bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of glycerol and sorbitol on the mechanical and barrier properties of films based on pea protein isolate produced by high‐moisture extrusion processing
Authors: Faust Sophia , Foerster Julian , Lindner Martina , Schmid Markus
Published: November 2021

Disposable food packaging accounts for a large proportion of the plastic waste in the environment. Bio‐based and biodegradable alternatives could help to reduce plastic pollution but must perform similarly to current synthetic materials. Here, we investigated the effect of two plasticizers (glycerol and sorbitol) on the mechanical and barrier properties of films composed of extruded pea protein isolate. We evaluated physical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, moisture content, surface energy, residence time distribution, and gas barrier properties as a function of plasticizer concentration. The flexibility and workability of the films generally increased with higher concentrations of the plasticizer. The residence time distribution (RTD) showed that sorbitol mixtures remained in the extruder longer than glycerol mixtures, exacerbating the loss of quality. Glycerol films generally retained more moisture than sorbitol films and the tensile strength declined with increasing glycerol content, but the elongation at break increased. The polar fraction of the surface energy increased with higher concentrations of sorbitol, indicating that sorbitol is more polar than the pea protein isolate. In terms of barrier properties, both the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) were higher for films plasticized with sorbitol. Specifically, the OTR for sorbitol‐plasticized films at 50% (vol/vol) was 519 cm3*100 μm/(m2*d*bar) compared to 300 cm3*100 μm/(m2*d*bar) for the glycerol‐plasticized films, and the WVTR for sorbitol‐plasticized films at 50% (vol/vol) was 2633 g*100 μm/(m2*d) compared to 895 g*100 μm/(m2*d) for the glycerol‐plasticized films. For both plasticizers, the WVTR increased with increasing plasticizer concentration. In contrast, the OTR declined with increasing glycerol concentrations, whereas no trend was observed for sorbitol. Our study shows that pea protein isolate is suitable for the manufacture of bio‐based films and confirms that plasticizers influence the resulting mechanical and barrier properties. Further research is necessary to optimize the properties of the films.
Protecting the Texas electric grid: A cybersecurity strategy for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)
Authors: Stanaland Les , Baldick Ross , Cardenas Alvaro , Holmes Jennifer
Published: November 2021

The electrical system serves as the fundamental base of a country's economic activity, and is a likely target for cyberattacks. As the modern economy continues its evolution towards greater digitization and interconnectedness, policymakers must outline and enforce regulations protecting those critical assets, without which the economy would suffer. The Texas Interconnection, due to being independently operated, and to a large‐extent legislated by the state of Texas, enjoys a simpler regulatory environment than its counterparts in the rest of the contiguous 48 states. We exploit this relative independence to offer policy solutions to better protect Texas against a cyberattack on its electric grid. Specifically, ERCOT and the PUCT have the authority and ability to streamline and simplify the potentially confusing protocols enforced by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to make adoption more likely. We also discuss grant programs for smaller utilities and the role of cyber‐insurance in helping utilities navigate the difficulties in understanding the protocols so that compliance can occur.
Impacts of climate change on water provisional services in Tungabhadra basin usingInVESTModel
Authors: Bejagam Vijaykumar , Keesara Venkata Reddy , Sridhar Venkataramana
Published: November 2021

Water is one of the most important ecosystem services because it is essential for food and energy production. The Tungabhadra basin, located in peninsular India, has a variety of challenges, including inter‐basin water‐sharing issues, low agricultural productivity and value, and rising need for renewable energy production. The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) water yield model is used to analyze the consequences of climate change on water related services such as water yield and hydropower generation in the densely populated Tungabhadra basin. The impact of climate change on water supply services is studied for the period 1971–2000 as well as the future period 2021–2040. The model is calibrated using streamflow data collected at the Bawapuram gauge station in Telangana and there is a strong correlation between observed and simulated flow. The water yield for the entire basin declined by 33 and 50% under the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, respectively. The RCP 4.5 scenario reduces hydropower production and its Net Present Value (NPV) by 41 to 59%, whereas the RCP 8.5 scenario reduces production and NPV by 56 to 67%. The assessment of ecosystem services at the catchment scale revealed that the basin could be vulnerable to climate change due to a dramatic drop in ecosystem services. The methodology developed in this study can be applied to other river basins where quantifying ecosystem services is critical.
Degradation of Aqueous Quinoline Using Persulfate Activated by γ‐Fe2O3@Carbon Composites and Enhanced by UV Irradiation
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Ye Ziyu , Liao Fengzhen , Xie Shuhan , Ye Lanmei , Wang Yongjing , Wang Yonghao , Huang Jian , Liu Yifan
Published: November 2021

