bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous versus Dense ‐ Effect of Silica Coating on Contrast Enhancement of Iron Carbide Nanoparticles in T2‐Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ahmadpoor Fatemeh , Delavari H. Hamid , Shojaosadati Seyed Abbas
Published: January 2020

Magnetic nanoparticles development is an intense subject in various biomedical applications. Among these applications, magnetic nanoparticles as contrast agents are of special interest for improving the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report here the synthesis of magnetic iron carbide nanoparticles and their stabilization in aqueous media. The challenge of achieving phase transfer of hydrophobic iron carbide nanoparticles to hydrophilic media was addressed by silica shell. Silica coated iron carbide nanoparticles were fabricated with both mesoporous and dense silica shells followed by investigating the impact of such a coating on their performance as T2‐negative contrast agents in MRI. The crystalline structure of silica coated iron carbide nanoparticles was confirmed via X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated formation of the silica coating and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the core@shell morphology of silica coated iron carbide nanoparticles. Mesoporous and dense silica coated iron carbide nanoparticles exhibited high transverse relaxivity values of 457 and 365 mM−1s−1, respectively. The enhanced MRI efficiency obtained from the silica coated iron carbide nanoparticles highlights these core@shell structures as promising negative contrast agents. Based on the results, the nature of silica coating both in porous or dense forms has a significant effect on water relaxivity which makes the iron carbide@mesoporous silica nanoparticles highly efficient T2 contrast agents.
Adsorption Isotherm, Kinetic and Mechanism Studies on the Surface Modification of SiC powder with Disperse Black BL
Authors: Sun Shichao , Zhai Chaoyang , Liu Jiaxiang
Published: January 2020

Well dispersed modified SiC powder was prepared via disperse black BL (DBBL). High density SiC green body was prepared by the modified SiC powder. The modified SiC powder was obtained via putting in 1.2 wt% DBBL through agitating for 2 h. The slurry obtained by modified SiC powder with a 50 vol % solid content has a viscosity of 0.430 Pa⋅s. The dense SiC green body (2.43 g/cm3) was obtained via slip casting. The electron microscopy as well as thermogravimetry were applied to determine the adsorption of the modifier on the SiC powder. Experimental data shows that the adsorption kinetics equation of DBBL on the SiC powder obeys the pseudo‐first‐order kinetics model. And the isotherm equation agrees with the Langmuir model. The experiment dates indicate that the adsorption mode of DBBL was physical adsorption.
Correlation of Distribution Functions of Hydrogen Adsorption and Disodium Maleate Hydrogenation Activity for the Nickel Catalyst in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Afineevskii Andrei V. , Prozorov Dmitrii A. , Knyazev Alexander V. , Osadchaya Tatiana Y.
Published: January 2020

In the design of a chemical process, both chemical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics matter. The article is devoted to solving the problem of finding the relation between these approaches. The effects of the nature and composition of solvents onto the thermodynamic characteristics of the adsorption states of hydrogen adsorbed on nickel and onto the activity of the nickel catalyst were studied. For these purposes, the following was done: (i) differential heats of hydrogen adsorption in a wide range of surface coverage and maximum quantity of adsorbed hydrogen were determined by adsorption calorimetry on partially deactivated nickel catalyst from solutions; (ii) the activity of the catalyst for the corresponding systems was measured from kinetic experiments. The correlation between a catalyst activity and an adsorption energy distribution of hydrogen adsorbed was reported, it will subsequently predict the activity of the catalyst without experiment.
Methods for Synthesis of Chiral Alcohols and Their Conversion to Heterocycles Containing Bi‐2‐Naphthyl Moiety
Authors: Periasamy Mariappan , Venkanna Boda , Mohan Lakavathu
Published: January 2020

Convenient methods were developed for the preparation of chiral alcohols containing bi‐2‐naphthyl moiety in 92–96% yields. The substituted 1,4‐diols containing bi‐2‐naphthyl moiety were further converted to N‐substituted pyrrolidine derivatives in 72%‐76% yields via the corresponding dimesylate followed by reaction with primary amines. Interestingly, the corresponding chiral tetrahydrofuran derivative was obtained in 90% yield by self condensation of the dimesylate in the absence of primary amines. The results are discussed considering the reaction mechanisms involved in these transformations.
A Smartphone‐Assisted Sensitive, Selective and Reversible Recognition of Copper Ions in an Aqueous Medium
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Bera Anuradha , Kumar Satish
Published: January 2020

