bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Donative labor effect of the nonprofit pay: A multilevel explanation
Authors: Cui Tracy Shicun
Published: April 2020

Studies on the nonprofit pay differential find that nonprofit workers in the child day care industry earn more than comparable for‐profit workers, whereas nonprofit lawyers earn less than lawyers in for‐profit firms. Are nonprofit day care center workers less altruistic than for‐profit day care workers or nonprofit lawyers? The answer is yet to come. The study aims to test the donative labor hypothesis, which is derived from altruistic motivation. To estimate the donative labor effects on the individual level, I apply cross‐classified multilevel modeling to disentangle the confounding effects on the industry level and occupation level. Data are pooled from Census 2000 and American Community Survey 2005–2016 to provide individual, industry, and occupation information. Industries are cleaned based on the Statistics of Income data from the National Center for Charitable Statistics. My analysis finds that nonprofit workers earn 4.3% less than comparable for‐profit workers net of industry and occupation effects. The study contributes to elucidating the explanatory levels of different theories. The random‐effects modeling has established an exhaustive inventory of nonprofit pay differential across industry and occupation levels.
A qualitative study exploring the influence of clinic funding on the integration of family practice nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Mathews Maria , Ryan Dana , Buote Richard , Parsons Sandra , Lukewich Julia
Published: April 2020

Aim

This study explores the contributions of family practice nurses in primary care across Newfoundland and Labrador funded by fee‐for‐service and alternate payment plans to examine the influence of funding arrangements on nursing roles/activities.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was employed.

Methods

Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted between March‐July 2018 with physicians and Registered Nurses working in primary care settings in Newfoundland and Labrador. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a content analysis approach was used to identify recurring themes.

Results

Clinic funding was instrumental in the integration of family practice nurses into primary care settings and influenced roles/activities. In fee‐for‐service practices, nurses work with physicians and focus on one‐on‐one patient care in office‐based settings, whereas nurses in alternate payment plans practices work more independently, in a wider range of settings and with emphasis on both individual and group‐based encounters. Compared with alternate payment plans practices, fee‐for‐service practices tend to be more restrictive due to physician billing requirements.
Four‐dimensional electrical resistivity tomography for continuous, near‐real‐time monitoring of a landslide affecting transport infrastructure in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Holmes Jessica , Chambers Jonathan , Meldrum Philip , Wilkinson Paul , Boyd James , Williamson Paul , Huntley David , Sattler Kelvin , Elwood David , Sivakumar Vinayagamoothy , Reeves Helen , Donohue Shane
Published: April 2020

The Ripley Landslide is a small (0.04 km2), slow‐moving landslide in the Thompson River Valley, British Columbia, that is threatening the serviceability of two national railway lines. Slope failures in this area are having negative impacts on railway infrastructure, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, public safety, communities, local heritage and the economy. This is driving the need for monitoring at the site, and in recent years there has been a shift from traditional geotechnical surveys and visual inspections for monitoring infrastructure assets toward less invasive, lower cost, and less time‐intensive methods, including geophysics. We describe the application of a novel electrical resistivity tomography system for monitoring the landslide. The system provides near‐real time geoelectrical imaging, with results delivered remotely via a modem, avoiding the need for costly repeat field visits, and enabling near‐real time interpretation of the four‐dimensional electrical resistivity tomography data. Here, we present the results of the electrical resistivity tomography monitoring alongside field sensor‐derived relationships between suction, resistivity, moisture content and continuous monitoring single‐frequency Global Navigation Satellite System stations. Four‐dimensional electrical resistivity tomography data allows us to monitor spatial and temporal changes in resistivity, and by extension, in moisture content and soil suction. The models reveal complex hydrogeological pathways, as well as considerable seasonal variation in the response of the subsurface to changing weather conditions, which cannot be predicted through interrogation of weather and sensor data alone, providing new insight into the subsurface processes active at the site of the Ripley Landslide.
Pending danger: Recent Copper Age lion (Panthera leo L., 1758) finds from Hungary
Authors: Daróczi‐Szabó Márta , Kovács Zsófia Eszter , Raczky Pál , Bartosiewicz László
Published: April 2020

Lions reached their northernmost distribution in the Carpathian Basin at a time when the climate turned cooler and drier and the complex Late Neolithic settlement network, marked by human populations concentrated on and around tells, disintegrated. A perforated distal phalanx and a calcaneus of lion (Panthera leo L., 1758) from two different Copper Age (5th–4th millennium cal BC) settlements in Hungary contribute to mapping the distribution of Holocene lions in southeast Europe. Previous discoveries of lion bones (representing all parts of the body) have offered evidence of local lion hunting and probable consumption. The new finds also illustrate the cognitive significance of lions and help reconstruct their phenotypic size. The perforated phalanx discussed in this paper represents the large dewclaw of a powerful male, the first ever worked lion bone available in Hungary. The calcaneus offers additional metric information interpreted in light of measurements taken on extant individuals from both Asia and Africa. Inseparable environmental and cultural factors leading to the occurrence and extinction of prehistoric lions in the Carpathian Basin are reviewed in light of these new data.
Mechanisms of Carbon Sequestration in Highly Organic Ecosystems – Importance of Chemical Ecology
Authors: Adamczyk Bartosz , Heinonsalo Jussi , Simon Judy
Published: April 2020

