bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partizipative Gesundheitsforschung: Ursprünge und heutiger Stand
Authors: Wright Michael T.
Published: December 2020

Partizipative Gesundheitsforschung (PGF) wird international – und seit einigen Jahren auch in Deutschland – zunehmend als Möglichkeit wahrgenommen, wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse zu erzeugen, die unmittelbar zur Verbesserung von Gesundheitschancen für sozial benachteiligte Bevölkerungsgruppen beitragen. Zentrales Merkmal der PGF ist die direkte Beteiligung der Menschen am Forschungsprozess, deren Arbeits- oder Lebensverhältnisse Gegenstand der Forschung sind. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über Ursprünge, Grundlagen und aktuelle Entwicklungen der PGF. Wissenschaftliche Literatur aus der internationalen Diskussion um die PGF wird im Sinne eines narrativen Reviews rezipiert, der Schwerpunkt liegt auf Überblicksarbeiten und Publikationen der International Collaboration for Participatory Health Research.

Das Review ergibt, dass eine wachsende Anzahl von Forschenden im Gesundheitsbereich partizipativ arbeitet. Es ist auch deutlich erkennbar, dass ein eigenständiger wissenschaftlicher Diskurs und diverse Vereinigungen partizipativ Forschender sich in vielen Ländern etabliert haben. Folgende aktuelle internationale Entwicklungen sind hervorzuheben: Konsolidierung und Vernetzung, Klärung der Frage, was Partizipation in der Forschung bedeutet, Evaluation der Auswirkungen und des Mehrwerts der PGF, Weiterentwicklung der PGF in spezifischen Anwendungsbereichen und die Klärung ethischer Fragen in der PGF.
Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases and ecto-5′-nucleotidase in purinergic signaling: how the field developed and where we are now
Authors: Zimmermann Herbert
Published: December 2020

Geoffrey Burnstock will be remembered as the scientist who set up an entirely new field of intercellular communication, signaling via nucleotides. The signaling cascades involved in purinergic signaling include intracellular storage of nucleotides, nucleotide release, extracellular hydrolysis, and the effect of the released compounds or their hydrolysis products on target tissues via specific receptor systems. In this context ectonucleotidases play several roles. They inactivate released and physiologically active nucleotides, produce physiologically active hydrolysis products, and facilitate nucleoside recycling. This review briefly highlights the development of our knowledge of two types of enzymes involved in extracellular nucleotide hydrolysis and thus purinergic signaling, the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases, and ecto-5′-nucleotidase.
Kinderarmut in Deutschland
Authors: Butterwegge Christoph
Published: December 2020

Bei der Kinderarmut handelt es sich um eine der verheerendsten Ausprägungen des Polarisierungsprozesses, der die sozioökonomische Ungleichheit als das eigentliche Kardinalproblem der Bundesrepublik, wenn nicht der ganzen Menschheit, verschärft hat. Daher muss Armutsbekämpfung auf sämtlichen Ebenen des föderalen Systems (Bund, Länder und Kommunen) sowie allen dafür geeigneten Politikfeldern ansetzen, von denen im Artikel exemplarisch die Arbeitsmarkt‑, Beschäftigungs- und Sozialpolitik, die Familienpolitik, die Bildungs- und Schulpolitik sowie der Wohnungs‑, Wohnungsbau- und Stadtentwicklungspolitik behandelt werden.
Porophyllum woodii (Compositae: Heliantheae: Pectidinae), a new species from Prov. Burnet O’Connor, Departamento de Tarija, Bolivia
Authors: Hind D. J. Nicholas
Published: December 2020

Porophyllum woodii (Compositae: Heliantheae: Pectidinae), a new species from Prov. Burnet O’Connor, Departamento de Tarija, Bolivia, is described and illustrated. This new species is distinctive in that it is apparently the largest shrubby species in South America, with flowering plants up to 1.5 m tall, possessing alternate, long-linear, spreading to recurved leaves, solitary terminal capitula with phyllaries with two more-or-less even rows of linear glands, and about 40 – 45 florets per capitulum.
Using Sequence Analysis to Determine the Well-Functioning of Small Groups in Large Online Courses
Authors: Hoppe H. Ulrich , Doberstein Dorian , Hecking Tobias
Published: December 2020

Collaborative learning in small groups can enrich and enhance the learning experience in large online courses by facilitating interaction and collaborative knowledge building between peers. on the work reported here addresses scenarios based on asynchronous communication and exchange. As compared to synchronous and face-to-face settings, these scenarios require higher explicit coordination efforts and specific support mechanisms to reach out to inactive group members. This can be achieved by human tutors as well as through automatic interventions by the system in the organization and facilitation of group work. Our approach is based on characterizing the quality or well-functioning of collaboration using sequence alignment techniques that were originally developed in bioinformatics for the comparison of DNA sequences. Sequence alignment provides a similarity measure between pairs of action logs originating from the group work. The ensuing similarity matrix allows for clustering the working groups characterized by the similarity of their complete action logs. Notably, these clusters differ clearly in terms of quality measures related to the activity distribution and group output. This allows for determining quality indicators that can trigger feedback and adaptive scaffolding. Our data stem from inter-university online courses in which regular (weekly or bi-weekly) assignments had to be completed in small groups supported by an online forum for coordination and a separate tool for the actual collaborative writing. The basic actions are interpreted/coded as different contribution types, namely coordination, monitoring, minor/major contributions. Longer periods of inactivity are coded as another type of action (“gap”). These are the building blocks for the sequence alignment. One consequence of our analysis is a revision of the intuitive assumption that inactivity is a main indicator of inefficient group work: We found that inactivity can be compensated by early coordination to the extent that coordination is even the most important factor for successful group work. These insights are now being used to design alert mechanisms to signal inefficient group work and to generate timely interventions.
Probabilistic convergence and stability of random mapper graphs
Authors: Brown Adam , Bobrowski Omer , Munch Elizabeth , Wang Bei
Published: December 2020