A photochromic substituted spiropyran (8‐methoxy‐1,3’,3’‐trimethylspiro[chromene‐2,2’indoline]) was successfully synthesized and its structural integrity was ascertained using spectroscopic methods. Owing to the uniquely positioned methoxy and phenolic groups for potential coordination with a metal ion, it was investigated for the recognition of toxic metal ions. The spiropyran derivative responded to the presence of Cu2+ ions in an aqueous solution by displaying a color change visible to the naked eye (colorless to pink). The color change was witnessed due to the Cu2+ ion‐induced transformation of the closed‐form (spiro) of the substituted spiropyran derivative into an open merocyanine (MC) form, which complexes the Cu2+ ion. The color change was further used for the quantification of Cu2+ ion concentration in water using a smartphone captured digital images via pixel intensity analysis. The spiropyran derivative displayed 0.24±0.01 μM, 0.65±0.06 μM (0.61±0.06 μM using paper strips) as the LOD for Cu2+ ions using UV‐Visible spectroscopy and digital colorimetry, respectively. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations and Job's plot supported the formation of a 2 : 1 (H: G) complex between the spiropyran derivative and copper ions. The time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) investigations were also used to understand the color change during the complex formation, which indicated a good correlation between the experimental and theoretical results at the molecular level.
Palladium Nitrosyl Carboxylate Complexes as Catalysts for C−H/C−H Oxidative Coupling of Arenes: An Experimental and DFT Study
Authors: Shishilov Oleg , Shamsiev Ravshan , Akhmadullina Nailya , Flid Vitaly
Published: January 2020

Oxidative C−H/C−H coupling of arenes were carried out on palladium nitrosyl carboxylates Pd3(NO)2(CX3CO2)4(ArH)2 (I: X=Cl, Ar=Ph; II: X=F, Ar=Tol) under relatively mild conditions (5 bars of O2, 110 °C, 24 h). Over trifluoroacetate complex II, we obtained higher yields in both homocoupling of benzene and heterocoupling of benzene and other arenes. The catalytic system showed high selectivity over 90 % for all the studied substrates. The DFT calculations on the activation of arene through the proton transfer showed that the activation energies for all possible intramolecular pathways are much higher than those for the proton transfer to free carboxylate ions, indicating that the presence of external base is required to increase the performance of the considered catalytic system. In the catalytic tests it was found that the preferable external bases are ions of strong carboxylic acids, while acetate provides almost negligible improvement and pyridine suppresses the reaction most likely due to binding to active sites on palladium.
Multiple Temporal‐Scale Photocarrier Dynamics Induced by Synergistic Effects of Fluorination and Chlorination in Highly Efficient Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Kang-Ning , Niu Meng-Si , Jiang Zhi-Nan , Chen Zhi-Hao , Wang Tong , Wei Meng-Meng , Qin Chao-Chao , Feng Lin , Qin Wei , So Shu-Kong , Hao Xiao-Tao
Published: January 2020

Fluorination and chlorination have yielded a novel class of materials and achieved tremendous progress in enhancing photovoltaic efficiency in organic solar cells (OSCs). However, their effects on photocarrier dynamics remain elusive in these organic photovoltaic systems. Herein, a comprehensive study on the underlying mechanisms is conducted based on a 2 × 2 photovoltaic matrix, consisting of PBDB‐T, PBDB‐T‐2Cl, ITIC, and IT4F. Chlorination of donors enhances exciton migration and relaxation rates and promotes the extraction of polarons. The more efficient charge transfer and a larger proportion of long‐lived polarons are observed in fluorine‐containing acceptor‐based systems, which are in favor of charge generation in the actual devices. According to the enlarged dielectric constant in the PBDB‐T‐2Cl:IT4F blend, the improved exciton delocalization, the decreased exciton binding energy, and Coulomb capture radius are obtained relative to other three binary systems, which can increase charge separation efficiency and reduce the probability of bimolecular recombination. The simultaneous fluorination and chlorination can optimize molecular packing and nanoscale phase separation, facilitating effective exciton diffusion, exciton dissociation, and charge transport. These results highlight the important role of fluorination and chlorination on these fundamental mechanisms, possibly resulting in some new molecular design principles toward high‐performance OSCs.
Can a system dynamics model of the emergency department show which levers reduce bottlenecks and delays to improve access to care?
Authors: McAvoy Sue , Staib Andrew , Treston Gregory
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate through practical application how a system dynamics (SD) patient flow model of an emergency department (ED) can show which levers effectively reduce backlogs to improve access to care. Overcrowded EDs are struggling to meet demand and access targets. In 2016 and 2017, in the UK and Australia, respectively, 15% and 28% of arrivals waited longer than the targeted 4‐hr treatment time. Historically, simulation models that have informed access to emergency care have ignored the wider systems impacts. There is a growing awareness of the value of systems analysis tools for informing interventions and policy. In this study, we constructed a pilot system dynamics patient flow model, where the scope was the ambulatory and ambulance patient arrivals, the ED processes for acute and fast‐track pathways, pathology and radiology services, the ED short‐stay unit, and the Medical Assessment Planning Inpatient Unit. Patients queued to access constrained ED resources (doctors and beds) and diagnostic services (pathology and X‐ray). The model was tested on actual data from five separate historical periods spanning 3 years. The resultant daily pattern of peaks and troughs in patient flow and system delays accurately replicated patterns in actual patient flows, resource use, and the location of delays. “What if” scenario analysis (b) simulated how access would have looked in the sample weeks with different intervention strategies, (b) simulated system limits on the basis of current resources, (c) accurately identified levers that historically have been most effective at minimizing ambulance ramping, and (d) identified when additional staffing would fail to improve flow.
When is a spherical body of constant diameter of constant width?
Authors: Lassak Marek
Published: January 2020

