Low error estimation of half-cell thermodynamic parameters from whole-cell Li-ion battery experiments: Physics-based model formulation, experimental demonstration, and an open software tool

Low C-rate charge and discharge experiments, plus complementary differential voltage or differential capacity analysis, are among the most common battery characterization methods. Here, we adapt the multi-species, multi-reaction (MSMR) half-cell thermodynamic model to low C-rate cycling of whole-cell Li-ion batteries. MSMR models for the anode and cathode are coupled through whole-cell charge balances and cell-cycling voltage constraint equations, forming the basis for model-based estimation of MSMR half-cell parameters from whole-cell experimental data. Emergent properties of the whole-cell, like slippage of the anode and cathode lithiation windows, are also computed as cells cycle and degrade. A sequential least-square optimization scheme is used for parameter estimation from low-C cycling data of Samsung 18650 NMC|C cells. Low-error fits of the open-circuit cell voltage (e.g., under 5 mV mean absolute error for charge or discharge curves) and differential voltage curves for fresh and aged cells are achieved. We explore the features (and limitations) of using literature reference values for the MSMR half-cell thermodynamic parameters (reducing our whole-cell formulation to a 1-degree-of-freedom fit) and demonstrate the benefits of expanding the degrees of freedom by letting the MSMR parameters be tailored to the cell under test, within a constrained neighborhood of the half-cell reference values. Bootstrap analysis is performed on each dataset to show the robustness of our fitting to experimental noise and data sampling over the course of 600 cell cycles. The results show which specific MSMR insertion reactions are most responsible for capacity loss in each half-cell and the collective interactions that lead to whole-cell slippage and changes in useable capacity. Open-source software is made available to easily extend this model-based analysis to other labs and battery chemistries.

Emergency department physicians’ distribution of time in the fast paced-workflow-a novel time-motion study of drug-related activities

Background In the emergency department physicians are forced to distribute their time to ensure that all admitted patients receive appropriate emergency care. Previous studies have raised concerns about medication discrepancies in patient’s drug lists at admission to the emergency department. Thus, it is important to study how emergency department physicians distribute their time, to highlight where workflow redesign can be needed.Aim to quantify how emergency department physicians distribute their time between various task categories, with particular focus on drug-related tasks.Method Direct observation, time-motion study of emergency department physicians at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Physicians’ activities were categorized in discrete categories and data were collected with the validated method of Work Observation Method By Activity Timing between October 2018 to January 2019. Bootstrap analysis determined 95% confidence intervals for proportions and interruption rates.Results During the observation time of 91.4 h, 31 emergency department physicians were observed. In total, physicians spent majority of their time gathering information (36.5%), communicating (26.3%), and documenting (24.2%). Further, physicians spent 17.8% (95% CI 16.8%, 19.3%) of their time on drug-related tasks. On average, physicians spent 7.8 min (95% CI 7.2, 8.6) per hour to obtain and document patients’ drug lists.Conclusion Emergency department physicians are required to conduct numerous essential tasks and distributes a minor proportion of their time on drug-related tasks. More efficient information flow regarding drugs should be facilitated at transitions of care. The presence of healthcare personnel dedicated to obtaining drug lists in the emergency department should be considered.

Homeopathy: statistical significance versus the sample size in experiments with Toxoplasma gondii

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis that represents a serious public health problem, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which affects 20-90% of the world human population [1,2]. It is a serious problem especially when considering the congenital transmission due to congenital sequels. Treatment with highly diluted substances is one of the alternative/complementary medicines most employed in the world [3,4]. The current ethical rules regarding the number of animals used in animal experimental protocols with the use of more conservative statistical methods [5] can not enhance the biological effects of highly diluted substances observed by the experience of the researcher. Aim: To evaluate the minimum number of animals per group to achieve a significant difference among the groups of animals treated with biotherapic T. gondii and infected with the protozoan regarding the number of cysts observed in the brain. Material and methods: A blind randomized controlled trial was performed using eleven Swiss male mice, aged 57 days, divided into two groups: BIOT-200DH - treated with biotherapic (n=6) and CONTROL - treated with hydroalcoholic solution 7% (n=7).The animals of the group BIOT-200DH were treated for 3 consecutive days in a single dose 0.1ml/dose/day. The animals of BIOT – 200DH group were orally infected with 20 cysts of ME49-T. gondii. The animals of the control group were treated with cereal alcohol 7% (n=7) for 3 consecutive days and then were infected with 20 cysts of ME49 -T. gondii orally. The biotherapic 200DH T. gondii was prepared with homogenized mouse brain, with 20 cysts of T. gondii / 100μL according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia [6] in laminar flow. After 60 days post-infection the animals were killed in a chamber saturated with halothane, the brains were homogenized and resuspended in 1 ml of saline solution. Cysts were counted in 25 ml of this suspension, covered with a 24x24 mm coverglass, examined in its full length. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for animal experimentation of the UEM - Protocol 036/2009. The data were compared using the tests Mann Whitney and Bootstrap [7] with the statistical software BioStat 5.0. Results and discussion: There was no significant difference when analyzed with the Mann-Whitney, even multiplying the "n" ten times (p=0.0618). The number of cysts observed in BIOT 200DH group was 4.5 ± 3.3 and 12.8 ± 9.7 in the CONTROL group. Table 1 shows the results obtained using the bootstrap analysis for each data changed from 2n until 2n+5, and their respective p-values. With the inclusion of more elements in the different groups, tested one by one, randomly, increasing gradually the samples, we observed the sample size needed to statistically confirm the results seen experimentally. Using 17 mice in group BIOT 200DH and 19 in the CONTROL group we have already observed statistical significance. This result suggests that experiments involving highly diluted substances and infection of mice with T. gondii should work with experimental groups with 17 animals at least. Despite the current and relevant ethical discussions about the number of animals used for experimental procedures the number of animals involved in each experiment must meet the characteristics of each item to be studied. In the case of experiments involving highly diluted substances, experimental animal models are still rudimentary and the biological effects observed appear to be also individualized, as described in literature for homeopathy [8]. The fact that the statistical significance was achieved by increasing the sample observed in this trial, tell us about a rare event, with a strong individual behavior, difficult to demonstrate in a result set, treated simply with a comparison of means or medians. Conclusion: Bootstrap seems to be an interesting methodology for the analysis of data obtained from experiments with highly diluted substances. Experiments involving highly diluted substances and infection of mice with T. gondii should be better work with experimental groups using 17 animals at least.