We study the probabilistic convergence between the mapper graph and the Reeb graph of a topological space $${\mathbb {X}}$$
X
equipped with a continuous function $$f: {\mathbb {X}}\rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

f
:
X
→
R

. We first give a categorification of the mapper graph and the Reeb graph by interpreting them in terms of cosheaves and stratified covers of the real line $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
. We then introduce a variant of the classic mapper graph of Singh et al. (in: Eurographics symposium on point-based graphics, 2007), referred to as the enhanced mapper graph, and demonstrate that such a construction approximates the Reeb graph of $$({\mathbb {X}}, f)$$

(
X
,
f
)

when it is applied to points randomly sampled from a probability density function concentrated on $$({\mathbb {X}}, f)$$

(
X
,
f
)

. Our techniques are based on the interleaving distance of constructible cosheaves and topological estimation via kernel density estimates. Following Munch and Wang (In: 32nd international symposium on computational geometry, volume 51 of Leibniz international proceedings in informatics (LIPIcs), Dagstuhl, Germany, pp 53:1–53:16, 2016), we first show that the mapper graph of $$({\mathbb {X}}, f)$$

(
X
,
f
)

, a constructible $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
-space (with a fixed open cover), approximates the Reeb graph of the same space. We then construct an isomorphism between the mapper of $$({\mathbb {X}},f)$$

(
X
,
f
)

to the mapper of a super-level set of a probability density function concentrated on $$({\mathbb {X}}, f)$$

(
X
,
f
)

. Finally, building on the approach of Bobrowski et al. (Bernoulli 23(1):288–328, 2017b), we show that, with high probability, we can recover the mapper of the super-level set given a sufficiently large sample. Our work is the first to consider the mapper construction using the theory of cosheaves in a probabilistic setting. It is part of an ongoing effort to combine sheaf theory, probability, and statistics, to support topological data analysis with random data.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Sexual Health: A Preliminary Framework Based on a Qualitative Study With Clinical Sexologists
Authors: Pascoal Patrícia M. , Carvalho Joana , Raposo Catarina F. , Almeida Joana , Beato Ana Filipa
Published: December 2020

Introduction

In recent months, some attempts were made to understand the impact of COVID-19 on sexual health. Despite recent research that suggests COVID-19 and lockdown measures may eventually impact sexual response and sexually related behaviors, we are missing clinical sexologists’ perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 in sexual health. Such perspectives could inform a preliminary framework aimed at guiding future research and clinical approaches in the context of COVID-19.

Aim

To explore the perspectives of clinical sexologists about the impact of COVID-19 on their patients’ sexual health, as well as the professional challenges they have faced during the current pandemic. Findings are expected to inform a preliminary framework aimed at understanding the impact of COVID-19 on sexual health.

Methods

We conducted an online qualitative exploratory survey with 4 open-ended questions with 39 clinical sexologists aged between 32 and 73 years old. The survey was advertised among professional associations’ newsletters. We performed a Thematic Analysis using an inductive, semantic, and (critical) realist approach, leading to a final thematic map.

Main Outcome Measures

The outcome is the thematic map and the corresponding table that aggregates the main themes, subthemes, and codes derived from participants’ answers and that can serve as a preliminary framework to understand the impact of COVID-19 on sexual health.

Results

The final thematic map, expected to serve as a preliminary framework on the impact of COVID-19 in sexual health, revealed 3 main themes: Clinical Focus, Remapping Relationships, and Reframing Technology Use. These themes aggregate important interrelated issues, such as worsening of sexual problems and dysfunctions, mental health, relationship management, the rise of conservatism, and the use of new technology that influences sexuality and sexual health-related services.

Conclusion

The current study allowed us to develop a preliminary framework to understand the impact of COVID-19 on sexual health. This framework highlights the role of mental health, as well as the contextual nature of sexual problems, and subsequently, their relational nature. Also, it demonstrates that the current pandemic has brought into light the debate of e-Health delivery within clinical sexology.
Wounded Healers
Authors: Lin Keh-Ming
Published: December 2020

