bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the choice to disclose nonsuicidal self‐injury
Authors: Ammerman Brooke A. , Wilcox Kenneth T. , O'Loughlin Caitlin M. , McCloskey Michael S.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Despite nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) being a prevalent and problematic behavior, only approximately half of those who engage in NSSI disclose their behavior. Yet, limited research has explored the choice to disclose. This study sought to identify if NSSI characteristics, emotional distress, and perceived interpersonal obstacles discriminated between NSSI disclosure status. Exploratory aims also investigated reasons for one's disclosure decision and disclosure contextual factors.

Method

Participants included 977 undergraduate students (83% female) with a lifetime history of NSSI.

Results

Greater NSSI intrapersonal functions, suicide risk, and significant other support, and lower depression symptoms were associated with NSSI disclosure. Exploratory results highlight perceptions of one's NSSI severity and desire to receive support in disclosure choice; intrapersonal functions and peer support were associated with the timing of disclosure.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the potential importance of individual attitudes toward NSSI, in addition to traditionally measured risk factors, as potential drivers in NSSI disclosure.
Droplet fusion by the interplay of electric potential and converging–diverging geometry in micro‐channels
Authors: Zhou Teng , Ji Xiang , Shi Liuyong , Zhang Xianman , Joo Sang W
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Rapid and precise manipulation of droplets in microfluidic devices is in greater demand than ever. Droplet fusion and separation based on dielectrophoresis (DEP) in particular, commonly employed in a variety of biomedical operations, are studied extensively. Here, a full‐scale computational study is performed to understand the mechanism for the fusion of relatively small microdroplets. Based on the phase field theory, the droplet boundary is precisely tracked and a mathematical model including laminar flow, electrostatic field, and phase field is developed, while the DEP force acting on droplets is obtained by the Maxwell stress tensor (MST) method.

RESULTS

In this paper, a method of droplet fusion in converging–diverging micro‐channels is studied. The electric field strength is generated by applying electric potential on the boundaries of calculation domain. The size and position of electric potential will affect the droplet fusion. Moreover, the simulation results show that the converging–diverging channel geometry and the external electric field applied can effectively promote droplet fusion and that a smaller throat width and higher electric field intensity lead to more efficient droplet fusion.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion of this study provides theoretical support for droplet manipulation in micro‐channels. This study may provide a method for the design and optimization of droplet microfluidic chips, thus achieving the wide application of droplet technology in microfluidic chips. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Rapid antiretroviral initiation among Thai youth living with HIV in the National AIDS programme in the era of treatment at any CD4 cell count: a national registry database study
Authors: Teeraananchai Sirinya , Kerr Stephen J , Khananuraksa Panthep , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Puthanakit Thanyawee
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The process indicators of ending the HIV epidemic include 90% of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The population of youth, however, has less access to healthcare. We assessed ART initiation and attrition outcomes of the HIV continuum from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation in youth living with HIV (YLHIV) and factors associated with ART initiation.

Methods

We studied YLHIV aged 15 to 24 years who were registered on the National AIDS Program (NAP) from January 2008 to May 2019. The study period was divided into 2008 to 2013 (initiated ART by CD4‐guided criteria) and 2014 to 2018 (initiate ART at any CD4). Date of registration was used as a surrogate for the diagnosis date and defined as the baseline. The database included ART prescription and laboratory results, and the vital status was linked daily with the National Death Registry. Competing risk methods were used to assess factors associated with accessing ART, with loss to follow‐up (LTFU) and death considered as competing events. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with rapid ART initiation, defined as initiation ≤1 month after registration.

Results

Overall, 51,607 youth registered on the NAP (42% between 2008 and 2013). Median age was 21 (IQR 20 to 23) years; 64% were male. Overall ART initiation was 80% in the first period and 83% in the second. The ART initiation rate was higher among YLHIV aged 15 to 19 years (86%) than 20 to 24 years (82%) (p < 0.001) in the second period. The proportion of youth starting rapid ART increased significantly from 27% to 52% between the two periods (p < 0.001). Factors associated with ART initiation were age 15 to 19 years (aSHR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.11), female (aSHR 1.26, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.29) and registration year 2014 to 2018 (aSHR 1.73, 95% CI 1.69 to 1.76). The cumulative incidence of LTFU/death prior to ART initiation at 12 months was 3.8% (95% CI 3.6% to 4.1%) in the first period and 1.9% (95% CI 1.8% to 2.1%) in the second period.

Conclusions

In the era of universal treatment of all at any CD4 level, 83% of YLHIV registered on the Thai National AIDS Program initiated ART. The majority initiated within one month of registration.
Evaluation of sample pooling for diagnosis of COVID‐19 by real time‐PCR: A resource‐saving combat strategy
Authors: Garg Jaya , Singh Vikramjeet , Pandey Pranshu , Verma Ashish , Sen Manodeep , Das Anupam , Agarwal Jyotsna
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

Although about 80% of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) cases are reported to be mild, the remaining 20% of cases often result in severe disease with the potential of crushing already overstrained health care services. There has been sustainable growth of COVID‐19 cases worldwide since mid‐May 2020. To keep tabs on community transmission of COVID‐19 infection screening of the samples from a large population is needed which includes asymptomatic/symptomatic individuals along with the migrant population. This requires extra resources, man power, and time for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In the current scenario, the pooled sample testing strategy advocated by the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi is a new approach that is very promising in resource‐limited settings. In this study, we have evaluated the pooled strategy in terms of accurate testing results, utilization of consumables, and identification of borderline positive cases.

