bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant community responses to multiple disturbances in an arid region of northeast Iran
Authors: Erfanian Mohammad Bagher , Ejtehadi Hamid , Vaezi Jamil , Moazzeni Hamid
Published: May 2019

Various disturbances affect the vegetation in rural areas. However, the responses of plant communities to multiple disturbances have rarely been studied. We investigated the vegetation of a rural landscape in northeast Iran. We established 42 study sites in three land use types using a stratified‐random design: ungrazed abandoned croplands (UACs), grazed abandoned croplands (GACs), and grazed field margins (GFMs). The species richness and canopy cover for all vascular plants and influential disturbances (i.e., grazing, degraded/nondegraded status, distance to the main road, and distance to active cropland) were recorded at each site. We compared multiple facets of the plant communities among land use types. The results showed that there were significant differences among the species compositions of the land use types, with therophytes dominating in all three. Alien species were found in the three land use types, particularly in UACs. GFMs had the highest number of native species. There were no significant differences in the species or phylogenetic diversities among the land use types. Grazing and distance to active cropland were identified as significant factors determining the native species structure in the area, whereas grazing was the only significant factor determining the alien species structure. There was a significant correlation between the native and alien species structure. Our results imply that grazing disperses native and alien plant propagules simultaneously. Neither grazing nor non‐grazing improved biodiversity in the abandoned croplands. The restoration of this landscape requires a community‐specific plan. GFMs are native plant islands that should be prioritized in restoration.
The impacts of nutrient addition and livestock exclosure on the soil nematode community in a degraded grassland
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Wei , Li Qi , Zhang Hai‐Yang , Hu Yan‐Yu , Hou Shuang‐Li , Wei Hai‐Wei , Yin Jiang‐Xia , Lü Xiao‐Tao
Published: May 2019

Nutrient addition and livestock exclosure are two strategies for restoring degraded grassland. Although their impacts on plant community properties are well understood, the effects of fertilization and livestock exclosure on belowground fauna community in degraded grassland remain largely unknown. We examined the main and interactive effects of nutrient addition and livestock exclosure on soil nematode community in a severely degraded grassland of northern China, by recording soil nematode community composition in 0‐ to 10‐cm soil layer in the summer of 2017. Neither nutrient addition nor livestock exclosure had significant effects on the biodiversity of nematode community in this degraded grassland. Livestock exclosure significantly increased the abundances of total nematodes and the maturity index of the nematode community, mainly due to its positive effect on omnivorous + carnivorous nematodes. Nutrient addition weakened the positive effects of livestock exclosure on soil nematode community by reducing soil pH and enhancing soil ammonium concentration. Our results highlight that the positive effects of livestock exclosure on soil nematode community would be reassessed under the scenarios of nutrient enrichment. Given that most grasslands are used for livestock production, the interactive effects of grazing and nutrient enrichment on soil nematode community deserve more attention in further research.
The Value of Confocal Laser Endoscopy in Assessing the Quality of Duodenal Ulcer Healing
Authors: Rong Jianfang , Zhang Liang , Liao Wangdi , Xie Yong , Lu Nonghua , Shu Xu
Published: May 2019

Background and Objective

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a novel endoscopic technique that can image cells and subcellular layers of the gastric mucosa in vivo. We aimed to investigate the value of CLE in assessing the quality of ulcer healing (QOUH) and preliminarily establish evaluation criteria.

Materials and Methods

Patients with duodenal ulcers were enrolled. After duodenal ulcer healing, we compared the value of CLE and white light endoscopy (WLE) in assessing the QOUH by using the histopathological diagnosis as the gold standard. At the same time, immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) in normal and scar tissues.

Results

In assessing the QOUH classified as poor, good, and excellent by the pathological classification, the sensitivity of WLE was 57.14%, 50%, and 47.06%, the specificity was 87.80%, 52.38%, and 81.58%, and the accuracy was 80.00%, 50.91%, and 70.91%, respectively. Meanwhile, the sensitivity of CLE was 73.33%, 85.19%, and 92.31%, the specificity was 95%, 85.71%, and 92.86%, and the accuracy was 89.09%, 85.45%, and 92.73%, respectively. The κ value for the correlation with pathological diagnosis grade was 0.38 for WLE vs. 0.74 for CLE. The assessment of the QOUH in the CLE image classification showed great improvement compared with that in the WLE image classification. The image classification of CLE was not associated with the immunohistochemical expression of TGF‐β1 or FGF‐2 according the Spearman rank correlation (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with WLE, CLE has a higher value in assessing the QOUH. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tensile strength performance with determination of the Poisson‘s ratio of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg samples
Authors: Sert E. , Schuch E. , Öchsner A. , Hitzler L. , Werner E. , Merkel M.
Published: May 2019

