bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The vibro-impact capsule system in millimetre scale: numerical optimisation and experimental verification
Authors: Liu Yang , Páez Chávez Joseph , Zhang Jiajia , Tian Jiyuan , Guo Bingyong , Prasad Shyam
Published: September 2020

The vibro-impact capsule system has been studied extensively in the past decade because of its research challenges as a piecewise-smooth dynamical system and broad applications in engineering and healthcare technologies. This paper reports our team’s first attempt to scale down the prototype of the vibro-impact capsule to millimetre size, which is 26 mm in length and 11 mm in diameter, aiming for small-bowel endoscopy. Firstly, an existing mathematical model of the prototype and its mathematical formulation as a piecewise-smooth dynamical system are reviewed in order to carry out numerical optimisation for the prototype by means of path-following techniques. Our numerical analysis shows that the prototype can achieve a high progression speed up to 14.4 mm/s while avoiding the collision between the inner mass and the capsule which could lead to less propulsive force on the capsule so causing less discomfort on the patient. Secondly, the experimental rig and procedure for testing the prototype are introduced, and some preliminary experimental results are presented. Finally, experimental results are compared with the numerical results to validate the optimisation as well as the feasibility of the vibro-impact technique for the potential of a controllable endoscopic procedure.
Ovarian transposition
Authors: Reiser Elisabeth , Böttcher Bettina , Minasch Danijela , Mangesius Julian , Toth Bettina
Published: September 2020

Cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens and radiotherapy can lead to acute ovarian failure, premature ovarian insufficiency and menopause. Fertility preservation options before radiotherapy include ovarian transposition, where one or both ovaries are placed outside the radiation field. However, the efficacy of ovarian transposition is questioned, as the conservation of ovarian function varies between 17 and 95% in the literature.
Assessing Inner Ear Volumetric Measurements by Using Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Imaging of High-Resolution Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Hiller Jan , Nour-Eldin Nour-Eldin Abdelrehim , Gruber-Rouh Tatjana , Burck Iris , Harth Marc , Stöver Timo , Vogl Thomas , Naguib Nagy Naguib Naeem
Published: September 2020

The aim of the study was to obtain volumetric data of the components of the inner ear using three-dimensional reconstruction of high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Two hundred three CBCT image series of the temporal bone from 118 anatomically normal patients (55 women and 63 men; mean age: 49.4 ± 20.4 years) with different suspected disorders were included in this study. Normative volumetric measurements of the inner ear, the cochlea, the semicircular canals (SSC), and the vestibule were determined using a semi-automated reconstruction method of the Workstation. Volumetric measurements were successfully completed in all 118 patients. Mean inner ear, cochlear, and vestibule volumes were statistically significantly larger in males than in females on both sides (p < 0.001). Regarding the semicircular canals, no statistically significant (p = 0.053) volume difference was found. The difference between the volumes on both sides was not significant. No correlation between the patient’s age and the volume of the compartments was seen (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between mean bony inner ear volumes when the clinical diagnoses were compared (p > 0.05 for all clinical diagnoses and volumes). Our study concluded that three-dimensional reconstruction and assessment of the volumetric measurements of the inner ear can be obtained using high-resolution CBCT imaging.
Where is the Love in Environmental Education Research? A Diffractive Analysis of Steiner, Ecosomaesthetics and Biophilia
Authors: Blom Simone M. , Aguayo Claudio , Carapeto Teresa
Published: September 2020

In environmental education research (EER), love is revered as a way to heal or mend the human relationship with nature. However, this interpretation of love rests in a humanist paradigm that considers nonhuman nature as external to the human being. To this end, love has generally been considered as an outward emotion,towards nature,and is less considered an inner movement,towards the human as nature. We were interested in exploring this conceptualisation of nature and love of/as nature and question: Is there potential to locate the concept of love in EER through different theoretical positions to explore the possibilities for its (re)conceptualisation? We aim to stretch academic thinking to (re)consider love through identifying where our own research in environmental education has involved love through the intersection of our journeys at the Australian Association of Environmental Education Research Symposium workshop. In response to the context of this workshop, which explored the concept of diffraction as described by Barad, we have chosen to adopt a diffractive analysis as the methodology to analyse our theoretical perspectives of love in EER. We explore the wordlovein this article using diffraction to understand the relationality of human and nonhuman nature through our research interests in Steiner, ecosomaesthetics and biophilia. This process cracked our theoretical silos to more openly consider: Where is the love in EER?
XPS and Electron Microscopy Study of Oxide-Scale Evolution on Ignition Resistant Mg-3Ca Alloy at Low and High Heating Rates
Authors: Villegas-Armenta L. A. , Drew R. A. L. , Pekguleryuz M. O.
Published: September 2020