Freud was addicted to cocaine and nicotine, Jung was psychotic for several years, and Margaret Mead remained closeted throughout her lifetime. Yet, adversities notwithstanding, they all made monumental contributions that still shape our view on ourselves and the world. This book includes biographies of fifteen modern explorers of the mind who altered the course of history. All of them were wounded healers who made great discoveries while struggling with traumatic life crises and emotional problems in their personal lives. Full of unexpected twists and turns, their life stories alone are worthy of our attention. In linking their maladies with their creativity, showing the vulnerable and human side of these giants, this book makes the greats approachable and illuminates their scientific findings through narrating their life stories.
The effect of hemicylindrical disruptors on the cell free layer thickness in animal blood flows inside microchannels
Authors: Dias Duarte , Sampaio Duarte , Silva Goncalo , Semiao Viriato
Published: December 2020

Blood-side resistance to oxygen transport in extracorporeal membrane blood oxygenators (MBO) depends on fluid mechanics governing the laminar flow in very narrow channels, particularly the hemodynamics controlling the cell free layer (CFL) built-up at solid/blood interfaces. The CFL thickness constitutes a barrier to oxygen transport from the membrane towards the erythrocytes. Interposing hemicylindrical CFL disruptors in animal blood flows inside rectangular microchannels, surrogate systems of MBO mimicking their hemodynamics, proved to be effective in reducing (ca. 20%) such thickness (desirable for MBO to increase oxygen transport rates to the erythrocytes). The blockage ratio (non-dimensional measure of the disruptor penetration into the flow) increase is also effective in reducing CFL thickness (ca. 10–20%), but at the cost of risking clot formation (undesirable for MBO) for disruptors with penetration lengths larger than their radius, due to large residence times of erythrocytes inside a low-velocity CFL formed at the disruptor/wall edge.
The potential use of pumice in mine backfill
Authors: Hefni Mohammed A.
Published: December 2020

The use of natural pozzolans in concrete applications is gaining more attention because of the associated environmental, economic, and technical benefits. In this study, reference cemented mine backfill samples were prepared using Portland cement, and experimental samples were prepared by partially replacing Portland cement with 10 or 20 wt.% fly ash as a byproduct (artificial) pozzolan or pumice as a natural pozzolan. Samples were cured for 7, 14, and 28 days to investigate uniaxial compressive strength development. Backfill samples containing 10 wt.% pumice had almost a similar compressive strength as reference samples. There is strong potential for pumice to be used in cemented backfill to minimize costs, improve backfill properties, and promote the sustainability of the mining industry.
Comorbidity and severity-of-illness risk adjustment for hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection using data from the electronic medical record
Authors: Cabral Stephanie M. , Goodman Katherine E. , Blanco Natalia , Leekha Surbhi , Magder Larry S. , Nadimpalli Gita , Pineles Lisa , Thom Kerri A. , Harris Anthony D.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To determine whether electronically available comorbidities and laboratory values on admission are risk factors for hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection (HO-CDI) across multiple institutions and whether they could be used to improve risk adjustment.

Patients:

All patients at least 18 years of age admitted to 3 hospitals in Maryland between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2018.

Methods:

Comorbid conditions were assigned using the Elixhauser comorbidity index. Multivariable log-binomial regression was conducted for each hospital using significant covariates (P < .10) in a bivariate analysis. Standardized infection ratios (SIRs) were computed using current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) risk adjustment methodology and with the addition of Elixhauser score and individual comorbidities.

Results:

At hospital 1, 314 of 48,057 patient admissions (0.65%) had a HO-CDI; 41 of 8,791 patient admissions (0.47%) at community hospital 2 had a HO-CDI; and 75 of 29,211 patient admissions (0.26%) at community hospital 3 had a HO-CDI. In multivariable regression, Elixhauser score was a significant risk factor for HO-CDI at all hospitals when controlling for age, antibiotic use, and antacid use. Abnormal leukocyte level at hospital admission was a significant risk factor at hospital 1 and hospital 2. When Elixhauser score was included in the risk adjustment model, it was statistically significant (P < .01). Compared with the current CDC SIR methodology, the SIR of hospital 1 decreased by 2%, whereas the SIRs of hospitals 2 and 3 increased by 2% and 6%, respectively, but the rankings did not change.

Conclusions:

Electronically available patient comorbidities are important risk factors for HO-CDI and may improve risk-adjustment methodology.
Effectiveness of barrier precautions for prevention of patient-to-patient transfer of a viral DNA surrogate marker
Authors: Alhmidi Heba , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Ng-Wong Yilen K. , Jencson Annette L. , Wilson Brigid M. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Gloves and gowns are used during patient care to reduce contamination of personnel and prevent pathogen transmission.

Objective:

To determine whether the use of gowns adds a substantial benefit over gloves alone in preventing patient-to-patient transfer of a viral DNA surrogate marker.

Methods:

In total, 30 source patients had 1 cauliflower mosaic virus surrogate marker applied to their skin and clothing and a second to their bed rail and bedside table. Personnel caring for the source patients were randomized to wear gloves, gloves plus cover gowns, or no barrier. Interactions with up to 7 subsequent patients were observed, and the percentages of transfer of the DNA markers were compared among the 3 groups.