Additive manufacturing of metals is a key technology and an emerging industrial sector enabling the manufacture of highly specialized and advanced components. It's outstanding advantages are the geometric flexibility and the elimination of tools compared to conventional manufacturing techniques. However, multiple directional dependencies lead to an anisotropic material behaviour, rendering the material description more complicated. Samples used for this study were fabricated from the age‐hardenable alloy AlSi10Mg, focusing on fluctuating material properties in relation to differing built orientations. In addition, the effect of thermal post treatment was considered. Comprehensive tensile tests employing a lateral strain sensor were performed, in order to determine the transverse contraction during loading and to quantify directional dependencies. The Young's modulus varied between 66 GPa and 68 GPa, however the Poisson's ratio ranged between 0.31 and 0.39. Investigations on the fractured faces by means of scanning electron microscopy investigations were also part of this study.
Ovarian reserve evaluation in a woman with 45,X/47,XXX mosaicism: A case report and a review of literature
Authors: Tang Ruiyi , Lin Lin , Guo Zaixin , Hou Haiyan , Yu Qi
Published: May 2019

Background

Turner syndrome (TS) is a common chromosomal disorder affecting approximately 1:2,500 live female births. Mosaic 47,XXX karyotype is found in 3%–4% of TS patients. TS phenotype in rare 45,X/47,XXX mosaicism patients is milder than in classic TS, however their ovarian function, especially in the mature age, has not been described in detail.

Methods

A case report and literature review.

Results

A 30‐year‐old woman with menstrual irregularity and primary infertility presented with short stature and multiple nevi on the face without other common TS clinical features. She had spontaneous puberty and menarche but diminished ovarian reserve at the age of 30. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated 45,X/47,XXX mosaicism, which was once misdiagnosed as 45,X monosomy. Literature review revealed the prevalence of short stature in only 64.3% of 45,X/47,XXX mosaicism cases, that is, much less frequently than in pure 45,X monosomy. The risk of premature ovarian insufficiency in 45,X/47,XXX mosaicism patients is higher, and ovarian failure is usually observed at around 30 years of age.

Conclusion

FISH should be recommended to evaluate low proportion mosaicism in similar cases. Due to the risk of ovarian failure, fertility preservation for patients with 45,X/47,XXX mosaicism at a younger age must be considered.
Deep learning‐based carotid media‐adventitia and lumen‐intima boundary segmentation from three‐dimensional ultrasound images
Authors: Zhou Ran , Fenster Aaron , Xia Yujiao , Spence J. David , Ding Mingyue
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Quantification of carotid plaques has been shown to be important for assessing as well as monitoring the progression and regression of carotid atherosclerosis. Various metrics have been proposed and methods of measurements ranging from manual tracing to automated segmentations have also been investigated. Of those metrics, quantification of carotid plaques by measuring vessel‐wall‐volume (VWV) using the segmented media‐adventitia (MAB) and lumen‐intima (LIB) boundaries has been shown to be sensitive to temporal changes in carotid plaque burden. Thus, semi‐automatic MAB and LIB segmentation methods are required to help generate VWV measurements with high accuracy and less user interaction.

Methods

In this paper, we propose a semiautomatic segmentation method based on deep learning to segment the MAB and LIB from carotid three‐dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) images. For the MAB segmentation, we convert the segmentation problem to a pixel‐by‐pixel classification problem. A dynamic convolutional neural network (Dynamic CNN) is proposed to classify the patches generated by sliding a window along the norm line of the initial contour where the CNN model is fine‐tuned dynamically in each test task. The LIB is segmented by applying a region‐of‐interest of carotid images to a U‐Net model, which allows the network to be trained end‐to‐end for pixel‐wise classification.

Results

A total of 144 3DUS images were used in this development, and a threefold cross‐validation technique was used for evaluation of the proposed algorithm. The proposed algorithm‐generated accuracy was significantly higher than the previous methods but with less user interactions. Comparing the algorithm segmentation results with manual segmentations by an expert showed that the average Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) were 96.46 ± 2.22% and 92.84 ± 4.46% for the MAB and LIB, respectively, while only an average of 34 s (vs 1.13, 2.8 and 4.4 min in previous methods) was required to segment a 3DUS image. The interobserver experiment indicated that the DSC was 96.14 ± 1.87% between algorithm‐generated MAB contours of two observers' initialization.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the proposed carotid plaque segmentation method obtains high accuracy and repeatability with less user interactions, suggesting that the method could be used in clinical practice to measure VWV and monitor the progression and regression of carotid plaques.
The calcium‐sensing receptor regulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation through PDK1 in boar spermatozoa
Authors: Macías‐García Beatriz , García‐Marín Luis J. , Bragado María J. , González‐Fernández Lauro
Published: May 2019

Regulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation is required for sperm capacitation and oocyte fertilization. The objective of the present work was to study the role of the calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in boar spermatozoa under capacitating conditions. To do this, boar spermatozoa were incubated in Tyrode's complete medium for 4 hr and the specific inhibitor of the CaSR, NPS2143, was used. Also, to study the possible mechanism(s) by which this receptor exerts its function, spermatozoa were incubated in the presence of specific inhibitors of the 3‐phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) and protein kinase A (PKA). Treatment with NPS2143, GSK2334470, an inhibitor of PDK1 and H‐89, an inhibitor of PKA separately induced an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of 18 and 32 kDa proteins, a decrease in the serine/threonine phosphorylation of the PKA substrates together with a drop in sperm motility and viability. The present work proposes a new signalling pathway of the CaSR, mediated by PDK1 and PKA in boar spermatozoa under capacitating conditions. Our results show that the inhibition of the CaSR induces the inhibition of PDK1 that blocks PKA activity resulting in a rise in tyrosine phosphorylation of p18 and p32 proteins. This novel signalling pathway has not been described before and could be crucial to understand boar sperm capacitation within the female reproductive tract.
Eculizumab: A Complementary addition to existing long‐term therapies for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Edmundson Christyn , Guidon Amanda C.
Published: May 2019

