bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
West Africa – the Region’s Pivotal Role in International Drug Trafficking
Authors: Rousseau Richard
Published: February 2020

Africa is a pivotal continent for international drug traffickers and criminal organizations. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates, approximately 40 to 50 tons of cocaine destined for the European market passes through the African continent each year.1 The illicit profits from such activities amount to at least 1.8 billion dollars, but it could be much larger according to some estimates. Such profits
provide drug traffickers with the financial means to destabilize already weak governmental structures and law enforcement institutions in various African countries. This massive profits fuel a trade that has far reaching consequences for Africa and the destination countries for these illegal drugs. What is the impact of the illicit drug trade on Africa?
Resisting (Meta) Physical Catastrophes through Acts of Marronage
Authors: Lebrón Ortiz Pedro ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2020

The colonial process constituted a twofold catastrophe. On the one hand, the genocide and enslavement of racialized bodies, along with the large-scale destruction of their lands was a material, or physical, catastrophe. On the other hand, colonialism led to a reconfiguring of intersubjectivities which constituted a “metaphysical catastrophe” according Puerto Rican philosopher Nelson Maldonado-Torres. This metaphysical catastrophe relegates the racialized subject beneath the zones of being and non-being leading to dehumanization and permanent war. This text intends to illuminate ways in which analectical marronage, as an existential state of Being, resists this twofold catastrophe brought about by the imperial enterprise.
Roles de género en personas mayores en el ámbito familiar
Authors: Pérez de Guzmán Puya María Victoria , Díez Jose Luis Rodríguez
Published: February 2020

Hemos realizado un estudio longitudinal, con alumnado mayor de 65 años, que participa en el Programa universitario Aula Abierta de Mayores, de la Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla (España) de diferentes localidades. En este artículo se presentan los resultados referidos a los roles de género. Si bien el análisis de los resultados, de manera general, no muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los estudios del 2013 y el del 2018 en la frecuencia de realización de las tareas: pequeñas reparaciones domésticas y gestiones (bancos, médicos etc.). Sin embargo, en la tarea de cuidado de menores y/o mayores dependientes, en los hombres, en el estudio actual, se ha producido un descenso en la frecuencia, mientras que en las mujeres se observa un aumento en la periodicidad de realización de esta tarea.

Tras cinco años, algunos roles de género siguen marcados en el ámbito familiar. Nuestros datos ponen de relieve, una vez más, la importancia de incidir en temas relacionados con la igualdad entre hombres y mujeres, comenzando por el ámbito más próximo a cada persona. Desde los programas universitarios para mayores se hace necesario seguir incidiendo en conocimientos teórico-prácticos que lleven a entender el significado y la aplicación de cuestiones relacionadas con el género.

We have carried out a longitudinal study of the student older than 65 years old in the “Open Classroom” university senior program from the Pablo de Olavide University (Seville, Spain), from different locations. In this article, we present the results of finding out the gender roles in the family. Although the general analysis of the results don´t show statistically significant differences between the 2013 and 2018 studies in the frequency of accomplishment of the tasks: small domestic repairs and management (banks, doctors, etc.); However, in the care of minors and / or elderly dependents in men, in the current study, there has been a decrease in frequency while in women there has been an increase in the frequency of this task.
Some gender roles are maintained in the family after five years. Our results highlight the importance of focusing in the issues related with the gender equality, starting with the field more familiar with each person. From the university senior’s programs, it is necessary continue stressing the theoretical and practical knowledge that allows the understanding of issues related with the gender.
Vigésimo aniversario de la Ley de conciliación de la vida laboral y familiar
Authors: Uris José María
Published: February 2020

Se cumplen veinte años desde que se aprobó la Ley 39/1999, de 5 de noviembre, para promover la conciliación de la vida laboral y familiar de las personas trabajadoras. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los avances que se han producido y el camino que aún nos queda por recorrer en la materia que nos ocupa, pero en lugar de tomar como referencia el año noventa y nueve, consideramos que es más apropiado ubicarnos hace aproximadamente cinco décadas, que es cuando las mujeres se fueron incorporando de forma masiva al trabajo remunerado.

Entendemos que en dicho periodo los progresos no han sido significativos, como se desprende de que aún pervive un modelo desfasado, donde la mayor parte de las tareas del hogar aún las asumen las mujeres y que los empleadores no facilitan el equilibrio de la vida laboral, familiar y personal, sino más bien todo lo contrario.

Desde ese escenario tan negativo partimos para hacer frente al déficit tan importante que hay en conciliación y a los nuevos desafíos que nos depara el futuro, donde habrá que invertir muchos recursos en las tareas de cuidado, cuando nos dirigimos hacia una nueva era económica que suscita muchas incógnitas.
“Brechas de género" y sistema español de Seguridad Social: balance crítico y algunas propuestas de corrección
Authors: Molina Navarrete Cristóbal
Published: February 2020

