bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life Satisfaction in Persons With Late Effects of Polio: A Test‐Retest Reliability Study
Authors: Ekstrand Elisabeth , Lexell Jan , Brogårdh Christina
Published: January 2020

Background

The Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat‐11), including one global item and 10 domain‐specific items, is used to evaluate life satisfaction in persons with the late effects of polio (LEoPs). However, there is a lack of knowledge about its psychometric properties.

Objective

To evaluate the test‐retest reliability of the LiSat‐11 and the associations between the global and domain‐specific items in persons with LEoPs.

Design

A test‐retest design, where data were collected by a postal survey.

Setting

University Hospital, Outpatient Clinic.

Participants

A cross‐sectional sample of persons (20 women and 31 men; mean age 72 years) with LEoPs.

Main Outcome Measurements

LiSat‐11, assessing how satisfied a person is with different aspects of life, such as life as a whole, vocation, economy, leisure, contacts with friends and acquaintances, sexual life, activities of daily living (ADLs), family life, partner relationship, somatic health, and psychological health.

Methods

LiSat‐11 was administered on two occasions, 2 weeks apart. The test‐retest reliability was evaluated by Kappa statistics, the percent agreement (PA), and the Svensson rank‐invariant method. The association between the items was evaluated with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rho).

Results

The Kappa coefficients showed good to excellent agreement (0.64‐0.90) and the PA ≤1 point was high (>92%) for all items. No items showed any systematic or random disagreements according to the Svensson method. All domain‐specific items correlated significantly with the global item “Life as a whole” (P < .01; rhos 0.41 to 0.75).

Conclusions

LiSat‐11 is reliable for assessing life satisfaction in persons with LEoPs. The global item “Life as a whole” is useful as an overall measure but cannot fully replace the information obtained from the domain‐specific items of LiSat‐11.
Density functional theory study on the degradation of fuel cell anion exchange membranes via removal of vinylbenzyl quaternary ammonium head group
Authors: Espiritu Richard , Tan John Lester , Lim Len Herald , Arco Susan
Published: January 2020

The alkaline stability of different tethered amine functional groups of fuel cell anion exchange membranes (AEMs), namely, trimethyl amine (TMA), 1‐azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (ABCO), 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), and N‐methylpiperidine (NMP), is investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Among the amine functional groups investigated, ABCO emerged as the most stable exhibiting the highest energy of barrier (EOB) of 33.5 kcal/mol, while DABCO has the lowest EOB of 30.0 kcal/mol due to the presence of an additional electron‐withdrawing nitrogen. The calculated lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy revealed the trend of increasing alkaline stability against nucleophilic attack, consistent with their measured barrier energies: DABCO < TMA < NMP < ABCO. Most importantly, the DFT calculations confirmed the proposed multistep AEM degradation mechanism via the detachment of the whole vinylbenzyl quaternary ammonium group through the following steps: (1) nucleophilic attack leading to the loss of aromaticity with subsequent transformation to a quinodimethane moiety, (2) detachment of the quinodimethane‐like intermediate from the polymer backbone by the attack of superoxide and/or peroxy radicals via oxidative cleavage, and (3) the rearomatisation of the reaction intermediate.
Rapid Hyperbranched Polythioether Synthesis Through Thiol‐Michael Addition Reaction
Authors: Daglar Ozgun , Gungor Begum , Guric Gulce , Gunay Ufuk Saim , Hizal Gurkan , Tunca Umit , Durmaz Hakan
Published: January 2020

In this study, two types of hyperbranched (HB) polythioether could readily be achieved in a short time at ambient temperature through a thiol‐Michael addition reaction. Dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMADC) or methyl propiolate (A2) and trimethylolpropane tris(3‐mercaptopropionate) (B3) monomers were reacted using an organobase 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) as a catalyst in chloroform at room temperature to provide subsequent HB polythioethers. The effect of TBD concentration on the polymerization was studied for the DMDAC case monitoring the molecular weight evolution against time. HB polythioethers were characterized using spectroscopic (nuclear magnetic resonance) and chromatographic (gel permeation chromatography with refractive index and light‐scattering detectors) techniques. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 824–830
Impedance Characterization of Organic Light‐Emitting Structures with Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Voitsekhovskii Alexander V. , Nesmelov Sergey N. , Dzyadukh Stanislav M. , Kopylova Tatyana N. , Degtyarenko Konstantin M.
Published: January 2020

The organic light‐emitting device (OLED) structures based on layer (2,8‐bis[N,N‐di(4 methoxyphenyl)amino]dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide) with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) are created. The properties of TADF‐based structures are studied by measuring the impedance under various conditions (100 Hz–2 MHz and 10–300 K). The features of the capacitance–voltage curves of the studied structures can be explained by the simultaneous injection of holes from the anode and electrons from the cathode. Cole–Cole plots are studied at various voltages and temperatures. It is shown that at forward bias voltages, the impedance is determined by single relaxation process and at low voltages by more than one process. An OLED equivalent circuit consisting of four serial capacitance–resistance (CR) chains (CR–CR–CR–CR) is proposed. Using this circuit allows us to achieve good agreement between the calculated and experimental frequency dependences of the impedance at various voltages. The different elements of the equivalent circuit are associated with different layers in a multilayer OLED structure. The dependences of the CR element values on the bias voltage are found, and the thicknesses of the corresponding layers are determined.
Increasing crop diversity in wheat rotations increases yields but decreases soil health
Authors: Agomoh Ikechukwu V. , Drury Craig F. , Phillips Lori A. , Reynolds W. Daniel , Yang Xueming
Published: January 2020

