bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infinite families of 2‐designs from a class of cyclic codes
Authors: Du Xiaoni , Wang Rong , Fan Cuiling
Published: November 2019

Combinatorial ‐designs have wide applications in coding theory, cryptography, communications, and statistics. It is well known that the supports of all codewords with a fixed weight in a code may give a ‐design. In this paper, we first determine the weight distributions of a class of linear codes derived from the dual of some extended cyclic codes. We then obtain infinite families of 2‐designs and explicitly compute their parameters from the supports of all the codewords with a fixed weight in the codes. By a simple counting argument, we obtain exponentially many 2‐designs.
Dynamic relationships between emotional distress, persecutory ideation, and metacognition in schizophrenia
Authors: Buck Benjamin , Gagen Emily C. , Luther Lauren , Kukla Marina , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Determine whether metacognitive capacity (i.e., a range of abilities that involve recognition, reflection, and integration of mental states) influences the relationships between emotional distress and persecutory ideation (PI).

Methods

The present study examined emotional distress, metacognition and PI in a sample (n = 337) of individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and clinician‐rated PI. Pearson and partial correlations were used to examine relationships between variables, as well as between‐subjects analysis of variances to compare groups characterized based on emotional distress and persecutory ideation scores.

Results

While emotional distress and PI are associated with one another, metacognition is negatively associated with PI and positively associated with emotional distress. Subgroup comparisons demonstrated that individuals with high emotional distress and low PI had significantly higher metacognitive capacity than those elevated in PI or reduced in both emotional distress and PI.

Conclusions

Findings suggest metacognitive capacity may relate to improved awareness of distress and reduced PI.
The life‐enhancing alcohol‐management program: Results from a 6‐month nonrandomized controlled pilot study assessing a community based participatory research program in housing first
Authors: Clifasefi Seema L. , Collins Susan E. ,   The LEAP Advisory Board
Published: November 2019

A 2‐arm, 6‐month, nonrandomized controlled pilot trial was conducted to test the initial effectiveness of the Life Enhancing Alcohol‐management Program (LEAP) as an adjunct to Housing First (HF; e.g., permanent supportive housing) on alcohol and quality‐of‐life (QoL) outcomes. The LEAP entails resident‐driven leadership opportunities, meaningful activities, and pathways to recovery aimed at reducing alcohol‐related harm and improving QoL. Data analyses were conducted to test between‐ and within‐subjects effects of the LEAP on self‐reported alcohol and QoL outcomes among HF residents. At the 6‐month follow up, between groups analysis revealed nonsignificant findings for alcohol quantity or alcohol‐related harm (ps  >  0.06); however, LEAP participants reported significantly more engagement in meaningful activities than control participants (p  <  .001), and within‐subjects analyses indicated that high levels of LEAP programming engagement predicted significant reductions in alcohol quantity and alcohol‐related harm (ps  <  0.01). The LEAP was associated with increased engagement in meaningful activities, and greater involvement in the LEAP programming was associated with reduced alcohol use and alcohol‐related harm. Planning is underway for a future, large‐scale randomized controlled trial to establish the efficacy of this approach, its generalizability across HF programs, and potential mechanisms of action.
The emergence of subgenotype ON‐1 of Human orthopneumovirus type A in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A new episode of the virus epidemiological dynamic
Authors: Farrag Mohamed A. , Amer Haitham M. , Aziz Ibrahim M. , Alsaleh Asma N. , Almajhdi Fahad N.
Published: November 2019

Lower respiratory tract infections caused by Human orthopneumovirus are still a threat to the pediatric population worldwide. To date, the molecular epidemiology of the virus in Saudi Arabia has not been adequately charted. In this study, a total of 205 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were collected from hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract symptoms during the winter seasons of 2014/15 and 2015/16. Human orthopneumovirus was detected in 89 (43.4%) samples, of which 56 (27.3%) were positive for type A and 33 (16.1%) were positive for type B viruses. The fragment that spans the two hypervariable regions (HVR1 and HVR2) of the G gene of Human orthopneumovirus A was amplified and sequenced. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses have revealed a genotype shift from NA1 to ON‐1, which was prevalent during the winter seasons of 2007/08 and 2008/09. Based on the intergenotypic p‐distance values, ON‐1 was reclassified as a subgenotype of the most predominant genotype GA2. Three conserved N‐glycosylation sites were observed in the HVR2 of Saudi ON‐1 strains. The presence of a 23 amino acid duplicated region in ON‐1 strains resulted in a higher number of O‐glycosylation sites as compared to other genotypes. The data presented in this report outlined the replacement of NA1 and NA2 subgenotypes in Saudi Arabia with ON‐1 within 7 to 8 years. The continuous evolution of Human orthopneumovirus through point mutations and nucleotide duplication may explain its ability to cause recurrent infections.
Future haze events in Beijing, China: When climate warms by 1.5 and 2.0°C
Authors: Liu Cuiping , Zhang Feng , Miao Lijuan , Lei Yadong , Yang Quan
Published: November 2019