En los últimos años, la lucha jurídico-social contra las desigualdades y/o las discriminaciones por razón de sexo no se juega sólo en el ámbito de las relaciones de trabajo, también en el de la protección social. Junto al movimiento a favor de la erradicación de la “brecha salarial”, ha surgido y se está desarrollando el que busca la corrección de las “brechas de género en protección social”. Las brechas de género en protección social son más difíciles de resolver que las brechas jurídico-laborales, porque además de depender del éxito de la solución de estas, exigen otras decisiones de tipo institucional, a fin de compensar las desigualdades no sólo de derecho sino de hecho, tanto en el mercado de trabajo como en la distribución sexista del trabajo de cuidar. El sistema español de seguridad social viene haciendo notables esfuerzos en tiempos recientes para reducir las brechas de género en pensiones públicas, y en otras ramas de protección del sistema de seguridad social. Sin embargo, los resultados no han tenido aún el éxito necesario para que la corrección resulte suficiente. De ahí la necesidad de ir más allá, tanto por parte del legislador como de los propios tribunales de justicia, a través de la interpretación con perspectiva de género en materia de seguridad social

In recent years, the legal-social struggle against inequalities and / or discrimination based on sex is also played out in social security relations, not only in labor relations. Together with the movement in favor of the elimination of the "gender wage gap", another parallel is being developed aimed at reducing the "gender gaps in social protection". Gender gaps in social protection are more difficult to solve than legal-labor gaps. First, because the gaps in social protection derive from gender gaps in the labor market. Second, because, in addition, they require other decisions of an institutional nature, to compensate inequalities not only in law but in fact, both in the labor market and in the sexist distribution of reproductive work. The Spanish social security system is making notable efforts to reduce the gender gaps in public pensions, and in other branches of social security system protection. However, the results have not yet been successful enough for the correction to be sufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to advance faster and faster in gender equality in terms of social protection. A task that mainly concerns the legislator, but also the courts of justice, through interpretation with a gender perspective on social security
The Economic Succession Doctrine in Private Enforcement of EU Competition Law: 'Nothing Extraordinary' After Skanska Industrial?
Authors: Botta Marco
Published: February 2020

The article analyses the recent judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Skanska Industrial. In its preliminary ruling, the CJEU recognised for the first time the so-called “economic succession doctrine” in damage claims concerning a breach of EU competition rules. In the judgment, the CJEU relied on its well-established case law. From this point of view, the ruling is “nothing extraordinary”. Nevertheless, the judgment represents an important milestone that contributes to the development of damage claims in Europe. The article first discusses the origins of the economic succession doctrine, which derives from the broad concept of “undertaking” developed by the CJEU case law and the so-called “single economic entity” doctrine. Afterwards, the article discusses the Skanska Industrial case, in particular by comparing the opinion of Advocate General (AG) Wahl with the CJEU ruling in the case. The article concludes by discussing the potential consequences of the CJEU ruling in Skanska Industrial on private enforcement of EU competition law, as well as the questions that remain open after the judgment. After Skanska Industrial, it remains unclear how the disclosure of evidence will take place in practice in the context of a damage claim following a corporate restructuring. Secondly, the limits of the economic succession doctrine remain unclear: it is unclear when a corporate restructuring indeed leads to the establishment of a “new” undertaking, free from the antitrust liability acquired by its predecessor. Finally, it remains unclear whether Skanska Industrial case law could also be extended to other remedies besides damage claims, such as actions requesting a court injunction, compensation for unjust enrichment, or a declaration that a contract is null and void. The article argues that in the coming years the CJEU will probably be called to clarify SkanskaIndustrial case law in order to answer these remaining questions.
Long non-coding RNA polymorphisms on 8q24 are associated with the prognosis of gastric cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Yangyu , Wu Yanhua , Jia Zhifang , Cao Donghui , Yang Na , Wang Yueqi , Cao Xueyuan , Jiang Jing
Published: February 2020

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) remains the third leading cause of cancer death in China. Although genome-wide association studies have identified the association between several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on 8q24 and the risk of GC, the role of these SNPs in the prognosis of GC in Chinese populations has not yet been fully evaluated. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the association between long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) polymorphisms on 8q24 and the prognosis of GC.

Methods

We genotyped 726 surgically resected GC patients to explore the association between eight SNPs in the lncRNAs CCAT1 (rs10087719, rs7816475), PCAT1 (rs1026411), PRNCR1 (rs12682421, rs13252298), and CASC8 (rs1562430, rs4871789, rs6983267) transcribed from the 8q24 locus and the prognosis of GC in a Chinese population.

Results

We found that the patients carrying rs12682421 AA genotypes survived for a shorter time than those with the GG/GA genotype (HR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.09–1.78]). Compared with the CC/CT genotype, the TT genotype of rs1562430 was associated with an increased risk of death (HR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.06–1.80]). Furthermore, the results also identified the rs1026411 SNP as an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in GC patients. Patients carrying AA/AG variant genotypes had a 36% increased risk of death compared to those carrying the GG genotype (HR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.06–1.74]). These findings suggested that the rs12682421, rs1026411 and rs1562430 SNPs may contribute to the survival of GC and be prognostic markers for GC.
Assessment of Land Use/Land Cover Detection and Its Impact on the Human Environment Using Geospatial Techniques in the University of Port Harcourt Host Communities, Nigeria
Authors: Wizor Collins H. , Eludonyi Olatunde S.
Published: February 2020

