bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Registration of ‘StandClear CLP’ hard red winter wheat
Authors: Berg J. E. , Kephart K. D. , Lamb P. F. , Davis E. S. , Eberly J. O. , Miller J. H. , Chen C. , Pradhan G. P. , Torrion J. A. , Ramsfield R. , Smith V. , Nash D. L. , Holen D. L. , Cook J. P. , Gale S. , Jin Y. , Chen X. , Bruckner P. L.
Published: June 2020

‘StandClear CLP’ (Reg. no. CV‐1162, PI 693236) hard red winter (HRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed and released by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and exclusively licensed to Loveland Products, Inc., in 2020. StandClear CLP is a two‐gene Clearfield, semisolid‐stem wheat intended for use with the selective imidazolinone (IMI) herbicide imazamox. StandClear CLP resulted from a cross of MTS0531 to an IMI herbicide tolerant F1 plant from a population segregating for two acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) genes [TaAHAS1D and TaAHAS1B]. Original herbicide tolerance donors were IMI ‘Fidel’ (TX12588*4/FS2, BASF) for allele TaAHAS1D via descended experimental lines MTCL0309 and MTCL0510, and proprietary hard red spring wheat line CDC Teal 11A (BASF Corporation) for allele TaAHAS1B. StandClear CLP was selected as a F6:7 headrow in 2014 following multiple cycles of phenotypic mass selection for IMI herbicide tolerance and stem solidness. StandClear CLP was tested under the experimental number MTCS1601 from 2016 to 2019 in Montana for field performance, herbicide tolerance, and end‐use quality. StandClear CLP is a high‐yielding, Clearfield HRW wheat cultivar with intermediate stem solidness, moderate host plant resistance to wheat stem sawfly, and acceptable milling and baking quality.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Core–Shell Nanoparticles—Insights into the Growth of Different Geometries
Authors: Womiloju Aisha A. , Höppener Christiane , Schubert Ulrich S. , Hoeppener Stephanie
Published: June 2020

Microwave irradiation is utilized for the rapid synthesis of gold–silver core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) in a two‐step process. A strategy of establishing a bilayer organic barrier around the core using citrate and ascorbic acid as capping agents, providing a means to achieve a well‐defined boundary layer between the core and the shell material, is reported. These boundary layers are essential for synthesizing different core–shell morphologies and the approach results in tunable bimetallic NPs with defined core–shell structures, both for spherical as well as for triangular seed cores. In addition, theoretical calculations of the plasmonic characteristics based on the boundary element method of different classes of NPs are conducted. These investigations enable conclusions to be drawn on the influence of the core morphology on the tunability of their localized surface plasmon resonances.
Engineering the specificity of Streptococcus pyogenes sortase A by loop grafting
Authors: Wójcik Magdalena , Szala Kamil , van Merkerk Ronald , Quax Wim J. , Boersma Ykelien L.
Published: June 2020

Sortases are a group of enzymes displayed on the cell‐wall of Gram‐positive bacteria. They are responsible for the attachment of virulence factors onto the peptidoglycan in a transpeptidation reaction through recognition of a pentapeptide substrate. Most housekeeping sortases recognize one specific pentapeptide motif; however, Streptococcus pyogenes sortase A (SpSrtA WT) recognizes LPETG, LPETA and LPKLG motifs. Here, we examined SpSrtA's flexible substrate specificity by investigating the role of the β7/β8 loop in determining substrate specificity. We exchanged the β7/β8 loop in SpSrtA with corresponding β7/β8 loops from Staphylococcus aureus (SaSrtA WT) and Bacillus anthracis (BaSrtA WT). While the BaSrtA‐derived variant showed no enzymatic activity toward either LPETG or LPETA substrates, the activity of the SaSrtA‐derived mutant toward the LPETA substrate was completely abolished. Instead, the mutant had an improved activity toward LPETG, the preferred substrate of SaSrtA WT.
Evaluation of pyrethroids and organophosphates in insecticide mixtures for management of western corn rootworm larvae
Authors: St. Clair Coy R , Norris Edmund J , Masloski Kenneth E , Coats Joel R , Gassmann Aaron J
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The western corn rootworm is an economically important pest of corn. Management tactics include pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides, which may be applied as a mixture to protect corn roots. The goal of our study was to characterize the effects of pyrethroids and organophosphates alone and in combination on larval corn rootworm mortality and injury to corn roots. We evaluated two insecticide combinations: tebupirimphos with β‐cyfluthrin and chlorethoxyfos with bifenthrin. Using a soil‐based, laboratory bioassay, we exposed larvae to five concentrations of the pyrethroid alone, the organophosphate alone, the combined formulation, and a water control. We calculated LC50 values and co‐toxicity factors to determine synergism or antagonism between organophosphates and pyrethroids. We also measured adult emergence and root injury in a field experiment that tested tebupirimphos alone, β‐cyfluthrin alone, the combined formulation, and an untreated control.

