bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with tobacco cessation attempts among inpatients in a psychiatric hospital
Authors: Otachi Janet K. , Seng Sarret , Okoli Chizimuzo T. C.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Several effective evidence-based tobacco treatment approaches can optimize cessation attempts; however, little is known about the utilization of such strategies by people with mental illnesses (MI) during their cessation attempts.

Aims

To examine methods used during and factors associated with tobacco cessation attempts among people with MI.

Methods

Self-administered cross-sectional survey data were obtained from 132 tobacco using inpatients from a psychiatric facility in Kentucky, USA.

Results

Our study found ‘cold turkey’ as the most reported method by inpatient tobacco users with MI in their prior cessation attempts regardless of the psychiatric diagnosis category. Multivariate logistic regression found ethnicity (OR 26.1; 95% CI 2.9–237.1), age at 1st smoke (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0–1.1), importance to quit (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0–1.4), and receipt of brief tobacco treatment interventions (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0–1.3) significantly associated with quit attempt in the past year.

Conclusion

Despite the existence of various evidence-based approaches to enhance tobacco cessation among people with MI, ‘cold-turkey’ was the most preferred method in this sample. In addition, this study highlighted ethnicity, importance to quit, age at 1st smoke, and receipt of brief interventions as important factors to consider when tailoring tobacco cessation in this population. Though ethnicity is a non-modifiable factor, an informed provider may intervene skillfully by addressing socio-cultural barriers specific to an ethnic group. Lower ratings on the motivation ruler and early age of smoking initiation could also inform providers when using motivational interviewing and other evidence-based tobacco-cessation approaches.
Having a secret reduces charitable giving
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Jiang Libin , Zhou Xinyue
Published: February 2020

Secrecy involves the active concealment of information from others, which can cause undesirable consequences for cognitive, perceptual and health psychology, but empirical research linking secrecy to charitable behaviors remains relatively scarce. This research examined whether secrecy weakens people’s desire to engage in charitable behaviors. Two experiments demonstrated that as a mental burden, secrets decreased people’s donation desire, including their intentions to volunteer and donate, and their tangible charitable behavior. In Experiment 1, recalling a personal secret increased the tendency to donate less money than recalling a neutral experience. Study 2 showed that this weakening effect of secrecy on charitable behaviors is mediated by fatigue (but not negative affect).
Chinese Economies in Ethnographic Perspective: Two case studies of intersecting socioeconomic diversity
Authors: KIPNIS ANDREW B. , CLIFF TOM
Published: February 2020

This article presents economic interactions in two Chinese socioeconomic realms: urban funerals and village-level welfare funds. Ethnographically examining these realms reveals that each of them comprises a diversity of economic processes and moralities. Our first point is thus that ‘the economy’ is a multiple rather than a singular entity. But just as important are the means by which actors move from one form of economy to another, bridging different sets of moral rules. Diverse economic processes and the methods of moving among them exist everywhere, but in China they also reflect the legal ambiguity under which much economic activity takes place. In addition to detailing the differing forms of economy and the ways of moving among them, we show how the intersection between these processes helps to reproduce a certain social order, at least under the socioeconomic conditions at the time of our research.
Cognitive Ageing in Top-Level Female Soccer Players Compared to a Normative Sample from the General Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Prien Annika , Besuden Carolin , Junge Astrid , Feddermann-Demont Nina , Brugger Peter , Verhagen Evert
Published: February 2020

Objective:

There is an ongoing debate on the potential negative effect of contact sport participation on long-term neurocognitive performance due to inherent exposure to concussive and subconcussive head impacts. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether cognitive ageing is exacerbated in elite soccer players compared to the general population.

Method:

Neurocognitive performance in 6 domains was compared between 240 elite soccer players and a normative sample from the general population (n = 585) using the computerised test battery CNS Vital Signs. We used two-way factorial ANOVA to analyse the interaction between age groups (15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49 years) and study population (female soccer players vs. norm sample) in their effects on neurocognitive performance.

Results:

We found no significant interaction effect of age group and study population in five of six test domains. For processing speed, the effect of age was more pronounced in female soccer players (F= 16.89,p= .002). Further, there was a clear main effect of study population on neurocognitive performance with generally better scores in soccer players.

Conclusions:

Elite female soccer players generally performed better than the norm sample on tests of cognitive function, and further, cognitive ageing effects were similar in elite soccer players and controls in all but one domain. A lifespan approach may facilitate insightful future research regarding questions related to long-term neurocognitive health in contact sport athletes.
Differences in pre-pregnancy diet quality by occupation among employed women
Authors: Zaganjor Ibrahim , Carmichael Suzan L , Agopian A J , Olshan Andrew F , Desrosiers Tania A ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Maternal risk factors for pregnancy outcomes are known to vary by employment status. We evaluated whether pre-pregnancy diet quality varies by occupation in a population-based sample.

Design:

We analysed interview data from 7341 mothers in a national case–control study of pregnancy outcomes. Self-reported job(s) held during the 3 months before pregnancy were classified using Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. Usual diet in the year before conception was assessed with a semi-quantitative FFQ and evaluated using the Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-P). Using logistic regression, we calculated adjusted OR and 95 % CI to estimate associations between low diet quality (defined as the lowest quartile of DQI-P scores) and occupation types.

