bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of the Half‐Skyrmion Hall Effect and Its Application to Adder–Subtractor
Authors: Yang Seungmo , Moon Kyoung‐Woong , Kim Changsoo , Kim Duck‐Ho , Shin Jeonghun , Hong Jinpyo , Kim Se Kwon , Hwang Chanyong
Published: November 2020

Skyrmions have attracted a great attention in spintronics because of their potential use as robust information carriers with distinctive protection. Though the realization of skyrmion‐based devices requires flexible control of a skyrmion motion, achieving such a skyrmion motion has been hampered by the skyrmion Hall effect (SkHE), which refers to the presence of a finite angle between a current and the skyrmion trajectory. Here, new insight for the precise control of half‐skyrmion motion is presented, including complete suppression of the SkHE by deforming the internal structure of skyrmions, which is experimentally achieved by external magnetic field to steer current‐driven half‐skyrmions in the desired direction. Furthermore, based on the unique advantages in half‐skyrmions, the potential of half‐skyrmions application beyond skyrmion‐based electronics is also demonstrated by presenting simple half‐skyrmion‐based addition/subtraction operation. The findings of controllability of 2D half‐skyrmion motion will provide new perspectives on utilization of topological solitons for device applications.
Do IPO costs affect innovation?
Authors: Cox Justin , Fuller Kathleen P. , Lin Zhilu , Wu Wentao
Published: November 2020

Given the importance of accessing capital to a firm's future, we analyze whether the initial public offering (IPO) costs impact the firm's future innovation. Using the firm's patents and patent citations as our measures of innovation, results indicate that firms with higher IPO costs experience lower initial post‐IPO firm innovation. We also document that the relation between IPO costs and initial post‐IPO firm innovation is stronger in financially constrained firms. Results hold across multiple measures of IPO costs as well as controlling for the level of pre‐IPO innovation activity. We conclude that IPO costs are an important determinant of short‐term post‐IPO firm innovation.
Determination of Mercury Ions in Aqueous Medium and Urine Sample Using Thiocarbohydrazide Based Sensor
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Kumar Davinder , Chhibber Manmohan
Published: November 2020

The identification and quantification of toxic Hg2+ ions in biological fluids is significant due to its harmful effects. The ion is an exceptional contaminant due to its manifestation in the environment through anthropogenic emissions besides other industrial processes. The bioaccumulation of Hg2+ ions through water bodies, soil and food causes damage to the central nervous system and endocrine glands. This work describes the synthesis of Compd‐2 (Compound 2), a thiocarbohydrazide‐based UV‐active sensor, that can detect Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions in the aqueous medium (HEPES buffer (3 mM) /acetonitrile = 99 : 1, v/v ). Compd‐2 responds linearly to the varying concentrations of Hg2+ with a minimum detection limit of 27 nM and a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. 1H NMR titration with increasing Hg2+ ion concentrations confirmed its interaction by shifting of the peak. In‐silico modelling using Gaussian 16.0 and IR spectroscopy verified a single binding site for the Hg2+ ions. Aqueous solubility of Compd‐2 was used as an advantage to develop a methodology for the detection and quantification of Hg2+ ions in the human urine sample. The work also demonstrates the nM quantification of Hg2+ ions in the urine sample by the standard addition method.
Zinc and Cadmium Nitrilotris(methylenephosphonate)s: A Comparative Study of Different Coordination Structures for Corrosion Inhibition of Steels in Neutral Aqueous Media
Authors: Chausov Feodor F. , Kazantseva Irina S. , Reshetnikov Sergey M. , Lomova Natalya V. , Maratkanova Alyona N. , Somov Nikolay V.
Published: November 2020

The paper gives a comparative analysis between different coordination structures, determined by single crystal XRD, of Zn and Cd NTP complexes used as corrosion inhibitors for steels in aqueous media according to voltammetry data. The paper provides the results for polymeric O‐coordinated complexes and mononuclear N,O‐coordinated complexes of both metals. Structural differences between complexes of the same metal which possess different structures (polymeric and mononuclear) lead to their different anti‐corrosion activity. Polymeric O‐coordinated complexes of both metals exhibit low anti‐corrosion activity. N,O‐coordinated complexes of Zn and Cd are effective corrosion inhibitors, with Cd complex being four times more effective than Zn complexes.
A Novel High Selective Colorimetric Chemosensor for Determination of Copper in Food Samples: Visual Detection
Authors: Mohammadnejad Masoumeh , Shiri Morteza , Heydari Masumeh , Faghihi Zeinab , Afshinpoor Leila
Published: November 2020

Rhodamine B hydrazide and 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde derivatives were used to synthesize novel colorimetric sensors for highly selective detection of copper ion. The measurement was based on the interaction between the synthesized ligands and Cu2+ and the sharp color change of the ligand from yellow to pink in the presence of Cu2+. Increase in absorbance intensity at the new appeared absorbance peak was used as an analytical signal. The effect of parameters, such as time and sensor concentration were also investigated and discussed. The calibration curve was considered too under the optimum experimental conditions and was linear in the range 0.05–5.00 μg mL−1 with a limit of detection 0.016 μg mL−1. The interferences of some common ions were studied and the synthetic ligand was found to be a high selective sensor. Selectivity of the proposed method makes it as an applicable technique for the determination of copper in foodstuff samples.
A Three‐Dimensional Pentanuclear Co(II) Coordination Polymer: Structural Topology, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Kamaal Saima , Gupta Mayak , Mishra Rupali , Ali Arif , Alarifi Abdullah , Afzal Mohd , Das Raja , Ahmad Musheer
Published: November 2020

