particle methods.
Dielectric Polarization in Inverse Spinel‐Structured Mg2TiO4 Coating to Suppress Oxygen Evolution of Li‐Rich Cathode Materials
Authors: Zhang Wei , Sun Yonggang , Deng Huiqiu , Ma Jianming , Zeng Yi , Zhu Zhiqiang , Lv Zhisheng , Xia Huarong , Ge Xiang , Cao Shengkai , Xiao Yao , Xi Shibo , Du Yonghua , Cao Anmin , Chen Xiaodong
Published: April 2020

High‐energy Li‐rich layered cathode materials (≈900 Wh kg−1) suffer from severe capacity and voltage decay during cycling, which is associated with layered‐to‐spinel phase transition and oxygen redox reaction. Current efforts mainly focus on surface modification to suppress this unwanted structural transformation. However, the true challenge probably originates from the continuous oxygen release upon charging. Here, the usage of dielectric polarization in surface coating to suppress the oxygen evolution of Li‐rich material is reported, using Mg2TiO4 as a proof‐of‐concept material. The creation of a reverse electric field in surface layers effectively restrains the outward migration of bulk oxygen anions. Meanwhile, high oxygen‐affinity elements of Mg and Ti well stabilize the surface oxygen of Li‐rich material via enhancing the energy barrier for oxygen release reaction, verified by density functional theory simulation. Benefited from these, the modified Li‐rich electrode exhibits an impressive cyclability with a high capacity retention of ≈81% even after 700 cycles at 2 C (≈0.5 A g−1), far superior to ≈44% of the unmodified counterpart. In addition, Mg2TiO4 coating greatly mitigates the voltage decay of Li‐rich material with the degradation rate reduced by ≈65%. This work proposes new insights into manipulating surface chemistry of electrode materials to control oxygen activity for high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries.
Molecular Signature and Activationless Transport in Cobalt‐Terpyridine‐Based Molecular Junctions
Authors: van Nguyen Quyen , Tefashe Ushula , Martin Pascal , Della Rocca Maria Luisa , Lafolet Frederic , Lafarge Philippe , McCreery Richard L. , Lacroix Jean‐Christophe
Published: April 2020

Cobalt terpyridine oligomers are compared with π‐conjugated and ruthenium‐centered layers in molecular junctions (MJs) with identical contacts. A wide range of layer thickness is investigated, and attenuation plots are obtained. Strong dependence of charge transport on molecular layers is found with a variation of four orders of magnitude of current density (  J) for different molecules and d = 7 nm. For a Ru(bpy)3 complex and bis‐thienylbenzene MJs, the attenuation plot shows two different regions corresponding to two different dominant transport mechanisms. On the contrary Co(tpy)2 and viologen‐based MJs show no transition thickness in the attenuation plot, indicating a possible change of mechanism with film thickness, and very low attenuation factors (β of 0.17 and 0.25 nm−1 from 2 to 14 nm, respectively). These β values indicate highly efficient long‐range transport. This is attributed to the fact that the energy levels of the frontier orbital involved in transport are between, and thus almost in resonance with, the Fermi levels of the electrodes. Temperature‐dependence measurements suggest that field ionization followed by multistep hopping and redox events can occur above 100 K, while the activationless region at low T indicates incoherent tunneling between redox sites with reorganization concerted with charge transfer.
Portal venous hemodynamics as predictors for the development and grades of esophageal varices in Post‐HCV cirrhotic patients: An Egyptian center study
Authors: Salman Ahmed , Salman Mohamed A. , Ismaeel Saadawy Amr M. , Tourky Mohamed , Shawkat Mohamed
Published: April 2020

There is no consensus regarding the precise predictive role of portal vein hemodynamics for the prediction of esophageal varices. We performed the current prospective work to assess the diagnostic ability of portal vein hemodynamics for the prediction and grading of esophageal varices. The present work is a prospective one performed in the period from April 2014 till September 2017. Two hundred patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis with esophageal varices were enrolled in the present work as case group (group I). In addition, 100 cirrhotic cases, with no esophageal varices, were included in the work as control arm (group II). Doppler ultrasound (US) and upper endoscopy were performed to all patients. Case group were further subdivided according grades of esophageal varices into four grades. These grades were correlated to splenic size, portal vein velocity, portal vein caliber, and hepatic artery resistivity index. Cases in group I had significantly larger spleen & portal vein diameter and higher hepatic artery resistivity index than cases in group II (P < .001). The portal vein caliber had the highest diagnostic performance for the detection of esophageal varices with cut‐off values of ≥12.5 mm (sensitivity = 99% and specificity = 94%). Patients with grade IV varices had significantly elevated values of splenic diameter, portal vein caliber, and hepatic artery resistivity index; and lower portal vein velocity than other patients with lower grades (P < .001). The same findings were observed with other esophageal varices grades. In conclusion, non‐invasive portal hemodynamic parameters are good indicators for the prediction and severity of esophageal varices.
Some (do not) like it hot: shrub growth is hampered by heat and drought at the alpine treeline in recent decades
Authors: Francon Loïc , Corona Christophe , Till‐Bottraud Irène , Carlson Bradley Z. , Stoffel Markus
Published: April 2020

Premise

Mountain ecosystems are particularly sensitive to climate change. However, only a very small number of studies exist so far using annually resolved records of alpine plant growth spanning the past century. Here we aimed to identify the effects of heat waves and drought, driven by global warming, on annual radial growth of Rhododendron ferrugineum.

