bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a novel antifungal protein produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa isolated from the wheat rhizosphere
Authors: Ran Junjian , Jiao Lingxia , Zhao Ruixiang , Zhu Mingming , Shi Jianrong , Xu Baocheng , Pan Li
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the disasters that seriously harm wheat and other small grain crops. It causes spoilage and mildew of the grain leading to a significant decline in the yield and quality of the grain. This research aimed to isolate antagonistic bacteria to purify antifungal proteins. A strain was isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy wheat in a wheat field affected by a severe FHB epidemic. This isolated strain was tentatively identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa 7F1, which displayed a strong inhibitory effect against several other pathogens. One novel antifungal protein was purified from the P. polymyxa 7F1 and successfully expressed.

RESULTS

A crude culture of P. polymyxa 7F1 demonstrated antifungal activity that was stable at a temperature range of 60–90 °C and a pH range of 2.6–9.0. However, the antifungal activity of the P. polymyxa 7F1 was inhibited with proteinase K, trypsin, and neutral protease treatment. A 36 kDa protein with broad‐spectrum antifungal activity was purified from the P. polymyxa 7F1. A glycosyl hydrolase domain was identified from this protein through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis. A recombinant plasmid pET32a(+)/36kd for prokaryotic expression was constructed, and the renatured p36kd protein demonstrated similar antifungal activity to the 36 kDa protein purified from the P. polymyxa 7F1.

CONCLUSION

A novel antifungal protein produced by P. polymyxa 7F1 was purified and expressed. The recombinant protein showed good antifungal activity as the novel purified protein. The novel antifungal protein provides an effective way to control the Fusarium head blight. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative Effectiveness of 755‐nm Picosecond Laser, 755‐ and 532‐nm Nanosecond Lasers for Treatment of Café‐au‐Lait Macules (CALMs): A Randomized, Split‐Lesion Clinical Trial
Authors: Cen Qingqing , Gu Yifei , Luo Lan , Shang Ying , Rao Yamin , Zhu Jiafang , Han Yue , Yu Wenxin , Liu Ying , Wu Xianglei , Ying Hanru , Ma Gang , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

Many types of lasers have been used to treat café‐au‐lait macules (CALMs) since the introduction of the selective photothermolysis theory. However, the efficacy and safety of picosecond lasers, compared with those of nanosecond lasers, have not been researched. To compare the efficacy and safety of 755 nm picosecond laser (PS‐755 nm), Q‐switched (QS) Alexandrite 755 nm nanosecond laser (QS‐755 nm), and QS Nd:YAG 532 nm nanosecond laser (QS‐532 nm) for treating CALMs.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Forty‐one patients received several treatments at 3‐month intervals. Lesions were divided into two or three approximately equal parts, which were randomly treated with PS‐755 nm, QS‐755 nm, and QS‐532 nm. The safety and efficacy of three lasers were determined based on blinded visual assessments and self‐reports of patients three months after the comparative trial.

Results

Visual assessment 3 months after the comparative trial revealed that there was no statistically significant difference among the sites treated by QS‐755 nm (2.84 ± 1.11), QS‐532 nm (2.63 ± 1.06), and PS‐755 nm (2.74 ± 1.05) lasers. Five (26.32%) of 19 patients showed lesion recurrence. Adverse effects included acneiform miliaris, hypopigmentation, and hyperpigmentation, which were resolved within 12 months. Five (26.32%) of 19 patients who showed lesion recurrence 1–5 months after laser treatment had lightened or cleared at least 50% of the lesion. 46.67% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of the overall treatment.

Conclusions

PS‐755 nm, QS‐755 nm, and QS‐532 nm laser treatments were equally effective in treating and improving CALMs. PS‐755 nm caused fewer adverse effects. Individuals can react differently to different types of lasers. Patch tests should be conducted before the treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
High‐order convergent methods for singularly perturbed quasilinear problems with integral boundary conditions
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Kumar Shashikant ,   Sumit
Published: September 2020

In this work, we develop a numerical scheme for a class of singularly perturbed quasilinear problems with integral boundary conditions. The quasilinear equation is discretized using a hybrid scheme, and the composite trapezoidal rule is used to discretize the boundary condition. We construct a general error analysis framework for the discrete scheme. Within this framework, the discrete scheme is shown to be uniformly convergent of
on Shishkin meshes and
on Bakhvalov meshes. Further, we propose adaptive generation of meshes based on a suitable monitor function and the mesh equidistribution principle. We prove that on these meshes the discrete scheme is uniformly convergent of
Our theoretical findings are supported by numerical results obtained through experiments.
NMR Characterization of Vis‐Broken Heterophasic Ethylene−Propylene Copolymers
Authors: Matthews Megan , Magagula Sifiso , van Reenen Albert
Published: September 2020

