bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inkjet‐Printed TiO2/Fullerene Composite Films for Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huckaba Aron J. , Garcia‐Benito Inés , Kanda Hiroyuki , Shibayama Naoyuki , Oveisi Emad , Kinge Sachin , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K.
Published: April 2020

Perovskite solar cells have garnered and held international research interest, due to ever‐climbing power conversion efficiency values, now >25 %. Some high efficiency configurations utilize a compact TiO2 layer underneath a mesoporous TiO2 layer, both of which require high temperature annealing steps that could hinder perovskite commercialization. To address the high thermal budget, we chose to use inkjet‐printing to combine the two layers into a single TiO2 film, which incorporates both nanoparticle and molecular precursor as well as organic fullerene additives. We printed the ink on fluorine‐doped tin oxide, and after annealing at various temperatures, we found that 400 °C was the optimum annealing temperature for the inkjet‐printed electron transport layers, which is significantly lower than the 500 °C required to anneal typical mesoporous TiO2 films.
Efficiency and effectiveness enhancement of an intercooler of two‐stage air compressor by low‐cost Al2O3/water nanofluids
Authors: Chintala Venkateswarlu , S. Vikesh , Karn Ashish
Published: April 2020

The present study was aimed to utilize low‐cost alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles for improving the heat transfer behavior in an intercooler of two‐stage air compressor. Experimental investigation was carried out with three different volume concentrations of 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% Al2O3/water nanofluids to assess the performance of the intercooler, that is, counterflow heat exchanger at different loads. Thermal properties such as thermal conductivity and overall heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid increased substantially with increasing concentration of Al2O3 nanoparticles. Specific heat capacity of nanofluids were lower than base water. The intercooler performance parameters such as effectiveness and efficiency improved appreciably with the employment of nanofluid. The efficiency increased by about 6.1% with maximum concentration of nanofluid, that is, 1% at 3‐bar compressor load. It is concluded from the study that high concentration of Al2O3 nanoparticles dispersion in water would offer better heat transfer performance of the intercooler.
Scrutiny of heat transfer and nanoparticle migration within a channel filled with nanofluid
Authors: Mishra Manoj K. , Seth Gauri Shanker , Sharma Rohit
Published: April 2020

In this research article, we have examined the temperature and nanoparticle distribution within a channel filled with nanofluid. The flow is induced by walls of the channel stretching with a velocity proportional to the distance from origin. The analysis is carried out by assuming the presence of Navier's velocity slip. Buongiorno's modified nanofluid model that accounts the effects of nanoparticle migration due to thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion is used as model to analyze flow. We obtained similar solution of the problem numerically by the finite element method and validated it with the solution obtained by the optimal homotopy analysis method.
Effects of sand‐mulch thickness on soil evaporation during the freeze–thaw period
Authors: Chen Junfeng , Xie Xue , Zheng Xiuqing , Xue Jing , Miao Chunyan , Du Qi , Xu Yongxin
Published: April 2020

Control of evaporation from seasonally frozen soil is an important method for alleviating water shortages in arid and semi‐arid areas. To investigate the inhibition of soil evaporation by sand and the major factors that influence soil evaporation, a series of field experiments with five sand‐mulch thicknesses (0 cm, bare soil [BS], 1 cm [T1], 2 cm [T2], 3 cm [T3] and 4 cm [T4], with an average diameter of 1 mm) were conducted during the freeze–thaw period in Northern China. Soil evaporation characteristics in the three freeze–thaw stages were revealed and the major factors influencing soil evaporation were analysed using grey correlation analysis. The results showed that the cumulative soil evaporation decreased with increasing sand‐mulch thickness during the freeze–thaw period, and only small differences in soil evaporation were observed between the T3 and T4 treatments. The reduction in soil evaporation under different sand‐mulch thicknesses was 19.2–62.6% in the unstable freezing stage (P1), 2.0–28.3% in the stable freezing stage (P2) and 4.8–20.4% in the thawing stage (P3). In P1, solar radiation was a major factor influencing soil evaporation in all treatments and vapour pressure was a major factor in the sand‐mulch treatments, and the influence of relative humidity on soil evaporation decreased in the T4 treatment. During the coldest P2, solar radiation was lowest so that relative humidity and wind speed became the more dominant influence factors on soil evaporation in all treatments, and surface soil water content was a major factor in the sand‐mulch treatments. In P3, average air temperature and solar radiation were major factor influencing soil evaporation in all treatments and vapour pressure was a major factor in the BS and T1 treatments, whereas water surface evaporation was the major factor in the T2, T3 and T4 treatments. The results suggest that the addition of sand mulch in agricultural fields may be a beneficial practice to reduce water stress in arid and semi‐arid areas.
Towards the representation of groundwater in the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator
Authors: Batelis Stamatis‐Christos , Rahman Mostaquimur , Kollet Stefan , Woods Ross , Rosolem Rafael
Published: April 2020

