bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discounting lives
Ultimate Price: The Value We Place on Life
Howard Steven Friedman
University of California Press, 2020. 232 pp.
The Economization of Life
Michelle Murphy
Duke University Press, 2017. 232 pp.
Authors: Wolfe Audra J.
Published: June 2020

Are COVID-19 deaths “sacrifices”? If so, to what?
Can existing live vaccines prevent COVID-19?
Authors: Chumakov Konstantin , Benn Christine S. , Aaby Peter , Kottilil Shyamasundaran , Gallo Robert
Published: June 2020

Live vaccines can prevent unrelated infections and may temporarily protect against COVID-19
Labeling fish, labeling people
Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life
Lulu Miller
Simon and Schuster, 2020. 240 pp.
Authors: Landau Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

A science reporter grapples with an ichthyologist's all-consuming passion for categorization
Lord Robert May (1936–2020)
Authors: Godfray H. Charles J. , McLean Angela R.
Published: June 2020

Pioneering ecologist and a founder of chaos theory
Mutational Effects on Carbapenem Hydrolysis of YEM-1, a New Subclass B2 Metallo-β-Lactamase from Yersinia mollaretii
Authors: Mercuri Paola Sandra , Esposito Roberto , Blétard Sylvie , Di Costanzo Stefano , Perilli Mariagrazia , Kerff Frédéric , Galleni Moreno
Published: June 2020

Analysis of the genome sequence of
Yersinia mollaretii
ATCC 43969 identified the
bla
YEM
gene, encoding YEM-1, a putative subclass B2 metallo-β-lactamase. The objectives of our work were to produce and purify YEM-1 and to complete its kinetic characterization. YEM-1 displayed the narrowest substrate range among known subclass B2 metallo-β-lactamases, since it can hydrolyze imipenem, but not other carbapenems, such as biapenem, meropenem, doripenem, and ertapenem, with high catalytic efficiency.
Antibacterial Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Cariogenic Bacteria and Streptococcus mutans Biofilms
Authors: Niu Yumei , Wang Kun , Zheng Sainan , Wang Yufei , Ren Qian , Li Haoran , Ding Longjiang , Li Wei , Zhang Linglin
Published: June 2020

Dental caries is the most common disease in the human mouth.
Streptococcus mutans
is the primary cariogenic bacterium. Propolis is a nontoxic natural product with a strong inhibitory effect on oral cariogenic bacteria. The polyphenol-rich extract from propolis inhibits
S. mutans
growth and biofilm formation, as well as the genes involved in virulence and adherence, through the inhibition of glucosyltransferases (GTF). However, because the chemical composition of propolis is highly variable and complex, the mechanism of its antimicrobial action and the active compound are controversial and not completely understood.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of NDM-Producing
Enterobacterales
Collected in the United States in 2017 and 2018
Authors: Lutgring Joseph D. , Balbuena Rocío , Reese Natashia , Gilbert Sarah E. , Ansari Uzma , Bhatnagar Amelia , Boyd Sandra , Campbell Davina , Cochran Jake , Haynie Jenn , Ilutsik Justina , Longo Cynthia , Swint Stephanie , Rasheed J. Kamile , Brown Allison C. , Karlsson Maria
Published: June 2020

The treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
, especially New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing bacteria, is challenging. Although less common in the United States than some other carbapenemase producers, NDM-producing bacteria are a public health threat due to the limited treatment options available. Here, we report on the antibiotic susceptibility of 275 contemporary NDM-producing
Enterobacterales
collected from 30 U.
Fusion of Large Polypeptides to Human Adenovirus Type 5 Capsid Protein IX Can Compromise Virion Stability and DNA Packaging Capacity
Authors: Poulin Kathy L. , McFall Emily R. , Chan Grace , Provost Natacha B. , Christou Carin , Smith Adam C. , Parks Robin J.
Published: June 2020

Human adenovirus capsid protein IX (pIX) is involved in stabilizing the virion but has also been developed as a platform for presentation of various polypeptides on the surface of the virion. Whether such modifications affect the ability of pIX to stabilize the virion is unknown. We show that addition of large polypeptides to pIX can reduce both the DNA packaging capacity and the heat stability of the virion, which provides important guidance for the design of pIX-modified vectors.
Readily accessible CT scoring method to quantify fibrosis in IPF
Authors: Fraser Emily , St Noble Victoria , Hoyles Rachel K , Benamore Rachel , Ho Ling-Pei
Published: June 2020

Introduction

There is currently no readily accessible measure to specifically quantify the amount of fibrosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Such a measure could isolate contribution of fibrosis from other comorbidities to lung function abnormality and deterioration of disease, and potentially help determine if there has been response to antifibrotic treatment.

Methods

In a pilot study of 39 IPF patients, we used a CT-based visual scoring method to examine the correlation between the sum of all fibrotic features (all traction bronchiectasis, ground glass with traction bronchiectasis, honeycombing and reticulation; referred to as Total Fibrosis Score, TFS) or the individual fibrotic features, with lung function, Composite Physiologic Index (CPI) and time to death in the 5 years following CT measurement.