Solution13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is used in conjunction with in situ solid‐state NMR to determine the effect of peroxide treatment on the chemical structure and morphology of ethylene−propylene copolymers. The copolymers contain increasing quantities of ethylene with the lowest ethylene content corresponding to pure isotactic polypropylene. The vis‐breaking of heterophasic ethylene‐propylene copolymers (HEPCs) is found to be influenced by the homogeneity of the chain sequences. The in situ vis‐breaking in solid‐state NMR reveals significant changes in mobility of the crystalline domains and the formation of a disordered crystal phase within the α structure is observed. Both solution and solid‐state NMR experiments confirm the greater sensitivity of copolymers containing short ethylene sequences to peroxide degradation. It is proposed that longer chain ethylene sequences resist chemical changes and provide some degree of protection from degradation as a result of the reactivity of the ethylene units.
New pivot for investigating flame‐retarding mechanism: Quantitative analysis of zinc phosphate doped aliphatic waterborne polyurethane‐based intumescent coatings for flame‐retarding plywood
Authors: Wang YaChao , Deng Jun , Zhao JiangPing , Shi Hongxing
Published: September 2020

The quantitative analysis of zinc phosphate (ZnP) on the flame resistance of intumescent flame retardant coatings (IFRCs) is presented including cone calorimeter (CC) and pyrolysis kinetics, using aliphatic waterborne polyurethane (AWP) as the coating binder. The CC results show that an appropriate dosage (2 wt%) of ZnP in the AWP‐based coating constitutes an improved flame resistance, evidenced by the fire performance index increased from 0.41 to 0.71 seconds m2 kW−1, as well as the reduced fire growth index. The characterization analysis determines the dehydrated ZnP facilitates the formed amorphous char‐residue with a heat‐sink effect, leading to an increase in heat absorption, which climbs from the 253.00to 351.30 J·g−1. Besides, the pyrolysis kinetics verifies that the 3D Jander model (n = 2) mainly governs the whole pyrolysis process of pure coatings by the modified Coats‐Redfern integral method. The ZnP‐containing coating exerts an improved Eα corresponding to 95–200°C, which climbs from 24.96 to 35.80 kJ mol−1, leading to the formation of a continuous and compact char layer. It explores an effective quantitative analysis of the flame resistance of organic–inorganic hybrid IFRCs, deepening the flame‐retarding mechanism.
The effect of annealing of milled carbon fibers on the mechanical and tribological properties of solid‐lubricant thermoplastic polyimide‐based composites
Authors: Panin S.V. , Luo J. , Alexenko V.O. , Buslovich D.G. , Kornienko L.A. , Bochkareva S.A. , Panov I.L.
Published: September 2020

The mechanical and tribological properties of polyimide (PI)‐based composites loaded with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and milled carbon fibers (MCF) in the as received and annealed states were studied in order to increase adhesion to the polymer matrix. It has been shown that loading with micron‐range MCF (200 μm) doubles elastic modulus of the composites while all other physical and mechanical properties remain at neat PI levels. The three‐component composite loaded with annealed MCF and PTFE has possessed the highest wear resistance. In comparison with neat PI, its wear rate has decreased by ∼312 times for the metal‐polymer tribological contact and by ∼286 times for the ceramic‐polymer one. Based on the obtained experimental data, the most preferential conditions for their implementation (load‐speed modes for the given types of the tribological contacts) have been determined using a developed computer algorithm. The designed solid‐lubricant ''PI + 10 wt% PTFE + 10 wt% MCFannealed'' composite has been recommended for both metal‐polymer and ceramic‐polymer tribological units.
The effect of black barberry hydroalcoholic extract on immune mediators in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double–blind, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Aryaeian Naheed , Hadidi Mahsa , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Asgari Marziyeh , Hezaveh Zohreh Sajadi , Sadehi Sara Khorshidi
Published: September 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with inflammation. In this trial, we aimed to investigate the Immunomodulatory effect of hydroalcoholic extract of black barberry on immune mediators in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. In this randomized, double–blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 80 women with active RA were randomly assigned into two groups of two capsules, each containing 1,000 mg black barberry extract (n = 40) or maltodextrin placebo (n = 40) daily for 12 weeks. Demographic indices, physical activity, dietary intake, and disease activity were investigated using suitable questionnaires. Concentration of cytokines IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, and IL‐17 in blood sample were measured using PBMC method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 22). At baseline, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of demographic indices, physical activity, and dietary intake (p > .05). Black barberry supplementation reduced the severity of RA. It showed no significant effect on IL‐2 and IL‐4 cytokines (p > .05). IL‐17 levels decreased significantly after the intervention within the black barberry group, while IL‐10 had a significant increase in this group (p < .05). Barberry extract may reduce inflammatory and increase anti‐inflammatory cytokines in RA, and stimulates the immune response by increasing Th2 production.
Floodwater harvesting to manage irrigation water and mesquite encroachment in a data‐sparse river basin: an eco‐hydrological approach
Authors: Babker Zryab , Elagib Nadir Ahmed , Al Zayed Islam Sabry , Sulieman Rayyan
Published: September 2020