See article on pages 14–24 in this issue.
The orientation order of liquid‐crystalline polymer, measured by ESR and optical dichroism techniques
Authors: Bogdanov Alexey V. , Bobrovsky Alexey Yu. , Vorobiev Andrey Kh.
Published: May 2019

Molecular orientation order and rotation mobility of comb‐shaped liquid crystalline polymer forming nematic and smectic mesophases are characterized by spin probe and dichroism technique in the temperature range 100–420 K. The models describing the mechanism of molecular rotations in different temperature ranges were determined by quantitative numerical simulations of ESR spectra. In the vicinity of the glass transition point of the polymer, where the fast amplitude‐restricted molecular reorientations take place, the quasi‐libration model was found to be adequate for the description of ESR spectra, while the often used Brownian rotational diffusion is appropriate at higher temperatures only. Orientation distribution function of probe molecules was characterized quantitatively by order parameters up to sixth rank for a wide temperature range. The orientation order parameters measured via the spin probe technique are shown to correlate with orientation order parameters measured by optical techniques. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 819–825
Preclinical characterization of AMPA receptor potentiator TAK‐137 as a therapeutic drug for schizophrenia
Authors: Tanaka Maiko , Kunugi Akiyoshi , Suzuki Atsushi , Suzuki Noriko , Suzuki Motohisa , Kimura Haruhide
Published: May 2019

The downregulation of the glutamate system may be involved in positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Through enhanced glutamate signaling, the activation of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptor, an ionotropic glutamate receptor, could be a new therapeutic strategy for schizophrenia. TAK‐137 is a novel AMPA receptor potentiator with minimal agonistic activity; in this study, we used rodents and nonhuman primates to assess its potential as a drug for schizophrenia. At 10 mg kg−1 p.o., TAK‐137 partially inhibited methamphetamine‐induced hyperlocomotion in rats, and at 3, 10, and 30 mg kg−1 p.o., TAK‐137 partially inhibited MK‐801‐induced hyperlocomotion in mice, suggesting weak effects on the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. At 0.1 and 0.3 mg kg−1 p.o., TAK‐137 significantly ameliorated MK‐801‐induced deficits in the social interaction of rats, demonstrating potential improvement of impaired social functioning, which is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. The effects of TAK‐137 were evaluated on multiple cognitive domains—attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. TAK‐137 enhanced attention in the five‐choice serial reaction time task in rats at 0.2 mg kg−1 p.o., and improved working memory both in rats and monkeys: 0.2 and 0.6 mg kg−1 p.o. ameliorated MK‐801‐induced deficits in the radial arm maze test in rats, and 0.1 mg kg−1 p.o. improved the performance of ketamine‐treated monkeys in the delayed matching‐to‐sample task. At 0.1 and 1 mg kg−1 p.o., TAK‐137 improved the cognitive flexibility of subchronic phencyclidine‐treated rats in the reversal learning test. Thus, TAK‐137‐type AMPA receptor potentiators with low intrinsic activity may offer new therapies for schizophrenia.
Stable boundary‐layer relative humidity profiles and the conditions for onset of radiation fog over land
Authors: Derbyshire Steve H.
Published: May 2019

Fog is a physically complex problem, with substantial impacts motivating further advances in prediction. We focus here on radiation fog over land, and the typical development of an optically thin initial phase which can be regarded as a continuation of the stable boundary layer. Textbook analytical models exist for quasi‐steady stable boundary layer models, but these have hitherto not been extended to treat the relative humidity appropriate to the onset conditions for fog. Such extension is complicated by the nonlinearity of the saturation curve, identified in Taylor's classic work as a key term due to the high level of cancellation between cooling and drying fluxes.

Here we show how, by idealization of the saturation curve, the nonlinear mixing mechanism can be combined with analytical stable boundary layers so as to provide solutions for two canonical cases. To complement these solutions, a simple numerical model is presented, illustrating key aspects of behaviour and the potential impact of additional physics. A non‐dimensional parameter is derived as a ratio of time‐scales governing the magnitude of nonlinear mixing in the boundary‐layer problem. Boundary‐layer properties, surface transfer and water properties, saturation nonlinearity, clear‐air radiation and sedimentation are all supported as important ingredients in the general fog problem. The findings suggest that a hierarchical approach can be developed in a manner traceable to the analytic solutions for the simpler cases.
Rapid determination of carbon isotope composition in carbonatites using isotope ratio mass spectrometry – Comparison of dual‐inlet, elemental‐analyzer and continuous‐flow techniques
Authors: Trubač Jakub , Magna Tomáš , Čejková Bohuslava , Vondrovicová Lenka , Rapprich Vladislav
Published: May 2019

Rationale

Applications where stable C and O isotope compositions are useful require routine instrumental techniques with a fast sample throughput which should also produce accurate and precise results. We present a comparison of three different instrumental isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) approaches (Dual Inlet ‐ DI; Elemental Analyzer ‐ EA; Continuous Flow ‐ CF) to determine the stable isotope composition of carbon in carbonate matrices, with a focus on evaluating the optimum approach for less complex instrumental techniques.

