bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
10‐2: Invited Paper: Development of Dual‐Cell LCD with Mega Contrast
Authors: GUO Lei , SHAO Xibin , LIAO Yanping , LIU Hao , DAI Ke , LEE Seungmin , WANG Zhangtao , ZHAN Hongming , ZHANG Ruichen , DU Yue , LIU Jiaqing , LI Zhendong , JIANG Liangliang
Published: September 2020

This paper described the key technology of Dual‐Cell LCD with mega contrast. V‐type pixel of sub cell, which contains metal lines, is designed for eliminating moiré, transmittance fluctuation and horizon mura. By contrast with the optical performance of the OLED, Dual‐Cell LCD has the same comprehensive performance as OLED; it is even better than OLED in terms of image quality and details, showing a huge application prospect.
34‐3: OLED Display with High Resolution Fabricated by Electrohydrodynamic Printing
Authors: Mu Lan , Jiang Congbiao , Wang Juanhong , Zheng Hua , Ying Lei , Xu Miao , Wang Jian , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: September 2020

A super high‐resolution OLED display has been fabricated via electrohydrodynamic printing. The solvent properties dominate the ink's printability and printing stability. By using a 1.5 µm diameter nozzle, the line widths of printed polymers are reduced to less than 2 µm. A green‐color passive matrix display with a resolution of 2115 PP1 (pixel per inch) has been successfully realized.
44‐1: Invited Paper: Micro‐LEDs for Technological Convergence between Displays, Optical Communications, and Sensing and Imaging Systems
Authors: Dawson Martin D. , Herrnsdorf Johannes , Xie Enyuan , Gu Erdan , McKendry Jonathan , Griffiths Alexander D. , Strain Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Micro‐LED displays are now emerging rapidly towards commercialization. This novel compound semiconductor display technology has the potential to interface very effectively to advanced electronics, in particular Si CMOS, to create new forms of display which also interrogate and communicate with their environment in sophisticated ways.
51‐4: QLED‐on‐Silicon Microdisplays
Authors: Su Sikai , Li Chengling , Zhang Min , Chen Shuming , Zhang Shengdong
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a 0.47 inch active‐matrix microdisplay with top‐emitting monochromatic quantum dot light‐emitting diode (QLED) array on silicon is demonstrated. A titanium nitride (TiN) is employed as the anode and the devices are fabricated by all‐solution process. The driver chip is designed especially for QLED microdisplay. The demonstrated microdisplay exhibits a maximum brightness of 267 cd/m2 and a gray level of 256.
58‐1: Invited Paper: Progress in High‐Efficiency Heavy‐Metal‐Free QD‐LED Development
Authors: Ippen Christian , Newmeyer Benjamin , Zehnder Don , Kim Daekyoung , Barrera Diego , Hotz Charlie , Ma Ruiqing
Published: September 2020

Electroluminescent QD‐LEDs with heavy metal free InP and ZnTeSe quantum dots are one of the most promising future display technologies. Here we report improved efficiency of 19.6%, 17.6%, and 11.5% for red, green, and blue QD‐LEDs, respectively. The blue QD‐LEDs exhibit true blue emission with peak wavelength of 453 nm.
60‐4: Implementation and Optimization of FSRCNN‐s Algorithm Based on SDSoC Platform
Authors: Ji Yanan , Lai Dalton , Jin Yufeng , Chen Yin-Hung , Jou Ming-Jong , Zhao Bin , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2020

In this paper, traditional FSRCNN‐s algorithm is implemented in hardware platform. The weights of the algorithm are quantified to improve the processing speed and keep the effect. The SDSoc platform is used as the hardware accelerator, and the improved FSRCNN algorithm is optimized again on this platform.The process of hardware optimization includes adjustment of algorithm structure, optimization of SRAM and DDR efficiency, and optimization of de‐convolution calculation. Experimental results show that the algorithm implemented in SDSoC is several times faster than the CPU mode, and the hardware resources consumed can be accepted, finally realizing the super‐resolution function of 960* 540@60hz to 3840* 2160@60hz.
61‐2: 2‐inch, 2,000‐ppi Silicon Nitride Mask for Patterning Ultra‐High‐Resolution OLED Displays
Authors: Jiang Yibin , Tam Bryan Siu Ting , Dong Shou‐Cheng , Tang Ching W.
Published: September 2020

We developed a 2‐inch, 2000 ppi shadow mask based on micronthin, free‐standing silicon nitride (SiNx) membrane for patterning OLED displays. Its layer composition and fabrication process were optimized to yield an ultra‐flat, self‐tensioned silicon nitride mask (SNM) that can achieve a submicron shadow distance limited only by the thickness of the membrane in line‐of‐sight vacuum depositions.
68‐1: Investigation on Defocusing‐Induced Accommodation Shift in Microlens Array‐Based Near‐Eye Light Field Displays
Authors: Qin Zong , Wu Jui-Yi , Chou Ping-Yen , Xie Jing , Huang Cheng-Ting , Chen Jang-Lin , Shieh Han-Ping D. , Huang Yi-Pai
Published: September 2020