A 3D pentanuclear coordination polymer of Co(II); {[Co5(L2‐)4(HL‐)2(bpmp)2 (H2O)2].(H2O)5}n (CP1) was synthesized by the self‐assembly of semi‐flexible 5‐benzylamino‐isophthalic acid (H2L) and N‐donor auxiliary ligand 1,4‐bis(4‐pyridinylmethyl)piperazine (bpmp) using Co(NO3)2 ⋅ 6H2O under hydrothermal condition. The CP1 has been structurally characterized by elemental analysis, TGA, Powder‐XRD and IR spectroscopy which was further corroborated by single crystal X‐ray studies. Structurally, it is a 3D pentanuclear cobalt cluster secondary building units (SBUs) which are formed by carboxylates oxygen of H2L and nitrogen of bpmp. The topological analysis revealed that CP1 possesses a 2‐nodal 5,6‐connected three‐dimensional (3D) coordination framework with pcu net. Variable temperature magnetic measurements demonstrate that CP1 shows antiferromagnetic behavior.
A Systematic Study of the Stability of Enzyme/Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8 Composites in Various Biologically Relevant Solutions
Authors: Gao Yuan , Doherty Cara M. , Mulet Xavier
Published: November 2020

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been used to encapsulate numerous enzymes. This study has encapsulated two enzymes in zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) and examined the structural stability of the enzyme@ZIF‐8 composites in solutions of various biologically relevant agents (i. e. amino acids, proteins, organic acids, organic/inorganic buffers, surfactants, polymers, carbohydrates and salts). Many of the agents were found to completely dissolve the composites or severely damage their structural integrity, causing the release of the enzymes from the composites. These agents plausibly exerted their destabilizing effects on the composites by interactions with zinc or by complexation with the enzymes in the enzyme@ZIF‐8 composites. Notably, Tris and HEPES buffers were found to be supportive of the composites in the short term. The results show the need to improve the stability of the enzyme@ZIF‐8 systems for certain applications and suggest triggered release of the encapsulated biomolecules from the porous matrix.
Sonophotocatalytic Degradation of Pollutants by ZnO‐Based Catalysts: A Review
Authors: Asli Sahebeh Alizadeh , Taghizadeh Majid
Published: November 2020

Sonophotocatalyticprocess (SPC) is the simultaneous use of ultraviolet radiation (UV), ultrasonic radiation (US), and semiconductor materials as photocatalysts and sonocatalysts for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These free radicals oxidize several pollutant molecules in various industrial wastewaters. The objective of this review was to compare the papers published on the sonophotocatalytic degradation of different pollutants in the presence of zinc oxide‐based particles. The elimination rate of contaminants in this process was compared with individual methods such as sonocatalysis and photocatalysis. The experimental conditions, including the catalyst dosage, the pollutant concentration, the radiation power, the applied frequency, the initial pH, and the reaction time were further investigated. ZnO nanoparticles are well‐known as semiconductor materials with good sonophotocatalytic activity. In general, sonophotocatalysis is emerging as one of the most efficient treatment techniques for degrading the recalcitrant pollutants in the aqueous medium. It is expected that these technologies result in more progressive research with the most degradation efficiency.
MOFs Derived Catalysts Prepared by Pyrolysis for Hydrogenation of Bio‐Based Furfural: A Mini‐Review
Authors: Zhao Mei‐Xia , Yang Ning , Li Zhi‐Xin , Xie Heng‐Shen
Published: November 2020

Metal organic framework (MOF) derived catalysts have been widely used in biomass platform compounds (BPC) hydrogenation field. This mini‐review selectively introduces the research progress of MOFs derived catalysts in the upgrading of BPC. Particularly, MOFs derived catalysts prepared by pyrolysis and their catalytic applications for furfural and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural are summarized in this mini‐review. In addition, the factors affecting the performance of MOFs derived catalysts prepared by pyrolysis are discussed briefly and then the potential improvement studies on MOFs derived catalysts prepared by pyrolysis for upgrading of BPC are also put forward. We deem that this mini‐review will provide valuable insights into the design and application of MOFs derived catalysts prepared by pyrolysis for upgrading of BPC to bio‐based chemicals.
Controlling Geometry and Flow Through Bacterial Bridges on Patterned Lubricant‐Infused Surfaces (pLIS)
Authors: Lei Wenxi , Krolla Peter , Schwartz Thomas , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: November 2020

Spatial control of bacteria and biofilms on surfaces is necessary to understand the biofilm formation and the social interactions between bacterial communities, which could provide useful hints to study the biofilm‐involved diseases. Here patterned lubricant‐infused surfaces (pLIS) are utilized to fabricate connective structures named “bacterial bridges” between bacterial colonies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a simple dewetting method. It is demonstrated that the bacteria attached to hydrophilic areas and bacteria precipitated on lubricant infused borders both contribute to the formation of bacterial bridges. The geometry and distribution of bridges can be controlled using predesigned superhydrophobic–hydrophilic patterns. It is demonstrated that bacterial bridges connecting bacteria colonies act as bio‐microfluidic channels and can transport liquids, nutrients, and antibacterial substances between neighboring bacteria clusters. Thus, bacterial bridges can be used to study formation, spreading, and development of bacterial colonies, and communication within and between isolated biofilms.
Climate and society in European history
Authors: Ljungqvist Fredrik Charpentier , Seim Andrea , Huhtamaa Heli
Published: November 2020

