bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurements of nitrogen atom density in a microwave‐excited plasma jet produced under moderate pressures
Authors: Kim Jaeho , Takeda Keigo , Itagaki Hirotomo , Wang Xue‐lun , Hirose Shingo , Ogiso Hisato , Shimizu Tetsuji , Kumagai Naoto , Tsutsumi Takayoshi , Kondo Hiroki , Hori Masaru , Sakakita Hajime
Published: July 2020

Using a microwave‐excited plasma source based on a microstrip line, we have generated a nitrogen plasma jet at a moderate pressure in the range from 1 to 10 kPa. The densities of nitrogen (N) atoms produced by the plasma jet were measured with a vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. The results show that the plasma jet is able to provide a high density of N atoms at least 4.5 × 1014 cm−3 at 1.5 kPa. The N atom densities vary widely with the change in gas flow rate and substrate placement. We expect that this plasma source will provide a high performance as an advanced N radical source in various applications. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Recent advances on peptide‐based theranostic nanomaterials
Authors: Rong Lei , Lei Qi , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: July 2020

Theranostic nanomaterial, which amalgamates diagnosis and therapy of diseases into one nanosystem, has become one of the core interests in nanomedicine research. Functional peptides can be integrated into theranostic nanomaterials and endow them with special properties to accomplish much more complicated biomedical tasks. Peptide‐based theranostic nanomaterials can be formulated with specific targeting, transmembrane delivery, and stimulus response. In this Minireview, we describe general ideas of fabricating peptide‐based theranostic nanomaterials, concerning the design and variegated biomedical applications, and highlighting their advances during the past 5 years.
Groundwater quality
Authors: Motlagh Amir Mohaghegh , Yang Zhengjian , Saba Humayra
Published: July 2020

Groundwater is a vital component of water supply for residential, industrial, and agricultural purposes. However, many groundwater basins are being used unsustainably and groundwater contamination is a growing water quality problem. Although anthropogenic activities and natural processes have been increasing the contamination in this valuable water resource, several remediation techniques have been developed in the last few decades to reduce these contamination levels. This review paper focuses on the recent studies developed on groundwater pollutions, remediation practices, and groundwater quality management.

Practitioner Points

Groundwater pollution is mainly due to anthropogenic activities and it is considered as a growing water quality problem.

Groundwater bioremediation is one of the sustainable long‐term solutions that uses the microorganisms to degrade the complex environmental pollutants.

Groundwater quality management techniques play a significant role to restore or maintain water quality, which is critical for the sustainable development.
Some properties of an elliptic periodic problem with an interfacial resistance
Authors: Donato Patrizia , Fulgencio Rheadel
Published: July 2020

In the homogenization of quasilinear elliptic problems, it is crucial for the homogenized matrix to have some kind of Lipschitz continuity in order to provide the uniqueness of the solution of the limit problem. In this paper, we prove that some estimates providing the uniqueness for a class of quasilinear problems in a periodic two‐component domain, remains valid after the homogenization process. To do that, we first prove a suitable Meyers type estimate for the periodic cell problem describing the homogenized matrix, which is posed in a two‐component cell, with a jump of the solution proportional to the flux prescribed on the interface. We also complete the study by a boundedness result for this periodic solution.
Leptonic scalars at the LHC
Authors: de Gouvêa André , Dev P.S. Bhupal , Dutta Bhaskar , Ghosh Tathagata , Han Tao , Zhang Yongchao
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We explore the collider prospects of neutrino non-standard interaction with a Standard Model (SM) gauge-singlet leptonic scalar ϕ carrying two units of lepton-number-charge. These leptonic scalars are forbidden from interacting with the SM fermions at the renormalizable level and, if one allows for higher-dimensional operators, couple predominantly to SM neutrinos. For masses at or below the electroweak scale, ϕ decays exclusively into neutrinos. Its characteristic production signature at hadron collider experiments like the LHC would be via the vector boson fusion process and leads to same-sign dileptons, two forward jets in opposite hemispheres, and missing transverse energy, i.e., $$ pp\to {\mathrm{\ell}}_{\alpha}^{\pm }{\mathrm{\ell}}_{\beta}^{\pm } jj+{E}_T^{\mathrm{miss}}\left(\alpha, \beta =e,\mu, \tau \right) $$
pp
→

ℓ
α
±

ℓ
β
±

jj
+

E
T
miss

α

β
=
e

μ
τ

. Exploiting the final states of electrons and muons, we estimate, for the first time, the sensitivity of the LHC to these lepton-number-charged scalars. We show that the LHC sensitivity is largely complementary to that of low-energy precision measurements of the decays of charged leptons, charged mesons, W, Z and the SM Higgs boson, as well as the neutrino beam experiments like MINOS, and searches for neutrino self-interactions at IceCube and in cosmological observations. For ϕ mass larger than roughly 10 GeV, our projected LHC sensitivity would surpass all existing bounds.
Erratum to: Resummed photon spectrum from dark matter annihilation for intermediate and narrow energy resolution
Authors: Beneke M. , Broggio A. , Hasner C. , Urban K. , Vollmann M.
Published: July 2020

