DemoTest0122/ScienceMetaBench105 huggingface dataset:
Cationic Polaron Delocalization in Porphyrin Nanoribbons
Authors: Sebastian M. Kopp, Jie-Ren Deng, Ashley J. Redman, Henrik Gotfredsen, Robert M. J. Jacobs, Harry L. Anderson, Christiane R. Timmel
Published: 2024
Keywords: porphyrin tapes, delocalization, polarons, electron paramagnetic resonance, spectroelectrochemistry, organic polymers, nanoribbons
Abstract: Long-range delocalization of unpaired electrons in organic p-conjugated oligomers is an important requirement to achieve high charge carrier mobilities in molecular transistors. We have investigated the polaron delocalization in the radical cations of a series of b,meso,b-edge-fused porphyrin oligomers consisting of up to 18 porphyrin units by a combination of cw-EPR, 1 H and 14N ENDOR, HYSCORE and vis-NIR-MIR spectroscopy, supported by DFT simulations. The results demonstrate coherent delocalization of the radical cation over more than ten porphyrin units, which corresponds to an effective coherence length >8.5 nm. We discovered a remarkably non-uniform distribution of the radical spin density and an increase in phase memory time with increasing delocalization length (up to Tm ≈ 4 µs at 50 K). This study opens new avenues towards the design of molecular electronic and spintronic materials.
Isothiourea-Catalysed Acylative Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Tetra-substituted Morpholinone and Benzoxazinone Lactols
Authors: Haoxiang Zhu, Alejandro Manchado, Abdikani Omar Farah, Aidan P. McKay, David B. Cordes, Paul Ha-Yeon Cheong, Kevin Kasten, Andrew D. Smith
Published: 2024
Abstract: The development of methods to allow the selective acylative dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of tetra-substituted lactols is a recognised synthetic challenge. In this manuscript, a highly enantioselective isothiourea-catalysed acylative DKR of tetra substituted morpholinone and benzoxazinone-derived lactols is reported. The scope and limitations of this methodology have been developed, with high enantioselectivity and good to excellent yields (up to 89%, 99:1 er) observed across a broad range of substrate derivatives incorporating substitution at N(4) and C(2), di- and spirocyclic substitution at C(5)- and C(6)-position, as well as benzannulation (>35 examples in total). The DKR process is amenable to scale-up on a 1 g laboratory scale. The factors leading to high selectivity in this DKR process have been probed through computation, with an N-C=O•••isothiouronium interaction identified as key to producing ester products in highly enantioenriched form.
Organomagnesium crown ethers and their binding affinities with Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Be²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions - A theoretical study
Authors: Krishnan Thirumoorthy, Uday Kumar Padidela, Pothiappan Vairaprakash, Venkatesan S. Thimmakondu
Published: 2021
Keywords: organomagnesium crowns, host-guest molecules, alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, binding energies, Be²⁺ encapsulation
Abstract:  Novel organomagnesium crown ether molecules have been computationally char acterized for the rst time using density functional theory (DFT). Monomer units of MgC6 have been used as building blocks. The potential energy surface of the par ent elemental composition, MgC6H2, has been extensively explored using both DFT and coupled-cluster methods. It is concluded that the seven-membered ring isomer, 1-magnesacyclohept-4-en-2,6-diyne, is the thermodynamically most stable molecule at all levels. Thus, the latter has been used as the building block for organomagnesium crown ethers. Both alkali (Li+, Na+, and K+) and alkaline-earth (Be2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) metal ions selective complexes have been theoretically identi ed. Binding ener gies ( E at 0 K) and thermally corrected Gibbs free energies ( G at 298.15 K) have been computed for these metal ions with MgC6-9-crown-3 and MgC6-12-crown-4 to gauge their binding a nities
Effect of Bimetallic Doping in Cobalt Titanate for Methane Reforming
Authors: Disha Jain
Abstract: Unlike conventional supported bimetallic Ni catalysts, where Ni forms alloy with other metal, this study focuses on the incorporation of Ni and Pt in the lattice of the perovskite oxide. Perovskites offer high thermal stability and their properties can be tailored easily. In this study, the ionic substitution of Ni and Pt in CoTiO₃ was done by sonochemical method. The catalytic activity of the monometallic Ni and Pt samples were compared bimetallic catalysts towards SRM. The reducibility of the synthesized samples was examined by H₂ TPR and the appearance of multiple features mark the existence of complex interaction between metal ions and the support. The catalytic activity and stability towards steam (SRM) and dry reforming of methane (DRM) was studied over bimetallic Ni-Pt catalyst. A comprehensive reaction mechanism was proposed over bimetallic Ni-Pt-CoTiO₃ for SRM and DRM, with insights from ex situ and in situ characterization to understand the catalyst behavior.
