bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Message from the Chair of the NoRME board
Authors: Andresen Mette
Published: December 2024

I was appointed as the new Chair of the NoRME board at NORMA14 ...
Trade and economic cooperation between the EAEU and Iran
Authors: Chekhlyaeva Sabina Saidumarovna , Sokolov Vladislav
Published: December 2024

The subject of the study is trade and economic cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The object of the study is the economic relations between the EAEU and Iran in the context of the development of regional integration and geopolitical changes. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as the dynamics of trade turnover between the EAEU countries and Iran, the structure of exports and imports, the regulatory framework for cooperation, including the 2018 Interim Free Trade Area Agreement and the new permanent Agreement ratified in 2024. The research methodology is based on the principles of historical objectivity and systematicity, using general scientific methods of systemic, dialectical and comparative analysis, as well as special legal, political science and historical methods. The scientific novelty of the work lies in a comprehensive analysis of not only the economic, but also the political aspects of cooperation between the EAEU and Iran, as well as in identifying key problems hindering the development of trade relations. The main conclusions of the study are: a significant increase in trade turnover between the EAEU and Iran in recent years, despite external economic challenges; the strategic importance of deepening economic cooperation for all participants; the need to further improve the institutional and infrastructural base of interaction. The novelty of the research lies in identifying the key problems of the development of trade relations and proposing specific ways to solve them, taking into account the latest geopolitical and economic trends. The author concludes that despite the existing barriers, cooperation between the EAEU and Iran has significant potential for growth, especially in the fields of energy, transport logistics and the digital economy.
State registration of industrial heritage monuments in the Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions (1940-1980s): comparative analysis
Authors: Lakhtionova Elizaveta Sergeevna
Published: December 2024

The object of the study is monuments of industrial heritage on the territory of the Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions in the 1940-1980s. The subject of the study is the final stage of registering these monuments with the state, associated with the inclusion of these objects in the state lists of monuments. The purpose of the work is to conduct a comparative analysis of the number of industrial heritage objects registered with the state as monuments. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that until now no one has dealt with the problem posed in this article. The sources were lists of historical and cultural monuments in the Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions. Some of the sources are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The methodology of the work consisted of a series of stages, implying the use of both general scientific methods and special historical ones. As a result, the author comes to the conclusion that by 1989, 37 objects of industrial heritage were registered with the state in the Sverdlovsk region, and 22 objects in the Chelyabinsk region. In relation to the total number of historical and cultural monuments registered, this amounted to 5.8 and 5.6%, respectively. Geographically, the monuments were concentrated not only in regional centers, but also in smaller cities. 18 industrial heritage sites in the Sverdlovsk region had the status of monuments of republican significance, and in the Chelyabinsk region only 1 site had this status. 54 objects out of 59 in both regions were registered as monuments of urban planning and architecture. The author came to the conclusion that the activities for state registration of industrial heritage monuments in the Sverdlovsk region were carried out a little more targeted and efficiently compared to the Chelyabinsk region.
Prevalence of hand-arm vibration syndrome among tyre shop workers in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Qamruddin Asraf Ahmad , Nik Husain Nik Rosmawati , Sidek Mohd Yusof , Hanafi Muhd Hafiz , Ripin Zaidi Mohd , Ali Nizam
Published: July 2019

Background

Prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration is associated with a disorder of the vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems of the upper limb known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Currently, the evidence of HAVS in tropical environments is limited.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and severity of HAVS among tyre shop workers in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 200 tyre shop workers from two districts in Kelantan was performed. Part one data were collected at the field using questionnaire, and hand-arm vibration was measured. Part two involved a set of hand clinical examinations. The workers were divided into high (≥5 m s−2) and low/moderate (<5 m s-2) exposure group according to their 8-hr time weighted average [A(8)] of vibration exposure. The differences between the two exposure group were then compared.

Results

The prevalence of the vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal symptoms was 12.5% (95% CI 10.16 to 14.84), 37.0% (95% CI 30.31 to 43.69), and 44.5% (95% CI 37.61 to 51.38) respectively. When divided according to their exposure statuses, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of HAVS for all three components of vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal (22.68% vs 2.91%, 62.89% vs 12.62% and 50.52% and 38.83%) respectively. All the clinical examinations findings also significantly differed between the two groups with the high exposure group having a higher abnormal result.

Conclusion

Exposure to high A(8) of vibration exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of all three component of HAVS. There is a need for better control of vibration exposure in Malaysia.
Phosphatidic acid in membrane rearrangements
Authors: Zhukovsky Mikhail A. , Filograna Angela , Luini Alberto , Corda Daniela , Valente Carmen
Published: July 2019