Setting:

The National Birth Defects Prevention Study: Arkansas, California, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Utah.

Participants:

Employed mothers of infants born between 1997 and 2011.

Results:

No occupation was strongly associated with low diet quality. Moderate but relatively imprecise associations were observed for women employed in management (OR: 1·3; 95 % CI: 1·1, 1·7); arts, design, entertainment, sports and media (OR: 1·4; 95 % CI: 0·9, 2·1); protective service (OR 1·3; 95 % CI: 0·7, 2·5) and farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (OR: 0·5; 95 % CI: 0·2, 1·1).

Conclusions:

Our analyses suggest that women in certain occupations may have lower diet quality in the months before pregnancy. Further research is needed to determine whether certain occupations could benefit from interventions to improve diet quality in the workplace for women of reproductive age.
Wilderness Aplenty, but Prophets Few: Religion and the Problem(s) of a New Gilded Age
Authors: Carter Heath W.
Published: February 2020

This essay argues that, whatever the continuities between the religious worlds of the late nineteenth century and those of our own time, the discontinuities are significant enough that we should be cautious in deploying the notion of a new Gilded Age. In particular, the prevalence of work-class conservatism in recent decades stands in stark contrast to the roiling debates and radical departures spearheaded by working-class believers involved with the early labor movement.
Perceived Benefits and Costs Contribute to Young and Older	Adults’ Selectivity in Social Relationships
Authors: O’Brien Erica L. , Hess Thomas M.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. This article explores the influence of perceived benefits and costs on willingness to engage in social interactions in 32 young adults aged 20 to 40 years and 38 older adults aged 65 to 85 years. Results showed (1) increases in perceived benefits and importance of each relationship but decreases in perceived costs associated with increases in network centrality, (2) reduced willingness in older adults to engage with social partners for whom perceived costs outweighed benefits, and (3) perceived costs and benefits subsumed the effects of the affective qualities of social interactions. Findings support an analysis of social behavior based on the selective engagement theory ( Hess, 2014 ), with selection effects in willingness to engage in social interactions related to perceived benefits and costs.
MPAS‐Ocean Simulation Quality for Variable‐Resolution North American Coastal Meshes
Authors: Hoch Kristin E. , Petersen Mark R. , Brus Steven R. , Engwirda Darren , Roberts Andrew F. , Rosa Kevin L. , Wolfram Phillip J.
Published: February 2020

Climate model components utilizing unstructured meshes enable variable resolution, regionally enhanced simulations within global domains. Here we investigate the relationship between mesh quality and simulation statistics using the JIGSAW unstructured meshing library and the Model for Prediction Across Scales‐Ocean (MPAS‐Ocean) with a focus on Gulf Stream dynamics. In the base configuration, the refined region employs 8 km cells that extend 400 km from the coast of North America. This coastal‐refined region is embedded within a low‐resolution global domain, with cell size varying latitudinally between 30 and 60 km. The resolution transition region between the refined region and background mesh is 600 km wide. Three sensitivity tests are conducted: (a) The quality of meshes is intentionally degraded so that horizontal cells are progressively more distorted; (b) the transition region from high to low resolution is steepened; and (c) resolution of the coastal refinement region is varied from 30 to 8 km. Overall, the ocean simulations are shown to be robust to mesh resolution and quality alterations. Meshes that are substantially degraded still produce realistic currents, with Southern Ocean transports within 0.4% and Gulf Stream transports within 12% of high‐quality mesh results. The narrowest transition case of 100 km did not produce any spurious effects. Refined regions with high‐resolution produce eddy kinetic energy and sea surface height variability that are similar to the high‐resolution reference simulation. These results provide heuristics for the design criteria of variable‐resolution climate model domains.
An Orographic‐Drag Parametrization Scheme Including Orographic Anisotropy for All Flow Directions
Authors: Xie Jinbo , Zhang Minghua , Xie Zhenghui , Liu Hailong , Chai Zhaoyang , He JuanXiong , Zhang He
Published: February 2020

Orographic drag is an essential process for numerical weather predictions in complex terrain regions, which depends on the inflow direction. In this study, we define the orographic asymmetry vector (OAV) for a coarse grid as the normalized vector between the grid's center point and its center of mass, and the orographic asymmetry in a flow direction—which describes the inclination direction and the extent of the subgrid terrain—is calculated as the projection of OAV on this direction. Calculations of the effective orographic length (OL) and the model grid length λ are extended to all flow directions. A new orographic drag scheme, which considers the effect of orographic anisotropy in all directions, is then developed based on the OAV projection and the extended OL and λ for any given direction. Sensitivity tests of the orographic drag under the new scheme are conducted using a 5 m/s vertically uniform wind along different directions for four coarse grid points in typical mountain regions. The new scheme is shown to provide a more continuous transition of the orographic parameters and the resulting stress as a function of flow direction than piecewise transition of schemes with only eight directions. The predicted momentum flux profile of the new scheme is compared with mountain‐wave simulations obtained from the integrated modeling system IAP‐WRF (Institute of Atmospheric Physics‐Weather Research and Forecasting Model) for the Rocky Mountain. The new scheme is shown to predict an overall narrower stress scatter about the reference simulation than the old scheme.
Inhibition of CDK9 by voruciclib synergistically enhances cell death induced by the Bcl-2 selective inhibitor venetoclax in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Luedtke Daniel A. , Su Yongwei , Ma Jun , Li Xinyu , Buck Steven A. , Edwards Holly , Polin Lisa , Kushner Juiwanna , Dzinic Sijana H. , White Kathryn , Lin Hai , Taub Jeffrey W. , Ge Yubin
Published: February 2020