Materials and Methods

Between April and June 2020, we performed COVID‐19 testing by RT‐PCR from areas with varying prevalence of population referred to COVID laboratory, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. In the first step, the samples are collated into pools of 5 or 10. These pools are tested by RT‐PCR. Negative pools were reported as negative whereas positive pools of 5 and 10 are then deconvoluted and each sample is tested individually.

Results

In the present study, we tested 4620 samples in 462 pools of 10 and 14 940 samples in 2990 pools of 5. Among 10 samples pool, 61 (13%) pools flagged positive in the first step. In the second step, among 61 pools (610 samples) deconvoluted strategy was followed in which 72 individual samples came positive. The pooled‐sample testing strategy helps saves substantial resources and time during surge testing and enhanced pandemic surveillance. This approach requires around 76% to 93% fewer tests done in low to moderate prevalence settings and group sizes up to 5–10 in a population, compared to individual testing.

Conclusions

Pooled‐sample PCR analysis strategies can save substantial resources and time for COVID‐19 mass testing in comparison with individual testing without compromising the resulting outcome of the test. In particular, the pooled‐sample approach can facilitate mass screening in the early coming stages of COVID‐19 outbreaks, especially in low‐ and middle‐income settings, and control the spread by meticulous testing of all risk groups.
Spectral fluctuation in SERS spectra of benzodiazepin molecules: The case of oxazepam
Authors: Merlen Alexandre , Pardanaud Cédric , Gratzer Katharina , Coussan Stéphane , Machon Denis , Forestier Alexis , Bergé‐Lefranc David , Phan Trang N. T. , Hornebecq Virginie
Published: September 2020

The surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) spectra of a benzodiazepine molecule, oxazepam, have been recorded using a nanoporous silica matrix containing gold nanoparticles as SERS substrate. In the measured spectra, we clearly observe spectral fluctuations, with slight shifts in wavenumber, appearance, and disappearance of peaks and variations in the shape of some peaks. By comparison with spectra simulated by density functional theory, we attribute those fluctuations to the experimental signature of various adsorption sites of the molecule on the gold surface. The effect of temperature and laser power was also studied, suggesting that changes in absorption sites can be optically activated. Such features could cause misinterpretation of SERS spectra and errors in the identification of drugs. We suggest that they should be systematically considered for the correct interpretation of SERS spectra of drug molecules.
Polyphenol fingerprinting and hypoglycemic attributes of optimized Cycas circinalis leaf extracts
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Chaudhary Ayoub R , Mumtaz Muhammad W , Raza Syed A , Ahmad Maqsood , Mukhtar Hamid , Bashir Rashida
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Cycas circinalis leaves are used to treat diabetes mellitus in local medicinal systems without any scientifically proved information on their medicinal potential and phytochemicals. In this study, the total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and inhibitory effects on α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase were determined for optimized hydroethanolic leaf extracts. Secondary metabolites were identified using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF‐MS/MS). In vivo studies on diabetic albino mice were also carried out to evaluate the impact of the most active extract on their blood glucose levels.

RESULTS

The 60% ethanolic extract showed the highest extract yield (209.70 ± 0.20 g kg−1) and total phenolic (154.24 ± 3.28 mg gallic acid equivalent) and flavonoid (78.52 ± 1.65 mg rutin equivalent per gram dried extract) contents and exhibited the maximum DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 59.68 ± 2.82 μg mL−1). The IC50 values for inhibition of α‐glucosidase (58.42 ± 2.22 μg mL−1) and α‐amylase (74.11 ± 1.70 μg mL−1) were also significant for the 60% ethanolic extract. The untargeted UHPLC–QTOF‐MS/MS‐based metabolite profiling confirmed the presence of iridoid glucoside, gibberellin A4, O‐β‐d‐glucosyl‐4‐hydroxy‐cinnamate, 3‐methoxy‐2‐phyenyl‐4H‐furo[2,3‐h]chromen‐4‐one, kaempferol, withaferin A, amentoflavone, quercitin‐3‐O‐(6″‐malonyl glucoside), ellagic acid, and gallic acid. Plant extract at a dose of 500 mg kg−1 body weight reduced the blood glucose level by a considerable extent and also improved the lipid profile of diabetic mice after a 28‐day trial.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed the medicinal potential of C. circinalis leaves to treat diabetes mellitus and provided the nutraceutical leads for functional food development. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Morbidity of marginal mandibular nerve post vascularized submental lymph node flap transplantation
Authors: Chang Tommy Nai‐Jen , Lee Che‐Hsiung , Lin Jennifer An‐Jou , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: September 2020

Background

This study investigated the morbidity of the marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) post vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) harvest.

Methods

The VSLN with sacrifying or preserving the medial platysma was retrospectively classified as group I or II. Midline deviation and horizontal tilt were subjectively evaluated. Horizontal, vertical, and “area distribution” of the lower lip excursions of the surgical site were objectively compared with the nonsurgical site.