China is the world's second‐largest economy, and its capital Beijing has been suffering from severe haze pollution in recent years. However, how the winter haze events in Beijing vary under different global warming scenarios is still open for debate. In order to analyse long‐term winter haze characteristics in Beijing in the future, we have simulated haze events using the haze weather index (HWI) for the warming periods of 1.5 and 2.0°C, based on 20 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models under two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Our results indicate that 16 CMIP5 models have preferable performance in simulating the spatial pattern and occurrence frequency of winter haze events in Beijing. We highlight that in the 1.5 and 2.0°C global warming period (2020s–2050s), Beijing will face a significant increasing trend (6–9% growth rate) in the occurrence of winter haze events compared with the reference period (1986–2005). The frequency of winter haze events under the RCP4.5 increases less than under the RCP8.5 in the 1.5°C warming period but is closer to RCP8.5 in the 2.0°C warming period. The increase of winter haze events with respect to natural factors in Beijing could be attributed to stronger atmospheric inversions, weaker East Asian winter monsoons, and a shallowing East Asian trough induced by global warming. Our results will provide scientific instructions for environmental departments to better face meteorological hazards, such as air pollution episodes, thereby improving the early warning mechanism system for global warming.
A comparison of extreme precipitation event frequency and magnitude using a high‐resolution rain gage network and NOAA Atlas 14 across Delaware
Authors: Leathers Daniel J. , Brasher Saber E. , Brinson Kevin R. , Hughes Christopher , Weiskopf Sam
Published: November 2019

Extreme precipitation events are arguably one of the most important natural hazards in many areas of the globe, impacting nearly every societal sector. In the Northeastern United States, extreme precipitation events have been shown to be increasing with several recent events garnering national attention (i.e., Ellicott City Maryland 2018; Tropical Storm Lee 2011). The NOAA Atlas 14 product is the nation's standard for estimating the magnitude and frequency of site‐specific extreme precipitation events, containing both precipitation frequency estimates, as well as associated confidence intervals. The Atlas uses surface stations, primarily from the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program, and statistical methodologies to provide point‐based precipitation exceedance probability estimates for several durations and potential recurrence intervals. Unfortunately, the number and quality of Cooperative Observer sites varies greatly over space and time. This research compares observed precipitation extremes from a high‐resolution statewide mesonet to those estimated by the Atlas 14 product for a 10‐year recurrence interval at several precipitation durations. Results of the analysis indicate that Atlas 14 underestimates the number and magnitude of extreme precipitation events across the state of Delaware at longer event durations (360‐ to 1,440‐min). At shorter durations (5‐ to 240‐min) the Atlas 14 estimates are more closely aligned with the observations from the high‐resolution precipitation network. These results suggest that caution should be exercised when using Atlas 14 estimates for engineering standards and hydrologic studies, especially for longer duration events. Therefore, a more rapid update cycle for revision of the Atlas 14 product should be considered, as a changing climate regime may be responsible for the differences identified in this research.
Roles of oceanic moisture exports in modulating summer rainfall over the middle‐lower Yangtze River Basin: Inter‐annual variability and decadal transition
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhang Wei , Yang Shuai , de Xu Xiang
Published: November 2019

Precipitation over the mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), which is a typical East Asian monsoon region in China, is strongly impacted by oceanic moisture exports (OMEs) and features variability at multiple spatial‐temporal scales, resulting in frequent floods and droughts. We focus on two key issues of OME and its relevance to the summer rainfall variability over the YRB: determination of the individual contributions of OME from three specific oceanic sub‐regions: the Arabian Sea (ARS), Bay of Bengal (BOB), and South China Sea (SCS), and their roles in the inter‐annual variability and decadal changes in YRB summer rainfall. Using a Lagrangian forward trajectories tracing approach, we create a catalogue of OME‐based diagnosed precipitation fields for three sub‐regions spanning the summer seasons (May to August) of 1980–2013 with 6‐hourly resolution using ERA‐Interim data. The results show that the pattern of the diagnosed OME‐based precipitation resembles the observed pattern over the YRB in terms of climatology and temporal variation. Climatologically, the SCS region accounts for the largest relative contribution (60.7%), followed by the ARS (30.8%), whereas the contributions of the BOB (8.5%) are almost negligible. On the inter‐annual scale, the variation in OME‐based rainfall originated from the ARS, and the BOB is out of phase with that of the SCS. In contrast to climatology, the inter‐annual changes in rainfall over the YRB are primarily modulated by the variation in the OME from the ARS. However, for the decadal changes, particularly in 1992/1993 over the YRB, the SCS and ARS are equivalent contributors to the summer precipitation over the YRB. These findings thus provide new insights into our understanding of the multi‐scale variability of summer precipitation over the YRB region.
The exit interview in Pakistan's IT and banking industries: Mere formality or catalyst for change?
Authors: Aqil Rabeea , Memon Salman Bashir
Published: November 2019