We prove that a smooth convex body of diameter $$\delta < \frac{\pi }{2}$$δ<π2 on the d-dimensional unit sphere $$S^d$$Sd is of constant diameter $$\delta $$δ if and only if it is of constant width $$\delta $$δ. We also show this equivalence for all convex bodies on $$S^2$$S2. Since, as shown earlier, the equivalence on $$S^d$$Sd is true for every $$\delta \ge \frac{\pi }{2}$$δ≥π2, the question whether spherical bodies of constant diameter and constant width on $$S^d$$Sd coincide remains open for non-smooth bodies on $$S^d$$Sd, where $$d\ge 3$$d≥3.
QTL mapping and successful introgression of the spring wheat-derived QTL Fhb1 for Fusarium head blight resistance in three European triticale populations
Authors: Ollier Marine , Talle Vincent , Brisset Anne-Laure , Le Bihan Zoé , Duerr Simon , Lemmens Marc , Goudemand Ellen , Robert Olivier , Hilbert Jean-Louis , Buerstmayr Hermann
Published: January 2020

Key message

The spring wheat-derived QTLFhb1was successfully introgressed into triticale and resulted in significantly improved FHB resistance in the three triticale mapping populations.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major problem in cereal production particularly because of mycotoxin contaminations. Here we characterized the resistance to FHB in triticale breeding material harboring resistance factors from bread wheat. A highly FHB-resistant experimental line which derives from a triticale × wheat cross was crossed to several modern triticale cultivars. Three populations of recombinant inbred lines were generated and evaluated in field experiments for FHB resistance using spray inoculations during four seasons and were genotyped with genotyping-by-sequencing and SSR markers. FHB severity was assessed in the field by visual scorings and on the harvested grain samples using digital picture analysis for quantifying the whitened kernel surface (WKS). Four QTLs with major effects on FHB resistance were identified, mapping to chromosomes 2B, 3B, 5R, and 7A. Those QTLs were detectable with bothFusariumseverity traits. Measuring of WKS allows easy and fast grain symptom quantification and appears as an effective scoring tool for FHB resistance. The QTL on 3B collocated withFhb1, and the QTL on 5R with the dwarfing geneDdw1. This is the first report demonstrating the successful introgression ofFhb1into triticale. It comprises a significant step forward for enhancing FHB resistance in this crop.
Rotary compression in tool cavity—a new ductile fracture calibration test
Authors: Pater Zbigniew , Tomczak Janusz , Bulzak Tomasz , Wójcik Łukasz , Lis Konrad
Published: January 2020

Ductile fracture is one of the most common failure modes in hot metal forming. It can be predicted by means of so-called damage functions that describe the relation between stress, deformation and fracture initiation. A practical use of these functions requires the knowledge of the critical damage value of the material that is determined by calibration tests based on compression, tension and torsion. For the prediction to be correct, one must ensure that the modelled and real stresses are in agreement. Previous studies did not offer any effective test for determining critical values of damage under changing load conditions that occur in cross and skew rolling processes, among others. To compensate for this knowledge gap, researchers at the Lublin University of Technology have developed a new test consisting in rotary compression of a test-piece in a cavity between the tools, which is described in this paper. In the proposed test, a cylindrical test-piece is rolled over a cavity (impression) created by grooves on two mating tools. The cavity height is smaller than the test-piece diameter. At the critical value of the forming length, the state of stress induced thereby in the test-piece axis causes fracture. Knowing the critical forming length, it is possible to determine the critical value of damage by numerical modelling. The practical application of the proposed test is illustrated through the case of C45 grade steel subjected to forming in the temperature range 950–1150 °C. The analysis makes use of the normalized Cockcroft-Latham (NCL) criterion of ductile fracture.
Impact of a combined pulsed electric field (PEF) and enzymatic mash treatment on yield, fermentation behaviour and composition of white wine
Authors: Fauster T. , Philipp C. , Hanz K. , Scheibelberger R. , Teufl T. , Nauer S. , Scheiblhofer H. , Jaeger H.
Published: January 2020

The aim of this work was to study the combined application of a pulsed electric field (PEF) and an enzymatic treatment to white wine mash. The resulting impact of membrane permeabilisation by electroporation and pectin degradation by enzymes on fermentation behaviour and quality of white wine was assessed. The mash of two varieties, Traminer and Grüner Veltliner, was PEF treated (3 and 10 kJ/kg) using a continuous co-linear treatment chamber. Pectinases were added immediately afterwards and maceration was performed for 4 and 24 h. Various physico-chemical parameters were analysed at different stages of the production process and the impact of the combined treatment on volatile compounds such as esters and terpenes was analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and a sensory panel in the final white wine after bottling and storage. Regardless of the PEF treatment intensity, the variety and the maceration time, the release of juice was not significantly influenced. For Traminer, the fermentation time was reduced through the enhanced extraction of nitrogen from 322 to 359 mg/L due to PEF treatment (10 kJ/kg). The release of phenols which were localized in the pulp, were significantly more affected than phenols from the skin. Although the concentration of selective esters especially of the variety Traminer significantly increased, the sensory evaluation indicated no positive effect on the olfactory properties. Overall, the combination of PEF and enzyme pretreatment showed benefits in reducing the fermentation time and increasing the content of selective esters for Traminer.
Initial experience with [18F]DPA-714 TSPO-PET to image inflammation in primary angiitis of the central nervous system
Authors: Backhaus Philipp , Roll Wolfgang , Beuker Carolin , Zinnhardt Bastian , Seifert Robert , Wenning Christian , Eisenblätter Michel , Thomas Christian , Schmidt-Pogoda Antje , Strunk Daniel , Wagner Stefan , Faust Andreas , Tüttelmann Frank , Röpke Albrecht , Jacobs Andreas H. , Stummer Walter , Wiendl Heinz , Meuth Sven G. , Schäfers Michael , Grauer Oliver , Minnerup Jens
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a heterogeneous, rare, and poorly understood inflammatory disease. We aimed at non-invasive imaging of activated microglia/macrophages in patients with PACNS by PET-MRI targeting the translocator protein (TSPO) with [18F]DPA-714 to potentially assist differential diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and biopsy planning.