Results

Seventeen patients in group I and 12 patients in group II were included. At a median follow‐up of 48.6 ± 16.8 months in group I and 14.8 ± 7.5 months in group II, no MMN palsy was found in both groups. Median midline deviation and horizontal tilt were 4.53 ± 0.52 and 5 ± 0 in group I and 4.67 ± 0.65 and 5 ± 0 in group II, respectively (P = .419 and 1.000). Median horizontal, vertical and area of distribution of lower lip excursions were 97.5 ± 12.3%, 98.8 ± 14.4% and 87.2 ± 14.7% in group I, and 99.3 ± 15.1%, 95.8 ± 8.2% and 84.2 ± 14.2% in group II, respectively (P = .679, .948 and .711).

Conclusion

The VSLN flap was a safe procedure with minimal MMN morbidity.
Disparities in Mortality from Larynx Cancer: Implications for Reducing Racial Differences
Authors: Chen Sophia , Dee Edward Christopher , Muralidhar Vinayak , Nguyen Paul L. , Amin Milan R. , Givi Babak
Published: September 2020

Objective

Race predicts overall mortality (OM) of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) in the United States (US). We assessed whether racial disparities affect cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods

Adults with LSCC from 2004 to 2015 were selected. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards and Fine‐Gray competing‐risks regression analysis adjusted for clinicodemographic factors defined hazard ratios (aHR).

Results

We identified 14,506 patients. The median age was 63 years. Most were male (11,725, 80.8%) and white (11,653, 80.3%), followed by Black (2294, 15.8%). Most had early‐stage disease (7544, 52.0%) and received radiotherapy only (4107, 28.3%), followed by chemoradiation (3748, 25.8%). With median follow‐up of 60 months, overall 3‐ and 5‐year OM were 34.0% and 43.2%; CSM were 16.0% and 18.9%, respectively. Black patients had higher OM than white patients on univariable (HR 1.35, 95% CI, 1.26–1.44, P < .001) and multivariable (aHR 1.10, 95% CI, 1.02–1.18, P = .011) analyses. Black patients had higher CSM on univariable analysis (HR 1.22, 95% CI, 1.09–1.35, P < .001) but not on multivariable CSM analysis (aHR 1.01, 95% CI, 0.90–1.13, P = .864). On multivariable analysis, year of diagnosis, age, disease site, stage, treatment, nodal metastasis, marital status, education, and geography significantly predicted CSM.

Conclusion

On multivariable analyses controlling for sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics, Black and white patients differed in OM but not in CSM. However, Black patients presented with greater proportions of higher stage cancers and sociodemographic factors such as income and marital status that were associated with worse outcomes. Efforts to target sociodemographic disparities may contribute to the mitigation of racial disparities in LSCC.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1147–E1155, 2021
An optimal acquisition and post‐processing pipeline for hybrid IVIM‐DKI in head and neck
Authors: Sijtsema Nienke D. , Petit Steven F. , Poot Dirk H. J. , Verduijn Gerda M. , van der Lugt Aad , Hoogeman Mischa S. , Hernandez‐Tamames Juan A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To optimize the diffusion‐weighting b values and postprocessing pipeline for hybrid intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion kurtosis imaging in the head and neck region.

Methods

Optimized diffusion‐weighting b value sets ranging between 5 and 30 b values were constructed by optimizing the Cramér‐Rao lower bound of the hybrid intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion kurtosis imaging model. With this model, the perfusion fraction, pseudodiffusion coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and kurtosis were estimated. Sixteen volunteers were scanned with a reference b value set and 3 repeats of the optimized sets, of which 1 with volunteers swallowing on purpose.

The effects of (1) b value optimization and number of b values, (2) registration type (none vs. intervolume vs. intra‐ and intervolume registration), and (3) manual swallowing artifact rejection on the parameter precision were assessed.

Results

The SD was higher in the reference set for perfusion fraction, diffusion coefficient, and kurtosis by a factor of 1.7, 1.5, and 2.3 compared to the optimized set, respectively. A smaller SD (factor 0.7) was seen in pseudodiffusion coefficient. The sets containing 15, 20, and 30 b values had comparable repeatability in all parameters, except pseudodiffusion coefficient, for which set size 30 was worse. Equal repeatability for the registration approaches was seen in all parameters of interest. Swallowing artifact rejection removed the bias when present.

Conclusion

To achieve optimal hybrid intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion kurtosis imaging in the head and neck region, b value optimization and swallowing artifact image rejection are beneficial. The optimized set of 15 b values yielded the optimal protocol efficiency, with a precision comparable to larger b value sets and a 50% reduction in scan time.
Ohne Polymere keine Fahrt
Authors: Bieringer Ruth , Braeunling Volker , Schoepping Gerhard
Published: September 2020

Kunststoffe und Elastomere finden sich überall in Fahrzeugen. Versteckt oder sichtbar sorgen sie für Komfort und sichern den reibungslosen Betrieb – nicht nur bei Verbrennungsmotoren, sondern auch bei neuen Antriebskonzepten wie Brennstoffzellen.
Trendbericht: Makromolekulare Chemie
Authors: Gallei Markus , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J.
Published: September 2020