Human resource professionals have long used exit interviews to help track employee turnover trends. These conversations between departing employees and one or more company representatives, however, can also serve as a window onto opportunities to improve organizational policies and performance. A study of the experiences of a sampling of banking and information technology professionals in Karachi, Pakistan, highlighted the impact of such factors as mode and timing on the effectiveness of the exit interview process and led to the formation of a model of its key elements. Recommendations for optimizing the value of an organization's exit interviews include strict enforcement of confidentiality, careful composition of questions to address issues of primary concern, and concerted steps to translate relevant feedback into well‐communicated practices.
Pipette‐tip solid‐phase extraction using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide enhanced molybdenum disulfide nanosheets as an efficient adsorbent for the extraction of sulfonamides in environmental water samples
Authors: Li Juan Yuan , Ci Dan Zha Xi , Liao Qie Gen , Da Wen Zhang , Lin Guang Luo
Published: November 2019

Surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide enhanced molybdenum disulfide was used as an adsorbent in pipette‐tip solid‐phase extraction for the pretreatment of sulfonamides in environmental water samples. The factors affecting the extraction recoveries of the analytes, including the sample pH value, amount of sorbent, type and volume of eluent solution, and salt concentration were optimized. This pipette‐tip solid‐phase extraction method demonstrated good linearity (0.05–10.0 µg/L) with a coefficient of determination of 0.9984–0.9996, limit of detection (0.2–0.4 ng/L) and limit of quantitation (0.5–1.0 ng/L), good analyte recoveries (76–91), and acceptable limit of quantitation (<10%) under the optimized conditions. These results indicated that the proposed method was a good tool for monitoring sulfonamides in environmental water samples.
Mussel‐Inspired Flexible, Wearable, and Self‐Adhesive Conductive Hydrogels for Strain Sensors
Authors: Lv Rui , Bei Zhongwu , Huang Yuan , Chen Yangwei , Zheng Zhiqiang , You Qingliang , Zhu Chao , Cao Yiping
Published: November 2019

The latest generation of wearable devices features materials that are flexible, conductive, and stretchable, thus meeting the requirements of stability and reliability. However, the metal conductors that are currently used in various equipments cannot achieve these high performance expectations. Hence, a mussel‐inspired conductive hydrogel (HAC–B–PAM) is prepared with a facile approach by employing polyacrylamide (PAM), dopamine‐functionalized hyaluronic acid (HAC), borax as a dynamic cross‐linker agent, and Li+ and Na+ as conductive ions. HAC–B–PAM hydrogels demonstrate an excellent stretchability (up to 2800%), high tensile toughness (42.4 kPa), self‐adhesive properties (adhesion strength to porcine skin of 49.6 kPa), and good self‐healing properties without any stimuli at room temperature. Furthermore, the fabricated hydrogel‐based strain sensor is sensitive to deformation and can detect human body motion. Multifunctional hydrogels can be assembled into flexible wearable devices with potential applications in the field of electronic skin and soft robotics.
Simplified method and synchronization for a class of complex chaotic systems
Authors: Huang Lilian , Zhang Zefeng , Xiang Jianhong
Published: November 2019

This paper is devoted to investigate a class of complex chaotic systems and a linear correlation between the real and imaginary component of complex variables in these systems is found. Based on this linear relationship, a simplified law is proposed. First, complex Lorenz system is given to show the linear correlation, then it is simplified. Second, a simplified law is proposed to determine whether the complex system can be simplified, and the complex Lü system and hyperchaotic complex Lü system are used to verify the simplified law. Finally, a new synchronization control is proposed to synchronize complex Lorenz system and real Lorenz system. The theoretical analysis and numerical simulation prove the feasibility and better performance of this method.
Design and verification of an external radiobiological beam port on a 16.5 MeV GE PETtrace proton cyclotron
Authors: Asp Johan , Santos Alexandre M. Caraça , Moghaddasi Leyla , Afshar Shahraam V. , Bezak Eva
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Protons and heavy ions are considered to be ideal particles for use in external beam radiotherapy due to the superior properties of the dose distribution. While a photon (x‐ray) beam delivers considerable dose to healthy tissues around the tumor, a proton beam that is delivered with sufficient energies has: a low entrance dose (the dose in front of the tumor); a high‐dose region within the tumor, known as the Bragg peak; and, no exit dose beyond the tumor. Proton therapy is the next major step in advancing radiotherapy treatment.

The purpose of this project was to adapt an existing radioisotope production cyclotron, a General Electric (GE) PETtrace, to enable radiobiological studies using proton beams. During routine use the PETtrace delivers 16.5 MeV protons to target with beam currents in the range of 10–100 µA resulting in dose rates in the order of kGy/s. To achieve the aim of the project the dose rate had to be reduced to the Gy/min range, without attenuating the proton energy below 5 MeV. This paper covers the design, construction and validation of the beam port.

Methods

Monte Carlo simulations were performed, using GEANT4, SRIM and PACE4 to design the beam port and optimize its components. Once the beam port was fabricated, validation experiments were performed using EBT3 and HD‐V2 Gafchromic™ films, and a Keithley 6485 picoampere meter.