In this study, the ultraviolet (UV) enhanced γ‐Fe2O3@Carbon composite (γ‐Fe2O3@C) persulfate (PS) activation system was successfully constructed for quinoline degradation. Quinoline can be effectively degraded with the removal efficiency of 99 % and TOC removal efficiency of 86 % in 60 min at pH 7.5 due to the increased contribution of SO4.− and .OH caused by the assistance of UV irradiation in the γ‐Fe2O3@C/PS system. Control experiments showed that the quinoline removal efficiency might be primarily restricted by the limited PS dosage and the system had a wide pH application range of 3∼11, good tolerance and strong anti‐interference ability. In the presence of the reactive oxygen species (SO4.−, .OH and 1O2), quinoline was first decomposed into formic acid, aniline, ethylbenzene and other intermediate products through hydroxylation, oxidative dehydrogenation and ring‐opening reactions and then most of them were mineralized into carbon dioxide and water eventually.
Glucose‐Assisted Synthesis of Hierarchical HZSM‐5 for Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Cellulose to Aromatics
Authors: Yang Kongyan , Zhou Feng , Ma Huixia , Yu Lihua , Wu Guang
Published: November 2021

Hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolites have been successfully synthesized via an introduction of pre‐formed ZSM‐5 precursors and glucose‐assisted method. The influence of the amounts of glucose on the zeolite's characteristics of crystallinity, morphology, pore, and acidity of the HZSM‐5 zeolites were studied detailedly. The synthesized material showed a high mesoporous surface area (164.4–182.7 m2/g) and volume (0.14–0.15 m3/g), while the total acidity amount decreased slightly and Brønsted acidity amount increased. Amongst hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolites samples, the highest aromatic yield of 43.3 % was obtained, more than the yields of the traditional ZSM‐5 (36.3 %). The increase of mesoporousity is the main reason for the increasing of aromatics yield and reducing of the amount of coke.
Fabrication of N,B‐codoped Graphene Aerogel/PPy Composites for Asymmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Xin Qing , Yu Jie , Lin Jun , Zang Yue
Published: November 2021

We report a facile, low‐cost approach to fabricate N, B‐codoped graphene aerogel/PPy composites for an asymmetric supercapacitor. The supercapacitor is based on the traditional sandwich‐like structure composed of NBGA@PPy‐TB as anode material and PPy‐TB as cathode material. Analysis of NBGA@PPy‐TB microstructure reveals that the PPy‐TB is successfully coated onto the NBGA. The 3D cross‐linked networking structures and heteroatom composition endow the NBGA@PPy‐TB electrode with high specific capacity (566 F/g at 1 A/g). The electrochemical properties of asymmetric all‐solid supercapacitor, such as capacitance, impedance, cycling stability, are discussed. The supercapacitor exhibits a fair specific capacity (160.3 F/g at 0.5 A/g).
General and Efficient Synthesis of Quinazolinones under CF3COOH Catalysis and Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Gao Zhenhua , Guo Huichuang , Guo Yongbiao , Zhu Xiaxia
Published: November 2021

We herein reported the general and facile synthesis of diffferently substituted quinazolinones by using ortho ester as C1 synthon and CF3COOH as the catalyst under solvent‐free conditions. That represents one of the most mild, practical and user‐friendly methodologies with easy‐separation procedure.
Simultaneously Optimizing the Number and Efficiency of Active Se Sites in Se‐Rich a‐MoSex Nanodot Cocatalysts for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Zhong Wei , Zhao Binbin , Yu Huogen , Fan Jiajie
Published: November 2021

MoSe2 as a cost‐effective cocatalyst is of huge interest for photocatalytic water splitting. However, the H2‐production activity of the bulk MoSe2 is still unsatisfactory because its interfacial H2‐generation rate is dominantly hindered by its insufficient and low‐efficiency Se sites. Herein, Se‐rich amorphous MoSex nanodots (a‐MoSex) as a novel H2‐evolution cocatalyst are fabricated onto TiO2 via a lactic acid‐induced hydrolysis pathway. The as‐synthesized a‐MoSex cocatalyst displays an ultrasmall and amorphous structure, especially Se‐rich property, which distinctly maximizes the number of active Se sites and optimizes H2‐production efficiency of Se atoms. Ultimately, the optimized a‐MoSex/TiO2(1 mL) photocatalyst delivers a superior H2‐evolution rate of 86.28 μmol h−1, which is about 76.4‐ and 2.5‐fold of the pure TiO2 and the crystalline MoSe2 modified‐TiO2 samples, respectively. Combined with the experimental investigations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the Se‐rich amorphous MoSex nanodots can not only effectively promote the photoexcited charge separation, but also achieve the simultaneous optimization of the number and H2‐evolution efficiency of active Se sites, thus actually improving photocatalytic H2‐production activity of TiO2. This work offers a new paradigm to simultaneously optimizing the number and efficiency of active Se sites for interfacial H2 evolution, which delivers an inspiration on constructing highly efficient cocatalysts for solar‐energy conversion.
Improvement of energy damage index bounds for circular reinforced concrete bridge piers under dynamic analysis
Authors: Amirchoupani Pouya , Abdollahzadeh Gholamreza , Hamidi Hamed
Published: November 2021