This article evaluates 165 studies from various disciplines, published between 2000 and 2019, which in different ways link past climate variability and change to human history in medieval and early modern Europe (here,c. 700–1815 CE). Within this review, we focus on the identification and interpretation of causal links between changes in climate and in human societies. A revised climate–society impact order model of historical climate–society interactions is presented and applied to structure the findings of the past 20 years' scholarship. Despite considerable progress in research about past climate–society relations, partly expedited by new palaeoclimate data, we identify limitations to knowledge, including geographical biases, a disproportional attention to extremely cold periods, and a focus on crises. Furthermore, recent scholarship shows that the limitations with particular disciplinary approaches can be successfully overcome through interdisciplinary collaborations. We conclude the article by proposing recommendations for future directions of research in the climatic change–human history nexus.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Ideas and Knowledge
Homodinuclear RhI and IrI Complexes Derived from Imidazolium‐Benzimidazolates
Authors: Kureja Kunal , Zinke Julian , Bruhn Clemens , Siemeling Ulrich
Published: November 2020

The reactions of [M(μ‐Cl)(COD)]2 (M=Rh, Ir) with the conjugated mesomeric betaines 2‐(3‐methyl‐1‐imidazolium)‐benzimidazolate (1aH), 2‐(3‐isopropyl‐1‐imidazolium)‐benzimidazolate (1bH) and 2‐(3‐tert‐butyl‐1‐imidazolium)‐benzimidazolate (1cH) in equilibrium with their carbenic tautomers 1’aH, 1’bH and 1’cH were investigated. In the case of 1aH and 1bH, the homodinuclear complexes [MCl(COD){M(μ‐1’a)(COD)}] and [MCl(COD){M(μ‐1’b)(COD)}] were obtained, whose anionic NHC ligand 1’a− or 1’b− bridges the metal centres in a κ1N : κ1N mode, while binding the M(COD) moiety in a C,N‐chelating mode. For M=Ir, [IrCl(COD){Ir(μ‐1’’b)(COD)}] containing the “abnormal” NHC isomer 1’’b− was observed as a side product. In the case of 1’cH, [{RhCl(COD)}2(μ‐1cH)] containing a κ1N : κ1N benzimidazolato ligand was obtained for M=Rh, while for M=Ir the reaction furnished [IrCl(COD){Ir(μ‐1’’c)(COD)}], which contains the anionic “abnormal” NHC ligand 1’’c−. This difference in behaviour is rationalised by the propensity of iridium(I) for oxidative addition, which in the present case involves a C−H bond of the dangling formamidium unit of [{IrCl(COD)}2(μ‐1cH)] to afford [IrICl(COD){IrIIIHCl(μ‐1’’c)(COD)}], followed by reductive elimination of HCl. The crystal structures of the new complexes were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, except for [IrCl(COD){Ir(μ‐1’a)(COD)}], where by serendipity the closely related mononuclear complex [Ir(1’a)(COD)] was structurally characterised instead.
What Are and to What Avail Do We Study European International Law Traditions?
Authors: Hilpold Peter
Published: November 2020

In recent years, in parallel with the rising interest for the history of international law and the evolving of a separate discipline of “Comparative International Law”, interest for national international law traditions—and in particular for European international law traditions—has continuously grown. This process raises a series of questions, in particular whether the assumption of the existence of such traditions is compatible at all with the very nature of international law, about the meaning of “Europeanness” and about the end of such a comparative endeavour. The present book collects a series of analyses in this field undertaken by renowned international lawyers. Of course, such a project cannot claim to give definite, encompassing answers, but it can aim at providing a better understanding of why international law is as it is, evidence what may be at the roots of so many misunderstandings in the international law dialogue between nations and academics and also, on a more positive note, show to what extent a common language has evolved and what the different national contributions were to these achievements.

