bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Nitrogen on the Crystallization and Microstructure of Ge‐Rich GeSbTe Alloys
Authors: Luong Minh Anh , Wen Dingfang , Rahier Eloïse , Ratel Ramond Nicolas , Pecassou Béatrice , Le Friec Yannick , Benoit Daniel , Claverie Alain
Published: October 2020

The influence of N concentration on the crystallization kinetics, microstructural evolution, and composition of Ge‐rich GeSbTe (GGST) alloys during thermal annealing, using X‐ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy is reported. It is shown that the incorporation of N in GGST tends to slow down the phase separation, crystallization, and growth processes during annealing. This can be attributed to the reduced diffusivity of Ge, which interacts and quickly bonds with N. Technological advantages of N doping are also discussed, considering the increased stability of the amorphous phase with respect to its parent crystalline phase, finer microstructure, flatness of the GeSbTe (GST) films after crystallization, and disappearance of the low‐resistivity hexagonal phase at high temperature.
Disposable Capacitive Biosensor for Dopamine Sensing
Authors: Dhanjai  , Yu Nancy , Mugo Samuel M.
Published: October 2020

The present paper reports fabrication of a disposable tyrosinase (Tyr) biosensor for rapid detection of dopamine. Tyr immobilized polyaniline/carbon nanotubes/cellulose nanocrystals (Tyr@PANI/CNTs/CNC) conductive film was fabricated on polyvinyl acetate (PVA) transparency and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Tyr catalyzed dopamine oxidation to o‐dopaquinone was analysed by CV and capacitance was recorded. PANI/CNTs/CNC film acted as a suitable enzyme support which also showed its synergistic effect in accelerating the biocatalytic oxidation reaction. Tyr biosensor exhibited excellent reproducibility, and specificity towards dopamine with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9508 and limit of detection (LOD) of 1.57 nM within linear concentration range of 7–1000 mM. The study suggested practical utilization of disposable biosensor towards dopamine detection in biological fluids.
Photo‐ and Magnetothermally Responsive Nanomaterials for Therapy, Controlled Drug Delivery and Imaging Applications
Authors: Nikazar Sohrab , Barani Mahmood , Rahdar Abbas , Zoghi Maryam , Kyzas George Z.
Published: October 2020

Hyperthermia generates heat as a cure for illness and it is not a chemical treatment. Nanomaterials are supposed to provide novel mechanisms to tackle photothermal and magnetothermal problems, with the potential also to deal with specific approaches to care. The present review outlines recent developments in the field of photothermal and magnetothermal responsive nanomaterials and the photothermal approach mechanism over the last years. These photo/magnetothermal nanomaterials are classified into gold nanostructures (various shapes), carbon nanomaterials (CNTs, fullerene, carbon quantum dots, and graphene), inorganic nanomaterials (Fe, Pt, Pd, Bi, MOF, MoSe2, inorganic quantum dots, etc.) and organic nanoparticles (PLGA (Poly Lactic‐co‐Glycolic Acid) and other nanopolymers). Different groups may be placed together to improve the potential of the photothermal/magnetothermal effects, treatments, drug delivery, and imaging. The review also describes synthesis strategies for photothermal/magnetothermal nanomaterials, physicochemical characterization, the role of size, size distribution, shape, and surface coating of nanomaterials, challenges, and future scopes of photothermal/magnetothermal responsive nanomaterials for therapy, controlled drug delivery, and imaging applications. The recent development in nanomaterial has shown great potential for tumor diagnostic and therapeutic applications in hyperthermia. Magnetic hyperthermia (also called thermal therapy or thermotherapy) is a type of cancer treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures (up to 41 °C) in presence of a magnetic field. Research has shown that high temperatures can damage and kill cancer cells, usually with minimal injury to normal tissues. By killing cancer cells and damaging proteins and structures within cells, hyperthermia can necrotize tumor cells. This treatment can be local, regional, or whole‐body hyperthermia, depending on the extent of the area being treated. Hyperthermia can be combined with anticancer drugs or chemotherapy to enhance cancer treatment. In this article, we have discussed recent nanomaterials utilized for this treatment, mechanism, and synthesis methods.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‐2 Spike Protein Nanogel as a Pro‐Antigen Strategy with Enhanced Protective Immune Responses
Authors: Chen Long , Liu Bo , Sun Peng , Wang Wenjun , Luo Shiqiang , Zhang Wenyuan , Yang Yuanfan , Wang Zihao , Lin Jian , Chen Peng R.
Published: October 2020

Prevention and intervention methods are urgently needed to curb the global pandemic of coronavirus disease‐19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Herein, a general pro‐antigen strategy for subunit vaccine development based on the reversibly formulated receptor binding domain of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein (S‐RBD) is reported. Since the poor lymph node targeting and uptake of S‐RBD by antigen‐presenting cells prevent effective immune responses, S‐RBD protein is formulated into a reversible nanogel (S‐RBD‐NG), which serves as a pro‐antigen with enhanced lymph node targeting and dendritic cell and macrophage accumulation. Synchronized release of S‐RBD monomers from the internalized S‐RBD‐NG pro‐antigen triggers more potent immune responses in vivo. In addition, by optimizing the adjuvant used, the potency of S‐RBD‐NG is further improved, which may provide a generally applicable, safer, and more effective strategy for subunit vaccine development against SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as other viruses.
Progress in Visible Light‐Induced Difluroalkylation of Olefins
Authors: Laishram Ronibala Devi , Chen Jingchao , Fan Baomin
Published: October 2020