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is the simplest cellular glycerophospholipid characterized by unique biophysical properties: a small headgroup; negative charge; and a phosphomonoester group. Upon interaction with lysine or arginine, PA charge increases from −1 to −2 and this change stabilizes protein–lipid interactions. The biochemical properties of PA also allow interactions with lipids in several subcellular compartments. Based on this feature, PA is involved in the regulation and amplification of many cellular signalling pathways and functions, as well as in membrane rearrangements. Thereby, PA can influence membrane fusion and fission through four main mechanisms: it is a substrate for enzymes producing lipids (lysophosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol) that are involved in fission or fusion; it contributes to membrane rearrangements by generating negative membrane curvature; it interacts with proteins required for membrane fusion and fission; and it activates enzymes whose products are involved in membrane rearrangements. Here, we discuss the biophysical properties of PA in the context of the above four roles of PA in membrane fusion and fission.
High‐Q Polymer Microcavities Integrated on a Multicore Fiber Facet for Vapor Sensing
Authors: Zhang Siyao , Tang Shui‐Jing , Feng Shengfei , Xiao Yun‐Feng , Cui Wanyin , Wang Xinke , Sun Wenfeng , Ye Jiasheng , Han Peng , Zhang Xinping , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2019

The further development of “lab on fiber” technology demands more powerful optical microsystems and optical fibers with special functions to create sensors with better performance. Whispering gallery microcavities (WGMs) made of different materials with high quality factors show very good sensitivity to gases, nanoparticles, and biocomponents. However, realizing the excitation and detection of the resonant modes of WGMs on the facets of optical fibers is still a great challenge. This work employs the advanced 3D manufacturing technology of two‐photon lithography to fabricate an optical microsystem on the end facet of a multicore optical fiber, which enables excitation and detection of whispering gallery modes on the end facet of an optical fiber. Whispering gallery modes with high quality factors are observed, and the sensing characterization of this device for vapors of three types of volatile organic compounds is investigated. Such optical fiber vapor sensors can be applied in the fields of medical care, environmental monitoring and chemical manufacturing. Additionally, the out‐of‐plane light coupling strategy may be useful for the design of integrated optical circuits on chips.
PEDOT:PSS for Flexible and Stretchable Electronics: Modifications, Strategies, and Applications
Authors: Fan Xi , Nie Wanyi , Tsai Hsinhan , Wang Naixiang , Huang Huihui , Cheng Yajun , Wen Rongjiang , Ma Liujia , Yan Feng , Xia Yonggao
Published: July 2019

Substantial effort has been devoted to both scientific and technological developments of wearable, flexible, semitransparent, and sensing electronics (e.g., organic/perovskite photovoltaics, organic thin‐film transistors, and medical sensors) in the past decade. The key to realizing those functionalities is essentially the fabrication of conductive electrodes with desirable mechanical properties. Conductive polymers (CPs) of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) have emerged to be the most promising flexible electrode materials over rigid metallic oxides and play a critical role in these unprecedented devices as transparent electrodes, hole transport layers, interconnectors, electroactive layers, or motion‐sensing conductors. Here, the current status of research on PEDOT:PSS is summarized including various approaches to boosting the electrical conductivity and mechanical compliance and stability, directly linked to the underlying mechanism of the performance enhancements. Along with the basic principles, the most cutting edge‐progresses in devices with PEDOT:PSS are highlighted. Meanwhile, the advantages and plausible problems of the CPs and as‐fabricated devices are pointed out. Finally, new perspectives are given for CP modifications and device fabrications. This work stresses the importance of developing CP films and reveals their critical role in the evolution of these next‐generation devices featuring wearable, deformable, printable, ultrathin, and see‐through characteristics.
Endoscopically Injectable Shear‐Thinning Hydrogels Facilitating Polyp Removal
Authors: Pang Yan , Liu Jinyao , Moussa Zaina L. , Collins Joy E. , McDonnell Shane , Hayward Alison M. , Jajoo Kunal , Langer Robert , Traverso Giovanni
Published: July 2019

Submucosal elevation, the process of instilling material in the submucosal space for separation of the surface mucosa and deeper muscularis layer, is a significant aspect of the endoscopic mucosal resection of large lesions performed to facilitate lesion removal and maximize safety. Submucosal injection, when applied, has historically been performed with normal saline, though this is limited by its rapid dissipation; solutions ideally need to be easily injectable, biocompatible, and provide a long‐lasting submucosal cushion with a desirable height. Here, reported is a new set of materials, endoscopically injectable shear‐thinning hydrogels, meeting these requirements because of their biocompatible components and ability to form a solid hydrogel upon injection. These findings are supported by evaluation in a large animal model and ultimately demonstrate the potential of these shear‐thinning hydrogels to serve as efficient submucosal injection fluids for cushion development. Given these unique characteristics, their broad application in mucosal resection techniques is anticipated.
3D Printing of Thermoplastic‐Bonded Soft‐ and Hard‐Magnetic Composites: Magnetically Tuneable Architectures and Functional Devices
Authors: Chatzipirpiridis George , Gervasoni Simone , Fischer Cedric , Ergeneman Olgaç , Pellicer Eva , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador
Published: July 2019