Groundwater is an important component of the hydrological cycle with significant interactions with soil hydrological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that incorporating groundwater hydrology in land surface models (LSMs) considerably improves the prediction of the partitioning of water components (e.g., runoff and evapotranspiration) at the land surface. However, the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES), an LSM developed in the United Kingdom, does not yet have an explicit representation of groundwater. We propose an implementation of a simplified groundwater flow boundary parameterization (JULES‐GFB), which replaces the original free drainage assumption in the default model (JULES‐FD). We tested the two approaches under a controlled environment for various soil types using two synthetic experiments: (1) single‐column and (2) tilted‐V catchment, using a three‐dimensional (3‐D) hydrological model (ParFlow) as a benchmark for JULES’ performance. In addition, we applied our new JULES‐GFB model to a regional domain in the UK, where groundwater is the key element for runoff generation. In the single‐column infiltration experiment, JULES‐GFB showed improved soil moisture dynamics in comparison with JULES‐FD, for almost all soil types (except coarse soils) under a variety of initial water table depths. In the tilted‐V catchment experiment, JULES‐GFB successfully represented the dynamics and the magnitude of saturated and unsaturated storage against the benchmark. The lateral water flow produced by JULES‐GFB was about 50% of what was produced by the benchmark, while JULES‐FD completely ignores this process. In the regional domain application, the Kling‐Gupta efficiency (KGE) for the total runoff simulation showed an average improvement from 0.25 for JULES‐FD to 0.75 for JULES‐GFB. The mean bias of actual evapotranspiration relative to the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM) product was improved from −0.22 to −0.01 mm day−1. Our new JULES‐GFB implementation provides an opportunity to better understand the interactions between the subsurface and land surface processes that are dominated by groundwater hydrology.
Development of flexible Li‐ion batteries for flexible electronics
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Guo Juchen
Published: April 2020

We provide a critical review on the recent development of flexible lithium‐ion batteries (FLIBs) for flexible electronic devices. The innovative designs of cell configuration for bendable and stretchable FLIBs, selection of active materials, and evaluation methods for FLIBs are discussed. The grand challenges for FLIBs are energy density and scale‐up fabrication as demonstrated in the review. Furthermore, the lack of quantitative evaluation methods for FLIBs' performance and nondestructive tools to probe the mechanical degradation may significantly hinder the development of FLIB technologies. Perspectives for future research directions, based on the current state of progress, are discussed.

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Flavor Fatigue: Cognitive Depletion Influences Consumer Enjoyment of Complex Flavors
Authors: Hildebrand Diogo , Rubin Dan , Hadi Rhonda , Kramer Thomas
Published: April 2020

Surprisingly, little research has examined how consumer responses to specific flavor characteristics of food are formed or how they may fluctuate situationally. We address this lacuna in the literature on the hedonic appreciation of food by demonstrating that enjoyment along one important gustatory dimension, flavor complexity, varies with the degree to which consumers are mentally depleted. Specifically, showing that gustatory sensations are more cognitively demanding than previously thought, findings from three studies evince that cognitive depletion reduces consumer enjoyment of complex‐flavored (but not simple‐flavored) foods via a reduction in pleasure that otherwise can be derived from complex flavors. We establish this effect across three different food categories and provide preliminary evidence for consumers’ ability to identify flavors as the underlying process. Our findings offer theoretical contributions and avenues for future research.
Mu opioid receptor in microglia contributes to morphine analgesic tolerance, hyperalgesia, and withdrawal in mice
Authors: Reiss David , Maduna Tando , Maurin Hervé , Audouard Emilie , Gaveriaux‐Ruff Claire
Published: April 2020

A major challenge in medicine is developing potent pain therapies without the adverse effects of opiates. Neuroinflammation and in particular microglial activation have been shown to contribute to these effects. However, the implication of the microglial mu opioid receptor (MOR) is not known. We developed a novel conditional knockout (cKO) mouse line, wherein MOR is deleted in microglia. Morphine analgesic tolerance was delayed in both sexes in cKO mice in the hot plate assay. Opioid‐induced hyperalgesia (OIH) as measured in the tail immersion assay was abolished in male cKO mice, and physical dependence to morphine as assessed by naloxone‐induced withdrawal was attenuated in female cKO mice. Our results show a sex‐dependent contribution of microglial MOR in morphine analgesic tolerance, OIH, and physical dependence. In conclusion, our data suggest that blockade of microglial MOR could represent a therapeutic target for opiate analgesia without the opiate adverse effects.
Degenerative IVD conditioned media and acidic pH sensitize sensory neurons to cyclic tensile strain
Authors: Stover Joshua D. , Lawrence Brandon , Bowles Robby D.
Published: April 2020