Earlier work by the authors suggested that the formation of molten eutectic regions in Mg-Ca binary alloys caused a discrepancy in ignition temperature when different heating rates are used. This effect was observed for alloys where Ca content is greater than 1 wt%. In this work, the effect of two heating rates (25 °C/min and 45 °C/min) on the ignition resistance of Mg-3Ca is evaluated in terms of oxide growth using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. It is found that the molten eutectic regions develop a thin oxide scale of ~100 nm rich in Ca at either heating rate. The results prove that under the high heating rate, solid intermetallics are oxidized forming CaO nodules at the metal/oxide interface that eventually contribute to the formation of a thick and non-protective oxide scale in the liquid state.
Evidence of Psychological Targeting but not Psychological Tailoring in Political Persuasion Around Brexit
Authors: Walker Christopher , O’Neill Stephen , de-Wit Lee
Published: September 2020

There are numerous associations between psychological characteristics and political values, but it is unclear whether messages tailored to these psychological characteristics can influence political decisions. Two studies (N = 398, N = 395) tested whether psychological-based argument tailoring could influence participants’ decision-making. We constructed arguments based on the 2016 Brexit referendum; Remain supporters were presented with four arguments supporting the Leave campaign, tailored to reflect the participant’s strongest (/weakest) moral foundation (Loyalty or Fairness) or personality trait (Conscientiousness or Openness). We tested whether individuals scoring high on a trait would find the tailored arguments more persuasive than individuals scoring low on the same trait. We found clear evidence for targeting, particularly for Loyalty, but either no evidence or weak evidence, in the case of Conscientiousness, for tailoring. Overall, the results suggest that targeting political messages could be effective, but provide either no, or weak evidence that tailoring these messages influences political decision-making.
Spatiotemporal characterization of laser pulse amplification in double-pass active mirror geometry
Authors: Liu Tinghao , Liu Qiang , Sui Zhan , Gong Mali , Fu Xing
Published: September 2020

We present a spatiotemporal model of pulse amplification in the double-pass active mirror (AM) geometry. Three types of overlap condition are studied, and the spatiotemporal scaling under the four-pulse overlapping (4PO) condition is fully characterized for the first time, by mapping the temporal and spatial segments of beam to the instantaneous gain windows. Furthermore, the influence of spatiotemporal overlaps on the amplified energy, pulse distortion and intensity profile is unraveled for both AM and zigzag configurations. The model, verified by excellent agreement between the predicted and measured results, can be a powerful tool for designing and optimizing high energy multi-pass solid-state laser amplifiers with AM, zigzag and other geometries.
Homelessness and the ‘over-judicialisation’ of welfare
Authors: Laurie Emma
Published: September 2020

Members of the senior judiciary have expressed concern about the ‘over-judicialisation’ of welfare in the context of homelessness decision-making and adjudication. This paper examines how those fears have been manifested and makes a link with the concept of proportionate dispute resolution (PDR). It argues that the statutory scheme incorporates elements of PDR and judges should therefore refrain from introducing additional layers. The courts’ denial of the application of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights to the homelessness context is disputed, and the paper makes the case for continuing rigorous judicial oversight of front-line decision-making, recommending that attention is focused on assessing procedural safeguards rather than disputing the ambit of Article 6.
Understanding opposition to human gene editing
Authors: Halstead Isaac , Lewis Gary J.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Recent advances in gene editing technology promise much for medical advances and human well-being. However, in parallel domains, there have been objections to the use of such biotechnologies. Moreover, the psychological factors that govern the willingness to use gene editing technology have been underexplored to date. In this registered report, we sought to test whether pathogen disgust sensitivity is linked with opposition to gene editing. U.K.-based adult participants (N= 347) were recruited to this study. Gene editing attitudes reflected two largely distinct latent factors concerning enhancing human traits and treating medical disorders. In contrast to prediction, pathogen disgust sensitivity was related to greater support for gene editing in both of these domains. This result suggests that gene editing, at least in the current study, is not viewed as pathogenic, or that the perceived benefits of gene editing outweigh any perceived pathogen risk.
Politics Feeds Back: The Minority/Majority Turnout Gap and Citizenship in Anti-Immigrant Times
Authors: Simonsen Kristina Bakkær
Published: September 2020

Voting is a democratic virtue and an important mechanism for citizens to let their voices be heard. However, citizens do not participate in politics at equal levels, with consequences for their political power. While turnout gaps between different socioeconomic groups are well researched, the biggest gap in many Western European countries today has been overlooked: that between the children of immigrants (minority youths) and the majority population. I argue that existing theories fall short in addressing this gap because they do not attend to the distinctly political forces that shape citizens’ relationships to politics. Building on the policy-feedback literature, and analyzing seventy-one in-depth interviews with minority and majority youths in Denmark, I show that because these groups are targeted very differently in policy and political discourse, they have substantially different conceptions of politics and their status as citizens. Many minority youths react to anti-immigrant political messages by dissociating from politics, but I warn against interpreting their quiescence as political apathy. Instead, dissociating from politics can be a strategy to reclaim power over their self-understanding and can be experienced as empowering. These findings challenge classic conceptualizations of political engagement and open discussion about how to understand political behavior in increasingly diverse societies.
Contrasting Recent Trends in Southern Hemisphere Westerlies Across Different Ocean Basins
Authors: Waugh Darryn W. , Banerjee Antara , Fyfe John C. , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: September 2020

