bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometrical Engineering of Giant Optical Dichroism in Rippled MoS2 Nanosheets
Authors: Mennucci Carlo , Mazzanti Andrea , Martella Christian , Lamperti Alessio , Bhatnagar Mukul , Lo Savio Roberto , Repetto Luca , Camellini Andrea , Zavelani‐Rossi Margherita , Molle Alessandro , Buatier de Mongeot Francesco , Della Valle Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

A cost effective method to tailor the optical response of large‐area nanosheets of 2D materials is described. A reduced effective metalayer model is introduced to capture the key‐role of the out‐of‐plane component of the dielectric tensor. Such a model indicates that the optical extinction of 2D materials can be strongly altered by controlling the geometry at the local (i.e., subwavelength) scale. In particular, a giant linear optical dichroism at normal incidence is demonstrated, with major features around the excitonic peaks, that can be tailored by acting on the average curvature and slope of the nanosheets. The approach is experimentally demonstrated in few‐layer MoS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition on cm‐scale anisotropic nanopatterned substrates prepared by a self‐assembling technique, based on defocused ion beam sputtering. Major variations in the photoluminescence spectrum as a function of the average curvature and slope are also revealed. A full‐vectorial numerical study beyond the effective metalayer model and comprising strain effects induced by the geometry turns out to be consistent with such a complex scenario. The results demonstrate that the extrinsic geometrical engineering definitely opens viable way to tailor the optical properties and modulate bandgap of low dimensional materials.
Recent Progress in Organic Photodetectors and their Applications
Authors: Ren Hao , Chen Jing‐De , Li Yan‐Qing , Tang Jian‐Xin
Published: November 2020

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have attracted continuous attention due to their outstanding advantages, such as tunability of detecting wavelength, low‐cost manufacturing, compatibility with lightweight and flexible devices, as well as ease of processing. Enormous efforts on performance improvement and application of OPDs have been devoted in the past decades. In this Review, recent advances in device architectures and operation mechanisms of phototransistor, photoconductor, and photodiode based OPDs are reviewed with a focus on the strategies aiming at performance improvement. The application of OPDs in spectrally selective detection, wearable devices, and integrated optoelectronics are also discussed. Furthermore, some future prospects on the research challenges and new opportunities of OPDs are covered.
Elektrokatalyse einzelner, auf der Spitze einer Kohlenstoff‐Nanoelektrode platzierter Co3O4‐Nanopartikel
Authors: Quast Thomas , Aiyappa Harshitha Barike , Saddeler Sascha , Wilde Patrick , Chen Yen‐Ting , Schulz Stephan , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Nanoelektrochemische Werkzeuge sind entscheidend für das Verständnis bei der Untersuchung einzelner Katalysatornanopartikel. Die Bestimmung der intrinsischen elektrokatalytischen Aktivität eines einzelnen, wohldefinierten Co3O4‐Nanopartikels, das auf einer kohlenstoffbasierten Nanoelektrode immobilisiert ist, wird mittels einer effizienten SEM‐gesteuerten Robotertechnik zur Aufnahme und Platzierung eines einzelnen Katalysatorpartikels auf einer modifizierten Oberfläche einer Kohlenstoffnanoelektrode ermöglicht. Die stabile Nanoeinheit wird mittels SEM und TEM mikroskopisch untersucht und anschließend elektrochemisch charakterisiert. Die hexagonförmigen Co3O4‐Nanopartikel zeigen eine größenabhängige elektrochemische Aktivität und weisen eine sehr hohe katalytische Aktivität für die Sauerstoffentwicklungsreaktion mit einer Stromdichte von bis zu 11.5 Acm−2 bei 1.92 V (vs. RHE) und einer Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit von 532±100 s−1 bei 1.92 V (vs. RHE) auf.
Molecular Sensors Operating by a Spin‐State Change in Solution: Application to Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Salaam Jeremy , Rivat Madleen , Fogeron Thibault , Hasserodt Jens
Published: November 2020

Recent proposals for molecular switches are reviewed that adopt a different spin state before and after the encounter with an analyte (metabolite) or physical stimulus (light). Spin‐state switching has significant potential to provide molecular MRI with a first line of probes operating by an off/on mode. Past efforts to design MRI sensors relied on strategies other than spin‐switching and thus mostly comprised probes only modulating the signal before and after encounter with the analyte (X%‐on/Y%‐on). The article thus essentially treats small‐molecule metal ion chelates, i.e. coordination compounds. Initially, a comprehensive treatment of design considerations for optimal spin‐state switches is furnished. The article then enters into a treatment of reported examples of spin‐state switches according to three response mechanisms: 1) changes in the redox state of the metal center; 2) changes in coordination geometry; and 3) modification of the surrounding ligand field, either by peripheral interaction with the analyte, or by replacement of a coordinating ligand by another.
Effect of sulfur in different valence on flame retardance of epoxy resin for light emitting diode
Authors: Luo Chaoyun , Nan Chuang , Zuo Jiandong , Lin Feng
Published: November 2020