Magnetic materials are key players for the development and implementation of novel technologies. However, the integration and tunability of these materials in complex designs remain challenging due to constraints in currently available manufacturing approaches. Herein, the fabrication of 3D printing (3DP) thermoplastic‐bonded magnetic composites is investigated with both tailored geometries and magnetic properties using a customized fused deposition modeling 3D printer. First, the level of complexity that can be achieved by printing magnetic architectures with different geometries is shown. Next, it is shown that architectures with tailored magnetic properties (saturation magnetization and coercivity) can be achieved by combining prints with different magnetic properties (i.e., hard‐ and soft, or hard‐ and semi‐hard). Additionally, to demonstrate the versatility and powerfulness of fused deposition, self‐contained mechanisms, which comprise multiple parts (magnetic and nonmagnetic) without the need for assembly, are successfully fabricated. As an example, planetary magnetic gearboxes are printed with different configurations and their potential applicability as magnetic rotary encoders is demonstrated.
Copper‐Catalyzed Selective Cross‐Couplings of Propargylic Ethers with Aryl Grignard Reagents
Authors: Jiang Yifan , Ma Yangyang , Ma Enlu , Li Zhiping
Published: July 2019

The cross‐coupling reactions of propargylic ethers with aryl Grignard reagents were achieved by using a copper catalyst. The method presents a practical and highly selective approach for the synthesis of propargyl derivatives by using ethyl salicylate as a directing leaving group, which highlights the advantages of its easy preparation and recovery.
Systematic Hydrogen‐Bond Manipulations To Establish Polysaccharide Structure–Property Correlations
Authors: Yu Yang , Tyrikos‐Ergas Theodore , Zhu Yuntao , Fittolani Giulio , Bordoni Vittorio , Singhal Ankush , Fair Richard J. , Grafmüller Andrea , Seeberger Peter H. , Delbianco Martina
Published: July 2019

A dense hydrogen‐bond network is responsible for the mechanical and structural properties of polysaccharides. Random derivatization alters the properties of the bulk material by disrupting the hydrogen bonds, but obstructs detailed structure–function correlations. We have prepared well‐defined unnatural oligosaccharides including methylated, deoxygenated, deoxyfluorinated, as well as carboxymethylated cellulose and chitin analogues with full control over the degree and pattern of substitution. Molecular dynamics simulations and crystallographic analysis show how distinct hydrogen‐bond modifications drastically affect the solubility, aggregation behavior, and crystallinity of carbohydrate materials. This systematic approach to establishing detailed structure–property correlations will guide the synthesis of novel, tailor‐made carbohydrate materials.
Hexahalogendiborat‐Dianionen: Eine neue Klasse binärer Borhalogenide
Authors: Bélanger‐Chabot Guillaume , Braunschweig Holger
Published: July 2019

Die elektronenpräzisen binären Borsubhalogenide [B2X6]2− (X=F, Br, I) wurden synthetisiert und strukturell im Festkörper untersucht. Zudem konnte die vermutete Existenz von [B2Cl6]2− mittels Röntgendiffraktometrie nachgewiesen werden. Diese Dianionen sind isoelektronisch zu den Hexahalogeniden des Ethans und können als Homologe des Tetrahalogenborat‐Anions BX4− betrachtet werden. Darüber hinaus gehören sie zu den seltenen Beispielen von elektronenpräzisen binären Borverbindungen (B2X4, BX3, [BX4]−).
The Kirkendall Effect for Engineering Oxygen Vacancy of Hollow Co3O4 Nanoparticles toward High‐Performance Portable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Ji Dongxiao , Fan Li , Tao Lu , Sun Yingjun , Li Menggang , Yang Guorui , Tran Thang Q. , Ramakrishna Seeram , Guo Shaojun
Published: July 2019

Structure and defect control are widely accepted effective strategies to manipulate the activity and stability of catalysts. On a freestanding hierarchically porous carbon microstructure, the tuning of oxygen vacancy in the embedded hollow cobaltosic oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles is demonstrated through the regulation of nanoscale Kirkendall effect. Starting with the embedded cobalt nanoparticles, the concentration of oxygen‐vacancy defect can vary with the degree of Kirkendall oxidation, thus regulating the number of active sites and the catalytic performances. The optimized freestanding catalyst shows among the smallest reversible oxygen overpotential of 0.74 V for catalyzing oxygen reduction/evolution reactions in 0.1 m KOH. Moreover, the catalyst shows promise for substitution of noble metals to boost cathodic oxygen reactions in portable zinc–air batteries. This work provides a strategy to explore catalysts with controllable vacancy defects and desired nano‐/microstructures.
Targeted Synthesis of a Zeolite with Pre‐established Framework Topology
Authors: Jo Donghui , Hong Suk Bong
Published: July 2019

Given their great potential as new industrial catalysts and adsorbents, the search for new zeolite structures is of major importance in nanoporous materials chemistry. However, although innumerable theoretical frameworks have been proposed, none of them have been synthesized by a priori design yet. We generated a library of diazolium‐based cations inspired from the organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs) recently reported to give two structurally related zeolites (PST‐21 and PST‐22) under highly concentrated, excess‐fluoride conditions and compared the stabilization energies of each OSDA cation in ten pre‐established hypothetical structures. A combination of the ability of the OSDA selected in this way with the excess‐fluoride approach has allowed us to crystallize PST‐30, the targeted aluminosilicate zeolite structure. We anticipate that our approach, which aims to rationally couple computational predictions of OSDAs with an experimental setup, will advance further development in the synthesis of zeolites with desired properties.
Boron Nitride Membranes with a Distinct Nanoconfinement Effect for Efficient Ethylene/Ethane Separation
Authors: Dou Haozhen , Jiang Bin , Xu Mi , Zhang Zhen , Wen Guobin , Peng Feifei , Yu Aiping , Bai Zhengyu , Sun Yongli , Zhang Luhong , Jiang Zhongyi , Chen Zhongwei
Published: July 2019

