bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Approach of Spin Crossover Materials: A Concept Mixing Russian Dolls and Domino Effects
Authors: Guionneau Philippe , Marchivie Mathieu , Chastanet Guillaume
Published: July 2020

The spin crossover (SCO) phenomenon corresponds to a modification that originates at the atomic scale. However, the simple consideration of the transformations that occur following the SCO at this scale or in its close vicinity does not allow anyone to truly understand, anticipate and thus take advantage of what happens at the scale of the material, and even less at the device one. As the fruit of years of work and experience on this phenomenon, we formalize here the concept of the multiscale understanding of SCO. Clearly, the deflagration generated by the initial impressive atomic modification on all the physical scales of the solid must be understood in terms of structure‐properties relationships that fit together, like Russian dolls, and propagate according to a kind of domino effect. Each scale can both give different and independent consequences from those of the other scales but at the same time can influence those of a larger or smaller scale, the whole being imperatively to take into account. The concept appears well illustrated by the volume modification, always the same at the atomic level but drastically different and adaptable, in amplitude and sense, at any other physical scale. This approach results in a much wider range of potential applications than the atomic level alone initially suggests, including one serious path to shape memory materials.
Detection of Copper Deposition on Anodes of Over‐Discharged Lithium Ion Cells by GD‐OES Depth Profiling
Authors: Flügel Marius , Waldmann Thomas , Kasper Michael , Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens Margret
Published: July 2020

A method based on glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD‐OES) depth profiling is developed to detect copper deposition on graphite electrodes for the first time. Commercial 18650 cells with graphite anodes were subject to Cu dissolution by over‐discharge to 0 V. On a first approach, the depth profiles for Cu show significant differences for over‐discharged cells compared to a baseline graphite electrode from cells discharged to the end‐of‐discharge voltage. An accumulation of Cu is found on the anode surface by GD‐OES, which is consistent with SEM and EDX. The trend of the total Cu amount is compared with ICP‐OES measurements.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Characterizes the CYP3A‐Mediated Drug‐Drug Interaction Between Fluconazole and Sildenafil in Infants
Authors: Salerno Sara N. , Edginton Andrea , Gerhart Jacqueline G. , Laughon Matthew M. , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Sokol Gregory M. , Hornik Chi D. , Stewart Dan , Mills Mary , Martz Karen , Gonzalez Daniel ,   the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act – Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee
Published: July 2020

Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling can potentially predict pediatric drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) when clinical DDI data are limited. In infants for whom treatment of pulmonary hypertension and prevention or treatment of invasive candidiasis are indicated, sildenafil with fluconazole may be given concurrently. To account for developmental changes in cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A, we determined and incorporated fluconazole inhibition constants (KI) for CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7 into a PBPK model developed for sildenafil and its active metabolite, N‐desmethylsildenafil. Pharmacokinetic (PK) data in preterm infants receiving sildenafil with and without fluconazole were used for model development and evaluation. The simulated PK parameters were comparable to observed values. Following fluconazole co‐administration, differences in the fold change for simulated steady‐state area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve from 0 to 24 hours (AUCss,0–24) were observed between virtual adults and infants (2.11‐fold vs. 2.82‐fold change). When given in combination with treatment doses of fluconazole (12 mg/kg i.v. daily), reducing the sildenafil dose by ~ 60% resulted in a geometric mean ratio of 1.01 for simulated AUCss,0–24relative to virtual infants receiving sildenafil alone. This study highlights the feasibility of PBPK modeling to predict DDIs in infants and the need to include CYP3A7 parameters.
Importance of Lignin Coniferaldehyde Residues for Plant Properties and Sustainable Uses
Authors: Yamamoto Masanobu , Blaschek Leonard , Subbotina Elena , Kajita Shinya , Pesquet Edouard
Published: July 2020

Increases in coniferaldehyde content, a minor lignin residue, significantly improves the sustainable use of plant biomass for feed, pulping, and biorefinery without affecting plant growth and yields. Herein, different analytical methods are compared and validated to distinguish coniferaldehyde from other lignin residues. It is shown that specific genetic pathways regulate amount, linkage, and position of coniferaldehyde within the lignin polymer for each cell type. This specific cellular regulation offers new possibilities for designing plant lignin for novel and targeted industrial uses.
Data analytics in wireless systems and IoT issues and challenges
Authors: Krishna P. Venkata , Yenduri Sumanth , Ariwa Ezendu
Published: July 2020