In the course of working on the extension [2] of ref. [1] to Higgsino dark matter annihilation, we became aware of two mistakes and a number of typos in this article.
CPT and CP, an entangled couple
Authors: Barenboim Gabriela , Ternes Christoph A. , Tórtola Mariam
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Even though it is undoubtedly very appealing to interpret the latest T2K results as evidence of CP violation, this claim assumes CPT conservation in the neutrino sector to an extent that has not been tested yet. As we will show, T2K results are not robust against a CPT-violating explanation. On the contrary, a CPT-violating CP-conserving scenario is in perfect agreement with current neutrino oscillation data. Therefore, to elucidate whether T2K results imply CP or CPT violation is of utter importance. We show that, even after combining with data from NOνA and from reactor experiments, no claims about CP violation can be made. Finally, we update the bounds on CPT violation in the neutrino sector.
Periodic homogenization of a Lévy-type process with small jumps
Authors: Sandrić Nikola , Valentić Ivana , Wang Jian
Published: July 2020

In this article, we consider the problem of periodic homogenization of a Feller process generated by a pseudo-differential operator, the so-called Lévy-type process. Under the assumptions that the generator has rapidly periodically oscillating coefficients, and that it admits “small jumps” only (that is, the jump kernel has finite second moment), we prove that the appropriately centered and scaled process converges weakly to a Brownian motion with covariance matrix given in terms of the coefficients of the generator. The presented results generalize the classical and well-known results related to periodic homogenization of a diffusion process.
FAK inhibition radiosensitizes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells in vitro
Authors: Mohamed A. Allam , Thomsen Andreas , Follo Marie , Zamboglou Costantinos , Bronsert Peter , Mostafa Hanan , Amen Aber , Mekawy Mohamed , Grosu Anca L. , Brunner Thomas B.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase protein frequently overexpressed in cancer and has been linked to an increase in the stem cell population of tumors, resistance to therapy, and metastatic spread. Pharmacological FAK inhibition in pancreatic cancer has received increased attention over the last few years, either alone or in combination with other therapeutics including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, its prognostic value and its role in radioresistance of pancreatic ducal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is unknown.

Methods and materials

Using the TCGA and GTEx databases, we investigated the genetic alterations and mRNA expression levels of PTK2 (the encoding-gene for FAK) in normal pancreatic tissue and pancreatic cancer and its impact on patient survival. Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of FAK and its tyrosine domain Ty-397 in three pancreatic cancer cell lines. We went further and evaluated the role of a commercial FAK tyrosine kinase inhibitor VS-4718 on the viability and radiosensitization of the pancreatic cell lines as well as its effect on the extracellular matrix (ECM) production from the pancreatic stellate cells. Furthermore, we tested the effect of combining radiation with VS-4718 in a three-dimensional (3D) multicellular pancreatic tumor spheroid model.

Results

A database analysis revealed a relevant increase in genetic alterations and mRNA expression of the PTK2 in PDAC, which were associated with lower progression-free survival. In vitro, there was only variation in the basal phosphorylation level of FAK in cell lines. VS-4718 radiosensitized pancreatic cell lines only in the presence of ECM-producing pancreatic stellate cells and markedly reduced the ECM production in the stromal cells. Finally, using a 3D multicellular tumor model, the combination of VS-4718 and radiotherapy significantly reduced the growth of tumor aggregates.

Conclusion

Pharmacological inhibition of FAK in pancreatic cancer could be a novel therapeutic strategy as our results show a radiosensitization effect of VS-4718 in vitro in a multicellular 2D- and in a 3D-model of pancreatic cancer.
Type 1 diabetes in Africa: an immunogenetic study in the Amhara of North-West Ethiopia
Authors: Balcha Shitaye A. , Demisse Abayneh G. , Mishra Rajashree , Vartak Tanwi , Cousminer Diana L. , Hodge Kenyaita M. , Voight Benjamin F. , Lorenz Kim , Schwartz Stanley , Jerram Samuel T. , Gamper Arla , Holmes Alice , Wilson Hannah F. , Williams Alistair J. K. , Grant Struan F. A. , Leslie R. David , Phillips David I. W. , Trimble Elisabeth R.
Published: July 2020

Aims/hypothesis

We aimed to characterise the immunogenic background of insulin-dependent diabetes in a resource-poor rural African community. The study was initiated because reports of low autoantibody prevalence and phenotypic differences from European-origin cases with type 1 diabetes have raised doubts as to the role of autoimmunity in this and similar populations.

Methods

A study of consecutive, unselected cases of recently diagnosed, insulin-dependent diabetes (n = 236, ≤35 years) and control participants (n = 200) was carried out in the ethnic Amhara of rural North-West Ethiopia. We assessed their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and measured non-fasting C-peptide, diabetes-associated autoantibodies and HLA-DRB1 alleles. Leveraging genome-wide genotyping, we performed both a principal component analysis and, given the relatively modest sample size, a provisional genome-wide association study. Type 1 diabetes genetic risk scores were calculated to compare their genetic background with known European type 1 diabetes determinants.