A novel phosphorus/nitrogen‐containing flame retardant (DOPO‐AM) was synthesized by 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) and acrylamide (AM) and its chemical structure was characterized. DOPO‐AM was added into diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) with curing agentm‐xylylenediamine (MXDA)to prepare flame retarded epoxy resin to reduce the possibility of fire. The compounds with different valences sulfur respectively replace partial DGEBA resin to study the effects of sulfur valences on the flame retardance of epoxy resins. The results indicated that DOPO‐AM had excellent flame retardance for epoxy resin. When phosphorus content was only 0.75%, DGEBS resin containing DOPO‐AM achieved the limiting oxygen index value of 34.55% and vertical burning test (UL‐94) V‐0 rating. Although sulfur element is help for refractive index of epoxy resin, sulfur element in three kinds of valences all weaken the flame retardant of epoxy resin. Improving phosphorus content is help for the synergistic effect of PN and PNS. Moreover, the flame retardance is not proportional to sulfur valence, sulfide with +2 valence had the best flame retardance. However, +6 valence sulfonic with strong oxidation effect worsen the flame retardant. Simultaneous thermal analysis of thermogravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimeter and scanning electronic microscopy photographs verified the above conclusion.
An Investigation of the Dynamic Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis, As a Novel Oxidative Stress Plasma Biomarker, in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Efe Ayşegül , Neşelioğlu Salim , Soykan Ayla
Published: November 2020

We aimed to investigate the role of impaired oxidant‐antioxidant homeostasis on the etiopathogenesis of autism with a novel oxidative stress (OS) marker, dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis (DTDH), and relationship between the symptom severity and markers. A total of 60 children with ASD aged 3–10 years and 54 unaffected children were investigated for the plasma DTDH parameters. A sociodemographic‐data form, K‐SADS‐PL, Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Abnormal Behavior Checklist, Autism Behavior Checklist, and a developmentally appropriate IQ test were administered to all participants. Distortion of DTDH to the OS‐side in the autism group was determined with lower plasma levels of native and total thiol, in contrast to a higher disulfide and thiol oxidation–reduction ratio. However, biomarkers had no correlation with the symptom severity of autism. Cutoff values for each parameter on the ROC curve might be useful to predict ASD and each DTDH biomarker was detected as an independent predictor of ASD. The present study demonstrated a disturbed redox status and absence of an expected compensatory increase in antioxidant response in a pediatric sample of ASD by measuring dynamic oxidation/reduction shifts with a novel, practical and reproducible analytical technique, and contributes to data regarding oxidative hypothesis on autism and raises the question of the place of antioxidants in autism treatment. Our results may suggest predictive usefulness of the plasma DTDH biomarkers in ASD, despite the study being conducted with a modestly small sample size that makes further research with a larger replication sample necessary to substantiate the findings.

Lay Summary

Dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis is a novel plasma marker used to determine the oxidative stress which is a natural result of disequilibrium between the oxidants and antioxidants in the human body. There is increasing interest regarding a central biological linking role of oxidative stress among the other etiological factors of autism. Our findings on the disturbed plasma dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis in children with autism and the absence of an expected antioxidant response against increased oxidative stress supports the data concerning the role of oxidative stress on the etiology of autism and the need of further research on the place of antioxidants in autism treatment.
Flexible and Wearable Power Sources for Next‐Generation Wearable Electronics
Authors: Fan Xiayue , Liu Bin , Ding Jia , Deng Yida , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Wenbin , Zhong Cheng
Published: November 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Cheng Zhong. The cover picture shows the coming new era of flexible and wearable power sources for next‐generation wearable electronics. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/batt.202000115.
A whole‐brain modeling approach to identify individual and group variations in functional connectivity
Authors: Zhao Yi , Caffo Brian S. , Wang Bingkai , Li Chiang‐Shan R. , Luo Xi
Published: November 2020

Resting‐state functional connectivity is an important and widely used measure of individual and group differences. Yet, extant statistical methods are limited to linking covariates with variations in functional connectivity across subjects, especially at the voxel‐wise level of the whole brain. This paper introduces a modeling approach that regresses whole‐brain functional connectivity on covariates. Our approach is a mesoscale approach that enables identification of brain subnetworks. These subnetworks are composite of spatially independent components discovered by a dimension reduction approach (such as whole‐brain group ICA) and covariate‐related projections determined by the covariate‐assisted principal regression, a recently introduced covariance matrix regression method. We demonstrate the efficacy of this approach using a resting‐state fMRI dataset of a medium‐sized cohort of subjects obtained from the Human Connectome Project. The results suggest that the approach may improve statistical power in detecting interaction effects of gender and alcohol on whole‐brain functional connectivity, and in identifying the brain areas contributing significantly to the covariate‐related differences in functional connectivity.
Altered functional activity in bipolar disorder: A comprehensive review from a large‐scale network perspective
Authors: Yoon Sujung , Kim Tammy D. , Kim Jungyoon , Lyoo In Kyoon
Published: November 2020