A guidebook for sustainability in laboratories
Authors: T. Freese, R. Kat, S. D. Lanooij, T. C. Böllersen, C. M. De Roo, N. Elzinga, M. Beatty, B. Setz, R. R. Weber, I. Malta, T. B. Gandek, P. Fodran, R. Pollice, M. M. Lerch
Published: 2024
Mechanochemistry of Spiropyran Under Internal Stresses of a Glassy Polymer
Authors: Richard Janissen, Georgy A. Filonenko
Keywords: mechanophores, residual stress, polymers, polymeric glass, stress imaging
Abstract: Mechanophores are powerful molecular tools used in polymers to track bond rupture and characterize mechanical damage. The majority of mechanophores are known to respond to external stresses and in this study we report the first precedent of a mechanochemical response to internal, residual stresses that accumulate during polymer vitrification. While internal stress is intrinsic to polymers that can form solids, we demonstrate that it can dramatically affect the mechanochemistry of spyropyran probes and alter their intramolecular isomerization barriers by up to 70 kJꞏmol-1. This new behavior of spiropyrans enables their application for analysis of internal stresses and their mechanochemical characterization on the molecular level. Spectroscopy and imaging based on spiropyran mechanochemistry showed high topological sensitivity and allowed to discern different levels of internal stress in various locations along the polymer chain. The nature of the developed technique allows for wide field imaging of stress heterogeneities in polymer samples of irregular shapes and dimensions, making it feasible to directly observe molecular level manifestations of mechanical stresses that accompany the formation of a vast number of solid polymer.
Mechanistic Evidence for a Radical-Radical Recombination Pathway of Flavin-based Photocatalytic Tyrosine Labeling
Authors: Taylor O. Hope, Tamara Reyes-Robles, Keun Ah Ryu, Nicole Removski, Jacinthe Maisonneuve, Rob C. Oslund, Olugbeminiyi O. Fadeyi, Mathieu Frenette
Keywords: Photocatalysis, proximity labeling, phenol-coupling, riboflavin tetraacetate, photoredox catalysis, radical recombination
Abstract: We recently introduced flavin-based photocatalysts such as riboflavin tetraacetate (RFT) as a robust platform for light mediated protein labeling via phenoxyl radical-mediated tyrosine-biotin phenol coupling on live cells. To gain insight into this cou pling reaction, we conducted detailed mechanistic analysis for RFT-photomediated activation of phenols for tyrosine labeling. Con trary to previously proposed mechanisms, we find that the initial covalent binding step between the tag and tyrosine is not radical addition, but rather radical-radical recombination. Radical addition to a phenol, while often proposed in the literature, is prohibitively unfavorable according to DFT calculations. Radical-radical recombination, followed by rearomatization, is the preferred pathway for the phenol-phenol coupling presented herein, but may also explain the mechanism of other tyrosine-tagging approaches described in the literature. Competitive kinetics experiments show that phenoxyl radicals are generated by the reaction of phenols with several reactive intermediates in the proposed mechanism: primarily with the riboflavin-photocatalyst excited state or singlet oxygen, but also possibly with the semi-reduced photocatalyst or hydroperoxyl radicals produced at key steps in the mechanism.
Ester Transfer Reaction of Aromatic Esters with Haloarenes and Arenols by a Nickel Catalyst
Authors: Ryota Isshiki, Naomi Inayama, Kei Muto, Junichiro Yamaguchi
Abstract: A catalytic ester transfer reaction of aromatic es ters with aryl halides/arenols was developed. The present re action can transfer an ester functional group from certain aro matic esters to haloarenes. This ester transfer reaction involves two oxidative additions— one from the C–C bond of the ar omatic ester and one from the C–halogen bond of haloarenes— onto a nickel catalyst. The utilization of a Ni/dcypt catalyst capable of cleaving both chemical bonds was a key for the reaction progress. Furthermore, naphthol based aryl electrophiles were also applicable to the catalytic system via C–O bond activation.
Cancer Curriculum for Appalachian Kentucky Middle and High Schools
Authors: Lauren Hudson, Katherine Sharp, Chris Prichard, Melinda Ickes, Sahar Alameh, Nathan L. Vanderford
Published: 2021
Keywords: Appalachia, cancer, school curriculum, middle school, high school, students, teachers
Abstract: Background: Appalachian Kentucky faces the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates in the country due to poor health behaviors and lifestyle choices. These poor health behaviors are facilitated by a lack of cancer education. Youth represent a vulnerable population that could be greatly impacted by increased cancer education. Teachers have the power to facilitate this learning. Purpose: This study examined the need for cancer education curriculum in Appalachian Kentucky middle and high schools from the perspective of educators. Methods: An online survey was conducted with science and health teachers (n=21) in Appalachian Kentucky, consisting of questions that investigated existing cancer education efforts, relevance of cancer education, and feasibility of such curriculum being delivered in the classroom. Content analysis was used to analyze teacher comments. A 3-part cancer education curriculum was developed that is culturally relevant and aligned with science and health education standards. Results: All participating teachers agree that cancer education is important to students’ lives. Teachers also agree that there is an inconsistent amount of cancer education within schools, and qualitative content analysis revealed that cancer education likely fits best in certain course subjects. Cancer education could feasibly be integrated into science and health classrooms, although the perception of needing to teach to the academic standards and having limited time to teach additional lessons outside of the standards are significant barriers. To combat this, a cancer curriculum that aligns with state and national science and health education standards was developed. Implications: Cancer education curriculum could play an important role in improving the cancer outlook in Appalachian Kentucky. Teachers have expressed a desire for increased cancer education in the classroom. By disseminating and implementing cancer curriculum in schools in the region and revising the curriculum -based on teacher and student feedback to better fit their needs, it has the potential to increase cancer literacy and improve related health behaviors and outcomes.
