bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Synthesis of Quinazolinones by the Metal-Free and Acceptor-Free Dehydrogenation of 2-Aminobenzamides
Authors: Teng Qing-Hu , Chen Yan-Yan , Yao Yan , Meng Xiu-Jin
Published: August 2020

An efficient approach has been developed for the construction of quinazolin-4(3H)-ones by the selective anodic dehydrogenative oxidation/cyclization of benzylic chlorides and 2-aminobenzamides. The method features acceptor-free and metal-free dehydrogenation of amines to imines; a subsequent intermolecular addition provides the products in moderate to good yields.
Development of a Web-Based Nonoperative Small Bowel Obstruction Treatment Pathway App
Authors: Lyu Heather , Manca Caitlin , McGrath Casey , Beloff Jennifer , Plaks Nina , Postilnik Anatoly , Borchers Amanda , Diaz Nicasio , McGovern Sean , Havens Joaquim , Kachalia Allen , Landman Adam
Published: August 2020

Objective An electronic pathway for the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) was built and implemented on top of the electronic health record. The aims of this study are to describe the development of the electronic pathway and to report early outcomes.

Methods The electronic SBO pathway was designed and implemented at a single institution. All patients admitted to a surgical service with a diagnosis of adhesive SBO were enrolled. Outcomes were compared across three time periods: (1) patients not placed on either pathway from September 2013 through December 2014, (2) patients enrolled in the paper pathway from January 2017 through January 2018, and (3) patients enrolled in the electronic pathway from March through October 2018. The electronic SBO pathway pulls real-time data from the electronic health record to prepopulate the evidence-based algorithm. Outcomes measured included length of stay (LOS), time to surgery, readmission, surgery, and need for bowel resection. Comparative analyses were completed with Pearson's chi-squared, analysis of variance, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results There were 46 patients enrolled in the electronic pathway compared with 93 patients on the paper pathway, and 101 nonpathway patients. Median LOS was lower in both pathway cohorts compared with those not on either pathway (3 days [range 1–11] vs. 3 days [range 1–27] vs. 4 days [range 1–13], p = 0.04). Rates of readmission, surgery, time to surgery, and bowel resection were not significantly different across the three groups.

Conclusion It is feasible to implement and utilize an electronic, evidence-based clinical pathway for adhesive SBOs. Use of the electronic and paper pathways was associated with decreased hospital LOS for patients with adhesive SBOs.
Change in the Dominant Side of Chewing as a Serious Factor for Adjusting the Prophylaxis Strategy for Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis of Bounded Lateral Defects
Authors: Zekiy Angelina O. , Bogatov Evgenii A. , Voronov Igor A. , Sarkisyan Martiros S. , Llaka Ernest
Published: August 2020

Objective The main purpose of this article is to study the effect of a change in the dominant side of chewing after prosthetics with fixed structures on implants on the main indicators of osseointegration, adaptation to dentures, and the clinical dental status of patients.

Materials and Methods In a clinical trial, an analysis was made of the adaptation of 64 patients to intraosseous implant-supported fixed dentures and 56 apparently healthy volunteers. The examination complex included determination of the functionally dominant side of chewing, gnathodynamometry and electromyography indicators of masticatory muscles, and radiological osseointegration criteria. The overall treatment outcomes were evaluated using a visual analogue scale and an objective medical questionnaire, “Prognosis of Adaptation to Orthopedic Structures.”

Results Patients were divided into two subgroups: with a change in the dominant side of chewing after completion of orthopaedic treatment (40 cases) and without a change in the dominant side of chewing (24 cases). In the second subgroup of patients, in contrast to the first subgroup, relatively better indicators of gnathodynamometer and electromyography were observed. So, in the first group, gnathodynamometry indicators on the dominant side were 255.7 N and in the second group 225 N after 9 to 12 months. Electromyography indices amounted to (198.5 μV s) to (166.3 μV s) after 9 to 12 months. Bone density remained at the required level, and overall treatment outcomes were higher. Namely, the compact plate of the alveolar ridge was preserved, and the condition of the bone tissue around the implants testified to stable osseointegration. The participation of surface masticatory muscles in adaptation of patients to intraosseous implant-supported fixed orthopaedic structures and the necessity and importance of changing the dominant chewing side for the general outcomes of orthopaedic treatment have been discussed.

Conclusions It has been established that a change in the functionally dominant chewing side is accompanied by relatively unstable indicators of chewing function, which is combined with increased loads on the installed prostheses during 3 to 6 months of adaptation. This must be taken into account when planning an individual patient adaptation complex for dental orthopaedic structures.
Determinants of Categories of TB Retreatment with Special Reference to Sources of Primary Anti-TB Treatment
Authors: Karthikeyan Veerabadran , Ganapathy Kalaiselvan
Published: August 2020

Introduction Retreatment (previously treated) cases are the tuberculosis (TB) patients who have been treated previously with anti-TB drugs for at least a month and who have now been registered for category II anti-TB therapy. Retreatment cases arise due to inadequate and improper treatment of the new TB cases.

