bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Potassium Storage Capability of H2V3O8 in a Non‐Aqueous Electrolyte
Authors: Rastgoo‐Deylami Mohadese , Heo Jongwook W. , Hong Seung‐Tae
Published: October 2019

Potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) are one of the potential candidates for large‐scale energy storage devices with low cost due to the abundance of potassium resources. However, the development of cathode materials with high capacity and structural stability has been a challenge due to the difficulties of intercalation of the large size of K‐ions into host materials. In this work, H2V3O8 (or V3O7⋅H2O) is reported as a new cathode material for KIBs. It shows reversible potassium‐intercalation behavior with the first discharge capacity of 168 mAh g−1 at 5 mA g−1 and an average discharge voltage of ∼2.5 V (vs. K/K+) in 0.5 M KPF6 in EC/DEC (1:1 v/v). The specific capacity increases up to 181 mAh g−1 for the third cycle and gradually decreases with 75% of the capacity retention after 100 cycles. The chemical formula of the potassiated phase is K1.77H2V3O8. However, scan‐rate dependent cyclic voltammetry and elemental analyses suggest that ∼28% of the capacity comes from the surface K ions on the H2V3O8 particles; thus, the bulk‐intercalated phase can be formulated as K1.27H2V3O8. The crystal structure is stable during the electrochemical cycling, keeping the structural water, confirming that H2V3O8 can be considered as one of the high‐capacity cathode materials for KIBs.
Insight into Triphenylamine Donor Thiazole Acceptor Conjugated Oligomer to Analyze Emission Behavior towards Aggregation Pathway
Authors: Jagadeesan Senthilperumal , Mahesh Konagaluru , Karpagam Subramanian
Published: October 2019

Three different conjugated oligomers was synthesized such as Triphenylamine combined thiazole (TPA‐TZ), Triphenylamine combined benzothiazole (TPA‐BTZ) and triphenylamine combined benzothiadiazole (TPA‐BTDZ) by Wittig condensation route. The effect of imine groups on the acceptor side from three oligomers were analysed from spectroscopic (FT‐IR, UV‐visible, fluorescence), thermal stability and electrochemical (Cv and conductivity) studies. These oligomers exhibited positive solvatochromism with respect to different polarity of the solvents. Absorption spectra resulted π‐π* electronic transition was occurring at 330–364 nm in a solution state. The oligomers TPA‐TZ, TPA‐BTZ exhibited bluish green fluorescence emission at 465, 455 nm and TPA‐BTDZ exhibited orange colour fluorescence emission at 566 nm. The electrochemical band gaps of the oligomers were calculated around 1.3‐1.5 eV. The thermal analysis reveals that the TPA‐BTDZ has shown higher thermal stability up to 270 °C than other oligomers. The benzothiadiazole based TPA (TPA‐BTDZ) has shown low band gap and optimum electrochemical conductivity (1.53×10−5 Ω−1 cm−1) than other oligomers. By increasing the water: THF fraction, switching of different emission colour, observed different emission wavelength and the particles was aggregated which was examined from SEM images.
Recent Developments in Heterogeneous Catalyzed Epoxidation of Styrene to Styrene Oxide
Authors: Batra Manohar Singh , Dwivedi Ritambhara , Prasad Rajendra
Published: October 2019

Epoxidation of styrene under heterogeneous catalyzed conditions provides environmentally friendly routes to produce styrene oxide, an important synthetic intermediate for synthesis of perfumes, epoxy resins, plasticizers, drugs, sweeteners and fine chemicals. The present review explores epoxidation of styrene under heterogeneous catalysed conditions using a variety of catalysts such as metal nanoparticles, metal oxides (of group 12 and 13 metals, transition metals, rare earth metals), transition metals and complexes, polyoxometallates, microporous and mesoporous materials (zeolites, modified zeolites, organic/inorganic porous hybrid materials, porous metal oxides, SBA 15) and polymers using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), air or oxygen as oxidants.The use of salen based transition metal complexes and of chiral porphyrins as catalysts in asymmetric epoxidation of styrene is also reviewed. The reaction mechanism studies of most of these reactions suggest an intermediate formation of a reactive metal‐oxygen species, by interactions between the catalyst and oxidant.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of 1‐Nitroindolizine Derivatives via the DBU/Acetic Acid System
Authors: Luo Naili , Li Mingshuang , Wang Ting , Li Yanxiang , Wang Cunde
Published: October 2019

Highly efficient synthesis of poly‐substituted 1‐nitroindolizine derivatives via DBU‐mediated [3 + 2] annulations of pyridinium salts with β‐nitrostyrenes using acetic acid as solvent was developed. The new reaction systems and good functional‐group tolerance of the reaction make it an attractive method to access 1‐nitroindolizines. The synthetic protocol is superior to previous synthetic methods for the formation of 1‐nitroindolizine derivatives.
Synthesis and Structure Activity Relationships of Novel Dehydroepiandrosterone Derivatives as Potent Neuroprotective Agents and Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitors
Authors: Gan Haixian , Wu Yuhang , Jiang Kexin , Ge Songlan , Yao Yuqian , Wang Rui , Ma Lei
Published: October 2019