Results

TFS measurements were highly reproducible (r=0.982; p<0.001) and correlated significantly with TLCO, FVC and CPI. Traction bronchiectasis score was superior to others in its correlation to lung function and CPI, and as good as TFS. TFS and traction bronchiectasis score were also the best correlates (individually) to time to death (r=0.60 for both, and p=0.002 and p=0.004, respectively).

Conclusion

We suggest that TFS and our 6-slices method of quantifying traction bronchiectasis on CT scans could be readily accessible and simple methods of quantifying lung fibrosis in IPF. These scores could assist in determining if clinical deterioration is due to worsening fibrosis, for correlation of research findings to amount of lung fibrosis, and to stratify patients for established drug treatment and clinical trials. Our findings also provide a basis for larger studies to validate these findings and determine if the scores could measure change in fibrosis.
Integration of palliative care into COVID-19 pandemic planning
Authors: Fadul Nada , Elsayem Ahmed F , Bruera Eduardo
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to surpass the healthcare system’s capacity to provide intensive care to all patients who deteriorate as a result of the disease. This poses a unique challenge to healthcare teams of rationing care during pandemic when resources are scarce. Healthcare providers will need to acquire new skills in care decision making and effective symptom control for patients who do not receive life-saving measures. In this review, we describe some of the important palliative care considerations that need to be incorporated into COVID-19 pandemic planning. The main aspects to be considered include decision algorithms for rationing care, training on effective symptoms management, alternative delivery methods of palliative care services such as telemedicine and finally death and bereavement support for surviving family members who are likely to be isolated from their loved one at the moment of death.
Pancreatitis associated with azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine use in Crohn’s disease: a systematic review
Authors: Gordon Morris , Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Akobeng Anthony , Macdonald John , Chande Nilesh , Hanauer Stephen , Arnott Ian
Published: June 2020

Thiopurines are proven agents in the treatment of Crohn’s disease. While pancreatitis is recognised as an adverse event associated with therapy, the effect size and morbidity of thiopurine-induced pancreatitis is not known. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the risk of pancreatitis with azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) within Crohn’s disease. We searched six electronic databases from inception to 29 October 2019. The primary outcomes measures were the occurrence of pancreatitis. We calculated pooled OR with corresponding 95% CIs for risk of pancreatitis. A number needed to harm analysis was performed. The search identified 4418 studies, of which 25 randomised controlled trials met the criteria for inclusion. The number of patients treated with azathioprine to cause an episode of pancreatitis was 36 (induction of remission) and 31 (maintenance of remission).The risk of pancreatitis in patients receiving azathioprine across all contexts was 3.80%, compared with a control risk of 0.2% (placebo) and 0.5% (5-aminosalicylic acid agents). There was no difference seen between 6-MP and placebo, although this was a low certainty result due to imprecision from very low event numbers and patient numbers. There is a probably increased occurrence of pancreatitis when azathioprine is used in Crohn’s disease (moderate certainty), with incidence overall approximately 3.8%. Most cases are mild and resolve on cessation of therapy and no mortality was reported. There was no increased occurrence seen when using 6-MP, although this is a low certainty finding. PROSPERO prior to the study (CRD42019138065).
John Godfrey Oldham
Authors: White Mark
Published: June 2020

He was a trailblazer of the profession with a special interest in pigs. Thought provoking, articulate, thoughtful, genuine, trusting, generous and kind, he could also be challenging, provocative and feisty.
Out-of-plane flexural testing and stiffness response of concrete masonry walls with NSM steel reinforcement
Authors: Sparling Adrien , Palermo Dan , Hashemian Fariborz
Published: June 2020

Near-surface mounted (NSM) reinforcement is used to retrofit masonry structures for increased strength and resiliency; however, its application to new masonry construction remains largely unexplored. Four masonry walls measuring 3.2 m tall were constructed from hollow concrete blocks to assess the potential of NSM reinforcement to increase flexural stiffness. Two of the walls were reinforced conventionally, and two were reinforced with NSM bars. Each wall had a total area of steel reinforcement of 600 mm2 and was loaded under conditions of third-point out-of-plane flexure. All four walls had similar flexural strength, ranging from 24 kNm to 26 kNm; however, the stiffness (determined using direct measurement of curvature, curvature calculated using conditions of equilibrium and compatibility, and the load displacement response) of the NSM reinforced walls was twice that of the walls with conventional reinforcement. The flexural stiffness of the masonry walls was underestimated by current Canadian design standards provisions under low out-of-plane loads.
Nematode biodiversity assessments need vouchered databases: A BOLD reference library for plant-parasitic nematodes in the superfamily Criconematoidea
Authors: Powers Thomas O. , Harris Timothy S. , Higgins Rebecca S. , Mullin Peter G. , Powers Kirsten S.
Published: June 2020