Objective The aim of the study is to assess the information regarding sources of previous TB drug exposure and treatment practices leading to retreatment cases (category II) and determinants leading to retreatment.

Material and Methods It was a community-based cross-sectional study of patients registered as retreatment TB cases under revised national TB control program (RNTCP) in the TB unit of Puducherry between October 2013 and September 2014. The study was held between October 2013 and October 2015. Initially the quantitative data were collected and followed by qualitative data. Data were collected by interviewing the patients using a predesigned questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed by using Epi Info (Version 3.4.3) software package.

Results Out of the 193 study participants, relapse cases were the most common 50.8%, followed by treatment after default cases 23.8%, failure cases 11.9%, and retreatment others 13.5%. There is a significant association between the retreatment categories such as failure, TAD (treatment after default), retreatment others, and ever usage of tobacco (p < 0.05). There is also a significant association between the retreatment categories such as TAD, retreatment others, and ever usage of alcohol (p < 0.05). The sources of previous antitubercular therapy for 90.16% retreatment cases were from government health care facilities under RNTCP, whereas for 9.84% retreatment cases the sources of previous antitubercular treatment were private health care facilities. There is a significant association between public health care facility where patients were previously treated for TB and relapse (p = 0.001) and private health care facility where patients were previously treated for TB and TAD (p = 0.008).

Conclusion As 90% of the patients have utilized the government health services for treatment, it shows the effective functioning of RNTCP-STF (state task force-revised national TB control program) mechanism in Puducherry.
“I’m all that stands between them and chaos:” a monstrous way of ruling in A Song of Ice and Fire
Authors: Kovács Györgyi
Published: August 2020

The article explores Tyrion Lannister’s rule in King’s Landing in the second volume of A Song of Ice and Fire books, A Clash of Kings. In the reception of ASOIAF and the TV show Game of Thrones, Tyrion was considered one of the best rulers, and the TV show ended by making him Hand to a king who delegated the greatest part of ruling to him. The analysis is based on Foucault’s notion of monstrosity in power, which is characterized by a monstrous conduct and includes the excess and potential abuse of power. The article argues that monstrosity in his rule reveals deeper layers in Tyrion’s personality, which is initially suggested to be defined by morality. The article also comes to the conclusion that his morality limits the scope of his monstrous methods, which eventually leads to his fall from power.
Semiclassical interpretation of Wei–Norman factorization for SU(1, 1) and its related integral transforms
Authors: Guerrero Julio , Berrondo Manuel
Published: August 2020

We present an interpretation of the functions appearing in the Wei–Norman factorization of the evolution operator for a Hamiltonian belonging to the SU(1,1) algebra in terms of the classical solutions of the Generalized Caldirola–Kanai (GCK) oscillator (with time-dependent mass and frequency). Choosing P2, X2, and the dilation operator as a basis for the Lie algebra, we obtain that, out of the six possible orderings for the Wei–Norman factorization of the evolution operator for the GCK Hamiltonian, three of them can be expressed in terms of its classical solutions and the other three involve the classical solutions associated with a mirror Hamiltonian obtained by inverting the mass. In addition, we generalize the Wei–Norman procedure to compute the factorization of other operators, such as a generalized Fresnel transform and the Arnold transform (and its generalizations), obtaining also in these cases a semiclassical interpretation for the functions in the exponents of the Wei–Norman factorization. The singularities of the functions appearing in the Wei–Norman factorization are related to the caustic points of Morse theory, and the expression of the evolution operator at the caustics is obtained using a limiting procedure, where the Fourier transform of the initial state appears along with the Guoy phase.
Highly accurate tuning of current–voltage characteristic shift in a photo-sensitive three terminal metal–insulator–semiconductor device
Authors: Mikhelashvili V. , Shneider Y. , Eisenstein G.
Published: August 2020

We present a planar three terminal device fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator substrate. The device is based on a two-layer dielectric stack comprising SiO2 tunneling and HfO2 layers. A so-called gate electrode is placed between two other contacts, of the source and drain, all deposited on the insulator stack. In the dark as well as under illumination, the current–voltage characteristic can be shifted in an ideal linear manner with changes in a positive gate voltage with the shift being somewhat larger under illumination. The reason for the change of shift is the ability of high-density oxygen vacancies, arranged in the filament regions within an HfO2 sublayer that was voltage stress. Namely, holes or electrons are trapped in the HfO2 sublayer, respectively, from the inverted or accumulated Si layer. This process is controlled by the gate and drain bias levels. Moreover, under illumination and at negative gate and drain voltages, the device exhibits negative differential resistance caused by capture of photo-generated minority carriers induced in the depletion region of the Si after they tunnel through the SiO2 layer by negative oxygen vacancies that migrate to the SiO2/HfO2 interface through the filament regions. Finally, the low level of saturation current in the dark and the ability to precisely control its value by illumination intensity, together with a large sensitivity of 80–85 A/W and 25 A/W, at 490 nm and 365 nm, respectively, allow additional applications that cannot be achieved with conventional MIS devices.
Universal characterization of cavity–magnon polariton coupling strength verified in modifiable microwave cavity
Authors: Bourhill Jeremy , Castel Vincent , Manchec Alexandre , Cochet Gwendal
Published: August 2020