RESULTS

Bioassay results indicated antagonism between the pyrethroid and organophosphate at most concentrations for both insecticide combinations. In the field experiment, tebupirimphos alone or in combination with β‐cyfluthrin significantly reduced adult emergence and root injury compared to the untreated controls, but β‐cyfluthrin alone did not differ from the untreated control for either metric.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that, at the concentrations tested, the pyrethroid component of pyrethroid–organophosphate mixtures may not contribute to a reduction of rootworm emergence or root injury. While these pyrethroids may confer a management benefit for other pests, such as seedcorn maggot, the concentrations of pyrethroids present in current formulations of these mixtures are likely too low for effective rootworm management. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Edible pH sensor based on immobilized red cabbage anthocyanins into bacterial cellulose membrane for intelligent food packaging
Authors: Kuswandi Bambang , Asih Ni P.N. , Pratoko Dwi K. , Kristiningrum Nia , Moradi Mehran
Published: June 2020

An edible pH sensor has been developed based on anthocyanins of red cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var capitata L.) (ARC) immobilized on a bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane. The polivinyl alcohol (PVA) (1%) was added into the membrane to reduce swelling and water solubility. The edible pH sensor exhibited a various distinctive colors from red to purple, blue‐gray, and then to yellow in the pH range (pH 1–14), with good linearity between pH 1–6, and pH 8–12, with a sensor response time of 4 min and reproducibility of <1% (RSD). The sensor showed obvious color turning as a pH response and excellent color stability after 17 and 22 days in room and chiller conditions, respectively. In application, the pH sensor was demonstrated by the detection of several beverage pH. Although as freshness sensor, milk freshness was monitored by a distinctive color turning from blue‐gray to pinkish‐gray after 8 h storage at room temperature. The edible pH sensor can distinguish fresh milk from spoilage, making it suitable to be used in an intelligent packaging system as a freshness sensor.
A new multimodal, image‐guided, robot‐assisted, interstitial brachytherapy for the treatment of head and neck tumors–A preliminary study
Authors: Fanhao Meng , Xiaodong Xue , Bo Qiao , Lejun Xing , Yu Song , Liang Zhu , Tingting Jia , Rui Zhao , Depeng Zhao , Ran An , Yu Tian , Suixin Hu , Zheng Zhou , Wenjun Yu , Haizhong Zhang
Published: June 2020

Background

Interstitial brachytherapy (BT) is becoming an accepted treatment option for head and neck cancer patients for whom surgery poses high risks. Multimodal, image‐guided, robotic surgery has the potential to allow precise seed implantation into tumors. Our aim was to introduce a new multimodal, image‐guided surgical robot during the performance of interstitial BT for the treatment of tumors in the head and neck regions.

Methods

Clinical data for three patients were analyzed, retrospectively; patients had received 125I seed implantations from July 2019 to October 2019. Multimodal, image‐guided, robotic surgery was performed in all patients. Postoperative computed tomography data were imported to software to evaluate the accuracy of the seed position and the operation times.

Results

The mean placement error of the 125I seed was 1.9 ± 0.74 mm. The mean operation time is 47 minutes.

Conclusion

The experimental results showed that the Remebot has promise for use during BT for the head and neck.
Interactions among Sustainable Development Goals: Knowledge for identifying multipliers and virtuous cycles
Authors: Pham‐Truffert Myriam , Metz Florence , Fischer Manuel , Rueff Henri , Messerli Peter
Published: June 2020

Developed to be interconnected by design, the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) and their 169 targets have attracted a growing scientific community committed to exploring the systemic interactions inherent to the 2030 Agenda. Understanding which SDGs influence one another (positively or negatively) is critical to prioritize and implement policies that maximize synergies between goals while navigating trade‐offs. In this way, the need for informed decision‐making urgently requires knowledge of context‐specific SDG interactions. Drawing on an extensive literature review (including scientific reports and scholarly articles), we collected, synthesized, and analyzed data about negative and positive interactions among SDG goals and targets. Based on this unique dataset, our analysis focused on three key elements of the resulting network of SDG interactions: First, we identified the most dominant SDGs in the network. Second, we identified systemic multipliers, defined as nodes with higher weighted amounts of outgoing than incoming influence. Third, we identified critical sub‐networks of strongly interconnected SDG targets, highlighting possible virtuous cycles that could serve as concrete entry points to realize the 2030 Agenda. Building on our results, a collaborative effort to add and refine data on behalf of an open‐knowledge platform could provide a solid basis for further analysis and enhanced usability in concrete contexts.
Tetrabutylammonium‐Bromide‐Promoted Synthesis of Spirooxindoles through Alkyne‐Aldehyde C−C Coupling and 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Using Ytterbium Triflate Catalyst
Authors: Teja Chitrala , Rahman Nawaz Khan Fazlur
Published: June 2020

Tetrabutylammonium‐bromide promoted, ytterbium triflate catalyzed one‐pot domino synthesis of spirooxindoles is described. The hydration‐condensation of alkyne, 1 aldehyde, 2 C−C coupling followed by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of in‐situ generated azomethine ylide from Isatin, 3 and L‐proline, 4 a or sarcosine, 4 b furnished novel spirooxindoles, 5 under solvent‐free green‐chemical conditions, in high regio and stereo selectivities and yields. The regio and stereochemistry of the synthesized derivatives were characterized by 2D NMR Spectroscopic studies.
Bath Electrospinning of Continuous and Scalable Multifunctional MXene‐Infiltrated Nanoyarns
Authors: Levitt Ariana , Seyedin Shayan , Zhang Jizhen , Wang Xuehang , Razal Joselito M. , Dion Genevieve , Gogotsi Yury
Published: June 2020