This investigation attempts to understand the eco‐hydrology of, and accordingly suggest an option to manage floodwater for agriculture in, the understudied and data‐sparse ephemeral Baraka River Basin within the hyper‐arid region of Sudan. Reference is made to the major feature of the basin, that is, the Toker Delta spate irrigation scheme. A point‐to‐pixel comparison of gridded and ground‐based data sets is performed to enhance the estimates of rainfall. Analysis of remotely sensed land use/cover data is performed. The results show a significant reduction of the grassland and barren areas explained by a significant expansion of the cropland and open shrubland (invasive mesquite trees) areas in the delta. The cotton sown area is highly dependent on the flooded area and the discharge volume in the delta. However, the area of this major crop has declined since the early 1990s in favour of cultivation of more profitable food crops. Expansion of mesquite in the delta is problematic, taking hold under increased floodwater, and can only be manged by clearance to provide crop cultivation area. There is a great potential for floodwater harvesting during the rainfall season (June to September). A total seasonal runoff volume of around 4.6 and 10.8 billion cubic metres is estimated at 90 and 50% probabilities of exceedance (reliabilities), respectively. Rather than leaving the runoff generated from rainfall events to pass to the Red Sea or be consumed by mesquite trees, a location for runoff harvesting structure in a highly suitable area is proposed. Such a structure will support any policy shifts towards planning and managing the basin water resources for use in irrigating the agricultural scheme.
Establishing a Crafty Making Future: What Does a Career in Craft Look Like Today?
Authors: Luckman Susan , Andrew Jane
Published: September 2020

This chapter outlines the diversity of ways that project participants have developed and structured their working lives and enterprises. Within these conversations we will gain an understanding of the range of people, personal acumen, skills, and public and private investments that are garnered by these creative entrepreneurs to develop and sustain their practices. Through the lens of Milanesi’s three forms of ‘passion entrepreneurship’: lifestyle, accidental, and hybrid entrepreneur (Milanesi 2018, p. 425), why makers pursue this work, despite the often relatively low levels of income to be derived from creative self-employment, is explored. The chapter concludes with a reference listing of some of the key practical advice offered by the research participants.
Craft and Design in an Age of Climate Crisis
Authors: Luckman Susan , Andrew Jane
Published: September 2020

A key tension at the heart of artisanal capitalism is the desire on the part of many makers to work ethically as well as generate an income, but does the world really need more ‘stuff’? Craft practice has long had as a central tenet a profound respect for materials and this sensibility continues to inform much craft practice today. So too do ideas of workmanship, of quality and building to last which also have rich and long traditions in craft practice and are all the more salient in the age of ‘fast fashion’, accelerating disposability and climate crisis. This chapter explores how makers are working to negotiate these tensions and possibly even become part of the solution not the problem.
Towards a New Paradigm of the Creative City or the Same Devil in Disguise? Culture-led Urban (Re)development and Sustainability
Authors: Lavanga Mariangela , Drosner Martina
Published: September 2020

Recent attempts have been made by scholars and policy makers to include culture in the sustainability discourse. However, there is a general lack of empirical studies that provide enough insights to understand why culture matters for sustainability. By taking the case of De Ceuvel—a planned workplace for creative and social enterprises in a heavy polluted area in Amsterdam, this chapter aims at answering the question why do cultural and creative entrepreneurs engage in sustainability and in particular in a circular economy model.
Mobile Age: Co-creating Digital Public Services with and for Older Citizens
Authors: Jarke Juliane
Published: September 2020

This book describes and compares three co-creation projects that were conducted in two European cities as part of a larger EU-funded innovation project called Mobile Age. This chapter introduces Mobile Age and presents the project’s framework and methodology for co-creating digital public services. Part of the framework are seven streams of activity that need to be considered. These streams of activity are not sequential but run in parallel and inform each other: (1) governing and managing a co-creation process; (2) continuous recruitment and engagement of stakeholders; (3) co-creating a service concept; (4) working with (open) (government) data; (5) co-creating software; (6) evaluating the co-creation process and its results; and (7) exploiting and disseminating the co-created service. All three co-creation projects featured in this book are described along those streams of activity. In addition, for each project its specific problem focus, target audiences, value propositions and resources are provided.
Co-Creation in Practice III: Co-Creating Age-Friendly Routes (Zaragoza)
Authors: Jarke Juliane
Published: September 2020

This chapter reports on the third co-creation project described in this book. The project was managed by two departments of Zaragoza city council: the Department of Elderly Care and the Technical Office of Participation, Transparency and Open Government. Several activities aiming to improve the lives older citizens have been conducted by the city administration since Zaragoza joined the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. In a consultation process, older citizens had expressed a demand for safe and well-equipped outdoor spaces. Thus, the broad problem focus of this co-creation project was on the improvement of an age-friendly city infrastructure. The co-creation project covered six walks in three different districts. In each district, groups of six to eight older residents defined two relevant routes and collected information (problems and improvements) about them. The data was integrated in a collaborative digital map provided by the city’s Technical Office. The result of the project is an enhanced map service, which allows (older) citizens to report problems in the public (road) infrastructure and/or propose improvements. Their suggestions for improvements enter a list of citizen proposals for a participatory budgeting process.
Learning from Co-creation Practice
Authors: Jarke Juliane
Published: September 2020