Methods

The DI‐IRMS method is taken as an absolute method for obtaining accurate and precise 13C/12C ratios with internal errors usually < ±0.01‰ (2SD) and long‐term reproducibility better than ±0.03‰ (2SD). The drawbacks of DI‐IRMS are that it requires extensive offline sample preparation, rather large sample sizes (commonly >20 mg) and extended analysis times.

Results

EA‐IRMS provides rapidity of analysis, relatively non‐complex technique optimization and large sample throughput sufficient to distinguish natural trends although the larger internal errors and poorer reproducibility must be considered. The major disadvantage of EA‐IRMS lies in a constant offset of the 13C/12C ratios against DI‐IRMS, large internal errors (±0.2‰, 2SD) and the worst reproducibility (±0.3‰, 2SD) of all the explored methods. The results acquired using CF‐IRMS are comparable with those obtained by employing DI‐IRMS with an external reproducibility better than ±0.2‰ (2SD). Compared with EA‐IRMS, however, this technique requires more elaborate sample preparation – more akin to DI‐IRMS. None of these two latter techniques can provide C isotope results for coexisting phases such as calcite, dolomite and ankerite unless they are physically separated and analyzed independently.

Conclusions

All methods are appropriate for 13C/12C determinations with CF‐IRMS and EA‐IRMS less applicable to high‐precision measurements but relevant for studies requiring high sample throughput. Periodical analysis of matrix‐matched reference materials during the analytical sequence is warranted for both EA‐IRMS and CF‐IRMS.
Bayesian hierarchical EMAX model for dose‐response in early phase efficacy clinical trials
Authors: Gajewski Byron J. , Meinzer Caitlyn , Berry Scott M. , Rockswold Gaylan L. , Barsan William G. , Korley Frederick K. , Martin Renee’ H.
Published: May 2019

A primary goal of a phase II dose‐ranging trial is to identify a correct dose before moving forward to a phase III confirmatory trial. A correct dose is one that is actually better than control. A popular model in phase II is an independent model that puts no structure on the dose‐response relationship. Unfortunately, the independent model does not efficiently use information from related doses. One very successful alternate model improves power using a pre‐specified dose‐response structure. Past research indicates that EMAX models are broadly successful and therefore attractive for designing dose‐response trials. However, there may be instances of slight risk of nonmonotone trends that need to be addressed when planning a clinical trial design. We propose to add hierarchical parameters to the EMAX model. The added layer allows information about the treatment effect in one dose to be “borrowed” when estimating the treatment effect in another dose. This is referred to as the hierarchical EMAX model. Our paper compares three different models (independent, EMAX, and hierarchical EMAX) and two different design strategies. The first design considered is Bayesian with a fixed trial design, and it has a fixed schedule for randomization. The second design is Bayesian but adaptive, and it uses response adaptive randomization. In this article, a randomized trial of patients with severe traumatic brain injury is provided as a motivating example.
Proportional hazards regression of survival‐sacrifice data with cause‐of‐death information in animal carcinogenicity studies
Authors: Mao Lu
Published: May 2019

Rodent survival‐sacrifice experiments are routinely conducted to assess the tumor‐inducing potential of a certain exposure or drug. Because most tumors under study are impalpable, animals are examined at death for evidence of tumor formation. In some studies, the cause of death is ascertained by a pathologist to account for possible correlation between tumor development and death. Existing methods for survival‐sacrifice data with cause‐of‐death information have been restricted to multi‐group testing or one‐sample estimation of tumor onset distribution and thus do not provide a natural way to quantify treatment effect or dose‐response relationship. In this paper, we propose semiparametric regression methods under the popular proportional hazards model for both tumor onset and tumor‐caused death. For inference, we develop a maximum pseudo‐likelihood estimation procedure using a modified iterative convex minorant algorithm, which is guaranteed to converge to the unique maximizer of the objective function. Simulation studies under different tumor rates show that the new methods provide valid inference on the covariate‐outcome relationship and outperform alternative approaches. A real study investigating the effects of benzidine dihydrochloride on liver tumor in mice is analyzed as an illustration.
pH‐Selective Fluorescent Enhancement with Glyphosate in Aqueous Media
Authors: Luo Meng‐Han , Dou Hong‐Xi , Wang Kui , Feng Yu‐Xin , Xing Si‐Yang , Zhu Bo‐Lin , Wu Yue
Published: May 2019