Nematodes are frequently cited as underrepresented in faunistic surveys using DNA barcoding with COI. This underrepresentation is generally attributed to a limited presence of nematodes in DNA databases which, in turn, is often ascribed to structural variability and high evolutionary rates in nematode mitochondrial genomes. Empirical evidence, however, indicates that many taxa are readily amplified with primer sets specifically targeted to different nematode families. Here we report the development of a COI reference library of 1726 specimens in the terrestrial plant parasitic nematode superfamily Criconematoidea. Specimens collected during an ecoregion survey of North America were individually photographed, measured, and PCR amplified to produce a 721 bp region of COI for taxonomic analysis. A neighbor-joining tree structured the dataset into 179 haplotype groups that generally conformed to morphospecies in traditional analysis or Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) in the BOLD system, although absent formal BIN membership due to insufficient overlap with the Folmer region of COI. Approximately one-third of the haplotype groups could be associated with previously described species. The geographic distribution of criconematid nematode species suggests a structure influenced by the major habitat types in the United States and Canada. All sequences collected in the ecoregion survey are deposited in BOLD.
Single inclusive jet photoproduction at very forward rapidities in pp and pPb collisions at the LHC
Authors: Gonçalves V. P. , Sampaio dos Santos G. , Sena C. R.
Published: June 2020

The particle production at very forward rapidities is expected to be sensitive to the non-linear effects in the QCD dynamics at high energies. In this paper we present, for the first time, the predictions of the Color Dipole formalism for the single inclusive jet photoproduction in pp and pPb collisions considering the very forward rapidities probed by the CMS-CASTOR calorimeter, which will be characterized by a jet in the rapidity range of $$5.2 \le Y \le 6.6$$5.2≤Y≤6.6, a rapidity gap in the rapidity range probed by the central CMS detector and one of the incident hadrons remaining intact in the final state. The transverse momentum distributions and energy spectra are estimated considering the more recent phenomenological models for the dipole-proton scattering amplitude, which are based on the Color Glass Condensate formalism and are able to describe the inclusive and exclusive ep HERA data. Our results indicate that a future experimental analysis of this process is, in principle, feasible and useful to constrain the description of the QCD dynamics at high energies.
An extended social force model for pedestrian evacuation under disturbance fluctuation force
Authors: Wei Juan , Fan Wenjie , Guo Yangyong , Hu Jun , Fang Yuanyuan
Published: June 2020

In order to characterize the disturbance fluctuation of pedestrian flow caused by the disturbance during evacuation and the state change of pedestrian flow, this paper improves the social force model by introducing disturbance fluctuation force. First, a momentum equation is established to describe the change of pedestrian flow under the influence of disturbance fluctuation, and the mathematical expression of disturbance fluctuation force is given. Second, the evacuation processes of pedestrian flow with and without “queue jumpers” are simulated with the simulation experimental platform, and the key factors influencing the performance of the model are deeply studied through numerical analysis. The results showed that: when the expected velocity is the same, the bigger the angle between the cross-section position vector and the initial expected velocity is, the more serious the congestion occurs at the exit. In addition, when the crowd density is small, the larger the angle, the higher the evacuation efficiency and vice versa.
Isogeometric Analysis of Functionally-Graded Graphene Platelets Reinforced Porous Nanocomposite Plates Using a Refined Plate Theory
Authors: Phan Duc-Huynh
Published: June 2020

In this study, we propose a novel and effective computational approach for free and forced vibration analyses of functionally graded (FG) porous plates with graphene platelets (GPLs) reinforcement under various loads. To this end, the outstanding features of isogeometric analysis (IGA) are first combined with the four-variable refined plate theory (RPT). The non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) are adopted to obtain the [Formula: see text]-continuity essential to the RPT model. The various distributions of internal pores as well as GPLs with uniform or non-uniform properties along the plate’s thickness are investigated. The effective elastic properties of the material models are obtained by the Halpin–Tsai micromechanics model for Young’s modulus, the rule of mixture for Poisson’s ratio and mass density. The Newmark’s time integration scheme is implemented to obtain the solutions of the forced vibration problems. Numerical examples are carried out to investigate the effects of various key parameters such as porosity coefficient, GPL weight fraction, porosity distribution, as well as GPL dispersion pattern, on the behaviors of the plate structure.
Accuracy Verification of a 2D Adaptive Mesh Refinement Method Using Backward-Facing Step Flow of Low Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Li Zhenquan , Li Miao
Published: June 2020

Identifying centers of vortices of fluid flow accurately is one of the accuracy measures for computational methods. After verifying the accuracy of the 2D adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) method in the benchmarks of 2D lid-driven cavity flow, this paper shows the accuracy verification by the benchmarks of 2D backward-facing step flow. The AMR method refines a mesh using the numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations computed on the mesh by an open source software Navier2D which implemented a vertex centered finite volume method (FVM) using the median dual mesh to form control volumes about each vertex. The accuracy is shown by the comparison between vortex center locations calculated from the linearly interpolated numerical solutions and those obtained in the benchmark. The AMR method is proposed based on the qualitative theory of differential equations, and it can be applied to refine a mesh as many times as required and used to seek accurate numerical solutions of the mathematical models including the continuity equation for incompressible fluid or steady-state compressible flow with low computational cost.
EVALUATING THE IMPLICATIONS OF STARTING-UP UNREGISTERED ON FUTURE FIRM PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE A 2019 SURVEY IN ALBANIA
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C. , KOSTA BRUNILDA
Published: June 2020

