bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consistency concept in different organizational structures: functional, process and hybrid
Authors: Flieger Michał
Published: September 2020

Consistency problem in management has been present for some time now. However, organizational consistency usually deals with specific elements that are a given part of an organization, and that need to suit each other. In this article, consistency is seen from a different perspective – as a holistic problem that embraces every aspect of organizations. Moreover, even in the holistic approach, the problem of consistency profile is essential. In every organizational structure, consistency must be achieved, but differently. Thus, the question of what kind of consistency is possible or necessary in terms of a kind of organizational structure arises. The article tries to answer this question. In functional structures, managers have a kind of freedom when they decide on what the consistency platforms should be like. When the organization operates in process or hybrid structures, there is no freedom, and only process profile of consistency platforms should be chosen. The main subject of the article is to drive our attention to consistency as a whole. The article also provides the distinction of the consistency approach according to organizational structure. The outcome may have a great application value for managers.
The essence of organisational culture in a uniformed organisation – a diagnosis and the desired state
Authors: Mierzwa Danuta , Rzepecka Aleksandra
Published: September 2020

The aim of the paper was to determine the type and profile of the organisational culture present in a selected uniformed organisation and to indicate the desired type of culture in light of its employees’ opinions. The methods used in the research include a critical literature review, the heuristic method, the comparative method, participant observation, as well as the quantitative method: a survey questionnaire composed according to K.S. Cameron and R.E. Quinn. An analysis of the results indicated that the dominant culture in the organisation nowadays is the hierarchy culture. However, the employees would like to see changes towards reducing the impact of the hierarchy culture in favour of formulating another type of organisational culture. Yet there is no clearly marked direction of changes in which this culture is supposed to evolve. Further insightful research is needed in this respect. Hence, it could be presumed that managing this type of organisation should not be based primarily on the hierarchy culture. Whereas there must be rules and procedures in place, it is also necessary to remember that the development of an organisation and, first and foremost, its employees, can be achieved by going beyond the established patterns.
The Case of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (Abt-Letterer-Siwe Disease) in Twin Girls
Authors: Y. Yakovlev Yakov , K. Manerov Farok , I. Andriyanova Olga , A. Dudkin Sergey , V. Matveeva Nataliya , V. Selivanova Nataliya , A. Zagorodnikova Olga , V. Domanskaya Olga
Published: September 2020

Abt-Letterer-Siwe disease is a form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis and occurs in 2–10 cases per 1 million of the child population per year. The Russian and foreign literature provide descriptions of this disease in children of different ages. Family cases of this pathology are described in a small number. The chapter presents a rare clinical observation of the Abt-Letterer-Siwe disease in twin girls.
Sensuality, AR/VR, and the Virtual Sublime
Authors: Heller Lynne
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the body, embodiment, augmented, virtual reality (AR/VR) and the virtual sublime. Through AR/VR one negotiates virtual worlds, often with a feeling of endless possibility and sublimity. This experience can lead to the danger of being swallowed up by the sublime. However, instead of being confronted by nature and the immensity of the skies, the virtual sublime references technology, infinitely zooming into microscopic and atomic structures, yet still shaking our sense of our world. The concepts of virtuality, digital materiality, the analogue/digital divide, an AR/VR spectrum, essentialism, sensorial sensuality and avatar instantiation will be explored, concluding with an analysis of the senses and the natural extension of sensorial engagement—affect. This article proposes that the heightened sensations of an AR/VR encounter lend themselves to the sublime. However, the deficit of AR/VR sensuality due to truncated sensorial input leads to feelings of disaffection and disconnection. The residual effect translates into a longing for a heightened engagement and becomes a yearning for the sensual input of physicality. Yearning therefore becomes a defining attribute of the virtual sublime. These ideas are considered in light of the philosopher Henri Bergson’s concepts of the absolute and the relative.
CUDA Accelerated 2-OPT Local Search for the Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Davendra Donald , Metlicka Magdalena , Bialic-Davendra Magdalena
Published: September 2020

This research involves the development of a compute unified device architecture (CUDA) accelerated 2-opt local search algorithm for the traveling salesman problem (TSP). As one of the fundamental mathematical approaches to solving the TSP problem, the time complexity has generally reduced its efficiency, especially for large problem instances. Graphic processing unit (GPU) programming, especially CUDA has become more mainstream in high-performance computing (HPC) approaches and has made many intractable problems at least reasonably solvable in acceptable time. This chapter describes two CUDA accelerated 2-opt algorithms developed to solve the asymmetric TSP problem. Three separate hardware configurations were used to test the developed algorithms, and the results validate that the execution time decreased significantly, especially for the large problem instances when deployed on the GPU.
The Influence of Electromagnetic Fields on the Behavior of Mice
Authors: Carlos Vera Roberto , Muñoz Israel
Published: September 2020