The incorporation of difluoromethylated (CF2) moiety into potentially useful parent molecules lead to significant changes in metabolic stability, lipophilicity, and solubility of the molecules. Over the past several years, with the advent of new difluoromethylating reagents, great progress has been made in the development of a protocol for the direct incorporation of the CF2H group into organic molecules. Among them, difluroalkylation induced by visible light has emerged as an efficient strategy over the past few years. In particular, this protocol provides a more sustainable alternative to other traditional radical‐triggered reactions in terms of environment, energy, step‐economy, health, and safety. The present review mainly focuses on the development of the photocatalytic difluoroalkylation to olefinic moiety using transition‐metal complexes, organic dyes as the photocatalyst; and some organic compounds as a medium of photocatalysis.
Design Optimization of Dual‐Redundancy PM Brushless DC Motors for Torque Enhancement
Authors: Li Quanwu , Dong Wei , Jiang Wei , Liu Ze , He Zili , Xu Jinghui
Published: October 2020

To enhance the torque of short‐time duty permanent magnet (PM) dual‐redundancy brushless DC motors (DR‐BLDCM) and avoid the motor overheating under a fixed outer diameter and length, a design method based on the optimization of split ratio and stator magnetic density (Bm) considering thermal limitations is presented. The global thermal limitation of DR‐BLDCM is set by limiting loss density. The local thermal limitation of the winding is set by limiting current density. The thermal limitations are taken as the boundary of torque enhancement design optimization. Both the cold backup and hot backup DR‐BLDCM are studied in this paper. By researching the relationship between torque, split ratio, and Bm, the optimal combination of split ratio and Bm are calculated analytically. The influences of thermal limitations on the maximum torque and the optimal combination are analyzed, and the principle to determine the optimal combination is obtained. The analytically calculated results are verified by finite element simulation, and the error is less than 6.82%. A prototype is manufactured based on analytical design results. The error between the calculated and measured copper loss is 6.96%. The verification results show that the proposed optimization method can fully enhance the torque of DR‐BLDCM under the condition of fixed overall dimension and thermal limitations. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Culture as a mediator of climate change adaptation: Neither static nor unidirectional
Authors: Few Roger , Spear Dian , Singh Chandni , Tebboth Mark G. L. , Davies Julia E. , Thompson‐Hall Mary C.
Published: October 2020

Though there is increasing recognition of the cultural dimensions that shape climate change adaptation, our experience from working with actors engaged in adaptation policy and practice suggests that the role of culture still tends to be conceived in overly narrow and fixed terms. This is exemplified in portrayals of conservative cultural norms as stifling positive change. A growing body of research across the world indicates that the reality is seldom as simple as this—culture works in complex and variable ways, and, most importantly, is inherently dynamic. Drawing especially from research work on vulnerability and adaptation conducted in semi‐arid regions, we illustrate this argument by briefly exploring three themes—multiple knowledge systems for farming in Botswana, the dynamics of pastoralist values and livelihoods in Kenya, and the interplay of caste and livelihood choices in India. Understanding how different facets of culture such as these operate in context helps move away from viewing culture statically as a barrier or enabler, and toward a more plural and dynamic appreciation of the role of culture in adaptation. This includes recognizing the potential for factors that may be construed as barriers to become enablers. Critical, balanced engagement with cultural dimensions in both research and practice, understanding and working with these dynamic social structures, is essential if adaptation is to create meaningful and lasting change for those who need it most.

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation
On FEM analysis of Cosserat-type stiffened shells: static and stability linear analysis
Authors: Burzyński Stanisław
Published: October 2020

The present research investigates the theory and numerical analysis of shells stiffened with beams in the framework based on the geometrically exact theories of shells and beams. Shell’s and beam’s kinematics are described by the Cosserat surface and the Cosserat rod, respectively, which are consistent including deformation and strain measures. A FEM approximation of the virtual work principle leads to the conforming shell and beam FE with 6 DoFs (including the drilling rotation for shells) in each node. Examples of static and stability linear analyses are included. Novel design formulas for the stability of stiffened shells are included.
Parameter zur Messung der regionalen Versorgungssituation
Authors: Kis A. , Augustin J. , Lischka T.
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Die regionale augenärztliche Versorgung wird in Deutschland über die Bedarfsplanungs-Richtlinie mit dem korrigierten Versorgungsgrad gesteuert. Der korrigierte Versorgungsgrad ist ein Instrument, um die medizinische Versorgungssituation abzubilden, allerdings haben frühere Studien Grenzen offenbart. So werden Faktoren wie Erreichbarkeit des öffentlichen Personennahverkehrs (ÖPNV) oder das Vorhandensein von Gesundheitsfachberufen zur Bewertung der Versorgungssituation noch nicht im ausreichenden Maße berücksichtigt. Insbesondere Gesundheitsfachberufe haben eine starke unterstützende Funktion in der regionalen Gesundheitsversorgung.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Studie ist es, verschiedene Parameter zur Überprüfung der regionalen Gesundheitsversorgung am Beispiel der ophthalmologischen Versorgung kritisch zu vergleichen.

