bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometries and Interaction Energies of Toluene on CsxNa1–xMordenite
Authors: Cabana Nancy C. , Serra Ramiro R. , Boix Alicia V. , Bolcatto Pablo G.
Published: May 2020

Calculations of the geometries and energies of the alkaline mordenites (MOR) CsxNa1–xMOR (where x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) with and without toluene are reported. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments are also shown. First, a structural stabilization of a pure silica zeolite was performed. Then four structures with different positions of the sodium atoms of the MOR with a molar ratio Si/Al = 5 were evaluated. The most stable structure was used to sequentially exchange sodium for cesium. In all cases, atoms are free to move to reach a local minimum of total energy. Toluene is initially located in three different geometries and the energy optimization calculation relocates it properly. Adsorption situations were observed when the electrons from the toluene aromatic ring interact with the sodium or cesium present within the main channel. DSC measurements were made with different amounts of toluene incorporated in MOR without cesium and in another with 7% of cesium. This technique indicated that the incorporation of Cs improved the adsorption capacity of the zeolite. The overall theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental evidence and constitute a reliable basis to advance in the study of new functionalized materials.
Time–space variations of temperature in the nocturnal boundary layer
Authors: Mahrt L.
Published: May 2020

This study examines nocturnal temperature changes on time‐scales of 5–60 min over gentle terrain. Such temperature variations are often important after the early evening period of rapid cooling and can lead to large temporary warming or enhanced cooling. The time–space structure of temperature changes is examined statistically with a network of flux stations over gentle topography. Large temperature changes are often associated with coherent propagating modes and associated temporary reduction or elimination of the valley cold pool, local drainage flows, and lee turbulence. The largest variations of temperature with time occur for intermediate wind speeds. Low wind speeds correspond to greater spatial variability of temperature but less time dependence. Two nondimensional ratios are developed to represent the relative importance of temporal and spatial variability.
A comparison of isotope ratio mass spectrometry and cavity ring‐down spectroscopy techniques for isotope analysis of fluid inclusion water
Authors: de Graaf Stefan , Vonhof Hubert B. , Weissbach Therese , Wassenburg Jasper A. , Levy Elan J. , Kluge Tobias , Haug Gerald H.
Published: May 2020

Rationale

Online oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H) isotope analysis of fluid inclusion water entrapped in minerals is widely applied in paleo‐fluid studies. In the state of the art of fluid inclusion isotope research, however, there is a scarcity of reported inter‐technique comparisons to account for possible analytical offsets. Along with improving analytical precisions and sample size limitations, interlaboratory comparisons can lead to a more robust application of fluid inclusion isotope records.

Methods

Mineral samples—including speleothem, travertine, and vein material—were analyzed on two newly setup systems for fluid inclusion isotope analysis to provide an inter‐platform comparison. One setup uses a crusher unit connected online to a continuous‐flow pyrolysis furnace and an isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) instrument. In the other setup, a crusher unit is lined up with a cavity ring‐down spectroscopy (CRDS) system, and water samples are analyzed on a continuous standard water background to achieve precisions on water injections better than 0.1‰ for δ18O values and 0.4‰ for δ2H values for amounts down to 0.2 μL.

Results

Fluid inclusion isotope analyses on the IRMS setup have an average 1σ reproducibility of 0.4‰ and 2.0‰ for δ18O and δ2H values, respectively. The CRDS setup has a better 1σ reproducibility (0.3‰ for δ18O values and 1.1‰ for δ2H values) and also a more rapid sample throughput (<30 min per sample). Fluid inclusion isotope analyses are reproducible at these uncertainties for water amounts down to 0.1 μL on both setups. Fluid inclusion isotope data show no systematic offsets between the setups.

Conclusions

The close match in fluid inclusion isotope results between the two setups demonstrates the high accuracy of the presented continuous‐flow techniques for fluid inclusion isotope analysis. Ideally, experiments such as the one presented in this study will lead to further interlaboratory comparison efforts and the selection of suitable reference materials for fluid inclusion isotopes studies.
Exploring sustainability cross‐culturally: Employees' beliefs on green behaviors
Authors: Yuriev Alexander , Sierra‐Barón Willian
Published: May 2020

This study explores antecedent beliefs associated with green workplace behaviors within various cultures. Semi‐directed interviews were conducted with non‐academic employees of Canadian and Colombian universities in order to identify their beliefs towards two studied behaviors, such as using alternative transportation on the way to the university and making eco‐suggestions at work. Two researchers, applying the fundamentals of the theory of planned behavior, analyzed the interviews and identified pertinent behavioral, normative and control beliefs. Results of the study indicate that cultural and contextual specificities have a non‐negligible effect on intentions to engage in pro‐environmental workplace behaviors. Certain factors that impeded or facilitated the intention to engage in the studied behaviors were present only in transcripts from one country. Moreover, participants from Canada mentioned various beliefs significantly, more frequently, in comparison with Colombian respondents. Findings of this research indicate the necessity to differentiate practical recommendations depending on the behavior and the cultural context.
Bayesian analysis of multivariate linear mixed models with censored and intermittent missing responses
Authors: Wang Wan‐Lun
Published: May 2020