Methods

In total, nine patients with ischemic stroke and diagnosed or suspected PACNS underwent [18F]DPA-714-PET-MRI. Dynamic PET scanning was performed for 60 min after injection of 233 ± 19 MBq [18F]DPA-714, and MRI was simultaneously acquired.

Results

In two PACNS patients, [18F]DPA-714 uptake patterns exceeded MRI correlates of infarction, whereas uptake was confined to the infarct in four patients where initial suspicion of PACNS could not be confirmed. About three patients with PACNS or cerebral predominant lymphocytic vasculitis showed no or only faintly increased uptake. Short-term [18F]DPA-714-PET follow-up in a patient with PACNS showed reduced lesional [18F]DPA-714 uptake after anti-inflammatory treatment. Biopsy in the same patient pinpointed the source of tracer uptake to TSPO-expressing immune cells.

Conclusions

[18F]DPA-714-PET imaging may facilitate the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of PACNS. Further studies are needed to fully understand the potential of TSPO-PET in deciphering the heterogeneity of the disease.
Immune profile and immunosurveillance in treatment-naive and neoadjuvantly treated esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wagener-Ryczek Svenja , Schoemmel Max , Kraemer Max , Bruns Christiane , Schroeder Wolfgang , Zander Thomas , Gebauer Florian , Alakus Hakan , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Buettner Reinhard , Loeser Heike , Thelen Martin , Schlößer Hans A. , Quaas Alexander
Published: January 2020

The outcome in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is still poor with only 20% of patients in Western populations surviving for more than 5 years. Almost nothing is known about the precise composition of immune cells and their gene expression profiles in primary resected EACs and also nothing compared to neoadjuvant treated EACs. This study analyzes and compares immune profiles of primary resected and neoadjuvant treated esophageal adenocarcinoma and unravels possible targets for immunotherapy. We analyzed 47 EAC in total considering a set of 30 primary treatment-naive EACs and 17 neoadjuvant pretreated (12 × CROSS, 5 × FLOT) using the Nanostring's panel-based gene expression platform including 770 genes being important in malignant tumors and their immune micromileu. Most of the significantly altered genes are involved in the regulation of immune responses, T-and B cell functions as well as antigen processing. Chemokine-receptor axes like the CXCL9, -10,-11/CXCR3- are prominent in esophageal adenocarcinoma with a fold change of up to 9.5 promoting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. ARG1, as a regulator of T-cell fate is sixfold down-regulated in untreated primary esophageal tumors. The influence of the currently used neoadjuvant treatment revealed a down-regulation of nearly all important checkpoint markers and inflammatory related genes in the local microenvironment. We found a higher expression of checkpoint markers like LAG3, TIM3, CTLA4 and CD276 in comparison to PD-L1/PD-1 supporting clinical trials analyzing the efficacy of a combination of different checkpoint inhibitors in EACs. We found an up-regulation of CD38 or LILRB1 as examples of additional immune escape mechanism.
Elevated plasma tyrosine kinases VEGF-D and HER4 in heart failure patients decrease after heart transplantation in association with improved haemodynamics
Authors: Ahmed Salaheldin , Ahmed Abdulla , Säleby Joanna , Bouzina Habib , Lundgren Jakob , Rådegran Göran
Published: January 2020