A BN membrane with a distinct nanoconfinement effect toward efficient ethylene/ethane separation is presented. The horizontal and inclined self‐assembly of 2D BN nanosheets endow the BN membrane with abundant percolating nanochannels, and these nanochannels are further decorated by reactive ionic liquids (RILs) to tailor their sizes as well as to achieve nanoconfinement effect. The noncovalent interactions between RIL and BN nanosheets favor the ordered alignment of the cations and anions of RIL within BN nanochannels, which contributes to a fast and selective ethylene transport. The resultant membranes exhibit an unprecedented separation performance with superhigh C2H4 permeance of 138 GPU and C2H4/C2H6 selectivity of 128 as well as remarkably improved long‐term stability for 180 h, outperforming reported state‐of‐the‐art membranes.
Sodium‐ and Potassium‐Hydrate Melts Containing Asymmetric Imide Anions for High‐Voltage Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Zheng Qifeng , Miura Shota , Miyazaki Kasumi , Ko Seongjae , Watanabe Eriko , Okoshi Masaki , Chou Chien‐Pin , Nishimura Yoshifumi , Nakai Hiromi , Kamiya Takeshi , Honda Tsunetoshi , Akikusa Jun , Yamada Yuki , Yamada Atsuo
Published: July 2019

Aqueous Na‐ or K‐ion batteries could virtually eliminate the safety and cost concerns raised from Li‐ion batteries, but their widespread applications have generally suffered from narrow electrochemical potential window (ca. 1.23 V) of aqueous electrolytes that leads to low energy density. Herein, by exploring optimized eutectic systems of Na and K salts with asymmetric imide anions, we discovered, for the first time, room‐temperature hydrate melts for Na and K systems, which are the second and third alkali metal hydrate melts reported since the first discovery of Li hydrate melt by our group in 2016. The newly discovered Na‐ and K‐ hydrate melts could significantly extend the potential window up to 2.7 and 2.5 V (at Pt electrode), respectively, owing to the merit that almost all water molecules participate in the Na+ or K+ hydration shells. As a proof‐of‐concept, a prototype Na3V2(PO4)2F3|NaTi2(PO4)3 aqueous Na‐ion full‐cell with the Na‐hydrate‐melt electrolyte delivers an average discharge voltage of 1.75 V, that is among the highest value ever reported for all aqueous Na‐ion batteries.
Nano‐CaCO3‐embodied polyacrylicacid/dextran nanocomposites for packaging applications
Authors: Sethy Pramod K. , Prusty Kalyani , Mohapatra Priyaranjan , Swain Sarat K.
Published: July 2019

In present work, Dextran‐grafted poly(acrylic acid) [D‐g‐PAA] hybrid nanocomposites are prepared in aqueous medium with reinforcement of various concentrations of nano‐CaCO3 (CC) through in situ polymerization of acrylic acid. The chemical interactions between filler and polymeric matrix are studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The structural properties of the D‐g‐PAA/CC nanocomposite are investigated by X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The aloe vera plant structured morphology is noticed by interaction of dextran with PAA, where CC nanoparticles are embedded within the D‐g‐PAA matrix. The thermal stability of the D‐g‐PAA/CC hybrid nanocomposites is enhanced by the incorporation of nano‐CC. The tensile properties and antibacterial behavior of D‐g‐PAA/CC hybrid nanocomposites are also increased by incorporation of nano‐CC. The oxygen barrier behavior of hybrid nanocomposites is increased by 11‐folds with a reinforcement of 8 wt % of nano‐CC. Herein, the incorporation of nano‐CC enhances the oxygen barrier, thermal, and antimicrobial properties of the D‐g‐PAA matrix by which the synthesized material is suitable for packaging applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48298.
Occurrence, abundance and associations of Topeka shiners (Notropis topeka) in restored and unrestored oxbows in Iowa and Minnesota, USA
Authors: Simpson Nicholas T. , Bybel Alexander P. , Weber Michael J. , Pierce Clay L. , Roe Kevin J.
Published: July 2019

In the USA, the Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) is a federally listed endangered species that has been in decline for decades. A key reason for the decline is the alteration of naturally flowing streams and associated oxbow habitats resulting from land‐use changes. The focus of recent conservation efforts for Topeka shiners has been the restoration of oxbow habitats by removing sediment from natural oxbows until a groundwater connection is re‐established. This restoration practice has become common in portions of Iowa and south‐west Minnesota.

The goals of this study were to compare the occurrence and abundance of Topeka shiners in restored and unrestored oxbows and to determine the characteristics that influenced their presence in these systems.

In 2016–2017, 34 unrestored and 64 restored oxbows in the Boone, Beaver Creek, North Raccoon and Rock River basins in Iowa and Minnesota were sampled for their fish assemblages and abiotic features. Topeka shiners were present more often and with higher average relative abundances in restored oxbows.

Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordinations indicated that fish assemblages found in oxbows where Topeka shiners were present were less variable than assemblages found at oxbows where they were absent, but that abiotic characteristics were similar between oxbow types.