Multivariate longitudinal data usually exhibit complex features such as the presence of censored responses due to detection limits of the assay and unavoidable missing values arising when participants make irregular visits that lead to intermittently recorded characteristics. A generalization of the multivariate linear mixed model constructed by taking into account impacts of censored and intermittent missing responses simultaneously, which is named as the MLMM‐CM, has been recently proposed for more precisely analyzing such kinds of data. This paper aims at presenting a fully Bayesian sampling‐based approach to the MLMM‐CM for addressing the uncertainties of censored and missing responses as well as unknown parameters. Two widely accepted Bayesian computational techniques based on the Markov chain Monte Carlo and the inverse Bayes formulas coupled with the Gibbs (IBF‐Gibbs) schemes are developed for carrying out posterior inference of the model. The proposed methodology is illustrated through a simulation study and a real‐data example from the Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group 388 study. Numerical results show empirically that the proposed Bayesian methodology performs satisfactorily and offers reliable posterior inference.
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy as a potential method for nonmelanoma skin cancer margin assessment
Authors: Zhang Yao , Moy Austin J. , Feng Xu , Nguyen Hieu T. M. , Sebastian Katherine R. , Reichenberg Jason S. , Markey Mia K. , Tunnell James W.
Published: May 2020

The standard‐of‐care for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is surgical excision of the tumor. To ensure removal of the entire tumor and minimize removal of healthy tissue, a tool for quick discrimination between cancerous and normal skin is needed. We propose using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) to assess tumor margins. We collected two independent clinical datasets. Using a clinical study of 31 patients with 50 NMSC lesions, we trained models including DRS data normalization, a physiological model, parameter selection and logistic regression classifiers. We tested our models on a second clinical dataset of 56 patients with 68 NMSC lesions. Our test results showed the area under the ROC curve of 0.94 for BCC vs normal and 0.90 for SCC vs normal. When applying a threshold selected using the training dataset to the test dataset, for BCC vs normal, specificity is 89% and sensitivity is 87%; for SCC vs normal, specificity is 65% and sensitivity is 97%. This study indicates that DRS can be potentially used to map the tumor margin prior to surgery and monitor margins during the surgery on the surface of the skin.
Informed Consent, Familism, and the Nature of Autonomy
Authors: Akabayashi Akira
Published: May 2020

Informed consent is one of the central themes of medical and research ethics. In this chapter, I would like to introduce the reader to three significant cases in the discussion of informed consent from the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. Here, I wish to (1) explore the concept of autonomy and the diversity of this term as influenced by the culture and region, (2) explore further the idea of “something close to autonomy” as described by the American bioethicist Edmund Pellegrino in 1992, and (3) articulate to the extent possible the concept of autonomy in Japan. I propose a “family-facilitated approach” to informed consent, which contrasts with the first-person approach used in many Western countries. This family-facilitated model balances respect for patient autonomy with the cultural importance of the family in decision-making, and more clearly characterizes “something close to autonomy” in the Japanese context. I then extend this discussion to the global context.

In the last part of the chapter, I tackle the topic of prognosis disclosure. Although a modern North American concept of autonomy will dictate that physicians inform patients of their prognosis, regardless of patient preference, I argue that disclosing the prognosis at the terminal stage is situation-dependent, and should be decided on a case-by-case basis with consideration of the specific context, based on physicians’ virtue, and will open this topic to global dialogue.
Kink crystalline condensate and multi-kink solution in holographic superconductor
Authors: Matsumoto Masataka , Nakamura Shin , Yoshii Ryosuke
Published: May 2020

Abstract

The theory of superconductivity can be divided into two groups depending on whether it has multi-kink solutions. For example, the BCS theory and the Gross-Neveu model have metastable multi-kink solutions whereas the conventional Ginzburg-Landau theory without higher-derivative interactions does not have any multi-kink solutions. In this paper, we systematically examine the solutions of the holographic superconductor model to find out which group the model falls into. We show that the holographic superconductor model has metastable multi-kink solutions. In this sense, we find that the holographic superconductor model falls into the category of the BCS theory and the Gross- Neveu model. We also find that the holographic superconductor model has kink crystalline condensates which are well-fitted by the Jacobi elliptic functions.
Gesundheitsaufklärung über digitale audiovisuelle Medien: Strategien der Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Authors: Schwarz Uta
Published: May 2020

Die Digitalisierung hat die medialen Rahmen- und Kommunikationsbedingungen auch für die gesundheitliche Aufklärung revolutioniert. Die Produktion und der Konsum audiovisueller Darstellungsformen nehmen stetig zu. In diesem Beitrag werden die Funktion und Bedeutung audiovisueller Elemente im Internet für bevölkerungsbezogene Public-Health-Interventionen herausgearbeitet. An neueren Beispielen aus der Filmpraxis der Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) wird ein Spektrum audiovisueller Formate zur Gesundheitsaufklärung im Internet mit den damit verbundenen Zielstellungen und Botschaftsstrategien vorgestellt. Zukünftig sollten die Rezeptions- und Wirkungsprozesse von Internetvideos noch besser erforscht werden, u. a. auch die Frage, ob Bewegtbildformate im Internet dazu beitragen können, benachteiligte Zielgruppen besser zu erreichen.
A case-based reasoning recommender system for sustainable smart city development
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo
Published: May 2020