The accommodation response in a microlens array‐based near‐eye light field display is found to considerably shift towards the central depth plane but not at the reconstructed depth plane due to defocusing of the lens array. The shifts are characterized and can be fully addressed by compensating in a binocular system.
70‐2: Low Temperature Process and Material Development for Flexible/Stretchable Transparent Conductor
Authors: Ko Seung Hwan
Published: September 2020

Flexible/stretchable electronics and displays have become the core technologies for future portable and wearable electronics due to its flexibility and light weight. Most of flexible electronics and display are built on the heat sensitive plastics substrates which is usually not well compatible with conventional photolithography processes that usually use high temperature and corrosive etchants. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop a novel low temperature process to realize flexible electronics and display on the conventional heat sensitive polymer substrate materials. In this paper, the recent development for the low temperature process compatible with plastic substrate will be reviewed in both materials and process aspects. Furthermore, very recent trends in stretchable electronics and transparent electronics will be discussed as well.
76‐1: Invited Paper: Electroforming Fine‐Metal Mask for High‐Resolution OLED Displays
Authors: Chen Xialing , Pan TK , Xu Weiwei
Published: September 2020

The manufacturing of high definition OLED displays is limited by the resolution of the metal mask used in the OLED deposition process. We have developed the electroforming methods to make masks of 800 PPI and above.
80‐5: An Experimental Study of the Effect of Subpixel Arrangements on Subjective Spatial Resolution
Authors: Tanaka Midori , Nakayama Daisuke , Horiuchi Takahiko , Masaoka Kenichiro
Published: September 2020

This study conducted two psychophysical experiments to evaluate the subjective spatial resolution of displays with different subpixel arrangements. We found that the subjective spatial resolution is affected by the subpixel arrangements even at an angular resolution of 30 cycles per degree. We discuss measurement methods for resolution of the display.
84‐2: Study on Reliability for Impact and Rolling of Film Stacks in Rollable AMOLED Display by Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Cheng Aries , Wei Qiaoqiao , Jin Jian , Su Tsungyi , Peng DZ
Published: September 2020

In this study, the film stacks of rollable AMOLED display are analyzed and designed by FEA (finite element analysis). The control for the layer thicknesses and stiffness of film stacks are two of the key designs for rollable AMOLED display. Also, the use of OCA (optically clear adhesives) brings a particular effect to the setting of neutral plane. In the FEA, constitutive model of hyperelasticity is chosen to describe the mechanical behavior of adhesives since the nonlinear elastic behavior and large deformation characteristics of adhesives. A 7.4‐inch WQHD prototype rollable AMOLED display has been successfully rolled up more than 15,000 cycles in dynamic at 10mm rolling radius without damages.
86‐3: Ultra‐Stable Deep‐Dyed Perovskite‐Polymer Composites as Tunable Downconverters
Authors: Zhang Caicai , He Ziqian , Gao Chunhong , Wu Shin-Tson , Dong Yajie
Published: September 2020

We report a low cost, simple deep‐dyeing method that can convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer matrix into ultra‐stable luminescent perovskite‐polymer composites (PPCs) which have excellent color tunability, color purity, and water‐/photo‐stability. The achieved PPCs can be utilized in displays, solid‐state lighting or other applications.
P‐13: Large Subthreshold Swing of LTPS TFTs by Efficient Annealing Method for Light Emitting Diode Displays
Authors: Saito Takao , Kanzaki Yosuke , Miwa Masahiko , Yamanaka Masaki , Sun Yi , Kaneko Seiji , Kataoka Yoshiharu
Published: September 2020

In the OLED backplane process, we have succeeded in controlling the TFT characteristics by optimizing the condition of hydrogenation annealing. This resulted in the good gray level control of the OLED display.

We have finally developed the OLED smartphone display using this technology.
P‐30: Ray tracing simulation of one automotive display using spectroscopic polarized emissive and reflective measurements
Authors: Boher Pierre , Leroux Thierry , Mignard-Debise Loïs , Muller Thomas , Porral Philippe
Published: September 2020

Physico‐realistic simulations of a vehicle display are presented. Its emissive properties are measured using an EZContrast Fourier optics instrument to obtain the behavior of every red, blue, and green sub‐pixels at various levels versus emissive angles. Spectral BRDF of the display surface at several incidence angles is also measured with the same instrument. Photo‐realistic simulations of the display taking into account the spectral content and polarization state of the light emitted and reflected by the display is then obtained in interactive‐time.
P‐55: Research on Technology System of Laser Etching Mini‐LED backlight with High Reflection Film
Authors: Zhang Bing , Chang Kangle , Geng Xiaolin , Gao Liang , Sun Haiwei
Published: September 2020

We used ultraviolet picosecond lasers for etching experiments. It achieves high precision and non‐destructive etching of ink printing and high reflective coating. By adjusting laser power, laser energy density, scanning speed, scanning mode and other parameters, it meets the follow‐up process requirements of mini‐LED backlight.
P‐209: Late‐News‐Poster: Electroluminescent Speaker
Authors: Kang Taewook , Lee Wunho , Afandi Mohammad M. , Ryu Jongho , Lee Sunghoon , Kim Jongsu
Published: September 2020