Demand for food is rising and the ability of any particular soil to support sustainable food production is dependent upon a variety of soil biochemical, chemical and physical soil parameters. However, the challenge is that the impacts of a new management practice on soil properties may take years to assess. In this field study, we investigated the effects of long‐term cropping rotation treatments (established in 2001) on soil health indicators from soils under monoculture, 2‐yr and 3‐yr crop rotations with and without a cover crop. In particular, we compared soil heath indicators under eight cropping sequences including continuous winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (WW), soybean (Glycine max L.)–winter wheat (S–WW), corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean–winter wheat (C–S–WW), and winter wheat–soybean–soybean (WW–S–S) all with and without red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) (RC) in the wheat phase of the rotation. We measured ten soil health indicators collected from the wheat phase of the rotation. Crop rotation had greater effects on soil health indicators than cover crop. After 17 years, crop yields were 23–28% greater for the 2‐yr and 3‐yr rotations than monoculture WW in the presence of red clover. In the absence of red clover, yields were 32–39% greater for the 2‐yr and 3‐yr rotations than monoculture WW. However, the soil health indicators were significantly greater for monoculture WW than the 2‐yr and 3‐yr rotations. These results suggest WW enhanced soil health while crop rotations with soybean negatively impacted most biochemical soil health parameters.
Low‐Molecular‐Weight Gelators as Dual‐Responsive Chemosensors for the Naked‐Eye Detection of Mercury(II) and Copper(II) Ions and Molecular Logic Gates
Authors: Mandegani Fatemeh , Zali‐Boeini Hassan , Khayat Zohreh , Braun Jason D. , Herbert David E.
Published: January 2020

Three quinoline‐based Low Molecular Weight Gelators (LMWG's), containing benzimidazole and long alkyl chain moieties, with excellent gelation abilities have been designed and synthesized. The gel properties were studied by IR and NMR spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and rheological measurements. The gelators showed excellent ability as efficient colorimetric and fluorescent sensors for detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions in aqueous media. The supramolecular gel was selectively transformed into solution in the presence of Hg2+ ion alongside complete quenching of its fluorescence intensity. In the presence of Cu2+ ion, the gelator exhibited a significant color change from white to dark pink and its fluorescence intensity was substantially reduced in gel‐gel state. Other competing ions such as Mn2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Mg2+, Ni2+and Al3+, induced no change under the same conditions. The gel function as molecular logic gate was also investigated and found that, the gelators implement the functions of INH and NOT gates with water and Hg2+ ion as inputs and gel formation and fluorescence intensity as outputs.
A Novel Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide and Its Bioimaging Applications in Living Cells
Authors: Zhu Lei , Liao Wenhao , Chang Haizhen , Liu Xianjun , Miao Shaobin
Published: January 2020

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a critical gasotransmitter playing an important role in various physiological and pathological processes. The development of fluorescent probes for rapid, sensitive, and selective lysosomal H2S sensing has attracted much attention. Herein we report a rhodamine based probe MF‐N3 that can selectively accumulate in lysosomes and give turn‐on fluorescence in the presence of both H2S and protons. Results show that MF‐N3 has an exclusive response to H2S in the acidic lysosomal environment but does not respond in other organelles or in neutral environments. This strategy can circumvent the fluorescence interference from H2S of other sources, thus providing a high sensitivity and selectivity on lysosomal H2S imaging by fluorescence microscopy. This pH‐dependent lysosome‐targeting fluorescent probe has been successfully applied to lysosomal H2S imaging in living cells and is of great potential for applications to the environmental and biological systems.
N‐Arylcyanothioformamides: Preparation Methods and Application in the Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Moussa Ziad , Judeh Zaher M. A. , El‐Sharief Marwa A. M. Sh. , El‐Sharief Ahmed M. Sh.
Published: January 2020

This comprehensive review discusses the various preparation methods of N‐arylcyanothioformamides and highlights the diverse chemistry and application of such reagents in organic synthesis since they were first reported. Specifically, the review describes applications of the preceding reagents in the preparation of the highly bioactive heterocyclic imidazolidineiminothiones, bis‐imidazolidineiminothiones and derivatives thereof. The review also demonstrates how N‐arylcyanothioformamides provide access to the highly coveted luciferin analogues for bioluminescence imaging applications. As well, the review showcases the metal complexation chemistry of N‐arylcyanothioformamides and the regiochemical outcome of its reactions with isocyanates versus isothiocyanates. Many examples are provided from the literature to show the scope and selectivity (regio, stereo, and chemo) in these transformations.
Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of New Conjugated D‐A Polymers Based on the Same Fluoro‐Benzothiadiazole Acceptor Unit and Different Donor Units
Authors: Keshtov Mukhaned L , Kuklin Serge. A. , Konstantinov Igor O. , Khokhlov Alexei R. , Xie Zhiyuan , Dou Chuandong , Koukaras Emmanuel N. , Suthar Rakesh , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: January 2020