With the deployment of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the needs of data and information sharing within cities, smart city aims to provide value-added services to improve citizens’ quality of life. But, currently city planners/developers are faced with inadequate contextual information on the dimensions of smart city required to achieve a sustainable society. Therefore, in achieving sustainable society, there is need for stakeholders to make strategic decisions on how to implement smart city initiatives. Besides, it is required to specify the smart city dimensions to be adopted in making cities smarter for sustainability attainment. But, only a few methods such as big data, internet of things, cloud computing, etc. have been employed to support smart city attainment. Thus, this study integrates case-based reasoning (CBR) as an artificial intelligence technique to develop a recommender system towards promoting smart city planning. CBR provides suggestions on smart city dimensions to be adopted by city planners/decision-makers in making cities smarter and sustainable. Accordingly, survey data were collected from 115 respondents to evaluate the applicability of the implemented CBR recommender system in relation to how the system provides best practice recommendations and retaining of smart city initiatives. Results from descriptive and exploratory factor analyses suggest that the developed system is applicable in supporting smart city adoption. Besides, findings from this study are expected to provide valuable insights for practitioners to develop more practical strategies and for researchers to better understand smart city dimensions.
Hazardous Postoperative Outcomes of Unexpected COVID‐19 Infected Patients: A Call for Global Consideration of Sampling all Asymptomatic Patients Before Surgical Treatment
Authors: Nahshon Chen , Bitterman Arie , Haddad Riad , Hazzan David , Lavie Ofer
Published: May 2020

Background

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the cause of many pneumonia cases in China and eventually declared as a pandemic as the virus spread globally. Few reports were published on the outcome of surgical procedures in diagnosed COVID‐19 patients and even fewer on the surgical outcomes of asymptomatic undiagnosed COVID‐19 surgical patients. We aimed to review all published data regarding surgical outcomes of preoperatively asymptomatic untested coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients.

Methods

This report is a review on the perioperative period in COVID‐19 patients who were preoperatively asymptomatic and not tested for COVID‐19. Searches were conducted in PubMed April 4th, 2020. All publications, of any design, were considered for inclusion.

Results

Four reports were identified through our literature search, comprising 64 COVID‐19 carriers, of them 51 were diagnosed only in the postoperative period. Synthesis of these reports, concerning the postoperative outcomes of patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 during the perioperative period, suggested a 14/51 (27.5%) postoperative mortality rate and severe mostly pulmonic complications, as well as medical staff exposure and transmission.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 may have potential hazardous implications on the perioperative course. Our review presents results of unacceptable mortality rate and a high rate of severe complications. These observations warrant further well‐designed studies, yet we believe it is time for a global consideration of sampling all asymptomatic patients before surgical treatment.
Neurogeriatrics—a vision for improved care and research for geriatric patients with predominating neurological disabilities
Authors: Jacobs Andreas H. , Emmert Kirsten , Baron Ralf , Bartsch Thorsten , Bauer Juergen , Becker Clemens , Berg Daniela , Bergmann Philipp , Boetzel Kai , Bollheimer Cornelius , Deuschl Guenther , Djukic Marija , Drey Michael , Durwen Herbert , Ebersbach Georg , Elshehabi Morad , Geritz Johanna , Gisinger Christoph , Guennewig Thomas , Hauptmann Bjoern , Heppner Hans-Juergen , Hobert Markus A. , Hofmann Werner , Huellemann Philipp , Jahn Klaus , Klucken Jochen , Kurth Roland , Lindner Reinhard , Lingor Paul , Lukas Albert , Maetzold Sara , Mokrusch Thomas , Mollenhauer Brit , Nau Roland , Plate Annika , Polidori Maria Cristina , Prell Tino , Schellinger Peter , Spira Dominik , Stephani Ulrich , Studt Simone , Trenkwalder Claudia , Unger Heinz L. , Urban Peter , von Arnim Christine A. F. , Warnecke Tobias , Weiss Michael , Wiedemann Andreas , Wirth Rainer , Witt Karsten , Dodel Richard , Maetzler Walter
Published: May 2020

Geriatric medicine is a rapidly evolving field that addresses diagnostic, therapeutic and care aspects of older adults. Some disabilities and disorders affecting cognition (e.g. dementia), motor function (e.g. stroke, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathies), mood (e.g. depression), behavior (e.g. delirium) and chronic pain disorders are particularly frequent in old subjects. As knowledge about these age-associated conditions and disabilities is steadily increasing, the integral implementation of neurogeriatric knowledge in geriatric medicine and specific neurogeriatric research is essential to develop the field. This article discusses how neurological know-how could be integrated in academic geriatric medicine to improve care of neurogeriatric patients, to foster neurogeriatric research and training concepts and to provide innovative care concepts for geriatric patients with predominant neurological conditions and disabilities.
Moderate acute alcohol use impairs intentional inhibition rather than stimulus-driven inhibition
Authors: Liu Yang , Grasman Raoul P. P. P. , Wiers Reinout W. , Ridderinkhof K. Richard , van den Wildenberg Wery P. M.
Published: May 2020