Low back pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide. The degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) environment contains pathologically high levels of inflammatory cytokines and acidic pH hypothesized to contribute to back pain by sensitizing nociceptive neurons to stimuli that would not be painful in healthy patients. We hypothesized that the degenerative IVD environment drives discogenic pain by sensitizing nociceptive neurons to mechanical loading. To test this hypothesis, we developed an in vitro model that facilitated the investigation of interactions between the degenerative IVD environment, nociceptive neurons innervating the IVD and mechanical loading of the disc; and, the identification of the underlying mechanism of degenerative IVD induced nociceptive neuron sensitization. In our model, rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons were seeding onto bovine annulus fibrosus tissue, exposed to degenerative IVD conditioned media and/or acidic pH, and subjected to cyclic tensile strain (1 Hz; 1%‐6% strain) during measurement of DRG sensory neuron activity via calcium imaging. Using this model, we demonstrated that both degenerative IVD conditioned media and degenerative IVD acidic pH levels induced elevated nociceptive neuron activation in response to physiologic levels of mechanical strain. In addition, interleukin 6 (IL‐6) was demonstrated to mediate degenerative IVD conditioned media induced elevated nociceptive neuron activation. These results demonstrate IL‐6 mediates degenerative IVD induced neuron sensitization to mechanical loading and further establishes IL‐6 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of discogenic pain. Data further suggests the degenerative IVD environment contains multiple neuron sensitization pathways (IL‐6, pH) that may contribute to discogenic pain.
Can Ultrasound Measures of Muscle and Adipose Tissue Thickness Predict Body Composition of Premature Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit?
Authors: Nagel Emily , Hickey Marie , Teigen Levi , Kuchnia Adam , Holm Tara , Earthman Carrie , Demerath Ellen , Ramel Sara
Published: April 2020

Background

Premature infants are at risk for adverse metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes due to growth alterations in early infancy. Monitoring body composition by tracking gains in fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM) may assist clinicians in preventing obesity and metabolic disease while promoting optimal growth and development. A prospective, observational study was conducted to determine the ability of ultrasound (US) measurements of muscle and adipose tissue thickness to predict whole‐body composition (FFM, FM, percent body fat [%BF]).

Methods

Sixty‐three healthy premature infants were recruited from the University of Minnesota's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Anthropometric measurements, air displacement plethysmography, and US measurements of abdomen, biceps, and quadriceps muscle and of adipose tissue thickness were conducted when infants were medically stable. The relationship between US measurements and body composition was assessed using stepwise linear regression analysis.

Results

In linear regression analyses, biceps adipose and the sum of adipose thickness measurements were significant predictors of %BF, but prediction models had low R2 (0.17 and 0.16, respectively) and high root‐mean‐square error. US measurements of muscle thickness were not predictive of whole‐body FFM.

Conclusion

US measurements of muscle and adipose tissue thickness at the examined sites are not adequate surrogates for whole‐body composition in preterm infants. Exploration of alternate measurement sites may improve predictive ability.
Quantitative electroencephalogram analysis of frontal cortex functional changes in patients with migraine
Authors: Ouyang Chen‐Sen , Chiang Ching‐Tai , Yang Rei‐Cheng , Wu Rong‐Ching , Lin Lung‐Chang
Published: April 2020

The functional abnormality of brain areas accounting for the migraine remains to be elucidated. Most related studies have used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate brain areas involved in migraine. However, the results are heterogeneous. In this study, we used a convenient tool to explore the brain regions involved in migraine. In this study, 40 children with migraine and 40 sex‐ and age‐matched health controls were enrolled, and electroencephalogram was used to explore the functional abnormal areas of migraine through electroencephalogram bands and low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis. The results revealed that spectrum edge frequency 50 in all electroencephalogram channels in patients with migraine were lower than those in controls. Significant differences were discovered over frontal areas. In addition, significantly higher current density over the frontopolar prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex and higher connectivity over the left prefrontal cortex were observed in patients with migraine. We suggest that functional disturbance of the prefrontal cortex may play a potential role in children with migraine, and that low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography is a reliable and convenient tool for studying the functional disturbance of migraine.
Novel frameshift mutations of ANKUB1, GLI3, and TAS2R3 associated with polysyndactyly in a Chinese family
Authors: Zhang Lishan , Chen Xiaobin , Xu Lanwei , Guan Shibing , Wang Dehua , Lin Yanliang , Wang Zengtao
Published: April 2020

Background

Polysyndactyly (PSD) is an autosomal dominant genetic limb malformation caused by mutations.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to determine the mutations in PSD patients. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the effect of GLI3 mutation on its transcriptional activity.

Results

In this study, we investigated the gene mutations of three affected individuals across three generations. The frameshift mutations of GLI3 (NM_000168:c.4659del, NP_000159.3: p.Ser1553del), ANKUB1 (NM_001144960:c.1385del, NP_001138432.1: p.Pro462del), and TAS2R3 (NM_016943:c.128_131del, NP_058639.1: p.Leu43del) were identified in the three affected individuals, but not in three unaffected members by whole exome sequencing and sanger sequencing. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that GLI3 mutation reduced the transcriptional activity of GLI3. The results from SMART analysis showed that the frameshift mutation of TAS2R3 altered most protein sequence, which probably destroyed protein function. Although the frameshift mutation of ANKUB1 did not locate in ankyrin repeat domain and ubiquitin domain, it might influence the interaction between ANKUB1 and other proteins, and further affected the ubiquitinylation.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the frameshift mutations of GLI3, ANKUB1, and TAS2R3 might alter the functions of these proteins, and accelerated PSD progression.
Genetic and molecular biology of bladder cancer among Iranian patients
Authors: Mojarrad Majid , Moghbeli Meysam
Published: April 2020

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) is the sixth common cancer among Iranians. Various risk factors such as smoking, body mass index, chronic infection, age, and genetic factors are associated with BC progression.