In this work, two D−A conjugated polymers having same fluorinated benzothiadiazole acceptor and thiophene linker and different donor units (2,8‐dibromo‐4,6‐bis9n‐octylthiophene‐2‐yl)benzo(2,1‐b:3,4‐b’:5,6‐c”] trithiophene for P95 and 5,8‐dibromo‐2‐[5‐2(‐ethylhexyl)thiophene‐2yl]‐1H bisthieno[3,2‐e:2‘,3‘‐g]benzothiazole for P96 were synthesized. These polymers have complementary absorption spectra with both phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) and non‐fullerene acceptor (PDIF) and energy levels for the exciton dissociation and charge transfer. After the optimization, the P95:PDIF and P96:PDIF based polymer solar cells showed overall PCE of showed 9.40% and 9.18% with energy loss of 0.54 eV and 0.64 eV, respectively which is higher than that of PC71BM counterpart (8.34% and 7.82% for P95 and P96, respectively). The higher values of short circuit current (Jsc) and open circuit voltage (Voc) and related to strong absorption of PDIF in 400–600 nm wavelength region and shallow value of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level of PDIF. The higher value of power conversion efficiency of polymer solar cells based on P95, for both PC71BM and PDIF is related to the broader absorption spectra of P95 (low optical bandgap) as compared to P96 and more balanced charge transport due to higher hole mobility for P95 based active layer. These results demonstrate that the electron donating ability of donor unit in the D−A conjugated polymers may affect the photovoltaic response of the polymer solar cells and provide the guidance for the design of high efficiency photovoltaic materials.
One‐Pot Transfer Hydrogenation of methyl levulinate into valerolactone and 1,4‐pentanediol over in situ Reduced Cu/ZrOCO3 in 2‐PrOH
Authors: Ma Mingwei , Yan Xinyu , Hou Pan , Cao Jingjie , Liu Hui , Xu Xingliang , Yue Huijuan , GeTian  , Jing Shubo , Feng Shouhua
Published: January 2020

In this work, a simple and economical process, the reduction preparation of the Cu/ZrOCO3 catalyst and the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH)reaction of methyl levulinate (ML)were carried out simultaneously in one pot providing 89.79% product yield at 180 ° C for 7 h. Different from direct hydrogen transfer reaction catalyzed by ZrOCO3 with only valerolactone (GVL) produced, the introduction of Cu/Cu+ on ZrOCO3 carrier not only enhances the activity of the reaction, but also further converts GVL into 1,4‐pentanediol (1,4‐PDO)by indirect hydrogen transfer. In addition, we also found the copper‐loaded amphoteric carrier has better catalytic activity than the basic carrier.
(para‐Cymene)Ru(II) Complexes with Chelating Benzotriazole Ligands: Application in Oxidation and Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Pandey Sharmila , Mandal Tanmoy , Singh Vivek
Published: January 2020

1‐Heteroaryl‐substituted benzotriazole motifs represent a new class of bidentate chelating ligands for several transition metals. Although metal complexes having such ligands in tris‐ and bis‐chelated binding have been extensively studied, investigation of mono‐chelated metal complexes, especially their structural and catalytic properties, is rarely explored. In this work, two such complexes – [(para‐cymene)Ru(BTZ‐2P)Cl]PF6 and [(para‐cymene)Ru(BTZ‐2Q)Cl]PF6, (BTZ‐2P=1‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole; BTZ‐2Q=1‐(quinoline‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole) have been synthesized and characterized through various spectroscopic method and X‐ray crystallography. Their electronic spectra and electrochemical properties have also been explored. Both the complexes have been successfully applied in two types of important catalytic processes – (a) oxidation of aryl olefins to corresponding aromatic carbonyl compounds, and (b) transfer hydrogenation of aromatic carbonyl compounds to the corresponding alcohols.
Bismuth Nanobowl/Bismuth Oxides, a Hybrid Material for Efficient Adsorption and Visible‐light‐driven Photodegradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Pan Tao , Feng Weihua , Cheng Cong , Lin Sili , Fang Jianzhang , Zhu Ximiao , Chen Yi , Fang Zhanqiang
Published: January 2020

To achieve the goal of efficient organic pollutants removal, bismuth nanobowl (Bi) /bismuth oxides was rationally designed and synthesized. In the Bi/bismuth oxides, BiOCl/Bi2O2.33 was covered on the surface of Bi nanobowls after etching bowl‐shaped bismuth (previously prepared by solvothermal method with the addition of D‐Fructose) with hydrochloride acid solution. Compared to the one without etching, the obtained Bi/bismuth oxides nanobowls with enlarged surface area lead to remarkable enhancement in dye adsorption. The rhodamine B (RhB) adsorption behavior over the Bi/bismuth oxides samples all fitted pseudo‐second‐order model. Adsorption is a crucial previous step for photocatalysis. Due to the high adsorption capacity and the synergistic effect between surface oxides and plasmonic Bi, the Bi/bismuth oxides nanobowls exhibited high removal efficiency for organic pollutions under visible light irradiation.
Below 200 °C Fabrication Strategy of Black‐Phase CsPbI3 Film for Ambient‐Air‐Stable Solar Cells
Authors: Ye Tao , Zhou Bo , Zhan Fei , Yuan Fangli , Ramakrishna Seeram , Golberg Dmitri , Wang Xi
Published: January 2020