Moderate alcohol intake may impair stimulus-driven inhibition of motor actions in go/no-go and stop-signal tasks. Exposure to alcohol-related cues has been found to exacerbate this impairment. By contrast, the effect of alcohol use on intentional inhibition, or the capacity to voluntarily suspend an action, has rarely been investigated. We examined whether and how moderate alcohol intake affects stimulus-driven inhibition (stop-signal task) and intentional inhibition (chasing bottles task), during exposure to alcohol-related stimuli. One hundred and eleven participants were randomly assigned to an alcohol (male: 0.55 g/kg, female: 0.45 g/kg), placebo, or control group. For the stop-signal task, ANOVAs were performed on stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) and go RT with Pharmacological and Expectancy Effects of Alcohol, Stimulus Category (alcohol-related or neutral), and Sex as factors. For the chasing bottles task, multilevel survival analysis was performed to predict whether and when intentional inhibition was initiated, with the same factors. For the stop-signal task, Sex moderated the Pharmacological Effect of Alcohol on SSRT: only for females, alcohol consumption shortened SSRT. In the non-alcohol groups, males had shorter SSRT than females. Concerning intentional inhibition, the alcohol group initiated intentional inhibition less often, especially when stimuli were non-alcohol related. These findings indicate that (1) stimulus-driven inhibition and intentional inhibition reflect different aspects of response inhibition; (2) moderate alcohol intake negatively affects intentional inhibition (but not stimulus-driven inhibition). Speculatively, the observed impairment in intentional inhibition might underlie the lack of control over alcohol drinking behavior after a priming dose. This study highlights the potential role of intentional inhibition in the development of addiction.
Rapid response in the COVID-19 pandemic: a Delphi study from the European Pediatric Dialysis Working Group
Authors:   On behalf of the European Pediatric Dialysis Working Group, Eibensteiner Fabian , Ritschl Valentin , Ariceta Gema , Jankauskiene Augustina , Klaus Günter , Paglialonga Fabio , Edefonti Alberto , Ranchin Bruno , Schmitt Claus Peter , Shroff Rukshana , Stefanidis Constantinos J. , Walle Johan Vande , Verrina Enrico , Vondrak Karel , Zurowska Aleksandra , Stamm Tanja , Aufricht Christoph
Published: May 2020

Background

COVID-19 was declared a global health emergency. Since children are less than 1% of reported cases, there is limited information to develop evidence-based practice recommendations. The objective of this study was to rapidly gather expert knowledge and experience to guide the care of children with chronic kidney disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A four-round multi-center Delphi exercise was conducted among 13 centers in 11 European countries of the European Pediatric Dialysis Working Group (EPDWG) between March, 16th and 20th 2020. Results were analyzed using a mixed methods qualitative approach and descriptive statistics.

Results

Thirteen COVID-19 specific topics of particular need for guidance were identified. Main themes encompassed testing strategies and results (n = 4), changes in use of current therapeutics (n = 3), preventive measurements of transmission and management of COVID-19 (n = 3), and changes in standard clinical care (n = 3). Patterns of center-specific responses varied according to regulations and to availability of guidelines.

Conclusions

As limited quantitative evidence is available in real time during the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, qualitative expert knowledge and experience represent the best evidence available. This Delphi exercise demonstrates that use of mixed methodologies embedded in an established network of experts allowed prompt analysis of pediatric nephrologists’ response to COVID-19 during this fast-emerging public health crisis. Such rapid sharing of knowledge and local practices is essential to timely and optimal guidance for medical management of specific patient groups in multi-country health care systems such as those of Europe and the US.
Species determination and phylogenetic relationships of the genus Betula inferred from multiple chloroplast and nuclear regions reveal the high methyl salicylate-producing ability of the ancestor
Authors: Singewar Kiran , Moschner Christian R. , Hartung Eberhard , Fladung Matthias
Published: May 2020

Key message

The investigation provides initial knowledge on the distribution and evolution of the high and low methyl salicylate-producing trait in the Betula genus. Mislabelled birch species could be identified and removed.