Many studies have documented the trends in the latitudinal position and strength of the midlatitude westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere. However, very little attention has been paid to the longitudinal variations of these trends. Here, we specifically focus on the zonal asymmetries in the southern hemisphere wind trends between 1980 and 2018. Meteorological reanalyses show a large strengthening and a statistically insignificant equatorward shift of peak near‐surface winds over the Pacific, in contrast to a weaker strengthening and significant poleward shift over the Atlantic and Indian Ocean sectors. The reanalysis trends fall within the ensemble spread for historical climate model simulations, showing that climate models are able to capture the observed trends. Climate model simulations indicate that the differential movement of the peak westerlies is a manifestation of internal variability and is not a forced response. Implications of these asymmetries for other components of the climate system are discussed.
Nano‐Magnetite Aggregates in Red Soil on Low Magnetic Bedrock, Their Changes During Source‐Sink Transfer, and Implications for Paleoclimate Studies
Authors: Zhang Qi , Appel Erwin , Hu Shouyun , Pennington Robert S. , Meyer Jannik , Neumann Udo , Burchard Michael , Allstädt Frederik , Wang Longsheng , Koutsodendris Andreas
Published: September 2020

Soil and lake sediments are important paleoclimate archives often forming a source‐sink setting. To better understand magnetic properties in such settings, we studied red soil on low‐magnetic bedrock and subrecent sediments of Caohai Lake (CL) in Heqing Basin, China. Red soil is the only important source material for the CL sediments, it is highly magnetic with susceptibilities (χ) of ~10−5 m3/kg. The red soil is dominated by pedogenic nano‐magnetite (~10–15 nm) arranged in aggregates of ~100 nm, with particle interaction that causes a wide effective grain size distribution in the superparamagnetic (SP) range tailing into stable single‐domain behavior. Transmission electron microscopy and broadband frequency χ(f) suggest partial disintegration of the aggregates and increased alteration of the nanoparticles to hematite during transfer of red soil material to CL. This shifts the domain state behavior to smaller effective magnetic grain sizes, resulting in lower χfd% and χ values, and a characteristic change of χ(f). The SP‐stable single‐domain distribution of the aggregates in red soil could be climate dependent, and the ratio of saturation remanence to χ is a potential bedrock‐specific paleoclimate proxy reflecting it. Magnetic properties of the CL sediments are controlled by an assemblage of nanoparticle aggregates and larger‐sized bedrock‐derived magnetite. The results challenge the validity of the previous paleoclimate interpretation from the 168‐m‐long Core‐HQ (900–30 ka) in Heqing Basin. Disintegration of aggregates could lead to SP behavior with low χfd% without extinction of individual magnetite nanoparticles, and the χfd%‐based assumption of SP magnetite dissolution may be wrong.
Characterizations and Potential Formation Pathways of Atmospheric Inorganic Ions at a National Background Site in the Northeastern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau During Autumn Season
Authors: Han Bin , Yang Wen , Wang Jing , Zhao Xueyan , Yin Baohui , Wang Xinhua , Geng Chunmei , Dou Xiaoyan , Xu Xun , Bai Zhipeng
Published: September 2020

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) imposes uncertain impacts on both radiative forcing and human health. Ambient PM has been comprehensively studied in China's megacities, while its compositions, sources, and characterizations in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) are not fully understood. An autumn observation campaign was conducted during 1–14 October 2013 at a national background monitoring station (3,295 m above sea level, a.s.l.) in the QTP. Real time concentrations of inorganic water‐soluble ions (WSIs) associated with PM2.5 (PM with aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 2.5 μm) were measured in addition to PM2.5 concentrations, gaseous pollutants, and meteorological parameters. SO42− was the most abundant WSI (10.0 μg/m3) followed by NH4+ (2.0 μg/m3), and NO3− (1.7 μg/m3). Observed WSI concentrations were higher as compared to other QTP monitoring sites and some remote sites. The levels of SO42− were comparable to concentrations of some urban sites. The correlation analysis disclosed the relationship among WSIs and other gaseous pollutants and discussed the possibilities of biomass burning as the potential sources. Extended aerosol inorganic model (E‐AIM) model results revealed that particulate sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium (SNA) existed in both liquid and solid phases. High sulfate and nitrate oxidation ratios indicated strong secondary formation of both SO42− and NO3−. By analyzing the relationship among SOR/NOR, RH, and O3, we found that both photochemical and heterogeneous reactions contributed to the formation of SO42−, while the conversion of NO2 to NO3− was likely to occur via photochemical reactions in the presence of high O3 concentrations and strong sunlight.
A Novelty Massive MIMO Channel Model Based on the Birth‐and‐Death Process of Spatial Multipath Cluster
Authors: Lu Yanping , Zhang Yongjun , Fu Liqin , Qiu Jiahui , Liu Kai , Li Qichang
Published: September 2020