tRNAGlyGCC-Derived Internal Fragment (i-tRF-GlyGCC) in Ovarian Cancer Treatment Outcome and Progression

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a highly-lethal gynecological malignancy, characterized by frequent recurrence, chemotherapy resistance and poor 5-year survival. Identifying novel predictive molecular markers remains an overdue challenge in the disease’s clinical management. Herein, in silico analysis of TCGA-OV highlighted the tRNA-derived internal fragment (i-tRF-GlyGCC) among the most abundant tRFs in ovarian tumors, while target prediction and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis predicted its implication in key biological processes. Thereafter, i-tRF-GlyGCC levels were quantified in a screening EOC (n = 98) and an institutionally-independent serous ovarian cancer (SOC) validation cohort (n = 100, OVCAD multicenter study). Disease progression and patient death were used as clinical endpoints for the survival analysis. Internal validation was performed by bootstrap analysis and the clinical net benefit was estimated by decision curve analysis. The analysis highlighted the significant association of i-tRF-GlyGCC with advanced FIGO stages, suboptimal debulking and most importantly, with early progression and poor overall survival of EOC patients. The OVCAD validation cohort corroborated the unfavorable predictive value of i-tRF-GlyGCC in EOC. Ultimately, evaluation of i-tRF-GlyGCC with the established/clinically used prognostic markers offered superior patient risk-stratification and enhanced clinical benefit in EOC prognosis. In conclusion, i-tRF-GlyGCC assessment could aid towards personalized prognosis and support precision medicine decisions in EOC.

Morphology of the Antennal Sensilla of Notonectoidea and Comparison of Evolutionary Changes in Sensilla Types and Distribution in Infraorder Nepomorpha (Insecta: Heteroptera)

This article introduces the results of a study of three families of Nepomorpha and is the last part of a series of studies that sums up our work on the morphologies of the antennal sensory structures in this taxon. The morphologies and distribution of the sensilla in the families Notonectidae, Pleidae and Helotrephidae were studied under a scanning electron microscope. Six main types (sensilla trichodea, chaetica, campaniformia, basiconica, ampullacea and coeloconica) and ten subtypes (five subtypes of sensilla trichodea and five subtypes of sensilla basiconica) were described. The results were compared with other studies on the antennal sensilla of Nepomorpha in order to assess evolutionary changes within the infraorder. With the use of cladistics analysis, the monophyly of the families Nepidae, Micronectidae, Corixidae and Gelastocoridae was supported. On the other hand, the occurrence of some clades forming superfamilies was weakly supported by bootstrap analysis. These results, supported by presence of the numerous autapomorphies, suggest that antennal sensilla evolved within inner groups.

Can Working Together Buffer Depression Among Older, Religious African American Couples?

Depression is a growing concern among older African Americans, as many within this group hesitate to seek professional help from psychiatrists or counselors. Instead, existing literature notes that older African Americans frequently utilize informal social support networks (e.g., church leaders) to respond to stress and buffer the negative effects of depression and depressive symptoms. Yet, little is known about the shared coping practices of older African American couples in relation to depression. Given the commonly noted high levels of religiosity among African Americans, this study examined communal coping as a mediator between sanctification and depression for older African American couples. This study utilized the dyadic data of 194 (146 married and 48 cohabiting) African American couples between the ages of 50 and 86 years. Capturing data with the Revised Sanctification of Marriage scale, the Communal Coping scale, and the Major Depression Inventory, bias-corrected bootstrap analysis revealed that men’s relationship sanctification and women’s depression was partially mediated by men’s, as well as the sum of men’s and women’s, communal coping in married couples. Further, men’s relationship sanctification and men’s depression was partially mediated by men’s, as well as the sum of men’s and women’s, communal coping. In addition, women’s sanctification was positively associated with men’s depression, directly. These findings are valuable in understanding the complex buffers, and contributors, to depression among older African American couples who may identify closely with religion but prefer the support of a partner over professional care.