An improvement of energy damage index bounds for circular reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers under dynamic time history analysis is presented in this study. The energy‐based damage model has been defined as a ratio of hysteresis dissipation energy to input energy for performance evaluation of circular RC bridge pier systems. Based on the energy balance equation, the mentioned damage model can consider all energy aspects, including kinematic energy, strain energy, hysteresis energy, damping energy, and input energy. Additionally, the effect of ground motion duration, amplitude, and frequency content is appropriately considered in this damage model. For this purpose, the damage limit state bounds for two empirical RC bridge piers are statistically evaluated under the 22 far‐field ground motion sets of FEMA‐P695 for simulation of strong‐earthquake motion and consideration of record‐to‐record variability. First of all, appropriate validation between empirical and numerical fiber element models is implemented to estimate accurate results. Then, damage data at each performance level through strain limit states are collected by developing energy incremental dynamic analysis curves. Statistical results on collected damage data are presented in all performance levels to determine damage index bounds by the convolution of fragility curve distribution. Hence, five damage index bounds at five performance‐level are suggested, including very slight, slight, moderate, extensive, and complete damage. Finally, the effect of the other damping ratios on the modified energy damage model is carried out by using the beta coefficient in the formula. In the end, the modified energy damage model is compared with other damage indices to investigate the efficiency of the proposed damage model.
What Does Culturally Informed Literacy Instruction Look Like?
Authors: Kelly Laura Beth , Djonko‐Moore Cara
Published: November 2021

This article revisits a recently published, critical qualitative review of research on culturally informed literacy instruction in preschool and elementary school contexts. The original published review analyzed literacy instruction described as culturally relevant, culturally responsive, or culturally sustaining across 56 peer‐reviewed studies. In this article, we interpret the findings of that research review for teachers and suggest several broad lessons, with specific examples of their application in literacy classrooms, for effectively implementing these culturally informed approaches: (1) address the impact of your own identity, (2) know your students, and (3) transform your literacy curriculum with critical approaches.
Hormonal protocol used for cervical dilation in ewes does not affect morphological embryo quality but reduces recovery rate and temporarily alters gene expression
Authors: Santos Juliana Dantas Rodrigues , Batista Ribrio Ivan Tavares Pereira , Ungerfeld Rodolfo , Taira Augusto Ryonosuke , Espírito Santo Caroline Gomes do , Souza‐Fabjan Joanna Maria Gonçalves , Fernandes Daniel Andrews de Moura , Balaro Mário Felipe Alvarez , Cosentino Isabel Oliveira , Brair Viviane Lopes , Pinto Pedro Henrique Nicolau , Carvalho Ana Beatriz da Silva , Fonseca Jeferson Ferreira da , Brandão Felipe Zandonadi
Published: November 2021

Background

Information on the impact of hormonal protocols for cervical dilation on the quality of ovine embryos is scarce.

Methods

To compare the quality of embryos after cervical dilation protocol, ewes (n = 64) were allocated into either a treated group (100 μg estradiol benzoate intravenous and 0.12 mg cloprostenol intramuscularly, 12 hours before embryo collection plus 100 iu oxytocin intravenous 15 minutes before the collection procedure) or a control group (saline). Luteal function was analysed using ultrasonography and P4 measurement. Some collected embryos were frozen/thawed for gene expression, others were cultured in vitro, frozen/thawed for gene expression, and the remaining embryos were fixed for the apoptosis test (TUNEL test).

Results

The treatment reduced fluid (p=0.04) and structure (p=0.03) recovery rates, but the morphological quality, development stage, and apoptosis incidence of the embryos were not affected by treatment. The corpora lutea of the control group had greater blood perfusion (p = 0.002) and greater P4 concentrations at 6, 9, and 12 h after the treatment (p < 0.0001). The expression of BAX, BCL2, PRDX1, and HSP90 genes were not affected by the treatment. However, the embryos in the treated group had fewer NANOG and OCT4 transcripts than control embryos (p = 0.008; p = 0.006, respectively). After culture, there was no difference between the groups in any gene.

Conclusion

The hormonal protocol for cervical dilation reduced the efficiency of embryo collection. In addition, the treatment induced luteolysis and a transient alteration of embryo gene expression, however there were no detectable changes in embryo morphological quality, development stage, or incidence of apoptosis.
Analytical performance of Compton/Rayleigh signal ratio by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF): A potential methodological tool for sample differentiation
Authors: Mennickent Daniela , Castillo Rosario del Pilar , Araya Juan , Neira José Yamil
Published: November 2021