This paper evaluates critically the relationship between starting-up unregistered and firm performance. The widespread belief across all the dominant theories of informal entrepreneurship is that unregistered start-ups experience poorer future firm performance than those registered from the outset of their operations. To evaluate this poorer performance thesis, this paper reports World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) data on 377 enterprises in Albania collected in 2019. After controlling for other determinants of firm performance, the finding is that formal enterprises that started-up unregistered have significantly higher annual sales growth than enterprises that registered from the outset. To explain this, the argument is that in weak institutional environments, such as Albania, the advantages of operating unregistered at the outset outweigh the benefits of registration. The result is a call to re-theorize firm performance in the informal sector and for policy to shift toward a more facilitating approach that enhances benefits of registration.
THE EFFECT OF SUPPORTIVE LEADER ON EMPLOYEES’ ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY TOWARDS INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOUR
Authors: BOURINI ISLAM
Published: June 2020

Innovative behaviour and its antecedents attracted research interest recently. To address this need, the researcher draws on State-Trait Curiosity Inventory and self-determination theory to examine the impacts of work-related curiosity (WRC) and employee absorptive capacity on innovative employee behaviour. The mediating variable of employee absorptive capacity (EAC) was examined. Data was collected and analysed from 292 full-time employees who are working within the service sector in Jordan. The outputs from smart partial least square SmartPLS analysis reveal that WRC effects EAC, which consequently affects innovative employee behaviour. Surprisingly, supportive leadership behaviour was found to play a moderating role in the relationship between WRC and EAC, but it has an inverse effect. These findings provide managers knowledge on how to enhance innovative employee behaviours by encouraging employee curiosity and absorptive capacity.
NiO@C and Ni@C Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Luo Xiaohan , Wen Gehui
Published: June 2020

Carbon-coated nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO@C) were synthesized by near-critical hydrothermal method using starch and nickel nitrate as precursors. Also,carbon-coated Ni nanoparticles (Ni@C) were obtained by annealing NiO@C nanoparticles in hydrogen atmosphere. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), Raman spectroscopy, simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) and physical property measurement system (PPMS). The average sizes of the NiO and Ni nanoparticles were 18[Formula: see text]nm and 15[Formula: see text]nm according to the XRD analysis, respectively. Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the carbon shells of NiO@C and Ni@C nanoparticles were composed of amorphous and partially graphitized carbon. The formation mechanism of NiO@C and Ni@C nanoparticles was briefly discussed. The Ni@C nanoparticles have enhanced coercive force than bulk nickel, and their coercive force has shown a linear dependence on the square root of temperature.
Effect of sintering temperature on the dielectric, ferroelectric and energy storage properties of SnO2-doped Bi0.5(Na0.8K0.2)0.5TiO3 lead-free ceramics
Authors: Truong-Tho Nguyen , Vuong Le Dai
Published: June 2020

Sintered lead-free [Formula: see text]([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]O3 ceramics (BNKTS) have been fabricated via a solid-state reaction. The effect of sintering temperature on the structural, morphological, dielectric, ferroelectric and energy storage properties of BNKTS ceramics was investigated, and it was found that the electrical properties of the synthesized ceramics increased with the increase in the sintering temperature, and the highest values were achieved at [Formula: see text]C. The ceramics sintered at the optimized temperature of [Formula: see text]C exhibited the best physical, dielectric, ferroelectric and energy storage properties, namely, high density (the relative density, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g.cm[Formula: see text], approximate to 96.7% of the theoretical value), high densification factor ([Formula: see text]), high dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]), low dielectric loss (tan[Formula: see text]), highest dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]), high remanent polarization ([Formula: see text]C.cm[Formula: see text], high coercive field ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kV/cm), high energy storage density (0.12[Formula: see text]J/cm[Formula: see text], and high energy storage efficiency (41.7% at 46.3[Formula: see text]kV/cm).
Glaciomarine sequence stratigraphy in the Mississippian Río Blanco Basin, Argentina, southwestern Gondwana. Basin analysis and palaeoclimatic implications for the Late Paleozoic Ice Age during the Tournaisian.
Authors: Ezpeleta Miguel , Rustán Juan José , Balseiro Diego , Dávila Federico Miguel , Dahlquist Juan Andrés , Vaccari Norberto Emilio , Sterren Andrea Fabiana , Prestianni Cyrille , Cisterna Gabriela Adriana , Basei Miguel
Published: June 2020

The Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA) has been well recorded in the uppermost Mississippian–Pennsylvanian of Gondwana. Nevertheless, little is known about the temporal and geographic dynamics, particularly during the early Mississippian. We report on exceptional Tournaisian glaciomarine stratigraphic sections from central Argentina (Río Blanco Basin). Encompassing
c
. 1400 m, these successions contain conspicuous glacigenic strata with age constraints provided by palaeontological data and U/Pb detrital zircon age spectra. A variety of marine, glaciomarine and fan-deltaic environments indicate relative sea-level variations mainly associated with tectonism and repetitive cycles of glacial activity. Provenance analysis indicates a source from the Sierras Pampeanas basement located to the east. Fifteen sequences were grouped into three depositional models: (1) Transgressive Systems Tracts (TST) to Highstand Systems Tracts (HST) sequences unaffected by glacial ice; (2) Lowstand Systems Tracts (LST) to TST and then to HST with glacial inﬂuence; and (3) non-glacial Falling-Stage Systems Tracts (FSST) to TST and HST. The glacial evidence indicates that the oldest Mississippian glacial stage of the LPIA in southwestern Gondwana is constrained to the middle Tournaisian. In contrast with previous descriptions of Gondwanan coeval glacial records, our sequence analysis confirms complex hierarchical climate variability, rather than a single episode of ice advance and retreat.

