bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variability, community structure, and horizontal transfer of endosymbionts among three Asia II‐Bemisia tabaci mitotypes in Pakistan
Authors: Paredes‐Montero Jorge R. , Zia‐Ur‐Rehman Muhammad , Hameed Usman , Haider Muhammad Saleem , Herrmann Hans‐Werner , Brown Judith K.
Published: February 2020

Endosymbionts associated with the whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic species are known to contribute to host fitness and environmental adaptation. The genetic diversity and population complexity were investigated for endosymbiont communities of B. tabaci occupying different micro‐environments in Pakistan. Mitotypes of B. tabaci were identified by comparative sequence analysis of the mitochondria cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene sequence. Whitefly mitotypes belonged to the Asia II‐1, ‐5, and ‐7 mitotypes of the Asia II major clade. The whitefly–endosymbiont communities were characterized based on 16S ribosomal RNA operational taxonomic unit (OTU) assignments, resulting in 43 OTUs. Most of the OTUs occurred in the Asia II‐1 and II‐7 mitotypes (r2 = .9, p < .005), while the Asia II‐5 microbiome was less complex. The microbiome OTU groups were mitotype‐specific, clustering with a basis in phylogeographical distribution and the corresponding ecological niche of their whitefly host, suggesting mitotype‐microbiome co‐adaptation. The primary endosymbiont Portiera was represented by a single, highly homologous OTU (0%–0.67% divergence). Two of six Arsenophonus OTUs were uniquely associated with Asia II‐5 and ‐7, and one occurred exclusively in Asia II‐1, two only in Asia II‐5, and one in both Asia II‐1 and ‐7. Four other secondary endosymbionts, Cardinium, Hemipteriphilus, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia OTUs, were found at ≤29% frequencies. The most prevalent Arsenophonus OTU was found in all three Asia II mitotypes (55% frequency), whereas the same strain of Cardinium and Wolbachia was found in both Asia II‐1 and ‐5, and a single Hemipteriphilus OTU occurred in Asia II‐1 and ‐7. This pattern is indicative of horizontal transfer, suggestive of a proximity between mitotypes sufficient for gene flow at overlapping mitotype ecological niches.
MOTEDAS century: A new high‐resolution secular monthly maximum and minimum temperature grid for the Spanish mainland (1916–2015)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hidalgo José Carlos , Peña‐Angulo Dhais , Beguería Santiago , Brunetti Michele
Published: February 2020

Information was retrieved from the Annual Climate Summaries (ACS) on average monthly temperatures in Spain for the period 1916–1949, and combined with the digitalized data from the National Climate Data Bank of the Spanish meteorological service (AEMET) to create the new MOTEDAS_century (MOnthly Temperature Dataset of Spain) database of mean monthly maximums (Tmax) and minimums (Tmin). This database was used to calculate a high‐resolution (10 × 10 km) grid that allowed to make a detailed analysis of the temporal evolution of temperature in Spain during the period 1916–2015. Over the period, mean Tmax increased by 1.2°C, while Tmin increased by 1.0°C (this ratio is reversed in the second half of the century). In the last 30 years, however, mean annual Tmax and Tmin trends have not been significant. There are some differences between the new mean annual maximum and minimum temperature series and previous versions, which seem to arise from the much higher number of weather stations analysed, their location and the processing used. There is a discussion on the improved spatial representativeness of the new MOTEDAS_century that provides a more detailed representation of the spatial variability of temperatures in continental Spain.
Desertification affecting the Tibetan Plateau between 1971–2015: viewed from a climate perspective
Authors: Cuo Lan , Zhang Yongxin , Wu Yongqiu , Hou Mei
Published: February 2020

Our understanding of desertification on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is limited. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap by examining desertification and the underlying climatic factors between 1971–2015 on the TP using a dynamic vegetation model and observation‐based gridded climate data. Four factors including precipitation, days with above the threshold wind, simulated vegetation fractional plant coverage and soil moisture (SM) in 0–40 cm depth are employed for the spatiotemporal desertification analyses. Simulated plant functional types and SM are evaluated against the observations. By referencing the existing desertification maps in 1977, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2015, the thresholds of the four factors are determined, and the temporally continuous annual areas of four types of desertification are reconstructed. The Qaidam Basin and Ngari Desert are successfully identified by the above approach. The reduction of total desertification since 2000 is also consistent with national desertification surveys. Climate variation exerts the dominant control on desertification on the TP where population density is low, of which precipitation is the most important climate factor. Moderate but consecutive drought events correspond to the greatest desertification. During 1971–2015, the average total desertification area is 418,329 km2; among the four types of desertification, moderate desertification occupies the largest area (253,088 km2), followed by light desertification (105,583 km2) and extremely severe desertification (30,019 km2); severe desertification has the least coverage (17,597 km2). This approach can also be applied in the other regions given sufficient meteorological and ecological data.
Quad‐port ring dielectric resonator based MIMO radiator with polarization and space diversity
Authors: Dwivedi Ajay K. , Sharma Anand , Singh Ashutosh K. , Singh Vivek
Published: February 2020