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are implicated in cardiovascular growth and remodelling. We aimed to identify the plasma levels of RTKs and related proteins and their association with haemodynamic alterations in heart failure (HF) and related pulmonary hypertension (PH) following heart transplantation (HT). Using proximity extension assay, 28 RTKs and related proteins were analysed in plasma from 20 healthy controls and 26 HF patients before and 1-year after HT. In end-stage HF, out of 28 RTKs, plasma vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) and human epidermal growth factor-4 (HER4) were elevated compared to controls (p < 0.001), but decreased (p < 0.0001) and normalised after HT. Following HT, plasma changes (Δ) of VEGF-D correlated with Δmean pulmonary artery pressure (rs = 0.65, p = 0.00049), Δpulmonary artery wedge pressure (rs = 0.72, p < 0.0001), Δpulmonary arterial compliance (PAC) (rs = − 0.52, p = 0.0083) and Δpulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (rs = 0.58, p = 0.0032). ΔHER4 correlated with Δmean right atrial pressure (rs = 0.51, p = 0.012), ΔNT-proBNP (rs = 0.48, p = 0.016) and Δcardiac index (rs = − 0.56, p = 0.0044). In HF patients following HT, normalisation of VEGF-D reflected reversal of passive pulmonary congestion and restored PAC and PVR; whereas the normalisation of HER4 reflected decreased volume overload and improved cardiac function. The precise function of these proteins, their potential clinical use and pathophysiological relation in HF and related PH remain to be elucidated.
Ranking Self-reported Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Pharmacotherapy in Sarcoidosis
Authors: Drent M. , Proesmans V. L. J. , Elfferich M. D. P. , Jessurun N. T. , de Jong S. M. G. , Ebner N. M. , Lewis E. D. O. , Bast A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis vary widely, depending on the intensity of the inflammation and the organ systems affected. So far, no curative treatment exists; the disease can only be suppressed. All treatment options cause side effects affecting quality of life. The aim of this study was to establish and rank the prevalence of self-reported gastrointestinal side effects of drugs used in the treatment of sarcoidosis.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-based anonymous survey about complaints and side effects was conducted among sarcoidosis patients in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

Results

Of the participants, 70% were being treated with one or more drugs. The most important reported side effect was weight gain, associated with increased appetite among prednisone users (as monotherapy as well as in combination with other drugs). Methotrexate (MTX) users especially experienced nausea, with monotherapy as well as combination therapy. Vomiting and weight loss were most prominent among azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) users, whereas diarrhoea was frequently mentioned by MMF and MTX users. The reported side effects of hydroxychloroquine were generally rather mild.

Conclusion

The current study ranked the gastrointestinal side effects associated with pharmacotherapy in sarcoidosis patients. Pharmacotherapy does have multiple gastrointestinal side effects. The strongest association between a reported side effect and drug use was that of weight gain associated with increased appetite among prednisone users. It would therefore be useful for future research to look further into dietary interventions to counter these side effects and reduce their burden.
Measuring the accuracy of software vulnerability assessments: experiments with students and professionals
Authors: Allodi Luca , Cremonini Marco , Massacci Fabio , Shim Woohyun
Published: January 2020

Assessing the risks of software vulnerabilities is a key process of software development and security management. This assessment requires to consider multiple factors (technical features, operational environment, involved assets, status of the vulnerability lifecycle, etc.) and may depend from the assessor’s knowledge and skills. In this work, we tackle with an important part of this problem by measuring the accuracy oftechnicalvulnerability assessments by assessors with different level and type of knowledge. We report an experiment to compare how accurately students with different technical education and security professionals are able to assess the severity of software vulnerabilities with the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (v3) industry methodology. Our results could be useful for increasing awareness about the intrinsic subtleties of vulnerability risk assessment and possibly better compliance with regulations. With respect to academic education, professional training and human resources selections our work suggests that measuring the effects of knowledge and expertise on the accuracy of software security assessments is feasible albeit not easy.
Perceptions and Experiences of Health and Social Care Utilisation of the UK-Nepali Population
Authors: Simkhada Bibha , Sah Rajeeb Kumar , Mercel-Sanca Alan , van Teijlingen Edwin , Bhurtyal Yagya Murti , Regmi Pramod
Published: January 2020

With the growing UK Nepali community, understanding their health and social care
needs is an essential to reduce health and social care inequalities. However, very little
is known about the health, wellbeing and utilisation of health and social care services
among the Nepali population in the UK. Therefore, this study set out to identify health
and social care needs of Nepali community. The mixed-methods study was conducted with the Nepali population living in London. It
consists of a semi-structured survey (N = 345); three focus group discussions and three
key informant interviews. The mean age of the participants was 40.6 (± 17.6). About 28% of our sample reported
having chronic health problems. About 60% currently consume alcohol and 21% were
smokers. Male participants (35%) more likely to be physically active than females
(21%). Registration with a family doctor/general practitioner (GP) was high (96%).
However, uptake of disease screening was very low (28%). In the preceding year, 17%
had experienced poor mental or emotional health. The findings also suggest language is a key barrier to utilise health and social care
among UK Nepali. We suggest removing the language barrier is essential step to improve access to
available health and social care services. A culturally sensitive educational initiative
creating awareness about the structure of UK health and social care services is
required to offer to this community.
Game On—Complier Average Causal Effect Estimation Reveals Sleeper Effects on Academic Attainment in a Randomized Trial of the Good Behavior Game
Authors: Ashworth Emma , Panayiotou Margarita , Humphrey Neil , Hennessey Alexandra
Published: January 2020

