bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conscientious Objection
Authors: Coady C. A. J.
Published: June 2020

Recorded examples of conscientious objection to political authority date back at least to ancient Greece when Socrates refused an order to arrest a fellow citizen. But Socrates simply ignored the order, which gives some substance to Kimberley Brownlee's criticisms of conscientious objection (which she calls “personal objection”) as worth less respect and less legal recognition than civil disobedience, the latter being more communicative and hence more dialogic and democratically respectful. This entry questions such wholesale downgrading while critically assessing Brownlee's important views, and also analyzes the notion of conscience. The main focus of the entry is conscientious objection to war, though it has implications for other areas of conscientious objection. The restriction of legal recognition to religious grounds only and/or to all war is criticized and the case for selective conscientious objection to specific wars is argued and defended against important objections. The difficult case of serving soldiers who come to realize that their war is morally unjustified is discussed.
Deep Ecology
Authors: Brennan Andrew
Published: June 2020

One of the most influential positions in environmental philosophy, deep ecology emerged in the 1970s as the philosophical expression of a wider cultural movement in Scandinavia. The term “deep ecology” often refers loosely to any environmental ethical position that attributes intrinsic value or moral standing in its own right to some or all natural things. In the case of Arne Næss's work, on which this entry focuses, deep ecology also takes a relational view of human subjects (as defined by their place in larger ecological, social, and economic systems): things are what they are by being where they are. These two views define a “deep” form of ecophilosophical thought, as opposed to a merely “shallow” concern for reducing pollution and improving resource conservation for the sake of human welfare. Deep ecology emerged out of the conviction that a proper feeling for, and appreciation of, both human life and its natural surroundings depend on, and are developed by, experience of certain kinds. The mastery of skills such as kayaking, cross‐country skiing, rock climbing, and abseiling will typically develop physical fitness, confidence, and self‐assurance in the practitioner. But such benefits do not guarantee that any special feeling for nature is developed, unless participants in such activities are also encouraged to adopt a relationship to the environment that emphasizes identification with nature and self‐realization through immersion in the natural environment.
Religion and Politics
Authors: Coady C. A. J.
Published: June 2020

It is widely believed that religious conviction today presents a special problem for democratic politics, but the nature of the problem is often unclear. This is partly because of ambiguities around the concepts of religion, of politics, and of secularity, but it is also because the locus of the problem is open to contestation. This entry explores the problem area by analyzing the ambiguities, distinguishing the question of “separation of church and state” from other related issues, challenging the privatization of religion, and questioning the widespread idea that religion is especially prone to violence. Contemporary philosophical focus on the alleged threat that sole reliance upon religious reasons for significant political change poses to that special respect which all citizens of a democracy owe to each other is explored. Particular attention is paid to the idea that public reason (or in some versions, secular reason) provides an antidote to that threat and this requires consideration of the work of John Rawls and Robert Audi. Finally, it is suggested that the stress upon mandated types of reasoning in politics may obscure other more institutional dangers that may be posed by pressure tactics of religious and other bodies.
Lightweight and Wearable X‐Ray Shielding Material with Biological Structure for Low Secondary Radiation and Metabolic Saving Performance
Authors: Wang Yaping , Zhong Rui , Li Qian , Liao Jiali , Liu Ning , Joshi Neel S. , Shi Bi , Liao Xuepin , Guo Junling
Published: June 2020

Preventing X‐rays from reaching the human body is of great significance for the safe implementation of a wide range of related technologies. However, the current materials are commonly accompanied with low mechanical properties and backscatter radiation hazards. In this study, a structural material with high mass attenuation coefficients in a wide energy range (10–100 keV) is developed. The integration of high‐Z elements in hierarchical collagen nanofibers strongly reduces the backscatter radiation, resulting in only 28% of secondary radiation compared with a standard lead plate. The water vapor permeability of the engineered leather is nearly 340 times higher than commonly used synthetic and natural polymers. Compared with the commercial rubber‐based materials, the tensile strength of the engineered leather increased to 27.22 MPa (tenfold increase) and tear strength to 78.5 N mm−1 (threefold increase), respectively. A fully tailored engineered leather suit provides a 24.7% lower metabolic rate of locomotion and 67% reduced body heat compared with commercial lead aprons, which can facilitate better performance and safety during intensive activities in the health care and nuclear industries. This work lays a foundation for the engineering of next‐generation X‐ray shielding materials with potential large impact on the X‐ray application landscape.
Next‐generation Theranostics: Functionalized Nanomaterials Enable Efficient Diagnosis and Therapy of Tuberculosis
Authors: Li Bin , Tan Qingqin , Fan Zhijin , Xiao Keng , Liao Yuhui
Published: June 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is a large burden on public health worldwide. As a result, there is an urgent demand for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the control and prevention of TB. In this study, an efficient liquid biopsy strategy for TB diagnosis and a novel TB granuloma imaging‐guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) strategy for TB treatment are constructed based on functionalized nanomaterials. New biomarkers of leukocyte transcriptional signatures for TB are screened, and the seven best‐performing genes are selected for construction of a combined diagnosis strategy. This work produces a new liquid biopsy strategy for TB based on a nanodiagnostic platform. Furthermore, functionalized nanomaterials encapsulating aggregation‐induced emission fluorophores and upconversion nanoparticles are creatively developed to specifically target and image the lesions of tuberculous granulomas in vivo. The visual information could guide subsequent PDT with efficient antimicrobial activity. Hence, functionalized nanomaterials have the potential to be the next generation of theranostics and show outstanding performance that allows them to serve as a novel paradigm for the diagnosis and therapy of TB.
Establishment of adult right ventricle failure in ovine using a graded, animal‐specific pulmonary artery constriction model
Authors: Nguyen‐Truong Michael , Liu Wenqiang , Boon June , Nelson Brad , Easley Jeremiah , Monnet Eric , Wang Zhijie
Published: June 2020