Results

Patients presented with stunted growth and low BMI, and were insulin sensitive; only 15.3% had diabetes onset at ≤15 years. C-peptide levels were low but not absent. With clinical diabetes onset at ≤15, 16–25 and 26–35 years, 86.1%, 59.7% and 50.0% were autoantibody positive, respectively. Most had autoantibodies to GAD (GADA) as a single antibody; the prevalence of positivity for autoantibodies to IA-2 (IA-2A) and ZnT8 (ZnT8A) was low in all age groups. Principal component analysis showed that the Amhara genomes were distinct from modern European and other African genomes. HLA-DRB1*03:01 (p = 0.0014) and HLA-DRB1*04 (p = 0.0001) were positively associated with this form of diabetes, while HLA-DRB1*15 was protective (p < 0.0001). The mean type 1 diabetes genetic risk score (derived from European data) was higher in patients than control participants (p = 1.60 × 10−7). Interestingly, despite the modest sample size, autoantibody-positive patients revealed evidence of association with SNPs in the well-characterised MHC region, already known to explain half of type 1 diabetes heritability in Europeans.

Conclusions/interpretation

The majority of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes in rural North-West Ethiopia have the immunogenetic characteristics of autoimmune type 1 diabetes. Phenotypic differences between type 1 diabetes in rural North-West Ethiopia and the industrialised world remain unexplained.
Prediction of pituitary adenoma surgical consistency: radiomic data mining and machine learning on T2-weighted MRI
Authors: Cuocolo Renato , Ugga Lorenzo , Solari Domenico , Corvino Sergio , D’Amico Alessandra , Russo Daniela , Cappabianca Paolo , Cavallo Luigi Maria , Elefante Andrea
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Pituitary macroadenoma consistency can influence the ease of lesion removal during surgery, especially when using a transsphenoidal approach. Unfortunately, it is not assessable on standard qualitative MRI. Radiomic texture analysis could help in extracting mineable quantitative tissue characteristics. We aimed to assess the accuracy of texture analysis combined with machine learning in the preoperative evaluation of pituitary macroadenoma consistency in patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal surgery.

Methods

Data of 89 patients (68 soft and 21 fibrous macroadenomas) who underwent MRI and transsphenoidal surgery at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. After manual segmentation, radiomic texture features were extracted from original and filtered MR images. Feature stability analysis and a multistep feature selection were performed. After oversampling to balance the classes, 80% of the data was used for hyperparameter tuning via stratified 5-fold cross-validation, while a 20% hold-out set was employed for its final testing, using an Extra Trees ensemble meta-algorithm. The reference standard was based on surgical findings.

Results

A total of 1118 texture features were extracted, of which 741 were stable. After removal of low variance (n = 4) and highly intercorrelated (n = 625) parameters, recursive feature elimination identified a subset of 14 features. After hyperparameter tuning, the Extra Trees classifier obtained an accuracy of 93%, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 87%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic and precision-recall curves was 0.99.

Conclusion

Preoperative T2-weighted MRI texture analysis and machine learning could predict pituitary macroadenoma consistency.
Towards robust BOS measurements for axisymmetric flows
Authors: Xiong Yuan , Kaufmann Tim , Noiray Nicolas
Published: July 2020

Accurately reconstructing a radial refractive index (n) field is challenging in axisymmetric background oriented Schlieren (BOS) measurement. In this study, we systematically investigated several widely adopted inversion algorithms in BOS applications. To quantitatively assess the performance of each algorithm, a synthetic experiment mimicking a helium jet discharged into ambient air was established to provide the reference. Relying on the necessity to solve a Poisson equation for a line-of-sight projected variable, tested algorithms were categorized into two groups: direct and indirect. In the direct approach, the algorithm is applied directly to the light deflection angle ($$\varepsilon $$
ε
) to reconstruct the radial $$\delta $$
δ
field, defined as $$\delta =(n-n_{0})/n_{0}$$

δ
=

(
n
-

n
0

)

/

n
0

where $$n_{0}$$

n
0

is the reference refractive index. In the indirect group, the Poisson equation is solved first. Then, an inversion algorithm is subsequently applied to the projected $${{\overline{\delta }}}$$

δ
¯

to obtain $$\delta $$
δ
in the radial plane. The two approaches were compared with the synthetic experiment both using the adaptive Fourier–Hankel methods (AFH). The comparison showed that at the cost of introducing the additional step of solving the Poisson equation, the indirect approach performed more accurately when noises were present in the $$\varepsilon $$
ε
measurements. To identify the proper inversion algorithm suitable for the indirect approach, we further compared four types of algorithms in the synthetic experiments including AFH, onion peeling (OP), three-point Abel (TPA), and filtered back projection tomography (FBPT). The results showed that TPA had the best performance in terms of the reconstruction accuracy with noisy $$\varepsilon $$
ε
data. Finally, experiments on axisymmetric helium jets were conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed TPA algorithm in the indirect approach.

Graphic Abstract
A diagram for analyzing ordinal voting systems
Authors: Eggers Andrew C.
Published: July 2020

I introduce a diagram for describing and analyzing single-winner elections in which voters rank the candidates—a class of voting systems including positional methods (e.g. plurality, Borda count, anti-plurality), Condorcet methods, and instant-runoff voting (i.e. ranked-choice voting or the alternative vote). The diagram shows how the outcome of an election depends on each candidate’s share of top rankings as a function of the voting system and the pattern of lower rankings. Using as examples two Brexit polls, a mayoral election in San Francisco, and the US’s first instant-runoff congressional election (all since 2018), I show how the diagram can concisely present preferences and results under different voting systems, identify Condorcet cycles, highlight system properties such as join-inconsistency and the no-show paradox, and illuminate strategic voting incentives.
Herleitung einer analytischen Optimierungsmethode für Beveloidräder durch lokale Anpassung der Verzahnungsdaten
Authors: Marino Daniel , Bachmann Matthias , Binz Hansgeorg
Published: July 2020