In this communication, quad port MIMO antenna is designed and examined. It is designed by ring shaped ceramic material. The main attribute of proposed analysis are: (a) dual radiating modes are created in the ring shaped ceramic resonator, that is, HE11δ and HE12δ mode with the assistance of pentagon ring shaped aperture; (b) with the help of polarization and space diversity, the mutual coupling is lower than −20 dB among the ports; and (c) ring shaped ceramics provides better bandwidth performance as compare to cylindrical shaped ceramic. Measured results of fabricated protytpe confirms that the proposed radiator functions over two frequency ranges, that is, 2.45 to 2.75 GHz and 4.8 to 5.75 GHz. The value of ECC is also within the limit. All these features make the radiator applicable for wireless local area network (2.4 GHz) and WiMAX (2.5/5.1 GHz) applications.
Needle‐free cervical cancer treatment using helical multishield intracavitary rotating shield brachytherapy with the 169Yb Isotope
Authors: Hopfensperger Karolyn M. , Adams Quentin , Kim Yusung , Wu Xiaodong , Xu Weiyu , Patwardhan Kaustubh , Thammavong Bounnak , Caster Joseph , Flynn Ryan T.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To assess the capability of an intracavitary 169Yb‐based helical multishield rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) delivery system to treat cervical cancer. The proposed RSBT delivery system contains a pair of 1.25 mm thick platinum partial shields with 45° and 180° emission angles, which travel in a helical pattern within the applicator.

Methods

A helically threaded tandem applicator with a 45° tandem curvature containing a helically threaded catheter was designed. A 0.6 mm diameter 169Yb source with a length of 10.5 mm was simulated. A 37‐patient treatment planning study, based on Monte Carlo dose calculations using MCNP5, was conducted with high‐risk clinical target volumes (HR‐CTVs) of 41.2–192.8 cm3 (average ± standard deviation of 79.9 ± 35.8 cm3). All patients were assumed to receive 25 fractions of 1.8 Gy of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) before receiving 5 fractions of high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (HDR‐BT). For each patient, 192Ir‐based intracavitary (IC) HDR‐BT, 192Ir‐based intracavitary/interstitial (IC/IS) HDR‐BT using a hybrid applicator with eight IS needles, and 169Yb‐based RSBT plans were generated.

Results

For the IC, IC/IS, and RSBT treatment plans, 38%, 84%, and 86% of the plans, respectively, met the planning goal of an HR‐CTV D90 (minimum dose to hottest 90%) of 85 GyEQD2 (α/β = 10 Gy). Median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) treatment times for IC, IC/IS, and RSBT were 11.71 (6.62, 15.40) min, 68.00 (45.02, 80.02) min, and 25.30 (13.87, 35.39) min, respectively. 192Ir activities ranging from 159.1–370 GBq (4.3–10 Ci) and 169Yb activities ranging from 429.2–999 GBq (11.6–27 Ci) were used, which correspond to the same clinical ranges of dose rates at 1 cm off‐source‐axis in water. Extra needle insertion and planning time beyond that needed for intracavitary‐only approaches was accounted for in the IC/IS treatment time calculations.

Conclusion

169Yb‐based RSBT for cervical cancer met the HR‐CTV D90 goal of 85 Gy in a greater percentage of the patients considered than IC/IS (86% vs 84%, respectively) and can reduce overall treatment time relative to IC/IS. 169Yb‐based RSBT could be used to replace IC/IS in instances where IC/IS treatment is not available, especially in instances when HR‐CTV volumes are ≥30 cm3.
Three‐Dimensional GRE T1ρ mapping of the brain using tailored variable flip‐angle scheduling
Authors: Johnson Casey P. , Thedens Daniel R. , Kruger Stanley J. , Magnotta Vincent A.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To introduce a new approach called tailored variable flip‐angle (VFA) scheduling for SNR‐efficient 3D T1ρ mapping of the brain using a magnetization‐prepared gradient‐echo sequence.

Methods

Simulations were used to assess the relative SNR efficiency, quantitative accuracy, and spatial blurring of tailored VFA scheduling for T1ρ mapping of brain tissue compared with magnetization‐prepared angle‐modulated partitioned k‐space spoiled gradient‐echo snapshots (MAPSS), a state‐of‐the‐art technique for accurate 3D gradient‐echo T1ρ mapping. Simulations were also used to calculate optimal imaging parameters for tailored VFA scheduling versus MAPSS, without and with nulling of CSF. Four participants were imaged at 3T MRI to demonstrate the feasibility of tailored VFA scheduling for T1ρ mapping of the brain. Using MAPSS as a reference standard, in vivo data were used to validate the relative SNR efficiency and quantitative accuracy of the new approach.

Results

Tailored VFA scheduling can provide a 2‐fold to 4‐fold gain in the SNR of the resulting T1ρ map as compared with MAPSS when using identical sequence parameters while limiting T1ρ quantification errors to 2% or less. In vivo whole‐brain 3D T1ρ maps acquired with tailored VFA scheduling had superior SNR efficiency than is achievable with MAPSS, and the SNR efficiency improved with a greater number of views per segment.