Methods

It has been shown that a significant ratio of patients have tumors with muscle bladder layer invasion and poor prognosis at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, the early detection of tumors is required to reduce the mortality rate of BC cases. Since there is a wide geographical incidence variation in BC in Iran, it seems that the ethnic and genetic factors can be the main risk factors among Iranian BC patients.

Results

For the first time, in present review we have summarized all of the reported genes among Iranian BC patients until now which were significantly associated with tumorigenesis. Moreover, we categorized all of the reported genes based on their cell and molecular functions to clarify the genetic and molecular biology of BC among Iranian population.

Conclusion

This review paves the way of determination of a population‐based genetic panel markers for the early detection of BC in this population.
A novel compound heterozygous missense mutation in ASNS broadens the spectrum of asparagine synthetase deficiency
Authors: Wang Chun , He Guiyuan , Ge Yusong , Li Runjie , Li Zhenguo , Lin Yongzhong
Published: April 2020

Background

Asparagine synthetase deficiency (ASNSD) is a rare pediatric congenital disorder that clinically manifests into severe progressive microcephaly, global developmental delay, spastic quadriplegia, and refractory seizures. ASNSD is caused by inheritable autosomal recessive mutations in the asparagine synthetase (ASNS) gene.

Methods

We performed whole‐exome sequencing using the patient's peripheral blood, and newly discovered mutations were subsequently verified in the patient's parents via Sanger sequencing. Software‐based bioinformatics analyses (protein sequence conservation analysis, prediction of protein phosphorylation sites, protein structure modeling, and protein stability prediction) were performed to investigate and deduce their downstream effects.

Results

In this article, we summarized all the previously reported cases of ASNSD and that of a Chinese girl who was clinically diagnosed with ASNSD, which was later confirmed via genetic testing. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed two compound heterozygous missense mutations within the ASNS (c.368T > C, p.F123S and c.1649G > A, p.R550H). The origin of the two mutations was also verified in the patient's parents via Sanger sequencing. The mutation c.368T > C (p.F123S) was discovered and confirmed to be novel and previously unreported. Using software‐based bioinformatics analyses, we deduced that the two mutation sites are highly conserved across a wide range of species, with the ability to alter different phosphorylation sites and destabilize the ASNS protein structure. The newly identified p.F123S mutation was predicted to be the most significantly destabilizing and detrimental mutation to the ASNS protein structure, compared to all other previously reported mutations.

Conclusion

Evidently, the presence of these compound heterozygous mutations could lead to severe clinical phenotypes and serve as a potential indicator for considerably higher risk with less optimistic prognosis in ASNSD patients.
Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Survival Among Patients With Organ Metastatic Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Shirakawa Akira , Yoshida Kosuke , Tamauchi Satoshi , Suzuki Shiro , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: April 2020

Background

This study was conducted to investigate the prognostic significance of sarcopenia in patients with organ metastatic cervical cancer.

Methods

Accordingly, the data of 40 patients with organ metastatic cervical cancer treated at our institute from December 2004 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between clinicopathological characteristics and survival was then evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Psoas muscle index (PMI), calculated from the psoas muscle area at the L3 vertebral‐body level using computed tomography images obtained for pretreatment evaluation, was adopted as an index of sarcopenia.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 14 months (range, 1–91 months). Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed a 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate of 46.1% and 35.8% for all patients, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve maximizing the area under the curve showed that the optimal PMI for predicting 1‐year survival was 3.72 cm2/m2. Patients with a PMI > 3.72 cm2/m2 had significantly better OS than those with a PMI ≤ 3.72 cm2/m2 (P = .046). Multivariate analysis revealed that only PMI was significantly associated with OS in patients with organ metastatic cervical cancer. Furthermore, patients with a PMI > 3.72 cm2/m2 who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) had a longer OS than those receiving other therapies (P < .001).

Conclusions

High PMI was determined to be a favorable prognostic factor for patients with organ metastatic cervical cancer. Moreover, patients with organ metastatic cervical cancer who have a PMI > 3.72 cm2/m2 may benefit from CCRT as an initial treatment.
Nonlinear Granger causality between oil price and stock returns in India
Authors: Bal Debi Prasad , Dash Devi Prasad
Published: April 2020

The nonlinear causal dimension in oil price and stock returns aspect is less explored in literature. This study provides such evidence by applying Hiemstra and Jones (1994) nonlinear Granger causality test to the VAR residuals in case of India. Our result indicates that there exists bi‐directional nonlinear causality between oil price and stock returns. It implies that the lagged information of oil price and stock returns can be able to predict each other efficiently.
2.0 μm Laser Transmission Welding
Authors: Fuhrberg Peter , Ahrens Anja , Schkutow Andreas , Frick Thomas
Published: April 2020

2.0 μm fiber lasers provide a high beam quality and a high‐power output, which makes them ideal for welding and cutting a wide variety of commercially used plastics, as well as marking plastics, metals or even food. At 2.0 μm wavelength the intrinsic absorption of most thermoplastics is high enough to weld or cut without applying any absorbent additives or coatings. Compared to commonly used near‐infrared systems, welding with 2.0 μm lasers can improve heat distribution and gap bridging and enable transmission welding for challenging materials.
Abnormal gut microbiota composition is associated with experimental autoimmune prostatitis‐induced depressive‐like behaviors in mice
Authors: Du He‐Xi , Liu Yi , Zhang Li‐Gang , Zhan Chang‐Sheng , Chen Jing , Zhang Meng , Chen Xian‐Guo , Zhang Li , Liang Chao‐Zhao
Published: April 2020

Background

Depressive symptoms are found in approximately 78% of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) patients, but the pathological mechanisms remain unknown. Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal gut microbiota may play an important role in depression. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether gut microbiota contributes to CP/CPPS‐associated depression by using a mouse model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP).

