bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polarization of Vacuum Fluctuations: Source of the Vacuum Permittivity and Speed of Light
Authors: Mainland G. B. , Mulligan Bernard 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThere are two types of fluctuations in the quantum vacuum: type 1 vacuum fluctuations are on shell and can interact with matter in specific, limited ways that have observable consequences; type 2 vacuum fluctuations are off shell and cannot interact with matter. A photon will polarize a type 1, bound, charged lepton–antilepton vacuum fluctuation in much the same manner that it would polarize a dielectric, suggesting the method used here for calculating the permittivity $$\epsilon _{0}$$ϵ0 of the vacuum. In a model that retains only leading terms, $$\epsilon _{0} \cong (6\mu _{0}/\pi )(8e^{2}/\hbar )^{2}= 9.10\times 10^{-12}$$ϵ0≅(6μ0/π)(8e2/ħ)2=9.10×10-12 C/(Vm). The calculated value for $$\epsilon _{0}$$ϵ0 is 2.7% more than the accepted value. The permittivity of the vacuum, in turn, determines the speed c of light in the vacuum. Since the vacuum is at rest with respect to every inertial frame of reference, c is the same in every inertial reference frame.
The Use of Ripple Effect Mapping to Understand Successes of the SC Pregnancy Assistance Fund: A Participatory Evaluation Approach
Authors: Workman Lauren M. , Browder Jennifer S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe South Carolina Pregnancy Assistance Fund (SCPAF) funded four counties to increase the amount, quality, and awareness of services for young parents; increase educational attainment among expectant and parenting youth; reduce the number of repeat teen pregnancies among youth; and improve parenting skills. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to describe our application of the Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) technique as an innovative evaluation strategy to gather perspectives from SCPAF stakeholders and (2) to share key findings generated by participants in REM sessions on the perceived success of local SCPAF community collaboratives.MethodsREM, an innovative evaluation strategy, was used to gather perspectives from SCPAF stakeholders. Five REM sessions were conducted with 52 participants. REM sessions included partner interviews and collective development of visual maps to illustrate stakeholder perspectives of program successes. Visual maps, as well as transcripts of discussions, were analyzed using an inductive approach.ResultsStakeholders reported that the connections to resources, supports, and services provided through SCPAF had the potential to alter the life trajectories of expectant and parenting teens (EPT). Stakeholders also described that SCPAF fostered growth in collaboration among partners and reduced duplication of services in funded communitiesConclusions for PracticeThis paper describes how an innovative evaluation strategy was used to provide a space for stakeholders to dialogue, synthesize their experiences, and construct a collective narrative of key program successes. This paper also illustrates how such approaches can be applied to complex community initiatives.
The Fear of COVID-19 Scale: Development and Initial Validation
Authors: Ahorsu Daniel Kwasi , Lin Chung-Ying , Imani Vida , Saffari Mohsen , Griffiths Mark D. , Pakpour Amir H. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The emergence of the COVID-19 and its consequences has led to fears, worries, and anxiety among individuals worldwide. The present study developed the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) to complement the clinical efforts in preventing the spread and treating of COVID-19 cases.

Methods
The sample comprised 717 Iranian participants. The items of the FCV-19S were constructed based on extensive review of existing scales on fears, expert evaluations, and participant interviews. Several psychometric tests were conducted to ascertain its reliability and validity properties.

Results
After panel review and corrected item-total correlation testing, seven items with acceptable corrected item-total correlation (0.47 to 0.56) were retained and further confirmed by significant and strong factor loadings (0.66 to 0.74). Also, other properties evaluated using both classical test theory and Rasch model were satisfactory on the seven-item scale. More specifically, reliability values such as internal consistency (α = .82) and test–retest reliability (ICC = .72) were acceptable. Concurrent validity was supported by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (with depression, r = 0.425 and anxiety, r = 0.511) and the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Scale (with perceived infectability, r = 0.483 and germ aversion, r = 0.459).