In this study, a series of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) derivatives were synthesized by linking DHEA with active fragments such as carbamate, phthalimide and indoleacetic acid. In addition, the in vitro neuroprotective effects, via the oxidative stress mechanism, and nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory activities of each compound were tested. The preliminary structure‐activity relationships of them indicated that DHEA with carbamate structure had a certain neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory effect such as 3β‐(Cyclohexylamine‐1‐carboxylate)‐5‐androsten‐17‐one (A2) and 3β‐(3‐Chlorobenzylamine‐1‐carboxylate)‐5‐androsten‐17‐one (A6). And the ester derivatives with indoleacetic acid like 17β–(Heteroauxin‐1‐carboxylate)‐androst‐4‐en‐3‐one (A12) also exhibited both significant neuroprotective activity and NO inhibitory activity. According to these results, compound A6 is considered as a potential agent for the treatment of Alzheimer′s disease (AD) and deserve for further investigations.
Leadership expert shares practical strategies for making shifts that lead to success
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2019

ORLANDO, FLA. — Yesterday's style of leadership is no longer enough to effectively lead your organization today.
Synthesis and characterization of Ag‐loaded p‐type TiO2 for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A
Authors: Zhang Yunhai , Zhou Shuangxi , Su Xin , Xu Jimin , Nie Guangze , Zhang Yongjun , He Yide , Yu Shuili
Published: October 2019

A p‐type TiO2 with Ti vacancies (D‐TiO2) was synthesized by a facile solvothermal treatment, and Ag/TiO2 with different Ag loading amount was prepared through a photo‐reduction deposition method. The samples were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adsorption and photocatalytic characteristics of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on D‐TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 were investigated. The adsorption of TBBPA on Ag/TiO2 was significantly enhanced and was five times greater than that of pure TiO2. The increase in pH significantly inhibited the adsorption of TBBPA. The 2%‐Ag/TiO2 nearly completely degraded TBBPA in 10 min under UV–Vis light (λ > 360 nm), and the apparent reaction rate constant (kapp) reached 0.63 min−1. The significantly enhanced UV–Vis light catalytic properties of the Ag/TiO2 in comparison with that of TiO2 were attributed to the increased adsorption capacity and electron transfer ability of the Ag/TiO2. Free radical trap experiments results showed that holes and superoxide radicals play a major role in the catalytic degradation of TBBPA by Ag/TiO2. Moreover, the Ag/TiO2 catalyst exhibits high stability during TBBPA degradation even after three cycles.

Practitioner points

Ti‐defected TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 were synthesized using a solvothermal and photo‐reduction deposition, respectively.

Ag/TiO2 exhibited outstanding adsorption and photocatalytic activity for TBBPA removal under UV–Vis light.

Holes and superoxide radicals play a major role in the photocatalytic degradation of TBBPA.
Low x physics as an infinite twist (G)TMD framework: unravelling the origins of saturation
Authors: Altinoluk Taiga , Boussarie Renaud
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We show how the formulations of low x physics involving Wilson line operators can be fully rewritten into an infinite twist TMD or GTMD framework, respectively for inclusive and exclusive observables. This leads to a perfect match between low x physics and moderate x formulations of QCD in terms of GTMDs, TMDs, GPDs or PDFs. We derive the BFKL limit as a kinematic limit and argue that beyond the Wandzura-Wilczek approximation, 3-body and 4-body unintegrated PFDs should be taken into account even in this regime. Finally we analyse how saturation should be understood as 3 distinct effects: saturation through non-linearities in the evolution equations at small x, saturation through multiple interactions with slow gluons as TMD gauge links, and saturation as the enhancement of genuine twist corrections.
Trace anomaly for chiral fermions via Hadamard subtraction
Authors: Fröb Markus B. , Zahn Jochen
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We calculate the trace (conformal) anomaly for chiral fermions in a general curved background using Hadamard subtraction. While in intermediate steps of the calculation imaginary terms proportional to the Pontryagin density appear, imposing a vanishing divergence of the stress tensor these terms completely cancel, and we recover the well- known result equal to half the trace anomaly of a Dirac fermion. We elaborate in detail on the advantages of the Hadamard method for the general definition of composite operators in general curved spacetimes, and speculate on possible causes for the appearance of the Pontryagin density in other calculations.
Beam-beam effects on the luminosity measurement at FCC-ee
Authors: Voutsinas Georgios , Perez Emmanuel , Dam Mogens , Janot Patrick
Published: October 2019

Abstract

The first part of the physics programme of the integrated FCC (Future Circular Colliders) proposal includes measurements of Standard Model processes in e+e−collisions (FCC-ee) with an unprecedented precision. In particular, the potential precision of the Z lineshape determination calls for a very precise measurement of the absolute luminosity, at the level of 10−4, and the precision on the relative luminosity between energy scan points around the Z pole should be an order of magnitude better. The luminosity is principally determined from the rate of low-angle Bhabha interactions, e+e−→e+e−, where the final state electrons and positrons are detected in dedicated calorimeters covering small angles from the outgoing beam directions. Electromagnetic effects caused by the very large charge density of the beam bunches affect the effective acceptance of these luminometers in a nontrivial way. If not corrected for, these effects would lead, at the Z pole, to a systematic bias of the measured luminosity that is more than one order of magnitude larger than the desired precision. In this note, these effects are studied in detail, and methods to measure and correct for them are proposed.
Cost-effectiveness of precision medicine: a scoping review
Authors: Kasztura Miriam , Richard Aude , Bempong Nefti-Eboni , Loncar Dejan , Flahault Antoine
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Precision medicine (PM) aims to improve patient outcomes by stratifying or individualizing diagnosis and treatment decisions. Previous reviews found inconclusive evidence as to the cost-effectiveness of PM. The purpose of this scoping review was to describe current research findings on the cost-effectiveness of PM and to identify characteristics of cost-effective interventions.