The emergence of data engineering along with the support of Online Social Networks is growing by millions every day due to the introduction of wireless systems and Internet of Things. The rapid growth of usage of smart devices helps to create new generation knowledge sharing platforms. Data Analytics has a major role to play in the growth and success of wireless and IoT applications. The growth of data has become exponential and is difficult to analyze. Many researchers depend on the data available on Wireless Systems and IoT for developing new generation services and applications. With the opportunity of information and communication technologies like heterogeneous networking, cloud computing, web services, crowd sensing and data mining, ubiquitous and asynchronous information sharing is feasible. But this also brings out a lot of provocations with respect to conflicting standards, data portability, data aggregation, data distribution, differential context and communication overhead. The smart information and communication technology has changed many features of human lifestyle: personal and work places.
Dimensionality determination of unknown deployed underwater sensor network (UWSN) using cost function
Authors: Afrin Nadia , Anower Shamim , Islam Monirul
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a novel estimation technique for dimensionality of deployed underwater sensor network (UWSN). In order to obtain the dimension, probing requests are sent from two anchor nodes (i.e., receivers), which are placed inside the network through buoy, to sensor nodes. Then, the sensor nodes transmit Gaussian signal as feedback to the anchor nodes. The cross‐correlation function (CCF) is determined of these Gaussian signals, which varies according to network dimension. As reference, analytical CCF of five reference networks of different dimensions is determined. Thereafter, by comparing the CCFs of unknown and reference UWSN, cost function (CF) is obtained. The lowest value of CF attained by the specific combination of the one reference and the unknown network indicates that the dimension of these networks is identical. The dimension of two unknown deployed networks is investigated to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed technique. From the illustrated results, it is justified that the new strategy can provide correct information about the dimension of the deployed network.
The effect of antiretroviral therapy on fine‐needle aspiration of salivary gland masses in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Coleman‐Eghan Amanda Ama , Michelow Pamela
Published: July 2020

Background

South Africa has a very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Salivary gland lesions are common in HIV‐infected patients. The aim of this study was to determine the pathologic entities diagnosed on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of salivary gland masses in an HIV‐infected study population that now has free access to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy and how this differs from the pathologic entities before the advent of widespread ARV availability, and if the Milan system for reporting salivary gland cytopathology (MSRSGC) can be applied to HIV‐infected patients.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on confirmed HIV‐infected patients who underwent FNA of salivary gland masses over a two‐year period.

Results

A total of 360 patients underwent FNA of salivary gland masses within the designated time frame, 58.3% (210) females and 41.7% (150) males. Patient ages ranged from 7 months to 67 years with a mean age of 36.9 years. The parotid gland was the most biopsied salivary gland at 55.3% (199). The most common diagnosis made in patients on antiviral therapy was lymphoepithelial cyst while that in patients not on antiviral therapy was infectious (including abscess and mycobacterial infection). The most frequent neoplasms were non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, pleomorphic adenoma and squamous‐cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

Patients on ARV therapy had higher CD4 counts, fewer infectious lesions, and more reactive and benign salivary gland lesions. Patients not on treatment had significantly lower CD4 counts and were frequently diagnosed with infectious processes. The MSRSGC is well‐suited for use in HIV‐infected patients.
Carbohydrate Based Ionic Liquids (CHILs): Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Jopp Stefan
Published: July 2020

Carbohydrate based ionic liquids (CHILs) are a sub‐class of ionic liquids which first emerged in 2007 and has since then attracted a steadily growing community of organic chemists. Since carbohydrates are naturally occurring materials with a broad spectrum of diastereomers, they are fitting materials for ionic liquids bearing stereochemical information. This review gives an up‐to‐date overview of all CHILs and their applications in asymmetric chemistry.
On the protective role of identification with a stigmatized identity: Promoting engagement and discouraging disengagement coping strategies
Authors: Bourguignon David , Teixeira Catia P. , Koc Yasin , Outten H. Robert , Faniko Klea , Schmitt Michael T.
Published: July 2020

We examined the mechanisms by which ingroup identification impacts well‐being in stigmatized groups. Studies 1–3a were conducted among gay people in Europe and North America. Among gay people, the results suggest identification with homosexuals protected well‐being via a decrease in self‐group distancing (Studies 1–3a, N = 1,055). Other coping strategies were associated with identification but had no relationship with well‐being. Identification was positively related to engagement coping strategies (i.e., collective action, group affirmation and ingroup support), and negatively related to disengagement strategies (i.e., ingroup blaming and avoidance of discrimination). Study 3b examined these mechanisms among Black Americans (N = 203). Again, identification was positively related to engagement coping, and negatively to disengagement; however, only collective action (positively) predicted well‐being. Results are discussed in terms of how the effectiveness of different strategies for coping with stigma will differ depending on features of the intergroup context, such as the level of permeability of intergroup boundaries.
Fiber‐based hysteretic model for simulating strength and stiffness deterioration of steel hollow structural section columns under cyclic loading
Authors: Suzuki Yusuke , Lignos Dimitrios G.
Published: July 2020