Bei schneidend oder windschief angeordneter An- und Abtriebswelle (kleine Achswinkel bis 30°) bieten Beveloidverzahnungen, auch konische Verzahnungen genannt, eine Möglichkeit, Bauraum und Gewicht einzusparen. Aufgrund der zueinander geneigten Grundzylinder liegt jedoch keine gemeinsame Eingriffsebene vor, weshalb Beveloidradpaarungen im Allgemeinen nur punktförmig an einer Breitenposition der Zahnflanke abwälzen. Dieser punktförmige Kontakt führt bei nicht modifizierten Beveloidradpaarungen zu hohen lokalen Flankenpressungen. Um wie bei Zylinderrädern einen konjugierten, linienartigen Eingriff zu erzielen, sind bei Beveloidrädern derzeit komplexe, iterative Modifikationen der Flankenfeingeometrie notwendig. Daher wird in diesem Bericht ein analytischer Ansatz hergeleitet, der eine Bestimmung der modifizierten Flankenfeingeometrie für Beveloidräder in beliebiger Achslage ermöglicht. Grundlage dieses Optimierungsansatzes ist die stirnschnittweise Anpassung der Verzahnungsdaten, sodass ein konjugierter Eingriff erzielt wird.

Erste Untersuchungen zeigen, dass eine zusätzliche tangentiale Modifikation die korrekte Position der Stirnschnitte entlang der Zahnbreite gewährleistet. Hierzu wird ein analytischer Ansatz basierend auf dem Verzahnungsgesetz verwendet, welcher die evolventische Zahnform im Stirnschnitt nicht verändert. Die Wirksamkeit der Modifikation wird mit lastfreien Kontaktsimulationen für drei exemplarisch modifizierte Beveloidradpaarungen gezeigt. Das Tragbild ist wie beim konjugierten Eingriff voll ausgebildet und der Drehfehler ist vergleichbar gering zu nicht modifizierten Beveloidrädern.
One-year clinical performance of lithium disilicate versus resin composite CAD/CAM onlays
Authors: Souza Joana , Fuentes Mª Victoria , Baena Eugenia , Ceballos Laura
Published: July 2020

To compare the 1-year clinical performance of lithium disilicate and resin composite CAD/CAM onlay restorations. Twenty patients that required two restorations in posterior teeth, with at least one cusp to be covered, received two onlays. One was made with IPS e.max CAD (Ivoclar-Vivadent) and the other with Lava Ultimate (3M Oral Care). Two blind observers evaluated the restorations at baseline and 1 year after the onlays were cemented, according to FDI criteria. At each recall, digital photographs, bite-wing radiographs and impressions of the restorations were taken for SEM evaluation of the interface. Results were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests (p < 0.05). At baseline and in the 1-year recall, both CAD/CAM materials exhibited excellent results in most criteria with similar esthetic, functional and biological properties (p > 0.05). However, deterioration in surface lustre (p = 0.020) and color match/translucency (p = 0.039) were detected for IPS e.max CAD onlays after 1-year. Under SEM evaluation, there were no statistically differences in micromorphological criteria at baseline nor after a year between IPS e.max CAD and Lava Ultimate onlays. Conclusion: After 1 year of clinical service IPS e.max CAD and Lava Ultimate onlays showed a similar clinical performance that needs to be confirmed in long-term evaluations.
A genetic algorithm for finding realistic sea routes considering the weather
Authors: Kuhlemann Stefan , Tierney Kevin
Published: July 2020

The weather has a major impact on the profitability, safety, and environmental sustainability of the routes sailed by seagoing vessels. The prevailing weather strongly influences the course of routes, affecting not only the safety of the crew, but also the fuel consumption and therefore the emissions of the vessel. Effective decision support is required to plan the route and the speed of the vessel considering the forecasted weather. We implement a genetic algorithm to minimize the fuel consumption of a vessel taking into account the two most important influences of weather on a ship: the wind and the waves. Our approach assists route planners in finding cost minimal routes that consider the weather, avoid specified areas, and meet arrival time constraints. Furthermore, it supports ship speed control to avoid areas with weather conditions that would result in high fuel costs or risk the safety of the vessel. The algorithm is evaluated for a variety of instances to show the impact of weather routing on the routes and the fuel and travel time savings that can be achieved with our approach. Including weather into the routing leads to a savings potential of over 10% of the fuel consumption. We show that ignoring the weather when constructing routes can lead to routes that cannot be sailed in practice. Furthermore, we evaluate our algorithm with stochastic weather data to show that it can provide high-quality routes under real conditions even with uncertain weather forecasts.
Asymmetric Responses to Climate Change: Temperature Differentially Alters Herbivore Salivary Elicitor and Host Plant Responses to Herbivory
Authors: Paudel Sulav , Lin Po-An , Hoover Kelli , Felton Gary W. , Rajotte Edwin G.
Published: July 2020