In this work the host–guest interactions between calixpyridinium and glyphosate were studied in aqueous media at pH 2.0 and 6.0 by using a calixpyridinium–dye complex. A pH‐selective fluorescent enhancement with glyphosate at pH 6.0 was found. The results of competitive binding titration experiments showed that calixpyridinium formed 1:1 host–guest complexes with glyphosate at pH 6.0. The association constant of calixpyridinium with glyphosate, extracted from the competitive binding titration, was (4.83±1.42)×102 M−1. The binding mode between calixpyridinium and glyphosate in D2O at pD 6.0 was further deduced by using 1H NMR spectroscopy. The result showed that the anionic carboxyl group, rather than the anionic phosphate group, was the main binding site of glyphosate to calixpyridinium accompanied by electrostatic interaction. pH 6.0 is in the pH range suitable for plant growth. Therefore, it is anticipated that these results are extremely important in the detection of glyphosate. These studies were further performed in some real aqueous samples, and the results were similar to those obtained in simple pure water. More importantly, this method indeed could be applied in the detection of glyphosate in the different real soil samples, and some potential background interferences could not affect the detection. All these studies in the real samples can greatly increase the usefulness of this work.
Near‐Infrared Activated Black Phosphorus as a Nontoxic Photo‐Oxidant for Alzheimer's Amyloid‑β Peptide
Authors: Li Yang , Du Zhi , Liu Xinping , Ma Mengmeng , Yu Dongqin , Lu Yao , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: May 2019

The inhibition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregation by photo‐oxygenation has become an effective way of treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). New near‐infrared (NIR) activated treatment agents, which not only possess high photo‐oxygenation efficiency, but also show low biotoxicity, are urgently needed. Herein, for the first time, it is demonstrated that NIR activated black phosphorus (BP) could serve as an effective nontoxic photo‐oxidant for amyloid‑β peptide in vitro and in vivo. The nanoplatform BP@BTA (BTA: one of thioflavin‐T derivatives) possesses high affinity to the Aβ peptide due to specific amyloid selectivity of BTA. Importantly, under NIR light, BP@BTA can significantly generate a high quantum yield of singlet oxygen (1O2) to oxygenate Aβ, thereby resulting in inhibiting the aggregation and attenuating Aβ‐induced cytotoxicity. In addition, BP could finally degrade into nontoxic phosphate, which guarantees the biosafety. Using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans CL2006 as AD model, the results demonstrate that the 1O2‐generation system could dramatically promote life‐span extension of CL2006 strain by decreasing the neurotoxicity of Aβ.
Explicating the Sodium Storage Kinetics and Redox Mechanism of Highly Pseudocapacitive Binary Transition Metal Sulfide via Operando Techniques and Ab Initio Evaluation
Authors: Lim Yew Von , Huang Shaozhuan , Hu Junping , Kong Dezhi , Wang Ye , Xu Tingting , Ang Lay Kee , Yang Hui Ying
Published: May 2019

The economic advantage of sodium resources has triggered worldwide enthusiasm in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). As a new breed of transition metal sulfides, binary metal sulfides (BMS) have garnered increasing interests due to its pseudocapacitive capabilities but with limited reports to address its potentials. To address them, bimetallic nickel cobalt sulfide (NiCo2S4, or NCS) embedded in graphene aerogel matrix (NCSGO) with excellent reaction kinetics and rate performance are studied by first‐principles methods and operando techniques to elucidate its sodiation kinetics and redox mechanism. The kinetic analysis on sodiation behavior reveals a major contribution of pseudocapacitance versus total capacity, providing fast reaction kinetics and highly reversible cycling. The sodiation dynamics are unraveled by first‐principles approach manifesting favorable Na+ adsorption kinetics (<−2.1 eV) and extremely low diffusion barrier (0.28 eV), indicating the strong adsorption and diffusion capability for SIBs. The redox mechanism is studied and confirmed via operando techniques that NCS‐based electrodes are based on both a combination of intercalation and conversion reactions. Following the results of the joint experimental‐computational approach, the excellent BMS SIBs performance enabled by conversion‐based and fast pseudocapacitive sodiation kinetics provides a promising strategy for developing SIBs anodes with both high specific capacity and fast rate response.
Optical and Optoelectronic Properties of Black Phosphorus and Recent Photonic and Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Yi Ya , Sun Zhengbo , Li Jia , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xue‐Feng
Published: May 2019

The rapid development of the semiconductor industry calls for the exploration of novel semiconductors to cater to modern technical and commercial needs. Recently, black phosphorus (BP) has emerged as a new class of 2D semiconducting material and has attracted intensive research attention. The high carrier mobility and tunable direct bandgap of BP deliver great promise in photonic and optoelectronic device applications. Furthermore, the unique intrinsic anisotropy arising from the puckered structure can be exploited in the design of new devices. This review briefly introduces the history of BP and puts emphasis on recent advances pertaining to its optical properties and applications in the photonic and optoelectronic fields. From the perspective of mass production and practical use of BP, some of the research challenges and opportunities are discussed.
Significant Efficiency Improvement Enabled by CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dot Modifier in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Lirong , Huang Jiaming , Xie Yangyang , Hong Ling , Peng Ruixiang , Song Wei , Huang Like , Zhu Liqiang , Bi Wengang , Ge Ziyi
Published: May 2019