The genus Betula is the largest group of ecologically and economically dominant perennial woody plants in subalpine forests. The taxonomy of Betula is complex due to an extensive history of hybridization and periodic introgression events among the species. Although almost all land plants including birches produce methyl salicylate (MeSA) as a signaling molecule and in response to stress (“low MeSA producer”), some birch species produce high amounts of MeSA in the leaves and bark (“high MeSA producer”). Unfortunately, the evolution of high levels of MeSA production in the genus Betula remains unclear. The salicylic acid-binding protein 2 (SABP2) and salicylic acid methyltransferase (SAMT) genes involved in MeSA biosynthesis were incorporated into this study to examine the interspecific relationship of high and low MeSA-producing birches. Additionally, eight chloroplast and three nuclear regions were included to evaluate their potential application in species determination. The analysis resulted in 25 and 61 nucleotide variations, respectively, which allowed for a visualization of the genetic architecture in the 18 Betula species investigated. The high MeSA-producing B. lenta, B. grossa, and B. alleghaniensis formed the basal clade in the phylogenetic analysis, thus revealing their ancestral status, and the network analysis postulates that the diploid B. lenta is one of the ancestors of the genus Betula. The results indicate that the ability to produce high levels of MeSA that were initially present in the genus has been lost several times during its evolution. Placing species of the subgenus Acuminata alongside the subgenus Betula, together with a fragrance analysis, questions their ability to produce high levels of MeSA.
Freiräume als Orte der Begegnung
Authors: Räuchle Charlotte , Berding Ulrich
Published: May 2020

Die Relevanz von Begegnungen in öffentlichen Räumen für das gesellschaftliche Zusammenleben in urbanen Quartieren und die Bedeutung der Gestaltung des Stadtraums sind viel diskutierte Themen in Stadtforschung und -planung. Meist werden die damit verbundenen Chancen, über solche Begegnungen die Akzeptanz gesellschaftlicher Vielfalt zu steigern, und die damit verbundenen Herausforderungen, die öffentliche Räume als Orte gesellschaftlicher Konflikte mit sich bringen können, kritisch gegenübergestellt und gegeneinander abgewogen. Obwohl also ein breites Wissen über öffentliche Räume als Orte der Begegnung besteht, ist es dennoch notwendig, seine Gültigkeit immer wieder in Bezug auf bestimmte lokale Kontexte zu überprüfen. Am Beispiel des superdiversen hannoverschen Quartiers Sahlkamp-Mitte kontrastiert der Artikel die der Freiraumgestaltung zugrunde liegenden planerischen Ideen mit alltäglichen Erfahrungen vom Zusammenleben der Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner. Es zeigt sich, dass hier Diskrepanzen bestehen und auch „organisierte Begegnungen“ im Freiraum einen produktiven Beitrag zum „guten Zusammenleben“ im Quartier leisten können.
Effects of Two-Dimensional Steep Hills on the Performance of Wind Turbines and Wind Farms
Authors: Liu Luoqin , Stevens Richard J. A. M.
Published: May 2020

We use large-eddy simulations with an immersed boundary method to study the performance of wind turbines and wind farms in hilly terrain. First, we analyze the performance of wind turbines in the vicinity of a two-dimensional hill. For turbines that are significantly taller than the hill, the performance improves as the flow speeds up over the hill. For turbines that have approximately the same or a smaller height than the hill, the impact of the hill on the turbine performance depends on the positioning of the turbine in relation to the hill. For these turbines, the performance is better at the hilltop. However, the power production of these turbines is reduced due to blockage effects when they are placed at the base of the hill. The performance of turbines placed on the windward side of the hill is well predicted by superimposing the wind-turbine wake profile for the flat terrain on the hilly-terrain flow field. In contrast, we show that this approach is invalid when the turbine is placed on the leeward side of the hill where flow separation occurs. Subsequently, we consider wind farms with a hill in the middle. The hill wake is very pronounced due to which the performance of turbines located behind and close to the hill is mainly determined by the flow dynamics induced by the hill instead of the wind-turbine wakes. Finally, we study a wind farm located between two hills. We find that, for this particular configuration, there is a unique turbine spacing that maximizes the wind-farm power production in the valley.
Patients’ perceptions of 70-gene signature testing: commonly changing the initial inclination to undergo or forego chemotherapy and reducing decisional conflict
Authors: van Steenhoven Julia E. C. , den Dekker Bianca M. , Kuijer Anne , van Diest Paul J. , Nieboer Peter , Zuetenhorst Johanna M. , Imholz Alex L. Th. , Siesling Sabine , van Dalen Thijs
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Little is known about the impact of 70-gene signature (70-GS) use on patients’ chemotherapy decision-making. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 70-GS use on patients’ decisions to undergo chemotherapy. The perceived decision conflict during decision-making was a secondary objective of the study.

Methods

Patients operated for estrogen receptor positive early breast cancer were asked to fill out a questionnaire probing their inclination to undergo chemotherapy before deployment of the 70-GS test. After disclosure of the 70-GS result patients were asked about their decision regarding chemotherapy. Patients’ decisional conflict was measured using the 16-item decisional conflict scale (DCS); scores < 25 are associated with a persuaded decision while a score > 37.5 implies that one feels unsure about a choice.