Overexpression of the GR Riborepressor LncRNA GAS5 Results in Poor Treatment Response and Early Relapse in Childhood B-ALL

Glucocorticoids (GCs) remain the cornerstone of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (chALL) therapy, exerting their cytotoxic effects through binding and activating of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). GAS5 lncRNA acts as a potent riborepressor of GR transcriptional activity, and thus targeting GAS5 in GC-treated chALL could provide further insights into GC resistance and support personalized treatment decisions. Herein, to study the clinical utility of GAS5 in chALL prognosis and chemotherapy response, GAS5 expression was quantified by RT-qPCR in bone marrow samples of chB-ALL patients at diagnosis (n = 164) and at end-of-induction (n = 109), treated with ALL-BFM protocol. Patients’ relapse and death were used as clinical end-points for survival analysis. Bootstrap analysis was performed for internal validation, and decision curve analysis assessed the clinical net benefit for chALL prognosis. Our findings demonstrated the elevated GAS5 levels in blasts of chALL patients compared to controls and the significantly higher risk for short-term relapse and poor treatment outcome of patients overexpressing GAS5, independently of their clinicopathological data. The unfavorable prognostic value of GAS5 overexpression was strongly validated in the high-risk/stem-cell transplantation subgroup. Finally, multivariate models incorporating GAS5 levels resulted in superior risk stratification and clinical benefit for chALL prognostication, supporting personalized prognosis and precision medicine decisions in chALL.

Job satisfaction and OCBs: what’s new? The mediating role of organizational identification

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of intrinsic job satisfaction (JS) on organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) directed toward individuals (OCBs-I) and OCB directed toward organization (OCBs-O) via organizational identification (OID). Based on social exchange and social identity theories, it is hypothesized that OID may play a mediator role in the relationship between JS and OCBs-I and OCBs-O. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire investigating JS, OID and OCBs dimensions was administered to 719 Italian employees. The mediation hypotheses were analyzed through structural equation model, via bootstrap analysis, after preliminary analyses as correlations and measurement model. Findings Results showed a positive relationship between JS, OID and OCBs dimensions. Furthermore, OID partially mediated the positive effects of JS on OCBs-I and OCBs-O. These findings supported hypotheses, suggesting that OID may explain the psychological mechanism through which an employee intrinsically satisfied about own job will fulfill more extra-role performance, i.e. OCBs-I and OCBs-O. Practical implications Implications for human resource management policies are discussed: to HR professionals is proposed to implement interventions to enhance employees’ intrinsic satisfaction and identification with the organization, to increase consequently positive organizational behaviors such as OCBs. Originality/value This study attempted to examine the JS-OCBs relationship in more depth. For the first time, the JS on OCBs-I and OCBs-O were simultaneously investigated, with OID as a mediator: shedding new light on the relationship among these variables.

Warmth or competence? The effects of cool and cuteness on the perceived quality of digital products

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of cuteness and cool on the perceived quality of digital products, the mediating effect of brand perception (warmth and competence) and the moderating effect of the individual perception level.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilizes experimental design and survey methods to collect data and the ANOVA, independent sample t-test and bootstrap analysis methods to verify the assumed hypotheses.FindingsStudies 1 and 2 demonstrate that cuteness (vs cool) is more likely to promote the perception of brand warmth (vs competence), and the brand perception plays a mediating role between cuteness (cool) and the perceived quality. Study 3 replicates the findings of Study 2 and indicates that people with high-cuteness (vs low-cuteness) perception are the same to perceive the brand warmth to promote the perceived quality of digital products, but people with high-cool (vs low-cool) perception are more likely to perceive the brand competence to promote the perceived quality of digital products.Practical implicationsBased on the conclusions in this paper, marketers could emphasize the cool information of digital products in advertisements to promote the perceived quality to promote younger consumers' willingness to pay (WTP). Furthermore, firms could shape warm brand images by the perception of cuteness because cuteness is positively associated with the warmth of brand perception (e.g. the logo of Three Squirrels, a Chinese nut business brand that consists of three cute squirrels).Originality/valueFrom a theoretical standpoint, this paper contributes to the brand perception when consumers accept product information with the characteristics of cuteness or cool. Second, a model of perceived quality of digital products is built based on the stereotype content theory. Third, this paper considers individual perception levels on cuteness and cool as the boundaries to conduct further conceptual model.