Electroactive yarns that are stretchable are desired for many electronic textile applications, including energy storage, soft robotics, and sensing. However, using current methods to produce these yarns, achieving high loadings of electroactive materials and simultaneously demonstrating stretchability is a critical challenge. Here, a one‐step bath electrospinning technique is developed to effectively capture Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes throughout continuous nylon and polyurethane (PU) nanofiber yarns (nanoyarns). With up to ≈90 wt% MXene loading, the resulting MXene/nylon nanoyarns demonstrate high electrical conductivity (up to 1195 S cm−1). By varying the flake size and MXene concentration, nanoyarns achieve stretchability of up to 43% (MXene/nylon) and 263% (MXene/PU). MXene/nylon nanoyarn electrodes offer high specific capacitance in saturated LiClO4 electrolyte (440 F cm−3 at 5 mV s−1), with a wide voltage window of 1.25 V and high rate capability (72% between 5 and 500 mV s−1). As strain sensors, MXene/PU yarns demonstrate a wide sensing range (60% under cyclic stretching), high sensitivity (gauge factor of ≈17 in the range of 20–50% strain), and low drift. Utilizing the stretchability of polymer nanofibers and the electrical and electrochemical properties of MXene, MXene‐based nanoyarns demonstrate potential in a wide range of applications, including stretchable electronics and body movement monitoring.
An application of confined concrete modeling to three‐dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis: The example of tunnel boring machine lining joints
Authors: Iasiello Cosimo , Pérez Caldentey Alejandro , Ĉervenka Jan , Pryl Dobromil
Published: June 2020

The aim of this paper is to present through a practical example, some recommendations to properly model confined concrete in three‐dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis. The example chosen is of particular interest for tunneling and structural engineers as it compromises the joints between segments of the concrete lining used with the tunnel boring machine technique. These sections are designed to transmit high pressures, sometimes exceeding the Standards' recommendations. To carry out the nonlinear finite element analyses (NLFEAs) a dedicated software, was employed. A discussion about which parameters play a fundamental role to efficiently model the problem is carried out. Finally, a comparison between NLFEA results and an experimental campaign is presented highlighting the differences in terms of stress values within the steel bars, the failure mechanism and evaluation of the contribution of steel to the resistance of confined concrete.
(De)legitimization: The Impact of Language Policy on Identity Development in an EFL Teacher
Authors: Martínez‐Prieto David , Lindahl Kristen
Published: June 2020

Based on Bordieuan concepts of symbolic power and legitimization, this study analyzes the identity of a language teacher in Puebla, Mexico. Through a series of in‐depth interviews, we examine how Mexican institutions may (de)legitimize the teaching expertise of an EFL educator by promoting a discourse of “native”‐speakerism. In contrast with existing literature, this study is situated in the Puebla context, wherein the Poblano State government granted permanent teaching positions to Mexican bilingual transnationals with no formal teacher training. While our participant contested some of the dominant language ideologies, such as the use of language certifications, she also appeared to internalize deficit discourses about her “non‐nativeness,” which made her question her own pedagogical identity. We found that some of our participant’s deficit views were reinforced during her own teacher preparation and professional development. By analyzing our participant’s perspectives in terms of current scholarship—such as Higgins, 2017; Kachru, 2005; Rudolph, Selvin, & Yazan, 2015—, we aim to generalize results to teacher preparation in other contexts so that processes of delegitimization based on the “native” speaker fallacy are less often perpetuated.
Photocatalytic oxidative degradation of hydrocarbon pollutants in refinery wastewater using TiO2 as catalyst
Authors: Ul haq Ihtisham , Ahmad Waqas , Ahmad Imtiaz , Yaseen Muhammad
Published: June 2020

This study reports the photocatalytic oxidative degradation of hydrocarbon pollutants present in refinery wastewater under UV light using Fe2O3, MnO2, TiO2, and ZnO as catalysts. Among the catalysts, TiO2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation activity, that is, 92, 98.8, 91.5, and 93% conversion for benzene, toluene, phenol, and naphthalene, respectively, in the model refinery wastewater under the optimum reaction conditions of pH 3, 30°C, 90‐min reaction time, and 100 mg/L catalyst dose. The photocatalytic degradation of a real refinery wastewater sample containing 69.23% aliphatics, 25.36% aromatics, 3.2% oxygenates, and 2.21% naphthenic hydrocarbons under the optimum conditions revealed a net decrease in chemical oxygen demand (93.2%), that is, from 970 mg/L to 65 mg/L. GC‐MS analysis of the reaction products confirmed that using UV/TiO2 system, complete photodegradation of the parent hydrocarbons occurred, but some oxygenated byproducts were also observed. This study provides useful reference information for the treatment of wastewater from oil refineries to cope with the increasing environmental issues.

Practitioner points

Benzene, toluene, phenol and naphthalene were successfully degraded by UV/TiO2 system, under 30°C, 1 hr, pH 3 and 100 mg catalyst.