An electroluminescent (EL) speaker has been achieved by using phosphors as light‐emitting layer and piezoelectric material as dielectric layer. The orange lights from ZnS.Mn2+ phosphor were exponentially dependent on the applied voltage while the sound pressure levels from piezoelectric sheet were linearly dependent on the applied voltage, with the same threshold voltage of 50 V The EL lights were linearly increased and then saturated at the inverse of the decay time (~ 600 Hz) with increasing the applied frequency while the sound pressure levels showed the flat response below 600 Hz and then parabolic increase above 600 Hz.
P‐161: A Novel Approach for Higher Efficient LCD by Optimizing Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Fangzhen , Shi Lubin , Li Xiaolong , Liu Yujie , Song Jipeng , Peng Kuanjun , Guo Kai , Peng Jintao , Qin Bin , Chen Xiaochuan
Published: September 2020

With the increasing of pixel density, the wiring becomes denser and the aperture ratio becomes smaller, which leads a loss in transmittance of LCD products. It is a big challenge to develop a high resolution LCD display without much loss in brightness. In this paper, We report a novel method to increase transmittance of the liquid crystal display by thin films optical optimization. We optimized the transmission curve of array substrate by thin film optical model, which is match well with the backlight spectrum and the transmission curve of LC, CF substrate and polarizer. This method was applied in LTPS and oxide LCD product. The transmittance can be improved by 5.5% and 5.06% compared with the original plan, without much influence on electrical characteristics and reliability of the products.
Recent Progress in Optoelectronic Synapses for Artificial Visual‐Perception System
Authors: Han Xun , Xu Zhangsheng , Wu Wenqiang , Liu Xianhu , Yan Peiguang , Pan Caofeng
Published: September 2020

The human visual system undertakes most of the information perceiving tasks, and nearly 80% of the perceived information is obtained via the visual system. The basic functions of the human visual system can be emulated by neuromorphic visual‐perception systems in the light region from UV to near‐IR. An optoelectronic synapse served as the basic unit of the neuromorphic visual‐perception system is required to combine photosensing function and synaptic element. In addition, optoelectronic synapses demonstrate the prospective advantage of large bandwidth, ultrafast signal transmission, and low electrical energy loss, which is expected in the photonic signal‐triggered computing. This work reviews recent progress in the optoelectrical synapses. Device architectures and working mechanisms are discussed. The applications in the artificial visual‐perception system for image memorization and pattern recognition are reviewed. The main challenges and opportunities of optoelectrical synapses are also presented.
Nano High‐Entropy Materials: Synthesis Strategies and Catalytic Applications
Authors: Li Huining , Zhu Han , Zhang Songge , Zhang Ning , Du Mingliang , Chai Yang
Published: September 2020

The multicomponent combinations of metals in nanoscale high‐entropy materials (HEMs) have unique structure and physical and chemical properties, which provide them tailorable active sites and catalytic performance and attract intensive researches in recent years. Herein, an overview of the development of the synthesis strategies for various types of HEMs and their formation mechanisms is provided. These synthesis methods are compared, and their advantages and challenges are illustrated. The superior catalytic behavior of HEMs compared with their traditional analogue materials in heterogeneous catalysis are discussed and the underlying structure–activity correlation is revealed. The perspectives for future HEMs design are provided to achieve significant progress for catalytic applications.
Potential nanoparticle applications for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID‐19
Authors: Kusumoputro Sydney , Tseng Shannon , Tse Jonathan , Au Christian , Lau Candice , Wang Xiang , Xia Tian
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) poses an unprecedented challenge to establish effective methods of prevention and treatment. Nanotechnology has shown excellent potential in its ability to fight a variety of healthcare problems due to nanomaterials’ unique physicochemical properties and controlled nano‐bio interactions. Expanding their application to a wide‐range of upstream and downstream approaches is necessary to fight COVID‐19. At different stages of this virus‐caused disease, nanotechnology could offer promising solutions, including a way to combat the large number of fatalities caused by a late‐stage cytokine storm. This mini‐review provides an overview of the recent studies regarding nanoparticles’ applications in vaccines, personal protective equipment, sterilization of contaminated environments, diagnostic testing, and cytokine reduction treatment in combating COVID‐19.
Effective reinforcement of hydrogen‐bonding assembly silica‐graphene hybrid in natural rubber
Authors: Jiang Licong , Huang Kai , Wang Yuchao , Wang Jingchao , Zheng Xingfu , Du Yuqian , Zhao Shuai , Xin Zhenxiang , Li Lin
Published: September 2020

Silica‐graphene hybrid (HGKS) with good dispersion and strong interfacial interactions was fabricated by hydrogenbonding assembly. HGKS was incorporated into natural rubber (NR) to develop high‐performance tire treads. During vulcanized process of HGKS filled NR (NR/HGKS), HGKS can participate in the process to form dual dynamic network structure. The interfacial interaction between HGKS and NR due to the dispersion of HGKS was investigated. The strong covalent interaction between NR and HGKS is the most important factor to determine the ultimate performance of rubber composites. In this contribution, a series of HGKS with different hybrid grafting ratio are prepared to reveal the effects of changes in filler surface properties on the structure and mechanical properties of rubber composites. It has been demonstrated that it is an effective hybrid technique to drastically improve its dispersibility in NR and form strong interfacial reactions, and HGKS is expected to be used as a new type of reinforcing filler for the manufacture of high‐performance green tire materials.
Review of control strategy of large horizontal‐axis wind turbines yaw system
Authors: Yang Jian , Fang Lingqi , Song Dongran , Su Mei , Yang Xuebing , Huang Lingxiang , Joo Young Hoon
Published: September 2020