Venetoclax, an FDA-approved Bcl-2 selective inhibitor for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is tolerated well in elderly patients with AML and has good overall response rates; however, resistance remains a concern. In this study, we show that targeting CDK9 with voruciclib in combination with venetoclax results in synergistic antileukemic activity against AML cell lines and primary patient samples. CDK9 inhibition enhances venetoclax activity through downregulation of Mcl-1 and c-Myc. However, downregulation of Mcl-1 is transient, which necessitates an intermittent treatment schedule to allow for repeated downregulation of Mcl-1. Accordingly, an every other day schedule of the CDK9 inhibitor is effective in vitro and in vivo in enhancing the efficacy of venetoclax. Our preclinical data provide a rationale for an intermittent drug administration schedule for the clinical evaluation of the combination treatment for AML.
The anti-viral dynamin family member MxB participates in mitochondrial integrity
Authors: Cao Hong , Krueger E. W. , Chen Jing , Drizyte-Miller Kristina , Schulz Mary E. , McNiven Mark A.
Published: February 2020

The membrane deforming dynamin family members MxA and MxB are large GTPases that convey resistance to a variety of infectious viruses. During viral infection, Mx proteins are known to show markedly increased expression via an interferon-responsive promoter to associate with nuclear pores. In this study we report that MxB is an inner mitochondrial membrane GTPase that plays an important role in the morphology and function of this organelle. Expression of mutant MxB or siRNA knockdown of MxB leads to fragmented mitochondria with disrupted inner membranes that are unable to maintain a proton gradient, while expelling their nucleoid-based genome into the cytoplasm. These findings implicate a dynamin family member in mitochondrial-based changes frequently observed during an interferon-based, anti-viral response.
Metal-organic frameworks as kinetic modulators for branched selectivity in hydroformylation
Authors: Bauer Gerald , Ongari Daniele , Tiana Davide , Gäumann Patrick , Rohrbach Thomas , Pareras Gerard , Tarik Mohamed , Smit Berend , Ranocchiari Marco
Published: February 2020

Finding heterogeneous catalysts that are superior to homogeneous ones for selective catalytic transformations is a major challenge in catalysis. Here, we show how micropores in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) push homogeneous catalytic reactions into kinetic regimes inaccessible under standard conditions. Such property allows branched selectivity up to 90% in the Co-catalysed hydroformylation of olefins without directing groups, not achievable with existing catalysts. This finding has a big potential in the production of aldehydes for the fine chemical industry. Monte Carlo and density functional theory simulations combined with kinetic models show that the micropores of MOFs with UMCM-1 and MOF-74 topologies increase the olefins density beyond neat conditions while partially preventing the adsorption of syngas leading to high branched selectivity. The easy experimental protocol and the chemical and structural flexibility of MOFs will attract the interest of the fine chemical industries towards the design of heterogeneous processes with exceptional selectivity.
Ultrafast enzymatic digestion of proteins by microdroplet mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhong Xiaoqin , Chen Hao , Zare Richard N.
Published: February 2020

Enzymatic digestion for protein sequencing usually requires much time, and does not always result in high sequence coverage. Here we report the use of aqueous microdroplets to accelerate enzymatic reactions and, in particular, to improve protein sequencing. When a room temperature aqueous solution containing 10 µM myoglobin and 5 µg mL−1 trypsin is electrosonically sprayed (−3 kV) from a homemade setup to produce tiny (∼9 µm) microdroplets, we obtain 100% sequence coverage in less than 1 ms of digestion time, in sharp contrast to 60% coverage achieved by incubating the same solution at 37 °C for 14 h followed by analysis with a commercial electrospray ionization source that produces larger (∼60 µm) droplets. We also confirm the sequence of the therapeutic antibody trastuzumab (∼148 kDa), with a sequence coverage of 100% for light chains and 85% for heavy chains, demonstrating the practical utility of microdroplets in drug development.
Comprehensive draft of the mouse embryonic fibroblast lysosomal proteome by mass spectrometry based proteomics
Authors: Ponnaiyan Srigayatri , Akter Fatema , Singh Jasjot , Winter Dominic
Published: February 2020

Lysosomes are the main degradative organelles of cells and involved in a variety of processes including the recycling of macromolecules, storage of compounds, and metabolic signaling. Despite an increasing interest in the proteomic analysis of lysosomes, no systematic study of sample preparation protocols for lysosome enriched fractions has been performed to date. In the current study, we used samples enriched for lysosomes by paramagnetic nanoparticles and systematically evaluated experimental parameters for the analysis of the lysosomal proteome. This includes different approaches for the concentration of lysosome-containing fractions; desalting of samples by solid phase extraction; fractionation of peptide samples; and different gradient lengths for LC-MS/MS analyses of unfractionated samples by data dependent and data independent acquisition. Furthermore, we evaluated four different digestion methods including filter aided sample preparation (FASP), in-gel digestion, and in-solution digestion using either RapiGest or urea. Using the combined data, we generated a benchmark lysosomal proteome data set for mouse embryonic fibroblasts as well as a spectral library for the analysis of lysosomes by data independent acquisition.
Upstream Environmental Assessment
Authors: Camara-Salim I. , Feijoo G. , Moreira M. T.
Published: February 2020