Photocatalytic oxidation of Refinery wastewater (Attock Oil refinery, Pakistan), UV/ TiO2 system resulted in 93.92% COD removal.

GC‐MS analysis shows complete removal of parent hydrocarbons from refinery wastewater, leaving only traces of oxygenated hydrocarbons as oxidation byproducts.
A numerical study for heat and fluid flow of couple stress fluid over a spiraling disk by Legendre wavelet spectral collocation method
Authors: Sadiq M. N. , Sajid M. , Javed T. , Ali N.
Published: June 2020

This article aims to explore the spiraling motion of a couple stress fluid over a disk rotating and radially stretching simultaneously. The spiraling motion is developed through the uniform rotation of the disk in addition to radial stretching. The logarithmic spirals in the disk velocity are produced due to the combined effects of stretching and rotation. The similarity transformations are invoked to obtain the coupled ordinary differential equations representing the flow. A Legendre wavelet spectral collocation method (LWSM) is employed for obtaining numerical solutions to analyze the effects of the pertinent parameters on the flow. The quantities of physical interest, i.e., radial and azimuthal skin friction coefficients, the wall shear stress, and the heat transfer rate are computed for the various values of the spiral angle, spiraling parameter, and couple stress parameter. It is found that enhancing the spiral angle declines the radial skin friction while enhancing azimuthal skin friction and the total wall shear stress. The temperature of the fluid is decreased for increasing the spiraling parameter and spiral angle, but increases for large couple stress parameter.
Five-dimensional cohomological localization and squashed q-deformations of two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Santilli Leonardo , Szabo Richard J. , Tierz Miguel
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We revisit the duality between five-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories and deformations of two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory from a new perspective. We give a unified treatment of supersymmetric gauge theories in three and five dimensions using cohomological localization techniques and the Atiyah-Singer index theorem. We survey various known results in a unified framework and provide simplified derivations of localization formulas, as well as various extensions including the case of irregular Seifert fibrations. We describe the reductions to four-dimensional gauge theories, and give an extensive description of the dual two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory when the three-dimensional part of the geometry is a squashed three-sphere, including its extension to non-zero area, and a detailed analysis of the resulting matrix model. The squashing parameter b yields a further deformation of the usual q-deformation of two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory, which for rational values b
2 = p/s yields a new correspondence with Chern-Simons theory on lens spaces L(p, s).
Probing eμ flavor-violating ALP at Belle II
Authors: Endo Motoi , Iguro Syuhei , Kitahara Teppei
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Recently, it was pointed out that the electron and muon g − 2 discrepancies can be explained simultaneously by a single flavor-violating axion-like particle (ALP). We show that the parameter regions favored by the muon g − 2 are already excluded by the muonium-antimuonium oscillation bound. In contrast, those for the electron g − 2 can be consistent with this bound when the ALP is heavier than 1.5 GeV. We propose to search for a signature of the same-sign and same-flavor lepton pairs and the forward-backward muon asymmetry to test the model at the Belle II experiment.
Levels of Extracellular Vesicles in Pulmonary and Peripheral Blood Correlate with Stages of Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Choi Byeong Hyeon , Quan Yu Hua , Rho Jiyun , Hong Sunghoi , Park Yong , Choi Yeonho , Park Ji ‐Ho , Yong Hwan Seok , Han Kook Nam , Choi Young Ho , Kim Hyun Koo
Published: June 2020

Background

The extracellular vesicle (EV) concentration is known to be higher in cancer patients than in healthy individuals. Herein, we report that EV levels differ in the tumor‐draining pulmonary vein blood and the peripheral blood of animal models and human subjects at different pathological stages of lung cancer.

Methods

Ten rabbits and 40 humans formed the study cohorts. Blood was collected from the peripheral vein of members of all groups. Pulmonary blood was collected intraoperatively from all groups except for the healthy human controls. Quantitative analysis of EV levels was performed using a nanoparticle tracking assay, a CD63 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting.

Results

The EV levels in the peripheral blood of animals and patients with lung cancer were higher than those in the peripheral blood of healthy controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, for both animals and patients with lung cancer, the EV levels in the pulmonary blood were significantly higher than those in the preoperative peripheral blood (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively). In patients, the pathological stages of lung cancer showed a higher correlation with the pulmonary EV levels than the peripheral EV levels.

Conclusions

EV levels increased with increasing lung cancer grade, and this trend was more prominent in the pulmonary blood than in the peripheral blood.
Left ventricular contractile performance and heart failure in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction more than 40%
Authors: Kitada Shuichi , Kawada Yu , Osaga Satoshi , Kato Marina , Kikuchi Shohei , Wakami Kazuaki , Seo Yoshihiro , Ohte Nobuyuki
Published: June 2020