Results

Between January 1th 2017 and December 31th 2018, 106 patients completed both questionnaires. Before deployment of the 70-GS, 58% of patients (n = 62) formulated a clear treatment preference, of whom 21 patients (34%) changed their opinion on treatment with chemotherapy following the 70-GS. The final decision regarding chemotherapy was in line with the 70-GS result in 90% of patients. The percentage of patients who felt unsure about their preference to be treated with chemotherapy decreased from 42 to 5% after disclosure of the 70-GS. The mean total DCS significantly decreased from pre-test to post-test from 35 to 23, irrespective of the risk estimate (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Deployment of the 70-GS changed patients’ inclination to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy in one third of patients and decreased patients’ decisional conflict.
Mental Imagery in Social Anxiety in Children and Young People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chapman Jennifer , Halldorsson Brynjar , Creswell Cathy
Published: May 2020

Current cognitive models of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults indicate that negative self-images play a pivotal role in maintaining the disorder. However, little is known about the role of negative imagery in the maintenance of social anxiety for children and young people. We systematically reviewed studies that have investigated the association between imagery and social anxiety in children and young people. Four databases were searched for ‘social anxiety’ and related terms (including ‘social phobia’ and ‘performance anxiety’) combined with ‘imagery’, ‘representation*’, and ‘observer perspective’. The nine studies that met the inclusion criteria provided some evidence that children and young people with higher social anxiety report more negative, observer’s perspective images, and some evidence to support the cognitive models of SAD’s conceptualisation of imagery. Only two studies included samples with pre-adolescent children. The literature is limited by a number of methodological issues, including inconsistencies in, and a lack of good psychometric measures for, imagery in children and young people. More conclusive evidence is needed to develop significant and robust conclusions.
Technological Change and Catching-Up in the Indian Banking Sector: A Time-Dependent Nonparametric Frontier Approach
Authors: Mallick Sushanta , Rughoo Aarti , Tzeremes Nickolaos G. , Xu Wei
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates whether there has been any improvement in efficiency convergence of banks in India during the post-reform period considering bank ownership structures, using a balanced panel for 73 banks over the time period 1996–2014. Utilizing nonparametric frontier estimators, we compute time-dependent bank efficiency scores, which allow us to examine the dynamics of technological frontier and catch-up levels of Indian banks, and to explore the convergence patterns in the estimated efficiency levels. Our results signify that the state-owned banks, which dominate the banking activity in India, establish themselves as the best performers, ahead of the private, foreign and cooperative banks during post-2005. Even during the recent global financial crisis period, we find that bank efficiency levels increased, except for foreign banks which have had the greatest adverse impact. The convergence results show that heterogeneity is present in bank efficiency convergence, which points to the presence of club formation suggesting that Indian banks’ efficiency convergence is partly driven by the ownership structure.
Relationships between the clinical characteristics and copy numbers of DNA of cytomegalovirus determined by real-time PCR
Authors: Yoshimura Ayano , Araki-Sasaki Kaoru , Toyokawa Noriko , Fujiwara Rho , Jho Nobuo , Gomi Fumi
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To determine whether there is a correlation between the clinicals characteristics including various types of keratic precipitates and the copy numbers of the DNA of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in eyes with CMV corneal endotheliitis.

Methods

We reviewed the medical charts of four cases of corneal endotheliitis that were CMV-positive. We have classified types of clinical phenomenon into four types: coin-shaped KPs, sectoral corneal edema with or without Khodadoust line-like KPs, mutton-fat KPs, and fine KPs and have graded their severity. We also determined the copy numbers of the DNA of CMV in the aqueous humor by real-time polymerase chain reaction before and during the treatment. We evaluated the correlation between the patterns of clinical characteristics and copy number of the DNA of CMV.

Results

There were clinical improvements in all eyes following topical ganciclovir in conjunction with low dose of topical steroid treatment, with or without oral valganciclovir. The clinical characteristics and the copy numbers of the DNA of CMV varied during the treatment period. The presence of coin-shaped KPs was correlated with high copy numbers (105–103 copies/ml) of the DNA of CMV. The copy numbers of the DNA of CMV with sectoral corneal edema with or without Khodadoust line-like KPs ranged from 104 to 102 copies/ml, and it was occasionally accompanied by high intraocular pressure. Mutton-fat KPs were observed inferiorly, sometimes together with coin-shaped KPs and sectoral corneal edema, or solely. The copy numbers in eyes with mutton-fat KPs varied and occasionally less than the cutoff level. Fine-pigmented KPs were observed after the resolution of the endotheliitis, and no DNA of CMV was detected in the aqueous humor.

Conclusions

Careful observations of the clinical characteristics such as the KPs and corneal edema might be helpful in estimating the amount of the DNA of CMV in eyes with corneal endotheliitis.
From Storage to Disposal: a Holistic Microbotanical Approach to Domestic Plant Preparation and Consumption Activities in Late Minoan Gypsades, Crete
Authors: García-Granero Juan José , Hatzaki Eleni , Tsafou Evgenia , Ayala Gianna , Serpetsidaki Ioanna , Bogaard Amy
Published: May 2020