Background

Growing literature continues to identify brain regions that are functionally altered in bipolar disorder. However, precise functional network correlates of bipolar disorder have yet to be determined due to inconsistent results. The overview of neurological alterations from a large‐scale network perspective may provide more comprehensive results and elucidate the neuropathology of bipolar disorder. Here, we critically review recent neuroimaging research on bipolar disorder using a network‐based approach.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on studies published from 2009 through 2019 in PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles that utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging technique to examine altered functional activity of major regions belonging to a large‐scale brain network in bipolar disorder were selected.

Results

A total of 49 studies were reviewed. Within‐network hypoconnectivity was reported in bipolar disorder at rest among the default mode, salience, and central executive networks. In contrast, when performing a cognitive task, hyperconnectivity among the central executive network was found. Internetwork functional connectivity in the brain of bipolar disorder was greater between the salience and default mode networks, while reduced between the salience and central executive networks at rest, compared to control.

Conclusion

This systematic review suggests disruption in the functional activity of large‐scale brain networks at rest as well as during a task stimuli in bipolar disorder. Disrupted intra‐ and internetwork functional connectivity that are also associated with clinical symptoms suggest altered functional connectivity of and between large‐scale networks plays an important role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
Sustainable manufacturing and green human resources: Critical success factors in the automotive sector
Authors: Gedam Vidyadhar V. , Raut Rakesh D. , Lopes de Sousa Jabbour Ana Beatriz , Narkhede Balkrishna E. , Grebinevych Oksana
Published: November 2020

This study aims to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing sustainability in organizational human resources management (OHRM) within the automotive sector (AS). A literature review was carried out to identify the OHRM factors that are instrumental for the significant adoption of sustainable practices (SP) in the sector. Based on the outcomes from the literature review, an expert team composed of 17 experts from the AS, academia, and consultancy firms were consulted in order to identify cause–effect relationships among CSFs using a multi‐criteria decision making tool. Data were gathered in India from November 2019 to April 2020. The results revealed that top management support and environmental auditing for suppliers are the two most important CSFs to be prioritized among the factors studied, which implies that by managing these factors first, automotive manufacturers may deal better with the adoption of SP. As a result of prioritizing these two factors, other CSFs related to OHRM (e.g., organizational culture, environmental training, rewards, and incentives) will also positively affect the adoption of SP. The novelty of this study comes through raising the importance of environmental auditing for suppliers as a factor that can facilitate not only the adoption of SP in the AS, but the other OHRM factors as well.
Association of heart failure duration with clinical outcomes after transcatheter mitral valve repair for functional mitral regurgitation
Authors: Sugiura Atsushi , Weber Marcel , Tabata Noriaki , Goto Tadahiro , Grube Eberhard , Treede Hendrik , Werner Nikos , Nickenig Georg , Sinning Jan‐Malte
Published: November 2020

Background

Little is known about the association of heart failure (HF) chronicity with clinical outcomes after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) for functional mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods

From January 2011 to March 2019, consecutive patients with functional MR who underwent a MitraClip procedure were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to HF duration—those with duration ≤18 months and those with >18 months. The primary outcome measure was a composite of all‐cause mortality and re‐HF rehospitalization within 1 year after the procedure. These outcomes were also assessed separately. A Cox proportional hazard model was conducted for investigating the association of HF duration with the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 208 patients were analyzed. Patients with HF duration >18 months had a higher rate of the primary outcome compared to those with HF duration ≤18 months (38.1 vs. 19.0%, log‐rank p = .003). A longer duration of HF was associated with an increased risk of the primary outcomes (adjusted‐HR of >18 months, 2.12 95% CI, 1.14–4.19; p = .03; adjusted‐HR (hazard ratios) for 1 year increase, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.09; p = .004). The association of HF duration with the primary outcomes showed a steep rise during the first 2 years of HF duration and progressive increase after 5 years.

Conclusions

A longer HF duration before TMVR was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality or HF rehospitalization. HF duration can be used for the risk stratification marker in patients undergoing TMVR for functional MR.
Marked improvement of oral intake with nivolumab monotherapy in a patient with microsatellite instability‐high gastric cancer with insufficient oral intake
Authors: Ogata Takatsugu , Narita Yukiya , Misawa Kazunari , Hosoda Waki , Muro Kei
Published: November 2020

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are commonly less effective for patients with a poor general condition, they can be effective and should be considered for poor general conditions in the case of MSI‐H tumor.
Torsades de pointes after prolonged intravenous amiodarone therapy for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nordkin Irina , Levinas Tatyana , Rosenfeld Inna , Halabi Majdi
Published: November 2020