Methods

We searched PubMed with a combination of terms related to PM and economic evaluations and included studies published between 2014 and 2017.

Results

A total of 83 articles were included, of which two-thirds were published in Europe and the USA. The majority of studies concluded that the PM intervention was at least cost-effective compared to usual care. However, the willingness-to-pay thresholds varied widely. Key factors influencing cost-effectiveness included the prevalence of the genetic condition in the target population, costs of genetic testing and companion treatment and the probability of complications or mortality.

Conclusions

This review may help inform decisions about reimbursement, research and development of PM interventions.
Predicting the Fibroid-Migratory Impact of UAE: Role of Pre-embolization MRI Characteristics
Authors: Mailli Leto , Auyoung Eric Y. , Angileri Salvatore A. , Ameli-Renani Seyed , Ratnam Lakshmi , Das Raj , Chun Joo-Young , Das Sourav , Manyonda Isaac , Belli Anna-Maria
Published: October 2019

Aim

To investigate potential factors on MR imaging that could be used to predict migration of uterine fibroids post-UAE.

Methods and Materials

We retrospectively reviewed patients referred for UAE having pre-procedural and 6 months post-procedural MRI, at a tertiary centre, over a 1-year period. Pre- and post-UAE images were reviewed in 64 women by two radiologists to identify the sub-type, dimensions, and infarction rate of each dominant fibroid. The shortest distance between the fibroid and the endometrial wall was measured to determine intramural fibroid movement. Paired sample T tests and two-sample T tests were used to compare between pre- and post-embolization variations and between migrated and non-migrated intramural fibroids, respectively. After preliminary results suggested potential predictors of intramural fibroids migration, we tested our findings against the non-dominant intramural fibroids in the same patients.

Results

Review of images revealed 35 dominant intramural fibroids, of which eight migrated to become submucosal fibroids, while five were either partially or completely expelled. These 13 migrated fibroids had a shorter pre-procedural minimum endometrial distance (range 1–2.4 mm) and greater maximum fibroid diameter (range 5.1–18.1 cm), when compared to non-migrating fibroids. On image reassessment, the migrated non-dominant intramural fibroids had a minimum endometrial distance and maximum fibroid diameter within the same range.

Conclusion

Intramural fibroids with a minimum endometrial distance less than 2.4 mm and a maximum fibroid diameter greater than 5.1 cm have a high likelihood of migrating towards the endometrial cavity after UAE.
Auditory brainstem responses in the red-eared slider Trachemys scripta elegans (Testudoformes: Emydidae) reveal sexually dimorphic hearing sensitivity
Authors: Wang Tongliang , Li Handong , Cui Jianguo , Zhai Xiaofei , Shi Haitao , Wang Jichao
Published: October 2019

Hearing sensitivity is of general interest from the perspective of understanding the functionality and evolution of vertebrate auditory systems. Sexual dimorphism of auditory systems has been reported in several species of vertebrates, but little is known about this phenomenon in turtles. Some morphological characteristics, such as middle ear and tympanic membrane that influence the hearing sensitivity of animals can result in hearing sexual dimorphism. To examine whether sexual dimorphism in hearing sensitivity occurs in turtles and to compare hearing characteristics with respect to the shape of the tympanic membrane, we measured the hearing sensitivity and tympanum diameter in both sexes of Trachemys scripta elegans. The results showed that, with the exception of 0.9 kHz, auditory brainstem response thresholds were significantly lower in females than in males for frequencies in the 0.2–1.1 kHz range, indicating that the hearing of females shows greater sensitivity. No significant differences were detected in the tympanum diameter of both sexes. These results showed that sexually dimorphic hearing sensitivity has evolved in turtles; however, this difference does not appear to be related to differences in the size of the tympanic membrane. The possible origin and function of the sexual differences in auditory characteristic are discussed.
The time course and mechanisms of change in biomarkers of joint metabolism in response to acute exercise and chronic training in physiologic and pathological conditions
Authors: Roberts Harry M. , Law Rebecca-Jane , Thom Jeanette M.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The benefits of exercise across the lifespan and for a wide spectrum of health and diseases are well known. However, there remains less clarity as to the effects of both acute and chronic exercise on joint health. Serum biomarkers of joint metabolism are sensitive to change and have the potential to differentiate between normal and adverse adaptations to acute and chronic load. Therefore, the primary objective of this review is to evaluate how serum biomarkers can inform our understanding of how exercise affects joint metabolism.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was completed to identify joint biomarkers previously used to investigate acute and chronic exercise training.