The high sensitivity Compton and Rayleigh X‐ray scattering signals can be used to gain valuable information on the chemical composition of various matrices, by exploiting the ratio of those signals as a function of the effective atomic number (Zeff). Neither total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) nor the effect of the experimental setup, including sample preparation, X‐ray excitation source selection, and band deconvolution procedure, has been assessed in this kind of approach. Here, a Compton/Rayleigh ratio and Zeff‐based TXRF method was set up and tested as an analytical tool for milk samples differentiation. The method was developed using a 90° scattering angle and assessed using different X‐ray excitation sources: a molybdenum tube (Mo Kα 17.5 KeV) and a tungsten tube (W Lα 8.5 KeV and W‐Brems 35 KeV). The evaluation of independent Compton and Rayleigh signals was performed by non‐Gaussian and Gaussian curve resolution methods, and both height and area‐based calculations were evaluated. Different sample preparation conditions were assessed. By using 11 standard materials, a calibration curve for Compton/Rayleigh ratio versus Zeff was established. The method was tested to determine the Zeff of milk samples, which enabled its use as a parameter to differentiate them. Good precisions were obtained with the Mo excitation source and the area‐based calculations, which allowed to differentiate undiluted milk samples by species, treatment, and fat content according to their Compton/Rayleigh ratio. This simple and rapid method has the potential to be used for the differentiation of various types of samples, including liquids, solids, and aerosols.
A falling magnetic monopole as a holographic local quench
Authors: Zenoni Nicolò , Auzzi Roberto , Caggioli Stefania , Martinelli Maria , Nardelli Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

Abstract

An analytic static monopole solution is found in global AdS4, in the limit of small backreaction. This solution is mapped in Poincaré patch to a falling monopole configuration, which is dual to a local quench triggered by the injection of a condensate. Choosing boundary conditions which are dual to a time-independent Hamiltonian, we find the same functional form of the energy-momentum tensor as the one of a quench dual to a falling black hole. On the contrary, the details of the spread of entanglement entropy are very different from the falling black hole case, where the quench induces always a higher entropy compared to the vacuum, i.e. ∆S > 0. In the propagation of entanglement entropy for the monopole quench, there is instead a competition between a negative contribution to ∆S due to the scalar condensate and a positive one carried by the freely propagating quasiparticles generated by the energy injection.
Survey of clinical practice pattern in Germany’s certified chest pain units
Authors: Breuckmann Frank , Settelmeier Stephan , Rassaf Tienush , Post Felix , Haerer Winfried , Bauersachs Johann , Mudra Harald , Voigtländer Thomas , Senges Jochen , Münzel Thomas , Giannitsis Evangelos
Published: November 2021

Background

We aimed to analyze the 2020 standard of care in certified German chest pain units (CPU) with a special focus on non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) through a voluntary survey obtained from all certified units, using a prespecified questionnaire.

Methods

The assessment included the collection of information on diagnostic protocols, risk assessment, management and treatment strategies in suspected NSTE-ACS, the timing of invasive therapy in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and the choice of antiplatelet therapy.

Results

The response rate was 75%. Among all CPUs, 77% are currently using the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/3‑h high-sensitive troponin protocol, and only 20% use the ESC 0/1‑h high-sensitive troponin protocol as a default strategy. Conventional ergometry is still the commonly performed stress test with a utilization rate of 47%. Among NSTEMI patients, coronary angiography is planned within 24 h in 96% of all CPUs, irrespective of the day of the week. Prasugrel is the P2Y12 inhibitor of choice in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but despite the impact of the ISAR-REACT 5 trial on selection of antiplatelet therapy, ticagrelor is still favored over prasugrel in NSTE-ACS. If triple therapy is used in NSTE-ACS with atrial fibrillation, it is maintained up to 4 weeks in 51% of these patients.

Conclusion

This survey provides evidence that Germany’s certified CPUs ensure a high level of guideline adherence and quality of care. The survey also identified areas in need of improvement such as the high utilization rate of stress electrocardiogram (ECG).
Towards an effective transnational regulation of AI
Authors: Gervais Daniel J.
Published: November 2021

Law and the legal system through which law is effected are very powerful, yet the power of the law has always been limited by the laws of nature, upon which the law has now direct grip. Human law now faces an unprecedented challenge, the emergence of a second limit on its grip, a new “species” of intelligent agents (AI machines) that can perform cognitive tasks that until recently only humans could. What happens, as a matter of law, when another species interacts with us, can be integrated into human minds and bodies, makes “real-world” decisions—not through human proxies, but directly—and does all this “intelligently”, with what one could call autonomous agency or even a “mind” of its own? The article starts from the clear premise that control cannot be exercised directly on AI machines through human law. That control can only be effected through laws that apply to humans. This has several regulatory implications. The article’s first discusses what, in any attempt to regulate AI machines, the law can achieve. Having identified what the law can do, the article then canvases what the law should aim to achieve overall. The article encapsulate its analysis in a list of both doctrinal and normative principles that should underpin any regulation aimed at AI machines. Finally, the article compares three transnational options to implement the proposed regulatory approach.
Effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on orthopedic trauma patients presenting in the emergency department of a maximum care hospital and level 1 trauma center
Authors: Frink M. , Ketter V. , Klama N. , Knauf T. , Betz S. , Ruchholtz S. , Aigner R.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

While overcrowding of emergency departments was often reported in the recent years, during the early phase of the pandemic, a reduction in patient numbers was seen. The aim of the current study was to describe the orthopedic trauma patient cohort presenting to the emergency department (ED) during the early pandemic period as compared to the cohort from the analogue time period 2019.

Materials and methods

A single-center case–control study was performed. All the consecutive orthopedic trauma patients > 12 years presenting to the ED were included. Patients in the same time period in 2019 served as the control group.