Conclusions

Tailored VFA scheduling is an SNR‐efficient GRE technique for 3D T1ρ mapping of the brain that provides increased flexibility in choice of imaging parameters compared with MAPSS, which may benefit a variety of applications.
Impact of industrialization, urbanization, and financial development on energy consumption: Empirical evidence from India
Authors: Sahoo Malayaranjan , Sethi Narayan
Published: February 2020

This article examines the relationship between energy consumption, industrialization, urbanization, economic growth, and financial development in India from 1980 to 2017. The ARDL bound testing; Johansen & Juselius cointegration approach and Gregory & Hansen structural break cointegration technique confirm the long‐run relationship exists among variables. The result of long‐run analysis indicates that the industrialization, urbanization and economic growth play a vital role in increasing energy consumption in India. However, financial development indicates negative relation to energy consumption. The coefficient of error correction term is negative and statistically significant at 1% confidence level, it means last‐period's deviation from a long‐run equilibrium. It is clear from the results of Toda‐Yamamoto Causality, there is a unidirectional causality running from industrialization to energy consumption. However, there is bidirectional causality showing between energy consumption and urbanization, economic growth and energy consumption, and urbanization and Economic growth. Urbanization facilitates fuel switching, as decentralized rural energy sources like traditional wood‐burning are replaced by centralized energy sources. From the above findings, we argue that proper awareness should be made at the urban center regarding use of energy saving equipments and public infrastructure should be improved to harness the effect of urban agglomeration. As rapid development of energy intensive‐industries and economic activity in Indian economy, there is need of energy efficient technology in industry in order to reduce energy consumption.
A review on recent advances in sandwich structures based on polyurethane foam cores
Authors: Khan Tayyab , Acar Volkan , Aydin M. Raci , Hülagü Burak , Akbulut Hamit , Seydibeyoğlu M. Özgür
Published: February 2020

Sandwich composites with a polyurethane foam (PUF) core have become a versatile set of materials with applications ranging from basic construction elements to advanced engineering materials. This diverse range of applications has provided these sandwich materials with a distinctive position in today's engineering world. This review focuses on the broad research that has been carried out on PUF core‐based sandwich composites over the years—especially in the last decade. Thorough details have been presented focusing on basic PUF core sandwich structures, advanced PUF core sandwich composites with different kinds of reinforcements and complex structures such as hybrid sandwich panels. All the research presented here has been categorized carefully, such as the types of materials used in various studies, the types of reinforcements and testing techniques used, including mechanical, electrical, dynamic, thermal and acoustic methods etc. Comparisons have also been made based on similar materials, similar testing procedures and similar application areas. Research areas have been highlighted by giving a deep insight into the most promising research, manufacturing techniques and improvement procedures. Major consumption areas and application sectors for PUF core sandwich composites have also been discussed in this review. Finally, conclusions have been made based on the results found from a literature investigation.
Influence of MWCNTs in Improving the Optical, DC Conductivity, and Mechanical Properties of CMC/PAAM Blends
Authors: El‐Gamal Samy , El Sayed Adel M.
Published: February 2020

Enhancing the optical, electrical, and mechanical properties of polymeric materials, by blending with another material and doping with nano‐fillers, is crucial for improving their performance in optoelectronic, biological, and medical applications. In this work, the influence of adding multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the physical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose/polyacrylamide blends is reported. Scanning electron microscopy was used for investigating films' surface morphology and revealed good distribution of MWCNTs on the blend surface. UV–vis‐IR spectroscopy showed that absorption and refractive indices, and other dispersion parameters could be controlled by adjusting the films' compositions. Loading 2 wt% MWCNTs narrowed the optical bandgap of the blend from 5.1 to 4.1 eV. Doping with MWCNTs raised the DC conductivity by about two orders of magnitude by forming three‐dimensional pathways within the blend matrix. The storage modulus increased with MWCNTs loading by 39.3% for the 2 wt% ratio while decreasing with increasing temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:996–1005, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Doped hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon oxide layers for high‐efficiency c‐Si heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Zhao Yifeng , Mazzarella Luana , Procel Paul , Han Can , Yang Guangtao , Weeber Arthur , Zeman Miro , Isabella Olindo
Published: February 2020

Hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon oxide (nc‐SiOx:H) layers exhibit promising optoelectrical properties for carrier‐selective‐contacts in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. However, achieving high conductivity while preserving crystalline silicon (c‐Si) passivation quality is technologically challenging for growing thin layers (less than 20 nm) on the intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon ((i)a‐Si:H) layer. Here, we present an evaluation of different strategies to improve optoelectrical parameters of SHJ contact stacks founded on highly transparent nc‐SiOx:H layers. Using plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition, we firstly investigate the evolution of optoelectrical parameters by varying the main deposition conditions to achieve layers with refractive index below 2.2 and dark conductivity above 1.00 S/cm. Afterwards, we assess the electrical properties with the application of different surface treatments before and after doped layer deposition. Noticeably, we drastically improve the dark conductivity from 0.79 to 2.03 S/cm and 0.02 to 0.07 S/cm for n‐ and p‐contact, respectively. We observe that interface treatments after (i)a‐Si:H deposition not only induce prompt nucleation of nanocrystals but also improve c‐Si passivation quality. Accordingly, we demonstrate fill factor improvement of 13.5%abs from 65.6% to 79.1% in front/back‐contacted solar cells. We achieve conversion efficiency of 21.8% and 22.0% for front and rear junction configurations, respectively. The optical effectiveness of contact stacks based on nc‐SiOx:H is demonstrated by averagely 1.5 mA/cm2 higher short‐circuit current density thus nearly 1%abs higher cell efficiency as compared with the (n)a‐Si:H.
Coexistence of seizure with Wilson's disease: a systematic review
Authors: Ibrahim Wael
Published: February 2020

