An impedance spectroscopy cell and humidifier system has been developed to study the ion conducting properties and hydration/dehydration reactions in-situ during neutron powder diffraction ...experiments. As a model system, acceptor doped barium zirconate, BaZr0.5In0.5O2.75, has been studied during in-situ hydration and dehydration. Rietveld refinement of the collected data shows an increase in lattice parameter, a, upon hydration of BaZr0.5In0.5O2.75. In addition, we show the existence of a two-phase region, containing deuterated and non-deuterated barium zirconate, in the temperature interval ~573K to ~873K. Impedance spectroscopy data collected in-situ on heating and cooling and the corresponding ionic conductivity agree well with the change in deuteron content, as determined from neutron diffraction as a function of temperature. The newly developed in-situ cells make it possible to correlate conducting properties to structural changes under identical conditions and will have applicability to many other proton conducting solids.
► Conductivity and humidification cells for in-situ neutron powder diffraction. ► Correlation between conducting properties and structure in proton conductors. ► Hydration/dehydration properties and conductivity in BaZr0.5In0.5O2.75.
A novel neutron diffraction cell has been constructed to allow in-situ studies of the structural changes in materials of relevance to battery applications during charge/discharge cycling. The new ...design is based on the coin cell geometry, but has larger dimensions compared to typical commercial batteries in order to maximize the amount of electrode material and thus, collect diffraction data of good statistical quality within the shortest possible time. An important aspect of the design is its modular nature, allowing flexibility in both the materials studied and the battery configuration. This paper reports electrochemical tests using a Nickel-metal-hydride battery (Ni-MH), which show that the cell is able to deliver 90% of its theoretical capacity when using deuterated components. Neutron diffraction studies performed on the Polaris diffractometer using nickel metal and a hydrogen-absorbing alloy (MH) clearly show observable changes in the neutron diffraction patterns as a function of the discharge state. Due to the high quality of the diffraction patterns collected in-situ (i.e. good peak-to-background ratio), phase analysis and peak indexing can be performed successfully using data collected in around 30 min. In addition to this, structural parameters for the beta-phase (charged) MH electrode obtained by Rietveld refinement are presented.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven disorder that causes substantial morbidity and can lead to fatal distal airway obstruction and post-obstructive ...pneumonias. Patients require frequent surgical debridement of disease, and no approved systemic adjuvant therapies exist.
A phase II study was conducted to investigate the clinical activity and safety of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade with avelumab in patients with RRP.
Twelve patients were treated. All patients with laryngeal RRP displayed improvement in disease burden, and 5 of 9 (56%) displayed partial responses. None of 4 patients with pulmonary RRP displayed a response. Using each patient's surgical history as their own control, patients required fewer surgical interventions after avelumab treatment (p = 0.008). A subset of partial responders developed HPV-specific reactivity in papilloma-infiltrating T-cells that correlated with reduced HPV viral load and an increased Tissue Inflammation Signature.
Avelumab demonstrated safety and clinical activity in patients with laryngeal RRP. Further study of immune checkpoint blockade for RRP, possibly with longer treatment duration or in combination with other immunotherapies aimed at activating antiviral immunity, is warranted.
NCT, number NCT02859454 , registered August 9, 2016.
ABSTRACT
We introduce a new scheme based on the marked correlation function to probe gravity using the large-scale structure of the Universe. We illustrate our approach by applying it to simulations ...of the metric-variation f(R) modified gravity theory and general relativity (GR). The modifications to the equations in f(R) gravity lead to changes in the environment of large-scale structures that could, in principle, be used to distinguish this model from GR. Applying the Monte Carlo Markov Chain algorithm, we use the observed number density and two-point clustering to fix the halo occupation distribution (HOD) model parameters and build mock galaxy catalogues from both simulations. To generate a mark for galaxies when computing the marked correlation function we estimate the local density using a Voronoi tessellation. Our approach allows us to isolate the contribution to the uncertainty in the predicted marked correlation function that arises from the range of viable HOD model parameters, in addition to the sample variance error for a single set of HOD parameters. This is critical for assessing the discriminatory power of the method. In a companion paper, we apply our new scheme to a current large-scale structure survey.