Methods

We constructed two century‐long shrub ring‐width chronologies from R. ferrugineum individuals on two adjacent, north‐ and west‐facing slopes in the southern French Alps. We analyzed available meteorological data (temperature, precipitation and drought) over the period 1960–2016. Climate–growth relationships were evaluated using bootstrapped correlation functions and structural equation models to identify the effects of rising temperature on shrub growth.

Results

Analysis of meteorological variables during 1960–2016 revealed a shift in the late 1980s when heat waves and drought increased in intensity and frequency. In response to these extreme climate events, shrubs have experienced significant changes in their main limiting factors. Between 1960 and 1988, radial growth on both slopes was strongly controlled by the sum of growing degree days during the snow free period. Between 1989 and 2016, August temperature and drought have emerged as the most important.

Conclusions

Increasing air temperatures have caused a shift in the growth response of shrubs to climate. The recently observed negative effect of high summer temperature and drought on shrub growth can, however, be buffered by topographic variability, supporting the macro‐ and microrefugia hypotheses.
Synthesis and Dimerization Properties of Cup‐ and Bowl‐shaped Cyclic Trilactams
Authors: Sartyoungkul Sitanan , Yakiyama Yumi , Sakurai Hidehiro
Published: April 2020

Two chiral trilactams, cup‐shaped (−)‐1 and bowl‐shaped (−)‐2, were synthesized. Single crystal X‐ray analysis revealed that (−)‐1 formed dimer structure by the formation of three NH⋅⋅⋅O type complementary hydrogen bonds at three amide moieties. The equilibrium constant (Keq) and kinetic parameters ▵H° and ▵S° of the dimer formation phenomenon of (−)‐1 were determined by variable temperature proton NMR. Further binding energy calculation on both (−)‐1 and (−)‐2 dimers confirmed the more favourable formation of (−)‐1 dimer than (−)‐2 dimer, explaining the significant solubility difference of the two against the less polar solvent, such as CHCl3. Trilactam (−)‐1 afforded coordination polymer by complexation with Zn2+, keeping the capsule‐like structure.
Monitoring of group mates in relation to their behavior in mandrills
Authors: Schino Gabriele , Scerbo Martina
Published: April 2020

Primates are known to have considerable knowledge about the social relationships that link their group mates and are likely to derive this information from observing the social interactions that occur in their social group. They may, therefore, be hypothesized to pay particular attention to the social interactions involving group mates. In this study, we evaluated how the attention captive mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) devote to their group mates was modulated by the behavior of the latter. Mandrills looked most frequently at foraging individuals and least frequently at sleeping individuals. Mandrills also looked at grooming individuals more than at individuals that were simply sitting in contact. Grooming dyads were looked at regardless of the social rank and kinship of the individuals involved. These results contribute to our understanding of how primates obtain their social knowledge.
Boosting CO2 Electroreduction on N,P‐Co‐doped Carbon Aerogels
Authors: Chen Chunjun , Sun Xiaofu , Yan Xupeng , Wu Yahui , Liu Huizhen , Zhu Qinggong , Bediako Bernard Baffour Asare , Han Buxing
Published: April 2020

Electroreduction of CO2 to CO powered by renewable electricity is a possible alternative to synthesizing CO from fossil fuel. However, it is very hard to achieve high current density at high faradaic efficiency (FE). Here, the first use of N,P‐co‐doped carbon aerogels (NPCA) to boost CO2 reduction to CO is presented. The FE of CO could reach 99.1 % with a partial current density of −143.6 mA cm−2, which is one of the highest current densities to date. NPCA has higher electrochemical active area and overall electronic conductivity than that of N‐ or P‐doped carbon aerogels, which favors electron transfer from CO2 to its radical anion or other key intermediates. By control experiments and theoretical calculations, it is found that the pyridinic N was very active for CO2 reduction to CO, and co‐doping of P with N hinder the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) significantly, and thus the both current density and FE are very high.
Mechanistic analysis of ecological effects of graphene nanomaterials on plant ecosystems
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhao Yanqi , Wang Mingshi , Meng Hongqi , Ye Zenghui
Published: April 2020