An efficient component model has been developed that captures strength and stiffness deterioration of steel hollow structural section (HSS) columns. The proposed model consists of two fiber‐based segments at a member's ends along with an elastic segment in between. The fibers exhibit nonlinear uniaxial stress–strain behavior, which is explicitly defined by uniaxial monotonic tensile and cyclic round coupon tests. The postbuckling behavior of an HSS column is traced through a proposed uniaxial effective stress–strain constitutive formulation, which includes a softening branch in compression and an energy‐based deterioration rule to trace the influence of cyclic deterioration in the inelastic cyclic straining. These may be inferred by uniaxial stub‐column tests. The component model captures the coupling between the column axial force and flexural demands. Consistent model parameters for a number of steel materials used in the steel construction in North America and Japan are proposed along with the associated model calibration process. The efficiency of the proposed model in predicting the hysteretic behavior of HSS columns is demonstrated by comparisons with physical steel column tests subjected to various loading histories, including representative ones of ratcheting prior to earthquake‐induced collapse. The proposed model is implemented in an open‐source finite element software for nonlinear response history analysis of frame structures. The effectiveness of the proposed model in simulating dynamic instability of steel frame buildings is demonstrated through nonlinear response simulations of a four‐story steel frame building, which was tested at full‐scale through collapse. Limitations as well as suggestions for future work are discussed.
Platelet microparticles‐derived miR‐25‐3p promotes the hepatocyte proliferation and cell autophagy via reducing B‐cell translocation gene 2
Authors: Xu Yuyuan , Li Wenfei , Liang Guangyu , Peng Jie , Xu Xuwen
Published: July 2020

Platelets are critical regulators of liver regeneration, but the mechanisms are still not fully understood. Platelets have been shown to contain a wide variety of microRNAs (miRNAs) and play an important role in many diseases. However, the mechanism that how the platelet microparticles (PMPs)‐derived miRNA regulate the hepatocyte proliferation is not very clear. In this study, we have successfully isolated and identified PMPs. We also found that PMPs, which could be well integrated into the HHL‐5 cells, could upregulate the level of miR‐25‐3p in HHL‐5 cells. Meanwhile, we found that PMPs‐derived miR‐25‐3p promoted HHL‐5 cells proliferation by accelerating cells into the S phase, and enhanced the autophagy by increasing the LC3II expression and reducing the P62 expression. Then, we proved that the miR‐25‐3p could target the B‐cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) and downregulate the expression levels of the BTG2 gene in HHL‐5 cells. In addition, the overexpression of BTG2 significantly inhibited the proliferation and autophagy abilities of HHL‐5 cells, while cotransfected miR‐25‐3p mimics or PMPs could partially rescue HHL‐5 cells proliferation and autophagy. Furthermore, we proved that PMPs accelerated hepatocyte proliferation by regulating autophagy pathways. Therefore, PMPs‐derived miR‐25‐3p promoted HHL‐5 cell proliferation and autophagy by targeting BTG2, which may be a new therapeutic method for liver regeneration.
HIV/SARS‐CoV‐2 coinfection: A global perspective
Authors: Kanwugu Osman N. , Adadi Parise
Published: July 2020

Since its first appearance in Wuhan, China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has rapidly spread throughout the world and has become a global pandemic. Several medical comorbidities have been identified as risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, it remains unclear whether people living with human immunodefeciency virus (PLWH) are at an increased risk of COVID‐19 and severe disease manifestation, with controversial suggestion that HIV‐infected individuals could be protected from severe COVID‐19 by means of antiretroviral therapy or HIV‐related immunosuppression. Several cases of coinfection with HIV and SARS‐CoV‐2 have been reported from different parts of the globe. This review seeks to provide a holistic overview of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in PLWH.
Analysis of the positive rate of 4254 cases of COVID‐19 nucleic acid tests in different aites in Wuhan, China
Authors: Deng Kebin , Li Hui , Ma Xin , Yu Bianbian , Yi Xinlin , Chen Ying , Tian Bo , Zhang Qing
Published: July 2020

There's an outbreak of coronavirus diesase 2019 (COVID‐19) since December 2019, first in Wuhan. It has caused huge medical challenges to Hubei Province with currently more than 67 thousand confirmed cases till 8th March 2020. Identification, there is no clinically effective drug. Isolation and masks are essential to limit human‐to‐human transmission initially. The nucleic acid test (NAT) of COVID‐19 currently was the most reliable established laboratory diagnosis method in clinical. From 8th February to 7th March 2020, 4254 cases were collected for analysis at six nucleic acid collection sites in the community medical team of Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which cover almost all groups who need NAT in Wuhan. Distribution of positive rates in different sites by genders, ages, or occupations were compared. The positive rates of different sites from high to low were: hospital wards (24.71%) > fever clinics (16.57%) > nursing homes (5.51%) > isolation hotels (5.30%) > rehabilitation stations (1.36%) >close contact sites (0.17%). The confirmed patients in isolation hotels, hospital ward, and fever clinical were mainly middle‐aged and elderly, and most of them were women. The positive rate in isolation hotels and fever clinics gradually decreased over time. There were no significant differences between genders among those six nucleic acid collection sites (P < .05). The hospital wards have the highest positive rate; however, close contact sites have lowest one. Patients who are discharged from hospitals may still have potential risks. Middle‐aged and older people remain the focus of epidemic prevention and control.
Nine‐year trend of oral anticoagulant use in patients with embolic stroke due to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Asahina Chisa , Umetani Ken , Sano Keita , Yano Toshiaki , Nakano Shin
Published: July 2020