At the present, the development of life has led animals to have different behaviors in their evolutionary cycle, especially mice. For this reason, when mice are expose to physical agents such as electromagnetic fields, different behaviors can be found within their habitat and diet. Therefore, the analysis based on observation of the behavior of mice exposed to electromagnetic fields of different frequencies have been developed in the city of Potosí, Bolivia, which is located at an altitude of 3950 MASL. The methodology applied is the explanatory and longitudinal research. It is concluded that the influence of electromagnetic fields on the behavior of the mice generates a high stress index, influencing the change in the social behavior of the mice.
Polyimide Films for Digital Isolators
Authors: Chen Baoxing , Diaham Sombel
Published: September 2020

Digital isolators provide compelling benefits over legacy opto-couplers in terms of high speed, low power consumption, high reliability, small size, high integration, and ease of use. Billions of digital isolators using micro-transformers have been widely adopted in many markets including automotive, industry automation, medical, and energy. What are essential for the high voltage performance for these digital isolators are polyimide films deposited in between the top spiral winding and bottom spiral winding for the stacked winding transformers. In this chapter, digital isolator construction using polyimide films as isolation layers will be reviewed. To meet various safety standards such as UL and VDE, digital isolators need to satisfy various high voltage performances, such as short duration withstand voltage, surge voltage, and working voltage. Polyimide aging behavior under various high voltage waveforms such as AC or DC was studied, and isolator’s working voltage is extrapolated through a polyimide lifetime model. Structural improvements to improve polyimide high voltage lifetime will also be discussed.
Genes for Different Abiotic Stresses Tolerance in Wheat
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Purkyastha Shampa , Roy Chandan , Ranjan Tushar , Deo Ranjan Rakesh
Published: September 2020

In the recent past years, global warming and climate change have drastically affected the agricultural crop productivity grown in tropical and subtropical areas globally by appearing to several new biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the abiotic stresses, heat, drought, moisture, and salt stresses are most prevalent. Wheat is the most common and widely used crops due to its economic and social values. Many parts of the world depend on this crop for food and feed, and its productivity is highly vulnerable to these abiotic stresses. Improving tolerance to these abiotic stresses is a very challenging assignment for wheat researchers, and more research is needed to better understand these stresses. The progress made in understanding these abiotic stress tolerances is due to advances in three main research areas: physiology, genetic, and breeding research. The physiology research focused on the alternative physiological and biochemical metabolic pathways that plants use when exposed to abiotic stresses. Identifying genes contributing to particular stress tolerance is very important. New wheat genotypes having a high degree of abiotic stress tolerance are produced through marker-assisted breeding by making crosses from promising concerned stress-tolerant genotypes and selecting among their progeny using gene-specific markers.
Bovine Mastitis: Part I
Authors: Kerro Dego Oudessa
Published: September 2020

Bovine mastitis is one of the most important bacterial diseases of dairy cattle throughout the world. Mastitis is responsible for great economic losses to the dairy producer and to the milk processing industry resulting from reduced milk production, alterations in milk composition, discarded milk, increased replacement costs, extra labor, treatment costs, and veterinary services. Economic losses due to bovine mastitis are estimated to be $2 billion in the United States, $400 million in Canada (Canadian Bovine Mastitis and Milk Quality Research Network-CBMQRN) and $130 million in Australia per year. Many factors can influence the development of mastitis; however, inflammation of the mammary gland is usually a consequence of adhesion, invasion, and colonization of the mammary gland by one or more mastitis pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis, and Escherichia coli.
Premium-Priced, Branded Generic Pharmaceuticals in Emerging Economies
Authors: Hemphill Thomas A. , Johnson Scott D. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2020

Is it socially responsible to price at a premium, company branded generic pharmaceuticals in emerging economies? Building toward an answer to this question, the study first describes the role of the branded generic sector in the economic success of the global pharmaceutical industry. Second, the concept of “shared value,” i.e., the link between competitive advantage (and its theoretical antecedents found in corporate reputation and signaling theory) and corporate social responsibility (CSR), is introduced and applied to the global pharmaceutical industry’s position on marketing generic pharmaceuticals. Third, an empirical evaluation ascertains whether there is sufficient shared value for this company branded generics pricing strategy to be considered “socially responsible.” Fourth, after concluding there is sufficient shared value, a discussion section offers a public/private (corporate and industry self-regulation) framework that will help ensure that safe and effective pharmaceuticals are sold to consumers in developing economies. Lastly, a summary and conclusion section completes the article.
High-Intensity Interval Training in Middle-Distance NCAA Division I 800/1500m Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Price Ffion G. , Smith JohnEric W. , Turner Alana J. , Krings Ben M. , Waldman Hunter S. , Chander Harish , Knight Adam C. , McAllister Matthew J.
Published: September 2020