Conclusion
The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, a seven-item scale, has robust psychometric properties. It is reliable and valid in assessing fear of COVID-19 among the general population and will also be useful in allaying COVID-19 fears among individuals.
Effect of modified carrier fluoride on the performance of Ni–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst for thioetherification
Authors: Han Zhao , Ma Zhuang , Wang Cheng-Bo , He Chun-Yu , Ke Ming , Jiang Qing-Zhe , Song Zhao-Zheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAn alumina support was modified by fluorine via impregnation to investigate the effect of fluoride content on the reactivity of Ni–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) isotherms, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Sulfur etherification performance of the catalyst was studied using a fixed-bed reactor. The results show that increasing fluoride content increases the pore volume and pore size but reduces the specific surface area. In addition, the degree of sulfidation of Ni first increases and then decreases. The amounts of strong acid and total acid also increase with increasing fluoride content. Performance evaluation of the catalyst reveals that the fluoride content has a minor effect on the thioetherification performance of the catalyst; however, an optimum fluoride content, which was determined to be 0.2%, can ensure lower olefin saturation and an efficient diene selective hydrogenation.
Recent Progress in Treg Biology and Transplant Therapeutics
Authors: El-Ayachi Ikbale , Washburn William K. , Schenk Austin D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurpose of ReviewRegulatory T cell (Treg) biology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. The role of Tregsin solid organ transplantation offers a unique window into Tregontogeny and function as well as limitless possibilities for clinical application. Here we review recent significant discoveries and key translational work.Recent FindingsAdvances in transplantation deepen understanding of Tregdifferentiation, expansion, transcription, co-stimulation, and signaling. T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and single-cell analytics allow unprecedented insight into Tregrepertoire diversity and phenotypic heterogeneity. Efforts to replace conventional immunosuppression with Tregadoptive immunotherapy are underway and coalescing around strategies to increase efficiency through development of donor-reactive Tregs.SummaryAdoptive immunotherapy with Tregsis a leading tolerogenic strategy. Early clinical trials suggest that Treginfusion is safe and reports on efficacy will soon follow.
Tannic Acid: Specific Form of Tannins in Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy-Old and New Applications
Authors: Baer-Dubowska Wanda , Szaefer Hanna , Majchrzak-Celińska Aleksandra , Krajka-Kuźniak Violetta 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This short review is aimed at providing an updated and comprehensive report on tannic acid biological activities and molecular mechanisms of action most important for cancer prevention and adjuvant therapy.

Recent Findings
Tannic acid (TA), a mixture of digallic acid esters of glucose, is a common ingredient of many foods. The early studies of its anti-mutagenic and anti-tumorigenic activity were mostly demonstrated in the mouse skin model. This activity has been explained by its ability to inhibit carcinogens activation, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, the cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, reduced rate of proliferation, and cell migration and adhesion of several cancer cell lines as a result of TA treatment were described. The underlining mechanisms include modulation of signaling pathways such as EGFR/Jak2/STATs, or inhibition of PKM2 glycolytic enzyme. Moreover, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition prevention and decrease of cancer stem cells formation by TA were also reported. Besides, TA was found to be potent chemosensitizer overcoming multidrug resistance. Eventually, its specific physicochemical features were found useful for generation of drug-loaded nanoparticles.

Summary
TA was shown to be a very versatile molecule with possible application not only in cancer prophylaxis, as was initially thought, but also in adjuvant cancer therapy. The latter may refer to chemosensitization and its application as a part of drug delivery systems. More studies are required to better explore this subject. In addition, the effect of TA on normal cells and its bioavailability have to better characterized.
Von der Umkehr des Matthäus-Effekts – Stundenintensive Weiterbildung bei geringen numeralen Kompetenzen
Authors: Krejcik Luise , Grotlüschen Anke 
Published: March 2020

ZusammenfassungDas Matthäus-Prinzip wurde für die Weiterbildungsbeteiligung nachgewiesen, nicht aber für das Weiterbildungsvolumen im Kontext von Numeralität. Aufgrund der Verwobenheit mit sozialen Kontexten ist Numeralität unabhängig vom Bildungsabschluss ein relevanter Prädikator für das Weiterbildungsverhalten. Mittels eines internationalen Vergleichs, basierend auf PIAAC-Daten, verweist der Beitrag auf eine Umkehr des Matthäus-Effekts für Weiterbildungsvolumina. Im OECD-Durchschnitt und in der Mehrzahl der nordischen Länder nehmen weiterbildungsaktive Erwachsene mit geringer Numeralität mehr Weiterbildungsstunden wahr als jene mit hohen numeralen Kompetenzen. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf die Relevanz wohlfahrtsstaatlicher Kontexte für die (Um)Verteilung von Weiterbildungszeit.
Zurückgewonnene Selbstständigkeit bei hoher und kompletter Querschnittslähmung der Frau
Authors: Gulacsi A. , Kiss G. , Stühmeier J. , Pedrini M. , Horninger W. , Rehder P. 
Published: March 2020