Results:

In comparison to the no-barrier group (57.8% transfer of 1 or both markers), there were significant reductions in transfer of the DNA markers in the gloves group (31.1% transfer; odds ratio [OR], 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.73) and the gloves-plus-gown group (25.9% transfer; OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01–0.51). The addition of a cover gown to gloves during the interaction with the source patient did not significantly reduce the transfer of the DNA marker (P = .53). During subsequent patient interactions, transfer of the DNA markers was significantly reduced if gloves plus gowns were worn and if hand hygiene was performed (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Wearing gloves or gloves plus gowns reduced the frequency of patient-to-patient transfer of a viral DNA surrogate marker. The use of gloves plus gowns during interactions with the source patient did not reduce transfer in comparison to gloves alone.
LABYRINTHS, LIMINALITY AND EKPHRASIS: THE GRAPHICAL IMPETUS IN THE MUSIC OF KENNETH HESKETH
Authors: Metcalf Thomas
Published: December 2020

This article is an introduction to the graphical impetus in the music of Kenneth Hesketh (b. 1968), from around 2012 to the present day, including his recent work, Viae (2020). Through examination of Hesketh's graphical control of a number of musical parameters, the article will demonstrate that the idea of a ‘musical ekphrasis’ can be extended through the incorporation of spatial aspects in determinate music to result in what the author deems a graphical ekphrasis. Whilst in no way exhaustive in its exploration of Hesketh's multi-parametric approach to composition, the article provides an analysis of selected compositional methodologies relating to both composition design and audience communication, situating them alongside other contemporary musical examples and trends.
Off-target pesticide movement: a review of our current understanding of drift due to inversions and secondary movement
Authors: Bish Mandy , Oseland Eric , Bradley Kevin
Published: December 2020

Pesticide drift has been a concern since the introduction of pesticides. Historical incidences with off-target movement of 2,4-D and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) have increased our understanding of pesticide fate in the atmosphere following aerial application. More recent incidences with dicamba have brought to light gaps in our current understanding of aerial pesticide movement following ground application. In this paper, we review the current understanding of inversions and other weather and environmental factors that contribute to secondary pesticide movement and raise questions that need to be addressed. Factors that influence volatility and terminology associated with the atmosphere, such as cool air drainage, temperature inversions, and radiation cooling will be discussed. We also present literature that highlights the need to consider the role(s) of wind in secondary drift in addition to the role in physical drift. With increased awareness of pesticide movement and more herbicide-resistant traits available than ever before, it has become even more essential that we understand secondary movement of pesticides, recognize our gaps in understanding, and advance from what is currently unknown.
Dust from Receding Glaciers May Have Major Atmospheric Impacts
Authors: Harwitz Emily
Published: December 2020

New research is helping scientists understand how Arctic dust created by receding glaciers affects local air quality and global climate.
Dirty Trees Shape Earth’s Hydrologic and Carbon Cycles
Authors: Hansen Cypress
Published: December 2020

Researchers peer into precipitation partitioning—the process by which plants and the organic matter coating them help shape the hydrologic cycle.
How is Modern Climate Change Affecting Landscape Processes?
Authors: East Amy , Sankey Joel
Published: December 2020

Landscapes will respond to hydroclimatic changes associated with modern global warming, such as increasing extreme storms and wildfire, but to what extent is physical landscape change already evident?
BHIPP:0–5: Primary Care Practice Transformation in Early Childhood Behavioral Health Integration
Authors: Talmi Ayelet , Millar Amanda , Buchholz Melissa , Burnett Bridget , Wolcott Catherine
Published: December 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to (a) describe the development and implementation of Behavioral Health in Pediatric Populations:0–5 (BHIPP:0–5), an initiative designed to increase the capacity of primary care practices to deliver early childhood behavioral health (ECBH) integration activities; and (b) examine practice transformation changes in ECBH services for three types of primary care settings (federally qualified health care centers—FQHCs, private practices, nonprofit/community practices). Methods: BHIPP:0–5 pediatric psychologists and interdisciplinary TA professionals provided monthly technical assistance sessions and quarterly cohort learning collaboratives to nine diverse primary care practices. Changes in ECBH activity implementation were examined across and within three practice type groupings. Results: All BHIPP:0–5 practice types expanded their capacity to provide ECBH services from baseline to the end of Year 2. Prevention/health promotion activities evidenced the most growth (from 16% in baseline to 40% in Year 2). Practice types differed in implementation of ECBH services. FQHCs accounted for 75% of the total prevention/health promotion services, private practices provided the most case-based consultation/intervention (54%), and nonprofit/community practices accounted for 86% of the total care coordination/systems navigation services. Conclusions: Primary care settings are uniquely suited to address early childhood mental health in the context of routine care. The BHIPP:0–5 initiative supports practice transformation in early childhood behavioral health integration while simultaneously advancing systems-level policies and practices that promote high quality care, increase efficiency, improve utilization of preventive services, and decrease overall costs in alignment with health care systems goals.