For the time being, studies of such a kind cannot be but electrical. Nonetheless, the hope is that they might contribute to a broader understanding of international law, offer a better comprehension in the discussion between international lawyers and perhaps build the basis for further studies in this area. This introductory chapter describes the research project as a whole, offers some methodological considerations and provides a short glimpse into the chapters of this book.
Unsettling Metaphysics in Science Education
Authors: Higgins Marc
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the relation between Western modern science and Indigenous ways-of-knowing-in-being as it manifests within spaces of science education: as simultaneously co-constitutive and othering. In turn, unsettling science education is presented as a double(d) approach to address the ways in which settler colonial logics linger and lurk within sedimented and stratified knowledge-practices. As a more nascent approach to the question of Indigenous science within science education, this is expanded upon by drawing from decolonizing and post-colonial approaches. Further, drawing across the two, deconstruction is highlighted as a (meta-)methodological approach to bear witness to the ways in which settler coloniality often manifests as absent presences and to (re)open the space of response within science education towards Indigenous ways-of-knowing-in-being.
Mirrors, Prisms, and Diffraction Gratings: Placing the Optics of the Critical Gaze in Science Education Under Erasure (After the Critique of Critique)
Authors: Higgins Marc
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this chapter is to explore what Foucault refers to as “the” critical attitude and its relationship to science education. Drawing from the insight thatthecritical attitude is butacritical attitude, the possibility of critique as plural and multiplicative is explored herein; positing that (an) unsettling criticality is not only one which critiques settler colonial logics and practices but also the taken-for-granted ways-of-critiquing which can undergird these very efforts. In turn, the possibility of critique as plural is significant asthemode of critique within the multicultural science education debate (re)produces Indigenous science as yet-to-come. Building on the insight that scientific knowledge-practice is always already situated, the ways in which criticality in science education is always mediated by conceptual apparatuses, whether real or imagined, is considered. In particular, three optical apparatus—the mirror, the prism, and the diffraction grating—are employed to analyse and inform how the critical gaze might be differentially configured within science education to (re)open the space of responsiveness.
Response-ability Revisited: Towards Re(con)figuring Scientific Literacy
Authors: Higgins Marc
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this chapter is to revisit and expand upon the concept of response-ability, shifting from the deconstructive homework of previous chapters to working towardsareconstructive response which renders science education more hospitable towards Indigenous science to-come. Braiding in the work of Torres Strait Islander scholar Martin Nakata’s theorizing of the cultural interface, which accounts for the ways in which hybridity between ways-of-knowing-in-being are unequal, problematic, and yet rife with possibility, this response takes the form of re(con)figuring scientific literacy. In four movements, this response: a) identifies scientific literacy as a central yet uncertain concept whose critical inhabitation is ripe for other meanings and enactments; b) explores Karen Barad’s subversion of scientific literacy as agential literacy as a productive location to rework the connectivity towards IWLN and TEK; c), utilizes agential literacy as proximal (yet differing) relation to bring in Gregory Cajete’s conception of Indigenous science as ecologies of relationships; and d) explores the generative points of resonance between agential literacy and ecologies of relationships. The chapter concludes with a cautionary note on points of convergence and points of divergence, wherein the proximal relation between agential literacy and ecologies of relationships is productively troubled.
Safety Assurance of a High Voltage Controller for an Industrial Robotic System
Authors: Murray Yvonne , Anisi David A. , Sirevåg Martin , Ribeiro Pedro , Hagag Rabah Saleh
Published: November 2020

Due to the risk of discharge sparks and ignition, there are strict rules concerning the safety of high voltage electrostatic systems used in industrial painting robots. In order to assure that the system fulfils its safety requirements, formal verification is an important tool to supplement traditional testing and quality assurance procedures. The work in this paper presents formal verification of the most important safety functions of a high voltage controller. The controller has been modelled as a finite state machine, which was formally verified using two different model checking software tools; Simulink Design Verifier and RoboTool. Five safety critical properties were specified and formally verified using the two tools. Simulink was chosen as a low-threshold entry point since MathWorks products are well known to most practitioners. RoboTool serves as a software tool targeted towards model checking, thus providing more advanced options for the more experienced user. The comparative study and results show that all properties were successfully verified. The verification times in both tools were in the order of a few minutes, which was within the acceptable time limit for this particular application.
XcalableMP 2.0 and Future Directions
Authors: Sato Mitsuhisa , Murai Hitoshi , Nakao Masahiro , Tsugane Keisuke , Odajima Tesuya , Lee Jinpil
Published: November 2020

This chapter presents the XcalableMP on the Fugaku supercomputer, the Japanese flagship supercomputer developed by FLAGSHIP2020 project in RIKEN R-CCS. The porting and the performance evaluation were done as a part of this project, and the XcalableMP is available for the Fugaku users for improving the productivity and performance of parallel programing. The performance of XcalableMP on the Fugaku is enhanced by the manycore processor and a new Tofu-D interconnect. We are now working on the next version, XcalableMP 2.0, for cutting-edge high-performance systems with manycore processors by multithreading and multi-tasking with integrations of PGAS model and synchronization models. We conclude this book with retrospectives and challenges for future PGAS models.
Coarrays in the Context of XcalableMP
Authors: Iwashita Hidetoshi , Nakao Masahiro
Published: November 2020

Coarray features have been implemented on the Omni XcalableMP compiler with a source-to-source translator and layered runtime libraries. Three memory allocation methods for coarrays were implemented for the GASNet and MPI-3 communication libraries and the native interface of Fujitsu. For the coarray PUT/GET communication, algorithms using DMA (zero-copy) and buffering were introduced. Important techniques for achieving high performance were the non-blocking PUT communication implemented in the runtime library and the optimization for the GET communication in the translator. Using the ping-pong benchmark and the modified version, the fundamental performance was evaluated and analyzed. The MPI version of the Himeno benchmark was ported to the coarray version and modified for fully using the non-blocking PUT. As a result of the evaluation, the non-blocking coarray version clearly outperformed the original and non-blocking MPI versions.
Three-Dimensional Fluid Code with XcalableMP
Authors: Sakagami Hitoshi
Published: November 2020