The complexity of obesity-related health problems after bariatric surgery: The patient perspective
Authors: G. Konings, M. Drukker, R. Severeijns, R. Ponds
Published: 2023
Keywords: Long-term results Bariatric surgery Health problems Patient perspective 
Abstract: Background: Bariatric surgery aims to improve quality of life by means of weight loss. Obesity-related physical and psychological health problems should improve, but long-term data are scarce. Objectives: To evaluate preoperative physical and mental health problems perceived by the patient and the as sociation with weight loss and quality of life, 5 years after bariatric surgery. Methods: 101 persons (response rate 67%) who had had bariatric surgery an average of 4.6 years before this study completed a written survey on obesity-related physical and psychological health problems and three psycho logical questionnaires collecting information on eating behavior and quality of life. Over half of the participants (55%) had had a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Results: Preoperatively reported health problems improved but were not necessarily associated with weight loss. Minimal improvement in tiredness, shame and weight instability were associated with significantly less weight loss. Preoperative type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) improved but participants had significantly less weight loss and more dissatisfaction regarding the bariatric trajectory than participants without T2D. Eating concerns, emotional eating and external eating improved but not restrained eating. Compared to the Dutch population reference, most quality of life scores of the participants were lower. Conclusion: In this analysis, participants did report satisfaction although from a patients’ perspective, improve ments of weight and health did not necessarily lead to satisfaction regarding the bariatric trajectory. Participants with postoperative reported fatigue and shame as well as participants with preoperative T2D showed significant less weight loss. More long-term research is necessary to close the current knowledge gap.
From micelles to bicelles: Effect of the membrane on particulate methane monooxygenase activity
Authors: Soo Y. Ro, Matthew O. Ross, Yue Wen Deng, Sharon Batelu, Thomas J. Lawton, Joseph D. Hurley, Timothy L. Stemmler, Brian M. Hoffman, X Amy C. Rosenzweig
Published: 2018
Abstract: Particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is a copper-dependent integral membrane metalloenzyme that converts methane to methanol in methanotrophic bacteria. Studies of isolated pMMO have been hindered by loss of enzymatic activity upon its removal from the native membrane. To characterize pMMO in a membrane-like environment, we reconstituted pMMOs from Methylococcus (Mcc.) capsulatus (Bath) and Methylomicrobium (Mm.) alcaliphilum 20Z into bicelles. Reconstitution into bicelles recovers methane oxidation activity lost upon detergent solubilization and purification without substantial alterations to copper content or copper electronic structure, as observed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. These findings suggest that loss of pMMO activity upon isolation is due to removal from the membranes rather than caused by loss of the catalytic copper ions. A 2.7 Å resolution crystal structure of pMMO from Mm. alcaliphilum 20Z reveals a mononuclear copper center in the PmoB subunit and indicates that the transmembrane PmoC subunit may be conformationally flexible. Finally, results from extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis of pMMO from Mm. alcaliphilum 20Z were consistent with the observed monocopper center in the PmoB subunit. These results underscore the importance of studying membrane proteins in a membrane-like environment and provide valuable insight into pMMO function.
Xenografting of human fetal testis tissue: a new approach to study fetal testis development and germ cell differentiation
Authors: Rod T. Mitchell, Philippa T.K. Saunders, Andrew J. Childs, Claire Cassidy-Kojima, Richard A. Anderson, W. Hamish B.Wallace, Chris J.H. Kelnar, Richard M. Sharpe
Published: 2010
Keywords: fetal testis, disorders of sexual differentiation, testicular dysgenesis syndrome, xenografts, fetal germ cell differentiation
Abstract:  background: Abnormal fetal testis development can result in disorders of sex development (DSDs) and predispose to later testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) disorders such as testicular germ cell tumours. Studies of human fetal testis development are hampered by the lack of appropriate model, and intervention systems. We hypothesized that human fetal testis xenografts can recapitulate normal development. methods: Humanfetal testes (at 9 weeks, n ¼ 4 and 14–18 weeks gestation, n ¼ 6) were xenografted into male nude mice for 6 weeks, with or without hCG treatment of the host, and evaluated for normal cellular development and function using immunohistochemistry, triple immunofluorescence and testosterone assay. The differentiation and proliferation status of germ cells within xenografts was quantified and compared with age-matched controls. results: Xenografts showed .75% survival with normal morphology. In the first-trimester xenografts seminiferous cord formation was initiated and in first- and second-trimester grafts normal functional development of Sertoli, Leydig and peritubular myoid cells was demon strated using cell-specific protein markers. Grafts produced testosterone when hosts were treated with hCG (P ¼ 0.004 versus control). Proliferation of germ cells and differentiation from gonocytes (OCT4+) into pre-spermatogonia (VASA+) occurred in grafts and quantification showed this progressed comparably with age-matched ungrafted controls. conclusions: Human fetal testis tissue xenografts demonstrate normal structure, function and development after xenografting, including normal germ cell differentiation. This provides an in vivo system to study normal human fetal testis development and its susceptibility to disruption by exogenous factors (e.g. environmental chemicals). This should provide mechanistic insight into the fetal origins of DSDs and TDS disorders
Association between Dietary Diversity and Weight Status of Aboriginal Primary School Children in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Authors: Divanirsh Devindran, Vaidehi Ulaganathan, Zhe Yee Oeh, Lih Xuan Tan, Silambarasi Kuralneethi, Zen Yang Eddie Eng, Lih Shiow Lim, Wei Ni Grace Chieng, Jia Ling Tay, Sook Yee Lim
Published: 2022
Keywords: aborigine children, food groups, diet diversity status, weight status
Abstract:  Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the association between dietary diversity and weight status of aboriginal primary school children. Methods: Dietary diversity measures food intake diversity in food groups, whereas weight status indicates nutritional status. Dietary serving score (DSS) method was used to determine dietary diversity status, while weight status was assessed using BMI-for-Age (BAZ). Results: Results reported that 51.9% and 54.2% were male and 10 years old-12 years old children, respectively. A total of 36.4% of children consumed cereal/grains diversely while fruits were not diversely consumed by 96.4% of them. Approximately 60.8% of children were reported to have normal weight status, which was followed by overweight (17.7%), obese (16.7%) and thinness to severe-thinness (4.8%). There was an association between DSS of fruits, meat/fish/ eggs, legumes/lentils and milk/dairy products with age group, vegetables DSS with gender and BAZ with parental employment status (P < 0.05). The association between DSS of all food groups and total with BAZ were reported to be insignificant, indicating no association between both variables (0.00 < r < 0.30; P > 0.05). Conclusion: Children from this study were shown to practice a monotonous diet, although the majority of them were within normal weight status.
Combined antisaccade task and transcranial direct current stimulation to increase response inhibition in binge eating disorder
Authors: Sebastian M. Max, 
Christian Plewnia, 
Stephan Zipfel, 
Katrin E. Giel, Kathrin Schag 
Published: 2020
Keywords: Antisaccade, Binge eating disorder, Cognitive control, Impulsivity, Response inhibition, Transcranial direct current stimulation
Abstract: Binge eating disorder (BED) is associated with deficient response inhibition. Malfunctioning response inhibition is linked to hypoactivation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), where excitability could be increased by anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Response inhibition can be assessed using an antisaccade task which requires supressing a dominant response (i.e. saccade) towards a newly appearing picture in the visual field. We performed a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept-study in which we combined a food-modified antisaccade task with tDCS in people with BED. We expected task learning and modulatory tDCS effects. Sixteen people were allocated to a 1 mA condition, 15 people to a 2 mA condition. Each participant underwent the food-modified antisaccade task at three measurement points: baseline without stimulation, anodal verum and sham stimulation at the right dlPFC in a crossover design. The error rate and the latencies of correct antisaccades decreased over time. No tDCS effect on the error rate could be observed. Compared to sham stimulation, 2 mA tDCS decreased the latencies of correct antisaccades, whereas 1 mA tDCS increased it. Self-reported binge eating episodes were reduced in the 2 mA condition, while there was no change in the 1 mA condition. Participants demonstrated increased response inhibition capacities by a task learning effect concerning the error rate and latencies of correct antisaccades over time as well as a nonlinear tDCS effect represented by ameliorated latencies in the 2 mA and impaired latencies in the 1 mA condition. The reduction of binge eating episodes might indicate a transfer effect to everyday life. Given that the reduction in binge eating was observed before tDCS administration, this effect could not be the result of neuromodulation. Randomized clinical trials are needed to fully understand this reduction, and to explore the efficacy of a combined antisaccade and tDCS training for BED.