Interfacial engineering plays an important role to improve the photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are used as a cathode interlayer (CIL) modifier. By using this strategy, an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 13.0% to 14.6% is achieved, mainly due to the increase in open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and short‐circuit current density (Jsc). A single QD layer of a proper size can reduce the defects on the surface of the active layer and smoothen the interface between the active layer and cathode. Furthermore, the low work function of the QDs with dipole moment facilitates charge transport and suppresses charge recombination at the interface by strengthening the built‐in field, thus contributing to the enhancement of PCE. The excitons generated by the QDs can also be dissociated at the IT‐4F/QD interface, which boosts the photon harvesting capability of the device. As a result, a high PCE of 14.6% is achieved for QD‐modified OSCs.
Effect of hangebyakujutsutemmato on pregabalin‐induced dizziness in a rat model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Watanabe Kunitaro , Moriyama Kumi , Tokumine Joho , Yorozu Tomoko
Published: May 2019

Aim

This study investigated the efficacy of hangebyakujutsutemmato (HBT) in alleviating disturbances of equilibrium using a rat pregabalin model of neuropathic pain with dizziness. Pregabalin is effective for treating neuropathic pain, but some patients cannot tolerate continued treatment owing to dizziness resulting from pregabalin, especially shortly after beginning treatment. HBT is a Japanese kampo medicine that is used to treat dizziness.

Methods

Rats with chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (Bennett and Xie model) underwent the beam balance test to evaluate their sense of equilibrium. The animals were divided into four groups, as follows: pregabalin (50 mg/kg) + HBT (1 g/kg; PH), n = 8; pregabalin (50 mg/kg; P), n = 8; HBT (1 g/kg; H), n = 8; and water (N), n = 8. Pregabalin and HBT treatments were initiated 9 days following injury.

Results

On postoperative day 10 (POD10), the day after starting drug treatment, there was a significant difference in the crossing time between PH and P (P < 0.01). The crossing time in group P recovered to a level similar to the other groups on POD16.

Conclusion

HBT alleviated the disturbance of equilibrium resulting from pregabalin in a rat model of neuropathic pain. This suggests that HBT may also alleviate dizziness and/or accelerate recovery from dizziness due to pregabalin treatment in humans.
Using brain organoids to study human neurodevelopment, evolution and disease
Authors: Kyrousi Christina , Cappello Silvia
Published: May 2019

The brain is one of the most complex organs, responsible for the advanced intellectual and cognitive ability of humans. Although primates are to some extent capable of performing cognitive tasks, their abilities are less evolved. One of the reasons for this is the vast differences in the brain of humans compared to other mammals, in terms of shape, size and complexity. Such differences make the study of human brain development fascinating. Interestingly, the cerebral cortex is by far the most complex brain region resulting from its selective evolution within mammals over millions of years. Unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating brain development, as well as the evolutionary differences seen across species and the need to understand human brain disorders, are some of the reasons why scientists are interested in improving their current knowledge on human corticogenesis. Toward this end, several animal models including primates have been used, however, these models are limited in their extent to recapitulate human‐specific features. Recent technological achievements in the field of stem cell research, which have enabled the generation of human models of corticogenesis, called brain or cerebral organoids, are of great importance. This review focuses on the main cellular and molecular features of human corticogenesis and the use of brain organoids to study it. We will discuss the key differences between cortical development in human and nonhuman mammals, the technological applications of brain organoids and the different aspects of cortical development in normal and pathological conditions, which can be modeled using brain organoids.

This article is categorized under:

Comparative Development and Evolution > Regulation of Organ Diversity

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles
Cube‐like 12‐MC‐4 and Offset Stacked 10‐MC‐3 Metallacrowns: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Su Jian‐Hui , Yang Hua , Tian Hai‐quan , Li Da‐Cheng , Dou Jian‐Min
Published: May 2019

Two complexes [MnIII4(naphthsao)4(naphthsaoH)4] (1) and [FeIII6O2(naphthsao)4(O2CPh)6] (2) [naphthsao = 1‐(1‐hydroxy‐naphthalen‐2‐yl)ethanone oxime] were obtained through the reactions of naphthsao ligand and MnCl2·4H2O or FeCl3·6H2O in the presence of triethylamine (Et3N). Their structures were determined by X‐ray single crystal diffraction, elemental analysis, and IR spectra. Complex 1 displays 12‐MC‐4 metallacrown structural type with cube‐like configuration and 2 shows an offset stacked 10‐MC‐3 structural type with the ring connectivity containing Fe–O–C–O–Fe–O–N–Fe–O–N. Magnetic susceptibility measurement reveals the ferromagnetic interactions and field‐induced slow relaxation of the magnetization for 1, whereas out‐of‐phase signal is not observed for 2.
Fluid-gravity and membrane-gravity dualities. Comparison at subleading orders
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sayantani , Biswas Parthajit , Dinda Anirban , Patra Milan
Published: May 2019