Background

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used as an alternative to warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, whether there is sufficient prescription of oral anticoagulants (OACs) to decrease the incidence of embolic stroke remains unclear.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients hospitalized with ischemic stroke between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. During the 8 years, the annual incidence ratio of embolic stroke to all ischemic strokes did not decrease over time (21‐33%) except for that in 2018. The proportion of OAC users did not also change over time (from 23% to 45% [overall 31%], P = .78). Among the OAC users, 19% patients were warfarin users, and 12% patients were DOAC users. In 73% of warfarin users, prothrombin time was subtherapeutic, whereas in 60% of DOAC users, the dose was adequately prescribed. OACs were prescribed more often in patients with high CHADS2 score than in those with low score (P = .01). The number of patients who had no medical history of a doctor visit before admission increased significantly in the recent period of 2015‐2018 (22% vs 8% in the previous period of 2010‐2014) (P = .01).

Conclusions

The incidence of embolic stroke patients without OACs did not decrease over time, and OACs in patients with NVAF have not been sufficient, even in DOAC era. In recent years, the incidence of undiagnosed AF has increased. To prevent embolic stroke, a correct AF diagnosis beforehand is important.
Natural History of the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey After Rhinoplasty
Authors: Kandathil Cherian K. , Saltychev Mikhail , Patel Priyesh N. , Most Sam P.
Published: July 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To explore the natural history of nasal obstruction and cosmesis following rhinoplasty by utilizing the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS).

Study Design

Retrospective chart study.

Methods

This study was carried out at a tertiary referral center, preoperative and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), SCHNOS‐Obstruction (SCHNOS‐O), and SCHNOS‐Cosmesis (SCHNOS‐C) scores in patients who underwent rhinoplasty for functional, cosmetic, or both reasons from June 2017 to May 2019 were reviewed and analyzed. Postoperative intervals were defined as <2 months, 2 to 5 months, 5 to 8 months, 8 to 12 months, and >12 months.

Results

A total of 302 patients (67% women), with a mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of 35 (13) years, who underwent rhinoplasty for functional (90, 30%), cosmetic (124, 41%), and combined functional and cosmetic (88, 29%) reasons, met inclusion criteria. The mean follow‐up period (SD, range) was 5 months (4.2 months, 13 days–1.8 years). Compared to the preoperative mean NOSE score, SCHNOS‐ O, and SCHNOS‐C scores, postoperative mean scores for the functional and combined subgroup were significantly lower (P < .05) across all five postoperative intervals. In the cosmetic subgroup, postoperative mean SCHNOS‐C scores were significantly lower (P < .05) across all postoperative intervals compared to the mean preoperative scores.

Conclusions

The natural history of the SCHNOS‐O and SCHNOS‐C score in patients who underwent rhinoplasty demonstrates 1) after functional rhinoplasty, an improvement in nasal breathing symptoms is attained as early as <2 months postoperatively; and 2) after cosmetic rhinoplasty, an improvement in nasal cosmesis is seen as early as <2 months postoperatively. These improvements in nasal breathing and cosmesis are sustained through a follow‐up interval >12 months.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E116–E123, 2021
Morphism classification of a family of transcendent functions arising from pharmacokinetic modelling
Authors: Wu Xiaotian , Li Jun
Published: July 2020

Many transcendental functions were constructed through finding closed‐form solutions of algebraic or differential equations and become ubiquitous gradually with increasing awareness of applications in specific problems naturally arising from life science. Motivated by Lambert W function, a family of transcendent X functions was introduced recently to express the closed‐form solutions of some nonlinear pharmacokinetic models. Unfortunately, its mathematical properties have not been completely studied. For the purposes of mathematical point of views and the use of wider applications, our objective in this paper is to characterize morphism classification of X functions at the scope of real branches.
Symmetry of two‐parameter homogeneous transition function
Authors: Yuquan Xie , Dalu Nie , Yin Zhu
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study a very interesting problem, that is, symmetry of the two parameters s,t>0 for a two‐parameter homogeneous transition function and obtain some important and interesting results.
Wireless‐Fog Mesh: A framework for in‐network computing of microservices in semipermanent smart environments
Authors: Ali Shabir , Pandey Mayank , Tyagi Neeraj
Published: July 2020