Results

Identified biomarkers included those related to joint cartilage, bone, synovium, synovial fluid, and inflammation. However, current research has largely focused on the response of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) to acute loading in healthy young individuals. Studies demonstrate how acute loading transiently increases serum COMP (i.e., cartilage metabolism), which is mostly dependent on the duration of exercise. This response does not appear to be associated with any lasting deleterious changes, cartilage degradation, or osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

Several promising biomarkers for assessing joint metabolism exist and may in future enhance our understanding of the physiological response to acute and chronic exercise. Defining ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ biomarker responses to exercise and methodological standardisation would greatly improve the potential of research in this area to understand mechanisms and inform practice.
Why are there long waits at English emergency departments?
Authors: Gaughan James , Kasteridis Panagiotis , Mason Anne , Street Andrew
Published: October 2019

A core performance target for the English National Health Service (NHS) concerns waiting times at Emergency Departments (EDs), with the aim of minimising long waits. We investigate the drivers of long waits. We analyse weekly data for all major EDs in England from April 2011 to March 2016. A Poisson model with ED fixed effects is used to explore the impact on long (> 4 h) waits of variations in demand (population need and patient case-mix) and supply (emergency physicians, introduction of a Minor Injury Unit (MIU), inpatient bed occupancy, delayed discharges and long-term care). We assess overall ED waits and waits on a trolley (gurney) before admission. We also investigate variation in performance among EDs. The rate of long overall waits is higher in EDs serving older patients (4.2%), where a higher proportion of attendees leave without being treated (15.1%), in EDs with a higher death rate (3.3%) and in those located in hospitals with greater bed occupancy (1.5%). These factors are also significantly associated with higher rates of long trolley waits. The introduction of a co-located MIU is significantly and positively associated with long overall waits, but not with trolley waits. There is substantial variation in waits among EDs that cannot be explained by observed demand and supply characteristics. The drivers of long waits are only partially understood but addressing them is likely to require a multi-faceted approach. EDs with high rates of unexplained long waits would repay further investigation to ascertain how they might improve.
Hydrophilic Polysiloxane Microspheres and Ceramic SiOC Microspheres Derived from Them
Authors: Chojnowski J. , Slomkowski S. , Fortuniak W. , Mizerska U. , Pospiech P.
Published: October 2019

In this overview article, the research on polysiloxane microspheres performed in the authors’ laboratory is briefly reviewed. These microspheres are prepared in water emulsion from polyhydromethylsiloxane (PHMS). This polymer is cross-linked in the emulsion process by hydrosilylation using various low molecular weight cross-linkers having at least two vinyl functions. The microspheres contain a large number of silanol groups which give them hydrophilicity and a broad possibility of functionalization by condensation with reactive silanes bearing a functional group in the organic radical. Further transformation of these functions leads to materials for practical use, such as catalysts and biocidal powders. The hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of the microspheres may be fine-tuned by silylation or modification of the precursor PHMS polymer. Pristine microspheres are highly hydrophilic and well-dispersed in water. They do not adsorb proteins and hydrophobic organic substances. Macropores may be generated in these particles by a simple modification of the emulsion procedure. These microspheres are also very good precursors for ceramic silicon oxycarbide microsphers because they retain their shape in pyrolytic processes even at high temperatures; and they give a high yield of ceramic material. The polysiloxane microspheres heated at 600 °C give micro and mezo porous materials with specific surface above 500 m2/g. When pyrolysed at temperatures 1000–1400 °C, they form solid ceramic microspheres of high strength. They retain spherical shape at 1500 °C although cracks are formed at their surfaces. Etching them with HF(aq) solution gives porous microspheres with specific surface above 1000 m2/g that is almost devoid of SiO2.
Pea cultivar Blauwschokker for the phytostimulation of biodiesel degradation in agricultural soil
Authors: Hawrot-Paw Małgorzata , Ratomski Patryk , Mikiciuk Małgorzata , Staniewski Jacek , Koniuszy Adam , Ptak Piotr , Golimowski Wojciech
Published: October 2019

Phytoremediation is a cost-effective and ecologically friendly process that involves the use of plants to uptake, accumulate, translocate, stabilize, or degrade pollutants. The present study was conducted to demonstrate the potential of pea (Pisum sativumL. spp.sativum) cultivar Blauwschokker to phytostimulate biodiesel degradation in an agricultural soil, considering the influence of biological remediation on selected physiological parameters of plants and the amount and activity of soil microflora. Biodiesel was spiked into soil in dose of 50 g kg−1of dry mass soil. The results of the study showed that the rate of biodiesel degradation in the vegetated soil was higher than that occurring by natural attenuation. At the same time, biodiesel showed a positive effect on the growth, development, and activity of soil bacteria and fungi. Moreover, the obtained results showed an improvement in physiological parameters of plants, including an increase in chlorophyllaand total chlorophyll content and higher relative water content in leaves in the presence of biodiesel.
Astrocyte senescence may drive alterations in GFAPα, CDKN2A p14ARF, and TAU3 transcript expression and contribute to cognitive decline
Authors: Lye Jed J. , Latorre Eva , Lee Ben P. , Bandinelli Stefania , Holley Janet E. , Gutowski Nicholas J. , Ferrucci Luigi , Harries Lorna W.
Published: October 2019