“NiCo Buster”: engineering E. coli for fast and efficient capture of cobalt and nickel
Authors: Alexandre Duprey, Viviane Chansavang, Franck Frémion, Clémence Gonthier, Yoann Louis, Philippe Lejeune, Fanny Springer, Valérie Desjardin, Agnès Rodrigue, Corinne Dorel
Published: 2014
Keywords: Bioremediation, Cobalt, Nickel, Biofilm, Biofilter, NiCoT, Synthetic biology
Abstract:  Background: Metal contamination is widespread and results from natural geogenic and constantly increasing anthropogenic sources (mainly mining and extraction activities, electroplating, battery and steel manufacturing or metal finishing). Consequently, there is a growing need for methods to detoxify polluted ecosystems. Industrial wastewater, surface water and ground water need to be decontaminated to alleviate the contamination of soils and sediments and, ultimately, the human food chain. In nuclear power plants, radioactive metals are produced; these metals need to be removed from effluents before they are released into the environment, not only for pollution prevention but also for waste minimization. Many physicochemical methods have been developed for metal removal from aqueous solutions, including chemical coagulation, adsorption, extraction, ion exchange and membrane separation; however, these methods are generally not metal selective. Bacteria, because they contain metal transporters, provide a potentially competitive alternative to the current use of expensive and high-volume ion-exchange resins. Results: The feasibility of using bacterial biofilters as efficient tools for nickel and cobalt ions specific remediation was investigated. Among the factors susceptible to genetic modification in Escherichia coli, specific efflux and sequestration systems were engineered to improve its metal sequestration abilities. Genomic suppression of the RcnA nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) efflux system was combined with the plasmid-controlled expression of a genetically improved version of a specific metallic transporter, NiCoT, which originates from Novosphingobium aromaticivorans. The resulting strain exhibited enhanced nickel (II) and cobalt (II) uptake, with a maximum metal ion accumulation of 6 mg/g bacterial dry weight during 10 min of treatment. A synthetic adherence operon was successfully introduced into the plasmid carrying the improved NiCoT transporter, conferring the ability to form thick biofilm structures, especially when exposed to nickel and cobalt metallic compounds. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the efficient use of genetic engineering to increase metal sequestration and biofilm formation by E. coli. This method allows Co and Ni contaminants to be sequestered while spatially confining the bacteria to an abiotic support. Biofiltration of nickel (II) and cobalt (II) by immobilized cells is therefore a promising option for treating these contaminants at an industrial scale. Keywords: Bioremediation, Cobalt, Nickel, Biofilm, Biofilter, NiCoT, Synthetic biolog
Malay Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale: Validity and Reliability
Authors:  Nicholas Tze Ping Pang1 &Assis Kamu1 &Nurfarah Lydia Binti Hambali1 & Ho Chong Mun1 &Mohd Amiruddin Kassim1 & Noor Hassline Mohamed1 & Friska Ayu2 & Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul Rahim1 & Azizan Omar1 & Mohammad Saffree Jeffree1
Published: 2020
Keywords: COVID-19, Coronavirus. COVID-19 fear, FCV-19S Malay, Fear of COVID-19 scale, Malaysia
Abstract:  The newly developed Persian Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) is a seven-item uni-dimensional scale that assesses the severityof fearofCOVID-19.Atranslation and validation of the FCV-19S in the Malay language was expedited due to the severe psychological sequelae of COVID-19 in Malaysia. Formal WHO forward and backward translation sequences were employed in translating the English version into Malay. Malaysian university participants were recruited via conve nience sampling online using snowball methods. The reliability and validity prop erties of the Malay FCV-19S were rigorously psychometrically evaluated (utilising both confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis) in relation to socio demographic variables and response to the depression, anxiety and stress subscales of the Malay validation of the DASS-21. The sample comprised 228 Malaysian participants. The Cronbach α value for the Malay FCV-19S was 0.893 indicating very good internal reliability. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the uni-dimensional factor structure of the FCV19S fitted well with the data. The FCV-19S-M was significantly correlated with anxiety (r=0.481, p <0.001) and stress (r=0.389, p<0.001) subscales of DASS-21. The FCV-19S M’s properties tested using Rasch analysis were also satisfactory. Hence, the Malay FCV-19S is valid and reliable, with robust psychometric properties from classical and modern psychometric methods. It therefore is a highly crucial and timely addition to the psychological toolkit both in operational and research settings in identifying, managing and responding to the psychological distress engendered by COVID-19
Comparison of durability of treated wood using stake tests and survival analysis
Authors: Ikuo Momohara, Haruko Sakai, Yuji Kubo
Published: 2021
Keywords: Stake test, Field test, Survival analysis, Wood preservative
Abstract: The stake test is widely used to evaluate the efficacy of wood preservatives. This test monitors the deterioration level observed in treated stakes partially inserted into the ground. The results are conventionally expressed as the relation ship between deterioration levels and exposure periods. The preservative efficacy is compared among the stake groups treated with different retention levels based on the test results; however, there is no scientific basis for the comparison. We applied survival analysis to the conventional stake test to include a scientific basis to the test. Stakes impregnated with different types and retention levels of preservatives were subjected to deterioration at two test sites for approximately 30 years. The deterioration levels were monitored according to the conventional procedure and survival analysis was applied to the monitored data. Kaplan–Meier plots of the survival probabilities against the exposure periods indicated that there is a significant difference between the durability of the stakes treated with alkylammonium chloride (AAC-1) at K2 and K3 retention levels, whereas no significant difference was observed between those at K3 and K4 retention levels. Contrastingly, emulsified copper naphthenate (NCU-E) was found to be a reliable preservative, and the stakes impregnated with NCU-E showed a significant increase in durability in accord ance with preservative retention. Alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ-1) also appeared to be a reliable preservative; how ever, the increase in stake durability after ACQ-1 treatment differed between the test sites. These results were verified using the modified Gehan–Breslow–Wilcoxon test with Holm’s p adjusting method
Improved upper limits on baryon-number violating dinucleon decays to dileptons
Authors: Sudhakantha Girmohanta, Robert Shrock
Published: 2020
Abstract: We consider effects of n - n̄ oscillations and resultant matter instability due to dinucleon decays. We point out that existing upper bounds on the rates for the dinucleon decays nn → 2π⁰, nn → π⁺ π⁻, and np → π⁺ π⁰ imply upper bounds on the rates for dinucleon decays to dileptons nn → e⁺ e⁻, nn → μ⁺ μ⁻, nn → νℓ ν̄ℓ, and np → ℓ⁺ νℓ, where ℓ = e, μ, τ. We present estimates for these upper bounds. Our bounds are substantially stronger than corresponding limits from direct searches.