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has grown in popularity, with studies demonstrating improvements in aerobic and anaerobic performances within Sedentary and Recreationally active adults. Little research has been comprised on collegiate, middle-distance runners (800m/1500m). Objective: This research study aimed to investigate the impact of four-weeks HIIT cycling training on collegiate 800/1500m runners performance, and determine whether HIIT can be used as an alternative training method for student athletes. Methods: Twelve middle-distance runners were recruited, with six athletes completing the intervention. Athletes completed pre-testing, which included a 1500m time trial, a GXT, stride length and frequency measurements, and MVIC, using Biopac electromyography (EMG). After pre-testing, athletes completed four weeks of HIIT twice per week. The HIIT consisted of four 20-second bouts with 4 minutes recovery. Following the completion of the training intervention, post-testing was performed for all measures. A paired t-test was used to determine differences between pre- and post-performance tests. An ANOVA was used to determine changes in heart rate and RPE during the GXT. Results: Significant changes were demonstrated between the pre- and post-muscle activation tests of the quadriceps (p=0.05). Significant changes were seen with both HR (p<0.05) and RPE (p<0.05) throughout the GXT. No other significant differences were demonstrated between pre- and post-performance tests, concluding four-weeks HIIT does not alter 800/1500m performance. Conclusion: From the results of this study, HIIT could be used as an alternate method for training for 800/1500m runners. Further reasearch should be conducted toto further understand the impacts of HIIT on middle distance athletes.
Managing slow-moving item: a zero-inflated truncated normal approach for modeling demand
Authors: Rojas Fernando , Wanke Peter , Coluccio Giuliani , Vega-Vargas Juan , Huerta-Canepa Gonzalo F.
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes a slow-moving management method for a system using of intermittent demand per unit time and lead time demand of items in service enterprise inventory models. Our method uses zero-inflated truncated normal statistical distribution, which makes it possible to model intermittent demand per unit time using mixed statistical distribution. We conducted numerical experiments based on an algorithm used to forecast intermittent demand over fixed lead time to show that our proposed distributions improved the performance of the continuous review inventory model with shortages. We evaluated multi-criteria elements (total cost, fill-rate, shortage of quantity per cycle, and the adequacy of the statistical distribution of the lead time demand) for decision analysis using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). We confirmed that our method improved the performance of the inventory model in comparison to other commonly used approaches such as simple exponential smoothing and Croston’s method. We found an interesting association between the intermittency of demand per unit of time, the square root of this same parameter and reorder point decisions, that could be explained using classical multiple linear regression model. We confirmed that the parameter of variability of the zero-inflated truncated normal statistical distribution used to model intermittent demand was positively related to the decision of reorder points. Our study examined a decision analysis using illustrative example. Our suggested approach is original, valuable, and, in the case of slow-moving item management for service companies, allows for the verification of decision-making using multiple criteria.
Coloring of food by the use of natural color extracted by beetroot (Beta Vulgaris), betalain pigment
Authors: Chaudhary Sonika
Published: September 2020

Color is one of the most important quality attribute in the food products. The purpose of adding color in the foods is to make them attractive, to influence the consumer to buy the product and also to improve the quality of the food product. At the present time the demand of natural color is increased in worldwide due to the awareness of people on therapeutic medicinal properties and their benefits in the place of synthetic colors. Synthetic colors are harmful for health and show toxicity in food products. Natural color are those pigments which is derived from naturally sources such as plants, insects, animals, vegetables and fruits etc. among all these natural dyes, plant based pigments have medicinal values so are mostly preferred. Today the food industry are mostly preferred the use of natural coloring pigment in their food products because the generation of this time is very possessive to their health and preferred the food product which is made from the use of natural color. The present study is based on the use of natural colors in food product in the place of synthetic color. The natural color was extracted from beetroot (Beta Vulgaris) named as betalain pigment. Betalain pigment is rich in antioxidant property, vitamin A and C and also a good source of iron, calcium etc. In this experiment the use of the natural color in the preparation of cookies.Keywords:  natural food color, dyes, extraction, pigment, beetroot, betalain, cookies.
Composition and Classification of Tree Species in a Degraded Tropical Humid Rainforest in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ebeniro S. T. , Wali M. D.
Published: September 2020

Tree species information is essential for forest studies such as forest meteorology, botany and ecology, and across the relevant fields new techniques efficient for classifying tree species are desperately in demand. This study assessed tree species composition and classification in a degraded tropical rainforest in Southwest Nigeria. Data was collected from the Olukayode compartment of the study area of size 2 ha. Eight (8) Temporary sample plots of size 50 m x 50 m was laid using systematic line transect at 100 m intervals in the compartment. Hierarchical clustering in SPSS was used to find clusters of patterns in the measurement space. Tree species such as; Eucalyptus cameldulensis, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Khaya ivorensis, Khaya senegalensis,Nauclea diderichi, Terminalia randii, and Terminalia superba with a total frequency of 60 were identified, belonging to 3 different families. At similarity 5.0 from the dendrogram using ward linkage, samples 48 - 6 formed the first cluster, samples 28 - 9 constituted the second cluster while samples 20 - 13 constituted the third cluster. From the dendrogram using centroid linkage, at similarity 5.0, samples 59 - 7 formed the first cluster, samples 32 - 31 constituted the second cluster, and samples 8 - 28 formed the third cluster while the fourth cluster combined samples 17 - 21 which is a combination of trees from the three families. Histogram was used to show the diameter at breast height and total height distribution.
On Generalized Pentanacci and Gaussian Generalized Pentanacci Numbers
Authors: Soykan Yüksel
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we present Binet’s formulas, generating functions, and the summation formulas for generalized Pentanacci numbers, and as special cases, we investigate Pentanacci and PentanacciLucas numbers with their properties. Also, we define Gaussian generalized Pentanacci numbers and as special cases, we investigate Gaussian Pentanacci and Gaussian Pentanacci-Lucas numbers with their properties. Moreover, we give some identities for these numbers. Furthermore, we present matrix formulations of generalized Pentanacci numbers and Gaussian generalized Pentanacci numbers.
Seaweed - An Eco-friendly Alternative of Agrochemicals in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Mishra Abhay , Sahni Sangita , Kumar Sanjeev , Prasad Bishun Deo
Published: September 2020