Amiodarone can induce TdP; therefore, it should be avoided as a first choice for therapy in patients without heart disease. Careful QT interval monitoring, especially during intravenous use, can prevent development of this life‐threatening arrhythmia.
Diesel siphoner's lung: An unusual cause of hydrocarbon pneumonitis
Authors: Shrestha Tirtha Man , Bhatta Suraj , Balayar Ramesh , Pokhrel Sagar , Pant Pankaj , Nepal Gaurav
Published: November 2020

The practice of manual siphoning of diesel from fuel tanks is common among automobile mechanics in Nepal. When an automobile mechanic with a history of diesel siphonage presents with respiratory symptoms, the diesel siphoner's lung diagnosis should be considered. Clinical suspicion confirmed by radiological findings can help in early management and prevention of permanent damage.
Well‐defined Cp*Co(III)‐catalyzed Hydrogenation of Carbonates and Polycarbonates
Authors: Dahiya Pardeep , Gangwar Manoj Kumar , Sundararaju Basker
Published: November 2020

We herein report the catalytic hydrogenation of carbonates and polycarbonates into their corresponding diols/alcohols using well‐defined, air‐stable, high‐valent cobalt complexes. Several novel Cp*Co(III) complexes bearing N,O‐chelation were isolated for the first time and structurally characterized by various spectroscopic techniques including single crystal X‐ray crystallography. These novel Co(III) complexes have shown excellent catalytic activity to produce value added diols/alcohols from carbonate and polycarbonates through hydrogenation using molecular hydrogen as sole reductant or iPrOH as transfer hydrogenation source. To demonstrate the developed methodology's practical applicability, we have recycled the bisphenol A monomer from compact disc (CD) through hydrogenation under the established reaction conditions using phosphine‐free, earth‐abundant, air‐ and moisture‐stable high‐valent cobalt catalysts.
The Impact of Fluid Dynamic Stress in Stirred Bioreactors – The Scale of the Biological Entity: A Personal View
Authors: Nienow Alvin W.
Published: November 2020

From the start of industrial biotechnology, there has been a perception that biological entities are damaged by stirring, so‐called ‘shear damage'. Often, it was the soft option to explain a loss of performance when it was due to other factors, such as bubble ingestion with proteins or on scale‐up, where tip speed increased when it was due to decreased homogeneity, especially in pH. For many years, poor control and the range of analytical tools available made a more in‐depth explanation difficult; and the concepts of ‘high' and ‘low shear' impellers, now largely disproven, increased it. Here, the size of the biological entity is compared to the Kolmogorov microscale of turbulence leading to a reasonably clear picture emerging. The article starts with the author's introduction to the issue approximately 42 year ago with enzymes, conveniently also the smallest entity; and finishes with the largest, filamentous fungi.
Try these virtual orientation strategies to set undergraduate students up for success
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: November 2020

Nine weeks. That's how long Samantha Proffitt had to pull together an entirely online orientation this spring and early summer.
Softball teaches lessons in leadership
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: November 2020

I didn't play team sports when I was a kid. When I got married, I acquired a nine‐year‐old stepson who played soccer. It wasn't until his daughters began to play softball at ages 4 and 9 that I had any interest in the sport. For the last six years, I have spent a considerable amount of time every spring and fall watching recreational‐league softball. I have learned a thing or two.
‘Whatever you are, be a good one’
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2020

Although Elena Sandoval‐Lucero, Ph.D., never aspired to the vice presidency, she's held the role of Vice President of the Boulder County Campus at Front Range Community College for three years now. “Whatever opportunity came my way, I worked to do my very best at that job, not with an eye on the next job but with the sincere desire to make a positive impact where I was at that moment. That led to other opportunities, and that is how I eventually became a vice president,” explained Sandoval‐Lucero, named one of NASPA's Pillars of the Profession for 2020.
Identifying Priority Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) Populations for Conservation in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Sartori Ricardo Quiterio , Lopes Alessandro Garcia , Aires Luiz Paulo Nogueira , Bianchi Rita de Cassia , de Mattos Cinara Cássia Brandão , Morales Adriana Coletto , Castiglioni Lilian
Published: November 2020

Habitat loss is the main threat to biodiversity conservation worldwide. Some species may be particularly susceptible to the effects of fragmentation and the isolation of populations. The impacts of human activity on wild animal populations may be understood through relationships between individual genetic data and spatial landscape variables, particularly when considering local population dynamics influenced by fragmented habitats. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the population structure and genetic diversity of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using an individual sampling scheme (ISS) on a regional geographic scale. Data were collected from 41 specimens from twenty different locations in São Paulo State, Brazil, and six polymorphic microsatellite loci were genotyped. Our results indicate that barriers to gene flow exist and have segregated individuals of the farther away areas into two spatially structured clusters. The populations were also found to have high genetic diversity. The experimental sampling approach used herein enabled an analysis of the population dynamics of the giant anteater on a regional scale, as well as the identification of priority populations for genetic resource conservation for this species. The results reflect the need for adequate management plans. The efficacy of the sampling scheme may vary based on the study model used, but we argue that the use of an ISS combined with suitable molecular markers and statistical methods may serve as an important tool for initial analyses of threatened or vulnerable species, particularly in anthropized regions where populations are small or hard to characterize.
Structural plasticity of olfactory neuropils in relation to insect diapause
Authors: Eriksson Maertha , Janz Niklas , Nylin Sören , Carlsson Mikael A.
Published: November 2020