This study examines the use of GIS and Remote Sensing in Mapping Land Use/Land Cover changes in the University of Port Harcourt host communities, mainly Choba, Aluu and Alakahia, between 2005-2010 and 2010-2015, to recognise the changes that have taken place in these peri-urban areas within the period of study. The study aim is to detect and map the land use/land cover of the area over a period of 10 years (2005-2015). Three data set of Landsat Satellite images were layer-stacked, after which supervised classification in EARDAS imagine software was carried out and mapping in Arc GIS software were carried out. Five land use and land cover categories were distinguished: built-up areas, cultivation, vegetation, and water body. The results of the study show rapid growth in built-up land between 2010 and 2015, whereas the periods between 2005 and 2010 witnessed an increase in this class also. The rapid increase in built-up areas revealed by the study is due to the rapid urbanization and industrialization in the peri-urban area. It was further observed that the increasing population of students in the area brings about much more demand on housing, which resulted in a great detrimental effect on the land cover of the area in recent years. The study, therefore, recommends, amongst others, the regulation of land use in the peri-urban area, encouragement of afforestation by government and other critical stakeholders, and provision of a mitigating control measure to realistically address the contemporary issues of rapid urbanization in the peri-urban areas.
Academic Stress among Tertiary Level Students: A Categorical Analysis of Academic Stress Scale in the Context of Bangladesh
Authors: Phillips Sharon Campbell , Halder Deb Proshad , Hasib Wahiduzzaman
Published: February 2020

The main objective of the research is to make a comparative study among the five categories of stress a student of a tertiary level faces or is supposed to face based on the questionnaire designed by and make a categorical study for analysis of Academic Stress Scale among the students’ state of stress prevailing in that level of study in Bangladesh. A random sample of 44 students had been selected from different tertiary level institutions throughout the tertiary level institutions of Bangladesh to conduct the research. Among the 44 respondents, 23 were male whereas 21 were female respondents.  A quantitative method has been used in gathering the data by the use of Ordinal Scale (ASS) and mixed methods had been used in analyzing the data.  For the purpose of this study, questionnaires had been distributed to students who had been and were receiving tertiary education (the tertiary level student has been dignified as the students in the ranges from Honors First year to Honors Third year in Bangladesh). The responses were classified and stratified in order to measure frequency and then the findings were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed to rate the level of stress the students feel in the tertiary level of Bangladesh.
Evaluation of the Influence of E-marketing on Patronage Behaviour and Its Attendant Challenges: A Case Study of Selected Hotels in Ado–Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Arohunsoro S. J. , Ojo O. O. , Shittu A. A.
Published: February 2020

This paper evaluated the influence of E-marketing on patronage behaviour and its attendant challenges in some selected hotels. This study employed a descriptive survey research design. This research work employed the use of structured questionnaire that is closed ended. A total of 22 copies of questionnaire were administered in the research work to elicit information from the respondent. Purposive sampling was used to select 11 three star hotels in the study area. 2 Management staff was selected using purposive sampling technique from each of the 11 selected 3 star hotels in the study area. The data collected were analysed through the use of descriptive method of data analysis such as tables, percentage and charts. The study revealed that E-marketing saves time and increases patronage level, E-marketing enhances patronage increase, quality website improves customer patronage and online advertising improves patronage level. However, it was also revealed that some of the challenges facing E-marketing includes no centrally acceptable payment method, Unstructured Presentation of Information, E-Marketing advertisements are poor, E-Marketing internet domain are weak as well as poor sensitization frustrates E-marketing. The study concluded that E-marketing is an important strategy to capture patrons who are use to online booking system and enhancement of convenient booking for online patrons who are relatively far from the locations of the hotels. However, the study recommended that the use of E-Marketing among establishments especially in hotels should be encouraged in order to capture people from far locations who need reservations at their own convenient time.
Glass
Authors: O'Connor Thomas F. , McGee Cline , Lindstrom Randall S. , Wilkes Joseph A. ,   Bobbie Burnett Studio, Yellott John I. , Carmody John , Selkowitz Stephen
Published: February 2020

Glass can be strengthened either by a controlled heating and cooling process, or by immersion in a chemical bath. Chemically treated glass is produced by submerging annealed float glass in a bath of molten potassium salts. Laminated, insulating, laminated insulating, and double‐laminated insulating glass products commonly are used for sound control. A reflective or low‐emissivity coating can be applied to the surface of monolithic glass. Structural glass facades are as much about the expression of elegant and minimalist structural systems as they are about facade transparency. There are two types of photovoltaic glass: crystalline silicon and thin‐film amorphous silicon. Most glass is partially transparent to at least some ultraviolet radiation, whereas plastics are commonly more opaque to ultraviolet. Glass is opaque to far‐infrared radiation but generally transparent to near‐infrared. Exterior decorative glass must be pressed into a deep back bed of mastic compound or glazing tape.
Element E: Equipment and Furnishings
Authors: Hansen Jane , McGee Cline ,   Boon Edam Inc.,   Blythe + Nazdin Architects, Ltd., Shea Tim , Yun Ji‐Seong , Johnson Jim ,   Walter Hart Associates, Rankin Janet B. ,   Cini‐Little International, Inc.,   Henry Grossbard & Cody Hicks, Birchfield John , Vitullo Richard J. ,   WHR Architects,   Medical: Larsen Shein Ginsberg Snyder,   Dental: Deborah Hershowitz and Frank Giese,   System Diagrams from Checkpoint Systems, Inc., Bollinger Jeffrey E. , Martinez Jason , Shuford Del , Cape Timothy W. , Spielberg Harry , Clark Jane ,   Polysonics, Pienkny Stefan , Tapert Don , Shah Setu ,   National Kitchen and Bath Association,   Rigging system illustration: Texas Scenic Co., Blackledge Leland D. , Lesire John A. , Cox Dean , Ashkin Stephen , Holly David , Sobel Walter H. , Textiles Knoll ,   DFB Sales, Inc., Heuer Greg , Kruse Kelsey ,   Fisher Hamilton Inc., Kollaja Ted , Bader Sarah , Cavin Tammy , Day Tama Duffy , Blumenfeld Joan , Dufner Sonya ,   Vecta, Beasley Kim A. , Davies Thomas D. , Greenberg Peter , Vandevoort Jeffrey R. ,   ISD Incorporated, Jelic Natasa , Pearson Jon
Published: February 2020