Organic matter decomposition plays a major role in the cycling of carbon (C) and nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems across the globe. Climate change accelerates the decomposition rate to potentially increase the release of greenhouse gases and further enhance global warming in the future. However, fractions of organic matter vary in turnover times and parts are stabilized in soils for longer time periods (C sequestration). Overall, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying C sequestration is needed for the development of effective mitigation policies to reduce land‐based production of greenhouse gases. Known mechanisms of C sequestration include the recalcitrance of C input, interactions with soil minerals, aggregate formation, as well as its regulation via abiotic factors. In this Minireview, we discuss the mechanisms behind C sequestration including the recently emerging significance of biochemical interactions between organic matter inputs that lead to C stabilization.
Experiments and progressive damage analyses of three‐dimensional five‐directional braided composite joints for propeller
Authors: Xie Cong , Tao Guoquan , Li Qian , Sheng Qiang , Wu Zhe
Published: April 2020

In this article, experiments and numerical simulation on the tensile loading properties of three‐dimensional five‐directional braided composites are studied. Herein, axial tensile loading tests were performed on braided composite and aluminum joints for propeller. A repeated unit cells model was established to analyze the micromechanical properties of the braided joint, a progressive damage model was established to evaluate the damage in the joint. In contrast to aluminum joint, which exhibited a tensile failure mode in only one direction, the braided joint exhibited both longitudinal and transverse damage failure modes, of which the transverse damage was the primary failure mode. The load‐displacement curves and damage morphology of the numerical simulation were in a good agreement with the experimental results.
Molecular dynamics simulations of mechanical properties of swollen nitrile rubber composites by incorporating carbon nanotubes
Authors: Yang Bin , Wang Shijie , Li Yunlong , Liming Tang , Enqiu He , Song Shuyuan
Published: April 2020

Molecular models of pure and 10% and 20% swollen nitrile rubber matrices were developed. Different amounts of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated into the swollen nitrile rubber matrices. The effects of the swelling behaviors and introduced CNTs on the mechanical properties of the nitrile rubber matrices were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation results show that compared to the pure nitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR) models, the elastic moduli and tensile strengths of the nitrile rubber matrices were reduced by ~31.72% and 20.10% (at a swelling ratio of 10%) and 68.28% and 36.82% (at a swelling ratio of 20%), respectively. Compared to those of the swollen NBR models without CNTs, after the introduction of one CNT, the elastic modulus and tensile strength improved by ~67.02% and 4.17% (at a swelling ratio of 10%) and 215.27% and 7.00% (at a swelling ratio of 20%), respectively. The mechanical properties of the nitrile rubber matrix improved when the content of CNTs increased. The radial distribution functions of the rubber materials, interfacial energies of the reinforced regions, and mean square displacements and diffusion coefficients of the solutions were analyzed. The introduced CNTs blocked the diffusion of the solute in the nitrile rubber matrix. This study elucidates the swelling behaviors of rubber materials from an atomic perspective and mechanical properties of carbon‐nanotube‐reinforced swollen rubber matrices.
The Personality Panorama: Conceptualizing Personality through Big Behavioural Data
Authors: Boyd Ryan L. , Pasca Paola , Lanning Kevin
Published: April 2020

Personality psychology has long been grounded in data typologies, particularly in the delineation of behavioural, life outcome, informant–report, and self–report sources of data from one another. Such data typologies are becoming obsolete in the face of new methods, technologies, and data philosophies. In this article, we discuss personality psychology's historical thinking about data, modern data theory's place in personality psychology, and several qualities of big data that urge a rethinking of personality itself. We call for a move away from self–report questionnaires and a reprioritization of the study of behaviour within personality science. With big data and behavioural assessment, we have the potential to witness the confluence of situated, seamlessly interacting psychological processes, forming an inclusive, dynamic, multiangle view of personality. However, big behavioural data come hand in hand with important ethical considerations, and our emerging ability to create a ‘personality panopticon’ requires careful and thoughtful navigation. For our research to improve and thrive in partnership with new technologies, we must not only wield our new tools thoughtfully, but humanely. Through discourse and collaboration with other disciplines and the general public, we can foster mutual growth and ensure that humanity's burgeoning technological capabilities serve, rather than control, the public interest. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
Comparison study of ε‐caprolactone, L‐lactide, and ε‐decalactone polymerizations using aluminum complexes bearing pyrazole derivatives, and synthesis of polylactide‐gradual‐poly‐ε‐caprolactone copolymer
Authors: Lai Feng‐Jie , Yu Shu‐Chun , Chang Yung‐Chi , Wu Tzu‐Yi , Wu Kuo‐Hui , Chang Yu‐Lun , Ding Shangwu , Chen Hsuan‐Ying , Lai Chian‐Hui
Published: April 2020