Results

Compared to 2019, in 2020, 33% less patients presented in the emergency department. Patients treated in 2020 were significantly older, significantly more often brought to ED by emergency medical services and significantly more often admitted. The number of fractures and diagnoses requiring surgical treatment decreased only slightly and the proportion of these patients among all the patients was significantly higher during the pandemic than in the control period. Furthermore, a higher percentage of polytrauma patients could be found in 2020 as well. Analysis of Manchester Triage System showed significantly less not urgent patients in 2020.

Conclusion

The present study shows a significant decline in the number of patients treated in the ED during the pandemic period but at the same time almost identical numbers of patients with fractures or diagnoses requiring surgical treatment. In the context of an overall decline in patient numbers, a stronger concentration on level 1 trauma centers seems to be evident during the pandemic.
Exploring the limits of conventional small-scale CHO fed-batch for accelerated on demand monoclonal antibody production
Authors: Mahé Amélie , Martiné Alexandra , Fagète Séverine , Girod Pierre-Alain
Published: November 2021

In the field of therapeutic antibody production, diversification of fed-batch strategies is flourishing in response to the market demand. All manufacturing approaches tend to follow the generally accepted dogma of increasing titer since it directly increases manufacturing output. While titer is influenced by the biomass (expressed as IVCD), the culture time and the cell-specific productivity (qP), we changed independently each of these parameters to tune our process strategy towards adapted solutions to individual manufacturing needs. To do so, we worked separately on the increase of the IVCD as high seeding fed-batch capacity. Yet, as intensified fed-batch may not always be possible due to limited facility operational mode, we also separately increased the qP with the addition of specific media additives. Both strategies improved titer by 100% in 14 days relative to the standard fed-batch process with moderate and acceptable changes in product quality attributes. Since intensified fed-batch could rival the cell-specific productivity of a conventional fed-batch, we developed novel hybrid strategies to either allow for acceptable seeding densities without compromising productivity, or alternatively, to push the productivity the furthest in order to reduce timelines.
Dysphagia aortica
Authors: Grimaldi Serena , Milito Pamela , Lovece Andrea , Asti Emanuele , Secchi Francesco , Bonavina Luigi
Published: November 2021

Background

Dysphagia aortica is an umbrella term to describe swallowing obstruction from external aortic compression secondary to a dilated, tortuous, or aneurysmal aorta. We performed a systematic literature review to clarify clinical features and outcomes of patients with dysphagia aortica.

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The terms “aortic dysphagia,” “dysphagia aortica,” “dysphagia AND aortic aneurysm” were matched. We also queried the prospectively updated database of our esophageal center to identify patients with aortic dysphagia referred for diagnosis and treatment over the past two decades.

Results

A total of 57 studies including 69 patients diagnosed with dysphagia aortica were identified, and one patient from our center was added to the database. The mean age was 72 years (range 22–98), and the male to female ratio 1.1:1. Of these 70 patients, the majority (n = 63, 90%) had an aortic aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or dissection. Overall, 37 (53%) patients received an operative treatment (81.1% a vascular procedure, 13.5% a digestive tract procedure, 5.4% both procedures). Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) accounted for 60% of all vascular procedures. The postoperative mortality rate was 21.2% (n = 7/33). The mortality rate among patients treated conservatively was 55% (n = 11/20). Twenty-six (45.6%) studies were deemed at a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

Dysphagia aortica is a rare clinical entity with high morbidity and mortality rates and no standardized management. Early recognition of dysphagia and a high suspicion of aortoesophageal fistula may be lifesaving in this patient population.
Prevalence of Masturbation and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Four European Countries
Authors: Fischer Nantje , Graham Cynthia A. , Træen Bente , Hald Gert Martin
Published: November 2021

Solitary sexual activity is a free, safe, and accessible way to experience sexual pleasure. Despite these advantages, research on masturbation in later life is highly understudied. Using data from a cross-sectional probability-based survey of 3816 European adults (mean age 67 years; range 60–75 years), we explored several sociodemographic, health, attitudinal, and sexual behavioral factors associated with reported masturbation frequency. Across all countries, between 41% and 65% of men and 27% and 40% of women reported any masturbation in the preceding month. Satisfaction with sexual activity and attitudes related to disapproval of sex without love were significant predictors of reported masturbation in almost all countries and in both genders. Age, education, self-perceived health, and depression were for the most part predictive of men’s reported masturbation, but not women’s. Generally, those believing sex is beneficial to older people were more likely to masturbate, while less permissive attitudes decreased the likelihood of reporting masturbation. To improve healthy sexual aging, misinformation about masturbation and sexual attitudes in older people need to be addressed.
Degradation of dibutyl phthalate by Paenarthrobacter sp. Shss isolated from Saravan landfill, Hyrcanian Forests, Iran
Authors: Shariati S. , Ebenau-Jehle C. , Pourbabaee A. A. , Alikhani H. A. , Rodriguez-Franco M. , Agne M. , Jacoby M. , Geiger R. , Shariati F. , Boll M.
Published: November 2021