This chapter discusses common equipment, specifically in the following categories: vehicular equipment, commercial equipment, institutional equipment, residential equipment, entertainment and recreational equipment and other equipment. It also discusses the following topics related to medical equipment: patient care rooms, examination and treatment spaces and procedural spaces. The chapter describes equipment commonly used in residences, in particular, kitchens and laundry rooms. It provides a discussion on the following types of equipment: maintenance equipment, solid waste compactors and containers, commercial food service equipment, residential equipment and athletic equipment. Service stations are typically furnished with equipment, supplies, and selected beverages. The chapter examines the following two general categories of furnishings: fixed furnishings and moveable furnishings. Sofas, love seats, lounge chairs, pull‐up chairs, tables, and consoles comprise the typical furnishings. Each component is available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, with a multitude of material and fabric options.
Dendronized‐Polymer Disturbing Cells' Stress Protection by Targeting Metabolism Leads to Tumor Vulnerability
Authors: Pan Dayi , Zheng Xiuli , Zhang Qianfeng , Li Zhiqian , Duan Zhenyu , Zheng Wen , Gong Meng , Zhu Hongyan , Zhang Hu , Gong Qiyong , Gu Zhongwei , Luo Kui
Published: February 2020

Metabolic demand of cancer is quite unique compared to normal tissues and this is an emerging hallmark of cancer, which brings a potential opportunity to discover drugs that target cancer cell metabolism. Herein, the development of a dendronized pyropheophorbide a (Ppa)‐conjugated polymer (DPP) is reported, and a linear Ppa‐conjugated polymer (LPP) is reported as a control. DPP is found to disturb cellular metabolism including increased energy depletion, dysfunctional H+ regulation, and decreased antioxidation, resulting in deficiency in protecting cells from stresses. These vulnerable cells are subjected to photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment in the presence of DPP, resulting in attenuated cancer cell growth and eventually cell death. The in vivo anticancer efficacy is also ascribed to significantly prolonged blood circulation and enhanced tumor accumulation of DPP due to its unique molecular structure. This study presents a new platform using dendronized polymers for tumor suppression by targeting cancer cell metabolism.
Highly Stretchable Polymer Composite with Strain‐Enhanced Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness
Authors: Yao Bin , Hong Wei , Chen Tianwu , Han Zhubing , Xu Xinwei , Hu Renchao , Hao Jianyu , Li Changhao , Li He , Perini Steven E. , Lanagan Michael T. , Zhang Sulin , Wang Qing , Wang Hong
Published: February 2020

Polymer composites with electrically conductive fillers have been developed as mechanically flexible, easily processable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. Although there are a few elastomeric composites with nanostructured silvers and carbon nanotubes showing moderate stretchability, their EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) deteriorates consistently with stretching. Here, a highly stretchable polymer composite embedded with a three‐dimensional (3D) liquid‐metal (LM) network exhibiting substantial increases of EMI SE when stretched is reported, which matches the EMI SE of metallic plates over an exceptionally broad frequency range of 2.65–40 GHz. The electrical conductivities achieved in the 3D LM composite are among the state‐of‐the‐art in stretchable conductors under large mechanical deformations. With skin‐like elastic compliance and toughness, the material provides a route to meet the demands for emerging soft and human‐friendly electronics.
Gate‐Coupling‐Enabled Robust Hysteresis for Nonvolatile Memory and Programmable Rectifier in Van der Waals Ferroelectric Heterojunctions
Authors: Huang Wenhao , Wang Feng , Yin Lei , Cheng Ruiqing , Wang Zhenxing , Sendeku Marshet Getaye , Wang Junjun , Li Ningning , Yao Yuyu , He Jun
Published: February 2020

Ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (FeFETs) are one of the most interesting ferroelectric devices; however, they, usually suffer from low interface quality. The recently discovered 2D layered ferroelectric materials, combining with the advantages of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), may be promising to fabricate high‐quality FeFETs with atomically thin thickness. Here, dual‐gated 2D ferroelectric vdWHs are constructed using MoS2, hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), and CuInP2S6 (CIPS), which act as a high‐performance nonvolatile memory and programmable rectifier. It is first noted that the insertion of h‐BN and dual‐gated coupling device configuration can significantly stabilize and effectively polarize ferroelectric CIPS. Through this design, the device shows a record‐high performance with a large memory window, large on/off ratio (107), ultralow programming state current (10−13 A), and long‐time endurance (104 s) as nonvolatile memory. As for programmable rectifier, a wide range of gate‐tunable rectification behavior is observed. Moreover, the device exhibits a large rectification ratio (3 × 105) with stable retention under the programming state. This demonstrates the promising potential of ferroelectric vdWHs for new multifunctional ferroelectric devices.
In Situ Formed Gradient Bandgap‐Tunable Perovskite for Ultrahigh‐Speed Color/Spectrum‐Sensitive Photodetectors via Electron‐Donor Control
Authors: Sun Haoxuan , Tian Wei , Wang Xianfu , Deng Kaimo , Xiong Jie , Li Liang
Published: February 2020

Integration of various photodetectors with different light‐sensitive materials and detection capacity is an inevitable way to achieve entire color/spectrum detection. However, the uneven capacity of each photodetector would drag the overall performance behind, especially the response speed. A response time down to nanosecond level has not previously been reported for a filter‐free color/spectrum‐sensitive photodetector, as far as is known. Here, a self‐powered filterless color‐sensitive photodetection array based on an in situ formed gradient perovskite absorber film with continuously tunable bandgap is demonstrated. Ultrahigh‐speed response at nanosecond level is achieved in all the ingredient photodetectors. The junction capacitance being influenced by carrier concentration in the absorber is identified to be responsible for the detection speed. Without any optic or mechanical supporting system, the designed color detector exhibits an external quantum efficiency (EQE) up to 94% and a high spectral resolution of around 80 nm for the whole visible spectrum. This work offers a guidance to achieve fast response of perovskite‐based photodetectors from the point of view of carrier‐donor control and demonstrates a new avenue to establish color‐sensitive photodetectors/spectrometers.
Higher‐Order Approximate CN‐PML Theory for Magnetized Ferrite Simulations
Authors: Wu Peiyu , Xie Yongjun , Jiang Haolin , Niu Liqiang
Published: February 2020

Two unconditionally stable implementations of the higher‐order perfectly matched layer are proposed for the modeling of magnetized ferrite in the finite‐difference time‐domain lattice. By incorporating the approximate Crank–Nicolson (CN) algorithm and the modified auxiliary differential equation (ADE) approach, the proposed implementations take full advantage of the CN methods in terms of reducing the computational time and improving the computational efficiency. Approximate CN algorithms including the Crank–Nicolson–Douglas–Gunn and the Crank–Nicolson Approximate‐Decoupling schemes are implemented in 2D simulation. Furthermore, based on the ADE method, an alternative method at the integer time step is proposed to analyze the anisotropic magnetized ferrite structures. Its computational efficiency can be further enhanced compared to the shift operator method from the previous works. A full‐filled ferrite model and a ridge waveguide structure are introduced to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms. The results show that the proposed algorithms can improve the computational efficiency, overcome the Courant–Friedrich–Levy limit, and obtain considerable absorbing performance.
The state of congenital heart disease
Authors: Kruszka Paul , Beaton Andrea
Published: February 2020

In this special issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C, we focus on the “State of Congenital Heart Disease.” We anticipate that after viewing this journal, the reader will be up‐to‐date on the epidemiology of congenital heart disease (CHD), the genetic basis of CHD, ethical concerns, and the global impact of CHD. And most importantly, we are confident that this special issue conveys the message that CHD is complex and that much work is still needed in genetic and genomic research.
Anogenital distance as a measure of male competitive ability in Rwenzori Angolan colobus
Authors: Teichroeb Julie A. , Stead Samantha M. , Edwards Phoebe D. , Landry Florence , Palme Rupert , Boonstra Rudy
Published: February 2020

Anogenital distance (AGD) is positively correlated to fetal androgen exposure and developmental masculinization in mammals. Independent of overall body size, AGD shows a strong positive correlation with male fertility and in rodents, AGD is a good indicator of male competitive ability and is associated with female choice. We hypothesized that AGD will also predict male competitive ability in non‐human primates. To test this, we measured AGD noninvasively with a parallel laser in a wild population of Angolan colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii) in Uganda and correlated to it to their social structure. C. angolensis ruwenzorii form a multilevel society with both one‐male/multifemale units (OMUs) and multimale/multifemale units (MMUs). We compared AGD in males from five OMUs and six MMUs and related it to their fecal androgen metabolite concentrations, dominance rank and body size, and to the number of females in their unit. Males in OMUs had greater access to females, so were predicted to have longer AGDs, but this was not found. AGD also did not correlate overall with mean fecal androgen metabolites in MMUs. However, AGD was correlated with dominance rank in MMUs, demonstrating that higher‐ranking males in these multimale units had longer AGDs. Body size did not show the same relationship with dominance rank, suggesting that male rank was not just a reflection of absolute male size. Our findings indicate that AGD predicts male competitive ability in this species and that it may be a useful correlate throughout the non‐human primates. These results also support the idea that prenatal androgen exposure increases the likelihood of the expression of behaviors that maintain high dominance rank.
A Critical Review of Genome Editing and Synthetic Biology Applications in Metabolic Engineering of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria
Authors: Ng I‐Son , Keskin Batuhan Birol , Tan Shih‐I
Published: February 2020