Implications for Impact Statement

This study describes the development and implementation of a practice transformation initiative focused on early childhood behavioral health integration activities in a diverse group of primary care practices. The initiative was designed and delivered by pediatric psychologists in order to build the capacity of primary care settings to provide services aimed at addressing the complex needs of young children and their families. The data indicate that primary care practices successfully engaged in the initiative, benefitting from monthly technical assistance meetings and quarterly cohort learning collaboratives, and increased the amounts and types of early childhood services they provided to young children and their families.
Baseline mapping of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virology, epidemiology and vaccine research and development
Authors: Bopp Nathen E. , Kaiser Jaclyn A. , Strother Ashley E. , Barrett Alan D. T. , Beasley David W. C. , Benassi Virginia , Milligan Gregg N. , Preziosi Marie-Pierre , Reece Lisa M.
Published: December 2020

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a newly emergent tick-borne bunyavirus first discovered in 2009 in China. SFTSV is a growing public health problem that may become more prominent owing to multiple competent tick-vectors and the expansion of human populations in areas where the vectors are found. Although tick-vectors of SFTSV are found in a wide geographic area, SFTS cases have only been reported from China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. Patients with SFTS often present with high fever, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, and in some cases, symptoms can progress to severe outcomes, including hemorrhagic disease. Reported SFTSV case fatality rates range from ~5 to >30% depending on the region surveyed, with more severe disease reported in older individuals. Currently, treatment options for this viral infection remain mostly supportive as there are no licensed vaccines available and research is in the discovery stage. Animal models for SFTSV appear to recapitulate many facets of human disease, although none of the models mirror all clinical manifestations. There are insufficient data available on basic immunologic responses, the immune correlate(s) of protection, and the determinants of severe disease by SFTSV and related viruses. Many aspects of SFTSV virology and epidemiology are not fully understood, including a detailed understanding of the annual numbers of cases and the vertebrate host of the virus, so additional research on this disease is essential towards the development of vaccines and therapeutics.
A functional genomics approach to dissect spotted alfalfa aphid resistance in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Jacques Silke , Sperschneider Jana , Garg Gagan , Thatcher Louise F. , Gao Ling-Ling , Kamphuis Lars G. , Singh Karam B.
Published: December 2020

Aphids are virus-spreading insect pests affecting crops worldwide and their fast population build-up and insecticide resistance make them problematic to control. Here, we aim to understand the molecular basis of spotted alfalfa aphid (SAA) or Therioaphis trifolii f. maculata resistance in Medicago truncatula, a model organism for legume species. We compared susceptible and resistant near isogenic Medicago lines upon SAA feeding via transcriptome sequencing. Expression of genes involved in defense and stress responses, protein kinase activity and DNA binding were enriched in the resistant line. Potentially underlying some of these changes in gene expression was the finding that members of the MYB, NAC, AP2 domain and ERF transcription factor gene families were differentially expressed in the resistant versus susceptible lines. A TILLING population created in the resistant cultivar was screened using exome capture sequencing and served as a reverse genetics tool to functionally characterise genes involved in the aphid resistance response. This screening revealed three transcription factors (a NAC, AP2 domain and ERF) as important regulators in the defence response, as a premature stop-codon in the resistant background led to a delay in aphid mortality and enhanced plant susceptibility. This combined functional genomics approach will facilitate the future development of pest resistant crops by uncovering candidate target genes that can convey enhanced aphid resistance.
Quantile-specific heritability of sibling leptin concentrations and its implications for gene-environment interactions
Authors: Williams Paul T.
Published: December 2020

“Quantile-dependent expressivity” occurs when the effect size of a genetic variant depends upon whether the phenotype (e.g., leptin) is high or low relative to its distribution. Leptin concentrations are strongly related to adiposity, whose heritability is quantile dependent. Whether inheritance of leptin concentrations is quantile dependent, and whether this explains the greater heritability in women than men in accordance with their greater adiposity, and explains other gene-environment interactions, remains to be determined. Therefore, leptin and leptin receptor concentrations from 3068 siblings in 1133 sibships from the Framingham Heart Study Third Generation Cohort were analyzed. Free leptin index (FLI) was calculated as the ratio of leptin to soluble leptin receptor concentrations. Full-sib (βFS) regression slopes were robustly estimated by quantile regression with nonparametric significance assigned from 1000 bootstrap samples. The analyses showed βFS increased significantly with increasing percentiles of the offspring’s age- and sex-adjusted leptin distribution (Plinear = 0.0001), which was accelerated at the higher concentrations (Pquadratic = 0.0003). βFS at the 90th percentile (0.418 ± 0.066) was 4.7-fold greater than at the 10th percentile (0.089 ± 0.032, Pdifference = 3.6 × 10−6). Consistent with quantile-dependent expressivity, the βFS was greater in female sibs, which was attributable to their higher leptin concentrations. Reported gene-environment interactions involving adiposity and LEP, LEPR, MnSOD, PPARγ, PPARγ2, and IRS-1 polymorphisms were consistent with quantile-dependent expressivity of leptin concentrations. βFS for leptin receptor concentrations and free leptin index also increased significantly with increasing percentiles of their distributions (Plinear = 0.04 and Plinear = 8.5 × 10−6, respectively). In conclusion, inherited genetic and shared environmental effects on leptin concentrations were quantile dependent, which likely explains male–female differences in heritability and some gene-environment interactions.
The effect of different fuels and clads on neutronic calculations in a boiling water reactor using the Monte Carlo method
Authors: Düz Mehtap , İnal Selcan
Published: December 2020