In the current framework of bioeconomy, there is growing interest in the use of renewable materials as raw materials to produce bioproducts. Glucose is recognised as a broad-spectrum starting material that can be obtained from carbohydrate-rich biomass. The controversy regarding the use of edible resources raises questions regarding its sustainability. The use of second-generation feedstocks, which are rich in lignocellulose, could be an attractive source of sugars. Currently, the processing of lignocellulosic materials is still in the research and development stages compared to the technologies used for processing edible feedstocks. However, the environmental analysis of different sugar productions can be carried out at this stage, since it is useful to evaluate the viability of the processes as they are conceived, as well as it is possible to identify those stages or units of the process on which efforts should focus in order to propose substantial improvements. This study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of sugars from crops (maize and sugar beet) and lignocellulosic biomass (maize stover), using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. This study attempts to offer a wide vision of the evaluated processes and, for this purpose, 20 scenarios of sugar production were evaluated. Economic allocation was considered to distribute the impacts among the different by-products. Results show that, in terms of average values of the different scenarios, maize stover has a better environmental profile and contributes less to most of the environmental impacts compared to sugar beet and grain maize.
Social Assessment
Authors: Imbert E. , Falcone P. M.
Published: February 2020

The transition from an economy based on fossil fuels to one based on renewable resources is an integral part of the objectives tied to sustainability. In this respect, bio-based products can play a pivotal role whether they are proven to achieve the three dimensions of sustainability. However, following a general tendency in the literature, socio-economic aspects associated with bio-based products have been neglected as compared to environmental aspects. Yet, social sustainability has become a growing challenge, with important effects for bio-based products market uptake and for creating a level playing field with fossil-based counterparts. A life cycle approach is considered particularly appropriate for assessing bio-based products given that sustainable sources of raw materials, as well as sustainable end of life options, have been strongly recommended by international institutions and policy makers. This chapter proposes a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) framework for bio-based products derived by means of a two-step analysis based on the: (i) identification and mapping of relevant stakeholders according to their power and interest towards bio-based products; (ii) validation and integration of a relevant set of social impact categories, subcategories and indicators, previously identified via a literature review, by engaging the identified stakeholders in four context-related interactive workshops.
Emerging investigator series: formation of brominated haloacetamides from trihalomethanes during zero-valent iron reduction and subsequent booster chlorination in drinking water distribution
Authors: Luo Pengzhou , Wang FeiFei , Krasner Stuart W. , Fang Chao , Chen Shenghua , Chu Wenhai
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the transformation of a THM mixture and the change of toxicity risk in drinking water distribution systems for the first time.
The protective effect of hesperetin in osteoarthritis: anin vitroandin vivostudy
Authors: Lin Zeng , Fu Changchang , Yan Zijian , Wu Yifan , Zhan Jingdi , Lou Zhiling , Liao Xin , Pan Jun
Published: February 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA), a progressive joint disorder, is principally characterized by the degeneration and destruction of articular cartilage.
Perovskite hetero-anionic-sublattice interfaces for optoelectronics and nonconventional electronics
Authors: Cheng Dali , Kong Deying , Sheng Xing , Yin Lan , Li Huanglong
Published: February 2020

Perovskite hetero-anionic-sublattice interfaces can provide a new platform for emergent phenomena that may or may not have homo-oxygen-sublattice interface analogues.
Atomic-scale investigation of enhanced lithium, sodium and magnesium storage performance from defects in MoS2/graphene heterostructures
Authors: Xu Ke , Liao Ningbo , Zhang Miao , Xue Wei
Published: February 2020

For the first time, insertion and removal of Li, Na and Mg in MoS2/graphene system are studied. An insertion/removal process-based algorithm is proposed to calculate reversible capacity.
Novel one-pot synthesis of imidazolinones from esters: a concise synthesis of GSK2137305
Authors: Xing Naiguo , Huang Jiangkun , Wang Peng , Luo Lan , Zheng Shilong , He Ling
Published: February 2020

A new copper-catalyzed one-pot reaction resulted in the practical synthesis of imidazolinones from esters.
Elementary reaction pathway study and a deduced macrokinetic model for the unified understanding of Ni-catalyzed steam methane reforming
Authors: Ke Changming , Lin Zijing
Published: February 2020

DFT based microkinetics and macrokinetics that give quantitative explanations of the Ni-catalyzed steam methane reforming reactions.
Figure-eight thermal hysteresis of aminomethylenehelicene oligomers with terminal C16 alkyl groups during hetero-double-helix formation
Authors: Sawato Tsukasa , Iwamoto Rina , Yamaguchi Masahiko
Published: February 2020