Material und Methoden

Hierfür wurde exemplarisch für die Metropolregion Hamburg ein Score aus den Parametern „Dichte der Arztstandorte mit orthoptischem Angebot (Angebote/100.000 Einwohner) auf Kreisebene“, der „Bevölkerungsanteil mit ÖPNV-Erreichbarkeit zum nächstgelegenen Augenarzt <30 min auf Kreisebene“, der „Bevölkerungsanteil mit ÖPNV-Erreichbarkeit zum nächstgelegenen Augenarzt mit orthoptischem Angebot <30 min auf Kreisebene“ gebildet und dem korrigierten Versorgungsgrad gegenübergestellt.

Ergebnisse

Während der korrigierte Versorgungsgrad in keinem der Teilräume eine Unterversorgung feststellen kann, offenbaren die anderen betrachteten Parameter durchaus deutliche Versorgungsunterschiede.

Diskussion

Die Betrachtung unterschiedlicher Parameter zeigt ein heterogenes Bild der Versorgungssituation. Dies sollte in der Bedarfsplanung für die Bewertung berücksichtigt werden.
Safety and efficacy of sucroferric oxyhydroxide in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Greenbaum Larry A. , Jeck Nikola , Klaus Günter , Fila Marc , Stoica Cristina , Fathallah-Shaykh Sahar , Paredes Ana , Wickman Larysa , Nelson Raoul , Swinford Rita D. , Abitbol Carolyn Larkins , Balgradean Mihaela , Jankauskiene Augustina , Perrin Amandine , Enoiu Milica , Ahn Sun-Young
Published: October 2020

Background

Pediatric patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often prescribed oral phosphate binders (PBs) for the management of hyperphosphatemia. However, available PBs have limitations, including unfavorable tolerability and safety.

Methods

This phase 3, multicenter, randomized, open-label study investigated safety and efficacy of sucroferric oxyhydroxide (SFOH) in pediatric and adolescent subjects with CKD and hyperphosphatemia. Subjects were randomized to SFOH or calcium acetate (CaAc) for a 10-week dose titration (stage 1), followed by a 24-week safety extension (stage 2). Primary efficacy endpoint was change in serum phosphorus from baseline to the end of stage 1 in the SFOH group. Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

Results

Eighty-five subjects (2–18 years) were randomized and treated (SFOH, n = 66; CaAc, n = 19). Serum phosphorus reduction from baseline to the end of stage 1 in the overall SFOH group (least squares [LS] mean ± standard error [SE]) was − 0.488 ± 0.186 mg/dL; p = 0.011 (post hoc analysis). Significant reductions in serum phosphorus were observed in subjects aged ≥ 12 to ≤ 18 years (LS mean ± SE − 0.460 ± 0.195 mg/dL; p = 0.024) and subjects with serum phosphorus above age-related normal ranges at baseline (LS mean ± SE − 0.942 ± 0.246 mg/dL; p = 0.005). Similar proportions of subjects reported ≥ 1 TEAE in the SFOH (75.8%) and CaAc (73.7%) groups. Withdrawal due to TEAEs was more common with CaAc (31.6%) than with SFOH (18.2%).

Conclusions

SFOH effectively managed serum phosphorus in pediatric patients with a low pill burden and a safety profile consistent with that reported in adult patients.
Characteristics and management of the offending veins in microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Kasuya Hidetoshi , Tani Shigeru , Kubota Yuichi , Yokosako Suguru , Ohbuchi Hidenori , Arai Naoyuki , Inazuka Mayuko , Chernov Mikhail
Published: October 2020

The optimal technique of microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) caused by venous conflict remains unclear. The objectives of this study are to characterize the offending veins identified during MVD for TN and to evaluate intraoperative technique applied for their management. From 2007 till 2019, 308 MVD surgeries were performed in 288 consecutive patients with TN, and in 58 of them, pure venous conflict was identified. In 44 patients, the offending vein was interrupted, as was done for small veins arising from the cisternal trigeminal nerve (CN V) or its root entry zone (REZ) causing their stretching (19 cases), small veins on the surface of REZ (9 cases), transverse pontine vein (TPV) compressing REZ or distal CN V (12 cases), and superior petrosal vein (SPV) using flow conversion technique (4 cases). In 14 other cases, the offending vein was relocated, as was done for the SPV or the vein of cerebellopontine fissure (8 cases), TPV (3 cases), and the vein of middle cerebellar peduncle (3 cases). Complete pain relief after surgery was noted in 49 patients (84%). No one patient experienced major neurological deterioration. Postoperative facial numbness developed in 14 patients (24%), and in 8 of them, it was permanent. In 14 patients, MRI demonstrated venous infarction of the middle cerebellar peduncle, which was associated with the presence of any (P = 0.0180) and permanent (P = 0.0002) facial numbness. Ten patients experienced pain recurrence. Thus, 39 patients (67%) sustained complete pain relief at the last follow-up (median, 48 months), which was significantly associated with the presence of any (P = 0.0228) and permanent (P = 0.0427) postoperative facial numbness. In conclusion, in cases of TN, small offending veins arising from REZ and/or distal CN V and causing their stretching may be coagulated and cut. In many cases, TPV can be also interrupted safely or considered as collateral way for blood outflow. The main complication of such procedures is facial numbness, which is associated with the venous infarction of middle cerebellar peduncle and long-term complete pain relief.
An Introduction: Foundational Issues in Semantics and Pragmatics
Authors: Ciecierski Tadeusz , Grabarczyk Paweł
Published: October 2020