Wilson's disease is a rare autosomal recessive disease with worldwide prevalence of about 30 individuals per million population. It is caused by mutation in the ATP7B gene, resulting in malfunctioning ATP7B protein with subsequent copper deposition in brain, kidneys, cornea and other organs.1 Although early treatment of copper overload can be effective, long‐term de‐coppering therapy can result in epileptic seizures. Dr Ibrahim investigates the types, frequency and causes of seizures occurring concomitantly in patients with Wilson's disease.
New Indolyl‐Arylaminopropenone Conjugates: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic Inducing Studies
Authors: Adil Shareef Mohd , Ganapathi Thipparapu , Khan Irfan , Rani Sunitha , Rajanna Ajumeera , Akbar Syed , Kumar C. Ganesh , Babu Bathini Nagendra
Published: February 2020

In view of the antiproliferative potential of indoles and aryl amino propenones, a series of indolyl tethered aryl aminopropenones have been synthesized and investigated for their anti‐proliferative activity against selected human cancer cell lines. These compounds exhibited good to moderate activity against the tested cell lines. Among them, (Z)‐1‐(1‐(4‐chlorobenzyl)‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐3‐((3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)amino)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (6a) and (Z)‐1‐(1‐benzyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐3‐((3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)amino)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (6g) exhibited promising IC50 values of 2.3 μM and 1.9 μM, respectively, against MCF‐7 (human breast cancer cell line). The morphological studies indicated that compounds showed a dose dependent decrease of viable cells in MCF‐7 cell line. The flow cytometric analysis of these potential compounds revealed that they caused cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, Annexin‐V FITC study revealed that the potential compounds induced cell death by apoptosis. In addition, molecular docking studies of the most potential compounds provided insights about the binding interactions of the compounds with Bcl‐2 protein.
Nitrogen Doped γ‐Graphyne: A Novel Anode for High‐Capacity Rechargeable Alkali‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Chaofan , Qiao Chong , Chen Yang , Zhao Xueqi , Wu Lulu , Li Yong , Jia Yu , Wang Songyou , Cui Xiaoli
Published: February 2020

High energy density is the major demand for next‐generation rechargeable batteries, while the intrinsic low alkali metal adsorption of traditional carbon–based electrode remains the main challenge. Here, the mechanochemical route is proposed to prepare nitrogen doped γ‐graphyne (NGY) and its high capacity is demonstrated in lithium (LIBs)/sodium (SIBs) ion batteries. The sample delivers large reversible Li (1037 mAh g−1) and Na (570.4 mAh g−1) storage capacities at 100 mA g−1 and presents excellent rate capabilities (526 mAh g−1 for LIBs and 180.2 mAh g−1 for SIBs) at 5 A g−1. The superior Li/Na storage mechanisms of NGY are revealed by its 2D morphology evolution, quantitative kinetics, and theoretical calculations. The effects on the diffusion barriers (Eb) and adsorption energies (Ead) of Li/Na atoms in NGY are also studied and imine‐N is demonstrated to be the ideal doping format to enhance the Li/Na storage performance. Besides, the Li/Na adsorption routes in NGY are optimized according to the experimental and the first‐principles calculation results. This work provides a facile way to fabricate high capacity electrodes in LIBs/SIBs, which is also instructive for the design of other heteroatomic doped electrodes.
Engaging in science practices in classrooms predicts increases in undergraduates' STEM motivation, identity, and achievement: A short‐term longitudinal study
Authors: Starr Christine R. , Hunter Lisa , Dunkin Robin , Honig Susanna , Palomino Rafael , Leaper Campbell
Published: February 2020

Our short‐term longitudinal study explored undergraduate students' experiences with performing authentic science practices in the classroom in relation to their science achievement and course grades. In addition, classroom experiences (felt recognition as a scientist and perceived classroom climate) and changes over a 10‐week academic term in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) identity and motivation were tested as mediators. The sample comprised 1,079 undergraduate students from introductory biology classrooms (65.4% women, 37.6% Asian, 30.2% White, 25.1% Latinx). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), our hypothesized model was confirmed while controlling for class size and GPA. Performing science practices (e.g., hypothesizing or explaining results) positively predicted students' felt recognition as a scientist; and felt recognition positively predicted perceived classroom climate. In turn, felt recognition and classroom climate predicted increases over time in students' STEM motivation (expectancy‐value beliefs), STEM identity, and STEM career aspirations. Finally, these factors predicted students' course grade. Both recognition as a scientist and positive classroom climate were more strongly related to outcomes among underrepresented minority (URM) students. Findings have implications for why large‐format courses that emphasize opportunities for students to learn science practices are related to positive STEM outcomes, as well as why they may prove especially helpful for URM students. Practical implications include the importance of recognition as a scientist from professors, teaching assistants, and classmates in addition to curriculum that engages students in the authentic practices of science.
The effects of short‐term treatment of microcystin‐LR on the insulin pathway in both the HL7702 cell line and livers of mice
Authors: Huang Pu , Chen Kele , Ma Tianfeng , Cao Naifang , Weng Dengpo , Xu Chun , Xu Lihong
Published: February 2020