Phthalic acid esters are predominantly used as plasticizers and are industrially produced on the million ton scale per year. They exhibit endocrine-disrupting, carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects on wildlife and humans. For this reason, biodegradation, the major process of phthalic acid ester elimination from the environment, is of global importance. Here, we studied bacterial phthalic acid ester degradation at Saravan landfill in Hyrcanian Forests, Iran, an active disposal site with 800 tons of solid waste input per day. A di-n-butyl phthalate degrading enrichment culture was established from which Paenarthrobacter sp. strain Shss was isolated. This strain efficiently degraded 1 g L–1 di-n-butyl phthalate within 15 h with a doubling time of 5 h. In addition, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, mono butyl phthalate, and phthalic acid where degraded to CO2, whereas diethyl hexyl phthalate did not serve as a substrate. During the biodegradation of di-n-butyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate was identified in culture supernatants by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In vitro assays identified two cellular esterase activities that converted di-n-butyl phthalate to mono-n-butyl phthalate, and the latter to phthalic acid, respectively. Our findings identified Paenarthrobacter sp. Shss amongst the most efficient phthalic acid esters degrading bacteria known, that possibly plays an important role in di-n-butyl phthalate elimination at a highly phthalic acid esters contaminated landfill.
The high-energy Sun - probing the origins of particle acceleration on our nearest star
Authors: Matthews S. A , Reid H. A. S. , Baker D. , Bloomfield D. S. , Browning P. K. , Calcines A. , Del Zanna G. , Erdelyi R. , Fletcher L. , Hannah I. G. , Jeffrey N. , Klein L. , Krucker S. , Kontar E. , Long D. M. , MacKinnon A. , Mann G. , Mathioudakis M. , Milligan R. , Nakariakov V. M. , Pesce-Rollins M. , Shih A. Y. , Smith D. , Veronig A. , Vilmer N.
Published: November 2021

As a frequent and energetic particle accelerator, our Sun provides us with an excellent astrophysical laboratory for understanding the fundamental process of particle acceleration. The exploitation of radiative diagnostics from electrons has shown that acceleration operates on sub-second time scales in a complex magnetic environment, where direct electric fields, wave turbulence, and shock waves all must contribute, although precise details are severely lacking. Ions were assumed to be accelerated in a similar manner to electrons, but γ-ray imaging confirmed that emission sources are spatially separated from X-ray sources, suggesting distinctly different acceleration mechanisms. Current X-ray and γ-ray spectroscopy provides only a basic understanding of accelerated particle spectra and the total energy budgets are therefore poorly constrained. Additionally, the recent detection of relativistic ion signatures lasting many hours, without an electron counterpart, is an enigma. We propose a single platform to directly measure the physical conditions present in the energy release sites and the environment in which the particles propagate and deposit their energy. To address this fundamental issue, we set out a suite of dedicated instruments that will probe both electrons and ions simultaneously to observe; high (seconds) temporal resolution photon spectra (4 keV – 150 MeV) with simultaneous imaging (1 keV – 30 MeV), polarization measurements (5–1000 keV) and high spatial and temporal resolution imaging spectroscopy in the UV/EUV/SXR (soft X-ray) regimes. These instruments will observe the broad range of radiative signatures produced in the solar atmosphere by accelerated particles.
Estimating heterogeneous policy impacts using causal machine learning: a case study of health insurance reform in Indonesia
Authors: Kreif Noemi , DiazOrdaz Karla , Moreno-Serra Rodrigo , Mirelman Andrew , Hidayat Taufik , Suhrcke Marc
Published: November 2021

Policymakers seeking to target health policies efficiently towards specific population groups need to know which individuals stand to benefit the most from each of these policies. While traditional approaches for subgroup analyses are constrained to only consider a small number of pre-defined subgroups, recently proposed causal machine learning (CML) approaches help explore treatment-effect heterogeneity in a more flexible yet principled way. Causal forests use a generalisation of the random forest algorithm to estimate heterogenous treatment effects both at the individual and the subgroup level. Our paper aims to explore this approach in the setting of health policy evaluation with strong observed confounding, applied specifically to the context of mothers’ health insurance enrolment in Indonesia. Comparing two health insurance schemes (subsidised and contributory) against no insurance, we find beneficial average impacts of enrolment in contributory health insurance on maternal health care utilisation and infant mortality, but no impact of subsidised health insurance. The causal forest algorithm identified significant heterogeneity in the impacts of contributory insurance, not just along socioeconomic variables that we pre-specified (indicating higher benefits for poorer, less educated, and rural women), but also according to some other characteristics not foreseen prior to the analysis, suggesting in particular important geographical impact heterogeneity. Our study demonstrates the power of CML approaches to uncover unexpected heterogeneity in policy impacts. The findings from our evaluation of past health insurance expansions can potentially guide the re-design of the eligibility criteria for subsidised health insurance in Indonesia.
CWENO Finite-Volume Interface Capturing Schemes for Multicomponent Flows Using Unstructured Meshes
Authors: Tsoutsanis Panagiotis , Adebayo Ebenezer Mayowa , Merino Adrian Carriba , Arjona Agustin Perez , Skote Martin
Published: November 2021