This study compared ε‐caprolactone (CL), L‐lactide (LA), and ε‐decalactone (DL) polymerizations, where aluminum complexes bridged by two pyrazole ligands was used as catalysts. The reactivites of these Al complexes between CL, LA, and DL polymerization were different that L
Bu
2Al
2Me
4, with the distort boat form, exhibits the greatest catalytic activity for LA and DL polymerization at 60°C but the lowest catalytic activity for CL polymerization at room temperature. This may be because dinuclear L
Bu
2Al
2Me
4 cannot react with BnOH to form aluminum benzyl oxide at room temperature, making it unable to reduce catalytic activity. Because these aluminum complexes had different reactivities for LA and CL polymerizations, the selectivity of polylactide‐gradual‐poly‐ε‐caprolactones (PLA(10–80%)‐gradual‐PCL(59–79%)) (PLA‐g‐PCLs) was observed.
Factors associated with prognostic awareness in patients with cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Vlckova Karolina , Tuckova Anna , Polakova Kristyna , Loucka Martin
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Prognostic awareness relates to patients' capacity to understand their prognosis and the likely illness trajectory. Based on the current evidence, accurate PA is associated with decrease in uncertainty, depresivity, and anxiety and with increase in quality of life. However, other studies found also negative associations of PA and quality of life and mental health. This systematic review synthesizes the available literature on factors associated with accurate prognostic awareness in patients with cancer.

Methods

Four databases were systematically searched for studies assessing prognostic awareness in patients with cancer. In these studies, we looked for factors positively or negatively associated with prognostic awareness. Included studies were critically appraised for methodological quality.

Results

We screened 28 078 studies and included 70. In these studies, 102 factors were found to be related to prognostic awareness positively or negatively. Identified factors were divided into seven groups: demographic factors, factors related to coping, health condition factors, psychological factors, factors associated with end‐of‐life care, factors related to communication, and factors related to relatives. Prognostic awareness differs according to age, personality, communication with doctor, disease stage, or being outpatient. For some factors such as depression, anxiety, or quality of life, higher level of these factors was found to be associated with accurate and inaccurate prognostic awareness.

Conclusions

Prognostic awareness is a complex phenomenon associated with various positive and negative associations for patients with cancer. Clinicians must consider individual preferences and values of patients and their families when discussing prognosis and must be prepared for potential adverse outcomes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Large‐Area Nanometer‐Thin β‐Ga2O3 Films from Oxide Printing of Liquid Metal Gallium
Authors: Cooke Jacqueline , Ghadbeigi Leila , Sun Rujun , Bhattacharyya Arkka , Wang Yunshan , Scarpulla Michael A. , Krishnamoorthy Sriram , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi
Published: April 2020

Herein, wafer‐scale Ga2O3 films are shown, which are synthesized by oxide printing of liquid metal Ga on SiO2/Si and sapphire substrates. This process enables highly uniform ≈2 nm‐thick films over ≫1 mm2 areas. The physical properties of these films (as‐deposited and after annealing in ambient conditions) are investigated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that the as‐prepared films contain significant fractions (up to 8% wt) of Ga metal residue, which completely converts to Ga2O3 after annealing. Results from Raman spectroscopy confirm the presence of β‐phase in annealed samples. Transmission electron microscopy images indicate that the films are composed of polycrystalline domains. Photoluminescence is observed in all samples, depicting the typical spectrum of Ga2O3 with four emission bands. After annealing, the luminescence intensity increases across all samples, which is attributed to an enhancement in crystallinity. Also, the relative intensity of the blue emission decreases after annealing, which is consistent with a transition from bluish to greenish color in the films. This observation is associated with a change in defect population upon annealing. Overall, these results demonstrate that oxide printing of liquid metal gallium is a simple process that, upon annealing of the resulting films, leads to nanometer‐thin β‐Ga2O3 films over wafer‐scale areas.
Computation of covalent and noncovalent structural parameters at low computational cost: Efficiency of the DH‐SVPD method
Authors: Tirri Bernardino , Ciofini Ilaria , Sancho‐García Juan C. , Adamo Carlo , Brémond Éric
Published: April 2020

DH‐SVPD is a tailored atomic basis set originally developed to enhance the domain of applicability of double‐hybrid density functionals to large molecular systems in weak interactions. In combination with any density functional belonging to this approximation, it provides an accurate estimate of noncovalent interaction energies at the cost of a double‐ζ basis set, without adding a posteriori an empirical dispersion correction. Here, we show that the accuracy/cost ratio observed previously for energy properties can be safely extended to the modeling of structural parameters of small‐ and medium‐sized organic molecules. In particular, we demonstrate that, in combination with the nonempirical PBE‐QIDH double hybrid, DH‐SVPD is competitive with very large quadruple‐ζ basis sets when modeling both covalent and noncovalent structural parameters.
Global adaptive finite‐time stabilization for a class of p‐normal nonlinear systems via an event‐triggered strategy
Authors: Li Min , Guo Jian , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: April 2020