ABSTRACT
We have modelled the stellar and nebular continua and emission-line intensity ratios of massive stellar populations in the Antennae galaxy using high resolution and self-consistent libraries ...of model H ii regions around central clusters of ageing stars. The model libraries are constructed using the stellar population synthesis code, starburst99, and photoionization model, and cloudy. The Geneva and PARSEC stellar evolutionary models are plugged into starburst99 to allow comparison between the two models. Using a spectrum-fitting methodology that allows the spectral features in the stellar and nebular continua e.g. Wolf–Rayet (WR) features, Paschen jump, and emission-line diagnostics to constrain the models, we apply the libraries to the high-resolution Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer spectra of the starbursting regions in the Antennae galaxy. Through this approach, we were able to model the continuum emission from WR stars and extract stellar and gas metallicities, ages, electron temperatures, and densities of starbursts by exploiting the full spectrum. From the application to the Antennae galaxy, we find that (1) the starbursts in the Antennae galaxy are characterized by stellar and gas metallicities of around solar, (2) the star-forming gas in starbursts in the Western loop of NGC 4038 appears to be more enriched, albeit slightly, than the rest of galaxy, (3) the youngest starbursts are found across the overlap region and over parts of the western-loop, though in comparison, the regions in the western-loop appear to be at a slightly later stage in star formation than the overlap region, and (4) the results obtained from fitting the Geneva and Parsec models are largely consistent.
Abstract Purpose of the research It has previously been demonstrated that parents of children with cancer often exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSS) even though the child’s treatment is ...successfully completed. For the development of interventions we need to identify predictors of PTSS, which are possible to influence. Based on contemporary learning theory, it was hypothesized that early avoidance of disease- and treatment-related distress would predict the development of parental post-traumatic stress after completion of the child’s cancer treatment. Methods and sample Parents’ cognitive and behavioural avoidance of disease- and treatment-related distressing stimuli during and immediately after a child’s cancer treatment and PTSS one year after the end of treatment was investigated. Data was collected with the PTSD Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C) from 111 mothers and 109 fathers. Key results As hypothesized, avoidance during (T1–T3) and immediately after (T4) the child’s treatment predicted PTSS among parents one year after (T6) completion of the child’s treatment. Moreover, avoidance early on during the child’s treatment seemed to be a greater risk factor for PTSS and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for bereaved than non-bereaved parents. Conclusions Avoiding reminders of stressful experiences related to a child’s cancer disease during and immediately after the child’s treatment seems to increase the risk for parents, mothers and fathers alike, of experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress later. Interventions based on cognitive behavioural therapy with elimination of avoidance as a central component may be of use in this population.
Deuterated BaTi0.5In0.5O2.75 has been studied with neutron total (Bragg plus diffuse) scattering data, using both the Rietveld refinement method and the reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) modelling technique, ...to investigate the preferred proton site and its local structural environment. The Rietveld analysis shows an excellent fit between experimental data and a long-range cubic description of the BaTi0.5In0.5O2.53(OD)0.44 perovskite structure containing a statistical distribution of Ti and In ions at the centre of regular (Ti/In)O6 octahedra. However, an RMC analysis of the data reveals substantial local structural features that reflect limitations of the Rietveld method for studies of this type. The Ti-O and In-O pair distribution functions given by the RMC analysis are markedly different from each other, with average Ti-O and In-O bond distances of 2.035 Å and 2.159 Å, respectively. The InO6 octahedra are regular in shape whereas the TiO6 octahedra are distorted. The average O-D bond distance is roughly 0.96 Å, and the preferred deuteron sites have a second nearest oxygen distance of 2.13 Å, which confirms localized tilting of the deuteron and indicates a substantial degree of hydrogen bonding. The impact of octahedral distortion and hydrogen bonding on the proton conduction mechanism is discussed.