1 : 1 mixtures of aminomethylenehelicene (P)-tetramer and (M)-pentamer with terminal C16 alkyl groups in fluorobenzene showed structural changes between hetero-double-helices B and C and random-coils 2A.
The remarkably improved hydrogen storage performance of MgH2by the synergetic effect of an FeNi/rGO nanocomposite
Authors: Ji Liang , Zhang Liuting , Yang Xinglin , Zhu Xinqiao , Chen Lixin
Published: February 2020

Synergetic effects between Mg2Ni/Mg2NiH4, Fe, and rGO contributed to the enhanced hydrogen storage performance of MgH2.
Cu(i)–I coordination polymers as the possible substitutes of lanthanides as downshifters for increasing the conversion efficiency of solar cells
Authors: López-Molina Jesús , Hernández-Rodríguez Cecilio , Guerrero-Lemus Ricardo , Cantelar Eugenio , Lifante Ginés , Muñoz Marta , Amo-Ochoa Pilar
Published: February 2020

From microns to nano Cu(i)–I composite films with higher external quantum efficiency as substitutes of lanthanides in solar cells.
Charge-assisted phosph(v)azane anion receptors
Authors: Plajer Alex J. , Lee Sanha , Bond Andrew D. , Goodman Jonathan M. , Wright Dominic S.
Published: February 2020

Cationic metal and non-metal based phosph(v)azane receptors have enhanced anion affinity compared to neutral phosph(v)azane arrangements.
Pigmented self-cleaning coatings with enhanced UV resilience via the limitation of photocatalytic activity and its effects
Authors: Upton R. L. , Crick C. R.
Published: February 2020

Limiting photocatalytic activity and its effects by synergistically using ceria nanoparticles and polydimethylsiloxane to generate highly durable pigmented self-cleaning coatings.
Interfacial co-existence of oxygen and titanium vacancies in nanostructured TiO2 for enhancement of carrier transport
Authors: Lu Yi , Liu Yi-Xuan , He Li , Wang Li-Ying , Liu Xiao-Long , Liu Jia-Wen , Li Yuan-Zhou , Tian Ge , Zhao Heng , Yang Xiao-Hang , Liu Jie , Janiak Christoph , Lenaerts Silvia , Yang Xiao-Yu , Su Bao-Lian
Published: February 2020

The interfacial co-existence of O- and Ti-vacancies in crystalline TiO2 assisted by rGO sheets is fabricated, improving carrier transport with a unique electron pathway from O- to Ti-vacancies, and minimizing energy loss with a nano-fusion interface between TiO2 and rGO.
A multidimensional nanostructural design towards electrochemically stable and mechanically strong hydrogel electrodes
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ma Jing , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Peigen , He Wei , Chen Jian , Sun ZhengMing
Published: February 2020

Electrically conductive hydrogels are ideal platforms to construct flexible electrodes, we develop a ternary hydrogel architecture with absolute flexibility and uncompromising functionality, showing great promise for flexible electronics.
In situ air oxidation and photophysical studies of isoquinoline-fused N-heteroacenes
Authors: Sonawane Amol D. , Sonawane Rohini A. , Win Khin Myat Noe , Ninomiya Masayuki , Koketsu Mamoru
Published: February 2020

An efficient, metal free and environment friendly synthesis of isoquinoline-fused benzimidazoles has been developed via in situ air oxidation.
Self-healing behaviour of furan–maleimide poly(ionic liquid) covalent adaptable networks
Authors: Lindenmeyer Katelyn M. , Johnson R. Daniel , Miller Kevin M.
Published: February 2020

Recovery of mechanical (tensile testing) and conductive (chronoamperometric cycling) properties was observed for PIL networks containing thermoreversible furan–maleimide crosslinks.
Influence of an ionic comonomer on polymerization-induced self-assembly of diblock copolymers in non-polar media
Authors: Smith Gregory N. , Canning Sarah L. , Derry Matthew J. , Mykhaylyk Oleksandr O. , Norman Sarah E. , Armes Steven P.
Published: February 2020

Incorporating an appropriate ionic comonomer into a polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) formulation can provide convenient access to block copolymer worms and vesicles in non-polar media, in addition to spheres.
Solid-state transformation of aqueous to organic electrolyte – Enhancing the operating voltage window of ‘in situ electrolyte’ supercapacitors
Authors: Leistenschneider Desirée , Heß Lars Henning , Balducci Andrea , Borchardt Lars
Published: February 2020

Waste products during carbon synthesis are transformed into organic electrolytes for supercapacitor applications.
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection impairs insulin secretion by regulation of p38δ MAPK-dependent exocytosis in pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Chen Jizheng , Wang Fang , Zhou Yue , Jiang Jing , Ksimu Sulaiman , Zhang Xu , Li John Zhong , Niu Junqi , Wang Qian
Published: February 2020