Methods

Male nonobese diabetic mice were immunized twice by subcutaneous injection of prostate antigen and adjuvant. Behavioral tests consisted of an open field test, sucrose preference test, forced swimming tests, and tail suspension test was used to confirm the depression‐like symptoms that were induced by EAP. Then, fecal samples were collected, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was performed to detect differences in gut microbiota composition between control and EAP group. Additionally, fecal bacteria from the control and EAP mice were transplanted into antibiotics‐induced pseudo‐germ‐free mice to investigate the effects on host behaviors and the composition of gut bacteria.

Results

EAP was successfully established and exhibited depressive‐like behaviors in mice. The 16S rRNA analysis of fecal samples indicated the abnormal composition of gut microbiota in the EAP mice compared to the control mice. In the fecal microbiota transplant study, antibiotics‐treated pseudo‐germ‐free mice presented depressive states as compared to naïve mice. Fecal bacteria transplant from EAP mice, but not from control mice, into the pseudo‐germ‐free mice, significantly exaggerated host depression‐like behaviors. Moreover, fecal bacteria transplants from control and EAP mice induced distinct alterations in α‐diversity and β‐diversity indices. In all, 24 bacteria at six phylogenetic levels were remarkably changed by the fecal bacteria transplantation.

Conclusions

Abnormal gut microbiota composition after EAP induction may contribute to the development of depression in mice. A therapeutic strategy that targets gut microbiota may provide an alternative treatment for alleviating this condition.
Jet latitude regimes and the predictability of the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Strommen Kristian
Published: April 2020

In recent years, numerical weather prediction models have begun to show notable levels of skill at predicting the average winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) when initialised one month ahead. At the same time, these model predictions exhibit unusually low signal‐to‐noise ratios, in what has been dubbed a ‘signal‐to‐noise paradox’. We analyse both the skill and signal‐to‐noise ratio of the Integrated Forecast System (IFS), the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model, in an ensemble hindcast experiment. Specifically, we examine the contribution to both from the regime dynamics of the North Atlantic eddy‐driven jet. This is done by constructing a statistical model which captures the predictability inherent to the trimodal jet latitude system, and fitting its parameters to reanalysis and IFS data. Predictability in this regime system is driven by interannual variations in the persistence of the jet latitude regimes, which determine the preferred state of the jet. We show that the IFS has skill at predicting such variations in persistence: because the position of the jet strongly influences the NAO, this automatically generates skill at predicting the NAO. We show that all of the skill the IFS has at predicting the winter NAO over the period 1980–2010 can be attributed to its skill at predicting regime persistence in this way. Similarly, the tendency of the IFS to underestimate regime persistence can account for the low signal‐to‐noise ratio, giving a possible explanation for the signal‐to‐noise paradox. Finally, we examine how external forcing drives variability in jet persistence, and highlight the role played by transient baroclinic eddy feedbacks to modulate regime persistence.
Theoretical infrared spectrum of the ethanol hexamer
Authors: Malloum Alhadji , Fifen Jean J. , Conradie Jeanet
Published: April 2020

The hydrogen bond network of ethanol clusters is among the most complex hydrogen bond networks of molecular clusters. One of the reasons of its complexity arises from the number of possible ethanol monomers (there are three isoenergetic isomers of the ethanol monomer). This leads to difficulties in the exploration of potential energy surfaces (PESs) of ethanol clusters. In this work, we have explored the PES of the ethanol hexamer at the MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory. We have provided structures and their relative stability at 0 K and for temperatures ranging from 20 to 400 K in the gas phase. These structures are used to compute the theoretical infrared (IR) spectrum of the ethanol hexamer at the MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory. As a result, 98 different structures have been investigated, and six isomers are reported to be the most isoenergetically stable structures of the ethanol hexamer. These isomers are folded cyclic structures in which the stability is enhanced by the implication of CH⋯O interactions. Our investigations show that the PES of the ethanol hexamer is very flat, yielding several isoenergetic structures. Furthermore, we have noted that several isomers contribute to the population of the ethanol hexamer at high temperatures. As far as the IR spectroscopic study is concerned, we have found that the IR spectra of the most stable structures are in good agreement with the experiment. Considering this agreement, these structures are used to assign the experimental peaks in the CH‐stretching region. We concluded that the stability of the structures of the ethanol hexamer is related both to OH⋯O hydrogen bonds and CH⋯O interactions. Overall, we have found that the IR spectrum of the ethanol hexamer, calculated from the contribution of all the possible stable structures weighted by their probability, excellently reproduce the experimental spectrum of the ethanol hexamer.
In Search of the Meaning and Purpose of 21st‐Century Literacy Learning: A Critical Review of Research and Practice
Authors: Mirra Nicole , Garcia Antero
Published: April 2020