In this paper a novelty Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) channel model based on the birth‐and‐death process of multipath clusters is proposed. First, Massive MIMO measurements are conducted in typical outdoSor scenarios with the bandwidth of 100 MHz at frequencies of 1.4725 and 6 GHz, respectively, following with the investigation of radio propagation characteristics over antenna array. Then we research on the subchannel correlation and nonstationary based on the channel sounding experiments. Furthermore, we build up a Markov chain to characterize the birth‐and‐death process of the multipath clusters over the array, which is helpful to bring deeply insight into the cluster evolution over the antenna array axis. And the analysis results are consistent with the theory of the cluster's visible region. At last, the paper systematically demonstrates how does the spatial correlation influence the capacity of the communication system. The whole research work aims to contribute the radio channel modeling of the fifth‐generation (5G) Massive MIMO communication system.
Radiometric Measurements of Atmospheric Attenuation Over a Tropical Location
Authors: De Arijit , Maitra Animesh
Published: September 2020

The information of atmospheric attenuation at Ka‐band is important during rain and clear air condition. In this paper, Ka‐band attenuation data obtained from radiometric measurements at Kolkata, India (22°034′E, 88°022′N) have been presented. The role of water vapor is examined in determining the behavior of atmospheric attenuation during and without rain condition at 22.24, 26.24, and 31.4 GHz frequencies. It has been observed that at lower rain rate (<5 mm/hr), attenuation at 22.24 GHz is the highest among three frequencies due to water vapor absorption at this frequency. Millimeter Wave Propagation (MPM) model has been used to observe the contribution of rain and water vapor in determining atmospheric attenuation for different rain rates. It has been noted that at 22.24 GHz, water vapor attenuation is comparable to the rain attenuation up to 5 mm/hr. The measured attenuation from radiometer has been compared with ITU‐R model‐generated data and both the attenuation data match reasonably well up to rain rate 20 mm/hr. The attenuation obtained from radiometric measurements shows saturation with increasing rain rate due to the darkening effect. The ITU‐R frequency scaling model has been used to compare the measured and calculated attenuation at 31.4 GHz. This study gives some useful information about the radiometric measurements of atmospheric attenuation at a tropical location that shows that not only rain rate but also water vapor is an important cause of attenuation at Ka‐band.
An unanticipated tumor-suppressive role of the SUMO pathway in the intestine unveiled by Ubc9 haploinsufficiency
Authors: López Ignacio , Chalatsi Eleftheria , Ellenbroek Saskia I. J. , Andrieux Alexandra , Roux Pierre-François , Cerapio Juan P. , Jouvion Grégory , van Rheenen Jacco , Seeler Jacob-S. , Dejean Anne
Published: September 2020

Sumoylation is an essential posttranslational modification in eukaryotes that has emerged as an important pathway in oncogenic processes. Most human cancers display hyperactivated sumoylation and many cancer cells are remarkably sensitive to its inhibition, thus supporting application of chemical sumoylation inhibitors in cancer treatment. Here we show, first, that transformed embryonic fibroblasts derived from mice haploinsufficient for Ubc9, the essential and unique gene encoding the SUMO E2 conjugating enzyme, exhibit enhanced proliferation and transformed phenotypes in vitro and as xenografts ex vivo. To then evaluate the possible impact of loss of one Ubc9 allele in vivo, we used a mouse model of intestinal tumorigenesis. We crossed Ubc9+/− mice with mice harboring a conditional ablation of Apc either all along the crypt–villus axis or only in Lgr5+ crypt-based columnar (CBC) cells, the cell compartment that includes the intestinal stem cells proposed as cells-of-origin of intestinal cancer. While Ubc9+/− mice display no overt phenotypes and no globally visible hyposumoylation in cells of the small intestine, we found, strikingly, that, upon loss of Apc in both models, Ubc9+/− mice develop more (>2-fold) intestinal adenomas and show significantly shortened survival. This is accompanied by reduced global sumoylation levels in the polyps, indicating that Ubc9 levels become critical upon oncogenic stress. Moreover, we found that, in normal conditions, Ubc9+/− mice show a moderate but robust (15%) increase in the number of Lgr5+ CBC cells when compared to their wild-type littermates, and further, that these cells display higher degree of stemness and cancer-related and inflammatory gene expression signatures that, altogether, may contribute to enhanced intestinal tumorigenesis. The phenotypes of Ubc9 haploinsufficiency discovered here indicate an unanticipated tumor-suppressive role of sumoylation, one that may have important implications for optimal use of sumoylation inhibitors in the clinic.
Integration of absolute multi-omics reveals dynamic protein-to-RNA ratios and metabolic interplay within mixed-domain microbiomes
Authors: Delogu F. , Kunath B. J. , Evans P. N. , Arntzen M. Ø. , Hvidsten T. R. , Pope P. B.
Published: September 2020