A comprehensive study of the frequency dependence of the photon–magnon coupling for different magnetic samples is made possible with a tunable 3D-printed re-entrant cavity. Strong coupling is achieved with values ranging between 20 and 140 MHz. The reworked theory, experimentally verified for the first time here, enables coupling values to be calculated from simulations alone, enabling future experiments with exotic cavity designs to be precisely engineered, with no limitations on sample and cavity geometry. Finally, the requirements of the deep strong coupling regime are shown to be achievable in such experiments.
Joints and shape imperfections in high-Q 3D SRF cavities for RF optomechanics
Authors: Sharping Jay E. , Pate Jacob , Parker Jacob , Thompson Johnathon J. , Martinez Luis A. , Castelli Alessandro R. , Chiao Raymond Y.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we report on simulations of two types of high-Q 3-dimensional cavities: cylindrical TE011 and coaxial quarter-wave stub. We investigate the dependence of Q on the practical implementation tolerances of gaps between components, shape imperfections, and frequency tuning strategies. We find that cylindrical cavities can maintain high Q for designs that include frequency tuning and mechanical elements, provided extraordinary care is taken with shape and gap tolerance during construction and assembly. Coaxial stub cavities can be made with variable frequency while maintaining high Q, but they require more creativity to include a mechanical element. Finally, we report on a coaxial stub cavity, incorporating a conically shaped stub that confines the electric field near the stub’s tip, thus enhancing field–matter interactions near the tip.
Physically defined silicon triple quantum dots charged with few electrons in metal-oxide-semiconductor structures
Authors: Hiraoka S. , Horibe K. , Ishihara R. , Oda S. , Kodera T.
Published: August 2020

Physically defined silicon triple quantum dots (TQDs) are fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator substrate by dry-etching. The fabrication method enables us to realize a simple structure that does not require gates to create quantum dot confinement potentials and is highly advantageous for integration. We observe the few-electron regime and resonant tunneling points in the TQDs by applying voltages to two plunger gates at a temperature of 4.2 K. Moreover, we reproduce the measured charge stability diagram by simulation with an equivalent-circuit model composed of capacitors and resistors. The equivalent-circuit simulation makes it clear that we realize three QDs in series within the nanowire, as planned. This circuit model also elucidates the mechanism of resonant tunneling and identifies a quadruple point of TQDs.
Thermal sensing metasurface with programmable wave-front manipulation
Authors: Chen Lei , Nie Qian Fan , Ruan Ying , Cui Hao Yang
Published: August 2020

Combining thermal field sensing with microwave manipulation has always been a widely pursued topic for metamaterials for some time. However, most temperature-sensitive designs for metamaterials and metasurfaces are still limited in the single absorption manipulation. In this paper, we present a metasurface with programmable wave-front modulation for distributed thermal sensing. An element integrated with a Positive-Intrinsic-Negative (PIN) diode was designed for 1-bit phase response control, while a column of thermistors was applied for the distributed thermal stimulus. When the thermistors in distinct positions sensed the heat, a voltage control circuit directly changed the on–off states of diodes, to generate specific scattering fields. To demonstrate this behavior, a metasurface sample with 25 × 27 elements was designed, fabricated, and measured using four patterns. The results show great consistency with the simulation data, thereby validating the design.
Suboxide interface induced digital-to-analog switching transformation in all Ti-based memristor devices
Authors: Chang Lung-Yu , Simanjuntak Firman Mangasa , Hsu Chun-Ling , Chandrasekaran Sridhar , Tseng Tseung-Yuen
Published: August 2020

Oxidation of TiN is a diffusion-limited process due to the high stability of the TiN metallic state at the TiN/TiO2 junction. Hence, the TiN/TiO2/TiN device being the inability to form a suitable interfacial layer results in the exhibition of abrupt current (conductance) rise and fall during the set (potentiation) and reset (depression) processes, respectively. Interfacial engineering by depositing Ti film served as the oxygen gettering material on top of the TiO2 layer induces a spontaneous reaction to form a TiOx interfacial layer (due to the low Gibbs free energy of suboxide formation). Such an interface layer acts as an oxygen reservoir that promotes gradual oxidation and reduction during the set and reset processes. Consequently, an excellent analog behavior having a 2-bit per cell and robust epoch training can be achieved. However, a thick interfacial layer may degrade the switching behavior of the device due to the high internal resistance. This work suggests that interfacial engineering could be considered in designing high-performance analog memristor devices.
Role of induced exchange bias in zero field spin–orbit torque magnetization switching in Pt/[Ni/Co]/PtMn
Authors: Vergès Maxime , Kumar Vinod , Lin Po-Hung , Mangin Stéphane , Lai Chih-Huang
Published: August 2020