In order to meet the increasing demand of wind energy utilization, wind turbines (WTs) are developing toward the trend of large size and large capacity. In such a trend, various advanced yaw control strategies have been proposed to improve large WTs' comprehensive performance, but the analysis and summary of these strategies are still lacking. Therefore, it is necessary to have a review of yaw control, which not only enables readers to understand the current status of yaw control research but also promotes the development of wind energy technology. This paper presents a review of the current situation of yaw control for WTs, focusing on the mechanical/aerodynamic parts. The mechanical part is concerned with the WT yaw system and its effect on the fatigue load of the WT, and the aerodynamic part involves the wind energy capture and wake redirection to reduce the impact on adjacent WTs. In this review, the existing yaw control methods are classified in term of three control objectives: (1) increasing the wind energy capture of a single WT, (2) reducing the fatigue load of a single WT, and (3) maximizing the total power production of the whole wind farm and optimizing the wind farm fatigue load. On this basis, the control mechanism, the control algorithm, and the results are presented and analyzed in detail. Meanwhile, the advantages and disadvantages of the existing achievements are discussed. In addition, in a conclusion of the review, the future research direction has been identified.
Advances in cell penetrating peptides and their functionalization of polymeric nanoplatforms for drug delivery
Authors: Tian Yuan , Zhou Shaobing
Published: September 2020

Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), known as protein translocation domains, have emerged as efficient molecular transporters to overcome biological barriers and deliver cell‐impermeable cargoes into cells. The conjugation of CPPs to polymeric nanoplatforms enhances the drug delivery efficiency thus increasing their therapeutic efficacy. However, conventional CPPs are generally lack of cell specificity and could be easily degraded in vivo. These limitations lead to the development of new CPPs with superior properties. To address the issue of cell specificity, activatable CPPs have been designed to be activated at desired site through different stimuli. On the other hand, macrocyclization has been used to constrain linear CPPs into their cyclic forms. This chemical optimization of peptides endows CPPs with enhanced stability and cell permeability. This brief review will cover recent advances in terms of different types of CPPs for enhanced cell penetration. In addition, the modification chemistry used to functionalize polymeric nanoplatforms with CPPs and their recent applications for drug delivery will also be discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Lattice Solutions in a Ginzburg–Landau Model for a Chiral Magnet
Authors: Li Xinye , Melcher Christof
Published: September 2020

We examine micromagnetic pattern formation in chiral magnets, driven by the competition of Heisenberg exchange, Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction, easy-plane anisotropy and thermodynamic Landau potentials. Based on equivariant bifurcation theory, we prove existence of lattice solutions branching off the zero magnetization state and investigate their stability. We observe in particular the stabilization of quadratic vortex–antivortex lattice configurations and instability of hexagonal skyrmion lattice configurations, and we illustrate our findings by numerical studies.
EHMT1 regulates Parvalbumin-positive interneuron development and GABAergic input in sensory cortical areas
Authors: Negwer Moritz , Piera Karol , Hesen Rick , Lütje Lukas , Aarts Lynn , Schubert Dirk , Nadif Kasri Nael
Published: September 2020

Mutations in the Euchromatic Histone Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) gene cause Kleefstra syndrome, a rare form of intellectual disability (ID) with strong autistic traits and sensory processing deficits. Proper development of inhibitory interneurons is crucial for sensory function. Here we report a timeline of Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneuron development in the three most important sensory cortical areas in the Ehmt1+/− mouse. We find a hitherto unreported delay of PV+ neuron maturation early in sensory development, with layer- and region-specific variability later in development. The delayed PV+ maturation is also reflected in a delayed maturation of GABAergic transmission in Ehmt1+/− auditory cortex, where we find a reduced GABA release probability specifically in putative PV+ synapses. Together with earlier reports of excitatory impairments in Ehmt1+/− neurons, we propose a shift in excitatory-inhibitory balance towards overexcitability in Ehmt1+/− sensory cortices as a consequence of early deficits in inhibitory maturation.
Deep autoencoder for false positive reduction in handgun detection
Authors: Vallez Noelia , Velasco-Mata Alberto , Deniz Oscar
Published: September 2020

In an object detection system, the main objective during training is to maintain the detection and false positive rates under acceptable levels when the model is run over the test set. However, this typically translates into an unacceptable rate of false alarms when the system is deployed in a real surveillance scenario. To deal with this situation, which often leads to system shutdown, we propose to add a filter step to discard part of the new false positive detections that are typical of the new scenario. This step consists of a deep autoencoder trained with the false alarm detections generated after running the detector over a period of time in the new scenario. Therefore, this step will be in charge of determining whether the detection is a typical false alarm of that scenario or whether it is something anomalous for the autoencoder and, therefore, a true detection. In order to decide whether a detection must be filtered, three different approaches have been tested. The first one uses the autoencoder reconstruction error measured with the mean squared error to make the decision. The other two use the k-NN (k-nearest neighbors) and one-class SVMs (support vector machines) classifiers trained with the autoencoder vector representation. In addition, a synthetic scenario has been generated with Unreal Engine 4 to test the proposed methods in addition to a dataset with real images. The results obtained show a reduction in the number of false positives between 22.5% and 87.2% and an increase in the system’s precision of 1.2%$$-47$$