Animal alternatives research has historically focused on human safety assessments and has only recently been extended to environmental testing. This is particularly for those assays that involve the ...use of fish. A number of alternatives are being pursued by the scientific community including the fish embryo toxicity (FET) test, a proposed replacement alternative to the acute fish test. Discussion of the FET methodology and its application in environmental assessments on a global level was needed. With this emerging issue in mind, the ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) and the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) held an International Workshop on the Application of the Fish Embryo Test as an Animal Alternative Method in Hazard and Risk Assessment and Scientific Research in March, 2008. The workshop included approximately 40 scientists and regulators representing government, industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations from North America, Europe, and Asia. The goal was to review the state of the science regarding the investigation of fish embryonic tests, pain and distress in fish, emerging approaches utilizing fish embryos, and the use of fish embryo toxicity test data in various types of environmental assessments (e.g., hazard, risk, effluent, and classification and labeling of chemicals). Some specific key outcomes included agreement that risk assessors need fish data for decision-making, that extending the FET to include eluethereombryos was desirable, that relevant endpoints are being used, and that additional endpoints could facilitate additional uses beyond acute toxicity testing. The FET was, however, not yet considered validated
sensu OECD. An important action step will be to provide guidance on how all fish tests can be used to assess chemical hazard and to harmonize the diverse terminology used in test guidelines adopted over the past decades. Use of the FET in context of effluent assessments was considered and it is not known if fish embryos are sufficiently sensitive for consideration as a surrogate to the sub-chronic 7-day larval fish growth and survival test used in the United States, for example. Addressing these needs by via workshops, research, and additional data reviews were identified for future action by scientists and regulators.
Whereas the typical case concerning an exception to discharge under § 523(a) involves a single creditor and claim, under Husķy, a debtor's receipt of an intentionally fraudulent transfer may give ...rise to debts owed to the entire class of creditors with unsecured claims against the debtor/transferor at the time of the transfer. ...the decision in Husķy allows § 523(a)(2)(A) to operate more like a ground for denial of discharge in toto under § 727(a), and potentially narrows the scope of the fresh start to an unusual degree. ...this article reviews and summarizes court decisions applying § § 523(a)(2), (4), and (6) to intentionally fraudulent transfers. ...accepting that Husķy now requires courts to apply § 523(a)(2)(A) to actually fraudulent transfers, this author explores a basis for limiting the damage awards in such cases to the loss suffered as a result of the transfer. When the debtor later filed for chapter 7 relief and Childrens Dental filed under chapter 11, the plaintiff objected to the debtor's discharge under §§ 727(a)(2) and (a)(7).22 Applying § 727(a)(2), the bankruptcy court observed that the statute requires a transfer of property of the debtor. Since the transfer in question was the transfer of the entity's assets, the plaintiff had not stated a cause of action.
U-CARE is a multidisciplinary eHealth research program that involves the disciplines of caring science, clinical psychology, health economics, information systems, and medical science. It was set up ...from scratch in a university setting in 2010, funded by a governmental initiative. While establishing the research program, many challenges were faced. Systematic documentation of experiences from establishing new research environments is scarce.
The aim of this paper was to describe the challenges of establishing a publicly funded multidisciplinary eHealth research environment.
Researchers involved in developing the research program U-CARE identified challenges in the formal documentation and by reflecting on their experience of developing the program. The authors discussed the content and organization of challenges into themes until consensus was reached.
The authors identified 15 major challenges, some general to establishing a new research environment and some specific for multidisciplinary eHealth programs. The challenges were organized into 6 themes: Organization, Communication, Implementation, Legislation, Software development, and Multidisciplinarity.
Several challenges were faced during the development of the program and several accomplishments were made. By sharing our experience, we hope to help other research groups embarking on a similar journey to be prepared for some of the challenges they are likely to face on their way.
PDF