To examine the efficacy of the Good Behavior Game (GBG) in improving children’s reading attainment, and the extent to which this varies as a function of cumulative intervention intensity (dosage) and timing of outcome measurement. A 2-year cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-seven primary schools from three regions in England were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Children (N = 3084) aged 67 at baseline were the target cohort. The GBG is an interdependent group-contingency behavior management strategy used by teachers in elementary schools. Reading attainment was assessed via national teacher assessment scores at baseline, and the Hodder Group Reading Test at post-test and 1-year post-intervention follow-up. Dosage was assessed using a bespoke online GBG scoreboard system. Multi-level intent-to-treat (ITT) and complier average causal effect (CACE) estimation were utilized. At post-test, no effects of the GBG on children’s reading attainment were found in either the ITT or CACE models. At 1-year follow-up, results remained null in the ITT model, but a significant intervention effect was found among moderate compliers (Δ = 0.10) in the CACE model. The GBG can produce measurable improvements in children’s academic attainment, but these effects may take time to become apparent and are contingent upon implementation dosage falling within an optimal range. The project was supported by funding from the Education Endowment Foundation and the National Institute for Health Research. ISRCTN: 64152096.
Quality of life following road traffic injury: the impact of age and gender
Authors: Rissanen R. , Ifver J. , Hasselberg M. , Berg H.-Y.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The impact of road traffic crashes on health is well developed, in terms of deaths and direct consequences, but it is less so in terms of long-term life consequences. Few studies have compared the general impact on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) following road traffic injury (RTI) by using a variety of different injured body parts and severity levels of the injury and compared them with a sample of non-injured referent individuals. Consequently, the aim of the current study is to assess how injury severity is associated with HRQoL, and if it differs between men, women, over age and injured body parts.

Methods

This cross-sectional study identified people with a RTI in the Swedish Traffic Accident Data Acquisition System (STRADA). A frequency matched reference group was also included. Data include both register data and self-reported HRQoL data.

Results

A total of 1788 out of 4761 persons with an RTI (37.6%) and 2186 out of 4761 reference persons (45.9%) returned the questionnaire, giving a total response rate of 41.9% (n = 3974). The findings show different patterns of HRQoL loss, depending on sex, age, injured body part, and levels of injury severity.

Conclusion

The results show that even relatively minor road traffic injuries can lead to a significantly lower of HRQoL, especially for women, compared to the non-injured reference group. Moreover, when the inherent reduction of HRQoL over age was considered, the results indicated that younger individuals have a larger difference from the reference group in HRQoL, independent of the injury severity, compared to the older individuals; hence, an improved understanding of age and gender differences in HRQoL following an RTI is needed to better understand the long-term consequences of injuries from a public health perspective.
Experimental and Simulation Efforts in the Astrobiological Exploration of Exooceans
Authors: Taubner Ruth-Sophie , Olsson-Francis Karen , Vance Steven D. , Ramkissoon Nisha K. , Postberg Frank , de Vera Jean-Pierre , Antunes André , Camprubi Casas Eloi , Sekine Yasuhito , Noack Lena , Barge Laura , Goodman Jason , Jebbar Mohamed , Journaux Baptiste , Karatekin Özgür , Klenner Fabian , Rabbow Elke , Rettberg Petra , Rückriemen-Bez Tina , Saur Joachim , Shibuya Takazo , Soderlund Krista M.
Published: January 2020

The icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn are perhaps the most promising places in the Solar System regarding habitability. However, the potential habitable environments are hidden underneath km-thick ice shells. The discovery of Enceladus’ plume by the Cassini mission has provided vital clues in our understanding of the processes occurring within the interior of exooceans. To interpret these data and to help configure instruments for future missions, controlled laboratory experiments and simulations are needed. This review aims to bring together studies and experimental designs from various scientific fields currently investigating the icy moons, including planetary sciences, chemistry, (micro-)biology, geology, glaciology, etc. This chapter provides an overview of successfulin situ,in silico, andin vitroexperiments, which explore different regions of interest on icy moons, i.e. a potential plume, surface, icy shell, water and brines, hydrothermal vents, and the rocky core.
A 3D Unstructured Mesh FDTD Scheme for EM Modelling
Authors: Gansen A. , El Hachemi M. , Belouettar S. , Hassan O. , Morgan K.
Published: January 2020

The Yee finite difference time domain (FDTD) algorithm is widely used in computational electromagnetics because of its simplicity, low computational costs and divergence free nature. The standard method uses a pair of staggered orthogonal cartesian meshes. However, accuracy losses result when it is used for modelling electromagnetic interactions with objects of arbitrary shape, because of the staircased representation of curved interfaces. For the solution of such problems, we generalise the approach and adopt an unstructured mesh FDTD method. This co-volume method is based upon the use of a Delaunay primal mesh and its high quality Voronoi dual. Computational efficiency is improved by employing a hybrid primal mesh, consisting of tetrahedral elements in the vicinity of curved interfaces and hexahedral elements elsewhere. Difficulties associated with ensuring the necessary quality of the generated meshes will be discussed. The power of the proposed solution approach is demonstrated by considering a range of scattering and/or transmission problems involving perfect electric conductors and isotropic lossy, anisotropic lossy and isotropic frequency dependent chiral materials.
Psychopathy and procrastination: Triarchic conceptualization of psychopathy and its relations to active and passive procrastination
Authors: Sanecka Elżbieta
Published: January 2020