In response to widespread interest in 21st‐century learning across the educational landscape, the authors explored the extent to which the concept possesses clear definition and coherent meaning within both research discourse and K–12 classroom practice in the United States, particularly with regard to conceptualizations and enactments of literacy. This research review offers descriptive data about the subject areas and grade levels in which 21st‐century learning efforts are concentrated, analyzes the literacy frameworks employed to guide pedagogy, and describes instructional practices most frequently associated with the concept. Further, this research review explores the role of digital tools in the enactment of 21st‐century learning, including how often teachers are leveraging the collaborative and interactive affordances of those tools. By leveraging a critical analytic framework, findings indicate a dearth of classroom‐based research emphasizing democratic engagement and equity within 21st‐century learning, as well as a hesitancy to use digital literacies to connect with wider publics. Analysis suggests a weakly defined understanding of what literacy learning in the 21st century means in classrooms today, which speaks to the need for a stronger focus on social futures.
Impacts ofSpartina alterniflorainvasion on soil inorganic carbon in coastal wetlands in China
Authors: Yang Ren‐Min , Yang Fan
Published: April 2020

Biological invasion has profoundly influenced coastal soil reservoirs of carbon. Previous carbon studies regarding biological invasion in coastal wetlands mainly focused on soil organic carbon; however, little is known about the mechanisms that control soil inorganic carbon (SIC, e.g., carbonates) variation. In order to explore our understanding, we used structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate controlling mechanisms of SIC in response toSpartina alterniflora(Loisel) invasion in the east‐central China coast, where there is a lack of native salt marsh species. A space‐for‐time substitution method was used to identify sampling sites, assuming it has the capability to quantify the soil‐vegetation relationship along a gradient of the increasingS. alternifloraage (17 year). The results showed that soil inorganic carbon density (SICD) at the 0.3–0.6 m depth exhibited a decline underS. alterniflorainvasion, while there was no substantial change at the depths of 0–0.3 m and 0.6–1 m. The majority of the variances in SICD changes could be explained byS. alterniflorainvasion and key soil physicochemical variables. In SEM,S. alterniflorainvasion, soil water content, and soil texture presented direct influence on SICD throughout the soil profile (i.e., to 1 m depth). Soil salinity presented direct influence on SICD in the upper 0.6 m soil, while pH played an important role in the depth of 0.6–1 m. These results highlight that dynamics of SIC processes are probably controlled by interactions amongS. alterniflorainvasion and key soil physicochemical variables.
Baryogenesis from a dark first-order phase transition
Authors: Hall Eleanor , Konstandin Thomas , McGehee Robert , Murayama Hitoshi , Servant Géraldine
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We present a very minimal model for baryogenesis by a dark first-order phase transition. It employs a new dark SU(2)
D
gauge group with two doublet Higgs bosons, two lepton doublets, and two singlets. The singlets act as a neutrino portal that transfer the generated asymmetry to the Standard Model. The model predicts ∆N
eff = 0.09–0.13 detectable by future experiments as well as possible signals from exotic decays of the Higgs and Z bosons and stochastic gravitational waves.
Mechanistische Narrative als Mittel der Dissemination: das Beispiel koronarer Technologien
Authors: Donner-Banzhoff Norbert
Published: April 2020

Viele medizinische Technologien kommen großflächig zum Einsatz, obwohl empirische Belege zur Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit fehlen. Beispielsweise werden perkutane koronare Interventionen (PCI) häufig bei der chronisch stabilen koronaren Herzerkrankung (KHK) eingesetzt, ohne dass dafür ausreichend Studienevidenz vorliegt. Diese Situation wirft die Frage auf, auf welcher Basis diese Technologien verbreitet und von den Menschen akzeptiert werden.

Studien zur ärztlichen Kommunikation über die Wirksamkeit von koronaren Interventionen zeigen, dass stark vereinfachende Narrative hierbei eine große Rolle spielen. In diesem Diskussionsbeitrag soll erörtert werden, inwieweit spezifische Narrative zur Verbreitung von Technologien beitragen.

Fachliche Kommunikation einschließlich der Aus- und Fortbildung hat überwiegend die Form von Narrativen. In der Medizin zeichnen sich diese aus durch eine 1) extreme Vereinfachung, 2) Reduktion auf biologische Prozesse, 3) deterministische Struktur, 4) starke moralische Komponente. Diese Narrative sind grundsätzlich tendenziös; bei Interventionen zeichnen sie ein im Vergleich zur empirischen Evidenz überoptimistisches Bild von Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit. Auch wenn es sich um moderne Technologien handelt, entsprechen die begleitenden Erzählungen teils archaischen Mythen.