Cesium‐based fully inorganic black‐phase (BP) lead halide perovskites (such as α‐, β‐, and γ‐CsPbI3) with excellent thermal stability and a decently high photovoltaic performance have attracted increasing attention. However, a below 200 °C fabrication process of the desirable BP CsPbI3 has rarely been reported. Herein, the detailed crystal structure evolution of ambient‐air‐stable BP CsPbI3 prepared under low temperature conditions is investigated by exploiting the strong coordination bonding between CO in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Pb in CsPbI3 and inflection effect of PVP under annealing. It is found that ambient‐air‐stable BP CsPbI3 films are formed and the energy barrier for the long‐term stable BP CsPbI3 formation is significantly reduced (the required annealing temperature is only 80 °C). After optimization, the highest power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of ≈4.0% and 10.0% are recorded for the 3% PVP‐added devices with light absorbers annealed at 80 and 160 °C, respectively. More importantly, the 3% PVP device annealed at 160 °C maintains ≈80% of its original PCE after 5 months storage under ambient‐air conditions.
Local power of some likelihood‐based tests in multivariate Student‐t regression models
Authors: Lemonte Artur J.
Published: January 2020

The Student‐ distribution has proved to be a useful alternative to the traditional normal distribution, mainly to deal with heavy tails and when robust estimation is desired. We consider the multivariate Student‐ regression model and derive the nonnull asymptotic expansions (under a sequence of Pitman alternatives) of the distribution functions of the likelihood ratio, Wald, Rao score, and gradient test statistics for testing a subset of regression parameters in this class of multivariate regression models. On the basis of the nonnull asymptotic expansions derived, the power of all four tests, which are equivalent to the first order, are compared. We provide conditions in which one test can be more locally powerful than the other one in this class of multivariate regression models and, hence, one can choose the most powerful test based on the general conditions.
A comparison of applied and theoretical knowledge of concepts based on the particulate nature of matter
Authors: Haidar Abdullateef H. , Abraham Michael R.
Published: January 2020

This study compares 183 high school chemistry students' applied and theoretical knowledge of selected concepts based on the particulate theory. The concepts are dissolution, diffusion, effusion, and states of matter. A two‐form instrument called the Physical Changes Concepts Test (PCCT) was developed for this study. The application form measures students' knowlege using everyday language. The theoretical form measures students' knowledge using scientific language. Students' formal reasoning ability was measured using the Test Of Logical Thinking (TOLT). The overall results of the two forms of the PCCT indicate that more than 40% of the students displayed alternative conceptions (ACs) of the concepts covered in the PCCT. The study found that students' formal reasoning ability and their preexisting knowledge are associated with their conceptions and use of the particulate theory. The analysis of the nature of students' ACs and their use of the particulate theory revealed a significant difference between students' applied and theoretical knowledge.
A quantitative analysis of high school chemistry textbooks for scientific literacy themes and expository learning aids
Authors: Chiappetta Eugene L. , Sethna Godrej H. , Fillman David A.
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the content of seven high school chemistry textbooks for curriculum balance and emphasis on the following aspects of scientific literacy: (a) science as a body of knowledge, (b) science as a way of investigating, (c) science as a way of thinking, and (d) the interaction among science, technology, and society. In addition, the number of textbook pages, vocabulary terms, pictures, questions, and problems at the end of the chapter were determined. The textbook is an important teaching aid in high school chemistry courses, which conveys some of the information that students receive and influences how students perceive this subject. The majority of chemistry textbooks we analyzed stress science as a body of knowledge, place some emphasis on science as a way of investigating, have practically eliminated science as a way of thinking, and devote very little text to the interaction among science, technology, and society. Furthermore, these are voluminous books that range in length from 466 to 729 pages, with as many as 60 questions per chapter.
A study investigating the treatment of equine squamous gastric disease with long‐acting injectable or oral omeprazole
Authors: Gough Sarah , Hallowell Gayle , Rendle David
Published: January 2020

Background

Equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) is a highly prevalent disease in horses, particularly in elite athletes. Some horses respond slowly, or fail to respond, to the licensed treatment, oral omeprazole (ORLO).

Objectives

To compare rates of ESGD healing and improvement between ORLO and a long‐acting injectable omeprazole preparation (LAIO).

Study design

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods

The case records and gastroscopy images of horses presenting to Rainbow Equine Hospital over a 12‐month period were reviewed, with images being reviewed blind by one of the authors (David Rendle). Treatment responses were compared between horses that received 2 or 4 injections of 4 mg/kg LAIO at weekly intervals, and horses that received ORLO at 4 mg/kg PO SID for 4 weeks. Data were compared using a Mann–Whitney test with post hoc Dunn's test, chi‐squared test or Fisher's exact test.

Results

Fifty‐six horses met the inclusion criteria: 29 received LAIO and 27 received ORLO. Treatment groups were comparable in terms of signalment and ESGD lesions. There was a difference in rate of healing when LAIO and ORLO treatment groups were compared at 28 days (LAIO‐97%; ORLO‐67%;p = .005; OR = 14(1.8–158)), but no difference between LAIO at 14 days and ORLO at 28 days (LAIO‐86%; ORLO‐67%;p = .12; OR = 3.1 (0.9–10)). Five localised and self‐limiting injection site reactions were identified in 3 horses out of 98 injections (5.1%).