The effect of temperature on insect-plant interactions in the face of changing climate is complex as the plant, its herbivores and their interactions are usually affected differentially leading to an asymmetry in response. Using experimental warming and a combination of biochemical and herbivory bioassays, the effects of elevated temperatures and herbivore damage (Helicoverpa zea)on resistance and tolerance traits ofSolanum lycopersicumvar. Better boy (tomato), as well as herbivory performance and salivary defense elicitors were examined. Insects and plants were differentially sensitive towards warming within the experimental temperature range. Herbivore growth rate increased with temperature, whereas plants growth as well as the ability to tolerate stress measured by photosynthesis recovery and regrowth ability were compromised at the highest temperature regime. In particular, temperature influenced the caterpillars’ capacity to induce plant defenses due to changes in the amount of a salivary defense elicitor, glucose oxidase (GOX). This was further complexed by the temperature effects on plant inducibility, which was significantly enhanced at an above-optimum temperature; this paralleled with an increased plants resistance to herbivory but significantly varied between previously damaged and undamaged leaves. Elevated temperatures produced asymmetry in species’ responses and changes in the relationship among species, indicating a more complicated response under a climate change scenario.
On the exponential Diophantine equation related to powers of two consecutive terms of Lucas sequences
Authors: Ddamulira Mahadi , Luca Florian
Published: July 2020

Let $$r\ge 1$$

r
≥
1

be an integer and $$\mathbf{U}:=(U_{n})_{n\ge 0} $$

U
:
=

(

U
n

)

n
≥
0

be the Lucas sequence given by $$U_0=0$$

U
0

=
0

, $$U_1=1, $$

U
1

=
1
,

and $$U_{n+2}=rU_{n+1}+U_n$$

U

n
+
2

=
r

U

n
+
1

+

U
n

, for all $$ n\ge 0 $$

n
≥
0

. In this paper, we show that there are no positive integers $$r\ge 3,~x\ne 2,~n\ge 1$$

r
≥
3
,

x
≠
2
,

n
≥
1

such that $$U_n^x+U_{n+1}^x$$

U
n
x

+

U

n
+
1

x

is a member of $$\mathbf{U}$$
U
.
On the Degree of Irreversibility of Friction in Sheared Soft Adhesive Contacts
Authors: Ciavarella M. , Papangelo A.
Published: July 2020

A number of authors have experimentally assessed the influence of friction on adhesive contacts, and generally the contact area has been found to decrease due to tangential shear stresses at the interface. The decrease is however generally much smaller than that predicted already by the Savkoor and Briggs 1977 classical theory using “brittle” fracture mechanics mixed mode model extending the JKR (Griffith like) solution to the contact problem. The Savkoor and Briggs theory has two strong assumptions, namely that (i) shear tractions are also singular at the interface, whereas they have been found to follow a rather constant distribution, and that (ii) no dissipation occurs in the contact. While assumption (ii) has been extensively discussed in the Literature the role of assumption (i) remained unclear. We show that assuming entirely reversible slip at the interface with a constant shear stress fracture mechanics model leads to results almost indistinguishable from the Savkoor and Briggs model (and further in disagreement with experiments), hence it is assumption (ii) that critically affects the results. We analyze a large set of experimental data from Literature and show that the degree of irreversibility of friction can vary by orders of magnitude, despite similar materials and geometries, depending on the velocity at which the tangential load is applied.
Become the best coach you can be: the role of coach training and coaching experience in workplace coaching quality and quality control
Authors: Diller Sandra J. , Passmore Jonathan , Brown Hazel J. , Greif Siegfried , Jonas Eva
Published: July 2020

This paper explores whether coach training or coaching experience leads to better coaching quality and quality control. In two large studies, both coaches (N1 = 2267) and personnel managers who book coaches for their company (N2 = 754) answered questions about coaching quality and quality control. The results show that more coach training leads to not only a better self-perceived coaching quality (Study 1) but also a better other-perceived coaching-quality (Study 2); moreover, more coach training positively affects quality control. It is remarkable that coaching experience showed no significant relation regarding other-perceived coaching quality and quality control. Study 2 further revealed that references lead to more recommendations but not to a better coaching quality or quality control. Thus, coach training is an essential factor when selecting organizational coaches. Further research is needed to understand the impact of different approaches to coach trainings on coaching outcomes.
Effects of training of shadowing and reading aloud of second language on working memory and neural systems
Authors: Takeuchi Hikaru , Maruyama Tsukasa , Taki Yasuyuki , Motoki Kosuke , Jeong Hyeonjeong , Kotozaki Yuka , Shinada Takamitsu , Nakagawa Seishu , Nouchi Rui , Iizuka Kunio , Yokoyama Ryoichi , Yamamoto Yuki , Hanawa Sugiko , Araki Tsuyoshi , Sakaki Kohei , Sasaki Yukako , Magistro Daniele , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: July 2020

Shadowing and reading aloud both involve multiple complex cognitive processes, and both are considered effective methods for second-language learning. The working memory system, particularly the phonological loop, has been suggested to be involved in shadowing and reading aloud. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 4-week intensive adaptive training including shadowing and reading aloud of second language on working-memory capacity, regional gray matter volume (rGMV), and functional activation related to the n-back working-memory task in young adults. The results showed that compared with the training groups without speaking (listening to compressed speech and active control involving the second language), the training groups with speaking (shadowing and reading aloud) showed a tendency for greater test-retest increases in digit-span scores, and significantly greater test-retest decreases in N-back task reaction time (increase in working memory performance). Imaging analyses revealed compared with the active control group, shadowing group exhibited decreases in rGMV and brain activity during the working memory task (2-back task), in the left cerebellum and reading group exhibited decreases in them in the right anterior insula. These regions are parts of the phonological loop, suggesting the presence of training-induced neural plasticity in these neurocognitive mechanisms.
Tetrabutylphosphonium 4-ethoxyvalerate as a biomass-originated media for homogeneous palladium-catalyzed Hiyama coupling reactions
Authors: Orha László , Papp Ábrahám , Tukacs József M. , Kollár László , Mika László T.
Published: July 2020