Vermutlich sind ein Überzeugen und Lehren ganz ohne die narrative Struktur nicht möglich. Angehörige von Gesundheitsprofessionen, aber auch Patientinnen und Patienten sowie die allgemeine Öffentlichkeit müssen sich jedoch klar darüber sein, welches Verzerrungs- und Manipulationspotenzial mit dieser Form der Kommunikation gegeben ist.
Modulation of soleus muscle H-reflexes and ankle muscle co-contraction with surface compliance during unipedal balancing in young and older adults
Authors: Alizadehsaravi Leila , Bruijn Sjoerd M. , Maas Huub , van Dieën Jaap H.
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to assess modulation of lower leg muscle reflex excitability and co-contraction during unipedal balancing on compliant surfaces in young and older adults. Twenty healthy adults (ten aged 18–30 years and ten aged 65–80 years) were recruited. Soleus muscle H-reflexes were elicited by electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve, while participants stood unipedally on a robot-controlled balance platform, simulating different levels of surface compliance. In addition, electromyographic data (EMG) of soleus (SOL), tibialis anterior (TA), and peroneus longus (PL) and full-body 3D kinematic data were collected. The mean absolute center of mass velocity was determined as a measure of balance performance. Soleus H-reflex data were analyzed in terms of the amplitude related to the M wave and the background EMG activity 100 ms prior to the stimulation. The relative duration of co-contraction was calculated for soleus and tibialis anterior, as well as for peroneus longus and tibialis anterior. Center of mass velocity was significantly higher in older adults compared to young adults ($$p<0.001)$$

p
<
0.001
)

and increased with increasing surface compliance in both groups ($$p<0.001)$$

p
<
0.001
)

. The soleus H-reflex gain decreased with surface compliance in young adults $$(p= 0.003)$$

(
p
=
0.003
)

, while co-contraction increased $${(p}_{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{O}\mathrm{L},\mathrm{T}\mathrm{A}}=0.003\ \mathrm{a}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{d}\ {p}_{\mathrm{P}\mathrm{L},\mathrm{T}\mathrm{A}}<0.001)$$

(
p

S
O
L
,
T
A

=
0.003

a
n
d

p

P
L
,
T
A

<
0.001
)

. Older adults did not show such modulations, but showed overall lower H-reflex gains $$(p<0.001)$$

(
p
<
0.001
)

and higher co-contraction than young adults $${(p}_{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{O}\mathrm{L},\mathrm{T}\mathrm{A}}<0.001\ \mathrm{a}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{d}\ {p}_{\mathrm{P}\mathrm{L},\mathrm{T}\mathrm{A}}=0.002)$$

(
p

S
O
L
,
T
A

<
0.001

a
n
d

p

P
L
,
T
A

=
0.002
)

. These results suggest an overall shift in balance control from the spinal level to supraspinal levels in older adults, which also occurred in young adults when balancing at more compliant surfaces.
Contribution of mechanosensitive channels to osmoadaptation and ectoine excretion in Halomonas elongata
Authors: Vandrich Jasmina , Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Alfaro-Espinoza Gabriela , Kunte Hans Jörg
Published: April 2020

For osmoadaptation the halophilic bacterium Halomonas elongata synthesizes as its main compatible solute the aspartate derivative ectoine. H. elongata does not rely entirely on synthesis but can accumulate ectoine by uptake from the surrounding environment with the help of the osmoregulated transporter TeaABC. Disruption of the TeaABC-mediated ectoine uptake creates a strain that is constantly losing ectoine to the medium. However, the efflux mechanism of ectoine in H. elongata is not yet understood. H. elongata possesses four genes encoding mechanosensitive channels all of which belong to the small conductance type (MscS). Analysis by qRT-PCR revealed a reduction in transcription of the mscS genes with increasing salinity. The response of H. elongata to hypo- and hyperosmotic shock never resulted in up-regulation but rather in down-regulation of mscS transcription. Deletion of all four mscS genes created a mutant that was unable to cope with hypoosmotic shock. However, the knockout mutant grew significantly faster than the wildtype at high salinity of 2 M NaCl, and most importantly, still exported 80% of the ectoine compared to the wildtype. We thus conclude that a yet unknown system, which is independent of mechanosensitive channels, is the major export route for ectoine in H. elongata.
Direct Processing of Structural Thermoplastic Composites Using Rapid Isothermal Stamp Forming
Authors: Reynolds N. , Awang-Ngah S. , Williams G. , Hughes D. J.
Published: April 2020

A novel rapid isothermal stamp forming process is proposed which enables the rapid manufacture of structural thermoplastic composite laminate parts directly from multilayer hybrid fabrics comprising stitched unidirectional carbon fibre-thermoplastic polymer veil. The process employs rapid-response variothermal tooling, allowing macro-scale (fabric forming/draping) and micro-scale (fibre wetting/laminate consolidation) composite material transformation processes to occur isothermally above the constituent polymer matrix melt temperature (Tm), thus manufacturing a composite component directly from a hybrid dry fabric in a single press cycle in a relatively short overall cycle time. The proposed rapid isothermal stamp forming (RISF) concept is presented, and details of the process are given along with some considerations made throughout the formulation of the process. As a result of the RISF process development work, candidate manufacturing parameters were derived, delivering parts that exhibit acceptable composite laminate microstructure and mechanical performance within a press station cycle time of 330 s.
The rise of a large carnivore population in Central Europe: genetic evaluation of lynx reintroduction in the Harz Mountains
Authors: Mueller Sarah Ashley , Reiners Tobias Erik , Middelhoff Tomma Lilli , Anders Ole , Kasperkiewicz Anna , Nowak Carsten
Published: April 2020