This introduction to the special issue ‘Foundational issues in semantics and pragmatics’ contains a brief description of the content of the volume.
The critical role of QM/MM X-ray refinement and accurate tautomer/protomer determination in structure-based drug design
Authors: Borbulevych Oleg Y. , Martin Roger I. , Westerhoff Lance M.
Published: October 2020

Conventional protein:ligand crystallographic refinement uses stereochemistry restraints coupled with a rudimentary energy functional to ensure the correct geometry of the model of the macromolecule—along with any bound ligand(s)—within the context of the experimental, X-ray density. These methods generally lack explicit terms for electrostatics, polarization, dispersion, hydrogen bonds, and other key interactions, and instead they use pre-determined parameters (e.g. bond lengths, angles, and torsions) to drive structural refinement. In order to address this deficiency and obtain a more complete and ultimately more accurate structure, we have developed an automated approach for macromolecular refinement based on a two layer, QM/MM (ONIOM) scheme as implemented within our DivCon Discovery Suite and "plugged in" to two mainstream crystallographic packages: PHENIX and BUSTER. This implementation is able to use one or more region layer(s), which is(are) characterized using linear-scaling, semi-empirical quantum mechanics, followed by a system layer which includes the balance of the model and which is described using a molecular mechanics functional. In this work, we applied our Phenix/DivCon refinement method—coupled with our XModeScore method for experimental tautomer/protomer state determination—to the characterization of structure sets relevant to structure-based drug design (SBDD). We then use these newly refined structures to show the impact of QM/MM X-ray refined structure on our understanding of function by exploring the influence of these improved structures on protein:ligand binding affinity prediction (and we likewise show how we use post-refinement scoring outliers to inform subsequent X-ray crystallographic efforts). Through this endeavor, we demonstrate a computational chemistry ↔ structural biology (X-ray crystallography) "feedback loop" which has utility in industrial and academic pharmaceutical research as well as other allied fields.
The choice of biopolymer is crucial to trigger angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factor releasing coatings
Authors: Claaßen Christiane , Dannecker Miriam , Grübel Jana , Kotzampasi Maria-Elli , Tovar Günter E. M. , Stanzel Boris V. , Borchers Kirsten
Published: October 2020

Bio-based coatings and release systems for pro-angiogenic growth factors are of interest to overcome insufficient vascularization and bio-integration of implants. This study compares different biopolymer-based coatings on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes in terms of coating homogeneity and stability, coating thickness in the swollen state, endothelial cell adhesion, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release and pro-angiogenic properties. Coatings consisted of carbodiimide cross-linked gelatin type A (GelA), type B (GelB) or albumin (Alb), and heparin (Hep), or they consisted of radically cross-linked gelatin methacryloyl-acetyl (GM5A5) and heparin methacrylate (HepM5). We prepared films with thicknesses of 8–10 µm and found that all coatings were homogeneous after washing. All gelatin-based coatings enhanced the adhesion of primary human endothelial cells compared to the uncoated membrane. The VEGF release was tunable with the loading concentration and dependent on the isoelectric points and hydrophilicities of the biopolymers used for coating: GelA-Hep showed the highest releases, while releases were indistinguishable for GelB-Hep and Alb-Hep, and lowest for GM5A5-HepM5. Interestingly, not only the amount of VEGF released from the coatings determined whether angiogenesis was induced, but a combination of VEGF release, metabolic activity and adhesion of endothelial cells. VEGF releasing GelA-Hep and GelB-Hep coatings induced angiogenesis in a chorioallantoic membrane assay, so that these coatings should be considered for further in vivo testing.
Probabilistic Stirling Numbers of the Second Kind and Applications
Authors: Adell José A.
Published: October 2020

Associated with each complex-valued random variable satisfying appropriate integrability conditions, we introduce a different generalization of the Stirling numbers of the second kind. Various equivalent definitions are provided. Attention, however, is focused on applications. Indeed, such numbers describe the moments of sums of i.i.d. random variables, determining their precise asymptotic behavior without making use of the central limit theorem. Such numbers also allow us to obtain explicit and simple Edgeworth expansions. Applications to Lévy processes and cumulants are discussed, as well.
Longer-Term Outcomes of the Incredible Years Parenting Intervention
Authors: Overbeek Geertjan , van Aar Jolien , de Castro Bram Orobio , Matthys Walter , Weeland Joyce , Chhangur Rabia R. , Leijten Patty
Published: October 2020

Conduct problems can develop into behavior disorders and put children at risk for other mental health problems. Parenting interventions have been shown to successfully reduce conduct problems and are often expected to prevent the development of broader mental health problems. Few studies have evaluated the longer-term and broader effects of these interventions. To what extent are parenting intervention effects sustained in the years after the intervention? And do effects pertain to conduct problems specifically, or do they also affect broader aspects of children’s mental health? We used a randomized controlled trial to assess the longer-term (2.5 years) effects of the Incredible Years parenting intervention on children’s conduct problems in an indicated prevention setting (N = 387; 79% retention rate). Using a multi-method (survey and computerized tasks) and multi-informant (parents, teachers, and children) approach, we tested whether initial effects on conduct problems were sustained, and whether Incredible Years had broader effects on children’s peer problems, emotional problems, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, attention and inhibition deficits, and service use. Incredible Years, relative to control (no intervention), led to sustained reductions in parent-reported conduct problems (Cohen’s d = 0.31), but not teacher- and child-reported conduct problems. There were no broader benefits: Incredible Years did not reduce children’s peer problems, emotional problems, ADHD-symptoms, attention and inhibition deficits, or their service use. Improvements in parents’ perceptions of child conduct problems sustained until 2.5 years later. Our findings do not show benefits of Incredible Years as a preventive intervention for children’s broader mental health.
Testing for efficiency in the Saudi stock market: does corporate governance change matter?
Authors: Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh , Dockery Everton
Published: October 2020