In order to adapt parallel computers to general convenient tools for computational scientists, a high-level and easy-to-use portable parallel programming paradigm is mandatory. XcalableMP, which is proposed by the XcalableMP Specification Working Group, is a directive-based language extension for Fortran and C to easily describe parallelization in programs for distributed memory parallel computers. The Omni XcalableMP compiler, which is provided as a reference XcalableMP compiler, is currently implemented as a source-to-source translator. It converts XcalableMP programs to standard MPI programs, which can be easily compiled by the native Fortran compiler and executed on most of parallel computers. A three-dimensional Eulerian fluid code written in Fortran is parallelized by XcalableMP using two different programming models with the ordinary domain decomposition method, and its performances are measured on the K computer. Programs converted by the Omni XcalableMP compiler prevent native Fortran compiler optimizations and show lower performance than that of hand-coded MPI programs. Finally almost the same performances are obtained by using specific compiler options of the native Fortran compiler in the case of a global-view programming model, but performance degradation is not improved by specifying any native compiler options when the code is parallelized by a local-view programming model.
Recent developments of novel matrices and on-tissue chemical derivatization reagents for MALDI-MSI
Authors: Zhou Qiuqin , Fülöp Annabelle , Hopf Carsten
Published: November 2020

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) is a fast-growing technique for visualization of the spatial distribution of the small molecular and macromolecular biomolecules in tissue sections. Challenges in MALDI-MSI, such as poor sensitivity for some classes of molecules or limited specificity, for instance resulting from the presence of isobaric molecules or limited resolving power of the instrument, have encouraged the MSI scientific community to improve MALDI-MSI sample preparation workflows with innovations in chemistry. Recent developments of novel small organic MALDI matrices play a part in the improvement of image quality and the expansion of the application areas of MALDI-MSI. This includes rationally designed/synthesized as well as commercially available small organic molecules whose superior matrix properties in comparison with common matrices have only recently been discovered. Furthermore, on-tissue chemical derivatization (OTCD) processes get more focused attention, because of their advantages for localization of poorly ionizable metabolites and their‚ in several cases‚ more specific imaging of metabolites in tissue sections. This review will provide an overview about the latest developments of novel small organic matrices and on-tissue chemical derivatization reagents for MALDI-MSI.
Short-term adverse remodeling progression in asymptomatic aortic stenosis
Authors: Singh Anvesha , Chan Daniel C. S. , Kanagala Prathap , Hogrefe Kai , Kelly Damian J. , Khoo Jeffery P. , Sprigings David , Greenwood John P. , Abdelaty Ahmed M. S. E. K. , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Ng Leong L. , McCann Gerry P.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Aortic stenosis (AS) is characterised by a long and variable asymptomatic course. Our objective was to use cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess progression of adverse remodeling in asymptomatic AS.

Methods

Participants from the PRIMID-AS study, a prospective, multi-centre observational study of asymptomatic patients with moderate to severe AS, who remained asymptomatic at 12 months, were invited to undergo a repeat cardiac MRI.

Results

Forty-three participants with moderate-severe AS (mean age 64.4 ± 14.8 years, 83.4% male, aortic valve area index 0.54 ± 0.15 cm2/m2) were included. There was small but significant increase in indexed left ventricular (LV) (90.7 ± 22.0 to 94.5 ± 23.1 ml/m2, p = 0.007) and left atrial volumes (52.9 ± 11.3 to 58.6 ± 13.6 ml/m2, p < 0.001), with a decrease in systolic (LV ejection fraction 57.9 ± 4.6 to 55.6 ± 4.1%, p = 0.001) and diastolic (longitudinal diastolic strain rate 1.06 ± 0.2 to 0.99 ± 0.2 1/s, p = 0.026) function, but no overall change in LV mass or mass/volume. Late gadolinium enhancement increased (2.02 to 4.26 g, p < 0.001) but markers of diffuse interstitial fibrosis did not change significantly (extracellular volume index 12.9 [11.4, 17.0] ml/m2 to 13.3 [11.1, 15.1] ml/m2, p = 0.689). There was also a significant increase in the levels of NT-proBNP (43.6 [13.45, 137.08] pg/ml to 53.4 [19.14, 202.20] pg/ml, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

There is progression in cardiac remodeling with increasing scar burden even in asymptomatic AS. Given the lack of reversibility of LGE post-AVR and its association with long-term mortality post-AVR, this suggests the potential need for earlier intervention, before the accumulation of LGE, to improve the long-term outcomes in AS.

Key Points

• Current guidelines recommend waiting until symptom onset before valve replacement in severe AS.

• MRI showed clear progression in cardiac remodeling over 12 months in asymptomatic patients with AS, with near doubling in LGE.