In this paper we extend the application of unstructured high-order finite-volume central-weighted essentially non-oscillatory (CWENO) schemes to multicomponent flows using the interface capturing paradigm. The developed method achieves high-order accurate solution in smooth regions, while providing oscillation free solutions at discontinuous regions. The schemes are inherently compact in the sense that the central stencils employed are as compact as possible, and that the directional stencils are reduced in size, therefore simplifying their implementation. Several parameters that influence the performance of the schemes are investigated, such as reconstruction variables and their reconstruction order. The performance of the schemes is assessed under a series of stringent test problems consisting of various combinations of gases and liquids, and compared against analytical solutions, computational and experimental results available in the literature. The results obtained demonstrate the robustness of the new schemes for several applications, as well as their limitations within the present interface-capturing implementation.
Brokerage trading volume and analysts’ earnings forecasts: a conflict of interest?
Authors: Lehmer Tiana , Lourie Ben , Shanthikumar Devin
Published: November 2021

Using unique new data, we examine whether brokerage trading volume creates a conflict of interest for analysts. We find that earnings forecast optimism is associated with higher brokerage volume, even controlling for forecast and analyst quality, recommendations, and target prices. However, forecast accuracy is also significantly associated with higher volume. When analysts change brokerage houses, they bring trading volume with them, influencing trading volume at the new brokerage. This indicates that analysts drive the volume effects we observe. Consistent with a reward for generating volume, brokerage houses are less likely to demote analysts who generate more volume. Finally, analysts strategically adjust forecast optimism based on expected volume impact. Analysts become more (less) optimistic if their optimistic forecasts in the prior year were more (less) successful at generating volume. However, consistent with higher costs to increasing accuracy, analysts do not update accuracy based on expected volume impact. Overall, our results are consistent with a brokerage trading volume conflict of interest moving analysts towards more optimistic earnings forecasts, despite the volume reward for accuracy.
The promise of refugee lifelong education: A critical review of the field
Authors: Morrice Linda
Published: November 2021

The increasing number of refugees, coupled with the protracted nature of refugee situations around the globe, underline the critical importance of refugee education. Since 2010, education has been one of the global strategic priorities of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), but much of the focus and resourcing has been on primary education and, to a lesser extent, secondary education. Recognition of the role of lifelong learning for refugees has been much slower, only recently entering into prominence in global documents and policies. For refugees, the hope and desire for education that will enable them to achieve sustainable and dignified livelihoods has always been a core part of their realities. Lifelong learning has the potential to provide the bridge between disrupted schooling and future aspirations of self-reliance and participation in society. This article situates the emerging agenda for refugee lifelong learning in a postcolonial and global context. The author begins with a critical examination of the postcolonial “logics” which continue to construct and frame the study of refugees, before problematising how lifelong learning is incorporated and conceptualised in global policy. She draws the conclusion that despite global commitments, the realisation of lifelong learning for refugee youth and adults is likely remain frustrated for some time by normative assumptions firmly embedded in the conceptualisation of lifelong learning and the education frameworks of nation states. However, she argues that the recent global disruption to education and the inequalities that have been exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic provide an opportunity to rethink how education is conceptualised and the importance of providing lifelong learning opportunities to enable young people and adults to fulfil their aspirations.
Presence of N-fixing neighbors increases leaf N and δ13C in Castilleja applegatei, a root hemiparasite
Authors: Haynes Audrey F.
Published: November 2021

Parasitic plants are known for their high transpiration rates and low water use efficiency (WUE), which the N-parasitism hypothesis posits is driven by N limitation. Thus, availability of N-fixing hosts may affect parasite’s WUE and in turn impact the surrounding plant community. Here, I investigate how the availability of an N-fixing host affects the root hemiparasite, Castilleja applegatei, and examines host-mediated effects on community structure and soil moisture. I surveyed plant diversity and percent cover and measured soil moisture in 120 1 × 1 m plots within Sagehen Experimental Forest, CA. Fifty percent of the plots included C. applegatei. In a subset of plots, I measured leaf N, C/N, δ13C, and δ15N in C. applegatei and in one N-fixer (Ceanothus prostratus) and two non-N-fixing plants (Artemisia tridentata and Wyethia mollis). In C. applegatei availability of N-fixing hosts corresponded to a significant increase in leaf %N, a distinct δ15N signature, and an increase in δ13C (which typically signifies an increased WUE). The presence of parasites was associated with a marginally significant decrease in WUE in N-fixing neighbors, but had no effect on the two non-N-fixing species. The presence of parasites did not impact diversity, percent cover, or soil moisture. These results broadly support the N-parasitism hypothesis and indicate that host type can affect parasite’s physiology and therefore have the potential to mediate parasite’s effects in the community; however, community-level impacts were not found here.
A dose- and time-dependent effect of oxythiamine on cell growth inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Bai Lin , Zhu Hui-li
Published: November 2021