We study the informational efficiency of the Saudi stock market (SSM), while accounting for corporate governance change, based on single, multiple, and variance ratio-based WALD tests and runs test. The main findings indicate that when the whole period is considered, the random walk hypothesis is rejected, but when divided into two sub-periods separated by the pre-corporate governance and the period marked by corporate governance change, the analysis demonstrates sub-period improvement in weak-form efficiency for the examined series. Robustness of results is verified by analysis using sector indices, which point to market efficiency. Interestingly, Hurst Exponent estimates evidence long-range dependence which suggests the predictability of stock prices and the prospect of speculative opportunities.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Ni-C, Co-C, and Ni-Co-C Liquid Alloys Using the Modified Quasichemical Model
Authors: Jeon Junmo , Kwon Sun-Yong , Lindberg Daniel , Paek Min-Kyu
Published: October 2020

The strong interactions between the metallic elements and C in liquid Ni, Co, and Ni-Co alloys have been thermodynamically analyzed. The liquid solution properties in Ni-C and Co-C systems showed significant asymmetry because of the short-range ordering of C exhibited in the liquid solution. Using the modified quasichemical model in the pair approximation, the Ni-C and Co-C systems were re-optimized to simultaneously reproduce the present experimental results of the C solubility and the reported thermodynamic properties in the liquid phases. In particular, the partial enthalpy data of C in liquid Ni and Co alloys were considered for the first time on the thermodynamic assessment of Ni-C and Co-C liquid solutions. The asymmetric interpolation method was introduced to evaluate the Gibbs free energy in the ternary system based on the binary Gibbs free energies in the Ni-C and Co-C systems. The C solubility data measured in the ternary Ni-Co-C alloy melt over a wide Co concentration range were successfully reproduced without any additional ternary model parameter by considering the short-range ordering of C.
Biochemical Characterization of Phenylacetaldehyde Dehydrogenases from Styrene-degrading Soil Bacteria
Authors: Zimmerling Juliane , Oelschlägel Michel , Großmann Carolin , Voitel Matthias , Schlömann Michael , Tischler Dirk
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Four phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenases (designated as FeaB or StyD) originating from styrene-degrading soil bacteria were biochemically investigated. In this study, we focused on the Michaelis-Menten kinetics towards the presumed native substrate phenylacetaldehyde and the obviously preferred co-substrate NAD+. Furthermore, the substrate specificity on four substituted phenylacetaldehydes and the co-substrate preference were studied. Moreover, these enzymes were characterized with respect to their temperature as well as long-term stability. Since aldehyde dehydrogenases are known to show often dehydrogenase as well as esterase activity, we tested this capacity, too. Almost all results showed clearly different characteristics between the FeaB and StyD enzymes. Furthermore, FeaB fromSphingopyxis fribergensisKp5.2 turned out to be the most active enzyme with an apparent specific activity of 17.8 ± 2.1 U mg-1. Compared with that, both StyDs showed only activities less than 0.2 U mg-1except the overwhelming esterase activity of StyD-CWB2 (1.4 ± 0.1 U mg-1). The clustering of both FeaB and StyD enzymes with respect to their characteristics could also be mirrored in the phylogenetic analysis of twelve dehydrogenases originating from different soil bacteria.
Prevalence of comorbidities in elderly cancer patients
Authors: Wenkstetten-Holub Alfa , Fangmeyer-Binder Maria , Fasching Peter
Published: October 2020

Comorbidity is common among cancer patients and increases with age. Comorbid conditions potentially affect treatment, therapy outcomes, and survival of people with cancer. This short review aims at presenting the prevalence of comorbidities, to illustrate their impact on elderly persons with cancer and to discuss their assessment.
Fine-Grained Topography and Modularity of the Macaque Frontal Pole Cortex Revealed by Anatomical Connectivity Profiles
Authors: He Bin , Cao Long , Xia Xiaoluan , Zhang Baogui , Zhang Dan , You Bo , Fan Lingzhong , Jiang Tianzi
Published: October 2020

The frontal pole cortex (FPC) plays key roles in various higher-order functions and is highly developed in non-human primates. An essential missing piece of information is the detailed anatomical connections for finer parcellation of the macaque FPC than provided by the previous tracer results. This is important for understanding the functional architecture of the cerebral cortex. Here, combining cross-validation and principal component analysis, we formed a tractography-based parcellation scheme that applied a machine learning algorithm to divide the macaque FPC (2 males and 6 females) into eight subareas using high-resolution diffusion magnetic resonance imaging with the 9.4T Bruker system, and then revealed their subregional connections. Furthermore, we applied improved hierarchical clustering to the obtained parcels to probe the modular structure of the subregions, and found that the dorsolateral FPC, which contains an extension to the medial FPC, was mainly connected to regions of the default-mode network. The ventral FPC was mainly involved in the social-interaction network and the dorsal FPC in the metacognitive network. These results enhance our understanding of the anatomy and circuitry of the macaque brain, and contribute to FPC-related clinical research.
Aufsuchende Soziale Arbeit in Konflikten um städtische Räume
Authors: Killian Margarete , Rinn Moritz
Published: October 2020