Main limitations

The study was limited by its retrospective nature, absence of randomisation and limited numbers.

Conclusions

Four weeks of treatment with LAIO resulted in better rates of ESGD healing than 4 weeks of ORLO. Larger more robust studies of LAIO are warranted.
A history of the global carbon budget
Authors: Lahn Bård
Published: January 2020

The idea of a global “carbon budget”—the cumulative amount of “allowable” carbon emissions to meet a global temperature target—has become established as a central concept in climate science and policy. As a concept explicitly aimed at mediating between scientific knowledge and policymaking, the carbon budget has always been actively positioned in relation to ongoing policy debates, but the specific forms this concept has taken have varied. This article reviews key contributions to the carbon budget literature from the 1980s until today, in order to identify how scientists have positioned the concept between the worlds of science and policy. Three main shifts are identified in how the policy relevance of the carbon budget is envisaged in the scientific literature. The shifts can be related in part to developments in climate science, and in part to changes in international climate policy. The history of the carbon budget thus illustrates how science and policy interacts to shape dominant understandings of how climate change can be known and governed.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Ideas and Knowledge
Gum feeder as environmental enrichment for zoo marmosets and tamarins
Authors: Regaiolli Barbara , Angelosante Chiara , Marliani Giovanna , Accorsi Pier Attilio , Vaglio Stefano , Spiezio Caterina
Published: January 2020

Tamarins and marmosets are small‐bodied social callitrichines. Wild callitrichines feed on exudates, such as sap and gum; particularly, marmosets are mainly gummivores, while tamarins consume gums only occasionally and opportunistically. Zoo marmosets and tamarins are usually provided with gum arabic as an alternative to the exudates normally found in the wild. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a gum feeder on the behavior and well‐being of four zoo‐managed callitrichines. We studied four cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), four red‐handed tamarins (S. midas), two pygmy marmosets (Cebuella pygmaea), and three Geoffroy's marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi) housed at Parco Natura Viva (Italy). We conducted the study over two different periods, a baseline (control, without the gum feeder) and then a gum feeder (when the gum feeder was provided) period. We used continuous focal animal sampling to collect behavioral data, including durations of social and individual behaviors. We collected 240 min of observations per period per study subject, with a total of 3,120 min for all the subjects in the same period and of 6,240 min in both periods. We analyzed data by using nonparametric statistical tests. First, we found that the gum feeder promoted species‐specific behaviors, such as exploration, and diminished self‐directed behaviors, suggesting an enriching effect on tamarin and marmoset behavior. Moreover, in red‐handed tamarins, the provision of the gum feeder reduced the performance of self‐directed and abnormal behavior, specifically coprophagy. These results confirm that gum feeders are effective foraging enrichment tools for zoo marmosets and tamarins.
Solution of the self-dual Φ4 QFT-model on four-dimensional Moyal space
Authors: Grosse Harald , Hock Alexander , Wulkenhaar Raimar
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Previously the exact solution of the planar sector of the self-dual Φ4-model on 4-dimensional Moyal space was established up to the solution of a Fredholm integral equation. This paper solves, for any coupling constant λ > −

$$ \frac{1}{\uppi} $$

1
π

, the Fredholm equation in terms of a hypergeometric function and thus completes the construction of the planar sector of the model. We prove that the interacting model has spectral dimension 4 − 2

$$ \frac{\arcsin \left(\uplambda \uppi \right)}{\uppi} $$

arcsin

λπ

π

for |λ| <

$$ \frac{1}{\uppi} $$

1
π

. It is this dimension drop which for λ > 0 avoids the triviality problem of the matricial

$$ {\varPhi}_4^4 $$

Φ
4
4

-model. We also establish the power series approximation of the Fredholm solution to all orders in λ. The appearing functions are hyperlogarithms defined by iterated integrals, here of alternating letters 0 and −1. We identify the renormalisation parameter which gives the same normalisation as the ribbon graph expansion.
Digitale Gesundheitskompetenz – Konzeptionelle Verortung, Erfassung und Förderung mit Fokus auf Kinder und Jugendliche
Authors: Bittlingmayer Uwe H. , Dadaczynski Kevin , Sahrai Diana , van den Broucke Stephan , Okan Orkan
Published: January 2020

Das Konzept der digitalen Gesundheitskompetenz ist das Ergebnis der zunehmenden gesellschaftlichen Durchdringung von digitalen Medien und deren Nutzung im Alltag. Infolge der hohen Zugänglichkeit und Allgegenwärtigkeit von Gesundheitsinformationen steigt die Notwendigkeit nicht nur des Suchens und Findens, sondern insbesondere der Einschätzung ihrer Verlässlichkeit und der darauf bezogenen Selektion und Anwendung für eigene Gesundheitsbelange. Gerade im Kontext der Digitalisierung ist zudem zu berücksichtigen, dass die Nutzenden nicht nur passiv rezipieren, sondern aktiv am Kommunikationsgeschehen durch Interaktion mit bestehenden Inhalten oder durch eigene Informationsbeiträge teilhaben.

Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht über den aktuellen Forschungsstand zur digitalen Gesundheitskompetenz, wobei der Fokus vor allem auf dem Kindes- und Jugendalter liegt. Neben seiner terminologisch-konzeptionellen Verortung und der notwendigen Verschränkung mit dem Ansatz der Medienkompetenzen wird das Verhältnis von digitaler Gesundheitskompetenz und sozialer sowie gesundheitlicher Ungleichheit betrachtet. Als ungleichheitsgenerierend wird dabei weniger der unterschiedliche Zugang zu digitalen Medien angesehen, sondern vor allem die Unterschiede in den zum Umgang notwendigen Kompetenzen. Nach einer Übersicht über die wenigen bisher verfügbaren Instrumente zur Erfassung der digitalen Gesundheitskompetenz werden am Beispiel des Settings Schule erste Überlegungen zu ihrer individuellen und strukturellen Stärkung angestellt.
The effect of the shock wave of the oscillating working medium in a vibrating machine’s reservoir during a multi-energy finishing-grinding vibration processing
Authors: Kundrák J. , Morgan M. , Mitsyk А.V. , Fedorovich V.A.
Published: January 2020

Vibration treatment in finishing processes is becoming a more complex technology, sometimes leading to weak shock waves occurring in the abrasive working medium. Here, the preconditions are discussed for the appearance of the effect of a shock wave of the vibrating working medium in a vibrating machine reservoir during multi-energy vibration processing. The peculiarities of the propagation of the force pulse of abrasive granules in the working medium, as in a pseudogas, are considered based on the kinetic theory of gases and the equations of gas dynamics. The paper also describes the motions of the parts in the working medium and the mechanism of the appearance of a weak shock wave, such as the compressive shock wave of abrasive granules. The interaction of the surface of the oscillating processed part with the granules of the working medium is studied. The characteristic of the Hugoniot adiabat for working medium granules is given. The influence of compression shock wave on the process of vibration processing is revealed. A comparison is made with experimental data.
Flow-based regenerable chemiluminescence receptor assay for the detection of tetracyclines
Authors: Meyer Verena K. , Chatelle Claire V. , Weber Wilfried , Niessner Reinhard , Seidel Michael
Published: January 2020

For the first time, a flow-based regenerable chemiluminescence receptor assay is established that is eminently suited as screening method for the detection of widely used tetracyclines (TCs) in environmental and food samples. The complex functionality and high reactivity of TCs complicate the creation of immunogens which is currently the bottleneck for developing sensitive immunoassays. In this case, competitive bioreceptor assays for the analysis of small organic molecules are preferable and, moreover, flow-based regenerable bioassays are optimally suited for automated analysis applications. Therefore, the solution for rapid and sensitive analysis of TCs is the regenerable CL receptor assay with a covalently immobilized DNA oligonucleotide containing the specific operator sequence tetO to which the repressor protein TetR binds only in the absence of TCs. The TC measurements are performed on the CL microarray analysis platform MCR 3 within 30 min per sample. The LoD in spiked tap water was determined to be 0.1 μg L−1, and for 1 μg L−1 TET, recoveries of 77% ± 16% were obtained. Due to the stability of the immobilized DNA oligonucleotide and the resulting regenerability of the assay for various measurements, the new method is highly cost- and resource-efficient and ideally suited for the monitoring of environmental samples in the field.
Drought-Induced Stress Priming in Two Distinct Filamentous Saprotrophic Fungi
Authors: Guhr Alexander , Kircher Sophia
Published: January 2020

Sessile organisms constantly face environmental fluctuations and especially drought is a common stressor. One adaptive mechanism is “stress priming,” the ability to cope with a severe stress (“triggering”) by retaining information from a previous mild stress event (“priming”). While plants have been extensively investigated for drought-induced stress priming, no information is available for saprotrophic filamentous fungi, which are highly important for nutrient cycles. Here, we investigated the potential for drought-induced stress priming of one strain each of two ubiquitous species, Neurospora crassa and Penicillium chrysogenum. A batch experiment with 4 treatments was conducted on a sandy soil: exposure to priming and/or triggering as well as non-stressed controls. A priming stress was caused by desiccation to pF 4. The samples were then rewetted and after 1-, 7-, or 14-days of recovery triggered (pF 6). After triggering, fungal biomass, respiration, and β-glucosidase activity were quantified. P. chrysogenum showed positive stress priming effects. After 1 day of recovery, biomass as well as β-glucosidase activity and respiration were 0.5 to 5 times higher during triggering. Effects on biomass and activity decreased with prolonged recovery but lasted for 7 days and minor effects were still detectable after 14 days. Without triggering, stress priming had a temporary negative impact on biomass but this reversed after 14 days. For N. crassa, no stress priming effect was observed on the tested variables. The potential for drought-induced stress priming seems to be species specific with potentially high impact on composition and activity of fungal communities considering the expected increase of drought events.
A 12-channel flexible receiver coil for accelerated tongue imaging
Authors: Voskuilen Luuk , de Heer Paul , van der Molen Lisette , Balm Alfons J. M. , van der Heijden Ferdinand , Strijkers Gustav J. , Smeele Ludi E. , Nederveen Aart J.
Published: January 2020

Objective

MRI of the tongue requires acceleration to minimise motion artefacts and to facilitate real-time imaging of swallowing. To accelerate tongue MRI, we designed a dedicated flexible receiver coil.