Large gathering events such as open air rock concerts and religious gatherings require a semipermanent communication and computation infrastructure for providing IoT‐based smart solutions. In these places, the installation of wired network is not a cost‐effective solution to provide connectivity. Wireless mesh network (WMN) presents itself as a quickly deployable and dismantable solution to provide wireless connectivity to IoT devices. In this paper, we have proposed a “wireless‐fog mesh” computing framework for installation of microservices in network devices of WMN. This requires continuous monitoring of residual resources of devices and associated network characteristics. Our proposed fog controller exploits underutilized resources of mesh devices and network metrics for mapping a microservice to a fog node. This controller uses a DHT‐based overlay of fog nodes (also acting as distributed MQTT broker) for disseminating resource profiles of fog nodes. The network metrics like path cost, routing loads, number of stations, and delay are used to implement a policy‐based FNS algorithm for electing a fog node to run microservice. We have designed and implemented a testbed that consists of 10 OpenWrt‐based Raspberry Pi3 node to form a WMN. We have deployed various microservices such as MQTT broker, air quality, web servers, annd video surveillance in fog nodes (mesh routers and access points) to test the FNS algorithm. The results establish that the FNS algorithm significantly outperforms the random node selection (RNS) algorithm and advocates the applicability of our wireless‐fog mesh framework for semipermanent use cases.
Acting with epistemic agency: Characterizing student critique during argumentation discussions
Authors: González‐Howard María , McNeill Katherine L.
Published: July 2020

The various types of interactions that students carry out when engaged in scientific argumentation function together to move forward developing ideas and support sensemaking. As such, incorporating argumentation in classroom instruction holds promise for supporting students in developing and acting with an epistemic agency, being positioned, and taking up, opportunities to inform their classroom community's knowledge construction work. To foster science classrooms in which students take on active roles, argue to learn, and engage in authentic meaning‐making, the field needs better understandings of how students are supported in developing, and acting with, epistemic agency. We contend that focusing on critique—specifically, examining circumstances where students partake in this type of exchange with peers when engaged in argumentation—is a productive starting point. In this study, we characterized manifestations of epistemic agency as captured through instances of student critique during argumentation discussions in three middle school classrooms. Specifically, we used social network analysis to illuminate interactional patterns related to critique, and discourse analysis to highlight language moves individuals carried out when student critique was observed. Our findings point to there being multiple, sometimes conflating, approaches to addressing tensions inherent to helping students develop and act with epistemic agency. Our findings also suggest we can learn from critiquing practices that all students bring and employ in the classroom. This latter point is especially important when desiring to create and foster equitable learning environments, where all students' ways of knowing and doing science are appreciated, recognized, and used to support sensemaking.
The effect of mass shootings on the demand for guns
Authors: Brock Jensen , Routon P. Wesley
Published: July 2020

Unfortunately, mass shootings are common occurrences in the United States. When one occurs, it makes national news, becomes fodder for the ongoing national gun debate among politicians and activists, and may impact the demand for guns through fears of violence and future gun regulation. We attempt to estimate the overall effect of mass shootings on gun demand in the United States and how this effect varies across the nation, time, and other factors. Mass shootings are found to increase the national demand for firearms, with the effect lasting up to 2 months. Stronger effects are found in gun‐heavy and/or Republican states but not necessarily near where the shooting occurred. Demand spikes are also larger if the shooter was White, female, or if the event took place in a rural setting, but seemingly less related to the specific venue, the shooter's age or known mental health, the number of fatalities, or weapon characteristics.
Graphical passwords: Behind the attainment of goals
Authors: Vaddeti Ankitha , Vidiyala Deepthi , Puritipati Vineetha , Ponnuru Raveendra Babu , Shin Ji Sun , Alavalapati Goutham Reddy
Published: July 2020

Graphical authentication methods have emerged as an alternative to the conventional authentication methods over the past couple of decades. One of the most popular among types of graphical authentication methods is recognition‐based authentication, where the user taps on pass images from one or more challenge sets of images in order to authenticate. The study of existing graphical authentication systems shows that several of them compromise their security while making the method simpler, which could lead to perpetration of numerous attacks like guessing, hidden camera, smudge, shoulder surfing, and many other. Furthermore, a few of them sacrifice performance while targeting security alone. Yet, this paper proposes a new method that resists the aforementioned attacks with good performance, while preserving the benefits of graphical passwords such as ease of use and increased memorability.
Migration of chlorine in the X‐ray fluorescence analysis of rocks
Authors: Borkhodoev V. Ya
Published: July 2020

The intensity of the analytical ClKα‐line continuously increases during the measurement of a rock sample. The main cause of this effect is the migration of chlorine into the irradiated (emitting) part of the sample. The hypothesis was credibly proved through the experiment in which a rock sample was measured first on one side, and then on the other. An increase in the intensity of the analytical line was observed in both measurements. The intensity in the second measurement registers an increase from the same or even the lower level than in the first part. The following chlorine migration model is proposed. Negative chlorine ions arise in the rock sample under the influence of primary X‐ray radiation. X‐ray photons knock out part of the ions from the sample; therefore, a positive electric field is formed in it at the sample–vacuum interface. It attracts chlorine ions from the depths of the sample, as well as chlorine ions flying outside. Thus, the number of chlorine atoms in the surface layer of the sample increases and consequently, the intensity of the analytical line of chlorine increases. Formation of chlorine ions, their migration, and concentration in the surface layer of the sample occur only under the influence of primary X‐ray radiation.
Detection of Multisite Phosphorylation of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Using Phos-tag SDS-PAGE
Authors: Örd Mihkel , Loog Mart
Published: July 2020