Many insects that live in temperate zones spend the cold season in a state of dormancy, referred to as diapause. As the insect must rely on resources that were gathered before entering diapause, keeping a low metabolic rate is of utmost importance. Organs that are metabolically expensive to maintain, such as the brain, can therefore become a liability to survival if they are too large.

Insects that go through diapause as adults generally do so before entering the season of reproduction. This order of events introduces a conflict between maintaining low metabolism during dormancy and emerging afterward with highly developed sensory systems that improve fitness during the mating season.

We investigated the timing of when investments into the olfactory system are made by measuring the volumes of primary and secondary olfactory neuropils in the brain as they fluctuate in size throughout the extended diapause life‐period of adult Polygonia c‐album butterflies.

Relative volumes of both olfactory neuropils increase significantly during early adult development, indicating the importance of olfaction to this species, but still remain considerably smaller than those of nondiapausing conspecifics. However, despite butterflies being kept under the same conditions as before the dormancy, their olfactory neuropil volumes decreased significantly during the postdormancy period.

The opposing directions of change in relative neuropil volumes before and after diapause dormancy indicate that the investment strategies governing structural plasticity during the two life stages could be functionally distinct. As butterflies were kept in stimulus‐poor conditions, we find it likely that investments into these brain regions rely on experience‐expectant processes before diapause and experience‐dependent processes after diapause conditions are broken.

As the shift in investment strategies coincides with a hard shift from premating season to mating season, we argue that these developmental characteristics could be adaptations that mitigate the trade‐off between dormancy survival and reproductive fitness.
The COVID‐19 policymaking under the auspices of parliamentary constitutional review: The case of Finland and its implications
Authors: Neuvonen Päivi Johanna
Published: November 2020

This article explores the dynamic interaction of emergency policies and parliamentary constitutional review in the early policy response to the COVID‐19 outbreak in Finland. A thorough analysis of the official records of Parliament's Constitutional Law Committee shows how the Government's use of delegated emergency powers raised particular concerns about inter‐institutional transparency during the state of emergency. These findings prompt an enquiry into whether delegated emergency powers and the related quest for centralized transparency‐led accountability produced a rupture in the theory of complex multicentric policymaking. This analysis suggests that policy process research can play an important role in exposing the more subtle and longitudinal effects of emergency policies on democratic governance.
High politics in the Low Countries: COVID‐19 and the politics of strained multi‐level policy cooperation in Belgium and the Netherlands
Authors: Van Overbeke Toon , Stadig Diederik
Published: November 2020

COVID‐19 presented Europe with an, in many respects, unprecedented challenge. While the virus proved itself to be transnational in nature, not taking heed of borders, government responses were largely national. Still, governments soon found themselves engaged in complex multi‐level policy cooperation at the national, subnational, and supranational levels. This paper looks at the crisis response in the Low Countries (Belgium and the Netherlands) to understand the impact of this process on the political system. We argue that efficient multi‐level policy cooperation in both countries has run up against the limits of existing institutions, leading to significant political grievances. In Belgium, slow negotiation between the central and regional governments has put the federal system in question. In the Netherlands, meanwhile, the absence of European institutions tasked with fiscal policy coordination has increased the salience of the EU fiscal sphere once again.
Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) for connected vehicles in smart cities
Authors: Safa Nader Sohrabi , Mitchell Faye , Maple Carsten , Azad Muhammad Ajmal , Dabbagh Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Many Experts believe that the Internet of Things (IoT) is a new revolution in technology that has brought many benefits for our organizations, businesses, and industries. However, information security and privacy protection are important challenges particularly for smart vehicles in smart cities that have attracted the attention of experts in this domain. Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) endeavor to mitigate the risk of privacy invasions, but the literature lacks a thorough review of the approaches and techniques that support individuals' privacy in the connection between smart vehicles and smart cities. This gap has stimulated us to conduct this research with the main goal of reviewing recent privacy‐enhancing technologies, approaches, taxonomy, challenges, and solutions on the application of PETs for smart vehicles in smart cities. The significant aspect of this study originates from the inclusion of data‐oriented and process‐oriented privacy protection. This research also identifies limitations of existing PETs, complementary technologies, and potential research directions.
A method to mitigate spatio‐temporally varying task‐correlated motion artifacts from overt‐speech fMRI paradigms in aphasia
Authors: Krishnamurthy Venkatagiri , Krishnamurthy Lisa C. , Meadows M. Lawson , Gale Mary K. , Ji Bing , Gopinath Kaundinya , Crosson Bruce
Published: November 2020