Results and conclusion

The external beam port was successfully modeled, designed and fabricated. By using a 0.25 mm thick gold foil and a brass pin‐hole collimator the beam was spread from a narrow full beam diameter of 10 mm to a wide beam with a 5% flatness area in the center of the beam that had a diameter of ~20 mm. In using this system the dose rate was reduced from kGy/s to ~30 Gy/min.
ID Asks/Dongsheng Wang
Authors: Werner Ken
Published: November 2019

The founder of one of the world's largest display companies speaks candidly about its growth, his strategies for survival, and what it takes to lead.
A Bayesian hierarchical variable selection prior for pathway‐based GWAS using summary statistics
Authors: Yang Yi , Basu Saonli , Zhang Lin
Published: November 2019

While genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have been widely used to uncover associations between diseases and genetic variants, standard SNP‐level GWASs often lack the power to identify SNPs that individually have a moderate effect size but jointly contribute to the disease. To overcome this problem, pathway‐based GWASs methods have been developed as an alternative strategy that complements SNP‐level approaches. We propose a Bayesian method that uses the generalized fused hierarchical structured variable selection prior to identify pathways associated with the disease using SNP‐level summary statistics. Our prior has the flexibility to take in pathway structural information so that it can model the gene‐level correlation based on prior biological knowledge, an important feature that makes it appealing compared to existing pathway‐based methods. Using simulations, we show that our method outperforms competing methods in various scenarios, particularly when we have pathway structural information that involves complex gene‐gene interactions. We apply our method to the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium Crohn's disease GWAS data, demonstrating its practical application to real data.
Controllable Design of MoS2 Nanosheets Grown on Nitrogen‐Doped Branched TiO2/C Nanofibers: Toward Enhanced Sodium Storage Performance Induced by Pseudocapacitance Behavior
Authors: Wang Ling , Yang Guorui , Wang Jianan , Peng Shengjie , Yan Wei , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: November 2019

In this work, expanded MoS2 nanosheets grown on nitrogen‐doped branched TiO2/C nanofibers (NBT/C@MoS2 NFs) are prepared through electrospinning and hydrothermal treatment method as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The continuous 1D branched TiO2/C nanofibers provide a large surface area to grow expanded MoS2 nanosheets and enhance the electronic conductivity and cycling stability of the electrode. The large surface area and doping of nitrogen can facilitate the transfer of both Na+ ions and electrons. With the merits of these unique design and extrinsic pseudocapacitance behavior, the NBT/C@MoS2 NFs can deliver ultralong cycle stability of 448.2 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 600 cycles. Even at a high rate of 2000 mA g−1, a reversible capacity of 258.3 mA h g−1 can still be achieved. The kinetic analysis demonstrates that pseudocapacitive contribution is the major factor to achieve excellent rate performance. The rational design and excellent electrochemical performance endow the NBT/C@MoS2 NFs with potentials as promising anode materials for SIBs.
Does your code need comment?
Authors: Huang Yuan , Jia Nan , Shu Junhuai , Hu Xinyu , Chen Xiangping , Zhou Qiang
Published: November 2019

Code comments convey information about the programmers' intention in a more explicit but less rigorous manner than source code. This information can assist programmers in various tasks, such as code comprehension, reuse, and maintenance. To better understand the properties of the comments existing in the source code, we analyzed more than 450 000 comments across 136 popular open‐source software systems coming different domains. We found that the methods involving header comments and internal comments were shown low percentages in software systems, ie, 4.4% and 10.27%, respectively. As an application of our findings, we propose an automatic approach to determine whether a method needs a header comment, known as commenting necessity identification. Specifically, we identify the important factors for determining the commenting necessity of a method and extract them as structural features, syntactic features, and textual features. Then, by applying machine learning techniques and noise‐handling techniques, we achieve a precision of 88.5% on eight open‐source software from GitHub. The encouraging experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach.
A Unique Bimodal Microstructure Induced by Ultrafine Inclusions to Improve Mechanical Properties of Low‐Carbon Steels Produced by Twin‐Roll Casting
Authors: Song Zi‐Hao , Song Hong‐Yu , Liu Hai‐Tao
Published: November 2019

A unique bimodal microstructure is proposed to improve the mechanical properties of low‐carbon steels produced by twin‐roll casting. The ultrafine inclusions (0.2–2.0 μm) are produced in the as‐cast matrix. A high proportion of ultrafine acicular ferrite (UFAF) is induced due to these inclusions by controlling the critical processing factor, i.e., the cooling rate during γ → α transformation process. Therefore, heterogeneous microstructure is characterized by UFAF cluster, and network‐like coarse polygonal ferrite (PF) with a bimodal grain size distribution is engineered, significantly increasing the strength while not obviously damaging the plasticity. In addition, a new acicular ferrite (AF) heterogeneous nucleation mechanism is reported.
Not a Knot
Authors: Teijeiro Paula ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2019