Heart failure (HF) with mid-range left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFmrEF) is considered a new category of HF and LVEF < 50%, which is the upper threshold of LVEF for HFmrEF, is thought to represent a mild decrease in LV contractile performance. We aimed to consider an LVEF threshold value to be taken as a surrogate for impairment of LV contractile performance, resulting in new-onset HF. We enrolled 398 patients with LVEF ≥ 40% that underwent cardiac catheterization. Using the LV pressure recording with a catheter-tipped micromanometer, we calculated the inertia force of late systolic aortic flow (IFLSAF), which was sensitive to the slight impairment in LV contractile performance. We evaluated the utility of the IFLSAF for predicting future cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF. We performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the best LVEF threshold value for distinguishing whether the LV maintained the IFLSAF. A multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model revealed that the loss of IFLSAF was significantly associated with the future adverse events (HR: 7.798, 95%CI 2.174–27.969,p = 0.002). According to the ROC curve analysis, an LVEF ≥ 58% indicated that the LV could maintain the IFLSAF. We concluded that the loss of IFLSAF, which could reflect even slight impairment in LV contractile performance, was a reliable indicator for new-onset HF in patients with LVEF ≥ 40%. LVEF ≥ 58% could be taken as a surrogate for the IFLSAF maintenance; this threshold could be useful for risk stratification of new-onset HF in patients with preserved LVEF.
Standsicherheitsnachweise von Gewichtsstaumauern mit CADAM2D
Authors: Staudacher Edwin , Zenz Gerald
Published: June 2020

Im Talsperrenbau wird die Auslegung und Überwachung von Talsperren durch numerische Modelle unterstützt. Aufgrund der komplexen geometrischen und mechanischen Zusammenhänge ist es der Stand der Technik, dass die Finite-Elemente-Methode zum Einsatz kommt. In frühen Projektstadien oder zur überschlägigen Berechnung im Betrieb lassen sich die grundlegenden Standsicherheitsnachweise von Gewichtsstaumauern mit der frei verfügbaren Software CADAM2D unter Berücksichtigung der einschlägigen Richtlinien im Talsperrenwesen durchführen. Anhand der im englischsprachigen Raum bekannten „Gravity Method“ wird die Spannungsverteilung der Aufstandsfläche bzw. der Arbeitsfugen des Sperrenkörpers unter Berücksichtigung der Balkentheorie berechnet. Dabei kann bei Überschreiten der Zugfestigkeit auch ein Öffnen der Fugen zugelassen werden. Aufbauend auf dieser Berechnung gibt CADAM2D die Sicherheitsfaktoren wie z. B. Gleiten oder Kippen aus. Im Erdbebenlastfall werden die Trägheitskräfte durch Anwendung quasi-statischer Ansätze berechnet und in weiterer Folge mit den statischen Lasten kombiniert. Weitere Programmmodule ermöglichen probabilistische Sicherheitsberechnungen oder auch Sensitivitätsanalysen, welche die meist komplexe Beurteilung der Bauwerkssicherheit unterstützen. Die flache Lernkurve bei der Bedienung und die vielseitigen Funktionen stellen, zusammen mit der freien Verfügbarkeit des Programms, ein attraktives Paket vor allem im Ausbildungsbereich dar.
Hydrochemical evaluation of water resources and human impacts on an urban karst system, Jordan
Authors: Xanke Julian , Ender Anna , Grimmeisen Felix , Goeppert Nadine , Goldscheider Nico
Published: June 2020

Urban karst aquifers are threatened by anthropogenic activities, especially in semiarid developing countries. Recent water-sampling campaigns assessed the extent of groundwater-quality impairment in the Wadi Shueib in Jordan by a comprehensive hydrogeological and hydrochemical characterization of groundwater, wastewater, and imported water with its endmembers Lake Tiberias, Yarmouk River and Mukheiba wellfield. The results of a ternary mixing model with the mass ratios of Cl−/Br− and Ca2+/Mg2+ indicate that Lake Tiberias and Yarmouk River provide most of the imported water at the time of sampling in 2017 and Mukheiba wellfield provided minor amounts. The similarity in seasonal variations of Br− concentrations in the springs and the imported water revealed that imported water has generally a greater impact on groundwater than wastewater. However, the Br− concentrations also showed that the spatial wastewater impact is more visible towards urbanized areas due to increased infiltration of pollutants. The analysis of historical data series demonstrated the long-term urban impact on groundwater by an electrical conductivity increase over several decades, particularly since the mid-1990s, which is related to a doubling of Jordan’s population since that time and the associated urban growth. In this context, increased chloride and sulfate concentrations are noticeable due to the increased impact of more highly mineralized imported water and wastewater and decreasing recharge of low-mineralized rainwater. This study showed the hydrochemical differences in the Wadi Shueib groundwater system and serves as an example for the spatial and long-term response of karst aquifers to anthropogenic, seasonally variable input of imported water and wastewater.
MongoDB Vs PostgreSQL: A comparative study on performance aspects
Authors: Makris Antonios , Tserpes Konstantinos , Spiliopoulos Giannis , Zissis Dimitrios , Anagnostopoulos Dimosthenis
Published: June 2020