As graphene is an emerging carbon nanomaterial, some studies have investigated the ecological effects of graphene‐based materials with generally focusing on physiological changes, enzyme activities, and oxidative stresses, but detailed mechanistic studies are actually lacking. Moreover, the results from previous studies were controversial in the context of ecological mechanisms, because material properties and organism species were quite different, and evaluation criterions were not uniform or reliable. Therefore, relative studies should be systematically initiated. This paper summarizes the research status between graphene related materials and soil–plant organisms, mainly discussing the detrimental influences on terrestrial biology from the perspectives of physiology, biochemistry, and gene expression. Moreover, probable toxicity mechanisms, impact factors, environmental application, and industrialization of graphene materials are also carefully discussed to provide scientific and theoretical basis.
Organic‐inorganic Hybrid ([BrCH2CH2N(CH3)3]+2[CdBr4]2−) with Unusual Ferroelectric and Switchable Dielectric Bifunctional Properties over Different Temperature Range
Authors: Sui Yan , Liu Dong‐Sheng , Chen Wen‐Tong , Wang Liang‐Jun , Ma Yu‐Xiao , Lai Hui‐Qi , Zhou Yu‐Wei , Wen He‐Rui
Published: April 2020

Both ferroelectric and switchable dielectric behaviors are of great academic value and practical significance, but they usually exist alone. If combine the two properties into one compound, it will be more valuable in practical application. In this paper, quasi‐spherical (2‐bromoethyl) trimethylammonium cation was used to match with [CdBr4]2− anion, and a new organic‐inorganic hybrid compound ([BrCH2CH2N(CH3)3]+2[CdBr4]2−, BETABCdBr) was obtained and carefully characterized. The results indicate that this compound undergoes two continuous reversible phase transition around 342 K and 390 K. It could respectively exhibit ferroelectric and switchable dielectric properties over different temperature range. This work may provide a new clue to explore new types of bifunctional phase transition smart materials to meet various application requirements.
Allometric analysis using the multivariate shifted exponential normal distribution
Authors: Punzo Antonio , Bagnato Luca
Published: April 2020

In allometric studies, the joint distribution of the log‐transformed morphometric variables is typically elliptical and with heavy tails. To account for these peculiarities, we introduce the multivariate shifted exponential normal (MSEN) distribution , an elliptical heavy‐tailed generalization of the multivariate normal (MN). The MSEN belongs to the family of MN scale mixtures (MNSMs) by choosing a convenient shifted exponential as mixing distribution. The probability density function of the MSEN has a simple closed‐form characterized by only one additional parameter, with respect to the nested MN, governing the tail weight. The first four moments exist and the excess kurtosis can assume any positive value. The membership to the family of MNSMs allows us a simple computation of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of the parameters via the expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm; advantageously, the M‐step is computationally simplified by closed‐form updates of all the parameters. We also evaluate the existence of the ML estimates. Since the parameter governing the tail weight is estimated from the data, robust estimates of the mean vector of the nested MN distribution are automatically obtained by downweighting; we show this aspect theoretically but also by means of a simulation study. We fit the MSEN distribution to multivariate allometric data where we show its usefulness also in comparison with other well‐established multivariate elliptical distributions.
Differential recurrence after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair: importance of a nationwide registry-based mesh surveillance
Authors: Helgstrand F , Thygesen L C , Bisgaard T , Jørgensen L N , Friis-Andersen H
Published: April 2020

Background

Identification of suboptimal mesh products is essential to improve the outcome after hernia surgery. This study investigated whether a national clinical database combined with administrative registries may serve as a tool for postmarketing evaluation of mesh products for hernia surgery.

Methods

This was a propensity score-matched case–control cohort study comparing outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with either one particular mesh or any other synthetic mesh. Data on patients registered in the Danish Ventral Hernia Database between 2010 and 2016 were combined with administrative data from the Danish National Patient Registry. The primary outcome was operation for recurrence. Secondary outcomes were 30-day readmission, 30-day reoperation for complications (excluding hernia recurrence), and mortality after 30 and 90 days.

Results

In total, 740 patients who underwent repair with one particular mesh were matched with 1479 patients who received any other synthetic mesh. The rate of repair for hernia recurrence was significantly higher in the particular mesh group than in the reference group: 12·8 versus 6·3 per cent respectively (hazard ratio 2·09, 95 per cent c.i. 1·57 to 2·79; P < 0·001). Use of the particular mesh increased the risk of readmission (odds ratio (OR) 1·53, 1·16 to 2·01; P = 0·002) and reoperation for a complication (OR 1·60, 1·03 to 2·47, P = 0·030). No difference in mortality was found.