Our previous work indicated exposure of Human liver cell 7702 (HL7702) cells to Microcystin‐leucine‐arginine (MC‐LR) for 24 hours can disrupt insulin (INS) signaling by the hyperphosphorylation of specific proteins. For further exploring the time‐dependent effect posed by MC‐LR on this pathway, in the current study, HL7702 cells together with mice were exposed to the MC‐LR with different concentrations under short‐term treatment, and then, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity and expression of proteins related to INS signaling, as well as the characteristics of their action in the liver, were investigated. The results indicated, in HL7702 cells with 0.5, 1, and 6 hours of treatment by MC‐LR, PP2A activity showed an obvious decrease in a time and concentration‐dependent manner. While the total protein level of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK‐3), and glycogen synthase remained unchanged, GSK‐3 and Akt phosphorylation increased significantly. In livers of mice with 1 hour of intraperitoneal injection with MC‐LR, a similar change in these proteins was observed. In addition, the levels of total IRS1 and p‐IRS1 at serine sites showed decreasing and increasing trends,respectively, and the hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that liver tissues of mice in the maximum‐dose group exhibited obvious hepatocyte degeneration and hemorrhage. Our results further proved that short‐term treatment with MC‐LR can inhibit PP2A activity and disrupt INS signaling proteins' phosphorylation level, thereby interfering with the INS pathway. Our findings provide a helpful understanding of the toxic effects posed by MC‐LR on the glucose metabolism of liver via interference with the INS signaling pathway.
Transverse momentum dependent parton densities in a proton from the generalized DAS approach
Authors: Kotikov A. V. , Lipatov A. V. , Shaikhatdenov B. G. , Zhang P.
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We use the Bessel-inspired behavior of parton densities at small Bjorken x values, obtained in the case of the flat initial conditions for DGLAP evolution equations in the double scaling QCD approximation (DAS), to evaluate the transverse momentum dependent (TMD, or unintegrated) quark and gluon distribution functions in a proton. The calculations are performed analytically using the Kimber-Martin-Ryskin (KMR) prescription with different implementation of kinematical constraint, reflecting the angular and strong ordering conditions. The relations between the differential and integral formulation of the KMR approach is discussed. Several phenomenological applications of the proposed TMD parton densities to the LHC processes are given.
The local loop lemma
Authors: Olšák Miroslav
Published: February 2020

We prove that an idempotent operation generates a loop from a strongly connected digraph containing directed closed walks of all lengths under very mild (local) algebraic assumptions. Using the result, we reprove the existence of weakest non-trivial idempotent equations, and that a finite strongly connected digraph of algebraic length 1 compatible with a Taylor operation has a loop.
An Acoustic Characterization of Prosodic Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder and First-Degree Relatives
Authors: Patel Shivani P. , Nayar Kritika , Martin Gary E. , Franich Kathryn , Crawford Stephanie , Diehl Joshua J. , Losh Molly
Published: February 2020

This study examined prosody through characterization of acoustic properties of the speech of individuals with ASD and their parents, during narration. A subset of utterances were low-pass filtered and rated for differences in intonation, speech rate, and rhythm. Listener ratings were minimally related to acoustic measures, underscoring the complexity of atypical prosody in ASD. Acoustic analyses revealed greater utterance-final fundamental frequency excursion size and slower speech rate in the ASD group. Slower speech rate was also evident in the ASD parent group, particularly parents with the broad autism phenotype. Overlapping prosodic differences in ASD and ASD Parent groups suggest that prosodic differences may constitute an important phenotype contributing to ASD features and index genetic liability to ASD among first-degree relatives.
The Molecular Genetics of Life Satisfaction: Extending Findings from a Recent Genome-Wide Association Study and Examining the Role of the Serotonin Transporter
Authors: Lachmann Bernd , Doebler Anna , Sindermann Cornelia , Sariyska Rayna , Cooper Andrew , Haas Heidrun , Montag Christian
Published: February 2020

In a recent genome-wide association study (GWAS), three polymorphisms (rs3756290, RAPGEF6; rs2075677, CSE1L; rs4958581, NMUR2) were suggested as potentially being related to subjective-well-being and life satisfaction. Additionally, associations between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (serotonin transporter) and subjective well-being have been reported in other previous studies. In the current study, we therefore sought to further investigate the findings of the GWAS and examine the association between 5-HTTLPR and subjective well-being. A total of 1174 participants (821 females) were recruited and asked to provide information on their demographics, life satisfaction, and positive affect. All participants provided a genetic sample. We found associations between one SNP derived from the GWAS (rs4958581, NMUR2) and life satisfaction. We also replicated findings involving 5-HTTLPR and life satisfaction, but only for the housing, leisure and family life satisfaction variables, and not for overall life satisfaction or positive affect. Our study underlines that research investigating complex traits in the field of behavioral genetics is challenging due to their (a) pleiotropic and (b) polygenic effects, resulting in tiny effect sizes of each marker investigated. The current study also highlights the importance of investigating genetic markers of distinct areas of life satisfaction.
NFKB2 gene expression in patients with peptic ulcer diseases and gastric cancer
Authors: Marta Żebrowska-Nawrocka , Agnieszka Wosiak , Jacek Pietrzak , Jeleń Agnieszka , Adrian Krygier , Dagmara Szmajda-Krygier , Sałagacka-Kubiak Aleksandra , Balcerczak Ewa
Published: February 2020