Large carnivores have made a successful comeback across human-dominated landscapes in Central Europe. The Eurasian lynx, for instance, has been actively reintroduced in different regions. Genetic diversity is quickly eroding in these isolated, small populations, questioning the long-term success of lynx reintroductions. To track population development and genetic diversity in a reintroduced lynx population, we used microsatellite analysis and mtDNA haplotyping based on 379 samples collected during the initial 15 year period of lynx reintroduction in the Harz mountains National Park, Germany. The Harz lynx population shows higher genetic diversity relative to other lynx reintroductions, due to initial cross-breeding of divergent captive source lineages and a comparably high founder size. While the population shows significant population growth and spread into adjacent regions, genetic diversity is continiously declining. Expected heterozygosity values dropped from 0.63 after reintroduction (2006/2007) to 0.55 within a 10 year period. Despite this, the Harz lynx population is currently a viable component to an envisioned lynx metapopulation spanning across Central Europe. The ongoing genetic erosion in the Harz population along with a lack of geneflow from adjacent populations indicates that such connectivity is urgently needed to ensure long-term population persistence.
The entrepreneurial finance markets of the future: a comparison of crowdfunding and initial coin offerings
Authors: Block Joern H. , Groh Alexander , Hornuf Lars , Vanacker Tom , Vismara Silvio
Published: April 2020

Entrepreneurial finance markets are in a dynamic state. New market niches and players have developed and continue to emerge. The rules of the game and the methods for receiving financial backing have changed in many ways. This editorial and the special issue of Small Business Economics focus on crowdfunding (CF) and initial coin offerings (ICOs), which are two distinct but important entrepreneurial finance market segments of the future. Although the two market segments initially appear to be similar, we identify differences between them. Our comparison focuses on the stakeholders, microstructures, regulatory environments, and development of the markets. We conclude with suggestions for future ICO and CF research.
The Application of Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering to Investigate Hydrogen Diffusion in an Iron-Based Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Catalyst
Authors: Davidson Alisha L. , Webb Paul B. , Silverwood Ian P. , Lennon David
Published: April 2020

Iron-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalysts evolve in situ on exposure to synthesis gas (CO & H2) forming a mixture of iron oxides, iron carbides and carbonaceous deposits. Recently, the application of inelastic neutron scattering has shown the progressive formation of a hydrocarbonaceous overlayer during this catalyst conditioning period. The evolving nature of the catalyst alters the proportion of phases present within the catalyst, which may influence the transport of hydrogen within the reaction system. Preliminary quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements are used to investigate hydrogen diffusion within an un-promoted iron FTS catalyst that has experienced varying levels of time-on-stream (0, 12 and 24 h) of ambient pressure CO hydrogenation at 623 K. Measurements on the catalyst samples in the absence of hydrogen show the unreacted sample (t = 0 h) to exhibit little increase in motion over the temperature range studied, whereas the t = 12 and 24 h samples exhibit a pronounced change in motion with temperature. The contrast is attributed to the presence of the afore-mentioned hydrocarbonaceous overlayer. Measurements on the samples in the presence of liquid hydrogen show hydrogen diffusional characteristics to be modified as a function of the catalyst conditioning process but, due to the complexity of the evolving catalyst matrix, the hydrogen motion cannot be attributed to a particular phase or component of the catalyst. Problems in the use of hydrogen as a probe molecule in this instance are briefly considered. Coincident neutron diffraction studies undertaken alongside the QENS measurements confirm the transition from hematite pre-catalyst to that of Hägg carbide during the course of extended times-on-stream.
Evaluation of tectonic activity using morphometric indices: case study of the Tatra Mts. (Western Carpathians, Poland)
Authors: Buczek Krzysztof , Górnik Marek
Published: April 2020

The Tatra Mountains (Tatra Mts.) are the highest and most glacially reshaped mountain massif in the Carpathians. Previous studies suggested the tectonic uplift of this massif along the large sub-Tatric fault during Quaternary. The main goal of this paper is to characterise the tectonic activity in the Tatra Mts. using 6 geomorphic indices for 78 drainage basins: the stream-gradient index (SL), asymmetry factor (Af), basin shape ratio (Bs), hypsometric integral (Hi), valley floor width–valley height ratio (Vf), as well as mountain-front sinuosity (Smf). These parameters were combined in order to obtain the relative tectonic activity index (Iat) using GIS. The average of the six computed geomorphic indices was used to evaluate the distribution of relative tectonic activity in the study area. According to Iat values, four classes of different tectonic activity can be distinguished in the Tatra Mts.: class 1 of very high tectonic activity (0.7% of Tatra Mts.); class 2 of high activity (24.3%); class 3 of moderate activity (68.4%); and class 4 of low activity (6.6%). Our study confirmed previous suggestions about unequal uplift of different parts of the massif. Iat values show high tectonic activity along the Sub-Tatric fault, as well as in the northern part of the Belianskie Tatra. Distribution of Vf and Hi values correlate with extend of glaciers during Last Glacial Maximum. It seems that values of some geomorphic indices, such as Vf and HI, are strongly associated with glacial reshaping of the Tatra Mts. during the Pleistocene.