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a close association with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although the mechanisms of insulin resistance in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients have been extensively studied, little attention has been given to the role of β-cell function in HCV-associated diabetes. Here, we analysed β-cell function in CHC patients and HCV-infected mouse model and found in addition to insulin resistance, impaired pancreatic β-cell function occurred in CHC patients and HCV-infected C/OTg mice, not only in diabetic individuals but also in individuals with impaired fasting glucose levels. Both first-phase and second-phase insulin secretion were impaired, at least partially due to the reduction of exocytosis of secretory insulin-containing granules following HCV infection. Up-regulated p38δ in HCV-infected β-cells resulted in inactivation of protein kinase D (PKD), which was responsible for impaired insulin secretory capacity of β-cells. Thus, impaired insulin secretion due to HCV infection in β-cells contributes to HCV-associated type 2 diabetes. These findings provided a new inspiration for the important prognostic and therapeutic implications in the management of CHC patients with impaired fasting glucose.
Toward a Consensus Description of Vocal Effort, Vocal Load, Vocal Loading, and Vocal Fatigue
Authors: Hunter Eric J. , Cantor-Cutiva Lady Catherine , van Leer Eva , van Mersbergen Miriam , Nanjundeswaran Chaya Devie , Bottalico Pasquale , Sandage Mary J. , Whitling Susanna
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this document is threefold: (a) review the uses of the terms “vocal fatigue,” “vocal effort,” “vocal load,” and “vocal loading” (as found in the literature) in order to track the occurrence and the related evolution of research; (b) present a “linguistically modeled” definition of the same from the review of literature on the terms; and (c) propose conceptualized definitions of the concepts.

Method

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Four terms (“vocal fatigue,” “vocal effort,” “vocal load,” and “vocal loading”), as well as possible variants, were included in the search, and their usages were compiled into conceptual definitions. Finally, a focus group of eight experts in the field (current authors) worked together to make conceptual connections and proposed consensus definitions.

Results

The occurrence and frequency of “vocal load,” “vocal loading,” “vocal effort,” and “vocal fatigue” in the literature are presented, and summary definitions are developed. The results indicate that these terms appear to be often interchanged with blurred distinctions. Therefore, the focus group proposes the use of two new terms, “vocal demand” and “vocal demand response,” in place of the terms “vocal load” and “vocal loading.” We also propose standardized definitions for all four concepts.

Conclusion

Through a comprehensive literature search, the terms “vocal fatigue,” “vocal effort,” “vocal load,” and “vocal loading” were explored, new terms were proposed, and standardized definitions were presented. Future work should refine these proposed definitions as research continues to address vocal health concerns.
How Does Our Voice Change as We Age? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Acoustic and Perceptual Voice Data From Healthy Adults Over 50 Years of Age
Authors: Rojas Sandra , Kefalianos Elaina , Vogel Adam
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Approximately 30% of adults over the age of 50 years present with altered vocal function. Our understanding of how these changes manifest acoustically and perceptually is derived from relatively modest-sized studies using a diversity of tools. Voice changes can arise from the onset of disease or disorder, but also age-related physiological changes, which may not reflect pathology as such. Here, we bring together data on acoustic, perceptual, and instrumental assessments (electroglottography), with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the changes occurring across these measurement domains. We consider these changes in the context of different acoustic features, software programs, and perceptual protocols.

Method

Studies of voice function in healthy older adults over the age of 50 years were sought. Literature was systematically searched with 746 abstracts reviewed. Forty-seven studies were included in the review. A meta-analysis of included studies compared voice acoustic parameters between sex and age. Sixteen acoustic parameters collected from 1,475 participants were analyzed in the meta-analysis. These included some previously unpublished analyses using data provided by authors of included studies.

Results

Data from the systematic review suggest that older individuals are perceived to present with higher overall scores of dysphonia and roughness, breathiness, strain, and instability. Acoustically, males have significantly higher scores on measures of perturbation, including noise-to-harmonic ratio and absolute jitter. The meta-analysis outcomes suggest that participants aged 80–89 years produce significantly higher fundamental frequency, jitter percent, shimmer percent, and shimmer in decibels compared to participants aged 60–69 years and a significant increase in relative average perturbation, jitter percent, and shimmer in decibels compared to participants aged 70–79 years. Limited data were available comparing acoustic measures using the same acoustic software.

Conclusions

Variations in fundamental frequency and frequency and amplitude perturbation increase as healthy adults age. It was difficult to draw definitive conclusions based on existing literature due to variability in hardware used, limited descriptions of study cohorts, or missing data from statistical analysis.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11868663
Is there Na I in the atmosphere of HD 209458b?
Authors: Casasayas-Barris N. , Pallé E. , Yan F. , Chen G. , Luque R. , Stangret M. , Nagel E. , Zechmeister M. , Oshagh M. , Sanz-Forcada J. , Nortmann L. , Alonso-Floriano F. J. , Amado P. J. , Caballero J. A. , Czesla S. , Khalafinejad S. , López-Puertas M. , López-Santiago J. , Molaverdikhani K. , Montes D. , Quirrenbach A. , Reiners A. , Ribas I. , Sánchez-López A. , Zapatero Osorio M. R.
Published: February 2020