Background

Right ventricle failure (RVF) is associated with serious cardiac and pulmonary diseases that contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality of patients. Currently, the mechanisms of RVF are not fully understood and it is partly due to the lack of large animal models in adult RVF. In this study, we aim to establish a model of RVF in adult ovine and examine the structure and function relations in the RV.

Methods

RV pressure overload was induced in adult male sheep by revised pulmonary artery constriction (PAC). Briefly, an adjustable hydraulic occluder was placed around the main pulmonary artery trunk. Then, repeated saline injection was performed at weeks 0, 1, and 4, where the amount of saline was determined in an animal‐specific manner. Healthy, age‐matched male sheep were used as additional controls. Echocardiography was performed bi‐weekly and on week 11 post‐PAC, hemodynamic and biological measurements were obtained.

Results

This PAC methodology resulted in a marked increase in RV systolic pressure and decreases in stroke volume and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, indicating signs of RVF. Significant increases in RV chamber size, wall thickness, and Fulton's index were observed. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen accumulation (particularly type III collagen) were evident, and these structural changes were correlated with RV dysfunction.

Conclusion

In summary, the animal‐specific, repeated PAC provided a robust approach to induce adult RVF, and this ovine model will offer a useful tool to study the progression and treatment of adult RVF that is translatable to human diseases.
The Universal Design for Learning Framework in Anatomical Sciences Education
Authors: Balta Joy Y. , Supple Briony , O'Keeffe Gerard W.
Published: June 2020

Over the past decades, teaching and learning within the discipline of anatomy has undergone significant changes. Some of these changes are due to a reduction in the number of teaching hours, while others are related to advancements in technology. Faced with these many choices for change, it can be difficult for faculty to decide on which new developments in anatomical education need or indeed can be integrated into their course to enhance student learning. This article presents the universal design for learning (UDL) framework—an informed, evidence‐based, and robust approach to underpin new course design and pedagogical reform in anatomy education. Universal design for learning is not a theory but a framework grounded in cognitive neuroscience that focuses on engaging multiple brain networks. The guidelines for UDL are organized into three core principles: (1) provide multiple means of representation, (2) provide multiple means of action and expression, and (3) provide multiple means of engagement. The learning space within the anatomy laboratory provides an excellent opportunity in which to apply this framework. This article also describes current trends employed in the teaching of anatomy. The principles of UDL are then outlined, followed by a description of how UDL approaches have been applied in the design and delivery of anatomy practical teaching to first year medical students at University College Cork. Future implications for this work are a consideration and investigation of how a course designed with the principles of UDL at its heart ultimately benefits student learning.
The equivalence transformation between Galois NFSRs and Fibonacci NFSRs
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Wang Biao , Yan Yongyi , Feng Jun‐e
Published: June 2020

The transformation between Galois type and Fibonacci type of nonlinear feedback shift registers (NFSRs) is investigated. First, the algebraic forms of Galois NFSRs and Fibonacci NFSRs are proposed respectively by viewing the NFSR as a Boolean network. Then, the observability of NFSRs is defined and the observability matrix is constructed, based on which, some necessary and sufficient conditions for the transformation between an n‐stage Galois NFSR and a Fibonacci NFSR with the same stage or stage less than n are obtained. Finally, two examples are provided to depict the theoretical results.
Interface between Lithium Metal and Garnet Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Perspective
Authors: Wang Jin , Huang Gang , Zhang Xin‐Bo
Published: June 2020

Garnet electrolytes (GEs) with high ion conductivity, excellent stability against lithium metal (LM) as well as wide electrochemical potential window are attracting increasing interest as they have the potential to enable all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries (ASSLMBs). However, GEs‐based ASSLMBs deeply suffer from daunting problems such as high resistance, fast short circuit, and rapid performance degradation, which can be largely attributed to unsatisfactory LM/GE interface. To this end, this minireview focuses on the LM/GE interface by summarizing the main challenges comprehensively, recapitulating emerging strategies for these challenges, and providing perspectives for future research.
A caged 2‐hydroxyethyl luciferin for bioluminescence imaging of nitroxyl in living cells
Authors: Ju Yong , Wang Anni , Li Xuewei , Xu Xu , Lu Jianzhong
Published: June 2020