The analysis of microbotanical remains (starch grains and phytoliths) from food-related domestic contexts and artefacts has the potential to provide insights into daily plant preparation and consumption activities. In particular, pottery vessels offer an unparalleled comparative framework for the study of food preparation and consumption, since pottery is used for a variety of domestic food-related activities, including storage, processing and serving. This study illustrates the potential of microbotanical remains to provide a holistic approach to the plant food preparation and consumption cycle—from storage to disposal—through the analysis of starch grains and phytoliths from Late Minoan storage, cooking and serving vessels recently uncovered at the Knossian ‘neighbourhood’ of Lower Gypsades. The results show that starch grains and phytoliths are more abundant and diverse in cooking vessels, presumably reflecting a higher deposition of microbotanical remains as a result of the disturbance caused by cooking. The results further offer insights into Minoan storage and cooking practices at Gypsades, suggesting that cereals were stored de-husked in pithoi and, possibly, in palm leaf baskets, and later cooked together with non-staple plants. The virtual absence of microbotanical remains from serving vessels may be due to depositional factors and/or the fact that some of the vessels analysed in this study were used for serving/consuming liquids or animal products, and not plants.
The brittle-to-ductile transition in cold-rolled tungsten sheets: the rate-limiting mechanism of plasticity controlling the BDT in ultrafine-grained tungsten
Authors: Bonnekoh Carsten , Reiser Jens , Hartmaier Alexander , Bonk Simon , Hoffmann Andreas , Rieth Michael
Published: May 2020

Conventionally produced tungsten (W) sheets are brittle at room temperature. In contrast to that, severe deformation by cold rolling transforms W into a material exhibiting room-temperature ductility with a brittle-to-ductile transition (BDT) temperature far below room temperature. For such ultrafine-grained (UFG) and dislocation-rich materials, the mechanism controlling the BDT is still the subject of ongoing debates. In order to identify the mechanism controlling the BDT in room-temperature ductile W sheets with UFG microstructure, we conducted campaigns of fracture toughness tests accompanied by a thermodynamic analysis deducing Arrhenius BDT activation energies. Here, we show that plastic deformation induced by rolling reduces the BDT temperature and also the BDT activation energy. A comparison of BDT activation energies with the trend of Gibbs energy of kink-pair formation revealed a strong correlation between both quantities. This demonstrates that out of the three basic processes, nucleation, glide, and annihilation, crack tip plasticity in UFG W is still controlled by the glide of dislocations. The glide is dictated by the mobility of the screw segments and therefore by the underlying process of kink-pair formation. Reflecting this result, a change of the rate-limiting mechanism for plasticity of UFG W seems unlikely, even at deformation temperatures well below room temperature. As a result, kink-pair formation controls the BDT in W over a wide range of microstructural length scales, from single crystals and coarse-grained specimens down to UFG microstructures.
Genome-wide identification of the ARF (auxin response factor) gene family in peach and their expression analysis
Authors: Diao Donghui , Hu Xiao , Guan Dan , Wang Wei , Yang Haiqing , Liu Yueping
Published: May 2020

Auxin response factors (ARFs) are important transcription factors to relay auxin signaling. From the Genome Database for Rosaceae (GDR), we identified 17 peach ARF genes (PpARFs) encoding the proteins with three conserved domains. Their gene structure and functional domains were analyzed. Their transcriptional response to exogenous auxin treatment was tested and confirmed. We also expressed PpARF-GFP fusion reporters in tobacco leaves and observed their nuclear localization by fluorescence microscopy. It has been known that ARFs are widely involved in fruit development. We compared the expression pattern of all PpARFs in different tissues including the fruits at different developmental stages of two peach cultivars, “melting” and “stony hard”. We found eight PpARFs were more highly expressed in the “melting” peaches compared to “stony hard” peaches, while three PpARFs were more highly expressed in “stony hard” peaches. Among them, the expression difference of PpARF4, PpARF7 and PpARF12 was large, and their function in regulating fruit development and fruit quality was discussed. Our work provides a basis for further exploring the mechanisms underlying auxin regulated peach fruit ripening.
SNP marker development in Pinus sylvestris L. in stress-responsive genes characterized from Pinus cembra L. transcriptomes
Authors: Köbölkuti Zoltán A. , Tóth Endre Gy. , Jahn Daniela , Heinze Berthold , Höhn Mária
Published: May 2020

Massively parallel sequencing of cDNA is an efficient route for generating sequence collections that represent expressed genes under different environmental control. The analysis of their sequence helps in developing molecular markers, such as SNPs, which represent a useful tool in detecting adaptive signals in populations. In this study novel PCR markers, based on stress responsive genes, were designed from the transcriptome of the haploxylon Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) and tested for SNPs in the diploxylon Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). 84 primers were tested on P. sylvestris DNA samples originating from three different types of habitat. After sequencing and BLAST search of the amplified products, parts of 19 different candidate genes were analysed by considering the polymorphic sites, insertions/deletions as well as synonymous and non-synonymous SNPs. In a total of 3735 sites no indels, eight synonymous and 11 non-synonymous SNPs were found. By providing de novo molecular markers developed in P. cembra and tested for transferability in Scots pine, our results give support for the use of de novo markers targeting conserved regions across different pines. The SNPs detected may have important applications in further studies of adaptive genetic variation, providing tools to study relevant genes important in the long-term adaptation of pine species.
Evaluation of the Presence of Methane in Złoczew Lignite: Comparison with Other Lignite Deposits in Poland
Authors: Macuda Jan , Baran Paweł , Wagner Marian
Published: May 2020