Several modern day problems need to deal with large amounts of spatio-temporal data. As such, in order to meet the application requirements, more and more systems are adapting to the specificities of those data. The most prominent case is perhaps the data storage systems, that have developed a large number of functionalities to efficiently support spatio-temporal data operations. This work is motivated by the question of which of those data storage systems is better suited to address the needs of industrial applications. In particular, the work conducted, set to identify the most efficient data store system in terms of response times, comparing two of the most representative of the two categories (NoSQL and relational), i.e. MongoDB and PostgreSQL. The evaluation is based upon real, business scenarios and their subsequent queries as well as their underlying infrastructures and concludes in confirming the superiority of PostgreSQL in almost all cases with the exception of the polygon intersection queries. Furthermore, the average response time is radically reduced with the use of indexes, especially in the case of MongoDB.
Can We Compare Conceptions of Democracy in Cross-Linguistic and Cross-National Research? Evidence from a Random Sample of Refugees in Germany
Authors: Jacobsen Jannes , Fuchs Lukas Marian
Published: June 2020

This study addresses the heated academic and public debate on the compatibility and comparability of refugees’ and host societies’ democratic values. Comparative values research has long capitalized on global similarities and differences in support for Western democratic values. We argue that such cross-cultural comparisons of culturally diverse groups are challenged by (1) different conceptions of democracy determined by different experiences with democratic systems and (2) bias introduced by linguistic differences and translation processes. In order to analyze whether the conception of democracy is comparable between different nationalities and languages, we test data from the German IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees and the world values survey (WVS) for measurement invariance using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA). Applying strict and conservative criteria for measurement invariance and fit indices, our results suggest that the applied democracy scales are problematic for comparing conceptions of democracy between refugees and Germans and across languages. However if more lenient criteria regarding partial invariance and fit indices are considered acceptable, mean comparisons could be carried out between language groups and between groups of refugees.
Pharmacotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: an Update of Published, Unpublished and Ongoing Studies
Authors: Stoffers-Winterling Jutta , Storebø Ole Jakob , Lieb Klaus
Published: June 2020

Purpose of the Review

We aim to identify the most recent evidence of randomised controlled trials evaluating continued drug treatments in people with a diagnosis of BPD, review the most recent findings, highlight trends in terms of currently ongoing studies and comment on the overall body of evidence.

Recent Findings

We identified seven new RCTs, plus newly available data for an older RCT. Only three of these RCTs have been published in full text, while we found study data posted at trial registry platforms for the others.

The new findings do not support fluoxetine as a treatment option for suicide and self-harm prevention. A large effectiveness study did not detect beneficial effects of lamotrigine in routine care. The prevalent use of medications in BPD is still not reflected or supported by the current evidence. More research is needed regarding the most commonly used substances and substance classes, i.e. SSRIs, and quetiapine, but also with respect to people presenting with distinct comorbid conditions.
Impact of plant defense level variability on specialist and generalist herbivores
Authors: Thiel Tatjana , Gaschler Sarah , Mody Karsten , Blüthgen Nico , Drossel Barbara
Published: June 2020

Most organisms are defended against others, and defenses such as secondary metabolites in plants vary across species, individuals, and subindividual organs. Plant leaves show an impressive variability in quantitative defense levels, even within the same individual. Such variation might mirror physiological constraints or represent an evolved trait. One important hypothesis for the prevalence of defense variability is that it reduces herbivory due to non-linear averaging (Jensen’s inequality). In this study, we explore the conditions under which this hypothesis is valid and how it depends on the degree of specialization of the herbivores. We thus distinguish between generalists, non-sequestering specialists, and sequestering specialists that are able to convert consumed plant defense into own defense against predators. We propose a plant-herbivore model that takes into account herbivore preference, predation pressure on the herbivores, and the three herbivore specialization strategies we consider. Our computer simulations reveal that defense level variability reduces herbivory by all three populations when nutrient concentration is strongly correlated with defense level. If the nutrient concentration is the same in all leaves, the plant benefits from high defense level variability only when the herbivores are specialists that show a considerable degree of preference for leaves on which they perform best.
DNA barcoding for identification of fish species from freshwater in Enugu and Anambra States of Nigeria
Authors: Ude George N. , Igwe David O. , Brown Chrysten , Jackson Myron , Bangura Alusine , Ozokonkwo-Alor Onyinye , Ihearahu Onyinye C. , Chosen Obih , Okoro Michael , Ene Christabel , Chieze Venatus , Unachukwu Mariam , Onyia Christie , Acquaah George , Ogbonna James , Das Aditi
Published: June 2020