Here, I examine the connective called Knot, which may be considered a threat to semanticists, but not to inferentialists. I argue that it constitutes a problem for neither, by showing, first, how to characterize it proof-theoretically, and second, by showing how the issues it allegedly poses for the semanticist rest on an imprecise understanding of metainferences. I conclude that one should be careful in grounding philosophical disputes merely on formal tools.
Sperm defects in primary ciliary dyskinesia and related causes of male infertility
Authors: Sironen Anu , Shoemark Amelia , Patel Mitali , Loebinger Michael R. , Mitchison Hannah M.
Published: November 2019

The core axoneme structure of both the motile cilium and sperm tail has the same ultrastructural 9 + 2 microtubular arrangement. Thus, it can be expected that genetic defects in motile cilia also have an effect on sperm tail formation. However, recent studies in human patients, animal models and model organisms have indicated that there are differences in components of specific structures within the cilia and sperm tail axonemes. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disease with symptoms caused by malfunction of motile cilia such as chronic nasal discharge, ear, nose and chest infections and pulmonary disease (bronchiectasis). Half of the patients also have situs inversus and in many cases male infertility has been reported. PCD genes have a role in motile cilia biogenesis, structure and function. To date mutations in over 40 genes have been identified cause PCD, but the exact effect of these mutations on spermatogenesis is poorly understood. Furthermore, mutations in several additional axonemal genes have recently been identified to cause a sperm-specific phenotype, termed multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). In this review, we discuss the association of PCD genes and other axonemal genes with male infertility, drawing particular attention to possible differences between their functions in motile cilia and sperm tails.
Evolution of volatile compounds and physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of Toscano PDO ham from fresh to dry-cured product
Authors: Sirtori Francesco , Dimauro Corrado , Bozzi Riccardo , Aquilani Chiara , Franci Oreste , Calamai Luca , Pezzati Antonio , Pugliese Carolina
Published: November 2019

Physical and chemical changes in Toscano ham lean were evaluated according to three different seasoning time (14, 16 and 18 months). Moreover, on Semimembranosus muscle, the volatile profile at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 14, 16 and 18 months of seasoning was determined by SPME–GC–MS. Eventually, a quantitative-descriptive sensory evaluation was performed. Longer seasoning times led to a decrease of Chroma in Biceps femoris, and also protein and proteolysis index decreased as the seasoning time increased. A total of 97 volatile compounds (VOCs) belonging to seven chemical families (29 aldehydes, 16 esters, 14 alcohols, 13 hydrocarbons, 12 ketones, 10 acids, 2 furans and 1 nitrogenous compound) were identified. Sensory evaluation outlined the major differences between 18th months ham and the other two classes, with the former being harder and with a slight presence of off flavor and off odor. The VOCs evolution during curing was studied and a multivariate approach was performed to test the feasibility of using the VOCs profile to predict the curing stage of Toscano ham. The discriminant analysis successfully managed to separate the samples of 0–6 months from the ones of 12–18 months using 26 of the identified VOCs. Among them, pentane 2,3-dimethyl, acetophenone and 9-decenoic acid were strong discriminants for 0–6 months hams, while dodecanoic, benzeneacetaldehyde, 3-octen-2-one and pentanoic acid ethylester were linked to 12–18 months hams. Within the high maturing classes (12, 14, 16, 18 months of seasoning), the 17 discriminating compounds identified successfully allocated only 12 and 18 months samples. The main VOCs associated with the “12 months” class were nonanal, 1,5-diphenyl-3-methylthio-1,2,4-triazole and 6-methoxy 2-hexanone. The “18 months” seasoning class, instead, was identified by 1,5-diphenyl-3-methylthio-1,2,4-triazole, phenol and l,2-butoxy ethanol.
Factors determining microbial colonization of liquid nitrogen storage tanks used for archiving biological samples
Authors: Bajerski F. , Bürger A. , Glasmacher B. , Keller E. R. J. , Müller K. , Mühldorfer K. , Nagel M. , Rüdel H. , Müller T. , Schenkel J. , Overmann J.
Published: November 2019

The availability of bioresources is a precondition for life science research, medical applications, and diagnostics, but requires a dedicated quality management to guarantee reliable and safe storage. Anecdotal reports of bacterial isolates and sample contamination indicate that organisms may persist in liquid nitrogen (LN) storage tanks. To evaluate the safety status of cryocollections, we systematically screened organisms in the LN phase and in ice layers covering inner surfaces of storage tanks maintained in different biobanking facilities. We applied a culture-independent approach combining cell detection by epifluorescence microscopy with the amplification of group-specific marker genes and high-throughput sequencing of bacterial ribosomal genes. In the LN phase, neither cells nor bacterial 16S rRNA gene copy numbers were detectable (detection limit, 102cells per ml, 103gene copies per ml). In several cases, small numbers of bacteria of up to 104cells per ml and up to 106gene copies per ml, as well asMycoplasma, or fungi were detected in the ice phase formed underneath the lids or accumulated at the bottom. The bacteria most likely originated from the stored materials themselves (Elizabethingia,Janthibacterium), the technical environment (Pseudomonas,Acinetobacter,Methylobacterium), or the human microbiome (Bacteroides,Streptococcus,Staphylococcus). In single cases, bacteria,Mycoplasma, fungi, and human cells were detected in the debris at the bottom of the storage tanks. In conclusion, the limited microbial load of the ice phase and in the debris of storage tanks can be effectively avoided by minimizing ice formation and by employing hermetically sealed sample containers.
Workplace bullying and depressive symptoms among employees in Germany: prospective associations regarding severity and the role of the perpetrator
Authors: Lange Stefanie , Burr Hermann , Rose Uwe , Conway Paul Maurice
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of self-reported workplace bullying on depressive symptoms in a prospective study among a representative sample of employees from Germany. We focused specifically on the role of the perpetrator (co-workers and superiors), which was never done before in a longitudinal design.