The high mortality rate of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is mostly due to the high risk of recurrence. A comprehensive understanding of proliferation mechanisms of NSCLC would remarkably contribute to blocking up the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. In our previous study, the remarkable decreased activity of Thiamine-dependent enzymes (TDEs), involving in intermediary metabolism responsible for energy production of tumor, was found under conditions of thiamine deficiency in vivo. To explore the effect of Oxythiamine (OT), a TDEs antimetabolite, on cell growth, we co-cultured A549 cells with OT in vitro at various doses (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μM) and time periods (6, 12, 24 and 48 h) and subsequent cell proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed respectively. Our findings demonstrated that A549 cells proliferation was significantly downregulated by OT treatment in a progressively dose as well as time dependent manner. Inhibition of TDEs resulted in antagonism of lung cancer growth by inducing cells to cease the cycle as well as apoptotic cell death. We concluded a critical role of OT, a TDEs antagonistic compound, indicating the potential target of its practical use.
Probabilistic Forecasts of Arctic Sea Ice Thickness
Authors: Gao Peter A. , Director Hannah M. , Bitz Cecilia M. , Raftery Adrian E.
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, warming temperatures have caused sharp reductions in the volume of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean. Predicting changes in Arctic sea ice thickness is vital in a changing Arctic for making decisions about shipping and resource management in the region. We propose a statistical spatio-temporal two-stage model for sea ice thickness and use it to generate probabilistic forecasts up to three months into the future. Our approach combines a contour model to predict the ice-covered region with a Gaussian random field to model ice thickness conditional on the ice-covered region. Using the most complete estimates of sea ice thickness currently available, we apply our method to forecast Arctic sea ice thickness. Point predictions and prediction intervals from our model offer comparable accuracy and improved calibration compared with existing forecasts. We show that existing forecasts produced by ensembles of deterministic dynamic models can have large errors and poor calibration. We also show that our statistical model can generate good forecasts of aggregate quantities such as overall and regional sea ice volume. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line.
Secondary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy: value in octogenarians
Authors: Hauck Christian , Schober Andreas , Schober Alexander , Fredersdorf-Hahn Sabine , Hubauer Ute , Keyser Andreas , Maier Lars , Jungbauer Carsten , Ücer Ekrem
Published: November 2021

Background

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy is well established for secondary prevention, but studies on the efficacy and safety in elderly patients are still lacking. This retrospective study compared the outcome after ICD implantation between octogenarians and other age groups.

Methods

Data were obtained from a local ICD registry. Patients who received ICD implantation for secondary prevention at our department were included. All-cause mortality, appropriate ICD therapy and acute adverse events requiring surgical intervention were compared between different age groups.

Results

519 patients were enrolled, 34 of whom were aged ≥ 80 years. During the median follow-up of 35 months after ICD implantation 129 patients (annual mortality rate 5.0%) had died, including 16 patients aged ≥ 80 years (annual mortality rate 9.4%). The mortality rate of patients aged ≥ 80 years was significantly higher than that of patients aged ≤ 69 years (p < 0.001), but similar to that of patients aged 70–79 years. Age at the time of ICD implantation was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (p < 0.001). 29.7% of patients had appropriate ICD therapy with no difference between age groups. Acute adverse events leading to surgical intervention were low (n = 13) and not age-related.

Conclusion

Age is an independent predictor of mortality after ICD implantation for secondary prevention. Mortality rates did not differ significantly between octogenarians and other elderly aged 70–79 years. Appropriate ICD therapy and acute adverse events leading to surgical intervention were not age-related. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy for secondary prevention seems to be an effective and safe treatment modality in octogenarians.
Hydrazinecarbothioamide Derivative as an Effective Inhibitor for Corrosion Control: Electrochemical, Surface and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Bairy Manjunath , Pais Mikitha , Kumari P. Preethi , Rao Suma A.
Published: November 2021

Aluminium has played a significant role in the advancement of metal matrix composites (MMC) and has drawn the attention of researchers since Al composites find extensive application in aerospace, military and automobile industries. This paper describes the corrosion property of 6061 Al-15 vol%. SiC(p)composites in hydrochloric acid medium. This composite with high strength-to-weight ratio and other alluring properties undergoes corrosion in acid media and a study has been made in 0.5 M hydrochloric acid using (2Z)-2-(2-hydroxy-3methoxybenzylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide (HCT) as an inhibitor. Results of the electrochemical studies and surface morphology are presented. With the increase in HCT concentration, inhibition efficiency increased. But efficiency decreased with an increase in temperature. The maximum efficiency was found to be 56.8% for the addition of 10 × 10–5 M HCT concentration at 303 K. The inhibitor was found to behave as a mixed inhibitor affecting both anodic metal dissolution reaction and cathodic hydrogen evolution to the same extent. The HCT molecules were found to physisorb over the Al-composite surface and adsorption followed Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. Adsorption of HCT was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Computational studies using density functional theory (DFT) supported experimental findings. Density functional theory calculations gave a clear insight into the mechanistic aspects of corrosion inhibition.

Graphic Abstract