Nitroxyl (HNO), a one‐electron reduction product of nitric oxide, demonstrates distinct biological and pharmacological activities. Here we designed a bioluminescent turn‐on probe, HNO‐8, that could be used to visualize HNO without the need for excitation light. HNO‐8 was prepared by caging 2‐hydroxyethyl luciferin with a triphenylphosphine unit, in which 2‐hydroxyethyl luciferin as a novel substrate of firefly luciferase was characterized by stronger and more sustained bioluminescent signals than the most popular substrates of d‐luciferin and 6′‐aminoluciferin. In vitro experiments showed that HNO‐8 could selectively respond to HNO generated from Angeli's salt(AS) in the range 1–50 μM, with a limit of detection of 0.196 μM. The probe was successfully applied for visualizing HNO in luciferase‐transfected Huh7 cancer cells. We envision that HNO‐8 could be used as a powerful bioluminescent sensor for researching HNO biological roles.
A validated LC–MS/MS method for the quantification of capivasertib in dog plasma: Application to its pharmacokinetics study
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Nong Li , Chen Meng‐Lei , Liu Ming‐Hui , Cheng Wen‐Wu
Published: June 2020

In this study, a simple and reliable liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method was first developed for the determination of capivasertib in dog plasma with ipatasertib as internal standard. The plasma samples were deproteinated using acetonitrile. An Acquity BEH C18 column (1.7 μm, 2.1 × 50 mm) maintained at 40°C was used for chromatographical separation, with water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase. Multiple reaction monitoring transitions were m/z 429.2 > 135.1 for capivasertib and m/z 458.2 > 387.2 for ipatasertib, respectively. Excellent linearity was achieved in the concentration range of 1–1,000 ng/ml with a correlation coefficient of >0.9981. The lower limit of quantification was 1 ng/ml. The extraction recovery of capivasertib from dog plasma was >85.81% and no significant matrix effect was found. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision was <9.58% and the accuracy ranged from −10.60% to 12.50%. The validated method was further applied to the pharmacokinetic study of capivasertib in dog plasma after single oral (5 mg/kg) and intravenous (1 mg/kg) administrations. The results revealed that capivasertib was rapidly absorbed into plasma with good bioavailability (47.04%) and low clearance.
External validation of the prognostic relevance of the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) in pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Barth Dominik Andreas , Brenner Carina , Riedl Jakob Michael , Prinz Felix , Klocker Eva Valentina , Schlick Konstantin , Kornprat Peter , Lackner Karoline , Stöger Herbert , Stotz Michael , Gerger Armin , Pichler Martin
Published: June 2020

Background

The advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) was first introduced for prognosis prediction in lung cancer patients and since then evaluated in several other malignancies. However, in pancreatic cancer (PC) the ALI and its prognostic utility were only investigated in a comparably small and specific cohort of locally advanced PC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

In our single‐center cohort study, we included 429 patients with histologically verified PC who were treated between 2003 and 2015 at our academic institution. The ALI was defined as body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) × serum albumin levels (g/dL)/neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and we defined the optimal cutoff for biomarker dichotomization by ROC‐analysis. Kaplan‐Meier method as well as uni‐ and multivariate Cox regression Hazard proportional models were implemented to assess the prognostic potential of ALI in PC patients. We considered cancer‐specific survival (CSS) as the primary endpoint of the study.

Results

The ALI showed a significant negative correlation with CA19‐9 levels and C‐reactive protein levels whereas we found an association with localized tumor stage and better performance status (P < .05 for all mentioned variables). As opposed to patients with a high ALI, decreased ALI was significantly associated with shorter CSS (HR = 0.606, 95% CI: 0.471‐0.779, P = .001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated tumor grade, tumor stage, chemotherapy, C‐reactive protein levels, and CA19‐9 levels to independently predict for CSS (all P < .05). In contrast the ALI failed to independently predict for CSS in the performed multivariate models (HR = 0.878, 95% CI: 0.643‐1.198, P = .411).

Conclusion

In this large cohort of PC patients, the ALI did not complement existing clinicopathological factors for outcome determination.
Percutaneous coronary intervention: The “oculosufficient” effect and how to overcome it
Authors: Karacsonyi Judit , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: June 2020

Key Points

Intravascular imaging and coronary physiology can improve the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention but are currently underutilized.

Longer procedure time, higher cost, and challenges with performance and interpretation are barriers to the use of intravascular imaging and physiology.