While the field of microbiology has adapted to the study of complex microbiomes via modern meta-omics techniques, we have not updated our basic knowledge regarding the quantitative levels of DNA, RNA and protein molecules within a microbial cell, which ultimately control cellular function. Here we report the temporal measurements of absolute RNA and protein levels per gene within a mixed bacterial-archaeal consortium. Our analysis of this data reveals an absolute protein-to-RNA ratio of 102–104 for bacterial populations and 103–105 for an archaeon, which is more comparable to Eukaryotic representatives’ humans and yeast. Furthermore, we use the linearity between the metaproteome and metatranscriptome over time to identify core functional guilds, hence using a fundamental biological feature (i.e., RNA/protein levels) to highlight phenotypical complementarity. Our findings show that upgrading multi-omic toolkits with traditional absolute measurements unlocks the scaling of core biological questions to dynamic and complex microbiomes, creating a deeper insight into inter-organismal relationships that drive the greater community function.
SPT6-driven error-free DNA repair safeguards genomic stability of glioblastoma cancer stem-like cells
Authors: Obara Elisabeth Anne Adanma , Aguilar-Morante Diana , Rasmussen Rikke Darling , Frias Alex , Vitting-Serup Kristoffer , Lim Yi Chieh , Elbæk Kirstine Juul , Pedersen Henriette , Vardouli Lina , Jensen Kamilla Ellermann , Skjoth-Rasmussen Jane , Brennum Jannick , Tuckova Lucie , Strauss Robert , Dinant Christoffel , Bartek Jiri , Hamerlik Petra
Published: September 2020

Glioblastoma cancer-stem like cells (GSCs) display marked resistance to ionizing radiation (IR), a standard of care for glioblastoma patients. Mechanisms underpinning radio-resistance of GSCs remain largely unknown. Chromatin state and the accessibility of DNA lesions to DNA repair machineries are crucial for the maintenance of genomic stability. Understanding the functional impact of chromatin remodeling on DNA repair in GSCs may lay the foundation for advancing the efficacy of radio-sensitizing therapies. Here, we present the results of a high-content siRNA microscopy screen, revealing the transcriptional elongation factor SPT6 to be critical for the genomic stability and self-renewal of GSCs. Mechanistically, SPT6 transcriptionally up-regulates BRCA1 and thereby drives an error-free DNA repair in GSCs. SPT6 loss impairs the self-renewal, genomic stability and tumor initiating capacity of GSCs. Collectively, our results provide mechanistic insights into how SPT6 regulates DNA repair and identify SPT6 as a putative therapeutic target in glioblastoma.
Graphene transistors for real-time monitoring molecular self-assembly dynamics
Authors: Gobbi Marco , Galanti Agostino , Stoeckel Marc-Antoine , Zyska Bjorn , Bonacchi Sara , Hecht Stefan , Samorì Paolo
Published: September 2020

Mastering the dynamics of molecular assembly on surfaces enables the engineering of predictable structural motifs to bestow programmable properties upon target substrates. Yet, monitoring self-assembly in real time on technologically relevant interfaces between a substrate and a solution is challenging, due to experimental complexity of disentangling interfacial from bulk phenomena. Here, we show that graphene devices can be used as highly sensitive detectors to read out the dynamics of molecular self-assembly at the solid/liquid interface in-situ. Irradiation of a photochromic molecule is used to trigger the formation of a metastable self-assembled adlayer on graphene and the dynamics of this process are monitored by tracking the current in the device over time. In perspective, the electrical readout in graphene devices is a diagnostic and highly sensitive means to resolve molecular ensemble dynamics occurring down to the nanosecond time scale, thereby providing a practical and powerful tool to investigate molecular self-organization in 2D.
Three-dimensional strain dynamics govern the hysteresis in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Passos Aline R. , Rochet Amélie , Manente Luiza M. , Suzana Ana F. , Harder Ross , Cha Wonsuk , Meneau Florian
Published: September 2020

Understanding catalysts strain dynamic behaviours is crucial for the development of cost-effective, efficient, stable and long-lasting catalysts. Here, we reveal in situ three-dimensional strain evolution of single gold nanocrystals during a catalytic CO oxidation reaction under operando conditions with coherent X-ray diffractive imaging. We report direct observation of anisotropic strain dynamics at the nanoscale, where identically crystallographically-oriented facets are qualitatively differently affected by strain leading to preferential active sites formation. Interestingly, the single nanoparticle elastic energy landscape, which we map with attojoule precision, depends on heating versus cooling cycles. The hysteresis observed at the single particle level is following the normal/inverse hysteresis loops of the catalytic performances. This approach opens a powerful avenue for studying, at the single particle level, catalytic nanomaterials and deactivation processes under operando conditions that will enable profound insights into nanoscale catalytic mechanisms.
Ultrasound neuromodulation depends on pulse repetition frequency and can modulate inhibitory effects of TTX
Authors: Manuel Thomas J. , Kusunose Jiro , Zhan Xiaoyan , Lv Xiaohui , Kang Ellison , Yang Aaron , Xiang Zixiu , Caskey Charles F.
Published: September 2020