Being the green gold of the future, microalgae and cyanobacteria have recently attracted considerable interest worldwide, for their metabolites such as lipids, protein, pigments, and bioactive compounds have immense potential for sustainable energy and pharmaceutical production capabilities. In the last decades, the efforts attended to enhance the usage of microalgae and cyanobacteria by genetic manipulation, synthetic and metabolic engineering. However, the development of photoautotrophic cell factories have rarely compared to the heterotrophic counterparts due to limited tools, bioinformatics, and multi‐omics database. Therefore, recent advances of their genome editing techniques by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology, and potential applications of their metabolic engineering and regulation approaches are examined in this review. Moreover, the contemporary achievements of synthetic biology approaches of microalgae and cyanobacteria in carbon fixation and sequestration, lipid and triacylglycerol (TAG), and sustainable production of high value‐added chemicals, such as carotenoids and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been also discussed. From recent genomic study to trends in metabolic regulation of microalgae and cyanobacteria and a comprehensive assessment of the current challenges and opportunities for microalgae and cyanobacteria is also conducted.
Moving beyond the tensions in open environmental innovation towards a holistic perspective
Authors: Russo Spena Tiziana , Di Paola Nadia
Published: February 2020

This paper analyses factors determining open environmental innovation (EI) and explores the possibility of embracing their tensions to achieve integrated environmental strategic goals.

Building on recent literature linking open innovation and EI, the study assumes open EI strategic goals as a multidimensional construct based on the “synergistic and interwoven nature” of four identified enabling factors, that is, partners, knowledge, benefits, and motivations.

A fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) based on Boolean algebra is conducted to analyse a set of 186 European companies operating in the telecommunication and information and communication technology (ICT) service industries.

Making important theoretical, managerial, and policy contributions, this paper offers insights into the key factors enabling open EI and the tensional relationships within and between them. In doing so, it captures the non‐linear effects among these factors and the strategic goals related to an open EI strategy. It also suggests how the paradox theory might help in addressing the tensional dilemma of open EI strategy.
Comparison of mono‐rhamnolipids and di‐rhamnolipids on microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) applications
Authors: Rocha Vanessa A. L. , de Castilho Lívia V. A. , de Castro Rui P. V. , Teixeira Douglas B. , Magalhães Augusto V. , Gomez José G. C. , Freire Denise M. G.
Published: February 2020

Rhamnolipids (RMLs) have more effectiveness for specific uses according to their homologue proportions. Thus, the novelty of this work was to compare mono‐RMLs and di‐RMLs physicochemical properties on microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) applications. For this, RML produced by three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa containing different homologues proportion were used: a mainly mono‐RMLs producer (mono‐RMLs); a mainly di‐RMLs producer (di‐RMLs), and the other one that produces relatively balanced amounts of mono‐RML and di‐RML homologues (mono/di‐RML). For mono‐RML, the most abundant molecules were Rha‐C10C10 (m/z 503.3), for di‐RML were RhaRha‐C10C10 (m/z 649.4) and for Mono/di‐RML were Rha‐C10C10 (m/z 503.3) and RhaRha‐C10C10 (m/z 649.4). All RMLs types presented robustness under high temperature and variation of salinity and pH, and high ability for oil displacement, foam stability, wettability reversal and were classified as safe for environment according to the European Union Directive No. 67/548/EEC. For all these properties, it was observed a highlight for mono‐RML. Mono‐RML presented the lowest surface tension (26.40 mN/m), interfacial tension (1.14 mN/m), and critical micellar concentration (CMC 27.04 mg/L), the highest emulsification index (EI24 100%) and the best wettability reversal (100% with 25 ppm). In addition, mono‐RML showed the best acute toxicity value (454 mg/L), making its application potential even more attractive. Based on the results, it was concluded that all RMLs homologues studied have potential for MEOR applications. However, results showed that mono‐RML stood out and have the best mechanism of oil incorporation in micelles due their most effective surface‐active physicochemical features.
Alexithymia and change process: Contributions of a phase model
Authors: da Silva Ana Nunes , Branco Vasco António , Watson Jeanne C.
Published: February 2020

The research literature shows patients with alexithymia have poorer outcomes in psychotherapy. We reflect upon psychotherapy with alexithymic patients presenting one case study, from a larger research project, throughout 12 sessions. This study used a mixed‐methods design with qualitative and quantitative methods exploring both client's and therapist's perspectives. From the client's perspective, different dimensions were explored: emotional process components, symptom severity, therapeutic alliance and the processing capacity regarding the phase‐specific general strategies as postulated in the Paradigmatic Complementarity Metamodel (PCM). Regarding the therapist's perspective, we investigated the PCM phase‐specific strategic goals promoted throughout the process and the perception of the therapeutic alliance. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented. The client presented a significant change in both alexithymia and symptom severity regarding the reliable change index, being considered a good outcome. The sequencing of general strategies as a phase‐by‐phase map of the therapeutic process is used to describe the development of client's and therapist's variables. We discuss that considering alexithymia in case conceptualisation may help overcome its impact on the therapeutic process, especially regarding emotional processing and the therapeutic alliance. The implications for psychotherapy intervention are highlighted.
Beyond Dimensionally Stable Anodes: Single‐Atom Catalysts with Superior Chlorine Selectivity
Authors: Exner Kai S.
Published: February 2020