The introduction of a biomass-derived ionic liquid into the Hiyama coupling reactions, which has been considered as a powerful tool for the synthesis of symmetrically and non-symmetrically substituted biaryl structures, could further control or even reduce the environmental impact of this transformation. It was shown that tetrabutylphosphonium 4-ethoxyvalerate, a γ-valerolactone-based ionic liquid, can be utilized as an alternative solvent to create carbon–carbon bonds between aryl iodides and functionalized organosilanes in the presence of 1 mol% Pd under typical Hiyama conditions (130 °C, 24 h, tetrabutylammonium fluoride activator). A comparison of different ionic liquids was performed, and the effects of the catalyst precursor and the moisture content of the reaction mixture on the activity of the catalyst system were investigated. The functional group tolerance was also studied, resulting in 15 cross-coupling products (3a–o) with isolated yields of 45–72% and excellent purity (> 98%).
Disrupted food systems in the WHO European region – a threat or opportunity for healthy and sustainable food and nutrition?
Authors: Rippin Holly L. , Wickramasinghe Kremlin , Halloran Afton , Whiting Stephen , Williams Julianne , Hetz Kathrin , Pinedo Adriana , Breda João J.
Published: July 2020

Dietary health and sustainability are inextricably linked. Food systems that are not sustainable often fail to provide the amount or types of food needed to ensure population health. The ongoing pandemic threatens to exacerbate malnutrition, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This paper discusses threats and opportunities for food environments and health status across the WHO European Region in the current context . These opportunities and threats are focused around four key areas: NCDs and health systems; dietary behaviour; food insecurity and vulnerable groups; and food supply mechanisms. Food systems were already under great stress. Now with the pandemic, the challenges to food systems in the WHO European Region have been exacerbated, demanding from all levels of government swift adaptations to manage healthiness, availability, accessibility and affordability of food. Cities and governments in the Region should capitalize on this unique opportunity to ‘build back better’ and make bold and lasting changes to the food system and consequently to the health and wellbeing of people and sustainability of the planet.
COVID-19 and associations with frailty and multimorbidity: a prospective analysis of UK Biobank participants
Authors: Woolford S. J. , D’Angelo S. , Curtis E. M. , Parsons C. M. , Ward K. A. , Dennison E. M. , Patel H. P. , Cooper C. , Harvey N. C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Frailty and multimorbidity have been suggested as risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease.

Aims

We investigated, in the UK Biobank, whether frailty and multimorbidity were associated with risk of hospitalisation with COVID-19.

Methods

502,640 participants aged 40–69 years at baseline (54–79 years at COVID-19 testing) were recruited across UK during 2006–10. A modified assessment of frailty using Fried’s classification was generated from baseline data. COVID-19 test results (England) were available for 16/03/2020–01/06/2020, mostly taken in hospital settings. Logistic regression was used to discern associations between frailty, multimorbidity and COVID-19 diagnoses, after adjusting for sex, age, BMI, ethnicity, education, smoking and number of comorbidity groupings, comparing COVID-19 positive, COVID-19 negative and non-tested groups.

Results

4510 participants were tested for COVID-19 (positive = 1326, negative = 3184). 497,996 participants were not tested. Compared to the non-tested group, after adjustment, COVID-19 positive participants were more likely to be frail (OR = 1.4 [95%CI = 1.1, 1.8]), report slow walking speed (OR = 1.3 [1.1, 1.6]), report two or more falls in the past year (OR = 1.3 [1.0, 1.5]) and be multimorbid (≥ 4 comorbidity groupings vs 0–1: OR = 1.9 [1.5, 2.3]). However, similar strength of associations were apparent when comparing COVID-19 negative and non-tested groups. However, frailty and multimorbidity were not associated with COVID-19 diagnoses, when comparing COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative participants.

Discussion and conclusions

Frailty and multimorbidity do not appear to aid risk stratification, in terms of positive versus negative results of COVID-19 testing. Investigation of the prognostic value of these markers for adverse clinical sequelae following COVID-19 disease is urgently needed.
Intensification of bituminous coal and lignite oxidation by copper-based activating additives
Authors: Larionov K.B. , Mishakov I.V. , Slyusarskiy K.V. , Vedyagin A.A.
Published: July 2020

The oxidation of lignite and bituminous coal samples modified by 5 wt% (in terms of dry salt) addition of copper salts Cu(NO3)2, CuSO4, and Cu(CH3COO)2 was studied. The samples’ reactivity was studied by thermogravimetry within a temperature range of 45–600 °C at a heating rate of 2.5 °C/min in an oxidizing environment. The introduction of activating additives has resulted in a significant decrease in the temperature of intense oxidation onset (ΔTi = 20/94 °C), in a reduction in the sample residence time in the volatile matter release region (Δte = 2/22 min) and the total duration of the coal combustible mass oxidation (Δtf = 8/14 min). The Friedman method was used to calculate the activation energy values for the oxidation process of the modified samples. The maximum change in activation energy values was observed for the bituminous coal sample. The possible mechanism behind the action of the copper-salt additives, which activate the oxidation of lignite and bituminous coal, is discussed. According to the data of mass spectrometric analysis, the concentration of NOx in the reaction products decreases as the temperature of the activated oxidation process is shifted towards the low-temperature region.
New approach of friction AlN ceramics metallization with the initial FEM verification
Authors: Cacko Robert , Chmielewski Tomasz , Hudycz Michał , Golański Dariusz
Published: July 2020