Current induced magnetization switching is of particular interest to develop non-volatile magnetic memories (MRAM). We studied spin–orbit torque (SOT) switching in a Pt/ferromagnet/antiferromagnet Pt/[Co/Ni]2/PtMn Hall cross. For the as-deposited sample, which showed no exchange bias effect, SOT switching is observed only under an in-plane applied field. In this case, when the in-plane applied field tends to zero, the current switching required diverges and the Hall voltage signal generated by the switching tends to zero. However, the same sample is annealed perpendicular to the plane and then in an in-plane applied field, which demonstrated not only square Hall voltage vs current hysteresis loops but also a moderate switching current in zero magnetic field. This procedure induces an out-of-plane exchange bias with strengthened perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and an in-plane exchange bias, which induces zero field SOT switching. The study of the SOT switching for both annealing procedures as a function of the injected current and the in-plane field is shown. These results could impact the design of future spintronics devices such as SOT-MRAM.
Gunn threshold voltage characterization in GaAs devices with wedge-shaped tapering
Authors: Hsu Hua-Wei , Dominguez Michael J. , Sih Vanessa
Published: August 2020

We fabricate gallium arsenide-based devices with a wedge-shaped tapering region connected to a rectangular-shaped region and measure the threshold voltage required to trigger the Gunn effect. The threshold voltage reduction is attributed to the focusing of the electric field toward the narrower end of the device and is effective when the device has a steep enough tapering. We also model the electric field profile for the tapered devices using an intuitive graphical approach and the finite element method and provide estimates for the threshold voltages of tapered devices. Finally, we compare the estimates to the measured values and provide possible reasons for the discrepancies. We believe the capability of threshold voltage reduction with the wedge-shaped tapering design could be useful in device applications.
Revealing mechanism of obtaining the valence band maximum via photoelectron spectroscopy in organic halide perovskite single crystals
Authors: Yang Meng-Fan , Yang Jin-Peng
Published: August 2020

In recent years, organic halide perovskites have attracted increasing attention from scientists. To understand the device's operational mechanism, obtaining their valence band maxima (VBMs) using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy plays a critical role in determining their electronic structures and related energy level alignments. Two methods are commonly used to extract their valence band (VB) edge from either linear or logarithmic intensity scales to reach the agreement with theoretical calculations. However, the consistency behind these two methods is not revealed. In this report, we have quantitatively studied VB edges for CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3PbBr3 single crystals using different photon energies. After considering both their origins of orbital hybridizations and density of state (intensity) distributions at various momentum spaces, it is revealed that precise VBMs from linear scales can be realized. The VBMs obtained from M symmetry points are 1.13 eV away from the Fermi level for CH3NH3PbI3 and 1.29 eV for CH3NH3PbBr3, suggesting that the VBMs (at the R point) are 0.86 eV for CH3NH3PbI3 and 0.89 eV for CH3NH3PbBr3. Our findings explain the mechanism of precisely obtaining VBMs from these halide perovskite single crystals.
Intra- and inter-conduction band optical absorption processes in
β
-Ga2O3
Authors: Singh Arjan , Koksal Okan , Tanen Nicholas , McCandless Jonathan , Jena Debdeep , Xing Huili (Grace) , Peelaers Hartwin , Rana Farhan
Published: August 2020

β-Ga2O3 is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor and is thus expected to be optically transparent to light of sub-bandgap wavelengths well into the ultraviolet. Contrary to this expectation, it is found here that free electrons in n-doped β-Ga2O3 absorb light from the IR to the UV wavelength range via intra- and inter-conduction band optical transitions. Intra-conduction band absorption occurs via an indirect optical phonon mediated process with 1/ω3 dependence in the visible to near-IR wavelength range. This frequency dependence markedly differs from the 1/ω2 dependence predicted by the Drude model of free-carrier absorption. The inter-conduction band absorption between the lowest conduction band and a higher conduction band occurs via a direct optical process at λ∼349 nm (3.55 eV). Steady state and ultrafast optical spectroscopy measurements unambiguously identify both these absorption processes and enable quantitative measurements of the inter-conduction band energy and the frequency dependence of absorption. Whereas the intra-conduction band absorption does not depend on light polarization, inter-conduction band absorption is found to be strongly polarization dependent. The experimental observations, in excellent agreement with recent theoretical predictions for β-Ga2O3, provide important limits of sub-bandgap transparency for optoelectronics in the deep-UV to visible wavelength range and are also of importance for high electric field transport effects in this emerging semiconductor.
Nanoscale characterization of unintentional doping of atomically thin layered semiconductors by scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy
Authors: Yamasue K. , Cho Y.
Published: August 2020