Sustainable agriculture demands the use of our natural resources to enhance production and productivity without depleting the natural base along with a vision to preserve them for our future generation. The effect of modern agriculture driven by agrochemicals has raised serious concern about the health and wellbeing of our environment and humans as well. The growth of the population and shrinking resources has created the need for searching new technology and resources to balance between feeding and preserving the environment. Researchers are nowadays more focussed towards trying and testing new products to reduce our dependency on agrochemicals. Among the various alternatives, Seaweed has drawn the attention of many researchers due to its unique properties and abundant availability. They are nowadays used to increase the yield by enhancing the nutrient uptake by the plant. This can reduce excessive fertilizer application for yield enhancement. Seaweed extracts are also showing effective response against various pest and diseases. This property can also play a very important role in reducing our dependency on harmful chemicals for pest control.
Pesticide Residues and Their Degradation Products as Influenced by Acidity and Organic Matter in Kura Irrigation Farmland Soils
Authors: Olukanni C. O. , Audu A. A. , Waziri M.
Published: September 2020

The aim of this research is to determine the insecticide and herbicide residues and their degradation products in Kura irrigation farmland soils. The analyses were carried out during the planting (before harvest) and after the harvesting periods. The insecticide residue analyses were undertaken using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after extraction with a mixture of n-hexane and acetone (1:1) in a soxhlet extractor. The pH levels of the soil samples and the soil organic matter were also determined using standard analytical methods. The acidity and organic matter content of most of the soil samples increased slightly after harvest. The compounds detected as residues include 1-octadecene, 9-heptadecanone, (E)-3-eicosene, (Z)-5-nonadecene, heptadecane, 1-docosene, 1-nonadecene and 1-eicosene. Out of these residues, 1-octadecene and (E)-3-eicosene were detected during planting and after the harvesting periods, showing that they are the most persistent of the residues in the soil samples. The residues detected before harvest were totally different from the residues detected after harvest. This shows that the pesticides, after some time, degraded in the soil into completely different compounds and the total residues were detected in high percentages.
Some Exact Solutions of Compressible and Incompressible Euler Equations
Authors: Li Rulv , Ye Zhihui , Minzu Yunnan
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we use a surprised system to construct some exact solutions of compressible Euler equations with two and three dimension. Furthermore, we also give other exact solutions of three dimension incompressible Euler equations.
Linear Coassembly of Upconversion and Perovskite Nanoparticles: Sensitized Upconversion Emission of Perovskites by Lanthanide‐Doped Nanoparticles
Authors: Estebanez Nestor , Cortés‐Villena Alejandro , Ferrera‐González Juan , González‐Béjar María , Galian Raquel E. , González‐Carrero Soranyel , Pérez‐Prieto Julia
Published: September 2020

Sensitized emission of lead halide perovskite nanoparticles (LHPNPs) can be achieved by near‐infrared (NIR) excitation of nearby lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) by using a low‐cost diode laser. Here, the first preparation of linear assemblies of core and core–shell NPs, as well as linear coassemblies of LHPNPs and UCNPs, within an open peapod‐like lead sulfate shell are reported. UCNPs with a NaYF4 matrix doped with ytterbium and thulium or erbium, and with an inert shell of NaYF4 in the case of core‐shell, and all‐inorganic CsPbX3 NPs (X = halide) are chosen for these studies. Interestingly, the lead sulfate shell enhances the luminescence of the core/core– shell UCNPs in the polymers by ≈20‐fold and it also plays a role in the efficiency of the sensitized emission of the LHPNPs under NIR excitation of the UCNP‐LHPNP copolymers, as well as in the chemical stability of the LHPNPs in contact with water. The (co)polymers are prepared as colloids and deposited as solid films on a glass substrate. The lifetime of the sensitized LHP emission and the efficiency of the process wholly depends on the irradiance and on the sample state. These copolymers are promising candidates for the manufacture of photonic devices.
Obstructive sleep apnea in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Landete Pedro , Soriano Joan B. , Aldave Beatriz , Zamora Enrique , Acosta Carmen , Erro Marta , López Riolobos Cristina , Ramos M. Inmaculata , Moldenhauer Fernando , Ancochea Julio
Published: September 2020