Phos-tagTM SDS-PAGE is a method that enables electrophoretic separation of proteins based on their phosphorylation status. With Phos-tagTM SDS-PAGE, it is possible to discriminate between different phosphoforms of proteins based on their phosphorylation level and the number of phosphorylated sites, and to determine the stoichiometry of different phosphorylation products. Phos-tagTM SDS-PAGE is useful for analyzing disordered proteins with multiple phosphorylation sites and can be used for any of the downstream applications used in combination with conventional SDS-PAGE, for example, Western blotting and mass-spectrometry. To obtain the best results with Phos-tagTM SDS-PAGE, however, it is often necessary to optimize the gel composition. Depending on the molecular weight and number of phosphoryl groups added to the protein, different gel composition or running conditions should be used. Here, we provide protocols for Mn2+- and Zn2+-Phos-tagTM SDS-PAGE and give examples of how disordered proteins with different characteristics behave in gels with various Phos-tag concentrations.
Detection of Multisite Phosphorylation of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Using Quantitative Mass-Spectrometry
Authors: Valk Ervin , Maljavin Artemi , Loog Mart
Published: July 2020

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) within proteins have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Several important biological signaling mechanisms including protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications can be easily mediated by IDPs and IDRs due to their flexible structure. These regions can encode linear sequences that are indispensable in cell-signaling networks and circuits. For example, the linear multisite phosphorylation networks encoded in disordered protein sequences play a key role in cell-cycle regulation where the phosphorylation of proteins controls the orchestration of all major mechanisms. While elucidating a systems-level understanding of this process and other multisite phosphorylation processes, we extensively used mass-spectrometry and found it to be an ideal tool to identify, characterize, and quantify phosphorylation dynamics within IDPs. Here, we describe a quantitative proteomics method, together with a detailed protocol to analyze dynamic multisite phosphorylation processes within IDPs using an in vitro protein phosphorylation assay with “light” gamma-16O ATP and “heavy” gamma-18O ATP, combined with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.
Attitudes and knowledge about post-mortem organ donation among medical students, trainee nurses and students of health sciences in Germany
Authors: Tackmann E. , Kurz P. , Dettmer S.
Published: July 2020

Objective

In 2018 Germany had the lowest rate of post-mortem organ donation in the Eurotransplant network. Healthcare trainees and students will be important advisors on organ donation for patients in the future. This study aimed to examine 1) attitudes and knowledge about post-mortem organ donation, 2) how past transplantation scandals have affected those attitudes and 3) how satisfied respondents were with the knowledge provided on the courses.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between 20 March and 8 July 2019 at a university hospital and nursing schools in Berlin and Potsdam, Germany. Study participants were 209 medical students, 106 health sciences students and 67 trainee nurses.

Results

Of the respondents 29.3 and 50.8% knew the tasks of the German Organ Transplantation Foundation and Eurotransplant, respectively. All brain death questions were correctly answered by 56.3% of the medical students, 25.7% of the health sciences students and 50.9% of the trainee nurses (Fisher’s exact testp < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.242). Transplantation scandals had damaged attitudes towards organ donation for 20.7% of the medical students, 33.3% of the health sciences students and 13.6% of the trainee nurses (χ2-testp = 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.164). Asked whether post-mortem organ donation was sufficiently addressed in their courses, 39.5% of the medical students, 60.4% of the health sciences students and 51.9% of the trainee nurses said this was not or tended not to be the case (Kruskal-Wallis H-testp < 0.001, Spearman’s rho r = −0.112).

Conclusion

Given the knowledge gaps identified and the respondents’ dissatisfaction with the knowledge they received, organ donation should be better integrated into curricula and training programs.
System- und Fertigkeitseinsatz in einem österreichischen Notarztsystem: retrospektive Studie
Authors: Prause G. , Orlob S. , Auinger D. , Eichinger M. , Zoidl P. , Rief M. , Zajic P.
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund

Die stetig wachsende Zahl der Notarztanforderungen und der geringe Anteil indizierter Einsätze führen zum Attraktivitätsverlust des Notarztdienstes, was sich vielerorts bereits durch nichtbesetzbare Notarztdienste bemerkbar macht. Vorliegende retrospektive Analyse evaluiert die Häufigkeit notärztlicher und medizinischer Maßnahmen in einem bodengebundenen Notarztsystem.

Methode

Retrospektive Analyse anonymisierter Daten aus der Datenbank des Notarztstützpunkts LKH Univ.-Klinikum Graz. Die von Notärztinnen und Notärzten zwischen 2010 und 2018 absolvierten Einsätze wurden extrahiert, durchgeführte Maßnahmen evaluiert und je nach Schwierigkeitsgrad in 3 Kategorien aufgeschlüsselt: spezifische notärztliche Maßnahmen (Kategorie I), allgemein-medizinische Maßnahmen (Kategorie II), keine ärztliche Tätigkeit (Kategorie III). Die Häufigkeiten des Auftretens dieser Kategorien zwischen den Jahren wurden verglichen und Inzidenzen einzelner Maßnahmen pro 100.000 Einwohner errechnet.