Supplementary material:
Detailed stratigraphic sections, palaeocurrents and compositional analysis and U/Pb detrital Zr methodology and data are available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5011424
Anatomy of two Permian greenschist- to blueschist-facies tectonic mélanges in the Solonker Suture Zone (Inner Mongolia, northeastern China): evidence for divergent double subduction and soft collision
Authors: Liu Huichuan , Wang Jichun , Lai Chun-Kit , Li Yinglei , Wang Jingfan , Song Chongyu , Zhang Jiadong , Zhao Xin , Qin Jiangdong
Published: June 2020

The timing and processes of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) closure are still controversial issues due to ambiguous interpretation of the regional geological records. We describe the structural and kinematic features of two Permian greenschist-/blueschist-facies tectonic mélanges at Zhurihe and Erdaojing in Inner Mongolia (northeastern China), separated by the Solonker Suture. The tectonic mélanges have block-in-matrix fabrics. The Zhurihe tectonic mélange in the south is dominated by NE-trending folds, and east–west- to NE-trending reverse/strike-slip faults, indicating a NW–SE compressive direction. Blocks in the Zhurihe mélange include ophiolitic fragments (
c.
292 Ma) and ocean island sequences (
c.
274 Ma), which show E-MORB and OIB geochemical affinities, respectively. The matrix includes blueschist, greenschist, quartz schist and clastics, of which the blueschist yielded a zircon U–Pb age of
c.
255 Ma, and is geochemically E-MORB-like. The Erdaojing mélange north of the Solonker Suture is dominated by east–west-trending folds, and NE- and NW-trending reverse faults, indicating a north–south compressive orientation. The Erdaojing mélange is composed of early Permian (
c.
281 Ma) ophiolite blocks, and middle Permian (
c.
266 Ma) actinolite schist and clastics as the matrix. The Erdaojing ophiolitic rocks are geochemically N-MORB tholeiitic. Our results define two parallel Permian MORB-type ophiolitic belts separated by the central Solonker Suture. These observations are evidence for the Permian divergent double subduction and Early Triassic soft-collision model for the PAO along the Solonker Suture.

Supplementary material: Detailed analytical methods and results are available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5008910
About this title - Subaqueous Mass Movements and their Consequences: Advances in Process Understanding, Monitoring and Hazard Assessments
Authors: Georgiopoulou A. , Amy L. A. , Benetti S. , Chaytor J. D. , Clare M. A. , Gamboa D. , Haughton P. D. W. , Moernaut J. , Mountjoy J. J.
Published: June 2020

This volume focuses on underwater or subaqueous landslides with the overarching goal of understanding how they affect society and the environment. The new research presented here is the result of significant advances made over recent years in directly monitoring submarine landslides, in standardizing global datasets for quantitative analysis, constructing a global database and from leading international research projects.
Subaqueous Mass Movements
demonstrates the breadth of investigation taking place into subaqueous landslides and shows that, while events like the recent ones in the Indonesian archipelago can be devastating, they are at the smaller end of what the Earth has experienced in the past. Understanding the spectrum of subaqueous landslide processes, and therefore the potential societal impact, requires research across all spatial and temporal scales. This volume delivers a compilation of state-of-the-art papers covering topics from regional landslide databases to advanced techniques for
in situ
measurements, to numerical modelling of processes and hazards.
Simple Way of Making Free-Standing Battery Electrodes and their Use in Enabling Half-Cell Impedance Measurements via μ-Reference Electrode
Authors: Morasch Robert , Suthar Bharatkumar , Gasteiger Hubert A.
Published: June 2020

Free-standing electrodes can be useful for a plethora of diagnostic measurements, as they allow transmissive measurements, stacking of electrodes, and/or measurements where the current collector would be disturbing the signal. Another advantage displayed in this publication is their use in Li-ion battery half-cells to decrease and stabilize the impedance of the counter electrode that is usually made of metallic lithium, allowing to conduct electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of a battery-type working electrode via μ-reference electrode which would otherwise show artefacts over a wide range of frequencies. Using measurements on an equivalent circuit mimicking a Li-ion battery half-cell with a μ-reference electrode we show how such artefacts arise from the large resistance in the μ-reference electrode and the imbalance in working and counter electrode resistance. We also show how the use of a free-standing graphite electrode attached to the Li-metal counter electrode (Li/FSG) reduces the counter electrode resistance and allows an artefact-free impedance measurement of the working electrode via a μ-reference electrode. Finally, we show the stability of the Li/FSG electrode and compare it to a Li-metal electrode.
Approximate Solutions to the Klein-Fock-Gordon Equation for the Sum of Coulomb and Ring-Shaped-Like Potentials
Authors: Nagiyev Sh. M. , Ahmadov A. I. , Tarverdiyeva V. A.
Published: June 2020