We use scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM) to visualize unintentional carrier doping of few-layer Nb-doped MoS2 mechanically exfoliated on SiO2. SNDM enables imaging of the majority carrier distribution in as-exfoliated samples at the nanoscale. We show that, unlike thick MoS2 layers, atomically thin layers exhibit a p- to n-type transition as the thickness decreases. The level of the observed unintentional n-doping is estimated to be 1×1013 cm−2, in agreement with the results of previous independent studies. In addition, the influence of ultraviolet–ozone treatment on the majority carrier distribution is also investigated. The n-type doping is observed to progress with increasing processing time. SNDM can be readily applied to atomically thin layered semiconductors and will advance understanding of and the ability to predict device characteristics even at an early stage of the fabrication process.
Modulation of optical switching characteristics in MoS2/HfO2/p-Si structures
Authors: Dong Anhua , Chang Ke , Wang Renzhi , Zheng Diyuan , Wang Hui
Published: August 2020

Memristors adopting emerging materials are identified as potential construction to meet the demands of high-end technology in the future. To build the memristors capable of achieving reliable and advanced action, the property of resistance switching deserves a lot of attention. In this study, an investigation is presented focusing on the switching characteristics of the structure of MoS2/HfO2/p-Si, the cause of which is mainly attributed to the action of sulfur vacancies. Specifically, the switching characteristic can be greatly enlarged by optical stimulation and regulated by the irradiation position. Owing to the modification of the oxide layer, the growth orientation of the MoS2 base layer on the surface of HfO2 layers alters horizontally. This induces an optimum path for the transport of photocarriers, which effectively takes full advantage of the conductive filaments and reduces the loss in diffusion. Consequently, the level of switching characteristics in light is highly promoted. We hope that these results can make a contribution to related optoelectronic research studies and MoS2-based devices.
Atomistic investigation of the temperature and size dependence of the energy barrier of CoFeB/MgO nanodots
Authors: Meo A. , Chepulskyy R. , Apalkov D. , Chantrell R. W. , Evans R. F. L.
Published: August 2020

The balance between low power consumption and high efficiency in memory devices is a major limiting factor in the development of new technologies. Magnetic random access memories (MRAMs) based on CoFeB/MgO magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) have been proposed as candidates to replace the current technology due to their non-volatility, high thermal stability, and efficient operational performance. Understanding the size and temperature dependence of the energy barrier and the nature of the transition mechanism across the barrier between stable configurations is a key issue in the development of MRAM. Here, we use an atomistic spin model to study the energy barrier to reversal in CoFeB/MgO nanodots to determine the effects of size, temperature, and external field. We find that for practical device sizes in the 10–50 nm range, the energy barrier has a complex behavior characteristic of a transition from a coherent to domain wall driven reversal process. Such a transition region is not accessible to simple analytical estimates of the energy barrier preventing a unique theoretical calculation of the thermal stability. The atomistic simulations of the energy barrier give good agreement with experimental measurements for similar systems, which are at the state of the art and can provide guidance to experiments identifying suitable materials and MTJ stacks with the desired thermal stability.
Selecting elite tomato genotypes through a modified analytical hierarchy process
Authors: Eynizadeh P. , Dehghani H.
Published: August 2020

Plant genetic improvement may be done traditionally by selecting the most appropriate genotypes based on heritability, stability, genetic distance and other genetic parameters. In this paper, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with some modifications was used as a new multivariate method for determining the capability of elite tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes to form the next-generation breeding population. Modified AHP is performed in three steps: (i) aligning traits and genotypes, (ii) calculating weights of traits, and (iii) calculating weights of genotypes. Fruit quality and yield were evaluated in 20 F2 tomato families cultured along with their parents in a randomised complete block design with three replications in the research field. The traits fruit yield, plant cluster number and fruit number per plant were identified as the most effective for ordering genotypes. Four families were identified as the best (selection among families), and the best individuals selected from a total of 60 individuals (selection within families) almost all belonged to these four families. Because of the use of genetic parameters in modified AHP, the selected genotypes were the best choices with respect to fruit yield, lycopene content and capability to create a breeding population.
The role of laboratories in mitigating the threat of Security Sensitive Biological Agents to animal health and agriculture
Authors: Eagles Debbie
Published: August 2020