The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues is causally linked to the development of several age-related diseases; the removal of senescent glial cells in animal models prevents Tau accumulation and cognitive decline. Senescent cells can arise through several distinct mechanisms; one such mechanism is dysregulation of alternative splicing. In this study, we characterised the senescent cell phenotype in primary human astrocytes in terms of SA-β-Gal staining and SASP secretion, and then assessed splicing factor expression and candidate gene splicing patterns. Finally, we assessed associations between expression of dysregulated isoforms and premature cognitive decline in 197 samples from the InCHIANTI study of ageing, where expression was present in both blood and brain. We demonstrate here that senescent astrocytes secrete a modified SASP characterised by increased IL8, MMP3, MMP10, and TIMP2 but decreased IL10 levels. We identified significant changes in splicing factor expression for 10/20 splicing factors tested in senescent astrocytes compared with early passage cells, as well as dysregulation of isoform levels for 8/13 brain or senescence genes tested. Finally, associations were identified between peripheral blood GFAPα, TAU3, and CDKN2A (P14ARF) isoform levels and mild or severe cognitive decline over a 3–7-year period. Our data are suggestive that some of the features of cognitive decline may arise from dysregulated splicing of important genes in senescent brain support cells, and that defects in alternative splicing or splicing regulator expression deserve exploration as points of therapeutic intervention in the future.
Application of white mustard and oats in the phytostabilisation of soil contaminated with cadmium with the addition of cellulose and urea
Authors: Boros-Lajszner Edyta , Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Kucharski Jan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Determination of the effectiveness of white mustard and oats in immobilising cadmium as a soil contaminant and determining the role of cellulose and urea in restoring homeostasis in soil under pressure from Cd2+.

Materials and methods

Soil samples were contaminated with cadmium (CdCl2·21/2H2O) at 0, 4, 8 and 16 mg Cd2+ kg−1. In order to reduce the negative impact of Cd2+, cellulose was introduced to the soil at the following rates: 0 and 15 g kg−1 and urea at 80 and 160 mg N kg−1. The yield of the above-ground parts and roots was determined on days 40 and 80 of the experiment, along with the cadmium content in the plant material. The enzyme activity was also determined, and the physical and chemical properties of the soil were determined on the day of the oats’ (aftercrop) harvest.

Results and discussion

Contamination of soil with Cd2+ at 4 to 16 mg kg−1 d.m. of soil reduced the yield of white mustard and oats. The tolerance index (TI) values indicate that oats (aftercrop) is more tolerant than white mustard of soil contamination with Cd2+. Cadmium accumulated more intensely in roots compared with the above-ground parts of the plants. The translocation index (TF) indicates smaller Cd2+ translocation from roots to above-ground parts, as it was below 1 in both plants. An addition of cellulose and nitrogen offsets the adverse impact of cadmium on plants. Arylsulphatase was the most sensitive to soil contamination with Cd2+, followed by dehydrogenases, catalase, β-glucosidase and urease, and alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were the least sensitive. Contamination of soil with Cd2+ changed its physical and chemical properties only slightly.

Conclusions

White mustard and oats have phytostabilisation potential with respect to soil contaminated with cadmium. Cellulose introduced to the soil and fertilisation with urea alleviated the negative impact of cadmium on the growth and development of plants.
How to Measure Retirement Age? A Comparison of Survey and Register Data
Authors: Eyjólfsdóttir Harpa S. , Baumann Isabel , Agahi Neda , Lennartsson Carin
Published: October 2019

Due to an increasing heterogeneity in retirement transitions, the measurement of retirement age constitutes a major challenge for researchers and policymakers. In order to better understand the concept of retirement age, we compare a series of measures for retirement age assessed on the basis of survey and register data. We use data from Sweden, where flexible retirement schemes are implemented and register data are available. We link survey data from the Swedish Level of Living Survey with register data from the Swedish Longitudinal Integration Database for Health Insurance and Labour Market Studies. We create four measures of retirement age based on these datasets, applying approaches that have been used in previous literature. We analyse the means and distributions of these measures and evaluate the correlations between them. Finally, we regress common predictors of retirement age such as gender or education on the four measures of retirement age to examine potential differences in size, direction and statistical significance of the associations. We find that the survey measure of retirement age resembles the following two ways of defining retirement age in the register data: first, the age at which people receive more than half their income from old-age or disability pension and, second, the age at which they were not gainfully employed for at least 2 years. This insight gives us a better understanding of when in the retirement transition process, individuals identify with retirement. Moreover, it provides decision support for researchers working with register data to determine which measure to use.
Faire Repräsentation versus klare Richtungsentscheide?
Authors: Ganghof Steffen , Eppner Sebastian
Published: October 2019