Boundary entropy under ambient RG flow in the AdS/BCFT model
Authors: Yoshiki Sato
Published: 2020
Abstract:  We discuss the change of the boundary entropy under an ambient renormalization group flow. We use conformal perturbation theory to calculate the change of the boundary entropy for d-dimensional BCFTs between two nearby fixed points. We also use the AdSdþ1=BCFTd model to calculate the boundary entropy. We show that the boundary entropy can increase under the ambient renormalization group flow both in conformal perturbation theory and the AdSdþ1=BCFTd model. In a special case, the change of the boundary entropy in the AdSdþ1=BCFTd model reduces to that of the conformal perturbation theory
Stable circular orbits in higher-dimensional multi–black-hole spacetimes
Authors: Takahisa Igata, Shinya Tomizawa
Published: 2020
Abstract: We consider the dynamics of particles, particularly focusing on circular orbits in the higher-dimensional Majumdar-Papapetrou (MP) spacetimes with two equal mass black holes. It is widely known that in the 5D Schwarzschild-Tangherlini and Myers-Perry backgrounds, there are no stable circular orbits. In contrast, we show that in the 5D MP background, stable circular orbits can always exist when the separation of two black holes is large enough. More precisely, for a large separation, stable circular orbits exist from the vicinity of horizons to infinity; for a medium one, they appear only in a certain finite region bounded by the innermost stable circular orbit and the outermost stable circular orbit outside the horizons; for a small one, they do not appear at all. Moreover, we show that in MP spacetimes in more than 5D, they do not exist for any separations.
Transverse momentum weighted Sivers asymmetries in SIDIS and Drell-Yan processes at COMPASS
Authors: Shi-Chen Xue a,b, Shuailiang Yang a, Xiaoyu Wang a, ,∗, De-Min Li a, Zhun Lu
Published: 2024
Abstract:  We investigate the transverse momentum weighted Sivers asymmetries in the processes with transversely polarized proton target, including the 𝑃ℎ𝑇 𝑧𝑀𝑝 sin(𝜙ℎ − 𝜙𝑆) weighted asymmetry in charged hadron production in semi-inclusive deeply inelastic scattering (SIDIS) and the 𝑞𝑇 𝑀𝑝 sin(𝜙𝑆) weighted asymmetry in 𝜋−𝑝 Drell Yan process. These asymmetries can be expressed as the product of the transverse-moments of the transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions (PDFs) and fragmentation functions (FFs). Using the parametrization for the Sivers function of the proton, the unpolarized PDFs of proton and pion, and the unpolarized FF of charged hadron, we present the numerical calculation for weighted Sivers asymmetries in SIDIS and Drell-Yan processes at the kinematics of COMPASS. We find that our prediction for the SIDIS process is in agreement with the recent COMPASS measurement. Recent new high-statistics data of Sivers asymmetry measured in SIDIS process and Drell-Yan process from COMPASS favored the sign change of Sivers function. High-precision experimental data of weighted asymmetries are still needed to test the sign change property o
Australian general practitioners’ perceptions of the barriers and opportunities for community-based care of patients with viral hepatitis: a mixed methods study
Authors: Belaynew Taye, Patricia Valery, Burglind Liddle, Aidan Woodward, Shaouli Shahid, Rebecca Farley, Donata Sackey, Paul Clark
Published: 2022
Keywords:  access to healthcare, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, engagement of primary care, general practitioners, mixed methods, models of care, primary health care, shared model of care, viral hepatitis.
Abstract: Introduction. Engagement of general practitioners (GPs) is essential to improving rates of diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis, as traditional tertiary hospital-based models of care often face challenges. Aim. We investigated Australian general practitioners’ perceptions of a community-based model of care for patients with viral hepatitis. Methods. We conducted a mixed methods study using survey questionnaires (23 GPs) and an open-ended interview guide (10 GPs) at primary care clinics in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in Stata 15.1 and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis following an inductive approach. Results. Patient loss to follow up and high cost of diagnostic tests were identified as the biggest challenges to providing care for patients with viral hepatitis. Most GPs interviewed believe a more community-based model of care with support to GPs may improve uptake of care and increase both GP and patient engagement. General practitioners felt a community-based model of care could also improve viral hepatitis testing and follow-up rates. Discussion. For Australian GPs, improving patient retention and diagnostics access were key pressure points in the viral hepatitis care pathway. A broader and more profound capacity-building allows community-based viral hepatitis care to be sustainable.
‘The awesome power of yeast’
Authors: Ian MacreadieA, Sudip Dhakal
Published: 2022
Keywords: ageing research, cancer research, drug discovery, gene engineering, mitochondrial function, Nobel prizes, teaching, yeast-derived vaccines
Abstract: Yeast is one of the most useful microorganisms in society. Aside from the well known traditional uses in beer, wine and bread making, yeast is currently providing new opportunities for our society. This article examines some of those new opportunities which include using yeast as a model organism, yeast as a cell factory for valuable proteins, including vaccines and new therapeutics, and yeast as a very convenient tool for teaching.