This article addresses the problem of global adaptive finite‐time control for a class of p‐normal nonlinear systems via an event‐triggered strategy. A state feedback controller is first designed for the nominal system by adding a power integrator method. Then, by the skillful design of adaptive dynamic gain mechanism, a novel event‐triggered controller is constructed for uncertain nonlinear system without homogeneous growth condition. It is proved that the global finite‐time stabilization of p‐normal nonlinear systems is guaranteed and the Zeno phenomenon is excluded. Finally, two examples are presented to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Re‐operating dams for environmental flows: From recommendation to practice
Authors: Owusu Afua G. , Mul Marloes , van der Zaag Pieter , Slinger Jill
Published: April 2020

Dam construction and operation are known to alter the hydrology of rivers and degrade riverine ecosystems. In recent decades, the call to reverse these negative impacts by re‐operating dams has become stronger. Dams can support riverine ecosystems by releasing environmental flows (e‐flows). Unfortunately, despite the development of numerous methodologies to determine e‐flows and optimise dam releases, actual implementation has not followed suit. Integrating e‐flow requirements in the design of new dams is relatively easier than changing operations of existing dams; however, re‐operating existing dams is essential to restore ecosystems and ecosystem services that have already been affected by the construction and operation of dams. This study provides insights into how e‐flows evolve from recommendation to practice through a systematic literature review on practical experiences to integrate e‐flows in dam operations. Sixty‐nine cases of successful dam re‐operation have been identified, ranging from the well‐documented case of the Glen Canyon Dam in the United States to less known cases such as the Katse Dam in Lesotho. We find that the most important factors that facilitate the successful implementation of e‐flows are the existence of e‐flows legislation or policy, the development of a research base in the form of an environmental impact study, and then flow experimentation. Illustrations of the important role of collaboration between various stakeholders and set timelines for implementation of recommendations are also given. These insights will inform how existing dams can be re‐operated and governed more equitably and sustainably for both humans and the environment.
Soil biogeochemistry of the capillary fringe in laboratory mesocosms with contrasting soil textures
Authors: Fiola Jaclyn C. , Rabenhorst Martin C. , Scaduto Erica , Seitz Christopher R. , Rankin Keegan M.S.
Published: April 2020

The capillary fringe is a poorly defined, tension‐saturated region with important influences on soil biogeochemistry. The goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of the capillary fringe moisture gradient on biogeochemical processes and to assess whether these processes are more similar to those of unsaturated or saturated zones. Effects were documented during 118 d using two soils with contrasting textures in laboratory mesocosms. A water table was maintained at a constant height, and the parameters measured included soil moisture, inorganic N, decomposition, and reduction changes. Moisture levels suggest that capillary rise occurred ≥22.5 cm above the water table in both soils. Although limited by experimental methods, including using homogenized and sieved soil materials, biogeochemical trends for all measured parameters were seen by depth and between soils and seem to be influenced by water content and O2 diffusion. Nitrate concentrations increased above the water table. Decomposition was lowest in and immediately above the saturated water table and greatest where moisture and O2 were balanced. Reducing conditions existed ≥10 cm above the water table in the sandy soil and ≥5 cm in the loamy soil, indicating that these regions share characteristics with the saturated zone. The sandy soil showed reduction higher above the water table than the loamy soil, possibly due to structural and O2 diffusion differences due to experimental methods. Specific heights of capillary fringe were not identified; instead, the data support a model of a continuous moisture content gradient in the capillary fringe between the water table and soil surface.
Integration of Binary Active Sites: Co3V2O8 as Polysulfide Traps and Catalysts for Lithium‐Sulfur Battery with Superior Cycling Stability
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Wan Fang , Cao Hongmei , Liu Lili , Wang Yijing , Niu Zhiqiang
Published: April 2020

Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries as a promising energy storage candidate have attracted attention due to their high energy density (2600 Wh kg−1). However, the serious shuttle effect caused by the dissolution of the lithium polysulfides (LiPS) in electrolyte significantly degrades their cycling life and rate performance. Herein, the “binary active sites” concept in a Li‐S battery system via the design of a cobalt vanadium oxide (CVO) modified multifunctional separator is designed. In the case of CVO, active vanadium sites simultaneously anchor the LiPS through the chemical affinity and active cobalt sites can dominate a rapid kinetic conversion. Such a synergistic effect contributes to improving the utilization of sulfur in the electrochemical process for the enhanced electrochemical performance. As a result, the Li‐S battery with the CVO modified separator possesses a high reversible capacity of 1585.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and superior cycling stability with 0.012% capacity decay cycle−1 after 3000 cycles. More impressively, the assembled soft‐packaged Li‐S devices can exhibit the excellent stability under bending states. This binary active sites strategy provides a route to design the functional materials for modifying separators of Li‐S batteries to improve the performance.
Accurately Stoichiometric Regulating Oxidation States in Hole Transporting Material to Enhance the Hole Mobility of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Cheng , Liu Sizhou , Li Zhipeng , Wang Fangfang , Xu Wenxin , Ma Hongzhuang , Zhang Shitong , Wang Lingling , Gu Cheng , Pang Shuping , Huang Wei , Qin Tianshi
Published: April 2020