Logistic regression models suggested that the presence of Topeka shiners in oxbows was positively associated with species richness, brassy minnow (Hybognathus hankinsoni) catch per unit effort (no. fish/100 m2; CPUE), orangespotted sunfish (Lepomis humilis) CPUE, dissolved oxygen and turbidity, and negatively associated with oxbow wetted length. These results highlight the use of restored oxbows by Topeka shiners while also providing new information to help guide restoration and conservation efforts.
Combining and learning word embedding with WordNet for semantic relatedness and similarity measurement
Authors: Lee Yang‐Yin , Ke Hao , Yen Ting‐Yu , Huang Hen‐Hsen , Chen Hsin‐Hsi
Published: July 2019

In this research, we propose 3 different approaches to measure the semantic relatedness between 2 words: (i) boost the performance of GloVe word embedding model via removing or transforming abnormal dimensions; (ii) linearly combine the information extracted from WordNet and word embeddings; and (iii) utilize word embedding and 12 linguistic information extracted from WordNet as features for Support Vector Regression. We conducted our experiments on 8 benchmark data sets, and computed Spearman correlations between the outputs of our methods and the ground truth. We report our results together with 3 state‐of‐the‐art approaches. The experimental results show that our method can outperform state‐of‐the‐art approaches in all the selected English benchmark data sets.
Real‐time thermal Management of Open‐Cathode PEMFC system based on maximum efficiency control strategy
Authors: Yin Liangzhen , Li Qi , Wang Tianhong , Liu Lu , Chen Weirong
Published: July 2019

Improving the efficiency of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system is the main problem should be solved for the commercialization of PEMFC. In this paper, the efficiency characteristic of PEMFC system under load and stack temperature variation is analyzed through theoretical modeling and experimental verification. For high efficiency operation of PEMFC system, the maximum efficiency control strategy (MECS) is proposed for thermal management of PEMFC system. According to the efficiency characteristics of PEMFC system, the optimal efficiency trajectory of system is obtained under maximum efficiency optimization (MEO). As PEMFC system is a nonlinear system with the characteristics of time‐variation, and uncertainty, a constrained generalized predictive control (CGPC) is proposed to realize real‐time optimal efficiency trajectory tracking. The MECS based on MEO and CGPC is implemented on‐line, experimentally validated on the established H‐300 open‐cathode PEMFC system. The experimental result shows better tracking ability compared with PID control and testifies the validity of MECS for increasing the system efficiency. Therefore, the proposed MECS can provide better system dynamic response and higher system efficiency.
Incidence time trends and socioeconomic factors in the observed incidence of autism spectrum disorder in israel: A nationwide nested case–control study
Authors: Segev Avital , Weisskopf Marc G. , Levine Hagai , Pinto Ofir , Raz Raanan
Published: July 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) trends have been gaining a great deal of focus in recent decades, as many studies worldwide show a continued rise in incidence rates. Many researchers have begun analyzing socioeconomic data in relation to ASD in an effort to understand the source of these changing rates and the role of awareness and access to resources. In this study, we aim to contribute to this body of knowledge by examining incidence time trends of ASD in Israel according to socioeconomic factors. While similar studies have been conducted in Israel, this study is the first of its kind to include the total population. Individual‐level data from the Israeli National Insurance Institute were used to determine cumulative incidence of ASD, first for the total population, and then stratified by population group and income categories. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to analyze associations between income category and both risk of ASD and risk of ASD diagnosis in later age. A total of 431,348 children were examined in this study, with 13,841 cases of ASD. The cumulative incidence of all children aged 8 in 2015 was 0.64%, marking an increase compared to previous literature from Israel. Within our study period, ASD incidence followed this increase until the 2009 birth cohort, where it began to stabilize. Our initial findings from regression models showed strong positive associations between household income and ASD incidence, as expected. After factoring in population group, however, the elevated ASD incidence rates in the highest income bracket decreased. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1870–1879. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This study contributes comprehensive and current data on ASD trends overtime in Israel and introduces crucial insights regarding the impact of socioeconomic factors on ASD diagnoses. We found a rise in ASD that began leveling off in 2009. We identified more ASD diagnoses occurring in families with higher incomes and in the General Population, pointing to the important role of sociodemographic factors on ASD diagnoses.
Effect of acupuncture at ST36 on motor cortical excitation and inhibition
Authors: Sun Zhong‐Guang , Pi Yan‐Ling , Zhang Jian , Wang Miao , Zou Jun , Wu Wei
Published: July 2019

Background

Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) is often used to facilitate motor recovery after stroke. However, the effect of acupuncture at ST36 on motor cortical excitation and inhibition remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of acupuncture at ST36 on motor cortical excitation and inhibition.

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers were recruited to receive acupuncture treatment. We selected the acupoint ST36 and its respective sham point as the experimental acupoint. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to measure motor‐evoked potentials (MEP) at 7 time points—before acupuncture (Pre), acupuncture (T0), 4 and 8 min after acupuncture (T4; T8), needle removal (T12), 4 and 8 min after needle removal (T16; T20). Simultaneously, paired TMS (pTMS) was employed to measure short‐ and long‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI [short latency intracortical inhibition]; LICI [long latency intracortical inhibition]), respectively, at three time points—before acupuncture (Pre), acupuncture (T0), needle removal (T12). After removing the acupuncture needle, all subjects were asked to quantify their Deqi sensation using a Gas table.