In this study, a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) modeling was done for the reactor core divided into square lattice 8 × 8 type using the Monte Carlo Method. Each of the square lattices in the reactor core was divided into small square lattices 7 × 7 type in groups of four. In the BWR designed in this study, modeling was made on fuel assemblies at pin-by-pin level by using neptunium mixed fuels as fuel rod, Zr-2 and SiC as fuel cladding, H2O as coolant. In fuel rods were used NpO2 and NpF4 fuels at the rate of 0.2%-1% as neptunium mixed fuels. In this study, the effect on the neutronic calculations as keff, neutron flux, fission energy, heating of NpO2 and NpF4 fuels in 0.2%-1% rates, and Zr-2 and SiC clads were investigated in the designed BWR system. The three-dimensional (3-D) modelling of the reactor core and fuel assembly into the designed BWR system was performed by using MCNPX-2.7.0 Monte Carlo method and the ENDF/B-VII.0 nuclear data library.
Pre-arrest doxycycline protects donation after circulatory death kidneys
Authors: Moser Michael , Schmid Sarah , Sawicka Katherine , Banerjee Tamalina , McNair Erick , Sawicka Jolanta , Bil-Lula Iwona , Sawicki Grzegorz
Published: December 2020

Kidney injury during donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD) includes warm ischemic (WI) injury from around the time of asystole, and cold ischemic (CI) injury during cold preservation. We have previously shown that Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in CI injury and that Doxycycline (Doxy), an antibiotic and known MMP inhibitor, protects the transplant kidney during CI. The purpose of our study was to determine if Doxy given before asystole can also prevent injury during WI. A rat model of DCDD was used, including Control, Preemptive Doxy (45 mg/kg iv), and Preemptive and Perfusion (100 microM) Doxy groups. Thirty minutes after asystole, both kidneys were removed. The left kidney was perfused at 4 °C for 22 h, whereas the right was used to establish the degree of warm ischemic injury prior to cold preservation. MMP-2 in the perfusate was significantly reduced in both treatment groups [Control 43.7 ± 7.2 arbitrary units, versus Preemptive Doxy group 23.2 ± 5.5 (p = 0.03), and ‘Preemptive and Perfusion’ group 18.0 ± 5.6 (p = 0.02)]. Reductions in NGAL, LDH, and MMP-9 were also seen. Electron microscopy showed a marked reduction in mitochondrial injury scores in the treatment groups. Pre-arrest Doxy was associated with a reduction in injury markers and morphologic changes. Doxy may be a simple and safe means of protecting transplant kidneys from both WI and CI.
Integrative multi-omics analysis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer identifies prognostic biomarkers for frontline chemotherapy and immunotherapy
Authors: Mo Qianxing , Li Roger , Adeegbe Dennis O. , Peng Guang , Chan Keith Syson
Published: December 2020

Only a subgroup of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are responders toward cisplatin-based chemotherapy and PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy. There is a clinical need to identify MIBC molecular subtypes and biomarkers for patient stratification toward the therapies. Here, we performed an integrative clustering analysis of 388 MIBC samples with multi-omics data and identified basal and luminal/differentiated integrative subtypes and derived a 42 gene panel for classification of MIBC. Using nine additional gene expression data (n = 844), we demonstrated the prognostic value of the 42 basal-luminal genes. The basal subtype was associated with worse overall survival in patients receiving no neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), but better overall survival in patients receiving NAC in two clinical trials. Each of the subtypes could be further divided into chr9 p21.3 normal or loss subgroup. The patients with low expression of MTAP/CDKN2A/2B (indicative of chr9 p21.3 loss) had a significantly lower response rate to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy and worse survival than the patients with high expression of MTAP/CDKN2A/2B. This integrative analysis reveals intrinsic MIBC subtypes and biomarkers with prognostic value for the frontline therapies.
Design, synthesis and applications of responsive macrocycles
Authors: Yu Jingjing , Qi Dawei , Li Jianwei
Published: December 2020

Inspired by the lock and key principle, the development of supramolecular macrocyclic chemistry has promoted the prosperous growth of host-guest chemistry. The updated induced-fit and conformation selection model spurred the emerging research on responsive macrocycles (RMs). This review introduces RMs, covering their design, synthesis and applications. It gives readers insight into the dynamic control of macrocyclic molecules and the exploration of materials with desired functions.
Bi2O3/nylon multilayered nanocomposite membrane for the photocatalytic inactivation of waterborne pathogens and degradation of mixed organic pollutants
Authors: Gadhi Tanveer A. , Qureshi Aizaz , Channa Najeebullah , Mahar Rasool Bux , Chiadò Alessandro , Novara Chiara , Tagliaferro Alberto
Published: December 2020

Bi2O3/nylon multilayered nanocomposite membrane was fabricated by electrospinning and effectively used to degrade organic dye pollutants and pathogens through ROS produced by photocatalysis.
Quantitative elemental analysis of aluminum alloys with one-point calibration high repetition rate laser-ablation spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Yarui , Chen Yuqi , Li Runhua , Kang Juan , Gao Jiankui
Published: December 2020

A one-point calibration method has been successfully used to improve the analytical accuracy of the calibration free HRR LA-SIBS technique.
A selective detection of nanomolar-range noxious anions in water by a luminescent metal–organic framework
Authors: Daga Pooja , Sarkar Sourav , Majee Prakash , Singha Debal Kanti , Hui Sayani , Mahata Partha , Mondal Sudip Kumar
Published: December 2020