Ultrasound is gaining traction as a neuromodulation method due to its ability to remotely and non-invasively modulate neuronal activity with millimeter precision. However, there is little consensus about optimal ultrasound parameters required to elicit neuromodulation and how specific parameters drive mechanisms that underlie ultrasound neuromodulation. We address these questions in this work by performing a study to determine effective ultrasound parameters in a transgenic mouse brain slice model that enables calcium imaging as a quantitative readout of neuronal activity for ultrasound neuromodulation. We report that (1) calcium signaling increases with the application of ultrasound; (2) the neuronal response rate to ultrasound is dependent on pulse repetition frequency (PRF); and (3) ultrasound can reversibly alter the inhibitory effects of tetrodotoxin (TTX) in pharmacological studies. This study offers mechanistic insight into the PRF dependence of ultrasound neuromodulation and the nature of ultrasound/ion channel interaction.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Investigation of Zr(iv) and 89Zr(iv) complexation with hydroxamates: progress towards designing a better chelator than desferrioxamine B for immuno-PET imaging”’ by A. Bianchi and M. Savastano, Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, D0CC01189D
Authors: Guérard François , Lee Yong-Sok , Tripier Raphaël , Szajek Lawrence P. , Deschamps Jeffrey R. , Brechbiel Martin W.
Published: September 2020

The relevance of simplified models used for potentiometric data interpretation is discussed in the context of radiolabelling chemistry (herein the complexation of a radiometal, 89Zr, by a ligand L).
Semiliquid electrolytes with anion-adsorbing metal–organic frameworks for high-rate lithium batteries
Authors: Shen Li , Li Xinru , Lu Xing , Kong Dejia , Fortini Alexis , Zhang Chen , Lu Yunfeng
Published: September 2020

Adding particles of metal–organic frameworks into liquid electrolytes produces semiliquid electrolytes, which are suitably applicable for lithium batteries that require durability under high-rate operation.
8-Aminoquinoline as a bidentate traceless directing group for Cu-catalyzed selective B(4,5)–H disulfenylation ofo-carboranes
Authors: Chen Yu , Quan Yangjian , Xie Zuowei
Published: September 2020

A traceless bidentate directing group guided copper catalyzed cage B(4,5)–H disulfenylation ofo-carboranes has been achieved, where thein situdeparture of 8-aminoquinoline circumvents additional process for directing group removal.
Full-dimensional potential energy surface for acetylacetone and tunneling splittings
Authors: Qu Chen , Conte Riccardo , Houston Paul L. , Bowman Joel M.
Published: September 2020

New, full-dimensional potential energy surface for acetylacetone allows for description of H-tunneling dynamics and characterization of stationary points.
Fundamental studies of functional nucleic acids: aptamers, riboswitches, ribozymes and DNAzymes
Authors: Micura Ronald , Höbartner Claudia
Published: September 2020

This review juxtaposes commonversusdistinct structural and functional strategies that are applied by aptamers, riboswitches, and ribozymes/DNAzymes.
Diurnal and weekly patterns of primary pollutants in Beijing under COVID-19 restrictions
Authors: Brimblecombe Peter , Lai Yonghang
Published: September 2020

Restrictions on movement in Beijing to limit the COVID-19 epidemic tended to change the daily and weekly cycles of emissions of primary pollutants.
Asia Pacific road transportation emissions, 1900–2050
Authors: He Xiaoyi , Shen Wei , Wallington Timothy J. , Zhang Shaojun , Wu Xiaomeng , Bao Zuguo , Wu Ye
Published: September 2020

We present an assessment of the historical and future emissions of on-road transportation and strategies to tackle emission challenges in Asia Pacific.
2020 Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry, January 13–18, 2020, Tucson, Arizona
Authors: Barnes Ramon M.
Published: September 2020

Guest Editor Ramon M. Barnes introduces this year’s themed collection on the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry.
Vibration motor-integrated low-cost, miniaturized system for rapid quantification of red blood cell aggregation
Authors: Namgung Bumseok , Lee Taewoo , Tan Justin Kok Soon , Poh Daren Kiat How , Park Soyeon , Chng Kevin Ziyang , Agrawal Rupesh , Park Sung-Yong , Leo Hwa Liang , Kim Sangho
Published: September 2020

A low-cost portable device was developed with a coin vibration motor for quantification of red blood cell aggregation.
Salt-templated synthesis of 3D porous foam-like C3N4 towards high-performance photodegradation of tetracyclines
Authors: Tang Qingquan , Niu Ran , Gong Jiang
Published: September 2020

3D porous foam-like C3N4 is prepared by a salt-templated method, and it shows 64 times higher efficiency than bulk C3N4 in degrading tetracyclines.
Insights Into Conducting Audiological Research With Clinical Databases
Authors: Dillard Lauren K. , Saunders Gabrielle H. , Zobay Oliver , Naylor Graham
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The clinical data stored in electronic health records (EHRs) provide unique opportunities for audiological clinical research. In this article, we share insights from our experience of working with a large clinical database of over 730,000 cases.

Method

Under a framework outlining the process from patient care to researcher data use, we describe issues that can arise in each step of this process and how we overcame specific issues in our data set.

Results

Correct interpretation of findings depends on an understanding of the data source and structure, and efforts to establish confidence in the data through the processes are discussed under the framework.