Quantifying accurate functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation maps can be dampened by spatio‐temporally varying task‐correlated motion (TCM) artifacts in certain task paradigms (e.g., overt speech). Such real‐world tasks are relevant to characterize longitudinal brain reorganization poststroke, and removal of TCM artifacts is vital for improved clinical interpretation and translation. In this study, we developed a novel independent component analysis (ICA)‐based approach to denoise spatio‐temporally varying TCM artifacts in 14 persons with aphasia who participated in an overt language fMRI paradigm. We compared the new methodology with other existing approaches such as “standard” volume registration, nonselective motion correction ICA packages (i.e., AROMA), and combining the novel approach with AROMA. Results show that the proposed methodology outperforms other approaches in removing TCM‐related false positive activity (i.e., improved detectability power) with high spatial specificity. The proposed method was also effective in maintaining a balance between removal of TCM‐related trial‐by‐trial variability and signal retention. Finally, we show that the TCM artifact is related to clinical metrics, such as speech fluency and aphasia severity, and the implication of TCM denoising on such relationship is also discussed. Overall, our work suggests that routine bulkhead motion based denoising packages cannot effectively account for spatio‐temporally varying TCM. Further, the proposed TCM denoising approach requires a one‐time front‐end effort to hand label and train the classifiers that can be cost‐effectively utilized to denoise large clinical data sets.
A retrospective 60‐year review of Murray Sidman's Tactics of Scientific Research and some of its influence on behavior analysis
Authors: Holth Per
Published: November 2020

Murray Sidman's book, Tactics of Scientific Research: Evaluating Experimental Data in Psychology, published in 1960, has been called the bible of the experimental analysis of behavior and has been a major influence on basic as well as applied research in behavior analysis. The contents of the early reviews of the book are summarized and the commemoration in The Behavior Analyst at the 30th anniversary of the book is reviewed along with Sidman's comments on updates that he would have made if he were to revise or supplement the book. Included are some later remarks by Sidman regarding specific issues in Tactics. Continuous rates of citations are displayed and show the sustained relevance of the book, and selected themes from the book are discussed. Finally, experiences from using Tactics in lab courses and in graduate‐level courses on scientific method are recapitulated, including questions raised by students, and Sidman's answers to those questions. Tactics is a true classic in behavior analysis.
Twelve years of soil preservation and rehabilitation on the Rio do Peixe watershed: promoting conservation agriculture
Authors: Vischi Filho Oswaldo Julio , Yoshikatsu Kanno Oscar , Mikio Arabori Roberto , Bernardoni Caldas João Flávio , Barros Penteado Raul , Menegucci Scachetti Edna Aparecida , Aparecido Quiessi Jorge , Braghetta Camargo Marcelo , Carvalho Tiago
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the works undertaken on the Rio do Peixe watershed by the Coordination of Agricultural Defense (CDA) over 12 years, where conservationist agriculture practices have been used since 2007 to promote the recovery of degraded areas, the reduction of erosion and the improvement of water quality. In addition, we evaluated the performance of innovative diagnostic strategies used to identify erosion spots in the river basin. The effective supervision of large farmland areas is a common problem that requires the development of cost‐effective tools while keeping a close interaction with stakeholders. From 2007 to 2017, 176 properties (23,103 ha) were inspected and notified to fulfill the soil conservation laws, using the Conventional CDA methodology (i.e., field assessment by an agronomist). In the Marília sector, the Innovative CDA Methodology (with remote sensing) was used, enabling the audit of 52 properties covering 27,775 ha in 2 years. Each landowner was requested to submit technical projects using conservationist practices to be implemented under CDA guidelines. Methods included vegetation cover and crop rotation (control of laminar erosion) and implementation of agricultural terraces, bypass channels, and containment basins (management of gullies erosion). The activities carried out promoted a shift from conventional agriculture, which was impacting soil fertility and water quality, towards conservation agriculture. Degraded pastures were converted into annual cropping areas using No‐Tillage (zero tillage) farming techniques. Other pastures were recovered, through Integrated Crop‐Livestock Systems, increasing its stocking rate. The undertaken activities were labor‐intensive but beneficial for farmers and for the quality of waterbodies.
Studies on 3D Printability of Novel Impact Modified Nylon 6: Experimental Investigations and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Chapman Gareth , Pal Akhilesh K. , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K.
Published: November 2020