Das Jahr 2020 steht im Zeichen der Polymere, deren erste Beschreibung auf Hermann Staudinger zurückgeht.1,2) Dieser Trendbericht behandelt die Forschung des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses, also von Habilitanden, Juniorprofessoren, Postdoktoranden, Privatdozenten und Gruppenleitern. Es geht um Biopolymere und biomedizinische Anwendungen von Polymeren, Polymermaterialien und ‐synthese sowie stimuliresponsive Polymersysteme und Polymerarchitekturen und deren Selbstanordnung.
Von uralt bis modern
Authors: Lattermann Günter
Published: September 2020

Die Geschichte der als „Kunststoffe“ und „Plastik“ bekannt gewordenen Werkstoffe beginnt schon vor dem 19. und 20. Jahrhundert. Historische polymere Materialen begleiten die Menschheit seit Jahrtausenden, zum Beispiel der Kautschuk.
Sommerschule Computational Chemistry auf Mauritius
Authors: Frenking Gernot
Published: September 2020

Ende September bis Anfang Oktober 2019 fand eine zweiwöchige Sommerschule „Computational Chemistry“ für 50 junge Wissenschaftler aus den Sub‐Sahara‐Staaten auf Mauritius statt. Die Veranstaltung hatten Dozenten der Universitäten Marburg und Mauritius gemeinsam organisiert und mit Unterstützung weiterer Dozenten aus Deutschland und Belgien geleitet. Finanziell unterstützte vor allem die Volkswagenstiftung, die die Reise‐ und Aufenthaltskosten der Teilnehmer aus zehn afrikanischen Ländern und der Dozenten sowie die Lehrmittel finanzierte. Die Initiative zur Sommerschule entsprang einer seit Jahren bestehenden Kooperation zwischen Ponnadurai Ramasami und Gernot Frenking, Professoren an der Universität Mauritius beziehungsweise Marburg. Vormittags wurden die die theoretischen Grundlagen der Methoden der Computational Chemistry behandelt, am Nachmittag gab es Übungen mit vorinstallierten Programmen auf Laptops, die den Teilnehmern zur Verfügung gestellt wurden. Zielgruppe waren junge Dozierende und Promovierende, die aus ihrem Studium über Vorkenntnisse in theoretischer Chemie verfügen.
Wofür wir stehen: die Werte der GDCh
Authors: Koch Wolfram , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: September 2020

Ein kontroverser Beitrag in der Angewandten Chemie und seine Folgen.
Vorstandssitzungen im Mai und Juni
Authors: Koch Wolfram
Published: September 2020

Berichte über die reguläre Sitzung des GDCh‐Vorstands am 27. Mai und über die Ad‐hoc‐Videokonferenz am 19. Juni.
Kreuzworträtsel: mehr Polymer wagen
Authors: Bracher Franz
Published: September 2020

100 Jahre makromolekulare Chemie: Wer darüber gut Bescheid weiß, löst das Rätsel im Nu. Wer spicken will (muss), findet die Auflösung auf Seite 74.
Localized singlet‐filtered MRS in vivo
Authors: Mamone Salvatore , Schmidt Andreas B. , Schwaderlapp Niels , Lange Thomas , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Hennig Jürgen , Glöggler Stefan
Published: September 2020

MR is a prominent technology to investigate diseases, with millions of clinical procedures performed every year. Metabolic dysfunction is one common aspect associated with many diseases. Thus, understanding and monitoring metabolic changes is essential to develop cures for many illnesses, including for example cancer and neurodegeneration. MR methodologies are especially suited to study endogenous metabolites and processes within an organism in vivo, which has led to many insights about physiological functions. Advancing metabolic MR techniques is therefore key to further understand physiological processes. Here, we introduce an approach based on nuclear spin singlet states to specifically filter metabolic signals and particularly show that singlet‐filtered glutamate can be observed distinctly in the hippocampus of a living mouse in vivo. This development opens opportunities to make use of the singlet spin phenomenon in vivo and besides its use as a filter to provide scope for new contrast agents.
Impact of Hospitalization and Medication Switching on Post‐discharge Adherence to Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Pham Nguyen Thanh Phuong , Chen Yong , Thibault Dylan , Leonard Charles E. , Hennessy Sean , Willis Allison
Published: September 2020

Background

Adherence to chronic medications remains poor in practice. There is limited evidence on how hospitalization affects post‐discharge adherence to oral anticoagulants (OACs) in individuals with atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of hospitalization and medication switching on post‐discharge adherence to OACs in the population with atrial fibrillation.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental pre–post observational study was conducted using United States commercial insurance health care claims from the 2009 to 2016 Optum database. Adults with atrial fibrillation taking OACs who had a random hospitalization occurring after the first observed OAC prescription fill and no other admission in the preceding and following 6 months were identified. OAC adherence was estimated by the proportion of days covered within 6 and 12 months before and after hospitalization. Difference‐in‐difference analysis was employed to compare the pre‐hospitalization and post‐hospitalization proportion of days covered, stratified by reasons for hospitalization (i.e., bleeding vs non–bleeding‐related reasons) and adjusting for imbalanced baseline characteristics between groups. Change in adherence when the OAC was switched at discharge was also examined.