Conclusion

We conclude that EHRs have considerable utility in audiological research, though researchers must exhibit caution and consideration when working with EHRs.
Development of the Basic Auditory Skills Evaluation Battery for Online Testing of Cochlear Implant Listeners
Authors: Shafiro Valeriy , Hebb Megan , Walker Chad , Oh Jasper , Hsiao Ying , Brown Kelly , Sheft Stanley , Li Yan , Vasil Kara , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Cochlear implant (CI) performance varies considerably across individuals and across domains of auditory function, but clinical testing is typically restricted to speech intelligibility. The goals of this study were (a) to develop a basic auditory skills evaluation battery of tests for comprehensive assessment of ecologically relevant aspects of auditory perception and (b) to compare CI listeners' performance on the battery when tested in the laboratory by an audiologist or independently at home.

Method

The battery included 17 tests to evaluate (a) basic spectrotemporal processing, (b) processing of music and environmental sounds, and (c) speech perception in both quiet and background noise. The battery was administered online to three groups of adult listeners: two groups of postlingual CI listeners and a group of older normal-hearing (ONH) listeners of similar age. The ONH group and one CI group were tested in a laboratory by an audiologist, whereas the other CI group self-tested independently at home following online instructions.

Results

Results indicated a wide range in the performance of CI but not ONH listeners. Significant differences were not found between the two CI groups on any test, whereas on all but two tests, CI listeners' performance was lower than that of the ONH participants. Principal component analysis revealed that four components accounted for 82% of the variance in measured results, with component loading indicating that the test battery successfully captures differences across dimensions of auditory perception.

Conclusions

These results provide initial support for the use of the basic auditory skills evaluation battery for comprehensive online assessment of auditory skills in adult CI listeners.
Examining Caregiver Knowledge of Shared Book Reading Practices for Infants and Toddlers Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: A Pilot Study
Authors: Farquharson Kelly , Babeu Carolyn
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) often report difficulty engaging their children in successful reading experiences. Shared book reading (SBR) is associated with many aspects of language growth for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. The primary purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 4-week training program in improving caregiver knowledge of emergent literacy features and SBR practices for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

Method

Three caregivers with infants or toddlers who were DHH attended a 4-week SBR training. Each week focused on a specific language or literacy construct taught within the context of a picture storybook. Pre- and posttest questionnaires were used to assess caregivers' knowledge of SBR and early literacy. An additional follow-up questionnaire was completed to rate self-perceived changes in confidence levels and overall satisfaction with the training.

Results

All caregivers made gains in knowledge of shared-book reading practices. Caregivers reported increased confidence in their ability to implement SBR practices at home with their child who was DHH. Caregivers also shared important insight regarding ways in which this pilot program can be improved for the future.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the field by determining that knowledge gains and increased confidence can result from a brief caregiver training, as well as providing suggestive feedback for future trainings of this nature. Our supplemental materials include the PowerPoint files that were used for this training. Early identification of young children who are DHH and the provision of appropriate amplification or hearing technology, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, has given children greater access to oral language. Early provision of services may provide families the support they need to become actively involved in promoting their child's linguistic development (Moeller, 2000). Family involvement, in the form of parent–child reading, has led to gains within receptive and expressive vocabulary, narrative skills, and later reading comprehension for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH;Ezell et al., 2000;Hargrave & Sénéchal, 2000;Zevenbergen & Whitehurst, 2003). The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the extent to which a 4-week SBR training influences caregiver knowledge of important early literacy concepts and results in increased confidence levels in caregivers of infants and toddlers who are DHH.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12948830
Interprofessional Collaboration: Training Preservice Adapted Physical Education Teachers to Facilitate Peer Engagement Among Children With Disabilities
Authors: Daughrity Belinda , Bittner Melissa , Ocampo Alaine , Lavay Barry , Chevalier Shauna , Jimenez Susana , Le Andrew
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and adapted physical education (APE) teachers working in schools have a distinct opportunity to collaborate and serve students with communication and movement needs.

Method

Twenty-three preservice APE teachers were given a brief presentation led by SLPs and then rated using a fidelity checklist during the duration of a summer physical activity camp for children with disabilities. A cumulative link mixed model was used to determine APE preservice teachers' ability to facilitate peer engagement and social interaction among children with disabilities within tasks related to their discipline following speech-language pathology training and live coaching.

Results

Following intervention, preservice APE teachers demonstrated significant gains in increasing peer engagement between campers with disabilities. In addition, observers rated the preservice APE teachers as more skilled in demonstrating comprehension of and implementing the engagement techniques.

Discussion

Results indicate even a brief in-service from SLPs to APE preservice teachers can help them better recognize and support opportunities for peer engagement for children with disabilities while targeting tasks related to their discipline. Future research is warranted with a larger sample size to elucidate collaboration opportunities that promote optimal outcomes for children with needs across disciplines.
Intérêt de l’intervention orthophonique auprès d’adultes devenus sourds en difficulté d’adaptation prothétique
Authors: Cailleteau Charlotte
Published: September 2020