Gastric cancer is one of the most common worldwide types of cancer. It is a multifactorial disease and both environmental and genetic factors play an important role in its etiology. Evaluation of the relative expression level of NFKB2 gene in two groups of patients: peptic ulcer and gastric cancer and its role in the pathomechanism of these diseases was the aim of this study. RNA was isolated from: 79 samples of peptic ulcer, 22 gastric cancer and 11 control tissue. The real-time PCR technique was used to study the expression of NFKB2 gene. The relative expression level of NFKB2 gene was a variable in all three studied groups. The relative NFKB2 gene expression depends on the type of a disease. Peptic ulcer cases showed the increased relative NFKB2 gene expression to control group (p = 0.0000). Cancer cases presented decreased relative NFKB2 gene expression to normal stomach tissue (p = 0.0183). There are statistically important differences in the investigated gene expression between peptic ulcer, where the expression level is higher comparing to gastric cancer and control tissue which confirmed that such an activation is connected with an inflammatory process. The relative expression level of NFKB2 is decreased in cancer cases as opposed to control tissue and peptic ulcer cases which could suggest that during carcinogenesis of gastric cancer inhibition of NF-kB pathway takes place which could be a promising factor for patients.
Eight Priorities for Improving Primary Care Access Management in Healthcare Organizations: Results of a Modified Delphi Stakeholder Panel
Authors: Rubenstein Lisa , Hempel Susanne , Danz Margie , Rose Danielle , Stockdale Susan , Curtis Idamay , Kirsh Susan
Published: February 2020

Objective

To identify priorities for improving healthcare organization management of patient access to primary care based on prior evidence and a stakeholder panel.

Background

Studies on healthcare access show its importance for ensuring population health. Few studies show how healthcare organizations can improve access.

Methods

We conducted a modified Delphi stakeholder panel anchored by a systematic review. Panelists (N = 20) represented diverse stakeholder groups including patients, providers, policy makers, purchasers, and payers of healthcare services, predominantly from the Veterans Health Administration. A pre-panel survey addressed over 80 aspects of healthcare organization management of access, including defining access management. Panelists discussed survey-based ratings during a 2-day in-person meeting and re-voted afterward. A second panel process focused on each final priority and developed recommendations and suggestions for implementation.

Results

The panel achieved consensus on definitions of optimal access and access management on eight urgent and important priorities for guiding access management improvement, and on 1–3 recommendations per priority. Each recommendation is supported by referenced, panel-approved suggestions for implementation. Priorities address two organizational structure targets (interdisciplinary primary care site leadership; clearly identified group practice management structure); four process improvements (patient telephone access management; contingency staffing; nurse management of demand through care coordination; proactive demand management by optimizing provider visit schedules), and two outcomes (quality of patients’ experiences of access; provider and staff morale). Recommendations and suggestions for implementation, including literature references, are summarized in a panelist-approved, ready-to-use tool.

Conclusions

A stakeholder panel informed by a pre-panel systematic review identified eight action-oriented priorities for improving access and recommendations for implementing each priority. The resulting tool is suitable for guiding the VA and other integrated healthcare delivery organizations in assessing and initiating improvements in access management, and for supporting continued research.
Prediction of CBR Value of Fine Grained Soils of Bengal Basin by Genetic Expression Programming, Artificial Neural Network and Krigging Method
Authors: Alam Sk Kamrul , Mondal Abhijit , Shiuly Amit
Published: February 2020

For designing of pavements, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value is an important parameter which is used to determine the strength of the subgrade soils. However, it is to be mentioned that, CBR test is tedious and laborious. Thus, in the present paper an attempt has been made to develop relationships between CBR and various soil index properties such as specific gravity (G), coefficient of uniformity (Cu), coefficient of curvature (Cc), liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), plasticity index (PI), optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) for alluvial soil in West Bengal, India. Empirical relationships have been proposed for both soaked and un-soaked CBR values as a function of these soil index properties by Genetic Expression Programing (GEP). Further, the same index properties have been used to predict CBR values by artificial neural network (ANN) and krigging method. The results clearly reveals that the GEP and ANN and krigging methods can be successfully used for predicting both the soaked and un-soaked CBR values by using the index properties of soil. Moreover, the developed relationships have been compared with the past available relationships. Furthermore, a multi objective optimization has been carried out for getting maximum CBR values.
Integrated Geological and Geophysical Approach to Reservoir Modeling: Case Study of Jambi Sub-basin, Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Haris Abdul
Published: February 2020