Results

The average Deqi sensation score of all subjects during acupuncture at ST36 was higher than that observed at the sham point. With acupuncture at ST36, the MEP amplitude was higher at three time points (T0, T4, T8) than at Pre, although the MEP amplitude tended toward Pre after needle removal. The MEP amplitude was also higher at the same time points (T0, T4, T8) than at the sham point. Furthermore, the Deqi sensation score was correlated with MEP amplitude. With acupuncture at ST36, SICI and LICI at T0 were higher than those at Pre, and SICI and LICI at T0 were higher than those at the sham point.

Conclusion

Acupuncture at ST36 increased motor cortical excitation and had an effect on the remaining needle phase. Deqi sensation was correlated with MEP amplitude. Acupuncture at ST36 also decreased motor cortical inhibition.
Metabolite Profiling by Hyphenated Liquid Chromatographic Mass Spectrometric Technique (HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS) and Neurobiological Potential of Haplophyllum sahinii and H. vulcanicum Extracts
Authors: Karahisar Esengul , Tugay Osman , Orhan Ilkay Erdogan , Sezer Senol Deniz Fatma , Vlad Luca Simon , Skalicka‐Wozniak Krystyna , Sahin Mustafa
Published: July 2019

In the current study, the ethanol extracts of flower, stem, and root parts of two endemic Turkish species, e. g., Haplophyllum sahinii O. Tugay & D. Ulukuş and H. vulcanicum Boiss. & Heldr., were screened against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) associated with Alzheimer's disease as well as tyrosinase (TYR) linked to Parkinson's disease using ELISA microplate assay at 200 μg/mL. Among the extracts, the highest inhibition was caused by the stem extract of H. sahinii against BChE (IC50=64.93±1.38 μg/mL). Consistently, all of the extracts were found to exert a selective inhibition towards BChE to some extent. It was only the root extract of H. vulcanicum that could inhibit AChE at low level (IC50=203.18±5.33 μg/mL). None of the extracts displayed an inhibition over 50 % against TYR. Metabolite profiling of the extracts was achieved by a highly hyphenated liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric technique (HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS), which revealed the presence of furoquinoline (β‐fagarine, γ‐fagarine) and amide (tubasenicine, tubacetine) alkaloids; furano‐ (rutamarin), pyrano‐ (xanthyletine), and geranyloxy coumarins; phenylpropanoid (secoisolariciresinol), arylnaphthalene (mono‐O‐acetyldiphyllin apioside), and dibenzylbutyrolactone (kusunokinin, haplomyrfolin) lignans. Several important differences were observed between the extracts analyzed. β‐Fagarine was the major alkaloid in H. vulcanicum, whereas γ‐fagarine was present only in the roots of both Haplophyllum species; moreover, secoisolariciresinol and secoisolariciresinol dimethyl ether were the main lignans in the stems and flowers. This is the first study identifying ChE and TYR inhibitory effect and metabolic profiles of H. vulcanicum and H. sahinii.
Documentation of corneal epithelial defects with a fluorescein angiographic imaging system
Authors: Tripathy Koushik
Published: July 2019

Fluorescein angiogram mode of fundus camera may be used to document corneal epithelial defects stained with topical fluorescein especially in ophthalmic settings which do not have the facility for slit lamp photography.
Measurement of Disodium 5'‐Inosinate and Disodium 5'‐Guanylate in Aqueous Ethanol by Attenuated Total Reflection Ultraviolet Method
Authors: Li Binghui , Song Yang , Sun Liangjie , Guan Guoqiang , Jiang Yanbin
Published: July 2019

An online concentration monitoring method was established by using attenuated total reflection ultraviolet (ATR‐UV) coupled with a suitable partial least squares regression for a multi‐solute crystallization system, namely, disodium 5'‐inosinate (IMP) and disodium 5'‐guanylate (GMP) in aqueous ethanol. The results indicated that the established method accurately predicted the concentration of IMP and GMP in the solution. The solubility data was measured at various temperatures and ethanol/water mass ratios, and the experimental data was well correlated by applying the modified Apelblat equation and modified Jouyban‐Acree model. The implementation of cooling crystallization demonstrates that the developed calibration model is suitable for online concentration monitoring with reasonable accuracy and precision.
Slow Magnetic Relaxation, Antiferromagnetic Ordering, and Metamagnetism in MnII(H2dapsc)‐FeIII(CN)6Chain Complex with Highly Anisotropic Fe‐CN‐Mn Spin Coupling
Authors: Zorina Leokadiya V. , Simonov Sergey V. , Sasnovskaya Valentina D. , Talantsev Artem D. , Morgunov Roman B. , Mironov Vladimir S. , Yagubskii Eduard B.
Published: July 2019