Selective application of imaging and physiology in more complex interventions, education of how to use these modalities, and reimbursement of the equipment cost could increase adoption of these techniques in everyday clinical practice.
Highly Regio‐, Diastereo‐, and Enantioselective Assembly of Azepino[2,3‐b]indoles viaPalladium‐Catalyzed [4 + 3] Cycloaddition†
Authors: Yang Wu‐Lin , Huang Zesheng , Liu Yang‐Zi , Yu Xingxin , Deng Wei‐Ping
Published: June 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric [4 + 3] cycloaddition of trimethylenemethanes and indoline‐derived aza‐dienes has been developed. The potential [3 + 2] side pathway was completely suppressed in the process. This protocol provides an efficient access to azepino[2,3‐b]indoles bearing two vicinal stereocenters in generally excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (up to > 20 : 1 dr, 99% ee).
Oxygen‐Deficient Birnessite‐MnO2 for High‐Performing Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ang Zhi Wei Javier , Xiong Ting , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Xue Junmin
Published: June 2020

The development and commercialisation of Zinc‐Ion Batteries (ZIBs) faces a daunting challenge caused by the limited selection of cathode materials. Among all the available choices, Manganese‐Based Oxides show the most promising potential due to the various benefits such as, low costs, natural abundance of Manganese, environmental benignity and its multiple valence states. Most notably, Manganese Dioxide (MnO2) as a cathode material for ZIBs has always been a popular area of research as it can exist in various phases with tunnelled and layered structures for the (de‐)intercalation of Zn2+ ions. However, despite many works reported on enhancing the electrochemical performances of MnO2, most of the proposed methodologies of improving the performance is based on Zn2+ ion insertion kinetics and these methods has been pushed to saturation. Herein, we propose an alternative direction of creating oxygen deficiency via defect engineering to enhance the surface‐capacitive electrochemical performance of MnO2. In this work, the Zn//Oxygen‐deficient Birnessite‐MnO2 achieved a specific capacity of 378 mAh g−1 which is one of the highest among other existing Zn//Birnessite‐MnO2 battery systems. Thus, this work is expected to shine light on the potential of defect engineering as a strategy to enhance electrochemical performances of MnO2.
Analytical Approaches for ATAC‐seq Data Analysis
Authors: Smith Jason P. , Sheffield Nathan C.
Published: June 2020

ATAC‐seq, the assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin using sequencing, is a quick and efficient approach to investigating the chromatin accessibility landscape. Investigating chromatin accessibility has broad utility for answering many biological questions, such as mapping nucleosomes, identifying transcription factor binding sites, and measuring differential activity of DNA regulatory elements. Because the ATAC‐seq protocol is both simple and relatively inexpensive, there has been a rapid increase in the availability of chromatin accessibility data. Furthermore, advances in ATAC‐seq protocols are rapidly extending its breadth to additional experimental conditions, cell types, and species. Accompanying the increase in data, there has also been an explosion of new tools and analytical approaches for analyzing it. Here, we explain the fundamentals of ATAC‐seq data processing, summarize common analysis approaches, and review computational tools to provide recommendations for different research questions. This primer provides a starting point and a reference for analysis of ATAC‐seq data. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
U.S. task force doesn't recommend for or against primary care prevention
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2020

In its most recent recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) last week said there is not enough evidence to recommend either for or against clinicians providing counseling to prevent drug use in young people. In the final recommendation statement, “Primary Care–Based Interventions to Prevent Illicit Drug Use in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement,” published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the task force concluded that “the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of primary care–based behavioral counseling interventions to prevent illicit drug use, including nonmedical use of prescription drugs, in children, adolescents, and young adults.”
Stimulated Raman Scattering in Melilite‐Type Crystals Ca2MgSi2O7 and Ca2Ga2SiO7
Authors: Kaminskii Alexander A. , Bohatý Ladislav , Eichler Hans Joachim , Lux Oliver , Rhee Hanjo , Burianek Manfred , Becker Petra
Published: June 2020

χ(3)‐nonlinear optical interactions in two melilite‐type stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)‐active non‐centrosymmetric crystals, Ca2MgSi2O7 and Ca2Ga2SiO7, formerly known as Nd3+‐laser media, are presented. Under picosecond pumping at 1.064 and 0.532 µm cascaded and cross‐cascaded effects occur in these tetragonal silicates. Besides the SRS‐promoting phonon modes with energy of ωSRS1 ≈ 908 cm−1 and ωSRS2 ≈ 668 cm−1 for Ca2MgSi2O7, and ωSRS1 ≈ 720 cm−1 and ωSRS2 ≈ 550 cm−1 for Ca2Ga2SiO7, respectively, combined phonon modes are observed. For Ca2MgSi2O7 new data in a broad wavelength range of refractive indices and their dispersion are given as well. The observed χ(3)‐nonlinear properties expand the functionality of the studied silicates and foreshadow their use in self‐frequency Raman laser converters (self‐SRS lasers).
Analytical approaches applied to the analysis of apprehended formulations of anabolic androgenic steroids
Authors: Berneira Lucas M. , da Silva Caroline C. , Passos Luan F. , Poletti Tais , dos Santos Marco A.Z. , de Pereira Claudio M.P.
Published: June 2020