The present study examined the relationships between potentially adaptive and maladaptive aspects of psychopathy distinguished within the triarchic model (i.e., boldness, meanness and disinhibition) and two types of procrastination, reflecting its functional and dysfunctional aspects (i.e., active procrastination and passive procrastination). Additionally, the potential mediating mechanisms underlying these associations were investigated. The results revealed that the three components of the triarchic model of psychopathy were related to different forms of procrastination in distinct ways. In particular, active procrastination displayed a positive link to boldness and meanness, whereas passive procrastination was found to be positively related to disinhibition and negatively to boldness. Furthermore, two parallel multiple mediation analyses demonstrated the mediating effects of individual difference variables (i.e., impulsiveness, negative affectivity, general self-efficacy) on these relationships. As hypothesized, impulsiveness and negative affectivity partially mediated the association between disinhibition and passive procrastination, while self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between boldness and active procrastination. The paper concentrated on the theoretical implications of these findings for understanding how different psychopathy-related traits are related to different aspects of procrastination.
Efficacy of metabolites of a Streptomyces strain (AS1) to control growth and mycotoxin production by Penicillium verrucosum, Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus fumigatus in culture
Authors: Danial A. Mohd , Medina A. , Sulyok M. , Magan N.
Published: January 2020

The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of metabolites of a Streptomyces strain AS1 on (a) spore germination, (b) mycelial growth, (c) control of mycotoxins produced by Penicillium verrucosum (ochratoxin A, OTA), Fusarium verticillioides (fumonisins, FUMs) and Aspergillus fumigatus (gliotoxin) and (d) identify the predominant metabolites involved in control. Initial screening showed that the Streptomyces AS1 strain was able to inhibit the mycelial growth of the three species at a distance, due to the release of secondary metabolites. A macroscopic screening system showed that the overall Index of Dominance against all three toxigenic fungi was inhibition at a distance. Subsequent studies showed that the metabolite mixture from the Streptomyces AS1 strain was very effective at inhibiting conidial germination of P. verrucosum, but less so against conidia of A. fumigatus and F. verticillioides. The efficacy was confirmed in studies on a conducive semi-solid YES medium in BioScreen C assays. Using the BioScreen C and the criteria of Time to Detection (TTD) at an OD = 0.1 showed good efficacy against P. verrucosum when treated with the Streptomyces AS1 extract at 0.95 and 0.99 water activity (aw) when compared to the other two species tested, indicating good efficacy. The effective dose for 50% control of growth (ED50) at 0.95 and 0.99 aw were approx. 0.005 ng/ml and 0.15 μg/ml, respectively, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at both aw levels requiring > 40 μg/ml. In addition, OTA production was completely inhibited by 2.5 μg/ml AS1 extract at both aw levels in the in vitro assays. Ten metabolites were identified with four of these being predominant in concentrations > 2 μg/g dry weight biomass. These were identified as valinomycin, cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr), cyclo(L-Pro-L-Val) and brevianamide F.
In vitro multi-enzymatic cascades using recombinant lysates of E. coli: an emerging biocatalysis platform
Authors: Alissandratos Apostolos
Published: January 2020

In recent years, cell-free extracts (or lysates) have (re-)emerged as a third route to the traditional options of isolated or whole-cell biocatalysts. Advances in molecular biology and genetic engineering enable facile production of recombinant cell-free extracts, where endogenous enzymes are enriched with heterologous activities. These inexpensive preparations may be used to catalyse multistep enzymatic reactions without the constraints of cell toxicity and the cell membrane or the cost and complexity associated with production of isolated biocatalysts. Herein, we present an overview of the key advancements in cell-free synthetic biology that have led to the emergence of cell-free extracts as a promising biocatalysis platform.
Patterns of Denitrification and Methanogenesis Rates from Vernal Pools in a Temperate Forest Driven by Seasonal, Microbial Functional Gene Abundances, and Soil Chemistry
Authors: Ayayee Paul A. , Taura Joseph , Roberto Alescia A. , Blackwood Christopher B. , Leff Laura G.
Published: January 2020

Due to their relatively small sizes, temperate forest vernal pools are less studied than other wetlands, despite being potential biogeochemical hotspots in landscapes. We investigated spatial and temporal factors driving N2O and CH4 emission rates from vernal pools in a temperate forest. We determined higher N2O (3.66 ± 0.53 × 10−6, μg N2O/m2/h) and CH4 (2.10 ± 0.7 × 10−3, μg N2O/m2/h) rates in spring relative to fall (~50% and 77% lower for N2O and CH4 rates, respectively) and winter (~70% and 94% lower for N2O and CH4 rates, respectively). Soil organic matter, nitrate content and bacterial 16S rDNA, nirS, and norB gene abundances emerged as significant drivers of N2O rates, whereas, soil pH, organic matter content and mcrA abundance were significant drivers of CH4 rates. Denitrification gene abundances were negatively correlated with N2O rates, whereas mcrA abundance correlated positively with CH4 rates. Results suggest that CH4 rates may be directly coupled to methanogen abundance, whereas N2O rates may be directly impacted by a variety of abiotic variables and indirectly coupled to the abundance of potential denitrifier assemblages. Overall, additional studies examining these dynamics over extended periods are needed to provide more insights into their control.
Wire-Shaped 3D-Hybrid Supercapacitors as Substitutes for Batteries
Authors: Kang Kyeong-Nam , Ramadoss Ananthakumar , Min Jin-Wook , Yoon Jong-Chul , Lee Deokjung , Kang Seok Ju , Jang Ji-Hyun
Published: January 2020