This chapter reflects on the learnings from the three co-creation projects featured in this book and attends to the central research questions posed in the introduction. In sum, the chapter presents nine learning points. These cover very different aspects of co-creation ranging from the different roles local government, social care service providers, intermediaries and older citizens may assume, to the implications of embedding co-creation processes in existing service portfolios and strategic policies. The chapter furthermore reflects on different types of co-creation methods (e.g. cultural probes, data tables, data walks) and how they allow for meaningful participation and sharing of knowledge. Ultimately the chapter considers to what extent the openness of a co-creation process impacts on the sustainability of its results and the ways in which co-creation may contribute to joint socio-technical future-making.
Prediction of internal carotid artery aneurysm recurrence by pressure difference at the coil mass surface
Authors: Uno Takehiro , Misaki Kouichi , Nambu Iku , Yoshikawa Akifumi , Kamide Tomoya , Uchiyama Naoyuki , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: September 2020

Purpose

A previous study on computational fluid dynamics reported that a high pressure difference (PD) at the surface of a coil mass is a strong predictor of aneurysm recurrence after coil embolization. PD was calculated using a virtual post-coiling model (VM), created by manually cutting the aneurysm by the flat plane from an anatomic model created with pre-coil embolization data; however, its credibility has not been fully evaluated. This study aims to clarify whether PD values calculated using the post-coiling model, which reflects the actual coil plane, are a strong predictor of aneurysm recurrence.

Methods

Fifty internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with endovascular coil embolization were analyzed (7 recanalized, 43 stable). We created and subjected two post-coiling models, namely, VM and the real post-coiling model (RM), constructed from the post-coil embolization data. The relationship between PD and aneurysm recurrence was examined using these models. PD and its constituent three parameters were compared between VM and RM.

Results

PD values calculated using RM showed significantly higher aneurysm recurrence in recurrence group than stable group (p < 0.001), and multivariate analysis showed that PD in RM (p = 0.02; odds ratio, 36.24) was significantly associated with aneurysm recurrence. The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that PD values accurately predicted aneurysm recurrence (area under the curve, 0.977; cutoff value, 3.08; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 97.7%). All four parameters showed a significant correlation with VM and RM (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Use of PD to predict recurrence after coil embolization can be clinically relevant.
Hyperprogressive disease rarely occurs during checkpoint inhibitor treatment for advanced melanoma
Authors: Schuiveling M. , Tonk E. H. J. , Verheijden R. J. , Suijkerbuijk K. P. M.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Hyperprogression, characterized by a rapid acceleration in tumor growth, is a novel pattern of progression recently described in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This study aims to assess the incidence of hyperprogression in patients with advanced melanoma treated with checkpoint inhibitors.

Methods

Clinical and radiological findings of all advanced melanoma patients who started checkpoint inhibitors between January 2013 and March 2019 in a tertiary academic center in the Netherlands were analyzed. Change in tumor burden was calculated by assessing volumetric tumor growth using the criteria as defined by immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Hyperprogression was defined as a time to treatment failure less than 2 months with doubling of tumor burden and a twofold increase in tumor growth rate during treatment. Possible hyperprogression was defined as the presence of the first two criteria in the absence of a pre-baseline scan.

Results

Out of 206 treatment episodes in 168 patients, 75 were evaluable for hyperprogression and 87 for possible hyperprogression. Hyperprogression was observed in one patient (1.3%) and possible hyperprogression was observed in one patient (1.1%).

Conclusion

Hyperprogression is rare in melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our data question if hyperprogression really is a biological entity in metastatic melanoma.
Head-to-head comparison of multiple cardiovascular magnetic resonance techniques for the detection and quantification of intramyocardial haemorrhage in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Pavon Anna Giulia , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Vincenti Gabriella , Muller Olivier , Monney Pierre , Berchier Gregoire , Cirillo Chiara , Eeckhout Eric , Schwitter Juerg , Masci Pier Giorgio
Published: September 2020

Objectives

T2*-weighted (T2*w) is deemed as a reference standard for post-infarction intramyocardial haemorrhage (IMH). However, high proportion of T2* images is affected by off-resonance artefacts hampering image interpretation. Diagnostic accuracy and precision of alternative techniques for IMH diagnosis and quantification have been seldomly investigated.