In traditional n‐i‐p‐type perovskite solar cells (PSCs), most hole transporting materials (HTMs) rely on an uncontrolled oxidative process using Li salt and Co (III) complex to achieve sufficient hole mobilities. Herein, a stabilized oxidized phenothiazine‐based HTM (OPTZ) synthesized from its neutral form (NPTZ) through a photoredox reaction is demonstrated. This controllable and stable oxidation state is mainly derived from the planar structure and π conjugation of phenothiazine core in OPTZ. The energy gap between the singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) of OPTZ and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of NPTZ suitably promotes hole hopping in hole transporting layers. Using an optimized ratio of OPTZ as the dopant in NPTZ, the hole transporting mobility is effectively enhanced due to an intra‐ and intermolecular charge transfer process, resulting in an enhancement in the fill factor of the PSCs. Herein, a new strategy to obtain stabilized oxidized HTMs, which deliver significantly enhanced hole mobilities of HTMs in PSCs, is provided.
Quantification of Photophysical Processes in All‐Polymer Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Balawi Ahmed H. , Kan Zhipeng , Gorenflot Julien , Guarracino Paola , Chaturvedi Neha , Privitera Alberto , Liu Shengjian , Gao Yajun , Franco Lorenzo , Beaujuge Pierre , Laquai Frédéric
Published: April 2020

All‐polymer solar cells lag behind the state‐of‐the‐art in small molecule nonfullerene acceptor (NFA) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) for reasons still unclear. Herein, the efficiency‐limiting processes in all‐polymer solar cells are investigated using blends of the common donor polymer PBDT‐TS1 with different acceptor polymers, namely P2TPD[2F]T and P2TPDBT[2F]T. Combining data from steady‐state optical spectroscopy and time‐resolved photoluminescence, transient absorption, and time‐delayed collection field experiments, provides not only a concise but also quantitative assessment of the losses due to limited photon absorption, geminate and nongeminate charge carrier recombination, field‐dependent charge generation, and inefficient carrier extraction. Although both systems exhibit a similar charge separation efficiency in the absence of external bias, charge separation is significantly enhanced in P2TPDBT[2F]T‐based blends when biased. Kinetic parameters obtained via pulsed laser spectroscopy are used to reproduce the experimentally measured device current–voltage (J–V) characteristics and indicate that low fill factors originate either from nongeminate recombination competing with charge extraction, or from a pronounced field dependence of charge generation, depending on the acceptor polymer. The methodology presented here is generic and can be used to quantify the loss processes in BHJ OSCs including both all‐polymer and small molecule NFA systems.
Comparison of interpolation methods for soil moisture prediction on China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Xie Baoni , Jia Xiaoxu , Qin Zhanfei , Zhao Chunlei , Shao Ming'an
Published: April 2020

Due to limited in situ observations, prediction of large‐scale soil moisture content (SMC) for deep soil layers via interpolation is usually very challenging. This is especially true for regions with high spatial variations of terrain features. For precise prediction at a regional scale, SMC data for the 0‐ to 500‐cm soil profile across China's Loess Plateau (CLP) region were collected and interpolated using four different methods. The methods included inverse distance weighting (IDW), ordinary kriging (OK), multiple linear regression with residual kriging (MLR‐RK), and radial basis function neural network with residual kriging (RBFNN‐RK). The objective of the study was to determine the optimal interpolation method for predicting regional SMC at various soil layers. The study showed that the performances of IDW, OK, and RBFNN‐RK in predicting SMC were generally much better than that of MLR‐RK. Specifically, IDW performed best for soil depths of 200‒300 and 400‒500 cm. This was attributed to the more uniform distribution (smoother change of spatial clusters) of SMC in these two layers. The OK method performed best for the 10‐ to 40‐ and 40‐ to 100‐cm soil layers, which was due to the strong spatial dependence of the two layers. The RBFNN‐RK performed best for the 0‐ to 10‐, 100‐ to 200‐, and 300‐ to 400‐cm soil layers, because RBFNN‐RK captures nonlinear relations of SMC with environmental factors. Ordinary kriging, IDW, and RBFNN‐RK interpolation can therefore be used to predict regional SMC for different soil layers in CLP region. The RBFNN‐RK method was recommended for predicting regional SMC in complex topographic hilly‐gully regions where there is nonlinear relation between SMC and environmental variables.
Cosmological collider physics and the curvaton
Authors: Kumar Soubhik , Sundrum Raman
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Primordial non-Gaussianity signatures of extremely heavy particles are re- examined within a simple alternative to the standard inflationary paradigm, in which the primordial fluctuations and the inflationary spacetime expansion are sourced by two different fields. The curvaton scenario provides an example of this in which the distinct roles are played by the curvaton and the inflaton fields, respectively. We study couplings of the curvaton to heavy particles with masses of order the inflationary Hubble scale, and show that they can lead to non-Gaussian signals orders of magnitude larger than those in standard inflation, consistent with explicit effective field theory control of inflationary dynamics. This brings various motivated particle physics signatures, such as loops of heavy gauge-charged scalars and fermions, within future observational reach.
Trialities of minimally supersymmetric 2d gauge theories
Authors: Gukov Sergei , Pei Du , Putrov Pavel
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We study dynamics of two-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= (0, 1) supersymmetric gauge theories. In particular, we propose that there is an infrared triality between certain triples of theories with orthogonal and symplectic gauge groups. The proposal is supported by matching of anomalies and elliptic genera. This triality can be viewed as a (0, 1) counterpart of the (0, 2) triality proposed earlier by two of the authors and A. Gadde. We also describe the relation between global anomalies in gauge theoretic and sigma-model descriptions, filling in a gap in the present literature.
From sequence to function: a new workflow for nitrilase identification
Authors: Egelkamp Richard , Friedrich Ines , Hertel Robert , Daniel Rolf
Published: April 2020