• This highlights the need for potentially earlier intervention or better risk stratification in AS.
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS): from basic mechanisms towards first applications in psychiatry
Authors: Elyamany Osama , Leicht Gregor , Herrmann Christoph S. , Mulert Christoph
Published: November 2020

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a unique form of non-invasive brain stimulation. Sinusoidal alternating electric currents are delivered to the scalp to affect mostly cortical neurons. tACS is supposed to modulate brain function and, in turn, cognitive processes by entraining brain oscillations and inducing long-term synaptic plasticity. Therefore, tACS has been investigated in cognitive neuroscience, but only recently, it has been also introduced in psychiatric clinical trials. This review describes current concepts and first findings of applying tACS as a potential therapeutic tool in the field of psychiatry. The current understanding of its mechanisms of action is explained, bridging cellular neuronal activity and the brain network mechanism. Revisiting the relevance of altered brain oscillations found in six major psychiatric disorders, putative targets for the management of mental disorders using tACS are discussed. A systematic literature search on PubMed was conducted to report findings of the clinical studies applying tACS in patients with psychiatric conditions. In conclusion, the initial results may support the feasibility of tACS in clinical psychiatric populations without serious adverse events. Moreover, these results showed the ability of tACS to reset disturbed brain oscillations, and thus to improve behavioural outcomes. In addition to its potential therapeutic role, the reactivity of the brain circuits to tACS could serve as a possible tool to determine the diagnosis, classification or prognosis of psychiatric disorders. Future double-blind randomised controlled trials are necessary to answer currently unresolved questions. They may aim to detect response predictors and control for various confounding factors.
Acute exercise impacts AhR and PD-1 levels of CD8+ T-cells—Exploratory results from a randomized cross-over trial comparing endurance versus resistance exercise
Authors: Schenk Alexander , Joisten Niklas , Walzik David , Koliamitra Christina , Schoser Daria , Bloch Wilhelm , Zimmer Philipp
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) has become a promising target in cancer immunotherapy. PD-1 expression of CD8+ T-cells may be increased via the exploitation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling with kynurenine (KYN) as a ligand. Since exercise affects KYN metabolism, we exploratory investigated the influence of acute exercise bouts on AhR and PD-1 levels of CD8+ T-cells.

Method

In this study, 24 healthy males (age: 24.6 ± 3.9 years; weight 83.9 ± 10.5 kg; height: 182.4 ± 6.2 cm) completed a single bout of endurance (EE) and resistance exercise (RE) in a randomly assigned order on separate days. Blood samples were drawn before (t0), after (t1), and 1 h after (t2) both conditions. T-cell populations, the level of cytoplasmic AhR, and surface PD-1 were assessed by flow cytometry.

Results

T-cell populations changed over time, indicated by an increase in the absolute numbers of CD3+ lymphocytes after EE (p < .001) and RE (p = .036) and in PD-1+ CD8+ T-cells after EE (p = .021). Proportions of T-cell populations changed only after EE (t0–t2: p = .029; t1-t2: p = .006). The level of cytoplasmic AhR decreased immediately after exercise in both exercise conditions (EE: p = .009; RE: p = .036). The level of surface PD-1 decreased 1 h after EE (p = .005).

Conclusion

We analyzed the level of surface PD-1 and cytoplasmic AhR following acute physical exercise for the first time. Especially EE was observed to impact both AhR and PD-1 levels, undermining its role as the AhR-PD-1 axis modulator. These results provide new insights into the impact of exercise on AhR-signaling, which could potentially be relevant for various chronic diseases.
β-Adrenoceptor blockade prevents carotid body hyperactivity and elevated vascular sympathetic nerve density induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Alzahrani Abdulaziz A. , Cao Lily L. , Aldossary Hayyaf S. , Nathanael Demitris , Fu Jiarong , Ray Clare J. , Brain Keith L. , Kumar Prem , Coney Andrew M. , Holmes Andrew P.
Published: November 2020

Carotid body (CB) hyperactivity promotes hypertension in response to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). The plasma concentration of adrenaline is reported to be elevated in CIH and our previous work suggests that adrenaline directly activates the CB. However, a role for chronic adrenergic stimulation in mediating CB hyperactivity is currently unknown. This study evaluated whether beta-blocker treatment with propranolol (Prop) prevented the development of CB hyperactivity, vascular sympathetic nerve growth and hypertension caused by CIH. Adult male Wistar rats were assigned into 1 of 4 groups: Control (N), N + Prop, CIH and CIH + Prop. The CIH paradigm consisted of 8 cycles h−1, 8 h day−1, for 3 weeks. Propranolol was administered via drinking water to achieve a dose of 40 mg kg−1 day−1. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of both β1 and β2-adrenoceptor subtypes on the CB type I cell. CIH caused a 2–3-fold elevation in basal CB single-fibre chemoafferent activity and this was prevented by chronic propranolol treatment. Chemoafferent responses to hypoxia and mitochondrial inhibitors were attenuated by propranolol, an effect that was greater in CIH animals. Propranolol decreased respiratory frequency in normoxia and hypoxia in N and CIH. Propranolol also abolished the CIH mediated increase in vascular sympathetic nerve density. Arterial blood pressure was reduced in propranolol groups during hypoxia. Propranolol exaggerated the fall in blood pressure in most (6/7) CIH animals during hypoxia, suggestive of reduced sympathetic tone. These findings therefore identify new roles for β-adrenergic stimulation in evoking CB hyperactivity, sympathetic vascular hyperinnervation and altered blood pressure control in response to CIH.
Emotion and liking: how director emotional expression and knowledge of (dis)liking may impact adults’ ability to follow the instructions of an ignorant speaker
Authors: Monk Rebecca L. , Colbert Lauren , Darker Gemma , Cowling Jade , Jones Bethany , Qureshi Adam W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to understand that others have different knowledge and beliefs to ourselves, has been the subject of extensive research which suggests that we are not always efficient at taking another’s perspective, known as visual perspective taking (VPT). This has been studied extensively and a growing literature has explored the individual-level factors that may affect perspective taking (e.g. empathy and group membership). However, while emotion and (dis)liking are key aspects within everyday social interaction, research has not hitherto explored how these factors may impact ToM.