We consider the quantum mechanical problem of the motion of a spinless charged relativistic particle with mass M, described by the Klein-Fock-Gordon equation with equal scalar Sr→ and vector Vr→ Coulomb plus ring-shaped potentials. It is shown that the system under consideration has both a discrete at EMc2 energy spectra. We find the analytical expressions for the corresponding complete wave functions. A dynamical symmetry group SU1,1 for the radial wave equation of motion is constructed. The algebra of generators of this group makes it possible to find energy spectra in a purely algebraic way. It is also shown that relativistic expressions for wave functions, energy spectra, and group generators in the limit c⟶∞ go over into the corresponding expressions for the nonrelativistic problem.
Organic Compounds: Contents and Their Role in Improving Seed Germination and Protocorm Development in Orchids
Authors: Utami Edy Setiti Wida , Hariyanto Sucipto
Published: June 2020

In nature, orchid seed germination is obligatory following infection by mycorrhizal fungi, which supplies the developing embryo with water, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, causing the seeds to germinate relatively slowly and at a low germination rate. The nonsymbiotic germination of orchid seeds found in 1922 is applicable toin vitropropagation. The success of seed germinationin vitrois influenced by supplementation with organic compounds. Here, we review the scientific literature in terms of the contents and role of organic supplements in promoting seed germination, protocorm development, and seedling growth in orchids. We systematically collected information from scientific literature databases including Scopus, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, as well as published books and conference proceedings. Various organic compounds, i.e., coconut water (CW), peptone (P), banana homogenate (BH), potato homogenate (PH), chitosan (CHT), tomato juice (TJ), and yeast extract (YE), can promote seed germination and growth and development of various orchids. They also stimulate seedling development, formation of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs), plantlet growth, and multiple shoot formation. The addition of organic compounds to culture media, individually or in combination, accelerates seed germination and seedling development. Different types and concentrations of organic nutrients are needed for the success ofin vitrocultures, depending on the species and genotype.
Density Peak Clustering Based on Relative Density Optimization
Authors: Li Chunzhong , Zhang Yunong
Published: June 2020

Among numerous clustering algorithms, clustering by fast search and find of density peaks (DPC) is favoured because it is less affected by shapes and density structures of the data set. However, DPC still shows some limitations in clustering of data set with heterogeneity clusters and easily makes mistakes in assignment of remaining points. The new algorithm, density peak clustering based on relative density optimization (RDO-DPC), is proposed to settle these problems and try obtaining better results. With the help of neighborhood information of sample points, the proposed algorithm defines relative density of the sample data and searches and recognizes density peaks of the nonhomogeneous distribution as cluster centers. A new assignment strategy is proposed to solve the abundance classification problem. The experiments on synthetic and real data sets show good performance of the proposed algorithm.
N-TiO2-x Nanocatalysts: PLAL Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Fazio Enza , Mezzasalma Angela Maria , D’Urso Luisa , Spadaro Salvatore , Barreca Francesco , Gallo Giovanni , Neri Fortunato , Compagnini Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

N-TiO2-x nanocatalysts are developed by the pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) technique, a simple and surfactant-free preparation method. The PLAL approach allows synthesizing chemical-morphological fine-tuning water TiO2-based nanomaterials, starting from targets of different nature (powders and commercial high purity targets). The catalytic activity was investigated using methylene blue (cationic dye) and methyl orange (azo dye). A different photocatalytic response was found for the various kinds of N-TiO2-x. In the first 20 min, under UV and visible light, about 50% and 10% of the methyl orange were removed using the N-TiO2-x and TiO2 colloids, respectively. In addition, we observe that the response towards the methylene blue is comparable in all the synthesized samples under UV irradiation while differing by about 30% under a visible lamp. The enhanced photocatalytic response of the N-TiO2-x nanocatalysts with respect to the TiO2 one is dependent on the content of the nitrogen dopant, surface area, and nitrogen-oxygen bonding configurations.
Association between MMP/TIMP Levels in the Aqueous Humor and Plasma with Axial Lengths in Myopia Patients
Authors: Yue Yu , Hsiao Yu-Wen , Zhou Ji-Bo
Published: June 2020

Purpose. The present study investigated the profiles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) of the aqueous humor (AH) and plasma (PL) in myopia patients, to determine whether there was an association between these levels with their axial length (AL) and to investigate if MMPs/TIMPs were regulated locally or systemically. Methods. A cross‐sectional study was conducted. Thirty‐nine patients (78 eyes) diagnosed with high myopia were recruited. The AL was measured using IOL Master. And the patients were divided into three groups based on their AL, Group A (AL ≤ 26 mm), Group B (26 < AL ≤ 28 mm), and Group C (AL > 28 mm). The AH in both eyes and blood samples were collected before the patients underwent implantable collamer lens surgery. In all, 78 samples of the AH and 39 samples of the PL were analyzed using MILLIPLEX map assays, followed by statistical analyses of the results. Results. There were 8 patients (16 eyes) in Group A, 22 patients (44 eyes) in Group B, and 9 patients (18 eyes) in Group C. MMP‐1 (p = 0.014, Β = 0.118), MMP‐2 (p ≤ 0.001, Β = 0.278), MMP‐9 (p ≤ 0.001, Β = 0.019), and TIMP‐1 (p = 0.014, Β = 0.062) in the AH were positively associated with the AL. MMP‐1 (p = 0.004, Β = 0.001) and TIMP‐1 (p = 0.030, Β = 1.171) concentrations in the PL increased linearly with longer ALs. No concentration‐dependent relationship was found between MMP‐2 in the PL and AL. Conclusions. There was a consistent relationship between MMP‐2 in the AH and AL. AL was not consistently or substantially affected by MMP‐2 in the PL, indicating myopia formation was possibly a localized process. Associations among MMP‐1, MMP‐9, and TIMP‐1 in the AH and AL were also observed.
Identification of Hub Genes as Biomarkers Correlated with the Proliferation and Prognosis in Lung Cancer: A Weighted Gene Co‐Expression Network Analysis
Authors: Xu Xuting , Xu Limin , Huang Huilian , Li Jing , Dong Shunli , Jin Lili , Ma Zhihong , Li Liqin
Published: June 2020