Nitrilases are industrially important biocatalysts due to their ability to degrade nitriles to carboxylic acids and ammonia. In this study, a workflow for simple and fast recovery of nitrilase candidates from metagenomes is presented. For identification of active enzymes, a NADH-coupled high-throughput assay was established. Purification of enzymes could be omitted as the assay is based on crude extract containing the expressed putative nitrilases. In addition, long incubation times were avoided by combining nitrile and NADH conversion in a single reaction. This allowed the direct measurement of nitrile degradation and provided not only insights into substrate spectrum and specificity but also in degradation efficiency. The novel assay was used for investigation of candidate nitrilase-encoding genes. Seventy putative nitrilase-encoding gene and the corresponding deduced protein sequences identified during sequence-based screens of metagenomes derived from nitrile-treated microbial communities were analyzed. Subsequently, the assay was applied to 13 selected candidate genes and proteins. Six of the generated correspondingEscherichia coliclones produced nitrilases that showed activity and one unusual nitrilase was purified and analyzed. The activity of the novel arylacetonitrilase Nit09 exhibited a broad pH range and a high long-term stability. The enzyme showed high activity for arylacetonitriles with aKMof 1.29 mM and aVmaxof 13.85 U/mg protein for phenylacetonitrile. In conclusion, we provided a setup for simple and rapid analysis of putative nitrilase-encoding genes from sequence to function. The suitability was demonstrated by identification, isolation, and characterization of the arylacetonitrilase.

Key points

•A simple and fast high-throughput nitrilase screening was developed.

•A set of putative nitrilases was successfully screened with the assay.

•A novel arylacetonitrilase was identified, purified, and characterized in detail.
Histographic analysis of oedema and fat in inflamed bone marrow based on quantitative MRI
Authors: Bray Timothy J. P. , Sakai Naomi , Dudek Alexandra , Fisher Corinne , Rajesparan Kannan , Lopes Andre , Ciurtin Coziana , Sen Debajit , Bainbridge Alan , Hall-Craggs Margaret A.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To demonstrate proof-of-concept for a quantitative MRI method using histographic analysis to assess bone marrow oedema and fat metaplasia in the sacroiliac joints.

Materials and methods

Fifty-three adolescents aged 12–23 with known or suspected sacroiliitis were prospectively recruited and underwent quantitative MRI (qMRI) scans, consisting of chemical shift-encoded (at 3 T) and diffusion-weighted imaging (at 1.5 T), plus conventional MRI (at 1.5 T) and clinical assessment. qMRI scans produced proton-density fat fraction (PDFF) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs), which were analysed using an in-house software tool enabling partially automated ROI definition and histographic analysis. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses assessed the predictive performance of ADC- and PDFF-based parameters in identifying active inflammation (oedema) and structural damage (fat metaplasia).

Results

ADC-based parameters were associated with increased odds of oedema (all p < 0.05); ROC-AUC was higher for histographic parameters representing the upper end of the ADC distribution than for simple averages. Similarly, PDFF-based parameters were associated with increased odds of fat metaplasia (all p < 0.05); ROC area-under-the-curve was higher for histographic parameters representing the upper end of the PDFF distribution than for simple averages. Both ADC- and PDFF-based histographic parameters demonstrated excellent inter- and intra-observer agreement (ICC > 0.9).

Conclusions

ADC-based parameters can differentiate patients with bone marrow oedema from those without, whilst PDFF-based parameters can differentiate patients with fat metaplasia from those without. Histographic analysis might improve performance compared with simple averages such as the mean and median and offers excellent agreement within and between observers.

Key Points

• Quantitative MRI with histographic analysis can identify bone marrow oedema (an active inflammatory lesion) and fat metaplasia (a ‘chronic’ inflammatory lesion) in patients with spondyloarthritis.

• The use of histographic analysis might improve the performance of quantitative MRI for detecting bone marrow oedema and fat metaplasia compared with simple averages such as the mean and median.