Patients with Down syndrome (DS) often have a high occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea (OSA) syndrome. We studied a large cohort of adults with DS attended due to clinical suspicion of OSA. A standardized questionnaire and full medical assessment were conducted, including a sleep study. One hundred and fifty‐seven DS individuals were studied, with a mean ± SD age of 36 ± 10 years, 40.7% women, BMI 29.4 ± 5.6 kg/m2. The main clinical symptom was daytime sleepiness (64.9%). A sleep study was conducted in 114 patients. All 114 DS patients were diagnosed with OSA, with a predominance of obstructive and hypopnea events, (apnea‐hypopnoea index, AHI, 35.0 ± 26.6), with an oxygen desaturation index of 32.9, and a Tc90% of 24.7%. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment was implemented in 75 (65.8%) of subjects. Tolerance was considered good in 75% of them, with a high compliance of 79.2% >4 hr/day (mean 7.1 hr/day), resulting in a symptomatic improvement in 58.7% of them. Obstructive sleep apnea is frequently confirmed in patients with DS when it clinically suspected. Treatment with CPAP in DS is feasible, and with higher adherence than in adults with normal cognitive functioning.
Direct β‐ and γ‐C(sp3)−H Alkynylation of Free Carboxylic Acids**
Authors: Ghiringhelli Francesca , Uttry Alexander , Ghosh Kiron Kumar , van Gemmeren Manuel
Published: September 2020

In this study we report the identification of a novel class of ligands for palladium‐catalyzed C(sp3)−H activation that enables the direct alkynylation of free carboxylic acid substrates. In contrast to previous synthetic methods, no introduction/removal of an exogenous directing group is required. A broad scope of acids including both α‐quaternary and challenging α‐non‐quaternary can be used as substrates. Additionally, the alkynylation in the distal γ‐position is reported. Finally, this study encompasses preliminary findings on an enantioselective variant of the title transformation as well as synthetic applications of the products obtained.
Encapsulation of Unsaponifiable Matter of Rice Bran Oil Bychitosan and Lepidium perfoliatum Seed Gum: Characterization and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Jamshidi Mahboobeh , Kenari Reza Esmaeilzadeh , Motamedzadegan Ali , Biparva Pourya
Published: September 2020

The unsaponifiable matter (USM) of Tarom and Fajr rice bran oil were encapsulated with chitosan (CS) and Lepidium perfoliatum seed gum (LPSG) and physicochemical and structural properties, the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of particles were assessed. The results indicated that particles had a mean size of 145.5–232.7 nm with a narrow size distribution. Besides, theencapsulation efficiency of encapsulated powdersranged from 74.36 to 83.09%.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the formation of the spherical‐shaped and aggregated particles. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed the successful encapsulation of USM. The encapsulated powdersshowed higher total phenolic content than free USM, while presenting desirable antioxidant activity. In addition, the samples coated by LPSG presented better physicochemical properties than those coated by CS. Finally, our results suggested that encapsulated powders could have a promising application in food systems.
Implementation of p16/Ki67 dual stain cytology in a Danish routine screening laboratory: Importance of adequate training and experience
Authors: Hammer Anne , Gustafson Line W. , Christensen Pia N. , Brøndum Rikke , Andersen Berit , Andersen Rikke H. , Tranberg Mette
Published: September 2020

Background

Immunocytochemical staining with p16/Ki67 has been suggested as a promising triage biomarker in cervical cancer screening. As dual staining is a subjective method, proper training may be required to ensure safe implementation in routine laboratories and reduce risk of misclassification. We determined concordance between novice evaluators and an expert, stratified by number of slides reviewed at three reading points.

Methods

The study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Randers, Denmark. Women were eligible if they were aged ≥45, had been enrolled in one of two ongoing clinical studies, and had a dual stain slide available. Dual staining was performed using the CINtec plus assay. Slides were randomly selected from three reading points at which novice evaluators had reviewed <30, ~300, and ≥500 dual stain slides respectively. Level of concordance was estimated using Cohen's Kappa, κ.

Results

Of 600 eligible slides, 50 slides were selected for review as recommended by the manufacturer. Median age was 68 years (range: 58‐74). Overall concordance was good (κ = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60‐0.76), with an overall agreement of 84% (95% CI: 70.9%‐92.8%). Concordance improved with increasing number of slides reviewed at a given reading point, from a moderate concordance (κ = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.05‐0.90) after reviewing <30 slides to a good concordance (κ = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.20‐0.88) and a very good concordance (κ = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.66‐1.00) after reviewing ~300 and ≥500 slides, respectively.

Conclusions

When interpreting dual stain slides from older women, concordance increased slightly as novice evaluators received more training and experience. Although further evaluation is warranted, these findings indicate that a significant amount of training and experience of novice evaluators may be needed to ensure accurate dual stain interpretation in this age group. Future studies should accurately describe training and experience of evaluators to enable a better comparison of concordance and diagnostic accuracy across studies.