The development of functional polymer parts with complex geometrical shape has been possible through additive manufacturing. In this research work, the issues such as warping, filament clogging, and layer delamination related to fused deposition modeling‐based 3D printing of nylon 6 are focused and its poor printability is improved. Nylon 6 is toughened by blending with an impact modifier, ethylene terpolymer. Complex viscosity, storage, and loss moduli of modified nylon increase significantly, which help to improve 3D printability of nylon 6. 3D printing of modified nylon is performed at optimized conditions, such as printing temperature, print speed, bed temperature, and cooling speed. Izod impact strength of 3D printed nylon 6‐based blend is observed ≈543 J m−1, which is significantly higher than the value (48 J m−1) available in literature for injection molded pristine nylon 6. Thermomechanical analysis of modified nylon shows higher coefficient of linear thermal expansion in normal direction as compared to that in flow direction, which is due to the orientation of polymer crystals during processing. The voids are observed on the cross‐sectional surface of impact fractured sample, which are responsible to produce light‐weight 3D printed specimens.
Variance‐based sensitivity analysis for uncertainties in proton therapy: A framework to assess the effect of simultaneous uncertainties in range, positioning, and RBE model predictions on RBE‐weighted dose distributions
Authors: Hofmaier Jan , Dedes George , Carlson David J. , Parodi Katia , Belka Claus , Kamp Florian
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Treatment plans in proton therapy are more sensitive to uncertainties than in conventional photon therapy. In addition to setup uncertainties, proton therapy is affected by uncertainties in proton range and relative biological effectiveness (RBE). While to date a constant RBE of 1.1 is commonly assumed, the actual RBE is known to increase toward the distal end of the spread‐out Bragg peak. Several models for variable RBE predictions exist. We present a framework to evaluate the combined impact and interactions of setup, range, and RBE uncertainties in a comprehensive, variance‐based sensitivity analysis (SA).

Material and methods

The variance‐based SA requires a large number (104–105) of RBE‐weighted dose (RWD) calculations. Based on a particle therapy extension of the research treatment planning system CERR we implemented a fast, graphics processing unit (GPU) accelerated pencil beam modeling of patient and range shifts. For RBE predictions, two biological models were included: The mechanistic repair‐misrepair‐fixation (RMF) model and the phenomenological Wedenberg model. All input parameters (patient position, proton range, RBE model parameters) are sampled simultaneously within their assumed probability distributions. Statistical formalisms rank the input parameters according to their influence on the overall uncertainty of RBE‐weighted dose–volume histogram (RW‐DVH) quantiles and the RWD in every voxel, resulting in relative, normalized sensitivity indices (S = 0: noninfluential input, S = 1: only influential input). Results are visualized as RW‐DVHs with error bars and sensitivity maps.

Results and conclusions

The approach is demonstrated for two representative brain tumor cases and a prostate case. The full SA including RWD calculations took 39, 11, and 55 min, respectively. Range uncertainty was an important contribution to overall uncertainty at the distal end of the target, while the relatively smaller uncertainty inside the target was governed by biological uncertainties. Consequently, the uncertainty of the RW‐DVH quantile D98 for the target was governed by range uncertainty while the uncertainty of the mean target dose was dominated by the biological parameters. The SA framework is a powerful and flexible tool to evaluate uncertainty in RWD distributions and DVH quantiles, taking into account physical and RBE uncertainties and their interactions. The additional information might help to prioritize research efforts to reduce physical and RBE uncertainties and could also have implications for future approaches to biologically robust planning and optimization.
Numerical subspace algorithms for solving the tensor equations involving Einstein product
Authors: Huang Baohua , Li Wen
Published: November 2020

In this article, we propose some subspace methods such as the conjugate residual, generalized conjugate residual, biconjugate gradient, conjugate gradient squared and biconjugate gradient stabilized methods based on the tensor forms for solving the tensor equation involving the Einstein product. These proposed algorithms keep the tensor structure. The convergence analysis shows that the proposed methods converge to the solution of the tensor equation for any initial value. Some numerical results confirm the feasibility and applicability of the proposed algorithms in practice.
Molecular Profiling of Exceptional Responders to Cancer Therapy
Authors: Bilusic Marijo , Girardi Daniel , Zhou Yan , Jung Kyungsuk , Pei Jianming , Slifker Michael , Chen Qingrong , Meerzaman Daoud , Alpaugh Katherine , Young Denise , Flieder Douglas , Gray Phillip , Plimack Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Background

The vast majority of metastatic cancers cannot be cured. Palliative treatment may relieve disease symptoms by stopping or slowing cancer growth and may prolong patients’ lives, but almost all patients will inevitably develop disease progression after initial response. However, for reasons that are not fully understood, a very few patients will have extraordinary durable responses to standard anticancer treatments.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed exceptional responders treated at Fox Chase Cancer Center between September 2009 and November 2017. An exceptional response was defined as a complete response lasting more than 1 year or a partial response or stable disease for more than 2 years. Tumor samples were analyzed using an Ambry Genetics test kit with a 142-gene panel. Messenger RNA expression was evaluated using NanoString's nCounter PanCancer Pathways Panel and Immune Profiling Panel and compared with matched controls for gender, age, and cancer type.