Dimensionally stable anodes (DSAs) have been established as anode material in the industrially important chlor‐alkali process, owing to their long‐term stability, high activity, and reasonable chlorine selectivity under operation conditions. Now, a new material, based on the idea of single‐atom catalysis, has been reported, which reveals higher activity and chlorine selectivity than DSAs.
Fabrication of Carbon Nanotube Thin Films for Flexible Transistors by Using a Cross‐Linked Amine Polymer
Authors: Matsumoto Kaisei , Ueno Kazuki , Hirotani Jun , Ohno Yutaka , Omachi Haruka
Published: February 2020

Owing to their remarkable properties, single‐walled carbon nanotube thin‐film transistors (SWCNT‐TFTs) are expected to be used in various flexible electronics applications. To fabricate SWCNT channel layers for TFTs, solution‐based film formation on a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) covered with amino groups is commonly used. However, this method uses highly oxidized surfaces, which is not suitable for flexible polymeric substrates. In this work, a solution‐based SWCNT film fabrication using methoxycarbonyl polyallylamine (Moc‐PAA) is reported. The NH2‐terminated surface of the cross‐linked Moc‐PAA layer enables the formation of highly dense and uniform SWCNT networks on both rigid and flexible substrates. TFTs that use the fabricated SWCNT thin film exhibited excellent performance with small variations. The presented simple method to access SWCNT thin film accelerates the realization of flexible nanoelectronics.
Salinomycin Derivatives Kill Breast Cancer Stem Cells by Lysosomal Iron Targeting
Authors: Versini Antoine , Colombeau Ludovic , Hienzsch Antje , Gaillet Christine , Retailleau Pascal , Debieu Sylvain , Müller Sebastian , Cañeque Tatiana , Rodriguez Raphaël
Published: February 2020

Salinomycin (1) exhibits a large spectrum of biological activities including the capacity to selectively eradicate cancer stem cells (CSC), making it and its derivatives promising candidates for the development of drug leads against CSC. It has been previously shown that salinomycin and its C20‐propargylamine derivative (Ironomycin (2)) accumulate in lysosomes and sequester iron in this organelle. Herein, a library of salinomycin derivatives is reported, including products of C20‐amination, C1‐esterification, C9‐oxidation, and C28‐dehydration. The biological activity of these compounds is evaluated against transformed human mammary epithelial HMLER CD24low/CD44high cells, a well‐established model of breast CSC, and HMLER CD24high/CD44low cells deprived of CSC properties. Unlike other structural alterations, derivative 4, which displays a cyclopropylamine at position C20, showed a strikingly low IC50 value of 23 nm against HMLER CD24low/CD44high cells. This study provides highly selective molecules to target the CSC niche, a potential interesting advance for drug development to prevent cancer resistance.
A Sequential Umpolung/Enzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution Strategy for the Synthesis of γ‐Lactones
Authors: Maskeri Mark A. , Schrader Malte L. , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: February 2020

Combining biological and small‐molecule catalysts under a chemoenzymatic manifold presents a series of significant advantages to the synthetic community. We report herein the successful development of a two‐step/single flask synthesis of γ‐lactones through the merger of Umpolung catalysis with a ketoreductase‐catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution, reduction, and cyclization. This combined approach delivers highly enantio‐ and diastereoenriched heterocycles and demonstrates the feasibility of integrating NHC catalysis with enzymatic processes.
Multi‐glomerular projection of single olfactory receptor neurons is conserved among amphibians
Authors: Weiss Lukas , Jungblut Lucas D. , Pozzi Andrea G. , Zielinski Barbara S. , O'Connell Lauren A. , Hassenklöver Thomas , Manzini Ivan
Published: February 2020

Individual receptor neurons in the peripheral olfactory organ extend long axons into the olfactory bulb forming synapses with projection neurons in spherical neuropil regions, called glomeruli. Generally, odor map formation and odor processing in all vertebrates is based on the assumption that receptor neuron axons exclusively connect to a single glomerulus without any axonal branching. We comparatively tested this hypothesis in multiple fish and amphibian species (both sexes) by applying sparse cell electroporation to trace single olfactory receptor neuron axons. Sea lamprey (jawless fish) and zebrafish (bony fish) support the unbranched axon concept, with 94% of axons terminating in single glomeruli. Contrastingly, axonal projections of the axolotl (salamander) branch extensively before entering up to six distinct glomeruli. Receptor neuron axons labeled in frog species (Pipidae, Bufonidae, Hylidae, and Dendrobatidae) predominantly bifurcate before entering a glomerulus and 59 and 50% connect to multiple glomeruli in larval and postmetamorphotic animals, respectively. Independent of developmental stage, lifestyle, and adaptations to specific habitats, it seems to be a common feature of amphibian olfactory receptor neuron axons to frequently bifurcate and connect to multiple glomeruli. Our study challenges the unbranched axon concept as a universal vertebrate feature and it is conceivable that also later diverging vertebrates deviate from it. We propose that this unusual wiring logic evolved around the divergence of the terrestrial tetrapod lineage from its aquatic ancestors and could be the basis of an alternative way of odor processing.
A Co3O4@meso‐SiO2 Hollow Nanoreactor Prepared from ZIF‐67 as an Efficient Catalyst for Olefin Epoxidation by Oxygen
Authors: Li Zhaohua , Huang Runkun , Zhu Lei , Zhou Xin , Cao Changyan , Song Weiguo
Published: February 2020