Method

A total of 164 participants took part in a modified director task (31 males (19%), M age = 20.65, SD age = 5.34), exploring how correct object selection may be impacted by another’s emotion (director facial emotion; neutral × happy × sad) and knowledge of their (dis)likes (i.e. director likes specific objects).

Result

When the director liked the target object or disliked the competitor object, accuracy rates were increased relative to when he disliked the target object or liked the competitor object. When the emotion shown by the director was incongruent with their stated (dis)liking of an object (e.g. happy when he disliked an object), accuracy rates were also increased. None of these effects were significant in the analysis of response time. These findings suggest that knowledge of liking may impact ToM use, as can emotional incongruency, perhaps by increasing the saliency of perspective differences between participant and director.

Conclusion

As well as contributing further to our understanding of real-life social interactions, these findings may have implications for ToM research, where it appears that more consideration of the target/director’s characteristics may be prudent.
The positive effect of spermidine in older adults suffering from dementia
Authors: Pekar Thomas , Bruckner Katharina , Pauschenwein-Frantsich Susanne , Gschaider Anna , Oppliger Martina , Willesberger Julia , Ungersbäck Petra , Wendzel Aribert , Kremer Alexandra , Flak Walter , Wantke Felix , Jarisch Reinhart
Published: November 2020

The worldwide prevalence of dementia is estimated at 35.6 million and will rise to 115 million by 2050. There is therefore an urgent need for well-founded dementia diagnostics and well-researched therapeutic options. Previous studies have highlighted that spermidine has the ability to trigger the important process of dissolving amyloid-beta plaques by autophagy. They also confirmed that nutritional intervention with the natural polyamine spermidine can prevent memory loss in aging model organisms. This multicentric double-blind preliminary study focused on the effect of oral spermidine supplementation on older adults’ cognitive performance. Memory tests were carried out on 85 subjects aged between 60 and 96 years in 6 nursing homes in Styria. Blood samples were taken for the determination of spermidine concentration and measurement of metabolic parameters. The results demonstrated a clear correlation between the intake of spermidine and the improvement in cognitive performance in subjects with mild and moderate dementia in the group treated with the higher spermidine dosage. The most substantial improvement in test performance was found in the group of subjects with mild dementia with an increase of 2.23 points (p = 0.026) in the mini mental state examination (MMSE) and 1.99 (p = 0.47) in phonematic fluidity. By comparison, the group which had a lower spermidine intake showed consistent or declining cognitive performance.
Modelling resilient collaborative multi-agent systems
Authors: Vistbakka Inna , Troubitsyna Elena
Published: November 2020

Multi-agent systems constitute a wide class of decentralised systems. Their functions are usually carried out by collaborative activities of agents. To ensure resilience of multi-agent systems, we should endow them with a capability to dynamically reconfigure. Usually, as a result of reconfiguration, the existing relationships between agents are changed and new collaborations are established. This is a complex and error-prone process, which can be facilitated by the use of formal reasoning and automated verification. In this paper, we propose a generic resilience-explicit formalisation of the main concepts of multi-agent systems. Based on it, we introduce corresponding specification and refinement patterns in Event-B. Our patterns facilitate modelling behaviour of resilient multi-agent systems in a rigorous systematic way and verification of their properties. We demonstrate the application of the proposed approach by a case study—a smart warehouse system.
Bridging the gap between child mental health need and professional service utilisation: Examining the influence of mothers’ parental attributions on professional help-seeking intentions
Authors: Sawrikar Vilas , Diaz Antonio Mendoza , Tully Lucy , Hawes David J. , Moul Caroline , Dadds Mark R.
Published: November 2020

There is a significant gap between the need for child mental health services and use of these services by families. Parental attributions may play a role in this. This study examined whether mothers’ attributions about their child’s problems influence professional help-seeking intentions in a general sample of community mothers. Secondary analysis re-examined this hypothesis in a subgroup of mothers of children with clinically elevated mental health symptoms. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from mothers (N = 184) of children aged between 2 and 12 years recruited from the community. Mothers completed self-report questionnaires measuring parental attributions: child-responsible attributions and parental self-efficacy; professional help-seeking intentions; and psychosocial covariates: child mental health, mothers’ anxiety and depression, child age, gender, marital status, education, and professional help-seeking experience. Hierarchical regression modelling indicated that parental attributions explained professional help-seeking intentions after controlling for covariates in both the general sample (ΔF = 6.07; p = .003) and subgroup analysis (ΔF = 10.22, p = .000). Professional help-seeking intentions were positively associated with child-responsible attributions (β = .19, p = .002) but not parental self-efficacy (β =  – .01, p = .865) in the general sample, while positively associated with child-responsible attributions (β = .20, p = .009) and negatively associated with parental self-efficacy (β =  – .16, p = .034) in the subgroup analysis. Findings were independent of the presence of clinically elevated symptoms, problem type, and severity. Overall, the findings support models suggesting that parental attributions have a role in professional help-seeking for child mental health problems.
Morpho-functional effects of different universal dental adhesives on human gingival fibroblasts: an in vitro study
Authors: Pagano Stefano , Lombardo Guido , Costanzi Egidia , Balloni Stefania , Bruscoli Stefano , Flamini Sara , Coniglio Maddalena , Valenti Chiara , Cianetti Stefano , Marinucci Lorella
Published: November 2020