Vor dem Hintergrund der Beobachtung, dass Soziale Arbeit im Kontext neoliberaler Stadtpolitik als Akteurin in Konflikte eingebunden ist, in denen Aneignungs- und Nutzungsweisen öffentlicher städtischer Räume verhandelt werden, stellen wir in diesem Beitrag Ergebnisse eines explorativen Forschungsprojekts vor, in dem wir untersucht haben, wie Fachkräfte aufsuchender Sozialarbeit von stadtpolitischen Akteur*innen in die Bearbeitung solcher Konflikte eingebunden werden und wie sie sich selbst darin positionieren. Ausgangspunkt war die Annahme, dass Akteur*innen stadtbezogener Sozialer Arbeit in Aneignungskonflikten, in die ihre Adressat*innen involviert sind, über einen kontextspezifischen Handlungsspielraum verfügen, in dem Ziele definiert, Interventionsanlässe gewählt, handlungsleitende Problematisierungen hervorgebracht bzw. angeeignet und entsprechende Handlungsstrategien eingesetzt werden. In der empirischen Analyse konkreter Konfliktereignisse und -konstellationen in drei deutschen Großstädten wird ein Spektrum unterschiedlicher sozialarbeiterischer Vorgehensweisen sichtbar, das von parteilicher Intervention und Konfliktorientierung bis zur Übernahme externer Problematisierungen und der aktiven Beteiligung an einerdislocationproblematisierter Personen reicht. Diese unterschiedlichen Positionierungen müssen allerdings nicht nur hinsichtlich der jeweiligen normativen (Selbst‑)Verpflichtungen (zwischen Parteilichkeit und Allparteilichkeit, Orts- und Klient*innenbezug, Konflikt- und Problemorientierung) analysiert werden, sondern insbesondere in ihren jeweils spezifischen stadträumlichen und stadtpolitischen Konstellationen.
Role of acetylcholine spasm provocation test as a pathophysiological assessment in nonobstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Suzuki Satoru , Kaikita Koichi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: October 2020

Coronary angiography (CAG) sometimes shows nonobstructive coronary arteries in patients with suspected angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The high prevalence of nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in those patients has recently been reported not only in Japan but also in Western countries, and is clinically attracting attention. Coronary spasm is considered to be one of the leading causes of both suspected stable angina and ACS with nonobstructive coronary arteries. Coronary spasm could also be associated with left ventricular dysfunction leading to heart failure, which could be improved following the administration of calcium channel blockers. Because we rarely capture spontaneous attacks of coronary spasm with electrocardiograms or Holter recordings, an invasive diagnostic modality, acetylcholine (ACh) provocation test, can be useful in detecting coronary spasm during CAG. Furthermore, we can use the ACh-provocation test to identify high-risk patients with coronary spasm complicated with organic coronary stenosis, and then treat with intensive care. Nonobstructive CAD includes not only epicardial coronary spasm but also microvascular spasm or dysfunction that can be associated with recurrent anginal attacks and poor quality of life. ACh-provocation test could also be helpful for the assessment of microvascular spasm or dysfunction. We hope that cardiologists will increasingly perform ACh-provocation test to assess the pathophysiology of nonobstructive CAD.
Genomic and transcriptomic analysis unveils population evolution and development of pesticide resistance in fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Gui Furong , Lan Tianming , Zhao Yue , Guo Wei , Dong Yang , Fang Dongming , Liu Huan , Li Haimeng , Wang Hongli , Hao Ruoshi , Cheng Xiaofang , Li Yahong , Yang Pengcheng , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Chen Yaping , Cheng Le , He Shuqi , Liu Ping , Fan Guangyi , Lu Haorong , Hu Guohai , Dong Wei , Chen Bin , Jiang Yuan , Zhang Yongwei , Xu Hanhong , Lin Fei , Slippers Bernard , Postma Alisa , Jackson Matthew , Abate Birhan Addisie , Tesfaye Kassahun , Demie Aschalew Lemma , Bayeleygne Meseret Destaw , Degefu Dawit Tesfaye , Chen Feng , Kuria Paul K. , Kinyua Zachary M. , Liu Tong-Xian , Yang Huanming , Huang Fangneng , Liu Xin , Sheng Jun , Kang Le
Published: October 2020

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a destructive pest native to America and has recently become an invasive insect pest in China. Because of its rapid spread and great risks in China, understanding of FAW genetic background and pesticide resistance is urgent and essential to develop effective management strategies. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome of a male FAW (SFynMstLFR) and compared re-sequencing results of the populations from America, Africa, and China. Strain identification of 163 individuals collected from America, Africa and China showed that both C and R strains were found in the American populations, while only C strain was found in the Chinese and African populations. Moreover, population genomics analysis showed that populations from Africa and China have close relationship with significantly genetic differentiation from American populations. Taken together, FAWs invaded into China were most likely originated from Africa. Comparative genomics analysis displayed that the cytochrome p450 gene family is extremely expanded to 425 members in FAW, of which 283 genes are specific to FAW. Treatments of Chinese populations with twenty-three pesticides showed the variant patterns of transcriptome profiles, and several detoxification genes such as AOX, UGT and GST specially responded to the pesticides. These findings will be useful in developing effective strategies for management of FAW in China and other invaded areas.
A Novel All-Optical Sensor Design Based on a Tunable Resonant Nanocavity in Photonic Crystal Microstructure Applicable in MEMS Accelerometers
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Sani Mojtaba , Saghaei Hamed , Mehranpour Mohammad Amin , Asgariyan Tabrizi Afsaneh
Published: October 2020