Catastrophic cases of methane explosion during exploratory drilling within the Bełchatów ortholignite deposit have led to testing for methane in other Polish ortholignite mining areas, as well as in the Złoczew deposit, where it is planned to begin mining operations. Initial tests have shown Złoczew lignite to have the highest methane content among the Polish deposits so far studied, comparable with lignite from the Bełchatów deposit, with a methane capacity in excess of 2.5 dcm3/kg at a pressure of 10 bar. Based on the computed values of the Langmuir constant, a determination was made of the quantity of methane that can be desorbed from a pressure of 10 bar to 1 bar, as well as the residual methane content. For all of the tested samples, the residual methane content is between 30 and 50% of the sorption capacity at a pressure of 10 bar. The thermal sorption equations were used to compute values of the limiting isosteric heat of adsorption. Higher values of the heat of adsorption at zero surface capacity may indicate the presence of a small quantity of micro-pores. In the case of the samples with the highest sorption capacity, the limiting isosteric heats of adsorption are low, indicating a low proportion of micro-pores in the lignite. This was confirmed by tests of nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. The proportion of micro-pores in the studied lignites is 2–3%, while the dominant pore fraction is the meso-pores, which in lignite from the Złoczew and Bełchatów deposits account for 50–66% of total pores. It is concluded that the significant adsorption of methane in the ortholignite occurs chiefly in meso-pores because of compression of the gas under increased orogenic pressure. A link is made between the higher methane-bearing capacity of the ortholignite deposits and the degree of gelification of the huminite components, based on simple statistical correlations between the methane sorption capacity and the content of humic gelified maceral. The results concerning methane sorption in lignite from the Złoczew deposit have enabled a preliminary classification of the methane-bearing capacity of Polish ortholignite deposits, which may also be of significance for similar deposits in other countries.
A survey of the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy members’ research involvement, and associated enablers and barriers
Authors: Stewart Derek , Paudyal Vibhu , Cadogan Cathal , Hazen Ankie , Okuyan Betul , Lutters Monika , Henman Martin , Fialová Daniella
Published: May 2020

Background Building research capacity of European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) members aligns to the organisation’s aim of advancing research. Objective To determine members’ aspirations and needs in research training and practice, and to explore ways in which ESCP could provide support. Setting ESCP’s international membership. Method Cross-sectional survey of members in 2018, followed by focus groups with samples of respondents attending an ESCP symposium. Survey items were: research activities; interests, experience and confidence; and Likert statements on research conduct. Principal component analysis (PCA) clustering of Likert statements from a previous study was used, with scores for each component calculated. Focus groups discussed barriers to research and how ESCP could provide support. Data analysis involved collating and comparing all themes. Main outcome measures Research interest, experience and confidence; attitudinal items; barriers to research; ESCP support. Results The response rate was 16.7% (83/499), with 89.2% (n = 74) involved in research and 79.5% (n = 66) publishing research in the preceding 2 years. While overwhelmingly positive, responses were more positive for research interest than experience or confidence. PCA component scores (support/opportunities, motivation/outcomes, and roles/characteristics) were positive. Thirteen members participated in focus groups, identifying barriers of: insufficient collaboration; lack of knowledge, skills, training; unsupportive environment; insufficient time; and limited resources. ESCP could support through mentorship, collaboration, education and funding. Conclusion Study participants were highly active, interested, experienced, confident and positive regarding research. There is an opportunity for ESCP to harness these activities and provide support in the form of mentoring, education and training, and facilitating collaboration.
Stem taper functions for Betula platyphylla in the Daxing’an Mountains, northeast China
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Khurram , Hussain Amna , Burkhart Harold E. , Li Fengri , Jiang Lichun
Published: May 2020

Accurate prediction of stem diameter is an important prerequisite of forest management. In this study, an appropriate stem taper function was developed for upper stem diameter estimation of white birch (Betula platyphylla Sukaczev) in ten sub-regions of the Daxing’an Mountains, northeast China. Three commonly used taper functions were assessed using a diameter and height dataset comprising 1344 trees. A first-order continuous-time error structure accounted for the inherent autocorrelation. The segmented model of Max and Burkhart (For Sci 22:283–289, 1976. 10.1093/forestscience/22.3.283) and the variable exponent taper function of Kozak (For Chron 80:507–515, 2004. 10.5558/tfc80507-4) described the data accurately. Owing to its lower multicollinearity, the Max and Burkhart (1976) model is recommended for diameter estimation at specific heights along the stem for the ten sub-regions. After comparison, the Max and Burkhart (1976) model was refitted using nonlinear mixed-effects techniques. Mixed-effects models would be used only when additional upper stem diameter measurements are available for calibration. Differences in region-specific taper functions were indicated by the method of the non-linear extra sum of squares. Therefore, the particular taper function should be adjusted accordingly for each sub-region in the Daxing’an Mountains.