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) comprise a class of synthetic androgens resulting from chemical modifications of testosterone, known for their illicit consumption, which can result inextensive side effects. Extraction procedures applied to the analysis of their formulations are still limited to a few methodologies, despite the increasing numbers of confiscations of AASs. In this sense, the aims of this work were to evaluate the extraction of active ingredients from formulations of anabolic agents using solid‐liquid or liquid‐iquid, ultrasonic bath, ultrasonicprobe, and microwave‐assisted extraction. The results indicated that the extraction procedures influenced the detected concentration of AASs, as the use of ultrasonic probe and microwave irradiation increased the overall extraction of anabolic agents compared with solid‐liquid, liquid‐liquid, and ultrasonic bath. Regarding oxymetholone, for instance, the microwave‐assisted extraction and ultrasonic probe extracted, respectively, 37.46 ± 1.36 and 35.69 ± 0.98 mg/tablet, while solid‐liquid extracted 29.63 ± 0.40 mg/tablet of the activeingredient. Therefore, alternative methods such as microwave‐assisted extraction or theultrasonic probe could be used for the analysis of formulations of AASs assisting with the identification of illicit and toxic components.
Ambiguous species boundaries: Hybridization and morphological variation in two closely related Rubus species along altitudinal gradients
Authors: Mimura Makiko , Suga Mihoko
Published: June 2020

Although hybridization frequently occurs among plant species, hybrid zones of divergent lineages formed at species boundaries are less common and may not be apparent in later generations of hybrids with more parental‐like phenotypes, as a consequence of backcrossing. To determine the effects of dispersal and selection on species boundaries, we compared clines in leaf traits and molecular hybrid index along two hybrid zones on Yakushima Island, Japan, in which a temperate (Rubus palmatus) and subtropical (Rubus grayanus) species of wild raspberry are found. Leaf sinus depth in the two hybrid zones had narrower clines at 600 m a.s.l. than the molecular hybrid index and common garden tests confirmed that some leaf traits, including leaf sinus depth that is a major trait used in species identification, are genetically divergent between these closely related species. The sharp transition in leaf phenotypic traits compared to molecular markers indicated divergent selection pressure on the hybrid zone structure. We suggest that species boundaries based on neutral molecular data may differ from those based on observed morphological traits.
COVID‐19 will accelerate the decline in international student enrollment
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: June 2020

‘Dates of destiny are always on time.’

— Anonymous

‘I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.’

— Ralph Waldo Emerson
A global view came easy for this well‐traveled leader
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2020

Costas Solomou credits his upbringing and educational background for nurturing a lifelong appreciation of the global perspective. A first‐generation college student whose parents emigrated from Cyprus when he was a child, Solomou has long seen the value of a university campus as a global melting pot. He has served since 2019 as Vice President of Enrollment Management at the State University of New York at Geneseo, relocating from his most recent position as Dean of Admissions at George Washington University.
Geochemistry of two types of Palaeoproterozoic granites, and zircon U–Pb dating, and Lu–Hf isotopic characteristics in the Kuandian area within the Jiao‐Liao‐Ji Belt: Implications for regional tectonic setting
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhang Peng , Li Yan , Li Dong‐Tao , Chen Jiang , Bi Zhong‐Wei
Published: June 2020

Palaeoproterozoic granites accompanied with granulite‐facies gneisses can be recognized in the Kuandian area, northern Jiao‐Liao‐Ji Belt (JLJB). This study highlights two episodes of Palaeoproterozoic magmatism, identified by granites and biotite monzogranitic gneisses herein. Zircon grains from biotite monzogranitic gneiss with homogeneous oscillatory zoning yielded a U–Pb age of 2,153 ± 16 Ma, in accordance with the age of zircon cores from the monzogranitic gneiss. Zircon grains from the two granites yielded upper intercept ages of 1,892 ± 38 Ma and 1,859 ± 36 Ma respectively. Monzogranitic gneiss samples are enriched in Th, Rb, Pb, U, and REE, but depleted in Sr and P. They have high 1,000 × Ga/Al ratios versus Zr, Ce, Nb, Y contents, which are usually interpreted as the features of classical A‐type granite that originated in a lithospheric extension setting. The ~1.89–1.86 Ga granite samples have relatively high Al, Rb, Th, U and low Sr, Zr, and Hf contents. These features, combined with the observation of minor apatite grains under the microscope are similar with the I‐type granites. In situ zircon Lu–Hf isotopic analyses revealed that ~1.89–1.86 Ga granite had a similar range and TDM2 ages with the monzogranitic gneiss, but with much lower εHf(t) values. The monzogranitic gneiss may have originated from an Archean crust, while the later granite may be derived from melting of the partial melting of the monzogranitic gneiss or the Archean crust that generated the monzogranitic gneiss. The ~1.89–1.86 Ga granites, together with the coeval S‐type granites in the JLJB, represent an orogeny process that may involve a Palaeoproterozoic subduction.
Research funding and price negotiation for new drugs
Authors: Barigozzi Francesca , Jelovac Izabela
Published: June 2020