HD 209458b was the first transiting planet discovered, and the first for which an atmosphere, in particular Na I, was detected. With time, it has become one of the most frequently studied planets, with a large diversity of atmospheric studies using low- and high-resolution spectroscopy. Here, we present transit spectroscopy observations of HD 209458b using the HARPS-N and CARMENES spectrographs. We fit the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect by combining radial velocity data from both instruments (nine transits in total), measuring a projected spin-orbit angle of − 1.6 ± 0.3 deg. We also present the analysis of high-resolution transmission spectroscopy around the Na I region at 590 nm, using a total of five transit observations. In contrast to previous studies where atmospheric Na I absorption is detected, we find that for all of the nights, whether individually or combined, the transmission spectra can be explained by the combination of the centre-to-limb variation and the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect. This is also observed in the time-evolution maps and transmission light curves, but at lower signal-to-noise ratio. Other strong lines such as Hα, Ca II IRT, the Mg I triplet region, and K I D1 are analysed, and are also consistent with the modelled effects, without considering any contribution from the exoplanet atmosphere. Thus, the transmission spectrum reveals no detectable Na I absorption in HD 209458b. We discuss how previous pioneering studies of this benchmark object may have overlooked these effects. While for some star–planet systems these effects are small, for other planetary atmospheres the results reported in the literature may require revision.
Stellungnahme der Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie bezüglich der Verwendung von Biosimilars
Authors: Urban Andreas C. , Keller Thomas , Haas Johannes-Peter
Published: February 2020

Die rheumatologische Erkrankungssituation von Kindern und Jugendlichen ließ sich früher über die konventionellen Therapieverfahren zwar sehr positiv verbessern, jedoch erweiterte die Zulassung der Biologika für den pädiatrischen Rheumabereich die Möglichkeit zur Krankheitskontrolle und Verbesserung der Lebensqualität erheblich. Mit Ablauf des Patentschutzes der ursprünglich zugelassenen Biologika (Originatoren) ist es nun möglich, fast identische Medikamente mit gleichem Wirkprinzip zuzulassen (Biosimilars). Da Biosimilars ein deutliches monetäres Einsparpotenzial mit sich bringen, wird diskutiert, vorrangig Biosimilars an Stelle von Originatoren einzusetzen. Die aktuelle Stellungnahme der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie soll eine Hilfestellung für die kindlichen und jugendlichen Patienten/innen wie auch für die Ärzte/innen im Umgang mit den Biosimilars sein. Die bisherigen Erfahrungen zeigen, dass mit der Einführung von Biosimilars kein Wirkverlust gegenüber den Originatoren verbunden ist.
Peer-to-Peer-Selbsthilfe-Interventionen für Geflüchtete – eine Pilotstudie
Authors: Jumaa Jinan Abi , Kluge Ulrike , Weigold Stefanie , Heinz Eustachia , Mehran Nassim
Published: February 2020

Die Ankunft einer großen Anzahl Geflüchteter in Deutschland seit 2015 hat zu wachsenden Herausforderungen im Gesundheitssystem geführt, auch im psychosozialen Bereich. Um die Kenntnisse Geflüchteter über die Angebote im psychosozialen Bereich zu verbessern und erste Hilfestellungen anzubieten, wurden an der Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin eine manualisierte Peer-to-Peer-Unterstützung (P2P) entwickelt und P2P-Trainer/innen ausgebildet. In der hier beschriebenen Pilotstudie wurden vier P2P-Gruppen mit männlichen und weiblichen farsi / dari- oder arabischsprachigen Geflüchteten ausgewertet. Die Teilnehmenden wurden in Einzelinterviews zu wahrgenommenen Vor- und Nachteilen der P2P-Gruppe sowie ihrer Präferenzen und Erwartungen befragt. Die Daten wurden mithilfe der Software MAXQDA kodiert und thematisch analysiert. Alle Teilnehmenden der Gruppen äußerten Zufriedenheit mit dem P2P-Gruppenangebot. P2P half ihnen dabei, soziale Kontakte aufzubauen und soziale Unterstützung zu finden. Eine Flexibilisierung der P2P-Interventionen, ausgerichtet an individuellen Bedürfnissen, wurde gewünscht. Die Ergebnisse unserer Studie legen nahe, dass P2P-Ansätze die Integration von Geflüchteten in die psychosoziale Versorgung verbessern können.
Comparison of semiquantitative metabolic parameters of the primary tumor obtained in PET/CT with 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT in patients with cervical cancer
Authors: Cegła Paulina , Burchardt Ewa , Cholewiński Witold , Gwóźdź Sebastian , Roszak Andrzej , Kubiak Anna , Kaczmarek Aleksandra , Czepczyński Rafał
Published: February 2020

Aim The aim of the study was to compare semiquantitative metabolic parameters of primary tumor assessed in vivo in 18F-FDG- and 18F-FLT in cervical cancer patients.

Material & Methods 39 patients with histologically confirmed cervical cancer underwent PET/CT scans acquired on separate days 60 min after i. v. injection of 364 ± 75 MBq of 18F-FDG and 259 ± 40 MBq of 18F-FLT. The reconstructed PET images were evaluated using a dedicated workstation for primary tumor semiquantitative parameters: SUVmax, MTV, TLG (for 18F-FLT-TLP) and heterogeneity (AUC-CSH). Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and ROC curves were used for statistical analysis. Based on data from the local cancer registry and 3y- to -5y follow up patients were divided into 2 groups with regard to prognosis. Also differences between histopathological type and FIGO classification in two tracers were assessed.