Reactions of [Mn(H2dapsc)Cl2]⋅H2O (dapsc=2,6‐ diacetylpyridine bis(semicarbazone)) with K3[Fe(CN)6] and (PPh4)3[Fe(CN)6] lead to the formation of the chain polymeric complex {[Mn(H2dapsc)][Fe(CN)6][K(H2O)3.5]}n⋅1.5n H2O (1) and the discrete pentanuclear complex {[Mn(H2dapsc)]3[Fe(CN)6]2(H2O)2}⋅4 CH3OH⋅3.4 H2O (2), respectively. In the crystal structure of1the high‐spin [MnII(H2dapsc)]2+cations and low‐spin hexacyanoferrate(III) anions are assembled into alternating heterometallic cyano‐bridged chains. The K+ions are located between the chains and are coordinated by oxygen atoms of the H2dapsc ligand and water molecules. The magnetic structure of1is built from ferrimagnetic chains, which are antiferromagnetically coupled. The complex exhibits metamagnetism and frequency‐dependent ac magnetic susceptibility, indicating single‐chain magnetic behavior with a Mydosh‐parameterφ=0.12 and an effective energy barrier (Ueff/kB) of 36.0 K withτ0=2.34×10−11 s for the spin relaxation. Detailed theoretical analysis showed highly anisotropic intra‐chain spin coupling between [FeIII(CN)6]3−and [MnII(H2dapsc)]2+units resulting from orbital degeneracy and unquenched orbital momentum of [FeIII(CN)6]3−complexes. The origin of the metamagnetic transition is discussed in terms of strong magnetic anisotropy and weak AF interchain spin coupling.
Mild and Practical Dirhodium(II)/NHPI‐Mediated Allylic and Benzylic Oxidations with Air as the Oxidant
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Xiaochuan , Jin Hong , Wang Yuanhua
Published: July 2019

Aerobic allylic and benzylic oxidations catalyzed by dirhodium(II) complexes with N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) are described. The open flask reaction occurs at mild temperature, using air as the oxidant. Mechanistic studies suggest that dirhodium(II) complexes axially coordinate with NHPI to activate the O−H bond in NHPI and decrease the bond‐dissociation energy (BDE).
A Near‐Infrared‐Controllable Artificial Metalloprotease Used for Degrading Amyloid‐β Monomers and Aggregates
Authors: Ma Mengmeng , Wang Ying , Gao Nan , Liu Xinping , Sun Yuhuan , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: July 2019

Proteolysis of amyloid‐β (Aβ) is a promising approach against Alzheimer's disease. However, it is not feasible to employ natural hydrolases directly because of their cumbersome preparation and purification, poor stability, and hazardous immunogenicity. Therefore, artificial enzymes have been developed as potential alternatives to natural hydrolases. Since specific cleavage sites of Aβ are usually embedded inside the β‐sheet structures that restrict access by artificial enzymes, this strongly hinders their efficiency for practical applications. Herein, we construct a NIR (near‐IR) controllable artificial metalloprotease (MoS2‐Co) using a molybdenum disulfide nanosheet (MoS2) and a cobalt complex of 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid (Codota). Evidenced by detailed experimental and theoretical studies, the NIR‐enhanced MoS2‐Co can circumvent the restriction by simultaneously inhibition of β‐sheet formation and destroying β‐sheet structures of the preformed Aβ aggregates in living cell. Furthermore, our designed MoS2‐Co is an easy to graft Aβ‐target agent that prevents misdirected or undesirable hydrolysis reactions, and has been demonstrated to cross the blood brain barrier. This method can be adapted for hydrolysis of other kinds of amyloids.
A Short Synthesis of (+)‐Brefeldin C through Enantioselective Radical Hydroalkynylation
Authors: Gnägi Lars , Martz Severin Vital , Meyer Daniel , Schärer Robin Marc , Renaud Philippe
Published: July 2019

A very concise total synthesis of (+)‐brefeldin C starting from 2‐furanylcyclopentene is described. This approach is based on an unprecedented enantioselective radical hydroalkynylation process to introduce the two cyclopentane stereocenters in a single step. The use of a furan substituent allows a high trans diastereoselectivity to be achieved during the radical process and it contains the four carbon atoms C1–C4 of the natural product in an oxidation state closely related to the one of the target molecule. The eight‐step synthesis requires six product purifications and it provides (+)‐brefeldin C in 18 % overall yield.
Prevention of locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis in Japanese breast cancer patients using Japanese standard postoperative radiation fields: Experience at a single institution
Authors: Takuwa Haruko , Tsuji Wakako , Yotsumoto Fumiaki , Yamauchi Chikako
Published: July 2019

Background

Radiotherapy is an effective local control therapy for breast cancer. Locoregional control is associated with distant metastasis risk and survival after surgery.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate whether Japanese standard postoperative radiotherapy after surgery correlates with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival and clarify the characteristics of patients who benefit from it.