Methods and results

Between April 2016 and May 2017, 50 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients (66% male, 57 ± 17 years) and 15 healthy controls (60% male, 58 ± 13) were consecutively enrolled. Subjects underwent head-to-head comparison of single mid-infarct slice acquired on black-blood T2-weighted short-TI-inversion recovery (T2w-STIR), bright-blood T2prep-steady-state-free precession (T2prep-SSFP), and T2/T1 maps for IMH diagnosis and quantification against T2*w. All images were graded for quality (grade 1: very poor; grade 4: excellent) and diagnostic confidence (Likert scale, 1: very unsure and 5: highly confident). Reduced relaxation time/hypointense region (hypocore) embedded in infarct-related oedema on T2 map, T1 map, and T2w-STIR had the best overall diagnostic accuracy (per-subject: 91%, 86%, and 86%, respectively; per segment: 95%, 93%, and 93%, respectively). By mixed-effects analysis, image quality, and diagnostic confidence were higher for T2 map and T1 maps than T2*w (p < 0.05 for both scores). For IMH quantification, hypocore on T2 map and T1 map strongly correlated (Spearman’s r > 0.7, p < 0.001 for both) with IMH extent on T2*w and presented an overall excellent agreement on Bland-Altman analysis. By linear mixed model analysis, absolute hypocore size did not differ among T1-, T2 map, and T2*w. T2/T1 maps had the best intra- and inter-observer reproducibility among CMR techniques.

Conclusion

Hypocore on T2/T1 map is the best alternative technique to T2*w for diagnosing and quantifying IMH in post-STEMI patients.

Key Point

• Mapping techniques are the best alternatives for diagnosing post-infarction intramyocardial haemorrhage.

• Mapping techniques are valuable tools for imaging intramyocardial haemorrhage.
Native mass spectrometry of human carbonic anhydrase I and its inhibitor complexes
Authors: Zoppi Carlotta , Nocentini Alessio , Supuran Claudiu T. , Pratesi Alessandro , Messori Luigi
Published: September 2020

Native mass spectrometry is a potent technique to study and characterize biomacromolecules in their native state. Here, we have applied this method to explore the solution chemistry of human carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I) and its interactions with four different inhibitors, namely three sulfonamide inhibitors (AAZ, MZA, SLC-0111) and the dithiocarbamate derivative of morpholine (DTC). Through high-resolution ESI-Q-TOF measurements, the native state of hCA I and the binding of the above inhibitors were characterized in the molecular detail. Native mass spectrometry was also exploited to assess the direct competition in solution among the various inhibitors in relation to their affinity constants. Additional studies were conducted on the interaction of hCA I with the metallodrug auranofin, under various solution and instrumental conditions. Auranofin is a selective reagent for solvent-accessible free cysteine residues, and its reactivity was analyzed also in the presence of CA inhibitors. Overall, our investigation reveals that native mass spectrometry represents an excellent tool to characterize the solution behavior of carbonic anhydrase.

Graphic abstract
Effect of personality traits on the oral health-related quality of life in patients with oral lichen planus undergoing treatment
Authors: Gabriella Dvorak , Klemens Rappersberger , Xiao-hui Rausch-Fan , Corinna Bruckmann , Eva Hofmann
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between personality traits and perceived treatment success in oral lichen planus.

Material and methods

A total of 53 patients with diagnosed oral lichen planus were evaluated at the time of diagnosis and along the course of their treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for evaluating pain and burning sensation, along with an evaluation of the oral health-related quality of life (OHIP) and the clinical severity. In order to determine the personality trait, the NEO-FFI questionnaire was applied. Data were assessed with the statistical software Stata by a multiple linear regression.

Results

A significant relationship between the two personality traits: “conscientiousness” and “extraversion” and a perceived improvement in oral lichen planus could be observed. The higher the “conscientiousness,” the better the perceived oral health-related quality of life. Furthermore, “extraversion” had a significant influence on the improvement in clinical severity index (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Personality traits, especially conscientiousness and extraversion, have a significant impact on the perception of therapeutic intervention in oral lichen planus.

Clinical relevance

As personalized patient management is gaining importance and psychosocial factors play a significant role in mucosal diseases, the patient’s psychological profile should be considered in the oral lichen planus management.
Diffusion coefficients in nanoporous solids derived from membrane permeation measurements
Authors: Caro Juergen
Published: September 2020

Based on the molecular understanding of the interplay of diffusion and adsorption, new membrane materials can be developed and the operational conditions of gas separation membranes can be optimized. Therefore, numerous diffusion and adsorption studies are conducted to optimize membrane materials. However, in an opposite way, transport or Fickian diffusion coefficientsDTcan be derived from membrane permeation studies with surprising accuracy. From measuring the gas transport through nanoporous supported thin-layer membranes or through mixed matrix membranes with nanoporous fillers in a polymer matrix, the transport diffusion coefficientsDTof gases in novel nanoporous materials such as zeolites, MOFs, COFs… can be estimated.
Effect of long term CPAP therapy on cardiac parameters assessed with cardiac MRI
Authors: Wuest W. , May M. S. , Wiesmueller M. , Uder M. , Schmid A.
Published: September 2020

The obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder with a high prevalence and is associated with an elevated cardiovascular risk and increased morbidity and mortality. For longitudinal studies and functional analysis cardiac MRI is regarded as the gold standard. Aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on cardiac functional parameters with cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (cMRI). 54 patients with OSAS (mean apnea hypopnea index-AHI: 31) were prospectively enrolled in this study and cMRI was performed before and after 7 months of CPAP therapy. Data were acquired on a 1.5 T MRI and right and left ventricular cardiac function were analysed. CPAP treatment was considered compliant when used ≥ 4 h per night. 24-h blood pressure was measured at baseline and follow up. 33 patients could be assigned to the compliance group. Left ventricular stroke volume (LV SV) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RV EF) improved significantly with CPAP therapy (LV SV from 93 ± 19 to 99 ± 20 ml, p = 0.02; RV EF from 50 ± 6 to 52 ± 6%, p = 0.04). All other cardiac parameters did not change significantly while mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure improved significantly (p < 0.01). 21 patients were assigned to the non-compliance group and were considered as a control group. There were no relevant differences in cardiac parameters between baseline and follow up examination in these patients. CPAP therapy seems to improve LV SV, RV EF, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in OSAS patients, but reproducibility of our results need to be confirmed in a larger patient population.
Pandemic programming
Authors: Ralph Paul , Baltes Sebastian , Adisaputri Gianisa , Torkar Richard , Kovalenko Vladimir , Kalinowski Marcos , Novielli Nicole , Yoo Shin , Devroey Xavier , Tan Xin , Zhou Minghui , Turhan Burak , Hoda Rashina , Hata Hideaki , Robles Gregorio , Milani Fard Amin , Alkadhi Rana
Published: September 2020

Context

As a novel coronavirus swept the world in early 2020, thousands of software developers began working from home. Many did so on short notice, under difficult and stressful conditions.

Objective

This study investigates the effects of the pandemic on developers’ wellbeing and productivity.

Method

A questionnaire survey was created mainly from existing, validated scales and translated into 12 languages. The data was analyzed using non-parametric inferential statistics and structural equation modeling.

Results

The questionnaire received 2225 usable responses from 53 countries. Factor analysis supported the validity of the scales and the structural model achieved a good fit (CFI = 0.961, RMSEA = 0.051, SRMR = 0.067). Confirmatory results include: (1) the pandemic has had a negative effect on developers’ wellbeing and productivity; (2) productivity and wellbeing are closely related; (3) disaster preparedness, fear related to the pandemic and home office ergonomics all affect wellbeing or productivity. Exploratory analysis suggests that: (1) women, parents and people with disabilities may be disproportionately affected; (2) different people need different kinds of support.

Conclusions

To improve employee productivity, software companies should focus on maximizing employee wellbeing and improving the ergonomics of employees’ home offices. Women, parents and disabled persons may require extra support.
Should Google Scholar be used for benchmarking against the professoriate in education?
Authors: Merga Margaret K. , Mat Roni Sayidi , Mason Shannon
Published: September 2020

In the neoliberal environment of contemporary academia, an individual’s research rankings and outputs can shape their career security and progression. When applying for ongoing employment and promotional opportunities, academics may benchmark their performance against that of superior colleagues to demonstrate their performance in relation to their discipline. The H-index and citation rates are commonly used to quantify the value of an academic’s work, and they can be used comparatively for benchmarking purposes. The focus of this paper is to critically consider if Google Scholar be used for benchmarking against the professoriate in education, by weighting up issues of data reliability and participation. The Google Scholar profiles of full professors at top ranked universities in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America are analysed to explore how widespread Google Scholar use is in the education professoriate. Quartiles of impact are established in relation to H-index, with exploration of how gender is distributed across these quartiles. Limitations of using Google Scholar data are highlighted through a taxonomy of quality confounders, and the utility of Google Scholar as a legitimate tool for benchmarking against the professoriate in education is strongly challenged. As metrics continue to rise in their importance for academics’ job security and promotional prospects, reliance on metrics of dubious quality and uneven participation must be questioned.
Latent Theme Dictionary Model for Finding Co-occurrent Patterns in Process Data
Authors: Fang Guanhua , Ying Zhiliang
Published: September 2020

Process data, which are temporally ordered sequences of categorical observations, are of recent interest due to its increasing abundance and the desire to extract useful information. A process is a collection of time-stamped events of different types, recording how an individual behaves in a given time period. The process data are too complex in terms of size and irregularity for the classical psychometric models to be directly applicable and, consequently, new ways for modeling and analysis are desired. We introduce herein a latent theme dictionary model for processes that identifies co-occurrent event patterns and individuals with similar behavioral patterns. Theoretical properties are established under certain regularity conditions for the likelihood-based estimation and inference. A nonparametric Bayes algorithm using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method is proposed for computation. Simulation studies show that the proposed approach performs well in a range of situations. The proposed method is applied to an item in the 2012 Programme for International Student Assessment with interpretable findings.
Assessing the impact of land use and land cover dynamics on water quality of Dal Lake, NW Himalaya, India
Authors: Rather Ishtiyaq Ahmad , Dar Abdul Qayoom
Published: September 2020