Die Fragmentierung europäischer Parteiensysteme und damit verbundene Schwierigkeiten bei der Koalitionsbildung haben zu einer Neuauflage altbekannter Debatten über unterschiedliche Wahlsysteme geführt. Einige Autoren sehen dabei bestimmte Wahlsysteme als optimalen Kompromiss zwischen den Prinzipien der Mehrheits- und der Verhältniswahl an. Wir argumentieren, dass diese Optimalitätsargumente eine konzeptionelle Schlagseite zugunsten „majoritärer“ Demokratiekonzeptionen haben. Eine anspruchsvolle „proportionale“ Demokratiekonzeption umfasst die Ziele mechanischer Proportionalität, multidimensionaler Repräsentation und wechselnder Gesetzgebungsmehrheiten. Diese Ziele lassen sich allerdings im parlamentarischen Regierungssystem nicht mit den Zielen der Mehrheitswahl vereinbaren. Der Grund ist, dass die relevanten Hürden des Wahlsystems gleichzeitig für die parlamentarische Repräsentation und die Teilnahme am Misstrauensvotum gelten. Erstere ist entscheidend für die proportionale, letztere für die majoritäre Konzeption der Demokratie. Sind wir bereit diese beiden Hürden zu entkoppeln – und somit das Regierungssystem zu verändern – ergibt sich eine Vielfalt neuer Reformoptionen. Wir illustrieren diese Punkte mit Daten für 29 demokratische Systeme im Zeitraum von 1995 bis 2015.
Effects of a Web-Based, Evolutionary Mismatch-Framed Intervention Targeting Physical Activity and Diet: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Grey Elisabeth B. , Thompson Dylan , Gillison Fiona B.
Published: October 2019

Background

This study sought to test the effectiveness of a 12-week, novel online intervention (Evolife) aiming to increase physical activity level (PAL) and reduce energy intake (EI) among overweight/obese adults. The intervention used an evolutionary mismatch message to frame health information in an engaging way, incorporating evidence-based behaviour change techniques to promote autonomous motivation, self-efficacy and self-regulatory skills.

Method

Men and women aged 35–74 years with a BMI of 25–40 kg/m2 were eligible. Participants were randomised to receive either the intervention (comprising a face-to-face introductory session, 12 weeks’ access to the Evolife website and a pedometer) or a control condition (face-to-face introductory session and NHS online health resources). PAL was measured objectively and EI was self-reported using 3-day weighed food records. Secondary measures included BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure.

Results

Sixty people met inclusion criteria; 59 (30 intervention) completed the trial (mean age = 50; 56% male). Differences between groups’ change scores for PAL and EI were of small effect size but did not reach significance (d = 0.32 and d = − 0.49, respectively). Improvements were found in both groups for PAL (int: d = 0.33; control: d = 0.04), EI (int: d = − 0.81; control: d = − 0.16), waist circumference (int: d = − 0.30; control: d = − 0.17) and systolic blood pressure (int: d = − 0.67; control: d = − 0.28).

Conclusion

The intervention did not lead to significantly greater improvement in PAL or reduction in EI than a minimal intervention control, although the changes in the intervention group were of meaningful effect size and comparable with positive outcomes in larger intervention trials.

Trial Registration

This trail was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov on 16 January 2017 (appeared online 26 January 2017), reference NCT03032731.
A novel method to optimise the utility of underused moulted plumulaceous feather samples for genetic analysis in bird conservation
Authors: Peters Catherine , Nelson Howard , Rusk Bonnie , Muir Anna
Published: October 2019

Non-invasive sampling methods are increasingly being used in conservation research as they reduce or eliminate the stress and disturbance resulting from invasive sampling of blood or tissue. Here we present a protocol optimised for obtaining usable genetic material from moulted plumulaceous feather samples. The combination of simple alterations to a ‘user-developed’ method, comprised of increased incubation time and modification of temperature and volume of DNA elution buffer, are outlined to increase DNA yield and significantly increase DNA concentration (W = 81, p < 0.01, Cohens’sd = 0.89). We also demonstrate that the use of a primerless polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique increases DNA quality and amplification success when used prior to PCR reactions targeting avian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). A small amplicon strategy proved effective for mtDNA amplification using PCR, targeting three overlapping 314–359 bp regions of the cytochrome oxidase I barcoding region which, when combined, aligned with target-species reference sequences. We provide evidence that samples collected non-invasively in the field and kept in non-optimal conditions for DNA extraction can be used effectively to sequence a 650 bp region of mtDNA for genetic analysis.
A scoping review into the impact of animal imagery on pro-environmental outcomes
Authors: Thomas-Walters Laura , McNulty Claire , Veríssimo Diogo
Published: October 2019

With the recognition that most global environmental problems are a result of human actions, there is an increasing interest in approaches which have the potential to influence human behaviour. Images have a powerful role in shaping persuasive messages, yet research on the impacts of visual representations of nature is a neglected area in biodiversity conservation. We systematically screened existing studies on the use of animal imagery in conservation, identifying 37 articles. Although there is clear evidence that images of animals can have positive effects on people’s attitudes to animals, overall there is currently a dearth of accessible and comparable published data demonstrating the efficacy of animal imagery. Most existing studies are place and context-specific, limiting the generalisable conclusions that can be drawn. Transdisciplinary research is needed to develop a robust understanding of the contextual and cultural factors that affect how animal images can be used effectively for conservation purposes.
Effect of Temperature and Gamma-Ray Irradiation on Optical Characteristics of Fiber Bragg Grating Inscribed Radiation-Resistant Optical Fiber
Authors: Ju Seongmin , Kim Youngwoong , Linganna Kadathala , Kim Yune Hyoun , Han Won-Taek
Published: October 2019