Although, the friction method is well known for metals surface modification, the novelty of the article is based on the new idea of ceramics surface treatment with metal. The paper describes AlN ceramic metallization process by titanium coating deposition, obtained in friction surfacing method, which has been developed by the authors. The friction energy is directly transformed into heat and delivered in a specified amount precisely to the joint being formed between the metallic layer and the ceramics substrate material. The stress and temperature fields (as factors promoting the formation of diffusion joints) induced in the joint during the metallization process were qualitatively determined with the finite element method analysis and these results were verified experimentally. Finally, obtained structures of the metallic coatings were investigated and the results are discussed in the paper. As a novelty it was found, that the conditions of frictional metallization can favour the formation of a coating-substrate bond based on diffusion phenomena and atomic bonds of the coating components with the components of the substrate, despite the fact that it happens for metal–ceramics pairs. This type of connection is usually associated with long-term heating/annealing in chamber furnaces, because for diffusion in a solid state the most effective factor is time and temperature. It was shown that other components of the chemical potential gradient, such as temperature gradient, gradient and stress level, load periodicity and configuration of pairs of elements with high chemical affinity may play an important role in friction metallization. As a result, the relatively short time of operation (friction) is compensated.
Can High Visceral Adiposity Index Be a Risk Factor for Sexual Dysfunction in Sexually Active Men?
Authors: Bolat Mustafa Suat , Kocamanoglu Fatih , Ozbek Mustafa Latif , Buyukalpelli Recep , Asci Ramazan
Published: July 2020

Background

To our knowledge, there is no study in the literature that has investigated a cutoff value of the visceral adiposity index (VAI) for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.

Aim

To show a possible relationship between ED and VAI levels representing adipose tissue dysfunction and to identify a cutoff value of the VAI for ED.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study included 276 participants in 5 groups: non-ED, mild ED, mild-moderate ED, moderate ED, and severe ED. The VAI was calculated. Fasting glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, testosterone (T), prolactin, and estradiol were measured. Erectile function, sexual satisfaction, orgasm, desire, and general satisfaction scores were recorded using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction 1–15 questionnaire. The participants were divided into BMI1 (<25.0), BMI2 (25–29.9), and BMI3 (>30.0) categories based on body mass index (BMI) and WC1 (<94 cm), WC2 (94–102 cm), and WC3 (>102 cm) categories based on waist circumference (WC).

Outcomes

The VAI was investigated as an independent risk factor for ED, compared with BMI and WC.

Results

The median VAI progressively increased, but a marked increase was recorded in groups 4 and 5 (P = .001). A significant increase in ED was observed for a VAI score higher than 4.33 (P = .001). Each integer increase of the VAI was associated with a 1.3-fold increased risk of ED. The odds ratio of ED for the VAI = 4.33 was 4.4 (P < .001). The WC and BMI significantly increased as the degree of ED increased (P = .001), but statistical analysis showed a significant decrease only in moderate and severe ED groups (P < .05). Starting from non-ED patients, serum triglyceride increased and high-density lipoprotein decreased progressively in all ED groups (P = .001). T/E2 slightly reduced as the severity of ED increased (P > .05). T decreased in ED groups (P = .022). Regardless of the ED level, other sexual subdomains decreased in ED patients (P = .001). The ED rates in 3 increasing BMI and WC categories were similar (P > .05). For VAI = 4.33, BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, and WC > 102 cm, sensitivity and specificity were 61.2% and 73.8%, 31.6% and 90.5%, and 54.3% and 69.0%, respectively.

Clinical Implications

The VAI should be considered as a reliable independent risk factor for ED as a predictor of visceral adipose dysfunction.

Strengths & Limitations

The main strength is that this is the first study to investigate the association between the VAI and sexual dysfunction in men. The low number of participants is the limiting factor.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the VAI can be used as a reliable independent risk factor marker for ED as a predictor of visceral adipose dysfunction.
Where does biometrics sit in today's security ecosystem?
Authors: Storey Allen
Published: July 2020

Not so long ago, biometric technology was a thing of science fiction. But as costs fell and more innovations became commercially viable, biometric security systems have been rolled out widely, first in areas like defence and law enforcement, then in more day-to-day environments like our workplaces and libraries. Today the technologies are vastly different – but almost ubiquitous: most modern smartphones incorporate at least one form of biometric ID technology, whether fingerprint or facial recognition.
La mondialisation de la Révolution française (vers 1930-1960): Origines et éclipse d’un paradigme historiographique
Authors: Stammers Tom
Published: July 2020