Trial registration

NCT04114968 and NCT04298957.
Ultrasound‐guided Erector Spinae Plane Block (US‐ESPB)—Anesthetic block: Case report
Authors: Coviello Antonio , Vargas Maria , Castellano Gaetano , Maresca Alfredo , Servillo Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

The Ultrasound‐guided Erector Spinae Plane Block (US‐ESPB), used as an anesthesiological block, could represent a safe and effective alternative for thoracic wall surgery especially in fragile, obese patients and those with respiratory and/or hemodynamic problems.
Racial disparities in mortality for patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Wen Wanqing , Luckenbaugh Amy N. , Bayley Christina E. , Penson David F. , Shu Xiao‐Ou
Published: September 2020

Background

Although racial disparities in prostate cancer survival are well documented, the relative importance of contributing factors remains unclear. Few studies have examined the disparity between Whites and Hispanics or between Whites and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).

Methods

Using data from the National Cancer Database for 526,690 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2004 and 2014, this study systematically evaluated the impact of clinical characteristics and factors related to access to care on survival by race. Included in the analysis were 432,640 White patients (82.1%), 63,602 Black patients (12.1%), 8990 AAPI patients (1.7%), and 21,458 Hispanic patients (4.1%). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals to measure racial survival disparities. Inverse probability weighting was used to adjust for imbalances of prognostic factors.

Results

When adjustments were made for age and year of diagnosis only, Blacks had 51% higher mortality, AAPIs had 22% lower mortality, and Hispanics had 6% lower mortality than Whites. Overall, with adjustments for all clinical factors and nonclinical factors, the Black‐White survival disparity narrowed to 20%, whereas the AAPI‐White disparity increased to 35%. Among the controlled‐for factors, education, median household income, and insurance status contributed the most to the racial disparity.

Conclusions

The overall survival disparity among men undergoing radical prostatectomy was significantly decreased, but not eliminated, for Blacks and significantly increased for AAPIs in comparison with Whites after adjustments for a number of clinical factors and factors related to access to care.
All‐inorganic Sn‐based Perovskite Solar Cells: Status, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Liu Yanghua , Gao Weiyin , Ran Chenxin , Dong He , Sun Nan , Ran Xueqin , Xia Yingdong , Song Lin , Chen Yonghua , Huang Wei
Published: September 2020

Recently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSC) based on organic‐inorganic hybrid Pb halide perovskites has reached 25.2 %. However, the toxicity of Pb has still been a main concern for the large‐scale commercialization of Pb‐based PSCs. Efforts have been made during the past few years to seek eco‐friendly Pb‐free perovskites, and it is a growing consensus that Sn is the best choice as Pb alternative over any other Pb‐free metal elements. Among Sn‐based perovskites, all‐inorganic cells are promising candidates for PSCs owing to their more suitable bandgap, better stability, and higher charge mobility compared to the organic‐inorganic hybrid counterparts. However, the poor phase stability of all‐inorganic Sn‐based perovskites (AISPs) and low PCE of their PSCs are most challenging in the field at present. Herein, recent developments on PSCs based on AISPs, including CsSnX3 and Cs2SnX6 (X=Br, I), are comprehensively reviewed. Primarily, the intrinsic characteristics of the two AISPs are overviewed, including crystallographic property, band structure, charge carrier property, and defect property. Sequentially, state‐of‐the‐art progress, regarding the photovoltaic application of AISPs as light absorber, is summarized. At last, current challenges and future opportunities of AISP‐based PSCs are also discussed.
Association between dopamine beta‐hydroxylase polymorphism and attention function in suicide attempters with chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Hui Li , Hu Wei Ming , Zhu Zhen Hua , Gao Song Tian , Han Mei , Fan Yu , Tian Qing , Yin Xu Yuan , Yuan Ying , Jiang Cai Xia , Yin Guang Zhong , Jia Qiu Fang , Zhang Xiang Yang
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with schizophrenia are at a higher risk for suicide compared with the general population. Dopamine beta‐hydroxylase (DβH) plays a key role in the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine, which is related to suicidal behavior and cognitive regulation.

Objective

To examine whether there is the effect of DβH 5′‐insertion/deletion (Ins/Del) polymorphism on cognitive performance in suicide attempters with chronic schizophrenia.

Methods

This polymorphism was detected in 114 suicide attempters and 617 non‐suicide attempters with chronic schizophrenia. Cognitive performance was assessed by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).

Results

The allelic and genotypic frequencies of this polymorphism between two groups did not differ after controlling for covariates (both, p > .05). There were no differences in RBANS scores between two groups after adjusting for covariates (all, p > .05). However, based on the genotype grouping in suicide attempters and non‐attempters, the attention score significantly differed after adjusting for covariates (both, p < .05). Further analysis indicated that this polymorphism was associated with attention score in suicide attempters (p < .05), but not in non‐suicide attempters (p > .05).