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47

% when the autoencoder is applied.
Bioaerosol measurements over a fattening period in a pig barn focused on the presence of Staphylococcus spp.
Authors: Haas D. , Köck S. , Fritz Th. , Galler H. , Habib J. , Kropsch M. , Miskovic T. , Pless P. , Stonitsch M. , Zentner E. , Reinthaler F. F.
Published: September 2020

The investigation of bioaerosols in the recent years has become more important both indoors and outdoors. Due to expanding of livestock farm capacity, raising attention is paid to this source of emissions. The objective of the present study was to estimate the distribution of bioaerosols in the animal husbandry and its surroundings. Over 2 fattening periods with different animal ages and weights, the main emphasis was put on the total concentrations of mesophilic bacteria andStaphylococcusspp., especially the speciesS. aureus. The bioaerosols were sucked in with an AGI-30 Impinger, and nasal and neck skinfold swab samples were collected supplementary from randomly selected pigs. From the first series of measurements, the total concentration of mesophilic bacteria was 6.2 × 105 cfu/m3and dropped to 2.6 × 105 cfu/m3with increasing growth of the swine. The concentration ofStaphylococcusspp. was 8.8 × 104 cfu/m3and decreased to 9.4 × 103 cfu/m3by the end. In the empty barn, the total concentration of mesophilic bacteria was 9.1 × 104 cfu/m3and forStaphylococcusspp., 1.1 × 104 cfu/m3. At the beginning of the second series of measurements, the total concentration of mesophilic bacteria was 6.6 × 104 cfu/m3and dropped to 4.4 × 104 cfu/m3with the increasing growth of the piglets. The concentrations ofStaphylococcusspp. fluctuated along the second measurement series. The speciesStaphylococcus aureuswas detected in nasal swabs of selected swine including MRSA. Temperature and humidity had no influence on the concentrations of mesophilic bacteria in the swine barn.
Impacts of hydrological model calibration on projected hydrological changes under climate change—a multi-model assessment in three large river basins
Authors: Huang Shaochun , Shah Harsh , Naz Bibi S. , Shrestha Narayan , Mishra Vimal , Daggupati Prasad , Ghimire Uttam , Vetter Tobias
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to investigate the influence of hydrological model calibration/validation on discharge projections for three large river basins (the Rhine, Upper Mississippi and Upper Yellow). Three hydrological models (HMs), which have been firstly calibrated against the monthly discharge at the outlet of each basin (simple calibration), were re-calibrated against the daily discharge at the outlet and intermediate gauges under contrast climate conditions simultaneously (enhanced calibration). In addition, the models were validated in terms of hydrological indicators of interest (median, low and high flows) as well as actual evapotranspiration in the historical period. The models calibrated using both calibration methods were then driven by the same bias corrected climate projections from five global circulation models (GCMs) under four Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios (RCPs). The hydrological changes of the indicators were represented by the ensemble median, ensemble mean and ensemble weighted means of all combinations of HMs and GCMs under each RCP. The results showed moderate (5–10%) to strong influence (> 10%) of the calibration methods on the ensemble medians/means for the Mississippi, minor to moderate (up to 10%) influence for the Yellow and minor (< 5%) influence for the Rhine. In addition, the enhanced calibration/validation method reduced the shares of uncertainty related to HMs for three indicators in all basins when the strict weighting method was used. It also showed that the successful enhanced calibration had the potential to reduce the uncertainty of hydrological projections, especially when the HM uncertainty was significant after the simple calibration.
Identification and characterization of deschloro-chlorothricin obtained from a large natural product library targeting aurora A kinase in multiple myeloma
Authors: Özenver Nadire , Abdelfatah Sara , Klinger Anette , Fleischer Edmond , Efferth Thomas
Published: September 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a devastating disease with low survival rates worldwide. The mean lifetime of patients may be extendable with new drug alternatives. Aurora A kinase (AURKA) is crucial in oncogenesis, because its overexpression or amplification may incline the development of various types of cancer, including MM. Therefore, inhibitors of AURKA are innovative and promising targets. Natural compounds always represented a valuable resource for anticancer drug development. In the present study, based on virtual drug screening of more than 48,000 natural compounds, the antibiotic deschloro-chlorotricin (DCCT) has been identified to bind to AURKA with even higher binding affinity (free bindung energy: −12.25 kcal/mol) than the known AURKA inhibitor, alisertib (free binding energy: −11.25 kcal/mol). The in silico studies have been verified in vitro by using microscale thermophoresis. DCCT inhibited MM cell lines (KMS-11, L-363, RPMI-8226, MOLP-8, OPM-2, NCI-H929) with IC50 values in a range from 0.01 to 0.12 μM. Furthermore, DCCT downregulated AURKA protein expression, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and disturbed the cellular microtubule network as determined by Western blotting, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Thus, DCCT may be a promising lead structure for further derivatization and the development of specific AURKA inhibitors in MM therapy.
Refunding Emission Payments: Output-Based Versus Expenditure-Based Refunding
Authors: Hagem Cathrine , Hoel Michael , Sterner Thomas
Published: September 2020