Results

The 22,429 individuals who met study criteria were predominantly male (52.4%), white (77.2%), and older age (median 74 years). A clinically significant hemorrhage was the reason for 1029 (4.5%) of qualifying hospitalizations. After covariate adjustment, there was a reduction in the proportion of days covered after discharge, regardless of admission diagnosis (p<0.0001). The 6‐month difference‐in‐difference analyses revealed that adherence was incrementally reduced by 3.2% (p=0.0003) in the bleeding group compared with the nonbleeding group, whereas switching from warfarin to a direct oral anticoagulant after hospitalization was associated with a smaller reduction by 3.4% in adherence (p=0.0342) compared with other switchers, regardless of the reason for hospitalization. The 12‐month difference‐in‐difference analyses revealed similar results.

Conclusions

Hospitalization is temporally associated with a reduction in adherence to OACs, regardless of reason for hospitalization. More effective strategies are needed to improve OAC adherence, particularly during transition of care
Epitaxial Growth of κ‐(AlxGa1−x)2O3 Layers and Superlattice Heterostructures up to x = 0.48 on Highly Conductive Al‐Doped ZnO Thin‐Film Templates by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Kneiß Max , Storm Philipp , Hassa Anna , Splith Daniel , von Wenckstern Holger , Lorenz Michael , Grundmann Marius
Published: September 2020

(AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin‐film layers in the metastable orthorhombic κ‐modification are deposited heteroepitaxially on unintentionally doped ZnO buffer layers on heavily Al‐doped and highly conductive ZnO back contact layers by pulsed laser deposition. The back contact layers potentially serve as electrodes for ferroelectric hysteresis measurements and improve the performance of device applications such as Schottky barrier diodes or quantum‐well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs). The alloy layers cover a broad composition range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.48 for which X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm the same high crystal quality as for layers grown on single‐crystalline substrates. Epitaxial relations of the κ‐phase layers to the ZnO thin‐film templates are determined and both in‐ and out‐of‐plane lattice constants follow a linear evolution with Al content in agreement with Vegard's law. Smooth surface morphologies are verified in atomic force microscopy images. Finally, a 15‐layer‐pair κ‐(Al0.27Ga0.73)2O3/κ‐Ga2)O3 quantum‐well superlattice (SL) structure is similarly deposited on the ZnO:Al back contact layer and shows sharp SL fringes up to the fifth order in XRD measurements confirming excellent crystal quality and abrupt interfaces in the heterostructure. The results render ZnO:Al as a promising back contact layer for QWIP applications and the determination of electrical polarizations of κ‐phase alloy layers.
Aligning the Science of Reading With Adaptive Teaching
Authors: Vaughn Margaret , Parsons Seth A. , Massey Dixie
Published: September 2020

The authors discuss the tension between the science of reading and adaptive teaching. The discussion focuses on the ways in which the science of reading emphasizes the teaching of reading as decontextualized and compartmentalized aspects of literacy acquisition that are distant from culturally sustaining and relevant pedagogies and restrict teachers in their efforts to teach reading. The authors demonstrate that adaptive teaching is a vital characteristic of effective reading teachers and recommend that scholars—those who study reading processes and reading acquisition (i.e., the science of reading) and those who study effective literacy instruction—work across paradigms to research the nuances of these processes, particularly in ways that study diverse student and teacher populations in various real‐world classroom contexts.
Is environmental innovation contagious? A study on the mechanism of individual firms' environmental innovation affecting the industry
Authors: Liao Zhongju , Liu Yan , Li Mengsha
Published: September 2020

Based on the social network theory, this paper examined the contagion effect of a firm's environmental innovation on the industry. We selected the firm's ownership as the moderator variable and industry's financial performance as the mediator variable. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the model with the data of 1,588 listed firms among 28 industries in the Chinese manufacturing sector between 2012 and 2018. The results showed that the individual firm's environmental innovation had a contagion effect on the environmental innovation of other firms in the same industry, that is, the higher the degree of individual firms' environmental innovation, the higher the degree of environmental innovation will be in other firms. Further research indicates that the firm's ownership structure affects the environmental innovation contagion mechanism: when individual firms are privately owned, the contagion effect is stronger. In addition, the individual firm's environmental innovation undercut the financial performance of other firms in the same industry, which, in turn, promotes environmental innovation among these firms.
Scorekeeping trolls
Authors: Tuckwell William , Tanter Kai ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2020

Keith DeRose defends contextualism: the view that the truth-conditions of knowledge ascriptions vary with the context of the ascriber. Mark Richard has criticised contextualism for being unable to vindicate intuitions about disagreement. To account for these intuitions, DeRose has proposed truth-conditions for “knows” called the Gap view. According to this view, knowledge ascriptions are true iff the epistemic standards of each conversational participant are met, false iff each participant's standards aren't met, and truth-valueless otherwise. An implication of the Gap view is that people with divergent standards can enter conversations and thereby render knowledge claims gappy. We characterise this as a form of trolling. We argue that trolling results in unacceptably counterintuitive implications and that this constitutes a reductio against the Gap view. We also briefly explore the implications of trolling for other contextualist views about “knows,” as well as a broader class of context sensitive expressions.
Control of translation by eukaryotic mRNA transcript leaders—Insights from high‐throughput assays and computational modeling
Authors: Akirtava Christina , McManus Charles Joel
Published: September 2020

Eukaryotic gene expression is tightly regulated during translation of mRNA to protein. Mis‐regulation of translation can lead to aberrant proteins which accumulate in cancers and cause neurodegenerative diseases. Foundational studies on model genes established fundamental roles for mRNA 5′ transcript leader (TL) sequences in controlling ribosome recruitment, scanning, and initiation. TL cis‐regulatory elements and their corresponding trans‐acting factors control cap‐dependent initiation under unstressed conditions. Under stress, cap‐dependent initiation is suppressed, and specific mRNA structures and sequences promote translation of stress‐responsive transcripts to remodel the proteome. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of TL functions in translation initiation. We focus on insights from high‐throughput analyses of ribosome occupancy, mRNA structure, RNA Binding Protein occupancy, and massively parallel reporter assays. These data‐driven approaches, coupled with computational analyses and modeling, have paved the way for a comprehensive understanding of TL functions. Finally, we will discuss areas of future research on the roles of mRNA sequences and structures in translation.