Integrated geological and geophysical investigations were successfully performed for reservoir modeling in an oil field in the Jambi Province sub-basin, Sumatra, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to characterize the oil reservoir in terms of its petrophysical properties using a facies model that is based on an integrated geological and geophysical approach. The reservoir target of this study is located in the Air Benakat Formation, which is identified with a thickness of 3 to 20 m and is deposited in a depth range of 1300–1500 m. The reservoir modeling of Air Benakat Formation is carried out to open a new discovery for this field, since the comprehensive reservoir modeling has not been intensively performed. Structurally, the reservoir is segmented into three compartments by four main faults, and stratigraphic investigations revealed three prospect layers. In the present framework of the depositional environment, assessments of well log data included formation evaluations, well log data correlations and sequence stratigraphy, were performed to produce high-resolution features of vertical and lateral distributions. In addition, seismic data were interpreted to guide the structural model, and to effectively construct a three-dimensional (3D) geological framework of reservoir properties. The modeled reservoir shows that the reservoir is primarily considered a transition zone to a shallow marine deposit, which is specifically located in a submarine fan channel with a plain/moderately steep angle of its sedimentation base. Depositional environments are generally characterized by the potential paleocurrent direction within the channel axis from NE to SW, with respective agreement from larger scale porosity and net/gross models.
Uncertainties in GPS-based operational orbit determination: A case study of the Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites
Authors: Kuchynka P. , Martin Serrano M.A. , Merz K. , Siminski J.
Published: February 2020

The European Space Operations Centre currently operates five Copernicus Sentinel satellites in the framework of Europe’s Copernicus Earth observation programme. The routine operations rely on a daily orbit determination, carried out on-ground, consisting in a least-squares fit of a dynamical model to GPS navigation solutions generated on-board. The purpose of this paper is the estimation of realistic uncertainties on this daily determined state vector. By comparison with the orbit derived by Precise Orbit Determination, we estimate the 1-sigma errors at approximately 0.5m and 0.5mm/s. Non-stationary errors in the navigation solution preclude their characterisation with a constant covariance matrix. Error whitening is achieved by decreasing the signal-to-noise ratio in the errors through the use of underestimated weights on the data. The approach keeps the errors on the derived state vector unchanged and allows the covariance on the state vector to become realistic.
Radiocarbon simulation fails to support the temporal synchroneity requirement of the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis
Authors: Jorgeson Ian A. , Breslawski Ryan P. , Fisher Abigail E.
Published: February 2020

Fine-scale temporal processes, such as the synchronous deposition of organic materials, can be challenging to identify using14C datasets. While some events, such as volcanic eruptions, leave clear evidence for synchronous deposition, synchroneity is more difficult to establish for other types of events. This has been a source of controversy regarding14C dates associated with a hypothesized extraterrestrial impact at the Younger Dryas Boundary (YDB). To address this controversy, we first aggregate14C measurements from Northern Hemisphere YDB sites. We also aggregate14C measurements associated with a known synchronous event, the Laacher See volcanic eruption. We then use a Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the magnitude of variability expected in a14C dataset associated with a synchronous event. The simulation accounts for measurement error, calibration uncertainty, “old wood” effects, and laboratory measurement biases. The Laacher See14C dataset is consistent with expectations of synchroneity generated by the simulation. However, the YDB14C dataset is inconsistent with the simulated expectations for synchroneity. These results suggest that a central requirement of the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis, synchronous global deposition of a YDB layer, is extremely unlikely, calling into question the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis more generally.
Estimating the fiscal impact of three vaccination strategies in Italy
Authors: Ruggeri Matteo , Di Brino Eugenio , Cicchetti Americo
Published: February 2020

Objectives

When assessing the economic value of vaccines, decision makers should adopt a full societal perspective. One approach for estimation of the fiscal impact of a disease is to use the human capital method to determine productivity losses. The aim of this study was to test an analytical framework developed for the estimation of the fiscal impacts of vaccination programs for influenza (FLU), pneumococcus (PC), and herpes zoster (HZ), in Italy.

Methods

We tested the framework in a two-stage analysis. First, we estimated the fiscal impact of the disease, second we performed a cost–benefit analysis of the individual benefits of vaccination against the cost of the vaccine. To estimate the fiscal impact of the diseases, the human capital approach was used. Epidemiological data were extrapolated from the literature. A Monte Carlo simulation enabled exploration of the uncertainty in the model variables.

Results

For FLU, assuming 2.1 million people infected, the total expected impact was EUR 999,371,520; the estimated fiscal impact was EUR 159,563,520. For PC, assuming 90,000 people infected, the total impact was EUR 148,055,040 and the estimated fiscal impact was EUR 23,639,040. For HZ, assuming 6,400 people infected, the total impact was EUR 4,777,200, with EUR 630,000 resulting from a decrease in fiscal taxation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our work shows how traditional methods aimed at estimating the cost of illness from a social perspective can be improved by additionally considering the fiscal impact, which accounts for the decrease in fiscal revenues due to illness.
Developing policies for adult sexual minorities with mental health needs in secured settings
Authors: Arguello Juan Carlos
Published: February 2020