This paper analyzes the negotiation process, which leads to basic research funding and price setting for new drugs in regulated health insurance markets. Its results bring answers to the following questions: Should basic research be privately funded, publicly funded, or produced by an independent lab? Under which conditions is public integration of basic research efficient? How do pharmaceutical prices respond to different organizations of basic research? We show that efficiency and prices are higher when basic research is integrated in the firm that commercializes the drug as compared with independent basic research. In both organizations, the higher the negotiation power of the research labs relative to the one of the public health authority is, the higher the prices and the efficiency are. We thereby confirm the traditional trade‐off between price containment and dynamic efficiency. We identify one important exception to this trade‐off. Indeed, public integration of basic research can result in lowest prices and highest efficiency, as compared with the other possible organizations, in particular when basic and applied research are highly complementary.
Assessment of reference evapotranspiration across an arid urban environment having poor data monitoring system
Authors: Shafieiyoun Elham , Gheysari Mahdi , Khiadani Mehdi , Koupai Jahangir Abedi , Shojaei Paria , Moomkesh Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in urban areas is challenging but essential in arid urban climates. To evaluate ET0 in an urban environment and non‐urban areas, air temperature and relative humidity were measured at five different sites across the arid city of Isfahan, Iran, over 4 years. Wind speed and sunshine hours were obtained from an urban surrounding weather station over the same period and used to estimate ET0. Calculated ET0 was compared with satellite‐based ET0 retrieved from the MOD16A2 PET product. Although MODIS PET was strongly correlated with the Valiantzas equation, it overestimated ET0 and showed average accuracy (r = 0.93–0.94, RMSE = 1.18–1.28 mm/day, MBE = 0.73–0.84 mm/day). The highest ET0 differences between an urban green space and a non‐urban area were 1.1 and 0.87 mm/day, which were estimated by ground measurements and MODIS PET, respectively. The sensitivity of ET0 to wind speed and sunshine hours indicated a significant effect on cumulative ET0 at urban sites compared to the non‐urban site, which has a considerable impact on the amount of irrigation required in those areas. Although MODIS PET requires improvement to accurately reflect field level microclimate conditions affecting ET0, it is beneficial to hydrological applications and water resource managers especially in areas where data is limited. In addition, our results indicated that using limited data methods or meteorological data from regional weather stations, leads to incorrect estimation of ET0 in urban areas. Therefore, decision‐makers and urban planners should consider the importance of precisely estimating ET0 to optimize management of urban green space irrigation, especially in arid and semi‐arid climates such as the city of Isfahan.
Philosophy and value in irrigation heritage in China*
Authors: Li Yunpeng , Tan Xuming , Zhou Bo
Published: June 2020

In the history of Chinese irrigation, a myriad of schemes have been constructed for agricultural development for more than 2000 years. Given the unique natural environment and climatic background, irrigation has become necessary for the development of agriculture and livelihoods. Traditional irrigation and agriculture have had a profound influence on Chinese history and culture, which is deeply reflected in the numerous schemesthat have been built. Accordingly, this paper briefly narrates the historical context of Chinese irrigation development and the basic characteristics of engineering technology of traditional irrigation structure. Then, it systematically analyses the historical and cultural aspects of irrigation heritage as well as the practical significance of irrigation heritage protection. Along with the development of Chinese history, irrigation schemes have left a lasting impact on the development of Chinese society, economy, politics and culture. The diversity and technological development of traditional irrigation in China are the inherent demands and inevitable requirements of social development. Although the technological level in the past was limited by certain traditional engineering types and structural materials, the schemes still have a good ecological effect. The philosophical values of Chinese irrigation heritage are also reflected in the relationship between engineering projects and the natural environment, as well as the principle of fair use of water resources in irrigation management based on recognition of the natural and social attributes of water rights. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
iThermoFog: IoT‐Fog based automatic thermal profile creation for cloud data centers using artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Tuli Shreshth , Gill Sukhpal S. , Casale Giuliano , Jennings Nicholas R.
Published: June 2020

Preventing failures in Cloud Data Centers (CDCs) due to high temperatures is a key challenge. Such centers have so many servers that it is very difficult to efficiently keep their temperature under control. To help address this issue, we propose an artificial intelligence (AI) based automatic scheduling method that creates a thermal profile of CDC nodes using an integrated Internet of Things (IoT) and Fog computing environment called iThermoFog. We use a Gaussian Mixture Model to approximate the thermal characteristics of the servers which are used to predict and schedule tasks to minimize the average CDC temperature. Through empirical evaluation on an iFogSim and ThermoSim based testbed and IoT based smart home application, we show that iThermoFog outperforms the current state‐of‐the‐art thermal‐aware scheduling method. Specifically, iThermoFog reduces mean square temperatures by 13.5%, while simultaneously improving energy consumption, execution time, scheduling time and bandwidth usage.
Normative Data for Impact Microindentation for Australian Men: Cross‐Sectional Data From the Geelong Osteoporosis Study
Authors: Rufus‐Membere Pamela , Holloway‐Kew Kara L , Kotowicz Mark A , Diez‐Perez Adolfo , Pasco Julie A
Published: June 2020