In view of the large scientific and technical interest in the MEMS accelerometer sensor and the limitations of capacitive, resistive piezo, and piezoelectric methods, we focus on the measurement of the seismic mass displacement using a novel design of the all-optical sensor (AOS). The proposed AOS consists of two waveguides and a ring resonator in a two-dimensional rod-based photonic crystal (PhC) microstructure, and a holder which connects the central rod of a nanocavity to a proof mass. The photonic band structure of the AOS is calculated with the plane-wave expansion approach for TE and TM polarization modes, and the light wave propagation inside the sensor is analyzed by solving Maxwell’s equations using the finite-difference time-domain method. The results of our simulations demonstrate that the fundamental PhC has a free spectral range of about 730 nm covering the optical communication wavelength-bands. Simulations also show that the AOS has the resonant peak of 0.8 at 1.644µm, quality factor of 3288, full width at half maximum of 0.5nm, and figure of merit of 0.97. Furthermore, for the maximum 200nm nanocavity displacements in the x- or y-direction, the resonant wavelengths shift to 1.618µm and 1.547µm, respectively. We also calculate all characteristics of the nanocavity displacement in positive and negative directions of the x-axis and y-axis. The small area of 104.35 µm2 and short propagation time of the AOS make it an interesting sensor for various applications, especially in the vehicle navigation systems and aviation safety tools.
Il versante endocrinologico della sindrome di von Hippel-Lindau (vHLs)
Authors: Lopez Chiara , Egalini Filippo , Caputo Marina , Parasiliti-Caprino Mirko , Lucatello Barbara , Ghigo Ezio , Maccario Mauro
Published: October 2020

Sommario

La sindrome di von Hippel-Lindau è una patologia ereditaria multisistemica che predispone allo sviluppo di neoplasie frequentemente di natura endocrina. I tumori neuroendocrini pancreatici, i feocromocitomi e i paragangliomi rappresentano le principali manifestazioni endocrine della sindrome. Tali neoplasie presentano caratteristiche peculiari, che seppur non patognomoniche, possono essere utili nell’orientamento diagnostico. L’endocrinologo rappresenta quindi una figura fondamentale del gruppo multidisclipinare preposto alla gestione di queste patologie.
Superior Pseudocapacitive Storage of a Novel Ni3Si2/NiOOH/Graphene Nanostructure for an All-Solid-State Supercapacitor
Authors: Ning Jing , Xia Maoyang , Wang Dong , Feng Xin , Zhou Hong , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue
Published: October 2020

Recent developments in the synthesis of graphene-based structures focus on continuous improvement of porous nanostructures, doping of thin films, and mechanisms for the construction of three-dimensional architectures. Herein, we synthesize creeper-like Ni3Si2/NiOOH/graphene nanostructures via low-pressure all-solid melting-reconstruction chemical vapor deposition. In a carbon-rich atmosphere, high-energy atoms bombard the Ni and Si surface, and reduce the free energy in the thermodynamic equilibrium of solid Ni–Si particles, considerably catalyzing the growth of Ni–Si nanocrystals. By controlling the carbon source content, a Ni3Si2 single crystal with high crystallinity and good homogeneity is stably synthesized. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the nanostructures exhibit an ultrahigh specific capacity of 835.3 C g−1 (1193.28 F g−1) at 1 A g−1; when integrated as an all-solid-state supercapacitor, it provides a remarkable energy density as high as 25.9 Wh kg−1 at 750 W kg−1, which can be attributed to the free-standing Ni3Si2/graphene skeleton providing a large specific area and NiOOH inhibits insulation on the electrode surface in an alkaline solution, thereby accelerating the electron exchange rate. The growth of the high-performance composite nanostructure is simple and controllable, enabling the large-scale production and application of microenergy storage devices.
Multiple perspective centrality measures based on facility location problem under inter-group competitive environment
Authors: Fushimi Takayasu , Okubo Seiya , Saito Kazumi
Published: October 2020

In this study, we propose novel centrality measures considering multiple perspectives of nodes or node groups based on the facility location problem on a spatial network. The conventional centrality exclusively quantifies the global properties of each node in a network such as closeness and betweenness, and extracts nodes with high scores as important nodes. In the context of facility placement on a network, it is desirable to place facilities at nodes with high accessibility from residents, that is, nodes with a high score in closeness centrality. It is natural to think that such a property of a node changes when the situation changes. For example, in a situation where there are no existing facilities, it is expected that the demand of residents will be satisfied by opening a new facility at the node with the highest accessibility, however, in a situation where there exist some facilities, it is necessary to open a new facility some distance from the existing facilities. Furthermore, it is natural to consider that the concept of closeness differs depending on the relationship with existing facilities, cooperative relationships and competitive relationships. Therefore, we extend a concept of centrality so as to considers the situation where one or more nodes have already been selected belonging to one of some groups. In this study, we propose two measures based on closeness centrality and betweenness centrality as behavior models of people on a spatial network. From our experimental evaluations using actual urban street network data, we confirm that the proposed method, which introduces the viewpoints of each group, shows that there is a difference in the important nodes of each group viewpoint, and that the new store location can be predicted more accurately.
Investigating the Modulatory Role of Chronological and Biological Age on Performance Predictors in Youth Swimmers
Authors: McNarry M. A. , Lester L. , Brown J. , Mackintosh K. A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the modulatory roles of biological maturity and age on the predictors of performance in youth swimmers and their stability over a six-month training cycle.