ZusammenfassungStatistisch gesehen sind weltweit mehr als 7 Mio. Menschen von einer Rückenmarkverletzung, darunter 2,7 Mio. von einer manifesten Querschnittslähmung, betroffen. In Österreich sind etwa 50.000 Patienten ausschließlich durch die Hilfe eines Rollstuhls mobil, davon sind etwa 4000 von einer Querschnittslähmung betroffen. Die Betreuung dieser Patienten stellt in der Praxis oft eine besondere Herausforderung dar. Große Bedeutung wird der Nachsorge beigemessen, die aufgrund spezieller Begleitumstände und der Komplikationsgefahren immanent wichtig ist. Aus urologischer Sicht ist eine neurourologische Betreuung unerlässlich. Dabei verändern sich die Therapieoptionen nach dem Maß des Verletzungsniveaus und sind zugleich geschlechterspezifisch. In diesem Artikel wird über die urologischen Aspekte der Versorgung von Frauen diskutiert, die von einer hohen Querschnittslähmung (Tetraplegie) betroffen sind.
A Partial Review of Seven Official Guidelines for Cost-Benefit Analysis
Authors: Abelson Peter 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper reviews seven contemporary official guidelines to cost-benefit analysis (CBA) with respect to eight major cost-benefit issues drawing on the latest edition of the major CBA textbook for guidance, although not complete authority. The guidelines are those by UK Treasury, European Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New Zealand Treasury, Infrastructure Australia, NSW State Treasury, and Victorian State Department of Treasury and Finance. The eight major issues discussed are the issue of standing, core valuation principles, the scope of CBA with reference to potential additional economic benefits, changes in real values over time, the marginal excess tax burden, the social discount rate, use of benefit-cost ratios, and treatment of risk. While all the guidelines are quality guides to CBA, the paper finds that there is room for improved discussion and practice at various points in each of these guidelines.
Trust in Humanitarian Aid From the Earthquake in 2017 to COVID-19 in Iran: A Policy Analysis
Authors: Seddighi Hamed 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTThe earthquake of November 2017, the great flood of April 2019, and the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 are 3 major emergencies in Iran during the last 3 years. A common issue in all of these crises seems to be the issue of “trust.” Official authorities, including the Iranian President, ministers, and the judiciary system, tried to gain people’s trust by either changing policies or developing new ones. In August 2019, the new law on crisis management in Iran went into effect and the issue of public donation has been considered, too. Also, in their response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Iranian officials ordered all sectors to cooperate with the Ministry of Health and provide it with all necessary facilities. Therefore, it seems that new policies are still needed to overcome mistrust in Iran at times of emergency. Developing a policy on donation management was the first step, and there are several factors that could have contributed to the perception of the mistrust and failure in emergency missions. Mistrust can be the result of different causes, including but not limited to lack of knowledge on capabilities and efficiencies of humanitarian organizations, engagement of a wide range of organizations from different categories, extension of mistrust of an organization to other emergency organizations in the area or all of operation, lack of unity in emergency response, and poor public relations.
Person-to-Person Transmission of Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Among Family Members in Eastern China, 2016
Authors: Shi Chao , Shi Ping , Yang Xu , Bao Jing , Qian Yanhua , Shen Yuan 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTObjective:Human infections with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus are associated with exposure to poultry and live poultry markets, but the evidence of person-to-person transmission remains limited. This study reports a suspected person-to-person transmission of H7N9 virus, and explores what factors influenced this transmission.Methods:We interviewed 2 patients with H7N9 infection and their family members as well as health-care workers. Samples from the patients and environments were tested by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Results:The index patient became ill 5 to 6 days after his last exposure to the poultry bought in the market of Weimiao town. The second patient, the sister of the index patient, who had sustained intensive and unprotected close contact with the index patient, had no exposure to poultry. This study documents that the H7N9 virus was transmitted directly from the index patient to his sister.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that person-to-person transmission may be associated with sustained close contact with the patient during his onset of early stage, when the H7N9 viral shedding increases sharply.
Developing minimal-input techniques for invasive plant management: perimeter treatments enlarge native grass patches
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Chiquoine Lindsay P. , Moss Jeremy M. , Lassance Eric D. , Schelz Charles D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThere is a continual need for invasive plant science to develop approaches for cost-effectively benefiting native over nonnative species in dynamic management and biophysical contexts, including within predominantly nonnative plant landscapes containing only small patches of native plants. Our objective was to test the effectiveness of a minimal-input strategy for enlarging native species patches within a nonnative plant matrix. In Pecos National Historical Park, New Mexico, USA, we identified 40 native perennial grass patches within a matrix of the nonnative annual forb kochia [Bassia scoparia(L.) A.J. Scott]. We mechanically cutB. scopariain a 2-m-wide ring surrounding the perimeters of half the native grass patches (with the other half as uncut controls) and measured change in native grass patch size (relative to pretreatment) for 3 yr. Native grass patches around whichB. scopariawas cut grew quickly the first posttreatment year and by the third year had increased in size four times more than control patches. Treated native grass patches expanded by an average of 25 m2, from 4 m2in October 2015 before treatment to 29 m2in October 2018. The experiment occurred during a dry period, conditions that should favorB. scopariaand contraction of the native grasses, suggesting that the observed increase in native grasses occurred despite suboptimal climatic conditions. Strategically treating around native patches to enlarge them over time showed promise as a minimal-input technique for increasing the proportion of the landscape dominated by native plants.