Abstract

In this note, we have compared two different perturbation techniques that could be used to generate solutions of Einstein’s equations in the presence of negative cosmological constant. One of these two methods is derivative expansion and the other is an expansion in inverse powers of dimension. Both the techniques generate space-time with a singularity shielded by a dynamical event horizon. We have shown that in the appropriate regime of parameter space and with an appropriate choice of coordinates, the metrics and corresponding horizon dynamics, generated by these two different techniques, are exactly equal to the order the solutions are known both sides. This work is essentially an extension of [1] where the authors have shown the equivalence of the two techniques up to the first non-trivial order.
Concomitant Use of Hyaluronic Acid and Laser in Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Urdiales-Gálvez Fernando , Martín-Sánchez Sandra , Maíz-Jiménez Mónica , Castellano-Miralla Antonio , Lionetti-Leone Leonardo
Published: May 2019

Background

Facial aging is a process that involves many different changes. Therefore, in many patients, it may be necessary to perform a combined treatment. Botulinum toxin A and dermal fillers are the two most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed globally to treat age-associated changes. However, there are not many studies reporting the concomitant use of dermal fillers and laser technology for facial rejuvenation. This review aims to assess the concomitant use of dermal hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and laser technology for facial rejuvenation.

Methods

The present updated consensus recommendations are based on the experience and opinions of the authors and on a literature search.

Results

If a combined procedure (HA and light treatments) is to be performed, on the same day, the panel recommends starting always with the light treatments, avoiding skin manipulations after having injected HA. To customize the therapeutic management, it is crucial to establish a precise diagnosis of the photodamage and loss of volumes suffered by the patients.

Conclusions

The currently available scientific evidence about the combined use of HA fillers and laser–radiofrequency–intense pulsed light (laser/RF/IPL) is limited and encompasses mainly small and nonrandomized studies. Nevertheless, most of these studies found that, on average, the concomitant use (same day) of laser and HA fillers for facial rejuvenation represents an effective and safe strategy which improves clinical results and patient’s satisfaction. Future well-designed clinical studies are needed regarding the effectiveness and safety of combination filler/laser treatments.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authorswww.springer.com/00266.
Geschlechtergerechte Paartherapie mit heterosexuellen Paaren: Reflexionen zu einem utopischen Unterfangen
Authors: Kirschenhofer Sabine
Published: May 2019

In diesem Text möchte ich zu einer Auseinandersetzung mit Geschlecht und Geschlechterverhältnissen einladen – als systemische Therapeutin wähle ich dafür das mir vertraute Arbeitsfeld der Paartherapie mit heterosexuellen Paaren. Nach einer Begriffsklärung, was geschlechtergerecht im Kontext von Paartherapie für mich bedeutet, werde ich aus einer feministischen Perspektive mit einem kritischen Blick auf zeitgenössische patriarchale Verhältnisse operieren: Ich werde dies zuerst anhand eines verdichteten Fallbeispiels tun; danach prüfe ich die systemische Therapie darauf, wie sie für dieses Thema nutzbar gemacht werden kann und wo sie versagt. Im letzten Abschnitt biete ich Empfehlungen zur Selbstreflexion an, um sich im Balanceakt eines Sowohl als auch zu üben – sowohl der Berücksichtigung von Unterschieden als auch einem Offenbleiben für die Einzigartigkeit von Menschen jenseits von Geschlecht.
Workaholism Components in Relation to Life and Work Values
Authors: Malinowska Diana , Tokarz Aleksandra
Published: May 2019

Two studies were conducted to examine the association of two workaholism components (drive to work and work enjoyment) with life and work values. Study 1 examined whether life values that are lower on the ideal value hierarchy predict the drive to work; and whether life values that are higher on the hierarchy predict work enjoyment. Study 2 tested the hypotheses that extrinsic work values predict the drive to work, whereas intrinsic work values predict work enjoyment. The results of study 1 showed that moral values, which represent higher order life values, were negatively correlated with the drive to work and positively correlated with work enjoyment. Work enjoyment was also negatively associated with vital values, which have a low position on the ideal life values hierarchy. Hypotheses about the relationships between the two workaholism components and life and work values were not fully confirmed.
The Effect of Early Life Trauma on Compulsive Sexual Behavior Among Members of a 12-Step Group
Authors: Efrati Yaniv , Gola Mateusz
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Early life trauma is at the core of many psychopathologies, including compulsive sexual behavior (CSB). The intermediate processes linking early life trauma and CSB have been less well studied.

Aims

To investigate whether impulsiveness, internalizing symptoms, sensation-seeking, and self-criticism mediate the links between early life trauma and CSB.

Methods

The sample comprised 65 Sexaholics Anonymous members and 47 healthy volunteers who completed self-report measures assessing CSB, early life trauma, and the mediating variables.

Main Outcomes Measures

The main outcome measures were severity of CSB symptoms, impulsiveness, internalizing symptoms, sensation-seeking, self-criticism, and early life trauma.

Results

The analysis indicated that the total effect of early life trauma on CSB was significant, with more prevalent and severe trauma relating to higher CSB. The analysis also revealed that this effect was significantly mediated by 3 mediation paths—greater sensation-seeking, internalizing symptoms, and self-criticism—and that these measures in turn were associated with higher CSB.