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Mechanisms

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems
Relativistic Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions and the QCD Matter Phase Diagram
Authors: Stock Reinhard
Published: September 2020

This review will be concerned with our knowledge of extended matter under the governance of strong interaction, in short: QCD matter. Strictly speaking, the hadrons are representing the first layer of extended QCD architecture. In fact we encounter the characteristic phenomena of confinement as distances grow to the scale of 1 fm (i.e. hadron size): loss of the chiral symmetry property of the elementary QCD Lagrangian via non-perturbative generation of “massive” quark and gluon condensates, that replace the bare QCD vacuum. However, given such first experiences of transition from short range perturbative QCD phenomena (jet physics etc.), toward extended, non perturbative QCD hadron structure, we shall proceed here to systems with dimensions far exceeding the force range: matter in the interior of heavy nuclei, or in neutron stars, and primordial matter in the cosmological era from electro-weak decoupling (10−12s) to hadron formation (0.5 ⋅ 10−5s). This primordial matter, prior to hadronization, should be deconfined in its QCD sector, forming a plasma (i.e. color conducting) state of quarks and gluons: the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP).
Beyond the Standard Model
Authors: Rabinovici Eliezer
Published: September 2020

Starting sometime in 2008/2009 one expects to be able to take a glimpse at physics at the TeV scale. This will be done through the Large Hadronic Collider (LHC) at CERN, Geneva. It will be a result of an unprecedented coordinated international scientific effort. This chapter is written in 2007. It is essentially inviting disaster to spell out in full detail what the current various theoretical speculations on the physics are, as well motivated as they may seem at this time. What I find of more value is to elaborate on some of the ideas and the motivations behind them. Some may stay with us, some may evolve and some may be discarded as the results of the experiments unfold. When the proton antiproton collider was turned on in the early eighties of the last century at Cern the theoretical ideas were ready to face the experimental results in confidence, a confidence which actually had prevailed. The emphasis was on the tremendous experimental challenges that needed to be overcome in both the production and the detection of the new particles. As far as theory was concerned this was about the physics of the standard model and not about the physics beyond it. The latter part was left safely unchallenged. That situation started changing when the large electron positron (LEP) collider experiments also at Cern were turned on as well the experiments at the Tevatron at Fermilab. Today it is with rather little, scientifically based, theoretical confidence that one is anticipating the outcome of the experiments. It is less the method and foundations that are tested and more the prejudices. It is these which are at the center of this chapter. Some claim to detect over the years an oscilatory behavior in the amount of conservatism expressed by leaders in physics. The generation in whose life time relativity and quantum mechanics were discovered remained non-conservative throughout their life. Some of the latter developed eventually such adventurous ideas as to form as a reaction a much more conservative following generation. The conservative generation perfected the inherited tools and has uncovered and constructed the Standard Model. They themselves were followed by a less conservative generation. The new generation was presented with a seemingly complete description of the known forces. In order to go outside the severe constraints of the Standard Model the new generation has drawn upon some of the more adventurous ideas of the older generation as well as created it own ideas. In a way almost all accepted notions were challenged. In the past such an attitude has led to major discoveries such as relativity and quantum mechanics. In some cases it was carried too far, the discovery of the neutrino was initially missed as energy conservation was temporarily given up.
Struktureller Reformbedarf in der Pflegeversicherung – ein Vierteljahrhundert nach ihrer Einführung
Authors: Paquet Robert
Published: September 2020

Vor einem Vierteljahrhundert wurde die Pflegeversicherung als neuer Zweig der sozialen Sicherung gegründet. Verbunden damit war die Entscheidung für bestimmte institutionelle Strukturen und Gestaltungsprinzipien. Einige davon haben einen engen Bezug zu aktuellen Problemen. Der Beitrag beschreibt die wichtigsten damaligen Weichenstellungen, wie die Entscheidung für eine Sozialversicherung, ihre Anbindung an die Krankenversicherung, für die Pflegeeinstufung durch den Medizinischen Dienst und zum Leistungssystem. Probleme der Qualität und Transparenz der Pflegeleistungen wurden erst später aufgegriffen und gesetzlich geregelt. Die Fragen der Investitionsfinanzierung der Heime und des Teilleistungs-Charakters der Pflegeversicherung hingen von Anfang an in der Luft. Die heute damit zusammenhängenden Probleme verweisen eher auf damalige „Nicht-Entscheidungen“ als auf bewusste Absichten: Politische Kompromisse haben die Pflegeversicherung immer schon geprägt. Abschließend werden die möglichen Lösungen für den vorhergesagten Anstieg des „Eigenanteils“ der Pflegebedürftigen in der stationären Pflege diskutiert. Es gibt alternative Lösungsansätze zum „Sockel-Spitze-Tausch“ bzw. zum Übergang zu einer „Vollversicherung“.
Vom Markt und den Sorgen – sollen individuelle Pflegeleistungen kommunal gesteuert werden?
Authors: Pfundstein Thomas , Bemsch Marcus
Published: September 2020