Changes in mononuclear immune cells during bovine pregnancy
Authors: Heloisa M. Rutigliano, Kelsy A. Leppo, Kira P. Morgado
Published: 2022
Keywords:  bovine gestation, diestrous, endometrium, gene expression, immune cell, leukocyte, lymphocyte, maternal–fetal interface, placenta, regulatory T cell.
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the differences in gene expression between mononuclear cells derived from peripheral blood and endometrium during pregnancy in cattle and to determine the proportion of mononuclear cells in the endometrium of pregnant and diestrous cows. Endometrial tissue and peripheral blood were collected from Day 34 ± 2 pregnant cows, and mononuclear cell populations were quantified and sorted (n = 5). The relative mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators was assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. During pregnancy, the proportion of CD8+ , CD4+,CD4+CD25− and CD4+CD25dim cells among mononuclear cells was greater in blood than endometrium, and cells positive for CD14 and CD68 expressed greater mRNA amounts of interleukin (IL) 6, CXCL8 and IL10 in endometrium compared with blood. Cells positive for γ/δ-T cell receptor expressed greater amounts of IL1A transcript in the endometrium than in blood of diestrous cows, CD4+CD25bright cells expressed more CTLA4 mRNA in the endometrium compared with blood of diestrous cows, and endometrial natural killer cells expressed greater CXCL8 mRNA compared with blood of pregnant and diestrous cows. The percentages of CD21+ , NCR1+ , CD8+ , FoxP3+ , CD3+ and CD68+ cells were greater in the endometrium of Day 35 pregnant cows compared with diestrous cows.
Optimising the delivery of sexual health services in Australia: a qualitative study
Authors: Varsicka Kularadhan, Christopher K. Fairley, Marcus Chen, Jade Bilardi, Ria Fortune, Eric P. F. Chow, Tiffany Philips, Jason J. Ong
Published: 2022
Keywords: Australian sexual health services, health service delivery, HIV, priority populations, service providers, sexually transmitted infection, strategies, strategies to optimise
Abstract: Background. With a rise in sexually transmitted infections in Australia, it is important to evaluate and optimise current sexual health services to reduce barriers to access and increase testing. We aimed to describe the range of sexual health services in Australia, focusing on strategies to improve testing among priority populations, and any future strategies participants believed would improve service delivery. Methods. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with key informants working in Australian sexual health services from July to December 2020, and collected data on service characteristics and strategies to improve access. We used content analysis, then coded and categorised the data into recurring themes and sub-themes. Results. We identified two major themes: ‘Expanding Traditional Service Delivery’ and ‘Thinking Outside the Box’. The first theme outlines strategies that build upon pre-existing service delivery models, such as express clinics and an increased focus on confidentiality. The second theme outlines new strategies introduced to fill gaps in service delivery, such as self-testing and outreach. Conclusions. To improve access to HIV/STI testing, there is a need for multiple access points to cater for a range of populations and their preferences. Establishing strategies to accomplish this involves utilising a combination of expanding traditional service models and implementing new approaches to service delivery.
Statistical modelling of tropical cyclones’ longevity after landfall in Australia 
Authors: Kamal K Saha, Saleh A Wasimi
Published: 2015
Abstract: Most of the devastation caused by a tropical cyclone occurs on land, and there fore, its longevity after landfall is of critical importance. Published literature identifies many factors including inland environmental characteristics that influ ence this longevity as well as power dissipation rate. These have been studied in this research in the context of tropical cyclones that hit Australian coasts during the period 1984-2010. For obvious reasons, tropical cyclones which manifested recurrence or multiple landfalls have been excluded. After applying several sta tistical tools to the observed data, it has been found, from the list of variables identified in literature related to tropical cyclones, that storm intensity at land fall, translation speed, relative humidity, surface temperature, upper level diver gence, and surface roughness exhibited statistical significance. However, step wise regression retained only surface roughness and central pressure which yielded a coefficient of determination of 76 percent during calibration and 59 percent during validation with 60%/40% split in data. The influence of surface roughness is well understood, but as yet, no consistent metric for the purpose of tropical cyclones’ propagation exists, and therefore, this paper introduces a method of assigning surface roughness based on terrain characteristics.