We analyse two mechanism designs for refunding emission payments to polluting firms: output-based refunding (OBR) and expenditure-based refunding (EBR). In both instruments, emission fees are returned to the polluting industry, typically making the policy more politically acceptable than a standard tax. The crucial difference between OBR and EBR is that the fees are refunded in proportion to output in the former but in proportion to the firms’ expenditure on abatement technology equipment in the latter. To achieve the same abatement target as a standard tax, the fee level in the OBR design is higher, whereas the fee level in the EBR design is lower. The use of OBR and EBR may lead to large differences in the distribution of output and costs across firms. Both designs imply a cost-ineffective provision of abatement, as firms put relatively too much effort into reducing emissions through abatement technology compared with reducing output. However, a standard tax may be politically infeasible and maintaining output may be seen as a political advantage by policymakers if they seek to avoid activity reduction in the regulated sector.
Good long-term visual outcomes of parapapillary choroidal melanoma patients treated with proton therapy: a comparative study
Authors: Pica Alessia , Weber Damien C. , Vallat Laureen , Bergin Ciara , Hrbacek Jan , Schweizer Claude , Zografos Leonidas , Schalenbourg Ann
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To evaluate why small- and certain medium-sized parapapillary choroidal melanoma (pcM) patients treated with hypo-fractionated proton therapy (PT) retain excellent long-term visual acuity (VA) and assess the negative predictive factors for retaining good vision (≤ 0.2 logMAR (≥ 0.6 decimal) after 5 years.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective, comparative study recruited consecutive pcM patients that were treated with PT. Between 1984 and 2005, 609 patients received a total of 60 CGE, of whom 310 met the following inclusion criteria: posterior tumor border ≤ 2.5 mm from the optic disc, largest tumor diameter ≤ 17.9 mm, tumor thickness ≤ 5.2 mm and available follow-up data for at least 5 years.

Results

Mean follow-up was 120.8 ± 48.8 months (54.0–295.0). Out of 310 patients, 64 (21%) maintained a VA ≤ 0.2 logMAR (≥ 0.6 decimal) for at least 5 years following PT and were allocated to the “good visual outcome” (GVO) group, while the remaining 246 (79%) constituted the “poor visual outcome” (PVO) group, subdivided into 70 (22%) with a VA of 0.3–1.0 logMAR (0.1–0.5 decimal) and 157 (57%) patients with a VA > 1.0 logMAR (< 0.1 decimal). On multivariate analysis, older age (P = 0.04), tumor localization ≤ 0.5 mm to the fovea (P < 0.03), volume of the optic disc and macula receiving 50% of dose (30 CGE) (P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively) were independent negative predictors of GVO.

Conclusions

Of 310 small- to medium-sized pcM patients successfully treated with PT, 21% retained a VA ≤ 0.2 logMAR (≥ 0.6 decimal) for at least 5 years. Strongest negative predictive factor for retaining good long-term vision was the volume of the macula irradiated with at least 30 Gy.
Virile Infertile Men, and Other Representations of In/Fertile Hegemonic Masculinity in Fiction Television Series
Authors: de Boer Marjolein Lotte
Published: September 2020

Fiction television series are one of the few cultural expressions in which men’s infertility experiences are represented. Through a content analysis of twenty fiction series, this article describes and analyzes such representations. By drawing on Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity and Ricoeur’s understanding of paradoxical power structuring, four character types of infertile men are identified: (1) the virile in/fertile man, (2) the secretly non-/vasectomized man, (3) the intellectual eunuch, (4) the enslaving post-apocalyptic man. While these various dramatis persona outline different ways of how infertile men relate to normative hegemonic masculinity, they all represent infertile men as diverging from shared masculine norms. This non-normativity initially excludes many represented men from hegemonic positions. Eventually, however, these men generally aspire to and succeed in reaffirming their hegemonic masculinity through coercive force towards women and other men, through instigating the precondition for any power structure – the shared will to live together as a community –, and/or by seeking and finding explicit recognition for their normativity and dominance. At the end of this paper, I will reflect on the potential harmful effect of these outlined representations of infertile men and make a plea for diversifying representations of infertile men in our culture.
Culturable bacteria from an Alpine coniferous forest site: biodegradation potential of organic polymers and pollutants
Authors: Berger Tanja , Poyntner Caroline , Margesin Rosa
Published: September 2020