Les patients présentant des difficultés à s’adapter à leur appareillage auditif peuvent bénéficier d’une prise en charge orthophonique.
Cette dernière s’articule autour de 3 axes principaux : l’accompagnement thérapeutique, la lecture labiale et l’entraînement auditif.
Afin de montrer l’importance de ce travail de rééducation, 8 patients ayant bénéficié d’un suivi orthophonique ont été recrutés. Les
données des bilans orthophoniques pré et post-rééducation ont été croisées avec des entretiens semi-dirigés. Les résultats montrent
que la plupart des patients n’identifient pas d’effet notable de l’entraînement auditif et de la lecture labiale sur leur compréhension
du message verbal. Cependant, l’accompagnement thérapeutique tient une place prépondérante dans le suivi et permet d’assurer une
meilleure compréhension et acceptation de la surdité. Cela influe sur la capacité du patient à mettre en place des stratégies afin de
pouvoir communiquer de façon efficace avec son environnement.
Coordination mechanisms of a three-layer supply chain under demand and supply risk uncertainties
Authors: Giri Bibhas C. , Majhi Joyanta Kumar , Chaudhuri Kripasindhu
Published: September 2020

This paper considers a newsvendor model for a single product to focus on the importance of coordination under demand and supply uncertainties where the raw materials are procured from two unreliable suppliers without any emergency resource; the main supplier (which is cheaper but more unreliable) is prone to random supply disruption and, therefore, it can satisfy all or nothing of the buyer’s order, while the backup supplier (which is expensive but less unreliable) is prone to random yield and, therefore, can satisfy only a random fraction of the buyer’s order. From the numerical results, we observe that it would be optimal to over-utilize the backup supplier and under-utilize the main supplier if the maximum growth in supply risk results from supply disruption. On the other hand, when the growth in supply risk occurs mainly due to increase in yield risk, the optimal risk mitigation strategy would be to increase the use of the backup supplier and decrease the use of the main supplier. We propose the price only contract and a new revenue sharing contract to mitigate demand and supply uncertainties in the decentralized model, and observe that the revenue sharing contract can fully coordinate the supply chain with win–win outcome for all entities involved in the supply chain.
Colorectal Hamartoma Presenting As a Perineal Mass in a Boy with Proximal Hypospadias
Authors: Wolffenbuttel Katja P. , Sloots Cornelius E. J.
Published: September 2020

Congenital perineal lesions are rare and can occur along with other birth defects such as anorectal malformations (ARMs) and urogenital anomalies. A colorectal hamartoma associated with a urogenital anomaly without ARM is extremely rare. We recently treated a newborn with posterior hypospadias and a solid perineal mass diagnosed as a colorectal hamartoma.
Three Case Reports of Intravenous Leiomyomatosis with Intracardiac Extensions
Authors: Deng Yundan , Song Bing
Published: September 2020

Background Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare disease. Histologically, intravenous leiomyomatosis is a benign tumor, but its biological behavior can be malignant. The development of intracardiac extensions leads to congestive heart failure and occasionally sudden fatalities.

Case Description The cases of three patients treated at our university between 2017 and 2018 were studied retrospectively. Intravenous tumors extending into the right heart system were fully removed without perioperative complications or death. Only one tumor recurrence was observed during the followed-up period.

Conclusion The gold standard for the treatment of intravenous leiomyomatosis with intracardiac extension is complete and successful surgical resection.
Interactions of Vectorial Light with Matter
Authors: Larter Raima
Published: September 2020

The emerging research area of vectorial light-matter interaction, and its potential for classical and quantum applications is reviewed.
Two-dimensional GaTe/Bi2Se3 heterostructure: A
promising direct Z-scheme water splitting photocatalyst
Authors: Tian Shu-min , Meng Jie , Huang Jing , Li Qun-xiang
Published: September 2020

Among various photocatalytic materials, Z-scheme photocatalysts have drawn tremendous research interest due to high photocatalytic performance in solar water splitting. Here, we perform extensive hybrid density functional theory calculations to explore electronic structures, interfacial charge transfer, electrostatic potential profile, optical absorption properties, and photocatalytic properties of a proposed two-dimensional (2D) small-lattice-mismatched GaTe/Bi2Se3 heterostructure. Theoretical results clearly reveal that the examined het-erostructure with a small direct band gap can effectively harvest the broad spectrum of the incoming sunlight. Due to the relative strong interfacial built-in electric field in the heterostructure and the small band gap between the valence band maximum of GaTe monolayer and the conduction band minimum of Bi2Se3 nanosheet with slight band edge bending, these photogenerated carriers transfer via Z-scheme pathway, which results in the photogenerated electrons and holes effectively separating into the GaTe monolayer and the Bi2Se3 nanosheet for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, respectively. Our results imply that the artificial 2D GaTe/Bi2Se3 is a promising Z-scheme photocatalyst for overall solar water splitting.
Study of the effect of the offset phase in time-delay electro-optical systems
Authors: Talla Mbé Jimmi H. , Woafo Paul
Published: September 2020

We show that the effect of the offset phase on the dynamics of the time-delay optoelectronic oscillators that is observed experimentally can be explained in terms of switching between the subcritical and supercritical Hopf bifurcations. The domains of the offset phase for which the system functions are determined analytically. We also show that the width of these domains exceptionally depends on the interplay between the three time scales of the system. Our theoretical results fit with the experimental measurements.