Methods

We used data from a nation-wide representative panel study with a 5-year follow-up (N = 2172). Data on bullying exposure were obtained separately for different perpetrators (co-workers and superiors) and degree of severity (severe bullying, i.e., at least weekly). Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). We used logistic regression analyses to examine the effect of workplace bullying at baseline on depressive symptoms at follow-up.

Results

After adjusting for baseline depressive symptoms, severe bullying by co-workers significantly increased the 5-year risk of depressive symptoms (OR = 2.50). Severe bullying by superiors had a nonsignificant effect.

Conclusions

Workplace bullying is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among employees in Germany. The type of perpetrator seems to be an important factor to consider, as indicated by the elevated risk of depressive symptoms when bullying is perpetrated by co-workers.
Recurrent pain and work disability: a record linkage study
Authors: Lallukka Tea , Hiilamo Aapo , Oakman Jodi , Mänty Minna , Pietiläinen Olli , Rahkonen Ossi , Kouvonen Anne , Halonen Jaana I.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

We examined the associations between recurrent single- and multisite pain and incident sickness absence (SA) of different lengths and the risk of disability pension (DP).

Methods

The data were derived from the Finnish Helsinki Health Study. Pain measures were recorded for panel 1 in 2000/2 and 2007, and for panel 2 in 2007 and 2012 (altogether 3191 employees). SA data were obtained from the employer’s personnel register and DP events from the Finnish Centre for Pensions. Negative binomial regression models with generalized estimation equations were used to model the incidence of self-certified short- (1–3 days), and medically certified medium- (4–14 days) and long-term (more than 14 days) SA episodes. Cox regression models were fitted for the associations between pain and all-cause DP and competing risk models for DP by diagnostic groups. Social and health-related covariates were adjusted for.

Results

Recurrent pain was associated with short-, medium- and long-term SA. Additionally, recurrent single- and multisite pain increased the risk of long-term SA. Recurrent single or multisite pain was further associated with an increased risk of DP, while a single instance of pain did not increase the risk.

Conclusions

These results suggest that recurrent pain is a robust determinant of subsequent SA and DP risk. Improved understanding of determinants of recurrent pain is needed to inform the development of targeted measures to reduce SA and premature exit from employment.
Is too much salt harmful? Yes
Authors: Agócs Róbert , Sugár Dániel , Szabó Attila J.
Published: November 2019

The contribution of high sodium intake to hypertension and to the severity of immune-mediated diseases is still being heatedly debated in medical literature and in the lay media. This review aims to demonstrate two conflicting views on the topic, with the first part citing the detrimental effects of excessive salt consumption. Sodium plays a central role in volume and blood pressure homeostasis, and the positive correlation between sodium intake and blood pressure has been extensively researched. Despite the fact that the average of global daily salt consumption exceeds recommendations of international associations, health damage from excessive salt intake is still controversial. Individual differences in salt sensitivity are in great part attributed to this contradiction. Patients suffering from certain diseases as well as other vulnerable groups—either minors or individuals of full age—exhibit more pronounced blood pressure reduction when consuming a low-sodium diet. Furthermore, findings from the last two decades give insight into the concept of extrarenal sodium storage; however, the long-term consequences of this phenomenon are lesser known. Evidence of the relationship between sodium and autoimmune diseases are cited in the review, too. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are needed to clarify their interplay. In conclusion, for salt-sensitive risk groups in the population, even stricter limits of sodium consumption should be set than for young, healthy individuals. Therefore, the question raised in the title should be rephrased as follows: “how much salt is harmful” and “for whom is elevated salt intake harmful?”
Effects on patient-reported outcomes of “Screening of Distress and Referral Need” implemented in Dutch oncology practice
Authors: van Nuenen Floor M. , Donofrio Stacey M. , Tuinman Marrit A. , van de Wiel Harry B. M. , Hoekstra-Weebers Josette E. H. M.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study investigated the effect of the “Screening for Distress and Referral Need” (SDRN) process (completing a screening instrument; patient-caregiver discussion about the patient’s responses, regardless of distress level, and possible referral to specialized care), implemented in Dutch oncology practice on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

A non-randomized time-sequential study was conducted to compare two cohorts. Cohort 1 respondents (C1) were recruited before and cohort 2 respondents (C2) after SDRN implementation in nine Dutch hospitals. Participants completed the EORTC-QLQ-C30, HADS, Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-III, and the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT&PL). Descriptive analyses and univariate tests were conducted.