Olefin epoxidation plays an important role in chemical industry because of the significance of epoxides. Developing cost‐effective catalysts with high catalytic performance for epoxidation is of great importance. Herein, we report a promising heterogeneous catalyst based on Co3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated in the inside wall of a meso‐SiO2 shell (denoted as Co3O4@meso‐SiO2) as hollow nanoreactor. Due to the particular hollow structure as well as mesoporous shell wall, the resulting catalyst showed excellent activity and recyclability for various olefins with molecular oxygen and iso‐butyraldehyde as co‐oxidants.
The relationship between fears of cancer recurrence and patient age: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lim Edward , Humphris Gerald
Published: February 2020

Background

Fears of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most prevalent concerns and a common unmet need reported by cancer patients. Patient age is a demographic variable that has been linked to FCR, among others. Although it is recognised by researchers that age and FCR may be negatively correlated, the strength of this correlation has yet to be established.

Aim

The aims of this study were to (a) conduct a meta‐analysis to investigate the overall association of patient age in years with FCR across studies from 2009 to February 2019 and (b) scrutinise for patterns of these effect sizes across studies.

Methods and Results

Peer‐reviewed papers were gathered from the literature via online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO). Systematic review guidelines including a quality assessment were applied to the 31 selected studies (pooled participant N size = 19 777). The meta‐analysis demonstrated a significant negative association between age and FCR (ES = −0.12; 95% CI, −0.17, −0.07). Meta‐regression revealed the association of patient age and FCR significantly reduced over the last decade. A significant effect (β = −0.17, P = 0.005) of breast cancer versus other cancers on this age by FCR association was also identified.

Conclusion

The reliable and readily accessible personal information of age of patient can be utilised as a weak indicator of FCR level especially in the breast cancer field, where the majority of studies were drawn. The suggestion that age and FCR association may be attenuated in recent years requires confirmation.
How Quantum Dots Aggregation Enhances Förster Resonant Energy Transfer
Authors: Hottechamps Julie , Noblet Thomas , Brans Alain , Humbert Christophe , Dreesen Laurent
Published: February 2020

As luminescent quantum dots (QDs) are known to aggregate themselves through their chemical activation by carbodiimide chemistry and their functionalization with biotin molecules, we investigate both effects on the fluorescence properties of CdTe QDs and their impact on Förster Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET) occurring with fluorescent streptavidin molecules (FA). First, the QDs fluorescence spectrum undergoes significant changes during the activation step which are explained thanks to an original analytical model based on QDs intra‐aggregate screening and inter‐QDs FRET. We also highlight the strong influence of biotin in solution on FRET efficiency, and define the experimental conditions maximizing the FRET. Finally, a free‐QD‐based system and an aggregated‐QD‐based system are studied in order to compare their detection threshold. The results show a minimum concentration limit of 80 nM in FA for the former while it is equal to 5 nM for the latter, favouring monitored aggregation in the design of QDs‐based biosensors.
The momentary interplay of affect, attention bias, and expectancies as predictors of binge eating in the natural environment
Authors: Smith Kathryn E. , Mason Tyler B. , Juarascio Adrienne , Weinbach Noam , Dvorak Robert , Crosby Ross D. , Wonderlich Stephen A.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Affect regulation, eating expectancies, and attention toward food‐related cues are interrelated constructs that have been implicated in the maintenance of binge eating. While these processes show considerable temporal variability, the momentary associations between these domains have not been elucidated. This study examined a model that posited momentary fluctuations in affect, eating expectancies, and attention bias (AB) would interact to predict subsequent binge eating.

Method

Forty women who endorsed recurrent binge eating completed a 10‐day ecological momentary assessment protocol with ambulatory measures of AB (i.e., dot‐probe task with palatable food and neutral cues) and self‐report assessments of positive and negative affect, eating expectancies (i.e., the belief that eating would improve one's mood), and binge‐eating symptoms.

Results

Generalized linear mixed models indicated higher momentary AB toward palatable food was associated with increased risk of subsequent binge eating, and a two‐way interaction showed that moments of higher eating expectancies and negative affect were associated with increased likelihood of subsequent binge eating. Also, a three‐way interaction emerged, in that the association between eating expectancies and subsequent binge eating was strongest at lower levels of positive affect and higher AB.

Discussion

Together, findings partially supported hypotheses and demonstrate meaningful within‐person fluctuations in AB that precede binge eating. Further, results demonstrate that the momentary influence of eating expectancies on binge eating depends on both affective state and attentional processes.