A new radiation-hard germano-silicate glass optical fiber with a pure silica glass buffer and a boron-doped silica glass inner cladding was fabricated for temperature sensor application based on the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) under γ-ray irradiation environment. The temperature dependences of optical attenuation at 1550.5 nm and Bragg reflection wavelength shift from 18 °C to 40 °C before the γ-ray irradiation were about 4.57×10−4 dB/ °C and 5.48 pm/ °C, respectively. The radiation-induced optical attenuation at 1550.5 nm and the radiation-induced Bragg reflection wavelength shift under the γ-ray irradiation with the total dose of 22.85kGy at 35 °C were about 0.03dB/m and 0.12nm, respectively, with the γ-ray irradiation sensitivity of 5.25×10−3 pm/Gy. The temperature and the γ-ray irradiation dependence of optical attenuation at 1550.5nm in the FBG written fiber with boron-doped silica glass inner cladding were about 6 times and 4 times lower than that in the FBG written fiber without boron-doped silica glass inner cladding under a temperature change from 18 °C to 40 °C and the γ-ray irradiation with the total dose of 22.85 kGy at 35 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of temperature increase on the Bragg reflection wavelength of the FBG written fiber with boron-doped silica inner cladding was much larger about 1000 times than that of the γ-ray irradiation. However, no influence on the reflection power of the Bragg wavelengths and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) bandwidth under temperature and the γ-ray irradiation change was found. Also, after the γ-ray irradiation with the dose of 22.85kGy, no significant change in the refractive index was found but the residual stresses developed in the fiber were slightly relaxed or retained.
Multi-objective parameters optimization design of self-excited oscillation pulsed atomizing nozzle
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Sun Xiao , Chen Si
Published: October 2019

The self-excited oscillation pulsed atomizing nozzle can effectively and evenly spray the high-speed solid cone jet without any extra power. The primary atomization of the jet at the outlet of nozzle directly affects the final spray quality, and the turbulence and cavitation at the outlet of the atomizing nozzle are the other two main factors affecting the atomization. In this work, multi-objective optimization depending on nozzle parameters was established by using mathematical optimization techniques and computational fluid dynamics to improve the jet atomization quality at the outlet of the nozzle. The central composite design method and the response surface method were used to obtain the approximate mathematical model of the primary atomization quality of the jet at the outlet of nozzle. Finally, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with elitist strategy (NSGA-II) and the grey theory were used in combination to optimize the nozzle parameters. Through combining with the NSGA-II and the grey theory, the nozzle parameters were optimized in order to obtain the best primary atomization at the outlet area of nozzle. The optimization results verified the nozzle design with multi-objective optimization method. The optimized values of the turbulent kinetic energy F1 and the vapor volume fraction F2 increased by 28.26% and 5.56%, respectively, and the corresponding nozzle parameters of the chamber diameter D, the lower nozzle diameter d2 and the upper nozzle inlet pressure Pin were, respectively, optimized to 28.056 mm, 5.472 mm and 3.999 Mpa.
The relationship between food addiction and patterns of disordered eating with exercise dependence: in amateur endurance athletes
Authors: Hauck Carolin , Schipfer Melanie , Ellrott Thomas , Cook Brian
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Examine the prevalence and potential relationships among food addiction (FA)—as measured by Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0), eating disorders (ED)—as measured by Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS)—and exercise dependence (EXD)—as measured by Questionnaire to Diagnose Exercise Dependence in Endurance Sports (FESA), for the first time worldwide, in amateur endurance athletes.

Methods

A total of 1022 German-speaking endurance athletes (44% male, Ø 36 years, Ø BMI 23 kg/m2) replied to an online questionnaire consisting of demographics, related parameters, and the German versions of YFAS 2.0, EDDS, and FESA.

Results

Prevalence of FA, ED, and EXD was 6.2, 6.5, and 30.5%. The probability for FA increases with BMI, thoughts about food and EXD score, and decreases with age and when an ED is present. People with FA and people with ED vs. people with both, FA&ED, differed significantly in this cohort. Strong significant relationships were found between FA and EXD (X2 (1) = 15.117, p < 0.001, n = 1022).

Conclusions

A considerable number of amateur endurance athletes may suffer from FA. The association between FA and EXD is stronger than between ED and EXD, indicating FA as a potentially more relevant subject—than ED—for prevention or therapy in people with EXD. Further studies are needed to investigate parameters and relationships between the possibly involved types of ED, FA, and EXD.

Level of evidence

Level III, well-designed cohort analytic study.
Frailty and mortality: an 18-year follow-up study among Finnish community-dwelling older people
Authors: Salminen Marika , Viljanen Anna , Eloranta Sini , Viikari Paula , Wuorela Maarit , Vahlberg Tero , Isoaho Raimo , Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa , Korhonen Päivi , Irjala Kerttu , Löppönen Minna , Viikari Laura
Published: October 2019

Background

There is a lack of agreement about applicable instrument to screen frailty in clinical settings.