Resting-state functional brain connectivity in a predominantly African-American sample of older adults: exploring links among personality traits, cognitive performance, and the default mode network
Authors: Crane Nicole T. , Hayes Jessica M. , Viviano Raymond P. , Bogg Tim , Damoiseaux Jessica S. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The personality traits of neuroticism, openness, and conscientiousness are relevant factors for cognitive aging outcomes. The present study examined how these traits were associated with cognitive abilities and corresponding resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) of the default mode network (DMN) in an older and predominantly minority sample. A sample of 58 cognitively unimpaired, largely African-American, older adults (M age = 68.28 ± 8.33) completed a standard RSFC magnetic resonance imaging sequence, a Big Five measure of personality, and delayed memory, Stroop, and verbal fluency tasks. Personality trait associations of within-network connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a hub of the DMN, were examined using a seed-based approach. Trait scores were regressed on cognitive performance (delayed memory for neuroticism, Stroop for conscientiousness, and verbal fluency for openness). Greater openness predicted greater verbal fluency and greater RSFC between the PCC and eight clusters, including the medial prefrontal cortex, left middle frontal gyrus, and precuneus. Greater PCC–precuneus connectivity predicted greater verbal fluency. Neuroticism and conscientiousness did not significantly predict either cognitive performance or RSFC. Although requiring replication and elaboration, the results implicate openness as a contributing factor to cognitive aging via concomitant cognitive performance and connectivity within cortical hubs of the DMN and add to the sparse literature on these variables in a diverse group of older adults.
Nationally representative surveys show gradual shifting of overweight and obesity towards poor and less-educated women of reproductive age in Nepal
Authors: Sutradhar Ipsita , Akter Tahmina , Hasan Mehedi , Das Gupta Rajat , Joshi Hemraj , Haider Mohammad Rifat , Sarker Malabika 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOverweight and obesity are considered major public health concerns all over the world. They have the potential to increase the risk of developing non-communicable diseases in reproductive age women, increasing their risk of pregnancy related complications and adverse birth outcome. This study was carried out to identify the trend of prevalence of overweight and obesity, along with their determinants, among reproductive age women (15–49 years) in Nepal. Data were taken from the nationally representative 2006, 2011 and 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHSs). Women were considered to be overweight or obese when their BMI was 23.0–27.5 kg/m2 or ≥27.5 kg/m2, respectively. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed, with significance taken at p<0.05. The prevalences of overweight and obesity both showed rising trends in women of reproductive age in Nepal from 2006 to 2016, particularly among those with no education, only primary education and poor women. The presence of overweight and obesity was found to be significantly associated with the sample women’s age, educational status, wealth index, place of residence, ecological zone, developmental region, number of household members, marital status and ethnicity. In 2016 one in every three women of reproductive age in Nepal was either overweight or obese. As overweight and obesity have detrimental effects on women’s health, the Government of Nepal, in collaboration with other government and non-government organizations, should take action to halt the rising trends in overweight and obesity in the country.
Europeanising Migration in Multicultural Spain and Portugal During and After the Decolonisation Era
Authors: Buettner Elizabeth 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPost-1945 Spanish and Portuguese emigration and immigration histories encapsulate the Iberian region's long-standing interconnectedness with the wider world (particularly Latin America and Africa) and other parts of Europe alike. Portugal and Spain have both been part of multiple migration systems as important sending countries that ultimately experienced an international migration turnaround owing to their transition to democracy, decolonisation, and accession to a European Union in which internal freedom of movement counted among its core principles. With the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and Europe's migration crisis of the 2010s serving as its vantage point, this article considers these topics as they intersect with issues that include nationality and citizenship, race and racism, and religion and Islamophobia in multicultural Spain and Portugal.
(æ)fter the storm: An Examination of the short-a system in Greater New Orleans
Authors: Carmichael Katie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study examines the short-a system in Greater New Orleans (GNO) following the demographic changes and large-scale displacement that occurred after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. I provide a linguistic description of the short-a systems of 57 residents of the GNO suburb of Chalmette, half of whom relocated after the storm, and half of whom returned to their pre-Katrina homes. While many speakers demonstrate robust split systems, analysis demonstrates a shift over time toward the nasal system common throughout much of the US. Whether participants returned or relocated was not a significant predictor of short-a system; however, speakers most oriented to places outside of Chalmette may have led the change in progress, pointing to the importance of considering place orientation in contexts of speaker mobility. This study establishes that adoption of the nasal system is well underway in GNO, generating further questions about what New Orleans English will sound like as post-Katrina changes continue to develop.