• Bone marrow oedema and fat metaplasia are known to be of diagnostic and prognostic significance, and the proposed method could support clinical decisions around biologic (and other) therapies in spondyloarthritis.
Die energetische Folgenutzung von ehemaligen Kohlestandorten: Nähere Bestimmungen und aktueller Stand
Authors: Wehmeyer Anna
Published: April 2020

Im Beitrag “Allgemeiner Rahmen der energetischen Folgenutzung von ehemaligen Kohlestandorten
im Zuge des Kohleausstiegs” (NuR 2020, 162) wurden die allgemeinen Bestimmungen besonders im Hinblick
auf den Kohleausstieg untersucht. Der vorliegende Beitrag widmet sich den konkreten Bestimmungen für
Anlagen zur Zwischenspeicherung von Strom, bevor der aktuelle Stand beispielhaft anhand einiger umgesetzter,
geplanter oder überlegter Projekte dargestellt wird. Zuletzt werden der Strukturstärkungsgesetzentwurf
Kohleregionen und der Kohleausstiegsgesetzentwurf auf Bestimmungen zur energetischen Folgenutzung ehemaliger
Kohlestandorte untersucht.
Correction to: Middle School Effects of the Dating Matters® Comprehensive Teen Dating Violence Prevention Model on Physical Violence, Bullying, and Cyberbullying: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vivolo-Kantor Alana M. , Niolon Phyllis Holditch , Estefan Lianne Fuino , Le Vi Donna , Tracy Allison J. , Latzman Natasha E. , Little Todd D. , Lang Kyle M. , DeGue Sarah , Tharp Andra Teten
Published: April 2020

The article “Middle School Effects of the Dating Matters® Comprehensive Teen Dating Violence Prevention Model on Physical Violence, Bullying, and Cyberbullying: a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial”, written by Alana M. Vivolo-Kantor, Phyllis Holditch Niolon, Lianne Fuino Estefan, Vi Donna Le, Allison J. Tracy, Natasha E. Latzman, Todd D. Little, Kyle M. Lang, Sarah DeGue, and Andra Teten Tharp, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 12 December 2019 without open access.
Evaluation of circulating transcript analysis (NETest) in small intestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms after surgical resection
Authors: Laskaratos Faidon-Marios , Liu Man , Malczewska Anna , Ogunbiyi Olagunju , Watkins Jennifer , Luong Tu Vinh , Mandair Dalvinder , Caplin Martyn , Toumpanakis Christos
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Surgical resection is the only effective curative strategy for small intestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (SINENs). Nevertheless, the evaluation of residual disease and prediction of disease recurrence/progression remains a problematic issue.

Methods

We evaluated 13 SINENs that underwent surgical resection of the primary tumour and/or mesenteric mass. Patients were divided in three groups: (a) Group 1: SINENs that underwent resection with curative intent, (b) Group 2: SINENs treated with resection in the setting of metastatic disease, which remained stable and (c) Group 3: SINENs treated with resection in the setting of metastatic disease, with evidence of any progression at follow-up. NETest and chromogranin A were measured pre-operatively and post-operatively during a 22-month median follow-up period and compared with imaging studies. NETest score <20% was determined as normal, 20–40% low, 41–79% intermediate and ≥80% high score.

Results

NETest score was raised in all (100%) SINENs pre-operatively. Surgery with curative intent resulted in NETest score reduction from 78.25 ± 15.32 to 25.25 ± 1.75 (p < 0.05). Low NETest scores post-operatively were evident in all cases without clinical evidence of residual disease (Group 1). However, the low disease activity score suggested the presence of microscopic residual disease. In three cases (75%) with stable disease (Group 2) the NETest score was low consistent with indolent disease. In the progressive disease group (Group 3), a high NETest score was present in three cases (60%) and an intermediate NETest score in the remainder (40%).

Conclusions

Blood NETest scores accurately identified SINENs and were significantly decreased by curative surgery. Monitoring NETest post-operatively may facilitate management by identifying the presence of residual/progressive disease.
Donald Trump, the Reality Show: Populism as Performance and Spectacle
Authors: Brandt Stefan L.
Published: April 2020

The rhetoric of U.S. President Trump is deeply ingrained into a populist discourse that caters to the emotional – rather than the rational – elements of human perception and interaction. Most notably, Trump’s populist rhetoric is marked by links to the genre of reality television. Rather than aspiring to educate viewers, reality television emphasizes personal conflict and dramatic tension. Trump’s performances (his rally speeches, but also his bestselling publications) are permeated by a reality-TV aesthetics, designed to effectively entertain audiences and create an impression of authenticity. Trump’s ›authentic populism,‹ however, is also deeply embedded into the conventional structures of nationalist thought, nativism, anti-elitism, and religious fundamentalism. An investigation of Trump’s populist rhetoric reveals four key components that are in tune with the key criteria that, according to Michael J. Lee, define the populist rhetoric: (1) a portrayal of ›ordinary people‹ as heroic figures; (2) a focus on presumptive enemies as threats to traditional values; (3) attacks against an ›establishment‹ threatening the people; and (4) an evocation of apocalyptic scenery. As a media persona, Trump combines these characteristics into a spectacle that resembles the type of entertainment program American viewers are familiar with from reality television.
Making Our Collections Visible
Authors: Bromage Sarah
Published: April 2020

This article details the process involved in making the collections of the University of Stirling Archives and Art Collection available online. Our new online catalogue http://collections.stir.ac.uk allows researchers to search across our CALM for archives catalogue and our Art Collection Adlib catalogue to uncover the depth and breadth of the cultural collections on offer at the University of Stirling.
Preserving an emerging digital arts landscape: digital preservation at University of the Arts London
Authors: Thurlow Elisabeth
Published: April 2020

Digital technologies are affecting all aspects of modern life, with both art and libraries becoming more digital. This presents new opportunities for engagement, but also creates significant challenges to the long term future of our collections, due to the rapid changes in technology and the threat of digital obsolescence.