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people are more likely to be disproportionally placed in a secured setting such jails, prisons, and forensic hospitals. These settings can be traumatizing, hostile, and dangerous—especially for those who are suffering from mental illness. Administrators are encouraged to develop institutional policies that undoubtedly include that LGBT residents should be free of discrimination, victimization, and abuse. LGBT residents should have equal access to safe housing, vocational programs, rehabilitation services, as well as medical and mental health treatments. Several organizations provide guidelines to ensure that LGBT residents are protected. This article provides a general roadmap for developing LGBT policies in secured settings synergizing the recommendations of some of these organizations with emphasis on policy guidelines for transgender people that are not only standards for good care but also very cost-effective interventions that can help reduce symptoms of mental illness for this population.
Zoonotic pathogens in urban animals: Enough research to protect the health of the urban population?
Authors: Lindahl Johanna , Magnusson Ulf
Published: February 2020

With more than half of the global population living in cities, the urban areas are also teeming with animals, including peridomestic wildlife, pets, and livestock. Urban animals may carry zoonotic pathogens, and crowded conditions in cities can increase the risk for the human population. We used a systematic approach to screen two publication databases as well as gray literature, and quantified the studies conducted on zoonoses in urban animals with respect to the geographic distribution, the host animal and pathogens. Out of 876 references found, 93 were included into final data extraction. Few studies were from the rapidly expanding cities in low- and middle-income countries where urban livestock-keeping is far more prominent than in high-income countries. Most studies were performed in peridomestic wildlife and pets, less in livestock. The most common category of pathogens studied were gastrointestinal parasites followed by gastrointestinal bacteria, whereas studies on some other zoonoses internationally recognized as critical for public health were few or absent. In conclusion, to mitigate the risks of emergence of zoonoses from urban animals this review highlights the research gaps on zoonoses, particularly in livestock in rapidly growing tropical cities and a more comprehensive inclusion of pathogens prioritized by WHO and OIE.
Why don’t some cuisines travel? Charting palm oil’s journey from West African staple to Malayan chemical
Authors: Pakiam Geoffrey Kevin
Published: February 2020

This study uses food as a lens to examine three historical phenomena: globalization’s limits, the rise of plantation-centric monocultures, and the resilience of social norms within migrant societies. The article scrutinizes the West African oil palm’s initial journey to, and reception within, the Malay Peninsula, one of the world’s largest exporters of palm oil by the end of the twentieth century. The article pays special attention to changes in the crop’s perceived food value during the interwar years, a facet overlooked by earlier scholarship. Five different migrant groups in Malaya – planter households, Asian cooks, colonial officials, government chemists, and estate labourers – played critical roles in transforming palm oil into a crop purely for industrial purposes, rather than subsistence. The peculiarities of Malaya’s social context are further sharpened by comparisons with Latin America and West Africa, where different clusters of migrants propagated the oil palm’s subsistence cultures, instead of shunning them.
Transnationalism and insurrection: independence committees, anti-colonial networks, and Germany’s global war
Authors: Jenkins Jennifer , Liebau Heike , Schmid Larissa
Published: February 2020

This article analyses the Indian, Persian, and Algerian–Tunisian independence committees and their place in Germany’s ‘programme for revolution’, Berlin’s attempt to instigate insurrection across the British, French, and Russian empires during the First World War. The agency of Asian and North African activists in this programme remains largely unknown, and their wartime collaboration in Germany is an under-researched topic in the histories of anti-colonial activism. This article explores the collaboration between the three committees, highlighting their strategic relationships with German officials and with each other. Criticizing the Eurocentric framings still present in studies of wartime strategy, it contributes to a growing historiography on the war as a global conflict. It argues that the independence committees were central actors in Germany’s programme, that the transnationalism of the pre-1914 anti-colonial movements both imprinted Germany’s programme and was furthered by it, and that only a comparative perspective exploring the interactions of its anti-colonial activists fully grasps the global scope of this topic.
Decolonization, the Cold War, and Africans’ routes to higher education overseas, 1957–65
Authors: Burton Eric
Published: February 2020

From the late 1950s, Africans seeking higher education went to a rapidly increasing number of destinations, both within Africa and overseas. Based on multi-sited archival research and memoirs, this article shows how Africans forged and used new routes to gain access to higher education denied to them in their territories of origin, and in this way also shaped scholarship policies across the globe. Focusing on British-ruled territories in East Africa, the article establishes the importance of African intermediaries and independent countries as hubs of mobility. The agency of students and intermediaries, as well as official responses, are examined in three interconnected cases: the clandestine ‘Nile route’ from East Africa to Egypt and eastern Europe; the ‘airlifts’ from East Africa to North America; and the ‘exodus’ of African students from the Eastern bloc to western Europe. Although all of these routes were short-lived, they transformed official scholarship provisions, and significantly shaped the postcolonial period in the countries of origin.
Gesundheitskompetenz – eine Übersicht
Authors: Rička Regula
Published: February 2020

Zusammenfassung. Aufgrund der steigenden Lebenserwartung werden gesunde Lebensjahre im Alter immer wichtiger. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit wird das Konzept der Gesundheitskompetenz und ihre Messung vorgestellt. Weiter werden Ansätze zur Förderung der Gesundheitskompetenz aufgezeigt und Vergleiche von Ansätzen aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz gemacht.