Conclusions

DβH 5′‐Ins/Del polymorphism was not a risk locus of suicide attempters, but it was implicated in attention regulation in suicide attempters with chronic schizophrenia.
Fatal COVID‐19 infection in a patient with long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: A case report
Authors: Wongkittichote Parith , Watson James R. , Leonard Jennifer M. , Toolan Elizabeth R. , Dickson Patricia I. , Grange Dorothy K.
Published: September 2020

Long‐chain fatty‐acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD) is an inborn error of long chain fatty acid oxidation with various features including hypoketotic hypoglycemia, recurrent rhabdomyolysis, pigmentary retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. Various stresses trigger metabolic decompensation. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a pandemic caused by the RNA virus SARS‐CoV‐2 with diverse presentations ranging from respiratory symptoms to myocarditis. We report a case of a patient with LCHADD who initially presented with typical metabolic decompensation symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and rhabdomyolysis in addition to mild cough, and was found to have COVID‐19. She developed acute respiratory failure and refractory hypotension from severe cardiomyopathy which progressed to multiple organ failure and death. Our case illustrates the need for close monitoring of cardiac function in patients with a long‐chain fatty acid oxidation disorder.
Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: The Role of ATA Nodal Risk Factors in N1b Patients
Authors: Taboni Stefano , Paderno Alberto , Giordano Davide , Albano Domenico , Piana Simonetta , Zanetti Eleonora , Bertagna Francesco , Grammatica Alberto , Ghidini Angelo , Cappelli Carlo , Bozzola Anna , Baronchelli Carla , Nicolai Piero , Lombardi Davide
Published: September 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Nodal involvement is frequent in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs), but its prognostic relevance is not univocal. Some characteristics of nodal metastases can increase the risk of recurrence. We attempted to quantify the impact on survival of nodal factors included in the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification system in N1b patients with DTC.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients affected by DTC who underwent therapeutic lateral neck dissection (ND) was performed. The impact on the prognosis of the number of positive lymph nodes (LNs), dimension of nodal metastasis, and microscopic and macroscopic extranodal extension (miENE and maENE, respectively) was investigated.

Results

The study included 347 N1b patients who underwent 401 therapeutic lateral NDs. Mean number of positive LNs was nine, mean nodal ratio was 0.27, and mean diameter of metastasis was 15.5 mm. ENE was detected in 25.9% of patients (22.5% miENE and 3.5% maENE). In univariate analysis, the presence of maENE had an impact on disease specific survival (DSS) (P = .023); increasing number of positive LNs affected DSS and locoregional control (LRC) (P = .009 and =.006, respectively); increasing metastatic node dimension was a risk factors for overall survival, DSS, and metastases free survival (MFS) (P = .05, =.013 and =.016). In multivariate analysis, number of positive LNs and LN dimension were independent risk factors for LRC and MFS, respectively (HR 1.1, P = .028; HR 1.1, P = .026).

Conclusions

In our analysis on a cohort of N1b patients, the number of positive LNs and LN dimension were confirmed as independent risk factors for locoregional and distant recurrence, respectively.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1029–E1034, 2021
Structural basis of strict substrate recognition of l‐lysine α‐oxidase from Trichoderma viride
Authors: Kondo Hiroki , Kitagawa Masaki , Matsumoto Yuya , Saito Masaya , Amano Marie , Sugiyama Shigeru , Tamura Takashi , Kusakabe Hitoshi , Inagaki Kenji , Imada Katsumi
Published: September 2020

l‐Lysine oxidase (LysOX) is a FAD‐dependent homodimeric enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of l‐lysine to produce α‐keto‐ε‐aminocaproate with ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. LysOX shows strict substrate specificity for l‐lysine, whereas most l‐amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) exhibit broad substrate specificity for l‐amino acids. Previous studies of LysOX showed that overall structural similarity to the well‐studied snake venom LAAOs. However, the molecular mechanism of strict specificity for l‐lysine was still unclear. We here determined the structure of LysOX in complex with l‐lysine at 1.7 Å resolution. The structure revealed that the hydrogen bonding network formed by D212, D315, and A440 with two water molecules is responsible for the recognition of the side chain amino group. In addition, a narrow hole formed by five hydrophobic residues in the active site contributes to strict substrate specificity. Mutation studies demonstrated that D212 and D315 are essential for l‐lysine recognition, and the D212A/D315A double mutant LysOX showed different substrate specificity from LysOX. Moreover, the structural basis of the substrate specificity change has also been revealed by the structural analysis of the mutant variant and its substrate complexes. These results clearly explain the molecular mechanism of the strict specificity of LysOX and suggest that LysOX is a potential candidate for a template to design LAAOs specific to other l‐amino acids.
Purification and identification of a new antifungal dipeptide from Bacillus velezensis AR1 culture supernatant
Authors: Bayisa Regassa A , Cho Jeong Yong , Kim Kil Yong
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Bacillus velezensis and other Bacillus species are known for the production of bioactive secondary metabolites that are active against plant pathogenic fungi. In view of this, a study was undertaken to investigate the antifungal potential of B. velezensis AR1 culture supernatant.