Materials and methods

We designed a flexible 12-channel receiver coil for tongue MRI at 3T and compared it to a conventional head-and-neck coil regarding SNR and g-factor. Furthermore, two accelerated imaging techniques were evaluated using both coils: multiband (MB) diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) and real-time MRI of swallowing.

Results

The flexible coil had significantly higher SNR in the anterior (2.1 times higher, P = 0.002) and posterior (2.0 times higher, P < 0.001) parts of the tongue, while the g-factor was lower at higher acceleration. Unlike for the flexible coil, the apparent diffusion coefficient (P = 0.001) and fractional anisotropy (P = 0.008) deteriorated significantly while using the conventional coil after accelerating DTI with MB. The image quality of real-time MRI of swallowing was significantly better for hyoid elevation (P = 0.029) using the flexible coil.

Conclusion

Facilitated by higher SNR and lower g-factor values, our flexible tongue coil allows faster imaging, which was successfully demonstrated in MB DTI and real-time MRI of swallowing.
Improving estimation of phytoplankton abundance and distribution in ballast water discharges
Authors: Casas-Monroy Oscar , Rajakaruna Harshana , Bailey Sarah A.
Published: January 2020

With the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments now in force, determining abundance and distribution of phytoplankton inside ballast tanks is critical for successful ballast water management, particularly when assessing compliance. The relationship between the abundance and distribution of cells was examined to obtain the best representative sample of the entire phytoplankton community in ballast tanks, comparing three ballast water sampling techniques including in-line, in-tank, and Van Dorn bottle methods. Lloyd’s index, Dy, and Gini index were applied to compare methods of sample collection and determine representativeness of samples and performance of sampling methods. Phytoplankton abundance trends from live microscopy counts using fluorescein diacetate (FDA) were also compared to those using a FlowCAM on preserved samples. The phytoplankton community showed a patchy distribution inside the ballast tank and this trend was observed across all voyages. The estimated marginal mean analysis showed that in hypothetical conditions (e.g., 702 m3of water in ballast tank and phytoplankton whole-tank abundance of 19,522 cells), the difference among the three methods was small. Conversely, statistical analysis performed on empiric abundances using a negative binomial regression model determined that the volume discharged during sampling of ballast water has an effect on the number of cells collected on a given voyage. Results of this study also confirmed that the in-line method may be a better method at collecting phytoplankton samples from ballast tanks than the in-tank or Van Dorn method, regardless of the time at which samples are collected. Finally, the number of living cells and the number of preserved cells showed similar trends for most of the voyages, despite fewer samples analyzed using FDA.
The value of immunotherapy for survivors of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer: patient perspectives on quality of life
Authors: Park Rebekah , Shaw James W. , Korn Alix , McAuliffe Jacob
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine what personally mattered to 24 patients who received immuno-oncology (IO) therapy for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as their families and friends, to understand how they evaluated their cancer treatments and the determinants of the quality of life (QoL) of long-term survivors.

Methods

Ethnographic research was conducted with 24 patients who had responded to IO (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, or durvalumab) for stage IV NSCLC, and their families and friends, evenly split among field sites in Denmark, the USA, and the UK. Data were collected using in-depth qualitative interviews, written exercises, and participant observation. Data analysis methods included interpretative phenomenological analysis, coding, and the development of grounded theory. Researchers spent 2 days with participants in their homes and accompanied them on health-related outings.

Results

Our findings reveal that long-term survivors on IO experienced their journey in two phases: one in which their cancer had taken over their lives mentally, physically, and spiritually, and another in which their cancer consumed only a part of their everyday lives. Patients who survived longer than their initial prognosis existed in a limbo state in which they were able to achieve some semblance of normalcy in spite of being identified as having a terminal condition. This limbo state impacted their life priorities, decision-making, experience of patient support, and health information-seeking behaviors, all of which shaped their definitions and experience of QoL.

Conclusions

The results of this study, which identify the specific challenges of living in limbo, where patients are able to reclaim a portion of their pre-cancer lives while continuing to wrestle with a terminal prognosis, may inform how cancer research can more effectively define and measure the QoL impacts of IO treatments. Also, they may identify approaches that the cancer community can use to support the needs of patients living in a limbo state. These experiences may not be adequately understood by the cancer community or captured by existing QoL measures, which were designed prior to the emergence of IO and without sufficient incorporation of contextual, patient-driven experience.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Increased awareness of the specific experiences that come with long-term survival on IO may direct how resources should be spent for cancer support for patients and their families. Expanding how QoL is evaluated based on patients’ lived experiences of IO can reflect a more accurate depiction of the treatment’s benefits and harms.
Educational stays abroad and the development of self-perceived grit: A longitudinal analysis in young adulthood
Authors: Wolff Fabian , Schmidt Fabian T. C. , Borzikowsky Christoph , Möller Jens , Wagner Jenny
Published: January 2020