Within Enugu and Anambra States, Nigeria, identification of fishes has been based on morphological traits and do not account for existing biodiversity. For DNA barcoding, assessment of biodiversity, conservation and fishery management, 44 fish sampled from Enugu and Anambra States were isolated, amplified and sequenced with mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). Twenty groups clustering at 100% bootstrap value including monophyletic ones were identified. The phylogenetic diversity (PD) ranged from 0.0397 (Synodontis obesus) to 0.2147 (Parachanna obscura). The highest percentage of genetic distance based on Kimura 2-parameter was 37.00 ± 0.0400. Intergeneric distances ranged from 15.8000 to 37.0000%. Congeneric distances were 6.9000 ± 0.0140–28.1000 ± 0.0380, withSynodontisas the existing synonymous genus. Confamilial distances in percentage were 16.0000 ± 0.0140 and 25.7000 ± 0.0300. Forty-two haplotypes and haplotype diversity of 0.9990 ± 0.0003 were detected. Nucleotide diversity was 0.7372, while Fu and Li’s D* test statistic was 2.1743 (P < 0.02). Tajima’s D was 0.2424 (P > 0.10) and nucleotide frequencies were C (17.70%), T (29.40%), A (24.82%), G (18.04%) and A + T (54.22%). Transitional mutations were more than transversions. Twenty species (99–100%) were identified with the e-value, maximum coverage and bit-score of 1e−43, 99–100 and 185–1194, respectively. Seventeen genera and 12 families were found and Clariidae (n = 14) was the most dominant among other families. The fish species resolution, diversity assessment and phylogenetic relationships were successfully obtained with the COI marker. Clariidae had the highest number of genera and families. Phylogenetic diversity analysis identifiedParachanna obscuraas the most evolutionarily divergent one. This study will contribute to fishery management, and conservation of freshwater fishes in Enugu and Anambra States, Nigeria.
Mindful medical practice: An innovative core course to prepare medical students for clerkship
Authors: Hutchinson Tom A. , Liben Stephen
Published: June 2020

Background Medical students show a decline in empathy and ethical reasoning during medical school that is most marked during clerkship. We believe that part of the problem is that students do not have the skills and ways of being and relating necessary to deal effectively with the overwhelming clinical experience of clerkship.

Approach At McGill University in Montreal, starting in January 2015, we have taught a course on mindful medical practice that combines a clinical focus on the combination of mindfulness and congruent relating that is aimed at giving students the skills and ways of being to function effectively in clerkship. The course is taught to all medical students in groups of 20, weekly for 7 weeks, in the 6 months immediately prior to clerkship, a time when students are very open to learning the skills they need to take effective care of patients.

Evaluation The course has been well accepted by students as evidenced by their engagement, their evaluations, and their comments in the essays that they write at the end of the course. In a follow-up session at the simulation centre one year later students remember clearly and enact what they were taught in the course.

Reflection The next steps will be to conduct a formal evaluation of the effect of our teaching that will involve a combination of qualitative methods to clarify the nature of the impact on our students and a quantitative assessment of the difference the course makes to students’ experience and performance in clerkship.
Enhanced thermal and cycling reliabilities in (K,Na)(Nb,Sb)O3-CaZrO3-(Bi,Na)HfO3 ceramics
Authors: Fan Yi , Wang Zhenxing , Huan Yu , Wei Tao , Wang Xiaohui
Published: June 2020

The thermal stability and fatigue resistance of piezoelectric ceramics are of great importance for industrialized application. In this study, the electrical properties of (0.99-x)(K0.48Na0.52)(Nb0.975Sb0.025)O3-0.01CaZrO3-x(Bi0.5Na0.5)HfO3 ceramics are investigated. When x = 0.03, the ceramics exhibit the optimal electrical properties at room temperature and high Curie temperature (TC = 253 °C). In addition, the ceramic has outstanding thermal stability ($$d_{33}^*$$

d

33

*

≈ 301 pm/V at 160 °C) and fatigue resistance (variation of Pr and $$d_{33}^*$$

d

33

*

~10% after 104 electrical cycles). Subsequently, the defect configuration and crystal structure of the ceramics are studied by X-ray diffraction, temperature-dielectric property curves and impedance analysis. On one hand, the doping (Bi0.5Na0.5)HfO3 makes the dielectric constant peaks flatten. On the other hand, the defect concentration and migration are obviously depressed in the doped ceramics. Both of them can enhance the piezoelectrical properties and improve the temperature and cycling reliabilities. The present study reveals that the good piezoelectric properties can be obtained in 0.96(K0.48Na0.52)(Nb0.975Sb0.025)O3-0.01CaZrO3-0.03(Bi0.5Na0.5) HfO3 ceramics.
Controllable fabrication and multifunctional applications of graphene/ceramic composites
Authors: Huang Yujia , Wan Chunlei
Published: June 2020

Graphene with excellent comprehensive properties has been considered as a promising filler to reinforce ceramics. While numerous studies have been devoted to the improvement of mechanical and electrical properties, incorporating graphene to ceramics also offers new opportunities for endowing ceramics with versatility. In this review, the recent development of graphene/ceramic bulk composites is summarized with the focus on the construction of well-designed architecture and the realization of multifunctional applications. The processing technologies of the composites are systematically summarized towards homogeneous dispersion and even ordered orientation of graphene sheets in the ceramic matrix. The improvement of composites in mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, and thermal performances is discussed. The novel multifunctional applications brought by smart integration of graphene in ceramics are also addressed, including microwave absorption, electromagnetic interference shielding, ballistic armors, self-monitor damage sensors, and energy storage and conversion.
Two-Dimensional Black Phosphorus: An Emerging Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu JiPing , Xiao GuangShun , Zuo XiuXiu
Published: June 2020