Die gesetzliche Pflegeversicherung als individuelle Teilkaskoversicherung des Risikos der Hilfe- und Pflegebedürftigkeit hat sich seit der Einführung 1995 als staatlicher Beitrag zur Stärkung und Sicherung der familiären Unterstützungsleistungen verstanden. In den letzten 25 Jahren hat das System eine deutliche Ausweitung erfahren und ist inzwischen zum dominanten Sicherungssystem der Unterstützung und Hilfen im Alter geworden. Angesichts des demografischen und soziostrukturellen Wandels und der damit verbundenen steigenden Bedarfe wurde und wird die Pflegeversicherung kritisiert, mit dem wachsenden Bedarf nicht schritthalten zu können. Insbesondere die aktuelle Kritik sieht im Fachkräftemangel und den steigenden privaten Kosten der Pflege ein Versagen des Marktprinzips der Pflegeversicherung. Gefordert werden eine bessere Gesamtkoordination der sozialen Leistungen im Alter und ein stärkerer Einfluss der Kommunen. Der Beitrag analysiert die bisherigen Entwicklungen, zeigt verpasste Chancen auf und spricht sich für eine stärkere Sozialraumorientierung und kommunale Koordination aus.
Pflegefinanzierung in regionaler Perspektive: Ergebnisse eines Vier-Länder-Vergleichs zu den Selbstkosten der stationären Langzeitpflege
Authors: Haun Dietmar
Published: September 2020

Thema des Beitrags sind die unterschiedlich hohen Eigenanteile an den Kosten der stationären Langzeitpflege zwischen den Bundesländern. Ausgehend von diesen Unterschieden werden für vier Bundesländer die Kosten der stationären Heimpflege systematisch hinsichtlich der Strukturmerkmale ihrer Pflegeheime und der Determinanten ihrer regionalen Kostenvariation untersucht. Die Ergebnisse der empirischen Analysen mit Daten des AOK-Pflegeheimnavigators für das 4. Quartal 2019 belegen eine teilweise fast ebenso hohe Variation der Selbstkosten innerhalb der Länder als zwischen diesen. Je nach Bundesland gibt es hohe Kostenunterschiede zwischen städtischen und ländlichen Kreisregionen, großen und kleinen Einrichtungen und in erheblichem Ausmaß zwischen den privaten Heimträgern und den anderen Trägerorganisationen. Für eine Bewertung der Auswirkungen verschiedener Reformmaßnahmen bieten die Ergebnisse zum Status quo der Selbstkosten einen guten Aufsatzpunkt. Allerdings legen die Befunde nahe, dass weiterer Forschungsbedarf bezüglich der einzelnen Ursachen der Kostenunterschiede besteht, um Wirkungen des geplanten Personalbemessungsverfahrens und des Pflegelöhneverbesserungsgesetzes auf die Eigenanteile solide einschätzen zu können.
Ausbau solidarischer Finanzierungsoptionen in der Pflegeversicherung. Führt der Weg zur Pflegebürgerversicherung?
Authors: Lüngen Markus
Published: September 2020

Die Umsetzung einer Pflegebürgerversicherung ist eine Option, um insbesondere die Einnahmenseite der Pflegeversicherung zu stabilisieren. Der Beitrag untersucht, welche Hürden existieren und inwieweit deren Ursachen in den fehlenden Methoden bzw. Daten oder aber in der politischen Umsetzung oder juristischen Aufarbeitung liegen. Festgehalten werden kann, dass die Ausgestaltung eines Risikoausgleichs zwischen Sozialer und Privater Pflegeversicherung die komplexeste methodische Herausforderung darstellen dürfte. Andere Bereiche, wie die Verbeitragung aller Einkommensarten, die Einbeziehung der Kapitalansparungen und die Festlegung der Beitragsbemessungsgrenze, scheinen eher politische und/oder rechtliche Herausforderungen darzustellen. Die vorliegenden quantitativen Studien kommen zu dem Ergebnis, dass die Ausweitung des Versichertenkreises in einer Pflegebürgerversicherung bewirken würde, dass sich der Beitragssatz um rund 0,3–0,4 Prozentpunkten reduzieren ließe.
A Lorentzian inversion formula for defect CFT
Authors: Liendo Pedro , Linke Yannick , Schomerus Volker
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We present a Lorentzian inversion formula valid for any defect CFT that extracts the bulk channel CFT data as an analytic function of the spin variable. This result complements the already obtained inversion formula for the corresponding defect channel, and makes it now possible to implement the analytic bootstrap program for defect CFT, by going back and forth between bulk and defect expansions. A crucial role in our derivation is played by the Calogero-Sutherland description of defect blocks which we review. As first applications we obtain the large-spin limit of bulk CFT data necessary to reproduce the defect identity, and also calculate one-point functions of the twist defect of the 3d Ising model to first order in the ϵ-expansion.
On the classification of 5d SCFTs
Authors: Bhardwaj Lakshya
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We determine all 5d SCFTs upto rank three by studying RG flows of 5d KK theories. Our analysis reveals the existence of new rank one and rank two 5d SCFTs not captured by previous classifications. In addition to that, we provide for the first time a systematic and conjecturally complete classification of rank three 5d SCFTs. Our methods are based on a recently studied geometric description of 5d KK theories, thus demonstrating the utility of these geometric descriptions. It is straightforward, though computationally intensive, to extend this work and systematically classify 5d SCFTs of higher ranks (greater than or equal to four) by using the geometric description of 5d KK theories.
A qualitative evidence synthesis using meta-ethnography to understand the experience of living with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Toye Francine , Pearl Jeannine , Vincent Katy , Barker Karen
Published: September 2020