To analyze the effects of four universal adhesives (Optibond Solo Plus—OB, Universal Bond—UB, Prime&Bond Active—PBA, FuturaBond M + —FB) on human gingival fibroblasts in terms of cytotoxicity, morphology and function. After in vitro exposure for up to 48 h, fibroblast viability was determined by the MTT assay determined, morphology by phase-contrast microscopy and migration by the scratch wound assay. Expression levels of IL1β, IL6, IL8, IL10, TNFα and VEGF genes were assessed by RT-PCR and their protein production by Western blot analysis. Apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. OB and UB induced early morphological changes on fibroblasts (3 h) with extended cell death at 24 h/48 h. Gene expression of collagen type I and fibronectin increased fivefold compared with controls, elastin disappeared and elastase increased threefold, indicating gingival tissue tended to become fibrotic. Only UB and OB increased gene expression of inflammatory markers: IL1β at 3 and 48 h (up to about three times), IL6 and IL8 at 3 h (up to almost four times) which corresponded to the increase of the activated form NF-kB. All adhesives showed an effect on the functionality of fibroblasts with cytotoxic effect time and concentration dependent. Among all the OB and UB adhesives, they showed the greatest cell damage. The in-depth analysis of the effects of universal adhesives and possible functional effects represents an important information for the clinician towards choosing the most suitable adhesive system.
Supercooling capacity and cold tolerance of the South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta, a newly invaded pest in China
Authors: Li Xiao-wei , Li Dong , Zhang Zhi-jun , Huang Jun , Zhang Jin-ming , Hafeez Muhammad , Wang Li-kun , Guo Wen-chao , Lu Yao-bin
Published: November 2020

Tuta absoluta is a devastating invasive pest worldwide, causing severe damage to the global tomato industry. It has been recorded recently in the northwestern border areas of China, posing a significant threat to tomato production. It was presumed that the region's winter-related low temperatures would avert the alien species from successfully overwintering. In this study, the supercooling capacity and low-temperature tolerance of this pest were examined under laboratory conditions and its overwintering potential in Xinjiang was estimated. The results showed that the lowest supercooling point was recorded in the adult stage (− 19.47 °C), while the highest (− 18.11 °C) was recorded in the pupal stage. The supercooling points of pupae and adults were not influenced by gender. The Ltemp50 and Ltemp90 of female and male adults were the lowest when exposed to cold for 2 h. However, when the duration of exposure extended from 4 to 10 h, the Ltemp50 and Ltemp90 of female and male pupae were the lowest. Comparison of the lowest Ltemp50 and Ltemp90 with temperatures in January indicated that T. absoluta might not be able to overwinter in most of the northern and central regions of Xinjiang. However, in the southern regions, the extremely low temperature was higher than the Ltemp90, suggesting that T. absoluta has a higher overwintering potential in these regions. These results form a basis for predicting the dispersal potential and possible geographic range of this pest in Xinjiang. In addition, our findings provide guidance for the control of this pest by reducing overwintering shelters.
Does left ventricular function predict cardiac outcome in Anderson–Fabry disease?
Authors: Spinelli Letizia , Giugliano Giuseppe , Pisani Antonio , Imbriaco Massimo , Riccio Eleonora , Russo Camilla , Cuocolo Alberto , Trimarco Bruno , Esposito Giovanni
Published: November 2020

In Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD) the impact of left ventricular (LV) function on cardiac outcome is unknown. Noninvasive LV pressure–strain loop analysis is a new echocardiographic method to estimate myocardial work (MW). We aimed to evaluate whether LV function was associated with outcome and whether MW had a prognostic value in AFD. Ninety-six AFD patients (41.8 ± 14.7 years, 43.7% males) with normal LV ejection fraction were retrospectively evaluated. Inclusion criteria were sinus rhythm and ≥ 2-year follow-up. Standard echocardiography measurements, myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency (MEE) index, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and MW were evaluated. Adverse cardiac events were defined as composite of cardiac death, malignant ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and severe heart failure development. During a median follow-up of 63 months (interquartile range 37–85), 14 events occurred. Patient age, cardiac biomarkers, LV mass index, left atrium volume, E/Ea ratio, LV ejection fraction, MEE index, GLS and all MW indices were significantly related to adverse outcome at univariate analysis. After adjustment for clinical and echocardiographic parameters, which were significant at univariate analysis, GLS and MW resulted independent predictors of adverse events (p < 0.01). By ROC curve analysis, constructive MW ≤ 1513 mmHg% showed the highest sensitivity and specificity in predicting adverse outcome (92.9% and 86.6%, respectively). MW did not improve the predictive value of a model including clinical data, LV diastolic function and GLS. LV function impairment (both systolic and diastolic) is associated with adverse events in AFD. MW does not provide additive information over clinical features and systolic and diastolic function.