Two-dimensional black phosphorus (2D BP), an emerging material, has aroused tremendous interest once discovered. This is due to the fact that it integrates unprecedented properties of other 2D materials, such as tunable bandgap structures, outstanding electrochemical properties, anisotropic mechanical, thermodynamic, and photoelectric properties, making it of great research value in many fields. The emergence of 2D BP has greatly promoted the development of electrochemical energy storage devices, especially lithium-ion batteries. However, in the application of 2D BP, there are still some problems to be solved urgently, such as the difficulty in the synthesis of large-scale high-quality phosphorene, poor environmental stability, and the volume expansion as electrode materials. Herein, according to the latest research progress of 2D BP in the field of energy storage, we systematically summarize and compare the preparation methods of phosphorene and discuss the basic structure and properties of BP, especially the environmental instability and passivation techniques. In particular, the practical application and challenges of 2D BP as anode material for lithium-ion batteries are analyzed in detail. Finally, some personal perspectives on the future development and challenges of BP are presented.
Airway management of angioedema patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chao Tiffany N. , Atkins Joshua H. , Qasim Zaffer , Kearney James J. , Mirza Natasha , Rassekh Christopher H.
Published: June 2020

Importance

The COVID‐19 pandemic is characterized by high transmissibility from patients with prolonged minimally‐ or asymptomatic periods, with a particularly increased risk of spread during aerosol‐generating procedures, including endotracheal intubation.

Observations

All patients presenting with upper airway obstruction due to angioedema during this time should be carefully managed in a way that is safest for both patient and provider.

Conclusions

For patients requiring emergent airway management during the COVID‐19 pandemic, minimization of aerosols while taking the necessary precautions to protect healthcare workers should are critical principles for their management.
The Mental Health Consequences of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Dentistry
Authors: Vergara-Buenaventura Andrea , Chavez-Tuñon Mariella , Castro-Ruiz Carmen
Published: June 2020

With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), strict isolation strategies to limit virus transmission have been applied worldwide. The lockdown has affected and challenged different medical areas. Doctors, nurses, dentists, and other health care workers are concerned about contagion, not only for themselves, but also for their families and colleagues. Furthermore, the oral mucosa has been accepted as a high-risk route of transmission for COVID-19. In many countries, dentists have been forced to stop working during quarantine until further notification. Isolation and its financial impact have produced physical and psychological pressure, depression, social anxiety, and other mental health concerns. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the consequences of past epidemics on mental health and to assess possible aspects that might be associated with mental implications in dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, some concrete actions to avoid subsequent potential consequences are recommended.
Censorship as Reward: Evidence from Pop Culture Censorship in Chile
Authors: ESBERG JANE
Published: June 2020

Censorship has traditionally been understood as a way for dictators to silence opposition. By contrast, this article develops and tests the theory that certain forms of censorship—in particular, prohibitions on popular culture—serve not only to limit political information but also to reward dictators’ supporters. Using text analysis of all 8,000 films reviewed for distribution during Chile’s dictatorship, I demonstrate that rather than focusing only on sensitive political topics, censors banned movies containing content considered immoral. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative evidence, I show that these patterns cannot be explained by masked political content, distributor self-censorship, or censor preferences. Instead, they reflect the regime’s use of censorship as a reward for supporters, particularly conservative Catholic groups. My findings suggest that even repressive measures can be used in part to maintain support for authoritarian regimes.
A retrospective review and multi-specialty, evidence-based guideline for the management of necrotising otitis externa
Authors: Hopkins M E , Bennett A , Henderson N , MacSween K F , Baring D , Sutherland R
Published: June 2020

Background

Necrotising otitis externa is a progressive infection of the external auditory canal which extends to affect the temporal bone and adjacent structures. Progression of the disease process can result in serious sequelae, including cranial nerve palsies and death. There is currently no formal published treatment guideline.

Objective

This study aimed to integrate current evidence and data from our own retrospective case series in order to develop a guideline to optimise necrotising otitis externa patient management.

Methods

A retrospective review of necrotising otitis externa cases within NHS Lothian, Scotland, between 2013 and 2018, was performed, along with a PubMed review.

Results

Prevalent presenting signs, symptoms and patient demographic data were established. Furthermore, features of cases associated with adverse outcomes were defined. A key feature of the guideline is defining at-risk patients with initial intensive treatment. Investigations and outcomes are assessed and treatment adjusted appropriately.

Conclusion

This multi-departmental approach has facilitated the development of a succinct, systematic guideline for the management of necrotising otitis externa. Initial patient outcomes appear promising.
Lorsque le katechon permet de repenser le politique. Discussion critique d'une thèse de Georgio Agamben en regard de la discursivité de 2 Th 2.1–17
Authors: Gignac Alain
Published: June 2020

This article compares a discursive analysis of 2 Thess 2 and Giorgio Agamben's use of the same passage in his political philosophy (in at least three of his books). On the one hand, 2 Thess 2 is a complex and detailed eschatological scenario, but ultimately elliptical – with a self-referential enunciative device centred on a ‘super blank’, the κατέχον/κατέχων, which it is preferable not to identify. On the other hand, despite some shortcuts, Agamben aligns with the main intuitions of 2 Thess 2, which finally returns the reader to his/her own present where a conflict is played out between, on one front, the Messiah and his community, and, on the other front, the anti-messiah and his anti-messianic community. According to Agamben, the κατέχον/κατέχων is a negative figure, the legal facade that prevents unmasking the anomie of current political systems and delays the establishment of a messianic community beyond the law.