RESULT

The butanol extract concentrate of B. velezensis AR1 was separated into different fractions by column chromatography. A fraction eluted by 9:1 chloroform: methanol caused 25.8–70.2% and 25.2–56.3% growth inhibition of Monilinia fructicola and Colletotricum goeosporioides, respectively. This fraction was subjected to solid‐phase extraction using a Strata SI‐1 column and further purified by prep‐TLC to obtain a pure metabolite showing a single peak on high performance liquid chromatography. On the basis of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR 1H, 13C, HH COSY, HSQC and HMBC) analysis, the metabolite was identified as 5‐N‐tyrosinylornithine. The compound exhibited antifungal activity against two plant pathogenic fungi.

CONCLUSION

5‐N‐tyrosinylornithine, the secondary metabolite isolated from the culture supernatant of B. velezensis AR1 exhibited significant antifungal activity against two plant pathogenic fungi.
Pt Anchored on Mn(Co)CO3/MnCo2O4 Heterostructure for Complete Oxidation of Formaldehyde at Room Temperature
Authors: Wang Nenghuan , Xu Zhihua , Luo Tingting , Yan Zhaoxiong , Jin Mei , Shi Ling
Published: September 2020

Mn(Co)CO3/MnCo2O4 hybrids were prepared via a hydrothermal following by heat‐treatment process and used as novel supports of Pt nanoparticles for formaldehyde (HCHO) removal at room temperature. The catalyst heat‐treated at 150 °C had a primary nanorod‐like morphology, however, its well‐defined structure was obviously collapsed when the heat‐treatment temperature was above 350 °C. In the static experiment where indoor HCHO removal was simulated at room temperature, the catalyst heat‐treated at 150 °C with only 0.4 wt % Pt showed the best catalytic activity among the investigated samples, which possessed a HCHO removal efficiency of 92.2 % in 60 min under the initial HCHO concentration at approximately 180 ppm. The unique nanorod feature and heterogeneous interface between MnCo2O4 and Mn(Co)CO3 (MnCO3 and CoCO3) with a proper weight ratio are the main contributions to the superior catalytic performance of the catalyst by boosting the charge transfer and active oxygen species formation in the process of HCHO catalytic oxidation reaction. Our work indicates that well‐defined morphological heterostructures which facilitate the charge migration and formation of reactive oxygen species, could be the potential alternative catalysts in the enhancement of HCHO decomposition at room temperature.
Trinion conformal blocks from topological strings
Authors: Coman Ioana , Pomoni Elli , Teschner Joerg
Published: September 2020

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the relation between conformal blocks of Liouville CFT and the topological string partition functions of the rank one trinion theory T2. The partition functions exhibit jumps when passing from one chamber in the parameter space to another. Such jumps can be attributed to a change of the integration contour in the free field representation of Liouville conformal blocks. We compare the partition functions of the T2 theories representing trifundamental half hypermultiplets in N = 2, d = 4 field theories to the partition functions associated to bifundamental hypermultiplets. We find that both are related to the same Liouville conformal blocks up to inessential factors. In order to establish this picture we combine and compare results obtained using topological vertex techniques, matrix models and topological recursion. We furthermore check that the partition functions obtained by gluing two T2 vertices can be represented in terms of a four point Liouville conformal block. Our results indicate that the T2 vertex offers a useful starting point for developing an analog of the instanton calculus for SUSY gauge theories with trifundamental hypermultiplets.
Quartic Horndeski, planar black holes, holographic aspects and universal bounds
Authors: Figueroa Jose Pablo , Pallikaris Konstantinos
Published: September 2020

Abstract

In this work, we consider a specific shift-invariant quartic Horndeski model, deriving new planar black hole solutions with axionic hair. We explore these solutions in terms of their horizon structure and their thermodynamic properties. We use the gauge/gravity dictionary to derive the DC transport coefficients of the holographic dual with the aim of investigating how the new deformation affects the universality of some renown bound proposals. Although most of them are found to hold true, we nevertheless find a highly interesting parametric violation of the heat conductivity-to-temperature lower bound which acquires a dependence on both the scale and the coupling. Finally, using a perturbative approach, a more brutal violation of the viscocity-to-entropy ratio is demonstrated.
4D $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 Kaluza-Klein superspace
Authors: Becker Katrin , Butter Daniel
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Motivated by recent efforts to encode 11D supergravity in 4D $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superfields, we introduce a general covariant framework relevant for describing any higher dimensional supergravity theory in external 4D $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superspace with n additional internal coordinates. The superspace geometry admits both external and internal diffeomorphisms and provides the superfields necessary to encode the components of the higher dimensional vielbein, except for the purely internal sector, in a universal way that depends only on the internal dimension n. In contrast, the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superfield content of the internal sector of the metric is expected to be highly case dependent and involve covariant matter superfields, with additional hidden higher dimensional Lorentz and supersymmetry transformations realized in a non-linear manner.