Aims

To analyze the association between frailty and mortality in Finnish community-dwelling older people.

Methods

This was a prospective study with 10- and 18-year follow-ups. Frailty was assessed using FRAIL scale (FS) (n = 1152), Rockwood’s frailty index (FI) (n = 1126), and PRISMA-7 (n = 1124). To analyze the association between frailty and mortality, Cox regression model was used.

Results

Prevalence of frailty varied from 2 to 24% based on the index used. In unadjusted models, frailty was associated with higher mortality according to FS (hazard ratio 7.96 [95% confidence interval 5.10–12.41] in 10-year follow-up, and 6.32 [4.17–9.57] in 18-year follow-up) and FI (5.97 [4.13–8.64], and 3.95 [3.16–4.94], respectively) in both follow-ups. Also being pre-frail was associated with higher mortality according to both indexes in both follow-ups (FS 2.19 [1.78–2.69], and 1.69 [1.46–1.96]; FI 1.81[1.25–2.62], and 1.31 [1.07–1.61], respectively). Associations persisted even after adjustments. Also according to PRISMA-7, a binary index (robust or frail), frailty was associated with higher mortality in 10- (4.41 [3.55–5.34]) and 18-year follow-ups (3.78 [3.19–4.49]).

Discussion

Frailty was associated with higher mortality risk according to all three frailty screening instrument used. Simple and fast frailty indexes, FS and PRISMA-7, seemed to be comparable with a multidimensional time-consuming FI in predicting mortality among community-dwelling Finnish older people.

Conclusions

FS and PRISMA-7 are applicable frailty screening instruments in clinical setting among community-dwelling Finnish older people.
How does decisional capacity evolve with normal cognitive aging: systematic review of the literature
Authors: Tannou Thomas , Koeberlé Séverine , Aubry Régis , Haffen Emmanuel
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Aging is associated with increased needs related to complex decisions, particularly in medical and social issues. However, the complexity of decision-making involves many neurological functions and structures which are potentially altered by cognitive aging.

Methodology

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to examine changes in decision-making occurring in normal cognitive aging. The keywords “decision making” and “normal aging” were used to find the clinical studies and literature reviews focused on these changes.

Results

A total of 97 articles were considered in the review, and ultimately 40 articles were selected, including 30 studies and 10 literature reviews. The data from these studies were of uneven quality and too disparate to allow meta-analysis according to PRISMA criteria. Nevertheless, a key result of the analysis is the decrease of processing speed with aging. In ambiguous decision-making situations, the alteration of the ventromedial system is associated with changes in motivation profiles. These changes can be compensated by experience. However, difficulties arise for older adults in the case of one-off decisions, which are very common in the medical or medico-social domains.

Conclusions

Cognitive aging is associated with a slowdown in processing speed of decision-making, especially in ambiguous situations. However, decision-making processes which are based on experience and cases in which sufficient time is available are less affected by aging. These results highlight the relativity of decision-making capacities in cognitive aging.
Measuring Traffic in Cities Through a Large-Scale Online Platform
Authors: Verendel Vilhelm , Yeh Sonia
Published: October 2019

Online real-time traffic data services could effectively deliver traffic information to people all over the world and provide large benefits to the society and research about cities. Yet, city-wide road network traffic data are often hard to come by on a large scale over a longer period of time. We collect, describe, and analyze traffic data for 45 cities from HERE, a major online real-time traffic information provider. We sampled the online platform for city traffic data every 5 min during 1 year, in total more than 5 million samples covering more than 300 thousand road segments. Our aim is to describe some of the practical issues surrounding the data that we experienced in working with this type of data source, as well as to explore the data patterns and see how this data source provides information to study traffic in cities. We focus on data availability to characterize how traffic information is available for different cities; it measures the share of road segments with real-time traffic information at a given time for a given city. We describe the patterns of real-time data availability, and evaluate methods to handle filling in missing speed data for road segments when real-time information was not available. We conduct a validation case study based on Swedish traffic sensor data and point out challenges for future validation. Our findings include (i) a case study of validating the HERE data against ground truth available for roads and lanes in a Swedish city, showing that real-time traffic data tends to follow dips in travel speed but miss instantaneous higher speed measured in some sensors, typically at times when there are fewer vehicles on the road; (ii) using time series clustering, we identify four clusters of cities with different types of measurement patterns; and (iii) a k-nearest neighbor-based method consistently outperforms other methods to fill in missing real-time traffic speeds. We illustrate how to work with this kind of traffic data source that is increasingly available to researchers, travellers, and city planners. Future work is needed to broaden the scope of validation, and to apply these methods to use online data for improving our knowledge of traffic in cities.
Higher-order knowledge and sensitivity
Authors: Bjerring Jens Christian , Gundersen Lars Bo
Published: October 2019

It has recently been argued that a sensitivity theory of knowledge cannot account for intuitively appealing instances of higher-order knowledge. In this paper, we argue that it can once careful attention is paid to the methods or processes by which we typically form higher-order beliefs. We base our argument on what we take to be a well-motivated and commonsensical view on how higher-order knowledge is typically acquired, and we show how higher-order knowledge is possible in a sensitivity theory once this view is adopted.