We report a wire-shaped three-dimensional (3D)-hybrid supercapacitor with high volumetric capacitance and high energy density due to an interconnected 3D-configuration of the electrode allowing for large number of electrochemical active sites, easy access of electrolyte ions, and facile charge transport for flexible wearable applications. The interconnected and compact electrode delivers a high volumetric capacitance (gravimetric capacitance) of 73 F cm−3 (2446 F g−1), excellent rate capability, and cycle stability. The 3D-nickel cobalt-layered double hydroxide onto 3D-nickel wire (NiCo LDH/3D-Ni)//the 3D-manganese oxide onto 3D-nickel wire (Mn3O4/3D-Ni) hybrid supercapacitor exhibits energy density of 153.3 Wh kg−1 and power density of 8810 W kg−1. The red light-emitting diode powered by the as-prepared hybrid supercapacitor can operate for 80 min after being charged for tens of seconds and exhibit excellent electrochemical stability under various deformation conditions. The results verify that such wire-shaped 3D-hybrid supercapacitors are promising alternatives for batteries with long charge–discharge times, for smart wearable and implantable devices.
A Rare Case Report: Malignant Vulvar Melanoma
Authors: ul Ain Qurrat , Rao Bharati
Published: January 2020

Cancer of the vulva is not a common disease. It accounts for approximately 4% of cancers in the female reproductive organs and 0.6% of all cancers in women. Malignant melanomas of the vulva are rare tumors located in areas of the body not exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Although vulvar melanomas account for less than 1% of all melanomas, they are the second most common type of vulvar malignancy accounting for around 10% of all malignant tumors involving the vulva. Presentation is typically a decade later than cutaneous melanoma with a tendency to late metastases and poorer prognosis. Given their rarity, the treatment paradigm is less clearly defined and largely extrapolated from that of cutaneous melanomas. A case of Mrs. Y, 70 years old, P3L1 presented with complaints of swelling in the labial region for two and a half months, associated with severe itching, was reported. She also had C/O white discharge PV for 2 months, which was non-foul smelling and not blood-stained; on examination, her abdomen was soft and non-tender. A local examination found 2 × 3 cm growth arising from labia minora, irregular surface, and hyperpigmented lesion with white patches and ulcerated surface. Left inguinal lymph nodes were palpable. Per speculum examination revealed pigmented lesions over the anterior vaginal wall, anterior and posterior lip of cervix, cervix and vagina healthy. Excisional biopsy, fractional curettage, and FNAC were done. Histopathology of the specimen showed the diagnosis of nodular melanoma (tumorigenic melanoma), Clark’s level IV. Cervical biopsy showed the features of chronic cervicitis. FNAC showed the features of metastatic malignant melanoma.
Adaptive deep residual network for single image super-resolution
Authors: Liu Shuai , Gang Ruipeng , Li Chenghua , Song Ruixia
Published: January 2020

In recent years, deep learning has achieved great success in the field of image processing. In the single image super-resolution (SISR) task, the convolutional neural network (CNN) extracts the features of the image through deeper layers, and has achieved impressive results. In this paper, we propose a single image super-resolution model based on Adaptive Deep Residual named as ADR-SR, which uses the Input Output Same Size (IOSS) structure, and releases the dependence of upsampling layers compared with the existing SR methods. Specifically, the key element of our model is the Adaptive Residual Block (ARB), which replaces the commonly used constant factor with an adaptive residual factor. The experiments prove the effectiveness of our ADR-SR model, which can not only reconstruct images with better visual effects, but also get better objective performances.
Influence of Octahedral Cation Distribution in Montmorillonite on Interlayer Hydrogen Counter-Ion Retention Strength via First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Li Yayu W. , Schulthess Cristian P. , Co Kevin , Sahoo Sanjubala , Alpay S. Pamir
Published: January 2020

Although multiple types of adsorption sites have long been observed in montmorillonite, a consistent explanation about the chemical structure of these adsorption sites has not yet been established. Identifying the cation interlayer adsorption sites based on the octahedral cation distribution on montmorillonite was investigated in this study by using a Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulation. A clay structural model (H[Al6MgFe]Si16O40(OH)8) with a similar composition to Wyoming SWy-1 montmorillonite was built, where two octahedral Al were respectively substituted by Fe and Mg, and H+ was the charge compensating cation. This model had twenty-one different possible configurations as a function of the distribution of octahedral Al, Fe, and Mg cations. The DFT simulations of 15 of these different configurations showed no preference for the formation of any configuration with a specific octahedral Fe-Mg distance. However, the H+ adsorption energy was separated into three distinct groups based on the number of octahedral jumps from Fe to Mg atoms. The H+ adsorption energy significantly decreased with increasing number of octahedral jumps from Fe to Mg. Assuming an even probability of occurrence of 21 octahedral structures in montmorillonite, the percentages of these three groups are 43, 43, and 14%, respectively, which are very close to the three major sites on montmorillonite from published cation adsorption data. These DFT simulations offer an entirely new explanation for the location and chemical structure of the three major adsorption sites on montmorillonite, namely, all three sites are in the interlayer, and their adsorption strengths are a function of the number of octahedral jumps from Fe to Mg atoms.