The potential of the culturable bacterial community from an Alpine coniferous forest site for the degradation of organic polymers and pollutants at low (5 °C) and moderate (20 °C) temperatures was evaluated. The majority of the 68 strains belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria (77%). Other strains were related to Bacteroidetes (12%), Alphaproteobacteria (4%), Actinobacteria (3%), and Firmicutes (3%). The strains were grouped into 42 different OTUs. The highest bacterial diversity was found within the phylum Bacteroidetes. All strains, except one, could grow at temperatures from 5 to 25 °C. The production of enzyme activities involved in the degradation of organic polymers present in plant litter (carboxymethyl cellulose, microgranular cellulose, xylan, polygalacturonic acid) was almost comparable at 5 °C (68%) and 20 °C (63%). Utilizers of lignin compounds (lignosulfonic acid, lignin alkali) as sole carbon source were found to a higher extent at 20 °C (57%) than at 5 °C (24%), but the relative fractions among positively tested strains utilizing these compounds were almost identical at the two temperatures. Similar results were noted for utilizers of organic pollutants (n-hexadecane, diesel oil, phenol, glyphosate) as sole carbon source. More than two-thirds showed constitutively expressed catechol-1,2-dioxygenase activity both at 5 °C (74%) and 20 °C (66%). Complete phenol (2.5 mmol/L) degradation by strainParaburkholderia aromaticivoransAR20-38 was demonstrated at 0–30 °C, amounts up to 7.5 mmol/L phenol were fully degraded at 10–30 °C. These results are useful to better understand the effect of changing temperatures on microorganisms involved in litter degradation and nutrient turnover in Alpine forest soils.
The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Programmes on Self-Compassion in Nonclinical Populations: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Golden Hannah L. , Vosper Jane , Kingston Jessica , Ellett Lyn
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Self-compassion has been proposed as a mechanism of change in mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs). The current study systematically reviewed the evidence for the effect of MBPs on self-compassion, in randomised controlled trials addressing broad mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety and stress) in nonclinical populations, and statistically synthesisesd these findings in a meta-analysis.

Methods

Three databases were systematically searched, and pre-post programme between group effect sizes (Hedges g) were calculated and synthesised using meta-analytic procedures. Correlation between change in self-compassion and distress (r) was also assessed. Moderator analyses were conducted and publication bias was assessed.

Results

Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria (n = 598). A significant medium effect of pre-post change on self-compassion was found for MBPs compared to control conditions (g = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.80, p < 0.001). There was significant heterogeneity in the study sample, and no differences found for any of the moderators tested. There was no strong evidence for publication bias. Meta-analysis of correlation between change in self-compassion and distress was underpowered and found no significant effect. The improvement in self-compassion following MBI was not always consistent with improvements in depression or anxiety.

Conclusions

The results suggest that MBPs can increase self-compassion in nonclinical populations, though the moderators of this effect remain unknown. Methodological limitations include small sample sizes, over-reliance on wait-list control conditions and limitations in how self-compassion is measured. Theoretical and clinical implications of the review, and future research directions, are also discussed.
Influence of rain pattern on flood control in mountain creek areas: a case study of northern Zhejiang
Authors: Cao Feifeng , Tao Qiru , Dong Shaojun , Li Xiaolong
Published: September 2020

Mountain creek areas are a type of flood-prone area, and the flood control in these areas has not been well understood. This study aims to evaluate the impact of rain patterns on the water level and the establishment of flood control standard in mountain creek areas by conducting a case study. The case study was performed on a typical mountain creek area, called Shiliqu watershed in Hangzhou, China. A MIKE11 model was first established to analyze the required flood control standard through investigating the river level impacted by two rain patterns (the designed rainstorm and the typhoon Fitow). The results show that the designed rainstorm pattern and the typhoon Fitow rain pattern have the single-peak and multi-peak profile, respectively. The peak rainfall value of the designed rainstorm pattern is much higher than that of the typhoon Fitow. However, the large fluctuations under the typhoon Fitow rain pattern causes multi-level overtopping which threats the safety of the flood control. Also, the typhoon Fitow could have a greater influence on the water level of the tributaries of the river than that of the mainstream. The selection of rain pattern on the design of flood control standard in mountain creek areas is discussed.
Impact of coal mining on groundwater of Luohe Formation in Binchang mining area
Authors: Sun Kui , Fan Limin , Xia Yucheng , Li Cheng , Chen Jianping , Gao Shuai , Wu Boyun , Peng Jie , Ji Yiwei
Published: September 2020

Groundwater of Luohe Formation is the main water source for industrial and agricultural and residential use in Binchang mining area, which is one of the key elements to water conservation coal mining. However, few studies are available to document the enrichment characteristics and influence of underground coal mining on groundwater for the Luohe Formation. This study evaluates the changes of groundwater levels and spring flow caused by mining activities to explore the influence mechanism of coal mining on groundwater by comparatively analysing existing mining data and survey data combined with a series of mapping methods. The results show that the aquifer of Luohe Formation are gradually thinning south-eastwards, disappeared at the mining boundary. In the vertical direction, the lithological structure is distinct, due to alternative sedimentation of meandering river facies and braided river facies. According to the yielding property, the aquifer is divided into three sections, namely, strong water-rich section, medium water-rich section, and weak water-rich section, which are located in northwest and central part, southwest, and the rest part of the mining area, respectively. Mining of Tingnan Coal Mine since 2004 has caused a 3.16 to 194.87 meters drop in groundwater level of Luohe Formation. Until 2015, 70.10% of the mining area undergoes a groundwater level drop larger than 10.00 meters. Another influence of underground mining is that the total flow from 34 springs in 8 southern coal mines of the area has decreased by 286.48 L/s with a rate of decrease at 46.95% from 2007 to 2017. The areas that groundwater level falls or spring flow declines are manly located in the mine gob areas. Results also indicate that the ratio of the height of water conducted fracture zone to the mining height in Binchang mining area is between 16.85 and 27.92. This may increase ground water flow in vertical direction, causing a water level in the aquifer system to drop and ultimately decreasing the flow from the springs. The research results will provide data and theoretical support for the protection of groundwater resources and water conservation coal mining of Luohe Formation in Binchang mining area.
The New Worries about Science
Authors: Kourany Janet A.
Published: September 2020