The aim of Australia’s Security Sensitive Biological Agents (SSBAs) Regulatory Scheme is to limit opportunities for acts of bioterrorism or criminal acts using harmful biological agents. The scheme is based on a two-tiered list of agents, of which many can cause disease in animals and thereby have the potential to significantly impact Australian agricultural industries and the economy. Laboratories handling these agents have clear responsibilities for their biocontainment, biosafety and biosecurity. Importantly, through research and ongoing improvements to diagnostic assays and techniques, these facilities also play an integral role in threat preparedness, mitigation, diagnosis and control of natural, accidental or deliberate outbreaks of disease.
The m
6
A RNA demethylase FTO is a HIF-independent synthetic lethal partner with the VHL tumor suppressor
Authors: Xiao Yiren , Thakkar Kaushik N. , Zhao Hongjuan , Broughton James , Li Yang , Seoane Jose A. , Diep Anh N. , Metzner Thomas J. , von Eyben Rie , Dill David L. , Brooks James D. , Curtis Christina , Leppert John T. , Ye Jiangbin , Peehl Donna M. , Giaccia Amato J. , Sinha Subarna , Rankin Erinn B.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Here we report a synthetic lethal interaction between the epitranscriptomic modifier FTO and the tumor suppressor VHL. Notably, FTO inhibition reduced the growth of both HIF wild type and HIF-deficient tumors. These findings reveal an epitranscriptomic vulnerability of VHL-deficient cells and identify a potential HIF-independent therapeutic target for ccRCC tumors.
Multiomic blood correlates of genetic risk identify presymptomatic disease alterations
Authors: Wainberg Michael , Magis Andrew T. , Earls John C. , Lovejoy Jennifer C. , Sinnott-Armstrong Nasa , Omenn Gilbert S. , Hood Leroy , Price Nathan D.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Most diseases do not develop suddenly, but rather involve the gradual malfunction of physiological processes due to genetic and environmental influences. Here, we study blood measurements from 4,905 individuals and find that people at elevated genetic risk for various diseases have hundreds of detectable changes in blood protein and metabolite levels as well as clinical laboratory tests. These changes tend to also be present in people with the disease, suggesting that they represent early signs of physiological dysfunction occurring before the onset of disease symptoms.
A β-barrel for oil transport through lipid membranes: Dynamic NMR structures of AlkL
Authors: Schubeis Tobias , Le Marchand Tanguy , Daday Csaba , Kopec Wojciech , Tekwani Movellan Kumar , Stanek Jan , Schwarzer Tom S. , Castiglione Kathrin , de Groot Bert L. , Pintacuda Guido , Andreas Loren B.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Here we show how AlkL, a minimalistic outer-membrane protein from oil-consuming bacteria, exploits dynamics of extracellular loops to channel substrate across the polysaccharide barrier and into the hydrophobic interior of the outer membrane. This work represents a unique example of a side-by-side atomic-level structure determination by solution NMR in detergents and by solid-state NMR in lipid bilayers, which critically demonstrates the importance of a lipid environment to investigate function. Corroborating our experimental measurements, molecular-dynamics simulations capture substrate transit via lateral openings. The capacity to unravel membrane protein function under near-native conditions, fueled by the latest method developments, opens up a new frontier for their investigation, and provides thereby for improved fundamental insights into biological processes.
Calcium flares and compartmentalization in rod photoreceptors
Authors: Li Yunzhen , Falleroni Fabio , Mortal Simone , Bocchero Ulisse , Cojoc Dan , Torre Vincent
Published: August 2020

Significance

Rod photoreceptor outer segments (OSs) are specialized ciliary architectures. Our imaging experiments reveal three properties of rods. First, intracellular calcium and key proteins have a concentration varying from the OS base to the tip. At the OS base, [Ca2+]
i
is approximately 80 nM and increases up to ∼200 nM at the OS tip; second, there are spontaneous calcium flares in functional OSs, and these flares are highly localized and are more pronounced at the OS tip; third, a bright flash of light at 488 nm induces a drop in [Ca2+]
i
at the OS base but often a flare at the OS tip. This structural and functional gradient of the phototransduction machinery is a fundamental aspect of transduction in vertebrate photoreceptors.
One gene, multiple ecological strategies: A biofilm regulator is a capacitor for sustainable diversity
Authors: Mhatre Eisha , Snyder Daniel J. , Sileo Emily , Turner Caroline B. , Buskirk Sean W. , Fernandez Nicolas L. , Neiditch Matthew B. , Waters Christopher M. , Cooper Vaughn S.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Many organisms, including bacteria, live in fluctuating environments that require attachment and dispersal. These lifestyle decisions require processing of multiple external signals by several genetic pathways, but how they are integrated is largely unknown. We conducted multiple evolution experiments totaling >20,000 generations withBurkholderia cenocepaciapopulations grown in a model of the biofilm life cycle and identified parallel mutations in one gene,rpfR, that is a conserved central regulator. Because RpfR has multiple sensor and catalytic domains, different mutations can produce different ecological strategies that can coexist and even increase net growth. This study demonstrates that a single gene may coordinate complex life histories in biofilm-dwelling bacteria and that selection in defined environments can reshape niche breadth by single mutations.
Circadian regulation of c-MYC in mice
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Selby Christopher P. , Yang Yanyan , Lindsey-Boltz Laura A. , Cao Xuemei , Eynullazada Khagani , Sancar Aziz
Published: August 2020

Significance

A molecular clock controls circadian rhythmicity in mammals. The interplay of the clock with cellular growth and development is of interest regarding possible connections between cancer and clock disruption. The c-MYC oncoprotein is a transcriptional activator that has been reported to control and be controlled by the clock. We have used knockout mice mutated in genes controlling either the negative or positive arm of the molecular clock to clarify the role of the clock in c-MYC regulation. Results with both types of mutant mice consistently show that the clock controls c-MYC protein levels by controlling expression of the
c-Myc
oncogene. These findings will aid in understanding the interplay of the clock and clock disruption on cell growth control and cancer.
Hongkongites, Hong Kongers, Hong Kong Belongers?
Authors: Schulz Ninja , Biewer Carolin , Lehnen Lisa
Published: August 2020