A Tb-doped Y-based MOF was constructed for simultaneous recognition of noxious anions HAsO42−, PO43−, MnO4−, CrO42− and Cr2O72− in water.
Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) with slot-die coated functional layers
Authors: C. Amruth , Pahlevani Majid , Welch Gregory C.
Published: December 2020

In this review article we cover the progress towards slot-die coated organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). We showcase how emitting layers, charge transport layers, and electrodes can be slot-die coated to deliver practical OLED devices.
Pretreatment by recyclable Fe3O4@Mg/Al-CO3-LDH magnetic nano-adsorbent to dephosphorize for the determination of trace F− and Cl− in phosphorus-rich solutions
Authors: Chen Si , Xu Yongchun , Tang Yu , Chen Wei , Chen Shubin , Hu Lili , Boulon Georges
Published: December 2020

Synthesized recyclable Fe3O4@Mg/Al-CO3-LDH magnetic nano-adsorbent is utilized to dephosphorize phosphorous-rich solutions but leave F− and Cl− to be detected chromatographically.
Heterogeneous activation of persulfate by ZnCoxFe2−xO4 loaded on rice hull carbon for degrading bisphenol A
Authors: Shu Yirui , Zhang Pan , Zhong Yanjun , Xu Xiangyang , Ren Genkuan , Wang Wei , Xiang Hengli , Zhang Zhiye , Yang Xiushan , Wang Xinlong
Published: December 2020

Mechanism of the activation on PS by ZnCo1.3Fe0.7O4-RHC for the degradation of BPA.
Efficient‐spectrum management based on localisation of primary user position towards 5G
Authors: Gashema Gaspard , Lee Jae‐Min , Kim Dong‐Seong
Published: December 2020

Recent emergent technologies with the advent of 5G use cases have made it imperative for high demands in broadband radio spectrum as compared to the current 4G technologies and other outdated ones. This study introduces an efficient spectrum management based on localisation of the primary user (PU) position in interweave cognitive radio networks (CRNs) towards 5G. In a typical network consisting of licensed system with PUs; and unlicensed system with secondary users (SUs), the SU opportunistically exploits the unused frequency bands of the licensed network provided there is no harmful interference to the PUs. Since the network is dynamic and the PUs are moving targets, the unused bands become unstable; hence, the SUs meet with limitations of detecting white spaces; finally resulting the interference. To this end, both Kriging interpolation and Kalman filter (KF) techniques for tracking and estimating the PUs position are proposed. The performance work was evaluated with respect to received signal strength indicator (RSSI) scheme. Both KF and Kriging interpolation outperformed RSSI. Moreover, the KF leads to the best performance compared to the other two as per localisation error prediction rate and system throughput; which makes it as the preferable technique to tackle mentioned challenges encountered by the SUs in such environment.
Generalised model predictive control scheme for three‐level converter under unbalanced grid voltage considering full power factor operation
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Xing Xiangyang , Qin Changwei , Duan Bin , Zhang Chenghui , Zhang Guangxian
Published: December 2020

With the increase of grid‐connected renewable power generation units, the three‐level converter (TLC) is widely utilized. However, when unbalanced grid voltage occurs, the converter should provide a certain of reactive power to satisfy the grid code, which decreases the power factor and degrades neutral‐point (NP) voltage balance. The existing model predictive control methods for NP voltage balance in TLC mainly focus on high power factor operation, which are not applicable to low power factor operation. To solve this problem, this study proposes a generalized model predictive control (GMPC) scheme for the TLC. By analyzing the influence of P‐type and N‐type small vectors on NP voltage, it is indicated that the charging and discharging operation of the dc‐link capacitors are determined by the grid currents directions with the defined small vectors. Since the directions of grid currents are changed with different power factors, the effect of one small vector on NP voltage is change. In the proposed GMPC scheme, the direction of grid currents and the capacitor voltage difference are simultaneously used to select the appropriate small vector to mitigate the NP voltage unbalance effectively in the full power factor range. The validity is verified by simulation and experimental results.
Comprehensive evaluation of a photovoltaic energy harvesting system in smart clothing for mountain rescuers
Authors: Dąbrowska Anna , Bartkowiak Grażyna , Pękosławski Bartosz , Starzak Łukasz
Published: December 2020

A photovoltaic energy harvesting system has been developed for application in smart clothing for mountain rescuers. The generator has been assembled from flexible organic photovoltaic modules and integrated with a specially designed clothing. A power conversion and storage system has been prototyped, providing a USB standard output for supplying active clothing components or standalone devices. The clothing with the integrated energy harvester has been comprehensively tested in respect of both electrical performance and ergonomics. An electrical test methodology has been developed, based on the characteristics recorded in the field and their simulation in a laboratory. This enabled repetitive tests under identical real‐life conditions. Ergonomic tests involved diverse physical activities performed by mountain rescuers, simulating their true operations, but conducted in a training room for the sake of standardisation. The prototype system has substantially extended the operating time of a realistic load (equivalent to a smartphone) by providing an extra 1.91 Wh of energy in the best case of irradiance in autumn and 0.77 Wh for a typical case with varying irradiance and temperature. Ergonomics ratings by end users have been good to very good and they have been generally in favour of using power harvesters integrated with their clothing.
Detection of 16S mitochondrial sequence polymorphism and haplotype network of Ophiocara porocephala (Valenciennes, 1837) from Tekolok Estuary (NTB, Indonesia) using DnaSP and NETWORK
Authors: Arisuryanti Tuty , Rumahorbo Yenita , Amaliya Rha’ifa Febrina , Hakim Lukman
Published: December 2020