Results Depending on PET/CT results, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 with disease limited only to the cervix, group 2 with disease limited to the cervix and iliac lymph nodes, and group 3 with disseminated disease. Statistically significant differences were found between keratinizing and non-keratinizing SCC in SUVmax (p = 0.03) and AUC-CSH (p = 0.04) only in 18F-FLT-PET/CT. Following cut-off values for nodal involvement in SUVmax, MTV, TLG/TLP and AUC-CSH were calculated using ROC curves: 13.5, 39.22, 255.94, 0.59 respectively for 18F-FDG and 12.1, 37.59, 140.01, 0.46 respectively for 18F-FLT. Higher values in both tracers in MTV and TLG/TLP were found in a group with worse prognosis.

Conclusion This preliminary study suggests that higher values in MTV and TLG/TLP in both tracers might be associated with worse outcome in cervical cancer patients.
Single Atrium and Miscarriages
Authors: Kojqiqi Fatos , Kojqiqi Arben , Jusufi Ismet , Kojcici Besnik
Published: February 2020

Background A single atrium is a very rare heart condition, in which the inter atrial septum is missing. These congenital heart defects usually are surgically corrected after birth.

Case Presentation We present a successful surgical repair of a single atrium (SA) in a 27-year-old woman, who has a complete missing of the atrial septum, without coexisting valvular pathology. The SA diameter was 9.97 × 6.18 cm and the Systemic blood flow/pulmonary blood flow (Qp/Qs) was 4.1 due to the single atrium. Surgical correction consisted of creating a new atrial septum, using a double-velor patch. At first- and second-year follow up, the patient was in a very good condition and without any symptoms present. We consider that the diagnoses of single atrium, especially in child bearing women, should be done in appropriate time, to avoid miscarriages, preterm births and other complications associated.

Conclusion There are many case reports that show good surgical repair of single atrium and without late complications. In our case, we have obtained a very good surgical repair, without AV bundle damage and no residual shunt demonstrated on intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.
Clostridioides difficile Spores: Bile Acid Sensors and Trojan Horses of Transmission
Authors: Shen Aimee
Published: February 2020

The Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium, Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections in the United States, although it also causes a significant number of community-acquired infections. C. difficile infections, which range in severity from mild diarrhea to toxic megacolon, cost more to treat than matched infections, with an annual treatment cost of approximately $6 billion for almost half-a-million infections. These high–treatment costs are due to the high rates of C. difficile disease recurrence (>20%) and necessity for special disinfection measures. These complications arise in part because C. difficile makes metabolically dormant spores, which are the major infectious particle of this obligate anaerobe. These seemingly inanimate life forms are inert to antibiotics, resistant to commonly used disinfectants, readily disseminated, and capable of surviving in the environment for a long period of time. However, upon sensing specific bile salts in the vertebrate gut, C. difficile spores transform back into the vegetative cells that are responsible for causing disease. This review discusses how spores are ideal vectors for disease transmission and how antibiotics modulate this process. We also describe the resistance properties of spores and how they create challenges eradicating spores, as well as promote their spread. Lastly, environmental reservoirs of C. difficile spores and strategies for destroying them particularly in health care environments will be discussed.
Klinik-Einkaufsgemeinschaften: Gemeinsam einkaufen, gemeinsam sparen, gemeinsam regeln
Authors: Kempe Lisa
Published: February 2020

Der Markt der Klinik-Einkaufsgemeinschaften ist in Bewegung. Die Gesellschaften, ihre Mitglieder und Kunden ebenso wie ihre Lieferanten müssen sich jetzt der Digitalisierung auf allen Ebenen stellen. Der Trend geht dabei von der reinen Einkaufs- zur Dienstleistungsgemeinschaft.
Participation in and Gains from Traditional Vegetable Value Chains: a Gendered Analysis of Perceptions of Labour, Income and Expenditure in Producers’ and Traders’ Households
Authors: Fischer Gundula , Patt Nicolas , Ochieng Justus , Mvungi Henry
Published: February 2020

Horticulture is one of the fastest growing subsectors of agriculture in Tanzania. Gender relations in vegetable-producing and vegetable-trading households need to be understood to make value chain development equitable. This study, carried out in northern and central Tanzania, is based on data from surveys, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The perceptions of men and women traders and producers are investigated with regard to labour participation in traditional vegetable value chains and gains (income and expenditure) from it. Farmers were found to report more balanced intra-household labour arrangements paired with less-balanced income and expenditure shares, while traders indicated less-balanced labour contributions that went hand in hand with more-balanced shares of benefits. Farmers related limited household development not only to imbalances in benefits but also to a lack of trust and cooperation between spouses. The importance of gender-transformative approaches in agricultural value chains is emphasized herein.
Improving accuracy of dual-axial resonance fatigue testing for wind turbine blades by using predicted equivalent test loads caused by combined loading
Authors: Zhang Jinbo , Shi Kezhong , Zhang Chaoyu , Yang Ke
Published: February 2020

The dual-axial resonance fatigue test provides for accurate and efficient testing of wind turbine blades through optimizations. However, the existing dual-axial test optimization does not yield an accurate test design because it compares the test loads that correspond to the mode shapes with the target loads that are aligned to the local chord axes. Therefore, this paper proposes equivalent applied loads to predict the flatwise and edgewise test loads by transferring the mode shapes to the local chord axes and using the linear damage accumulation rule. The application of the equivalent applied loads helps the dual-axial test optimization yield satisfactory test schemes without much additional computing time.