This article will reflect on the ongoing work at the University of the Arts London (UAL) to preserve and provide access to the university's growing digital collections. Digital preservation is an emerging area of practice. What progress have we made so far and what does the future hold for our digital collections?
Research on Disaster Literacy and Affecting Factors of College Students in Central China
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhu Xiaofang , Zhou Zhengrong , Xu Xiao , Ji Xueying , Gong Aihua
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

Disaster literacy, which is a concept involved in moral quality, knowledge, and ability, impacts the disaster response. This study aimed to evaluate disaster education needs and to determine the affecting factors of disaster literacy among college students.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted through questionnaires. A total of 7200 college students from 10 colleges and universities in 5 provinces and cities in China were investigated.

Results:

Disaster education needs were urgently. For the participants, 79.43% stated that their families were not prepared for disaster prevention items, 96.36% suggested a campus emergency rescue team, and 88.64% obtained disaster knowledge through TV or Internet, and only 12.89% had offered relevant courses in their disciplines. The total scores of college students’ disaster literacy were 87.85 ± 19.86, which was at a low level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, major, grade, place of residence, parental education, mother’s occupation, disaster experience, disaster training experience, and family disaster preparedness significantly affected college students’ disaster literacy, especially grade, family disaster preparedness, and place of residence.

Conclusions:

College students’ disaster literacy education is urgently needed. Families, communities, colleges and the government should attach importance to disaster literacy education for college students.
Selective reporting of fluoroquinolone susceptibility as a stewardship measure is of marginal benefit
Authors: Ting Ting Geraldine Foo , Chew Ka Lip , Yeo Xier Emily , Jureen Roland , Fisher Dale , Bagdasarian Natasha
Published: April 2020

A retrospective time series analysis was conducted to compare inpatient fluoroquinolone use when susceptibilities were masked and after susceptibilities were unmasked. Although inappropriate culture-directed prescriptions increased, overall fluoroquinolone usage decreased. Culture-directed therapy was a small part of fluoroquinolone usage; hence, efforts should target empiric use to reduce overall consumption.
PaxetBellumen Tripolitaine occidentale (partie tunisienne) à l’époque vandale
Authors: Ellefi Mohamed
Published: April 2020

This paper analyzes a well-defined problem: that of relations between the Moors of Western Tripolitania (Tunisian part) and the Vandals. Notwithstanding the lack of textual sources, the subject will be addressed in an area that is both a border territory and pre-Saharan, namely Western Tripolitania. The period chosen is a poorly understood period and still debated by specialists. This work is based on two essential foundations: first, an attempt is made to demonstrate the main features and approximate boundaries of the Vandal State; and secondly the focus will be on the relations between the pre-Saharan Moors of Western Tripolitania and the Vandals. As a preliminary introduction, the nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples of the Tunisian Chotts, Nefzaoua, the hinterland of Jeffara and Jebel will be discussed. The best known of the tribes in these regions are the Arzuges. They would have circulated, according to Orose, along the limes of Africa. As a result, they developed various relationships with the Arians depending on the political situation and its evolution under the Vandals.
From Foreign Text to Local Meaning: The Politics of Religious Exclusion in Transnational Constitutional Borrowing
Authors: Nelson Matthew J. , Bâli Aslı , Mednicoff David , Lerner Hanna
Published: April 2020

Constitutional drafters often look to foreign constitutional models, ideas, and texts for inspiration; many are explicit about their foreign borrowing. However, when implemented domestically, the meaning of borrowed elements often changes. Political scientists and scholars of comparative constitutional law have analyzed the transnational movement of constitutional ideas and norms, but the political processes through which the meaning of foreign provisions might be refashioned remain understudied. Sociolegal scholars have examined the “transplantation” and “translation” of laws and legal institutions, but they rarely scrutinize this process in the context of constitutions. Drawing on an examination of borrowed constitutional elements in four cases (Pakistan, Morocco, Egypt, Israel), this article builds on research in comparative politics, comparative constitutional law, and sociolegal studies to provide a nuanced picture of deliberate efforts to import “inclusive” constitutional provisions regarding religion-state relations while, at the same time, refashioning the meaning of those provisions in ways that “exclude” specific forms of religious, sectarian, doctrinal, or ideological diversity. Building on sociolegal studies regarding the translation of law, we argue that foreign constitutional elements embraced by politically embedded actors are often treated as “empty signifiers” with meanings that are deliberately transformed. Tracing the processes that lead political actors to engage foreign constitutional elements, even if they have no intention of transplanting their prior meaning, we highlight the need for detailed case studies to reveal both the international and the national dynamics that shape and reshape the meaning of constitutions today.