Lung cancer is one of the most malignant tumors in the world. Early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer are vitally important to reduce the mortality of lung cancer patients. In the present study, we attempt to identify the candidate biomarkers for lung cancer by weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene expression profile of GSE30219 was downloaded from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by the limma package, and the co‐expression modules of genes were built by WGCNA. UALCAN was used to analyze the relative expression of normal group and tumor subgroups based on tumor individual cancer stages. Survival analysis for the hub genes was performed by Kaplan–Meier plotter analysis with the TCGA database. A total of 2176 genes (745 upregulated and 1431 downregulated genes) were obtained from the GSE30219 database. Seven gene co‐expression modules were conducted by WGCNA and the blue module might be inferred as the most crucial module in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. In the pathway enrichment analysis of KEGG, the candidate genes were enriched in the “DNA replication,” “Cell cycle,” and “P53 signaling pathway” pathways. Among these, the cell cycle pathway was the most significant pathway in the blue module with four hub genes CCNB1, CCNE2, MCM7, and PCNA which were selected in our study. Kaplan–Meier plotter analysis indicated that the high expressions of four hub genes were correlated with a worse overall survival (OS) and advanced tumors. qRT‐PCR showed that mRNA expression levels of MCM7 (p = 0.038) and CCNE2 (0.003) were significantly higher in patients with the TNM stage. In summary, the high expression of the MCM7 and CCNE2 were significantly related with advanced tumors and worse OS in lung cancer. Thus, the MCM7 and CCNE2 genes can be good indicators for cellular proliferation and prognosis in lung cancer.
Assessment of Confirmed Clinical Hypersensitivity to Rituximab in Patients Affected with B-Cell Neoplasia
Authors: Novelli S. , Soto L. , Caballero A. , Moreno M. E. , Lara M. J. , Bayo D. , Quintas A. , Jimeno P. , Zamora M. I. , Bigorra T. , Sierra J. , Briones J.
Published: June 2020

Rituximab hypersensitivity reactions are rare but are one of the main causes of rituximab elimination from antilymphoma immunochemotherapy treatments. While the clinical picture may be indistinguishable from other infusion-related reactions, hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) do not disappear and instead become more intense with subsequent administrations. Objective. To describe the use of the 12-step protocol for desensitization to intravenous rituximab in clinical practice and the complementary study of a possible IgE-mediated HSR in the context of B-cell lymphoma treatment. Methods. A 12-step rituximab desensitization protocol was performed prospectively within clinical practice in 10 patients with a history of severe infusion reactions or in patients who had a repeated reaction at subsequent doses despite taking more intense preventive measures. Skin prick tests were performed at the time of reaction and at a later time to eliminate false negatives due to possible drug interference. Results. Overall, with the desensitization protocol, 70% of patients were able to complete the scheduled immunochemotherapy. Two patients had to discontinue the therapy due to clinical persistence and the third due to lymphoma progression. Intradermal tests with 0.1% rituximab were positive in only 20% of cases, demonstrating a mechanism of hypersensitivity. Conclusions. The 12-step desensitization protocol is very effective and assumable within healthcare practice. There is a need to determine the mechanism underlying the infusion reaction in a large proportion of cases due to the risk of future drug exposure.
Visco‐Elastoplastic Constitutive Fatigue Model for Rocks
Authors: Liu Jianhao , Pu Shaoyun , Rao Junying
Published: June 2020

The study on the constitutive fatigue model for rocks under cyclic loading has an important significance in rock engineering. In order to study the fatigue properties of rocks under cyclic loading, according to the theory of rheological mechanics and the existing three basic one‐dimensional fatigue elements, i.e., elastic, viscous, and plastic fatigue elements, the three‐dimensional elastic, viscous, and plastic fatigue elements were constructed. Meanwhile, a fatigue yield criterion for rocks under cyclic loading was proposed, and a three‐dimensional nonlinear visco‐elastoplastic fatigue constitutive model (NVPFM) for rocks was established by using the flow criterion related to the proposed fatigue yield criterion. Compared with the test results of rocks under cyclic loading, the three‐dimensional NVPFM could be used to describe the transient, steady‐state, and tertiary creep phases of rocks under cyclic loading.
Modeling and Experimentation of the Unidirectional Orthodontic Force of Second Sequential Loop Orthodontic Archwire
Authors: Jiang Jin-Gang , Chen Yi-Hao , Wang Lei , Zhang Yong-De , Liu Yi , Qian Wei
Published: June 2020