Ergebnisse

Im Beobachtungszeitraum wurden 15.409 Primäreinsätze und 322 Sekundärtransporte extrahiert und analysiert. Die jährliche Einsatzrate stieg beinahe kontinuierlich von 1442 Einsätzen 2010 auf 2301 Einsätze 2018. Bei 3687 (23,4 %) Stornierungen kam es zu 12.044 Patientenkontakten. Insgesamt wurden 2842 (18 %) Einsätze der Kategorie I, 7371 (47 %) Einsätze der Kategorie II sowie 5518 (35 %) Einsätze der Kategorie III verzeichnet. Die Häufigkeit für notärztliche Maßnahmen kann daher auf 157/100.000 Einwohner, die medizinischer Maßnahmen auf 409/100.000 Einwohner geschätzt werden.

Schlussfolgerung

In einem Großteil aller Alarmierungen ist keine spezifisch notärztliche Maßnahme erforderlich. Somit erscheint das aktuelle Modell der präklinischen Versorgung nicht patientenorientiert und effizient. Der niedrige Anteil kritisch kranker bzw. schwer verletzter Patientinnen und Patienten führt bereits merkbar zum Attraktivitätsverlust bei den Notärzten und auch zu einer drohenden Qualitätsproblematik durch zu geringe Einsatzerfahrung und fehlendem Training.
Condition and Sperm Characteristics of Perch Perca fluviatilis inhabiting Boreal Lakes Receiving Metal Mining Effluents
Authors: Karjalainen Juha , Arola Hanna E. , Wallin Jaana , Väisänen Ari , Karjalainen Anna K.
Published: July 2020

One of the world’s largest, but low-grade, sulfide nickel deposits in northeastern Finland has been exploited by a bioheapleaching technology since 2008. Bioheapleaching is a relatively new, cost-effective technology, but humid climate, e.g., in boreal temperate environments, causes challenges to the management of the water balance in the ore heaps with wide catchment area, and the mining effluents have caused substantial metal and salting contamination of the receiving waterbodies. In our study, the impacts of metal-extracting bioheapleaching mine effluents on muscle and liver element concentrations, body condition, liver and testes mass, and sperm count and motility of male perch Perca fluviatilis were analysed. Liver, testes, and carcass mass of perch in relation to their length were lower in the mining-impacted lakes than in the reference lake, which may be due to the metal contamination, food availability, and energy demand under multistressor conditions. The sperm counts of the males in the mining-impacted lakes were lower, but the endurance of their sperm motility was longer than the endurance of sperm of the reference males. These findings suggested that the condition and sperm characteristics of perch were altered in lakes receiving metal mining effluents. Measured variables seem to be useful indicators for metal mining impacts on freshwater fish but only if high natural variation in these characteristics can be controlled by multiyear monitoring scheme.
Traditional versus fast fashion supply chains in the apparel industry: an agent-based simulation approach
Authors: Backs Sabrina , Jahnke Hermann , Lüpke Lars , Stücken Mareike , Stummer Christian
Published: July 2020

In the past, most companies in the European apparel industry focused on minimizing manufacturing costs in the design of supply chains in conjunction with long-distance shipping from production sites in the Far East and relatively long production cycles. Today, for some market segments, the speed of production cycles is more important than the cost because short throughput time allows the flexibility to adjust to rapidly changing fashion trends in these market segments. Accordingly, choosing the most beneficial supply chain strategy has become an established research topic. However, apparel markets are complex systems. Therefore, attempts to reduce the underlying complexity in order to model these markets have limited existing research to the consideration of only selected aspects of markets (e.g., considering only homogeneous buyers, a single period, a single product, or a single manufacturer in the absence of competition) rather than taking a more comprehensive view. These limitations can be overcome by applying an agent-based simulation approach—an approach that can account for a wider range of factors, including several competing manufacturers utilizing different supply chain strategies, individual consumer preferences and behavior, word-of-mouth communication, normative social influence, and first-hand experience, as well as advertising. In this paper, the capability potential of such agent-based market simulation is demonstrated by investigating two supply chain strategies (fast fashion vs. traditional fashion) with varying product and communication strategies (product attributes and advertising) in several market scenarios.
Building Consumers’ Trust in Electronic Retail Platforms in the Sub-Saharan Context: an exploratory study on Drivers and Impact on Continuance Intention
Authors: Odusanya Kayode , Aluko Olu , Lal Banita
Published: July 2020

Lack of trust can have a negative influence on consumers’ willingness to use electronic retail (e-tail) platforms especially in countries with weak regulations and poor consumer rights. This paper examined factors that can be employed to build consumer trust and continuance intention to use e-tail platforms in Sub-Saharan Africa. Survey data was collected from 207 respondents and analyzed using structural equation modeling with the PLS software. The results show that information quality, perceived usefulness, hedonic motivation, and perceived risk have a significant influence on consumers’ trust in e-tail platforms. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge that guides efforts for the implementation of actions in weak institutional contexts characterized by institutional voids such as those experienced in Sub-Saharan African countries. Finally, the study provides insights that can help managers of e-tail platforms to effectively foster the development of trust in their communities.
Atlantic salmon in the Canadian Arctic: potential dispersal, establishment, and interaction with Arctic char
Authors: Bilous Miranda , Dunmall Karen
Published: July 2020