Results

Twenty-six exceptional responders with metastatic bladder, kidney, breast, lung, ovarian, uterine, and colon cancers were enrolled. Mutations were identified in 45 genes. The most common mutation was an EPHA5 nonsynonymous mutation detected in 87.5% of patients. Mutations in DNA damage repair pathway genes were also frequent, suggesting increased genome instability. We also found varying expression of 73 genes in the Pathways panel and 85 genes in the Immune Profiling panel, many of them responsible for improvement in tumor recognition and antitumor immune response.

Conclusions

The genomic instability detected in our exceptional responders, plus treatment with DNA damage compounds combined with favorable anticancer immunity, may have contributed to exceptional responses to standard anticancer therapies in the patients studied.

Implications for Practice

With recent advances in the treatment of cancer, there is increased emphasis on the importance of identifying molecular markers to predict treatment outcomes, thereby allowing precision oncology. In this study, it was hypothesized that there is a “specific biologic signature” in the biology of the cancer in long-term survivors that allows sensitivity to systemic therapy and durability of response. Results showed that DNA damage repair pathway alterations, combined with favorable anticancer immunity, may have contributed to exceptional responses. It is very likely that an in-depth examination of outlier responses will become a standard component of drug development in the future.
Cancer in Lockdown: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Cancer
Authors: Moraliyage Harsha , De Silva Daswin , Ranasinghe Weranja , Adikari Achini , Alahakoon Damminda , Prasad Raj , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Bolton Damien
Published: November 2020

The lockdown measures of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have disengaged patients with cancer from formal health care settings, leading to an increased use of social media platforms to address unmet needs and expectations. Although remote health technologies have addressed some of the medical needs, the emotional and mental well-being of these patients remain underexplored and underreported. We used a validated artificial intelligence framework to conduct a comprehensive real-time analysis of two data sets of 2,469,822 tweets and 21,800 discussions by patients with cancer during this pandemic. Lung and breast cancer are most prominently discussed, and the most concerns were expressed regarding delayed diagnosis, cancellations, missed treatments, and weakened immunity. All patients expressed significant negative sentiment, with fear being the predominant emotion. Even as some lockdown measures ease, it is crucial that patients with cancer are engaged using social media platforms for real-time identification of issues and the provision of informational and emotional support.
Revisiting the photochemistry 2,5‐dihydroxy benzoic acid (gentisic acid): Solvent and pH effect
Authors: Adhikari Meena , Joshi Neeraj K. , Joshi Hem C. , Mehata Mohan S. , Mishra Hirdyesh , Pant Sanjay
Published: November 2020

In the present study, we have reinvestigated photochemistry of 2,5‐dihydroxy benzoic acid (DHBA) in a series of organic solvents of different polarities and the aqueous solution of varying pH from 1 to 14. The investigation was carried out using steady‐state and nanosecond (ns) time‐domain fluorescence measurement techniques at room temperature. Some hitherto not explored spectral features with new insight on different forms of DHBA are reported. It is found that DHBA exists as monoanionic and neutral forms in various polar protic, aprotic, and nonpolar solvents. In aqueous solution (pH 1 to 14), neutral, monoanionic, and dianion forms are found to be responsible for the observed optical spectral profiles. The observed significant Stokes shift in emission is attributed to species undergoing excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in different solvents. The analysis presented in this work elucidates and validate the presence of various species and conformers of DHBA.
Lung transplantation as an intervention for pediatric pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Melicoff Ernestina , Hayes Don , Benden Christian
Published: November 2020

Lung transplantation is a treatment option for selected children with end‐stage lung disease and pulmonary vascular disorders. Overall, pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the second most frequent indication for infants and children requiring lung transplants. In pediatric PH patients, timing for listing remains a difficult decision due to patient heterogeneity and varying allocation policies across different countries. Furthermore, perioperative management can be challenging, making interdisciplinary collaboration among surgical, anesthesiology, critical care, and lung transplant teams essential. Because pediatric PH patients typically have preserved cardiac index and exercise tolerance even with advanced disease, they should be referred early even if they do not meet the criteria for listing of primarily adults by International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) published in 2015: New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV without improvement, cardiac index < 2 L/min/m2, mean right atrial pressure of >15 mmHg. Bridging strategies with extracorporeal support should be determined at the time of listing in anticipation of possible clinical deterioration. Bilateral lung transplantation using cardiopulmonary bypass to provide hemodynamic stability is nowadays the standard surgical approach in pediatric centers. The immediate post‐transplant period is characterized by dramatic changes in the right ventricle (RV) and and left ventricle (LV) anatomy and physiology, which can be life‐threatening. Induction, immunosuppression, prophylaxis, and surveillance are not different from patients without PH. Overall, outcomes in pediatric lung and heart–lung transplant patients for PH are not different from those children undergoing transplantation for other indications. In fact, long‐term survival is superior in children with idiopathic PH compared to other diseases, providing most recipients with improved quality of life.