Impact microindentation (IMI) is a novel technique for assessing the bone material strength index (BMSi) in vivo. However, no studies have presented normative data for BMSi. The aim of this study was to develop such normative data using a population‐based sample of men, randomly selected from electoral rolls for the Barwon Statistical Division in southeastern Australia to participate in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. BMSi was measured on the tibial plateau using an OsteoProbe in 405 men (ages 33 to 96 years) during the period 2016 to 2019. Associations between BMSi, age, and anthropometry were examined using linear regression models. BMSi values ranged from 49.0 to 100.5. BMSi was negatively correlated with age (r = −0.152, p = 0.002), weight (r = −0.103, p = 0.039), and BMI (r = −0.187, p < 0.001), and positively correlated with height (r = +0.107, p = 0.032). Mean ± SD BMSi was 82.6 ± 7.0 for the whole group, and ranged from 85.6 ± 6.0 for ages 30 to 39 years to 79.8 ± 6.6 for ages 80+ years. This study provides normative data that can be used to calculate T‐ and Z‐scores for BMSi. These data will be useful for identifying men with low BMSi. Further research is warranted to derive optimal cut points for BMSi that discriminate fracture risk. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Gallstone formation analysis using the particle appearance, the particle binding to calcium ions, and the cholesterol nucleation with time in supersaturated taurocholate–lecithin–calcium ion solutions
Authors: Wu Jhih‐Ru , Chao Yu‐Liang , Kankala Ranjith Kumar , Lee Chia‐Hung , Liu Chen‐Lun , Hu Yu‐Fang
Published: June 2020

We conducted a time‐dependent study of cholesterol (Ch) nucleation to investigate the effect of calcium ions in the moderate supersaturated bile. In taurocholate/lecithin (TC/L) bile at a TC to L ratio of 5.1, the presence of calcium ions enhanced the nucleation rate of Ch. Contrarily, we observed the delayed nucleation of Ch after ~30 days in TC/L bile at a ratio of 2.0, regardless of the calcium ions. From the physical chemistry standpoint, the cholesterol activity (ChAT) is believed to be the driving force for Ch nucleation together with the sufficient nucleation sites. Hence, the micellar formation models along with the binding of TC monomers to calcium ions interpreted the time‐dependent results. Furthermore, a quasielastic light–scattering technique detected the formation of micelles and vesicles. In conclusion, the presence of calcium ions in TC/L bile at a high ratio enhances the vesicle appearance for nucleation sites and the high ChAT values for fast nucleation rate of Ch. However, an increase in the L concentration (i.e., low ratio bile) plays a significant role in the prevention of Ch gallstone formation, compared to the decrease in calcium ion concentration.
Association of phosphatase and tension homologue deleted on chromosome ten polymorphism rs1903858, but not serum levels with the risk of non–small‐cell lung cancer: A case‐control study
Authors: Liang Zhen , Tang Yuzhu , Li Hao , Xie Youjun , Zhan Lingling
Published: June 2020

Background

To investigate the association between phosphatase and tension homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) gene polymorphisms and non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and further identify whether these polymorphisms influence serum PTEN levels.

Methods

A total of 152 NSCLC patients and 124 healthy controls were included in the study. PTEN gene rs11202586 (T > C) and rs1903858 (A > G) polymorphisms were detected using the multiple single‐base extension technique (SNaPshot). The serum PTEN levels were determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

Results

The rs1903858 AG, GG genotypes, and G allele were associated with a higher risk of NSCLC (odds ratio (OR) =2.079, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.087‐3.974, P = .027; OR = 1.897, 95%CI = 1.053‐3.419, P = .033; OR = 1.505, 95%CI = 1.065‐2.126, P = .020). Stratified analysis reveal that the rs1903858 GG genotype and G allele were associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (OR = 3.226, 95%CI = 1.075‐9.678, P = .037; OR = 1.873, 95%CI = 1.092‐3.212, P = .023). Among smokers, the rs1903858 G allele carriers have an increased risk of NSCLC (OR = 1.916, 95%CI = 1.023‐3.589, P = .042), but a decreased risk of NSCLC was found with the AT haplotype. With respect to the serum PTEN levels, no significant difference was noted between NSCLC patients and healthy controls in this study.

Conclusions

The study indicated that the rs1903858 gene polymorphism is associated with increased risk of NSCLC, particularly in SCC and smoker, and the haplotype AT was a protective factor for NSCLC. The serum PTEN levels were not associated with NSCLC.
Effect of interface dipole on channel engineering and on direct tunneling current in double gate MOSFET
Authors: Sanjay  , Prasad B. , Vohra Anil
Published: June 2020