Results

C2 respondents (N = 422, response = 54%) had significantly lower mean scores on the practical (t = 2.3; p = 0.02), social (t = 2.3; p = 0.03), and emotional PL domains (t = 2.9; p = 0.004) compared with C1 (N = 518, response = 53%). No significant differences were found on quality of life, anxiety, depression, satisfaction with care, distress level, the spiritual and physical PL domains, or on referral wish.

Conclusions

After implementation of SDRN, patients report significantly fewer psychosocial (practical, social, and emotional) problems on the DT/PL but responses on the other patient-reported outcomes were comparable. These results add to the mixed evidence on the beneficial effect of distress screening. More and better focused research is needed.
Investigating Conceptual Models for the Relationship Between Depression and Condomless Sex Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who have Sex with Men: Using Structural Equation Modelling to Assess Mediation
Authors:   for the AURAH Study Group, Miltz A. R. , Rodger A. J. , Lepri A. Cozzi , Sewell J. , Nwokolo N. C. , Allan S. , Scott C. , Ivens D. , Lascar M. , Speakman A. , Phillips A. N. , Sherr L. , Collins S. , Elford J. , Lampe F. C.
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate five hypothesized mechanisms of causation between depression and condomless sex with ≥ 2 partners (CLS2+) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), involving alternative roles of self-efficacy for sexual safety and recreational drug use. Data were from the AURAH cross-sectional study of 1340 GBMSM attending genitourinary medicine clinics in England (2013–2014). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to investigate which conceptual model was more consistent with the data. Twelve percent of men reported depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 32% reported CLS2+ in the past 3 months. AURAH data were more consistent with the model in which depression was considered to lead to CLS2+ indirectly via low self-efficacy for sexual safety (indirect Beta = 0.158; p < 0.001) as well as indirectly via higher levels of recreational drug use (indirect Beta = 0.158; p < 0.001). SEM assists in understanding the relationship between depression and CLS among GBMSM.
The influence on quality of life of intermittent scheduling in first- and second-line chemotherapy of patients with HER2-negative advanced breast cancer
Authors:   the Dutch Breast Cancer Research Group (BOOG), Claessens Anouk K. M. , Timman Reinier , Busschbach Jan J. , Bouma Jeanette M. , Rademaker-Lakhai Jeany M. , Erdkamp Frans L. G. , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C. G. , Bos Monique E. M. M.
Published: November 2019

Background

The Stop&Go study randomized patients with advanced breast cancer to intermittent (two times four) or continuous (eight subsequent cycles) first- and second-line chemotherapy.

Methods

QoL was measured with RAND-36 questionnaires every 12 weeks. The primary objective was to estimate differences in changes from baseline between intermittent and continuous treatment. An effect size of 0.5 SD (5 points) was considered clinically meaningful.

Results

A total of 398 patients were included with a median follow-up of 11.4 months (IQR 5.6–22.2). Mean physical QoL baseline scores were 38.0 resp. 38.2, and mental scores 45.0 resp. 42.4 for intermittent and continuous treatment. Physical QoL declined linearly in the intermittent arm causing a clinically meaningful difference of 5.40 points at 24 months (p < 0.001), while scores in the continuous arm stabilized after a small decline of ± 3.4 points at 12 months. Conversely, mental QoL was fairly stable and even improved with 1.58 (p = 0.005) and 2.48 points (p < 0.001) at 12 months for intermittent and continuous treatment, respectively. When comparing arms for both components in changes from baseline, the maximum differences were 2.46 (p = 0.101) and 1.95 points (p = 0.182) for physical and mental scores, both measured at 30 months and in favor of continuous treatment.

Conclusion

Intermittent first- and second-line chemotherapy in patients with HER2-negative advanced breast cancer showed a trend for worse impact on QoL compared to continuous chemotherapy, with neither significant nor meaningful differences in course. We recommend prescribing chemotherapy continuously until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity.

Trial registration EudraCT 2010-021519-18; BOOG 2010-02
Achieving Responsible Management Learning Through Enriched Reciprocal Learning: Service-Learning Projects and the Role of Boundary Spanners
Authors: Fougère Martin , Solitander Nikodemus , Maheshwari Sanchi
Published: November 2019

Through its focus on deep and experiential learning, service-learning (SL) has become increasingly popular within the business school curriculum. While a reciprocal dimension has been foundational to SL, the reciprocality that is emphasized in business ethics literature is often on the relationship between the service experience and the academic content, rather than reciprocal learning of the service providers (students) and the recipients (organizations and their managers), let alone other stakeholders. Drawing on the notion of enriched reciprocal learning and on Aristotle’s typology of modes of knowing, we (1) revisit reciprocal learning by illustrating what kinds of learning occur for server and served in four SL projects from a project course in CSR, and (2) emphasize the role of boundary spanners from the project organizations in making this reciprocal learning happen and translating the various types of student learning in ways that are useful for their organizations. We find that when boundary spanners are particularly engaged at making the projects impactful, they contribute to making the learning experiences of students, managers (including themselves) and sometimes other stakeholders useful, multidimensional, and ultimately rewarding.
Geochemical equilibrium determination using an artificial neural network in compositional reservoir flow simulation
Authors: Guérillot Dominique , Bruyelle Jérémie
Published: November 2019