Bureaucratic inertia in dealing with annual forest fires in Indonesia
Authors: Eko Priyo Purnomo, Rijal Ramdan, Agustiyara , Achmad Nurmandi, Dina Wahyu Trisnawati, Aqil Teguh Fathani
Published: 2021
Keywords: bureaucratic inertia, collaboration, coordination, forest fire, Indonesia
Abstract:  Indonesia has sustained annual forest fires since the 1990s related to land clearing activities for agriculture. The Indonesian Government has made substantial efforts to resolve annual fires by improving intergovernmental coordination at national and local levels. Overall, 96 government agencies are liable for controlling forest fire. This study explores local to central government’s bureaucratic reluctance in addressing forest fires, focusing on Riau Province, the most forest fire-prone region in Indonesia. Data were collected from 2015 to 2019 using participatory observation, engaging in meetings of key players; in-depth interviews with key heads of relevant agencies, officials, and NGOs; and a questionnaire forSocialNetworkAnalysis.Theresultsshowthatthereareseveninfluentialinstitutionsforaddressingland andforestfires inRiau.However,thepowerofthedecision-makingprocessisconcentratedatthelevelofthePresidentand the Governor as the regional leader, which implies that large institutions involved in fire response have less power and responsibility owing in part to bureaucratic inertia as bureaucracy is overly centralised and less responsive. In the long term,devolutionofgovernmentauthorityfromthecentraltothelocallevelisrequiredtofurnishfront-lineinstitutionswith the power to deal with the fires
Nudging consumers toward greener air travel by adding carbon to the equation in online flight search
Authors: Angela Sanguinetti, Nina Amenta
Published: 2021
Keywords: Carbon Emissions, Air Travel, Flight Search, Interface Design, Online Travel Booking 
Abstract: This study explores the potential to promote lower-emissions air travel by providing consumers with information about the carbon emissions of alternative flight choices in the context of online flight search and booking. We surveyed over 450 employees of the University of California, Davis, asking them to choose among hypothetical flight options for university-related business trips. Emissions estimates for flight alternatives were prominently displayed alongside cost, layovers and airport, and the lowest-emissions flight was labeled “Greenest Flight”. We found an impressive rate of willingness to pay for lower-emissions flights: around $200/ton of CO2e saved, a magnitude higher than that seen in carbon offsets programs, and consistent with findings from a prior study with a non-university-based sample. In a second step of analysis, we estimated the carbon and cost impacts if the university were to adopt a flight-search interface that prioritizes carbon emissions information and displays alternatives from multiple regional airports in their employee travel-booking portal. We estimated potential annual savings of 79 tons of CO2e, while reducing airfare costs by $56,000, mainly due to an increased willingness of travelers to take advantage of cheaper nonstop (lower-emissions) flights from a more distant airport in the region over indirect flights from their preferred airport for medium-distance flights. Institutionalizing this strategy within organizations with large travel budgets could reduce personal and organizational carbon footprints. If implemented across major flight search engines, it could potentially reduce the demand for higher-emissions flights leading to an industry-wide impact on aviation emissions.
The Effect of Electoral Institutions on Tort Awards
Authors: Eric Helland,  Alexander Tabarrok
Published: 2001
Abstract: Politicians are not neutral maximizers of the public good, they respond to incentives just like other individuals. We apply the same reasoning to those politicians in robes called judges. We argue that elected judges, particularly partisan elected judges, have an incentive to redistribute wealth from out-of-state defendants (non-voters) to in-state plaintiffs (voters). The partisan electoral hypothesis is tested first using data on 75,000 tort awards from across the states. We control for differences in injuries, state incomes, poverty levels, selection effects and other factors that may cause awards to differ across the states. One difference which appears difficult to control for is that each state has its own body of tort law. We take advantage of a peculiar aspect of American Federalism to make this distinction. In cases involving citizens of different states, aptly called diversity of citizenship cases, Federal judges apply state law to decide disputes. Diversity of citizenship cases allows us to test whether differences in awards are caused by differences in electoral systems or differences in state law. The evidence from the cross-state regressions and from the diversity of citizenship cases, strongly supports the partisan election hypothesis. In cases involving out-of-state defendants and in-state plaintiffs the average award (conditional on winning) is 42% higher in partisan than in non-partisan states; approximately 2/3 ds of the larger award is due to a bias against out-of-state defendants and the remainder due to generally higher awards against businesses in partisan states.
Tethered balloon measurements of biogenic volatile organic compounds at a Boreal forest site
Authors: C. Spirig, A. Guenther, J. P. Greenberg, P. Calanca, V. Tarvainen
Published: 2004
Abstract:  Measurements of biogenic volatile organic com pounds (VOCs) were performed at Hyyti¨al¨a, a Boreal for est site in Southern Finland as part of the OSOA (origin and formation of secondary organic aerosol) project in August 2001. At this site, frequent formation of new particles has been observed and the role of biogenic VOCs in this pro cess is still unclear. Tethered balloons served as platforms to collect VOC samples within the planetary boundary layer at heights up to 1.2km above ground during daytime. Mean mixed layer concentrations of total monoterpenes varied be tween 10 and 170pptv, with α-pinene, limonene and 13 carene as major compounds, isoprene was detected at levels of 2–35pptv. A mixed layer gradient technique and a budget approach are applied to derive surface fluxes representative for areas of tens to hundreds of square kilometres. Effects of spatial heterogeneity in surface emissions are examined with a footprint analysis. Depending on the source area consid ered, mean afternoon emissions of the sum of terpenes range between 180 and 300µgm−2h−1 for the period of 2–12 Au gust 2001. Surface fluxes close to Hyyti¨al¨a were higher than the regional average, and agree well with mean emissions predicted by a biogenic VOC emission model. Total rates of monoterpene oxidation were calculated with a photochemi cal model. The rates did not correlate with the occurrence of new particle formation, but the ozone pathway was of more importance on days with particle formation. Condens able vapour production from the oxidation of monoterpenes throughout the mixed layer can only account for a fraction of the increase in aerosol mass observed at the surface