The two genetic software, DnaSP and NETWORK, is commonly used to analyse gene polymorphism and haplotype network which is useful for the understanding pattern of genetic variation and genetic relationship. In this study, the two software were applied to detect polymorphism of 16S sequence gene of Ophiocara paracephala from Tekolok Estuary (NTB, Indonesia) which has not been investigated. This study used a PCR method with 16Sar and 16Sbr primers. The results revealed two haplotypes and two variable sites with one parsimony informative within O.paracephala from Tekolok Estuary population. Next, if the 16S sequence data of O.paracephala from Tekolok Estuary was combined with the 16S gene data of O.paracephala from GenBank, three haplotypes were detected with five variables sites and one parsimony informative. This finding showed intra-population and intraspecific genetic variation of O.paracephala. In addition, haplotype network using NETWORK and a phylogenetic tree using Neighbor Joining and Maximum Likelihood methods exhibited that O.paracephala from Tekolok Estuary has a close genetic relationship with O.paracephala from Japan.
Differences in donor compatibility for fresh and freeze-dried homologous platelet rich plasma studied using crossmatch test
Authors: Anindita Sumitro Nandini , Winda Kusumadewi Wiwin , Yuniawati Fitri , Amalia Naila , Hendrawati Hendrawati , Murdiastuti Kwartarini
Published: December 2020

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) rich in growth factors has evolved as an important therapy for periodontal tissue regeneration. A healthy blood donors obtained for homologous PRP (h-PRP). The Freeze-drying h-PRP sample provides an effective method to ensure a longer shelf-life. The h-PRP samples are subjected to crossmatch testing in clinics to prevent any immune response in recipients. The present study aimed to evaluate the differences in donor compatibility on crossmatch test results towards fresh and freeze-dried h-PRP (FD h-PRP). This was a laboratory experiment, h-PRP prepared according to the protocol of blood bank, and 40 recipients blood samples divided into two groups, fresh h-PRP (control group) and FD h-PRP. The crossmatch test was performed to evaluate h-PRP compatibilities by using the gel-test method. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The results of the study showed that the crossmatch test on FD h-PRP samples was 100 % compatible and could increase the compatibility results of the donor. the FD h-PRP was safe to become donors and clinical applications.
Interpretation and Gas Distribution Net Threat Attack Markov models
Authors: Syrovatsky Oleg
Published: December 2020

This paper will focus on mathematical models to reduce the possibility of gas distribution net threat attacks, in order to avoid environmental damage caused by the siphoning off gas. These models are based on Markov models and theory of graphs. The article also shows some forms of attacks on gas distribution net. Environmental damage includes thermal influence caused by gas inflammation, terrain disturbance, biochemical processes. Among siphoning off gas indicators are: Interference in gas meter; Documentation noncompliance; Gas distribution off-the-meter; Power counter range discrepancy; Gas meter failure; Expired recalibration interval; Gas siphoning; Other discrepancies.
Évaluation de l’outil « arbre de vie » en éducation thérapeutique du patient
Authors: Sorriaux Véronique , Von Theobald Louis , Cartron Emmanuelle , Golay Alain
Published: December 2020

Introduction : Issu du courant des thérapies narratives, l’outil « arbre de vie » a été introduit comme soutien à l’élaboration du diagnostic éducatif dans un programme d’ETP puis comme espace d’expression pour le patient. L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer l’intérêt de cet outil en support d’un programme d’ETP. Méthodologie : Une étude qualitative descriptive a été menée à partir de données recueillies dans le cadre d’un programme d’ETP en santé mentale. L’observation de dessins et l’utilisation des verbatims recueillis dans le cadre d’entretiens thérapeutiques ont permis de construire avec les patients leur arbre de vie et d’analyser l’intérêt de cet outil. Résultats : À partir des mots écrits sur l’arbre, le soignant questionne les récits de vie afin d’être au plus près de l’expérience de la personne qu’il accompagne. L’arbre de vie apporte une plus-value car elle est utilisable en transversal sur l’ensemble du programme d’éducation thérapeutique. Le patient retrouve une richesse de vie et une force d’actions souvent oubliées avec la maladie chronique. Ce sont les « branches » qui comportent le plus de mots. Ainsi, les valeurs et les projets de vie sont cités fréquemment dans le cadre de la dimension métacognitive. L’arbre de vie permet d’accéder aux ressources de la personne notamment « le bon humour » mentionné souvent dans la « Casita ». Finalement, la créativité amenée par la métaphore de l’arbre de vie peut conduire le patient à faire face aux difficultés rencontrées dans la maladie chronique. Discussion : L’arbre de vie utilisé dans un programme d’éducation thérapeutique semble adapté pour comprendre le patient dans ses différentes dimensions.