To find empirical evidence for Schneider’s (2007) periodisation for the
emergence of Hong Kong English, Evans (2014, 2015) scrutinised various historical documents, such as newspapers, council proceedings and jury lists. Taking the
increasing use of the terms Hongkonger and Hongkong people during the 1980s as evidence for the
emergence of a new Hong Kong identity, he argued that the Chinese population considered themselves part of the community. This
paper systematises Evans’ (2014) approach by analysing terms denoting ingroup and
outgroup members in English news discourse in Hong Kong from 1903 to 1999. By tracing changes in frequency, reference and
discourse topics associated with the terms, periods of identity reconstructions are uncovered and Schneider’s and Evans’
periodisations reassessed. The study thus contributes to our understanding of the social dynamics in Hong Kong’s history, which
are considered key to the emergence of Hong Kong English.
Language learning grit, achievement, and anxiety among L2 and L3 learners in Russia
Authors: Sudina Ekaterina , Plonsky Luke
Published: August 2020

Although most research into grit – an individual difference that encompasses perseverance and passion for
achieving long-term goals – has taken a domain-general perspective (e.g., Duckworth et al.,
2007), emerging interest in a domain-specific approach to grit (e.g., Clark &
Malecki, 2019) provides the groundwork for research into language learning grit. Expanding upon this nascent line of
research (e.g., Teimouri, Plonsky, & Tabandeh, in press), this exploratory study
supports a two-dimensional factor structure of language learning grit and, given the superior criterion validity of the
perseverance of effort (PE) grit subscale comparable to foreign language anxiety with regard to second (L2) and third (L3)
language achievement and self-rated proficiency among 153 Russian undergraduates, a reconceptualization of – and further research
into – grit as a language-domain-specific construct in second language acquisition (SLA).
The translator as cartographer
Authors: Zhou Leonora Min
Published: August 2020

The concept of a cognitive map has been borrowed from psychology by literary scholars to denote the mental
representation of the spatial layout of (a) storyworld(s). The classic Chinese novel 紅樓夢 Hongloumeng ‘The Story of the Stone’ (also known as
The Dream of the Red Chamber) is particularly well-known for its topographic representation of a storyworld
of self-contained totality and detailed veracity. Using David Hawkes’s English translation of the novel and various materials from
his notebooks, this article demonstrates the translator’s (mental) cartographic effort to conjure up ‘maps in mind’ in response to
the textual spatial cues. I argue that Hawkes’s cognitive maps offer explanations to some translational performances that have
been too readily glossed over as insignificant. The article also aims to chart a new path forward for systematic investigation
into the significance of the translator’s imaginative participation in ‘the world inside the text’, for the sake of an enriched
understanding of translation, both as a product and a process.
Researching the motivation of Spanish to Chinese fansubbers
Authors: Moreno García Luis Damián
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the motivation of translators has attracted attention from TS scholars but there is a clear gap about the Chinese context. This paper explores the motivating factors of a Spanish-Chinese fansubbing group of volunteer translators that constitute a community nicknamed The Burrow. It probes into their perceptions in relation to their task and the public, and hints at the possible link between motivation, collaborative translation, and audiovisual content production by fans. A netnographical method was adopted for data gathering, via two questionnaires, a self-designed open-probe survey (OPS) and a modified version of the Volunteer Function Inventory (VFI) proposed by Clary et al (1998). Most fan translators think of themselves as consumers-producers and show traits similar to those of their readers. They believe producing content by themselves is related to higher motivation and also consider a relation between collaborative translation and higher motivation to exist. Self-determination theory was used for the analysis of motivations, and the emerging key motivating factors were understanding, enhancement and values. Passion and attaining experience were the two most important motivators before starting to fansub, and finding friends and having a volunteering platform were the two key motivating factors after becoming fansubbers.
Different strokes for different folks
Authors: Wehrmeyer Ella , Antunes Sarita
Published: August 2020

Until recently, the translator’s personality was a relatively unexplored area of research, but growing evidence points to
the influence of personality on the translator’s decisions. Although findings are not always statistically significant, empirical research
indicates that professional translators’ profiles differ from that of the local population, and that certain personality types are more
likely to make creative translation choices. This article explores the relationship between personality traits as defined by
the Big Five Inventory (Costa & McCrae 1989), and translation choices as defined by Baker
(2018) and Molina & Hurtado (2002). The findings indicate that professional translators with a dominant neurotic personality
trait are the most creative, whereas those with a dominant conscientious personality trait prefer literal translation choices. However, the
findings also indicate that age and experience are competing variables, both indicating a preference for literal translation.
Tracking mental processes in sight translation
Authors: Płużyczka Monika
Published: August 2020