In the present work, the effects of interface dipoles on channel engineering and on direct tunneling current have been studied for a double gate (DG) NMOSFET with Si and In0.53Ga0.47As as channel materials. The gate tunneling current (IG) has been calculated for both type of devices and simulation results are reported using Silvaco ATLAS 3D TCAD. A gate length of 10 nm has been used for the simulations. All simulations have been carried out by considering the Direct Quantum Tunneling current model along with the self‐consistent solution of Schrödinger's equation with Poisson's equation. The wavefunction penetration into SiO2 has also been considered. Fermi Dirac statistics has been used in case of heavy acceptor doping of channel region in the devices studied. The effects of high‐k material, metal gate work function, and P+ channel doping variation on IG have also been studied. The calculations of IG have been carried out using SiO2 (0.8 nm thickness), and with its equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) using SiO2 + HfO2 (0.7nm + 0.641nm). In case of SiO2 + HfO2, changes in dipole moment at interface take place and lead to the change in work function of metal gates. This has been considered under interface dipole effects. It has been observed that IG of the NMOSFET decreases when high‐k material is used as gate dielectric. Also, the gate metal with high work function and heavy acceptor type doping of channel results in decrease in IG. There is a further reduction in IG by including the interface dipoles effect.
High‐density mapping of de novo focal atrial tachycardias using a new software: Protected low‐voltage areas by zones of conduction delay
Authors: Letsas Konstantinos P. , Efremidis Michael , Bazoukis George , Dragasis Stylianos , Megarisiotou Athanasia , Mililis Panagiotis , Saplaouras Athanasios , Vlachos Konstantinos , Asvestas Dimitrios , Valkanas Kosmas , Tse Gary , Sideris Antonios
Published: June 2020

Background

The pathophysiological mechanism of focal atrial tachycardias (AT) remains obscure.

Methods

Fifteen patients (6 males, age 45 ± 18) with focal AT underwent high‐density activation mapping using a new software called extended early‐meets‐late (EEML).

Results

Irrespective of the arrhythmia mechanism, low bipolar voltage fractionated signals (0.14 ± 0.10 mV) were seen at the earliest activation site. The mean low‐voltage area (LVA) at the earliest activation site was 3.2 ± 1.0 cm2. EEML mapping revealed zones of conduction delay at the borders of LVAs.

Conclusions

LVAs protected by zones of slow conduction appears to play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of focal ATs.
Effects of different maternal feeding strategies from day 1 to day 85 of gestation on glucose tolerance and muscle development in both low and normal birth weight piglets
Authors: Hu Chengjun , Jin Ping , Yang Yunyu , Yang Linfang , Zhang Ziwei , Zhang Lin , Yin Yulong , Tan Chengquan
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Maternal nutrition during gestation plays a vital role in fetal development. The effects of different maternal feeding strategies from day 1 to day 85 of gestation on glucose tolerance and muscle development in low and normal birth weight offspring were investigated by using 80 gilts randomly allotted to T1 and T2 groups and treated respectively with a gradual‐increase (T1) and a convex transition (T2) feeding strategy, with no difference in total feed intake.

RESULTS

T2 group was seen to have a higher percentage of piglets with birth weight less than 500 g, while T1 group was shown to have a higher percentage of piglets with birth weight over 700 g. Meanwhile, for both low and normal birth weight piglets, T1 group was higher than T2 group in terms of muscle free amino acid concentration, mRNA expression levels of muscle growth‐related factors, relative muscle fiber number and cross‐sectional area. We must emphasize that the T2 group was shown to improve glucose tolerance, slow‐twitch muscle fiber protein levels, and muscle mitochondrial function only in low birth weight piglets.

CONCLUSION

The convex transition feeding strategy can decrease the percentage of piglets with birth weight over 700 g, while improving glucose tolerance, slow‐twitch muscle fiber protein levels, and muscle mitochondrial function in low birth weight piglets. Our findings provide new evidence for the potential importance of nutritional strategies during gestation, especially for improving the glucose tolerance and muscle development of low birth weight neonatal. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics with Second‐Order Topological Corner State
Authors: Xie Xin , Zhang Weixuan , He Xiaowu , Wu Shiyao , Dang Jianchen , Peng Kai , Song Feilong , Yang Longlong , Ni Haiqiao , Niu Zhichuan , Wang Can , Jin Kuijuan , Zhang Xiangdong , Xu Xiulai
Published: June 2020

Topological photonics provides a new paradigm in studying cavity quantum electrodynamics with robustness to disorder. In this work, the coupling between single quantum dots and the second‐order topological corner state are demonstrated. Based on the second‐order topological corner state, a topological photonic crystal cavity is designed and fabricated into GaAs slabs with quantum dots embedded. The coexistence of corner state and edge state with high quality factor close to 2000 is observed. The enhancement of photoluminescence intensity and emission rate are both observed when the quantum dot is on resonance with the corner state. This result enables the application of topology into cavity quantum electrodynamics, offering an approach to topological devices for quantum information processing.
Coarse homotopy groups
Authors: Mitchener Paul D. , Norouzizadeh Behnam , Schick Thomas
Published: June 2020

In this note on coarse geometry we revisit coarse homotopy. We prove that coarse homotopy indeed is an equivalence relation, and this in the most general context of abstract coarse structures. We introduce (in a geometric way) coarse homotopy groups. The main result is that the coarse homotopy groups of a cone over a compact simplicial complex coincide with the usual homotopy groups of the underlying compact simplicial complex. To prove this we develop geometric triangulation techniques for cones which we expect to be of relevance also in different contexts.