Science is based onfacts—facts that are systematically gathered by a community of enquirers through detailed observation and experiment. In the twentieth century, however, philosophers of science claimed that the facts that scientists “gather” in this way are shaped by the theories scientists accept, and this seemed to threaten the authority of science. Call this theold worries about science.By contrast, what seemed not to threaten that authority were other factors that shaped the facts that scientists gather—for example, the mere questions scientists pursue. Call this theold nonworries about science.What I suggest is that the old nonworries are turning out to be far more worrisome than the old worries, and I use recent goings-on such as the “Death of Evidence” protests in Canada, the “replication crisis,” and the ongoing feminist critiques of science to illustrate my case. All this raises interesting new questions for philosophers of science to tackle.
A quality improvement project to decrease utilization of multilumen peripherally inserted central catheters
Authors: Kleinman Sween Jennifer , Lowrie Angela , Kirmse Jane M. , Laughlin Rena Kane , Wodziak Brooke , Sampathkumar Priya
Published: September 2020

We performed a quality improvement project to decrease utilization of multilumen peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in favor of single-lumen PICCs and midline catheters. Through optimization of electronic orders, education and decision support, we decreased utilization of multilumen PICCs, changed provider ordering patterns, and showed a downward trend in CLABSIs.
The psychological typhoon eye effect in responses to terrorism
Authors: Li Shu , Li Jiang-Long , Yang Shu-Wen , Wu Xiao-Ju , Chen Jun-Fang , Ding Yang , Lin Yu-Xin , Bai Xin-Wen , Luan Sheng-Hua , Zheng Rui
Published: September 2020

Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere. As the threat of terrorism develops, the China-Eurasia Expo held in Ürümqi, China is attracting fewer potential visitors. A nationwide survey of 2034 residents from 31 provinces and municipalities in China was conducted to examine the relation between the distance to respondents’ city of residence from Ürümqi and their levels of concern for safety and security concerning the Expo. The two were found to be positively related: the closer the respondents lived to Ürümqi, the less concerned they were with the safety and security of the Expo. This is consistent with the “psychological typhoon eye” effect, which states that people living closer to the center of an unfortunate event (whether natural or man-made hazards) are less concerned with the event’s negative consequences. This effect appears to hold for terrorism. There are implications of this finding for international counter-terrorism practice, tourism, and research.
Effects of a morpheme-based training procedure on the literacy skills of readers with a reading disability
Authors: Bar-Kochva Irit , Korinth Sebastian Peter , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: September 2020

The effect of a computerized morpheme-based training procedure on the reading and writing skills of reading-disabled participants (N = 30, mean age = 11.23 years, SD = 0.935) was examined. Considering that fast morphological analysis has been found to have a central role in written word processing of skilled readers, the following training was designed to enhance this process: it consisted of a visual lexical-decision task in which morphologically complex words were visually presented while the duration of the word-stems’ presentation was gradually restricted. A control intervention consisted of the same task, except that the duration of a nonmorphological unit’s presentation was manipulated. The children were divided into two groups: one underwent the morpheme-based intervention, and the other underwent the control intervention. The morpheme-based training procedure had a positive effect beyond that of the control procedure on the spelling of untrained word stems embedded in trained prefixes and suffixes. These results suggest a general improvement in retrieval of orthographic–morphological representations in spelling. Improvements in other measures could, however, not be ascribed to the morphological manipulation alone. These results emphasize the link between morphological processing and spelling. However, the morpheme-based training procedure appears to be less relevant to the improvement of reading.
The role of edaphic factors on plant species richness and diversity along altitudinal gradients in the Brazilian semi-arid region
Authors: Ramos Maiara B. , Diniz Fabricio C. , de Almeida Humberto A. , de Almeida Gilbevan R. , Pinto Anderson S. , Meave Jorge A. , Lopes Sérgio de F.
Published: September 2020

Unlike well-known global patterns of plant species richness along altitudinal gradients, in the mountainous areas of the Brazilian Caatinga, species richness and diversity reach their maxima near mountain tops. The causes of this unusual pattern are not well understood, and in particular the role of edaphic factors on plant community assembly along these gradients has not been investigated. Our goal was to assess the role of edaphic factors (fertility and soil texture) on plant community composition and structure on two mountains of the Brazilian semi-arid region. In 71 plots (Bodocongó site, twenty-one 200-m2plots, 401–680 m asl; Arara site, fifty 100-m2plots, 487–660 m asl) we recorded 3114 individuals representing 61 plant species; in addition, at each plot we collected composite soil samples from 0–20 cm depth. Significant altitude-related changes were observed both for community structure and composition, and edaphic variables. A canonical correspondence analysis allowed the distinction of two groups of plots according to species abundances, indicating a preferential habitat distribution of species depending both on altitude and soil variables. Although soil fertility was lowest at the highest altitudes, these areas had high richness and diversity. Conversely, the more fertile foothills were characterized by the dominance of generalist pioneer species. Despite the relatively short altitudinal range that characterizes the studied mountains, this study elucidates the role of edaphic factors on the floristic composition and species richness patterns on the mountains of the Brazilian semi-arid region.