Résumés

Cet article entend proposer une nouvelle lecture des origines de l’historiographie mondiale de la Révolution française. De fait, alors que la thèse de Robert Palmer et de Jacques Godechot situe la « révolution transatlantique » dans les années 1950, ce changement de paradigme fut en réalité préparé par les débats qui avaient animé la France de l’entre-deux-guerres. Les historiens français ont commencé à prendre ce « tournant global » en 1936, l’année de la création de l’Institut international d’histoire de la Révolution française (Iihrf). L’objectif de ses membres fondateurs, Philippe Sagnac et Boris Mirkine-Guetzévitch, était de faire de l’historiographie de 1789 un instrument qui permette de développer les relations internationales dans une période de grande fragilité diplomatique. L’Iihrfjoua un rôle de précurseur dans l’étude de la Révolution en vertu de sa dimension interdisciplinaire et de l’étendue géographique et chronologique de ses travaux. Cela dit, l’Institut demeurait profondément lié aux intérêts géopolitiques français et à l’idée d’une supériorité culturelle, elle-même indissociable du concept de « civilisation ». Fermé à cause de l’Occupation, l’Iihrfdéménagea à New York, inaugurant un chapitre particulièrement remarquable des échanges intellectuels franco-américains. Après la guerre, non seulement l’institution n’avait plus de raison d’être diplomatique, mais son projet intellectuel fut très vite éclipsé par le défi de la décolonisation et par la montée en force de nouvelles approches de l’histoire mondiale. L’évolution et la disparition finale de l’Iihrfsoulèvent des questions intéressantes sur trois points, qui traverseront de part en part cet article : le sens de 1789 en tant que repère politique ; les différentes méthodologies des histoires « internationale », « mondiale » et « atlantique » ; la reconfiguration des paradigmes de la recherche historique à l’aube de la guerre froide.
The regulation of public morality and eugenics: a productive alliance between the Catholic Church and Italian Fascism
Authors: Pozzi Lucia
Published: July 2020

Historical research acknowledges only cursorily the Catholic contribution to eugenics. Yet there is a substantial link between Catholic discourses on morality and the emergence of Italian eugenics. In this essay I argue that sexual normalisation was a key source of consensus. Masculine and patriarchal values strengthened the strategic collaboration between Fascist demographic policies, the Italian interpretation of eugenics, and Catholic doctrine. I draw on archival and printed material to show that the control of public morality and the support for reproduction met both Catholic and Fascist interests. In particular, I focus on the alliance between the State and the Catholic Church working against ‘the contraceptive mentality’. Mussolini wanted to stimulate religious sentiment as a basis for the fight against depopulation. The Catholic Church desired a set of laws against immorality, birth control and abortion. In this way, Fascism and the Catholic Church found a solid cultural agreement around restoring traditional mores, patriarchal values, and gender hierarchy.
The Quality of Vote Tallies: Causes and Consequences
Authors: CHALLÚ CRISTIAN , SEIRA ENRIQUE , SIMPSER ALBERTO
Published: July 2020

The credibility of election outcomes hinges on the accuracy of vote tallies. We provide causal evidence on the drivers and the downstream consequences of variation in the quality of vote tallies. Using data for the universe of polling stations in Mexico in five national elections, we document that over 40% of polling-station-level tallies display inconsistencies. Our evidence strongly suggests these inconsistencies are nonpartisan. Using data for more than 1.5 million poll workers, we show that lower educational attainment, higher workload, and higher complexity of the tally cause more inconsistencies. Finally, using an original survey of close to 80,000 poll workers together with detailed administrative data, we find that inconsistencies cause recounts and recounts lead to lower trust in electoral institutions. We discuss policy implications.
Production ofin vitrobovine embryos supplemented withl-carnitine in different oxygen tensions and the relation to nitric oxide
Authors: Pereira Daniela Moraes , Cardoso Christopher Junior Tavares , da Silva Wilian Aparecido Leite , Souza-Cáceres Mirela Brochado , Santos Mariana , Pöhland Ralf , Couto Allan Motta , Moslaves Iluska Senna Bonfá , Kadri Mônica Cristina Toffoli , Melo Sterza Fabiana de Andrade
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of bovine embryosin vitrowhen supplemented withl-carnitine for 24 h beginning on day 5 (d 5) under two different oxygen tensions (20% or 5%) and the relationship of nitric oxide (NO) inin vitroculture (IVC) medium to embryo development. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC;n= 837) were maturedin vitrofor 24 h and fertilization was performed for 18 h. Zygotes were culturedin vitrofor 9 days afterin vitrofertilization in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium with 5% fetal calf serum. At d 5 the plates were assigned to one of four treatment groups: high (20%) or low (5%) O2tension either with or without the addition of 3.03 mMl-carnitine (High-Cont, High-Lcar, Low-Cont, Low-Lcar). The concentration of NO in the culture medium was evaluated on d 5, d 6 and d 9. On d 7, parts of the embryos were submitted for evaluation of intracellular lipid droplets. The cleavage rate was similar (P> 0.05) between high and low O2tension and the blastocyst rate was similar in all conditions evaluated. The hatching rate was higher (P <0.05) for Low-Cont. The NO concentration was higher at d 9 under low O2tension (P <0.1). The addition of 3.03 mMl-carnitine between d 5 and d 6 of IVC was not efficient in reducing cytoplasmic lipid content of bovine embryos. Additionally, IVC at a low oxygen tension withoutl-carnitine promoted better conditions for embryo development. A higher concentration of NO in medium was observed under low O2tension.