Introduction and hypothesis

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects the lives of many people. We aimed to systematically search for, identify and synthesize qualitative research that explores what it is like to live with POP and make this knowledge available for healthcare improvement.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline, PsychInfo, Embase and CINAHL, from inception to March 2020, for qualitative research exploring the experience of living with POP. We used meta-ethnography to synthesize findings. This is a conceptual approach to qualitative evidence synthesis. We used the recent guidelines for reporting meta-ethnography.

Results

We screened 3103 titles and 255 abstracts and included 37 primary studies. These incorporated the experience of 777 women, (aged 18 to 95 years) from a range of countries. We organized 162 ideas into 27 conceptual categories and 10 themes. We developed a conceptual model that helps us to understand the experience of pelvic organ prolapse. This model indicates that (1) the physical losses of POP are intricately linked to loss of identity; (2) women conceptualized POP as part of womanhood, yet also its thief; (3) there is a vicious cycle of taboo, silence and misunderstanding about POP and its treatment; (4) this silence is exacerbated by a feeling that POP is not taken seriously in healthcare.

Conclusions

This meta-ethnography helps us to understand the experience of living with a POP. Our model illustrates the complex process of healthcare decision making. Further studies to explore the complexity of decision making from the perspective of patient and health professional are timely.
Einfluss der die Legalinspektion durchführenden Arztgruppen auf die Dauer der Obduktion
Authors: Betschart E. , Dobay A. , Ebert L. , Guebelin D. , Thali M. J. , Franckenberg S.
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Die Legalinspektion, als Schweizer Begriff für die Leichenschau im forensischen Kontext, wird entweder von einem Amts‑/Bezirksarzt oder einem an einem rechtsmedizinischen Institut angestellten Arzt durchgeführt. Durch diese unterschiedlichen Arztgruppen kommt es zwangsläufig zu einer gewissen Heterogenität der Untersuchung.

Fragestellung

Wir untersuchten den Einfluss von der die Legalinspektion durchführenden Arztgruppe (Amts‑/Bezirksarzt und Arzt des Rechtsmedizinischen Instituts Zürich) auf die Obduktionsdauer. Der die Obduktion durchführende Rechtsmediziner könnte in seiner äußeren Besichtigung von dem Vorwissen über die Legalinspektion, bzw. wer diese durchgeführt hat, beeinflusst sein – und abhängig davon die äußere Besichtigung der Obduktion unterschiedlich sorgfältig bzw. zeitaufwendig durchführen. Es wurden zwei Hypothesen überprüft: zum einen, dass es einen Unterschied der Obduktionsdauer abhängig von der die Legalinspektion durchführenden Arztgruppe gibt, zum anderen, dass die Obduktionszeit am kürzesten ist, wenn der die Legalinspektion und die Obduktion durchführende Arzt derselbe ist.

Methodik

Wir führten eine retrospektive Analyse an 892 konsekutiven Obduktionsfällen am Institut für Rechtsmedizin der Universität Zürich durch (Januar 2017 bis Juni 2019). Für jeden Fall wurden die die Legalinspektion durchführende Arztgruppe sowie die Obduktionszeit aus den archivierten Berichten erhoben. Anschließend wurden die erhobenen Variablen in Untergruppen nach Todesart miteinander verglichen (One-way-ANOVA-Tests).

Ergebnisse

Die Obduktionsdauer zeigte keinen signifikanten Unterschied in allen Todesartsubgruppen zwischen den die Legalinspektion durchführenden Arztgruppen. Selbst wenn Legalinspekteur und Obduzent dieselbe Person waren, unterschied sich die Obduktionszeit nicht signifikant von den anderen Arztgruppen. Somit waren beide Hypothesen zu verwerfen.

Diskussion

Legalinspektion und Obduktion werden als zwei unabhängige Untersuchungen wahrgenommen. Die „zweite“ äußere Besichtigung wird selbst dann nicht als redundant empfunden, wenn Obduzent und Legalinspekteur dieselbe Person sind. Unsere Ergebnisse sehen wir auch als Ausdruck einer breiten Akzeptanz und guten Implementation der Leitlinien für Legalinspektion und Obduktion mit klar definierten Anforderungen und standardisierten Abläufen. Weiterführende Studien mit der Erfassung anderer und ergänzender Parameter zur Beurteilung auch der inhaltlichen Qualität der Legalinspektion und Obduktion sind sinnvoll und notwendig.