Methods

In total, 28 swimmers (10 pre-pubertal [6 boys], 11.1 ± 1.8 years; 18 pubertal [8 boys], 15.2 ± 2.0 years old) and 26 untrained controls (15 pre-pubertal [10 boys], 9.7 ± 1.5 years; 11 pubertal [6 boys], 14.4 ± 0.5 years old) were recruited. At baseline, 3- and 6-months, participants completed an incremental ramp cycle test, isometric handgrip strength test and countermovement jumps, with speed assessed as a measure of performance in swimmers. Principle component analysis (PCA) identified factors that described youth swimmers’ physical profile, with linear mixed models subsequently used to determine their interaction with age and maturity on performance.

Results

Aerobic fitness and upper body strength were significantly higher in the trained participants, irrespective of maturity status or time-point. Four key factors were identified through PCA (anthropometrics; strength; aerobic capacity; aerobic rate), accounting for 90% of the between parameter variance. Age exerted a widespread influence on swimming performance predictors, influencing all four factors, whilst maturity only influenced the aerobic factors. The key age of divergence was 13 years.

Conclusion

Overall, the present study found no evidence of a maturational threshold in the aerobic or strength-related response to training in youth. The influence of age on performance predictors suggests that utilising a single or select group of parameters to inform selection and/or talent identification throughout the dynamic processes of growth and maturation should be avoided.
Beckett and Sade
Authors: Rabaté Jean-Michel
Published: October 2020

Much has been written on Beckett and Sade, yet nothing systematic has been produced. This Element is systematic by adopting a chronological order, which is necessary given the complexity of Beckett's varying assessments of Sade. Beckett mentioned Sade early in his career, with Proust as a first guide. His other sources were Guillaume Apollinaire and Mario Praz's book, La Carne, La morte e il Diavolo Nella Letteratura Romantica (1930), from which he took notes about sadism for his Dream Notebook. Dante's meditation on the absurdity of justice provides closure facing Beckett's wonder at the pervasive presence of sadism in humans.
Living in Networks
Authors: Bidart Claire , Degenne Alain , Grossetti Michel
Published: October 2020

How do personal networks emerge from social contexts? How do these evolve during the course of a lifetime? How are relationships established, maintained, connected, disrupted? How does the structure of a network evolve as people face transitions and events? Based on a classic text originally published in France and that has become the standard on the empirical study of social networks there, for the first time, a network analysis perspective is extended from contexts and social circles to relationships and life events through empirical studies. Following in the tradition of personal network studies, this contribution to the field of structural analysis in Sociology offers both a synthesis of knowledge and original results from two immense surveys carried out in France. This volume proposes an original theory grounded in relational dynamics, offering novel perspectives on individual social relations over the course of a lifetime through the context of personal networks, access to social resources, and inequalities.
Drug Trafficking in the Mainland Southeast Asian Region: The Example of Vietnam’s Shared Borderland with Laos
Authors: Luong Hai Thanh
Published: October 2020

In recent years, transit routes in Vietnam for drug trafficking networks in the Southeast Asia region and beyond have expanded considerably. Many international scholars are working on identifying destination and transit routes of drug trafficking entities “to and through” Vietnam. Among these routes, the crossings through the Vietnam–Laos borderland of about 2,340 km are among the most severe concerns. This article analyses supply-and-demand scales of illicit drugs in Vietnam from 2008 to 2017 within the context of illegal drug trafficking in the mainland Southeast Asian region. Some evidence consistent with the “destination and transit route” arguments were found through mapping three main ways across the Vietnam–Laos borderland. The article also calls for enhancing the bilateral cooperation among law enforcement agencies to prevent and combat drug trafficking from the two sides.
Gaslighting and Echoing, or Why Collective Epistemic Resistance is not a “Witch Hunt”
Authors: Pohlhaus Gaile
Published: October 2020

This essay reflects on some of the problems with characterizing collective epistemic resistance to oppression as “unthinking” or antithetical to reason by highlighting the epistemic labor involved in contending with and resisting epistemic oppression. To do so, I develop a structural notion of epistemic gaslighting in order to highlight structural features of contexts within which collective epistemic resistance to oppression occurs. I consider two different forms of epistemic echoing as modes of contending with and resisting epistemic oppression that are sometimes mischaracterized as “unthinking” or “group think.” The first sense highlights the epistemic labor entailed in withdrawing from conditions of structural epistemic gaslighting that is sometimes mischaracterized as a pernicious self-sequestering that is antithetical to reason. The second sense highlights the epistemic labor entailed in actively confronting epistemic structures that gaslight what is sometimes mischaracterized as an “irrational group think.” In both cases, I highlight how epistemic acts that may appear unreasonable “within the gaslight” are, on the contrary, engaged in serious and important epistemic labor.