Grit can be viewed as a facet of conscientiousness consisting of the two sub-facets perseverance of effort and consistency of interest. Although ample research illustrates the importance of grit for educational attainment, little is known about its developmental trajectories. The goal of the present study was to examine the development of self-perceptions in the two grit facets during educational stays abroad in young adulthood. We measured grit in a sample of 179 German sojourners, who went abroad for some type of educational stay, immediately before the start of their stay abroad (T1), 3 months afterwards (T2), and 15 months afterwards (T3). We compared the developmental trajectories across T1 and T2 with a control group of 112 Germans staying at home during this period. Multivariate latent change score models showed an increase in perseverance of effort between T1 and T2 in the group of sojourners, which did not emerge in the control group and persisted throughout T3. Consistency of interest did not change between T1 and T2, but sojourners showed an increase in consistency of interest between T1 and T3. This change was positively predicted by the time sojourners had spent abroad. Although we found different developmental trajectories for perseverance of effort and consistency of interest, substantial correlated change between these facets indicated similar processes to account for change in both traits. We discuss implications for research on the development of grit as well as the role of educational stays abroad.
Evolution and analysis of gas sorption-induced coal fracture strain data
Authors: Liu Zhanghao , Liu Jishan , Pan Pengzhi , Elsworth Derek , Wei Mingyao , Shi Rui
Published: January 2020

Although coal swelling/shrinking during coal seam gas extraction has been studied for decades, its impacts on the evolution of permeability are still not well understood. This has long been recognized, but no satisfactory solutions have been found. In previous studies, it is normally assumed that the matrix swelling/shrinking strain can be split between the fracture and the bulk coal and that the splitting coefficient remains unchanged during gas sorption. In this study, we defined the fracture strain as a function of permeability change ratio and back-calculated the fracture strains at different states. In the equilibrium state, the gas pressure is steady within the coal; in the non-equilibrium state, the gas pressure changes with time. For equilibrium states, the back-calculated fracture strains are extremely large and may be physically impossible in some case. For non-equilibrium states, two experiments were conducted: one for a natural coal sample and the other for a reconstructed one. For the fractured coal, the evolution of permeability is primarily controlled by the transition of coal fracture strain or permeability from local matrix swelling effect to global effect. For the reconstituted coal, the evolution of pore strain or permeability is primarily controlled by the global effect.
Effects of Elevated Sea Levels and Waves on Southern California Estuaries During the 2015–2016 El Niño
Authors: Harvey Madeleine E. , Giddings Sarah N. , Stein Eric D. , Crooks Jeffrey A. , Whitcraft Christine , Gallien Timu , Largier John L. , Tiefenthaler Liesl , Meltzer Hallee , Pawlak Geno , Thorne Karen , Johnston Karina , Ambrose Richard , Schroeter Stephen C. , Page Henry M. , Elwany Hany
Published: January 2020

The 2015–2016 El Niño provided insight into how low-inflow estuaries might respond to future climate regimes, including high sea levels and more intense waves. High waves and water levels coupled with low rainfall along the Southern California coastline provided the opportunity to examine how extreme ocean forcing impacts estuaries independently from fluvial events. From November 2015 to April 2016, water levels were measured in 13 Southern California estuaries, including both intermittently closed and perennially open estuaries with varying watershed size, urban development, and management practices. Elevated ocean water levels caused raised water levels and prolonged inundation in all of the estuaries studied. Water levels inside perennially open estuaries mirrored ocean water levels, while those inside intermittently closed estuaries (ICEs) exhibited enhanced higher-high water levels during large waves, and tides were truncated at low tides due to a wave-built sand sill at the mouth, resulting in elevated detided water levels. ICEs closed when sufficient wave-driven sand accretion formed a barrier berm across the mouth separating the estuary from the ocean, the height of which can be estimated using estuarine lower-low water levels. During the 2015–2016 El Niño, a greater number of Southern California ICEs closed than during a typical year and ICEs that close annually experienced longer than normal closures. Overall, sill accretion and wave exposure were important contributing factors to individual estuarine response to ocean conditions. Understanding how estuaries respond to increased sea levels and waves and the factors that influence closures will help managers develop appropriate adaptation strategies.
CAR-T cells in multiple myeloma: current status
Authors: Steiner Normann , Gunsilius Eberhard
Published: January 2020

Starting with the approval of bortezomib, a proteasome-inhibiting drug, tremendous progress has been achieved in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients during the last 15 years. Due to a plethora of novel drugs such as second generation proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulating agents and monoclonal antibodies the 5‑year survival of MM patients has been extended from 33% at the turn of the millennium to approximately 60% in younger patients (<65–70 years) who were eligible for consolidation with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Unfortunately, virtually all patients suffer from relapse and ultimately succumb to the disease, indicating the need for additional treatment strategies. Currently there are two promising immunologic approaches. First, bispecific antibodies called BITE (bispecific T-cell enhancer), which act as fusion proteins with two single-chain variable fragments, target antigens on malignant cells and bind the CD3 receptor and thereby recruit T‑cells to the target cells. The second strategy is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T‑cell therapy that attacks myeloma cells by recognizing specific targets such as CD138, BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen), light-chains, SLAM-F7 (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7) or the pan B‑cell antigen CD19.

Several early phase clinical trials show encouraging results in patients who have relapsed after modern treatment including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulating drugs and monoclonal antibodies. Here, we briefly summarize current clinical knowledge about CAR‑T cell treatment in multiple myeloma, including clinical data presented at the 61st American Society of Hematology annual meeting held in December 2019 in Orlando.