The abnormal tooth arrangement is one of the most common clinical features of malocclusion which is mainly caused by the tooth root compression malformation. The second sequential loop is mostly used for the adjusting of the abnormal tooth arrangement. Now, the shape devise of orthodontic archwire depends completely on the doctor’s experience and patients’ feedback, this practice is time-consuming, and the treatment effect is unstable. The orthodontic-force of the different parameters of the second sequence loop, including different cross-sectional parameters, material parameters, and characteristic parameters, was compared and simulated for the abnormal condition of root compression deformity. In this paper, the analysis and experimental study on the unidirectional orthodontic-force were carried out. The different parameters of the second sequential loop are analyzed, and the equivalent beam deflection theory is used to analyze the relationship between orthodontic-force and archwire parameters. Based on the structural analysis of the second sequential loop, the device for measuring orthodontic force has been designed. The orthodontic force with different structural characteristics of archwire was compared and was measured. Finally, the correction factor was developed in the unidirectional orthodontic-force forecasting model to eliminate the influence of inherent error. The average relative error rate of the theoretical results of the unidirectional orthodontic-force forecasting model is between 12.6% and 8.75%, which verifies the accuracy of the prediction model.
PHF14 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Migration through the AKT and ERK1/2 Pathways in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhao Yuzu , He Jiang , Li Yongsen , Xu Man , Peng Xingzhi , Mao Jingxin , Xu Bo , Cui Hongjuan
Published: June 2020

PHF14 is a new member belonging to PHD finger proteins. PHF14 is involved in multiple biologic processes including Dandy–Walker syndrome, mesenchyme growth, lung fibrosis, renal fibrosis, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and tumor development. This study aims to explore whether PHF14 plays an important role in gastric cancer. Here, PHF14 is indicated as a tumor promoter. The expression of PHF14 enhances no matter in clinical samples or in gastric cancer cells. High expression of PHF14 impairs survival of patients. Attenuation of PHF14 inhibits cell proliferation in gastric cancer cells. PHF14 downregulation inhibits the expression of cell cycle‐related proteins, CDK6 and cyclin D1. Furthermore, silencing of PHF14 reduces the level of phosphorylated AKT as well as phosphorylated ERK1/2. Finally, downregulation of PHF14 in gastric cancer cells inhibits colony formation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. These results indicate that PHF14 promotes tumor development in gastric cancer, so PHF14 thereby acts as a potential target for gastric cancer therapy.
Coordination of an Environmentally Responsible Supply Chain with Cost Disturbance under Carbon Price Fluctuations
Authors: Wu Shijuan , Huang Zhigang
Published: June 2020

This paper studies a two-echelon supply chain consisting of a retailer and a manufacturer under carbon emission reduction target and carbon cap-and-trade policy. The unit production cost varies when carbon price fluctuates. We find that carbon price fluctuations affect the original optimal production decision in the supply chain. We also compare how this disturbance affects the supply chain operations under three different power structures with a focus on the profitability and robustness.
Efficacy and Safety of Tongning Gel for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Multicentre, Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Parallel, Placebo‐Controlled, Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhao Ye , Shen Zhi Bi , Ge Ji Rong , Liu Wen Gang , Yang Jun Xing , He Cheng Jian , Lu Min , Shen Lin , Yin Hong , Chen Yong Qiang , Li Zhi Bin , Sun Qing , Xie Li Ming , Yuan Wei An , Zheng Yu xin , Zhan Hong Sheng
Published: June 2020

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tongning Gel (TNG) compared to placebo‐controlled (PC) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods. A multicentre, randomized, double‐blinded, parallel, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial was performed in 576 patients (432 patients in the TNG group, 144 patients in the PC group), and 1 in the experimental group withdrew due to nonuse of drug. Patients were randomized to receive TNG or PC applied to knee skin at 3g per time, 2 times per day, which lasted for 3 weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score was used to evaluate the primary efficacy of TNG and WOMAC stiffness and physical function and total scores were used to evaluate the secondary efficacy of TNG. All participants who received at least one dose of study drug were included in the safety analysis. This trial has been registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (no. CTR20131276). Results. Primary efficiency outcome: there were significant differences in the decreased value of WOMAC pain score between two groups (P < 0.05), and the decreased value of WOMAC pain score in the TNG group were better than those in the PC group (P < 0.05). Secondary efficiency outcome: the WOMAC total score, WOMAC stiffness score, WOMAC physical function score, and the decrease of the above indexes of the two groups of patients after treatment were statistically significant (P < 0.05), and the improvement of the above indexes in the TNG group was better than that of the PC group (P < 0.05). Safety Evaluation. A total of 42 adverse events were reported by 29 patients: 25 adverse events reported by 16 patients (3.71%) in the experimental group and 17 adverse events were reported by 13 patients (9.03%) in the control group. And 8 adverse reactions were reported by 6 patients including 2 adverse reactions by 2 patients (0.46%) in the experimental group and 6 adverse reactions by 4 patients (2.78%) in the control group. Two cases of significant adverse events occurred in the experimental group. Both groups had one serious adverse event, respectively, which were not relevant to the intervention. Conclusion. These results of the trial demonstrate that TNG is superior to placebo in the treatment of patients with KOA, and TNG can improve other symptoms of KOA, such as stiffness and physical function. TNG is safe for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis as a whole.