The fluid injection in sedimentary formations may generate geochemical interactions between the fluids and the rock minerals, e.g., CO2storage in a depleted reservoir or a saline aquifer. To simulate such reactive transfer processes, geochemical equations (equilibrium and kinetics equations) are coupled with compositional flows in porous media in order to represent, for example, precipitation/dissolution phenomena. The aim of the decoupled approach proposed consists in replacing the geochemical equilibrium solver with a substitute method to bypass the huge consuming time required to balance the geochemical system while keeping an accurate equilibrium calculation. This paper focuses on the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) to determine the geochemical equilibrium instead of solving geochemical equations system. To illustrate the proposed workflow, a 3D case study of CO2storage in geological formation is presented.
A novel haplotype of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ found in Apiaceae and Polygonaceae family plants
Authors: Haapalainen Minna , Latvala Satu , Wickström Annika , Wang Jinhui , Pirhonen Minna , Nissinen Anne I.
Published: November 2019

A previously unknown haplotype of the plant pathogen ‘CandidatusLiberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) was found in cultivated carrots and parsnips in eastern Finland. That same haplotype was found in western Finland, over 300 km away, in the family Polygonaceae, the speciesFallopia convolvulus(wild buckwheat) andPersicaria lapathifolia(pale persicaria) growing as weeds within carrot and parsnip fields. The infected plants, both apiaceous and polygonaceous, showed symptoms of foliar discolouration. This is the first report of Lso bacteria in plants of the family Polygonaceae. The finding that the polygonaceous plants infected with a previously unknown haplotype of Lso were growing among the apiaceous plants infected with Lso haplotype C suggests that these two haplotypes might be transmitted by different vectors. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the new haplotype, called haplotype H, is distinct from the previously characterized haplotypes and appears to have diverged early from their common ancestor. Multi-locus sequence analysis revealed four different sequence types (strains) within the haplotype H. These findings suggest that the haplotype H is likely to be endemic in northern Europe and that the genetic diversity within the Lso species is higher than previously assumed.
Co-solvent Effect on Spontaneous Formation of Large Nanoscale Structures in Catanionic Mixtures in the Anionic-Rich Region
Authors: Golmohammadi Farhad , Amiri Masoud , Gharibi Hussein , Yousefi Ali , Safari Meysam
Published: November 2019

The aggregation behavior was investigated in mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) (anionic-rich catanionic) solutions. The study was conducted in solutions of water–ethylene glycol (EG) by means of surface tension, conductometry, cyclic voltammetry, zeta potential measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The degree of counterion dissociation (α), critical micelle concentration, aggregation numbers, interfacial properties, interparticle interaction parameters, and morphology of aggregates were determined. Based on regular solution theory, the cosolvent effects between SDS and CTAB as surfactants were also analyzed for both mixed monolayers at mixed micelles (βM) and the air/liquid interface (βσ). It was shown that the formation of large aggregates occurred in the presence of an excess of anionic surfactant. A phase transition from cylindrical micelles to spherical micelles in the anionic-rich regime was observed with an increase in the EG volume fraction. The inter particle interactions were assessed in terms of cosolvent effects on the micellar surface charge density and the cylindrical-to-spherical morphology change. Zeta potential and size of the aggregates were determined using dynamic light scattering and confirmed the models suggested for the processes taking place in each system.
The cost-effectiveness analysis of drug therapy versus surgery for symptomatic adenoid hypertrophy by a Markov model
Authors: Xiao Han , Huang Jinqiang , Liu Weifeng , Dai Zihao , Peng Sui , Peng Zhenwei , Liang Ruiming , Ma Renqiang , Wen Yihui , Li Jian , Wen Weiping
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) is common among young children. Adenoid-based surgery and drug therapy could be applied for symptomatic AH patients, yet the treatment decision is difficult to make due to the diverse cost and efficacy between these two treatments.

Methods

A Markov simulation model was designed to estimate the cost-effectiveness (CE) of the adenoid-based surgery and the drug therapy for symptomatic AH patients. Transition probabilities, costs and utilities were extracted from early researches and expert opinions. Simulations using two set of parameter inputs for China and the USA were performed. Primary outcome was cost per QALY gained over a 6-year period. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

Results

The utility for the surgery group and the drug group were 4.10 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and 3.58 QALYs, respectively. The cost of the surgery group was more than that of the drug group using model parameters specific to China ($1069.0 vs. $753.7) but was less for the USA ($1994.4 vs. $3977.7). Surgery was dominant over drug therapy when US specific parameters were used. Surgery group had an ICER of $604.0 per QALY when parameters specific to China was used.

Conclusion

Surgery is cost-effective in the simulations for both China and the USA at WTP thresholds of $9633.1 and $62,517.5, respectively.