A dynamic process like land use, if anthropogenically unsustainable, adversely affects the well-being of the land system. Worldwide, water bodies are facing imminent threat due to unsustainable anthropogenic activities. Water quality and ecology are the two characteristics of water bodies, if not preserved, shall have a direct consequence on the well-being of the human systems. Hence it is essential to understand the causes and consequences of the deteriorating water body systems. The condition is particularly grim in Himalayan water body ecosystems, where unplanned and unchecked urbanization has threatened their very existence. In the present study, the dynamics of land use/land cover (LULC) and its impact on the water quality of Dal Lake in Kashmir Himalaya, India has been assessed. We carried out a detailed study wherein changing LULC is analyzed against the deteriorating trophic status of the Dal Lake using time-series of satellite imagery of the lake’s catchment and its water quality data. Results indicated that the water quality of Dal Lake has remarkably deteriorated due to increased nutrient and sediment loads from the catchment, attributed to significant anthropogenic activities in the catchment. Due to unprecedented LULC changes in the catchment, the forest class shows a significantly negative change since the last four decades (1980–2018), corroborating with the ongoing deterioration of physicochemical characteristics of the lake. The analysis shows an increase in all the agents of eutrophication, such as NO3–N, TP, and COD, from 1990 to 2018. The decrease in forest, agriculture, and floating gardens was observed to show a significant negative correlation with the increase in the decadal average values of the COD, NO3–N, and TP for the same corresponding period. Similarly, a positive correlation was found between the increase in built-up, aquatic vegetation, bare surfaces, and these water quality parameters, establishing a strong relationship between the deteriorating condition of the lake and changing LULC. Our findings indicate that changing LULC of the lake’s catchment is one of the critical factors that has significantly contributed toward the deteriorating ecology and water quality of the Dal Lake. This study shall contribute toward the development of the robust conservation strategy in order to save this urban lake from its untimely death.
Tumor Microenvironment Cascade-Responsive Nanodrug with Self-Targeting Activation and ROS Regeneration for Synergistic Oxidation-Chemotherapy
Authors: Li Yang , Lin Jinyan , Wang Peiyuan , Luo Qiang , Zhu Fukai , Zhang Yun , Hou Zhenqing , Liu Xiaolong , Liu Jingfeng
Published: September 2020

Carrier-free nanodrug with exceptionally high drug payload has attracted increasing attentions. Herein, we construct a pH/ROS cascade-responsive nanodrug which could achieve tumor acidity-triggered targeting activation followed by circularly amplified ROS-triggered drug release via positive-feedback loop. The di-selenide-bridged prodrug synthesized from vitamin E succinate and methotrexate (MTX) self-assembles into nanoparticles (VSeM); decorating acidity-cleavable PEG onto VSeM surface temporarily shields the targeting ability of MTX to evade immune clearance and consequently elongate circulation time. Upon reaching tumor sites, acidity-triggered detachment of PEG results in targeting recovery to enhance tumor cell uptake. Afterward, the VSeM could be dissociated in response to intracellular ROS to trigger VES/MTX release; then the released VES could produce extra ROS to accelerate the collapse of VSeM. Finally, the excessive ROS produced from VES could synergize with the released MTX to efficiently suppress tumor growth via orchestrated oxidation-chemotherapy. Our study provides a novel strategy to engineer cascade-responsive nanodrug for synergistic cancer treatment.
On a nonlocal Cahn-Hilliard/Navier-Stokes system with degenerate mobility and singular potential for incompressible fluids with different densities
Authors: Frigeri Sergio
Published: September 2020

We consider a diffuse interface model describing flow and phase separation of a binary isothermal mixture of (partially) immiscible viscous incompressible Newtonian fluids having different densities. The model is the nonlocal version of the one derived by Abels, Garcke and Grün and consists in a inhomogeneous Navier-Stokes type system coupled with a convective nonlocal Cahn-Hilliard equation. This model was already analyzed in a paper by the same author, for the case of singular potential and non-degenerate mobility. Here, we address the physically more relevant situation of degenerate mobility and we prove existence of global weak solutions satisfying an energy inequality. The proof relies on a regularization technique based on a careful approximation of the singular potential. Existence and regularity of the pressure field is also discussed. Moreover, in two dimensions and for slightly more regular solutions, we establish the validity of the energy identity. We point out that in none of the existing contributions dealing with the original (local) Abels, Garcke Grün model, an energy identity in two dimensions is derived (only existence of weak solutions has been proven so far).
Multi-site intervention to improve emergency department care for patients who live with opioid use disorder: A quantitative evaluation
Authors: McLane Patrick , Scott Ken , Suleman Zainab , Yee Karen , Holroyd Brian R. , Dong Kathryn , Ghosh S. Monty , Fanaeian Josh , Deol Jan , Biggs Catherine , Lang Eddy ,   Buprenorphine/Naloxone in Emergency Departments Initial Project Team, Hair Heather , Ross Marshall , Tanguay Rob , Olmstead Asha , Fisher Andrew , Fielding Scott
Published: September 2020

Background

Opioid use disorder is a major public health crisis, and evidence suggests ways of better serving patients who live with opioid use disorder in the emergency department (ED). A multi-disciplinary team developed a quality improvement project to implement this evidence.