Conclusion

Clinical registries with prospectively collected data can provide long-term surveillance of commercial mesh. Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with one particular mesh was associated with an increased rate of short-term complications and double the risk of repair for recurrence.
A contextual thematic analysis of the accessory nerve in Scottish historical medical collections of the Royal Colleges of Edinburgh and Glasgow
Authors: Marles Henry , Chisholm Fraser , Varsou Ourania
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The classification of the accessory nerve (CN XI) remains a source of debate; its exact function has not been fully elucidated having also an atypical morphology for a cranial nerve. A better insight into its anatomical and physiological features is of clinical relevance. The aim was to conduct a review of 18th and 19th century books from the Royal Medical/Surgical Colleges in Scotland, United Kingdom. A contextual historical analysis of the depictions and descriptions of the accessory nerve could provide insight into the disparity in the current descriptions.

Materials and Methods

Online archive catalogues were systematically searched and, during site visits, resources were formally and contextually analyzed, with the information then thematically analyzed. The themes were discussed against a widely known reference textbook of the era.

Results

Based on the thematic analysis, the resources were categorized either as practical anatomy books or field‐specific anatomy books including neuroanatomy atlases. This intended use, along with the target audience, influenced the scope and detail of information, typically with general anatomy for students in the practical resources, and specialist information in the field‐specific resources. The authors' professional background also influenced the way the accessory nerve was described and/or depicted, with surgeons/physicians placing emphasis on the clinical aspects. Content variations could also be attributed to communication restrictions of the era, and associated purchasing costs.

Conclusions

Although scientific advances are nowadays disseminated at a faster pace, actively bridging the gap between anatomical sciences and clinical research is still needed when considering the accessory nerve to further elucidate the mysteries of this structure.
A universal mathematical model applied to the congenital ventral penile curvature
Authors: Ruellas da Silva Tamiris , Barrela Neto Miguel , Damião Ronaldo , da Silva Ruellas Eloísio A.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The macroscopic dynamic of fetal penis development presents a pattern resembling the unfolding of a spiral, so congenital ventral penile curvature could indicate that this natural sequence has been interrupted. Our aim in this article is to offer a mathematical model of congenital ventral curvature of the penis.

Materials and Methods

Five individuals who presented with congenital ventral penile curvature and three who presented with acquired penile ventral curvature due to Peyronie's disease were evaluated. The penises were photographed during an induced erection test and the penile curvature patterns were compared with an equiangular spiral. When an association was found, a potential relationship to the golden spiral—a type of equiangular spiral—was also assessed.

The mathematical spiral relationships were analyzed using Wolfram CDF Player® (Logarithmic Spiral) and PhiMatrix® software. The Wolfram software generated logarithmic spirals equivalent to the penile curvature with appropriate mathematical values. The PhiMatrix software, which builds any golden spirals from golden rectangles, was used to check whether the spiral was golden as well as equiangular.

Results

An equiangular spiral that was also golden was found in all cases of congenital ventral penile curvature. In contrast, none of the acquired penile ventral curvature cases showed a specific pattern.

Conclusion

Congenital ventral penile curvature has the mathematical pattern of a golden spiral. Our results offer a mathematical algorithm for potential use in surgical reconstruction procedures, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, robotics, and body–machine interfaces.
The mammillothalamic tracts: Age‐related conspicuity and normative morphometry on brain magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ghaderi Niri Sanaz , Khalaf Alexander M. , Massoud Tarik F.
Published: April 2020

The mammillothalamic tract (MTT, bundle of Vicq d'Azyr) is a white‐matter projection from each mammillary body to the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT). Deep brain stimulation of the MTTs or ANTs is a treatment option for medically refractory focal epilepsy. Since the ANTs may be atrophied in epilepsy, targeting of the MTT terminations could be used as a proxy for ANT locations. However, MTT conspicuity and morphometry on MRI have not been evaluated to date. We investigated normative age‐ and sex‐related MRI morphometrics of the MTTs in healthy individuals. We retrospectively analyzed magnified axial T2‐weighted images of 80 subjects for bilateral MTT conspicuity, diameters, areas, shapes, precise locations, and symmetry. We statistically tested the effects of independent variables (sex and MTT side) on measured dependent variables using two‐way ANOVA; and performed linear regressions with age as the independent variable for each of the dependent variables. Subjects were F:M = 44:36, with mean age 45.3 years. Only one (0.63%) MTT was inconspicuous. Mean MTT diameter was 1.8 mm, area was 2.0 mm2, and distance from third ventricle was 3.1 mm. MTTs were mostly bilaterally symmetrical in shape, equally round, or ovoid. The right MTT diameter was larger than the left, and males had larger MTT areas than females. We found no statistical difference between MTT diameters and areas in young, middle‐aged, and older adults. We report normative axial MRI morphometrics of the MTTs to guide neuromodulation treatments. Future detailed analyses will determine if the MTTs atrophy in proportion to the ANTs in refractory epilepsy.