As the Arctic rapidly warms, sub-Arctic species such as the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are expected to shift their distributions into the Arctic, potentially facilitating interaction with native Arctic species. Here, the possible dispersal and establishment of Atlantic salmon are considered in Canadian Arctic fresh waters containing Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), an important subsistence fish species. Available information about Atlantic salmon harvests in the Canadian Arctic was summarized to assess dispersal potential. Review and synthesis of published data were used to assess the suitability of the Canadian Arctic for Atlantic salmon colonization and the interaction potential of Atlantic salmon and Arctic char in Canadian Arctic fresh waters. Establishment of Atlantic salmon in Canadian Arctic thermal habitat was deemed possible, especially with rising freshwater temperatures. Overlap in habitat preferences and life cycles of Atlantic salmon and Arctic char, along with data on resource partitioning in sympatry, implied a possibility for interaction at multiple freshwater life stages. However, many data gaps were identified that inhibit further discussion and analysis. These considerations highlight the need for further study of these two culturally, ecologically, and economically important fish species, to address growing concerns and inform future management efforts.
New and small firms in a modern working life: how do we make entrepreneurship healthy?
Authors: Klofsten Magnus , MacEachen Ellen , Ståhl Christian
Published: July 2020

The interplay between health, entrepreneurship and small and emerging businesses is a research field receiving growing interest. Studies point to both health-related risks and opportunities, which have implications for the social and economic lives of entrepreneurs and employees in small and new firms. Research has been carried out in different disciplines, which have contributed in different ways to the understanding of this inquiry. As the field is still premature and interdisciplinary in nature, there is a need to establish boundary-crossing avenues for developing new knowledge on the topic. This ambition has led to the development of this special issue. The issue includes results from original research on working life challenges encountered by small and new businesses, approached from a variety of disciplines. In this introduction, we begin by tracing an overarching framework, to which we add brief descriptions of the contributing papers. To conclude, we outline future research goals and discuss how issues around mental health, regulation and work environment inspections, race, disability and gender issues and the growing gig economy will affect the conditions for healthy entrepreneurial work.
Toward more comprehensive environmental impact assessments: interlinked global models of LCIA and IAM applicable to this century
Authors: Tokimatsu Koji , Tang Longlong , Yasuoka Rieko , Ii Ryota , Itsubo Norihiro , Nishio Masahiro
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Despite the long-standing demand for research on dynamic lifecycle assessment (LCA) for policymaking, only a few studies have addressed this subject in conjunction with other systems thinking disciplines, such as energy systems models (ESMs) and integrated assessment models (IAMs), which have achieved tremendous success in assessing climate policies in future scenarios. This study explains our methodological advances in the global application of LCA incorporated in IAMs, specifically dose-response functions, models, and future scenarios.

Methods

We investigate the application of the lifecycle impact assessment method based on endpoint modeling (LIME), developed under the current environmental situation in Japan and globally, to be consistent and compatible with our IAM, which comprises three resource balance models and a simplified climate model. The IAM endogenously generates most inventories consistent with energy scenarios and climate policies linked with the applied LIME. The IAM and LIME are formulated to minimize the discounted sum of supplying the cost of resources over their lifecycles (i.e., from development to end-of-life) to generate time evolutions for the endpoint impacts over this century on a global scale with/without the 2-degree Celsius (2DC) target in a 100% renewable energy scenario.

Results and discussion

Unlike existing LCA+ESM/IAM studies, which focus on power generation technologies and related (in)direct embedded energy consumption on a lifecycle basis, our model’s expansion to mineral and biomass resources, in addition to energy, has the following novel results: (1) The following inventories in the 2DC target are generally lower than those in business as usual (BAU): temperature and sea level rise, natural resource, and waste discharge; further, SOx emissions are significantly reduced by reducing coal production while increasing forestry. (2) The environmental impacts on the four endpoints of minerals, land use, and land-use change, with the exclusion of energy-related impacts, are significantly larger than those related to energy. (3) Finally, by ensuring inventory reduction, the 2DC target scenario can reduce overall endpoint impacts (by maximum around 20%), except the impacts on biodiversity resulting from forestry expansion to meet predetermined targets.

Conclusions

Unlike mainstream IAM analyses, we incorporate LIME, instead of energy- and biomass-related resource and climate change impacts alone; our model thus provides a comprehensive perspective on various natural resources and their impacts on a lifecycle basis. The exclusion of the weighting process and retention of the four endpoints enable us to easily interpret the results. Further, this application of LCA to IAM enables us to further understand and assess natural resources and environmental impacts.