Methods

The intervention was developed by an expert working group consisting of specialists and stakeholders. The group set goals of increasing prescribing of buprenorphine/naloxone and providing next day walk-in referrals to opioid use disorder treatment clinics. From May to September 2018, three Alberta ED sites and three opioid use disorder treatment clinics worked together to trial the intervention. We used administrative data to track the number of ED visits where patients were given buprenorphine/naloxone. Monthly ED prescribing rates before and after the intervention were considered and compared with eight nonintervention sites. We considered whether patients continued to fill opioid agonist treatment prescriptions at 30, 60, and 90 days after their index ED visit to measure continuity in treatment.

Results

The intervention sites increased their prescribing of buprenorphine/naloxone during the intervention period and prescribed more buprenorphine/naloxone than the controls. Thirty-five of 47 patients (74.4%) discharged from the ED with buprenorphine/naloxone continued to fill opioid agonist treatment prescriptions 30 days and 60 days after their index ED visit. Thirty-four patients (72.3%) filled prescriptions at 90 days.

Conclusions

Emergency clinicians can effectively initiate patients on buprenorphine/naloxone when supports for this standardized evidence-based care are in place within their practice setting and timely follow-up in community is available.
Leveraging Data Analytics and Scalable Information Technology Tools to Deliver a Culture of Care during an Emergent Natural Disaster
Authors: Miranda Marie Lynn , Grossman Max , Tootoo Joshua L. , Osgood Claire , Jelinkova Klara
Published: September 2020

Rice University’s Culture of Care represents a commitment to ensuring that all are treated with respect, compassion, and deep care. Rice leveraged information technology (IT) to deliver its Culture of Care, in responding to Hurricane Harvey. IT tools were used to gather key information on Rice’s over 12000 community members. These data were fused with structured university data, enabling data-driven disaster response, with actionable information pushed to local managers. Our successful communication and response programs were all driven by the data analyses.
New Insights into the Radiocarbon Chronology of Iberian Megalithic Societies: The tholos-type Tombs of Mojácar (Almería, Spain)
Authors: Aranda Jiménez Gonzalo , Camalich Massieu María Dolores , Martín Socas Dimas , Díaz-Zorita Bonilla Marta , Hamilton Derek , Milesi Lara
Published: September 2020

In 2012, the authors undertook a radiocarbon dating programme to explore the chronology of southern Iberian megalithic societies. Thirty new radiocarbon dates were obtained for two tholos-type tombs, Loma de Belmonte and Loma del Campo 2, and analysed within a Bayesian framework. Results are discussed in the context of the prehistoric societies of the region and four main conclusions were reached: i) in both tombs, mortuary activity started in the last century of the fourth millennium although with significant differences in their timespan; ii) funerary rituals ended in Loma de Belmonte at least five centuries later than in Loma del Campo 2; iii) the tholoi can be considered the most recent type of tomb compared to other megalithic monuments with mortuary activity beginning in the first centuries of the fourth millennium; iv) the largest and most prominent settlement of the region, Las Pilas, was closely associated with this funerary and sacred landscape.
The Investment Model: Its Antecedents and Predictors of Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Moore Kathleen A. , Campbell Austin
Published: September 2020

Intimate relationships are an integral part of our lives, but the rate of relationship breakups is high. We explored the role of the investment model and the traits that influence investments on relationship satisfaction among 146 volunteers (age M = 28.76 years, SD = 10.23). Relationship satisfaction was predicted by investments, which in turn were predicted by attachment, personality and love style. Clinicians working with individuals or couples with relationship issues may benefit from knowing how invested they are in the relationship and their love style. Insight into imbalances in these constructs between partners may be used to facilitate relationship satisfaction.
COVID-19 opens a window of reflection for comparative health systems and global health research
Authors: Ağartan Tuba İ.
Published: September 2020

The Covid-19 crisis that led to the loss of thousands of lives and initiated one of the most complex social and economic upheavals has also a created a window of reflection for health systems researchers to revisit our major concepts, frameworks, and underlying assumptions. This commentary reviews two literatures that remain rather separate: comparative health policy and global health. First, I examine whether convergence in circumstances brought about by the spread of Covid-19 creates opportunities for learning “about” as well as unpacking the motivations of policy actors and how they use the cross-national information. However, given the emphasis on national policy actors and processes, this literature may overlook the importance of global actors, institutions and ideas. Second, global health differentiates itself with an emphasis on multilateralism as a political positioning and its multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral approach. However, the global health field is also challenged to consider its mission, political standing on multilateralism, changing relationships between North and South and its commitment to multidisciplinary approach. I argue that health systems scholars should use the window of opportunity created by Covid-19 pandemic to reexamine their methodologies and rearticulate their positioning by acknowledging the voice and agency of the Global South.