Method and Results

This retrospective study included 626 operable breast cancer patients. Tumor characteristics and survival outcomes were compared between patients who received radiotherapy and those who did not. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to analyze prognostic factors for DFS and perform subgroup analysis. Propensity score matching was used to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy using a logistic regression model in patients who received radiotherapy or did not. The median follow‐up duration after diagnosis of breast cancer was 63 months. DFS and overall survival were better in the irradiated group (P= .002 and P = .001, respectively). Radiotherapy was more effective for estrogen receptor (ER)–positive disease and for early breast cancer without lymph node metastasis. Multivariate analysis revealed that radiotherapy was a dependent risk factor for recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy prevents distant metastasis and recurrence in early breast cancer patients. In particular, ER‐positive, node‐negative patients benefit from Japanese standard tangent field radiation.
Dynamic Wetting Properties of Mesh Substrates with Tunable Water Adhesion
Authors: Ramos Chagas Gabriela , Fradin Caroline , Celestini Franck , Guittard Frédéric , Darmanin Thierry
Published: July 2019

The front cover artwork is provided by the NICE Lab and InPhyNi from University Côte d′Azur (France). The image shows how to better characterize complex surfaces such as mesh substrates with tunable water adhesion using a catapult‐like process. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.201900443.
Recent Advances on Stimuli‐Responsive Smart Materials and their Applications
Authors: Mrinalini Madoori , Prasanthkumar Seelam
Published: July 2019

Stimuli‐responsive materials have raised major attention in digital technology, sensors and biomedical applications owing to quick response towards external stimuli, for example light, voltage, pressure, temperature, mechanical friction and pH. Nevertheless, action of external stimuli on organic materials affects their internal physico‐chemical properties and facilitates improved thermal/photo stability, tuning detection sensitivity, accuracy and biocompatibility. This review article highlights recent progress on stimuli‐responsive materials with mixed valence species, viologens, twisting chirality, crystalline/amorphous, sol‐gel phase transitions and resulting supramolecular nanostructures via non‐covalent interactions. These materials can be applied in flexible electronics, drug delivery, detection of pollutants and bioimaging. Thus, the demand for widespread research on development of stimuli‐responsive materials are requisite to resolve the challenges pertaining to stability and sensitivity of devices for design in comprehensive technology.
A study on treatment sensitivity of ecological momentary assessment in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Rupp Christian , Falke Charlotte , Gühne Daniela , Doebler Philipp , Andor Fabian , Buhlmann Ulrike
Published: July 2019

As part of a larger clinical trial, this ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study pursued the main goal of demonstrating that the EMA method is sensitive to treatment effects of detached mindfulness and cognitive restructuring for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). A second goal was to provide a descriptive analysis of OCD symptoms and influencing factors in participants' everyday lives. Thirty‐nine participants were included in the final analyses. EMA sampling involved a smartphone and comprised 4 days with 10 random prompts per day both before (Pre‐Treatment EMA) and after the completion of a 2‐week clinical intervention of either detached mindfulness or cognitive restructuring (Post‐Treatment EMA) that participants had been randomly allocated to. The EMA questionnaire included items on the frequency of obsessions, subjective burden due to obsessions, perceived current stress, emotions, and on the frequency of compulsions and other dysfunctional behaviors. Descriptive Pre‐Treatment EMA results highlight the importance of compulsions and emotional states of tension/discomfort in OCD. Pre–Post comparisons showed a significant reduction of avoidance behavior, obsessions, and burden due to obsessions, with a nonsignificant trend also indicating a reduction of compulsions. There was no pre to post effect concerning emotions. This study adds to the existing research on OCD symptoms and offers further evidence in confirmation of established theoretical models of OCD. Also, our results can be taken as evidence for treatment sensitivity of the EMA method in OCD. Further research is needed to replicate, broaden, and generalize our results.
Microstructure and Metastable Phase in Rapidly Solidified TiAl Alloy Prepared by Vacuum Suction Casting
Authors: Liu Yi , Shi Lei , Yang Guang , Jin Wen‐zhong , Cui Jing
Published: July 2019

Effect of the cooling rates on microstructure and metastable phase formation in Ti‐50Al‐2Cr‐2Nb alloy is investigated by vacuum suction casting to realize rapid solidification by chilling Cu‐mold. The temperature distribution field is simulated by the ANSYS software, and the cooling rates are calculated about 6.0 × 103–2.2 × 104 K s−1 and 5.3 × 104–6.0 × 104 K s−1, respectively. The results show that phase selection and microstructural evolution are closely related to cooling rates. The transformation of primarily formed α phase into β phase from directional growth zone to the mushy zone determined by microstructural analysis at the cooling rate of 6.0 × 103 K s−1, indicates the occurrence of phase selection and the formation of metastable phase. In addition, the occurrence of massive transformation in the surface chilling zone is generally different from that of heat treatment due to high cooling rates during suction casting.
An improved current mode logic latch for high‐speed applications
Authors: Kumawat Mahesh , Upadhyay Abhishek Kumar , Sharma Sanjay , Kumar Ravi , Singh Gaurav , Vishvakarma Santosh Kumar
Published: July 2019

In this paper, an improved current mode logic (CML) latch design is proposed for high‐speed on‐chip applications. Transceivers use various methods in fast data transmission in wireless/wire‐line application. For an asynchronous transceiver, the improved CML latch is designed using additional NMOS transistors in conventional CML latch which helps to boost the output voltage swing. The proposed low‐power CML latch‐based frequency divider is compatible for higher operating frequency (16 GHz). Next, the delay model is also developed based on small signal equivalent circuit for the analysis of the proposed latch. The output voltage behavior of the proposed latch is analyzed using 180‐nm standard CMOS technology.