The article reviews the author’s research on two selected eyetracking parameters, i.e., spatial saccades and pupil
dilation, and their relationship with the mental activity of the translator during sight translation performance. An overview and
discussion of the results of studies conducted in recent years show how we can detect particular mental processes involved in
translation thanks to the analysis of specific saccadic movements. It also points out the advantages and limitations of pupil
dilation in the assessment of the cognitive load. Both eyetracking parameters have been analysed in relation to their
neurobiological determinants.
The early presence and developmental trend of interpreter advantages incognitive flexibility
Authors: Zhao Hongming , Dong Yanping
Published: August 2020

Findings about interpreter advantages in cognitive flexibility have been discrepant. To examine whether task differences
and interpreters’ L2 proficiency contributed to the discrepancy, we tested two groups of university students (interpreting trainees vs.
control participants) with two color-shape switching tasks differing in stimulus valence (univalent vs. bivalent). The results showed that:
(1) only the univalent task detected a switch cost advantage for the interpreter group, indicating the task condition for observing
interpreting trainees’ early advantage in local switching ability (as indexed by switch cost); (2) only the interpreter group with an
advanced L2 proficiency showed a marginally significant mixing cost advantage over the control group, indicating a tendency toward an
advantage in more global and sustained control. These findings suggest tentative explanations for the discrepant results in the literature
and conditions for the presence and development of interpreter advantages in cognitive flexibility.
Feasibility and Acceptability of an Online ECHO Intervention to Expand access to Medications for Treatment of Opioid use Disorder, Psychosocial Treatments and Supports
Authors: Salvador Julie G. , Bhatt Snehal R. , Jacobsohn Vanessa C. , Maley Larissa A. , Alkhafaji Rana S. , Rishel Brakey Heidi , Myers Orrin B. , Sussman Andrew L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Buprenorphine combined with psychosocial support is the standard of care for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in office-based primary care settings. However, uptake of this treatment has been slow due to a number of addressable barriers including providers’ lack of training, staffing concerns, stigma and the need for ongoing support and consultation. This study examined acceptability and feasibility of an online Extensions for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model intervention developed to support rural primary care clinics to expand treatment and is part of a larger study tracking the impact of participation in this ECHO on expansion of MOUD in rural primary care.

Methods

We developed a comprehensive, 12-week online education and mentorship intervention using ECHO aimed at supporting the entire primary care clinic to start or expand treatment using MOUD, psychosocial treatments and recovery supports. We tracked participation and collected feedback using qualitative interviews and post-session questionnaires.

Results

Sixty-seven primary care staff across 27 rural clinics in New Mexico participated in the study including 32 prescribers and 35 clinic support staff. Average participation was 4/12 sessions. Post-session questionnaires showed positive feedback, including that 95% or more respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the sessions were relevant and improved their confidence. Qualitative interview themes included strong endorsement of the ECHO curriculum. Clinical duties were the most common barrier to attending sessions.

Conclusions

Engagement of 27 clinics, the range of staff and providers who participated, and positive feedback gathered through survey and qualitative interviews provide evidence of feasibility and acceptability of MOUD ECHO to support expansion of this treatment. However, barriers to participation present an important threat to feasibility. Understanding feasibility and acceptability is an important component of research on the impact of ECHO to expand MOUD treatment.
Intervention in an Opioid Overdose Event Increases Interest in Treatment among Individuals with Opioid use Disorder
Authors: Jones Jermaine D. , Campbell Aimee N. , Brandt Laura , Castillo Felipe , Abbott Rebecca , Comer Sandra D.
Published: August 2020

Background

This study sought to explore whether intervening in suspected cases of opioid overdose alters interest in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Data were collected as a part of a trial comparing the effects of different overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) training curricula on overdose outcomes.

Methods

Following OEND training, participants completed four in-person follow-up visits at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-months. Participants were also regularly contacted to inquire about overdose events they responded to, witnessed, or experienced themselves. Other assessments included the Addiction Severity Index that queries participants’ perceived importance of drug treatment on a scale of: 0 (Not at All) to 4 (Extremely). For the current secondary data analysis, treatment importance was assessed at the time points most immediately preceding and following participant intervention in an overdose event using naloxone.

Results

The sample reported a mean duration of opioid use of 14.9 (± 11.5) years, with 67% having witnessed an overdose event prior to the study. Of the 321 enrolled, 92 participants used naloxone in response to 166 suspected cases of an opioid overdose. For the entire sample, mean treatment importance did not significantly change throughout the study. Among participants who utilized naloxone, treatment importance increased following the event (Before: 3.03, After: 3.39, p = 0.02). Due to the amount of time between the overdose event and assessment of post-event treatment importance (40.5 days, ±40.2), the current study most likely underestimates this effect.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that responding to an overdose event increases interest in OUD treatment. Currently only considered an acute intervention to reduce overdose morbidity and mortality, OEND may have the potential to increase enrollment in medications to treat OUD. However, a prospective investigation needs to determine if the impact of an overdose event could be utilized to increase treatment engagement.