Conclusion

Our findings provide an opportunity for researchers to gain a better insight into the effect of early life trauma on CSB.
Testosterone Recovery Profiles After Cessation of Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nascimento Bruno , Miranda Eduardo P. , Jenkins Lawrence C. , Benfante Nicole , Schofield Elizabeth A. , Mulhall John P.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is frequently used in the treatment of prostate cancer worldwide. Variable testosterone (T) recovery profiles after ADT cessation have been cited.

Aim

To evaluate T recovery after cessation of ADT.

Methods

We reviewed our institutional prospectively maintained database of patients with prostate cancer who received ADT. Serum early morning total T (TT) levels, collected at baseline and periodically after ADT cessation, were analyzed. Patient age, baseline T level, duration of ADT, and presence of diabetes and sleep apnea were selected as potential predictors of T recovery. 3 metrics of T recovery after 24 months of ADT cessation were analyzed: return to non-castrate level (TT > 50 ng/dL), return to normal (T > 300 ng/dL), and return back to baseline level (BTB). Multivariable time-to-event analysis (Cox proportional hazards), χ2 test, logistic regression model, and Kaplan-Meier curve were performed to define impact of the above predictors on time and chance of T recovery.

Main Outcome Measures

Time and chance of T recovery to non-castrate level (TT > 50 ng/dL), return to normal (T > 300 ng/dL), and return BTB.

Results

307 men with a mean age of 65 ± 8 years were included. Mean duration of ADT was 17 ± 25 months, and median follow-up was 31 ± 35 months. Mean TT values were 379 ng/dL at baseline and 321 ng/dL at >24 months. At 24 months after cessation of ADT, 8% of men remained at castrate level, 76% returned to TT >300 ng/dL, and 51% had returned BTB. Lower baseline T levels (TT < 400 ng/dL) and ADT duration >6 months were associated with a lower likelihood of recovery to normal TT at 24 months. Age >65 years and receiving ADT for >6 months were significantly associated with a slower T recovery.

Clinical Implications

T recovery after ADT is not certain and may take longer than expected. Considering the range of side effects of low T, we believe that these findings must be discussed with patients before initiating such therapies.

Strengths & Limitations

Our strengths consisted of a relatively large database, long follow-up, and clinically meaningful endpoints. Limitations included the retrospective design of the study.

Conclusion

T recovery rates after ADT cessation vary according to patient age, ADT duration, and baseline T levels. Approximately one-quarter of patients failed to normalize their TT level, and one-tenth of men remained at castrate levels 24 months after ADT cessation.
Uncovering the structure of public procurement transactions
Authors: Popa Mircea
Published: May 2019

Close ties between government authorities and private firms are often the object of suspicion, but a systematic understanding of when they arise is still missing. This article uses machine learning tools to analyze a large dataset of public contracts from across Europe, in order to identify the conditions under which close connections, defined both in terms of repeated interaction, as well as geographical dispersion, appear. Previous theoretical results suggest that close ties should emerge as an enforcement mechanism in settings characterized by weak outside enforcement, such as those involving corruption. Results from random forest models show support for this hypothesis, along with identifying other structural determinants of the outcome. The most striking finding is that even after accounting for numerous potential confounders, major differences in terms of average diversity levels between countries persist, and these differences map onto an indicator of governance quality and corruption, but not at all on income per capita. These findings point to the centrality of the structure of interactions between private and public actors for understanding governance outcomes.
Design margins: a hidden issue in industry
Authors: Eckert Claudia , Isaksson Ola , Earl Chris
Published: May 2019

In complex products the values of parameters are rarely exactly the required values, rather they often have a margin that might be designed in deliberately or be the incidental results of other design decisions. These margins play a critical role in design processes in managing engineering change and iteration. While engineers often talk about margins informally, designers and researchers also use other terms for specific margin concepts. This paper reviews the existing literature on related concepts and defines margins formally. It discusses the role margins play in handling uncertainty by distinguishing between buffer and excess. Buffer deals with uncertainty and excess with the remaining overcapacity of the design. Buffer can transition into excess of the design solution if the uncertainty can be reduced. The concepts are applied to the temperature margins of several candidate materials for a non-rotary jet engine component. This shows that a clear understanding of margins can help a company to select design alternatives.
Giving Voices (Without Words) to Prehistoric People: Glimpses into an Archaeologist's Imagination
Authors: Tringham Ruth
Published: May 2019

This article describes a path to addressing the discomfort that I and many of my braver colleagues have had, when putting words into the mouths and heads of prehistoric actors, knowing that these words say more about us than they do about prehistory. Yet without such speech, how are we archaeologists and the broader public to imagine the intangibles of the deep past (emotions, affect, gender, senses)? Moreover, such words create a misleading certainty that conceals the ambiguities of the archaeological data. Are there alternative options to verbal and vocal clarity when creating imagined fictive narratives about the past? With inspiration from composer Györgi Ligeti, from linguists and experimental psychologists, and from ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) performers, I explore the emotive power of vocal non-verbal interjections and utterances that have more universality and less cultural baggage, using them in three diverse re-mediations of digital media from three prehistoric archaeological contexts in Europe and Anatolia.